FF:Life,Love & Everything Else Sequel End

Life, Love And Everything Else Sequel

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kayamath/779053/ff-life-love-and-everything-else-lastpt

I was rereading this story when I realised, there is still more to be told. So if you'll are willing to bear with some every erratic updating, I would like to continue this story. The story starts more than a year after the epilogue (Pg23). Milind is 35, Prachi is 30, Payal is 4 and Riley is 10 months old.

Chapter 1
Milind shielded his eyes as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the room. He wasn't ready to get up just yet. He pulled Prachi closer to him and snuggled against her. He felt her stir. "Morning.", he said as he nuzzled her hair. "Morning", replied Prachi as she pulled Milind's arms tighter around her and laced her fingers through his. Milind turned her around to face him and smiled down at her. But any other plans, Milind had in mind were interrupted by his son's very hungry cries. Milind flopped back on his pillow and groaned, "Our son really needs to work on his sense of timing.". As Riley's cries grew more insistient, Prachi quickly got out of bed. "You get him, I'll get his feed ready." Prachi was just testing the bottle when Milind came down the stairs, with Riley on one arm and Payal hanging onto his other arm. "Mama, I want pancakes.", said Payal. "No, you will have ceral and eggs.", said Prachi firmly as she took Riley from Milind and started to feed him. "Can I wear my pink dress to school?", asked Payal. "No, you are wearing jeans and t-shirt.", replied Prachi as Riley hungrily drank from the bottle. "Can I take Mr Snuggles to school?", asked Payal. "No Payal, come lets go brush your teeth and let Mama feed Riley.", said Milind as he hoisted Payal onto his shoulder much to her delight. "Papa, I'm tall.", said Payal excitedly.

Prachi smiled as they left the room. No matter how many questions Payal asked or no matter how loudly Riley screamed for his bottle, nothing gave her more satisfaction than being a full time mother. It certainly helped that Milind was a hands-on father when he was around. Prachi sighed, the increasing amount of hours that Milind put in at work and all the travelling he did, was the only real complaint of her life. Milind had refused to work for Inder while he had been alive but upon his sudden death Milind had to take over running Shah Enterprises to protect her families interest more than anything else. Even Alaap recognising his own limitations had come around to the idea. But with that, Milind and Prachi found themselves attending a few more business dinners and society parties than they liked. But they tried not to let it dominate their lives and tried to make life as normal as possible for their children inspite of the Shah wealth surrounding them. As a result they still lived in their old home, that Milind had bought when they had got married. It was big enough for the kids to run around but still cosy enough for a close family life.

"Don't forget Saket and Sukriti are coming for dinner. Please try to be back by 7.", said Prachi as she handed Milind his coat. "Okay", said Milind and kissed her nose. Prachi smiled and suddenly hugged Milind tightly. "Hey, don't start something, you can't finish.", teased Milind. "I don't know, I don't feel like letting you go today.", said Prachi. "Listen, I know I haven't been around much lately but if I clear some things by Friday, how about we take the kids and go to the farmhouse for the weekend.", said Milind. Prachi smiled happily and let Milind go. Suddenly Payal dressed in only her underpants, ran into their room. "Papa, tell Mama I want to wear my pink dress.", complained Payal with a pout. "No princess and promise me you are going to listen to Mama, okay.", said Milind gently but firmly. Payal nodded and her father kissed her goodbye.

After, dropping Payal of at play school, Prachi came back and sorted the house out. Except for a maid coming in 4 times a week, Prachi didn't have any servants and certainly no nannies. Prachi didn't have children so someone else could look after them. Her mother was always ready to help when she needed it. Sometimes she missed her interpreting job but she was too busy with the kids to think much about it. She did shopping for dinner and then went to pick up Payal who showed her the painting she had done at school. "Ah, so pretty, let's go show Papa.", said Prachi. Prachi couldn't explain her sudden clinginess to Milind that she was feeling that day. "Hey, what a nice surprise.", said Milind as Payal ran into his office ahead of Prachi. "Papa, see the butterflies.", said Payal as she showed him her picture. "Hello.", said Milind as he kissed Prachi and Riley. Prachi instantly noted that he already looked a bit tired. "Did you have lunch as yet?", asked Prachi. "I have a lunch meeting in an hour, so I'll get something then.", said Milind as he took Riley from her. Payal had climbed onto her father's thick leather seat and was peering at his computer screen. "Papa, what's this?", asked Payal as she looked at the colorful bar graph on the monitor. "That's a forecast.", said Milind handing Riley back to Prachi and made Payal sit on his lap, as he showed her different colored projections. "If you are going to start explaining quarterly profit, I'm taking my children and leaving.", threatened Prachi playfully. As always, business didn't hold much interest for Prachi. "You can leave me but I'll never leave you.", said Milind. Prachi smiled, revelling in the safe, secure love Milind provided her with. Milind suddenly looked out the window. "Prachi you better get home. It looks like a storm is coming and I am not having you driving in that weather.", said Milind. As Milind walked them out to the car, many a heads turned to look at them. They really looked every inch the perfect family. "Remember 7'o clock.", said Prachi as Milind strapped Riley into his car seat. "I'll remember.", said Milind as he waved them off.

"Rewind further, I want you to see something.", said Sukriti. It was 6pm and she and Saket had already arrived for dinner. More than 4 months after their wedding they had finally brought their wedding dvd for Prachi to see. Sukriti was also doing really well at her law firm and was as settled and happy as Milind had ever hoped her to be. "See, can you see? After seven years of marriage, you better look at me like the way Bhaiya is looking at Bhabhi.", said Sukriti as she nudged Saket. "Well, you better look like Bhabhi.", retorted Saket. "What 5 kilos overweight?", asked Prachi laughingly. It was barely 5 months after giving birth to Riley and she hadn't lost all of her pregnancy weight by the time of the wedding. But Prachi could see on the dvd, that Milind still looked at her as if she was the most beautiful woman in the room.

It was 7:30 pm when Prachi started to worry and the bad weather wasn't helping in allaying her fears. "You better start eating. I'll phone Milind. I'm sure he is so absorbed in his forecasts, he lost track of time.", said Prachi to Sukriti. Prachi tried not to panic when she got no reply on either his office phone or his cell phone. Meanwhile Payal was getting restless. She refused to go to sleep without first hearing her father's voice. Even when, Milind was overseas, it didn't matter if it was early morning in New York or past midnight in Tokoyo, he always phoned Payal at her bed time. Prachi was still trying to settle down Payal, when the phone rang. She dropped the receiver. Saket noticing her shock picked it up. Milind's car had hit a wet patch on his way home. The car had crashed into a tree and he had been taken to the hospital.

Note - Okay no prizes for guessing it's a partial amnesia track but hopefully it won't turn out as annoying as the actual KYM track. Got to thank Sum2005 for suggesting it.

Chapter 2
Prachi eyes burned from lack of sleep and unshed tears, her neck ached from sitting on the uncomfortable seat by Milind's bed but she was oblivious to everything. "Please wake up.", she prayed over and over again silently as she held his hand. Milind's condition was stable but Prachi couldn't breathe easily until he woke up and reassured her, himself that everything was okay. It had been the worst eight hours of Prachi's life. Milind had already been rushed to surgery by the time they arrived at the hospital. The entire time Milind was in surgery, Prachi refused to believe that Milind would ever leave her and the children but now she just desperately wanted him to open his eyes. Sukriti, Saket and Ali were still in the hospital with her but her mother had taken Payal and Riley home with her. Dr Pillai had told her that Milind would recover completely from any physical injuries that he had sustained but they were concerned about the blow he had taken to his head. Prachi gently ran her hand over the face, she so loved, noting the various cuts, bruises and scratches. The thought of how close she had come to losing him, still terrified her.

Suddenly Milind stirred. "Milind", said Prachi, relief flooding her. Milind felt as if he was fighting his way through a fog. His head felt so heavy he could barely lift it up. "Don't get up, I'm calling the doctor.", said Prachi anxiously as she saw him try to struggle up. "Water", said Milind, feeling unbearably thirsty. Prachi hurriedly poured him a glass of water and helped him drink it. Milind opened his eyes slightly wider and focused on the woman, gently helping him. She was looking at him like he was the answer to all her prayers. Prachi was about to fling herself into his arms when Milind said, "Thanks, are you the nurse?". Prachi stood dead still. "Milind?", said Prachi a bit confused. Just then Dr Pillai, the no-nonsense 50 year old surgeon assigned to Milind's case, walked in. Motioning for Prachi to stand aside, Dr Pillai proceeded to examine Milind. He checked his eyes. "Follow the direction of my finger.", said Dr Pillai as he slowly waved his finger in front of Milind and Milind did so. "What's your name?", asked the doctor. "Milind Mishra.", said Milind a bit impatiently. "I'm fine.", he said as the doctor proceeded to check his heartbeat. Prachi kept quiet, anxiously watching the examination. "You are far from fine, Mr Mishra. You're lucky to be alive.", said Dr Pillai somewhat sternly. "I think that's what you should be saying to Prakash.", scoffed Milind. Prachi frowned. "Prakash?", asked Dr Pillai. "The guy, I was in the fight with.", said Milind. Prachi exchanged a confused look with the doctor. "Fight?", asked Dr Pillai. "Yeah, the reason why I'm here though I can't figure out how he actually managed to knock me out. I'm pretty sure I broke his nose.", said Milind a bit savagely. "Ayesha? Where's Ayesha and Sukriti? If that jerk did anything to them!," said Milind suddenly, as he struggled to get out of bed. Prachi was looking at Milind panic stricken. She didn't understand what was going on. She rushed forward, when she saw Milind clutch his head and stagger back but the doctor reached him before she did. Motioning for her to keep back, Dr Pillai helped Milind back into bed. "They're fine.", said Dr Pillai calmly. "I want to see them.", demanded Milind. "You will but I first want you to tell me what's today's date.", said Dr Pillai as he coolly prepared a syringe. "19th May.", replied Milind. Prachi looked at him concerned. It was March. "What year?", asked Dr Pillai as he swabbed Milind's arm. "1997.", replied Milind before drifting off back to sleep, as the injection took effect. Prachi leaned against the wall confused and terrified in equal measures.

When Milind woke up again, Dr Pillai examined him again. It was a grim Dr Pillai who sat down with Prachi, Sukriti, Saket and Ali in the waiting area. "Mrs Mishra, your husband thinks it's 1997.", said Dr Pillai. "What does this mean?", asked Prachi barely able to comprehend anything. The lack of sleep, stress and turmoil of the last 24 hours was taking its toll. "It means he doesn't remember the last eleven years of his life.", said Dr Pillai. "But he will soon, won't he? It's just a temporary thing, isn't it?", asked Prachi anxiously. "He may or may not. There really is no telling with partial amnesia.", said Dr Pillai. "Partial amnesia", Prachi repeated the words slowly, still trying to fully understand what was going on. "He keeps asking for you and someone called Ayesha and keeps talking about a fight he had with a Prakash.", said Dr Pillai addressing Sukriti. Sukriti put her hand over her mouth, "Oh my god, he really thinks it's 1997. Ayesha is a friend of ours but she is in Thailand with her family right now. Prakash was this guy who should live in the chawl with us. He was trying to bother Ayesha and I one day. Milind saw this and got in a fight with him. Prakash could have landed in hospital if Ali hadn't stopped Milind." Prachi was looking at her in shock. She knew of Milind's rough chawl days but the fact that he actually got into fights that landed people in hospital never seemed real until this moment.

But Prachi quickly pulled herself together. "So, what do we have to do to make him remember?", asked Prachi briskly. "Mrs Mishra, I need to be honest with you, this is not going to be easy. There really is no medication or operation that can restore his memory. We're just going have to take it day by day. Did you know each other eleven years ago?". "No, we only met 4 years later.", said Prachi. "That means he has no recollection of you or your children.", said Dr Pillai. "Well, we will just have to remind him.", said Prachi determindedly. "Mrs Mishra, I have to warn you your husband thinks he is 24 years old and lives with his sister and father in a chawl. The life he thinks he has is very different from the life he actually has with you and your children.", explained Dr Pillai. "He is alive and he is still Milind. That's enough. We will work through this like we will with any other problem.", said Prachi adamantly. Prachi shivered slightly. Compared to losing Milind forever, she would gladly accept partial amnesia. However Sukriti and Ali were looking at each other worriedly.

Unlike Prachi, they knew exactly what a 24 year old Milind meant. Prachi had met Milind when he was already on his way to success but there were a few years before that where Milind really struggled to find his feet. He was seemingly adrift and lacked his now legendary focus, drive and determination. He finished college, he was intelligent and ambitous. He knew what he wanted but he was seemingly unwilling or unable to figure out how to get it. He was proud, difficult and impatient. As a result, he was unable to hold down a job or unwilling to compromise on how he wanted to do things. This in turn lead to running battles with his father. To compound matters, there was Ayesha. They were friends but he was also in love with her. The entire chawl knew it. But being a proud man, he felt he had to be able to offer her everything she deserved before he could form any relationship with her. But he was going nowhere. This just made him more bitter, angry and irresponsible. He prefered to spend time with his friends running around on their motorbikes or playing soccer, rather than actually buckling down to a job. Not a day passed by without his father threatening to throw him out or him storming out of the house.

The turning point came when his father fell seriously sick. With medical bills piling up, Milind finally faced his responsibilites, swallowed his pride and took a low entry position at a hotel. He stuck with the job, no matter how much he hated it. After a while he spotted a business opportunity, in procuring goods for the hotel at a lower price than they currently paid. Milind started his own business and thrived. He was his own boss and he answered to nobody. He always had the intelligence and ambition but now combined with a determination and work ethic, there was no stopping him. In a few short years, he went from chawl layabout to an up and coming businessman doing deals with Inder Shah. And it was this Milind that Prachi met, married and fell in love with. But Sukriti and Ali had no idea how she was going to deal with the chawl Milind.

Chapter 3
Sukriti entered Milind's room. He was laying down but got up when he heard her footsteps. It was more than a day since he had woke up and he was already feeling much stronger. But it worried him that no one had come to visit him so far. He figured his father would be still angry after their last fight and more so for his fight with Prakash but he had expected to see Sukriti or Ayesha by now. "Hey, are you okay?", asked Milind as he saw Sukriti approach him. Then he frowned as he got a closer look at her. "Sukriti?!", said Milind sitting up straighter in bed, looking at her in confusion. She looked like his baby sister but she looked so much older. Her long hair was cut in a much shorter style and she was wearing a business suit. "What did you do to yourself?", asked Milind.

Sukriti took a deep breath. The doctor had forbidden anyone from visiting Milind especially Prachi, who was now standing outside the door until Milind was a bit stronger and could handle the truth. They had to tell him the truth, they couldn't hide the fact that he had lost the last 11 years of his life. It was up to Sukriti, the closest family member he remembered who had the difficult task of explaining everything to him. "Bhaiya, I have to explain a few things about your accident.", said Sukriti quietly. "What accident, why do you look like this and why are you speaking with an accent?", persisted Milind irritably. Sukriti held his hand, "Bhaiya, please just let me explain.", said Sukriti. Milind frowned but kept quiet. "You were involved in a car accident. You took a pretty severe blow to your head.", said Sukriti. "What are you talking about? I don't remember this.", said Milind bewildered. "We know. There is no easy way to tell you this but Bhaiya, you don't remember the last eleven years of your life. It's actually 2008. I am 28 and you are 35.", said Sukriti. Milind gave a short disbelieving laugh, "What're you talking about?". Sukriti handed him the day's newspaper. Milind looked through it in disbelief. "This is some kind of joke.", said Milind, getting visibly upset. "Bhaiya, look at me. This is no joke.", said Sukriti earnestly. Milind could feel his chest tighten and he could feel the panic rise within him.

"Where's Ayesha? Where's Baba?", asked Milind getting agitated. "Ayesha's fine, more than fine actually.", said Sukriti but she could feel her eyes welling up with tears. "And Baba?", demanded Milind. "Bhaiya, he died more than eight years ago.", said Sukriti softly. "This is not happening. None of this makes any sense.", said Milind in despair. Sukriti looked at him miserably. "Sukriti, tell me this is not true.", said Milind gripping her hand tightly. Sukriti just shook her head, unable to give him the reassurance he was looking for. "This is not happening.", repeated Milind despite the hot, angry tears that spilled from his eyes. Prachi could feel tears spring to her own eyes and was about to push the door and enter the room, when Dr Pillai stopped her. "Doctor, he needs me.", said Prachi in despair. "I know you want to comfort your huband but you are just going to confuse him more right now and that's not going to help him. He needs to deal with his father's death right now and nothing more.", advised Dr Pillai. Nevertheless, Prachi pushed the door slightly and watched silently as Sukriti hugged Milind.

Two days later, Sukriti entered Milind's room to find him staring absently out the window. She and Dr Pillai had spent the last 2 days trying to help Milind come to terms with his situation. It was not easy. Milind mood swung from disbelief to anger to grief about his father. But he had made great progress in recovering physically, so much so that he could be discharged in a day or two. And then he would have to go home. Go home to a wife and family, he still knew nothing about. But Sukriti had to tell him today. Prachi and the children were waiting outside the room. "How are you feeling?', asked Sukriti brightly. Milind felt bewildered, lost and tired of trying to make sense of what was going on in his life. He had spent the day, watching TV and reading the papers. He could no longer deny that he had lost eleven years of his life. "Okay", said Milind indifferently. "Bhaiya, please talk to me.", said Sukriti, "There must be so much you must be wanting to know about your life now." Milind laughed cynically, "I don't think I want know how badly I screwed up or how much I disappointed Baba.".

"But you didn't!", exclaimed Sukriti, "Bhaiya, is that what you think, that you made a mess out of your life.". "What else am I supposed to think? The last thing I remember about Baba is how angry he was, when he found out that I quit that job at the bank.", said Milind bitterly. "Bhaiya, listen to me very carefully. Baba was so proud of you before he died. You lived up to all of his expectations.", said Sukriti. "Why, what did I do?", asked Milind suddenly suspicious. "Well, first of all you started own business and you made quite a success of it and today you run Shah Enterprises.", said Sukriti brightly, glad to be finally able to give Milind some good news. Milind burst out laughing, "Shah Enterprises, as in Inder Shah? Yeah, right! How did that happen?". Sukriti took the plunge, "You married his daughter." Milind looked at her stunned, "You're joking right?". "No, I'm not, you even have two children.", added Sukriti seriously. Milind's mind went blank. Sukriti pulled out a picture from her wallet and handed it to Milind. From the little girl's curly hair to the baby boy's dark eyes and chubby cheeks, they were undeniably his. Milind looked up from the picture. "I don't remember them.", he said, looking at Sukriti in terror. "You love them very much. They're your entire world and Prachi...", said Sukriti. "Prachi?", interrupted Milind. "Your wife, Bhaiya.", said Sukriti quietly. "That woman, when I woke up.", said Milind dazed. "Yes. I can't even begin to tell you how much you love her and how much she loves you. It's like something out of a fairy tale.", continued Sukriti earnestly. Milind suddenly got out of bed agitated. "Fairytale! This is some bloody fairytale.", yelled Milind. "A wife, children, eleven years of my life gone, my father gone.", he added in despair. There was a moment of silence as Milind looked out the window, his distress visible on his face while Sukriti looked on sympathically.

The silence was broken by Riley's cries. Milind looked up, when he saw Sukriti open the door. A little girl ran straight towards him. "Papa!", said a delighted Payal as she latched onto Milind's leg. Prachi followed her in carrying Riley. Prachi and Milind looked at each other. Prachi heart wrung when she saw Milind. She was so used to him looking at her with love, not with confusion and turmoil. Milind quickly looked away. This woman was looking at him with so much of love and hope and despair intermingled. He looked down at the little girl, who looked so like her mother. "Papa, when you coming home?", asked Payal, still holding him tightly. Milind looked at Prachi and Sukriti helplessly. Sukriti took Riley from Prachi and went to Payal. "Come Payal, lets go outside and see the flowers.", said Sukriti holding out a hand to Payal. "No", said Payal stubbornly. "Payal, go with Aunt Sukriti. Papa is still going to be here when you come back.", said Prachi. "Promise, Papa?", asked Payal, looking up at Milind beseechingly. "I promise.", said Milind, still reeling from hearing someone call him 'Papa'. Payal reclutantly let go of Milind and went with Sukriti, leaving Milind and Prachi alone.

Prachi bit her lip. Some part of her had harboured the hope that Milind would instantly remember everything as soon as he saw her and the children. He loved them so much, how could he forget them. Milind just wanted to run from the room. She looked like she was about to cry. But Prachi pulled herself together. As much as she wanted to run into Milind's arms, have him hold her close and reassure her that everything was going to be okay, at that moment Prachi realised that she was going to have to be the strong one if they were to overcome this. So heeding Dr Pillai's advice, Prachi kept her distance and her composure. "I don't remember you.", said Milind bluntly. "I know.", said Prachi, "But I hope that we can help you remember." Milind was looking at her warily, "By we, you mean you and those kids." It pained Prachi to hear Milind refer to them so impersonally. "Our kids.", corrected Prachi. "How did this happen?", asked Milind running a hand through his hair, suddenly frustrated. "You mean the accident?", asked Prachi cautiously. "No, I mean this, you, those kids, all of this.", said Milind visibly upset. Prachi was feeling quite upset herself. It was slowly sinking in, what Milind's amnesia really meant. It meant she was married to someone who regarded her and their children as strangers.

Chapter 4
As Prachi drove them home, Milind looked bewildered out the window. What had happened to Mumbai in the past 11 years? Everything looked new and different. He hardly recognised the city he had been born and brought up in. Milind tried to fight of his rising panic, something he seemed to be doing constantly . Soon Prachi drove out of the busy city center. Milind turned back and saw both Payal and Riley asleep on the back seat. "Why the hell did the kid have an American name?", wondered Milind. He turned around to see Prachi smiling at him. "You better enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts.", she said. Prachi may have smiled but she was struggling with having to treat her husband like nothing more than a polite accquitance. But Dr Pillai had advised her that while they should try to gently remind Milind of his past, pushing too hard could have an adverse effect. Prachi didn't let herself to dwell on her own fears and anxieties. If she did, she knew she wouldn't be able to help her husband or protect her children. Milind said nothing and looked out the window again. Prachi looked at him worriedly, except for a few monosyllable replies, Milind had hardly said a word since they had left the hospiatal. Milind still had to go to the hospital for twice weekly check-ups and counseling but physically he was fine. Emotionally he was battered and bruised. Milind felt emotionally spent and he was slowly reaching a point where he was becoming numb to everything. It was almost a relief to him. Milind looked even more bewildered as they drove out to the suburbs. Prachi catching the expression on his face, felt her heart break a little. Her strong, brave husband looked so vunerable. Milind was completely disoriented by the time, they drove into their street.

"Papa, see our house.", said Payal, who had woken up as they pulled into their driveway. Prachi had very carefully explained Payal that Papa wasn't feeling too well and he didn't remember a lot of things but they still loved him very much and were going to help him. Prachi hadn't been sure how much her daughter had understood of what she had said, but Payal was taking the helping part very seriously. Milind was looking suspiciously at the comfortable house with it's large lawn and trees. It was a far cry from the chawl and Milind couldn't understand how he could have ever afforded it unless ..."Did your father buy this house for us?", asked Milind flatly. "No!", said an astonished Prachi, "What makes you think that?". But Milind just kept quiet. Prachi was still looking at him worriedly, as Payal excitedly got out the car and tried to drag Milind towards the house. "Papa, come see Mr Snuggles.", said Payal. Prachi followed with Riley. Prachi thought back of over seven years ago, how Milind had brought her here for the first time a few days before their wedding and how nervous he had seemed for her approval. Now as they followed Payal out to the back yard, he looked like an uncomfortable visitor.

"It's a hampster?", asked Milind looking perplexed at the tiny brown and white creature in the cage. For the first time in days, Prachi actually felt a bit light hearted on seeing Milind's expression, "A gerbil actually, it was either this or a horse." Meanwhile Payal had run back into the house, "Papa, come see Mr Snowy." "It's not another gerbil, is it?", asked Milind, looking slightly nervous as they climbed up the stairs. "No, it's a teddy bear you bought her in London.", explained Prachi with a smile. "London? I've been to London?", asked Milind frowning. "Several times.", replied Prachi. They entered Payal's pink, lilac and yellow buttefly room. Payal was dragging a huge stuffed polar bear off her bed. "See Papa.", said Payal. "It's very nice.", said Milind, still looking slightly disoriented. Prachi decided he needed a bit of a breather, "Payal, why don't you go give Mr Snuggles some water." Payal ran out and Prachi left Milind alone to explore the rest of the house on his own. Prachi was putting down a still sleeping Riley into his cot when Milind followed her into the nursery. Milind looked around the nursery done up in bright blues and reds. Unlike his own childhood, these children were short of nothing. Milind was feeling increasingly uncomfortable with his surroundings. While the house was warm and welcoming, it also spoke of wealth and a lifestyle so different from the one he remembered having. Meanwhile Prachi was still thinking about how the house was, when they first bought it. It had looked like a trendy showhouse with hideous furniture but over the years she and Milind had transformed it into their ideal family home. She just hoped Milind could still somehow feel that.

"You must be tired. I'll show you to ou..your room.", said Prachi feeling slightly ridiculous. Prachi was suddenly nervous as she lead Milind into their bedroom. This was their private world where they could just shut everyone else out. Where they could talk for hours or fight or make love. But Prachi needn't have worried. Milind was looking at the room as impassively as he had at the rest of the house. Milind took in the dark furniture and white linen before, his eyes fell on the bedside table, covered with picture frames. The largest and most prominent ones being of Payal and Riley but there were also pictures of him and Prachi. Milind picked up a goofy one of him standing by a stone lion statue. "Where was this taken?", asked Milind. "Zurich.", replied Prachi. "Is this Mexico?", asked Milind frowning, picking up another one of him and Prachi standing in the middle of Mexico City. "Yes, actually ...", said Prachi but stopped short. "Actually, what?", asked Milind, suddenly curious. Prachi didn't think this was the right time to tell Milind that Riley was conceived on that trip. "Actually, we also went to Brazil during that trip.", said Prachi instead. Milind said nothing and put down the picture. Inspite of recognising himself in the picture, he felt disconnected from the person in the pictures. Milind could feel his frustration mount. Nothing about the pictures resonated, nothing about this house felt familiar but worst of all, was Prachi looking at him with so much hope. Milind looked away and Prachi swallowed her disappointment and reminded herself that she would have to be patient. "I'll let you get some sleep.", said Prachi and left the room. Milind laid back on the bed and soon he was fast asleep.

When he got up, he saw that it was already early evening. He was still wearing the jeans and sweater that Prachi had brought for him to the hospital in the morning. Milind opened his cupborad and was stunned to see business suits. He quickly pushed them aside, until he found casual clothes. Very nice casual clothes with designer labels. But nothing that he would feel like himself in. At the furthest end of the closet, he finally found something, he could recognise himself in. A pair of non-branded jeans and a t-shirt. Prachi was suprised to see Milind come down the stairs in the possibly the oldest pair of jeans and t-shirt, he owned but she didn't say anything about it. "Do you want something to eat?", asked Prachi. "No", replied Milind as he took the TV remote and started to channel surf. "Are you sure, you haven't eaten the whole day.", said Prachi worriedly. "I'm sure.", said Milind as he settled down to watch an English soccer match and he didn't say another word for the rest of the evening. Prachi knew he was shutting himself off because he just couldn't cope. He had done it once before when he was struggling to admit his feelings for her. Prachi wished she knew how to reach out to me. Unlike the last time, Prachi didn't think screaming at him and telling him how much she loved him was going to work. If anything, it would only make things worse. She only wished she knew what would work.

Chapter 5
"Milind, can you get the door?", asked Prachi, as she looked into their bedroom, as she simultaneously tried to hold the phone to her ear and stop Riley from crawling away from her. "What?", asked Milind blankly, as he barely moved his head away from the TV screen. "The door", repeated Prachi as someone rang the bell again. "Oh, yeah.", said Milind, finally getting up. Prachi picked up Riley, and headed towards the nursery as she tried to continue her conversation with Preeti. "Prachi, I know things are difficult but you have to come for my engagement. Ritesh and I wouldn't have even met if it hadn't been for you and Milind.", pleaded Preeti. "Okay, I'll be there.", promised Prachi with a sigh as she struggled to change a wriggling Riley. "Sorry Preeti but I have to go, someone just came and I didn't even see who it was.", said Prachi.

Meanwhile, Milind was staring at that someone. Ayesha hugged him and asked him how he was feeling. Milind felt stunned, nothing more, nothing less. It was Ayesha but a sleek, sophisticated Ayesha holding a little boy. Gone was the fiesty chawl girl. She looked every inch the famous televison star and the wife of a wealthy businessman. Milind was struggling to understand what he was feeling. He was still looking dazed when Prachi came down the stairs. Prachi immediately felt tense, afterall Ayesha was first person Milind had asked for when he woke up after the accident. She had no idea how this was going to turn out. But she masked her uncertainties by smiling, hugging Ayesha warmly and scooping up two year old Karan, "Hello handsome boy! How was Thailand?". "Hectic but thankfully Neev will wrap up things next week and will be back home.", replied Ayesha, though from the corner of her eye, she could see a still shocked Milind staring at her. Prachi could see it too. Sukriti had told Milind that Ayesha was married with a son but Prachi didn't think it had sunk in for Milind until this moment. Prachi knew what ever the outcome, she had to give them some time alone to talk. "Come on, lets go see Riley.", Prachi said to Karan as she took him upstairs.

"Milind, I dont know ..", started Ayesha. Milind shook his head as if trying to clear the confusion, "What happened to you?". Ayesha smiled, "In the last eleven years?". Milind just looked at her. "Well, I started modelling and then acting, got married and had a kid. That's about it.", said Ayesha with a smile. At that moment, it really hit Milind how much life had changed. "Sukriti is married and a lawyer, you are married and have a kid and so does Ali.", said Milind, sinking down on the sofa still trying to absorb everything. "Well, you're also married with 2 children. We all grew up, Milind.", said Ayesha matter of factly as she sat down next to him. "You're so different.", said Milind looking at her. "So are you.", said Ayesha, "We both have come a long way since the chawl days.". "It doesn't feel that long ago to me.", said Milind stubbornly. "Milind, trust me, the chawl days are long gone and thank god for that too.", said Ayesha. "It wasn't all bad.", said Milind. "Well, I never want to go back.", said Ayesha a bit harshly but on seeing Milind's somewhat pained expression she softened a bit, "And niether should you." Milind realised that the Ayesha he once knew was long gone. And how did he feel about this new Ayesha? That was the strangest part though he felt something, it was nothing like how remembered feeling about her. There was no intense, overwhelming rush of feelings. He felt something akin to what he felt for Sukriti.

Noticing his lost expression, Ayesha said, "Hey, what you're thinking?". "So you married Sukriti's brother-in-law, Neev, right?", asked Milind realising he didn't feel upset or jealous asking her about this. "He's a great guy, actually your'll are quite good friends.", said Ayesha warmly. "But then again, you helped us so much when we first got married.". "I did?", asked Milind confused. "You gave us a place to stay, you even went and spoke to Neev's family when we eloped, up till today Niharika is still a bit scared of you.", laughed Ayesha. "You eloped?", asked a surprised Milind. "You wouldn't have met Prachi, if I hadn't.', teased Ayesha. Inspite of sharing a house with them, his wife and children were topics, Milind tried to avoid as much as possible. It was too overwhelming and scary. But even he couldn't ignore this piece of information. Noticing Milind's stunned expression, Ayesha asked, "Milind, you do know that Prachi and Neev are old friends and you two met at our wedding, don't you?" Milind said nothing but it was obvious that he hadn't. Milind suddenly found himself having a thousand questions about himself and Prachi but he was afraid of asking them.

"So how is he, really?", asked Ayesha concernedly as Prachi walked her out to her car. How was Milind? He ate erratically, he slept during the day, he stayed up during the night watching soccer, he was guarded around the children and distrustful of her. For the most part Prachi felt as if she was babysitting a difficult teenager, an unresponsive, uncommunicative and moody one. "He is okay, given the circumstance.", said Prachi tiredly. "And how are you?", asked Ayesha kindly. Prachi had dark circles around her eyes and she looked as if she had lost weight. Prachi didn't know how she was. She was walking on eggshells around Milind, trying to be a buffer between him and the children, so that they didn't overwhelm him too much or he didn't hurt them with his distant behaviour, had to see to the house and had to see to the office. In midst of all the madness, Prachi had to contend with major developments at Shah Enterprises. The board was about to vote on whether Shah Hotels should expand into the lucrative Dubai market. With Milind being in no position to deal with business and with Prachi being his proxy vote, she suddenly found herself having to make major decisions on the future of Shah Enterprises. Something she was totally out of her dept with. She was spending time in the office, trying to gain an understanding of the situation as well as making sure everything else ran smoothly. Ali was seeing to the majority of Milind's work but he didn't have authority on a number of issues and Prachi found herself dealing with matters that she barely understood. Prachi didn't know what was going to happen to the company if Milind didn't recover soon. "I'm okay, I guess.", said Prachi with a weak smile. "Prachi, if you ever need any help with the kids or anything else just call me.", said Ayesha as she hugged Prachi.

After Ayesha left, Prachi checked on Milind and the children. Riley was asleep, Payal was quietly colouring pictures and Milind was engrossed in a cricket match. Prachi knew she had no excuses, she needed to stop procastinating and start looking through the files she had brought home. Prachi couldn't believe that less than a month ago that she had pulled those very same files out of Milind's hands.
Flash Back
"Milind, where did you leave the camera?", asked Prachi as she rushed into their room. "Somewhere in the cupboard.", answered Milind distractedly as he continued to pore over his files. Suddenly Prachi pulled the file out of his hand. "Hey, I am reading that.", protested Milind. "For the last 3 hours and for which you're going to miss your son's first steps.", scolded Prachi. "Prachi, he only started to stand last week, he's not going to start walking today.", said Milind with a smile, knowing full well Prachi was not going to listen to his reasoning. "Milind, you didn't see him just now. He was standing and it really looked like he was going to take a step on his own.",said Prachi excitedly as she opened the cupboard. "And did he?", asked Milind openly laughing at her now. "No, he grabbed onto me and then fell but Payal started walking at 9 months, maybe Riley will too.", continued Prachi hopefully as she searched the cupboard. "Prachi, he will walk when he is ready to.", said Milind. "I only started to walk when I was a year and 2 months and everyone kept asking my mother why I was so slow. I'm not having the same thing happening with my children.", said Prachi. Prachi noticed that Milind had picked up the file again and was looking through it with the same pensive expression as before. Hugging him from behind, she asked,"What's wrong?". Milind held her hands and explained, "It's this Dubai deal, Alaap and some other board members are really pushing for it but I'm not sure.". Milind turned around to face her. "Well, if you don't think it's a good idea, then vote against it.", said Prachi. "It's not so easy. I can actually see the arguments for and against it.", said Milind as he held her around the waist. Prachi put her arms around his neck, "Then just go with your instincts, they're always right." Milind smiled at her with the smile that he reserved just for her that told her how much he cherished her. "Mama, he's standing again.", said Payal, running into the room. "Okay, go back and stay with him, I'm coming now.", said Prachi. Prachi turned back to Milind and said sternly, "Now, are you going to find me that camera or not?" Milind held up his hands, "Okay, okay." Milind found the camera and followed Prachi to the nursery. Niether did Riley take his first steps that day nor did Milind ever tell her how he intended to finally vote.

Prachi had been looking at the files for a hour and the figures and text were starting to swim in front of her eyes. "Milind, can I ask you something?", said Prachi. Milind turned away from the match and looked at her with a wary expression. Prachi tried not to let it affect her. "Could you take a look at these files.", said Prachi. "What's it about?", asked Milind suspiciously. "It's about a deal to expand Shah Hotels into Dubai.", said Prachi. "I wouldn't know anything about that.", said Milind defensively, still refusing to take the file. "I thought maybe you could just look it and tell me what you think.", said Prachi. Milind suddenly got up from the seat and looking agitated said,"It's your families' business, do what you want to." Prachi kept quiet, this was not going well. After a while, she said cautiously, "I just thought maybe you could help." "Well, I can't.", snapped Milind, resentful and angry. He wasn't sure if he was angry with Prachi or with himself. How had he allowed himself to become a Shah family lackey?

Prachi was walking out the room, when Milind suddenly asked, "How did we meet?" Prachi was taken aback but she supposed Ayesha must have mentioned something. Dr Pillai had advised her to be truthful, not to sugar coat anything but also be mindful to not to unduly shock Milind. That was a tall order when it came to explaining the circumstances of how she and Milind got married. "We met at Neev and Ayesha's wedding.", said Prachi carefully. "And then what?", asked Milind, his eyes narrowed and focused. "Well, we got to know each other better and then we got married.", said Prachi. Milind let the subject drop but he knew there was a lot she wasn't telling him.

Chapter 6
"Prachi, I'm so sorry, they only told me now, that the shoot has been changed to this morning.", said Ayesha apologetically, "Niharika is going to look after Karan, I can ask her to watch Riley also, if you want." "Ayesha, don't worry, you have helped me more than enough the past 2 days. I'll work something out.", said Prachi. "Are you sure?", asked Ayesha. "Absolutely, just go to work and torture that Bahu of yours.", replied Prachi. "Okay", laughed Ayesha. After ending the call though Prachi wasn't so sure. With Premlata in Delhi with Somuya who was expecting a baby, Ayesha had been taking care of Riley in the mornings while Prachi went to the office. But with a shoot for her new soap been moved to the morning, Prachi was suddenly in need of a baby sitter. She had meetings with various stakeholders regarding the Dubai deal the entire day. Riley was still asleep and Payal was having her breakfast. And Milind was sleeping on the sofa, having stayed up till the early hours of the morning watching a Real Madrid match. Prachi looked at his sleeping form grimly. She knew what she had to do. She got herself and Payal ready and came back downstairs. "Milind, wake up.", said Prachi shaking him. "What?", asked Milind drowsily, opening his eyes to see Prachi and Payal standing hand in hand in front of him. "I have to go to the office, I'm going to drop off Payal at school but you have to pick her up at midday and see to Riley.", said Prachi calmly. Milind was now fully awake, "What? No!", said Milind hastily getting up. Just then a car hooted from outside. "That's Alaap, I got to go.", said Prachi firmly, "Here are the car keys, the baby monitor and directions to Payal's school. I made Riley's bottle, feed him as soon as he gets up." Milind was still looking shocked at all the items, Prachi had handed him, when he realised she was almost out the door. "Prachi, wait, I don't think this is a good idea.", said Milind alarmed. "You'll be fine, phone if you need something.", said Prachi. Before Milind could come back with a reply, she and Payal had already got into Alaap's car. Still holding the baby monitor, Milind watched them drive away. Right on cue, Riley started to cry.

"Sure that was a good idea?", asked Alaap as he looked at her worried face. Prachi wasn't sure in the least bit. Prachi had given Milind enough of his own space but all that had resulted in, was him retreating even further away from them. Maybe this was the jolt he needed to reconnect with his children. Prachi got to the office and her first instinct was to phone home and check on things. But before she could do that her phone rang. It was Dr Pillai. "Mrs Mishra, are you aware that your husband walked out during his last counseling session?", asked Dr Pillai bluntly. "No, I didn't.", admitted Prachi worriedly. "Mrs Mishra, Milind needs to take these sessions seriously if he ever wants any chance of fully recovering.", said Dr Pillai. "I will speak to him.", said Prachi. Prachi put the phone down and buried her face in her hands. She had asked Milind about his session. He had just moodily snapped at her that he didn't want to talk about it and she hadn't wanted to push him on the issue. Prachi was still despairing about the situation, when Alaap entered the office, "Come on, the meeting is about to start." The phone call to home had to wait.

At the meeting, Rohan Mehra, a board member was vigorously stating the case for the Dubai deal to go through. Alaap was nodding his approval. While Alaap looked up to Rohan, he was someone Prachi was not entirely comfortable with. "So, Prachi, can we look forward to you voting with us?", asked Rohan with a smile. "I still have to decide.", said Prachi cautiously. "What's left to decide. It's going to make Shah Enterprises a ton of money.", said Rohan confidently. "Well, Milind mentioned something about it being risky since it's such a crowded market.", said Prachi unsurely. Rohan laughed, "Well, Milind is not here to make this decision and maybe it's a good thing." "What's that supposed to mean?", asked Prachi sharply. "No offence Prachi but Milind went from running a little sideline business to running this huge enterprise. It's understandable that he would be a little cautious about things and fails to see the bigger picture at time.", replied Rohan. "Shah Enterprises have been nothing but profitable since Milind took over.", said Prachi indignantly. "But you need to ask yourself how much more profitable it would have been, if it had not been for Milind's short-sightedness.", said Rohan smoothly. Not bothering to acknowledge Rohan, Prachi got up and left.

Prachi was still trying to calm herself down when her phone rang. It was Mrs Ramdutt, Payal's teacher. "Mrs Ramdutt, is there a problem?", asked Prachi anxiously. "Well, that's what I was going to ask you Mrs Mishra. School finished half an hour ago and no one has picked Payal up as yet.", said Mrs Ramdutt. "I'm so sorry, my husband was supposed to be pick her up. I'll phone him immediately.", said a now thoroughly worried Prachi. "Milind, is everything okay?", asked Prachi as soon as Milind answered the phone, "Why is Riley crying like that?". "I don't know, he just won't stop.", replied a frustrated Milind. "Okay, I'm going to be there as soon as possible. Why haven't you picked up Payal as yet?", continued Prachi, starting to panic. Milind didn't reply. "Milind, you didn't forget did you?", asked Prachi, her voice sounding shrill even to herself. "Okay, okay, I'm going.", replied Milind irritably. Prachi put down the phone and gave in to her panic. Quickly gathering her stuff, she was almost out the door, when Alaap stopped her. "Where are you going?", asked Alaap. "Home", replied Prachi pushing past him. "Not so fast, the contrators for the Delhi Hotel are here.", said Alaap. "Handle it.", said Prachi. "Well, Milind is the only person who has the right to sign of on their contract, which means now you have to sign it.", said Alaap. "Prachi, you can't expect Milind to still have control of everything if you or him are not willing to take responsibility.", continued Alaap, slightly vindicatively. Prachi glared at him, "How long is this going to take?". "Maybe an hour.", replied Alaap.

"Milind, I'm ho...", said Prachi as she entered the house. It looked as if a bomb had went off. There were toys and clothes strewn all over, the kitchen sink was full of dishes and there juice spilt all over the carpets but it was strangely quiet. Milind was dosing off in front of the TV but there was no sign of Payal or Riley. "Milind, get up! Where are the children?", yelled Prachi. "Calm down, they're here.", replied Milind as he rubbed his eyes. Just then there was a loud cry from the back yard. Prachi ran out the kitchen door. "Payal! What's wrong?", Prachi asked a dirty, muddy Payal with chocolate stains all over her face who was bawling her eyes out. "Mr Snuggles!", cried Payal even louder. "What happened to him?", asked Prachi. "He ran away.", sobbed Payal. "How did he get out of his cage?", asked Prachi. "I took him out." said Payal. "Payal, you know you're not supposed to do that.", said Prachi. "Papa said I could.", said Payal. "And who gave you this?", asked Prachi pulling the almost eaten Easter egg out of Payal's hand. "Papa", replied Payal between hiccups. Prachi shot Milind a furious look as she went upstairs to check on Riley. He was fast asleep. Prachi brushed the hair off his still wet, tear-stained face. He was still wearing the same clothes from the morning and his bottle was only half complete. Prachi came storming back downstairs. "Payal, get upstairs and clean up!", yelled Prachi at Payal who was tossing aside sofa cushions in her quest to find her gerbil. "Mr Snuggles", wailed Payal. "We'll find him later." said Prachi though she realised there was little chance of that as she took Payal by the arm and dragged her out the room.

Milind was looking at her in with a mixture of irriatation, alarm and anger. "Did you have to do that?', asked Milind as they could hear Payal still crying upstairs. "Yes, just like you had to feed Riley or at the very least change him!", snapped Prachi. "I tried but he didn't want to. What was I supposed to do?", asked Milind. "Well, you're not supposed to let your daughter go off on a sugar rush and then let her pet loose.", said Prachi angrily as she started to pick toys up from the floor. "She kept on complaining and crying until I did.", said Milind defensively. 'She's four years old! You're the adult, you are supposed to know better.", said Prachi, "How could you be so irresponsible?" Milind snapped on hearing those words, "I told you it wasn't a good idea but you didn't want to listen.", yelled Milind. "What? I'm supposed to listen to how you don't want anything to do with your own children?", screamed Prachi suddenly losing what little control she had. "I don't remember them.", yelled back Milind. "Nor do you want. Why did you walk out on your last counseling session?", asked Prachi, very close to tears. "I'm not going to waste my time being being asked the same bloody stupid questions everytime.", snarled Milind. "No, you much rather sit here and watch soccer. You can forget your wife, your children but not bloody Real Madrid.", said Prachi bitterly.

They both suddenly noticed Payal standing halfway down the staircase. "Payal, go back to your room, now!", said Prachi. Payal ran back to her room and Prachi turned around to face Milind who was looking at Payal's retreating figure with suspicion written all over his face. "You're right maybe I should try harder to remember about my life .", said Milind, his voice dangerously calm. "Meaning?", asked Prachi. "How does a rich girl like you and a poor guy like me end up getting married?", asked Milind sarcastically. "What?!", said Prachi furiously. "What's the real truth Prachi? We met, you decided to have some fun with the wrong type of guy, things got out of hand. And then, what? We had to get married and your father had to give me a job in his company and buy us this house to make everything look respectable?", asked Milind coldly. Prachi felt as if he had struck her on the face. Was this what he had been stewing about all these days? Prachi had never resented Milind or her father for how her marriage to Milind had come about. The decision had been entirely hers to make and it was a decision she had never regretted making. But right now she was hurt, more hurt than she had ever been by Milind. Prachi icily retaliated, "No, you and my father struck a deal. He got his daughter with already one failed engagement behind her finally married and you got a high society wife with all the right connections which you needed for your business." Milind stared at her, without saying a word he walked out the house, slamming the door behind him. Prachi sank down on the sofa and burst out crying when she heard him drive away.

Chapter 7
"Hi, Al, its Sukriti.", said Sukriti when Ali answered his phone. "Is something wrong?", asked Ali on hearing her serious tone of voice. "It's Bhaiya. I can't get into the details but something happened this afternoon and he left and hasn't returned as yet.", explained Sukriti, "Do you think you could try and find him?". "Yeah, sure. Tell Prachi, not to worry. I'm sure he is fine.", said Ali. "I shouldn't have lost my temper. If anything had to happen ...",sobbed Prachi. "Bhabhi, stop worrying. He probably just needs some time by himself to calm down", said Sukriti. "I should have been more patient. I was expecting too much from him.", said Prachi wretchedly. "Bhabhi, stop blaming yourself. We all know how stressful this has been for you." "I knew things were going to be difficult ...", said Prachi. "But not this difficult.", added Sukriti. "He is like a completely different person.", admitted Prachi miserably. "And a very difficult one at that too.", sighed Sukriti. "You don't have to explain to me. I was there the first time around he was twenty four.",she added with a wry shake of her head. "Was he this distrustful and guarded? It's like he has this wall around him and I just don't know how to reach out to him.", said Prachi, frustrated. "He was more defiant than anything else.", said Sukriti, "He really struggled to accept what was expected of him. He was constantly fighting with my father, he couldn't keep a job, he would disappear for days on end with his friends just to escape from everything.". "That explains all the soccer. It's his way of escaping, now.", said Prachi wearily. "I guess that's just his way of coping,", said Sukriti. "I just want MY Milind back." said Prachi despairingly as she buried her face in her hands. Sukriti laid a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, "Bhabhi, I know it doesn't seem likely but this Milind did eventually become your Milind."

"Sukriti, I found him.", said Ali. "Thanks Al.", said a relieved Sukriti. Ali ended the call and got out of his car. Milind turned around when he saw Ali approach him. He was leaning against his car. He had parked on a grassy bank overlooking the chawl. Milind wasn't sure how long he had been standing there watching the lights coming from the chawl. He had expected everything to make sense and fall into place once he got there but even here he didn't feel like he belonged anymore. After eleven years, even the chawl couldn't escape change. There was a whole different generation of people living there. Life had moved on. "Know who lives there?", asked Milind pointing to his old home, which was still shrouded in darkness. "No one.", replied Ali, "You still own the place and your last tenants moved out last month.". "How long have you been here?", asked Ali. "I don't know.", replied Milind. "I have been watching people come and go. There is hardly anyone I recognise.", he said tiredly. "Most of our old neighbours have long moved away, even we did afterall.", said Ali with a shrug. "It seems like just yesterday, I was sitting on those stairs with you and Ayesha.", said Milind contemplatively. "Milind, is this about Ayesha?", asked Ali frowning. "No", said Milind certainly. "If there is one thing I'm sure about, it's that Ayesha and I are long done. It's about everything else. I mean so much as changed. Man, even you are married with a kid.", said Milind shaking his head bewildered. "Farah and Zunaid are the best things that ever happened to me.", said Ali, "Just like Prachi and your kids are the best things that ever happened to you.".

"Then, why can't I remember them?", asked Milind angrily. "I can't answer that, Milind but just because you don't remember them, it doesn't mean they are any less real or any less your responsibility.", said Ali firmly. "There's that word again.", said Milind bitterly, "You know what's the last thing I remember my father telling me? Face up to your responsibilities!". Ali patted him on his back, "You did, Milind and before your father died, he saw that. He was proud of what you achieved with the business.". "So, we did start a business, like Sukriti said?", asked Milind frowning. "Yeah, and a pretty successful one too by the time we closed it.", said Ali. "Why did we close it?", asked Milind. "Prachi's father died suddenly and her familiy asked you to help run their business, so we closed up and started to work for Shah Enterprises. It was to everyone's benefit in the end.", explained Ali. "So, I never worked for Inder Shah before that?", asked Milind. "You did business with him but no, you never worked for him.", said Ali. "Oh, hell.", said Milind clutching his head and wincing as if in pain, as guilt assailed him. "What's wrong?", asked Ali. "I accused Prachi of getting pregnant with Payal and that being reason we got married. I couldn't understand how else I could have ended up working for Inder Shah's business, yet alone marry his daughter." said Milind remorsefully. "What the hell?", said Ali furiously, "Listen Milind, I'm not going to get into the details of your marriage, that's for you and Prachi to sort out but you are way off the mark on this one. Payal, is like my niece and that kid was only born years after your marriage." "What am I going to do?", said Milind bleakly. "Well, you can go back there.", said Ali nodding towards the chawl, "And it really would be like the last eleven years never happened or you could go back home to your wife and children."

Payal was sleeping peacefully. Prachi however, who was laying next her, was wide awake. Prachi checked Payal's bedside clock. It was well past one 'o clock in the morning and Milind still hadn't returned. Prachi finally started to breathe easier when she heard his footsteps, come up the stairs. She heard him go to their bedroom and after a while she was asleep. When she woke up the next morning, she realised it was late. Payal wasn't next to her. Prachi quickly got up and checked the nursery. Riley wasn't in his cot either. Following the voices coming from downstairs, she went into the kitchen. "Want more?", asked Milind as Payal finished the last of her slightly burnt egg toast. Payal shook her head, while Riley sitting in his high chair, was happily banging a spoon against his feeding bowl. Milind saw Prachi standing unsurely by the door. "I'm going to leave Payal at school. Can we talk when I come back?", asked Milind. Prachi nodded. "Bye Mama.", said Payal. "I'm really sorry about Mr Snuggles, okay?", said Prachi softly as she knelt down and hugged her daughter. Payal nodded. Prachi looked up at Milind. Niether said a word but they both knew the other was also sorry for the previous night's hurt and accusations.

Chapter 8
When Milind got back home, he found Prachi in the nursery with Riley. She was trying to get him to walk to her without any support. "Come, on Ryle, come here.", said Prachi encouragingly, as she softly clapped her hands. Riley however was more interested in the toy ball he had picked up from the floor and was completely ignoring Prachi. Prachi pulled him onto her lap, kissed his head and smiled at him, "Hey, you not listening to me already?". Prachi looked up at Milind who was standing at the doorway,"Payal, get to school okay?". Milind nodded and then joined Prachi and Riley on the floor. "Should he be walking by now?", asked Milind. "Not necessarily, I'm just being impatient.", replied Prachi. They both kept quiet for a minute. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did.", said Milind. "Payal was born nearly three years after we got married.", said Prachi, still a bit hurt. She was willing to make ammends but that was the one accusation that had cut too deeply for her not to say anything about. "I know. I'm really sorry.", said Milind sincerely, "Ali set me striaght about that and a few other things. But it's just that eleven years ago I never thought my life would be like this." "How did you think it would be?", asked Prachi. "Most of the time, I couldn't see beyond the next day. You're right, I am irresponsible.", said Milind cynically. "Maybe back then but when I met you, you were nothing but focused and driven.", said Prachi. "So much so that I married you to further my business?", asked Milind.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I was angry with you.", apologised Prachi, "That's not the complete story.". "So, what's the complete story, Prachi ?", asked Milind. Prachi knew it was time to be completely honest. "I was quite sheltered growing up, so I agreed to an arranged marriage but within a month, we found out the guy was not who he said he was and the wedding got called off. My father was quite disappointed about what happened and obviously there was a lot of talk but I was relieved.", said Prachi. "So, you didn't want to get married?", asked Milind. Prachi took deep breath. "No, I did, just not to Varun but to Neev.", admitted Prachi nervously. "Ayesha's husband?", asked Milind, slowly trying to grasp what Prachi was saying. "We grew up together and there was a time when I thought I was in love with him.", said Prachi. Milind kept quiet, not quite sure how to feel about this. "But Neev never felt that way about me. He met Ayesha and very soon afterwards they got married, eloped actually. And that's how we met. But you knew immediately that I had feelings for Neev, just like I knew you had feelings for Ayesha.", continued Prachi. "I don't anymore.", said Milind quietly. "And I have never thought of Neev as anything but as a friend since we got married.", Prachi reassured him .

Riley wriggled out of Prachi's lap and crawled towards Milind. Milind unthinkingly picked him up and held him close, "So, I'm guessing we didn't hit it off?". "No, we didn't", said Prachi with a wry smile, "Actually, you were very angry with me for not telling Neev how I felt and I was just as mad at you for not telling Ayesha how you felt. It was ridiculous, we held each other accountable for them getting married. But it didn't matter because niether of us thought we will ever meet each other again." Milind looked at her, none of what she was telling him was what he had expected, "But this is where your father came in?". Prachi nodded, "You started to do business with him and so, we did meet again, often." Milind shook his head in slight disbelief, "Business with Inder Shah.". "My father really respected you, Milind.", said Prachi, "So much so, that he proposed you marry me. After what happened with Varun, he was really worried about me and he felt he could trust you with my happiness." . "And I agreed because marrying you gave me the right connections?", asked Milind guiltily. Prachi nodded, "To be fair, you were honest about it with me.". "So, then why did you agree?", asked Milind puzzled. Up till today, Prachi had no definitive answer. "Partly because of my parents, part of it was that you understood about Neev and we were both in a similiar position and we were somewhat friends by then.", said Prachi. "I'm don't know what to say.", said Milind. Prachi laughed slightly, "I don't think we should ever tell Payal and Riley any of this, when they grow up." Milind looked at her uncertainly, "But things changed, we wouldn't have them if they hadn't?", asked Milind frowning. Prachi smiled, "Very quickly, by our first wedding anniversary, we were married in every sense of the word, and by our third anniversary we had Payal. And after a while how we met and got together, really didn't matter anymore.". "Until now.", said Milind. "Until now.", agreed Prachi.

Milind kept quiet. He was speechless at how his life had worked out. Marrying Prachi must have been the biggest risk, he hadn't taken in his life but seemingly one that had paid off. The fact that she was still there, after all the trails and tribulations of the past few weeks was a testament to that. Suddenly Milind felt overwhelmed with how much he had been given and even more guilty for how unappreciative he had been. "Baa, Ba.", said Riley, standing up and holding Milind, while he tapped him on the face. Milind broke out of his thoughts and smiled at him. Prachi smiled, "Anything else you want to know?". "Yeah, why in hell, is he named Riley?", asked a clearly baffled Milind. Prachi laughed, glad for a break in the tension. "Riley Jenson.", replied Prachi. "Who?", asked Milind.

Flashback
More than 4 years ago
Prachi felt like a whale as she waddled through the mall. With two weeks to go to her due date, she knew she should be at home resting, not shopping. Actually, Milind would kill her if he knew she had left the house. But his birthday was the following month and this would be her last chance to get him something before the baby arrived. So, after he had left for work, she had called up a taxi and went to the mall. Prachi winced with pain as she felt a slight twinge in her back. But she decided to ignore it as she spotted the perfect pair of cuff links. By the time, Prachi had paid for her purchase and left the shop, she could no longer ignore the pain. She was almost doubled over as the contraction gripped her. "It's too early.", she thought in panic. She had to get out of there. Since it was quite early, the mall was fairly empty. She was about to phone Milind, when she felt another intense surge of pain. "Mam, are you okay?", asked a concerned voice. Prachi looked up to see a teenager with a backpack, a guide book in hand and headphones on. "I think, I'm in labour.", gasped poor Prachi. "Jeezus, here let me help you.", said the American as he put an arm around her and guided her out the mall. Once, they got into a taxi, Prachi was hit with another contraction. "Oh god, please phone my husband.", said Prachi as she handed him her phone.

"Prachi, what's wrong?", asked Milind anxiously, as soon as he answered the phone. "Dude, I think your wife is in labour. We are on the way to the hospital.", replied Riley. "What? Who is this?', asked a shocked Milind. As the contraction subsidised, Prachi took the phone, "Milind, we nearly at the hospital. Please get there.". "Okay, okay, I'm on my way.", said Milind frantically. Half an hour later, Milind raced into the ward, not noticing the blond backpacker waiting outside. "Prachi, are you okay?", asked Milind anxiously as he held her. "What were you doing in the mall?", he added angrily. "Ahhhhh!", yelled Prachi pushing him away as another contraction hit. "Really, this is not the time for you to be angry with me. Look at what you did to me!", she screamed. "Okay, okay, is there anything I get for you?", asked Milind trying to pacify her, quickly realising a Prachi in labour was not to be messed with. Prachi just glared at him. "Nine months too late.", she snapped. "I'm going to find the doctor.", said Milind edging out of the room a bit nervously. "Doctor, is she going to be okay? She is two weeks early?", asked Milind anxiously. "She is going to be perfectly fine. I have been monitoring her and she may have a long labour but I don't forsee any problems.", said Dr Akram. "So, everything is fine?", asked Milind cautiously. "Yes, she got here on time and that's the most important thing. And for that you have to thank this gentleman here.", said Dr Akram beckoning Riley. "Dude, this is so cool!,", said Riley. "Thank you so much.", said a grateful Milind. "No probs, this is way awesome, you know circle of life and all of that. In India, dude, in India.", said an enthusiastic Riley. "Tell you what, if I have a son, I'll name him after you.", laughed Milind. "Awesome!", said Riley, making the rock on sign. "By the way, what is ..", asked Milind but just then a very loud scream could be heard from the maternity ward. Milind raced back to Prachi.

Milind smiled at Prachi, she scrowled back at him. As he helped her walk through the pain of her last contraction, he said jokingly, "I promised that kid, I'll name our son after him." Prachi stopped dead in her tracks and looked at Milind, "What's his name?", asked Prachi, her voice dangerously calm. "I didn't get a chance to ask, didn't you find out?", asked Milind. "No, I was too busy having labour pains.", she snapped. " I'm sure he knows I was just joking.", said Milind. "Well, you better go and make sure of that.", said Prachi through gritted teeth. "Okay, okay.", said Milind slightly exasperrated, vowing to himself never to get her pregnant again as he left the room. As soon as Milind came out of the room, Riley came up to him, "Dude, I just want to tell you what a great honour it will be for me, if you name your kiddo after me.". "Really?", asked Milind dubiously. "Yeah, imagine a little Indian baby named after me. Awesome just awesome. My dad named me and then he died when I was two. Man, it will be so great, if that names lives on, on the other side of the world.", said Riley with a mixture of sincerity and goofiness. Milind found himself strangely touched, probably because his own father wasn't there when he was about to become a father himself. "So, what is your name?", asked Milind finally. "Riley Jenson.", replied Riley. Milind realised that in all probability Prachi was going to kill him the very day, his child was going to be born. "His name is Riley Jenson and he thinks I'm serious about naming our son after him.", admitted Milind with a ruefull smile. Prachi grabbed him by the front of his shirt and with a menace, Milind didn't think possible of his sweet, lovely wife, threatened him, "Well, you better hope and pray, this is a girl!"

10 Months Ago
"How about Saahil?", asked Prachi as she stared at her beautiful baby boy. Noticing Milind wasn't saying anything, Prachi finally tore her gaze away from her gorgeous son and looked at her husband. He looked strangely uneasy. "Or we could name him after both our fathers.", she said gently. "Well, actually there is someone else we promised to name him after.", said Milind. "No! No Milind, I'm not inflicting that on my child.", said Prachi adamantly. "Prachi, I promised.", said Milind. "I'm never going to forgive you for this.", said Prachi grumpily. Milind just smiled and kissed her.

Chapter 9
"How about a dog?", asked Milind as he stood in the pet shop. He patted the black terrier, he was looking at. "No cats and dogs until she is old enough to look after them on her own.", said Prachi firmly on the other end of the phone. "Goldfish?", asked Milind. "Not exactly warm and fuzzy. Payal will be bored within a day.", said Prachi. "Okay, warm and fuzzy but not a cat or a dog.", said Milind, concentrating as he looked around the store. "Boo, boooo", gurgled Riley in the background. Prachi smiled, "He sounds happy.". "He's talking to the snakes.", replied Milind with a grin, anticipating her reply. "Well, when he decides he wants one for a pet, you have to deal with it.", said Prachi calmly. Milind looked at Riley, who was standing in front of the glass case of sand snakes, wide eyed. "It's great he's not afraid.", replied Milind, surprised to find that he felt a bit proud. "How about a bird?", asked Milind. "No, too noisy.", said Prachi. "Rabbit?", asked Milind. "No, no, no!", laughed Prachi. "What's wrong with a rabbit? It's warm and fuzzy.", said Milind. "Too warm and fuzzy, Payal will never want let it stay in its cage and they are just as much work as a dog.", replied Prachi. "How about another hampster?", asked Milind. "It was a gerbil.", said Prachi. "Well, these are hampsters.", said Milind as he looked at cages of furry brown and white rodents. "Well, maybe a hampster won't be too bad.", said Prachi cautiously. "Okay, so an hampster it is.", said Milind as he picked up a cage and grabbed Riley with his other arm. "Gaaaah!" yelled Riley, as he stretched out his arms and tried to wriggle out of Milind's grip."What's wrong?", asked Prachi. "He doesn't want to leave the snakes.", admitted Milind.

Prachi smiled to herself. Things may not be perfect but ever since their fight and subsequent talk, Milind was making an effort and Prachi could not ask for more. He seemed to have accepted his responsibilities when it came to the children and he cared for them when she went to the office. Things were gradually improving, so much so that it was Milind's suggestation to get Payal another pet. Prachi thought it was too soon after Mr Snuggles but hadn't wanted to throw cold water on Milind's idea and maybe Payal would be glad for another pet afterall. Prachi noticed Alaap at the door of Milind's office. Prachi sighed. The telephone conversation with Milind had been a nice distraction but it was time to return back to less pleasant matters. "The board members arrive in an hour.", Alaap reminded her and left. The vote for the Dubai deal had finally arrived. "I have to go.", said Prachi reclutantly. "Good luck with your meeting.", said Milind. "Thanks", said Prachi, glad that he had remembered, "Bye".

Prachi looked at the computer screen absently. She had resigned herself to voting for the expansion to go ahead. She was far from convinced but Alaap and Rohan Mehra seemed so sure. Inspite of countless hours of going through files, she barely understood and reading through notes he made, she still had no idea on how Milind would have voted. She looked up when she heard a knock on the door. She broke into a smile when she saw Manesh Desai, one of her father's oldest and closest friends. He was a member of the board but she hadn't expected him to attend the vote. "Uncle Manesh, I thought you was still in Singapore.", said Prachi as she kissed him on the cheek. "I returned this morning. How is Milind?", asked Manesh concernedly. "He is fine.", said Prachi. "And his memory?", asked Manesh as he took a seat. "He still doesn't remember the last 11 years but we're hoping that the therapy will eventually help.", said Prachi determined to be optimistic. "It must be difficult.", said Manesh. "It is at times but we are working through it.", said Prachi.

"It's such a pity, that this had to happen, especially now, when this company needs his leadership.", said Manesh. Prachi smiled. After Rohan Mehra's comments about Milind's abilities, it meant a great deal to hear Manesh's high regard for Milind, especially since Manesh was someone she truly respected. "I know. I would feel so much more confident about this vote if I just knew how he would have voted.", said Prachi wearily. Manesh looked at her in surprise. "Milind was not too keen about the idea. Didn't he say so?", asked Manesh. "He mentioned he had reservations but he also said he could see the arguments for it.", said Prachi, frowning. "Prachi, I met him a few days before his accident. Initially, I was also quite keen on Dubai but Milind raised a number of issues that he was looking into. But then his accident happened, so I did some investiagtions of my own and it turned out quite a few of his concerns were very valid." Noticing Prachi's shocked expression, Manesh said, "Prachi, I'm sorry, I thought you knew this. I made Alaap aware of everything I found out." Before Prachi could reply, Alaap walked in with Rohan Mehra. "Uncle Manesh, the meeting is to start in 5 minutes.", said Alaap as he stiffly shook hands with Manesh. Prachi had no choice but to follow them to the meeting without being able to question Manesh further.

"Mr Mishra, early today.", said Mrs Ramdutt coolly as she approached Milind who was waiting outside the school gates. Milind just smiled. He didn't think he impressed Payal strict, severe looking, middle age teacher too much. Instead Mrs Ramdutt was noting that Payal's father was still a very good looking man inspite of the scars left by his recent accident. "Papa!", said Payal running towards him, leaving her friends behind. Milind felt a strange tug when he saw her smile. It struck him that Payal was the only person who he could ever remember who was always happy to see him. Milind smiled at her, "I got a surprise for you.". He opened the car door and showed her the hampster. Milind was surprised to see that she did not rush towards the cage. She just stood back with her head bent down. "What's wrong?", asked Milind bending down, so that he was eye level with her. "It's not Mr Snuggles.", mumbled Payal. "No, it isn't.", said Milind, struggling to determine what was bothering Payal, "Don't you like him?". "Mr Snuggles won't like him. I can't like him if Mr Snuggles don't like him.", said Payal looking at him with brown eyes. Milind was touched by her loyalty to her, in all probability, dead pet. And he felt even more guilty and miserable about allowing her to take him out of his cage in the first place. Milind picked her up. "Sweetheart, you know Mr Snuggles is not coming back, don't you?", asked Milind gently, overwhelmed by his need to make every thing right for this child. Payal just looked down, "Where did he go, Papa?". "Well, maybe he is gone back to his Mama and Papa.", said Milind with a smile. Payal looked interested in this theory. "Does he have a Mama and Papa? And a brother too?", she asked. Milind nodded, "Maybe he was missing them.". "Like I miss you when you go away, Papa?", asked Payal. Milind overcome with the most unexplainable bitter sweet feeling of his life, just nodded. Payal nodded her head with conviction, "Then I'm happy he is with his Mama and Papa.". Milind kissed her forehead and smiled at her.

Rohan Mehra stormed out of the boardroom. Soon the other board members filed out, leaving Alaap and Prachi alone. "Prachi, it was your vote that swung things. Why did you change your mind?", asked a furious Alaap. "Why didn't you tell me about all the problems Milind and Uncle Manesh found out about this deal?", asked an equally angry Prachi. "They were worrying over nothing.", said Alaap dismissivley, "Prachi, in this business you need to take a few risks.". "Is that you talking or Rohan?", asked Prachi angrily. "Well, I hope you're happy! Because of you and your husband, Shah Enterprises just missed out on the most lucarative opportunity, it ever had.", said Alaap, before he stormed out. A tired Prachi returned back to Milind's office to find Manesh waiting for her. "I think after you see this, you will realise you made the right decision.", said Manesh handing her a file. Prachi quickly looked through it. It higlighted in detail various problems with the deal. Problems that Prachi hadn't even been aware of. "Thank you.", said Prachi gratefully. "Don't thank me, I just followed up on Milind's ideas.", said Manesh. Prachi smiled proudly, "He is really good at this, isn't he?". Manesh nodded, "Frankly Prachi, if it hadn't been for Milind keeping Alaap and his friends in check, Shah Enterprises could have been in a lot of trouble after Inder's death. And it couldn't have been easy for him either.", said Manesh. "Why do you say that?", asked Prachi. "Your husband is a proud man, I don't have to tell you that. It couldn't have been easy for him to have to accepted this job knowing he would always have to be in his father-in-law's shadow.", said Manesh. "No but he did for my sake and my families including my brother.", said Prachi remorsefully. Manesh got up and hugged her, "I got to go. I would ask you to give Milind my regards but I doubt that he remembers me.". "No, he doesn't.", said Prachi a bit sadly, "Thank you again."

It was late afternoon when Prachi returned home. She watched them for a few minutes unobserved. They were all out on the lawn. Payal was blowing bubbles and waving around a wand while wearing a tiara and fairy wings. Milind was kicking around a soccer ball, dribbling it to Riley, who was crawling after it. Payal was the first to notice her and ran towards her. "Hello, Mama", said Payal. "Hello fairy princess.", said Prachi hugging her. Milind smiled at her. Prachi trying not to be overwhelmed by her appreciation and pride for the the man she married, quickly smiled back. "Where's the hampster?", asked Prachi once Payal had run off to toss the soccer ball to Riley. "She isn't ready for another pet as yet.", said Milind. "Give it a month or two and she will be.", said Prachi gently. "And the fairy wings?", she asked with a laugh. "We went at the toy store after returning the hampster and that is what she wanted.", replied Milind. "Well, as long as your'll didn't come back with any snakes!", said Prachi as she picked up Riley and hugged him. "No snakes, just the soccer ball.Think we have the next Zindane?", asked Milind with a smile. "Better if he was the next Ronaldo but first he needs to learn to walk.", said Prachi sternly to Riley who just smiled at her. "Wait, you watch soccer?", asked Milind remembering their fight. "Sometimes.It's only fair, I make you watch every Saif Ali Khan movie that comes out.", she admitted.
Milind laughed. "So, how was your meeting?", he asked after a while. "I think we made the right decision.", replied Prachi with a smile.

Chapter 10
"Prachi, I left the kids. Are you ready?", asked Milind from the bottom of the staircase. "Nearly", called back Prachi. Milind resigned himself to the fact that they were going to be late. Milind was browsing through a newspaper when he heard Prachi come down the stairs. "Finally....", said Milind as he folded up the newspaper before he stopped dead in his tracks. She looked amazing. Prachi could feel her heart flutter on seeing Milind's expression. It had been so long since he had looked at her like that. With two children under the age of five, Prachi rarely wore Indian clothing anymore. Seeing her come down the stairs in a sari, Milind felt his heart slam against his chest. Realising he was staring, he quickly replaced his awestruck look with a frown. Noticing the change in his expression, Prachi asked, "Is something wrong?". "Prachi, we're not one of the those people who wear matching coloured clothes are we?", asked Milind, looking dubiously from the dark blue shirt that he was wearing with a black suit to Prachi's cornflower blue sari. "Of course, I always get you a shirt to match any new sari I buy.", said Prachi innocently. Noticing Milind visibly blanch at the idea, Prachi laughed, "I'm joking. This is just a co-incidence but I will change if it makes you that uncomfortable.". "No don't, you look ...", said Milind quickly. Prachi looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to complete his sentence. "You look really nice.", said Milind finally, still slightly amazed that this beautiful woman was actually his wife.

"Ritesh was always all business. Can't believe he's getting married.", said Milind with a smile as he drove to Preeti's house for their engagement party. Since Ritesh was an old college friend of Milind's, he was someone he still remembered quite well. However of Preeti, who was a close friend of Prachi's, he had no recollection.When Ritesh had moved back to Mumbai after spending a few years working in Hong Kong, Prachi had been determined to set him up with Preeti, dragging a reclutant Milind along in her match making scheme. She would set up dinner parties and was constantly inviting both around to the house. Initially both Preeti and Ritesh hadn't shown much interest in each other since they were so different but nearly three years later, Prachi's efforts had paid off and they were set to marry in two months time. "Well, Preeti is very outgoing and bubbly, so they balance each other out.", replied Prachi assuredly. Milind looked at her. "You seem sure about that. Talking from experience?", he asked. "No in my experience, level-headed balances out temperamental.", replied Prachi mischievously. Milind just smiled at her.

"Hey man, how you doing?", asked Ritesh as he shook Milind hand. "Fine, can't believe you are getting married.", replied Milind. "Milind, it's so good to see ...", said Preeti as she went forward to hug Milind but on noticing Milind's confused look, she pulled back and extended her hand, "I'm Preeti by the way. Thank you for coming." Milind shook her hand before Prachi hugged Preeti. "I'll speak to later, okay?', said Preeti to Prachi and Ritesh shook Milind's hand once again before they moved on to greet more guests. "She seems nice.", said Milind taking one last look at Preeti who looked stunning in a pink lenghera. "Really!How interesting.", said Prachi coolly before she walked off to their table. "Why is that interesting?", asked Milind as he took the seat next to her, confused as why Prachi suddenly seemed annoyed with him. "Because that's almost exactly what you said the first time you met her.", said Prachi. "Nothing wrong with that.", said Milind, still mystified by Prachi's mood. "Of course not and she should find you just as nice.", said Prachi a bit icily. Milind broke into a huge grin, finally understanding what was bothering Prachi. "You weren't jealous were you?", asked Milind. "Of course not, why should it bother me that your'll should flirt with each other. It's not as if we were married then.", said Prachi trying to sound as unconcerned as possible. "Find that hard to believe.", said Milind. "What, that I wasn't jealous?", asked Prachi. "No, that I would even look at someone else with you around.", said Milind unthinkingly. Then realising what he had just said, "I mean ...". But on seeing Prachi's smile and realising he had meant it, he stopped and smiled back at her.

Just then there was a tinkling of glass as Preeti tried to get everyone's attention. "I just want to thank a few people here. Firstly my parents, I know, we have had our differences but thank you for your love and support. Next to my wonderful husband to be. You're everything I ever wanted and needed but never knew.", said Preeti sounding a bit choked up. Ritesh kissed her hand and everyone clapped. "And lastly I would like to thank Prachi and Milind, not only for introducing us but for proving that marriages can still work in this day and age. Thank you guys, you are an inspiration.", said Preeti raising her glass. Everyone turned back and looked at Prachi and Milind. Prachi looked at Milind and smiled, her love for him shining through. Milind could barely look back at her. He felt humbled.He didn't know what he had done to deserve her. Milind felt Prachi intertwine her fingers around his. He finally looked back at her and returned her smile. The faint strains of U Me Aur Hum started playing. Still holding her hand Milind lead Prachi onto the dance floor.
I got a feeling incomplete in my heart,
don't wanna go it alone though we can never be apart,
we can never be apart,
u make me feel complete coz you are a piece of my heart
you're the one for me I knew it right from the start
yeh, we can never be apart,
we can never be apart, we can never be apart
Milind could not remember ever dancing with Prachi but holding her in his arms felt familiar. It felt right. Prachi laid her head on his shoulder. This was the closest she had felt to him since his accident.

The song ended, they broke apart and returned to their table. "Prachi ", said Milind heistantly. Prachi looked at him noticing the change in his tone of voice. "Thank you.", said Milind. "For what?", asked Prachi softly. "For everything.", said Milind. Before she could reply, her phone rang, startling both of them. It was Premlata who was caring for Riley and Payal. "Prachi, please come back home.", said Premlata sounding distressed. "Ma, what's wrong?", asked Prachi anxiously. "It's Riley, he is running a high temperature.", replied Premlata. "Did you call the doctor?", asked Prachi while Milind looked on concernedly. "Yes, he is on his way.", said Premlata. "Okay, we are leaving.", said Prachi. "Riley has a high temperature. We got to go.", said Prachi quickly to Milind. Milind and Prachi hastily said their goodbyes and left. "He was crabby the whole day. I should have realised he wasn't feeling well.I shouldn't have left him", said a tearful Prachi in the car. "Prachi, stop it. You can't blame yourself.", said Milind sternly. He hated seeing usually calm and strong Prachi look so upset.

By the time they reached the Shah house, the doctor had already examined Riley. Before Milind and Prachi could even say anything, Dr Iyer reassured them, "He is going to be fine. I've given him an injection to lower his temperature and his fever should break in a few hours. He needs to take this medication and monitor him. If you notice any change, call me immediately." "Are you sure we don't need to take him to the hospital?", asked Prachi worriedly as she wiped Riley's clammy face. "I'm sure, it's nothing more than a ear infection.", said Dr Iyer. Prachi looked far from reassured but said nothing. Milind walked Dr Iyer out the door. He hadn't wanted to say anything in front of Prachi and worry her further but he had been alarmed to see his usually lively son look so listless. "If his fever doesn't break in a few hours, I'm want him admitted to hospital, immediately.", said Milind firmly. "Then we will but it just looks a lot worse than it really is.", said Dr Iyer calmly. "Thank you.", said Milind shaking his hand, "We'll phone you if we notice any change."

A few hours later, Milind entered Prachi's old bedroom, to see her sitting next to Riley, gently stroking his hair. "Prachi, enough, get some sleep. His temperature is coming down.", said Milind firmly. "I can't leave him.', said Prachi. "I'm not asking you to leave him, I asking you to get some sleep.", said Milind calmly. "But we're supposed to keep an eye on him.", said Prachi anxiously. "And I will.", said Milind holding her by her shoulders and gently forcing her to lie down on the bed, before pulling a blanket over her and Riley. Prachi watched as he went and sat on the sofa by the side of the bed. Feeling reassured, Prachi soon went off to sleep. It was early morning when Milind woke her up. "Prachi, I think his temperature broke.", said a relieved Milind. Prachi quickly got up and picked up Riley. His skin felt cool and dry and his breathing was less shallow. Prachi smiled at Milind.

Chapter 11
"Mama, pleaaassee.", said Payal looking at Prachi with pleading, big brown eyes. "Okay! You can wear your pink dress.", said an exasperated Prachi giving in to Payal as she struggled to get a sweater over Riley's head. Riley having fully recovered from his illness was back to being his usual energetic self, not keeping still long enough for Prachi to change him. "Here, I got him.", said Milind, taking Riley from her. "Thanks, I still got to see to Payal and wrap Shaina's gift.", said Prachi. "I'll take care of Payal.", said Milind. Prachi smiled at him gratefully. It was Alaap and Suyesha's daughter's first birthday party. Prachi may have had a huge disagreement with Alaap over the Dubai deal but she was willing to put her aside their differences for one day for the sake of Shaina and Suyesha. Prachi got on surprisingly well with Suyesha. Suyesha may have one or two grandiose ideas about the Shah's place in Mumbai's high society but Prachi recognised for the most part she tried to keep Alaap on the right track.

Just as Prachi suspected, Shaina's first birthday party was anything but a simple children's party. The adult guests far outnumbered the children. However she was very glad to see Ayesha and Neev arrive with Karan shortly after they did. "Milind, I don't know what to say. How are you doing ?", asked Neev. "Fine.", replied Milind a bit aloofly, seizing him up. Milind was conflicted about how to feel about the man who had married his childhood friend and more importantly someone who his wife had admitted to once having feelings for. But then he noticed Prachi looking at Neev in a friendly manner but nothing more and Neev was looking at him with genuine concern. There was a moment of awkward silence, before Milind turned his attention to Ayesha. "You scare the hell out of my kid.", he said suddenly and effectively breaking the ice. "What?!", asked an astonished Ayesha. "You and that soap. Riley starts screaming every time he sees you on screen.", explained Milind. "You think that's bad. Karan runs out of the room everytime he sees her. I afraid to tell him that's his mother in case it scars him for life.", said Neev as Ayesha twisted his ear. As they all laughed, it struck Milind that Neev seemed like quite a good guy."Prachi, Ayesha could you please help me with the caterers.", interrupted a harried Suyesha. Prachi and Ayesha left with Suyesha leaving Neev and Milind with the children. "Milind, I was wondering ....", said Neev. "Aouuw!", yelled Payal, as Karan grabbed a fistful of her locks. "Karan, let go.", said Neev as he forcefully loosened Karan's tight grip on Payal's hair. "Papa, he pulled my hair.", wailed Payal. "I know, sweetheart.", said Milind as he picked her up and rubbed her head. "Karan, stop it.",said Neev sternly as Karan made another lunge towards Payal. Karan just grinned at him impishly. "I'm going to leave him with Ayesha but Milind, I need to speak to you.", said Neev as he left.

Milind was keeping an eye on Riley and Payal, when he saw Alaap approach him with another guest. "Milind, this is Rohan Mehra.", said Alaap stiffly. "So, you really don't remember anything.", said Rohan, looking disbelieving. Milind just looked askance at him . He need not remember Rohan, to sense that he was a jerk. Neev just then returned. "Hey, Alaap, Rohan.", said Neev , "Yeah, Milind, like I was trying to say, I need your advice on a factory, I'm looking to invest in.". "I'm not sure if I can help.", said Milind, frowning. "I know the whole memory thing but you have great instincts about these things. You were spot on about this deal I just did in Thailand.", said Neev sincerely. Rohan laughed derisively, "Sure about that?". Milind turned around and faced Rohan, "Want to say something?". "Yeah, because of your great instincts you just lost all of us a fortune.", said Rohan bitterly. "What are you talking about?", asked Milind furiously. "Oh right, I forgot you don't remember.", scoffed Rohan. "Rohan, I think you're being out of line here.", said Neev. "Man, aren't you lucky. You got Neev here to fight your battles, you ride on your father-in-laws coattails, your wife ...", said Rohan but he didn't get any further as Milind's fist connected with his jaw and he ended up lying sprawled on the floor. "You broke my jaw! You'll pay for this.", said Rohan as he held his face. Milind was about to pick him up and hit him again, when ... "Papa", said Payal. Milind looked at her scared face. He pushed Rohan away and stormed out the house. "What happened here?", asked Prachi as she rushed into the room with Suyesha and Ayesha in tow. "Your bloody husband.", said Rohan. "Oh shut up, you got off lightly.", snapped Neev and briefly filled in Prachi on what had happened.

Not waiting to hear any more, Prachi rushed outside but Milind had already driven off. She rushed back home but Milind wasn't there. She tried phoning him but he wasn't answering his phone. Prachi suddenly realised where he could be. When she reached the chawl, she found the door open and Milind was sitting in the darkness. "Milind, thank god you're here.", said a relieved Prachi. Milind just looked at her. The expression on his face was unreadable. "Milind, please don't take what Rohan said seriously.", pleaded Prachi as she tentatively approached him. "I'm not worried about that idiot.", said Milind. "Then what's wrong ?", asked Prachi. "What if I don't get my memory back?", asked Milind bluntly. Prachi felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Until now, this was one question that niether of them had confronted. "Milind ...", said Prachi. "I keep hearing what a great husband I was, what a great father I was, even today Neev was telling me about a great businessman I was. But what if I never get my memory back and I can never be that person again.", said Milind, his face reflecting the turmoil he was feeling. "Milind, with or without you memory, you're that person.", said Prachi adamantly and she meant it. The last few weeks had been incredibly difficult but they had survived it and Milind had proved that he would care for them no matter what. "I don't know, Prachi. I love you and the kids but I don't think I can be that perfect husband and father.", said Milind worriedly. "You love us?", asked Prachi softly feeling overcome with emotion on hearing Milind say those words after so long. "I do but ...", said Milind slightly agitated. "Then it's enough.", said Prachi firmly. She leaned in closer and kissed him softly. "Prachi, are you sure ?", asked Milind when they eventually broke apart. "I'm sure.", replied Prachi before she took his hand and lead him to the bedroom.

Chapter 12
"Milind ...", said Prachi, getting up. He wasn't next to her and she immediately sensed he wasn't in the house. Prachi quickly gathered her clothes and dressed. She went outside, both their cars were still were they had parked them. It was dark but not too late. There were people milling around, people returning from work, neighbours talking, even children still playing outside but no sign of Milind. Prachi was getting increasingly worried. Just a few hours ago, everything was perfect. Milind had told her once again that he loved her and they both had drifted off to sleep. She stopped people to ask if they had seen him but everyone just shook their heads. Just then she a saw a young man running towards some people, "Call the ambulance!", he yelled. Fear gripped Prachi. She followed a few other people who had ran to the back of the chawl. "Milind!", screamed Prachi on seeing him lying on the ground.

Sukriti held Saket's hand tightly, whilst she exchanged worried looks with Ali. She couldn't believe they were all back in the hospital. Sukriti let go off Saket's hand and walked over to Prachi. A Prachi who was staring blankly into space. "Bhabhi, he is going to be okay.", said Sukriti, putting her arm around her. "Why is this happening?", asked Prachi despairing, she didn't have the strength to fight anymore. Sukriti didn't answer her. They all stood up when they saw Dr Pillai approach them. "Mrs Mishra, we were able to deal with the blood clot, it's what was probably causing the memory loss.", said Dr Pillai. "Is he going to be okay?", asked Sukriti. "He is stable, right now. Unfortunatley, we are not going to know what condition he is going to be in until he wakes up. The surgery had come with high risks. Milind could potentially never regain consciousness or could even lose his memory completely this time. Prachi sank back on her seat. She felt tired and defeated. Was this the price, she was paying for all the happiness that had come her way since she had married Milind.

Prachi didn't hold Milind's hand, she didn't even look at him. She just sat at his bedside with her hands in her face, bracing herself for the worst. If anything, happened to him, she would have to go on. She had two children who needed her but what an empty existence, it would be. The minutes stretched into hours and Prachi could barely keep her eyes open. She could feel herself nodding off when she saw Milind stir. Prachi was suddenly wide awake, waiting and watching with trepidation. Milind struggled to focus as he opened his eyes. His head was pounding. He slowly turned his head and finally saw what he was looking for. His wife. "Hey, you.", he said softly and smiled weakly. And with that smile, Prachi burst into tears. Her Milind had come back to her.

Epilogue - Two weeks after Riley's first birthday
Milind watched as Prachi slept peacefully. He quietly got out of bed. He was still a bit weak after his surgery and there were still certain parts of his memory that were a blank but for the most part, he remembered the last eleven years of his life. He certainly remembered the last few weeks and how his wife had stuck by him. The whole experience had gave him an even greater appreciation for his family. His past may have been difficult but now, he was truly blessed. Payal ran into the room. Putting a finger to his lip and indicating to her still sleeping mother, he carried her to the bed and tucked her in next to Prachi. "I'm going to feed Riley.", he whispered and kissed her on the head. After feeding his son, he returned back to the room, to find Payal and Prachi awake and giggling and talking under the covers. He deposited Riley into Prachi's arms. "What's so funny?", asked Milind. "Girls' secret.", replied Prachi. "Fine, then give me back my son.", said Milind as he took Riley back. Riley invariably started to wriggle, so Milind set him down on the floor. "So, you going to tell Papa the secret?", Milind asked Payal. "No, I can't.", said Payal shaking her head seriously. Milind just then noticed Riley. "Prachi", he said softly, "Look". Prachi was out of the bed in a flash. She stood in Riley's path a few feet away from him and smiled at him encouragingly. Still, not holding onto anything, Riley took another unsteady step. Prachi could barely contain her delight as Riley made his way towards her unassisted before collapsing in her arms. Prachi picked him up and kissed him, before smiling happliy at her husband and daughter.

Can I reserve my own space???? 😛 😳

I Cant wait to read it!! Lol..took me ages to finally getting around to it! LOVE IT!! each and every word! SERIOUSLY!! amazing...😃

Rima
x

Thankooo for starting a FF, I thought the current track in Kayamath might have scared you off 😆 Very glad you've started a sequal to LLEE 😊

Great start, so Inder ji is no more, and Sukriti and Saket have hooked up and married. Payal is very adorable.

Please continue when time permits.

Hey thanks for coming up with a sequel for your FF!
Milind has PA! 😭 ..But im sure you'll make it very interesting and I'm looking forward to a thoroughly enjoyable read!!
Thanks once again!
Please post the next part soon!! Will be waiting!

loved the first part of your ff! milsi and prachi with two kids 😳 😳 great start 👏
i have to read the other ff of yours(life,love and everything, i didn't know about that ff so i guess i will be busy all day tomorrow ) 😆