Part 32 (A)
The rest of the night had seemed like eternity neither had been able to sleep and had lain awake their minds vigil with thoughts of the journey they had chosen to embark on together. Soon Prachi was back home and Preeti had been safely deposited to her father, Milind hadn't felt so relieved in a very long time atleast Bua wasn't going to give him sleepless nights any more. The problem though was of breaking the news to the family, both of them would have to be subtle to their respective parents and here too it had been Ali who had come up with a plan. Early next morning after Milind had departed to the office Ali had come over Mishraji was busy trying to make head and tail of the political scenario of the country reading the morning paper when he saw Ali walk in. "Baba aaj to mithai khilaiye aap mujhey" Baba today you'll have to get me sweetmeats he had said dropping on the sofa beside him "Kyun aisa kiya kaam ker diya tuuney?" Why what have you done to deserve them? Baba had raised his glasses to study him "Vaah baba bahu dhund dii appko or aap hain keh koi khushi hii nahin, jaaiye main baat nahin kerta aap sey." Baba I found you a daughter in law and you'r not pleased at all fine I'm not talking to you he had feigned anger childishly. He could see the word Bahu had made Baba tingle with excitement "Meri bahu" My daughter in law he had asked in disbelief "Mazaq to nahin ker raha merey saath tuu" Are you joking? he was still uncertain of it being the reality. "Sach main Baba Milind ney shaadi ker lii hai lekin darr key maarey aapko bata nahin raha, larki ghareeb haina iss liye" Really Baba Milind had gotten married he didn't tell you because he was afraid since the girl is poor Ali had informed him secretively "Abhi abhi dekh ker aa raha huun main dono ko mandir main, aap kahein to aapko bhi dikha duun". I just saw them in the mandir if you want I'll take you to them As expected of him Baba had jumped up in anticipation calling for Ramu Kaka he instructed him to make arrangements for the evening and hurriedly left with Ali and Preeti. All the way to the mandir Baba kept asking questions about Prachi her name, her family, her likes dislikes and Ali answered as little as possible informing him about Prachi's position in Milind's firm and her interaction with Preeti soon they were at the steps of the temple. Prachi's mention had excited Preeti she kept tugging at Ali's sleeve inquiring about her "Mumma" she'd repeat every few minutes alternating it with pleas for her father "Papa kaan?" she would ask her grandfather pitifully the child had certainly missed them both. She was beginning to understand her bond with them and felt it hard to express the exact amout of unhappiness their absence had caused her.
As they ascended up the stairs they saw Milind and Prachi standing near one of the marble pillars their hands folded they prayed with closed eyes. Both Milind and Prachi were dressed in white the serenity of their companionship etched on their faces Baba couldn't help but notice how peaceful Milind had seemed as if all his troubles had been forgotten. His heart skipped a beat to see Prachi by his side something about her struck him as familiar but he brushed the thought away maybe she resembled someone he knew or had seen somewhere. After the pooja Milind had turned to find Baba watch him gravely. Now it was Milind's part he sprinted upto his father acting to be alarmed at his presence "Baba aap?" Baba you? he questioned the old man breathlessly. "Yeh to acha hua Ali ney mujhey sab kuch bata diya, mujhey to mana kerta rehta tha shaadi nahin kerunga or ab chup chaap ker lii shaadi mujhey hawa tak nahin lagney di" Ali has told me everything, you kept telling me you wouldn't marry and here you've silently tied the knot and didn't even inform me he was angry at his son this was the moment he had awaited since long and Milind had gone ahead and blown it up. "Per Baba" But Baba he tried explaining when Prachi had appeared from behind. "Baba inki ghalati nahin, inhain maaf ker dein" Baba it's not his fault please forgive him she had stated softly Mishraji had turned around to face her, he stood transfixed..... she was everything he had wanted in his daughter in law. She had grace, poise, and exuded a pious radiance off her. How could he stay mad at such an angelic beauty "Kyun larki kab ki tum ney shaadi iss sey? or kaisey ker li?" When did you marry him and how? Mishraji had tried hard to appear upset as he saw Prachi's eyes well with tears. "Baba meri Daadi ki tabiyat buhut kharab hai or unki antim iksha yehi hai keh meri shaadi eik achey ghar main ho jaye, Milind ko Preeti key liye eik achi maa ki zarurat thi or mujhey unki dawai key liye paison kii iss liye hum ney.........." Baba my grandmother is sick her last wish being that I get married in a respectable family, Milind required a mother for his daughter and i needed money for my grandmother's treatment so we... her voice trailed off as she swallowed the lump in her throat. "Lekin agar aap iss shaadi ko nahin maaneingey to main nahin aaungi aapkey ghar" But if you don't accept this marraige I won't come to your house she had reasoned with newfound strength and Prachi had meant every word of it. If indeed Milind's father did not accept her she would not press the issue further and return home.
This whole act had been penned by Ali though both Milind and Prachi were against it initially but there was no other way out and they had given in. She stood rooted her eyes spilling tears as she twisted her fingers in misery this was harder than she had thought, Milind was not happy too he couldn't see either Prachi or his father depressed. Mishraji had smiled reaching forward he had taken Prachi's hands in his own "Mazaq bhi nahin ker sakta kiya main ab apni bahu key saath?" Can't I joke with my daughter in law? he had asked her lovingly and Prachi had broken down sobbing meekly as she bent to touch his feet he had pulled her close to him kissing her forehead with love "Betiyan pair nahin chuuteen or ab chal tera ghar kab sey teri raah dekh raha hai." Daughters don't touch feet now come on your house has awaited you long enough Milind had exhaled deeply and Ali had wiped his brow in relief vowing never to act cupid to anyone else in life. He had had a tough time trying to pacify Preeti who had wanted to be held by her father but any distractions would've marred the effect of the drama at hand and he couldn't afford that any cost."Papa" Preeti had wailed uncontrollably tears flowing from her eyes as she cried in desparation and Milind had gathered her in his strong arms. "Sorry jaanu I'm so sorry" he had whispered as he stroked her hair kissing her with love, he hated himself for causing so much pain to his daughter, Preeti sobbed against him her tiny heart bursting with happiness feeling his tender touch. Sighing he cast a sad look at his whereabouts what was he doing fooling his own father, lying to himself that all would be alright......... what an idiot he was to listen to Ali but what had been done could not be undone. "Chal ab mujhey bahu key ghar ley chal iskey mata pita sey bhi to baat kerni pareygi.....unko bataya keh nahin ab tak?" Now take me to her place we'll have to talk to her parents also... do they know about this yet? Baba had inquired and all three had hung their heads in remorse Premlata didn't even have a clue of all this. Prachi's tears ran freely down her cheeks she knew how much her mother had looked forward to this day but none of this was real she'd have to lie to her too, shame and agony inflicted her soul deeply. Baba had comforted her as she wept silently "Arey main huun na beta main baat ker luunga ab chal ley chal mujhey apney ghar." I'll talk to your parents don't worry now come on take me to them. The truth was Baba had wanted to meet Prachi's parents first hand though touched as he was by Prachi's persona he wanted to free his mind of the plaguing thoughts about her family. Ali's words that she was poor rang in his ears. Her financial status did not matter to him but her family background did and he wanted to know all about her before she entered his house as his daughter in law.
Part (B)
Premlata sat on the sofa in the lounge her head bowed low her stomach churned at the fortuitous turn of events; her daughter had gotten married and she was the last one to know, her own mother. She had not expected this of Prachi, her eldest child, her pride, her hope; how could see take such a major decision on her own. It was not that Prachi had married without her consent or that she had gotten married to Milind that had shocked her it was the fact that she had felt the need to hide her thoughts from her which hurt her deeply. She had always considered Milind as a son and she knew he would prove to be a perfect husband for her daughter she would never have objected to the match.... had she known. "Dekhiye behenji jo hona tha woh to ho gaya ab humain in bachon key faisley ko maan lena chahiye, shayad kismet ko yehi manzur tha" Listen sister whatever had to happen has happened maybe it was destined this way we should accept our children's wishes now.Baba had advised Premlata who still seemed in shock. Casting a long and despondent look at Prachi Premlata had turned to Baba "Jaisa aap theek samjhein, ab yeh aapki amanat hai" Whatever you wish she is your responsibility now saying so she had left for the kitchen bringing sweets for Ali, Milind and Baba who had reluctantly nibbled at them. Preeti had found solace in her father's lap who fed her bits of sweetmeat from his own portion. Milind had stolen a glance at Prachi who stood paralysed in a corner her red veined eyes told her tale of woes Soon he had promised her in his mind's vision Soon you'll have all the happiness in the world right at your feet. It was decided that a reception party would be arranged for the newly wedded couple where Milind could introduce his wife to the world, but before that Prachi would go home with Milind to prepare for the evening's festivities.
Baba had heard of Inder Shah and was quite happy to know that his daughter in law hailed from a respectable family he was touched by the aftermath of Inder's death and had promised Premlata to treat Prachi as his own daughter. Ali had left with a satisfied Baba there was a lot to do for the evening's party and he intended to leave no stone unturned for the celebration, Baba had decided to accompany him he had to break this wonderful piece of news to his sister , the auspicious day they had been waiting for was finally here. Preeti and Milind sat in the lounge while Prachi quietly packed her bags she had not expected it to go this way she knew her mother had been hurt and it broke her to think that all this wasn't even true what would she tell her when she returned after four months. That it was all a farce, a hoax she knew too if she told Premlata it was for Dadi's medical treatment she'd never let her proceed with the plan and it would all go to waste, she had to keep her silence. She only hoped all this heartache would serve her purpose in the days to come, wiping away her tears she stuffed her clothes in her suitcase hurriedly.
As Prachi packed her things Premlata had handed Milind an expensive Swiss watch Inder had given her to safekeep a long time back. "Yeh" This he looked at her in confusion "Prachi key Papa ney liya tha tumharey liye" Prachi's father had bought it for you she had clarified "Merey liye?" For me? he echoed in disbelief. "Jaantey ho beta main tumhain ussi din pehchaan gayi thi jis din pehli baar tum humarey ghar aaye they, keh tum Milind ho, Milind Mishra. Woh Milind jiski merey pati ney madad kii thi, jiski kaamyaabi ki aarzoo Inder ney kii thi or jiski khushiyon key liye mainey din raat prathna ki hai." I recognised you the day you stepped in our house the first time, that you'r Milind , Milind Mishra. Someone my husband had helped and hoped that he would triumph and someone who's happiness I've always prayed for. Milind had stood up in alarm she had known who he was all this while, then why did she not inform him earlier. "Aap yeh sab kaisey jaanti hain?" How do you know all this? he had inquired perturbed Premlata realized the news wasn't a very joyous one afterall he hadn't even let her know about him being her daughter's boss in the first place. He had gone to great lengths to conceal his identity and to realize that she knew of it all along was upsetting. She made him sit back on the sofa near her informing him that she had suspected Inder of being involved in suspicious activities during Milind's stay in the prison, Inder would fix secret meetings, make late night calls to lawyers and pore over his case details in the wee hours of the night. Initially she had considered it some business ordeal that had gotten into Inder's system and had him worked up. But one night Inder had fallen asleep reading his case proceeding the papers had been left unattended Premlata had found him missing from her side and had gone to check on him. She had found him and the papers in his study and having read through them had been enlightened on the entire issue she had not only felt immense joy but also incalculable pain. On the one hand she was overjoyed to see Inder fight tooth and nail to save this young man who she firmly believed had been wrongly accused on the other hand it saddened her to think that Inder had not found it necessary to confide in her.
A newspaper clipping of Milind being walked to the courthouse on his earlier trial had been cut and kept safe by Inder, Premlata had studied his face with interest the depths of his soulful eyes were filled with pain and sorrow and her lips had moved in a prayer for him at that moment. She had not mentioned her discovery to Inder or to anyone else but the night Milind had stepped in her house she had been flooded with memories. She waited for him to give her a clue of his relatonship with Inder but he never had and she had considered it best to let it be that way. Things were different now he was her son in law and it was obligatory for her to fill him in with the little details that she knew. Milind had listened to her explanation with patience her respect increasing in his eyes with each new revelation he understood now why he had been compelled to touch her feet the first time he had met her. Why it felt as if he had known her all her life because unknowingly they both had known each other it was an unnamed bond though it had a name today, he wanted more than that.
Stepping down from the sofa he sat cross legged in front of her "Agar aaj main aap sey kuch mangun.... dengi aap mujhey?" If I ask you for something tonight will you give it to me? he had asked hesitantly, Premlata had run her hand through his hair smiling "Kiya chahiye tumhain?" What do you desire? she had inquired gazing at him fondly "Aap ko maa kehney ka haq chahiye mujhey" I want the right to adress you as mother he clasped her hand in his own kissing it with veneration. "Vaada kijiye keh chahey zindagi main kuch ho jaaye aap yeh haq mujh sey nahin cheenaingi. Meri maa to Sukriti key janam key baad hii chal bassi, hamesha uskey pyar ko tarsta raha sochta tha kismet ney ussey mujh sey buhut jaldi cheen liya lekin aaj main chahta huun keh aap mujhey apna beta bana lein or is rishtey ko nibhaney ka haq dein." Promise me that no matter what happens in life you'll always consider me your son. My mother died after my sister Sukriti's birt. I always pined for her love I thought it was cruel of fate to take her away from me so soon. But I want you to accept me as your son today and give me the right to act as one. Milind had never felt so weak in his entire life he desperately wanted to set things right most of all he wanted to know how it felt to have a mother, it had been a long time since his own mother had died from cancer.
Sukriti had been a year old and he himself was barely five not old enough to understand the irrepairable loss her death would cause him to suffer. "Beta to main ney tumhain ussi din maan liya tha jis din pehli baar tumhari tasveer dekhi thi" I'd considered you a son the day I saw your picture she had patted his cheek affectionately. "Aapka dil dukhaya haina mainey or Prachi ney kaash keh koi aur tareeqa hota..." Prachi and I have hurt you I wish there had been some other way his voice had trailed off his eyes downcast with shame. Premlata had gently held his face in her hands and turned it up to make him look at her "Jaantey ho Milind agar iss shaadi sey sab sey zyaada khush koi hai to woh main huun. Aaj agar Inder zinda hotey tumhain apna damad paa ker unka sar garv sey uth jaata unhain tum per buhut yaqeen tha or mujhey Inder key yaqeen per yaqeen hai. Tum sey acha jeevan saathi Prachi key liye ho hii nahin sakta." If anyone is the happiest out of this wedlock it has to be me. If Inder would've been alive today he'd have been proud to have you as his son in law. He had faith in you and I have faith in his faith. There couldn't be a better husband for Prachi than you. Bending down she had kissed his forehead a tear breaking from her eye vanishing in his thick curls. Standing in the doorway to her room Prachi had watched on with amazement the bond Milind had formed with her mother seemed extremely strong and she hoped it would weather the storms that fast churned beneath the seemingly calm exterior of their relationship at the moment.
Edited by blind horizon - 17 years ago
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
