Hey Guys,
I was recently convinced by someone very special indeed that I didn't do justice to Andaaz, for it had the potential to be so much more. I'd like to thank them for their honesty and for forcing me to re-think it, these parts are dedicated to them. As I have ended it, I do not plan to resume it but I am going to be writting a few companion pieces to go with the fic, which you may read if you so wish.
Page One,
Saathi
Sukoon
Sapne
Sangam
SAATHI
'Prachi tumhare haatoon mein kya hain'' Milind asked uncertainly from the door way. He wasn't totally unaware, but he just wanted to make sure. He had returned that evening with medicines for her upset stomach for she had been feeling sick since they had reached Dubai but instead he found her sitting on the bed, looking rather gravely down at her hands.
Prachi closed her eyes; she wasn't entirely sure how sure felt. She held the stick out to him and he looked at it. It was positive. They were expecting a baby? Their baby? Milind's heart raced and his palms felt incredible sweaty. He felt exactly as he did with Shreya, his happiness knew no bounds but when he looked down at Prachi, she was oddly quite.
For Milind it had been one of the happiest day of his life when he found out they were expecting Shreya but for Prachi, it was not the same. It had been seven years since she had found out she was going to have Krish but the fear, the terror was still very real and very vivid. Her hands shook as Milind took them into his own and he watched slowly as the colour returned to her face. She was nervous and anxious and she didn't know why because Milind was right there with her.
The months after they were married seemed almost like a dream to her. She had Milind and her children and now they had this blessing. She knew she was being irrational but her chest tightened as she recalled the day she had found Neev missing, it had been the same day she had found out she was pregnant. 'Prachi'' Milind shook her gently and bought her out of her trance, 'Kya hua'' he asked in concern. She had not spoken in a long while and seemed to stare into space. He slowly bought her face towards him and as Prachi raised her eyes, he braced himself, 'We're going to have a baby'' He grinned broadly, slowly clamping a hand over his mouth in disbelief.
Prachi attempted to smile but instead tears sprang to her eyes and Milind grew even more concerned. She swayed for a moment and then crashed into Milind, clinging on tightly to his short and pulling him closer to her as though she never intended on letting go. She cried hard against his shoulder and Milind felt panic rise in him. He held her hesitantly, unsure of how to proceed; eventually he deemed it best for her to just let her emotions out. He never let the unimaginably thought enter his head that she didn't want to baby, how could he; he knew how much she loved both Shreya and Krish. Perhaps the pregnancy was making her sensitive.
They sat together, just rocking backwards and forwards gently. Once Prachi felt as though she could look at him again without feeling the urge to cry, she pulled back. Milind cupped her cheek and wiped the residual tears from her face. He kissed her hands softly and Prachi looked down as he laced his fingers through hers. He didn't press her but instead waited for her to speak patiently. 'Milind'' Prachi finally spoke though she hiccuped slightly and Milind immediately sat up straight, listening. He wanted to see the same happiness in her eyes that were in his but he could tell that there was something on her mind and until she told him, he wouldn't be able to help her. 'Aap' main'I can't do it alone again'mujhse nahin hoga phir se akele Milind'' she began to cry again and Milind's forehead creased in worry. Why did she think she would be alone?
He pulled her head towards him and kissed her forehead, 'Hey'ssshhh'' he whispered against it, 'Main yahin hoon Prachi'hamesha'' and he embraced her again, this time realising that she needed the comfort of his presence and he pressed her to him. She was seeking to be as close to him as she could be and Prachi pushed herself against him, burying her head in his chest. 'Khabhie chod ke gaye mujhe Milind'main marr hi jaoungi'' Prachi spoke into his shirt and despite her muffled voice, Milind had heard perfectly. He knew was she was worried, why she was afraid, she had been through it all alone with Krish and he wanted nothing more than to reassure her that it would never happen with them.
'Prachi meri baat suno'' he said quitely, 'Main kahin nahin jaane waala aur tumhe mujhse durr bhi khabhie nahin hone doonga'' Milind hoped his tone was reassuring and as if to emphasis his point, he squeezed her firmly in his hold. 'Prachi'yeh bacha hame alag hone hi nahin dehga'tum itna darr kyun rahi ho?' Prachi shook her head slowly and closed her eyes. Milind continued to sooth her with his words. Eventually she was lulled into a deep sleep and Milind felt her tensed shoulders relax against him.
He attempted to place her across the bed but even in her slumber she held his shirt very tightly and he was forced to lie next to her in his suit. She curled into a ball and Milind smiled. She had been so vulnerable today but he hoped that when she had a chance to think clearly about it, she would be as excited and happy as he was but for the time being he knew he just had to be there for her and wait for that moment.
When Milind awoke in the night to make them more comfortable, he was unable to, her grip was still very strong and when she whimpered as he moved away, Milind's heart hurt a little realising exactly how afraid she was.
Prachi woke up the next day before Millind, she couldn't control the morning sickness and as she ran into the bathroom, she made sure to lock it behind her so that she didn't wake Milind. Her body heaved and after she felt it was over, she washed her mouth and face and silently went back into their room. She curled up in a chair opposite the bed and watched Milind as he slept. She recalled the events of the night before and she frowned, she knew she had been somewhat unfair to Milind but the sense of fear had been overwhelming and all consuming.
She was startled when Milind suddenly sprung up on the bed and called her name. He had missed her body next to his and he awoke with a start. 'Milind'yahan'' She called softly to him and he looked in front of him to find her still sitting. He breathed a sigh of relief and slowly stood up out of the bed. He walked towards her and went to kneel beside her chair, looking up at her. He closed his eyes momentarily as Prachi's hand flittered across his forehead and buried itself inhis hair, smoothing it back.
'Ab kaise lag raha hain'' Milind asked, stroking her arms in a soothing motion. Prachi shook her head that she was fine and smiled slightly, resting her hand on his cheek. Milind leaned forward to press a small kiss on her lips but Prachi held him there, 'I'm sorry'' she said against his and felt him laugh, 'Paagal, maine tum se kahan tha na'ab aur aansoon nahin'' Milind replied and Prachi shook her head again.
Milind smiled at her and then straightened up to go get fresh. Placing a hand on her head, he turned to go into the bathroom when he heard Prachi say, 'Milind'we're having a baby'' in the barest of whispers and he turned himself to face her. She was still sat on the chair but she was beaming up at him. Milind did not waste any time and strode swiftly to her.
He picked her off the chair in one smooth motion and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He kissed her and she laughed, openly and freely. Her delight ran clear in her laughter and Milind reveled in it. He kissed her again and again, whispering repeatedly how much he loved her. Prachi closed her eyes and let Milind transport into another world, where she was able to dream about her family and their new baby.
SUKOON
'Kya baat ho sakti hain Premlata, itni ajeeb tareeke se usne baat ki mujhse'' Inder told his wife as he paced the length of his study. She watched him with mild amusement but didn't speak. He had just spoken to Prachi and Premlata was delighted to find that she and Milind were coming over with the children but Inder seemed to have latched onto the tone in which Prachi spoke to him and he was becoming very worried.
'Inder'' spoke Premlata calmly, 'Usse aane tou dejiye'aap be waaje pareshaan ho rahe hain'' she advised and Inder remained quiet after that. Premlata smiled down at Inder as he placed himself in a chair and asked his wife to bring him some tea.
He didn't understand why he was nervous but Prachi had said in such a solemn way that she wished to speak with both Premlata and himself. Having both Prachi and Krish away from him had been a huge change in their lives at first, he constantly thought of them but when he saw that his grandchild and Prachi were both so very happy, his mind was somewhat at rest.
A few moments later Inder's silence was interrupted as the room to his study was unceremoniously opened by Krish. The boy stood by the door, looking up at Inder with a mischievous grin across his face. Inder opened his arms and Krish ran into them immediately and for a moment Inder completely forgotten that Prachi had come to meet them too. Once he had placed Krish back down, Inder was dragged into the living room.
Milind and Prachi sat on the couch and turned to find Inder watching them. Prachi saw her father wipe a stray tear away from his cheek and she ran to him. He enveloped her in an embrace and then took a step back to look at her, sighing slightly, he asked, 'Kaisi hai meri Prachi?' Prachi replied that she was fine and Inder pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Both Inder and Prachi laughed as Premlata emerged from the kitchen and having witnessed the scene between father and daughter, said to Milind, 'Beta'dekha tumne'jab yeh baap beti milte hain, tou mamma ko kaun yaad karta hain?'
Prachi made an apologetic face at her mother and went to embrace her mother also, 'Kitni pyaari lag rahi hai tu'' Premlata remarked, staring at her daughter for a moment and saw Prachi blush and suppress a smile. Premlata looked towards her quizzically but Prachi went back to sit next to Milind.
Milind slipped his hand into Prachi's squeezed gently, she knew he was telling her that now was the time but they hadn't even spoken to the children yet and she wanted to do that it her own way. Prachi instructed Krish to take Shreya up to his old bedroom and play; the children didn't need much convincing, they sprang up out of their seats and rushed up the stairs.
Milind squeezed again and Prachi asked her mother to sit down as well. Taking a seat next to Inder, Premlata glanced at him anxiously, now she too wondered what the news could be. Prachi smiled nervously at her parents, she knew that the news would make them happy but the first time had been so full of despair and disappointment that she wanted to savour this moment. She wanted to capture every moment after she had told them that she was going to be a mother again. She had already spoken to Milind and she wanted to be the one to tell them.
Prachi opened her mouth to speak but before she could Inder interjected, 'Prachi'Dubai mein kuch hua? Sab kuch theek tou haina?' and from the worry in his voice, Prachi knew that she shouldn't stall any longer, 'Nahin pappa'sab kuch accha hain'actually pappa, mamma'ab sab bauhat hi accha hoga''
Both her parents looked at her expectantly after the enigmatic statement and Prachi took a deep breath before starting, unbeknown to her, tears were beginning to form in her eyes, 'Mamma, Pappa'main maa bane walli hoon'' Prachi said slowly, turning towards Milind and smiled brightly at him. He cupped her face and with the pad of his thumb, wiped the tear that escaped her eyes, shaking his head warningly. She laughed and turned back to her parents who had both stood up in surprise.
'Prachi!' Premlata exclaimed delightedly, bringing her daughter to her bosom and kissing the top of her head, 'Tujhe yeh saari khushiyaan mubaarak ho meri bachi'' Both Prachi and Milind bent down to touch her parent's feet and take their ashirwaad. Inder placed his hand slowly over Prachi's head, wishing her all the happiness and then taking it away, he excused himself to his study.
Prachi was surprised by Inder's reaction and looked at her mother for some sort of explanation but Premlata was much in the dark as she was. Prachi looked at Milind in disappointment and her shoulders slumped in dejection. This was not what she was expecting she had wanted this moment to be perfect, to see pride in her father's eyes but not this.
Premlata made a move to go after Inder but Milind stopped her and instead motioned with his head for Prachi to go. Prachi shook her head and looked down, resisting the urge to cry. Milind took her hand and walked her towards the study. Once outside the door, he knocked and opened it slightly, pushing Prachi inside. Milind did not know why Inder behaved so but he felt as though it was something that only Prachi would be able to understand. Milind's stomach turned seeing the look of sadness on Prachi's face but he also knew how much Inder loved his daughter and he would not have acted thus without a valid reason. Milind waited outside the door for a moment but then made his way back into the living room once he heard the door close with a click.
Prachi's eyes bored into Inder's back but he dared not turn and it was up to Prachi to approach him. He stood facing the window and Prachi thought she heard a gasp escape from her father. She placed a tentative hand on his shoulder and immediately Inder's head drooped down and he let out a sob. Prachi walked around to face him and found her father clutching his hand to his chest and though he tried to hurriedly wipe his tears away, she had seen them nonetheless.
Prachi's own eyes filled to the brim and threatened to spill over; when she pulled away his hand and uncurled it, they did. In his palm lay the security tag from the hospital when Krish was born and Prachi looked down at it curiously. She looked down at the writing, it was somewhat faded but she could make out the words. The tag claimed Krish as Inder Shah's child and Prachi wondered why her father had held on to it.
'Yeh mujhe tumhe bauhat pehle deh dena chahiye tha Prachi'lekin aisa laga ke, tum dono ka thodha sa hisa mere paas reh gaya hain'' Inder said to his daughter. Prachi chocked back more tears as her father spoke and placed her head against his shoulder. 'Prachi'apne pappa ko glata mat samajna beta, bas dil bhar aaya tha'' And Prachi quickly shook her head, instantly forgetting that she was even upset with him.
'Pappa'' Prachi attempted but Inder held up his hand, 'Nahin Prachi'bolne deh aaj mujhe'tujse mein khabhie nahin ke paaya ke mujhe tujpe kitna naaz hain meri bachi'jis tarah se tune apni zindagi sambhali hain'apne bete ko'' Inder gulped, taking a pause to compose himself, 'Krish ko kaise parvarish di'beta, mujhe garv hain ke tum meri beti ho''
'Pappa'please, aapne aur mamma ne bhi'' Prachi said through her tears and again Inder spoke in between, 'Prachi'' he said, folding his hands in a prayer towards her, 'jis haath se maine tumhe maara tha aur jis mou se maine tumse baat karna chod diya tha'aaj unhi se mein tumse maafi maang ta hoon'humne tumse apne bacha ka haq cheena tha Prachi, aur tune bhi hamare liye deh diya'woh pal wapas tou nahin aa sakta lekin beta jou khushi tune aaj sunai haina'usse sun ke lagta hain, ke tu mujhe maaf kar paayi gi''
Prachi was finally allowed to speak, 'Kya main samajti nahin pappa, aur aap ki baat ki maafi maang rahe hain'aaj agar aapki beti ki zindagi mein itni khushiyaan hain, tou aap bhi is ki wajah ho'' Prachi handed him back the tag and closed his fist, 'Mujhse zyaad, hamesha Krish par haq aap ka rahega...agar who mera ek ansh hain, tou aapka bhi dil ka ek hisa haina''
Prachi's hand went absentmindedly to her belly and she stoked it gently, 'Pappa'jou dil mein tha, who in aansoono ke saath beh gaya'' said wiped her father's face carefully, 'Ab iss nayi khushi ka swagaat hume muskuraa ke karna hain'' She ordered and Inder bestowed his brightest upon her.
SAPNE
Prachi pushed open the doors to a relatively large, plainly decorated room. In fact, it was one of the unused guest bedrooms they had and Prachi deemed it perfect for the nursery. The walls were bare and white and the furniture minimal. She asked the man servant to remove the bed and other articles so that it would be completely empty.
It was Sunday and an after much effort, she convinced Milind to let her out of bed and forced him to get ready too. She wasn't that far gone into the pregnancy yet but Milind was still being very protective; he knew she didn't like it when he was at the office and so cut back his hours and started to work more from home. Prachi didn't even attempt to protest, all she ever wanted now was for him to be near her and though at times she felt as though she might stifle him, he never complained.
Milind was there to hold her hair back in the mornings when she felt sick, he was there to lie next to her as she took rest, even though he had work to do and he was there to look after Krish and Shreya, to make sure they ate and were dressed for school when Prachi felt too exhausted even to stand up. Her love for him grew day by day, just like the baby within her and each night, she would close her eyes and say a secret prayer, thanking God for all the happiness He bestowed upon her. She dreamt everyday of her family remaining as happy and with the new arrival that happiness growing. Prachi could finally let herself dream about their future because she knew that Milind would help them come true, nothing could jinx them.
Prachi stood inside the room, looking around and rubbing her expanding belly in concentration. She was trying to imagine what it would look like but her thoughts were disturbed when Milind slipped his arms around her from behind and Shreya ran into the room being chased by Krish. Prachi recalled when the children found out, she wanted to explain to them but she never got the opportunity for she had been feeling quite unwell then. Milind was forced to tell them after Shreya had approached him, teary eyed wondering what was wrong with Prachi.
Milind had retold what had occurred to Prachi and she smiled smally remembering her daughter's concern. 'Pappa...mamma ko kya hua hain...woh theek tou ho jayengi na?' Shreya asked as approached her father in his study. Milind set aside his papers and glanced at her, her lip was wobbling and Milind knew that it was from the onset of tears.
'Hey...kya hua beta...zaroor theek ho jayegi beta...aap inte pareshaan kyun hain?' Milind spoke softly, pulling Shreya towards him and placing her on his lap. 'Aur yeh aansson kaise?' he asked wiping her cheeks. Shreya looked up at her father and Milind saw some sort of fear there, 'Pappa...mujhe darr lag raha hain, meri mamma hame phir se chood ke tou nahin chali jayengi na...' Shreya said as more tears spilled onto her cheeks. Milind's eyes widened, his daughter was terribly frightened and he could no longer keep it from her. He hugged her tightly and kissed her hair, 'Beta...aisi koi baat nahin hain...Prachi bikul theek hain...' Milind told her, 'Lekin pappa...woh itni bimaar kyun rehti hain?' she asked to which Milind replied, 'Shreya, bas kuch hi dino ke liye...jab naayi baby aati hain, tou pehle aisa hi hota hain...'
Milind attempted to explain about morning sickness and the tiredness but he was certainly out of his depth. Shreya was an understanding child however and didn't ask too many questions. She smiled broadly at the mention of another sibling, it seemed that her family was growing and growing and after years spent alone, she couldn't be happier. She jumped off Milind's lap and ran out of the door, undoubtedly to confide in Krish.
It took a while for him to understand what it had meant and his brow knitted in confusion when Shreya had informed him. He went bounded up the stairs in a hurry as Shreya followed quickly behind. Shreya urged him to be quieter as he opened the door to Prachi's room, she was sleeping and Krish tiptoed towards her. Prachi opened her eyes sleepily, sensing someone standing there; when she saw it was Shreya and Krish, she smiled and sat up on the bed. Krish quickly crawled onto the bed and pulled Shreya up with him. They both sat in attention in front of Prachi and she looked down at the suspiciously.
It was then that she noticed Milind standing in the door way with his arms folded across his chest and beckoned him over. Prachi raised her brows at them in question but they all continued to stare at her. Finally it was Krish that spoke first, pointing at her stomach he said, 'Shreya says there's a baby in there...' Milind laughed but Prachi was surprised, when did the children find out? She looked at Shreya for answers and she explained that pappa had told them.
Prachi frowned slightly but she knew Milind would explain afterwards, for he knew how much it had meant to her. After getting her bearings right, Prachi laughed too and cupping Krish's chin, she asked him, 'Aapko paata hain, is ka kya matlab hain?'
Krish pondered her question and then with much difficulty he said, 'That I have to share my toys?' Prachi stifled another laugh and looked seriously towards her son, 'Nahin Krish...iska matlaab, ke kuch hi mahino mein, bikul hamare ghar mein ek baby aayegi...jis ke liye hum naye toys layenge...' Krish smiled at that and enthusiastically shook his head, 'Tou theek hain...'
Milind pulled at Krish shoulders and winking at Prachi, he said, 'Uh uh, ab tou baby sirf Krish ke toys ke saath kehlega...aur kapde bhi Krish ke pehene ga...kyun Prachi?' Krish looked crestfallen but Prachi reprimanded Milind, 'Milind...kyun thang kar rahe hain usse...uska chera tou dekhiye...'
Milind turned Krish's petulant face towards him, 'Naraaz ho gaya Krish?' and when Krish didn't reply, Milind tickled him mercilessly until he succumbed to bouts of laughter and rolled around on the bed.
Shreya took the opportunity to speak to Prachi, 'Mamma...aap theek tou haina?' and when Prachi told her that she was, Shreya looked slightly more relieved. Prachi's heart swelled at the concern and she kissed Shreya's forehead. 'Kya mein baby ko mesoos kar sakti hoon?' She asked but Prachi was hardly showing, nonetheless Prachi placed Shreya's hand on her belly and explained that she wouldn't be able to feel anything yet. As if missing out on something special, Krish stopped his play fight with Milind and stood up on the bed, rushing towards Prachi. He too placed a hand on Prachi's stomach but when he felt nothing, he placed his head on it. Krish bit his lip as if considering what to do next and then said in a tiny whisper, 'Baby...can you hear us?' There was no reply but Krish waited for a while until Prachi pulled both children in a cuddle.
Now Prachi and the family was in the room, holding their paintbrushes ready for the next task. Milind poured the paint out and both Krish and Shreya got stuck in immediately, smearing the wall with yellow. They could have easily paid someone to do it but Prachi had insisted they do it themselves. The children could not reach much higher than a quarter of the walls and Milind knew that he would have to go over the whole wall once they weren't looking. Shreya had already asked permission to draw something on top once the painting was done from Prachi, which Prachi agreed to readily.
After a few hours or so of excitement, the children were tired and fell to the floor in exhaustion. As Prachi and Milind continued to paint, Krish and Shreya curled up the floor and when Prachi looked down at them, they had fallen asleep. Their faces and clothes were smudged with paint and both of them smiled happily in their sleep. She watched them for a long while but then nudged Milind, motioning to the kids and he set down his brush, smiling wistfully. Picking them up one by one, he took them to their rooms.
When he returned Prachi looked about as worn out as the children and she sat down on the floor, spreading her legs out. Milind sat himself opposite her and bought her between his legs, as close to him as possibly, which was becoming increasingly difficult with the baby bump in the way. He placed his arms around her waist and rubbed her lower back, 'Dard ho raha hain?' he asked worriedly but she didn't answer instead she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, just enjoying the relief he was bringing her.
After a few moments of blissful silence, Milind spoke again, 'Prachi...tou kya socha tumne...pappa ka phir se phone aaya tha...woh chahte hain ke tum unke paas raho...'
Prachi opened her eyes in alarm, 'Kyun...mujhse thang aa gaye aap? Maine kahan tha na aap se...mujhe nahin jaana Milind...aap ke bina bikul nahin...' she said quickly, furrowing closer to him and burying her head against his shoulder.
'Prachi...tum jaanti ho main wahan nahin reh sakta...' He razionalised but she would not listen, 'Tou mujhe bhi nahin jaana Milind...' she said firmly though he could already see tears forming in her eyes and Milind had no choice but to accept, 'Naraaz mat ho baba...agar nahin jaana tou pappa se keh doonga...main apni baby ke bina ek pal bhi nahin reh sakta...'
'Aur mere bina?' Prachi asked, looking down, her cheeks puffing slightly. Milind pulled the face up to look at him and kissed the nip of her nose. Paint was spread across her cheek and Milind brushed his thumb against it, wiping some of it off and kissed the other side. He glanced at her lips and he saw her part them under his gaze, he bought them closer to his own and whispered against them 'Tumhari hi tou baat kar raha tha...' Milind laughed and felt Prachi's fist collid against his chest
SANGAM
Prachi shrugged her shoulder leisurely and awoke when she felt a tickle across her collar and neck. Milind kissed a trail across her shoulder and up her neck, his beard scratching her skin in the most pleasant manner. 'Mmm'Milind...' she whispered sleepily, trying to move out of his reach but he pulled her back, 'Good morning,' Milind whispered back in her ear as he nipped at the lobe gently.
'Good morning...' she mumbled, her lips curving into a smile. Milind turned her so she lay on her back and kissed her with such intensity that left her breathless. Milind's fingers pushed over her nightgown and traced her rounded stomach hoping to entice some sort movement from the baby.
'Bas kuch hi haafte Prachi...' Milind observed and she looked towards him as if what he was saying was ludicrous, 'Kuch haafte Milind...aap jaante hain, woh kitne laambe hote hain? Baby se kahiye na jaldi kare...'
'Accha?' asked Milind, lifting an eyebrow and then addressing her stomach; he said 'Suna aapne kya kahan mamma ne...'
'Milind, the baby just kicked...'Prachi told him, laughing. Milind turned on his stomach and put his head on her belly, 'Baby keh rahi hain Prachi...keh woh apni mamma ko kuch aur din pareshaan karna chahti hain...' Prachi ruffled his hair and smiled, then suddenly remembering, said rather sadly, 'Milind...aapko office nahin jaana?' She secretly hoped that he didn't have to but she knew even without asking him to, he had stayed back many times, she didn't want the office work to suffer because of her either.
Milind nodded regretfully and kissed her once more before rolling out of bed and heading towards the wardrobe to get some clothes. Prachi watched his lean body as he padded into the bathroom. She lay on her back a few moments listening to the steady sound of the shower running. Resolving to get up, Prachi swung her legs over the side of the bed, it took her some time but eventually she managed. She quickly wrapped her nightgown around her body and turned, surprised to find Milind leaning against the door frame watching her.
'Kya dekh rahe hain aap?' Prachi asked, suddenly embarrassed that he must have seen her, 'Tum kitni khubsoorat lag rahi ho...' Milind said in a reply smiling at her as he buttoned up his shirt.
Prachi shook her head, smiling sarcastically 'Kyun nahin'' said Prachi looking down at herself and frowning, 'Bas ghar jitni badi ho gayi hoon...'
'Prachi... chahe tum dou gharoon jitni badi kyun na ho jao...mere liye tum hamesha aisi hi khubsoorat rahogi...' Milind said sincerely. He reached forward to hold Prachi's hands and he gently pulled her towards him.
Milind gently held her face in his hands and kissed her softly before letting his hands travel down her arms. He bent his face to kiss her neck slowly, trying to distract her as his fingers fiddled with the tie of her gown, trying to release it. Before he could, however, Prachi became startled and moved away slightly, stopping him. 'Nahin Prachi...just trust me please...' he whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple. She closed her eyes and trembled gently as she held her hands by her sides.
Milind had seen Prachi's moods change considerably these past months, she was often alternating from one extreme to the other and today he needed to show her exactly what he saw. Sometimes she would be proud of the way she was looking, stroking her belly in front of the mirror but there were also times where she wouldn't even let Milind near her that way, or look at her, so insecure she would become.
Milind turned her under his hands so that she stood facing a mirror and he carefully untied her belt and opened her gown. She gasped slightly as Milind's hand went to lie underneath her belly, his hands were cold and goosebumps formed across her skin. 'Milind...' Prachi whispered leaning against him, 'Yeh aap kya kar rahe hain...'
'Apni aankhein kholo Prachi...' Milind said into her hair and reluctantly she opened them. Her eyes met with Milind's in the mirror and colour raised to her cheeks. 'Meri aankhoon se dekho Prachi... tumhari andar hamara bacha pal raha hain...is se zyaad aur koi khubsoorat chees ho sakti hain?' Milind explained.
Milind ran his hands over her belly and down to the her sides, tracing the curve of her hips slowly and then lifting his hands to cup the full roundness of her cheeks, 'In se mujhe paata chalta hain, ke hamara bacha mefoos hain, khush hain...'
Prachi quickly turned and buried herself into Milind, throwing her arms around his neck. Milind felt Prachi's tears against his neck and he pulled back to assess her. Wiping the tears from her face, Milind's lips traced the path her tears took from her eyes to the corner of her mouth. She parted her lips and Milind kissed her fiercely, pressing her to him. Moments later when they pulled away, their breaths were ragged and they stood staring at one another until Milind bent down to pick Prachi up. It was not with the same ease as before but he managed nonetheless and walked with her to the bed. Placing her onto it, he covered her body with his.
Sehar
'Milind!' Prachi whispered urgently from her position by the bed, her breathing was laboured and she closed her eyes at the onset of pain. Milind knew that there was something seriously wrong from the way she hunched over and gripped the headboard. He threw his towel down quickly and rushed towards her. He immediately knelt down beside her, throwing a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"Prachi, Kya hua? Is there something wrong with the baby?" Milind asked, his blood running cold. But Prachi didn't answer; instead she bit her lip and concentrated on trying to breath. Milind's eyes fell to the floor and he saw clear liquid across it. Prachi's waters had broken.
Milind stood frozen for a second just staring at Prachi, the fear shone fiercely in his eyes. He snapped out of his trance when he heard another wail emanate from Prachi and he shook himself, trying to clear his head. Though they had nine months to prepare, he felt as though it was happening too soon, all at once. Taking a deep breath, Milind pushed the thoughts that ran rampant in his mind away.
Picking Prachi up, he proceeded quickly down the stairs as she writhed in pain. 'Milind...' she would mumble continuously and as Milind gazed upon her face, the pain etched on it would break his heart. 'Milind...Bache?' She asked suddenly and as Milind reminded her quickly that Sukriti had taken them out, she closed her eyes in relief.
Milind bundled her into the car and drove to the hospital. Milind cursed himself for not arranging a nurse to be at home; he had gone to all the appointments, made sure everything was fine with both baby and mother this time around but he had forgotten this. He drove speedily but he could sense alarm rise in Prachi and slowed down somewhat but his heart thud painfully in his chest and all he wanted was to get her to a hospital and make sure Prachi and his baby were safe.
Prachi's screams echoed down the hospital corridor as someone wheeled her towards a delivery room. Her contractions were much closer together now and she knew that it wouldn't be much longer. She didn't remember experiencing this kind of pain with Krish but didn't mention anything to Milind. She knew that this whole process would bring back for him, memories he had tried so hard not to bury. She bore the pain silently and bit her lip when it was unbearable.
Milind tried to grip her hand but his palms were sweaty and his hands were shaking. The moment he stepped into the hospital, the memories he had tried not to think about these past nine months came flooding back and he was terrified. He couldn't lose another, not Prachi. Never, he was unwilling to let her go.
As they took Prachi towards the doors, Milind's steps slowed down considerably and he halted, his hand falling out of Prachi's. He looked towards the set of doors in terror and his feet refused to move. His eyes followed Prachi's retreating back and he saw her head slump downwards and her knuckles turn white from the pressure she exerted on the armrest. Milind closed his eyes in despair and willed himself to move, to be with Prachi. Her words came crashing back to him, she couldn't do it alone, and he needed to be there for her. She had shared her fears with him but these nine months he regretted never telling her how scared he was. He concentrated so hard on keeping her assured that he convinced himself that his was too.
Milind swallowed the lump that formed in his throat as he pushed past the doors and strode determinedly towards Prachi. Her eyes glossed over with tears at the sight of him and a sob escaped her as he grabbed her hand and held it tightly, as though he never intended on letting go. She thanked God for giving him the courage to do this, she needed him so badly. The moment she realised he had let go of her hand, she felt numb and though the pain was intensifying, all Prachi thought about was Milind standing behind those doors, praying he would come to her.
Milind closed his mind off to all thoughts but that of staying with Prachi right now and being there for her. She was bringing his baby into the world and she needed him to stay with her. Milind began to brush hair away from her face reassuringly, mopping her brow occasionally as contraction after contraction hit her. As the doctor told her to push several times, Milind saw Prachi losing confidence and she panted heavily, wishing for some sort of relief. She looked pleadingly at Milind, she couldn't do it again. She couldn't find the conviction to push once more.
Milind held her face and wiped the tears that fell in defeat from her eyes, 'Prachi, yahan dekho...I'm right here...' He told her, 'Bas ek bar aur Prachi...'
'I can't Milind...." She sobbed, throwing her head back. The doctor gave her a moment but then looked towards Milind, urging him to make her try again, 'Prachi...You can do this. I know you can... "
Prachi nodded, tears streaming down her face and she sat back up pushing the palms of her hands into his. He kissed her gently on the cheek and forehead and then let his hand travel to her belly and run over it, smiling down at her. She took courage from his actions and Prachi pushed one last time till she felt it was over. A piercing shriek came from the baby and a sigh came from Prachi. She closed her eyes in the aftermath but Milind shook her face, bringing it closer to his and kissing her fervently. 'Don't leave me...' Prachi heard Milind whisper in a frantic tone and she shook her head vehemently, 'Never...' she replied as he held her close. She felt wetness on her cheek and turned to find Milind's eyes brimming again; she kissed him and then pulled apart slowly.
"Is the baby OK?" She meekly asked, her voice barely a whisper. Her question was answered by the baby whose wails rose up again as the nurses tended to it. Milind extended his arms for the baby and after wrapping it tightly in a blanket, the nurse passed the baby to him. 'Bikul tumhare jaise dikhti hain Prachi...she's perfect' Milind said in awe, looking down at his little girl. They had opted not to find out the sex of the baby before hand and he was so glad they hadn't. Nothing could compare to this moment.
Prachi watched as Milind cradled the baby in his arms, his shoulders tense as if afraid of dropping her. She longed to hold the child herself but for the moment she basked in the happiness that radiated off Milind. They had a baby girl and she looked healthy, that's all that Prachi had wanted. After a moment, she held out her arms but Milind shook his head and Prachi laughed. When he did eventually relent, Prachi held the baby close to her, breathing in her scent. She was indeed perfect, a perfect pair of eyes, ears, arms and legs. Perfect nose and mouth and that beautiful curly hair just like Shreya's. Prachi couldn't tear her eyes away.
Once Prachi had been moved into a room, it took some convincing from Milind to get her to rest; she wanted to hold the baby even though it was sleeping. He knew that once Shreya and Krish arrived, Prachi would not be allowed to sleep. And sure enough, they came bringing with them much commotion. Within seconds the room was filled with flowers, balloons and cards as Saket and Sukriti brought the kids and they were soon followed by Prachi's parents. Shreya and Krish went straight to the crib and stood perfectly still, watching the baby sleep peacefully. Prachi called them to her and first hugged Shreya to her chest, after letting her go, she looked upon Krish and for reasons she didn't understand, she began to cry. Krish was slightly alarmed but soon threw his arms about her neck and wiped her tears.
After a few hours, Inder suggested that they all return tomorrow, noticing the exhaustion on his daughter's face. Sukriti took the kids back with her and when she suggested that Milind come too; Prachi looked towards her with such despair that she couldn't help but laugh. Milind stayed, she still needed him; she would never stop doing so but today she had realised that he needed her just as much, she had been to oblivious to it but that would change now.
Once everyone had left, Milind moved the baby's crib closer to the bed and got in beside Prachi from the other side. He placed his chin against the crook of her neck and pulled her closer as Prachi watched over the baby. They had gotten through this day, together and Milind knew that their bond was now unbreakable. 'Thank you...' he said sincerely and Prachi turned around to face him, 'Kya? Milind...yeh baat tou mujhe aapse kehni chahiye...' She ran her hands through his hair and stroked his cheeks lovingly, 'Aapke liye yeh kitni mushkil baat hogi...maine theek se socho bhi nahin...Milind...' Milind placed a finger on her lips to silence her, 'Bas...koi baat tumse badh kar nahin hogi Prachi...khabhie bhi...' Prachi smiled and then asked teasingly, 'Aur bache?'
'Bache tumhara hi tou ek hissa hain Prachi...' Milind answered, kissing the tip of her nose. When Prachi turned back to the baby, she heard a little chuckle from Milind. Pulling the baby out, she placed her in between them, looking up at Milind for approval. He kissed the baby's head and then Prachi's. Soon Prachi could no longer keep her eyes open and with a yawn, she succumbed to sleep. Milind did not give himself the same liberty however; he watched over Prachi and the baby as they slept, fearful anything should happen in the night. But it didn't, both mother and baby were safe and the next morning when Prachi awoke, she looked up to find Milind's eyes staring sleepily down at her. She wasn't surprised but her eyes still glazed over. She reached over the baby and kissed him. Slowly and softly, she told him everything in that kiss, exactly how much he meant to her and how much she loved him. She knew she would always be safe and happy as long as she was with Milind.
😊
Anupamaa
