Kuch Iss Tarah (from start to finish)

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

This is a dedication to Michi and to all those fans who waited patiently to read it update by update scattered in the three threads. So to make reading easier I've compiled it all in one thread, I hope now the ppl who had been asking me to do it since long will be contented. 😊

Index

Page 1 Parts 1 - 9

Page 2 Parts 10 - 17

Page 3 Parts 18 - 25

Page 4 Parts 26 - 33

Page 5 Parts 34 - 41

Page 6 Parts 42 - 48

Page 7 Parts 49 - 56

Page 8 Parts 57 - 64

Page 9 Parts 65 - 71

Page 10 Parts 72 - Epilogue.

Kuch Iss Tarah.

Part 1

"Prachi" her mother had called her from behind she turned around to see her carrying a small bowl in her hand. Coming closer she dipped a spoon in the mixture and held it out to her "Dahi cheeni hai kehtey hain kisi bhi shubh kaam key liye jaaney sey pehley agar dahi cheeni kha lein to kaam achey sey ho jaata hai" Prachi smiled and opened her mouth tasting the sweet contents. "Acha maa main chalun warna interview key liye late ho jaungi" she checked her file again and briskly ascended the stairs.

The air was warm and promised a sweltering hot day ahead she mentally calculated the time it would take her to reach the office. Standing at the bus stand waiting in queue for the vehicle she was aware of many eyes assessing her, yet she maintained her cool. A black Mercedes with tinted glasses drove by and the people around her silently wished they had owned it. She was instantly reminded of the many cars parked in their garage at one time. How she wished her father were alive she did not mind being thrown in a chawl or being reduced to a common girl after his death but it was the rude awakening of their current financial dilemma that had made her a changed person altogether. Se had never shunned her responsibilities neither did she now, she knew her family depended on her and all her hopes were pinned on this interview. The blaring honks of the bus caused her to snap out of her reverie and she boarded it with a dozen other people.

"Hum ko idhar naukri nayi kerney ka hai nayi kerney ka hai nayi kerney ka hai" he could hear the governess screaming in anger. "Oh God what now" he had thought sprinting down the stairs to the hall. "Saab hum aap ko aakhri baar bolta hai hum idhar naukri nayi kareyga. Eik to yeh bachha hum ko saara din tang kerta hai uper sey tumhara baap isko bigarta hai. Hum bolta hai khana khao to woh uss sey khelta hai. Hum tang aa gaya hai tumharey baap sey hum jaa raha hai abhi isi waqt." Milind had cast one knowing look at his father who was busy playing with his year old daughter. "Baba aap bhi na kyun nahin kerney detey usey uss ka kaam ab kon sanbhaleyga Preeti ko?" he had asked in frustration. "Isi liye to kehta huun tuu shaadi ker ley." Mr Mishra had smiled "Bahu aa jayegi to khud hii sanbhal leygi issey bhi or iss ghar ko bhi."

That was the last straw Milind knew his father wanted him to marry but he just couldn't get himself to marry any woman. Besides he was afraid she may not love his daughter as her own mother would and had thought best to drop the idea. But his father was adamant on the issue and left no stone unturned to harrass every governess he managed to appoint for Preeti. "Main office jaa raha huun or issey bhi saath ley jaa raha huun." He had quickly assembled her bag a clean change of dress, her formula milk, a few toys and diapers. He would take care of her today while he hunted for yet another governess. Sighing he strapped her in the baby seat in his car and drove off to the office.

Part 2

The ride to the office was a hectic one she had been pushed and shoved mercilessly and she feared her clothes would be spoilt by the big can of edible oil a woman standing next to her carried. The bus had been packed with people and she just wished the ride would end soon hurrying out of it on her stop she checked her watch. She was running late she hoped she made it in time breaking in a trot she reached the office breathless. She was about to swing the glass door when someone crashed into her. Dazed by this sudden encounter she fell flat on the ground her file flew from her hands and landed at someone's feet. She composed herself to find a dark stranger looking down at her she realized they had collided in an attempt to reach the door in a hurry. He was a tall handsome man with rugged features and thick black curls, his burnished skin contrasted with the white of his shirt. He wore a black business suit and was sporting matching sunshades.

What seemed out of place was a sweet little child he held in his left arm, she obviously found the scene to her liking and clapped in amusement. Prachi smiled despite her discomfort, the stranger held out his right palm for her and she gratefully took it. Once on her feet she dusted her clothes and picked up her file, only there were two files one over the other. "Chot to nahin lagi ?" Are you hurt? he had inquired in his sombre voice. Shaking her head in the negative she handed him the other file and patted the child's cheek as she smiled at her."Buhut pyaari bachi hai" She's a very sweet child she had said before she left them both and took the elevator to the tenth floor.

Milind had driven the car slow because of Preeti's presence and had subsequently run late for an important meeting. He took the elevator on the other side of the lobby to the tenth floor, once there he handed Preeti over to Madhu a middle aged accountant at his firm. She had children of her own and it wasn't the first time she would be babysitting Preeti for him. The kind lady seemed always to be at hand when he needed her, once behind his desk he opened the file to give last minute touches to his presentation. His new hotel in Delhi was gearing up for a grand opening and today's meeting was all about getting it right. Milind Mishra was known for perfection and he wasn't gonna let people down. As he flipped open the file he was surprised to see a feminine face smile back at him on reading the document he realized it was the curriculum vitae of the girl he had bumped in at the doorway. He quickly sifted through her documents, they had interviews lined up for his new Assistant.

His last assistant had been a young and ambitious chap who had quickly risen from an assistant to a General Supervisor on the floor. Her documents seemed in order he thought he'd return the file to her when he heard a knock on his door. It was his Manager informing him about the arrival of the other members for the meeting. He handed the file to the manager directing him to give it to the concerned applicant waiting to be interviewed and entered the boardroom. His file would have to wait not that he needed it anyways. He was a skilled businessman gifted with extraordinary excellence in the field, he had everything memorized right down to the last digit in the hotel's lavish inauguration budget.

She had rushed to the waiting lounge and had heaved a huge sigh of relief to know that her name had yet to be called for the interview. Taking her seat on the comfortable leather couch she opened her file to check her documents to her horror the documents inside the file seemed to be about some hotel inauguration. "My file" she gasped in panic she remembered bumping into the dark stranger at the doorway certainly their files had been switched. She realized it was worthless sitting there while she had no documents to present at the interview, she had to find him ... but how she didn't even know his name how could she find him in such a big building he could be anywhere. Tears stung her eyes as she tried to focus on the situation how was she going to give her interview. Just then she heard her name being called out "Prachi Shah you may now proceed for your interview."

Edited by blind horizon - 16 years ago

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soul76

@soul76

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Posted: 16 years ago

Part 3

Prachi quickly wiped her tears and entered the office, three distinguished gentlemen clad in business suits sat behind a solid block of oak .She walked upto the easy chairs placed around the table but refrained from sitting down. "Take a seat Ms.Shah" one of them said extending his hand to retrieve her file from her. She looked up to see three very inquisitive sets of eyes studying her. She cleared her throat and proceeded to inform them about her situation explaining to them about the mishap that befell her while entering the premises and the switch of files. "Ms Shah you seem to appear a very respectable girl we certainly don't expect such stories from you.If you had misplaced your file there was no need to waste our time." Saying so the older gentleman of the three asked her to leave. "But it wasn't my fault " she had tried clarifying yet the gentleman had calmly raised his hand silently indicating her exit from the office.The other two looked on as she exited defeatedly.

Prachi couldn't believe this was happening she had all her hopes pinned on this interview she needed the job desperately. She had promised Soumya she'd send her exam fees soon. Her younger sister Soumya studied at Pune, Soumya had been compelled to shift to a hostel there due to a scholarship she had been awarded for her excellent academic performance. The scholarship funded her education and living expenses but it did not cover the yearly exam fee which was considered minimal by the college. Fresh tears now flowed freely down her cheeks as she sat huddled on the leather couch in the waiting lounge.Had her father been alive things wouldn't have gone from bad to worse he would've thought of something. Her head swum as she thought of the bills waiting to be paid, the chawl house was on rent and very soon the owner would turn up demanding the rent money.

She cursed the day her father died everything had turned to dust the day his body had burned on the pyre. Her father had been her strength, her reason to live she felt as if she had lost everything after his death. She breathed yes but live she did not. She treaded the thick carpeted hallway of the tenth floor and proceeded down it lost in her thoughts still hugging the file. She thought of her mother how hopeful she had been when Prachi had informed her of the job opening in Mishra Group of Hotels. The pay was good and so were the working hours everything seemed too good to be true, what would she tell her mother... that she lost her file at the last moment. Suddenly her feet stopped moving she felt a slight pull at her salwar looking down she found the cute child from the doorway encounter looking up at her.

The child was adorable and was probably unattended as she crawled on all fours on the pale green carpet in the corridor. Stooping down Prachi picked her up in her arms, she swept the shock of curls away from her forehead and looked at her soft features. Her skin was a shade of the purest honey which blended perfectly with her charcoal black eyes. Her lips were carved just like her father's she had a small button nose and fluffed cheeks in short she resembled her father to a shocking extent.Right now she was hungry and had slipped away from Madhu's cabin in search of her bottle.Preeti looked at Prachi intently she noticed Prachi's tears on her cheeks and suddenly Prachi felt Preeti's lips brush against her cheek. Prachi tightened her grip around the child and kissed her forehead with love.

Milind glanced around the boardroom in boredom how did he ever manage to put together such a mad group of people to assist him, the boardroom echoed with a dozen voices all of them high pitched. A heated debate ensued between his financers and finacial advisers, his financers insisted on having a quick inauguration as they wanted to retrieve their profits from their share in the hotel as soon as possible. The holiday season was looming ahead and they wanted the hotel to be inaugurated before summer so it would start operating soon. Milind and his advisors opposed the idea he knew that a quick inauguration would not lead to profits rather his reputation as a perfectionist would be marred.There were a lot of changes he required to be made and a few extensions in the left wing of the hotel which he knew would only enhace the flair and ambience.

The hotel was meant to be the best and for the best and that required a fine understanding of class and extravagance which would allure all the rich and famous in the city.Milind knew that if he played his cards well his inauguration would be grand and would be the most talked of event in the city, a grand opening was likely to draw a remarkable initial response. His marketing department had been hard at work promoting his already established and flawless reputation to the hilt, the scene looked promising and Milind did not want a bunch of money diggers to ruin it for him. He peered outside the tinted glass walls in an attempt to locate his daughter Madhu's cabin was located right in front of the boardroom and he had a clear view of it from where he sat yet he could not find Preeti.

Standing up he walked to the glass pane when he saw a girl walking up the corridor with Preeti in her arms. They were probably engrossed in deep conversation as his daughter kept nodding her head to everything the girl whispered to her. A clear view of them instantly reminded him of the clash at the entrance to his office earlier that afternoon she was the same girl he had accidently bumped into. She was a beautiful maiden with long flowing hair that framed her face perfectly. Her hazel eyes were kohl rimmed and fringed with long curling eyelashes. Suddenly she laughed at some gesture by his daughter and he saw her soft pink lips reveal a bright set of twinkling white teeth. Her nose was small and her skin a soft milky shade with an untarnished flawlessness. She was dressed simply yet elegantly in a white salwar kamiz. She hugged Preeti close to her as one would hug a prized posession he saw her talk to Madhu and smile as Madhu escorted them to her cabin the door was ajar and Milind had a clear view of them.

Once seated on the comfortable leather couch in her office he saw her give Preeti her bottle while she talked with Madhu, the latter being extremely busy soon quietened and returned to her seat behind her desk while the girl rested her head against the head rest of the couch with Preeti hungrily drinking the contents of her bottle with ease in her lap. Milind had watched all this with profound interest he was quick to notice his daughter's increased comfortable interaction with the girl, Preeti was a hard nut to crack. The constant change in nannies had left her somewhat stubborn she hardly went up to strangers and was never comfortable around new faces the reason it was a hard job for him to hunt nannies for her. Her immediate dislike to the women left them exasperated and his father added coal to the fire by spoiling her completely. Yet here she lay in the girl's lap relaxed and serene and the next time he checked on them both of them were fast asleep with Preeti bundled in the girl's arms.

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 4

The meeting had finally been called to an end Milind rubbed his temples wearily as he closed his eyes and laid his head on the cool glass top of the black mahogany table. What a day first the nanny then this meeting he had finally been able to convince his financers that the inauguration would be held at a later date. His head throbbed from fatigue and desire for a smoke, he still hadn't even had lunch. He checked his watch which confirmed the time as six thirty it was past office hours all his employees would have left by now, he was instantly reminded of Preeti. Picking up his coat from the chair he sauntered to Madhu's cabin.

Madhu's desk was a mess piled high with data, statistics and current cash transactions as usual she was the last one to wrap up her work she greeted him with a warm smile as he stepped inside. She explained that the girl was Prachi Shah and had come to inquire about him she wanted to return him his file and was looking for hers. Madhu then gently shook Prachi's shoulder to awaken her, she awoke with a start not registering her whereabouts as familiar but Madhu gently reminded her that she was at Mishra Towers and that Mr Mishra was over with his meeting. Prachi then noticed the stranger studying her intently she carefully picked up Preeti from her lap and handed her over to him. It seemed he had had a tiring day his eyes were bleary and his appearance was greatly altered his coat hung loosely on his arm his shirt sleeves had been folded half way up his arms and the top three buttons of his shirt were left open revealing his bare chest. His hair was messed up and covered his forehead.

"I'm sorry woh aankh lag gayi thi meri." I'm sorry I dozed off Prachi had apologized she was surprised at herself she normally didn't doze off in unfamiliar territory yet here she seemed to have slept soundly. "It's ok " he had replied retrieving his file from her, Preeti's head now lay resting on his shoulder while her arms circled his neck. "Tang to nahin kiya iss ney?" Did she worry you now he had inquired as they walked towards the elevator "Nahin" No she smiled "Meri file ?" My file? she had asked as they stepped in the elevator. "Mili nahin kiya bhijwaiyi to thi mainey!" Didn't you get it I had sent it pulling out his cellphone he called up his manager it seemed that the guy had been busy somewhere and had subsequently forgotten to deliver the file to her.

They reached the parking lot and waited patiently as the manager returned in a few minutes along with the file "Sorry Sir woh Mehra Sahab aa gaye they or phir der ho gayi . I'm sorry " Sorry Sir Mr Mehra was here and I got late. I'm Sorry this time he had apologized to Prachi. "Koi baat nahin" No problem Prachi had managed with difficulty it was hard thinking about the answer she'd have to give to her mother. Seeing her lost in her own world Milind proceeded to strap Preeti in her seat in the car." I can drop you if you want." he had offered afterall she had taken care of Preeti the whole evening it was the least he could do." No thanks main chali jaungi" No thanks I'll manage she had replied and walked out of the parking lot, once at the stop she waited for her bus in patience the evening traffic was thick and the buses were crowded. When the fourth bus sped past her she became irritated and decided to walk all the way home. She had not had anything since morning and felt dizzy with fatigue.

Walking down the road she was assailed with memories of her father she didn't recall ever having to go without food or walking on the roads in such deplorable conditions. Her life had been one of a fairytale and now it seemed very much real but she had to put up a brave front for her mother and Daadi. She thought of how quickly they had lost everything her brother Alaap had turned out to be the black sheep in the family. His money swindling had left them in piles of debt his father had been unable to keep up with his ever increasing demands, Shah Industries was a sunken ship and financers shirked away from it.

Ultimately Alaap had led them to their ruin Inder unable to keep with the mounting financial burden had died of heart seizure on a stormy night, the very next day his company's shares had plunged into nothingness Shah Industries was bankrupt they had not known it but Inder had and it was this increased mental pressure that had caused his heart to stop beating. Alaap had fled to Simla with his rich and boisterous girlfriend Suyesha and now lived off her. Soumya had succeeded in attaining a scholarship and had left for Pune. Bobby had taken up tuitions which he conducted in the evenings his tuition money was used to pay rent and electricity bills. She herself had been working as an assistant to an interior designer who had wrapped up her business recently opting for greener pastures in Canada.

She walked blindly on the road and did not notice a car approaching her, snapping out of her thoughts she heard tyres screeching and felt the car fender hit her on her knees. She winced in pain trying to shield her eyes from the glaring lights of the car. "Arey dikhta nahin hai kiya? Abhi agar main brake nahin lagata to pari hoti kisi hospital main." Can't you see? If I hadn't stepped on the brakes you'd be lying in some hospital she heard a male voice lash out at her in anger. She collapsed on the road clutching her knees in obvious pain when she saw a palm extended out to her taking it thankfully she managed to stand on her feet she looked up to see the same charcoal eyes peer at her in concern.

"Kiya ker rahi thi beech road per ?" What were you doing in the middle of the road? he asked crossly. Not being able to bear the searing pain that coursed through her legs she felt her vision blur as tears spilled on her cheeks, she picked up her file and smoothed her shirt. Milind saw her tears in the dazzling light cast by the car headlights he understood she was hurt and softened his tone "Ab betho gari main" Now get in the car he had ordered and she silently obeyed seating herself in his sleek black Kompresser. She could not believe her fate she had twice been caused to fall that too by the same man. She watched him drive in silence his eyes focused on the road ahead. Preeti was now awake and gurgled in happiness as she saw Prachi, she turned around in her baby seat stretching her small arms to Prachi

"Preeti nahi" Preeti no Milind had reprimanded her but it fell on deaf ears.She had now started kicking in her seat and wailing mournfully "Agar yeh zid ker rahi hai to aap issey mujhey dey dein." If she wants to come here why don't you give her to me Prachi had been unable to see her this way, assuming this as the best possible way of stopping her whining Milind unstrapped her and handed her to Prachi sitting in the back of the car. From the rear view mirror he could see how Preeti doubled over laughing as Prachi gently tickled her tummy, she then proceeded to check out Prachi's earrings touching them in amazement. "Aapko chahiye kiya? " Do you want it? Prachi had asked kissing her on her cheek she smiled as she took off her earring and handed it to Preeti who gurgled in amusement."Kahaan drop ker duun?" Where should I drop you? Milind had asked focusing on the road ahead she proceeded to tell him her address and within minutes they stood beneath her chawl house. "Thanks " Prachi had said as she stepped out on the muddy path closing the car door with a thud she ascended the stairs to her house with a heavy heart.

She could hear voices emanating from her house."Behenji main kitni baar keh chuka huun keh kiraya theek waqt per dey diya karein lekin aap log suntey hii nahin. Mujhey har haalat main kal apna paisa chahiye warna yeh makaan khaali kerwa duunga." Sister I've told you countless times to pay the rent money on time but you people never listen. I want the money by tomorrow or else I'll get this place vacated It was the landlord and he certainly did not seem too gay Prachi watched him leave in a huff. She wiped her face and stepped in her house, her mother had been waiting for her return anxiously. "Kahaan reh gayi thi Prachi main kitni pareshaan ho gayi thi malum hai" Where were you Prachi I was worried she reprimanded her. "Interview kaisa gaya Prachi?" How was the interview? she had asked hope flickering in her eyes. "Maa woh interview nahin ho paya kal hongey interviews aaj to bas kuch hii candidates key interviews ho paaye baaqi logon key kal hongey." Mom I didn't get interviewed only a few candidates had theirs today the rest will be interviewed tomorrow She saw the hope die out in Premlata's eyes but she smiled at her encouragingly "Koi baat nahin tum kal chali jaana Prachi. Kuch khaya tumney?" It's ok you can always go tomorrow. Did you eat anything? She could see her daughter had had a rough day "Yeh chot kaisey lagi?" How did you get hurt? Premlata now looked at her grazed elbows

"Kuch nahin maa bas woh gir gayi thi halki sii to chot hai aap pareshaan mat ho" It's nothing mom I just tripped and fell it's a small bruise you don't worry nonetheless her mother had gone to fetch an ointment for her. "Maa ko kaisey bataaun keh aaj file badal jaaney ki wajah sey mera interview cancel ho gaya." How do I tell mom that my interview got cancelled because of the file switch she had mused aloud. Just then she heard a knock on her door she turned around to see Milind standing there holding her file "Gaari main bhuul gayi thi." You forgot it in the car he had stated handing it to her "Oh !" Prachi smacked her forehead gently "Main bhi na..." Milind had turned back down the stairs before she could utter another word.

Edited by blind horizon - 16 years ago

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 5

Milind had returned home to find Baba waiting up for him, "Baba aap soye nahin?" You'r still awake Baba? he had asked placing Preeti in his lap. "Terey bina na kuch khaya hai na piya hai uper sey tuu meri gurya ko bhi saath ley gaya to kaisey sota main." I haven't eaten or slept in your absence and you took my doll with you too how could I sleep then.he had complained good naturedly while smothering Preeti in his loving embrace "Baba main to aapki wajah sey ley gaya tha warna aap pareshaan ho jaatey." Baba I had taken her away because of you else you'd have been worried. Preeti was switched on to hyper active mode her nap at the office had infused fresh energy in her and she happily jumped on the springy couch by her grandfather. Ramu kaka set the table and called them for dinner Milind fed Preeti her portion of mashed potatoes and rice coaxing her to take small spoonfuls as she wriggled in her high chair.

The girl was getting too much for Milind, putting her to sleep was another task he sighed as he watched her wipe her hands on her frock soiling it in the process. Baba observed sadly as Milind pulled her out of her chair and placing a kiss on his father's forehead proceeded up the winding staircase to his room. He had a busy schedule lined up for the next day and he knew it would take a complete hour for Preeti to settle down and finally fall asleep. Baba had silently prayed for his son to find peace in his life he had been through his share of miseries and now he wished his son could find someone to share his life with. He had tried explaining him that Preeti needed a mother much more than he needed a wife but his previous marraige had left him broken and hurt and his father understood his pain. There was only one person now who could make the impossible possible and Baba had his mind set on seeking help immediately.

Prachi had woken to see her mother cooking breakfast she had slept late and was now feeling guilty freshening up hurriedly she helped her mother. "Maa ab Daadi ki tabiyat kaisi hai?" How is Daadi feeling now Maa.she had asked "Raat sey kaafi behter hai." Much better than last night her mother had replied as they had breakfast Bobby had joined them handing his mother his tuition money he left for college in a hurry. Premlata had accepted it wistfully casting a sad glance at his young face the boy had started looking ten years older but he bore the brunt with patience not complaining once.

Prachi had cleared the table and getting dressed left for another long day hunting for a job. She had reached the courtyard in front of the chawl when she heard Ramesh uncle call her from behind. "Prachi bitiya phone hai tumhara" Prachi phone call for you he had informed her Ramesh uncle ran a small shop near the chawl selling odds and ends his shop's number was the one Prachi had put on her cv. She hoped it was for a job opening she had been dropping her cv's in different companies in search for a respectable one. "Hello!" she breathed "Is that Prachi Shah?" a feminine voice confirmed her identity "Yes speaking" "Ms Shah you have an interview at Mishra Towers at 2:00 pm today will you be able to make it?" the voice had inquired "Yes...yes I will" she had replied deliriously they had reconsidered her for the interview she thanked Ramesh uncle and said a silent prayer in her heart. Sharp at 2 she sat opposite Madhu in her office.

Milind Mishra's office had the air of dignity and power that matched his persona. Prachi had been ushered in by Madhu and was left to absorb the details in peace the room was magnificently done it had a rich combination of solid hues. The walls were a warm shade of scarlet the doors and windows were done in ash white with matching blinds for the french windows. A huge black mahogany bookshelf adorned the south wall filled with box and leaf files on various projects.The floor boasted of italian marble with a smooth finish, his desk was a solid block of black mahogany accompanied by his comfortable plush black leather swivel armchair. She herself was seated on one of the similar smaller sized leather chairs placed across the desk. His expensive jacket was draped on his chair making the owner's presence felt in the large room .The desk was cluttered with his laptop, marble paper weights, ash trays, project files and two telephones he obviously was a workaholic she could hear the gentle hum of the air condition as it reduced the temperature inside the room.

She heard the door handle click he walked in the room and took his seat opposite her. "Ms Shah" he addressed her formally "I'm glad you could make it. I was informed of your rather embarrassing episode yesterday I thought you should get another shot. Your file" Prachi extended it to him while he read it with concentration, Prachi studied him he seemed an unusually handsome man his trimmed beard and moustache enhanced the ruggedness of his features. His eyes were deep and soulful it seemed they harboured many a mystery in their depths but it was his unsmiling lips that captured her attention. He was dressed in all black today and she thought it suited him.

He looked up to see her looking at him intently. "Your documents seem impressive you've had good education and you seem to have some experience working with Sonya Kapoor. Our company deals in the hotel business we run a chain of them across India and in Turkey. You may not have experience in this field but you can learn. Are you ready to get on board then? " "Yes Sir." Prachi had assented "One more thing" he had added as an afterthought Prachi turned round to face him "Besides being my PA you'll be handling another position Ms Shah." "What of Sir?" "My daughter Preeti's governess."

Prachi had looked at him in utter disbelief she had not expected him to place his only child in her care. "Magar main kaisey." But how can I she had asked genuinely taken aback. "Preeti buhut kam kisi ko itni jaldi pasand kerti hai. Merey paas waqt nahin warna iski zarurat nahin parti." Preeti normally doesn't like strangers that easily. I don't have time else it wouldn't have been necessary. he had stated matter of factly running his fingers through his curls he sighed "Agar nahin ker sakti to abhi bata dey warna..." If you can't do it tell me now otherwise... he could not complete his sentence as they heard a slight knock on the door. It was Madhu carrying Preeti in her arms Preeti took one look at Prachi and laughed in happiness Milind raised his eyebrows at Prachi giving her the I told you so look. Prachi had taken her from Madhu and kissed her on her fluffy cheek .

"To phir kiya socha tuu ney?" What have you thought then? he had asked her once again. "Mujhey manzoor hai" I accept she had said as Preeti played with Prachi's velvet strands. "Fine" he rose to open a private door in the office leading to another room it was thickly carpeted and done in light blue shades. A crib was placed in the middle a few soft toys were strewn around "Yeh iska kamra hai tujhey bhi yahin bethna hoga isskey saath." This is her room you'll have to stay with her here. She had slowly shaken her head in the affirmative, she wondered why he addressed her the way he did and where exactly was the child's mother. Curious she asked "Preeti ko governess ki kiya zarurat hai I mean iski mother?" Why does Preeti need a governess I mean her mother? The question had caused Milind to stop in mid stride turning back he gently closed the door behind him facing Prachi "Mujhey zyaada sawaal pasand nahin khaas ker jab sawaal personal hon." I don't like being questioned especially when the questions are personal he had answered quietly his steely tone matched his hardened looks.

His eyes spelt fury and the emphasis he laid on each word indicated that he did not require further questioning on the matter. Prachi was terribly taken aback she had not expected such a sudden change in his manner and tone. She sensed a torrid change in the undercurrents that flowed beneath the deceptively calm surface of his pitch black eyes, she watched as he returned back to his chair and lit a cigarette taking a deep puff of burnt tobacco he raised his eyes to meet her puzzled ones. "You can join from tomorrow leave her with Madhu before you go" saying so he flipped open a file and pondered on it gravely puffing on the burning cigarette lodged comfortably between his index and third finger. Prachi suddenly felt claustrophobic in that room it now smelt heavily of smoke and it felt as if his anger had seeped in the very walls she walked out in the corridor hearing the door click shut behind her.

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 6

Prachi could not understand his sudden mood swing he seemed very much at ease when he interviewed her then why did his wife's mention anger him so? Were they separated or divorced maybe she had left him. Whatever the cause she was not going to let it ruin her chance for a perfect opportunity, Mishra Group of hotels was known for it's outstanding performance and Milind Mishra had won the "Best Hotelier of the year" award last year that just did not come with a fluke.She had heard rumors of his solitary nature and rough attitude but he was an excellent businessman a thorough professionalist she had often heard her father mention his name with genuine admiration being in the same business himself.

She was pulled out of her reverie by Preeti who had spotted a cat in the corridor and now wanted Prachi to take her to it . She held Prachi's face in her tiny palms and made her look in that direction, she had not started talking yet and so communicated through actions. Prachi smiled as they both bent down placing Preeti on the carpet she sat near her gently stroking the cat who seemed pretty tame. Every now and then Preeti would look back to confirm her presence and then point at the cat talking to Prachi in a language of her own, she held Prachi firmly by her hand holding out the other one to stroke the cat.Coming out of his office for some errand Milind had observed the scene a mute witness to their bonding . He had wanted this for Preeti someone to take care of her without considering her a burden .He watched as Prachi held Preeti by the waist close to her talking to her about the cat her excitement matching his daughter's delight .Perfect! he had thought before he trudged the other way down the corridor.

Prachi had handed Preeti over to Madhu but before she left the latter had given her a cheque, Prachi had been astonished but Madhu had explained that it was the company's policy to pay a month's salary in advance. As she saw her slender form walk away from her office Madhu mused inwardly, she had been preparing the Delhi hotel's inauguration budget when she had received a call from Milind . He had asked Madhu to hand Prachi a month's salary asking her to quote it as the company's rule, when exactly had this rule been formed Madhu wondered. Yet she had done the same she had been a loyal employee of the company and intended to remain one despite such incidents. Returning back to her work she was soon lost in it.

Later that evening as Milind drove home through the congested Mumbai streets he could not help but feel happy Preeti looked very much at ease today, she sat peering out of the car window with thoughful eyes. Milind felt guilty of not being able to take care of her himself but he was satisfied with the thought that she would be near him now and that was all that mattered at the moment.Stopping at a signal he looked about him in disgust the road was packed with vehicles Preeti now faced him trying to talk to him about some matter that she found of interest. Milind had assented to everything she uttered she seemed to have found a bee resting on the wind shield and pointed to it. In her banter she had dropped her pacifier as he bent down to retrieve it he noticed a silver earring wedged in the gear box. Picking it up he examined the object carefully ... and then he remembered ofcourse it was Prachi's. Shifting the gears he put the vehicle back in motion his thoughts now focused on his new assistant, he had met many women in his life but only a few had left a mark on him. There was something about her that caught his attention he had seen women far more beautiful, enticing and alluring than her then why ... why did she look so dissimilar to the others. A pair of hazel eyes appeared in his mind's vision a tear rolled down one and it seemed to have caused ripples in the otherwise still waters of his mind, shaking his head he tried to get rid of the vision. Later that night as he stood smoking in the marble chipped balcony of his room those eyes had haunted him again.

It had nearly been two months that Prachi had joined her new office, she had initially dreaded facing Milind each day after her interview but it seemed he hardly remembered the incident. He had Madhu give her a tour of the premises before she led her to her office it appeared to have changed overnight. Now besides a crib there were navy blue floor cushions in floral prints and a larger collection of soft toys, her desk had been placed directly in front of his line of vision. It had her own laptop and other stationery, the telephones he explained required wires and he didn't need Preeti getting all tangled in them so she didn't have any. The walls now adorned pictures of cartoon characters a book shelf had been put up in one corner it held various books on early learning for children.A wardrobe stood in the other corner supplied with towels, nappies, formula milk and Preeti's change of clothes , he had taken care to have the blinds exchanged with window length navy blue floral curtains the room had been changed for the better she had thought.What was notable though was that the heavy oak door had been replaced with a glass one.

Milind usually kept to himself busy with his projects, meetings and research she would sometimes find him lost in thought puffing on cigarette after cigarette it seemed he hardly cared about anything else besides work and Preeti so much so that he often forgot to take meals and it would be Madhu who would send him a late lunch reminding him that he had yet to eat. She herself was kept busy with the little cherub, Preeti was a very intelligent child and it did not take Prachi long to have her eating out of her hands. The child required love and attention and Prachi showered that on her to the hilt she was not spoilt but she had the same stubborn streak as her father, she even sometimes ran her pudgy fingers through her crop of curls when exasperated or deep in thought.The only time Milind talked to her was when he wanted her to work on something for him, today was one of those days as the inauguration loomed nearer Milind had the entire company on it's toes.He wanted everything to be perfect and the entire tenth floor seemed to be in a frenetic bustle almost all the time.

Prachi had been working on the menu for the big day finalizing the details with the caterers Preeti had been inactive coming down with flu and viral fever she had sat in her crib trying to make her teddy read with her though none understood any of the written words. Prachi had put Preeti to bed and had walked out of the room to join Madhu for lunch it seemed Milind would have to be reminded about his later she had left him wrapped up in deciding the decor for the big day. Collecting Madhu from her office she reached the cafeteria it buzzed alive with energy as the staff members joked and laughed aloud.

They joined a group of women on the far side of the room Prachi knew some of them and was introduced to the rest. It seemed all that the women had to discuss was their boss Milind Mishra. "Did you notice his shades the other day?" Yasmin gushed stuffing coleslaw in her mouth. "You'r stuck on shades did you notice his cute butt in the boardroom." this was Reema. Prachi smiled as she ate in silence. "Move off you two he's mine." pitched in Sangeeta "As if" this was Upasana. "Women control your emotions we must not forget that he is off limits especially for you Sangeeta you'r married for God' sake." Sumana had chimed in while the rest gave her killer looks Sangeeta delivered a hard kick to her underneath the table and soon both were involved in a fork fight this was too much for Prachi she doubled over with laughter at their friendly tiff.

"How about you Prachi don't you have a crush on him?" Sonia had asked "You'r the only one who gets to watch him up close and personal not like us who have to get here before nine to catch a glimpse of him each day." "No I don't have a crush on him we hardly talk " Prachi had clarified "He's a very quiet person besides I'm too busy with Preeti and then the inauguration doesn't leave much time for talk." she had smiled as she answered to the group who would literally give anything to exchange places with her. "Liar!" Upasana burst upon her "Confirmed " Reema quipped "How could you not have a crush on the most handsome, dashing, smart, intelligent, suave......" looking around for support she smacked Sangeeta on the shoulder "I'm out of adjectives here a little help." "Oh ofcourse passionate, divine, romantic, sexy, yumilicious guy on earth." she finished with a broad grin. "when did you discover these attributes in him ?" Sonia asked suspiciously "Ofcourse hun when I day dream about him in my office I discover the undiscovered!" she had winked and the rest had burst out laughing. "You forgot one big attribute Sangeeta..." they turned around to see Sapna holding her tray in her hands."How about a first class pervert and a ruthless murderer, sound interesting don't they?"

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 7

The entire group had scrambled to their feet in anger "Just shut up " Sumana had managed through gritted teeth "How dare you... how dare you say such things about him." It felt as if she was having a tough time restraining herself from beating Sapna black and blue. "Just because he happens to pay your college fee doesn't mean he's an angel. I'm only stating the facts here. We all know he murdered his wife a year ago." she had replied coolly. "Get lost Sapna before we shred you to bits" Upasana had said calmly. Seeing the situation get out of hand Madhu had intervened "Sapna we don't know what happened a year back everything written in the papers isn't always true. Whether he did anything wrong or not is none of our concern it would be better now if you left without another word." Madhu's seniority had helped ease the situation Prachi looked on confused as the rest resumed their positions around the table "How dare she " Reema fumed "Come on guys we all know she says all this because she didn't get the promotion" Sangeeta tried to laugh it off. "Churail kahiin kii." Witch Sonia had muttered what was interesting was that all present there had profound faith in him without knowing anything about the situation but Prachi had been put off immensely.

Was that the reason he refrained from talking about his wife? ... had he murdered her?.... but why would he? Thoughts ran wild in her mind as she stepped inside his office again. She found the crib empty and a note stuck on her LCD screen "Have taken Preeti home will be back in 30 minutes. Call Chopra and fix an appointment asap." Prachi knew thirty minutes meant thirty minutes she quickly called up Karan Chopra their event manager and fixed an appointment for the next day. She had not been able to eat anything at the cafeteria after Sapna's rude remarks what bothered her was that none of the women talked about it she wanted to know more but they had shut up like clams refusing to speak on the subject.

Even Madhu had maintained her silence though she had informed Prachi about Sumana, she was a hardworking girl who hailed from a middle class family one of the 6 siblings in her home her father had been unable to pay her college fee. She had joined the company a year back and it was Milind who had advised her to resume studies promising to fund her education. Prachi could not understand the man he seemed to have a generous heart but she had seen the other side of him dark and terrifying. She shivered slightly as she remembered his enraged conversation on the day he interviewed her, she wondered if he did what he did to put up a show to deceive the world.

Milind had found Preeti sleeping peacefully but he decided to take her home he realized he'd be working late and he couldn't leave her unattended in this state after Prachi left in the evening. Baba had been only too happy to be able to spend time with his grand daughter ever since he had appointed Prachi, Milind had been taking Preeti to the office with him. He had refrained from informing Baba about the new PA cum nanny lest he devised a plan to make her leave the esteemed position like the ones before her. Consequently Baba missed pampering her and assented to look after her while he slaved at the office.

Parking the car in it's reserved space he quickly boarded the elevator and reached his office, as he resumed his seat behind the desk Prachi checked her watch not even a second off mark. She informed him about the appointment and returned back to her room the afternoon had been passing smoothly when the peon appeared with lunch. Milind was surprised to see double the amount of food he usually ate, on inquiry the peon confirmed that Madhu had sent food for both of them as Prachi too has missed lunch. He had cast a placid look in her direction and had asked the peon to inform her about it. Prachi had been surprised to see the peon ask her to join Milind for lunch she felt hungry and decided that a few morsels would do her good.

The peon served them and left quickly Prachi eyed the food longingly she wished he would start so that she could follow suit but he remained engrossed in the file he held occassionally tapping his cigarette in the ash tray to shed off it's burnt remnants. Not being able to bear it anymore she cleared her throat slightly, he didn't even stir "Sir" she called out his eyes had met hers "Khana" "Food" she had reminded him "To?" "So?" he had asked raising his eyebrows."Khaein?" "Should we eat?" she had counter questioned "Tuu shuru ker" "You can start." he had replied his eyes focused on the file and Prachi had. She had never eaten alone and felt uncomfortable pushing the rice in her mouth.

After about five minutes she decided to remind him again "Sir" this time he had glared back at her as if asking now what. "Main....woh... akeley" I.....um....I'm eating all alone she stuttered he snapped the file close "Kiya lagta hai tujhey main yahaan teri entertainment key liye betha huun." What do you think I'm here for your entertainment?" This was too much for Prachi first the cafeteria now him he could see a film of tears cloud her eyes, she silently pushed her plate and ran back to her room. He called the peon to pack the food back in the containers but to leave it there.

Time had flown and before she knew it was past eight, way beyond her working hour quickly packing up her stuff she walked out of her room. Submitting her documents on the final menu she turned to leave when the power shut off. She tried opening the door which refused to budge even an inch. "Electronic lock hai light aayegi to khuleyga" "It's an electronic lock it'll open when the power is restored." she had heard his calm voice float in the dark behind her. Her hands trembled she was alone with him caught high up on the tenth floor of the building escape seemed impossible.

Making a mental note to check on the alternate source of power supply installed for the premises the next day he produced a few candles from one of the desk drawers and lit them with his lighter. The room had now an eerie glow to it, walking to the large french windows he pulled back the curtains throwing them wide open. The warm night breeze floated in the room cleansing it of the stale cigarette smoke. She didn't know what to do after his behaviour that afternoon she hardly wanted to talk to him let alone be near him. She thought she'd slip a candle to her room as he stood looking down at the busy streets.

Cautiously she walked over to his desk and proceeded to pick one when he turned around at the precise moment. The candle dropped from her hand on the floor she froze at the spot not being able to move despite an overwhelming desire to flee immediately. Suddenly she saw his face change expressions from boredom to fear he quickly moved towards her catching her by the arm he pulled her towards him but she refused to move. Giving her a stern look he removed her dupatta from her neck it was only then that she realized it had been on fire. The candle had fallen on it and the flimsy material had taken to light immediately threatening to spread further up, her fright had caused her to ignore the increasing heat near her. He balled the fabric in his hands putting the fire out in the process she gasped in surprise as he handed the burnt fabric back to her.

It was a few minutes before Prachi registered what had happened her dupatta was on fire and she could have been seriously burnt........ he had saved her. She saw him study his palms they were scorched, she relit the candle and taking it in her hand she closed the distance between them. Holding his palm in hers she looked at it in the golden beams of the candle light the skin appeared swollen and fissured in a few places, he had suffered first degree burns. Drops of salt water fell from her eyes on them as her lips quivered in pain.

She disappeared into her room leaving Milind bewildered at her actions, appearing shortly with a first aid kit in her hands. Placing the candle on the window sill she looked up at him "Bethiye" "Sit",she had said softly and he had done so. Seated on the cold marble next to him she gently applied ointment on his palms, he looked on hypnotized. Why did she cry when she saw his hands? Why was she doing what she was doing? His mind failed to come up with reasonable answers to the queries. She had finished bandaging his hands and returned the box to it's place resuming her seat beside him she stated "Aap bata detey mujhey .....main..... aapka haath to nahin jalta." "You should've told me...... I ..... atleast your hands wouldn't have burnt" he remained silent "Aap ko zyaada dard to nahin? main pain killer laaun?" "Is it paining much? Should I get you a pain killer?" she had asked again deeply concerned for his wounds.

"Dard" "Pain" he had echoed giving her a sardonic look ....... "Ab nahin hota." "I don't feel it now" he whispered after a pause. Something in his voice had caused Prachi to watch him with renewed interest he seemed to have travelled to a different plane of existence altogether. His eyes were listless his face contorted suggesting his mind deep in thought, recollecting memories possibly of some wretched moment in time. "Aap ney khana nahin khaya aap ko bhuuk nahin lagi?" "You haven't had lunch aren't you feeling hungry?" Prachi had tried to remove the grieving expression he wore on his face implicating that some part of him was dying a slow painful death. "Hmm...." he medidated "Tuu ney bhi to nahin khaya." "You didn't have it either" her hazel eyes had collided with his coal ones and he had read something beyond comprehension in them.

He watched as she rose and brought the lunch tiffin to where he sat she then proceeded to make a plate for him and offered it to him. He tried holding it in his bandaged hands but failed to, seeing him struggle with it she stopped him. Picking up the roti she broke off bite sized portions of it and dipped it in the daal she then held it out to him. He inspected her simple form aglow in the rich illumination of the candles, her hair waved slightly in the breeze her eyes filled with sympathy and concern for him. She smiled as she saw him look at her in amazement, she realized he was not used to such gestures and feared he may refuse but was pleasantly surprised when he opened his mouth and ate it in submission. She managed to feed him his share of the food and then ate hers trying to make small talk mean while.

Sometime later they had heard the power being restored and they had taken to their feet it was past ten and he wanted her safely home. As she packed the tiffin he blew out the candles and placed them back in the drawer he had turned to walk out when he saw her gaze at the burnt dupatta in her hands, as if reading her thoughts he returned to where she stood and handed her his coat which she had worn with gratitude.

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soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 8

The ride to her house was a silent one his eyes were focused on the road ahead as she mulled on the incident in the office.She was slumped on the seat next to him her hands bunched in her lap, she felt the oversized expensive Armani hung on her it smelt of burnt tobacco and Isimiaki, she recognized the perfume as an excellent one and the combination had a fatal effect on her senses.

Inhaling a deep lungful of it she tried to commit his smell to her memory. He drove the car with finesse she wondered if his hands stinged underneath the bandage he had not winced or gasped with pain once after being severely burnt it seemed as if he was used to such torments and took them in his stride. She shuddered as she imagined what could have happened if he hadn't pulled the dupatta off her, he saw her shudder and turned slightly to face her.

He wondered how anyone could look both beautiful and innocent at the same time. She looked small and fragile covered in his coat,tendrils of her hair blew naughtily on her flushed cheeks and every so often she'd push them behind her ear with her slender fingers.Her eyes seemed to be focused on the dashboard her thoughts wandering. "Tuu theek to hai na?" "Are you alright?"he had asked and she had immediately lifted her eyes to him "Jee" "Yes" she had smiled but it had quickly faded away "I'm sorry meri wajah sey aapka haath jal gaya. Dard ho raha hoga na.""I'm sorry you burnt your hand because of me. It must be paining ?" and he had watched her supple lips move her face depicting unhappiness.

"Yeh chot" "This wound" he laughed a soft hollow laugh "Aadat ho gayi ab to........ nahin dard nahin mujhey." "I'm used to it......no it's not paining." She had looked at him again his laugh had surprised her but watching him had made her realize it was far from pleasant. She wondered if she would ever be able to see him laugh straight from his heart it troubled her to think that he was an extremely unhappy soul. He had switched on the radio an old number played on the mellifluous notes reverberating in the car

"Tujh se naraaz nahin nahin zindagi hairaan huun main o hairaan huun main I'm not mad at you life just surprised
Terey masoom sawalon sey pareshaan huun main ho pareshaan huun main I'm worried by your innocent questions.
Tujh se naraaz nahin nahin zindagi hairaan huun main ho hairaan huun main
Terey masoom sawalon sey pareshaan huun main ho pareshaan huun main

Jeeney key liye socha hi nahin dard sanbhalney hongey.

Never thought I'd have to hold pain close to live.
Jeeney key liye socha hi nahin dard sanbhalney hongey.
Muskuraein to muskuraney key qarz utaarney hongey

If we laugh we'll have to pay back the debt we owe to our laughter.
Muskuraun kabhi to lagta hai jaisey honton pey qarz rakha hai.

If I laugh at times I feel I've placed a debt on my lips.

Tujh se naraaz nahin nahin zindagi hairaan huun main o hairaan huun main.

Prachi had shifted uncomfortably in her seat he seemed to be completely in sync with the song but she realized it had aggravated his melancholy and she understood that it somehow connected to him in some way. She reached for the button and switched the channel immediately a different tune floated in the air.He had been pulled out of his thoughts by her act and found her watching him, her eyes filled with dread but he had silently averted his eyes back to the road ahead.Lata Mangeshkar's voice now filled the car

"Aisa sama na hota kuch bhi yahaan na hota

It wouldn't have been like this nothing would've been here
Merey humrahi jo tum na hotey merey humrahi jo tum na hotey.

If you hadn't been my companion

Aisa sama na hota kuch bhi yahaan na hota
Merey humrahi jo tum na hotey merey humrahi jo tum na hotey.

Raahein wohi waadi wohi badla kuch nahin

The valley is the same so are the ways
Phir bhi terey milney sey hai duniya kyun haseen.

Then why does the world look so beautiful after meeting you
Raahein wohi waadi wohi badla kuch nahin
Phir bhi terey milney sey hai duniya kyun haseen.
Kahiin khuwabon main hum gum na hotey

I wouldn't have been lost in dreams if you hadn't been my companion.
Merey humraahi jo tum na hotey."

He had pulled out a cigarette from it's silver case and lit it puffing it heavily as the car sped on the roads, she was enjoying the track it was one of her favourites he saw her smile, snapping her fingers softly she hummed with the singer.

"Hum tum jo na miltey to na chaata yeh nasha

If you and I wouldn't have met this intoxication wouldn't have shrouded us.
Hota kuch bhi hota yeh na hota jo hua.

Anything would've happened besides what has happened
Hum tum jo na miltey to na chaata yeh nasha
Hota kuch bhi hota yeh na hota jo hua.
Yahaan mil key na dil aisey khotey merey humrahi jo tum na hotey

Hearts wouldn't have met and become lost if you wouldn't have been my companion.

Aisa sama na hota kuch bhi yahaan na hota
Merey humrahi jo tum na hotey merey humrahi jo tum na hotey.

They eventually reached her house and she had invited him to her humble abode telling him she'd need to change before she handed him her coat surprising himself he accepted the offer. Premlata had been pleasantly astonished to see Prachi accompanied by Milind she welcomed him warmly, seating him on a wickerchair she herself had gone to the kitchen. Milind had felt quite at home seated in the lounge on the chair he rolled his sleeves up and ran a bandaged hand through his matted hair.It was a simple chawl house consisting of two rooms and a lounge from where he sat he could see someone sleeping on the bed inside one of them.

The kitchen was in a corner of the lounge partly open he could see Prachi's mother cooking someting on the stove whatever it was it smelt really good he took a sniff of the delicious aroma wafting through the house.Somehow he had an indistinct feeling of being at home it had the warmth and caring aura to it which reminded him of his own chawl house he once resided in.His eyes had caught Inder's picture hung on the wall and the wreath it bore indicating his demise.

Emerging from the kitchen Premlata had pulled a chair beside him at the table, placing three cups of steaming tea and a plate full of saffron coloured dhoklas on the table. "Tum Prachi key dost ho?" "Are you Prachi's friend?" she had inquired without waiting for a reply she had continued "Acha hua tum sey dosti ker li iss ney warna buhut kam dost banati hai yeh. Bachpan sey hii aisi hai, apney Boss sey buhut darti hai.Tumharey Boss buhut ghussa kertey hain kiya?" "It's good she's befreinded you else she has very less friends. She's been like that since her childhood. She's afraid of her boss too. Tell me does he get angry often?"she had questioned him again mixing sugar in his cup of tea.

"Haan shayad buhut ghussa kerta hai woh" "Yes I believe he often gets angry" he had spoken for the first time.Watching him thoughtfully Premlata had continued "Shayad ussey bhi koi pareshaani hogi apni zindagi main, jaan bujh ker to koi ghussa nahin kerta." "Maybe he's facing difficulties in his life too, else why would anyone get angry deliberately" and she had smiled as she handed him his cup. He had stared at her in visible wonder amazed by her clarity of heart. As he put forward his hands to accept the cup she was shocked to see them bandaged and inquired him for the cause.

Prachi had emerged from her room then and informed her of the incident in the office, tears welled up in Premlata's eyes as she thanked Milind but he had denied it being a grave matter. His self effacement and modesty had left both mother and daughter burdened with sympathy and gratitude for him. Prachi handed him his coat thanking him, he noticed she had changed in a pale blue salwar kameez he wondered why her simplicity struck him afresh everytime. She had caught him observing her in admiration and he had felt her gaze on him their eyes had collided and he was suddenly aware of the fact that her eyes had the ability to penetrate into the very depths of his soul.Right now they seemed to be searching him for answers to a million questions, he had abruptly shifted his own gaze to the watch on the wall, it was time he left.

As he rose to leave Premlata had asked him to eat the dhoklas and he had sat down back Premlata had fed him the dhokla herself. "Apni maa key haath sey to khaatey hi rehtey hogey aaj merey haathon sey kha lo" "Your mother must be feeding you at home eat it from my hands today" she had said and he had been compelled to stay for the simple meal how he wished his mother would feed him as this woman did but sadly she no longer breathed. At the doorway he had turned back looking at Premlata he was filled with appetence she felt and sounded so much like his own mother stooping down to her feet he had touched them in pious reverence, instantly her hands had carressed his tousled hair he could feel the warmth reach his soul feeling it travel from her fingers to his heart as he heard the words "Hamesha khush raho." "Always remain happy."

It had been late when he stepped on his threshold he treaded softly on the polished marble floor and ascended the stairs to his room opening it he found it empty walking softly to his father's room he saw both Baba and Preeti deep in slumber on Baba's large bed. Closing the door gently behind him he had trudged back to his own room, pondering on the evening's events he had changed his clothes settling for a white kurta and pyjamas.

Later that night as Milind lay on his large rosewood bed his mind seemed to be working on it's own accord he dreamed he was being led away in handcuffs.Some of the people were policemen a sudden excitement broke through the crowd and the policemen turned into tv interviewers and news reporters they started asking him questions, waving their microphones in front of him so that he could be heard. "Mr Mishra aap ney apni patni ka qatal kyun kiya?" "Kiya wajah thi iss murder key peechey Mr Mishra.. boliye, jawab dijiye." "Mr Mishra why did you kill your wife?" "What was the reason behind this murder.....answer us."

He put up his hands to avoid the constant banter his handcuffs gleamed as sunbeams shone on the polished iron. He was suddenly whisked into a prison cell where a big burly policeman asked him questions over and over again questions, questions, questions.... The policeman had started hitting him with a big iron rod and every time the rod hit him a part of him would start bleeding the pain burning deeper and deeper. He woke up sweating profusely, the terror of the dream coursing through him like a swift and rapid torrent, his heart pounded hard against the captivating walls.

It had been a dream he reminded himself it was over, it was all over then why did it haunt him so night after night.Throwing back the covers he walked to the balcony opening the door to it he let the night breeze soothe his senses. He heard the door open Baba had walked in with Preeti placing her on the bed he had walked over to him.

"Kahaan reh gaya tha Milind malum hai kitni chinta ho rahi thi mujhey teri?" "Where were you Milind do you know how worried was about you?" Baba had chided him he turned to see worry writ large over the elderly man's face." Baba aap kyun chinta kertey hain itna kaam main phans gaya tha bas thori der ho gayi." "Baba why do you worry about me so I'd got caught up in some work so got late." he had tried consoling him. "Kab andaaza hoga tujhey Milind keh main kitna thak gaya huun" "When will you realize Milind how tired I've become." sitting down in the armchair near the bed he had sighed in desperation "Tuu kiya samajhta hai main jaanta nahin tujhey, kab tak bhagta raheyga tuu apni zindagi sey?Apney aap ko kaam main masroof rakh ker tuu kiya samajhta hai tuu peecha chura paayega apney ateet sey? Milind zindagi main aagey barh jo ho gaya ussey bhuul ja." "What do you think I don't know you, how long will you keep running away from your life? You think you can forget your past by burying yourself in work? Milind move forward in your life forget what has happened."

Milind had placed his head in his father's lap sitting down on the thick Persian rug besides him as the old man stroked his hair lovingly hot tears fell from his eyes and seeped in his father's shirt. "Kaisey bhuul jaun Baba yeh yaadein mujhey jeeney nahin detein mujhey har pal yaad dilaati hain keh main kitna bara gunehgaar huun Baba" "How do I forget Baba how these memories don't let me live. They keep reminding me of my grave mistake" tears ran down his father's face as he watched his son break in a million pieces all over again.

She tossed and turned thrashing around her on the bed as she dreamt, the same dream she dreamt each night. She was running through a dark forest the trees were thick and her bare feet scrunched the dry leaves underfoot, she wanted to hide....hide somewhere safe. Her eyes tried to make out the shape of the unfamiliar surroundings in vain she stretched out her hands, thorns stabbed her arms leaving deep gashes as she tried to break free of the enveloping gloom and darkness but she continued running she had now reached an open field an eerie silence echoed all around her. She looked about her it seemed as the world was dead and then he had come as always, he caught her by her arms while she screamed and struggled in a mad fury.

Premlata had shaken her violently "Prachi utho Prachi" "Prachi wake up" and she had forced herself to awaken still struggling in her mind looking around her fearfully she checked to make sure it was a dream. "Phir wohi sapna ?" "The same dream again?" Premlata had questioned and she had hugged her mother tightly as her mother gently stroked her hair. "Prachi bhuul kyun nahin jaati tum us ko. Zindagi main log aagey barhtey hain Prachi ateet key saaye main nahin jeetey jo ho gaya usey bhuul jao, bhuul jao." "Prachi why don't you forget it? People move on in life they don't live in the shadows of their past. Forget it." "Kaise bhuul jaun kaisey maa yeh yaadein mujhey jeeney nahin detein or yeh sapna har pal mujhey mera ateet yaad dilata hai." "How do I forget it mom these memories don't let me live and this dream reminds me constantly of my past." she had whimpered sobbing noiselessly against her mother's shoulder.Premlata had sighed softly how she wished her daughter would forget her past and live her life without it haunting her as an incubus.

Later that night Prachi had looked out of her bedroom window at the full moon hung like a lantern illuminating the sky in it's cold silvery shine."Kab aayega merey dil ko chain?" "When will my heart find peace?" she had questioned it letting it's silvery chords bathe her she wished the light would reach her soul cleansing it. Standing in his balcony smoking Milind had watched the same celestial object absentmindedly the moonlight blanketed the entire premises giving it a magical touch he studied the flagstones lining the driveway exhaling a cloud of smoke, what had his life become, why could he not be at peace with himself. He possessed everything..... everything but peace. "Kab aayega merey dil ko chain?" he had questioned lifting his face up to the moon hoping to find his answer etched in it's milky glow. Standing miles apart from each other their hearts had beat simultaneously and had yearned for the one important thing in their lives and unknown to them their questions had reached their final destination waiting to be answered.

Links to the songs

1. http://ww.smashits.com/music/oldies/songs/668/masoom.html#

2. http://ww.smashits.com/music/oldies/songs/4114/zameen-aasman .html#

Quote

soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 9

(I)

"Milind to phir kiya socha tuuney?" "So what did you think?" Baba had asked sipping his morning tea. "Kis baarey main?" "About what?" he had enquired thougtlessly his attention focused on Preeti as he fed her spoonfuls of her cereal. She hated cereal and found all possible ways of avoiding it but Milind knew that just milk would do her no good and so it was a good hour that she took each morning at breakfast. Now too she had shut her mouth tightly when he tried putting the spoonful in it "Preeti kha lo jaan" "Preeti eat it sweetheart" he had tried coaxing her but she refused to open her mouth at any cost.

"Milind main tujh sey kitni baar keh chuka huun keh agar teri nazar main koi larki hai to theek hai nahin to main khud hi tera rishta kahin tey ker duunga." "Milind I've told you countless times if you have a girl in mind it's fine with me and if you don't I'll find one myself and get you hitched." Baba had stated frustrated at his son's indifference to his own happiness."Baba aap jaantey hain main shaadi nahin kerna chahta." "Baba you know I don't want to get married." he had told his father. "Kyun? Kiya zindagi ki khushion per tera koi haq nahin? Ya Kaajal key guzar jaaney key baad tuuney sanyaas ley lia hai." "Why? Have you lost your right on the happiness life holds for you? Or have turned into a confirmed bachelor after Kaajal's demise?"

He could tell his father was mad at him especially after last night, he had returned rather late and Baba had waited up for him a long time finally tired and exhausted he had put Preeti to sleep and had slept beside her. But his paternal instinct wouldn't let him slumber peacefully he had awakened sometime in the night and had checked on Milind only to find him staring at the sky searching for answers. His burnt hands had infuriated him further, the fact that his son was slowly falling victim to self guilt and self torture was too overwhelming for him. He realized Milind needed stability in his life, the feeling of being loved and to love someone in return according to him had become a crucial need for Milind. He had spent a lonely life after his wife's death and knew the pain and sufferring the solitary living had caused him and his had been a happy married life not a tormenting one like Milind's, he knew Milind would never consent but he simply had to get him settled with some girl who would make him feel whole again.

"Baba aap kyun nahin samajhtey.... kiya guarantee hai keh jo aayegi woh Preeti ka khayal rakheygi usey apna samjheygi." "Baba why don't you understand....... what gaurantee is there that whoever will come will consider Preeti her own and take care of her." he had tried explaining but Baba would listen to no excuse now "Agar woh Preeti ko nahin sanbhal sakti to main sanbhal luunga lekin tuu ab akeley zindagi nahin guzaarey ga yeh mera faisla hai." "If she can't take care of Preeti I'll take care of her myself but you will not lead a lonely life and that's my final decision." saying so he had opened the morning paper blocking Milind from his view. Shaking his head in frustration Milind had quickly walked up to him kneeling beside him he had placed his heavy hand on his father's wrinkled one "Baba main akela kahaan huun aap hain, Preeti hai, phir Sukriti bhi to hai." "Baba I'm not alone you'r here then I have Preeti and Sukriti too." he had tried reasoning with him.Folding the paper angrily Baba had thrown it on the table "Tujhey kiya lagta hai Milind main amrit pee ker aaya huun jo marunga nahin? Or Preeti aulad hai teri Preeti woh kami kabhi puri nahin ker sakti jo teri zindagi main hai, Sukriti to kab kii apney ghar jaa chuki hai Milind tuu kis key sahaarey zindagi guzaarna chahta hai? Tuuney mujh sey waqt maanga tha mainey tujhey waqt diya lekin ab or nahin.Ya to ab tuu bahu ko laa nahin to main yeh ghar chor ker chala jaunga." "What do you think I've drunk elixir that I won't die Milind and Preeti is your daughter she can never fill the void in your life. Sukriti is already married who do you want to spend your life with? You asked for time I gave it to you but not any more. Either you get me a daughter in a law in a week or I'll leave this house." saying this he had left the table and Milind had looked dejectedly after him.

How could he marry, his eyes wandered back to Preeti laughing, trying to make the bunny printed on her bib eat the cereal, how could he jeopardize her life for his own happiness. He could not be selfish and try to attain his own desires and bliss even if it meant a life filled with loneliness and tormenting memories he was ready to sacrifice everything for Preeti even his ownself. Picking her up he stared at her soulful eyes she seemed to have sensed something wrong with her father as she had suddenly turned quiet.

Placing her palms on either sides of his face she had kissed him on his cheek with her cereal smeared mouth. He hugged her tightly carressing her soft curls she was dearer to him than his own life. "Kiya dey paaogey tum humarey bachey ko Milind? Pyaar, waqt,apnapan jo tum uski maa ko nahin dey sakey woh usey kaisey dogey Milind ... kaisey?" "What can you give to our child Milind? Love, time or the feeling of being wanted how can you give her something you've never been able to give to her mother" the words had haunted him for long and he was hellbent to prove them wrong.

"Sir aaj aapki Mr Chawla key saath appointment hai unkey Chennai waaley project key silsiley main." "Sir you have an appointment today with Mr Chawla for the Chennai project" Prachi had informed him changing Preeti's frock that afternoon. "Hmm " he had responded not registering a single word she had said, she realized he was not himself today. Normally he would have asked her to bring her the required documents for the meeting and prepare a short update on the company for him to have a fair idea of them and their market position before setting out for it. But he had not asked for anything yet,she found him staring at his laptop his forehead scrunched in deep furrows he obviously hadn't even heard a word of what she had just said.

She tried testing her theory further "Sir aaj lunch main kareley bane hain pasand hain na aapko?" "Sir there's bitter gourd for luch today, you like it don't you?" another "Hmm" from him confirmed her suspicion. He hated bitter gourd and had strictly prohibited it from being cooked in the cafeteria. She waved her hand infront of his face and it was only then that he realized she stood next to him "Aapki tabiyat to theek haina?" "Are you feeling alright?" she had asked and he had stared back at her undecisively how could he feel well when his father threatened to take drastic measures for his supposed wellbeing.

"Kahin ja rahi hai?" "You'r going somewhere?" he had asked as he saw her dressing Preeti up "Haan yahiin mall tak jaana hai iss key kaprey khareedney eik achi shop hai wahaan." "Yes just here to the mall had to get some clothes for her there's a good shop there" she had informed him while putting shoes on Preeti's little feet. Preeti loved being dressed and sat quite still as Prachi stuck the velcro pads on the shoes together. She then brushed her crop of curls clipping them on the side making a mental note to ask Milind to get her a haircut soon. Picking up his car keys he had walked out of the room when she reached the parking lot she was surprised to see him waiting for her in the car.

Getting in she closed the door with a thud Preeti had sat silently at first but seeing her father drive had her excited she wanted to go sit with him Prachi tried stopping her but she wouldn't listen she wriggled off the back seat and tried to squeeze through the small gap in the front seats.With Milind's help she had succeeded in seating herself on the one next to him. He had slowed down the car for her safety when at that exact moment a crazed driver whizzed past their car and he had had to swerve his car to avoid the other one from crashing in his car's side. The swerve had made Preeti topple over and she had landed on the bottom of the car, she sat there looking very much bewildered.

Muttering curses under his breath Milind had stopped the car at the side picking up Preeti he had brushed her dress kissing her on the cheek, Prachi had tried to get Preeti from Milind but he refused to let go."Prachi aagey betho" "Prachi sit in the front" he had ordered and she knew her fall had angered him. She had stepped out of the back of the car and seconds later was seated beside him with Preeti cuddled in her lap."Chot to nahin lagi aapko jaanu?" "Did you get hurt dear?" she had asked Preeti in hushed tones and Preeti had smiled at her, her lips curved in an impish grin.From the corner of his eyes he could see Preeti play with Prachi's gold ring while she chattered happily to her, Prachi answered her patiently gently rubbing Preeti's head where a small bump had formed kissing it occassionally. He could not help but feel content at this scene his daughter was in safe hands.

(II)

He had been tired of pondering on the morning's events and had thought some time out of familiar premises would do him good. The drive was a short one and fifteen minutes later they stood at the mall outside a lavishly decorated shop bearing items for children of all ages.He had read the shops name in disgust "Mother care" as if it was only mothers who understood children and could take care of them. He thought it was extremely unfair to fathers nonetheless he entered the cool place. It was bustling with women some had their children with them while others were expectant mothers.

Milind wandered aimlessly around the expansive area he felt lost and completely out of place normally he'd have taken Preeti somewhere he didn't feel alienated.He saw Prachi busy with Preeti she had made Preeti sit on a short table and now checked dresses pinning them at her back against her shoulders. Preeti was enjoying the expedition thoroughly she touched all the dresses in excitement holding them close to her she gurgled in happiness.

Finishing with the clothes Prachi fitted her with some shoes. Milind had stood in a corner fingering some garments debating on whether or not to buy something of his own choice for his daughter as he watched Prachi with Preeti .He was sometimes awed by Prachi's expertise at handling Preeti it felt as if she had known the child since ages. As he looked on he saw that Preeti was trying to get away from her probably interested in a large stuffed teddy kept on the other side of the counter but Prachi held her firmly by her toe so that she wouldn't wander away from her while she chatted with the salesgirl about the required dresses. Feeling extremely bored and estranged he had taken out his cigarette and was about to light it when the salesgirl had approached him."Sir smoking is not allowed here you can smoke outside till your wife and daughter finish their shopping."

Turning around Milind had silently pocketed his cigarette and weaved his way to Prachi who had finished getting everything packed. "Ho gaya?" "Done yet?" he had asked wearily pulling out his wallet he paid a wad of notes to the girl behind the counter. Prachi had slung Preeti on her side her arm circling Preeti tightly while she dangled her small legs on either side of Prachi's slim waist. As they turned to leave the receptionist had stopped them handing them a wrapped gift. "Yeh kis liye?" "What's this for?" Prachi had asked "It's a rule ma'am jo bhi 5000 sey uper ki shopping kartey hain unhain yeh gift milta hai." "Whoever shops above a mark of 5000 they get this gift" Prachi had thanked her while Milind strode out towards the elevator.

"Tuu ney lunch kiya?" "Have you had lunch?" he asked as they rode in the elevator taking her by surprise "Nahin" "No" she replied "Chal" "Come" he had said simply, they entered a renowned restaurant in the vicinity as the waiter took their orders Preeti yawned sleepily. Milind had taken her from Prachi and gently rocked her in his arms soon she was fast asleep, he had smoothed the stray curls on her forehead kissing her softly. The only time Prachi had seen his eyes glimmer was when he was with Preeti apart from that he rarely let any emotion through and sometimes it was hard for Prachi to understand his thought process.He had mastered the art of keeping his speculations and sentiments to himself people who knew him called him a man of few words and Prachi had assented to their opinion.

Nibbling at her salad she studied him raptly he seemed distracted and disappointed playing around with the food on his plate,she wondered what was it that troubled him so.He had pulled out his cigarette case and lit one handing Preeti to Prachi he puffed on the slender roll of tobacco his thumb gently scratched his forehead while his fingers clutched the burning stub. Putting out it's remains in the ashtray he proceeded to light the next one Prachi could see whatever he thought must be of grave content, she wished she could escape from the suffocating smog that shrouded their table. She signalled the waiter to bring them the bill and handed it over to Milind who paid it promptly, she noticed he had barely touched his food and requested the waiter to pack it.

As they sat waiting for the food to be packed she had asked him hesitantly "Aap itni kyun peetey hain?" "Why do you smoke so much?" and he had stared at her long and hard as if deciding whether to answer her question or not. His eyes roved on her face trying to assess her sucking hard at the filter he had found her eyes searching him again. After a long pause he had answered "Jeeney key liye." "To live" and her startled expression had not escaped his punctilious gaze picking up the plastic bag containing the packed food he had walked off leaving her ruminating over his words and actions.

He sat waiting for her in the car when he recieved a call from Ramu kaka on his cell Baba had fainted on his way from the mandir that morning. Prachi had opened the door to the car when he told her to go back to the office on her own accord with Preeti instructing her to take care of Preeti he had stepped on the accelerator. Prachi had wistfully watched his car race away in the distance a sudden waveof fear had gripped her insides indicating an occurrence of dire portent.

Quote

soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

Part 10

He had reached home to find the doctor checking Baba's pulse it seemed the elderly man was suffering from high blood pressure in the morning and the heat had aggravated it further. He had collapsed on the temple steps when the driver had hurried to his aid helping him in the car. Once home he had been taken to his bedroom and Ramu Kaka had called Milind up before calling the doctor.Milind had sent the driver to fetch the medicines prescribed by him immediately,sensing him near Baba had feebly opened his eyes to watch Milind seated by him on his bed.He stroked his father's hand fondly "Baba aap theek to haina?" Baba are you ok? he had questioned in anguish "Main theek huun Milind tuu chinta mat ker" I'm fine you don't worry.Baba had replied with an effort "Aap ko kuch ho jaata to Baba kiya zarurat thi akeley mandir jaaney kii mera intizaar to kiya hota." What if anything would've happened to you why did you go alone couldn't you wait for me? he had complained, he seriously dreaded anything happening to his father he was the only family he had besides Preeti. His sole confidant and the only person who understood him more than himself.

Bringing his hand to his lips he had kissed it with love and he had felt his father squeeze his hand tightly. He brushed Milind's heavy hand against his pallid cheek and gave him a look that he knew so well but had never really understood the mix of expression before, yet today he did. It was love, sorrow and fear and the amalgamation of it all had tugged at his heart. An hour later he rose from his seat beside his father on the large bed, he had managed to soothe Baba who now lay with his eyes closed in a troubled but deep slumber under the influence of drugs. Raking a heavy hand through his hair he checked the air flow of the air conditioner before he left the room.

He decided to go back to the office to collect Preeti and return home early, his father needed him business could wait. Giving explicit instructions to Kaka to call him when Baba woke up he left for the office. Meandering through the afternoon traffic he tried to maintain his patience which fast ran out on the over crowded roads especially on days like these when the sun chose to shine it's brightest. He had yanked his coat off throwing it on the backseat when he heard his cell ring putting it to his ear he heard a female voice ask for his identity.

"Milind Mishra here" he had replied "Main doctor Krishna bol rahi huun from Central Hospital, aapki wife ka accident ho gaya hai please come quick." I'm Dr Krishna from Central Hospital your wife has had an accident please come quick. He checked the number was someone playing a prank on him, well if that was the case he certainly wasn't going to play along. "Aapko koi ghalat fehmi hui hai " You've been mistaken he had replied rather curtly , it seemed the woman was obviously as agitated as himself "Mujhey koi ghalat fehmi nahin hui hai aapki wife or beti dono yahiin hain you better come fast" I'm certainly not mistaken your wife and daughter are both here you better come fastsaying so she had slammed the phone shut. He stared at the cell in disbelief wife, daughter .... what the hell and then an awful struck him what if Preeti really was there.

Without another moment's delay he had turned the car in the direction of the hospital.Twenty minutes later he stopped his car in the hospital's parking lot hurriedly sprinting up the stairs. The waft of disinfectant hit him as soon as the automatic doors slid open.The place had been there for some time and boasted of latest technology and the best doctors available. He was at the reception in minutes questioning the hassled looking receptionist "Abhi abhi koi accident case aaya hai hai kiya?" Has any accident case been admitted here recently? she probably didn't like his intrusion during her lunch but checked the records all the same.

Muttering something inaudible she directed him to the emergency unit. Racing down the spotless corridor he managed to locate Dr. Krishna deep in conversation with a nurse. She was a young woman probably in her early thirties, clearing his throat he had diverted her attention to him."Milind Mishra" he had explained "Meri beti Preeti" My daughter Preeti he had elaborated further.Taking a good look at him she had pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose "Aaiye merey saath" Come with me she had stated escorting him to a room on the other side of the corridor. He entered the stark and practically white room to find Preeti lying on the hospital bed while Prachi sat next to her on the small stool beside it. Preeti was asleep and her forehead bore a small white bandage, "Preeti" he had called to her causing Prachi to acknowledge his presence. Touching Preeti's forehead tentatively he was filled with rage and a deep rooted furor he had trusted her to take care of his daughter.

Prachi had looked up to see him kiss Preeti gently a wave of relief swept over her. She stood up, "Aap....aap aa gaye" You...you've come she had started but before she could utter another word he was on her like a tiger on a deer catching her by her arms he shook her violently "Kiya kiya hai Preeti ko?" he bellowed "Bola tha na is ka khayaal rakhna,yeh khayal rakha hai.....or kiya bola tuuney uss doctor ko tuu meri patni hai." What have you done to her? I told you to look after her, this is how you've looked after her... and what did you tell the doctor, you'r my wife? Prachi had staggered in his grasp taken by surprise at his sudden attack and shook like a dead leaf in his powerful hands. She could feel his fingers digging deep in her flesh, she winced in pain as she tried to explain "Aap meri baat to suniye." Please listen to me she pleaded.

"Nahin sunna mujhey kuch" I don't want to listen to anything he cried in a mad fury "Sharam nahin aati itna jhoot boltey huey apni auqat yaad nahin tujhey or agar nahin yaad hai to main yaad dila deta huun. Tuu sirf eik employee hai meri, bas. Iss sey zyaada kuch nahin." Don't you feel ashamed lying like this. Have you forgotten your position . You'r just an employee that's it, nothing else. He could see tears spill on her cheeks her eyes wide obviously pained by his scathing remarks. She had suffered herself there were bruise marks on her left cheek and a laceration near her collar bones which bled profusely her eyes were shadowy and puffed she had been crying earlier. For the tiniest of moments his heart had gone out to her but he had brushed aside the sympathy he felt for her.

She looked aweful, pale and drained trembling in his iron grip and then her eyes had fluttered momentarily before closing altogether. He felt her muscles slacken in his grip she fell against him limp and unconscious, Dr Krishna had returned from her emergency talk with the nurse to the room at that moment. Seeing her in that state slumped against Milind she had immediately informed him "Main kab sey keh rahi thi in say keh apni bandage kerwa lain lekin inhain beti ki fikar sey fursat nahin. Aap inhain yahaan ley aaiye" I've been telling her to get her wounds bandaged since long but she was so worried about her daughter you can bring her here she had said showing him to another room adjacent to the previous one, picking her up in his arms he had gently laid her on the bed. He watched as the doctor cleaned and bandaged her wounds, perplexed by her condition he had questioned the doctor about the accident.

She had filled him with the little details that she knew, telling him that an elderly couple had brought them to the hospital it seemed Prachi had been crossing the road when a car had raced past her trying to save Preeti she had fallen prey to the couple's car. She had taken the hit herself saving Preeti from any major injuries. The couple had checked her purse to find his business card in there they had tried calling him themselves but the network had been down, they had left both them at the hospital afraid that if they stayed longer he would press charges against them.

Milind was suddenly filled with repentence he had vented out his anger at her without knowing the entire truth. He looked up to see her lying on the bed frail and vulnerable, cursing himself for his tempestuous behaviour he walked out to check on Preeti. The child had come around and the doctor having checked her had given her a clean bill of health telling Milind he could take her home.He prayed Prachi would gain consciousness soon so he could drop her safely home before he returned to his own. He played with Preeti in her room to while away the time but he noticed her eyes searched Prachi . He wondered what magical spell Prachi had cast over her that she had become attached to her to such an extent.He waited for some time but soon he realized Preeti was becoming restless, staying put for long wasn't just her cup of tea. Picking her up he advanced to the adjoining room to check on Prachi but to his utter dismay the room was empty. Where was she?

Prachi had awakened finally, she looked around the unfamiliar surroundings in surprise and then the afternoon's events rushed to her mind. She recalled the accident vividly she had been crossing the street with Preeti when a car had raced past her, she had stopped in the middle of the road frightened. If she were alone it wouldn't have mattered much but she carried Preeti and she knew one wrong move on her part would put the child's life in danger. She started walking again in an attempt to cross over when a blue Toyota appeared out of the corner.

Making a wrong U Turn the car had crashed in them. Prachi had realized she couldn't avoid a collision and so had turned her back towards the car taking the hit herself. She thanked her lucky stars that the car's speed wasn't very high and it had just bumped her nonetheless the damage had been done. She had fallen down clutching Preeti tightly, saving her from major injuries and they had rolled towards the curb. Preeti's head had struck the pavement and a gash had appeared immediately on her small forehead. She had fainted then leaving Prachi aghast at the situation.The couple in the car had offered her help and she had them rush her to the nearest hospital. It had been a torturous wait for her till the doctor had checked Preeti confirming the fact that she wasn't injured severly, it was just a simple cut and would heal soon.Relieved Prachi had tried calling Milind but had failed to get into contact with him as the network was down.

Her head throbbed with a dull ache and she put a bandaged hand to press it slightly, she noticed an IV stuck in her arm and gently pulled it out. She touched her legs which felt heavy and stiff it seemed as if her body was not hers anymore. An excrutiating pain shot up her spine as she tried to move from her bed but she willed herself to get up, tears trickled down her bruised cheeks as she squeezed the foamy mattress underneath. She remembered his words..."Apni auqat yaad nahin tujhey" Don't you remember your position? she put her hands on her ears in a failed attempt to shut his angry voice out, she had to get away from him, as far as possible. Pulling her wits together she eased herself onto her feet, hugging the wall for support she inched her way out in the corridor, it was deserted.

The afternoon had given way to dusk she moved cautiously away from the room, once outside the hopital premises she breathed a sigh of relief. She watched the sun beginning to dip in the west she had to get home before night fell, trying to walk faster she lost her balance and felt the ground beneath her tip, falling heavily on her knees. Her feet were too bruised to keep up with her mind's pace, crying silently she had managed to get back on her feet once again.

Walking slowly she reached the bus stop and as the bus loomed in view Prachi prepared to board it, but a sudden thought stopped her in mid step. Her purse was still at the hospital in her anxiety and desire to get away from him she had forgotten to pick it up from the bedside table in the hospital room.Feeling drained and miserable she dragged herself to a nearby park, as she sat down on a white painted bench in a remote corner she felt her life couldn't be more worse.Overburdened with immeasurable sorrow and suffocating throes she had buried her face in her hands letting her tears flow freely.

Quote

soul76

@soul76

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#10

Part 11

Milind had scoured the empty corridor in search for her but in vain no one seemed to be around,he stood stumped the hospital sprawled on an extensive piece of land,the place was massive how was he going to find her.Just then a nurse clad in starched white walked past him and he stopped her to ask "Dr Krishna kahaan hongi?" Where would Dr Krishna be? "Apney cabin main" In her cabin came the prompt reply. Asking her for directions he had followed her to the heart of the building the clicking of her heels resonating in the shiny corridor,pointing to a room she had gestured him to knock and had walked back the way they had come.

Knocking raptly on the white ash door he had heard a disgruntled "Come in",stepping inside he found the doctor poring over X-ray results gauging by her apprehension he realized the conversation should be a brief one. She had looked up to see him standing there dissapppointedly trying to pacify a very restless Preeti in his arms.

"Mujhey Prachi key baarey main puuchna tha... woh kahaan hai?" "I wanted to ask about Prachi where is she?" he had enquired without any preliminaries. "Prachi kon? .....oh inki mummy?" Prachi who? .. oh her mother" she had clarified "Woh to chali gayeen, mujhey laga aap bhi saath hii hongey" She's left I thought you'd be with her. A sudden wave of panic washed over him,where could she go in such a battered condition, maybe she went home. He stood musing on her whereabouts when he saw the doctor hand out something to him, it was her purse she had forgotten it in her haste, Damn he had thought taking it from her. As he turned the door knob to leave he heard the doctor call out to him "Mr Mishra next time you send your family out see to it that they have enough cash to get around."

"Kiya matlab?" What do you mean? he had asked confused , he soon received his asnswer when she handed him a gold ring and plain gold chain. "What's this?" he had asked flustered why was she giving him jewellery and whose was it anyways. "This is your wife's she didn't have anything to pay for your daughter's medical treatment so she gave these to the receptionist.Since you've paid all the bills I think you can return these to her." Taking them from her hand he had looked at the objects perplexed. Had she really done it? Given up her valuable posessions for his daughter's treatment. He knew how deplorable her financial conditions were and these trinkets would've meant a lot, yet she had parted with them for Preeti.

He had turned to leave when on a sudden impulse he had turned around halfway through the doorway "Kiya Prachi ney aapsey kaha tha keh woh Mrs Mishra hai?" Did Prachi tell you she's Mrs Mishra? Dr Krishna had stared at him strangely "Nahin" No she had replied "Jo couple unhain yahaan chor gaya tha unhon ney bataya tha" The couple who left her here had informed me. and she had noticed his face lose colour as he shut the door behind him. Preeti had been highly amused to see Prachi's gold ring she recognised it immediately trying to pull it from Milind's firm grasp. He had to find her he just had to and with that sole thought running wild in his mind his pace had quickened towards the parking lot.

Prachi had no idea of her next course of action she was far from home and that too penniless, she watched as people slowly started leaving the park she realised it would soon be empty. She had to walk her way home whether she liked it or not. Her mind understood the gravity of the situation but her body refused to comply, she just couldn't make herself move.She felt like screaming at the top of her lungs if only she could just go home ......somehow. Tightening her grip on the hand rail of the bench she had managed to get up ignoring the sharp pain that arose every time she moved a muscle she trudged forward.

She had been about to cross the park gates when she heard a voice call her from behind turning around she was surprised to see Krithika her neighbour stand there."Prachi tum yahaan?" Prachi how come you'r here? she had inquired pleasantly, she obviously was there for her own kids who scampered around her. She had two of them six year old Karan and three year old Tina the kids had immediately come to Prachi extremely pleased to see her there. They were very fond of their Prachi aunty who baby sat them sometimes when their mother was busy with work. "Aunty chaliye na ghar humarey saath" Aunty come home with us Tina had pleaded circling her small arms around Prachi's leg, joined by Karan "Haan na aunty aap ney humain Jungle Book bhi parh ker sunani hai, aap ney vaada kiya tha yaad haina aapko" Yes Aunty you have to read Jungle Book to us you promised remember he had smiled cheekily at her.

Prachi couldn't have felt more relieved she thought she could hitch a ride home with them. It was then that Krithika had realized that Prachi was silent moving closer she was horrified to see her wounds. "Prachi kiya hua tumko?" Prachi what happened to you? she had asked alarmed gently placing a hand on her sagging shoulder. Prachi had found it hard to keep her tears at bay but she braved a weak smile telling her that she had had a simple accident and would be extremely grateful if Krithika could take her home.The other woman had immediately assented, stopping a passing auto rickshaw she had quickly explained the driver their destination cramming in it they had headed for the chawl.As they rounded the bend Prachi had noticed a black Kompressor follow their rickshaw, she recognised it as Milind's had he seen her she had wondered fearfully.

Milind had floored the engine trying to keep calm, his eyes scanned the roads furtively hoping to find her walking down one of them. He had been extremely taken aback with Prachi's gestures for Preeti, she had risked her own life, received injuries, bore his wrath and had left without a word that too without any cash on hand. "Sab meri ghalati hai" It's all my fault he had thought angrily why couldn't he have just let her explain atleast she wouldn't have fled in that state.Keeping a sharp lookout for her he had driven around the corner away from the bus stop when he had noticed her talking to some other woman at the park gates, slowing down his car he watched as the two kids smiled up at her pulling her hand towards the doorway. He saw her smile half heartedly and walk with the trio to an auto rickshaw and then they had gone.

He had been assuaged to see her head for home and had decided to leave for his own when he saw her purse adorning his dash board.Aw crap he had thought now he'd have to return it to her but why, the question had arisen on his mind's surface countless times throughout the drive to her house. Why was he fretting for her discomfort after all she was just an employee. Just an employee, just an employee the words kept echoing in his mind till his head had started swimming. He followed the rickshaw to the chawl, he saw the other woman pay the fare and help her out but before they could advance further he had gotten out of his car and called out to her.

He could see the dread her eyes held for him yet she stayed put telling her friend she would be fine as Krithika dragged Karan and Tina up the stairs. Gingerly sprinting up to her he had held out her purse "Tuu wahiin bhuul gayi thi" You'd forgotten it there. he had stated, he noticed she was terrified of him her hand shook slightly as she took the bag from him. He saw her clutch it to her heart turning away in an attempt to flee, feeling encumbered with guilt and extremely ashamed of himself he had caught her wrist in an attempt to stall her.

She felt every pore of her skin break into an icy sweat as his hand touched hers the bag fell from her hand her face strained "Mainey jaan bujh ker nahin kiya kuch" I didn't do anything on purpose she had said frightened by his sudden move "Main...main ney kuch nahin kaha tha doctor sey app...aap yaqeen karein...please" I.. I didn't say anything to the doctor... trust me please she had whimpered and his heart had stopped beating for a fraction of a second.Taking her hands in his he had gently turned her so that she stood facing him, her eyes were down cast and he noticed the fresh tears that stained her cheeks. "Mujhey malum hai" I know he had told her looking at her tenderly, he saw her face lift up to him her eyes mirroring her disbelief "Main eik haftey kii chutti dey sakta huun iss sey zyaada nahin" I can just grant a week's leave not more than that. he had said somberly before he turned around leaving her stare after him, pulling away from the place he watched her still standing on the spot in the car's side view mirror till her image faded in the distance.

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Kuch Iss Tarah (from start to finish)

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