Hello everyone, bring on the rotten eggs and tomatoes. I am in full body armour 😉😆. Another long update, just making up for the delay in updating. Cheers 😃
Prachi smiled at Milind as he fed her another potato wedge. They had been standing near the huge glass window. Milind was perched on the window sill and Prachi was standing close to him. Glowing from his undivided attention, Prachi smiled happily. Her eyes fell on the dance floor. She was glad that Milind took her away from there before she made a fool of herself in front of everyone. She still was not comfortable with fast beats. Her eyes fell on Sally, dancing among others. Catching Milind's eye, Sally waved and Milind waved back and promptly turned back to Prachi and fed her another wedge. Engaged in a pleasant conversation with Milind, Prachi's eyes flickered back to Sally. She seemed completely at home there, dancing among her friends. She seemed to be a confident dancer. Prachi saw Sally laughing and wondered if she had mistaken her. She seemed to be really friendly with everyone. Every one in the room seemed to like her and she had no doubt that Micky adored her. Not just Milind, everyone called her Sal, even Vicky. She might really be a nice person, like Milind said, she wondered silently. Its time for her to make an effort too, she said to herself.
Sally watched them from the dance floor. She expected Milind to join her but he seemed to be too busy with Prachi. His eyes were just glued on her. When he was in London the week before, she had had dinner with him twice, once with his father and hers and the other time with all her friends. Mark had been there too and Milind seemed to genuinely happy for them. A fierece longing filled her heart. How can he not see it in her eyes or Was he pretending not to notice? She thought with a pang. Prachi had only known him for a year but she had known him since they were toddlers, had loved him with a passion since she was 14. She knew that even Mark had thought that she had long grown out of her crush on Milind. But only she knew that she would never be able to……..her first love, may be her only love. She liked Mark but she doubted that he will ever evoke such strong feelings in her like Milind did. She herself had thought that she had moved on during all those years in America but all it took was one glance of him at the party and she was back where she was at 14. Sally's eyes hardened as she saw Milind feed Prachi. Why is he so doting? What makes Prachi tick? She wondered silently, her heart constricting in pain.
Prachi turned around as she heard Sally's voice behind her. "Hey lovebirds, what are you two doing here? I can see why you are head over heals in love with her, Milind. Your Prachi seems to be really sweet. I like her", she smiled brilliantly at Prachi. Warming up, Prachi smiled back, thanking her shyly.
"I told you that you will like her, Sal. My Prachi is the most beautiful girl in the world", Milind smiled genuinely pleased and slightly caressed Prachi's red cheeks.
Sally gave a short laugh, "Alright now, guys. Shouldn't you be both on the dance floor? They are playing some great beats. Come on, Prachi, Milind", she said and smiled at Prachi. Seeing them look at eachother, Sally's eyes widened, "Is something wrong, Milind? Can Prachi not dance or what?" she asked surprised.
Just as Prachi was about to nod, Milind pulled her closer to him, "No, Sal. Did you not see Prachi dancing with me before? She is a very graceful dancer. It's just that she prefers soft music, you see, melodious and romantic. I like it too as I can get closer to her then", he winked at a blushing Prachi.
Sally's eyes narrowed. He jumps in to defend her everytime. She laughed, "Who are you kidding, Milind? You love rock and you can't wait to shake a leg now. Come on, admit it. It's fine if Prachi doesn't want to. Why don't you join us?" she asked sweetly. As Milind was about to refuse, she turned to Prachi, "Why, Prachi? Don't you trust Milind away from you even for a minute? Don't worry, honey. He will be in safe hands. I will look after him", she said in a honey-laced tone.
Prachi quickly shook her head, "Of course, I trust him, Sally. You are right. He should go and have some fun" she said and turned to Milind. Looking into his eyes, she smiled, "Go on, Milind. I know you want to. I am going to mingle now, like you wanted me too" she said. It was time to chase the demons away. Sally seemed to be genuinely friendly. When Milind shook his head, she silenced him and squeezed his hand, "Just come back, soon", she said softly.
Smiling at her, Milind leaned to kiss her forehead. "I will be back soon, sweetheart. Go and make friends now", he patted her cheek lovingly and walked towards the dance floor.
Hiding her triumphant smile, Sally pulled Milind's hand, "It's been quite some time since we danced together, Darling. It's time to get the dance floor on fire. Let's relive the magic together", she whispered huskily and ran through the group of their friends.
Prachi circulated among his friends, talking and laughing softly. Her shyness gone, she initiated conversation and was pleased as she saw how his friends took to her immediatedly. She knew that Milind would be pleased. Her eyes fell on him again. She can see that he was enjoying himself and she was glad that she made him go. The music was getting louder and noisier and she couldn't keep up with who was dancing with who. Couples changed and as she watched, Sally and Milind came together. The music stopped suddenly and a heavy rock beat started. A loud cheer went up. "Are you up for it, Milind?" challenged Sally. Milind grinned widely rising up to her challenge immediately. Then it all started. They both took centre stage, the others moving away from them giving them space. Those who weren't dancing, including Prachi, moved towards the dance floor and watched as they danced. And oh boy, how they danced! Prachi's mouth almost dropped open as she watched Milind dance. He was completely in his element. His movements coordinating with the music matched every beat, his curly hair in complete disarray, moved and fell close to his eyes, everytime he moved. He looked way too handsome and wild there and Prachi heart swelled up with love and pride. He was hers, her fiance and soon her husband to be and he was brilliant in everything he did. She moved closer and watched him mesmarised. Slowly, other details starting to sink into her awed mind… Sally. She spun and moved in perfect synchronisation with him. She matched his every step, every turn. Even Prachi couldn't help admitting that they were good, too good and looked very good together. A disturbed feeling settled in her as she watched how close Sally was dancing with him. Her hands rested on his chest, moved up to his neck….when she turned, her body was in close contact with his as they gyrated in perfect syncronisation…..the way she held his eyes now and then…..Prachi started to wonder if she was stupid to let him go with Sally. Thankfully to her relief, the music ended. Hands still on Sally's back, Milind smiled at her, completely impressed and awed. She was absolutely brilliant. And as Prachi watched, Sally rested her hands on his chest, her body close to his and looked up into his eyes, her face betraying everything. A sudden fear filled Prachi and she watched horrified. And then Sally smiled at him, a brilliant, dazzling smile. Prachi's heart skipped several beats and then started thumping heavily. No…….It can't be……her hands felt clammy and she suddenly felt dizzy. The roaring applause around her didn't affect her at all. Both Sally and Milind were surrounded by their cheering friends and Prachi stood rooted to the spot. Sally is in love with Milind…….Prachi was sure of that. Those catty remarks she made earlier …the antagonism and loathing in her eyes …….That was real. Her friendly gesture and comments minutes before was an act just to get Milind on the dance floor….with her. And Prachi, like a fool, fell for it. Prachi saw it all clearly now. Her head throbbed and she moved back and held on to a chair for support.
"Aren't they just brilliant? They always looked so good together", came a sigh from behind her. Prachi slowly turned towards a beaming Micky. Shocked to see Prachi in front of him, Micky cleared his throat, "You and Milind look even better, Prachi", he said hurriedly.
With a supreme effort, Prachi smiled at him and relieved, Micky smiled back. Quickly engaging in conversation, he walked with her away from the dance floor. Thanking him as he handed her a soft drink, Prachi said softly, "You are very close to Sally, aren't you, Micky?" she asked.
A loving smile crossed Micky's face, "Yes, Prachi. She is my best friend. I missed her so much when she went away. I used to travel to States to meet her every summer. I am so glad she is back in London now. She is a very nice girl", he said softly.
Prachi looked at him, "Then why did she leave London, Micky? I mean, all her friends were there, so why did she move to the States?" she asked him.
Micky sighed, "She was going through a bad phase then. Her parent's marriage was in trouble and her mom moved to America. She didn't want to leave Mil…..i mean us. But then she had to. I think once she was there, life just moved on" he said quickly, chiding himself for the slip up.
That was enough for Prachi. She heard everything she wanted to know. So Sally was in love with Milind way back then……..still is……Her heart squeezed in pain and a wave of possessiveness filled her. Jealousy reared its head again. Sally was much better than her in every way……..in looks, in status, in education and persona. Every bit of insecurity she had kept suppressed surfaced again and she struggled to look normal. Quickly excusing from Micky, she turned to walk away and came face to face with Sally. The triumph in Sally's eyes shocked her and confirmed her every fear. Mumbling a quick excuse Prachi rushed away.
She was standing close to the buffet table, when Milind found her. "Hey sweetheat, what are you doing here all alone? Did you watch me dancing? Was I good?" he asked eagerly.
Struggling to pull herself together, she looked at him, "Yes, very good. You both were", she said slowly.
Milind's smile widened, "Sally was brilliant, wasn't she? She had always been a good dancer", he said appreciatively.
Unlike me, thought Prachi nastily. "Oh yes, she is" she gave a small smile.
Milind frowned, "Are you okay, Prachi? You look a bit pale. Are you hungry?" he asked concerned.
Prachi's eyes flashed, "Do you think that I eat like a pig? No, thank you. I am not hungry", she said angrily.
Milind's eyes widened, "Oh my, aren't we a bit touchy tonight? Have these size zero girls been talking to you or what?" he pointed towards a group of his friends. "I like you as you are, honey. But I am gonna eat like a pig now. All that dancing had made me hungry. Come on, give me company" pulling her along he walked towards the food.
Prachi looked at him contently sipping his drink. She felt ashamed of herself at the way she had snapped at Milind. After Sally's very friendly act, she knew that Milind had thought that she and Sally had hit it off well. Would he even believe her if she said if it was all an act? Prachi was not sure. Just as Milind finished his drink, Sally placed another glass in his hand. Prachi was startled as she didn't even see Sally walking towards them. She touched Milind's arm as he raised the glass, "Don't drink too much, Milind. Enough now", she said softly. He had been drinking steadily all evening.
Sally gave a sarcastic laugh, "See this is what happens when your fiancee doesn't drink, Milind. Come on, Prachi. Let him have a good time. Don't be a spoil sport", she said sweetly.
Prachi stared at her and a shiver went through her as Sally's eyes blazed blue fire.
Placing his glass down, Milind raised her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, "She is concerned about me, Sal. And Prachi is right though. Drinking is not good for health", he smiled. Prachi looked away from Sally's blazing eyes. Milind kissed her hand again, "Only tonight, Prachi. No more drinking after tonight. I promise", he said huskily and Prachi smiled a little. Sally didn't stay there for much longer. Throwing another nasty look at Prachi, she walked off.
Milind's hand tightened on Prachi's as she tried to pull her hand away from his. Without warning, he pulled her on to his lap. Prachi gasped and looked around, worried that people might see them. Holding her still, Milind smiled, "The lights are already dim and it is much darker where we are sitting", he said huskily and buried his face in her neck.
Prachi squirmed. She turned her head away catching a whiff of alcohol on his breath. "Milind….please, let me go", she struggled and gasped as she felt his hand on her ankle. His fingers moved upwards tracing her leg and she jumped as his hand closed on her calf.
Surprised, Milind looked at her, "What's wrong, Prachi?" he asked. Shaking her head, she moved away, "I need the washroom, Milind" she said softly.
Milind smiled, "Come back soon, honey", he said and settled comfortably in the chair.
With a sigh of relief, Prachi leaned against the closed door of the toilet. The washroom had been empty when she walked in. She needed some time alone, trying to come to terms with Sally's love for Milind. Does Milind know? Should she confront Sally and tell her to back off and leave them alone? Confused and scared, she closed her eyes. How long can she stay there? Milind would be waiting for her. She walked out towards the mirrors and stopped still. With her mouth in a perfect "O", Sally was applying her lipstick.
"Look who is here!" she threw a look at Prachi. Ignoring her, Prachi started to brush her hair. "Was it fun watching Milind and me dancing, honey? I can give you some dance lessons if you want", she offered sarcastically.
Prachi turned to her, "Thanks Sally. How kind of you! But no, thanks. I can get all the lessons I need from Milind", she said smiling sweetly.
"Ohhh, private lessons, yeah. Aren't you a clever chit of a girl, Prachi?" Sally said nastily.
Giving up, Prachi turned to her, "What do you want, Sally? I don't understand what game you are playing" she sighed.
"Oh you poor thing, the sweet and innocent Prachi" she leaned closer to her and Prachi stepped back. "Milind might fall for that, honey..not me" her eyes flashed.
Irritated now, Prachi closed her handbag with a snap. "I don't have time for this catfight, Sally. Milind would be waiting for me", she turned to go.
Sally stepped in front of her, "Rubbing in it, are you? That you have got Milind in the palm of your hand" she bit out and her eyes fell on the diamond ring on her left hand. "That's one hell of a rock. I am sure that is the most expensive one you ever hoped to own, right" she said mockingly.
Anger coursed into Prachi, "Move out of my way, Sally. I don't think Milind will like to hear about this", she said warningly.
"Ah, are you going to tell now, Prachi? Can you not handle a bit of a challenge?" Sally mocked her again. Moving her out of her way, Prachi walked away. "Were you just holding out for the ring, Prachi?" asked Sally casually.
Prachi turned around confused and looked at her ring. What did she mean?
Sally laughed, "You clever girl, no status, no money, no class but you did dangle the ultimate carrot in front of him, didn't you? And even Milind Mishra fell for the age old trick" she sniggered.
Really confused, Prachi looked at her. Her chest constricted with an unknown feeling. She knew for some reason that whatever was coming was not going to be good.
Sally reached out and traced Prachi's ring with her finger, "Your virginity, honey! You haven't slept with him yet, have you? Did you tell him that you are still not ready?" she asked almost in a whisper.
Prachi gasped aloud, stunned by her words. Colour flooded her face and she struggled to find her voice, "How dare you? It's none of your damn business" she bit out furiously, unable to believe that Sally could say such things.
Sally laughed, "Well, I am making it my business now, darling. Deal with it, if you can. But you have had the ring for almost two months now, Prachi. What is stopping you now? Are you waiting for the Mishras name as well? Wow, what a trade" she said.
A shiver went through Prachi. Unable to even come up with a suitable reply, she just stared at sally.
Sally smiled at her shocked expression, "And do you think you will be able to hold his interest for long? You are wrong, honey. Milind is not a very patient man and I am surprised that he played this chasing game for so long. But once he gets the carrot, what more do you have to give him? Nothing honey, nothing at all. You can't even manage a small party for friends….shying away and lost for words. How will you host power parties? How will you handle dinner table conversations? Do you even know the enormity of the Mishras world? You don't have what he needs. You will disappoint him, Prachi. All this waiting and wanting would come to nothing at all. You might get it all but Milind will be left with nothing, nothing but a worthless you" she bit out in fury.
Too stunned to react, Prachi just stared at her, her words ringing in her mind.
Sally shrugged, "I just thought that I would warn you, Prachi. After all, only women can look out for women, right", closing her hand bag, she moved towards the door. She stopped and turned around with a killer smile and delivered the ultimate blow to an already reeling Prachi. Leaning close to her, she whispered, "You don't know what you are missing, Prachi. He is just fantastic. Take it from me, darling. I have had first hand experience. If you ever need any tips, you know where to find me" she blew a kiss and walked out, shutting the door softly behind her.
A low tortured moan escaped Prachi and she doubled over in agony, which was worse than any other physical pain ever known to her. No…her mind screamed…..Even Sally can't be that cruel. She must have heard it wrong. No…….. her hand held the wall for support and she slowly crumbled to the floor. How could she? She asked herself. How could she do that to her? Her mind filled with every misgiving she had felt when she came to know about Sally…the first girl in Milind's life. And now, she even knew that Sally was still in love with Milind. Sally's words taunted her……He is just fantastic……first hand experience……..A sudden rage filled her. Angry at her own helplessness, possessive and jealous that Sally had known him far better that she did, Prachi stayed there crumbled on the floor. Every single demon she was trying hard to chase away came back with a vengeance, mocking her and rejoicing in her pain.
Milind's eyes searched the room. What is keeping Prachi so long? It seemed like she had been gone forever. He already missed her, he thought with a smile. His smile widened as he saw Prachi walking slowly towards him.
Pulling herself together, Prachi decided to brave the party and seeing a smiling Milind, she kept her eyes everywhere but him, her face carefully composed. She stiffened as she felt his hand on her waist.
"You took your time, Prachi and here I was starting to feel lonely", he complained.
She managed a small smile as Vicky joined them carrying shots. The smell of alcohol was even stronger and Prachi turned her face away from Milind. She stiffened as Sally joined them.
"Once you guys move back to London, I am going to ask your dad to let me work with you in our office, Milind. I will be perfect for you and you can always trust me", she purred her hand on the sleeve of his arm. Her eyes shot to Prachi's and it took all for Prachi to stop herself from walking away.
Milind smiled, "Sure, Sal. I would love to have you on my team" he said.
A faint ringing of her phone over the music alerted Prachi and excusing herself, she walked out towards the garden. Picking up the phone, her eyes widened in shock as she saw the time. It was well past midnight and there was a missed call from Inder. Oh no…..she should have been home by now but the party was still going strong. Calling home, she quickly explained to her papa.
Inder's voice was curt over the phone, "I don't care when the party finishes, Prachi. You should have been home by now. If you don't leave now, I am going to come there to pick you up", he said.
After begging him to understand, Prachi finally gave up. If she doesn't leave now, her father would definitely turn up here. It would be just disastrous if he turned up and saw the way they were all drinking and dancing. She should have told Milind earlier about her curfew time. It was too late now. She didn't know how to tell him. Walking back into the ballroom, her eyes fell on a laughing Milind among a group of his friends. She touched his arm, "Milind, I need to talk to you" she said softly and excusing himself, Milind walked with her towards the garden.
Away from the noise of the party, the night seemed to be quiet and pleasantly warm. Without warning, Milind pulled her into his arms. Too wound up by Sally's words, Prachi stiffened. Unaware of her thoughts, Milind held and close, his face nuzzling her neck.
"Milind…….let me go. I have to go home now. I should have told before that Papa wanted me home by midnight. If I don't go home, he would come here. I don't want that. I have to leave now, please", she struggled to pull herself out of his hold and his arms only became tighter around her.
Milind laughed, "You are joking, Prachi. How can you leave now? The party will go on for another couple of hours and people are having so much fun. We can't wind it up now. Anyway, I am glad you pulled me out of that room. I was dying to kiss you all evening", he said huskily and brushed his lips with hers.
Not taking her serious, Milind ignored her protests as he took her lips in a soft kiss. His tongue darted into ther mouth and Prachi struggled harder. The smell of alcohol was overpowering and her stomach churned. Her mind already in a turmoil, anger and disgust boiled inside her and with all her strength, she pulled her mouth away from his. Her hands pushed a stunned Milind away and she brushed the back of her hand over her mouth, her face screwed up in disgust. "Stop it, Milind. Why don't you listen to me? I have to go home……….NOW. You don't have to stop the party for me. Just send me home" she bit out.
Surprised, Milind walked closer to her and put his arms around her. "Sweetheart, you can't be serious now. It's our party. You can't leave before it finishes. What will everyone think? I will speak to your father. Why didn't you tell me before? Now let's go back inside. Come on, let me kiss you properly now", his lips took hers again.
With an angry cry, Prachi pushed him away, "Don't touch me, Milind. I can't stand it. No…….I feel like puking. Stay away from me" she moved away from a stunned looking Milind.
Milind watched in shock and disbelief as she wiped her lips again as if erase the imprint of his lips on them.
"It's just disgusting", Prachi said almost to herself.
What did she just say? Milind stared at her.
Picking up her handbag that had fallen on the ground, Prachi turned to go, "I am leaving now. I will ask Kumar to drop me back at home" she said.
Milind held her arm, "You can't just leave our party, Prachi", his voice slightly shook shocked by her behaviour.
Prachi pulled her arm away from his grip, "Let me go, Milind. I am leaving now. Which part of that can you not understand? It's not our party…Its yours……for you and your friends. You carry on and have fun. Just let me go, will you?" she screamed at him.
For several heart beats, they just stared at each other. He looked at her with utmost hurt and pain in his eyes. The shock and disbelief in his face slowly registered in Prachi's mind. Oh no….what had she said? As she watched in horror, a shutter came down and his eyes became blank and cold, stripping every bit of emotion in them. A shiver went through Prachi. Oh god, what had she done? Irked by Sally, She had turned her anger towards Milind, who had no idea of what had gone between her and Sally. "Mi…….lind…….I am………" she stammered unsettled by his cold and aloof eyes.
"You will go home, now", he said curtly and with a nod walked off toward the car. Shocked and worried, Prachi rushed behind him, calling his name. Walking towards the car that Kumar picked her up in, he tapped on the driver's window, "Drop her home", he ordered and pulled open the back door for her to get in. "You may go home, just as you wanted. And thanks for coming to MY party, Miss. Prachi Shah. I really appreciate it", he said silkily, the smoothness in his voice in direct contrast with the boiling anger inside him.
Scared and worried stiff by his cold behaviour, her eyes begged him, "Milind……please".
Milind's eyes narrowed, "Get in now, Miss. Shah. I don't have all night. Unlike you, I am hosting a party inside and my presence is important there", he said cuttingly.
Prachi's eyes filled with tears and she bit back a sob. What is she going to do now? How could she have said such things to him? She closed her eyes in despair.
"Milind…Prachi…..what are you guys doing here?" came Vicky's voice as he walked towards them, looking confused. Looking at Milind holding the door open for Prachi, he looked at Prachi with disbelief, "You are not leaving now, are you? But why, Prachi? What will everyone think?" he asked her.
"Don't worry about that, Vicky. I will handle it", said Milind, his eyes blazing with fury now.
Vicky nodded slowly, "Alright, then. Do you want to drop her home, Milind? I will manage for sometime" he said to Milind.
Milind gave a harsh laugh, "Oh no, I won't put her through that, will I? She will end up puking. She can't stand my presence, you see. I disgust her", he bit out slowly, his eyes holding her shocked ones.
Prachi felt as if she was slapped on her face. Oh no…..That was not how she meant it. She didn't even realise how her words must have sounded. Very worried now, she moved closer to him, "Milind……..I didn't mean……." She stopped at the look in his eyes.
Vicky gave a short laugh, "Come on, bro. Its not funny……." He fell silent" as Milind raised a warning finger at him.
"Get in" Milind bellowed at her and shaking violently, Prachi got in and winced as the door banged shut. Her heart squeezed in pain as she heard the unmistakable voice of Sally calling Milind's name.
Sally stared at her through the window and turned to Milind in disbelief, "Oh no, Is Prachi leaving now? Should I tell them to wind up the party? But people are having so much fun now, Milind" she held his arm.
Milind turned to look at Prachi, his eyes dark with anger, "I am the host, Sal. The party will carry on till I call it off. And I need a stiff drink now. I am planning to get absolutely stoned tonight, Sal. Let's go" he walked away.
"Oh, my poor baby! I will sort you out, darling", she linked her arm in his and turning back, she blew a kiss towards a gutted looking Prachi, smiling triumphantly.
Prachi's heart broke as she watched them go. She had played right into Sally's hands. This was what she had wanted and Prachi gave it to her, without even a fight, actually dug a deep hole for herself. Hysteric laugh bubbled inside her, "Well done Sally, you won in straight sets" she thought to herself.
Watching her worriedly, Vicky opened the door and got in. "I will come with you, Prachi" he said and instructing Kumar to drive on, he clicked on the privacy glass effectively shutting out the driver. "What is going on, Prachi? What happened?" he asked softly.
Prachi burst into tears. "It is entirely my fault. I didn't even realise how I must have sounded. I hurt him, Vicky….hurt him really badly. He is very angry with me. He will never forgive me" she sobbed every harder as he comforted her.
"Prachi, Milind is very sensitive when it comes to you. He takes your every word to heart and you know that. You can easily hurt him deeply with one simple word. I don't know what happened between you but I do know that he is very angry. And he is going to get completely drunk, that's for sure", he said. Smiling reassuringly at her worried face, he said, "Don't worry, Prachi. He will come around. He loves you way too much and can't stay angry with you for long. Just leave it till tomorrow. You can talk to him then and kiss and make up, okay" he said and Prachi gave a small smile. Her words and the way she reacted when he kissed her came back to her and fresh sobs raked her. Oh god, what had she done?
Vicky dropped her home but didn't come in. A furious Inder gave her a severe dressing down as soon as she stepped into the house. A worried looking Premlatha struggled to calm him down. But Inder just bellowed, "See, this is going to be her lifestyle. Can you smell it, Premlatha? She reeks of alcohol. Did you also drink along with your fiance, Prachi? Let's take the puja room down, Premlatha and change that into a bar. Let's change our lifestyle to match your daughter's new life. Is this what we have taught you, Prachi? Drinking and dancing past midnight. Well done. Go into your room and don't even dream of stepping out of this house again", he shouted and a sobbing Prachi ran up to her room. It took a long time for Premlatha to calm her husband down.
In her room, Prachi threw herself on the bed, sobbing her heart out. Atlast the events of the evening caught up with her. Instead of dealing with Sally in a matured way, she had turned her anger towards an unsuspecting Milind, hurting him and causing him so much pain. She had played right into Sally's hands. Every thing she said about her sounded true. Sally had told her that she would only disappoint him and she had done it today. She should have discussed the time limit with Milind before instead of assuming that the party will wrap up by then. Now, she didn't know how many of his friends he would have been answering to. On top it she called him disgusting and told him that she can't stand him. Even though she didn't mean it that way, her words and actions would have sounded that way to Milind. Her heart squeezed in pain and self-disgust. She dialled his mobile number and only reached his answering phone. The phone seemed to be turned off. Scared and worried now, she curled up in her bed, crying into her pillow.