Chapter 16-Chapter 21

 

Chapter 16

 

            Everyone is just relieved that they are all together again. Kripa and Prem are still dating, but Angad has decided to ignore the relationship of Kripa and Prem because he knows it won't last. Angad has realized he feels something strong for Kripa, something called LOVE, but decides to keep this to himself until she feels the same way, which he is certain she will… one day.

Kavya has decided that they would all go to a club that evening to celebrate the group uniting and overcoming so many obstacles. Kavya and Anjali drive in Kavya's car, Neev and Prachi in Neev's car, Prem and Kripa in Prem's car, and Angad and Priya (his present girlfriend) in Angad's car. Angad sees Kripa and Prem take the dance floor while Angad then heads towards the bar. He doesn't want to do something he would regret later so he decides to avoid Kripa and Prem. So much for that! Angad turns and sees Kripa and Prem dancing slowly to soft music. He turns to the bar again and orders some vodka. He drinks down a couple shots while watching Kripa gazing into Prem's eyes. Overpowered by jealousy, Angad grabs Priya and pulls her to the dance floor as soon as the song changes to a song a little more fast paced, Afsana Banake Bhool Na Jaana from Dil Diya Hai.

Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Aeewana banake durr na jaana
Ishq mera ishq deewana

Ishq mera ishq deewana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana

Angad and Kripa dance even more closely with their respective partners, but have their eyes on each other alone. They are trying to get the other to stop dancing by dancing in a more provocative manner with their partner. Angad wants to badly beat up Prem and pull Kripa towards him, but he couldn't this time like he did the previous times. She is with her boyfriend, and it isn't him. Angad can't take it anymore and he orders some tequila shots and drank them while a tear escapes his eye in pain of not being able to tell her he loves her.

Kavya and Anjali are dancing in each other's arms in absolute harmony. They are so at peace with the world.  Their best friends and siblings are together. That means they can be together. Kavya twirls Anjali closer to him and she drops her head to his chest to hear the rhythmic beating of his heart amidst the partying atmosphere.

Neev and Prachi's relationship is out in the open. They were bombarded with questions by the gang after Kavya pulled his little kidnapping stunt. Neev and Prachi shyly had answered all their questions. Now they are free love birds, free to be together without people questioning it. They sway to the music slowly. Neev reaches over and tucks a strand behind Prachi's ear while she blushes. They just stare into each other's eyes, drowning themselves into the love they share.

Kavya is thinking of a way to reveal his and Anjali's relationship in front of everyone tonight itself and decides on a game of spin the bottle. They catch up with the rest and all find a bunch of couches and sit down. They get a bottle from Angad since he just kept drinking the whole night and his bottle is now empty. They all sit like this clockwise; Angad, Priya, Neev, Prachi, Kripa, Prem, Kavya, Anjali. Neev spins the bottle…

It lands on Priya, she says, "Truth" and Neev asks, "How many boyfriends have you had?" Priya replies hesitantly, "Umm 7………..this month" The guys laugh while the girls seem sort of disgusted and Kripa throws Angad a look like "What kind of girls do you date" kind of look. Angad just smiles broadly at her jealousy. Angad spins the bottle and it lands on Prem. Angad asks looking at Kripa and then looks at Prem. Prem says, "Truth" Everyone says "Boo" then Angad asks, "When was the first time you and Kripa kissed?" Kripa looks at Angad and answers for Prem, "We never kissed."

Next person it lands on is Prachi. Prachi softly replies, "Truth" Neev says, "I'm gonna ask Prachi, umm when did you realize you were in love with me?" Prachi shyly replies, "Well I was always in love with you, but I knew for sure when well I don't know if you will remember but there were these guys in college making fun of me as a behenjee and you beat up those guys. When I was crying after that you came and said, "I like you for you being proud to be yourself. Don't ever change yourself because your beautiful." Everyone says, "AWWWWWWWWW" Whiles Neev and Prachi blush hard.

Kavya is the next person it lands on. Kavya proudly says, "Dare" Anjali smiles and says, "I dare you to kiss me." Kavya is shocked out of his wits, but grins widely. Everyone is like WHAT and then reason thinking that Anjali only said that so that he denies and loses because Anjali is known for having a strong dislike to Kavya. To everyone's surprise Kavya comes closer to Anjali and pulls her arm and kisses Anjali in front of everyone. The kiss starts off slow and smooth. Kavya and Anjali are both smiling while kissing. Both let go of each other unwillingly. Everyone at the table is just speechless and bewildered. Angad and Neev are super pissed and both yell in unison, "KAVYA!! THAT'S MY SISTER!!!!" While Anjali is in a trance but snaps back hearing Angad and Neev complain. Angad and Neev get out their chairs and punch Kavya's arms, with him letting out a yelp. Anjali stops them from hitting Kavya further saying, "Hey Bhai log, it was a dare" Anjali winks at Kavya while he grins.

Next it lands on Neev. Neev says, "Truth" and Prachi asks, "When did you fall in love with me" Neev replies, "When we were having our little separation or fight or whatever that was.. well anyways I couldn't stop thinking about you, and then Kavya started asking me a bunch of weird questions to which I had no answer. That's when I knew it was always you Prachi" Everyone says "AWWWWW" while Neev and Prachi find themselves sinking in their chairs in further embarrassment.

Next it lands on Anjali who says, "Truth!" Kavya says, "If you have something to confess do it now" Anjali and Kavya grin at each other. She slowly gets hold of his hand and squeezes it. She says, "Ok now everyone stay calm, but umm Kavya and I…love each other" Everyone screams,  "WHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT!!!!" Kavya leans over and kisses Anjali's cheek and puts his arm around her and says, "It's true" Angad screams, "IT'S NOT APRIL FOOLS YOU MORONS, QUIT PULLING OUR LEGS!!" Neev shouts, "GUYS STOP LYING, IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE TRUTH, NOT A LIE ANJU!!! SO QUIT LYING! YOU'LL BURN IN HELL!!" Kayva and Anjali then have to narrate their whole love story collaborating the Neev and Prachi, and Angad and Kripa patch ups. Everyone 'awwed' once more and thank them for giving them back their friendships. They get back to the game.

Now it is Kripa's turn and she picks, "TRUTH" Angad smirks looking at Kripa. (Keep in mind he is drunk) He says smirking, "I'm sure Prem would like to know who your first kiss was" Kripa looks up bewildered and doesn't know what to say. Angad and Kripa both know it is Angad who was her first kiss. And Angad is her best friend and Prem is her boyfriend, who she didn't even kiss. By the way Kripa is acting everyone can tell she is hiding something. Angad is challenging her at this point. He is making her relive their passionate kiss once more. Everyone is forcing her to tell while Angad is all smirks. Kripa replies slowly "No one…"  Kavya says happily, "KNEW IT! Okay lets continue" Kavya spins the bottle but Angad stops it in place and says, "Wait! (now glaring at Kripa) Kaun hai voh?" Kripa is enraged, "NO ONE" Neev says, "Why are you pressing this Angad" and Angad replies, "SHE'S LYING. (now turns to Kripa) Who was it?" Kripa gets up and yells, "It was ANGAD!!! I kissed Angad, There are you satisfied! YOU WERE MY FIRST! WHY, WHY COULDN'T YOU LET IT BE! DON'T TALK TO ME! I HATE YOU ANGAD!" and gets up and leaves. Angad snaps back and the buzz is completely gone. He calls after Kripa, but she runs out to Neev's car and left. Prem also leaves.

Angad sits down burying his head in his hands. Everyone is shocked and looks at each other. All are thinking the same thing—Angad and Kripa kissed?? How? When? Why? They had so many questions and Angad eventually answers. Angad takes his head out of his hands and looks up with bloodshot eyes and tears streaming down his face. Angad says slowly, "I love her. I can't see her with Prem anymore. She hates me…" with tears continuously streaming and he is breaking down.  

Kripa lays in her room crying thinking, "Why does he do this to me". She notices her phone is constantly ringing and sees that it is Prem, who keeps calling her and she keeps cutting the line. Finally she gets annoyed and throws her phone against the wall smashing it to bits. Kripa is really upset with Angad, but also feels she was too harsh, but ignores this thinking he deserves it. She just hates seeing that Angad would put her in that position in front of everyone.

Angad abruptly leaves the party and speeds off in his car. Soon after his friends quickly get in Kavya's car and drive off trying to locate Angad. Angad is driving drunk which is worrying everyone. He has the music on cranked at full volume. He isn't paying attention and he crosses into the wrong lane. A car comes out of no where and Angad swerves and crashes into a tree. Angad is hurting, both internally and externally. He doesn't know if he will survive or how bad it is, but he just has to talk to Kripa—just one last time. He doesn't know what tomorrow has in store for him, but all he knows is he needs her. His hopes shatter as he hears her phone line is dead.

 

Chapter 17

 

Kavya and Neev finally spot Angad's car, but the sight is just horrific. His red convertible is wrapped around a tree. Kavya, Neev, Anjali, and Prachi dart towards the scene. Kavya soon calls for an ambulance. Neev goes over to Angad's side's and screams his name. Neev cries, "Angad please say something! You have to wake up! Bhai noo please!!!" Anjali stands there in shock and denial. After it sunk in she screams, "BHAI!!!!!!!!! BHAI PLEASE!!!!!!! NOOO! WHERE IS THE AMBULANCE?!" Kavya holds her for support. Finally the ambulance arrives and is able to pry out Angad's bloody body from the wreckage. Anjali and Neev go in the ambulance with Kavya and Prachi driving behind. When they get to the hospital, Kavya calls Kripa repeatedly, but gets no response. Kavya hopes Kripa is at home and calls the house phone. Kripa awakens by the phone ringing and she notices no one is picking up. She figures no one is home so she answers the call. Kavya says, "Hello, Kripa come to the City Hospital right away" Kripa asks worried, "Wait what happened? ….. Hello? Bhai? Dam*!" Kavya has already hung up. Kavya turns to Anjali who is sobbing and holds her tightly. Kavya knows that if he had told Kripa that Angad is in the hospital she would have been too broken to function let alone drive there.

Kripa parks her car and frantically rushes to the hospital receptionist with a billion thoughts crossing her mind. She wants to know what happened, why she was there. She spots Kavya and quickly runs towards him questioning who it is here. She looks around noticing Angad wasn't there. She starts panicking and grabs Kavya and screams, "WHO IS IT BHAI???!!!" Kavya tells her, "Kripa… Angad had an accident" Kripa screams, "NO!!! YOUR LYING!! IS HE OKAY? HE… HE CAN'T LEAVE ME! HE CAN'T!! KAVYA PLEASE I CAN'T LOSE HIM!!! ANGAD!!!!!!!!!!" Kripa chokes on her own words feelings a huge lump in her throat. Kripa runs to the emergency room and sees Angad's pale face.

She can't stand to see him so pale, so weak, so hurt. She runs to the mandir near by and prays for his well being. Praying that he makes it. She stands before God and exclaims, "YOU CANT TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!! PLEASE I NEED HIM, HE IS MY BEST FRIEND! PLEASE KEEP HIM SAFE! PLEASE MAKE HIM WELL! PLEASE I BEG YOU, I CAN'T LOSE HIM! I JUST CAN'T! IF HE DIES, THEN SO WILL I, I PROMISE YOU!"

Kripa becomes hysterical. He is her best friend. Then she thinks back to the last time she saw him, the last thing she had said to him, his teary eyed face when she said the words, "I HATE YOU ANGAD!" She wanted to take it back so badly. She cries all the more violently. Her exact words ring in her ear. They haunt her now. Kripa had never thought about the consequence of her own actions, not once. Just like last time they fought, this time she didn't thinking before using that mouth of hers. She just said what ever came to her mind, not restraining one bit. Now she drops to the ground crying because she knows she is the cause of his state. She has landed him in this position all because of that one word, hate. Who knew that one word could change a life. Who knew words could endanger a life, could possibly kill. Kripa is filled with worry and anxiety. This wait is troubling, but then again she deserves it. She caused him so much pain. She said so many terrible things. Of course, she doesn't hate him. She questions herself why she keeps hurting him so much, why? Kripa knows why Angad wasn't concentrating on the road, because his best friend had proclaimed she hated him. She feels a new surge of guilt. Kripa walks back quickly to the hospital and just sinks to the ground sits on the floor holding her knees in a corner with a tear stained face and red eyes.

Everyone was pretty upset about Kripa's outburst on Angad at the club. Yes, he was wrong to badger her like that, but she hurt him much more. Anjali and Neev were pretty upset with her, but after seeing her state now, they knew they had no right to be angry with her, because she is hurting much more. Kripa held herself responsible, it is obvious to all. Anjali and Neev along with Kavya and Prachi try to comfort Kripa as best they could but, this was something only Angad could do, they were no Angad. That hurt her even more, oh she needs him so badly.

Dilip, Naina, Surya, and Gayatri arrive at the scene and Naina breaks down in tears. Kavya informs them of the accident. After what seems like a day, the doctor comes out and informs Dilip, "The impact was mostly on the passenger side so Angad just has a fractured right arm and right leg. He also had a mild concussion. He has some bruises and scrapes, but that's basically it. Angad had come out lucky. You can see him if you like." Dilip and Naina quickly thank the doctor and make their way inside to see Angad.

In Angad's room he is finally conscious and he lays there staring at the ceiling until his parents rush in the room. His eyes only search for Kripa. His parents start hounding him about being so irresponsible and just sob holding him, overjoyed that their son is fine, just a few broken bones and bruises. Then Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi go in to his room. His eyes still search for Kripa. He is still hurt about how she reacted, saying she hated him when he is madly in love with her. His friends try to lighten the depressing mood sharing a few jokes and small talk about his condition.

Kripa sits outside weeping. She just couldn't face him after what she said to him. She thinks Angad wouldn't even want to see her face again, but she is wrong. Anjali comes out saying, "Kripa Bhai wants to talk to you." Kripa stands up shaking and nervous. She passes by Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi as they are leaving the room. Prachi closes the door behind her leaving Kripa and Angad alone.

She is still pretty shaken up by the thought of losing him or what could have happened. Kripa keeps chanting to herself in her mind, "He is fine. He is fine. He is fine" while not being able to meet eyes with her best friend.

 

Chapter 18

 

Kripa's moistened blood shot eyes can't meet with Angad's. Kripa looks down at the floor, not being able to look at him because of the guilt flowing through her body. She can't help, but feel responsible for his state. He is so weak and pale. All she cared about is that he is healthy and safe from harms way. She has put him there, in harms way, she is a horrible friend and she didn't deserve him, she tells herself. Kripa stands there silently looking at the floor with tears dropping to the ground one by one. Angad notices her silence and speaks in a scratchy yet deep voice, "Krips" She instantly looks up. Angad holds his ears and mouths, "I'm sorry" Kripa can't stay away from him any longer and runs to him gently throwing her arms around making sure not to cause him further pain. She sobs in his arms while saying, "I'm sorry Angad, You're here because of me, I'm responsible for this. I have been causing you so much pain. I always hurt you, I don't deserve to have a friend like you Angad. I never wanted this to happen, I don't hate you, I would never be able to hate you! I regret every word Angad every single word! I'm really sorry!"  She continues to weep. Angad watches his friend cry her heart out, he is still her best friend, but just a little mad. He knows watching her in his arms that she never meant what she had said at the club. He hugs her back thanking God that she doesn't hate him after all. He whispers trying to calm his Krips, "Best friends don't let best friends cry, and this was my fault, all mine and I'm not sharing okay! It was never yours. I drank and drove fully knowing what could happen but I did it anyways. I did this okay not you Krips."

After the two friends calm each other down, Kripa starts yelling, "Angad how could you be so careless? What would happen to me if something happened to you huh? What would I do without my best friend? What would I do without…(chokes on her own words)I'm sorry Angad" Angad just suppresses his smile and then frowns, "What did I say about saying sorry! Kripa say it one more time and I will uhhh…HIT YOU!" Kripa says innocently, "okay sorry I won't say it anymore" Angad smacks her arm, "UGHH KRIPS!!!" Angad pulls her into a hug, hoping that his jealousy and love for her won't affect their friendship again. It was this love that caused him to badger her at the club because he felt so jealous. He hoped he could control himself in the future.

Everyone else peeks in through the door seeing the cute scene occurring. Everyone thinks that Angad and Kripa look adorable together, just made in heaven. Oh how they all wish that one day they realize that this friendship is actually their love. Everyone goes back outside thinking to let Angad and Kripa sit for a while longer. Kavya suddenly gets a call from a very angry Prem. Prem asks, "Where is Kripa? I have been calling her for ages but her phone is dead." Kavya informs Prem about the accident and Kavya comes in giving Kripa the phone. Kripa goes outside to tend to the call while Kavya chats with Angad. Kripa updates about Angad's condition and Prem says he will come see her there.

Everyone decides to go home while Naina plans on staying. Kripa requests to stay back as well. She just doesn't want to leave him. She just wants to be able to watch him and knowing herself she knows very well that if she went home she would constantly worry. Naina has dosed off in the chair where as Angad and Kripa talk in whispers. The nurse walks in with a tray of food and Kripa takes it from her, making her way back to Angad. He sees the food on the tray and starts making disgusted faces as if he would puke. It is a bunch of healthy stuff along with soup. Kripa has to force feed him saying she would bring him candy while Angad just whines like a kid until he hears the word candy. Prem walks in the room and notices the scene. As soon as Angad sees Prem his right hand curls into fist. Kripa notices Angad's glare and sees Prem at the door. Kripa says, "Prem?" Angad's right hand begins to pain and he lets out a scream. Kripa turns her attention back to Angad and tends towards his hand, while Prem says quickly feeling awkward, "I'll leave, hope your better" and leaves. Kripa notices him leave and thinks it is for the better. Angad isn't exactly Prem's biggest fan, but she has no clue why. She thinks maybe he feels Prem is wrong for her, but he always seems to sweet to Kripa.

Every day after school Kripa would go down to meet Angad and spend her time with him watching movies, playing board games, or just talking in general. They always enjoy each other's company and decide to do things they would be doing anyways, but rather in a hospital setting.

During the week Kripa decides to go shopping on her own since her usual companion Angad is in the hospital, and well Anjali and Prachi were busy with their own lovers. Kripa goes to a bunch of stores and finds some cute dresses and shoes. She was looking in the display cases and comes across a really cool fossil watch for guys. She immediately thinks of Angad and thinks it would be perfect for him. She wanted to do something to show she really did care for him and this seems perfect to her. While she is purchasing the watch, Prem is watching her from a distance. He had seen enter the store and saw her looking at the men's watch. He became a little skeptical, but pushed it aside thinking it was probably for Kavya. Prem finally approaches her and asks, "Hey Kripa what are you doing here?" Kripa replies awkwardly, "Oh I was just shopping around!...You?" Prem replies, "same." They start walking towards the exit and Kripa says bye to Prem and enters her car, only it refuses to start. She gets really pissed off. Just then Prem notices she hasn't left and asks, "Do you want a ride somewhere?" Kripa replies, "Yea…. Can you take me to City Hospital?" Prem replies a little upset, "Yea sure hop in!" They both drive in silence and Kripa and Prem go to the hospital together. Angad smiles seeing Kripa, then frowns seeing Prem. Kripa totally forgets Prem's presence and gives a little box to Angad telling him to open it. Angad opens the box and gasps in delight. He starts exclaiming, "Krips!!! Oh man i love this watch!!! It's too good!! Thanks Krips!" giving her a big hug. Kripa hugs him back ecstatically, she was just happy she could make him happy. Prem boils in anger and Angad notices, while Kripa can't see Prem as she is hugging. Angad smirks at Prem and watches him leave in anger, trying really hard to suppress it.

Kripa notices Prem left and decides to ask Angad about Prem. She knows for sure Angad doesn't like him, but she has no clue why. Angad has always been a really nice guy, but for some reason he completely despises the guy. After Kripa feeds him his hospital food she says, "Angad can I ask you something?" Angad turns his full attention to Kripa and looks bemused, "Krips you can ask me anything, you don't need permission, I'm all yours…I mean I'm all ears…(nervous laugh) uhh so what's up?" Kripa says, "Well I need to know what is going on between you and Prem. You don't like him, I and everyone else know that much, but I don't know why?" Angad sighs, "Krips I don't have a reason for not liking him, maybe I don't think he is good enough for you, I mean you are the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful girl I know… I just don't think he is for you… I feel like sometimes I have to compete for you attention, which is damn annoying and he just pisses the crap out of me. Just looking at him I just…" Kripa says smiling, "Angad I think you're just jealous!" Angad laughs, "Ha yea rite, I'm Angad Khanna! I don't get jealous…" Kripa gives up, "Ok fine Mr. Angad Khanna now you have to help me break up with him because he is like smothering me. Everywhere I go, there he is, like stalking me. At first it was fine, but it's getting on my nerves. He's like always hovering over me! I feel so uncomfortable with him now. I can tell now that he isn't your greatest fan either and that he is really jealous of our friendship. And you apparently don't like him either so… so think of a way to get me out of this!" Angad is jumping for joy inside and whispers a plan in Kripa's ear, while she grins.

 

Chapter 19

 

So by now Angad has healed up. He still has a shoulder sling that he wears around. Now the time has come to execute the plan. A special friend was coming on this very day. According to the plan, Kripa has asked out Prem. It is odd because she hasn't really talked to Prem much since she spends most her time with Angad at the hospital. This is actually supposed to be a double date with Angad and some old friend of his. Angad was in on some very confidential information concerning this friend of his that only he was aware of. Now she is finally coming back and that too for good. Angad made his plan around this person's arrival, she would enact the main role. According to Angad's plan, she is to flirt with Prem and perhaps even make out with the guy, and get Kripa to walk in on the scene. Angad hasn't even told Kripa who she is yet, all he knows that Kripa will be super excited. Prem isn't so happy about going on a double date, but figures at least Kripa isn't ignoring him so it is for the best and on top of which he can flaunt his relationship in front of Angad. Truth be told Prem is getting quite fed up with Kripa and her spending so much time with Angad, but just acts more possessive towards her.

Kripa gets ready in a sleek dress accentuating her curved figure. She looks gorgeous. Prem has come to pick her up and drives to the restaurant Angad has booked. Meanwhile, Angad has gone to pick up his "date", who happens to be one of their friends from childhood, however, she had moved away to Dehli when they were around 10, but everyone kept in touch with her. Angad fills in Mukti with details, hoping she will make Prem and Kripa split up. Kripa sits making light conversation, yet hoping Angad would come soon with his "date". Her thoughts are interrupted by Angad's deep voice she hears at a distance. He is asking the waiter to lead him to the table with a girl trailing behind. Kripa can't get a view of her even when Angad came up to the table, almost as if the girl is hiding, which she is. Angad said, "Guys I would like to introduce to you, Mukti Singhania. Kripa beams with happiness and practically jumps Mukti screaming, "Mukti!!!! AHH when did you get back!" Mukti replies, "Just today Kripa! It's so good to see you guys and you know what? I will be going to the same college as… you guys…" Mukti suddenly catches sight of Prem and she freezes, tears brim in her eyes. Mukti says softly, "Prem…" Prem gets up from the table, with tears shinning in his eyes as well. They both approach each other and stare deeply in each other's eyes with overwhelming happiness. Mukti dives into his arms and sobs happily, while Prem kisses her forehead. Kripa and Angad look at each other kind of shocked. Angad whispers to Kripa, "Umm yeh toh kuch zyada hi overacting kari hai!" Kripa nods yet both smiling at the cute scene.

It turns out Prem and Mukti were best friends from Dehli. Prem had suddenly realized that he was in love with Mukti. He found out that it was not only Prem, but also Mukti who was madly in love with him.  So they had fell in love with each other, but sadly had to separate as Prem was moving to Mumbai. Prem had tried to contact Mukti in Dehli, but alas she had moved as well, closing the doors to future contact as well. Prem and Mukti embrace each other now, crying in happiness to get their love back after a whole year's worth of separation. Mukti and Prem separate unwillingly and see that Angad and Kripa are kind of lost so they decide to fill them in. Prem and Mukti tell their whole story to Kripa and Angad while Kripa grins bigger hearing further into their love story. She is one, relieved that she wouldn't have feel guilty for breaking Prem's heart, and two, he found his true love so no more possessive Prem in her life. Oh Kripa couldn't be happier. The only problem with Prem in Kripa's eyes is that she didn't feel anything for him and realized that it is only friendship if nothing else.

After the whole love story is narrated, Prem gives awkward looks to Mukti because Prem thinks Mukti is not aware of Kripa and Prem's relationship. Prem starts, "Umm Kripa, I'm sorry, but I…I can't be with you, since I still really love Mukti. It's true I was getting a bit possessive over you, but I guess I didn't want to lose you like I lost Mukti. But I have only really loved Mukti so I hope you understand. And Angad, I'm sorry for being such a freaking pain, I know I caused lots of problems for the two of you but I guess I was just jealous looking at your friendship. It reminded me and Mukti. I hope you understand Kripa. You're a great girl Kripa, but I know that I am not the right guy for you (eying Angad). I'm sorry for everything…" Both Angad and Kripa look towards each other and break out into laughter. Kripa manages to say, "HAHAHAHA YOU'RE breaking up with ME HAHAHA and here I was trying to break up with you!! HAHA!"  Kripa stops laughing when she hears Angad say, "AHAHAH KRIPA GOT DUMPED!!! THIS IS HEADLINE NEWS!!! WHERE IS MY CELLPHONE!" Angad starts checking his pockets and whips it out. He starts to dial away until Kripa snatches it. Angad says, "HEYYY! Give it back, I gotta tell everyone!" Angad reaches for it when Kripa puts it in her purse and says, "TOUCH ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES A TELEPHONE AND DIE KHANNA!" Angad then starts dancing around Kripa screaming, "KRIPS GOT DUMPED! KRIPA SHARMA GOT DUMPED!!" Everyone is looking at them like they are nuts and laughing at their childish behavior. Kripa yanks Angad into his chair to stop him from making a larger scene.

Mukti and Prem are laughing themselves. Then finally Prem says, "Wait you were trying to break up with me" to Kripa. Kripa laughs nervously, "Uhh Angad…" Angad then laughs nervously, "Uhh Mukti…" Then finally Mukti starts laughing nervously saying, "Funny thing Yea… so Angad brought me along thinking I could break up you and Kripa by making it seem like you made out with me and cheated on her (nervous laugh)…" Prem is laughing really hard, "HAHAHA…wait hey…Angad, that was an interesting plan, dude your so freaking lucky it worked. As for you Mukti, I'm sooo getting revenge! ...Angad seriously though thank you for giving me my Mukti back! And I hope we can be friends from now on…" Angad looks at Kripa and then back at Prem grinning, "Of course buddy, just keep our dear friend Mukti happy! And uhh stay romantically away from Krips and I'm good!" Prem pulls Mukti into his lap and hugs her waist with his head on her shoulder replying, "Of course!" Kripa says, "Prem you know you and Mukti look hot together, but you and me—umm not so much!

 Prem, Mukti, Angad and Kripa take a long walk on the beach since it is right outside the restaurant. Prem and Mukti continue walking and catching up on stuff while Angad and Kripa just sit on the sand. They sit in complete silence with only the wind howling in their ears. Kripa finally speaks, "Angad" He replies, "Hmm" Kripa says, "Thanks for bringing Mukti here, you not only brought two lovers together, but also made me single again! Ohh it feels good to be free!!!" Angad replies, "Yea everything is right with the world, I wouldn't have it any other way!" Kripa gets up, "Are you saying I should always stay single!!" Angad smiles yanking her back down, "No, but I like you better that way, wanna know why, (Kripa nods)… well its because no one understands our friendship the way we do, plus I hate feeling like you have to pick between me and the guy. So in short I'd rather you stay single!" Kripa smiles, "that's an interesting theory, but what if I marry someone who doesn't like you then what?" Angad grins, "First off Krips I have to approve and if I don't I will beat him up so bad and I'm never going to approve so he will get beaten either way!" Kripa stands up, "WHAT!! Your gonna beat him up!!!" Angad grins pulling her back down, "Of course, he has to be good enough for my Krips, and no one is good enough for you except…" He stops realizing he almost said 'me'. Kripa impatiently gets up, "Except who!!" Angad yanks her back down and grins, "Except me of course!" Kripa laughs now clutching her stomach and Angad is not amused. Angad asks, "What's so funny!" Kripa calms down a bit and says, "HAHA Angad you and me together HAHA!"

Kripa is tossing and turning on the sand while laying down laughing. Angad grins and goes on top of her inches away from her face. She notices Angad so close and immediately the laughter is replaced by butterflies in her stomach. He asks in a seductive whisper, "You were saying?" Angad continues to hover over her and moves in closer and closer. Pressing down on her with his weight, Kripa looks into those passionate eyes and finds herself lost in them. Angad moves the strand of hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear. He goes closer to her ear and says, "You sure you're not in love with me?" Kripa looks back at him shocked and speechless. She isn't sure what to think or reply, but thankfully Prem and Mukti come to her rescue. Prem asks looking at Angad on top of Kripa, "My, my aren't we all cozy." Angad and Kripa look at their position and get up in a rush. Mukti elbows Prem, "Sorry guys for disturbing uhhh anyways me and Prem were leaving so we thought we would tell you guys before we left." Prem says, "See you guys at school and thanks again Angad for everything! You guys carry on!" Kripa blushes and Angad hugs Prem saying, "Don't mention it!" and Kripa and Angad also make their way to Angad's car to go home.

Angad and Kripa sit in silence in the car, both their minds replay the scene on the beach. Kripa sits in her room, just thinking. She isn't really sure what to make of their friendship anymore. She remembers his words, You sure your not in love with me…Could it be love? She isn't sure as she has never been in love before. She is just so confused. But one thing is for sure, Angad certainly has some kind of power or hold over her, she is enthralled by him whenever he behaves so romantically. Then she begins questioning her own actions, like at the hospital, she never knew he meant so much to her. At the hospital she felt as if there would be no tomorrow, heck she was even ready to die if that's what it took to escape the pain she went through if she lost Angad. She wants to believe it is her powerful friendship that caused such a reaction, but a little voice inside her head told her maybe not.

Angad sits on his bed with a big grin. The scenes come rushing back to him. He feels so at peace. It is always so hard for him to control these romantic urges, it is so hard to stay away from her, or disguise his love as only their friendship. He loves showing her his true colors because it not only takes her by surprise, but also evokes feelings in her she never knew she has. He beams thinking how she was caught off guard when he asked her that simple question, you sure you're not in love with me? So simple yet so effective. Angad wanted Kripa to question whether or not the feelings she has for him are friendship or something else. And that's exactly what Kripa was doing.

 

Chapter 20

 

Everything is back to normal in the group, in fact now there is a new couple to add to their popular click- Prem and Mukti, making a grand total of ten very popular hotties at college: Angad, Kripa, Kavya, Anjali, Neev, Prachi, Josh, Aaliya, Prem, and Mukti. Prem are now good friends with the gang, no hard feelings, or drama of that sort. Mukti well of course was already part of the gang, just from a distance, but now she is back that too for good. Everyone at school are sort of shocked at how Prem and Mukti are together and how casual Kripa is about it, in fact she looks rather ecstatic for them. Some assume Kripa had gotten dumped since Prem seems to have moved on pretty quickly. The mention of Kripa being dumped enrages Kripa because Angad is still making fun of her. Now from their click, Angad and Kripa are the only two who haven't hooked up, whereas everyone else has.

Everyone is sitting in class in their usual pairs, not really paying attention, but the heat is just really getting to them. It feels like they are being baked inside an oven, the oven being the classroom. Well Angad and Kripa are banging their heads on their desks in total boredom. The professor seems to have noticed, he whips his head around and tells Angad and Kripa to stand up saying or more like yelling, "ANGAD, KRIPA!! SINCE YOU TWO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION GET OUT OF MY CLASS!!" Angad and Kripa glare at the professor and make their way outside. Angad and Kripa both vow for revenge, to think this professor has the nerve to kick them out, for what, being bored, that is his own monotone voice's fault!! Angad starts to devise a plan, a plan for revenge. Kripa just looks really pissed off. Angad then blurts out, "I GOT IT!!!" Kripa looks at Angad questioning and curiously while Angad continues, "STINK BOMBS!!!" Kripa excitedly says, "YOU EVIL GENIUS!!! Where do we get them?" Angad drags Kripa to his locker and starts rummaging through his mess until he locates the glass bottles with the stink bomb solution. Angad then grabs Kripa and drags her to the professor's car. Kripa whispers, "Angad what are we doing? It's hot outside!" Angad replies, "We are gonna put it all over the tires and inside the hood." Angad exclaims, "MUAHAHAHA HAVE FUN DRIVING HOME LOSER!!!" Angad and Kripa grin while darting off back to the classroom building. He goes towards his locker, when Kripa holds him back whispering, "Hey lets put it in the boys and girl's bathroom and flush, it will be throughout the whole building and then classes will get cancelled!" Angad grins even wider saying, "I think I'm rubbing off on you…FINALLY!!!" Kripa and Angad go separately visiting all the bathrooms and dropping their special liquid in the toilets filling the air with a heavy smell.

Back inside the classroom, Neev smells something odd and says, "EWW PRACHI YOUR SICK!!!Prachi, aren't you getting too comfortable in this relationship, I don't think it's cool to fart in public!!!" Prachi turns around and whispers madly, "NEEV ARE YOU CRAZY!!" Neev replies, "Then what is that smell..." Anjali turns to Kavya and says, "EWWW KAVYA YOU'RE DISGUSTING, GET AWAY FROM ME!! YOU SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS!!" Kavya looks at her annoyed and screams out loud, "IT WASN'T ME!!!" Everyone laughs at Kavya's sudden outburst and then they suddenly find it so hard to find clean air to breathe. The professor is gagging on the smell. An announcement is heard stating, "Due to the atrocious odor throughout the school, classes will be canceled for today!" The kids don't even have time to cheer as they are running out like wild coyotes. Angad and Kripa hear the announcement from a safe distance near the exit doors and then zoom off in their cars straight home hoping it will be nice and cool in the air conditioning, but there is no such case.

Everyone reaches home and is still sweating bullets and dying of the heat. It is driving everyone crazy. It is burning inside because Naina and Gayatri are both cooking in the Sharma and Khanna House so it is quite stuffy. And outside, well the burning sun. Angad, Kavya, and Neev are getting allergic inside to the spices used in their mom are cooking, forcing them to go outside and play some basketball. The girls are dancing around the water sprinkler; it is keeping them nice and cool. The girls notice the guys playing basketball and by now the guys are so hot they aren't even wearing their shirts anymore. The girls' mouths drop in admiration looking at the boys' sun tanned gleaming bodies.  Kripa's mouth curves in an evil grin and gets the girls together on her little mischievous act. The girls go inside and get their brother's water guns. Only they don't fill it with icy cold water, instead with BURNING HOT WATER! It is the perfect plan because the guys would think that the girls are helping by showering them with cold water, but to their surprise it would make the heat even worse.

The girls slowly walk towards the exhausted and sweaty boys, who are looking just fineeeeeeee! A smirk replaces the drool on the girls' lips. The girls continue to walk innocently with the guns safely hidden behind their backs. The girls stop at a safe distance and say, "OH BOYSSSSSSS!" The guys look at the girls in shock as they pull out the guns from their backs. The girls spray the guys with hot water causing them to scream like girls, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! ITS HOT!!!!!!!" The boys are dancing around trying to dodge the water but it isn't working so they start running really fast with the girls tailing behind.

Suddenly the water runs out and the guys stop all at once, pausing to give each other glances and then grin widely at the girls. The girls are looking really confused and truly nervous, but looking at their guns' empty state, their confusion is replaced with fear. The guys start running towards the girls, more like charging them while the girls scream running even faster. The girls know they can't even try to shoot at the boys with the little water they have left because that would mean they have to stop, and if they stop the guys would topple them to the ground. Well the guys started running even faster and do end up toppling the girls over with the guys landing on top of their respective girl. Angad on Kripa. Kavya on Anjali. Neev on Prachi.

Angad grabs the hose drenches her with ice cold water. The pressure is really hard yet feels so relaxing. Kripa laughs trying to get Angad to stop while he is laughing evilly. Kripa struggles to get the hose away from him but doesn't work. She gives up feeling the nice cool water flow through her body almost arousing her. Kripa then grabs a part of the hose behind her back and bends it so the pressure would stop flowing. The water stops running and Angad looking into the hose like an idiot saying, "What the heck?" Kripa lets go of the hose and it sprays all over Angad while he screams, "AHHHHHHHH! OWW" It is so hard that he loses his balance and falls backwards on to the ground in shock.

Kavya has taken the sprinkler and also drenches Anjali in cold water. She struggles under Kavya's hold. Kavya looks at Anjali fighting to keep away the water while laughing and he gets memorized himself. He throws the sprinkler away and looks at her face dripping with water, while she looks so beautiful. He mumbles, "So gorgeous" Anjali blushes as he gently kisses her lips for a moment and pulls back before anyone else would notice. They become quiet for a while until Kavya grabs the sprinkler again and starts chasing Anjali with it as they enjoy the cool water.

Neev has his water bottle in his hand and drenches Prachi with the cool water. Prachi struggles as well to keep from getting more wet and embarrassed. Neev starts laughing looking at Prachi wiggling in his grip. Neev says, "Prachi you're flapping around like a fish having a seizure! HAHAHA" Prachi pouts complaining, "AM NOT!!" Neev replies, "ARE TOO!" and then both break out into laughter having a water fight.

After a while the gang gets another idea to keep themselves away from the heat—the pool. They all change into bathing suits and jump off the diving board straight into the refreshing water. They decide to play some volleyball in the pool. The Sharma's vs. The Khanna's. Kripa and Angad are both really good players, Kavya and Neev are equally good, Anjali and Prachi happen to be okay at volleyball. It is now tied 14-14 and next point would win, It is Kavya's serve and it goes over. Neev bumps the ball over, and then Angad spikes it back, then Kripa spikes. Finally Angad bumps the ball and winks at Kripa, who gets all jumbled up and misses the shot. The Khanna's kids cheer in happiness. Kripa gets out her trance and yells, "Angad YOU CHEATED!" Angad arrogantly replies, "What did I do Krips?" Kripa replies, "You w..i..n……." Kripa stops knowing it will be dam* embarrassing if the others knew that she missed the shot just because he winked so she stops herself from completing the word "wink". Angad cheekily replies, "Sweetie I already know I won, but thanks for reconfirming." Kripa burns in anger. She starts chasing him around the pool yelling, "Angad Khanna get back here!!"

By night time, Prachi complains, "Neev!! I want some ice cream!!!" then Anjali and Kripa also join in saying, "YEA ICE CREAM!!!!!!" The guys say, "Lets go girls!!" And so the heat wave ends with everyone consuming a big bowl of ice cream.