Chapter 26-Chapter 31

Chapter 26

 

Kripa is fast asleep in the living room, feeling quite cozy at the moment. She feels some warmth hugging her body, the warmth seems to be coming from a certain Khanna, Angad Khanna to be precise. His hands are lightly draped over her body, while her head rests buried in his perfectly sculpted chest, holding onto him rather tightly. Her eyes flutter open by the gentle sun rays stroking her eyelids. She looks up only to meet four pairs of eyes looking pretty amused at the sight of her. Kripa looks at them quizzically and then looks back to her side and notices her proximity with Angad. She jerks back immediately, hands in the air as if declaring she is not guilty of any crime. Angad awakens by Kripa's sudden jerk and looks at her annoyed, then notices her silence and says following her gaze, "Kripa what the…" Angad then notices the four pairs of amused eyes as well and snaps, "What the hell are you guys looking at!" Kavya replies, "We will be the ones asking the questions here, so… Kripa, would you like to explain how you ended up on Angad this very fine morning" Kripa looks at Kavya shocked and yells, "I WAS NOT!!" Neev replies, "Kripa, it's not good to lie, right Prachi" Prachi nods happily away while Kripa grunts. Angad just looks confused. He yells, "What the heck are you people talking about!" Anjali replies, "Well seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning… OH WAIT THAT WAS KRIPA!!!" Everyone laughs at Anjali's comment, while Kripa yells, "Don't you guys have anything better to do, and I did not!! Right Angad?…(she doesn't wait for a response) EXACTLY!" Prachi replies dreamily, "Di, stop lying we all saw you on Angad, hugging him like there was no tomorrow… sigh…" Angad says, "SAY WHAT!!" Kripa yells, "You IDIOTS get dressed for school!" Neev replies, "Changing the subject are we?...its okay, we understand, no need to be shy Kripa" Kripa just growls and stomps away glaring at all of them. After she is gone Angad smirks, "So she was all over me huh? I don't blame her, no girl has ever been able to keep away from Angad Khanna!" They all grin at his response and say, "YUP!! Even mom and dad saw! That was so hilarious!!!" Angad replies, "OMG mom dad saw us, what did they say?" Kavya replies, "Nothing, they just smiled and walked off". Angad exclaims, "DUDE WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE A PICTURE! I wanna see what it looked like!" Everyone grins at Angad and they all hand over their phones, sure enough they all took pictures of Angad and Kripa cuddling so comfortably. Angad was jumping for joy on the inside, his heart was melting just looking at Kripa curled up in him and they looked perfect.

Finally after the teasing has stopped, they are all able to get ready for college. They all get in the guy's cars to go to school. Kripa has been trying to avoid looking at Angad, since by now she was sure everyone would have told him what she was doing in the morning. She silently thought it wasn't only her fault, he was holding her too, but then of course she has to admit she was holding on to him pretty tightly not to mention really closely. Kripa gets in the car quietly, waiting for Angad to say something, but he is totally silent. She also can't seem to stop blushing at the mere thought of Angad Khanna. She starts recalling the morning incident and the past days she spent at the Khanna House. It was absolutely enjoyable, she had so much fun, and those memories would forever stay with her. Kripa tries to hide her obvious blush by looking out the window, but Angad being Angad, notices her flushed cheeks and grins. Angad knows their friendship has developed into something indefinable.

Well finally when Angad and Kripa arrive at school, Angad grabs Kripa's hand and darts into the building because he has been driving slowly on purpose the whole ride through, just so he could spend some alone time with her. Although no words were exchanged, it had its own level of comfort. They eventually enter their class late and the professor hands them detentions, right at the door. Angad groans, while Kripa looks furiously at Angad for making them late. They take their places in the back while noticing Neev-Prachi, Kavya-Anjali, Prem-Mukti, and Josh-Aaliya already present looking fairly comfy in their seats. They all silently laugh at Angad and Kripa, who are already irritated with the stupid detention they have to serve. Anjali whispers, "What took you guys so long, we left at the same time…" Angad blushes slightly while Kripa retorts, "Your stupid brother drives like a grandma!" Angad replies, "I resent that" Kripa reacts, "Angad you stopped at a green light for two minutes straight and then only drove because I nudged you since the 50 million horns in the background were giving me a migraine" Angad stupidly replies, "Oh…my bad!" Kripa mutters, "Duffer" Angad smiles hearing her. Angad remembers stopping at the light, he actually knew he stopped there for so long, but it was just that Kripa's silence was beginning to bug him, so he wanted her to at least acknowledge his presence. Thus, waiting for her to poke.

After school Angad and Kripa report to the detention room and Kripa starts doing her homework while listening to her Ipod. Angad on the other hand just watches Kripa with his head firmly placed on his knuckles looking at her with great interest. Occasionally Kripa will feel his gaze, but is never able to catch him staring, since he is just that fast. There is Angad Khanna for you, he could get away with tons.  The professor left the room, warning, "Don't do any funny business or else…" They both nod, Angad a little to innocently. As soon as he left Angad went to the professor's chair and sat down watching Kripa, while she now began to stare at him questioningly and warned him with her eyes. Kripa says, "Angad I don't want another detention" Angad replies, "Relax Krips!" Angad takes the professor's keys that are lying so carelessly on his desk and walks over to the window, opening in. He pushes the window open with a little difficulty while Kripa finds his muscles flexing more interesting than his actions. Angad notices Kripa gawking at his built and says, "Kripa" Kripa finally looks up and sees Angad about to toss the keys out the window. Kripa yells, "Angad no!! That's really mean!" Angad smirks, "Kripa why are we here" Kripa shouts, "Because of YOU!" Angad frowns, "Try again!" Kripa says, "Because we got detention" Angad nods, "Because of who?" Kripa slowly replies as if finding the light, "Because of … the PROFESSOR! That ***! Never mind go right ahead!" Angad grins, "Why thank you!" He tosses the keys out into the parking lot. Angad quietly sits in his seat and pastes a bored frown on his face, because smiling is rather suspicious, which Angad has grown to know.

When the professor came back, he doesn't seem to notice the keys to his house and car missing. Angad and Kripa are silently laughing while hiding their faces in books. They are eventually dismissed and Angad and Kripa left the room rather happy with themselves. While walking down the hall they hear lots of drawers slamming, poor guy couldn't find his keys. That professor has been giving detentions to someone every freaking day. When they enter the parking lot Kripa notices the keys are really close to his car, so it isn't all that bad. Of course Angad really wants to throw them into the bushes, but Kripa asks him through her eyes not to. He obeys his love of course, why wouldn't he.

While driving back, they are informed that Kripa and Angad both have to come to the Sharma House for dinner. Their parents know they are together since their siblings accidentally spilled that they both got a detention. They would always seem to end up in detention somehow, but to their surprise lately they haven't received any, well until today that is. Nevertheless the parents didn't really care, since it never seemed to affect their grades or their relationship.

 

Chapter 27

 

When Angad and Kripa arrive at the Sharma House, they notice that the others, well Kavya, Neev, Anjali and Prachi to be precise are watching a movie. Angad and Kripa lazily drop to the couch and start watching as well. It is the starting of the movie so Prachi narrates the beginning of Night at the Museum, which is a hilarious comedy movie. During the movie the guys are chewing their bubble gum pretty loudly along with blowing bubbles making the girls really notice. The girls start pleading with the boys to give them gum as well. Prachi asks Kavya with cute smile, "Bhai please can we get some gum!! Pretty please with a cherry on top!" Kavya reluctantly agrees and hands the girls some gum, grinning inwardly. They all start getting engrossed in the movie. The girls are totally oblivious to the guys staring at them because the girls are so into the movie. Since it's a comedy movie the girls would periodically start laughing really loudly. The guys are roaring with laughter just looking at the girls laugh, although, it is for a completely different reason. It is one the girls are so not aware of.

After the movie ends, the girls walk to the dinning table and start helping their mothers placing the food on the table, while the guys are looking at each other quite pleased with themselves. Finally they all sit down to have dinner, but the boys aren't exactly all that interested with food at the moment and more so with the girls. The girls again are totally oblivious to the guys' stares. Anjali then asks, "Mama could you pass the rice." Everyone, except the boys just stare at her shocked and seconds later they all start howling with laughter. Kripa and Prachi join in as well laughing at Anjali in chuckles. Moments later the parents catch sight of Kripa and Prachi as well. The guys were of course laughing at all the girls from the start. The guys and adults starts laughing their heads off and Anjali then laughs looking at Kripa and Prachi saying, "Kripa Prachi HAHA look at your teeth they are soooooo BLACK! HAHAHAH!" Kripa and Prachi gasp in horror and reply, "WHAT!! Wait so are yours dummy but how did it…" Kripa, Prachi, and Anjali turn their heads to face the boys and yell, "YOU GUYS ARE DEAD MEAT" The guys laugh while Angad says, "That's what you get for the whip cre…. OH SHIT RUN!!!" Now apparently the gum the girls received earlier had an extra ingredient in it, some black dye inside and the girls got that all over their teeth and tongues, making them look really stupid and hilarious.

The girls start chasing the boys who are currently running for their lives. Angad eventually stops running and Kripa speeds up her pace catching up to him.  Kripa then remembers the butter knife in hand. She starts raising her knife in the air and she yells, "IM GONNA KILL YOU KHANNA!!!" Angad laughs at her childish antics along with laughing at her what used to be pearly whites. Kripa gets even more enraged. She is now holding the knife up to his neck as if warning him to stop laughing. Angad touches her hand softly whispering, "Come on Krips, you wouldn't hurt ME" His soft voice and gentle strokes is making her tremble with delight and at the same time anxiety fills her as well. She stutters, "I… I uhh… I" Kripa's grip on the knife loosens and Angad turns her so abruptly that the knife is in his hands and he holds it against her neck, while her back rests on his chest. Heavy breathing is heard from both. Then Angad brings his other hand across her body, taking the knife out his hand and throws it straight into the bushes, trying to be all seductive. Kripa says breathlessly, "Angad." He whispers passionately, "yea…" Kripa replies calmly yet amused, "That knife is part of mom's very expensive knife collection" Angad and Kripa both look towards each other and start laughing at how Kripa totally ruined Angad's very romantic mood along with the moment as well. They go fetch the knife behind some bushes and bring it back to Sharma House before Gayatri has a cow.

 

**********

Kavya and Anjali are still running after each other. Somewhere along the way Anjali realizes she is wearing flip flops and takes them off and startes chasing after Kavya again. Anjali finally catches up with the speed demon and pulls him to the ground. She sits on him and then starts beating him with her shoe. Kavya keeps yelling, "Anju stop, stop!!" But she didn't stop her beating. Finally Kavya gets annoyed and takes the shoe out her hand and throws it away. Anjali then gets irritated and yells, "KAVYA!!!!" He then holds his ears and looks at her with the cutest and innocent pout he could conjure up. Anjali smiles widely looking at how adorable he is. Kavya looked at her blackened smile and Kavya breaks out in fits of laughter, while Anjali snaps out of her trance and once again starts beating him. Occasionally Kavya will playfully laugh, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" but he just couldn't stop laughing at Anjali's teeth, they are just so hilarious. Anjali yells while beating him with her other shoe, "You better pray this stuff comes off, or I will super glue your lips together" Kavya laughs at Anjali some more while listening to her whining for him to stop.

Eventually they get off the floor and walk in laughing wholeheartedly. Dilip and Surya's mouths drop in confusion, while Naina and Gayatri start choking roughly on the water they are drinking. Angad and Kripa exchange amused looks while watching their parents. The parents are so shocked that Kavya and Anjali are… laughing?? And not at each other, but together…almost like…friends?...wait friends is such a strong word… but could it be? Anjali smiles at their shocked faces, replying coolly, "Aap logon ko kya hua, bhoot dekhliya kya?" Kavya goes up to their fathers and closes their mouths for them saying, "Maki chaali jayegi mooh mein!" Anjali, Angad and Kripa laugh at this. Apparently, the parents aren't aware that the enmity between the two has vanished, but only the gang it has blossomed into love. Kavya and Anjali just shrug their shoulders and take their seats at the table again.

 

**********

Neev and Prachi continue running until Prachi stops getting really exhausted. Needless to say Prachi isn't the athletic type. Neev comes up to her asking, "Are you tired, loser??" Prachi starts running after him again in her heels and ends up twisting her ankle, falling to the ground. Prachi yells in pain clutching her ankle, "OWWW!!" Neev starts running towards her and then remembers the basketball incident and yells from far away, "Drama mat karo! I know you are just playing so I can come over there and you can beat the snot out of me! Oy Prachi get up!!" Prachi cries in pain and Neev runs up to her really worried now, seeing that she really did twist her ankle. He asks, "Prachi are you okay?" Prachi yells in frustration, "NO STUPID I'M NOT OKAY, I HURT MY ANKLE AND MY TEETH ARE PITCH BLACK!! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!...YOU BETTER CARRY ME!!!" Neev smirks, "And if I DON'T!!" Prachi screams in his face while grabbing his collar, "JUST DO IT NEEV!!" Neev is taken back by her outburst and quickly scoops her up in his arms and curses his own whipped state. Prachi then puts her arms around Neev and says sweetly, "THANK YOU!" Neev replies, "No worries my black teeth princess!" Prachi whines, "NEEV!!!"

Neev then carries Prachi back to the house last and everyone gets worried for Prachi. Prachi explains, "Is Idiot ki wajah se, I hurt my ankle!" Neev hangs his head low, as if in shame and replies, "Sorry" Prachi lets out a loud laugh looking at him and ruffles his hair, replying sweetly, "Its okay!" Neev goes to the bathroom and bandages Prachi's ankle so she won't hurt herself again. Studying to be a doctor sure has its benefits. Soon Neev starts feeding Prachi her food, while the Kavya wishes he could openly feed Anjali, but sadly he couldn't, well not without looking suspicious anyways. Kripa just looks on in awe, while Angad too envies Neev's display of affection.

The parents too stare at their children collectively. They know something is different about all of them, and it isn't just Angad and Kripa anymore. All their children have a certain glow radiating from their faces. The parents look at each other in agreement, all knowing what the other parents are thinking. They all decide now is the time to bring them together, forever.

 

Chapter 28

 

            Lately Anjali, Kavya, Neev and Prachi have been trying to persuade Angad into telling his feelings to Kripa, but sadly he has been trying to put it off as much as possible because he's not really a fan of feeling vulnerable and on the spot. In any case, the gang is currently all gathered up in his room, giving him an ultimatum that Anjali is enforcing. She tells her brother, "Bhai, either you tell Kripa yourself soon or we will, and then what will she think, Angad isn't man enough to tell a girl he loves her…" Angad rolls his eyes and sarcastically says, "Yea right, that's what she is gonna think, come on Anju, I can't just go up to her and be like, Hi (waving) I'm madly in love with you, want to be my girlfriend? That's not how it works guys, get real!" Kavya says, "Ok fine we will tell her! Let's go guys!" They all start walking towards the door and Angad basically runs in front of the door and groans, "Ok fine I'll tell her, but in a few days okay!" Prachi says folding her arms sighing, "How few?" Angad replies shyly, "The night before her birthday!" Prachi jumps for joy and then looks towards Neev and pretends to get mad saying, "God Neev why didn't you tell me on Kripa and my birthday as well!" Neev sighs, "Stupid, if I didn't tell you then, I think your eyeballs would have popped right out because of your crying. They were looking so swollen like red golf balls!" Prachi looks at him in shock and starts beating him while Neev manages to scream, "Prachi, control yourself yaar!" The others laugh looking at the pair.

Angad goes back into deep thought trying to conjure up the most romantic way possible to convey his feelings to Kripa. He wants to do something at the midnight of her birthday; it would be the most perfect occasion to show her he loves her. Also the day of her birthday, Surya has hosted a grand party for Kripa and Prachi's birthday, along with Kavya. Well Kavya because his birthday is two weeks later, so the Sharma's always celebrate his with Prachi and Kripa's. In any case the day of her birthday, would be too hectic to convey his feelings, but the day before just seems to be perfect.

Finally the day arrives, the day Angad is planning on proposing to his lady love. He wakes up bright an early putting on a black transparent shirt that makes his tones body visible with a black chain around his neck and ripped jeans. He looks mouth watering hot; well he has to make Kripa say yes, so why not dress the part. He goes to the Sharma House bright and early to pick her up, for the first time ever actually. Normally, it is always Kripa who would drag him out the house to get to school or well now college. He rings the door bell and as soon as the butler opens the door, Angad walks right in. He sees Surya reading the newspaper. Angad says, "Good morning Uncle!" Surya looks up delighted and wishes, "Angad my boy, Good Morning son!" They start talking about how Angad liked working at the office. Surya expresses his desire for Angad and Kripa to join the office after gradation since they did such a fantastic job of handling all the affairs. Gayatri comes out and orders, "Angad beta eat some parathas" Angad delightfully starts eating. Surya then calls Kripa down for breakfast and she sits wearing a white knee length flowing skirt with a light blue top. Angad looks at her admiringly. She looks so stunning. She wishes her parents a good morning and doesn't actually notice Angad sitting there. Kripa says, "Mom I want some toas… WHAT THE HELL!!" Well obviously she caught sight of Angad eating away. Surya calmly nags, "Kripa Language!"  Kripa replies, "Sorry Papa" Angad replies, "Tsk Tsk Kripa, this isn't the way to behave with guests, what will your in-laws think!" Kripa says rather annoyed, "Ok Mr. Guest (dragging him to the car) Lets Go!" When they get outside Kripa lets go of Angad, while he starts brushing out the wrinkles Kripa just gave his shirt saying, "Easy on the merchandise Krips" Kripa looks at Angad up and down saying, "Not bad Khanna, your actually looking decent" Angad arrogantly replies," You know you want me girl, don't need to be subtle about it!" Kripa rolls her eyes sitting in the car and they drive off to school before they get late.

      When they get to school they meet the gang on time and make their way to class with Angad keeping a close watch on Kripa's every move. He actually doesn't seem all that nervous about his plans to propose tonight. Somewhere in his heart he believes she will say yes, after all Angad Khanna is Angad Khanna for a reason. While sitting in class, Kripa is bothering Angad about what her present is because he is being totally tight lipped about it. He says, "Kripa stop it, You will get it when I give it to you!" Kripa just crosses her arms across her chest and says, "HMPH!!" Angad is really enjoying her expressions and grins looking at her. He assures himself, "I'm sure she will say yes!" He is almost sure of it. But of course things don't always go as planned. After that there is no more talk about the present, Kripa is getting really irritated, but super excited about turning twenty-one.

      After school, they go home and Kripa works on her homework. It is a normal day for her so far. She just has dinner with the family. She doesn't really talk to Angad much after school because of her homework. By night, she is just laying on her bed listening to music. That's when she gets a call at 11:50 at night. It is Angad calling her to her terrace. She finds it strange, but thinks maybe he needs to talk about something. Kripa walks up to her terrace and is just mesmerized at the sight. There are beautiful candles lit around the terrace and lights around the whole place. There are flower petals carelessly placed all over the floor. There is a beautiful table set up with wine and cake in the center. Faint music could be heard in the background. The night sky makes it much more picturesque. It just looks amazing. Kripa gazes around the room with her hand clasped onto her mouth, in awe. She now looks for her best friend, where could he be. Suddenly she hears him whisper from behind, "Happy Birthday Krips" Then she feels a chain being slipped onto her delicate neck. It is her birthday present she assumes. Kripa turns around and sees Angad looking drop dead gorgeous. She places her hand on the necklace, feeling the smooth piece of metal, while Angad holds up a mirror in front of her. She sees it has her name engraved in it.

Angad leads her to the table and when the clock strikes 12, Angad goes behind her, holding her hand and cuts the cake. Angad feeds Kripa and she feeds him as well. He pours them both some wine and Angad says, "Drink up, It's your first legal drink" Kripa laughs and follows directions. Kripa then asks, "Angad what is all this?" Angad holds her hand, which is laying on the table and says, "It's only for you Krips, only for you…There is something I have been meaning to tell you, something that I have realized, something I want you to know, something I need you to know. Krips, you are really important to me. This past year so much has happened with us. Being away from you made me realize how important you are to me. Krips you are the love of my life, Main tumse pyaar karta hoon, I love you Krips, I love you!" Kripa looks shocked; no words seem to flow through her mouth. She feels like this is totally out of the blue, completely ambushed. There is an uncertain suspicious look in her eyes as she says, "Angad tum mazak kare ho na?" Angad is expecting another reply and instead he gets THIS. Hurt reflects through his eyes as he says, "No Krips, I do love you, more than you'll ever know!" Kripa sure doesn't want him to say that. She just doesn't know what to say. She just sits there trying to get this to sink in, she sits there in the awkward silence looking at her palms, while Angad watches her ever move. Kripa finally gathers the courage to say, "Angad you mean a lot to me…" Angad interrupts angrily, "BUT…" Kripa replies softly with tears in her eyes, "Angad look I'm sorry I just…" Angad puts his hand up not being able to listen anymore, pain clearly visible in his eyes. He feels so vulnerable, so broken. He could actually feel the lump growing in his throat. Kripa desperately, "Please Angad I don't want to lose our friendship! It means more to me than anything! Please don't make this difficult for me…" Angad coldly replies, "Oh I won't, I'll make it real easy, our friendship… (sniggering) well it doesn't mean as much as I thought it did to you! You know what you are just scared of being vulnerable and losing control and you know what, I'm really sorry Kripa, that I got close to you, close enough to fall for you, I regret everything… I regret coming into your life…Have a Happy Birthday Kripa…" Angad starts walking away, while she watches in shock. She yells, "Angad!! YOU DON'T MEAN THAT!! Please…I'm sorry..." She has fallen to her knees with such heartache.

She just doesn't know what she feels for Angad, all she knows is she feels something strange, something alien to her, but love… she just doesn't know. She never realizes Angad would have been the one to fall in love with her. What hurt the most is that Angad basically told her he regrets her, his love, and their friendship. Not only that he also calls her Kripa, not Krips. Ever since they were little and his parents introduced them, he called her Krips right from the start, since he couldn't say Kripa at the time. It is his thing, this nickname, but now he calls her Kripa. This hit her hard. Kripa continues to sob over her best friend, who she just lost again. She lost everything in a matter of minutes. Everything…Some birthday this turned out to be. Kripa continued to cry her eyes out until she fell asleep on the terrace.

Angad after leaving the Sharma House, wants to drown his sorrows with alcohol. He wants to escape this heartache, this rejection, he needs to be free. He wants to be liberated of this pain. Angad goes to a pub close by and drinks up all his grief. Prem now enters the pub since he was in the mood to party and spots a passed out Angad at the bar counter. He looks so broken. Prem is aware that Angad was planning to propose to Kripa tonight and seeing Angad alone, with a tear stained face, tells Prem that it didn't go well at all. Prem is able to get Angad out the pub before he does anymore damage to himself. He brings Angad back with him to his apartment. Angad is definitely in no shape to drive back to his house, especially looking like a mess. Prem takes Angad to his room and lays him on the bed, while Angad mumbles her name over and over, "Kripa…."

 

Chapter 29

     

Kripa goes to the Khanna House the following morning to see if Angad would talk to her, hoping they could sort this out mutually. Sadly, Naina informs Kripa that he was staying at a friend's house last night and isn't feeling good. Well this definitely brings on some guilt for Kripa. She then goes to school, hoping to run into Angad, but alas, he never shows up for any classes.

 

**********

In the morning Angad sees that he is at Prem's apartment. Prem doesn't live with his parents, just wanting some freedom and independence. In any case Angad tells Prem his whole story of rejection and suffering. Prem is really sympathizing towards Angad, since he knows the pain of not being able to be with the person you love, which in Prem's case was Mukti. Prem tells Angad to hold tight because Kripa will realize sooner or later what Angad truly means to her. Angad is just in no mood to listen about how Kripa isn't ready, he just thinks these are all excuses of hers because she is scared, scared to let someone take her heart away, giving him full control over her emotions, making her vulnerable. He is fuming with anger because of her actions.

Angad then leaves Prem's house and goes back to the pub to get a little to drink, while Prem leaves to go to college. When Prem returns home from college he finds Angad missing, so he immediately calls Kavya and Neev in order to find out his whereabouts. Prem then looks around his neighborhood and comes across the same pub where he found Angad last night. Prem decides to check it out and spots Angad getting wasted AGAIN. Prem gets Angad in the car eventually. Prem directly calls Kavya and Neev and tells them to distract Dilip and Naina so he can sneak Angad home and in bed to rest before his parents realize Angad is drunk. Kavya and Neev comply and they start fighting outside so that Dilip and Naina have to break it up before it "actually" turns violent. Prem gets Angad in his room and drops him on the bed, while he himself starts panting for air, cursing Angad's habit of working out. Soon after the mission is accomplished Prem leaves and Angad rests trying to become sober again, only time could fix his state in time for the party. Yes today is Kripa, Prachi, and Kavya's birthday party and Angad is not looking forward to seeing Kripa. He just can't look at her without feeling anger and pain.

Prem has filled in Kavya and Neev before he leaves about the whereabouts of Angad and what had taken place last night between Angad and Kripa. Kavya is just really irritated with Kripa because he knows for a fact that Kripa is in love with Angad, she is just terrified of the thought of not being independent and having to feel weak. He knows one major reason she won't admit her love is because she fears it will ruin their friendship if it doesn't work out. Neev feels really bad for Angad, since Angad put himself out there and got rejected. Neev figures this is probably what Prachi had felt, unwanted and unloved. Neev knows Prachi is brave, so brave that she risked everything for a chance at love. It is just amazing it worked out in the end and that's what Neev wishes for Angad and Kripa, for all to work out in the end. Well around six in the evening, Angad wakes up with a minor headache, and finds Anjali waiting for him to take some medication. Anjali's loving and sympathizing nature is enough to make Angad feel a little better. At least some people cared about him, he thinks to himself while taking his medicine.

They all start getting dressed for the Sharma kids' party, Angad a little hesitantly. Angad wears a black suit, a grey silky shirt with the first couple buttons open exposing his tanned chest along with spiky hair. He looks great as usual, though his eyes told a different story, one of misery and anguish. He is so not in the mood to look at Kripa, to have to gawk over her petite perfect figure, if only he didn't have to go. Kavya plans to wear a brown suit with an emerald green silky shirt, while Neev wears a black suit with a red shirt. Anjali wears a mint green sari with heavy embroidery all around it, Prachi wears a fuchsia pink sari with embroidery and Kripa wears a black sari with full silver embroidery. They all looked gorgeous. They all arrive at the Sharma House, while Angad stays downstairs; Anjali and Neev make their way upstairs to wish their lovers a very happy birthday.

 

**********

Kavya is trying to get ready, he has on his brown suit's pants and is walking around his room without his shirt on. Anjali opens the door and sees Kavya standing around half naked so she quickly turns around. She is standing there quite stiff at the moment while Kavya begins to approach from behind. He shuts the door in front of her, closing it, leaving them completely alone in the room, with Anjali still facing the door and Kavya facing her back. Kavya whispers in her ear, "Where is my birthday gift Anju…" in the sweetest way. He gently turns Anjali and inches near her, close enough to kiss her, but Anjali brings the gift right in between their faces, blocking his attempt at a kiss, leaving Kavya a little irritated. He quickly takes it, drags Anjali, and sits on the bed opening it quickly. He finds that it is a scrapbook, which says on the cover, "Kavya and Anjali Forever Together". Kavya gasps looking at the priceless gift as he opens the first page consisting of their baby photos with them playing / fighting, honestly you couldn't tell even from day one with them whether they were enemies or friends. Kavya flips through it with Anjali sitting closely and admires her crafty nature to create such a wonderful gift. The pictures are of things she cherishes, it shows she cares enough to keep them all these years, and it isn't just pictures but movie stubs and diary entries about the stuff they fought over, presents, little gestures, etc. It is just the most perfect gift for Kavya. Now he really knows that Anjali too feels they were at least friends back then, if not more. He turns to Anjali, who rests her head on his shoulder and kisses her forehead saying, "Thanks Anju, I will forever treasure this" While Anjali blushes watching him look through the book.

 

**********

      Neev has casually walked into Prachi's room, seeing no one, and then he decides to wait for his lady love in her room and flip through some magazines. He sits there humming a random tune. That's when Prachi comes out wearing a white towel, hair slightly wet from her shower, lost in her thoughts. She doesn't seem to notice Neev sitting on her bed, but Neev sure notices Prachi. That image of Prachi will stay imbedded in his mind for eternity, he is so sure. He doesn't know when his jaw drops and drool has started forming, he is too busy staring at her to notice. Neev yells, "HOLY CRAP!" Well Prachi finally turns around after hearing that comment and panics yelling, "NEEEEEV!! GET OUT!!" Neev smirks at her uneasiness as he approaches her. He comes close enough and to pulls her to him, making her body collide with his. Then he makes her sit down on the bed and gives her a box. Prachi takes it into her trembling hands and begins to open the box. It is a beautiful ring that has an engraving underneath, which says, "Neev and Prachi forever…" Prachi is very touched by the gesture. Neev bends on the ground and slides the ring on her delicate finger vowing, "Prachi, I promise I will always be with you, always love you! I promise!" Prachi hugs Neev with tears spilling from her eyes in happiness.

 

**********

      Kripa is sitting in her room, thinking about yesterday. She feels so horrible about what happened, but she didn't know what to say to make it better. Surely she couldn't just say she loves him, well she couldn't that since she has no idea herself. She just sits and reaches out for the necklace Angad had placed on her neck last night, but she can't feel it. It isn't on her neck. Panic arose within her. She just has to find it. She begins looking around her room and sure enough spots it on the floor. She picks it up in relief, and for the first time examines it closely, there is something else written in the back. It breaks her heart looking at the words, "Eternally yours, Angad" She thought about the words that came out of Angad's mouth last night, I regret everything… I regret coming into your life… Have a Happy Birthday Kripa… It hurt so much, every word he had spoken has cut through her heart with searing pain. She doesn't know what will happen tonight, she doesn't know what to say to him, if he will even acknowledge her presence. She just doesn't know…

Chapter 30

     

      Angad sits at the bar and has a beer, trying to drown his sorrows yet again. Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi make their way down stairs to join Angad, who is indulging in alcohol. They pry him away from the liquor and Prachi orders him lemonade instead. Angad then gets forced to drink it by Anjali. He basically gets double teamed by Anjali and Prachi, poor guy. Angad notices the happy glow on their faces and can't help but feel a little depressed inside. He is happy for them, but staying near them reminds him that he isn't able to get his own love, Kripa.  Just then the stunning beauty makes her entrance, the one who has broken his heart, none other than Kripa Sharma looking like a vision. Angad doesn't look at her much, which took a lot of self control on his part and focuses on anything, but her, his shoes even.

Now Kripa, Prachi, and Kavya have to entertain their guests who have come to attend their birthday party. People periodically come to wish the three on their birthday. Kripa, however, is the least bit interested in all of that. She just keeps staring at Angad hoping he will look at her eventually, but he doesn't. Angad begins to feel her stare and only glances at her when he knows for a fact she isn't looking towards him. His anger rises as he sees a smile plastered on her face. He can't bear to see her happy without him, knowing he is mad at her, yet still looking happy. He just has no idea how much pain she is feeling while she plasters that fake smile on her face.

Kavya, Kripa, and Prachi all cut their cake. When Kripa cuts, both Angad and Kripa get reminded about yesterday. They both remember how Angad stood so closely behind her and cut it holding her hand, then finally feeding each other. They both feel so depressed. Yet, Kripa tries her best to look as happy as possible, which Angad seems to fall for. Dilip, Naina, Gayatri, and Surya seem to notice that Angad is standing off at a distance from the rest of the gang and pull him closer to the group.

Now as a ritual, Angad has always sung a song for Kripa ever since she had requested for the first time on her 10^th birthday. But today his heart just isn't in it. He always sang straight from his heart, meaning every word, but today, he doesn't want to show his feelings at the moment. No one accepts his attempts to refuse as an excuse and they all force him to since a song like he always does for Kripa. Kripa feels hurt, by Angad's refusal, but then again how can she expect him to sing for her, when she has given him so much misery. Even the gang starts to force him to sing and before he knows it, he finds himself on stage. Accepting defeat, he side glances at Kripa expressing the pain she gave him. That one looks tells Kripa how hurt he is, but he won't stop there, the guilt would only just begin for Kripa with that look and continue to grow with the song. It was the first time their eyes met all night and Kripa just fell deeper into her hole. Angad sits down at the piano on center stage and pulls the microphone closer to him as he plays to the song Beete Lamhein from The Train.

 

Angad begins to play the piano while he slowly sings with his eyes lightly
closed, taking in all the pain, wanting to express it through the song itself.
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Beete lambheinnnnn
Kripa looks at Angad speechless. This is a song Kripa has been crazy
about for a while. The song is so soulful, so heartfelt. But she feels
heartbroken he would choose to sing this particular song, considering
the circumstances. Her heart aches as she listens to his magnificent voice
full of pain. She feels overcome by sadness with every word he sings.
Though his voice is touching, only she knows the song's hidden meaning and
the devastating truth behind the lyrics.
Chand lambhaat ke vaaste hi sahi
Mushkura kar mili thi mujhe zindagi
Chand lambhaat ke vaaste hi sahi
Mushkura kar mili thi mujhe zindagi
Kripa turns around trying to suppress her tears, not being able to watch
him any longer. She wipes the lone tear before anyone can see or more
decide to flow. Just hearing the depth and sadness in his voice is
enough to distress Kripa.
Teri aagosh din the mere kate
Teri baaahon mein thi mere raatien kati
OoOOooOOO OO
Angad has his eyes closed like he sings straight from his heart, he always
did. He plays so beautifully on the piano, but she feels hurt to hear these
words from him.
Aaj bhi jab woh pal mujhko yaad aate hain
Dil se saare gumo ko bhoola jate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Beete lambheinnnnn
Angad remembers certain moments he spent with her. Their first
passionate kiss, the beach, their second kiss, their little arguments, their
huge fight, last nights rejection, his own words, "I regret everything".
Kripa closes eyes as images flash in front of her, her childhood, the late
nights, the hugs, the kisses, the affection, their play fights, their pranks,
their everything.
Mere kandhein mein sar ko jukana tera
Mere sene mein khud ko chupana teraa
Mere kandhein mein sar ko jukana tera
Mere sene mein khud ko chupana teraa
Kripa remembers the times that she would sleep on his shoulder and the
night Kripa was cuddling him, she always feels so safe in his embrace.
More tears begin to form in her eyes, she is afraid she lost him already,
maybe even forever.
Aake mere panaho mein shaam-o-seher
Kanch ki trah woh tut jana tera
OoOOooOOO OO
She remembers how they spent every waking moment together since
they were kids. Whenever Kripa is sad or depressed she would come to
him to seek comfort, but now where would she go. Kripa wants so badly
to just run into his arms and break down.
Aaj bhi jab woh manzar nazar aate hai
Dil ki viraniyon ko mita jate hai
Kripa stares as he sings sadly trying to show he is happy, but he is an
open book to Kripa. All she wants to do is go wipe his silent tears, forever.
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beet lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beet lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
She remembers the necklace around her neck and clutches it as if trying
to calm her own self and suppress the lump forming within her throat.
Angad just wants to tell Kripa through the song that this face is only for
show. But only she would know she has killed his will to live, killing his
hopes, his dreams, and his desires, with her one rejection. Telling her of
the pain he feels within and how he wishes for it would disappear.
Beete lambheinnnnn
Dard Mein .....Beete lambheinnnnn
At the end of song, Angad slowly opens his eyes only to see her beautiful
face with eyes full of tears. Kripa reflects what he feels within. They stare
at each other, with pain in both their eyes. As the song ends, everyone
applauds and Angad and Kripa unwillingly move their eyes away from
each other.

 

Angad and Kripa both know that this song is straight from his heart, all the words are true. He chose it carefully when he agreed to sing. He wants Kripa to feel the pain she gave him, because he knows that Angad Khanna is her weakness, and seeing him suffer would make her suffer as well. Kripa watches as everyone crowds around Angad admiring his heartfelt performance. Angad takes a bow eying Kripa, knowing he has an impact on her. As the audience continues to clap for Angad, Kripa stands frozen in the same spot, in her own thoughts, listening to her inner voice for once. She continues to stare at Angad as all their precious moments flash before her eyes. Then she sees Angad walking away from the crowd, from her. Suddenly she felt like her life is slowly slipping away from her. She feels almost hallow, almost weak.