Chapter 7

One week later

Kripa woke up to see darkness all around her. She switched on the table lamp, and glanced at her watch. It was 5-00 am.

She pulled the covers off her, and got out of bed. The first thing she did was to tie her hair back in a messy ponytail. Then, she tip toed a few steps, and opened the window.

There was a distinct fog patch in the air, the birds were chirping, and from somewhere she could hear the sound of a train. Everything felt so peaceful and serene.

She felt the cool breeze hit her face, and instantly she closed her eyes loving the feeling. She was starting to love this place.

Speaking of the place, she remembered the owner as well and at that she instantly blushed. Every night he would be the last person in her mind before she fell asleep, and every morning he would be the first person she would remember.

Her life was revolving around him, Angad. As she thought about him, she turned to glance at him. He was in deep sleep on the couch, and he looked really cute. She stared dreaming at him, until she noticed the covers on him were lying on the floor, and she could notice he was freezing due to the way he was all crouched up.

Instantly, without a thought she rushed to his side, and put the covers on him.

She stood near him for a while. From this close, she could notice he looked exhausted. And, instantly her heart went out for him. He had been coming home late every night for the past one week, since he had a huge project due at the end of this week.

She wondered whether she was getting attached to this place, or the owner. At that she simply smiled, and dismissed her thoughts as she walked away.

************

Angad woke up to the light coming on his eyes; he turned around and buried his face in the pillow. He was exhausted, but why?

And, that's when he remembered Kripa. Instantly, he opened his eyes and turned his face around to look at the bed. The covers were pulled over, and she was missing.

Instantly, anger hit him as he remembered last night, and how weak she was. He groaned as he pulled the covers off him.

The first thing he did was to check the bathroom only to find it empty. He did not like this at all. She was supposed to be in bed, but instead she was wandering around the house.

He ran down the stairs taking two steps at a time, and called out her name. But, there was no sign of her. The house looked empty. He rushed to the kitchen to find it empty.

He called out her name, but when he got no response. He opened the main door, and rushed out. This female was going to kill him some day.

Angad spotted the watchman, and ran to him.

"Did you see, Kripa?"

"No, I didn't see anyone this morning" replied the watchman.

Now, where the hell was she? What if she had fainted somewhere?

He almost felt a stabbing pain in his heart as he thought about her fainting just anywhere.

She was so weak last night. Almost every day this past one week she would faint. That's it today he was going to book an appointment with a doctor.

She would have to go through the front gate in order to get outside. Since, the watchman had not spotted her. Kripa for sure had not gone beyond the perimeters of this house, so she had to be inside.

He ran inside, and searched every room... every corner of the house... But, there was still no sign of her... it was like Kripa Sharma had vanished from the face of this earth.

He looked everywhere, until he was too tired, and decided to head out the balcony just incase she was there, and that's when he noticed her.

He sighed as he saw she was fine, but anger overcame him instantly. Here, he was looking for her, while was standing there so peacefully. She had almost killed him... He had been so worried about her, while she was standing there calmly.

And, with these thoughts he rushed down the stairs to teach her a lesson.

************

"Are you crazy?"

That voice literally made her jump. She turned around to face Angad.

What kind of greeting was that?

Plus, he seemed pretty mad. It might be a good idea to just ignore him, so she just turned back around without answering.

"Who gave you the PERMISSION to come outside?"

OK. Maybe it was a bad idea to ignore him.

"And, since when did I need permission?" she asked raising her eyebrow

He marched up in front, and grabbed her elbow.

"Kripa, how careless could you be?"

"What do you mean?" she asked jerking her hand out of his hold

"You fainted last night, Kripa. May I remind you these past few days you are fainting almost everywhere"

"So? I am pregnant. And, I am supposed to faint"

"What if you had fainted somewhere? HUH? How could you be so irresponsible?" he yelled

He noticed tears in her eyes, and instantly he regretted yelling at her, but before he could even apologize... Kripa retaliated.

"Hey! You know what? I am NOT a baby! Dude, I am a doctor! OKAY? Get it? I am a doctor? I don't have to listen to your stupid lecture. I have the right to do anything! And, don't you DARE yell at me" she pointed her fingers at him as she said those last couple of words.

Then, she turned to leave, and added, "Khanna, if you think I am going to take your crap, then you are highly mistaken."

"Kripa, listen..." Angad called out, but she didn't turn to glance around even once, and just headed inside.

He banged his fist on one of the garden furniture in frustration.

************

She was wrong to think that she was attached to that moron. And, he was not at all nice! He was a jerk.

She heard the door to the room open, and she sat there staring at the covers in anger.

"Kripa...."

She was going to ignore him.

"I am sorry," he said as he sat on the bed beside her

If he thought it was easy to first yell, and then apologize he was highly mistaken. She was not going to forgive him. Never!

"Could you blame me for yelling?"

Hold on. The guy first yells, and then acts as if he its not his fault.

Sure Khanna, I am the one responsible for the yelling, she thought

"Kripa, what would you do if you find your wife missing early in the morning? The wife that fainted in your arms the night before"

I am a not man, Khanna. If I were... life would have been much easier. I wouldn't have slept with you in the first place, I wouldn't be pregnant, and the best thing of all is I wouldn't have been MARRIED to you, she thought

"I was worried when I didn't find you in bed. I was searching for you, and when I couldn't find you I was scared. All I could think of was what if something happened to you?" he put his hand on hers as he said, "Kripa, I swear those ten minutes were one of the worst moments in my life"

Worried? Oh he cared. He cared! Her crazy heart screamed

Don't be stupid, Kripa. Her mind intercepted. He would not care. Why would he care? Heck No! What was she even thinking?

"Listen Kripa!" he said glancing at his watch "Don't take this seriously! I am sorry for yelling at you, and I will make sure this does not happen in the future. You just take care. I have to go now. Bye!"

And, with those words he got up from the bed, and headed out to the door, but Kripa showed no signs of forgiveness on her face. However, he stopped in his tracks near the door, and smiled. She had no idea why he was smiling.

It was a million-dollar smile! And, despite his irresistable smile and with her heart jumping up and down in joy... she pretended to be angry.

He said, "You know you look cute when you're angry"

And, that's it all her anger instantly vanished, and she was back to blushing! Except, Angad failed to notice that she was blushing, and she thanked all her gods for that.

************

The ringing of her cell forced her to shift her attention from the television to her cell.

She stared at the number. It was unknown.

She didn't respond as she picked it up.

"Hey!"

"oh its you" Kripa said

"What's that supposed to mean?" Angad replied

"Why? You expect me to be thrilled as I answer your phone?" replied Kripa, and then she added, "OHHH Hii Honey!!"

"Glad your learning" responded Angad

She just rolled her eyes, and then answered, "Why did you call?"

"Why? I am not allowed to call my wife?"

She could swear that as soon as she heard wife her breathing had altered, and her heart was jumping up and down again... The guy sure did know how to pull the right strings.

Though she responded, "whatever" her heart knew that was not the right answer

"I have booked an appointment with the doctor"

"Why?"

"Because, you throw up & faint almost every day"

"But, that's normal Angad"

"Don't you think it's a bit too much? Your fainting?"

In a way he was right.

"What time are we going?" she asked

"I am coming to pick you up in ten minutes be ready"

************

The ride to the clinic was boring. Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai was playing in the background.

And, Kripa literally felt like falling asleep, though the wordings of the song forced her to glance at Angad, and he would do the same as well.

Kripa wondered whether her husband was a 60-year-old to be listening to some 60's music, which was so boring. She never really understood when people claimed to love old songs. She just failed to notice the specialty in old songs, and she didn't even change the song since she was still "angry" with Angad.

The car halted, and she glanced up to notice the sign of the hospital. They walked in silence inside the hospital, and entered some cabin. Kripa sat on the chair, and looked around the room, while Angad was just walking around the room when the door opened.

"You must be Mrs. Khanna?" the lady smiled as she sat down on her chair.

Mrs. Khanna?

It was only when Angad said, "Kripa?" that she realized the lady was calling her.

"Oh Hi" replied Kripa turning red

"Aww Angad, you didn't force the poor girl did you?" the lady doctor teased as she sat in her chair

Angad just grinned, and replied, "Nisha, ours is quite an interesting love story" and then he wrapped his arms around Kripa's shoulders, and whispered, "Hain Na Kripa?"

Kripa was literally weakening with his touch.

And, the first thing she would do as soon as she was out of this place was kill Angad Khanna.

She replied in a no-nonsense tone, "Angad, this is a hospital. Not our bedroom"

The lady doctor laughed at Kripa's words, while Kripa just rolled her eyes.

It was so not funny. She was being serious here.

"Angad, you sure managed to woo a charming young girl"

"No, the most charming girl is in front of me. If only you weren't married, Nisha"

Was he flirting?

And, to Kripa's horror that stupid Nisha blushed. She blushed.

Missy, blush at your husband's remarks, not my husband's understood, Kripa screamed in her mind

And, she glanced at Angad, and gave him an angry gaze, which clearly indicated, "Stop this nonsense"

But, Angad just plainly ignored her as he heard Nisha say "Angad, your still the same. I thought at least marriage will change you" and then she got up to bring something. As she walked away she rubbed her hands in Angad's hair as she muttered, "You naughty little boy" and walked away

"Angad, I don't like this doctor. I am leaving" Kripa said as she got up.

But, Angad pulled her down, and forced her to sit "Why do you want to leave?" he questioned

"Because, the lady is stupid. She is dumb!"

"Kripa, I know her since college, and she is the best gynecologist in town. Don't worry"

"Just because she is a pretty face does not mean she is SMART"

"Common Kripa, I thought you might like her"

"Hey just because you like her does not mean I LIKE her. Okay?" yelled Kripa

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing"

"Why are you so mad?" asked Angad

Your jealous, a voice screamed.

Instead, she responded "I am not mad"

"You sure?" Angad asked

"Yah" and she just sat in the chair, praying that Angad would not notice that she was a bit jealous. Only A Tiny Bit Jealous. That's it.

************

"Mrs. Khanna please stand on the weighing machine"

"Uh... Can we please do this alone?" pleaded Kripa

"No, you are not doing this alone. Now stand on the weighing machine" responded Angad

"Nisha, I request you to please send my husband out of this room" replied Kripa looking at Nisha

"So, you can bribe her into lying about your weight. It's so not going to work, Kripa" Angad stated as he looked at Kripa.

But, Kripa once again ignored him and said, "Nisha, please"

"That's it Angad, leave the room now" responded Nisha

"No, I have every right to see her weight. I am not leaving" Angad stubbornly replied

"Angad, please leave" pleaded a helpless Nisha.

"If he does not leave, then I am going to leave. That's it" replied Kripa as she started to walk away.

"Sure you will" responded Angad as he lifted her in his arms.

"Angad, put me down" she protested, and started to hit him, but all he did was respond, "Ms.I-am-so-strong. That's your best shot!" he laughed as he said that.

And, then he put her down.

She looked down to notice the weighing machine. She started to get out of his hold, but he held on to her tightly, to the point she couldn't move she gave up and stared down.

The thing was moving around... until it came near 110... and she prayed that her weight should be more than 110...

And, when she noticed 103 pounds, she turned around to look at Angad...

He was furious. His mouth had dropped in horror as he noticed the 103 pounds, but didn't quite look like he didn't expect it.

She prepared herself for the usual lecture she got from her friends, parents, relatives and even her professors about her weight. But, instead all she got was, "Kripa, no more dieting permitted" before she could open her mouth to protest she heard him say, "And, no more excuses about any food item... You will eat anything and everything... If your weight does not increase to 110 by the end of the week, then I will sleep beside you from next week onwards!"

Her eyes widened at his words, and she immediately protested, "But, 110 is impossible!" he ignored her and added, "Good luck Honey!" as he winked at her.

She knew Angad was dead serious right then.

************

Later that night

The cool breeze of the night air sent chills down Kripa's spine. She had taken dinner all by herself, since she wanted to avoid Angad. Mainly because in the morning he had yelled at her, then he had flirted with Nisha & to top it all he was blackmailing her.

What did she do to deserve a husband like Angad?

"Having fun?"

She literally jumped as she heard his voice, but she did not turn around.

A few seconds later he was standing beside her starring at the vast night sky.

"You shouldn't go to work tomorrow" he said as he looked at her.

Except, he caught hold of her wrist.

"Angad, leave my hand"

"Why?"

"Because I can't bear your touch"

"Really?"

"Yah"

He started to come closer towards her. She could not even mutter a word out loud,

since she was weakening under his powerful gaze. Her heart was jumping up and down excited at the prospect of his nearness.

And, then she heard him say, "Common Kripa, don't go to work... even Nisha said that you need to take a lot of rest. Your too weak"

Those words immediately stopped her goosebumps, and she spat out loud, "I don't care what Nisha says, but I am going. And, you can't change it!"

This time she removed his hand, and started to walk away.

She was near the doorstep, but the only problem this time was she tripped.

And, Angad immediately caught hold of her.

"You okay?" he asked as he helped her up

"Yah" she replied

"Why are you wearing those stupid heels?" he asked

"Because I love them" she answered

"You can't even walk in them"

"Yes, I can"

"No wonder you fell. Now remove those heels"

"I am not going to." she stubbornly responded

"Well, I will do the honour of removing them"

"No, you won't"

Instead of replying he started to remove them, and before she could even stop him.

He had thrown them out from the balcony.

"Angad" she screamed "What the hell did you do?"

"Today onwards no heels permitted"

"Oh ya? I am going to buy a dozen of heels tomorrow. Just watch me!"

"Why are you so stubborn, Kripa?"

"Why are you so stubborn, Angad?"

"I am trying to get rid of your stubbornness"

"Oh Ya! I don't see how that will help. Why don't you try to compromise?"

"Why don't you try your own word of advice?"

Kripa just rolled her eyes. Angad was impossible, and she had enough of this childishness.

So, she just decided to reply, "Goodnight Angad"

She made an attempt to move her leg, but unfortunately couldn't.

She tried to limp her way into the room, but before she could even limp two steps Angad lifted her in his arms.

"Angad, put me down"

"You can't walk, Kripa"

"Hey! You use every excuse to pick me up"

"I bet ya you love the feeling"

And, instantly she blushed.

"You are blushing again. Aren't you?" he smiled

"No, I am not" she responded, but it was a weak attempt, so instead she buried her face in his shirt.

************

Next morning

Angad wiped the sweat off his forehead as he stepped outside. The phone was ringing.

Except, it was not a phone ring. It sounded a cell ring. But, that was not his cell. It had to be Kripa's.

He looked around for it, and then he spotted the source of the ring from somewhere near the couch. He should have known.

He picked the cushion, and there it was sitting on the couch. He picked it up.

"Hey Kripa" said the voice

"Kripa is not here" he said

"And, who are you?" Mishty asked

"Her Husband" he responded

"Angad" Mishty literally screamed and smiled

"Yay, glad you figured"

"What are you doing?"

"Having a shower with my gorgeous wife"

"Nice" she replied with a smile

"Why did you call?"

"Angad, your wife does not even care to call me anymore" she complained "She is so busy with you lately that she has forgotten her best friend"

"Mishty, she has been a little weak latel---"

"WHAT? Why didn't you inform me"

"Its nothing to worry about... "

"I will come to meet her tomorrow. Is that fine?"

"Hey! Listen Mish! Can you do me a favour?"

"Sure"

"Can you please make sure someone fills Kripa's spot for work this week?"

"Yay sure. Don't worry I will handle that"

"And, make sure Kripa is not aware that I suggested this"

"Why?"

Before he could answer he heard Kripa yell out "Angad"

"Mish, I got to go. I will call you later"

"Yay. Bye"

He was almost to put the cell back on the couch when he heard, "Angad, I left my towel outside"