Part-4
"Where is Angad?" Armaan asked as he seated for his dinner.
Riddhima opened her mouth to speak but Heer interrupted her. "He will be in the library... I will go call him." Heer said and was out like a shot. It has been a month since they have arrived at Nest and Angad has become her hero. He was like a big brother to her. They were often joined by Prem and Preet. Not to mention that Preet and Angad enjoyed the flying sparks between Heer and Prem. There was a great relationship in making.
"Please do, I tell you this guy worries me a lot... I don't know what he is doing these days locked up in that library." Riddhima said setting the bowls on table.
"When he is not locked up in that library? I am still unable to understand how he became such a good warrior when he never comes out of his hole." Prem Nanda commented. He also has gotten fond of Angad too. He has silently admitted that Angad was the best warrior he has come across. And Mukti liked him too so there was no way that he will not.
"UD bro," Preet said Prem Nanda's official nickname as two Prem's were causing hell of confusion, "I seriously suspect he is hibernating." He winked at Mukti as he pulled a chair for her so that she can sit. Since she had announced that she was carrying another life in her, the men in her life were giving her special attention.
"By the way guys, there is one more person missing. Anjali also is not here," Kaavya mentioned as he have not seen her in the whole day and he was getting restless by now. Could she and Angad be together? The mere thought made his blood boil. The girl was getting to him and she was getting to him fast. She hated even the sight of him just because his little sister Kripa has been doing everything to keep that Angad at the bay.
"Oh!" Riddhima said remembering, "I forgot to tell you all that Anjali has gone to palace to discuss the details of Royal Ball with mom and dad, and also to get the royal guest list. She will be staying with them tonight and tomorrow she will be bringing the royal dress designers to take our measurements for our dresses. Since, we are the hosts we need to look best." Riddhima explained in her polite but regal tone.
"Oh! This is my favourite part of the Royal Ball," Preet exclaimed, happiness radiating from his body as he Prem and Armaan exchanged knowing glances.
"Of course it would be..."muttered Riddhima, "And Armaan Khanna don't you even think about it," Riddhima warned and before he could say anything she blocked his voice out.
"I love when you do that Riddhima, why in the hell you didn't study with us?" UD winked at her and then asked by seeing the glee on the face on Khanna men, "And why are they so happy about giving measurements? I am already dreading it."
"Well you won't when you see them," Preet said dreamily, "They are two blondes with long hair and very long legs."
"Really," Kaavya, UD and Pushkar asked in unison.
"As real as the earth we are standing on," Prem said grinning.
"Finally something is going to be fun." Kaavya said.
"Too bad both of them a huge crush on Angad," Riddhima said with a grin on her face.
"Thanks for spoiling the moment... I need food." Preet said swearing under the breath, "Oops sorry, I forgot, no swearing in front of the baby," he said looking at Mukti and she laughed at his all innocence face.
Just then Heer came back, "Angad is not there," she informed everyone breathlessly. She looked as if something big has struck her. She looked at Riddhima and said, "We are so lucky... he is so kind." Riddhima smiled at her and she knew Heer was on the secret too. Somehow she knew Angad will tell her or Mukti first. She had recognised undying loyalty in Heer. Angad would have seen that even before than her. Nothing passes away from the eyes of Angad Khanna. Khanna's silently welcomed Heer to their biggest secret. As she sat beside Prem squeezed her hand reassuring her, "He will be fine," he murmured only to her as he have sensed that she was worried about Angad. This made his feelings for her even very strong for her. And he has realized that he has finally taken the final fall. Now all he has to do is get his head around it and tell her. This was going to be hell of a ride.
"Now I understand why you all are so worried when he is out of the house." Heer whispered. Prem just creased her hand and took all her worries out.
"Okay, since Angad is not here we should start without him." Armaan said helping himself with dinner thankful that Prem has wiped every worry out.
"I don't like it..." Kripa said.
"Is there anything in the world you like Kripa?" Armaan cut her in. She was always annoying but this was getting too much.
"Shut up you moron," Kripa said but now Mukti cut in, "Kripa behave yourself. Armaan was not calling you names."
"I don't like that Angad goes out without telling us. Is there something he is hiding from us? I feel there is secret and we are not being told about it." Kripa explained herself.
"Yes, there is," Riddhima said. She was all royalty now, "and you are not being told about it because you are not being cooperative enough. You are here because you don't have any other choice. You are not even trying to make an effort to let go the foolish past."
Kripa was never, in her whole life been reprimanded in such a subtle manner. After that they all had their dinner in quiet.
"I will help you with the dishes," Mukti said to Riddhima and Heer. Armaan, Kaavya and UD have gone for a walk. Prem went to the library as he has to do some work for Angad. Preet went to his room to get ready since it was his turn to run the patrol tonight.
"That is such a great idea sis, even I need to talk to you and Kripa please do you mind breaking sis's medicines today." Heer asked Kripa.
"Of course not," Kripa kissed Mukti's forehead and ran to get her medicines.
"Please don't mind her," Mukti said to Riddhima, "Kripa has her heart in right place."
"I know that Mukti, I am very sorry. I just couldn't help it. I mean it is because of her distant behaviour Angad has not eaten with us since you guys came here. I just feel my family is incomplete without him. Angad is being more and more private because of Kripa." Riddhima said helplessly.
"Okay ladies cut it out...and my dear sis Angad left something for you," Heer handed Mukti a paper.
"This was the best way to tell you without giving you a heart attack and UD killing me after that, Angad," the paper said and Mukti smiled to herself realizing what a piece of paper told her. "Idiot," Mukti said and Riddhima and Heer agreed and then laughed together.
"So, you know who our prince is?" Mukti asked cocking an eyebrow at Heer.
"Hey, he told me before he told you... the envelope said that I should read the note first but I did not have to go to that... I recognised his handwriting from the envelope." Heer said.
"You recognised his handwriting?" Mukti asked confused.
"Umm...well he knew that I use to sneak out his letter from your box and read them...totally out of curiosity," Heer added quickly as self defence.
"Oh! Its fine Mukti," Riddhima said as Mukti was frowning at Heer, "her heart is in the right place" Riddhima finished and winked at Heer.
Kripa entered to hear a peal of laughter. She gave Mukti her medicines and sat beside her.
"Riddhima, can you please sit I want to talk to you. It's about the Angad." Kripa said to the Riddhima who was cleaning dishes.
"Heer join me, we will make Angad do it when he comes in... He is faster than us." Riddhima said as matter of fact.
"Does Angad have and magnetic or gravity powers?"Kripa asked.
"Not that I know of," Riddhima replied honestly.
"Well I think there is something in the air or in the matter that is pushing me towards him. Something about him pulls me towards him. Whenever he is not around I feel something is missing from my body. It's like some unknown law of physics. Could you please tell him to stop playing games with me? I can't help but be defensive and put my shield on. And I promise you that from now on I will try hard to be cooperative." Kripa finished.
"I will appreciate that Kripa. Now I think you go rest I know keeping your shield on all day tires you a lot." Riddhima said.
"Well that was something," Heer said as Kripa left the kitchen.
"It was not something but it was interesting... I wonder if this is the reason Angad is so upset about these days." Riddhima wondered and then smiled broadly.
"Well we just have to wait and see." Heer said.
"Oh! Wonderful it's raining" Mukti exclaimed. Rain always made her happy.
Prem had told Preet that Mukti could use some cheering up so he helped nature a little and made it rain. He stood in his room, the top most room in the castle waiting for Angad. He didn't need his brother's powers to know that Angad was out of his character these days. Something was bothering him. And he was worried about him. Angad was his idol in many ways. He was also a brother to Preet. It was Angad who have taught Preet to control his powers and make them work for him instead of working against him. Angad has given him a new life when he took him into custodians. Angad was the only one who had considered his gifts as an asset rather than a disaster and it was Angad who gave both him and his brother a family.
Something similar was going through Prem's mind when Heer joined him in the library. He was paying no attention to the book in front him. He wanted to know what was bothering Angad so badly. He was his elder brother and he wanted to help.
"What is bothering you?" Heer asked hugging Prem from the back.
"Angad, something is troubling him very badly. Heer, he has so many responsibilities and he is always expected to so the right thing. He needs a little break and this whole royal ball is not helping." Prem turned and hugged her back. Who would have thought that he would fall for Miss Clumsy? "I love you Heer, will you be my date for the royal ball and forever." Prem asked.
God! She has been waiting for this since she was a silly teenager and now he tells her. He asked her so simply, under moonlight, rain outside, hugging her in library. And still it was perfect. "I thought it will take you forever to ask."
Prem broke the hug before she could answer, "Before you answer I want you to know something. Heer I and Preet were outsiders always. We were both orphans and got into school because Guru Drona thought that it was important for everyone to have education. There we met Armaan and formed a group. He was the only one beside Guru Drona who did not consider us as untouchables or something. But beside him everyone thought we were freaks even for the talismanic world. Nobody liked me meddling with their emotions or Preet's meddling with nature. After school finished we looked for work and found nothing. We were always on move so we even lost touch with Armaan. We went without food for days. Then I don't know how but Angad found us. I have no idea who told him about us. I know it was not Armaan as he was too mad as us for not answering the letters but we did not have enough money to send those letters back or buy our own owl. And we did not want to ask Armaan for money. Angad found us and fought with everyone in the council that we are an asset to his team, not the other way around. He made us feel that we were worthy of something when he was training us. He gave us our long lost confidence. We patched up with Armaan and then we came to Nest. It was our first real home. Here we met Riddhima and Anjali, and they met us like they have known us forever. Angad gave us a family and our identity. I owe him myself though he doesn't like it when I say that to him. There were lots of scars and wounds that Angad healed. I take everyone's sadness away with my gift but it was Angad who took mine. Preet silently worships Angad. He is not a friend or a team leader; he is our big brother who fulfills the duties of both mother and father. So, this is my story. So, do you still want me to accept me forever Heer?" Prem asked her again. His voice low and eyes shimmering in the moonlight, he looked up at her hopefully.
"Yes, I still want to marry you. Now you are my freak." Heer said bringing him to his feet and kissing him, taking away his every pain promising him forever. "Where is my promise ring?"
Prem opened that square box. It contained a ring and a bracelet with the charms of forever love and blessing. "Angad gave it to me the day he found out you all were joining us and told me I will be needing it very soon. He had kept my first pay check; I never knew he bought this with that. He knew I would want to give you something special of mine and my first pay check is me." Prem said putting the ring on her finger. "You are mine now, Heer Nanda," he said as he clasped the bracelet.
"Yes, and you are mine," Heer replied and then they kissed and snuggled by the fireplace enjoying the rain.
Hey guys, I m so sorry for the delay but now I will try to give you guys a regular update which is going to be every two weeks until I finish my other ff's. I m so sorry for the delay you guys.
Amneet
Edited by amneet89 - 16 years ago
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