CHAPTER -3
FLASH BACKā¦ā¦.
Kripa's mom Gayatri and Dad Suryabhan Sharma were separated a long time backā¦When Kripa was just a year oldā¦ā¦She knew that her dad had an affair with some one else and wanted to marry the girlā¦ Gayatri left Mumbai and settled in Nainital ā¦.She was devastatedā¦ā¦ ā¦ā¦But still she had been strong for Kripaā¦ā¦.Suryabhan was a wealthy manā¦.and Gayatri got a good alimony and child support, financially after Kripa's mom got custody of Kripaā¦ā¦..Surya did not fight for Kripa any wayā¦ā¦.All he wanted was a divorceā¦.nothing elseā¦ā¦..ā¦.Kripa's mom raised her aloneā¦and loved her very muchā¦They both were very happy, in their own worldā¦ā¦Kripa's dad never came to meet her after thatā¦ā¦.He was too busy with his new married lifeā¦ā¦. Kripa had always got a present and a card from her father every birthday, thoughā¦ā¦.But she hated himā¦.ā¦for breaking up their family ā¦ā¦
But suddenly everything broke loose, when Kripa was 10 years old, her mom left her, she died due to heart conditionsā¦.. ...Kripa had not seen her dad from last 9 yearsā¦ā¦.He came to Nainital, when he knew that Gayatri was no moreā¦ā¦.But he did not take her homeā¦.His second wife did not want her in his houseā¦ā¦.So he went to the convent school and got Kripa admission in itā¦ā¦..It had its own hostel and was quite luxurious and comfortableā¦ā¦ā¦Kripa soon settled down in her new environmentā¦ā¦..She felt hurt that her dad did not want herā¦ā¦..she missed her momā¦ā¦.And felt lonely.ā¦.But then she met a guyā¦ā¦ā¦Prithviā¦ā¦..who was in her classā¦..Both were of same ageā¦..and he stayed at the hostel tooā¦ā¦ā¦
P: Heyā¦ā¦..My name is Prithviā¦ā¦ā¦what is urs? A slim 10 year old Kid asked Kripa curiously looking at herā¦.
K: Kripa ā¦..she said eyeing himā¦ā¦..
P: Will you be my friendā¦..I don't have any friend hereā¦ā¦..yetā¦ he said with a smile...ā¦ā¦Kripa just nodded but did not moveā¦ā¦.He came forward and gave her a handā¦ā¦..to shakeā¦ā¦.and smiled at her politelyā¦ā¦Kripa smiled back and shook his handā¦ā¦..
And that day had started with the beginning of beautiful pure friendship....
P: So where are ur mom and dad?
K: My mom died and she became an angel and my dad doesn't love meā¦ā¦and stays far awayā¦ā¦..I don't love him tooā¦..What about ur mom and dad?
P: Ohā¦.My mom and dad have become starsā¦..Father D'Souza said that when some one dies they become stars and show us path during nightā¦ā¦.
K: Then how come my mom is an angel? She must be a star tooā¦..
P: May be she liked to rather be an angelā¦ā¦..he said shruggingā¦ā¦.
K: Yeah may beā¦..Why don't you have any friendsā¦ā¦ā¦.? Prithvi turned a little pinkā¦ā¦ā¦.
P: I have, but then he went near her and whisperedā¦ā¦.I don't have any girl friendā¦..he said slowlyā¦ā¦.
Kripa blushed a little and gave him a sweet smileā¦ā¦..
P: So will u be my friend?
K: Yeah I willā¦ā¦.But if you promise that u won't kiss meā¦ā¦ā¦she said making facesā¦..
P: Okā¦.I won't kiss uā¦ā¦But can I hold ur handsā¦.
Kripa nodded and hand in hand they walked to the hostelā¦ā¦.
Two years laterā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.Kripa's 12th Birthdayā¦ā¦ā¦
P: Why did you throw away the gifts which ur dad sent? Prithvi asked her frowningā¦ā¦
K: Because I hate himā¦ā¦.He left my mom and meā¦ā¦.and My mom kept crying all the timeā¦..She was sad and aloneā¦ā¦..and had to take care of me herselfā¦ā¦ā¦.she said angrilyā¦..
P: Ohā¦okā¦ā¦..Commonā¦ā¦..don't be angry nowā¦.It's your birthdayā¦ā¦.See you like my pen right? Kripa noddedā¦ā¦.Prithvi pulled out his pen from his pocketā¦ā¦.Then you keep itā¦..he said giving the pen to herā¦..consider this your birthday present from meā¦ā¦.
K: Really?
P: Yes reallyā¦ā¦.
K: Thanks Prithviā¦..You are my best friend in the whole worldā¦ā¦..
P: And you are mineā¦..Common lets go
With time, Prithvi became more and more protective of Kripaā¦..He thought it his duty to take care of herā¦ā¦..He kept tag about her whereaboutsā¦..helped her with her studiesā¦ā¦..played with herā¦ā¦..protected her from some real bullies at schoolā¦ā¦..Made sure she ate properlyā¦..Cheered her up whenever neededā¦and...encouraged her to try new things ā¦ā¦..etcā¦.etcā¦.Kripa held on to him tightlyā¦ā¦.He was his life line to depend onā¦ā¦.She looked up to him for solutions to her every problemā¦ā¦.He was her super hero, who could fix it allā¦ā¦He was her best friend in the whole world and he was her cheerleaderā¦ā¦.all the timeā¦ā¦ā¦Children never tried to play any prank with her or tease her, because they knew if they messed with Kripa, then Prithvi would not spare themā¦ā¦ā¦and further Kripa was the favorite student of couple of teachers in the classā¦ā¦.She was adored as she was sweet and lovingā¦...
As years passed Kripa and Prithvi became a familyā¦ā¦..Prithvi's dad was the trusty member of the conventā¦ā¦ā¦His mom passed away while giving birth to himā¦ā¦.and his dad bought him upā¦ā¦.But his dad was a diabetic patient and he died due to infection in his lungsā¦ā¦ā¦.which could not heal due to high sugarā¦ā¦ā¦Prithvi was taken in to the convent by Father D'Souza and his dad's money were all saved in his nameā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦..
As a daughter Kripa owned a part of her dad's property which she is unknown about currentlyā¦ā¦..She never opened her birthday presents, received from her dad, after her mom passed awayā¦..She just threw them outā¦ā¦..But she always waited for Prithvi's present eagerly on the day of her birthdayā¦ā¦.It would not be big gifts like her dad gaveā¦ā¦.Just a candy, or a nice pen, or some times some Prithvi's used things, which kripa likedā¦..He would ask her to take what ever she likedā¦.from him on her birthdayā¦ā¦.They had a very sweet relationshipā¦ā¦..and Father D'Souza loved to see them togetherā¦ā¦..
It was Kripa's 15th birthdayā¦.and as usual a parcel came for her early morningā¦ā¦..Her mood soured looking at the parcelā¦ā¦ā¦She took the parcel in her hand and looked through the cardā¦ā¦ā¦Her dad's signature was thereā¦ā¦.Not a word writtenā¦ā¦ā¦But just signedā¦ā¦.A unknown anger surged through her veinsā¦ā¦She gathered the package and ran out of the door and went near the dustbin and dumped it along with the cardā¦ā¦..She ran all the way to the church and sat there in the cornerā¦ā¦remembering her momā¦ā¦ā¦She missed her so muchā¦ā¦..Tears came down her cheeks ā¦ā¦
Father D'Souza had seen Kripa coming to the churchā¦ā¦He sighedā¦ā¦.he knew the reason for her distressā¦ā¦.He had written many letters to her dad saying that his daughter needed him and he should come and spend some time with herā¦ā¦..But there was no reply from himā¦ā¦.Only yearly fees and a present for Kripa for her every birthday, which Kripa just thrashed itā¦ā¦..He felt bad for herā¦ā¦.He went to the church and found her sitting near mother Mary's statue and crying ā¦ā¦..He went to her and kept a hand on her headā¦ā¦ā¦.Kripa looked up through her tears and saw Father D'Souzaā¦..
F: Childā¦ā¦..You need to gather ur strength and stop cryingā¦ā¦.Your mom is not with you today, but she will always be in your heartā¦ā¦ā¦.and Mother Mary is always there for u tooā¦ā¦.Lord has given u this life for some reasonā¦.Cherish this life dear and keep smilingā¦..Smile and the world will smile with u..ā¦..he said with a soft smileā¦.His kind smile made kripa wipe her tears and nodā¦ā¦ā¦Happy Birth day Kripaā¦..May God bless u and give u all the happiness u deserveā¦..He said kissing her forehead and taking the cross out of his pocket he handed it to Kripaā¦ā¦..Keep this with u near your heartā¦.when you need your courageā¦ā¦You will not be disappointedā¦ā¦ā¦.
K: Thank you Father ā¦ā¦..I will always cherish it..ā¦kripa said looking at Father with smileā¦..Father nodded and went awayā¦..But Kripa sat there on the bench, looking at the crossā¦ā¦ā¦.Prithvi came running to the churchā¦ā¦He had asked Father D'Souza about Kripa and he had told her that Kripa was in the churchā¦ā¦.He took deep breathes when he saw her there ā¦ā¦ā¦as he was out of breathe due to fast runningā¦ā¦..He then slowly went to her and sat besides herā¦.He knew the reason she was thereā¦ā¦.He kept a hand on her shoulder and Kripa without looking at him kept her head on his shoulder sadlyā¦ā¦..They sat there for a long time in silenceā¦ā¦..Then Prithvi spoke upā¦ā¦
P: So Kripa what do u want from me for your birthdayā¦ā¦ā¦
K: Just be there for me whenever I need u Prithvā¦ā¦..That's all I askā¦ā¦..Kripa by now was more matured and she knew only thing that mattered to her was his friendshipā¦ā¦ā¦.
P: Did I ever disappoint uā¦ā¦ā¦in these last 5 yearsā¦ā¦..
Kripa shook her headā¦ā¦..
P: Then why do u think that I will not be with u in the futureā¦ā¦..You are my best friendā¦..and I promise you, I will never leave uā¦ā¦..aloneā¦ā¦ā¦He said hugging herā¦ā¦ā¦.Kripa circled her arms around his waist and hugged him backā¦ā¦..
P: So Now tell meā¦ā¦ā¦.what do u wantā¦ā¦Okā¦..we will change the tradition from todayā¦..I will ask for a present from u on your birthday and you ask me the present on my birthdayā¦ā¦..Okā¦ā¦..Kripa smiled and noddedā¦ā¦ā¦
K: Okā¦.tell me what do u wantā¦ā¦.
P: For u to be happy for ever and everā¦ā¦.and never let a single tear drop from your eyesā¦ā¦.Will u give me thatā¦ā¦ā¦?
Kripa nodded with tears in her eyes again and hugged him tightlyā¦ā¦ā¦Then when she released himā¦ā¦..she wiped her tears and smiled at him genuinelyā¦ā¦ā¦.
P: That's like my good girlā¦ā¦ā¦.
K: Shall we go and celebrate nowā¦ā¦.I want to eat cakeā¦ā¦ā¦.
P: Okā¦.But I will tell u now itselfā¦ā¦.I have only 25 Rs. In my pocketā¦..So we have to share the cake and drinkā¦ā¦.
K: I am inā¦ā¦.lets goā¦ā¦.she said pulling him upā¦ā¦.Then she looked at the cross in her hand ā¦..It was a delicate chain with a small cross on itā¦..she showed it to Prithviā¦ā¦..
P: This is Father D'Souza's crossā¦..He said surprisedā¦ā¦ā¦looking at Kripaā¦..I saw it in his officeā¦..He has it in his pocket all the timeā¦ā¦..
K: Yeah he gave it to me todayā¦ā¦..for my birthdayā¦ā¦ā¦
P: Vowā¦ā¦.lucky girlā¦..why don't you wear itā¦ā¦.He said happilyā¦ā¦
Kripa nodded and put the chain in her neck and kissed the crossā¦ā¦.and smiled at Prithviā¦ā¦ā¦
Both went to the church restaurant out side the campus and took a small pastryā¦ā¦..Prithvi put a candle on the pastry and lighted it onā¦ā¦..
P: Common make a wishā¦ā¦ā¦Kripa smiled and closed her eyesā¦ā¦..and then opened her eyes and blew the candleā¦ā¦.She cut the cake with the plastic knife, Prithvi sang happy birthday to her and then they fed a piece to each otherā¦..After eating the remaining pastry and having a glass of juice, they went back to the hostelā¦ā¦ā¦Kripa was in for a surprise ā¦ā¦ā¦Father D'Souza and other teachers along with her hostel friends had arranged a cake for her and a small giftā¦ā¦ā¦..She was overwhelmedā¦..They held her hand and bought her in and asked her to cut the cakeā¦ā¦ā¦She cut the cake and fed her teachers, Father D'Souza and her friendsā¦ā¦.They gave her the small gift they had boughtā¦..and asked her to open itā¦ā¦.It was the Mother Mary's statue, which Father D'Souza had bought for herā¦..Kripa looked at the statue with tears in her eyesā¦.then she smiled at every one through her tears..ā¦..She thanked them all and hugged every oneā¦ā¦.
Next year went in flurryā¦..Kripa and Prithvi were in the 10th standardā¦ā¦ā¦Both very much busy in their studies for their Board examsā¦ā¦.At last the exams were finishedā¦ā¦.The school had arranged for the picnic for 2 days to Near by Nainital places and Prithvi and Kripa were looking forward to the tripā¦ā¦.They both were going out of the campus after a long timeā¦.and were too excited about itā¦ā¦.They talked about what they would do and stuff for hours and soon they all left for the tripā¦ā¦..
They spent 2 amazing days in a campā¦ā¦ near Kausani and saw all the near by placesā¦ā¦.Ate in hotelsā¦ā¦..and had the time of their lifeā¦ā¦ā¦
The remaining days of vacations went by with Kripa busy in some drawing classes and Prithvi in his sportsā¦ā¦.
The morning was dull in Delhiā¦ā¦ā¦The fog had covered most of the cityā¦ā¦.Angad was sitting in the Hospital bed besides his Grand dad ā¦ā¦..Looking out of the windowā¦ā¦.His SSC results were to be released in the paper todayā¦.He sighedā¦ā¦.His papers have not went wellā¦ā¦..He was under a lot of pressure as his grand dad was ill all the time during his exams and now he is admitted in the hospital after 2 monthsā¦ā¦.Within a month he had to take admission in the Junior collegeā¦ā¦.But he did not know how he would do it allā¦ā¦.Doctors told him that he should keep his grand dad in the nursing home where all the elders are taken care ofā¦..as it will be a lot of work to keep a paralysis person at homeā¦ā¦.Angad did not have any oneā¦ā¦He only knew that his mom had left him at her parents house when he was just a baby and never returnedā¦ā¦..And later he got the news from his grand ma that his mom was dead. ā¦ā¦..and he did not know a single thing about his dadā¦ā¦.of who he was or where he wasā¦ā¦.He stayed with his grand parentsā¦ā¦..His grandmother died 3 years ago, she was nearly 60 at the timeā¦ā¦..and now his grand father was illā¦ā¦..There were couple of good neighbors, who were helpfulā¦ā¦They had a cook and a servant to cleanā¦.Though they were not richā¦.They had a decent flat and a good enough bank balance to keep them going for next 10 yearsā¦ā¦.or soā¦ā¦..Angad had not yet decided about what doctor saidā¦ā¦..His grand fathers good friend Shrivastav Sharma and lawyer who was nearly 10 years younger to himā¦..came to visit everydayā¦..and kept eye on Angadā¦ā¦..He managed all the assets of his grand dad and paid the bills on his behalfā¦ā¦ā¦.He was right here sitting besides his grand dad at the momentā¦ā¦ā¦
S: So Angad what did u think about the doctor's adviceā¦..I think it is a good ideaā¦ā¦.There will be nurse to take care of herā¦.and lots of people aroundā¦..He will be more happyā¦ā¦ā¦You can go to some hostel and finish your educationā¦..You can come to visit your grand dad once or twice every monthā¦ā¦..When he is better, you can take him back homeā¦ā¦.
Angad did not tell any thingā¦.Just stood there with his head downā¦ā¦..He was unable to make any decisionā¦ā¦.After all he was a small kid tooā¦..Shrivastav sighed and went to himā¦..
S: I know , he is the only family you have and you are not able to decideā¦ā¦.But trust me, this is the only good solutionā¦ā¦ā¦Your grand pa is old and needs lots and lots of careā¦ā¦.You can't take care of him as you have to do your studiesā¦ā¦ā¦You are too young to look after him and do every thing your selfā¦..Listen to meā¦..I will arrange everythingā¦ā¦ā¦.There is one Good School with hostel in Nainital, and Father D'Souza is the head of the School, I know him from my childhood and we have kept in contactā¦..I am sure he will take u in and you can stay there with other childrenā¦ā¦..And once ur grand pa is fineā¦ā¦.You can come here and take him homeā¦ā¦..He said with a hand on the young shouldersā¦ā¦..
After 1 full minute, Angad looked up and nodded his headā¦ā¦..
A: Ok Uncle, I will go to Nainitalā¦..When will they shift Grand Paā¦ā¦ā¦.?
S: After he is stableā¦..May be in a week or twoā¦ā¦Good ā¦.You took a nice decisionā¦ā¦It is best for every oneā¦ā¦Till then I will make all the arrangements and once you get the results we will talk to Father D' Souza and go get ur admissionā¦ā¦ā¦.Is that fineā¦ā¦.Angad again just noddedā¦ā¦.And stared at his grand paā¦ā¦ā¦
2 Months laterā¦ā¦ā¦.
S: We are here Angadā¦ā¦.Common take your luggageā¦ā¦ā¦He said getting out of the taxiā¦ā¦Angad slowly got down and looked around and then stretched his body a littleā¦ā¦ā¦He slowly opened the back of the car and took out his airbag and a small suitcase, he had packed him selfā¦ā¦ā¦.He had gone to old age nursing home to meet his grand pa, he still did not recognize him, but smiled at himā¦ā¦ā¦.Angad was content with itā¦..He had then gone homeā¦ā¦..Asked the servant to clean everything, then locked all the doors and windows, taken his bag and joined Shrivastav, who insisted that he would send him to the hostel himselfā¦ā¦.And here he was at lastā¦ā¦ā¦His results were OKā¦.He had passed with distinctionā¦ā¦.But not what he expectedā¦ā¦.2 Years back he was always a top student and was very ambitious tooā¦ā¦Shrivastav came and took the air bag from his hand and they both walked insideā¦ā¦.
The nuns from the school made them sit in the principal's officeā¦ā¦.Angad was little uncomfortableā¦ā¦He was not used to places like thisā¦ā¦.Big churchā¦ā¦..the hostel, school just next doorā¦ā¦.all this was new to himā¦..He shifted a little tenselyā¦..and waited for the Principal to comeā¦..Then he saw the man with long robe walking to them with a friendly smileā¦.He greeted them friendly and talked with Shrivatsav for few minutesā¦ā¦.Then Shrivastav told Angad that he would leave nowā¦ā¦.He gave him his and the nursing homes phone no, and asked him to tell him if he needed any thingā¦ā¦.Once he went awayā¦..Father D'Souza walked him to the hostels and showed him his bedā¦ā¦.There were around 20 beds in the room and all shared 6 bath rooms which were attached to the room on either side, all had a bed, wardrobe and a study table along with chairā¦ā¦.with dustbin and lights individuallyā¦ā¦..No one was in the room for now
F: Childā¦ā¦.The mess is in the 1st floor and Library on the 2ndā¦..Nun Miss. Rose would show you your school tomorrow and your classroom as wellā¦..You can go to mess for breakfast (6am -8am), Lunch(12noon-1pm) and Dinner(7pm-8pm) and you and give your clothes for washing, every Monday and Friday to Nun Miss. Edward, who is in charge of this room and If you need any thing else she will be the one you contactā¦ā¦.Is that clear with youā¦ā¦.?
Angad noddedā¦..
F: Goodā¦.You get some rest and if u are hungry go down to the mess and ask for some thingā¦They will serve you with what ever they have for nowā¦..I hope u will like your stay here ā¦I will pray for your grand fathers quick recoveryā¦..ā¦.he said gently and after patting him on his back, Father D'Souza went awayā¦..
Soon, Miss Edward came in with Angad's books, his stationary, school uniform and shoes as well as some other things he would needā¦ā¦ā¦She kept everything in its place and asked if he needed help with unpackingā¦ā¦..When Angad nodded, she took out his bag and slowly arranged everything for himā¦.with him helping side by sideā¦..She told about the friends he would have hereā¦ā¦..About school, discipline, etcā¦.etcā¦.Once they were done she took him by shoulder to the mess and bought a plate full of food and asked him to eatā¦..She told him to go to his room later and went away to do her workā¦ā¦..He felt pretty relaxed in her company and that bought a little smile on his face at last.
When Angad went to the room later, all the children's were backā¦ā¦.They went to him and asked him his name and other details and told them there namesā¦ā¦They told him there experiences hereā¦ā¦.cracked jokes and involved him in the conversationā¦.ā¦He found all the children in here from same class as hisā¦11th standard Commerce..ā¦.Soon Angad felt quite comfortable around themā¦ā¦..At night all of them went to dinner togetherā¦..They saw Kripa and Prithvi sitting togetherā¦..and sighedā¦ā¦..One of the boy whisperedā¦ā¦ā¦.to Angadā¦ā¦..
B: Okā¦.You see that Boy with red shirt and the girl besides himā¦Angad looked where he was pointing and noddedā¦They are Prithvi and Kripaā¦...He stays with us too in our roomā¦And she stays in opposite room with all other girls..ā¦.He is a nice boyā¦ā¦.But don't mess up with Kripaā¦Angad raised his eyebrow and the boy shook his headā¦. she is his best friendā¦.and if you mess with her he will not spare youā¦ā¦.he said getting back to his plate and started eatingā¦ā¦..Angad looked at them bothā¦ā¦.After a few minutes he got involved, with his friends forgetting all about Prithvi and Kripaā¦ā¦..
After dinner Prithvi came back to his room and changed into his night clothesā¦ā¦Angad's bed was just next to him and when Angad came and sat on his bed, prithvi looked up with a smile on his faceā¦ā¦.He talked to Angad for some time and asked him about his parents, his marks etcā¦ā¦.and told him about himself tooā¦After talking for an hour to each other, they saw that they both had lot in commonā¦ā¦Soon before night was over they became good friendsā¦ā¦.They shared jokes, laughedā¦..talked about their interest, what they want to do in the futureā¦..etcā¦etcā¦ All other children's also joined them and had a nice time togetherā¦..All of Angad's doubts vanished and already he felt good hereā¦..Being alone for so long with his ill grand father made him miss out his lifeā¦.He liked the children here, they were good and understanding and all loved to have some funā¦ā¦.togetherā¦ā¦..
Next dayā¦ā¦..Miss Rose came as Father had told him and showed him around the school, the library, other roomsā¦etcā¦..It was a huge schoolā¦ā¦..With nearly 20 class rooms in allā¦ā¦.He came to know that every class had up to 40 children and there were in all nearly 800 children in the campus staying in the hostel and studyingā¦ā¦..in this schoolā¦ā¦ā¦.He liked the friendly nuns, who were very loving and caring by nature and answered all his questions patientlyā¦ā¦ā¦When Miss. Rose escorted him to his class room and introduced him to every oneā¦ā¦..All greeted him cheerfullyā¦.Boys were all his room mates, except some and others were girlsā¦ā¦..When he looked up to see where he could get the seat Prithvi pointed him to come sit with himā¦ā¦.With a genuine smile Angad went and took seat with himā¦ā¦..
In the lunch timeā¦..Prithvi introduced Kripa to Angadā¦.and Kripa welcomed him with a big smileā¦..Angad immediately liked Kripa and they became friends as wellā¦ā¦.
The class began after the lunch break and so did life in the hostel for all 3 Friendsā¦ā¦.Prithvi, Kripa and Angadā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦..
FLASHBACK ENDSā¦ā¦ā¦AND BACK TO PRESENTā¦ā¦ā¦..
I believe in angels,
The kind that heaven sends,
I am surrounded by angels,
But I call them friends.
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