It Had To Be You (part 11) AK ff pg 121 4/26/10 - Page 88

Originally posted by: vallanki

I don't😛, since this narrative is from Angad's side and the important subject is how he loved kripa since his childhood and realised it at right time of age. So no need of other people here now. Let's have all of them in next ff...lol. And I'm eager to see him confessing her in person.

very very very sry for late coment

Originally posted by: Smilesx3

very very very sry for late coment

great paaart

awwwwwwwww i hope angad gets accepted somewhere

mauybe same coll as kripa

ppl are meaaan

harrasin kripa caz of her arms

angad came ot her rescue

omg kripa must be mebarrasd when angad gave her a blade

prom was nice

PART 11:

After reading some suggestions from readers, I have changed the narration here a bit to expedite the pace of the story. The basic story still remains the same though…

"Happy Birthday Kripa!"

"Thanks Aaliya. How is Denver treating you guys?"

"We love it here. What about you girl, 27 today, right?"

"Yes, another year gone by (sighs) just like all the others."

"Hey, come on Krips….today's a special day sweetie. Cheer up. I wish I could be in New York right now. I would have taken you out to lunch."

"Don't worry Aaliya. I am fine. Anyways, I am waiting for an interview right now. I will catch up with you later. Say Hi to Josh."

"Will do…take care hun and good luck at the interview. By the way, where are you interviewing?"

"New York Daily."

"Wow! I am glad you are finally doing what you've always wanted to do. They could never get a writer as good as you…bye…mwuaah!"

"Bye now," Kripa smiled and kept the phone down. Aaliya was right- she was finally doing something she had always wanted to do. It had taken years of struggle, rebellion and resistance- sometimes even passive-aggressive behavior that had finally given her the courage to take this step forward. As she waited outside the assistant editor's office, in anxious anticipation, she recalled that shuddering sensation that had become a part of a recurring nightmare in her life. Six years ago, when she had dropped out of the pre med program at Boston University in her junior (3 rd year) year at college, how she had infuriated her dad, let down his dreams, disappointed all her professors and for the first time in life, had felt like a complete loser. To date, she had never mentioned her real reason of dropping out of college, to anyone.

"Ms. Kripa Sharma, Ms Bose will see you now."

Kripa startled, shook off her thoughts and followed the young intern to the assistant editor's office.

"Please come in Ms Sharma!"

"Thanks."

"Nice to meet you."

Both women shook hands and sat across from each other. Kripa hesitated a bit as the bespectacled yet elegant looking woman looked vaguely familiar.

"Rockbrook High!" The assistant editor glanced at Kripa's resume and smiled at her.

"Yeah," a bit surprised, Kripa looked up, "how do you know that school?"

"Well, I graduated two years before you did, from the same school."

"Oh really? What a small world?" Kripa relaxed a bit and scratched her memory to recall who the lady was.

"Yeah, remember me?"She took her thick framed glasses off and raised her eyebrow.

"Oh my God! Mishti Bose? The..the….."Kripa bit her lip and lowered her head.

"Ms STD…isn't that what everyone called me in high school?" Mishti laughed, "but don't worry, just call me Mishti. My husband still laughs at that nickname."

"Oh..my…I am so sorry Mishti…I mean Ms Bose. You know how high schools are."

"Yeah, especially those mean girls," Mishti chuckled, "I don't recall you as one of them though…you must have been a quiet one, right?"

"Well, I tried to stay out of trouble."

"Really? Unlike Angad Khanna?" Mishti sat up with a sly smile on her face.

Kripa stiffened at the mention of his name, preferring silence over response. Of course, Mishti knew him- how could she forget his date with her? That was not surprising- he'd probably dated every girl in school and college.

"I am sure you remember Angad Khanna? He was quite a character, wasn't he?" Mishti chuckled and stooped forward to get a response.

"Yeah, I vaguely remember him Ms Bose. I haven't been in touch with most of my high school friends," Kripa turned a little pale, averting her gaze.

"Oh, never mind….I just thought I'd mention his name because he considered you a good friend." Mishti shrugged her shoulders and uncapped her pen, ready to take her interview notes.

Kripa shuffled in her chair, ill at ease; conversing about Angad was the last thing she needed at such an important interview. Her life depended on this interview, her apartment lease was running out, she barely had $500.00 in her bank account and she had no desire to keep writing for throw-away commuter newspapers and tabloids anymore. This was her first real serious job interview, and Angad was an undesirable distraction at this point. She had already ruined some golden years of her life thanks to him.

"Anyways, enough about high school," Mishti looked up, sensing Kripa's discomfort, "so tell me, why do you want this job, or rather why do you think you would be a good fit for our paper? New York daily is a prestigious paper, and frankly, so far, your work experience doesn't stand out amongst a large number of applicants for this job."

"I know Ms Bose. My resume doesn't do justice to my talent."

"Hmm, you might be right, because you were quite a brilliant student in high school….wow a perfect SAT of 2400! GPA 4.2! You were definietly Ivy League material. But looks like you opted for the seven year combined undergrad and medical program at Boston University. Interesting!"

"Yeah, my dad really wanted me to go into medicine."

"Oh…I see…then why did you drop out in your junior (3^rd) year? I am sure you could have just changed tracks and completed your graduation at the end of the forth year. Why drop out of college? You realize that a college dropout is a big NO-NO for most employers?"

Kripa lowered her eyes, "I-I understand Ms Bose. I was young and immature at that time."

"Oh, well…we have all been there are some points in our life, haven't we?" Mishti smiled, "but why did you not transfer to another college?"

"For personal…and health reasons."

"Oh, I am sorry. I hope it wasn't anything serious." Mishti mellowed down a bit.

"It wasn't," Kripa shook her head, "but it was severe enough to kill my motivation."

"I see a two year gap in your resume after you dropped out…what happened Kripa? I promise I will keep it confidential and whatever you tell me will not be counted against you at this interview."

"Yeah, I had moved to California."

"Why California?"

"I just wanted to be far from the East coast."

"What about your parents?"

"Dad was unhappy that I quit college."

"Hmm…so what did you do in California?"

"Odd jobs. Worked as a nanny, waitress, even a bar tender."

"That's unusual for an Indian kid, isn't it? Your parents are quite well off, aren't they?"

"Yeah, but I had let them down. I didn't want to burden them any more."

"Wow! You are a brave girl….I admire that."

"Not that brave Mishti," Kripa smiled wryly, "I was a timid girl then. Just couldn't handle imperfections in my life." This interview had become more of a therapy session but there was something about Mishti that gave Kripa the faith to confide in her.

"Why do you say that?"

………………………………………………………….

ANGAD'S NARRATION:

It was summer after high school graduation. Mom and dad had given up on my chances of moving up on the eternal college wait list. Reluctantly, I enrolled myself in a local community college. I still recall those few months of summer, when I felt such a loser. While all my friends talked about dorms, college campus orientations, what computers they would but for college, I just sulked and shot hoops in my backyard. My friends called me a party pooper as I had no desire to celebrate their success stories while they just gave me sympathy: Maybe next year Angad, you never know till the end, some people got accepted a week before fall session, use a good college counselor for your college apps next year etc etc. There was no dearth of advice, just a drought of hope.

To add salt to my wounds, you left for Boston early that summer. You had enrolled in a summer college program at Boston University. I don't know why you went all the way to Boston when there were tons of great programs for high school students in New York. I missed you terribly, but never tried to contact you. I felt like a loser, I had let you down, and I didn't want you to feel sorry for me just because you were a friend.

By the end of July, I had filled out all paper work for the community college when an envelope in the mail, surprised me to tears: I HAD BEEN ACCEPTED AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY!

I jumped five feet in the air and pretty soon, the whole neighborhood, desi community and my school friends had heard that I was finally not a big loser- better late than never- dad lifted me in his arms just as he used to when I was a little kid and twirled me around in his muscular arms. Mom went to the temple and served a free meal to all visitors that day.

You were back from Boston. I couldn't wait to give you the good news.

"Angad!" I was shocked when you gave me a big hug as soon as I walked into your house, "I am so happy for you."

"Me too! I am happy for ME!" I was in seventh heaven, your arms around my neck and a college admission in my back pocket, what else could a guy like me want at that moment? Dad was right- better late than never!

"I can't believe you are going to BU! I just got back from there." You were jumping with joy like a little girl, still hanging from my arms. I savored each moment of that hug and held on to you snugly.

"Congratulations Angad!" Gayatri aunty's voice had me startled. I let go of you and hugged your mom, "Kripa is my good luck charm auntie, wonder if she bribed them or something," I chuckled facetiously, but was surprised to see you turn red at my comment.

"WHY WOULD I DO THAT?" You were upset.

'Oops…I was just kidding Kripa. Of course, I know those things don't work, but if they did, would you have done that for me?" I winked, teasing you again, but you were not amused.

"NO WAY! ONE GETS WHAT THEY DESERVE!" Any mention of immoral conduct was a sure shot way to get you all riled up.

"Yes, of course," I touched my ears apologetically, "I know I deserve this admission, rather BU has finally woken up from the dead. It's their gain while the other colleges are losers!"

"No need to gloat Angad," you rolled your eyes, "consider yourself lucky and hope you don't goof up at college."

"Me and goof up? Are you kidding? I am the most serious animal on this planet," I made a serious face while both you and auntie burst out laughing.

My happiness had no bounds. I had been accepted at the Center for Digital Imaging and Arts at BU. Somehow, someone at the Digital arts center had noticed my talent in photography and that had triggered the call from the University.

My undergraduate days were the happiest days of my life- no parental hovering, I did courses I enjoyed rather than cramming subjects just to get a passing grade and then the big surprise that you had accepted an early admission at BU's seven year medical program! When I heard the news, I couldn't believe my ears: KRIPA IS JOINING BOSTON UNIVERSITY? I was shocked; too numb to respond and extremely happy to express.

I remember when I went home over Christmas, while everyone was congratulating you on the early admission, Suryabhan uncle was the only one mourning. Why was I surprised? By his standards, BU was a second tier college, way below the top notch Ivy League colleges- how could his daughter settle for mediocrity?

"Congratulations uncle!" I walked into your house with a big card and flowers for you.

"Congratulations? For what?" Uncle ignored the flowers and card in my hand.

"I heard Kripa has accepted the BU admission."

"She is crazy! With her grades, she can easily go to an Ivy League college. I don't know why she has chosen BU of all places."

"It's a great university uncle. Even I am there."

"Exactly! That's why I don't want her to go there."

I was both startled and hurt. If there was one person on this planet who I detest to this day- it's your dad. I wasn't such a loser as he always made me feel.

Without replying, I walked past him, defying his angry glares and walked up to your room.

My heart went out to you when I saw you crouched up in bed, sobbing on the pillow.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE RIGHT NOW!" You yelled without looking up.

"Ok, don't open your eyes then, just hear what I have to say," I sat down next to you and had a brilliant idea to snap you out of self pity mode, "hey babe! I had no idea you had such a crush on me. Why didn't you tell me before? Now I know why you have chosen BU."

"SHUT UP ANGAD!" I managed to get the desired response from you. With a pillow in hand, you smacked the hell out of me. Soon, I was rolling on the floor, trying my best to escape your pillow and verbal assaults, "YOU ARE SUCH A SWANK! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"

"HEY! HEY! I WAS KIDDING! WHY WOULD A GIRL LIKE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT A GUY LIKE ME?" I pulled the pillow with my hands and threw it away.

"Of course, why would a brilliant girl like me choose a college just for a guy like you?" You stood over me with hands on your waist, hair more messy than a bird's nest, face more loopy than a druggie's.

'Yeah, a brilliant but scary girl. Are you dressed as a scarecrow today? It's not even Halloween."

'ANGAD!" More punches were showered at me but then like a typical girl you burst out into tears, loud bawls filled the room as you plopped back on your bed.

"I know I am a bad girl….sob…sob…. no one likes me…sob…sob….I am ugly, scary and a Halloween mask….sob…sob..I hate myself!"

I had never seen this aspect of your personality before- you were acting like a typical teenage girl!

I wanted to scream: NO, KRIPA YOU ARE A GOOD GIRL, THE BEST GIRL I HAVE EVER KNOWN, AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THIS WORLD!

As always, I shied away from speaking the truth. Instead, I tapped on your head, "it's my lucky day Kripa. For a change you hate yourself and not me!"

BAH! BAH! BAH! I HATE YOU TOO

"Yeah…that's more normal…..okay, I am sorry Kripa. I didn't mean it that way. Why are you so upset? I am so happy I will be your senior at college too. Maybe we can resume our chess club there."

"Dad is really upset with me," you sat up, sobbing. I wiped your face with the corner of the bed sheet, "I though he wants you to be a doctor. So, what's the problem? This way you will be in and out in seven years…no MCATS, no med school applications."

"Exactly," you pulled the sleeve of my sweat shirt and wiped your drippy nose with it. I had never seen you do that either, but I loved it- I loved your snot on my sleeve! "That's what I have been saying to him, but he doesn't understand. He wants me to go to Harvard, Yale or Princeton."

"So, why do you want to go to BU?" I lowered my voice and gazed into your eyes, hoping to hear what I wanted to hear.

"I love that program! I met them last summer when I was there." You replied defiantly.

"Oh…really? I thought it was because of me." I pouted, just to tease you.

"You are crazy Angad," you chuckled, wiped your face and got up, "leave me alone Angad. I need some time with myself."

"Naaa…not yet! Let's go celebrate. There is a new ice cream place around the corner."

"Okay," you sighed, relenting more easily than I had anticipated.

"Hey hey..hey," I snapped my fingers at you, "ice creams are like colleges….come with me only if you want to eat ice cream, not because you want to make me happy…got it?"

You smiled at my wink, trying to read between the lines, "you have a weird way of equating ice creams to important decisions in life Angad."

"A dim wit like me cannot think beyond small pleasures in life," I laughed as I walked out to my car in anticipation of our umpteenth ice cream date.

………………………………………………………..

"Why do you say that?"

"It's a long story Ms Bose."

"Well, if that's the case, let's go and get some lunch. How about I treat you to a birthday lunch?" Mishti picked her purse and stood up.

"What about the interview?" Kripa was confused.

"That was a mere formality," Mishti smiled.

"Formality? You mean the position was already filled?"

"Yeah, I had decided to hire you the moment I read your article in the evening paper on the commuter rail last week," Mishti grinned, "shall we?"

"I don't believe it!" Kripa had tears of joy in her eyes.

"Come on birthday girl. Spare some tears for another day," Mishti placed her arm around Kripa's shoulders and walked out with her, "what kind of food would you like?"

"I am not picky."

"Japanese?"

"Sure!"

The two women settled down for a leisurely lunch at a nearby Sushi place.

"So, now that we are off record, I want to hear everything." Mishti settled back in her seat with a glass of Japanese beer.

"Why are you so interested in finding information about me?"

"I am a journalist Kripa…just like you. We are curious people. Your story intrigues me."

"What do you want to know?"

"Ok, why did you go to BU?"

"What?"

"Why did you go to BU? You had many other options."

"F-for dad….he wanted me to be a doctor…so I chose the sure shot way to please him."

"Why did you go to BU?" Mishti stooped forward and glared intensely into her eyes. Kripa tried to avert her eyes, but couldn't lie anymore.

"B-because…because…of Angad."

….to be contd….

Great part👏,sorry for not commenting before.Curious to know the reason behind Kripa's drop out of third year.Hate Suryabhan always treating Angad as bad😡.Both have feelings for each other,but too shied to express it,wonder what stops them😊.Angad knows how to stop her from crying😉.,too sweet.Wonder why can't he read her mind that loves him.Did Kripa drop out because she got pregnant with Angad's kid,seems her going far from everybody proves that.Kripa's version👏 is nice 😊.Finally she admitted the truth.She is lying by saying that she remembers Angad vaguely😉.Finally she is doing what she desired to do,why can't her realise his daughter's dream of becoimg a journalist,he wants her to become doctor because she is too amart in her studies.Did Suryabhan blamed Angad for Kripa going far from family,what happened to her parents?😕Nice part.Nive signature👏,perfect for the title😊.Continue...........