Asleep AK (Chapter 14, Page 13) Posted on Mar 10 - Page 2

Frozen with snow.

It's very short yet very meaningful. I have so many dreams that sometimes I don't even know what to do with them all. I want to write a great novel, open an adult literacy center, make baby blankets for preemies for mothers who can't afford them, and so many things. I wonder what your dreams are. What is it that makes life worth living for you?'

The doctor sighed. This lady who was talking to the stranger so sincerely had some deep thoughts in her. It wasn't common in this day and age for a young woman to think beyond herself. The doctor thought he was just being cynical and let it go.

Chapter 4

Kripa smiled on her way to work. Whenever she went and visited her friend, her day went better. She knew that she would continue going to meet him until he woke up from his deep sleep. She hoped that he would wake up soon because she had so many questions to ask him.

She went to her job and sighed. Such was life that she was still stuck as a receptionist when she had so many ambitions. She vowed that she wasn't going to sit still till she finished writing her book. The stranger was giving her many ideas for her book.

The coast was clear. Nobody was close by. She pulled up her outline she had started on the computer and continued jotting some points. Subconsciously, she used all the characteristics of the stranger as one of the characters in her book. She thought the character suited him.

She glanced up quickly just in time to see Mr. Patel coming towards her. 'Kripa, I sure hope that whatever you're working on is work related because I would hate to fire you.'

Kripa grimaced. What a party pooper. 'No sir, I'm definitely working on work related stuff. Mr. Shah gave me some stuff to type. And how has your day been?'

'Good so far. How about dinner with me?' he asked.

When hell freezes over, she thought. You're old enough to be my father and yet you keep asking me out. Do you really expect that I will bow down and be like, yes, you're my soulmate and I can't live without you? Let's have some hot and sweaty sex. Yeah, dream on bald head. She forced a smile on her face, 'I'm busy Mr. Patel, I won't be able to make it.'

He gave her a lecherous grin. 'Some other time, then. Make sure I don't find you using office time to be doing personal stuff. You know there will be repercussions.'

You old bas***d. I'm sure my friend wouldn't be such a psycho like you. 'That won't be a problem Mr. Patel. Is there anything you wanted?'

'Nah, I just wanted to see your pretty face,' he winked at her and left.

Wait till I tell your wife you miserable sicko! Her mind shrieked. She took a deep breath and continued with her outline. The only silver lining left for the day was hanging out with her friends later in the evening.

Kripa glanced at the time much later and gasped. She was late for dinner, again! She didn't know how her friends put up with her. She ran to Mishti's house full of apologies.

'Aali, sorry I'm late. You guys, you know how I lose track of time no matter what.' Kripa said all in one breath.

Prithvi, Aaliya and Mishti looked at one another and smiled. This was old news. 'Don't worry. Is Patel still hitting on you?'

'Don't you all know it! What a sicko! He's so old and he's married! I feel so sorry for his wife that she landed with such a crappy man. Should I tell her what kind of a man her husband is? I'm so sick of this? Ugh, anyways, what did the doctor say Mishti?'

Mishti gave a very warm smile, 'She said everything was normal and that I need to keep exercising lightly and try to be as normal as possible, other than the pre-natals.'

They all talked and had a great dinner. 'So Kripa, why are you so fascinated with that guy in the hospital?' Prithvi asked.

Kripa gave a small smile. 'I literally have no idea. I just saw him sitting alone and looking so lonely that I had to do something. I could just picture myself in that condition but I knew that all of you would always be there for me. This guy had no one. Plus it doesn't hurt that he is a serious hottie.' Kripa said with a wink and everyone laughed at the table.

Her friends thought that it was very adorable the way she lightened even heavy conversations. Aali and Kripa left with huge smiles on their faces and went in different directions.

Kripa went back to her apartment and started typing her story. She knew that this was going to be best story she had ever written. She could just feel it. She wrote till 4 am, she had no idea how it became so late and fell asleep on her desk.

She woke with a crick in her neck just as the sun streamed in her room and she stretched with a wide yawn. She glanced at the clock and smiled. For once she didn't have to worry about being late somewhere.

She went to the hospital a little while later and went straight to her friend's room. 'Hey, it's me. How are you feeling today? I feel absolutely fabulous. My friend Aali and I went to Mishti's and her hubby's place yesterday for dinner. It was absolutely amazing. And that stupid Patel hit on me at work. It just makes me so angry! One day, I'm seriously going to punch on his face. Here, let's go outside in the garden. You must be so sick of staying inside.'

She wheeled the stranger outside and walked with him with a running monologue. When she ran out of things to say, she sat on a bench and removed her Harry Potter book. 'OK, I really hope you like the Harry Potter series because it's my all time favorite. If you don't like it, you better speak up really quickly. Alright, here we go; Chapter 1, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.' She read a few chapters aloud and wheeled him back in. 'I'll come see you again tomorrow, OK? You take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything.' She left with a peck on his cheek and a smile on her face. Life was truly beautiful.

She ran back at her place and changed into her work attire. She didn't how for how long she'd be able to take going to that same job. She really didn't like the way Mr. Patel ogled her. Hmm, she wondered, what if I sue him for sexual harassment. She shook her head; this was India, not the US or something!

She hopped on the bus and went to work. A long tiring work day later, she trudged to her apartment, sat on her couch and fell asleep immediately. She dreamt about the stranger that night, and what a crazy dream it was! Her stranger had turned into the psycho killer of her novel. She woke with a start and glanced at the clock, 2am. She groaned and got up; might as well get something done, she thought. She brewed a pot of coffee, sat on her desk, opened her laptop and started writing.

Her alarm rang and she jerked back. 'Wow, it's morning? Jeez, it just had to ring when I was so into my book. Oh well, I better get up and get ready. Another full day and you better think happy thoughts, Kripa. My book is going well, I have wonderful friends and I have that stranger. What more do I want?'

She followed her routine and went to the hospital. This time she took scented candles with her. 'Hey there stranger,' she chirped when she saw him sitting in the chair and facing the window again. 'I have scented candles today. I know, I know, they are supposed to be very girly and all but hey, at least the room will smell good. It's cherry scented. Isn't it so good,' she commented as she lit the candle.

'So, anyways, I dreamt about you last night. It's really creepy. You know the book I'm writing, it's about a psycho killer and that's who you were last night in my dream. I hope you don't think that I'm a creep dreaming about you and stuff. And of course, because it was a dream, I had super powers and I vanquished you and peace once again reigned on Earth. You should really read some of the short stories I've written. They're so dramatic. I think drama in books is so much fun. Not that much in real life. I prefer real life to be a bit boring.'

She sighed and looked at him. 'You know, I love solving a good puzzle. You're just going to keep bothering me. You better wake up soon and tell me all about yourself. Don't you think this is unfair that you know more about me in our friendship than I know about you? It's time to get up and tell me all about you. It's going to be so exciting. And of course, you can always tell me what a psycho I am, I won't mind that much as long as it's just jesting. No serious stuff OK? Life is too beautiful to bog it down with serious stuff. Wow, can I talk. Today, I'll read a little more of Harry Potter and then talk to you about the Salem Witch Trials, OK? History is so fascinating.'

She took out her book and read a few more chapters of Harry Potter. Then she turned to him and smiled at him. 'Your beard is growing longer and longer. I hope you don't mind if I come one day with a razor and stuff. Anyways, I think the Salem Witch Trial period was a very disturbing time in history. Because of the war and famine, people were looking for somewhere to blame all that, and who got the prize? That's right, the innocent women who were really just healers. Even now, whenever they show witches with the pointed hats and broomsticks on TV, I get so mad. The so-called witches are actually Wiccans. And boy, that is such a fascinating religion. It's an Earth-based religion where they respect all that Mother Earth has given. They believe that whatever you do will come back to you three fold. Do something bad, and three times as bad stuff is going to happen to you, so see, how can they be cruel as they are portrayed on TV? As if there aren't enough things to be prejudiced about. Anyways, I love talking about this but I have to go have a quick lunch and work. Blah. You take care strangery friend. I'll come back tomorrow. And it's going to be Saturday, I'll be able to spend more time with you. See ya!' She pecked him on his cheek and left.

'Kripa, how could you just take him in? How are you going to afford his care? You can hardly pay your own bills,' Mishti said concerned. She knew that Kripa had the softest heart she had even known, but this was going too far.

'Oh Mish, don't worry about it. I'll figure something out, you know I always do.' Kripa sighed. Her friends were too worried for nothing.

It was Sunday morning and the gang was at Mishti and Prithvi's place. Prithvi put his hand on hers, 'Kripa, we know how much you feel for others. But really, how are you going to take care of all this? You always have some financial crisis going on. I know, I know, you always figure something out and you have too much damn pride that you won't even take money from your friends. Kripa, we're worried about you.' Aaliya nodded in her direction.

'Seriously, you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. He's lonely! I couldn't leave him there. Would any of you leave me in hospital if I was in that condition? No right? I've seen him every day for the last God-knows how many days. I care about him. I don't why, but I care about him. And if you care about me at all, you'll leave this alone. Just accept my decision and be happy for me.' Kripa got up and walked to the window.

Aaliya went behind her and put her arm on her shoulder. 'Kripa, we're always there for you. No matter what path you take in life, you know we'll always be behind you just as you're always there for us. We're just worried about you. That's all.'

Kripa turned back and held Aaliya's hand, 'I know. Please let me do this. I just need to do this. And don't worry about me. Things always work out for me. You know my book is coming along well, a few more weeks and I'll be done with it. I have a very good feeling about this book. I do,' she smiled and they dropped the topic.

After the brunch, Kripa walked back to her apartment, thanked the nurse who left and took Zaib outside. 'My friends really do mean well. They're just concerned about me. They're not happy that we're roommates. But Zaib, I couldn't leave you in the hospital. I just couldn't. You're my friend.' She shook her head and smiled.

'Don't you just love this time of the year? It's warming up and it feels great to be outside. Zaib, I'm picking a second job in the mornings. It's at a local cafe. A friend owns it and she said that they are always short-staffed and always need help. She said that I could join it any time. I called her last night and she was OK with it. I'm sorry but I won't be able to spend much time with you what with my afternoon job and all. But it's just for a few more months. When my book gets published, everything will be fine. There might be everything I doubt about myself; if there is one thing I cannot doubt about, it's my writing. I know it'll be published. I feel it in my bones. Anyways, let's head back.'

Chapter 6

'Zaib, how do I look?' Kripa asked twirling around slowly. She wore a snug short black dress that reached her mid-thigh. She had made her eyes smoky and mysterious and curled her hair into a fountain. She had painted her mouth a siren red and wore killer black heels. 'Do I look hot or not? I can't believe that I'm going out with Manek. He's so hot! And he's very well mannered; the chivalrous type. I think I'm going to have such an amazing time with him tonight. We're going out to this Italian restaurant that just opened last month. Mmm, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.'

She bent down to his wheelchair and sighed. 'It's been so long and you still haven't gotten up. It's been almost three years, Zaib. Please get up. You've lost so much weight,' she looked at his hollow face. He didn't look like the man from the hospital anymore. 'I can't stand seeing you like this. My books are being published and I'm very successful. I just want you to wake up now. We moved to this fairy tale house almost two years ago. I thought that a change in scenery might help you, but you're still sitting. I feel like you don't even want to get up.'

She gave him a quick peck on his cheek and smiled, 'I'll keep waiting till the day you get up Zaib. I won't lose hope on you.' The door bell rang, she got up and smiled. 'Well, that's Manek. Wish me luck. And don't wait up roomie. Nurse Aisha is here to take care of you. So you'll be fine. If you need anything, just give me a call. My phone numbers on the mantle so that shouldn't be a problem. See ya!' She grabbed her purse and dashed outside.

'Hi, let me get this out of the way first. Wow, you look gorgeous!' Manek gave her the while calla lilies he had bought for her.

'Oh thank you. One minute, I'll just put them in the vase. I'll be out in a second.' Kripa breathed in the scent of the flowers and sighed against the door.

'He's so sweet. But I'm not letting a guy come to my place like this. A girl has to be cautious. You never know. But wow, I love these lilies.' She arranged the flowers in a vase and went outside.

They went to Cucina Italiana, the new Italian restaurant. 'Isn't this place just gorgeous?' Manek said pulling out a chair for her.

'Thanks, yeah, it's beautiful. I love their dcor. It looks like we are in Italy. I love the feel of the old walls and the bougainvillea hanging on the trellis. Oh I know, it resembles an agora. This is beautiful. Thanks, Manek,' Kripa smiled at him.

'No problem at all. Would you like to have something to drink? Some wine? Champagne?'

'Yeah, sure. I'd love a Cabernet.'

'The lady would like a Cabernet.' Manek told the waiter. The waiter discreetly poured some wine in their glasses and left them so that they could make their selection.

The evening passed very quickly. Kripa couldn't remember a time that she had enjoyed so much. Conversation flowed easily. They talked about everything from their past to what they hoped to do in the future. She had to keep reminding herself not to dream too much. She still didn't know him that well.

Kripa excused herself and went to the restroom. She closed the door and leaned against it with a grin. She couldn't help it and she shot her hand in the air and said, 'yes!' She couldn't believe her luck. He was so attentive and courteous. He was even polite to the waiter. You could always tell how a man was by how he treated the waiter.

Kripa went to the mirror and refreshed her lipstick. She knew she had to look her best. She remembered that her purse was still in the bathroom stall. She went to collect it when she heard some voices.

'Did you see that bas***d, Manek?' a tear-filled voice said.

'Yeah, I wonder which poor girl he was with now. He'll ruin her life just as he has ruined so many women's lives. What a sick bas***d! Do you think we should warn her?' another female voice asked.

'I don't know. It's none of our business. What if she doesn't mind having a loser like Manek?'

'I think we should tell his tricks to that woman. He ruined your life but you were courageous enough to rebuild it. What if the other woman can't take it?' Hearing this, Kripa's heart hammered. What had Manek done?

'It was partially my fault. I slept with him when he told me how much he loved me. I should have waited till I got a ring on my finger. As soon as he was done sleeping with me, he told me it was all a game. Then he told everyone that I had seduced him. But I'm glad he broke my heart. How else would I have met Ketan who is the most sincere guy ever?'

'You are lucky that way. Even knowing your past, he accepted you as you are. That's how a real man should be. Men have skeletons in their closets as well. They should accept women with baggage as well,' her friend said.

'How do we tell her though? If we go in front of that chameleon, he'll tell that woman lies and turn her against us. I think we'll just have to let it be and hope that the other woman sees him through his mask.' As the voices faded away, Kripa got out of the restroom and went towards their table. She didn't know what to do or what to think. Manek's back was turned to her and she saw that he was on the phone.

'Yeah, she's totally bought it. I can't believe that paying attention to a few details can make such a difference. Be nice to the waiter, act like a gentleman. Uh huh, I think I'm going to get lucky tonight. Why else would I spend so much time and money on a woman? She sure was a hard one. But now she's in. Yo, I'll call you back. I'll call you after and give you details.' Manek shut his phone with a smirk.

Kripa just stood behind him in shock. He wined and dined her so that he could bed her? That bas***d. She kept herself calm. She would not create a scene. She would not create a scene, she reminded herself. Scenes are bad. Scenes are awful. Didn't she always hate it when people created a scene? Anger coursed through her veins and her heart pounded, she would not create a scene.

Kripa marched up in front of him and grabbed her wine glass. She tossed the wine on his face. 'You bas***d! What do you think I am? You put up this act so that you can get me in bed?' At Manek's shocked face, she gave a dry laugh.

'Yeah, I've heard everything. You're the cheapest person I know. Don't ever think about playing any other girl this way again or I'll chop your balls into such tiny pieces, that you'll regret all your actions for the rest of your life. Freak!' she shouted and left the restaurant in a huff.

She called for a cab and went to her house. She let the nurse go and threw a tantrum at her house.

'What does he think of himself? What a sick, sick man.'

Zaib was still in the living room and she went to him to continue the tirade. 'Zaib, I'll never trust another man again for as long as I live. The evening started out so perfectly. All I could think was what a sweetheart that bas***d was. Then I went to the restroom and overheard some stuff. I wasn't sure what to think of it. I went to the table and heard him say that all he wanted to do was get into my pants. That bas***d!'

She cooled down a little bit. 'You're a nice guy Zaib, you always listen to me.'

The doorbell rang. Thinking it was Aaliya who wanted to hear all the details about the date, she opened the door without looking in the peephole.

Manek strode in livid. 'Well well, you're going to chop my balls, are you? We'll see about that.'

He grabbed her and shut the door with a bang. Kripa felt herself going backwards and fear rose in her throat. 'That's the invalid you're housing?' he asked glancing at Zaib.

Kripa tried shoving him but his arms were like that of steel. 'Manek, leave me or I'm going to kill you!' she all but shouted in fear.

'Kripa, this is to teach you a lesson. Never ever mess with Manek.' With that, he tore the sleeve of her dress and Kripa struggled against him.

'Manek, leave me alone. Leave me,' she heard herself sobbing as he pushed her to the couch.

He smirked, 'I just wanted to show you who's boss over here. You threatened to chop my balls. Let me use those now. Let's see how you get around to that particular task.'

Kripa felt his lips on her throat and she shuddered with disgust and terror. She would not be raped, she would not be raped! She tried kneeing him on his groin but she had no room. She couldn't feel herself crying and begging him to let her go. She didn't feel herself calling for Zaib either.