Chapter 21
Kripa glanced at the clock above the television and smiled to herself when she heard Angad swear under his breath. "You know if you don't hurry your gonna be late for your date."
"I am aware of that" Angad growled. "I can't find my keys."
"They're on top the microwave" Kripa told him. "I found them sticking out of the front door."
Angad rolled his eyes and ran to the kitchen. "What are you gonna do?" he asked, coming back a minute later.
"Your Dadi and I are gonna watch movies and eat brownies" Kripa said.
"That's it" Angad said. "I'm not going."
Kripa pushed him toward the door. "It's a girls night. No boys allowed. Now get out."
"Kicked out of my own home" Angad muttered, shaking his head. "Would you save me a brownie?"
"Maybe" Kripa said, stepping around him and opening the door. "Maybe not."
"Sharma your one cold woman" Angad said jokingly.
"I know I am" Kripa whispered.
Angad reached out and took her hand. "I wasn't serious Kripa" he said softly.
Kripa smiled at him. "Get out of here and drive safely."
"I'll be back by ten" Angad said.
"I'll count the minutes until I see your face again" Kripa said dryly.
Angad raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "I know you will.Lock the door and set the alarm behind me.The security code is our birthday."
After locking up and activating the alarm Kripa headed toward the living room.
"Angu finally leave?" Dadi asked.
Kripa sat down beside her. "Yes, although I don't know why he bothers going on these dates.The girls are mean to him."
"After my husband died Angad had a hard time coping.He thought his grandfather walked on water.He became depressed,withdrawn.There were days when he barely left his room."
Kripa couldn't believe what she was hearing. The Angad she knew was nothing like the one Dadi was describing. "What changed him?"
"Naina's accident" Dadi declared. "It took almost losing his mother for him to wake up and realize that life was too precious to waste another minute.I think he goes on these dates because he's trying to make up for lost time.Time spent away from everyone."
"How did Dadu die? If you don't mind me asking" Kripa said quickly. She didn't want to come across as being nosy.
Dadi smiled and gave Kripa's arm a pat. "He went to sleep one night and never woke up.Doctors didn't have a clue what happened to him.They did an autopsy on him and couldn't figure it out.They said it was one of those mystery's of science.I told them there was no mystery.It was just time for him to go home. God needed him more."
No, I think his grandson needed him more Kripa thought glancing at the picture of Angad on the mantel above the fireplace.
*****
Angad sat there, eyes glazed over and barely said a word to the small brunette sitting across from him. If he had wanted to talk it wouldn't have done him one bit of good. She hadn't shut up since he picked her up.
Angad took a drink of his milkshake and wondered what Kripa was doing. I should've brought her he thought, looking around at the couples laughing and having a good time. Face it man he told himself. Your good time is at home right now wearing those red pajamas and probably eating your brownie. He made up his mind.
"Are you ready to go?" Angad asked.
"Sure" Lila said.
Angad slid out of the booth and pulled his keys out of his pocket.
"Anyway like I was saying" Lila said as they walked to the car. "I told Brenda there was no way I was gonna get a tattoo."
Angad pushed the button to unlock the doors and opened Lila's for her.
Lila got in still talking. "I mean the needles are-"
Angad shut the door and knew without a doubt she was still talking. Sighing he walked around the car and slowly opened his door.
"Brenda said she'd get one if I did.I-"
Angad tuned her out. He had a feeling if he didn't he would end up strangling her.
Ten agonizing minutes later Angad pulled up outside Lila's house. He shut the car off and turned to look at her.
"Hey" she said smiling. "Do you wanna come in?" She moved a little closer. "No one's home."
"Are you sure about that?" Angad said, pointing at Lila's house.
Lila turned to look and saw a light was on. "D***" she muttered. "I'm free tomorrow night" she said, leaning toward him.
The smell of her perfume was so strong it was starting to bother Angad. He turned his head and sneezed. "Sorry about that" he said. "I have plans tomorrow night" he whispered hoarsely.
"Maybe some other time than" Lila suggested.
"Maybe" Angad said lying.
Lila kissed him on the lips and than was gone.
Angad watched her go for a minute and than reaching up he wiped his mouth.
*****
Kripa was curled up on the couch looking through an old photo album when she heard the front door open. She glanced up as Angad walked into the living room.
"Hey Sharma" Angad said, sitting down beside her. "What are you looking at?"
"Pictures of your Dadu and Dadi."
Angad rolled his eyes. "Not those.Dadi will show them to anyone who sits still long enough."
Kripa smiled as she closed the album and set it aside. "Actually I asked her if she had any pictures of your Dadu.I can see why your Dadi was so taken with him.He was a handsome man.I wish I could've met him."
"He would've liked you Sharma" Angad said with certainty.
"So how was your date?" Kripa asked after a minute of silence.
Angad groaned. "It was pathetic.I was lucky if I said five words.The girl talked and talked and t-"
"I get it" Kripa interrupted. "She talked a lot."
"And talked and talked a-"
"Angad" Kripa growled.
Grinning Angad stood and took Kripa's hand. "Come on Sharma" he said, pulling her to her feet. "I don't know about you, but i'm tired."
"I guess we should turn in."
Kripa stood at the bottom of the stairs while Angad went around turning out the lights. When all was dark and every thing locked up tight they climbed the stairs.
Pausing outside her room Kripa stared at Angad whose face was barely visible in the dark hallway.
"There's something you should know" Angad whispered.
"What's that?" Kripa asked. She heard Angad clear his throat.
"It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes I walk in my sleep.You might wanna lock your door."
Stunned Kripa took a faltering step back. "Have you ever hurt yourself or anyone else?" she asked, afraid to hear his answer. She jumped when Angad touched her arm.
"It's okay Kripa. You don't have to be afraid.I've never hurt anyone.I just want you to lock your door as a precaution."
"Okay" Kripa said, reaching behind her for the door knob. "Good night Angad."
"Sweet dreams lovely Kripa" she heard him say as she closed her door.
Chapter 22
Kripa stared at the dead frog in front of her. Grimacing she picked up her scalpel and with her stomach threatening to give her back her lunch she cut into the belly and moaned softly.
"Are you okay?" Aliyah asked.
"I'm cutting up a dead frog.What do you think?" Kripa said dryly.
Aliyah giggled. "Next week we dissect a baby squid."
"Oh, goody" Kripa said. "Something to look forward to." She pulled back the skin with her tweezers and wrinkled her nose.
"Can I ask you a question?" Aliyah said.
Kripa nodded. "What about?
"Well I know it's none of my business and if you don't wanna answer i'll understand.Are you going out with Angad?"
"No, i'm not" Kripa said frowning. "Why did you ask me that?"
"Oh, no reason" Aliyah said shrugging. "I've watched you two in English class and well I think you two would make a cute couple." She smiled. "I'm just being nosy.Don't mind me."
Aliyah's words kept replaying over and over in Kripa's head through out the rest of class. She was still thinking about it when she saw Angad twenty minutes later.
"Hey Sharma" Angad said, stopping by her locker. "You look a little green.Are you okay?"
"Biology" Kripa muttered, putting her books in her locker. "Dissected a frog.Need I say more?"
"D*** I was looking forward to that turtle soup Dadi was gonna make for dinner" Angad said grinning.
Kripa slammed her locker shut. "That's funny because I thought we were having liver and onions."
"Over my dead body" Angad growled.
"That can be arranged" Kripa said smirking. "Come Mr.Khanna.I have an appointment with your aunt." She weaved her way through the crowd.
"I thought we had an appointment with dad" Angad said as they walked toward the car.
"That's tomorrow" Kripa reminded him. "You don't have to go with me.I mean you can take me home and i'll get my car.I don't-"
"Sharma I don't mind.I'll go where you go.Now get in" Angad said, opening the passenger side door.
Kripa slid in and reached for her seat belt.
"Can I sit in on your session?" Angad asked a minute later as he started the car.
Kripa turned slightly in her seat and looked at him. "No you can't."
"Ah, I see" Angad said, looking over his shoulder as he backed up. "You wanna talk about me and you can't do that if i'm sitting beside you." He glanced at Kripa briefly and winked. "You do talk about me.Don't you Sharma?"
"You bet I do" Kripa declared. "I talk about how big your ego is and how obsessed you are with your car.Things like that."
Angad chuckled softly. "Well at least your talking about me."
Rolling her eyes Kripa reached out and turned on the radio. She flipped through the stations until she came across a soft sad slow song. ( I luv them and instrumental like Love Story..very nice and soothing)
"Sharma" Angad groaned. "Please don't tell me you like that stuff."
"What's wrong with it?" Kripa asked.
"It's depressing" Angad stated, changing the station.
"I'm not listening to that" Kripa said when Angad turned to a rock station. She switched the station only to have him change it again.
"Sharma stop pushing my buttons" Angad growled, glaring at her.
"Eyes on the road" Kripa instructed, smiling to herself. "I'd hate for you to scratch your precious."
Muttering under his breath Angad shut the radio off. "Why don't we just talk" he said, stopping at a red light. "Wanna go see a movie with me tonight?" he asked as the light quickly changed to green.
"Is donkey girl and little miss. talks a lot busy?" Kirpa asked softly.
"Little miss.talks a lot wanted to see me tonight" Angad said, pulling into the parking lot. "But I don't think she had talking on her mind.I told her I wasn't free."
"So you lied to her" Kripa commented.
Angad put the car in park and shut it off. "I didn't lie.I'm not free tonight.I have plans with you whether it's at home in front of the t.v. or at the movies."
Kripa felt herself breathe a little easier. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but she hated seeing him go out with other girls. "What movie did you wanna go see?"
"Lets talk about that later" Angad suggested.
Kripa stepped out of the car and smoothed her skirt over her legs. Moving onto the side walk she slipped her arm through her purse strap and glanced at her watch before falling into step beside Angad.
Entering the building Kripa and Angad crossed the lobby to the elevator and reached it as the doors slid open and an elderly woman walked out.
As Kripa pushed the button for the second floor she tried not to think about what happened the last time she had been in an elevator with Angad. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and found him staring straight ahead with a grin on his face.
"Oh, would you knock it off" Kripa said angrily.
"What?" Angad said, trying to look innocent. "I'm enjoying the ride.I like elevators.You never know what's gonna happen when your in one." He moved closer. "You can't tell me your not thinking about that kiss."
Kripa was saved from answering by the doors sliding open.
Standing in the waiting room watering a plant, Dr.Bose looked up. "Kripa I see you have a tag along."
"Hey Doc ." Angad kissed her cheek.
"How's my favorite nephew?" she asked.
"I'm your only nephew" Angad said dryly.
"And that's why your my favorite.Kripa are you ready to get started?" Dr.Bose asked.
"Sure."
"Kripa if you don't mind I would like Angad to come into the room for a few minutes" Dr.Bose said.
"Okay" Kripa said. Wondering what Dr.Bose had in mind she moved toward the office with Angad following her.
Both were unaware of Dr.Bose closely watching them. "How was your day?" she asked Kripa and Angad as she sat down.
"It was fine" Kripa answered, aware of Angad placing his arm across the back of the couch.
"Well lets see." Angad stared at the ceiling for a moment as if he was deep in thought. "I saw Sharma's face across the breakfast table this morning.Nice way to start the day.I was asked out on a date.Found a penny.Had to pick that up.It brings good luck.The cafeteria served chicken for lunch.Got an extra piece because I flashed the lunch lady a smile.Works every time.Now if I give her a wink she'll give me extra dessert.T-"
"Angad" Kripa sighed. "She asked you how your day was.She didn't ask you to describe it."
"Oh, well it was fine" Angad told his aunt. "Of course I had a lot more to say, but that's okay" he muttered.
Kripa snorted. "Like what? Did the lunch lady give you her number?"
Angad stared at Kripa with an eyebrow raised. "Jealous Sharma?"
"Yes, i'm just eaten up with it" Kripa said dryly. She glanced at Dr.Bose. "I'm sorry we've been ignoring you."
"That's quite alright" Dr.Bose said. "Angad would you please go sit in the waiting room."
Angad stood and crossed the room. He had the door open when Dr.Bose spoke. "Be good Angad.That means no turning the paintings upside down or any of that other funny stuff you usually do."
Angad sighed. "Yes ma'am."
Dr.Bose turned her attention back to Kripa. "Your probably wondering why I asked Angad to join us.I wanted to see how you two interacted with each other."
"Oh" Kripa mumbled.
"Now is there anything on your mind? Anything that you want to talk about or ask me?"
Kripa found it was the perfect time to bring up something that was on her mind. "Would you explain sleep walking to me? How can I tell if someone is doing it?"
"Does this have to do with Angad?"
"Yes" Kripa whispered. "I'm staying with him and Dadi because mom is in New York for a convention.Last night before I went to bed he told me sometimes he walks in his sleep.I wanna know more about sleep walking and what causes it."
Dr.Bose sat up straighter and folded her hands in her lap. "I'll tell you the basic facts and before you leave i'll give you a couple website addresses that might help answer any lingering questions you might have."
Leaning forward Kripa listened closely.
Chapter 23
The sun was setting slowly when Angad and Kripa left for the movies. Dusk had always been Angad's favorite time of day. The way the sky would have streaks of orange, pink, purple and blue. Everything seemed less rushed, more calm.(My favourite too)
Angad glanced at Kripa briefly and thought she looked pretty in jeans and a pale yellow blouse. He caught himself comparing her to the other girls he took out and found they didn't even come close to her. They were thorns and she was the rose.
"What are you thinking about lovely Kripa?" Angad asked, turning a corner.
"Oh, I was just thinking about something Dr.Bose said." Kripa took a deep breath. "It has to do with you. Angad have-have you ever hurt yourself while sleep walking?"
Angad was stunned. That was the last thing he expected Kripa to say. Switching the head lights from high to low beam he sighed. "Your a nosy little thing Sharma, but that's okay.I don't mind telling you things, but before I do I have a question."
"I'm listening" Kripa said softly.
"What made you ask me that?" Angad wished he wasn't driving. He liked to look at her when they were talking.
"Well last night when I asked you if you ever hurt yourself or anyone else, you said you've never hurt anyone, but you didn't say anything about yourself." Kripa shrugged. "If we're gonna be friends I wanna know more about you."
Angad paused at a stop sign. "After Dadu died last year I started having trouble sleeping." His turn to go he began moving again. "One night I crashed.Three days without any sleep will do that to a person." Angad cleared his throat. "I woke up in the kitchen holding a knife.My right forearm was bleeding."
Angad heard Kripa whimper. "Hey it's okay.The cut wasn't deep.More like a scratch really.Like I said last night, I don't sleep walk very often." He grinned. "Are you worried about me Sharma?"
"No, not at all" Kripa said angrily. "You could've killed yourself with that d*** knife, but hey it's no big deal." She crossed her arms. "H*** yes, i'm worried.You-You.Oh, never mind" she muttered.
Angad chuckled softly. "It's nice to know you care Sharma. Does caring about me scare you?"
"Yes" Kripa said hoarsely.
Angad put on his turn signal and pulled into the parking lot of the movie theatre. After finding a space away from other cars he shut off the car and unbuckled his seat belt. Turning to look at her Angad reached for Kripa's hand.
Kripa smiled at him shyly. "You like to touch a lot.Don't you?"
Angad started to pull his hand away.
"No" Kripa said, tightening her grip. "It's okay, truth is I like it and yes that scares me.I have a long list of things that scare me, but we don't have time to get into all that.We have a movie to see.What movie are we seeing anyway?"
Angad winked at her and let go of her hand. "Ever heard of Titanic?" (I know what an old movie but I love it and just pretend it just came out)
"Who hasn't" Kripa said, taking off her seat belt and reaching for the door handle. "I saw the trailer for it and thought it looked like a good movie."
"Aunt Damini saw it and recommended it to me" Angad said as they stepped out of the car and shut their doors. "Okay Sharma lets get it out of the way."
"Get what out of the way?" Kripa asked, walking beside him.
Angad placed his hand on the small of her back and steered her out of the way of an oncoming car. "I wanna pay your way in .Now tell me no so we can start arguing."
Kripa was silent for a moment. "Why don't you buy the tickets while I buy the popcorn and drinks."
Angad pulled open the door and stepped aside. "You got yourself a deal."
"Than i'll meet you at the concession counter" Kripa said. "Large or medium popcorn? What do you want to drink?"
Angad grinned. "Why don't we share a large popcorn.Who knows, you might get lucky and reach for popcorn at the same time as me and our fingers will touch."
"I'll get you a medium" Kripa said dryly. "Coke alright?"
"Yeah" Angad said, eyes lit with laughter.
With tickets bought and food and drink in hand Kripa and Angad made it to their seats with only seconds to spare.
The minute Kripa heard the first haunting note of the music she was swept away. The story of two people from completely different worlds falling in love fascinated her. She spent a better part of the movie with a lump in her throat. One minute she was smiling and the next minute she felt like crying. ( that is so me)
Glancing down Kripa saw Angad's hand moving slowly toward hers. Her heart beating wildly she quickly looked up at the screen. Should I reach for his hand? she asked herself. Oh, why do I have to hesitate about everything?
Before she could answer her own question she felt Angad's hand brush against hers. She waited with breath held and almost groaned when he didn't make any further moves. You know he's waiting for you to make the next move.So what's it gonna be? Are you gonna take his hand or continue to be a coward?
Making up her mind Kripa placed her hand in Angad's and felt him give it a gentle squeeze.
"Did you have to talk yourself into doing that?" Angad whispered in her ear.
Kripa turned her head slightly. "What do you think?" She felt him shake with silent laughter.
"No pressure" Angad muttered. "I don't want you to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing."
"I know." Kripa heard talking and seats creaking. Glancing around she saw everyone getting to their feet. "Movie over already?"
Angad stood and pulled Kripa to her feet. "Time flies when your having fun Sharma. If I had brought someone else the movie would have dragged on and on. Now hold on tight" he said as they made their way through the crowded lobby.
"What time is?" Kripa asked as they stepped outside. "I forgot my watch."
Angad held his watch up to eye level and squinted. "A quarter after ten."
Kripa leaned her head back and gazed up at the star studded sky. "The sky here is so much clearer than California.No smog to dirty up the air." Kripa took a deep breath and spotted a shooting star. "Oh, look" she said pointing.
"You better hurry and make a wish" Angad said.
Standing there holding Angad's hand Kripa made a wish and prayed with all her heart it would come true.
"What did you wish for?" Angad asked huskily.
Kripa looked into his eyes and slowly smiled. "If I told you it won't come true."
Chapter 24
Kripa sat behind the large desk, her laptop open in front of her and stared at the floor to ceiling bookshelves. The sight of all those colorful books made her long to pick one, curl up in the recliner and lose herself in a good story for awhile, but it was going to have to wait until later. Her mother was expecting her to email back. Focusing once again on the computer screen Kripa began typing.
Mom,
I got your email last night. Sorry I didn't email back right away. Did you stop by and see Kavya like you said you were going to? If you do tell him I said hi.
Nothing major has happened here. Angad took me to see Titanic the other night. The movie was so sad .I don't have to tell you how it ends. You already know. The ship sinks.
I got my contact lenses yesterday. Dr. Khanna examined my eyes and than set me up with a pair. Angad told him to give me an extra set because I was gonna need them.He has a smart mouth.
As if her mind had conjured him up Kripa glanced up and saw Angad standing in the doorway.
"Hey Sharma, what are you doing?"
"Emailing my mom" Kripa answered "Let me finish and than i'll talk to you." She turned her attention back to her letter.
Well mom email me back soon. Oh, do me a favor. Before you come home get me one of those cakes I hear New York is famous for. Don't forget to eat and get plenty of sleep.
I love you,
Kripa
She hit the send button and closed her laptop.
"I went outside to water dadi's tulips and saw they had already been taken care of" Angad said, moving toward the desk. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure" Kripa said softly.
"Now Sharma that's my line" Angad said grinning.
"Sorry."
"That's okay" Angad told her. "Just don't let it happen again."
Kripa ran her palm across the smooth surface of the desk. "This is your Dadaji's room.Isn't it?"
"Yes" Angad said. "He spent a lot of time in here reading."
Kripa smiled. "I wouldn't mind spending some time in here browsing through his books."
"Go ahead" Angad said, gesturing at the rows of books. "Enjoy them."
Kripa pushed back her chair and stood. "I will later.I don't have the time right now.My date will be here any minute." She turned away so Angad wouldn't see her snicker.
"What did you say?" Angad growled.
"My date will be here any minute" Kripa repeated.
"Do I know him?" Angad asked.
Kripa stared at the muscle twitching in his jaw and found it amusing how easily he became jealous. "Yes you know him. That'll be him" she said, hearing the doorbell ring. "He's on time. Handsome and considerate."
"I'll get the door" Angad declared, all but running from the room.
Kripa hurried to catch up with him and leaned against the wall as he opened the door.
Kripa smiled when she saw the look of surprise on Angad's face. There standing on the top step was Adi and his grandmother.
"Hey Angad" Adi said, holding Savitri's hand.
"Little man" Angad said.
"Ripa" Adi said, dropping Savitrie's hand and running toward Kripa. (that's what my nephew does)
Kripa bent down and wrapped her arms around him. "Hey cutie pie. Savitri thanks for agreeing to let me see him."
"Thank you for asking" Savitri said, looking slightly frazzled. "Adi's been talking about you.Let me say goodbye and than i've gotta run.Come here you little monster."
Kripa released Adi and straightened up. Glancing at Angad she found him glaring at her.
"Sharma" he snarled, moving closer. "What you did wasn't nice.You got me all worked up over nothing."
"I'm sorry" Kripa whispered, feeling ashamed.
"I guess there's only one thing to do" Angad said.
"W-What's t-that" Kripa stuttered.
"I'm gonna-" Angad paused as he leaned close to whisper in her ear. "Go to the kitchen and get a brownie." He pulled back and grinned at her. "Let you and your date have some time alone."
Kripa gasped softly. "I should slap you."
Angad gazed into her eyes. "But you won't" he said huskily.
Kripa lowered her eyes and stepped back. "That's because I don't like violence."
"Well i'm off" Savitri announced. "I'll be back in about an hour."
"Take your time" Kripa told her. "Is there anything I should know about Adi? Any allergies or special instructions?" (first thing I learned in my babysittin course)
"Just don't give him a lot of sweets." Savitri bent down and kissed Adi's forehead. "Be good.Dadi will be back in a little while."
Adi nodded.
"Don't worry" Kripa said, taking the little boy by the hand. "We'll be fine."
"Go on Savitri" Angad said, opening the door. "I can't give the kid cookies and soda with you standing here."
Savitri wagged her finger at him. "He had better not be hyper when I get back.If he is i'm leaving him here with you until he crashes"
Kripa gave Angad a filthy look. "I can assure you he will not be hyper when you come back."
Angad gave Savitri a gentle shove out the door. "The kid is gonna be bouncing off the walls.Have fun." He shut the door in her face and turned around.
Kripa shook her head and sighed. "You like driving people crazy.Don't you?"
Angad winked at her. "It's my mission in life."
Kripa rolled her eyes. "You've got an answer for everything." She knelt down in front of Adi and helped him take off his backpack. "What have you got in here?" she asked.
"Coloring books and crayons" Adi mumbled.
With his Dadi no where in sight Adi had a scared look in his eyes.
Kripa reached out and touched his cheek, trying to comfort him. "You know" she spoke softly. "Its been years since I colored.You wanna come with me into the kitchen and we'll color in your books at the table?"
"Okay" Adi said.
Straightening up once more Kripa turned to look at Angad and found him watching with a strange look on his face. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm fine" Angad whispered. "We'll talk later.I'll leave you and LITTLE MAN (lol Priya) alone." He quickly brushed past her and headed for the stairs.
"Come on Adi. Do you like orange juice?" Kripa asked as they walked into the kitchen. "Or you can have a popsicle."
Adi's eyes lit up. "I wanna popsicle."
Kripa opened the freezer, grabbed a box of fruit popsicles and pulled out two cherry flavored ones. After peeling back the wrapper she handed it to Adi.
"Thank you" he said politely.
"Your welcome." Kripa sat down beside him.
Soon their heads were bent close together over a coloring page.
Chapter 25
His eyes on the television Angad stuck his hand into the bowl of popcorn beside him and came in contact with Kripa's fingers.
"I thought you said you didn't want any of my popcorn" he said, running his fingers across the back of her hand in a light caress.
"I changed my mind" Kripa said. "Would you please stop rubbing butter all over the back of my hand."
"Sorry" Angad said grinning.
"Well i'm off to bed" Dadi announced, walking into the living room. "Don't stay up too late.You have school tomorrow."
"No, we don't dadi" Angad informed her.
"That's right." Dadi bent down and kissed him on the forehead. "I forgot you both have the next two days off.That means you can help me clean out the garage."
Angad groaned. "Yes ma'am."
"Good night you two."
"Good night Dadi" Kripa said smiling.
"Night Dadi." Angad turned to look at Kripa. "Wanna help clean out the garage?"
"Sure" Kripa said. "I don't have anything else planned."
Angad grabbed the remote and turned off the T.V. "So how did your date with Adi go?"
"It went well" Kripa said, wiping her hands on a napkin. "We colored in his book for a while and than watched cartoons."
"Did he kiss you goodbye?" Angad asked, eyes sparkling with laughter.
Kripa shook her head. "No, I kissed him."
"Lucky guy" Angad muttered.
Kripa loosened the belt on her robe and than drew her knees up to her chest. "It was just a little peck on the cheek.Nothing to get all jealous about.There's something I wanna ask you."
"I'm all ears" Angad told her.
"When we were standing in the hallway with Adi earlier you had a strange look on your face.What were you thinking?"
Angad sighed as he leaned his head back against the couch. "I was watching you with Adi.You barely know the kid yet I could tell your crazy about him.His own mother would sell him for a bag of heroin" he said through clenched teeth. "It's just sad that a beautiful stranger cares more for him than she does.That's what I was thinking."
"Oh" Kripa said.
Yawning Angad closed his eyes. "Talk to me Sharma. Tell me what your afraid of."
Kripa moved closer and spoke in a soft voice. "A lot of things."
"Give me four or five."
Kripa thought about it for a moment. "Well i'm scared of dying, but than I think just about everyone is. Snakes, I can't stand them. It's the way they move that freaks me out. Storms, I don't like the lightning or the thunder, but the one thing that scares me the most is the thought that I might never find someone to spend the rest of my life with." (IM SCARED OF SNAKES ND THUNDER STORMS 2)
"You'll find someone" Angad said, opening his eyes. "Who knows, we might end up together." He winked at her. "What do you think Sharma? You think we could spend the rest of our lives together without killing each other?"
Bewildered Kripa stared at Angad for a minute. "Well I-I don't know.I like spending time with you" she admitted, turning red in the face. "Your handsome, sweet and funny, but to spend the rest of my life with you.I'm not sure.I haven't seen your bad habits or what your like when you get angry.There's a lot of things I don't know about you."
"I'm not ready to share my bad habits with you Sharma" Angad said dryly. "And you don't wanna see me mad, but if there's anything you wanna know about me just ask."
"I'll keep that in mind" Kripa said, getting to her feet. "Good night Angad."
"Night Shamra" Angad said. "Wait, one more thing before you go."
Kripa turned back around.
"You think i'm handsome?" he asked. He grinned when she blushed.
"Yes" Kripa sighed. "Your not gonna let me forget I said that.Are you?"
Angad chuckled softly. "Nope, sweet dreams lovely Kripa."
****
Kripa woke from a dream in which Adi ran through the house scribbling on the walls with a red crayon.
"Little monster" she muttered, throwing back the covers. She stood and reached for her robe. Putting it on she moved toward the door. Unlocking it she opened it and stepped into the hallway.
Kripa crept downstairs, trying not to make a sound. Not expecting to find anyone else up she gasped when she walked into the dark living room and bumped into Angad who was walking around almost frantic.
"Angad" she said, holding her hand over her racing heart. "What are you doing down here in the dark?" She turned and flipped on a light.
Turning back around Kripa looked at Angad and knew right away he wasn't awake. His eyes were glazed over and had an empty appearance to them.
Kripa trembled with fear as she gazed into them. Remember what Dr. Bose told you about sleep walking she thought.
"Angad" she said, taking him by the arm.
"Yeah" he said slowly.
"Why don't we go up to bed."
"Can't" Angad said.
"Why not?"
"Dadi needs me" he said in a voice void of emotion.
"Dadi is upstairs sleeping" Kripa told him.
Angad shook his head. "She's hurt.Chest aches.Gotta get help."
Kripa knew what he was seeing in his sleep. He was dreaming about the time Dadi had a stroke. She placed her hands on his shoulders and gently shook him. "Wake up Angad" she said loudly.
It happened so quickly Kripa didn't have time to move. One minute she was standing in front of Angad and the next minute she was flat on her back on the floor dazed and bleeding from a busted lip.
Kripa watched in shock as Angad tripped over one of her legs and hit the floor hard beside her. Hearing him groan she knew the fall had woken him up. She rolled over onto her side as Angad opened his eyes and stared at her. Kripa stared back and saw a look of horror slowly cross his face.
"Oh, God" Angad whispered. "What did I do?"
Feeling blood trickle down her chin Kripa reached up with a trembling hand and caught the drop before it fell onto the carpet. In short jerky sentences she told Angad what happened.
"I-I c-couldn't sleep. Came downstairs and found you walking around in the dark.I tried to get you to go back to bed.You said you couldn't.Said that dadi was having chest pains and she needed help.Tried to wake you by shaking you gently and you-you became violent and h-hit me."
Kripa took a deep breath. "It's my fault.I shouldn't have tried to wake you up like that.Your Aunt said it was okay to try and wake you, but that I should be careful because you could become violent."
Angad got to his feet. Bending down he grasped Kripa's hands and helped her stand up. "Don't you blame yourself" he snarled. "You didn't ask to be hit.Stay here, i'll be right back."
A minute later Angad came back with a wet cloth. Tenderly he wiped away the blood.
Kripa tried not to wince when he gently touched her lip, but couldn't help herself.
"I'm sorry" Angad whispered hoarsely. "I'm no better than Manik."
Kripa shoved Angad's hand away. "Don't say that" she cried out. "Manik knew exactly what he was doing.There was no remorse on his face.You didn't know what you were doing and I know you wish you could take it back."
"More than you'll ever know" Angad said, cupping her cheek.
Kripa brought her hand up and placed it over his. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Angad's eyes settle on her mouth. A mixture of fear and excitement set her pulse racing.
"Angad" she breathed. "Kiss me."
"Oh, darlin' " he groaned. "I want to.So much it's taking all the self control I have to keep from grabbing you and kissing you till we're both breathless."
Kripa shivered as a rush of desire coursed through her. "Why don't you than?"
Angad ran his thumb across her bottom lip.
Kripa flinched.
"That's why" Angad said. "I don't wanna hurt you."
"Than would you hold me?" Kripa asked, needing to be comforted.
"You bet I will."
Kripa moved into Angad's arms and layed her head on his shoulder.
Chapter 26
Kripa eyed her reflection in the bathroom mirror and swore under her breath at what she saw. Her bottom lip was bruised and swollen. The area where it had split open was crusted over with dried blood.
Your lucky you didn't lose a couple teeth she thought. Sighing she flipped off the light and headed downstairs to see if she could help with breakfast.
Kripa walked into the kitchen expecting to find Dadi standing at the counter. To her surprise she found Angad instead. The sight of him evoked images of what happened the night before. The urge to turn around and run came over her. Fighting it she took a step toward him.
"Good morning."
"Is it?" Angad asked, beating together eggs and milk.
"Not really" Kripa said honestly. "I was just being polite."
Angad snorted. "I think after what happened last night it's safe to say we're past the point of being polite with each other."
"Your right" Kripa said. "I barely slept.How about you?"
"I tried" Angad said.
Kripa moved closer and took the fork from him. "Go sit down and i'll make breakfast."
"Well at least let me help" Angad said.
"You can set the table" Kripa told him, reaching for a loaf of bread.
"Good morning" Dadi said, entering the kitchen.
"Good morning" Kripa said softly.
"Whatever" Angad muttered.
"Kripa hun, what on earth happened to your lip?" Dadi asked alarmed.
Kripa glanced at Angad out of the corner of her eye and saw he was watching. "I had a little accident" she said, putting a couple slices of bread into the toaster. "It was dark and I stumbled and fell.I'm okay."
Dadi looked at Angad and than back at Kripa. "I see, well try and be more careful.I-"
The sound of the phone ringing interrupted what she was going to say.
"I'll get that" Dadi declared.
Kripa opened a cabinet and pulled out a skillet, aware of Angad watching her every move.
"Why?"Angad asked.
"Why what?" Kripa asked, turning the knob on the stove.
"You know what?" Angad snarled. He put the plates down and grabbed Kripa's arm. "Why did you lie to Dadi?"
Kripa gazed into his anger filled eyes and felt a twinge of fear. "I-I didn't want her to worry.I'm sorry if I-"
"No, i'm sorry" Angad said, letting her go. "I have no right to take my anger out on you."
Kripa saw the lines of fatigue at the corners of his eyes. "Go back to bed.You've gotta be exhausted."
"What about you?" Angad asked. "You didn't sleep either."
"I couldn't sleep if I tried" Kripa said dryly.
"I promised dadi I would help her clean out the garage" Angad said.
Kripa gave him a gentle push. "I'll help dadi. It'll give us a chance to talk about you behind your back."
Angad smiled wearily. "Be nice."
"I'll think about it" Kripa said. "Now get out of here." Turning back to the stove she poured the scrambled egg mixture into the skillet. Just than the toast popped up. Taking the slices out she put two more in as Dadi returned. "Angad went back to bed.I don't think he slept too good last night."
"Poor dear" Dadi said. "Now that we're alone why don't you tell me what really happened to your lip."
Kripa dropped the piece of toast she had been buttering. "H-How did you know I was lying?"
Dadi nudged her out of the way and took over. "I wasn't born yesterday dear.I know my grandson.I can read him like a book and he was upset.You both look like you haven't slept in days."
Kripa sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "I came downstairs last night and found Angad walking around the living room in the dark.He was asleep.I tried to get him to go back upstairs, but he said he had to help you.He was dreaming you were having your stroke.I tried to wake him and he hit me.He feels horrible about it and so do I."
Dadi shut off the stove and divided the scrambled eggs onto two plates. "When I was having my stroke Angu found me.I was sitting on the stairs.I could tell he was scared, but he kept his head.He called the ambulance and stayed right by my side through it all."
Kripa buttered the last piece of toast and than carried the plates to the table.
"When are you and Johnny going to get together?" Dadi asked as they sat down.
Kripa was thankful she was sitting down. Shocked she gaped at the woman across from her.
Dadi laughed softly. "I'm sorry my dear.I have a tendency to say what's on my mind.Comes with old age." She smiled at Kripa. "Angu is my life now that Dadu is gone.He makes me feel needed.He's a good boy and he deserves to be happy.I want him to have someone who will take care of him and treat him right." She rolled her eyes. "Lord knows the girls he takes out are only looking out for themselves."
Her throat dry Kripa took a sip of her milk. "Well I uh, I like Angad." More than I should she said to herself. "Right now we're working on being friends."
"It's a good place to start" Dadi said, picking up her fork. "you know your Dadu and I were friends before we started dating."
"How did you two meet?" Kripa asked intrigued.
A dreamy look crossed Dadi's face. "We met in a small cafe one snowy Christmas Eve.I was cold so I stepped inside for a cup of coffee. The place was full. Every seat was taken except for one at his table. Your Dadu glanced up and our eyes met across the crowded room.Those eyes" she sighed. "They were-"
"Beautiful" Kripa whispered. "Tell me, when he looked into your eyes did you feel like he was looking into your very soul?"
Dadi smiled and nodded. "Do you feel that way with Angad?"
Looking down Kripa nodded shyly.
"I told you Angad was like his Dadu." Dadi grinned. "Same eyes, same smile.Enough to make a woman swoon. Anyway your Dadu and I talked for hours that day.I walked away counting the hours until I could see him again.We became inseparable after that."
It sounded like a love story one would read about because as far as Kripa was concerned a love like that didn't exist anymore.
Chapter 27
Angad sat on the couch in his Aunt's waiting room and flipped through a magazine. Big bold words caught his attention when he turned the page.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF ABUSE CALL NOW AND PUT A STOP TO THE VIOLENCE.
I should write down that number and give it to Sharma. She can call and turn me in. Sighing Angad threw the magazine down on the table just as the door opened.
"Angad" Dr.Bose said. "Go on in and have a seat.I'll be right there."
Angad picked up the small paper bag he had brought with him and got to his feet. Slowly he crossed the room and stepped into her office.
"Sorry I kept you waiting" Dr. Bose said, walking into the room a few minutes later. After shutting the door behind her she went over to the couch and sat down beside Angad. She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. "How are you?"
"I've been better" Angad said, handing her the bag. "Two chocolate chip muffins from Stravinsky's Bakery."
"Oh, you sweet boy" Dr. Bose said. "I'll eat them later.Thank you." She set them aside. "So talk to me.Tell me what's wrong."
"Your sweet boy has been bad" Angad told her.
"What did you do?" Dr. Bose asked. "You didn't get a girl pregnant.Did you?"
"OF COURSE NOT!" Angad exclaimed. "I'm always careful.I'm not ready to be a father yet.I don't even know if I want kids. Speaking of them. Adi came over yesterday.Kripa volunteered to babysit him."
"That was nice of her" Dr. Bose commented. "It will do them both some good to spend time together, but I don't see what that has to do with you being bad."
Angad took a deep breath. "I hit Kripa" he blurted out.
The words brought forth images he didn't want to see.
"I was sleep walking and she tried to wake me." Angad leaned forward and thrust his fingers through his hair. "I busted her lip open."
"I see" Dr. Bose said.
Angad snorted. "Is that all you have to say?"
"Alright, we'll do it your way" Dr. Bose said. "You should be ashamed of yourself.Hitting a poor defenseless girl. You good for nothing pr**k.I should take you out behind the building and beat the crap out of you.How was that?"
Grinning Angad sat back and looked at her. "Now that's more like it, but did you have to call me a pr**k?"
Dr. Bose winked at him. "I was on a roll.Couldn't help myself.What was Kripa's reaction to what happened?"
Angad rubbed his aching eyes. "Instead of blaming me she blamed herself.Even came to my defense when I told her I was no better than Manik. She lied to dadi about it. Told her she stumbled and fell.Can you believe that? I asked her why she lied.Said she didn't want dadi to worry."
Angad shook his head. "She's just full of surprises."
Dr. Bose studied her nephew's face and smiled. "You like her.Don't you?"
"Yes" Angad sighed. "She's different from the other girls.I can be myself when i'm with her."
"Well why don't you take her out" Dr. Bose suggested.
"I did" Angad said. "I took her to see Titanic.By the way, thanks for recommending it.Anyway I thought of it as a date, but she didn't.I let her think we were just two friends going to see a movie.I didn't wanna scare her."
"And how did it go?" Dr. Bose asked, slipping off her heels.
"It was nice" Angad said smiling. "Best date i've been on in a long time.She didn't talk my ear off and when I talked she listened and cared what I had to say.She wouldn't let me pay for everything.I actually went home with money in my wallet."
Didn't get a good night kiss though he thought. You had the chance to kiss her last night and didn't do it.You d*** idiot.
He would give anything to turn back time and be standing in the living room with Kripa staring into his eyes, asking to be kissed.
Maybe she'll ask again and maybe pigs will fly out of your butt.
"Angad I think it's time we talk about putting you on medication to help with your sleep walking episodes."
"No" Angad growled. "There is no way I am taking drugs."
Dr. Bose reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Angad are you afraid that if you take medication you'll feel like less of a man? That people will think your weak?"
Angad shook his head. "You don't understand " he whispered.
"Than help me understand sweetheart."
Angad cleared his throat. "If I take this medication I can't pretend that everything is fine anymore."
"Ah, I see" Dr. Bose said softly. "You'll have to face the fact that you have a problem and you have done everything you can to ignore it.Honey you can't ignore it anymore."
Angad let go of her hand. Getting to his feet he started pacing the floor in front of the couch.
"Don't you think I don't know that.I knew it when I woke up on the d*** floor next to Kripa. I'm never gonna be able to get the image of her scared bleeding face out of my head."
Dr. Bose slipped on her heels and stood. Placing her hands on Angad's shoulders she looked into his eyes.
"Kripa forgave you.When she did that she gave you permission to forgive yourself.Will you do something for me?"
"What's that?" Angad asked curiously.
"Go home and give this medication idea some thought. Talk to Mom or Kripa and see what they have to say."
"Alright" Angad said. "I'll think about it."
"Just know this" Dr. Bose said, patting his cheek. "I'm always here if you need to talk."
"Who do you talk to when you need help?" Angad asked.
Dr. Bose grinned. "I see a Psychiatrist."
Chapter 28
Kripa layed on a lounge chair in the backyard and listened to the sound of the crickets chirping. A cool breeze made goosebumps erupt on her flesh, but she didn't care. She was content to lay there and stare up at the starry sky.
"You should think about being an Astronomer Sharma" Angad said, stopping by her chair. "You seem to be fascinated with the stars."
There was a time when Kripa would have jumped at his sudden appearance, but she was getting use to him walking up on her. "They're just so beautiful. but I have other plans after high school."
"Mind if I join you?" Angad asked.
"Not at all" Kripa said.
Angad stretched out on the matching lounge chair next to hers. "What are your plans after school?"
"I wanna be a chef" Kripa told him. "Maybe one day own my own restaurant.What about you? What do you wanna do?"
Angad linked his hands behind his head and crossed his legs at the ankles. "I wanna work in Homicide like dadu did."
Kripa grimaced. "I couldn't do it.I get sick to my stomach when I see a dead animal on the side of the road." She heard him laugh.
"Someone's gotta catch the bad guys Sharma. If you have to see a couple dead bodies to get it done, than that's what you do."
"Well good luck with that" Kripa said dryly. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound of the leaves rustling on the trees.
"Did you and dadi clean out the garage?" Angad asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes, we did" Kripa said. "Dadi is a pack rat."
"I know" Angad said grinning. "It drove Dadu crazy the way she would hang onto things. He use to say to her, my love when somethings old and doesn't work anymore than it's time to get rid of it. She always use to tell him, Your old and don't work anymore.Does that mean I have to get rid of you?"
Kripa shook with silent laughter. "I can see her saying something like that.She told me how she met dadu."
"Did she tell you how she was engaged to marry another man when she met dadu?" Angad asked.
Kripa opened her eyes and rolled over onto her side to look at Angad. "No, she didn't tell me that."
Angad smirked at her. "She forgets to mention it.It's a good thing she picked dadu. If she had picked that other guy I probably wouldn't be this good looking."
Kripa rolled her eyes. "There's a chance you might not have been born."
"Than it's a good thing dadi listened to her heart" Angad said.
Yes it is Kripa thought, glancing toward the house.
She saw an outline of a figure in the kitchen window and knew Dadi was watching them.
"Dadi knows about last night" Kripa whispered. "I had to tell her the truth.She didn't buy my lie."
"That's because your a bad liar Sharma" Angad said dryly.
"Well i'll just have to work on being better at it" Kripa declared.
Angad stretched out his arm and caressed her cheek. "Don't.I hate being lied to.With you I know i'm always hearing the truth.I like that.Now your sense of humor could use a little work because that stunt you pulled with Adi yesterday wasn't funny."
Kripa felt a small twinge of remorse for having played with his emotions. "Sorry, but I couldn't help myself.From now on when I have a date with him i'll keep it to myself so you won't get all worked up with jealousy."
"Thank you" Angad said grinning. He cleared his throat. All traces of laughter gone. "Bua wants me to take medication to control my sleep walking."
Kripa could have sworn she heard fear in his voice. Swinging her legs over the side of the lounge chair she sat up. "Right now i'm taking two different medications.One for depression and one for anxiety.It's sad to say, but if I wasn't taking them I wouldn't be here now."
Frowning Angad sat up. "What do you mean you wouldn't be here?"
Kripa hesitated about telling him. If you wanna be friends you've gotta open up and talk to him. "You remember me telling you how after Manik attacked me I became depressed."
Angad nodded.
"Well my depression got so bad that I considered suicide.That's when I knew I needed help."
Kripa swatted a mosquito away and scratched her arm. "I need medication and i'm not ashamed to admit it. Angad if your Aunt thinks medication will control your sleep walking, than don't you think it's worth a try."
She gazed at him with concern. "Next time you walk in your sleep soemthing more horrible than a busted lip could happen."
"I know and that scares the hell out of me" Angad whispered hoarsely.
Her heart breaking Kripa got to her feet and moved toward him. She sat down beside him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Sharma" Angad said, pulling her close. "Are you trying to take advantage of me while i'm vulnerable?"
Kripa smiled at him shyly. "No, do you want me to?"
Angad reached up and buried his fingers in her hair. "Yeah, I do" he muttered.
Kripa waited for him to kiss her. When he didn't she groaned in frustration. "Angad would you please stop being a d*** gentleman and kiss me.I'm tired of you always leaving the next move up to me."
"I let you take the lead because I don't wanna scare you" Angad said huskily.
Kripa leaned in close. "The more I learn about you the less i'm scared.Now kiss me."
"My, aren't we a little demanding" Angad teased.
"Forget it." Kripa started to move away.
"Get back here" Angad growled. "Oh, darlin' " he whispered against her lips. "I've been thinking about this all day."
Kripa didn't answer him. There was no need to. She was telling him every thing he wanted to hear, with her mouth.
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Bigg Boss 19
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