Hello Hello all my lovely readers 😆 Heres the next 9 parts!
Chapter 37
"Hey Angad."
Hearing his name above the noise of the crowded hall Angad turned around and saw Aaliyah approaching.
"Hey Aali. What can I do for you on this beautiful afternoon?"
Aaliyah raised an eyebrow as she stopped by his locker. "Your in a good mood."
Thanks for Reading!
Like and Comment!
Ruta ❤️☺️
P.S. Questions are always answered! 😊
X.o.X Hugs and Kisses X.oX
"It's Friday and I don't know about you, but i'm looking forward to the weekend." Angad crammed his History book into his cluttered locker and slammed the door. "Did you want something?"
"I was just wondering if you were going to Stephen Goldman's party tomorrow night."
"I have other plans" Angad told her.
Aaliyah smiled. "What are you and Kripa going to do?"
"I don't know yet" Angad said, returning the smile. "And I don't think Kripa cares where we go as long as she can get out for a while.She had her surgery a week ago today and she hasn't complained, but I know she's getting tired of being shut up in her house."
"She's changed you Angad Khanna" Aaliyah said softly. "You use to love a good party and the girls.I heard in the girls restroom earlier that Sondra Mitchell asked you out and you turned her down."
Angad crossed his arms and leaned his shoulder against his locker. "Aali you should start a gossip column in the school paper."
Aaliyah stuck her tongue out at him. "We're talking about Sondra Mitchell.She's the most popular girl in the whole school and you said no."
Angad smacked his forehead with his palm. "What the h*** was I thinking.I turned down a pretty selfish snob for Kripa Sharma who is beautiful and doesn't have a selfish bone in her body.I should have my head examined."
"Smart mouth" Aaliyah muttered.
Angad chuckled softly. "I know.So are you going to the party?"
Aaliyah nodded. "Can't wait."
"Well be careful what you drink" Angad warned her. "I won't be there to rescue you like last time and if you have to drink don't drive, call someone or get a cab."
Aaliyah saluted him. "Yes, sir."
"I'm serious Aali" Angad said.
"Alright i'll-" Aaliyah paused as she glanced past Angad. "Prithvi" she breathed.
Angad scowled.
"Never mind." Aaliyah breathed a sigh of relief. "He walked into a classroom.What happened between you two? You've been giving each other dirty looks all week."
"Oh, he accidentally walked into my fist" Angad said smiling with satisfaction.
Aaliyah gasped. "Angad you didn't."
"Oh, but I did and it felt good" Angad declared. "Well Aali I gotta go. Dadi will send a search party out looking for me if i'm not home in the next fifteen minutes" he said, checking his watch.
"Than i'll see you Monday."
"Call if you need me." Angad gave her a peck on the cheek and than turned and walked away.
The first thing Angad saw when he opened the front door ten minutes later was Louie who was busy chasing his tail.
Angad grinned. "I hope you catch it and bite down hard."
"I heard that" Kripa said, walking into the foyer wiping her hands on the apron she had tied around her waist.
"Heard what?" Angad asked, trying and failing miserably to look innocent.
"Don't give me that look" Kripa said. "I'm not falling for it." She reached behind her and started to untie her apron. "D***" she mumbled, tugging at the stubborn knot.
Angad stepped up behind her and quickly shed her of the apron. With his hands on her waist he bent forward and brushed his lips against her neck. Feeling her shiver he turned her around and cupped her face between his hands. Slowly he lowered his head and traced her lips with the tip of his tongue.
Closing her eyes Kripa parted her lips and moaned when Angad's tongue slid inside and touched hers.
Angad buried his fingers in her hair and tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss. She tasted like strawberries. He groaned when Kripa wrapped her arms around him and pressed her body against his. Desire was coursing through his veins.
Angad pulled his hands out of her hair and ran them down her sides. Grabbing her shirt he yanked it out of her jeans and slid his hands underneath. Her skin was like warm satin. He sucked on her lower lip as he trailed his fingers up and down her back.
"Oh, darlin' " Angad whispered huskily near her ear. "I could easily become addicted to your kisses."
Kripa layed her forehead on his shoulder. "So-so i'm not a bad kisser?"
"What?" Angad asked shocked. "What made you think-.Wait, let me guess.He told you you were a bad kisser.Didn't he?"
Kripa sighed. "Yes, he said kissing me was about as much fun as watching paint dry."
Anger such as Angad had never known burned inside of him. He was unaware that he was holding Kripa too tight until he heard her gasp. "I'm sorry.Did I hurt you?"
"I'm still a little tender" Kripa said softly, moving out of his arms. "Would you pick up Louie and hand him to me.Please" she added.
Angad bent down and scooped up the dog.
"He really doesn't like you" Kripa said amused as Angad gave her the snarling animal. "Now you stop that" she scolded him. "If it wasn't for him you would still be in that tiny cage."
"I think some other poor sucker would've come along and fell for that sad look" Angad said dryly.
"One of the reasons I never had a pet after my cat died was because I couldn't bear to go inside an animal shelter to get one" Kripa confessed, rubbing her cheek against the top of Louie's head. "The sight of all those poor animals locked up in cages.I would be trying to set them all free."
"You little softy" Angad said. He placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her close. "I'm only gonna tell you this once and than I don't want you to ever doubt yourself again" he said, gazing into her eyes.
"You are an amazing kisser. I'm not bragging, i've kissed my share of girls, but none of them even comes close to you. When two people kiss it's more than a meeting of the lips.It's a meeting of the heart and soul.I never believed that."
Angad brushed his lips against hers. "Now I do."
Chapter 38
Angad rang the doorbell and hunched his shoulders against the cold night air. He heard Louie barking from somewhere in the house and smiled. Rubbing his hands together to warm them he was surprised when the door opened suddenly.
Mrs.Sharma smiled at the look on his face. "Thought you were going to have to stand there for awhile.Didn't you?"
"Yes" Angad admitted.
"Well it just so happened that I was walking by the front door when the bell went off" Mrs.Sharma said, standing back to let him enter. "Kripa will be down in a few minutes."
"That's fine" Angad said. "I'm in no hurry."
"Good because there's something you should know" Mrs.Sharma said, shutting the door behind her. "Lets go sit in the living room."
Curious Angad followed her.
Mrs.Sharma turned to him the minute they sat down. "Has Kripa told you about Manik?"
Angad nodded.
Mrs.Sharma pinched the bridge of her nose. "It happened two years ago tonight."
Angad didn't have to ask what she was talking about. He knew she was referring to the night Manik attacked Kripa.
"Is she okay?"
"She's fine" Mrs.Sharma assured him. "She's been keeping herself busy today.I think she feels if she sits still long enough she'll think about it."
The sound of the phone ringing made Mrs.Sharma groan. "I hope that's not the office.Please excuse me" she said, getting to her feet.
No sooner had she left the room when Louie came running in with an object hanging out of his mouth.
"Hey Lou" Angad said. "What have you got there?"
"My watch" Kripa snapped, appearing in the doorway. "Louie you little rat.Give me that." She moved toward him, her eyes flashing.
Louie backed up growling.
"Don't you growl at me mister" Kripa said firmly.
Finding the situation amusing Angad stood and quietly stepped behind the dog whose attention was focused on Kripa. In one quick motion he bent down and scooped up the animal.
Kripa pried open Louie's mouth and grabbed her watch. "Angad was right" she said to the snarling dog. "I should've named you Satan's Spawn.You little demon.Just put him down" she told Angad. "Thank you."
"Your welcome" Angad said, placing Louie on the floor.
"Mom we're going" Kripa called out as she slipped on her coat.
"You two have fun" Mrs.Sharma said, meeting them by the door. "If you need me call Dadi's. I thought I would go over and visit."
"That reminds me" Angad said as he and Kripa walked to the car. "I should give you this back." He held out her cell phone.
"I'm surprised you didn't lose it" Kripa said, slipping it into her pocket.
"I know" Angad said, opening her door. "I'm kind of surprised myself."
Kripa got in and reached for her seat belt. "Where are we going?" she asked when Angad slid behind the wheel.
"There's someplace i'd like to take you.It's a surprise." He started the car and turned on the heater.
"Talk to me" Kripa said after several minutes spent in silence.
"What about?" Angad asked, turning onto a side street that led the way out of town.
"Tell me what your afraid of" Kripa said. "Give me your top five."
Angad grinned. "So it's my turn now.Okay, well I hate airplanes.The idea that there's nothing beneath me but air, freaks me out.Spiders, not those tiny ones.I can handle them.I'm talking about the big ones.Death, but like you said, just about everyone is afraid of dying.Heights, anything above three stories and forget it."
Angad turned onto a dirt gravel road and slowed down.
"The one thing that scares me the most, that keeps me up nights is-"
"Losing Dadi" Kripa guessed.
Angad glanced at her briefly. "How did you know?"
Kripa smiled. "You love that woman more than your own life."
"Yes, I do" Angad said. "I'm a grandma's boy and i'm not ashamed to admit it."
"I know and that's one of the things I like about you" Kripa said softly. "Where are we?" she asked, glancing out her window. All she saw were trees.
"You'll see in a minute."
Angad slowed down to a crawl and than came to a stop. "The road ends just up ahead." After turning the car off he unhooked his seat belt. Intent on grabbing a flashlight he leaned across Kripa to open the glove compartment and heard her catch her breath. Looking at her he saw her eyes were wide.
"It's okay" he whispered. "Just getting the flashlight.I don't want you stumbling around in the dark and hurting yourself." Quickly he got the light and moved away.
"You better hope there's no murderers on the loose" Kripa said as they stepped out of the car. "We're in the middle of nowhere.We scream no one's gonna hear us."
"Thanks for the image Sharma" Angad said dryly, turning the flashlight on and pointing the beam of light at the ground.
Kripa found the darkness and unfamiliar surroundings creepy. Hearing a coyote howl she jumped and moved closer to Angad. "Don't you laugh at me" she said when she heard him chuckle.
"I'm sorry" Angad said.
The dirt gravel road came to an end.
Angad gripped Kripa's arm as they walked around clumps of weeds and rocks with sharp edges.
Coming to an old wooden fence that was falling down from years of neglect and the weather, Angad pushed aside a piece of rotting wood and stepped over another. Turning around he helped Kripa over.
"What next?" Kripa asked. "We climb a mountain?"
"No, silly" Angad said grinning. "Just beyond those trees there's a small clearing.Come lovely Kripa."
What Kripa saw when she moved around a tree, took her breath away.
"Careful" Angad said as Kripa stepped forward. "There's a cliff.I'd hate for your beautiful body to go tumbling over the edge."
Kripa reached for his hand as the view before her overwhelmed her.
Down below, they could see the lights of town.
To Kripa it looked like a vast blanket of twinkling stars.
"It's amazing" she whispered.
"This is where I come when I wanna get away and think" Angad said in her ear.
Kripa turned and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for bringing me here.I needed this.Tonight is-"
"I know" Angad interrupted her. "Your mom told me.It's cold.I should've waited until tomorrow to bring you" he said, feeling her shiver.
"I'm fine" Kripa said. She took a deep breath. "There's something we need to talk about."
"Such as?" Angad asked intrigued.
Kripa gazed into his eyes. "Prithvi. We need to talk about Prithvi."
Chapter 39
Kripa held her breath, waiting for Angad to break the heavy silence. Finally after what felt like an eternity he turned toward her and spoke.
"You wanna talk about Prithvi. Alright, what about him?"
Kripa took a step closer. "I've had a lot of time to think and i've come up with a solution. Prithvi wants me because I don't want him.Right?"
"Right" Angad said.
"Well i'm gonna give him what he wants" Kripa said. She watched as a look of surprise crossed Angad's face.
"What did you say?" he asked softly.
"I'm gonna give him what he wants" Kripa repeated. "Let me explain."
Angad crossed his arms and glared at her. "Please do" he growled.
Kripa swallowed hard. "I-I thought if I went out on a date with him maybe that would be enough to satisfy him. Than maybe he would lose interest and leave me alone."
Angad shook his head and sighed. "Darlin' you don't have a clue how a guy works or what goes through his mind."
"That's because i'm not one" Kripa snapped. "I've lived a sheltered life.I realize i'm naive about a lot of things."
Angad cupped her cheek and gazed into her eyes. "And that's one of the things I find attractive about you" he whispered. "Your innocence.It draws a guy like a flame draws a moth. Why do you think Prithvi set his eyes on you?"
"Because I have the body of a goddess" Kripa said simply.
Angad chuckled softly. "Your sense of humor is getting better." He ran his thumb across her lower lip. "And you do have the body of a goddess.That's one of the reasons Pritvhi wants you, but it's not the only one.There's something about an innocent girl that drives a guy crazy."
"It's because you men are animals and all you think about is sex" Kripa said angrily.
"Now that's mean Sharma" Angad said. "Sure I think about sex.I'm only human, but that's not all I think about."
"I'm sorry for calling you an animal" Kripa said, turning away from his touch. "It's just that i'm so tired of being treated like a piece of meat.There's more to me than my body and face." She slumped her shoulders in defeat.
"Hey." Angad grasped her chin anf tilted her head back. "Of course there's more to you than looks.Your funny and smart and sweet.I-"
"Your just a dream" Kripa said quietly. "A dream that i'll wake up from any minute because your not real." She glanced over his shoulder at the lights below. "Your too good to be real and i'm not lucky enough to have you in my life."
Kripa turned and started for the car. She gasped when Angad grabbed her arm and spun her around. Before she could say anything she was being pulled into his arms.
"You want real darlin'?" he growled. "I'll give you real."
Her heart beating wildly Kripa moaned when Angad thrust his tongue in her mouth. Closing her eyes she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back with a passion that made her weak in the knees.
Groaning Angad tore his mouth away and trailed his lips across her jaw. "Still think i'm just a dream?" he croaked in her ear.
Kripa moaned as Angad nuzzled her ear. "I can't think with you doing that" she panted.
Angad snickered and pulled back to look at her flushed face.
Eyes bright, her lips were swollen from his kiss.
He kissed the tip of her nose. "Stay away from Prithvi." He kissed her chin. "The only one your allowed to go on any dates with is me." He kissed her forehead. "Besides I know him and believe me, he won't be satisfied with one date.H*** he wouldn't be satisfied until he got you into bed" Angad snarled. "I've already hit him for what he said about you.He touched you and I would do more than hit him."
"When did you hit him?" Kripa demanded to know. "And what did he say about me?"
Angad pressed his cheek against hers. "It doesn't matter.It's over and done with."
Kripa tried to pull away and found she couldn't. Angad was holding her too tight.
Let go" she said through clenched teeth.
"I'll let go if you promise to forget about this whole Prithvi thing" Angad said.
"No" Kripa said sharply.
"Than I guess we're gonna be here for a while" Angad said with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"D*** it Angad would you just let go" Kripa cried out.
"Can't do it" Angad said serenely.
Kripa flattened her palms against his chest and pushed. "How can you be so calm about all of this?"
"Because I have everything under control" Angad stated.
"Well i'm glad you have everything under control" Kripa said sarcastically.
Angad sighed heavily. "Sharma if your trying to pick a fight with me, it won't work."
Kripa felt his hand on her thigh.
"I'm a lover, not a fighter."
Kripa snorted. "Oh, really.Than why did you hit Prithvi ?"
"He deserved it" Angad said.
"Why?"
Angad released her.
Kripa found she felt empty and lost without his arms around her. Oh, God she thought. This can't happen.I can't fall in love with him. The urge to get away from him was strong.
"Please take me home" she whispered.
The walk back to the car was a silent one. No one spoke a word until they were almost home.
"Do you remember that weekend I asked you to go to the wedding with me?" Angad asked.
"Yes" Kripa said.
"Well when Prithvi stopped by that day I saw the way he was looking at you and I got jealous.I told him not to talk to you or go near you and that if he did he would have a problem on his hands." Angad paused. "He didn't like being told what to do. Aaliya heard him having a conversation with another guy.He said he was tired of me thinking I own everything and that you don't belong to me and he'll talk to you whether I like it or not."
Kripa glanced his way. "So that's why you hit him?"
Angad pulled into the dirveway and shut off the car. He turned in his seat and stared at Kripa. "I wasn't planning on hitting him when I went over to his house.I was just going there to warn him to stay away from you.He bet me he could get you to fall for him.I told him my days of making bets are over.He said either I was a coward or-"
Angad cleared his throat. "You were a hot little piece of a**.I lost control.I hit him and told him if he ever talked about you like that again he would be sorry.He told me I was the one who was gonna be sorry and to get out.So I left and that's it."
"You think he's gonna get his revenge by hurting me.Don't you?" Kripa asked, searching his face.
"The thought has crossed my mind" Angad said.
Kripa leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of all of this and i'm sorry I came between you and Prithvi."
"You didn't do anything wrong" Angad said frowning.
Kripa smiled sadly. "Like I said Angad Khanna, your too good to be real."
Angad tucked a strand of hair behind Kripa's ear. "No, darlin'.Your the one whose too good to be real."
Chapter 40
"Mind if I sit down?"
Kripa glanced up from her lunch tray and found Aaliya standing in front of her. "Not at all.Can I ask you something?"
"Sure" Aaliya said, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"Is it true that everyone at the party Saturday night got food poisoning?"
Aaliya giggled. "Only the ones who ate the onion dip.The party was over by midnight.People were throwing up all over the place.It was a nightmare.So what did you and Angad do?"
At the mention of his name an image of the two of them locked in a heated embrace popped into Kripa's head. She hoped she wasn't blushing.
"We went for a drive." She didn't tell Aaliya where Angad took her. It was a place she didn't want to share with anyone other than Angad.
"Like his car?" Aaliya asked with a knowing grin.
"Yes, but don't tell him that" Kripa said. "It would just go to his head."
Aaliya ran her thumb and index finger across her mouth. "My lips are sealed."
"Thanks." Feeling like someone was watching her, Kripa turned her head and found Prithvi staring at her. She quickly looked away.
"Something wrong?" Aaliya asked.
"Prithvi's looking at me" Kripa said softly.
"If he doesn't knock it off, Angad's gonna be knocking him off" Aaliya said, shooting Prithvi a filthy look.
Kripa sighed and pushed her tray away. Her appetite was gone. "What's with him anyway?"
"He thinks he's the man and every womans fantasy" Aaliya said.
Kripa snorted. "He wishes. Angad's more of a man than he'll ever be."
"You have no idea how right you are" Aaliya said, combing her fingers through her hair. "There's something I wanna tell you, but please don't let it leave this table."
"I can keep a secret" Kripa said, leaning forward.
"Two years ago we had a new student. Kate was her name and let me tell you she was one heartless witch" Aaliya said coldly. "She knew how to play the game and boy did she play.Kate was one of those girls who could reel a guy in simply by batting her eyes and smiling.When she first came here she was friendly and shy.It was all an act that didn't last long.Anyway Angad and Prithvi both became interested in her."
A feeling of unease came over Kripa. Taking a deep breath she willed herself to relax.
"She fell for Prithvi. I think it was because they were so much alike. Angad being the gentleman that he is, bowed out gracefully.Now Kate didn't like it that Angad gave up on her so easily."
"But she didn't want him" Kripa said. "What did she expect Angad to do? Fight over her?"
"Of course" Aaliya said. "So she decided to play with Angad's emotions to get at him.Every chance she got she would throw it in his face that she chose Prithvi. It was little things.Like whenever Angad walked into a room Kate would throw herself all over Prithvi."
Aaliya took a sip of her coke. "One night it came to an end.Kate called Angad crying.Said she and Prithvi got into a fight."
"And Angad ran right over there" Kripa guessed.
"Yep" Aaliya said. "You see, Angad hates to see a girl cry.It makes him feel helpless.Kate had more than being comforted on her mind.She wanted Angad to have sex with her.He told her he wasn't sleeping with his best friends girl.Kate got angry and hit him. Angad told her he was sick of her twisted games and he was through."
Kripa was seething inside. "How dare she treat Angad like that.What happened after that?"
"Kate got hers" Aaliya said smirking. "She showed up to school the next day to find Prithvi already had replaced her.She didn't have Prithvi and she didn't have Angad."
Aaliya sighed. "What was so sad about it all was that Prithvi knew how Kate was treating Angad. He didn't do a d*** thing to stop her.In my eyes he's as bad as Kate.D*** i've gotta go" she said, checking her watch. "Talk to you later?"
"Sure" Kripa said smiling.
Alone a minute later she thought about the conversation she had with Aaliya. Feeling the need to write in her journal, Kripa pulled it and an ink pen out of her back pack. Opening to a blank page she uncapped her pen and started to write.
10/12/1997 [now you guys no the time period]
I'm finding the more I learn about Angad the more I want to protect him. Funny really, it seems he has this strong urge to keep me safe and to fight my battles for me and now I wanna do the same for him.I'm scared that i'm depending on him too much.
A part of me wants to run and hide from him because I know spending all this time with him is gonna end up hurting me, but there's this other part of me that longs for his touch and the feel of his arms around me because only when he's holding me close do I really feel safe.
It's getting harder every day to fight what I feel.
"Hey Sharma."
Kripa quickly shut her journal. The last thing she wanted was for Angad to read what she wrote.
"Hello Angad. Where were you?"
Angad sat down in front of her. "I had to take a test.Is that your journal?"
"Yes, it is" Kripa said. gripping the book tight.
"Can I read it?" Angad asked, propping his chin in his hand.
"Oh, sure and while your at it i'll go to the zoo and play with the snakes" Kripa said dryly.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Angad asked grinning.
Kripa raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"
Angad reached out and tapped the leather-bound book with a finger. "I think you wrote about me and you don't want me to read it."
"Your awful sure of yourself" Kripa said softly.
"Like I told you before Sharma, it's called confidence." Angad placed his hand over hers. "But I don't need confidence darlin'.Your blushing and that tells me all I need to know."
Kripa glared at him as she silently cursed her lack of control. "You wanna know what I think?" She didn't wait for him to reply. "I think you enjoy watching me blush a little too much."
Angad winked at her. "You think right.Now about that journal.What did you write about me?"
Kripa picked up the book and noticed money was sticking out of one end.
"Is that the twenty dollars I gave you?" Angad asked.
Kripa nodded.
"Why haven't you spent it?" he asked frowning.
Kripa looked down at the table. "You gave it to me.I'm waiting for a special occasion to spend it."
"Would you let me spend it on you?" Angad asked huskily.
Kripa hesitated for a moment and than shyly handed it to him.
Chapter 41
Kripa wandered aimlessly from one department store to the next. What had seemed like a good idea an hour ago was slowly turning into a nightmare. The mall was crowded and noisy. Twice she had came close to getting knocked down by screaming kids. Her head hurt. Her abdomen ached and she was tired. Home never felt so far away as it did at that moment.
Fed up with people and their rude behavior Kripa decided to leave. She turned a corner and collided with what felt like a wall. Strong hands reached out and grabbed her before she fell.
"I'm sorry" Kripa said, backing up. She looked up and had to stifle a gasp when she found herself staring into the eyes of Prithvi.
"Excuse me" Kripa said coldly.
When Prithvi didn't move out of the way she started to walk around him only to have him step in front of her.
"What's the hurry babe?" Prithvi asked.
"I am not your babe" Kripa said, trying to stay calm.
"How about sweetheart or honey or maybe darlin'?" Prithvi suggested.
"Don't you call me darlin' " Kripa snarled. "Or sweetheart or honey.Now get out of my way."
Prithvi chuckled. "You've got a temper.I like that." He reached out and ran his fingers up her arm.
Feeling like her skin was crawling Kripa snatched her arm away. "Don't touch me."
His eyes flashing Ptihvi grabbed her by the wrist and twisted it.
Kripa cried out as pain shot up her arm.
"I didn't wanna do it"Prithvi said, relaxing his grip. "But you made me mad.You shouldn't do that.Now take it easy.If you give me a chance you might find you like me." He moved his hand back and forth across Kripa's breasts. "I could teach you so many things."
Stomach churning with fear Kripa glanced around and found no one was paying any attention. "If you don't let me go i'll scream."
Prithvi squeezed her bruised wrist. "You do and I promise you he'll pay for it."
Kripa knew he was talking about Angad. "Why can't you leave me alone? I'm not interested in you."
"Now that's Angad talking" Prithvi said. "He has you thinking i'm bad." He grinned. "Baby I can be good." He pulled her against him roughly. "Let me show you."
Kripa struggled to get away from him, but the more she tried, the harder he would hold her.
"You can fight me all you want" Prithvi whispered in her ear. "It won't do you any good."
Anger flared inside Kripa. Right than and there she vowed she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing how afraid she really was. "You can do whatever you want. but know this." She gazed into his blue eyes. "I don't want you.I will never want you." It was than that she faced the truth and stopped running from it. "I want Angad and nothing you can say or do will change that."
"If you think that's gonna stop me, your wrong."
Kripa tried to go to her safe place, but nothing could prevent her from thinking about and feeling Prithvi's mouth on hers. She kept her lips pressed together and prayed it would be over soon.
Angry that she wasn't cooperating Prithvi bit her lower lip. "Open your mouth you little b****."
"Please step away from her."
Kripa could have wept with relief when she recognized the voice as that of Dr. Khanna and than it hit her. Angad was going to find out and that was the last thing she wanted.
"Are you okay Kripa?" Dr. Khanna asked.
Before Kripa could answer him mall security showed up.
"Is there a problem here?" the security guard asked.
"Kripa do you want to press charges?" Dr. Khanna asked softly so that only she could hear.
Kripa glanced up into his concerned face and thought of Angad. Slowly she shook her head.
"There's no problem" Dr. Khanna said.
The security guard turned to Prithvi. "Get out of here before I go against the lady's wishes and have you arrested."
Kripa watched Prithvi walk away wondering what he would do next. cradling her injured arm she licked her lip and tasted blood.
"Kripa let me take you to the hospital" Dr. Khanna said softly. "Judging by the way your wrist looks you more than likely have a sprain, but we won't know for sure until they do an x-ray."
"My car" Kripa muttered.
"I'll bring Angad back later to pick it up." Dr. Khanna cupped her elbow and steered her toward the exit.
*******
Forty-five minutes later Kripa sat in the passenger seat with her arm wrapped in a bandage.
"Thank you for rushing things along and for all you did."
"Your welcome" Dr. Khanna said.
Kripa glanced at him. "I owe you an explanation, but-"
"You don't owe me anything" Dr. Khanna declared. "I called your mother.I didn't tell her about Prithvi. I thought you should do that."
Dr. Khanna pulled into the driveway and shut off the car.
Kripa opened her door and stepped out. Gingerly she crossed the yard and made her way up the steps.
Mrs. Sharma who met them at the front door, took one look at her daughter and started crying.
"Mom i'm okay" Kripa whispered past the lump in her throat.
"Why don't we go sit in the living room" Dr. Khanna said, shutting the door behind him.
Kripa wanted nothing more than to go upstairs and lock herself in her room. Instead she allowed her mother to lead her into the living room where she found Angad sitting on the couch.
Kripa locked eyes with him. "Hello Angad."
"Kripa" he said hoarsely.
"Honey sit down and tell us what happened" Mrs.Sharma said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
Kripa watched her mother for a moment and saw how shaken up she was. It was than that she knew she couldn't tell her the truth.
I'm sorry Mom she thought. I've put you through so much.You deserve better than this.
"The mall was packed. I should've known better than to go so late, but I needed to get out for a while.Anyway I was walking along looking in the store windows when I was knocked down by a kid.I fell on my arm.Thankfully Dr. Khanna was there.He volunteered to take me to the hospital and that's all."
Kripa kissed her mother on the cheek. "I'm fine.You can stop worrying about me."
She turned toward Dr. Khanna. "Thank you again for your help.Please excuse me everyone, but it's been a long day."
With guilt weighing her down Kripa hurried from the room.
Chapter 42
She lied.
Angad knew that as surely as he knew his own name. What she was lying about he didn't know, but he had a gut feeling it had something to do with Prithvi. Needing answers he turned to his father and cleared his throat.
Dr. Khanna took his eyes off the road briefly and glanced at Angad. "Okay, son" he said. "I know that look.It's the one your mother gives me when she want s something.What do you want?"
"Kripa lied to her mom.I wanna know what really happened" Angad said.
Dr. Khanna checked his rearview mirror and than switched lanes. "Son you should talk to Kripa."
"Oh, I intend to" Angad declared. "But right now i'm talking to you.I wanna know what you saw.That way if Kripa lies to me i'll have something to use against her."
Dr. Khanna shook his head. "Your so much like your mother."
"I know" Angad said grinning. "Now talk."
"I took a trip to the mall to get your mother some chocolate covered raisin's.She's been craving them and I know how much she likes the ones you get at Grandeur's" Dr. Khanna explained. "I was walking in that direction when I saw Kripa. She was with Prithvi."
"I knew he was involved" Angad snarled.
"He had his arms around her and he was kissing her" Dr. Khanna said softly. "She looked pale and frightened.I told Prithvi to step away from her.Mall security showed up.I asked Kripa if she wanted to press charges against Prithvi. She said no and than I took her to the hospital.She has a sprain, but other than that she'll be fine."
"Physically, but mentally i'm not so sure." Angad pounded his fist on the dashboard. "D*** it.She was surrounded by people.Why the h*** didn't someone help her?"
"I don't know son" Dr. Khanna said, turning into the mall parking lot. "Could be people didn't want to get involved."
"Well I will" Angad growled.
Dr. Khanna found Kripa's car with very little trouble. Parking next to it he shut off the car and turned to his son. "Angad if your thinking about going over to Prithvi's don't.Violence is not the answer.It only causes more problems."
With jerky movements Angad unbuckled his seat belt. "If something like that happened to mom, what would you do?"
Dr. Khanna sighed. "I would beat the h*** out of the guy, knowing that's not what Naina would want." He placed his hand on Angad's shoulder. "Son think about Kripa for a minute.You know she wouldn't want you to beat up Prithvi. Not because she's worried he might get hurt, but because you might and if you don't, how do you know Prithvi wouldn't call the police and have you arrested? What do you think that would do to Kripa?"
"It would hurt her" Angad whispered. "She'd blame herself."
"Exactly" Dr. Khanna said. "This isn't about you.It's about Kripa and what's best for her."
"It is about me" Angad said. Quickly he told his father about the confrontation with Prithvi. "I feel responsible dad."
"You are not responsible for Prithvi's actions" Dr. Khanna stated firmly. "Only your own and I can't say I blame you for hitting him.I would have done the same thing.It is the nature of a man to protect what is his."
"Kripa thinks we're all animals" Angad said smiling.
Dr. Khanna chuckled. "Go talk to her.I believe you two can work it out."
******
Lying on the bed with her injured arm resting on a pile of pillows Kripa stared at the small lamp on the dresser. It was the only source of light in the room. That little beam of light was the only thing that stood between her and the nightmares she knew were waiting for her when she went to sleep.
"Something interesting about that lamp Sharma?"
"I'm afraid if I turn it off i'll have bad dreams" Kripa said, admitting her fears. "Now if I leave it on it'll keep the monster's away, but the thing is, I can't leave it on forever."
Angad crossed the room and sat down beside Kripa. "Who told you you couldn't? I slept with a super-man[I love superman my favourite superhero] night light on until I was eleven. I was convinced there was a rabid monster living under my bed.Do you have any monster's living under your bed Sharma?"
"Yes, I do" Kripa said smiling wearily. "His name is Louie." She gazed up at him. "I've been waiting for you."
"You have?" Angad asked, laying his hand on her arm.
"Yes, I knew you would stop by" Kripa said quietly.
"Oh, you did.Did you?"
Kripa nodded.
"Do you know why I stopped by?"
"Yes" Kripa sighed. "You know I lied to mom and you wanna know what really happened."
Angad raised an eyebrow. "You mean your admitting you lied?"
Kripa looked away. "You know I did.You saw right through me."
Angad reached out and cupped her cheek, turning her face toward him. "Yes, I did.Would you tell me what happened?"
"If you promise me you won't beat him up."
Angad glanced at Kripa's bruised lip and injured arm. "I want to, but I won't.When dad told me what he knew all I could think about was finding Prithvi and hurting him for what he did to you, but dad talked me out of it.He said it's not what you would want."
"You could get hurt or end up in jail" Kripa whispered. "I couldn't bear to see you like that.I'm not-" Voice cracking she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm not that strong."
"Yes, you are" Angad said. "Talk to me.Open up and share your secret with me."
Kripa closed her eyes and once again found herself standing there with Prithvi. In a shaky voice she told Angad everything, leaving nothing out. When she came to the part where she had told Prithvi she didn't want him she paused. She didn't know if she was ready for Angad to know she wanted him.
Just tell him she thought. He probably knows anyway.
Kripa cleared her throat. "I told Prithvi he could do whatever he wanted.I believe my exact words were, you can do whatever you want, but know this.I don't want you.I will never want you."
Kripa opened her eyes and took Angad's hand. "I told him I wanted you."
"Oh. Kripa" Angad breathed. He bent down and kissed her softly on the lips.
"H-He s-said that wasn't gonna stop him" Kripa croaked. "He started kissing me.I tried to go to my safe place.Your aunt told me whenever I was scared to try and picture myself in a place where I feel safe.It didn't work Angad."
Kripa swallowed hard. "I kept my lips pressed together.I think I would've thrown up if he had stuck his tongue in my mouth.He bit my lip and and told me to open my mouth.Your dad, thank god came to my resuce."
"You can stop there" Angad told her. "Dad filled me in on the rest.Darlin' are you sure you don't wanna press charges because i'll go with you if you want to."
Kripa shook her head. "You know what happened when I pressed charges against Manik. They didn't do anything to him Angad I don't think I can go through it all again.The whispers and the stares.Please don't make me do it."
Angad framed Kripa's face with his hands. "I won't mention it again."
"Would you do something for me?" Kripa asked shyly.
Angad smiled. "Name it."
"Stay with me until I fall asleep.I don't wanna be alone right now."
Angad caressed her cheek. "I'll stay as long as you want me to.Do you want me to turn out the light?"
Kripa glanced at the lamp, hesitated for a moment and than nodded.
Chapter 43
Angad stood in the doorway and watched Kripa flip a piece of french toast over. She was still wearing her pajama's and judging by the way her hair was sticking up she hadn't bothered to run a brush through it. He looked down at her feet and saw she was wearing a pair of bunny slippers. Louie was tugging on one of the floppy ears and growling.
Shaking with laughter Angad crossed the kitchen. "Give me that" he said, taking the spatula from her. "Go sit down.Didn't the doctor tell you to keep your arm elevated for at least twenty-four hours?"
"Yes" Kripa sighed.
"Than why aren't you doing it?" Angad asked, turning off the stove.
"Because I had to make breafast" Kripa said, moving toward the table. "Dadi was needed over at Savitri's."
Angad divided the french toast between two plates. "I could've made breakfast."
Kripa snorted. "I wasn't in the mood for frozen waffles."
"You have a smart mouth Sharma" Angad said, carrying the plates to the table. He set them down and than grabbed the syrup, butter and orange juice from the fridge.
"Tell me something I don't know" Kripa said, relieving him of the orange juice jug.
"Last night after you fell asleep I stayed for a while and watched you." Angad sat down across from her. "Did anyone ever tell you that you hum?"
"I do not hum" Kripa snarled.
Angad grinned. "Yes, you do and I enjoyed listening to you."
He chuckled when Kripa's cheeks turned pink.
"Maybe you can give me a repeat performance sometime."
"Maybe you can shut up and eat your d*** breakfast" Kripa growled. She glared at him as she took a bite of french toast.
Missing nothing Angad saw how awkwardly she held her fork.
"Your right handed.Aren't you?"
"Yes" Kripa said testily. "But as you can see I have to use my left for now.So if i'm a little clumsy with my food I apologize."
Angad wanted to kick himself for mentioning her temporary handicap. "I'm sorry Kripa."
Kripa shook her head. "I'm the one whose sorry." She pushed back her chair. "I shouldn't have came over." She stood and bent down to pick up Louie. "Please forgive me, but I wanna be alone right now."
Angad dropped his fork and got to his feet. "Kripa" he said softly, reaching out to stop her from leaving. He turned her to face him and found her eyes were bright with emotion. "I'm not going to school.I don't wanna leave you by yourself."
Kripa smiled sadly. "Angad i'll be fine.I just need a little time to myself." She stuck her hand in a pocket of her robe and pulled out her cell phone. "Promise me you won't call constantly like you did last time" she said, handing him the phone.
Angad slipped it into his pocket. "I'll try and control myself."
Kripa leaned into him and kissed his cheek. "If you run into Prithvi and he tries to provoke you, just walk away" she whispered in his ear. "Your too good to sink to his level."
No, darlin' i'm not Angad thought as he watched her leave.
************
Angad was on his way to lunch later that day when he spotted him standing by the door to the Library, talking to a girl.
His heart pounding in his ears Angad moved toward them as the guy glanced his way. Making eye contact Angad mouth the word Library and walked in. Once inside he made his way toward the back of the room where he pretended to search for a book.
A minute later Angad glanced out of the corner of his eyes and saw him approaching.
Josh Kapoor was an intimidating sight. Tall with broad shoulders he had short black hair and steel gray eyes. An angry looking scar ran from the corner of his mouth and ended below his left ear. It was the result of a knife fight or so Angad had heard.
"What do you want Khanna?" Josh asked in a gruff whisper. "You know I don't do the Library.It's full of books."
"They won't hurt you Kapoor" Angad said grinning. "I've got a job for you" he muttered, looking around to make sure no one was listening.
"What kind of job are we talking about?" Josh asked.
"I want you to beat up Prithvi" Angad said.
Josh raised an eyebrow. "I thought he was your friend.What did he do?"
"He layed his hands on my girl" Angad said through clenched teeth.
"Is it by any chance that shy little thing with the black hair and big brown eyes?"
"Yes" Angad said.
"Can't say I blame him" Josh said. "She's a hot little number."
"Watch it" Angad snarled. "You might have just about everyone in this school afraid of you, but i'm not.I have no problem with banging your head against the wall."
"I know Khanna" Josh said, crossing his arms. "That's why I respect you.I have one question though."
"What's that?" Angad asked.
"Why are you coming to me? You can take him."
Angad rubbed the back of his neck. "I promised Kripa I wouldn't beat him up.She's afraid if I did he would have me arrested."
Josh smirked. "Your weak man.She's got you right where she wants you."
"There's no where else i'd rather be" Angad said seriously. [awww]
"Alright than" Josh said, getting down to business. "When do you want it done?"
Angad thought about it for a moment. "Tomorrow night.Don't break anything and don't put him in the hospital.Just rough him up a bit."
"I'll need an address" Josh informed him. "And it'll cost you fifty bucks.Half now and the other half when i'm done."
"You'll have the first half tomorrow" Angad promised him.
"Good enough" Josh said. "One more thing.Are you sure about this? Once I do it there's no going back."
Angad thought about Kripa and how scared and vulnerable she had looked the night before. It was enough to stiffen his resolve.
"Do it."
Chapter 44
Kripa walked into Dr. Boses office and stopped in her tracks when she saw her mother sitting on the couch.
"Mom what are you doing here?"
"Come sit down honey" Mrs.Shrma said, patting the spot beside her. "We need to talk."
Shocked Kripa crossed the room and settled herself beside her mother.
"Your mom has been coming to me about as long as you have" Dr. Bose said, taking her seat.
Kripa glanced at Mrs.Sharma. "You have?"
Mrs.Sharma nodded. "Yes, and the reason I didn't tell you is because I didn't want you to worry about me, but we're not here to talk about me." She took Kripa's hand. "Honey what happened last night?"
Kripa shook her head in disgust. "I have got to be the worst liar because Angad didn't buy my story either."
Dr. Bose smiled. "Angad knows when someone is lying. I don't know how he can tell, but he just can."
Kripa sighed. "I guess I should start at the beginning." She told her mother all about Prithvi and how Angad had been doing everything he could to keep her safe. Than she talked about the night before and how she had wanted to keep it quiet because she didn't want to worry anyone. "I'm sorry I lied to you mom."
"I understand why you did it" Mrs.Sharma said softly. "But honey we have to be honest with eachother.Now i'll admit I was wrong by not telling you that I was coming to see Dr.Bose."
"So we're even" Kripa declared. "Now what?"
Dr. Bose cleared her throat as she leaned forward. "Kripa i'm going to share something with you.Your not Prithvi's only victim.He's done this before."
Eyes wide Kripa gaped at her. "How do you know and how many girls has he done this to?"
"Two other girls that I know of." Dr.Bose looked into Kripa's eyes. "They were patients of mine which is why no one knows about it, but me."
"Should you be telling me this?" Kripa asked.
"I'm not giving out any names" Dr. Bose said. "And I won't tell you anything more except they didn't press charges."
Kripa got to her feet and moved toward the window. With her back to the room she spoke. "Your telling me all of this because you want me to go to the police.Don't you?"
"Honey if you don't press charges he'll get away with it" Mrs.Sharma said. "Something tells me if you don't stop him he'll do it again and again."
"She's right" Dr. Bose said. "Kripa I think I know why your afraid to turn him in.If you do this everyone will know and than the whispers and stares will start.Am I right?"
Kripa nodded.
"Your overlooking something" Dr. Bose stated. "You won't be alone this time.There are people who care about you.You have your mom, my mom, me, Dilip, Naina and you have Angad whose not afraid of a little whispering and staring.He'll stand up for you when you can't stand up for yourself."
Kripa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It's in your hands she thought. Either you run and hide or you grow a d*** backbone. Slowly she turned around and glanced at her mother and Dr. Bose.
***************
Angad was sitting in his last class of the day, trying to pay attention to what the teacher was saying. It was no use. All he could think about was Kripa. He had tried calling her before class and found she wasn't home. With one ear on the lesson he looked out the window, wondering where she was.
"Mr. Khanna please answer the question" Mr.Newman said.
Angad tore his eyes away from the window and glanced at the teacher. "1864 was the year.President Lincoln advocated the adoption of an antislavery amendment to the U.S. constitution" he said smirking. I bet you thought I couldn't answer that he said to himself. [lol …Edward again Priya…lol]
Mr.Newman eyed him for a moment. A smile lurking at the corners of his mouth. "That is correct.Pay attention please."
Angad opened his mouth to respond when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in" Mr.Newman called out.
The door opened and a police officer walked in.
"May I help you?" Mr.Newman asked, moving toward him.
"I apologize for interrupting your class" the officer said. "I'm looking for Prithvi ______ ." [I forgot the last name I gave him…if ny1 remembers plz tell me]
Angad knew without a doubt why he was there. Judging by the look on Prithvi's face he knew as well.
Mr.Newman motioned for Prithvi to stand.
The officer quickly stepped forward, unhooking his hand cuffs from his belt.
"Prithvi ______ I am placing you under arrest" he said, puling Prithvi's arms behind his back.
"What for?" Prithvi growled.
Angad resisted the urge to snort. You know what for.You picked the wrong woman to mess with. He grinned.
"For the battery of Miss. Kripa Sharma. You have the right to remain silent.Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.You have the right to an attorney.If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you.Do you understand everything I just said?"
"Yes" Prithvi said, glaring at Angad who waved back.
"Than lets go.Once again I apologize for the interruption" he told Mr.Newman.
Angad exchanged a glance with Josh who was sitting two rows over and than looked away.
When the bell rang ten minutes later Angad grabbed his things and hurried from the room.
"I take it the deal is off" Josh said, stopping by Angad's locker a minute later.
"It is, but I have another one for you" Angad said.
"I'm listening" Josh said.
Angad slammed his locker shut and turned to look at Josh.
"By tomorrow afternoon everyone will be talking about what just happened. Kripa comes back tomorrow.I know how they'll act around her.They'll stare at her and whisper behind her back.I want you to stop all that.Whenever you hear someone talking-"
"You want me to tell them to knock it off" Josh finished for him. "Give them my famous stare."
"You got it" Angad said grinning.
"Twenty bucks and you have a deal" Josh declared.
"You don't do anything for free.Do you?" Angad asked, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket.
"The word free is not part of my vocabulary" Josh said, pocketing the money. "Now I gotta get to work."
"Good" Angad said. "Earn that money.You greedy bast**d" he muttered under his breath as Josh walked away.
Chapter 45
"What are you reading?"
Kripa took her eyes off the page and looked up to find Angad standing on the bottom step of the gazebo.
"Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It's my favorite.I found it among Dadu's books.I hope you don't mind me borrowing it." [Im reading that now and I find it really intresting…I m reading it cuz the character in my isu novel is reading it so to understand the character better and so now the character in my book is reading it too…lol]
Angad climbed the steps and sat down beside her. "Not at all.Dadu would be happy that his books are being read and not sitting on a shelf collecting dust.What's it about?"
Kripa stuck a scrap of paper between the pages to mark her place and set the book aside.
"It's about an orphan whose name is Jane.Her parents die when she's a baby, so she goes to live with her wealthy aunt and cousins.They treat her horribly.When she turns ten her aunt sends her to a boarding school.There she meets Helen who becomes her best frend, but poor Helen dies of consumption and Jane is left to endure the schools headmaster who is a tyrant.Finally when she's of age she leaves the boarding school to work for Mr. Edward Rochester who has a little girl in need of a governess."
"Jane falls in love with Rochester.Doesn't she?" Angad asked.
"Yes, she does" Kripa said softly. "And he falls in love with her, but it's not an easy courtship.Bad things happen and what Jane doesn't know until their wedding day is that Mr.Rochester has been hiding something from her.A secret so horrible that it drives Jane from his home."
"But is there a happy ending?" Angad asked.
Kripa smiled. "Read the book"
Angad reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Kripa's ear. "What's the secret Rochester was hiding?"
"Read the book" Kripa said smirking.
"Your mean Sharma" Angad said jokingly. He gazed deep into her eyes. "But your also strong and courageous.I'm so proud of you Kripa" he said softly.
"So you know I had Prithvi arrested" Kripa said quietly.
Angad nodded. "A cop showed up in the middle of class."
Kripa moaned as she buried her face in her hands.
"Hey it's gonna be okay" Angad said.
"No, it's not" Kripa whispered. "Everyone's gonna talk about it and than the whispering and the staring will start."
Angad gently pulled her hands away from her face. "Look at me."
Kripa glanced at him.
"I promise you there will be no whispering or staring."
Angad told Kripa about the conversation he had with Josh. What he didn't tell her was that he had paid Josh. That was one thing she was never going to find out about.
"He's in my Biology class" Kripa told him. "He scares the h*** out of me.I don't know if it's the scar or his eyes."
Angad chuckled softly. "I think he scares everyone which is why I asked him to help you."
For the first time since it happened Kripa found she could breathe a little easier. The words Angad spoke next changed all of that.
"It's a good thing you had Prithvi arrested.I was gonna pay Nick to beat him up.You saved me a lot of money."
Kripa gaped at him. "Please tell me your not serious, but that your joking with me."
"Oh, it's no joke.I'm serious" Angad said. "I had it all set up."
Stunned Kripa stared at Angad. She was starting to realize she really didn't know him or what he was capable of doing.
"Don't look at me like that" Angad snapped.
"I can't believe you would do something like that" Kripa cried. She stood and moved away from him. "That's-that's barbaric.Paying someone to beat up another person."
"I'm not sorry I did it" Angad said coldly. "I'd do it again.You asked me not to beat him up, but you never said someone else couldn't do it."
"Why?" Kripa asked, her face pale. "Why did you do it?"
"Simple really.I wanted him to pay for what he did to you" Angad said. getting to his feet. "No one touches you and gets away with it and another reason I did it is because I feel responsible for you getting hurt.I lost it and hit Prithvi. He told me I would be sorry for it.You got hurt because of my lack of control."
Kripa felt her anger slip away when she saw the regret on his face.
"Angad it's not your fault he hurt me.You did everything you could to protect me.What Prithvi did to me was not because of you."
Kripa moved closer and layed her palms against his chest.
"I went to see your aunt today.Mom was there.She's been going to see your aunt for a while now.Anyway mom knew I was lying about last night.So I told her the truth." Kripa paused. "Your aunt told me she had two other patients that claim Prithvi hurt them.I'm not the only one he's done this to.These other girls didn't press charges.Your aunt and my mom helped me realize I had to be the one to make him pay."
Angad placed his hands on Kripa's waist.
"I swear I didn't know about those other girls.You think you know a person and than you realize you really didn't know them at all."
"I know what you mean" Kripa said dryly. She glared at Angad who grinned in return.
"I won't apologize for what I did" he said, squeezing her waist. "Darlin' i'm not perfect.I get jealous and possessive and overprotective.I can't help the way I am."
"I'm not asking you to change.Just tone it down a bit."
"I'll try, but i'm not making any promises" Angad told her.
Kripa sighed as she rested her forehead against his shoulder.
"Tell me something good.I'm tired of hearing nothing but bad news."
"Well I stopped off at mom and dad's.Mom had a doctor's appointment today.She's doing fine and she's having a boy."
"Oh, your poor dad" Kripa said. "I know he had his heart set on a girl."
"I know" Angad said snickering.
Kripa smiled as she wrapped her arms around him.
"What do you have in your pocket?" she asked, feeling something lumpy in his jacket.
"I could tell you, but why don't you find out for yourself" Angad whispered in her ear.
Shyly Kripa stuck her hand in his pocket and laughed when she pulled out his super-man night light. [ooo guys whos your fav superhero]
"Did that rabid monster come back?"
"Nope" Angad said. "It's for you."
Kripa pulled back slightly and looked at him. "It is?" she croaked.
Angad kissed the tip of her nose. "Yes, so you can rest easy lovely Kripa. You don't have to be in the dark anymore."
With tears in her eyes Kripa hid her face against his chest.
Chapter 46
Kripa glanced at the clock on her bedside table and tried not to panic when she saw what time it was. In less than an hour she would be in the same room as Prithvi. Taking a deep breath she adjusted her cream colored blouse and than ran her sweaty palms down her black slacks.
"You look beautiful" Angad said, appearing in the doorway. "Everything's gonna be okay."
"I know" Kripa said, slipping on her pumps. "I just want it to be over.You know you don't have to go."
Angad crossed the room and stopped in front of Kripa. Reaching out he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Do you want me to go?"
The thought of him not being there with her filled Kripa with panic all over again. She nodded.
"Than i'm going" Angad said. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.
"I have a feeling you'd go whether I wanted you to or not" Kripa whispered.
Before Angad could answer Mrs.Sharma walked into the room.
"Honey we should go."
Kripa reluctantly pulled away from Angad. She grabbed her purse and jacket and than followed her mother downstairs.
"Mom lets take seperate cars.You'll probably go to work later and Angad and I are planning on going to school when we're done."
"Alright" Mrs.Sharma said.
**********
The parking lot was full by the time they arrived. Luckily there were two empty spots in the back. Feeling like she was about to walk into a den full of hungry lions Kripa stepped out of the car.
"This shouldn't take too long" Mrs.Sharma said, looping her arm through her daughter's.
"Mom I know that" Kripa snarled. Seeing the look of hurt on her mother's face she sighed.
"I'm sorry mom."
Mrs.Sharma smiled wearily. "You don't have to apologize honey."
Kripa gave Mrs.Sharma's arm a gentle squeeze.
The hall outside of the courtroom had benches that ran the length of one wall. On one of them sat Dr. Khanna who was reading the morning paper.
"You didn't tell me your dad would be here" Kripa said to Angad.
"He's here to testify on your behalf" Angad muttered.
Dr. Khanna glanced up at the sound of their approaching footsteps.
"Kripa how are you?" he asked, getting to his feet.
"I'm fine" Kripa lied. "Thank you for coming."
"I"m glad I can help." Dr. Khanna turned toward Mrs.Sharma and began to engage her in conversation.
Ignoring them Kripa sat down on one of the benches.
"Do you want me to get you some water?" Angad asked as he sat down beside her.
Kripa shook her head and clutched her purse to her as if it was a life line.
Without saying a word Angad took Kripa's hand and held it.
"How sweet" a cold voice said. "Your holding hands."
The hair on the back of Kripa's neck stood up when she saw Prithvi. It was the first time she had laid eyes on him since it happened.
"Enjoy that Khanna" Prithvi said, sneering. "That's all your gonna get from her.There's no blood running through her veins.Just ice."
Kripa grabbed Angad's arm as he started to rise. "Please Angad" she begged. "Don't."
Angad calmly pried Kripa's fingers from his arm and stood. "The only one with ice in their veins is you" he said, glaring at Prithvi. "I know about those other girls.You might get off easy today, but someday when you least expect it, you'll get what you have coming to you.Now get the h*** out of my face" he growled.
Turning his back on Prithvi, Angad sat down and reached for Kripa's hand. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Prithvi being dragged away by his mother and tried not to grin.
"I'm sorry" he said, looking at Kripa.
"W-what f-for?" she stuttered.
"For what he said." Angad kissed her ear. "And he was wrong.There's no ice in your veins darlin'."
Kripa gave him a weak smile. "Thank you."
When the clock on the wall in front of Kripa read eight o'clock the doors to the courtroom opened.
Her stomach in knots Kripa stood and stepped into the large room. She followed Mrs.Sharma down the aisle and through the small swinging gate where she sat down at the polished oak table.
She glanced to the left of her and saw Prithvi take his seat next to his lawyer. They were having a heated discussion.
A minute later the Bailiff entered the courtroom. After Kripa and Prithvi were sworn in and had taken their seats once more the door on Kripa's right opened and out walked the judge.
Judge Richardson was a man in his sixties with gray hair and eyes so dark they were almost black.
Kripa glanced at him and felt the butterflies in her stomach. She sat up straighter and folded her hands on the table in front of her.
Judge Richardson opened a file in front of him and than looked up.
"This will be an informal hearing.I ask that you please keep your seats at all times" he instructed Mrs.Sharma and Prithvi's lawyer. "I want the facts and nothing more.Lets make this brief so we can move on." He cleared his throat. "Miss.Sharma you are accusing Mr.____ of battery and assault.Would you please tell me what happened on the night of the thirteenth."
Praying her voice wouldn't shake Kripa told her side of the story, all too aware that Prithvi was listening.
"Thank you" Judge Richardson said, five minutes later. "Dr. Dilip Khanna."
"Good morning your honor" Dr. Khanna said from his seat beside Kripa.
Judge Richardson leaned forward and straightened his glasses. "Good morning.Tell me Doctor, what field of medicine do you practice?"
"Optometry."
"You deal with the eyes than?" Judge Richardson asked.
"That is correct your honor" Dr. Khanna answered.
"But you have studied other forms of medicine.Have you not?"
"In college, yes" Dr. Khanna stated.
"Than you would know what a sprain looks like?"
"Yes."
"Please tell me what Miss.Sharma's wrist looked like."
"There was swelling and some bruising" Dr.Khanna said. "I was fairly certain that it was a sprain.The x-ray confirmed my suspicion."
'I've looked over the x-ray with Dr.Mathis" Judge Richardson declared. "Now would you please tell me what you witnessed on the night in question."
Briefly Dr. Khanna told his side of the story.
"Alright, thank you Doctor."
"Your welcome your honor" Dr. Khanna said.
Judge Richardson turned in his chair and glared at Prithvi. "Do you have anything you would like to correct or add before I sentence you Mr._____?"
"No" Prithvi said.
"Are you positive because once i've made my ruling it's final" Judge Richardson said.
Prithvi shrugged. "Do what you want.I don't care."
Judge Richardson sat back with a sigh. "Very well Mr._______.I am sentencing you to one year of probation.Six months of community service.You will attend counseling until further notice and you will pay Miss.Sharma's medical bills."
Judge Richardson removed his glasses. "Mr._____ I am warning you, if I ever see you in my courtroom again you will be facing jail time. Miss.Sharma I am sorry for what happened."
"Thank you your honor" Kripa said.
"That is all" Judge Richardson declared. "You may step out."
The sound of the gavel striking wood echoed in the silence.
Current Affairs
CID
Web Series
