Kripa knocked on the door to her house and giggled to herself at Angad's state. He was sweating, clearing his throat every few seconds, and fixing his shirt and coat.
"Now who's nervous?" Kripa teased him.
"Oh shut up. It's always harder for the guy to meet the girl's parents."
And then the door opened. Kripa squealed and threw herself into her mother's arms. Then Gayatri's eyes fell on Angad who was smiling at the mother-daughter.
"Namaste Aunty" He bent and touched her feet out of respect.
"Jeete raho. I remember you...you're Naina's son." Gayatri's eyes shifted to Kripa and then back at Angad. "Or should I say...you're my daughter's boyfriend." She teased.
"The one and only..." Angad said cheekily. Kripa wasn't sure but she thought she saw him blush for a couple of seconds.
Gayatri invited the two in where they were welcomed just as warmly by Kripa's father. Suryaban's face visibly lit up when he saw Kripa. Kripa ran to her father and embraced him tightly.
"Hey buddy!" she said to her father as if she were talking to her friend.
"Hello my princess." Suryaban said, still hugging his daughter.
Kripa pulled apart and looked at her father. "Um...daddy...I want you to meet someone..." she turned to face Angad, one arm still around her father. Gayatri was standing next to Angad, one hand on his shoulder, as if encouraging him. She was beaming a million dollar smile.
"Um...daddy...that's Angad..." Kripa started and hesitated for a second. "He's...um..."
"He's your princess's prince charming." Gayatri finished for Kripa.
Kripa bit her tongue and looked at her feet for as long as she felt her father's eyes on her. Then her father draped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a side hug before extending his other hand to Angad.
"Suryaban Patel...it's a pleasure to have you here."
Angad stepped forward and shook hands with Suryaban. Angad's nervousness subsided a bit as the four started talking. Kripa's parents, he figured, were just as modern minded as his own parents and the thought comforted him. Maybe getting their permission won't be so hard.
Kripa's father liked Angad instantly. Just the way the boy moved, talked with respect, the way he cast loving glances at Kripa when he thought no one was looking, the way he talked about his career and future goals in life. Suryaban had no reason to not like him. Angad was everything Suryaban was looking for in a guy who would spend his life with Kripa.
Of course, Kripa had the permission to date and be in relationships but she had never found anyone that she wanted to be with until now. Suryaban was also proud of her daughter for waiting until she found someone she really wanted to be with.
When Kripa left the living room to help her mother set up for Dinner, Angad found the opportunity to talk to Kripa's father about the two of them moving in. Before he could speak, Suryaban spoke up.
"I won't beat around the bush, Angad. It's a question every father worries about. Especially if his daughter is in a relationship with someone. I have a question for you, Angad. How serious are you and Kripa about this relationship?"
"We've been together for about a month and a half, uncle. That too, in theory. We don't really get to see each other a lot. We've gone a few days without seeing or speaking to each other, only because our school schedules are incompatible. And honestly, I can't tell you how serious either one of us is right now. It's too soon in our relationship to say anything. Maybe we'll run into problems later, maybe we won't."
"I see" Suryaban folded his hands professionally. "And what if I ask Kripa the same question? What do you think she will say?"
"I believe she would say the same thing...I can't be too sure. She, after all, is a girl. Their psychology on these matters is different from ours." Angad chuckled.
Suryaban laughed. "Indeed. I've been married to Gayatri for twenty five years now and I still don't know her completely."
Just then Gayatri walked in to invite them to the dining table. Kripa wasn't with her. Perfect.
Angad stood up with determination. "I have something to say...or ask rather."
Gayatri and Suryaban exchanged a look and then turned back to Angad.
"In the past month and a half with Kripa...we've learnt that it is exceptionally difficult to see each other on a regular basis. We're trying to see each other a few minutes before class or after class but it's still hard. Kripa and I talked about this...and we came up with a solution...but it can only work if we have our parents' permission. Kripa has already met my mother and I already asked my mom. She said that as long as you and aunty give us the permission, we have her permission."
"What's the solution?" Suryaban asked.
Angad took a deep breath. "The only solution we came up with is to live together."
"Live together?" Gayatri asked.
Angad went on quickly. "There's already a condo. It was my 18th birthday present for me but I never went there because I always lived with Armaan in the bachelor apartment. But the condo is closer to Kripa's school than her present house. And she's looking for another place to move into, anyway."
Suryaban let out a long breath. "If you don't mind, Angad, I'd like to speak to Kripa about this before I say anything."
Angad nodded. "Of course...oh...maybe I should have mentioned this before...um...our rooms will be separate...it's almost like I'll be her housemate."
Gayatri and Suryaban exchanged a look and chuckled. Just then, Kripa walked in. Suryaban asked her to see him in his study. Gayatri smiled at Kripa. Kripa returned the smile and looked warily at Angad. He nodded in the slightest. Once Kripa walked into the study, Gayatri invited Angad into the dining room.
Kripa closed the door behind her and looked at her father who was standing in front of the big family picture that was framed on the wall across from the door. He turned around and looked at her, smiled at her.
"I think you already know why I've called you in here. I wanted to talk to you alone about you moving in with Angad." Suryaban paused and looked at Kripa. He continued when she nodded. "I won't beat around the bush...I know we've given you the freedom to do what you want in your life. And you're old enough to make good decisions. So I want to ask you some things. Firstly, how is your relationship with Angad?"
Kripa smiled. "Honestly daddy...I'm glad I decided to give this relationship a chance. He treats me like a princess. He takes care of every small detail...my likes, my dislikes, what annoys me, what makes me happy...We understand each other very well. Both of us could feel the stress of not seeing each other much...and trust me...If he hadn't presented the idea of moving in together...I was going to. It's like...we're always on the same wavelength...just like you and mom."
Suryaban chuckled. "Oh there have been times when we were on different wavelengths by far...but that's what love is all about. You're supposed to compromise to find that wavelength where both of you can be happy. You give up a little; the other person gives up a little, but both of you gain something. And I'm glad that you and Angad are able to do that so early in your relationship. So...You two are serious about this relationship then? It's not what you kids call a 'fling' these days?"
"Not at all...for sure dad. I can't do flings. I get too emotionally involved for that. I am serious about this relationship. Even if you don't give us permission to move in together, we'll come up with another solution." Kripa smiled warmly at her father.
"Like I said...you have the freedom to do what you want. I'm just trying to give you some advice as a parent...as a friend. I mean...if you're not serious about the relationship, then why make yourself more prone to getting hurt, right? That's the last thing I want to see. My beautiful princess hurt."
Kripa gave her father a hug. "Thank you dad. Thanks for always supporting my decisions. Thank you for being my friend, my mentor. You're the best daddy ever! I love you!"
"I love you too sweetheart. And you are a great daughter...do you know why?" he went on when Kripa waited for his answer. "Because you respect your parents and don't lie to us. You could have easily said that he's your housemate and nothing else but no...You came to us and asked for permission...I really appreciate that. Thanks. Now let's go. I'm sure Angad is super nervous outside. He sounded nervous when he brought up the topic."
Once they got to the dining table, Kripa skipped ahead of her father and whispered the news in Angad's ear. In response, he cheered out loud in joy, and gave Kripa a hug, momentarily forgetting that her parents were witnessing everything. Once he pulled apart from the hug, kissed her forehead, and turned to her parents and thanked them both. The obvious pure joy on his face didn't escape Suryaban and Gayatri's eyes.
Over the dinner, the four discussed how Angad and Kripa were splitting the bills and such. Suryaban was pleased knowing that his daughter had thought of everything before deciding to ask him for permission.
Angad stayed overnight and spent the next day out with Kripa and her family, touring around Hamilton. During the interaction, Kripa's parents' liking for Angad increased even more. On Sunday evening when Angad and Kripa were leaving to go back to Toronto, Suryaban parted with them with the ever typical words an Indian father tells his son-in-law, even though Angad wasn't his son-in-law yet. However, in this scenario, the words came from Angad. After he parted from the fatherly hug he got from Suryaban, he looked at Kripa, then looked back at him and said, "I'll take good care of her. I promise."
Monday night, Angad and Kripa met at Kripa's house before going to Angad's house. Angad told Naina that Kripa's parents had given them permission to move in and as she had promised, Angad's mother happily gave them the permission to move in too. Dilip, Angad's father, didn't make an appearance as usual.
Tuesday Morning Angad called Rahul and Armaan to their favourite pub calling it an 'emergency meeting', asking them to be there by 7pm. Kripa called Anjali, Riddhima, Atul, and Muskaan to the same pub, asking them to be there by 7pm, calling it an 'urgent meeting'.
Tuesday evening 7pm in the pub, the table occupied by these eight young adults was quiet. Dead quiet.
Armaan, Riddhima, Anjali, Atul, Rahul, and Muskaan all stared at Angad and Kripa wide-eyed.
"Would you guys stop that? It's the only way!" Angad said, a little annoyed.
Rahul, Muskaan and Anjali relaxed a little, finally understanding. Armaan looked at Angad, seriously. "Angad...Kripa...are you guys absolutely sure?"
"yes" they both said, completely synchronized. Armaan also nodded and agreed.
"I can see why that's the choice you two made. It's hard for you to see each other regularly. It would be easier for you two if you just lived together." Armaan stated the obvious to which Angad and Kripa just shared a glance at each other and smiled at Armaan.
"But...what about Uncle and Aunty?" Riddhima interjected, aiming the question at Kripa, her usual sceptical self.
"They already know" Kripa said smugly. "as soon as Angad and I made the decision...we talked to the parents and they said they're alright with is as long as we're serious about each other and as long as we're ready to deal with the issues that come with living together..Although I don't think that we'll have any issues...We asked both our parents for permission before we decided to announce it to you guys."
Riddhima nodded. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach. How was it that she was best friends with Kripa?...Kripa who was so different from her. Kripa who did most of the things Riddhima wouldn't even dream of doing. And this was one of them: Living with a man without being married to him. But their parents had approved! There wasn't much Riddhima could say now.
"We're moving in this weekend...thank you all for volunteering to help with the move" Angad said and everyone rolled their eyes. "And to reward you guys for it...we're throwing a party on Saturday night." Now everyone was happy...well, almost everyone.
On the drive back with Armaan, Riddhima sat with her arms crossed, frowning. Armaan glanced her way a couple of times before deciding to ask.
"What's wrong?" Armaan asked.
"I can't believe they're moving in together. I don't understand why she's being so stupid!" Riddhima said with a tone that reminded him of a jealous, stubborn child.
"Stupid? " Armaan blurted before he could stop himself.
"Of course she's being stupid. She met this guy on a plane. On a plane! Like what? 4 months ago? And they've only really been together for a month and she's already moving in with him?! Don't you think that's stupid? It seems rushed to me."
Armaan scoffed. "Rushed? Riddhima...we're the last people who should be talking about rushed relationships. Don't forget that we didn't even really know each other for 24 hours and we got married..."
"That is different! And anyway...we see the consequences of that now." She looked out the window. Armaan shut up, frowned and continued driving to their house. Once he pulled into the driveway, he turned the car off but didn't unlock the doors. He looked at Riddhima.
"Yeah. We face the consequences now because mostly all the feelings, all the desires, and all the goals for this marriage are one sided. With Angad and Kripa, they're both willing to make it work. That is why for them, it's going to. And I wish you would look past what you want her to do and see how happy she is right now. I'm sure all she expects of her best friend is some support. Don't disappoint her like you've disappointed me."
Armaan unlocked the doors, got out and went into the house, leaving a shocked Riddhima who had anger building inside her. How dare he say she disappointed him? What had she done to deserve that from him? She got out of the car, slammed the door shut and went into the house after him, slamming that door too.
"I disappointed you?? I DISAPPOINTED YOU? What the hell have I done to disappoint you, huh? I married you. I left my parents for you! I live here with you! WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT FROM ME? AND WHAT ABOUT THE DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HAS COME FROM YOU?" She yelled at him.
"I have disappointed YOU?" Armaan retorted, not being able to stop himself. "Let me guess. I've disappointed because I try to make our marriage work? I've disappointed you because I try my best to keep you happy. I've disappointed you because I've been frustrated since any time things change between us; they're always for the worse? I've disappointed you because I've been sleeping on the couch ever since we've been married. I've disappointed you because I've pined for a genuine smile from you. I've disappointed you because I've put up all your tantrums and all of your complaints even when they're not valid!"
"Are you saying all this is MY fault??" Riddhima screamed at him.
"NO IM NOT! IM NOT SAYING THAT ALL THIS IS YOUR FAULT. IM SAYING THAT I'M TIRED OF YOU MAKING IT SEEM LIKE IT'S MY FAULT!" Armaan screamed back at her as well. At his tone and the loudness of his voice, Riddhima recoiled and her eyes filled with tears. Armaan ran his palms along his face in frustration, forcing himself to calm down.
Once he was calm, he looked at Riddhima. "Look I'm sorry for screaming at you. But all Kripa wants from you is some support. She didn't agree with you marrying someone you didn't know but you married me anyway...and she supported you then...it's your duty as a friend to support her now but you're not. You're being sceptical. You're telling her that whatever she feels, whatever she has decided is wrong...and that's not right Riddhima." He held her shoulders lightly. "Just try to see this from her perspective."
"SEE WHAT I MEAN. YOU'RE TELLING ME IM THE BAD PERSON IN THIS STORY." Riddhima screamed, "LET GO OF ME!"
Armaan still held her shoulders gently, trying to reason with her. "Look Riddhima...Please try and underst—"His next sentence was interrupted by the slap that came from Riddhima. She jerked his hands off of her shoulder. "I SAID LET GO OF ME!"
Armaan was shocked. He stood in front of her, looking at her face, trying to search the innocent and kind woman he'd seen what he had first met her. She glared back at him. A silence lasted for a couple of seconds until a knock on the door interrupted it.
It was then that Riddhima realized that she'd just slapped him. Before she could apologize, Armaan went to the door quietly and opened it to reveal the biggest shock of the day. The parents. All four of them.
"Armaan!!" Billy called out to his son and gave him a hug. Armaan touched his mother's feet and gave her a hug too before touching his in laws' feet. Riddhima followed a similar pattern except when she got to her mother; Riddhima couldn't help herself and ended up crying.
Armaan was mortified. If his wife cried like that now, it made it look as if he wasn't taking care of her. Concerned, the parents sat down in the living room, while Riddhima ended up sitting between her mother and Armaan.
"What's wrong sweetie? What's the matter?" Padma asked, clearly worried. "What happened, Armaan?" she asked.
Armaan didn't have to feign the shock and surprise; he was actually surprised at her reaction. "I—I actually don't know...she was alright just a few minutes ago...she was her regular self."
Billy looked at his son and then at daughter-in-law who was now dabbing at her tears. She chuckled through her tears. "Nothing's wrong mom...I just didn't realize how much I've missed you until I saw you."
Everyone but Armaan chuckled a little. Armaan let out a sigh of relief, and the action was caught by Billy. It was then that he noticed that Armaan's one cheek was redder in hue than the other.
"What happened to your cheek?" Avantika, Armaan's mother, beat Billy to the question.
Riddhima's head jerked in Armaan's direction, and then Riddhima looked away embarrassed. Armaan touched his cheek and checked his fingers as if the redness would rub off on the fingers. Billy connected the dots and came to the rescue.
"Oh come on yaar...you're asking a married man why his cheek is red? Save the kids the embarrassment." Billy lightened the atmosphere.
Armaan looked at his father and smiled. Billy smiled knowingly. Armaan blinked rapidly to hide his tears. And Billy knew that the smile was forced. Right away, Billy knew that Armaan and Riddhima were having troubles in their relationship.
Hey guys! here you go!!! hope you like it! Sorry for the delay in updates...busyyy (insanely) with school, thanks guys. love you all!
-Ekta
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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