Angreji babu desi mem-AK & MS FF-Epilogue-05-22-12 - Page 9

PART – 17

Back to Mahi Shabd, they were busy feeding eachother……..

M: Shabd, mujhe niche to uttarne do……She said chuckling, when he held her tight to him, sitting on the sofa……Shabd shook his head and kept feeding her grapes as he ate one in between……

S: Subah se jakar, abhi haath mein ayi ho……aise kaise chod dun……Aaab kal subah tak kahin nahi jaogi…..aise hi mere paas baithi rahogi……Mahi chuckled, putting her head on his chest……..Pata hai, pura din aaj tumhe kitna miss kiya…….Ek chapter bhi thik se padh nahi saka……He said grinning……Mahi looked at him with a frown…..

M: Phd degree ka kya hoga…….khwab to badi badi dekhte ho……pura karne ke liye mehnat lagti hai……

S: Are yaar Mahi, sare romantic baton par tumne to pani pher diya……yahan mein tumhe miss karne ki baat kar raha tha…..apni biwi ko pyar karne ki soch raha tha…..aur tum ho ki……

Mahi grinned at him……

M: Mr. Ashique…..honey moon khatam ho gaya hai……Come back to real world……Kuch karenge nahi to age kaise badhenge…….

S: Age badhne ke liye hi to tumhe khila raha tha…..he said kissing her ears……Mahi chuckled…..

M: Shabd, tum bhi na…..but then hugged him……Shabd carried her to their bedroom and they were lost in eachother……..

Next day Kripa met everyone for breakfast early morning……There were only 7 people from their group plus Tanya……Others left the night before as they had other commitments….…She was dressed in casual jeans and shirts…..Everyone was surprised to see her in jeans, because she rarely wore them…..

P: Vow…..Tum Kripa hi ho na? He asked raising his eyebrows and chuckling…..

Al: Kripa…..kuch gaa ke sunao, taki hume pata chale ki tum Kripa ho ya Mahi.……..everyone chuckled at that, but Kripa blushed a little…… kya pata, mein to aaj bhi confuse ho jati hun, tumhe aur Mahi ko pehchanane mein……Abhi bhi aise laga, mano tum nahi Mahi hai humare bich…..pata nahi ye bhai aur Prithvi itne achi tarah kaise pehechan lete hai……she said winking at Josh…..

Josh chuckled…….

J: Aab beautiful say to kaam nahi chalega…..hi georgeous…..he said winking at her…..

Kripa blushed……She did not know why she had bought the pant, but she thought it will be a little change, and good for sight seeing………

Prithvi grinned…..

T: You look wonderful Kripa…..baitho to…..khadi kyun ho…..she said smiling…..

H: Kripa, tumhare figure ke liye to jeans is the best……You really look good in it……

K: Thanks everyone……aab meri baat ho gayi ho to kuch khakar bahar nikle……..she said grinning…….They ordered what they wanted and had their breakfast deciding where to go………

They decided to go to Navy pier and a boat ride……..They caught 2 cabs and reached Navy pier soon enough……They walked by the huge lake and rode some rides…..Looked at the beautiful glass paintings and other mueseums…….Had fun with some shows going on…….Then after having lunch caught a hour long boat ride……They then went on Sear's tower to see the city from the top……They walked through the downtown doing some shoping and then finally had lunch in a Indian restaurant and came back to their hotel…….They all sat for some time in the sitting area downstairs, having some drinks……

J: Hey why don't we play in the pool for some time…..Josh suggested…..

P: Count me in…..

Al: Me too….and all except Kripa joined in……They looked at Kripa……She looked at them all a little embarrassed….

K: Sorry, I don't know swimming……she said shrugging……and I never went in a pool before……Everyone looked at her with eyebrows up…..Kripa chuckled….Tum saab jao…..

P: Kripa, don't be a spoil sport……Aur waise bhi hum wahan sirf tairne thodi na ja rahe hain…..

T: Haan Kripa, I am not a good swimmer either….Mein to 3 feet pani ke upar jati bhi nahi hun…..Chalo majja ayega…….

K: Really Tanya…..tum log jao…..Mein thak gayi hun…... she said smiling at them……

J: You sure? You can just watch us……Kripa shook her head……At last they agreed and let her go…….

But Josh ran behind her and caught her before she went to her room……

J: Kripa ek minute…..Are you still upset by what happened…..Look, you don't have to worry…..I will talk to mom soon, I promise……He said looking at her with a frown……Kripa looked up startled……Yeah, she had been distracted most of the day, but not due to him…..

K: Nahi Josh aisi koi baat nahi hai…..

J: Phir aaj pura din itna pareshan lag rahi thi……Is there some other problem…..Look, if you need help, I will always be there for you as a friend……He said putting a hand on her shoulder…….Kripa looked up with tears and nodded……

K: Thanks….I will keep that in mind….She said hugging him……Josh was surprised at this gesture, but smiled and nodded……Bye, good night…..

J: Good night……he said sighing and walking away…..

Kripa kept staring at him till he disappeared, wondering about his caring nature……….Then she sighed and walked to her room and closed the door with a sigh.……She took a shower and slowly wrapped her self in the robe……Tomorrow, Angad would be gone……This thought kept coming to her from time to time today and made her sad…..and now, as she thought about it, her eyes filled with tears……Her heart was hurting and she knew it was her own doing…..She was the one who fell in love and she was the one who would have to bare the concequences……She hugged the pillow tightly, remembering Angad……his smile……..She had seen anger in his eyes, pain as well as desperation………She felt as if he loved her too, still he had kept away……..Was it her wishful thinking that was seeing things, that weren't there at all, or……...Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and she looked at the direction……She ignored it thinking whoever it was would go away, but there was a impatient knock again and she got up a little reluctantly..…….She wiped her eyes and looked at her robe and sighed…..She started going to the bathroom to change, when the knock came again…..Kripa sighing opened the door, hinding a little behind, so she could say who ever was on the door, to wait for few minutes……But as soon as she opened the door, she could do nothing but stare….…..

K: Angad? She whishpered…….She could not believe that he was here…….Her eyes filled with tears, but she looked away……

Angad looked at her…..

A: Hi……Can I come in…..he asked looking in her eyes…..

K: Woh mein…..she hesitated a little…..Mein change kar lun…..bas do minute……she said looking at him……Angad slowly nodded…..Kripa closed the door, looking at him once more……As soon as she closed the door, she leaned on it and closed her eyes……her hands shaking a little…..Why was he here?…….The question both excited and frightened her……She quickly went in the bathroom and changed her clothes and opened the door with shivering hands…….Angad was not there…..she frowned thinking if she just imagined him and looked around and then found him at the other end of the hall, looking out…….She softly called him, and he turned around…….Their gaze met as he walked towards her without breaking the contact……She moved a little away, and let him in nervously, staring at him with disbelief…….This would be the first time, she let any one in her room……Her dad did not liked it and she always met anyone who came downstairs in their presence or outside the house…….Her heart beat loudly at the thought of Angad being so close……..She closed the room and walked behind him……He looked around for a second before stopping……Slowly he turned around and looked at Kripa……Their eyes met and they could not look away…….

Angad could not hold for much longer and suddenly pulled her in his arms and hugged her tightly……These last two days were pure torture……He had tried to stop himself, tried to reason for his restlessness, tried to reason why he did not like to see Kripa in someone elses arms……tried to think about what he was feeling……but only answer he got is, he was not ready to let her go…..He wanted her to himself…..If that was love, then so be it…..Yes,he was in love…...and it felt like heaven in her arms……He closed his eyes and smelled her kissing her neck and shoulder, holding on to her tightly………She can't be some one else……She was his and no one had right on her other than him……..He thought hugging her tightly……

Kripa on the other side was stunned……..She did not even dared to hope that he loved her, but here he was holding her in his arms…..Was she dreaming or was it real……She was surely confused now…….She tried to calm her self and feel his strong arms around her…….She tried to make sense of what was happening……Her hands went behind and tightened on him……touching his back, trying to know that this was real………Her eyes filled with tears after a few minutes when she was sure he was here……and that too for her………She knew he loved her………Or else, he would not fly so far just to be with her, before he left………But, he can't go!! She thought, panicked a little………How could she stay away from him for months and months after this……No, she would stop him……….But, then she knew he would hate her, if she did……..Her eyes once again filled with tears and she hid her face in his chest, as she felt his lips on her neck and shoulders……..She shivered a little at his gentle touch………She unknowingly started kissing his chest and her hands moved on his back involuntarily……..Angad stilled for a second, he held her tightly and then suddenly loosened his arms and looked at Kripa…….Her eyes were closed and her head was covered with light sweat beads…….Tears still adored her cheeks.…….He kissed them slowly, then dropping gentle kisses over her forehead, eyes, noes and then looked at her lips…….Suddenly, he could not stop himself……He touched his lips to hers and kissed her……….Kissed her till her legs gave her away…….Kripa's hands slipped in his shirt and Angad could not think any thing other than Kripa and what she was doing to him……..He pulled her down with him on the bed and started kissing her neck, touching her arms, shoulders and face restlessly……..They both lost themselves in eachother until it was too late to hold back……..They thought of nothing, except eachother, felt nothing except eachother's touch…….! They were in their old world, making up for the torture they had gone through, until they both were totally exhausted………

After a long time, they lay there in eachothers arms, too shocked to think what had just happened…….Kripa was just beyond shocked………She could not believe that she had lost her senses this way and broke her parents trust……….How could she face them now………It was so difficult…….They have not even confessed till now, and here they were lying in eachothers arms………His hands moved up and down her back and she shivered……He looked down with a smile…….Kripa felt too shy to even look at him……..Angad slowly made her look up and she looked at him shyly, her cheeks red…….Angad chuckled a little touching her red cheeks………He slowly turned towards her and bought her lips once again to his…..Kripa had no power to stop him…….Two years of constant torture had made her as restless as he was………She had loved him and now he was her life………..She felt his hand traveling down and she chuckled shyly hugging him…….

After about 3-4 hours, they both fell asleep exhausted…….It was early morning, when Kripa opened her eyes and looked around……The bed was empty…….she heard the shower running and then after couple of minutes, Angad came out with a towel around his waist……..She shyly looked down, covering her self with the blanket……..Angad looked at her and slowly dressed him self……..Their eyes met constantly for a few minutes…….Once ready, Angad went and sat next to Kripa and kissed her forehead and her lips, smiling at her……..

A: Kripa, mein yahan aya tha, tumhe sirf itna batane ki mein tumse pyar karta hun……I love you and I can't see you with anyone else…….And now I am sure of your feelings too……You love me too…….right? He asked looking at her…….kripa nodded shyly…….Aise nahi, bolkar kar kaho……Kripa shyly looked down…….Angad waited for her……Slowly she looked at him……

K: I love you…..Angad…..She said, her cheeks red…..

A: I love you too…..he whispered kissing her lips…….Ajj ye jo bhi hua, I never thought to go so forward with our relationship……I had just come here to tell you to wait for me, because I love you…..to tell you that I want to make you my life partner…….My dreams will never be complete, without you in my life……… I won't be able to live without you besides me..……I never dreamed that we would end up together this way today…… But I am happy, because now you are mine……No one can take you away from me……You belong to me…….Only me……he said hugging her……..Kripa sighed with pleasure at his words and hugged him……It felt so good to hear from him at last…….

K: I am happy too Angad…….Mein ne sirf tumse pyar kiya hai……To kisi aur ki kaise houngi……..she whishpered………Angad smiled and looked at her, putting her hairs away behind her ears……

A: But I have to go Kripa…….I love you…….but for now, my career is more important to me…….I don't want to marry just yet…….I don't want any kind of responsibility yet……..If we marry now, our expectations from eachother will also increase……..Aur mein tumhe woh samay de nahi paunga, jo tum mujh se expect karogi, shadi ke baad……..I need time, I need to reach my goals……achive success.…Jab se chota tha, tab se ek hi khwab tha…..I want to reach the skies…..I want to be successful…..Kabhi kisi aur ke bare mein socha hi nahi mein ne……And I know, I need to concentrate and give my 100% attention to it without worrying about anything else...I know, You will understand me much better than anyone else, because you know me, and you too dream to be a well known singer one day……These next few years will give us both time to achieve those goals, make our careers...….And now it is more important to me than ever, because I want to give you every thing you would ever wish for…….Finally when we will marry, we will have everything we will ever wish for……I will be able to spend time with you and be there for you and love you as you deserve……..and I am sure you would want to achieve success as well…….Agar abhi shadi karenge, then I am sure we will never be happy with what we can give eachother at this stage……..So, I need your support…….I want you to wait for me…….Wait for us…….I promise, I will make you my bride as soon as I reach my goals…….He said looking at her……..

Kripa looked down sadly…..She knew, he was a big dreamer…….He would not stay still till he achieved everything he wished for……But, it still pained to know, that his career was more important to him than her…..She knew she was being childish…..Yeah, he was right, once we love some one, our expectations grow……..She sighed and made her heart strong and nodded……..

K: Par mein papa se kya kahungi Angad…….She said slowly looking at him…….

A: Kripa, keh dena ki you want to be the best and I have no doubt you will be one of the best in the music industry….Mujh jaise ladke ko, jissi hindi gane bilkul bhi ache nahi lagte, usse bhi tumne apni awaj se apni jaal mein jakad liya, so I am sure there are people, who would go crazy just to hear you sing……He said chuckling….kripa chuckled a little sadly……Hey……I know it is difficult……but it is just for few years…..may be two at the most..……not more than that…..I promise……he said holding her cheeks…….Aur ek promise chaahiye tumse…….Kripa looked at him and waited…….Mein do saal ke liye London shift ho raha hun……I will rarely have time to talk to you, as I have all my schedules and meetings lined up and I am so busy, that I won't be able to call you much…….Par iska matlab ye mat nikalna ki mein tumhe bhul gaya... …He said looking at her……Kripa's eyes widened and she was about to say some thing, when he stopped her…..Please, meri baat suno…….I need to achive the desired target as soon as I can, and for that I need to do this……..Agar baki baton mein time nikalunga, to aur der ho jayegi, aur mein itne din tumse dur nahi reh paunga……Aur baar baar tumse baat karta rahunga, to kaam mein dhyan nahi lagega mera…….he said chuckling..…tumhari yaad satati rahegi, mujhe distract karegi……aur baar baar tumhare paas ane ki chah hogi…..to kaam kaise kar paunga…..he said winking……Issiliye shift hokar jald se jald ye pura karke, tumhare paas humesha ke liye lautna chahta hun……. He said kissing her forehead……..

Haan shadi kar ke ja sakte hain, par tum wahan bilkul akeli ho jaogi…..kyun ki mein pure 12-14 ghanton tak office mein rahunga…..aur mein nahi chahta ki hum iss tarah se apni nayi zindagi ki shuruwat kare……I promise, this will be my last assignment outside US and when I come back, it will be for marrying you and settling for ever……..It's a scout honor, that I will never be unfaithful to you and will wait for the day, when we will marry at last……..Issiliye, apne iss target ko jald se jald pane ke liye, humme ye karna hoga Kripa…….This is the life time opportunity I have been looking for and If I am successful, I will get everything I ever dreamed of…….Kripa's eyes filled with tears and flowed down her cheeks..

A: Hey……I love you very much Kripa.…..Jitna mushkil yeh tumhare liye hain, ussase kayin jyada mere liye hai, kyun ki tumne mere dil mein who ehsaas jagaya hai jo aaj se pehle kabhi nahi mehsus ki mein ne………. par apne bhavishya ke liye, we need to wait a little longer……Kaho Kripa, karogi na mere liye itna…….he said wiping her tears and looking at her……...Promise karo tum wait karogi mera…….Aur iss tarah rokar nahi haskar apne din katogi, jaise humesha katati ho..…..he said showing her his hand……Kripa slowly kept her hand in his…….His dreams should be her dreams……right ? So, she needed to do this…..But why were her hands shivering……..She felt as if he had given her so much happiness and again taking it away……But, he had just asked her to wait for few years……Couldn't she do this much for him…….He had a right to fulfill his dreams just like she had…….And if this was his condition then so be it…….She knew, that if her dad came to know that she and Angad loved eachother, then he would want them to get married soon, then what would she tell him………But she needed to find a way now and she would do it…….For Angad and for her………She would support Angad in his dreams……..!

K: I promise Angad…..Tum jaisa chaho waisa hi hoga……I will wait for you……Mein prarthana karungi, ki tumhe kamyabi mile, tumhare sare sapne pure ho…….Tum Jab bhi aaoge, mujhe tumhare liye intajaar karte hue paooge…….I belong only to you…...She said smiling at him…….Angad smiled looking in her eyes and caressed her cheeks……..He looked down and Kripa quickly gathered her blanket up, which she had forgotten, a little shyly…….

A: Thanks Kripa…...I owe you my dreams and I promise, I will be back soon…….He said hugging her and kissing her ears……Slowly he parted and looked at her……..To mein chalun…….He whispered……

K: Itni jaldi…..

A: 8 baje ki flight hai meri London ke liye yahin se, abhi 4 baje hain…….Nikalna hoga……he said kissing her cheeks…..not wanting to let go……Yeh mera personal email id hai……Kuch jaroori baat ho to mail kar dena…..Kripa nodded…...She hugged him tightly closing her eyes as tears flowed down her cheeks…..Aise roti rahogi to apne sapne kaise pura kar paunga Kripa…….Mein chahta hun ki mein duniya ki sari khushiyan tumhe lake dun..…..Please, aise nahi haske vida karo……I promise, ane ke baad sari shikayat dur karunga tumhari……..He said hugging her……Kripa smiled wiping her face and nodded……..

After couple of minutes, Angad got up……They looked at eachother again and he kissed her forehead and with a smile, left the room……Closing it slowly behind him……..Kripa sat there stunned……He was gone…..just like that……after what they had just shared together…….she closed her eyes…….It felt so odd……That she had shared so intimate moments with him, out of the wed lock……She felt shy like a new bride at the same time felt guilty…….She had not once stopped him……And now he was gone…..taking a promise, which was so very difficult to actually maintain…….How could she stay away from him for 2 years…..And he said he was shifting there…..!! What was she going to tell her parents…..? It was easy for him to say what he said, and it felt easy when he said it……but, now that she thought about it, it was so difficult to actually do it……

After an hour or so, she met Prithvi and others downstairs……Josh noticed her silence, but kept quite…….She was too pre-ocupied in her own thoughts..…..They all had their breakfast and started back to airport……..

Kripa came back home till around 9, with heavy heart.…..She told her mom she had an head ache and ran up and covered herself……….She needed time to accept what happened yesterday………She knew she made a mistake………and she was not sure how she would face her parents…….She felt her mom coming in between and keeping her hands on her forehead and then covering her couple of times……..She just kept her eyes closed, not wanting to face her yet……..

After couple of days, Kripa composed herself as Gayatri and Gauri constantly questioned her, about why she looked so tired and if there was some thing that was bothering her……She assured them that she was fine and started her classes regularly…...She felt guilty, but this was not something, she could talk to them or even Mahi……It felt so odd…..that she had jumped into relationship with Angad even before they confessed about their love for eachother……Yeah from last 2 years she was in love with him and they were attracted to eachother, but still it was no basis to jump in a relationship……Angad did not think much of it, because she knew he was grown up here and knew this type of attraction and relationship was common here and so did not make a big deal of it and went his way, though with a promise to come back to her……She knew he would keep his promise….…But she could not dismiss what they shared just like that……She was well aware of her mistakes, because this type of relationship without wedlock were not approved and considered inappropriate in their culture……She had trust in Angad, his words and his love, but some where in her heart she feared about it as well……His thoughts and her thoughts about life differed a lot, even though they were attracted to eachother…….What if ? She shook her head at the train of her thoughts…..No, she would not think about it…..She should have faith in her love and she would fulfill her promise and wait for him…..They did not have any program for next couple of months, so she relaxed back a little…….

Prithvi on the other side took Tanya home and introduced her to his parents…….They liked Tanya imidiately and went to talk to her parents, when Prithvi told them that he wished to marry her…….Soon, their marriage was fixed……Kripa thought Angad might come to his brother's wedding, but unfortunately he had two major deals to go through and had to cancel at the last moment on his partners request as they were too important to start their business in Europe and they were very reputed game development companies, which had lots of demand in this generation…….Angad had reluctantly stopped, but soon was engrossed in the business……He kept remembering Kripa once in a while and was tempted to call her, but did not……And further he was too busy with going through company details and office set up, before he employed new employees for the companies he got deal for…..He had two persons to help him hire people as well as a secretary…….He was fully, day and night immersed in files, meetings and contracts…..not to mention employees biodatas and interviews……He was too tired after 16-18 hours of work, and he had a room above his office itself, so, he did not even need to go far to crash on bed……

Prithvi, Dilip and Naina were very upset with Angad……They had hoped he would come…..But, then accepted it……Everyone knew about Angad's dreams and his hard work, they hoped some day, he would care and be with his family and enjoy life as them, instead of being so career minded.…..And Kripa, she was shattered as well……She was so looking forward to this meeting, atleast they could talk and spend some time together if he would come……Her inner fears would be assured as well.…..It was a month and a half, from the day they had parted in Chicago……Prithvi was upset too, but was happy to unite with his high school sweet heart and was looking forward to their life ahead……He was planning to go full time in music with Kripa, as he had earned a lot of fame along with Kripa…….Though till now they had been struggling, doing couple of film contracts which were not so hit, he and Kripa had got some film contract from a very well known directors recently after they had given audition 4-5 months back, so they were planning to leave for California for their recordings soon…..Tanya was also accompanying them……They would have to stay there for 3-4 months at least and they were looking forward to this opportunity……This would be a major break for them, as they would be working with reputed Indian music directors and singers………They even had a show in New york next week, after which they were planning to go to California…….Suryabhan had already given permission to Kripa and she was looking forward to go……Kripa had already notified the parents of her students about this and they had wished her luck and said they would wait for her to continue her classes….…Kripa's parents still wished that Kripa would say yes for Josh's marriage proposal…..They were waiting, as Josh's mother was not well and was undergoing surgery in New York…..

G: Kripa, tumhara phone hai…..

K: Kaun hai bhabhi…..

G: Josh hai Kripa…..pata nahi kuch upset lag raha hai…….Kripa frowned and ran down to take the call……

K: Hello…..

J: Kripa…..Josh…..

K: Josh…..saab thik to hai na…..

J: No, Kripa…..Nothing is alright……he said with heavy heart……Can you come to NY…….

K: Kya hua Josh……she asked concerned now……Josh had never been any thing but cheerful…….

J: My mom wants to meet you…….As soon as possible……Please, mana mat karna Kripa…..Just once…..I couldn't tell her about us…..and now it is too late…..

K: Kya matalab too late Josh…..Kripa asked frowning…..her hands shaking a little……

J: Don't ask me any thing Kripa…..please, as a friend, ek baar aa jao yahan……I will forever be indebted to you…..He said closing his eyes……Kripa frowned…..

K: Thik hai josh…..But I have to book my flight….

J: Meine kar diye hain……It is after two hours……

Kripa looked at the phone stunned……..

K: Par Josh, papa se puchna padega……Gauri looked at Kripa with eyebrows up…….She had stopped to see everything was ok or not….Kripa looked at Gauri….Ek min Josh……Bhabhi, Josh abhi NY ane ke liye keh raha hai……immediately …..Mama papa bhi nahi hai…..She asked worried…..Gauri took the phone from her……

G: Josh, Kya baat hai…..aise achanak……

J: Mom's health is detoriating and she wanted to meet Kripa…….He said emotionally…….Gauri took a deep breathe and closed her eyes…..She has very little time, Gauri and she wants to meet Kripa once…..

G: Thik hai Josh, mein Kripa ko bhejti hun……She said, how could she no at this moment, she was sure Gayatri and Surya would understand…..

J: Thanks Gauri……Kripa se kehna mein airport aa jaunga…..Uske email id par uske tickets bheje hain meine……

G: Thik hai…..

J: Thanks….mein rakhta hun…..

Gauri kept the phone and looked at Kripa…..

G: You should go Kripa, mein mama papa ko bata dungi…….Josh ki ma ki tabiyat bahot kharab hai…..bahot pareshan lag raha tha……Kripa looked down and nodded…….She quickly downloaded her boarding pass, while Gauri packed her bag with few clothes and then she took sleeping Sneha and buckled her in the carseat and took Kripa to the airport……..Once Kripa checked in and went to board the flight, Gauri left for home……

Kripa reached NY soon…….Josh was waiting outside for her……He looked absolutely worn out…..Kripa went to him with concern…

K: Josh…..She asked looking at him stunned to see him…..he had black circles around his eyes, beard was grown…..he was thiner than before and he looked absolutely tired……

J: Hi Kripa……Kaisi ho….? He asked trying to smile…..but then looked away as tears formed his eyes…..

K: Meri baat chodo Josh…..tumne ye kya halat bana rakha hai apna…….Kya hua Aunty ko…..She asked concerned…..

J: She is dying Kripa……he said flatly, not able to look at her……Kripa looked at him stunned…….

K: Par, yeh saab……Aliyah ne last week phone par kaha ki unka surgery achi tarah hua……

J: Hua tha, par complications aa gaye…….Kripa had tears in her eyes and she went and hugged Josh…….Josh hugged her back, taking comfort in her friendhip……Sorry, tumhe aise yahan bulaya…….I know it was a short notice……

K: Koi baat nahi Josh…..chale….

Josh nodded and they walked out…….

J: Woh Kripa, I did not clarify about us to her……Woh ma abhi yeh hi samajhti hai ki, I love you and want to marry you and she is still waiting, for your dads acceptance…….Aur aab mein unhe batana nahi chahta……..I don't want to give her any more pain, than she already has…….She just wanted to meet you once before…..he said choking a little……

Kripa nodded…..her eyes filling with tears…….

K: Doctor ne kya kaha? Yahan to dur dur se log ate hain apna ilaj karane, phir ye…..

J: Some times, it is not in doctors hands too Kripa…….He said sighing, opening the car door for her…….

Kripa sat their sadly……..

J: Aur ek baat, Aliyah ki shadi ho gayi Shabeer ke sath…..Kripa looked up stunned…..

K: Itni jaldi…..?

J: Haan, ma ke liye……He said smiling sadly……They did registered marriage…….Kripa nodded…….

They reached the hospital soon……..Their they learned that his mom had taken worst turn and was taken in ICU…….They met Josh's uncle, who was a heart surgeon, and he said Aliyah and Shabeer had left a while back after Aliyah was on the verge of break down…….Josh sat their tensed as doctors were doing everything in their power to save her……..After 2-3 hours of struggle, she was stabilized a little……Kripa sat their with Josh quietly, holding his hands…….She could not imagine what he was going through……What Aliyah was going through……It must be so hard to see her struggle this way…….His uncle Mr. Ishaan Saxena, asked them to go meet her after she was out of immediate danger…….He patted his nephews shoulders with tears in his eyes and nodded to him to go in……Though Josh's mom Smriti and Ishaan were cousins, they had very good bond……And Ishaan felt helpless, because he was a heart surgeon, still was unsuccessful to save his own sister…….

Part-18

They soon walked in together…..Josh was too chocked to see his mom covered with so many tubes and his mother lay their lifeless…..Only sign that she was alive, were the beeping monitors……Kripa looked at her shocked……She had met his mom many times and she was a very lively lady with lots of stories to tell from Indian epics……she kept the conversation live with endless tales and laughter…..But today she looked so lifeless……Her eyes filled with tears as well……It was so cruel of nature to take such a person away from the kids…….May they be of any age, they still needed their mother……..She looked at Josh, who was staring at his mother as tears flowed from his eyes……She slowly went to him and held his arms, encouraging him to go forward…….But as soon as they went near, Kripa started feeling nausues, due to strong medicine smells and her hands tightened on his arms and slowly she started hitting the ground…….Josh frowned at Kripa and caught her tightly before she hit the floor…….

J: Kripa……Josh lifted her with a frown…He took her out and made her sit on the chair, but Kripa was unconcious……The nurse as well as Josh's uncle was by her side immediately……They checked her pulse and took her in another room for checking her up……Josh frowned at Kripa…….He looked at his uncle with concern…..After initial check up, he let Josh know that she was alright, but was pregnant……Josh was shocked to hear it, he knew Kripa loved someone, but never did he imagine that she had gone so far with their relationship…….Especially Kripa who was so trational and cultural……After few minutes he walked out after looking at unconscious Kripa…….

He called Shabeer and asked how Aliyah was doing and Shabeer assured him that she was ok…...Josh knew by Shabeer's voice that Aliyah was still down…….They never dreamed that their mom would leave them so soon……But here they were, watching her die each minute……..He looked at Kripa from outside and sighed…….She needed to know and contact the guy she loved soon…….He knew her dad was very strict and would burst out, if he comes to know about this…….He did not even know who the person was and Kripa had never told him…..He had not forced her to, as it was her life……Yeah, he liked her and loved her, but it was one sided and he had accepted that a very very long time ago……Now she was just his friend……..He did not know, how Aliyah had got hold of those photos and told his mother about his crush……The photos were from Kripa's first show that he had taken couple years back..…..But then once he knew that Kripa wasn't interested in anything further than friendship, he had accepted it…..But his mom was over the top……She had liked the Sharma family from the start and was looking forward to join the family together, with this marriage……

He went back and looked at his mother….He slowly held her cold delicate hand……His eyes filled with tears……She had been a loving mother all through her life……Fulfilling their everywish all alone…….She had sacrificed and raised them all alone……But now when she needed them, they were sitting here helpless……They were not even able to save her…….He kept his head on the bed, near her waist and wept for a long time……A hand on his shoulder bought him back……He looked up at his uncle who patted him on his shoulder…….

I: Don't make things worse for her, by shedding your tears before her, Josh……She wants you to see happy…..that is the reason she asked you to call Kripa……Josh looked at him and wiped his tears and nodded…..He already had told Ishaan about his and Kripa's relationship and that Kripa loved some one else…..It was Ishaan's idea to not to tell her and let her be happy before her last breathe…….

Josh slowly walked out and asked him about Kripa……….

I: She is fine, may be the smell of medicines made her nauseus and she passed out…….She is back to earth and I think very much tensed, if I can guess it…..He said patting his shoulders……

Josh nodded….

J: I will be with Kripa, if you need me……Ishaan nodded and went away……..

Josh slowly walked to Kripa's room and Kripa looked away a little embarrassed……Her hands were shivering a little…….She could not believe that she was pregnant……She had never thought she would be in this situation, actually she had completely overlooked this complication, not once thinking about it……..And Josh was the first one to know…….That made it so much more difficult…….He was already very much worried for his mother and she had added herself in the list…….And further, he was some one who loved her as well, though it was not returned…..…And now, she was too numb to even feel anything……What was she going to tell her mom……..Her dad……Pratham……No, for now, she needed to tell Angad, may what so it be, he needed to know……She could not face her parents this way and that too alone……And, he knowing from his parents would be worst…..How would she tell his parents……It was so difficult to do it...She could not do anything, before talking to Angad.….She knew, only Angad could assure them and their marriage could be the solution to it…….But, she was still verymuch guilty and dreaded the thought of her parents finding out…….

J: Kripa, yeh usika baby hai na, jisasse tum chahti ho…..? He asked slowly……Kripa swallowed and nodded, without looking at him……Kripa, this is 21^st centuary……..There are hundred of teenagers who get pregnant here……You don't have to feel guilty……This is the baby of the person you love and hopefully the person who loves you……He loves you…..Doesn't he? He asked frowning a little, last time he asked, she wasn't sure of it and he hoped atleast now she was .…..Kripa again nodded sniffing and blinking back her tears…….You are matured, big enough for the responsibility and would love this baby for sure……..Then there is no problem at all……Tum usse abhi phone karke bulao……I am sure he will be with you, if he loves you……You can get married and all your problems will be solved……Kripa was silent for a long time……When Josh thought she would not say anything else, she spoke again….

K: Tumhari ma kaisi hai Josh…..Don't worry about me…..mein thik hun…..She said looking at him slowly…..She needed to face up the concequences her self for what she did…….For the mistakes she made…….

J: She is ok for now…..he said looking at her……How are you feeling? Kripa just nodded……Aao tumhe ghar le jata hun……

K: No Josh, mein koi hotel mein thehar jaungi……

J: Kripa……My uncle has a house here, and Aliyah and Shabeer are there too……And you are here because of me…..Though, if you want to go back, then I will book your flight……Mein samajh sakta hun, ki iss samay tum pareshan ho……If you need any help…..

K: Nahi Josh, tum ne kaha na ki aunty mujh se milna chahti hai, then I won't go till I meet her…..I am sorry, meri wajah se tumhe yahan takleef hui, tum pehle hi itna pareshan ho, aur uss par…..

J: Don't be stupid Kripa, we are friends……..Tumhe agar kuch madad chahiye to please don't hesitate…….He said going to her and patting her hands…..

K: Thanks Josh…..

J: Kripa, kya mein jaan sakta hun ki woh khush kismet insan hai kaun? Kripa looked down and slowly shook her head…….

K: Once he is ready to accept me infront of everyone you will know……

J: Par ye secret kyun…..Is there some thing you are hiding…..Are you in some kind of trouble Kripa…..Or…..

K: Nahi Josh, aisa kuch nahi hai……It's just that we have our own priorities set and we wanted to keep mum about all this, till we achieve our goals…..But, I know this changes everything…..Mein aaj baat karungi ussase……Josh nodded letting it go……He did not want to preassure her……It was her decision…….

Josh's phone started ringing and he saw it was from Kripa's house……Josh looked at Kripa and showed her the phone………Kripa's eyes widened and she shook her head……

K: Please, Josh….I need time……Tum baat kar lo…..She said, closing her eyes…..She was distracted from her current situation for some time, but it came back to her again making her tensed all over……

Josh nodded and took the call, telling Kripa's parents that Kripa had reached and he would ask her to call after some time…..They asked him about his mom and he emotionally updated on her condition……They were shocked and Surya tried to console him……Atlast, after few minutes they kept the phone…….

Josh took Kripa home and Kripa met Aliyah, who was as distressed as Josh……Kripa hugged her and tried to console her…….It was so ironic……They were losing their mother and she was going to be a mother soon……But both were tensed and sad…….She because she was guilty of commiting some mistakes out of wed lock and for their future……If Angad would have been here, and married her instead, this would have been their most joyful day…..But Angad wasn't here……She was all alone in this situation…….

Shabeer took Aliyah to their room after some time on Josh's request and Josh took Kripa to show her her room……

K: Josh, do you have pc…..I need to send a email…..She said slowly…..

J: Of course Kripa…..He bought a pc and set it up on the table…..Mein hospital ja raha hun……I will come back and pick you, if mom comes out and wishes to meet u, if it is alright with you…..

K: Thik hai Josh…..Tum jao….she said touching his arm…..

J: If you need any thing….

K: Mein Shabeer ya Ailiyah se puch lungi…..you go on….Josh nodded and left her……

Kripa closed the door and leaned on it closing her eyes tightly……Tears came running down her cheeks…….How had she forgotten about this complication, when she and Angad came close……Why did she forget everything and……….She was in a big mess here…….What would Angad say…..? Would he be happy? Would he be able to marry her and be happy with her….? He had said that for now fulfilling his dreams were more important to him……Then where did that leave her…..Was she a part of his dream….? The questions kept tormenting her for next half hour…..Slowly she gathered herself and washed her face……She went to the pc and started typing the mail for Angad……What ever may be the outcome, her first priority was to tell him about it…….She could not tell her parents about this just yet…….They may confront Angad's parents and they might force him to come and marry her…….He would hate her for it…..It should be her who should tell him this and they should together make their decision……..And further, she did not have enough guts in her to face her parents, yet….what would she tell them, that she was having a baby out of wedlock, or that she had broken their trust with which they had allowed her to fulfill her dreams…… Mahi had stayed away from them for three years, but never broke her parents trust, and she had shattered their belief in her in just couple of days……!!

With shivering hand, she typed a email to Angad and sent it to his personal email id, which he had given her…….She kept touching the enter button on the keypad for a long time and finally pressed enter and let the mail go……She had his cell number from his Australia trip, but when she dialed the number, it said that the number was not in use…..Dishearted she kept the phone…..

Couple of days went by……There was no progress in Josh's moms health and there was no replyfrom Angad…….Days turned to a week and finally one day Josh's mom opened her eyes……She looked at her son who was sleeping on the chair besides her bed……She tried to speak, but no words came……She raised her hand, but could not due to pain……But suddenly the beeping sound, woke Josh up and he looked at his mom shocked……She was looking at him through tears and Josh started getting up to call nurse, but his mom caught his hands and stopped him shaking her head……She was trying to say him some thing and Josh concentrated on her lips fighting his tears……Then finally he knew what she was asking…..She was asking for Kripa……He nodded and immediately called home and told Kripa…..kripa, Shabeer, Aliyah and Ishaan were all in the hospital within 10 minutes……Ishaan went in first to check on her telling others to wait for a while…….Josh held on to his mom as she was trying to breathe……Two nurses kept watch on her and the equipments…...He looked up at Ishaan with tears as he checked……

I: She doesn't have much time Josh……He said slowly putting a hand on his head……Josh closed his eyes in pain and nodded …..

J: She was calling for Kripa……He said to him painfully…..Ishaan nodded and went out and asked Kripa to go inside…….She slowly walked to Josh's side and kept a hand on his shoulder……He was having tears in his eyes……He looked up at her……Kripa looked at him with tears trying to console him……Josh looked down at his mother……Mom…..He said shaking her hands a little…..Kripa…aa gayi hai…..he said slowly…..Aap milna chahti thi na…..ankhen kholo mom…..woh yahan khadi hai…..he said as his eyes filled with tears……Slowly his mom opened her eyes and looked at them both……..She was breathing heavily…….She smiled a little at Kripa, who had tears in her eyes as well…….She held her hands up to Kripa and Kripa took her hand and went near her…….She kept her hand on Josh's and smiled at them…….The beeping grew louder and Ishaan ran in with Aliyah and Shabeer……Smriti looked at her daughter and Son-in-law and then at Kripa and Josh and atlast smiled at Ishaan and took her last breathe……Josh and Aliyah were devasted……Shabeer and Ishaan tried to console them both…….Kripa ran to the bathroom as she was feeling lightheaded again and too choked up…….

After a long time she came out……Josh and Aliyah were still near their mom and too reluctant to move……

Ishaan then arranged to take her home for her last rituals…….He and Shabeer took care of everything, while Kripa went and hugged Aliyah and tried to console her…….Atlast, after around 6 hours, Josh, Ishaan and Shabeer were back after the cremation…..

Kripa called her parents and let them know about it and they were heart broken too……..No one could eat anything in the evening, and they all retired to their rooms…….Prithvi and Shabd too called and talked to Josh for few minutes…….Josh stopped them from coming to NY saying that they would be there soon…….

Kripa too lay down tired to her bones……She had been nauseous and light headed all day through, but did not let anyone notice it…….Her stomach was empty and she was not feeling good….But she did not want to give any more trouble to Josh or his family at the time like this……She felt sad that Josh's mother hoped to see Josh and her together……..That could never be possible……She hoped she understood and forgave her for it and prayed for Josh, hoping he would get a wonderful life partner who would keep him happy for ever……She was happy that at least Aliyah got her love and her mom saw her with her life partner before she left……..She thought about Angad after that……He had not called nor answered her emails…..Each passing day made her more and more tensed…….It was getting difficult…..And with her so bad nausea, she did not know if she could keep it a secret for much longer………

She had cancelled her show after looking at her and Josh's moms condition……Telling Prithvi that she could not do it…..He had understood and contacted the people and returned the sponsorship amount to them soon…...She had also taken Angad's office number from Prithvi, telling him that she just wanted to tell him about Josh's mom as he was Josh's friend…….She tried to call 3 times and everytime the secretary picked up and said that Angad was too busy to come on the phone and had told her that she would give him the message……Kripa had left the phone number and name and told it was personal call and asked her to tell him that it was urgent…..But still there was no call…….She was devasted a little and in a big confusion about what to do……She could easily go to UK unannounced, taking his address from Pratham and give him a surprise visit……But she was afraid…….So, she opted that out……She tried to call him and mail him many times, but could not reach him……She was a nervous wreck……And she was still very much sad for Josh and Aliyah…..They had been so good friends and they were going through so touch times….For the first time, she understood how Shabd must have felt loosing both parents…..But atleast Josh and Aliyah had eachother and their uncle…..Shabd had been all alone……She could not imagine a life this way…..and she was sure, that if her dad finds out about her pregnancy, he would throw her out of the house……She was afraid that he would break his relationship with her…….he was a very strict believer in God and culture and this was just unacceptable behavior for him…… They would be so ashamed of her….

Josh had told her about his move to LA…….Shabeer and Aliyah were moving to Dallas……Josh had told her that it was because they got good jobs, but Kripa could feel his sadness……They did not want to stay in Virginia, where there would be so many reminders of what they lost…….She could understand him…… She knew how difficult it must be for them……She was glad that he atleast had his uncle…...

3 days later, Shabeer and Aliyah left as Shabeer did not have much holidays…..Aliyah was wanting to stay back with Josh, but he had asked her to go and start her new life as that is what their mom wanted for them….

Kripa, after continuous struggle with herself day and night, she came to a decision that she would wait for 2 years for Angad to come back, give him the time he wanted to fulfill his dreams…..He had tried her best to contact him, but he had not responded back…….So may be his dreams were more important to him…….He had himself told that he was not ready for marriage and responsibilities at this stage……If not he would have contacted her by now……So, be it…..She thought with heavy heart……She would wait and give him chance to fulfill those wishes…..Now the only problem was how would she explain her self and face her parents…….She would not loose her faith in him, just because he did not respond her back……

J: Kripa……Kripa…..Josh shook Kripa and looked at her with worry…..Kripa looked at him a little confused…..Ro kyun rahi ho…..kya hua…..he asked worried sitting next to her…..kripa then noticed that she had been crying thinking of all this……She shook her head…..Kya baat hai Kripa……Did you get in touch with the guy….. Kripa again shook her head……Josh cursed the person, who left her and looked away angrily…… Did you tell him about the baby……Kripa slowly nodded……..

K: Nahi Josh…..galti meri hai….. I had jumped in this relationship, closing my eyes and mind, only hearing my heart……I knew that he was not ready for the marriage yet and he had asked time from me….. I am not going to go behind him, after this…..I will give him the time he needs and I will wait for him……Josh looked at her with disbelief……Was she the same girl, who was as traditional as his mom…...She was ready to accept huge responsibility out of wed lock?….He knew there were many people like her in US…..But never expected this from her……

J: Damit Kripa……tum apne parents ko kya kahogi…..saab ko kaise face karogi…..Why don't you just tell me the name of this guy…..I promise, I will bring him to you, by hook or crook……He might not be ready for this, but he has to take up his responsibilities…..He should have thought about this, before he took so huge step…..And did you think of your parents……..What will they go through……I don't know about yours, except they are quite same as mine, even though my mom stayed here from last 25 years…….She would not be able to bear it, if Aliyah was in your place…..He said getting up…….Mein to tumhara dost hun Kripa…..I want to help you……Hum jayenge ussase milne…….I am sure everything would be alright…….Kripa slowly shook her head…..Tell me do I know him……He asked frowning at her…..Kripa again shook her head……not wanting to tell him…..

K: Nahi Josh, he might hate me…….If he wanted to contact me, then he could have done it till now……I need to wait for him……I love him and don't want to come in between his dreams……I have to do it for him, for us……If for his dreams, I need to do this all alone then so be it……I don't want him to regret our love, just because he could not achieve his goals…….Agar age chalke usse aisa lage, ki agar mein uski zindagi mein nahi ati, to woh bahot kuch kar leta, to mein woh seh nahi paungi…..I want to support him in his dreams not take them away……So, I have to wait for him…..I know you won't understand me, but I love him and I have to do this for him……She said with tears in her eyes…..She knew how disappointed she had been when her dad had said no to go to Mumbai that first time……She knew how much it hurt……Though she had accepted it for them, it still hurt…….And she did not want him to have to sacrifise any thing due to her…..…And she did not want Angad to be forced in some relationship, which he felt compeled to hold……She had come to know him quite well in last two years…….She knew she was taking a huge risk with all this, but she had to do it…….For her love……They loved eachother, couldn't she do this much for him…..Give him time he needed……She was ready to accept the responsibility and love her baby, knowing it was Angad's part as well……She could wait for him loving the baby for him and hoping that he would be back soon…….

J: But Kripa, how is this possible, have you thought about your parents……Unn par kya betegi……

K: Ussike bare mein aab soch rahi hun Josh…..She asked closing her eyes…….

J: But why Kripa, I don't understand u at all……I know the person you loved must be good enough and if he is really a good person, then he would be ready to take up the responsibility……..

K: He is Josh…!!! He would take it, but would be happy with the sacrifise he needs to make…….? Wouldn't he regret our time together…..Shee said looking at him with tears……

J: You are ready to sacrifise your and your parents life for him? Is that it? He asked with disbelief…..Your life is your own and you can do what you want with it Kripa…….But what about your family? Why do you want to sacrifise them in all this? Why do you want to punish them? Are you going to make them pay for the love they bestowed on you till now? He asked frowning……

K: No Josh…..I am planning to move to India, and I am planning to not to tell them, till my baby's father is not back…..My decision is final Josh…….Josh looked at her stunned…….She was planning to move to India all alone and deliver the baby without letting her parents know, so they wouldn't be hurt and then try to bring her life back to normal and wait for her lover boy to come? Why was she sacrificing her life for him….Did love make people do such crazy things? He could not believe that Kripa was planning to do this all………But then he couldn't…….He remembered his mom keeping Kripa's hand in his……They couldn't be together, but atleast he could take care of her as a friend till then and fulfill his moms last wish……That might atleast give her some peace…….

J: Ok….then we will do one thing…….Let's say them that we got married here, as it was my moms wish and then we will move to California and stay there……You don't have to go back to India…..I know as and then you are getting many offers for Bollywood movies and you are going there for couple of months as and then……You keep in touch with your BF and the moment he comes, you both go and confess it to your parents and get married…….

Stunned Kripa looked at him….

K: Par kyun? Why do you want to do this….

J: May be for your parents and may be for you…….don't take me wrong Kripa…..I have loved you, though the love was one sided and further more than that, you are my friend, can't a friend just do some thing for the other without any expectations……and I want to do it for your parents, because when I see them, they remind me of my parents…..And I don't want them to be hurt……May be your love is enough for giving you courage to do this all alone and face the world……But for them, it is not so easy to accept it…...Think Kripa, how would they react and feel about all this…..You know your parents more than me…..and then think what if they try to marry you off……will you be really ready for that…….? Kripa looked away with tears…Aur shayad tumhare liye ye important nahi hoga, par ma ne jane se pehle tumhara hath mere hath mein rakha tha…..to kya hua ki hum life partners nahi ban sakte, dost bankar to tumhari madad kar sakta hun na….Unke akhri icha ka utna maan to rakh sakta hun na, he said with tears, but blinked them back.….You only have two options here……Go meet the guy personally or go with what I just said…….I am ready to help you in what ever you want to do…...

Kripa turned around and went out of the house…..She stared blankly outside confused and sad……..

J: Kripa…….

K: Thik hai Josh…..I will come with you…….But I don't want to burden you further…….Wahan mein khud ka flat lekar rahungi…..She said slowly…..

J: You are not doing any thing like that Kripa……Don't you trust me….? He asked a little uncertainly……

K: Aisi koi baat nahi Josh….But you have your own life…..Mein tumhe pareshan nahi karna chahti…..This is my decision and my problem……

J: And my mom and her wishes were my problem, still you came and supported me and Aliyah and stayed with us for my mom…….Then why can't I help you? I want to do it for my mom as well Kripa……She was looking forward to this relationship, so what that it would never come true, atleast I can do some thing for you as a friend…….Why are you so reluctant……He asked looking at her…..Kripa slowly truned around…..

K: Kyun ki Josh this is not for a short time…….And I don't want you to feel responsible for me……I am not your responsibility…..

J: I know, but it is my choice……Kripa, if you come with me, saying your parents that you and me are married, then you become my responsibility even though this is not real…..

K: Then I won't come with you Josh…..she said swallowing hard……

J: Then be ready for the worst Kripa……because as far as I know, it will be……If you know your parents you will know I am right……..

K: Josh…..

J: No Kripa, if you come with me, then you are staying with me……Agar tumhe acha lage, you can tie me rakhi, so you feel comfortable around me…..for all I care…..But, I can't let you stay alone, that too in your current stage……Your parents would trust me to look for you and I am not going to tell them another lie…..One is more than enough…..And further more, if you feel so obligated, you can cook me good meals when ever you feel like it and I will be more than happy with that…….That might take some burden off your shoulder……He said shrugging……Kripa looked at him with a sad smile…….Tumhe pata hai na Kripa, aab to ma bhi nahi hai……Aliyah ki bhi shadi ho gayi……May be for the short time, but atleast I will have a friend with me……I won't be lonely…..He said looking away……Kripa looked at him with tears…..For the first time she felt so deeply for him…..Though he was so big, he had just admitted his weakness to her……She felt his sadness and hurt for him……He was trying his best to come over the loss……He was being a good friend and helping her, even though he was hurt himself…….May be this was their solution……They could help eachother at this time……Atleast till the time they could…….She went and hugged him, trying to console him as she saw tears in his eyes, when he looked at his moms photo……

K: Thik hai Josh……Mujhe manjoor hai…….

J: So, how would you feel to come with me……as a sister or as a friend….He asked after a few minutes trying to laugh a little wiping his eyes…..kripa chuckled wiping her eyes……

K: I am ready for what ever you want……..

J: Then let the time decide itself……he said smiling……

Kripa nodded with a light smile……

Josh and Kripa flew back to Richmond in couple of days……Josh told Ishaan about Kripa's move with him to California and Ishaan had just patted his shoulder and nodded…….He did not question them about their decision and asked him to keep in touch…….Kripa had tried to send one more email and explained what was going on to Angad……She tried calling his office, but could not get through……At last his secretary told her that he was on month long trip and wouldn't be back for a while……….Kripa tried to find about Angad from Pratham too at the same time and he too said the same thing……

Josh came in to drop Kripa home…….It was late evening when they reached……..

J: Kripa, you ready……?

Kripa slowly nodded…….

They rang the bell and waited……..Pratham opened the door for them and smiled at them sadly and asked them to come in………Kripa walked in followed by Josh…….Surya and Gayatri got up and hugged him, giving him condolences………Kripa was silent and in her own thoughts, when Josh looked at her, so he could announce their news…….He then looked at Surya and Gayatri and told them that he and Kripa did registered marriage as his mom wanted them to see them together before going and so did Shabeer and Aliyah……Shocked everyone got up from the seat and stared at them……Kripa sat there silently looking down, not able to face them for another lie…….

J: Sorry uncle, woh saab itni jaldi ho gaya ki…….Pratham looked away trying to digest it all…….

Gayatri was the one, who came out of the shock first……..She went to Josh and kept a hand on his shoulder……….

G: Acha hua beta, jane se pehle unki icha bhi puri ho gayi…..maffi mangne ki koi jaroorat nahi…….Hum to yahi chahte the, ki Kripa bhi ye rishte ko haan kahe…….

S: Haan Josh……jo bhi hua shayad ache ke liye hi hua……Shayad bhagwan ki yahi marji thi……..he said patting his shoulder……Gayatri went to Kripa and made her stand on her feet and hugged her, kissing her on her forehead……..

Pratham and Surya hugged Josh and welcomed him in the family and then Kripa broke the news that she was shifting with Josh to California…….They were stunned to hear this as well, but accepted it with heavy heart…….Gayatri wanted to marry them off with tradition…..But Pratham and Gauri stopped her saying, Josh's mother had just passed away…..he may not feel comfortable without her…….So, Gayatri had agreed with heavy heart……..

Josh was leaving within next 2 days…….He asked Kripa to stay for some time and then come, but Kripa did not want to stay here and lie to her parents everytime they came face to face…..So, she too did her packing with Gauri's help…..Gayatri and Surya did not stop her, thinking she wanted to support Josh at this time and they wanted her to do it too.…..The day before leaving, Kripa went to Josh's house with Pratham, to ask him to come home for dinner and stay the night……..Kripa found him sitting in his moms room alone, holding her frame and crying……..She had just gone to him and hugged him and let him cry…….Pratham had seen them and slowly walked out of the house, so they could come later, once he felt good…….It was late when they reached Kripa's house……Shabd, Mahi,Prithvi and Tanya had all come to wish them both luck as well as meet Josh……Josh who was usually a very bright and fun loving person, sat there silently without a word and had his dinner……Kripa kept staring at him once in a while, but he never looked up…..Gayatri noticed Kripa's sad face and went and patted her shoulder and nodded at her assuring her that he will be fine with time……..

Josh said bye and left for home, saying he had some more packing to do and would come in the morning to pick Kripa up……..

Kripa went to Prithvi's house to meet dadi, Naina and Dilip on Prithvi's request……She bid them by hugging dadi tearfully…..

Later, Kripa went up to her room and packed her bag sadly……Mahi came to her room and hugged her……..Saying she would miss her……Kripa closed her eyes and cried in her arms…….She felt terrible lying to them all……..But she had no choice…….She could not face disgust and hatred in their eyes…….She knew that once Angad came back everything would be alright…….He was the man of word…….He had promised that he would marry her and make her his, and she had promised to wait for him……and that is what she would do…….She had seen his dedication for his work……Pratham was the first to praise him at every turn as he had achieved success after success…….She hoped he would gain success and come back to her soon……She did not want any thing other than Angad in her life…….But it was important for Angad……

Gayatri and Gauri too came and hugged her with tears, telling her to support Josh during this time and everything would be alright soon……..Kripa had just nodded without a word…….What could she say……she was now caught in the web of lies……..

Mahi stayed with Kripa for the night and early morning after a tearful bye's she was off with Josh……..Prithvi promised to meet her in a month there for their recordings…….