Chapter Twelve
"Kripa" Angad whispered helplessly. His hands stroked her hair soothingly while she sobbed into his chest piteously. They had received the call half an hour ago. Sagar was unclear at first, fumbling with words, then he told them they had taken Satya to the emergency last night, after he had suffered a stroke. Since then Kripa's tears had been unstoppable. He sighed holding her close "Shhh, he'll be alright" he mumbled
Her grip only tightened, scrunching his shirt between her fists, her voice raspy. "Angad" she cried "Angad, dad—dad will be alright, na?"
"He'll be fine" he murmured swallowing hard "he'll be fine" he gazed at the passing streets, praying everything was all right, praying it was not as serious as it sounded.
"Kripa" he called moments later "we're home"
"Angad hospital" she mumbled with a croaky voice "Dad"
"Shhh" he pressed a finger to her lip "you know we tried calling Kavya earlier, I tried calling home but no one picked up. We don't know where they are. Sagar isn't picking up either. Its better we go home and wait. There's no pointing going around trying to find the hospital. Come on"
She nodded quietly wiping her wet eyes while Angad paid the taxi driver and lifted their luggage from the boot.
They walked forward to the front door quietly, surprised the lights were on "Sagar said no one was home" Kripa murmured
Angad shrugged ringing the bell "they might have just come home, let's see" he reasoned ringing the bell again when no one answered
"Angad I have a key" Kripa said digging through her purse when he rang the bell for the third time. She slipped the key through the keyhole and opened the door.
"Surprise" the family yelled as soon she entered with Angad "Happy Birthday"
She yelped in surprise grasping Angad's arm, then stopped to stare at them dumbfounded. They all stood with big smiles gracing their lips, dressed up nicely with balloons and drapes covering the room. Her lips trembled at the sight of her father who stood in the center next to her mother, gazing at her affectionately.
"Dad" she whispered leaving Angad's arm. He watched the family just as surprised. What was going on here?
Kripa rushed into her father's arms crying, while all the smiling faces turned to worry and confusion.
"Kripa" her father asked puzzled "what's---what's wrong?"
"Dad--- hospital—Okay—fine---Okay" she mumbled between tears, sobbing into his chest
He hugged her back looking at Angad inquisitively "Angad what's wrong?" he asked worried and agitated all at once
Angad sighed stepping away from the doorway "We were told you were taken to the hospital last night after a stroke. She's been crying since then" he answered briefly glaring at Sagar
"But I'm fine" Satya mumbled "Kripa, honey I'm fine" he repeated softly caressing her back
Kripa nodded quietly pulling away. She lowered her eyes and swallowed hard, choking back a sob and blinking away tears that were still welling up in her eyes. "I'm sorry" she whispered looking around flustered "sorry"
They all laughed surrounding her. They wished her a happy birthday, teasing and joking, trying to make her laugh. Soon the tears were gone; all that was left was her gorgeous bright smile.
Angad smiled softly watching her laugh cheerfully standing between her father and brother, well two of her brothers. His gaze fell on Sagar who stood to a side looking guilty. Although he was annoyed at Sagar for the horrible prank, he felt bad for him.
He ambled towards him, hands tucked in his pockets "so?" Angad started after minutes of silence "Aren't you going to wish Kripa?"
Sagar turned to stare at Angad, watching him curiously "Why didn't you tell dad I made the prank call? He's going to figure it out later anyways"
"Yeah he will. But what's the point of me instigating it huh?" he asked with raised brows. He paused for a moment unsure of his next words "that was a mean joke Sagar. She's been crying all the way. You should really go and apologise"
"I know" Sagar mumbled "I know it was. I was angry because dad kept shouting so I decided to pull a prank on her, but it was a mean joke" he whispered ashamedly "and she's probably really mad at me. She probably doesn't even want to talk to me right now"
"Trust me its better you go now" he blinked reassuringly "Sure she'll be mad, she can be a grouch but she loves you. She'll forgive you, trust me"
Sagar smiled faintly in response "I guess"
"Go" Angad encouraged pushing him towards Kripa
Sagar did apologise to Kripa, who gave him quite a lecture in return but she melted in minutes, forgiving him then demanding her present the very next moment.
Angad watched her waltz her way around the room receiving well wishes and blessings from elders while the youngsters teased and hugged.
He also noticed how she kept avoiding him. Normally he would smile and let it be, but this time he was worried. Yes, he had seen her family calm her with their petty jokes and delightful teasing but his heart still remained restless. He needed to see her, touch her, hear it from her.
Once again he attempted to join her while she chatted amicably with Gauri and Aliya "What's happening ladies?" he said hanging his arm around Aliya's shoulder
"Bhai, you do realize you're heavy?" Aliya grumbled pushing his arm away
He laughed tweaking her nose "so then, what's up?" he asked turning towards Gauri "when did you guys come to know about the party?"
Gauri smiled in response "Last night"
"You know you guys could have warned me. Trust me, the sight of Kripa crying is not pretty" he remarked looking horrified
He laughed when Kripa gave him a dirty look. She turned to leave but turned to look at him perplexed when he caught her hand. Her eyes wandered here and there worried someone would notice "I'm joking" he said pulling her back
"Angad leave the poor soul alone. She's had her fill of teasing" Gauri said shaking her head
"Yeah Bhai, stop being so mean"
"What am I doing?" he shrugged pasting innocence on his mischievous expression. They all looked at him shaking their heads. He would never change.
"Meet me in the hallway" he muttered quickly steeping closer to Kripa
She pulled her hand out of his; mouthing a no when Gauri and Aliya turned away "I'll be back" she said excusing herself.
He groaned in frustration. She had done it again. Why was she running from him? He stood around talking to everyone, while his eyes followed Kripa's footsteps. She evaded his eyes, feeling shy of his smoldering gaze.
Sighing he looked around, looking for a way to catch her alone. His eyes fell on the hallway door she had just gone through. Quickly glancing around, he made his way to the hallway, grinning wolfishly.
"Angad" she hissed when he pulled her in the hallway. She was heading back to the front room when he pulled her. She was slightly angry, but there were more nerves than anger "Angad leave me. We're at home. Have some shame"
"So? Just because we're home doesn't mean I can't do this to you" he murmured tightening his grip on her waist "I've been trying to talk to you since we've been back but you keep avoiding me. You left me no choice" he muttered pouting.
"I'm not avoiding you" she murmured looking down "I was just busy"
"I know exactly what you were doing Kripa" he whispered nearing her ear
"I'm not"
He sighed. This was going to be one of those conversations "Okay, fine, you're not avoiding me" he stated nodding his head "Now tell me, how are you?" his hands moved to cup her cheeks restlessly.
Her lowered lashes lifted to stare into his anxious eyes "I'm fine" she murmured "Better"
"I'm glad to hear" he whispered leaning his forehead onto hers "you know I wasn't joking when I said you looked horrible crying" he teased after a moment of silence.
"Angad" she moaned punching his chest
He shook with laughter dodging her puny blows "Happy Birthday Sweetheart" he mumbled, a sensuous smile gracing his lips
"Thanks" her eyes lowered yet again in shy, holding onto him unconsciously
"Well" he spoke circling her in his arms "because you didn't tell me it was your birthday I don't have a present right now but" his left hand lowered down her back "I think a birthday kiss will do for now" he whispered huskily, stepping closer
She gasped stepping back, then looked back in panic when she was plastered to the wall "are you mad?" she hissed "we're at home and—and I haven't answered you yet"
"I know you haven't but I know what's in this heart" he said pointing to her chest "I know what these eyes say to me" his hand lifted to her fluttering lashes "I know what these lips beg for" his head tilted to a side moving forward to kiss those tempting lips "I know you love me"
He jerked with the sudden movement. She had pushed him away, running to the other end of the hallway. Her hands held the door handle while her face flushed pink, her breath heavy. Slowly her lowered eyes lifted. She smiled at him saucily lifting her hands to her lips, sending a flying kiss his way.
He stilled watching her giggle at her own act then escape to the room full of people. His firm lips lifted into a silly smile, his hands lifting to brush through his hair "God I love her" he said aloud before sauntering after her, to the room full of people.
"What's wrong Anju?" Kavya asked after watching her play with his buttons for the last twenty minutes "What's on your mind?"
She bit her lip in contemplation, watching him curiously before sighing and sitting straighter. She watched Kavya raise a brow at her behavior then sighed again, in agitation this time "I don't know if I should tell you"
"Well if it's bothering you so much, then tell me" he said sitting up
"I sort of found out something today" she mumbled "I wasn't meant to but--- well, I did"
"Okay" he pressed her hand reassuringly "What did you find out?"
"Angad's in love with Kripa"
"What?" he blurted in surprise "I mean are you sure? You know how Angad can be. He loves to flirt. He was probably joking" he shrugged watching Anjali insecurely
Anjali scowled at his assumptions, offended "I know exactly what my brothers like and I know when he's serious. I've been watching the two for a while. I had my doubts but tonight they seemed closer. Didn't you see the way they kept glancing at each other?"
"No" Kavya spoke confused "Anjali, I think your reading into the situation too much. He was probably just worried because she had been crying the whole way. That's it"
"No Kavya. I know what I saw and anyways I heard them talking in the alleyway. I went upstairs to get Kripa's present, when I came down I found them in the hallway" she paused for a moment "They were standing—Uhhh well let's just say they were close. They were talking quietly then she suddenly ran away from there. Angad was watching the door for a good two minutes with a silly smile on his face and he said he loved her"
Kavya frowned at that piece of information. The big brother in him was concerned at once. Although it had been a short while Kripa had been in his life, she was the closest thing he had to a sister and he was feeling extremely protective at this very moment "What do you mean by close?"
"Kavya" Anjali frowned "I told you all this because I thought you should know. Not so you could turn into Mr Over protective"
He sighed watching Anjali with raised brows "then what do you want me to do?"
"Let me remind you Mister, before we were married you've held me close and kissed me so many times" she reminded "so don't even go there"
Kavya rolled his eyes falling flat on the bed "well if you know so much already then you should know if Kripa likes him as well"
"I don't know yet" she mumbled lying beside him "her behavior tells me she's definitely attracted to him but I haven't heard her say anything. I told you, I didn't hear the conversation between them, I only heard what Angad said at the end"
"I hope he's not forcing his opinion on her" Kavya muttered glowering at the ceiling
"Kavya" Anjali murmured tilting his head towards hers "I'm pretty sure she's in love with him too. All I want to know from you is, are you okay with this? I mean if they both love each other then you're happy for them right?"
Kavya sighed, breathing noisily. He gazed into her eyes finding expectation, love and little hesitation "I'm happy as long as Kripa is" he declared reluctantly. He watched Anjali's frown turn into a huge smile and smiled himself. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Angad wasn't a bad guy, he thought moving forward to embrace his beautiful wife.
"It serves you right" Misha exclaimed punching Sagar on his arm
He stared back begrudgingly "What! I was only playing a joke"
"Ha-ha" she mocked looking at him scornfully "it has to be funny to be a joke duffer" she said hitting his head again
"Will you stop doing that?" He yelled horribly annoyed "I've had a lecture from Kripa di; I've had a lecture from Mom and Dad. Soham hasn't shut up about me being mean all weekend. I don't need another person on my case"
"Yeah well it's your fault. I completely sympathize with your sister. What kind of joke is that? Huh. Who goes telling their sister their dads in the hospital? It's not a nice thing to do at all" she berated passionately, glaring at him.
He glared back with a huge frown but couldn't hold his quivering lips. He burst into laughter, smiling widely while she raised her brow , staring at him in confusion "Oh Misha" He exclaimed hanging his arm on her neck "That face you made. You looked so serious. It was just so funny"
She frowned wrinkling her nose "You know what. I don't even want to talk to you" she exclaimed sliding off the wall "Go to hell" she yelled walking off towards her next class, while he followed begging for forgiveness, then bursting into laughter the very next moment.
Kripa sighed walking to her cupboard. She was terribly tired from the long weekend with the kids and Angad, but the last two days had tired her out more than ever. She had missed Angad terribly. She missed his quirky grin and twinkling eyes. She missed seeing him first thing in the morning and last, before dozing off to dreamland. She missed making him breakfast, lunch and dinner. She missed everything about him. He had become an addictive habit, a habit she wanted for the rest of her life.
"Thinking About me" she shivered in response to the whisper. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was. She'd know that deep masculine voice and musky scent anywhere.
"Angad" she murmured pressing her lips together
He smiled in response. Every time she said his name he felt pleasure and bliss all at once. Her trembling hands, rosy cheeks and shy demeanor told him she felt the same way "How are you?" he whispered blowing hot air on her already heated flesh.
"Good" she mumbled closing her cupboard. She turned around and found him very close. His eyes sparkled with mirth while watching her lower her eyes coyly "I should be going. I have a class in ten minutes" she said moving away. She gasped when he held her hand. Her head turned to look at him pleadingly.
"Ten minutes is enough time" he mumbled stepping closer "there's no hurry"
"Angad" she croaked placing a hand against his chest "I-I have a class"
"In ten minutes" he reminded sliding his hand to her lower back. She heaved noisily, her flesh flushing beneath his hand "You look gorgeous" he praised bringing his hand to the side of her hip "Saree's really suit you" he chuckled using his other hand to cup her heated cheek "You don't have anything to say?" he probed huskily.
Her lowered lashes lifted, staring into his playfully bold eyes. She bit down on her quivering lip, looking down, then back at him "I have a class Angad" she repeated hesitantly "Let me go"
"Oh Kripa" he groaned leaning forward to nuzzle her cheek "Just a few minutes sweetheart, that's all I want" he paused breathing in her sweet fragrance "I missed you" he murmured pressing a kiss to her jaw "I missed waking up and seeing you in the morning. I missed those yummy Paratha's you made for me. I missed your smile, your beautiful eyes and your soft lips" his fingers trailed down her full lips "I missed everything about you Kripa"
She smiled shyly turning away, holding her heated cheeks. He could only laugh at her shy behavior. Sometimes she would be so bold and belligerent but just a few romantic words from his mouth left her adorably bashful and rosy.
He sighed happily, stepping forward. His hands slid down her arms till they reached her trembling hands "Have lunch with me Kripa" he whispered huskily "I'll wait for you at reception"
She shook her head vehemently, turned to look at him then ran out the staffroom, a silly smile adorning her lips
"God I love her" Angad muttered banging a fist to his rapidly beating heart while he casually strolled to his own class.
"That did not just happen?" Mukti exclaimed, her mouth still open with shock. Mukti and Geet had been standing quietly in the kitchen sipping coffee when the witnessed the love scene minutes ago. They were shocked and happily surprised at Kripa's reaction, while Angad seemed more serious and intimate than his usual flirting.
Geet sniggered rubbing her hands together excitedly "I knew those two had something going on" she squealed "Oh I'm excited"
Mukti looked at her with raised brows "Why so much enthusiasm?" she questioned with a slight smile
"What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart, I love love stories" she paused frowning instantly "and anyways Maan has lost his romantic touch. All you ever see him do is work. It's just work, work and more work. I don't even know why I'm in his life" she exclaimed waving her hands dramatically
Mukti laughed knowing perfectly well how much Maan loved Geet. Geet did like to exaggerate at times "Awww give him some credit. He does it all for you"
Geet rolled her eyes in response "Yeah, he does it for me but it doesn't mean you do it all the time. I'm telling you Mukti, these men are only romantic before marriage. Once you're married then it just about husbands slaving the wife all day long" Geet lectured pouting
Mukti sighed sitting down to mark her test papers. Knowing Geet, she'd go on with this lecture for the next hour, so she might as well get some work done in the time being.
Angad gazed at Kripa naughtily, playing with her fingers, which lay splayed across the table. He had waited at reception for a good fifteen minutes before she decided to turn up. He knew she was watching him the whole time. He had caught her cautious glances across the hallway, knowing very well she felt too nervous to step out.
"What are you staring at?" she snapped when he continued gazing at her mysteriously
He laughed leaning forward "Snappy now, are we?" he stated bringing her hands to his lips
She frowned pulling her hands away self-consciously "Angad we're in public" she muttered "no touching"
"So I get to touch you in private" he teased
She shook her head, rolling her eyes, while a silly smile found its way to her lips "You're impossible"
"Why thank you" he replied graciously then sniggered at the huge frown pasted on her face "sweetheart, there's no use trying to be an angry young woman, you know I'll charm you anyways"
"You're so full of yourself" she muttered sipping on her chocolate shake "so why are we here?" she murmured looking around the small but cozy caf.
"No reason" he shrugged "Just felt like spending time with you" his hands inched forward to touch hers again "I really meant it, when I said I missed you"
She nodded, suddenly feeling very shy "I know"
"You should have told me it was your birthday the other day" he complained looping his fingers with hers.
She shook her head "It's not that big of deal"
"Of course it's a big deal. You grew a year older. Everyone knew but me"
She giggled squeezing his hand in silent comfort "it's okay Angad. You were there, that's enough for me"
He pouted making her laugh louder "it's not funny Kripa. I would have been more prepared. First of all you were crying all over me, not that I mind" he said smiling mischievously. Her smile turned into a slight frown "I don't mind any chance I get to touch you but the crying took me off guard" he said quickly, watching her glare at him "and most of all you didn't let me give you a present"
The grimace left her face as she recalled exactly what he had wanted to give her. She smiled faintly, a pink hue covering her face "that present was inappropriate" she muttered playing with her fingers
He chuckled leaning closer "Uhmm, it was my love for you" he shook his head "but since you didn't accept that one, I bought you another one" he announced leaning back in his seat.
She gazed at him nervously "Another one"
He nodded smiling brightly "it's waiting for you at home"
Her eyes widened as she realized what he had just said "Are you mad?" she growled slapping her hands down on the table "No one knows about us at home. It will look so wrong"
His grinned, staring back at her sudden reaction "don't worry about that sweetheart, I've got everything sorted"
She sat down, still looking panicked, watching him pensively "But—but everyone"
"Leave it to me Kripa. Don't worry about it" he assured once again, reaching forward he took her hand
She relaxed a little then smiled slowly, wondering what he had got her "what did you get me?" she asked looking down at their joined hands
"That's for me to know and you to find out" he teased leaning forward "trust me you'll like it"
"Since when were you two friends" they gasped quickly, separating there joined hands then looked back to find Kavya and Anjali standing behind them, looking rather cozy.
"Uhhh lunch break" Kripa replied biting down on her lip nervously
"Can we join you?" Anjali asked sitting next to Angad
"Huh" Angad sneered looking down at her "Why do you even bother asking?"
"Because it's polite" she retorted punching his arm
He laughed slanting a roguish glance at Kripa "So what brings you here?" he asked glancing at his sister and brother in law
Kavya smiled leaning back into his seat "nothing much. I was on lunch break so decided to treat your sister to some coffee"
Anjali rolled her eyes, smiling slightly "Yeah right, he's here for the cake. He always ends up ordering one"
"No I don't" he muttered frowning
Kripa smiled at the teasing banter but looked away bashfully whenever Angad looked her way "So what were you two doing here?" Anjali enquired raising her brows interestedly "I mean no offence but since when did you two get along?"
Angad smiled looking at Kripa "We can't argue all the time" he murmured "we can talk"
Kripa nodded silently in shy agreement
Anjali smirked glancing at Kavya knowingly, while he stared at the two considerately "What time does your class start?" he asked turning towards Kripa
Instinctively Kripa glanced down at her mobile then gasped shooting from her seat "In five minutes" she panicked "Oh we're going to be late"
"Don't worry" Angad said getting up himself. He turned towards Kavya and Anjali in apology "sorry guys, we'll catch you later. Gotta run for now"
Kavya and Anjali watched the two rush back to work amused "They are so obviously in love" Anjali exclaimed turning towards Kavya with a huge grin
Kavya grimaced slightly, quickly forcing a smile "yeah, I guess"
Anjali pouted frowning back "You're still not convinced, are you?"
"I am" he sighed "their body language said it all but I guess I'm just getting protective. You know before they all came to Mumbai I was really irritated, absolutely agitated. I felt like there were intruders "his eyes lifted to gaze into hers "but when they came, I came to love them all. Yes they can get annoying at times, especially Sagar, but the house has never been so alive. I've never felt so alive" he mumbled. Anjali's smile softened, her hands closing over his fidgeting fists "and Kripa, I've come to love her the most. You know I always wished I had a kid sister, especially when I met your family. I've always been fond of a brother and sister's bond and now that I finally have a sister, I don't want to lose her"
"I understand" she mumbled moving next to him "I understand the feeling, maybe not like you; more like Kripa" she paused looking up into his sparkling eyes "because I fell in love you like she fell in love with Angad"
Kavya's saddened smile lifted into a soft one "I know sweetheart and I can't thank you enough for giving me your heart. You mean the world to me" he mumbled pressing a kiss to her hands, while her cheeks flushed rouge.
Faiza
Real Estate
376