Posted:
Chapter Two
"Dadi, did I tell you how beautiful you look today" Angad exclaimed holding the hand of an aged, beautiful woman.
The woman smiled caressing his hair with her free hand "What do you want Angad?"
Angad frowned and kissed her hand "nothing Dadi, Can't I tell you how beautiful you are once in a while?" he winked
She laughed in response "of course you can Angad. But I know your nature well" she said tweaking his nose "so tell me son, what do you want?"
He smiled a little embarrassed "well, I need to leave a little early today. I will be here for all my lessons but I'll be gone right after my lesson. The problem is boss said we need to stay for a staff meeting today and well I need you to get me out of the meeting"
Dadi smiled "don't worry about it, you can go I'll let him know"
"You're the best Dadi" he nuzzled his head in her lap "You're still the hottest woman on earth Dadi"
"Angad" the old woman giggled madly smacking his head for his flirtatious behavior.
Nitya stood at the Airports Arrival waiting for her sister's arrival. She had no words to describe how restless she was to see her sister. She was a strong woman who lived a tough life but knowing she would have her sister with her soon had brought out a weak spot.
Kavya and Anjali accompanied her to greet her sister. Kavya was a little annoyed about his mother's family living with them; however the smile it had brought to his mother's lips was unbeatable. He hadn't seen his mother this happy in a long time. The last smiles he remembered were when his father was alive. He couldn't bring his father back so he was happy to accept his mother's family just to see that smile.
"Why are they taking so long?" Nitya mumbled, fumbling around restlessly
"Mom" Kavya hugged her "they'll be here any minute. The arrivals have started coming from their flight" he reminded glancing at the electronic signs.
"I'm sorry Kavya" she smiled slightly "I'm just panicking out of excitement. I just really want to see them all" she explained
Kavya smiled "I'm happy for you Mom"
"Oh there they are" she exclaimed walking towards them "Kavya go and help them with their bags" she caught Anjali's arm dragging her along "Anjali come with me"
"Mom, Maasi is really pretty" Anjali whispered leaning towards Nitya
"She is, isn't she" she mumbled. She smiled widely embracing her sister "How are you Roshini" she let tears of happiness seep through her wrinkled eyes "I can't tell you how happy I am to see you"
"Didi" Roshini stroked her back trying to soothe her "please don't cry. You should be happy"
Nitya parted from her wiping her eyes "These are tears of happiness" she took Roshini's hands "I really missed you"
"Me too" she hugged her again
Satya came forward with a smile on his face. He bowed down taking her blessings "How are you Nitya Didi? I really want to thank you for all the help you're giving to us to move to Mumbai"
Nitya shook her head "it's my pleasure Satya. I'm just really happy you're both back in Mumbai" she looked around "Where are the kids?"
"They were just behind us" Satya said turning around. He found Kavya holding four bags out of their six, while Soham held the smaller bag and Sagar held the slightly bigger one "Sagar, What are you doing?" Satya scolded "Take some bags from Kavya Bhaiya" he went forward taking a bag from Kavya himself "I'm so sorry Kavya"
Kavya forced a smiled "it's ok uncle"
Nitya smiled bringing Anjali forward "This is Anjali, My daughter in law"
Anjali smiled timidly, bending down to take the elders blessing
"She's beautiful Didi" Roshini said holding Anjali's hand. She placed a Rs100 in her hand and caressed her head lovingly
"Maasi, there's no need for this" Anjali said giving the money back
"Anjali, this is shagun, you can't say no to this" Roshini said pushing the money back towards her "it's our blessing"
Anjali smiled shyly and nodded. Nitya smiled at her fondly then looked up hearing a sweet voice "Mama, I still haven't found my anklets. I Know Sagar took them" she said rummaging through her bag busily. Kripa looked up on hearing silence to find her family and her Maasi's family staring at her. She smiled awkwardly, embarrassed then took her elders blessings.
Nitya smiled hugging Kripa "Roshini, Kripa is so beautiful, she looks so much like you" Roshini smiled in appreciation.
Kavya who had been standing with the heavy luggage for a while interrupted "Shall we make a move?" he asked slightly irritated with the luggage fiasco.
"It's so nice to finally meet you" Madhu exclaimed, greeting Roshini "I've heard a lot about you"
Roshini smiled in response "I hope its good things"
Madhu laughed "of course, how was your journey?"
"It was good but tiring. Kripa fell asleep as soon as she got a bed. She's my daughter"
"Oh" Madhu said "Your son's are very cute. They both look a lot like their father"
"Yeah" Roshini grinned "I'm just waiting for them to grow up and be like their dad"
While the ladies bonded the kids sat to a side with Kavya's grandfather listening to his old aged stories. They laughed listening intently to his aged old romance with Kavya's grandmother "After that Minu saw me staring at her from afar. She was horrified at first then she made a face, gave me thumbs down and ran from there. The next day I got a very long lecture from my father about the whole incident" He smiled slightly "When the incident happened I was really angry at Minu but now that I think about it I deserved it"
"Awww" Anjali hummed "that's so sweet"
"Awww that's so sweet" Angad mimicked Anjali
Anjali frowned at him, sticking her tongue out "Real mature"
He grinned "I'll be mature the day I get married"
"Then we really need to work fast for you" Anjali retorted
Angad laughed "Kavya, where are your cousins?" he asked looking around
Kavya smiled sheepishly "there all asleep, they were probably really tired with the move"
"Actually Soham's awake" Anjali commented walking towards the stairs.
Soham stood in his pajama's looking confused. He saw Anjali approach him and smiled slightly "Mama?" he said in a hushed tone
Anjali smiled "My family's here to meet all of you. Your Mum and Dad are with my parents"
"Oh" he answered nervously "I think I should go back upstairs"
"No" Anjali caught his hand "stay" she led him towards the youngsters "you should get to know everyone"
Soham approached the group timidly. He wasn't used to a lot of people. He was a quiet person who preferred to sit among his own family. He sat beside Anjali feeling a little odd at the awkward glances.
Sahil who had been watching Soham for a while came and sat on his other side "Do you like video games?" he asked
Soham shook his head holding onto Anjali. Angad smiled slightly walking towards Soham "Hey Champ. What's your name?" he asked kneeling in front of him
Soham looked around in curiosity "Soham" he mumbled bashfully
"Well Soham, My names Angad" he put his hand forward "Will you be my friend?"
Soham looked at his hands in contemplation "Didi says I shouldn't be friends with strangers" he answered with a frown
Angad reached over for his hand "Well, once you are my friend, I won't be a stranger anymore" he smiled "I would really like to know you". Soham scrunched his nose but folded his hands around Angad's "that's better champ. How old are you?"
"Eleven" he answered then glanced towards Sahil with interest
"I'm ten" Sahil answered to his gaze
Soham turned red "Do you like playing cricket?" he asked
"Yeah" Sahil answered in excitement "I play cricket with my friends every other week. You can come with me next time"
"Me" Soham asked a little hesitant "but there your friends"
"So?" Sahil shrugged "you're my friend too"
Angad smiled watching the boys chat amicably. He shifted from the floor next to Kavya "He is definitely related to you" he mumbled
Kavya looked at him curiously "How so?"
"Well, the first meeting was an awkward start with you and well with him as well. Although he took less time than you to open up" Angad said posing as if in deep thought
"Angad" Kavya shook his head "It was not awkward, it was just weird meeting someone from Anjali's family"
"Excuses excuses" Angad muttered "Anyways, Soham, Where is your brother and sister?" he questioned
"Sagar Bhai is reading comics and Kripa Di is asleep" he answered
Roshini who saw Soham was awake heard him "Sagar is awake" she exclaimed "Go and call him downstairs Soham, everyone's here to meet you all" she said frowning at her elder sons antics
Soham nodded and ran up the stairs. Roshini apologized to the Khanna's for her son's rude behavior. Sagar walked down the stair, an embarrassed hue shading his face, looking apologetically towards his mother. His mother shook her head and told him sit with the rest while she got them something to eat.
Sagar sat among the youngsters quietly for a few moments then introduced himself "I'm Sagar" he said "Umm, Who are you?" he asked "if you don't mind me asking"
Angad grinned shaking his hand "no problem, I'm Angad, Anjali's brother" he answered, quite liking Sagar's personality "This is Sahil" he said pointing towards his nephew who sat next to Soham "This is Gauri Bhabi and Karan Bhai, Sahil's parents. This is our sister Aliya. My parents are the ones sitting with Nitya aunty and your parents and well you should know Dada ji, Kavya and Anjali" he finished "Although I would completely understand if you forgot Anjali, no one really wants to know her" he joked
Anjali gasped then wacked Angad "Bhai, you're not funny" she retorted
Everyone laughed along with Angad at Anjali's sullen expression "Anyways, how old are Sagar if you don't mind me asking?"
Sagar smiled "I'm seventeen, going to be eighteen next month. Can't wait"
Angad smirked "Yeah, I know the feeling. You the biggest?"
"Nope. Unfortunately not. I'm the middle kid" he shrugged "Kripa Di's the biggest "She's Twenty two"
"Is she hot?"
Sagar grinned slapping his back "Be careful dude, she may be annoying but she's my sister" he hinted with a wink
Angad laughed bonding with Sagar straight away. The youngsters enjoyed the evening getting to know the new arrivals.
Kavya also got to know them more in the short time the Khanna's stayed. He had always appreciated Angad as a person who could make the shyest person speak out to their hearts content. It was a good quality which really helped at times.
Kripa walked down the stairs a little embarrassed and hesitant for sleeping so long. It seemed very rude of her to be sleeping through the day and the whole night. She had dressed in a plain black chiffon sari, her hair tied in a bun, her bangs adding a little style.
She had prepared for job interviews before arriving at Mumbai. To her luck she had got four answers out of the nine she had applied for. She had two interviews today. One was a dance teacher in at an all girl's school and one was teaching dance in a training academy to little primary kids. Personally she wanted to work with primary kids. She loved kids, they were too adorable to ignore and she knew she had a chance for a better schedule working in a training academy.
"Good morning Mama" she greeted hugging her mother from behind
Her mother smiled kissing her cheek "Good morning? Did you sleep well?"
"Yes. I had a great sleep"
"That's good, I'll make breakfast then I'll take you to Anjali's house after an hour or two. They all came to visit yesterday but you were asleep" she said walking busily towards the kitchen
"But Mama, I have interviews today" Kripa explained
Her mother turned around with a frown "no interviews. Kripa, it seems so bad. They came to meet us yesterday and you were asleep. You should really go and see them. And anyways, it's only a second day in Mumbai. You should rest. Is it really important to find a job now?"
"Mama, don't get angry" Kripa mumbled "I promise I'll go see them tomorrow but I seriously need to go for theses interviews. I won't get these interviews again. Please Mama"
Roshini grimaced walking into the kitchen"there's no point in talking to you. You never listen to me. Is your job more important than me?"
Kripa went quite on seeing her Maasi in the kitchen "Good morning Maasi" she mumbled
"Good morning Kripa" she answered with a smile
Roshini still grimaced at Kripa but made her breakfast. She knew Kripa well. She would still go for those interviews clearly knowing what her opinion was of it. Kripa was really stubborn when it came to her career. Her career held great importance to her from the first day she decided to be a dance teacher.
She was really happy her daughter had a set career but her obsession with her career worried her at times. It just didn't seem like a good idea because she would have to give up her career one day when she would get married. Roshini shook her head and laid Kripa's plate in front of her. There was no use thinking about it, she thought.
"Boss is coming late today" Angad announced to his friends
They smiled knowing he had something up his sleeve "How do you know?" Geet questioned
"I know everything" he answered with a wink "Dadi told me. I had a meeting with the dance department in the morning. There's a competition in Masoori in a few months, it was about that. Boss was supposed to be there to discuss accommodation and possible setup but Dadi told us he won't be here till eleven because of personal reasons"
Arjun raised his brow while stirring his coffee "What's going on in your mind?"
Angad grinned "Oh I have something up my sleeve" he said rubbing his arms "Let's go to his office, we're bound find something about him"
"Are you mad?" Mukti exclaimed "If we're caught we are going to be so dead" she sat down next to Geet picking up a huge mug of coffee "It's ok to an extent Angad but that's too much of a risk. It's not like there's something important being hidden from us"
Angad pouted "You guys are no fun" he complained "Before you were all engaged you were so daring. You've all lost your charm" he picked his mobile up "I'm going, I'm still daring enough" he winked then walked out of the room, whistling"
"I have an interview with Mr Kapoor at 11 o clock" Kripa told Rajesh
Rajesh smiled "Miss Kripa Sharma" he asked
"Yes"
"Mr Kapoor will join you in a while, till then take a seat in his waiting room, through the blue door" he said pointing to his right
She smiled "Thank you" she walked through the blue doors to find to find a comfortable and cozy waiting room. She sat down on the plush leather sofa and took a sigh of relief. She had been to her first interview in the morning. It was a good interview but it seemed like there were less chances. The staff seemed really strict with the students in the school and she couldn't bring that quality in her. She had always liked the soft approach. People understood better, especially kids.
She was still a little upset because her mother was upset with her. She knew her mother worried about her but her career did mean the world to her. She could never imagine herself stuck in the kitchen serving a whole family like a servant the way she was expected to after she probably got married. Her ideology of marriage wasn't perfect. She knew marriage would probably bring her very far from what she was but the days she had, she wanted to enjoy.
While Kripa was still in deep thought, Angad had his arm around Rajesh, buttering him up "You work so hard Rajesh, you really deserve a break"
Rajesh smirked looking at him "What do you want Angad?"
"Yaar, What is it with everyone? Why does everyone think I want something off them?"
"It's usually that" Rajesh said with a humorous smile "What is it?"
"I need to get into Boss's office"
"Are you mad" Rajesh exclaimed "are you nuts? What are you going to do in there?"
"Nothing much, I need to show everyone how daring I am man. I'm losing my touch. No one believes I can get in his office without him finding out. You'll help me right"
"Nope" Rajesh shook his head "I'm not taking such a big risk. I could get fired"
"Little trust" Angad muttered "Oh come on man. You won't get in trouble. Boss will never know. Plus I'll owe you. You can get me to do anything for you when you need it in the future"
Rajesh looked contemplative "Ok, only this once but if anything happens then I'm going to blame it all on you" Rajesh said making a pact "And listen, don't touch anything"
"Right" Angad rubbed his hands in glee "I'll be out in five minutes" he promised, walking through the blue doors
"Angad Listen" Rajesh said calling behind him. He had completely forgotten Kripa was waiting inside. He was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. He looked up from the phone to the door. He sighed "Good morning, this is Rajesh from Creative infants Academy, how can I help you?" he just hoped he didn't mess with Ms Kripa Sharma.
Kripa looked up on seeing a tall, muscled man walk in. She stood up in respect of Mr Kapoor, although a little confused at his appearance. He had seemed like an old man when she had spoken to him over the phone "Good morning sir" she greeted
Angad looked back in surprise to find a woman dressed in a black chiffon sari. And what a beautiful woman she was. He smiled charmingly "Good morning" he greeted "Beautiful"
Kripa frowned at his language "Umm Sir, I'm Kripa Sharma from Masoori. I'm here for a job interview for a dance teacher"
"Oh" Angad seemed surprised. He hadn't heard of any additions to the dance department "come with me" he walked into the office, Kripa following. They took their seats, letting an awkward silence cover them.
Angad took his time gazing at the beauty before his eyes. She was indeed very pretty with a fresh glow on her face. Her skin was milky white, with rosy cheeks to compliment her lovely skin. She had naturally pink lips and beautiful dark eyes which held a pure innocence. Her hair looked silky and soft. He was really tempted to touch her lovely skin "How old are you?" he asked in a husky voice
Kripa cleared her throat feeling uncomfortable "I'm twenty two" she answered
He smiled dreamily "You know you are really beautiful" he murmured taking hold of her hand
"Excuse me" Kripa exclaimed pulling her hand away feeling extremely confused
"Oh you are excused" he said sighing dreamily "How would you like going on a date with me?" he asked with a grin
"I think you have lost your mind" Kripa answered, disgusted "I was here for a job, not to date" she stood up picking up her portfolio "I am so glad I saw your true colors before I got this job" she started to walk out but Angad caught her hand. He pulled her close "What the hell" Kripa struggled "leave me"
"I like your attitude" he whispered tracing his fingers down her cheek "you're exceptionally sexy as well"
Kripa looked at him with anger pushing at his chest "Let go"
They were interrupted by Rajeev who had finally put the phone down. He saw Angad and Kripa and cursed himself for letting Angad talk him into this "Boss is here" He announced "and Mr Khanna, you have the wrong person" he said pulling Angad's arm "This is the boss's office not the acting department" he winked
"Uhh, oh" Angad laughed, smiling sheepishly "yeah, I think I went to the wrong room"
Kripa was flabbergasted. She was confused and ready to cry "I don't understand"
Rajeev smiled "He was practicing, he likes to dive into his work" Rajeev explained
"But I still think your beautiful" Angad murmured winking and sauntered out
Kripa growled "What is going on?" she asked befuddled "I don't know what just happened but I'I don't know. I need to sit down" she rambled sitting on a chair
"Are you okay Miss Sharma?" Rajeev asked feeling sorry for the poor soul
"Umm Yeah, I'm fine. Is Mr Kapoor here yet?"
"Yes, he is. He's actually heading this way. Why don't you stay seated? I'll go and get you some water. You might feel better"
Kripa gave a troubled smile "I'd like that, thank you"
"Miss Sharma" an aged man asked entering the office "Are you okay?" he asked seeing the puzzled expression
Kripa smiled slightly "Yeah, I'm sorry. Can you give me a few minutes?"
"Didi I'm looking for a good school for Soham. Kripa said she applied to a St Xavier school. He even got accepted. He's supposed to start on Monday. Is it a good school?"
"Roshini" Nitya patted her cheek "Stop panicking so much. It is a good school. Sahil goes to the same school so Soham will get company"
Roshini smiled in relief "Didi, How do you stay so calm. It's so hard. The smallest things have me panicking for the kids"
"I guess its natural, you learn patience with time" Nitya sighed "I had to learn it rather quickly. I was actually worse than you. Shaurya always told me my panic would get to me one day, and it did" a sad smile graced her lips "I panicked when he didn't come home and he never did return. He just left us"
"Di" Roshini hugged her sister "I'm so sorry. I should've been here with you"
Nitya shook her head wiping the glistening tears "We can't change destiny but we can make our present better with the lessons we learn" she took Roshini's hand "You haven't changed at all Roshini. What has you so worried?"
Roshini gazed at her sister "Kripa" she murmured "She gives too much attention to her work. Every time I start talking about her marriage, she gets irritated. She doesn't want to stay at home. It feels as if she's allergic to us at times"
"Roshini, you're just worrying. She will get better with time. She's probably just not ready for marriage and of course she's not running away from you. She probably enjoys working. I think you should give her time. Let her settle into Mumbai, then talk to her about her marriage. Now doesn't seem like a good time"
"I hope your right Di" Roshini whispered squeezing her hand
"I'm proud to take you on Miss Sharma" Mr Kapoor smiled "Mrs Kapoor will test you on your dancing first. She's the head of dance. You will observe her teaching for a while. It depends on your progress, how long" he paused "if Mrs Kapoor is happy with your progress you will start teaching from three to six year olds" He beamed "Good luck Ms Sharma. I wish you all the best"
Kripa smiled widely "Thank you so much sir" she shook his hand "When will I be meeting Mrs Kapoor?"
"Well, you can meet her" he paused to check his watch "she should be coming here right about now actually" as if on cue the doors opened, a woman in her early fifties walked in dressed in a pink salwar suit. She had a charming smile, with a glowing grace "Meet my wife, Maya Kapoor" he said putting his arm around the beautiful woman
The woman smiled "You must be Kripa" she walked forward taking her hands "My, you are beautiful"
Kripa blushed self consciously "thank you Ma'am"
"Call me Dadi. Everyone calls me Dadi here" she informed "Do you want to join us for lunch?"
Kripa shook her head feeling embarrassed "No Dadi. You have lunch. I'll come when you're free"
Maya smiled graciously "Go have some rest. You've had quite a day. I'll see you tomorrow at ten" she raised her brows and beamed "welcome to the family Kripa"
Maya smiled at Kripa's confusion as she left. She had heard Angad and his friends laugh over the confused but beautiful lady he had flirted with in the Boss's office. He was wrong to give the poor souls such a hard time on her first day but she'd have a word with him and let him know that he was wrong later. Angad was a very precious member of Creative infants who was more of a family than an employee.
Thank you for all the lovley comments, here chapter 2 for you, sharma's in Mumbai. And Angad and Kripas first meeting. Please comment. Next part we're looking at Angad and kripa meeting again! Lets see what happens... 😉
Faiza
Book Talk
Aami Daakini
376