Dil Na Jisha Aapna Kaha-LAST PART PAGE 17 - Page 12

Part Ten

After dreaming a terrible dream about Kripa, Angad opened his eyes. He felt himself panting and sweating. He slowly sat up and looked at the side table for a glass of table, he cursed under his breath when he found nothing, the glass empty. He looked at his phone to check the time. It was six in the morning. He couldn't go back to sleep now. He stood up and looked out the window, surprised when he found rain still pouring on New York.

Now Angad dragged his heavy body into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. When finally he felt awake he wiped his face with a towel. After tossing that on his still unmade bed he danced down the staircase.

Due to the rain the place was still dark. For once he wondered after all he did for Kripa, why he left her, everything failed. He lived eight years of his life with a lie, a lie that she was happy. She wasn't, she hadn't forgotten him, and she never would.

Now, as he stopped at the middle of the stair way and sat down back tracking to the conversation he had with her last night. Before anything he remembered how warm she felt in his arms. How perfect the moment was. He opened his eyes quickly and brought his hands in front of him.

You're dreaming again, Angad. He told himself quickly. You left Kripa when you wanted you can't expect her to come back to you now.

He stood up and continued down the stairs, and then turned towards his gym. He turned the lights on and looked at the equipment. Since he had left Kripa today was the first time he didn't feel like working out. Angad never felt this way, if he didn't work out on a morning it would simply be because he didn't have the time. Never before today had it been that he didn't feel like it. He slammed the door shut, and slammed his hand on it next. His heart raced again as Kripa in front of his eyes once again. He sighed and turned around. He wanted to walk through the house, alone, evaluating what he had today. Rather, he wanted to know what he had earned after loosing Kripa, the life he loved, his family. What he got after separating a mother and daughter.

Was I being selfish? He asked himself.

Angad turned around and walked towards the kitchen now. Of course not, I did this for Kripa. I didn't even care about Priya at that time. It was just Kripa, the lady I love most, I though about.

Then why isn't she happy today? He wondered as he stopped in front of the kitchen door.

She is happy, she was happy, she's just confused after seeing me, meeting me. She wants me back.

Don't you? He asked himself as he boiled the water for his tea and then turned the stove off and emptied the kettle, and turned towards his refrigerator.

I do, I love her, Priya needs her. She needs me. But after eight years, can I just bring her back. He poured himself a glass of orange juice and then placed the jug back in the fridge.

It's not hard, you were never living without her, she was always there. He sipped his first sip, but the juice tasted bitter. He looked down at the glass and frowned at it. Then, drained it into the sink and washed both the sink and glass.

Angad shook himself, before he could ask himself more questions. He against the counter and closed his eyes. His marriage with Kripa flashed before his eyes, he opened them and then closed them again. His lips curved as he thought about Priya being born, the first time he sat beside Kripa after she had delivered her. How happy she was, he was.

Angad opened his eyes again and his face was firm again. He had lost eight years of his life because of a silly mistake, a lie. But he wanted to keep Kripa happy.

"Angad?"

Angad looked at the door and saw a sleepy Kripa before his eyes. Her eyes were still half closed and she was still yawning. At the moment Angad thought about Priya standing in front of him. Angad imagined Priya standing up in her night suit, whining about going to her classes.

Kripa blinked her eyes as she watched Angad day dream. "Angad," she called again.

"Yes, Kripa?" He quickly asked coming back.

Kripa walked to him, she was dressed in his pajama's and it was quite hard for her to walk in them. Finally she placed her head on his chest and hugged him. Angad looked down at her, without hugging her back, and watched her close her eyes again. "What are you doing up so early?"

He still didn't put his arms around Kripa, "I wake up at this time everyday Kripa."

Kripa stood there holding him, waiting for him to embrace her back.

"Kripa?" He said still not holding her back.

"Angad," she placed her chin on his chest and looked up. He noticed her eyes slightly bigger now, more awake. "Please," she pleaded as she placed her head on his chest again. Angad waited a second, and then lifted his hands. Kripa continued to wait for his embrace. Before he could place his arms around her they both heard the phone ring through the house. Angad dropped his hands and pulled Kripa away, leaving to get the call.

"Hello."

"Mr. Khanna, I'm very sorry to disturb you so early but this is very important."

Angad recognized Lisa's voice. " Lisa it's Angad. Not Mr. Khanna. I was awake."

"Sir, we need your signatures for the Queens Hotel shares but seven tonight. And you haven't even studies the file."

"Can't this wait, Lisa?"

"I hate to tell you this, but we've extended the deadline twice. Mr. Noone, was blabbing too much rubbish when he called last night."

"That man…" Angad pressed his rising temper. "I don't want this deal Lisa. Tell him it's off."

"But sir it's very profitable for us."

Angad sighed, "I don't care." He saw Kirpa walk out of the Kitchen, wiping her tears.

"Mr. Khanna?"

"Angad, Lisa. Second time, and it's getting on my nerves. Just like Mr. Noone is. This deal is off, and it's final. I'm sure his proposal is just as rubbish as the man himself."

"Alright sir. But can you come in to the office to sing the refusal papers?"

"Alright Lisa. I'll be there. Anything else?"

"Yes, you have a meeting with Ms. Bell tonight."

"Of course, she has invited me to dinner. That lady I tell you." Lisa heard Angad lightening up. "She's amazing."

"Yes she is."

"Well, I'll see you at office, tonight. And…" He recollected if there was anything else he needed to tell her. "That's it I believe."

"Alright Mr… I mean Angad. You have a good morning and I'll see you later."

"Lisa," he quickly said.

"Yes Sir."

"Would you like to have lunch with me today? I need to, tell, rather ask you something."

"Well," Lisa said confused. "I'm sure it would be ok."

"Great then. I'll see you."

"Bye sir."

"Bye." Angad put the phone down. Lisa was the first lady he had known when he came here. She was divorced, with one little daughter. Angad adored Lisa because of the lady she was. She determined, and he never saw her fumble. She was perfect, and she was perhaps the perfect person to talk to about Kripa to.

Angad turned around with a smile on his face when he saw Kripa walk out of her room again.

"Morning, Mr. Khanna." She greeted, as this was the first time she had seen him this morning.

"Morning, Mrs. Khanna," he replied cheekily. Surprised at her behavior.

"Now, to answer my earlier question, why are you up so early?"

Angad felt great as he shared this conversation with Kripa, "Well." He stopped and then started to walk a few steps towards her. "I just…. Couldn't sleep anymore."

"Ah! Now, if you don't mind, and if you are truly going to eat, can I cook breakfast for both of us?" Angad noticed Kripa curling her toes on the cold marble floor. He walked closer to her and picked her up in his arms.

Kripa looked into his soothing, brown eyes, somewhat shocked. "I'm sorry about that day." He waited until she smiled.

"It's ok," she whispered, looking deeper into his eyes. Angad carried her to the sofa and then dropped her on the sofa.

"Next time, you might want to wear slippers."

Kripa smiled warmly. "I will make sure of that."

"Good. And, you may prepare breakfast, while I take a shower."

"Alright, may I ask you something?" Angad sat down beside her. "Why are we so formal?"

"Um… Well if me picking you up was formal, next time I'll escort you next time!"

Kripa grinned, "That would be much less formal."

"Yes." Absently, Angad placed his arm around Kripa and kissed her cheek like he would sometimes eight years ago. Kripa looked at him, and smiled. They both knew normally, when he used to kiss her just randomly, she would get angry. But today they both also knew it would be different. She took his face in her hands and kissed him back. Before Kripa could hug him again Angad stood up.

"Angad," she quickly stood up in front of him.

"Yeah?"

"I need to go shopping," she smiled cutely and waited for him to answer.

"You can take the car, you can take all my credit cards, but you are not taking me with you."

She frowned, "Why not?"

"I hate shopping with you. I always have. I always will!"

"In that case," she watched Angad as he continued to walk backwards. "I'll go alone. I do know the place quite well." She looked at him, pleading, sadly. "Please!" She smiled like a little girl begging to skip school today. "Please!"

Angad rolled his eyes. "Fine!" Kripa jumped up and spun. Angad smiled seeing her this excited. "But! You will go to your doctor alone today."

"Why?"
"I have to go the office, and I'm taking Lisa out to lunch." He watched as Kripa's smile disappeared and jealousy was spelled out on her face. Angad grinned. "I promise I won't purpose to her, I have to save that idea for someone else." Now Kripa looked up at him even more angry.

"In that case, you can have fun with who ever this love of your life is, and I'll go shopping alone. I don't need your money or you! And, if you think I'm still slightly important for you, you can find me." She turned around in fury and left. "And, you can prepare your breakfast yourself. I'm going back to the hotel!" Angad mocked her as she walked into the room, and tilted back with his eyes closed when she slammed the door.

Angad humming, turned around and went for a quick shower, while Kripa went for hers. She had already washed her cloths from last night and slipped back into them. There was no make she could put of so she just walked back out into the kitchen two hours later in wet hair, and looking beautiful.

It was around eight and still quite dark outside. She heard thunder and quick reached for the lights. She tried to turn them on but couldn't. She looked ahead of her and saw a candle being lit.

"I took the bulb out," Angad told her cheekily.

Kripa twisted her lips, "Why? Does Angad Khanna remember that it's Kripa Khanna in the house not who ever he's going to propose to?"

Angad looked up, his eyes looked amber, when Kripa looked into them. And, as Angad looked into her eyes, he saw the candle flicker in her eyes, as she continued to burn in jealousy.

Angad walked to her and pulled her closer by her waist. "Well, in that case Why does Kripa Khanna keep forgetting that she's still married to Angad Khanna." Kripa looked at him, and his firm, passionate face. Something he hadn't seen in years. She felt her stomach being pressed against Angad's.

"I know this sounds silly, but how about a candle light breakfast?" Kripa looked away still angry. "I'll go shopping with you."

"Why can't we just have breakfast, lunch, and dinner together?"
Angad smiled as he placed his other arm around her as well. "In that case, Mrs. Kripa Angad Khanna," she looked at him now, they both knew she loved being addressed like that from Angad. He moved closer, "Liked it?" She smiled. "Well, I can't have lunch, because I have to discuss something with Lisa, and I don't have time before or after that."

"Why not?"

"Well I'm taking you to shopping after that, and for dinner Ms. Bell has invited me to dinner."

Kripa frowned again. "Why, Mr. Khanna, are you always surrounded my other ladies?"

Angad chuckled, "Kripa, I've been having dinner with her every year around this time."

"May I ask why?"

"Well, she wants to marry me!" Kripa pinched his arm and he took them both back.

"I hate you!"

Angad laughed again as she sat down on the small glass table in the kitchen. He walked and kneeled down beside her. His arm around her waist again. They both knew he was flirting with her endlessly, but it was fun for both of them. "Well, you can come with me."

She looked at him, "Oh, how generous of you Mr. Khanna, but I think I can manage to have dinner alone."

"Then you can also go shopping alone."

He stood up when she took his hand. He turned and looked at her. She pulled his closer and placed her head on his stomach and hugged him, as he stood and she sat. Angad played with her hair as she spoke again. "I can't, Angad, because I want to relive all those moment again, who knows if I will ever see you after I leave next week."

Angad's hand stopped and he slowly bend down. "Where are you going?"

"Angad I went to my doctor yesterday after you left."

"And?"

"He said my eyes are perfectly fine, and I don't need to come in for anymore check-ups. I called in for the flight booking yesterday, and they don't have anything this week. I've told them if they do they can call me."

"Oh," was all he said. They both were quite for a few seconds. "Kripa."

"Hmmm…"

"Can I ask you for something?"

"Anything, Angad."

"Can't you live here until you're here?"

Kripa smiled as she kissed his forehead, "Are you sure?"

"I am. What if I don't get to see you again?" Kripa's eyes filled with tears. "Now, how about you eat chief Khanna's food?"

"Alright. How about on the sofa outside?"
"If that's what you want."

Within minutes Kripa and Angad sat in front of the T.V. having breakfast in the dark, on the floor. When they were done, around Nine, Kripa sat on the floor beside Angad, holding his close and tight." They didn't talk, the T.V. was turned off. They just sat holding each other, listening to the rain hit against the windows, and the thunder rumble once ever few minutes.

Both Angad and Kripa were silently, crying. Without a whimper, without a sound, silent tears. Neither one of them had expected Kripa to leave this soon. But it was going to happen, and soon.

After that Angad dropped Kripa at her hotel to get everything together, while he went to the office and sing the papers. Once he was done with that he picked Kripa up and they she moved back into his house. They both decided that she would stay in the room down stairs.

While Kripa stayed home that afternoon and Angad left to have lunch with Lisa.

Angad got to the office and picked her up, and they both left for an Italian caf.

Angad pulled the chair out for Lisa and sat down after her. "So Angad?"

"I need to tell you something, Lisa." She looked at him fumble with his phone and keys.

"Angad?" He looked up at the beautiful lady before him. She had pale white skin, with beautiful brunette hair. Her eyes were a deep green and looked beautiful with the thick long lashes that framed.

"Lisa, I need to tell you something."

"Yeah?"

"I have a eight year old daughter." He watched as she placed her glass back down and looked at him shocked. "Don't ask."

"Angad, you've never told me."

"I know Lisa. She was six months when I came her. I've been away from my wife, who I love so much for the past eight years. And… only I know how I've spend these years without her."

"And?"

"She had an accident, and her family bought her here for her treatment and we met. She back in my life and I want her to stay."

"Ok, what's the problem?"

"I want her back, but I can't tell her."

"Oh!" Lisa leaned back in her chair and looked at an extremely tensed Angad. She had known him for over seven years now and never had he stressed over anything, not even a business deal, and today he was worried about the love of his life. There was a sensitive man in him.

Angad looked at Lisa and noticed her smile, that her eyes echoed. "Lisa?"

"It's very simple Angad you have to let her know that you love her, she needs to know that you need her."

"How? Just stand up and say Kripa, come back to me. I know I left you but I want you back now. Please?"

"No! And sit down!" She waited until he was seated and calm again. It's very simple. "First, you will not have lunch with me, you will have lunch with your wife. If she loves you, she hasn't ate yet. Call her up right now and tell her you are taking her out to lunch."

"Ok, and you?"

"Well, I can have lunch alone. You need to be with her. And then you should…………"

Almost an hour later, Kripa met Angad and Lisa at the caf. Lisa had a quick lunch and then left making an excuse that she had an important task to finish. When Angad had kissed her good-bye he noticed no sing of jealousy anywhere on Kripa's face. He was glad and confused. He sat back down and the two continued their lunch.

After that, as promised, Angad took Kripa and they both shopped. Like old times, Kripa looked for things for Angad more than herself.

Lisa had told that Ms. Bell's dinner wasn't private tonight. Angad had decided he was going to take Kripa with her.

Kripa annoyed Angad through out the entire day, and finally when they reached home Kripa packed everything away that she hadn't bought for herself. And, she gave Priya's stuff to Angad.

Around eight that night Kripa stood in front of the mirror looking at herself in her bathrobe. She continued to just stare when Angad walked in, of course Kripa didn't notice. Angad placed a box down on her bed and walked behind her. He stood behind her and then slowly placed his arms around her waist. Startled, Kripa quickly turned and looked at Angad. Then slowly let a breath out.

"Angad you're a devil."

"I'm still married to you for a reason." He turned her back to the mirror and they both looked at each other through it. "What were you looking at?"
"I wasn't looking, I was thinking what I should wear."

"Cloths!"

"Very smart," she turned around and looked at him. "What are you wearing?"

"I'm wearing a suit."

"Color?"

"Um… favorite Black."

"Good. My dress is black as well."

"So we have to look made for each other?"

"Well I still think we are."

"Um… I'm not to sure about that."

"Angad," she pushed him back. "You aren't sure about anything. I don't even think you were sure about marrying me."
"Well," he watched as she turned around and picked up her hair brush. Angad stood behind her and placed his head on her shoulder. "I'm not even sure about you leaving in a week."

Now Kripa looked at him, she felt his hand lock with hers. "If I asked you to stay, will you?"
"For how long?" Kripa asked in a whisper.

"I can drop you at the airport right now. I mean it won't be very hard to arrange a private jet for me." Kripa stepped in his foot and left his hand. Angad screamed, and then smiled at her image walking into the bathroom.

"Kripa! I have something for you on the bed, check it out."

"Get lost, Angad," she screamed from the bathroom.

Angad poured himself a glass of wine while he waited for Kripa to appear. As he brought his glass to his lips he heard Kripa call him.

Angad walked into her room with his suit jacket in Hung on his arm. She was still wrapped in her bathrobe. "What is this?" Kripa asked him holding the box he had left for her earlier.

"Open it and see."

"Why don't you open it and show me."

Angad twisted his lips and then walked to her. She placed the box in his hand and he turned her to the mirror. He asked Kripa to hold the box in front of her as he stood behind her. First he took of the earrings she was already wearing and then the necklace. He dropped both items on the dresser. Then, with his arms around her still he opened the box. Kripa moved her eyes down to the beautiful, elegant diamond set in front of her.

"Like it?" He asked looked down at the antique.

"I love it Angad, but when did you buy it?"

"Last year, there was a diamond exhibition at NYU, everything was designed by the students and it was up for auction and the funds were going to go to charity. When I saw this one, I loved it, and I bought it… well at that time it was also for you. I wasn't sure if I could ever give it to you. Now that you're here, then why not?"

Kripa looked down at the diamonds once again, "Why don't you help me wear it?"

Angad picked up the beautiful chandlers and helped Kripa wear them, and then hooked her necklace around her just as fragile neck.

He looked up into the mirror and smiled. Kripa's hair were tied up, she had a faint amount of make-up done, it more like a formality to wear maybe a touch of eye shadow, and anything else that she wore. "I can't believe, Kripa, that you're eight years older than you were eight years ago." Kripa grinned at his silly comment. "You still look the way you did the day we got married." He reached for the tie of her bathrobe, and undid it. Kripa continued to look at him. Angad allowed it to drop to the floor as he, and when a Kripa in a beautiful black slip stood before him, he was in awe. The black slip was just a part of her outfit, but she was still beautiful. Kripa looked away from Angad and turned around.

"Angad leave!" He blinked. "Angad? Go!" She turned him around and pushed him out of the room slammed the door and then locked it. She looked at her self in the mirror and then walked to her closet, she took something else out and quickly changed.

Kripa stepped out on her room with Angad's jacket in her hand, which he had forgotten in her room earlier.

Angad watched her walk towards her and then stop. "Mr. Khanna? Are you there?"

"Very much not here," he replied as he picked up her hand and placed a kiss on it. "Why did you dress change?"

"Well the diamonds were gifted by a diamond himself. So I thought why not the dress as well." Angad looked at her, she was wearing a black saari he had gifted her. Surprised she still had it.

"Well, you still look… horrible." Kripa gave Angad a disgusted look.

"Lets go!" She spat and then left the place. Angad ordered Tony to lock everything before he left. Angad had a spare key.

"Kripa," Angad called before they entered the party.

"What?" She spat again.

"Gosh, calm down. I need my jacket." Angad held his hand out but Kripa pushed it back down and helped him with his jacket in front of the beautiful mansion. She looked at him and then slipped her arms around his waist. "What are you up to?" Kripa smiled and then un-tucked his shirt.

"It's translucent and looks better un-tucked! And, don't get your hopes high. You'll fall like every time." She looked at him for another moment. "You, Angad, look very handsome tonight. Now lets go." She wrapped her hand around his arm, "And, my husband does not have permission to flirt with anyone." She looked up at him.

"You're jealous!" He ran the tip of his finger against her tiny nose. "And, thank you! And smile! It might help."

Angad stepped inside the house looking for Ms. Bell. He searched the beautifully decorated living area, but she was seen no where. Finally he watched the beautiful lady walk to him.

"You, Ms. Bell, look absolutely beautiful." Angad left Kripa and kissed both of Ms. Bell's cheeks and then stepped away. Kripa looked at her carefully. She was a pretty lady, no doubt. Perhaps in her late twenties. She had eyes like ice cubes, blue, yet unlike ice-cubes they were warm and welcoming. She was dressed in a champagne colored dress, which's back started at her waist. Her dark blond hair were left down to her mid back, elegantly curled. And, surprisingly she wore absolutely no jewelry but a bracelet in her wrist.

"I'm Surprise, Angad," Kripa was distracted when she heard her voice rise now. "You're here with a lady, other than Lisa this year. Are you planning to settle down finally?"

"I would never, Ms. Bell, break your heart."

She laughed freely as Angad continued smiling warmly. "Kripa, Ms. Bell." Angad introduced them.

Kripa smiled, unsure if she should embrace or place her hand out. She was astonished when Ms. Bell generously placed her cheek against Kripa's, and gave her a quick embrace. Kripa smiled now. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Bell."

"The pleasure is all mine," she paused. "Kripa. It wonderful to see Angad with someone so beautiful, you're a charming girl."

"Thank you, Ms. Bell. You're beautiful yourself."

The lady smiled while Angad just listened to them talk. "Call me June. Angad will never leave the formalities but not with you."

"Alright, June. An elegant name, you have, June Bell. Suits you very well."

"Thank you, how about you? Kripa?"

Kripa smiled, "It's Kripa S…"

"Ms. Bell, rather, June." June was surprised as Angad placed his arm around Kripa's waist and pulled her closer. "Meet Kripa Khanna, my very charming wife."

June's mouth opened and so did Kripa's as Angad introduced her. "Your wife?" She asked completely shocked.

"Well until now, unless she's planning to end the marriage, or unless I am."

"Oh, hush!" June exclaimed. "You're married, since when?"

"We'll be completing ten years in two days."

June Bell seemed even more shocked now. "Lisa!" She called when she appeared beside Kripa. "Mr. Khanna is married. For almost ten years now."

Angad spoke before they could continue. "Before you ladies hang me with a noose tonight, I will take your leave. And, if you don't mind I would like to take my wife with me." He kissed Kripa's cheek, which pleased Kripa.

"You may," both Lisa and June permitted him. Kripa smiled at them and then walked away with Angad.

"They look absolutely beautiful together. Charming," June sighed.

Lisa looked at them, "Very. I still can't believe he's been married for ten years now."

"Nor can I," June confessed. "Kripa, is indeed a very lucky lady."

"So, Mr. Khanna." Kripa said turning to him when they both were left alone for a few seconds. "Your very charming wife, huh?"

"Who?"
Kripa scowled at him. "you're an certified Flirt!"

"That he is," Said a beautiful voice. Kripa and Angad turned, arms still linked when they both saw Ria standing before them.

Ria was one Kripa didn't like for sure. She didn't mind Lisa nor did she mind June. But Ria she did mind. Angad once again left Kripa's arm and hugged Ria for quite a long time as well. They shared something Kripa couldn't understand.

"You've met Kripa," Angad asked standing beside Ria now.

"Briefly," She smiled, while Kripa excused herself.

"I need to talk to you, Angad." Angad looked at Ria's tensed face and placed his arm around her shoulder.

"Everything ok?"
"No," she replied with tears swimming in her eyes.

"Come with me," he took her hand and dragged her outside the house.

Kripa watched them leave, and then she was suddenly surprised when she felt someone's arm around her shoulder. She looked to her left and found someone very familiar standing beside her.

"Ah! Mrs. Khanna," she heard June from the other side speak. "Meet Mr. Karan. A very dear friend of Angad."

"June, call me Kripa." She looked at Karan. "And, Karan and I, already know each other."

"Really? Well. Isn't tonight a night of surprises."

"Indeed," Karan spoke finally. "And, Mrs. Angad Khanna," he grinned as he said this. "Would you like to join me for a small conversation?"

"Love to Karan."

"June please excuse us," Karan asked her.

About five minutes later while, Angad and Ria were no where to be seen, Kripa and Karan sat for a chat. Karan and Kripa knew each other, since college. And, he knew Angad before he knew Kripa. It was comforting relationship they shared. Kripa told Karan about the last years. Her marriage to Angad, Priya, and what happened between the eight years. They were disturbed by a Mr. Miller, wanting to talk to Karan.

Kripa left the place and walked outside, with tears in her eyes. She was so happy Angad was back with her. And, she was confident that he wasn't going to let her go.

Her dream shattered as turned and saw Angad slipping a ring into Ria's engagement finger. She turned away when Angad held a first crying, and now smiling Ria in his arms.

She looked into the dark sky, it was going to continue raining in New York for at least another week. Kripa, after seeing all this, thought Angad had moved on. Why was he then, behaving this way with her? Why did he tell everyone she was his wife, and they had been married for ten years now. And, Kripa was shocked that Angad remember while she had forgotten their tenth marriage anniversary.

Kripa turned and walked back inside, and Angad watched her walk away.

"Angad, Kripa saw everything." Ria told him seconds later.

"I know, don't worry she has to know today or tomorrow."

********

Kripa walked absently through the party after having two glasses of wine, forced by June. It was enough for Kripa, and by the time she finished her fourth with Lisa, she knew something was going to happen that night. "Dance?"

Kripa looked at Angad and gave him her hand. "Angad, I need to ask you something."

"What?"

"I need to know if you can arrange my tickets for an earlier date?"

"Why?"

She took a deep breath. "I don't think it's correct to stay here for to long."

"Why?"
"Angad look…."

"Kripa, there is a reason why I'm doing this."

"What is it?"

"You need to move on. Find yourself someone who you can spend the rest of your life with."

"You!" She spat. "You, I want to spend my life with you. You promised me that ten years ago, you promised me eight years ago when Priya was born. And, you are going to have to fulfill that promise."

"That's silly. I'm sure someone loves you more."

"You love someone more."

"I do."

Kripa was hurt. The dance ended, and Kripa left Angad. "I don't want to be here anymore." She turned and left the party, leaving a smiling Angad behind.

"She is so silly!" Angad told himself as he continued to smile.

Angad also left the party shortly after, it was pouring when he left after dinner. The part was held by June, simply for a get together like every year. In July. It was like she celebrated as the first half of the year ended.

Angad looked around and didn't see Kripa. He ran to the watchman, who told him she had left the car keys and went home in a Taxi.

Angad quickly left as well.

When he entered his house, he heard things being thrown from Kripa's room. He opened the door and found Kripa sitting on the floor, crying. She was dressed in her night suit now. But her jewelry was still there.

Angad sat against the bed beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Don't!" she screamed. She stood up and walked away from him. "I made a mistake by coming back Angad. You are a two-faced man. You tell me something and do something else. You make promise that you can never fulfill. I hate you!" She threw anything at came in hand at him. "I hate you!" she screamed louder. Angad now ran to her and held her by her shoulders.

"Stop it!" She looked at him. "Why are angry?"

"What's going on between Ria and you?"

Angad looked at the hurt Kripa and pulled her into his arms. "I don't know what you're talking about Kripa."

She pushed him away again. "Stop it!" She cried. "Stop it." Angad tried to hold her again but couldn't. "Angad I'm not drunk, and I'm not stupid. I've lived without for eight years and only I know how hard it has been for me to stay away from you." She sat on the messy bed and continued to cry her heart out. "I don't know why you left me, I don't want to know why you left me. I don't care if you want me back in your life, I don't care how you live with who you live," she looked up at him, her eyes red. "Just wait until I'm here, Angad. Let me live with the Angad Khanna whose my husband, not…" she stopped talking but continued to cry. Finally, a few minutes later, Kripa walked to her suit case and took a small box out.

"I don't want this stuff anymore, Angad." She took his hand and placed the box in it. She looked at her finger and took the ring Angad had given her almost eleven years ago, before they got married. "And, I don't think I have a right on this any more either." She pressed the ring into his other hand and turned around. "I don't want to see you Angad. I want you to leave me alone. I've booked my ticket to England the day after tomorrow," I'll stay in England until I can get a flight back to India.

"You really want to leave don't you?"

"I do," she turned around, "Because I can't see you with anyone else."

"Kripa you're…"

"I don't want to hear it, Angad."

"Listen to me at least."

"No Angad. Please you don't need to explain."

"Fine!" Angad sighed and left the room.

*****************

Kripa walked into a antique crystal shop, after having lunch with Karan and telling him what happened last night. Karan, told Kripa things that only shocked her. Now as she looked around the shop she felt guilty about what she had told Angad last night.

I over reacted, she told herself as she picked up an crystal center piece. She looked at it and then turned placed it back where it belonged. She continued to look around the when she found a beautiful light blue crystal, in the center there was a small heart held by a teddy bear, in little letters, it said, "I'm sorry," she smiled and picked it up.

"I want this one," she told the man on the register.

"Sure," he packed it in a gift bag and after paying him, Kripa left the place.

Before going home, she found Ria's address and went to her place first. She rang the bell and waited. When no one opened she rang the bell again. Now, Ria opened the door.

"Kripa?" she asked surprised.

"Yeah, can I come in?"

"Yes, please." She moved aside and allowed Kripa in. "Can I get you something?"

"No, Ria I'm sorry."

Ria sat down beside Kripa and held her hand. "It's ok. Karan told me everything." Ria watched as tears sprung in Kripa's eyes. "Angad loves you a lot, Kripa. He never told me he was married. I knew he had a daughter, but I didn't know he was still married. I did know he loved someone a lot. He has seen so many ladies in the past years Kripa, but it's only been dinner and then bye." Kripa continued to cry as Ria spoke. "Don't cry, Kripa." She embraced her tightly.

A few minutes later, Finally Kripa pulled away and wiped her tears. "Karan told me about your engagement…"

"With Rahul and then him?"

"Yes."

Ria sighed. "Rahul was a loser, he wanted a one night stand. Karan, loves me a lot. Last night when you saw Angad slipping a ring in my finger it was, Karan's ring that I took off."

"I know," she said embarrassed. "Angad tried to tell me but… well it's his fault he's the one who said he loved you while we were dancing so I…."

Ria laughed, "Don't worry he doesn't. But he's really nervous."

"About?"

"You'll know soon," she patted her cheek.

"Don't tell him I was here, Ria."

"I won't."

"I'm gonna leave now. You take care."

"You too," Kripa hugged Ria and left the place.

*************

Angad ignored Kripa for the rest of the day. Kripa packed until ten that night, and when she was finally done she sat in the dinning room having dinner alone. She had tried several times to ask Angad to have dinner with him but he didn't. He deliberately had dinner while she was busy packing.

After dinner, Kripa took a shower, and then placed the last few things in her suit-case. As she was she came across the crystal piece she had bought earlier this morning.

She took it out and looked at it for a few seconds. Then, decided to go give it to Angad.

Kripa knocked on his door, and then opened it. "I'm sorry to disturb you Angad." She watched him close the diary in his lap and lock it inside the desk beside his bed. "I just…"

"It's ok, Kripa. Come in." Angad noticed that she was actually dressed in a casual night dress, shorts and a shirt. Kripa walked into the room and sat down on the bed across Angad. Angad looked at her, finally Kripa walked to him on her knees and slipped in the blanket beside him.

"I won't take long, promise."

"You don't have very long Kripa. Just sixteen hours, and you'll be gone."

"And you won't stop me," she whispered. She took the crystal out of the gift bag and placed it in Angad's hand. "I'm sorry about last night. I should have allowed you to explain." Kripa dropped her head on Angad's chest and hugged him tightly. Angad placed the crystal back in the bag and placed it on the other side. He hesitated before putting his arms around her as well.

"I'll miss Priya a lot," Kripa whispered looking at her picture across the room.

"You won't miss me?"

"Not at all." She closed her eyes, starting to fall asleep.

"You know Kripa, when Priya was around one year old she used to bug me a lot." Kripa opened her eyes and listened to him talk. "She would cry all night sometimes, and not let me sleep. Every night it happened I would, in anger, say that I'm going to have to call Kripa. But as soon as she would calm down…"

"Why didn't you Angad?"

"Kripa I left you for a reason."

"And the reason was?"

"You?"

"Me?" She sat up and looked at him. "I want to know Angad. I want to know why I lost eight years of my life, waiting for you, instead being with you."

"After we got married, I noticed that you weren't doing too many albums, you were paying attention to me more than anything else. I loved that a lot and just ignored it. When you were pregnant with Priya, Mom told me that you were sacrificing everything for us."

"Why did you let her do that Angad?"

"Because I didn't want you to give up singing to take care of Priya of me. I wanted you to sing, I knew what it meant to you."

"Nothing is more important to me than you Angad, not singing, not your mother, not Priya, no one. You left me so I would go back into singing, I didn't sing once in eight years Angad. And, you were in touch with Prithvi and Aaliya…"

"Prithvi continued lying to me. He told me you were doing albums but no shows. I was happy, and I knew you would move on. Priya wouldn't be here if you weren't here. Nothing would have been here Angad. You should have asked me once, just once."

"I know, I should have. I listen to my mother because I thought she loved you. She never did, Kripa. Mom never wanted you to be my wife, she didn't want us to be together, or happy. I made the biggest mistake of my life by listening to her."

"You did." She repeated wiping his tears. "You did." Angad took a deep breath and smiled at her. "Do you have pictures of Priya growing up?"

"I do." He stepped down and came back with an album.

"Look thought these," He placed one side of the album in her lap and the other in his lap. Kripa sat close to him as they both looked through the pictures laughing. Angad told Kripa stories of each pictures. Finally they reached the last page of the album.

"Look!" Angad pointed at a picture of him feeding Priya. Then he pointed at a picture of Priya sneezing the food on his face.

Kripa laughed holding Angad's shirt as he explained the moment. Angad closed the album laughing with Kripa. He placed the album on the desk and watched Kripa wipe the tears from her eyes as she continued to laugh. Kripa looked up at Angad and stopped laughing, slowly. Angad bent down and kissed both her eyes. When Kripa opened them she saw a passionate Angad looking back at her.

Kripa moved away from him instantly, "I should go to sleep I…"

"Stay!" he quickly told her.

Kripa let out a sigh. "Just for now?"

"Will you stay if I say forever?"

Kripa looked at him, "Why don't you try asking me?" She placed her head on his chest and closed her eyes, hoping he would ask.

"Kripa," he whispered. Kripa's eyes opened quickly. "It's twelve."

"Angad, we weren't married yet." She placed her finger of the top button of his shirt. Angad held her hand and kissed it.

"I'll be right back." He left her side; while Kripa watched him leave the room. Angad didn't return for about fifteen minutes and Kripa closed her eyes to go to sleep now. She was, somewhat determined that Angad wouldn't let her leave.

As she laid on her side and pulled the quilt over the blanket she felt Angad hold her hand. Her eyes opened again and she smiled sleepily. He took her hand out of the blanket and slipped a ring in her finger. He bent down and placed his lips on her forehead. "I love you, Kripa." Kripa hugged him tightly and cried. She had waited to hear the words from Angad for the past eight years.

"Would you like to cancel my ticket for tomorrow?"

Angad pulled away and caressed her forehead. "I already did that this morning." He kissed her again. "I wasn't going to make the same mistake I made years ago, Kripa. I'm not going to loose you again, never." He leaned into her and kissed her neck, and kept his lips there and just hugged her.

Kripa fell asleep in his arms. Angad for most of the night watched her sleep in his arms. It felt wonderful to watch her sleep, and to later sleep with her. Something they both had wished.

Next morning both Angad and Kripa woke up together upon the phone ringing thought the house. Before either one of them could pick up the caller dropped the call. Kripa moved closer to Angad and held him close. "I'm finally here Angad, with you, forever."