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Part 8
Angad felt someone shaking him slowly. He shifted in his bed and bit by bit, opened his eyes. He blinked at Priya a few timed before sitting up completely and picking her up in his arms. "Morning Daddy."
"Morning jaan. What time is it?"
"It's eleven."
"In the morning?" Angad asked cheekily.
"I think so, the sun is out." Priya replied just as cheekily.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?"
"I was going to but Mom stopped me."
"Who stopped you?"
"Mom," she replied playing with his hand.
"Kripa stopped you?" he asked again.
"Yes, Dad, Mom."
Angad looked at Priya. "What about your dance class."
"Mom took me there as well."
"She drove?" he asked curiously.
"No, the driver did."
"Ok." Angad said holding his head now.
"Dad I need to talk to you."
"Alright, how about I take a shower and then we'll have lunch together."
"Ok." She said allowing him to get up.
"Priya."
"Yes Daddy."
"Never mind, I'll see you in a bit."
***********
Angad skipped down the stair case, whistling. Kripa looked up from her book at the sound and watched him come down stairs happily. She noticed his outfit, although he looked awfully handsome, it was very much unlike the Angad Khanna she got married to. He danced down the stairs in a sexy black suit, with a pair of glasses in his hands. Of course he didn't notice Kripa standing there, if he would have he would have stopped. Finally when he got to the last stair he turned around. "Priya!" He yelled loudly. He turned around and Kripa moved her eyes to the book. Angad looked at her for a few seconds, and then back at the stairs. "Priya," he called again.
"She's sleeping Angad."
"Sleeping?" he asked her.
"Sleeping, you don't know the meaning?" Angad rolled his eyes, "She was tired after her dance class."
Angad didn't reply and walked into the kitchen, Kripa frowned at his back and slammed her book shut. "Angad!" She called, angry.
He turned and looked at her, she stood and crossed her arms in front of her. "I need to talk to you."
"About?"
"Look, I don't want to be here for too long, I want to go back with Prithvi and Aaliya."
"Then go! Who stopped you?"
"Mr. Khanna, look, I'm not here because I want to be, but because I have to be. If I knew you were going to behave like this…" she stopped. "Anyways, find out for me if I can go back and get my check-ups in India. And, id not I would very much appreciate if you could book me a hotel. Prithvi and Aaliya have to go back tomorrow night for his business, and with this kind of attitude I can't live here."
Angad looked at her, "I'll make sure I find you a place around here. It shouldn't be very hard."
Kripa was in alarmed. "Thank you," she said disappointed. "Are you going anywhere?"
"No, do you need something?"
"No," Kripa picked her book up.
"Kripa," she stopped and digested how sweetly he had taken her name. She turned around and looked at him, making sure he wouldn't catch how sad she was. "Thanks for taking Priya to her dance class this morning."
"She is also my daughter, Angad." She said in a disappointed tone. "It's not my fault you took her away from me."
"Tony!" Angad yelled to avoid her last comment.
"Yes sir," he asked obediently.
"Can you lay lunch for me please."
"What would you like master."
"Italian, how about Pasta and garlic bread."
"To drink sir?"
"Wine would do."
"Alright sir."
"Can I get my lunch in my office, and please ask Priya what she wants and same with the guests."
"Yes sir."
"You can go." Before Tony left, Angad left the place and went to his office upstairs.
"Tony," Kripa called him.
"Yes Ma'am?"
"Is Angad always like this?"
"Normally no. He's either stressed, angry at someone or himself, or just busy. He normally cooks himself."
"Then why so many cooks in the house?"
"Well, its for Priya. He loves her a lot, and he makes sure there is someone to attend her. And sometimes only because sometimes he'll be so busy with work for weeks and then we'll cook. But not everyday."
"Well, in that case I'll cook today. I haven't cook for anyone is a long time. Specially Angad. I'll cook today's lunch."
"But Ma'am if he finds out…"
"He won't we wont tell him. Come on help me."
"Yes Ma'am."
Kripa took about an hour to cook the meal. In between, Priya woke up and followed her around the kitchen watching her cook. Angad, thankfully hadn't entered the kitchen once. While the pasta was boiling Kripa diced the veggies for the pasta salad, and then got the right wine, with a low content of alcohol. Something right for lunch. She cooked for Angad very excitedly, just like the way she had cooked for him the night Angad had proposed to her. And, ironically it was the same meal, but that night the wine was stronger.
Kirpa looked at the meal in front of her when it was laid on the tray that Priya was going to make her carry to Angad.
Finally, Priya opened the door to Angad's office. "Hi Daddy." Angad looked at her and smiled, and then frowned when Kripa entered with the food. She placed the food on the table in front of the sofa's and at the same time looked at Angad's frowning face.
"Priya, you guys eat I'll see you later."
"No, you have to eat with us, please."
Kripa looked at Angad and then at Priya. "Priya, really. I don't think I should be here. I'm sure Angad doesn't want me here anyways."
"Dad?"
"I never said a word." Angad said defensively.
About five minutes later, Angad picked up the pasta with his fork and then into his mouth. As he chewed he looked at Kripa, the taste was familiar.
"Who cooked this?" He asked angry.
"Mom did," Priya said excited. Kripa smiled at her and then looked at Angad.
"Priya, finish Lunch, I just remembered I have to do something important. I'll see you at dinner."
"But Dad."
"Priya," he said angry. "Please."
Priya lowered her eyes sadly, "Ok. But I need to talk to you."
"At dinner."
"No now, it's important."
"Ok."
"Dad, can I go to camp with my Dance class? They leave in an hour."
"Priya, you asked me the same thing two weeks ago and I said no."
"Daddy please!"
"No!" He screamed. Priya, started crying and Kripa looked at her. She stood up and ran form the room.
Both Angad and Kripa called after her, but she didn't stop. "Angad you shouldn't have yelled at her."
"Kripa, it's your fault."
Angad walked when Kripa caught his hand. "No Angad Khanna, its not my fault. You're guilty and angry at yourself, and you yelled at her for nothing. Not because of me, and…" Kripa took a deep breath. "Angad look," her voice was softer. "Let her go. She will be happy, and it will be easier for me to leave. Please. The class leaves in an hour. And, if you're angry about me cooking, I'll throw it away and you can cook or I'll ask Tony to re-cook. Don't be angry at her."
Angad look at her and then left. Kripa looked at the food and picked everything up.
Angad sat beside Priya and hugged her. "You can go." Priya looked at Angad and smiled through the tears.
"Thank you."
"I'll help you pack."
"Mom helped this morning."
Angad looked at Priya and hugged her tightly. "I love you Priya."
"I love you too Dad."
Angad went and dropped Priya off, while she said her bye's or Kripa at home. Angad figured Prithvi and Aaliya had gone shopping, so him and Kripa would be at home alone. When Angad entered the kitchen she found the food laying there. When he asked Tony, he told her, Kripa brought the food in the Kitchen crying earlier, and then Angad excused him for the day. He took the food and warmed it up again. He knew he was being unfair to Kripa. When he opened Kripa's door he found her sitting in the corner of the sofa, still crying. Angad kept the lights off and placed the food on the bed. He sat beside Kripa and didn't talk for a few seconds. When she didn't stop crying or start talking he slowly took her hand in his and held it.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Kripa looked at him and took her hand back. "Go away Angad." She looked away.
"You don't want to finish your lunch?" he asked nicely. Kripa didn't reply. "Kripa please."
"Please?" She said angry and then stood up. "I said please so many times on every SMS I had sent you, I said please in every e-mail, in every message I left of your phone Angad. I didn't get anything. Don't expect anything from me, and now leave."
Angad left the room and the food there. They both didn't see each other for the rest of the day until Prithvi and Aaliya came back home and they made plans to go to the disco that night. Angad didn't fuss, but Kripa, as expected did. She didn't want to go anywhere with Angad, she wanted to stay unattached to him, she couldn't get close to him. She was scared if she did he would leave her again.
"Kripa please!" Prithvi pleaded.
Kripa looked at him, "Fine!"
"Thank you!" he said politely. "Now quickly get ready."
***********
Kripa knocked on Angad's bedroom door, scared. Angad opened it, surprised to see Kripa in front of her.
"I'm sorry, Angad, to disturb you." How formal had their relationship got?
"It's ok, come in." He moved out if her way and stepped she inside.
She looked around the room, surprised to see her pictures around the room, with other pictures of Priya and him. "Did you need something?" he asked opening his closet.
"Yeah, did you find out about the hotel room?"
Angad paused for a second. "You can get a room anywhere you want Kripa. Just tell me where."
"Hilton Hotel." Kripa said, Angad laughed under his breath.
"That's the only hotel that doesn't have anything of mine. And, never will.
"That place has my most precious memories. Anyways, Prithvi and Aaliya left already. When are we?"
"As soon as I find something to wear."
"Still fussy about that, Angad?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Can I help?"
"I suppose." He moved aside, and Kripa looked through the closet.
"Why so many suites, you never liked them?"
"I've changed Kripa."
"I can see that," she picked out a something for him, when she turned she found herself close to Angad. So close, she could hear him breath. As he took a step closer to Kripa she closed her eyes, worried. She felt his hand move along her cheek, and she opened her eyes. She looked at Angad, "So much would have been different Angad, if you hadn't left me then." He moved her hair from her neck and pulled her closer. He was about to capture his lips when she placed her hand on his lips. "Stop, Angad. Stop." Angad kissed her hand, and then pulled her closer.
"I'm sorry about this morning." He tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. He took the outfit from Kripa and left, while Kripa left to change herself.
Kripa and Angad met Prithvi and Aaliya, who were enjoying a light conversation. Aaliya, Prithvi, and Angad discussed Angad's past years with Priya. Kripa stayed quite, and just looked out at the crowd and the pairs dancing. Angad stole glances at Kripa often. About an hour later, Prithvi asked Aaliya for a dance, and left Angad and Kripa alone. Neither one of them talked, for sometime, Angad wanted to ask Kripa for a dance. When he was about to, another hand was slipped into his. Both Kripa and Angad looked up and saw a young girl looking at Angad, all smiled. Angad looked at her shocked and slowly stood up.
"My, my, my. I can't believe it you! I mean, I can't believe you're here, in New York, after five years. I mean wow! Ria Kapoor! What the hell are you doing here?"
"How do I look."
"Lovely, like always." He winked and then kissed her. "Sit. By the way this is Kripa."
"Hi," Ria replied cheerfully.
"Angad are you finally dating?!"
"Do you think I would ditch you?"
"Well, Angad Khanna can do anything."
"Yes he can," Kripa replied, sadly. "Excuse me, guys."
"Angad, who is she?"
"Kripa Khanna, my wife."
"Angad, you're married? When?"
"I've been for almost ten years now, Rai. No one knows."
"Anyways, how is Priya?"
"She went to summer camp for three months."
"Oh that's good. You'll get time with Kripa."
"She's not coming back to me Rai. She hates me."
"Well, I know she was jealous."
"She has the right, she's my wife still. Anyways, how about you."
"Nothing, Rahul proposed to me three months ago."
"Did you say yes?" She nodded. "That's great."
"Yup! How about this dance."
"Sure." She took his hand and they made it to the dance floor.
Kripa leaned against the bar and asked for a drink. She picked up her fruit punch and watched Angad and Ria Dance. They looked so happy together.
Kripa gulped the drink down and then without looking picked up another one. Aaliya's eyes caught Kripa drinking away, and she quickly left Prithvi and went to Angad.
"Angad you have to stop her."
"Stop who?" He asked pulling away from Aaliya.
"Kripa!" Aaliya pointed at Kripa, who was slowly walking towards the door, not yet completely drunk, but wobbly for sure.
"Ria, I'll see you later." He gave her a quick hug and ran to Kripa. Kripa placed her hand on the door and opened it. She slowly walked towards Angad's car, and when she was there she opened the door, but it was locked. She decided to walk now, and started towards the other side of the road.
Angad looked around and saw Kripa walking in the middle of the road. "Kirpa!" He called. She stopped walking and turned around. She saw Angad running to her.
"Hi Angad. Did Ria leave?" She looked at her eyes, swimming in tears she was holding back. "Lets walk." She wrapped her arm around his arm and Angad did what she wanted. He walked with her. "So, Angad. I'm seeing you after eight years, what's new in your life?" Angad made sure no car was coming from behind them. "I'm surprised you didn't remarry." Angad looked down at Kripa, who was almost to shoulder length due to her shoes. She was just sad to see Angad with Ria, when she wanted him with her. She wanted to be with Angad like they were years ago.
"Kripa would you like to go home?"
She looked at Angad and smiled. "I'm not drunk yet Angad. And, I won't let you worry about me."
Angad stopped walking and held her hand tightly. "Kripa, lets go home."
Kripa took her hand back from him and opened up her arms widely, and smiled to the sky. Thunder growled over them, and within seconds Kripa felt rain on her skin. She closed her eyes and stood there getting wet with Angad watching her. She looked at Angad, and smiled. "I still think about you when it rains Angad. Every years first rain reminds me of you. And, today after such a long time you're here with, in front of me." Angad saw her eyes getting red as she cried in the rain. She stood close to him and placed her arms around his waist and got on her toes. She looked at Angad and placed her lips against his. "I love you," she mumbled while she kept her lips against his. Angad let the moment sink into his mind. Kripa left him within a few seconds.
He held his face and kissed her softly, again. She placed her hand on his chest and looked into his silver eyes once he broke the kiss. "Lets go home Kripa."
"No!" She whispered. "I don't want to go anywhere with you. I don't want to see you again. I hate you." How quickly she changed her mind, one second she was telling him that she loved him, and now that she hated him. What was the truth and what was a lie they both knew. Kripa continued looking at him and then with a smile pushed him back.
"Kripa, please you will get sick."
"I'm sick already," she once more took his hand and kissed it. "I've been sick since the day you left me." She watched him shift his eyes. "Angad," she made him face her once more. "I want to make you feel guilty. I want you to be very, very guilty."
"I am, Kripa. Lets go home."
"No!" She pushed his wet hair off her forehead. "I want to stand here with you. I want to hold you close to me, for the rest of my life. Forever." She lightly placed her forehead against his chest. "Forever." Angad finally picked her up and took her to the car and made her sit down. He called Prithvi in the car to tell them not to worry.
By the time Angad and Kripa got back home, Kripa was coming back to her senses. She wasn't drunk, and the few minutes to sleep in the car helped her recover. Angad unlocked the doors of the car and Kripa stepped out into the rain again. This time quickly rushing to the door.
Angad stood beside her and searched his pockets for the keys but couldn't find it. He watched Kripa tremble beside him. Quickly he took his jacket off, with was still wet and wrapped it around her shoulder, it helped, but not too much. "I'll get the key from the security."
She nodded with her hand pushing her hair back. She watched him rush through the rain and back. He quickly unlocked the huge door they both went inside. Kripa sneezed, when she opened her eyes she noticed Angad looking at her smiling. With her sleepy eyes she looked back and like a little kid asked him, "What are you looking at? This place is freezing."
Angad took her hand and pulled her closer. He knew this wasn't the right time, but he had to make up for what he had been doing to Kripa since they had met, at least. Maybe he couldn't stop himself because even he had downed a few beers, or maybe he was deciding to use that as an excuse to be close to Kripa. At the moment he asked himself why did he need excuses to be near Kripa?
He felt her body shiver, and stiffen against his. Her face looked beautiful with the few water droplets on it. She slowly, blinked looking at him. "I'm sorry."
Kripa continued to looked into his eyes and with shivering hands, she once more pushed his hair back. "I'm glad you are Angad." She kissed his cheek, her lips felt so warm, so soft against skin. Since Kripa had left him, Angad had never been kissed by anyone this sweetly. To keep himself busy he had dated, and so had Kripa, but they both had looked for the other in the partners.
She moved her lips against his cheek and stopped against his ear. "And I promise I'll let you make up for everything you did wrong. Only if you can keep me from freezing to death!" She kissed his ear after she was done speaking. When she looked at him again there was mischief in both their eyes. They both looked at each other before breaking into a laugh. "I don't think I deserver to die yet, do you?"
Angad stopped his laugh looking at her and nodded. "Go change Kripa. I'll turn the heating on."
She smiled back, "Thank you." She looked at him for a second. "Angad, if you leave me it will help." Now embarrassed he quickly left her, she laughed again and then left the room. Angad walked to the air control and turned the heat on. Then carried himself, smiling, to his own room.
Prithvi and Aaliya came home about thirty minutes after Kripa and Angad. They surprised Kripa by telling her that Prithvi's mom had met a major heart attack and they would have to leave right away. Although Kripa saw things slightly cooling down between herself and Angad, she knew she didn't want to be alone with him. She tried to ask Aaliya to stay back, but she refused. Not only because she knew Prithvi would need her, but also because this was one way to leave Kripa and Angad alone. The only thing she didn't know what that Kripa and Angad had different plans.
Prithvi and Aaliya left without meeting Angad. Kripa waited for Angad for sometime, and when he didn't come down stairs she went to go check on him. She was hoping to sit with him for the night and just talk to him. She had so much to tell, and more to hear.
Finally after waiting a few more minutes, Kripa knocked on Angad's bedroom door. When he didn't respond, Kripa slowly opened the room and glanced inside, quite surprised to see Angad sleeping on his stomach. Kripa stepped into the room and walked to him. She sat down beside Angad and lifted his wet hair from his forehead. Kripa looked at Angad for a while before giving him a blanket and then leaving the room.
She looked through the kitchen to find something to eat. When she couldn't she grabbed a bag of chips and sat in front of the T.V. When she finally became tired, she fell asleep on the sofa.
Later than night, while Kripa was still sleeping, she heard something fall in the house. Startled she woke up and yawned. Then she turned and saw the lights off everywhere in the house. But, then she heard something fall again. It was coming from the kitchen. She looked around nervous and then started walking towards the kitchen.
She opened the door to the kitchen and looked inside. It was dark and quite, and she decided she was just hearing stuff. She turned around yawning again, when she heard something again. She looked to the other side and saw someone near the dinning table, holding something in his hands. She picked up a pan from the kitchen and quietly walked behind the man, she held the pan above his head, quickly turned the light on and hit him with the pan. She dropped the pan on the floor when she saw Angad turn. She screamed, and Angad quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
"Ssshhh!" He said in a loud whisper.
Kripa pushed him away, "Angad!" What the hell are you doing sneaking around your house like a thief."
"I didn't want to wake you up," he said with a frowning face; rubbing his head.
Kripa looked at his head, "Angad, you're bleeding."
He touched his forehead and then looked at his hand. "Oh, it's nothing."
"How can you say its nothing. Where's the first aid?"
"Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it."
Kripa held his hand and dragged him to the stairs, "Where is the first aid box?"
"In my room!" He mumbled, as she dragged him to his room now.
Angad sat on the counter of his bathroom like a little baby while Kripa cleaned his forehead. Angad watched her as she dabbed the cotton in rubbing alcohol and then place it against it forehead and then toss it in the trash can.
Kripa looked at his forehead and slowly blew upon it. Angad closed his eyes, as she did, and then opened them when she finished. Kripa placed a bandage on his forehead and then shut the box and placed it back in the closet. "Now go to sleep." She said turning to leave.
"Kripa." She turned and looked at Angad, who was still sitting on the counter. He jumped down and walked to Kripa. He saw the tears slowly springing in her eyes. He held her face in his hands and rubbed his thumb against her cheek.
"Angad not now, please." Kripa turned around and rushed out the bathroom, with Angad following her.
"Kripa wait." He grabbed her hand before she could start going down the stairs.
Kripa had decided she wasn't going to look at him. So continued staring at the wall behind Angad. Angad waited just looked at her, waiting. He knew she would look up sooner or later. When she didn't Angad left her hand and turned around. Now, Kripa finally looked up at him walking away. This time Kripa waited, hoping he would turn around but he didn't either. Kripa placed her hand on the wooden railing of the staircase and walked down it.
Hugs and Kisses
Neha
Angad felt someone shaking him slowly. He shifted in his bed and bit by bit, opened his eyes. He blinked at Priya a few timed before sitting up completely and picking her up in his arms. "Morning Daddy."
"Morning jaan. What time is it?"
"It's eleven."
"In the morning?" Angad asked cheekily.
"I think so, the sun is out." Priya replied just as cheekily.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?"
"I was going to but Mom stopped me."
"Who stopped you?"
"Mom," she replied playing with his hand.
"Kripa stopped you?" he asked again.
"Yes, Dad, Mom."
Angad looked at Priya. "What about your dance class."
"Mom took me there as well."
"She drove?" he asked curiously.
"No, the driver did."
"Ok." Angad said holding his head now.
"Dad I need to talk to you."
"Alright, how about I take a shower and then we'll have lunch together."
"Ok." She said allowing him to get up.
"Priya."
"Yes Daddy."
"Never mind, I'll see you in a bit."
***********
Angad skipped down the stair case, whistling. Kripa looked up from her book at the sound and watched him come down stairs happily. She noticed his outfit, although he looked awfully handsome, it was very much unlike the Angad Khanna she got married to. He danced down the stairs in a sexy black suit, with a pair of glasses in his hands. Of course he didn't notice Kripa standing there, if he would have he would have stopped. Finally when he got to the last stair he turned around. "Priya!" He yelled loudly. He turned around and Kripa moved her eyes to the book. Angad looked at her for a few seconds, and then back at the stairs. "Priya," he called again.
"She's sleeping Angad."
"Sleeping?" he asked her.
"Sleeping, you don't know the meaning?" Angad rolled his eyes, "She was tired after her dance class."
Angad didn't reply and walked into the kitchen, Kripa frowned at his back and slammed her book shut. "Angad!" She called, angry.
He turned and looked at her, she stood and crossed her arms in front of her. "I need to talk to you."
"About?"
"Look, I don't want to be here for too long, I want to go back with Prithvi and Aaliya."
"Then go! Who stopped you?"
"Mr. Khanna, look, I'm not here because I want to be, but because I have to be. If I knew you were going to behave like this…" she stopped. "Anyways, find out for me if I can go back and get my check-ups in India. And, id not I would very much appreciate if you could book me a hotel. Prithvi and Aaliya have to go back tomorrow night for his business, and with this kind of attitude I can't live here."
Angad looked at her, "I'll make sure I find you a place around here. It shouldn't be very hard."
Kripa was in alarmed. "Thank you," she said disappointed. "Are you going anywhere?"
"No, do you need something?"
"No," Kripa picked her book up.
"Kripa," she stopped and digested how sweetly he had taken her name. She turned around and looked at him, making sure he wouldn't catch how sad she was. "Thanks for taking Priya to her dance class this morning."
"She is also my daughter, Angad." She said in a disappointed tone. "It's not my fault you took her away from me."
"Tony!" Angad yelled to avoid her last comment.
"Yes sir," he asked obediently.
"Can you lay lunch for me please."
"What would you like master."
"Italian, how about Pasta and garlic bread."
"To drink sir?"
"Wine would do."
"Alright sir."
"Can I get my lunch in my office, and please ask Priya what she wants and same with the guests."
"Yes sir."
"You can go." Before Tony left, Angad left the place and went to his office upstairs.
"Tony," Kripa called him.
"Yes Ma'am?"
"Is Angad always like this?"
"Normally no. He's either stressed, angry at someone or himself, or just busy. He normally cooks himself."
"Then why so many cooks in the house?"
"Well, its for Priya. He loves her a lot, and he makes sure there is someone to attend her. And sometimes only because sometimes he'll be so busy with work for weeks and then we'll cook. But not everyday."
"Well, in that case I'll cook today. I haven't cook for anyone is a long time. Specially Angad. I'll cook today's lunch."
"But Ma'am if he finds out…"
"He won't we wont tell him. Come on help me."
"Yes Ma'am."
Kripa took about an hour to cook the meal. In between, Priya woke up and followed her around the kitchen watching her cook. Angad, thankfully hadn't entered the kitchen once. While the pasta was boiling Kripa diced the veggies for the pasta salad, and then got the right wine, with a low content of alcohol. Something right for lunch. She cooked for Angad very excitedly, just like the way she had cooked for him the night Angad had proposed to her. And, ironically it was the same meal, but that night the wine was stronger.
Kirpa looked at the meal in front of her when it was laid on the tray that Priya was going to make her carry to Angad.
Finally, Priya opened the door to Angad's office. "Hi Daddy." Angad looked at her and smiled, and then frowned when Kripa entered with the food. She placed the food on the table in front of the sofa's and at the same time looked at Angad's frowning face.
"Priya, you guys eat I'll see you later."
"No, you have to eat with us, please."
Kripa looked at Angad and then at Priya. "Priya, really. I don't think I should be here. I'm sure Angad doesn't want me here anyways."
"Dad?"
"I never said a word." Angad said defensively.
About five minutes later, Angad picked up the pasta with his fork and then into his mouth. As he chewed he looked at Kripa, the taste was familiar.
"Who cooked this?" He asked angry.
"Mom did," Priya said excited. Kripa smiled at her and then looked at Angad.
"Priya, finish Lunch, I just remembered I have to do something important. I'll see you at dinner."
"But Dad."
"Priya," he said angry. "Please."
Priya lowered her eyes sadly, "Ok. But I need to talk to you."
"At dinner."
"No now, it's important."
"Ok."
"Dad, can I go to camp with my Dance class? They leave in an hour."
"Priya, you asked me the same thing two weeks ago and I said no."
"Daddy please!"
"No!" He screamed. Priya, started crying and Kripa looked at her. She stood up and ran form the room.
Both Angad and Kripa called after her, but she didn't stop. "Angad you shouldn't have yelled at her."
"Kripa, it's your fault."
Angad walked when Kripa caught his hand. "No Angad Khanna, its not my fault. You're guilty and angry at yourself, and you yelled at her for nothing. Not because of me, and…" Kripa took a deep breath. "Angad look," her voice was softer. "Let her go. She will be happy, and it will be easier for me to leave. Please. The class leaves in an hour. And, if you're angry about me cooking, I'll throw it away and you can cook or I'll ask Tony to re-cook. Don't be angry at her."
Angad look at her and then left. Kripa looked at the food and picked everything up.
Angad sat beside Priya and hugged her. "You can go." Priya looked at Angad and smiled through the tears.
"Thank you."
"I'll help you pack."
"Mom helped this morning."
Angad looked at Priya and hugged her tightly. "I love you Priya."
"I love you too Dad."
Angad went and dropped Priya off, while she said her bye's or Kripa at home. Angad figured Prithvi and Aaliya had gone shopping, so him and Kripa would be at home alone. When Angad entered the kitchen she found the food laying there. When he asked Tony, he told her, Kripa brought the food in the Kitchen crying earlier, and then Angad excused him for the day. He took the food and warmed it up again. He knew he was being unfair to Kripa. When he opened Kripa's door he found her sitting in the corner of the sofa, still crying. Angad kept the lights off and placed the food on the bed. He sat beside Kripa and didn't talk for a few seconds. When she didn't stop crying or start talking he slowly took her hand in his and held it.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Kripa looked at him and took her hand back. "Go away Angad." She looked away.
"You don't want to finish your lunch?" he asked nicely. Kripa didn't reply. "Kripa please."
"Please?" She said angry and then stood up. "I said please so many times on every SMS I had sent you, I said please in every e-mail, in every message I left of your phone Angad. I didn't get anything. Don't expect anything from me, and now leave."
Angad left the room and the food there. They both didn't see each other for the rest of the day until Prithvi and Aaliya came back home and they made plans to go to the disco that night. Angad didn't fuss, but Kripa, as expected did. She didn't want to go anywhere with Angad, she wanted to stay unattached to him, she couldn't get close to him. She was scared if she did he would leave her again.
"Kripa please!" Prithvi pleaded.
Kripa looked at him, "Fine!"
"Thank you!" he said politely. "Now quickly get ready."
***********
Kripa knocked on Angad's bedroom door, scared. Angad opened it, surprised to see Kripa in front of her.
"I'm sorry, Angad, to disturb you." How formal had their relationship got?
"It's ok, come in." He moved out if her way and stepped she inside.
She looked around the room, surprised to see her pictures around the room, with other pictures of Priya and him. "Did you need something?" he asked opening his closet.
"Yeah, did you find out about the hotel room?"
Angad paused for a second. "You can get a room anywhere you want Kripa. Just tell me where."
"Hilton Hotel." Kripa said, Angad laughed under his breath.
"That's the only hotel that doesn't have anything of mine. And, never will.
"That place has my most precious memories. Anyways, Prithvi and Aaliya left already. When are we?"
"As soon as I find something to wear."
"Still fussy about that, Angad?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Can I help?"
"I suppose." He moved aside, and Kripa looked through the closet.
"Why so many suites, you never liked them?"
"I've changed Kripa."
"I can see that," she picked out a something for him, when she turned she found herself close to Angad. So close, she could hear him breath. As he took a step closer to Kripa she closed her eyes, worried. She felt his hand move along her cheek, and she opened her eyes. She looked at Angad, "So much would have been different Angad, if you hadn't left me then." He moved her hair from her neck and pulled her closer. He was about to capture his lips when she placed her hand on his lips. "Stop, Angad. Stop." Angad kissed her hand, and then pulled her closer.
"I'm sorry about this morning." He tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. He took the outfit from Kripa and left, while Kripa left to change herself.
Kripa and Angad met Prithvi and Aaliya, who were enjoying a light conversation. Aaliya, Prithvi, and Angad discussed Angad's past years with Priya. Kripa stayed quite, and just looked out at the crowd and the pairs dancing. Angad stole glances at Kripa often. About an hour later, Prithvi asked Aaliya for a dance, and left Angad and Kripa alone. Neither one of them talked, for sometime, Angad wanted to ask Kripa for a dance. When he was about to, another hand was slipped into his. Both Kripa and Angad looked up and saw a young girl looking at Angad, all smiled. Angad looked at her shocked and slowly stood up.
"My, my, my. I can't believe it you! I mean, I can't believe you're here, in New York, after five years. I mean wow! Ria Kapoor! What the hell are you doing here?"
"How do I look."
"Lovely, like always." He winked and then kissed her. "Sit. By the way this is Kripa."
"Hi," Ria replied cheerfully.
"Angad are you finally dating?!"
"Do you think I would ditch you?"
"Well, Angad Khanna can do anything."
"Yes he can," Kripa replied, sadly. "Excuse me, guys."
"Angad, who is she?"
"Kripa Khanna, my wife."
"Angad, you're married? When?"
"I've been for almost ten years now, Rai. No one knows."
"Anyways, how is Priya?"
"She went to summer camp for three months."
"Oh that's good. You'll get time with Kripa."
"She's not coming back to me Rai. She hates me."
"Well, I know she was jealous."
"She has the right, she's my wife still. Anyways, how about you."
"Nothing, Rahul proposed to me three months ago."
"Did you say yes?" She nodded. "That's great."
"Yup! How about this dance."
"Sure." She took his hand and they made it to the dance floor.
Kripa leaned against the bar and asked for a drink. She picked up her fruit punch and watched Angad and Ria Dance. They looked so happy together.
Kripa gulped the drink down and then without looking picked up another one. Aaliya's eyes caught Kripa drinking away, and she quickly left Prithvi and went to Angad.
"Angad you have to stop her."
"Stop who?" He asked pulling away from Aaliya.
"Kripa!" Aaliya pointed at Kripa, who was slowly walking towards the door, not yet completely drunk, but wobbly for sure.
"Ria, I'll see you later." He gave her a quick hug and ran to Kripa. Kripa placed her hand on the door and opened it. She slowly walked towards Angad's car, and when she was there she opened the door, but it was locked. She decided to walk now, and started towards the other side of the road.
Angad looked around and saw Kripa walking in the middle of the road. "Kirpa!" He called. She stopped walking and turned around. She saw Angad running to her.
"Hi Angad. Did Ria leave?" She looked at her eyes, swimming in tears she was holding back. "Lets walk." She wrapped her arm around his arm and Angad did what she wanted. He walked with her. "So, Angad. I'm seeing you after eight years, what's new in your life?" Angad made sure no car was coming from behind them. "I'm surprised you didn't remarry." Angad looked down at Kripa, who was almost to shoulder length due to her shoes. She was just sad to see Angad with Ria, when she wanted him with her. She wanted to be with Angad like they were years ago.
"Kripa would you like to go home?"
She looked at Angad and smiled. "I'm not drunk yet Angad. And, I won't let you worry about me."
Angad stopped walking and held her hand tightly. "Kripa, lets go home."
Kripa took her hand back from him and opened up her arms widely, and smiled to the sky. Thunder growled over them, and within seconds Kripa felt rain on her skin. She closed her eyes and stood there getting wet with Angad watching her. She looked at Angad, and smiled. "I still think about you when it rains Angad. Every years first rain reminds me of you. And, today after such a long time you're here with, in front of me." Angad saw her eyes getting red as she cried in the rain. She stood close to him and placed her arms around his waist and got on her toes. She looked at Angad and placed her lips against his. "I love you," she mumbled while she kept her lips against his. Angad let the moment sink into his mind. Kripa left him within a few seconds.
He held his face and kissed her softly, again. She placed her hand on his chest and looked into his silver eyes once he broke the kiss. "Lets go home Kripa."
"No!" She whispered. "I don't want to go anywhere with you. I don't want to see you again. I hate you." How quickly she changed her mind, one second she was telling him that she loved him, and now that she hated him. What was the truth and what was a lie they both knew. Kripa continued looking at him and then with a smile pushed him back.
"Kripa, please you will get sick."
"I'm sick already," she once more took his hand and kissed it. "I've been sick since the day you left me." She watched him shift his eyes. "Angad," she made him face her once more. "I want to make you feel guilty. I want you to be very, very guilty."
"I am, Kripa. Lets go home."
"No!" She pushed his wet hair off her forehead. "I want to stand here with you. I want to hold you close to me, for the rest of my life. Forever." She lightly placed her forehead against his chest. "Forever." Angad finally picked her up and took her to the car and made her sit down. He called Prithvi in the car to tell them not to worry.
By the time Angad and Kripa got back home, Kripa was coming back to her senses. She wasn't drunk, and the few minutes to sleep in the car helped her recover. Angad unlocked the doors of the car and Kripa stepped out into the rain again. This time quickly rushing to the door.
Angad stood beside her and searched his pockets for the keys but couldn't find it. He watched Kripa tremble beside him. Quickly he took his jacket off, with was still wet and wrapped it around her shoulder, it helped, but not too much. "I'll get the key from the security."
She nodded with her hand pushing her hair back. She watched him rush through the rain and back. He quickly unlocked the huge door they both went inside. Kripa sneezed, when she opened her eyes she noticed Angad looking at her smiling. With her sleepy eyes she looked back and like a little kid asked him, "What are you looking at? This place is freezing."
Angad took her hand and pulled her closer. He knew this wasn't the right time, but he had to make up for what he had been doing to Kripa since they had met, at least. Maybe he couldn't stop himself because even he had downed a few beers, or maybe he was deciding to use that as an excuse to be close to Kripa. At the moment he asked himself why did he need excuses to be near Kripa?
He felt her body shiver, and stiffen against his. Her face looked beautiful with the few water droplets on it. She slowly, blinked looking at him. "I'm sorry."
Kripa continued to looked into his eyes and with shivering hands, she once more pushed his hair back. "I'm glad you are Angad." She kissed his cheek, her lips felt so warm, so soft against skin. Since Kripa had left him, Angad had never been kissed by anyone this sweetly. To keep himself busy he had dated, and so had Kripa, but they both had looked for the other in the partners.
She moved her lips against his cheek and stopped against his ear. "And I promise I'll let you make up for everything you did wrong. Only if you can keep me from freezing to death!" She kissed his ear after she was done speaking. When she looked at him again there was mischief in both their eyes. They both looked at each other before breaking into a laugh. "I don't think I deserver to die yet, do you?"
Angad stopped his laugh looking at her and nodded. "Go change Kripa. I'll turn the heating on."
She smiled back, "Thank you." She looked at him for a second. "Angad, if you leave me it will help." Now embarrassed he quickly left her, she laughed again and then left the room. Angad walked to the air control and turned the heat on. Then carried himself, smiling, to his own room.
Prithvi and Aaliya came home about thirty minutes after Kripa and Angad. They surprised Kripa by telling her that Prithvi's mom had met a major heart attack and they would have to leave right away. Although Kripa saw things slightly cooling down between herself and Angad, she knew she didn't want to be alone with him. She tried to ask Aaliya to stay back, but she refused. Not only because she knew Prithvi would need her, but also because this was one way to leave Kripa and Angad alone. The only thing she didn't know what that Kripa and Angad had different plans.
Prithvi and Aaliya left without meeting Angad. Kripa waited for Angad for sometime, and when he didn't come down stairs she went to go check on him. She was hoping to sit with him for the night and just talk to him. She had so much to tell, and more to hear.
Finally after waiting a few more minutes, Kripa knocked on Angad's bedroom door. When he didn't respond, Kripa slowly opened the room and glanced inside, quite surprised to see Angad sleeping on his stomach. Kripa stepped into the room and walked to him. She sat down beside Angad and lifted his wet hair from his forehead. Kripa looked at Angad for a while before giving him a blanket and then leaving the room.
She looked through the kitchen to find something to eat. When she couldn't she grabbed a bag of chips and sat in front of the T.V. When she finally became tired, she fell asleep on the sofa.
Later than night, while Kripa was still sleeping, she heard something fall in the house. Startled she woke up and yawned. Then she turned and saw the lights off everywhere in the house. But, then she heard something fall again. It was coming from the kitchen. She looked around nervous and then started walking towards the kitchen.
She opened the door to the kitchen and looked inside. It was dark and quite, and she decided she was just hearing stuff. She turned around yawning again, when she heard something again. She looked to the other side and saw someone near the dinning table, holding something in his hands. She picked up a pan from the kitchen and quietly walked behind the man, she held the pan above his head, quickly turned the light on and hit him with the pan. She dropped the pan on the floor when she saw Angad turn. She screamed, and Angad quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
"Ssshhh!" He said in a loud whisper.
Kripa pushed him away, "Angad!" What the hell are you doing sneaking around your house like a thief."
"I didn't want to wake you up," he said with a frowning face; rubbing his head.
Kripa looked at his head, "Angad, you're bleeding."
He touched his forehead and then looked at his hand. "Oh, it's nothing."
"How can you say its nothing. Where's the first aid?"
"Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it."
Kripa held his hand and dragged him to the stairs, "Where is the first aid box?"
"In my room!" He mumbled, as she dragged him to his room now.
Angad sat on the counter of his bathroom like a little baby while Kripa cleaned his forehead. Angad watched her as she dabbed the cotton in rubbing alcohol and then place it against it forehead and then toss it in the trash can.
Kripa looked at his forehead and slowly blew upon it. Angad closed his eyes, as she did, and then opened them when she finished. Kripa placed a bandage on his forehead and then shut the box and placed it back in the closet. "Now go to sleep." She said turning to leave.
"Kripa." She turned and looked at Angad, who was still sitting on the counter. He jumped down and walked to Kripa. He saw the tears slowly springing in her eyes. He held her face in his hands and rubbed his thumb against her cheek.
"Angad not now, please." Kripa turned around and rushed out the bathroom, with Angad following her.
"Kripa wait." He grabbed her hand before she could start going down the stairs.
Kripa had decided she wasn't going to look at him. So continued staring at the wall behind Angad. Angad waited just looked at her, waiting. He knew she would look up sooner or later. When she didn't Angad left her hand and turned around. Now, Kripa finally looked up at him walking away. This time Kripa waited, hoping he would turn around but he didn't either. Kripa placed her hand on the wooden railing of the staircase and walked down it.
Hugs and Kisses
Neha
Celebrity Fan Clubs
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