Chapter Sixteen
Within the next week construction had started for the children's hospital. Because Angad stayed at the hospital for the construction he started spending most of the day with Kripa. He found out things that he could have never found out otherwise during their lunch hours. But while at work Kripa wouldn't treat Angad like a friend but like a person working for her. It helped because Angad actually got things done.
Between Amna and Angad neither one of them tried to talk to each other much. Although there were times they crashed into each other at the hospital they didn't share long talks. Kripa tried to help them by keeping them together sometimes but then the busy schedules didn't permit them to stay together for a long time.
Faith finished her internship and went to Hawaii for three weeks with Jason. She was excited for finally being able to start practice from September but before that she wanted a nice vacation away from everything. Spending time with Jason permitted both of them to understand each other further.
Before Faith left, Kripa shared loads of lunches and dinners with her and Jason. Talking to Jason each time it seemed like he was the right guy for Faith. And, Kripa was just glad to know that Jason wasn't just playing around. He was quite serious, and when Faith wasn't around he made sure Kripa knew that.
Kripa loved Jason and the guy he was. He was an excellent doctor and a great friend. Determination reflected when he talked, the topic didn't matter. He was serious about his work, about Faith, about everything in his life. And because of his determination Kripa wanted him to work at her hospital. She was looking for the best doctors from around the U.S. to work for her, with her. She wanted to make her hospital the best.
Between all the hectic working hours Kripa met Dev. He had simply invited her to have lunch with him for 'professional' reasons. He wanted to discuss about the funds of her hospital, maybe donate something. Kripa didn't know, but both Sahil and Angad knew that this was a scheme for Dev to know who Kripa was. How she handled herself at professional events as such.
Kripa, like expected, had done an excellent job of composing herself despite the fact she knew Dev Khanna was one of the closest friends of her father. But she stuck to her guns and her law of keeping professional and personal lives detached.
Angad had warned Kripa about his father intentions before she had gone to meet him, but irreverently, briefly. Kripa also had a few doubts but the second Dev started talking the doubts walked out of her mind. Dev Khanna didn't bring up family, Angad, or anything personal to that matter all afternoon. Kripa was pleased with him, and by the ten thousand dollar check he said he had promised to present to the hospital as a new trustee.
Angad, of course, didn't want his father involved with anything he was doing. But in this matter Kripa was the boss, they both knew that. But better than that Angad knew if he tired to tell Kripa anything she wouldn't take more than one good second to give him a long lecture. So he kept shut about that matter.
Sana was pleased that Amna has said no to marry Angad. She wanted him to be happy with her, but as Sana, not Angad's sister-in-law, she didn't like Amna. She had come across her several times when gone to give Angad lunch or just to see the place. Amna wasn't a bad girl in nature but something about her was displeasing. Sana couldn't figure out what.
Kripa on the other hand was more promising. Although she had a fast mouth and sometimes Sana doubted how she would be able to stay with the Khanna House is she were to get married. Sana didn't muse over the thought much because she knew she was the woman, the one and only, who knew how to handle Angad. She was certainly an impressive lady. Exactly for the reasons Dev loved her.
But there was something more than just her professionalisms that Sana loved so much. When they talked about Angad she understood him without having to think twice. More than anyone could. She saw things in Angad's eyes that no other could. She could tell even in rain in he was crying. When he worked till twelve at night at her office sometimes, Kripa knew if he really was tired or could work for another hour. She was understanding, although she tried not to be. She cared for him much more than she wanted, than it appeared.
Sana hadn't spent too much time with Angad to know his views of Kripa. But she knew for a fact that there was something they shared that no one else shared with them.
Summer ended as fast as it had started. Faith joined the hospital as a doctor on the first day of September. And at the same time Kripa presented her offer to Jason. He said yes for two reasons: Kaiser was much more established hospital; it gave him better facilities and a higher salary. But just as importantly he would be at the same place as Faith. Jason didn't take more than a second to agree to Kripa's offer and give his resignation letter to his pervious job.
The children's floor had started to show as well now. Half of it was done; the goal was to finish it before New Year's. Press and media showed support for the idea by keeping everyone updated with the progress. And, luckily no one bothered to question Kripa very often; when they tried Angad handled it for her, with a little help of Dr. Faith and Dr. Jason who were contributing in the project equally.
Kripa, although she denied it, couldn't face the press without Angad by her side. The past three months of her life, Angad had been by her side and she was getting used to it. And when she came to terms with the idea she hated it.
Karan, Faith, and Jason all saw the change in her over the months. She hadn't thrown in a fit in the hospital in a long time, hadn't yelled at anyone without or with a reason. She was more relaxed with the press when she did have to handle them alone, and she had helped Faith and Karan cook a few times.
The cooking only happened because she felt guilty about the fact Karan was doing all of it. So she decided if not full meals she could at least help him. But it pleased Karan that she was at least trying.
At the end of September Angad told Kripa she had been nominated for the young achievers award for the year. Kripa was impressed with herself, but she couldn't deny she wouldn't have achieved so much, she wouldn't have been able to see so many things happen in the past few months if everyone didn't help her.
Aside from her for the first time Rishab wasn't nominated in the category. Kripa and Faith teased him by saying that he was simply getting too old to be counted as a 'Young Achiever.'
And lastly, Angad's contract was going to start with K.B. Homes from January because he had been picked for the hospital's work. Which was good because he didn't want to be handling two different companies at once. It was too much to start off with.
But at the moment he had another problem. The tire of his car was flat and he needed to reach the airport in an hour.
"Damn!" Angad yelled kicking his car. Kripa and Faith laughed as they walked out of the hospital around ten on the cool October night. Angad looked at them and mocked their laughter in pure disgust.
"Oh how sad, Mr. Khanna. But you look handsome in anger." Faith continued to tease while Kripa left to put her stuff in her car. "Can I help you?"
Angad draped an arm around her and then pulled her hair, tied back in a tidy, complicated, French-braid. "You brat. Of course I need help. I have to go pick-up Neha in exactly an hour." He looked at his watch, "LAX is far and the stupid 91 will be busy."
"Angad you're brainless." Kripa commented.
"Why thank you Kripa. That was something new from your pleasant mouth."
She rolled her eyes. "That stupid tire of yours isn't going to take more than ten minutes to be replaced. But how are you going to fit luggage in this car?"
Angad found himself slightly embarrassed when Kripa pointed the small point out. "Well since you are so smart why you don't give me the solution."
"Call Sahil and tell him to go pick her up, simple."
"Or," Faith said carefully. "Since Kripa has Karan's car today you can go with her." Kripa's head took a quick turn, with sharp eyes, to look at Faith.
"Now that's a good idea." Angad said patting Faith's shoulder. "Smart." He looked at Karan's 2006 Pontiac Torrent, it was perfect. "Thanks Faith!" Kripa said giving her a tight hug. "You're a loser. Why are you trying to get me to date him?" She whispered in her ear.
"Because you need to spice things up, love." She whispered back with a smile. "Now enjoy." she patted her cheek and walked to her Toyota. "I'll see you on Monday."
Angad walked to Kripa and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Will you drive or should I?" She looked up and him took his other hand and dropped the keys.
"Have fun driving you brainless monkey." She took his hand of her shoulder and walked to the car, or in Angad's view, marched into the car. Angad simply followed, now getting the hint she hated the idea of going with him.
"Kripa." He called behind her. She stopped after opening the door. Angad walked up behind her and turned her around. "If you want we can fix the tire and you can go home with my car." Now Kripa looked up guilty.
"Angad," was all she could say. She frowned at his smiling eyes. "I'm sorry."
Angad pulled her closer for a hug in the cold night. "Why do you say sorry for everything? And when will you learn to hug me back when I'm hugging you?" She smiled and hugged him back. "Good girl. Now are you going with me or do I have to go alone?"
"I'll go with you," she said defeated.
"See wasn't that easy? Now I don't have to be bored." Kripa sat down in the car and waited for Angad to bore her and entertain himself.
Both Angad and Kripa were surprised to find the freeway empty at the late hour. "Now this is nice." Kripa said kicking her shoes off. "I thought I would be trapped with you for an extra hour."
"Come on Kripa; learn to be nice for once. Now how about you play some music?"
Kripa laughed and hit the play button to hear drums of the song Summer of 69. Angry she hit the next button, Angad watched her forward every song.
"Kripa the entire C.D. is Bryan Adams." He held her wrist with one hand with his eyes on the road. "Why don't you like it anymore? You used to love his music."
"Because I don't like anything that reminds me of high school." She ejected the C.D. and looked through the book of others.
"Then why are still best friends with Faith? Why are you sitting in the same car as me?" Kripa's hands stiffened with his questions. Two more questions that she didn't have an answer for. "I can't hold you right now so you dare start crying. I swear to throw you out this moving car if even a single tear drops from your eyes." He changed lanes without being to careful due to the empty roads. "I hate to see you cry." he mumbled. "Kripa every time I start to see a change in you, you do something that leaves me where I started."
"Stop trying Angad, I'm not going to change myself."
Angad felt like stopping the car and slapping her tightly for being so ridiculous. And just to make sure she knew that he told her. "Kripa I swear upon god that I would have slapped you if I wasn't driving right now. I don't see what you're problem is, when I try and ask you won't tell me anything." He glanced at her as she hadn't said a word. Making sure the road was clear he picked up her hand and held it. Kripa didn't look at him but held his hand back. Just the thought he was there for her made her feel better. "You don't trust me do you?"
This made her look at him, "I wouldn't be here if I didn't trust you Angad. I would have never allowed you to take control of so many things if I didn't trust you." She placed her other hand on top of his. "I trust you a lot."
"Well then you better start acting like it." He took his hand back and placed it on the steering wheel. Kripa looked at the C.D. in her hand and played it again, and listen to Bryan Adams for the first time in years. Angad smiled and leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "That's more like it."
"How are things between Amna and you? I told you it would be unlucky if I tried the ring."
Angad sighed as he took an exit on the freeway and turned to take the next freeway. "Fine. We talk every so often but it's not getting anywhere. I feel like she doesn't want to take it anywhere. She just asked me for time to make me feel better." He sighed as he thought about the entire situation.
Kripa wasn't listening to him or anything else. She was in another world thinking about something else. Angad turned the music down and allowed her to continue musing over whatever it was.
About fifteen minutes later Angad hit the breaks upon finding traffic on the 210. He glanced at the watch, which read ten-thirty. Neha's plain would be landing in about thirty minutes, and it would take time to get out from the airport to and get her luggage. He had a good hour still.
Kripa tired from sitting now crossed her legs on the seat, when she wasn't comfortable she pushed the chair down and then back. She leaned in it and closed her eyes.
A song after another played bringing back memories. Aman's face flashed before her eyes, and pain flashed on her face. She tried not to concentrate on the music but couldn't help it. Finally extremely frustrated she took the C.D. out and played the radio.
Angad wanted to take her mind off of whatever what going on in her mind. "What do you want for dinner, Kripa?"
"What?" she opened her eyes and looked at Angad. He looked exhausted. "I'm not very hungry, Angad. I just want to go home and sleep."
"I'm sorry I made you come with me." He said taking the car into the carpool lane, and then cutting into the toll. "And I would close to sunroof it suppose to rain."
"Again?" Kripa said angry. "It's been raining almost every weekend since September."
"I know! I wanted to go to Knotts." He said teasingly.
"Oh Angad, don't you think you're too old for Knotts?" She said turning herself towards Angad.
Angad glanced in the mirror to see what was behind him. "Well, I'm only twenty-four and I tend to live that way. Not like some people around here."
"Look who's talking?" She said turning the music completely off. "I wouldn't have been nominated in the Young Achievers category if I were dreaming about going to Knotts. As it is, architecture is only two years, and you just found yourself a job?"
"Well be prepared to be shocked." He glanced at her. "I studied at Princeton University for two years for extensive training."
"Impressive. And why am I just finding this out today?"
"Thanks, because you don't care about me very much."
Kripa laughed, "Now that's new. But why do you really say so?"
"Because ma'am, if you did you would have come to meet me at least once at the football games. I would have found you if I knew you were at Berkeley."
Kripa frowned, "So Faith told you?"
"Yeah. Jason and I were talking about football and well she slipped it out."
"That girl, she really needs to learn how to keep her mouth shut. She'll ruin everything one day." Kripa turned to sit straight again. What if she accidentally slipped out Kripa's past some day?
Angad knew that's exactly what she was worried about. "What happened between Aman and you?" He asked slowing the car a little.
"Nothing that I would want to talk about. What did he tell you?"
"Will you at least look at me when we are talking?"
"You are driving Angad I would hate to have an accident."
He rolled his eyes, "Well he told he was cheating."
"That's correct, he was. When I found out that was it. The end.
"Well that's part of it, what's the other half?"
Kripa looked at him finally. "I promise I'll tell you the day I think I can share everything with you."
"Promise?" he held his hand out in front of her.
Kripa looked at it for a few seconds and then gave hers to him as well. "Promise. Now drive a little faster so I can get out of this car." As she spoke and looked at the window she saw water on the windshield. "Perfect it's raining." Angad laughed as he picked up speed.
"Here's your coffee ma'am." Angad said bowing in front of Kripa with her coffee. "The flight has landed and Neha should be here any moment."
"I never knew you had a sister." Kripa said sipping the hot coffee.
"Well I have a sister who has a little six months old daughter."
"Well that must have been a hassle."
"What do you mean?" Angad sat down beside her and wore his jacket.
"Well Mom used to tell me that I was a pain on the airplane. Always. So imagine a little child trapped in the plane for twelve hours at a time."
"Well you need to correct your Mom and tell her you're a pain anywhere you go!"
"Angad?" She said surprised. "Do I really bug you that much?" She was frowning at her cup.
"No, but I like to bug you." He winked.
"Mr. Angad Khanna." They both heard a sweet voice. Angad looked in front of him and saw his older sister stand wrapped in a large beige coat and a little girl in her arms.
"Neha!" he stood and ran to hug her. Carefully enough not to squeeze the little girl. "How are you?" Kripa stood as he continued asking a million more questions. "And look at her she's so cute." He ran a finger on her cheek. "Unlike you. Sure she's your daughter?" He said teasing her.
She rolled her eyes at him and then noticed Kripa standing remotely behind him. She looked at the young, tired, girl for a few minutes trying to recognize who she was. And then it clicked. "Oh my god!" Angad looked up at her from the little girl. "Dr. Kripa Kapoor right?"
"Yeah," Kripa said surprised. "That's me."
"Nice to meet you, Doctor. Angad are you dating her? Because if you are this the first sensible decision you have made in your entire life."
Angad looked back at Kripa who was surprised at her words. "You really think so, Neha?" He asked quite shocked himself.
"Of course. She's an amazing woman."
Kripa didn't know how to respond and she just took a step closer to Neha. "Well thank you. But I'm not dating Angad."
"Oh!" she said disappointed.
"Yes fortunately I'm not dating your stupid brother."
"Well you know him well." She said with a grin.
"Ok that's enough." Angad said standing between them. "Where is your darling husband?"
"He should be getting here any moment." She looked back at Kripa who was attending a call now. There was something about her that struck beautifully.
Chapter Seventeen
Kripa slept on their way back to Khanna House. It was raining terribly which forced Angad to slow down even more. In the back while Neha took care of her little daughter with Kripa sleeping beside her, Angad talked to Yash about Angad's first project.
Yash Singhania owned a textile industry and was famous for organizing the most famous fashion shows in the U.S. He was an interesting man who was extremely dedicated. Although Angad didn't like him very much at first he later knew for a fact he was the right man for his sister.
Although Neha was older than Angad, he always treated her like she was younger than him. Neha who was already pampered by Sahil liked being pampered by Angad and then at the same time pampering him back. Because they both were closer than Angad and Sahil when it came to age difference, Angad related to her more than he did with Sahil.
By the time Angad stopped the car in front of the Khanna House it was twelve thirty. When they got inside Sana and Sahil were waiting for them to arrive. Angad took the luggage inside and then came back out to wake Kripa up. When he opened the door he felt himself being hit by her innocence. Her fair face looked like on of a young girl sleeping carelessly. Anyone who saw her at the moment could never guess she was such a sad person with so many problems and tensions.
Angad shook himself and then placed a hand on her shoulder. He didn't want to wake her up but she couldn't sleep in the truck and nor could he stand in the mild rain looking at her all night.
"Wake up princess." He whispered in her ear.
At his soft voice Kripa shook and sat up quickly. "How long have I been here for?"
"Some time now. Come on I don't want to be drenched."
"No I should get going now."
"No you will come inside and have dinner with me."
She groaned. "Fine, let's go." She jumped down and walked towards the house while Angad locked the car.
About thirty minutes later Kripa sat in the living room of the beautiful Khanna House having dinner with part of the family. She found Neha a very sweet person. Reminded her of Faith to an extent, she hadn't had the nerve to shut-up throughout the entire meal. Angad was surprised that Kripa hadn't already told her to shut-up a few times.
Although Kripa wanted to do just that. Stand and run to a quite place, she had to be patient. She was the guest not Neha. This was Neha's house after all. And, she wasn't being rude, she was simply very talkative.
Finally after dinner Kripa stood up even more tired. "I should get going now."
"Are you mad?" Angad asked walking to her. "It's raining like a devil outside and it's quite late. I can't just let you go; Karan will kill me if he found out."
Kripa struggled to keep her eyes open. "A cup of coffee is all I need Angad. I'll be fine."
"Fine if you're not going to listen to me, you'll listen to Sana." He looked at the stairs and yelled. "Sana! Come here now, quick."
"Angad you're mad." She tried to cover his mouth but it was too late.
"Why are you screaming, Angad?" Sana asked sleepy herself.
"Explain to your dear Kripa that she can't go home at this time. It's so late."
Sana smiled at his concern for her, but she agreed. It was late and there was a storm happening outside. "Angad is right. It's not smart to drive in this weather. You can stay in the guest room for tonight and go home tomorrow."
"Sana really I'll be fine."
"Look at her!" Angad said putting an arm around her. "She can't even keep her eyes open."
Too tired to care Kripa held him back. "Fine Angad. I loose you win."
"Good," Sana said with a smile. "I'll get you something to wear until then Angad can take you to your room."
"Thanks." She left Angad and walked towards the stairs with Angad. Sana smiled as she watched them walk up holding hands, or Angad making sure she wouldn't trip over.
Kripa fell asleep instantly after changing into a night suit Sana gave her.
Thirty minutes later Angad came in to check on her only because Sana had asked him to do so. She was tired and it was written all over her face. She was sleeping carelessly; he kneeled down beside her and pulled the blanket over her. Then before leaving leaned down to kiss her forehead. At that moment he asked god for her friendship for the rest of his life.
"Good morning." Sana greeted Kripa as she sat up in her bed. "I hope you had a good night sleep."
"I did thank you," Kripa said reaching for her glasses. "What time is it?"
"It's eight-thirty."
"Wow I feel like I just feel asleep five minutes ago."
Sana sat down beside her and smiled. "Thank you Kripa."
"For what?" She looked confused.
"For taking care of Angad. I was really worried for him after Amna's episode."
"I understand what it feels like to go thought sometime like that Sana. I would have done the same thing if Faith or Jason were there. Or even Karan."
Sana nodded, so Kripa wasn't at all, anywhere near falling in love with Angad. She sighed mentally and stood. "I washed your cloths they are in the bathroom and I found a new tooth brush you can use. I'll see you at breakfast."
Kripa nodded, "Thanks." Kripa wanted to fall back in bed and go to sleep. Another thirty minutes wouldn't hurt she told herself falling back. But not for long because the door opened again and ran in Sia. Kripa smiled looking at the little girl.
"Good morning Sia." She greeted as she sat up on the bed beside her.
"Good morning Kripa…" she looked at her. "What do I call you? Kripa what?"
Kripa laughed upon seeing her confused face. "Kripa will do just fine. Now if you'll excuse me I need to take a shower."
"I like you." She said cheekily. "Angad Chachu is still sleeping. He doesn't wake up, doesn't matter how hard you try."
Kripa smile again. "The best way is to take a cold glass of water and dump it on his head. He'll wake up without complaining once." She winked as Sia smiled like a brat. "Good luck." She kissed her cheek and walked into the bathroom.
Sia walked into Angad's room with Neha behind her, they both were giggling as the looked at Angad sleep. His mouth slightly open, concurring the entire bed.
Sia picked up the jug of water sitting on the table and stood beside Angad. Before Neha could stop her she had already dumped the water on Angad's head.
"Kripa!" he yelled sitting up quickly. Then shocked to see Sia and Neha laughing at his soaked head and shocked face. "Sia!" He picked her up and threw her on the bed. Locked her with his arms and watched her laugh for a few minutes. Then pulled her ear harshly. "Who told you to wake me up like this?"
"No one. I was complaining to Kripa about your laziness and she gave me the idea."
He scowled at her and then at Neha who was also laughing. He pulled her down on the bed as well. "This family is full of devils."
"Awe, my poor brother." She ran a hand through his head laughing still.
"Sia!" Sana called her from down stairs.
Angad watched Sia run out and then he hugged Neha. "How are you?"
"I'm good. How is my little brother doing?" She ran her hand through his head again. "I'm sorry I tried to stop Sia but she was too quick. I would have let you sleep more."
"It's ok Kripa will pay for this. And I'm good."
"Good. I came to know about your heart break. I'm sorry about that."
He laid his head on her lap. "It's ok. I have a few more days of freedom at least."
She smiled at him closing his eyes again. "I've missed you kiddo."
Angad opened his eyes and looked at her. "It's been long since someone has called me that. It feels nice." She nodded and kissed his forehead.
"Now get ready and come down for breakfast. We don't want Dad yelling at you."
"If you insist." He stood up with a flash, splashing water on her face.
"Juice or coffee Kripa?" Sana asked sitting beside her.
"Coffee would be great." She took the cup from Sana before she could drink it Angad snatched it out of her hand and sipped it.
"Doctor Kripa will not get breakfast today."
Kripa didn't reply as she knew why. But Sana had to ask. "Why?"
"Ask her."
Sana looked at Kripa who was smiling. "Why Kripa?"
"Ask Sia." She told Sana.
"No you will tell me." She poured another cup of coffee for her.
"Nothing Sana. Sia was complaining about Angad's sleeping habit. So I told her to pour a glass of water over his head and he'll wake up as quickly as lighting. So I'm guessing she went to his room and poured water over his head." She smiled, sipped, looked at Angad, then back at Sana. "Angad's making a big deal about absolutely nothing."
Sana didn't have time to reply because Dev walked into the room. "Good morning Dad." She said laying a plate in front of him.
"Morning Sana."
"Morning Dad," Angad greeted sitting beside him as well. Angad was glad that for the past few months his father hadn't bought up his marriage with Kripa even once.
"Morning Son." He picked up his cup of juice and looked at Kripa.
"Good morning Mr. Khanna."
He took his glasses off and placed his hand on Kripa's. "I've already told you not to call me Mr. Khanna. But good morning anyways."
"Alright Uncle, it won't happen again." She smiled, noticed Angad's shocked expression. It had been very long since Angad had seen Dev be so nice to anyone.
"Where my second sweetheart Neha?" He asked looking around.
"She should be getting here." Sana stood up and gave him his toast and his medicine. "Dad no more butter after this."
"Don't worry Sana; I'll make sure he doesn't have any more butter after this. It'll be fun to torture him for once." Angad said playfully. Not sure in the end if he should have or not.
Dev laughed under his breath. "I would love for you to stop me, Angad, it's been long."
"In that case," he picked up his toast and bit into it. "You can have a plain one to begin with." He blinked and placed a dry toast on his plate. "Eat healthy and stay fit."
This was pleasant. Dev and Angad were actually getting along without arguments. Sana left the room to wake up Sahil.
"Daddy!" Neha screamed in the door way when she saw her father for the first time in almost a year.
"Neha." He stood up and embraced his daughter, who pretty much came running into his arms. "Sweetheart, how are you?"
"I'm great Dad. You've kept yourself fit!" She said giving him a light punch on his stomach. "That's good."
"You have gotten fat, fatty." Angad teased.
"Angad!" Dev said in a strict tone. "Watch it. The truth hurts." Neha wined while Kripa smiled into her mug of coffee, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. Only if she still shared something so close with her parents. "Excuse me." She stood up with her mug and walked out the room. Dev watched her leave the room with tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
"Dad that wasn't very nice of you either." Neha said looked at his worried face.
"I'll be right back love. You have breakfast." He kissed her forehead and walked behind Kripa.
"Kripa wait child." He said as she rushed towards the window of the second floor. She wiped her tears and turned around with a smile. "Why did you leave?" he asked looking into her slightly red eyes.
"I just…" She took a deep breath. "You know exactly why."
"Yes I do." He placed his own mug on the windowsill, and placed his hand oh her shoulder. "I've known you're father for a very, very long time Kripa. I had forgotten he even had a daughter, or a son."
"Why are you telling me this?" She said harshly. But Dev understood she was uncomfortable talking to a man about her father who she didn't know for more than maybe two hours. But he understood, and Kripa saw it in his eyes.
"Because I know how your father feels as well." Kripa turned around to hide the tears in her eyes. "You know Kripa you remind me of Angad right now. When ever he doesn't want to talk to me he just turns around."
"I don't want you to see me cry, Uncle." She said softly.
Once again he placed his hand on her shoulder and forced her to turn. "I know you can't talk to me. You hardly know me, but I know you, and almost everything about you." He framed the left side of her face with his big, hard, yet warm hand. "I have a daughter too Kripa and I know what she might have gone thought if the same things happened to her. I treated you like my daughter the day you came here for the first time. I treated you like a doctor the day you met me at the office. Right now I'm treating you like my daughter as well." Kripa knew exactly where he was going with this. "I want to treat you like my daughter-in-law, Angad's wife."
Kripa closed her eyes and placed her cup beside Dev's. She looked back at him and then hugged him. "I don't think you can ever treat me as Angad's wife. But you can treat me like your daughter until you wish, for as long as you wish. And, I promise I never to disappoint you as your daughter. But I also expect that you won't disappoint me as a father. Because this time I won't be able to handle it." She held him tightly and cried. Dev's embrace promised everything she had just asked for.
Across the corridor from Kripa she saw Angad looking at them. She pulled away from him and smiled wiping his tears and then her own under her glasses. "Some one else needs me right now as well." She looked at Angad with tears in his own eyes. When Dev turned he watched Angad rush from there. "He needs you more than I need you."
"I know." he whispered. "You're going to pay for making me cry, Kripa."
"Whatever you want." She kissed his cheek, picked up her mug, and left from there.
Five minutes later she knocked on Angad's door. When he didn't reply she opened the door and looked inside. He wasn't in the room. When she was about to turn and leave she spotted the bookshelf embedded into the wall. She placed her mug on the desk beside it and looked through the titles. They were interesting. Title's that Kripa never thought she would see under Angad's possessions. He had an amazing collection of books by Nicholas Sparks and Erich Segal.
Then under it a marvelous collection of books by Stephan King and authors of his category. Since when did he become a book worm? she wondered. She stood up when her eye caught a photo frame tucked between two books. She pulled it out and turned it over. It mirror was cracked and dirty. She couldn't properly tell who the picture belonged to. She ran a hand across the broken mirror and then dusted it on her pants.
Something punched her in her stomach when her gaze moved from Angad to Aman. With anger instead of tears in her eyes she stuffed the frame back between the two books and picked up her mug again. She took a step towards the door when it opened and she stopped gripping the handle of the mug tighter.
Angad's mother walked in yelling for him. "Kripa?" she asked looking at her.
"Hi Aunty. How are you?"
"I'm good, have you seen Angad, or his Father?"
Kripa walked to her nodding. "Angad should be around here somewhere and Uncle should be back at the breakfast table by now."
"Alright." Kiran searched her eyes for the emotion she couldn't see. "Are you ok?"
"Yes. I'm fine." She looked at her mug and lightened her grip at the handle. "Excuse me." She brushed past her.
Kripa stood at the table where Sahil and Sana were having breakfast. "Good morning Kripa." He said with his mouth half full.
"Morning." She said pouring another cup of coffee.
"How much coffee do you have in a day?" he asked after swallowing whatever it was that she was eating.
"Sahil," she sat down across him. "If I didn't have coffee I would be in coma right now."
Sana smiled at her dazed look. Sahil gulped, "I don't agree. I used to think the same way until Sana got me to quit coffee."
"Well you are lucky then. No one will ever try, and if someone did I wouldn't give it up anyways. There's no point."
"Well isn't someone stubborn!" Sana teased.
Kripa simply nodded as she stood. "What can I do? I should get going now."
"Where?" Sahil asked finishing his breakfast.
"Back home Sahil. God knows what the house looks like when I haven't stepped in for almost twenty-four hours."
"I'm pretty sure a mess." Sahil said thinking about Karan. "Especially with Karan living without anyone having to stop him."
Kripa laughed. "I hope that's changed now." She said hearing Neha's walk into the room with her little daughter in her arms.
"This girl will not stop crying." She said rocking her. "Sana warm the milk for her. Yash cannot stop yelling my name! Kripa hold her."
"But I…" before Kripa could say another word Neha gave the little girl to her. She looked down at her and smiled.
Sana walked into the kitchen with Sahil behind her.
Kripa lifted the little girl and made sure she was holding her properly. She would hate it if she fell from her hands.
Once again she looked down; she had Angad's eyes she noticed quickly. Her nose was like Neha's and everything else was still a mixture of Yash and Neha. She smiled at her in complete awe when she sucked on her thumb.
"Bad habit!" she said with a smile and taking her thumb back. But the little girl smiled and placed her thumb between her lips and then slid it back into her mouth. Kripa took it out again and she put it back in her mouth. It had become and game after a few times that the child was enjoying a lot.
Angad had been watching and finally walked to stand behind her. From behind her he reached down and kissed the child and then stood still behind Kripa. "You know how to make anyone yours Kripa."
Kripa turned slightly to look at him; he held her gaze until Neha's daughter started crying again. Kripa looked at her worried. She didn't know how to make her quite down. She picked her up and placed her against her chest and ran her hand on her back. When she still didn't stop crying Angad held Kripa's hand. "Try this." He took her from him and held her against him. Her back pressed into him, like she was sitting on a chair. The bottom being Angad's arm.
Kripa wiped her tears and smiled. "You're good with kids Angad." She looked up at him with that same smile.
"What did Dad tell you?"
"Nothing important." Angad had questions but she quickly turned when Sana and Sahil walked out of the kitchen.
"Alright Esha." She took the little girl from Angad. "It's time you had you're breakfast. And Angad you still need to finish yours. Where did you run off?"
"You should ask Kripa the same question." But Sana was already busy in Esha.
"Finish quickly Angad. Please."
Sana left and Kripa tried to walk away from Angad when he took her arm and pulled her back. "I won't let you go until you answer my question today."
"I don't need to Angad. I'm getting late." She tried to free her arm but his grip was tight.
"What did Dad tell you, Kripa?"
"Nothing Angad." But his eyes clearly told her he wasn't convinced. She took a deep breath and a step. "I'm not lying to you. Trust me." Now he left her hand. "You haven't understood your father at all Angad. He really does care for you." She framed his face with both her hands. "Make things alright before it's too late. I've made mistakes learn from mine. Don't repeat them. Now take care of yourself."
"You too."
"Bye."
She picked up her jacket from the sofa and turned back to him. "Bye."
Hey guys, Well here were the two parts I promised you guys. It's was a total of 12 pages to write... wow! 😆
Still in Flashback mode.... Don't get confused about that! 😳
Other than that.... here is the coming up next
Up next: Faith and Kripa go shopping! 😆 Very exicting isn't it?? :P
Hugs and Kisses
Neha
CID
292