Words of Silence: PAGE 202 Oct 25 2006 - Page 31

Chapter Eighteen

That same night Kripa sat on the floor beside Faith having Chinese food. "So what happened last night?" she finally asked Kripa.

"Nothing happened. Angad tried to talk to me about Aman, and that's it. He expressed his wish about going to Knotts, and he told me he's studied at Princeton University."

"That's boring." Faith said frowning at her noodles.

Kripa laughed at her face. "What did you expect, for him to suddenly ask me out or something?" She nodded, Kripa sighed. "Faith understand that Angad and I are friends. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Just friends."

"Ok, then what happened after that?"

"What, nothing happened. We picked up Neha, went back to Khanna House. I had dinner. There was a storm outside so Sana didn't let me come back and I stayed the night. Had breakfast in the morning and came home. Had lunch with Karan. Fell asleep watching football, and now I'm eating dinner with you. Anything else?"

"No."

"That's very boring." Faith said leaning back. "My day was more exciting than that."

"Why what did you do?"

"I was with Jason. I have to show you something."

"What?" Faith placed her left hand on the table and Kripa looked at the silver band in her hand. "It's really pretty Faith."

"I know. I couldn't believe it when he gave me the promise ring." She looked at her ring dazed.

"I'm very happy for you Faith. Jason's a good guy. Definitely the most sensible one you've dated till today."

"He's the last guy in my life Kripa. It's either him or no one now. I love him, like really love him."

"Well I'm sure that you're the last lady in his life as well."

"How are you so sure?"

Kripa stood up and picked up the empty little containers from Panda Express, "I just do. I just know it Faith. And he told me."

Kripa smiled at Faith. "I can't stop you from hoping Faith. I just don't want you to be disappointed."

"Trust me I won't be." She stood and stretched. "What are you wearing to the awards?"

"I really don't know."

"How about we go shopping tomorrow?"

"We can, that would be fun."

So Kripa was learning how to have fun, Faith told herself. "Thanks Angad." she mumbled.

"Did you say something?" she asked.

"Oh no." Faith paused for a second. "Karan wanted me to tell you something." Kripa looked at Faith's face and noticed the skeptical voice she was speaking in. "Your father called."

"And?" She turned around calmly and waked into the kitchen.

"He wants to talk to you."

"When?"

"On Monday, at his office for lunch or dinner. Whatever suits for you."

"I'll call him Monday morning. Right now would you like to watch the football game on TV or should we go get a movie from blockbuster?"

"Football we I can look at those sexy guys playing."

Kripa placed her hands on her hips. "How do you see their faces through the helmets?"

"You can answer that better Dr. Kapoor. Should I remind you?"

Kripa felt her cheeks turn hot, she turned. "Um… no."

"Oh I'll do it anyways." She smiled a brutish smile. "Angad Khanna our freshman year, the hottest football player on the team according to someone. Fell almost in love with him before he talked to you after the homecoming game. Now tell me, does it remind you of anything?"

She turned not as flushed anymore. "Well I think I might have been better off dating him than dating Aman. Gosh how I wish I hadn't met him and Aman that night. Aman more than him."

"Well since you did almost fall in love with him…"

"Correction, his face, not him! There's a difference." She was grinning like she would have been while a conversation years back.

"Alright. Since you almost fell in love with his face why don't you re-fall-in-love, but this time with him?"

"Stop being so ridiculous Faith. He's Angad Khanna; I couldn't even if I wanted to. It was his face. I didn't like him very much the second his opened his mouth."

Faith nodded in agreement. "But I know from experience, he's a great boyfriend."

"Exactly only boyfriends. You really think if I do start dating again in the year I'll be looking for a boyfriend and that's it?"

"No, but…"

"That's enough. Now let's go we'll walk to blockbuster. You can reduce those pounds you've been putting on. Jason will be pleased."

"Shut-up Kripa." Kripa nodded as she grabbed the house keys.

"Kripa are you done?" Faith said knocking on the door on the fitting room.

"Yeah." She opened the door and stepped out. "I don't want to wear skirts Faith. I really don't." She turned and looked at herself in the mirror. At almost five-six, skirts always looked great on her but she just didn't like wearing them. Not anymore at least. She examined the red turtle neck with a black leather skirt.

"It'll be a nice change Kripa. We're buying it."

"Alright." Kripa said defeated. "Did you find anything else?"

"Yeah." She held out a black dress in front of her. "At least try it on."

"Is there a dress code or anything? Like colors?" Kripa asked placing the dress against her. It was decent, she told herself. Not very exposing. "Call Angad and find out. Khanna's are the organizers this year."

"Ok." Kripa closed the door and changed into the dress. While Faith called Angad.

Ten minutes later Kripa opened the door. "I hate this." She said looking at Faith. "Its way too tight, and I just don't like it."

"I don't either. Let's try something else. But you're buying the skirts."

"Fine! But find me a leather jacket then. The skirts won't go with any jacket."

"So Dr. Kripa Kapoor still has a fashion sense?"

"I had a reason when I wanted to become a fashion designer during eight grade."

"I agree. Now change and let's continue exploring."

For the past three hours Faith and Kripa were in the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Now that they both had jobs and were getting paid quite well they could afford to shop at places that needed a good amount of cash. Of course Faith had been more excited simply because she belonged to a middle class family. While Kripa had grown up in such shopping centers, Faith had just started experiencing and living the way she wanted to. Kripa didn't want to ruin the experience, and therefore simply did what she said.

They looked at every designer shop they could find. They got shoes to slippers. While Kripa just looked around Faith did all the shopping for herself, and for Kripa. Kripa didn't have a say in about seventy-five percent of the things that were happening.

They were finally done by seven and decided to drop all the bags in Kripa's car and then come back to eat. So they did.

After getting home Faith helped Kripa take all the shopping she did and place everything where it went. And by eleven they were sleeping.

Between everything that happened in the next two weeks before the Awards, Faith continued trying to get Angad and Kripa closer. But it wasn't working very well. Or at least Faith didn't see it working. They fought like always, then made up like always as well. They weren't spending more time together, but less time. Angad was mostly busy instructing the workers, while Kripa was busy with her own patients.

Faith had told Jason about her vain attempts to bring Kripa and Angad close. He only said, "You just be careful. If Kripa gets hurt you'll be blaming yourself." And she knew that as well. But when she looked at Angad taking care of her sometimes she knew she was right.

Faith had seen Angad make sure she was eating properly; he made her coffee when she needed it. He waited for her until she was done to have lunch; he waited to leave the place until she was done as well. But was this love or just concern for Kripa?

She was changing. Loosening up a little every weak. But if anything went wrong anytime everything would backfire and Kripa would be who she was again. This time it would be harder to change her.

The day of the awards she stood in front of the mirror of the ladies room. Within the next ten minutes they would announce who the winner was, and this was important to Kripa. Getting this award meant publicity and support for her future plans. Organizations would know her around the U.S. She would be able to arrange for more funds for her future projects. More funds to research, more funds for everything. This award was more than just a matter of pride. She needed it for the hospital than she wanted it for herself.

She took a deep breath and stepped out of the ladies room. She saw her father and mother coming into the place. I should go see them. She told herself. In the background she heard Angad announcing the recent awards.

"Dad," she said placing a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and looked at her daughter.

"How are you?" they both asked her.

"Fine. How are you guys?" She watched them both nod.

Kripa had lunch with her father that Monday. He just wanted an hour with his daughter. He wanted things to be right between them. Although Kripa knew it would take very long. Just the effort he had put in the task pleased her.

"Good luck for tonight." Her mother said with a warm smile.

"Thanks Mom." She was nervous and it was written all over her face. It was even more visible without the glasses. She hugged them both and went back to sit on the table, with the Khanna Family, Karan, Faith and Jason.

"Are you ok?" Faith asked leaning towards her.

"Yes, so far." She held her hand in hers and looked at Angad. But she could feel her heart race. Her legs were numb and her mouth dry. She looked at Karan and hugged him tightly.

"You'll win this Kripa. Why are you so worried?" He pressed a kiss on her temple and held her hand in his as well. "Stop worrying. And thanks for being normal with Dad."

"Honestly Karan I'm so nervous right now anyone could come here and I'll behave normally."

"Well that's good." He chuckled. She left him and sat up picking her glass of wine up. Her hands were starting to sweat now as well.

"And now for the most important award of the night ladies and gentlemen." Kripa heard Angad announce. She placed her glass down and placed her hands calmly in her lap, but then found herself playing with her ring. "At least we know it's not Dr. Rishab Richand this year. He was simply not nominated." He could see Kripa nervous, she smiled. Every camera was on her at the moment, she had to be calm. Her heels tapped on the marble floor anxiously.

"Stop blabbing Angad and announce the damn name." she hissed. She wanted to stand and pace. Stay calm, she told herself again. She also knew Angad was doing this on purpose.

"Alright I'll announce the name now. Our nominees are very impatient as I see." Kripa's eyes were fixed on him as he opened the sealed envelope. He opened it and took the red card out. "Oh I'm just as nervous." He said placing the card down. "Any guesses? Of course I can't predict because I'm the M.C. I wouldn't want someone jumping me after the event." Kripa threw a look at him from where she was sitting. "Ok, I'll just say it." He picked the card back up and looked at Kripa as he opened it. "It's a lady." He said with a laugh. "In case you didn't know all the nominees this year are ladies."

Kripa rolled his eyes. "Hurry up," she mumbled.

"Ok, and the winner of the Young Achievers award 2006-2007 is…" he took another breath and completely opened the card. "Doctor Kripa Kapoor!" he yelled in the microphone.

Camera's clicked her pictures as she let out a long breath of relief. She threw her arms around Karan with tears in her eyes. He felt her heart still racing. "I'm proud of you." He kissed both her cheeks before she stood. She then turned to hug Faith, and then walked to Dev and hugged him tightly. As she hugged him she saw her own parents throw a flying kiss at her. She smiled at them.

"Good job." Dev told her as she left him.

"Come on Dr. Kapoor," Angad said in the microphone. "I need to hear that thank you speech." He said cheekily. "Ok I'll come get you." He walked down the stairs and towards Kripa. She smiled with tears shining in her eyes. She hugged him as tight as she could after he kissed both her cheeks. They stood like that for almost a minute and then he took her on stage.

"Alright Kripa. Let me be the first to ask, how does it feel?"

She laughed, "On top of the world." Tears still spilled from her eyes as Angad placed an arm around her again. A young lady brought the gold trophy to Angad and he presented it to Kripa.

"Now say something."

Before he could leave the stage Kripa took his hand. "If I'm getting this award because of my first venture of the children's floor." She looked at Angad and put his arm around him. "Then Angad Khanna is the first to be thanked. Thank you Angad." He simply smiled still holding her close and tight. "If not then I don't know why I'm getting this award." She wiped her tears. "But between all of this there are two other people who I need to thank. My best friend Faith Cruz and my brother Karan Kapoor. These are those two individuals who have been by my side since the day I entered high school. The day I decided I wanted to be a doctor not a lawyer. I love you both." Karan and Faith smiled at her with tears in their own eyes. "Thank you." She pressed her lips together and looked at Angad again. Then left him and started to walk off stage when Angad stopped her.

"That's not all Kripa." She stopped at the middle of the stage and turned to look at him. "That was only a part of the surprise the second half I still have it." Everyone looked confused. Sahil and Dev looked confused this was unplanned. "Can someone turn my mike on?" he said pointing to the one attached to his shirt. "Lights." He said walking to her.

"What are you doing Angad?"

"You'll find out." he whispered. "Kripa Kapoor," he started. "I've known you since the first grade. We never talked, we never noticed each other, but we knew we existed. Both our father have been friends for as long as I remember. It wasn't till the freshman year of high school that we actually started talking." Kripa looked at him in horror. "Then you suddenly disappeared during high school. Just left without telling anyone."

"Angad no." she whispered. "Don't do this."

"Let me finish." The room was dark and the only two lights one were the ones Kripa and Angad stood under. "I forgot you after that. I Forgot I even knew a girl named Kripa Kapoor who used to be the top student in every class I had with her. I forgot the Kripa Kapoor who used to always compete with me for the top spot in everything. Thank god you didn't play football." Kripa smiled with tears in her eyes.

Faith was holding Karan's hand tightly in one hand and Jason's in the other. Neha and Yash were shocked with Angad words. Sahil and Sana were shocked but at the same time pleased.

Kiran was smiles while Dev was worried.

"Then a few months ago you came back into my life as Doctor Kripa Kapoor. The lady who my father wanted me to marry. I was impressed with the way you handled the press. You were perfect in my eyes. You are perfect. But I didn't realize you were the Kripa Kapoor. One of my closest friend Kripa Kapoor. In the past few months I've shared a lot with you. The happiest and saddest moments of my life. We have fought and then made-up. I want to continue my life like that. Just with one little change." She reached in his pocket and took out a red velvet box and opened it. He looked at Kripa and soon he was on one knee. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, fighting with you. But I want you to fight with me, love me, scold me, hit me, kill me, whatever you want to do with me. Anything and everything, but not as Kripa Kapoor." He looked up at her with hope in his eyes. "But as Mrs. Kripa Angad Khanna." She felt herself shake a little with the words. "Marry me Kripa Kapoor." He looked at her and then smiled. "Ok let's rephrase that. Will you marry me Kripa Kapoor?" She felt herself ready to fall. Angad held her hand to let her know her was there without worrying about her answer. No one in the room was breathing and no one was going to breathe until she answered.

Hey guys,

How is everyone doing on this not-so-wonderful Friday? I'm doing sadly great! 😊 So let's clear things up. I don't know how many of you guys noticed my post "Plz DO NOT copy my work" If you didn't let me explain.

Some people think I might be making a big deal that someone is copying my work, and I'm simply being hyper. Hell yes I'm being hyper because I don't want anyone using my words as theirs. I promise, If I find anyone copying my I throw the biggest fit. So simply Don't copy! 😃 I'm sorry if my words hurt anyone, just be gald I waited sometime before posting the message yesterday because I was seriously trembling in fury on my chair when I read the part, and the PM someone telling me that "oh by the way someone copied your work."

Second thing, Yes Angad did propose to Kripa. 😳 Lets hope she says yes. 😆😉 Um... still Flashback mode. This FF will end in it's mid 50's or early 60's. Other than that I don't have anything else.

I might not be able to post a part tomorrow because I might not be home. Other than that we'll see you tomorrow!

Coming Up: Kripa's and Angad's dance.

Hugs and Kisses,

Neha😊