Daddy Angad- Chapter Eighteen
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Throwing her car keys in her purse, Kripa entered a small antique shop in the mall knowing how much Khushi and Madhu loved antiques. As she gently caressed a beautiful wooden vase, she felt the presence of someone standing behind her, a little too close for comfort. She spun around and found herself face to face with Angad. All the air whooshed out of her lungs.
"I was here to buy a gift for Khushi and Madhu's anniversary." He explained. She nodded stiffly before stepping away from him.
"I don't care. You can do whatever the hell you want, whenever you want. I want nothing to do with you." Kripa said bluntly, ignoring him wincing.
"Yeah? And why's that? Because I'm married? You're still stuck on the 'i won't gain you by breaking someone else's heart' thing, aren't you? Oh for Christ's sake Kripa Sharma, this is about you and I. She's my wife. I grew up with her. She'll understand. I can deal with her. It's you who needs to get the fact that by sacrificing, you're not benefiting anyone." Angad snapped at her, anger getting the best of him.
Kripa sighed. Time to go for the kill Kripa.
"Angad, I left my old life behind long ago. The problem is that, you're part of that old life. And because of that, I've been holding back. I don't want anything to do with my old life anymore. It hurts too much. I've finally let it go and moved on. And you, you're the opposite of what I want. A year ago, things were different. Now they're... not the same." Kripa said wringing her hands together hoping he'd buy her lie.
"You don't.. want me anymore?" He asked her quietly, pain flashing in his eyes for a moment before they went completely cold and emotionless. Kripa's breath caught in her throat and she blinked away tears. She had hurt him. "Well, that changes things now doesn't it?" With that, he turned to walk away but paused all of a sudden, and spoke with his back facing her.
"I guess I'll see you at Madhu and Khushi's wedding anniversary. I met them earlier. They had invited me to that club that night. I was going to be at the club anyway though for.. reasons you don't need to know. But don't worry, I'll act like I don't know you." He said, his voice completely stoic. Kripa watched him walk away, her heart heavy. I'll act like I don't know you. Tears welled up in her eyes and she bit her lip to stop the tears from falling. It was done. It was over. She had not only broken his heart but also ended their relationship before it began.
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[Angad]
Angry, Angad slammed the door of his car shut and started the ignition. He took a deep breath, refraining from breaking something in his car. Finally when he thought he was calm enough to drive, he put the car into gear and drove off.
So, that's what she was hiding. She didn't want me anymore, Angad thought unlocking the front door of his house. Now that he was no longer angry, sorrow and pain hit him all at once, leaving him feeling beat and tired. He just wanted to curl up in his bed and lay there for hours.
But life had other plans for him.
When he stepped inside his house, taking his shoes off, he found Mishti sitting on a sofa in the living room with her head in her hands. Concerned, he walked over and kneeled before her, gently putting his hands on her knees. He waited until she looked up at him with bloodshot red eyes. She had been crying. Alarm bells went off in his head and he cupped her face to wipe the tears away.
"What's wrong?" He whispered.
"Angad, I'm pregnant." She whispered back, gazing at his face intently.
Angad stood up shocked and took a deep breath.
"What? How?" He exclaimed running his hands through his hair in exasperation. "I mean, I know how. But I thought we had used protection - "
"Angad, we were drunk. I don't think we did." Mishti interrupted him, her eyes a cold, dark black.
"Shit." He muttered stuffing his hands in his pockets, jumping up and down slightly. It took a moment for him to realize that he was being a complete and utter asshole. Here was Mishti, his wife who seemed in so much distress over the news and he was questioning her. He should've been happy like any other normal husband. But you're not normal!, his subconscious snapped at him viciously. He mentally kicked himself before rushing over to Mishti's side and pulling her into a hug.
"It'll be okay. We'll work this out sweetheart. But you know what? I'm happy." He took a deep breath and hugged her tighter before he realized that he meant it. Of course you're happy dumbass! The baby, this marriage, it's all you have left. Don't f*** this up, snapped his subconscious again but this time, he agreed. This baby would not only strength his and Mishti's relationship but also give him a reason to live. He was the father of this child.
Mishti pulled away from him and searched his face, trying to find a sign that showed her that he was lying. But he seemed genuinely happy. He noticed her dilemma and gently cupped her face in his hands, pressing his lips to hers.
"Thank you so much Mishti. You've made me the happiest man. I promise to be the best husband, the best father. I'm so sorry i wasn't the best to you this whole time." He said to her, ashamed of himself. She laughed quietly.
"Angad, you've been a great husband. You weren't able to do much for me because I never let you. I was always trying to keep you away. Our relationship was too cold. So in a way, we were both at fault." Mishti consoled him tucking her face in his neck. Guilt overwhelmed Angad as Kripa flashed in his mind.
"I have a confession to make Mishti." He muttered, his voice cracking. Pull yourself together Khanna!, he reprimanded himself. Mishti pulled away again to face him, waiting for him to speak.
"Mishti, this whole time.. I was in love with someone else. I actually met her today and she told me she didn't want me anymore. I was ready to.. divorce you. I'm so sorry." He whispered, too scared to look at her. He was surprised when he felt a warm hand on his cheek. He looked up and found her smiling warmly.
"It's okay. Like I said, our relationship was cold. It's not your fault if you ever thought of a divorce. I've always loved you Angad but I knew you didn't love me. So, it helps to hear you say it."
Angad took a shaky breath, forcing himself to not cry.
"Thank you so much. I'll be the best husband Mishti. I'll never let you down. I promise."
"I know Angad. You've never disappointed me."
Warmth spread through Angad and all the pain just disappeared. Happiness replaced it instead. And that was the day he vowed he'd never break Mishti's heart. From that moment on, she and his baby meant the whole world to him. But he had one more person to thank for this and he would thank her.
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Chapter Nineteen Below..
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