Posted:
Hello Friends,
I was out of commission for more than a year. I had stopped writing fan fics, I went through some difficult times as well, moved to a new state, suffered from ill health and family tragedies.
But now Im back! š
I am expecting to update Deception regularly henceforth.
I had to open a new thread as the old one got closed down. Anyway its better to have a new thread so we can all freshen up our memories of whats happened so far in the story.
To the Mods of Fan Fic Forum: If there is a problem having a new thread to continue an old story then please reopen my old thread and let me know so I can post the new update there!
Old thread for Deception: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/1312749/deception-kyph-pt-17-pg86-may28
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DECEPTION...PROLOGUE
Chehrey pe chehra laga hai yahan
Jaaney kyun anjaana lagta hai
Kaun hai apna yahan
Har koi begaana lagtaa hai!
It was a dark and windy night! The highway from Pune to Mahabaleshwar snaked around the Western Ghats with razor sharp bends and curves. Half a moon played hide and seek in the clouds, throwing quicksilver shadows sporadically on the sinuous highway. The road was sandwiched between a steep 1000 feet drop and a dry mountain wall.
Traffic was sparse at this time of night! It was past 10 pm when a black SUV came tearing around a bend with screeching tires and squealing brakes. It spun out of control and toppled over the deadly edge, plunging a 1000 feet into the deep gorge. Halfway down the rocky mountainside, the ill-fated vehicle burst into flames and exploded into a fireball hurtling downwards, burning the dry bushes on its path. The fiery ball came to rest at the bottom of the ravine, its greedy flames rose upwards in fumes of gasoline and burning rubber!
High above on the highway, a tall dark figure came running around the bend and stood at the edge, watching the SUV burn down to cinders. The half moon hid behind a cloud again, throwing the ghastly scene into murky shadows. The wreck burned brightly but not a single vehicle passed by to witness its destruction!
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Characters:
Kripa Sharma (23)- Beautiful, talented and spirited, Arts graduate and budding singer. Lives in Mahabaleshwar, a lovely hill station near Pune, with her doting family. Rather spoiled, only child of her parents.
Kripa's father, Suryabhan Sharma is the Principal of a prestigious school in Mahabaleshwar.
Her mother Gayatri is a retired music teacher.
Her Dadi, Devyani Sharma is on dialysis, doctors have given her 2 months to live. Her last wish is to see her "laadli poti" married and settled down.
Harshini : Kripa's best friend, neighbour and the sister she never had.
Prithvi : Kripa's neighbour, childhood friend and secret admirer.
Angad Khanna (28): Handsome, charming, easy-going, the heir to a vast fortune. He is the Managing Director of Khanna Builders and Developers, a company that develops real estate for apartments, hotel chains and resorts all over the country!
Dilip Khanna: Angad's dad, founder of Khanna Builders, has made the company what it is through his sheer business acumen and shrewdness. Lately he has been suffering from ill-health and has transferred all his executive powers to his only child, Angad. He is in semi retirement now, living at his vacation home in Khandala but still in contact with his son and brother on urgent business decisions.
Avantika Khanna: Angad's mother passed away 2 years ago from cancer. Dilip still mourns her loss.
Darshan Khanna: Dilip's younger brother and Assistant Director in the company. He is devoted to Dilip and the business and helps Angad in every way he can. His wife Damini is a shrewish woman who wants more of the pie.
Kartik (32): Darshan's older son, Executive Director of the company. He has frequent clashes with Angad over the running of the company. He is married to a high society girl, Mishti. They have a cute little daughter named Mili, who is 5 years old.
Nishant (30): Darshan's younger son, Assistant Director of the company, less ambitious and more laid-back than his brother. He is married to a simple, homely girl, Gauri. They have a cute 3 year old son named Deepak (Dipu).
Khanna family lives in a huge mansion in Bandra. They are still in a joint family due to business they share.
Shabbir and Raj- Angad's buddies.
More characters will be introduced later!
Chehrey pe chehra laga hai yahan
Jaaney kyun anjaana lagta hai
Kaun hai apna yahan
Har koi begaana lagtaa hai!
It was a dark and windy night! The highway from Pune to Mahabaleshwar snaked around the Western Ghats with razor sharp bends and curves. Half a moon played hide and seek in the clouds, throwing quicksilver shadows sporadically on the sinuous highway. The road was sandwiched between a steep 1000 feet drop and a dry mountain wall.
Traffic was sparse at this time of night! It was past 10 pm when a black SUV came tearing around a bend with screeching tires and squealing brakes. It spun out of control and toppled over the deadly edge, plunging a 1000 feet into the deep gorge. Halfway down the rocky mountainside, the ill-fated vehicle burst into flames and exploded into a fireball hurtling downwards, burning the dry bushes on its path. The fiery ball came to rest at the bottom of the ravine, its greedy flames rose upwards in fumes of gasoline and burning rubber!
High above on the highway, a tall dark figure came running around the bend and stood at the edge, watching the SUV burn down to cinders. The half moon hid behind a cloud again, throwing the ghastly scene into murky shadows. The wreck burned brightly but not a single vehicle passed by to witness its destruction!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Characters:
Kripa Sharma (23)- Beautiful, talented and spirited, Arts graduate and budding singer. Lives in Mahabaleshwar, a lovely hill station near Pune, with her doting family. Rather spoiled, only child of her parents.
Kripa's father, Suryabhan Sharma is the Principal of a prestigious school in Mahabaleshwar.
Her mother Gayatri is a retired music teacher.
Her Dadi, Devyani Sharma is on dialysis, doctors have given her 2 months to live. Her last wish is to see her "laadli poti" married and settled down.
Harshini : Kripa's best friend, neighbour and the sister she never had.
Prithvi : Kripa's neighbour, childhood friend and secret admirer.
Angad Khanna (28): Handsome, charming, easy-going, the heir to a vast fortune. He is the Managing Director of Khanna Builders and Developers, a company that develops real estate for apartments, hotel chains and resorts all over the country!
Dilip Khanna: Angad's dad, founder of Khanna Builders, has made the company what it is through his sheer business acumen and shrewdness. Lately he has been suffering from ill-health and has transferred all his executive powers to his only child, Angad. He is in semi retirement now, living at his vacation home in Khandala but still in contact with his son and brother on urgent business decisions.
Avantika Khanna: Angad's mother passed away 2 years ago from cancer. Dilip still mourns her loss.
Darshan Khanna: Dilip's younger brother and Assistant Director in the company. He is devoted to Dilip and the business and helps Angad in every way he can. His wife Damini is a shrewish woman who wants more of the pie.
Kartik (32): Darshan's older son, Executive Director of the company. He has frequent clashes with Angad over the running of the company. He is married to a high society girl, Mishti. They have a cute little daughter named Mili, who is 5 years old.
Nishant (30): Darshan's younger son, Assistant Director of the company, less ambitious and more laid-back than his brother. He is married to a simple, homely girl, Gauri. They have a cute 3 year old son named Deepak (Dipu).
Khanna family lives in a huge mansion in Bandra. They are still in a joint family due to business they share.
Shabbir and Raj- Angad's buddies.
More characters will be introduced later!
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Many Thanks to ShelDev for the plot idea for this story! š
DECEPTION.PART 1
Her wedding day dawned bright and sunny on a chilly October morn. The earliest sunbeams touched her slumbering face, painting her forehead crimson. With a disturbed frown, she threw a slender arm across her eyes, shielding it from the wicked sun.
The sun relented and sprinkled golden showers on her lovely form, caressing her delicate features. She had a perfectly piquant heart-shaped face with a sharp little nose, a pointed determined chin and a Cupid's bow mouth. Long dusky eyelashes rested on flushed cheeks, a sweet smile played on her curved lips. She was in dreamland, in a romantic interlude with her Prince Charming!
Sharma household was waking up, stirring with the hustle-bustle of wedding preparations, excited guests chattering, servants running around, the typical sounds of a house in celebration mode.
Soft strains of Bismillah Khan's shehnai filled the sprawling Colonial style bungalow where she had grown up. Her Dadi had wanted a full-fledged traditional wedding with all the pomp and ceremony reminiscent of their original hometown Allahabad.
The sun rose higher over the Western Ghats, it was 7 am. Her mother Gayatri rushed to her bedroom door and knocked loudly:
KRIPAAA..KRIPAAA BETI, UTHO! HAVAN KA SAMAY HO GAYA!
Her eyes opened, really beautiful wide chocolate brown eyes, shining with the innocence of an angel and the mischief of an imp. She smiled brightly, recollecting her beautiful dream of being in her lover's arms in the verdant valleys of Switzerland where they had planned their honeymoon.
She sighed and stretched: Aaahh! Kya sapna tha! Angad aur main aur wo khubsoorat Alps ki waadiyan.she blushed and hid her face in her palms, as the more amorous parts of the dream rushed back in her memory: Haila, kitni besharam hai tu! Abhi se yeh sab soch rahi hai!..she scolded herself.
She squirmed with a shiver of delight, tossed off the heavy quilt and sat up, stretching langourously. The covers slipped down revealing her lissom curves and slender legs in a pink satin nightgown.
KRIPAAA! Her mother was still at the door, ears pricked for sounds of her waking up. KRIPAAA, TU UTH RAHI HAI YA MAIN ANDAR AAOON?
HAAN MAA, MAIN UTH GAYI! She yelled back in a lilting, melodious voice that was already famous in Mahabaleswar and Pune Music circles.
JALDI SE NAHAAKAR TAYYAR HO JAA! PANDITJEE AA GAYE, PUJA KI TAYYARI KAR RAHEY HAIN.
OK, MAA! MAIN NAHANEY CHALI! she yelled but lingered in bed for a little while, hugging her downy pillow and smiling away.
She couldn't believe it! TODAY was THE DAY! HER WEDDING DAY! When she would be united with the man she loved! Her first and only love!
She closed her eyes and whispered his name: An-gad! The very name tingled her lips and thrilled her heart in sheer delight! He was her Prince, her dream lover! He had literally stormed into her life and swept her off her feet.
She thought about their first meeting 6 months ago here in Mahabaleswar when she had barged into his office while selling tickets for a musical talent show. They had started off with a fight and ended up with a dateshe laughed softly in reminscence.
Her mother wouldn't give up, she knew her daughter would be day-dreaming: KRIPA, KYA TU NAHAANEY GAYI?
HAAN, ABHI JAA RAHI HOON! .Kripa finally stepped down from the bed, slipped on her fluffy bed slippers and pranced to her bathroom.
As she soaped herself under the steaming jets, she tingled all over, remembering her romantic dream. Her excitement was at fever pitch, she was still lost in its magic. Angad was kissing her passionately, his manly lips on hers, his arousing hands on her body. She was shamelessly eager about her wedding night, however unmaidenly that might sound!
She held out her hennaed hands and smiled.the mehendi lady was right, Angad ke pyaar ka rang bahut gehra pada hai! Dekho kaisey aag ki tarah dehak raha hai.
The mehendi designs stretched right up to her arms. She turned her right hand slightly and read his name hidden in the intricate design. He had found it right away, the wicked guy! His sherry brown eyes had glinted mischievously at her, promising dominance over her after marriage according to the custom.
She had twisted her lips and rolled her eyes, mumbling.Hum bhi dekhengey kaisey tum upper hand letey ho!
Kripa giggled and kissed his name in the mehendi design. I love you, Mr. Khanna! I will allow you to take upper hand, sometimes... she whispered under the hot shower.
While blow-drying her elbow length hair before her mirror, she remembered Angad was supposed to call her after returning from Mumbai last night!
She frowned and bit her lower lip: Angad toh kal shaam ki flight se wapas aaneywala tha? He promised he would call me when he reached the hotel, why didn't he call me? Let me check if he left messages
She grabbed her mobile and checked, there were no messages. She huffed angrily: Uff yeh Angad bhi naa! Kaam ke chakkar mein sab kuchh bhool jaata hai, mujhey bhi!
At the same time, she felt a twinge of guilt too. Her best friend Harshini had thrown her a bachelorette party at her house next door, inviting 20 of their closest school and college friends and Kripa's cousins as well. They had a whale of a time drinking fake champagne, singing songs, cracking jokes. Kripa was so caught up in the festivities she had not called Angad to check on his status.
Her mother had finally dragged her home after 10 o'clock with scolding: Shadi se ek raat pehley iss tarah ghar se baahar nahin rehtey, apshagun hota hai! Chalo, ghar chalkar so jaao, Dadi ko pata chala toh shaamat aa jayegi!
Kripa had followed her mother home meekly and gone to bed like an obedient girl. Now she wondered why Angad had not called or left a message.
Impatient to find out, she called Avanti Resort, named after Angad's mother, where the Khannas were staying.
The Receptionist answered: Avanti Resorts, how can we help you?
Kripa replied confidently : Can you give me Angad Khanna's suite please? This is Kripa Sharma
Ohh Kripa Madam? The Receptionist almost melted, it was the Boss's bride: Please hold, Im transfering you, and Madam, Congratulations and all the best for tonight!
Kripa thanked her and waited while she was connected to the Presidential Suite where Angad and his family was staying for the wedding.
Mishti picked up the phone and drawled in her usual somnolent tone: Hello, who is this?
Kripa grimaced, she didn't share good vibes with the acid-tongued Mishti: Hello, Jeejee, main Kripa bol rahi hoon, Angad hai?
Mishti cackled sarcastically: Kripaaa? Angad chahiye? Kyun, aur intezaar bardaasht nahin ho raha? Aaj raat ko shadi ke mandap mein hi mil lena!
Kripa breathed deeply, trying to control her temper: Please, Mishti Bhabhi, mujhey sirf thodi baat karni hai, kal raat ko Angad ne phone nahin kiya, Im worried!
Mishti relented: Angad abhi so raha hai. Kal bahut raat ko lautaa, 2 bajey ke baad, uski flight miss ho gayi thi, doosrey flight se aana pada. Uth jayega toh bataa doongi tumney call kiya tha
Ok, Bhabhi, Thanks!
Mishti just had to add caustically : Kripa, shadi ke din dulhey se milna ya baatein karna apshagun hota hai.
Kripa was planning to give a biting retort when she heard Gauri Bhabhi on the other end: Jeejee, kyun Kripa ko chidha rahey ho? Phone karney se kuchh nahin hota, haan per milnaa manaa hai.
Mishti drawled: Lo, aa gayi hamari Teacherni (Gauri was a primary school teacher when Nishant married her) Yeh lo tum hi baat karo hamari devrani se
She handed over the phone to Gauri who had formed an instant rapport with Kripa when they first met 2 months ago.
She set Kripa's mind at ease: Kal raat itni der ho gayi thi, isiliye Angad ne call nahin kiya, tumhey neend se jagana nahin chahta tha. Usney kaha aaj subah uthney ke baad call karega, lekin abhi tak so raha hai, bahut thak gaya hai!
Kripa quickly said: Its OK, Gauri Bhabhi, unhey jaganaa mat. Main baad mein call karoongi.
She put down her mobile and sighed with a smile. So Angad was sleeping too, probably dreaming of her and their honeymoon , like her! Poor guy, he worked too hard.
Day before yesterday had been their mehendi and sangeet ceremonies. Later that night he had to fly to Mumbai to attend an important meeting.
Her parents, Dadi, all had been very upset to hear about his last minute business trip: Shadi ke ek din pehley koi iss tarah jaata hai kya?
Angad had leaned down and hugged Dadi in her wheelchair: Don't worry Dadi! Main parson theek 5 bajey aapki poti ko sindoor laganey aa jaunga! Main guarantee deta hoon! Yeh Angad Khanna ka vaada hai!
He had called her after reaching Mumbai and then again yesterday morning: Kripa, main meeting ke liye nikal raha hoon. I will reach Mahabaleswar by 8 tonight.
Kripa reminded him: Main Harshini ke wahan rahungi, yaad hai naa? Wo merey liye bachelorette party de rahi hai. Lekin tumharey bachelor's party ka kya hoga?
He laughed: Shabbir aur Raj dono yahan hain, we will go out after my meeting.
She teased him: Really? Matlab afternoon bachelor's party?
He teased back: Din mein bhi toh beer bars khuley rehtey hain?
She knew he was referring to the bars where girls performed provocative dances.
She shot back: Khabardaar jo wahan gaye toh! Agar mujhey pata chala toh main
Toh kya karogi?
Main mandap se bhaag jaungi!
He chuckled : Lekin tumhey pataa kaisey chalega?
She bit her lower lip: Tumhari aankhein dekhkar pata chal jayega ke tumney koi badmaashi kee ya nahin!
His voice deepened seductively: Main sirf ek ladki ke saath badmaashi karna chahta hoon.
She asked deliberately: Oh really? Kaun hai wo?
He teased her more: Naam batana padega kya?
Haan! Abhi bataao.she demanded.
Hai ek ladki, bahut khubsoorat, lekin ziddi, spoiled, paagal type ki
She gasped in outrage: Main tumhey paagal lagti hoon?
He laughed: Mainey tumhara naam kab liya? Main toh apney pyaar ke baarey mein baat kar raha tha.
She pouted and huffed: ..Theek hai! Toh apney pyaar se hi shadi kar lena!
Wahi toh karoonga! Aur suhaag raat bhi usikey saath manaunga!
Jaao! Besharam! ..she acted coy!
He laughed and informed her: Waisey tumharey liye ek surprise hai!
Really? She lit up with excitement: Kaisi surprise?
Agar bataa diya toh surprise kaisey hogi?
Pleeease bataao naa! She pleaded like a kid: Please, Angad! I cant wait!
Patience, sweetheart! Patience! Special surprise hai, suhaag raat ko dekh lena.
Ohh! She bit her lips, not sure what kind of surprise he was referring to
He chuckled wickedly: Tum jaisa soch rahi ho waisi surprise nahin! You have a one-track mind, Kripa!
She huffed angrily: Tumney kaisey soch liya main.she blushed as she realized his meaning: UFF! You are too much! Jaao main tumsey baat nahin karna chahti!
Wait! Don't keep the phone! I love you, sweetheart!
I don't love you! She clicked the phone.
The next moment he called back and apologized to her humorously: Tumharey saath masti karna achha lagta hai! Now I have to sit at that boring meeting with the Builder's Association. Isiliye thoda jee behlaa raha tha.
She smiled: I love you! Jaldi wapas aa jaana! Aur shaam ko zaroor call karna! I will wait for your call!
He kissed her over the phone: Of course! See you soon, my love!
Bye, lover!she smooched back.
Kripa brushed her now dried hair and smiled dreamily at her reflection. Angad was everything she had wanted in a man, he was intelligent, romantic, witty, cultured, charming, everything a girl could wish for! She was lucky indeed to find him, to be his bride!
Of course her doting Dadi had always told her: Meri Rajkumari ke liye kisi din ek Rajkumar aayega aur usey byaahkar doli mein bithakar apney Mahal le jayega!
When she introduced Angad to her family 3 months ago, Dadi had smiled triumphantly: Dekha? Main kehti thi naa meri poti ke liye ek Rajkumar aayega? Shakal, akal aur maan maryada mein Rajkumar hi toh hai!
Kripa couldn't agree more.Angad was her Dream Prince! His handsome visage floated in the mirror before her, that charming lopsided grin curving his well-cut lips. She smiled back at his vision: I cant wait for tonight!
Her thrilling thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on the door, her mother yelled impatiently: KRIPA! Ab hum andar aa rahey hain, tumhey tayyar karna hai!
Her mother entered the room with Harshini, carrying a large silver tray bearing a maroon sari and red and green bangles: Kripa! Kitni der laga dee! Abhi jaldi se yeh saree pehen le, Panditjee, Dadi sab wait kar rahey hain! Harshini beta, zara iskey baal baandh de aur saaj shringaar karvaa de!
Kripa mouthed Sorry to her mother, quickly draped the sari, then sat meekly while Harshini and her mother made her ready for the Havan! It was her Dadi's wish that this Puja be performed on the day of the wedding. Kripa was a "maanglik" and this ceremony was supposed to remove all "doshas" from her kundli! Of course Kripa didn't believe in all that stuff but she would do anything to please her Dadi, especially since she had heard Dadi only had a few months to live!
Habitual tears came to her eyes but she blinked them away: Nahin, aaj is khushi ke din no aansoo, no gham, sirf muskurahat! Main Dadi ki har ichha poori karoongi! Hanstey hanstey, chahey uskey liye mujhey poora din boring Puja mein baithnaa padey!
Harshini tied up her hair in a bun and did her make-up, Gayatri picked up the bangles last: Lo beti, ab yeh shagun ki chudiyan pehen lo!
Kripa held out her hands and put on the red and green glass bangles that were the symbols of a suhaagan. They were shining and glittering with every movement of her henna decorated hands. She smiled to see their bright twinkling like the bright dreams of her future.
Harshini bent down and whispered in her ears: Angad se baat huyi? Wo lauta ke nahin?
Kripa whispered back: Lauta toh, magar baat nahin huyi, so raha hai, uska plane late ho gaya tha.
Oh I see! Pata hai, Prithvi ab bhi khafa hai
Kiss baat se?
Wahi.Harshu giggled.kal humney usey party mein shaamil nahin kiya, isiliye naaraz hai, mera phone bhi nahin utha raha!
Kripa shrugged as she applied lipstick: He is so silly! Bachelorette party mein wo ladka hokar kya karta?
Wahi toh! It was a girls only party lekin uska kehna hai wo bhi toh teri dost hai, so why wasn't he invited too?
Kripa laughed with a certain discomfort. If only Harshu knew Prithvi's real feelings, what he had said to her a week ago! It had shocked her beyond belief that Prithvi felt that way about her. Oh well! She couldn't do anything about that!
Gayatri hurried them up: Chalo ab, bahut ho gaya! Tum dono sahelion ki gupshup kabhie khatam nahin hogi!
As they led Kripa out to the Prayer room, her neighbours and relatives gathered around to admire her loveliness: Sachchi mein, hamari Kripa jaisi khubsoorat dulhan kahin dekha hai?
********************************************************************
Angad joined his family for breakfast shortly after nine. He looked refreshed, energized and well-rested. Gauri Bhabhi served him from platters bearing Indian and Continental breakfast dishes delivered by special room service at their Presidential suite dining alcove.
Ab kaisa lag raha hai? Tabiyat theek toh hai naa? She asked sweetly in concern.
Angad grinned: Haan Bhabhi, abhi main fit hoon. Neend achhi rahi, Im feeling much better. Lekin Nishant Bhaiyya kahan hain? Aur Chachajee-Chachi jee?
Tumharey Bhaiyya subah naashta karkey kisi kaam se nikal gaye, kehtey the shadi ka koi arrangement baaki reh gaya! Papa jee apney room mein email check kar rahey hain, Maa jee naha rahi hain.
Mishti sipped her coffee and drawled: Angad, tum apney badey Bhaiyaa ko saath kyun nahin laaye? Unka iraada kya hai? Is he going to attend ur wedding or what?
Angad shrugged coolly: Kartik Bhaiyya will return today, unhey kal ek urgent kaam sambhalna tha.
Mishti rolled her eyes: Really! Tum Khanna brothers! Lagta hai duniya mein sirf tum log hi business chalatey ho! Baaki sab toh papad bechtey hongey!
Angad chuckled and dug heartily into his omelette. He looked up to see little Mili watching him silently, solemnly from the couch in front of the TV. He smiled and winked at her. She smiled back at once, ran to him and jumped on his lap: Chachu, kya aaj aap shadi karengey?
Yes, sweetheart!he pulled her plump cheeks.
Kripa Aunty ke saath?
That is correct!
Chachu, mujhey bhi shadi karni hai!
Angad looked at her solemnly: Yeh achha iraada hai. Hum ek kaam karengey, aaj shadi ke mandap mein koi achha ladka dekhkar hum tumhari bhi shadi karvaa dengey!
Sachchi? Mili's eyes sparkled excitedly.
Promise!
Pukka promise?
Pukka! 100%.
Chachu, aap thumb promise karna bhool gaye!
I'm sorry! Angad linked his thumb with Mili's tiny one, circled both disproportionate palms around, then joined them in their secret handshake.
Gauri and Mishti smiled at their cute pact. Dipu's smaller face appeared from the other couch. Jealous at Mili sharing all Chachu's attention, he hopped towards Angad and climbed on his other knee: Chachu! He lisped: Mujhey shadi nahin karna
Kyun? Angad asked seriously.
Ladkiyan gandi hoti hain!
Nahin beta, aisa nahin kehtey! Dekho, tumhari Mama, Bebe, Kripa Aunty, yeh sab ladkiyan hain, gandi nahin kehtey.
Dipu looked thoughtful: Nahin, wo sab sundar hain, lekin Mili gandi hai!
Kyun beta, Mili ne kya kiya?
Mili protested: Main gandi nahin, tu ganda hai!
Dipu fought with her: Tuney mera game kyun le liya, tu gandi hai.
Chhee beta, aisa nahin kehtey apney Didi ko.Mili, uska game lauta do! .Angad, Gauri and Mishti joined voices to resolve their fight and solve the problems. The babble of voices rose in the master suite till Chachajee Darshan Khanna emerged and greeted his dearest nephew with a warm welcome.
DECEPTION.PART 1
Her wedding day dawned bright and sunny on a chilly October morn. The earliest sunbeams touched her slumbering face, painting her forehead crimson. With a disturbed frown, she threw a slender arm across her eyes, shielding it from the wicked sun.
The sun relented and sprinkled golden showers on her lovely form, caressing her delicate features. She had a perfectly piquant heart-shaped face with a sharp little nose, a pointed determined chin and a Cupid's bow mouth. Long dusky eyelashes rested on flushed cheeks, a sweet smile played on her curved lips. She was in dreamland, in a romantic interlude with her Prince Charming!
Sharma household was waking up, stirring with the hustle-bustle of wedding preparations, excited guests chattering, servants running around, the typical sounds of a house in celebration mode.
Soft strains of Bismillah Khan's shehnai filled the sprawling Colonial style bungalow where she had grown up. Her Dadi had wanted a full-fledged traditional wedding with all the pomp and ceremony reminiscent of their original hometown Allahabad.
The sun rose higher over the Western Ghats, it was 7 am. Her mother Gayatri rushed to her bedroom door and knocked loudly:
KRIPAAA..KRIPAAA BETI, UTHO! HAVAN KA SAMAY HO GAYA!
Her eyes opened, really beautiful wide chocolate brown eyes, shining with the innocence of an angel and the mischief of an imp. She smiled brightly, recollecting her beautiful dream of being in her lover's arms in the verdant valleys of Switzerland where they had planned their honeymoon.
She sighed and stretched: Aaahh! Kya sapna tha! Angad aur main aur wo khubsoorat Alps ki waadiyan.she blushed and hid her face in her palms, as the more amorous parts of the dream rushed back in her memory: Haila, kitni besharam hai tu! Abhi se yeh sab soch rahi hai!..she scolded herself.
She squirmed with a shiver of delight, tossed off the heavy quilt and sat up, stretching langourously. The covers slipped down revealing her lissom curves and slender legs in a pink satin nightgown.
KRIPAAA! Her mother was still at the door, ears pricked for sounds of her waking up. KRIPAAA, TU UTH RAHI HAI YA MAIN ANDAR AAOON?
HAAN MAA, MAIN UTH GAYI! She yelled back in a lilting, melodious voice that was already famous in Mahabaleswar and Pune Music circles.
JALDI SE NAHAAKAR TAYYAR HO JAA! PANDITJEE AA GAYE, PUJA KI TAYYARI KAR RAHEY HAIN.
OK, MAA! MAIN NAHANEY CHALI! she yelled but lingered in bed for a little while, hugging her downy pillow and smiling away.
She couldn't believe it! TODAY was THE DAY! HER WEDDING DAY! When she would be united with the man she loved! Her first and only love!
She closed her eyes and whispered his name: An-gad! The very name tingled her lips and thrilled her heart in sheer delight! He was her Prince, her dream lover! He had literally stormed into her life and swept her off her feet.
She thought about their first meeting 6 months ago here in Mahabaleswar when she had barged into his office while selling tickets for a musical talent show. They had started off with a fight and ended up with a dateshe laughed softly in reminscence.
Her mother wouldn't give up, she knew her daughter would be day-dreaming: KRIPA, KYA TU NAHAANEY GAYI?
HAAN, ABHI JAA RAHI HOON! .Kripa finally stepped down from the bed, slipped on her fluffy bed slippers and pranced to her bathroom.
As she soaped herself under the steaming jets, she tingled all over, remembering her romantic dream. Her excitement was at fever pitch, she was still lost in its magic. Angad was kissing her passionately, his manly lips on hers, his arousing hands on her body. She was shamelessly eager about her wedding night, however unmaidenly that might sound!
She held out her hennaed hands and smiled.the mehendi lady was right, Angad ke pyaar ka rang bahut gehra pada hai! Dekho kaisey aag ki tarah dehak raha hai.
The mehendi designs stretched right up to her arms. She turned her right hand slightly and read his name hidden in the intricate design. He had found it right away, the wicked guy! His sherry brown eyes had glinted mischievously at her, promising dominance over her after marriage according to the custom.
She had twisted her lips and rolled her eyes, mumbling.Hum bhi dekhengey kaisey tum upper hand letey ho!
Kripa giggled and kissed his name in the mehendi design. I love you, Mr. Khanna! I will allow you to take upper hand, sometimes... she whispered under the hot shower.
While blow-drying her elbow length hair before her mirror, she remembered Angad was supposed to call her after returning from Mumbai last night!
She frowned and bit her lower lip: Angad toh kal shaam ki flight se wapas aaneywala tha? He promised he would call me when he reached the hotel, why didn't he call me? Let me check if he left messages
She grabbed her mobile and checked, there were no messages. She huffed angrily: Uff yeh Angad bhi naa! Kaam ke chakkar mein sab kuchh bhool jaata hai, mujhey bhi!
At the same time, she felt a twinge of guilt too. Her best friend Harshini had thrown her a bachelorette party at her house next door, inviting 20 of their closest school and college friends and Kripa's cousins as well. They had a whale of a time drinking fake champagne, singing songs, cracking jokes. Kripa was so caught up in the festivities she had not called Angad to check on his status.
Her mother had finally dragged her home after 10 o'clock with scolding: Shadi se ek raat pehley iss tarah ghar se baahar nahin rehtey, apshagun hota hai! Chalo, ghar chalkar so jaao, Dadi ko pata chala toh shaamat aa jayegi!
Kripa had followed her mother home meekly and gone to bed like an obedient girl. Now she wondered why Angad had not called or left a message.
Impatient to find out, she called Avanti Resort, named after Angad's mother, where the Khannas were staying.
The Receptionist answered: Avanti Resorts, how can we help you?
Kripa replied confidently : Can you give me Angad Khanna's suite please? This is Kripa Sharma
Ohh Kripa Madam? The Receptionist almost melted, it was the Boss's bride: Please hold, Im transfering you, and Madam, Congratulations and all the best for tonight!
Kripa thanked her and waited while she was connected to the Presidential Suite where Angad and his family was staying for the wedding.
Mishti picked up the phone and drawled in her usual somnolent tone: Hello, who is this?
Kripa grimaced, she didn't share good vibes with the acid-tongued Mishti: Hello, Jeejee, main Kripa bol rahi hoon, Angad hai?
Mishti cackled sarcastically: Kripaaa? Angad chahiye? Kyun, aur intezaar bardaasht nahin ho raha? Aaj raat ko shadi ke mandap mein hi mil lena!
Kripa breathed deeply, trying to control her temper: Please, Mishti Bhabhi, mujhey sirf thodi baat karni hai, kal raat ko Angad ne phone nahin kiya, Im worried!
Mishti relented: Angad abhi so raha hai. Kal bahut raat ko lautaa, 2 bajey ke baad, uski flight miss ho gayi thi, doosrey flight se aana pada. Uth jayega toh bataa doongi tumney call kiya tha
Ok, Bhabhi, Thanks!
Mishti just had to add caustically : Kripa, shadi ke din dulhey se milna ya baatein karna apshagun hota hai.
Kripa was planning to give a biting retort when she heard Gauri Bhabhi on the other end: Jeejee, kyun Kripa ko chidha rahey ho? Phone karney se kuchh nahin hota, haan per milnaa manaa hai.
Mishti drawled: Lo, aa gayi hamari Teacherni (Gauri was a primary school teacher when Nishant married her) Yeh lo tum hi baat karo hamari devrani se
She handed over the phone to Gauri who had formed an instant rapport with Kripa when they first met 2 months ago.
She set Kripa's mind at ease: Kal raat itni der ho gayi thi, isiliye Angad ne call nahin kiya, tumhey neend se jagana nahin chahta tha. Usney kaha aaj subah uthney ke baad call karega, lekin abhi tak so raha hai, bahut thak gaya hai!
Kripa quickly said: Its OK, Gauri Bhabhi, unhey jaganaa mat. Main baad mein call karoongi.
She put down her mobile and sighed with a smile. So Angad was sleeping too, probably dreaming of her and their honeymoon , like her! Poor guy, he worked too hard.
Day before yesterday had been their mehendi and sangeet ceremonies. Later that night he had to fly to Mumbai to attend an important meeting.
Her parents, Dadi, all had been very upset to hear about his last minute business trip: Shadi ke ek din pehley koi iss tarah jaata hai kya?
Angad had leaned down and hugged Dadi in her wheelchair: Don't worry Dadi! Main parson theek 5 bajey aapki poti ko sindoor laganey aa jaunga! Main guarantee deta hoon! Yeh Angad Khanna ka vaada hai!
He had called her after reaching Mumbai and then again yesterday morning: Kripa, main meeting ke liye nikal raha hoon. I will reach Mahabaleswar by 8 tonight.
Kripa reminded him: Main Harshini ke wahan rahungi, yaad hai naa? Wo merey liye bachelorette party de rahi hai. Lekin tumharey bachelor's party ka kya hoga?
He laughed: Shabbir aur Raj dono yahan hain, we will go out after my meeting.
She teased him: Really? Matlab afternoon bachelor's party?
He teased back: Din mein bhi toh beer bars khuley rehtey hain?
She knew he was referring to the bars where girls performed provocative dances.
She shot back: Khabardaar jo wahan gaye toh! Agar mujhey pata chala toh main
Toh kya karogi?
Main mandap se bhaag jaungi!
He chuckled : Lekin tumhey pataa kaisey chalega?
She bit her lower lip: Tumhari aankhein dekhkar pata chal jayega ke tumney koi badmaashi kee ya nahin!
His voice deepened seductively: Main sirf ek ladki ke saath badmaashi karna chahta hoon.
She asked deliberately: Oh really? Kaun hai wo?
He teased her more: Naam batana padega kya?
Haan! Abhi bataao.she demanded.
Hai ek ladki, bahut khubsoorat, lekin ziddi, spoiled, paagal type ki
She gasped in outrage: Main tumhey paagal lagti hoon?
He laughed: Mainey tumhara naam kab liya? Main toh apney pyaar ke baarey mein baat kar raha tha.
She pouted and huffed: ..Theek hai! Toh apney pyaar se hi shadi kar lena!
Wahi toh karoonga! Aur suhaag raat bhi usikey saath manaunga!
Jaao! Besharam! ..she acted coy!
He laughed and informed her: Waisey tumharey liye ek surprise hai!
Really? She lit up with excitement: Kaisi surprise?
Agar bataa diya toh surprise kaisey hogi?
Pleeease bataao naa! She pleaded like a kid: Please, Angad! I cant wait!
Patience, sweetheart! Patience! Special surprise hai, suhaag raat ko dekh lena.
Ohh! She bit her lips, not sure what kind of surprise he was referring to
He chuckled wickedly: Tum jaisa soch rahi ho waisi surprise nahin! You have a one-track mind, Kripa!
She huffed angrily: Tumney kaisey soch liya main.she blushed as she realized his meaning: UFF! You are too much! Jaao main tumsey baat nahin karna chahti!
Wait! Don't keep the phone! I love you, sweetheart!
I don't love you! She clicked the phone.
The next moment he called back and apologized to her humorously: Tumharey saath masti karna achha lagta hai! Now I have to sit at that boring meeting with the Builder's Association. Isiliye thoda jee behlaa raha tha.
She smiled: I love you! Jaldi wapas aa jaana! Aur shaam ko zaroor call karna! I will wait for your call!
He kissed her over the phone: Of course! See you soon, my love!
Bye, lover!she smooched back.
Kripa brushed her now dried hair and smiled dreamily at her reflection. Angad was everything she had wanted in a man, he was intelligent, romantic, witty, cultured, charming, everything a girl could wish for! She was lucky indeed to find him, to be his bride!
Of course her doting Dadi had always told her: Meri Rajkumari ke liye kisi din ek Rajkumar aayega aur usey byaahkar doli mein bithakar apney Mahal le jayega!
When she introduced Angad to her family 3 months ago, Dadi had smiled triumphantly: Dekha? Main kehti thi naa meri poti ke liye ek Rajkumar aayega? Shakal, akal aur maan maryada mein Rajkumar hi toh hai!
Kripa couldn't agree more.Angad was her Dream Prince! His handsome visage floated in the mirror before her, that charming lopsided grin curving his well-cut lips. She smiled back at his vision: I cant wait for tonight!
Her thrilling thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on the door, her mother yelled impatiently: KRIPA! Ab hum andar aa rahey hain, tumhey tayyar karna hai!
Her mother entered the room with Harshini, carrying a large silver tray bearing a maroon sari and red and green bangles: Kripa! Kitni der laga dee! Abhi jaldi se yeh saree pehen le, Panditjee, Dadi sab wait kar rahey hain! Harshini beta, zara iskey baal baandh de aur saaj shringaar karvaa de!
Kripa mouthed Sorry to her mother, quickly draped the sari, then sat meekly while Harshini and her mother made her ready for the Havan! It was her Dadi's wish that this Puja be performed on the day of the wedding. Kripa was a "maanglik" and this ceremony was supposed to remove all "doshas" from her kundli! Of course Kripa didn't believe in all that stuff but she would do anything to please her Dadi, especially since she had heard Dadi only had a few months to live!
Habitual tears came to her eyes but she blinked them away: Nahin, aaj is khushi ke din no aansoo, no gham, sirf muskurahat! Main Dadi ki har ichha poori karoongi! Hanstey hanstey, chahey uskey liye mujhey poora din boring Puja mein baithnaa padey!
Harshini tied up her hair in a bun and did her make-up, Gayatri picked up the bangles last: Lo beti, ab yeh shagun ki chudiyan pehen lo!
Kripa held out her hands and put on the red and green glass bangles that were the symbols of a suhaagan. They were shining and glittering with every movement of her henna decorated hands. She smiled to see their bright twinkling like the bright dreams of her future.
Harshini bent down and whispered in her ears: Angad se baat huyi? Wo lauta ke nahin?
Kripa whispered back: Lauta toh, magar baat nahin huyi, so raha hai, uska plane late ho gaya tha.
Oh I see! Pata hai, Prithvi ab bhi khafa hai
Kiss baat se?
Wahi.Harshu giggled.kal humney usey party mein shaamil nahin kiya, isiliye naaraz hai, mera phone bhi nahin utha raha!
Kripa shrugged as she applied lipstick: He is so silly! Bachelorette party mein wo ladka hokar kya karta?
Wahi toh! It was a girls only party lekin uska kehna hai wo bhi toh teri dost hai, so why wasn't he invited too?
Kripa laughed with a certain discomfort. If only Harshu knew Prithvi's real feelings, what he had said to her a week ago! It had shocked her beyond belief that Prithvi felt that way about her. Oh well! She couldn't do anything about that!
Gayatri hurried them up: Chalo ab, bahut ho gaya! Tum dono sahelion ki gupshup kabhie khatam nahin hogi!
As they led Kripa out to the Prayer room, her neighbours and relatives gathered around to admire her loveliness: Sachchi mein, hamari Kripa jaisi khubsoorat dulhan kahin dekha hai?
********************************************************************
Angad joined his family for breakfast shortly after nine. He looked refreshed, energized and well-rested. Gauri Bhabhi served him from platters bearing Indian and Continental breakfast dishes delivered by special room service at their Presidential suite dining alcove.
Ab kaisa lag raha hai? Tabiyat theek toh hai naa? She asked sweetly in concern.
Angad grinned: Haan Bhabhi, abhi main fit hoon. Neend achhi rahi, Im feeling much better. Lekin Nishant Bhaiyya kahan hain? Aur Chachajee-Chachi jee?
Tumharey Bhaiyya subah naashta karkey kisi kaam se nikal gaye, kehtey the shadi ka koi arrangement baaki reh gaya! Papa jee apney room mein email check kar rahey hain, Maa jee naha rahi hain.
Mishti sipped her coffee and drawled: Angad, tum apney badey Bhaiyaa ko saath kyun nahin laaye? Unka iraada kya hai? Is he going to attend ur wedding or what?
Angad shrugged coolly: Kartik Bhaiyya will return today, unhey kal ek urgent kaam sambhalna tha.
Mishti rolled her eyes: Really! Tum Khanna brothers! Lagta hai duniya mein sirf tum log hi business chalatey ho! Baaki sab toh papad bechtey hongey!
Angad chuckled and dug heartily into his omelette. He looked up to see little Mili watching him silently, solemnly from the couch in front of the TV. He smiled and winked at her. She smiled back at once, ran to him and jumped on his lap: Chachu, kya aaj aap shadi karengey?
Yes, sweetheart!he pulled her plump cheeks.
Kripa Aunty ke saath?
That is correct!
Chachu, mujhey bhi shadi karni hai!
Angad looked at her solemnly: Yeh achha iraada hai. Hum ek kaam karengey, aaj shadi ke mandap mein koi achha ladka dekhkar hum tumhari bhi shadi karvaa dengey!
Sachchi? Mili's eyes sparkled excitedly.
Promise!
Pukka promise?
Pukka! 100%.
Chachu, aap thumb promise karna bhool gaye!
I'm sorry! Angad linked his thumb with Mili's tiny one, circled both disproportionate palms around, then joined them in their secret handshake.
Gauri and Mishti smiled at their cute pact. Dipu's smaller face appeared from the other couch. Jealous at Mili sharing all Chachu's attention, he hopped towards Angad and climbed on his other knee: Chachu! He lisped: Mujhey shadi nahin karna
Kyun? Angad asked seriously.
Ladkiyan gandi hoti hain!
Nahin beta, aisa nahin kehtey! Dekho, tumhari Mama, Bebe, Kripa Aunty, yeh sab ladkiyan hain, gandi nahin kehtey.
Dipu looked thoughtful: Nahin, wo sab sundar hain, lekin Mili gandi hai!
Kyun beta, Mili ne kya kiya?
Mili protested: Main gandi nahin, tu ganda hai!
Dipu fought with her: Tuney mera game kyun le liya, tu gandi hai.
Chhee beta, aisa nahin kehtey apney Didi ko.Mili, uska game lauta do! .Angad, Gauri and Mishti joined voices to resolve their fight and solve the problems. The babble of voices rose in the master suite till Chachajee Darshan Khanna emerged and greeted his dearest nephew with a warm welcome.
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DECEPTION PART 2
Darshan Khanna, Angad's Chachajee emerged from the bedroom after his morning rituals. He was a shorter, more rotund version of Dilip with the same balding head, glasses and the same sharp features inherited by the younger generation of Khanna men! But he was more jovial and expansive than his older brother and had taken over the guardianship of Angad and the Company in Dilip's absence.
A smile broke out on his face as he rambled towards his nephew with outstretched arms: Arey Bhai, Dulhey Raja, Good Morning! Aaj tumhari kaisi tabiyat hai? Vishram hua theek se?
The nephew touched his Uncle's feet and grinned: Aap ki dua se sab theek thaak hai! Aaj subah bahut fresh feel kar raha hoon.
Bahut badhiya! Darshan hugged his nephew and slapped his back affectionately: Shaam ke liye tayyar ho? All ready? Abhi tumharey Chachi haldi ke rasam ki tayyariyan kar rahi hain!
Angad was taken aback: Haldi ki rasam? Yahan? Hotel ke kamrey mein?
Chacha jee laughed out loud: Arey Nahin Beta! Useeka bandobast karney toh Nishant gaya hai! Banquet Hall ke ek koney mein ek chhota sa mandap banaya hai, 11 bajey ka time hai, hamarey sab mehmaan wahan ikattha hongey. Panditjee bhi aatey hi hongey, tum naashta khatam kar lo!
Gauri beti, apney devar ko achhi tarah se khilao pilaao, aaj shadi hai iski, kamzor nahin padna chahiye! .Uncle joked about his robust nephew.
Angad quickly protested: Chachajee, mera peit bhar gaya! Buss, ho gaya!
But the uncle wouldn't listen: Arey yeh kya baat huyi? Bahu isey do parathey aur do! Dulhey ko tandrust banana hai!
Angad covered his plate with both hands: Please, Bhabhi, aur nahin! ..as Gauri tried to heap two gobi parathas. ..Aap Chachajee ko naashta do, I am all done!
The dutiful bahu Gauri served her father-in-law while Mishti scolded Mili in one corner: Kya zaroorat thi Dipu ka game lekar khelney ka? Daddy tumharey liye ussey hazaar guna achha game le aayengey, abroad se
Lekin Mama, Mili protested in her sweet shrill voice: Mujhey Dipu ke game se khelna achha lagta hai!
CHUP! Mishti yelled in a low voice: Khabardaar jo phir se Dipu ke game ko haath lagaya toh mujhsey bura koi nahin hoga! Samjhi?
Mili nodded with tears in her big dark eyes.
Gauri noticed from the corner of her eyes and felt bad for the little girl! She approached Mishti hesitantly: Jeejee, chhodiye naa, bachchi hai, bhai ke saath thodi manmaani toh karegi hi! Mili beta, ab se tum Dipu ke saath game share karna, okay?
Okay, Chachi! A happier Mili ran off to make peace with her little cousin.
Mishti pursed her lips angrily at Gauri's interference but didn't further the argument in front of Angad and her sasurji, Mili was their Little Princess, the apple of their eye.
Gauri suddenly remembered and told Angad: Kripa ka phone aaya tha, subah 7 bajey, usey bahut fikr ho rahi thi, tum lautey ke nahin, mainey bataya tum so rahey ho.
Angad looked up, a strange flicker in his brown eyes: Kripa?
Mishti taunted: Haan Kripa! Tumhari dulhan! Bahut betaab ho rahi thi tumharey liye! Jaao, abhi usey call karo, nahin toh yahan chali aayegi, tumhey dekhney. .she cackled teasingly.
Angad flushed and nodded curtly: OK, main baad mein call karunga...
But Chachajee urged: Nahin beta, abhi jaakey call karo, bechari pareshan hai. Tumney kal raat bhi toh phone nahin kiya tha, jaao phone karo usey.
Angad got up and advanced to his bedroom door for privacy. Mishti's sarcastic voice followed him: Darwaza band kar lena, phir achhi tarah se private baat hogi!
Angad glared at her and shut the door. He tried Kripa's number several times but everytime he got voicemail. He emerged from his room, perplexed: Kripa ka phone nahin lag raha, shayad busy hai.
Gauri looked up from the table: Haan, Kripa ne bataya toh tha, ab shayad Havan ke liye baithi hogi.
Havan? Angad and Chachajee both frowned.
Haan, Kripa ke liye Dadi jee ne Havan ka ayojan kiya hai
Damini Chachi came out of her room right then, commenting: Ajee haan, aapko pata nahin? Kripa maanglik hai, isiliye toh Pooja ki zaroorat hai. Iss Havan se Kripa ke saarey graha-dosh kat jayengey aur hamarey betey per koi aanch nahin aayegi!
Angad respectfully touched his Chachi's feet. She blessed him : Jeetey raho, Beta! Dekho naa, kitna saara kaam hai, shadi byaah koi gudiyon ka khel toh nahin, uspar itna kam samay, sab kuchh mujhey hi toh karna padega! she assumed a martyred look.
Ever since Avantika's death, Damini had taken over control of Khanna household but she never missed a chance to remind everyone of that fact.
In fact, she had always envied Avantika's reigning position while she was still alive and now gloated over her succession. Also, she deeply resented the fact that Dilip had not made Darshan or Kartik his successor and instead chosen the young and inexperienced Angad as MD! She complained about this to Darshan everyday!
She sat down at the table and Gauri served her tea.
Darshan commented wryly: Ismein kehney ki kya baat hai? Bhabhi jee ke jaaney ke baad toh tumhey hi yeh sab sambhaalna hai!
Damini gave him an angry glance, he was downplaying her moments of glory.
She commanded her chhoti bahu: Gauri, zara Nishant ko phone karna, mandap tayyar hua ke nahin, der ho rahi hai, mahurat naa nikal jaye
Gauri called Nishant and confirmed that it was indeed ready: Unhoney kaha Panditjee bhi aa gaye hain, hum haldi ke liye jaa saktey hain.
Chachijee suddenly got up and started hurrying everyone: Angad, jaldi se jaakar ek achha sa kurta pajama pehen lo, Gauri, Mishti, bachchon ko tayyar karo, khud bhi ho jaao, aur aap suniye, abhi aap sab mehmaanon ko phone keejiye, bataa deejiye haldi adhey ghantey mein shuru hogi!
Having distributed her orders, Damini hurried to her room to get ready. Gauri and Chachajee painstakingly called all their relatives and guests in the resort rooms and informed them.
Angad and Kripa's wedding had to be held in Mahabaleshwar because of Dadi. Her critical condition did not allow for travel, doctors had forbidden even train or plane journey. There was no way she could attend the wedding in Mumbai.
Besides as Dadi had dictated, Ladki ki doli uskey maaykey se hi vidaa hoti hai, wahi rivaaz hai. Hamari beti ki shadi isee sheher mein hogi, useekey ghar mein hogi!
On the other hand, Khanna family's friends, business associates and extended family mostly lived in Mumbai or Bangalore. Majority of them could not come to Mahabaleshwar for the wedding. Only around 30 odd guests had made it for joining the baraati. Even the bridegroom's father was unable to attend the wedding! Ever since his stroke 2 years ago, Dilip had retired to their farmhouse in Khandala. His doctors had advised against travel, so Angad had gone to Khandala the day before to seek his Dad's blessings.
Right after the wedding, the couple was supposed to visit Dilip and take his blessings. Kripa had not even met her future father-in-law yet.
A huge reception would be held 2 days later in Mumbai which would be attended by all Khanna side guests and relatives.
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The havan fire burned bright and high, crackling loudly as the priest poured pure ghee, incense and grains in it, chanting mantras to appease all the Gods and all the planets in Kripa's horoscope!
The would-be bride sat obediently alongwith her stern-faced but loving father as they invoked her ancestors for her well-being. Her mother, grandmother and dozens of guests observed the rituals seriously.
Kripa looked up and saw her Dadi in her wheelchair, with the attendant Nurse holding her IV stand and dialysis machine. Dadi smiled at her and nodded encouragingly. Kripa smiled back with deep affection, Dadi was the dearest person in her life! She had grown up pampered and cosseted by Dadi, she wanted to fulfil Dadi's every wish and dream! Kripa looked hopefully at Dadi's medical paraphernalia: Kya pataa, shayad meri shadi ki khushi mein Dadi ki umr badh jaye, maybe she would get a new lease in life, survive a few more months, a year, maybe two.a loving heart never stops hoping!
Kripa looked around at the numerous guests, her adoring relatives, friends, neighbours, who had all assembled to witness her ceremony and later her wedding! She was the Darling of Mahabaleshwar town, Principal Sharma's only child whom everyone loved and admired. All bachelors in town wanted to marry her, all maidens wanted to be like her or be her friend. Neighbours and friends called her "Roop mein Laxmi, Gun mein Saraswati"the pride of the town, whose beauty and talent had made her famous already in inter-city singing competitions in Pune.
Academically bright from childhood, with a voice like a nightingale, she was her parents' pride and joy! She could be deemed spoiled and conceited but she wasn't!
Kripa wasn't vain but she was well aware of her virtues and felt proud and secure in the warmth of that universal love and goodwill. And today she would get married and leave her hometown, her family, her friends, her familiar world. She would enter the daunting, unknown territory of Angad's family, his business circle! For a moment, her eyes teared up at the thought of leaving everything familiar behind, but she blinked them away! No tears on this day of happiness! Angad had promised her they would have a second home in Mahabaleswar. They could visit her hometown as often as she wished since he had built a resort there anyways.
Angad! A warm glow spread through her, her heart fluttered with excitement, ached with sweet longing. Parson raat se uska chehraa bhi nahin dekha! Im missing him so much! Lekin aaj issi mandap mein hum dono sadaa ke liye ek ho jayengey!
She sighed, staring into the fire. His handsome, charming face danced in the flames, smiling at her with warm mischief. Her mind wandered back to their first meeting 6 months ago..
Kya dhamakedaar mulaqat thi wo! Tab kisko pataa tha 6 mahiney baad hamari shadi hogi? A whimsical smile played on her sweet lips as she remembered the first time she encountered the dashing, arrogant millionaire with the charm of a devil!
Flashback:
The first time Kripa heard his name was 2 years ago, when Khanna Builders and Real estate Developers first arrived in Mahabaleswar with their new project. The town was all agog with the exciting news. Khannas were building a new Resort on a vacant hillside. The heir apparent to the company, Angad Khanna, had arrived to buy property and met with the Mayor, the Town Corporation, signed deals, got permits. Within 6 months construction started.
Townspeople watched with wonder as the Resort Hotel and cottages grew and spread rapidly like mushrooms on the hillside facing a glorious sunset view. Their speed of work was astounding to the residents of the sleepy vacation town. People who had met him praised his hard work, girls who saw him gushed about his good looks and charm.
But Kripa was unaffected, uninterested! Hoga koi ameer baap ka beta, mooh mein soney ki chamach lekar paida hua tha, whats the big deal if he achieved all this? Sab kuchh toh usey viraasat mein mili hai!
She did see his pictures in local papers quite often but she could hardly tell what he looked like from the grainy black and white newsprint pictures.
Around eight months ago, the Resort was finally completed. Angad named it Avanti Resorts after his late mother. Avanti also meant "Forward" in Italian so it served both purposes.
Meanwhile, Kripa had made quite a name for herself in singing circles. She had won music competitions in Pune and Panchgani The local chapter of an NGO approached her for a Charity Concert. They wanted to raise money for education and health projects for poor children in the surrounding villages. Kripa agreed at once! She was always ready to help in noble causes. The NGO entrusted her with selling the tickets for the Concert since she was a local celebrity and knew almost everyone in town. She also had the onus of choosing and inviting a Guest of Honor. Her friends suggested Angad Khanna at once!
Hes so rich, just think of the amount he can donate to the cause, aur phir uskey jaisa Chief Guest ho toh baaki saarey tickets ek din mein bik jayengey! Everyone here wants to see him, to meet him!
Kripa had to agree with their logic. Getting Angad Khanna as Chief Guest would certainly be a feather in their cap!
So one fine morning, Kripa, Harshini and Nupur went to Angad's office, located in the biggest office building on Mall Road.
The secretary, a tall, thin, haughty model type, told them to wait in the lobby.
"Sir is in a meeting" she informed them with a slight sneer, she was obviously from Mumbai and looked down on the rustic locals.
Kripa and friends waited for an hour, then she went to the secretary Simone and asked again to see Mr. Khanna.
Simone snapped: I told u, Sir is busy in a meeting! He will see u when hes free!
The girls waited one more hour, pacing up and down, read boring Business magazines, drank machine soda. One more hour passed and then Kripa got really angry. She walked up to Simone and demanded: We are waiting here for 3 hours now! When is your Sir going to come out of that meeting?
Simone scoffed at her: Look here, Miss, people wait a month to meet with my Boss! You don't even have an appointment! What do u expect?
Kripa was indignant and getting madder by the moment: What do u mean? We are here about a Charity event! We want to invite him as Chief Guest! It will hardly take 5 minutes to do that!
Simone mocked: Mr. Khanna's 5 minutes are worth 5 crores in business! You are here for charity? You can wait!
Kripa was furious! She marched to the Conference room, followed by the nervous Harshini and Nupur! Harshu called after her: Kripa, chhod naa yaar, hum kal wapas aayengey, appointment le letey hain!
Kripa turned around furiously: What do u mean? Uss Khanna ne hamarey 3 ghantey barbaad kiye! Kya hamarey waqt ki koi keemat nahin! Main aaj hi ussey milungi, phir wo donation de ya naa dein, I don't care!
She stomped her dainty feet and yelled when Simone tried to block the door: GET OUT OF MY WAY!
She flung open the Board-room door and marched in like a pretty little virago, addressing the massive suit clad back ahead of the table : MR. ANGAD KHANNA!
The Tourism officials stood up in conternation! Kripa carried on, uncaring of the gaping execs: MR KHANNA, WE HAVE BEEN WAITING TO SEE YOU FOR LAST 3 HOURS! YOUR SECRETARY TOLD US YOU ARE AT A MEETING! WELL, WE WILL ONLY TAKE 5 MINUTES OF UR TIME! WE ARE HOLDING A CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT POOR CHILDREN OF OUR DISTRICT! CAN U PLEASE TELL US IF YOU WOULD BE OUR CHIEF GUEST AND HOW MUCH WILL U PLEDGE TO OUR CAUSE? THAT IS ALL WE WANT TO KNOW! THEN YOU CAN CARRY ON WITH UR MEETING!
Like an express train, Kripa loudly declared all this in one breath, without stopping!
The tall, broad shouldered man facing the presentation screen, turned around slowly. A pair of amused, brown eyes observed her leisurely from top to bottom! Kripa was frozen with her first look at "The famous" Angad Khanna! She had been huffing and puffing in anger, but now she was suddenly breathless, butterflies fluttered in her stomach!
OH MY GOD! He was really GORGEOUS! A complete HUNK!
Smartly cut dark hair outlined a broad forehead, a square jawline accentuated sharp, manly features, arched brows, full sensual lips, sharp chin with a slight stubble and cleft in the middle. The powerful, muscular body was barely restrained in a grey business suit, like a powerhouse trapped in flimsy cover. But it was his eyes that snared her, mesmerized her! Light brown, molten, the color of sherry, they were staring at her boldly with the warmth of a burning sun, scorching her in its heat!
His magnetic eyes pinned her like a butterfly, she was rooted to the spot, eyes dark and wide, locked with his intent gaze. His glance lingered on her beautiful face, then swept down her feminine curves with pure male appreciation. The traditional long sleeved salwar suit accentuated her curves gracefully yet protected her against the cold March winds.
Kripa turned red suddenly, inexplicably, a strange trembling started inside her. For the first time in her life, she was speechless, shy, at a loss for words!
He smiled, more of a smirk at her dazed expression, he was equally entranced by this perky little beauty. He cleared his throat, his voice was deep, heavy, sexy: So, why did u want to see me, Miss??
She opened her parched lips and stammered: I.I.
He understood her tongue-tied condition and nodded casually at the 3 Travel execs: Gentlemen, please excuse me! I will be right back!
He advanced to Kripa and spread out his broad palm: Please, follow me, Miss.what is ur name?
K..Kripa Sh..Sharma! she breathed out with large, startled eyes. He opened the boardroom door and walked out. Kripa followed him silently, still dazed by his commanding presence. He led the way to his own office, Harshini and Nupur gaped after them, not daring to follow.
Simone looked outraged and butted in: Im sorry, Sir, but this girl didn't listen to meI told her u are at a meeting
Angad held up his hand without glancing at her direction, without stopping his stride: I have it under control, u can go back to ur desk and I don't want to be disturbed for next 10 minutes.
Kripa followed him into his office, her heart pounding nervously! He closed the door and signalled her to take a seat. Then he sat down in his own swivel chair and leaned back, staring at her intently again with those piercing eyes: So, tell me all about this Charity event!
Kripa glanced at him nervously and gulped. Her lips were dry, she licked them quickly! The next moment she regretted it because his eyes zeroed in on her wet lips. She quickly looked away! Oh God! Why did I do that? Why am I reacting to him like this, like Im some virgin on a deserted island who had met the first man in her life?
But he wasn't any ordinary man, he was Angad Khanna! And now she knew why the townspeople were obsessed with him! He had charisma! And sex appeal, loads of it! Oh God! She blushed again at the train of her thoughts! Her cheeks were burning, her heart thumping so loudly she could hear its echo in her ears. She swallowed hard and looked up.
Angad smiled encouragingly, his lips slanted in a lopsided grin that was heartstopping in its charm quotient: Go ahead, tell me ur business, I don't have all day!
She breathed in deeply and launched into a dissertation about their Community project to feed, educate and medicate poor kids of neighbouring villages. He listened carefully and nodded vigorously at the end: Of course I will be glad to contribute to the cause. Just a minute!
He took out his checkbook from the drawer and quickly scribbled something, extracted the check and handed it over to her. Kripa looked at it and almost gasped at the obscene amount! Of course he was rich and he could spare that money but.50 lakhs! Even she wasn't expecting so much!
He smirked: Kuchh kum ho gaya kya? Should I give more?
She shook her head vigorously: No! Please, its more than we expected! Thank you so much!
She got up, eager to escape his scorching eyes but he reminded her humorously: Where is my invitation? Mera card?
Ohh Im so sorry! Kripa fumbled in her purse awkwardly, berating herself for forgetting the main thing. She took out the special card they had made for the Chief Guest and handed it over to him.
Please do come! We will be honored by your presence, Mr. Khanna!
He opened the card and studied it: Hmm! Kripa Sharma- musical performance. Toh aap gaati bhi hain? he looked up, staring again in that bold manner that made her knees wobbly.
She nodded self consciously: Haan, main wahan perform karungi! I am the local singer.
Phir toh main zaroor aaunga! .his smile was more wicked this time, his eyes glinted with something adult! She felt her cheeks get hotter, Oh God! He was flirting with her!
II have to go now! Thank you for your timeand your generous contribution! she somehow gasped out the farewell and almost ran out of the office. She thought she heard him chuckle after her but she wasn't sure!
Harshu and Nupur caught her outside: Kya kaha unhoney? Is he coming? What did he say to you?
BY GOD, isnt he dreamy?
Kripa railed at them: Kya khoob ditch kiya tum dono ne mujhey! Why didn't you follow me? Mujhey akela hi jhelna pada!
Tuney toh wait hi nahin kee hamarey liye!..Nupur pouted.
Harshini observed carefully: Did he say something to you? Terey gaal itney laal kyun hain?
Kripa was still trying to quell her racing heart: Andar bahut garmi thi naa, shayad heater on tha, isiliye! Anyways, kaam ho gaya! Yeh dekh!
She waved the check in front of her friends who squealed and whooped at the amount: Chak de Phatte! 50 lakhs! Shabaash, Mr. Khanna! Jaisa dikhta hai waisa dil bhi hai!
For some reason, Kripa blushed again! Aaj mujhey ho kya gaya hai! Kyun meri saansein tham rahi hai, dil ki raftaar itni tez hai, kyun har baat per laal-gulabi ho rahi hoon? Sab uski aankhon ka kasoor hai, kyun mujhey aisey ghoor raha tha?
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DECEPTIONPART 3
The High School Auditorium was filled to capacity, buzzing with the denizens of Mahabaleshwar. They had come to support their community project, but also to enjoy Kripa's songs and Harshini-Nupur's group dance performances. But most of all, they had come to see the "Great Angad Khanna", the Real Estate Badshah and their benefactor. News had spread already about his extremely generous donation to the Children's project and his stature had grown in the public eye. He had achieved an almost God-like magnificence in their hearts and minds. People also lauded Kripa's efforts in bringing this munificent millionaire on board and the grateful NGO Chief had appointed her to commence the Opening Ceremony!
Kripa peeped through the closed curtains, nervously clutching the heavy drapes. Yes! He had arrived already. Looking incredibly handsome and distinguished in a dark suit, he sat in the Chief Guest seat in front row with his perfectly manicured hands crossed in a stylish manner. He must have seen the curtains shiver a bit because his sharp eyes suddenly veered directly towards her. She gasped and let the curtain fall.
Harshini crept up behind her: Kya hua? Tu itni nervous kyun hai?
Kuchh bhi toh nahin! Kripa tried to laugh: Nervous aur main? 5 saal ki umr se stage per gaa rahi hoon, why would I be nervous?
Wahi toh! Harshini's sharp eyes studied her curiously: Why should YOU feel nervous? Khair jaaney de, mera dupatta zara fix ker de please.
As Kripa pinned her dupatta for the Rajasthani dance, her hands trembled. Even from behind the curtains, she had felt his glance like a razor's edge. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself .that guy must have eagle's eyes, how did he know I was there? X-ray nazar hongay! Haila, merey haath kyun kaanp rahey hain? Hey Bhagwan, please, main stage per mess up naa kar doon! God! Please help me avoid that man's eyes somehow..
Inspite of her panic attack, Kripa managed to conduct the Opening part quite smoothly. Wearing a deep red Kanjeevaram sari with flowers in her hair, she welcomed everyone in her sweet, charming manner with enchanting smiles and then asked the NGO Chairman Mr. Waghde to come up on stage and inaugurate the Project by lighting the diya. Of course her main trick to keep her cool was don't look at him, don't look at him. concentrate on the audience, most of whom were her acquaintances, neighbours or parents' friends. Her parents were sitting in the 2nd row, Prithvi too and Mayank and the other friends..
The Chairman gave a long speech about the NGO project for Children's Education, Health and Housing, then Kripa lighted the huge Ceremonial lamp. The whole time she was intensely conscious of "his" eyes staring at her, studying her intensely like she was a fascinating object. Thank God, the Chairman himself thanked the magnanimous Angad Khanna for his bountiful donation and invited him on stage. Kripa shied away from him and stood on one side of the stage, staring at her dainty toenails.
She shivered inside to hear his deep, heavy voice intone smoothly like warm silk over gravel, as he respectfully addressed the people of Mahabaleshwar and the NGO Chairman:
Main bahut khush-kismat hoon, aapney mujhey yeh mauka diya ke main bhi iss sheher ke liye kuchh kar sakoon. Hum Khanna Builders and Developers kisi jagah mein jaakar sirf business hi nahin kartey, hum rishtey banatey hain. Aapkey sheher ne mujhey swagat kiya, yahan apna Resort Hotel bananey diya, iss ehsaan ke badley yeh mera ek chhota sa nazrana samjhiye. Yeh sheher jitni sundar hai, yahan ke log ussey bhi zyada khubsoorat hain (he threw a meaningful glance at Kripa, she bit her lip and looked away as her heart fluttered like a trapped bird). Pichhley ek saal se main kaam ke silsiley mein yahan aa raha hoon. Ab mujhey iss sheher se itna lagaav ho gaya hai, sochta hoon yahin ghar basaa loon (another sly look at Kripa who was blushing like a bride and cursing herself for reacting thus). Khair, main aur time waste nahin karoonga, because I know aap sab bhi Ms. Kripa ke geet sunney ke liye utna hi betaab hain jaisey main hoon.
This time he smiled openly at the red-cheeked girl who was almost a puddle of mush by then, tremulously thinking. Haila, yeh toh openly flirt kar raha hai! Mummy-Papa samajh gaye toh kya sochengey?
Of course Angad's hints went over everyone else's heads completely, they were lapping up every word as praise for their hometown.
Angad received a huge applause alongwith loud cheers and slogans: Angad Khanna, zindabad! ZINDABAD! Khanna Builders Amar rahey.
He flashed a charming grin : Now over to you, Ms Sharma.
She rolled her eyes at him, as if she needed his permission to start!
He quirked a sardonic eyebrow, then went down to his seat seat beside Mr. Waghde and the lights dimmed on the stage. Kripa took the mic, a spotlight fell on her, karaoke tracks started playing on the speakers and she began her musical performance with a Vandana, a prayer to God:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClteDdwtvM
Ishwar satya hai
Satya hi Shiv hai
Shiv hi sundar hai
Jaago uth kar dekho
Jeevan jyot ujaagar hai
Satyam Shivam sundaram, satyam Shivam sundaram
Satyam Shivam sundaram, sundaram, aah, aah aah
Satyam Shivam sundaram, satyam Shivam sundaram
Raam avadh mein
Raam avadh mein, kaashi mein Shiv kanhaa vrindaavan mein
Dayaa karo Prabhu, dekho inko - 2
Har ghar ke aangan mein
Radha Mohan sharanam
Satyam Shivam sundaram, aah
Angad had stiffened with the very first melodious notes from her sweet voice he sat upright, leaning forward with intense concentration and appreciation. Kripa glanced once or twice at him, then looked steadfastly at her parents and friends in the 2nd row, she didn't want to be distracted by the fixed stare of his hypnotic eyes.
Next she sang this song, which was very popular with her local fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8HMSLy1UXQ
Saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho - 2
uljha sa yeh mann hai sulgha sa yeh tann hai
sapno ka saawan hai naino ka aangan hai
chalke mann gaagariya saawariya ho saawariya ho
saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho
jo tu yunh paas aaya hai
jo tu yuhn dil pe chaaya hai
to maine kya paaya hai
kaise kahoon haan
kahin dhadkan ki kaliyaan hain
kahin sapno ki galiyaan hain
jo mann mein rang raliyaan hain
kaise kahoon
tu jo mujhe aise behkaaye
kabhi kabhi mujhe to badi laaj si aaye
bhooli hoon main jaise apni dagariya
jabse hai dekhi maine prem nagariya, prem nagariya
saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho
tu jo mila mujhe to yeh saara sama badal gaya
khilne lage phool se meri raaha mein
phir yunh laga mujhe ke yeh dharti nayee huyee
nayaa ambar hua teri aur meri chaaha mein
chanchal hawa taraana koi gaaye
nadiya bhi koi kahani kehti jaaye
jabse mili sajana tujhse najariya
ho gayi hai sudh bhudh ki mujhse gathariya
saawariya saawariya
Even as she sang this song, she was flushed with awkward embarassment.Hey Bhagwan, kahin wo yeh naa samajh le main yeh uskey liye gaa rahi hoon.Uff, main bhi naa Wo kyun mera saanwariya hoga? Main toh 2 din pehley hi ussey milee hoon, yeh main kya soch rahi hoon?
She stole a glance at him, he was quite mesmerized! She smiled rather smugly. Well, it seems she had managed to surprise him after all! The supercool Angad Khanna seems to be blown away by her performance! She didn't know why but she felt quite satisfied with his reaction. She sang her heart out with renewed enthusiasm and a strange excitement in her heart.
The townsfolk knew about her talent, had heard her sing many times before but today, she was singing to impress the dashing young Chief Guest.
She sang song after song, romantic, sad, joyous, coquettish, every single one chosen carefully to showcase the range and sweetness of her voice.
When she completed her 8 songs, there was thunderous applause. She glanced quickly at Angad and almost gasped. He had stood up and was giving her a standing ovation with a wide grin of admiration. Mr.Waghde and others followed his example and stood up. Soon the whole auditorium was standing and applauding. Kripa was blushing, melting, smiling tremulously.
She quickly bowed with folded hands and thanked them sweetly as she backed away and almost ran backstage, to escape the look in his eyes. That look was more electrifying than all the awards she had won so far!
Harshini and her friends surrounded her: KRIPAA! You were mindblowing, Yaar! SUPERB! Aaj toh tuney kamaal hi kar diya! Dekha, sab khadey ho gaye the
Kripa laughed, blushed, giggled as everyone hugged and congratulated her. Next it was the turn of the dancers.
Harshini and Nupur poked her: Ab hamari baari, wish us Luck!
Kripa wished them both best of luck and helped them round up all the dancers. The MC announced the dance item and they moved out on stage. Kripa peeped surreptitiously from the side to see what HE was doing. She was shocked! He wasn't in his seat. He had left! What the heck..itni jaldi chala gaya? Her heart sankshe didn't know why she was so disappointed. Crestfallen, she slinked back to the empty green room in the back. She curled her lips and pouted.Lagta hai Prime Minister se bhi busy aadmi hai.poora program dekhkar bhi nahin gaya.Show off!
She sat down at the dresser and stared at her own petulant expression. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, startled she turned around. A huge flower bouquet blocked the entire doorway and a young man's voice quavered from behind it: Kripa Madam jee yahan hain?
Haan, main hoon, yeh kya hai? She eagerly went forward.
The thin young man quickly dumped the huge bouquet in her hand with a relieved smile: Jee yeh aapkey liye hai.
Kripa's heart skipped a beat, she half guessed but still had to ask : Kisney bheja?
Jee, Khanna Saab ne kaha sab kuchh note mein likha hai.he smiled shyly.
Kripa placed the huge exotic flowers on the nearest table and quickly searched for the card, it was as hard as searching for a needle in a haystack. She eventually located it and opened it with trembling hands. It said in a neat, commanding scrawl: You were amazing tonight! Meet me for Lunch tomorrow. I want to talk to you.
It was simply signed: AK.
Her heart started pounding with excitement. She couldn't believe it! A DATE! WITH HIM! She was thrilled, shocked, nervous, shy at the same time! He had asked her out for a date! He had only met her once, heard her sing tonight and now.he wanted to take her out to lunch? She could hear her own heartbeats reverberate again. Date! Her very first date! And that too with Angad Khanna!
The boy smiled at her tentatively: Toh main Sir se kya kahoon? Aapki razamandi hai?..
Her innate pride surfaced above romantic thrills. Wait a minute! Angad ne soch kaisey liya main uskey saath date per jaungi? Wo bulayega aur main daudi chali jaungi? I don't even know him! I shouldn't agree at once, otherwise he will think I am desperate, pakey huey aam ki tarah uskey haath mein gir gayi! Hamari bhi toh koi izzat hai, rutbaa hai!
She raised her brows haughtily: Apney Saab se jaakar keh do, main Lunch per nahin aa sakti
The boy looked deflated as he walked away. He must be wondering she was crazy to deny a multi-millionaire Saab like his! She bit her lower lip, wondering how AK would react to her message.
She didn't have to wait long. As she was twisting a stray strand of her silky hair in bristling tension, a deep, sexy voice startled her from behind: Toh aap kal Lunch per nahin aa sakti? Kya main poochh sakta hoon kyun?
She whipped around, her heart jumped like a frightened deer, then started beating at double speed. He was leaning indolently on the door, a mocking smile on those firm yet sensuous lips, his eyes flickering over her in that hot, smoky fashion.
She clenched her teeth to keep her knees steady, gulped down her nervous tremors and breathlessly replied : Main.main anjaaney aadmiyon ke saath Lunch nahin karti.
Anjaan aadmi? One eyebrow rose quizzically. Main anajaan hoon?
She arched both eyebrows in return: Main aapko jaanti kahan hoon? Hum ek baar hi toh miley hain!
He gave her a devastating smile that could weaken the hardest heart: Isiliye toh kal hamara milnaa zaroori hai! Agar milengey nahin toh jaan pehchan kaisey hogi?
He had a point! No wonder he was such a successful businessman! He knew how to argue his case!
She looked at him wide-eyed for some time, quite lost in his smoky eyes, at a loss for words.
He demanded an answer: So, can I take that as a YES?
She nodded slowly, then looked away in sudden shyness.
He smiled in approval : Good! That's settled then! My car will pick you up at 12 noon.
Thehriye! she stopped his immediate planning : Main ghar se nahin jaa sakti.
Kyun? Chori se milney ka iraada hai? His lips twitched in amusement.
Aap chhotey sheher se nahin hain, isiliye nahin samjhengey!she lectured him like a wise adult: Yahan ghar ki izzat bahut important hai! Merey Papa kabhie raazi nahin hongey, isiliye mujhey bina bataye jaana padega.
He looked thoughtful: Iska matlab tum mujhsey chhupkar milna chahti ho?
She turned crimson, he made it sound like she was dying to meet him secretly.
She bristled angrily: Dekhiye, aap samajh nahin rahey! Main modern hoon, lekin merey parents puraney khayalat ke hain, kabhie kabhie unsey chhupakar aisey baahar jaana padta hai. Aur haan, aur ek baat, yeh Lunch hum Mahabaleshwar ke kisi Hotel ya Restaurant mein nahin kar saktey, kyunki har jagah merey jaan pehchan ke log hongey..
Toh kya private lunch ka intezaam karoon? ..there was a teasing gleam in his eyes.
She quivered inside at the thought of meeting him in a secluded place but put up a brave front. He must not think Mahabaleshwar girls were so backward.
She licked her lips : Private means.koi public place nahinwaisey kisika ghar bhi chalega! Aapkey Hotel ya Resort mein agar.
He teased her further: Hotel ke kamrey mein ya...?
She glared at him: You know very well what I mean! Jagah ki choice aapkey upar hai. Asha hai aap meri reputation ka khayal rakhengey! Merey Papa iss School ke Principal hain! Hamarey family ko yahan har koi jaanta hai.
He stopped smiling wickedly and pinched one ear: Sorry! I understand! I will be careful, don't worry! Kisiko kaano kaan khabar nahin padegi! So its all fixed then? Tomorrow my car will pick u up at?
Kripa nodded : On the road behind this schoolground. Main wahan intezaar karungi. Mama Papa se kahungi saheli ke saath picture dekhney gayi
OK! No problem, kal 12 bajey School ke peechey waley road per.phir mulaqat hogi!
He was turning to leave, she called again: Suniye.
He turned back with a sly smile: Aur kuchh?
She pointed at the flowers shyly: Thank you for those!
He shrugged nonchalantly: Oh that! You deserve more, much more! You have some real talent! You were really mindblowing tonight!
She whispered : Thank you! And looked down at her toes.
He laughed, a deep rich sound, full of vigor and spice. : Ciao! he said and left her smiling tremulously in the green room.
****************************************************************
Next day was a Sunday, Kripa managed to sneak out on the pretext of going to Harshini's house: MAMAA, main aaj Harshu ke saath noon show mein picture dekhney jaa rahi hoon! She yelled from her room, as she dressed with care for her first date!
Her Mama yelled back: Theek hai beta, picture ke baad seedha ghar aa jaana!.
Kripa had told Harshu of course! She had to, otherwise who would cover for her?
Harshini was shocked, nervous: WHAT? TU ANGAD KHANNA KE SAATH LUNCH PER JAAYEGI?
SHHH! Kripa covered her mouth: Don't shout so much, marvaayegi kya? Haan, main uskey saath lunch karungi! So what? Wo koi sher ya bhediya toh nahin jo mujhey zinda chabaa jayega. I know how to take care of myself.
Harshu exclaimed: Lekin woitna ameer, hes so damned rich!
So what? Main koi bhikharan hoon kya? Hamari family bhi kaafi raees hai, yahan sab humein jaantey hain, Papa ki izzat kartey hain! Kripa proclaimed proudly.
Ok, jaisi teri marzi! Lekin uskey iraadey toh theek hai naa? What are his intentions?
Kripa shrugged: Mujhey kya pataa? He just asked me for lunch, mainey haan kar dee! Usney bhi toh merey kehney per ek minute mein 50 lakh ka check diya tha! I am just returning his favor.
Of course she didn't admit to the fact that she was horribly intrigued by AK and found him terribly attractive and fascinating. Harshu looked suspiciously at the dreamy look in her friend's eyes.daal mein kuchh kala hai, Kripa pehli baar Uncle Aunty se jhooth bolkar ek anjaan aadmi se milney jaa rahi hai, kahin wo uskey jaal mein phans naa jaaye.in ameer logon ka kya pataa.kuchh bhi kar saktey hainshe was very doubtful but trusted her friend's wisdom and instincts.
Kripa walked to Harshu's house normally, then quickly rerouted her tracks to the road behind the school. A little later, a snazzy black car drove up, it was a gleaming Cadillac limo. The door was opened by the chaffeur, she got in and it drove off to some mysterious location.
Kripa leaned back on the plush leather and sighed happily with nervous excitement. She felt like Cinderella on her way to her first Ball with the Prince, only the pumpkin had turned into a Cadillac limo!
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