Mismatch/ Identity - THE END! (pg 93) - Page 49

I CANNOT WAIT DUDE!!!!!!!!!!

but im NOT going to have a heart attack lyke SOME dramatic ppl here *cough* maddie *cough*....i need to stay alive to read it.

cont soon!!!! I CANT WAIT!

<3 kiran
E> GA <3

wowowwowo !!!! 🤪

30 pgs long !!
wow !! cant wait to read !!!!!!!!!!! 😃

I am going to post a small portion of the next part here... Also, I have decided to post the entire FF so far in here, so that if you wish to reread it, then feel free to.

Please be aware that there will be a lot of bloopers, since I have been writing this for a very long time.. I haven't had the chance to reread it, but I believe most of the plot details should be accurate, since I do remember things clearly, if they aren't please do let me know..

Thanks..

Regards,

Sonali 😃

Concept

Suryaben Sharma (Kripa's father), a very famous lawyer's life is in danger and even his family's, due to which he decides to stay away from them.

Gayatri & Kripa live separately, but unfortunately one day people become aware of their identity as the Sharma's wife & child... Gayatri gets killed, but Kripa manages to escape.

Suryaben can't get together with his daughter, as he is constantly afraid of his own life & he definitely does not want his daughter to be in danger, thus he makes sure she gets adopted by the White family. He keeps track of her activities through her family, and unknown to them Kripa has a plan over her sleeve. He becomes aware of it, so now he makes up a bigger plan, which she is completely aware of & the main person for his big plan is Angad Khanna, who has been given the responsibility to protect his daughter & teach her some good values.

Angad is 21 while she is 17.

Part 1 – Shadow of the Past

Her little feet carried to the footsteps of the La Grande museum located at the heart of the city. The shadows of the night fell upon her. She looked around in fear with her eyes alert for any sign of movement or anyone familiar, but she failed to notice anyone she knew.

Paris, her home for the past seven years suddenly started to appear foreign. She could not identify neither the place, nor the people and nor even herself. She had lost her identity with someone...

It was past midnight, the normally busy street, now appeared empty with only her as an occupant. But, that did nothing to calm her nerves down, as instead she could now feel eyes upon her, and then she heard footsteps.

It surely was her imagination. She could not notice anyone in sight, so it had to be her imagination, not the reality. She was just scared after today mornings events, everything had just happened so fast that she had barely any time to consider or think over it.

Besides, her seven-year-old mind only knew one thing bad things never happened to her, but they had today morning, this had to be a dream, no a nightmare, and surely in a few minutes she would wake up crying only to see her mother in front of her trying to calm her down.

But, why wasn't she waking up? This nightmare was turning from bad to worst by every second. Please let this thing be over please she prayed, but her prayers took her no where, instead she came face with the deadly faces of her attackers, three men stood in front of her with nasty smiles on their faces. She had never seen such a smile on anyone, and instantly she knew they had nothing good up their sleeve, so she did the first thing that came in her mind, ran for her life.

She ran as quickly as she could, in school she always won the first prize in running, and she could even beat her mother, but these men, who she titled the bad guys were quickly advancing on her. She ran for a long time, at least that's what it felt, but that long time were merely five minutes, and she was now completely breathless, if only she could sit down....

The girl turned around, and saw the men were gaining on her, even though she was running quickly. Putting extra pressure on her leg she ran faster, than she normally would, but it lead her no where, within minutes before she knew it... the bad guys had caught her in their filthy hands.

She screamed so loudly that she could hear her screams echo everywhere, yet no one came to help her. Not even the police, which consisted of good guys, no one came to her rescue, and that's when she realized she had no other option, but to save herself. Her mother always told her that police were good, but now she thought they were also involved with the bad guys. Perhaps, this misconception of hers would one day lead her into the hands of death.

She felt one of the men cover her mouth with his hand, as he lifted her off the ground, her eyes widened in fear. These bad guys were going to kill her. Surely they were going to beat her up & torture her. She remembered her mother's words, to never allow anyone to take control over her, so she started to attack them.

After all, she had to get herself out of this mess, so she started kicking, and scratching the man, who was holding her, and she bit his hand, instantly he threw her down on the floor, and screamed in pain. She ran for her dear life, as the other men asked him what happened, and before they realized she had run away, it was too late.

There was no turning around this time round. Tears running down her rosy cheeks she cried, as images of the morning flashed into her head. She was alone in this big bad city with no one to provide a shoulder on which she could cry. Everyone close to her had gone far away, never to return, leaving her alone.

A temple came into her sight. This time round again she remembered her mother's words, "Beta, have faith in God" her mother always said. Immediately taking two steps at a time she ran up the steps of the grand temple, which was her only companion remaining.

She had reached the top, and as she walked near the laxmi idol, thousands of questions filled her mind. She noticed the bell, and that brought back vivid memories, which seemed so distant and from another world, but were from only last week, how her mother had lifted her up in order to help her ring the bell. She tried to put her hands up, but they barely reached the bell, it would take her years to be tall, and perhaps even be able to take vengeance on the person responsible for today morning's events.

The girl made her way to the laxmi idol. Her face displaying loneliness, fear & sadness. Today morning itself her mother had been killed, and since then her life had turned upside down, as she had frantically run away after hearing her mother's screams.

Standing in front of god, she cried for help, but this time again no one came to her rescue. She was alone in this world, and perhaps meant to be that way.

Her stomach made a noise, and that's when she realized how hungry she was. She had not taken anything since last night, looking around for any sight of food she noticed a truck come and stop right in front of the table containing fruits and vegetables.

Without a thought she ran towards the truck, and before the driver could notice her... she grabbed a handful of tomatoes in one hand & bananas in the other hand. She wasn't quick as she imagined, as a second later she heard the driver yell at her, as she ran away from the temple, with the driver chasing her.

This time round also she had escaped, and reached at the edge of the forest. Normally, forests were very creepy for her, but since today she had first hand experience with too many dangerous things... she was no longer scared of anything now.

Stealing was bad, really bad, her mother always told her, but she had to feed herself. For a seven-year-old this was the only option she had, as she could not even earn money, she was barely seven, and this was not India, where child labor is permitted. She had to resort to theft, even though it was bad, apologizing to her mother she walked into the darkness.

*******

She woke up to hear the sounds of thunder; it was a dream, only a dream, she told herself, as she switched on the night lamp.

Lifting the glass of water on the side table she gulped the water down in go, still remembering the dream. It felt so real, as if it had taken place.

It had, said a voice inside her head, but she didn't want to think about it now. So, she picked the book that lay on her bedside table, it was lying open, apparently she had fallen asleep while writing it last night.

It looked like some kind of a journal. But, it was a new one, and only a few pages were filled.

Opening up the book in her lap, she began to read her first entry, which was written only a few nights back.

People ask me, why I think too much? And, I agree with them. Thinking lead me no where especially in the night it was worst, it took away from me my sleep, which was my best friend, and the next day I would be all grumpy – taking out all her frustration on my teachers, class mates & my so called folks.

Notice the lack of use of friends, I had no friends, not that I was a loner, people found me funny and really liked me, except I didn't like friends, it was more like I didn't want friends. Another thing, worth noting is notice I use "so called folks" because they weren't really my parents they were just my foster parents, who had adopted me, as for some reason they had pitied me.

I totally could not see why they pitied me. I mean seriously a girl wearing all black, literally wearing black eye liner, eye shadow & even black lipstick does not like pitiable, but she looks like a witch. Before, you get another misconception, let me tell you, I don't believe in wearing make up, except I put on a lipstick, eye liner & eye shadow to look scary, yes you heard me right, I want to look scary, so no one will even come to me, but they did.

They always did. People always came, and they always said, 'I looked innocent', which I totally failed to notice I mean seriously consider the possibility of a girl wearing black lipstick, eye shadow & eye liner, from which angle does she look innocent, they said, I looked like Kate Beckinsale from the movie, Underworld. But, Kate was pretty, she was one of the prettiest actresses in Hollywood, and I was not pretty, trust me I was not at all a pretty sight.

I will tell you what I was. I was a troublemaker. A complete nut case. My teachers called me spoiled now, during my elementary years teachers called me naughty, but since I was in High school now we were beyond the stage of being called naughty, thus they called me spoiled.

But, kids in school titled me a nerd, actually it was more like popular nerd, since I was only sixteen now, and in Grade 12, that's why they consider me smart, wait, super smart, which I really wasn't. Just because I skipped a grade it does not mean they call me a nerd, but they did.

I was sick and tired of telling them "I am not smart" so now I would resort to, "oh I m so smart" which would totally shut them up. It was better this way; at least if I said it would mean nothing to me, besides the expression on their face would be very priceless.

The guys hated me.

Well, not really, they were jealous of me, I mean the nerds, and they would always say, "look at you... you are barely alive" and I would tell them, "you don't need to marry me, so mind your own business" and that would shut them up.

Now, I know what you are saying "why do nerds tell you things like you are barely alive" its because they were jealous of me they want me to be like other girls more interested in the colour of my hair, than the books. They just couldn't bear that someone could beat them at something.

While, the normal guys, who were neither popular nor nerds, I called them normal, would pretend I did not exist, which was a totally good thing, and I loved them for that. On the other hand, the popular guys, the ones with baggy clothing trying to act like gangsters would try to flirt with me, and I would tell them they didn't have any class.

But, I was a troublemaker here as well, I would always have arguments with guys, there was not one guy I could get along with, and arguments were nothing. I was an expert at fighting. Yes, I mean fighting, physically beating someone up, even though I was all "barely alive" I could fight nicely. I was only one of those few girls in school, who fought with guys.

The girls were a totally different case. More than half of them were more interested in what you wore to school, so they totally did not appreciate my all black closet. They always had a disgusted expression, as they looked at me. Besides, since my hair would always be tied up, throughout the school year they disapproved that as well, since according to a study they did, in their dreams, they would boast around that girls looked prettier with their hair down.

While, the nerdy girls, I literally mean nerds buried in books in the library during lunch hour would be busy reading their books or talking to the super smart guys to even notice me. I always had a theory that the nerdy girls liked the nerdy guys, but it was hard to prove. Really hard, since most people said, if you are into your studies you don't have time to look at guys, which was true, but I was never into my studies, yet I had never liked even one guy. I was sixteen, and I still hadn't found my first crush, while they were some exceptional girls in my school, whose first crush was at the age of 6. I don't get it. I totally don't. And, if you are thinking I am a le------, ewww no. Totally no.

Okay. Going back to the original point. Do you see what I mean? I did not fit in anywhere I wore baggy clothing, all black of course, and I was good at school, actually more like lucky, so I did not fit in any of these people. Besides, even though I was a girl I always thought I should have been a boy, because I was nothing like the girls, who were too interested in how they were looking. Like, seriously every lunch hour I could bet more than fifty girls would walk into the washroom just to check how they looked, fix their hair, put on the lip gloss, and what not.

Sometimes I wondered whether they were in school hoping to catch a groom or more for education. Notice, I use groom, since I do not quite believe in the boy friend concept, my parents, actually my mom had enforced the whole marriage thing into me. But, I don't quite believe in marriage, okay I do, but I do not think it's for me, I am just meant to be alone. Besides, no guy in their right mind would want to marry someone like me, apart from my wild lifestyle I wasn't anything like Amrita Rao from Vivah, god, it would take month, no years for me to become like Amrita Rao's character in Vivah.

Speaking of my parents, I had never seen my dad. I never even knew who he was, not even a name, nor anything, in my childhood I would always question my mom, who he was, and she would reply, "I will tell you once you grow up". But, I was all grown up now, but still I had no idea, who my dad was, since my mom was no longer there to tell me. It was sad, and hard to admit that she was no longer with me, but I had accepted it now that too after months of crying when she didn't come I had realized she had gone, to never return.

My identity now was Kripa White.

*******

Part 2 – Secret Admirer

She sat down gazing at the history book lying open on her desk, as the professor blabbered something away. He was a lousy teacher, and she was sure if her mother ever heard her say that, then she would been grounded, one of the things Gayatri, her biological mother liked to say was, "Beta, always respect your teachers. They are like god – they provide you with knowledge, so you should always make a point to respect them".

But, she hated this professor and sadly she had been stuck with him for the past three years. He was just boring, lousy, horrible at teaching & considered himself to be brilliant, which she couldn't help but disagree with.

She heard the professor end his sentence with the words, "in my infinite wisdom" the class smiled, while Kripa just rolled her eyes, unknown to the fact that the professor had just noticed her, "What makes you roll your eyes Ms. White?" he asked.

"Sir," she began in that innocent tone of hers, "umm... don't mind me saying this, but surely if you had infinite wisdom – wouldn't you have had a better profession than a teacher?"

Silence. The class fell silent entirely. After all, she had just insulted him. Well, to an outsider that may not exactly seem like an insult, but to Mr. Brown almost everything was an insult.

She noticed Mr. Brown's face turn different shades in front of her he looked angry, really angry, yet she saw him roll his hands in a fist, and control his temper, as he replied, "Detention Ms. White in Room 202 after school"

"As if detention is going to shut my mouth" she answered closing her book, he looked like he was going to murder her, "One week worth of detention that ought to straighten you out, and I would like to talk to your parents as well... you really need to take manners classes"

"And, you need to take anger management classes & perhaps go back to teacher's college - the last time you managed to get passed, but this time I am sure you won't" she replied lifting her bag, and walking out the door, "Ms. White" he yelled walking behind her, "you are not walking out that door"

"Watch me do that" replied Kripa walking out, as she heard him yell behind her & even swear, swinging around she answered, "Foul Language Mr. Brown, now surely you don't want me to report to the principal about your hem hem use of inappropriate words now... do you?"

******

Miles away a butler poured down coffee, as his master sat in his chair exhausted after a day's long work. His profession demanded full time work. No holidays. No sick leaves. Nothing.

It was past 12 in the midnight, and his master had just returned a few minutes ago.

"Sir, your coffee" said the butler as he forwarded the cup to his master

"Thank you Brian" said the man in a chill cold voice, "I really appreciate you serving me, even when your work hours are over" but the butler was sure there was not even a trace of appreciation from his master's voice.

******

"Nice One White" replied one of the guys, as he entered the cafeteria

"And, what were you doing? Hiding like a chicken!" she replied in response, as he just shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

Biting on her sandwich she glanced around the cafeteria, it was entirely packed with students. The tables were messy with left over food from the previous class, the floor looked like it had been swept a month ago, and the line up outside was huge. People were arguing and pushing each other, but the worst look on her face came when Josh and his gang walked in.

She took in his appearance, today unlike every other day he wasn't wearing any baggy clothing, instead he was a wearing a white shirt, with a black tie & a black coat in his hand. But, then the clothing did not look decent on him, his collar was pulled up – to probably show off, and he clearly resembled a gorilla wearing a shirt & tie.

Of course, even gorilla's looked much cuter, and not that she had anything against gorillas its just she hated Josh with a passion. Besides, it would be an insult to gorillas to compare Josh with them. He was a creature of his own type.

Josh glanced around the room, then his eyes caught hers, he smiled as his hands slipped into his pockets and he walked in front of her.

"Hey! I heard you gave a hard time to Mr. Brown today" he replied pulling out the chair and sitting in front of her.

"I didn't" she replied

"What?" he answered unsure whether he had gotten his information right.

"Yah, for Mr. Brown that may be hard time, but for me that was nothing."

"And, what is your something?" he winked, and said in that naughty tone of his.

She stared at him, and then shrugged her shoulders and continued sipping her coke, until she felt his hands on her left hand, as he bent forward to obviously kiss her.

Josh was the type, who could go around kissing anyone. Sounds strange, but he was just a bit messed up, okay not a bit, perhaps totally.

Now, why was he kissing her?

The only explanation she could come up with was because this was the first time she had spoken time, usually it would be her yelling at him or ignoring him... And, he liked her for some weird reason, no matter what she did, he always called it sexy. The guy was just mental.

Apparently he had considered her speaking to be a breakthrough. Getting evil thoughts she gave him a weak smile, and closed her eyes, until she felt he was under her complete control.

She loved Josh, as far as she could remember she had always loved him, he was the cutest, smartest & the coolest person. And, now they were about to have their first kiss. o she couldn't wait for it... ya right her mind mocked her own sarcastic comments.

Josh's instinct warned him that something was wrong, yet he chose to ignore his instinct, and went forward, until he reached the point after which he could no longer move. Staring down at the table, he noticed his tie had been stapled to the table.

"WTF" he yelled

Kripa gave him a smile, and he noticed it was a very mysterious smile. Swinging her bag to her side she got up from her seat, and then threw a $5 dollar bill in his hand, as she replied, "sorry about the tie honey... i really couldn't help it". Then, with a grin she walked out the doors, as he slammed his fist on the table, and tried to pull out the tie with the entire crowd staring at the coolest person in the school put his head down in shame.

******

Minutes later, the butler went, and opened the curtains, as per his master's orders bringing the moonlight into the otherwise dark room.

He looked at his master. He looked very handsome and had some very sharp features. His eyes were huge with beautiful eyelashes adding a wonderful touch.

The butler was aware that his master wore lenses he was also aware of another thing - his master's lenses were only present in 2% people in the entire world, but this information was not strange, in fact his master was exceptionally brilliant.

His skin was flawless, if he were a girl he would look very pretty. While, his dark brown hair was flat, freshly cut, and gelled back sitting nicely on his head giving him a very boyish look.

"You may leave" he heard his master say

Giving a nod, the butler walked out the room closing the door behind him wondering why his master had still not retired to bed, even though his face displayed tiredness.

******

"I am home" replied Kripa as she walked through the front doors throwing her bag to the side, and leaving her shoes in the front.

Then, dropping on the sofa she closed her eyes in tiredness. The whole 'plan' was taking a toll on her health, she had spent months in planning, and in a week she would accomplish her goal, short-term goal.

"How was your day sweety?" questioned her mother as she walked into the room with a bunch of roses in her hand.

"nothing special" replied Kripa staring at the roses now. They normally never got any roses or any flowers, then why today?.

"o" her mother replied, as she noticed Kripa's puzzled look, "its for valentine's day"

"Whatever" Kripa replied as she got from the couch now, and headed out of the room.

But, Mrs White was not going to listen to Kripa's whatever this time. So, she spoke out loud, the thoughts she had in mind for a long time, "Sweety, you really should find yourself a boy friend & you would do much better without all that black look you have"

Now, which parent would ask their kid to get a boyfriend? And, was boyfriend a thing you could go out and just buy? Besides, why couldn't these people just accept her for the way she was?

"look" said Kripa, "I am not getting a boy friend & I like black okay? I would do much better without you interfering in my life" she finished, as she ran up the stairs without bothering to hear her mother's response.

******

A week later

The man rocked on his favourite chair back and forth lost in deep thoughts. He was greatly troubled due to someone lately; it was more due to that someone's actions.

Lifting the phone he dialed the right number, and replied, "Helen, please come into my cabin. I would like to speak to you for a minute"

The lady in question walked in closing the door behind her, as she stood in front of her boss.

"Yes sir" she responded in an effort to notify the man of her presence

"it's time" he said

Instantly, the lady knew what he was talking about. Her posture straightened and she lifted her chin, as she nodded her head.

So far, it was only talk, now the words were going to be implemented and put into action.

The man got up from his chair, and walked to the corner as he said, "this mission will be our number one priority now"

She nodded her head again understanding his words, and she also knew what he was going to say next.

"At any cost they have to meet" he stated firmly walking near the door, "their meeting will determine the fate of this tale. You may leave. We have a lot to do, and don't forget one fatal error can cost us a lot, so be very careful"

Feeling the excitement in her veins she nodded and walked out the doors. Pleased that she was the head of this mission for the first time, each person would play a role in this game determined by the mastermind, who was the person to know the end of this tale. As he had planned it.

Dancing in delight outside she could literally go and kiss him for offering her the opportunity of a lifetime.

******

As soon as the clock hit 9-00 am the plan will be put into action thought Kripa walking into her classroom. Glancing at her watch she noticed it was only 7-30 am, one and half-hour of crap, and then she would be free tonight. A free bird.

Only after the bell had rung, and the national anthem had played that it hit her today was Valentine's day as she noticed the notes the teacher had on his desk.

In her school, on every Valentine's day there was this stupid thing when students could send secret messages to the person they liked. It was completely bull and a waste of time in Kripa's opinion.

Besides, she could not endure girls shrieking or gasping as they received messages, it was just unbearable, not because she wanted such messages. If she had her way she would ban such messages.

She was very confident that she would not be one of the girls to receive a message, because no one dared to send such things to her, they all knew if they sent it to her, the result would be very bad. And, also she was not a pretty sight, a girl looking horrendous never had secret admirers.

The bell rang after the announcements, and the teacher got up from her chair with the cards in her hand.

Rolling her eyes Kripa dug in her bag-pack and retrieved her textbook, then slipping her hands in her pant pockets she located a pen.

Placing both on the table she sat with her hands folded waiting for the teacher to start her lesson.

However, her eyes widened in horror, as she noticed the teacher place one of those red cards and chocolates on her desk.

"Ms. Crawford you made a mistake" she remarked looking at the card with a disgusted look, as if touching it would make her scream in pain

The teacher turned around and smiled as she said, "no dear it's for you. It says your name on the top"

What?

All heads instantly turned in her direction, and when she turned to look at them, they all turned to look at their desks, as if they admired it.

Her brain was dead as she stared at the card. Never had she ever imagined that she would be the one to receive a card.

Should she just throw it away? Or should she read it to find out who sent it?

Now, surely reading it would mean she was interested, right? But, then she wanted to catch the person behind this as well. Quickly making a decision in a matter of seconds she opened the card, unknown about the fact that everyone around her was literally on the edge of his or her seat trying to read the message in her hand.

It was a poem. Not a message, but a poem that said:

Whose gift this is you cannot know.
My heart is in your keeping though.
You will not mind my writing here
To tell you that I love you so.

I know that you must think it queer
For me to love and not come near
But linger by some frozen lake
This most romantic time of year.

I sometimes give my head a shake
And ask if there is some mistake.
It's lonely out here 'mid the sweep
Of bitter wind and icy flake.

My love for you is dark and deep,
But it's a promise I will keep
As from afar I watch and weep,
As from afar I watch and weep.

--- Your secret admirer

Uh... what?

She read it over again. Once, she was done she felt her face go red in anger lifting the card she went over to the trashcan, tore it pieces and threw it in.

While, on the other end of the classroom a person was pleased that Kripa had not guessed their identity.

******

Part 3 – Encounter

February 14^th 2007, 9:00 am

Dark clouds were visible in the sky in the early hours of the morning, and it looked like it would rain tonight.

Cursing herself for choosing a wrong day to implement her plan Kripa slipped out of school after her first class, and walked outside to smell the intoxicating scent of water with mud, which was another indication that it would surely rain today.

Before she could even make her way out of the school property... she heard someone call out her name, turning around she found herself facing Mishty Bose, like everyone in her class Mishty was older to Kripa by a year. Though unlike everyone, Kripa got along well with her, as they were the same: troublemakers, however unlike Kripa she was not smart, rather Mishty had a very tough time dealing with studies.

Going back to present. With her one hand resting on her waist Kripa looked around, to indicate Mishty she didn't have all the time in the world to listen to her, and she was in a hurry.

"Umm... Kripa, you are leaving that too without saying a goodbye," Mishty said hurriedly, with a sad look on her face.

Rolling her eyes, Kripa looked at her and replied, "God, Mish don't pretend that you are going to miss me or something, in fact you should be pleased that now you will have Josh all by yourself"

"How could you Kripa? How could you even think like that? Do you think I would put my childhood friendship down just for a guy? That too a very stupid one, who I happen to like" she ended her sentence blushing.

This was one thing Kripa did not approve of Mishty's – her choice of guys – take Josh for instance, she had a crush on a guy, who was a play boy, and surely playboys never changed, in stories they did, but in reality they never did.

Take the famous Prince Harry, he was completely spoiled, though in one of the magazines she had read he was helping out in Iraq, but there was more publicity to that than reality.

In a few months you would see another picture of Prince Harry partying in some club with girls all around him. Josh was another version of Prince Harry, the only difference in them was that Josh did not belong to the royal family he just happened to be from a very wealthy family, who threw money, like they were throwing cigarettes.

And, unfortunately Mishty was one of the girls to believe that playboys changed, there was a saying 'khutte ki duum hamesha tedi hi hoti hain' and that phrase applied everywhere (NOTE* Please forgive my horrible hindi).

Before she could go further into Josh and Prince Harry, Kripa asked, "What was his reaction when he received your card?" her curiosity getting the better.

"o" said Mishty blushing, "umm... he smiled"

"Are you serious?" asked Kripa grinning

"Yeah" she answered with her head bent down

"I am happy for you!" replied Kripa really meaning it. Of course a part of her happiness lied in the fact that Josh would no longer stalk her, it was a good riddance now, but the major part lied for Mishty's happiness.

In a teasing mood now, "What do you see in him anyway?" said Kripa again walking in front of Mishty and lifting her chin up.

"I don't know" she replied, still looking down, then remembering about Kripa she said, "O wait, you take care of yourself sweety" when she noticed Kripa roll her eyes, she added, "sorry I couldn't help it, and don't forget to send frequent SMS's & emails. I want to hear from you every day okay?"

"don't worry I will" Kripa replied getting a bit emotional now for the first time in her life. She told herself it was only because she had known Mishty since they were really small.

"You never reply, Kripa, so I am not letting you go, till you promise me that you keep me updated of your life" said Mishty with tears coming in her eyes, "after all we have spent almost all our life together"

"Okay baba. Promise!" said Kripa hugging her, Mishty choked on her tears, as she gave out a small laugh before saying, "I know you won't keep your promise Kripa, you never replied to any of emails when you were here, so after leaving what are the chances you will reply? That too after leaving me here all alone"

Coming out of the hug, Kripa looked up and replied, "Hey! you have Josh to trouble now & narrate all your stories of how he looked SO cute & how he used to look at you and blah"

Laughing now Mishty smiled through her tears, and said, "I hope I will see you soon, Kripa. Take care of yourself & don't forget to call me often!"

Walking away now Kripa smiled, and with a brief wave she was gone, never to turn back on what she had left, from this moment on she would embark on a journey to find her self. And, perhaps to meet someone special.

*****

February 14^th 2007, 10:00 am

Kripa finally felt at peace, as she sat in her seat in the Paris to New York flight.

She had run away from home, mainly because she was sick and tired of those people, and she was no longer that seven-year-old kid anymore that needed someone to take care of her, she was 17 now, and she could very well handle herself.

Sounds of the cabin pressure soon came on, and she heard the airhostesses announce a few things, and even watched the video of wearing your seat belt, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Making her headrest back on the seat firmly, she turned her gaze outside window to notice the sun make its way through the clouds now. Luckily she had been granted a window seat for her journey, and she was happy that now she would get a view of the city for one last time, as they the plane took off, and also get a glimpse of New York, while landing.

Though, the sad part was since they were taking off in the morning she wouldn't exactly witness anything exceptional, but the good part was they would be landing in New York in nighttime, so maybe that would be spectacular sight.

The plane started going round in circles, and only when it took off that sleep overcame her, and she fell asleep missing the opportunity of looking at Paris for one last time.

It was only hours later that she woke up due to the coldness, and found herself shivering. But, the main thing that puzzled her was that she had her head on someone's arms, and yet the person had never said anything, which was pretty sweet of them.

The person surely hadn't been sitting beside her before now. Then, how did they come now?

Lifting the strands of hair that were blocking her vision, she looked at a man, he was elderly, but he had some very sharp features. And, she was sure that he must have looked extremely handsome when he was young.

It was right then that he turned to look at her, and smiled. She didn't know what made her smile back in return maybe because he had given her a very warm smile, but instantly she had smiled. Smiling was one of the things that she rarely did. Her pictures always looked serious. She could never smile. People often told her, "smile, its good for you" but she could never do it.

Feeling a bit awkward all of a sudden after the smile, and not interested in making a conversation she got up from her seat under the pretense of using a washroom.

As she entered the washroom she stared at her own reflection in the mirror: her eyes were red, she looked completely pale, the black lipstick on her lips was wearing off & her hair were all a mess partially coming out of the pony tail.

Removing the elastic band, which was holding a few strands of her hair together, she pulled her hair back, and tied them up tightly.

Now, that was looking much better.

Wait, better? Had she just used the word better to describe her look?

But, really without that black lipstick she was starting to look like a human for once, and not resemble a witch. And, the all black was actually looking quite nice and suited her. Just without that lipstick it made an incredible difference to her face. It was astonishing!

She went back and looked again at herself. Was she imagining some other person to be her?

And, then she noticed her pimples, she came across those small pimples on her cheeks, which instantly told her that, this was her, those pimples belonged to her. Speaking of the pimples reminded her of Darcy, her younger brother, who would take the cell and take pictures of her pimples.

She hated pictures. If she had her own way she would ban all the cameras in this world.

Going back to Darcy, he loved taking pictures of her pimples, and then he would come and show it to her – since he knew she hated pimples. And, then she would scream, and chase him around the entire house, till she got the cell out of his hands, and deleted her pictures, only then would she sigh.

Now, at least she would not have to worry about someone taking pictures of her pimples, but she missed him, only an hour had passed by since she had left Paris, and she was already remembering him. He was good. A really good brother, though they were not blood related or anything, but they had shared a relation like that.

Pulling her out of her thoughts was her cell, it made a loud sound that she jumped, and stared at the screen to notice the message, "just thought to let you know that it was me, who sent you the valentine day card".

Smiling now, she replied, "I know"

Mishty instantly answered, "how?" (Kripa could imagine the surprised look on Mish's face.)

Kripa immediately typed in, "if you want to trick me, do it properly, you wrote it in your handwriting – couldn't you change it?"

Mishty replied, "S***" (Kripa knew Mishty must have smacked herself on her head, as she had read Kripa's message.)

"Okay got to go. Will write more later. Bye" wrote Kripa before walking out of the washroom with a smile on her face.

*****

"How old are you?" asked the man sitting next to Kripa, as she struggled in locating a part of her seat belt.

"ummm..." she said, "about 18" finally locating the seat belt.

She noticed the man looked a bit suspicious, as he said, "you don't look like you are 18. You look about 16-17"

"o" she said hitting a dead end now, "I just turned 18" she made up the lie in a matter of seconds, though it was partially true she had just turned 17 a few days ago.

"That's nice. You know even my daughter is the same age as you" said the man smiling warmly now, and she noticed a fatherly look in his eyes.

"So, is she in University?" Kripa questioned trying to keep the conversation going and not sound rude or anything by remaining silent

"No dear, she is Grade 12, aren't you in Grade 12 too?" the man asked

"yeah" replied Kripa biting her tongue, as she realized her blunder. Just because she was 17, and finishing Grade 12, didn't mean everyone would be like her.

"Did you get any acceptance?" the man questioned

"Yeah, in some colleges" lied Kripa, she never wanted him to know that she had already received her acceptance letter from MIIT, no one was aware of her acceptance there, except Mishty.

"Isn't it strange that you are travelling at this time of the year? Don't you have about two or three months before you finish off Grade 12?" the man questioned

Okay. This man was asking way too many questions!

"I took a few courses during summer & some extra last year, thus I have nothing this semester" she answered truthfully

"But, then how did your parents allow you to join a US university? And, also didn't your parents let you a little too early on your vacation, universities start in September, and its only February now... don't you have your semester to finish?"

Okay. This was official now; the man was obsessed with asking questions.

"Ummm..." she said, "I am staying at my relatives place"

"Where do they live?"

"ummm.... In Atlanta" she lied

"But, you are heading to New York, so how are you going to get to Atlanta?"

"They are coming to pick me up at the airport"

That was the end of the question answer session. The whole time she had felt like she was participating in one of those stupid television shows, where you had to answer questions quickly in a matter of seconds.

*****

During the rest of the flight journey Kripa just pretended she was asleep or something just to avoid any more questions.

It was only when she heard the pilot announce that they would be landing shortly in a few minutes that she rose from under the blanket covering her head. Pretending she had just woken up she stretched her arms and looked out the window.

By now, one could notice millions of lights, cars, houses, all appearing so tiny looking like one of those toys she had, where you had small models of everything.

It was almost 5:00 PM, local time, and the sunset had taken place only a minute or two ago leaving a vast band of red-orange light across the sky.

They were going around in circles, then, when the plane finally landed much to her pleasure, she was one of the first people to get off the plane.

After going through all the stupid formalities she was out in a matter of minutes, and taking hold of her luggage she came out of the airport to look around for a taxi.

The whole time as she walked out she had the feeling she had left something behind. Feeling a bit confused and light headed she put her luggage in a taxi, and sat in it, as the driver demanded her location.

Fifteen feet away from her a figure hid behind the wall, and watched her. As the taxi started, the figure extracted their cell, and called someone as they said, "MHC700948 is the license plate."

From somewhere near by an engine sprang into life.

*****

Kripa had never been used to the cold temperature, thus pulling her jacket more closer, she walked on the empty street to go to the near by grocery store to get something to eat.

Crossing the road in the darkness, she made her way to the shop only to see it decorated in red and pink colours. Groaning that this day had still not been over yet she went over to one of the aisles, grabbed the milk carton, and made her way to the cashier only to notice a guy lurking around the valentine day aisle.

He was about five feet and eleven inches or so, had light brown eyes, dark hair with brown streaks in them, fair skin, and really thin. You couldn't call him good looking, nor cute, nor hot, nor sexy, except maybe he had really sharp features. There was something really strange about him, but she could not quite make it out.

Forcing herself out of his thoughts she went up to the cashier, and stood behind the long line up. She noticed a picture of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie looking at her from one of those magazines hanging in the corner, under it there was a caption saying, "Secretly married?" rolling her eyes she looked elsewhere, as she never really liked Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. She always thought Brad & Jen made a wonderful couple, but sadly they had split up. And, this was neither the time nor the place to still cry over it, so she looked elsewhere.

For the second time in the past five minutes she couldn't help, but look at the guy again. He had taken three valentine day bags, three cards that said, To my sweetheart, and three boxes of chocolates. He was a player.

Giving him a disgusted look, she turned back around only to see the cashier waiting for her to hand her items. Placing the milk on the table she pulled out her wallet to pay only to find someone come from behind and bump into her pushing the cart she had been holding on to. Turning around she found herself looking in the eyes of the guy she was looking at before, and then she did the unexpected she pushed him back to show him... how it felt to get pushed. Except, he looked really surprised and everything, but didn't say a word, and just shrugged his shoulders eyeing the picture of Angelina Jolie.

She paid her cash quickly, lifted her cart and walked out the doors. The cold chill hit her face, and she decided to jog to the motel, except a few seconds later she heard the alarms go off behind her. She turned around to notice the guy in the store come running outside with a gun in his hand, startled by the weapon in his hand she froze in the spot only to have herself held at gunpoint.

"Bitc—" he spat holding the weapon on her head, "you are taking some of the cash," he said placing it the pockets of her pant. Then, pulling out his cell from his pockets he placed it in her hand, as he replied, "I will call you on the cell & you better come okay?" coming closer to her face opening his mouth like a snake he hissed, "Otherwise the consequences won't be good for you. I will hunt you down get it?"

It took her a while to understand what was going on. He ran away out of sight leaving her alone, and she looked in front to notice the police pull up in front of the store, as the cashier pointed to her.

Startled she completely forgot that the cashier had noticed her, and she thought that Kripa & the guy were partners in crime. In panic, she did the first thought that came in her mind, and that was to run, this place was new & foreign, and even if she tried to explain that the guy had held her at gunpoint the police wouldn't believe her – they never would!

Kripa ran for a good block, then turned left and ran inside the dark alley. The police were running behind her yelling something, but she couldn't hear them.

Her life was such a mess. She had just landed here, and now she was in trouble for something she hadn't even done. Tears threatened to spill out of her eyes, but she wouldn't cry, Kripa never cried. Crying was a sign of showing you are weak, and she was far from weak.

The sky had turned a deep shade of violet, and she could see stars blinking at her. The atmosphere was perfect to sit around and relax, it was so peaceful, but instead she was far from relaxed.

Railing on the wall, she stood for a few seconds to catch her breath only to hear footsteps behind her, the police were gaining on her, on instinct she turned around to look... to find no one in sight, so she turned another direction and ran out onto the street.

It was a bit creepy looking place, and she was sure very people resided in this area.

She ran by one of the houses, and turned around the corner only to bump into someone. There was barely any time for her to register what happened, looking up at the person she had bumped into she noticed he was wearing black glasses shielding his eyes.

On top, he had put on a black cap to cover his head from the cold weather. He was wearing ripped blue jeans, along with a black shirt, and a black jacket on top of the shirt.

He was thin, really thin; maybe due to his height he was six feet and two inches. She noticed his jaw; there was something incredibly sexy about his jaw line it was so masculine, and his unshaven look made him look really hot. He looked really cool, unlike any of the guys she had met before. She found him attractive, really attractive.

The guy was wearing a chain, more like a gangsters chain, and she noticed the letters P R I T ----- but the rest were hidden under his shirt.

Damn! if only she could see the rest of the letters she could have known his name.

Kripa was so lost in checking him out.. that she completely forgot about the cops chasing her; it was only when she heard footsteps and heard someone say, "You lot head right!"

A bit startled now her eyes widened in panic, and she took a step to leave only to find someone catch hold of her wrist. And, seconds later she had forgotten all about her worry.

*****

"Get a room," yelled one of the lady officers, as she noticed the young couple making out in front of her. Despite her words they ignored her thoroughly, and continued their session, frustrated she walked away fuming at today's generation.

When everyone had passed. That's when Kripa pulled away, despite not wanting to.

What had happened? What was all that about?

She felt all giddy. The guy was staring at her, his look demanding an explanation for the reason the police were chasing her, at least that's what she thought he was staring at her for.

She opened her mouth, her own voice sounding foreign, "umm... I swear I did not anything. The cops are chasing the wrong person." Except the guy did not look like he believed her. Not wanting to stay there any longer she said, "Er-- thanks".

Thanks? Oh god, what if he thought she thanked him for kissing her? That was not why she was thanking him.

"I guess I will catch you later" she replied, as she turned around to look at him for one last time, feeling all of a sudden really hot, as she remembered the kiss they shared barely a minute ago.

*****

Part 4 – Mysterious Stranger

Everything had taken place so quickly that she had barely any time to think about it. As she walked in the path the moonlight made for her she recollected the scene from earlier.

Five minutes Earlier

Kripa stood there in the darkness admiring the mysterious stranger, until she heard hurried footsteps, and the words, "You lot head right!" which forced her out of his thoughts. A bit startled now her eyes widened in panic, and she took a step to leave only to find someone catch hold of her wrist.

She turned around to find herself looking into the dark goggles covering the guy's eyes, which completely annoyed her for some reason now.

From childhood, she always had a fascination of guys with helmets covering their head, and if guys weren't wearing helmets, then she had a fascination of guys with goggles covering their eyes. She had always loved the idea of mysterious, someone mysterious managed to complete fascinate her. Perhaps, that explained the attraction she felt towards this guy.

But, now for some reason she wanted this guy to remove his goggles and throw them off, as she wanted to see his eyes, were they as good as his other features? Feeling dizzy in excitement at the thought of pulling his goggles, and picturing his eyes made her dance around in delight.

Except, of course before she could do anything further she noticed the guy look at her, and then he turned back to look around at the footsteps.

Then, he looked at her again, and she realized he had made the connection. He was now assuming that she was a criminal or something, which she didn't want him to assume. Before she could explain herself out came into sight a police officer, but he hadn't seen her, before she could even decide her next move.

She found herself getting pinned on the wall behind her. The stranger was really close to her, and he was closing in the distance between them by the every second. Excitement entered her veins, along with fear, and all she could remember was she looked into his dark goggles, which were so close to her that she could see his eyes make a outline of his eyes. He had the most piercing gaze she had ever seen that forced her to melt in his arms as he sealed her mouth with his.

She felt his hand dig into her hair pulling out the tiny strands of hair falling on her hair. Finally in the end she found his posture turned a bit stern, as if he was a annoyed about something, much later he had pulled out the elastic band that she had used to hold all her hair. Now, she felt him relax, as he stroked her hair gently, and he tucked them behind her ear.

She felt his fingers brush against her cheek forcing her to gasp, and groan at a single touch that sent shivers down her spine, and instantly started a fire inside her, a fire that would never stop.

It started off as a rough kiss, as if done hastily, which soon turned into a very passionate one. All was lost in that kiss, her fear, her excitement, her worry, her anger & her everything. Her knees turned weak giving her no support, and she felt she would drop down on the floor only to find the guy's arms hold her steadily.

She forgot about her surroundings, the cops everything and all she could think was this stranger. He was making her feel so special, as his mouth moved expertly over hers, and she felt a bit foolish as well, what if she was a bad kisser? She had no experience in this department; in fact this was her first kiss. What if he thought she was horrible?

So, she gave in to his attempts, and kissed him back. From his body language she could tell he was surprised, yet really happy, as he caught hold of her waist, and pulled her more towards him.

She heard someone say something to them, but she had turned deaf, as the senses he was evoking within her were alarming. However, once, she felt she could no longer hold her breath she pulled away in disappointment. She felt his eyes on her, as she stared at the floor feeling the heat in her body, and could feel the color appearing on her cheeks.

____

Still walking now, she remembers how in the beginning she had gasped at the way he had kissed her, but in return he had only tightened his hold on her, due to which she had no other option, but to give herself to him, and she did.

But, the one thing she failed to understand was why had he kissed her? Why? Was it because he was helping her out from the cops? Or ....?

No, it couldn't be! The second reason could not be true, if it was the first reason then, she found herself admiring him more. He was nice. Really Nice of him to help her out of this tight spot.

Now, she wished she had asked him his name. It was very foolish of her to just walk away, but could someone even blame her? What do you when a stranger kisses you?

Don't you feel like running away?

She did too!

The cell in her pocket rang, annoyed now she answered it without looking at the name.

"Kripa?"

"Mish?"

"Yeah, how are you? How was your day? How is New York?"

She considered it for a moment. How was New York? Well, it was bad, since she had gotten her self nearly killed, but then later on she had met this really hot guy. So, she answered truthfully, "Okay"

"Could you elaborate please?"

"Umm... Listen Mish I have really no time in my hands. I don't have any place to stay... actually I do, but then I got into trouble, so now I can't go back till everything is fine"

"What happened?"

"This stupid guy – actually he held the cashier at gun point, and took all the cash out, once the alarms started ringing he ran out, put some of the cash in my hand & gave me his cell"

"What? Why did you take his cash?" asked Mishty sounding worried now

"He held me at gunpoint"

"WHAT?" Mishty sounded really concerned now

"Yeah!"

"So, why are you in trouble?" asked a confused Mishty now

"The cashier saw me with him & she told the cops that I helped him out"

"GOD, THAT IS INSANE! COULDN'T SHE SEE THAT YOU WERE HELD AT GUNPOINT?"

"She didn't Mish, that's where the trouble lies, so I just ran away"

"WHAT? Why would you run away Kripa?" questioned Mishty

"What could I do Mishty? I didn't have any another way out, they wouldn't believe me"

"But, do you even realize that by running away you just proved to them that you are guilty"

Mishty was now giving her a headache. Scratching her head she looked around at her surroundings to notice she had been walking without even looking where she had been going. Now, how would she go back?

It was only when she heard, "Kripa?? Kripa?? Hello"

"Yeah"

"Okay, now do one thing there is a friend of mine, Aaliya Khanna"

"Aaliya Khanna?" repeated Kripa

"Yeah, you are good at repeating!" replied Mishty, "I will give you Aaliya's cell. You contact her & go to stay at her place for a few days until this thing is over okay?"

"But Misht---"

"No, but Kripa. You are going to Ali's and that's final! We are not discussing about this. Get it?"

"Okay" replied Kripa sounding a bit shaken now.

"Seems like we have switched roles for the day. I sound like Kripa, and you sound like Mishty" said Mishty smiling

"Yeah" answered Kripa lost now

"Hello! Call Ali now!! Okay?"

"yeah, bye!" said Kripa, and before she could close her cell, she added, "And, thanks Mishty for helping me out"

"Wait, what happened to the cops? Are they still behind you?"

"No, I lost them for now" said Kripa, unsure about her next words, she added, "This guy helped me out" hesitantly.

"What guy?"

"Umm... He pulled me to the side, and covered me so that the cops wouldn't notice me" said Kripa changing the version of the story now.

"That's quite sweet of him"

"Yeah... Listen I will give a call to Ali... Bye" with those words Kripa hung up on Mishty.

*****

Two weeks later

It felt like a long time had passed, since Kripa had met the 'mystery man' that's what Ali liked to call him. Kripa would remember him every day. Every night she would dream about them kissing in a dark alley, and she would question him his name, only to wake up next morning to realize it was a dream.Then, would come disappointment that it was only a dream.

She and Ali had been to the place regularly over the past two weeks, yet the mystery man never showed up. They had even gone to the extent of looking up men with the first name Prit-- in the city, but they had found really strange names. And, what would call those people and ask?

oh hello! Umm.. remember we met a while ago & we kissed!

Today morning as Kripa got down from the car to get to her temporary motel she noticed the same cashier, who had pointed towards her when the cops had come. Before Kripa could hide the lady had noticed her as well, and she was now looking at her.

Kripa pretended as if she had never seen the lady, and kept on walking until she had passed the lady. Once she had reached a safe distance she turned to look back only to see the lady's eyes widen, as she pulled out her cell and punched some numbers in.

Kripa was very well aware of the number the lady had punched, so she ran back to the car only to find Ali no where in sight. She ran straight down the road with people walking by staring at her, as she ran between them. Many times she bumped into a few, who would yell at her some even swore at her, but she had no time to stop she ran in those stupid heels Ali had lent with her skirt flying every now and then.

The stupid skirt barely reached to her knees, she could just imagine how silly she looked running with her skirt flying up. Though, the one thing she was thankful was that she had also worn a pair of shorts underneath her skirt.

God, it would have been much worst, if she had never worn the black short!

She heard the sounds of police cars coming from the front, she turned to the left now only to come on a very empty looking street. If only the mysterious stranger would come to her rescue. Wouldn't that be truly wonderful?

She turned around the corner only to feel someone grab her waist, and pull her back. There was no mistaking the touch.

Turning around she saw the same stranger in the same get up in front of her. He pinned her to the wall, and this time she allowed him.

Even, though she had enough to escape she allowed him to what he did last time, as she looking daringly in his goggles, except unlike last time he did something really strange. He pulled her hands back, and then put something on them, which she realized now were handcuffs.

*****

Kripa was put into a police car. She was forced into the back seat with handcuffs on.

She was unpleasantly reminded of those criminals she saw on television, once they were captured they were put into the back seat. Never once had the thought crossed her mind that one day she would be like them.

Feeling the anger in her veins now she looked at the mysterious stranger only to notice a batch on his shirt that said, "Angad Khanna".

She would kill him once she was out of this place. God, he would pay a very heavy price for fooling her!

Revenge was the only thing she had drank so heavily now, and she would not rest in peace until she took it.

*****

The man on the plane was her father! Kripa describes him as elderly, besides he even says he has a daughter of her age. And, Kripa does notice a fatherly look on his face.

Sorry, to all those who assumed its Prithvi! I just couldn't help, but put the letters P-R-I-T to confuse you all! Besides, what is the thrill when there is no suspence? Right?

Part 5 - Beginning

March 1^st, 2006
Single Bedroom Apartment
2:00 AM

Her eyes opened to see darkness all around her for a second she thought she had gone blind... it was only until she noticed the light from the moon falling onto the floor of the room that she thought otherwise. She sat up and stretched her arms lazily. Looking around at the unfamiliar sight that greeted her it took her a while to realize where she was. Once realization dawned upon her she groaned and buried her head in the pillow not wanting to get a sight of that lion presently in his den.

It was only after tossing and turning for quite a while she got up from the couch feeling hungry. Her hair fell down like waves over her shoulders starting to tickle her. Scratching her neck and pulling some hair off her neck she walked into the kitchen, as her stomach made sounds showing its approval.

Opening the refrigerator she spotted a couple of cans of beer on the top rack. For a second she was tempted to have one, but then resisted and looked down to find some left over food.

She stood in the darkness till the oven heated the food; once the beep came she opened it, and took out the food. Shoving it into her mouth, she remembered last night how she had dreamt about the lion.

****

The dream

Apparently, she was still in school, and he was one of her classmates. He had left off to the U.S for a few years only to return back now. In the past she had hated him except, his new found appearance had brought out all this new feelings, while before she hated him, now she liked him, yet refused to admit it.

She had just entered her English class to find him sitting there chatting with his friends. Sighing, she had gone to talk to Carrie, while the teacher had pleasantly announced about a trip to the nearby movie theatre.

She & Carrie had entered the bus, while she kept looking behind trying to locate him. They had sat in the front seat, and minutes later he had emerged only to sit behind her. During the whole bus ride she had been conscious of his presence, yet indulged in topics trying to point out that she was unaware about him.

The bus had halted near the theatre, as she had gotten down, she realized Carrie had disappeared somewhere. She had barely stepped into the theatre before he came by and started to tickle her. A bit annoyed at first, she asked him to stop, since his touch kept sending shivers down her spine, and she liked it. It was strange, but she liked it, and secretly hoped he wouldn't stop.

Perhaps he was aware of her secret code language, which usually meant the opposite, stop it meant, "do it", and hate you meant "like you", since he still continued doing it pleased with her annoyance. It was only when they had reached the doorsteps of the theatre she had smiled and asked him to stop. At that instant, for some reason he had instantly withdrawn his hand scratching his head, it was as if first it was meant to annoy her, but now he had realized that she liked it. He had put up a straight face, yet she knew he was pleased. She stared at him for a while, then sighed as she spotted Carrie.

She dragged her friend to the Phone booth, as she had to make an urgent call to her mom informing her that she was at the theatre due to sudden change in plans, thanks to Ms. Marge. They had walked in there only to realize both didn't have any change. They had to beg a couple of people at the phone for the change, all of whom turned out to be liars, as they lied about having none despite holding a wallet, from which you could hear the rattling of coins as they shook it. One of this nice cute guy, lent her some change, and she called her mom only to hear the words, "the person you are calling is unavailable". Losing her money in that one call, she stamped her feet, as she had no other option but to head back to school.

She asked Carrie to go ahead and watch the movie, since she didn't want her friend to miss the movie due to her. Waving a goodbye and kissing her cheek Carrie reluctantly walked inside Screen 4, once Carrie was out of sight Kripa turned around to walk back only to hear

"Aren't you coming?"

She could very well identify the owner of that husky voice. Turning around in disappointment she looked at him, and replied, "I can't" bending her head down in sorrow.

For reasons unknown to her she wanted to spend more time around this guy, and it killed her that she was walking away perhaps from a moment, which could turn to be one those really special moments in her life.

"Why?" he asked frowning. He really could not see a reason why she was not coming, especially when she looked like she wanted to come.

Looking into his eyes she replied, "I have to go home..." when he didn't respond she added, "my mom might come looking for me in school, and if she doesn't catch me, then she is going to be worried, so I have to go back"

"Why don't you call her and let her know that you are here?" he answered, as if this was so simple, and how could she be so stupid not to figure out on her own.

"I did already, but she is not answering her phone" she snapped back

"oh" he said staring down at the floor, and he did too sound upset at the prospect of her leaving. That sent a tiny ray of hope inside her heart as it danced in delight, perhaps he also liked her.

"yah," she said smiling, "uh..." he looked up at that – she looked down unable to bear his intense gaze and replied, "i guess i will leave." Looking up at him again, and giving him a tiny smile, which he returned, then waving at him she walked backwards, and turned around to walk away.

"er wait" he ordered from behind, turning around she gave a small smile, and replied, "yes" her brain buzzing with ideas at what he wanted to say, but nothing prepared her for the words, "i will come with you"

Her eyes widened in surprise at his sweet words, and this time she didn't fake a smile, but instead smiled from ear to ear, the happiness easily reflected in her eyes, while he walked to her and they made their way outside to catch a rickshaw.

There was pin drop silence, as they sat in the rickshaw the only sound that could be heard was the roaring of the engine, and the constant horn the driver kept pressing. The wind came rushing down forcing her hair to dance around, while she constantly pulled it back trying to keep it from coming over her face. She could feel Angad's eyes on her, while she continued playing with her fingers staring at her nails pretending to be engrossed them.

They remained silent till the rickshaw finally halted in front of her house. Getting down she looked down unable to bear Angad's gaze on her, then finally deciding that she would thank him, she looked up and said, "Thanks" then with a small smile she looked down, turned around and walked up to the gate.

****

Minutes later

Kripa opened her eyes with a smile on her face, and instantly screamed at the sight of someone so close to her. The sight of Angad so close to her was alarming and especially when she was dreaming about him, screaming she pulled the covers near her, and rudely said, "shoooo" shoving her hand in front and waving it to the door – in directly saying, get out, but in sign language.

He studied her face for a second, before steadying his gaze on her eyes, then picking up a alarm clock from the side he stood there setting the alarm.

"OUT NOW" she said, then when he turned around shrugging his shoulders muttering something under his breath she sighed, as her heart beats went back to their normal rate.

God, his eyes, were a killer, they could melt anyone under their powerful gaze. Huge chocolate brown eyes hidden behind those long curly eyelashes, which any girl would die to have.

"Wait," he said coming back, and her heart beat returned to the abnormal beating – about twice more than they normal did – she could swear as she could even hear her beats, for a second she wondered whether he could hear them and that's why he was back.

"This is my house! And, you cannot ask me to get out. I will do whatever as I please," he said in that arrogant tone of his folding his arms, and standing in front of her.

Sitting up now, ready to have argument she said, "Oye Mister, entering the living room when a girl is sleeping only in a nightie is not advisable! Besides, why the hell did you even get me at your place? You KIDNAPPED me you freak"

"Who asked you to sleep in a nightie? Don't you know there is a guy around?" he answered back looking amused

"HEYY! (pointing her finger at him) it was you who gave me the nightie. You kidnap me. I don't have anything to wear! And, then you lend me some left over of your girl friend, what do you expect me to do?"

He chuckled as he heard the words left over of your girl friend, and said, "Get to sleep now" as he turned around to leave

"You don't know who you have kidnapped. My dad belongs to the Royal Family, and if they learn I have been kidnapped they are going to tear down the entire city & if they find you – you are so DEAD" she muttered making up some crap

"Girl, you don't belong to the Royal Family. I know you ran away from home" he replied

chuckling at her nonsense, then he added on a serious note, "And, for the last time I did not kidnap you – I have strictly gotten orders from the top"

"What kind of orders?" she asked completely confused with his words now

"I am to keep you here with me till your parents return to take you away," he said telling her the partial truth.

"But, why do I have to be with you? Why can't I stay with my friend?" she asked not quite understanding his words

"Because, you ran away from home remember that?" he said, while she felt colour reach her cheeks, quickly he added, "How can we trust that you will live with your friend till your parents come?"

"I want to talk to my parents," she said not quite believing him.

"The girl, who ran away from home – away from her parents, now all of a sudden is eager to talk to them?" he replied making fun of her

"Because I don't trust you. You... ugh... (Looking uncomfortable now)" when she could not formulate the next words Angad gave her a amused look, and he was nice enough to say, "Goodnight Kripa, we will discuss this later" as he left the living room.

****

Coming back to present Kripa blushed again about their first encounter. Her mom always told her as a child, "Beta, your first kiss is always special." she wondered whether she would remember it life long. Like, really life was so unpredictable at times, she had come to New York to be away from her family, and wanted to remain in isolation – instead she was now living with a guy.

The one thing that troubled her deeply was the kiss. Why had Angad done that? Why hadn't he just handcuffed her right then?

The question had come on the tip of her tongue so many times, but she had always refrained from asking mainly because ---

*THUD*

Turning around she quickly looked at the main door wondering what had happened. She peaked through the eyepiece to notice darkness all around.

Shouldn't there be lights in the hallway?

Hearing the sounds of her heart beat, she waited for any sound, but she couldn't. Thinking it was her imagination she turned around, and tossed the 'pakoda' right into her mouth when she heard footsteps – choking on her 'pakoda' she made her way to the door to peak again only to see darkness again.

She could swear that this time she was not imagining. Someone was in the hallway. And, that scared the **** out of her, she had always been afraid of darkness combined with hooded creatures floating in mid air staring right at her – it was her worst nightmare, and now she felt it was going to come true.

It was dark. There was someone outside. It was definitely a hooded creature.

"Get a hold of your self," screamed her mind "there are no hooded creatures". She was aware that there were no hooded creatures, yet it scared her to death – for some reason her mind refused to understand that there were no hooded creatures.

And, that's when she heard someone insert something right in the keyhole. She stopped breathing, as she understood that the hooded creature was coming in the apartment.

Why the hell did he have to choose this apartment over all the others? Why?

She could see the person was having trouble with key. Definitely it was a hooded creature, he didn't have a key & didn't know how to use one of those hair pins.

She had almost gasped, as the person managed to turn one of the locks, when she felt someone cover her mouth, and pull her -- **** one had managed to enter from the balcony.

Resisting she gave the creature holding her a hard time until finally she felt herself being turned around to see the man of her dreams – Angad Khanna. He was standing right there, if it weren't for the hooded creature outside she would have stood there admiring his face.

If in daylights he was gorgeously handsome, in the night he was downright hot – with all his hair tousled & wearing one those sleeveless shirt showing off his broad chest from which she could notice all the hair sticking out. And, she could now swear the guy was not thin – he was far from thin – she almost made a sound when she caught sight of his broad muscles – the guy must be a freak at working out.

When she heard the second lock being turned she jumped, while Angad dragged her to his room, and pushed her inside. She stood behind him, while he stood holding the gun – standing in the cop position waiting for the hooded creature to come in.

She wanted to tell him that the gun would be of no use, since hooded creatures wouldn't be destroyed with a gun. In fact, there was a saying that no man could kill them.

Snuggling close, she whispered, "the gun is of no use" turning around he looked at her questionably while she recited, "hooded creatures can't be killed by a man" as he looked back blinking unsure of whether he had heard her words right. Then he yelled back "shut up" and turned back around waiting for the hooded creature.

Too bad, if he wasn't going to take her warning seriously, then she couldn't do anything about it. The third lock opened, and this time she jumped – came in front, her curiosity getting her the better, while Angad pushed her back with his empty hand not once turning to look at her.

The doorknob turned, holding her breath she stepped in front again, and peeked from the doorway to notice a dark tall creature standing in front.

Her breathing returning to normal, and heart dancing in delight. She screamed, "Yipiee! No hooded creature" (the person noticed her) and ran to the front, but Angad was quick enough as her pulled her back, and threw her behind him. She fell on the ground hurting her self badly, as she cursed Angad in her mind – waiting for an opportunity to kill him.

For a second everything was standstill, it felt like Kripa was in a museum, and she was one of those sculptures standing with others, except she had life & could witness this scene.

And, then something happened that threw Kripa off completely... Angad and the creature hugged. They hugged. Kripa blinked her eyes several times unable to digest the reality.

****

The lights were back. Apparently, the power had been shut down by mistake, and now it was back again. Angad and Mahen were sitting in individual chairs chatting, while Kripa sat on the ground looking at them.

"i didn't expect you until tomorrow" said Angad as he sipped his beer. And, again Kripa was unpleasantly reminded of her age, 17, she had to be 18 to drink, so she just sat there imagining the taste of the liquid.

"Yeah," replied Mahen catching sight of Kripa, "i finished work early, so thought of coming back"

"And, I am assuming you lost the house key again," chuckled Angad putting his can down on the table

"Yes," replied Mahen, "so had to resort to the old hair-pin technique" he looked like he would asleep any second... his eyes were barely open.

"Since you were due tomorrow – I was expecting the company of a intruder for the night." joked Angad looking at Kripa, "but someone here expected a hooded creature" and he started to laugh again.

Kripa turned her gaze at Angad giving him angry looks – waiting for him to stop, except when Mahen asked, "a what?" suddenly feeling awake looking at her, she gave up & decided to walk away.

"a hooded creature. Can you believe it Mahen?" and he was holding his stomach and laughing again. Mahen joined in, and the sounds of their laughter became all of a sudden sick to Kripa.

What was so funny if she had thought it was a hooded creature? For a normal person, in their right senses it was not at all funny, except to two drunken people anything small would be funny.

"eh bewade chup karo, (drunk guy shut up)" she responded as she got up to leave, this time she was pleased that Mahen laughed at it, but Angad chose to remain silent giving her a killer look. If eyes could kill, then she would be dead in seconds.

****

An hour later

"I am Mahen. Mahen Khanna," said Mahen pulling his hand out for a handshake.

Fortunately, Angad had walked into his bedroom leaving the two of them alone for the first time. The guy had no manners at all, since he had not even introduced Mahen and Kripa. He definitely needed a manners class (anyone remember this from a previous part?)

Kripa shook his hand, as a tiny smile appeared on the corners of her mouth, "Kripa" she said choosing not to use the last name White, since it was pointless.

"Sorry about that" said Mahen, as he looked at her. And, he did seem sorry; he was the type of person, who meant every word he said.

"Not a problem" she responded. She liked the guy. His all black outfit completely impressed her, besides he was really cute, like really really cute, tall like Angad, except not as hot as Angad.

"Kripa" said Angad entering the room rudely interrupting her thoughts, holding his cufflinks, then looking back and forth between them he said, "if you are done checking him out. Can you go to bed?"

Annoyed by his last words, Kripa turned right around to punch him on the face, but stopped as Mahen interrupted, "Where am I sleeping?"

"We have an extra bed piece inside I will get it out," answered Angad walking into the kitchen and pulling out a can of juice.

"not fair," answered Kripa, "he gets the bed and i get the couch?" She noticed Mahen and Angad exchange amused glances at her words.

Then, Mahen replied, "Kripa, I am happy sleeping on my original spot – the couch, you can take the bed"

Once Angad got the bed outside, Kripa instantly regretted her words, it was the worst possible bed in the world – it wasn't even a bed, it was more like a thin blanket, except a very hard one.

****

Kripa giggled at Mahen's words. The guy was just hilarious. She really liked him, not in that way, but as a person he was really sweet and caring, as he had even said that they can switch bed/couch regularly. If he takes the bed tonight then the next day she will take the bed, and he will take the couch.

They were sitting there with the moonlight coming down from the balcony on the floor. Both did not want to sleep, so they just sat there chatting.

They had a lot in common. Mahen also liked the colour black. And, he also did not like High school. He was narrating his high school and college experience; both were quite unpleasant, though he thought college was a lot better than High School.

"how was your first experience with drinking?" asked Kripa. She was really curious about drinking, what it tasted like, and was it nice to get drunk. She had heard so much about it that she was completely unsure what version to trust, but she did believe Mahen would tell her the truth.

"it really depends from person to person" responded Mahen, "i mean if I like it, its not necessarily you will as well, so if i were you i would not heavily rely on my opinion"

Kripa nodded her head showing her agreement.

"My first experience was quite fine. Angad's was just brutal" and he burst out laughing unable to speak anything. All of a sudden Kripa became really curious as to what was funny about Angad's experience, and now she found her self eager to hear it, even though she hated Angad.

"he ---" Mahen laughed again, "got drunk badly one night and" sound of laughter again. Kripa found herself smiling, yet at the same annoyed, she wished she could just stop his laughter and listen to the version.

Mahen stopped became serious for a second apologized and said, "He got drunk badly" he took a deep breath, "there was a girl named Anita the guy loved her long hair – yeah, Kripa she had really long hair & chocolate brown eyes – actually she looked quite similar to you"

Kripa jumped, she did not want to hear this. Mahen understood her expressions as he said, "sorry, i don't mean to put you & Angad together (though that would be very cute, he said under his breath)... so yeah she looked like an angel on earth – so pretty, innocent and everything. Angad was badly drunk one night, he was not in his senses to know anything he was doing, so he just took her to the church & you won't believe they were on the verge of getting married, except I rudely interrupted the ceremony.

"Drove Anita home – dropped her off she was drunk as well, and somehow managed to take Angad home... but the next day we laughed so hard about this. Poor Angad was completely embarrassed. Everywhere he went notices would be put up about his stupidity. You won't believe it, but even teachers put up signs saying, "Don't get drunk. Ask Angad for his first hand most memorable experience","

Kripa burst out laughing imagining the sight of a drunk Angad getting married. God, she could never imagine Angad had been so stupid. Like, literally he was all so serious when he was around. Plus, he looked so smart, and sure smart people were never stupid rather they never made mistakes... most of them were perfect.

In the middle of their laughter, they didn't even hear the door opening, only when Angad came into sight they stopped as he said, "you guys want me to provide you with the candles, and wine glasses? I need to sleep okay? I don't want to hear anymore giggling, one more sound and Mahen you are sleeping in the bathroom"

****

Next morning

Angad had prepared breakfast for all three of them. He had finished his long time back, and left the kitchen to disappear into the washroom.

Kripa could hear the sound of running water. He was busy taking a bath, while she and Mahen discussed about things in general until their topic became Angad Khanna.

"you know what scared the **** out of me about Angad?" said Kripa eating her toast.

"What?" asked Mahen sipping his juice.

"His piercing look. my gosh, what the hell is that? I have never seen a guy with that eye piercing look. It really makes you melt right away. He is like a flame," said Kripa

"I know what you mean" responded Mahen chewing his toast, "girls in our college used to die for his one sight. He was a really popular kid in college with his looks, personality, and car – he was considered to be some sort of Greek god by the girls. Every girl used to crave for his attention"

"No, I don't mean that way. Mahen, you are more stupid than I thought you were...I don't like him" replied Kripa annoyed that he had taken it differently.

"Are you sure?" he asked sipping his juice not looking at her, while asking the question, but now he was waiting for an answer.

"Yup. 100% sure" she replied truthfully looking at Mahen. She thought Angad was hot, but that was it, she didn't have any feelings for him.

Mahen studied her expressions for a second, he did not quite look like he believed it, but later he chose to believe her or at least pretended to.

"I am talking about that piercing look... you know when his head is slightly up, and his eyes are looking up at you – killing you completely" she said, but looking at his expressions he did not quite understand it, so she showed it to him.

Mahen laughed at her expressions, and replied, "girl, you are good at acting. Why don't you pursue acting as a carrier?"

"Mahen, i get beaten up in terms of looks" she replied.

"What are you kidding me? Girl, you are good-looking, you just don't realize it right now, but I am sure one day you will realize that" he said

Kripa just ignored his words, and thought he was just being nice to her or either he was bad at such things.

"so, anyone special in your life?" asked Mahen grinning at her

For some reason instead of getting annoyed she smiled at his words, and shook her head before replying, "nah... i don't believe in anyone special. I m just going to live my life alone"

Mahen looked at her for a while. She noticed there was a sudden change in the room after her words. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she was feeling so awkward and now she could no longer even hear the sound of water running. Angad was possibly done with his shower.

Changing the topic quickly, she again brought out, "so Mahen what do you think of Angad's gaze?"

He laughed, "oh that.... I know what you are talking about. Do what I do for that gaze... just assume its not Angad, but a bull standing in front of you, except this bull gives you that gaze with the colour black"

Although, his words were not funny, Kripa just pretended to laugh out loudly at his words trying her best not to show any awkwardness from his previous question.

****

Email to Mish


Dear Mishty,

Here is a full detailed explanation.

"I am so dead." were the only words that escaped my lips, as I called you and left a message. I wasn't even spared the opportunity to say anything further, as someone snatched the cell out from my hands, which were as it placed in handcuffs.

"Get me out of here" were the first words I screamed inside my cell, "you ******** are going to pay for this.... Listen to me you are going to pay a very heavy price for locking me in here." But, no one paid even the slightest attention to my words, and I felt humiliated and embarrassed sitting in this lock up, thanks to that *******.

If only I could get my hands on him. I would just kill him.

I totally did not deserve getting into the lock up. What was my crime? My crime was that I kissed him. That was my crime, so does every person who kisses lands up in the lock up. The answer is no. But, I did. I did end up in the lock up for all the wrong reasons.

Besides, that **beep** **beep** lied to me. Okay, he did not open his mouth & lie. But, how dare he kiss me? We didn't even freaking know each other & he kisses me. And, that kiss just changes me. Trust me I am no longer the same person, physically I look like a girl now, since I am wearing this super short skirt showing off my legs wearing a black tank top & not wearing my black lipstick. This is because of him. I changed myself for him. And, look what I get in turn?

I had rather kiss Josh, than this guy, at least with Josh I would never end up in the lock up. Josh was a million times better than this guy; he never betrayed me with his identity. This guy was a cop. And, he dressed up like one of those gangsters wearing chains & rings on his fingers.

Uh... replay... wait, rings did I just mention rings? Was he married? Oh my gosh, I kissed a married guy. That could explain the P-r-i-t on his chain, it had to be Priti or Pritika or Prita or Prity. Yes, that makes sense! As soon I am done with this email I am checking his fingers!

He can't be gay, can he? God, no, then why would you kiss me? Oh wait, that brings up another issue why the hell did he kiss me in the first place? Why didn't he just tie me handcuffs right then and hand me to the cops... that would have been much easier than kissing me. Except, he didn't do that. Why?

He better come up with a good reason for doing that, because that complicated matters for me. And, maybe for him too.

Okay, back to the jail.

"she is hot," says a voice

I look up to notice two of the constables are staring at me, except they look away when I look at them. To be precise, they are staring at my legs, which are revealed since I am wearing only a small skirt (thanks to Ali). All of a sudden I feel warm & feel myself going red. OMG!

Oh my god, am I blushing? I am forced to look down. For the first time in my life I am feeling shy and blushing.

See what Angad Khanna has done to me? That S.O.* is going to pay for this!

I feel like running away or hiding somewhere. I wish I had the ring Bilbo had in Lord of the Rings, so that I would vanish. I would like to be invisible at this point, even though the ring has dark powers I would like to wear it.

If only I could get out of this place. It's making me sick to the stomach & I am getting suffocated. And, that's when something strikes me.

I can get out. There is way out. A way to escape & kill Angad Khanna, and that for the first time brings a smile onto my face.

Jumping up, the first thing I do is remove the ribbon that is holding my hair together. I pull it out & throw it away. Then, I shake my head forcing my entire hair to fall down like waves on my head.

Then, putting a foot in front on purpose I walk ahead slowly shaking my head vigorously slightly from time to time to get attention.

And, I get it.

Instantly, one of the constables standing in front asks the other to get him a cigarette packet from the nearby grocery stores. The other constable looks a bit suspicious but nevertheless walks out leaving the two of us alone.

I look at him in an admiring way, or at least I try to put up a face like that. I have seen it in movies when all those ... ugh... you don't want to hear whom. They are very nasty people & even though I am not one of them, yet for survival I need to use that dirty trick.

I feel sick to the stomach thinking about it. Yet, I decide to do it.

I go up to him, and give a smile. It's a very mysterious smile. I am trying the act of seduction (is that what it is called?).

It works. My smile does the trick. The guy returns the smile back, and walks in front. He is removing the lock.

God, can you believe it Mishty? He is such a fool.

He opens the door, and like a bird trapped in a cage I get out, except I don't fly out, since I don't have wings or anything to fly out, which I wish I did. I pull the guy close, wrap my arms around his neck, and bring my face near his.

Except, before I can do anything further, someone roughly pulls me away.

Guess who that someone is? Guess. Mishty. Come on, its not too hard.

He is pissed off. Not at me (well, that's what I hope), but at the constable. The constable is fired right at the spot. I felt sorry for the poor guy. He was just doing harmless flirting... and nothing else...

The next thing I know is that I am being dragged roughly to a car, and throw in. All my protests are unheard, and the next stop is his apartment.

Yup, you read it right... I m presently staying at Angad Khanna's apartment, and like the movies we are not kissing – 24 hours have passed by, and yet we are not doing that. I would rather kill myself than kiss this pig.

O wait, but I am falling for a new guy (well, at least trying to). His name is Mahen. He is really sweet.

Okay. Got to go. Angad is calling ---

**** You won't believe it, he just came by and saw I was writing this email. He is like, "who are you writing about me?" and I responded "its none of your business" and then he pushed me off, and switched on the monitor (which I had switched off for the time being), while I pulled him down... the computer got shut down...

I started swearing at him... that did the trick he left... Thank god, this computer saves your work... or else I would have murdered him... did I mention I hate him?

Okay, got to run.

Luv,

Kripa

p.s – this update accounts for every second. So, don't complain!

****

Kripa and Mahen were sitting with their legs on the sofa chewing popcorn with a glass of coke on their respective sides watching a Bollywood movie.

"eh Kripa.. don't you think this Prem (Abhishek) resembles our Angad" said Mahen chewing on his popcorn.

"nah," responded Kripa, "this Prem is caring... you see he loves Sanjana... Angad is a bull you remember? And, bulls don't fall in love"

"want me to remind you the drunk incident again? Who in their right mind would want to get married? I am telling you he was in love with that girl" said Mahen sipping his coke

"Impossible. Angad Khanna and love. The two don't go together I bet ya the guy will stay like this forever..." responded Kripa, and when she noticed Angad enter the room, she quickly added, "hey wait, I had a question is he by any chance gay?"

Mahen burst out laughing. The popcorn fell on the sofa, as he choked and yet laughed again.

"where do you get such unique ideas from Kripa? First, the hooded creatures & now gay?" and he burst out laughing again.

Kripa's question unfortunately backfired, giving Mahen an angry scowl she shifted her position to get a better of the television.

"What are you watching?" interrupted Angad, as Mahen continued laughing.

"Main Prem Ki diwaani hoon" replied Kripa turning to look at him

"You mean main Angad ki diwaani hoon" interrupted Mahen, and then he started laughing again.

How could she like Mahen? Ugh, the guy was just stupid. He was not at all a sensible guy. Now, she couldn't exactly pinpoint who she hated more Angad or Mahen.

"And, you Mahen resemble that parrot" responded Angad, as he left the room.

Mahen turned purple, while Kripa burst out laughing, but it was more due to the fact that she was now unpleasantly aware Angad had for surely heard Mahen's and her conversation from breakfast earlier.

****

The ride to Aliyah's apartment had been thoroughly unpleasant for Angad.

With Kripa wearing her super short skirt revealing all her legs caught the attention of all the people. Plus, the skirt kept flying when Angad drew the motorbike on a higher speed. She had been forced to hold onto him several times due to the high speed, and higher risk of falling down.

She had felt Angad's body under her fingers, and at one point she had held onto him so tightly that he had sworn that he would kill her, if she did that again, which had of course pissed off, since as usual he had been rude. So, in order to take revenge she had been stroking his chest sweetly, which had made him flinch, at one point she had even stroked his neck with her cold hands for which he had jumped off the bike catching the attention of everyone.

Then, in the end when she had slipped her hand under his jacket, and touched his warm bare naked chest he had sworn even more, but before she could continue more with the revenge they had stopped in front of Aliyah's apartment. She had gotten down before Angad had time to even say or do anything and ran inside.

Impatiently, she was now pressing the bell several times. Aliyah better open the door before Angad comes or else she would be in real trouble. She could hear Angad's footsteps coming up the stairs he came into sight, while she knocked on the door several times. She turned around to see his face red in anger.

*Darn*

The next instant her prayers were answered, as the door flew open and out stepped Aliyah, who screamed, "bhai".

Looking back and forth between Angad and Aliyah the reality sunk into Kripa's mind. And, she wished again to vanish out of sight, except it failed to happen.

****

Part 6

Aaliyah's apartment

The apartment was located on the tenth floor of a high rise building, nothing new in the bright and young New York City. As the door opened, the first view was of the city through those huge transparent windows showcasing the spectacular view of New York. To the right was the kitchen splashed in an off white colour with a green floral wallpaper in the background.

The living room lied to the front comprising of the world's finest mahogany furniture with plain hardwood on the floor, frames of Egyptian paintings hung on the walls, along with small showpieces of Egyptian pyramids casually resting on the side tables. The ceiling fan brought life to the room with its 100 Walt bulb adding brightness and the bright red curtains draped to the windows added warmth to the room.

'Ali, I really had no idea that you were the friend, Kripa was talking about' said Angad with a tone that clearly indicated that he was not at all acknowledging Kripa's presence in the room.

'Bhai, how do you guys know each other?' asked a confused Aaliyah, as she looked back in forth between Kripa and Angad.

'I will be right back.' Kripa responded, as she left the room. The silence was too painful, and there was no way she could tell the real version of their meeting to Aaliyah. Her mind refused to come up with a fake version; it would be better if Angad would feed Ali some cock and bull story about their meeting.

Rushing to the bedroom, she was pleased that Aaliyah had nicely packed all her belongings in the bag, at least this would save some valuable time. The earlier they got out of this place, the better it would be.

*****

'Kripa.' Called out Angad walking in the bedroom forcing her to jump.

'Yeah.' She responded, pretending to pack she lifted the shirt from the bed, and started folding, 'Did you need anything?'

'No,' he responded looking around the room, 'You seem awfully quiet there, everything alright?'

Meeting his gaze for the first time she stammered a bit, and looked lost, 'It's nothing.' She said smiling, 'my brain is just dead due to lack of sleep'

'Are you sure?' he asked, 'you seemed perfectly fine, while coming'

She turned red in embarrassment with his words. The thought of him taking revenge on her was already sending her Goosebumps.

'oh you guys are in here!' replied Aaliyah walking in, 'here have some tea' she said taking the tray to Angad first, and then to Kripa.

'You aren't doing anything you aren't supposed to do right Ali?' asked Angad sipping his tea

'Bhai' replied Aaliyah laughing, 'do you think I would openly admit, if I am doing anything wrong'

'No, you wouldn't' responded Angad smiling, 'I should keep a watch on you from now'

'Grow up Bhai! I am not a little girl anymore' she said rolling her eyes, 'Hey Kripa, have your tea girl, its getting cold!'

'Ali, look what did you to Kripa?' said Angad pretending, 'look at her she is awfully quiet... you are really some ice princess.... freezing people as they come'

'Bhaiiiiiiii' replied Aaliyah placing the cup to the side, 'one more time you call me that, and I am going to kill you seriously'

'oh wow, I am scared!' responded Angad, 'the tea is nice right Kripa?'

'huh?' Kripa replied, as if she was broken out of some thought

'The tea' said Angad pausing, 'I said the tea is nice. Don't you think so?'

'Oh yes. yes. yes' she replied back in turn

If he wasn't mistaken she appeared scared, like, one of those teenagers, who go around shoplifting, they actually look around to check if someone is nearby, and once they take something they have this guilty look on their faces.

'So, what's up with the mystery man? Kripa' said Aaliyah. All of a sudden two things happened Kripa choked on her tea, and dropped the cup on herself, the next instant she got up dropping the cup on the floor.

'oh my god!' she cried, 'I am so sorry'

'It's alright'

'No, really, it's my fault.' She pleaded, 'I should have been careful. I am really sorry'

'It's no big deal' said Aaliyah placing her cup to the side, then walking to the front 'come on Krips, we need to get you cleaned up'

'I am really sorry Ali'

'Lets go Kripa'

*****

'It's him isn't it?' said Aaliyah, as she applied the ointment on Kripa's red hand.

'What?' said Kripa looking up

'Angad is the mysterious guy right?' asked Aaliyah watching Kripa

'Yes.'

'don't look too gloomy over it hun' replied Aaliyah, 'your secret is safe with me'

'You won't tell him?' said Kripa smiling for the first time

'I won't.' Said Aaliyah, 'But, on one condition'

'What?'

'You will tell him your self what you feel for him'

'Why would I do that Ali?' said Kripa instantly getting up

'Stop shouting!' Aaliyah replied cooly

'Okay. Sorry'

'I am not just going to sit here, and watch you have a crush on him. You have to do something about it!'

'Like what?'

'Tell him'

'But, why?'

'Because you don't just there like an idiot, but do something. Maybe you guys can date, and hun I really think you & Angad make a very cute couple', she said

'He doesn't like me Ali!'

'And, how do you know that?'

'Its so obvious!'

'Its not! You are never going to find out whether he ever likes you or not, until you talk to him about it.'

'I need a week to think over this'

'Alright, but at the end of the week, if you don't do anything, then I will myself go and talk to him'

'Ali, it's not that easy! I have never done this before'

'That is the reason he is your first crush Kripa'

'But ---'

'Look, hun, either tell him or get over him. Don't just sit there having a crush on him secretly. Don't be another Mishty please!'

'Alright. I need to think'

'Find out whether he feels the same about you Kripa!'

'Kripa?' said a male voice

'Yes, I am coming!' she screamed, 'Got to go Ali! I will definitely give your words some thought'

Those were the last words, as she left the room.

*****

Part 7 - Prince C----Harming... </3

To my Prince Charming,
Your presence is alarming,
All you do is harming,

But, you are my prince
To mince and rinse
And, I will take all my lifetime to convince,

That you are not my true dove,
But, my true love

---------------------------------------------------------

How to get over your crush?

1. Pick up little fights with the guy all the time. Try to convince your self that you don't like him. Flop – Fighting has not worked so far!! L
2. Constantly chant a mantra 'I hate him' 'that's right, I really really hate him' 'I lo-----' 'Slip of tongue... I really meant I hate him' Flop – Chanting mantra works till he is not around, but the minute he walks in a new mantra starts 'I -----' do you really want to know? All I have to say is lets not even go there!
3. Go around hitting on other guys. Try to focus on them. Flop – Can't find another guy, who is cute. God, what do I do? Am I seriously losing it? Jesus, I act like I am in love with him. Am I? It can't be! It's just a stupid crush! Yup, it's only a crush, a damn stubborn crush that's taking too long to get over.
4. If Steps 1, 2 and 3 fail, then, make up a guy from your imagination & pretend he really exists. And, you love him. Really, you do. Flop – I am not Bipashu Basu from the movie ...
5. Kill the guy! Hit – Now, this willlllll really solve everything! J

---------------------------------------------------------

Email Inbox of Kripa White

Email Number 1

Sender: Mishty

Time: 8:30 pm

Subject: Sounds good

Hun, I just read your email, sounds like you had a very eventful day!

p.s – you like him don't you?

Email Number 2

Sender: Mishty

Time: 8:40 pm

Subject: Did you get my email?

Sweetie, did you get my email?

Please reply as soon as possible.

p.s – I need to speak to you urgently!

Email Number 3

Sender: Mishty

Time: 8-45 pm

Subject: Hello!

Reply man. I am waiting

Email Number 4

Sender: Mishty

Time: 9-00 pm

Subject: Where are you?

Jeez, do you have any idea you made me miss Sanjaya?

Fanjaya

Email Number 5

Sender: Mishty

Time: 9-05 pm

Subject: WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?

YES, I KNOW YOU HATE CAPS, BUT HONESTLY WHERE ARE YOU? DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN WAITING IN HERE FOR?

Email Number 6

Sender: Mishty

Time: 10-00 pm

Subject: OH MY GOD!

Kripa, that stupid Simon criticized my Sanjaya I am feeling soooo down... poor kid was so upset. Now, if only I could go and give him a big tight hug... I would tell him he was the best of the lot & he needn't worry.

I am going back to voting! I sent in 400 votes so far – I got Josh to vote as well (You know what he called Sanjaya? Guess! It's not too hard. Did I ever mention that I hate Josh?) Btw whom are you supporting? Don't tell me that Phil kid. God, he can't even sing.

Email Number 7

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-05 am

Subject: I sent in 1015 votes for my Sanjaya

I just hope they will be worth it! Pray that he doesn't get out today... I will die if he does...

Email Number 8

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-07 am

Subject: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?

I HAVE BEEN EMAILING YOU SINCE SIX HOURS & NOT ONE RESPONSE...

Email Number 9

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-10 am

Subject: You didn't die by any chance, did you?

Email Number 10

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-13 am

Subject: HELOOOOOOOOOoooo....

Email Number 11

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-15 am

Subject: List of possibilities

Reasons why Kripa is not answering my emails

• She is mad at me (What did I do?)
• She just made out with Angad & ... the rest is history! *Winks*
• She just died (at least notify me!)

Email Number 12

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-20 am

Subject: Oh my god, you are reallyyyyy dead!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME? WHO IS GOING TO BABYSIT MY KIDS? WHO IS GOING TO HANDLE THE DECORATIONS FOR MY WEDDING? OH MY GODDD, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

------------------------------------------

Email Inbox of Mishty Bose

Sender: Kripa

Time: 2-00 am

Subject: You are an ID*OT

Do you have any idea how annoying you are?

God, you sent in three billion emails, don't you have anything better to do, like talk to that boy friend of yours, who is now starting to appear smart (based on his Sanjaya remark!).

"you like him don't you?" Ali told you, didn't she? Don't even pretend she didn't. I know she did.

Regarding your words to Sanjaya Malakar, the guy with the crazy hairdo, "I would tell him he was the best of the lot" – What in the world is wrong with you? What are you deaf? Best of the lot? Are you kidding me? Even, a small baby would tell you that he was the worst of the lot! Before you ask how babies would say it – oh they do hun, by crying whenever that Sanjaya starts singing!

Just FYI I was at Ali's place all this time, and not ewww – don't even get me started there! You are just really pathetic...

P.S. – I will kill you, if Phil leaves!

----------------------------------------

Mission/ Experiment-- 'Seven days and ladka/boy in'

Purpose – To demonstrate the effects of highly toxic chemical A (Angad) combined with chemical K (Kripa) another hazardous chemical when inhaled can result in instant death

A special thanks to Kal Ho Na Ho for introducing the technique

Day 1

Breakfast Table

Kripa: (walking in the room) Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Anngad

Angad: hey (does not even bother to look up deeply engrossed in newspaper)

Kripa: (feeling down a little) So, what are you doing?

Angad: (looks annoyed) ...eating (in a bored tone)

Kripa: (feeling more down) Sorry, I am really not here today...

Angad: (does not even bother to answer busy reading newspaper)

Kripa: (grabbing a toast & jam) so, where is Mahen? (trying to initiate a conversation)

Angad: (still not giving a glance – busy engrossed in paper) in the shower I expect

Kripa: (sitting down next to Angad) I see (eyeing the paper giving it angry looks for grabbing Angad's attention first)

Few Hours Later

Lunch Time

Angad (walking inside): Um Kripa, so, who is this mystery boy?

Kripa (dropping the spoon in the bowl): Oh-my-god! who told you that?

Mahen (shirt stained with soup): wooohhhhhhhh!

Kripa (feeling bad): I am sooooo sorry Mahen

Mahen (wiping the stains): It's alright...

Kripa (rocking back on forth nervously): No really Mahen, I am reallyyy really very sorry

Mahen (looking at Kripa): I get the point Kripa, you feel bad, as I said, it's alright, don't worry about it!

Kripa (sweating now): I will come with you to help you clean your shirt

Mahen (looking surprised): It's alright Kripa, I can manage it by myself

Kripa (getting up from the chair): No, I will come with you!

Mahen (yelling now): Kripa, I can clean the stain myself!

Angad (looking confused): If Mahen is insisting he can do it, then why are you bothering him?

Kripa (giving an annoyed look at Angad): Fine, I will sit down

Mahen marching out of the room with a bunch of tissues, while AK are left alone.

Angad (looking at Kripa): so, who is the mystery boy?

Kripa (dropping the spoon again)

Kripa (thinking now) - god, I really need to stop doing that!

Angad: Watch it girl!

Kripa (taking out a Kleenex to wipe the stain): I am sorry

Angad looking angrily at the stains on the table, while Kripa wipes them off.

Kripa (throwing the Kleenex in trash): I like him (whispering)

Angad (choking on his soup): I am sorry?

Kripa (eyeing the soup): I like the guy!

Angad (smiling): That much I figured

Kripa (feeling down that he doesn't feel anything): I see

Angad (looking at her): So, where did you guys meet?

Kripa (bluntly): Online (the answer was out before she could even think)

Angad (raising his eyebrows looking somewhat pleased to gather she-likes-a-guy... gives a look that it will be fun to tease her over it): Cool, and may I know when?

Kripa (bluntly again): A few days back

Angad (teasing): So, let me get this straight you meet some guy online & you like him? (Giving a are-you-kidding-me type of look)

Kripa (getting furious): Yes

Angad (sipping the water): You do realize that he could be a 80 year old pervert pretending to be 20 year old or whatever he claims to be

Kripa (getting even more furious): Yes

Angad (looking at Kripa): And, yet you like a stranger?

Kripa (turning red): Yes, and I am planning to even meet him!

Angad (throwing back his head and laughing): You are stupid (pausing between laugh) Really Stupidd!(continues laughing like a maniac)

Kripa throws the Kleenex, and marches out of the room cursing him.

Diary Entry Day 1 (And, also same msg sent as email to Mishty & Ali!)

This is just stupid, just wrong, and just dumb to change over a guy, who apparently enjoys making fun over someone I am crushing on. He doesn't know its him, and it will be so worth it.. to see his expressions...when he learns the identity of the mystery boy.

Oh well...I don't understand... Shouldn't he get angry? Shouldn't he? Then, why is he far from angry? Why? Oh god, why is he like this so complicated?

Sender: Mishty

Time: 7-00 pm

Subject: Stick to the plan!

Oh my god, he is making fun over the guy you like – dummy, there you have it! It's so obvious that this guy likes you! Stick to your plan girl, as you said seven days, and the verdict will be in!

Sender: Ali

Time: 8-00 pm

Subject: Mishty is right!

Mishty is right hun, don't you worry! Why are you so freaked out over it? Every girl has this fear, just get rid of yours girl & you will go a long way!

--------------------------

Day 2

Breakfast Table

Kripa (walking to the breakfast table): Hi Angad! (Sounding all cheery)

Angad (reading newspaper): ...

Kripa (disappointed by lack of response): so, what's in the paper?

Angad (still reading the paper): ... nothing

Kripa (annoyed): If there is nothing, then why are you reading it?

Angad (turning the page): ... (still no response)

Kripa (giving out a frustrated sigh & walks out of the room without touching the breakfast)

Few Hours Later

Lunch Time

Mahen (chewing on some piece): So, Kripa, what's up?

Kripa (busy eyeing Angad): Nothing

Mahen (getting up from the table): Want to join me for a movie today?

Kripa (surprised now): What?

Mahen (rinsing the plate in the sink): I am going for Departed, want to hop along?

Kripa (eyeing Angad, who is still busy chewing the chicken): Sure!

------------------------------------------------

Diary Entry Day 2 (And, also same msg sent as email to Mishty & Ali!)

I went along with Mahen to watch the Departed, which turned out to be an excellent movie! Totally worth watching, but sadly the thing is Angad didn't feel anything! Wasn't he the one last week going 'want me to provide candles & wine or something' to me + Mahen? So, shouldn't he have thought it was a date? Shouldn't he be jealous? But, no, Mr. dumbo didn't even show any reaction! He just sat there chewing the stupid chicken piece!

--------------------------

Sender: Mishty

Time: 5-00 pm

Subject: STICK TO THE PLAN!

He didn't show any reaction because he didn't want you to know he was jealous, it's so obvious! Besides, some guys are really good at hiding things, and he can be one of them. Another possibility is that maybe it hit him that you & Mahen are just friends & there is nothing going on between the two of you!

Sender: Ali

Time: 6-00 pm

Subject: 5 more days to GO! J

How dumb of you Kripa! You yourself said to him the other day that you like some guy online so how can you go around dating someone else? And, he obviously thought that! :)

--------------------------

Part 7 Continued

Day 3

Breakfast Table

Kripa (walking into the room with a smile): Hi Mahen

Mahen: Hello princess... Had a good night sleep?

Kripa (eyeing Angad): Absolutely!

Mahen (getting up): Okay, I will get a shower then! (walks out of the room)

Kripa (sitting on breakfast table busy chewing a toast, eyeing Angad, who is engrossed in newspaper still)

One minute passes

Two minutes pass

Three minutes pass

Kripa is looking annoyed now

Four minutes pass

Five whole minutes pass

The ticking of the clock is unbearable. Kripa is beyond furious now, she stamps on Angad's feet in frustration to which he jumps, and yells "what is wrong with you?" while she marches out of the room in frustration.

--------------------------------------

Day 4

Breakfast Table

Angad is reading the morning newspaper (nothing unusual) when Kripa walks in. She grabs the cold milk from the refrigerator pours it in a glass, and walks out to sit on the table.

She sits there quietly pretending to be engrossed in her milk pretending that Angad Khanna does not exist. The whole time she sits there she hears the sound of the pages flipping, sipping of the coffee, and occasionally once or twice even the beeper on Angad's pager.

Once, she is done drinking her milk, and having her breakfast for which she has spent thirty precious minutes she has lost her complete patience, and is completely annoyed with him.

Here is she is busy trying to ignore him, except her effort is fully wasted, since the guy does not even realize that she is ignoring him. Throwing the plate in the sink for which she hears only one sentences, "this is not your father's house" from the guy, which really pisses her off.

She marches up to the dining table pulls the paper out of Angad's hand hits the paper on his head several times before finally announcing "you are the world's biggest stupidest idiotic moron I have everrr seeeeen!" Stamping her feet she runs off into the bedroom, while Mr. Khanna sits there muttering, "uff paper spoil kar diya/ uff she spoiled the paper"

------------------------------------------------

Diary Entry Day 4 (And, also same msg sent as email to Mishty & Ali!)

Angad Khanna is the biggest freak & idiot ever. The guy is a PIG = Pompous Idiotic Gorilla! PM = Pompous Maniac! AK = Arrogant Kow! What on earth did I do to deserve this? Madiha, talks about karma, now I am pretty confident that it was my bad karma, which led me to this Pompous Maniac.

I ignored him for two whole days, yet he did not even notice it, rather he sat there reading that stupid newspaper, which reminds me what on earth is in that paper that he sits reading it?

Sender: Mishty

Time: 10-00 am

Subject: HAHA!

This is just hilarious! Seems to me that he is more into the newspaper than you!

Sender: Ali

Time: 10-05 am

Subject: Shut up Mishty!

For once, I will have to disagree with Mishty (will you stop the smileys? This is no matter!) Kripa, I honestly know my brother sits around reading paper a lot, but I am sure he is just pretending! Did you check whether the newspaper was upside down?

Sender: Mishty

Time: 10-10 PM

Subject: I bet you are laughing! This is sooooo hilarious, hehehe I can just imagine our poor lil Kripa doing this, while that guy just sits there having no clue . You have made a very wrong choice my dear friend!

--------------------------------------

Day 4

Lunch Time

Kripa (glancing around to check whether PIG is around): Mahen (whispering)

Mahen (looking up, coming closer): Yes?

Kripa (eyeing the paper): What does Angad see in the newspaper?

Mahen (looking in disbelief): What? (says it out loudly)

Kripa (whispering even more): shhhh...

Mahen (looking around): Okay Sorry!

Kripa: Tell me the Raaz behind the newspaper

Mahen (in amusement): Angad has a girl's picture in it.

Kripa (all excited thinking its hers): Really?

Mahen (taken aback by her enthusiasm): Umm yeah

Kripa (rushing to the paper): Let me pick it up.... I wanna see the girl's picture

Mahen (becoming more evil): It's not you

Kripa (dropping the paper, pales at his words): W—whhhhat?

Meanwhile, Angad walks in the room.

Angad (completely oblivious to the mood): So Mahen wat's up?

Mahen (turning the gaze to Angad): nothing bro

Angad (looking at a lost Kripa): Girl, watch where you are goin---

Before he could finish the sentence Kripa had almost tripped, and in his attempt to catch her the table behind him shook with his weight, and the vase fell on the floor.

Angad (angrily): You are just a walking talking disaster!

Kripa flees from the room almost on the verge of tears.

------------------------------------------

Second Diary Entry Day 4 (And, also same msg sent as email to Mishty & Ali!)

I am now more than positive that he does not like me.

Sender: Mishty

Time: 2-00 pm

Subject: No way!

You are kidding right?

Sender: Ali

Time: 2-19 pm

Subject: Kripa, why on earth are you acting so insecure?

Seriously, girl the guy likes you!

------------------------------------------

Day 4

Dinner Table

Mahen (pouring the wine in the glass): So, Kripa, how did you and Angad meet?

Kripa (thinking: why is the whole family interested in our meeting?)

Angad (comfortably sipping his wine): We met a few days back

Kripa (looking angry): Not a few days, but a month

Angad (least bothered): Whatever.

Mahen (looking at Kripa): So, how did you meet? Just bumped into each other? Or were introduced?

Angad (pouring more wine in the glass): She was busy running away from the cops

Mahen (teasing): Bad girl

Kripa (angrily): I was not!

Angad (giving her a glance): Who are you kidding Kripa?

Kripa (furious): I will tell you how we met Mahen... (lying, since she does want Mahen to be aware of the truth, since matters could be worse then) Angad was being chased by a buffalo.... Okay, I was just kidding... The thing is Angad was being chased by a bunch of girls, who were all going "Anguuuuuuuu" and I saved him in the nick of time by ---------

Angad (laughing loudly & clapping his hands when Kripa is finished): You are really something Kripa

Kripa (picking up her plate): Angad, obviously you have had a little too much to drink tonight, you are mind is not working & you are laughing when I haven't even been funny at all

Angad (finishing the wine): Mahen, my friend I have no idea where Kripa got that girls chasing me story from

Kripa (giving a furious look): People talk crap when they aren't in their senses!

Mahen (looking confused): Am I missing something here? Why the sudden bitterness Kripa? I mean you didn't exactly get along with Angad, and I have seen your interaction hasn't been the best, but why the sudden bitterness?

Kripa (walking into the kitchen leaving the two guys alone): Too Bad Ask Him!

Ten Minutes Later

Living Room

Mahen (laughing loudly): Are you kidding me dude?

Angad (getting up from the chair): Now, why on earth would I do that?

Mahen (looking completely surprised): I think I do believe you are telling the truth. You can never make up stories dude & listening to Kripa's bitter version it really confirms this version.

Kripa (walks in): Mahen, I am taking the bed tonight (looking at Mahen's expression): what's up?

Mahen (lowering his eyes): Nothing...

Kripa (suspicious now): What are you guys talking about?

Mahen (fumbling): About work....

Angad (at the same time): About Ali....

Kripa (now totally suspicious): Make up your mind!

Mahen (quickly): We were talking about both

Angad: Yeah

Kripa (hands resting on the hip & raising eyebrows): Oh Yeah?

Mahen: yeah (Angad & Mahen looking at each other)

Kripa (furiously): You both don't even know how to lie

Mahen: What are you talking about?

Kripa (turning red): He obviously told you some cock & bull story about me... otherwise, why else would you hide something from me?

Angad (rising): Leave me out of this discussion

Mahen (feigning to be hurt): Kripa, you are obviously getting the wrong impression.... how could you think we would talk behind your back?

Angad (passing by Kripa now, in slightly drunken state bumps into her): *sparks* *sparks* oops (they both feel the static)

Kripa (holds him steady): It's alright go

Mahen (rising now): WOW!

Kripa (confused): What?

Mahen (grinning): I had always read in books that people feel currents through their body, but in this love story there are actually static sparks flying! (Smiling widely now)

Kripa (smiling now too): Shut up Mahennnn!

-----------------------------------------

Third Diary Update Day 4 (And, also same msg sent as email to Mishty & Ali!)

Oh my God! He actually smiled over Mahen's words, now that has to mean something right? It really has to be something!

Sender: Mishty

Time: 12-03 am

Subject: What are you talking about?

Kripa, incase you change your mind for some reason & are not taking Angad (can I please have him?) For now I am going to have my eye on Mahen, he sounds like a cutey

Sender: Ali

Time: 12-10 am

Subject:

Cutey? What will happen to the monkey man aka Josh? I am giving you girls a call tonight.

---------------------------------------

Day 6

Summer had finally marched its way into New York. The bright sun bustling its way into the sky... smiling brightly bringing down its warmth in to the city was something that New Yorkers had been dying for.

Winter was at last gone, a long forgotten season, and now the New Yorkers happily invited the warm summer heat. The rising sun finally setting in late, children playing around till late night, people jogging around – the ones that had spent the entire winter sitting in their houses like a couch potato were now running outside to shed the extra pounds they had gained during the winter. And, finally opening the doors and windows for the light breeze bustling through – was really something that the New Yorkers had been anxiously awaiting for since late November.

Music blasted around in neighborhoods, as people partied in their backyards, street cars jumbled down the roads at roaring high speed, motorbikes yanked around the corner – the motorbikes particularly making all sorts of sounds to grab the public's attention. Malls loaded packed with people busy shopping, garage sales going around, and people hitting the streets walking around was something New York had not seen for the past three months - when there was no activity of any sort.

Sitting down on a late Friday afternoon in a restaurant was something Kripa Sharma had imagined for a very long time. But, surely now she was bored completely watching the man of her dreams sitting across reading the menu, something she failed to do, but he particularly seemed interested in. Her long silky hair left open wearing a white transparent blouse with floral designs on it, along with a small tight black skirt she sat there staring at Angad Khanna's face. She was literally studying the guy, his broad jaw line, the first two buttons of his shirt left open showing off his a tiny bit of his chest, his mesmerizing eyes – easy to get lost in *sighs*. She was studying the course 'Angad Khanna', it was no chemistry or biology, it was a course of its own much more interesting and exciting than other courses.

After another sigh, she glanced around to catch the younger brother of Angad Khanna, Mahen, standing on the side flirting with some girl. The two brothers were poles apart, if one was the North Pole, the other was the South Pole, if Angad was breathtakingly handsome, then Mahen was – wait, both brothers were handsome.

It was more like this, if Angad was hot, like really hot, then Mahen was cute, like really cute, if Mahen knew how to behave around a girl, his girl, then Angad Khanna was a bum around girls, a stupid PM, who did not know anything. He just sat there reading the newspaper or a menu – now, which guy in their right mind would do that?

He took no initiative to talk, and even if he did open his mouth it was more to loose the girl. The guy was different, totally different, he was not at all a womanizer, which really made Kripa suspect... he was gay, but Mahen had crossed out that suspicion, then what was it?

Lost in her own thoughts, she had no idea that she was staring at Mahen for so long, it was only when he looked at her, and winked, that she turned her gaze away from him, and turned to look at Angad Khanna, her favourite course.

*****

"So what are the love birds up to?"

Kripa turned around to look at Mahen, who had casually rested his own hand on her chair, and the other on Angad's chair, when he noticed her looking he smiled, and patted her shoulder. Then, he made his way to the left-hand side of Kripa, and took a seat next to her.

"Mahen, will you stop that?" said Kripa pretending to look annoyed. She noticed out of the corner of her eye Angad had not expressed one reaction, he just sat there on his chair reading the menu, what on earth was wrong with this man? Who reads restaurant menu's for this long?

With a wink, "Ah Kripa, now I know how you feel over my brother, don't worry sweetheart (wink again) my brother is very much interested in you, its just that he is shy – OUCH!!!!!!!!" looking at Angad angrily, "what did you do that for?"

Kripa smiling brightly now, "you deserved it hun for talking nonsense", looking at Angad she noticed he had still the same expressions he wore a while ago, it really didn't look he had kicked Mahen.

"Will you stop defending him?" cried Mahen, "that really hurt bro, and watch me get back to you one day soon" he was now examining his so called wound by removing his shoe

"Ewww" said Kripa holding her nose, "you never wear socks? No wonder your shoes stink!"

She immediately regretted her words, as Mahen flashed the shoe in front of her, a very sick thing to do, but he was a guy, and guys were always sick. Pushing the shoe away from her face with one hand, and the other hand on her nose she made a face, while Mahen smiled, and kept showing off the shoe.

"Mahen, Anita is behind you," said Angad, and immediately Mahen dropped the shoe, the smile on his face disappeared, as he turned around quickly, while Kripa looked on in amusement, and laughed lightly.

Finding no Anita, Mahen looked furious, "it was not funny" he said looking at Kripa, then immediately recovering he gushed, "so, what are your plans for the day?"

Kripa looked confused and turned to look at Angad, who was busy, engrossed in the menu. She might as well just stop looking now – she was tired of watching him read that menu.

"Why nothing" she answered looking at her watch, Mahen made a face, "you guys are really boring with the way your relationship is heading... (Gushing) Kripa, do you think I should give the report of yours & Angad's relationship to the tabloids?"

"What relationship?" asked Kripa, "And, what tabloids?" totally confused now.

"Aree after Abhishek Bachaan, our Angad Khanna is the most eligible bachelor in town, our Angad is no less than that Abhishek...AAHHHH!" immediately shifting his chair far away from Angad, "Bhai, you really need to stop doing that... so what was I saying? Oh yes... Angad is no less than Abhishek, and with this chat pati news the media will be hovering around our house, and I will get free publicity as Angad Khanna's brother, and I can date Britney of course"

"You like Britney Spears?" said Kripa making a face

"What's not there to like about her? She is charming, sexy, cute...."

"With no brains...."

And, before Mahen could answer two individuals walked in the restaurant right then, and immediately smiled at the sight of Kripa.

"KRIPA..."

Kripa rose from her chair happily, as Mishty came running to her, and gave her a hug. Both girls teased each other lightly, as Mishty, sat down next to Mahen, while Ali sat down in between Angad and Kripa.

"Since Kripa is not going to make any introductions. I might as well do the honors myself... Mahen Khanna" said Mahen bringing his hand out

"Mishty Bose" replied Mishty with a smile, as she shook his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you" replied Mahen holding her hand, while Aaliyah rolled her eyes saying, "Mahen you might as well give up, she is already taken"

"Ali, you are challenging me & you do know that I like challenges" he replied smiling at Mishty, who just blushed with his words.

"Whatever Mahen, so Angad what's up with you bro?" asked Aaliyah looking at her brother.

"You know how our brother is shy! See, he is very shy in front of Kripa, so he refuses to speak" for that Mahen received such a big kick that the chair he was sitting on, the chair rolled backwards, and fell on the floor.

Everyone laughed, as a furious Mahen picked up his chair, and placed it back.

"Mahen, you really need to learn to shut up!" yelled Angad bringing his face up finally from behind the menu. Mishty looked at him trying to figure him out.

"Kripa was right you really are a pompous maniac," said Mahen sitting down

"What did you just say?" yelled Kripa looking at him.

"Don't worry sweetheart, at the end of this you will earn a masters degree in that course of yours..."

Kripa blushed at his words, while a confused Aaliyah, and Mishty looked on trying to figure out the course.

"Which course?" asked Angad. And, Kripa blushed even harder now, Aaliyah and Mishty beamed looking at each other – they finally figured out the course! The hot & happening course!

"I will be right back" said Kripa as she dashed away from the table, while Mahen and Mishty sat around talking, and on the other side Aaliyah nagged Angad about something.

*****

Ten Hours Later

Diary Update

I have noticed one thing everyone loves reading things on how stupid you are. Don't believe me? Well, just go back, and think about the last time you smiled – most of us smile over someone's stupidity, which is something so wrong, but we can't help it.

Even, I personally do enjoy reading the stupidity of my friends, not that I am the type to laugh at their stupidity, but its fun to read about someone's stupidity, it makes you fell better.

Of course, we all are stupid, no one is perfect, at some point in life we all have embarrassed our self, but isn't it good to see when someone is more stupid than you, it gives you some satisfaction that you are better than them.

So far I have portrayed myself to be a smart, and serious individual out of the crowd, but maybe now, just maybe I might actually show the 'stupid' side of me. Not because I want someone to find out & laugh over it, mainly because I want to learn from my mistakes.

I distinctly remember Mrs. D'souza telling us this back in grade 10, of course I never paid much attention to her back then, but now I realize she was so right. In order to grow as an individual you need to take insight of your mistakes, understand your mistakes & definitely proceed to rectifying them.

So, the thing is I am now going to make an effort to be honest in my entries. Truly be honest, and not try to portray myself as the perfect kind. I just wonder how long this thing about being "honest" is going to last.

So, here is what happened after I left the table – I am writing in present tense now, but I may switch to past by mistake. I am so used to writing in past tense. Oh well.

I enter the washroom, and wash up my over heated face. It's bright red – not surprising since I could feel my cheeks burn back at the table.

A lady just walked in the washroom, and is now staring at me. I am now looking back in the mirror at my reflection it seems fine, and then I realize two things either she is thinking I am weird, since I am sitting in the washroom on the sink singing out...

"Oh Baby I..."

I feel the touch of your hand
And I understand how much I need your love
You have given me wings
And I can do things I've never dreamed of
And I promise for as long as we're together
I will cherish this everlasting love

Oh baby I need you so
You know that I can't let go
Always and forever I just want you to know
I wanna be where you are
No matter how near or far
And I wanna be the only one
Who can open the door to your heart
Oh baby I, oh baby I, oh baby I

Oh baby I, oh baby I, oh baby I

I shake my hips as I sing out now, swing it one way, then the other. I had seen it in some movie, and always wanted to try it out, never got to until today, and tell you what I suck at swaying my hips. I just wonder how these actresses manage to do it.

All your secrets I'll keep
They're safe here with me
My arms will comfort you
There'll be no river too wide
No mountain too high
My heart will follow you
I'll go anywhere for as long as we're together
I will cherish this everlasting love

Oh baby I need you so
You know that I can't let go
Always and forever I just want you to know
I wanna be where you are
No matter how near or far
And I wanna be the only one
Who can open the door to your heart
Oh baby I, oh baby I, oh baby I

Oh baby I, oh baby I, oh baby I

I increase my pitch now, as I sing the next few verses, but all I can hear is screaming, instead of singing.

There may be times some rain will fall
But I won't mind it if you're here with me
Oh, we'll get by and through it all
We'll have all of the love that we need, oh baby
Oh, oh baby
Oh, my darling
I'll go anywhere for as long as we're together
I will cherish this everlasting love

Oh baby I need you so
You know that I can't let go
Always and forever I just want you to know
I wanna be where you are
No matter how near or far
And I wanna be the only one
Who can open the door

Oh baby I need you so
Together our love will grow
Always and forever I just want you to know
I want to be where you are
No matter how near or far
And I want to be the only one
Who can open the door to your heart

By the time I am done, I realize the fact that I suck at singing. I am just terrible, like really terrible. It's disheartening to realize that I can never pursue a career in music.

So far my stay at Angad Khanna's place has not even brought out the bathroom singer in me. Something, which I used to do when I was in the shower everyday back home, but at Angad's place I am afraid to sing, mainly because...if he hears it – well, lets just say I don't want to hear the comments on my singing. They will be highly unpleasant, especially coming from him.

*******

Oh my god, on my way back, I just bumped into this really cute guy – this guy with gorgeous green eyes, about 5'11, brown hair, broad shoulders wearing a black jacket. However, the thing is is that he did not even give me back one glance. He just walked away ignoring me as if I was invisible, while I stood there staring at him. I think I have seen him somewhere.

I know what you are thinking, 'geez, Kripa don't give me that trademark line' – I really mean it, I have seen this guy somewhere! I swear.

As I walk back to the table I notice Mahen flirting with Mishty, and on the other side Aaliyah nagging about something to Angad, to which he gives out his usual dialogues, "I said no Aaliyah. What part of no don't you understand?". Ignoring them, I am now looking around trying to catch sight of that cute guy, but it seems that he has mysteriously disappeared.

Mahen is looking at me now I can just imagine what is going in that head of his.

"Who are you looking for?" he asks

"Me?" I say turning red, as if I have just been caught doing something bad. Finding cute guys is not a sin, yet for some reason I don't want anyone to catch me looking for that guy.

"Yes... you" he says looking at me, while Mishty beside him is now staring at both of us, "Angad is sitting right next to you, and I don't see why you should bother looking at someone else other than him"

I am now red, completely red, blood is now rushing to my cheeks, and I am pretty sure I have turned beetroot red. This time Mahen does not receive a kick, and I am assuming its because Angad is busy chatting with Aaliyah. Mishty in the meanwhile is busy smiling. I feel like kicking her, whose side is she on?

I just let the words slide down without bothering to respond, and pretend to stare at my ugly nails, on which I had applied black nail polish just today morning, and they are now looking scary, very scary.

I am pretty sure that I go around scaring people with my appearance, that explains the reason the cute guy did not spare me one glance.

Speaking of the cute guy, I cram my neck in all sorts of possible ways looking up at the open sky, to the left, to the right --- wait, 'left right left', that's a show on TV right? I know this is random! But, oh my god, I swear the cute guy I had just seen is from that show!

I swear or at least it was his duplicate. I can feel the blood rushing to my head by this piece of news, and I am now looking everywhere to catch sight of that cute guy. This time for entirely different reasons – he is the same guy from the show, I can now brag that I met him in a restaurant, and he asked me out. Wouldn't that be cool?

And, that's when I hear Mahen's conversation with Mishty. Here is how it goes.

"How old are you again?" says Mahen. I can't imagine why he is asking that. Shouldn't he have asked that by now?

"18" responds Mishty. The girl is just staring at him. God, she has lost it! She has lost her heart to Mahen, but again I could be wrong, a few days back she had lost her heart to monkey man aka Josh.

"What university do you plan on entering?" asks Mahen now. Wait, why does Mahen want to know all this stuff. Is he planning on writing a biography on Mishty?

"Washington" Mishty answers thoroughly enjoying the attention. I am telling you Mishty is clearly smitten by this guy.

"Which course?" asks Mahen. OK. That's it! Mahen is officially MAD. Why on earth is he this much interested in Mishty?

"Accounting" Mishty replies. Is it just me Or does this actually sound like an interview? Mahen is asking all the questions, and Mishty is responding.

"What are you planning to marry Mishty?" yells an annoyed Aaliyah from the other side.

I get back at Mahen by laughing at Ali's words, to my laughter, Aaliyah looks pleased, Mishty blushes, Mahen is furious, while Angad sits there, yes, busy-reading-the-menu. I might as well make it short as 'brtm'. The part of him reading the menu for so long is now making me very uncomfortable. I shift uneasily in my seat, as I go back to my job of looking around for the cute guy again.

******

Along with the worst vegetable on earth that is eggplant arrives the worst salad. I sit with a fork in my right hand playing with the salad, since the sight of eggplant makes me want to throw up, Mr. Menu Reader is sitting in front of me busy eating eggplant, as if its the most delicious thing.

I swear this guy either sleeps like a buffalo, or he either reads newspapers & of course menu's, or eats like there is no tomorrow. The sleeping, and eating explains that body, and height of his. But, the newspaper, and menu does not explain anything - maybe the 'dumbness?'

Oh well, I look around again, hoping to catch sight of the cute guy, but the past hour of looking has taught me one thing.... he has gone home. The thought makes me sad, and the sudden urge to go and throw a crying fit. But, I stay in my chair like a good girl hoping patiently that he will be out any second.

Now, I know what you are thinking. Kripa till yesterday weren't you the one interested in Angad Khanna. Then, how come all of a sudden you are now interested in this cute guy?

Well, the reasons are as follows:

Reason 1: I could go, and try my luck of talking to the cute guy not to get his attention or anything, but to get Angad's attention. I want to make Angad jealous, and the cute guy would do the trick!

Reason 2: I can brag to my friends that the cute guy from 'left right left' asked me out, hugged me, and kissed my cheek. This would make them jealous.

I continue playing around with my salad. Tossing all the onions out to the side, but then suddenly change my mind, as I store all the onions in a tissue, since I can't imagine what Angad would think over this habit of mine. He already thought I was a very fussy eater, just yesterday he had asked me, "Is there something you even like?" when I was throwing out all the olives from the pizza. That is natural right?????

Anyways, so I am done stuffing the onions in the tissue. When the tissue is heavy enough I plan to drop it on the floor, except when I look down to drop it I notice that we have placed all our coats, bags, and purses underneath the table. S***.

I can't hold it in my hand for too long for sure, so I stretch my arms widely pretending to yawn, that too very loudly, which immediately gets Angad's attention. He immediately looks at me disapproving my loud fake yawn, I just give a meeky smile back in turn, which is not even returned *Note to self - kick him when we get back home. * Did I just say home? Ugh, you do realize that I meant Angad's home, not mine.

I toss the tissue behind, which is a bit wet with the ugly cream from the salad, and to my misfortune I heard a s*** from behind. It's a male voice. I turn my head guiltily to look at the misfortunate person on which the tissue landed on only to drop my mouth wide open in shock.

*Thada*

It's the cute guy! Yeee! Yipiee! (i m just being sarcastic here!)

And, the worst thing he is now looking back at me angrily. I turn around again hanging my head down in embarrasment, while the occupants on my table look at him. I hear footsteps marching up to the table. Uh-oh. Uh oh.

I want to put my head underneath the table and hide, but I can't do that. So, I just sit there imagining the words the cute guy will say to me.

"You are the biggest *beep* *beep* *beeeeepp beeep beeep beeeeeeeeeeep*

"How sweet of you to throw a tissue w/ onions on me!"

I obviously wanted to get the cute guy's attention, but not this way, instead of laughing with me, he is now giving me murderous looks.

He comes and stands in front of me looking angrily at me waiting for an explanation. I just give out a little laugh, and immediately stop, since it's too fake and the mood does not change one bit.

I look at him, and say, "It wasn't me, but him" pointing to Angad. Don't even ask me why I just did that!

Angad looks shocked, and says, "What are you talking about?". I rise from my chair pretend to look angrily, and point to Angad, "I am telling you its him!". Wouldn't it be fun if me and the cute guy could beat Angad up?

But, apparently my explanation is not too convincing to the cute guy, since he is still furiously looking at me without moving his gaze. Why on earth was I complaining before that he did not even give me one glance? His one glance now is worth a million glances!

And, then suddenly something happens out of the blue. Aaliyah rises from her chair, and says, "It was me" these words of her make me feel very grateful, but the next instant.... She does the unthinkable; her next words make me very ungrateful, as she yells, "Aren't you the one who Kripa is talking to on the net?"

The cute guy from an angry mad man turns into a confused fellow, as he stands there looking at Aaliyah. While, I stand there cursing Aaliyah under my breath, what is she thinking? Like, seriously, what is going on in that HEAD of hers??????

Angad now looks alert, as he says, "He is the one Ali?" to which Aaliyah shakes her head, and now suddenly something dawns upon me. Aaliyah has been communicating with Angad, apparently making up stories about me and the guy I like. AMAZING! (Sarcastically).

I want to murder Aaliyah. Ughhhhhhhhhh!

"Didn't I show you his picture Bhai?" says Aaliyah looking at Angad, while I stand there completely shocked. So, Aaliyah went even to the extent of showing a picture of the guy I like. Wooooooooooooohoooo!!!!! Is there anything she hasn't done yet?????

This matter is damn messed up.

I immediately take off from there, "Y----e---ssss, this is Aryan" I say, as I go and put my arm around the cute guy. Angad is just staring at the cute guy and me. He looks very confused. An expression I least expected. I was thinking more in terms of anger.

I am hoping that I can now take the cute guy aside, except before I can get to that...

"My name is Rajeev," says the cute guy, "Rajeev Khandelwal" he is not at all happy by my name to him, as well as my hand holding his, as he pulls his hand out away from me.

Before, he can do any further damage, I pull Rajeev to the side, giving a nervous smile, and say, "Look, I am sorry what I did. I really am. If you want I can pay for any damage I have done?" my last words get me a very angry look, fumbling I add, "Plllllllllease, I am really sorry. The thing is I like that guy (pointing to Angad), and my stupid friend (pointing to Ali) showed your picture to him claiming that you are my boy friend.. I know a veryy stupid thing to do -----"

"So?" he says looking at me arrogantly.

Uh oh, the matter is worse than I thought, he really hates me, and there goes my chance of making Angad jealous down the drain. Why couldn't Aaliyah find another picture? Why did she have to use Rajeev's only? Why oh why? Why does this all have to happen to me?? Why did that tissue have to hit him? Tell, you what I am the most unlucky person on this planet!

Before I know it Rajeev has walked out from my side to Aaliyah's.

"I like you" says Rajeev to Aaliyah, "that was very sweet of you standing up for your friend" for the word 'friend' I am thrown a very nasty look. Aaliyah blushes looking at Rajeev.

While, Angad Khanna smirks looking at me. Uh-oh, bad days are here again!

*****

It takes no genius to figure out that Rajeev asked Aaliyah out, and Angad Khanna caught my lie. Thanks to Aaliyah of course!

The ride back home was very unpleasant, we sat down crammed in the car with Mahen in the front sitting with Mishty, while I sat in the back seat with Angad right next to me, two huge bags between Aaliyah and him. As the car turned Angad Khanna fell over me, well lets just say it was a very horrible thing. I had a crush on the guy, but I was not crazy to the extent to feel his touch from time to time.

"Let me get this straight" he starts, "Aryan aka Rajeev your boy friend just asked Aaliyah out" I could swear he was smiling the whole time he said it. Mocking me.

I just ignored him, and rolled down my window hoping the sound from outside would be loud enough to overshadow his words.

"You met Aryan over the net, and you liked him, and he liked you. Except, when you guys meet he does not care about the fact that its you Kripa, the girl he likes." Teases Angad. Apparently, he finds this highly amusing. I literally feel like strangling his neck at this point.

"Aryan is just too shameless. I must admit he ignored you, as if you were some insect in the air" mocks Angad.

I am looking out the window staring at the parade of people on the street all singing and dancing.

"He did not even pretend to recognize you Kripa! I really do feel your pain, honey" patting my back, "don't worry I understand".

Remind me again as to what I saw in Angad Khanna? God, if you are listening, please grant me this one wish, please, oh please, knock some sense in Angad Khanna's teeny meeny head!

*****

Two Days Later

Summer was at its peak. We were all standing outside in the blazing sun sweating like pigs. Mahen of course had removed his shirt, and thrown it off. He was standing outside flashing his chest, which, didn't earn him a single brownie point, by brownie point, of course I mean the neighborhood girl's attention – they were all busy eyeing some other guy *ahem* do I even need to name this other guy?

I stood outside wearing a tank top, my hair tied back in a messy bun, and a few strands falling on my face framing it, with a pair of white shorts, along with a cap, which wasn't quite helping. Holding my arm to cover my face from the sun I stared at the dirty car in front of us with dust and dirt on it. It was completely muddy.

Mahen had gotten a bucket filled with soap water, and a scrubber with soap foam into it, as he passed by me he smeared some soap on my nose. Annoyed, I caught his hand, and took the bucket out, and splashed some soap water on him.

The next thing you know is we are caught in a soap water war. He first started by throwing the bucket filled with soap water on me, which pissed me off, I ran inside getting another bucket with soap water, and aimed it on him. Except, to my bad luck he moved away, and all the soap water fell on Angad Khanna.

My mouth opened widely in shock, and before the reality could sink in Angad Khanna starts chasing me. I am running in front screaming loudly on top of my lungs, while he chases me, soon the next thing I know is I am caught in his arms, the bar of soap in his hand is put all over my face, and as I turn my face around quickly I loose my balance.

Ladies, and gentlemen, now hold your breath... *dhum* *Dhum* *Dhum* the moment you were anticipating for has finally arrived. I fall down. *drum beating* And, *thud* *thud* Angad Khanna in his sweetttttttt attempt to catch me looses his balance as well *gasp*, and the next you know is I am on the floor flat with possibly broken ribs, but I could care less because all I can see in front of me is my Prince Charming.... ahhhh life just couldn't be moreeee perfect!

*******

Part 8 A - Life is Beautiful

Diary Entry

I stood in the moonlight gazing at the moon, New York's moon. Counting the millions of stars in the sky, I wondered whether my mom was looking down at me, while the silent breeze roared its approval.

I remember my mom always told me, beta, when you find your self being alone, just never forget that there is someone somewhere in this world looking out for you. Your angel, hun. And then she would frown, as if suddenly struck by a thought and say, Now, don't you dare call out for your angel or refuse to believe in him when you are in some sort of problem. I could still imagine her face, except it had become very blurry now, I couldn't exactly remember her exact face, it was fading from my memory, I tried my best to catch it in the vision of my eyes, but I couldn't.

Sometimes I would wish I could take a picture of my vision, but it was impossible, she was fading, and even though I never wanted to admit this, I did at last accept it. There was no point in denying it, and some day I would trace a picture of hers to keep it permanently etched in my heart. I loved her, I loved her a lot. I could not bear the thought that my love for her was diminishing, as a result of which she was fading from my mind.

All I could remember at present was that she was beautiful. Very beautiful. In fact, from no angle did I look like her daughter, she had a sweet angelic face, while I had a heart shaped witch like face.

So leveling down with me, and kissing my cheek she would say, "Angels love to test, hun. So, if you are going through a rough time, remember to always believe in yourself, and that angel of yours. It's all a test, and when you pass that test sweetie... happiness would be sitting on your doorsteps"

This is where I got the habit of believing in my angel, believing that there was someone, somewhere out there looking out at me, protecting me, taking care of my needs, blessing me, and preventing all the mishaps from taking place with me. She had given me a very rosy picture of life.

For as long as I remember I continued believing in that angel of mine, and when mom passed away, I believed that I had two angels looking out for me, thus double the protection, double the happiness, and double the love.

****

Diary Update 2

The next day morning, the first thing I heard was the buzzing of bees, well, not actual bees, but two bees, Mahen and Angad. They both stood in a secluded corner talking about something, except since they wanted to prevent me from hearing it, all I could hear was the buzzing.

I sat down on the breakfast table chewing on my toast, and glancing through the newspaper trying to partially figure out the connection between newspapers and Angad Khanna. All I could notice were columns full of crime, politics, sports or entertainment. Lifting a pen I narrowed down to crime, since Angad Khanna was a cop, and sports, since he was a guy, and entertainment, incase he secretly had a crush on Angelina Jolie, if that was the case, then I would kill him.

Casually flipping back and forth, I chewed on my toast patiently, sipped some juice, then humming a distant tune I rose from my chair when I heard a sharp intake of breath. I froze for a second pretending I hadn't heard it I made my way across into the kitchen where I could clearly hear a few snippets of the conversation

"... she is no saint..."

"... I am telling you dude she likes you...."

"... it's all a lie...."

"... Ang–"

Battling my eyelashes innocently, I walked out of the kitchen right past them, and the buzzing stopped, as Mahen stared at me, while Angad pretended to button up his shirt.

I entered the bedroom grabbed a towel, whistling now I entered the bathroom, and stood in front of the mirror thinking back to their conversation. It was obviously me they were talking about. And, I had to admit the guy was smart, Angad Khanna was damn good!

He knew I was not the type of girl, who would chase him, even though she "supposedly" had a tiny crush on him.

I fully understood now that he was brilliant at his job, and it was not easier to fool around with him, as I had thought it would be.

It was proving to be much more difficult, but this was Kripa he was dealing with, and at the end of this game I would be the winner, and he would be the loser.

This was the layout of this game, and at the end of the day I would get back all my freedom, and I would be a free bird in New York City with no cop baby sitting me.

****

By the time I had stepped out only in a towel wrapped around my body no body was in sight, and the house was dead silent. I felt the excitement in my veins, as for a second I thought they both had walked out leaving my alone. But, alas that tiny feeling disappeared when Angad Khanna came into sight looking like a lion with his back bent slightly, with no shirt on showing off his chest full of hair, golden hair. Well, it was brown, but due to the sunlight blinding my vision slightly, his chest appeared all tanned, and the hair appeared to be golden.

Unfortunately though I caught myself drooling over him, something that I should have done on the reminder of my mind. But, somehow I was naturally doing it, as if I really had a crush on him. He cleared his throat making me aware of his presence, well the presence of his face, as he grimly said, "Towel?" with his hand stretched out, while I blushed.

"Erm..." I started, except I had lost all my voice, I looked up at him, while he stood with the why-me look on his face, it was mostly the why-do-you-have-to-crush-on-me type of look, well at least that is what I gathered.

"Towel" he said the second time, except this time he tried to touch the towel around my body, well he actually touched it, while I shivered, and quickly backed away. This time for several reasons, one mainly because I was shy, yet at the same time a bit disgusted, seriously the guy has no shame that he comes to snatch of the towel around my body, "don't you have other towels in this house of yours?" I asked angrily totally disgusted now, and the entire 'shy' completely vanished.

"This is my house" he said walking dangerously towards me, "And, that is my towel" he pointed out towards the towel wrapped around my bare body, "so, give it back to me!" he caught the towel again. But, I pushed his filthy hands away screaming, "Angad," and backed away hitting the dead wall, "Why do you want this one?" I literally pleaded.

"hun, you like me. I like you too" he replied with a straight face, "There is no reason to be shy". With his words all I felt like screaming was "WHAT?" and running out of the place seriously or I would murder this guy, even though I somehow was starting to like him.

-----------------------------------------

Part 8 B

Diary Update Continued

"Stay away from me!" I scream, as Angad Khanna makes his way towards me dangerously, my heart starts pounding heavily in my chest, adding to my panic, while he says edgily, "oh baby, come on!" as he pulls me closer in the circle of his arms.

All I can hear at this point is *THUDDDD* *THUDDD* the beating of my heart, the rhythm of my heart, the suspense gripping my senses, as I hold back my breath in shock wondering what will happen next.

Except, before I can give this situation any thought my eyes widen in shock, as he grabs my waist, and pulls me closer, and I just stare in disbelief at this horrific twist in the tale.

This was NOT the way I had imagined things to be, god, I had never ever imagined I would be stuck in this pathetic situation with Angad Khanna proposing his "luuuuveeeeee" for me.

"I am not your baby!" I snap back, as I pull myself out of his hold, and rush into the bedroom, while he follows me calling out, "babee" in a sarcastic way.

In my hurry to run, I trip on a stupid tie, and before I know it I am falling straight down to land right on my face --- But, my hero, my ROMEO, my SUPERHERO, my SPIDY, my JAMES BOND, my KRRISH TADA! SURPRISE* SURPRISE* the great Angad Khanna to my rescue.

He pulls me back in his arms, while the towel wrapped around my body, from the side comes loose a little, and all I can do is stare at it helplessly in shock cursing it silently in my head, while behind me Angad blabbers something.

I could care less about what he is speaking at this point, since all my attention is focused on the loose end of the towel, which will fall out any second. And, all I can do is stare helplessly at it, since my life depends on it, and sadly my hands are tied back, courtesy of the PIG.

"... so, babe, what do you say?" I hear him say, and all I do is nod, hoping he would release my hands, but instead what he does is try to turn me around, and in this process the stupid towel is almost about to fall, so like an idiot I end up saying, "shhhh... pshh... Noooooooooooooooo"

I meant the towel of course, but Mr. big fat head assumes it is meant for him. God, why, o why, didn't you give this guy a BRAIN? Why, o why, did you make him a cop? And, why, o why, did you make him interested in me? Wait, is he?

He is taken aback by this statement of mine, and then incredibly we land back on the stupid towel again, since he asks, "now, babe, can I get back my towel?" he asks that question, as he kisses my cheek.

The first thing I wish to do is now is throw this towel out of the window, or jump it, just keep jumping on it, jumping, pumping, dumping, and just totally destroy it BADLY.

Wait, I did not mean destroy, I meant TEAR it up, as soon, as I can get my hands on a pair of scissors, the first thing I am going to do is cut this thing up, then all the newspapers, and of course, who can forget the menus. And, if I do not find one, then I will do with my own hands, and if not my hands, then my teeth will do as well, even if I loose some I do not care. Even if I have to eat them up, it's fine, in case this guy puts them together, either stiches the towels up, or tapes the newspapers.

Now, I cannot risk that, so I am ready to eat this up as well. This towel has to BE finished! Or elsee...

Honestly, what is up with Angad Khanna and this towel now? Why does he want this towel so badly? He is going to turn me into a murderer, murderer of killing a towel, a newspaper, a menu, and lastly....

This guy is totally messed up in the head, first with newspapers, then with menus, and now with towels! Did you ever hear about a guy whose obsession lies with towels?

No? Well, now, you just did!

I am so mad at this point, especially his want of the towel from me that I literally push him back with all my strength, I also manage to catch the loose end of the towel, and tie it back.

He looks at that end, and I can see the light bulb lighting up in his brain going, "ohhhhh baby, I know you are shy!" he catches hold of my hand again. I feel like throwing up, but I don't, I run around to the side again, while Angad stands in front staring at me giving me a you-are-trapped type of look, while I stand there helplessly at his mercy.

"shoooooo" I say, as he walks to my side, while I move closer to the wall, "don't you dare come near me!" but he continues to ignore my words, as he moves closer towards me.

"YOU DO NOT LIKE ME" I scream fiercely this time, as I climb on the bed.

In this past 30 seconds, since he had said, "I like you. You like me" I had always wanted to scream "NO" back, sadly though, I could not get to it, until now.

Anyway, for a second I think I just a heard a chuckle behind me. However, I do not take the risk of turning around, all I can do at this point is rush away from him, as quickly as possible.

I jump down from the bed, while he climbs up behind me, "And, what makes you think, I don't?" I hear him say, I can swear he is smiling, as he makes that stupid reply.

Rushing out of the bedroom, I scream back, "well, whatever I do not like you! Are you satisfied now?" I ask stopping midway in the kitchen, and turning around to catch a glimpse of him, but when I hear his lazy footsteps like a coward I run.

I start running back again holding the towel trying not to think about the guy standing in the balcony of the the opposite building would think as he witnessed the spectacular sight of a girl running around in a towel with a big fat head guy chasing her for the towel.

Would he call the cops?

But, wait, Angad is a cop right? So that wouldn't help! Besides, cops never came to your rescue, they were bad, just really bad, take Angad for instance. He was bad.

Anyway, back to the original question, who in their right mind is eager to snatch a towel from a girl? And, that finally brought me to the conclusion that Angad Khanna was not in his right state of mind.

Yes, that had to be it! Or why else would he act so weird? So far, he was least interested in me, and now all of a sudden he is expressing his interest... in a perverse way... He had to be....

OH MY GOD! I cannot believe it! Is this really true?

Holyyy Molly-------

****

I locate the object of my interest finally in a small corner of the kitchen I pick it up, for now, I would have to do with it. I hide behind the door, and as soon as I hear Angad's footsteps the first thing I do is come out of my hiding spot, and start hitting his head.

"OUCH OUCH...." I hear him scream, while he starts running away, the situation has now reversed to my favour, "what are you doing, Kripa?" he says, while I continue to hit his head with the feathers of the broom chanting, "you-stupid-hooded-creature-get-out!!!"

"Kri-----" I hear him say, as he is running towards the bedroom, but I am aware the spirit is wild, and loose, so I continue to hit him ignoring his pleas, chanting out, this time, "OM-SHANTI-OM-OM-SHANTI-OM-OMMMM SHANTIIIIIII OM... SHANTIII SHANTI OM..."

"OUCCCCCCCCCHH... Kri----OUAWW... OUCH-PAWWCHH" I hear him scream, as he scratches his face, and runs around the room like a dancing gorilla.

I know what the guy from the opposite building is doing this time. Holding a camera and recording this incredible sight for "America's Funniest Videos".

****

PART NINE – SILENT NIGHT

Khaab jal kar huye, faas jo khwaab the. heey adhuri meri dastaan.....

Eh khudaa karu main kya pata.. Eh khudda. Eh Khudaa karu main kya pata....

jo kehna tha mujhe main keh nah saka...

Three years later

Angad Khanna walked into his spacious veranda, and gazed at the silent night in the distance. His aristocratic features set into an icy mask, as he stood with his hands in his pocket whistling like a cool and composed person.

Crickets cribbed in the distance, and the sound of the running lake water could be heard from the right, as it ran between the well manicured park, and the deserted motels, while the rolling snake like hills surrounded the city of Cedar. Beyond the bunch of trees lined up in front the bright yellow streetlights were dearly visible casting their web of light on the floor, as shadows lurked around the corner.

Cedar Industries was primarily the heart and soul of Utah. The prosperity of the state lied solely in the hands of this one single industry, which had plantations that grew cotton, along with agricultural outputs of poultry, cattle, grains, vegetables, milk, soybeans, industrial outputs of iron, steel, paper, wood and lumber. And, also home to the automotive manufacturing industry, which managed to remain evergreen, despite various competitors rising in the market; in fact, it still retained it's number one position, after fifty years even, and remained to be a huge source of revenue to the Cedar families.

Like all small communities Cedar had a well-established social hierarchy, and the Khanna family were the primary head of the community, more like VIP's, since they were the prime owners of Cedar Industries, which managed to provide jobs to millions.

About three generations of the Khanna's had settled in this small town of Cedar, originally Indians by decent, the Khanna's did not have a huge family, unlike most Indians. However, somewhere along the line the only child of Dhruv Rai Khanna, much against his disapproval had married a British lady named Elizabeth Parker. As a result the children were considered to be half British, and half Indians.

The Khanna men always about six feet tall, well built handsome men known for their arrogance and recklessness, as per tradition took up Cedar Industries, the only exception being one, who was not at all interested in the family business was compelled to leave the house.

Angad Khanna happened to be the great grandchild of Dhruv Rai Khanna, merely a cop by profession, about three years ago had mysteriously left the profession due to the unknown reasons, and returned to his hometown, Cedar. Neighbors were appalled by this decision of his, since they were very familiar with his passion for his profession.

He had settled in New York for about two years, and during this period of separation, the family chose not to talk about him, rather they always remained distant when the subject of Angad Khanna was brought up. However, since his arrival the past was buried, and every forth night Angad Khanna happened to be a favorite topic for discussions.

Rumors flew back and forth, every now and then, about his abrupt departure from his profession; one such rumor was that apparently he had gotten fired. Constant discussions were held almost every forth night about this, some remarked that he had lost the girl, who was his responsibility in the last mission -- due to his foolishness she had gotten killed, while others went on to declare that he had fallen in love with her. Whether these rumors were true or not, no one could verify.

Nevertheless most of the community was pleased with his arrival, mainly because their distant dream of pairing up one of their daughters with him was going to come true. Girls put on their best appearance, as they reached the classy, rich, sophisticated, high & mighty parties. Call it their misfortune or bad luck, in these past three years the junior Khanna failed to pay attention to any of these girls. The easygoing laid back guy last seen about five years ago was replaced with someone else. Angad Khanna was a changed man, yet he still held that deadly charm of his.

****

The cool breeze blew on Angad Khanna's face, as he threw the cigar away, and stepped on it, bringing forth, unpleasant memories of the past. That 'one' nightmainly, which changed the course of his entire life. If only, he wished many times, if only he could go back in the past, and erase that one night from his life.

Zindagi kya batayee... kis taraf leke jaaye...

Tutee bhi patoo main...

Dhunda hu main saaya...

She had flown like an angel in his life and changed everything. She was spoiled, promiscuous, arrogant, crazy, yet amazing.

Back then, he had considered it to be his misfortune to encounter such a wild, crazy brat, but somewhere deep down he had come to realize that a completely different individual lied behind this facade of hers. A complete different person lied at heart. A cute, sweet, and beautiful kid...

Yet, despite being aware of her past, her present, her everything. The jerk that he had been with her, he thought contemptuously, as he studied his surrounding, and suddenly banging his right fist on the wall, he winced a bit, as the pain crept through... god, would never ever forgive him for that...

Like, a cold person, he had planned and calculated everything, almost every single thing, every single detail, except, all his calculations went down the drain, since he failed to foresee one major thing. That one tiny thing cost him everything. The entire game, his entire life, her.

He made two major blunders, due to one, he almost lost her, but when he got her back, he made another blunder -- his 'words' proved to be very costly. They took away everything, his life, his sanity, his satisfaction, his peace, and his happiness... And, today he would be paying the ultimate price for it.

The darkness in his life would be the key proof for it.

But, somewhere the stubborn kid in him still felt that 'it was all her fault', he now thought the same bitterly, as he poured down the ugly liquid for himself, '.... all her stupid damn fault! If only she had never entered his life in the first place'. Pressing his fingers on the glass he stared down at the liquid, roll up and down.

Udasi ka manzar... lafz hain manzar...

Jo kehna tha mujhe main keh na saka...

Thinking back about the beautiful life he led once, those carefree, bright blue days had now turned into a nightmare.

Eh khudaa karu main kya pata.. Eh khuddaaaaaa.

That stupid damn name haunted him day and night, yet he could not hate that name, the name that would be on his lips, as he feel asleep every night, and would be the first thing he would think of, as he woke up every morning.

The name that was present everywhere, whether in articles, in soap operas, in movies, in magazines, be it anything, god damn it, he thought briskly, why the hell did it have to be such a common name?

And, that finally brought forth the desire to call out her name, just once, if last, then last it is. But, this would mark the first time in three years he would call out loud her name, Kripa, he whispered softly, he kept whispering it again. It gave him enormous satisfaction to hear her name - it made her alive, he called out her name over and over again.

Sipping the bitter liquid, which burned in his throat, he felt an intense clot, yet it was nothing to the pain he felt when his heart bled.

Eh Khudaa karu main kya pata....

Eh Khudaaa... aaa...

****

Elizabeth Khanna watched her grandson stand by the veranda, and caught sight of the glass in his hand, as he put it away hastily when he spotted her. Striding swiftly up the stone steps that led to the veranda she noticed his fingers tighten around the glass, not again, she thought grimly in her head, not another matter disturbing him this evening.

However, what interested her the most was the expression he put up when he noticed her from seconds he changed from tensed to calm and composed, she had to admit to her self, he was indeed excellent at masking his emotions. Yet that was some thing that made her more worried. She always got the impression that he put away all his feelings, all his problems, his worries aside, in front of everyone, and that was completely wrong on his part, because she was well aware one day he would break down. And, that happened to be her worst fear.

'Angad?' she called out wearily, 'what're you up to at three in the morning?' as she walked closer to him, watching her steps carefully, since the tiles below were made of marble, they could be very slippery when they wanted to. She had always warned her husband against them, yet he had never listened to her, he never did listen to her. He always did everything, as per his own wishes. And, his grandson was exactly the same, stubborn and rebellious, both qualities were abundant in the grandfather and grandson. Seconds later, she had managed to reach him, yet he had chosen not to respond to her question. Another quality inherited from his grandfather, Karan, also never managed to respond to any of her words.

'Kiddo' she called out fondly, 'Are you alright?' she asked ruffling through his hair, to which he moved away quickly looking far from pleased. To her surprise, he responded this time, grumpily a 'yes' was the simple calm response she received from him, as he walked out of the room looking annoyed.

Something was definitely eating him up from the inside. He was guilty of something.

****

Aaliya Khanna fiddled around with the pencil, drawing hearts all over the page, as Mr. Roger blabbered something about Vectors. Yawning out loud, she scribbled down the name, 'Leo' at the bottom left corner of the page. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her partner peeping at her page. Pretending to be engrossed in her work, she continued humming a weird tune she had heard on the radio last night, while she noticed her partner frown.

'Who is Leo?' he asked grimly, shaking his head in disapproval, as he wrote down the word Mr. Roger had just muttered out indignantly. Feeling pleased that she had accomplished such an important task bestowed upon her, she continued drawing hearts, and royally ignored him, as Mr. Roger left the room.

****

'Fetch me a glass of water, please.' He ordered sitting on the couch, as he stared at his brother sitting on the other end of the room engrossed in some paper work. Gripping the glass, he lazily muttered, 'Very well, thank you.' as he walked across the room to Angad Khanna.

'Are you alright?' Mahen asked in a concerned tone, as he stared at his brother's appearance. His curly hair all tousled across his forehead, would do better with some trimming, tired eyes appearing swollen, and red, as blood. He definitely hadn't shaven, since a day or two, and most importantly he needed some rest.

'Yes, thank you', replied Angad Khanna sullenly without taking his eyes off the papers, as Mahen watched him for a while, but said nothing, until...

Minutes later

'You would do better with some sleep' Mahen informed in a steely voice, as he snatched the papers out of his brother's hands, who appeared to be on the verge of exploding at this course of action, but really Mahen had enough of Angad Khanna's daily routine.

'Angad?' Mahen said calmly, 'Please...' he pleaded, 'you really need to take some rest'. When his brother did not look mighty pleased with this suggestion, he wailed, 'your body cannot function like this... just look at you, bro'. Mahen was deeply concerned with his brother's crazy lifestyle. He appeared less human, but more, like a Robot, devoid of any emotions or feelings, just no life.

'You can't be serious about all this!' Mahen said furiously, 'I have had enough of this thing of yours, Angad, I can't bear to see you living like this anymore.' His tone suddenly changing a bit, 'This is not normal! -----'

'I'm touched with your concern,' Angad said calmly, as his gaze lingered around the William's piano teacher for a second, who had just entered the wrong room, 'But, I would do much better, if you would quit giving me a lecture. It's my life, and I will live with it, the way I wish to' he finished finally taking his eyes off her the words clearly suggested, 'it was none of your business' to Mahen.

'When was the last time you glanced in the mirror, bro?' screamed Mahen, as Angad Khanna got up to leave, 'Go check yourself dude! You are starting to remind me of someone. And, that would be a stubborn old teenager, who refuses to head on the right path...'

Wordlessly Angad Khanna strolled out of the room, as Mahen wailed out, 'You killed her, Angad. You killed her!' Whether he heard the words or not, Angad did not acknowledge, but, if there was one thing, Mahen was aware, it was that his brother would never show it, but somewhere the guiltiness would seep through, and that's where the wine came into play.

Angad Khanna's life had hit a dead end, it was more like, 'the end'. And, he knew it.

****

PART 10 - Keeper of My Heart

Jenny slammed on the brakes harshly forcing the car to give a violent jerk, as it finally came to a stop. She had a clear idea that she had just damaged the car's mechanism, but that matter should be more pressing to Eddie, who had gifted her a BMW despite being aware of his wife's startling driving skills.

Humming a distant tune, she took off her seat belt, and stepped down from the car. Straightening her skirt, and the wrinkles on her shirt she made her way to the doorsteps of the Sharma Mansion. Playing around with the car keys, she ran across the road clicking on her heels, and almost got hit by a truck.

But, whatever, she was visiting her best friend, after a period of almost three months. And, she ought to be a bit too reckless, especially when matters came down to Kripa Sharma. Her best friend.

They had met about three years back in university with nothing in common, except a strong dislike for Political Science. What started to be a small friendship soon grew into a bigger one, as they put their heads in everything, especially punched guys that hit on them.

Pressing lightly on the doorbell she stepped back to glance around the surroundings. The fence had definitely changed from a off beat ocean blue color to a plain white one, she could smell the fragrance of the roses, and the jasmines added in the corner, and even spotted the daisies, the others she couldn't quite identify.

"Good morning, sweetheart" Jenny chanted happily at the sight of her friend's pleasant face when the door opened giving her a quick hug, and lightly kissing her cheek with one hand draped around Kripa's shoulder, the girls headed to the living room.

"I missed you" Kripa informed sweetly, then catching sight of Jenny's tiny waist "Working out, I presume?" she said gently, "what do you think darling?" giggled Jenny in return, "I'd rather sweat out like a pig, than catch Eddie's gaze over any girl"

"You're crazy" Kripa replied lightly hitting Jenny's head, "I'll get you some coffee" smiling Kripa walked into the kitchen, which was attached to the living room, "Get me something to eat as well please" Kripa looked back in disbelief at her best friend, who was resting on the couch with her eyes closed. As far as she knew Jenny disliked eating anything in the morning, it made her feel all uneasy and sick.

"Hun, I haven't had anything since last night" mumbled Jenny in turn when she felt Kripa's gaze over her, "Why is that?" asked Kripa, as she frowned, and poured the boiling water in the mug, "You see, darling, my husband, bless him lord" she began in that amused tone of hers, "has recently acquired a new passion for cooking, and you see darling, as much as I love him, I absolutely despise his rather disastrous cooking skills - apparently my love hasn't reached the point, where I could endure his awful cooking…" Kripa giggled lightly, as she handed the mug to her best friend, "that is awfully rude of you, Hun, to chat about his shortcomings behind his back"

Jenny raised her eyebrow in disbelief, "darling, why don't you trade places with me for a day?" Kripa smiled at Jenny's light words, "oh come on, it can't be as bad, as you make it sound" "That's it!" announced Jenny rising as she lifted the cup, "it's decided then… you're coming to my place tonight for dinner" before Kripa could protest Jenny had conveniently disappeared in the kitchen, and within a few seconds she was back with a packet of chips, and a glass of orange juice.

"So, how did you manage to avoid eating?"

Jenny grinned.

"You couldn't figure that out?" Jenny asked in disbelief, "How do you think I've been losing weight?"

Kripa grinned.

"You're kidding me! He is allowing you to diet?"

"Not entirely!" Jenny answered munching on the chip, "He is worried that I'm going to vanish in thin air. But, honestly darling, looking at the bright side, his brilliant cooking is the reason I'm losing weight. Isn't that awesome?"

"That reminds me, I won't be able to come tonight at your place!"

"Why?" Jenny appeared disappointed, and Kripa felt like punching herself for giving priority to other things, "I've to head to work" Kripa answered keeping her face straight, and not betraying a single emotion.

Jenny turned red. She had come running all the way to meet her best friend, whom she hadn't seen in three months, and yet here this stupid woman was planning to leave already within a matter of few hours. Jenny had planned so much for the next couple of days, and to see her plans crumple, completely infuriated her. "I'm starting to feel you're married to your work!" snapped Jenny angrily, "And, that it comes before me!" she threw the packet of chips away, lifted her sandals, she had kicked off earlier, and strolled out of the living room. She was leaving. Standing on the patio, she placed her feet in the sandals with a hand leaning on the wall she started to fit her feet in the sandals that were too tight for her.

"You don't understand!" Kripa answered rising, feeling awful she ran after her friend, "Initially, I'd taken a few days off, but unfortunately a emergency came up for Sophie, so I'm taking up her place."

"Kripa, this is another one of your excuses!" scoffed Jenny, as she swore under breath, since she almost slipped, "Jenny!" Kripa said finally catching her best friend's hand, "I'm sorry. I'm really truly very sorry, but, I can't do anything about this, I've to keep myself busy. I don't want to think, I don't want my thoughts to drift back in the past --" Kripa sat down on the floor pulling her feet closer together, as she wrapped her arms around them, and buried her face. It had been a long day, and she was exhausted. She could almost feel the muscles in her neck scream out in pain.

Looking at her friend's crumpled face, and helpless state Jenny instantly melted, though she still felt a bit angry for different reasons this time, "Kripa, honey, you're the most courageous person I've ever seen, but darling by running away from the past - it-" Jenny hesitated, "it just shows you're being a coward. You have the ability to face your past, Kripa, you can face it! Don't be afraid of anything." Sitting down beside Kripa, she put a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Darling, you don't need to be afraid of your feelings." changing her tone casually she added, "Besides, I'm pretty sure you're over that *******!" she tried to sound so confident, and reassuring that she failed to notice Kripa had lifted her head up.

"I'm not over him!" Kripa answered brightly, but Jenny was aware that with the smile Kripa was simply pretending it was all fine when it wasn't. She admired the way Kripa held back her tears, despite a broken heart, Jenny had never seen Kripa breakdown and cry. She never cried. She always smiled, even though tears almost brimmed in her eyes, "Why are you smiling?" Jenny asked lightly, Kripa punched her back, "You expect me to cry that I'm not over him?" Jenny smiled, and shook her head negatively, "You deserve a hug darling" she replied in turn, the girls hugged each other, "Did I tell you that I missed you?" Kripa asked smiling, and this time Jenny was positive her friend had tears in her eyes, "yes, you did, and you're over him, Kripa"

"I'm not over him" Kripa repeated again, "I wish I were over him though!" she stated with a sigh, "Not that I haven't tried and you've seen me try hard, Jenny, you've seen me avoid any thoughts about him, and when I do find the time to think - I try to remember that night, and those awful words he said to me, but you know what Jenny I can't hate him. No matter how much I keep repeating his words in my head, and his whole purpose, I can't seem to hate him! I still feel everything that I felt before, and it makes me wonder whether it was only a stupid crush, it wasn't, and I knew it at that time, yet he had rejected it saying it was one." turning to Jenny she smiled, "I do not wish to lie to myself saying that I'm over him, and he doesn't matter to me when the reality is he does… The problem is I lost out my heart a long time ago Jen-" Kripa became emotional, and Jenny wanted to scream a no to that statement, but she stopped her self, Kripa would never listen, "I lost out my heart to him, and I never managed to get it back" Jenny was unable to stop the tears this time, she was never an emotional person, but the way Kripa kept nursing her wounded heart with a smile and everything - it was just too much, Kripa smiled brightly, "Angad Khanna is the keeper of my heart, Jenny, he is --" she drifted as she noticed Jenny's wet cheek, wiping the tears from Jenny's wet cheeks, "You silly girl!" she said punching her best friend, "Why are you crying?" smiling she stated firmly, "I've accepted this reality already Jenny. There is no need to assure me that I'm over him when obviously that's not the case. I don't see any point denying it, and it will be nice, if you accept it too." Jenny shook her head in negative stubbornly, "do you know why you deserve a hug?" she asked with a smile, "Why?" "For being so nice, sweet, and too forgiving." Kripa smiled, "You're just too nice Kripa" she said hitting on Kripa's shoulder, "And, I hate you for that! Because, you make me appear like a devil in comparison!".

****

I have not suffered a heart break yet, so I am clearly unaware of the pain. Please do forgive any mistakes on my behalf in capturing the emotion in this part. If I have portrayed it in a wrong way please notify me immediately, and I will be more than glad to attempt to rectify things. I had to remove a couple of scenes due to the length, as well as play around with the mood a little, in order to make it easier for you to read it.

PART ELEVEN - Not Meant To Be

My heart sinks when I remember you
…yet it's something I can't help but do…

I close my eyes with the hope that I can forget you
But, all I see is you…
And, all the beautiful memories you left me with….

It still feels like yesterday when you were standing beside me…
…Holding my hand by the lake…

I still remember the way you gazed into my eyes
And, the way you spoke endlessly…

The way you taught me to dream
And, the way you taught me to smile...

…But, most importantly you know, as much as I do
That you taught me to love…

Love, which was not part of my life before
But with you around everything changed…

…The darkness in my life soon gave way to light
The flowers around were no longer patched, but rather bright and full of life…

The sun was no longer blinding my vision
But, rather I saw it smiling down upon me promising me a better future…
…with you…

And, then when I open my eyes to vision that future…
I become aware of the darkness surrounding my life…
And, I realize that you are no longer there standing beside me…
…no longer holding my hand or comforting me during my difficult times…

And, then I suddenly become aware of these past three years…
…when I envisioned your support in my mind, as I faced my fears…

I feel like crying because I have been holding this for too long....
But, I try to hold back the pain and the tears because I have come so far along....

Deep down in my heart I have realized that things will never be the same....
Momentarily at least I am aware what my greatest weakness is right now....
Yet, despite the knowledge I can't get rid of this pain…

…My dreams have been shattered…
And, my heart has been broken…

If there were something like moving on,
I wish I could do…

But, the way you taught me to love…
I can never love again

I can't help, but love you
Love you…
And, only you...

****

- FLASHBACK -

…Your presence in my life is like a shining star lighting up me and my heart…

A month later…

Leaning back against the door frame, Kripa White closed her eyes, and smiled at the reminder of tonight's party. Angad Khanna had finally given permission for her to attend the party, and he was lenient enough to do that, since it happened to be her birthday, her sweet and precious eighteenth birthday. Not that at the dot of twelve tonight she would directly turn eighteen, since months she had already considered her self to be eighteen, and tonight would be the same. Nothing would be different, except maybe she would experience the thrill of drinking.

She gazed into the mirror, and stared at her profile the millionth time. Was the beautiful lady in the mirror really her? Well, she just couldn't believe it. The lady in the mirror looked stunning beyond words. It felt like a dream… In essence a very beautiful dream…

She smiled to her self, as she reapplied her mascara, and then frowned, as she realized she had just managed to mess it up, really badly. One of these days she ought to learn how to apply mascara. She was eighteen, and it felt foolish to admit that she didn't know how to use one…that she had never touched anything in her life other than a black lipstick, black eyeliner, and a black eye shadow. But, that was a different girl back then…

A foolish young girl, who admired the colour black obsessively. If it weren't for Angad Khanna her obsession with black would not have been over at all. He was the one that brought forth a change in her. A positive change, she added, as she slipped her feet in the four inch long strapless black sandals. Black?

Hopefully, unlike her clothes he would be lenient enough to not throw away these precious sandals of hers. They were her favourite, and she would essentially hate to part from them. Especially, when she was already forced to part from her clothes, and the possibility of parting from her sandals was not at all pleasant. She could still remember how she had thrown a tantrum, and gone on an "I-swear-I-will-never-speak-to-you-again" thing, but of course after two days she had completely forgotten that, and all her swearing had been thrown out the window. Since, she realized that the 'no-talking' thing was completely useless partly because her clothes were gone. Gone. Forever. And, there were reasons as well…

Like, the way Mahen Khanna had shamelessly read her journey, and she had been forced to flush it down the toilet, when he had attempted to show it to Angad Khanna. That had been close. Really close.

Now, she just had to somehow convince Angad that she couldn't essentially wear any other sandals, since these ones went along with her dress. If Angad argued against it, then she would point out to him that black sandals were a beautiful choice. And, she was not at all biased enough to say that. He could ask that to any female, and she would definitely say the same. It was like gold and silver. Most females preferred silver over gold. Though gold was a lot more costly than silver, which was something beyond her understanding. She always felt silver ought to be more expensive, but she guessed somewhere along the demand for gold was higher. It was weird though. Didn't many individuals prefer silver? Shouldn't its demand be higher? Thus, price becomes high. Maybe she learnt the demand vs. supply or was it price? concept all wrong in economics, as it is she was a very poor student, and it wouldn't come as a surprise, if she was indeed wrong. But, still essentially the concept she went with did make sense.

Oh well. She decided shaking her head she shouldn't be worried about that when she had a party to look forward to. And, she was officially turning eighteen. Finally. But, it had been one hell of a long painful wait…

"Kripa," called out Mahen, and just when she turned around she caught him at the doorstep. His eyes lit up the instant he noticed her, and he smiled, "You look gorgeous, babe" he said, as he wrapped his arm around her waist, and kissed her temple.

"I didn't like that" she teased him with a smile, as she removed his hand off her waist, "How does you look gorgeous honey sound to you?"

"And, you look gorgeously handsome, bunny" she joked, "That was lame" he said his interest more on the lipstick on the dressing table, "Yeah I know" she replied, as she crossed the room, and peeped down the window for any sign of the bigger bunny. Nope. No sign. She decided shaking her head.

"Mahen, what do you think you are doing?" she said instantly rushing to him, but it was too late he had hastily put the cap down, and she almost groaned, as she took it out of his hand, and opened it. It was all crushed. Talk about guys. Well, not guys, in this case, a very little young boy.

For one second she felt like yelling at him for doing that, but that wouldn't get the lipstick back, so she decided to trouble him, "Now, why did you need the lipstick?" she asked with her hands on her waist, as she stared at him pretending to be furious, as she blew air from her mouth, and the hair falling on her cheeks went rolling up, and then fell down again.

She liked that, she decided, "uh…uh" Mahen looked greatly troubled, "I'm sorry hun, but… -WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" She smiled mischievously, "You know what I think?"

He turned almost a shade of red, as heard her voice, and he backed out, "No, Kripa-not that thinking thing AGAIN" and she knew beyond anything that he had figured out her thoughts instantly. And, in that instant it was so amusing, as she dashed with the lipstick in her hand, while he ran ahead.

"Mahen, that's right, honeyyy, sincee you so badly wanted to apply it, why don't I do the honours myself right?" she screamed running behind him, but he was quicker than her, since he was much taller it took him essentially two strides to run to his room, and close the door tightly shut.

"Mahen" she banged on the door, "I'm going to be waiting right here for you" "Good, keep waiting" he screamed back, and that's when someone said demanded, "What exactly is going on in here?" sounding not at all pleasant.

She turned around to find Aaliyah Khanna staring back at her furiously, who looked extremely beautiful in that sleeveless red robe with her hair tied back in a plait, and with essentially no makeup, except a lipstick, which was smudged on the cheeks.

"I'm trying to apply lipstick on your brother" she said with a smile, as she and Aaliyah made their way towards the couch, "Older one or younger one?" Aaliyah asked frowning, "Younger" Kripa replied, as she sat down on the edge, and lifted the pillow in her hand, "You people are crazy" Aaliyah said looking annoyed

"You were making out with Rajeev? And, let me guess you heard us scream, so you guys had to ahem* break apart right?" Kripa teased, as she leaned back now, and placed the pillow in her lap, "Don't be silly" snapped Aaliyah, as she played around with the straps of her robe.

It was Kripa's turn to snap "Stop doing that! You look fine" she said pushing Aaliyah's hand away, "Are you kidding me girl? I should have listened to my grandma ages ago when she suggested me not to apply makeup regularly, because girl I look hideous without it… I wish I were like you" Aaliyah replied playing with the straps again.

"No, Ali you're the type to look beautiful, even when you cry. You don't have a red nose like me when you cry, seriously, it feels like someone switched on a light blub when I cry, and sometimes I'd like to think I was meant to be a clown." Aaliyah laughed politely.

"I think you both are ugly, and are just trying to be nice to each other" said Mahen grinning, as he stood leaning on the door frame, "Sadly, I had the impression that you weren't planning to leave your room" Kripa promptly replied.

"Nah," he said relaxing, as he sat beside Aaliyah, "I knew you weren't the type to stick around in one place" he noticed Aaliyah's smudged lipstick, "Making out with your boyfriend?" he asked looking at her, "That is none of your business, Mahen"

"Did you break up with him Ali?" he looked delighted when he said that, "I heard he is in love with Amna Sharif, and frankly Ali they make a wonderful couple" he sounded very much serious, but when Aaliyah looked offended, he instantly attempted to be nice "I mean he is too ugly for you, Ali, you need a prince charm-" Aaliyah caught his wrist in an instant, "Kripa, APPLY THAT LIPSTICK ON HIM NOW OR ELSE I SWEAR TO GODD I WILL MYSELF DO THE HONOUR-"

"what say bhabhi?" Mahen referred to Kripa, and instantly she was annoyed. It was crazy, she knew, but she loved this bond she shared with the Khanna's. Where they would be ready to kill each other in one second, and yet another they would be sitting beside each other laughing, and teasing each other. Since she had never been part of a life like this before she really enjoyed, and hoped that she would very much be part of this sweet loving half insane family. But, for now, she was just going to try and fit in. Kicking the pillow off in the air with her feet, it landed on Angad's head, he had just entered she noticed, "I am going to kill you Mahen!" screamed Kripa chasing him, "I told you ages ago to stop calling me--"

"Bro, if you marry her, I swear you're going to cry!" Mahen ran past a confused Angad, who stared at Aaliyah with what's-going-on look. Kripa ran past Angad in full speed, and she quickly greeted him, and mouthed, "I am going to apply lipstick on Mahen" even though the lipstick was no where in her hand, "You're dead Mahen" she said running on her top speed, and almost tripped, but managed to balance her self.

She heard Aaliyah cheer Go Kripa! And, just when she was about to enter Mahen's room she heard Angad say the girl is too childish. She swore. If he called her childish, she would fully illustrate the definition of childish to him. She turned around with the intention of applying lipstick on Angad Khanna.

***

This was extremely foolish, she decided, as she stood in front of the mirror retying her hair for the millionth time. Yet, for some reason she wanted to so badly hear the words you look beautiful from his mouth, but the stupid damn moron apparently failed to notice that or either failed to be nice.

Well, she couldn't blame him entirely after throwing a couple of punches on him for calling her childish, she expected him to compliment her. Who was she kidding? He was thoroughly ignoring her, and she hated it.

"Ali, what're you smiling at me for?" she asked furiously reapplying her lipstick, while Aaliyah smiled, yet again, "Because," she said, "You're so insanely in love with my brother or it's just—" she paused trying to find the right words, "Maybe because this is your first crush-that is so hard to believe, but yeah I think it's your first crush and that's why you're-"

"…acting insane" Kripa finished, "I'm just waiting for the day it gets over" said Kripa lifting her purse from the side, "Don't think about that! It will eventually happen, and so just let it be… The more you think about it, the deeper you will fall in this web"

"Are you talking from experience?" Kripa asked with a smile, as she pushed all her clothes under the bed, and threw the purse down absent minded-ly. She was too lazy to clean them up, and since Angad Khanna happened to be a freak at perfection, everything should be neat and tidy, she always hid things, and he hated it. God. "… possibly" said Aaliyah pulling out the clip from Kripa's hair, "What did you do that for?"

"I like your hair open" Aaliyah replied, as she refused to hand the clip over to Kripa, who now looked amused, "Shouldn't a guy be saying that?"

"Yeah, but my bro is dumb, so I will express his unsaid feelings-" She immediately stood up at Rajeev's voice, "Damn, that stupid guy can't do one thing without me" she fussed, as she left the room, "Leave your hair open, and if you don't" she said peeking in the room a second later, "I will tell bro that you're badly crushing on him, since he is too stupid to notice it himself"

She stood in front of the mirror for the next ten minutes trying to decide, and she finally went with leaving her hair open. Lifting her purse from the floor she walked out of the room, and spotted Aaliyah with her arm around Rajeev standing at the door. They made a wonderful couple. They were simply perfect for each other. Both were extremely good-looking, and most importantly very charming. They matched rhythm to rhythm in everything. Be it sports, politics, or movies. Their interests were perfectly similar, as if they were made for each other. Without Aaliyah, she couldn't picture Rajeev at all, and without Rajeev she couldn't picture Aaliyah at all. They were incomplete without one another.

"Now, if you're done drooling, can we leave?" Mahen voice came from the door, and again he was referring to Angad. And, even though he was teasing her, yet again. He was now starting to annoy her. Like, really really annoy her. "Of course, I was not staring at your brother" she explained to him, as they walked out behind Rajeev and Aaliyah with Angad following them closely.

They stood in the elevator, and again her heart twisted when she realized Angad had not paid her a single compliment yet. She played around with her hair absentmindedly, and coughed to bring forth his attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Mahen's lips twist into a smile, while Angad Khanna remained oblivious to her cough. And, then no matter how foolish it was, she coughed again. Damn. That was so FAKE!

Unlike last time, he had definitely noticed her cough, and he was actually looking at her now, strangely though. He must have figured out it was fake. God, she was awful with this thing. "God, I look terrible" she said out loud, hoping, praying that he would say, "no, hun you're unnecessarily being silly you look breathtakingly beautiful."

He didn't say a thing. Talk about being a PIG! Dumb head! She had always heard that when someone has a huge head they are essentially very smart, but in Angad's case that wasn't apparently true. The guy had a massive head, yet he was the dumbest person she had ever across. "I really look terrible" she repeated again, as she twisted a strand of her hair. It bounced back to its original resting spot, her cheek. From behind her, she heard Mahen whisper, "Dude, compliment her!" as he pushed Angad's shoulder roughly.

Angad Khanna looked like he had just been awakened from a very pleasant dream. He made a face. "What?" he said, "I heard that!" Kripa told Mahen, as she exited from the elevator "Well, you were very obvious back there!" Mahen caught up to her, "But, apparently I believe my brother was day dreaming"

"He does that quite often" said Kripa marching to the car, "Extremely often" she said angrily, as she sat down in the front seat with her arms crossed, and that's when the tubelight switched in Angad's head, since he went, "You look nice, Kripa"

"And, it took you that long to notice that!" Aaliyah yelled from the back seat. Mahen grinned beside her. It felt like a family. Her, Angad, Aaliyah, Mahen, and maybe even Rajeev.

****

An Hour Later

The party had started in full swing. There were numerous guests standing in one corner laughing out loudly over something not funny, while some retained in cooling presence of the backyard, others remained in the centre seeking attention by pulling out silly stunts.

Turning her gaze away from the beautiful couple dancing in the corner Kripa turned around to catch sight of a handsome old man. He appeared very much familiar to her. She continued looking at him trying to figure out where she had seen him before, when he looked up, and caught her eye, and smiled briefly. That's it. This was the man on the airplane sitting beside her, asking her all sorts of questions about her self. Returning his smile politely she immediately turned around hastily, and headed towards the rest room. She couldn't bear to answer another set of questions from him tonight.

"What're you doing here?" asked Aaliyah, once Kripa opened the door, and entered, "I don't like it here" replied Kripa, pulling out her purse, "It's so darn boring…"

Aaliyah smiled, as she washed her hands "I think you should try hooking up with someone" Kripa looked stunned, "Ali, that will be possible, if I find someone decent, besides, you're forgetting something important here I am still not OVER your brother"

"Kripa, you're starting to give me second thoughts now" she replied pulling out the tissue from the side, "About what?"

Aaliyah looked hesitant, "About it being only a crush. You're far too serious about him." She rolled her eyes, "Ali, you're honestly blind, I'm not that crazy about him. Seriously. Like, I don't really give a damn about what he does, you know"

"Right" Aaliyah didn't look convinced at all, she changed the subject "Why don't we now head outside, and do something different for a change?"

"Like?" Kripa prodded, "Dance!"

Aaliyah appeared delighted. They walked out together, but soon Aaliyah disappeared with Rajeev giving Kripa a I-am-extremely-sorry type of look.

"Let's dance" someone grabbed her hand, and the next second she was on the dance floor, "Mahen, do you have any manners?"

"No" he said, holding her hand, and smiling, "What's wrong? You appear to be in a very bad mood" She rolled her eyes, "Let me guess Angad is being a PIG?"

Her eyes widened for a second, "What do you think?" she asked in a bored tone trying to catch sight of Angad Khanna, but he appeared no where close by, "I think you're in love with him"

"Funnily enough, Aaliyah mentioned the same thing to me earlier today" she said tightening her grip on his hand, "And, I'm afraid, I just might be.." He twirled her around smoothly, "No worries, girl, it happens… Just let it be"

"You twins think alike" she said with a smile, "Well, yeah" he appeared to be thinking, "Kripa, listen to me…" she looked in his eyes, and nodded, "I want you to understand that there is a major possibility you might not be in love with my idiotic bro-" for a second Kripa visioned Angad yelling "hey, who did you call idiotic?" the vision vanished, and with a smile, she looked at Mahen, "Did you even hear what I was saying?"

"Ahh… yes" she said half smiling, "Well, can you repeat to me what I just said?" uh oh, "umm… you said something about I might not be in love with your brother, and…"

"You didn't listen to a word I said, did you?" She shook her head, "Do you want to listen to me?" he asked looking at her, she nodded, "Are you sure?"

"Yes" she said paying him full attention, "Alright, I don't want you to get influenced from mine, and Ali's words… I want you to form a decision on this by yourself… Don't even consider our words… I would hate it, if you chose to believe us blindly, when that's obviously not the case (i.e you being in love with Angad)"

"yes" She did understand his words, "Can you do me a favour Mahen?" she asked him later once the song had finished, "yup any.." "Can you please ask Ali for a dance?" he frowned, "anything, but that"

"Please" she said holding his hand, "Mahen, Ali would love it, if she could dance with you. I think the two of you could understand each other better"

"Kripa-"

"Mahen, please, for my sake, at least"

Finally, he agreed. She stood in the corner for a while watching him, and Aaliyah dance. Rajeev came by, and asked her for a dance as well. They didn't speak much, but the little they spoke she came to realize Rajeev was indeed a wonderful person. And, at the end of their dance she really liked him, and he did too.

------

--FLASHBACK CONTINUED--

That evening she danced with Mahen about thrice, with Rajeev twice, and the rest of the night with even complete strangers. However, Angad Khanna did not even spare a single glance at her, nor did he take any objection with her dancing. Kripa had the impression that he was completely engrossed in his own world, with his own friends, with his own people. After all, who was she? She was not at all related to him in any way, and other than the brotherly way he was bound to her. There was virtually nothing…

He had so easily managed to forget about her. And, that hurt slightly, even though she hated to admit it, it did. About an hour ago, she had spotted him beside a tall good-looking young man with dark brown hair, and freckles. The man was apparently forcing Angad to drink, who kept on refusing politely, but soon gave in upon the constant insistence.

And, then after that scene she had spotted him a couple of times with his hand wrapped around some tall beautiful female, who openly flirted, and showered her praises on him, while he laughed over her lame jokes.

Kripa fumed, as she stood in the bar, and she gulped possibly her tenth glass for the night. She kept on drinking, until she couldn't bear the taste of bitter liquid, and it made her completely uneasy.

Feeling slightly dizzy and foolish for becoming easily jealous due to that girl... when Angad Khanna hadn't been jealous at all when she had claimed to be crazy about some "online" guy, she shook her head slightly. God, this was ridiculous…

For the next few minutes, she stood fuming, and sulking in one corner, as she rubbed her head bitterly, yet the stabbing pain did not decrease, rather it continued to increase.

Really now, was this crush even heading somewhere? No. She had to move on. Period.

There were no if's but's about it. He was clearly not interested, then why should she be interested? Before it could turn into something more deadly she had to get over it. She didn't realize in her new found determination to get over him, the amount of glasses she took, as she pondered upon this ridiculous situation.

"Kripa," he called out gently from behind, she turned around to catch him with the old gentleman, who had been sitting beside her on the plane, "I would like to introduce you to someone" smiling politely she made her way towards him.

Standing beside Angad she greeted the old man pleasantly before turning her questionable gaze on Angad, "yes" she said, "Please do continue". Her eyes didn't fail to catch sight of the knowing look that swept across both men's face, as they glanced at each other briefly before turning their gaze on her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked rather bluntly, the old man smiled, and took Angad aside, as he quietly whispered, "She is not in her right senses at present, we will have a talk with her tomorrow, alright Khanna?"

"As a matter of fact" Kripa replied looking at them seriously, "I'm presently in my 'right' senses" she was actually referring to her new found realization that Angad Khanna wasn't interested in her, but her words brought forth misunderstanding. The old man stepped forward, and patted her cheek "hun, you need to go home, and rest. We will have a chat tomorrow afternoon. How does that sound to you?" His filled with warmth and love, as he smiled at her.

Normally, she wouldn't have pushed his hand away, or maybe she would have, but something had just snapped within her, maybe it was herself, the fact she was still crushing on a retard, "Don't you dare hun me" she retaliated quickly, eager to hurt anyone close to Angad, since she had never quite managed to attain that position. It was strange, yet she did it.

The man's face crumpled, he looked disheartened, "Kripa," yelled Angad from the side, "this is not the way to talk to your father!"

Father? She wanted to laugh out loudly. What the hell was Angad talking about? This man wasn't her father. Her dad was dead. But, before she could voice that out she noticed the cold fury in the man's eyes, as he gazed at Angad, who had turned completely pale, "What the hell is going on?" she demanded, "Are you serious dude?" she asked looking at Angad, as she looked in his eyes for the answer. But, he had turned completely silent.

"He is. I'm your father, Kripa" said the old man softly from behind, and she turned her gaze on Angad, who was completely silent, as he stared at the floor.

WHAT?

For a few seconds, she just stood numb in shock unable to understand the situation. And, then, she felt something. And, that something was anger.

If this man was indeed her father...then, where the hell was he when her mom had gotten KILLED? Where was he when she had wanted a pat for standing first in class? Where was he to scold her when she had almost failed in Economics? Where was he when she had fled for her life from the men at the age of six? Where was he when she had been adopted by the White family? Where was he when she had needed him the most? WHERE THE HELL WAS HE ALL THESE YEARS??

For eighteen years he hadn't been a part of her life, and now he was here… It was difficult to digest, yet she wasn't sorry to see him. A part of her felt happy, and relieved that he was here, yet the other part was in a state of panic, as weird thoughts crept in her mind.

He had been on the plane with her about three months back… She had clearly seen the warmth and love visible in his eyes… He had been aware then, that she was his daughter, then why hadn't he mentioned it? Why was he coming now?

What about Angad Khanna? He was aware of her father. They both knew each other. If her dad had been aware of her on the plane, then Ang-

****

It was all a freaking plan, she realized, as she sat on the floor holding her forehead. It made sense. She had spotted a car behind her, every since she had landed. Someone had been following her the entire time she got together with Angad. And, her meeting with Angad Khanna hadn't been a coincidence. It was all planned!

"Shit" She said standing on her feet, her head felt like it would explode any second, she could no longer bear the pain. "Are you alright Kripa?" asked Angad when she almost stumbled on the stupid heels, "yes, yes, I'm fine" she said moving aside, "I don't think I need a babysitter anymore."

"Krip-a" called out Angad from behind, but she didn't hear his voice. She kept on walking, and as she passed by her father. She didn't know whether to hug him in joy or cry that had he planned this entire thing.

It was indeed a very clever plan. He had cleverly gotten Angad Khanna into play. The charming young man, who would play around with her, and her feelings, who would be the reason she would stay in New York for a while, until it was time for her father to come into light. But, had he realized that he was playing with his daughter's heart here? She doubted it. The man, who had insensitively dumped his wife, and daughter, had no heart, after all.

****

It was a long night. The moon cast it's web of light across the horizon, the cloudy sky was wrapped with a blanket of stars, millions of them, and she was sure she had never seen, as many stars ever before. She kept driving for a long time, and turned her gaze on the rear view mirror to catch sight of a motorbike. Angad Khanna.

What was he going to charge her with drunk drinking? Well, he was drunk as well, and she would ensure he would get charged as well, if he did indeed put that charge on her. Pressing down hard on her accelerator she gazed outside at the cloudy sky, as the car made a scratching sound. Swearing out loudly, she turned on the radio to hear about some singer voted out from American Idol.

She listened to it for a while, as she frequently glanced at the rear view mirror to check on Angad. He was still there, she noticed, and he was gaining on her. Yawning out loudly, she stared at the stars, as they twinkled in the sky, and at the moon, as it smiled brightly at her. Maybe she was wrong about all this…

Perhaps, her father had never planned all this, and she had just assumed it directly… That thought made her heart leap in delight, yet what if she was indeed right? What if Angad Khanna was meant to play with her heart? But, which father in his right mind would decide on that?

Frankly, she was confused, and completely lost. She had too much information crammed in head for one day. First, Angad Khanna wasn't interested in her, second, her father was alive, and he had planned all this… It was just too much to take in one day. And, she was exhausted. She just wanted to say, "Screw all this" and take a quick nap, until her headache disappeared, and she felt much better.

But, since she had foolishly acted on impulse, and fury, and ran out of the place she couldn't just turn the car around, and head back. She had travelled all this way. It was just too late to turn back.

Minutes later, she had almost managed to doze off when she heard the screeching of a motorbike, and she turned to glance out the window at the source. To her horror, she realized, the motorbike had slid, and was completely out of his control. She had just merely blinked, and she could swear it crashed on the fencing in the side sending it's rider on the floor, as it went out of control, and fell sideways on the road. It's tires still rolling.

****

Slamming hard on the brake, she jumped down from the car, and ran towards Angad Khanna. He was badly injured. She almost tripped thrice, and she could swear on her third one she almost twisted her ankle, limping slightly she headed towards him.

She crouched down on the floor, and turned him around. There were a couple of scratches on his face, and a huge band of blood smeared across his forehead. He was bleeding, that too badly. God, no…

Pulling him up in her lap, she cupped his face in her hands "Angad," she called out in worry, "Are you there?" He wasn't breathing she realized next, and that sent her adrenaline to another level, placing her head against his chest, she prayed to god for any sounds of his heart beat.

And, there they were. She could hear them slowly. He was ALIVE! Smiling brightly through her tears she tried to push him up, but it was no use. He was a lot heavier than her, and rather than pushing him up, all she managed to do was barely shake his bone, for the most.

And, even when she managed to push him slightly he came back down with the same force, almost slamming her on the floor. Was he by any chance pretending to be unconscious?

She watched him carefully, and noticed several things she hadn't before. He was breathing steadily, that too perfectly, like a person, who is asleep. His chest was rising steadily, and falling, again, like a person, who is asleep. He was not moving his eyes at all, but there was a slow contagious smile spread across his face. God, why hadn't she noticed that before?

"Angad" she said again, pushing him roughly, "ANGAD" she screamed in his ears, he woke up quickly, like a person, who is just awakened, "HUH HUH?" he did looking left, and then right, before he sat rubbing his eyes, and turned to focus his attention on her.

She smiled lightly. He was checking on her. Who would have thought he was capable of such acts? Rising to her feet, she started to move back towards the car, but someone caught her wrist,

"Where are you going Kripa?" he asked gently, as he held her hand. She turned around to face him, "I think it's time to part" she gazed into his eyes. Why did he look so upset?

"Why?" he asked pulling her closer, "Because, it's time for me to go" she said trying to pull back out of his grip, "Why?"

"Because—" she hesitated, and avoided his gaze "I've got to go" He wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her closer, holding on her lower chin, he lifted it up, "I'm crazy about you, Kripa"

She titled her head sideways, unable to believe him, and the way her treacherous heart leapt in delight, "You are?"

"Yep" he replied rubbing her left cheek. "But, you never quite –" she trailed off, as she looked sideways. What the hell was going on? Was this another attempt to hold her back?

He leaned back, and smiled, "Expressed it?" he said rubbing her back gently, "You want to know why?" She nodded.

He sighed, "I was attracted to you the minute I spotted you in the alley, and that night, in case you weren't aware I was completely intoxicated. I always admired your bravery, Kripa. Your file was passed down to me by Suryaben Sharma, your father, and after reading all your history, and everything that you went through I expected a defeated young girl, or perhaps more of a petrified little girl, but instead I came across a daring person, who was not at all terrified, even though she was wrongly accused of a crime she did not commit. I was completely taken aback by your appearance…

And, then what intrigued me the most was the way you lead me to believe your foolish ways. After reading about your history, if there was one thing I knew for sure was that you were extremely wise, bold, and daring. Yet, you put up this whole show of crushing on me, which was of course slightly fake in the beginning, but later I did see you falling down hard in your own web, and then you started coming up with all the silly things that would either make me term you, as foolish, or a schemer. I was constantly aware of your intention to run away from my place, and maybe that's what really stopped me from terming you off, as a complete idiot"

She laughed out loudly at his words, as she held his shoulder steadily, "Angad, you just titled off a silly little girl to a smart one… god, you just justified all my stupid little actions… That's very nice of you, I must admit"

"Kripa, I'm not that wise to understand your exact intentions, but a girl like you cannot be possibly that foolish"

"And, what if I am?" She asked her eyes still twinkling in delight.

"I still like you"

"You do?"

"Of course, I do!" he said lightly kissing her temple, while she felt like dancing in delight. Just when she had titled her night, as a horrible one, it actually turned to be pleasant, a very pleasant one.

It's amazing of things can change in an instant, "Well, Angad, you still didn't explain why you never expressed your attraction towards me-"

"Smart girl" he said with a smile pulling her closer, "My speech still didn't take your mind off that?"

"Nope" she replied, as they walked by the road, "Well, you really want to know why?"

"You bet, I do"

But, they didn't get to that answer. And, that's where her mistake lay, and she would realize it the next day, when boundaries would be crossed, and her heart would be broken..

She looked at him again, unable to believe that in her excitement, she had failed to worry about his cut, "You're bleeding Angad" she said placing her hand on his forehead, as she examined his wound, "It's nothing" he said pushing her hand away, "Don't be silly!" she said holding his hand, "we have to clean it"

"How do we propose we do that?" he asked lightly hitting her head, "There is something there-" she pointed out, and that's when he noticed, an old, ancient looking church.

"Let's go" he said holding her hand, and they walked together hand in hand.

****

A drunk Angad & Kripa are now headed towards the church. Yes, they spoke in a civilized manner, yet they are very much drunk. They get married, and what happens next is the following. Note* They aren't in the church, but in a motel, which is a few miles away.. Please do forgive me for skipping out their marriage bit, but if you really wish to read it, then please PM me. And, I will happily provide it for you later...

- THE AFTER MATH OF A ONE NIGHT STAND -


Six hours later

Kripa Sharma pressed a delicate arm to her chest, and when she felt nothing, almost immediately she flung her eyes open, and she sat upright, as she felt the cool sheets on her bare skin. Her brows deepened, as her eyes widened in horror, as the reality of last night became apparent to her. Clutching the sheets tightly to her body she jumped down the bed, and walked out of the room with her head bent down in shame. She wouldn't cry, she told herself, it was done. There was absolutely nothing she could do to change last night. Nothing. Period.

"I was wondering when you would wake up…" said a chillingly calm voice, and as her head snapped back to get a glance of that figure. She saw him standing by the patio with his gaze on the pure white sky outside.

She wouldn't be hysterical, she told her self, in a situation like this she had to remain calm. Calm. Calm. Taking a deep breath, she cocked her head to the side, "Oh hello" she said steadily, as she noticed him turn around and look at her with his facial features visibly relaxed, "How is your headache coming along?" he asked her with a distant politeness, she noticed.

She shrugged, "I suppose it's okay." she said pressing her delicate arm up on her temple, "Just hurts a little. I drank a little too much last night" She took a deep breath, and then noticed the ring on her finger. Had they gotten married?

God. This was awful. Unbelievable. What was she thinking? Taking a couple of deep breaths, she stood still playing around with her ring. She had to show some understanding to this matter. It wasn't so bad, she decided, and it wasn't a mistake at all.

They were both completely out of their senses last night, perfectly attracted to each other, in love, she mentally noted, and it was bound to happen one day or the other, and if it was today, it was okay. Not the best, but alright. Not the end of the world.

They would just have to compromise a little, and try to make this arrangement work out. If it didn't work out, then ... She couldn't imagine that, but for now she would go with.. it was fine, as well.

Sighing, she turned her gaze towards her husband, who had slipped both his hands in his pocket, as he gazed out the window, "What are you thinking?" she asked him gently, as she clutched on the sheet, and approached him.

She felt the pain in her head rise, and also something Mahen had mentioned months earlier crossed her mind. She almost groaned at that. Mahen had specifically informed her that Angad was incapable of handling drinks at all, and on one instance he had… Almost gotten married to some girl.

What was the girl's name? Amby? No, it was Ami-ta? It was Anita something. Yes, it was Anita.

God! How could she be so stupid?? To forget that!! She felt her entire world crash at that thought. But, of course that was different back then, she reminded her self, Angad was simply drunk, and not in his right senses to quite comprehend his actions. But, last night had been different.

He had married her in his senses, and he was in love with her. There was nothing sort of wrong in their marriage. And, even if he didn't see this arrangement working, then she would make him understand that they should give it a shot.. A vague image of last night splashed in her mind..

"Kripa, why don't we get married?"

She laughed incredibly, "Angad, what's wrong with you?"

"I'm serious, hun, I've dated several girls in the past, now I'm thinking of settling down. And, in our case as far, as I can see it we both are very much attracted towards each other… So, why not give it a shot??"

"don't be silly Angad" she had snapped back, "We barely know each
other"

He had sounded so convincing last night, and even though she had argued back that they needed time to get to know each other, he had dismissed that argument by countering with that can happen even after marriage.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him clap his hands, as he approached her slowly, "Schemer" he spat out, "That too, I must admit, a rather brilliant one"

"Schemer" she repeated in disbelief, "What're you talking about Angad?" He smirked, "Pretending to be all innocent about all this!". It took her a while to fully understand his words. He was implying that she had planned out this entire sequence.

Maybe she was thinking in the wrong way, surely Angad wouldn't think like that, "What are you talking about?" she asked again

He didn't hesitate to spit out, "You seduced me into bed Kripa!" The next second she had slapped him roughly on his face. She was disgusted. Pulling the covers closer to her self she walked past him into the washroom. But, he followed her.

Turning on her heels, she noticed him smirk, for a second she just wished to slap him for the second time to wipe that nasty smirk off his face.

She stood in front of him for a few seconds in silence, unable to bear the painful reality. He was thinking she seduced him? How sick! She walked past him, and snatched her clothes, which were spread out all over the floor. It was shameful to lift all of them up. It felt like her pride lay on the floor in pieces.

Lifting her chin in the air, and with her gaze set on the door, she walked past him. It was over. She knew it, and even he did too. She wasn't going to stick with this marriage when there was no basis of love, and trust from his side, if he was going to suspect her of such sick despicable acts, then she wasn't willing to stay with him.

She opened the door slightly, and she heard him say, "I'll send you the divorce papers soon"

She turned around to look at him for one last time, "If this is of any assurance, then I didn't plan anything last night. I hope one day you will finally be able to recollect the memories of last night. I don't hate you for what you said to me now. All I want to say in my defense is that I loved you. And, if loving you is a sin, then sin it is, and it will be…"

"Don't delude yourself into believing that it's love…" he responded calmly, "It's only lust"

"I don't think you have any right to judge me, and, my feelings for you..." she countered, as he looked at her sharply, "Just remember, hun" he replied bitterly, "We are not meant to be together at all."

"I think you made that clear enough with your despicable words from earlier" she argued back quickly, "But, thanks again for the reminder."

"Goodbye Kripa" he said quietly, "I don't want to ever see you again"

I don't want to, as well. Those were the last words she heard from him, as she closed the door behind her. Taking a deep breath she walked steadily down the hallway. It hurt so damn much…

****

4-00 AM, Morning

It was drizzling lightly in the early hours of the morning, but she could hear the sound of thunder, as she walked down the stairs, and finally stood in the parking lot for the reality to fully sink in her heart.

He had shamelessly assumed she had seduced him into bed? Seduced him into marriage? With a heavy heart she turned around and continued walking with bare feet, and tears blurring her vision. A part of her kept yelling at her to go back, but it was her self respect that forced her to walk ahead. There was no need to turn back. She had to walk ahead.

She was in love with him. That much was clear to her. It wasn't only a crush anymore. But did her feelings matter? No. He would never ever love her back. She could not blame him for that. After all, you just can't force someone to fall in love. But, why did god have to play such a cruel game with her? Why did her heart have to get crushed? Was this the price she had to pay for falling in love? To be called a ...... ?

It started raining heavily, as she walked out on the street and the winds were blowing roughly against her. If only she had gotten her jacket, but now there was no turning back. She would walk on, except each step felt heavy, there was stabbing pain in her heart, as all she could see was his face, even through her tears.

He never even showed signs, but it was her, who was so hopelessly in love that she saw everything he did, as a sign of his love. Even, last night when she realized that he didn't have any feelings. The stupid man had to come around and switch everything around. Why??

She could still hear his words from earlier. We are not meant to be together that was like basically saying you don't deserve me. You're awful for me. I deserve someone better.

A sudden light flashed across a face, and then as she blocked her face with her hand and opened her eyes lightly to see a truck approaching her. She didn't even have time to realize that, her mind was still numb in shock with Angad's words, as the truck came dashing towards her. All she remembered last was the heavy lights blinding her vision completely, and falling down unconscious.

Six hours later, Angad Khanna would learn that his wife Kripa Sharma is dead.


- End of Flashback -

****

Naturally, since Kripa is alive after the leap someone does end up saving her, and instead dies 😔

I had to remove a lot of stuff in this last bit of flashback, because it was unnecessary, and a bit sad. I hope no one ended up crying, because that was never my intention. This was the end I had planned for this FF, minus Angad's awful words.

If you have any questions, any predictions, any concern, anything please doo write back... I will be waiting for your comments 😳..

woah! thats one long update! i cant wait to read.. gotta to go.. but will edit this soon!

IM first! 😉

****

just read.. wasnt paying attention b4 but now i realise most of it had been posted (previous parts) so it wasnt as long as i was expecting!

so kripa is alive right? then who did anad kill? aliya maybe? it was so cute 'seeing' kripa trying to get a compliment from angad!😆

and her dad is there aswell.. at the party?

waiting for the rest of it!😛

Originally posted by: bugs_bunny

woah! thats one long update! i cant wait to read.. gotta to go.. but will edit this soon!

IM first! 😉

I didn't post the entire part actually...

la la la reserved, feel special there's a party @ my place right now and i sneaked into a corner to see if u updated, me gonna read the whole story over, i need some refreshing