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PART 39:
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT AT SURGICAL CONVENTION:
The Bollywood extravaganza was held at the Taj convention center. A lot of celebrities were invited to mingle with the world-renowned Plastic surgeons. The bollywood stars performed a variety of song and dance sequences as a part of the entertainment. Angad was grateful to Mishti for organizing the whole event. The presence of the celebrity stars added to the glamour and color of the festive evening.
Mishti performed a dance on this famous song- "dilbar dilbar" from "sirf tum"
http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-1520.html
Ha ah ha, ha ah ha, ha ah ha
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar - 2
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Tu mera khwaab hai, tu mere dil ka qaraar - 2
Dekh le jaaneman, dekh le bas ek baar
Choom le jism ko, hum nasheen paas aa
Chain kho gaya hai, kuch to ho gaya hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar – 2
As Mishti danced and gyrated to the music, her seductive moves lured all the young surgeons in the audience. Mishti, of course, openly wooed her prime target, Dr Angad Khanna. Angad, for a change enjoyed the rapturous attention he was getting amongst all the young surgeons.
Haan haan haan haan, haan haan haan haan - 2
Ishq betaab hai, husn ki maheki bahaar - 2
Dooriya kis liye, kis liye ab intezaar
Tootna hai badan, kya hua kya pataa
Pyaas mein dhali hoon, raat din jali hoon - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Angad was thrilled to see that all the delegates had their tongues hanging out after Mishti's sensuous performance. Angad gave a big hug to Mishti, "you were great!"
Dr Bose congratulated both Mishti and Angad, "I think these surgeons would want to come back to Mumbai every year….you both make a great team!"
Mishti looked at Angad with the corner of her eyes, "kyon Angad? Ab tho log bhi hamari team ki tareef karne lage hain…..after all we make a HOT PAIR! What ya'say?" she elbowed Angad.
"Mishti…yeh sirf performance ki baat kar rahe hain…..zyaada extrapolate mat karo…," he just grinned and walked to get a drink.
Mishti followed him, "Angad….as you promised, can we go out to dinner now? I know this really cool seafood place…..wahan koi humein pareshaan bhi nahin karega….shall we?"
Angad took out his phone from his pocket, "Ok..wait for me in the lobby…main bas yeh phone call return karke aata hoon," he noticed that Kripa had called him a few times. He probably did not hear the ring when the songs and dances were being performed.
"Hello! Main Angad bol raha hoon…kaun Damini maasi? Kripa hai?" Angad called from a quiet corner.
Damini: "beta Kripa tho Gayatri aur Prithvi ke saath mandir gayi hai…"
Angad was baffled, "Prithvi? Prithvi kab gaya Ramgarh?"
Damini: "arre beta wo hi tho Kripa ko yahan laya tha….tumhey nahin pata? Wo tumhara dost hai na?"
Angad calmed down, "haan…haan maasi wo mera achha dost hai….chalo achha hua wo bhi pahunch gaya wahan….main Kripa se baad mein baat karta hoon…," he hung up, still could not fathom the fact that Prithvi had taken Kripa to Ramgarh, "mujhey bataaya kyon nahin Kripa ne? Aakhir Prithvi ko wo jaanti hi kitna hai? Prithvi ne bhi mujhey phone nahin kiya…."
Angad could no longer think of anything else. He excused himself from the party and ran out of the convention hall.
Mishti was waiting for him in the lobby. She had changed into a sexy short sleeveless black dress, "so are we ready?"
Angad cringed as he remembered his promise to Mishti, "Mishti…ek emergency aa gayi hai….I need to attend to that….can I take a rain check tonight?"
Mishti was furious, "Angad…tumne mujhey samajh kya rakha hai? Tumhare ishaaron par naachti rahoon? Tumhari wajah se maine kitne dinner appointments cancel kiye….remember I am just doing a favor to you!…..Aaj ki shaam tumhare guests ko entertain bhi maine hi kiya hai!"
"Mishti…Mishti calm down….of course I am grateful to you…tumhare bina tho main professionally khatam ho jaaoonga….you have made me who I am….how can I forget that? Par please samjho…meri bahut badhi emergency hai….I promise kal shaam ko main tumhare saath dinner par jaaoonga….jahan tum kahogi…please understand," Angad used his charm once again; he knew how to pacify women with his innocent and charming act-Mishti was no exception!
"OK Angad! You are a good friend….iss liye tumhey maaf kiya….par kal yadi tumney apna vaada thoda na…mujh se bura koi nahin hoga!" Mishti warned him. She knew that the only way to make Angad hers was by patience and perseverance. She was almost getting there:all the hard work of the past year was slowly but surely showing results.
"Promise!" Angad wrinkled his nose and walked out to the parking lot.
Angad started his car and started driving like a maniac. He did not know why, but the knowledge of Prithvi going to Ramgarh with Kripa had stung him sharply.
He covered the 5-hour journey between Mumbai and Ramgarh in 3 hours. He was in front of Dr Misra's house by 1 am.
He knocked on the door a few times. Finally, a bleary eyed Damini, opened the door, "Dr Khanna aap? Itni raat ko?"
"Namaste maasi…Kripa kahan hai?" Angad asked as he entered inside.
"Hey Angad! Tu aa hi gaya? Teri conference kaisi jaa rahi hai?" a sleepy Prithvi walked out of the guest bedroom.
"Oh Hi Prithvi! I am glad you are here…..I am sure you are a big HELP!" Angad said sarcastically, his eyes still wandering for Kripa.
"Beta….wo Gayatri ke saath Dr Misra ke kamrey mein hi so rahi hai….chaaho tho andar chale jao…," Damini informed Angad.
Angad was about to walk towards Dr Misra's bedroom, when Kripa walked out of the room, "kaun hai maasi?" she said in a weary voice.
Kripa saw Angad standing in the hallway. She was overwhelmed with emotion at seeing him. Her heart had been aching for him since she had heard about her uncle's heart attack. She had suffered and cried alone the last 3 days, but now she could not hold her tears anymore, and ran to him. She hugged him tightly and started sobbing, "bahut der kar di Angad…mamaji ab hamare beech nahin rahe…"
Angad put his arm around her, "don't worry jaan! Ab main aa gaya hoon," he looked up at Prithvi as if indicating to him, "she is mine buddy….back off!" Prithvi lowered his eyes and went back to the guest room. Damini also retired back to her bed.
Angad held Kripa for sometime. He also became a little emotional when he saw Dr Misra's photograph in a corner with a garland around it. There was a small diya still burning in front of the photograph. "Maa kahan hai?" Angad asked Kripa.
Kripa led him to the bedroom, "maa….Angad aa gaya…" Kripa whispered softly
Gayatri sat up and stretched her arms for Angad. Angad sat down next to Gayatri and gave her a hug, "mujhey maaf kar dee jiye maa….main pehle nahin aa paaya….Sir humein bina mile hi chale gaye…"
"Beta….bhaiya is duniya mein nahin hain tho kya? Unka aashirwaad hamesha tum dono ke saath rahega….," Gayatri kissed Angad's forehead, 'achha hua tu aa gaya beta….kal ghar par shanti puja hai….tu hi unke bete ki jagah puja mein baithna kal…"
Angad pulled back, "lekin…lekin maa, main tho thodi der mein wapas chalaa jaoonga….wahan Mumbai mein conference chal rahi hai…main tho sirf Kripa ko wapas le jaane aaya tha…," he said.
Gayatri and Kripa were stunned and looked at each other.
Kripa came forward, "Angad…main kuch din yahin rahoongi…..jab tak 13 din nahin ho jaate, main wapas ghar nahin aaoongi…."
Angad was surprised. He got up and walked towards Kripa, "Kripa….tumhey akele kaise chhod sakta hoon….wapas kaise aaogi?"
Kripa said tearfully, "Angad jaise aayi thi, waise hi wapas chali jaaoongi…tum kyon fikar karte ho?"
Gayatri sensed the tension, " beta Angad…thoda aaraam kar lo….kal subah chale jaana….main samajh sakti hoon ki kaam bhi bahut zaroori hai….par itni raat ko kahan jaaogey?"
Angad stared at Kripa and walked out in anger. He went upstairs to his old room and sat down on the bed. His 'room' was still the same; untouched by anyone- it seemed that he still lived here-he remembered the first few months of his blissful married life, there were a lot of memories attached to this room. The stuffed teddy bear he had purchased for their child was propped up on the bed. He lay down on the bed and tried to close his eyes.
Kripa walked in after a few minutes, "Angad, tum yahan kyon aaye ho? Tumhari conference abhi khatam nahin huyi hai, aur tumhey wapas jaana hai, phir kuch ghanto ke liye hi kyon aaye ho?" she bit her lower lip as she suppressed her tears.
Angad got up and said, "tumhey meri fikar na ho….par mujhey tho hai na? Main sirf tumhare liye aaya hoon…please wapas Mumbai chalo"
Kripa turned her back to him and walked towards the window, "Angad, tumhey meri fikar hoti tho mere saath aana chaahiye tha…..wo tho bechare Prithvi ka shukar hai ki wo mere saath aa gaya….aur yahan sab ke saath itna apnapan dikhaya hai usne…sach mein tumhare saare purane dost bahut ache hain….pata nahin naye doston mein tumne galti kaise kar li?"
Angad's nostrils flared up in anger, "Kripa! You have no idea about the real world! Main maanta hoon ki mujhey yahan pehle hona chaahiye tha, par tum har baat mein Mishti ko galat kyon saabit karna chaahti ho…why are you jealous of her?"
Kripa's voice cracked, "Angad…please don't yell at me….tumhey wapas jaana hai tho jao….main 13 din baad hi aaoongi…."
Angad picked his bag and walked out in frustration, "theek hai! Main wapas jaa raha hoon….ab tho tumhey Prithvi ka saath mil gaya hai na, tho meri kya zaroorat hai?"
Kripa was stunned. She turned around, "THO YEH BAAT HAI? TUM YAHAN PRITHVI KI WAJAH SE AAYE HO NA? SHAYAD TUMHEY YEH GAWAARA NAHIN HUA KI KOI AUR MARD MERI MADAD KAR RAHA HAI! YOU ARE JEALOUS OF HIM….AREN'T YOU?"
Angad clenched his teeth and said, "I am going Kripa….tumhey jab aana hai wapas aa jaana…..jiske saath aana hai, aa jaana….mujhey bahut kaam hai….I don't have time to waste on such discussions! Bye!"
Angad walked out and drove off to Mumbai. Prithvi saw Angad drive off from his window. Prithvi called Mishti and gloated, "lagta hai, jalan ki aag lag gayi hai…..I think they had a big argument….he has turned around to go back to Mumbai….congratulations Mishti!"
Kripa was heartbroken. She was shattered by her uncle's demise, and her husbands's heartlessness had broken her completely. She stayed up all night, sobbing on her pillow, till her tears had dried out.
The next morning, she decided to focus on the important things- the shanti puja at home.
She told everyone that Angad had an emergency at work and had to leave ASAP.
Kanan and Nishant came down that day to take part in the puja. Kanan was upset when she found out that Angad was not there on Kripa's side when she needed him the most.
"Kripa….mera bhai kabhie kabhie bhatak jaata hai…..usey sahi raasta dikhana padhta hai kai baar….wo apne kaam aur career mein kuch zyaada hi doob jaata hai….Mumbai jaakar usey pyaar se samjhaana…..main bhi us sey baat karoongi….," Kanan soothed Kripa as she gave her a warm and affectionate hug.
Nishant was surprised to see Prithvi so involved in the puja; he almost seemed like a family member. Nishant and Kanan knew Prithvi as Angad's friend, but had never taken a liking for him the way they were fond of aaliyah. Aaliyah seemed so genuine in her friendship, but Prithvi seemed like an opportunistic friend. Nishant had noticed Prithvi staring at Kripa on various occasions-not as a friend or a well wisher, but with a lustrous desire in his eyes. Kripa, of course was oblivious as she was too overwhelmed with grief and sadness.
Nishant came up to Kripa after the puja, "yeh Prithvi kuch zyaada hi tum mein interest nahin le raha?"
"Oh jiju aap? Prithvi? Wo Angad ka dost hai, aur ab mera bhi….bahut helpful hai…," Kripa defended Prithvi
"Helpful tho hai….par meri baat ka dhyaan rakhna….keep some distance from him…I am not sure about his intentions." Nishant gave his brotherly advise to kripa.
Kripa nodded and thanked him, "aap fikar mat kee jiye jiju…Angad ke alaawa main kisi aur ki taraf dekh bhi nahin sakti…"
That day, Angad's mind could not focus on any of the seminars or papers presented in the conference. His argument with Kripa kept playing back in his mind repeatedly. Kripa was right! He was indeed getting jealous of Prithvi….but he had a right to be jealous…who was Prithvi to interfere in his life and try to take his place at the Misra residence? Angad promised himself, that as soon as the conference was over, he would go back to Ramgarh and spend the last few days with Kripa and her family.
Mishti reminded him of his promise that evening, "shall we go out tonight?"
Angad remembered his promise and said, "as you wish"
"How about my place? I will have my chef cook something up for us…OK?"
"Whatever you want Mishti." Angad was in no mood to argue with her and accepted her offer.
Mishti and Angad had a cozy dinner at her place. Mishti sent all the servants away for the night, "bas aaj raat ko no disturbance…OK?"
Angad got ready to leave also. He felt a little light-headed after the few drinks he had consumed with dinner. He had been very quiet during the dinner; his mind still thinking of the argument he had with Kripa the night before. The more he felt bad about lashing out at Kripa, the more alcohol he consumed.
As Angad staggered to leave, Mishti stopped him at the door. She came close to him and started caressing his muscular chest. She unbuttoned his top 2 buttons and kissed him passionately on his chest, 'kahan jaa rahe ho jaan-e.man? Abhi tho raat baaki hai…"
Angad gave out a faint laugh, "kya kar rahi ho Kripa? Bahut shaitaan ho gayi ho…"
Mishti was not pleased to hear Kripa's name, but she did not say anything; she thought, 'chalo Kripa samajh kar hi sahi…..meri pyaas tho bujhaa dega aaj.."
Mishti started her seductive game on Angad. She laid Angad on the couch and started working on him. Angad just kept muttering Kripa's name in pleasure. Just as Mishti was undressing herself, Angad's phone rang loudly. However sleepy or inebriated Angad would be, he never ignored his calls from the hospital.
"Sorry…let me take this call," Angad swayed away from the couch and answered, "yes…this is Dr Khanna! Kya hua….503 has coded? Ok, main abhi aaya!" Angad suddenly regained his senses, buttoned and zipped up his clothes and ran out the door. 503 was the finance minister of Maharashtra and he had to be attended to ASAP!
Mishti was left high and dry once again………she fumed and fretted all night, but Angad never came back….
….to be continued
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT AT SURGICAL CONVENTION:
The Bollywood extravaganza was held at the Taj convention center. A lot of celebrities were invited to mingle with the world-renowned Plastic surgeons. The bollywood stars performed a variety of song and dance sequences as a part of the entertainment. Angad was grateful to Mishti for organizing the whole event. The presence of the celebrity stars added to the glamour and color of the festive evening.
Mishti performed a dance on this famous song- "dilbar dilbar" from "sirf tum"
http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-1520.html
Ha ah ha, ha ah ha, ha ah ha
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar - 2
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Tu mera khwaab hai, tu mere dil ka qaraar - 2
Dekh le jaaneman, dekh le bas ek baar
Choom le jism ko, hum nasheen paas aa
Chain kho gaya hai, kuch to ho gaya hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar – 2
As Mishti danced and gyrated to the music, her seductive moves lured all the young surgeons in the audience. Mishti, of course, openly wooed her prime target, Dr Angad Khanna. Angad, for a change enjoyed the rapturous attention he was getting amongst all the young surgeons.
Haan haan haan haan, haan haan haan haan - 2
Ishq betaab hai, husn ki maheki bahaar - 2
Dooriya kis liye, kis liye ab intezaar
Tootna hai badan, kya hua kya pataa
Pyaas mein dhali hoon, raat din jali hoon - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Angad was thrilled to see that all the delegates had their tongues hanging out after Mishti's sensuous performance. Angad gave a big hug to Mishti, "you were great!"
Dr Bose congratulated both Mishti and Angad, "I think these surgeons would want to come back to Mumbai every year….you both make a great team!"
Mishti looked at Angad with the corner of her eyes, "kyon Angad? Ab tho log bhi hamari team ki tareef karne lage hain…..after all we make a HOT PAIR! What ya'say?" she elbowed Angad.
"Mishti…yeh sirf performance ki baat kar rahe hain…..zyaada extrapolate mat karo…," he just grinned and walked to get a drink.
Mishti followed him, "Angad….as you promised, can we go out to dinner now? I know this really cool seafood place…..wahan koi humein pareshaan bhi nahin karega….shall we?"
Angad took out his phone from his pocket, "Ok..wait for me in the lobby…main bas yeh phone call return karke aata hoon," he noticed that Kripa had called him a few times. He probably did not hear the ring when the songs and dances were being performed.
"Hello! Main Angad bol raha hoon…kaun Damini maasi? Kripa hai?" Angad called from a quiet corner.
Damini: "beta Kripa tho Gayatri aur Prithvi ke saath mandir gayi hai…"
Angad was baffled, "Prithvi? Prithvi kab gaya Ramgarh?"
Damini: "arre beta wo hi tho Kripa ko yahan laya tha….tumhey nahin pata? Wo tumhara dost hai na?"
Angad calmed down, "haan…haan maasi wo mera achha dost hai….chalo achha hua wo bhi pahunch gaya wahan….main Kripa se baad mein baat karta hoon…," he hung up, still could not fathom the fact that Prithvi had taken Kripa to Ramgarh, "mujhey bataaya kyon nahin Kripa ne? Aakhir Prithvi ko wo jaanti hi kitna hai? Prithvi ne bhi mujhey phone nahin kiya…."
Angad could no longer think of anything else. He excused himself from the party and ran out of the convention hall.
Mishti was waiting for him in the lobby. She had changed into a sexy short sleeveless black dress, "so are we ready?"
Angad cringed as he remembered his promise to Mishti, "Mishti…ek emergency aa gayi hai….I need to attend to that….can I take a rain check tonight?"
Mishti was furious, "Angad…tumne mujhey samajh kya rakha hai? Tumhare ishaaron par naachti rahoon? Tumhari wajah se maine kitne dinner appointments cancel kiye….remember I am just doing a favor to you!…..Aaj ki shaam tumhare guests ko entertain bhi maine hi kiya hai!"
"Mishti…Mishti calm down….of course I am grateful to you…tumhare bina tho main professionally khatam ho jaaoonga….you have made me who I am….how can I forget that? Par please samjho…meri bahut badhi emergency hai….I promise kal shaam ko main tumhare saath dinner par jaaoonga….jahan tum kahogi…please understand," Angad used his charm once again; he knew how to pacify women with his innocent and charming act-Mishti was no exception!
"OK Angad! You are a good friend….iss liye tumhey maaf kiya….par kal yadi tumney apna vaada thoda na…mujh se bura koi nahin hoga!" Mishti warned him. She knew that the only way to make Angad hers was by patience and perseverance. She was almost getting there:all the hard work of the past year was slowly but surely showing results.
"Promise!" Angad wrinkled his nose and walked out to the parking lot.
Angad started his car and started driving like a maniac. He did not know why, but the knowledge of Prithvi going to Ramgarh with Kripa had stung him sharply.
He covered the 5-hour journey between Mumbai and Ramgarh in 3 hours. He was in front of Dr Misra's house by 1 am.
He knocked on the door a few times. Finally, a bleary eyed Damini, opened the door, "Dr Khanna aap? Itni raat ko?"
"Namaste maasi…Kripa kahan hai?" Angad asked as he entered inside.
"Hey Angad! Tu aa hi gaya? Teri conference kaisi jaa rahi hai?" a sleepy Prithvi walked out of the guest bedroom.
"Oh Hi Prithvi! I am glad you are here…..I am sure you are a big HELP!" Angad said sarcastically, his eyes still wandering for Kripa.
"Beta….wo Gayatri ke saath Dr Misra ke kamrey mein hi so rahi hai….chaaho tho andar chale jao…," Damini informed Angad.
Angad was about to walk towards Dr Misra's bedroom, when Kripa walked out of the room, "kaun hai maasi?" she said in a weary voice.
Kripa saw Angad standing in the hallway. She was overwhelmed with emotion at seeing him. Her heart had been aching for him since she had heard about her uncle's heart attack. She had suffered and cried alone the last 3 days, but now she could not hold her tears anymore, and ran to him. She hugged him tightly and started sobbing, "bahut der kar di Angad…mamaji ab hamare beech nahin rahe…"
Angad put his arm around her, "don't worry jaan! Ab main aa gaya hoon," he looked up at Prithvi as if indicating to him, "she is mine buddy….back off!" Prithvi lowered his eyes and went back to the guest room. Damini also retired back to her bed.
Angad held Kripa for sometime. He also became a little emotional when he saw Dr Misra's photograph in a corner with a garland around it. There was a small diya still burning in front of the photograph. "Maa kahan hai?" Angad asked Kripa.
Kripa led him to the bedroom, "maa….Angad aa gaya…" Kripa whispered softly
Gayatri sat up and stretched her arms for Angad. Angad sat down next to Gayatri and gave her a hug, "mujhey maaf kar dee jiye maa….main pehle nahin aa paaya….Sir humein bina mile hi chale gaye…"
"Beta….bhaiya is duniya mein nahin hain tho kya? Unka aashirwaad hamesha tum dono ke saath rahega….," Gayatri kissed Angad's forehead, 'achha hua tu aa gaya beta….kal ghar par shanti puja hai….tu hi unke bete ki jagah puja mein baithna kal…"
Angad pulled back, "lekin…lekin maa, main tho thodi der mein wapas chalaa jaoonga….wahan Mumbai mein conference chal rahi hai…main tho sirf Kripa ko wapas le jaane aaya tha…," he said.
Gayatri and Kripa were stunned and looked at each other.
Kripa came forward, "Angad…main kuch din yahin rahoongi…..jab tak 13 din nahin ho jaate, main wapas ghar nahin aaoongi…."
Angad was surprised. He got up and walked towards Kripa, "Kripa….tumhey akele kaise chhod sakta hoon….wapas kaise aaogi?"
Kripa said tearfully, "Angad jaise aayi thi, waise hi wapas chali jaaoongi…tum kyon fikar karte ho?"
Gayatri sensed the tension, " beta Angad…thoda aaraam kar lo….kal subah chale jaana….main samajh sakti hoon ki kaam bhi bahut zaroori hai….par itni raat ko kahan jaaogey?"
Angad stared at Kripa and walked out in anger. He went upstairs to his old room and sat down on the bed. His 'room' was still the same; untouched by anyone- it seemed that he still lived here-he remembered the first few months of his blissful married life, there were a lot of memories attached to this room. The stuffed teddy bear he had purchased for their child was propped up on the bed. He lay down on the bed and tried to close his eyes.
Kripa walked in after a few minutes, "Angad, tum yahan kyon aaye ho? Tumhari conference abhi khatam nahin huyi hai, aur tumhey wapas jaana hai, phir kuch ghanto ke liye hi kyon aaye ho?" she bit her lower lip as she suppressed her tears.
Angad got up and said, "tumhey meri fikar na ho….par mujhey tho hai na? Main sirf tumhare liye aaya hoon…please wapas Mumbai chalo"
Kripa turned her back to him and walked towards the window, "Angad, tumhey meri fikar hoti tho mere saath aana chaahiye tha…..wo tho bechare Prithvi ka shukar hai ki wo mere saath aa gaya….aur yahan sab ke saath itna apnapan dikhaya hai usne…sach mein tumhare saare purane dost bahut ache hain….pata nahin naye doston mein tumne galti kaise kar li?"
Angad's nostrils flared up in anger, "Kripa! You have no idea about the real world! Main maanta hoon ki mujhey yahan pehle hona chaahiye tha, par tum har baat mein Mishti ko galat kyon saabit karna chaahti ho…why are you jealous of her?"
Kripa's voice cracked, "Angad…please don't yell at me….tumhey wapas jaana hai tho jao….main 13 din baad hi aaoongi…."
Angad picked his bag and walked out in frustration, "theek hai! Main wapas jaa raha hoon….ab tho tumhey Prithvi ka saath mil gaya hai na, tho meri kya zaroorat hai?"
Kripa was stunned. She turned around, "THO YEH BAAT HAI? TUM YAHAN PRITHVI KI WAJAH SE AAYE HO NA? SHAYAD TUMHEY YEH GAWAARA NAHIN HUA KI KOI AUR MARD MERI MADAD KAR RAHA HAI! YOU ARE JEALOUS OF HIM….AREN'T YOU?"
Angad clenched his teeth and said, "I am going Kripa….tumhey jab aana hai wapas aa jaana…..jiske saath aana hai, aa jaana….mujhey bahut kaam hai….I don't have time to waste on such discussions! Bye!"
Angad walked out and drove off to Mumbai. Prithvi saw Angad drive off from his window. Prithvi called Mishti and gloated, "lagta hai, jalan ki aag lag gayi hai…..I think they had a big argument….he has turned around to go back to Mumbai….congratulations Mishti!"
Kripa was heartbroken. She was shattered by her uncle's demise, and her husbands's heartlessness had broken her completely. She stayed up all night, sobbing on her pillow, till her tears had dried out.
The next morning, she decided to focus on the important things- the shanti puja at home.
She told everyone that Angad had an emergency at work and had to leave ASAP.
Kanan and Nishant came down that day to take part in the puja. Kanan was upset when she found out that Angad was not there on Kripa's side when she needed him the most.
"Kripa….mera bhai kabhie kabhie bhatak jaata hai…..usey sahi raasta dikhana padhta hai kai baar….wo apne kaam aur career mein kuch zyaada hi doob jaata hai….Mumbai jaakar usey pyaar se samjhaana…..main bhi us sey baat karoongi….," Kanan soothed Kripa as she gave her a warm and affectionate hug.
Nishant was surprised to see Prithvi so involved in the puja; he almost seemed like a family member. Nishant and Kanan knew Prithvi as Angad's friend, but had never taken a liking for him the way they were fond of aaliyah. Aaliyah seemed so genuine in her friendship, but Prithvi seemed like an opportunistic friend. Nishant had noticed Prithvi staring at Kripa on various occasions-not as a friend or a well wisher, but with a lustrous desire in his eyes. Kripa, of course was oblivious as she was too overwhelmed with grief and sadness.
Nishant came up to Kripa after the puja, "yeh Prithvi kuch zyaada hi tum mein interest nahin le raha?"
"Oh jiju aap? Prithvi? Wo Angad ka dost hai, aur ab mera bhi….bahut helpful hai…," Kripa defended Prithvi
"Helpful tho hai….par meri baat ka dhyaan rakhna….keep some distance from him…I am not sure about his intentions." Nishant gave his brotherly advise to kripa.
Kripa nodded and thanked him, "aap fikar mat kee jiye jiju…Angad ke alaawa main kisi aur ki taraf dekh bhi nahin sakti…"
That day, Angad's mind could not focus on any of the seminars or papers presented in the conference. His argument with Kripa kept playing back in his mind repeatedly. Kripa was right! He was indeed getting jealous of Prithvi….but he had a right to be jealous…who was Prithvi to interfere in his life and try to take his place at the Misra residence? Angad promised himself, that as soon as the conference was over, he would go back to Ramgarh and spend the last few days with Kripa and her family.
Mishti reminded him of his promise that evening, "shall we go out tonight?"
Angad remembered his promise and said, "as you wish"
"How about my place? I will have my chef cook something up for us…OK?"
"Whatever you want Mishti." Angad was in no mood to argue with her and accepted her offer.
Mishti and Angad had a cozy dinner at her place. Mishti sent all the servants away for the night, "bas aaj raat ko no disturbance…OK?"
Angad got ready to leave also. He felt a little light-headed after the few drinks he had consumed with dinner. He had been very quiet during the dinner; his mind still thinking of the argument he had with Kripa the night before. The more he felt bad about lashing out at Kripa, the more alcohol he consumed.
As Angad staggered to leave, Mishti stopped him at the door. She came close to him and started caressing his muscular chest. She unbuttoned his top 2 buttons and kissed him passionately on his chest, 'kahan jaa rahe ho jaan-e.man? Abhi tho raat baaki hai…"
Angad gave out a faint laugh, "kya kar rahi ho Kripa? Bahut shaitaan ho gayi ho…"
Mishti was not pleased to hear Kripa's name, but she did not say anything; she thought, 'chalo Kripa samajh kar hi sahi…..meri pyaas tho bujhaa dega aaj.."
Mishti started her seductive game on Angad. She laid Angad on the couch and started working on him. Angad just kept muttering Kripa's name in pleasure. Just as Mishti was undressing herself, Angad's phone rang loudly. However sleepy or inebriated Angad would be, he never ignored his calls from the hospital.
"Sorry…let me take this call," Angad swayed away from the couch and answered, "yes…this is Dr Khanna! Kya hua….503 has coded? Ok, main abhi aaya!" Angad suddenly regained his senses, buttoned and zipped up his clothes and ran out the door. 503 was the finance minister of Maharashtra and he had to be attended to ASAP!
Mishti was left high and dry once again………she fumed and fretted all night, but Angad never came back….
….to be continued
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