THE GODFATHER- Part2...Index/ pg1 - Page 2

PART 60

It was past 2 A.M. when Rishi reached home. Anu was still awake, worrying about his lateness. She opened the door, exclaiming: Kya hua tha? Itni der laga dee aaj?

Then she gasped when she saw him, crying out: KHOON! Rishi's clothes were drenched in BLOOD!

KHOON! TUMHEY CHOT LAGI HAI" she cried out with horrified fear !

SSHHHHH! Rishi silenced her, locked the door and pulled her gently to their room…he didn't want his father to wake up and see him in that state! Somesh was a heart patient and might get a bad shock!

He closed the bedroom door, took off his bloodied clothes, with a terrified Anu looking on: Kya hua tha? Itna khoon kaisey aaya? She could see he wasn't injured himself!

Then he collapsed on the bed, sitting with his face in his hands, sobbing quietly. Anu rushed to his side, he put his arms around her thick waist, and cried piteously. She was 8 months pregnant…..he was so afraid for her and his child.

Anu stroked his hair, comforting him: Rishi, please mujhey bataao, kya hua tha? Tumpar itna khoon kaisey laga?

Anu….he sobbed into her waist….un logon ne Zaib aur Ali Saab ko….maar dala….they killed them!

KYAAA? ZAIB BHAIYYA KO ? ALI UNCLE KO……YEH TUM KYA KEH RAHEY HO? Anu was thunderstruck!

SSSHHHHH…..Dheerey bolo….Rishi raised his head…..main nahin chahta Papa ko pata chaley….unhey bahut sadma lagega"

Lekin hua kya, batao toh sahi? Anu sounded frantic!

Rishi made her sit beside him on the bed, holding her shoulder, he slowly narrated the horrendous events of that night, in a broken voice, halting, breaking down.
How Madho Pandey made Mr. Ali sign the Hotel ownership papers, then threw him down the balcony. How he had rushed towards Madho in fury, knocked him over the railings….but the bullets Madho had fired at him had struck Zaib and now he was dead! His lively, youthful friend was dead!

Zaib ki jaan meri vajeh se gayi…..Rishi cried on Anu's shoulder: Jo goliyan Madho ne mujhpar chalayi thi, wo Zaib ko lagi….Kaash mainey pehley Madho ke bandook ko fenka hota toh aaj mera dost zinda hota! Mainey jaldbazi mein kadam uthaya….Kaash….

Rishi was feeling terribly guilty…..he felt responsible for Zaib's death! The bullets meant for him had struck Zaib! Now the least he could do was fulfil Zaib's last wishes and take his body to Dubai for burial. But first of all,he had to send Anu and his father away to a safe place. He had killed the Gangster's brother…..terrible retribution might follow! He had to send them to safety at once!

He wiped his eyes and stood up: Anu, tum abhi issi waqt apna suitcase pack karo…..tum Mussorie jaa rahi ho!

Anuradha was crying too……grieving for Zaib and Mr. Ali….worried and tense about the future! She looked up in shock: MAIN? MUSSORIE?

Haan….tumhara yahan rehna theek nahin….hum sab khatrey mein hai…main nahin chahta tumhey ya merey bachchey ko kuchh ho…..

Lekin Main….Main….tumhey aur Pitajee ko chhodkar kaisey jaa sakti hoon? Yeh tum kya keh rahey ho, Rishi? Anu was indignant. Kabhie nahin….main tum dono ko chhodkar nahin jaa sakti….tum bhi merey saath chalo Pitajee ko lekar"

NAHIN! ANU!!…..samajhney ki koshish karo…..hum sab agar wahan jaayengey toh wo shaitaan apney gundon ko Mussorie bhejega…..tum meri fikr mat karo….mera kuchh adhoora kaam hai yahan….main usey niptakar tumharey paas chala jaaoonga! Aur Pitajee ko kal subah ki train se Poona bhej doonga….merey Chachu ke ghar!

Anu sobbed, clinging to Rishi: Nahin….mujhey akela mat bhejo…..main bhi yahan rahoongi….tumhey chhodkar nahin jaa sakti main"

ANU…..Rishi gripped her shoulders and raised her face: Dekho, tumhey hamarey bachchey ki kasam hai….YOU HAVE TO GO NOW! I PROMISE…..mujhey kuchh nahin hoga….wo shaitaan mujhey kabhie pakad nahin payega…..I promise I WILL STAY ALIVE…. …for you and our child! Main vaada karta hoon…..tum bhi mujhsey vaada karo….tum aaj raat ko Mussorie jaogi…..aur vaada karo hamarey bachchey ko surakshit rakhogi! Please, Anu…..meri taraf dekho (she opened her streaming eyes) ….Promise me, Jaan! Tum hamarey bachchey ko kuchh nahin honay dogi"

Anu cried and cried, finally promised through sobs: Haan, main vaada karti hoon bachchey ko kuchh nahin hoga…..main usey kuchh nahin honay doongi"

He kissed her forehead and embraced her fiercely: I love you, Anu! Tum meri Jaan ko saath mein lekar jaa rahi ho…..dono ka khayal rakhna….I will be with you in a few days. Hum kahin door chaley jayengey…iss khoon kharabey ki duniya se. Just wait for me, Anu!

She nodded, hugging him back, crying. Finally they wiped their eyes, she started packing a suitcase for herself. She put in warm clothes…winter was approaching, the baby would be born in a month. She went to the bathroom to get her toiletries. Rishi quickly took out a gift from his wardrobe. It was a silver-framed photograph of hers that he had planned to gift on her birthday which was coming up the following week. He had taken that picture with the new camera he bought during Diwali. Anu was dressed in a new sari and jewelry for Diwali and smiling….he had it framed and inscribed: To Anu, on her 21st Birthday, Love, Rishi.

He caressed the photo, kissed it and slipped it into her purse. It will be a nice surprise to her on the train….maybe cheer her up a little bit!

The train for Dehradun was leaving Mumbai early morning. Rishi and Anu slipped out of the house before dawn while the whole neighbourhood slept. Anu wanted to touch her sasurjee's feet before leaving but Rishi didn't let her, in case Somesh woke up and found out about the whole thing!

He drove quickly to Mumbai Central and got a 1st class ticket for Dehradun. They ran to the platform, suitcase in hand and just caught the train 5 mins before departure. Anu got up, they held hands through the window…..Anu was crying pitifully, Rishi was holding back his tears, comforting her: Main do din baad aa jaaoonga…I promise! Please, apna khayal rakhna….he kissed her hands….the train whistled….and chugged out of the station. They stared at each other as long as they could….till Anu disappeared from sight!

******************************************************

Godfather sighed, tears falling down his face: And that was the last time I saw your mother, Kripa! Wahi uski aakhri jhalak thi….tabsey lekar aaj tak main sirf uski yaadon ke saharey jee raha hoon" ……he broke down, covering his face, crying silently.

Kripa was sobbing quietly in her chair….she got up slowly and approached him….Angad looked on with tears in his eyes. Kripa placed her hands on her father's arms : Papa…..Papa!

Godfather looked up, his eyes streaming, yet an incredulous joy on his face: Meri Beti….Kripa, My Child!

Haan…Papa! Mama ne apna vaada poora kiya…..main aaj bhi zinda hoon….aur ab aapkey paas aa gayi hoon…….Kripa smiled through her tears….holding out her arms.

Godfather flung his arms around her, hugging her tightly as he cried with happiness, relief, utter bliss…..his loneliness vaporized with the years of living with his memories.
Haan, Beti, Anu ne apna vaada poora kiya….martey huey bhi tumhey janam diya…..aur aaj tum merey saath ho…..I am the happiest man on earth today! Kismat ne meri khushiyan mujhey lauta dee" …he was crying, thanking Anu, thanking Destiny, ecstatic with joy to be reunited with his lost child!

Kripa sobbed and hugged him: Papa…main bhi bahut khush hoon…..main bhi….

Angad wiped his tears and approached father and daughter duo: Aur main aaj sabsey zyada khush hoon….ke main Kripa ko apney Dad se…..aur Uncle ko apni Beti se mila sakaa"

Godfather and Kripa laughed through their tears and pulled Angad into a group hug! They hugged, laughed, cried together….generally behaving like people who are crazy with happiness, whose cup of joy is flowing over, whose every dream has been fulfilled!

Finally they wiped their eyes……Godfather suggested: Ek cup chai ho jaye….iss khushi mein, kya khayal hai?

Haan, Papa!…..Kripa laughed, Main abhi banakar laati hoon.

She ran into the kitchen, hugged and kissed Prateek who was playing with his Nani-Mausi. She laughed joyfully when Kalyani asked her what was the matter: Maasi Jee, aaj main bahut khush hoon…bahut khush! Aapko .....

She was going to tell Kalyani right there in the kitchen about her father…..when Angad came running from the back and placed his hand on her mouth: Kucch nahin, Aunty-jee….buss Kripa ko khushi iss baat ki hai ke usko Hongkong se apna samaan wapas mil gaya!

Kripa looked surprised and indignant. Angad whispered in her ears: Yahan kisiko maloom nahin hona chahiye ke tum Godfather ki Beti ho……don't say a word! Your life, Prateek's life will be in danger! Samjhi? Do u understand? Not a word!

She nodded, her eyes wide and scared! She realized the dangerous predicament of being a Don's daughter!

Prateek scowled at Angad for holding his mother like that….he suddenly rushed at Angad and pushed him away: Aap merey Mama ko kyun pakad rahey ho?

Angad laughed: Beta, Main aur tumharey Mama chor Police khel rahey the…..main Police hoon, isiliye pakad liya!

OHHH! Prateek believed it at once, his eyes lighting up: Main bhi Chor Police kheloonga! I want to be Police! I want to be Police!

Okay, Beta….lets go and play! Angad picked Prateek up on his shoulders and went to the Living-room where they had a rowdy game of Chor-Police, running all over the rooms, knocking things over….generally having a great time!

Kripa and Kalyani Aunty smiled indulgently at the two rowdy boys!….Kripa made tea for everyone alongwith snacks. Her head was still reeling with the tumultous story of her father's past……she badly wanted to hear the rest….what happened to her grandfather, Zaib's family…..she already knew her mother's fate. She grieved for her mother…wished with all her heart that she were alive today, and be with all of them! As a complete family!

Then she thought about Angad….he had lost both his parents because of that fiend Damodar!!…at least she still had her father alive. She sighed….she would have to speak with Prateek very soon about calling Angad "Dad". Now that she knew her own father, she wanted Prateek to know his father too….and call him Dad! She knew Angad was pining to hear that from his son.

She gave a cup of tea to Kalyani and carried the tray to the Study, where her father was still gazing at her mother's portrait, smiling, talking to her silently. She handed over a cup to Godfather and looked up at the portrait: Maa kitni sundar lag rahi hai iss painting mein….sach mein bahut khubsoorat thi"

Haan…..bilkul tumhari tarah…..Godfather turned to her and stroked her cheek lovingly: Tumney bhi waisi hi naak naksha payi hai….sirf kadd mein thodi chhoti ho, gudiya jaisi" he grinned affectionately.

Kripa laughed….Angad rushed in with Prateek sitting on his shoulders, out of breath: Ek martey huey aadmi ko chai milegi kya? He was panting…..from all that running.

Kripa handed him a cup, giggling: Angad, tum out of shape ho gaye ho…..Prateek ke saath khelney ke liye kasrat karna padega"

She took Prateek from his arms….Angad quickly bent and whispered in her ears: Kitna out of shape hoon yeh aaj raat ko tumhey pata chalega" he winked with wicked promise.

She blushed and frowned………..jerked her head towards Godfather: Besharam, apney sasur ke saamney bhi…..she whispered back to Angad….kuchh toh sharam karo"

Wo pehley merey Uncle hain, baad mein Sasurjee" he mumbled back.

Meanwhile, Godfather was grinning delightedly at Prateek, his eyes misting with affection to see his little grandson, longing to hold him in his arms.

Kripa saw his expression….she carried Prateek over to her father : Beta, yeh tumharey Nanu hain….inhey Namastey karo"

Prateek folded his hands: Namastey Naanu! Mama, meri Naani kahan hain?

She pointed at the painting: Wo rahey tumharey Naani…..

Haan, mujhey toh pata hai, wo Nani hai….lekin wo kahan hain? Prateek looked around, bewildered.

Kripa looked somber: Beta, tumhari Nani Bhagwan ke paas chali gayi….wahin per hain"

Ohhh! Prateek looked wise…..he knew what that meant…..his friend Akash's grandfather had also gone to Bhagwan and never returned. It seemed it was a one-way ticket!

Prateek nodded wisely: Haan mujhey pata hai…..jo Bhagwan ke paas chaley jaatey hain wo phir nahin aatey….Akash ke Dadu bhi wahan hain….wahan bahut achhi jagah hai, isiliye nahin aatey hongay"

Kripa sighed with relief….perhaps it was going to be easier than she had thought….telling Prateek about Josh….but now wasn't the time. Right now she just wanted to bask in the warmth of family ties.

She handed over Prateek to Godfather: Jaao beta, apney Nanu ke paas jaao….wo tumhey bahut pyaar kartey hain"

Mr. Bajaj took Prateek in his arms as if he had just been handed the greatest wealth in the world! He held Prateek close, gazing at his cute face, his round eyes staring curiously at the grandfather he never knew!

Tears of joy rolled down Godfather's cheeks once again….tears of joy, to hold his grandson….this was an added bonus given by God after all these years,…. to get back his child and grandchild was a bonanza he had never expected!

Prateek looked disturbed: Nanu, aap ro kyun rahey ho? Mama ne aapko daanta kya?
Nahin Beta….yeh toh khushi ke aansoo hain…..main tumhey dekhkar bahut khush hoon na, isliye!

Prateek was confused…..these grown-ups were really weird….they cried when they were happy? And then what? They will laugh when they are sad?

He wiggled impatiently in Godfather's arms…he wanted to go and play….Kripa took him to her room to take a nap. He had been playing all afternoon and looked tired. When Prateek was sleeping, she sneaked out and went back to the Study.

Angad and Mr. Bajaj were discussing something serious. They looked up when she entered: Aao Beti….hum tumhara hi intezaar kar rahey the….Angad ne tumhey samjha diya hoga….iss baat ko chhupakar rakhna padega ke tum meri beti ho aur Prateek mera pota.

Lekin hum Mausi Jee ya Uncle ko kyun nahin bataa saktey? Kripa was bewildered: Kya aap unpar bharosa nahin kartey?

Baat bharosey ki nahin hai, Beti……Godfather went up to her and held her shoulders: Baat hai khatrey ki…..Mittal aur Bhabhi dono merey bahut kareeb hain….wo yeh sunkar bahut khush hongay ke tum meri khoyi huyi aulaad ho….lekin kahin unhoney yeh baat doosron ke saamney keh diya toh bahut badi museebat hogi! We cant take the risk….hamara yeh rishta ek raaz hi rehna chahiye….sirf hum teenon ke beech mein….kisiko kaanon kaan khabar nahin hona chahiye. Ek baar uss shaitaan ko bhanak bhi pad gayi toh wo tumhey aur Prateek ko……….Godfather shuddered, closing his eyes! He had lost too much to dare losing his last two loved ones.

Theek hai, Papa…..main kisiko nahin bataoongi….yeh raaz... raaz hi rahega" Kripa sighed. Lekin Papa, aap mujhey baaki ki baat sunayiye….uskey baad kya hua? Merey Dadajee kahan hain? Kya wo bhi…..?

Haan, Beti, wo bhi un badmashon ka shikaar ho gaye…..

********************************************************

Godfather's story continued:


After seeing Anu off at the station, a dejected and tired Rishi returned home. As his car approached his house, he saw crowds of people and smoke billowing from that direction. His heart pounded with sudden dread….he jumped out of his car and ran through the crowds…..his worst fears came true….his house had been torched by those gangsters seeking revenge! He yelled: PITAJEE!! PAPA!! And ran towards the burning door!

But his neighbours pulled him back: Betaa…andar mat jaao….aag jal rahi hai!
CHHODIYE MUJHEY! MEREY PAPA ANDAR HAIN!

Rishi shook off his captors and ran inside the burning house….through thick, pungent smoke, he managed to locate his father's room. He went in and saw Somesh sitting up in bed, coughing, hacking, helpless to get up and run! He ran and picked up his father in his arms….ran out of the smoking building……he ran through the crowds of people, managing to hear snippets of information as he carried his father to the car:

Subah subah Bomb maara makaan per! Lagta hai Gundon ka kaam hai….na jaaney kaisey dhandey mein hai yeh Aggarwal ka beta? Gundon se iska kya vaasta?

Hai Raam! Kya zamana aa gaya hai! Ab ghar-grihasti mein bhi bomb phenka jaa raha hai…..yeh ilaaka toh gaya kaam se!

Now Rishi knew the cycle of revenge had begun! Damodar wont let him go….he will avenge his brother's death! It wasn't just a matter of avenging family….it was also to show his power and strength to the common people! Nobody could kill the notorious Damodar Pandey's brother and live to tell about it!

He rushed his father to the Hospital….Somesh was suffering from very bad smoke inhalation! He was admitted and Rishi left him in the doctor's care to go and release Zaib's body from the Hospital authorities. They refused to give it! They said it was a police case and could be only released to the Police.

Rishi was very frustrated….he was forced to go to the Local Thana …..just as he was approaching the Thana, he saw some gangster types walk into the Thana.

One of them was a large, stocky, man with an crude, dark face…..Rishi realized with a shock that it was Damodar himself! He hung back and didn't enter the Thana….watching the door from behind a tree.

After some time, the Police Inspector came out, speaking deferentially to Damodar : Haan Pandey Saab….….aapka kaam ho jayega! Wo Rishi Aggarwal bachkar nahin jaayega…..kitna haiwaan hai, apney Boss ka katl kiya, apney dost ko maar dala….Hotel ko paaney ki lalach mein. Aap befikr rahiye….hum usey dhoond lengey"

Damodar spoke in a heavy, guttural voice: Do din ke andar wo ka***** jail ke andar hona chahiye"

Haan Jee….aap chinta mat keejiye! The police Officer was almost grovelling at the gangster's feet!

Rishi was devastated! It was hopeless….Damodar had the police in his pocket and had pinned the two murders on him! This was unbelievably evil!

As Damodar and his two bodyguards passed, Rishi heard a henchman complain: Kyaa Boss! Aap Police ke haath uss ******* ko kyun de rahey hain?….usey toh hum marengey"

Damodar laughed….a devil's hollow, chilling laughter: Bewakoof! Main usey itni aasani se nahin maroonga….tadpa tadpakar maaroonga! Jaaney de usey Police lockup mein…wahan saala khoon ke jurm mein jail mein sadega….….aur hum yahan uskey poorey parivaar ko khatam kar dengey…..wo Jail mein baithkar royega, kuchh nahin kar payega….Hahahahaaaa…..

Rishi gritted his teeth…..helpless to retaliate…..knowing his family was in terrible danger! He prayed fervently that Anu would reach Mussorie safely….once there, she would be guarded by Kapoor Uncle and Auntie……. the whole Army Cantonment there knew and loved her! He had written a letter to Colonel Kapoor telling him about the situation, asking him to arrange for security for Anu. Rishi heaved a sigh of relief that Anu was safe at least! But what would he do about his father? Now the police were after him for murders he hadnt committed…..how would he visit his father in hospital?

Just at that moment, he saw a bearded Sardarjee pass him on a scooter. An idea flashed in his head: DISGUISE! He quickly went to a costume shop nearby, bought a fake beard and mustache, a pagdi like Sardars wear. He sneaked into a restaurant bathroom and changed into his new getup…..emerged as a tall, strapping Sardarjee!

He proceeded to the Hospital, sneaked into the emergency room where his father was being treated. The doctors looked grave……the patient was sinking….he had a massive heart attack from the shock of the bomb blast! They tried to revive him…..Rishi watched helplessly from the door, dressed as a Sardarjee….he watched while his father took his last breath….was declared dead, the sheet pulled over his head! He couldn't approach him, see him for a last time. He cried silently behind the door….he couldn't risk being caught now! Anu and his baby depended on him….his father was gone and nothing could bring him back now. He hung around at the Hospital, hearing them say they would send the old man's body to the morgue, where Zaib was also being kept.

Iska beta toh wapas nahin aaya….na jaaney kahan bhaag gaya apney Baap ko iss haalat mein chhodkar? Kya zamanaa aaya hai? Martey huey Baap ko bhi Beta aakhri baar dekhney nahin aata……the nurses and docs commented.

Suddenly, he saw cops coming into the Hospital! He quickly slithered out of a side door…..disappearing into the night! He knew what he had to do now….somehow he had to get the 2 bodies out of the Morgue….Zaib's and his father's!

Rishi took a bus to Pune, to his Chachu's house….he told him the whole horrifying story. His Chachu grieved to hear about his brother's death! He promised to get Somesh's body released from the Hospital and give him a proper Funeral. That very day, Chachu went to Mumbai and brought back Somesh's body to Pune. They sneaked to a burning ghat, where Rishi cremated his father secretly, disguised as a priest this time!

He went back to Mumbai in his Sardar's getup, sneaked into the Hospital….stole a ward-boy's uniform. He went to the Morgue late at night, dressed as a ward-boy, he managed to sneak inside and wheeled out Zaib's body from the Morgue, stole an ambulance, drove to Thane, placed Zaib's body in a coffin he had already bought.

He took the coffin to Pune by taxi…..where he kept it in his Chachu's charge. He had already withdrawn all his money from his Mumbai Bank before police could get to them. From Pune, he flew straight to Delhi, from there to Mussorie.

He was all excited at the thought of being reunited with Anu at last……but all his hopes crashed….a terrible fear shook his heart, when he heard Anu had never arrived in Mussorie.

The Kapoors were most surprised: Why would Anu suddenly return to Mussorie…..Rishi didn't tell them anything about the Mumbai murders…..he just told them Anu wanted to have the baby in her maayka, in Mussorie. The next week he searched high and low for Anu's whereabouts!

Suddenly, an idea struck him…..he drove down to the Railway Station of Dehradun. He asked them to look for records of a woman named Anuradha Aggarwal travelling alone at that date. In those days, railway records werent very clear as they werent computerized yet….they finally managed to locate the records…..

And then Rishi heard the most devastating news in his life: That train had met with an accident near Kathgodam….a lot of compartments had fallen into the icy river below…..very few survived in those compartments.

Aap Kathgodam Junction jaaiye….wahan aapko aur jaankari milegi"

Rishi rushed to Kathgodam……the Station Master told him the injured and dead had been taken to General Hospital there. The Hospital confirmed his worst fears….a pregnant woman had indeed been in the accident….she was 8 months pregnant…her name unknown, her belongings had washed away in the river. She had given birth to a dead baby and died right after. She had been cremated with the other unidentified bodies. Her ashes scattered in River Ganges.

ANU WAS GONE! SO WAS HIS CHILD! RISHI COLLAPSED ON THE HOSPITAL FLOOR……HE HAD NO REASON TO LIVE ANYMORE!

He might as well return to Mumbai and face the gangsters. He didn't care for his own life anymore! Then he remembered his promise to Zaib…..NO…before dying, he had to fulfil that promise. Take Zaib's body back to Dubai! Back to his parents! For a proper burial!

But before that he had to confirm his horrible suspicions that the train accident hadnt been deliberate. He went to the accident site and asked around….the locals said some fish-plates had been removed from the railway bridge .... the train tracks had collapsed when the train passed over it and it had plunged into the icy river ! Rishi's worst fears were confirmed! Anu and his baby had been victims of Damodar's villainy.

A terrible rage grew inside him! REVENGE! HE WANTED REVENGE! HE WAS GOING TO KILL DAMODAR SOMEHOW!

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pallavi

Thanks everyone! 😳

I changed my mind and decided to write one more part and just one epilogue instead of 2.... 😆 Sorry for the confusion!


PART 69

asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityorma amrutam gamaya

Lead me from the untruth to the truth.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from death to immortality

Brhadaranyaka Upanishad — I.iii.28)


The plane landed at Mauritius International Airport right on time. Kripa hired a porter to collect and upload her substantial luggage on trolleys, placed Prateek on top and wheeled it towards the exit. Her eyes searched the lounge for Angad or Papa. They were nowhere in sight.
She waited a good half an hour, finally getting worried! Why hadnt they come to receive her? Perhaps she was supposed to take a cab to the Resort and they would meet her there. Nothing had been specified on the ticket and vacation voucher.

She looked around helplessly, at a loss for what to do….Prateek had fallen asleep in her arms. He felt heavy, her arms ached!

Suddenly a deep, hoarse masculine voice sounded very close to her ears: Behnjee, main twaide madad kar sakda? Koi help shelp kar sakda?

She looked up, startled! A tall, hefty Sardarjee stood right behind her, almost touching her body. She was frightened at his intimate proximity…….he wore a dark blue turban, dark suit, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, thick mustache and beard covering most of his face.

She moved away quickly, recoiling from the stranger: Nahin, main theek hoon….please, I don't need your help!

Ki gal kar rahey ho, Bhenjee….itni soni kudee, kale ajnabee shehr vich, sade deshvasi ho….. sadi bhi te koi duty hai ke nahin? The Sardarjee followed her, brushing against her again, almost touching her arm.

Please mujhey akela chhod deejiye. Merey gharwaley aatey hi hongay…..Kripa moved further away , rather alarmed now at this persistent stalker.

Gharwala- baharwala, ki farak padta hai jee? ….he leaned on her, breathing heavily down her neck.

She shuddered in revulsion : Dekhiye, mera peechha chhodiye nahin toh main Police ko bulaoongi" she warned him in a shaky voice but looked defiant.

The Sardarjee gave a slow, wicked smile and removed his sunglasses. She gasped with shock as she looked into very familiar, sherry brown eyes smiling naughtily at her. He winked and moved closer, closer till he was touching her again….. she stared into his eyes with her mouth open…..wondering why she didnt notice those familiar lips before…..lips that had kissed her so often.

Bachcha so gaya…..layiye Behnjee! He extended his arm to take Prateek from her arms.

She glared at him furiously….what a fright he had given her, he and his elaborate disguises! Really, this time she had been completely fooled. Her heart was still thudding with nervous alarm.

Behenjee ke bachchey! She stomped hard on his foot with her heel.
He yelped with pain and quickly looked around : Kripa, kya kar rahi ho? Don't blow my cover!

Mujhey itna daraya kyun? Meri toh jaan hi nikal gayi thi? Aur itni der kyun laga dee? Pata hai, I was so worried! She hissed furiously at him under her breath.

Sorry! I'm Sorry, Jaaneman! I got held up by a stupid festival procession! He looked genuinely apologetic, holding one ear. Chalo, Prateek ko do….so gaya bechara!

Nahin…..she was still mad at him for frightening her……tum luggage sambhalo, Sunny uthega toh abhi tumhey dekhkar aur bhi darr jayega"

She stomped off angrily, with him following her, meek as a lamb, pushing the luggage trolley. He loaded the luggage in the black Scorpio van outside, placed the sleeping boy on the back seat, then drove off into the bright sunlight of a Mauritian autumn afternoon.

He glanced at her sideways, smirking : Kya tum sach mein itni darr gayi thi?

Of course…..darti kyun nahin? Anjaaney videsh mein ek hatta katta ajnabee mujhey chhed raha tha….darney ki baat toh thi…….she glowered at him…..Ab bhi mera dil zoron se dhadak raha hai" ….she placed a hand on her heaving heart.

Dekhoon toh zara kitni zor se dhadak raha hai? Angad extended his free hand at once to her chest to check her heartbeats.

She slapped his hand away, laughing: Keep your hands on the steering wheel ! Accident karney ka iraada hai kya?

20 mile ki speed mein kya accident hogi, Honey? Yahan roads bahut slow hain…..Angad laughed. Waisey mera huliya kaisa tha? He stroked his thick fake beard ….Kaafi achha tha na? Tum toh bilkul buddhu ban gayi….. Bhenjee! He laughed loudly.

Ssshhhh., Prateek uth jayega…..she hit his back hard with her fist: Sharam nahin aayi, apney Biwi ko behenjee kehtey huye? Shame on You!

Angad exaggerated a saintly pose: Actually main bahut Shareef insaan hoon….har aurat ko apna Behen maanta hoon"

Kripa burst out laughing at that lie…..hitting him helter-skelter as he warded off her blows with one arm, the car swerved sideways….she cried out in alarm….he brought it back under control.

They sobered up after that, Angad paled as he realized an accident could harm the baby.

Im sorry, Kripa….tum seat-belt laga lo….aur ab maar-peet band rakho, room mein jaakar phir se shuru karengey. OK? He winked at her, promising retaliation in their hotel room.

She blushed and showed him her thumb as in Thenga….I don't care.

Then she looked serious: Angad, Papa kahan hain? Wo airport kyun nahin aaye?
Papa Resort mein hain….hes alright, don't worry. Angad reached out and pulled her warm cheeks: Papa Airport kaisey aatey? Phir dono ko huliya badalna padta….isiliye main hi chala aaya.

Aur Kartik Bhaiyya? Wo kahan hain? Wo theek toh hain na? Kripa cleared all her worries.

Haan, Of course! Kartik is fine! Usey kuchh nahin hua…..right now hes in the US with his brother. Wahin uska treatment karva raha hai. Uskey baad kahan jayega pata nahin.

Prateek woke up and started crying when he saw a bearded stranger sitting beside Mama and driving the car.

MAMAAA……MUJHEY GHAR JAANA HAI…..MAMAA…..he yelled and clung to Kripa's neck from the back-seat.

Angad stopped the car at once and climbed into the back seat. Prateek recoiled from him, shutting his eyes tightly. Angad pulled off his fake beard from one side: SUNNY! BETA….MAIN HOON ….DAD! SEE THIS IS ME! TUMHARA DAD!

Finally Prateek opened his terrified eyes a chink and peeped….YES, IT WAS DAD ALRIGHT!…..wearing a turban and beard !!

DAAAD???? His eyes were like saucers in shock. AAP DAD HO?

Angad pulled him into his arms and kissed his cheeks: Haan main hoon, Beta! Main wapas aa gaya tumharey paas….

Prateek flung his little arms around Dad's neck and sobbed out his complaints: DAD …Aaap kahan chaley gaye the? Mainey aapko kitna miss kiya…..

Angad's eyes teared up as he hugged Prateek tightly : Mainey bhi kiya, son! Mainey bhi bahut miss kiya tumhey….khair ab hum ek saath rahengey…aur main tumhey KABHIE chhodkar nahin jaaoonga, I promise!

Dad! Aapney dadhi moochh kyun laga lee? Prateek touched the fake beard in wonder.

Angad laughed with his head flung back: Hum dono superhero games khelengey isliye. Main hoon Shaktimaan! Tum Batman! Kaisa rahega?

ALRIGHT ! Prateek did a high-five with Dad and chuckled with full revived mood.
They started off for the Resort and checked into their 3 bedroom suite, overlooking the bright blue Ocean. Godfather was waiting anxiously for his daughter and grandson.

He looked 10 years younger and happier…as if a load has been lifted off his shoulders. He smiled widely at Kripa as she came in the door.

She ran to him and hugged him : PAPA! Aap bilkul theek hain….main kitni khush hoon….aap sab surakhsit hain. Mainey yeh ek mahina kaisey bitayi sirf main hi jaanti hoon. Har waqt darr sa laga rehta tha kahin aap pakdey na jayen….

Darrney ki kya baat hai, Beti? Godfather tenderly stroked her hair: Tumhey Angad ka message mil gaya tha na? Humein pakad sakey CBI mein itna dum nahin. Lekin yeh toh batao….Mera Nawasa (grandson) kahan hai? Arey wo raha…….aao Beta, apney Nanu ke paas aa jaao….he held out his arms, grinning wth delight.

Prateek smiled shyly at Nanu from his Dad's arms. Then he clambered down, ran to Nanu, gave him a quick hug, then ran to the TV set. It was time for his favorite cartoons.

He found the remote himself and switched it on, finding the right channel.
The adults watched him, laughing at his expertise.

Angad, Kripa and Bajaj sat down to have tea and discuss the past month's events.
Kripa had been troubled by many confusions all along.

Papa…..she questioned with wide eyes: Kya wo….haiwaan Damodar sachmuch marr gaya? Wo bombs kya aapney lagayi thi?

Haan…..Damodar marr chuka! Godfather said with great satisfaction. Ab humein darr aur dehshat ki zindagi nahin jeena padega. Hum azaad hain, khoon kharaba ab aur nahin….rahi bombs ki baat toh wo bombs Kartik aur Javed ne plant kee thi"

Wo kaisey? Kripa was dying to know what had really happened.

Godfather and Angad took turns to narrate the sequence of events from that evening and about the whole plan which had made them "dead men" in the eyes of the Law.

Kripa was amazed, and secretly pleased that not once did Angad handle the guns or the bombs.
Angad ne apna vaada nibhaya, usney bandook ya bombs ko haath bhi nahin lagaya…..she mused silently and glanced at him gratefully…..he blinked and smiled at her, acknowledging her affections.

After a late lunch, they retired to their rooms to rest as Kripa and Prateek were jet-lagged from air-travel.
Prateek was fast asleep pretty soon. Angad and Kripa crept away to the 2nd bedroom and closed the door. He pulled her into his arms….he was craving to kiss her, to make love to her!

His lips descended on hers…..she met them eagerly, standing on tiptoes, arms around his neck.

Kripa……I missed u, Sweetheart! Tumharey liye taras raha tha main……he whispered into her lips, planting deep, hard kisses inside her mouth. She kissed him back eagerly…..their teeth nibbling, pulling at each other's lips.

She hugged him tightly, hiding her face in his neck: Mujhey apney baahon mein chhupa lo, Angad…..mera ghar tumhi ho, mujhey aur kahin nahin jaana hai"
Haan, Jaan….ab hum kabhie alag nahin hongay….I promise you!

She kissed the curve of his neck, sweet, tender kisses, he shuddered and groaned with long suppressed desire.
He lifted her and carried her to the bed……laid her down gently, staring at her lovely face, into her deep brown eyes.

Aaj se hum ek nayi zindagi shuru karengey, ek saath, apney bachchon ke saath…..
Their eyes promised eternal faith, their lips tasted the elixir of love!

His hands unbuttoned her kameez….sliding it off her shoulders…. baring her silken curves , he nuzzled in their burgeoning softness. She moaned, clutching his head to her chest, arching upwards with pleasure as his tongue laved her sensitive tips. Their hips moved restlessly, legs tangling, straining for more intimacy.

He raised his head and whispered in her ears: Doctor ke paas gayi thi?
Haaaannn…..she moaned softly.
Unhoney kya kaha ? his topaz eyes blazed down into hers with passionate hunger.
She smiled saucily, touching his lips: Ab main bilkul theek hoon…doctor ne kaha …..
Toh phir hum ….??? .he was craving her......he nibbled on her fingers.
Haan…..she nodded shyly….ab safe hai….baby ko kuchh nahin hoga….
Thanks Jaan! He kissed her hard with excited delight….like a starving man who had been granted permission at a banquet!

Their hands explored each other with renewed passion…..touching, caressing every pleasure point…..till both were in a frenzy, undressing each other in a hurry.
We have to take it slow….and easy….Angad breathed hard, trying to control his raging desire. He kissed her all over, from head to toe till she was a shivering doll in his hands…she kissed his chest and stomach, touching him intimately, drawing deep groans from his throat.
Finally they came together ….as he made exquisitely gentle, tender love to her!

They lay awake in the aftermath, her head on his chest, his arms cuddling her softness, their bodies snug, warm and sated.

Angad???
Haan, kaho….
Hum kya yahin rahengey? Mauritius mein? Kya yahin per ghar basayengey?
Nope! Yeh India ke bahut nazdeek hai….humein kahin door apna basera dhoondna hoga"
Lekin kahan? She was confused.

Don't worry about that! Papa sab intezaam kar rahey hain. hum jaldi wahan chaley jayengey! Hum chaar, …nahin paanch…..(Angad petted her stomach)
Ab hamara Baby kaisa hai? He stroked her belly tenderly.

Baby bilkul theek hai…..lekin Angad? Hum kab tak aisey bhaagtey rahengey? Kya kabhie ek jagah hamara ghar nahin hoga?

Zaroor hoga, Kripa….Papa is making all the arrangements. Sab kuchh pakka hotay hi hum yahan se whooooshhhh……he made a flying gesture with his free hand.

Angad…..kya Mittal Uncle aur Aunty Dubai mein hi rahengey? Wo becharey toh akeley pad gaye hain. Mausi jee bahut ro rahi thi humarey aatey waqt.

Arey nahin…..they will join us later…..agar sab ek saath Dubai chhodtey, toh Police ko shaq ho jaati….

Toh kya Javed Bhai aur Kartik Bhaiyya bhi humarey saath rahengey?

Angad started laughing, his bare chest shaking under her head: Kyun na poori Dubai ko hum apney saath le jayen? Kripaaa…… Itni nadaan mat bano….hum sab ek saath kaisey reh saktey hain? Phir toh Police ek din aayegi aur sabko ek saath pakad legi. Nahin….we have to disperse all over the world. Usee mein sabki bhalai hai"

Kripa nodded in agreement, snuggling into his warm chest and kissed his neck. He turned her over, started kissing her lips again, his lips moved down her pliant body. He kissed her belly where their child resided! Kripa giggled softly, hugging his head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k250I8CpVfw

Many Thanks to Ashu/pinkbunnies for this wonderful romantic A-K music vdo mix! 😳

[YOUTUBE] http://www.youtube.com/v/k250I8CpVfw"></param><p aram[/YOUTUBE]

--MALE--
(Tu mile, dil khile
Aur jeene ko kya chaahiye) - 2
(Na ho tu udaas, tere paas paas
Main rahoonga zindagi bhar) - 2
Saare sansaar ka pyaar maine tujhi mein paaya
Tu mile, dil khile
Aur jeene ko kya chaahiye
Haan tu mile, dil khile
Aur jeene ko kya chaahiye
Chanda tujhe, oh dekhne ko nikla karta hai
Aaina bhi, oh deedaar ko tarsa karta hai
Itni haseen koi nahin - 2
Husn dono jahan ka ek tujh mein simatke aaya
Tu mile, dil khile
Aur jeene ko kya chaahiye

--FEMALE--
Darling, every breath you take
Every move you make, I will be there with you
What would I do without you?
I want to love you forever and ever and ever
Pyaar kabhi, ho marta nahin hum tum marte hain
Hote hai voh, ho log amar pyaar jo karte hain
Jitni adaa, utni vafa - 2
Ek nazar pyaar se dekh lo phir se zinda kar do
Tu mile, dil khile
Aur jeene ko kya chaahiye


-






********************************************************

They spent 3 glorious days in the sun and sands of Mauritius! Angad took Prateek swimming…..the 2 1/2 men went fishing in the Yacht. Kripa couldn't go because of her delicate condition. She went shopping instead in the vicinity of the Hotel.
Suddenly, she became aware that a strange man was shadowing her. He followed her to the clothing store, then to the seashells store, then loitered outside the toy store while she bought a game requested by Prateek.

She was afraid….very afraid…..was it Damodar's surviving gang members who were hunting them? Was it the CBI? But didn't Nishant assure her that he wouldn't come after Angad again? her heart pounded nervously……she sneaked very quietly into the Ladies bathroom and called Angad on his mobile.

Angad, mujhey lag raha hai koi mera peechha kar raha hai…..yahan shopping Mall mein…

KYAA? Kaun hai? Kaisa dikhta hai?
She gave a short description of the man….of Indian origin, thin, tall…..with a mustache.

Angad, GF and Sunny were on the boat. He told GF about the stalker.
Angad urgently instructed her: Don't panic! Police ka aadmi ho sakta hai……Papa keh rahey hain ke Damodar ka gang ab toot chuka hai . Uska koi waaris zinda nahin tha ke uska badla le sakey!

Ohhhh Angad! Ab kya hoga? Main kya karoon? (She wrung her hands) she didn't know how to shake off that stalker.

U just wait, Kripa, Im coming! Tum Mall mein hi raho….kisi crowded store ke andar raho, so he doesn't get u alone, samjhi? Main abhi aa raha hoon….give me half an hour.

Kripa literally ran into the toy store and hid behind a shelf, peeping out…..yes, that man was following her …..he hung around outside the door. Kripa's heart palpitated with nervous dread! ….Ab kya hoga? Agar CBI ne Papa ko pakad liya toh? Nahin, itney saalon baad mujhey Papa miley hain, main unhey khona nahin chahti"

Half an hour later, her familiar Sardarjee joined her suddenly from behind, near the baby toys section. He stood next to her: Kahan hai wo?

Kripa mumbled: Darwazey ke baahar…..safed shirt, kala pants, ankhon mein kala chashma.

Angad quickly took a look and heaved a sigh of relief: Yes, it was a Police agent….he could tell one from far away….part of his training as a criminal.

Don't worry…..Kripa, wo Police ka aadmi hai, Damodar ka nahin. Hum usey jhansa dekar nikaltey hain chalo"

They managed to slip out of the store through a side exit and ran back to the Resort.

Godfather concurred with Angad: Haan Kripa, wo Police ka hi aadmi tha….isiliye tumhara nuksaan nahin kiya. He must have recognized you!

Papa, ab kya hoga? Agar usney CBI mein khabar kar dee toh?
Sab theek hai, Beti, tum chinta mat karo…..aaney do CBI ko….unhey kuchh nahin milega.

************************ *******************************

CBI HQ in Delhi:
Nishant Saxena got an urgent call from his informer in Mauritius.
"Sir! Aapka shaq sahi nikla! Kripa Khanna yahin hai….mainey Angad ya Bajaj ko toh nahin dekha lekin wo bhi yahin kahin hongay. Sir, I need backup…..un sabko agar pakadna hai toh…….

Nishant's eyes lit up with excitement! As soon as Kripa had left Dubai, his contacts there had investigated which flight she had taken………it was to Mauritius!! Nishant's instincts told him ….that where Kripa was, Angad was bound to be there. And where Angad was, GF could be found too. Nishant didn't know of the blood relations between Kripa and GF…..but somehow he felt GF's attachment to Angad and his family.

He told the agent: Don't worry! Your backup will be there within 2 hours. GET BAJAJ THI S TIME! USEY JAANEY MAT DENA……

2 hours later, Mauritius Police accompanied by the CBI Officer, stormed into the Suite. But the birds had flown the coop. Godfather, Kripa, Angad and Prateek were GONE! So was their luggage and all their belongings.

The agent ran to the airport….there was no record of such a family leaving Mauritius by plane that day!

He ran to the docks: There was no sign of Godfather's yacht, and no other person recollected having seen the family of four at the docks.

Godfather's family had disappeared into the Blue! GONE WITHOUT A TRACE!


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

A Request to all Punjabi Kudis reading this....if I made any mistakes in Angad's Punjabi dialogs plz let me know by pm or in ur reply.....as I dont know Punjabi that well.....only a little! 😳

Next: Just One Epilogue 😆

PALLAVI

PART 44

Josh and Kripa had just reached the offices of CBI, when he got a frantic call on his mobile. It was Neeraj from the Hotel:
SIR! COME BACK AT ONCE! THERES BEEN A KIDNAPPING!

WHAATTT! Josh sprang up….WHAT HAPPENED?

SIR, SOMEBODY KIDNAPPED PRATEEK! UR SON IS MISSING!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN? Josh was pale, shaking!

SOMEBODY HIT KANAN ON HER HEAD AND TOOK OFF WITH PRATEEK, SIR!
AAP JALDI AA JAYIYE….YAHAN LOCAL POLICE BHI AA GAYI HAI!

The phone dropped from Josh's nerveless fingers. Kripa picked it up and yelled: HELLO, HELLO, KYA HUA? Phone cut gaya! JOSH….KYA HUA? BATAAO, JOSH….she shook Josh fiercely, panting with anxiety!

Josh turned to her with horrified shock in his eyes, trembling with dread, his voice shook: Kripa…..humein abhi Hotel wapas jaana hai….abhi….he turned and ran out of the doors, calling a cab, Kripa running to keep up with him, yelling after him: JOSH…..JOSH!

Josh jumped into a passing cab and tersely waited for Kripa to join him! He ordered the driver to take them to Regency Hotel, his voice tight with awful tension.

Kripa grabbed his arm, panting with apprehension : Josh, kya hua? Please mujhey batao? JOSH? Angad ko kuchh hua kya? Kripa's mind at once started imagining horrible scenarios for Angad in her panic.

Josh glanced at her, his jaws clenched with immense self-control, instilled only by years of CBI training and field-work. Only he knew how he was controlling his panic after hearing the terrifying news…..Sunny had been kidnapped!!…..he closed his eyes, hoping it was a nightmare he would wake up from! He hoped fervently that somehow Zaib/Angad had kidnapped Sunny….at least then he would be in safe hands!

Kripa shook Josh's arm, urging him desperately to tell her…..Josh looked at her again…he couldn't tell her in the cab….she might collapse there!

Kripa….his voice was gruff with suppressed emotions….Hotel wapas chalo, wahan jaakar sab pata chalega"

Kyun? Tum mujhey yahan kyun nahin bata rahey ho? She protested angrily.

Please Kripa, Hotel….wapas chalo….his voice choked, he looked out of the window….silent, unresponsive. Kripa gave up prodding him and sat tensed beside him. That was the longest cab-ride of their lives!

Josh and Kripa ran into the Hotel Lobby to find several people at the Front Desk….including some local cops in white uniform.

Mr. Kapoor? A Chinese policeman approached him….Josh nodded silently….I'm Inspector Han! Come with us….upstairs to your Suite"

They followed him silently upstairs. Kripa's heart was thudding loudly with dread……she knew something terrible had happened….she wasn't sure what but she felt it in her icy heart!

They entered the Suite to find Kanan lying on the couch with an ice-pack on her head. She was moaning and groaning, surrounded by Neeraj, local cops and the Hotel Manager.

Kripa knew right then: KANAN! PRATEEK KAHAN HAI? KAHAN HAI? She cried out loudly, shaking with fear.

Kanan tried to sit up with a loud groan, then fell back on the cushions again : Im sorry, Mrs. Kapoor! I'm so sorry!

Josh made Kripa sit down on a couch: Kripa….Prateek ….ko kisiney…kidnap kar liya hai….Sunny…(his own voice was shaking) Sunny is missing!

Kripa stared blankly at Josh, uncomprehending, too shocked to react at once, she whispered to herself: Prateek? Kidnap? …..then her voice rose hysterically: WHAT DO U MEAN? PRATEEK KO KIDNAP?….KAUN KAREGA? KYUN? KYA KEH RAHEY HO TUM?

Kripa….Josh sat down and held her tightly in his arms as she shivered in shock: Kripa, please, Prateek ko kidnap kiya hai kisiney, pata nahin kaun…now please let me ask Kanan…….he turned and sternly asked Kanan: Batao, kya hua tha?

Kanan appeared too weak and overcome to go over the details, so Neeraj did the filling in: Kanan was going to the Mall with Prateek…..but somebody hit her on the back of the head in the lift, left her unconscious, and took off with Prateek. When the lift reached the lobby, they had discovered her lying on the floor. She was revived, the cops were called….but Neeraj was on the scene first, since he was already present in the lobby.

The cops also supplied their version …..the Hotel Manager was very apologetic and worried that such a crime took place in his Hotel.

Josh turned sharply to Kanan: Tumney lift mein kisiko nahin dekha?

Kanan looked dejected: Shayad koi tha…mainey notice nahin kee…..I was talking to Prateek…aap toh jaantey hain kitna excited hota hai Mall jaaney ke liye….he was talking so much I didn't notice….

Josh looked oddly at Kanan, but didn't say anything. Kripa just sat there, numb, pale as a ghost, turned to stone with shock!

Prateek….her mind screamed….NOOOO, Prateek cant be gone! Main usey nahin kho sakti…..kahan gaya wo? Nahin, wo kahin aas-paas hai….zaroor yahin kahin hai….mera bachcha…..

Kripa suddenly got up and ran out of the door like a madwoman, screaming: PRATEEK! PRATEEK! Josh ran after her…..and caught her, she struggled against him: JOSH! PRATEEK YAHIN HAI…..DHOONDO USEY…..WAPAS LE AAO….WAPAS LE AAO USEY……JAAO….she collapsed, sobbing in his arms….then she went limp! Shock after shock had made her faint!

Josh lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom, laid her down on the bed, covered her with the blanket.

He bent and kissed her forehead gently: Kripa, main vaada karta hoon, Sunny hamarey paas sahi salamat wapas aayega…..main dharti-aasman ek kar doonga…lekin usey zaroor dhoond loonga. I promise you that!

Tears fell down his eyes….from worry, anxiety, fear. He wiped his cheeks and went out to Neeraj with purpose in his stride: Show me the lift, where exactly you found Kanan….

The lift in question had been put out of service…and was being searched for clues….the cops were dusting it for fingerprints, scanning every corner for the smallest clues left behind by the kidnapper/kidnappers. Josh stepped in too and started searching for clues. He took the other elevator down to the Lobby and looked for clues there…he asked around if anybody had seen a little boy leaving with somebody in the last 2 hours. Unfortunately, nobody had seen anything! He asked the Security Guard at the exit door….even the Guard hadnt seen any child leaving in the last few hours, whether alone or accompanied by adults.

Outwardly, Josh was holding up well to the shock of losing Sunny but deep down inside, his heart was heavy…with fear. He could only hope that Prateek was with Zaib….and not with any criminal with intention to hurt him!

We can only imagine what Josh and Kripa were going through at that point….a lost child, a kidnapped child is every parent's nightmare!

Josh went back to the room to find Kripa had regained consciousness. The cops and Neeraj had left the Suite ! Kanan was also up and about…she seemed very apologetic about losing Prateek! She offered to make coffee for Kripa and Josh in the in-room coffee-maker.

Josh nodded and went to check on Kripa in the bedroom. She looked up with red, puffy eyes, hopefully, expectantly: Josh….kuchh pata chala? Batao…..Prateek kahan hai?

Josh shut the door and sat down beside her: Kripa….dekho, mujhey shaq ho raha hai….kahin Angad usey toh nahin le gaya? Shayad wo tumhey bhi leney aaya tha…lekin tum Hotel se nikal chuki thi, isiliye ab Prateek ko le gaya hai……baad mein shayad tumhey leney aayega"

Josh was speaking more out of his hope than reality ….he wanted to reassure himself and Kripa that Prateek was with Angad!

Kripa looked at him with surprise: Kya yeh ho sakta hai, Josh? Agar Angad usey le gaya toh usney mujhey bataya kyun nahin? Abhi tak phone kyun nahin kiya? She asked in a tortured tone.

Josh pacified her again: Angad kaisey phone karta? Chaaron taraf police ke log hain….Im sure wo tumhey contact karega….baad mein….he looked away to hide his own fears from Kripa.

She sat there frowning: Lekin Angad yahan kyun nahin aa raha? Kya majboori hai uski? Usey kyun yeh Hotel chhodna pada?

Josh sighed….he didn't want to tell her about the rifle found in Zaib's room: Kripa, mujhey lagta hai wo darr gaya tha….our guys were searching his room…so he ran away!

Lekin agar usney koi gunaah nahin kiya toh bhaag kyun gaya ? He is not a criminal!

Josh gave it up: Kripa, yeh tum usisey poochh lena, when u meet him….I have to go now!

He got up abruptly and opened the door. Kanan was standing right in front of their bedroom door, holding the tray with coffee cups. She smiled quickly at Josh, her face was flushed a deep red : Coffee tayyar hai, Mr. Kapoor! Something about her smile, about her demeanour told Josh that she had been eavesdropping.

His suspicions about the kidnapping were strengthened…. From the start, he was feeling that something in Kanan's report wasn't right.

Suddenly, it flashed in his head what it was!! Kanan had been holding the ice-pack on the top of her head….. not the back!! If the kidnapper had hit her from the back, her pain would be at the back, not on top! He looked at Kanan closely as she served coffee to him and Kripa….she seemed quite hale and hearty, considering she had just been hit hard enough to knock her unconscious! Daal mein kucch kaala hai! As it is, her story of not noticing who else was in the lift had been quite unconvincing!

Josh quickly gulped down his coffee and said: Kripa, main thodi der mein aata hoon….Kanan, please stay here with her!

Kanan nodded: Don't worry, Sir! I will look after Mrs. Kapoor very well!
The way she said it suddenly sounded sinister to Josh….he wasn't sure what she meant!

He went out of the Suite and called Neeraj to meet him in Zaib's room which had now been sealed off by the CBI!

As soon Neeraj arrived , Josh asked him: Can you tell me exactly how you found Kanan in the lift? I mean the position of her body?

Neeraj looked oddly at Josh: Sir, she was lying on her back, unconscious! I remember clearly.

Did u take pictures according to our procedure? Josh's eyes lit up as his suspicions strengthened!

Yes, Sir! Of course, with my ever-ready digital mini-camera…..Neeraj grinned and fished out a pocket sized digi-camera ….he showed the pictures he had taken of the crime scene immediately after finding Kanan.

Both the pictures showed Kanan lying on her back….if she had been hit from the back, she would be face downwards! That meant she had made up the whole story about being hit on the back of her head. But the finicky Kanan had not deemed it hygienic to lie face downwards on the lift floor. She hadnt given it a thought…..that Josh would catch the discrepancy!

Josh's eyes gleamed with fury….Kanan was involved in Prateek's kidnapping…he was sure of it now!

He thanked Neeraj and let him leave the room….then he called Kanan on the phone.

Kanan, come down at once…to Zaib's room…you are needed here!
Haan, main abhi aa rahi hoon…….Kanan sounded meek!

Then he called Nishant and told him all about Prateek's kidnapping, about his suspicions on Kanan! Nishant was stunned, shocked: Yes, I have heard about Prateek…..but Kanan? Are you sure shes involved in this?

Yes, Nishant, I am positive….shes lying!
OK, you stay there, I am coming right now ! Nishant ended the call.

Josh waited for Nishant and Kanan in Zaib's crime-taped room! He wished he had asked Nishant about searching the Big Boss's yacht! But now he very much doubted that Sunny was with Angad. He was afraid, very afraid for Sunny's safety! He feared it had something to do with Zaib's connection to the Underworld! Or his own enemies from the world of crime….who he had arrested in the past!
He gripped his throbbing head, for the first time he prayed ….he prayed desperately that Prateek would be safe and….alive!

GOD! Please keep him safe and sound! I don't care what happens to me ….but don't let anything happen to my little boy!

Kripa paced restlessly in the Suite after Kanan had left her alone. She couldn't sit there, just waiting for further news about Prateek. She took her purse, went down to the Lobby and showed Prateek's picture to every person there, asking whether they had seen him that morning. She didn't get any positive response. Pale and dejected, Kripa made her way up in the lift…as the lift neared 10th floor, suddenly her heart palpitated strangely. Perhaps Angad had left some clues in his room about his hideout! She badly wanted to talk to him….to tell him about Prateek's disappearance. Perhaps he would be able to help her look for him….he knew this city quite well…..she would be lost if she went out! She didn't even know where to start looking for Prateek.

Kripa stepped out of the lift and went towards Zaib's room. The door was ajar…she pushed it open and went in. The room was dimly-lit……with only a stand-lamp in the corner. Then she saw Josh sitting on a chair by the window…..still, unmoving!
Josh….she called out to him….he didn't respond.

He was strangely still and silent. Kripa's heart pounded with dread: Josh, tum itney khamosh kyun ho? Prateek ka kuchh pata chala? JOSH! She yelled at him.

He still didn't move…..she went forward and shook his shoulders….he didn't respond!

She turned the chair around…..
HE WAS SITTING SLUMPED FORWARD….HIS HEAD BENT ON HIS CHEST….THERE WAS A BULLET-HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS FOREHEAD….BLEEDING SLOWLY DOWN HIS FACE AND NECK! THE GAPING HOLE LOOKED FRESH….HE HAD JUST DIED!

She opened her mouth to scream…..but no sound came out! The world turned black…as she made a strangled sound in her throat and slumped to the ground!


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

pallavi

Thanks, ananya, kan, sana, Chocolate, zainab, desiqt, deeya, Berkeleyegirl, sweetie, Madiha, Shalini, Babygirl, sukhi, sahr, nameless, hollister, iqbals4ever, armaghan, mita!

PART 47

Kripa drifted in and out of consciousness. She was half-aware of a gentle rocking motion in her grey world.

She was floating smoothly on the sea……. it was a calm, serene, blue sea…..but it was still cold, icy cold ! She shivered violently, goosebumps on her skin…..somebody covered her securely with a thick blanket. Then someone was whispering soft words of comfort in her ears……..gentle hands soothed her, caressed her temples and hair slowly, held her hands in a warm clasp….. It was so reassuring….then placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
She knew him then….she whispered: Angad……and smiled slightly. Then she drifted off into a dreamless state.

The Yacht sailed from Hongkong Harbor at dawn. It sailed gracefully on the high waves of South China Sea like a giant white water-bird.
Zaib sat by Kripa's bed in a spacious cabin.

He had boarded the yacht from a Stanley Island speedboat. The first thing he did was to go to Kripa, who had been brought aboard the previous night. Kartik and Cheng's man, Jimmy had extricated Kripa from the Hospital, disguised as a doctor and wardboy. Nobody had suspected anything. They had boarded the Yacht with their patient without any hassles.

He was fiercely glad to see that Kripa had been rescued from the Hospital by Kartik before those killers could reach her. But she was in a delirium, unconscious…..unresponsive. He sat beside her on the narrow cabin bed, and enveloped her cold hands in his strong palms, rubbing it gently, trying to warm her with his body heat!

He stroked her arms, her face, the soft hair falling on her temples. She started shivering suddenly, still in the throes of deep traumatic shock. He covered her securely with a thick comforter, tucking it in to keep her snug and warm.

His eyes were wet with tears of regret: I'm sorry, Kripa! Tumhey wahan chhodkar aana pada. Meri vajeh se tumhey kya-kya nahin sehna pada….Prateek ko kidnap kiya un gundon ne mujhey pakadney ke liye , Josh ke maut ka sadma ….sab kuchh meri vajeh se…………

Zaib cried, holding her fingers to his lips, warming them with his tears.
Main vaada karta hoon Kripa….aaj ke baad tumhey koi taqleef nahin sehni padegi, tumpar kisi bhi khatrey ka saya nahin padney doonga. Hum yahan se bahut door ek nayi duniya basayengey…tum, main aur Prateek. You will be safe, I promise you, Sweetheart!

He bent over her sleeping face and placed his lips on her forehead. Her lips curved in a smile, she whispered "Angad" softly ……then her breathing became normal and deep. He placed his finger on her neck….her pulse was steady and regular. Zaib smiled with satisfaction, took off his Jacket and relaxed in a couch near the bed, watching over her like a guardian.

There was a light knocking on the door….Godfather entered the room and stood at the foot of the bed, looking down at Kripa compassionately. He glanced at Zaib, his mind in a turmoil…should he tell Zaib about his real identity now?

It was the right time to reveal the truth to Zaib about his real past….his true identity. And tell him that he was Angad…that Kripa was really his wife, Prateek his son.

Godfather asked Zaib: How is she doing?

I think shes better now! Zaib smiled at him and got up from the couch : Sir, Main aapka bahut shukrguzaar hoon, apney Kripa aur Prateek ko un kaatilon se bacha liya…..warna….(he literally shuddered, imagining what terrible torture those two vicious hitmen could have inflicted upon a defenseless Kripa and Prateek)

Godfather smiled slightly: Yeh toh mera farz tha….I had promised you I will get them out of there….isiliye mainey Kartik ko agley din subah hi bhej diya. THANK GOD, Kartik ne un gundon ko Parking Lot mein dekh liya. Jaisey hi Khera car leney gaya, Kartik ne Jack ko kaboo mein kar liya aur Prateek ko lekar bhaaga wahan se. I think those two then went after Kripa….aur iska….pati... unka saamna kartey huey maara gaya. Poor girl….ek saath itna sadma...…but she will be fine in a day or two…..Khair, usey aaram karney do, mujhey tumsey kuchh baatein karni hai.

Zaib was reluctant to leave Kripa: Sir, hum yahan baat nahin kar saktey ? Kripa abhi tak behosh hai, I don't want to leave her alone. Agar usey kuchh ho gaya toh….

Godfather smiled again….it was heart-warming to see Zaib so caring and concerned about the woman he loved…..even without knowing she was his wife in reality.

"Theek hai, Beta, hum yahin baat karengey…..I want to tell you something very important. Yeh ek raaz hai jo ab tak mainey tumsey chhupaya hai……Godfather looked rather guilty and uncomfortable…….tumharey pehchaan ki asliyat hai yeh….
Zaib looked astonished, staring at GF with avid interest: Kya raaz, kya asliyat ? What do you mean?

Just then, there was a loud knocking on the door. Kartik's voice came through : SIR! EK KHAAS NEWS HAI…..DON CHENG AAPSEY ABHI BAAT KARNA CHAHTEY HAIN"

Godfather was startled : Main abhi aata hoon…..I will talk to you later…..he left the cabin in a hurry , leaving Zaib on tenterhooks: What did GF want to tell him? What news did Cheng have for them? He hoped Prateek was safe in Bangkok!

Cheng congratulated Godfather on the ship's radio: Great news, Mr. B! Those two hitmen…are off your charts now! CBI got them! Theyre DEAD! You and your son can relax in peace now! Goodbye, Friend! We will meet again someday if both of us are still alive!

THANK YOU, MR. CHENG! THAT'S REALLY GREAT NEWS!

Godfather felt as if a load had been lifted off his chest. The two killers were dead, Zaib was safe for now…..but he knew Damodar wouldn't sit quietly. Now that he knew who Zaib was, he would send more men to kill both Zaib and GF…….but in Dubai, GF had more power and clout. His house was like a fortress which couldn't be encroached by any intruder. Security was tight…..and Dubai police was in his hands. Right now, he just wanted to reach Dubai safe and sound….with Zaib and Kripa. He knew the kid would reach safety sooner….he had a head start alongwith Mrs. Mittal.

Godfather called Bangkok and confirmed that Prateek was already on the flight from Bangkok to Dubai. He heaved a sigh of relief…..at least Angad's son was out of harm's way. As for the rest of them, nothing was certain! Damodar might send more men in Bangkok to greet them…..he hoped not!

**********************************************************


CBI Headquarters the previous night:
Kanan was brought in….bound in handcuffs! Neeraj and Tony had placed her under arrest from her room at the Hotel.

Nishant felt like bashing her head in…so terrible was his rage at his friend's death. But years of training and work as a field agent helped him to control his fury. Still his eyes blazed with hatred and contempt as he spewed forth his diatribe against her, accusing her of being a traitor, a black mark on the Agency, a treacherous snake ! When Kanan protested her innocence, Nishant played the incriminating tape ….Kanan collapsed after that and confessed.

She had been approached by the D-gang right before she left Mumbai for Hongkong assignment. They had offered her a large sum of money to leak out information about CBI trying to ferret out the assassin in Bajaj's organization. That assassin had killed 3 of their men so far. They wanted revenge….they bribed and threatened her to help them. In short, they made an offer Kanan couldn't refuse!

In Hongkong, she got the ideal job for snooping as she was assigned the duty of protecting Mrs. Kripa Kapoor and her son. The very first night, Kripa identified Zaib as Angad. And a day later, CBI's informer in the Organization leaked out the identity of the assassin: it was ZAIB!

Kanan called her D-gang contact from a pay phone and told them about Zaib being the suspected assassin….and Kripa claiming Zaib was somebody called Angad! The mobsters in Mumbai were very happy and excited about her news! They were sure Zaib WAS Angad….that he had avenged his parents' deaths 4 years ago in Mumbai. They asked Kanan to send proofs … photos of Zaib and Kripa. Kanan followed them, photographed them, sent them to D-gang. D-gang identified Angad and Kripa from those pics.

They sent two hitmen to eliminate Zaib/Angad…….when he escaped before their arrival, Kanan was ordered to help them kidnap Prateek. The mobsters knew Prateek was Angad/Zaib's son…..Kanan staged the whole kidnapping….in the lift, she handed over Prateek to Khera and Jack…Prateek was struggling so they had to drug him. But somebody knocked down Jack and rescued Prateek. Kanan had no idea where Prateek was….she didn't want to help the hitmen find Kripa….but they forced her. When Josh called Kanan to Zaib's room to question her, she had to call the hitmen to help her….she knew Josh had caught her lies.

Kanan cried and lamented that Josh had died because of her: Please Sir, believe me, ismein mera koi kasoor nahin….un logon ne mujhsey kaha tha wo Zaib ko khatam karengey…I didn't know they would kill Josh too……(sob-sob)

Nishant gritted his teeth to control his fury: Did you think they would just kiss Josh and let him go? They are DAMNED KILLERS, FOR GOD'S SAKE! YOU LED THEM TO JOSH….….NOW EITHER YOU COOPERATE WITH US….OR I WILL SHOOT YOU RIGHT HERE! WE WILL FILE A REPORT THAT YOU DIED IN AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE KILLERS.

Kanan literally grovelled for mercy: I will help you! I swear, I will do anything you ask me to…..main vaada karti hoon…main kuchh bhi karney ko tayyar hoon….mujhey maaf kar deejiye….

OK! Nishant took a few deep breaths: We will release you ….get out and make a phone call to Khera….tell him you know where Zaib is hiding. Don't try to escape, we will be close behind you! Tell Khera to meet you at Pier 3 at the Harbor….tomorrow at Dawn! We will take it from there.

Kanan obeyed all orders ….she didn't try to escape or play any tricks….Nishant and Neeraj were right behind her. Khera agreed to meet her at Dawn at Pier 3. He was quite frustrated….Kripa had gone missing from the Hospital. He and Jack had disguised themselves as Hospital workers and gone searching for Kripa….but they found out she had been moved to an overnight room upstairs . When they went to that particular room, she wasn't there. They realized that Godfather's men had beaten them to it again!

Kanan's call came at that juncture when they would do anything to get Zaib. Their lives and livelihood depended on it. Their Boss wouldn't be happy at all if they returned without killing Zaib.

At Dawn, Kanan took a cab to Pier 3 and waited for Khera and Jack inside a warehouse. After waiting half an hour, she heard sounds behind her….she turned to see the two goons approaching her.

She smiled nervously: Tum dono aa gaye….achha hua, main abhi ek speedboat ka intezaam karti hoon….mujhey khabar mili hai….Zaib doosrey Island mein chhupa hua hai….we have to go there.

Kanan tried to escape from there before the gunfight started….but something in her eyes or demeanour gave her away to Khera's cunning eyes: AREY EYY SAALI, TU KAHIN NAHIN JAAYEGI…..BOAT BULANA HAI TOH JACKO BULAYEGA, TU YAHAN SE HILNA MAT!!!..…..Khera turned to Jack and ordered him to hire a speedboat from the Pier.

As soon as Jack tried to exit the warehouse, the CBI agents hiding behind boxes near the door started shooting at him…he fell down with a grunt as bullets struck him all over!

Khera turned at Kanan with a ferocious growl: HAR**MZ*DI! TUNEY HUMEIN DOUBLE-CROSS KIYA? TERI TOH KHAIR NAHIN…..he whipped out his gun in an instant and shot Kanan right in the head before she could even move! Kanan fell down silently…..spot-dead!

Khera tried to run but bullets riddled his body within seconds! He fell on his face…..Josh had been avenged! Nishant and 4 of his agents emerged from their hiding-places and looked down with satisfaction at the 3 bodies lined up in the warehouse!

Nishant sent up a silent prayer to heaven: Ab terey aatma ko shanti milegi , Dost! Mainey terey maut ka badla le liya! Ab yeh dono Kripa ya Prateek ka bhi nuksaan nahin kar saktey! I hope they are safe with the Big Boss!

Thanks ananya, mita, sukhi, Madiha, sana, desiqt, iqbals4ever, terisusan, square1, afshaa, me2you, Faiza, sweetangle, Shalini, sweetie, aanyaluv, nameless, kan123, iqra!

PART 48

KRIPAAAAA……Zaib yelled in terror….he ran to the side of the yacht, so did the others. He looked desperately over the side, there was no sign of Kripa in the wild, churning waves splashing against the side of the boat!

USEY TAIRNA NAHIN AATA……he suddenly yelled…..USEY TAIRNA NAHIN AATA…..

He felt darkness descend in front of his eyes…….he was rushing back through a long, deep, dark tunnel…..to a bright, sunlit sea, palms swaying in the wind..…..a swimming pool, Kripa lying lifeless at the bottom of the pool…..Kripa didn't know how to swim…..her mother had drowned to death! Goa, Mishti, Prithvi……he remembered everything…..those days in the sun and sand, Kripa and him….confessing their love through songs, fishing trip, Kripa kissing him in front of all their college friends…..their parents, his mother disapproving of Kripa, his ring of promise that night when she wore white, her parents' deaths, Kripa's birth secret, that stormy night when they became one, body and soul….their wedding in the temple, and then….the Blast….that killed everything….killed Angad and Zaib was born!

USEY TAIRNA NAHIN AATA…..usey tairna nahin aata…..he muttered to himself, repeating in a chant, clutching his pounding head as he crumpled to his knees by the railing….he vaguely heard 3 loud splashes as some people jumped into the water after Kripa. But he was completely in the grip of a paralyzing flood of memories…..that washed away all his doubts of being Angad forever!



He was spiralling down memory lane…..horribly dizzy, lost, dazed, shocked, confused….so many questions hammering at the back of his mind….he was hardly aware of Kartik, Godfather and the ship's first-mate jump into the waves after Kripa.

The three men desperately dived underwater….searching amidst the waves for Kripa's long, trailing hair, her gown or any signs of her. Godfather and Kartik were both expert divers as part of their luxurious lifestyle on a Yacht.

The other sailor yelled to the Captain, who was navigating the Yacht from the Engine room above- deck : GIRL OVERBOARD! HALT ASTERN!

The Captain stalled the engines at once, the yacht came to a stop a few yards ahead, swaying wildly amidst the huge waves of China Sea. He gently steered the Yacht astern (to the right) in reverse….…..so it went back to the three rescuers thrashing around in the sea….looking for Kripa. The yacht bobbed up and down….the sailor threw a rope-ladder down the side for the rescue team. After about 10 minutes of diving and searching for the drowned girl, finally Godfather found her several fathoms down in the sea, sinking slowly, half-dead in the cold water. He dived down, grabbed her lifeless body in his arms and quickly paddled his way up the heavy saline waters.

His wet trousers were getting tangled in the sea water but he managed to extricate himself…as soon as he surfaced, he yelled to Kartik and the First mate for help: HELP US HERE! KARTIK! TAKE THE GIRL!

Kartik swam strongly towards them, encircled Kripa's inert body with his arms, while Godfather took deep breaths of oxygen in exhaustion! It had been a struggle to bring her up from the depths of the sea…..he wasn't a young man anymore….although he kept himself very fit. The sailor also joined them and the three of them carried Kripa to the rope ladder. Kartik, the tallest and strongest of the three, slung Kripa's small frame on his shoulder and carried her up the ladder.

By then, Angad had recovered from his dazed stupor….he was preparing to dive as well when he was relieved to see Kripa being carried up by Kartik.

He leaned down the side, giving a hand to Kartik as he brought her up…..he took Kripa's inert body from Kartik and laid her down on the deck. She seemed completely lifeless, pale, still as death. He desperately checked for her pulse and heartbeats. She had stopped breathing! He gasped in shock….frantic to bring her back…he started CPR on her!

He pumped her chest and stomach desperately, crying, sobbing : KRIPAAA…..MUJHEY CHHODKAR MAT JAAO…PLEASE….COME BACK TO ME, I CANT LIVE WITHOUT YOU! KRIPAAA………KARTIK HELP ME…..

He asked Kartik to pump her stomach with his fists….while he forced her cold, blue lips open with his fingers, bent down to her mouth, and gave her the kiss of life! He kept on taking big gulps of air and blowing it into her lungs…..as Kartik rhythmically pressed her stomach. A little sea-water squirted out of her blue lips….but she didn't breathe yet…..she had been underwater for too long! Angad was frantic now!
Tears streamed down his cheeks, he looked at Kartik, shaking with terrible fear: Shes not responding! She cant leave me! I cant lose her now! DO SOMETHING!

Godfather had come up the rope ladder….he silently observed Angad's efforts to revive Kripa with a concerned face! His heart was racing strangely….like he had recovered something precious from the depths of the sea!

Kartik glanced worriedly at Angad…..: "Lets try turning her over….usey peit ke bal per leta do" . They turned her over, face downwards, Angad lifted her head while Kartik kept on pumping on her back…..creating pressure on her stomach and lungs.
Finally, with a loud, wheezing gasp, she threw up a large amount of sea-water on the deck. She coughed and wheezed, gasping loudly….finally she drew in large, gulping drafts of air into her lungs!

Angad shook with tears of happiness…..she had returned from near-death….for him…for their love! He looked up silently to the sky, sending up a prayer of Thanks to Heaven!

He drew her limp frame into his arms: Kripaaa…..aankhein kholo, Kripaaa….. But Kripa was still unconscious and very cold, her body almost freezing. She was suffering from hypothermia…..after being in the cold sea-water for so long!

The second sailor, Raj, knew First-Aid, he came forward: Zaib Bhai, let me take a look at her….maybe I can help.

Angad laid her down on the sun-drenched deck again, letting Raj check her pulse and vital signs .

Raj looked grave: Her heartbeat is very weak and slow…..shes too cold……she has hypothermia! You have to make her warm, take off these wet clothes at once…..wrap her in the thickest blankets! Then force her to take something hot! She wont survive if shes not warmed up soon…..it will be too late to take her to the nearest Hospital onshore. Mainland is too far from here!

Angad lifted her against him and hugged her fiercely: Main tumhey kucchh nahin honay doonga, Kripa…….abhi abhi toh tum mujhey wapas mili ho….Angad looked at her closed eyes, got up with her in his arms, and carried her to the cabin.

Raju, can you please bring some hot soup for her……Kartik, some brandy please….Angad swiftly gave orders to the two men, as the rest followed him.

He barely glanced at Godfather……Bajaj Uncle (now he remembered what he called him before the blast)….Bajaj certainly had some major explaining to do. But first, he had to revive Kripa, warm her up, make her blood circulate normally again.

Angad went into the cabin and shut the door, and put her down on the couch….he stripped off her dripping Hospital gown and undergarments. His hands shook slightly as he wiped her bare body with a fresh towel, then he transferred her to the bed, wrapped her in the thickest blankets.

He opened the door and snapped out more orders: I need more blankets ASAP….agar razaai ho toh aur bhi achha hoga.

Mittal had a comforter in his cabin…..he ran and brought it to Angad…..he closed the door again and heaped the thick cover on top…..Kripa was practically buried under 5-6 layers by then! He checked her face for some color or signs of blood circulation….but she was still pale and limp.

As Angad waited impatiently for soup and brandy, he carefully took out Kripa's arm from the pile of blankets and rubbed her pale, icy hand vigorously between his…..he blew hot air from his mouth on her hands and chafed them again. He rubbed her toes, her feet, insoles…..did everything he could to normalize blood circulation in her frozen body.

There was a knock on the door….Kartik had brought a small flask of brandy, Raju brought some hot soup soon after. Angad sat down by Kripa's head, gently raised her face in the crook of his arm, spooned a little soup into her mouth….but she couldn't swallow and the soup dripped down her chin. Frustrated and worried at her unresponsive symptoms, her inability to swallow, Angad forced her mouth open with his pinched fingers and carefully dropped a little brandy in it. He tilted her head back so the brandy trickled down into her throat…..suddenly she gasped and started coughing violently. A terrified Angad propped her up at once. She started shivering uncontrollably again, her lips were turning blue once more.

Angad opened the door and yelled frantically for Raj…..who came running: Raju, shes sinking again! What should I DO? WHAT SHOULD I DO? He panicked wildly.

Raju pushed past him and filled the jug with hot water from the sink….he took some hand towels, soaked them in hot water and gave them to Angad: Apply hot compress to her chest area, near her heart and lungs…..he instructed.

Angad removed the cover and pressed the warm compress on her chest, between her breasts, below them.
Raj flushed slightly and said: Zaib, apply warm compress to her abdomen and groin areas too. Im leaving the room! Let me know if shes better!

Zaib nodded, intent in his remedial ministrations….he removed the blankets partially and put warm compress on her stomach, thighs, groin. He continued pressing the hot towels on her torso for twenty minutes…..finally her color returned….her breathing became regular, her pulse rate normal. Her lips regained their normal hue.

Angad heaved a sigh of utter relief, covered her snugly again and opened the door. The whole group was waiting near the exit to the deck, worried and anxious about Kripa's condition.

They came running, Raj asked anxiously: How is she? Is she better?

Angad clasped Raj in a bear hug, grinning: Thanks Yaar! Tumney Kripa ki jaan bacha lee…..main saari umr ke liye tumhara karzdaar ban gaya!

Nahin Zaib Bhai….jaan bachaney ka credit toh Big Boss ko aur Kartik Bhai ko jaata hai…dono ne milkar Kripa ko samundar se baahar nikala….nahin toh….

Angad turned to Kartik and clasped him too: Kartik Bhai, what can I say? Aapney Kripa aur Prateek dono ko baar baar bachaya hai….how can I thank you enough? Aap merey badey bhai hain…. you are my real Brother!

Kartik thumped his back affectionately: Chalo, ab zyada emotional mat ho jaana….hamarey line mein yeh fit nahin karta….he laughed…..lekin Zaib, tumhey pata hai? Kripa ko bachaya hai Boss ne….wo toh bilkul paani ke neechey chali gayi thi….hum log usey dhoond rahey the….lekin Godfather apni jaan per khelkar kaafi neechey se usey uthakar laaye. Hats off to you, Boss!

Angad looked strangely at Godfather, recrimination in his eyes: Haan, of course, Big Boss ko bachana bhi aata hai, maarna bhi! Isnt that right, Bajaj Uncle?

Right that moment, Godfather realized that Angad had regained his memory….he remembered everything! He was happy, yet apprehensive! How would he explain his motive for turning Angad into a killer? How would he justify his lies about Zaib's real identity?

Angad turned abruptly and went back to the cabin, asking Raj to bring some more hot soup. This time he managed to feed some soup to Kripa, who was half-conscious and swallowing normally again. Her eyes remained closed as she stayed propped up in his arm and he gently fed her the soup, spoon by spoon. After feeding her, he wrapped her securely again and stood by the porthole, watching the blue sky and the horizon as the yacht sailed gracefully, heading south-west. He was lost in thoughts as turbulent as the sea below!

Kripa….mujhey ab sab kuchh yaad aa gaya hai. Main hi Angad hoon…..paanch saal tak Bajaj Uncle mujhsey jhooth boltey gaye….…main Zaib bankar raha….ek kaatil ban gaya…...main tumsey alag raha. Tumney merey maut ka gham bardasht kiya… hamarey bachchey ko janam diya….. Prateek…..Prateek mera beta hai….mera apna khoon! (Angad closed his moist eyes with a shudder of delight). I cant wait to meet you, my Son! Kripa, ab main tumhari zindagi khushiyon se bhar doonga! Ek bhi aansoo nahin aaney doonga tumhari aankhon mein…..yeh mera vaada hai….aaj se main Zaib nahin, Angad hoon. I don't care about Godfather anymore! Aaj se main sab khoon-kharaba, ek kaatil ki zindagi …sab kuchh chhod raha hoon. Ab hum jiyengey aur jeeney dengey…..jee bharkey jiyengey…we have to make up for those lost years, Sweetheart!

There was a knock at the door, the cook had brought him a tray of food: Zaib Sir! Badey Sir ne aapkey liye dinner bhej diya hai"

Angad realized with a start that it was almost evening. He took the tray from the guy, closed the door and checked Kripa again. She was sleeping normally, her cheeks still pale but warmer. Her body temperature had risen up considerably.
He smiled with satisfaction and quickly had his dinner. Then he showered in the attached bathroom and changed into night clothes.

Godfather sent Kartik and Raj to enquire after Kripa…..he was feeling awkward and guilty about facing Angad !
Raj checked Kripa's pulse and vital signs and nodded with satisfaction: Shes out of danger for now….but keep her under close observation through the night!

Yes, of course…..zaroor…main yahin per so jaaoonga….Angad indicated the couch. Raj left after making sure Kripa was alright.

Kartik gazed at Kripa: Im glad uski jaan bach gayi…..uska bachcha uskey liye bahut bechain ho raha hai"

Angad turned sharply at him: Kya kaha? Prateek Dubai pahunch gaya? Has he reached safely?

Nahin, abhi tak toh nahin pahuncha…..hes still in flight…..but Mittal talked to his wife….Prateek ko hosh aa gaya hai…wo apney Mama-Papa ke liye bahut ro raha hai. Nurse aur Mittal Bhabhi dono kaafi pareshan hain….usey sambhalney mein….Poor kid!

Angad's face fell….his son was crying for his mother! He felt awful: I don't understand….aakhir Godfather ne Prateek ko alag kyun bheja? Why send him ahead of us?

Kartik looked sharply at him: Because he didn't want to take any risks with the kid….Boss ko shaq tha ke Bangkok mein hamarey dushman shayad tainaat rahengey….they will be waiting for us…ek bachchey ko khatrey ke beech le jaana unhoney munasib nahin samjha. Lekin Zaib, aaj tum Boss ke baarey mein itney sawaal kyun kar rahey ho? Kya ho gaya hai tumhey?

Angad looked away in hurt anger: Kyunki unhoney meri zindagi barbaad kar dee….he ruined my life, separated me from my family!

Matlab? Kartik looked shocked.
In a low, enraged voice, Zaib told Kartik all about his real identity, his past, his relationship with Kripa and Prateek….everything! He trusted Kartik like a brother so he didn't hesitate to reveal his past to him.

Kartik was amazed, shocked, flabbergasted: You mean Kripa is really your wife? And Prateek is ur kid? MY GOD! Lekin Boss ne itney saal tumsey jhooth kyun kaha? And who is Zaib? Why did he make you Zaib?

Yehi sab sawaal main unsey karna chahta hoon, Dost….buss Kripa poori tarah se theek ho jaye…Im going to leave this organization!

Kartik looked thoughtfully at Angad….he was still trying to reconcile to the fact that Zaib was actually Angad Khanna and not Zaib Akhtar! He knew it wasn't so easy to quit, to leave the Business of Crime. Once you were in it, your only exit was through Death! But he also knew GF was cooking up some plan to release him and Zaib from the business.

Kartik suddenly grinned and clasped Angad's hand warmly in his: Congratulations, Yaar! You got back you family! Mujhey yakeen hai ek din tum zaroor iss jurm (crime) ki duniya se bahut door hogay. Have faith in Big Boss! He wont destroy ur dreams!

Angad gave a wan smile, not convinced. Kartik laughed and slapped his back to lighten up the air: Goodnight, Bro! Take care of your little wife there! ……he winked and slanted his head at the sleeping Kripa.

Angad blushed, grinning widely: Of course I will, Good Night, Kartik! ….his heart leaped up at the word "wife" ….his wife Kripa was with him at last….after five years of separation. His pulse raced, his blood heated up.
He had administered the hot compress with a clinical mindset, but the sight of her nude body after 5 long years had stirred his senses incredibly. He was quite aroused, but he put a damper on his rising desire. He went near Kripa, checked her temperature for the hundredth time, then bent and softly kissed her forehead:
Goodnight, Wifey! Subah tak tum zaroor theek ho jaogi!

Then he sighed and settled down in the bed-sized couch on one side. He listened to the soft sounds of her steady breathing….as he dozed off from tiredness. He had barely slept a wink since he left the Hotel and was living in hiding, as a hunted man, on Stanley Island.



Around midnight, he was startled awake….sharp sounds came from the bed….gasping, moaning sounds. He jumped up and ran to Kripa….she was tossing her head, moaning loudly, thrashing wildly under the covers, trying to throw them off! She felt suffocated under the layers of covers…..in her delirious state, she dreamt that was drowning again in the covers….they were slowly strangling her! She cried out: ANGAD!

Angad bent over her with frantic worry: Kripa, kya hua? Kripaaa…..whats happening?

Angad…..Prateek…..she opened her eyes slightly, started shivering again! Prateek kahan hai?

He felt her temperature….it was sinking again….she was shaking violently, in the grip of some terrible shock, probably nightmares about the recent horrendous events in her life.

Angad swore roughly: Damn It, Kripa! I wont let you suffer again!

He quickly shed off his own clothes, climbed into bed with her and pulled her into his arms. Her body was cold again….he pressed her flush against his naked body, heating her up with his body warmth ! He pressed her head on his thick shoulder, while he stroked and caressed her arms and waist gently, softly soothing her with his husky whispers: Kripa, I love you! Main tumharey saath hoon, tumharey paas, main tumhara Angad hoon. tumhey darney ki koi zaroorat nahin. Im here with you, Sweetheart! I will take care of you forever! I will never leave you again…..

Gradually, her shivering ceased, she stopped shaking in the grip of her nightmare….. his warm touch, comforting embrace, soothing words seeped into her consciousness. She snuggled into his chest, settling down with a tremulous sigh. Her small hands crept around his shoulders, holding onto him, not to let go anytime soon.

Angad inhaled the musky fragrance of her bare skin….it was sweeter than any perfume. He was getting aroused again…..her soft, bare curves were pressed against his chest, her soft, creamy skin, the hills and valleys of her body tantalizing him, enticing him. He had found her at last after five long years. He raised her chin, staring at her beautiful face, pale, wan, but still the most gorgeous sight to him!
He whispered into her cheeks: Kripa….you are my LIFE….My WIFE! I LOVE YOU, BABY! He kissed her lips gently at first, then with a deepening passion. She moaned, half-awake and kissed him back eagerly. Her hands crept up, encircling his strong neck. Angad kissed her like a thirsty man in the desert, drinking from her lips, plunging inside her mouth, tasting her sweetness!

His hands wandered down her body restlessly, hungrily, tracing every soft curve, every dip and valley. He lifted his mouth and whispered again: Kripa, tum mera pehla aur aakhri pyaar ho….tum mil gaye ho…..mujhey aur kuchh nahin chahiye….Love me, Sweetheart! Make love to me!

She heard his voice in her dreamy state…and pulled down his lips again. They kissed passionately for a long time, their lips meeting, tugging, nibbling…then his mouth moved down to her ripe swells. He admired their fullness, appreciating the difference from when he had made love to her five years ago….he kissed the dark, burgeoning tips, then made love to them with his mouth. She moaned, shuddering and arching with pleasure at the tender suckling, tugging motions of his tongue and teeth. Her fingers dug into his hard shoulders with excitement! His fingers found her, arousing her, pleasuring her till she was ready to take him!

His hands parted her legs….his strong thighs between her slender ones….then he was sliding into her. He gasped and groaned loudly with utter bliss….she enveloped him so sweetly, her body welcomed him back…it was like coming home! She gasped with delight, crying out his name, welcoming him home! They were one at last! They moved urgently, wildly against each other….......she arched under him, crying out in ecstasy! She was warm, hot, melting with the heat of their passionate reunion! She wasn't cold anymore!

http://www.musicstation.in/playsong-312.html

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan

Khulte badn hote labhon ki ye ankahi
Khulte badn hote labhon ki ye ankahi
Mujhse keh rahi hai ki badhne de bekhudi
Mil yoon ki daud jaayein nas nas mein bijliyaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan

Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand
Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand
Uljhi uljhi saanson ki aawaaz hai pasand
Moti luta rahi hai saawan ki badliyaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain
Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan
Dhadkan bani zubaan
Baahon ke darmiyaan . ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------

pallavi

Thanks ananya, abhilasha, Faiza, terisusan, sana. msgujju, Madiha, Shalini, sweetie, desiqt, deeya, Babygirl, Chocolate, armaghan, iqra, rima, sweetangle, mita!

PART 54

Kripa hardly noticed the gleaming skyscrapers, wide roads, swaying palms and sandstone buildings of Dubai as their Limo rushed past them. She was lost in her own thoughts, anxious to meet her son after 4 days of separation , worried about what she would tell him about Josh, how she would introduce Angad as Dad.

Angad sensed her tension and anxiety…..he took her hand and pressed it reassuringly in his strong one. Kripa turned to look at him, their eyes met, she smiled slightly and relaxed a little. As long as Angad was with her, she could meet any challenges. Angad himself was tense and excited about meeting Prateek as his Dad for the first time.

Javed and Raghu had come to receive them at the airport as usual. Godfather asked them if everything was under control. They affirmed it with hearty smiles, glad to see their benefactor back safe and sound . Kripa had no problem with immigration as Godfather had already arranged for a tourist visa for her. She had changed into her new clothes on the plane and felt refreshed, energized and excited.

Kripa was rather surprised as the limo left the bright city lights behind and traversed deserted roads with houses scattered few and far between. Soon they were completely on the outskirts, on a long, dark stretch of road that seemed to pass an oasis of some kind. It was hard to tell in the dark but she could see a large stretch of water and palm trees. And then a huge iron gate appeared ahead, out of nowhere. The driver punched in the code, the gate opened slowly. the Limo went in, driving up a long, winding road amidst landscaped gardens to a huge, sprawling Villa. They had reached their destination.

Godfather sent up a silent prayer of Thanks to the Heavens for being able to bring his charges safely home to the security of his Castle-like abode.
Kripa got down, gawking at the bright lights streaming from oblong doors and windows of the sandstone villa. Bright green ferns in carved urns flanked the main door, two sandstone lion statues guarding the steps leading up to the door. She held Angad's hand and went up the steps, feeling like a new bride going to her husband's home for the first time.

The front door flung open as soon as they reached it…….a little bundle of excited joy flew into his mother's arms:
MAMAAAA….MOMMYYY…MUMMMYY…..Prateek cried out with utter happiness, wishing to call his mother in all dialects known to a child.

Kripa flung her arms around him and scooped him up from the floor into her arms. She kissed his cheeks, his forehead…repeatedly, laughing, half-crying with utter relief and bliss. Prateek circled her neck with his hands and kissed her back. MAMAAA, I MISSED YOU"

I MISSED YOU TOO, BABY! She kissed him again…..Angad and Godfather hung back in the shadows, watching them with moist eyes.

Kalyani Auntie advanced towards them, smiling towards Kripa: Aao Beti, andar aao…..Prateek kabsey tumhara intezaar kar raha hai….raat ke barah baj gaye phir bhi soney nahin gaya. Buss Mama-Mama kar raha hai…..

Kripa extended her free hand towards Kalyani and warmly clasped her hand: Auntie Jee, main kaisey aapka shukriya adaa karoon, samajh mein nahin aata. Aapney Prateek ko ek Nani ka pyaar diya, usey itni achhi tarah se sambhala.

Kalyani smiled at Kripa: Zaroor, main uski Naani Masi jo hoon ! Hai na Beta?
Prateek nodded sheepishly and hid his face in his mother's neck, loathe to let her go.

Kripa walked inside holding him, while Kalyani greeted the others : Aayiye Bhaisaab! Ummeed hai safar achha raha (Godfather smiled and nodded his head)….Aao Zaib Beta, arey Waah, tumney apni dadhi saaf kar lee?… bahut achhey lag rahey ho (Angad grinned and thanked her) . Aao Kartik Beta…..thakey huey dikhtey ho. Chaliye sab, thoda kuchh khaa leejiye, phir aaram kar lena"

Mr. Mittal greeted his wife affectionately and they all walked into a spacious drawing-room, decorated in Middle-Eastern style.

Kripa sat down on a plush couch with Prateek in her arms. He suddenly looked up and saw Angad beside them : MONSTER UNCLE! He gasped out in surprise!
He didn't expect to see Monster Uncle there!

Angad chuckled with amusement and sat down beside them: Hello, Prateek Beta!
Kripa took a deep breath and held Prateek's chubby cheeks in her palms: Beta, inhey Monster Uncle mat kaho….inka naam Angad hai."

Angad Uncle ? Prateek looked curiously at Angad's clean-shaved face. Lekin aapka naam toh Zaib Uncle tha?….Aapki dadhi-moochh kahan gayi? He asked with round eyes.

Wo tumhari Mama ko pasand nahin the….isiliye mainey kaat diye" Angad winked at Kripa….she frowned at him in mock anger.

Kripa spoke seriously to Prateek: Beta, Angad Uncle nahin, aaj se tum inhey Dad kehkar bulana….okay?

DAD? Lekin merey Dad toh Josh Papa hain? Yeh merey Dad nahin hain! Prateek pouted and hid his face in her neck again.

Kripa was going to say something more, Angad stopped her: Aaj rehney do, Kripa. Abhi hum aaye hain, let him get used to me…..phir usey samjha dengey.

Angad longed to take his son in his arms, but he knew it wasn't going to be easy. He would have to win his son's trust, his love, his acceptance. He looked longingly at Prateek's round head hidden in Kripa's neck…..he reached out and stroked the silky hair that was so much like his mother's. Angad swallowed a lump in his throat, and heaved out a sigh. His eyes met Kripa's …..Prateek felt the hand on his hair and jerked his head, turning around to look rather angrily at Angad's bemused face.

He turned abruptly to Kripa: Papa kahan hai? Mujhey Papa ke paas jaana hai! I WANT MY PAPA! He sensed something was wrong, either by his child's instinct or by the expression on Angad's face.

Kripa's heart sank, she was dreading this, having to build a bridge of lies to spare her child the shock of his Papa's death. She swallowed painfully, holding back her tears : Sunny, beta, Papa toh Hongkong mein hain….mainey kaha na wo busy hain?…. Do mahiney baad ayengey"

Prateek's face crumpled on hearing it would be two months: Nahiiiinn, mujhey abhi Papa ke paas jaana hai. Papa kyun nahin aaye?

Beta, issey pehley bhi toh Papa gaye the na kitney mahinon ke liye? (Kripa remined him of the various times when Josh had left for assignments abroad, sometimes for 4-6 months at a stretch)……Tab toh tum itna nahin rotey the ? Chalo, achhey bachchey zidd nahin kartey…..Main aa gayi hoon na tumharey paas….Chalo, ab jaakar so jaatey hain…raat bahut ho gayi"

She got up with Prateek in her arms….she mouthed a silent Goodnight to Angad. He nodded and blinked in understanding. They would have to handle Prateek with great care…..a single wrong move could scar him for life.

Meanwhile, Godfather, Mittal and Kartik had proceeded to the lavish dining-room to partake of a light late-night meal and dessert. Kalyani served them food with great care and affection, asking them about Hongkong, Bangkok, about their journey.

Zaib aur Kripa dinner nahin karengey? She asked in surprise when they didn't show up.
Godfather explained the whole situation to her, about Zaib being actually Angad, Kripa his estranged wife, Prateek his son.

Kalyani was amazed : Yeh toh badi achhi baat hai! Angad betey ko apna khoya hua Parivaar wapas mil gaya! Sab Ishwar ki kripa hai!

Mittal and Kartik also agreed, its very rare that a person gets a second chance in life to be happy, to be with lost loved ones again. Angad and Kripa were very lucky indeed!.

************************ ******************************

Angad led her to the bedroom where her luggage had been kept. She carried a sleepy Prateek inside, set him down on the bed. He still clung to her neck: Sunny, zara thehro, main change karkey aati hoon" but he wouldn't let go of her: Nahin, Mama, mujhey aapkey paas sona hai" ….. their separation was still too fresh in his mind…he was scared she would disappear again.

Theek hai, Beta, main kahin nahin jaa rahi……..she sighed and gently kissed his head, lying down beside him. She looked ruefully at Angad…..he smiled tenderly at the adorable sight of his wife and son. He signalled he will be back later and left the room.

Kripa cuddled Prateek to her chest…….she hummed his favorite lullaby and stroked his head and back till he fell asleep, clinging to her in his sleep, afraid to let go!

Finally, he relaxed his hold in deep slumber. Kripa slithered out of bed noiselessly and tiptoed to her luggage. She took out her new scarlet silk Pajama set and went to the bathroom. When she emerged, she brushed out her hair in front of the ornate mirror. The whole bedroom was done in a peach and yellow color scheme with French-style furniture. There was a soft knock at the door….she knew it was Angad. She hurried and opened it……he stood there, holding a tray of food, smiling ever so tenderly at her.

She was going to say something, he placed a finger on her lips, silencing her. He walked past her to the long French doors at one end of the bedroom and opened them. They led out to a terrace, overlooking the landscaped gardens and the dark ocean in the distance. He took her hand and led her to the wrought-iron chairs on the terrace. Placing the tray on the iron table in the middle, he pulled her onto his lap. Kripa didn't protest….she circled her arms around his neck, content to be in his arms again. Cheek to cheek, they stared at the half-moon in the clear desert sky. They felt blessed to be together again, to be alive and breathing, to feel each other's heartbeat so close.

--MALE--
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho - 2
Kya kehna hai, kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai, tumko pata hai
Samay ka yeh pal tham sa gaya hai
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho
(Kitne gehre halke, shyaam ke rang hai chhalke
Parvat se yun utre baadal jaise aanchal dhalke) - 2
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho

(Sulgi sulgi saansein, baheki baheki dhadkan
Maheke maheke shyaam ke saaye, pighle pighle tan mann) - 2
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho
Kya kehna hai, kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai, tumko pata hai
Samay ka yeh pal tham sa gaya hai
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho

They turned towards each other, Angad looked deeply into her eyes: Welcome Home, Sweetheart! Aaj se yeh tumhara Ghar hai….Humara Ghar!"

She stroked his cheek, gazing into his eyes, staring at his beloved face….she had almost lost him that day. the fear still shook her inside, how close he had been to certain death.
"Angad, aaj lag raha hai, main sahi mainey mein ek suhaagan hoon. Aaj main apney ghar aayi hoon. Paanch saal pehley jo sapney barbaadi mein jalkar raakh ho gaye the , aaj wo sapney poorey huey. Aaj main bahut khush hoon……bahut khush! "

He lowered his lips on hers and kissed her for a long time. Their lips clung together, loathe to separate, both eager and hungry for each other!
His hand crept up under her silk top, stroking the soft skin of her belly, moving up to cup her full softness. She moaned into his mouth, arching sensuously in his hand. Her peaks jutted into his palms, swollen with sudden need. He groaned with satisfaction, stroking, rubbing, circling with his thumb, till she was shivering in mindless delight. He nibbled on her lips, breathing words of love and desire into her mouth. He arched her over his arm, till she was bending backwards, and captured her peaks through the silk top. His tongue brushed roughly, wetting the silk with its motion, suckling her through the cloth. She gasped and moaned, clutching handfuls of his wavy hair, feeling dizzy with pleasure. His hands slid the silk pajama off her hips, baring her for his touch. He aroused her to fever pitch with his fingers and lips, till she was moaning eagerly for his possession. Then he bared himself and lowered her onto him, she took him in her passionate heat, rising and falling, their lips clinging, hearts pounding in sweet harmony, till both shattered and reached the stars.

They clung together for a long time, just relishing the intimacy, the feeling of being one. Then he adjusted their clothes but she still sat on his lap. He fed her little morsels of food, kissing her intermittently, she fed him little pieces too. They fed each other, laughing softly, kissing, cuddling.

He buried his face in her open hair, inhaling the fragrance, whispering: "Kaash main aaj raat in zulfon mein so sakta " …..but they knew he couldn't share her bed till Prateek accepted him as his Dad and Kripa's husband.

Suddenly, she heard Prateek crying from the bedroom. She jumped up and ran into the room through the French doors. Prateek was tossing around restlessly, groaning and crying in a nightmare……she hurried back into bed beside him…… hugging him, she crooned softly, cuddling him, rocking him gently back to sleep.

Angad watched them quietly from the terrace door, then he slipped past with the tray, whispering goodnight to Kripa, he went out of the bedroom.

He put the tray back in the kitchen, then made his way to his room. On the way, he passed Godfather's Study/Library . He was astonished to see the light was still on in the Study. It was almost 3 A.M……. sab kuchh khairiyat toh hai na? Itni raat ko Bajaj Uncle Study mein kya kar rahey hain?

Angad knocked on the door softly.
A muffled voice came through: Kaun hai?
Uncle, Main Angad…..he replied hesitantly.
Andar aa jaao…….Angad went in…..closed the door.
Godfather was standing in front of the fireplace, staring up at a huge oil painting….the portrait of a beautiful young woman, wearing bridal dress.



Angad's jaw fell open….he was thunderstruck, staring at the Portrait!
Now he remembered where he had seen the photo of Kripa's mother…….why the photo in Kripa's purse had seemed so familiar.

HE COULDN'T BELIEVE HIS OWN EYES! KRIPA'S MOTHER'S PHOTO IN GODFATHER'S STUDY?
He had seen it once before a long time ago, when he had come in to talk to Godfather 2 years ago…..in this Study.

He had guessed it was Godfather's dead wife but had hesitated to ask him about her. He figured if Godfather wanted to tell him, he would.
THIS MEANT…..DID IT MEAN…..KRIPA WAS RELATED TO GODFATHER????

Mr. Bajaj turned, quickly wiping his eyes with his sleeves. He saw Angad staring open-mouthed at the portrait.
He looked up and smiled: Yeh tumhari Auntie ki tasveer hai….my wife, Anuradha….24 saal pehley yeh ek durghatna mein chal basi…..us din se main iss duniya mein akela hoon, bahut akela……he sighed, suddenly looking older than his 48 years.

Without moving his eyes from the painting , Angad muttered in a hypnotized daze: Haan, Mussorie aur Kathgodam ke beech ek train accident mein Auntie ki maut huyi thi. Tab wo Maa banney wali thi……

Godfather did a double take: KYA KAHA? Tumhey kaisey pata Kathgodam ke paas Train accident mein……? Kisney bataya tumhey?

Angad's eyes sparkled with tremendous excitement : Aapki Beti ne……

Godfather's jaw dropped, he was shocked: YEH KYA BAK RAHEY HO, ANGAD? TUM HOSH MEIN TOH HO? MERI BETI TOH…..JANAM LETEY HI….she died (he ended in a tearful whisper)

NAHIN, UNCLE, AAPKI BETI ZINDA HAI" Angad laughed like a joyful madman! WO ZINDA HAI!!

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

pallavi