Thanks abhilasha, jdsean, mita, sahr, sana, sidra, ananya, Chocolate, Shalini, Faiza, rima, Hinna, sweetangle, sweetie, deeya, desiqt, sapphire9.
Im sorry, I just didnt have the heart to make Kripa tell Prateek about Josh's death.....hes only 4 years old and the shock can severely damage his pysche!
PART 62
Wedding preparations were on in full swing at the Villa. Godfather himself called the best decorators in Dubai for the wedding and his Hotel Regency would cater all the food and drinks. Invitations were sent out to a few close friends and acquaintances as well as local big-wigs like Government Officials and Police Chief of Dubai.
Mr. Bajaj was a powerful and influential man in Dubai. The invitations all read: Mr. Rishabh Bajaj requests the pleasure of your company at the wedding of his Godson, Angad Khanna to Kripa Sharma, daughter of his friend, the Late Suryabhan Sharma.
Yes, Godfather acknowledged Suryabhan as Kripa's fatherā¦..he would never put her life at risk by announcing his blood relations. It was to be a simple wedding ceremony conducted by a priest flying in from India. Kalyani Aunty was very excitedā¦..it was like she was reliving her own daughter's wedding again. She had grown very fond of Kripa and Prateek within a few daysā¦.they were just too endearing. Kripa always gave her the respect of an Aunt and let her decide everything in Godfather's household and kitchen.
Kalyani Aunty and Kripa went shopping for the wedding, both covered with Burkhas, accompanied by Kartik and Javed as bodygaurds. The two ladies bought saris, jewelry, and cosmetics for Kripaā¦. Sherwani sets for Angad. Kripa's bridal dress was a red and green lehenga setā¦with heavy brocade and stone-work. Angad's wedding Sherwani was midnight blue with silver brocade embroidery. Kripa chose a Sherwani for her Dad, a silver grey that would suit his dignified looks. She bought a maroon set for Prateek. They also bought formal dresses for Kartik, Mr. Mittal and others in the household. Kripa chose a dark blue sari for Kalyani but she protestedā¦.she never wore bright colors ever sinceā¦ā¦Kripa knew what she meantā¦.she returned the blue sari and bought a cream colored brocade sari for Aunty Jee instead.
They returned from shopping with a car-load of bags. Godfather was delighted with their purchases. He had secretly ordered a diamond set for his daughter and a diamond āstudded watch for Angad. Those would be his surprise gifts on wedding day.
Meanwhile, Angad looked after Prateek, spending more time with his son each day. They played soccer, baseball, tag. He even started giving Prateek tennis lessons on the tennis court inside the compound. After checking with the Security room that there wasn't a boat or yacht within 2 milesā¦.Angad sneaked out with Prateek to the little strip of beach adjoining Godfather's property. They splashed around in the waves, played beach volleyball and had a rollicking time.
As they were returning to the Villa, Prateek sitting on Angad's neck, his sandy legs dangling by Angad's face, holding his head tightly, he declared: Angad Uncle, you are my best Uncle! I love you!
Angad grinned and kissed a sandy foot: I love you too, my son! Kya tum mujhey Dad kehkar bulaogey? I will like that!
Prateek was silent for a few moments: Lekin merey Dad toh Josh Papa hainā¦..
I know that, Beta. Josh tumharey Papa hainā¦..lekin kya tum mujhey Dad kahogey? Mujhey bhi tumharey jaisa Beta chahiye. We will be buddies, Okay?
Okayā¦ā¦Prateek agreed after some careful thinkingā¦..he was sure Papa wouldn't mind if he called Angad Uncle Dad.
Okay, DAD ! Prateek finally replied.
Angad was ecstatic ! He leaped up in the air, with a whoop of joy! Prateek giggled loudly, clutching Angad's windswept hair tightly in his fists. Angad ran with his kid on his shouldersā¦..he ran in circles, made figure 8sā¦.generally goofing off on the lawns in front of the Villa. Prateek laughed and screamed in excitement, hanging on for dear lifeā¦.this was as good as a Rollercoaster ride.
Godfather heard sounds of excited laughter and came out to the terrace to watch them play. He grinned affectionately, his heart filled with warmth at the sight of his son-in-law and grandson. He was delighted that father and son were bonding so well. He blessed them silently in his heart: Shabash Angad! Main jaanta hoon tum Prateek ka dil zaroor jeet logay. He knew Angad had that endearing quality in himā¦.he could win over anyone's heart with his affections.
Angad ran around for some time, then finally, he became a Train and chugged and tooted his way into the Villa, straight to the Kitchen. Kripa was helping Kalyani make lunchā¦.both ladies laughed at the rambunctious duo!
Kripa shook her head, giggling : Kya bachpana hai, Angad! Arey dekho sambhalkeyā¦..wahan daal rakha haiā¦.abhi tum kaali daal ban jaogey" ā¦
Angad chugged his way to Kripa, quickly bent his head to her ears and whispered: Agar tum saath dogi toh main daal makhani bhi ban sakta hoon"
Kripa blushed a beetroot red and hit him hard on the back with her fist.
Prateek was indignant: Mama, Dad ko kyun maara ? He is my Buddy !
Kripa's jaw hung open: DAAADD? She couldn't believe her earsā¦ā¦Prateek called Angad DAD????!!! OH MY GOD! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?
Angad saw her dumbfounded expression and winked, then grinned triumphantly at his achievement.
He asked Prateek: Okay, Buddy, do u want ice-cream?
YES! YESSSS! Prateek was delightedā¦.what a treat!
Kripa protested: Lekin Angadā¦.abhi adhey ghantey mein Lunch tayyar ho jayegaā¦.abhi ice-cream mat khilao"
Koi baat nahinā¦.hum ice-cream bhi khayengeyā¦.aur phir Lunch bhiā¦.hum bahut bhookhey hain! We are building up our muscles, Right, Buddy?
Right, Dad! Prateek was his echoā¦..Mama, Main ice cream bhi khaoonga aur Lunch bhiā¦I am Batmanā¦.mujhey muscles banani hai!
Kripa rolled her eyes and sighed hopelessly. Angad ran to the fridge and opened the freezer, taking out two frozen cones from a ready-made packet.
You like Chocolate, Beta ?
Haan.... Dad! Give me chocolate!
Angad handed over the chocolate cone to Prateek above his headā¦..he took a vanilla cone for himself and both began slurping at their cones.
Kripa shook her head and laughed at the pictureā¦ā¦Prateek sitting on Angad's neck, licking at the cone, Angad licking the cone belowā¦.both were wearing muscle Tees and shorts, Angad looking very buff and muscular, Prateek his miniature version. They looked very similarā¦like big and mini sizes .
Then she noticed Prateek's sandy legs: Ofāfffoā¦.Beta, tumharey pairon per reth laga hai, aao saaf kar doonā¦chalo neechey uthro.
But the kid wouldn't get down: Nahiiinā¦.mujhey yahin baithna haiā¦.Dad ke kandhon per"
Angad gave Kripa a devilish look and winked again. She would have to come near him to wipe off Prateek's legs. Kripa looked at him with narrowed eyes, then wet a kitchen towel and wiped Prateek's dangling legs, grumbling: Achha tareeka nikala hai, bachchey ko pataaney kaā¦.rishwat dekar!
Angad laughed naughtily..ā¦.he checked quickly, Kalyani Aunty was busy stirring the pot. He grabbed Kripa's waist and kissed her cheek: Mummy ko itni asani se pataa liya toh betey ko kyun nahin?
He rubbed his ice-cream cone on Kripa's noseā¦..and quickly licked it off. Prateek didn't notice what was going on belowā¦.he was too busy licking his cone.
Kripa glared at Angad and turned away, muttering: Besharam! Badmaash!
Angad quickly grabbed her departing backside and squeezed it! Kripa gasped, looking back angrily to see him grinning shamelessly. She reached out and pinched his bare arm really hard.
UFFFF! Angad winced loudly.
Kalyani Aunty turned around with a jerk: Kya hua, Angad Beta? Tumhey chot lagi kya ?
Haan, Aunty! Angad smiledā¦.Zyada kuchh nahinā¦ā¦buss apney zubaan ko kaat liya tha (bit my tongue)
He sauntered out of the kitchen with his boy on his shoulders, whistling:
Dilbar merey kab tak mujhey aisey hi tadpaogi
Main aag dil mein laga doonga wo ke pal mein pighal jaaogi"
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Kripa had been keeping him at arm's length ever since their wedding date was fixed.
When he went to her bedroom that nightā¦she refused to go to his room, pleading : Please Angadā¦.kuchh din aur wait karoā¦..shadi se pehley dulha-dulhan ka milna apshagun manaa jaata hai"
He was indignant: Lekin Jaaneman, hum toh already miya-biwi hainā¦.phir kaisi yeh dooriyan?
Zamaney ke nazron mein nahinā¦.aur phir merey Papa ke vicharon ka bhi lihaaz karoā¦wo chahtey hain hum dono phir se shadi ke pavitra bandhan mein bandheyā¦..she held and caressed his cheeks, trying to reason with him: Yeh intezaar hamarey liye ek intehaa hogiā¦..aur shadi ki raat hamari sabsey khubsoorat raat hogi. I will make it up to you, Darling! I promise!
Sach keh rahi ho? He looked into her eyes, still pouting peevishly like a little kid deprived of his candy.
God Promise! She squeezed his cheeks lovingly, ab jaakar so jaaoā¦.Goodnight!
Kam se kam ek goodnight kiss toh de doā¦.he whispered (they were talking near the terrace door to avoid waking up Prateek)
She reached up, her arms circling his neck, and kissed his lips softlyā¦.he grabbed her waist, yanked her closer and deepened the kiss at once, exploring her mouth thoroughly, showering his love and desire on her with his smooches.
Finally she moaned , pulling away breathlessly: "Aisey kiss karogey toh main bhi apney aapko rok nahin paaoongi"
That was my plan! He chuckled, knowing well the effect of his kisses upon her.
Suddenly Kripa said: Waisey Angad, Thank you!ā¦.(kissing his cheeks)ā¦.Tumney meri bahut badi pareshani door kar deeā¦..Prateek ko tumney Dad kehna sikha diyaā¦.ab mujhey aur tension nahin hogiā¦.kaisey usey samjhaoonā¦.kya kahoon usey tumharey baarey mein?ā¦..Sab kuchh sulajh gaya.
Angad looked gravely at her: Yeh toh mera farz thaā¦aur mera haq bhiā¦.Prateek ke zubaan se Dad sunna merey liye sabsey bada tohfa hai. Bachchon ko pyaar se samjhaya jaata hai, zabardasti se nahinā¦ā¦..waisey wo abhi bahut hi chhota haiā¦..usey poori sachchai bataney ki koi zaroorat nahin. Wo mujhey Dad kehkar bulaye isimein main khush rahoonga. Bhaley hi wo Josh ko apna Papa samjheyā¦..Josh ne uski parvarish kee hai itney saal, yeh Josh ka haq bantaa haiā¦.main kabhie ussey wo haq nahin chheenunga. Haan, Prateek jab bada ho jayeā¦when he can understand the difference between biological father and adoptive father, toh hum usey bata dengey. Ab yeh raaz usey bataney ki koi zaroorat nahin. Hes too young to understand.
Kripa was moved to tears: Haan, Angadā¦..Prateek abhi bachcha haiā¦.tumney theek kahaā¦ā¦usey wo sab batana nahin chahiye. Lekin Josh ke maut ke baarey mein usey batana kya theek hoga?
Nahinā¦.bilkul nahin! Usey bahut bada sadma lagegaā¦..let it be. Usey kehna Josh abhi kaam mein busy haiā¦.yahan aa nahin sakta. Dheerey dheerey wo bhi bhool jayega. He will accept that Josh wont come back to him. Kuchh saal baad hum sachchai bataa dengeyā¦.Jab wo thoda aur bada hogaā¦..
Kripa nodded, relieved that she wont have to break the painful news to Prateek yet! She was dreading the very thought of telling him that Josh was dead.
Yes, you are rightā¦..main bhi toh apney asliyat se anjaan thi 20 saal takā¦..bachchey bahut jaldi haalaat ko accept kar letey hain. shadi ke baad jab hum dono ek saath rahengey tab Prateek bhi dheerey dheerey samajh jayega ke tum hamarey jeevan ka hissa ho. Bhagwan karey wo hamarey rishtey ko bhi kabool kar le.
Haan, Kripa, aisa hi hoga. I know he will accept me as part of his family.
They hugged each other and stood silently for a few minutes, brooding about the future, hopeful about Prateek's reaction to their wedding.
Then Angad kissed her forehead, gently said "Goodnight" and left her room.
But he ran into Godfather in the passage again, who didn't look very pleased to see Angad coming out of his daughter's room 2 days before the wedding.
Angad quickly gave his excuses : Main Goodnight kehney gaya tha, Papa.
Godfather smiled at his calling him Papa. Angad certainly knew how to melt hearts!
Angad, mujhey tumsey ek zaroori baat kehni thiā¦..can you come to my Study?
Angad nodded: Sure, Papa ! Chaliye!
They closed the door after themā¦..Godfather wanted to discuss some Security measures he had taken for the wedding when guests would be coming into his compound for the first time. Angad went over the details and agreed it was a foolproof arrangement.
Then Godfather suddenly said: Beta, ek baat kahoon? Bura mat maan-naā¦..jab tum Zaib theā¦tab wo saari ladkiyanā¦..???
Angad blushed a deep red in embarassment! What a false position for himā¦.his father-in-law knew about all his peccadillos as Zaib!
NO, NO, Papa! Wo sab mera ateet hainā¦..tab mujhey Kripa ke baarey mein kuchh yaad nahin tha. Wo main nahinā¦koi aur hi tha, samajh leejiye. Aapki beti hi merey liye sab kuchh haiā¦.shes MY LIFE! SHES EVERYTHING TO ME!
Good! Mujhey tumsey yahi ummeed thi" GF smiled approvinglyā¦Lekin Beta, dhyaan raheyā¦Kripa ko un sabkey baarey mein pata na chaley. She will be very upset!
Of course, Papa! ā¦..Angad quickly mumbled Goodnight and escaped from the Study. He was horribly flustered and sweating bullets: . " Yeh Baap-Beti dono khatarnaak hainā¦.very dangerous!" he grumbled as he escaped to his room. But he knew in his heart he couldn't have had a better family.
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The decorators set up a huge colorful tent near the wall, overlooking the sea. Inside the tent, a makeshift Mandap was erected, with 4 pillars and flowers, leaves and painted urns.
Trucks carrying flowers and catered food from GF's hotel also came at the gates and were checked thoroughly before they were given passage inside.The Priest had arrived from India and staying at the Hotel.
A short Mehendi Ceremony was held the day beforeā¦..as female representatives, only Kalyani and the Housekeeper were there. A mehendi artist arrived from Dubai and applied henna on Kripa's hands and feet . Angad watched from afarā¦..Kripa looked up and smiled tremulously at himā¦..both remembered their makeshift wedding 5 years ago, when Kripa had applied mehendi on her own hands from ready to use tubes. It had been so simple, yet such a memorable day for them, before Fate cruelly snatched away their happiness.
Prateek came running into the tent and saw his mother's hands being painted. He was most surprised: Mama, yeh aapkey haath per painting kyun kar rahi hai?
Kripa laughed: Painting nahin, Beta, yeh mehendi haiā¦..haath per lagatey hainā¦.
Mujhey bhi lagana haiā¦ā¦he held out his hands.
Angad quickly came and lifted Prateek in his arms: Ladkey mehendi nahin lagatey, Buddy. Chalo, hum mard log yahan se bhaagtey hainā¦.nahin toh yeh humein bhi mehendi laga dengey.
Prateek happily left with Dad, wondering why Mama was getting all dolled up. But grown-ups were weird anyways, they dressed strangely all the time. Maybe this was a fancy dress party too!
The wedding day dawned bright and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky. The marriage ceremony was scheduled for early eveningā¦.Guests started arriving from the afternoon. Mr. Bajaj received them at the entrance of the Tent himselfā¦.most of them were his friends and acquaintances.
Godfather looked handsome and distinguished in the silver grey Sherwani bought by Kripa. He was every inch the proud fatherā¦..although he wouldn't declare that in public.
Kartik, Mr. Mittal helped him in greeting the guests and supervising their refreshments and welcome. All the guests were sprayed with attar-water (perfumed water) and given rose corsages. Soft strains of shehnai played on the speaker system.
Kripa was led out to the tent by Kalyani. She looked gorgeous in the red and green lehenga, red and green bangles on her hand, a jewelled teeka swinging on her flushed forehead, heavy gold and kundan sets adorning her neck and ears.
Godfather was thrilled to see his beautiful daughter as a brideā¦..he silently told his dead wife: Anu, tumhari beti Pariyon ki Rani jaisi lag rahi hai . Kaash aaj tum zinda hoti aur usey suhaag ke jodey mein dekh saktiā¦.khairā¦ aaj main akela hi Maa-Baap dono ka farz adaa karoonga."
He went forward to Kripaā¦.she looked up with a smile, then bent to touch his feet.
Godfather smiled affectionately and kissed her forehead: Sadaa suhaagan raho! Ishwar tumhari har aasha poori kareinā¦ā¦Yeh lo Betiā¦..yeh meri taraf se tumhari shadi ka tohfa.
He took out the diamond set and handed it to her. She opened the box and gapedā¦..it was a brilliantly sparkling necklace, made of diamonds, rubies and emeraldsā¦..with large matching earrings. It must have cost nearly a crore!
Kripa handed the set to Kalyani and thanked her father with a simple smile.
Kalyani took Kripa to the mandap and made her sit down beside Angad, who was looking remarkably handsome in his dark blue sherwani. Angad and Kripa stole looks at each other furtively, checking out how the other looked. Kripa smiled shyly at her handsome dulha, Angad's eyes were fixed on his beautiful dulhan.
The priest asked who would do the Kanyadaan.
Godfather came forward: Panditjee, Kripa merey dost ki beti hai, merey dost ab iss duniya mein nahin raheyā¦.Kripa meri beti samaan haiā¦main uska kanyadaan karna chahta hoon.
Haan zaroor, aayiye! Baithiye yahan!
Godfather sat down next to Kripaā¦..
Ab dulhan ka haath aap lekar dulhey ke haath mein rakhiye aur kahiyeā¦ā¦he chanted the mantras, Godfather repeated them.
Then Angad and Kripa's hands were joined by a sacred thread . All the guests sat on chairs, watching the mandap which was slightly elevated for better viewing.
The ceremony was simple and beautiful. Angad and Kripa repeated chants promising a lifetime of faith, love and devotionā¦..vowing to live a life of Dharma, Artha and Kama. They exchanged garlands, Angad put sindoor on her forehead and mangalsutra around her neck. They circled the holy fire 7 timesā¦Saptapadi Gaman. And then the marriage ceremony was complete.
Angad leaned over and whispered amorously: Yeh panditjee kyun nahin kehtey, Now you can kiss the bride?
Kripa frowned at him in mock anger, whispering back: Paagalā¦..wo toh Christian shadi mein hoti haiā¦..
I knowā¦.but I wish hamari shadi mein bhi kehtaā¦ā¦.Im dying to kiss you, Biwi!
Kripa smiled archly at him: Patience, pyaarey patidev! Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai"
Angad rubbed his hands gleefully: I cant wait, Beghum Sahiba!
She pinched his arm secretly, making him wince silently.
Apney patidev per haath uthatey huey sharam nahin aati, Balikey? He chided her with disapproving looks.
Ab toh roz tumhari khabar loongiā¦.Patidev ya Shaitaan number One! ā¦..She promised with a grin.
Angad rolled his eyes heavenwards: I knew it! Beta Angadā¦..tumhara falooda banney wala hai!
The newly married couple (2nd time) were led to a raised dais, where they met all the guests and invitees, accepting their wishes, congratulations and gifts.
Godfather's esteemed guests gave them very expensive gifts. They accepted with smiles of thanks and passed them on to Kalyani Aunty.
Godfather got up on the daisā¦.Angad and Kripa touched his feet, he blessed them, then gifted the diamond-encrusted watch to Angad, who was thrilled. It was his favorite designer brand!
Prateek, looking adorable in the maroon sherwani, was being entertained in another part of the tent by Kartik Uncle. He didn't witness his parents' marriage ceremony at all. They didn't want the poor little boy more confused than he already was!
Angad couldn't wait for their suhaag raat! Arrangements had been made at an outhouse several yards away from the main Villa. The small building was brilliantly decorated with lights! It was visible from far away.
After a sumptous feast of Indo-Arabic dishes, Continental and Chinese, Thai and Italian dishesā¦..the guests left the premises.
Angad and Kripa retired to the Villa, where Prateek had already been given dinner by Naani Maasi. But he was being very crankyā¦.he wouldn't go to sleep without his Mama.
Nahinā¦.mujhey Mama ke paas sona haiā¦ā¦he whined and fretted. Then he saw his Mama coming back from the Tent, heavily dressed up and her forehead all covered with some red stuff.
MAMAAā¦..he ran to herā¦.Aapka yahan laal rang kyun hai? Aaj Holi hai kya? Mujhey bhi holi khelna hai"
Nahin Beta, yeh sindoor haiā¦..Ladkiyan lagati hai, ladkey nahin lagatey.
Prateek sulked, thinking it was really unfair that girls had all the fun with paints and coloring their skin and hair. Oh well, at least they couldn't be Batman or Superman! He smiled at that thought!
He flung his arms around her neck: Mama, mujhey neend aa rahi haiā¦.
Kripa glanced apologetically at Angadā¦.who looked crestfallen. She pleaded with his eyes to understand the situationā¦.he nodded and blinked with a smile. He would wait for her.
Godfather, the Mittals, Kartik, Raghu, Javed and all the villa residents hugged or congratulated the couple and expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the wedding.
Angad and Kripa bid them goodnight and retired to the her bedroom with a sleepy Prateek in her arms. He clung to her as she quickly took off her heavy jewelry and veil. Then she lay down on the bed with Prateek, who yawned : Goodnight, Dad! ā¦ Goodnight, Beta! Angad replied and walked out to the terrace.
Angad paced restlessly on the terrace, waiting for Prateek to fall asleep.
Finally after an hour, Prateek drifted off into deep sleep. Kripa crept out of bed and went to Angad. He whispered: Line Clear? she nodded.
He grinned with delight.
Kripa went to call Aunty to come sleep beside Prateek in case he got up at night and got scared all alone. Kalyani Aunty was waiting for her summonsā¦she quickly came and lay down beside Prateek. she blessed Kripa : Jaao beti, tumhara suhaag tumhara intezaar kar raha hai!
Kripa smiled shyly, wrapped the veil on her head and went to Angad. He gave her a slow, heart-melting smile, picked her up in his arms and went down the steps leading from the low terrace. He walked towards the building planned to be their wedding chamber that night. Kripa didn't even look up, hiding her face in his chest, listening to his deep, loud heartbeats as he carried her to the bridal cottage.
Buried under the floorboards of the brightly-lit outhouse, a timer tickedā¦.TICK-TOCKā¦TICK-TOCK! It had been set for detonation at 2 AMā¦.just when the newly married couple would be deep in slumber after their passionate tryst!
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pallavi
Edited by pallavi25 - 17 years ago
Kumkum Bhagya
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