Family Disorder (completed) - Page 2

Kripa's lips curved watching Abhi stand on his toes competing with Ayush in height. He held the side of the bed trying to make himself look tall, but it all went in vain. Ayush was much taller than Abhi. Abhi pouted and crossed his arms annoyed while Ayush and Kripa chuckled "you are becoming naughtier day by day" Kripa said pinching his dimpled cheeks.

"I want to be taller" he whined sulking

"Then eat more" Kripa advised "and that does not mean chocolates. It means healthy fruits and vegetables" she pinched his nose

He scrunched his nose "They taste horrible"

Kripa held his chin "do you want to be taller or do you want chocolate?" she asked

"Obviously chocolates" Ayush answered

"I asked Abhi not you Ayush"

He moved his lips right then left "I know he'll say that"

Kripa looked at him frowning "Give him a chance Ayush" turning back Kripa held Abhi's cheek "do you want to be tall like your daddy or stay small?"

"I want to be tall" he answered "but I want chocolate as well"

"Well" Kripa pulled him into her lap "if you promise to eat fruits and vegetables, you'll get chocolate as well"

His nose wrinkled "ok" he said "but I want a chocolate everyday"

"Every week you mean. Every day is bad" she felt her mobile buzz "hello" she spoke answering the call

"Hey Kripa, Ridhimaa here"

"Oh. How's everything going?" Kripa smiled at Abhi who stared at her

"Great. I talked to Anjali. She wants to see Sanya now. She's got appointments booked for the rest of the week" she informed

"Now" Kripa exclaimed "but" sighing she pressed her temple "let me talk to Mr Khanna first. I'll call you back"

"Ok, be quick"

"I'll try. Bye" she caught hold of Abhi's hands in her hair

"Bye"

"Who was that?" Abhi questioned playing with her hair

"It was my friend" she answered taking his hands

"Is she like you?" he asked

Kripa smiled "better than me"

"But no one's better than you" he's struggled standing on her lap "you're the best" he kissed her cheek

Kripa smiled moving forward to kiss his cheek "so are you"

"You can't come in, ok" Angad repeated for the third time highly annoyed. Ridhimaa and Anjali stood outside the Khanna house for the past five minutes trying to convince the stubborn young man.

Anjali sighed and looked at Ridhimaa "we were called here" Ridhimaa spoke "We have an appointment"

"You haven't. All appointments are set in the office" he answered sternly "I don't know you and you don't know me, end of story" he closed the door but stopped mid way hearing Kripa's voice.

"I called them" she called rushing down the stairs

Angad glowered at her, hands on hips "listen Miss Sharma—"

He was cut off "I know Mr Khanna" she glowered at him briefly "we can talk later" she turned towards Anjali and Ridhimaa smiling "come this way. I'll lead you" she escorted them to the living room while Anjali and Ridhimaa sighed in relief. The man was dreadful.

Angad followed, stomping behind them "Miss Sharma" Angad called exasperated "I think you've"

"Yes Mr Khanna" she interrupted once again. She turned towards Anjali and Ridhimaa "excuse me, I'll be back" and walked out the room with Angad following her to the kitchen.

He caught hold of her arm turning her around "what the hell" he screamed

"Shhh" Kripa warned "there are other people in the house"

"Exactly" he pointed "those people have nothing to do with me or anyone who lives here so they can't stay, ok" his nostrils flared "this is my house. You can't just call your friends over for a chat, especially when you're working" he warned

Kripa rolled her eyes and pushed him. He released her arm "I know my duty very well Mr Khanna" she rubbed her arm "one of them are my friends but they're not here to see me, ok" she glared at him "they have an appointment with Mrs Khanna" she informed. He opened his mouth to retort but Kripa cut him off "Mr Khanna knows. Now excuse me" she pushed past him and walked to the living room while Angad hit his fist to the kitchen counter in agitation. The woman was infuriating him more by the minute. Her presence was unbearable. He huffed and marched to his room furiously.

Aditya sprang up seeing Anjali walk out of his room. He walked towards her, hope in his eyes "what happened?" he asked eagerly.

Anjali smiled "Have a seat first Mr Khanna" he sat down watching her impatiently "Mrs Khanna is emotionally unstable. The women I've been told about had a very close relationship with your wife" she looked at him "How many times a day did she talk to that woman?" she asked

"I don't know. When we were in Calcutta she would meet her twice a day, sometimes thrice" he informed "I didn't know until the woman died that my wife had been in contact"

Anjali nodded her head "what was your relationship like with your wife?"

Aditya looked at her curiously "we were fine. It had been a while to our marriage when we went to Calcutta. I don't remember having any problems with her. She was always there to support me" his voice softened "she was the perfect women who'd stand by you in the time of need. She understood me before I spoke. I don't know what happened all of a sudden" his voice turned heavy, his Adams apple popping out a little more than usual

Kripa held his shoulder "she'll be fine Mr Khanna" she reassured. He half smiled while tears layered his eyes.

Anjali sighed "what about your family? What was her relationship like with them?" she asked

He looked down "My parents were happy with our marriage, so was my brother. Her parents were unhappy. They wanted her to marry their friend's son" he heaved "she was happy as well. But I know she missed her parents, after all she spent most of her life with them. I've seen her cry in the darkness of the night. She always tried to hide her pain but it was never hidden from me. Three months after our marriage my parents died in a car crash. It was critical time for me and my brother. We were broken after our parent's death. Sanya stood by me and supported me. She was depressed herself. She had given my parents the place of her own parents and they just left us" he shrugged remembering the sorrows he faced a decade ago "Time went by. I had accepted my parent's death but Angad didn't. I don't know what happened but he started to act weird. He became serious angry young man. Maybe it was my parent's death and his age. He was nineteen at that time. His attitude towards us changed. Sanya was quite upset in those days. Angad had created a sudden barrier around him. He shouted and fought all the time. I don't understand why till date but he just changed. It was then I took Sanya to Calcutta, so I could keep her away from the tensed atmosphere" he looked towards Anjali "she will be ok, wont she?" he asked earnest

"Don't worry Mr Khanna" Anjali nodded her head "it will take time but she'll be fine" she assured. She stood up "I'll take a leave for now" she picked her notepad up "I'll see you next week. I'll start her psychotherapy. I'm warning you beforehand. She will be unstable for the first few treatments. It will bring her innermost fears out. We need to get to the root of what she was missing. What she is looking for. as I said it will take time"

Aditya nodded his head "Thank you Miss Banarjee" he shook her hand

"Call me Anjali" she smiled and left after Ridhimaa said her goodbyes

"I'm so grateful to you Kripa" Aditya confessed emotionally "Thank you for coming in our lives"

Kripa smiled affectionately "It's my pleasure sir. I'm glad I could help"

"I don't want her in this house, ok" Angad yelled "I've had enough of her. You're not the only one who lives here"

"I'm happy with her work and I am not going to fire her" Aditya argued "if you have a problem with her then ignore her. She won't say anything to you if you don't start it"

Angad's nostrils flared "I don't start it, it's her. She can't work here anymore. She's been disobeying her employer continuously and lawfully I can get her fired"

Aditya smirked whilst Angad looked on irritated. That smirk reminded him of Kripa and that horrible meeting of theirs "I think you've forgotten your conversation with Kripa in that meeting" Angad looked at him stunned. He heard everything and still didn't do anything to help him? What else did he expect? After all his brother had never been with him when he should have been "I'm her boss, not you"

Angad clenched his teeth. He felt insulted again "I can still fire her on the basis of the contract terms" he retorted "I think you've forgotten condition number three, she can't interfere in your private life and all she's been doing is interfering" he pointed

"I can change the contract as her employer" Aditya defended "I won't let her leave no matter what you do" he said firmly before he stepped up the stairs. Angad scowled constantly mumbling under his breath.

Kripa looked towards the door hearing a knock while she stirred the pasta. She switched the stove off and opened the door, wiping her hands with a towel "Oh Sanjeeda" she smiled "I'm glad you could come. Come in" she moved aside cuddling Hayaa's cheek.

"Hmm smells nice, what are you cooking?" Sanjeeda asked placing Hayaa on the floor

"Pasta" Kripa walked into the kitchen switching the stove on "cheese pasta, want some?"

"Sure" she walked into the kitchen leaving Hayaa to play with the remote control "What happened?" she asked "why did you call me?"

"A friend of mine is coming down. He needs help. I know you can help him" Kripa told her smiling "he wants to propose his fianc"

"Oh" she grinned and rubbed her hands "I'd love to give him advice"

"I knew you would" she walked towards the fridge "where's Amir?"

Sanjeeda frowned "he's at work. He promised to be early today but his boss asked him to stay two extra hours instead"

Kripa smiled "it happens" she mixed the frozen vegetables in the pasta "It's not the hours you put in your work that counts. It's the work you put in the hours but not everyone understands that" she looked at Sanjeeda hearing another knock "Can you open the door? I think Armaan's here"

"Sure" Sanjeeda walked towards the door, opening it to find a handsome young man "Armaan" she asked unsure

"How do you know?" he exclaimed and grinned "Of course. How can I forget? All beautiful ladies know my name" he said taking her hand.

She looked at him weirdly "I'm married"

He left her hand "what a shame? I'm heartbroken" his hands moved onto his chest

Sanjeeda forced a smile. Yes she was a loud woman but she didn't appreciate flirtatious men. She wouldn't take anyone else other than Amir flirting with her; maybe Shahid Kapoor could get an exception she thought walking inside.

"Hey Kripa" he greeted walking into the kitchen "Hmm, cheese pasta"

Kripa pushed his hands away "wait, it's cooking" she warned then turned towards the two "this is Sanjeeda" Kripa introduced "and Sanjeeda this is Armaan"

"Nice to meet you Sanjeeda" he looked towards the floor when he felt a tug on his jeans "Awww, who's this cute little baby" he asked taking her into his arms.

"That's my daughter" Sanjeeda replied "Hayaa"

"Cute" he kissed her cheeks "and just as beautiful as her mother"

"Armaan" Kripa warned "don't start flirting. Sanjeeda doesn't like it" she switched the stove off "Sit in the living room. I'll be there in a minute"

"Why can't I stay?" he moaned "is there something important you and Sanjeeda want to discuss" he asked blinking his eyes

Kripa rolled her eyes "do you want help or not?"

"Oh ok" he said "I'll wait in the living room" he cuddled Hayaa's cheek "let's go and play. We don't need them" he cooed walking into the room adjacent to the kitchen.

"He sure talks a lot" Sanjeeda said staring after him

"He does" Kripa answered fixing the pasta into a bowl "don't mind his flirting. He doesn't mean any of it. He loves Ridhimaa too much to be serious"

She smiled "that's sweet" she walked behind Kripa to the living room

"So Armaan, What exactly do you need help with?" Kripa asked placing the tray on the table

"I told you. Proposing Ridhimaa"

"I know that but what do you need help with in it?"

"The whole thing" he answered taking a plate from the tray

"What happened to that over clever brain of yours?"

He smiled a wide fake smile "Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment"

Kripa chuckled "I didn't compliment you" she passed Sanjeeda a plate "Besides you've got Ridhimaa to compliment you"

"Yeah right" he forked the pasta "she hardly compliments me and I still love her" he sighed

Sanjeeda smiled "girls like to be complimented. Boys don't need to be"

"Say's who?" he shoved the pasta in his mouth "I love being complimented"

"Haven't you seen in Bollywod movies how the girls act hard like a rock until the boy doesn't say something sweet?"

Armaan laughed "that's called fishing for compliments"

"Which you always do" Kripa replied

"Hey" he whined "I can last two months on a good compliment"

Kripa and Sanjeeda laughed "exactly; now getting to the point let's start with some ideas"

"How about you go to her father and ask for her hand?" Sanjeeda suggested "just like in Vivah. Well he didn't know her but Shahid Kapoor played such an awesome role in there. It was such a sweet movie" she sighed

Armaan looked at Sanjeeda with raised brows "her dad knows. Now I'm going to tell Ridhimaa I want to get married as soon as possible"

"Oh then how about like in dil maange more when Ayesha Taakia confesses her feelings"

Armaan scrunched his nose "I'm not a girl"

"Then go to a love guru like Shahid did in ishq vishq. Oh he looks so cute in that movie"

Armaan watched the woman in front of him blabber on about Bollywod movies whilst Kripa chuckled watching Armaan stare at Sanjeeda in astonishment. Once Sanjeeda was finished with her Bollywod movie list, they discussed and came up with an excellent idea. Armaan grinned in delight. He was sure the proposal would be perfect.

"Because of me" Kripa repeated "are you sure Ayush?"

"I don't know but dad and Angad uncle were fighting and dad said your name in between. It seemed like they were talking about you"

Kripa looked down disturbed. She didn't want the two brothers to fight because of her. She wanted them to resolve their problems and unite "Is your uncle home?" she asked

"I think so. He comes at seven o clock. It's half eight right now"

Kripa smiled "you're getting better at telling the time" she kissed his cheek "I'll be back. Give me a few minutes, ok"

"Ok. Be fast" he ordered "I need help in my math's work" he said sheepishly

"I thought so" she grinned and walked out of the room.

She walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Angad's door. Gulping nervously she knocked on his door ready for a possible headache "who is it?" she heard him call

"Kripa" she answered

Angad looked at the closed door in surprise which soon turned into anger. What was she doing here? He thought "what is it?" he asked

"I wanted to talk to you"

Lifting himself from the comfortable leather couch he opened the door "what?" he asked rudely

Kripa pressed her lips together "listen, I don't want you and Mr Khanna fighting because of me, ok" she said straight to the point "Actually, I don't want you fighting with him at all"

He raised his brow frowning "don't tell me what to do" he retorted "what I do is up to me, you have no right to tell me what to do"

She blew a sigh "I haven't come here to listen to you insult me. I've come here to tell you not to fight with your brother. He's already upset and you just make it worse" she retaliated "give him a break for god sake. It won't hurt you to be nice for once"

He gritted his teeth "don't tell me what to do. Just leave me alone"

"I don't know why you're so arrogant but you have to get rid that attitude" Kripa growled "it won't give you anywhere. You're hurting your brother with your behavior" she said ending with a softer tone

"He's not the only one hurt. No one ever sees who he has hurt" he whispered looking disturbed then scowled the next instant "just---just leave me alone" irritated he closed the door while Kripa stared at the door in puzzlement. What did he mean by who he has hurt? She turned around and walked back to the children's room, questions flooding her mind.

Kripa laid leaning comfortably on the softness of the blue cushions. She had no intention of getting out of bed anytime soon. It was a Friday morning, well more like afternoon but it was still a morning for her she thought. Sighing she cuddled the fluffy cushions. The week had been long and tiring. She had been called to work three times that week, taking the responsibility of the kids when Sanya was being treated which practically meant twice a week, plus the times Aditya wasn't at home.

She pouted hugging the cushion to her chest. She loved the kids but the tense atmosphere had her feeling very uncomfortable. She didn't want to interfere in any of their matters but for some reason she was ending up getting involved. It wasn't right; she pulled the covers closer snuggling into its warmth.

She sympathized with Aditya Khanna. He was stuck with so many tensions. He had his wife to worry about, his children's future and his household and yet his hardnosed brother never helped. She couldn't help but ponder over Angad's words. What did he mean by 'who he has hurt?' Could it be possible that Aditya had done something to Angad which wasn't so nice? She groaned. She was thinking about their tensions again. Why couldn't she just ignore them and carry on with her own life instead. She felt like one of those big nosy aunts right now. Pushing the covers off herself, she walked to the kitchen to make herself a hot cup of coffee.

Armaan sneaked into Ridhimaa's house thanks to Kripa who had left the kitchen window open. Of course he didn't fit through the window but he sure could reach the spare keys with the help of the long wooden stick. Kripa and Ridhimaa were out shopping. He couldn't thank Kripa more for the distraction. Unlocking the front door he walked in casually placing the bag on the kitchen counter. He helped himself empty the fridge, closed the kitchen window and then went to prepare for the proposal. Hopefully everything would go right.

Hours later Ridhimaa entered her house exhausted. She dropped the bags on the sofa and walked towards the fridge taking out the cold bottle of water. That's weird she thought, I'm sure I left the cake in the fridge. She looked around finding no sign of the cake. Pursing her lips she walked towards her bedroom after pouring a cold glass of water down her system.

She was surprised to find the lights on. Ok, now this was getting creepy. She looked around the room checking for anything suspecting, there was nothing. Maybe the tiredness was taking its toll. She walked into the bathroom, changed and walked out. Pushing her hair back she picked the book from her side table and switched the lamps on before switching of the mains. Slipping under the covers she read another chapter of her book. It was a hilarious story, she thought. She would gift one to Kripa; it was perfect for her.

She yawned, folded the corner of the page and pulled the covers switching the lamp off. Her eyes widened when she noticed the glow-in-the-dark stickers displaying 'will you marry me?' She lifted herself to sit up but was pushed down with someone's body weight "Armaan" she whispered

He grinned widely "yeah. so will you marry me Ridhimaa?" he asked mischievously

She pushed him off but was caught under him again "you could have asked me in a more sensible way"

"Well" he tapped his chin "The original plan was to take you on a hot air balloon and ask you. If you refused I would threaten to jump until you said yes" he answered comically "but that idea was out of my budget"

Ridhimaa rolled her eyes "yeah yeah" she tried pushing him again "and what if I say no now"

"Well" he drawled kissing the corner of her mouth "you'll stay stuck under me forever"

"Oh no I won't" she said pushing him, successful this time. She stepped off the bed, only to be pulled again "leave me Armaan"

"Say yes first"

"No"

"Fine" he nuzzled her neck "stay like this" he blew hot air "I know you're enjoying it"

She giggled "you're so full of yourself"

He looked towards her amorously "I'm full of you" he whispered seductively

She smiled "I love you and I'll marry you" she wrapped her arms around his waist while he kissed her mouth out of joy.

Minutes later Armaan and Ridhimaa sat in the living room, her head on his shoulder as he dialed Kripa's number "she said no" he spoke

Kripa rolled her eyes "don't play that joke on me. I know exactly what she said. Give her the phone"

Armaan smiled goofily "My my, what about me? Aren't you going to congratulate me?" he asked

She smirked "open the door then I'll congratulate you" and held up.

Armaan frowned looking down at the phone. He wanted to spend some time alone with his wife-to-be "what did she say?" Ridhimaa asked tracing patterns on his chest

"Oh" he looked down at her "she wants to intrude our privacy and congratulate us" Ridhimaa looked at him baffled "I mean she's outside" he cleared tweaking her nose

She smiled widely "How sweet" she rushed to the door while Armaan mumbled under his breath, soon cursing seeing the crowd of friends rushing in.

He walked towards Kripa as soon as his other friends were done congratulating him "I'm waiting" he spoke

"For what?" Kripa asked turning towards him

"Oh, the reason you're here for"

"I just congratulated Ridhimaa" she smiled

"Yes, what about me? I'm the one who proposed" he slid his arms around Ridhimaa "Ridz did nothing more than saying yes and fuss a little"

"Armaan" Ridhimaa whined and hit his chest "go away" she pushed him

"Hey" he took her protesting hands in his "I was joking sweetheart"

Kripa smiled "congratulations Armaan" she hugged him "you better keep her happy otherwise my hands are ready to kill you"

Ridhimaa smiled "thank you Kripa. I wish dad was here so I could share my happiness with him"

"Oh, he knows" Kripa smiled softly "Armaan did the honor before you"

Ridhimaa smiled shyly and kissed Armaan's cheek "thanks"

He grinned "who else do I have to tell to earn another kiss?" he asked cheekily

"You can't stay straight for a minute can you?" Ridhimaa asked

"That's me" he replied proudly "by the way dad's coming home after two weeks. Doctor Kirti has said that for now"

Ridhimaa beamed "really?" tears of joy streamed out of her big grey eyes "I'm overwhelmed"

Kripa smiled watching the couple in front of her. She sighed, when would she get her better half? Pushing her thoughts aside she invited them for dinner the next Saturday as a celebration for the upcoming wedding.

"Abhi, be careful" Kripa advised "you'll get paint all over your clothes". They were hand painting on an A3 paper on Abhi's request. Kripa had lay old newspapers all over the living room floor to keep it free from paint stains.

"I am" he answered. He dipped his hands in blue paint printing them on the already filled paper "you're not painting" he complained watching Kripa sit to a side.

"Abhi" she scrunched her nose "I haven't got any spare clothes with me"

"You can wear mine" he answered. Ayush snorted in laughter. Abhi frowned.

Kripa warned Ayush with her eyes "I won't fit in your clothes darling" she glared when Ayush continued "stop laughing Ayush"

"Sorry it's just that—"he laughed

Kripa sighed "are you going stop laughing or not?" He smiled biting down on his lips while nodding his head. Kripa pouted and walked towards the stairs only to collide with Angad's broad chest "Oh sorry" she apologized

He glared at her "if you don't stop doing that then it won't take me long throwing you out of here"

Kripa gritted her teeth. Why couldn't the man live without insulting her? She heaved "It's not my fault you don't use your eyes" she retorted

His eyes narrowed "I think it's better you stay quiet in front of me. You won't like it when I get angry" he warned

"You won't either" she answered "you have no right to be angry at anyone if you can't keep anyone happy. If you can't keep your family happy then there's nothing I can expect from you" she muttered

His nostrils flared "mind your business" he retaliated "you have nothing to do with me and my family. You work here" he reminded "so keep in your limits"

Kripa looked down at Abhi when he hugged her legs "but Kripa aunty is our family" he said looking at Angad with his big innocent eyes

Angad glowered at the small boy stuck to her legs "she isn't family" he snarled and stomped up the stairs.

Ayush walked towards the two "did Abhi just answer Angad uncle?" he asked astonished

Kripa was amazed herself "yeah, he did" she looked down at him "are you alright Abhi?"

He smiled widely "this is better than paper" he answered

Ayush and Kripa looked at him mystified, second's later Kripa groaned. He had spread the paint all over her jeans. Taking his hands in hers she took him to the sink, washing his hands making a mental note of never painting around Abhi again.

Anjali walked out of Aditya's room only to find Aditya rushing towards her "How is she?" he asked

"Mr Khanna" she started "Relax. Breathe. She'll be fine. It's only the start of her treatment" she reminded "I've looked at her medication. She's got too many tablets. It's not very good Mr Khanna. That's just another reason for her to feel there's something wrong with her" she scribbled something on a prescription "I advise you to bring Ziprasidone for her. it's a little powerful but it may be effective. Keep in mind it will have side effects so I'd advise you to keep your children out of the house for some time, like an aunt or uncles house" she suggested

Aditya sighed "My relatives don't live here" he glanced towards his children who were sitting on the floor playing a game of Ludo with Kripa.

She followed his gaze "Why don't you send them with Kripa" she suggested "I mean she does baby sit your children after all. If she has no objections then she can child mind for sometime"

"I-I don't know" he turned his attention toward Anjali "I'll think about it"

"As you wish" she smiled "Mr Khanna, where are Mrs Khanna's parents?" she asked

He looked down "They live in Delhi. We haven't seen them since we've been married"

"Do they know about Mrs Khanna's illness?" she enquired

"No" he pursed his lips "I didn't get in contact with them. I didn't want her family criticizing her"

Anjali crossed her arms across her chest "I suggest you call her family here. Maybe her parent's presence may improve her situation. You see Depersonalization is her main symptom and love and care from the family will work. Your family will be taught family therapy. The family therapy may be as effectual. You shouldn't keep her isolated in her room. You should encourage her to come and sit among the family. Sharing a bond with the family will help her. It diverts the patients mind. Think over it carefully Mr Khanna. For now call her parents. She needs them"

Aditya smiled "I have no problem. I'll try my best but I can't guarantee every person to do what you say"

"You mean your brother?" she said casually

"Umm yes" he answered slightly embarrassed

"I recommend you do something about it Mr Khanna. His behavior is quite hostile and that could work in the negative for you"

"I understand" he lowered his gaze.

"You have quite a gathering" Armaan remarked walking inside. Armaan and Ridhimaa had just arrived for the dinner Kripa had invited them too. They were surprised to find many others over there.

"I thought you'd want to celebrate it a little grander than a simple dinner"

"Thank you Kripa" Ridhimaa embraced her "it's very sweet of you"

"Your welcomed" she walked forward "by the way this is Sanjeeda" she pointed "and this is Amir her husband and her daughter Hayaa"

Ridhimaa smiled "Hi" she greeted

"You must be Armaan" Amir said stepping towards Armaan

"Yeah" he answered "I didn't know I was that famous" he winked

Amir laughed "yeah, my wife told me about your specialty" he hinted

"Oh" Armaan scratched his head embarrassed while Ridhimaa looked on confused "I was joking" he mumbled

Amir grinned "I know, it's alright. now cheer up. We're here for your wedding celebration"

He smiled feeling at ease. Their attention was diverted towards Atul and Anjali who looked nothing near comfortable "I said I don't want it Atul" Anjali repeated for the fourth time

"Why not. It's very healthy you know. Vegetables are good for your eyes. Have some" he said leaning forward

Anjali rolled her eyes "stop it Atul" she groaned "I said I don't want it"

"Ok" he put the vegetarian dish to a side "try this then. Fruits are tastier than vegetables. Take an apple" he pushed the fruit basket in front of her face.

Kripa pursed her lips to stop her laughter "Atul it's alright" she said taking the basket "Anjali doesn't want it. Why don't you go and greet Armaan and Ridhimaa"

"But Anjali hasn't eaten anything"

Anjali gritted her teeth out of frustration "I'm fine Atul"

"Your not" he stated "look how thin you are. You have to look after yourself Anjali"

"She's fine Atul. Don't worry, I'm here to look after her" Kripa intervened

"But—"

"I'm here Atul" she repeated

"Ok" he frowned and walked towards Armaan and Ridhimaa while Anjali spoke a silent thanks.

Sanjeeda beamed at the sight. Bollywod movies floating in her mind once again "that reminded me of Kareena Kapoor in jab we met" she spoke. Everyone looked at her amused. She found something Bollywod in everything "you know when Kareena use to force Shahid to do stupid things" she answered to their baffled expressions.

Amir, Kripa and Armaan laughed whilst Anjali, Ridhimaa and Atul looked on mystified. There was more to discover about Sanjeeda for the trio.

"Were there more to come?" Armaan asked when he heard the doorbell ring

Kripa shrugged her shoulders "no one I know of" she stood up and walked towards the door. She was surprised to find Aditya Khanna standing at her doorstep "Mr Khanna" she murmured

He glanced behind her "did I come at a wrong time?" he asked

"Oh" she moved aside "not at all, come in sir"

He walked inside "sorry" he apologized "I know it's quite late. I was just wanting to talk to you about something"

"Ok" she looked towards her friends "excuse me guys, I'll be back" she took him to the kitchen having no other private place at that moment "I'm sorry the house is a mess" she apologized embarrassed "I was giving my friends a party so umm—"

Aditya smiled "there's no need to explain Kripa" she looked down flushed "I need to talk to you about Ayush and Abhi"

She looked up at him perplexed "you should have called me to the office Mr Khanna"

"Yes" he scratched his chin "I could have but I thought it would be good if I talked to you here" he sighed "Dr Anjali knows. She advised me to keep my children away from that house for the first few weeks of Sanya's treatment. I haven't got any relatives in Mumbai who I can trust so if you don't mind, can you keep them? I'll pay you double"

Kripa beamed "I'll be delighted to have them with me. I don't want the money. I'm fine with the way it is"

He looked relieved "but I don't want to entirely follow Dr Anjali's plan" he said "Can you keep them in the days and then drop them back home in the nights? it's not that I don't trust you but after all they are my children. I don't want them out of the house for too long"

"I understand" she glanced at the living room "why don't you join us?" she asked politely

"No" he replied "I mean I'd love to but the kids are in the car waiting for me outside and Sanya's at home. She'll be waiting"

She nodded in understand "can't you stay for a few minutes?" she asked again "bring Ayush and Abhi inside"

"I don't know" he looked away "your friends must be waiting. I don't want to intrude your privacy"

"Not at all Mr Khanna. I'm fine with it. They will be as well"

"I'm sorry, not his time. Maybe some other time, I really have to go now"

"Ok" she agreed then escorted him to the door.

"This is going to be so much fun" Ayush exclaimed excited "I never thought dad would let us go out" It was a bright sunny Sunday morning. Aditya was downstairs waiting to greet his children.

"Well he did" Kripa smiled "come on. Get your shoes on. I'm taking you to the park then we can go to my apartment"

"Apartment?" Abhi asked "what's that?"

"It's where I live"

"Then it's a house"

Kripa smiled "yeah, it is" it's yet to be a house she thought silently tying Abhi's laces.

She walked down the stairs holding Abhi and Ayush's hand. She stepped hearing a husky deep voice "where do you think you're going?"

She turned around to find Angad "I'm taking them out" she answered

"You're not allowed" he reminded

"I've got Mr Khanna's permission" she informed

"Stop lying. You're not allowed to take them out and that's final. It was written in the contract"

"She's right Angad" Aditya spoke taking Abhi's hand "I've given her permission to take them out"

"You can't just go around breaking every contract term" he argued "what's the point of making one in the first place"

"Then change the contract" he retorted "I've allowed her to take them out. You shouldn't have a problem with it"

"You know exactly what my problem is" Angad squabbled "I don't want her doing this job" he hollered

"And I'll repeat again. She'll stay in this job and you can't do anything. I don't care if you leave or do whatever but I'm fed up with you. You have a problem with everything I do, be right or wrong"

"I don't" he growled "you're just blind the way you've always been. You never see what I want. You always support others. I'm nothing to you. I'm not leaving this place anytime soon. This is my house as much as yours"

"Then don't get in the way of my problems. If you can't stay at peace with yourself don't make our lives hell Angad" Aditya argued

Kripa looked at the two brothers shocked. She had an idea they fought but to this extent she never thought. She held Ayush and Abhi close to her as they held onto her tightly, scared of the outcome "that's it" she yelled "stop fighting. you've got children here" she reminded

"This is your entire fault" Angad growled pointing his finger towards her and stomped out of the house.

Kripa winced and turned towards Aditya "I'm sorry" he apologized "but it happens on every occasion. He never leaves a chance"

Kripa sighed "I'll take a leave. I don't think its right for us to stay any longer" she replied softly. She turned taking Abhi and Ayush with her. The previous was fresh in her mind. What was there problem? They were both willing to become the loving brothers they were. She could see it in their eyes but they spoke the complete opposite. What must have gone wrong?

Kripa silently walked the children to a nearby park. Aditya had offered for her to use one of his cars but Kripa refused. She wanted to stay the way she was and let the children enjoy the way she would so they could appreciate their wealth in the future.

Her head was spinning as she walked on the damp green grass of the park, Abhi and Ayush holding her hands. She was shocked and hurt. She never knew her presence was making a difference or was it? She didn't want them to fight because of her. It was wrong. Should she back out? She questioned herself. Was she the reason the two brothers were fighting so much? but it couldn't be. They had been contradictory from day one. What could have gone wrong?

Aditya Khanna claimed to know nothing; all he said was Angad had changed after his parent's death. She understood the effect of such a grave time but she never thought it could turn one against their own family. Why was he so distant, so rebellious towards his family?

She broke out of her train of thoughts when Ayush tugged on her sleeve "forget what happened" he advised "it happens all the time"

Kripa smiled at his kind advice "yeah" her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure sitting on a bench at a distance, his face in his hands as he cried his heart. Her heart melted at an instant seeing Angad cry so helplessly like a small lonely child "Ayush, Abhi, go play on the slides" she pointed "I'll join you in a minute"

Ayush's eyes followed Kripa's sight "Is that Angad Uncle?" he asked unsure

Kripa looked down "it is" she replied "take Abhi to the slides" she ordered

Ayush looked at her "are you going to talk to him?" he questioned. she nodded "you don't need to" he answered "nothing will change"

Kripa kneeled down "Ayush; never predict the future, you never know what's in store" she pulled Abhi in front giving his hand in Ayush's "now you two go to the slides, I'll be with you in a while" Ayush nodded and ambled to the park taking Abhi with him. Kripa sighed; stood up walking towards the bench where the lonely soul sat. She sat next to him feeling awkward. They didn't like each other in particular but Kripa felt the need to talk to him. She always watched him strong, cold-blooded and arrogant but now he looked like a small innocent child craving for a mother "are you alright?" she asked hesitantly.

Angad's head shot up. He immediately wiped the tears away attempting to compose the tough, callous side of him "what are you doing here?" he asked rudely

"I brought the children here to the park" she pointed "are you alright?" she repeated concerned

He looked into her eyes for a brief second "that's none of your business" he snapped.

Kripa gritted her teeth to keep her anger in control. She was only concerned, but then why? Why for such a ruthless person? "What exactly is your problem with me?" she asked "from day one you've been so rude to me" He stood up to walk away "there has to be a reason. Why are you so arrogant?" she questioned standing herself.

He turned towards her "I'm not arrogant" he argued "it's you. If you stayed out of my business and did what I said then I wouldn't have a problem"

"Oh please" she rolled her eyes "that's no reason. You've been rude from day one. How could I have listened to you before I met you?" she pointed

He narrowed his eyes "I want to, ok" he answered and turned away.

She caught his arm, turning him around "I want an answer today. I've had enough of your nonsense and insults. There has to be a reason"

He pulled his arm away "just stay away from me. That will solve your problem" he snarled

"That's not the answer to my question"

"I don't have to answer you" he glared "go ask your boss to answer your questions. I'm not your boss" he reminded bitterly.

She blew a sigh "listen, I didn't mean to interfere in your family matter. It just happened" she said much calmer "I'm sorry if that's what bothers you but it wasn't intended"

His eyes framed with tears. He rubbed his eyes in attempt to hide the tears "it doesn't matter what you do. Nothing will change" he announced "no one can make up for all the pain I went through all these years" and he walked away while Kripa simply gazed at his back. He always left her in a deep turmoil. What could possibly have gone wrong? His brother claimed to know nothing and he wouldn't tell his brother. They were never going to get anywhere if they continued arguing like that. She wanted to help them but then she would interfere; she frowned.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Abhi called out to her "Kripa aunty" he shouted excited. She smiled and strolled towards the boys trying to distract herself.

"Thank you so much Kripa" Sanjeeda said gratefully "You will be able to handle her, won't you?" she asked unsure

"I will" Kripa smiled "I've been with children since I've come to Mumbai and Hayaa is a good girl" she pinched her nose "I know she won't trouble me. Take your time"

"I feel really bad" Sanjeeda said "I don't want to go but I have to. I can't take Hayaa, she'll fall ill"

Kripa smiled "It's alright Sanjeeda. Go safely and have a nice time. Amir must be waiting for you at the station"

Sanjeeda nodded. Taking Hayaa into her arms she kissed her cheeks "don't miss mama too much?" she cooed "I'll be back in a few days" she handed Hayaa to Kripa and left after saying goodbye to Kripa. Amir and Sanjeeda were going to a small village near Calcutta. There uncle had died and for family formalities they had to go. Sanjeeda didn't want to take Hayaa with her. She wasn't very fond of her family or the villagers because of their backward behavior. They found a fault in every little thing, making Sanjeeda uncomfortable every moment. It was more than annoying having all the people sprawled all around the place. She had left for four days hoping it would last less. She would miss Hayaa but she'd like it better if she left Hayaa where she would be safe.

Kripa placed Hayaa on the crme carpeted floor "Abhi, Ayush" she called

The two came running into her small living room and watching Hayaa in glee "has she come to play with us"? Abhi asked thrilled.

Kripa smiled "yes, come here. I'll introduce you" she took their hands sitting them in front of Hayaa who gawked at the two in confusion "this is Hayaa" Kripa informed "she lives next door. She has come to play with you for a few days"

"Really?" Abhi smiled widely. He took Hayaa's small hands in his "hello, I'm Abhi" she simply looked at him, her eyes narrowing out of curiosity "why isn't she talking?" he asked innocently

Ayush giggled "she's a baby"

"So?" Abhi replied "she's supposed to reply to me"

"She can't talk yet Abhi" Kripa replied "she's just started crawling"

Abhi frowned "how will she play with us if she can't talk?"

"Like this" Kripa filled her mouth with air and slapped her cheeks letting the air release with a weird sound. Hayaa giggled. She repeated and pinched Hayaa's cheeks.

Amused Abhi filled his cheeks with air then smacked it to release the air. He chuckled "this is a good game" he continued slapping his cheeks in front of Hayaa making her giggle while Kripa and Ayush watched in hilarity.

"Don't you want to play?" Kripa asked Ayush

He grinned "I'm not a baby"

"Do I look like one?" she joked "come on Ayush, its fun. Don't forget you're a child, not an adult" she reminded

He sighed and joined the cheek slapping game soon laughing with tears of mirth, as the three tried different ways to play with Hayaa.

"How are you uncle?" Kripa asked. Ridhimaa's father, Shushaank had just arrived home after being discharged. Ridhimaa was on the seventh heaven. She couldn't be any happier.

"I'm fine" he paused then looked up "thank you Kripa"

Kripa looked at him bemused "for what uncle?"

He smiled "for being there with Ridhimaa" he patted her cheek "You've been better than any sister could have been and very good daughter"

Kripa smiled with tears filling her eyes "in that case I don't want to hear a thank you at all" she replied "Ridhimaa is like my sister and you're like my father so no thank you"

He laughed "ok, bless you"

There small conversation was interrupted when Armaan entered the room "how the hell do you handle these kids?" he asked, Abhi walking behind him.

"What's wrong?" she asked

"Oh nothing except this kid keeps following me" he pointed towards Abhi.

Kripa giggled "there kids Armaan" she pulled Abhi into her arms "what do you expect" she looked down "why do you keep following Armaan uncle?" she asked

"I'm not" he replied "I'm just trying to get my paper off his trousers"

"Paper?" Armaan pulled a paper off the back of his trousers and looked at it "who did this?" he asked seriously

"No one" Abhi answered "I left my paper on the sofa. You sat on it and it was stuck" he pulled his hand forward taking the paper "where's the blue glitter?" he enquired.

"What blue glitter?" Armaan asked puzzled

"The one on this paper" he answered near tears "I stuck it to the paper with glue" Kripa giggled

Armaan groaned inwardly "Ridhimaa" he shouted and walked out of the room whilst tears slipped out of Abhi's eyes at the loss of his glittery creation.

"Abhi" Kripa wiped his tears "you can make it again"

"But where did it go?"

"On Armaan uncles trousers" she kissed his cheek "come on, let's go and say sorry for destroying his trousers" she let him slip out of her arms and walked to the living room after greeting Ridhimaa's father "I told you not to let them paint on paper" Kripa said watching Armaan's sulking expression "I warned you"

He scrunched his nose "you look after a bunch of devils"

Kripa smirked "there just as adorable" she picked Hayaa up in her arms "where's Ridhimaa?"

"In the kitchen. Ayush was hungry"

She smiled and sauntered into the kitchen "How's it going then?" Kripa asked

"What?" Ridhimaa looked up from mixing the vegetables "How's what going?"

"Your wedding preparations" Kripa held her shoulders after placing Hayaa on the kitchen table "anything sorted yet?"

Ridhimaa turned a shade of crimson "now that dad's home we're going to fix the date first then we'll start the preparations"

Kripa grinned "the color suits you" she pinched her cheeks "it's so cute seeing you blush" she sat on the counter "You're so confident in other situations but whenever I talk about your wedding you start to color up

"Kripa" Ridhimaa whined "change the topic"

"Ok, ok, so? What you cooking?"

"Stir fry"

"Shall I help? I hate making you do this when I'm supposed to be looking after them"

Ridhimaa smiled "no, it's a pleasure having kids around here. There really cute"

"They are" she caught Hayaa in her arms before she decided to crawl on the table "I met Angad a week ago"

Ridhimaa glanced at her "don't you meet him every morning?"

"Well, no. I haven't seen him since we met in the park a week ago. It's like he's vanished off the face of earth"

Ridhimaa raised her brows "anything happen?"

"Well, yeah. I saw him crying"

Ridhimaa looked at her surprised "really?" she turned towards Kripa "why?"

Kripa frowned "I've been raking my brain the whole week trying to know why? He doesn't tell anyone. I mean how is he meant to sort his problem out if he won't tell anyone?"

Ridhimaa turned back to the stove "tells his brother to talk to him. It's the best choice. You don't want to buy any troubles for yourself, do you?"

Kripa pulled her hair out of Hayaa's hands "I don't know. Whenever they sit to talk it ends in a brawl" she sighed "and I can't help but interfere for some reason. I want to see that family happy"

Ridhimaa held her shoulder "Kripa, all I can say is know what you're doing, and if you do plan on following your purpose then let me tell you. I have failed many times and that's why I am at success" Kripa looked at her mystified "what I mean is that it won't be easy. You'll fail but don't give up hope if you choose this path. It makes you a failure. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Kripa smiled "Yeah" she kissed her cheek "Thanks Ridhimaa, I don't know what I'd do without you"

"How did it go?" Kripa asked playing with her hair

"Don't even ask" Sanjeeda replied "I felt like I was stuck in the jungle. If Shahid Kapoor ever saw my family he would have pity on me"

Kripa smiled "It can't be that bad"

"It was, trust me" she took Hayaa into her arms "It was really annoying having a million villagers hovering over you. It was like I was surrounded in jungle men, you know the way they are in the movies"

Kripa giggled "Oh boy that must have been annoying"

"It was" she kissed Hayaa's cheek "How's my baby, did you miss mama?" Hayaa suckled onto her thumb pushing her head back "did she trouble you too much?" Sanjeeda asked

"No, no. She was lovely. I had Ayush and Abhi to give her company as well. They loved her"

Sanjeeda smiled "How sweet. The whole babysitting idea reminds me of Heyy babyy. It was such a good movie" she beamed getting lost into wonderland again while Kripa simply shook her head chuckling, playing with baby Hayaa.

"Hi Sanya" Anjali greeted "how are you feeling today?" she asked politely

Sanya simply stared at her and answered shortly "good"

Anjali smiled "so shall we start?" she asked. Sanya just gawked at her. Anjali sighed and started the psychotherapy treatment, talking to Sanya in hope of getting answers off her. Once they were finished Anjali grinned "Ok. I have a surprise for you?" Sanya looked at her confused "I'll tell you, just give me a minute" she stepped outside for a minute and walked inside "Look who's here to meet you"

An old man and a woman walked in, Aditya following with a smile. The man was tall and thin, his skin creased. The woman was short compared to the man, her eyes covered with thick spectacles. She was beautiful but her old age and thick glasses covered it all. Sanya's eyes watered seeing her parents. It had been nine years since she last saw them "Mom, dad" she whispered

"Sanya" her mother mumbled, her voice filled with emotion. She moved forward taking her daughter into her small frail arms.

"I missed you" she said between sobs "I missed you a lot"

"We missed you too" her father answered embracing her "what have you done to yourself" he tapped her back "I would have forgiven you earlier but you didn't come" he kissed her temple "we were waiting for you"

Sanya half smiled "I'm sorry" she apologized "I'm sorry I didn't come"

Aditya and Anjali watched Sanya reunite with her parents. Anjali was quite happy with a positive reaction. It would make her job a lot easier. Sanya was a beautiful woman who didn't deserve to be confined with such a terrible illness.

Aditya's smile reached his eyes. He couldn't be happier. His wife, his Sanya was finally going to be her old self. He heard it verbally from doctors and well wishers but now he saw the symptoms of her well being. If not his brother then at least his wife was going to be her old self. If only a miracle happened and Angad changed, that wish was in its own place.

Kripa smiled at Sanya's parents. She was surprised to see Sanya a little more open than usual. It was a pleasant sight. The joy in Abhi and Ayush's eyes was priceless. For now they sat with their grandparents being admired. Kripa felt out of place all of a sudden. A sudden realization hit her. If Sanya recovered it might mean she would have to give up her job. The job wasn't the important part, it was Abhi and Ayush. She was attached to them; they were literally her support system, her small friends; her family in Mumbai. Yes she had Armaan, Ridhimaa and many other friends but she felt a different attachment with Ayush and Abhi. They were angels who had brought light to her dull life.

She felt wetness reach her eyes. Excusing herself she walked up the stairs, tears flowing on her soft cheeks. She felt the loneliness creep her soul again. She didn't want to be left alone the way she was before she met them. Ayush and Abhi were the best things that ever happened to her. She didn't want to lose them so soon. She stopped in her tracks listening to the hurtful song. The lyrics were so true. She looked at the door realizing it was Angad's room. She hadn't seen him in weeks. It had been almost three weeks and for a strange reason she missed him. Ok, maybe she got the words wrong, not miss but she was eager to know what the cause of his stern behavior was. She didn't know why but she wanted to distant sorrow from him, see him be part of the family that smiled downstairs. She didn't want him to mourn while his family celebrated. It was unfair and iniquity in a way. She stood outside his room taking in the somber song of the backstreet boys 'show me the meaning of being lonely'.

Show me the meaning of being lonely
So many words for the broken heart
It's hard to see in a crimson love
So hard to breathe
Walk with me, and maybe
Nights of light so soon become
Wild and free I could feel the sun
Your every wish will be done
They tell me

Kripa half smiled listening to the lyrics. It was so true. People told you something and something else would happen. It showed how unpredictable life was. How god tested every being with the capricious journey of life.

Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

She closed her eyes as the heart piercing lyrics penetrated into her. She had always yearned for her parents. Her childhood had gone by in her loneliness. She may have had a crowd of people around her but none of them were her parents. She wished she could reunite with her parents the way Sanya did today but she knew it was impossible. Her parents would never come back.

Life goes on as it never ends
Eyes of stone observe the trends
They never say forever gaze upon me
Guilty roads to an endless love (endless love)
There's no control
Are you with me now?
Your every wish will be done
They tell me

Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

It was true, life would just go on endlessly when you are so lonesome but when you find companionship it would go too fast. She had just found Ayush and Abhi; her guardian angels who had helped her forget her lonely past. She never realized when time went past, when it came to the point that she would have to leave reluctantly.

There's nowhere to run
I have no place to go
Surrender my heart, body, and soul
How can it be?
You're asking me
To feel the things you never show

You are missing in my heart
Tell me why I can't be there where you are

Tears slid down her gracious cheeks. She had wanted to run away from the loneliness all the time. She would be in crowds of people but the loneliness still crept to her. She bit onto her lips feeling the loneliness fill her.

Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

Kripa pressed her palms to her face, weeping. She didn't realize when the song came to an end and when Angad noticed someone outside. He walked outside to find Kripa standing outside his door leaning against a wall, crying. Her face was covered with her hands letting him watch her unnoticed.

She heaved and pressed her palms to her eyes trying to stop the tears. She chose the wrong place to cry she told herself. She wiped her eyes but froze finding Angad Khanna in front of her. She gulped; she had definitely chosen the wrong place.

She blinked her wet eyes, wiping them "I'm sorry" she apologized and turned to walk away but stopped.

"Why were you crying?" she heard him. She was surprised at his tone. It was soft and calm, never the way he had ever spoken to her.

"It's nothing" she looked away "it's just stupid"

He walked in front of her "no one ever cry's for a stupid reason, those stupid reasons are big reasons"

She looked at him bemused. Was this the Angad Khanna she knew? He was never so calm and polite. She looked at him questionably. What was going on? Did he have some kind of mental disorder as well, which was unknown to his family?

Angad looked down at Kripa's huge brown orbs. He could see the questions swimming in her crystal clear eyes. He smiled sadly "I thought I was stupid as well" he started "I always thought I was just being stupid thinking about why I was being ignored" he closed his eyes and leaned on the wall beside Kripa "I thought that maybe I'm just taking my brothers ignorance too seriously; maybe he didn't mean to ignore me, maybe he never meant the words he said to me but I was wrong" He pressed his eyes to suppress the tears "My brother forgot I ever existed since that woman came into his life" he said bitterly "He never paid attention to me. My parents told me it was alright. His love was newly found so he wanted to spend some time with her. I understood then. I had lived my whole life with my brother, eighteen years with him. It's a long time. I just felt ignored all of a sudden when Sanya came into our lives" his lips curved "I was quite happy with the idea of another member in the family. I would have someone else to share my heart with but nothing like that happened. Her emergence in our life took everyone away from me" the curve of his lips dropped "My brother's ignorance stayed the same way. He was always looking after her, taking care she was alright. I stayed quiet. I thought it was the bliss of marriage and maybe the circumstances they got married in. Then suddenly one day I was told my parents got into an accident" tears slipped out of his eyes "they died before I could see them" he pursed his lips "I didn't see them when they were taking their last breath. It was too late when I got to the hospital" his eyelids united letting tears seep through the corners "I lost them" he whispered "I lost the two people who truly loved me. My brother never cared. He grieved on the loss of our parents, I thought perhaps now he would give me attention but he didn't. That woman did something or the other to divert his attention. I hate her" he declared huskily "all she ever did was drive my brother away from me and my brother just fell deeper into her trap" his voice became bitter "She didn't spare my parents death as well. She would cry or faint or do something or the other to divert his attention to keep him away from me. She changed my brother. All these years that's all she's been working on. She's made everyone turn against me, hate me" the anger in his voice rose "All she ever wanted was to deprive me of love. She went to the extent of faking to be ill. She was never ill, she's just faking it. I know she is. She knew physical injuries could be cured so she chose mental injury. It's all fake. She just does it to show her husband how bad I am, how cruel I am" he growled

Kripa looked at him amazed. All these years he had been bitter towards his family because he was ignored. Maybe Sanya and Aditya had ignored him but why did he punish Ayush and Abhi? Why was he so careless towards them? "What's Ayush and Abhi's fault?" she asked courageously "why do you ignore them? Why are you so careless towards them?"

"Why should I care for her children" he answered "why should I love her children. I don't want to be related to anything she is related to. She took away everyone I loved. Because of her I have no one who I can call my own but then I found my companion" Kripa looked at him puzzled "I learnt that people were deceptive, they changed colors whenever they wanted but money couldn't. The money I earned was mine. No one could take that right away from me. Only I have a right on my money, on my things. No one can snatch it away like she snatched my brother away"

Kripa looked at him dejected. the outcome of loneliness had made her want to meet people, push away the loneliness and here, he never fought against it. He took a foolish decision and made money his companion. She knew he was stubborn at the moment. He wouldn't give up. It would be too much to take for his ego but she would help him realize that money isn't a true companion. It is actually people and the first step would be friendship "Can I ask you something?"

He looked down at her "what?" he asked curiously

"Have you ever told your brother all this?"

He looked away uncomfortably "he won't understand" he answered after minutes of silence "that women will do something else to drive him away" he paused looking towards the ceiling "I know she will"

Touching his shoulder she sighed "if you never take the risk then how can you say that?"

He looked at her suddenly aware of what of he had done. He had just told her everything; let his heart out in front her. His hand instantly touched his head. He had just let her know he was weak. He looked away feeling so inferior. What had got over him? What happened to the promise he had made to himself? What happened to the promise to never let any person know what was in his heart? He pursed his lips and replied "you don't need to know, ok" and hurried back into his room leaving Kripa shaking her head.

The man was too obstinate. It would take quite some time to convince him into friendship. He had created an invisible wall around him, segregating himself from the world. He worked, ate, did everything of human need but never did anything his heart ached to. She could see it in his eyes. She could see how desperate he was to be with his family, be part of them but it was his self respect which stopped him being part of his family.

Although the man was stubborn, a part of her felt pity and something more for the lonely soul. His brother was wrong to ignore him. Aditya may have found new love but it didn't mean he ignored his brother, forget he even existed. It was Aditya's fault he lost his loving brother. If he had been attentive towards him in the slightest ways, Angad wouldn't be where he was today.

"Where are Ayush and Abhi?" Ridhimaa asked looking around. It had been three weeks Ayush and Abhi were staying with Kripa. Whenever Kripa would come down Ayush and Abhi would be the first ones to run in the house.

Kripa smiled slightly "their grandparents are here" she said quietly "I guess I won't be called so often" the sheen layer of wetness covered her eyes.

"Oh baby" Ridhimaa embraced her "are you alright?" she asked concerned

Kripa nodded pulling out of her embrace "I'll be fine" she pressed her face "it'll take a while but it will be fine in a few days"

Ridhimaa pursed her lips and smiled "come on in" she walked to the living room "I have news for you"

Kripa swallowed hard trying to push the emotions aside. The truth was Kripa felt extremely lonely sitting at home all alone with no one to share her heart with. Five lonely days had gone by and it was hard. Sanjeeda would come occasionally but she wasn't a person Kripa could exactly share her heart with. She was a friend but she didn't want her comparing her solitude to Bollywod. It would be almost insulting. The television itself was no help, nor the radio. She knew she could share her sorrow with Ridhimaa. She would understand but sitting in front of her she felt guilty. She would just put off Ridhimaa's mood. She smiled as big as she could but it didn't reach her eyes "go ahead"

Ridhimaa watched her sister like friend attempt to appear happy. She could clearly tell she was upset "what's wrong Kripa?" she asked sitting next to her "spill it out"

Kripa looked down culpable "nothing" she whispered.

Ridhimaa pulled her into her arms "let it out Kripa; tell me"

She sniffed "I don't know" the first tears slipped out of her eyes "I'm just being stupid. I'm going Miss Ayush and Abhi"

"It's not like you're never going to see them again" Ridhimaa consoled "you still work for them"

"I know" she wiped the sliding tears "but I just have this real bad feeling that they won't need me anymore when Sanya is better. They won't remember me" she sobbed

Ridhimaa rubbed her back "they won't forget you if you loved them" she took her face in her hands "and you always have us if you feel lonely. Don't cry" she said wiping the tears.

Kripa nodded innocently "if I say anything stupid, don't listen to me. It's just one of those days when you feel that no one can be more sober than you when you know it's not true"

Ridhimaa stroked her hair letting her cry until there were no tears "are you alright now?" she asked when she felt the tears had gone.

She nodded rubbing her face with a silly smile "you know I feel so stupid for what I just did. A three year old would have been better than me"

Ridhimaa smiled "it happens sometimes. Armaan thinks I'm weird when I start crying in the middle of nowhere and when he asks what's wrong, I'm clueless" Kripa chuckled "now that's better. I was starting to miss you there"

She smiled sheepishly "sorry about that. I just needed a shoulder" she heaved "what were you saying?"

"Oh" Ridhimaa's face flushed "the wedding date is fixed"

Kripa gasped "and your telling me now" Kripa said pulling her into another hug

"My dad told me last night"

"I'm so happy for you" Kripa beamed "does Armaan know yet?"

She nodded "yeah, dad told me after discussing it with his parents" her eyes lowered "It's fixed for the 24th of June. Two months from now"

"Hayaa is becoming so naughty now a days" Sanjeeda exclaimed placing her on the floor "she dipped her hands in curry the other day and laughed about it"

Kripa giggled "these small things make a child look so cute" she kneeled down beside Hayaa "she's adorable"

"Yeah and hard work" Sanjeeda sat down beside Kripa "trust me. motherhood is not easy"

"If you say so" Kripa pulled Hayaa into her lap "what's happening?" she asked casually

Sanjeeda sighed "nothing in particular. I haven't seen Shahid Kapoor in the news for quite some time, especially after his break up with Kareena"

"Oh" Kripa chuckled "I was actually talking about life and all"

Sanjeeda smiled "not much really, Hayaa is just becoming hard to handle and Amir doesn't feel very well these days. I told him to take a day off work but he doesn't listen. He's still the workaholic he is"

Kripa scrunched her nose "force him too"

"Like he's going to listen to me; I'm going to have to talk him out of it like Kareena did with Shahid in jab we met"

Kripa smiled, Sanjeeda and Bollywod could never stay apart. She cuddled Hayaa in her lap listening to Sanjeeda's latest hearings on Bollywod.

"We missed you" Ayush mumbled "where were you so many days?"

Kripa smiled widely, happy they felt the way she did for them "I would come but I thought you would like it with your grandparents and your mother" she lied. She wanted to come as much as they wanted her to be there but it wouldn't really be sensible to turn up at your employer's house because you wanted to. She wasn't a family member who could walk in any time.

Abhi climbed onto her back circling his arms around her neck "I love you" he kissed her cheek

Kripa kissed him back "I love you too" her eyes twinkled with emotions "what did you do these two weeks?" she asked.

"Everything called boring" Ayush answered sitting on her lap "and missed you"

She kissed his temple "How's your school going?"

"Great" she looked at him surprised. It was probably the first time he said school was great "When my teacher shouted at me I did what you told me to. I smiled. When I smiled he got angrier and then like you said think positive, I did and smiled more. In the end he was fed up because he knew he was shouting at me for no reason so he let me go"

Kripa giggled "that's good, but don't get into a habit. You don't want to be doing that when you do something wrong"

"Well" he looked at her with innocence "I'm a good boy so I won't do anything wrong"

She smiled and pinched his cheek "that's my boy"

"What about me?" Abhi whined

Kripa laughed "you too" she kissed his cheek "where are your grandparents?"

"They said they were going to the temple and dad had to go to work. Mom went with granddad. It's weird seeing mom talk so much" he suddenly said "she didn't before"

Kripa smiled "it just means that your mom is getting better. Her illness is curing"

He smiled "I guess"

"I want ice cream" Abhi demanded

Kripa glanced at him "what's the special word?"

"Ice cream" he answered

She shook her head "what's the special word Ayush?"

Ayush grinned "Please. Can I have some as well?" Kripa raised her brows "please"

She laughed "yeah"

Kripa looked at Abhi suggestively who smiled bringing his dimples to life "please" he said displaying his teeth making Ayush and Kripa laugh.

Kripa smiled to herself whilst scooping ice cream into the three bowls. She had missed them a lot and it felt so good to be back in the same routine. It felt so homely. She turned around hearing the sound of something fall. She found Angad bent down, picking up a plastic glass "Hi" she greeted casually. He looked at her weirdly and somewhat uneasily. It seemed their conversation was still fresh in his mind. He turned away after filling his glass with water "I said Hi" she repeated picking the tray up. He glared at her in attempt to look annoyed. Kripa smiled shaking her head. It was amusing watching him try his best to appear angry "I won't fall for it" she declared "so stop trying to seem like your angry"

"Ok, that's it" he turned towards her "I'm not interested at all in talking to you so stop trying to"

Her smile just seemed to become bigger "want some?" she offered

He raised his eyebrow "did you just hear what I said"?

She nodded "yeah and all I'm going to say is stop hiding from the world and being stubborn. Nothing will happen if your emotions are out in the open"

"Excuse me" he looked at her weirdly

She rolled her eyes "you are excused" she placed the tray back on the counter "for god sake stop trying to be who you aren't. It's never too late to be who you might have been. Just because you were ignored it doesn't mean you ignore the rest of the world around you. You'll get nothing but seclusion at the end if you continue like this"

He frowned "look, don't judge what I do, ok" he pointed his finger "you don't know what it feels like so you don't have a right to say anything"

Kripa pushed his finger away, amazing him "will you stop doing that?" she spoke "it's annoying you know" her hands came to her hips "and if you ask about loneliness then I've spent more than half of my life in loneliness, more than you have at least. I've spent sixteen years of mine alone and I still am. I didn't go and hide my true self from the world. I become stronger"

He glanced at her head to toe "yeah, I can see how strong you are. You have to work for yourself to feed yourself. That shows exactly how strong you are. Look at me; I've achieved much more than you. I'm a lawyer who fights for many criminal and civil cases. I only work in the office because I am not going to let my brother take over the whole business. I've made my own position. What have you done? Tell me" he challenged taking a step towards her "come on, tell me one thing you've done"

Kripa smirked causing his frown to deepen "I may have not achieved a lot of money but I earned love for myself. I have no family biologically but I've earned the love of a family through my friends. Money doesn't mean you're strong. What have you made of yourself? A cruel, mean person who doesn't bother about anyone but still keeps hard feelings. Who likes you? Tell me. Have you got one person who you can say is your friend, one person who respects you for what you truly are?" she looked at him straight in the eye "There's a famous saying, 'it is the weak that are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong'. You're not strong from anywhere. You may be physically strong but that means nothing. Anyone can do that but making yourself strong mentally is what counts and that's something you have to learn"

Angad stood in front of her flabbergasted. She always said something which would make him wordless. His mind scanned for a person who was truly his friend, someone who liked him for what he was but there was no one. He had no friends, no one loved him. He was alone because of himself. Why didn't anyone love him? "I—I"

"There's no one" she stated knowingly "I know you might have had the worst of times but look around you, there are so many more people who have had worse" she said calmly "just because your brother didn't give you attention it doesn't mean the rest of the world won't" her eyes lowered "After my parents died I thought I'd have no one. But I was wrong. I had many people who loved me and I earned it by giving them my affection. It's true my family never supported me. I've never actually known who my family is but the people around me supported me. They helped me grow up and today I'm proud of what I am. I'm the combined effort of everybody I've ever known and I'm glad I am" she looked up into his soft brown eyes "I know I'm probably the last person on earth you would want to know but" she put her hand forward "I want to know you, be friends with you and show you that solitude can be dealt with in so many other ways" her eyes sent a silent message to his "so will you be my friend?" He looked at hand of friendship and then at her. Did she really want to have his friendship or was it pity? "I'm not forcing you" she murmured "it's your decision. Take your time" Picking the tray up, she handed him a bowl of chocolate ice cream and left.

He looked towards the door where she had left from. Did she just offer him friendship? A smile crept up his manly lips after a very long time. His lips curved smiling a true and sincere smile.

"Armaan, stop messing. You're getting married to Ridhimaa in a matter of two months and your still flirting with me" Kripa derided

"Oh come on Kripa" he took her hands again "I'm sure Ridhimaa wouldn't mind" he glanced at his lady love "I mean you never know when she'll get angry and change her mind so I'm just saving my options"

Ridhimaa giggled while Kripa sighed "Ridhimaa please tell your lover boy I'm not interested"

"Don't break my heart" Armaan said taking her hands to his heart "I'm not that bad"

"Armaan" Kripa whined "quit the joke now. I'm bored of it"

"Who said I was joking" he answered stroking her hands.

Kripa rolled her eyes "Ridhimaa I beg you"

Ridhimaa chuckled "leave her alone Armaan. She wants her own man" she teased

"Ridhimaa" Kripa whined "that's not fair. Stop teasing me, ok. It was just a fantasy of mine"

"What fantasy?" Armaan asked taking Ridhimaa's hands

Ridhimaa grinned "Oh, a really sweet fantasy where Kripa was dressed in a white Vera Wang gown, a tiffany's wedding ring with her headless groom"

Kripa blew a sigh "it was dream, ok"

"You just said it was fantasy" Armaan pointed

"Yeah, a fantasy dream" she waved her hand "So what? I have a right to dream of being married one day"

"An English wedding" his eyebrow rose "Go abroad, you'll find a lot of foreigners willing to marry you?"

She pouted "will you to quit teasing me. It was only a dream. The English wedding just seems so peaceful and majestic for me" she said dreamily

"Here we go again" Ridhimaa stated

"What go again?" Atul asked confused

"May god help you" Armaan blessed dramatically "I feel so sorry for Anjali if she ever marries him"

Kripa smiled, happy the attention was off her dreamy fantasy "Speaking of Anjali, she's right behind you"

Armaan turned around to find an ever so irritated Anjali "I am not in a million years marrying this freak" she said sitting beside Kripa.

"Well you'll just miss out on a life time opportunity" everyone looked at him mystified "I mean look at the positive side of it. He may be thick" he hit Atul's head "but he's very caring. Just imagine, you'll be there studying psychiatric cases and he'll be looking after your several children" Anjali scrunched her nose whilst Atul smiled widely "and when you grow older, he'll make sure your healthy, feeding you every moment"

"Ughh" Anjali groaned "don't even think about. He is the last person I'd look at for marriage"

Atul looked at her with a mix of puzzlement and hurt "who's the first?"

Anjali sighed whilst the others giggled "you see what I mean"

Angad stood on top of the stairs watching his family enjoy their time. Kripa was right? He had stopped enjoying his life because he didn't get love from his family. There were many other people out there who could be his friend, keep him happy. Why did he just depend on his family, wait for love when he knew they never cared?

That woman was never going to let him near his brother. Before she was acting to be ill with a mental disorder and now she was there laughing with her family. It was all fake. Before she used her illness as a weapon to drive his brother away, now she was using her recovery as a weapon. She never left a chance.

His eyes were stuck on his brother. The brother who only existed when his parents were there. Once his parents were gone, his brother was gone. It was only a blood relationship, nothing more. He would never be able to understand how it felt to be ignored. Angad swallowed hard to avoid tears. He was going to be strong like Kripa, not a weak being. Kripa was right; he had made himself look brutal and callous in front of people. No one knew the true him. He had a sudden urge to let the world know the true him, not the person he had disguised himself into. He wiped the trickling tear and walked back to his room to make a tough decision, a decision which would bring him out in the open.

"Everything's going well uncle" Kripa reassured

"I'm glad it is" he answered satisfied "but I just wish I could see you again. It would be relief to my heart"

Kripa smiled "well there is a chance" she pushed her hair back "my friend is getting married in two months. Why don't you come then? She'll be delighted to meet you"

Rustam smiled "I'd love to but it wouldn't look good if we came uninvited"

"Who said you'll be uninvited? I'm sure she won't mind if you come. Your coming, ok" she demanded "I want to see you as well and then you can bring aunty and your children along"

Rustam laughed "it's not as easy as it seems Kripa"

Kripa pouted "if you love me, you'll come"

"Kripa, don't be stubborn. I'll try. If it's possible I'll come if not then—"

"Then nothing" she intervened "I'm not hearing anything. You have to come" her conversation was interrupted with sound of the doorbell "I'll talk to you later uncle. Someone's at the door"

"At this hour" he said concerned "who is it?"

"I don't know. Maybe my neighbor"

"Ok, go open the door. Be careful and tell me if you need anything"

"Yes uncle, I will" she assured walking to the door "bye"

"Bye. take care"

Kripa smiled and disconnected the call opening the door. She was surprised to find Angad at the door, then anxiety took over. It was almost midnight and he decided to drop down. What a weirdo, she thought "Cute PJ's" he commented.

"Oh" Kripa looked down flushed and smiled awkwardly "Did you need something?"

He nodded "I came to get what you offered earlier this week. Is it still valid?"

She looked at him confused "what?" she asked

He smiled "friendship" he pulled his hand out "will you be my friend?"

She smiled widely and took his hand. Things would work out just the way she wanted. Now that she had gained his friendship, things would be much easier. She would make sure the small family of strangers no longer remained strangers but became the ideal family she had always wanted.

Kripa smiled down into her coffee. Angad wasn't as bad as he seemed. He was a nice person. Yes he was still stubborn and thought he was the best but then again she couldn't change him as a person. If she forced him to change right at the beginning then things would never work.

She sighed leaning back into the brown leather, one leg crossing the other. She felt sorry for him the more she learnt about him. He had been ignored by his brother after eighteen long years of receiving love from him. He and his brother were once the best of friends but since Sanya had come into their life, things changed. She couldn't entirely blame Sanya either. Maybe Sanya did everything unintentionally. Sometimes such circumstances are created so that a person is made to believe what they see.

She pushed her hair back sipping on her strong coffee. It had been a week since their friendship blossomed and it was pleasant she thought. It was nice knowing she had a friend who was almost the same as her in a way. They both were lonely souls, the only difference was she had fought her lonesomeness from the start and he had just joined her bonding in friendship.

Her thoughts were interrupted with the doorbell. She rolled her eyes knowing exactly who it was. Angad stood in front of her smiling goofily. She shook her head escorting him inside. He hadn't let a day go so far without seeing her. It was weird though. This man was the person who once disliked seeing her and now he didn't leave a chance to see his only friend.

"Want some?" she asked lifting her coffee mug

He shook his head "no. I'm in a hurry today. I came to get your wishes"

She lifted her brow "for what"?

He scrunched his nose "I've got a hearing of a rape case today. The one I told you about. I know I'm going to win but I thought you'd want to give me your wishes anyways" he teased

"Overconfidence" she muttered "best of luck" she wished "and remember. Win as if you're used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change"

"I know, I know" he held her shoulders "but I already know I'm going to win so I'll treat you for it"

She sighed "whatever" she held his cheek "just make sure you concentrate. That girl trusts you, her life is in your hands"

Angad smiled "I'll make sure I win" he patted her cheek "I'll see you in the evening. Be ready"

"Yeah" she followed him to the door "bye and good luck again"

He grinned "thanks" he opened the door to find Ridhimaa ringing the bell. He smiled at her and left after another goodbye.

As soon as he was out of sight Ridhimaa held Kripa's arms closing the door "why was he here?" she asked

"Oh" Kripa forced a smile knowing she had some explaining to do. She had totally forgotten to tell Ridhimaa about this new friend of hers "he came to collect well wishes from me"

Ridhimaa narrowed her eyes "why don't I know about this?"

"Know about what" she released her arms walking into the kitchen "he came a while ago" she stated

Ridhimaa followed "you know exactly what I'm talking about Kripa. Why didn't you tell me about this big" she paused looking for the right word "change?"

Kripa looked at her apologetically "sorry. It kind of slipped out of my mind. I never realized"

Ridhimaa blew a sigh "and you call me your best friend" she stood next to Kripa "anyways, now that I know, spill the beans. How did this happen?"

"Well, you know that day when I came to your house and cried like a three year old" Ridhimaa nodded "a day before I kind let the tears slip while I was at work. Angad saw me and asked me why I was crying? I didn't really tell him why I was crying but he ended up telling me why he was so cruel" she looked at Ridhimaa "you want me to tell you what it was because I don't think Angad will like it if I tell anyone else"

Ridhimaa smiled "keep it to yourself. It's not right spreading out what he told you trusting you" Kripa nodded handling Ridhimaa a cup of tea "thanks, then what happened?"

"Then being the person he is, he realized what he spilled and said something rude before rushing off to his room" she grinned to herself "it's funny now that I think about it. Anyways, after that when I went to baby sit Ayush and Abhi the next time, I met him in the kitchen. I gave him quite a lecture of what he had made of himself and offered him friendship, the best bit was it worked. About a week later he came to my door and asked if the offer was still valid" she chuckled "it was very cute of him though"

Ridhimaa nodded smiling "That's sweet but how could you forget me Kripa?" she whined

"I'm sorry" she held her ears "it happens sometimes"

"Ok, I forgive you but you have to help me. I'm so lost. I don't want dad handling the whole wedding thing alone. He's only just recovered and I don't want him falling ill again. There's only a month to the wedding now"

"Anything for you" Kripa said hugging her neck "now tell me. What exactly do you do to prepare for a wedding?"

Ridhimaa smiled a big fake smile "I was just about to ask you that" she frowned "now what do I do?"

"Well, we can always ask Sanjeeda. She's married and is a very good writer. If that's not enough her Bollywood will definitely help" they looked at each other before bursting into laughter

"Ok, that might help and I'll ask dad as well"

"Yeah, that's a good idea"

"So let's go" Ridhimaa held her hand "let's get started"

"Not today" Kripa said "I've got other plans for the day and Sanjeeda isn't at home. She's gone to Delhi to visit her sister. She'll be back in a week or so"

"Isn't that too long?"

"We'll get everything done Ridz, don't worry" Kripa assured holding her shoulders

She smiled "Yes mom"

"Same to you grandma" Kripa answered laughing, Ridhimaa joining her seconds later.

"Where are you?" Angad asked irritated. He had been standing outside Kripa's house for the last fifteen minutes with no response.

"I'm on my way Angad and I'm sorry, you're treat will have to wait"

"What! But why?"

"I'll tell you when I get there. My batteries low. Bye"

He sighed "bye" and held up.

Minutes later he saw Kripa walking up the stairs. He frowned seeing Ayush and Abhi with her. What were they doing with her? Ayush and Abhi were stunned themselves on seeing Angad at Kripa's doorstep.

"Sorry to keep you waiting" she apologized unlocking the door. She escorted them all to the living room, leaving towards the kitchen.

Angad followed her frowning "what are they doing here?" he questioned

"Mrs Khanna had an attack; she was getting violent so your brother asked me if I could keep Ayush and Abhi for the night. I said yes" she answered pouring water into four glasses "It happened in front of the kids so they're quite scared. Don't say anything to them" she warned picking up the tray.

"You should have refused" he retorted "he's there dad so he should look after them"

Kripa looked at him disapprovingly "Angad, their kids. Your brother had to look after Mrs Khanna and the children were scared. It wasn't his fault"

Angad's frown deepened "she hasn't left her children behind either" he mumbled.

Kripa sighed and walked to the living room handling Ayush and Abhi a glass of water. She offered Angad who just looked away. She shook her head pushed the glass in his hands "drink" she ordered and walked into the kitchen to put the tray away. Angad scrunched his nose and drank the water in one gulp. He watched Kripa walk out and sit between Ayush and Abhi "are you alright?" she asked. They nodded giving a side glance to Angad. Kripa's eyes followed them "he won't say anything" she reassured

Angad grimaced feeling out of place "I'll see you tomorrow" he said placing the cup on the dining table.

Kripa stood up following him to the door "it won't harm if you talk to them" she muttered

"I don't want to" he retorted "I'll see you tomorrow" and he left out of the door.

She heaved and walked back inside after securing the lock "why was he here"? Ayush asked eyeing her with curiosity

Kripa looked at him, both uncle and nephew were the same she thought "He comes everyday" she answered sitting between the two again "How are you feeling now?" She asked

"Fine" he answered shortly "why does he come here?" he questioned

"Ayush" Kripa held his hand "He likes to. He's my friend" she replied

Ayush frowned while Abhi watched simply stared at her "Why did you make him your friend? He's not even nice to you"

"He is" she kissed his hand "he wasn't nice before but now he is and just because he isn't nice to you doesn't mean you forget he's your uncle" she reminded "he might be cruel but he only shows it. He isn't really. Now come on smile. You look much better" he smiled a fake smile, the frown still evident "Ayush, smile" she repeated

"I am" he answered

Abhi stood up and stretched Ayush's lips "Kripa aunty said smile. You're not smiling" he said innocently

Ayush slightly smiled at his brother's act "you're not angry, are you?" Kripa asked

He shook his head "no. it's just strange to know that your friends with Angad uncle"

She giggled "trust me. He isn't as bad as he seems"

"What happened to her?" Aditya asked "It had been almost a month she hadn't reacted so violently"

Anjali looked up from her clipboard "Is she taking her medication on time?"

"Yes. Someone's always with her to make sure she's having her medication"

"Ok" she looked back at her clipboard "Tell me something Mr Khanna. Does anyone mention her being ill in front of her?"

"Not really" he replied "It slipped from her mother's tongue once and my youngest son Abhi said it once or twice"

She looked at Aditya "Mr Khanna, such patients don't like to receive empathy" she started "The mention of her illness can show signs of sympathy"

"But we aren't sympathetic. We're concerned. We care for her"

"I know" she answered "I know that and you know that but she doesn't. If you even clear it to her she won't understand. The mention of the illness gives out sympathetic vibes which the patient won't mention. They'll react differently to it at that moment but the fact remains in their mind. You have to make sure she forgets she is ill. Treat her the way you will treat any other normal person. Don't let her feel she is ill. Her position is of a disabled person right now. The situation is very delicate Mr Khanna. I hope you understand"

He nodded in understanding "I'll make sure it doesn't happen again"

She smiled "Thank you for informing me, do inform in the future as well. Sometimes a patient fights with themselves to get rid of the illness. I hope she is well soon"

"I hope so too"

"Well since your father and Armaan's family are taking care of the hall and traditional stuff the main thing left is your shopping, music selection and theme" Sanjeeda stated. Ridhimaa, Kripa and Sanjeeda were discussing the wedding preparations. Sanjeeda beamed when they asked for help. It was very sweet of them.

"But I've already bought my bridal wear" Ridhimaa informed "the theme is matching my bridal outfit"

"I know but there's not only bridal wear to the wedding shopping, there's much more" Sanjeeda replied.

"Like what?" Kripa asked eagerly finding the conversation quite interesting.

"Go find that headless groom of yours then she'll tell you" Ridhimaa teased

Kripa smacked her arm "Ridhimaa" she whined

Sanjeeda and Ridhimaa laughed at Kripa's childish behavior "ok" Sanjeeda started "it's the husband the bride dresses up for so you have to make sure Armaan likes whatever you wear"

"Armaan would like her in anything she wears" Kripa teased

Ridhimaa rolled her eyes whilst Sanjeeda giggled and continued "You've probably bought all your accessories with the bridal wear" she raised her brow at Ridhimaa's clueless express "well, have you?"

"Kind of" she replied "it's kind of hard to go shopping so much being a doctor. My bridal wear was selected the first time I went"

Sanjeeda sighed "A wedding is a dream of every other woman so you wouldn't want to miss out in making it the best" she scattered a few magazines in front of Ridhimaa and Kripa "these will help you. It has what a bride needs from A to Z"

Kripa picked up a magazine "Is this one of those Bollywood wedding ones?" she asked

Sanjeeda laughed "I'm a big fan of Bollywood but trust me a Bollywood wedding is very expensive and dramatic"

Ridhimaa smiled "thank you"

"It's my pleasure" Sanjeeda smiled "if you need any more help then don't hesitate"

"Actually I do" she replied "I need help in selecting the stuff. You see I'm not every good at it. Plus Armaan's been coming with me on every shopping trip for the wedding so far so I haven't got a chance to buy all the stuff"

Sanjeeda grinned "I'd love to help you. Just tell me when then I'll be ready"

"Me too" Kripa said

"Of course I'll take you. I know how eager you are to get married so it will be help when you get married" Ridhimaa teased again

Kripa frowned then scowled and walked away picking Hayaa up whilst Sanjeeda and Ridhimaa giggled continuing the wedding discussion.

"Angad, you are so weird" Kripa exclaimed "one minute your cheerful, the next your angry"

"It happens, ok" he explained following her.

She rolled her eyes "everything just happens with you" she stopped turning around "you said the same last week when Ayush and Abhi came down. I mean for god sake. They were kids"

Angad frowned "you know I don't want to talk about it so don't force me to"

"Then avoid the topic for the rest of your life" she crossed her arms "I told you before we were friends, you can't be strong if you're cruel. It doesn't make you strong from here" she tapped his chest "besides, how is it the children's fault that there Sanya's kids. Grow up Angad!" she exclaimed and turned around to walk into her room.

He trailed behind her "I know but I can't seem to forget that they're her children. She's the woman who took everything away from me Kripa. Why shall I bother about her children?"

She stopped at the door and turned again "forget they are her children. Just think you're their uncle. There your nephews Angad. Think of the good times you can have with them. You're living like a stranger in your own house"

"They are all strangers" he said bitterly "none of them are related to me"

She sighed lifting her hands into the air "Why am I even wasting my time telling you all this?"

"Well you started it" he retorted frowning

"Oh go away" She closed the door but Angad held it open with his hand "now do you have a problem with me changing?" she asked glaring at his offending hand

"Oh" he pulled his hand back flushed "well you're the one who said to go away"

She closed the door "and I'm still saying the same" she yelled.

He gawked at the closed door idiotically then groaned muttering under his breath.

Angad walked into his house whistling a tune only to collide with Sanya "watch where you're going" he growled, his mood turning sour.

"But I didn't do it on purpose" she responded softly

He smirked and turned towards her "Oh please. Don't act like you're so innocent. I know you did it on purpose so you don't need to clarify"

Tears brimmed into Sanya's eyes "sorry" she mumbled

He shook his head looking at her disbelievingly "you know, you should have been an actress" he stated "you'd earn a lot. Why did you have to come in to my life and destroy it?"

She looked at him confused "I haven't destroyed your life"

He looked at her mockingly "go tell your husband that. I don't want to know. He'll console you like he always does, after all he has nothing better to do"

"What have I done to you that you treat me this way?" she screamed not being able to take the accusation.

He shook his head in disbelief "you won't stop will you? If you're so fond of acting then why don't you go act it out on the screen? You'll earn more than here" Sanya simply stared at him befuddled as tears trickled down her pale skin "Oh, tears. What are you using for them, glycerin" Aditya approached the two. He had heard Sanya shout a while ago "or are you an expert at crocodile tears as well?" Angad said with clenched teeth.

"Angad" Aditya warned "if you want to say something, say it to me. Leave Sanya out of this"

Angad shook his head "here you go. Your husband's here now. Ask him what you've done to me. Oh, I forgot. You're going to start all your illness acting now" he gasped a fake gasp filled with sarcasm "it's a shame he can't see through an act" his eyes turned towards Aditya in disgust

Aditya's hand formed into a fist "Angad, I said leave her out of this. What's your problem? Why can't you just let us live in peace?"

Angad narrowed his eyes "well tell her to keep out of my way" he pointed "besides, you don't deserve peace because you—"

He was interrupted "Oh shut up" he held Sanya's hand taking her the opposite direction.

"You don't have an answer that's why you run away" Angad shouted "you know you were the wrong one" Aditya simply ignored his comments pulling Sanya along with him, his anger rising by the second. Angad was really starting to get on his nerves.

"No Kripa I don't want to" Angad spoke adamantly walking into the kitchen

"Oh come on Angad. If you could become friends with me then you'll like my other friends as well" she said following

"No, it's so awkward" he reasoned "besides I don't know any of them"

"Well, you've seen two of them already. You can meet the rest today" she said hands on hips.

Angad frowned sitting on the stool by the counter "I'm not going and I haven't seen any of them"

"Yes you have. Anjali, Mrs Khanna's psychiatrist and Ridhimaa, my best friend. You've seen her twice"

"That psychiatrist is your friend?" he questioned surprised

"Well yeah" she shrugged her shoulders "we met at your house the first time but then we met many times after that at Ridhimaa's place"

"She's not doing a very good job" he said "she can't tell the difference between faking to be ill and being ill"

Kripa sighed "ok Mr-know-it-all. Now get up. We're going to Ridhimaa's house" she pulled on his hands

"No we're not"

"We are" she pulled onto his arms trying to lift his huge frame "your heavy" she moaned "lose some weight"

"I'm fine the way I am" he said looking offended "it's you who's too light" There conversation was interrupted with the doorbell "who is it?" he asked curiously

"I don't know. I didn't call anyone"

"Kripa" he whined "you called them didn't you?" he said holding her hand

"I didn't" she tried pulling her hand away "let go Angad. I need to open the door"

"No you won't" he pulled her closer

She glared at him "let go" she pulled harder "It might be important"

"They'll come again"

She sighed and pinched his hand rushing towards the door once her arms were released "I was just about to come to yours" Kripa said seeing Ridhimaa and Armaan at the door.

"Well we decided to come to yours. Your fridge tempted me" Armaan winked walking into the living room casually "Oh, who's this?" he asked pointing towards Angad who held his hand with a frown sitting on the leather sofa "your headless groom"

Kripa's mouth parted "Armaan" she whined "this is all your fault" she looked at Ridhimaa accusingly.

"It isn't. You didn't tell me you had someone down" she said eyeing Angad

"Like you told me you were coming" she retorted "now sit. I'll get you something to drink"

Armaan caught her hand "later. First let's start with introductions" he said cheerfully. Angad looked at their joint hands disapprovingly but ignored.

"Oh umm this is Angad" she pointed "and Angad this is Armaan and this is Ridhimaa"

Armaan plopped down next to Angad "nice to meet you man"

Angad smiled awkwardly looking at Kripa for help who juts grinned in return "you too" he answered

Kripa pulled Ridhimaa with her to the kitchen leaving Armaan to handle Angad "you came right on time" she said "I was going to bring Angad to yours"

"And you were complaining that we didn't tell you" she helped Kripa fill the glasses with juice "Why is he always here when I come?"

Kripa smiled "He comes everyday" she answered "he hasn't missed a day so far since we've been friends"

"I see" Ridhimaa looked at her curiously "Are you sure he's only a friend? Or is he something more"

Kripa looked at her stunned "he's only a friend Ridz, nothing more. You should know that"

"I was just asking"

"It's ok but don't mention it again" she said picking up the tray "By the way I convinced my uncle to come to Mumbai for your wedding. I'm so excited"

"That's great" Ridhimaa answered "I'm so nervous. The wedding date is coming closer and my worries are just growing"

"Why?" Kripa turned towards her, her hips perched against the counter

"I don't want to leave dad alone Kripa. He'll have no one"

"He will. I'm still here and you will visit him every day; I know you that much"

"Yeah" she scrunched her nose "but I don't want to leave him alone. It would be different if you lived there"

"He'll be fine Ridz, trust me" Kripa placed the tray on the dining table and handled Angad, Armaan and Ridhimaa there juice.

"Don't hesitate" Armaan repeated for the fourth time "speak up" he said patting Angad's back

Angad looked at Kripa uneasily "Armaan, don't force him to. He's not use to so much talking. He's very shy" she said with a cheeky smile

Angad looked at her mortified "I am not" he blurted

Kripa laughed "tell Armaan that. I don't want to know"

Angad frowned "I'll get you later" he muttered and turned towards Armaan who looked ready to throw a dozen more questions his way.

Armaan glanced at Kripa, then at Angad. He could see the strange bonding between them the two. It was sweet. It reminded him of his early days with Ridhimaa. Oh how he missed those days. Of course he loved the evolution in their relationship but it was different then. Teasing Ridhimaa every second gave him a weird kind of satisfaction. He watched Kripa and Angad argue through their eyes. It seemed Kripa had taken the teasing department in this case. He grinned and turned back to Angad "so" he raised his brows "how did you become friends with Kripa?"

Angad smiled "it's a long story" he said shortly not wanting to recall there days of animosity

"What's the story?" Armaan asked

Angad looked down "I don't want to talk about it"

Armaan looked at Kripa who nodded agreeing with Angad. She wouldn't want to recall those days herself; although it was quite amusing now that she thought about it. Armaan shrugged and leaned back onto the sofa "I'm hungry" he announced.

Ridhimaa rolled her eyes "make something yourself. All you do is order about"

Kripa giggled "what do you want?"

Armaan took her hand while Angad looked at it censoriously "I wouldn't mind you" Armaan said mischievously

Kripa sighed "you and your flirting" she pulled her hand back walking into the kitchen, Armaan and Ridhimaa's laughter following. Angad looked at the two uneasily and escaped after a quick excuse.

"Your friends weird" Angad said walking inside the kitchen

Kripa looked back at him "why?"

"Oh nothing except he was really interested in knowing if I was your headless groom? Plus he kept and asking me if I've had any past flings. He gossips like a girl"

Kripa looked at him horrified "he did not say that, did he?"

"He did" he replied taking a cookie from the biscuit jar "by the way, what is this headless groom business and how come I don't know about it?"

Kripa scrunched her nose rinsing a cup "well it wasn't meant to be known to anyone but it just kind of slipped onto my tongue and then Ridhimaa told everyone" she turned away from the sink to notice him frowning "why is she your best friend? Aren't I a good enough friend?" he asked mouth full.

She closed his mouth "eat with your mouth closed. Its bad manners to eat open mouthed and you are a good friend but there's just things I can't tell you"

He bit down on his lips "why? Don't you think I'm reliable?"

"I didn't mean that" she retorted

"Then what did you mean?" he questioned with a frown

"You won't understand Angad. There's just things I can't discuss with you"

"Basically what you're trying to say is you can't trust me" he said bitterly

"Angad, your taking it wrong way"

"I'm not. That's what you really meant" he argued

"I didn't" she defended

"Well then what did you mean Kripa?" Armaan enquired putting his arm around Angad's neck, almost choking him.

Kripa glared at Armaan "you were listening" she said

"Well kind of. You were talking about trust and friendship, weren't you?" he grinned

"Armaan, you're not helping"

"Oh" he tapped his chin "was I meant to?"

"Armaan" she growled and walked out of the kitchen "make your food yourself"

Armaan grinned while Angad watched him strangely. Armaan looked towards him "weird. I know" Angad looked away embarrassed "hey. No need to be embarrassed. She'll be fine in a while and don't take her trusting thing too seriously. It's just—"he raised his brows "girls" Angad smirked. Armaan wasn't as bad as he thought "now that's the spirit" Armaan said punching his chest. He stood straight in front of Angad "by the way I'm Armaan. Don't think me standing straight means I'm straight because I'm not. I thought I'd introduce myself in my own style since Kripa gives very boring introductions"

Angad chuckled. What Armaan just said could have been taken in the wrong way but somehow he understood him "she's not that bad" he said "I'm Angad, Angad Khanna"

"Nice to meet you Angad" Armaan replied formally "why are being so formal?" he questioned, eyebrows cocked. The two laughed at their stupid joke and shook hands grinning at each other.

"Ayush, your cheating" Kripa accused frowning

"I'm not" he said eyeing her with a victorious smile "your only saying that because you're losing"

"No I'm not" Kripa answered sulking "I don't need to"

Ayush grinned. Kripa and Ayush were playing a game of scrabble while Abhi simply stared at the difficult words "Oh really?" Ayush raised his brow

Kripa narrowed her eyes "stop saying that. It's annoying"

Ayush giggled "you're a big baby"

Kripa's mouth parted "What happened to something called respecting elders?"

"Bad Ayush, very bad" Abhi scolded

Kripa looked down at him "who said you can shout at Ayush?"

He looked at her with his big innocent eyes "I was helping you"

Kripa smiled and kissed his dimpled cheeks "Thank you but Ayush is bigger than you so no shouting at your big brother, ok?"

Abhi scrunched his nose but nodded. Ayush smiled. It was a nice feeling being a brother, before Abhi hardly played. He just sat staring at something or the other. He still did but there was something different from then. Now he was more open and brotherly.

His smile turned into a frown as his father and uncle came to mind. Why couldn't they be like him and Abhi? His thoughts were interrupted by his uncle's husky voice. He looked up at his uncle who held Kripa auntie's hand. It was funny seeing them act so friendly with each other and it was good to see his uncle be nice for a change. He smiled to himself directing his attention to the two.

"It's fine Kripa" Angad said for the second time

"No it's not. You're still upset with that thing aren't you? You haven't come for two days"

"I would have come if I was in Mumbai but I wasn't. I had to go to Pune for a case meeting"

She looked into his chocolate brown eyes "you're telling me the truth, aren't you?"

"If you don't stop moaning then I will really get angry. Besides you're at work, you're not supposed to be here chatting to your boss in such a manner" he teased

"yeah right" she pulled her hand away from his "you're the one who held my hand and just to remind you Mr Khanna, you're not my boss" she replied cheekily

He grinned. That comment would have angered him weeks ago but now it seemed so easy to let it slip "if you cook something nice then I'll come tonight"

She rolled her eyes "if I'm in the mood"

All the while Abhi stood next to Kripa watching the two discuss their plans for the night "can I come as well?" he asked when he heard them talk of ice cream.

Kripa smiled and picked him up "of course you can but that's only if your dad lets you"

Angad frowned "actually I can't come tonight, I have to—"

He was cut off "if you don't come tonight then I won't let you come ever again" he opened his mouth to retort "no excuses" she looked at him sternly while his frown just deepened.

"Ayush, Abhi, be careful otherwise your dad won't let you come again" Kripa warned for the fourth time. Aditya had agreed to send Ayush and Abhi with Kripa for the night. It would be a change for the children and Sanya's unstable condition gave out signs of another attack soon. His in laws had left a week ago due to personal reasons which left him to look after Sanya.

Ayush ambled into the kitchen "come and play with us. You can cook later"

"Ayush I'm busy" she said "I'll be with you in a while"

He frowned "you've been busy since we've come"

"Ayush please" she said mixing the mixture "If you be a good boy then can watch a movie tonight" she promised

"Ok. But it better be good"

She smiled "it will be, trust me"

Minutes later she sat in the living room playing a game of monopoly with Ayush and Abhi waiting patiently for Angad. She was going to get really angry if he didn't come, she thought. They were children for god sake.

When the doorbell finally went off Kripa stomped to the door greeting Angad with a frown "if you came a minute later than this then I was going to lock you outside"

He smirked "well then do the honors. I'll go home" he replied turning back

"Oh no you're not" she pulled his hand "you're just finding excuses to escape and I won't let that happen"

He sighed and followed her inside. He wasn't surprised at all seeing Ayush and Abhi sitting inside. Kripa was a person who could persuade anyone and he had already seen a sample of how much his brother listened to her.

He sat on the sofa glowering whilst Kripa walked into the kitchen to heat the food up. Minutes later they all sat on the dining table, eating silently. Kripa glanced at Angad who was busy glaring at Abhi, who simply stared at him and then glimpsed at Ayush who looked somewhat uncomfortable with the silence "ok. That's it" she said "stop this boring silence and talk" Angad looked at Kripa annoyed while she simply rolled her eyes "I said talk not give me dirty looks" she snapped. There was still no reply except for the trio staring at her with Angad practically glaring. She crossed her arms annoyed "talk to each other not stare at me"

"I don't want to" Angad retorted

Kripa frowned "you know, you'll never find a solution to the silence if you don't resolve problems"

"And I don't want to resolve my problems, ok. I'm only here for our friendship's sake, nothing more" he said glancing at Ayush and Abhi.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly" she stated "There not my words but I know what it means and I implement it in my life; that's why I'm happy today"

Angad looked away "if you're going to give me another lecture then I'm going"

"Go then" she snapped "that's all you do, run away from everything. What's there fault if there her children?" she pointed "I told you before Angad, until you don't make peace with yourself, you won't be able to make peace with anyone" she heaved closing her eyes "sorry" she held her head "go if you want to"

He pursed his lips and held his own head "you know why I can't Kripa" he whispered "don't force me to"

Ayush and Abhi stared at each other then at their uncle and aunty. They had never seen Kripa argue like she just did. It was strange.

Abhi paled feeling his stomach churn over and over again. He felt uneasy inside but was scared to speak. The horrible feeling travelled up his stomach, to the throat and out of his mouth. Kripa jerked seeing Abhi puke. She rushed to his side patting his back.

Angad stood up as well, watching Abhi puke, concern clearly evident. He walked forward in attempt to help but backed away seeing the mess Abhi had made. He watched Kripa scoop him up in her arms, rushing to the bathroom. Concerned he followed watching Abhi throw up continuously. Once Abhi stopped gagging, he whaled loudly complaining between sobs. Kripa patted his back trying to calm him down. He hiccupped between sobs and eventually fell asleep. She walked past Angad, taking Abhi to her room. After securing him in her bed she walked outside to find Ayush and Angad standing in front of her "Is he alright?" Angad asked concerned

Kripa smiled "yeah. You can go home Angad. I'll handle this"

"No" he replied "I--I mean it's no problem; I'll stay and help" he hesitated

Kripa nodded and kneeled down in front of Ayush "he's fine. I think he overate" she assured

Ayush nodded silently, worried inside "thank you" he spoke

Kripa held his cheek "no thank you. Go to bed, I'll tell your dad"

"No, leave it. He won't let us come again" he answered

"You sure?" he nodded and walked into her room.

She sighed and walked into the kitchen to collect a wet cloth to clean up the mess "If you were worried then you could have said it" Kripa stated cleaning the dining table.

"I wasn't worried" Angad retorted "I just thought you might need some help"

She grinned "I can really tell with that face your making" she mopped the floor "admit it Angad, you care about them"

He looked away "I think I should go" and he left leaving Kripa shaking her head. Him and his ego she thought and continued swabbing the floor.

Sanjeeda pushed Hayaa in the pushchair whilst Kripa and Ridhimaa walked beside her "give it to me, I'll push her" Kripa offered

"No, it's alright" Sanjeeda answered

"its fine Sanjeeda. I'll take her to a nearby park. You and Ridhimaa can go and shop. It's going to be difficult with Hayaa"

She smiled "Ok I'll see you at the park then" she gave Kripa the pushchair and walked off towards the market.

"Your daughters adorable" Ridhimaa complimented

Sanjeeda grinned "that's only because she is like Amir" she sighed "you know when me and Amir were newly married. We always found it really strange to have children so early but now that we have Hayaa, we can't wait to have more"

Ridhimaa smiled "children are blessings for parents anyways"

"That's true. So where you two planning your honeymoon?"

Ridhimaa lowered her gaze out of shy "Ooty" she answered shortly "we only have two weeks off from work so we decided to go Ooty and as Armaan would put it, not to waste time"

Sanjeeda giggled "he sure is a jolly person. He'll be a lovely husband. Anyways, what color is your wedding dress?"

"It's maroon. I just feel a bride looks bridal in dark colors"

"Nice choice. Are you having beautician for all your grooming?" She enquired

"Well yeah. As you said, make the best of it" she stated.

"Glad you took my advice" Sanjeeda pointed towards a bridal accessory store "let's go over there, we might find something. Oh this is so exciting. It reminds me of Vivah, Shahid Kapoor did such a good job in that movie"

Ridhimaa giggled and followed to complete her wedding shopping.

"Are you going to answer me or not" Kripa asked

Angad simply looked away "fine, be your stubborn self. What's it to me? After all it's you who is being deprived of your relationship with your nephews"

"Kripa please" he sighed pressing his fingers to his temples "you're irritating me now. If I said I don't want to talk to them then why do you keep forcing me?"

"Because you're not only hurting them, you're hurting yourself too" she cupped his cheek "A good friend can tell you what wrong with you in a minute. They may not seem such a good friend after telling you. I understand you have a problem with your brother and his wife but what's your problem with Ayush and Abhi? What's there fault that they were born in your family" she stood up "I pine for a family Angad. I've got lots of friends but no family. You've got one but you're pushing them away. You're losing something many don't have. I agree that Sanya and Aditya may be a problem for you but Ayush and Abhi shouldn't be. Just try talking to them once. You haven't even tried"

"If I try will you stop annoying me?"

"Only if your try honestly instead of doing it because you don't want me irritating you"

"Even if I do then how will you know?"

"I will Angad, because if you try you'll end up talking to them" she smiled

"You're not giving me an option" he complained

"I am, try honestly Angad. Make your mind up then try. Not now because I know you won't do it with the right intentions" she pressed his muscular shoulder "they haven't had a good time either the years they've lived. They were deprived of all relationships they have ever had. You can have them, you're just pushing them away"

Angad sighed "I hate you" he snapped

Kripa grinned "the feeling is mutual"

"After reading that article I finally understood why people commit suicide" Armaan spoke. Armaan and Ridhimaa were at Kripa's house, distributing wedding cards. As they expected they found Angad there and settled down in a small chat.

Angad grinned "the answer is simple, those people are just foolish. They just can't handle life's sorrows so they commit suicide"

"Wrong" Armaan turned to Kripa "what do you think?"

"Umm, because those people are tired of life"

Armaan smiled widely "you both are wrong" they both looked at him confused "suicide is there way of saying to God, "You can't fire me. I quit" he laughed

Kripa and Angad giggle chuckled at the logic "you know, you didn't have to crack our brains up for that" Kripa complained

"Really" Armaan feigned surprise "when did you get a brain?"

"Ha ha ha, that wasn't funny" she grumbled watching him with a frown

Armaan chuckled "I thought it was"

Kripa simply rolled her eyes diverting her attention to Ridhimaa. Minutes later Armaan and Ridhimaa stood up to leave "I think we should go. We have to give the other cards out as well"

"Have you got a pen?" Armaan asked

"Give me a minute" Kripa pulled a pen out of her purse and gave it to him

Armaan bent down writing something on the card "The cards had already been sent to be made when we became friends Angad so I hope you don't mind sharing this card with Kripa" he said giving the wedding invitation to Angad "I want you coming to my wedding, you'll get to meet my other friends as well"

Angad smiled "I'll try my best but—"

"No buts" Armaan intervened "you're coming and if you don't then I'll make sure Kripa drags you along"

Angad smiled and departed the couple at the door. He turned and opened the card smiling at the writing "what are you smiling about?" Kripa asked taking the card. She frowned reading the words' Kripa and her headless Groom (Angad) + family' "Armaan is really going to die the next time I see him"

Angad smirked "I'm not that bad?"

Kripa looked at him seeing a hint of mischief in his eyes "well, you aren't but I'm sure god has someone better in mind for me" she teased

"What is that's supposed to mean?" he asked following her

"That I have no intention of punishing myself" she laughed "I'm only joking" she said seeing his sulking pout "I have no plans of getting married until I find my Mr. perfect"

He sat next to her "you never know. I might just be your Mr perfect"

"Not in a million years"

"We'll just see about that" and they giggled at their small joke.

Aditya walked into Angad's office annoyed "I need to talk to you?" he said

Angad looked up "what is it?" He asked

Aditya heaved trying to calm his nerves "listen Angad, we've had this discussion before but I'm going to repeat since you don't seem to" he paused looking for the right word "cooperate. Sanya is on her recovering stages so please stop saying things to her. It took a lot of time to bring her recovery Angad, please don't make it worse for her. If you can't talk to her properly then don't talk to her at all"

Angad looked at him disdainfully "are you done?" he asked "or is there more of your lecture to come"

Aditya clenched his fist "Angad, I'm serious. This isn't a joke, ok. This is for Sanya's life. This is for our future"

"And I do what about it"? He questioned "I'm not bothered, ok. She can do what she wants. She can fake her illness how much she wants as long as she stays out of my way. I don't care, ok. If that's all, you can go now" he said turning away

Aditya sighed "you'll regret your actions one day Angad" and he left the office trying to calm his nerves.

Kripa watched Ayush and Abhi stare at Angad while Angad stared at them awkwardly. They all sat on Kripa's living room floor waiting for someone to start the conversation "Angad, you go first" Kripa finally said tired of waiting

"Umm, Hi" he said shortly

Kripa shook her head. It wasn't exactly working the way she wanted it "Ok, since none of you know how to start a conversation, I'll start you off" she started "Angad, this is Ayush and Abhi, your nephews" she emphasized. Angad looked at her annoyed for the emphasis "Ayush and Abhi this is your uncle"

Abhi looked at her puzzled "are we going to play something like that snakes and ladders game?" he asked

"You can say so, your uncle isn't very good at this kind of stuff" she hinted

He glanced at his uncle hesitantly then looked at Kripa "what game are we going to play?" he asked, arms around her neck

Kripa smiled and kissed his cheek "your uncles going to tell you that. Go ask him" she pointed

He looked at Kripa who nodded in return. He looked at Angad and asked "what game are we going to play?" Angad shrugged his shoulders rolling his eyes. Abhi smiled toothily copying Angad "I can't do it" he said trying to roll his eyes.

Kripa pressed her hand to her mouth trying to suppress her laughter. Angad's dumfounded expression was worth a million. Angad glared at her trying to suppress the smile creeping on his lips on seeing Abhi's cute act. Kripa looked towards Ayush who was enjoying the animated scene. She pulled her hand out for him "you want to try it as well" she smirked. Ayush shook his head looking towards Angad "come on, give it a try" she urged. His response was still the same "only once" she requested.

He sighed and rolled his eyes unintentionally "you did it" Abhi clapped "why can't I?" he whined trying himself.

Kripa laughed and looked towards Angad whose lips were lifted to a side "nice smile" she commented embarrassing him.

Abhi and Ayush looked towards him. His face reddened from embarrassment. Abhi scrunched his nose "How did you do that?" he asked

Angad looked at him baffled "what?" he asked

"Turn red without using paint" he pointed

Ayush and Kripa burst out into laughter while Abhi looked at the two confused. Angad looked down mortified, a smile forming on his lips at Abhi's innocent act. Was he really making a mistake ignoring the children? He questioned himself. Maybe Kripa was right, he should give them a chance he thought watching the trio in front of him smiling as he smiled back.

"I told you it would be nice" Kripa said once Abhi and Ayush were asleep, deep in dreamland. They had fallen asleep a while ago after playing a game of scrabble. Abhi teamed up with Angad whilst Ayush teamed up with Kripa. Abhi being the smaller one found it quite easy to forget all the fights. He kept all his attention on the game while Ayush still felt uncomfortable. Maybe it would take time, after all Ayush was much mature than his age.

Angad scrunched his nose "you don't need to remind me"

"Well" she held his shoulders "You should keep it as a reminder to always take my advice" she boasted

"Go open an advice centre if you enjoy giving advice so much" he retorted pulling her hands off his shoulders.

She pinched his nose "you look cute annoyed"

He raised his brow "was that a compliment?"

"Whatever you want to take it as" she stood up "now get up and go home, I'm tired" she yawned

He grinned "go to sleep then, I'm not going anywhere"

"Angad, get up" she pulled on his hand "You can come tomorrow"

Angad sighed and stood up. Grabbing his jacket he walked to the door. Kripa followed behind and opened the door. Angad turned around and held her face "Thanks Kripa"

Kripa smiled "you're welcome and stay the way you are with them" she commanded "you'll just be losing out on these precious moments"

"I know" he leaned forward and kissed her cheek "Bye"

"Bye" she waved. She closed the door and held her cheek smiling to herself. It was sweet having a friend like Angad. He was always there for her and she was there for him. She sighed and walked to her room to visit her own dreamland.

"I'm so glad you could come" Kripa said hugging her uncle. He had just arrived from Jaipur with his wife Roshni and youngest son. His wife was a second mother to Kripa. She may have not biologically given birth to Kripa but loved her more than any mother could. They had three children of their own, one daughter who was married off three years ago and two sons. The eldest one was two years younger than Kripa working as an electrician in the desert of Rajasthan. The youngest was fifteen and very dear to Kripa. He was quite excited to see Kripa. He had missed her the ten months she had gone. Kripa hugged her aunty then looked at the younger boy "you've grown so tall in months" she exclaimed embracing him.

"That's only because you're too short to compete" he teased

"Rishi" she whined.

Her uncle and aunty chuckled, relief reaching their hearts to see Kripa so happy. Her aunty held her cheek "now I know we didn't take a wrong decision letting you go" she spoke

Kripa smiled "yeah but I still missed you all" she hugged her

Roshni caressed her hair "you look more beautiful"

Kripa blushed at the praise and took his hand "let's go"

"Kripa where have you been?" Angad asked standing outside her door "I've been waiting for ages" then raised his brows seeing the trio following her.

Kripa bit down on her lip and looked at her uncle who looked at her questionably "this is Angad, my friend" she introduced "Angad, this is my family from Rajasthan. Remember, I told you"

"Oh, umm" he scratched his head nervous all of a sudden. Kripa gestured with her eyes to take their blessings. He bent down to take their blessings.

Rustam blessed him and smiled "Come inside" Kripa said unlocking the door. She led everyone inside leaving to the kitchen to collect a few refreshments.

"What do you do?" Rustam questioned

Angad pursed his lips and smiled "I'm a lawyer" he answered "I handle legal matters in my office and I'm a criminal lawyer"

Rustam seemed impressed but concerned "How do you know Kripa?" he asked

"She baby sits my nephews and I handle the legal formalities for her job" Angad answered nervously. He felt uncomfortable. It was like he was taking his interview to pass him for something.

Rustam opened his mouth to question further when Kripa walked into the room carrying a tray "How's Reva and Ritesh?" she asked

Roshni smiled "There both fine, Reva is pregnant again" she informed

Kripa smiled widely "really? Why didn't you tell me before?" she sat next to Roshni "how many months?"

"Three" she informed "I thought I'd tell you myself. She misses you a lot but you know what her husband's like. He said she couldn't come"

Kripa nodded disappointed "Why didn't Ritesh come?"

"He's got his duty in the desert for the next five weeks so he couldn't"

"Ok" she handed everyone a glass of orange juice.

Angad looked at Kripa across the room. She seemed so different at that moment. She looked like she was bestowed into heaven having her non related family around her.

He smiled to himself, comparing his family to hers. His own brother ignored him all the time for his wife and Rishi who wasn't even related to Kripa was teasing her like they had always been in a brother and sister relationship.

He glanced at Kripa and felt a spark of envy. Why was it that Kripa got so much love even though she had no family and he was left alone? He felt out of place and somewhat upset seeing Kripa receive so much love and care. He wanted it all for himself. He watched her chat continuously with her adopted family pining for his biological family.

"How do you know Angad?" Rustam asked once Angad had left.

"I baby sit his nephews" Kripa answered cleaning the room.

"He's a lawyer Kripa, be careful around him" Rustam warned

Kripa turned around and held Rustam's shoulders "I've known him long enough uncle. I know he won't harm me. If he does then I'm no less" she smiled

Rustam patted her cheek "I hope your right. I don't want you being in trouble"

"I won't be uncle, don't worry. Me and Angad have been through the stage where he could have hurt me. I know he won't now. He would have before if he wanted to. He's had too many chances"

"If you say so but still be careful"

Kripa sighed "Ok uncle"

"Please Mr Khanna" Kripa pleaded "I promise I'll keep them around me all the time"

"But Miss Sharma, in a wedding" he hesitated "It's too much of a responsibility"

"I'm ready to take the responsibility"

"But Miss Sharma, I hardly know who this person is who's getting married" Aditya reasoned

"She's my friend. Ayush and Abhi have been to her house many times when they were staying with me. She's the one who consulted Dr Anjali for your wife"

"I don't know. A wedding—"

He was cut off "please sir. I promise I'll look after them. It's a matter of three days only, please"

"Ok Miss Sharma but only three days, no more than that" he decided

"Thank you Mr Khanna" she smiled and walked out of her room. She skipped to the children's room excited "He said yes" she squealed. Ayush leaped with excitement whilst Abhi jumped in Angad's lap "now you have no excuses of not coming" she said eyeing Angad "you have Abhi and Ayush to go as your family"

Angad smiled "Thanks but there's still a problem"

"What?"

"I need a place to get ready. I'm not telling anyone here I'm going to a wedding"

"What's my place for?" Kripa replied picking the toys from the floor.

"I would come but your uncle's kind of" he paused "scary"

"He is not" she argued "don't say anything about my uncle"

"Ok, ok. Don't get angry at me" he pulled Abhi up to stop him bouncing "where do I go then?"

"Umm" she tapped her cheek "go to Armaan's place"

"No, bad choice. It's the groom's house and I need somewhere quieter"

Kripa sighed "Angad, just come to mine. Uncle won't say anything"

"You sure?"

"Angad" she warned.

He laughed "Ok boss"

"Is Kripa aunty your boss?" Abhi asked

"No I'm not" Kripa took Abhi into her arms "your uncles just being a big baby so I have to be a little bossy"

"I am not" he argued

"See what I mean" she pointed and giggled while Angad simply frowned.

"This is Rishi and Rishi this Abhi and Ayush" Kripa introduced. Kripa had just brought the two home and introduced them to her uncle and aunty.

Abhi looked at Kripa "You said Rishi was a kid"

"He is" Kripa clarified "He's just tall"

"But how will we play with him if he's so tall?"

Rishi kneeled in front of Abhi "like this. Now can we play?" he asked with a smile

Abhi looked towards Ayush "What will we play?"

"Hmm, let's play Spiderman" Rishi suggested

"No, Spiderman is boring" Ayush spoke "let's play superman"

"Superman" Rishi scrunched his nose "the one that wears his underwear on top"

Abhi giggled with both hands on his mouth "that's his costume"

"I have something better. Come with me" Rishi led them to the guestroom while Kripa simply smiled seeing the quick bonding of the children.

"Angad, are you coming or not?" Kripa asked. Kripa had been waiting for Angad for the past hour. Fed up she had sent Rustam uncle and his family with Abhi and Ayush after giving them the address "Everyone's gone? You didn't even come to the henna ceremony"

"I couldn't Kripa. Stop complaining. I'm five minutes away. I had a meeting"

"You and your meetings. Abhi and Ayush are angry with you as well. You promised to take them"

"I'm sorry but the meeting couldn't be avoided"

"Whatever, hurry up now. Ridhimaa is going to be mad at me because of you"

"I said sorry, didn't I?"

Kripa sighed "just hurry up" she said and held up

Minutes later the doorbell rang. Kripa opened the door and pulled Angad inside "hey, hey, carefully" he frowned

Kripa rolled her eyes "Whatever, now hurry up and get ready. You can use my room"

He grinned and held her shoulders throwing the bag aside "let me examine you first. I need to approve your look" he stared at Kripa's incontestable beauty. She was truly a beautiful creature and the emerald green did wonders to her skin. She was dressed in a combination of emerald green and darker green. Her eyes highlighted with different shades of emerald. Her eyes were penciled with brown, adding to her elegance. His gaze fell to her perfect rosy lips. He loved the fact that she always kept her lips tinted naturally pink. Her lips were either tinted with a clear gloss or pink. It let her natural beauty show through all her makeup. Her lips were moist and shaped perfectly. If only he could touch those lips with his. He shook his head. What was he thinking? Kripa was his friend, his best friend. He couldn't think like that about her he argued mentally.

He was cut out from his thoughts when Kripa pushed him towards her room "Examine me later. Go change first, we're getting late"

"Ok, ok. Stop pushing me woman?" Kripa simply smiled waiting patiently for him to get dressed "Kripa" she heard him call.

"What's wrong?" she asked

"There's a problem, the trousers is loose. You got a belt?"

"Rishi might have one" she said "give me a minute" she dug into Rishi's clothes to find nothing. Sighing, she rushed to Sanjeeda's house taking her chances.

To Kripa's luck Sanjeeda was home looking beautiful in the combination of lilac "I thought you would have gone by now" Sanjeeda exclaimed

"Well, yeah. I thought the same. I need a favour. Can I borrow one of Amir's belts?"

Sanjeeda looked her confused "Why do you need a belt?"

"My friend didn't bring a belt with him and his trousers is loose"

"Oh" Sanjeeda smiled "is it your headless groom friend by any chance?"

Kripa frowned "Sanjeeda, at least you stay away from teasing me" she whined

Sanjeeda grinned "as you say. Come inside"

Kripa stepped inside to find Hayaa playing on the floor, dressed in a fairy white dress. She looked adorable "Awww she looks so cute" she mumbled picking her up and kissed her soft round cheeks "Thanks" Kripa said when Sanjeeda handed her a belt.

"Your welcome" she answered taking Hayaa "you know what this seems like?"

"What?"

"It seems like Kareena Kapoor running behind the train in jab we met. We're all getting late and no matter how early we want to get there we're not going to"

Kripa smiled "yeah, I'll see you at the wedding" she called rushing to her apartment "here you go Angad" Kripa said knocking on the door

"What took you so long?" he enquired extending his hand

"I couldn't find Rishi's belts so I had to ask for Amir's"

"Amir" his eyebrows cocked as he tied the belt around his waist "Who Amir?"

"My next door neighbour, Sanjeeda's husband"

"Oh, that Bollywood neighbor"

"Yeah" she giggled "now hurry up"

"Wait woman. I'm human, I take time"

"You look beautiful" Kripa exclaimed walking into the bridal room. Ridhimaa smiled shyly, her thick long lashes lowered with modesty. She was dressed in a Maroon silk jacquard fishtail wedding lengha with zardosi, dabka, resham and muquash embroidery. Her eyes were lined with black pencil, slightly smudged to attract the eyes. Her lids were highlighted in shades of maroon and bronze. Her high cheek bones looked higher with the rosy pink highlights on her cheeks. Her lips were tinted maroon with a slightly darker outline, clear gloss evident on her colored lips to give a nice shine. Her beauty was enhanced with bridal accessories, thick kundan set adorning her neck, heavy bridal earrings hanging off her ears touching her graceful skin "are you just going to blush or say something?" Kripa teased.

"Sorry" Ridhimaa apologized "I don't look over, do I?"

"Of course not" Kripa stood behind her holding her shoulders "you look mind blowing. Armaan's going to speechless today"

Ridhimaa smiled "thanks" then she frowned "why are you so late? Your uncle and aunty came before you"

Kripa scrunched her nose "sorry, blame Angad for that. He was late so it's not my fault"

Ridhimaa smiled teasingly "are you really planning on making him your headless groom?"

"Ridhimaa" she whined "Leave me alone for today at least"

Ridhimaa smiled "think about it. You never know what life has in store for you"

Kripa sighed "your not going to stop are you?"

"You know the answer" Ridhimaa replied looking at an ever so annoyed Kripa through the mirror.

"That smaller kid is big trouble" Armaan spoke "He's destroyed quite a few clothes of mine" Angad and Armaan sat together waiting for the bride's arrival to start the wedding ceremony. Abhi sat on Angad's lap sucking on a red lollipop while Ayush was playing around somewhere accompanied by Rishi.

Angad laughed "it serves you right"

"Yeah, yeah" he patted his shoulder "so, you like Kripa?" he asked

Abhi looked up at Armaan while Angad looked flabbergasted "everyone likes Kripa aunty"

"Armaan" Angad spoke "we're just friends"

Armaan chuckled "heard it too many times"

"What?" he said "you don't believe me?"

Armaan shook his head "too many people say it Angad and they end up together"

"Well I'll see what destiny has in store for me" he answered "Kripa's a friend. If it's in destiny for us to be together we will be buts it not now"

Armaan grinned "trust me, I use to think the same when me and Ridz were only friends" he said raising his fingers then bending them

There small conversation was interrupted by Atul who held a vase with jasmine plant "congratulations Armaan" he said giving him the vase.

Armaan balanced himself with Angad's help and placed the vase to a side near the many gifts he had received "what else could I expect?" Armaan said patting Atul's back smiling broadly.

Atul smiled just as broadly proud of his thoughtfulness "look after her, her name is jasmine, she's very delicate but refreshing"

Angad looked at the two confused "Oh by the way this is Angad" Armaan introduced "and Angad you'll just love to know Atul" he said dryly while Atul shook hands with Angad meekly.

"Nice present" Angad commented

Atul grinned "Thank you, you know I have a collection of plants. I can give you one as well but you have to promise to look after them. They live like we do it's just that we can't exactly tell without microscopes"

Angad pursed his lips glancing at Armaan highly amused "That's very good that you care about plants so much" he said in amusement

Atul looked down somewhat shy "Thank you" Angad smiled at his unusual behavior. His eyes caught sight of the mad psychiatrist as he would call. She was walking towards Armaan. Angad rolled his eyes on her sight then noticed Atul looking towards Anjali "Hi Anjali" he greeted

"Hi" she answered shortly turning her attention back to Armaan "congratulations" she said leaning forward for a hug

"Thanks" Armaan hugged her back

"How are you?" Angad heard Atul

"Fine" Anjali sighed and walked off with Atul following her tail.

"What was that?" Angad exclaimed

"That's called love in the air. Only problem is he's too confused too exactly love" Angad looked baffled "you won't understand, forget it" Armaan said placing his arm around his shoulder.

Minute's later Ridhimaa sat next to Armaan in the small temple going trough the wedding rituals. Armaan's hands teased her in some way or the other giving Ridhimaa the title of 'the blushing bride'. Her already red cheeks turned a shade of crimson with the constant touching of Armaan.

Kripa hummed in delight noticing the constant teasing. She found it quite romantic. Angad looked at her and shook his head "you're acting like a teenager" he whispered watching Armaan and Ridhimaa

Kripa looked up at him "so? What's your problem?"

"The problem is that it's embarrassing"

Kripa glared at him "go away then" she walked towards Sanjeeda "I'm going for a stroll, can I take Hayaa?" she asked

"Of course" Sanjeeda handled the bundle of joy to Kripa.

Kripa walked up and down the garden of the hall where all the children were playing. Abhi walked towards her seeing Hayaa "has she come to play with us again?" he asked

Kripa giggled "yeah" she kneeled down holding Hayaa on her lap "she felt left out with all the children playing outside"

Abhi smiled and extended his hands to pick Hayaa up "can I hold her?"

"No Abhi. Hayaa is too small, you'll drop her"

"I wont" he protested "please, I want to hold her"

Kripa sighed. Abhi wasn't the silent little boy anymore. He was stubborn just like his uncle. She held him in front of her putting his tiny arms around Hayaa, whilst her hands held beneath "better?"

"No, let me hold her myself" he moaned

"Abhi" she paused "no. She's going to fall"

"But I want to hold her"

"You are holding her"

"You let go"

"I can't"

Angad scooped Hayaa into his arms leaving Kripa and Abhi eying him "I'll hold her" he smirked

Kripa stood up and stretched her arms for Hayaa who sucked on her fingers "come on Hayaa"

Angad cuddled her cheeks "cute kid. Who is she?"

Kripa took Hayaa in her arms "Sanjeeda's daughter" she cleaned the drool on Hayaa's mouth "the one next door"

"Oh, How come I never noticed?"

"Well, you never noticed because you were too busy knocking on my door all the time"

"Oh come on" Angad put his hands around her shoulders "I know you like the attention so stop complaining"

"I'm not complaining" Kripa looked down when Abhi pulled on her lengha "you're not going to hold her Abhi"

"Uncle" he whined "aunty isn't letting me hold Hayaa"

Angad picked him up "but aunty is right. Hayaa can fall if you hold her"

Abhi crossed his arms angry while Angad and Kripa laughed at his pout. Ayush walked towards them seeing them stand together "what are you doing?"

"Nothing, just came for a walk" Kripa replied

"Boring" he sighed "Abhi let's go play hide and seek with the rest" he stretched his hands up "you want to play uncle?"

"No, I'll play some other time" he let Abhi down and watched the two boys run towards the crowd of kids "you know I always thought that it would be fun to play with Aditya's children when he was getting married. I thought they would be my new best friends but then my relationship changed with all of them"

Kripa looked towards him "you can change it again Angad. Forget old things and make a new start" Angad's looked at her confused "why don't you talk to your brother about it once? Maybe he'll understand"

Angad shook his head smiling sadly "he'll never understand Kripa. I know him better than you" and he walked back inside leaving Kripa gazing at his back.