Beete Lamhe(AK):I'M BACK!! NOTE:Page 154(21/09)!! - Page 99

hey u r confusing me.....
plz tell the plan....
continue soon

thanks for pm

hey i just finally cought up with this ff and u say ur almost ending! great timing, anywho please pm me when u do update next!

awesomee parttt....i just caught up with your ff and itss reallyy GOOOD:D

Part 41:

Kripa helped Angad out of the car, making sure he got out safely with that blindfold on his eyes. She looped her arm through his and led him up the stairs into the mansion. She positioned him in the center of the big living room and counted to 3 before removing the blindfold. Angad opened his eyes and they immediately focused on the big picture in front of him. Their first picture ever. He smiled at it and looked around the living room which also had other pictures of them like their prom picture, their picture from the cruise, a picture of him, Kripa, and Riddhima, their engagement picture, their wedding picture. In the middle, there was a large picture from their engagement. All their friends, Kripa's parents, Riddhima, and the lovely couple in the center.

He noticed that all the pictures were framed identically though the picture sizes varied. The solid black frames looked elegant against the rich white paint of the walls. He looked around the room which contained a white 8 piece sectional sofa and a black 8 piece sectional sofa set up in a way so that they created a square in the centre of the room around a big square glass coffee table. Along the walls, there were fancy black tables, with various decorative items on them.

He recalled this setting of the living room from their planning of their dream house years ago. She'd remembered it all. She'd made the house exactly how they had planned it. After circling his eyes around the room once, his eyes focused on Kripa's face.

"You like it?" she asked nervously.

"No I don't...I LOVE it." He walked to her slowly and cupped her tiny face between his large hands. "You remembered...you made it exactly how we had dreamt of our house...do you know how much it means to me?"

She nodded as her eyes filled tears. He hugged her, putting her head on his chest.

"I Love You Kripa." He confessed.

"I Love you too. I Love you too Angad." She thought, desperate to say the three words to him. She sniffed as she pulled apart.

"Let's go...you still have a lot to see."

Angad followed her and watched her as she excitedly showed him around the house. After they stepped out of their bedroom, Kripa stopped at the door right next to theirs.

"Okay, this room is very special. This is my favourite room in the entire house and there is a surprise for you in here." Kripa opened the door and led him in. Angad's breath was caught in his throat as he took in the layout of the room. Apart from all the toys in the room, he noticed that the walls weren't painted yet. All the furniture was still white and covered in clear plastic coverings. Smack in the middle of the room, there were cribs. Two of them. Sobs and smiles came into his expressions at the same time. He whirled around to face Kripa, who still stood by the door, biting her bottom lip to control her own tears.

"Twins?" was all he could say. He was at a loss of words that would express his happiness. He went and embraced her again, thanking her over and over again. When he squeezed her too hard, Kripa called his name in a warning tone. He thought that was because he'd hugged her for so long. He'd promised to keep his distance. He simply pulled apart and apologized.

"Um, how come this room is incomplete?" He inquired.

Kripa: I don't know the genders of the babies...I want that to be a surprise...so after my delivery I'll finish this room.

- - -

"Riddhima?? Riddhima!! Riddhima??!!" Armaan yelled at the top of his lungs as he walked into his house where Riddhima was waiting for him.

Riddhima came sprinting out of the kitchen at his alarmed tone of voice. She saw him in the middle of the living room, curled up into a ball on the floor. Startled, she ran to his and kneeled beside him.

Riddhima: Armaan! Armaan, can you hear me? Talk to me Armaan...look at me...are you hurt?

"Get....up...Riddhima..........I need...a....hand!" He sounded like he was in pain. She got up and lent out a hand. Then it happened very quickly. In a couple of seconds, he was no longer curled into a ball but he was kneeling in front of her. The next second he pulled out a red velvet box out of his coat's pocket. The fourth second, he opened the box to reveal a 5-diamond ring. And the fifth second...

"I Love you with all my heart and power. You're the most important thing to me in this entire universe. Will you marry me?" He asked with a sheepish smile on his face.

Riddhima glared at him and hit his hand, tossing the ring into the corner of the room. It all began with a kick. Armaan yelped as Riddhima started kicking and punching him.

"You idiot!! You nearly gave me a heart attack! What on earth is wrong with you? Is this how you propose to your girlfriend?" Her tantrums and violence came to a stop. "Oh...wait a minute...you....you just proposed to me!" She breathed.

"Yeah! No kidding!" Armaan rubbed his bruise on his bum.

Riddhima covered her mouth with one hand and jumped up and down like a fan-girl.

Riddhima: oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my god! Yes, yes, and YES!! Yes I'll marry you!

"WAIT!!" Armaan yelled as he searched around for the ring. He kneeled to the box, picked up the ring and held it up for her again. Riddhima giggled and slipped her ring finger through it. At the same instance, Armaan jumped onto his feet and lifted Riddhima so that her face was at the same height as his.

"I love you" He didn't say the words out loud, nor did he whispered them. He mouthed them which made it all the more cuter. Usually, it was always Armaan who initiated an intimate moment or a kiss. That was exactly the reason why he was taken by surprised when she touched her lips to his. This was their special day; she wanted to let him know that she belongs only to him. She deepened the kiss, arousing him further. When he felt his self-control slipping, he gently put her on the floor and tried to break the lip lock. She held his head close once he tried to pull apart. He didn't realize what she was doing until she looked into his deep eyes and whispered two words to him: Don't' Stop.

He smiled at her, looking back into her deep brown eyes as he scooped her into his arms and walked to the bedroom. He kissed her one more time after placing her on the bed.

"Riddhima..." he began.

Riddhima: shh...don't say anything Armaan...I know what you want to ask me...And Yes...I am absolutely sure this is what I want. I Love You Armaan.

She rarely asked him for anything. How could he refuse her this? Especially when a significant part of him wanted the same. To go past any limits that may have been set by them before. The two lovers surrendered to their instincts, passion, and their first union.

- - -

Later in the evening, Armaan and Riddhima went to Angad's house to share the good news. Kripa was reading the fourth book of The Twilight Saga while Angad was on his laptop when Riddhima ran in screaming, startling both Kripa and Angad. Angad nearly tossed his laptop off of his lap.

"I'm engaged! I'm engaged! I'm engaged!!" she screamed, jumping up and down on the same spot. Armaan walked in, looking surprised. Kripa ran towards Riddhima, nearly tripping and falling flat on her stomach. Angad's iron grip around her hand helped her regain her balance. As soon as she had her balance, she rushed towards Riddhima again. The two women hugged each other and squirmed like school-girls. Armaan and Angad exchanged surprised looks.

"So, Riddhima has agreed Angad...now we'll let the elders take over...that is you and Kripa by the way..." Armaan gave a sheepish smile.

"Elders my foot! I think Angad should talk to mom about..." Kripa began but was interrupted by Angad.

"No", Angad roared. "I will decide the engagement date and the wedding date as well. I'm sorry but I hope you understand Riddhima."

"I was actually hoping you would say this bhai. I'm sorry Armaan but you know how things are with our mother." Riddhima walked to him. Kripa and Armaan exchanged quick glances.

After some general discussions, Kripa and Riddhima went into the kitchen to arrange something to eat. Riddhima had been in her own world and completely missed Kripa staring at her. Kripa cleared her throat as she leaned her elbows on the kitchen counter, leaning closer. Riddhima looked up and raised an eyebrow.

Kripa: Oh come on! Just spill already.

Riddhima stole looks, blood rushing to her cheeks. "Spill what?" She asked.

Kripa: Riddhima...I'm not an idiot. There is a glow on your face...

Riddhima: yeah! The new face mask....works great...you should try it...I got it from the spa in the mall...

Kripa: yeah, cut the crap. If not the glow...then the red marks on your neck...Either way...I know what the glow is all about...and I'm not going to judge you...

Riddhima: you don't think it's wrong that...that...it...we....you know...it...

Kripa: happened out of wedlock?

Riddhima: yeah...I mean...he kept looking at me afterwards as if he was waiting for anger or regret or something...

Kripa: alright...let me tell you something...Angad and me......our first time was before we even got engaged...Riddhima...as long as you two were sure of it, and one didn't force the other into it and there is no sense of regret after it...it's not wrong. And I really can't judge you when I've done it before engagement with my boyfriend...then out of wedlock with my fianc...and then again with my cousin's fianc...the first two are still acceptable...third...not so much.

Riddhima: hey...you just said as long as you two were sure of it, and one didn't force the other into it....It's not wrong. Besides, you helped Simone out if anything...She would have never gotten the happiness she deserves with Angad. And it's not like your boyfriend, fianc, and Simone's fianc were three different men...it's the same man...the man you're married to, the man you Love.

Kripa broke the eye contact and stood up straight. After a couple of seconds of just standing there, she made her way to the exit.

"Deny it as much as you want but in your heart you know you love him. I obviously don't know what you and Armaan are up to, but I'm ignoring all of that...and so I know you still love him. Why can't you just stop denying it for once?" Riddhima's voice came out a bit louder than she'd wanted it to.

Kripa turned her head halfway, still not looking at Riddhima. "I'm not denying it Riddhima...I just can't admit it."

Riddhima stood staring at the kitchen doorway after Kripa disappeared. Kripa's statement had confused her. She didn't know what to make out of it. She sighed and decided to not look too much into it.

- - -

When Kripa and Riddhima descended the stairs of the house, their living room was full of people. All the furniture had been moved by Angad and Armaan and a few of their work friends. Kanya and Ranbir had flown in from India to attend the engagement. Simone, Nishant and his daughter Palak were also in the room chattering away with other guests. Armaan and Angad stood away from the crowd, near the foot of the stairs and chatted away. Kripa heard Riddhima's breaths coming out in little gasps. Riddhima gave her a dirty look when she giggled.

Kripa: I'm sorry Riddhima...it's just...you reminded me of me...and don't worry, relax. It's only your engagement...wait until your wedding day.

Riddhima really gasped out loud at that one. Even Armaan and Angad turned around, alarmed.

Kripa: don't worry guys. It's a girl thing.

Angad looked at Kripa and smiled warmly at her. The way she cautiously stepped down the stairs, one hand around Riddhima and one hand on her baby bump, which was quite huge in Angad's words. Kripa was finishing the 7^th month of her pregnancy. Two more months more to go. Angad couldn't be happier. He had his hopes on the saying "a child brings a mother and a father closer". Apart from the fact that he desperately wanted to see his kids, he desperately wanted everything to get better between him and Kripa. A snap in front of his face brought him out of his thoughts.

Kripa: nervous?

Angad: no, not really...why?

Kripa: Oh, well...you're giving away your sister today...pretty much...thought you'd be nervous...

Angad: Oh I'm sorry...I forgot to clear that up. Armaan, I'm not giving away my sister, I'm bringing you in the family.

Armaan: oh I absolutely don't mind! Actually, I wouldn't have it any other way because I know how much she loves you two. I can't take you away from you even if I wanted to.

Kripa: how come you're standing here all alone?

Angad: we already talked to almost everyone...oh...I have a surprise for you.

Angad pointed towards Ranbir and Kanya. Kripa smiled wide as she rushed towards her cousin and her best friend. Kanya gasped and rushed towards Kripa to slow her down while Ranbir frowned at her. After an exchange of hugs and affection, Ranbir became serious. He looked past Kripa, at Angad, then back at Kripa.

Ranbir: I hope he's keeping you happy.

Kripa: Trust me Ranbir...I haven't been happier in my life.

Ranbir: I'm glad. So, how is my niece or nephew doing?

Kripa: oh...could be nieces or nephews or a niece and a nephew.

Ranbir: huh?

Kanya: Oh my gosh! Get out! Twins?

Kanya touched Kripa's belly and grinned wide while Ranbir stared at her dumbfounded.

Ranbir: Oh wow! How come you didn't tell us?

Kripa: well, it was meant to be a surprise but I was too excited and yeah...I'm surprised it didn't get to you. Didn't Prithvi tell you?

Kanya: Prithvi only stayed with us for two days, and then he left for his work conferences and stuff. I guess it must have slipped his mind.

Kripa: I guess so; he's been pretty stressed lately.

Ranbir: How is Simone doing?

Kripa: she doesn't really keep contact. She's usually at her friend's house in downtown...I guess she's trying to keep herself busy...

On the other hand, when Angad saw that Simone was standing alone against a pillar, he excused himself from Armaan and Riddhima and walked over to her.

They exchanged a few sentences awkwardly and then Angad sighed.

Angad: Look, Simone. I know I haven't apologized to you yet properly.

Simone: Oh save it Angad. See, I would have never been as happy as Kripa is with you. You were compromising...you didn't have those feelings for me...and one sided feelings always hurt both patrons in a relationship. You did us both a favour. So please...don't worry about me. I'm happy. Especially after seeing Kripa so happy. Just look at her.

Both Angad and Simone looked at Kripa who was laughing and chatting animatedly with the guests.

Simone: I've missed that smile on her face for a long time Angad...Thank you for coming back in her life. And as far as I am concerned...I'll leave it up to you and Kripa to find me someone.

Angad smiled and gave Simone a friendly hug. "You've got yourself a deal."

When the time for the ceremony came, everyone gathered in the centre of the room, and cheered the couple as they exchanged rings. Armaan shamelessly gave her a quick kiss, lifted her in his arms and twirled her around while she blushed scarlet. Kripa, with a wide smile on her face, put her arm around Angad's waist and leaned into him as she watched the so-in-love couple. Her small gesture took Angad by surprise despite the rushing wave of joy inside him. After debating for a quick couple of seconds, he put his arm around her shoulders. Their positioning and proximity caught both Armaan and Riddhima's eyes. They smiled at each other and exchanged satisfied looks.

Despite chief's orders, Armaan and DK had been encouraging Kripa to do what her heart told her to. Mummy-ji also explained that this was her first pregnancy and that Angad and her should live the happy moments together. Kripa had accepted the fact that she had no right to take away these moments from Angad. She was carrying their kids; hence she wasn't missing out on anything. But if she kept him ashore, he was missing out on the development of their babies. Kripa had been slowly opening up to him, talking to him calmly, and rarely lost temper with him. No more harsh sentences. No more mentioning of the incident that took place years ago. Every time she touched him, she could almost feel the waves of joy radiating off of him. The fact that she was giving him happiness brought her happiness.

That night, after the engagement party was over, and after Armaan, Ranbir, and Angad had moved the important furniture into the living room, Angad got a hold of Armaan.

"I want to thank you Armaan. For two things. Firstly, thanks a lot for loving my sister unconditionally." He said as he got emotional.

"Come on Angad, don't get all filmy on me now..." Armaan laughed.

"And secondly...thank you for bringing me and Kripa closer...I know you're helping us." Angad smiled.

"Well, not really. I just listen to her when she needs someone to talk to. Most of the time, she figures it out on her own. She wants to make this work, Angad. And as for her tantrums sometimes, it's called mood swings buddy...very common in pregnancy from what I hear." Armaan responded with an honest opinion of his.

- - -

Kripa lay on the bed with her eyes closed; waiting for sleep to come to her while Angad sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard with his laptop in his lap. The movement of Kripa's stomach as she took a deep breath caught his attention. An automatic smile appeared on his face as he involuntarily moved the laptop from his lap. He took his glasses off and put them to the side before scooting a little closer to her. He extended his hand to touch her belly as he recalled how excited she'd been when the babies had first moved. He'd been keeping his distance and hadn't had the chance to witness the movements. His hand lingered a couple of inches from her belly while he debated whether or not he should go ahead. What if she woke up? What if she got upset?

"Go on, touch it." Kripa said after watching him for a while.

A startled Angad turned around and looked at her apologetically. Kripa gently put his hand on her stomach. A few seconds later, Angad felt a nudge against his palm. His smile widened and he continued staring at his hand. Kripa was staring at him with a smile on her face. She slowly propped herself so that the little of her back was resting on the headboard. What she did next totally took Angad by a surprise. She put her hand behind his head and gently rested his head against her stomach after moving her night-shirt out of the way. They stayed like that for minutes. Angad enjoying the little judges his little ones gave him as well as the way Kripa's fingers caressed his hair. Kripa enjoyed seeing Angad happy, smiling, and giggling as well. Content with their lives, she drifted into sweet slumber.

- - -

Angad groaned and opened his eyes after hearing someone calling for him constantly. He waited in bed for the person to call his name again. When the person did call him, He frowned and dragged himself out of bed. He walked to the railing and looked down into the living room. His frown deepened as he made his way down the stairs. Naina Khanna. Why was she here now?

"Hi.....mom." his voice was dripping with sarcasm.

She turned around to face him with a huge grin on her face. She gave him a hug and parted before Angad could return the hug. Angad crossed his arms across his chest as he took a seat opposite her.

Angad: what brings you here?

Naina: Come on Angad. Let's not start that again. I'm here for a few months now.

Angad: That is great. I'll have the apartment set up for you.

Naina: why the apartment? I'll live here. With you and Simone and Riddhima.

Angad: firstly, Riddhima lives with her fianc.

Naina: WHAT!?! YOU GOT HER ENGAGED? TO WHO? IS THE BOY RICH?

Angad: can you look past money, for once? Yes the boy is rich. He's my friend. Armaan Malik. And yes I got them engaged. They're in love. I won't let you mess up her life like you tried to mess mine up. Riddhima will get the one she loves.

Naina: You don't understand Angad. I've made your life better. Simone is the perfect girl for you.

Angad: as I was saying....firstly, Riddhima lives with her fianc. And secondly, I didn't marry Simone.

Naina: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND ANGAD? NOW PRITHVI WON'T MERGE OUR COMPANIES! WHAT ON EARTH IS WRONG WITH YOU? HOW COULD YOU BE SO SELF-CENTERED? DIDNT YOU THINK ABUOT THE BUSINESS?

Angad: If I were you, I wouldn't utter a word about selfishness. Do YOU ever think past money and business? Did you ever put your children first?

Naina: whatever Angad! Now I'm going to have to find you another girl. God, you just increased difficulties for me.

Angad: this is something you won't have to deal with...You don't need to find a girl for me. I'm married.

Naina: alright. Now you're making me angry. If you didn't marry Simone, who did you marry?

"Me." The voice came from the little balcony-ish hall upstairs that looked over the living room. Naina's head snapped in the direction and shock was frozen on her face. Kripa held Naina's eyes as she started to walk down the stairs until she came and stood beside Angad, in front of Naina. Kripa extended her hand.

"Hello, I'm Mrs. Angad Khanna. It's nice to finally meet you." Kripa smirked.