Unwanted (AK & NP) (completed) - Page 3

Chapter Nineteen

"Saamia, you're not only hurting Angad, your hurting yourself as well" Swati said "Don't punish yourself and Angad, you've been through enough"

"I can't. I'm ashamed. When I met kripa, her eyes complained to me. She said nothing but her eyes complained"

"Why are you thinking about kripa? Why don't you think about your son? What he went through all these months"

Tears spilled out of her eyes "Why did he do this?"

"It was destiny, think of it as his fate. No one on this earth is perfect and Angad is amongst them"

"Swati, you have a big heart" saamia looked towards her "after all the things Angad has done to your daughter, you're still supporting him"

"It's not about having a big heart. It's about the truth. I know the truth, you know the truth. I've accepted my daughter's mistakes. What Angad did wasn't right as well but kripa provoked him"

"She may have but Angad had no right to touch her inappropriately, to act so violently, to rape her" her voice cracked as she said the last words

"In the same way kripa had no right to provoke Angad, to make his life hell"

"Please Swati; stop giving his side, stop trying to prove him an innocent soul. What he did; I can't forgive him for it, unless Kripa does and his father, there my first priority in this case" and she walked away.

"How are you feeling now?" Anjali asked, nearly three weeks later

"Tired and bored"

Anjali smiled, this was Kripa being herself, complaining about something or the other "well, you have to cope with it for now, your still physically unfit and there going to keep you here at least two weeks more after your baby is born, well depending on your condition"

"That means there's still a whole month" she exclaimed "please, I'm human, not a machine to bear another month"

"What about Angad. He wasn't a machine either that he had to bear all he did" she blurted.

"Anjali" she looked away, a little uncomfortable with the situation "please, I know it was my fault and I'm guilty for it but it's not necessary for you to blame me and make me feel guiltier"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that, but shall I say something" she paused "What do you think Angad has been feeling all these months?"

"Anjali, please, I don't want to talk about it"

"You never will want to, for all these months Angad's been hearing everyone blame him. His own parents have emotionally disowned him because of you, do you know how lonely he was all these months. If it was not for your mother and his friends, god knows what he would have done to himself; you've still got everyone to support you"

Kripa looked down, culpable. Why couldn't she get rid of the guilt?

Angad watched Kripa sleep soundly. She must have been tired, he thought. He would never come when she was awake. He still didn't have the courage to face her. But he couldn't stay without seeing her as well. His fingers caressed her rosy cheeks. She looked beautiful. She was smiling, whilst she slept, her hand cuddling her bloated stomach. He leaned down o kiss her forehead when he heard her fathers voice "don't you dare touch her"

Angad stood up immediately. He looked down at Kripa; she shifted and stirred but fell into a deep slumber again. He looked back at his father in law, who stood in front of him furious.

Vivek walked forward "stay away from my daughter" he pointed his finger towards him "Today Swati isn't here to back you up, I'm warning you, don't come near her. You have no right on her after all the pain you caused her"

Angad looked down "Dad --"

"Don't" he put his hand up "don't call me dad, we have no relation"

Embarrassed Angad's already descended head, descended more. "I-I wont hurt her" he uttered.

"I don't believe you; I just know that I don't want you anywhere near my daughter" he retorted

"Please, I won't do anything; I just want to see her everyday"

"You've lost your right. You should have thought about it the day you harmed my daughter"

Tears trickled down his cheek "I'm sorry; I was wrong but please, please let me see her when she's asleep at least"

"I said no, don't you understand"

"Please" he pleaded

"You wont listen to me, will you?" Angad looked down "Fine, then I'll just have to do what I've been willing to do for a long time and no body can stop me"

Angad looked up, his eyes questioning. "What—what are you going to do?" he asked hesitantly

"I'm going to visit the lawyer and finally release my daughter from this legal commitment" he glared at Angad "then nobody can stop me from stopping you to meet her"

"No" Angad suddenly spoke "no, you wont do anything, please"

"I don't care anymore" vivek walked out of the room, with Angad following behind "I've had enough of this, I'm going to make sure kripa divorces you"

"Listen" Angad held onto his arm, vivek turned and glared at Angad glancing at his arm "I'm sorry" he moved his hand back.

"You better be" he huffed and walked to the exit.

"Dad, what's this?" kripa asked four days later, as he handed her some papers.

"Divorce papers"

Angad stood outside the room, watching his relationship end. He had decided, if she was happy with it, he wouldn't protest, after all, Kripa's father was right, he had harmed her and he deserved to be punished.

"Divorce papers" kripa repeated horrified "but dad"

"Come on kripa. There's no use of this relationship"

"There is no use" she whispered

Angad's heart shrunk. She wanted a divorce. She didn't want to give there marriage another chance. He quickly wiped the tears framing his eyes and walked to the bathroom with a heavy heart.

"Exactly, even you agree. Sign the papers, then I'll submit them for you so they can send him a legal notice"

"Dad" she took his hand "I don't want a divorce"

Her father looked at her stunned "Kripa, he destroyed your life"

"He did, but at the same time he gave me something I cherish, my baby" her hands held onto her swollen stomach "and what I did with him was wrong, I cant punish him to this extent and—and" she hesitated

"And what?" her father demanded

She looked up "I'm willing to give my marriage another chance"

He looked at her in disbelief "I will not let you be anywhere near that beast"

"Dad" she spoke "listen to me" she held her stomach "It will take me time to forgive him and maybe I'll never be comfortable with him ever again but I need to give this marriage a chance, for my baby" She sighed "please dad, don't take me wrong but if I ever feel I need to take such decisions, I'll do it myself, this matter is between me and Angad"

Frustrated, her father took the papers from her hand "fine" he ripped the costly papers in half "do what you want" and he stomped out of the room, with kripa calling behind him.

"You took the right decision kripa" her mother assured.

"I know, but now dad's angry with me" she said as tears welled her eyes "what shall I do?" She spoke helplessly

"If you keep your dad in mind, you'll never be able to do anything" kripa looked towards her mother "I'm right" Swati wiped kripa's tears "Your dad is against Angad, he'll never allow you to build up your relationship"

"Mom, I'm only doing this for my son and to lessen my guilt, not to build a relationship"

"Kripa" her mother held her chin "until you don't try, you'll never be able to forgive him"

"Mom, he doesn't care" she blurted "he's only concerned about his child, nothing else, that's why he never comes to meet me"

"He does"

"Mom" she replied incredulously "I'm not blind; I know what's going on around me. I've never seen Angad come and visit me, he's never here"

"He's always here. He hardly leaves the hospital. Its only your fathers several warnings and his shame and guilt which has caused him not to face you" she held kripa's hand "He's here, next to you when your asleep"

Kripa looked into her mother's brown eyes. She saw the truth. Is Angad really this ashamed and guilty? She thought

"Mom, if kripa wants to give me a divorce I'm ready" Angad informed

Swati looked at Angad in surprise "Who said she wants a divorce?"

"Mom, she's unhappy with me, with my doings. She admitted there's no point of our relationship"

"Angad" she lifted his face "she doesn't want a divorce"

"Mom, your just trying to soothe me, please don't hide the truth, I know the truth"

"I'm not lying, would I lie to you?"

He looked into her smiling eyes "mom, does she really not want a divorce?"

"Yes" she spoke honestly "she told me herself. She refused her father and now he's angry. She was upset but she didn't want a divorce"

"Really?" he said with hope in his eyes

"Yes" she smiled. He smiled after so long, it seemed he had forgotten how to smile. Tears of happiness shimmered in his eyes "Angad, I don't want your hopes shattering but for now her decision is for your baby. She doesn't want her son to suffer"

His smile weakened a little "It's a start mom, at least she's thinking about our child. She'll be a good mother" kripa's mother smiled and took him into her arms.

Angad was startled as kripa caught his hand and opened her eyes "I-I just came to see you"

"If you want to see me, then see me when I'm awake, why do you always come when I'm asleep"

"How do you know?" he questioned "I mean, I don't"

"Don't lie Angad" taking support from the bed, she sat up "mom told me everything"

Angad lowered his eyes "I'm sorry, I can't help seeing you. I know you don't like to see me"

"I told you before Angad, I can't forgive you now, but it doesn't mean I'm stopping you to see me"

"I don't want to hurt you, I've hurt you enough"

"So have I Angad, why are you always blaming yourself? It's wrong to blame yourself all the time"

"Then forgive me" he looked at her, taking her hand "forgive me and I'll stop blaming myself"

She looked away "I can't" she looked at him "please Angad, don't force me, it wont be from my heart it will only be in say"

Angad closed his eyes tightly, then opened them and looked down, avoiding her eyes "I understand, I know, that's why I blame myself because I know I was wrong" tears started to form "I was wrong, that's why you cant forgive me, even if you do I'll never be able to forgive myself—never" he whispered as tears choked his voice "excuse me" he stood up and quickly walked out, whilst kripa called his name.

It hurt her; it hurt a lot seeing him so broken, so weak. He was never this weak. His guilt was making her guilty and she hated the feeling. Why did she feel this? Why did he affect her? Why did she want to comfort him in her arms, when she hadn't forgiven him? It was guilt, she decided as she sat wiping her tears

Angad drove in New York's evening traffic, tears dissolving in his skin. Why couldn't he control those tears in front of kripa? He never cried when he was younger but his loneliness, his guilt, everything forced him to cry. To distract himself he switched on the radio, playing Lonely.

Lonely I'm so lonely,
I have nobody,
To call my owwnnn
I'm so lonely, I'm mr. Lonely
I have nobody,
To call my owwnnn
Im so lonely,

Yo this one here goes out to all my playas out there ya kno got to have one good girl whose always been there like ya.

Kno took all the bullshit then one day she cant take it no more and decides to leave

I woke up in the middle of the night and I noticed my girl wasn't by my side, coulda sworn I was dreamin, for her I was

Feenin, so I hadda take a little ride, back tracking ova these few years, tryna figure out wat I do to make it go bad, cuz

Ever since my girl left me, my whole left life came crashin

Im so lonely (so lonely),
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own) girl
Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own) girl

Angad parked his car at the central park. He had to stop driving; otherwise he would get himself into an accident. He had already upset everyone; he didn't want to add to it. He kept the music playing. It was so similar to his life. He was lonely, left alone. His mother in law and friends were the only ones he could call his own. Everyone else was strangers. His own parents had disowned him emotionally. Kripa, he couldn't call her his own. After all he did, he had no right to call her his own.

Cant belive I hadda girl like you and I just let you walk right outta my life, after all I put u thru u still stuck

Around and stayed by my side, what really hurt me is I broke ur heart, baby you were a good girl and I had no right, I

Really wanna make things right, cuz without u in my life girl

Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody to call my own)
To call my own (to call my own) girl
Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own) girl

It was true, without kripa, his life was so lonely. Those few months were so hard to spend without her. He was still lonely, but he satisfied himself, telling himself, kripa is safe now. He wondered would he live the rest of his life like this. Would he be a lonely soul all his life?

Been all about the world ain't neva met a girl that can take the things that you been through

Never thought the day would come where you would get up and run and I would be out chasing u

Cuz aint nowhere in the globe id rather be, aint noone in the globe id rather see then the girl of my dreams that made me

Be so happy but now so lonely
So lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own)
Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own) girrll

Kripa had given him happiness. She was so open and so wifely with him after she had returned from California, almost one and a half years ago. Those days were his happiest, so blissful and idyllic. They may have not been together in full terms but she was with him emotionally and that was enough for him. Now, he had lost her. His one act had him tumbling down, being left alone, being so lonely in this world.

Never thought that id be alone, I didnt hope you'd be gone this long, I jus want u to come home, so stop playing girl and

Come on home (come on home), baby girl I didn't mean to shout, I want me and you to work it out, I never wished Id ever

Hurt my baby, and its drivin me crazy cuz...
Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own)
Im so lonely (so lonely)
Im mr. Lonely (mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
To call my own (to call my own) girll
Lonely, so lonely
So lonely, (so lonely),
Mr. Lonely, so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, (so lonely), Mr. Lonely

Every word was true. He had never thought he would be left so lonely, so forlorn in this world. If he hadn't committed that one mistake, he wouldn't be they way he was today. He really wanted to hold kripa in his arms, to give there marriage another chance, but he didn't deserve it. He had hurt her. Not only physically but emotionally and he would never forgive himself for his grave sin. He immediately switched the radio off before another morose song started to play. His head lowered to the steering wheel, as his hands held it, crying his heart out. He was left alone and it was all his fault. Only his fault.

"How's Arun doing? He must have grown. He was tiny when he was born"

"He's fine. Neev really hates him these days. You know neev, he's very childish at times" prachi replied

"Yeah" kripa shifted uncomfortably.

"what's wrong?" prachi asked concerned.

"Nothing, I just feel a little uneasy"

"Its normal, especially in your last month of pregnancy. You feel uneasy and uncomfortable all the time"

"yeah" she sighed "I guess" she paused "I want some rest, can you help me lower the bed, My back is aching sitting up all day"

"sure" prachi lowered the level of the bed and left, leaving kripa to sleep.

The minute kripa fell asleep, Angad walked in. There was only two weeks left and she would be sitting there with there baby in her arms, His baby. Would he ever get a chance to hold his baby? He thought. His hands caressed her bulky stomach, where the baby lay. The baby kicked. He smiled affectionately. It kicked again and continued. Kripa started moaning in pain as she clutched Angad's hand on her stomach. Angad looked down at her as her eyes opened and closed, whilst she moaned in pain.

"Kripa" he spoke alarmed "are you alright?"

"Angad" she moaned "Angad"

"Nurse" Angad called "Nurse" he shouted louder this time, holding kripa's hand tighter.

Kripa's parents came running in with prachi behind them "what happened?" prachi asked.

"She's—"

Before he could reply, kripa's father pushed Angad's hand out of kripa's "What have you done to her? I told you to stay away" he accused

Angad moved back, watching kripa cry in pain, uttering words which were incomprehensible. His heart pounded in his chest, watching her so miserably. If only he could take her pain away.

The nurse rushed in for her aid, immediately sending all attendants outside. Juan joined the nurse a few minutes later. They moved her to the labour room and he called for Dr ridimaa. She arrived instantly and took over.

"What happened?" Vivek asked

"Her contractions have started; we're going to have to deliver her baby now"

"But—but there's two weeks till she's due, Juan" Angad intervened, ignoring the glare of his father in law

"I was expecting it; she's been in coma and hasn't really been on her feet, so there hasn't been a lot of exercise. It was likely to happen"

"She'll be alright, wont she?"

"She'll be fine, relax. Dr ridimaa will tell you further, I'm not a gynaecologist"

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous seeing her in pain"

"I understand "Juan pressed his shoulder "she'll be just fine, now relax"

"Congratulations Angad, It's a boy" ridimaa informed, after four hours.

Angad smiled broadly "How is kripa feeling?"

"She's fine, asleep for now. She's really tired"

"How's my baby?"

"He's fine, very cute though. He's had a premature birth so he's going to be placed in the incubator as soon as he's cleaned up"

"Thank you ridi, I'm very thankful"

"what are friends for" she patted him, then turned towards Swati and prachi "You can meet her in a while. We just need to shift her back into her room"

"Thank you ridi, you're a good person"

"No aunty, kripa is my friend and as a doctor it was my responsibility" She smiled genuinely and left to take care of the arrangements.

"Mama, where's my baby?" kripa asked as soon as she gained conscious.

"He's in the incubator, He'll be here in a few moments for you to see, don't worry"

Kripa's eyes sparkled with delight, but being a mother worry took over "Is he alright?"

"yes, don't worry, he's premature so they have to keep him in there"

Everyone met her one by one, congratulating her, but her eyes searched for Angad. Where was he? She remembered her father accusing him, but what happened after that? "Mom" she asked hesitantly "Is Angad here?"

"he is" she sighed "He's outside, your father doesn't want him anywhere near you or the baby" she whispered

Just then the nurse came inside with the baby packed with the white woollen cover. Kripa smiled widely, sitting up with all her strength, then stretching her hands out for her baby. The nurse smiled, she handed the bundle of joy in her arms and left to give the family a little privacy. Kripa looked down at her son. He was handsome like his dad, she thought. His face was red and eyes were beautiful, inheriting the colour and size from his father. His face was swollen but the thick mop of hair was still enough to cover his head. Kripa held him close and kissed his cheek, welcoming him into her life.

The family rushed into the room, gathering around her trying to catch a glimpse of the newborn. They stretched there hands here and there, wanting to hold the baby, whilst kripa giggled at there eagerness. Suddenly her eyes caught sight of Angad, who secretly watched them with a smile playing on his lips. His eyes were stuck on tiny bundle in her arms. She smiled tenderly and called out "Angad"

The room filled with silence. Some smiled with delight, whilst some looked angry at her call. Angad's face flushed with embarrassment. He had been caught. Looking down, he walked into the room. Seconds later the nurse returned "Sorry to interrupt you but only two people are allowed to stay, it's rules I'm afraid, your disturbing other patients"

"Sorry nurse" Swati apologized

"It's alright, I know your all excited, its natural but rules are rules, I'll be back to take the baby back in half an hour" and she left them to decide.

"Mom, please stay" kripa requested

"sure"

The others looked at kripa expectantly, whilst Angad still gazed at the floor with a weak smile playing on his manly lips. "Angad, don't you want to see our baby?" she asked.

Understanding, the rest of the family walked out, with her father frowning. Angad looked up and walked to her bedside. Kripa's mother smiled and made him space to sit. Kripa handed him the baby carefully as he looked at his son with glee. Oh, how vunerable he felt holding his baby with kripa next to him. "He looks like you" he heard her say. He looked towards her and smiled tearfully. Holding the baby to his chest, he leaned down and kissed his fleshy cheeks.

"Thank you kripa, thank you" he whispered as he showered his son with kisses.

Kripa smiled back, tearful herself, watching her husband and her son. Her family. She moved forward, holding the baby's cheek "His got your eyes Angad"

"He indeed does, but that nose is definitely yours, so cute" he said, gently pulling it, causing the baby to cry "Oh, I'm so sorry"

"Angad" kripa complained "you made him cry" she took the baby in her arms, patting "your not supposed to pull his nose"

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it"

"I know, but still, your not supposed to pull his nose, your hands are massive, it must have hurt"

"come on kripa, I didn't mean to" Angad replied, caressing the babies head.

They continued to argue, whilst Swati looked down at the couple. This baby would be lucky for them. They looked so perfect arguing like a normal couple. This baby had come to help his parents bond, she thought and silently walked out with a broad smile.

Faiza

Chapter Twenty

Almost a month had gone by. Kripa's delivery had relaxed her, allowing her recover much faster. She still couldn't walk without support, but was more than glad that she was going home in a few days.

Angad and kripa still had awkward moments but ignored them. They had decided to disregard those moments and live in the present, although she still hadn't forgiven him. They were more like on friendly terms. They would talk but never get close. The past incidents were still fresh in there minds.

They had named there son Abeer. It meant colour. They hoped he would spread the colours of happiness in there lives, making them proud parents. His colours would spread light in there lives. They may have not had a happy married life so far, but they wanted to be great parents and proud parents. This blessing would bring new colours to there life. They would learn the importance of colour. It was just like relationships, the darker the colour the more likely the relationship is to be disastrous, the brighter the healthier the relationship.

On one hand, kripa was happy about her discharge, which was four days later, but her father had been bugging her about where to live. Yes, she loved her father, but she didn't want to separate Abeer from his father for there mistakes. Her father always coaxed her, trying to persuade her to go with him to India. It was again one of those days.

"Look kripa, there's no use of staying here. What has angad given you? Pain, torture"

"Dad, I know you love me, but I can't punish Abeer for our doings"

"What do you mean by our doings? It wasn't your fault, it was his"

"Dad, we've talked about this before. I know what I did was wrong, so please don't try to mislead me"

"Mislead you, I'm not misleading, I'm trying to guide you, take you away from trouble. I don't trust that boy. He'll hurt you again and I won't take it"

"Dad, he wont, I won't give him the chance to. Last time I went to the extent that he committed the sin but this time I won't let him complain"

"No, it was him, he was bad, and that's why he hurt you"

"Dad please"

"What please, its final kripa, you and Abeer are coming back to India with us"

"No dad, I'm not and so isn't Abeer. Abeer has the full right to live his father"

"Then leave him here, give him to angad, but your not staying here"

"Dad, I'm his mother, I can't leave him alone—"

"Exactly, then your both coming"

"No dad, I'm a grown up woman now. I have a right to make my own decisions"

"Kripa, I'm your father"

"And dad, I'm a married woman, your responsibilities have been handled to angad and I will stay by my husband's side"

"He lost his right to those responsibilities the day he harmed you"

"Dad, it's my final decision, I'm not going back with you and I mean it, I don't care what you think but I'm staying here"

"Fine, don't run back to me when he hurts you again" he screamed and left in anger

"Mom is dad really not going to see me?" kripa asked a week later. She was getting discharged, but her dad hadn't returned to see her again. He didn't come and visit her once since that day.

"He's just angry kripa. He'll come as soon as his anger has melted and it won't be too long"

"But mom, why doesn't he understand? I don't want Abeer to be deprived of fatherhood and I can't punish Angad more"

"I agree with you. Your fathers just stubborn, as time goes past he'll accept everything and so will you" she said with a hand on kripa's cheek.

"Mom, I feel bad"

"Don't" she said "don't feel bad, otherwise your going to ruin your life again"

"Your right" she sighed "what's taking Angad so long"

"He's probably stuck in formalities"

"Yeah" she looked towards her mother "mom, can I request something?"

"Of course you can, what is it?"

"Can you stay with me for a few days? I mean, I know I have to stay with Angad but just a few days. I still feel, ughh, I can't explain"

"I understand" Swati replied, she held kripa's hand "its not easy kripa, I'll be with you for the time being, until I don't go back to India"

"Thanks mom" kripa said in tears

"Thanks for what, I'm your mother, I don't want you thanking me for things like this"

"Yes mom" she hugged her mother.

"Are you ready kripa?" Angad asked entering her room with a wheelchair.

"Yeah, what's the wheel chair for?"

"Kripa, you still can't walk properly and I don't think you will be able to walk around without moms support"

"Yeah kripa, he's right" Swati supported

"Ok"

Swati helped kripa onto the wheel chair, whilst Angad picked Abeer up in his arms, cuddling him. He kissed his cheeks "you want to hold him or should I?" he asked kripa.

Kripa gestured with her hands out "give him to me"

He handed Abeer to kripa and pushed the wheelchair. Swati walked by his side, helping him every moment. Once they reached outside, kripa breathed in the medicated air around the hospital. Finally, she thought.

Kripa looked around the house. Flashes of that horrific memory came back. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to ignore those memories but they wouldn't go. She looked down at Abeer's smiling face.

Angad also looked around. This house was so empty, so quiet without kripa, he thought. He'd never make such a big mistake again, never.

He pushed the wheelchair, leading her to the sofa. Swati helped her onto the sofa, whilst Angad held Abeer in his hands. He kissed his round cheeks, hoping he wouldn't think of those moments.

"Um, I'll go and sort the guest room out, you can move in there" Angad said, handing Abeer to kripa

"Yeah, that will be better" she said, all of a sudden feeling weird.

As soon as Angad left, Swati sat beside kripa. She held her chin, looking into her eyes "I know it's hard for you to face, but be strong, try to ignore it"

"Yes mom" she lowered her eyes "I'll try my best"

"Now come on, smile"

She smiled.

"Shhh, Abeer, what's wrong?" kripa said, whilst cradling him in her arms. He cried louder, whilst she tried to calm him down. Her mother had gone to collect a few clothes from Angad's parent's house. Kripa heard a faint knock on her door "come in" she said. She looked up to find Angad. "Oh, um Angad, anything wrong?"

"No, I juts came to check. What's wrong with Abeer?"

"Oh" she looked down at her crying baby "I don't know, he's been crying for quite a while, I don't know what's wrong?"

"Can I?" he asked, with his hands stretched.

"Oh, sure" she handed Abeer to Angad.

He cupped Abeer in his arms "what's wrong?" he asked "why's my baby crying?" he said cuddling his cheek. Abeer continued to cry louder. Angad tried his best but he wouldn't stop crying. He sat next to kripa "Have you checked his diaper"

"Yeah, let me check again" she took Abeer, checked his diaper "there's nothing"

"I don't know, he's going red"

"Constipation" kripa said all of a sudden

"What?" Angad asked confused

"I think he has constipation"

"Constipation, when was the last time he—"

"No, it's not that, I think I've been feeding him too much" she patted Abeer's back "Angad, have you got any brown sugar at home?"

"Kripa, I don't keep drugs"

"Stupid, why would I tell you to get drugs" she sighed "I mean the other brown sugar"

"Oh, no, actually I've got to go shopping for the groceries"

"Oh, is there any place close by where you get brown sugar"

"Yeah, I'll go and get it, I'll be back"

"Where's Angad?" Swati asked

"He just left to get brown sugar"

"What for?"

"Abeer's got constipation, I sent him"

Swati smiled, she leaned down and kissed kripa's forehead "thank you for taking my advice"

"Mom" she lowered her eyes "if I want to make things better, I have to live like this"

"I'm sure the next time I see you, this have to, will be a want to"

"The next time you see me" her head shot up "what do you mean?"

"Your father got our tickets booked for next Thursday"

"But--but that's barely a week"

"Kripa, don't worry, I'll keep in contact"

"Dad's still angry, isn't he?" she asked in tears

"No kripa, he loves you, his just being stubborn"

"Mom, don't lie to me"

"I'm not. I assure you, one day he will come back and take you in his arms"

"I know him; he won't--"

She was interrupted "kripa, what shall I do with the brown sugar?" Angad asked coming in to the room. He looked up to see tears in kripa's eyes "did I disturb something?"

"No" kripa quickly wiped her tears "mix the brown sugar in water and pour it in Abeer's bottle"

"Ok" he smiled a little tightly, sensing the tense atmosphere and walked to the kitchen.

"I'll go help him" Swati said "he'll end up doing it wrong"

"I'll miss you mom" kripa said, sobbing in her mothers arms. This whole incident had brought her closer to her mother. She had never been close to her mother as her father. Her father had always listened to every demand, allowing her to do what she desired. Her mother had stopped her, but today she understood why her mother had stopped her at that time. She understood the importance of the things her mother had told her.

"I'll miss you too, I'll phone you as soon as I'm there" then she turned to Angad who held the pushchair securely "take care my of my daughter and grandson" she demanded, then she put her hand on his cheek "and yourself, if you ever want to talk to someone then talk to kripa, but if you need a mother, I'm always there"

Angad smiled, he hugged his mother in law with one hand "I'll make sure this time, don't worry"

"I don't have to, I trust you"

"If you're done with goodbye's can we go?" vivek said irritated

"wait dad" kripa went forward "no matter how angry you are I know you still love me" he turned his face away "I'll miss you" she hugged her father, but got no response "bye dad" she kissed his cheek and moved back.

"Abeer, very bad" kripa sighed. Abeer was a cute six month baby. His features were more evident. His eyes had grown wider, whilst his skin seemed to be brighter. Abeer laughed in response "very naughty, come on, sit still" she held his legs, trying to stop his kicking but he continuously wiggled them "Abeer, come on baby, I've got to change your diaper"

He giggled again. Kripa smiled watching her son giggle. He was adorable at times, but when he was naughty, he was too naughty. After several minutes of struggling with Abeer, kripa sat down, nursing him.

Kripa had decided to stop practicing law for the time being. Abeer needed her attention and she couldn't ignore her baby for her ambitions. He was more precious. She had realized why many Asian women would stop there career after marriage, she now understood the importance of a family. The family was incomplete without all members.

Angad had started working again. Kripa had forced him to. He had left the hospital when kripa had fallen into coma, but his colleagues supported him in front of the dean and soon he was allowed to work after reapplying his job. It had been almost four months he had started working and kripa was happy about it. It made her feel less guilty. She still thought about the time, but it was rarely. The way Angad cared for her and Abeer made her proud. They were more comfortable around each other.

"How was your day?" kripa asked an exhausted Angad, taking his bag.

"Tiring" he sighed "you know that patient I told you about, what's her name, lavanya, thank god she's discharged"

"You sure you glad or you going to miss her" kripa joked

"Oh please, I'm thanking god she's gone. She was a pain in the neck" he said rubbing his neck

"Hmm" kripa handled him a glass of water "it seems you've got the pain in the neck"

"Yeah, I have, where's Abeer?"

"He's asleep. He's become very naughty you know"

"Cute. That's what kids are there for? They take the stress away"

"Yeah, yeah, did dad talk to you today?"

"No, he turned away again"

"I'll visit him tomorrow"

"There's no point kripa"

"There is. If mom can talk to you then so can dad. How's he feeling anyways?"

"He's recovering; his glucose levels are still low but much higher than before" he replied. Angad's father had been admitted into the hospital for his sudden diabetic attack. His sugar levels had suddenly decreased. After five months Angad saw his parents. Kripa would visit them once in a while, but Angad was still ashamed, he couldn't face them. Kripa pleaded him to talk to his parents and he did but his dad didn't melt, he stayed firm on his decision. A mother being softer at heart, allowed his mother to overcome the thin barrier between them.

"Uhmm" she nodded "you hungry?"

"Very"

"Help yourself; it's on the dining table"

"God, everyone should get a wife like you" he said sardonically

"Thank you, I'll take that as a compliment" kripa smiled and walked into her bedroom

"Dad, please, for my sake talk to Angad"

"Kripa, after all he's done to you, you want me to talk to him. Because of him I can't lift my head up proudly. I feel so ashamed"

"Dad if I can forgive him so can you, please"

"Kripa, you don't understand. It's not about forgiveness, it's about what he did and we all know he was wrong"

"No one is justifying him, but humans are humans, they make mistakes" she answered

"Kripa, please, I don't want to—"

"Dad, for me and Abeer, please. If you love me and Abeer you'll talk to him, the decisions on you" she kissed his cheek and left.

"Prachi, where have you been all these days" kripa questioned settling on the sofa with prachi.

"You know, kids and all"

"Yeah" she looked at Arun "his teeth are like neev and I don't really think that is a good idea"

Prachi laughed "yeah, but it holds its own cuteness"

"Yeah, true. Where's neev? Haven't seen him in a while"

"Busy" she sighed "actually, I just fought with him"

"Why?"

"Because he's been busy with his work so much that I feel ignored and I hate every bit of it"

"Come on prachi. He's doing it for you"

"Yeah but I want his time"

"You two need some time alone basically"

"Well yeah, I mean no" prachi said turning away "I didn't mean that"

"I'll keep Arun tonight. You two have your own time"

"Kripa" prachi looked embarrassed "I didn't mean it that way"

"Prachi" she sighed "I've known you long enough, no need to be shy"

"Dad talked to me today" Angad exclaimed, entering the apartment.

Kripa smiled. He had listened to her "great" she took his bag "go and get changed, I'll lay dinner"

"Ok" he turned towards his bedroom to find Arun playing with Abeer, he frowned "they fought again"

"Yeah"

"And as always Arun's staying down"

"Yeah, now don't frown" she said pressing his forehead to straighten the lines "Abeer gets company"

"Yeah" he sighed and left to change

"Angad, I'm going to California"

"Why? I haven't done anything"

"Did I say you did anything?" kripa asked annoyed "not so surprisingly, Anjali's pregnant again"

"Really, congratulations"

"Why are you congratulating me. I'm not pregnant"

"Sorry, wrong words"

"I'm leaving tomorrow. You coming"

"I can't, deans a little strict on me" he took her hands in his "how long you going for?"

"To the most, a week"

"I'll come and get you, I've got three days off for Christmas"

"Ok, but you're not going to eat out, ok. You're going to eat down moms and if you don't do as I say I'm going to get dad on you again"

"Yeah, I know. You always have dad ready to batter me if I do something wrong"

"Well, If, I've got dad, then why shouldn't I?"

"Yeah, yeah. Why's the house so quiet"

"Because Abeer is asleep. If he was awake, all you can hear is him trying to say some word or the other"

"Yeah" Angad sighed. Abeer was almost two years of age. He still remembered his first birthday, he walked and kripa was too happy to say anything. For a second he thought she was dead, when she just stared at him. Abeer was very talkative, but very cute. Kripa loved him to bits. When he requested, Angad and kripa would often lie in one bed, they couldn't refuse there son. It had become a habit so kripa had shifted back to Angad's room. She was hesitant the first few days but it went as the days went by.

"Hmm, seems like your going well"

"Huh" kripa turned around to find Anjali "what are you talking about?"

"Oh, nothing. I said it to you last time, but you being the stubborn person you are; protested"

"Anjali, lets not start again"

"Why? Because I make you realize"

"Shut up anju, I'm not in the mood"

"Why, what's wrong?"

"He hasn't called today, it's almost eleven"

"You're still thinking about him kripa"

"So, he's my husband, I have a right to think about him"

"Are you sure you're not in love with him?"

"Anjali, I just told you to stop this topic and your bringing it again"

"Ok, ok, I won't irritate you. Angad's on his way, kavya's gone to the train station to collect him. He wanted to surprise you—"

"And your not supposed to ruin surprises Anjali" Angad retorted angrily

"Well I just did. Now don't argue. It's bad to argue with a pregnant woman"

"Yeah right"

"Very bad Angad, not a very nice way to greet me"

"Ok, congratulations Anjali, you've got another intruder coming on its way" he joked

Kripa and Kavya laughed whilst Anjali gave him a grumpy look "come on Anjali, go to sleep, it's late" Kavya said taking her by the waist.

"It's alright Kavya, I understand, you want some time alone with your wife" Angad winked

Kavya winked back and left with a fretting anjali

"How was your journey?" kripa asked loosening his tie "and why did you come straight from work, you could have changed and then come"

"I'd miss the train, besides, if I had to wait more then I'd just be bored. I wouldn't have you to annoy"

"Yeah" then she realized what he said and hit his chest "you're so evil"

"That I am" he said kissing her forehead "but seriously, I missed annoying you" She pouted "cute" he held her chin and moved it "where's my boy?"

"You know he can't stay awake after eight"

"Yeah" he sighed "so, how's it been so far?"

"Fine, but god, Anjali's been annoying me all week"

"For what"

She looked up into his eyes and hesitated "umm, nothing, it's in between me and anju"

"Fine then, don't tell me" he turned his face away

"Hey" she turned his face back "come on, don't get angry"

"I'm not" he said turning his face

"Doesn't seem like it"

"Well tough luck I'm not, if that's what you wanted"

"And you're still not angry" she teased

"Kripa" he whined

"Ok, ok, how many days you staying?"

"Two, we'll go back after that" he took her by the waist and walked to there room "and since I missed you so much, I'll take you to dinner tomorrow"

"Hmm, nice idea, but what about Abeer"

"Well, Anjali and Kavya can keep him for some time, we won't be long"

"Why can't we take him with us?"

"Well, I was thinking, how about a date with me, rather than a family dinner"

Kripa looked up at him "ok, but then we will bring something back for Abeer"

"Yes ma'am. Now that its sorted, is there anything in the kitchen, I could eat a cow right now"

"Yeah, I can tell. But you need to loose weight, your growing fat" she said poking his belly

"No, I'm absolutely fine"

"Yeah, yeah, you'll never admit it. Go sit in the room, Abeer's alone. I'll get you something to eat" she kissed his cheek and left towards the kitchen, leaving Angad dazed. He sighed and walked towards the room to see Abeer. Things were going just the way he wanted.

Chapter Twenty One

"That took an awful lot of time" Angad said whilst driving Kavya's car.

"Yeah, it did" she looked at him from the corner of her eye "You know Abeer doesn't like staying without one of us"

"True, but he'd be an intrusion for my plan tonight"

"Plan?" she asked with her eyebrow cocked

"Yes, which is for me to know and you too see"

"Oh come on Angad, I want to know now"

"No"

"Please" she saw no response "pretty please with a cherry on top"

"Ok" he watched her smile "but you have to tell me why Anjali was bugging you"

"That's not fair" she complained "you can't use that against me"

"Oh yes I can. The ball is in your court"

"Fine, don't tell me, I'm not telling you"

"As you say" he shrugged his shoulders "you'll find out soon anyways"

"Exactly, so there's no harm in saying it now"

"There isn't but I want it my way" he pinched her cheek "now stop trying to find out, my mouth is zipped for now"

"Fine" she leaned back onto the leather "be stubborn".

Angad smirked watching his petite wife, leaning back, all grumpy. She looked cute. The blue dress already had his mind rambling. She looked beautiful with the midnight blue material stuck to her like second skin. She seemed to wear darker colours all the time. Whatever be the reason, he loved it. It made her look sensuous.

It had been almost a month he decided to confess his feelings. He loved the way there relationship had built. He had received emotional support, her friendship. It was enough for him, but he wanted more. He wouldn't force her, he'd ask her. He wanted to live like other couples. They lived like a couple to an extent but then again, they still were not the same.

"Angad, I'm not eating here"

"Why?" he asked, his fingers linked with hers

"It's too expensive, have you seen the prices?"

"Like I said, it's for me to see. We rarely go out, so don't complain"

"I'm not complaining, but it is really—"

He pressed his finger to her lips "I don't want a word from you" he took her hand "We won't get a chance like this so often. Enjoy your time; don't even think about the price"

Kripa sighed. There was no use of her arguing. It was going to go down the drain. She leaned back onto the comfortable chair and ordered the cheapest she could find.

"Angad, isn't that Aryan" kripa asked minutes later, nibbling the green vegetables.

Angad looked to where she pointed "it is. He's with his son"

"Oh, umm, I'll be back" she said standing up

"Where are you going?" he asked

"I need to apologize, I still feel guilty"

"Kripa, you don't have to" he said taking her hand

"I do" she looked at him pleadingly "please"

He looked at her earnestly, but as always she got things her way "ok, but after dinner" first eat, then we'll go"

"But Angad—"

"I'm being fair"

"Ok"

"Can we join you Aryan?" Angad asked

Aryan looked at him a little sternly, but replied "sure"

"So, how have you been?"

"Fine" he answered shortly

"Actually Aryan, I forced Angad to join you" kripa informed "I wanted to apologize"

"Apologize?" he asked with a raised brow "There's no need"

"There is" she linked her fingers with Angad's because she felt the need to "I was wrong all along. I was just being stubborn"

"Kripa" Angad interrupted"

"No Angad, you wont say anything. You won't justify me" she looked towards Aryan "Whatever I said to you that day was a misunderstanding. I didn't want to understand" she looked down "I had never let anyone make me understand. I insulted you when Angad brought you home, I—I was rude with you and I apologize for it" she spoke as tears threatened to fall.

Angad's hands left hers and held her shoulders, squeezing her to comfort her "Aryan, we simply want to apologize to you and nandita. Because of our personal problems we caused conflict in you and nandita"

Aryan looked up, his hands holding his son "What's the point now?"

Kripa looked into his eyes "there is a point. I would have come and apologized earlier but you were no longer in New York"

"Yes, we moved to California two years ago"

"Do you forgive me?" kripa asked insistently

Aryan sighed "yeah"

She beamed "where's nandita? I want to ask her for forgiveness"

"She's in India. She's gone to visit her grandparents"

"Oh" she looked at Angad, then back at Aryan "I'm sorry again, I insulted you that day"

"It's alright. There's no use in keeping a grudge. I'm glad you and Angad worked it out"

"Yeah" she looked at Angad again

"We'll take a leave for now" Angad said "and we'll keep in contact, no complaints, ok"

Aryan smiled "yeah"

Angad kissed kripa's forehead "thank you"

She looked at him surprised "for what?"

"Nothing. You just make me feel more proud everyday. I'm so glad you're my wife" he said taking her into his arms

"And I'm glad you forced me to be your wife" she snuggled into him.

They sat on a bench, watching the Christmas parades from a distance. It seemed so peaceful. Kripa looked up. Angad was staring at her intently. Her eyes lowered out of timidity. Angad smiled. He held her face in his hands, analysing her expressions. He kissed her cheeks and whispered "I love you". Kripa looked into his eyes. They were shining. Emotions were swimming within. Her own eyes sparkled. He had never said the three words. He never had the courage to, but today, he did. He said the three words she had wanted to hear. "You know, its weird really, I never said these words to you in the past two years" he looked away "I was scared. I had just got you back after those many months. I had got your friendship back with our child. I didn't want to loose you. I didn't want to loose your friendship". Kripa's eyes were framed with tears, as she gave a watery smile. "Hey" he wiped the tear trickling down hr cheek "don't cry. If you don't love me, it doesn't matter; I love you, always have and always will"

"Do you know what Anjali was bugging me about?"

Angad looked at her confused "umm, no"

Her eyes lowered "she kept asking me if I –I was sure I wasn't" she turned away, shy all of a sudden "In love with you"

Angad's lips formed into a grin. He cupped her cheek and came face to face with her, kneeling in front of her "What's your answer kripa? You sure you not in love with me?" he asked rather mischievously

She looked into his eyes "I don't know"

He sat beside her "its enough for me" he kissed her temple "I like it when you blush" he smiled seeing her cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink.

"So?" Anjali questioned "what did you say?"

"I don't know"

"What? What do you mean by I don't know"

"I mean I don't know. What else was I supposed to say, yes I love you"

"Yeah, that's exactly what you should have said"

"I couldn't, I was too shy too"

"Aha, so you do love him?"

"Well yes, actually, no, actually I don't know"

"Confused? Don't worry, what am I here for"

"That's the problem" kripa sighed and stood up "You're going to bug me till I don't accept"

"True, you know me too well" Anjali said, grinning.

"No need to grin so widely. Is Abeer asleep?"

"Yes, he's in your room"

"I'll see you tomorrow, I'm tired"

Anjali sighed "go ahead, I won't stop bothering you"

"And I wont let you" and she left to check on Abeer.

Angad kissed Abeer's round cheeks "what's the special word?"

"Please" Abeer replied, whilst trying to grab onto his present.

"Now say it properly"

"I did, please dad"

"That's better, now give me a kiss, then you'll get your gift" Abeer kissed Angad's stubble cheeks and grabbed his present, running to a corner "He's like you, impatient"

"Shut up Angad" kripa replied "your spoiling him, you're not supposed to give him gifts every other day"

"Then what else am I supposed to do with my money" he kissed her cheeks "and what's wrong? Why are you so upset?"

"Nothing"

He turned her face "you're not going to tell me?"

She looked into his eyes, soon letting her hidden tears slip. She hugged Angad tightly, sobbing in his arms. "Its dad's birthday today and he still doesn't want to talk to me"

Angad patted her back, consoling her "don't worry sweetheart, he will one day"

"It's been almost three years Angad. Doesn't he love me?"

He cupped her face "He loves you a lot kripa. He always has, He's angry with me. He still hasn't forgotten the pain I caused you"

"But the past has gone. If I can accept you why cant he? I've forgiven you. I'm happy with you then why is he still stubborn"

"Kripa" he kissed her forehead "You trust me?" he asked

"Of course I do honey"

"Then believe me, Dad will talk to you one day. Now come on smile. You look horrible crying" She smiled, but her tears still spilled "hey not like that, that looks funny, smile, no tears" he wiped her tears and took he in his arms.

"I love you Angad, I don't know what I would do without you"

"I love you too, now come on lets go and see what Abeer's doing? He must have torn the present apart by now"

She smiled and kissed his cheek, whilst walking arm in arm with her husband towards her little prince. It had been almost half a year she had confessed her feelings. Her mother was the happiest woman when she came to know.

Abeer was a healthy two year old. He was a handsome kid, with just as much of a handsome brain. Angad and kripa had to chase him around, trying to stop his naughty tricks. However he was he was still the apple of there eyes.

"Happy anniversary darling"

"Same to you, I cant believe its been five years" kripa sighed, snuggling closer

"Yeah, no one could put up with you"

"Ha ha ha, that was so not funny" kripa replied pulling out of his arms

Angad pulled her back "hey, where are you going? Don't you want your anniversary present?"

"No" she tried to pull out of his arms again "go away"

"Are you sure?" he asked pushing her onto the bed.

"Yes, very sure" she retorted, putting her hands on his chest

He leaned forward and pecked her lips "You'll love it" he whispered

"Angad, Abeer is in the room" kripa warned

"I know" he said rubbing his lips to her throat.

"Angad, don't" she giggled as his hands touched her skin "Abeer is in the room. Its not the right time"

His lips lowered to her collar bone "hmm" he sat up "ok"

"So?" she asked

"So what?"

"Where's my present?" she questioned with her hands out.

He took her hands in his and pressed them to his lips "Well, Dean's allowed me a months vacation"

"Really?" she asked excited "can we go to California then? Anjali's due anytime soon"

"Hmm, you really want to go, because I planned somewhere else" he asked with raised brows.

"Where?" she asked confused

He kissed her full on the mouth "India"

Her eyes grew wide, then softened "India" she asked unsure

"Yeah, we're going to India as soon as I get our visa sorted"

"Oh, I love you" she exclaimed hugging him "I love you so much"

"I love you too" he replied, tightening his arms around her "Why don't you show me how much you love me. I've been thinking for a few days that we should give Abeer a sibling"

She pulled out of his arms "Angad, Abeer's in the room, not now"

"Well, I'm sure we can shift Abeer to his room for tonight" he answered, pressing his lips to her bare shoulder

"Why should we disturb Abeer?"

"I like it" he scrunched his nose "Why not try the guest room then?"

"Angad" she hit his chest "you are no less than Abeer"

"Thank you" he scooped her in his arms "after, all I am his father, where else will his inheritance come from"

"True" she kissed his nose "Prachi's coming down tomorrow"

"Not again, we're not keeping Arun"

She sighed "why do you always think that she's going to drop Arun down ours? Cant she come without a reason" she groaned as his lips played havoc with her senses.

"Hmm" he lay her on the bed after closing the door "Well simply because she always turns up when she wants to drop Arun down?" he said trailing kisses down her chest.

"Angad, your forgetting, its our anniversary. She might just be coming to wish us" she moaned as he freed them of clothing "Angad, do you believe ridi is getting married to Armaan? They were never the best of friends"

Angad lifted his face from her chest "why are you talking about others? Why don't we discuss about us?" his lips pressed hers.

She groaned into his mouth, gasping for breathe "What about us?"

"Hmm, lets see" his lips travelled across her collar bone "like how many more siblings do you want to give Abeer?"

"One more"

"Why one, I'm sure three more would be fine" he pressed his lips to her belly

"Simply because I'm not a machine" she arched giving him more space "Abeer is more than trouble, I only want one more"

"Hmm, I'll convince you later" his tongue swirled her belly button making her giggle.

"Yeah right" she closed her eyes in pleasure "I don't want more than two"

He trailed kisses back up until he found her mouth "you want a boy or a girl?"

"I want a girl"

"Even me" he groaned as her hands travelled up and down his body "you're going to kill me one day"

"I've been trying for the past five years" she moaned as his lips stroked her chest

"Keep trying. I won't leave you so soon" and with that he slipped into her. She arched and cried in pain. Angad took her mouth to suppress the cry until she relaxed.

"She's beautiful, she looks just like you anju" kripa said holding Anjali's new born.

"Thank you" she sighed "when are you giving us new?" she asked with her eyebrows cocked mischievously.

Kripa blushed prettily "very soon" Angad confirmed, holding kripa in his arms, cuddling the baby.

Kripa's eyes lowered further. Anjali laughed out aloud "kripa you never need to do make up. All you have to do is get Angad by your side and its enough"

"Anjali" she whined "please don't start"

"Ok, ok. So are you people really going to India?"

"Yeah. Our flight is for this Friday" Angad informed

"Friday?" Anjali exclaimed "you could have told me earlier"

"Well, I'm telling you know, no need to shout" he exclaimed "women"

"What about women?" kripa asked curiously, looking up at him.

"Oh come on kripa I didn't mean that?"

"What did you mean then?"

"What I was saying was that—"

He was cut off "what were you saying?"

"Well if you stop—"

He was interrupted again "if I stop what?" she questioned, handling the baby to Anjali

"I was saying that if you"

"If I what?"

He sighed and pressed her mouth with his hand "I was saying shut up so I say something"

She pulled his hand "what? You mean to say that I talk too much"

Angad hit his forehead with his palm "Anjali can I use a bit if help here?"

Anjali giggled "Help yourself this time"

"Angad I'm nervous, will dad talk to me?" kripa questioned.

They were on there way to India. Kripa was very excited but nervous at the same time. She had told her mother. She was scared of facing her father. He hadn't talked to her for the past two years and she was scared of his rejection. He was once the father who would fulfil her wish before she wished and now he was so ignorant.

"Yes he will" he caressed her hair "don't worry, I'll ask for forgiveness, do anything but I'll make sure he talks to us"

"Hmm, Abeer's very excited about seeing his grandparents"

"I know, maybe he might just help, after all he is just to cute to resist" he pinched his cheek.

Kripa slapped Angad's hand away "leave him alone, you'll wake him up"

"I won't" he moved his hand back to his cheek

"Angad, don't" kripa pushed his hand away "I don't want to chase him around the plane"

He placed his arm around her shoulder "ok, fine" and kissed her cheek "happy?"

"Very" she kissed him back and looked down at there son peacefully sleeping in her lap.

"I missed you mom"

"Me too" Swati replied embracing her daughter

"What about me?" Angad questioned with Abeer in one arm as his other hand pushed the trolley

"You too" she embraced again, taking Abeer into her arms "I'm so happy to see you"

"Mom" kripa questioned "didn't dad come?"

Her mother sighed "he has. He's waiting out side in the car, still the stubborn man he is"

"I guess" kripa replied following her mother, whilst Angad pushed the fully loaded trolley to the car.

"Dad, I missed you" kripa exclaimed hugging her father around the waist. He stayed quiet and stiff, but his eyes said something different. Kripa looked up towards her father "dad, don't you love me?" Her father looked down at her.

Swati interrupted "lets go home first, we'll discuss everything when we get there"

Angad loaded the suitcases in the car and silently watched his father in law trying his best to maintain a cold silence. For some reason it reminded him of his first meeting with kripa. Both father and daughter were equally stubborn.

"Mom, why do you keep avoiding the topic around dad?" kripa questioned. It had been three days since she had arrived but her mother always diverted there attention somewhere or the other to avoid the topic. She was annoyed. She wanted to talk to her dad but her mother avoided it every time.

"Kripa its better you dont. I dont want anything going wrong whilst you're here" she replied firmly

"mom" Angad intervened "when I was left alone three years ago you helped me, you helped me gain the trust that kripa will forgive me and we will be a happy family" kripa and Angad looked at each other and smiled "and look at us today, we are indeed a happy family" he held kripa's shoulders "have trust mom, we will all work it out and make sure dad talks to us" he reassured.

"I trust you Angad" she smiled "but vivek isn't very easy to handle. He's always been firm on his decisions"

"And so am I" kripa said "If dad's stubborn then even I am, I'll make sure he talks to me"

"Kripa" her mother held her cheek "don't do anything stupid"

"I wont mom" she squeezed her hand "trust me"

"Dad" kripa called "here hold Abeer" she forcefully handled Abeer to him "me, mom and Angad are going to the temple, look after him, his milk is in the fridge and If he's hungry give him a fruit" she kissed his cheek "have fun" and left smiling.

Vivek looked at the closed door baffled, then at Abeer who stared at his grandfather confused. Vivek cleared his throat and put Abeer on the floor.

Meanwhile, kripa sat on the beach with Angad. Swati had gone to visit a near by temple, kripa had decided to go a little later after spending some time with her husband.

"Are you sure about this?" Angad asked

"Of course I am, Let dad handle Abeer first, then he'll handle me"

He kissed her cheek "your becoming smarter day by day"

"I was born smart"

"Yeah right" he mumbled and received kripa's painless punches in response.

"Grandpa I need a toilet" Abeer said looking up

"Then go" he replied

"But I need a toilet, help me"

"Help you?" he asked horrified "Go do it yourself"

"But mom always helps me"

"But I'm not your mom"

"Moms not here and if I don't go I'm going to wet myself" he said innocently

"Oh god" he held his head "lets go" he said picking him up.

Abeer kissed his creased skin "thanks grandpa"

Vivek smiled "your welcomed son"

"Kripa, we've been in the temple for the past hour. How long are we going to stay?" Angad asked

"Stay quiet. Lets go to maasi's house"

"But what about Abeer?"

"Later, he's busy with his granddad for now?"

Swati sighed and patted Angad's shoulder "Just listen to her; she's not going to listen to anyone right now?"

Angad looked at kripa's back "Yeah, no one can win in front of her"

"Grandpa, I want to play hide and seek not this game"

"What's wrong with this game?" he asked

"It's for old people" he said looking at the black and white board

"Its not, chess is very good. You learn the game of life"

He frowned "but grandpa, I don't know how to play it"

Vivek sighed. He had been trying to entertain his grandson for the past hour but the kid didn't like anything "Ok, let's play hide and seek"

"ok, I'm going to hide, count up to ten and then come and look for me" Abeer ordered

"Ok son, so lets start" he covered his eyes "one, two, three, four five six, seven, eight nine and ten" He peeked through his fingers and saw Abeer was gone. He smiled. The kid was just like kripa. He searched the entire house but it all went in vain. "Abeer" he shouted but there was no response "Abeer, game over" he walked to the front door to check in the patio when kripa walked inside along with Angad and her mother.

Vivek looked everywhere but at kripa. He cleared his throat, picked Abeer up and handled him to Swati and immediately headed for his room.

Kripa smiled. It wouldn't take a lot of time she thought. He would talk to her and very soon. Angad pressed her palm, smiling supportively.

Days passed by quickly. Kripa would leave Abeer with vivek often and order her father Authorativly. They still hadn't talked properly but her father watched her secretly, avoiding her eyes when ever he was caught. There was only week left for there return. Kripa yearned to talk to her father. Her mother being the understanding person she was took Angad and Abeer to a close by park.

Kripa and her father stood face to face. Kripa's eyes filled with tears whilst he simply avoided hers. "Dad you're still not going to talk to me?" she questioned

"There's nothing left to talk about. You made your decision and I've made mine"

"And I'm happy dad. My decision was right. He never harmed me"

"It's the past, it was your decision, there's no use of talking about it now"

"Exactly, it's the past, then why keep grudges for something that that happened in the past. I'm happy presently. If I listened to you, I would never realize what Angad was for me; Abeer would be deprived of fatherhood"

Her father was speechless so he turned to leave. She caught his hand "don't you love me?" he didn't answer "please dad, tell me, don't I hold any importance for you. Is your decision stronger than your love for me?" he still didn't answer. She turned him by the shoulder and hugged his waist "please dad, answer my question" He turned his face away. Suddenly angry kripa said "fine, if you don't love me then why I am even in this house. I have no right to stay here. This your is house and I won't stay in a place where I am hated" She left her father and ran upstairs, leaving him stunned.

Angad held Abeer in his arms as Swati opened the door. They were shocked to see kripa coming down the stairs with her suitcase. Angad immediately put Abeer to his feet "kripa what's—"

He was cut off "Angad, help me with the stuff, we'll stay in a hotel for the next week" she replied sternly looking at her father

"But kripa, what—"

"I'll tell you later, listen to me for now" she said

"Kripa you wont go" Swati ordered

"Mom, I'm not staying here a minute more. If he's stubborn" she looked at her dad "so am I. He doesn't want me here so why am I here?"

"I'm here; you're my daughter as well"

"Mom, please, I'll visit you but I'm not going to stay here a minute more"

"Kripa don't take hasty decisions" Angad replied

"I'm not"

"You are" her father replied "you're not going anywhere and I mean it" She turned to look at her father. His eyes were welled with tears "How can you say that I don't love you?" He asked. She looked at him tearful herself "How could you?"

"I—I didn't mean to—"

"You did, how can you even think I hate you? I was just angry. It doesn't mean I don't love you. It doesn't mean you decide to leave me"

"I'm sorry dad"

"What sorry? I don't want to hear a word. Now come and give me a hug. I missed you too" he said with his hands stretched.

Kripa moved forward, embracing her father "I'm sorry" she whispered

"I'm sorry, it was all my fault, I never understood"

She sobbed in his arms, feeling the big burden in her heart being removed. Soon Angad also asked forgiveness, with vivek happily accepting him. Kripa felt complete. Her whole family was complete without any complaints. She gained the emotional support she always wanted.

On vivek's request, kripa and Abeer had there tickets postponed. Angad left half-heartedly. He had to go back to work. He would talk to kripa everyday, missing his family. Kripa equally missed him, her love growing for him even more.

"Oh, these two weeks were a little too long" Angad exclaimed as he held kripa and Abeer in his arms.

Kripa had her eyes closed with a smile playing her lips, whilst Abeer watched his parents, looking up and down "dad, I'm squashed" he complained.

They both looked at there son and smiled. Angad put him to the ground, holding his hand "sorry son, but I missed you too much"

"Really, then wheres my chocolate. I should get a chocolate or a present if you missed me so much"

"Abeer you're not getting anything" kripa said "you're getting naughtier day by day" she scolded

"Oh come on kripa, that's what kids are for"

"Hmm, and when he becomes a spoilt sport don't come complaining to me"

"I won't sweetheart" he kissed her cheeks "Now come on smile"

She smiled "I have news for you"

"Which Is?"

"Abeer's sibling is on its way"

"Really?" he asked happily surprised.

"Yeah" she looked down flushed "it's been three weeks"

"Oh I love you" exclaimed embracing her

"I love you too" she said smiling into his chest.

Kripa Sharma, the girl who thought marriage was a prison, who thought men were captors, today had different views. There was a time she hated men. Marriage was something she never wanted. It was a boundary where a soul mate would use and abuse there rights on there wife wrongly, preventing a woman's freedom. She was wrong. Marriage didn't limit freedom. There was still freedom but in a different way. The freedom was used differently.

She had always wanted to be independent, not Dependant on someone else, someone who would just use you to gain satisfaction from your body, someone who would use you to produce children and never respect you for what you truly are. Her belief was firm when she married Angad Khanna, but she soon learned that marriage never makes you dependant on someone else. If the women was dependant on the man for income, then the man was dependant on the woman for love, family. Both man and women were incomplete without each other.

Kripa had always seen her parents. She had loved them both but the pressure of the man on the woman was something she didn't ignore. She never saw the equality in the man and woman but always noticed the inequality.

She had fooled many men to avoid the unwanted but she couldn't always win. When she came face to face with Angad Khanna she lost the battle. Angad gradually showed her the positive side of a marital relationship. She was reluctant at first but consequences changed her, forced her to believe that being biased is no solution. She learned that her opinion wouldn't change the world; her belief wouldn't affect anyone but her.

The unwanted relationship, unwanted boundaries and unwanted opinion became wanted. It isn't necessary what you want others want. In the same way kripa didn't realize, what she unwanted was what she needed from the start of her life. A family can never be perfect until wanted. Kripa's reluctance forced other to do the unwanted but there action made her realize that everything unwanted is what you really want.

Epilogue

Kripa sat in front of the plasma TV with her ten month baby Kamil. He was cute baby who looked more like her, but she still wished she had a daughter, it was a personal wish, but then again, it's up to god and she was thankful for the three boys she had.

Abeer was now a healthy ten year old. He was fair and handsome, with just as much of a brain. Sometimes kripa thought he had too much of a brain. God knew where he got so many tricks from. Someone or the other would complain about him, but then again he was precious for her. Without him she wouldn't be where she was.

Sahil was quieter compared to Abeer. He was clever but an innocent six year old. Abeer often used him for his dirty tricks. Sahil worried her sometimes; he was too quiet and aloof from the family. He preferred staying in quiet places; where nature brought its own noise. However he was, kripa loved him. His innocence and honesty made him special and lovable.

Angad had taken Abeer and Sahil to the park along with Neev and Arun. It was New Years Eve and Abeer demanded of his father's time. He hardly had the time being a doctor with a tight schedule, but when ever he did, he'd use it for his children and wife, giving them what they demanded.

"Kripa, where's the milk?" prachi questioned from the kitchen

"It should be in the fridge" she shouted

"It's not kripa, there's no sign of it"

"Give me a minute" she placed her sleeping baby in the white bassinet and walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge "Oh that boy" she mumbled

"What's wrong?" prachi asked

"What else can it be, Abeer probably took the milk and did something with it and the chocolate cake I bought yesterday is missing with the yogurts" she sighed and sat at the breakfast table "God, he's going make sure I end up locking the fridge by the end of it"

"Calm down" prachi spoke "I'll tell neev to bring some on the way back"

"No you won't. Its Abeer's fault and he is going to tell me what he did with it and then he can go and get it with his dad. It's all Angad's fault. I told him to stop pampering Abeer so much, but no, he never listens"

Prachi sighed "its fine kripa, it might just be something else"

"No its not, I know it's Abeer"

"Ok, ok. But kids are meant to do that, aren't they"

"No there not. Look at Sahil, he's so innocent and quiet and Abeer" she said raising her voice "god, he is the naughtiest kid you can get"

"Ok, ok" prachi replied "he'll learn, he's too small"

"He's ten, not a one year old"

Prachi held her head "ok, maybe he is that way but—"

"Prachi you're not giving his side" she heard a crash in the living room "looks like there here" she stood up and walked out, with prachi following to see Abeer and Arun running all over the place. Abeer was standing on the sofa with his muddy shoes whilst Arun had just dropped the plastic vase over "stop" she shouted "Abeer off the sofa and stop making so much noise Kamil is asleep"

"Oh come on mom"

"Don't use that on me" she warned "and what happened to the milk? What did you do with it now?"

"Milk, what milk?" he questioned, but the glint in his eyes held mischief

"Don't you dare lie to me. Where is it?"

"I didn't take it, dad did" and just then Angad walked in with Sahil and neev.

"What did I take?" he questioned confused

Kripa looked at Abeer. She was very well aware of his dirty tricks "Oh yeah and what happened to the chocolate cake and yogurts?" she asked, ignoring Angad.

"What?" Abeer said as his mother looked at him accusingly "Ok, yeah, I took them"

"How many times have I told you to not touch the fridge. Whenever there's a guest down, I'm always embarrassed because you seem to empty the fridge every time"

"Will anyone tell me what's going on?" Angad spoke.

"It's all your fault" kripa argued, walking into the bedroom.

"Huh" he looked at her confused "now what have I done?" he said following.

Prachi and neev sighed. These two were never going to change. They sat on the chairs, avoiding the muddy sofa, waiting for the two to come out as always, whilst Sahil simply watched them.

"Kripa, what's wrong?" Angad questioned sitting next to her

"You" she looked at him angrily "Your spoiling Abeer"

"Oh come on kripa, don't start again"

"You always say that. Its wrong Angad, he's getting out of hand"

"Are you sure it's Abeer?" he asked looking at her "what is it?"

She looked up at him. He understood her too well "I don't know. I just miss you" she said embracing him

"I'm sorry, I haven't been giving you the quality time, have I?"

"Just ignore what I say right now. It's the time of the month and I'm just being an emotional fool"

"No your not. I think we should have that holiday we've been thinking about" he said, caressing her back.

"Hmm, yeah. Take us where Sahil wants to go this time. He never gives his opinion and we always end up going where Abeer wants"

"Ok, I'll do as you say" he pulled away "now cheer up" He smiled and pressed his mouth to hers when she smiled "Do you want to stay at home for New Year or go out?" he asked

"I want to go out. It's been ages, I haven't been out with you for a while"

"As you say" he said before possessing her mouth again.

"Hurry up Abeer, get your coat on" kripa shouted

"I am mom" he replied "I can't find my gloves"

"Oh not again" she handled Kamil to Angad and walked to Abeer "where did you put them last time?" she said searching his pockets.

"In my pockets"

"Well there not in here. Where did you put them?" she questioned looking into his eyes

"In the bin" he said looking away

"What, but why?"

"Because I had ice cream on it"

"Oh, you" she rushed up the stairs and gave him a new pair of gloves "if anything happens with these you can freeze in the cold"

"You say that every time" he said with a grin

"Stop grinning at me and hurry up"

"I can't see dad" Abeer complained, as he tried to peek through the crowd to see the performers.

"Abeer, I'm holding Sahil"

"But dad—ok mom, pick me up"

"I'm holding the push chair and your too heavy, stop complaining"

"That's not fair" he complained.

Angad and kripa looked at each other. They sighed and Angad picked him up in his strong arms "now don't say a word and watch"

The family watched the several performers pass by, as they waited for the clock to strike twelve. There was one minute to twelve. They heard the countdown and looked towards each other. "What's your resolution?" kripa asked Angad.

"I don't have one"

"Then make one, your going to make sure you dont spoil Abeer"

"Mom" she heard Abeer whine "I'm not spoilt"

She sighed "ok, sorry" she turned back.

The countdown was just finishing "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one and happy new years" she heard.

She turned to Angad and kissed his cheek "happy new year"

He smiled and pressed his lips to hers lightly "happy new years to you too"

"Mom" she heard Abeer yell "what about me?"

She kissed her children one by one and wished "happy new year" and then she leaned onto Angad, as he struggled to hold her, with the two children grabbing onto him watching the illuminating fireworks light up in different colours and patterns.

The girl that once hated male existence, now lived with males. Angad, Abeer, Sahil and Kamil brought a difference to her existence and now she felt the importance of the unwanted, now what she once never wanted was what she felt she always wanted.

Originally posted by: kneeduh2000

Thanks for reposting it...I was about to msg you the other day, to ask you if you can repost it, :D cause i felt like reading it again

Originally posted by: Ravishing_gal

hey Faiza

I'm back!!! 😆 .lol... here i go again, God! i think i'm on a role! 'Phew!', just finished readin it, well, actually i read it ystrdy but I-F was being reli SLOW😡 nd giving me problems so i cudn't comment😳...

hmmm, LOVED it!!! as usual.. ur an awesome writer.... hey btw wht happened 2 ur previous account?? did it get blocked or somethin??😭... newayz, back 2 ur fic

awww, Angad was a sweetheart, he was sooooo sweet!...i'm glad he loved her after seeing her pic, othrwise he wud have ran away (like the 83) if she kept her attitude on😆

awww, he forced her in2 marriage?? but i guess he reli loved her nd wanted her happiness, i felt sorry 4 the poor soul, he was trying his level best 2 make everything wk out, but Kripa's ego alwayz came in between, nd her thoughts nd opinion on men were reli irratating😕

O God! Kripa😡😡i reli got RELI mad at her throughout, she didn't let angad speak his mind... the poor guy had been trying 2 make her listen 2 him 4m day 1, but she wudn't listen... Her theory on men was pretty ridiculous!!!😆😛

i kinda had an idea since part 1 abt Angad raping her (🤢) due 2 the way u described him not 4getting himself... but then i thought otherwise as he was reli sweet throughout nd respected her privacy... but it came TRUE???!!!!

but u knw wht?? i dint blame him😆... i think any1 wud have lost thr patience if they had 2 keep up with the same attitude... but it doesn't mean wht he did was right, of course!!! i'm glad kripa's mom was thr by his side, nd believed him


anywayz, i was glad everything was sorted b/w the 2... nd she confessed... aww, they had 3 kids... ALL boys!!! now thrz no way she'll think abt her stupid theory on men again😛😆...wwwww, loved the last few scenes b/w AK... they sorted thr differences by finally becoming 1...😳lol...

Neev nd Prachi's scenes were also reli cute👏... o boy! they still argues, well, thrz nothing new abt tht... but i'm glad anjali nd prachi tauht kripa whtz right nd showed her the real Angad!😉


gr8 fic... loved it alot... hmmm, but my fave b/w ur 3 fics wud b Pyar...lol...

👏

Irsa