**Dosti Mein Pyaar** The End

yay ur bk....yup i tried readin this fanfic agen buh sum parts were missing.... will u be continuing your other fanfic of ak n ar by any chance.....😃

Chapter 1

On a bright sunny morning, a black convertible pulls up in the driveway of the Khanna House. Beep Beep Beep Beep. Beep Beep Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep. The driver is a quite well built guy, wearing sunglasses, ripped jeans, and a transparent shirt. He starts to get impatient and the fact that there are no good songs playing only adds to his misery. He turns to look at the girl sitting next to him and begins sighing quite loudly. The girl is downright beautiful, with her designer clothes and accessories, giving her the perfect look to make any guy stop dead in his tracks. He says to the girl sitting beside him, "Kripa go get them or we are going to be out here all day and miss our first day at college as seniors." She replies quite irritated "fineee Kavya! I'm gonna kill him today if he's not ready". Kripa opens the car door to leave, but spots a cute guy making his way out the house and towards his silver convertible. Neev.

Kripa turns around and addresses the traditional yet cultured girl quietly sitting in the back of the car, "Prachi how about you drive to college with Neev and let Kavya here alone with Anjali." Kavya retorts, "HECK NO!! Are u crazy we are going to strangle each other even before we get to college." Kripa laughs at her brother and sweetly replies, "Too bad, that's what you get for making me go get his lazy butt outta bed." Kavya groans. Kripa turns back to walk up the beautiful house and rings the doorbell. As soon as the door opens, Kripa rushes past a drop dead gorgeous girl and yells to her, "Kavya's waiting in the car for you Anjali, Prachi went with Neev. You guys carry on since you know how long your brother takes." The girl walks towards Kavya's car cursing her fate that she got stuck with him today and they leave for college.

Kripa finally makes her way up the stairs to wake up his highness. Oh Kripa was gonna give him a piece of her mind today for making her late. She pushes the door open to see a shirtless, buff, and extremely gorgeous guy standing in the middle of his room while being surrounded by piles of clothing. "ANGAD!!!!!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! PUT SOME DAMN CLOTHES ON SO WE CAN LEAVE!!" Angad replies coolly, "Chill woman! Almost gave me a heart attack and thank god you're here now help me figure out what to wear." Kripa groans and quickly finds a shirt and 10 minutes later Angad is finally ready. Kripa grabs Angad's arm and drags him down the stairs, nearly shoving him into his red convertible. Angad could tell Kripa was pretty upset with him and he was in for it today.

**********

As soon as they get to college, Angad and Kripa walk towards the entrance fully aware that everyone's eyes were on them and them alone. Their walk expresses it all, their attitude, their pride, their influence, and their popularity. They spot Josh and Aaliya along with the rest and take their spot by the entrance to begin ragging the freshman like any other year, however this experience is cut short for Angad, upon the arrival of his ex-girlfriend, Riya. Riya, in short, is a complete stalker and so very clingy. When Angad broke up with her, the next day she acted like nothing had happened and everything was fine… talk about in denial. He whispers, "Oh shit!" and runs in the other direction to hide behind a tree. The whole gang turns to look in the direction Angad looked in before he made a run for it. Everyone gasps except for Kripa.

Kripa looks like someone has given her the best gift in the world. She, unlike the others she sees her revenge from Angad for being late. Kripa looks at Riya and smirks as Riya made her way towards Kripa. She asks eagerly, "Hey Kripa, where is Angad?" Kripa looks over at Angad's direction to see him frantically moving his hands left and right, signaling Kripa to make Riya go away and not tell her anything. Instead of course, Kripa says, "Oh Angad, (pointing) he's behind that bush." As Riya turned to look in the direction Kripa pointed to, Angad's hands stop the frantic movement and rather turn into a hand wave, signaling "Hi". Kripa is hiding her laughter looking at Angad's pathetic state, oh yea and he looked super cheesy with the hand motion. She just walks away leaving poor Angad to fend for himself. He is making a mental note that Kripa is sooooo dead! Riya comes up to Angad, "Where have you been I tried calling you all summer, how can you not call your own girlfriend?!?!?!" Angad says to himself,"Girlfriend????? OMG WHAT A PSYCHO!!! AHH!" Angad instead replies, "I got class… gotta go" and takes off before letting her respond.

He runs into the building, but stops due to the sound of laughter. He turns around to see Kripa grabbing her stomach laughing her head off. Kripa looks up as he says, "OH UR DEAD!" Kripa let out a shriek and runs in the other direction right into one of Angad's rivals and stops. She looks back to see intense eyes full of anger and hatred. Prithvi Bose. "WHAT THE ****!!! YOU LITTLE *****!"WATCH WHERE YOUR GOING!!" before Angad gets a chance to say something, Kripa slaps Prithvi across the face. Then Prithvi dares to raise his hand up to slap Kripa as well, but Angad catches his hand and has Prithvi by the collar and yells, "HOW DARE YOU TRY TO HIT HER?!" Prithvi skeptically "Figures, that your boy toy would come to defend you!" Angad enraged, " APOLIGIZE TO HER!" Prithvi scoffed,"HELL NO!" Angad replies calmly,"You asked for it" and Angad punchs him in the face and he falls to the ground. Angad advances further, but Kavya comes and pulls him back. Prithvi gets up and leaves, but not before hearing Angad's last words, "YOU SAY SOMETHING TO HER AGAIN AND WATCH WHAT I DO TO YOU!" Prithvi pushes through the newly formed crowd and soon it begins to disperse.

Angad now turns to Kripa, who just looks like she was slapped in the face and is completely in shock. Angad is really concerned since no one had ever spoken to Kripa in such a horrible manner. "Kripa?? Your okay na?" He shakes her lightly after seeing no response. "Krips?" She replies softly "hmm". He asks again "Your okay rite? I would have killed him if Kavya hadn't stopped me. No one and I mean no one gets away with insulting my best friend!" Seeing the concern on Angad's face, she lightens up thinking she is so lucky to have a best friend like Angad. "Thanks Angad!" He asks confused, "For what?" She replies, "For defending me!" "Come on Krips I'm your best friend, obviously I'll be there when you need me!" Kripa hopefully asks, "Always?" He gives her a kiss on the forehead and replied sweetly, "Always."

Chapter 2

Kripa and Angad finally make their way to their class, after all they come to college to study. Angad and Kripa enter the class, while behind them Kavya and Anjali are fighting. Angad sits down in the back and Kripa is about to take the seat in the other row on the side of him, but he yanks Kripa into the chair next to him. Angad knows one thing, that he only passes his classes because of Kripa, if they have an argument, Angad's grades would suffer. She is his personal tutor along with his best friend and after all what are friends for anyways. Kavya is forced to sit in front of Angad with Anjali. Anjali takes a look at Kavya and again curses her ill fate that they always seem to get paired with each other. Kavya silently complains "Uff I'm stuck with chipkali!" Anjali stands up and screams "WHAT!!", while the whole class including the teacher stop to look at her. The psychology professor yells, "Ms. Khanna sit down and stop disturbing the class".

Kavya smirks at her embarrassed state. Oh, how he loves to make her mad, it is simply too easy. Kavya grins "Anju stop disturbing the class" Anjali angrily whispers, "SHUT UP Kavya! You're just impossible. Kavya smirks "I know sweetie it's a gift." Angad and Kripa are getting quite annoyed with Kavya and Anju's constant fighting, not that they want to listen to the professor, but it is way better than their fights. Angad pokes Kavya and whispers, "Dude quit messing with Anju, you guys are bugging the crap out of me and Krips" Kavya sighs, "hmm fineee." Neev and Prachi are sitting behind Angad and Kripa. Prachi keeps passing notes to Neev and vice versa, so basically no one is paying attention. Then again, it is their first day back. The professor announces that the person they are sitting next to would be their partners for the project on the brain due on Monday, meaning they have the weekend to do it. At the mention of this Anjali groans even more. Kavya just laughs at Anju's facial expressions. Anjali's expressions always give her away, she can never hide anything because one look at Anjali and you know what she is thinking. Suddenly the bell rings and everyone leaves the class. Angad takes Kripa's purse and darts, with Kripa running after him closely. Kripa exclaims, "Angad get your butt back here with my purse!" Kripa jumps on Angad's back and they both fall. Kripa starts hitting Angad and he keeps yelling, "Bachao!!"

Finally when Kripa stops hitting Angad, he starts complaining, "Krips stop eating so much geez, GET OFF ME!!" Kripa yells, "WHAT!!" Angad laughs "Joke joke…I'm sorry!" Kripa says, "Hmph!!" Angad says while getting up, "Come on lets go to the canteen!!" They make their way towards the canteen and catch up with Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi. They all sit down and just relax. Josh and Aaliya come to the table and announce that they are all going clubbing at night. After college, they all go home and change to go to the club. Kripa and Anjali wear sleek black dresses, and Prachi wears a black salwar suit. Angad, Kavya, and Neev wear ripped jeans with tight fitted shirts and jackets. Kavya, Anjali, Neev, Prachi, and Kripa leave in the guys' cars and meet Josh and Aaliya there.

**********

Josh and Aaliya are busy with each other on the dance floor. Kavya asks Anjali for a dance and after lots of persuasion she finally agrees. Anjali is starts to feel something towards Kavya; she didn't know what but the things that used to annoy her are now things she sort of enjoys, such as his irritating behavior towards her. Although she would try to deny it to herself, but she is starting to realize that she didn't know what she would do if he wasn't there.

They dance in perfect harmony, both feeling this attraction towards one another. Kavya keeps staring at Anjali while she tries to avoid his constant gaze. She feels like she has millions of butterflies fluttering in her stomach and feels quite nervous under his gaze. She turns her head to look to the side. Suddenly someone bumps into Anjali and causing her to smack into Kavya's muscular body. She grabs hold of him to avoid a fall. Kavya is looking into the frightened expression on her face with her eyes tightly shut as if expecting to hit the floor. When she finally realizes that she wouldn't, she opens her eyes and finds a pair of passionate eyes looking back at her. He pulls her up and continued to dance the night away, with a sly smirk on his face, while Anjali tries to suppress these new unwanted feelings.

**********

Neev sees this girl in a halter and short skirt, he cant' stop staring. Prachi asks, "Neev wanna dance?" Suddenly Prachi notices him lost and follows his gaze to the girl and says, "Neev stop staring at her like that" he replies still looking at the girl, "What? Oh umm what were you saying?" Prachi asks again, "Wanna dance?" There is no reply from Neev only the sound of laughter, "T..tu..tum aur dance HAHAHA" Prachi on the other hand doesn't find him the least bit amusing, "Kyun?" He goes on to explain, "Prachi, this is club dancing aur tum, you would never dance that way! Sorry babe the truth hurts" and with that he leaves.

Neev walks towards the girl from before and taps her on the shoulder and asks her for a dance. The song is quite fast paced. The girl is like all over Neev, and Prachi is just bewildered at the sight. She always knew he had girlfriends, but had never seen this side of him. Suddenly a guy comes and asks Prachi for a dance. At this point the only thing that replays in her mind is "you would never dance that way…"

Prachi is completely outraged that Neev would say such a thing to her, so out of spite she says yes. The song playing happens to be Aafreen Tera Chehra from the movie Red. Neev sees Prachi come towards the dance floor with some guy. Neev doesn't like this one bit. He ignores it and goes back to dancing thinking that it is her life and she seems quite adamant to prove him wrong. Prachi and the guy are dancing pretty close and Prachi's eyes never leave Neev's while dancing, as if trying to prove her point. Every time the guy would touch Prachi, Neev would wince in pain. It is as if the guy is ruining her purity. Neev can't take it anymore; his eyes express anger that Prachi would allow this stranger to touch her so. Suddenly Prachi becomes really aware of how the guy is touching her and she is trying to fight him off of her. She tries to leave the dance floor, but the guy just keeps pulling her back. Neev saw this and turns the guy around and punches him in the face, he raises his finger and says, "Don't you dare touch her!!" Prachi clings to Neev as if clinging on to her dear life. Neev pulls Prachi off the dance floor and begins his interrogation. "Kya zuroorat thi yeh sab karni ki huh??" All Prachi did is cling to Neev even more and cry her heart out. Neev couldn't take it anymore and told the others he is taking Prachi home. He pulls Prachi outside and calms her down and then drops her home.

**********

Meanwhile. Angad is dancing really close to this girl and Kripa has turned down a bunch of guys to dance with, but eventually she gets bored seeing as how all the others including Prachi are dancing so Kripa goes and pulls some random guy onto the dance floor and dances really close to him to the same song, Aafreen Tera Chehra, so close that even Angad is shocked to see Kripa like this. She looked like she is drunk, which she isn't, just bored. Kripa notices Angad gawking at the way she is dancing and smirks, but continues to dance. The guy she is dancing with seems like bad news with the way he is dressed and his attitude, but Kripa actually doesn't seem to mind the guy dancing so close, in fact she thought he is pretty hot. Suddenly Angad notices his fists are balled up and his knuckles have turned white. Angad stops dancing with the girl and goes over to the bar. He drinks a couple shots while watching Kripa dance. Towards the end of the song he is so enraged that he goes towards Kripa and pulls her to himself. Her body clashes with his body as he turns her so her back is in front of him. Kripa smirks at his jealous behavior, and continues to dance with him just as mischievously as she had with the previous guy. She had to admit though seeing Angad being so protective over her, made her smile and soon the anger on Angad's face too mirrors Kripa's grin. They continue to dance until they all get tired and decide to go home.

Chapter 3

It is the weekend and Surya and Gayatri have been invited to the Khanna House for dinner. Kavya, Kripa, and Prachi are already at the Khanna House because of the brain project. Angad and Kripa finish their project early so they start watching a movie until dinner. They are watching Saw and Kripa is freaking out at all the gore in the movie. She just can't handle it and on top of that the lights are off as they are sitting in Angad's room on the bed. Kripa keeps clawing Angad anytime something grosses her out and Angad, well he got more chances to make fun of her. "Kripa come on man it's a movie, look I don't think I can be best friends with a darpok…" Kripa yells, "WHAT! I am not a darpok okay, this movie is freaking sick, it's not even scary it's just gross" Angad rationalizes, "Then why are you amputating my arm!!!" Kripa is totally confused and looks down to see her tightly grabbing his arm leaving her nail markings all over. "Oh CRAP!! Sorry sorry sorry!!" Angad laughs at her while she is freaking out, "Oh man Kripa calm down, it should be me freaking not you, relax its okay my darpok" Kripa whines, "Angad!!" He laughs and they continue watching only now Kripa is practically sitting on Angad's lap burying her face into his neck and shoulder. She gave up trying to watch the movie a while ago.

**********

Kavya and Anjali are busy cutting and pasting things for the assignment. They begin painting the brain. Anjali feels kind of hot so she put her hand on her forehead and chin. Kavya breaks off in laughter and he is not able to calm down. He is now on the floor panting for air, Anjali is getting really annoyed and finally when Kavya calms down he takes her over to the dresser and shows her, her own reflection. Apparently Anjali gotten paint all over her face and seeing Kavya trying to suppress his laughter she too starts laughing as well. Then Anju grabs Kavya's face and gets paint all over him. They start to play fight with paint and basically all the paint ends up on each other's clothes rather than their project. Well eventually they finish their project and decide to get cleaned up before their parents ask them weird questions. This happened to be the first time that Anjali and Kavya spent time together and didn't end up killing each other in the process. A very big improvement.

**********

Neev and Prachi do their project with clay so they sit there molding pieces and putting them all together. Neev goes to get more clay from his car and on his way back inside he trips on the carpet in his room and lands right on top of Prachi on his bed. Prachi's necklace has tangled with Neev's shirt button. The necklace doesn't seem to be the problem. Prachi and Neev feel some weird attraction towards one another. Their breathing is at an off beat pace. They both feel this electrifying current pass through their bodies and shudder. They feel something completely unexplainable, something strange, and alien; they just didn't know what it was. They seemed to be having a staring contest now and they just can't help, but look so deeply in the other eyes that it is impossible not to get lost. Eventually the roaring laughter coming from Anjali's room seems to snap them back to reality. Totally embarrassed Neev tries getting up, but alas the necklace remain tangled with his shirt. Prachi unbuttons Neev's shirt partially, which only makes it more uncomfortable than before. They avoid each others eyes and leave to check on what the noise is about.

**********

When Neev and Prachi go to Anjali's room, they see two clowns, A.K.A. Kavya and Anjali. It is obvious that they are having a little too much fun with painting. Kavya has come to borrow clothes and well he didn't want to go alone so dragged Anjali with him. Oh the embarrassment. Neev and Prachi start laughing as well. All Kavya could think now was "I just wanted some clothes and these hyena's wont stop laughing" Kavya pushes Angad out the way and goes towards his closet and grabs some clothes, while Angad falls on the bed still laughing holding his stomach. Kavya and Anjali make a run for it and eventually change their clothes for dinner.

Suryaban and Gayatri came to the Khanna House, which was actually right next door. The kids got up and Angad, Neev, and Anju took Suryaban and Gayatri's blessings. They all sit down for dinner with Dilip-Naina, Surya-Gayatri, Angad-Kripa, Kavya-Anjali, Neev-Prachi all across each other. Kripa keeps playing footsie with Angad's foot every time he tries eating something and Angad gets really annoyed so he kicks her really hard and she lets out a cry, "OWWW" Everyone looks at Kripa while she just glares at Angad. Gayatri asks, "Kripa kya hua?" Kripa replies quickly, "Woh umm zubaan chabali" Angad sniggers at Kripa's lame excuse and everyone else laughs at Kripa's stupidity, whereas Kripa is giving Angad cold stares. Naina asks Angad to tell the cook to bring the desert. Kripa quickly slips something under Angad's seat using her feet. When Angad returns, he sits down and a loud farting sound is heard, it is practically deafening. All conversations end right there and now Angad is the center of attention. Dilip clears his throat, "Uhh khana kitna acha hai… HAHAHAHAA." Everyone bursts out laughing. Kripa is looking really proud of her self and Angad knows immediately who the culprit is. He gets out of his chair in an instant and yells, "Oh Kripa… YOUR DEAD!!!" Kripa leaps off her chair and runs upstairs yelling all the way "AHHHH!!" while everyone admires their friendship and their silly behaviors, which happens to be quite entertaining.

Chapter 4

Kripa runs all the way upstairs into Angad's room and is about to lock the door but accidentally ends up locking it with Angad inside. Kripa is shocked, "OH CRAP!" She tries unlocking the door, but Angad is much faster and he pins her to the wall. Oh boy she knows she is in trouble now. She looks to the side unable to look at him, who knows what he would do. After a while, curiosity creeps in her and she dares to look into his eyes only to see him smirking at her with a huge grin on his face. She doesn't like where this is going. Angad leans in really close and whispers passionately in her ear "That was a nice little prank down there." All Kripa could think was OMG what is he doing??? His warm breath seems to be traveling up her neck arousing feelings in her she didn't know existed. Kripa is completely taken back by her own thoughts. She doesn't know what is going on with him. He is being so…so romantic. Kripa knows he is of course, how else would he have had all those girlfriends, but she has never felt this way with anyone before. She is slowly melting under his gaze and wants to disappear. For a second though, she wants to believe that this is reality that he isn't just getting back at her for the prank.

All the thoughts crossing her mind are contradictory to her, his, their reality—they are best friends, not lovers, but suddenly it didn't seem like a bad idea at the moment. When others would suggest Angad and Kripa as a couple, they would both cringe at the thought, but at this very moment looking into his eyes, Kripa is somehow not able to contain herself. She goes forward and locks Angad's lips taking him by complete surprise. At first Angad doesn't respond and Kripa begins to doubt whether it was a good idea to act on her instinct. She is just about to pull back when Angad kisses her greedily, almost as if he has wanted this for a long time. Angad slams Kripa against the wall again and kisses her more passionately. Kripa doesn't want to think about the future and what this kiss will mean, she just knew that this is what she wanted and probably for a long time, but was afraid thinking it would ruin their perfect friendship. Angad's lips are devouring Kripa's and she is caving at his gentle touch. Angad's hands run up Kripa's body from her waist to her back, and Kripa's hands go around his neck pulling him closer, which then travel to his back. They are acting so unlike themselves towards each other, but they just can't seem to stop themselves- it was like an unquenchable thirst. Kripa hears her name being called from downstairs and unwillingly tears herself apart from Angad and says breathlessly, "I gotta go" and leaves before letting Angad respond.

With a heavy heart Angad goes downstairs, but he really wants to feel Kripa's tender lips against his again. It was an exhilarating kiss. Angad is amazed at his own thinking. Before leaving for downstairs Angad checked himself in the mirror to make sure no lipstick is on him and blushed. That is a first- Angad and blushing, now he knows for sure that this was different from his past relationships. His previous girlfriends had all been inferior to Angad. They all craved for Angad's attention and obsessed over themselves way too much. But Kripa never needs to fuss because she knows she is hot. Not only that but she is also his equal in every way. As soon as he gets down stairs he takes his seat at the dinning table for desert, when Dilip says, " you know all you kids should start thinking about marriage" and EVERYONE OF THE KIDS start choking roughly on their desert. All at once they say, "WHAT?" Surya says, "Well you guys are going to be graduating soon so we thought we would tell you to start thinking about marriage already." All retort saying, "But we are too young to die!! I mean get married! What ever same thing!" Naina and Gayatri speak up, "Look we just said to start thinking about it, its not like we fixed your marriages already so calm down" They all agree thinking they can probably put this off for a couple years.

Angad and Kripa feel really uncomfortable around each other with everyone there, it like everyone was suspecting them- even though they were totally oblivious to Angad and Kripa's strange behavior. They both make an excuse to finish the project in Angad's room so they can talk about this uhhh whatever this is. Kripa leads the way to Angad's room and with a smirking Angad tailing behind closely and he shuts the door as they enter. He pulls Kripa back and pins her like last time.

Kripa is just really confused because she doesn't want to be just one of those girls he dates and dumps. Before Angad comes any closer Kripa says, "We need to talk". Angad backs up and Kripa goes to sit on the bed. Angad comes and sits beside her and says, "So…" Kripa asks, "Well that kiss… umm look I don't want it to be awkward between us so… I mean can we like forget it" Angad finally is back in his senses and realizes that this is KRIPA, his best friend and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship. He replies calmly, "Yeah I think you're right, we should forget what happened, and uhh sorry bout what I just did…" He laughs, "I think I got a little carried away, but you know you're a damn good kisser" Kripa blushes and smacked his arm, "Angad!!" They both share a laugh letting the awkwardness seep out of their relationship. Kripa asks, "So we're like okay rite?" Angad replies, "Of course my best friend forever, now if you don't mind lets go downstairs and forget bout what happened okay..." Kripa nods and figures to leave this matter alone, seeing as how it will only cause more awkwardness between them.

Chapter 5

This weekend happens to be a long weekend of 5 days--away from school. Everyone is really excited—well the kids mainly because there is no college. The Sharma's and Khanna's have to attend a wedding in Goa, the parents are really excited about it but the kids, umm not so much. The wedding is only like two days but they would all hang out there for the remaining three days as well.

The Sharma and Khanna Household consist of lots of yelling mainly because they have to get ready and pack their bags. They all bring their luggage down tossing it towards the men. After lots of persuasion on the kids' part, their parents let them follow Angad's new black Hummer. The parents figured since they are dragging the kids anyways, might as well let them have some fun on the way. Dilip, Surya, Naina and Gayatri all go in Surya's black Mercedes-Benz. One thing is for sure, the kids don't want to listen to slow and old songs on the way and have to sit there in complete boredom on the six hour journey. In the Hummer, Angad and Kripa sit in the front, Kavya and Neev in the middle, and Anjali and Prachi in the back. Their parents have provided them with a map and they all have their cell phones to keep in touch. Angad starts driving while Kripa flipped through CD's and finally lands on Akon's Smack That. Everyone starts singing along to the lyrics.

"I feel you creepin', I can see you from my shadow.

Wanna jump up in my Lamborghini Gallardo.

Maybe go to my place and just kick it, like Taebo.

And possibly bend you over.

Look back and watch me

smack that, all on the floor,

smack that, give me some more,

smack that, 'till you get sore

smack that, oooh.

smack that, all on the floor,

smack that, give me some more,

smack that, 'till you get sore,

smack that, oooh…"

After it ended, then Kripa picks Justin's Sexy Back. The guys can't quite figure out what song it is yet as they listened to the background music until it kind of became apparent which song it is.

I'm bringing sexy back (yea)
Them other boys don't know how to act (yea)…

As soon as the guys hear the lyrics followed by a "yea" they scream on top of their lungs "NOOO!!!!" and Angad quickly changes the song while the girls are complaining. Kripa argues, "Angad put it back!!! I wanna listen!!" Angad gives her a look like that says "eww you have bad taste" Kripa sits back in her seat, "Hmph!" Angad changes it to Fat Joe's Make It Rain.

I'm in this business of terror
Got a handful of stacks better grab an umbrella
I make it rain (I make it rain)
I make it rain on them hoes I make it rain,(I make It rain)

Now since Kripa is already annoyed she really didn't want Angad to listen to a song he liked so she changed it following lots of hollering from the boys side, while the girls are cheering Kripa on. Finally they stop messing with each other and decide to leave the CD player alone and stop touching it altogether.

It gets kind of boring now with lots of sighing. They decide to take a break from the car since it feels sort of suffocating. Angad spots a mall and drives there to relax and walk around, most of all have food since everyone is starving. They are only one third of the way there. Angad is totally tired sitting in the car driving for two hours. It is now going to be Kavya's turn to drive the next two hours and then Neev's turn. All the girls are excited about going to the mall, while the guys just seem interested in the food. They all headed towards the food court and relax for a while enjoying their meals. After finishing the food, the girls go to stores to shop, while the guys go to Abercrombie and Fitch to flirt with some random girls. Kripa finds a really hot red dress and bought it instantaneously. Kripa sees Anjali going crazy buying so many clothes, while Prachi is just looking around. Kripa forced Prachi into the dressing room and makes her try on dresses. There is this one black and white dress that made Prachi look gorgeous and forces her to buy it. The girls decide to check out Abercrombie and Fitch before going to find the guys.

As soon as they enter they look around, totally unaware that the guys were there flirting. Kripa is checking out some jeans and saw a guy all over this girl and whispering in her ear, followed by excessive giggles from the girl. Kripa thought, "OMG get a room!" The girl is dressed in a rather s***ty outfit. The guy seems kinda hot however his face was buried in her hair and neck. She turned around to leave, but stops at the sound of his husky voice, "How bout you give me a call sometime if your around". Kripa turns and sees that it was none other than Angad and feels a pang of jealousy. She ignores it and sees Angad leave the girl and go around the corner in the store. Kripa smirks and goes up the dazed girl and tells her something in her ear and she has a shocked expression on her face and rips up the number in half and walks away.

Kripa caught up with Angad and slung her arm around his neck and yells, "Hey buddy! Whatcha upto?" Angad smiles slyly, "Oh nothing just flirting, I made this one girl totally fall for my charm" Kripa replies, "Oh that one from a minute ago… yea…. shes not gonna call you" Angad exclaims, "WHAT?! WHY?" Kripa whispers, "Cuz I told her you were gay and the only reason you wanted to date her was to prove your not because your still not out of the closet yet and in denial!" Angad looks horrified and watches Kripa dart out the store with Angad chasing her. Kripa is running all over the mall with an angry Angad on her tail. Kripa sees the elevator open and runs in with the crowd. She sees the door closing and breathes a sigh of relief. Angad figures she must have gone downstairs by the staircase and thought to use the elevator to get there faster, little did he know she is in the same elevator as well. He catches it before the doors are closing and Angad got inside the elevator although it was quite crowded. He thinks he sees a familiar face. He grins, which is followed by a smirk to himself thinking Kripa is so dead now.

Chapter 6

The elevator door opens and Angad moves towards the side, while Kripa thinks he left. Kripa is relieved and is exiting when she is pulled back in by none other than Angad. The elevator door closes and she is stuck with Angad. She sees him advance towards her, "So I'm gay huh?" Kripa has this mischievous smile on her face and an innocent look in her eyes, "Umm you are? Angad I had no idea (she gasped) Oh my God what will your parents think? And you call me you best friend and didn't even tell me…" Kripa stops talking realizing that Angad is like an inch away from her, trapping her with his muscular arms on either side of the wall. Angad grabs her arm and pushs her against the wall, with her back towards him—twisting her arm. Kripa screams in pain, "OW OWWW! Angad let go!" He grins, "Say sorry and Angad is the BEST, and while you at it also say Angad is the HOTTEST guy in the world and then… I will let go!" Kripa retorts, "WHAT NO!! (He twists more) AHHH ok ok I'm sorry…" Angad went closer to her ear and said passionately whispers, "And…" Kripa hears the tone in his voice which sent shivers down her spine and made her heart pound uncontrollably. She whispers slowly and hesitantly, "You're the best." Now Angad turns her facing him, yet still holding onto her arm behind her back. He pushes her into the wall once more and leans in, whispering, "And…" Kripa closes her eyes and says slowly and breathlessly, "You're so hot…" Kripa opens her eyes to see Angad's passionate gaze. Angad starts to lean in towards her, pressing their bodies together.

Kripa feels her heartbeat increase and became really nervous. Kripa thinks Angad was about to kiss her so she shut her eyes, not knowing what else to do. Suddenly she hears howling laughter from a distance and opens her eyes to see Angad mocking her. Between laughs he manages to squeeze in, "Apna cheehra to dekho HAHAHA you HAHA you thought I was gonna HAHAHAHA that I was gonna HAHAHA kiss HAHA kiss you!!! You should have seen your face HAHA!" Kripa gets really annoyed and starts beating him. Angad is down on the floor of the elevator still laughing and getting beaten by Kripa, who is now sitting on him, well actually straddling him exclaiming, "Kya kaha tumne, Your making fun of me!?!?!?". Suddenly the door opens and a whole family is staring at them—With Angad under Kripa and her sitting on him, not to mention hitting him. Just then the child tugs onto his mother's clothes and says, "Mama why is that girl sitting on that boy?" The woman closes her son's eyes and says, "Beisharam Bache.." and leaves. Angad and Kripa both look at each other and break off in fits of laughter.

Finally Angad and Kripa catch up with the rest and see that Kavya and Neev are trying to say sorry to Anjali and Prachi because as women they are totally disgusted. Apparently Anjali and Prachi too found out about the guys little flirting expedition. Angad and Kripa laugh along with Prachi and Anjali at Kavya and Neev, just because they are on their knees. They are all walking towards the car and when Anjali yells, "Shot gun!" and is completely unaware that Kavya is the next driver, because she thought it was Neev. Everyone stops walking except Anjali and they make this "ooooooooo" sound indicating she made a BIG mistake. Anjali turns around, "What's wrong with you guys lets move" and then notices Kavya's shocked face, which then turns into a grin, "…So Anju your that eager to sit next to me huh? I always knew you liked me…" Anjali stops dead in her tracks, "WHAT??" Kavya calmly says, "Well it's my turn to drive next and you obviously are really enthusiastic about sitting with me for TWO WHOLE HOURS" and grinned. Anjali exclaims, "Wait NOOO I take it back, I don't wanna sit in the front!" The rest just say, "TOO BAD!" Anjali again goes on cursing her luck.

Kavya begins driving with Anjali sitting next to him, Kripa and Angad in the middle, and Neev and Prachi in the back. Kavya keeps bothering Anjali periodically and she just keeps getting more and more annoyed, almost as if he is testing her patience. Kavya keeps turning up the air conditioning, which makes Anjali really cold. She shouts, "Kavya stop turning up the A/C, I'm freezing!" Kavya whispers passionately, "I could warm you up if you want?" Anjali growls in disgust, "UGHHHH! You annoying idiot! (She turns the A/C down) Touch the stupid A/C again and I'm gonna break your arm!" Kavya says, "Calm down you JUNGLI BILI!!!" This is followed by another growl from Anjali. She decides to go to sleep, since anything would be better than listening to Kavya talk. He looks over to see Anjali trying to fall asleep and he gets really annoyed because the silence in the car is killing him. He keeps nudging her to wake up. Her head furiously shoots up in anger and says, "Do you have a death wish?!?! Stop touching me! And stop waking me up!" Kavya replied, "Keep me company please or I'm going to fall asleep on the wheel and then we will get into an accident and then we will go to the hospital and then I'm sure we will get bandaged up because we will probably have broken something and then it will take weeks and months to recover, and you know whose fault it will be….YOURS!!!" Anjali has a strong urge to strangle the guy, but mutters to herself, "You'll end up in jail, You'll end up in jail!" Anjali replied to Kavya, "FINEEE!!" Kavya drives for two hours and now it is Neev's turn who sits along side Prachi in the front, Kavya and Anjali in the middle, and Angad and Kripa in the back.

It is getting quite late. By the time Neev starts driving; all the girls start to get really sleepy. Anjali falls asleep on Kavya's shoulder and he begins admiring Anjali's beauty. Kavya always seemed to have a soft spot for her, the highlight of his day would be when he would annoy her. Although she would never admit it, he knows that Anjali loves getting all the attention from Kavya. He becomes a little drowsy himself and falls asleep with his head on top of Anjali's.

Neev looks in his rear view mirror to see the comfortable position Kavya and Anjali are in and pokes Prachi awake. Prachi whispers, "Neev what do you want, can't you see I was sleeping?" Neev points towards the back and Prachi turns her head and notices the cute scene between Kavya and Anjali. Both giggle at the sight, which catchs Angad and Kripa's attention.

Angad and Kripa have been watching a movie on Angad's Ipod, sharing the earpiece. They are watching the Pursuit of Happyness and although it is a really good movie, the time of day starts to take a toll on Kripa and she keeps falling asleep throughout the movie. She wakes up to Prachi and Neev's childish giggles. That's when Angad and Kripa too notice the two lovebirds in a rather comfortable position, they also couldn't help, but smile. All day they would witness Kavya and Anjali's fights and here they are carelessly sleeping on each other.

Angad is getting kind of bored looking at them just sleeping so he takes his gum wrapper and rolls it into a thin stick. He slowly brings it close to Kavya's face and stuck it in his ear, which wakes him up with a jerk and he starts yelling, "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!", which of course then wakes up the sleeping beauty on his shoulder, who also starts to scream, "AHHHHHHH!!!" Everyone else starts laughing at both of their expressions when Angad rudely stuck the paper in his ear. Anjali starts hitting Kavya while he keeps hitting Angad. They are just having way too much fun in the car. Finally they arrive at the hotel they would be staying at.

Chapter 7

The guys start to unload the luggage and hand it off to the baggage handler to send to their rooms. The girls join the guys and they make their way towards their parents. Dilip and Surya tell everyone where they will be staying and room numbers. The guys will be staying in room 201, and next to the guys are the girls in room 203. Dilip and Naina will be in room 202, next to Surya and Gayatri, who are in room 204. The kids' rooms are connected from inside and the room includes 3 separate beds and one bathroom in each. They all put their stuff down and get settled in. They have exactly two hours until they are to leave for the wedding, where they will only face boredom. The girls are running around taking showers, doing their hair, makeup, picking out jewelry and clothes. The girls are freaking out since they want to look drop dead gorgeous in only two hours time. The guys are just taking naps and then decide to take showers and put on their clothes and do their hair, making sure they look hot. The wedding reception is occurring at the same hotel they are staying at. When they all are ready and they make their way down stairs to join their parents.

The guys wear sherwani's; Angad's is black with red embroidery along with a red dupatta, Kavya's was navy blue with beige embroidery along with a beige dupatta, and Neev's was red with beige embroidery along with a beige dupatta. The girls wore lehnga's; Kripa was black with silver embroidery, Anjali's was navy blue with silver embroidery, Prachi was red with golden embroidery. They all had decided to match in pairs so that no random people will come to bother them for dances and become all "chipko".

As soon as they walk in, all the other young teens turn to stare at the hotties at the door, who have just made their appearance. The way they walk, was so stylish and full of attitude and arrogance. They are totally aware that the other kids are not even in the same league as them. Girls look towards the Angad, Kavya, and Neev in awe while the rest of guys look back in pure envy. The guys look towards Kripa, Anjali, and Prachi in admiration while the rest of the girls look back completely jealous. Angad, Kripa, Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi all sit down at the table and begin their little discussions of whose hot and whose not, but eventually getting bored with the topic. Suddenly an evil smirk plays upon Angad's lips while Kripa grins thinking that he found a solution to their boredom, which Angad did of course. They all huddle and Angad discussed his idea of playing, Ding-Dong Ditch, since well they are in a hotel with god knows how many doors. Anjali, Prachi and Kripa make their way towards their parents to tell them they need some fresh air. Their parents unwillingly agree knowing that they can't deny their daughters anything.

The girls come back victorious and the guys get up and make their way outside following the girls. As soon as they get out of the hall there are rounds of high-fives. They go into the elevator and each pair take a floor so that they can meet back and tell stories to each other later. They decide to skip their own floor (2^nd floor) because they actually have to stay there and they didn't want to get the people on their own floor. The girls stop off at their room to get rid of things that would make noise like their churdiyaan. Then they all hurry back into the elevator and go up the stairs. Neev and Prachi get off on the third floor, Kavya and Anjali on the fourth, Angad and Kripa on the fifth.

**********

Neev and Prachi (Third Floor)

Neev and Prachi look down the empty hallway and notice that after every door was this deep opening, basically anyone would be able to hide, and midway there was a huge opening which had the elevator and lounge with couches. Prachi holds onto Neev's hand hoping not to get in trouble and Neev slowly goes down two doors. Neev looks at Prachi and she looks totally nervous at the moment. Neev squeezes her hand a little more tightly. Neev has a huge smile on his face as he knocks really hard on the door. He holds Prachi's hand and disappears in to the midway opening by the elevator. They hear the door open and a large man walks out. He is really round and hairy. He is wearing; let's just say it was not enough clothes, a white towel. It is quite a disturbing sight. Prachi cringes at the sight and shivers in disgust, while Neev laughs silently. They went back to pay attention to the guy, who seems to still be looking around to see who it was, he bellows, "WHOSE THERE??!!" he curses under his breath and closes the door. This time Prachi goes and holds an elevator open and Neev goes and knocks on the door again. This time the door opens instantly and the guy sees Neev running, just his back though. "Hey get back here" The man is trying to hold onto his towel and run at the same time. The towel is actually quite small, barely enough to cover him—so running is totally out of the question, yet the man still runs after Neev. The inevitable happens and the towel falls off. Prachi peaks over the corner and sees the man is wearing pink boxers with sheeps and clouds on them. Prachi is laughing so hard. The man continues to run after Neev, who turned into the opening and grabs Prachi, who by now is holding onto the wall laughing, and runs right into the elevator. Prachi is able to hit the close button and as the man approaches the elevator Neev waves, "Bye Uncle!" Neev and Prachi have tears in their eyes laughing go hard.

**********

Kavya and Anjali (Fourth Floor)

Kavya and Anjali are passing by trying to figure out which door to pick when they hear some faint noises. It is kind of hard to hear because Anjali keeps complaining that she is stuck with Kavya, though actually she really didn't mind that much, but then again she did have to keep up the pretences. Kavya trying to hush up Anjali, "Shh Anju listen.." Kavya pressed his ear up against the door to listen, which is followed by Anjali. They hear a man and woman's voice. The man is begging, "Sweety I'm sorry, please I promise I will move out of my mother's apartment I swear" the woman yells, "Your forty years old!!!! And living with your mother! You don't even have your OWN room, you sleep on your mother's bed!!! I CANT MARRY YOU!!!!" "Baby please we can make it work, We can get an extra cot or something and you can sleep…no wait I will sleep in it, please honey bunch come'on lets just continue what we were doing" "NO WAY!! I think you have diarrhea! Youv'e been passing gas for the last five minutes and been in the bathroom half the day alone!! Stay AWAY I CANT BREATHE!!" "No baby I'm cleared up now…" Kavya and Anjali are outside the door trying to suppress their laughs by holding their hands tightly over their mouths. It didn't work. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA", they burst out laughing on the floor. Just the thought of a forty year old guy living with his mother, who also happens to suffering from a case of severe diarrhea, seems to tickle both their funny bones. Kavya and Anjali hold onto each other in order to get up off the floor, it is hard considering their sides are still aching from all the laughter. They don't think they will be able to go through with the ding-dong-ditch seeing as how they can barely walk with out wanting to fall to the ground holding their stomachs in laughter.

**********

Angad and Kripa (Fifth Floor)

Angad and Kripa get out of the elevator and walk down the hall trying to pick a door. They find themselves standing in front of a door, getting ready to make a run for it as soon as Angad's hands touch the door. Angad loudly thumps on the door and is about to dart with Kripa when suddenly they hear the elevator sound, alerting them that they aren't the only ones in the hall any more. The hear the person coming closer to them about to turn the corner and will soon be in front of their eyes. They are trapped form either side. The only way to leave happens to be in the same direction as where the footsteps approach. If someone is to spot them, they will surely get in trouble with their parents for ditching the wedding, that too for a little prank. Angad look around hoping to find an escape path, but to his dismay found none. Kripa on the other hand grins widely and quickly yanks at Angad's hand, pulling him into the room marked "Janitors Closet". They are engulfed by the darkness and only hear the muffled voices outside along with the spontaneous beatings of their hearts. Angad and Kripa hear a man's voice, "Who's there? Stupid Kids! If I catch you, I'll make sure your in trouble!" Kripa begin to giggle and Angad locates her mouth in the darkness and cups it in order to prevent her from making noises. Kripa's eyes grow in horror as she hears a hand land on top of the door knob.

Just then another voice comes, stopping the man from turning the knob. The second voice asks the man, "Was it you who knocked on my door?" "No sir, I got several complaints that people were disturbing others so I came to check. So someone knocked on your door?" "Yes, Just a minute ago…" "Well I am sorry for the disturbance, when I catch those kids, I'll surely punish them" "Alrite well Thank You". The second man, the guest seems to have turned to go back to his room. The man must have noticed the janitor's closet again and stops again at the door. Anxiety clogs both Angad and Kripa's minds. Their heart rates increase rapidly as they hear the hand land on the knob again. The knob starts to turn…but the second voice from before echoes, "Excuse me sir, I think you dropped your wallet" The man let go of the knob and Angad and Kripa breathe a sigh of relief as the man approaches the guest to attain his wallet. There happens to be a picture of a man in the wallet—sort of posing, almost like this man's lover. The guest looks at the man sort of skeptically and the man quickly answers while snatching the wallet, "uhh that's my brother" The guest doubtfully replies, "riteee, no but it's uh cool man if that's the way you roll, arite good night!" The man called after the guest to explain further, "He's my BROTHER!!!" but the guest already left. The guy walks away in his thoughts about the conversation a minute ago, also past the janitor's closet. He may have forgotten about checking it after all he was too busy trying to come up with some excuse for a man having another man's picture in his wallet, rite. Angad and Kripa are still unsure of exactly how safe they are at the present moment, yet they keep trying so hard not to laugh at the poor guy, haha poor guy yea rite! That's when they hear the elevator sound and both begin to chuckle thinking about how anxious they had become. There is barely any room in that closet and are completely oblivious to their proximity. In the pitch black surrounding a flash of light flickers from Angad's pocket and in that one flash, Angad and Kripa both notice how close they were to one another. They are so close in fact that if they are an inch closer, they will be kissing. They don't have much time to decide what they think about their closeness because the second flash of his cell brought Angad back and it seems to be coming from his cell phone, meaning it is time to meet back with the others and sneak back into the party as subtlety as possible.

Chapter 8

Angad and Kripa enter the hall and quickly move towards Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi, who are eagerly waiting upon their arrival. They all sit down and to discuss in full detail about what happened on the third, fourth, and fifth floor. Neev starts the conversation, "Well first off Prachi needs some self control, She kept holding my hand so tightly I thought it would break off! (Prachi gets red in the face and whines along with playfully slapping him and Neev laughs)…so anyways me and Prachi go to some door and knock really hard, then we ran to hide, then this big hippo man A.K.A. Prachi's boyfriend (Prachi whines, "Neev!!") comes out yelling 'whose there' and he keeps turning his head back and forth like a bobble head doll like we would magically appear. And Prachi's boyfriend is only wearing a towel…and while running it FELL OFF" Everyone laughs and Neev gasps for air while continuing, "HAHA and the best part was he was wear…wearing pink boxers wi… HAHA with clouds and shhh …HAHA sheep HAHAHA!" Everyone starts imagining this guy and laugh hysterically, while Prachi shivers in disgust.

When they settle down, Kavya talks about his floor, "Ok ok my turn, So Anju and me are walking down the hall and then we hear people shouting so…" Anjali continues, "So Kavya being his nosy self presses his ear against the door and the guy was apologizing for being FORTY YEARS OLD and LIVING with his MOTHER and they SHARE the SAME BED!" Kavya butts in and says, "AND the guy was really eager to continue doing what they were doing but the woman says eww you have DIARRHEA and have been PASSING GAS the WHOLE DAY so get away from me" Everyone laughs so hard and Neev especially, so much in fact that he falls backward and off his chair and then acts like nothing happened. By now they have attracted lots of unwanted attention and people are staring at them like they are crazy.

Kavya notices that Angad and Kripa seem sort of spaced out and asks them to tell what happened on their floor. Angad comes back to earth and says, "Oh, well we went up to some door and knocked really hard. Then before we could go dash out, we heard the elevator sound and some guy was coming our way and we were stuck." Kripa pipes in, "Well then I saved the day, cuz this idiot is totally blind and we hid in the janitor's closet. The guy was saying something about getting complaints about people knocking on their doors to some guest. It was the guest whose room we knocked on and then the guy was leaving but the guest picked up his wallet and there was a picture of a GUY. You could tell by the way the guy sounded that he was lying, he was like 'uhhh that's my brother….' guest is like, 'riteee and said dude its cool if that's the way you roll' and the guy was like screaming on top of his lungs 'HE'S MY BROTHER!!!'" They end up laughing so hard they catch the attention of the whole room at one point. Talk about awkward. In any case they aren't ones to dwell on that fact that they are loud. Now Angad and Kripa have only one thing on their minds, which was their proximity in the closet. Only they know how close they were to kissing AGAIN, and they decide to exclude that part from their little story and keep that piece of info strictly between themselves.

So after discussing their own run ins, everyone is told to go on the dance floor. Now the older couples dash to the floor, whereas the youngsters feel sort of out of place. Its not like it is a club or anything, it is basically ballroom dancing, which is awkward in itself. Naina, Dilip, Gayatri and Surya come back to the table and pull Neev and Prachi, Kavya and Anjali, and finally Angad and Kripa to the dance floor. Well it is more shoving then anything else, these kids are so reluctant, but of course then finally give up. Now these pairings seems to have upset all the other young guys and girls present, because basically everyone has their eyes on at least one of the Khanna or Sharma kids. To their dismay they are all taken.

**********

Neev and Prachi and enter the dance area and Neev this time put his hand out signaling Prachi for a dance and said, "May I be so unlucky as to have this dance with you, Prachi?" She shyly replies, "Of course….WAIT WHAT? Kya kaha tumne?" Neev smiles at her innocence. Neev thinks that Prachi is just so adorable sometimes. Prachi questions, "So how come your dancing with me this time?" Neev grins, "Pity" Prachi says, "Acha… ok fine I'm leaving!" and she turns to leave, letting go of his hand. She barely walks two steps before Neev pulls her back and holds his ears. Prachi smacks his arm groaning, "Neev!! God your just so impossible I swear!" Neev grins, "yea… I know". Neev is dancing with Prachi, but old habits die hard rite, meaning he keeps checking out the girls dancing in a group towards the far end. He is basically gawking at them. Prachi is actually trying to make conversation, but than notices that Neev isn't responding. She starts yelling his name, but alas NOTHING! Prachi finally gets frustrated and follows his stare, which leads her to the group of girls.

Prachi suddenly feels this pain in her heart; she becomes all choked up inside and has formed a lump in her throat. This is the last straw for her and she just hates feeling rejected by Neev. Recently she started feeling like he barely pays attention to her anymore. It is as if he didn't even realize she is a woman and a beautiful one at that. She always felt this attraction towards him because he was someone she felt safe with. She knows he would always come through even if no one else would. She has always known she is different from the girls he dated, not just in outward appearance but also internally, but she knew for the better. He is her best friend so she knows everything about him as a best friend should and this is what the other girls have always lacked. The other girls just want him for his good looks and popularity, but for Prachi he has become more than her best friend. It is apparent to Prachi that Neev doesn't feel the same way, because if he does he would know how much it hurts when he talks about other girls. She just can't take it anymore.

Prachi turns back to Neev and gave him an angry glare mixed with hurt and heartache. Tears have welled up her eye and will start flowing any second. She immediately shook off his arm and walked off out the door, leaving a very confused and shocked Neev behind.

**********

Kavya and Anjali make their way to the dance floor quite reluctantly. Anjali isn't exactly thrilled with the idea of dancing with Kavya, but somehow it always seemed to work out that way. Kavya on the other hand is actually ecstatic about dancing with Anjali because that meant she would be really annoyed. It is rather enjoyable for Kavya to watch Anjali squirm in his grip. Kavya decides to see how far he could go before she really explode. Kavya grabs Anjali really close and twirls her so that she has her back towards him. He draws closer and blows his breath past her ear, giving her a tickling sensation. Kavya knows exactly what effect he has on Anjali yet he feels the need to ask, "Something wrong?" and Anjali replies with her eyes closed while stuttering, "huh… oh nothing, uhh umm y…y do you ask?" Kavya grins, "Oh no reason." Anjali hated Kavya's cocky behavior. It just makes her so mad sometimes. He has his hand on her hip and on her stomach, gently caressing it. This gave Anjali shivers all over and another reason to complain. She always knew he is good at charming girls to fall for him and she doesn't want to be another one of them. He turns her again, making her body collide with his, now holding her close. Anjali is avoiding looking at Kavya's eyes because she is afraid of what she might see in them.

Anjali is trembling at his touch, he is the only guy who ever had that effect on her, but this is something that she didn't want to admit to. There is a fact that even Kavya isn't aware of, that she actually enjoys him giving her attention and annoying her to no end. Anjali blushes as he whispers, caresses, and compliments her. They thoroughly enjoy themselves, but of course Anjali would never tell anyone because to the world she hates Kavya Sharma and she would make sure she keeps up with the pretenses.

**********

Angad and Kripa dance a little uncomfortably. The image of the janitor's closet flashes before their eyes. When they were so close, it felt so right and the way they looked into each other's eyes left a mark on their souls. They hate being so awkward with each other because they aren't used to being so formal and quiet. Angad and Kripa look into each other's eyes and suddenly don't feel that the silence is so horrible. They actually feel at peace. Angad looks around and notices all the girls checking him out and gloats, "You know you should count yourself lucky your dancing with the hot and sexy Angad Khanna! So enjoy sweety" Kripa laugh, "Ha-Ha, are you kidding? You're the one that's lucky, do you not see all these guys checking me out? So babe you're the lucky one! And if you don't think so you can find yourself another dancing partner" and Kripa is about to walk off, but he only holds her tighter. Angad is rather annoyed with Kripa's confidence, but this is why they were friends. No other girl would ever say half the things Kripa would say to him, that's what made her unique, that's what made them…well them. Angad is actually really glad their uneasiness seemed to have vanished. Kripa too feels the same way. Angad argues back, "Okay meri ma!! But you gotta admit, no other guy is even close to being as hot as me so why bother dancing with someone beneath you!" Kripa grins, "Are you complimenting me?" Angad replies mysteriously, "Maybe" Kripa laughs, "Only you could compliment girls so slyly and have them not notice, but I'm too smart for that mister… but it was still sweet (she pinches his cheek)" Kripa and Angad continue dancing and enjoying themselves like always, pushing their awkwardness aside because there is no room for it in their relationship.

**********

Prachi has already left for upstairs and is in the room thinking about life and her relationship with Neev. She doesn't know why she couldn't contain or bottle her feelings inside like she is always able to. She feels she has reached her breaking point and this is it. Neev on the other hand goes to take a walk outside because he knows he has upset Prachi and doesn't want their parents or friends asking questions. He has never made her this upset before, which makes him wonder even more. Angad-Kripa and Kavya-Anjali continue to dance until their parents finally decide they should go back upstairs to their rooms, bringing the wedding to an end.

Chapter 9

The guys and girls are in their respective rooms. Prachi has been sitting on her bed holding her knees close lost in her thoughts. Kripa and Anjali walk in and notice that Prachi is already there. They both notice how Prachi is in some other realm and decide to find out what is wrong. They go up to Prachi and shake her in order to bring back a lost Prachi. In the guys' room, Kavya and Angad are already there and Neev walks in looking just as lost as Prachi looked. Angad and Kavya notice that the usual cheerful Neev is no where to be found, only this serious looking guy, which was creeping the heck out of them. Angad yells out Neev's name and then Neev realizes that Angad and Kavya have been staring at him. Both Kavya and Angad along with Anjali and Kripa begin their interrogations of their suspects.

Anjali asks, "Prachi, kya hua? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Prachi silently sobs and holds onto Kripa, who brushes Prachi's hair off her face trying to soothe her brokenhearted sister. Upon Kripa asking, Prachi begins to tell, "Pata nahin, I don't know what's wrong with me! When I was dancing with Neev, I felt so happy. I was trying to talk to him but…" Anjali asks, "Did Neev do something?" Prachi says, "No Anju, but he just wouldn't pay attention to me when I was talking to him and I felt so ignored, so hurt, so broken. Then I saw he was looking at a bunch of girls and I felt so angry and I don't know why but I had tears in my eyes and then I just had to leave from there… I… I don't know what's happening to me? (Prachi breaks down into violent sobs)" Kripa continues to comb Prachi's hair trying to soo calm her. Anjali and Kripa both look at each other in agreement knowing exactly what is wrong. Prachi is in love, in love with Neev, her best friend and she is just confused about her feelings because she herself doesn't know what she feels for Neev is true love.

Prachi gets up and straightens herself out and that's when Kripa and Anjali decide to tell Prachi. Anjali and Kripa say, "Prachi, well you might deny what we are saying, but just think about it okay. We think you were feeling jealous that Neev was paying attention to those girls rather than you, his best friend. And you seem really upset about it too, almost as if you felt insecure that those girls were taking Neev away from you. You may not want to accept this, but Prachi this is Love…" Prachi remains silent and in deep thought. Anjali and Kripa know they had some effect on her so they decide to leave her with her thoughts and get ready for bed. Prachi begins to ponder over everything Anjali and Kripa said and decides to sleep on it. That's when the heard a knock…

**********

Angad and Kavya begin asking Neev what the matter is and why he seemed so out of place. Neev explains, "Well when I was dancing with Prachi, I think she was saying something, but I wasn't paying attention because I was checking out some girls and she really got mad. I never saw her like this before. And not just mad, but I could have sworn I saw tears in her eyes. She never acted this way before so I don't know what's changed or what happened…I don't know what to do I mean she is totally pissed" Kavya punched Neev's arm saying, "Dude you made my sister cry!" Neev complains, "OWW Kavya!! I need help and your making it worse!!" Kavya's still mad because Prachi has always been slightly towards the sensitive side, which is why everyone is so protective over her. Angad says, "Well you gotta make it up to her somehow and she can't stay mad at you forever, after all you guys are best friends! And your never suppose to ignore your best friend for girls! If I did that to Kripa she would have beat me senseless" Neev laughs, "A little whipped aren't you?" Angad yells, "Heck NO!" Kavya interrupts, "You better fix this soon or you're gonna mess up our whole group and then I'm gonna mess up your face Neev!" Neev gets frustrated, "Gee thanks that was soo helpful" Angad and Kavya in unison, "Glad to help" and they get ready for bed.

Angad and Kavya can't seem to fall asleep so they keep tossing and turning. Neev can't sleep thinking about Prachi's tear eyed face. Angad gets annoyed and gets up turning on the lights. Then he announces, "I CAN'T SLEEP! Let's go see what the girls are doing?" They all get up and knock on the girls' door, waiting for them to open it.

**********

Kripa opens the door and Angad pushes Kripa aside and walks into the room. Boy did the girls pick a good day not to wear a nightie because that would have been damn embarrassing since these guys have NO MANNERS. The guys come in after Angad, who is sitting on Kripa's bed, and stand by him leaning against the wall. Kripa folds her arms demanding an explanation for the intrusion. Angad says, "Well we were bored, so we came to see what you guys were up to and I'm guessing nothing so let's order a movie!" Everyone agrees. Prachi and Neev don't sound too enthusiastic. Everyone is on the floor sitting in these positions- Prachi, Kavya, Anjali, Kripa, Angad, Neev. So Prachi and Neev are on opposite sides of the room and she is giving him the silent treatment. They decide to order Smokin' Aces. The girls are grossed out in the beginning because there are scenes with girls, who shall we say in the absence of clothes. Kripa and Anjali cover Angad and Kavya's eyes, while they keep trying to peek. Prachi glances at Neev and surprisingly he isn't even trying to look at the screen. He is actually staring at his hands lost in his thoughts. Neev feels someone one staring and sees Prachi. Neev sees Prachi's red eyes and feels guilty for being the reason for those tears. Prachi immediately looks away. Neev feels depressed to know that his best friend is mad at him. Anjali and Prachi have fallen asleep on either side of Kavya's shoulders. Angad and Kripa are still watching the movie; however, there is way too much violence for Kripa's taste, so she becomes pretty bored. The guys are watching intently though.

As soon as the movie comes to an end Angad and Kripa start arguing about the movie by the door connecting both the guys' and girls' rooms. Angad says, "Kripa you have such bad taste, that movie was GRRREAT!" Kripa replies, "It was GRREAT?? What are you the Kellogg's Tony the Tiger?? And I have bad taste?? Are you kidding that movie was horrible! Only a complete moron would like that movie!" Angad argues back, "Are you calling me a moron!" And this argumentation continues. Meanwhile Kavya finds himself in a pickle because Prachi and Anjali have made a home on his shoulders and he can't even move because Anjali has her arms thrown around Kavya's neck. Kavya signals Neev over to help with Prachi. Neev picks up Prachi in his arms and gently places her on the bed, brushes her hair aside. She looks so innocent to Neev. He kisses her forehead and leaves. Kavya picks up Anjali and tries putting her down, but Anjali just won't let go. He eventually pries himself away and looks back at her angelic face. Kavya goes close to Anjali and whispers, "You're beautiful", he pulls the covers up and leaves, unaware that Anjali heard him and is slightly blushing to herself.

**********

Kripa still isn't able to fall asleep. Every time she closes her eyes, her mind goes back to the way Angad was looking at her in the closet. She gets out of bed and heads to the balcony, which is shared between the guys' and girls' room. She looks out towards the city. It is so quiet, she thought. She begins to admire the star lit sky and glowing moon. She thinks back to their almost kiss, the awkwardness, and their dance. Then her mind drifts to Prachi and Neev's relationship, which is quite similar to her own. She wonders if she would ever fall in love with Angad, she wonders about the future, who they would marry, what they would become, everything about life in general. Suddenly from behind, someone whispers, "Mere bare mein sooch rahi thi?" Kripa gasps and turns to find Angad behind her. She turns back to the sky with Angad still behind her. He moves closer and puts his hands on either side of the railing, trapping Kripa and pressing into her. Kripa turns around and looks into Angad eyes. She tries to distance herself from him, but can't. They begin moving a little closer to each other when they hear a girly scream from the girls' room… NO WAIT the GUYS' ROOM??

They sprint towards the guys' room wondering what could possibly be the matter. It was Kavya who was yelling like a schoolboy with a British accent, "Ahhhhh big hairy SPIDER!! Don't eat me mate!!!! AHHH! I WANT MY MOMMY!! Why won't my wand work! Arachnophobia! ARACHNOPHOBIAAAAA!!!!" he keeps squirming around in bed—it looks like he is having a seizure or he's trying to dance. Angad and Kripa watch Kavya screaming for his mommy and raising his hand swishing it around and they both laugh really hard looking at the panic driven face of Kavya. Angad is panting from all the laughter and asks, "Wh..What is he doing? Why is he talking like he's from England" Kripa replies, "HAHAHA that's the nightmare where he thinks he's Harry Potter and he is being chased by that big spider Argon and the Arachnophobia is his spell to make it go away" Angad is surprised, "WHAT? He think's he's Harry Potter!! HAHAHA!" They share another laugh and they both go back to their rooms. Angad goes to Kavya and sees him still having his seizure like he is being "zapped" possibly by Lord Voldemort so he kicks Kavya's rear end so hard he falls off the bed. While falling Kavya screams, "Ahh You ate me!! AHHH!" Angad says, "Wake up you Harry Potter moron" Kavya gets up, not fully in his senses yet and raises his hand as if it were a wand saying, "Oh yea well you won't be laughing when I use this charrrr…….." Kavya realizes what he's doing and sees Angad grinning and groans thinking now he will never hear the last of it.

Chapter 10

They come back from the trip to Goa with a little shopping done here and there. Now it is back to school for them since their long week end has finished. Neev has been trying to talk to Prachi all day now and has gotten quite frustrated with her. He doesn't understand what her problem is. She has been ignoring him the whole day and it is getting too much because he assumes by now she would have cooled off if he gave her space. Neev goes to search for Prachi and finds her sitting with Kripa, Anjali, and Aaliya while Angad, Kavya, and Josh play basketball. The girls are just talking about random girly topics and he catches sight of Prachi enjoying herself, not just enjoying but laughing as well. Here Neev stands totally depressed and upset, while Prachi sits conversing with her friends. He is really mad now more than ever. Neev comes by the girls and sits there while Prachi excuses herself to use the bathroom. Again she avoided him, Neev thought. He too gets up and follows her. When Neev entered, she is inside the stall and he hides in a stall near by. She comes out and begins washing her hands when the lights suddenly go out and there is complete darkness in the bathroom. She turns to the door to leave, but before she can open it she gets pinned to the wall.

She knows it was Neev. She knows his touch, his fragrance, his everything including his anger and frustration. The light seeped in from the windows and she calmly speaks, "Neev let me go" Neev replies with a firm, "NO" She begins to struggle in his grip and he yells, "WHY DAM*IT, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS! JUST SAY SOMETHING PLEASE, LOOK JUST YELL AT ME, DO SOMETHING JUST DON'T IGNORE ME PLEASE I CAN'T TAKE IT. YOUR REALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME PRACHI, YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND…DON'T DO THIS TO ME." Prachi yells with intensity, "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE OKAY NEEV, IT HURTS, IT HURTS BECAUSE I…" She pauses and tries to leave, but Neev tightens his grip on her. Neev's hot breath on her neck and passionate voice seems to intoxicate Prachi. Neev asks softly leaning in closer, "Because you what?" This forces her to pull out from her trance and yell, "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" Neev's whole world turns upside down. He is completely shocked, so shocked that he loosens his grip on her and let her run away in tears. In a moment he realizes she's running away so he calls after her, but she wouldn't stop, she couldn't stop. He just watches her run away wiping her tears along the way.

Neev walks around the park, looking at the children play, remembering his own childhood days with everyone, but mostly Prachi. From childhood, Angad and Kripa stuck together like glue, and Kavya and Anjali always annoyed each other right from the start—but they are friends, it is an undeclared friendship. Prachi had always felt like an outsider and a loner. That's when Neev came into the Sharma's and Khanna's lives. He became the other half of Prachi, the part she was missing. That's when Prachi and Neev became best of friends and today his best friend is in love with him. Neev has always known Prachi is a beautiful girl, but she is very reserved something Neev is not used to in girls. His taste in women has been bold and beautiful like Angad and Kavya's. He had to admit though, that Prachi was way more fun and more beautiful than the girls he had dated. He tells himself he isn't in love with Prachi, but feared losing her friendship. Everything has changed and nothing could go back to what it was before, nothing. Oh love is complicated.

**********

Same day- Kavya and Anjali. Now strangely enough the whole day Kavya has not once bugged Anjali. Forget bugging, he didn't even approach her. He keeps himself busy with girls the whole time. He doesn't even try to sit next to Anjali in any of their classes. She doesn't know what to think of it. She really misses his little annoyances. His annoying behavior became part of her every day routine. Not once has he missed an opportunity to mess with her. This just throws her off completely. It is so ironic that even when he is not annoying her, she is even more annoyed. Anjali tries to not focus on Kavya by keeping herself busy with guys. Now at this point usually Kavya would come over and harass the guy until he left, but nope not this time. What she didn't know was the Kavya is watching Anjali flirt from a distance and is trying really hard to control his temper. So far it had been working, but he didn't know how long it would last. Kavya hates it when Anjali flirted, he doesn't exactly know why—it is his way of being protective over her. Angad, Kavya, and Neev have all learned to look out for Kripa, Anjali, and Prachi since they are their friend's sisters, or at least that's the excuse Kavya tells himself. After Prachi and Neev have left the basketball grounds towards the bathroom, Kavya is flirting with this one girl after the basketball game. She is currently sitting comfortably on his lap. Anjali walks past and says, "Get a room!" Kavya grins, "Great idea!" and laughs at her jealousy. Anjali walks away in a huff. So basically Kavya is annoying Anjali from a distance, but trying to maintain a distance and Anjali is annoyed by this distance.

**********

Same day in the morning- Angad and Kripa. Angad and Kripa make plans to do their homework together at the Sharma House later. As of now, they are sitting in class listening to a lecture from their math teacher. Angad and Kripa as usual are not paying much attention to the lecture, but passing notes and talking. That's when the door bursts open and in comes the principal with another boy trailing behind. The principal seems to be embarrassed of his 'takla' (bald) head so the guy feels the need to wear a wig, which is the most ridiculous and obvious looking wig one could possibly find. The boy is standing behind the principal so getting a clear view isn't possible. The principal is talking to the professor and then turns to the class and says, "Ok students, we have a new student from Dehli joining your class and his name is Prem Malhotra." Angad and Kripa aren't really paying attention, but as soon as the Principal steps aside, a young, hot, looking guy stands in front. He looks so carefree and he has his own attitude, like a bad boy. Kripa feels attracted towards him since bad boys were her weakness. She whispers to Angad, "DAM* he's HOT!" Angad looks up and then at Kripa really shocked and says, "Wow Kripa, tumhare itne bure din agaya hai… You think the Principal is hot???" Kripa kicks Angad hard causing him to scream, "OWW!!" The Principal turns his attention to Angad along with the rest of the class and says, "Angad what is the meaning of this outburst?" Angad looks back at Kripa and grins, "Well sir, Kripa seems to think that you are really HOo…OWWWW" Kripa has yanked Angad to sit down and stomped on his foot causing him to say 'how' instead of his intended 'hot'. Kripa interrupts Angad saying, "How sir How do you get your hair to be so shiny?" Well at this the principal turns red at the compliment and starts patting his head like one would to a dog and replies, "Oh I use conditioner you see" and grins widely. At this Angad says, ::cough:: LIAR ::cough::. Now Kripa has to elbow him to shut up since he was bound to get them both a detention.

The principal turns his attention back to the boy, who Kripa now has a crush on. Angad sees the guy and realizes that this was who Kripa must have been talking about. Although Angad hates to admit it the guy has style, but Angad happened to be undeniably hotter than Prem. Angad thought and realizes that they would have probably become friends had Kripa not declared she liked the guy and this is reason enough for Angad to despise him. The Principal asks the professor, who the smartest in the class is and that just so happens to be Kripa Sharma. Kripa beams as Prem is assigned to work alongside Kripa. Angad is totally upset because not only did Kripa stop talking to him in class, she acted like he didn't exist. Kripa s flirting with Prem constantly and even gave him her phone number. She touched his arm saying, "If you need help with anything just ask" in a rather sexy tone. This is only infuriating Angad more.

Angad gets a hold of his anger and after the basketball game with the guys he is walking to meet up with Kripa because they have planned to do their homework together. He suddenly stopped walking when he saw Prem and Kripa talking, laughing, and having fun. It looks like they really clicked. Angad is starting to feel really insecure. Kripa waves Angad over and Prem and Angad talk lightly on some topics. Prem had actually become friends with Kavya so he had come upon his request. That's when he saw Kripa and decided to chat with her. Angad isn't too fond of Kripa and Prem's closeness, but who was he to say anything. Kavya signals Prem over and he says a quick bye and sprints. Angad is loving Kavya at the moment. Angad persuades Kripa to leave, but she keeps insisting on staying because Prem is there. Angad finally gets Kripa in his car and all she says is, "Hmph!" Angad looks over at Kripa and smiles. He stops the car to get ice cream and the frown on her face quickly turns into a bright smile. She kisses Angad's cheek and throws her arms around his neck exclaiming in delight, "THANK YOU!!" and after their little snack they happily drive to the Sharma House. They finish their homework and Angad leaves after a while to go home.

**********

Angad has become insecure with Kripa's new formed friendship with Prem. Neev has become distraught over his feelings for Prachi, he knows now that the cause of her behavior was insecurity and jealousy. Kavya has begun using jealousy as a weapon to annoy Anjali. Everyone is having problems in their friendships; jealousy has seeped into each of their relationships one way or another.

Chapter 11

It has been about a week since Prachi had declared her love to Neev. That was the last conversation they had. Neev and Prachi are successfully avoiding each other. They just don't know what to say to each other. Neev feels really stupid for never noticing that Prachi was been in love with him. Prachi feels really embarrassed and humiliated. They have been making excuses not to go over to the other's house because they just need time to sort out their feelings, or at least Neev did. He is still in utter shock and it has not sunk in his thick headed brain that Prachi is in love with him.

Kavya has been ignoring Anjali for the whole week now and it is driving her crazy. The problem is that she didn't know if this is some kind of new trick or approach to make her angry because if it is well it is working! Kavya is getting a little wrapped up in all the girls at college and constantly flirting with them as well. Anjali could have sworn that he is doing this to irritate her, but if she is wrong boy would she look stupid. She couldn't ask him either because this is supposedly what she had always wanted, for him to quit messing with her. She just didn't understand why she isn't enjoying this liberation.

**********

Today Angad has come over to the Sharma House because he and Kripa are going to workout at the gym. Angad is just sitting on her bed in her bedroom, while Kripa is changing in the bathroom. Suddenly Angad hears a ring tone sound and he notices it's Kripa's cell phone. Angad and Kripa always answer each other's phones when the other isn't there, so this situation is no different. Without looking at who is on the line, Angad answers the phone, "Hello?" Angad hears a guy's voice, thinking it sounds familiar and asks, "Who is this?" the guy replies, "Umm this is Prem, who is this?" Angad gets a little irritated and bitterly replies, "Angad." Prem awkwardly replies, "Oh, umm well where is Kripa?" Angad replies, "She's in the bathroom" Prem just says to Angad for Kripa to call him back and Angad replies that he will pass on the message. Angad looks back at the cell phone when Kripa walks in the room asking, "What's wrong?" Angad is lost in his thoughts and snaps back, "Oh nothing…Ready?" Kripa walks towards the door, "Lets go!" Angad now forgets about the message and even when he does remember, he doesn't feel like telling Kripa. Angad had actually deleted the record of the call from Kripa's phone. He doesn't really know why he did what he did, but Angad feels like Prem is on his turf and that he should step off.

Angad and Kripa go to the gym and start running on the track. While Kripa is running she suddenly has this great idea and a mischievous grin appears. While running, Angad in lost in his train of thoughts so Kripa take her water bottle and sprays Angad with water on his sweat pants in the crotch area. It really looks like he soiled himself. Kripa starts laughing and is practically on the floor pointing with one hand and grabbing her stomach with the other. She says, "Whoa Angad your having a pool party in your pants!!! HAHAHA!" Well the laughter brings Angad back from la-la land in a jiffy. He looks at Kripa weirdly as she is on the floor grabbing her stomach and pointing and laughing at him. He senses something wet and looks down. Kripa gets ready to run for her life. As soon as he sees what Kripa did he runs even faster and picks her up with one arm and then seconds later drops her on the ground with a thud. Now it's Angad who has to escape from Kripa's clutches who is now running with a limp looking like a horse galloping. After a while Angad went into the boxing room and started to pound the hanging bag thinking it is Prem. It's not like he planned on it being Prem's face, just happens to be him. Now this is really creeping out Angad because he has always been a decent and nice enough guy. What really bother him is that he barely knows Prem yet couldn't stand the sight of him and doesn't hold back on pounding him either.

After Angad found Kripa they went back to the Sharma House and Surya insists that Angad stay for dinner. They all had dinner in silence, Angad actually found it really odd that neither Neev nor Anjali are at the Sharma House for some reason or another. Then again he knows that Prachi and Neev had some sort of argument and Kavya and Anjali are barely talking anymore. Angad figures that Kavya decided to give Anjali some space since he is always harassing her. Angad thinks about how there are so many problems with Neev-Prachi, Kavya-Anjali, and soon even himself and Kripa. He just knows an argument is coming their way. Recently, he is so angry most of the time it is astonishing to even him. When Angad goes home, he begins thinking about whether or not he should have told Kripa about the call. He begins thinking maybe he should not have butt into Kripa's personal life and invade her space. These thoughts are cut short when Kripa calls him, to his delight. They begin talking for hours about random stuff and Angad completely forgets about Prem and the call.

Next day Kripa has found out about Prem calling and he tells her he a message with Angad. Kripa gets really pissed off because she had told Angad she likes Prem so why would he possibly not tell her. She is mad that he didn't even try to tell her. Kripa rushes to the cafeteria where she finds Angad. She pulls him outside where there aren't people around. She begins yelling, "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME PREM CALLED??" Angad is dumbfounded because he was planning to tell her, but after she called he had forgotten. He yells, "YOUR YELLING AT ME FOR HIM! I DON'T LIKE HIM, HE'S NOT RIGHT FOR YOU! AS FOR THE DAM* CALL, I FORGOT!!!" Kripa continues to yell, "HOW COULD YOU FORGET? YOU KNEW I LIKED HIM ANGAD! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ANSWER MY PHONE IF YOU CAN'T EVEN GIVE ME THE DA** MESSAGE!!! AM I NOT ENTITLED TO HAVE MY OWN PRIVACY? AND WHO ARE YOU TO DECIDE WHO I SHOULD TALK TO AND NOT TALK TO? WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE?? YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME, BUT YOU DIDN'T EVEN TRY! DON'T TALK TO ME!" Kripa then left, Angad is fuming. He feels shattered and heartbroken. He feels like he doesn't mean anything to her, that she doesn't need him in her life. He is even more angry at Prem because Kripa for the first time in her life yelled at Angad. She had never raised her voice that high before on anyone, but she did on Angad, that too for Prem. That's what hurt him the most, that for a stranger she would forget who her best friend is…was.

**********

Two weeks pass by and the Khanna kids are still very hurt by the actions of the Sharma kids. Neev and Prachi haven't talked because Prachi keeps avoiding Neev and he just doesn't know what to say to her to make it better because he is still confused over his own feelings. Kavya has been avoiding and ignoring Anjali for the past week as well, but always makes a point to make her jealous somehow, which in turn makes Anjali really upset and sad—she starts feeling really lonely. Kripa had said lots of things to Angad that day, which was their last conversation in the past two weeks. They don't even sit by each other in class anymore, Kripa regrets saying so much to him. Kripa basically said anything that came to her mind. Angad feels internally wounded by Kripa and felt like he isn't important to her. Kripa keeps trying to talk to Angad, but he would ignore her completely or give her looks full of anger and hate mixed with his hurt. However the girls are talking to each other and the guys are still talking as well, so all hope isn't lost. There was still some hope for them.

Chapter 12

Angad and Kripa are still not in speaking terms. Kripa and Prem have become quite good friends, but obviously he could never replace Angad in her life. Kripa feels this emptiness in her heart, Prem would keep her occupied, but there is a difference between occupied and happy. Angad has always kept her happy. Angad on the other hand has stopped caring in general and became more of a player. He feels like the one person he truly cared for, didn't care about him so he figured why waste time with trivial things like feelings and emotions. And on more occasions than one he could have sworn Prem was smirking at him, the kind of look that said 'she picked me over you', which gave Angad even more of a reason to hate on the guy. Angad has started dating around, changing girlfriends like changing his clothes.

As for Neev and Prachi, well Neev is still confused about his feelings towards Prachi. They haven't spoken for about three weeks and Prachi is beginning to feel really depressed. Prachi spends most of her time at home with Kripa just talking about the Khanna boys and how wrong they are. Neev did the same thing with Angad, talk about the Sharma girls and how wrong they are. But as for Kavya and Anjali well that's a different story…

Kavya and Anjali

Kavya and Anjali have barely talked in a total of three long weeks. By now Kavya is on the verge of breaking the promise he made to himself, which is to stay away from Anjali at all costs. This is a temporary situation and he knows to reach the end result he wanted, it would take some time and patience. The thing is that Angad and Kripa, Neev and Prachi actually know what they are fighting about, but Anjali has no clue. It is confusing the heck out of her. They would occasionally talk, but it would be surprisingly formal and small talk. This isn't the Kavya she has known for 20 years, her whole life. Every day he would make sure she is irritated, even if she is sick, he would come over to bother her. If she went on vacation he would call her on the phone just to annoy her some more, or through the internet—every day for the past 20 years. But now there is no more irritating Kavya. There is no more annoyed Anjali. It is really odd and Anjali just has to get to the bottom of it or this is going to end up killing her. All these questions lay unanswered and the only one that has the answers is, Kavya Sharma.

Anjali begins questioning whether she did anything, which of course she didn't so obviously she doesn't find her answer. Kavya is actually just really curious as to what would happen if he stopped annoying her for a while. He wants to know her reaction, whether she would be happy, confused, or angry. He just wants to test what importance he has in her life. He has always been this consistent guy in her life, he just really wants to know what he means to her. For the past couple weeks, Kavya had kept an eye on Anjali and he is enjoying the fact that Anjali is so worried and lost in her thoughts periodically. He is definitely sure she cares for him, he is her friend, he really is because on occasions she would tell him things, just random things that popped into her mind. Things she wouldn't tell anyone else. Secrets. It is because they were friends, but disguised as people who can't stand to be together. They don't openly admit their friendship to anyone, not even to themselves, but it still exists. The truth is that Kavya had fell in love with Anjali years ago.

Flashback

It was when Kavya was 7 years old and Anjali was 6, when the Khanna's and Sharma's had went on a picnic at the zoo. The kids were wandering around and Anjali had drifted from their group. She stood alone in the midst of the crowd. She cried violently as crowds of people rushed past the poor child pushing and shoving her in all directions. Kavya was the first to notice that Anjali was missing. He left the group too and looked around. He frantically searched the area screaming her name. He had tears in his eyes from being worried sick about how she was, hoping she was okay. He wouldn't stop until he found her. He finally spotted a girl sitting on a rock, looking very scared and sobbing uncontrollably. The moment Kavya saw her, he felt heartbroken…he fell in love. Of course he didn't know at the time, but he knew enough to know that this was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life, wiping her tears away and annoying her to no end. He quickly ran to her and screamed her name. When she looked up and saw Kavya, she ran right into his open arms where she felt safe and secure in his arms. They were both sort of lost, but they both knew that nothing would happen if they stayed together. Eventually they were found by their parents and siblings.

End of Flashback

Ever since then Kavya had made sure he would be there for her at all times, annoying Anjali, bothering her, talking to her, etc. But now he wouldn't because now he had to test his friendship and his love. He just has to know where he stood with her, what place he has in her heart, what he means to her. He has always hid the fact that he loves her because he knew she would never understand at such a young age, but he did. Now he just has to get her to realize her feelings and this isn't easy. He figured he would first ignore her and along with that he would also date and flirt, just to get her jealous. He would also have to stop annoying her, but he knows she loves it. The ignoring part is actually working because she is getting really curious and that's when he decided to step it up a notch by making her jealous as well. He makes it a point to flaunt the fact that other girls actually enjoyed his so called "irritating" behavior.

By now Anjali is huffing and puffing when the school day is over. Today she would find out that the heck is going on, once and for all. Kavya is laughing silently and smirking, thinking about the kind of power he possesses over her. Anjali is passing by and Kavya starts speaking loudly to another girl so it is audible for Anjali to hear as well, "Babe how about you and me go to the Lover's Point Drive In Theater at 7!" Anjali's eyes grow wide in horror because this drive in is known for its excessive make out sessions. The thought is disturbing her about Kavya and that girl. She gets home and feels really uneasy and suddenly jumps up and grabs her car keys and dashes out. Anjali drives to Lover's Point and sees Kavya's car. She is about to open the door when she realizes what she is doing. The she se that Kavya is at a safe distance from her, but then sees him put his arm around the girl and start leaning in closer. The girl is looking like she would gladly pounce on him at any second. Anjali sees them getting way to close and Anjali basically runs to Kavya's car.

Kavya had actually seen Anjali's car and decided to get the ball rolling. That's when Kavya starts leaning in closer, closer, closer, closer….KNOCK KNOCK Kavya turns around acting like he had no idea Anjali was there, "Oh hey Anju! What brings you to Lover's Point?" Anjali cursed under her breath, because she forgot to come up with an alibi so on the spot, "Uhhh I umm I..I..I OH umm I was driving by and I saw you car!" Kavya smiles, "You were driving through a forest preserve… at night…" Anjali nervously responds, "Uhh yea doesn't everybody…" cursing herself again for her lame comment. Kavya replies," Ritee…Ok umm hi then, actually me and Simi were kind of in the middle of something, uhh did you need something?" Anjali was trying to think of a reason to get him out the car, but couldn't so she says, "Umm Kavya I need to talk to you, (glares at Simi)…urgently." Kavya replies, "Hmm ok" and gets out the car. They walk off at a distance and Anjali doesn't know what she's doing and realizes her mistake and says, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come and I just seemed to have bothered you. I don't know what came over me, maybe jealousy, but I hate being avoided…Sorry for interrupting" and beings to walk off.

Kavya sees her walking off and screams, "Anju!" Anjali stops walking and Kavya comes closer and says, "So your jealous… (Anju is quiet) You cant see me with another girl, troubling her the way I used to trouble you, touching her the way I touch you, following her, talking to her, looking at her… but why does it matter to you anyway… why?" Anjali doesn't turn towards him, just stays silent because she is at a loss of words. Kavya is frustrated with her and screams, "JUST ADMIT IT! YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH ME ANJU!" Anjali silently says, "no" still refusing to look at him. Kavya replies, "Then say it to my face" and he turns her around making her look him in the eyes. Still no answer. Kavya says, "Then say that you hate me" Anjali shuddered and replies, "I…I…cant" Kavya was even more mad, "WHY NOT HUH? WHY NOT?" Anjali softly replies, "Kavya I do…I do love you!" with her eyes welled up. Kavya pulls her into a hug and mumbles, "I love you too Anju, I love you too!" He holds her tight, tears shinning in both their eyes, but now they are tears of joy that flow so freely. They walk around the drive in hand in hand and sit by a cliff, which overlooks the pure midnight sky with stars shinning ever so brightly. Anjali leans on Kavya while his arms encircle her petite figure. Anjali looks up to see Kavya lost in the beauty of the sky. She begins to stare and Kavya notices her gaze and looks back. Anjali leans in pulling Kavya's face closer. Their lips meet and brush over each other lightly and gently. It is a very soft and tender kiss expressing their love, which soon turns into a passionate kiss expressing how much they have longed for this very moment, to be wrapped in each other's arms knowing they would be together through everything.

Luckily Anjali's car refused to start so Kavya gives her a ride. Kavya has told Anjali his plan to make her realize her love and she laughed smacking him lightly saying, "Your just lucky it worked!" Kavya grins at this. As for the girlfriend in the car well she isn't one to stick around too long so she had left a while back.

Now they are both thinking about their families current situation, mainly with their siblings. Angad and Kripa haven't spoken in two weeks and Neev and Prachi haven't spoken for three. Kavya and Anjali know that they have to somehow get their brothers and sisters to patch up with their best friends. It is quite ironic that the two sets of best friends are super angry with each other and ones that were formerly known as enemies are in love. Their siblings' differences are going to help Kavya and Anjali's new relationship so then took up the responsibility to solve the differences between Neev and Prachi, along with Angad and Kripa.

Chapter 13

Kavya and Anjali know they can't let their group fall apart. Their friends are having problems with their own best friends, so someone has to interfere. It is a little less than a month, since the arguments had taken place. Both Kavya and Anjali don't know the details of what went wrong with Angad-Kripa and Neev-Prachi. They just know they have to fix this, or at least persuade them to do something and not throw their friendships away for such stupid reasons. This isn't the only problem though, Kavya and Anjali are forced to stay away from each other, since no one knows about their love and new relationship. They aren't able to spend any time together without drawing attention to themselves. It is also depressing that their siblings would just mope around rather than be their cheery selves. Everyone is changing and it isn't for the better. Everyone is hurting. And it is time to end this once and for all. Have no fear KAVYA AND ANJALI ARE HERE!!!

Kavya goes to the Khanna House and finds Angad and Neev playing video games, the only problem is they look like they are umm…bored? This is not the Angad and Neev that Kavya have known. Playing video games with the guys was always a fun activity yet somehow they are looking really uninterested. There is no cheering or noise just silence and this makes Kavya want to flip out!! WHO THE HECK PLAYS VIDEO GAMES QUIETLY, Kavya thinks to himself. Kavya turns off the television, and not so much as a peep comes out of their mouths. He sits down and begins his questioning about what is going on with them. Well after a while Kavya gets both Angad and Neev to spill.

Anjali goes into the Sharma House and sees that Kripa and Prachi are in Kripa's room with clothes spread everywhere. Kripa has a tendency to shop a lot to clear her head, whereas Prachi would go for walks. It just so happens that Kripa had persuaded Prachi to take her walk inside the mall and they both had spent their day there trying to keep their minds off their former best friends. Anjali asks them what is going on and well both of them being girls just started spilling as well over bowls of ice cream.

Now Kavya and Anjali collaborate both sides of their stories together, sitting in a little caf. They find that Neev and Prachi's relationship is the most complicated since Prachi is in love with Neev. Now it is apparent from Neev's recent behavioral changes that he is also in love with Prachi, yet he hasn't figured it out himself. That becomes their first task at hand, to make Neev and Prachi realize their love—there is one thing for sure, that Neev and Prachi can't go back words, meaning Prachi would not stop loving Neev so the only way to patch them up would be to hook them up. By hook or by crook.

Their second and final job would be to knock some sense into Angad and Kripa to become their old selves again. This is also not exactly an easy task since, behavior wise they have changed in a span of two weeks. Angad has become this Casanova, known for being a handsome heartbreaker, but that doesn't stop girls from falling for his charms. Angad is trying to replace Kripa in his life to lessen the pain to being away from her. He has started dating new girls every day and this is not softening Kripa at all, in fact his behavior is making it worse because she finds it disgusting.

Kripa is now dating Prem, who is the sole reason for Angad's attitude change. Angad actually holds Prem responsible for causing problems between them. Now Kripa actually has no clue that Angad is acting the way he is because of Prem. Kripa is totally clueless, but then again they haven't talked in the past three weeks. They give each other dirty looks in the halls. Even in the college people have heard of the fallouts between the group. Everyone has noticed that they rarely would see the group hang out together. If they see anything it is the girls or guys together, but never as a whole.

It is time to get Neev to realize his love, so Kavya does exactly what Kripa and Anjali did to Prachi. Ambush Neev with questions and leave him to ponder over the answer until it became obvious. Kavya calls Neev to a pizza place, which is the optimum place for guys to discuss their problems in general. Toss a pizza their way and they start babbling like crazy. Kavya says to Neev, why have you become so depressed? Why do Prachi's tears affect you so much? Why can't you stand seeing her cry? Why do you have tears in your eyes when you think about Prachi's tears? How can this only be friendship? How can this not be love Neev, how?" Neev can't seem to conjure up an answer to any of Kavya's questions. Neev stays silent, while Kavya gets a call on his cell phone. Kavya answers, "Hey babe…yea I'm working on it… okay I'll talk to you later sweetie…love you too." Now Kavya says he has to rush before letting Neev dwell on who the girl was from the phone call Kavya says, "Neev think about what I said." These last words are enough to send him back into his thoughts of Prachi. All the thoughts of Prachi replay in his mind like movie replaying his major life events. He had known her since childhood since he was 5 and she was 4. She was everything Neev had been looking for. She was his other half and without her he felt incomplete. He remembers the first time he met her…

Flashback

The Sharmas' had found out that Dilip's brother and his wife had passed away and had attended the ceremonies following their deaths. The kids weren't allowed to be present, however Neev had performed the last rights on his parents. Neev didn't exactly know what was happening, but he knew enough to know that he would never see his parents again. He was now living in the Khanna Mansion. Neev was very quiet when he came, would keep to himself. Angad and Anjali couldn't even cheer him up. Neev would spend his time in the yard and sit on this tree stump, holding his head in his hands and that's when he met Prachi. Prachi saw a little boy, who looked lonely. Prachi too felt that way when with Angad and Kripa, and Kavya and Anjali. She felt like the outsider, without her own pair. Now sat this boy, completely broken and all she wanted to do was prevent his dried tears from ever entering his eyes again. She quietly sat next to him and watched him with tear filled eyes. She didn't know what made her cry, but looking at this boy made her so sad. He looked up and saw tears in her eyes, that too for him. Neev quickly wiped her tears before they were able to fall. Prachi requested teary eyed, "Kabhi mat rona…kabhi nahin." Neev just nodded saying "Tum bhi mat rona, achi nahin lagti." Prachi asked innocent and longingly, "Mere best friend banoge?" Neev smiles widely and says, "Haan, hamesa ke liye, ab se no more rona okay" Prachi nods cutely and wipes his tears…

End of Flashback

Neev has tears in his own eyes and holds his hand out to stop Prachi's hand from wiping his tears, soon realizing that she is no where to be found. He has broken his promise to her of never crying and she has broken her own even before him. They are both miserable, but now Neev knows what he has to do to fix it. He has to make her his because…because well he loved her. Yes, Neev Khanna was in love with Prachi Sharma. He never realized what she meant to him until he lost her. He knows now what he has to do. He just hopes she would accept his love, it took him time to realize it but now that he would do anything for her forgiveness. He knows he put her thorough hell these past few weeks and now he would fix this. It is definitely time to get to work, Neev thinks to himself. He smiles brainstorming for the perfect way to make Prachi his.

Next day at school Neev is waiting for Kavya's car to arrive since for the past three weeks Kavya and Prachi come together in one car and Kripa in another. As soon as Kavya's car comes into view, Prachi comes out and she looks breathtaking to Neev. The wind blowing only adds to her simplistic beauty. The sound of her payal makes Neev's heart beat a bit faster, knowing that she is approaching, closer and closer and closer, but then she walks past him. Not even looking up once. Neev smiles sadly and also makes his way to class, following his lover.

When he enters the class he finds Kripa and Prem sitting together, across from Kripa and Prem in the next row is Angad and probably his latest girlfriend, who are getting a little too cozy in each other's arms. Kavya and Anjali are sitting together arguing about something in front of Angad and the girlfriend. Now Prachi sits on the bench in front of Kripa and Prem. Neev smiles and makes his way next to her. Prachi looks up stunned that he is sitting next to her, yet her face remains expressionless. It is like she is dead from inside and this hurts Neev, deeply. Neev tears a piece of paper from his notebook and writes something, then passes it to Prachi. She looks back annoyed and rips it in half without reading. Neev smiles wider at this because Prachi isn't going to make this easy on him. He loves to annoy her. He is hoping he could get her back to being her old cheery self.

Neev resorts to tricks. He takes Prachi's pink pen and writes on another piece of paper, crushes the piece of paper into a ball. Then he slings back his arm and launches the ball of paper at full speed ahead, nailing the target— their professor's head. The professor's head whips around and sees the paper on the floor. The professor picks the crumpled paper up and opens it. Prachi is watching Neev sit back amused glancing at Prachi occasionally. The professor reads the note out loud,

"–- Who let this BANDUR teach our class, he looks like a

GEEK with a capital G, look at his suspenders,

It's like he has something to hide, but then again

It's better to be safe then sorry, poor guy must

have experience with his pants falling off that must

be why he wear's suspenders.

–- Your talking about his pants, look at his hair,

he looks like a champu mixed bred with

a poodle and he smells like a bhudda…

GRRRRRR!! WHO ARE THE TWO WHO WROTE THIS LETTER!!"

The professor looks around the room and sees that Prachi has a PINK PEN! Then he sees Neev next to her and it all makes sense, as to who the two are that are responsible. He bellows, "NEEV AND PRACHI YOU GET A DETENTION!!" Prachi looks horrified and Kavya is hitting his forehead thinking he is stupid enough to let Neev decide how he would handle the Prachi situation. Neev winks at Kavya and he just hopes that Neev has a plan to go along with this stupidity.

They both sit in detention and Prachi looks really nervous while Neev is chilling out, well obviously he would since the guys-Angad, Kavya, Neev- would get detention quite often for some reason or another. The teacher has actually left the room to grade papers for other classes, which leaves Neev and Prachi alone. Neev is sitting next to her and Prachi is aware he is gazing at her intently. Neev keeps moving, sliding closer on the bench to Prachi, which is pissing her off even more than the staring. She falls off the bench with a loud thump. Neev is acting like he didn't do anything. The professor opens the door. Prachi leaps off the floor and jumps at her bench practically in Neev's lap. Neev just sits there laughing while Prachi is totally enraged. When the detention is over, Prachi is waiting for Kavya to come pick her up, but no one is there yet. Neev drives off towards the Khanna House unaware that Prachi is still there, waiting.

Prachi decides to walk and hails a taxi on the way. She walks along a quiet rode, it's empty and dark. She begins to feel uneasy and anxious. Suddenly she sees a black car and hopes to be able to get a ride. The car stops and violently pulls Prachi inside. She screams, "Neev!! Neev help!!" but no reply. The car then drives off into the distance.

Chapter 14

The black car stops in middle of an area surrounded by trees and plants. There is fog everywhere making it all the creepier and the night's sky, pitch black, making the place seem that much scarier. The door opens and someone pulls out a struggling Prachi, who is wearing a blindfold and has her hands tied behind her back. Her screaming for Neev, has died down in soft whimpers. She hopes Neev would come and save her, but feels she may never live to see him again. The man is dragging a struggling Prachi, but his face isn't visible since he is wearing a black ski mask. He ties Prachi to a tree with rope and from the car calls another man on the cell phone saying, "Your work is done!" and drives off. Now she is weeping and horrified by the deafening silence, which is followed by the chirping sounds of crickets. The smell makes it seem like a forested area with lots of plants and trees. She is confused about her whereabouts. Anxiety clogs Prachi's mind and she is panicking. She hastily rubs the knot against the course tree to liberate herself from restraints. She is able to loosen the hold of the rope on her hands and rips it off of her. She runs quickly taking off her blindfold. She is just happy to be free and doesn't want to stick around waiting for whoever that man is talking to on the phone to show up. She hunts for a path to lead her away from the darkness. Looking around gives her, the chills because if the trees are not blinding enough, the fog is making it all the more worse. She finally stumbles onto an area and is shocked.

It looks simply beautiful. The place is extravagantly decorated. She sees a little white tent with candles lit and flowers all over. There are rose petals leading the way to the tent, which out looks a serene lake. The moon's glowing reflection could be seen in the still lake. She finds herself gazing at the midnight sky filled with stars. It is enchanting. On the table were two dinner plates and wine glasses along with a wine in the center. She stands there in admiration. She feels someone approaching and the anxious feelings come rushing back. She doesn't dare turn, hoping it would disappear. But now this person stood right behind her breathing heavily, scaring Prachi to bits. Oh how she wishes that Neev would come and save her, but she knows that wouldn't happen because she had seen him leave for home. The man begins to speak in a gentle whisper, "Ab nahi bhagogi? By the way surprise kaisa laga?" and she freezes. The voice is familiar, so familiar that she launches herself in the man's arms.

It is her Neev. She sobs so violently in his arms that even he gets worried. He just hugs her, letting her feel his presence. After a while she pulls back and looks at him and started beating him senseless. Neev laughs in pain while she beat him and yells, "NEEV!! HOW COULD YOU? I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE YOU… you… IDIOT!!!" She stops hitting him now tiresome and just sits on the grass, while Neev lies on the floor next to her. Prachi had actually realized what she was doing and she is still not supposed to be talking to him. There is something that she just has to know. She asks getting up, "Why did you bring me here?" Neev gets up and taking her hand and leads her towards to a huge rock from where the lake looks gorgeous.

He makes her sit down and he looks towards the lake and has his back towards her. He says, "Prachi, these past three weeks, only I know how I have spent them. But it gave me time to think, about everything, our first meeting, our past, our present and most importantly our future. You are so very important for me Prachi. You know that you have become my…aadat. I just know that I can't live without you, without you being by my side. These past weeks have shown me what life is like without you and I never want to face that again, I CANT GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN!" Neev turns to Prachi and levels with her because she is sitting on the rock and continues, "Prachi, I'm madly in love with you, I love you with all my heart and I hope you can forgive this idiot for giving you so much pain…I know I hurt you a lot (Neev chokes up)…" Prachi placed her finger on his lips, with tears in her eyes says, "Only I can call you an idiot… I love you idiot, I love you" Neev pulls Prachi into a hug and both cry in happiness. Neev says to her, "Prachi…" She says questioningly, "Yea…" Neev whines, "I'm hungry can we please eat or you want to cry the whole night…your such a wuss!" Prachi looks up at Neev and she starts slapping him again while Neev just hugs her tighter.

They finally make their way to the tent and have a nice dinner, while occasionally Neev grabs her hand leaving Prachi to only blush. They both gaze into each other's eyes, a pool of love in which both seem to be drowning. Neev adoringly gestures for a dance and Prachi hesitantly agrees. She is getting really nervous under his intense gaze. She knows he loves her, but it was overwhelming to see how much he loves her. His gaze is so powerful and the love clearly visible, it scares her to think that she might wake up. She pushes all these thoughts aside thinking she just got her happiness and now no one would take Neev away from her, never.

Neev and Prachi dance romantically to Hey Shona from Ta Ra Rum Pum. Neev and Prachi sway with the rhythm and looking intently in each other's eyes.

hey hey ey ey ey ey hey hey hey hey......tumhe pata toh hoga, tumhi pe main fida hoontumhe hai jabse chaaha, hawaaon mein udata hoontumhi mere har pal mein, tum aaj mein, tum kal meinhey shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona....tumhe pata toh hoga ke mere dil mein kya haichalo kahe deti hoon, kabhi nahi jo kahaan haitumhi mere har pal mein, tum aaj mein, tum kal meinhey shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona....

Neev and Prachi listen to the song thinking how it reflects both their feelings. Their eyes

communicate their feelings. It is so blissful and the song made the moment all the more perfect dancing in each other's arms.

tum jo ghussa bhi karo toh mujhe pyaar lagata hai jaane kyunmain toh jo bhi kahu tumhe ikraar lagata hai jaane kyunchhodo bhi ye ada, paas aake jara, baat dil ki koi keh do nahey shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona....Neev grins thinking that the song is saying everything in his heart. Prachi looks away shyly as he turns her and brings her close to his own body. saari duniya ko chhodake maine chaaha hai ik tumhemaine jindagi se maanga hai toh sirf maanga hai ik tumheabb isi chaah mein, abb isi raah mein, jindagibhar mere tum ho nahey shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona....Prachi thinks about how her life was without Neev, before she met him and after thefight. She knows that no matter what Neev would always be there for her as he always has been. She looks back into those passionate eyes.tumhe pata toh hoga, tumhi pe main fida hoontumhe hai jabse chaaha, hawaaon mein udata hoontumhi mere har pal mein, tum aaj mein, tum kal meinhey shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona....shona, hey shona, hey shona, hey shona.......hey hey ey ey ey ey hey hey hey hey......Neev gives Prachi a kiss on the forehead and just sway listening to the beatings of each other's hearts.

They eventually went home in Neev's car and he says his good bye to Prachi at her door. She leans over and kisses his cheek whispering, "Bye Neev!" while Neev is in a daze holding his cheek and blushing as he watches her go inside.

Chapter 15

Neev has called Prachi last night to tell her who the guy in the car was that "kidnapped" her. IT WAS KAVYA! Prachi drops the phone on her bed and sprints to Kavya's room with a glass of water and sees him sleeping so carelessly. Prachi grins thinking, "Bhai mauhahah…Time to wake up" She walks closer to him and throws it on his face waking him with a start. Before he can see who it is, Prachi is gone. Kavya sits there rubbing his eyes, "OMG WHERE IS THE ROOF….OH…WHAT THE HECK!!! GRRRR!". Neev and Kavya have joined forces to reunite Angad and Kripa, since they are the only two still facing problems. Neev and Prachi still don't know about Kavya and Anjali's love. Neev and Prachi just think that these two enemies joined together for a common purpose, their subordinate goal, to bring their group together again.

Next day at school. Kavya and Anjali are sitting next to each other. In front of them is, the oh so happy couple, Neev and Prachi. Angad sits behind Kavya. Prem sits in the same aisle as Angad, but next row. And that's when Kripa walks. She walks down the aisle between Angad and Prem noticing the seat next to Angad is empty, but so is the one next to Prem. Crap, she thinks to herself. She has to choose between Prem, her boyfriend and Angad, her best friend…or was anyways. Kripa has been trying to talk to Angad for so long now, but her attempts have been in vain. Angad and Prem look at each other, noticing Kripa in her predicament. Angad feels even more enraged seeing Prem's slight smirk. Angad thinks that Prem assumes Kripa would sit next to him over her best friend. But Kripa chose to sit next to Angad leaving both guys in complete surprise. Angad's eyes grew wide in shock, his face expresses irritation, his heart is overjoyed. Angad smirks back at Prem victoriously in the "You're a Loser" type of manner. Angad still wouldn't act normal with her all throughout class. Kripa passes him a note saying—"I have to talk to you before the assembly next period." Angad writes back—"What's left to talk about?" Kripa scribbles—"US" Angad writes, "No". He didn't want this fight to go on any longer, but he couldn't help being upset. He knows he is wrong for not telling her about the call, but she was more at fault than he was. What she said really hurt him. Even Kripa regretted what she had said that day and doesn't want this argument to go any longer than this.

The bell rang and Angad gets up to leave, but Kripa holds his hand, holding him back. Prem looks at Kripa stunned. Kripa would fix her friendship and nothing would stop her, not even her boyfriend Prem. Kripa glances at Prem who is looking at both Angad and Kripa and then just left angrily. They hear the door shut and Angad and Kripa turn to each other. Angad says, "What do you want to say, make it quick…" Kripa looks down and says, "Angad please just listen, I want to apol..." Angad completes, "APOLIGIZE? After what you said! Do you know how much that hurt! I thought I was your best friend, but I was wrong, You don't even know what friendship means! Forget this!" Angad walks in a huff towards the door. He turns the knob but it's…locked? LOCKED! Angad starts struggling with the door, but nothing. He knows they are screwed, since the assembly is for 2 whole hours and the whole school would be there, meaning no one would come save them for 2 hours. Angad thinks to use his cell phone but it turns out there is no network.

Kripa walks over to him and asks what happened. Angad starts yelling, "WHAT'S HAPPENED?? THE F****** door won't open and I'm stuck with YOU! CRAAAAAP!!" Kripa mumbles, "Good!" Angad retorts, "what?" Kripa replies sweetly, "nothing, listen let's just talk ok" Angad walks to the other side of the room and coldly says, "About?" Kripa pleadingly on the verge of tears, "Please Angad we need to talk about US…Please Angad, I… I can't have you mad at me anymore, You're really important to me and I never meant any of the things I said to you. I just was so frustrated and I took it out on you! I'm sorry! You mean the world to me, no guy is more important for me than you! You are and always will be my best friend. You have your special place in my heart and right now that place is hurting… I can't live like this seeing you, but not being able to talk to you. And seeing you like this, it…it really hurts. Angad I know that I deserve you ignoring me because I said so much crap to you, but I never meant. You have to believe me when I say that no one is as special as you. Angad I know you are hurting just as much as I am… Please Angad I'm sorry…" Kripa now has broken down into violent sobs sitting on her knees.

Angad finds her sitting on the floor completely broken, she looks like what he feels within. Angad walks towards her and bends down sitting beside her as she weeps holding her face in her palms. He pulls her into a hug and lets her cry. She throws her arms around him repeating, "I'm sorry" over and over again. While Angad presses her into his chest letting her calm down. He always knows how to take care of her, she was Kavya's sister, but he always took responsibility for her.

Angad wipes her tears and helps her up. Angad walks ahead when Kripa tugs at his arm. Angad looks at Kripa questioningly and she replies, "We are okay rite?" Angad replies, "Mhmm and now you better not cry again because you know I can't stand tears in your eyes, now come on cheer up Krips" Kripa smiles widely through her tears, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear that name from you deep hot sexy voice" Angad grins, "Well you have no idea for how long I wanted to call you that! Now stop with the sucking up, come on we gotta get out of here!" They both start frantically searching for something to open the door with. They start opening all the drawers looking for something to pick the lock with. They look through all the drawers and nothing. They find a picture of their professor flexing his arm. Angad and Kripa break out into laughter, because first off there was barely anything to flex and second he had a weird afro looking crow's nest for hair. After a while Angad seems to have gotten an idea. He takes out his credit card wondering if that would get them out of trouble. Credit cards or money always seemed to get Angad out of trouble so why not this, rite. He walks towards the door and jams it in between the door and wall and slides down. Surprisingly it opens and he says, "WOW What cheap doors!" He screams for Kripa and she jumps on Angad's back screaming in delight for getting them out. She gets off and goes towards the chalk board and scribbles—'Professor smells like butt" Kripa laughs evilly, "MUAHAHAHA" Angad looks bewildered and says, "What are you four?" Kripa whines "Angad!" She jumps on his back and they runs out the door, out the school, to their cars and drive off home, but they have no clue they were being watched the whole time by Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi. It was actually their plan to lock Angad and Kripa in a room to get them to talk and sort out their problems. Angad and Kripa were stubborn people, they would never listen to reason, so the only way to get them to solve their problems would be locking them up in a room and have them figure it out themselves.

That same night Angad and Kripa talk on the phone and decide to keep their personal relationships separate from each others. They promise each other to never stop talking or being friends with each other no matter what happened in the future. After they hang up the phone, Angad starts to think back over the three weeks they spent apart. Every night he would drink some alcohol trying to deal with her betrayal of their friendship. Every night he would think back to her harsh words, cutting through his heart. He thinks back to all the blissful moments they shared. He closes his eyes and sees Kripa's tearful face, that he had seen today. It hurt him to see her upset. It was hurting Angad to stay away from her, he is so attached to her. He is dependent on her. He doesn't even remember a single day, a single memory he treasured that didn't have Kripa. She is his happiness, and Angad is starting to realize she might his true LOVE. Angad is trying to tell himself that there is no reason to be jealous of Prem. Prem is just a substitute for Angad, Angad was everything Prem could never be. This is Angad and Kripa's love story, not Prem and Kripa's.

Chapter 16

Everyone is just relieved that they are all together again. Kripa and Prem are still dating, but Angad has decided to ignore the relationship of Kripa and Prem because he knows it won't last. Angad has realized he feels something strong for Kripa, something called LOVE, but decides to keep this to himself until she feels the same way, which he is certain she will… one day.

Kavya has decided that they would all go to a club that evening to celebrate the group uniting and overcoming so many obstacles. Kavya and Anjali drive in Kavya's car, Neev and Prachi in Neev's car, Prem and Kripa in Prem's car, and Angad and Priya (his present girlfriend) in Angad's car. Angad sees Kripa and Prem take the dance floor while Angad then heads towards the bar. He doesn't want to do something he would regret later so he decides to avoid Kripa and Prem. So much for that! Angad turns and sees Kripa and Prem dancing slowly to soft music. He turns to the bar again and orders some vodka. He drinks down a couple shots while watching Kripa gazing into Prem's eyes. Overpowered by jealousy, Angad grabs Priya and pulls her to the dance floor as soon as the song changes to a song a little more fast paced, Afsana Banake Bhool Na Jaana from Dil Diya Hai.

Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Aeewana banake durr na jaana
Ishq mera ishq deewana

Ishq mera ishq deewana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana
Afsana banake bhul na jaana
Deewana banake durr na jaana

Angad and Kripa dance even more closely with their respective partners, but have their eyes on each other alone. They are trying to get the other to stop dancing by dancing in a more provocative manner with their partner. Angad wants to badly beat up Prem and pull Kripa towards him, but he couldn't this time like he did the previous times. She is with her boyfriend, and it isn't him. Angad can't take it anymore and he orders some tequila shots and drank them while a tear escapes his eye in pain of not being able to tell her he loves her.

Kavya and Anjali are dancing in each other's arms in absolute harmony. They are so at peace with the world. Their best friends and siblings are together. That means they can be together. Kavya twirls Anjali closer to him and she drops her head to his chest to hear the rhythmic beating of his heart amidst the partying atmosphere.

Neev and Prachi's relationship is out in the open. They were bombarded with questions by the gang after Kavya pulled his little kidnapping stunt. Neev and Prachi shyly had answered all their questions. Now they are free love birds, free to be together without people questioning it. They sway to the music slowly. Neev reaches over and tucks a strand behind Prachi's ear while she blushes. They just stare into each other's eyes, drowning themselves into the love they share.

Kavya is thinking of a way to reveal his and Anjali's relationship in front of everyone tonight itself and decides on a game of spin the bottle. They catch up with the rest and all find a bunch of couches and sit down. They get a bottle from Angad since he just kept drinking the whole night and his bottle is now empty. They all sit like this clockwise; Angad, Priya, Neev, Prachi, Kripa, Prem, Kavya, Anjali. Neev spins the bottle…

It lands on Priya, she says, "Truth" and Neev asks, "How many boyfriends have you had?" Priya replies hesitantly, "Umm 7………..this month" The guys laugh while the girls seem sort of disgusted and Kripa throws Angad a look like "What kind of girls do you date" kind of look. Angad just smiles broadly at her jealousy. Angad spins the bottle and it lands on Prem. Angad asks looking at Kripa and then looks at Prem. Prem says, "Truth" Everyone says "Boo" then Angad asks, "When was the first time you and Kripa kissed?" Kripa looks at Angad and answers for Prem, "We never kissed."

Next person it lands on is Prachi. Prachi softly replies, "Truth" Neev says, "I'm gonna ask Prachi, umm when did you realize you were in love with me?" Prachi shyly replies, "Well I was always in love with you, but I knew for sure when well I don't know if you will remember but there were these guys in college making fun of me as a behenjee and you beat up those guys. When I was crying after that you came and said, "I like you for you being proud to be yourself. Don't ever change yourself because your beautiful." Everyone says, "AWWWWWWWWW" Whiles Neev and Prachi blush hard.

Kavya is the next person it lands on. Kavya proudly says, "Dare" Anjali smiles and says, "I dare you to kiss me." Kavya is shocked out of his wits, but grins widely. Everyone is like WHAT and then reason thinking that Anjali only said that so that he denies and loses because Anjali is known for having a strong dislike to Kavya. To everyone's surprise Kavya comes closer to Anjali and pulls her arm and kisses Anjali in front of everyone. The kiss starts off slow and smooth. Kavya and Anjali are both smiling while kissing. Both let go of each other unwillingly. Everyone at the table is just speechless and bewildered. Angad and Neev are super pissed and both yell in unison, "KAVYA!! THAT'S MY SISTER!!!!" While Anjali is in a trance but snaps back hearing Angad and Neev complain. Angad and Neev get out their chairs and punch Kavya's arms, with him letting out a yelp. Anjali stops them from hitting Kavya further saying, "Hey Bhai log, it was a dare" Anjali winks at Kavya while he grins.

Next it lands on Neev. Neev says, "Truth" and Prachi asks, "When did you fall in love with me" Neev replies, "When we were having our little separation or fight or whatever that was.. well anyways I couldn't stop thinking about you, and then Kavya started asking me a bunch of weird questions to which I had no answer. That's when I knew it was always you Prachi" Everyone says "AWWWWW" while Neev and Prachi find themselves sinking in their chairs in further embarrassment.

Next it lands on Anjali who says, "Truth!" Kavya says, "If you have something to confess do it now" Anjali and Kavya grin at each other. She slowly gets hold of his hand and squeezes it. She says, "Ok now everyone stay calm, but umm Kavya and I…love each other" Everyone screams, "WHHHHAAAAAATTTTTT!!!!" Kavya leans over and kisses Anjali's cheek and puts his arm around her and says, "It's true" Angad screams, "IT'S NOT APRIL FOOLS YOU MORONS, QUIT PULLING OUR LEGS!!" Neev shouts, "GUYS STOP LYING, IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE TRUTH, NOT A LIE ANJU!!! SO QUIT LYING! YOU'LL BURN IN HELL!!" Kayva and Anjali then have to narrate their whole love story collaborating the Neev and Prachi, and Angad and Kripa patch ups. Everyone 'awwed' once more and thank them for giving them back their friendships. They get back to the game.

Now it is Kripa's turn and she picks, "TRUTH" Angad smirks looking at Kripa. (Keep in mind he is drunk) He says smirking, "I'm sure Prem would like to know who your first kiss was" Kripa looks up bewildered and doesn't know what to say. Angad and Kripa both know it is Angad who was her first kiss. And Angad is her best friend and Prem is her boyfriend, who she didn't even kiss. By the way Kripa is acting everyone can tell she is hiding something. Angad is challenging her at this point. He is making her relive their passionate kiss once more. Everyone is forcing her to tell while Angad is all smirks. Kripa replies slowly "No one…" Kavya says happily, "KNEW IT! Okay lets continue" Kavya spins the bottle but Angad stops it in place and says, "Wait! (now glaring at Kripa) Kaun hai voh?" Kripa is enraged, "NO ONE" Neev says, "Why are you pressing this Angad" and Angad replies, "SHE'S LYING. (now turns to Kripa) Who was it?" Kripa gets up and yells, "It was ANGAD!!! I kissed Angad, There are you satisfied! YOU WERE MY FIRST! WHY, WHY COULDN'T YOU LET IT BE! DON'T TALK TO ME! I HATE YOU ANGAD!" and gets up and leaves. Angad snaps back and the buzz is completely gone. He calls after Kripa, but she runs out to Neev's car and left. Prem also leaves.

Angad sits down burying his head in his hands. Everyone is shocked and looks at each other. All are thinking the same thing—Angad and Kripa kissed?? How? When? Why? They had so many questions and Angad eventually answers. Angad takes his head out of his hands and looks up with bloodshot eyes and tears streaming down his face. Angad says slowly, "I love her. I can't see her with Prem anymore. She hates me…" with tears continuously streaming and he is breaking down.

Kripa lays in her room crying thinking, "Why does he do this to me". She notices her phone is constantly ringing and sees that it is Prem, who keeps calling her and she keeps cutting the line. Finally she gets annoyed and throws her phone against the wall smashing it to bits. Kripa is really upset with Angad, but also feels she was too harsh, but ignores this thinking he deserves it. She just hates seeing that Angad would put her in that position in front of everyone.

Angad abruptly leaves the party and speeds off in his car. Soon after his friends quickly get in Kavya's car and drive off trying to locate Angad. Angad is driving drunk which is worrying everyone. He has the music on cranked at full volume. He isn't paying attention and he crosses into the wrong lane. A car comes out of no where and Angad swerves and crashes into a tree. Angad is hurting, both internally and externally. He doesn't know if he will survive or how bad it is, but he just has to talk to Kripa—just one last time. He doesn't know what tomorrow has in store for him, but all he knows is he needs her. His hopes shatter as he hears her phone line is dead.

Chapter 17

Kavya and Neev finally spot Angad's car, but the sight is just horrific. His red convertible is wrapped around a tree. Kavya, Neev, Anjali, and Prachi dart towards the scene. Kavya soon calls for an ambulance. Neev goes over to Angad's side's and screams his name. Neev cries, "Angad please say something! You have to wake up! Bhai noo please!!!" Anjali stands there in shock and denial. After it sunk in she screams, "BHAI!!!!!!!!! BHAI PLEASE!!!!!!! NOOO! WHERE IS THE AMBULANCE?!" Kavya holds her for support. Finally the ambulance arrives and is able to pry out Angad's bloody body from the wreckage. Anjali and Neev go in the ambulance with Kavya and Prachi driving behind. When they get to the hospital, Kavya calls Kripa repeatedly, but gets no response. Kavya hopes Kripa is at home and calls the house phone. Kripa awakens by the phone ringing and she notices no one is picking up. She figures no one is home so she answers the call. Kavya says, "Hello, Kripa come to the City Hospital right away" Kripa asks worried, "Wait what happened? ….. Hello? Bhai? Dam*!" Kavya has already hung up. Kavya turns to Anjali who is sobbing and holds her tightly. Kavya knows that if he had told Kripa that Angad is in the hospital she would have been too broken to function let alone drive there.

Kripa parks her car and frantically rushes to the hospital receptionist with a billion thoughts crossing her mind. She wants to know what happened, why she was there. She spots Kavya and quickly runs towards him questioning who it is here. She looks around noticing Angad wasn't there. She starts panicking and grabs Kavya and screams, "WHO IS IT BHAI???!!!" Kavya tells her, "Kripa… Angad had an accident" Kripa screams, "NO!!! YOUR LYING!! IS HE OKAY? HE… HE CAN'T LEAVE ME! HE CAN'T!! KAVYA PLEASE I CAN'T LOSE HIM!!! ANGAD!!!!!!!!!!" Kripa chokes on her own words feelings a huge lump in her throat. Kripa runs to the emergency room and sees Angad's pale face.

She can't stand to see him so pale, so weak, so hurt. She runs to the mandir near by and prays for his well being. Praying that he makes it. She stands before God and exclaims, "YOU CANT TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!! PLEASE I NEED HIM, HE IS MY BEST FRIEND! PLEASE KEEP HIM SAFE! PLEASE MAKE HIM WELL! PLEASE I BEG YOU, I CAN'T LOSE HIM! I JUST CAN'T! IF HE DIES, THEN SO WILL I, I PROMISE YOU!"

Kripa becomes hysterical. He is her best friend. Then she thinks back to the last time she saw him, the last thing she had said to him, his teary eyed face when she said the words, "I HATE YOU ANGAD!" She wanted to take it back so badly. She cries all the more violently. Her exact words ring in her ear. They haunt her now. Kripa had never thought about the consequence of her own actions, not once. Just like last time they fought, this time she didn't thinking before using that mouth of hers. She just said what ever came to her mind, not restraining one bit. Now she drops to the ground crying because she knows she is the cause of his state. She has landed him in this position all because of that one word, hate. Who knew that one word could change a life. Who knew words could endanger a life, could possibly kill. Kripa is filled with worry and anxiety. This wait is troubling, but then again she deserves it. She caused him so much pain. She said so many terrible things. Of course, she doesn't hate him. She questions herself why she keeps hurting him so much, why? Kripa knows why Angad wasn't concentrating on the road, because his best friend had proclaimed she hated him. She feels a new surge of guilt. Kripa walks back quickly to the hospital and just sinks to the ground sits on the floor holding her knees in a corner with a tear stained face and red eyes.

Everyone was pretty upset about Kripa's outburst on Angad at the club. Yes, he was wrong to badger her like that, but she hurt him much more. Anjali and Neev were pretty upset with her, but after seeing her state now, they knew they had no right to be angry with her, because she is hurting much more. Kripa held herself responsible, it is obvious to all. Anjali and Neev along with Kavya and Prachi try to comfort Kripa as best they could but, this was something only Angad could do, they were no Angad. That hurt her even more, oh she needs him so badly.

Dilip, Naina, Surya, and Gayatri arrive at the scene and Naina breaks down in tears. Kavya informs them of the accident. After what seems like a day, the doctor comes out and informs Dilip, "The impact was mostly on the passenger side so Angad just has a fractured right arm and right leg. He also had a mild concussion. He has some bruises and scrapes, but that's basically it. Angad had come out lucky. You can see him if you like." Dilip and Naina quickly thank the doctor and make their way inside to see Angad.

In Angad's room he is finally conscious and he lays there staring at the ceiling until his parents rush in the room. His eyes only search for Kripa. His parents start hounding him about being so irresponsible and just sob holding him, overjoyed that their son is fine, just a few broken bones and bruises. Then Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi go in to his room. His eyes still search for Kripa. He is still hurt about how she reacted, saying she hated him when he is madly in love with her. His friends try to lighten the depressing mood sharing a few jokes and small talk about his condition.

Kripa sits outside weeping. She just couldn't face him after what she said to him. She thinks Angad wouldn't even want to see her face again, but she is wrong. Anjali comes out saying, "Kripa Bhai wants to talk to you." Kripa stands up shaking and nervous. She passes by Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi as they are leaving the room. Prachi closes the door behind her leaving Kripa and Angad alone.

She is still pretty shaken up by the thought of losing him or what could have happened. Kripa keeps chanting to herself in her mind, "He is fine. He is fine. He is fine" while not being able to meet eyes with her best friend.

Chapter 18

Kripa's moistened blood shot eyes can't meet with Angad's. Kripa looks down at the floor, not being able to look at him because of the guilt flowing through her body. She can't help, but feel responsible for his state. He is so weak and pale. All she cared about is that he is healthy and safe from harms way. She has put him there, in harms way, she is a horrible friend and she didn't deserve him, she tells herself. Kripa stands there silently looking at the floor with tears dropping to the ground one by one. Angad notices her silence and speaks in a scratchy yet deep voice, "Krips" She instantly looks up. Angad holds his ears and mouths, "I'm sorry" Kripa can't stay away from him any longer and runs to him gently throwing her arms around making sure not to cause him further pain. She sobs in his arms while saying, "I'm sorry Angad, You're here because of me, I'm responsible for this. I have been causing you so much pain. I always hurt you, I don't deserve to have a friend like you Angad. I never wanted this to happen, I don't hate you, I would never be able to hate you! I regret every word Angad every single word! I'm really sorry!" She continues to weep. Angad watches his friend cry her heart out, he is still her best friend, but just a little mad. He knows watching her in his arms that she never meant what she had said at the club. He hugs her back thanking God that she doesn't hate him after all. He whispers trying to calm his Krips, "Best friends don't let best friends cry, and this was my fault, all mine and I'm not sharing okay! It was never yours. I drank and drove fully knowing what could happen but I did it anyways. I did this okay not you Krips."

After the two friends calm each other down, Kripa starts yelling, "Angad how could you be so careless? What would happen to me if something happened to you huh? What would I do without my best friend? What would I do without…(chokes on her own words)I'm sorry Angad" Angad just suppresses his smile and then frowns, "What did I say about saying sorry! Kripa say it one more time and I will uhhh…HIT YOU!" Kripa says innocently, "okay sorry I won't say it anymore" Angad smacks her arm, "UGHH KRIPS!!!" Angad pulls her into a hug, hoping that his jealousy and love for her won't affect their friendship again. It was this love that caused him to badger her at the club because he felt so jealous. He hoped he could control himself in the future.

Everyone else peeks in through the door seeing the cute scene occurring. Everyone thinks that Angad and Kripa look adorable together, just made in heaven. Oh how they all wish that one day they realize that this friendship is actually their love. Everyone goes back outside thinking to let Angad and Kripa sit for a while longer. Kavya suddenly gets a call from a very angry Prem. Prem asks, "Where is Kripa? I have been calling her for ages but her phone is dead." Kavya informs Prem about the accident and Kavya comes in giving Kripa the phone. Kripa goes outside to tend to the call while Kavya chats with Angad. Kripa updates about Angad's condition and Prem says he will come see her there.

Everyone decides to go home while Naina plans on staying. Kripa requests to stay back as well. She just doesn't want to leave him. She just wants to be able to watch him and knowing herself she knows very well that if she went home she would constantly worry. Naina has dosed off in the chair where as Angad and Kripa talk in whispers. The nurse walks in with a tray of food and Kripa takes it from her, making her way back to Angad. He sees the food on the tray and starts making disgusted faces as if he would puke. It is a bunch of healthy stuff along with soup. Kripa has to force feed him saying she would bring him candy while Angad just whines like a kid until he hears the word candy. Prem walks in the room and notices the scene. As soon as Angad sees Prem his right hand curls into fist. Kripa notices Angad's glare and sees Prem at the door. Kripa says, "Prem?" Angad's right hand begins to pain and he lets out a scream. Kripa turns her attention back to Angad and tends towards his hand, while Prem says quickly feeling awkward, "I'll leave, hope your better" and leaves. Kripa notices him leave and thinks it is for the better. Angad isn't exactly Prem's biggest fan, but she has no clue why. She thinks maybe he feels Prem is wrong for her, but he always seems to sweet to Kripa.

Every day after school Kripa would go down to meet Angad and spend her time with him watching movies, playing board games, or just talking in general. They always enjoy each other's company and decide to do things they would be doing anyways, but rather in a hospital setting.

During the week Kripa decides to go shopping on her own since her usual companion Angad is in the hospital, and well Anjali and Prachi were busy with their own lovers. Kripa goes to a bunch of stores and finds some cute dresses and shoes. She was looking in the display cases and comes across a really cool fossil watch for guys. She immediately thinks of Angad and thinks it would be perfect for him. She wanted to do something to show she really did care for him and this seems perfect to her. While she is purchasing the watch, Prem is watching her from a distance. He had seen enter the store and saw her looking at the men's watch. He became a little skeptical, but pushed it aside thinking it was probably for Kavya. Prem finally approaches her and asks, "Hey Kripa what are you doing here?" Kripa replies awkwardly, "Oh I was just shopping around!...You?" Prem replies, "same." They start walking towards the exit and Kripa says bye to Prem and enters her car, only it refuses to start. She gets really pissed off. Just then Prem notices she hasn't left and asks, "Do you want a ride somewhere?" Kripa replies, "Yea…. Can you take me to City Hospital?" Prem replies a little upset, "Yea sure hop in!" They both drive in silence and Kripa and Prem go to the hospital together. Angad smiles seeing Kripa, then frowns seeing Prem. Kripa totally forgets Prem's presence and gives a little box to Angad telling him to open it. Angad opens the box and gasps in delight. He starts exclaiming, "Krips!!! Oh man i love this watch!!! It's too good!! Thanks Krips!" giving her a big hug. Kripa hugs him back ecstatically, she was just happy she could make him happy. Prem boils in anger and Angad notices, while Kripa can't see Prem as she is hugging. Angad smirks at Prem and watches him leave in anger, trying really hard to suppress it.

Kripa notices Prem left and decides to ask Angad about Prem. She knows for sure Angad doesn't like him, but she has no clue why. Angad has always been a really nice guy, but for some reason he completely despises the guy. After Kripa feeds him his hospital food she says, "Angad can I ask you something?" Angad turns his full attention to Kripa and looks bemused, "Krips you can ask me anything, you don't need permission, I'm all yours…I mean I'm all ears…(nervous laugh) uhh so what's up?" Kripa says, "Well I need to know what is going on between you and Prem. You don't like him, I and everyone else know that much, but I don't know why?" Angad sighs, "Krips I don't have a reason for not liking him, maybe I don't think he is good enough for you, I mean you are the sweetest, funniest, most beautiful girl I know… I just don't think he is for you… I feel like sometimes I have to compete for you attention, which is damn annoying and he just pisses the crap out of me. Just looking at him I just…" Kripa says smiling, "Angad I think you're just jealous!" Angad laughs, "Ha yea rite, I'm Angad Khanna! I don't get jealous…" Kripa gives up, "Ok fine Mr. Angad Khanna now you have to help me break up with him because he is like smothering me. Everywhere I go, there he is, like stalking me. At first it was fine, but it's getting on my nerves. He's like always hovering over me! I feel so uncomfortable with him now. I can tell now that he isn't your greatest fan either and that he is really jealous of our friendship. And you apparently don't like him either so… so think of a way to get me out of this!" Angad is jumping for joy inside and whispers a plan in Kripa's ear, while she grins.

Chapter 19

So by now Angad has healed up. He still has a shoulder sling that he wears around. Now the time has come to execute the plan. A special friend was coming on this very day. According to the plan, Kripa has asked out Prem. It is odd because she hasn't really talked to Prem much since she spends most her time with Angad at the hospital. This is actually supposed to be a double date with Angad and some old friend of his. Angad was in on some very confidential information concerning this friend of his that only he was aware of. Now she is finally coming back and that too for good. Angad made his plan around this person's arrival, she would enact the main role. According to Angad's plan, she is to flirt with Prem and perhaps even make out with the guy, and get Kripa to walk in on the scene. Angad hasn't even told Kripa who she is yet, all he knows that Kripa will be super excited. Prem isn't so happy about going on a double date, but figures at least Kripa isn't ignoring him so it is for the best and on top of which he can flaunt his relationship in front of Angad. Truth be told Prem is getting quite fed up with Kripa and her spending so much time with Angad, but just acts more possessive towards her.

Kripa gets ready in a sleek dress accentuating her curved figure. She looks gorgeous. Prem has come to pick her up and drives to the restaurant Angad has booked. Meanwhile, Angad has gone to pick up his "date", who happens to be one of their friends from childhood, however, she had moved away to Dehli when they were around 10, but everyone kept in touch with her. Angad fills in Mukti with details, hoping she will make Prem and Kripa split up. Kripa sits making light conversation, yet hoping Angad would come soon with his "date". Her thoughts are interrupted by Angad's deep voice she hears at a distance. He is asking the waiter to lead him to the table with a girl trailing behind. Kripa can't get a view of her even when Angad came up to the table, almost as if the girl is hiding, which she is. Angad said, "Guys I would like to introduce to you, Mukti Singhania. Kripa beams with happiness and practically jumps Mukti screaming, "Mukti!!!! AHH when did you get back!" Mukti replies, "Just today Kripa! It's so good to see you guys and you know what? I will be going to the same college as… you guys…" Mukti suddenly catches sight of Prem and she freezes, tears brim in her eyes. Mukti says softly, "Prem…" Prem gets up from the table, with tears shinning in his eyes as well. They both approach each other and stare deeply in each other's eyes with overwhelming happiness. Mukti dives into his arms and sobs happily, while Prem kisses her forehead. Kripa and Angad look at each other kind of shocked. Angad whispers to Kripa, "Umm yeh toh kuch zyada hi overacting kari hai!" Kripa nods yet both smiling at the cute scene.

It turns out Prem and Mukti were best friends from Dehli. Prem had suddenly realized that he was in love with Mukti. He found out that it was not only Prem, but also Mukti who was madly in love with him. So they had fell in love with each other, but sadly had to separate as Prem was moving to Mumbai. Prem had tried to contact Mukti in Dehli, but alas she had moved as well, closing the doors to future contact as well. Prem and Mukti embrace each other now, crying in happiness to get their love back after a whole year's worth of separation. Mukti and Prem separate unwillingly and see that Angad and Kripa are kind of lost so they decide to fill them in. Prem and Mukti tell their whole story to Kripa and Angad while Kripa grins bigger hearing further into their love story. She is one, relieved that she wouldn't have feel guilty for breaking Prem's heart, and two, he found his true love so no more possessive Prem in her life. Oh Kripa couldn't be happier. The only problem with Prem in Kripa's eyes is that she didn't feel anything for him and realized that it is only friendship if nothing else.

After the whole love story is narrated, Prem gives awkward looks to Mukti because Prem thinks Mukti is not aware of Kripa and Prem's relationship. Prem starts, "Umm Kripa, I'm sorry, but I…I can't be with you, since I still really love Mukti. It's true I was getting a bit possessive over you, but I guess I didn't want to lose you like I lost Mukti. But I have only really loved Mukti so I hope you understand. And Angad, I'm sorry for being such a freaking pain, I know I caused lots of problems for the two of you but I guess I was just jealous looking at your friendship. It reminded me and Mukti. I hope you understand Kripa. You're a great girl Kripa, but I know that I am not the right guy for you (eying Angad). I'm sorry for everything…" Both Angad and Kripa look towards each other and break out into laughter. Kripa manages to say, "HAHAHAHA YOU'RE breaking up with ME HAHAHA and here I was trying to break up with you!! HAHA!" Kripa stops laughing when she hears Angad say, "AHAHAH KRIPA GOT DUMPED!!! THIS IS HEADLINE NEWS!!! WHERE IS MY CELLPHONE!" Angad starts checking his pockets and whips it out. He starts to dial away until Kripa snatches it. Angad says, "HEYYY! Give it back, I gotta tell everyone!" Angad reaches for it when Kripa puts it in her purse and says, "TOUCH ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES A TELEPHONE AND DIE KHANNA!" Angad then starts dancing around Kripa screaming, "KRIPS GOT DUMPED! KRIPA SHARMA GOT DUMPED!!" Everyone is looking at them like they are nuts and laughing at their childish behavior. Kripa yanks Angad into his chair to stop him from making a larger scene.

Mukti and Prem are laughing themselves. Then finally Prem says, "Wait you were trying to break up with me" to Kripa. Kripa laughs nervously, "Uhh Angad…" Angad then laughs nervously, "Uhh Mukti…" Then finally Mukti starts laughing nervously saying, "Funny thing Yea… so Angad brought me along thinking I could break up you and Kripa by making it seem like you made out with me and cheated on her (nervous laugh)…" Prem is laughing really hard, "HAHAHA…wait hey…Angad, that was an interesting plan, dude your so freaking lucky it worked. As for you Mukti, I'm sooo getting revenge! ...Angad seriously though thank you for giving me my Mukti back! And I hope we can be friends from now on…" Angad looks at Kripa and then back at Prem grinning, "Of course buddy, just keep our dear friend Mukti happy! And uhh stay romantically away from Krips and I'm good!" Prem pulls Mukti into his lap and hugs her waist with his head on her shoulder replying, "Of course!" Kripa says, "Prem you know you and Mukti look hot together, but you and me—umm not so much!

Prem, Mukti, Angad and Kripa take a long walk on the beach since it is right outside the restaurant. Prem and Mukti continue walking and catching up on stuff while Angad and Kripa just sit on the sand. They sit in complete silence with only the wind howling in their ears. Kripa finally speaks, "Angad" He replies, "Hmm" Kripa says, "Thanks for bringing Mukti here, you not only brought two lovers together, but also made me single again! Ohh it feels good to be free!!!" Angad replies, "Yea everything is right with the world, I wouldn't have it any other way!" Kripa gets up, "Are you saying I should always stay single!!" Angad smiles yanking her back down, "No, but I like you better that way, wanna know why, (Kripa nods)… well its because no one understands our friendship the way we do, plus I hate feeling like you have to pick between me and the guy. So in short I'd rather you stay single!" Kripa smiles, "that's an interesting theory, but what if I marry someone who doesn't like you then what?" Angad grins, "First off Krips I have to approve and if I don't I will beat him up so bad and I'm never going to approve so he will get beaten either way!" Kripa stands up, "WHAT!! Your gonna beat him up!!!" Angad grins pulling her back down, "Of course, he has to be good enough for my Krips, and no one is good enough for you except…" He stops realizing he almost said 'me'. Kripa impatiently gets up, "Except who!!" Angad yanks her back down and grins, "Except me of course!" Kripa laughs now clutching her stomach and Angad is not amused. Angad asks, "What's so funny!" Kripa calms down a bit and says, "HAHA Angad you and me together HAHA!"

Kripa is tossing and turning on the sand while laying down laughing. Angad grins and goes on top of her inches away from her face. She notices Angad so close and immediately the laughter is replaced by butterflies in her stomach. He asks in a seductive whisper, "You were saying?" Angad continues to hover over her and moves in closer and closer. Pressing down on her with his weight, Kripa looks into those passionate eyes and finds herself lost in them. Angad moves the strand of hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear. He goes closer to her ear and says, "You sure you're not in love with me?" Kripa looks back at him shocked and speechless. She isn't sure what to think or reply, but thankfully Prem and Mukti come to her rescue. Prem asks looking at Angad on top of Kripa, "My, my aren't we all cozy." Angad and Kripa look at their position and get up in a rush. Mukti elbows Prem, "Sorry guys for disturbing uhhh anyways me and Prem were leaving so we thought we would tell you guys before we left." Prem says, "See you guys at school and thanks again Angad for everything! You guys carry on!" Kripa blushes and Angad hugs Prem saying, "Don't mention it!" and Kripa and Angad also make their way to Angad's car to go home.

Angad and Kripa sit in silence in the car, both their minds replay the scene on the beach. Kripa sits in her room, just thinking. She isn't really sure what to make of their friendship anymore. She remembers his words, You sure your not in love with me…Could it be love? She isn't sure as she has never been in love before. She is just so confused. But one thing is for sure, Angad certainly has some kind of power or hold over her, she is enthralled by him whenever he behaves so romantically. Then she begins questioning her own actions, like at the hospital, she never knew he meant so much to her. At the hospital she felt as if there would be no tomorrow, heck she was even ready to die if that's what it took to escape the pain she went through if she lost Angad. She wants to believe it is her powerful friendship that caused such a reaction, but a little voice inside her head told her maybe not.

Angad sits on his bed with a big grin. The scenes come rushing back to him. He feels so at peace. It is always so hard for him to control these romantic urges, it is so hard to stay away from her, or disguise his love as only their friendship. He loves showing her his true colors because it not only takes her by surprise, but also evokes feelings in her she never knew she has. He beams thinking how she was caught off guard when he asked her that simple question, you sure you're not in love with me? So simple yet so effective. Angad wanted Kripa to question whether or not the feelings she has for him are friendship or something else. And that's exactly what Kripa was doing.

Chapter 20

Everything is back to normal in the group, in fact now there is a new couple to add to their popular click- Prem and Mukti, making a grand total of ten very popular hotties at college: Angad, Kripa, Kavya, Anjali, Neev, Prachi, Josh, Aaliya, Prem, and Mukti. Prem are now good friends with the gang, no hard feelings, or drama of that sort. Mukti well of course was already part of the gang, just from a distance, but now she is back that too for good. Everyone at school are sort of shocked at how Prem and Mukti are together and how casual Kripa is about it, in fact she looks rather ecstatic for them. Some assume Kripa had gotten dumped since Prem seems to have moved on pretty quickly. The mention of Kripa being dumped enrages Kripa because Angad is still making fun of her. Now from their click, Angad and Kripa are the only two who haven't hooked up, whereas everyone else has.

Everyone is sitting in class in their usual pairs, not really paying attention, but the heat is just really getting to them. It feels like they are being baked inside an oven, the oven being the classroom. Well Angad and Kripa are banging their heads on their desks in total boredom. The professor seems to have noticed, he whips his head around and tells Angad and Kripa to stand up saying or more like yelling, "ANGAD, KRIPA!! SINCE YOU TWO AREN'T PAYING ATTENTION GET OUT OF MY CLASS!!" Angad and Kripa glare at the professor and make their way outside. Angad and Kripa both vow for revenge, to think this professor has the nerve to kick them out, for what, being bored, that is his own monotone voice's fault!! Angad starts to devise a plan, a plan for revenge. Kripa just looks really pissed off. Angad then blurts out, "I GOT IT!!!" Kripa looks at Angad questioning and curiously while Angad continues, "STINK BOMBS!!!" Kripa excitedly says, "YOU EVIL GENIUS!!! Where do we get them?" Angad drags Kripa to his locker and starts rummaging through his mess until he locates the glass bottles with the stink bomb solution. Angad then grabs Kripa and drags her to the professor's car. Kripa whispers, "Angad what are we doing? It's hot outside!" Angad replies, "We are gonna put it all over the tires and inside the hood." Angad exclaims, "MUAHAHAHA HAVE FUN DRIVING HOME LOSER!!!" Angad and Kripa grin while darting off back to the classroom building. He goes towards his locker, when Kripa holds him back whispering, "Hey lets put it in the boys and girl's bathroom and flush, it will be throughout the whole building and then classes will get cancelled!" Angad grins even wider saying, "I think I'm rubbing off on you…FINALLY!!!" Kripa and Angad go separately visiting all the bathrooms and dropping their special liquid in the toilets filling the air with a heavy smell.

Back inside the classroom, Neev smells something odd and says, "EWW PRACHI YOUR SICK!!!Prachi, aren't you getting too comfortable in this relationship, I don't think it's cool to fart in public!!!" Prachi turns around and whispers madly, "NEEV ARE YOU CRAZY!!" Neev replies, "Then what is that smell..." Anjali turns to Kavya and says, "EWWW KAVYA YOU'RE DISGUSTING, GET AWAY FROM ME!! YOU SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS!!" Kavya looks at her annoyed and screams out loud, "IT WASN'T ME!!!" Everyone laughs at Kavya's sudden outburst and then they suddenly find it so hard to find clean air to breathe. The professor is gagging on the smell. An announcement is heard stating, "Due to the atrocious odor throughout the school, classes will be canceled for today!" The kids don't even have time to cheer as they are running out like wild coyotes. Angad and Kripa hear the announcement from a safe distance near the exit doors and then zoom off in their cars straight home hoping it will be nice and cool in the air conditioning, but there is no such case.

Everyone reaches home and is still sweating bullets and dying of the heat. It is driving everyone crazy. It is burning inside because Naina and Gayatri are both cooking in the Sharma and Khanna House so it is quite stuffy. And outside, well the burning sun. Angad, Kavya, and Neev are getting allergic inside to the spices used in their mom are cooking, forcing them to go outside and play some basketball. The girls are dancing around the water sprinkler; it is keeping them nice and cool. The girls notice the guys playing basketball and by now the guys are so hot they aren't even wearing their shirts anymore. The girls' mouths drop in admiration looking at the boys' sun tanned gleaming bodies. Kripa's mouth curves in an evil grin and gets the girls together on her little mischievous act. The girls go inside and get their brother's water guns. Only they don't fill it with icy cold water, instead with BURNING HOT WATER! It is the perfect plan because the guys would think that the girls are helping by showering them with cold water, but to their surprise it would make the heat even worse.

The girls slowly walk towards the exhausted and sweaty boys, who are looking just fineeeeeeee! A smirk replaces the drool on the girls' lips. The girls continue to walk innocently with the guns safely hidden behind their backs. The girls stop at a safe distance and say, "OH BOYSSSSSSS!" The guys look at the girls in shock as they pull out the guns from their backs. The girls spray the guys with hot water causing them to scream like girls, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! ITS HOT!!!!!!!" The boys are dancing around trying to dodge the water but it isn't working so they start running really fast with the girls tailing behind.

Suddenly the water runs out and the guys stop all at once, pausing to give each other glances and then grin widely at the girls. The girls are looking really confused and truly nervous, but looking at their guns' empty state, their confusion is replaced with fear. The guys start running towards the girls, more like charging them while the girls scream running even faster. The girls know they can't even try to shoot at the boys with the little water they have left because that would mean they have to stop, and if they stop the guys would topple them to the ground. Well the guys started running even faster and do end up toppling the girls over with the guys landing on top of their respective girl. Angad on Kripa. Kavya on Anjali. Neev on Prachi.

Angad grabs the hose drenches her with ice cold water. The pressure is really hard yet feels so relaxing. Kripa laughs trying to get Angad to stop while he is laughing evilly. Kripa struggles to get the hose away from him but doesn't work. She gives up feeling the nice cool water flow through her body almost arousing her. Kripa then grabs a part of the hose behind her back and bends it so the pressure would stop flowing. The water stops running and Angad looking into the hose like an idiot saying, "What the heck?" Kripa lets go of the hose and it sprays all over Angad while he screams, "AHHHHHHHH! OWW" It is so hard that he loses his balance and falls backwards on to the ground in shock.

Kavya has taken the sprinkler and also drenches Anjali in cold water. She struggles under Kavya's hold. Kavya looks at Anjali fighting to keep away the water while laughing and he gets memorized himself. He throws the sprinkler away and looks at her face dripping with water, while she looks so beautiful. He mumbles, "So gorgeous" Anjali blushes as he gently kisses her lips for a moment and pulls back before anyone else would notice. They become quiet for a while until Kavya grabs the sprinkler again and starts chasing Anjali with it as they enjoy the cool water.

Neev has his water bottle in his hand and drenches Prachi with the cool water. Prachi struggles as well to keep from getting more wet and embarrassed. Neev starts laughing looking at Prachi wiggling in his grip. Neev says, "Prachi you're flapping around like a fish having a seizure! HAHAHA" Prachi pouts complaining, "AM NOT!!" Neev replies, "ARE TOO!" and then both break out into laughter having a water fight.

After a while the gang gets another idea to keep themselves away from the heat—the pool. They all change into bathing suits and jump off the diving board straight into the refreshing water. They decide to play some volleyball in the pool. The Sharma's vs. The Khanna's. Kripa and Angad are both really good players, Kavya and Neev are equally good, Anjali and Prachi happen to be okay at volleyball. It is now tied 14-14 and next point would win, It is Kavya's serve and it goes over. Neev bumps the ball over, and then Angad spikes it back, then Kripa spikes. Finally Angad bumps the ball and winks at Kripa, who gets all jumbled up and misses the shot. The Khanna's kids cheer in happiness. Kripa gets out her trance and yells, "Angad YOU CHEATED!" Angad arrogantly replies, "What did I do Krips?" Kripa replies, "You w..i..n……." Kripa stops knowing it will be dam* embarrassing if the others knew that she missed the shot just because he winked so she stops herself from completing the word "wink". Angad cheekily replies, "Sweetie I already know I won, but thanks for reconfirming." Kripa burns in anger. She starts chasing him around the pool yelling, "Angad Khanna get back here!!"

By night time, Prachi complains, "Neev!! I want some ice cream!!!" then Anjali and Kripa also join in saying, "YEA ICE CREAM!!!!!!" The guys say, "Lets go girls!!" And so the heat wave ends with everyone consuming a big bowl of ice cream.

Chapter 21

The next day, Angad and Kripa find the professor looking pretty pissed off at them and gives them several weeks of detention. He doesn't even care if he has proof or not, he knows it is only Angad and Kripa's minds at work. The punishment is a result of the professor having to travel by the stinky car back home and his wife kicking him out the bedroom until he had showered 5 times and put on butt load of deodorant and perfume. And the smell of rotten eggs apparently hadn't come off because he still smelled for two days straight. These weeks pass by pretty quickly for the rest of the gang, with Angad even more in love and Kripa even more confused. Kavya and Anjali, along with Neev and Prachi's love continue to grow with every day.

Now with graduation just a couple months away, Angad and Kripa begin thinking about the future. They both want to head the Khash Corporation, their family business, when they are older. It is a partnership of both Khanna Corporation and Sharma Corporation, thus the name Khash. They had merged a long time ago, when the kids were very young. As of now the heads are DIlip and Surya. Angad and Kripa both showed interest in business world, but their siblings had their own ideas for their professions. Kavya and Anjali both wanted to become popular and famous models, while Neev and Prachi both wanted to be in the medical field, Neev, a surgeon and Prachi, a pediatrician. This leaves Angad and Kripa to take care of the family business. Angad and Kripa both want to start working there to get familiarized with the company before by doing small projects in the beginning. They both go to their parents hoping they can work for the company for a few days.

Kripa finds Surya in the library and approaches him slowly and says, "Papa, I wanted to work at the office for a couple days." Surya looks shocked. He always knew how keen Kripa is on working in the business world and always thought she was a prominent choice from their family to carry on the business. She is a good student and a wise decision maker as well. He asks, "Beta, you haven't even graduated yet, are you sure you want to work right now? This is the time to enjoy with your friends." Kripa nods but replies, "You're right Papa, but Angad and I only want to get familiar with out business for a few days before we start working there permanently. So we want to work there for a couple days and so that when you guys go out of town you won't have to worry about business" Surya nods in agreement and says, "Okay sweetheart you can start from tomorrow or whenever you like!" Kripa launches herself into her father's arms thanking him, while Surya is proud of raising such a responsible daughter. Angad too approaches his father in living room. Angad asks, "Dad, I was wondering if I could work at the office from tomorrow for a few days?" Dilip looks surprised, "Angad are you feeling okay? You want to work tomorrow? But you haven't even graduated, are you sure you want to work?" Angad nods, "Yes dad Kripa and I want to get to know the details about the work so we can handle our future responsibilities better. And when you guys go out of town we can take care of our business." Dilip nods and asks, "Whose idea was this anyways?" Angad replies, "Kripa's, who else!" Dilip laughs, "Well Kripa is a very bright and intelligent girl!" Angad laughs, "After all, dost kiski hai?" Dilip laughs as well and pats Angad on the back for being so mature and thinking what a great person Angad is becoming because of Kripa, without her Dilip wonders what his son would be like. Dilip has always believed Kripa to be a great influence on Angad.

Next day after Angad and Kripa come home from college, they get dressed for their first day at the office. Kripa wears formal black knee length skirt along with a white button down shirt. She wore a black jacket on top, which matches with her skirt and also added to her professionalized look. She has on a pearl necklace and earrings. She looks so qualified yet chic. Angad wears a black suit with a white button down shirt. His hair gelled and an unshaven goatee. He looks hot yet stylish. They finally go in Angad's brand new red convertible since his old one was trashed and arrive at Khash Corp. in minutes.

They are really excited because they believe this would be a great preview for the future. And best friends working together will be even better. When they walk inside, they are greeted by all the employees. Angad and Kripa are given a tour of the office and sit in on a business meeting with their fathers. During the meeting Angad and Kripa both take notes, however Kripa take more notes than Angad because he spends more time taking notes of Kripa than the meeting. Angad has his chin resting on his fist looking at Kripa dreamily as she flips her hair, puts her pen in mouth, concentrating on the speaker—it is like he is falling in love all over again. After the speaker finishes Kripa gets up and gives her suggestions, then Angad too gives his input on the report, the little he heard anyways. Everyone is impressed that at such a young age Angad and Kripa know a great deal about what they are talking about. Their fathers look at the pair proudly, as they believe Angad and Kripa would bring their business to an all time high when they began working here permanently.

On the Friday that week, Angad and Kripa are invited to a business party. See this is the downfall of being in business, according to Angad and Kripa—all the boring business parties. Now normally this would be one of those parties that their parents would attend and Angad and Kripa wouldn't be bothered with it, but there is no getting out of this. The rest of their siblings didn't have to attend leaving Angad and Kripa alone, while they spends some alone time with the love of their lives. Kripa wears a red sari with golden embroidery. Angad wears a black suit with a red shirt. They had decided to use their old technique of avoiding people from asking them to dance. It usually works because it made them look more like a couple.

Angad and Kripa are being introduced by their fathers to their associates, who made it a point to make Angad and Kripa meet their daughter or son. After Angad and Kripa would leave the associates, these people would express interest in arranging Angad or Kripa's marriage with their daughter or son. Surya and Dilip try to steer clear of such topics since they actually have other future plans in mind for their children's marriage. After Angad and Kripa are introduced to everyone of importance, Angad and Kripa go to the bar to get a little something to drink. Kripa makes sure Angad didn't over do the alcohol consumption like last time, which ultimately landed her best friend on a hospital bed. While sitting at the bar, Angad and Kripa are both offered dances by several arrogant people who think they are extremely good looking. But none of these people are even close to Angad and Kripa's standards, well at least Kripa's anyway. Angad couldn't see past Kripa anymore, he would look at other women, but only see their faults. Now another guy makes his way towards Kripa and starts hassling her. This guy just wouldn't take a hint. Kripa keeps signaling Angad to help her out, but he keeps egging the guy on and asking Kripa, "Come on Krips go dance, why don't you want to go Krips?" Angad grins inwardly while Kripa looks really to kill Angad—sooner or later. Angad laughs at Kripa's mean facial expressions and then finally turns to the guy and says, "Sorry dude, She is actually with me!" Angad pulls her close and she puts her hands on his chest, sinking into to his torso hugging him and agreed. The guy walks away disheartened. Kripa whispers, "Thanks!" Angad says, "Umm not so fast, now you gotta do something for me" Kripa unsurely replies, "You could have helped me earlier, but no (imitating Angad) Come on Krips go dance, why don't you want to go Krips? Hmph!" Angad smiles, "Okay then I will call him over again" Angad lifts his hand to signal the guy, but Kripa pulls his hand back down angrily saying, "What do you want?" Angad pulls her close and puts his hand out signaling for a dance and Kripa happily accepts as he leads the way to the dance floor. The song had changed to Kuch is Tarah by Atif Aslam

Angad puts his hands on her waist. His one touch has her in a

trance and seems to her as if a current has passed through her body. Kripa

hesitantly places her arms around his neck as they sway to the

rhythm of the music

Kuch is tarah teri palkein meri palkon se mila de
Aansoo tere saare meri palkon pe sajaa de

Angad looks at Kripa's downcast eyes, hoping she will look

back at him, hoping he might see that special glimmer in her

eyes as he has for her.

Kuch is tarah teri palkein meri palkon se mila de
Aansoo tere saare meri palkon pe sajaa de

Kripa places her head on his chest as she is unable to look

at him. She feels nervous that he has the power to make her feel

this way. Angad twirls her and then pulls her back so her back is to him.

Tu har ghadi har waqt mere saath raha hai
Haan yeh jism kabhi door kabhi paas raha hai
Jo bhi gham hain yeh tere unhein tu mera pataa de

Angad's gentle breathing on Kripa's neck is arousing and

tempting. She feels captivated by his touch and closes her

eyes tightly as his hands caress her stomach. He twirls her again, making

her body collide with his as they continue to sway as one.

Kuch is tarah teri palkein meri palkon se mila de
Aansoo tere saare meri palkon pe sajaa de

Kripa turns around to leave and gets pulled back. Angad's

Breaths travel up and down Kripa's neck torturing

her, leaving her breathless herself.

Mujhko toh tere chehre pe yeh ghum nahin janchta
Jaayiz nahin lagta mujhe ghum se tera rishta
Sun meri ghuzarish ise chehre se hataa se
Sun meri ghuzarish ise chehre se hataa se

Kripa still has her eyes cast downward. Angad twirls

her again and lays her in his arms holding her body so she is resting

solely in his arms as he leans over her. She knows she won't fall in his

grasp, but she doesn't feel she has enough strength to look into those

passionate eyes without giving in to both their desires. His face comes

near her necks, his breaths still lingering up and down.

Kuch is tarah teri palkein meri palkon se mila de
Aansoo tere saare meri palkon pe sajaa de

Kripa gathers courage to look into those godly eyes.

They looked into each other's eyes and felt a rush of

emotions pass through and now his touch creating new

electrifying sensation across her body as they continue

swaying to the rhythm.

Angad knows exactly what effect he has on Kripa. He knows exactly what he is doing to her and decides to evoke all the desires she has within her, but always brushes aside claiming them to be only friends. Angad and Kripa are so self involved while dancing, that they fail to noticed the admiring stares at the beautiful couple. They look like the symbol of perfection to everyone. The group of people continues watching Angad and Kripa sway together to the music.

Dilip, Naina, Surya, and Gayatri notices a crowd on the dance floor and decidesd to see who is dancing so sweetly that everyone had paused in admiration. Then they notice the couple is none other than their Angad and Kripa. The parents' heart's melt while looking at their children. Just as Angad and Kripa feel the stares of hundreds of people, they part to look at the crowd they have conjured up. People come up to them throughout the party saying, "You two are the cutest couple I have ever seen" or "Your lucky to have such a romantic husband" or "Kya jodi banayi upar wala ne, sada suhagan raho". This was REALLY making Kripa mad yet she blushed in embarrassment. Angad just grins thinking about what they have said, but it is totally obvious they are a hot, just look at them, now if only they are a real couple.

Kripa goes up to her and Angad's parents and starts complaining, "Mom Dad, Uncle Aunty, all your friends keep saying that ANGAD AND I are either married or are a couple!! Are they stupid? It's annoying me!!! THOSE MORONS!" Angad retorts, "OH HELLO! Count yourself lucky they think you're married to me, kyunki tumse kaun shaadi karega!" The parents laugh looking at their kids argue and grin by the responses Angad and Kripa recieved from their friends and business associates.

It is the parents' deepest desire to get the Angad-Kripa, Kavya-Anjali, and Neev-Prachi married together. The parents see Angad and Kripa's love clearly. The parents assume that Angad and Kripa might never admit their feelings because one, they both might think that this affection is only friendship, or two, they don't want to ruin their friendship. Either way the parents have made a mental note to think about their marriages to their "best friends" as their children claim to be.

Chapter 22

The gang has a long weekend and their parents are going out of town to Bangalore, for yet another wedding! However, this time the kids aren't going to be dragged along because Angad and Kripa have to take care of the office on Saturday for them. Their parents will be leaving early Saturday morning and arriving back late Monday night. As per the parent's instructions all the kids will be staying at the Khanna House, to keep a look out for each other and the competent girls would be able to feed the useless boys as well, not to mention keep each other out of trouble along with providing company. They find out all this information, when the parents along with Angad and Kripa return home from their business party.

On Saturday, after their parents left for the airport, Angad and Kripa go to the office early in the morning. That is something that Angad definitely hated, getting up in the morning. Kavya, Kripa, and Prachi have brought their belongings for the rest of the long weekend right after their parents took off. Kripa runs up to Angad's room and knocks, but gets no response. She turns the knob and finds Angad cutely sleeping on his bed in his PJ's without a shirt. She watches his chest rise and fall. He looks completely adorable. She walks over to him and crouches on the floor near his face. Her arm rises to move the strands in his face, but quickly stops herself noticing what she is doing. Instead she screams, "ANGAD!!!!!!!" He wakes up with a start, and gets really angry seeing Kripa laughing at him. His anger soon vanishes as he sees her innocence. Kripa sees Angad is awake and darts out the room saying, "HURRY UP ANGAD!" Angad slowly comes out his trance and makes his way to the bathroom.

Within half and hour Angad comes down looking sexy in his white suit with a black shirt along with a black necklace. He stares at Kripa, who is wearing a white skirt and black top with a silver necklace. Kripa looks at Angad and says, "Why is it that we always seem to match!" Angad replies, "Cuz we think alike sweetheart, now come on or we will be late." When they arrive, Angad and Kripa get straight to work. They have loads of files to look through and countless contracts to sign. Kripa leaves the room to fax some important documents. Angad and Kripa also spend hours creating a presentation for a business proposal for their fathers to present. It has been a long day for both Angad and Kripa, while Angad occasionally finds himself staring at Kripa. They finish around 9 p.m. by now totally exhausted. Everyone else has already left the office already since office hours on Saturday are quite short. Angad decides it would be best to finish up their work for Sunday as well so they could relax tomorrow with out tension from business.

While making their way towards Angad's car Kripa says, "Angad all work and no play doesn't make me happy!!" She feels really stressed out and just wants to relax. Angad likes the sound of that and then gets an idea. Angad and Kripa sit in the car and he starts driving only Kripa notices they weren't exactly going in the direction of home. She finally asks, "Umm Angad where are we going?" Angad smiles, "Well you said all work and no play doesn't make my Krips happy sooooo…here we are" Angad parks the car and Kripa looks in front asking, "The beach?" Angad replies softly, "Mhmm, you wanted to relax right, so here we are…" Kripa is totally surprised because she had said she isn't happy, but she didn't mean she wanted to go somewhere. She loves the fact that he brought her here to such a beautiful location because it will relax her and he knows her all too well. Kripa gets out the car slowly and notices the beautiful waves brushing up on shore. The sound of the water is so harmonious to Kripa. She feels so calm and at peace. She stood there with her arms outstretched taking in the beautiful scene, welcoming the wind with open arms. Angad takes off his white jacket and sits on his hood for a few moments looking at Kripa. Angad slowly makes his way towards her, who stood at the deserted beach.

Angad and Kripa walk around the beach without their shoes, feeling the wet sand between their toes in complete silence. Angad thinks back to the last time they came to the beach; a smile comes across his face remembering how Kripa was under his spell. He knows if he wanted he could get Kripa to do anything because he is starting to have that effect on her as well, however, she isn't one of those girls, she is the love of his life and he would one day make her realize she loves him as much as he loves her. Kripa also remembers their closeness at the beach and blushes thinking about their proximity. His question still wanders in her mind from time to time, you sure you're not in love with me? That day she never gave a response, she was just really confused with Angad's behavioral change. Never in the past 20 years she had she seen Angad's romantic side used on her before. Sure there was the occasional flirting, but this is not just flirting anymore. Kripa has been feeling really attracted towards Angad. She has always thought he is hot enough to make any girl melt, but she never dreamed she would be one of those girls.

Kripa eventually looks towards Angad and asks, "Can we sit for a while." Angad nods his head in agreement and then both sit watching the waves come onto shore. They both sit down not minding sitting on the sand in their business attire because of their majestic surroundings. It is truly enchanting with the clear deep blue sky along with the brilliant twinkling stars. They both lie down and look up at the sky. The breeze is so inviting and playful. There is silence between them, yet it isn't awkward. It is just so perfect and completely relaxing after a hard day at work. Kripa turns to her side and sees a cute little crab slowly moving on the sand. Kripa grins widely and picks it up and put it on Angad's hand. The crab then clasps its claw onto Angad's finger and he screams murder, "AHHHHHHHHHH! KRIPA!!!" Kripa starts laughing really hard pounding on the sand below while Angad starts dancing around trying to shake off the crab. After it falls, Kripa gets up and starts running while sticking her tongue out at him. Angad starts running after her more amused then angry. Come on, Angad angry at Kripa, NO WAY! Though that stupid crab's claw hurt Angad like crap, but he is just so happy with Kripa, being in love, and with his life. It was such a great feeling, being in love, in love with his best friend.

Angad catches up to Kripa and picks her up from her legs and threw her over his shoulder carrying her out to shore. She is screaming on top of her lungs, "ANGAD PUT ME DOWN" while hitting his back repeatedly. Angad is having a hard time walking with a feisty yet determined Kripa. Angad smirks, "As you wish…" He is about to throw Kripa in the water but slips and Kripa falls on the sand, followed by Angad on top of her. They are both laughing until they notice their closeness. The only sounds heard are those of heavy breathing and the waves. The water crashes into them, soaking them completely, but their eyes continue to look towards each other. Water drips from both their faces as they look deeply into each others eyes. Angad looks at Kripa's face surrounded with water droplets, and then notices the ones on her gorgeous pink lips. Kripa looks at Angad noticing his messy hair in his eyes dripping wet. Angad looks longingly into her eyes with fiery passion, which is unnerving to even Kripa. She wants to look away, yet can't seem to move her head away from him. Angad draws closer to Kripa, looking onto her lips with desire. He moves closer and rubs his lips onto hers for a moment and then finally claims her lips as his. It is so gentle, so soft, so pure. Yes, it was Angad who initiated the slow kiss because he knows he is in love and he can see the love clearly visible in her eyes, if not love then at least intense feelings. He knows she is too stubborn to admit to herself, she loves him because their friendship means much more to her. And he is right; their friendship is important to her and didn't want to lose it at any cost. She is scared because they were so close to losing each other twice, but somehow managed to find their way back to each other, now she feels that they might not get a third chance.

She is crumbling at his touch; her wall of resistance starts to slowly break down as Angad deepens the kiss. She brings up her arms, whether to bring him closer or push him away, she is still deciding. Kripa moves her hand through his wet hair pulling him closer. Kripa knows she shouldn't have kissed him back, but kissing Angad makes her feel on top of the world and makes her forget everything else. It makes her remember the only person that matters, Angad Khanna. He wants to break down all barriers that cause Kripa to stay so reserved with him. He wants to make her his by making her accept his love, but he there is so much at stake. It isn't just the fear of rejection, but also their friendship. What would become of them, he didn't know.

Chapter 23

Angad and Kripa break the kiss unwillingly and breathlessly. Angad softly mumbles, "We should head back" while getting up. Kripa simply nods in agreement. They both can't seem to make eye contact because they both feel slightly awkward. The kiss, feels right to Kripa for some reason, she feels embarrassed that she responded back so passionately, but doesn't feel guilty about it. Angad just grins on the inside. Oh how he loves to kiss her, he can do it all day long. The whole drive back home is quiet. Kripa looks out the window trying to keep her blushing to a minimum and it is quite a challenge for her. Angad glances at Kripa several times during the drive, just happy that he has her thinking about him. He loves knowing she is thinking about him, sure that was cocky of him, but he loves the girl to death. She has been doing that a lot lately, being lost in her own thoughts about him. He is mentally patting himself on the back for a job well done, but hopes she isn't going to be all weird and edgy with him after their second kiss.

Finally they get to the Khanna House at around 11 p.m. and see that the couples Neev-Prachi and Kavya-Anjali are bringing their sleeping bags downstairs to have a massive sleepover in the living room. The maids, butlers, and cooks have left already and now Neev-Prachi and Kavya-Anjali are in lovey dovey mode, while Angad and Kripa are lost in their thoughts, or dreamland. The couples don't seem to notice Angad or Kripa. Neev then exclaims, "Lets play spin the bottle!!" Everyone yells, "NOOOO!!!" Angad and Kripa the loudest of course, which goes without explanation. Kripa and Angad look at each other with guilt, while Kavya, Anjali and Prachi pummel Neev with pillows.

Neev then says, "Okay okay, geez it was just a suggestion, fine you guys come up with something!!" Prachi opens her mouth to say something, but gets interrupted by Neev saying, "NO PRACHI NOT ANTAKSHARI!!!!" Prachi yells, "IDIOT, pehle bolne toh doh you duffer!! I was gonna say let's watch Music and Lyrics!" Everyone agrees except Angad who then starts complaining, "DUDE THAT'S A CHICK FLICK! IM NOT WATCHING THAT!! WHEN DID KAVYA AND NEEV BECOME SO WHIPPED AND GIRLY…" Angad gets smacked with a pillow on his head by Kripa. Angad stands there in utter shock because Kripa has barely acknowledged Angad's presence since their kiss and now she's smacking him upside his head. She had been totally lost for like ten minutes straight since they got home and now she hits him. Everyone else keeps encouraging Kripa to keep smacking Angad with the pillow. Finally she gives up getting tired and Kavya yells, "You're an idiot Angad, you'll know when you get a girlfriend" Angad and Kripa slowly look at each other and then notice the other looking and abruptly turn away.

They finish up setting up their beds next to each other in the living room with Prachi, Neev, Anjali, Kavya, Kripa, Angad. They all sit down on the floor in the same order as well. Prachi is leaning onto Neev's shoulder, while Anjali leans onto Kavya's body, with his arms encircling her. Angad and Kripa look over at their siblings and then look uncomfortably at each other. Angad tilts his head near Kripa's ear and whispers, "You're not gonna be awkward with me now right, I mean we are okay na?" Kripa replies, "Mhmm, lets just let it slide AGAIN okay best friend! BUT YOU gotta stop doing that" Angad turns to Kripa, "I gotta stop doing that??? If I remember correctly it was YOU who pounced on me the first time!" Kripa blushes and looks down, "Oh yea… ok umm WE gotta stop doing that" Angad smirks, "Agreed, but it can't be helped, hormones you see! ...But don't tell me you didn't like it! " Kripa blushes even deeper if that is possible and looks away. Angad puts his arm around her while places her head on his shoulder trying to push her uneasiness aside and convince him and her own self that she isn't THAT affected by his kiss, but she is and both of them know it. Kripa falls asleep quickly through the movie while Angad just sits and stares at her cute expressions.

While watching the movie, Kavya keeps whispering sweet nothings into Anjali's ear. Kavya loves having Anjali so close to him. He hugs her tighter. Anjali whispers, "Kavya I'm not going anywhere! You're acting like I am going to run away as soon as you let go of me!" Kavya replies, "I like having you close to me! So stop complaining or else I'm going to kiss you in front of everyone!" Anjali wags her finger at Kavya, "Tsk Tsk, Are you threatening Anjali Khanna!" Kavya replies sweetly, "It's not a threat honey it's a promise!" and winks at her, while Anjali blushes.

Neev is also trying to flirt with Prachi, however she is really into the movie. Neev keeps whispering stuff to Prachi while she places her hand on his mouth to prevent him from saying anything while she watches so intently. Neev is just dumbfounded how Prachi is reacting to a silly romantic movie. She thinks the movie is really cute and adorable. Neev brings down her hand from his mouth and says, "Prachi what are you doing, is stupid movie ke liye you're ignoring me! HMPH!" Prachi doesn't really pay attention to Neev's complaining and continues watching. When the movie ends she notices him upset and gives him a big kiss on his cheek, making him blush and forget his anger.

After the movie has ended, Angad puts Kripa in her sleeping bag and Anjali and Prachi go get ready for bed. Kavya and Neev approach Angad who is in the kitchen and ask, "Angad what's going on with you and Kripa?" Angad gets surprised with the question and says weirdly, "Uhh…umm what do you mean?" Neev says, "Well did you tell Kripa you love her!" Angad replies, "No, because I know right now she doesn't feel the same way, or at least she doesn't know she's in love with me… but I can see it, the love in her eyes. I'm sure she does love me, but until she knows herself, I'm not going to tell her." Kavya asks, "Okay, but if you need help we are always there!" Angad pats both their backs and says, "Thanks man, I know you guys are always there!" They all make their way back to the living room and find all the girls asleep. The boys get in their sleeping bags and within minutes they are all asleep as well.

When the guys are in deep sleep, the girls all slowly get up in the middle of the night and tip toe out of the room, making sure not to wake up the boys at any cost. If the boys woke up it meant total destruction of their plan. The girls make their way upstairs and go into the bathroom taking some shaving cream cans with them. They come back to the living room and spray it on the palms of their hands, which are carelessly lying on to the side. Kripa stops to admire Angad's innocent face until she hears Anjali whisper quietly, "I…2…3!" They take some tissue and start tickling the boys' face with it. The boys feel like something is crawling on them and all at once smack their face with their lathered up hand. The boys slowly realize what they just did and all get up with a start and notice though their blurred vision, three girls rolling around on the floor clutching their stomachs in attempts to stop laughing. The girls know the guys aren't too happy about having shaving cream on their face in the middle of the night. The girls know this even though they can't properly make out any of their facial expressions. The girls then take off in all directions throwing pillows and dropping chairs in the process of trying to get the guys off their tails. The boys are stumbling after the girls.

Neev while running grabs Prachi's dupatta, making her come to a halt. She lets go of her dupatta and tries to run, only Neev pins her to the wall. Prachi starts breathing rapidly, she feels his powerful gaze on her as she shuts her eyes, scared to know what will happen next. He takes her dupatta and wipes his face clean with it. Neev then notices Prachi looking quite scared at the moment. He looks at her adorable face and pecks her cheek and leaves, while Prachi clutches her cheek as the color rises in them. Then she notices her dirty dupatta and starts chasing Neev around the house, for ruining her clothes.

**********

Kavya runs after Anjali pulls her on the ground. Anjali starts struggling in his grip as he leans over her. He moves closer to her face, while she closes her eyes. Kavya smirks and moves down her body, stopping at her stomach. He gently moves his face over her shirt, wiping his face off completely with her shirt. She feels so nervous, yet his movement seems to stimulate Anjali. He holds down her hands and then looks up at her face and notices the pleasure she got from his closeness. He smirks and walks off, while Anjali lays there with her eyes closed like a buffoon, expecting a kiss.

**********

Angad is chasing Kripa all over the house, running into his bedroom, while Kripa throws his pillow on him hoping around on the bed. Angad pulls at her leg causing her to fall. He gets on top of her and panic arises in Kripa as she sees him so close. He goes closer and closer to her face and then rubs the shaving cream all over her. He smiles looking at her face, while she just lays there shocked as he walks into the bathroom.

All the girls get cleaned up and changed and get back into bed, not before checking for traps there as well. You never know with boys, what they will do to get back at them, so it's always better to check, which is what the girls thought anyways. But it is all clear. Finally they all fall asleep, with another day of fun filled day without parents awaiting them.

Chapter 24

Angad and Kripa don't have to work today, since they finished up everything yesterday so they are sleeping in. The girls get up in the morning and start making breakfast for themselves and the boys as well. The boys wake up to the delicious smell of food. Anjali sets the table as the boys make their way to the dining room. The girls begin serving the boys with big smiles on their faces. The boys look at each other skeptically. Angad, Kavya, and Neev pull Kripa, Anjali, and Prachi onto their laps. The girls look at the boys questioningly while the guys demand, "You first sweetheart!" The girls look at each other and start laughing, "You guys actually thought we put stuff in this food HAHAHA!" The boys look at bit embarrassed and say, "Well after last night's stunt what did you girls expect! Now eat up" The girls eat the first bite, quite easily and now get out of their laps and take their own seats across the guys while the guys hesitantly take a bite. Then they realize nothing is wrong with the food and eat happily complimenting the girls on their cooking.

After breakfast the guys go outside to play some basketball, since they are super bored sitting at home. In the mean time, the girls clean up after the boys. The girls then come out to see the guys playing basketball and they shout, "We want to play too!!" The guys give arrogant laughs saying, "Sure why not, Boys vs. Girls, whoever loses has to do the other's bidding" This means by couples, if girls are to lose then Kripa would have to listen to Angad, Anjali to Kavya, and Prachi to Neev. The girls glance at each other and say, "AGREED!"

The game starts. The guys are rubbing it in the girls' faces, saying they can't play. Kripa and Anjali are actually pretty good at basketball; however Prachi is not really all that great at basketball because she is more towards the traditional and girly side. They are playing until 25 points and as of now the score was 24-20, with the guys in the lead. The guys only need one more basket to win the game. The girls call for a time out Neev yells to Prachi, "Babe give up, you can't beat this (popping his collar)" Prachi smacks his head playfully and rolls her eyes. The girls huddle together and make a game plan. Now they are going to play dirty. They just hate feeling inferior to the boys and this situation isn't any different. The girls are going to have to make the boys pay attention to them rather than the game, giving the girls an opportunity to steal the ball and score. The girls just care about winning at this point because doing the boys bidding isn't even an option. The girls know if they lose the guys would NEVER let this go! With that thought, the game resumes and the girls take their places on court.

It is the guy's possession of the ball and Neev is now in control of the ball. Prachi comes up to guard Neev, but "trips" right in front of Neev and starts pretending to have a sprained her ankle and yells in pain, with lots of screams and sound effects. She has already fallen on the ground in pain and Neev gets quite worried. He runs up to Prachi and loosens his grip on the ball. He comes to Prachi who snatches the ball from Neev hand and passes to Anjali who shoots and scores. The score is now 24-22. Down by one for the girls. Prachi turns to Neev and imitating, "Babe give up, you can't beat this (popping invisible collar)." Neev looks pretty pissed off, grunting and cursing to himself for letting Prachi fool him.

It is now Kavya who has possession of the ball. Anjali comes up to Kavya to guard him. She takes out her hair tie from her hair and tosses her hair right and left in the gentle breeze. Kavya's mouth drops open as he watches her with great interest as if it is the most fascinating thing he has ever seen. While Kavya continues his little daydream, Anjali steals the ball right out of this hands while Kavya just stands there watching the spot where Anjali stood moments ago flipping her hair, looking absolutely breathtaking. Angad and Neev scream at Kavya to wake him up from his trance so he can guard Anjali, but it's too late since Anjali is going near the basket and then she passes to Kripa, who came from behind, losing Angad, who was on her tail, and she shoots and scores! The score is now 24-24, it's all tied up and next shot will determine who wins.

Angad is pretty upset with Kavya and Neev and starts yelling, "YOU WHIPPED IDIOTS! CAN'T YOU CONTROL YOUR STUPID SELVES!!!! WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON YOU MORONS!!!" Kavya and Neev glare at Angad and get back to the game trying to keep in mind its all just tricks. Kavya says to Anjali, "I'm watching you!" Angad has the ball this time and is nearing the basket and Kripa hugs him from behind. Angad freezes as Kripa's hands glide over his abs, caressing him. Angad shocked yet closes his eyes, feeling her gentle strokes… suddenly he can't feel her warmth, nor the ball in his hand. He quickly whips around and sees Kripa driving towards the hoop and shooting. The ball is in the air and everyone turns to look, while Kavya and Neev bury their face in their hands, unable to look at the fate of the game. The ball comes back down, through the hoop, scoring yet another point for the girls, WINNING THE GAME! Angad looks shocked at Kripa, while she winks at him.

Now it's the girls turn to gloat and the Kavya and Neev start yelling at Angad, "WHAT HAPPENED TO, (imitating Angad) YOU GUYS ARE WHIPPED!! (normal yelling voice) YOU WHIPPED DUM****! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!" Angad replies, "I was shocked!!!" Kavya and Neev look at each other and snigger at how Angad reacts towards Kripa's touch, he is indeed whipped as well. The girls continue to dance around the boys gloating some more.

Neev, Prachi, Kavya and Anjali now go inside, while Angad lays down on the floor of the basketball court feeling really stupid and exhausted. Kripa is drinking from her water bottle while going inside, but sees Angad lying on the floor so decides to bother him a bit more. Kripa goes to Angad and sits on his stomach saying, "So Mr. Angad Khanna how does it feel to lose?? THE GREAT ANGAD KHANNA LOST TO A GIRL! Definitely headline news don't you think?" Angad fails to respond and has his eyes closed. Kripa frowns and then looks at her water bottle and then back at him. Kripa starts spraying him with water, soaking his hair and face completely. He turns his head and notices everyone is gone so he grabs Kripa from on top of him and pulls her under him and shakes his drenched head over her face, making her wet as well. Angad says, "So what were you saying? (no response) Yea I thought so, now say sorry!!" Kripa looks at him angrily and spats, "NO!" Angad then turns her so her back in facing him and she is facing the ground. He twists her arms behind her back while Angad leans more on Kripa until she whispers seductively by his ear, "I'm sorry Angad!" Angad smirks and gets off her, going back in, leaving Kripa blushing to herself still on the floor.

The girls then announce for the guys to cook dinner, which basically means they all have take out since the guys can't cook if their life depends on it. They enjoy their dinner thoroughly and went to sleep in the living room. This time the girls are kind of unsure what the guys are up to, if they are up to anything. But the boys aren't all that original, except they change it to whip cream instead of shaving cream.

The guys creep to the kitchen in the middle of the night and get cans of whip cream and spray it onto the girls' hands. The guys also start tickling their angelic faces. As soon as the boy's touched their face, the girls smack the boys' faces with whip cream. The girls open their eyes and see all three boys covered in whip cream. The girls have actually been awake the whole time. The girls start cracking up looking at the boy's serious expressions while being covered in whip cream. After a few seconds the boys also start laughing looking at each other, all thinking damn these girls are freakin' smart!

Chapter 25

It is now their final day without their parents, and today just like yesterday Angad and Kripa don't have to go to work, but it's because of a government holiday. Instead they all decide to get Josh, Aaliya, Prem, and Mukti together to go see a movie. They go pretty early in the afternoon to see Meet the Robinsons, which is an animated movie so there is no one there to watch it in afternoon at the theaters. It is completely empty and there is pin drop silence. The couples break off in all directions, leaving Angad and Kripa standing in the center really confused and awkward. Just then Josh and Prem yell, "ANGAD KRIPA SIT DOWN!!" Angad and Kripa both sit down robotically trying not to pay attention to their very awkward and lovey dovey surroundings. Both note in their minds, never again would they come with these couples to a theater, NEVER AGAIN!! Angad and Kripa start listening to Angad's Ipod, both picking songs. Kripa leans her head on his shoulder and Angad loves the smell of the intoxicating shampoo fragrance from her hair. Angad looks around at the couples and just wishes that Kripa was his girlfriend and he could presently be all romantic with her in a corner somewhere. He sighs hoping he can make her fall for him on day.

The movie starts and Angad and Kripa get interested in the story pretty quickly because it has a really bizarre yet hilarious plot. Occasionally Angad and Kripa would break into laughing fits, but moments later stop because due to their annoying friends, who would start yelling, "SHUT UP YOU TWO!!" The others are obviously not watching the movie at all. Angad and Kripa look at each other and then down at the popcorn in their laps and smile devilishly. Angad and Kripa whip around and start throwing popcorn at all the couples for yelling, popcorn flies in all directions. It landed in everyone's hair and none of them seemed to notice except Prem. His mouth had been wide open, from making out and Angad threw it so straight it landed in his mouth. Prem yelled, "HEY WHAT THE… oh popcorn yummm!" Kripa laughs at Angad's aim and they get yelled at again to shut up. Well finally when the movie is over, Angad and Kripa walk out the theater talking about how good the movie is and wait for the idiots to come after they realize the movie ended already. They both enter the parking lot and just start talking about general stuff and eventually get pissed off from waiting. Now they decide to go up to the manager and tell him to get those people out the theater for them.

Angad and Kripa finally see the dim-wits being escorted out the movie theater, since the maintenance has to clean. They all look really embarrassed since they all got caught being either really romantic or making out. The manager looks like he just saw a ghost, he is so shocked that kids today would be so fast. He starts yelling at them saying, "You kids should be ashamed of yourselves, the movie ended a long time ago and you kids weren't even paying attention. GO find another place to do this kind of disgusting behavior, Besharam Bache!" Angad and Kripa laugh since they are the ones that sent the manager in there in the first place and even harder at the mention of besharam bache. That one line brought back old memories from the elevator for Angad and Kripa. The others groan in annoyance trying to avoid looking at the guy yelling at them. The guys are kind of trying to keep their goofy smiles off their faces while the girls look totally shocked and mortified.

They all decide to grab some pizza at an Italian restaurant. All the couples are sitting opposite each other, with the boys on one side and girls on the other. They sit in this order Josh-Aaliya, Kavya-Anjali, Angad-Kripa, Neev-Prachi, Prem-Mukti. Angad and Kripa are in between all the lovebirds kind of annoyed and bored. Kripa then gets one of her childish ideas so she sends Angad a text message saying, "Angad kick Prachi, she will think its Neev lol it will be entertaining plus I'm bored" Angad grins reading it and raises his eyebrow as if saying, I like the way you think. As per instructions Angad kicks Prachi a little hard. Prachi jerks back and looks up at Neev glaring at him, narrowing her eyebrows. Angad and Kripa hide their laughter, watching the whole scene. Then Prachi kicks Neev really hard. He lets out a loud, "OWWWWWWW! PRACHI!! WHAT THE HECK!" Prachi yells, "You kicked me first!" Neev retorts, "NOOOO, I DIDN'T!" While Prachi continues to yell, "YES YOU DID YOU LIAR!" Angad and Kripa laugh, while the others just seem amused.

Then Kripa sends another text to Angad saying, "Watch Kavya!" Angad smirks and Kripa kicks Kavya under the table. Kavya looks up at Anjali and grins. Kavya starts sliding his foot up and down Anjali's leg, only…it isn't Anjali's leg, it is Kripa's. Kripa looks at Kavya in shock while Kavya continues to look at Anjali grinning. Kripa says loudly, "Bhai!" Kavya replies softly, "Hmm" while still staring at Anjali. Kripa then shouts, "BHAI! THAT'S MY LEG NOT ANJU'S!" Kavya pulls his leg back abruptly in embarrassment, while the others are cracking up especially Angad. Kripa looks at Angad laugh and starts herself

They all get home pretty late at night and are too tired to do anything else since they have school in the morning and their parents are suppose to be arriving home in an hour or two. They decide to go to sleep so they set up their beds in the living room as usual. They all fall asleep except Angad and Kripa. Angad looks to see if everyone else is asleep and then nudges Kripa. She gets up and an evil smile crosses both their faces. They both get up in the middle of the night and make their way upstairs with a huge grin smacked on both their faces. Seems like Angad and Kripa have another prank, they just have to pull since it is so perfect of an opportunity. Angad and Kripa come back with duct tape and notice that everyone is still asleep, in fact in deep sleep. They slowly remove everyone's blankets and then rip off pieces of tape and tape down Kavya, Neev, Anjali, and Prachi to the floor. Angad then slowly puts the covers back on all of them and they back up slowly and hide behind the couches.

Kripa then whispers a countdown, "1…2…3" At this point both yell on top of their lungs, "FIRE!!! FIREE!!! FIREEE!!!" Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi all wake up and start yelling, "AHHHHHHHH FIREEEEE! I CANT GET UP!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!! FIREEEE!!!" Angad and Kripa are hiding behind the couches on the floor grabbing their stomachs. Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi get free from the tape and dart towards the door, but stop at the door because of the roaring laughter they hear other than their screaming and shut up at once. They finally see Angad and Kripa stumbling to get up as they can't stop laughing. Angad and Kripa stop laughing at once looking at their angry faces and dart towards Angad's room and lock the door. Everyone comes to Angad's room and starts pounding on the door. Five minutes later they give up and walk back downstairs. Ten minutes later Angad and Kripa go back in the living room quietly checking along the way and find no one there, they panic a bit. Kripa whispers, "Angad I bet they are planning someth…AHHH" They got smacked on the head with pillows clobbering them right and left, which then starts a four on two pillow fight. Angad's screaming, "Kripa help!!" Kripa yells while also being pummeled with pillows, "Angad HOW THE HECK…OWWW AM I GOING TO HELP YOU!! YOU IDIOT YOU SHOULD… OW BE HELPING ME!" Now eventually they get exhausted and drop on their beds and immediately fall sleep.

Their parents have returned quite late at night and see their children sleeping so peacefully like angels, if only they knew the truth. Surya and Gayatri decide to let their kids sleep at the Khanna House upon Dilip and Naina's request since it would be a hassle to wake them up just to go next door. The parents are really surprised to see the house in one piece meaning the kids definitely didn't have a party and trash the place like they expected. Their parents figured it is a sign of maturation and getting responsible, but they are totally oblivious to their childish pranks that took place the whole weekend. The parents start taking special note of the order of their sleeping arrangement, Angad next to Kripa, Kavya next to Anjali, Neev next to Prachi. Interesting. Very interesting. The parents have started collecting evidence mentally to prove their kids are in love, which was enough for marriage and they couldn't be more pleased.

Chapter 26

Kripa is fast asleep in the living room, feeling quite cozy at the moment. She feels some warmth hugging her body, the warmth seems to be coming from a certain Khanna, Angad Khanna to be precise. His hands are lightly draped over her body, while her head rests buried in his perfectly sculpted chest, holding onto him rather tightly. Her eyes flutter open by the gentle sun rays stroking her eyelids. She looks up only to meet four pairs of eyes looking pretty amused at the sight of her. Kripa looks at them quizzically and then looks back to her side and notices her proximity with Angad. She jerks back immediately, hands in the air as if declaring she is not guilty of any crime. Angad awakens by Kripa's sudden jerk and looks at her annoyed, then notices her silence and says following her gaze, "Kripa what the…" Angad then notices the four pairs of amused eyes as well and snaps, "What the hell are you guys looking at!" Kavya replies, "We will be the ones asking the questions here, so… Kripa, would you like to explain how you ended up on Angad this very fine morning" Kripa looks at Kavya shocked and yells, "I WAS NOT!!" Neev replies, "Kripa, it's not good to lie, right Prachi" Prachi nods happily away while Kripa grunts. Angad just looks confused. He yells, "What the heck are you people talking about!" Anjali replies, "Well seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning… OH WAIT THAT WAS KRIPA!!!" Everyone laughs at Anjali's comment, while Kripa yells, "Don't you guys have anything better to do, and I did not!! Right Angad?…(she doesn't wait for a response) EXACTLY!" Prachi replies dreamily, "Di, stop lying we all saw you on Angad, hugging him like there was no tomorrow… sigh…" Angad says, "SAY WHAT!!" Kripa yells, "You IDIOTS get dressed for school!" Neev replies, "Changing the subject are we?...its okay, we understand, no need to be shy Kripa" Kripa just growls and stomps away glaring at all of them. After she is gone Angad smirks, "So she was all over me huh? I don't blame her, no girl has ever been able to keep away from Angad Khanna!" They all grin at his response and say, "YUP!! Even mom and dad saw! That was so hilarious!!!" Angad replies, "OMG mom dad saw us, what did they say?" Kavya replies, "Nothing, they just smiled and walked off". Angad exclaims, "DUDE WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE A PICTURE! I wanna see what it looked like!" Everyone grins at Angad and they all hand over their phones, sure enough they all took pictures of Angad and Kripa cuddling so comfortably. Angad was jumping for joy on the inside, his heart was melting just looking at Kripa curled up in him and they looked perfect.

Finally after the teasing has stopped, they are all able to get ready for college. They all get in the guy's cars to go to school. Kripa has been trying to avoid looking at Angad, since by now she was sure everyone would have told him what she was doing in the morning. She silently thought it wasn't only her fault, he was holding her too, but then of course she has to admit she was holding on to him pretty tightly not to mention really closely. Kripa gets in the car quietly, waiting for Angad to say something, but he is totally silent. She also can't seem to stop blushing at the mere thought of Angad Khanna. She starts recalling the morning incident and the past days she spent at the Khanna House. It was absolutely enjoyable, she had so much fun, and those memories would forever stay with her. Kripa tries to hide her obvious blush by looking out the window, but Angad being Angad, notices her flushed cheeks and grins. Angad knows their friendship has developed into something indefinable.

Well finally when Angad and Kripa arrive at school, Angad grabs Kripa's hand and darts into the building because he has been driving slowly on purpose the whole ride through, just so he could spend some alone time with her. Although no words were exchanged, it had its own level of comfort. They eventually enter their class late and the professor hands them detentions, right at the door. Angad groans, while Kripa looks furiously at Angad for making them late. They take their places in the back while noticing Neev-Prachi, Kavya-Anjali, Prem-Mukti, and Josh-Aaliya already present looking fairly comfy in their seats. They all silently laugh at Angad and Kripa, who are already irritated with the stupid detention they have to serve. Anjali whispers, "What took you guys so long, we left at the same time…" Angad blushes slightly while Kripa retorts, "Your stupid brother drives like a grandma!" Angad replies, "I resent that" Kripa reacts, "Angad you stopped at a green light for two minutes straight and then only drove because I nudged you since the 50 million horns in the background were giving me a migraine" Angad stupidly replies, "Oh…my bad!" Kripa mutters, "Duffer" Angad smiles hearing her. Angad remembers stopping at the light, he actually knew he stopped there for so long, but it was just that Kripa's silence was beginning to bug him, so he wanted her to at least acknowledge his presence. Thus, waiting for her to poke.

After school Angad and Kripa report to the detention room and Kripa starts doing her homework while listening to her Ipod. Angad on the other hand just watches Kripa with his head firmly placed on his knuckles looking at her with great interest. Occasionally Kripa will feel his gaze, but is never able to catch him staring, since he is just that fast. There is Angad Khanna for you, he could get away with tons. The professor left the room, warning, "Don't do any funny business or else…" They both nod, Angad a little to innocently. As soon as he left Angad went to the professor's chair and sat down watching Kripa, while she now began to stare at him questioningly and warned him with her eyes. Kripa says, "Angad I don't want another detention" Angad replies, "Relax Krips!" Angad takes the professor's keys that are lying so carelessly on his desk and walks over to the window, opening in. He pushes the window open with a little difficulty while Kripa finds his muscles flexing more interesting than his actions. Angad notices Kripa gawking at his built and says, "Kripa" Kripa finally looks up and sees Angad about to toss the keys out the window. Kripa yells, "Angad no!! That's really mean!" Angad smirks, "Kripa why are we here" Kripa shouts, "Because of YOU!" Angad frowns, "Try again!" Kripa says, "Because we got detention" Angad nods, "Because of who?" Kripa slowly replies as if finding the light, "Because of … the PROFESSOR! That ***! Never mind go right ahead!" Angad grins, "Why thank you!" He tosses the keys out into the parking lot. Angad quietly sits in his seat and pastes a bored frown on his face, because smiling is rather suspicious, which Angad has grown to know.

When the professor came back, he doesn't seem to notice the keys to his house and car missing. Angad and Kripa are silently laughing while hiding their faces in books. They are eventually dismissed and Angad and Kripa left the room rather happy with themselves. While walking down the hall they hear lots of drawers slamming, poor guy couldn't find his keys. That professor has been giving detentions to someone every freaking day. When they enter the parking lot Kripa notices the keys are really close to his car, so it isn't all that bad. Of course Angad really wants to throw them into the bushes, but Kripa asks him through her eyes not to. He obeys his love of course, why wouldn't he.

While driving back, they are informed that Kripa and Angad both have to come to the Sharma House for dinner. Their parents know they are together since their siblings accidentally spilled that they both got a detention. They would always seem to end up in detention somehow, but to their surprise lately they haven't received any, well until today that is. Nevertheless the parents didn't really care, since it never seemed to affect their grades or their relationship.

Chapter 27

When Angad and Kripa arrive at the Sharma House, they notice that the others, well Kavya, Neev, Anjali and Prachi to be precise are watching a movie. Angad and Kripa lazily drop to the couch and start watching as well. It is the starting of the movie so Prachi narrates the beginning of Night at the Museum, which is a hilarious comedy movie. During the movie the guys are chewing their bubble gum pretty loudly along with blowing bubbles making the girls really notice. The girls start pleading with the boys to give them gum as well. Prachi asks Kavya with cute smile, "Bhai please can we get some gum!! Pretty please with a cherry on top!" Kavya reluctantly agrees and hands the girls some gum, grinning inwardly. They all start getting engrossed in the movie. The girls are totally oblivious to the guys staring at them because the girls are so into the movie. Since it's a comedy movie the girls would periodically start laughing really loudly. The guys are roaring with laughter just looking at the girls laugh, although, it is for a completely different reason. It is one the girls are so not aware of.

After the movie ends, the girls walk to the dinning table and start helping their mothers placing the food on the table, while the guys are looking at each other quite pleased with themselves. Finally they all sit down to have dinner, but the boys aren't exactly all that interested with food at the moment and more so with the girls. The girls again are totally oblivious to the guys' stares. Anjali then asks, "Mama could you pass the rice." Everyone, except the boys just stare at her shocked and seconds later they all start howling with laughter. Kripa and Prachi join in as well laughing at Anjali in chuckles. Moments later the parents catch sight of Kripa and Prachi as well. The guys were of course laughing at all the girls from the start. The guys and adults starts laughing their heads off and Anjali then laughs looking at Kripa and Prachi saying, "Kripa Prachi HAHA look at your teeth they are soooooo BLACK! HAHAHAH!" Kripa and Prachi gasp in horror and reply, "WHAT!! Wait so are yours dummy but how did it…" Kripa, Prachi, and Anjali turn their heads to face the boys and yell, "YOU GUYS ARE DEAD MEAT" The guys laugh while Angad says, "That's what you get for the whip cre…. OH SHIT RUN!!!" Now apparently the gum the girls received earlier had an extra ingredient in it, some black dye inside and the girls got that all over their teeth and tongues, making them look really stupid and hilarious.

The girls start chasing the boys who are currently running for their lives. Angad eventually stops running and Kripa speeds up her pace catching up to him. Kripa then remembers the butter knife in hand. She starts raising her knife in the air and she yells, "IM GONNA KILL YOU KHANNA!!!" Angad laughs at her childish antics along with laughing at her what used to be pearly whites. Kripa gets even more enraged. She is now holding the knife up to his neck as if warning him to stop laughing. Angad touches her hand softly whispering, "Come on Krips, you wouldn't hurt ME" His soft voice and gentle strokes is making her tremble with delight and at the same time anxiety fills her as well. She stutters, "I… I uhh… I" Kripa's grip on the knife loosens and Angad turns her so abruptly that the knife is in his hands and he holds it against her neck, while her back rests on his chest. Heavy breathing is heard from both. Then Angad brings his other hand across her body, taking the knife out his hand and throws it straight into the bushes, trying to be all seductive. Kripa says breathlessly, "Angad." He whispers passionately, "yea…" Kripa replies calmly yet amused, "That knife is part of mom's very expensive knife collection" Angad and Kripa both look towards each other and start laughing at how Kripa totally ruined Angad's very romantic mood along with the moment as well. They go fetch the knife behind some bushes and bring it back to Sharma House before Gayatri has a cow.

**********

Kavya and Anjali are still running after each other. Somewhere along the way Anjali realizes she is wearing flip flops and takes them off and startes chasing after Kavya again. Anjali finally catches up with the speed demon and pulls him to the ground. She sits on him and then starts beating him with her shoe. Kavya keeps yelling, "Anju stop, stop!!" But she didn't stop her beating. Finally Kavya gets annoyed and takes the shoe out her hand and throws it away. Anjali then gets irritated and yells, "KAVYA!!!!" He then holds his ears and looks at her with the cutest and innocent pout he could conjure up. Anjali smiles widely looking at how adorable he is. Kavya looked at her blackened smile and Kavya breaks out in fits of laughter, while Anjali snaps out of her trance and once again starts beating him. Occasionally Kavya will playfully laugh, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" but he just couldn't stop laughing at Anjali's teeth, they are just so hilarious. Anjali yells while beating him with her other shoe, "You better pray this stuff comes off, or I will super glue your lips together" Kavya laughs at Anjali some more while listening to her whining for him to stop.

Eventually they get off the floor and walk in laughing wholeheartedly. Dilip and Surya's mouths drop in confusion, while Naina and Gayatri start choking roughly on the water they are drinking. Angad and Kripa exchange amused looks while watching their parents. The parents are so shocked that Kavya and Anjali are… laughing?? And not at each other, but together…almost like…friends?...wait friends is such a strong word… but could it be? Anjali smiles at their shocked faces, replying coolly, "Aap logon ko kya hua, bhoot dekhliya kya?" Kavya goes up to their fathers and closes their mouths for them saying, "Maki chaali jayegi mooh mein!" Anjali, Angad and Kripa laugh at this. Apparently, the parents aren't aware that the enmity between the two has vanished, but only the gang it has blossomed into love. Kavya and Anjali just shrug their shoulders and take their seats at the table again.

**********

Neev and Prachi continue running until Prachi stops getting really exhausted. Needless to say Prachi isn't the athletic type. Neev comes up to her asking, "Are you tired, loser??" Prachi starts running after him again in her heels and ends up twisting her ankle, falling to the ground. Prachi yells in pain clutching her ankle, "OWWW!!" Neev starts running towards her and then remembers the basketball incident and yells from far away, "Drama mat karo! I know you are just playing so I can come over there and you can beat the snot out of me! Oy Prachi get up!!" Prachi cries in pain and Neev runs up to her really worried now, seeing that she really did twist her ankle. He asks, "Prachi are you okay?" Prachi yells in frustration, "NO STUPID I'M NOT OKAY, I HURT MY ANKLE AND MY TEETH ARE PITCH BLACK!! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!...YOU BETTER CARRY ME!!!" Neev smirks, "And if I DON'T!!" Prachi screams in his face while grabbing his collar, "JUST DO IT NEEV!!" Neev is taken back by her outburst and quickly scoops her up in his arms and curses his own whipped state. Prachi then puts her arms around Neev and says sweetly, "THANK YOU!" Neev replies, "No worries my black teeth princess!" Prachi whines, "NEEV!!!"

Neev then carries Prachi back to the house last and everyone gets worried for Prachi. Prachi explains, "Is Idiot ki wajah se, I hurt my ankle!" Neev hangs his head low, as if in shame and replies, "Sorry" Prachi lets out a loud laugh looking at him and ruffles his hair, replying sweetly, "Its okay!" Neev goes to the bathroom and bandages Prachi's ankle so she won't hurt herself again. Studying to be a doctor sure has its benefits. Soon Neev starts feeding Prachi her food, while the Kavya wishes he could openly feed Anjali, but sadly he couldn't, well not without looking suspicious anyways. Kripa just looks on in awe, while Angad too envies Neev's display of affection.

The parents too stare at their children collectively. They know something is different about all of them, and it isn't just Angad and Kripa anymore. All their children have a certain glow radiating from their faces. The parents look at each other in agreement, all knowing what the other parents are thinking. They all decide now is the time to bring them together, forever.

Chapter 28

Lately Anjali, Kavya, Neev and Prachi have been trying to persuade Angad into telling his feelings to Kripa, but sadly he has been trying to put it off as much as possible because he's not really a fan of feeling vulnerable and on the spot. In any case, the gang is currently all gathered up in his room, giving him an ultimatum that Anjali is enforcing. She tells her brother, "Bhai, either you tell Kripa yourself soon or we will, and then what will she think, Angad isn't man enough to tell a girl he loves her…" Angad rolls his eyes and sarcastically says, "Yea right, that's what she is gonna think, come on Anju, I can't just go up to her and be like, Hi (waving) I'm madly in love with you, want to be my girlfriend? That's not how it works guys, get real!" Kavya says, "Ok fine we will tell her! Let's go guys!" They all start walking towards the door and Angad basically runs in front of the door and groans, "Ok fine I'll tell her, but in a few days okay!" Prachi says folding her arms sighing, "How few?" Angad replies shyly, "The night before her birthday!" Prachi jumps for joy and then looks towards Neev and pretends to get mad saying, "God Neev why didn't you tell me on Kripa and my birthday as well!" Neev sighs, "Stupid, if I didn't tell you then, I think your eyeballs would have popped right out because of your crying. They were looking so swollen like red golf balls!" Prachi looks at him in shock and starts beating him while Neev manages to scream, "Prachi, control yourself yaar!" The others laugh looking at the pair.

Angad goes back into deep thought trying to conjure up the most romantic way possible to convey his feelings to Kripa. He wants to do something at the midnight of her birthday; it would be the most perfect occasion to show her he loves her. Also the day of her birthday, Surya has hosted a grand party for Kripa and Prachi's birthday, along with Kavya. Well Kavya because his birthday is two weeks later, so the Sharma's always celebrate his with Prachi and Kripa's. In any case the day of her birthday, would be too hectic to convey his feelings, but the day before just seems to be perfect.

Finally the day arrives, the day Angad is planning on proposing to his lady love. He wakes up bright an early putting on a black transparent shirt that makes his tones body visible with a black chain around his neck and ripped jeans. He looks mouth watering hot; well he has to make Kripa say yes, so why not dress the part. He goes to the Sharma House bright and early to pick her up, for the first time ever actually. Normally, it is always Kripa who would drag him out the house to get to school or well now college. He rings the door bell and as soon as the butler opens the door, Angad walks right in. He sees Surya reading the newspaper. Angad says, "Good morning Uncle!" Surya looks up delighted and wishes, "Angad my boy, Good Morning son!" They start talking about how Angad liked working at the office. Surya expresses his desire for Angad and Kripa to join the office after gradation since they did such a fantastic job of handling all the affairs. Gayatri comes out and orders, "Angad beta eat some parathas" Angad delightfully starts eating. Surya then calls Kripa down for breakfast and she sits wearing a white knee length flowing skirt with a light blue top. Angad looks at her admiringly. She looks so stunning. She wishes her parents a good morning and doesn't actually notice Angad sitting there. Kripa says, "Mom I want some toas… WHAT THE HELL!!" Well obviously she caught sight of Angad eating away. Surya calmly nags, "Kripa Language!" Kripa replies, "Sorry Papa" Angad replies, "Tsk Tsk Kripa, this isn't the way to behave with guests, what will your in-laws think!" Kripa says rather annoyed, "Ok Mr. Guest (dragging him to the car) Lets Go!" When they get outside Kripa lets go of Angad, while he starts brushing out the wrinkles Kripa just gave his shirt saying, "Easy on the merchandise Krips" Kripa looks at Angad up and down saying, "Not bad Khanna, your actually looking decent" Angad arrogantly replies," You know you want me girl, don't need to be subtle about it!" Kripa rolls her eyes sitting in the car and they drive off to school before they get late.

When they get to school they meet the gang on time and make their way to class with Angad keeping a close watch on Kripa's every move. He actually doesn't seem all that nervous about his plans to propose tonight. Somewhere in his heart he believes she will say yes, after all Angad Khanna is Angad Khanna for a reason. While sitting in class, Kripa is bothering Angad about what her present is because he is being totally tight lipped about it. He says, "Kripa stop it, You will get it when I give it to you!" Kripa just crosses her arms across her chest and says, "HMPH!!" Angad is really enjoying her expressions and grins looking at her. He assures himself, "I'm sure she will say yes!" He is almost sure of it. But of course things don't always go as planned. After that there is no more talk about the present, Kripa is getting really irritated, but super excited about turning twenty-one.

After school, they go home and Kripa works on her homework. It is a normal day for her so far. She just has dinner with the family. She doesn't really talk to Angad much after school because of her homework. By night, she is just laying on her bed listening to music. That's when she gets a call at 11:50 at night. It is Angad calling her to her terrace. She finds it strange, but thinks maybe he needs to talk about something. Kripa walks up to her terrace and is just mesmerized at the sight. There are beautiful candles lit around the terrace and lights around the whole place. There are flower petals carelessly placed all over the floor. There is a beautiful table set up with wine and cake in the center. Faint music could be heard in the background. The night sky makes it much more picturesque. It just looks amazing. Kripa gazes around the room with her hand clasped onto her mouth, in awe. She now looks for her best friend, where could he be. Suddenly she hears him whisper from behind, "Happy Birthday Krips" Then she feels a chain being slipped onto her delicate neck. It is her birthday present she assumes. Kripa turns around and sees Angad looking drop dead gorgeous. She places her hand on the necklace, feeling the smooth piece of metal, while Angad holds up a mirror in front of her. She sees it has her name engraved in it.

Angad leads her to the table and when the clock strikes 12, Angad goes behind her, holding her hand and cuts the cake. Angad feeds Kripa and she feeds him as well. He pours them both some wine and Angad says, "Drink up, It's your first legal drink" Kripa laughs and follows directions. Kripa then asks, "Angad what is all this?" Angad holds her hand, which is laying on the table and says, "It's only for you Krips, only for you…There is something I have been meaning to tell you, something that I have realized, something I want you to know, something I need you to know. Krips, you are really important to me. This past year so much has happened with us. Being away from you made me realize how important you are to me. Krips you are the love of my life, Main tumse pyaar karta hoon, I love you Krips, I love you!" Kripa looks shocked; no words seem to flow through her mouth. She feels like this is totally out of the blue, completely ambushed. There is an uncertain suspicious look in her eyes as she says, "Angad tum mazak kare ho na?" Angad is expecting another reply and instead he gets THIS. Hurt reflects through his eyes as he says, "No Krips, I do love you, more than you'll ever know!" Kripa sure doesn't want him to say that. She just doesn't know what to say. She just sits there trying to get this to sink in, she sits there in the awkward silence looking at her palms, while Angad watches her ever move. Kripa finally gathers the courage to say, "Angad you mean a lot to me…" Angad interrupts angrily, "BUT…" Kripa replies softly with tears in her eyes, "Angad look I'm sorry I just…" Angad puts his hand up not being able to listen anymore, pain clearly visible in his eyes. He feels so vulnerable, so broken. He could actually feel the lump growing in his throat. Kripa desperately, "Please Angad I don't want to lose our friendship! It means more to me than anything! Please don't make this difficult for me…" Angad coldly replies, "Oh I won't, I'll make it real easy, our friendship… (sniggering) well it doesn't mean as much as I thought it did to you! You know what you are just scared of being vulnerable and losing control and you know what, I'm really sorry Kripa, that I got close to you, close enough to fall for you, I regret everything… I regret coming into your life…Have a Happy Birthday Kripa…" Angad starts walking away, while she watches in shock. She yells, "Angad!! YOU DON'T MEAN THAT!! Please…I'm sorry..." She has fallen to her knees with such heartache.

She just doesn't know what she feels for Angad, all she knows is she feels something strange, something alien to her, but love… she just doesn't know. She never realizes Angad would have been the one to fall in love with her. What hurt the most is that Angad basically told her he regrets her, his love, and their friendship. Not only that he also calls her Kripa, not Krips. Ever since they were little and his parents introduced them, he called her Krips right from the start, since he couldn't say Kripa at the time. It is his thing, this nickname, but now he calls her Kripa. This hit her hard. Kripa continues to sob over her best friend, who she just lost again. She lost everything in a matter of minutes. Everything…Some birthday this turned out to be. Kripa continued to cry her eyes out until she fell asleep on the terrace.

Angad after leaving the Sharma House, wants to drown his sorrows with alcohol. He wants to escape this heartache, this rejection, he needs to be free. He wants to be liberated of this pain. Angad goes to a pub close by and drinks up all his grief. Prem now enters the pub since he was in the mood to party and spots a passed out Angad at the bar counter. He looks so broken. Prem is aware that Angad was planning to propose to Kripa tonight and seeing Angad alone, with a tear stained face, tells Prem that it didn't go well at all. Prem is able to get Angad out the pub before he does anymore damage to himself. He brings Angad back with him to his apartment. Angad is definitely in no shape to drive back to his house, especially looking like a mess. Prem takes Angad to his room and lays him on the bed, while Angad mumbles her name over and over, "Kripa…."

Chapter 29

Kripa goes to the Khanna House the following morning to see if Angad would talk to her, hoping they could sort this out mutually. Sadly, Naina informs Kripa that he was staying at a friend's house last night and isn't feeling good. Well this definitely brings on some guilt for Kripa. She then goes to school, hoping to run into Angad, but alas, he never shows up for any classes.

**********

In the morning Angad sees that he is at Prem's apartment. Prem doesn't live with his parents, just wanting some freedom and independence. In any case Angad tells Prem his whole story of rejection and suffering. Prem is really sympathizing towards Angad, since he knows the pain of not being able to be with the person you love, which in Prem's case was Mukti. Prem tells Angad to hold tight because Kripa will realize sooner or later what Angad truly means to her. Angad is just in no mood to listen about how Kripa isn't ready, he just thinks these are all excuses of hers because she is scared, scared to let someone take her heart away, giving him full control over her emotions, making her vulnerable. He is fuming with anger because of her actions.

Angad then leaves Prem's house and goes back to the pub to get a little to drink, while Prem leaves to go to college. When Prem returns home from college he finds Angad missing, so he immediately calls Kavya and Neev in order to find out his whereabouts. Prem then looks around his neighborhood and comes across the same pub where he found Angad last night. Prem decides to check it out and spots Angad getting wasted AGAIN. Prem gets Angad in the car eventually. Prem directly calls Kavya and Neev and tells them to distract Dilip and Naina so he can sneak Angad home and in bed to rest before his parents realize Angad is drunk. Kavya and Neev comply and they start fighting outside so that Dilip and Naina have to break it up before it "actually" turns violent. Prem gets Angad in his room and drops him on the bed, while he himself starts panting for air, cursing Angad's habit of working out. Soon after the mission is accomplished Prem leaves and Angad rests trying to become sober again, only time could fix his state in time for the party. Yes today is Kripa, Prachi, and Kavya's birthday party and Angad is not looking forward to seeing Kripa. He just can't look at her without feeling anger and pain.

Prem has filled in Kavya and Neev before he leaves about the whereabouts of Angad and what had taken place last night between Angad and Kripa. Kavya is just really irritated with Kripa because he knows for a fact that Kripa is in love with Angad, she is just terrified of the thought of not being independent and having to feel weak. He knows one major reason she won't admit her love is because she fears it will ruin their friendship if it doesn't work out. Neev feels really bad for Angad, since Angad put himself out there and got rejected. Neev figures this is probably what Prachi had felt, unwanted and unloved. Neev knows Prachi is brave, so brave that she risked everything for a chance at love. It is just amazing it worked out in the end and that's what Neev wishes for Angad and Kripa, for all to work out in the end. Well around six in the evening, Angad wakes up with a minor headache, and finds Anjali waiting for him to take some medication. Anjali's loving and sympathizing nature is enough to make Angad feel a little better. At least some people cared about him, he thinks to himself while taking his medicine.

They all start getting dressed for the Sharma kids' party, Angad a little hesitantly. Angad wears a black suit, a grey silky shirt with the first couple buttons open exposing his tanned chest along with spiky hair. He looks great as usual, though his eyes told a different story, one of misery and anguish. He is so not in the mood to look at Kripa, to have to gawk over her petite perfect figure, if only he didn't have to go. Kavya plans to wear a brown suit with an emerald green silky shirt, while Neev wears a black suit with a red shirt. Anjali wears a mint green sari with heavy embroidery all around it, Prachi wears a fuchsia pink sari with embroidery and Kripa wears a black sari with full silver embroidery. They all looked gorgeous. They all arrive at the Sharma House, while Angad stays downstairs; Anjali and Neev make their way upstairs to wish their lovers a very happy birthday.

**********

Kavya is trying to get ready, he has on his brown suit's pants and is walking around his room without his shirt on. Anjali opens the door and sees Kavya standing around half naked so she quickly turns around. She is standing there quite stiff at the moment while Kavya begins to approach from behind. He shuts the door in front of her, closing it, leaving them completely alone in the room, with Anjali still facing the door and Kavya facing her back. Kavya whispers in her ear, "Where is my birthday gift Anju…" in the sweetest way. He gently turns Anjali and inches near her, close enough to kiss her, but Anjali brings the gift right in between their faces, blocking his attempt at a kiss, leaving Kavya a little irritated. He quickly takes it, drags Anjali, and sits on the bed opening it quickly. He finds that it is a scrapbook, which says on the cover, "Kavya and Anjali Forever Together". Kavya gasps looking at the priceless gift as he opens the first page consisting of their baby photos with them playing / fighting, honestly you couldn't tell even from day one with them whether they were enemies or friends. Kavya flips through it with Anjali sitting closely and admires her crafty nature to create such a wonderful gift. The pictures are of things she cherishes, it shows she cares enough to keep them all these years, and it isn't just pictures but movie stubs and diary entries about the stuff they fought over, presents, little gestures, etc. It is just the most perfect gift for Kavya. Now he really knows that Anjali too feels they were at least friends back then, if not more. He turns to Anjali, who rests her head on his shoulder and kisses her forehead saying, "Thanks Anju, I will forever treasure this" While Anjali blushes watching him look through the book.

**********

Neev has casually walked into Prachi's room, seeing no one, and then he decides to wait for his lady love in her room and flip through some magazines. He sits there humming a random tune. That's when Prachi comes out wearing a white towel, hair slightly wet from her shower, lost in her thoughts. She doesn't seem to notice Neev sitting on her bed, but Neev sure notices Prachi. That image of Prachi will stay imbedded in his mind for eternity, he is so sure. He doesn't know when his jaw drops and drool has started forming, he is too busy staring at her to notice. Neev yells, "HOLY CRAP!" Well Prachi finally turns around after hearing that comment and panics yelling, "NEEEEEV!! GET OUT!!" Neev smirks at her uneasiness as he approaches her. He comes close enough and to pulls her to him, making her body collide with his. Then he makes her sit down on the bed and gives her a box. Prachi takes it into her trembling hands and begins to open the box. It is a beautiful ring that has an engraving underneath, which says, "Neev and Prachi forever…" Prachi is very touched by the gesture. Neev bends on the ground and slides the ring on her delicate finger vowing, "Prachi, I promise I will always be with you, always love you! I promise!" Prachi hugs Neev with tears spilling from her eyes in happiness.

**********

Kripa is sitting in her room, thinking about yesterday. She feels so horrible about what happened, but she didn't know what to say to make it better. Surely she couldn't just say she loves him, well she couldn't that since she has no idea herself. She just sits and reaches out for the necklace Angad had placed on her neck last night, but she can't feel it. It isn't on her neck. Panic arose within her. She just has to find it. She begins looking around her room and sure enough spots it on the floor. She picks it up in relief, and for the first time examines it closely, there is something else written in the back. It breaks her heart looking at the words, "Eternally yours, Angad" She thought about the words that came out of Angad's mouth last night, I regret everything… I regret coming into your life… Have a Happy Birthday Kripa… It hurt so much, every word he had spoken has cut through her heart with searing pain. She doesn't know what will happen tonight, she doesn't know what to say to him, if he will even acknowledge her presence. She just doesn't know…

Chapter 30

Angad sits at the bar and has a beer, trying to drown his sorrows yet again. Kavya, Anjali, Neev and Prachi make their way down stairs to join Angad, who is indulging in alcohol. They pry him away from the liquor and Prachi orders him lemonade instead. Angad then gets forced to drink it by Anjali. He basically gets double teamed by Anjali and Prachi, poor guy. Angad notices the happy glow on their faces and can't help but feel a little depressed inside. He is happy for them, but staying near them reminds him that he isn't able to get his own love, Kripa. Just then the stunning beauty makes her entrance, the one who has broken his heart, none other than Kripa Sharma looking like a vision. Angad doesn't look at her much, which took a lot of self control on his part and focuses on anything, but her, his shoes even.

Now Kripa, Prachi, and Kavya have to entertain their guests who have come to attend their birthday party. People periodically come to wish the three on their birthday. Kripa, however, is the least bit interested in all of that. She just keeps staring at Angad hoping he will look at her eventually, but he doesn't. Angad begins to feel her stare and only glances at her when he knows for a fact she isn't looking towards him. His anger rises as he sees a smile plastered on her face. He can't bear to see her happy without him, knowing he is mad at her, yet still looking happy. He just has no idea how much pain she is feeling while she plasters that fake smile on her face.

Kavya, Kripa, and Prachi all cut their cake. When Kripa cuts, both Angad and Kripa get reminded about yesterday. They both remember how Angad stood so closely behind her and cut it holding her hand, then finally feeding each other. They both feel so depressed. Yet, Kripa tries her best to look as happy as possible, which Angad seems to fall for. Dilip, Naina, Gayatri, and Surya seem to notice that Angad is standing off at a distance from the rest of the gang and pull him closer to the group.

Now as a ritual, Angad has always sung a song for Kripa ever since she had requested for the first time on her 10^th birthday. But today his heart just isn't in it. He always sang straight from his heart, meaning every word, but today, he doesn't want to show his feelings at the moment. No one accepts his attempts to refuse as an excuse and they all force him to since a song like he always does for Kripa. Kripa feels hurt, by Angad's refusal, but then again how can she expect him to sing for her, when she has given him so much misery. Even the gang starts to force him to sing and before he knows it, he finds himself on stage. Accepting defeat, he side glances at Kripa expressing the pain she gave him. That one looks tells Kripa how hurt he is, but he won't stop there, the guilt would only just begin for Kripa with that look and continue to grow with the song. It was the first time their eyes met all night and Kripa just fell deeper into her hole. Angad sits down at the piano on center stage and pulls the microphone closer to him as he plays to the song Beete Lamhein from The Train.

Angad begins to play the piano while he slowly sings with his eyes lightly
closed, taking in all the pain, wanting to express it through the song itself.
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Beete lambheinnnnn
Kripa looks at Angad speechless. This is a song Kripa has been crazy
about for a while. The song is so soulful, so heartfelt. But she feels
heartbroken he would choose to sing this particular song, considering
the circumstances. Her heart aches as she listens to his magnificent voice
full of pain. She feels overcome by sadness with every word he sings.
Though his voice is touching, only she knows the song's hidden meaning and
the devastating truth behind the lyrics.
Chand lambhaat ke vaaste hi sahi
Mushkura kar mili thi mujhe zindagi
Chand lambhaat ke vaaste hi sahi
Mushkura kar mili thi mujhe zindagi
Kripa turns around trying to suppress her tears, not being able to watch
him any longer. She wipes the lone tear before anyone can see or more
decide to flow. Just hearing the depth and sadness in his voice is
enough to distress Kripa.
Teri aagosh din the mere kate
Teri baaahon mein thi mere raatien kati
OoOOooOOO OO
Angad has his eyes closed like he sings straight from his heart, he always
did. He plays so beautifully on the piano, but she feels hurt to hear these
words from him.
Aaj bhi jab woh pal mujhko yaad aate hain
Dil se saare gumo ko bhoola jate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beete lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Beete lambheinnnnn
Angad remembers certain moments he spent with her. Their first
passionate kiss, the beach, their second kiss, their little arguments, their
huge fight, last nights rejection, his own words, "I regret everything".
Kripa closes eyes as images flash in front of her, her childhood, the late
nights, the hugs, the kisses, the affection, their play fights, their pranks,
their everything.
Mere kandhein mein sar ko jukana tera
Mere sene mein khud ko chupana teraa
Mere kandhein mein sar ko jukana tera
Mere sene mein khud ko chupana teraa
Kripa remembers the times that she would sleep on his shoulder and the
night Kripa was cuddling him, she always feels so safe in his embrace.
More tears begin to form in her eyes, she is afraid she lost him already,
maybe even forever.
Aake mere panaho mein shaam-o-seher
Kanch ki trah woh tut jana tera
OoOOooOOO OO
She remembers how they spent every waking moment together since
they were kids. Whenever Kripa is sad or depressed she would come to
him to seek comfort, but now where would she go. Kripa wants so badly
to just run into his arms and break down.
Aaj bhi jab woh manzar nazar aate hai
Dil ki viraniyon ko mita jate hai
Kripa stares as he sings sadly trying to show he is happy, but he is an
open book to Kripa. All she wants to do is go wipe his silent tears, forever.
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beet lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskura jaate hai
Beet lambhein humein jab bhi yaad aate hai
She remembers the necklace around her neck and clutches it as if trying
to calm her own self and suppress the lump forming within her throat.
Angad just wants to tell Kripa through the song that this face is only for
show. But only she would know she has killed his will to live, killing his
hopes, his dreams, and his desires, with her one rejection. Telling her of
the pain he feels within and how he wishes for it would disappear.
Beete lambheinnnnn
Dard Mein .....Beete lambheinnnnn
At the end of song, Angad slowly opens his eyes only to see her beautiful
face with eyes full of tears. Kripa reflects what he feels within. They stare
at each other, with pain in both their eyes. As the song ends, everyone
applauds and Angad and Kripa unwillingly move their eyes away from
each other.

Angad and Kripa both know that this song is straight from his heart, all the words are true. He chose it carefully when he agreed to sing. He wants Kripa to feel the pain she gave him, because he knows that Angad Khanna is her weakness, and seeing him suffer would make her suffer as well. Kripa watches as everyone crowds around Angad admiring his heartfelt performance. Angad takes a bow eying Kripa, knowing he has an impact on her. As the audience continues to clap for Angad, Kripa stands frozen in the same spot, in her own thoughts, listening to her inner voice for once. She continues to stare at Angad as all their precious moments flash before her eyes. Then she sees Angad walking away from the crowd, from her. Suddenly she felt like her life is slowly slipping away from her. She feels almost hallow, almost weak.

Chapter 31

Kripa suddenly feels this immense pain grow within her, with each step he takes away from her. She stands in place as memories flood her mind, their conversations and moments flash like a vivid dream right before her eyes. "Come on Krips your my best friend, obviously I'll be there when you need me!" "Always?" "Always". She smiles remembering how Angad protected her from Prithvi. She is just about to pull back when Angad kisses her greedily, almost as if he has wanted this for a long time. She blushes remembering their first kiss. Suddenly from behind, someone whispers, "Mere bare mein sooch rahi thi?" Kripa gasps and turns to find Angad behind her. Kripa feels nervous remembering how he can make her heart flutter. "We are okay rite?" "Mhmm and now you better not cry again because you know I can't stand tears in your eyes, now come on cheer up Krips". Kripa remembers how easily Angad forgave her after saying so many horrible things that she has done, which she will always regret, even today. "I'm sure Prem would like to know who your first kiss was" When Angad had said this, Kripa had felt frustrated, but now she couldn't help, but smile thinking how she could have overlooked this. "YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!! PLEASE I NEED HIM, HE IS MY BEST FRIEND! PLEASE KEEP HIM SAFE! PLEASE MAKE HIM WELL! PLEASE I BEG YOU, I CAN'T LOSE HIM! I JUST CAN'T! IF HE DIES, THEN SO WILL I, I PROMISE YOU!" Kripa herself was shocked that night at the temple that she could have such a strong reaction to Angad being hurt, she didn't know at the time what this was, mistaking it for friendship but was it? "I'm all yours…I mean I'm all ears" She laughs at his little quirks; he could always make her laugh even without intending to. "Of course, he has to be good enough for my Krips, and no one is good enough for you except…" "Except who!!" "Except me of course!" Kripa recalls this moment thinking how she could have missed this, how could she have let this go unnoticed, perhaps somewhere deep down she believed she wasn't good enough for him. His love has been staring at her in the face and she let it go unseen. "You sure you're not in love with me?" Kripa pauses, as the phrase replays in her mind over and over until she finds her answer. "You two are the cutest couple I have ever seen" "Your lucky to have such a romantic husband" "Kya jodi banayi upar wala ne, sada suhagan raho". She realizes that everyone can see that they are meant to be, well everyone except her. Angad draws closer to Kripa, looking onto her lips with desire. He moves closer and rubs his lips onto hers for a moment and then finally claims her lips as his. She blushes remembering the passionate look in Angad's eyes. His hands are lightly draped over her body, while her head rests buried in his perfectly sculpted chest, holding onto him rather tightly. She gets shy remembering waking up to find herself wrapped up in the arms of Angad Khanna, she loves being in his embrace, she feels at peace. "It's only for you Krips, only for you…There is something I have been meaning to tell you, something that I have realized, something I want you to know, something I need you to know. Krips, you are really important to me. This past year so much has happened with us. Being away from you made me realize how important you are to me. Krips you are the love of my life, Main tumse pyaar karta hoon, I love you Krips, I love you!" At this point, it dawns on Kripa that this was never meant to be just friendship, it was always love, just disguised as friendship. Kripa wants to shout out loud to Angad, "I LOVE YOU TOO!" but she won't because she has to make it up to him and she knew when she would do it as well. Right now, all she wants was to run into those protective arms and hug him, kiss him, and LOVE HIM! Oh, she wished she could do a little happy dance, but boy would that be awkward with a room full of elite people.

She knows now what Angad meant by when he said, "You know what, you are just scared of being vulnerable and losing control" The truth is that she is scared, scared to open herself to him for the taking, scared that he might walk all over her heart, scared to get hurt, but watching Angad express his pain through the song, it is like watching him rip out his soul. It is excruciating pain for the both of them. Tears ran down her cheek, yet a smile across her lips, she loves Angad Khanna!

When Kripa finally breaks her train of thoughts, she realizes that Angad has walked over to the bar and again starts drinking. Kripa thinks, "When will he learn." Angad keeps trying to avoid looking at her, glancing here and there. Kripa smiles and makes her way towards Angad to join him.

**********

Kavya and Anjali join the dance floor as Angad sings the song. Kavya and Anjali both know it is heartbreaking for not only Angad, but Kripa as well. They continue to dance to the soulful lyrics while occasionally glancing at Kripa and Angad. Anjali puts her head on his chest and says, "I can't see bhai like this Kavya, It really hurts… I just know Kripa loves bhai so much, but I don't understand why she rejected him…" Kavya replies in a soothing voice, "Anju don't worry they will sort this out soon, I'm sure! Just by looking at Kripa you can tell she feels guilty and will soon enough realize that this is love, Angad is the love she was looking for all her life" Kavya then wipes her lone tear in her eye away. Anjali looks up at Kavya and says, "Do you think we should do something to help them?" Kavya shakes his head replying, "No Anju, we aren't going to interfere, they have to work this out on their own… AND if my sister becomes too much of a pain and stubborn then we will definitely knock some sense into her!" Anjali giggles, "Ok agreed!" They continue to dance while loving each other's tight embrace and warmth. Anjali soon after replies, "Kavya" Kavya softly replies, "Mhmm" Anjali then explains, "Listen Kavya you know how you would beat up Angad and Neev if they ever hurt your sisters…" Kavya nods not knowing where Anjali was going with this. She continues, "WELL you see if your dim-witted sister and my idiot friend A.K.A Kripa doesn't realize her love, then I will surely strangle her!!!" Kavya replies, "Well then I guess I will have to find a way to torture you for strangling my sister with say….my lips!" Anjali blushes smacking Kavya while dancing as he laughs at her innocence.

As the song finishes they applaud Angad's great performance and adding the romantic atmosphere for them as well. Soon after Angad leaves towards the bar and Anjali is just about to go and stop him when Kavya pulls Anjali and signals her to look at a very very very lost Kripa, gazing into space. Kavya and Anjali crack up at the sight, knowing she is definitely fighting some inner battles.

**********

Neev and Prachi stand at one of the tables. They sit next to each other, hand in hand, well secretly, of course, under the table, away from all the aunties' gossip filled hungry eyes. Neev and Prachi sit just listening to Angad's beautiful voice. Prachi would look at Kripa from time to time, seeing her in so much pain. Prachi curses under her breath, "Idiot! Bol kyun nahin deti!!" Neev hears Prachi muttering something so he asks, "Kuch kaha jaan?" Prachi turns Neev's face so he could see Kripa with her tear brimmed eyes. Prachi says, "Why is she so stupid sometimes, dil ki baat nahin samaj ti!" Neev wraps his arm around her in a comforting manner and wipes away the tear in her eye and replies, "Prachi, she will understand when she is ready, and I'm sure it will be soon, don't worry it will be fine! I know Kripa isn't that slow, but you gotta give me props I'm faster" Prachi whips around, "Are you nuts!! It took you three weeks to realize you loved me you idiot!! It has only been a day since Angad told her he loves her!! It took you weeks!!" Neev looks down embarrassed and quietly replies, "Oh yea, but it seemed less!" Prachi says angrily, "YOU JERK! It felt like decades for me and your saying it seemed less" Prachi turns around and lets out a loud, "HMPH!!" Neev slowly touches her shoulder and turns her around, then holds his ears in an apology. Neev keeps repeating in a cute manner, "Sorry jaan!!" Prachi finally caves and places her head on his shoulder, while looking towards Angad and Kripa in sadness.

As the song finishes, a loud applause is audible to everyone in the room. Neev and Prachi clap enthusiastically, cheering on Angad. Prachi sees the pain in Kripa and Angad's eyes'. They look so depressed. Prachi wants to comfort her sister, aid her in her confusion. Prachi is just about to head towards Kripa and make her see reason when she saw that Kripa is already in deep thought. Prachi knows that Kripa is realizing her love, and Kripa actually is. Neev then starts dragging Prachi with him to Angad.

**********

Just as Kripa was nearing Angad, as Kavya and Anjali watch Kripa and Angad's every move, as Neev nears Angad himself with Prachi, they all stop dead in their tracks. A loud voice, claiming everyone's attention. Everyone looks towards the stage, in confusion.

Chapter 32

Everyone attention is captured by Surya Sharma's deafening voice. Everyone turns to see Dilip Khanna joining him on stage along with Naina and Gayatri. The four gather around Surya as he speaks to his audience, "Thank You Angad for singing that lovely song, once again you touched our hearts." Angad nods as everyone applauds his performance once again. He glances towards Kripa for a second and sees her looking towards him as well. Surya then continues, "And now, I want to thank you all for attending both my daughters 21^st birthday along with my son's 22^nd birthday. They are all the apples of mine and Gayatri's eye. We love them to bits. And right now I would like to invite to the stage Kripa, Prachi, and Kavya… along with Dilip's children; Angad, Neev and Anjali." The gang looks at each other in confusion and awkwardness. They all slowly approach the stage one by one, without a clue as to what they were doing there in the first place. Kripa keeps her eyes on Angad, whereas he keeps avoiding her gaze.

Finally when the children are all on stage, Dilip takes the microphone and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen it is our great pleasure to announce…the engagement of KAVYA with ANJALI, NEEV with PRACHI, and ANGAD with KRIPA." Loud cheering and applause is heard throughout the entire Sharma House. The kids basically have their mouths dropped wayyy down to the ground. They are in utter shock and sort of in denial, thinking this can't possibly be real. Prachi whispers kind of spaced out to Neev, "Neev pinch me I think I'm dreaming…" Neev pinches her really hard and Prachi yelps, "OWWW! NEEV!!" Neev just shrugs his shoulder with a smile on his face. Kavya just will not stop touching Anjali. Anjali whispers, "Kavya behave yourself, we are on stage for God sakes!" Kavya replies, "Kyun? Ab to meri hone wali biwi ho!" Anjali forcefully lets out a frustrated sigh trying to conceal her happiness. Now as for Angad and Kripa well… Kripa looks towards Angad as soon as it is announced while he looks at his parents in bewilderment. Kripa notices more pain come across his gorgeous face, the pain of reliving the rejection once again. Dilip and Surya start hugging each other and announce, "You guys will all be invited to the engagement of our children, which will take place next weekend!"

Everyone starts clapping, while Angad looks pretty upset. He doesn't want this, not this way at least. She didn't love him, or at least that's what she told him. He certainly didn't want pity, but that's exactly what it feels like. Kripa pastes a smile, trying to make it seem like it is forced, but on the inside she is jumping for joy. God really loves her, the day, no wait the minute after she realizes her love; she is to get engaged to him as well. Destiny is definitely on her side, she knows that much.

Everyone starts congratulating the three couples, who are still shocked out of their wits. They definitely did not expect this to occur, their engagements to be announced on their birthday. It is a happy occasion for all the children except one, Angad Khanna. The aunties and uncles gather around the children and parents to congratulate the pairs. On this note the party soon comes to an end.

Silence is heard from both families, as they sit in Sharma's living room. Dilip then speaks up, "Hum chahte hai ke tum log shaadi karlo…" The children now look up at their parents, still a little flabbergasted. It still has not fully sunk in what getting married entails. Kavya and Neev reply rather quickly, "OKAY!!" The adults look towards them shocked that Kavya and Neev agreed so rapidly. Surya isn't sure what he heard is right so asks, "Kya kaha?" Kavya and Neev have clasped their hands to their mouths in embarrassment for responding so fast. They slowly nod, trying their best not to seem overexcited. Prachi and Anjali look at the boys and blush and blush hard. Naina and Gayatri notice the red faces of the two girls and say, "lagta hai, Anjali and Prachi ko shaadi nahi karni Kavya aur Neev se!" Anjali and Prachi then scream on top of their lungs, "WHAT!! HUM NE NA KAB KAHA!" They scream so loud even Kavya and Neev get surprised. The adults laugh at Kavya, Neev, Anjali, and Prachi's enthusiasm.

Meanwhile Angad and Kripa have been silent spectators of this scene. Kripa knows she is in love with Angad, but she also knows that Angad isn't aware of this fact. She just prays that he won't mess this up. Angad is just really infuriated at the moment. Eventually the parents turn their attention to Angad and Kripa, who both seem lost in their own thoughts, staring off into space. Surya asks his daughter, "Kripa beta hum chahte hai ke tum sab ki shaadi ek hi din aur ek dusre se hi shaadi karo, beta, kya tumhe is shaadi se koi aitraaz hai?" Kripa doesn't even glance at the furious Angad and replies beaming, "Papa mujhe koi aitraaz nahin hai aur I'm sure Angad ko bhi nahin hai, hai na Angad?" Angad just forces a smile. Oh he wants to strangle her, HOW COULD SHE! He feels that Kripa only said yes to please her parents, sacrifice for her siblings, and sympathy for Angad. It hurts him much more than her refusal alone. Now he knows that if he refuses it would cause problems for his brother and sister not to mention even their families. He isn't that selfish. He knows that if Kripa were to refuse it would not be as big of a deal. The parents interpreted Angad's forced smile as a yes, so they jump out of their seats and start hugging each other frantically. Kripa takes a peak at Angad and sees him lost in thought, not to mention red from anger, but of course from the parents' perspective it looks as though he is blushing.

The Khanna's soon left the Sharma House and retired to the Khanna House to get to sleep. Prachi enters her room and changes her clothes. Then Prachi stands on her balcony looking up at the night sky. She is silently thanking god for giving her the best gift ever. God gave her, her Neev. She would soon be Mrs. Prachi Neev Khanna and she couldn't be happier. Prachi suddenly hears her cell phone ring in her purse and picks it up quickly. She hears the love of her life on the other end say, "You look sexy in you pajamas!" Prachi's mouth drops open and she whines, "Neev!! I do not!!! And stop looking!" Neev laughs, "Sorry cutie, but you look very very very cute" Prachi blushes and continues her whining. She then gently lies on her bed and says, "Neev I'm so happy today, the happiest I have ever been!" Neev replies sweetly, "I know what you mean! God our parents are too cool, It's like they can read our minds! Oh wait, I hope not…cuz I'm pretty sure even you wouldn't want to know what's going on in my mind!" Prachi warns, "Eww! Neev I'm gonna hang up!" Neev laughs, "HA yea rite, imposs…Hello?? Prachi?? Yoo Hooo? Anybody home? AWWW CRAP!!...she's too cute!" Neev sends a text message instead. Prachi reads, "G-nite jaan! Sweet Dreams!" Prachi smiles cutely and goes to sleep holding her phone.

**********

Meanwhile. Anjali lies on her bed and just begins thinking about her future as Mrs. Anjali Kavya Sharma. She can't seem to believe that she will be marrying Kavya, her one true love. Her thoughts are disturbed by a knock on her window. Anjali quickly darts towards the window and sees that it is Kavya. In hushed whispers Anjali asks, "Kavya what are you doing here?!" Kavya frowns, "Umm I'm pretty sure I came to see my gorgeous fianc… but I can't seem to find her anywhere!" Anjali smacks his arm lightly. Anjali says innocently, "No really sweetie you should leave because I am gonna get in trouble!" Kavya jumps in her room and says, "HA you really think they could do anything, NOW? Jaan we are gonna get married, if anything they would get us married more quickly!" Kavya pulls her into his arms and continues, "Which by the way is not a bad idea!" Anjali confidently replies, "Kavya, honey, Leave or I will scream! One…Two… Thr…" Kavya kisses her softly while making Anjali fall on the bed. Anjali moans trying to distance Kavya from herself, then finally giving in to the kiss. Kavya smirks at her weakened state and gets off of her and whispers, "Sweet Dreams Beautiful!" Kavya walks swiftly towards the window and leaves, while Anjali stares at the ceiling still dazed, eventually falling asleep.

**********

Meanwhile. Kripa is dancing around in her room excited, and why wouldn't she after all she just realized she was in love, in love with her best friend, her Angad Khanna. That isn't the only reason of course, soon she would be Mrs. Kripa Angad Khanna herself. Kripa blushes at the thought of being Angad's wife, being his love, his life. Kripa just could not seem to wipe the smile off her face. There is nothing that could make her depressed at this point, nothing. She knows she has to tell Angad and she knows it has to be soon. She is thrilled about telling him, yet at the same time nervous.

**********

Meanwhile. Angad would not be able to sleep at all. He enters his room, gets ready for bed, and just collapses on it, in deep thought. He just doesn't understand how Kripa can be so cruel. She knows for a fact that he is madly in love with her and in one second made his love seem like a joke. He knows he has to do something in order to stop this engagement from proceeding any further. He would surely come up with something, something to stop this engagement.

Chapter 33

Now the days are coming closer and closer towards their graduation, along with prom as well. In fact prom happens to be only a week away, not only that but their engagement happens to be the day right after prom. Busy weekend that's for sure! Angad knows he has to somehow get Kripa to break off the engagement since the last thing he wants is a forced relationship and especially not when he loves Kripa like crazy. He has self respect and pride, so if he marries Kripa he would not only feel guilty about it, but also feel like his own love has been disrespected. He can't have that now could he?

It is now the following morning after the birthday party and Angad wakes up bright and early to leave for college. There is no special reason, only that he could barely get any sleep and the last thing he wants is to encounter Kripa when he is super pissed off. He just wants to avoid any awkward conversations until he is able to put his plan in motion. Yes, last night Angad had come up with a plan to get Kripa to break the engagement with him, now he only hopes it works.

Kripa wakes up to find that Angad has already left for college and this came as a total surprise to Kripa. Kripa is basically dying to tell Angad she loves him, but wants to make it special, in her own way. She thinks prom would be the best occasion to confess her feelings because it would make it memorable night forever. Kripa feels really horrible about putting Angad through so much pain, but she knows that it will all be worth it for him in the end. She could barely sleep last night thinking about being married to Angad, he is perfect in every way. She knows that they are perfect in every way and wonders why she was so scared before to accept his love. She had gone to such great lengths to cause him pain, but it is unintentional of course. She wants to salvage whatever was left of their relationship.

Kripa eventually gets to school and weirdly enough Angad and Kripa don't exchange one word with each other. They sit next to each other in class; however, they barely acknowledge the other's presence. After class, the gang congregates outside the classroom. Eventually they start walking towards the cafeteria together and relax there. They are all sitting at one table; however, the girls are sitting bunched together and the boys together. The girls start discussing the upcoming school event. The boys are just listening to the giddy girls discuss their plans and that's when it hit Angad. PROM!!! He realizes how close it is and knows exactly when to put forth his plan. Kripa is just staring at Angad, but he is completely oblivious to this, well for a while anyways. Then when Angad finally notices Kripa's stare, he stares back coldly. While a furious Angad continues to look at Kripa, he yells in frustration, "SIMONE!" A pretty girl turns her head and walks swiftly towards Angad wearing not enough clothes as if people wanted to see that… yeah right! She is sashaying over here like she is the hottest girl on the planet!

Now Simone is pretty, she really is, but also in a more s***tish way! She is rich just like the entire gang; however, her priorities seem to lie in her outward appearance more than actual intelligence. So basically she is a total brainless idiot not to mention she is a total w****! Kripa knows for a fact though that Simone's beauty is nothing compared to her own, call it arrogance, but everyone knows it is true. This fact, however, doesn't change the fact that she is so totally jealous. Kripa turns her head and notices little miss fake boobs make her way towards Angad and boy is Kripa upset. When Simone finally makes her way to Angad, he pulls her onto his lap. Angad half glances towards Kripa and smirks at her enraged face. He asks Simone rather loudly, claiming the whole gang's attention, "Wanna go to prom?" Simone giggles and side glances at Kripa evilly while seductively replying, "Of course hottie!" Angad then continues to whisper things into Simone's ear, now completely ignoring Kripa's presence, yet grinning widely inside. Angad knows that it is working; he wants Kripa to become so upset with him that she can't go through with the engagement. Kripa looks at the sight of Simone on Angad's lap, getting a little to friendly with him and feels completely disgusted with Angad. Kripa wishes, if only Angad knew the truth!

Kripa walks off huffing and puffing as the whole gang looks on in total shock! The whole group has been switching views back and forth from Angad to Kripa and Kripa to Angad, watching their reactions closely. They can all tell that Kripa is really hurt by Angad's actions and that she is absolutely jealous. It is rather shocking for everyone that Angad just asked Simone out when he is supposedly head over heels in love with Kripa. Kavya is pissed at Angad at the moment and the others aren't quite fond of him either at the moment. As soon as Kripa left and Simone has gotten off his lap to join her little click again, Kavya starts hounding Angad with questions, "ANGAD WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT? I THOUGHT YOU LOVED KRIPA!" Angad calmly replies, "Correction I LOVE Kripa, present tense! And I do, but she said she doesn't okay guys so why should I wait around for her to figure it out! Plus you all saw what she did yesterday!" Everyone is kind of lost at this point so Neev speaks up, "Dude what are you talking about???" Angad looks astonished, "Guys you were all there! Anju you know what I'm talking about rite…" Anjali replies, "NOT… a word!" Angad sighs loudly rather annoyed that his friends were so into themselves last night to notice. He replies, "REMEMBER how she said yes to the marriage!" Everyone nods and Angad continues, "WELL I DON'T WANT PITY FROM HER OKAY!" Everyone looks at Angad shocked because everyone can see how much Kripa is hurting just now. Angad then storms out, not waiting for the others to side with Kripa. Everyone yells, surprisingly at once, "YOU IDIOT…." They all look at each other and start laughing, they all think alike. Now if only Angad and Kripa were on the same page…sigh

Kripa on the other hand, is fuming with anger. She is angry that Angad could just ask Simone right in front of his soon to be fianc. Oh she is so furious, very furious indeed. Kripa had been hoping Angad would ask her to prom, seeing as how apparently Angad is in love with her, but uhh… this is not what she expected. Well this scenario is now totally out of the question thanks to Simone. So now Kripa is going to have to fly solo at prom. The thought does strike her to make Angad jealous, but she thinks it would cause him more pain and heartache, which is why she rejects this plan. Kripa knows by Angad's side glances that he is doing this intentionally, with the sole purpose to make her jealous or an even worse motive. Kripa knows him all too well, the flaunting of his totally gave it away. What Kripa needs now is a plan and she has to come up with one in the week that she has until prom. Everything has to work out because if she knows Angad, then he would definitely try to break off their engagement plans on prom night and she isn't about to let that happen.

Back at home Kripa calls all the girls to her bedroom, the girls being: Anjali, Prachi, Mukti and Aaliya. Kripa then asks Anjali, who is the more aggressive one when it comes to getting what she wants, hence showing up during Kavya's date and proclaiming her love. Anjali looks at Kripa quizzically, "What do you need help with Kripa?" Kripa slowly looks down while blushing slightly, "I'm in love with Angad!" The girls nod slowly and calmly reply, "WE KNOW!" Anjali jumps off the bed and shuts the door to Kripa's room. Then in hushed voices Anjali tells Kripa the perfect plan to get her man, but it would not have been easy. As Anjali whispers the plan, Prachi gasps while Kripa, Mukti, and Aaliya grin devilishly. Kripa high fives Anjali screaming, "YOU ROCK!!!" Prachi giggles at the girls and says, "You guys will never change!" This is followed by the girls screaming, "NEVER!!!" They all start laughing while Kripa can't seem to stop smiling thinking, "Angad you're mine…"

Chapter 34

So the day finally came, the most anticipated day of senior year, PROM of course. This is not just any ordinary dance for Angad and Kripa because this is the day they will put in affect their individual plans, the end results are exact opposites for both. Angad's end result entails drifting Kripa further away from himself or well at least canceling their wedding, while Kripa's would bring them together eternally. Angad is playing the jealousy angle while Kripa decides to use the same technique, only with a big twist to the game itself. Her strategy is towards making Simone jealous rather than Angad. Kripa and Angad have exchanged very few words in the past week, but Angad doesn't stop the smirks from playing upon his lips for a second. He believes his plan is working perfectly, boy is he wrong. Kripa has him all figured out and would occasionally feel pangs of jealousy seeing him with Simone, but after reminding herself it is all a game, she would find herself acting jealous rather than actually being jealous. Kavya of course has been listening to Anjali going crazy over prom preparations and how it has to coordinate perfectly with her own gown. Prachi on the other hand is way less obsessive, but she spends most of the week thinking about how the night will turn out for them, her and Neev that is. So basically Neev is walking around freely, while Kavya looks at him envious throughout the week since Kavya has been dragged with Anjali everywhere like designer stores, make up stores, jewelry stores. Today, Kavya is off the hook since Anjali goes with Kripa and Prachi for hair, make up, manicures, etc. Angad has been walking around, well mopping around since he has always wanted Kripa to be his prom date, but now it happens to be Simone. He isn't too excited about his date with the brainless bimbo, Simone, but he knows it's important in order to stop the engagement that is to occur tomorrow. The parents have been frantically running around between houses with details such as the hall, outfits, food, etc.

Kavya, Neev, Prem, and Josh come to the Sharma House where all the girls are gathered together to get ready, while the guys got ready at the Khanna House. Kavya is wearing a black tuxedo with a blue vest. Neev wears and white tuxedo and a white shirt. Prem wears a black tuxedo and with a pink vest. Prem wears a black tuxedo and with a gold vest. The guys are now looking towards the staircase waiting for the girls to arrive. Kripa is the first one to walk down the steps, followed by whistles from Kavya, Neev, Prem and Josh. The guys look Kripa up and down noticing her wearing a beautiful maroon gown, that hugs her every curve perfectly and flows loosely at the end, making her look divine. The dress is deeply cut in the back exposing her full back. She leaves her hair down and styled in loose waves. Kripa arrogantly looks at them and replies, "…yeah I know I look DAM* HOT!" The guys laugh at Kripa's attitude. Kavya stops laughing as his eyes fall on the gorgeous beauty dressed in a navy blue gown that has a halter type neck line. She looks like a fantasy to Kavya. Neev laughs at Kavya's expressions since Kavya begins to drool. Neev then also catches sight of his own angel who elegantly descends down the staircase looking like a vision. It is the first time Neev has ever seen Prachi wearing a gown, rather than her usual shalwar kameez or sari's. Neev stares at her from head to toe noticing her wearing a white gown, looking like a true angel, so pure just like a dream. Her dress is something like a halter, yet it is not deeply cut in the back. Prachi shyly walks up to Neev and whispers, "Neev..." Prachi blushes uncontrollably. Finally Mukti too descends down the steps in a light pink gown, with her hair up in an elegant bun. Aaliya wears a golden gown that looks perfectly designed for her and only her. Prem and Josh's reactions are quite similar to those of Kavya and Neev. Kripa smiles at the guys, who are lost in the beauty of their beauties. Kripa took out her camera and took snaps of each couple. The flash seems to blind them and they finally all snap back into reality. Kripa refuses to tag along with Kavya and Neev in their cars because it would ruin their evening. Kripa takes off in her own convertible to prom.

Angad has already gotten ready in a black tuxedo with a maroon vest. It seems that even when Angad and Kripa aren't together they still tend to think alike. Angad now goes to get Simone from her house. He rings the doorbell and out comes Simone, looking like she has pounds of makeup plastered on face. She looks so fake. She is wearing a short black dress, which is quite revealing. Angad forces a smile and remembers why he is going with Simone, to finish off his plan! Angad seats Simone in the car like a gentleman and gets in himself, taking off to his destination with full intentions to make Kripa back out of the marriage.

Kavya, Anjali, Neev, Prachi, Prem, Mukti, Josh, and Aaliya are already present at the hall, sharing a few drinks and engage in a light conversation, while they wait for Angad and Kripa to arrive… not so much Simone. Angad finally makes his entrance looking gorgeous along with his drag queen of a date, Simone. Although, some cheap guys' mouths drop looking at Simone's skimpy attire. The two make their way to the rest of the gang and start talking. Well finally, the beauty queen herself enters the room, none other than Kripa. Angad senses her presence. He turns around and finds Kripa looking stunning in her silky maroon dress, which naturally matches Angad. After all great minds think alike! Angad mouth slowly drops at the sight of Kripa, with the wind blowing through her hair, she looks magnificent. Kripa notices Angad amidst the crowd and looking at his state of admiration, devilishly grins inside. Simone notices Angad's stare and isn't too happy about her date gawking at another girl. Kripa hides her smile looking down and walks in an elegant, yet confident manner towards the gang. Kripa strikes up a conversation with the girls, Kripa would occasionally glance at Angad to see him cozying up to SImone. Now both Angad and Kripa know he only did this to make Kripa jealous, enraged, perhaps push her over the edge. Only, Kripa refuses to accept defeat! Angad would side glance at Kripa to see if his little flirting method is evoking anger within her, but Kripa keeps her feelings hidden with great difficultly.

Angad drinks a bit of alcohol to calm his nerves and then loudly asks Simone, "Sweetheart, lets go dance?" Kripa rolls her eyes and yet can't help, but feel jealous looking at Angad touching Simone. As soon as Angad and Simone leave, Kripa drinks a little to sort out her anger issues at this point. She couldn't be angry at Angad for her own plan to work. Just then Kavya asks Anjali for a dance, followed by Neev, Prem, and Josh asking their respective lovers for dances as well. While leaving for the dance floor the girls give Kripa the nod, which in turn gives Kripa some extra confidence. Her frown, turns upside down into a huge grin as she notices the disc jockey changing discs. Kripa confidently makes her way towards the DJ and whispers something in his ear. He then gives her thumbs up, while Kripa's grin continues to grow wider.

Angad has been grinding on the dance floor with Simone for quite a while, it is basically to enrage Kripa further, however, he can't exactly spot her anywhere. If there is no audience, why put on the show, right? Soon Angad starts looking around for Kripa, darting his eyes in all directions, but no luck. Simone notices Angad looking around and she is pretty sure he is in search of Kripa. Simone grabs his face and turns it towards her, to keep his attention on her than have him looking for Kripa. Angad is getting bored of Simone already because this girl just keeps on talking about herself, she is so conceded. He has to repeatedly remind himself why on earth he is going through his torture, but that is an easy answer! To get Kripa to stop the engagement, which is to take place TOMORROW! He just has to get her jealous enough to get disgusted and super angry at him as well. In order to do all that he has to find Kripa first because without her there is no point in dancing with Simone.

Angad's thoughts are broken by the lights turning out. Everyone stops dancing and then a spotlight hits center stage, where a gorgeous girl stands in a maroon dress revealing her back towards the audience. Angad thought that maroon dress looks somewhat like Kripa's dress, but he dismisses this thought thinking Kripa doesn't like to sing in front of people... wait forget in front of people, Kripa doesn't like to sing period…or so he thinks. He can't deny the girl's beauty as he gazes at her well defined curves. She is a vision of perfection, yet some what familiar. Angad's thoughts are once again broken by the sound of music to the song, Yeh Mera Dil from Don- the Chase Begins.

As the music starts the girl starts moving around the stage, swinging her hips

slowly from side to side. She then turns around revealing herself as Kripa.

Angad looks shocked as she sings the words…

Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,

Deewana deewana pyaar ka parwana,

Aata hain mujhko pyaar main chaljaane,

Mushkil hain pyaare tera bachke jaane

Kripa keeps her eyes on Angad as she sings and makes her way off the stagetowards Angad. Kripa basically shoves Simone out of the way and dances around him slowly. She moves her hand across his chest and back as she circles around him, leaving both Angad and Simone shocked. She then grabs Angad'scollar, pulling him close and sings as if warning him.Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,She then pushes him away and starts dancing in a slow, yet seductive manner a couple feet away. All of which is causing Angad's jaw to drop. Angad doesn't know Kripa could sing and actually sing so amicably as well, he just watches totally amazed but this smiles soon turns into a frown because Kripa then starts dancing with all the guys around her, closely, yet has her eyes locked with Angad's as if trying to get an emotion out of him.Dil woh jaahe jise, jaahe jise use paayaPyaar woh yaar ke joh naam pe hin mitjayeDil woh jaahe jise, jaahe jise use paayaPyaar woh yaar ke joh naam pe hin mitjayeJaane kyun badle main, jaan loon nazranaKripa breaks away from the guys and then takes Angad's hand and twirls into him, colliding with his body. She stays wrapped in his arm and glides her hand gently down his face and begins dancing really close to him, with her back towards him. Kripa places Angad's hands on her waist. Angad looks at her angrily. It is like she is flaunting herself in front of him. He is furious remembering his own plan, which is now crumbling at his feet. Simone is completely pissed off because Kripa is openly flirting with Angad, while Angad is "fawning" over her as well. Simone doesn't notice the anger in his eyes.Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,Deewana deewana pyaar ka parwana,Kripa goes back on stage and starts to dance again on beat. Angad watches her rather angrily, but more so at himself for letting her have an effect on him. Simone is giving her an evil glare, while her head snaps back and forth from Angad and Kripa. Then some guys come on stage and take turns spinning, twirling, and lifting Kripa.Pal pal ek har chal, dil main ek tufaan hain,Aane ko hain woh manzil jis ka mujhe armaan hain,Pal pal ek har chal, dil main ek tufaan hain,Aane ko hain woh manzil jis ka mujhe armaan hain,-Bhool ka na tujhe dil ka yeh nagranaKripa breaks free from the guys and she looks longingly into Angad's eyes, only to see more anger. Kripa looks at Angad lovingly trying to convince him of her love, but Angad decides not to believe her. The last time he thought he saw love in her eyes, she had denied the fact and he believed her then… so what could have changed in a week. He assumes she wants to be forgiven but the lyrics are actually giving him more pain. "What did she know about love anyways?" Angad thinks to himself.Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,Deewana deewana pyaar ka parwana,Aata hain mujhko pyaar main chaljaane,Mushkil hain pyaare tera bachke jaane,Simone looks pretty pissed off at the display of affection put on by Kripa towards Angad. Simone is shooting daggers out her eyes aimed for Kripa, Kripa smirks, while dancing, laughing, and thinking the stupid girl thinks she can steal away Angad from her. Simone clearly has no idea who she is dealing with. Kripa looksat Angad and his anger is starting to melt. Simone gets upset and exclaims to Angad, "I'm leaving!" She darts towards the door not being able to take the humiliation any longer.Yeh mera dil pyaar ka deewana,Deewana deewana pyaar ka parwanaAngad tries to follow Simone, but she leaves through the door. The crowd is too large to get through so Angad can't even follow Simone. The song ends with applause. Angad stops walking and side glances at Kripa angrily and then just walks out the room not bothering to follow Simone. Kripa watches Angad leave and smiles, "Mission accomplished!"

Chapter 35

Kripa smiles to herself victoriously as she remembers what Anjali had suggested to her a week ago in Kripa's bedroom…FLASHBACKAfter Anjali closes the door to Kripa's room she says in a hushed voice, "Kripa you're main problem right now is Simone, she won't let you get too close to bhai so you have to somehow get rid of her first" Kripa smiles, "NO DUH GENIUS!" Anjali folds her arms and looks at her nails coolly replying, "You want my help or not?" Kripa jumps on Anjali, "Okay sorry yaar, now spill, what's the plan?" Anjali then perks back up and says enthusiastically, "You sing!!" Kripa looks shocked and jumps off the bed yelling, "SAY WHAT!! ANJALI I'M NOT SINGING! I CAN'T SING IN PUBLIC…IT'S SO…so…AWKWARD!" Anjali replies pulling Kripa to sit down on the bed again, "Come on Kripa, Bhai always sings for you on your birthday and god knows how many times he has been trying to get you to sing! LOOK DO YOU LOVE BHAI?" Kripa nods like a little kid and Anjali continues, "THEN JUST SING! Oh and I suggest you umm… okay first lets pretend he is not my brother because that's just weird for me to tell you this… okay now we got that straightened out… you should like dance really close to Bh…ANGAD, okay basically rub up against him like really provocatively! OH and while your at, it push Simone out the way HAHA!" Prachi gasps in horror. Kripa replies, "Hmmm I do love him, GOD this is so weird, but it's pretty dam* funny though, I can't wait to see the look on Simone's face when she sees me all over Angad! OH THE HUMILIATION! MUAHAHAH!" A devilish grin appears on Mukti, Aaliya, Anjali and Kripa's face. Kripa jumps on Anjali and exclaims, "YOU ROCK!" …END OF FLASHBACK Kripa turns her attention to the fact that Angad is no longer in the same room anymore so she goes on a little rampage roaming around in the building, looking for Angad. Meanwhile, Angad walks around the building, in and out of several hallways until he spots a secluded balcony at the end, from which he can see the starry midnight sky, which seems endless. The full moon made it even more beautiful; in this serene location he finds tranquility. He approaches the balcony gazing at the twinkling stars against the darkened sky. As soon as he gets close to the balcony's door, a small hand grabs hold of his arm from inside and tugs him in, locking him against the wall. It happens so quickly that Angad can barely look at the person's face, though he knows this is definitely a girl. Angad doesn't get much time to register who the girl is because soon he feels soft luscious lips grazing over his own. The moment her lips touch his, he knows it's Kripa. She has Angad's back pressed up against the wall forcefully, with her arms around his neck pulling him closer. She kisses him hungrily, greedily, and passionately. She holds him ever so tightly hoping he won't pull away. Angad wants to push her off of him, but instead ends up pulling her closer to himself. She doesn't let him register anything except the fact that she is his Krips, nothing more, nothing less. He slowly starts to respond to Kripa's desires, as he feels the same desires erupting inside him as well. He kisses her just as urgent and eagerly, but soon he slowly starts to realize what he is doing and who this really is…the same Kripa that has broken his heart, not the Kripa he has fallen in love with. He wants to know why she would do this to him, first she makes Simone flee and now this kiss…He pushes her away and yells, "What are you trying to prove huh? Why are you doing all this? Do you enjoy giving me pain and heartache?" Angad turns his back to her, not being able to look at her any longer. He looks up at the stars as if trying to find the answers to his unanswered questions. Kripa sees his back towards her and she slowly slides her hand across his back, making her way in front of him. She sees a lone tear trying to escape his eye. She wouldn't have that, so she took his face in her hands and kisses the tear away. She presses herself into him with her arms around him; his eyes remain closed as if trying to prevent tears from flooding. His face expresses pain. Then she takes his hands into her own and whispers, "Open your eyes…" He doesn't. Kripa gently takes his face in her own hands again and kisses his eyelids mumbling, "Look at me…" He hesitantly opens his eyes to see her angelic face as she whispers looking into those tearful eyes, "I love you Angad Khanna! I REALLY DO LOVE YOU!" Time freezes for Angad. He doesn't seem to believe it and he looks rather shocked. Kripa smiles at his adorable bewildered expressions and she replies sweetly, "Here, I'll prove it!" Then she pulls him into another passionate kiss. As soon as her lips touch his again, Angad starts smiling widely, while kissing her as tears roll down both their faces. The only difference is that these are tears of joy, not sorrow. He responds to Kripa's kiss forcefully and hard, taking everything she is willing to give him with even more desire and greed. All his bottled up emotions erupt at once, in this one kiss. Kripa becomes breathless, yet he continues to torture her with his lips. He slams her roughly against the wall and Angad continues to kiss her senseless, while many moans escape her lips. She feels the grip on her tighten and she just basks in the glory of his love and warmth. Angad continues to feel her every curve, exploring her body as if it's some estranged territory waiting to be discovered by him. Kripa's hand rakes through his hair, while the other hand slides over his burly chest, feeling his torso. They continue the tormenting session until both are forced to come up for air. They just hold each other in an embrace, with their eyes closed, taking in everything that has happened in the past few minutes. Both seem satisfied with life; life had put them through these trials for a reason, for their future together. Kripa then pulls away from Angad's embrace and romantically replies, "Should we go back?" Angad replies in a deep, yet husky voice, "Yea.." Kripa begins walking a few steps only to be pulled back by Angad. He softly replies against her lips, "I love you Krips…" and kisses her again. Kripa holds his face in her hands and breathlessly murmurs, "I love you too Angad" They reluctantly pull away each other and make their way towards the main hall together, with huge smiles on their faces. Kripa then leans her head on Angad's broad shoulder, while his hand lies on her waist. They look so perfect together and today everyone can see it, including Angad and Kripa as well. It is now time for coronation of Prom King and Queen, although it is barely a contest because everyone knows that Angad and Kripa would win. In any case the principle with the obvious wig comes on stage and announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you're Prom King and Queen are ANGAD KHANNA AND KRIPA SHARMA! Please come on stage!" They both confidently hop on stage and Angad takes the microphone says sarcastically, "WOW! This is a shocker!" Everyone laughs at the sarcastic tone in his voice and he continues, "No seriously, thank you for making me your Prom King! Well first off I want to say this year, there have been many ups and downs in my life, but I have overcome them and today I couldn't possibly be happier, So thank you guys for giving me a wonderful senior year!" Angad then passes the microphone to Kripa and she begins, "I want to thank you guys as well for making us your Prom King and Queen! There have been many ups and downs in our lives this year, our friendship took a lot of hits this year, but it has only strengthened our relationship. So thank you guys for choosing us!" Applause is heard throughout the room with everyone cheering, "ANGAD!!! KRIPA!!!" Kripa looks up at Angad as he bends towards her and kisses her impatiently on stage, softly. Silence. Mouths drop. Eyes are all fixated on Angad and Kripa. All that comes out of everyone's mouth is, "OH MY GOD!!!!" Well the loud noise brings Angad and Kripa out from their own world and they both give a nervous laugh. Angad then says, "Uhh did I forget to mention Kripa and I are…in love…" Now the silence is deafening until everyone screams again, "WHAT??" Kripa now laughs nervously, "Ummm yea… it's true I, Kripa Sharma, am deeply in love with Angad Khanna" Angad puts his arms around her protectively as they wait for a reply from the senior class. After it registers in their brains, the whole audience cheers, "YAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!" Angad kisses her forehead and waves to the audience like some sort of leader. The whole gang has been waiting for the day Angad and Kripa would confess their feelings, they are just pleased to know it occurred before the engagement tomorrow. Everyone has smiles on their faces, it is undeniable that they are the most perfect couple, anyone has ever seen. Angad and Kripa both make their way downstairs to the dance floor where they must dance as Prom King and Queen. The song happens to be one of Kripa and Angad's favorites, Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai from Gangster.

Angad and Kripa make their way to the center of the dance floor,

hand in hand. The song plays in the background. Cheering is heard in the

background, however both are completely oblivious to it and lost in each

others eyes.

Tu hi meri shab hai subha hai tu hi din hai mera
Tu hi mera rab hai jahaan hai tu hi meri duniya
Tu waqt mere liye main hoon tera lamha
Kaise rahega bhala hoke tu mujhse judaa
o o o o ho ho
o o o o o o

Angad and Kripa sway with the music and continue to gaze into each

other's eyes deeply. There is so much intensity and heat in Angad's eyes, while

Kripa's eyes declare a passionate desire. Anyone can tell Angad and Kripa

both want everyone to just disappear and be left alone. The love between

them is evident to all. Angad holds Kripa tightly, not wanting her to be away

from him any longer
Tu hi meri shab hai subha hai tu hi din hai mera
Tu hi mera rab hai jahaan hai tu hi meri duniya
Tu waqt mere liye main hoon tera lamha
Kaise rahega bhala hoke tu mujhse judaa
o o o o ho ho
o o o o o o

Angad twirls Kripa several times and then pulls her back into his tight

embrace. They both have huge smiles on their faces. Everyone looks at

the beautiful couple in awe and admiration. Kripa whispers, "I'm sorry Angad

for giving you so much pain!" Angad lightly kisses her and replies, "Krips I

can't say I wasn't hurt by your reply before, but today you have given me

everything, your heart, my love, and my life!" Kripa smiles through her tears

as they continue to sway to the music.
Aankhon se padhke tujhe dil pe maine likha
Tu ban gaya hai mere jeene ki ek wajah
Ho aankhon se padhke tujhe dil pe maine likha
Tu ban gaya hai mere jeene ki ek wajah
Teri hasi teri adaa auron se hai bilkul judaa
o o o o ho ho
o o o o o o
Angad turns her so that Kripa is in his arms, yet has her back is towards

him. Angad leans towards Kripa's ear and whispers, "Wanna know the

best part?" Kripa murmurs, "Mhmm.." Angad replies passionately, "Tomorrow

is our engagement and soon you will be mine forever, and well then I

plan to get payback for making me wait so long" Kripa grins, "Is that so?"

Angad smirks evilly while Kripa continues to grin.
Aankhen teri shabnami chehra tera aaina
Tu hai udaasi bhari koi haseen dastaan
Ho aankhen teri shabnami chehra tera aaina
Tu hai udaasi bhari koi haseen dastaan
Dil mein hai kya kuchh toh bata
Kyon hai bhala khud se khafa
o o o o ho ho
o o o o o o
Kripa says while hugging him, "I missed you soo much!" Angad replies

huskily, "Me too Krips, Me too!" Kripa gently places her head on his chest,

feeling the rhythmic beatings of his heart. They continue to sway to the music

and Kripa whispers in his protective arms, "I love you…" Angad just holds her

tighter, kissing her hair and placing his own head on top of hers.

Tu hi meri shab hai subha hai tu hi din hai mera
Tu hi mera rab hai jahaan hai tu hi meri duniya
Tu waqt mere liye main hoon tera lamha
Kaise rahega bhala hoke tu mujhse judaa
o o o o ho ho
o o o o o o...

Kripa looks into his eyes again, seeing some unanswered questions still haunting him. Kripa whispers, "Wanna get out of here?" Angad smiles, "You read my mind" As the song ends, everyone cheers for that beautiful display of their affection. Angad and Kripa take a bow and finally maketheir way to their friends. Kavya, Anjali, Neev, Prachi, Aaliya, Josh, Prem and Mukti all congratulate Angad and Kripa for finally declaring their feelings to one another! After the gang is done expressing their happiness Kripa says to Kavya, "Bhai we are gonna take off" Kavya nods in agreement and tells Angad, "Take care of my sweet little sister!" Angad grins, "Kavya, don't I always!" They all smile, while Angad and Kripa make their way towards Angad's car and drive off into the distance.

Chapter 36

Now back to prom, Neev and Prachi's prom night is not all it is cracked up to be, meaning Prachi feels really uncomfortable with the way everyone is dancing. Neev only asks Prachi for slow dances knowing she is uneasy with the fast paced ones. Towards the end of the night the DJ continuously starts playing fast paced music, so Neev asks her, "Prachi you wanna go?" Prachi smiles, meaning HECK YEAH and they make their way towards Kavya and Anjali. Neev says to Kavya, "Dude, we're gonna leave okay" Kavya nods and thanks Neev mentally for looking out for Prachi's likes and dislikes in these types of situations. They both get into Neev's car and take off, only Prachi notices they aren't heading home.

Prachi turns to Neev and asks innocently, "Neev hum kahan ja rahen hai?" Neev smiles at Prachi and says, "Somewhere" Prachi gets irritated by his obvious reply, "NO DUH, but where is somewhere?" Neev pulls into a parking lot replying, "We are here." Prachi looks ahead, seeing an ice cream parlor and then turns to Neev saying, "Neev? I…I can't go in there!" Neev looks at her strangely, "Pagal hogayi ho kya? Why can't you go in there?" Prachi looks at him angrily, folds her arms, and rest back into the chair looking out of the window. Neev turns Prachi's head towards him and whispers, "Okay sorry jaan, but why can't we go? You love ice cream!" Prachi points to her clothes in emphasis. Neev laughs, "Aren't you a little full of yourself, telling me to check you out! God Prachi!" Prachi shouts, "Neev! Look at what we are wearing!" Neev suddenly understands her apprehension and pulls her close saying, "Jaan you look breathtaking!" Prachi doesn't look convinced so Neev sighs and goes to get the ice cream himself while Prachi shouts, "LOVE YOU!" They start driving around to find a quiet spot to park the car. Neev also has to keep Prachi from eating the ice cream, which is no easy task. Neev finds a cute little park. They park the car and sit on the hood enjoying their cold treat.

After the ice cream is over they walk around the park and Prachi runs to the swings. Neev smiles at her innocence and heads towards the swings himself. He picks Prachi up in his arms and sits on the swing with Prachi settled in his lap, blushing a deep shade of red. At first Prachi is a little hesitant, but the chilly weather leaves her no choice, but to comply and wrap her arms around him. Neev swings gently, while Prachi buries her face in his neck fold. Neev whispers her name, which makes her look into those passionate yet patient eyes, who have been longing for her since he realized his love. He tucks a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and looks at her lips with desire, then into her eyes as if asking permission. Prachi slightly nods her head in agreement and she fills in their distance between them rubbing her own lips on his, taking him by surprise. She kisses him slowly, yet sweetly, making them both smile. Neev never knew Prachi is such a good kisser. He thinks it must be a natural talent of hers and smiles even more at this thought. It happens to be their first kiss, so soft, so pure, and so special. Neev and Prachi try to express their own feelings with this one kiss, showering each other with the love and affection they feel within. Prachi doesn't feel hesitant because she knows her destiny, it is to be with Neev, the love of her life. After the kiss, Prachi blushes hard and Neev smiles to himself as they make their way back home, awaiting their engagement eagerly the following day.

**********

Kavya and Anjali spend their prom night, not quite as innocently as Neev and Prachi. In fact after Angad, Kripa, Neev, and Prachi all left, they accidentally get drunk. Accidentally because someone spikes Anjali's drink and well Kavya doesn't really need a reason, he is just being Kavya. In any case, they both are setting the dance floor on fire with their very close and provocative moves. They dance so close, yet so wildly with each other that people have started giving them awkward looks all of which go unnoticed by the both of them. Oh boy, are they lucky that their siblings are not present to witness this outrageous partying display. People are starting to find it quite amusing that the two are acting so crazily. Randomly Anjali would start kissing Kavya like a mad woman, while all Kavya can do is reciprocate equally.

Josh and Prem catch sight of Kavya and Anjali, and boy it is not a pretty sight. By now the phase of hot dance moves has died down and the alcohol consumption is catching up to them. The coordinated dance steps have come to an end for those two since they are now looking like complete fools just jumping around in total madness. Their moves don't resemble any type dance step ever created! Kavya and Anjali though are sure they are still burning up the dance floor and looking quite cool. If only they knew the truth. Well Josh and Prem make Aaliya and Mukti stop dancing and point towards the very energetic morons. They all start cracking up and panting for air as they overhear the crazy couple's conversation. Kavya and Anjali's conversation consists of Anjali saying, "HEHE you're cute!" Kavya replies, "You know who's cuter?" Anjali replies, "Who?" Kavya replies, "You!" Anjali blushes and kisses Kavya hard on the mouth. Yea they are definitely drunk alright!

After the laughter subsides, Josh and Prem grab a very tipsy Kavya, whereas Aaliya and Mukti grab Anjali and they all head towards the seatting area. Josh yells at the not so sober pair, "SIT DOWN YOU DRUNK IDIOTS!!!" Kavya and Anjali robotically sit on the floor. Josh, Prem, Mukti, and Aaliya smack their foreheads in frustration as Prem yells, "NOT THE FLOOR!" Kavya and Anjali look confused and start trying to sit on each other. Josh grabs Anjali and sets her on the couch, making a mental note never to let these two get drunk again. Kavya hops onto the couches instantaneously. Mukti calls for a cab because there is no way Kavya and Anjali can make it home alone without it leading to their demise. Prem and Josh shove them both in the cab and go back to partying themselves with their beloveds.

Kavya and Anjali arrive at their house and like a drunk gentleman, walks Anjali to the Khanna House, both stumbling along the way. Anjali has a goofy grin on her face saying, "I had a great time tonight!" Kavya giggles like a school girl replying, "Hehehehe I did too" Kavya nears Anjali trying to sound passionate, "Come here…" Kavya and Anjali come closer and closer until they are about an inch away. The tipsy Kavya completely misses Anjali's lips and starts kissing her nose passionately, being oblivious to the fact that it is her nose and not her lips, but then again what can one expect from an intoxicated Kavya anyways. Anjali says irritated, "Kavya!!" Kavya is amazed that she can talk while kissing. He thinks to himself, "WOW she can multitask!" as he continues kissing her nose. Anjali yells, "THAT'S MY NOSE!!!" Kavya jumps back and falls on the floor because of Anjali's random outburst according to Kavya that is. Anjali definitely didn't think her outburst is at all random, she believes he had it coming when he starting making out with her nose. Anjali then storms in her house. Kavya sits on the floor scratching his head thinking, "Nose? She wants me to kiss her nose? She's so weird sometimes!" He then stumbles on home thinking about where he went wrong and how strange Anjali is.

**********

Now after Angad and Kripa drive off, they end up going to the beach because Kripa wishes to go there. They sit on the sand next to each other in complete silence. Then Kripa turns to Angad and looks at his beautiful face. She turns Angad to look at her and softly says, "I'm sorry about everything Angad, you were right about me! I was scared, scared to be weak and vulnerable, scared to have my heartbroken or worse break your heart as well! I never felt that I deserved you! I feel not good enough for you Angad! You deserve so much more and what have I ever given you except so much pain. I…" Angad hushes her nonsense ramblings with his lips. He slowly parts from her and wipes the tears that have been running down her face for quite some time and says, "Krips, you're my everything! I love you so much, you have no idea! You have given me so much happiness in the last few hours that those weeks of pain mean nothing anymore! And what are you talking about you aren't good enough for me! Krips we are made for each other, we know we are perfect for each other and I'm just so happy you stopped fighting our destiny and accepted my love" Kripa wipes her tears and hugs Angad while looking at the waves crashing on shore in silence once again.

Kripa then turns to Angad after a few minutes and grinning evilly, "You're not mad about me making Simone run off right?" Angad laughs, "Hmm I guess not, but what was with the whole song and dance sequence?" Kripa laughs remembering the scene and replies, "Oh well I was trying to get rid of the w**** so I could get some alone time with my love, any problems?" Angad pulls her closer into his arms replying, "Not a one! So this was your plan, to get rid of Simone?" Kripa shyly replies, "Umm yea, well Anjali told me I should sing for you to, one, get your attention and two, get Simone humiliated enough to leave…" Angad laughs, "You sang for me!...and I must say that was extremely hot! Had I not been mad at you, I would have been kissing you crazily" Kripa blushes remembering the balcony kiss. Angad then adds, "You know I had a plan of my own!" Kripa smirks, "Oh I know, You wanted me to break the engagement right?" Angad raises his eyebrow stunned, "HOW DID YOU FIND OUT!" Kripa rolls her eyes, "Oh please Angad I can read you like a book! It was so obvious because I knew you weren't man enough to say no to the engagement yourself, so you wanted me to do your dirty work for you" Angad looks at her shocked, "I WASN'T MAN ENOUGH…" Kripa's eyes grow wide asking, "Did I say that? CRAP! AHHHHH!" and she takes off running around the shore.

The waves crash into her causing her to lose balance and Angad happens to catch her and whispers while dropping her on the sand, "I'll show you who's man enough" Kripa tries to add quickly, "Angad I didn't mea…" Angad locks her in a passionate kiss, making her eat her own words as she wrestles for a breath of air, trying to fight off his mouth from keeping hers captive. Angad finally lies down beside her, panting for a breath of fresh air. He turns to Kripa as he remembers the one question that has been on his mind for quite a while and asks, "Krips when did you realize you were in love with me?" Kripa blushes because of the kiss and replies, "Umm after the song you sang for me on my birthday. I saw you get up and start walking away from me and for the first time in my life I felt like my life is slowly slipping away from me. I had a huge lump in my throat and all our past moments from this year came rushing back to me. After all those memories came flooding back, I knew what this feeling was, it was love… is love! And I'm just so sorry you had to put up with my confusion for so long!" Angad takes her face in his hand and replies, "Krips I'm sorry too! I shouldn't have reacted that way I did, I just couldn't control my anger because I could see the love clearly in your eyes, but you wouldn't accept it. I should have been more patient! I'm sorry!" Kripa smiles, "We are both idiots! But you know what?" Angad comes closer and whispers, "What?" Kripa yells, "YOUR PLAN SUCKED!! CUZ I SOOOO WON!!!" Kripa's gloating seems to end seeing his amused expressions. Kripa says kind of scared by the smile on his face, "What?" Angad throws a pile of sand on Kripa and he starts running. Kripa starts spitting out the sand from her mouth and then chases after him yelling, "KHANNA!!!"

While Angad is being chased by Kripa it starts raining, so he stops in his tracks and waits for Kripa to catch up yelling, "What do we do?" Kripa grins, "I know where we can go, come on!" Kripa grabs hold of his arms and takes off in the opposite direction of their car until they reach this beautiful little beach house. Angad looks at the lovely house and says, "Krips we can't go inside, dude that's trespassing…why do you have a key…why are you opening the door… WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Kripa laughs at Angad's stupidity and drags him inside before he catches pneumonia. Kripa closes the door and walks into the living room dropping the keys on the dining table, while a very lost Angad follows her asking, "Why are we in someone else's house! KRIPS I DON'T WANT TO GO TO JAIL ON PROM NIGHT!" Kripa walks up to him and smacks his head leading him to some photos hanging on the wall while he asks, "WHY ARE THERE PICTURES OF US ON THE WALL!!!" Kripa grins as the look of confusion starts to vanish and realization occurs. Angad asks surprised, "Wait this is your house?" Kripa replies while walking into the kitchen, "BINGO!" Angad pulls her back and asks, "When did you get this house? I've never been here before." Kripa replies casually, "Well yeah it is our birthday present, you like?" Angad grins, "I love! So do I get a tour or what?" Kripa smiles innocently, "Sure babe!" Kripa shows him all the rooms while passing through them briefly and he asks, "And YOUR room?" Kripa finally gets his intentions and replies smirking, "Sorry the tour bus has ended now come on I'm getting cold, let's sit by the fireplace." Angad rolls his eyes groaning internally and replying, "Lead the way!"

They sit by the cozy fireplace with Angad laying down on the sofa and Kripa on top of him, who is just listening to the rhythmic beatings of his heart. They feel so at peace having each other so near that they don't realize when they accidentally drift off to sleep.

Chapter 37

The next morning, sun rays play upon the eyes of a girl, who is carelessly sleeping on top of her lover. The fire in the fire place is no longer ignited. There is only the sounds of bird chirping, which is causing Kripa to sleepily open her eyes and see her gorgeous lover's face. She a smile spreads on her face, but as reality begins to sink in she lets out an earth shattering scream. Kripa yells, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH OMG ANGAD GET UP!!!" Angad panics and gets up with a start. He looks at Kripa's scared face and begins questioning her sudden outburst, "OH GOD KRIPA WHY ARE YOU…AHHHHHHHH!! What are we doing here? OHHH CRAP WE FELL ASLEEP! Kripa how could you let this happen!" Kripa gets mad, "HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN?!?! WHATEVER! SCREW THIS WE GOTTA GET HOME! TODAY IS OUR ENGAGEMENT!...what time is it?" Angad and Kripa dart to the nearest clock and see that it happens to be 3 o'clock. Angad sighs, "Thank god it is just three o'clock…" Kripa nods, "Oh ok…WAIT WHAT?! Oh crap Angad I have to get home fast I have a hair stylist coming over, LETS GO!" Angad and Kripa get out the house and run towards his car, taking off towards their homes. As soon as they arrive they give each other a quick peck on the lips and dart out of Angad's car, into their separate houses.

At the Sharma House, Kripa sees her mom ordering people around to go help out at the Khanna House. Kripa figures she can escape, but Gayatri catches sight of Kripa trying to tip toe her way upstairs. Gayatri yells stopping Kripa dead in her tracks, "KRIPA!! Kahan ja rahi ho! COME HERE RIGHT NOW!" Just then Surya comes and joins Gayatri. Surya says, "Beta where were you last night!! Today is your engagement and you show up here at 4 o'clock! Kahan thi raat baar?" Kripa eye's brim with fake tears and looks at her father apologetically and says, "Oh Papa, I went to the beach last night and it started raining. I ran into our beach house because the car wouldn't start! I wanted to call home, but my phone had no reception and the beach house's phones aren't installed yet! I'm sorry Papa…" Surya says still upset, "Kis ke saath thi tum?" Kripa slowly replies, "Ang…Angad ke saath…" Surya softens up knowing he can always trust his daughter with Angad and that Angad would always keep Kripa out of harms way. Surya just replies, "Okay, jao tayaar ho, your stylist is in Prachi's room so join your sister." Kripa nods and turns again now going up the stairs, breathing a sigh of relief and muttering, "Phew bach gayi".

At the Khanna House, Angad walks in his house and to his bad luck Naina opens the door. She starts yelling at him, "Angad how could you be so irresponsible! Mujhe laga tum bhaag gaye! Maloom hai kitni pareshaan thi mein! I even called Gayatri to tell them you were missing! Then I found out Kripa wasn't home either! KAHAN THE TUM DONO?" Angad by now has his fingers clogging his ears to avoid hearing the shrill voice of Naina as she screams at him. Angad then responds, "Mom relax, what happened was we were at the beach talking about our misunderstanding and then it started to rain really hard so we ran to her beach house because umm…my car wasn't working…and uhh we accidentally fell asleep there!" Naina is about to scream further when a calm voice intervenes. The voice came from another authoritative figure, who happens to be Dilip Khanna. He says coolly, "Naina let the boy go, he has a lot to do today, Aaj tho chordo bachare ko" Naina walks away angrily while Angad gives Dilip a big hug exclaiming, "Aaj tho mujhe bachaliya, nahin to mom mujhe maar daal thi!" Dilip laughs, "Haan magaar tum kahan the raat ko?" Angad explains, "Dad, Krips and me were at the beach and we got stuck in the rain so we stayed at her beach house" Dilip just whispers, "Okay well go get ready" Angad laughs, "Dad there are three hours before the party, I'M NOT ANJU!" Dilip and Angad laugh while Anjali screams from her bedroom, "I HEARD THAT!!!" They laugh even harder at this. Angad leaves to his room yelling, "Dad you're the BEST!" Dilip chuckles and then goes back to making sure everything is perfect for tonight.

As the hours approach, they all start getting ready for the engagement party at the Khanna House. Kripa wears a magenta and black sari that exposes most of her back, making her look heart stopping. Angad wears a black and magenta sherwani, matching with Kripa on purpose this time around. Anjali wears a white and turquoise sari, the back of her blouse has a lot of strings and ties exposing her back as well. Kavya wears a white and turquoise sherwani. Prachi wears an orange and red sari that barely exposes her back. Neev wears a beige sherwani with a little red and orange.

After all the Sharma's are dressed and ready, they go over to the Khanna House and it looks breathtaking. There are lights everywhere, inside and outside. There is a stage at the far end of the room, where there are three sets of two chairs aligned in a row. The stage is decorated with flowers and pillars. There are tables everywhere neatly set for the guests. It looks so picturesque and romantic. The Sharma's admire their surroundings and the work that has gone into making the Khanna House look so remarkable.

Prachi looks around trying to spot Neev and ends up standing by the staircase, which happens to be the wrong place at the wrong time for her. Neev then comes sliding down the banister trying to act cool and loses his balance. He ends up falling on top of Prachi. Well they both come down with a loud thud, leaving Prachi at the bottom and Neev on top. Neev doesn't seem to notice Prachi struggling underneath him, as he is too busy admiring her innocent and beautiful eyes. The poor girl first gets pummeled and now she has to bear his weight on top of her. Prachi yells in exhaustion from struggling, "NEEV GET OFF ME!!!" Neev is completely mesmerized by the sight of her and is too busy in his own la-la land to notice! Well Naina and Gayatri catch sight of the situation, with Neev on top of Prachi. Naina rushes over quickly and yanks Neev by his ear, bringing him out of his dreamland and getting him off Prachi as well. Naina shouts, "Neev yeh kya batameezi hain! Yahan kya hora hai?" Neev says, "OWWW Ma, it's all Prachi's fault! Maine kaha tha Prachi nahin yeh galat hai, magar nahin, isne tho mujhe chorne se saaf inkaar kardiya, ab akhir main bhi tho insaan ho na!" Prachi eye's grow wide in shock as she yells, "WHAT? HAVE YOU LOST IT! UGHHH!" She starts fixing her clothes and hair, then walking off towards the stage while Neev just looks at her leave. He runs to Prachi yelling, "Prachi WAIT!" Prachi snaps back, "WHAT?" Neev looks at an angry Prachi and decides to keep quiet. He puts a finger to his lips and moves his head from right to left. As soon as Prachi walks to the stage, she displays a fake smile. Neev starts apologizing for lying to his mother.

Anjali walks down the steps looking absolutely memorizing. Kavya looks at her with keen eyes, wanting to pounce on her because she looks so irresistible. Anjali looks at him rather amused yet can't stop the blush forming on her cheeks. She feels so self conscious because of the way Kavya is staring at her. She wishes someone would make him look away, yet her wish doesn't seem like it will be granted anytime soon. Anjali walks up to Kavya shyly and he gives her a peck on her cheek, turning her even redder. Kavya then asks, "Hey do you remember saying nose yesterday? It's been bothering me the whole day! I have no idea why you said NOSE, of all things to say!" Anjali then replies confused, "Nose? You're talking about noses…Kavya I don't remember anything from yesterday after dancing…" Kavya shrugs his shoulders and they walk towards the stage to join Neev and Prachi, while playing with each other's hands along the way.

Just then Angad makes his entrance down the steps, fixing his collar with style. He soon catches sight of his lady love, looking incredible in her sari. She has her back towards him, revealing her flawless skin, making him hungry with desire. He doesn't seem to notice he is still on the staircase. He nearly misses a step, which then causes him to become unbalanced. With great effort he stops himself from tumbling down the stairs and causing himself further embarrassment. He is blown away by Kripa's undeniable beauty. She is wearing her hair in loose curls and fresh looking makeup, which makes her look downright HOT! He makes his way towards Kripa, only to have his ear yanked upon by his own mother, who seems to be yelling, "Stop staring at Kripa! Jao jaake baitho vahan stage par" Angad replies in pain, "Yes Ma!" Kripa hides her amusement and walks with Angad to the stage, while he whispers, "You look HOT!" Kripa tosses her hair back replying, "I know!" Angad asks, "Well aren't you going to say how I'm looking" Kripa comes closer to his face and whispers, "You look hot……NOT!!!" Angad looks at her shocked and mutters, "Badmein dekh loonga tumhe!"

The guests start arriving and soon the engagement ceremony would start as well, while the kids sit on stage, bored out of their minds.

Chapter 38

Angad, Kripa, Kavya, Anjali, Neev, and Prachi are still bored out of their minds on stage. Well that is until Prem and Mukti came and it happens to be a rather funny sight. Prem looks like he got the wind knocked out of him and he looks totally beat. Mukti is wearing a green sari, upon Prem's request. Prem is wearing a beige sherwani with a hint of green. Well eventually they make their way towards the stage and the one question that resides on everyone's mind is "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU PREM??" Angad asks this bluntly only to get a cold glare from Prem as he says, "I'm going to go to the bathroom and fix myself up" Angad sniggers to Kripa, "That's so girly of him, to fix himself up in the bathroom" Kripa laughs at Angad's comment.

When Prem finally leaves Mukti turns to the gang and whispers, "HAHAHAHA you wanna know what happened to him before he drove to my house" Everyone nods rapidly, eager to listen to Prem's embarrassing story. Mukti begins, "Well he was driving to pick me up and stopped at an intersection. Then some vendor guy comes up to his window begging him to buy a flower. Well Prem finally agrees and take out his wallet. When Prem turns back to the vendor the guy has a gun in his hand. Well the vendor guy snatches the wallet and grabs Prem's cellphone from the dashboard and presses the trigger of the gun and WATER came out. Then the guy took off yelling, "SUCKER!!!" Prem started chasing the guy, only it's not a guy! IT WAS A GIRL! PREM GOT ROBBED BY A GIRL!!! HAHAHA…AND HE COULDN'T EVEN CHASE AFTER HER!!" Everyone broke out into laughter, mocking at his stupidity and horrible running capabilities.

Prem then returns and everyone tries to hide their smile, but all are intently looking at Prem for a reaction. Prem snaps at them because of their stare, "WHAT?" Kavya replies, "God you're so slow, did you run all the way back the stage from the bathroom!" Anjali replies, "Kavya come on maybe he got HELD UP!" Everyone laughs really hard at this while Prem turns to Mukti horrified, "YOU TOLD THEM?" Mukti says innocently, "No of course not…HAHAHA!" Prem sees Josh and Aaliya enter, Josh is wearing a red sherwani while Aaliya wears a red sari. Prem decides to hang with Josh and Aaliya and keep them from talking to the rest of the gang to prevent them from finding out his embarrassing encounter.

Prem walks up to Josh and Aaliya and says, "Hey guys what took so long?" Josh and Aaliya look at each other and break out into laughter, "We just saw a live show…HAHAHA" Prem doesn't get the joke and continues, "Oh…I guess it was a funny one…" Aaliya gasps for breath saying, "Yea…HAHA" Prem says, "Well what was it about?" Josh replies, "Oh it was about a guy driving his car and stopping at a red light" Prem thinks, "OH CRAP" Josh continues, "then he gets ROBBED by the flower guy, only it's not a guy it was a GIRL!!!" Prem replies, "Umm yea sounds really boring!!!" Prem starts to walk back to the gang and Josh shouts, "You wanna know who the main lead was…HAHAHA" Josh and Aaliya calm themselves down and go to the gang and Prem basically blushes and groans from the embarrassment. Mukti gives him a kiss on the cheek and all is forgotten by Prem. Love can do strange things to people, apparently wipe out embarrassment as well.

Soon Josh, Aaliya, Prem and Mukti settle at a table near the stage and engage in their own conversation. Meanwhile, on stage Prachi is apparently still mad at Neev for saying all that nonsense to Naina. She feels Neev embarrassed her in front of her mother-in-law and not to mention fell on top of her. She is pretty pissed off at him and still has a fake smile on her face, although the Prem story makes her a little cheery. Neev wishes like the others, he could hold Prachi's hand and talk sweet nothings in her ear, but nope he has to sit on stage and smile to the aunties and uncles.

**********

Kavya and Anjali are sitting quite peacefully, but of course bored. It's a stage, what can one possibly do except just smile and look pretty for the camera. Kavya decides to bug Anjali, so his hand starts to move up her back, which stops all her movements. He reaches her string ties at the back of her blouse and smiles rather devilishly. He starts slowly pulling the strings looser. Anjali looks back at Kavya completely terrified as she whispers, "KAVYA STOP IT!!" Kavya whispers, "No." Anjali then replies, "I'm gonna tell Angad bhai and Neev bhai, then watch what they will do!" Kavya replies, "Are you threatening me?" Anjali replies, "It's not a threat it's a promise sweetheart, now let go?" Kavya grins, "Then prove it!" Anjali is about to yell, but Kavya jerks back his hand in an instant. Anjali looks at Kavya rather amused and laughs upon his scared behavior.

**********

Angad's hand too keeps caressing Kripa's practically bare back. He had his eye fixated on her the moment he saw her and he decides to torture her a little. It is so not easy to smile for the camera, while Angad keeps sending shivers down her spine with his sensual touches. Angad has a huge smirk on his face seeing the effect he has on his Krips, it is obvious that even she has fallen prey to Angad's charm. He tends to have that affect on girls. Kripa glares at Angad since there is not much she can do. Unlike Anjali, Kripa doesn't even think about threatening him. Although she doesn't want to admit it, she likes having him fool around with her. It makes her feel…loved and wanted.

Soon people start coming to take pictures with the couples on stage and the ring ceremony would begin shortly after that. They are all getting so impatient on stage because well it is quite tiring, not to mention blinding with the lights so focused on them. Now finally it is time for the engagement and the parents join their children on stage. Prem, Mukti, Josh, and Aaliya also make their way to the stage and join their friends in their happy moment.

The first couple to exchange rings happens to be Neev and Prachi. Naina hands Neev, Prachi's engagement ring. Neev gently places the ring on Prachi's delicate finger. He smiles while Prachi seems to be frowning. That one touch of his, seems to stir up these unwanted feelings in her, unwanted because at the moment she wants to stay angry at him. Prachi basically shoves the ring onto his finger in anger knowing it must have hurt a little. Neev then gives her these big puppy dog eyes while also pulling out his bottom lip. Prachi couldn't help but laugh at his expressions and playfully slaps his arms. Neev gives her a big hug to which everyone says, "AWWWWWW HOW CUTE!" Prachi decides to forget her anger, since it's one of the happiest days of her life.

Next to place the wedding rings is Kavya and Anjali. While Kavya grabs Anjali's hand, he keeps caressing it, making Anjali really ticklish and giddy. He places the ring on her finger slowly, but keeping his intense eyes locked with hers. She blushes looking at his passionate eyes. He then gives her a soft kiss on her cheek, which surprises her as her mouth drops open. She is red from embarrassment since there are so many people present around them. Josh and Prem whistle at Kavya's kiss while the guests laugh at the boys' rowdiness. Anjali then places the ring, looking at his hand, not his eyes. She doesn't kiss him so Kavya pouts, "Where is my kiss?" a little too loudly because everyone overhears and laugh at the Kavya's eagerness.

Finally, it is now Angad and Kripa's turn to exchange rings. Angad slowly takes Kripa's hand and gently slips the ring onto her petite finger. Then he goes ahead and kisses her hand, making everyone sigh, "Haiii! Kya pyaar hai!" Kripa and Angad turn red at everyone's comment. Kripa then grabs his hand and looks into his eyes. She knows Angad really wanted to hear her compliment his looks, but she didn't and the truth is he really looks smoking HOT! Kripa rolls her tongue in her mouth and starts checking him out, up and down with naughty eyes. She is a little too busy checking him out because she doesn't seem to notice the deafening silence. Dilip nudges Kripa to break away from her trance of checking out his son. He whispers, "Beta, Angad ko badmein ghoor lena, abhi to anghuti phena do!" Kripa snaps out of her little daydream replying, "Huh? Oh!" Kripa realizes what she is doing and now sees a smirk on Angad's lips as he understands what she was doing. Kripa slips on the ring and launches herself into Angad's arms while he lightly kisses her forehead.

Everyone starts applauding the three perfect couples. It really is a perfect family and everything seemed to work out just the way the parents had always desired. The photographers click away at the very happy family. Life just seems so perfect at the moment, hopefully this bliss would last them a lifetime.

When the food is served, the couples remain on stage starving, while watching the aunties and uncles chow down on the delicious food. Naina and Gayatri come to the stage with three plates of food and say, "We will bring three more plates" Angad replies, "No mom its okay, hum log manage karlenge!" Naina replies, "Aise kaise…" Gayatri stops Naina by whispering, "Rehne do, lagta hain ek doosre ko kilana chahte hain! Kash inka pyaar yuhi baney rahein!" Naina and Gayatri smile at their happy children and walks towards their husbands.

Neev and Prachi start feeding each other. Actually, Neev is making Prachi chase after the food in his hand. He keeps moving it away as soon as Prachi gets close enough to eating the food. It is annoying the starving Prachi and she starts to pout. Neev smiles as she gets a hold of his hand and eats. Prachi decides to do the same thing to Neev, but instead of chasing after the food Neev would kiss Prachi on the cheek which would shock her enough to stop moving her hands so he could eat.

**********

Kavya and Anjali are basically negotiating. It consists of Kavya saying, "Give me a kiss and you get food!" Anjali whispers back loudly, "Are you crazy? There are people over here! I'll eat it myself! JERK!" Kavya stops her from taking at bite. Kavya gives her a kiss instead and saying, "Okay fine, no kiss from you, but you will owe me plenty after tonight!" Anjali smiles as he continues to feed her. Anjali would give Kavya food when he says one nice thing about Anjali. Isn't she conceited? At the moment Kavya thinks so laughing in his mind as he comes up with more lies.

**********

Angad and Kripa are a different story. They are in a rather mischievous mood. Kripa keeps biting Angad's hand on purpose, though Angad is totally enjoying their comfort zone after so many days apart. When it is Kripa's turn to feed, Angad would bite her hands as well, which made them laugh at their silly behavior.

So now all the couples are finally engaged to their beloveds and they just can't wait to get married. The guests have already left and now so are the Sharma's. Kavya, Kripa and Prachi leave so unwillingly, wishing they can stay there forever.

Chapter 39

The following week happens to be rather hectic for all the college kids because there are final examinations. The whole gang spends hours together trying to study the materials for their classes. They regularly take long breaks, but study thrice as long. It is now the last day of examination, not the mention the last day of school as well. The whole gang only has one final this Friday morning, which happens to be their last final. Their graduation ceremony is to be held the following day, on Saturday. They have studied as much as they possibly can so no regrets there and now it's basically up fate. They go into the classroom one by one praying that they pass all their tests and are able to graduate.

As soon as the bell for their final exam sounds off, the students get up and cheer loudly, "YAYYYYYYY!!" In fact this is all that is heard for one minute straight throughout most of the college campus. It is quite an electrifying feeling, to just scream and let out all the excitement of graduating as they walk through the exit doors. It's the end of a new beginning.

The whole gang decides to congregate outside in the parking lot by their cars to decide what the plan would be to celebrate. One thing is for sure, they need to just have some fun, some REAL fun after all that studying. Neev gets an idea as he exclaims, "I HAVE THE PERFECT PLACE IN MIND!!!" Everyone looks towards Neev rather skeptical of his ideas. Angad replies in a bored tone, "What?" The other's role their eyes, dismissing Neev's suggestion before even hearing it. Neev ignores this and yells, "AMUSEMENT PARK!!" The others are genuinely shocked that Neev actually came up with a pretty good plan. Kavya asks the gang, "Guy you up for it?" Everyone yells, "HELL YEA!!!" They all jump in their cars and head towards the amusement park, which happens to be an hour long drive.

All the couples go in different cars giving themselves some well deserved alone time after all that studying. The romantic atmosphere seems to make the time fly by so fast that they reach there in no time, well according to the couples anyways. They are extremely happy that it's actually open and there is barely anyone there, which is to their advantage.

As soon as they enter the theme park, Angad says, "I want to go on the Raging Bull" Kripa yells, "Wait which one is that?" Angad points to the highest rollercoaster in the park, while the others look back shocked and gulp down pretty scared. Kripa jumps onto Angad's back yelling, "YEA!! LET'S GO" Angad runs towards the direction hoping he doesn't break his back before the ride even starts. When they finally get on the ride, Kripa and Angad seem pretty excited. They were always the most fearless of the group. It was because they know they always have each other for support. Before the ride even starts Kripa grabs Angad's face and kisses him hard on his lips. Her actions even surprised Angad because it is so out of the blue and completely random. Then again Kripa is a random girl considering how she expressed her love. That's what he seems to love about her, her spontaneity, she is definitely a unique individual, but then again so is he. Angad reciprocated the kiss with even more passion and longing that they don't even seem to notice when the ride starts. That is until Kripa starts screaming in Angad's mouth. It totally scares the crap out of him, another spontaneous act by the one and only Kripa Sharma. Considering the ride is still in motion, Angad yells, "I think I'm gonna be deaf!" Kripa shouts back, "What did you say?" Angad screams, "I THINK I'M GONNA BE…oh forget it!" Seems like he isn't the only one that would be deaf, Kripa is already deaf. As soon as the ride comes to an end Kripa hops off, while Angad's ears are still ringing, from her shouting in his mouth…seriously who does that…apparently Kripa does that's who! Kripa yells, "That was awesome, lets ride another!" Angad says, "Okay, BUT DON'T KISS ME NEXT TIME!!" Kripa looks at him shocked thinking, "Okayyyy wierdoooo…". She shrugs her shoulders and walks off with Angad trailing behind still trying to decipher if he can still hear.

**********

Kavya is having a hard time trying to convince Anjali to even go on a rollercoaster. Kavya begs, "Anju please, come on…you know you want too…yes you do…yes you do…" Anjali looks at him weirdly as he tries to pinch her cheeks. She moves back saying, "what are you doing? I'm NOT a baby! Quit trying to pinch my cheek!" Kavya snaps out of it saying, "Sorry wrong tactic! Come on Anju, I'll give you a kiss!" Anjali laughs, "Umm honey, that only works when I say it!" Kavya realizes, "Oh yea…" Anjali says, "I guess I will come…" Kavya asks, "What? Why the sudden change!" Anjali comes closer and whispers, "Well it is my sweetie's birthday, it's the least I can do!" Kavya picks up Anjali and twirls her, "You remembered!!!" Anjali nods and replies, "There is a cake at home with your name on it…literally!" Kavya grins and picks up Anjali in his arms walking to a ride, where it won't be difficult to make out. As soon as they get on the ride, Anjali grabs hold of Kavya and buries her face in her chest. Anjali can feel the smooth rhythms of Kavya's heart, which seems to calm her down. She enjoys the closeness and his warmth. She can sit ion the ride all day, if she is able to hold him. She knows in these muscular arms she will be safe from everything…including roller coasters! Kavya whispers sweet lovey dovey comments in her ear, making her blush and pay attention to him rather than the scary ride. Anjali rides on so many roller coasters that eventually she starts throwing up her whole breakfast. Kavya holds her hair, like any stand up guy and then comments, "You're not pregnant are you?" Anjali smacks him hard yelling, "EWWW! HELL NO YOU MORON! How the heck is that suppose to happen when we haven't… haven't…" Kavya looks at Anjali with naughty eyes and asks innocently, "Haven't what?" Anjali blushes, "Shut up Kavya! You just say anything don't you!" Anjali walks off to get herself fixed up and then towards another rollercoaster, while Kavya smirks to himself.

**********

Prachi is bluntly refusing to go on roller coasters like Anjali, but Neev won't take NO for an answer. Neev plays the trust card on her asking her, "Prachi do you trust me?" Prachi slowly replies, "YES… BUT I'M NOT STEPPING FOOT ON THAT ROLLER COASTER! NO WAY JOSE" Neev laughs saying, "Jaan you need to learn new slang! No way Jose… your so lame hahahaha!" Prachi turns around and stomps her foot as if giving her final verdict. Neev fakes as if he is angry and leaves, fully knowing Prachi will follow behind him since she hates being left alone. He has a smile on his face as he hears her footsteps approaching him. Prachi mutters behind him, "GOD NEEV!! I hate you…" Neev turns and smiles giving her an innocent look while asking, "Kuch kaha tumne jaanu!!" Prachi walks behind cursing her horrible choice in picking a life partner, while Neev just continues to smile wider hearing her complain because it is like music to his ears. As soon as they get on the ride, Prachi starts praying they won't die and starts babbling random things. She keeps telling Neev, "If I don't make it, tell Mom, Dad, Kripa, and Kavya that I love them! Tell yourself I hate you for making me come here…NO I DON'T HATE YOU NEEV! I'm sorry I take it back I LOVE YOU!" Prachi now begins wailing, "I DON'T WANT TO DIE NEEV!!" She grabs hold of him as she cries. People are looking at Prachi like she is some type of lunatic. Neev just gives Prachi a big hug to calm her down, while they sit in the ride, but it has not even begun yet. Well after the sobbing is under control, Neev asks, "You want you leave?" Prachi looks into Neev's eyes and asks, "Do you want to leave?" Neev replies truthfully, "No" Prachi then just puts on a brave face and says, "Then I'll stay!" Neev feels really proud of Prachi because she would always say that she is going to leave, but this time around she trusted her love with her life, fully knowing he would protect her always! By the time the ride ends Prachi is just really giddy because she has never experienced that type of thrill and exhilarating feeling before, it is actually quite freeing. She links hands with Neev and walks off to wherever her love would take her.

So basically they have a fun filled day to celebrate the last day of college and the last day of finals. The year flew by so fast, but they made many precious memories in return. The few moments of separation, only made their relationships stronger.

Chapter 40

So the day the gang has been waiting for finally arrives. Today is their graduation day, not to mention a very chaotic day as well. So early in the morning they have to report to the cafeteria, they all hurriedly get dressed for their final visitation to their college and prepare to leave as well. They casually stroll into the college, fully knowing they can't be reprimanded anymore for petty things like arriving to class late. They walk in on a lecture from their principal about what a great bunch of kids they have been in the last years. Same old story, everyone is sure he uses the same speech on every graduating class because he doesn't look capable to come up with several unique speeches. They only reason they are actually present in the cafeteria is for the mandatory beach party…sounds like fun right? Try again…picture a cafeteria, not with a pile of sand, but tables with center pieces that represent the beach… how exciting… NOT! This is basically everyone's reaction to the lame attempt at a beach party, in any case people just came for the free breakfast and to just chill at college one last time. Camera's begin clicking away at their own crews, while the gang sits and relaxes. They know for sure they would remain friends even after college so there is no point in engaging in this hoopla! They just spend time with their love and talk about random things until it is time for graduation rehearsal.

Soon after the lengthy and tiresome rehearsal, the students all go home to get ready for graduation. They girls straighten their hair leaving slight curls at the end so that the caps would fit perfectly. The girls also stop by a salon and get some manicures and pedicures. The girls are going all out for their last hoorah as college students. The guys aren't exactly thrilled with the idea of having to wear these hideous caps that hide their gorgeous heads' of hair. The guys just decide to take really long naps to compensate for the loss of sleep the past week due to their all nighters for finals.

Now it is time to actually get ready for graduation. Kripa wears a red dress with black laces, which hugs her curves perfectly. Anjali wears a cream colored halter and a light blue skirt. Prachi wears a black and grey dress with lots of laces and with lots of persuasion from the girls. Mukti wears a pink dress, which is strapless. Aaliya wears a white dress with little yellow flowers. Angad wears black pants with a red shirt and black tie. Kavya wears black pants, crme colored shirt with a silky light blue tie. Neev wears black dress pants, metallic grey shirt with a silver tie. Prem wears black pants, a pink shirt with a light pink tie. Josh wears black pants with a yellow shirt. When they are all ready, they take a bunch of pictures with their parents and friends, and then all go to the ceremony.

As soon as they arrive, they are all escorted to their seats. The senior class is sitting all together in countless rows. Every other row is to enter from the right side of the stage, while the following row is to enter from the left side of the stage, but all this is to happen at once. In one row Josh, Angad, Anjali, Neev, and Prem sat. Directly behind them sat, Aaliya, Kripa, Kavya, Prachi, and Mukti. Their ordering is to make sure the couples would be entering the stage at the same time just from different sides. The ceremony soon begins and then so does the mischief.

The principal welcomes everyone for coming to the ceremony and invites on stage the valedictorian of the senior class, Kamlesh Patel. The boy walks up to the podium, not looking too well, in fact he looks rather queasy, impatient, and seems to be acting a little fidgety. Kavya laughs at the guy, while he thinks back to the beach party this morning.

FLASHBACK

Kavya was in a rather mischievous mood and soon finds his pray, which happens to be Kamlesh since he is the most hated guy on campus. It isn't because he is so smart and everyone is jealous, it's because he is so stuck up. He tends to act like a chic repellent ON PURPOSE, which is why the girls all hate him and suspect him of being gay! He is a pompous jerk, who everyone can't seem to stand since they have all been insulted by him several times over the years. This accounts for why he is beaten up so often, yet his nose remains high in the air as if superior to all. Anyways, so Kavya walks up to Kamlesh's unattended food and takes out his secret weapon…laxatives. Kavya dissolves it in Kamlesh's drink and mixes some crushed tablets in his food. Kavya smirks thinking, "Have a great time saying your speech while you have DIARRHEA!!!"

END OF FLASHBACK

So this Kamlesh guy is trying really hard to say his speech on stage. The numerous people in the audience doesn't seem to be helping his constipation situation either. Kamlesh says, "I am honored to be your… ugh (stomach grumbles as he holds it)… to be your val… YOUR VALEDIC… I HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!!" He runs off stage towards the bathroom, while everyone breaks out into laughter and applause. Kavya is laughing like a madman and shares his story with the gang as they all give him high fives for putting everyone out of their misery!

When some boring speeches begin to tire the audience, Neev falls asleep on Anjali's shoulder and starts to snore rather loudly catching the attention of most of the graduates. Anjali just points and laughs at her brother's silly behavior. Josh urgently remembers something and needs to use the bathroom, so he quietly gets up and walks towards the restroom. Now it is finally time for the names to be announced and the diploma's to be handed out. One by one, all the students in each row arise and walk towards the stage. Just watching the students go up, Prem starts to get really nervous and panicky. Kavya notices Prem's strange behavior and pulls out a bottle of coke. Kavya quietly tosses Prem the bottle to calm him down. Kavya knows that coke alone wouldn't calm down Prem, it is the special ingredient added to the coke that would do the trick, which happens to be alcohol. Prachi notices Neev is still asleep and smacks Neev on the head to wake him up. Neev is half awake half asleep while he mumbles complainingly, "Mumma five more minutes!" Everyone around Neev turns to look at him and start laughing at his stupidity, while Neev laughs nervously yet blushing slightly.

When Josh returns from the bathroom he finds Angad, Anjali, Neev, and Prem already in line on the left side of the stage to receive their diplomas. Meanwhile Aaliya, Kripa, Kavya, Prachi, and Mukti are in the line on the right side of the stage. There is a man handing out diploma's and a male announcer on the left side, whereas on the right side are two women. The man announces, "JOSH KAPOOR", while on the opposite side of the stage they hear, "AALIYA SACHDEV" Josh quickly rushes in front of Angad in line and goes on to the stage. As soon as Josh receives his diploma he looks towards the audience and strips off his gown and tosses it aside. Josh starts running in nothing, but his boxers screaming, "YEA!! CLASS OF '07 ROCKS!!" He runs right down the stairs of the stage, past the graduates, and out the door as fast as he can while being chased by security. The whole hall breaks into laughter, while the principal has a huge frown on his face because he looks like a complete fool. Aaliya looks at Josh running and is completely embarrassed, while the rest of the girls gawk at Josh's body and praise his boldness.

A man then announces, "ANGAD KHANNA" while on the right side the woman announces "KRIPA SHARMA" Angad goes on stage and starts yelling, "YOU'RE TOO DAM* GOOD JOSH!!" Angad applauds loudly at Josh's entertaining display of excitement. Angad is too caught up in all the enthusiasm himself that he keeps walking forward on stage and trips on a wire that is carelessly placed in the middle. He falls right on top of his lady love, taking Kripa down to the ground in utter shock. Kripa is just flabbergasted while she lies underneath Angad. He keeps staring into Kripa's eyes as if lost and just won't move off of her. All Kripa can do at this point is blush. In order to not get caught up in the whirlpool of emotions, Kripa turns her face to the side not wanting to gaze into Angad's eyes and notices the thousands of amused eyes looking at her and Angad. Kripa looks embarrassed and tries to nudge Angad to get off of her, but alas nothing can be done. The loud cheering and applause from the audience and seniors seems to do the trick. Angad hears people faintly screaming, "HOW CUTE!!" "GET A ROOM!!" "TAKE A PICTURE IT LASTS LONGER!!" or "AWWWWW!" Angad looks at everyone embarrassed and jumps off Kripa. Angad and Kripa then dart off the stage immediately, both feeling rather shy but none the less still smiling.

The man soon announces on the left side of the stage, "ANJALI KHANNA" while the other side the woman announces "KAVYA SHARMA" Kavya yanks at Anjali's arm as she is walking away with poise Kavya's presence. Anjali looks at Kavya now rather annoyed and with lots of attitude. Suddenly Anjali can't seem to feel her feet touching the ground any longer and looks up at Kavya while he scoops her up in his arms. Anjali looks shocked at Kavya and protests, but as usual her protests are unheard. Kavya laughs at Anjali's pout as he carries her down the steps with the senior class cheering them on. Anjali just blushes and laughs at everyone's reaction to Kavya's mischief.

Then Neev steps up onto the stairs as his name, "NEEV KHANNA" is announced by the man, which is then followed by the woman announcing "PRACHI SHARMA" Neev is standing before the man to accept his diploma, but soon catches sight of Prachi entering the stage and he freezes on spot. Neev just refuses to take the diploma in his hand since he is too busy staring at Prachi. The professor on stage has to nudge Neev hard in order for him to accept his diploma, while the whole audience laughs. When Prachi and Neev get their diplomas, Neev pulls Prachi close to him on stage before she can leave down the steps. Prachi gets rather nervous and stares out into the audience scared about what Neev is planning to do. Prachi catches sight of their parents and then feels Neev's lips touch her cheek as he whispers sweetly, "Congratulations jaan!" Her mouth drops open in shock, while their parents happily click away at the beautiful couple and laugh at Prachi's cute facial expressions. Neev and Prachi escort each other down the aisle holding hands, with Neev whispering lots of lovey dovey comments along the way.

Well finally it is time for a very very tipsy Prem to make his way towards the stage as his name, "PREM MALHOTRA" is announced by the man. A moment later the woman announces, "MUKTI SINGHANIA" Prem starts to stumble forward and continues walking straight. He manages to get his diploma and shakes the professor's hand several times, making even the professor annoyed. Prem is just too excited about his diploma and thanks Kavya in his mind for calming his nerves. But to Prem's bad luck, he manages to walk straight off the stage, but definitely not by taking the stairs. Prem completely misses the stairs and walks right off the edge of the stage, falling right on the floor, and landing on his butt. Everyone is dying of laughter, the whole audience is roaring at how clumsily Prem fell off the stage. Prem looks towards everyone rather embarrassed and rushes down the aisle trying to avoid everyone pointing and holding their stomachs while laughing at him. Prem sits down holding his head in his hands, his buzz is DEFINITELY GONE!

Well the entertaining event soon comes to an end by a speech from the very embarrassed principal because of the appalling mishaps throughout, though everyone else thought it was a rather enjoyable ceremony! The principal's speech, thanking the students and giving them a lecture about the future is cut short by Angad, Kavya, Neev, Prem, Josh (now fully clothed, but security watches him like a hawk after all they had to tackle Josh), Kripa, Anjali, Prachi, Mukti, Aaliya applauding in the middle. Everyone joined in the applause and so the poor guy couldn't even get through the whole thing. The principal just fixes his wig and walks off stage rather annoyed by the children.

The ceremony ends with all the kids making their way towards their parents as they laugh at all the mishaps. It happens to be a very fun filled evening for all and a very memorable experience, one that they would never forget. Prachi starts to tear up as she hears everyone speak so fondly about their college experience. Just then Neev screams, "YAY!! WE GRADUATED!! NO MORE COLLEGE EVER!!!" That is enough to set off Prachi into a crying frenzy. Neev just looks at her quite shocked because he wasn't expecting this outburst of emotions from her. By looking at Prachi cry the rest of the girls tear up as well leaving the guys to take care of their loved ones. The guys awkwardly try to make the girls feel better, while the girls start sobbing uncontrollably and speaking while wailing in languages foreign the guys. The guys pick up random words in between their sobs like, I will miss you, college, I love you, friends forever, etc. And then the day finally comes to an end by Dilip and Surya treating the kids to dinner and they just enjoy their day of celebration, their graduation and the beginning of a new life.