This part is too long to be an epilogue so Im just calling it "The End"š
I started writing this story more than a year ago. I just checked, intro was posted on March 14, 2008. So its been a really long FF. š
Im deeply grateful to my readers who patiently read thru this marathon story and left their wonderful comments. Thank u for sticking to this FF and leaving ur valuable feedback, ur witty and insightful comments! š³š³
I apologize for recent delays in updates, delays caused by certain changed circumstances in my life.
Note: Gargi knows all about Shetty and Dilip already. Kripa told her after returning from her honeymoon when she gave her Papa's ring to Mamoni.
AJTā¦. THE END.
Dilip did survive his gunshot wounds. But one of the bullets fired from Shetty's gun had badly damaged his spine.
Dilip was paralyzed from the waist downwards and spent the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair.
The media, Press and TV crews had been present at the time of the shooting. They had captured the whole shocking scene on their cameras and telecast it on all the channels, splashed it all over the newspapers.
Outpourings of sympathy for the Khanna family swamped and overwhelmed Angad, Naina, Anitah over the next few weeks.
Flowers, wishes, phone calls came from friends, relatives, business associates, Dilip's employees, even the disgruntled factory workers came to see Badey Khanna Saab.
Media people thronged the Hospital lobby for interviews of Angad.
His Concert got even more publicity than expected, albeit through a tragic incident.
Police and CID officers questioned Angad and Naina about the identity of the killer. They wanted to know why Shetty was after Angad's life, what was his connection to Khanna family? Naina had no idea of course, she was completely in the dark about the whole Somu murder case.
Angad explained it to them without implicating his Dad who was still fighting for his life. He told both CID and the cops that Shetty had killed his Uncle in Chicago 22 years ago and when Angad tried to get him arrested after all these years, he tried to kill him!
Aapko kaisey pata chala Shetty ne aapkey Uncle ko maara?
Because I hired a detective in Chicago. Investigation ke baad usey pata chala 22 saal pehley Shetty usee apartment building mein rehta tha aurā¦
Angad narrated the whole incident in a whole new light. Shetty and Somu had an altercation on the street one night and Shetty killed Somu with a metal car rod. Period! He completely hid the fact that Dilip had sent Shetty to Chicago to trail his brother, to prevent him from returning home.
Before concocting this story, Angad had consulted Kripa and Gargi.
Chachi, faisla ab aapkey haath mein hai. Agar aap chahtey hain main Dad ke baarey mein Police ko bataa doon, then I am more than ready.
Kripa, do you think I should tell the cops about Dad's blackmail by Shetty?
Both Kripa and Gargi vehemently opposed this.
Gargi shook her head: Hargiz nahin, Beta. Maa jee waisey bhi bahut pareshan hain iss vaardaat ko lekar, sachchai jaankar unhey bahut badaa sadma lagega. Main nahin chahti unhey aur dukh pahunchey ke unka bada beta unkey chhotey betey ki maut ke zimmedar hain. Tumharey Dad ne jo kuchh kiya, uski sazaa unhey mil chuki hai. Ab uss baat ko jaaney do.
Kripa also agreed: Angad, agar yeh baat police aur media ko pata chala, toh sirf tumharey Dad ki hi nahin, purey Khanna parivaar ki beizzati hogi. Main nahin chahti merey Papa ke khandaan per koi bhi aanch aaye. Dad ne tumhari jaan bachakar apna karz chuka diya. Shetty bhi marr gaya. Ab humein aur insaaf ki zaroorat nahin.
Angad bent and touched Gargi's feet: Chachi, aaj samajh mein aaya aurat ko Devi kyun kehtey hain! Aapney ek hi pal mein uss admi ko maaf kar diya jisney aapki zindagi barbaad kee thi. Aap sach mein mahaan hain.
Gargi smiled sadly, touching his head in blessing : Mujhey mahaan mat kaho, Beta. Main toh buss ek Maa hoon. Dilip ne merey saath jo bhi kiya ho, usney merey damad ki jaan bachakar mujhpar bahut ehsaan kiya hai. Ab meri zindagi mein rakha hi kya hai, main buss tum dono ko khush aur surakshit dekhna chahti hoon.
Merey bhagya mein Somu ka saath nahin likha tha, magar tum dono ko ek saath dekhkar mera jeevan sampurna ho gaya hai. Aur ab toh mera ghar ujala karney ke liye ek nanha sa farishta aa raha hai, mujhey aur kya chahiye?
Shetty's criminal record was dug up. It seemed he had a history of violence. Before killing Somu he had been a junior employee in Khanna Industries. CID concluded that he had killed Somu in a fit of rage because of some old grudge. After returning to Mumbai, Shetty had become a small time crook and addicted gambler. He bet on horse races and sports events and when he lost money, he used to take "suparis" for businessmen or socialites. Somu had been his first victim, after that he had developed a taste for bloodshed and made it his profession.
Angad had disturbed a serpent in his lair. He came to Kolkata to strike back at Angad and finish him off.
CID didn't find out about the blackmail money or Dilip's complicity in the case. Shetty was cremated, the case was closed!
Kripa was discharged after 2 days when her blood pressure stabilized. She did not go back to their flat. Angad would be busy at the hospital, she couldn't stay there alone. There was nobody in Khanna House to look after her health either, as Dadi herself had fallen ill after hearing about Dilip's condition.
Angad sent her to Bhowanipur for a month. Her two mothers were delighted! They fussed over her, mollycoddled her, made her special dishes, took care of her morning sickness, took her to the doctor for check-ups, etc. Mishti and Kartik were also very excited about being prospective Mashi and Mama. Didu gave her old-fashioned advice about the baby. They all cherished every single day with her back home in her "Baaper badi".
Angad had a hectic time, single-handedly looking after business matters, running to the Hospital everyday, taking care of Naina in her emotional stress. But he called every night to sweet-talk with his pregnant wife and sometimes dropped in for dinner with his in-laws, just to see his beloved.
It was a bittersweet time for both as they went through a very difficult period, yet with the silver lining of the little bundle of joy growing everyday in Kripa's womb, the symbol of their undying love!
When Dilip's condition had improved, Angad took Kripa home to Khanna house.
Naina performed Aarti at the door, greeting her fondly: Aao, Bahu, andar aao! Apney ghar mein kadam rakho.
Dadi welcomed her with open arms: Main kabsey teri raah dekh rahi hoon. Ab ho gaya naa honeymoon khatam? ā¦she twinkled at the blushing pair.
After 2 more months of physiotherapy and treatments, Dilip came home from the hospital. Naina hired a full-time Ayah to look after Dilip and a servant was assigned to wheel him around.
An in-house lift was installed to transport the crippled Dilip in his wheelchair. Naina had curtailed her social activities greatly, she only attended fundraisers for charitable causes.
Ashutosh went back to the States after promising Angad he would return the following summer to make a CD album of their songs. Akshat and Alekh continued their respective businesses, but kept up their jamming sessions with Angad on those weekends when Alekh was in town.
Mishti and Alekh were a very much in love couple. Whenever he was in town, both went for dates, to the movies, to nightclubs and restaurants.
At one such dinner outing at Peter Cat, they came face to face with her pastā¦.JOSH!
As usual, he was sozzled, leering at all the women. He had put on weight, had bags under his eyes, looked utterly debauched, had one arm wrapped around his latest bimbo. Mishti paled and stiffened.
Josh spotted her and started his trash-talk as usual: Hey Mish Baby! How are you? Is that your latest boyfriend? He looks cool, I have to say ur taste has improved! Acchha kiya, jo uss khadoos Shabbir ko dump kar diya. Do u miss me, Babe? I miss you, we had some good times together, didn't we? ā¦he sniggered suggestively.
Alekh knew all about Josh, Mishti had told him.
His peaceful Buddha's eyes studied Josh solemnly, like he was a particularly strange specimen. He didn't loose his cool, but spoke up: Hello, Mr. Josh I believe? Im Mishti's fiance, Alekh, and we are getting married next year. I hope u can attend the wedding. I will send u a card.
Josh was too taken aback at his calm reply, he stared dumbfounded as Alekh smiled: Goodbye, Mr. Josh. Have a nice life! And brushed past him, holding a shaking Mishti with his other hand.
Mishti was shaking, not with distress, but withā¦.yes, with laughter. As soon as they were outside, she burst out laughing: Oh Alekh, did u see his face when u said u will send him a card? Priceless! Ufff! Youre too good!
I know! ā¦Alekh smiled calmly: Now lets go get some ice-cream.
Kartik-Aliyah's engagement party was held with great dhoom-dhaam at the Grand Hotel Ballroom. Her parents flew in for the ceremony and showered their daughter and damaad with expensive gifts!
The cute couple exchanged diamond rings and partied all night long with their siblings and cousins to pulsating music. Angad and Kripa danced to the slow numbers, glued to each other, with their baby nestled in between.
A visibly pregnant Kripa attended the ensuing wedding in December.
But she couldn't fly to Darjeeling for the Reception as her doctor had advised against air travel. Angad, Kripa and Dilip stayed back while the rest of Basus and Khannas went to Darjeeling for the Reception. Kartik and Aliyah went for their honeymoon to Mauritius.
Aliyah joined Indian Express as a reporter after graduating with honors in Journalism. She covered politics and government news.
Angad had taken over the reins of Khanna Industries since Dilip's hospitalization! He was at loggerheads with the greedy Board members everyday. They refused to pay off the workers compensations, refused to improve working conditions in Uttarpada factory, to invest in new machinery and technology. Angad was very frustrated and decided to sell off the company to stave off the losses incurred by his chemical factories.
But Dadi was horrified when she heard about it!
Terey Dadajee ne apna khoon-pasina bahaakar wo karkhaney shuru kiye the! Aur tu unhey ajnabiyon ke haathon bech dega? Issey unkey atma ko bahut chot pahunchegi. Main vintee karti hoon aisa mat karna, Beta.
Angad changed his mind and started searching for investors to fund his factories. When Kartik heard about it, he offered to help. He roped in Raj and some rich friends to buy off the shares from the Board members. In return Kartik and Raj were made VPs of the company and Angad handed over major responsibilities to them. So now Kartik was part of the family and the business too. Angad gave him a company flat where he shifted with his new wife Aliyah. The factories slowly started flourishing under Kartik's expert management and Angad's righteous ownership.
Now Angad had a lot of free time to devote to his pregnant wife, the upcoming studio and his music. He and his bandmates started working on their debut album, due to be launched next year. It was tentatively titled: Black Lightning!
Kripa continued attending her dance classes in a supervisor's role. Rakhi and Chandra were expert teachers now and needed very little guidance. Kripa's role was to plan and execute Puja functions and stage performances which she could continue doing till her delivery.
Finally in March next year, Kripa gave birth to a baby girl, whom they named Aditi!
She was the most beautiful little baby ever seen!
At least her doting father, 3 grandmothers, 2 great-grandmothers, 2 grandfathers, numerous adoring aunts and uncles thought so.
She had the cutest dimples, the loveliest brown eyes, thick dark hair, and the softest, creamiest baby skin ever! She had inherited both Gargi's and Kripa's beauty doubled in her little self. Only her light brown eyes were inherited from her dad.
Angad couldn't stop admiring his "Little Princess" all the time!
Kripa laughed and teased him: Ab Aditi bhi tumhari Princess hai?
Angad winked and kissed her mouth: Haan, aur tum merey dil ki Raani ho! Iss pyari si Rajkumari ke liye bahut shukriya, Rani Sahiba!ā¦he rocked his baby daughter in his arms with a heavenly smile.
She giggled: Thanks toh mujhey kehna chahiye, iss birthday gift ke liye.
He looked up, startled: Are u sure?
She blushed: Dates ke anusaar, I think soā¦.
He grinned happily: Ab agley janamdin per bhi aisa hi ek tohfa doongaā¦
KHABARDAAR! ā¦she gasped and slapped his arm. Ab aur nahin, Buss!
He looked mortified: Whats this, Sweetheart? Sirf Ek? Tum toh do ke liye raazi ho gayi thi?
Abhi nahin, okay? Baad mein sochungi!ā¦she laughed at his rueful expressions.
Sheba the cat was transferred to Gargi's flat since Naina wouldn't allow a pet in her gleaming mansion. Besides it might be harmful for the newborn baby. Gargi gladly adopted the cute kitty and even Didu grew fond of the little pet.
Dilip's personality had changed drastically after his near brush with death. He was more mellowed and humble, also because now he was completely helpless and dependant on his family, he appreciated them more then before. He doted on his little granddaughter when she came home from the hospital, with a ceremonial Puja held by Dadi.
He had finally come to terms with his guilt and repented his lifelong hatred of Gargi and his involvement in his brother's early demise.
Dadi had begged Gargi to come live in Khanna House: Bahu, ab toh tum ghar aa jaao, tumhari poti bhi aa gayi hai. Tum ghar aaogi toh mera parivaar sampurn ho jayega.
But Gargi politely refused: Maa Jee, yahan meri Maa beemar hain, unko meri zaroorat hai. Main unko kaisey akeli chhodkar jaungi?
Dadi offered: Samdhan Jee ko bhi saath lekar aao. Hum dono vriddhaa khoob baatein karengey puraney zamaney kee.
Gargi smiled and shook her head : Kaash wo raazi hoti, lekin wo puraney khayalat ki hain, apney beti ki sasural mein rehna pasand nahin karengi.
Dadi was disappointed but she didn't realize the actual reason for Gargi's refusal. How could she live in the same house with the man who had been responsible for her Somu's death? Who had once lusted after her? He might have changed for the better but the old wounds would never fade and she didn't want her bitterness to affect her daughter's new home.
After Kartik and Aliyah moved out of the flat, Gayatri insisted Gargi and Didu live with them. 2 bedrooms were lying vacant after Kartik and Kripa left . Mishti was also getting married that year. Gargi agreed and moved in with her Didi and Jamaibabu.
Didu spent the last 3 years of her life with both her daughters and died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 82.
Mishti completed her medical studies and became Dr. Mishti Basu. She celebrated her graduation with her family and friends at Calcutta Club. Later that year, she and Alekh got married, and went for their honeymoon to Goa.
A year later, she gave birth to a little boy whom she named Abhishek.
Kartik and Aliyah had a daughter the same year, they named her Krittika.
Sargam Studios was completed 3 months after Aditi's birth. They had a gala inauguration, Angad invited all the bigwigs of Tollygunge Entertainment Industry. Kripa cut the ribbon while both families proudly observed and applauded.
As they entered the brand new studio with its dance school annexe, Kripa looked up at her husband. They smiled lovingly at each other. This was where they had met for the first time that night, in the dark, unseen adversaries, meant to be lovers. They were each other's destiny and had fulfilled each other's dreams of happiness.
Now their lives were complete!
The new studio was a huge success as Angad had anticipated. With the growth of TV industry, the studio was always booked 24/7, 365 days a year for dubbing, recording. Both Sur and Sargam flourished and brought in fat profits.
Kripa's Dance school grew rapidly in its brand new location, students flocked for admission in Om Namah. Its gleaming floors, huge dance halls, mirrored walls, and dedicated teachers made it famous in dance circles. Soon they had 200+ students and still growing.
Kripa soon lost her pregnancy weight and started dancing again. She and her students performed dance dramas on local television, at Puja functions and even got a chance to perform at All India Dance Competition in Delhi. They came in 3rd position and received medals and certificates.
Prithvi got his first break in playback singing in Mumbai. He moved there to get away from his dominating mother, but returned later to marry Harshini and took her with him.
Raj and Anitah started dating soon after he became Vice-President of Khanna Industries. Naina was delighted to get such an good match for her spoilt daughter. They got married a year later with a lot of pomp and ceremony befitting two affluent families.
Alekh moved back to Kolkata and started a software company with Angad and Kartik's help. Mishti joined PG Hospital as an intern. They moved into a small rented flat in Tollygunge.
Four years later, Angad started nagging Kripa to have a Bittu or Pappu or Guddi. He wanted another kid to give company to his Princess.
Mishti also joined in the chorus: Shona, ab aur kitni der wait karegi? Merey Abhi ko ek khelney ka saathi de naaā¦Aditi toh Kriti ke saath khelti hai, please sun le meri baatā¦.
Didi, TUM BHI? ..Kripa glared at her sister: Ufffff! Tum log mujhey dancing se retire karvakar dum logey!
Angad argued: Dance chhodney ko kaun keh raha hai? Baad mein phir seā¦
Kripa bristled angrily: Tum kya samjhogey baby weight ghataana kitna mushkil kaam hai? Tumhari peit aaj tak kabhie 11 inch badhi hai?
But she relented when Dadi also started emotional blackmailing for a second one: Beti, main kab hoon, kab nahin, kya pata? Ab mujhey parpotey ka mooh dikha bhi de.
Kripa raised her eyebrows : Lekin Dadi, agar parpoti huyi toh?
Dadi smiled complacently : Phir toh aur bhi achha, ghar mein do do Lakshmi rehney se dhan daulat ki anant barsaat hogi. Dekha naa, meri laadli ke aatey hi sab kuchh shubh honay laga hai?
Kripa became pregnant again and had a baby boy that year. They named him Aarush! There was joy and celebration in both houses. Dadi was overjoyed! Aarush was utterly adorable with fuzzy brown hair, dark eyes and his father's aquiline features.
But the little guy had a quick temper, and wailed loudly with a red face and surprisingly deep voice when he wanted to be fed.
Angad addressed his hollering son one day : Beta, tumhara gussa bilkul tumharey Maa per gaya hai. Wahi gussey se laal chehra, wahi tevar! Wo teekhi mirchi hai, tum Laal mirch ho.
Kripa punched him angrily and rolled her eyes as she picked up her baby from the crib : Aa-haa haa! Jaisey iska baap saadhu mahapurush hai! Tumko toh kabhie gussa aata hi nahin, hai naa? Bhool gaye kya, kaisey ladtey the mujhsey?
He grinned and shook his head, avidly watching her breastfeed the baby : Nope! I am the cool one, like my Princess. Sirf mirchi khaata hoon toh garam ho jaata hoonā¦
She blushed at the heated look in his eyes and gave him a sidelong glance : Isshhh! Jhootha kahinka!
Aditi and Aarush grew up in Khanna house, amidst all the love, affection and affluence deserved by a Prince and Princess.
Shabbir was Godfather to both Angad's children and visited them often with gifts and candy. He was named "Chocolate Uncle" by the two kids.
He was completely involved with NGOs and social upliftment of women and children, especially victims of rape and domestic violence.
Angad and Shabbir remained close friends inspite of their diverse interests.
Gargi moved into Khanna House after her mother's demise. She devoted herself to her two grandkids and helping Dadi in her Puja-Paath. She felt more than ever that Somu's spirit was present amidst them, that he was watching and rejoicing at her newfound family.
She and Dilip avoided each other as much as they could. Naina accepted and welcomed Gargi gladly as she never interfered in household matters. Teddy and his wife had a son and daughter as well.
Anitah also had a baby boy next year, named Ranveer. Raj and Anitah lived in their lavish house in Salt Lake.
The 4 Aces reunited for summer concerts every other year when Ashu was in town. Their debut album did fairly well and sold 200,000 copies in India and abroad.
Kripa was very proud of her husband's success in music. She was happy that he had fulfilled his dreams of being a musician and done his duty as Khanna Industries heir as well by preserving and improving their Chemical factories.
Angad was the happiest man on earth. With his red hot chili pepper wife and his two lovely kids, his music and electric guitar, what more could a man ask for?
Hey Shonaā¦.hey shonaā¦
(Watch this wonderfully romantic A-K vdo mix by the extremely talented editor/ VM maker, Ashu/ pinkbunnies and say "au revoir" to teekhi mirchi Kripa and her dauntless lover Angad)
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