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Delcy
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Angad-Kripa#1
Sama
mars
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THE GHOST AND MRS. KHANNA'..A HAUNTED HONEYMOON!
Plot: Angad and Kripa Khanna, a newly married couple move from Manhattan into a stately old Victorian house by the sea on the southern shore of Long Island. They are renting it for a prolonged honeymoon with option to buy when the lease gets over in 6 months. Both are thrilled with the size of the mansion and its affordable rent. What they don't know yet'.there are other unseen inhabitants of the old house, who will soon make their presence felt. BOO! đ
Most old houses have a history! The people who lived in them, who died there, the events that took place, joyful, tragic or terrible, linger on inside its walls. They leave an imprint, like an echo or reverberation from the past. Every house has a soul, a spirit! Some are pure, some impure; some inviting, some menacing, some welcoming, some hostile.
This story is inspired by the numerous haunted houses of Long Island, accompanied by the legends of their habitant ghosts or demons! The infamous "Amityville Horror" house is located on the south shore of Long Island as well!
Some of the events are taken from real life experiences of my own family members and friends.
So sit back, hold on to ur seats and venture into the realms of the unknown in this psychological romantic thriller!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL OF YOU! đ
Ch. 1
The white moving van sped down Southern Parkway towards Bayside, a picturesque seaside town on the south shore of Long Island.
Mrs. Kripa Khanna, 23 leaned back in her passenger seat and glanced at her handsome hunk of a husband Angad, driving the van effortlessly.
It was a warm summer afternoon in early July. The driver side window was partially open, the wind rushed in at 70 miles per hour, ruffling his wavy hair and open at the neck Polo t-shirt. His tanned, brawny arms gripped the steering wheel, muscles rippling and gleaming in the bright sunlight as he turned the wheel along the curves.
As always, her heart turned a little somersault, giddy with stirrings of love. It was the same as when she had seen him the first time at her friend's wedding in Nainital, when their eyes had met across a crowded wedding mandap! That was all it took to know he was the one meant for her, her dream guy! Now they have been married for 3 months and could never get enough of each other! Angad's friends called them the Chipkoo couple!
Kripa adored her husband silently, feeling she was the luckiest girl in the world to have such a husband who loved and cared for her selflessly.
He felt her gaze and glanced at her, with a quick grin and wink: Excited?
She nodded with a beatific smile: Extremely! Moving into our first house! It's a historic day!
He corrected her with a chuckle: Its only a 6 month lease right now, with option to buy! Lets see how this works out, if the commute is too bad, then'.he shrugged'..we will look somewhere closer to the City!
Of course! She agreed'.phir bhi 'yeh hamara pehla ghar hoga! Aur 'plus'.she smiled coquettishly: This will be our honeymoon too!
He laughed, delighted at the prospect: Yeah! Our long awaited honeymoon! I Cant wait for the sun and surf and swimsuits!
Needless to say, everyday had been a honeymoon of sorts in their furnished one bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan, learning little things about each other, making love in every possible place, getting cozy in the tiny living room in front of their solo 21" TV.
But now they will have a whole house to enjoy and share, a whole cornucopia of sunny beaches, crashing waves and fresh country air!
Angad had been too busy the last 3 months, catching up with work piling up during his India trip and hasty wedding! They didn't have a chance to go on a honeymoon, so this was their delayed one!
Well, better late than never!
Kripa sighed happily and looked out of the window at the trees rushing by, bright green and heavy with foliage. There seemed to be a wild profusion of trees and bushes, almost forest-like on either side of the road, aptly called a parkway. What a vast difference from the steel and concrete jungle of Manhattan, where the only piece of greenery was Central Park.
Kripa was born and brought up in the natural environs of Nainital and had felt stifled in the one-bedroom flat, with only brick walls surrounding them. That was why Angad had opted to move out to Long Island, to give his new bride the open spaces she was used to!
He worked in an investment bank in lower Manhattan. The commute would be more than an hour long but he wanted to move to the suburbs to start a family. He looked at Kripa, so pretty in a sleeveless yellow sundress, looking relaxed and happy! Anything for her and his future kids. Who knows, she might already be pregnant'.he glanced once more at her flat belly with macho confidence, then shook his head! Nope, not so soon! He wanted to enjoy their prolonged honeymoon before becoming parents!
They reached the quaint village of Bayside by late afternoon! Angad followed the road map and Realtor's directions and drove down to the seashore. A beach road ran parallel to the shoreline, with small summer cottages on the land side. A throng of people with kids and dogs were hanging out at the beach. They passed the crowded public beach and proceeded east on the beach road. When they reached a fork in the road, Angad hesitated.
Uss Realtor ne toh kaha tha seedha jaana hai, phir yeh doraha kahan se aa gaya? 'he pondered aloud.
Kripa suggested: Mr. Howard ko call karo naa, ask him which one to take, right or left?
Yeah, lets do that! Angad called the realtor but his phone was busy.
He swore irritably and looked around. There was a small shack, a seaside snackeria a few yards behind them. His eyes brightened as he reversed the van : Chalo, wahan jaakar poochhtey hain!
Angad went to the bored-looking man at the counter: Hello! Im looking for a house address, can u help me?
The man frowned at him in a hostile fashion: Which one?
Angad looked at his contract paper: Its called The Wilson House. Can u tell me, is it the right or left fork?
The shopkeeper's jaw dropped, a strange look came into his eyes: Wi'Wilson House?
Yes, yeah! That's what its called, I believe! Angad said impatiently.
Its'its on the right fork'.just'just follow the right one till you come to a 'a gully, cross the little bridge and u will see it!
Thank you! Angad smiled in appreciation. But the stuttering man hurriedly went inside his shack without replying.
Kya hua? Kripa asked him as Angad hopped back in the driver's seat: Wo aadmi ajeeb kyun dikh raha tha?
Angad shrugged with a chuckle: Shayad humein dekhkar darr gaya! He isnt used to seeing brown Asians in these parts. This aint Queens!
Ohh! Kripa's joy was slightly deflated. Did that mean the people here were hostile to Asians? She hoped not'..
They followed the directions and reached the gully which was a small river flowing into the sea. Crossing over the little concrete bridge, they reached a gravel driveway facing the ocean and '
THERE IT WAS!
A big, blue Victorian house loomed ahead, several yards back from the sea. The road ended right in front of the house as if it was the final destination!
Both of them got out of the car and stared at it. It was larger than they had expected. It was quite picturesque with graceful blue shuttered windows, ornately carved white front door, white pillars supporting a covered porch running along the front and sides. A white wicker set on the front porch added a new and welcoming touch.
Kripa exclaimed: Wow! Its BIG! And BLUE!
Angad laughed and draped an arm around her shoulder: No worry! Tum chaho toh isey pink banaa dengey! We can change everything, remodel, whatever! Only after we buy it, of course!
He had seen the house online and made an offer for it, a short lease with option to buy! He never had the time to come look at it but he had not even signed the lease yet. Today was everything, the Realtor would show them the house.
IF they liked it, they would sign the lease contract, get the keys and move in right away! If the house turned out bad, they would just return to their city apartment.
Angad exclaimed: Yeh Realtor kahan marr gaya?
He called the guy again and finally got him. Angad almost yelled at him: Whats the matter with you? We are already here and you are missing? Do u want to do this today or not?
Mr. Howard tried to placate the angry house-buyer: Im sorry, Mr. Khanna! I will be right there!
The realtor's car appeared within 5 minutes. Angad commented to Kripa: Lagta hai paas kisi gali mein so raha tha, itni jaldi kaisey aa gaya?
Mr. Howard was a portly, balding man with beady eyes and a smarmy smile. He rushed to greet them eagerly: Im sorry, Mr and Mrs Khanna! I was on my way here.
Its alright! Angad said curtly: Now please show us the house!
Mr Howard took out the keys with slightly nervous fingers and opened the big lock: You wont be disappointed, Mr. Khanna! Most of the original furniture is still there. You are getting a bargain here! Its cheaper than renting an apartment in this village!
Angad looked sharply at him with his piercing brown eyes: Why is it cheaper? Are there termites? Any water damage? Sinkholes? Animal infestation?
No Sir! None of that! 'the realtor was sweating bullets'... its been lying vacant so long'
Why? Angad shot out. Kripa pulled his arm slightly to tone him down.
Mr. Howard wrung his hands and gave a toothy smile: The house is slightly out of the way, some people don't like that'.that's why'and the housing market is down, Mr. Khanna, so u are getting a bargain!
I see! Angad jerked his leonine head upwards : Fine! Show us around.
Of course, come this way!
The realtor guided them around the house. It was simple yet elegant! The interior walls had been freshly painted'lead free paint, Howard informed them. The kitchen had all new appliances, dishwasher, microwave, oven, everything was brand new!
Downstairs, a cozy parlor led to a spacious formal living room, the kitchen adjoining a dining area, a pantry room, laundry room with again brand new washer-dryer. A broad staircase from the parlor went up to second floor, which boasted of a large master bedroom with attached bathroom, and two smaller bedrooms.
It was quite perfect! Angad smiled to himself, perfect for their two future kids! Even his discerning eye couldn't find any fault with the house or the rooms. It was old, built in 1950 but they had built it with great care and attention to detail. The fresh paint on the walls made it appear bright and cheerful and not dark and gloomy like most old houses. All the rooms were furnished with old, antique pieces which lent an added charm and elegance!
We will take it! 'he declared suddenly as Howard was extolling the virtues of the large walk-in closets in the bedroom.
Howard stopped his constant chatter and grinned, rubbing his palms gleefully: Very good! Excellent! And how about you, Mrs. Khanna?
Kripa looked dazed at the grandeur of her would-be home, she smiled widely: I LOVE it! Its Perfect!
Good! Good! Some more palm rubbing by Howard and out came the contract: Then if u please, Mr. Khanna, just sign on the dotted line and its yours for 6 months!
Angad rested the papers on a carved Queen Anne side table and signed quickly on all the pages.
Now the check please! Howard looked relieved like unloaded of a burden.
Angad took out a check for 3 months rent and handed it over. Kripa held her breath, thrilled that they finally got the house!
Howard thanked him profusely and handed over the keys: You will love it here, Mr. Khanna! You have your own beach too! I guarantee you will want to buy it at the end of your lease.
Angad smirked: That is yet to be seen! Thank u, Mr. Howard.
Howard shifted restlessly like an aged horse eager to return to its stable: And now, Mr. Khanna, if u need help moving in'.
We can manage! Angad said tersely. For some reason, he didn't like Howard although he loved the house!
Howard left in quite a hurry, tires screeching on the graveled driveway.
Angad opened the back of the van and started unloading the boxes that contained their major belongings.
Kripa moved closer and complained: Tumhey uska offer lena chahiye tha! He offered to help with all this. Ab yeh unloading tumhey khud karna padega!
Angad chuckled confidently with macho pride: Don't worry, sweetheart! Have faith in your Man!
He fisted both hands and flexed his biceps: Yeh dole shole sirf dikhaney ki cheez nahin, in mein kaafi taaqat hai!
Kripa laughed at his antics, then suddenly reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips on his cheek: Waah rey merey Pehelwaan! My Macho man!
He grinned with delight and tried to catch her in his arms but she slipped out with an impish smile!
He had that look in his eyes'.he touched his lips with index finger. Kripa shook her head teasingly.
His eyes narrowed dangerously like a predator's: Achha, theek hai! Raat ko vasool kar loonga apna kiss!
Kripa stuck out her tongue at him and ran into the house to set up her domain in the kitchen!
Angad shouted after her: Apney mazdoor pati ke liye ek cup garam chai toh bana do!
Pehley tum Kitchen ka box unload kar do!...she yelled back in return.
Dusk was creeping in over the island. Angad and Kripa sat on the porch in the quaint white wicker chairs and sipped strong masala tea. Their hands joined together as they admired the bayview, the setting sun over shifting waters and distant sail-boats!
Kitni shanti hai naa yahan per? Kripa sighed out.
Yeah, its very peaceful! Lekin dekhna kuchh din baad yeh shanti kahin boredom mein badal naa jaye! 'he predicted astutely.
Agar aisa hua toh main bhi yahan koi job dhoond loongi aas paas!
Angad smiled but didn't comment on that! Kripa was too naive and innocent in worldly matters.
Angad got busy fixing lights in all the rooms as darkness fell around them. Kripa retired to the kitchen to fix dinner.
It was while she was washing the cooking pots that she got the whiff of a sweet feminine perfume! It smelled of some exotic flower'..lilac? sweetpea? Violets?
Kitni meethi sugandh hai! Kahan se aa rahi hai? Shayad baahar koi phoolon ka ped ho?
She stuck her head out of the kitchen window to peer into the gathering darkness. There didn't seem to be any flowering shrub or plant nearby. Only the sound of chirping crickets, whistling sea breeze and tinkle of wind chimes on the porch greeted her!
She shook her head and went back to her task of preparing dinner.
After a satisfying comfort meal of Rajma-chawal and dahi, Angad rested his feet up on the coffee table and draped his arm around his petite wife!
Kripa looked surprised at the empty space where the TV was supposed to be: Tumney yahan TV nahin lagaya?
TV upar bedroom mein lagaya hai! Yahan, right here'..I am going to get a 50 inch plasma!
He jumped up excitedly and showed her the exact spot he was going to put his giant TV.
Kripa burst out laughing: Tum kya yahan TV dekhney aaye ho?
He turned around with hooded bedroom eyes: Main kisliye aaya hoon dikha doon?
Their eyes met, sending intimate messages with racing pulse and pounding hearts. Kripa felt the familiar weakness in her knees at her lover's call. She backed away with a suggestive smile, he advanced with a predatory look.
He caught her near the stairs, hauled her on his shoulder like a caveman and carried her upstairs, squealing and laughing, to the master bedroom. He threw her on the bed and lunged on her'..his heavy frame knocking her breathless. His lips swooped down on her tender ones, silencing her laughter, kissing her senseless, till she surrendered completely to his raging desire!
Kripa woke up in the middle of the night! The room was surprisingly cold for a summer night! She was freezing! She extracted her bare limbs from Angad's embrace and got up to put on her nightgown!
She suddenly heard it! A low, moaning sound!
She froze! Her hackles rose, goosebumps appeared on her skin! What was that unearthly sound? It was a long, distressful moan, like a cry of misery! It seemed to be coming from the Hallway outside the bedroom! Or was it from the stairwell? She put on her nightgown amidst shivers of cold and fright! What was that sound? She was too scared to go out alone to investigate its origin.
She turned to Angad and shook him gently. Angad! 'she whispered urgently: Angad! Baahar koi hai! Koi ro raha hai!
Angad snored on, dead tired after a whole day of hard labor!
Kripa bit her lips'.she didn't want to wake him but '.that noise! It was curdling her blood, turning it to ice! She had to find out!
She shook Angad again: Angad! Please, utho naa! Baahar koi awaaz aa rahi hai! Dekho naa kahin koi chor ghus aaya'.
That woke him up! He sat up, wide awake, looking alarmed!
Kya? Kahan?
Baahar! Corridor mein'..Kripa's lips trembled in fright'..kisikey roney karahney ki awaaz aa rahi hai!
Angad jumped up from bed and pulled on his pajamas, grabbed a flashlight and opened the door. Kripa clung to his arm and stuck to him like glue, following him fearfully.
He stepped out into the hallway leading to the stairwell and other 2 bedrooms'.he switched on the light he had installed earlier. But it wouldn't turn on! With a muffled curse, Angad shone the flashlight all around! There was nothing there!
Kripa realized the moaning had stopped! She shivered and stuck to Angad's warm body like a shield!
Angad turned to her: Yahan toh koi awaaz nahin! Everything is empty, silent! Kya sunaa tumney?
Kripa insisted: THA! Yahan kuchh tha! It was making this awful moaning, crying sounds!
Angad looked highly irritated and displeased!
He grumbled: Bewajah neend se jagaa diya! Khair, I think what u heard was the wind outside! Yahan samundar ke kinarey hawaa aur paani ke shor se aisi aawazein hoti hain! Its the sound effects of shore winds and ocean waves!
Ohhh! Kripa's mouth was a perfect O! His heart melted at once, he scooped her up in his hefty arms and carried her back to bed with a gruff tenderness: Now lets start where we had finished! Shall we?
He covered her body with his and whispered heatedly in her ears: Mujhey neend se jaganey ka jurmana bharna padega, Mrs. Khanna!
Kripa closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his bare torso, absorbing the latent heat of his body, letting it warm the chill in her bones and forget the eerie sound she had heard! The temperature of the room shifted, became warm again from the heat of passion of the newly married lovers!
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pallavi
All buddies in my list
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Part 3/ pg 11:
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Pt 20/ pg 97
PART 21/ PG 101
Epilogue:
THE GHOST AND MRS. KHANNA'..A HAUNTED HONEYMOON!
Plot: Angad and Kripa Khanna, a newly married couple move from Manhattan into a stately old Victorian house by the sea on the southern shore of Long Island. They are renting it for a prolonged honeymoon with option to buy when the lease gets over in 6 months. Both are thrilled with the size of the mansion and its affordable rent. What they don't know yet'.there are other unseen inhabitants of the old house, who will soon make their presence felt. BOO! đ
Most old houses have a history! The people who lived in them, who died there, the events that took place, joyful, tragic or terrible, linger on inside its walls. They leave an imprint, like an echo or reverberation from the past. Every house has a soul, a spirit! Some are pure, some impure; some inviting, some menacing, some welcoming, some hostile.
This story is inspired by the numerous haunted houses of Long Island, accompanied by the legends of their habitant ghosts or demons! The infamous "Amityville Horror" house is located on the south shore of Long Island as well!
Some of the events are taken from real life experiences of my own family members and friends.
So sit back, hold on to ur seats and venture into the realms of the unknown in this psychological romantic thriller!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL OF YOU! đ
Ch. 1
The white moving van sped down Southern Parkway towards Bayside, a picturesque seaside town on the south shore of Long Island.
Mrs. Kripa Khanna, 23 leaned back in her passenger seat and glanced at her handsome hunk of a husband Angad, driving the van effortlessly.
It was a warm summer afternoon in early July. The driver side window was partially open, the wind rushed in at 70 miles per hour, ruffling his wavy hair and open at the neck Polo t-shirt. His tanned, brawny arms gripped the steering wheel, muscles rippling and gleaming in the bright sunlight as he turned the wheel along the curves.
As always, her heart turned a little somersault, giddy with stirrings of love. It was the same as when she had seen him the first time at her friend's wedding in Nainital, when their eyes had met across a crowded wedding mandap! That was all it took to know he was the one meant for her, her dream guy! Now they have been married for 3 months and could never get enough of each other! Angad's friends called them the Chipkoo couple!
Kripa adored her husband silently, feeling she was the luckiest girl in the world to have such a husband who loved and cared for her selflessly.
He felt her gaze and glanced at her, with a quick grin and wink: Excited?
She nodded with a beatific smile: Extremely! Moving into our first house! It's a historic day!
He corrected her with a chuckle: Its only a 6 month lease right now, with option to buy! Lets see how this works out, if the commute is too bad, then'.he shrugged'..we will look somewhere closer to the City!
Of course! She agreed'.phir bhi 'yeh hamara pehla ghar hoga! Aur 'plus'.she smiled coquettishly: This will be our honeymoon too!
He laughed, delighted at the prospect: Yeah! Our long awaited honeymoon! I Cant wait for the sun and surf and swimsuits!
Needless to say, everyday had been a honeymoon of sorts in their furnished one bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan, learning little things about each other, making love in every possible place, getting cozy in the tiny living room in front of their solo 21" TV.
But now they will have a whole house to enjoy and share, a whole cornucopia of sunny beaches, crashing waves and fresh country air!
Angad had been too busy the last 3 months, catching up with work piling up during his India trip and hasty wedding! They didn't have a chance to go on a honeymoon, so this was their delayed one!
Well, better late than never!
Kripa sighed happily and looked out of the window at the trees rushing by, bright green and heavy with foliage. There seemed to be a wild profusion of trees and bushes, almost forest-like on either side of the road, aptly called a parkway. What a vast difference from the steel and concrete jungle of Manhattan, where the only piece of greenery was Central Park.
Kripa was born and brought up in the natural environs of Nainital and had felt stifled in the one-bedroom flat, with only brick walls surrounding them. That was why Angad had opted to move out to Long Island, to give his new bride the open spaces she was used to!
He worked in an investment bank in lower Manhattan. The commute would be more than an hour long but he wanted to move to the suburbs to start a family. He looked at Kripa, so pretty in a sleeveless yellow sundress, looking relaxed and happy! Anything for her and his future kids. Who knows, she might already be pregnant'.he glanced once more at her flat belly with macho confidence, then shook his head! Nope, not so soon! He wanted to enjoy their prolonged honeymoon before becoming parents!
They reached the quaint village of Bayside by late afternoon! Angad followed the road map and Realtor's directions and drove down to the seashore. A beach road ran parallel to the shoreline, with small summer cottages on the land side. A throng of people with kids and dogs were hanging out at the beach. They passed the crowded public beach and proceeded east on the beach road. When they reached a fork in the road, Angad hesitated.
Uss Realtor ne toh kaha tha seedha jaana hai, phir yeh doraha kahan se aa gaya? 'he pondered aloud.
Kripa suggested: Mr. Howard ko call karo naa, ask him which one to take, right or left?
Yeah, lets do that! Angad called the realtor but his phone was busy.
He swore irritably and looked around. There was a small shack, a seaside snackeria a few yards behind them. His eyes brightened as he reversed the van : Chalo, wahan jaakar poochhtey hain!
Angad went to the bored-looking man at the counter: Hello! Im looking for a house address, can u help me?
The man frowned at him in a hostile fashion: Which one?
Angad looked at his contract paper: Its called The Wilson House. Can u tell me, is it the right or left fork?
The shopkeeper's jaw dropped, a strange look came into his eyes: Wi'Wilson House?
Yes, yeah! That's what its called, I believe! Angad said impatiently.
Its'its on the right fork'.just'just follow the right one till you come to a 'a gully, cross the little bridge and u will see it!
Thank you! Angad smiled in appreciation. But the stuttering man hurriedly went inside his shack without replying.
Kya hua? Kripa asked him as Angad hopped back in the driver's seat: Wo aadmi ajeeb kyun dikh raha tha?
Angad shrugged with a chuckle: Shayad humein dekhkar darr gaya! He isnt used to seeing brown Asians in these parts. This aint Queens!
Ohh! Kripa's joy was slightly deflated. Did that mean the people here were hostile to Asians? She hoped not'..
They followed the directions and reached the gully which was a small river flowing into the sea. Crossing over the little concrete bridge, they reached a gravel driveway facing the ocean and '
THERE IT WAS!
A big, blue Victorian house loomed ahead, several yards back from the sea. The road ended right in front of the house as if it was the final destination!
Both of them got out of the car and stared at it. It was larger than they had expected. It was quite picturesque with graceful blue shuttered windows, ornately carved white front door, white pillars supporting a covered porch running along the front and sides. A white wicker set on the front porch added a new and welcoming touch.
Kripa exclaimed: Wow! Its BIG! And BLUE!
Angad laughed and draped an arm around her shoulder: No worry! Tum chaho toh isey pink banaa dengey! We can change everything, remodel, whatever! Only after we buy it, of course!
He had seen the house online and made an offer for it, a short lease with option to buy! He never had the time to come look at it but he had not even signed the lease yet. Today was everything, the Realtor would show them the house.
IF they liked it, they would sign the lease contract, get the keys and move in right away! If the house turned out bad, they would just return to their city apartment.
Angad exclaimed: Yeh Realtor kahan marr gaya?
He called the guy again and finally got him. Angad almost yelled at him: Whats the matter with you? We are already here and you are missing? Do u want to do this today or not?
Mr. Howard tried to placate the angry house-buyer: Im sorry, Mr. Khanna! I will be right there!
The realtor's car appeared within 5 minutes. Angad commented to Kripa: Lagta hai paas kisi gali mein so raha tha, itni jaldi kaisey aa gaya?
Mr. Howard was a portly, balding man with beady eyes and a smarmy smile. He rushed to greet them eagerly: Im sorry, Mr and Mrs Khanna! I was on my way here.
Its alright! Angad said curtly: Now please show us the house!
Mr Howard took out the keys with slightly nervous fingers and opened the big lock: You wont be disappointed, Mr. Khanna! Most of the original furniture is still there. You are getting a bargain here! Its cheaper than renting an apartment in this village!
Angad looked sharply at him with his piercing brown eyes: Why is it cheaper? Are there termites? Any water damage? Sinkholes? Animal infestation?
No Sir! None of that! 'the realtor was sweating bullets'... its been lying vacant so long'
Why? Angad shot out. Kripa pulled his arm slightly to tone him down.
Mr. Howard wrung his hands and gave a toothy smile: The house is slightly out of the way, some people don't like that'.that's why'and the housing market is down, Mr. Khanna, so u are getting a bargain!
I see! Angad jerked his leonine head upwards : Fine! Show us around.
Of course, come this way!
The realtor guided them around the house. It was simple yet elegant! The interior walls had been freshly painted'lead free paint, Howard informed them. The kitchen had all new appliances, dishwasher, microwave, oven, everything was brand new!
Downstairs, a cozy parlor led to a spacious formal living room, the kitchen adjoining a dining area, a pantry room, laundry room with again brand new washer-dryer. A broad staircase from the parlor went up to second floor, which boasted of a large master bedroom with attached bathroom, and two smaller bedrooms.
It was quite perfect! Angad smiled to himself, perfect for their two future kids! Even his discerning eye couldn't find any fault with the house or the rooms. It was old, built in 1950 but they had built it with great care and attention to detail. The fresh paint on the walls made it appear bright and cheerful and not dark and gloomy like most old houses. All the rooms were furnished with old, antique pieces which lent an added charm and elegance!
We will take it! 'he declared suddenly as Howard was extolling the virtues of the large walk-in closets in the bedroom.
Howard stopped his constant chatter and grinned, rubbing his palms gleefully: Very good! Excellent! And how about you, Mrs. Khanna?
Kripa looked dazed at the grandeur of her would-be home, she smiled widely: I LOVE it! Its Perfect!
Good! Good! Some more palm rubbing by Howard and out came the contract: Then if u please, Mr. Khanna, just sign on the dotted line and its yours for 6 months!
Angad rested the papers on a carved Queen Anne side table and signed quickly on all the pages.
Now the check please! Howard looked relieved like unloaded of a burden.
Angad took out a check for 3 months rent and handed it over. Kripa held her breath, thrilled that they finally got the house!
Howard thanked him profusely and handed over the keys: You will love it here, Mr. Khanna! You have your own beach too! I guarantee you will want to buy it at the end of your lease.
Angad smirked: That is yet to be seen! Thank u, Mr. Howard.
Howard shifted restlessly like an aged horse eager to return to its stable: And now, Mr. Khanna, if u need help moving in'.
We can manage! Angad said tersely. For some reason, he didn't like Howard although he loved the house!
Howard left in quite a hurry, tires screeching on the graveled driveway.
Angad opened the back of the van and started unloading the boxes that contained their major belongings.
Kripa moved closer and complained: Tumhey uska offer lena chahiye tha! He offered to help with all this. Ab yeh unloading tumhey khud karna padega!
Angad chuckled confidently with macho pride: Don't worry, sweetheart! Have faith in your Man!
He fisted both hands and flexed his biceps: Yeh dole shole sirf dikhaney ki cheez nahin, in mein kaafi taaqat hai!
Kripa laughed at his antics, then suddenly reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips on his cheek: Waah rey merey Pehelwaan! My Macho man!
He grinned with delight and tried to catch her in his arms but she slipped out with an impish smile!
He had that look in his eyes'.he touched his lips with index finger. Kripa shook her head teasingly.
His eyes narrowed dangerously like a predator's: Achha, theek hai! Raat ko vasool kar loonga apna kiss!
Kripa stuck out her tongue at him and ran into the house to set up her domain in the kitchen!
Angad shouted after her: Apney mazdoor pati ke liye ek cup garam chai toh bana do!
Pehley tum Kitchen ka box unload kar do!...she yelled back in return.
Dusk was creeping in over the island. Angad and Kripa sat on the porch in the quaint white wicker chairs and sipped strong masala tea. Their hands joined together as they admired the bayview, the setting sun over shifting waters and distant sail-boats!
Kitni shanti hai naa yahan per? Kripa sighed out.
Yeah, its very peaceful! Lekin dekhna kuchh din baad yeh shanti kahin boredom mein badal naa jaye! 'he predicted astutely.
Agar aisa hua toh main bhi yahan koi job dhoond loongi aas paas!
Angad smiled but didn't comment on that! Kripa was too naive and innocent in worldly matters.
Angad got busy fixing lights in all the rooms as darkness fell around them. Kripa retired to the kitchen to fix dinner.
It was while she was washing the cooking pots that she got the whiff of a sweet feminine perfume! It smelled of some exotic flower'..lilac? sweetpea? Violets?
Kitni meethi sugandh hai! Kahan se aa rahi hai? Shayad baahar koi phoolon ka ped ho?
She stuck her head out of the kitchen window to peer into the gathering darkness. There didn't seem to be any flowering shrub or plant nearby. Only the sound of chirping crickets, whistling sea breeze and tinkle of wind chimes on the porch greeted her!
She shook her head and went back to her task of preparing dinner.
After a satisfying comfort meal of Rajma-chawal and dahi, Angad rested his feet up on the coffee table and draped his arm around his petite wife!
Kripa looked surprised at the empty space where the TV was supposed to be: Tumney yahan TV nahin lagaya?
TV upar bedroom mein lagaya hai! Yahan, right here'..I am going to get a 50 inch plasma!
He jumped up excitedly and showed her the exact spot he was going to put his giant TV.
Kripa burst out laughing: Tum kya yahan TV dekhney aaye ho?
He turned around with hooded bedroom eyes: Main kisliye aaya hoon dikha doon?
Their eyes met, sending intimate messages with racing pulse and pounding hearts. Kripa felt the familiar weakness in her knees at her lover's call. She backed away with a suggestive smile, he advanced with a predatory look.
He caught her near the stairs, hauled her on his shoulder like a caveman and carried her upstairs, squealing and laughing, to the master bedroom. He threw her on the bed and lunged on her'..his heavy frame knocking her breathless. His lips swooped down on her tender ones, silencing her laughter, kissing her senseless, till she surrendered completely to his raging desire!
Kripa woke up in the middle of the night! The room was surprisingly cold for a summer night! She was freezing! She extracted her bare limbs from Angad's embrace and got up to put on her nightgown!
She suddenly heard it! A low, moaning sound!
She froze! Her hackles rose, goosebumps appeared on her skin! What was that unearthly sound? It was a long, distressful moan, like a cry of misery! It seemed to be coming from the Hallway outside the bedroom! Or was it from the stairwell? She put on her nightgown amidst shivers of cold and fright! What was that sound? She was too scared to go out alone to investigate its origin.
She turned to Angad and shook him gently. Angad! 'she whispered urgently: Angad! Baahar koi hai! Koi ro raha hai!
Angad snored on, dead tired after a whole day of hard labor!
Kripa bit her lips'.she didn't want to wake him but '.that noise! It was curdling her blood, turning it to ice! She had to find out!
She shook Angad again: Angad! Please, utho naa! Baahar koi awaaz aa rahi hai! Dekho naa kahin koi chor ghus aaya'.
That woke him up! He sat up, wide awake, looking alarmed!
Kya? Kahan?
Baahar! Corridor mein'..Kripa's lips trembled in fright'..kisikey roney karahney ki awaaz aa rahi hai!
Angad jumped up from bed and pulled on his pajamas, grabbed a flashlight and opened the door. Kripa clung to his arm and stuck to him like glue, following him fearfully.
He stepped out into the hallway leading to the stairwell and other 2 bedrooms'.he switched on the light he had installed earlier. But it wouldn't turn on! With a muffled curse, Angad shone the flashlight all around! There was nothing there!
Kripa realized the moaning had stopped! She shivered and stuck to Angad's warm body like a shield!
Angad turned to her: Yahan toh koi awaaz nahin! Everything is empty, silent! Kya sunaa tumney?
Kripa insisted: THA! Yahan kuchh tha! It was making this awful moaning, crying sounds!
Angad looked highly irritated and displeased!
He grumbled: Bewajah neend se jagaa diya! Khair, I think what u heard was the wind outside! Yahan samundar ke kinarey hawaa aur paani ke shor se aisi aawazein hoti hain! Its the sound effects of shore winds and ocean waves!
Ohhh! Kripa's mouth was a perfect O! His heart melted at once, he scooped her up in his hefty arms and carried her back to bed with a gruff tenderness: Now lets start where we had finished! Shall we?
He covered her body with his and whispered heatedly in her ears: Mujhey neend se jaganey ka jurmana bharna padega, Mrs. Khanna!
Kripa closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his bare torso, absorbing the latent heat of his body, letting it warm the chill in her bones and forget the eerie sound she had heard! The temperature of the room shifted, became warm again from the heat of passion of the newly married lovers!
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