Chapter Five
"I'm so sorry Bhai" Kripa apologized as she rushed around looking for her bag "Because of me we're late to the Holi prayers"
Kavya sighed "stop panicking Kripa; we still have enough time to get there. I just hope Anjali doesn't get too upset" he mumbled quietly
"You should've gone Bhai, Papa would have stayed" she ducked behind her bed looking everywhere
"Kripa" He took a deep breath ducking next to her "What are you looking for?"
"My Bag" she answered with a frown looking here and there
"You mean the one on your bed" he asked picking up a brown leather look bag
"Yes" Kripa exclaimed taking hold of it "thank you so much Bhai" she muttered hanging the satchel like bag on her shoulder "Let me grab my shoes and I'll be down in a minute" she said opening her cupboard to do just that.
She had overslept thus was late getting ready for the Holi prayers. Of course Angad had been very sweet and let her borrow his IPod speakers the previous day but it came with a double dose of his teasing which had her very annoyed and flushed for the day.
His banter had been playing in her mind till late; as a result she woke up very late the next morning. There was barely 45 minutes left to the prayers when everyone realized Kripa hadn't come down and so no one had really bothered to wake her up until the last minute.
She felt absolutely guilty keeping Kavya waiting like this. She cursed Angad silently for being so annoying. If only he had kept to himself then she wouldn't be rushing around like a maniac. She knew Kavya was irritated but he wouldn't say it to her; so she would go and apologize to Anjali herself for being so late. She just hoped they weren't as late as she thought.
Anjali glanced at the door for the fifth time in the last half an hour. Where was Kavya? She frowned. He had promised to be the first to wish her from his family but he wasn't even here. She had kept aside to avoid being wished by anyone before him but it seemed impossible as she saw Nitya approach her.
Nitya smiled at her knowingly as Anjali watched her nervously "Kavya's on his way" she murmured leaning towards her ear "He shouldn't be long, he's coming with Kripa" Nitya assured.
Anjali nodded embarrassed, her long lashes lowered in shy. Nitya chuckled and leaned forward pressing a kiss to her forehead "Don't worry. He wanted to be on time. Kripa woke up late so he stayed back with her"
"Don't worry Aunty. We're here to give Anjali bhabhi company till Kavya Bhaiya comes" Sagar exclaimed watching Anjali with mischief "Of course after Bhai comes we'll leave the two to romance" he said shamelessly with a wink
Anjali gasped, a slight frown on her face "No need to act so innocent Anju" Angad teased walking towards her "We know your eager but a little patience will bring you sweeter romance" he teased
"Bhai" Anjali whacked Angad on his chest, crossing her arms with a slight pout
Angad laughed giving her a side hug then kissing her temple in affection "I'm joking" he murmured.
Nitya laughed and left the three to talk when she heard Roshini call for her
"By the way, where is Kavya?" Angad asked concerned
"He's late because of Kripa Di" Sagar complained "She woke up late so Kavya Bhai stayed back"
"Hmmm I see" Angad mumbled, a grin forming on his lips. They all turned towards the door as a gust of wind passed by "Finally you're here" he exclaimed "Anjali's really angry with you" Angad said placing his arm around her shoulder "and thus your verdict is you won't play Holi with her today" he said dramatically. Kavya chuckled while Anjali looked up at Angad with a frown. He grinned "What, I'm being supportive"
"Ha Ha" she answered with narrowed eyes then shook his shoulder off her
"I'm really sorry Anjali" Kripa apologized stepping forward "It's all my fault we're late. Bhai wanted to be here on time but I woke up late"
Anjali smiled softly "it's okay Kripa" she said embracing her "I'm not angry"
"Oof, Kripa" Angad said pulling her arm "Why are you wasting her time? We should leave them alone. Look at them, they're both glaring daggers at us" he shivered in playful fright "Let's leave the love birds to do their own business and we'll get on with ours" he teased lifting his brows suggestively
Kripa pushed his hand off her arm glaring at him "We have no business" she muttered annoyed. She turned towards Kavya and Anjali with a smile as the two looked back slightly flushed "I'm really sorry again, you two carry on. I'll go meet everyone else" she said before walking towards the elders for the blessing of the celebration.
Angad sighed with a grin following behind while the others laughed at their teasing banter.
"Honestly Prem, you should come visit Mukti more often" Angad's eyes twinkled with mischief "her English lectures can get pretty boring" he said rolling his eyes "but not everyone's as good as me; you know, always available for the ladies" he winked
Prem laughed punching his bulky arm "still the same I see"
"Yes still the same" Geet exclaimed "but a new victim"
"Poor girl" Prem said pitifully placing his arm around Mukti
"What poor girl? I know she enjoys it" Angad retorted his lips lifted to a corner "after all who wouldn't enjoy the attention of the Khanna" he said crossing his arms
"I've heard about her from Geet" Maan said stepping into the conversation "actually, to think about it I'm happy she's here. At least I don't have to worry about you flirting with Geet anymore" he said wrapping his arm around his wife possessively
"Maan" Geet pouted pushing his hands off her "that's just mean"
"No it's not; well sort of" he muttered when she glared at him
Angad laughed giving Geet a side hug "Oh come on Maan, you still know she loves me more" his eyes sparkled "After all I'm more handsome and I'm single" he raised his brows comically " and women just prefer the bachelors over you grumpy married men" he shrugged
"Oooh careful Angad" Prem warned amusingly "I think I just saw Maan flex muscles"
Angad left Geet immediately putting his hands up in surrender as his friends cackled.
His eyes wondered around the rather large but lush garden looking around to see what the others were doing. Kavya and Anjali stood to a corner near an aged tree all cozy and comfy. His lips compressed while a light frown appeared on his forehead. Of course they were engaged but they seemed too close for his comfort. The brother in him kicked up full gear then calmed down just as soon as his eyes landed on Kripa
She stood near the white garden gate set into the brick walls surrounding his Garden. She stood alone with a pretty smile playing on her lips as she watched everyone celebrate from afar. He grimaced, why was she standing away from everyone?
He turned to see where she was gazing. Karan had Gauri in a tight grip as he colored her cheeks red while she struggled laughing in merriment. He smiled himself upon seeing them then turned back to gaze at her.
She sensed his eyes on her and turned to look at him. He smiled wickedly, his eyes scanning her body. She straightened up immediately giving him a dirty look and looked away.
He sniggered and walked towards Sagar in amusement.
Sagar stood around with a few boys his age slightly bored. He looked around observing the others having fun amongst themselves, then his eyes fell on Kripa who stood to a side looking ready to bolt. He rolled his eyes shaking his head then turned when he heard Angad call for him
"Hmmm, what's up?" he asked glancing towards his parents
"Not much, just hanging about here and there" his eyes scanned his clothes "well your clothes are saying you're having fun but your face says something else" his said with raised brows.
Sagar chuckled looking down at his multicolored clothes then glanced at Angad's clothes which was covered in splotches of green, blue and red "Just a little bored" he wrinkled his nose looking around bored.
Angad laughed seeing his expression "you look like Kripa when you do that" he said pointing at his nose.
Sagar's eyebrows tucked together in a frown as looked at Angad disapprovingly "I do not look like Kripa"
"Yeah, yeah" Angad sighed putting his bulky arms around his shoulders "alright I understand you're bored because you barely know anyone here who is your age, but whys your sister standing to a side looking well" he paused looking for the right word "bored"
Sagar glanced at her then shook his head "she's not bored. Well she is but she isn't" Angad looked at him confused "She doesn't like color. She says she's allergic to it but I know she isn't. Trust me, if she was allergic I would have known"
"Oh" Angad perked "so she's just escaping the colors"
"Yeah" he shrugged "Holi colors take ages to wash off and that's obviously too much effort for her"
They walked towards the refreshments table while still talking "So? Why haven't you colored her yet if you know she's not allergic" Angad asked in curiosity
"Oh trust me. I've tried before but she got me in trouble. Mom and Dad were really angry. I got grounded for two weeks"
"Hmm" Angad's eyes glinted with mischief "how about we take care of her allergies?"
"No dude, you can do it alone. I don't want to be grounded again" Sagar answered with massive frown "and trust me, she won't let you color her"
"You wanna bet?" Angad said arrogantly gazing Kripas way
"The deals on" Sagar retorted in enthusiasm as he watched Angad walk towards the trays filled with color.
Anjali walked briskly towards Sagar flushed, Kavya a few steps behind smiling impishly. She had been angry at him for being late. Of course Kripa had apologized but teasing Kavya gave her a pleasure of its own. She smiled timidly, avoiding Kavya who was now catching up "Sagar" she exclaimed catching his attention "What are you doing here alone?" she questioned to cover up for her abrupt call.
Sagar raised his brow, a teasing glint in his eyes "nothing much. I see you and Kavya Bhai have been busy" he said glancing at the pink lipstick smudged around Kavya's mouth.
Kavya grinned looking down at Anjali, reaching for her hand "yeah, we've been busy" he mumbled
"Kavya" Anjali frowned nudging his arms "stop it"
Sagar shook his head smiling then tiptoed moving to a side to see how far Angad had progressed
Instinctively Kavya turned to look back at what Sagar was staring at. He grimaced "what's Angad doing?"
Anjali turned to see when she saw him standing next to Kripa, a teasing smile playing on his lips "Poor Kripa" she murmured "Bhai really needs to give her a break. I feel sorry for her"
Sagar laughed "I hope he wins" he muttered
Kavya turned back curious "Wins what?"
"Uhhh" he looked around nervously "ummm"
"What's he going to do?"
Sagar rolled his eyes "He's challenged me to color Kripa for Holi"
"I don't get it" Anjali mumbled baffled "that's what you do on Holi anyways"
"Naaa, Kripa Di doesn't like it so she tends to stay away. She tells everyone she has allergies. Angad Bhaiya just found out so he challenged me to get rid of her allergies"
"That's just mean" Anjali whined frowning
"Oh trust me, it will be hilarious" Sagar exclaimed, his eyes watching Angad very closely.
Meanwhile Angad ambled towards Kripa, a roguish grin playing on his lips. His fisted hands were hidden behind his back filled with green and Red powder. His eyes scanned the crowd to make sure no one noticed what he was going to do; his grin becoming bigger as he neared her.
Kripa stood near the white gate of the garden smiling as she watched her father color her mother's cheeks as she blushed averting her eyes here and there. Sure her father was hardly a romantic but it was sweet when he was.
She jerked at the feel of sturdy muscular arms surrounding her. She grimaced and turned to give the person a piece of her mind but stilled in shock when she saw Angad grinning down at her "Angad" she murmured
"Yes Angad. Who else would it be?" he said lifting his brows comically
Her nose scrunched as her frown deepened. She pushed on his arms to release herself then gasped when the red and green powder spilled on her clothes "Angad" she squealed "keep your hands away from me" she said stepping back
"Why?" Angad asked stepping closer "It's Holi, so I can do this anytime" he teased bringing his hands closer to her face.
She caught his hands midair "Angad I'm serious. I don't like Holi colors" she growled, her eyes constantly on his hands
"Oh come on Kripa. You were just standing here smiling at everyone and you won't participate. That's impossible" he pulled her closer when she stubbornly kept a firm grip on his hands
"Angad when I said I don't like Holi colors then why are you forcing me"
"Because it's stupid to not like Holi colors" he mumbled blowing hot air on her cheek "and plus it would fun to see your face afterwards" he ended playfully
"Well dream on Khanna" she muttered then pushed him as she ran a mile to escape his challenging eyes.
He stared after her in surprised then grinned wickedly "Oh I will Kripa, don't you worry about it" he mumbled running behind her, ready for the chase.
Soham giggled throwing the blue powder towards Sahil while Sahil stood with Green color spilling from his hands. They were playing tag with the Holi colors using the colors to avoid getting caught and duck for cover.
"Soham" Sahil yelled wiping the blue powder on his sleeve "I want a go as well"
Soham smiled "you have to catch me first" he's said running on the Lush emerald grass. Sahil pouted crossing his arms in anger as stood planted to same spot. Soham looked behind himself when the bubbly laughter was no longer heard. He saw Sahil rooted to his spot. He sighed walking towards Sahil to appease him "Sahil, why are you playing?"
Sahil grinned suddenly wiping the parrot green all over Soham's face "Got you" he cheered "I win"
"That's cheating" Soham whined rubbing his cheeks
Sahil laughed in response "Let's go play with the other boys" he said pointing towards a group of young teenagers "it'll be more fun"
"But I don't know them" Soham answered hesitantly "what if they don't let us play?"
"Oh they'll let us play. Don't worry I know them" Sahil said confidently pulling Soham along while Soham looked ahead with a frown.
Soon enough the boys had mingled with the other boys and started a game of Hide and seek.
"Shabbir, we're going to get caught" Aliya said looking here and there "Shabbir" she repeated hitting his shoulder while he nuzzled her neck in comfortable bliss
"What's the problem Aliya, we hardly get to see each other as it is" he complained pouting childishly
Aliya laughed at his cute pout touching his lips then stilled when she heard the back door open. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at Shabbir alert "Did you hear that?" she whispered
"What" his ears perked when he heard the door open again "Oh shit"
"Shabbir" she whispered whacking his chest
"Sorry" he mumbled looking around cautiously "come on" he took her hand slowly creeping towards the back door. He suddenly backed away when Kripa ran towards the kitchen followed closely with Angad's booming voice.
Angad ran behind Kripa grinning "There's no point running Kripa, I'm going to catch you"
Kripa turned back with a frown pouting "what's your problem?" she stepped back while his pace slowed
"You" he replied shrugging stepping closer "You make me lose my mind" he raised his brows, a grin playing on his lips.
"Angad seriously, enough is enough. You tease me at work, you tease me at home. Give me a break"
"Who said I was teasing you" he murmured inches away from her
"Angad" she heaved looking away while he smiled
Oh she was so cute he thought gazing at her while she looked anywhere but at him. She was indeed a beautiful creature. She looked beautiful dressed in the white cotton suit, her thick brown hair fell in waves around her shoulders, complimenting her rosy cheeks.
She was rather moody with him most of the time but then again, he couldn't help it, she really did make him lose his mind. He liked to watch her sometimes when she chatted amicably with Geet or Mukti or even with Anjali. Her nose scrunched in the cutest way when she didn't like something. Her lips curved into the most adorable smile when she was happy and the pout she gave when she saw him were a killer.
He sighed moving closer trapping her against the kitchen counter. Shabbir and Aliya took this chance to escape out of the backdoor, having witnessed the whole scene from there partial view.
Angad looked back at the sound of the backdoor then jerked when Kripa pushed him running towards the backdoor "Kripa" he yelled running behind her. He caught her by the backdoor. She struggled against him as his arms held her captive by her waist.
"Angad" she whined annoyed "leave me"
He smirked using his chance and smeared her face with Red color. Her face scrunched in disgust as she moved her face side to side trying to escape his invading hands. He laughed pressing her to the door using his other hands to color her clothes.
"Angad" she gasped when his hands brushed her chest "Angad please" her hands came up covering her chest "please" she whispered, tears framing her huge brown eyes.
Angad's laughter died, realization dawning upon him. His heart sped up at the sight of genuine tears in her eyes. He stepped back giving her a chance to escape.
Her lowered gaze lifted to his guilt ridden face, her heart doing a quick somersault feeling something very strange. Her hand lifted to wipe her cheek then she turned and escaped out of the backdoor.
Sagar sighed looking towards the huge brown backdoor of the Khanna house for the tenth time. He shook his head with slight smirk playing on his lips "Why are you all smiles?" Anjali asked watching him
"Nothing; just waiting for Angad Bhaiya to come back. I have a feeling he might just win this bet"
"Hmmm" Anjali looked thoughtful "for Kripa's sake I hope your wrong"
Sagar burst out in stupendous laughter at the sight of Kripa walking out of the door covered in Red and Green, a huge frown accompanying her "Oh wow. Angad Bhaiya really got her"
Anjali turned to look where Sagar gazed "Awww, poor Kripa" she shook her head "Angad's just plain mean" she muttered
"No" Sagar laughed in amusement "this is a classic moment. Kavya Bhaiya can I borrow your camera?" Sagar asked turning towards him
"No" Anjali refused "leave her alone"
Kavya chuckled pulling the camera out of his back pocket "here you go"
"Kavya" Anjali scolded "what did she ever do to you"
"Nothing; it's just funny" he shrugged grinning
Anjali's eyes narrowed "Men" she muttered. She turned towards Sagar to take the camera but he was already running behind Kripa to capture the comical moment.
"Anjali" Gauri called when she saw Anjali scowling "What's wrong?"
Anjali pointed towards the far end of the garden, near the rose bushes "Angad Bhaiya is so mean. Kripa doesn't like color. He made a bet with Sagar to color her when he found out and he actually did it as well" she looked towards Gauri "and now Sagar's gone to take a picture. I tell you, these boys have nothing but mean bones"
"Anju" Kavya laughed "you've got to admit, it is kind of funny"
"It's not" she mumbled, her lips twitching
"Oh come on. Look at her, she looks funny" he held her shoulders turning her towards the scene
She cracked a smile rolling her eyes "alright it's a little funny but I still think Angad Bhai and Sagar are mean"
Gauri chuckled at their tactics then looked back towards the scene. Kripa stood by the rose bush giving the boys a dirty look. Sagar held his big sister hostage while Angad held the camera with a cheeky grin.
She watched Angad and Kripa with a close eye. Although the two had a cover of a teasing banter she saw them exchange uncomfortable looks, like there was something more behind all the childish play. She sighed, there was definitely something going on.
Two days later Kripa walked into the barely full staffroom. Geet was busy gathering her things talking animatedly to Mukti who held a stack of books. Rajesh stood in the Kitchen chugging down a hot cup of coffee standing next to Angad who was all smiles.
Her gaze lowered when Angad caught her staring. He winked at her then smiled. She frowned glowering at him "Good morning" she greeted pasting a smile on her face
"Good morning" Geet replied "How are you?"
"I'm good" Kripa smiled opening her locker "What about you?"
"I'm great. Holi was really fun this year" Geet exclaimed "you should've participated more" she advised "you were just standing getting colored for most of it"
Kripa pouted "tell me about it. I spent two hours in the shower trying to take those colors off" she exclaimed glancing at Angad "it was really annoying"
Geet laughed then picked up a small bag "well, I'll see you later. I've got a lesson" she said before walking out with Mukti.
Kripa sighed looking through her bag for her notebook. Once she found it she turned and found herself face to face with Angad. She looked around for Rajesh but to her misfortune he had left for his position at the reception desk.
Her gaze lowered immediately as she moved aside trying to walk past Angad. He blocked her way. She tried again but he blocked her again. She looked up and glared at him "Move"
"Tut tut" he shook his head then suddenly pulled her to his chest, his arms surrounding her waist
"Angad" Kripa exclaimed "What are you doing?"
He smiled then leaned forward towards her ear "you know; if it really took that long to take the color off you should've just called me. I'd love to help you"
She gasped leaning back "you disgusting man, leave me right now" she ordered hitting his chest
He grinned "I like holding you this close" he leaned in nuzzling her brown locks "Mhmm, you smell so good"
"Angad I'm serious" she yelled punching him hard
He hissed taking her offending hand "trust me I'm serious" he murmured pressing a kiss to her fist "and no matter what you say, you and I both know you felt something that day" he said looking deep into her eyes. She looked away avoiding his gaze while he smiled. He leaned forward pressing a kiss to her cheek "see you later sweetheart" he said releasing her as he walked out of the door all smiles.
She growled in frustration rubbing her cheek knowing very well every word he spoke was true.
Thank you for all the comments. Really sorry late update. Has been a very busy two weeks. Too much overtime at work, fall asleep as soon as I'm home. Well here you go holi in todays chapter. Phew, Kripa and Angad showing signs of attraction. Lets see whats to come. Kavya and anjalis prep to start soon so stay tuned and keep the comments coming
Faiza
xxx
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