Deception: Angad-Kripa/KYPH- Pt 18/pg 2 - 11/23/13

Posted: 10 years ago

Hello Friends,

I was out of commission for more than a year. I had stopped writing fan fics, I went through some difficult times as well, moved to a new state, suffered from ill health and  family tragedies. 
But now Im back! πŸ˜ƒ
 I am expecting to update Deception regularly henceforth.
I had to open a new thread as the old one got closed down. Anyway its better to have a new thread so we can all freshen up our memories of whats happened so far in the story.

To the Mods of Fan Fic Forum: If there is a problem having a new thread to continue an old story then please reopen my old thread and let me know so I can post the new update there! 


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DECEPTION...PROLOGUE




Chehrey pe chehra laga hai yahan
Jaaney kyun anjaana lagta hai
Kaun hai apna yahan
Har koi begaana lagtaa hai!

It was a dark and windy night! The highway from Pune to Mahabaleshwar snaked around the Western Ghats with razor sharp bends and curves. Half a moon played hide and seek in the clouds, throwing quicksilver shadows sporadically on the sinuous highway. The road was sandwiched between a steep 1000 feet drop and a dry mountain wall. 
Traffic was sparse at this time of night! It was past 10 pm when a black SUV came tearing around a bend with screeching tires and squealing brakes. It spun out of control and toppled over the deadly edge, plunging a 1000 feet into the deep gorge. Halfway down the rocky mountainside, the ill-fated vehicle burst into flames and exploded into a fireball hurtling downwards, burning the dry bushes on its path. The fiery ball came to rest at the bottom of the ravine, its greedy flames rose upwards in fumes of gasoline and burning rubber! 
High above on the highway, a tall dark figure came running around the bend and stood at the edge, watching the SUV burn down to cinders. The half moon hid behind a cloud again, throwing the ghastly scene into murky shadows. The wreck burned brightly but not a single vehicle passed by to witness its destruction!

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Characters:

Kripa Sharma (23)- Beautiful, talented and spirited, Arts graduate and budding singer. Lives in Mahabaleshwar, a lovely hill station near Pune, with her doting family. Rather spoiled, only child of her parents.

Kripa's father, Suryabhan Sharma is the Principal of a prestigious school in Mahabaleshwar. 
Her mother Gayatri is a retired music teacher.
Her Dadi, Devyani Sharma is on dialysis, doctors have given her 2 months to live. Her last wish is to see her "laadli poti" married and settled down.

Harshini : Kripa's best friend, neighbour and the sister she never had.
Prithvi : Kripa's neighbour, childhood friend and secret admirer.

Angad Khanna (28): Handsome, charming, easy-going, the heir to a vast fortune. He is the Managing Director of Khanna Builders and Developers, a company that develops real estate for apartments, hotel chains and resorts all over the country!

Dilip Khanna: Angad's dad, founder of Khanna Builders, has made the company what it is through his sheer business acumen and shrewdness. Lately he has been suffering from ill-health and has transferred all his executive powers to his only child, Angad. He is in semi retirement now, living at his vacation home in Khandala but still in contact with his son and brother on urgent business decisions.

Avantika Khanna: Angad's mother passed away 2 years ago from cancer. Dilip still mourns her loss.
Darshan Khanna: Dilip's younger brother and Assistant Director in the company. He is devoted to Dilip and the business and helps Angad in every way he can. His wife Damini is a shrewish woman who wants more of the pie. 

Kartik (32): Darshan's older son, Executive Director of the company. He has frequent clashes with Angad over the running of the company. He is married to a high society girl, Mishti. They have a cute little daughter named Mili, who is 5 years old.
Nishant (30): Darshan's younger son, Assistant Director of the company, less ambitious and more laid-back than his brother. He is married to a simple, homely girl, Gauri. They have a cute 3 year old son named Deepak (Dipu).
Khanna family lives in a huge mansion in Bandra. They are still in a joint family due to business they share.

Shabbir and Raj- Angad's buddies. 
More characters will be introduced later! 

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Many Thanks to ShelDev for the plot idea for this story! πŸ˜ƒ

DECEPTION.PART 1

Her wedding day dawned bright and sunny on a chilly October morn. The earliest sunbeams touched her slumbering face, painting her forehead crimson. With a disturbed frown, she threw a slender arm across her eyes, shielding it from the wicked sun.
The sun relented and sprinkled golden showers on her lovely form, caressing her delicate features. She had a perfectly piquant heart-shaped face with a sharp little nose, a pointed determined chin and a Cupid's bow mouth. Long dusky eyelashes rested on flushed cheeks, a sweet smile played on her curved lips. She was in dreamland, in a romantic interlude with her Prince Charming!

Sharma household was waking up, stirring with the hustle-bustle of wedding preparations, excited guests chattering, servants running around, the typical sounds of a house in celebration mode. 
Soft strains of Bismillah Khan's shehnai filled the sprawling Colonial style bungalow where she had grown up. Her Dadi had wanted a full-fledged traditional wedding with all the pomp and ceremony reminiscent of their original hometown Allahabad. 

The sun rose higher over the Western Ghats, it was 7 am. Her mother Gayatri rushed to her bedroom door and knocked loudly: 
KRIPAAA..KRIPAAA BETI, UTHO! HAVAN KA SAMAY HO GAYA! 

Her eyes opened, really beautiful wide chocolate brown eyes, shining with the innocence of an angel and the mischief of an imp. She smiled brightly, recollecting her beautiful dream of being in her lover's arms in the verdant valleys of Switzerland where they had planned their honeymoon. 

She sighed and stretched: Aaahh! Kya sapna tha! Angad aur main aur wo khubsoorat Alps ki waadiyan.she blushed and hid her face in her palms, as the more amorous parts of the dream rushed back in her memory: Haila, kitni besharam hai tu! Abhi se yeh sab soch rahi hai!..she scolded herself. 
She squirmed with a shiver of delight, tossed off the heavy quilt and sat up, stretching langourously. The covers slipped down revealing her lissom curves and slender legs in a pink satin nightgown. 

KRIPAAA! Her mother was still at the door, ears pricked for sounds of her waking up. KRIPAAA, TU UTH RAHI HAI YA MAIN ANDAR AAOON?

HAAN MAA, MAIN UTH GAYI! She yelled back in a lilting, melodious voice that was already famous in Mahabaleswar and Pune Music circles.

JALDI SE NAHAAKAR TAYYAR HO JAA! PANDITJEE AA GAYE, PUJA KI TAYYARI KAR RAHEY HAIN. 
OK, MAA! MAIN NAHANEY CHALI! she yelled but lingered in bed for a little while, hugging her downy pillow and smiling away. 
She couldn't believe it! TODAY was THE DAY! HER WEDDING DAY! When she would be united with the man she loved! Her first and only love!

She closed her eyes and whispered his name: An-gad! The very name tingled her lips and thrilled her heart in sheer delight! He was her Prince, her dream lover! He had literally stormed into her life and swept her off her feet. 
She thought about their first meeting 6 months ago here in Mahabaleswar when she had barged into his office while selling tickets for a musical talent show. They had started off with a fight and ended up with a dateshe laughed softly in reminscence.

Her mother wouldn't give up, she knew her daughter would be day-dreaming: KRIPA, KYA TU NAHAANEY GAYI?
HAAN, ABHI JAA RAHI HOON! .Kripa finally stepped down from the bed, slipped on her fluffy bed slippers and pranced to her bathroom. 

As she soaped herself under the steaming jets, she tingled all over, remembering her romantic dream. Her excitement was at fever pitch, she was still lost in its magic. Angad was kissing her passionately, his manly lips on hers, his arousing hands on her body. She was shamelessly eager about her wedding night, however unmaidenly that might sound!

She held out her hennaed hands and smiled.the mehendi lady was right, Angad ke pyaar ka rang bahut gehra pada hai! Dekho kaisey aag ki tarah dehak raha hai. 

The mehendi designs stretched right up to her arms. She turned her right hand slightly and read his name hidden in the intricate design. He had found it right away, the wicked guy! His sherry brown eyes had glinted mischievously at her, promising dominance over her after marriage according to the custom. 
She had twisted her lips and rolled her eyes, mumbling.Hum bhi dekhengey kaisey tum upper hand letey ho!

Kripa giggled and kissed his name in the mehendi design. I love you, Mr. Khanna! I will allow you to take upper hand, sometimes... she whispered under the hot shower.

While blow-drying her elbow length hair before her mirror, she remembered Angad was supposed to call her after returning from Mumbai last night!
She frowned and bit her lower lip: Angad toh kal shaam ki flight se wapas aaneywala tha? He promised he would call me when he reached the hotel, why didn't he call me? Let me check if he left messages

She grabbed her mobile and checked, there were no messages. She huffed angrily: Uff yeh Angad bhi naa! Kaam ke chakkar mein sab kuchh bhool jaata hai, mujhey bhi! 

At the same time, she felt a twinge of guilt too. Her best friend Harshini had thrown her a bachelorette party at her house next door, inviting 20 of their closest school and college friends and Kripa's cousins as well. They had a whale of a time drinking fake champagne, singing songs, cracking jokes. Kripa was so caught up in the festivities she had not called Angad to check on his status.
Her mother had finally dragged her home after 10 o'clock with scolding: Shadi se ek raat pehley iss tarah ghar se baahar nahin rehtey, apshagun hota hai! Chalo, ghar chalkar so jaao, Dadi ko pata chala toh shaamat aa jayegi!

Kripa had followed her mother home meekly and gone to bed like an obedient girl. Now she wondered why Angad had not called or left a message.
Impatient to find out, she called Avanti Resort, named after Angad's mother, where the Khannas were staying. 
The Receptionist answered: Avanti Resorts, how can we help you?

Kripa replied confidently : Can you give me Angad Khanna's suite please? This is Kripa Sharma
Ohh Kripa Madam? The Receptionist almost melted, it was the Boss's bride: Please hold, Im transfering you, and Madam, Congratulations and all the best for tonight!

Kripa thanked her and waited while she was connected to the Presidential Suite where Angad and his family was staying for the wedding.
Mishti picked up the phone and drawled in her usual somnolent tone: Hello, who is this?
Kripa grimaced, she didn't share good vibes with the acid-tongued Mishti: Hello, Jeejee, main Kripa bol rahi hoon, Angad hai? 

Mishti cackled sarcastically: Kripaaa? Angad chahiye? Kyun, aur intezaar bardaasht nahin ho raha? Aaj raat ko shadi ke mandap mein hi mil lena!
Kripa breathed deeply, trying to control her temper: Please, Mishti Bhabhi, mujhey sirf thodi baat karni hai, kal raat ko Angad ne phone nahin kiya, Im worried!

Mishti relented: Angad abhi so raha hai. Kal bahut raat ko lautaa, 2 bajey ke baad, uski flight miss ho gayi thi, doosrey flight se aana pada. Uth jayega toh bataa doongi tumney call kiya tha
Ok, Bhabhi, Thanks! 
Mishti just had to add caustically : Kripa, shadi ke din dulhey se milna ya baatein karna apshagun hota hai.

Kripa was planning to give a biting retort when she heard Gauri Bhabhi on the other end: Jeejee, kyun Kripa ko chidha rahey ho? Phone karney se kuchh nahin hota, haan per milnaa manaa hai.

Mishti drawled: Lo, aa gayi hamari Teacherni (Gauri was a primary school teacher when Nishant married her) Yeh lo tum hi baat karo hamari devrani se
She handed over the phone to Gauri who had formed an instant rapport with Kripa when they first met 2 months ago. 
She set Kripa's mind at ease: Kal raat itni der ho gayi thi, isiliye Angad ne call nahin kiya, tumhey neend se jagana nahin chahta tha. Usney kaha aaj subah uthney ke baad call karega, lekin abhi tak so raha hai, bahut thak gaya hai!

Kripa quickly said: Its OK, Gauri Bhabhi, unhey jaganaa mat. Main baad mein call karoongi.
She put down her mobile and sighed with a smile. So Angad was sleeping too, probably dreaming of her and their honeymoon , like her! Poor guy, he worked too hard. 

Day before yesterday had been their mehendi and sangeet ceremonies. Later that night he had to fly to Mumbai to attend an important meeting.
Her parents, Dadi, all had been very upset to hear about his last minute business trip: Shadi ke ek din pehley koi iss tarah jaata hai kya? 
Angad had leaned down and hugged Dadi in her wheelchair: Don't worry Dadi! Main parson theek 5 bajey aapki poti ko sindoor laganey aa jaunga! Main guarantee deta hoon! Yeh Angad Khanna ka vaada hai!

He had called her after reaching Mumbai and then again yesterday morning: Kripa, main meeting ke liye nikal raha hoon. I will reach Mahabaleswar by 8 tonight.
Kripa reminded him: Main Harshini ke wahan rahungi, yaad hai naa? Wo merey liye bachelorette party de rahi hai. Lekin tumharey bachelor's party ka kya hoga?

He laughed: Shabbir aur Raj dono yahan hain, we will go out after my meeting. 
She teased him: Really? Matlab afternoon bachelor's party?
He teased back: Din mein bhi toh beer bars khuley rehtey hain?

She knew he was referring to the bars where girls performed provocative dances.
She shot back: Khabardaar jo wahan gaye toh! Agar mujhey pata chala toh main
Toh kya karogi?
Main mandap se bhaag jaungi!

He chuckled : Lekin tumhey pataa kaisey chalega? 
She bit her lower lip: Tumhari aankhein dekhkar pata chal jayega ke tumney koi badmaashi kee ya nahin!
His voice deepened seductively: Main sirf ek ladki ke saath badmaashi karna chahta hoon.
She asked deliberately: Oh really? Kaun hai wo? 
He teased her more: Naam batana padega kya?
Haan! Abhi bataao.she demanded.
Hai ek ladki, bahut khubsoorat, lekin ziddi, spoiled, paagal type ki
She gasped in outrage: Main tumhey paagal lagti hoon?
He laughed: Mainey tumhara naam kab liya? Main toh apney pyaar ke baarey mein baat kar raha tha.
She pouted and huffed: ..Theek hai! Toh apney pyaar se hi shadi kar lena! 
Wahi toh karoonga! Aur suhaag raat bhi usikey saath manaunga!
Jaao! Besharam! ..she acted coy! 

He laughed and informed her: Waisey tumharey liye ek surprise hai!
Really? She lit up with excitement: Kaisi surprise?
Agar bataa diya toh surprise kaisey hogi?
Pleeease bataao naa! She pleaded like a kid: Please, Angad! I cant wait!
Patience, sweetheart! Patience! Special surprise hai, suhaag raat ko dekh lena. 
Ohh! She bit her lips, not sure what kind of surprise he was referring to
He chuckled wickedly: Tum jaisa soch rahi ho waisi surprise nahin! You have a one-track mind, Kripa!
She huffed angrily: Tumney kaisey soch liya main.she blushed as she realized his meaning: UFF! You are too much! Jaao main tumsey baat nahin karna chahti!
Wait! Don't keep the phone! I love you, sweetheart!
I don't love you! She clicked the phone. 

The next moment he called back and apologized to her humorously: Tumharey saath masti karna achha lagta hai! Now I have to sit at that boring meeting with the Builder's Association. Isiliye thoda jee behlaa raha tha.
She smiled: I love you! Jaldi wapas aa jaana! Aur shaam ko zaroor call karna! I will wait for your call! 
He kissed her over the phone: Of course! See you soon, my love!
Bye, lover!she smooched back.


Kripa brushed her now dried hair and smiled dreamily at her reflection. Angad was everything she had wanted in a man, he was intelligent, romantic, witty, cultured, charming, everything a girl could wish for! She was lucky indeed to find him, to be his bride! 

Of course her doting Dadi had always told her: Meri Rajkumari ke liye kisi din ek Rajkumar aayega aur usey byaahkar doli mein bithakar apney Mahal le jayega! 
When she introduced Angad to her family 3 months ago, Dadi had smiled triumphantly: Dekha? Main kehti thi naa meri poti ke liye ek Rajkumar aayega? Shakal, akal aur maan maryada mein Rajkumar hi toh hai!

Kripa couldn't agree more.Angad was her Dream Prince! His handsome visage floated in the mirror before her, that charming lopsided grin curving his well-cut lips. She smiled back at his vision: I cant wait for tonight!
Her thrilling thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on the door, her mother yelled impatiently: KRIPA! Ab hum andar aa rahey hain, tumhey tayyar karna hai!

Her mother entered the room with Harshini, carrying a large silver tray bearing a maroon sari and red and green bangles: Kripa! Kitni der laga dee! Abhi jaldi se yeh saree pehen le, Panditjee, Dadi sab wait kar rahey hain! Harshini beta, zara iskey baal baandh de aur saaj shringaar karvaa de!

Kripa mouthed Sorry to her mother, quickly draped the sari, then sat meekly while Harshini and her mother made her ready for the Havan! It was her Dadi's wish that this Puja be performed on the day of the wedding. Kripa was a "maanglik" and this ceremony was supposed to remove all "doshas" from her kundli! Of course Kripa didn't believe in all that stuff but she would do anything to please her Dadi, especially since she had heard Dadi only had a few months to live! 

Habitual tears came to her eyes but she blinked them away: Nahin, aaj is khushi ke din no aansoo, no gham, sirf muskurahat! Main Dadi ki har ichha poori karoongi! Hanstey hanstey, chahey uskey liye mujhey poora din boring Puja mein baithnaa padey! 

Harshini tied up her hair in a bun and did her make-up, Gayatri picked up the bangles last: Lo beti, ab yeh shagun ki chudiyan pehen lo! 
Kripa held out her hands and put on the red and green glass bangles that were the symbols of a suhaagan. They were shining and glittering with every movement of her henna decorated hands. She smiled to see their bright twinkling like the bright dreams of her future.

Harshini bent down and whispered in her ears: Angad se baat huyi? Wo lauta ke nahin?
Kripa whispered back: Lauta toh, magar baat nahin huyi, so raha hai, uska plane late ho gaya tha. 
Oh I see! Pata hai, Prithvi ab bhi khafa hai
Kiss baat se? 
Wahi.Harshu giggled.kal humney usey party mein shaamil nahin kiya, isiliye naaraz hai, mera phone bhi nahin utha raha!
Kripa shrugged as she applied lipstick: He is so silly! Bachelorette party mein wo ladka hokar kya karta?
Wahi toh! It was a girls only party lekin uska kehna hai wo bhi toh teri dost hai, so why wasn't he invited too?

Kripa laughed with a certain discomfort. If only Harshu knew Prithvi's real feelings, what he had said to her a week ago! It had shocked her beyond belief that Prithvi felt that way about her. Oh well! She couldn't do anything about that! 
Gayatri hurried them up: Chalo ab, bahut ho gaya! Tum dono sahelion ki gupshup kabhie khatam nahin hogi! 

As they led Kripa out to the Prayer room, her neighbours and relatives gathered around to admire her loveliness: Sachchi mein, hamari Kripa jaisi khubsoorat dulhan kahin dekha hai?


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Angad joined his family for breakfast shortly after nine. He looked refreshed, energized and well-rested. Gauri Bhabhi served him from platters bearing Indian and Continental breakfast dishes delivered by special room service at their Presidential suite dining alcove.
Ab kaisa lag raha hai? Tabiyat theek toh hai naa? She asked sweetly in concern.

Angad grinned: Haan Bhabhi, abhi main fit hoon. Neend achhi rahi, Im feeling much better. Lekin Nishant Bhaiyya kahan hain? Aur Chachajee-Chachi jee?
Tumharey Bhaiyya subah naashta karkey kisi kaam se nikal gaye, kehtey the shadi ka koi arrangement baaki reh gaya! Papa jee apney room mein email check kar rahey hain, Maa jee naha rahi hain.

Mishti sipped her coffee and drawled: Angad, tum apney badey Bhaiyaa ko saath kyun nahin laaye? Unka iraada kya hai? Is he going to attend ur wedding or what? 
Angad shrugged coolly: Kartik Bhaiyya will return today, unhey kal ek urgent kaam sambhalna tha. 
Mishti rolled her eyes: Really! Tum Khanna brothers! Lagta hai duniya mein sirf tum log hi business chalatey ho! Baaki sab toh papad bechtey hongey!

Angad chuckled and dug heartily into his omelette. He looked up to see little Mili watching him silently, solemnly from the couch in front of the TV. He smiled and winked at her. She smiled back at once, ran to him and jumped on his lap: Chachu, kya aaj aap shadi karengey?
Yes, sweetheart!he pulled her plump cheeks.

Kripa Aunty ke saath?
That is correct! 
Chachu, mujhey bhi shadi karni hai!
Angad looked at her solemnly: Yeh achha iraada hai. Hum ek kaam karengey, aaj shadi ke mandap mein koi achha ladka dekhkar hum tumhari bhi shadi karvaa dengey!
Sachchi? Mili's eyes sparkled excitedly.
Promise! 
Pukka promise?
Pukka! 100%. 
Chachu, aap thumb promise karna bhool gaye!
I'm sorry! Angad linked his thumb with Mili's tiny one, circled both disproportionate palms around, then joined them in their secret handshake.

Gauri and Mishti smiled at their cute pact. Dipu's smaller face appeared from the other couch. Jealous at Mili sharing all Chachu's attention, he hopped towards Angad and climbed on his other knee: Chachu! He lisped: Mujhey shadi nahin karna

Kyun? Angad asked seriously.
Ladkiyan gandi hoti hain!
Nahin beta, aisa nahin kehtey! Dekho, tumhari Mama, Bebe, Kripa Aunty, yeh sab ladkiyan hain, gandi nahin kehtey.
Dipu looked thoughtful: Nahin, wo sab sundar hain, lekin Mili gandi hai!
Kyun beta, Mili ne kya kiya?
Mili protested: Main gandi nahin, tu ganda hai! 
Dipu fought with her: Tuney mera game kyun le liya, tu gandi hai.
Chhee beta, aisa nahin kehtey apney Didi ko.Mili, uska game lauta do! .Angad, Gauri and Mishti joined voices to resolve their fight and solve the problems. The babble of voices rose in the master suite till Chachajee Darshan Khanna emerged and greeted his dearest nephew with a warm welcome. 

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DECEPTION PART 2

Darshan Khanna, Angad's Chachajee emerged from the bedroom after his morning rituals. He was a shorter, more rotund version of Dilip with the same balding head, glasses and the same sharp features inherited by the younger generation of Khanna men! But he was more jovial and expansive than his older brother and had taken over the guardianship of Angad and the Company in Dilip's absence. 
A smile broke out on his face as he rambled towards his nephew with outstretched arms: Arey Bhai, Dulhey Raja, Good Morning! Aaj tumhari kaisi tabiyat hai? Vishram hua theek se?

The nephew touched his Uncle's feet and grinned: Aap ki dua se sab theek thaak hai! Aaj subah bahut fresh feel kar raha hoon.
Bahut badhiya! Darshan hugged his nephew and slapped his back affectionately: Shaam ke liye tayyar ho? All ready? Abhi tumharey Chachi haldi ke rasam ki tayyariyan kar rahi hain! 

Angad was taken aback: Haldi ki rasam? Yahan? Hotel ke kamrey mein?
Chacha jee laughed out loud: Arey Nahin Beta! Useeka bandobast karney toh Nishant gaya hai! Banquet Hall ke ek koney mein ek chhota sa mandap banaya hai, 11 bajey ka time hai, hamarey sab mehmaan wahan ikattha hongey. Panditjee bhi aatey hi hongey, tum naashta khatam kar lo!
Gauri beti, apney devar ko achhi tarah se khilao pilaao, aaj shadi hai iski, kamzor nahin padna chahiye! .Uncle joked about his robust nephew. 

Angad quickly protested: Chachajee, mera peit bhar gaya! Buss, ho gaya!
But the uncle wouldn't listen: Arey yeh kya baat huyi? Bahu isey do parathey aur do! Dulhey ko tandrust banana hai! 

Angad covered his plate with both hands: Please, Bhabhi, aur nahin! ..as Gauri tried to heap two gobi parathas. ..Aap Chachajee ko naashta do, I am all done!
The dutiful bahu Gauri served her father-in-law while Mishti scolded Mili in one corner: Kya zaroorat thi Dipu ka game lekar khelney ka? Daddy tumharey liye ussey hazaar guna achha game le aayengey, abroad se
Lekin Mama, Mili protested in her sweet shrill voice: Mujhey Dipu ke game se khelna achha lagta hai! 
CHUP! Mishti yelled in a low voice: Khabardaar jo phir se Dipu ke game ko haath lagaya toh mujhsey bura koi nahin hoga! Samjhi?

Mili nodded with tears in her big dark eyes.
Gauri noticed from the corner of her eyes and felt bad for the little girl! She approached Mishti hesitantly: Jeejee, chhodiye naa, bachchi hai, bhai ke saath thodi manmaani toh karegi hi! Mili beta, ab se tum Dipu ke saath game share karna, okay? 

Okay, Chachi! A happier Mili ran off to make peace with her little cousin. 
Mishti pursed her lips angrily at Gauri's interference but didn't further the argument in front of Angad and her sasurji, Mili was their Little Princess, the apple of their eye.

Gauri suddenly remembered and told Angad: Kripa ka phone aaya tha, subah 7 bajey, usey bahut fikr ho rahi thi, tum lautey ke nahin, mainey bataya tum so rahey ho.
Angad looked up, a strange flicker in his brown eyes: Kripa? 
Mishti taunted: Haan Kripa! Tumhari dulhan! Bahut betaab ho rahi thi tumharey liye! Jaao, abhi usey call karo, nahin toh yahan chali aayegi, tumhey dekhney. .she cackled teasingly. 
Angad flushed and nodded curtly: OK, main baad mein call karunga...

But Chachajee urged: Nahin beta, abhi jaakey call karo, bechari pareshan hai. Tumney kal raat bhi toh phone nahin kiya tha, jaao phone karo usey.
Angad got up and advanced to his bedroom door for privacy. Mishti's sarcastic voice followed him: Darwaza band kar lena, phir achhi tarah se private baat hogi!

Angad glared at her and shut the door. He tried Kripa's number several times but everytime he got voicemail. He emerged from his room, perplexed: Kripa ka phone nahin lag raha, shayad busy hai.
Gauri looked up from the table: Haan, Kripa ne bataya toh tha, ab shayad Havan ke liye baithi hogi.
Havan? Angad and Chachajee both frowned.
Haan, Kripa ke liye Dadi jee ne Havan ka ayojan kiya hai

Damini Chachi came out of her room right then, commenting: Ajee haan, aapko pata nahin? Kripa maanglik hai, isiliye toh Pooja ki zaroorat hai. Iss Havan se Kripa ke saarey graha-dosh kat jayengey aur hamarey betey per koi aanch nahin aayegi!
Angad respectfully touched his Chachi's feet. She blessed him : Jeetey raho, Beta! Dekho naa, kitna saara kaam hai, shadi byaah koi gudiyon ka khel toh nahin, uspar itna kam samay, sab kuchh mujhey hi toh karna padega! she assumed a martyred look. 

Ever since Avantika's death, Damini had taken over control of Khanna household but she never missed a chance to remind everyone of that fact. 
In fact, she had always envied Avantika's reigning position while she was still alive and now gloated over her succession. Also, she deeply resented the fact that Dilip had not made Darshan or Kartik his successor and instead chosen the young and inexperienced Angad as MD! She complained about this to Darshan everyday!

She sat down at the table and Gauri served her tea. 
Darshan commented wryly: Ismein kehney ki kya baat hai? Bhabhi jee ke jaaney ke baad toh tumhey hi yeh sab sambhaalna hai! 
Damini gave him an angry glance, he was downplaying her moments of glory.
She commanded her chhoti bahu: Gauri, zara Nishant ko phone karna, mandap tayyar hua ke nahin, der ho rahi hai, mahurat naa nikal jaye

Gauri called Nishant and confirmed that it was indeed ready: Unhoney kaha Panditjee bhi aa gaye hain, hum haldi ke liye jaa saktey hain.
Chachijee suddenly got up and started hurrying everyone: Angad, jaldi se jaakar ek achha sa kurta pajama pehen lo, Gauri, Mishti, bachchon ko tayyar karo, khud bhi ho jaao, aur aap suniye, abhi aap sab mehmaanon ko phone keejiye, bataa deejiye haldi adhey ghantey mein shuru hogi!

Having distributed her orders, Damini hurried to her room to get ready. Gauri and Chachajee painstakingly called all their relatives and guests in the resort rooms and informed them. 
Angad and Kripa's wedding had to be held in Mahabaleshwar because of Dadi. Her critical condition did not allow for travel, doctors had forbidden even train or plane journey. There was no way she could attend the wedding in Mumbai. 
Besides as Dadi had dictated, Ladki ki doli uskey maaykey se hi vidaa hoti hai, wahi rivaaz hai. Hamari beti ki shadi isee sheher mein hogi, useekey ghar mein hogi!

On the other hand, Khanna family's friends, business associates and extended family mostly lived in Mumbai or Bangalore. Majority of them could not come to Mahabaleshwar for the wedding. Only around 30 odd guests had made it for joining the baraati. Even the bridegroom's father was unable to attend the wedding! Ever since his stroke 2 years ago, Dilip had retired to their farmhouse in Khandala. His doctors had advised against travel, so Angad had gone to Khandala the day before to seek his Dad's blessings. 

Right after the wedding, the couple was supposed to visit Dilip and take his blessings. Kripa had not even met her future father-in-law yet. 
A huge reception would be held 2 days later in Mumbai which would be attended by all Khanna side guests and relatives.

***************************************************************


The havan fire burned bright and high, crackling loudly as the priest poured pure ghee, incense and grains in it, chanting mantras to appease all the Gods and all the planets in Kripa's horoscope! 
The would-be bride sat obediently alongwith her stern-faced but loving father as they invoked her ancestors for her well-being. Her mother, grandmother and dozens of guests observed the rituals seriously.

Kripa looked up and saw her Dadi in her wheelchair, with the attendant Nurse holding her IV stand and dialysis machine. Dadi smiled at her and nodded encouragingly. Kripa smiled back with deep affection, Dadi was the dearest person in her life! She had grown up pampered and cosseted by Dadi, she wanted to fulfil Dadi's every wish and dream! Kripa looked hopefully at Dadi's medical paraphernalia: Kya pataa, shayad meri shadi ki khushi mein Dadi ki umr badh jaye, maybe she would get a new lease in life, survive a few more months, a year, maybe two.a loving heart never stops hoping!

Kripa looked around at the numerous guests, her adoring relatives, friends, neighbours, who had all assembled to witness her ceremony and later her wedding! She was the Darling of Mahabaleshwar town, Principal Sharma's only child whom everyone loved and admired. All bachelors in town wanted to marry her, all maidens wanted to be like her or be her friend. Neighbours and friends called her "Roop mein Laxmi, Gun mein Saraswati"the pride of the town, whose beauty and talent had made her famous already in inter-city singing competitions in Pune. 
Academically bright from childhood, with a voice like a nightingale, she was her parents' pride and joy! She could be deemed spoiled and conceited but she wasn't! 

Kripa wasn't vain but she was well aware of her virtues and felt proud and secure in the warmth of that universal love and goodwill. And today she would get married and leave her hometown, her family, her friends, her familiar world. She would enter the daunting, unknown territory of Angad's family, his business circle! For a moment, her eyes teared up at the thought of leaving everything familiar behind, but she blinked them away! No tears on this day of happiness! Angad had promised her they would have a second home in Mahabaleswar. They could visit her hometown as often as she wished since he had built a resort there anyways. 

Angad! A warm glow spread through her, her heart fluttered with excitement, ached with sweet longing. Parson raat se uska chehraa bhi nahin dekha! Im missing him so much! Lekin aaj issi mandap mein hum dono sadaa ke liye ek ho jayengey! 

She sighed, staring into the fire. His handsome, charming face danced in the flames, smiling at her with warm mischief. Her mind wandered back to their first meeting 6 months ago..
Kya dhamakedaar mulaqat thi wo! Tab kisko pataa tha 6 mahiney baad hamari shadi hogi? A whimsical smile played on her sweet lips as she remembered the first time she encountered the dashing, arrogant millionaire with the charm of a devil! 


Flashback:

The first time Kripa heard his name was 2 years ago, when Khanna Builders and Real estate Developers first arrived in Mahabaleswar with their new project. The town was all agog with the exciting news. Khannas were building a new Resort on a vacant hillside. The heir apparent to the company, Angad Khanna, had arrived to buy property and met with the Mayor, the Town Corporation, signed deals, got permits. Within 6 months construction started. 
Townspeople watched with wonder as the Resort Hotel and cottages grew and spread rapidly like mushrooms on the hillside facing a glorious sunset view. Their speed of work was astounding to the residents of the sleepy vacation town. People who had met him praised his hard work, girls who saw him gushed about his good looks and charm.

But Kripa was unaffected, uninterested! Hoga koi ameer baap ka beta, mooh mein soney ki chamach lekar paida hua tha, whats the big deal if he achieved all this? Sab kuchh toh usey viraasat mein mili hai!
She did see his pictures in local papers quite often but she could hardly tell what he looked like from the grainy black and white newsprint pictures. 

Around eight months ago, the Resort was finally completed. Angad named it Avanti Resorts after his late mother. Avanti also meant "Forward" in Italian so it served both purposes. 
Meanwhile, Kripa had made quite a name for herself in singing circles. She had won music competitions in Pune and Panchgani The local chapter of an NGO approached her for a Charity Concert. They wanted to raise money for education and health projects for poor children in the surrounding villages. Kripa agreed at once! She was always ready to help in noble causes. The NGO entrusted her with selling the tickets for the Concert since she was a local celebrity and knew almost everyone in town. She also had the onus of choosing and inviting a Guest of Honor. Her friends suggested Angad Khanna at once! 

Hes so rich, just think of the amount he can donate to the cause, aur phir uskey jaisa Chief Guest ho toh baaki saarey tickets ek din mein bik jayengey! Everyone here wants to see him, to meet him!
Kripa had to agree with their logic. Getting Angad Khanna as Chief Guest would certainly be a feather in their cap! 

So one fine morning, Kripa, Harshini and Nupur went to Angad's office, located in the biggest office building on Mall Road.
The secretary, a tall, thin, haughty model type, told them to wait in the lobby. 
"Sir is in a meeting" she informed them with a slight sneer, she was obviously from Mumbai and looked down on the rustic locals.

Kripa and friends waited for an hour, then she went to the secretary Simone and asked again to see Mr. Khanna.
Simone snapped: I told u, Sir is busy in a meeting! He will see u when hes free!
The girls waited one more hour, pacing up and down, read boring Business magazines, drank machine soda. One more hour passed and then Kripa got really angry. She walked up to Simone and demanded: We are waiting here for 3 hours now! When is your Sir going to come out of that meeting?

Simone scoffed at her: Look here, Miss, people wait a month to meet with my Boss! You don't even have an appointment! What do u expect?
Kripa was indignant and getting madder by the moment: What do u mean? We are here about a Charity event! We want to invite him as Chief Guest! It will hardly take 5 minutes to do that!
Simone mocked: Mr. Khanna's 5 minutes are worth 5 crores in business! You are here for charity? You can wait!

Kripa was furious! She marched to the Conference room, followed by the nervous Harshini and Nupur! Harshu called after her: Kripa, chhod naa yaar, hum kal wapas aayengey, appointment le letey hain!
Kripa turned around furiously: What do u mean? Uss Khanna ne hamarey 3 ghantey barbaad kiye! Kya hamarey waqt ki koi keemat nahin! Main aaj hi ussey milungi, phir wo donation de ya naa dein, I don't care!
She stomped her dainty feet and yelled when Simone tried to block the door: GET OUT OF MY WAY! 
She flung open the Board-room door and marched in like a pretty little virago, addressing the massive suit clad back ahead of the table : MR. ANGAD KHANNA! 

The Tourism officials stood up in conternation! Kripa carried on, uncaring of the gaping execs: MR KHANNA, WE HAVE BEEN WAITING TO SEE YOU FOR LAST 3 HOURS! YOUR SECRETARY TOLD US YOU ARE AT A MEETING! WELL, WE WILL ONLY TAKE 5 MINUTES OF UR TIME! WE ARE HOLDING A CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT POOR CHILDREN OF OUR DISTRICT! CAN U PLEASE TELL US IF YOU WOULD BE OUR CHIEF GUEST AND HOW MUCH WILL U PLEDGE TO OUR CAUSE? THAT IS ALL WE WANT TO KNOW! THEN YOU CAN CARRY ON WITH UR MEETING!
Like an express train, Kripa loudly declared all this in one breath, without stopping!

The tall, broad shouldered man facing the presentation screen, turned around slowly. A pair of amused, brown eyes observed her leisurely from top to bottom! Kripa was frozen with her first look at "The famous" Angad Khanna! She had been huffing and puffing in anger, but now she was suddenly breathless, butterflies fluttered in her stomach!
OH MY GOD! He was really GORGEOUS! A complete HUNK! 

Smartly cut dark hair outlined a broad forehead, a square jawline accentuated sharp, manly features, arched brows, full sensual lips, sharp chin with a slight stubble and cleft in the middle. The powerful, muscular body was barely restrained in a grey business suit, like a powerhouse trapped in flimsy cover. But it was his eyes that snared her, mesmerized her! Light brown, molten, the color of sherry, they were staring at her boldly with the warmth of a burning sun, scorching her in its heat!

His magnetic eyes pinned her like a butterfly, she was rooted to the spot, eyes dark and wide, locked with his intent gaze. His glance lingered on her beautiful face, then swept down her feminine curves with pure male appreciation. The traditional long sleeved salwar suit accentuated her curves gracefully yet protected her against the cold March winds.
Kripa turned red suddenly, inexplicably, a strange trembling started inside her. For the first time in her life, she was speechless, shy, at a loss for words!

He smiled, more of a smirk at her dazed expression, he was equally entranced by this perky little beauty. He cleared his throat, his voice was deep, heavy, sexy: So, why did u want to see me, Miss??
She opened her parched lips and stammered: I.I.
He understood her tongue-tied condition and nodded casually at the 3 Travel execs: Gentlemen, please excuse me! I will be right back!

He advanced to Kripa and spread out his broad palm: Please, follow me, Miss.what is ur name?
K..Kripa Sh..Sharma! she breathed out with large, startled eyes. He opened the boardroom door and walked out. Kripa followed him silently, still dazed by his commanding presence. He led the way to his own office, Harshini and Nupur gaped after them, not daring to follow.

Simone looked outraged and butted in: Im sorry, Sir, but this girl didn't listen to meI told her u are at a meeting
Angad held up his hand without glancing at her direction, without stopping his stride: I have it under control, u can go back to ur desk and I don't want to be disturbed for next 10 minutes.
Kripa followed him into his office, her heart pounding nervously! He closed the door and signalled her to take a seat. Then he sat down in his own swivel chair and leaned back, staring at her intently again with those piercing eyes: So, tell me all about this Charity event! 

Kripa glanced at him nervously and gulped. Her lips were dry, she licked them quickly! The next moment she regretted it because his eyes zeroed in on her wet lips. She quickly looked away! Oh God! Why did I do that? Why am I reacting to him like this, like Im some virgin on a deserted island who had met the first man in her life? 
But he wasn't any ordinary man, he was Angad Khanna! And now she knew why the townspeople were obsessed with him! He had charisma! And sex appeal, loads of it! Oh God! She blushed again at the train of her thoughts! Her cheeks were burning, her heart thumping so loudly she could hear its echo in her ears. She swallowed hard and looked up.

Angad smiled encouragingly, his lips slanted in a lopsided grin that was heartstopping in its charm quotient: Go ahead, tell me ur business, I don't have all day! 
She breathed in deeply and launched into a dissertation about their Community project to feed, educate and medicate poor kids of neighbouring villages. He listened carefully and nodded vigorously at the end: Of course I will be glad to contribute to the cause. Just a minute!

He took out his checkbook from the drawer and quickly scribbled something, extracted the check and handed it over to her. Kripa looked at it and almost gasped at the obscene amount! Of course he was rich and he could spare that money but.50 lakhs! Even she wasn't expecting so much!
He smirked: Kuchh kum ho gaya kya? Should I give more?

She shook her head vigorously: No! Please, its more than we expected! Thank you so much!
She got up, eager to escape his scorching eyes but he reminded her humorously: Where is my invitation? Mera card?
Ohh Im so sorry! Kripa fumbled in her purse awkwardly, berating herself for forgetting the main thing. She took out the special card they had made for the Chief Guest and handed it over to him. 
Please do come! We will be honored by your presence, Mr. Khanna! 

He opened the card and studied it: Hmm! Kripa Sharma- musical performance. Toh aap gaati bhi hain? he looked up, staring again in that bold manner that made her knees wobbly.
She nodded self consciously: Haan, main wahan perform karungi! I am the local singer. 
Phir toh main zaroor aaunga! .his smile was more wicked this time, his eyes glinted with something adult! She felt her cheeks get hotter, Oh God! He was flirting with her!

II have to go now! Thank you for your timeand your generous contribution! she somehow gasped out the farewell and almost ran out of the office. She thought she heard him chuckle after her but she wasn't sure!

Harshu and Nupur caught her outside: Kya kaha unhoney? Is he coming? What did he say to you? 
BY GOD, isnt he dreamy? 
Kripa railed at them: Kya khoob ditch kiya tum dono ne mujhey! Why didn't you follow me? Mujhey akela hi jhelna pada!
Tuney toh wait hi nahin kee hamarey liye!..Nupur pouted. 

Harshini observed carefully: Did he say something to you? Terey gaal itney laal kyun hain?
Kripa was still trying to quell her racing heart: Andar bahut garmi thi naa, shayad heater on tha, isiliye! Anyways, kaam ho gaya! Yeh dekh! 

She waved the check in front of her friends who squealed and whooped at the amount: Chak de Phatte! 50 lakhs! Shabaash, Mr. Khanna! Jaisa dikhta hai waisa dil bhi hai!
For some reason, Kripa blushed again! Aaj mujhey ho kya gaya hai! Kyun meri saansein tham rahi hai, dil ki raftaar itni tez hai, kyun har baat per laal-gulabi ho rahi hoon? Sab uski aankhon ka kasoor hai, kyun mujhey aisey ghoor raha tha? 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DECEPTIONPART 3

The High School Auditorium was filled to capacity, buzzing with the denizens of Mahabaleshwar. They had come to support their community project, but also to enjoy Kripa's songs and Harshini-Nupur's group dance performances. But most of all, they had come to see the "Great Angad Khanna", the Real Estate Badshah and their benefactor. News had spread already about his extremely generous donation to the Children's project and his stature had grown in the public eye. He had achieved an almost God-like magnificence in their hearts and minds. People also lauded Kripa's efforts in bringing this munificent millionaire on board and the grateful NGO Chief had appointed her to commence the Opening Ceremony!

Kripa peeped through the closed curtains, nervously clutching the heavy drapes. Yes! He had arrived already. Looking incredibly handsome and distinguished in a dark suit, he sat in the Chief Guest seat in front row with his perfectly manicured hands crossed in a stylish manner. He must have seen the curtains shiver a bit because his sharp eyes suddenly veered directly towards her. She gasped and let the curtain fall.

Harshini crept up behind her: Kya hua? Tu itni nervous kyun hai?
Kuchh bhi toh nahin! Kripa tried to laugh: Nervous aur main? 5 saal ki umr se stage per gaa rahi hoon, why would I be nervous?
Wahi toh! Harshini's sharp eyes studied her curiously: Why should YOU feel nervous? Khair jaaney de, mera dupatta zara fix ker de please.

As Kripa pinned her dupatta for the Rajasthani dance, her hands trembled. Even from behind the curtains, she had felt his glance like a razor's edge. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself .that guy must have eagle's eyes, how did he know I was there? X-ray nazar hongay! Haila, merey haath kyun kaanp rahey hain? Hey Bhagwan, please, main stage per mess up naa kar doon! God! Please help me avoid that man's eyes somehow..

Inspite of her panic attack, Kripa managed to conduct the Opening part quite smoothly. Wearing a deep red Kanjeevaram sari with flowers in her hair, she welcomed everyone in her sweet, charming manner with enchanting smiles and then asked the NGO Chairman Mr. Waghde to come up on stage and inaugurate the Project by lighting the diya. Of course her main trick to keep her cool was don't look at him, don't look at him. concentrate on the audience, most of whom were her acquaintances, neighbours or parents' friends. Her parents were sitting in the 2nd row, Prithvi too and Mayank and the other friends..

The Chairman gave a long speech about the NGO project for Children's Education, Health and Housing, then Kripa lighted the huge Ceremonial lamp. The whole time she was intensely conscious of "his" eyes staring at her, studying her intensely like she was a fascinating object. Thank God, the Chairman himself thanked the magnanimous Angad Khanna for his bountiful donation and invited him on stage. Kripa shied away from him and stood on one side of the stage, staring at her dainty toenails.

She shivered inside to hear his deep, heavy voice intone smoothly like warm silk over gravel, as he respectfully addressed the people of Mahabaleshwar and the NGO Chairman:
Main bahut khush-kismat hoon, aapney mujhey yeh mauka diya ke main bhi iss sheher ke liye kuchh kar sakoon. Hum Khanna Builders and Developers kisi jagah mein jaakar sirf business hi nahin kartey, hum rishtey banatey hain. Aapkey sheher ne mujhey swagat kiya, yahan apna Resort Hotel bananey diya, iss ehsaan ke badley yeh mera ek chhota sa nazrana samjhiye. Yeh sheher jitni sundar hai, yahan ke log ussey bhi zyada khubsoorat hain (he threw a meaningful glance at Kripa, she bit her lip and looked away as her heart fluttered like a trapped bird). Pichhley ek saal se main kaam ke silsiley mein yahan aa raha hoon. Ab mujhey iss sheher se itna lagaav ho gaya hai, sochta hoon yahin ghar basaa loon (another sly look at Kripa who was blushing like a bride and cursing herself for reacting thus). Khair, main aur time waste nahin karoonga, because I know aap sab bhi Ms. Kripa ke geet sunney ke liye utna hi betaab hain jaisey main hoon. 

This time he smiled openly at the red-cheeked girl who was almost a puddle of mush by then, tremulously thinking. Haila, yeh toh openly flirt kar raha hai! Mummy-Papa samajh gaye toh kya sochengey? 
Of course Angad's hints went over everyone else's heads completely, they were lapping up every word as praise for their hometown.
Angad received a huge applause alongwith loud cheers and slogans: Angad Khanna, zindabad! ZINDABAD! Khanna Builders Amar rahey.
He flashed a charming grin : Now over to you, Ms Sharma.
She rolled her eyes at him, as if she needed his permission to start!

He quirked a sardonic eyebrow, then went down to his seat seat beside Mr. Waghde and the lights dimmed on the stage. Kripa took the mic, a spotlight fell on her, karaoke tracks started playing on the speakers and she began her musical performance with a Vandana, a prayer to God:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClteDdwtvM

Ishwar satya hai
Satya hi Shiv hai
Shiv hi sundar hai
Jaago uth kar dekho
Jeevan jyot ujaagar hai
Satyam Shivam sundaram, satyam Shivam sundaram
Satyam Shivam sundaram, sundaram, aah, aah aah
Satyam Shivam sundaram, satyam Shivam sundaram

Raam avadh mein
Raam avadh mein, kaashi mein Shiv kanhaa vrindaavan mein
Dayaa karo Prabhu, dekho inko - 2
Har ghar ke aangan mein
Radha Mohan sharanam
Satyam Shivam sundaram, aah

Angad had stiffened with the very first melodious notes from her sweet voice he sat upright, leaning forward with intense concentration and appreciation. Kripa glanced once or twice at him, then looked steadfastly at her parents and friends in the 2nd row, she didn't want to be distracted by the fixed stare of his hypnotic eyes. 
Next she sang this song, which was very popular with her local fans. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8HMSLy1UXQ

Saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho - 2
uljha sa yeh mann hai sulgha sa yeh tann hai
sapno ka saawan hai naino ka aangan hai
chalke mann gaagariya saawariya ho saawariya ho
saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho

jo tu yunh paas aaya hai
jo tu yuhn dil pe chaaya hai
to maine kya paaya hai
kaise kahoon haan
kahin dhadkan ki kaliyaan hain
kahin sapno ki galiyaan hain
jo mann mein rang raliyaan hain
kaise kahoon
tu jo mujhe aise behkaaye
kabhi kabhi mujhe to badi laaj si aaye
bhooli hoon main jaise apni dagariya
jabse hai dekhi maine prem nagariya, prem nagariya
saawariya saawariya main to hui baawariya
tune mann moh liya saawariya ho

tu jo mila mujhe to yeh saara sama badal gaya
khilne lage phool se meri raaha mein
phir yunh laga mujhe ke yeh dharti nayee huyee
nayaa ambar hua teri aur meri chaaha mein
chanchal hawa taraana koi gaaye
nadiya bhi koi kahani kehti jaaye
jabse mili sajana tujhse najariya
ho gayi hai sudh bhudh ki mujhse gathariya
saawariya saawariya

Even as she sang this song, she was flushed with awkward embarassment.Hey Bhagwan, kahin wo yeh naa samajh le main yeh uskey liye gaa rahi hoon.Uff, main bhi naa Wo kyun mera saanwariya hoga? Main toh 2 din pehley hi ussey milee hoon, yeh main kya soch rahi hoon?

She stole a glance at him, he was quite mesmerized! She smiled rather smugly. Well, it seems she had managed to surprise him after all! The supercool Angad Khanna seems to be blown away by her performance! She didn't know why but she felt quite satisfied with his reaction. She sang her heart out with renewed enthusiasm and a strange excitement in her heart.

The townsfolk knew about her talent, had heard her sing many times before but today, she was singing to impress the dashing young Chief Guest. 
She sang song after song, romantic, sad, joyous, coquettish, every single one chosen carefully to showcase the range and sweetness of her voice.

When she completed her 8 songs, there was thunderous applause. She glanced quickly at Angad and almost gasped. He had stood up and was giving her a standing ovation with a wide grin of admiration. Mr.Waghde and others followed his example and stood up. Soon the whole auditorium was standing and applauding. Kripa was blushing, melting, smiling tremulously. 

She quickly bowed with folded hands and thanked them sweetly as she backed away and almost ran backstage, to escape the look in his eyes. That look was more electrifying than all the awards she had won so far!
Harshini and her friends surrounded her: KRIPAA! You were mindblowing, Yaar! SUPERB! Aaj toh tuney kamaal hi kar diya! Dekha, sab khadey ho gaye the
Kripa laughed, blushed, giggled as everyone hugged and congratulated her. Next it was the turn of the dancers. 
Harshini and Nupur poked her: Ab hamari baari, wish us Luck! 

Kripa wished them both best of luck and helped them round up all the dancers. The MC announced the dance item and they moved out on stage. Kripa peeped surreptitiously from the side to see what HE was doing. She was shocked! He wasn't in his seat. He had left! What the heck..itni jaldi chala gaya? Her heart sankshe didn't know why she was so disappointed. Crestfallen, she slinked back to the empty green room in the back. She curled her lips and pouted.Lagta hai Prime Minister se bhi busy aadmi hai.poora program dekhkar bhi nahin gaya.Show off!

She sat down at the dresser and stared at her own petulant expression. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, startled she turned around. A huge flower bouquet blocked the entire doorway and a young man's voice quavered from behind it: Kripa Madam jee yahan hain?
Haan, main hoon, yeh kya hai? She eagerly went forward.

The thin young man quickly dumped the huge bouquet in her hand with a relieved smile: Jee yeh aapkey liye hai.
Kripa's heart skipped a beat, she half guessed but still had to ask : Kisney bheja?
Jee, Khanna Saab ne kaha sab kuchh note mein likha hai.he smiled shyly.

Kripa placed the huge exotic flowers on the nearest table and quickly searched for the card, it was as hard as searching for a needle in a haystack. She eventually located it and opened it with trembling hands. It said in a neat, commanding scrawl: You were amazing tonight! Meet me for Lunch tomorrow. I want to talk to you. 
It was simply signed: AK.

Her heart started pounding with excitement. She couldn't believe it! A DATE! WITH HIM! She was thrilled, shocked, nervous, shy at the same time! He had asked her out for a date! He had only met her once, heard her sing tonight and now.he wanted to take her out to lunch? She could hear her own heartbeats reverberate again. Date! Her very first date! And that too with Angad Khanna!

The boy smiled at her tentatively: Toh main Sir se kya kahoon? Aapki razamandi hai?..
Her innate pride surfaced above romantic thrills. Wait a minute! Angad ne soch kaisey liya main uskey saath date per jaungi? Wo bulayega aur main daudi chali jaungi? I don't even know him! I shouldn't agree at once, otherwise he will think I am desperate, pakey huey aam ki tarah uskey haath mein gir gayi! Hamari bhi toh koi izzat hai, rutbaa hai! 

She raised her brows haughtily: Apney Saab se jaakar keh do, main Lunch per nahin aa sakti

The boy looked deflated as he walked away. He must be wondering she was crazy to deny a multi-millionaire Saab like his! She bit her lower lip, wondering how AK would react to her message. 

She didn't have to wait long. As she was twisting a stray strand of her silky hair in bristling tension, a deep, sexy voice startled her from behind: Toh aap kal Lunch per nahin aa sakti? Kya main poochh sakta hoon kyun?
She whipped around, her heart jumped like a frightened deer, then started beating at double speed. He was leaning indolently on the door, a mocking smile on those firm yet sensuous lips, his eyes flickering over her in that hot, smoky fashion. 

She clenched her teeth to keep her knees steady, gulped down her nervous tremors and breathlessly replied : Main.main anjaaney aadmiyon ke saath Lunch nahin karti.
Anjaan aadmi? One eyebrow rose quizzically. Main anajaan hoon?

She arched both eyebrows in return: Main aapko jaanti kahan hoon? Hum ek baar hi toh miley hain!
He gave her a devastating smile that could weaken the hardest heart: Isiliye toh kal hamara milnaa zaroori hai! Agar milengey nahin toh jaan pehchan kaisey hogi? 
He had a point! No wonder he was such a successful businessman! He knew how to argue his case! 
She looked at him wide-eyed for some time, quite lost in his smoky eyes, at a loss for words. 

He demanded an answer: So, can I take that as a YES?
She nodded slowly, then looked away in sudden shyness.
He smiled in approval : Good! That's settled then! My car will pick you up at 12 noon. 
Thehriye! she stopped his immediate planning : Main ghar se nahin jaa sakti.

Kyun? Chori se milney ka iraada hai? His lips twitched in amusement.
Aap chhotey sheher se nahin hain, isiliye nahin samjhengey!she lectured him like a wise adult: Yahan ghar ki izzat bahut important hai! Merey Papa kabhie raazi nahin hongey, isiliye mujhey bina bataye jaana padega.

He looked thoughtful: Iska matlab tum mujhsey chhupkar milna chahti ho? 
She turned crimson, he made it sound like she was dying to meet him secretly.

She bristled angrily: Dekhiye, aap samajh nahin rahey! Main modern hoon, lekin merey parents puraney khayalat ke hain, kabhie kabhie unsey chhupakar aisey baahar jaana padta hai. Aur haan, aur ek baat, yeh Lunch hum Mahabaleshwar ke kisi Hotel ya Restaurant mein nahin kar saktey, kyunki har jagah merey jaan pehchan ke log hongey..

Toh kya private lunch ka intezaam karoon? ..there was a teasing gleam in his eyes.
She quivered inside at the thought of meeting him in a secluded place but put up a brave front. He must not think Mahabaleshwar girls were so backward. 
She licked her lips : Private means.koi public place nahinwaisey kisika ghar bhi chalega! Aapkey Hotel ya Resort mein agar.
He teased her further: Hotel ke kamrey mein ya...?

She glared at him: You know very well what I mean! Jagah ki choice aapkey upar hai. Asha hai aap meri reputation ka khayal rakhengey! Merey Papa iss School ke Principal hain! Hamarey family ko yahan har koi jaanta hai. 

He stopped smiling wickedly and pinched one ear: Sorry! I understand! I will be careful, don't worry! Kisiko kaano kaan khabar nahin padegi! So its all fixed then? Tomorrow my car will pick u up at?
Kripa nodded : On the road behind this schoolground. Main wahan intezaar karungi. Mama Papa se kahungi saheli ke saath picture dekhney gayi
OK! No problem, kal 12 bajey School ke peechey waley road per.phir mulaqat hogi! 

He was turning to leave, she called again: Suniye.
He turned back with a sly smile: Aur kuchh?
She pointed at the flowers shyly: Thank you for those!
He shrugged nonchalantly: Oh that! You deserve more, much more! You have some real talent! You were really mindblowing tonight!
She whispered : Thank you! And looked down at her toes.
He laughed, a deep rich sound, full of vigor and spice. : Ciao! he said and left her smiling tremulously in the green room.

****************************************************************

Next day was a Sunday, Kripa managed to sneak out on the pretext of going to Harshini's house: MAMAA, main aaj Harshu ke saath noon show mein picture dekhney jaa rahi hoon! She yelled from her room, as she dressed with care for her first date!
Her Mama yelled back: Theek hai beta, picture ke baad seedha ghar aa jaana!. 
Kripa had told Harshu of course! She had to, otherwise who would cover for her?

Harshini was shocked, nervous: WHAT? TU ANGAD KHANNA KE SAATH LUNCH PER JAAYEGI?
SHHH! Kripa covered her mouth: Don't shout so much, marvaayegi kya? Haan, main uskey saath lunch karungi! So what? Wo koi sher ya bhediya toh nahin jo mujhey zinda chabaa jayega. I know how to take care of myself.

Harshu exclaimed: Lekin woitna ameer, hes so damned rich!
So what? Main koi bhikharan hoon kya? Hamari family bhi kaafi raees hai, yahan sab humein jaantey hain, Papa ki izzat kartey hain! Kripa proclaimed proudly.

Ok, jaisi teri marzi! Lekin uskey iraadey toh theek hai naa? What are his intentions?
Kripa shrugged: Mujhey kya pataa? He just asked me for lunch, mainey haan kar dee! Usney bhi toh merey kehney per ek minute mein 50 lakh ka check diya tha! I am just returning his favor.

Of course she didn't admit to the fact that she was horribly intrigued by AK and found him terribly attractive and fascinating. Harshu looked suspiciously at the dreamy look in her friend's eyes.daal mein kuchh kala hai, Kripa pehli baar Uncle Aunty se jhooth bolkar ek anjaan aadmi se milney jaa rahi hai, kahin wo uskey jaal mein phans naa jaaye.in ameer logon ka kya pataa.kuchh bhi kar saktey hainshe was very doubtful but trusted her friend's wisdom and instincts.

Kripa walked to Harshu's house normally, then quickly rerouted her tracks to the road behind the school. A little later, a snazzy black car drove up, it was a gleaming Cadillac limo. The door was opened by the chaffeur, she got in and it drove off to some mysterious location.
Kripa leaned back on the plush leather and sighed happily with nervous excitement. She felt like Cinderella on her way to her first Ball with the Prince, only the pumpkin had turned into a Cadillac limo!


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Edited by pallavi25 - 10 years ago
Posted: 10 years ago
Part 4

When the limo passed through the gilded gates of the Avanti Resort Hotel, Kripa smiled knowingly, so Mr. Khanna had arranged for a private lunch at his Resort? But the limo passed by the sprawling 3-storied luxury Hotel, and several cottages on its way to an unknown destination. Kripa could not help wonderingwhere is he taking me? Lagta hai end of the earth.Resort ke kisi anjaan konay mein le jaa raha hai.she shivered with a strange thrill.

The limo traversed the entire length of the resort and stopped at some unknown spot. The driver opened her door and she stepped out. 
She gasped in complete surprise!

The glorious vista spread out in front of her was totally unexpected and thrilling! They were near a cliff, overlooking a deep stratified canyon of Mahabaleshwar Plateau, with the thin sparkling ribbon of Krishna river flowing deep down in the valley. It was a gorgeous viewpoint she had never yet seen in her 23 years in Mahabaleshwar! 

How do u like the view? His smooth, heavy voice startled her. She turned around with a sharp intake of breath. He was standing near a picnic table laid out with all kinds of covered dishes while 2 uniformed Resort waiters hovered nearby, ready to serve. 

He..hello! she smiled nervously, her pulse reacting instantly to his presence.
He looked casually debonair in a grey pullover and designer jeans, his wavy hair tousled by the cool March winds. She didn't think it was possible but he looked even handsomer in casual clothes than formal business wear. He seemed very relaxed too as he approached, smiling down at her from his superior height. His piercing eyes studied her from top to bottom, admiring her fashionable full-sleeved top and sleek pants that hugged every curve of her nubile body. She had dressed in modern clothes to prove that Mahabaleshwar girls could be trendy too! 

Kripa was only too aware of his slow perusal but swallowed the cottonwool in her throat and smiled bravely: Yeh jagah bahut sundar hai! Are weare we having a picnic here?
He shrugged with an amused glint in his eyes: I felt a picnic lunch would be best. It would not compromise your reputation, it will be private yet open. Am I right?
She smiled tremulously and nodded: Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you.

He spread out a hand in welcome, directing her to the table: Now shall we? 
Kripa followed him to the cloth covered table and they sat down facing each other.
Kripa felt his intent gaze on herself, she averted her eyes towards the scenery. Her heart was beating too hard at his nearness, her cheeks heated up as a side effect. She cursed her weak heart. Yeh kambakht dil bhi naa, har baar mujhey rusvaa kar deti hai!

He asked her with hostly charm: What would u like to have? Indian or Italian or Chinese?
She looked at him in surprise: Is there a restaurant nearby?
He tilted his head with a smirk: Wo raha, behind that tree
Kripa turned aside and saw there was a white catering van parked behind a tree. She was impressed. Wow, in mahashay ka style hi kuchh alag hai! Restaurant nahin jaa sakey toh poora restaurant hi yahan le aaye. 
But she masked her awed wonder and acted cool: I would like Italian, please. 

Good choice! He smiled and summoned the nearest waiter. He gave some quick instructions, then leaned back with a sigh: Sotell me about yourself, are u a professional singer? Because you sure sound like one?
Kripa shook her head: Nahin, abhi tak toh professional nahin, lekin kisi din mashhoor banney ka sapna zaroor hai!
He leaned forward : Agar chaho toh main help kar sakta hoon? Merey kaafi contacts hain Music Industry mein, I can get u a recording contract. 

She looked wide-eyed with surprise, wondering, is he trying to help me, impress me or seduce me? Perhaps a bit of all three. 
Her pride and independence rose to the surface: Jee nahin, main khud apni manzil per pahunchna chahti hoon, waisey bhi kayi Music competitions jeet chuki hoon. Aagey bhi chance mil jayegi. But thanks anyway!.she smiled at him defensively. 
He studied her thoughtfully with those hypnotic eyes: Talent ke saath khuddari! I like it! Mujhey khuddar log bahut pasand hain.

She blushed at his compliment but opted to ask: Lekin aap kyun mujhey help karna chahtey hain? 
His eyes flickered over her flushed cheeks: Heerey ki pehchan johri ko hi hota hai. I think you are a very gifted singer. And u should not let that talent go to waste.
Kripa explained wisely: Meri Maa kehti hain Sangeet ek kalaa hai jiski sadhna karni chahiye, sadhna mein hi uski poornata hai. Aur kalaa ki koi keemat nahin hoti, naa hi karobaar kiya jaata hai. 
He smiled enigmatically: Merey Dad kehtey hain agar kisimein koi hunar hai toh usey duniya ke saamney lana chahiye, apney talent ko pradarshit karney se uska samman badhta hai, ghat-ta nahin!

She was impressed, he wasn't just a corporate hotshot but he had deeply entrenched sensibilities and a good upbringing too. For her every rationale, he had a counter-reasoning. He challenged her heart and mind.
She decided to grill him too : Aapkey family Mumbai mein rehtey hain?
His eyes flickered with a brief pain: My Dad is in Khandala, hes partially paralyzed, theek se chal phir nahin saktey, so hes in retirement at our farmhouse. 
Her eyes widened: Oh, Im sorry! Aur aapki Maa?
Do saal pehley guzar gayi! From cancer..Dad had a stroke soon after that. 
She sympathized sincerely: Im sorry to hear that. Toh kya aap akeley rehtey hain? Koi bhai behen?
I live with my extended family in our family mansion. Merey Chachajee, Chachi, 2 badey bhai, 2 bhabhiyan aur do pyarey se bhatija aur bhatijee. 
Her eyes brightened: Really? Kitney saal ke?
He grinned: 5 saal ki Mili aur 3 saal ka Dipu! Dono Chachu ke favorites!
Kripa chuckled: How cute! Mujhey chhotey bachchey bahut pasand hain! 
His amber eyes gleamed with humor: Good to know that you like kids!
She sucked in her breath, suspected he was teasing her. Their eyes met with a sudden flare of attraction and awareness! She bit her lower lip and looked away, her heart hammering audibly again. 

Luckily for her, two waiters arrived with their food. At first they served Caesar salad, bread rolls and white wine. Although Kripa never consumed alcohol in front of her parents, she wanted to appear cool and sophisticated. She sipped the white wine delicately and found it tangy and delicious. 
Angad observed her humorously, clearly enjoying her attempts to imbibe alcohol without appearing gauche. She was so refreshingly innocent! 
She looked up into his watchful eyes: Kya hua? Is anything the matter?
He shook his head blithely: Of course not! Enjoying the wine? 
She smiled defensively: Yes, its delicious!
Good! Because I have ordered some chianti for the next course!
Kripa got nervous, yeh mujhey itni sharab kyun pilaa raha hai? What if I get drunk? I better take really small sips.

The next course was appetizers, grilled toast with antipasto, mozarella and basil.
Again they were served a different wine with the antipasto. Kripa refused it this time.
The main course was pasta shells with alfredo sauce and chicken cutlets rollatini. The food was really scrumptious, Angad had clearly appointed his resort's best chefs. Kripa took very small sips of the chianti. She was already feeling light-headed. Angad's magnetic presence also added to the intoxication. She could feel his warm brown eyes observe her throughout the meal. 
They conversed lightly during the courses. He asked her about her family: So, you live with your parents? Koi bhai behen?
She shook her head: No, I am an only child. 
He nodded : Its tough being the only one, I have felt that void all my life. 
She quickly disagreed: But Im not lonely, I have my best friends, Harshini and Prithvi

Prithvi? He frowned at once. 
Haan, Prithvi she smiled nonchalantly ..wo bhi mera best friend hai, we all grew up together, hamarey ghar sab ek hi line mein hain.
Angad looked at her innocent smile and realized Prithvi wasn't her boyfriend. She added excitedly: Aur ghar mein meri Dadi bhi hai! Shes the BEST! Main apni har baat Dadi ko batati hoon! 
He smirked teasingly: Toh kya aaj ke lunch ke baarey mein bhi Dadi ko bataogi? 
Her cheeks turned pink: Kuchh baatein Dadi ko bhi nahin bataa sakti
He prodded her deliberately: Kyun? Aisi kya khaas baat hai iss mulaqat mein? Jo tum apni Dadi se chhupana chahti ho?

Youyou wont understandDadi bhi old fashioned hain naa! .she looked away from those amber eyes filled with wicked humor. They were melting her heart with a strange warmth. Shayad isiko kehtey hain dil mein gudgudi hona.
How could she tell him that if Dadi knew, she would insist on making a match between him and her darling granddaughter. In fact, her whole family would be outraged if they knewthat's why it was so devilishly thrilling to have this secret date with him.

Aap Mumbai wapas kab jaa rahey hain? She asked rather breathlessly to change the topic.
Kal subah..he observed her carefully, satisfied to see her disappointment.
Ohh! ..she chewed her lips.then asked in a small voice: Aap kab wapas aayengey?
He smiled quizzically: Jab tum chaho.
She looked up at him in alarm: Main chahoonmatlab?
Do u want to meet me again? Then I will come back, only for you.he said softly, leaving it open-ended. The ball was now in her court.
She swallowed, her heart pounding with deafening echo: I..I don't know

He reached out across the table and covered her hand with his palm, its hot touch scorched her skin. She drew in a sharp breath and quickly pulled her hand away. 
His intense eyes speared her : So tell me, do u want me to come back next week? Kyunki main aoonga, sirf tumsey milney ke liye
She gazed into his eyes, trembling at what she saw there..they were asking her questions she could not answer, at least not yet. She wasn't sure what she felt about him.she was attracted to him powerfully no doubt, but could she trust him? Was he serious about her or was she just a casual fling? 

He was astute enough to read her mind and he confessed : I don't have any girlfriends in Mumbai. I have not dated in a long while. But I want to see you again. will u meet me again next week, same day, same time for lunch?
She licked her lips nervously, his eyes dropped to her moist lips and lingered there with a heated look. Kripa got up from her seat and breathed deeply to slow down her pulse, calm her wild heartbeats. 

II need to think.she mumbled incoherently and walked over to the cliff, trying to escape his knowing eyes that sought to plunge into her soul and pull out her deepest secrets. 
She stood looking down at the deep gorge, so beautiful yet so dangerous! Should she take the plunge? Should she say Yes to Angad ? And let caution be damned?

He came up behind her and stood so close she could feel the heat emanating from his body. She moved forward like a skittish colt. His muscular arm snaked around her waist at once and pulled her back against him. His deep voice growled in rebuke behind her earlobe: What are u doing? Khai mein GIR jaogi! 

Kripa trembled like a fern with sensations. His firm hand clasped her stomach, its warmth burning her skin through the top. She closed her eyes in sheer pleasure as every nerve end seemed to be set afire! She had never felt this way before at a man's touch! She leaned back on his broad chest with eyes closed, feeling the heat and hardness of his body surround her. She was falling in love! What a thrilling, frightening sensation! It was like free-falling headlong into a promised paradise!
Haan! She croaked out.
Haan, kya? .his warm breath on her neck made her shudder again.
Haan, main .aapsey milungi.she whispered brokenly.
Good! Because I really want to..see you again. his warm lips were almost kissing her neck. She shivered again and almost moaned.

They were standing near the edge of the cliff, Kripa felt like she was standing at the edge of discovery, of love, of desire, of everything that a woman would want to experience. 
She wasn't aware how long they stood there, his arm around her waist, her head leaning back on his chest, both breathing rapidly and heavily.
Finally he moved backward, pulling her alongwith him. He released his hold on her waist once they were a few meters away from the edge, then he turned her around to face him. Her eyes were lowered bashfully. 
Kripahe called her name softly. She looked up slowly into his seducing eyes. Kripatum bahut khubsoorat ho! 
Her eyes lowered again. He asked her : Meri taraf dekho.I want to see it in your eyes .
She looked up hesitantly : Kya? 
That you like me too.

She could not reply, not yet. He took her delicate hands in his palms and slowly lifted them to his lips. Kripa trembled again as he kissed them one by one, his warm lips lingering on her fingers. 
I will return next week to see you. Meet me next Sunday for lunch? His eyes asked her
She nodded with a shy smile. 
Good! That's fixed then! he pressed firm kisses on both hands and let her go. Ab chalo, dessert letey hain. 

He held her arm and led her back to the table. Kripa was in dreamland, she relished every moment of his company, basked in the warm glow of his attentions, revelling secretly in the realization that she was falling in love for the first time! The rest of the glossy afternoon passed by, Kripa was lost in his eyes, his smile, his charming presence. The sun was dipping westwards in the sky, coloring the Ghats.
Suddenly her mobile rang. Kripa snapped out of her dreamy state, it was Harshini, panicking: KRIPA! TU KAHAN HAI, YAAR? I am waiting for u at the movie theatre, ek saath ghar lautna hai naa? Nahin toh saari pol khul jayegi!
Kripa sprang up in consternation: Mujhey abhi ghar jaana hai! I mean Regal theatre jaana hai! Bahut late ho gayi! Mama ko shaq ho jayega!
Angad got up at once, taking command: Don't worry, mera driver tumhey 10 minute mein Regal pahuncha dega! 
Thanks! Kripa said breathlessly and ran towards the limo, feeling like Cinderella again rushing home at the stroke of midnight. 

Suddenly she stopped in her tracks, she had not thanked him properly. She turned around and yelled: THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL LUNCH! HAVE A SAFE TRIP BACK HOME!
He waved at her with a broad smile: THANKS FOR UR COMPANY! SEE U NEXT SUNDAY!
Kripa managed to reach the theatre in time, the limo dropped her off at the corner so nobody would see her getting down from Angad's car. Everything went well and her mother had no clue where she had been.



Later at night, Kripa stood in front of her mirror, pensively studying her reflection. She was quite pretty but not a Miss India, nor a runway model. Why would a millionaire like AK be interested in a small town girl like her? He was so handsome, so charming, suave and sophisticated, plus filthy rich to boot! Why did he desire her? Because she knew he did.she saw it in his eyes. 
Is he playing with me? Kahin wo mera dil tod toh nahin dega? 
Jo bhi ho, uskey aankhon mein ek kashish hai, koi jadu hai jo mujhey uski ore kheench raha hai. I cannot resist him, Im falling in love! His magnetic aura is pulling me inexorably towards him. I want to be with him, whatever the consequences! I lied to my mother today because of him, but I don't care, I want to see him againand again

She hugged herself...Ohh to be in love for the first time!
The sweet pain of first love was heady like finest wine, it made her giddy with excitement. Yes, I want to meet him, spend time with him. But what about him? Is he serious about me too? Wo mujhey kyun pasand karta hai? 

She got her answer the next Sunday. This time Angad was already in the car limo which picked her up behind the schoolgrounds. She was startled to see him inside. He smiled in welcome: Hello Kripa, kaisi ho?
She smiled tremulously: I Im fine, aap kaisey hain? 
Good! He nodded approvingly: I see u dressed warmly today. He slowly scanned her full sleeved pullover and hip-hugging jeans. She flushed and sat down primly. He himself looked incredibly dashing in a posh turtleneck and black jeans with leather jacket. 
Her pulse raced with nervous excitement, to be seated alone with him in the intimate confines of the car was too provocative. 

She spoke quickly to hide her skittishness: Kya aaj bhi hum outdoor picnic per jaa rahey hain?
He smiled mysteriously: Today we are going to Panchgani, to my guest house. 
Panchgani? She was slightly alarmed: Lekin wo toh doosra sheher hai? 
He looked highly amused: Its only half an hour's drive. Don't worry, I am not kidnapping you! Main tumhey sahi salamat ghar pahuncha doonga, theek 4 bajey! 

She was embarassed at his reply but settled down coolly and enjoyed the ride with him. Every atom in her body was aware of his magnetic presence, his close proximity during the half hour drive to Panchgani but he seemed preoccupied with his iPhone, checking for messages, replying to business mail. 

In Panchgani, the car stopped at a sprawling holiday cottage on the outskirts of town. Angad took her inside and then led her out back to a glass domed balcony overlooking the Ghats. Again, he had arranged for a delicious catered lunch, Chinese style this time. Kripa enjoyed the food, the scenic views. She relished his company, his flirtatious wit and charm, but she kept on wondering why he was so eager to meet her, to take her out on lunch dates as far as Panchgani? 

He started telling her about the family guesthouse, how he used to visit Panchgani in his childhood with his parents during school holidays. Kripa realized he was rather lonely since his mother's death and father's illness. Perhaps that's why he needed someone to share his life with.
He suddenly became aware of her silence: Kya hua, Kripa? Anything wrong?
She shook her head quickly: Nahin toh, sab theek hai.
He was too astute and guessed the reason: Tum shayad soch rahi ho ke main kyun tumsey milna chahta hoon? Why I want to meet you again and again?
She didn't reply, just looked down awkwardly. 

His deep voice sounded sincerely emotional: My Mom had wanted me to marry and settle down. Lekin main taalta raha, kaam ka bahana banata raha! Now I have realized, ek humsafar ke baghair zindagi adhoora reh jaata hai! Jab mainey tumhey pehli baar dekha, well, actually when u marched into my business meeting (his lips twitched humorously) I was impressed by your spirit, determination, your dedication! Bahut kam log hain jo Angad Khanna ko yun lecture de saktey hain, lekin tumney diyafor the sake of charity work. Sirf tumhari khubsoorati hi nahin, tumhari yehi adaa mujhey bahut pasand aa gayi! I am attracted to you, I want to meet you every week, so we get to know each other. Tell me, do u feel the same way too?

Kripa was thrilled and flattered at his reply. He liked her personality, her spirit. She looked up and nodded shyly: Main bhi.tumsey milna chahti hoon. I lo.like you too!
He reached out and grasped her soft, delicate hands: Do you love me? 
She lied: I I don't know yet.I am not sureyeh pyar hai yaaakarshan.
That's why we have to meet every week. .he urged her sincerely: Baar baar milney se hi humein pata chalega ke hamarey beech mein jo hai wo sirf akarshan hai ya pyaar. But u cannot deny we are attracted to each other?

She looked down and shivered as his fingers tightened around hers. There was so much power in those hands, he could easily crush her fingers, but she trusted his grip, it was more possessive and persuading than lustful. 
Once more he lifted her hands and kissed her fingers. The lingering warmth of his lips thrilled and excited her, made her feel faint with love. But she hid her own feelings till she was sure of his. He did not attempt to kiss her lips that day, neither on their next date.




It wasn't till their 6th date, when they finally confessed they loved each other. That was when he kissed her on the lips for the first time. They had been parked at a viewpoint. Angad had driven her himself, in his own SUV that day to an overlook near Panchgani. As they cuddled cozily in the car, he told her he loved her and wanted to marry her. She admitted finally that she had loved him from the start, but was waiting for his confession. 
He laughed: So u wanted me to say it first? Mujhpar aitbaar nahin hai kya? 
She hid her face in his chest: Wo baat nahin, mujhey sharam aati thi.
Aur ab? He lifted her face in his palm. 

Her eyes told him what he wanted to know, that she loved him with all the passion of her youthful heart. He joined his lips with hers, its first touch was electrifying! It inflamed her senses, drowning her in a vortex of rising ardor and passion! His lips were firm, yet soft, gentle yet demanding her surrender! She moaned softly as he increased the pressure, her lips parted to give him access to her inner sweetness. After that, everything was blurry with giddy pleasures, with the intoxicating essence of his mouth, the masculine fragrance of his cologne, the touch and texture of his lips and tongue. She was lost in his embrace, melting under his lips, like the parched virgin earth soaks up its first rainfall. He finally let her go with a rueful sigh, he didn't want to lose control and make love to her inside a parked car. 

He ran an unsteady hand through tousled hair and grated out tensely: Lets get married!
Her eyes were still closed, lips parted, she was breathing erractically but somehow gasped out: Merey Papa se baat karni hogi.tumhey.
I knowhe sighed..I have to see your father. Agley mahiney mera ek bada Project shuru honay wala hai, I will meet your father formally after that! 




They had been meeting every Sunday for two months, almost every week except when Angad had to go on business trips during weekends. Kripa lied to her family to meet her secret suitor, her loyal friend Harshini covered up for her everytime.

But how long can you keep a love affair hidden in a small town like Mahabaleshwar?
Her father's friend spotted her the following Sunday as she was getting out of Angad's car behind the schoolgrounds. He called out after her as she started walking home: Kripa Beti! Tum kahan gayi thi? Wo kiska car tha?

She turned around with a sinking heart: Wo? Wo meri ek saheli thi, mujhey drop off kar rahi thi
The Uncle looked suspiciously at her: Lekin Beta, wo toh Angad Khanna ka car tha naa? Mainey usey dekha andar, gaadi chalaa raha tha?
Kripa was caught! She was redfaced and muttered some more lies and ran away home. But her escapade was duly reported to her father.

Suryabhan was incensed! He summoned a nervous Kripa that night: YEH MAIN KYA SUN RAHA HOON? TUM ANGAD KHANNA KE SAATH GHOOMNEY GAYI THI? 
She looked down in shame, now the whole story would spill out. 
BATAAO, JAWAAB DO! KABSEY YEH SAB CHAL RAHA HAI?
Kripa shed tears of guilt, she should have told her parents, now they would lose trust in her forever. Her mother was deeply offended: Kripa, kya tum mujhsey jhooth bolkar jaa rahi thi uss aadmi se milney?
Kripa sobbed: Im sorry, Mama! Im sorry. 

Suryabhan was outraged, furious! Like a typical filmy dad, he lectured her for an hour about family honor, maan-maryada, ghar ki izzat, about lying, deceiving her loving mother. he made her feel guilty as hell. 
Kripa sobbed, cried, apologized and finally admitted it: Im sorry, Mama, Im sorry Papa, I love Angad! Hum ek doosrey se bahut pyaar kartey hain. Wo mujhsey shadi karna chahta hai, agley mahiney aayega aapsey milney, rishtey ki baat karney.
WHAT? WO SHADI KARNA CHAHTA HAI? Her parents were stunned, disbelieving! Wo itna ameer aadmi hokar tujhsey shadi karna chahta hai?
Dadi was thrilled to bits: Main jaanti thi! Meri gudiya ke liye ek Rajkumar aayega ekdin! Main naa kehti thi? Ab dekho, mera bhavishya vaani sach ho raha hai! 

Gayatri had her doubts: Lekin Maaji, wo Khanna Builders ka maalik, itna ameer aur raees hai, hum uskey saamney kuchh bhi nahin! Wo kyun hamari beti se shadi karega?
Dadi glared at her bahu: Kyun nahin? Meri Kripa mein kya kamee hai? Pari jaisi sundar hai, koyal ki tarah meethi awaaz hai! Wo aadmi Kripa ke pyaar mein pagal ho gaya hai, aur kya? Honi hi chahiye! Meri poti hai hi pyaar ke kaabil! Tu jaa Beti, Angad ko yahan bulaa, hum aaj raat hi ussey baat karengey!

Surya and Gayatri looked at each other in utter shock at the sudden turn of events. Kripa ran to her room and called Angad on the mobile. She cried in distress: Angad! Papa ko hamarey baarey mein sab kuchh pata chal gaya hai! Ab tumhey aakar Papa se baat karni hogi! He does not believe that u want to marry me!
Angad said at once: Main abhi aa raha hoon! Kripa, please don't cry, I will be there in half an hour. 
He arrived later that night, met Kripa's parents and Dadi. They were mightily impressed by his sincerity and love for Kripa. 

Suryabhan still had his doubts: Agar tumharey Dad, tumharey parivaar ne Kripa ko pasand nahin kiya toh?
Dad will love Kripa, I know that! He will always support my choice. The rest of my family.I will bring them here next month. Aapsey aur Kripa se milney. Im sure they wont have any objections. Meri choice mein unki koi raye nahin hogi! My decision is final! 
And thus, their marriage was fixed. Angad visited his Dad in Khandala and showed him Kripa's photographs. Dilip was delighted, he gave his blessings without any hesitation. 

Angad informed his extended family, they came to Mahabaleshwar to meet Kripa and her family. Most of the Khannas liked Kripa, except for catty Mishti and shrewish Damini, both seemed quite unhappy with Angad's wedding for some reason. But they did not dare raise any objections. Angad was the company MD and the heir to the family business. His choice of bride was final! They had no say in it! 

The wedding date was fixed for December, to be held in Mumbai. But all the excitement proved detrimental to Dadi's health and she suddenly collapsed from diabetic complications. She was hospitalized, her kidneys were badly damaged.. she was put on dialysis, doctors gave her just 2 months to live. 
Her first request to Kripa was : Tu aur Angad jaldi se shadi kar le, nahin toh main teri shadi dekhey bina hi guzar jaungi!

A terribly upset Kripa told Angad about Dadi's last wish. He agreed at once to advance the wedding date to October : Main apni Maa ki aakhri ichha poori nahin kar saka, ab Dadi ki zaroor karoonga! 
He also decided the wedding would be held in Mahabaleshwar so Dadi would be able to attend as well since she could not travel at all. 

Kripa looked worried: Lekin tumharey Dad? Wo bhi toh beemar hain, kaisey yahan aayengey?
Angad hugged her and kissed her forehead gently: Thanks for thinking about him! Don't worry, Dad will attend our reception in Mumbai. Aur unka aashirwaad hamesha hamarey saath hoga!



Kripa stared into the havan fire and smiled whimsically as she recalled her whirlwind courtship with Angad Khanna, the multi-millionaire Builder who had built his castle of love in her heart, who had literally swept her off her feet.
Today she was getting married to the Man of her dreams, a Prince among men! She was indeed the luckiest girl on earth!

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DECEPTION-  PART 5

Kripa looked up from the havan fire and spotted Prithvi amidst the gathering of family and friends. She was really happy to see he had gotten over his sulking fit! She smiled encouragingly at him despite her misgivings over his real feelings towards her. Her first clue was the way he had acted when he heard the news about her and Angad dating. Like the rest of Mahabaleshwar town, he was shocked and incredulous!
Kripa! How can you trust that guy? He might be playing with your emotions! 

Kripa crossed her arms angrily: For your kind information, usney mujhey propose kiya aur Papa se mera haath bhi maanga hai! He wants to marry me!
Prithvi had turned pale: WHAT! IMPOSSIBLE! Uskey jaisa aadmi tujhsey shadi kyun karega?
Her face had turned red with outrage: Ok, Now you are insulting me! Mujhmein kya kamee hai? Kya main pyaar ke layak nahin hoon?

Yeh mainey kab kaha? He looked flustered and self-conscious: Everyone loves you here! Lekin wo Mumbai ka business tycoon hai, hes a bloody millionaire! What if he has some girlfriend or something tucked away in Mumbai?
NO! He told me hes single! And he LOVES ME! Whats so shocking about that?
How can u trust him? Kya wo sach keh raha hai? Tu usey kitney dinon se jaanti hai?

She defended Angad passionately: I know enough about him to know that hes genuine! YES, he CAN be trusted! Wo bharosey ke KAABIL HAI! Mainey uskey saath akeley mein ghanton bitaye hain, he never overstepped his boundaries, he is a perfect gentleman! Agar usey kuchh karna hota toh bahut pehley kar sakta tha
Prithvi looked pained: Im not talking about him taking advantage of you! Shadi ke baad agar usney tera dil tod diya toh? Kya guarantee hai? In ameer logon ka koi bharosa nahin, aaj shadi parson divorce, unkey liye ek khel jaisa hai!

Kripa's eyes filled up with hurt: Don't be so negative ! Agar Angad waisa hota toh main ussey pyar nahin karti! Give me some credit! Main itni nadaan nahin ke bin sochey samjhey kisi bewafaa ko apna dil de doongi! Angad mujhey dil-o-jaan se chahta hai! He really loves me!
Prithvi saw her tears and felt bad: Im sorry, Kripa, Im just concerned about you! Aakhir main tera dost hoon.hum sabko teri chinta hai

I know, u all care for me.Kripa wiped her eyes.but have some faith in my judgement too! Angad bahut sincere aur bhalaa aadmi hai, wo kabhie mujhey dhokha nahin dega!
Prithvi didn't say anymore, just watched her unhappily with a hangdog expression. 

Kripa had felt slight doubts that day, but her suspicions were confirmed 2 weeks ago, after her Roka.
Prithvi had met her the day after, he looked very agitated and unhappy.
She was concerned: Kya hua, Prithvi! Any problems? Mujhey bataao, kya mein help kar sakti hoon?
He flung his hands in distress: Haan Kripa, only you can HELP ME! Please, meri baat sun! Angad se rishta tod de! He doesn't deserve you!
WHAT! ARE YOU OUT OF UR MIND!
YES, I AM! MAIN TUJHSEY BEHADD PYAR KARTA HOON! MARRY ME INSTEAD! 

Kripa almost fell down in shock! KYAAA? .BUT.. BUTWE ARE FRIENDS! WE GREW UP TOGETHER!
Isiliye toh! Main terey baghair nahin jee sakta! I love u too much to let you go! Terey bina main yahan nahin reh sakta! 
Kripa sank down on the nearest chair in a state of utter disbelief: I don't believe this! 

She was totally appalled! She never suspected that Prithvi harbored such feelings about her. She had always regarded him as a dear friend, almost a protective older brother type. 
Kripa stammered: Perperper, mainey kabhie tumhey uss nazar se dekha hi nahin! You are only a dear friend, almost like a brother
PLEASE,KRIPA! BHAI kehkar GAALI mat de! Prithvi protested vehemently. Tu mujhey pyar nahin karti, wo alag baat hai, per mera pyar hum dono ke liye kaafi hai. I will make you very happy! Buss ek baar tu haan keh de! Mujhsey shadi karkey yahin reh jaa, apnon ke paas, apney parivaar ke paas!

Kripa looked at him with wide, angry eyes: Are you out of your mind? Main sirf Angad se pyar karti hoon aur useesey shadi karungi! Period! 
Prithvi hung his head down in defeat and slowly left the room. Since that day, Kripa had been rather wary of Prithvi. She just couldn't go back to that friendly camarederie of years past. Last night he had wanted to come to her Bachelorette party, she wondered why.

Nonetheless, she was glad to see him at her havan. Maybe that meant he had accepted her marriage to Angad. She smiled brightly at him, but he didn't smile back. He looked quite forlorn and hopeless. Kripa felt sorry for him. She could not begin to imagine his pain. It must be so terrible to love someone who doesn't love you back! 

As soon as the Havan was over, her friends and family surrounded her again with jokes, teasing and excited chatter as she enjoyed her last day with her dear ones.
Kripa went upto Prithvi at the first chance and thanked him for coming. 
He gave a terse reply: Main sirf yeh bataney aaya tha, main shaam ko nahin aa sakta! Isiliye subah chala aaya.
Kripa was shocked: Tum meri shadi mein nahin aaogey? 
He looked at her with a tortured glance: I cannot do it! Main chaahkar bhi nahin aa sakta! Tujhey kisi aur ka hotay huey nahin dekh sakta! Please forgive me! I will always wish the best for you!
He turned abruptly and left! Harshini came up and asked: Ab isey kya hua? Hes behaving so strangely! Lagta hai usey kisisey ishq ho gaya! Hahaha.
Kripa winced, if only Harshu knew she had hit the nail on the head! 

*****************************************************************


It was early evening. The Baraat was getting ready to leave Avanti Resort. A royally decked traditional white horse stood patiently on the Hotel lawn, waiting for the bridegroom. All the baraatis were dressed to kill, in expensive clothes and jewelry befitting the guests of Khanna family. A row of black limos waited in line to take them to the bride's house. Kartik had returned from Mumbai that afternoon and stood tall and dashing in a dark sherwani beside his salon-perfect wife Mishti and cute daughter Mili in a maroon lehenga. Nishant and Gauri also stood nearby with their son, Deepu, dressed as the mini dulha in a maroon sherwani and pink turban. All the men wore pink turbans and all the women were dripping with diamonds and zariwork. Damini and Darshan emerged from the Hotel, greeting their assembled guests. Only the bridegroom was missing!

Damini looked around and wailed: YEH KYA? DULHA ABHI TAK NAHIN AAYA? ANGAD KAHAN HAI?
Gauri told her: Mummyjee, wo abhi tak ready nahin huye shayad.
Damini almost had a fit: ABHI TAK TAYYAR NAHIN? GAURI, ABHI JAAKAR USEY BULAKAR LAAO, MAHURAT KA WAQT NIKAL JAYEGA! Humein adhey ghantey mein Sharma ke wahan pahunchna hai.

Gauri nodded obediently and ran inside to summon her tardy devar. She went into their Presidential Suite and saw Angad's bedroom door was open. She peeped inside and was startled. Angad was ready in his wedding sherwani but he sat at the writing table, appying some bandages on his palms. 
She went in at once and exclaimed : Yeh kya, Angad, tumharey haathon ko kya hua? 

Angad jerked around in surprise and tried tio hide his hands but it was too late! She saw there were numerous cuts and bruises criss-crossing his broad palms. 
She was really shocked: Hey Bhagwan, tumharey haath toh buri tarah se ghayal hain! Yeh kaisey hua?
Angad stood up in consternation: Bhabhi, please kisiko mat batanaa! Agar Chachijee ko pataa chala tohyou know how she would react! 
Lekin yeh hua kaisey? Gauri demanded to know.
He looked sheepish: Actually kal raat jab main gaadi se utar raha tha, tab achanak gir gaya, ek jhadi mein girkar dono haath ghayal ho gaye! 
Hey Raam! Kitna zyada cut gaye! Laao, main dawai aur band-aid laga deti hoon!
She forcibly took the small bandaids and applied them on his palms. Angad smiled gratefully at her: Thanks Bhabhi!

Lekin Angad, kal raat ya aaj subah tumney bataya kyun nahin? Doctor ko bulaa letey. Agar infection ho gaya toh?
Don't worry, Bhabhi, yeh mamooli zakham hain, antiseptic aur bandaid se kaam ban jayega. Agar sabko batata toh Chachijee phir se Kripa ke manglik honay ki baat karti. And u know I don't like that! 
Gauri nodded in consent: Haan, shayad nahin batakar achha hi kiya. lekin mujhey toh bataa saktey the naa? 
Im sorry, aagey se aapko hi bataunga! Angad smiled endearingly.

Gauri finished patching up his wounds, the end result was so neat one could hardly tell he had so many small cuts. The flesh colored bandaids effectively hid his wounds.
Angad thanked her again, she said: Chalo ab neechey, sab besabri se intezaar kar rahey hain, sehra baandhney ka waqt ho gaya! Mummyjee pareshan ho rahi hain!
Yes, lets go now! 

Angad stepped out of the Hotel and was greeted vociferously by his friends and family. He looked dashingly handsome and majestic in his golden sherwani. Darshan Uncle hugged him and held him at arm's length: Zara main bhi dekhoon, kaisa lag raha hai mera bhateeja? Waah Bhai, bilkul Rajkumar lag raha hai! Arey Bhaagwaan, iska sehra kahan hai?
Damini made a pained expression and handed over the flowery sehra with golden pagdi. Darshan tied it on Angad's head with great affection, and pleasure. He surveyed the end result with a beaming grin: Ab ban gaya solah aaney Rajkumar! Arey Bhai, sab Photographers kahan hain? Chalo sab Photo nikalo!

The professional photographers as well as local press guys started flashing their bulbs, snapping pictures of the elegant bridegroom and his distinguished family.
Then Darshan urged everyone: Chalo Bhai, ab nikaltey hain! AREY BAND-WALEY KAHAN GAYE? BAJAAO, BHAI BAJAAO!
Nishant signalled the wedding band and they started playing popular wedding songs : Mehendi lagakey rakhna, doli sajakey rakhna.

Darshan led Angad to the waiting horse, Khanna family followed them. Angad sprang up on the horse with easy grace and took the reins. He lifted his sehra and asked Nishant: Chhotey dulha kahan hai?
Gauri laughed and handed Deepu to Nishant who lifted him up to Angad's hands. Angad took him and set him down in front of the horse. 
Dipu was rather scared and clung to his Uncle: Chachu, mujhey theek se pakadna! 
Angad assured him: Don't worry Dipu, Chachu tumhey kaskar pakdega! Now hold on tight! 
Dipu still worried: Ghodi kaategi toh nahin?
Angad laughed: Nahin Beta, ghodi ka mooh toh uss taraf hai, kaisey kaategi?

Mili got jealous as usual: Chachu, mujhey bhi ghodi per baithnaa hai! 
Mishti rebuked her at once: MILI! Ladkiyan ghodi per nahin jaati!
Kyun nahin? Mili argued: Ladkiyan sab kar sakti hain, hai naa Chachu?
Angad agreed: That's right! Bhabhi, usey bhi aaney deejiye naabachchi hai!
Kartik also smiled: Haan, usey bhi jaaney do, ladki hai toh kya hua? Aajkal ladkiyan space rockets mein jaati hain, toh ghodi per kyun nahin? Chal beti, tu bhi chadh jaa.
He hoisted Mili upto Angad, who now had his hands full with 2 kids in front of him. But he seemed unfazed, he just warned the kids: NO fighting, and listen to Chachu. Hold on tight!

He made them hold the saddle while he put his arms around both of them and held the reins. He seemed quite adept at horse riding as the ghodi cantered at a slow pace down the Hotel driveway. The band led the way with the guests walking elegantly behind it, Angad's horse following the baraatis to the Hotel gate. 

Outside the gate, most of the baraatis boarded the limos, how could such elegant people walk all the way, 2 kms to Kripa's house? The wedding procession picked up speed, and they rolled along, up and down the hilly roads of Mahabaleshwar. Local residents lined the streets in some places to witness the baraati of Angad Khanna, their benefactor and Hero! 
They nudged each other and commented: Wo dekho, Kripa ki baraat jaa rahi hai! Kitni bhagyashali hai wo! Angad Khanna jaisa pati mila! 

They reached Kripa's house in a short while. Sharma family greeted them with the usual pomp and ceremony! Angad descended from the horse and was welcomed by Gayatri with the traditional aarti on a Puja thaali. Then Suryabhan welcomed Darshan with a gift and a garland and all the Khanna family members were similarly greeted with garlands and gifts by Sharma family members. Mili and Deepu were delighted to get their packaged gifts and chocolates! 

There was a lot of hugging, greeting and pleasantries exchanged. Khanna clan was quite impressed to see the sprawling house of the Sharmas. Angad had not married a poor girl for sure!
The bridegroom was led inside by Gayatri and her sister in law and seated on a velvet throne. Soon he was surrounded by Kripa's friends and cousins who started teasing and harassing him. Nishant and Kartik took seats on either side of him. Nishant leaned over and mumbled in a conspiratorial manner: Angad, jo kuchh bhi ho, jootey mat utarna, mandap mein jaatey waqt jootey mujhey de dena! 
Angad smiled and nodded. 

Wedding mahurat had arrived and it was time for Varmala. The bride was brought out to the wedding mandap built inside a big tent in the front lawn. Angad and his family were already there, waiting for her entry. Angad's face was totally covered by the sehra but he lifted it slightly to take a look at his beautiful bride.
If angels had come down to earth, they couldn't have matched her beauty! The rich red brocade lehenga and heavy gold and jadaau jewelry made her look simply gorgeous! A thin red chunni covered her head with a jadau teeka hanging right below. Her cheeks glowed like ripe peach, her kohl lined eyes were lowered in bridal shyness, those ruby red lips glistened with dewy freshness. He held his breath and couldn't look away! Harshini and Kripa's friends giggled and commented at his staring. He got embarassed and lowered his sehra.

Kripa sneaked a look at him from under her chunni, but his face was covered by the sehra. She was dying to see him again but she would have to wait. 
The bride and groom stood facing each other. Gauri handed him a Varmala, the priest instructed him: Ab kanyaa ko varmala pehnaa deejiye! 
He placed the garland around her neck easily since he towered above her. Then it was Kripa's turn. She couldn't reach his head, the princely turban made him even taller. She jumped slightly to reach him, everyone started laughing. 
Someone commented: Arey Dulhey Raja, zara apna sar toh neecha keejiye! Dulhan bahut chhoti hai! 
Kripa took exception to that comment and threw the garland up in the air like a ring toss, it landed perfectly around his neck. Her friends clapped and cheered her clever strategy. 

After varmala, they walked together to the red velvet thrones and sat down side by side, waiting for mandap ceremony. Angad lifted his sehra from time to time to talk to his family but otherwise his face was completely covered. Kripa grew frustrated, wondering why he wasn't turning her way. She fidgeted beside him, dying to see his face, yearning to talk to him. But he seemed immersed in his clan members. 
She twisted her lips in anger: Badaa aaya. Mujhey ignore kar raha hai? Aaney do raat ko, main bhi mazaa chakhaungi! Baat bhi nahin karungi ussey!

He seemed to guess her impatience, because the next instant she glanced in his direction, he suddenly turned, lifted his sehra and winked at her. She blushed and looked away, mortified at his sudden flirting. She hoped nobody had noticed it! Her heart fluttered with excitement! He looked so elegant, so princely! She could not wait for her wedding night! When she would be able to look and talk to him freely! 
The priest called them to the mandap. They sat down side by side, it was time for kanyadaan. Suryabhan sat on the father's side, Angad held out his palm curled slightly, Kripa placed her right hand in it. She felt a sudden shock as his hand touched hers. His palm seemed rough and different somehow! Before she could think further, a bunch of flowers were placed in her hand and covered by a holy cloth. Then the priest started chanting mantras. She was intensely aware of Angad's hand holding hers, the fire warmed her already flushed cheeks, her heart beat heavily in her chest! It was happening! She was getting married to the man of her dreams!

She was hardly aware how long the wedding chants went on, she was already lost in her romantic dream of holding hands with Angad in the green valleys of Switzerland! 
Then it was time for sindoor and mangalsutra. Angad turned towards her, lifted her chunni and teeka, then filled her forehead with sindoor. She closed her eyes blissfully, overcome by emotions, it was such a holy, precious moment! She looked up at him momentarily but his sehra was in place again. 

Her chunni and his scarf were tied, they went around the fire in 7 pheras/circles and took their vows to protect and care for each other. That marked the end of the wedding ceremony! They were Mr and Mrs Khanna at last! Angad and Kripa walked ahead to touch the feet of elders.

Dadi was the first to bless them as they bowed to touch her wheelchair-bound feet. She kissed Kripa's forehead and cried with joy: Khush raho, meri bachchi, sadaa suhaagan raho! Doodho nahaao, puto phalo! 
She touched Angad's head: Khush raho, beta, hamesha sukhi raho! Meri gudiya ka khayal rakhna! Badi laad pyaar se pali hai wo! 
Haan Dadi, of course! Angad mumbled. 
They took blessings from Kripa's parents, Angad's Uncle and Aunt, and all elders.

Damini imperiously informed the Sharmas: Bidaai ka mahurat aa gaya hai! Humein chalna chahiye!
They protested and pleaded: Thoda jalpaan toh karkey jaayiye! 
Damini would have refused but Darshan stepped forward: Arey Bhai, bidayi 20 minute baad kar lengey, abhi chalo mooh meetha kartey hain! Shadi ka din hai, mooh meetha karna hamara kartavya hai! 
The baraatis went inside and were treated to a scrumptious buffet of delicious samosas, kachoris, kathi rolls, laddoos and a dozen different Punjabi and Mughlai dishes.

Satisfied and replete, the Baraatis took leave of the Sharmas. 
Kripa got ready for bidaai. Inspite of her blissful joy at becoming Angad's wife, she could not hold back her tears as she hugged her parents, Harshini, Nupur and other friends. They all sobbed in each other's arms copiously while Angad stood apart, giving her time and space to vent. 

Kripa's sobs were even louder as she hugged Dadi and kissed her frail cheeks: Dadi, main jaldi wapas aaungi!
Dadi smiled through her own tears: Arey pagli, tu toh kal hi aa rahi hai, pagpheri ke liye! Aur uskey baad bhi, tu ghabraa mat, main tujhey dekhney ke liye hi zinda rahungi! Tu ab khushi khushi apney naye ghar mein jaa, Angad ke saath ghar basaa aur khush reh. Jaa beti, raazi khushi jaa, aansoo mat bahaa!

Kripa wiped her eyes and looked back at Angad. Why didn't he lift his sehra yet? Pata nahin aisey kyun behave kar raha hai? Apna chehra kyun nahin dikha raha?
They got into a flower bedecked limo and started on their way back to the Resort. Kripa sat beside Angad and looked at him constantly. He was sitting apart from her, looking out of his window.
She couldn't stand it anymore: Angad! 
He turned towards her: Haan, kaho?
Sab kuchh theek toh hai naa? 
Of course! Kyun? Tumhey theek nahin lag raha? There was a mocking laughter in his voice.
She bit her lower lip: Haan, main khush hoon. Lekin tum? Kya tum khush ho?
He chuckled and lifted his sehra for a moment: Tumhey kya lagta hai, main khush nahin hoon? Of course khush hoon! Tum meri patni ban chuki ho, khush toh hona hi hai!
She blushed and looked away. She couldn't see his face clearly inside the dark car but the teasing tone in his deep voice made her pulse race and heart leap with strange anticipation.



When they reached the Hotel, there was a flurry of activities as the newly wedded couple was felicitated by Hotel staff first, then taken to the Reception Hall. 
Kripa was officially welcomed into the family by Khanna clan as Damini and Darshan introduced her to the distant relatives and friends of Angad. Many of the guests gave her gifts of cash and jewelry. She passed them on to Gauri who hovered around helpfully. 

Mili came up suddenly and sat down on Angad's lap, staring at Kripa thoughtfully: Chachu, kya yeh hamari nayi Chachi hai?
Angad smiled: Haan Beta, yeh tumhari Nayi Chachi hai, bilkul brand new! 
Kya main Chachi ke paas baith sakti hoon? She asked Angad.
Chachi se hi poochh lo..he laughed huskily.
Kripa smiled at the pretty little girl and held out her arms. Mili hopped on to her lap at once! She studied Kripa's face with utter fascination: Chachi, aap bahut sundar kyun ho? Kya aap pari ho? 
Kripa laughed: Nahin, main pari nahin, sirf Chachi hoon!
Lekin aap toh merey Mom se bhi sundar ho! Mili sniffed Kripa's bridal dress: Aapki khushboo kitni achhi hai, kaun si perfume lagayi hai?
Kripa smiled fondly at the precocious girl: Yeh Chanel 5 hai, tumharey Chachu ne gift diya tha.she threw a sideways glance at Angad, who seemed to be listening closely without looking at her.
Really, Chachu? .Mili was jealous at once: Mujhey bhi Chanel 5 chahiye! 
Angad turned to grin at the little girl: Zaroor doonga! Jab tum badi ho jaogi beta, abhi tumhari Mummy allow nahin karegi!

Speak of the devil and she was there! Mishti suddenly came rushing from somewhere and scooped Mili out of Kripa's lap: Yeh kya, MILI? Chachi ko disturb mat karo! Unkey kapdey kharab ho jayengey! 
Kripa protested: Rehney deejiye naa, Jeejee! Bahut pyari hai! Mujhey bachchey achhey lagtey hain!
Some female relative tittered: Arey suno suno, bahu ko bachchey pasand hain, phir toh Khanna parivaar ko bahut jald waaris milega! 
Kripa blushed with embarassment.
Damini reminded the relative caustically: Kyun Bhabhi? Deepu toh hai naa? Wahi toh khaandan ka pehla pota hai!
Lekin Dilip Bhaisaab ka waaris toh nahin! The other lady shot back at her.
Damini's face darkened with bitterness. She hated the fact that Angad was named Dilip's heir although he was younger than both Kartik and Nishant. Now one more thorn in her life had arrived, Kripa and her future children! The real heirs to Khanna empire inspite of Deepu being the eldest! It was so unfair!

Gauri and Mishti brought out a colored water bowl and made Angad and Kripa hunt for rings in the bowl. Angad won once, Kripa won twice. She knew he had let her win! Some relatives teased and joked, while others gossiped amongst themselves about Mumbai high society. Kripa felt rather lost as Angad also seemed preoccupied all evening. 
Mili was fascinated with her new Aunt and stuck to Kripa like glue inspite of her mother's objections. Deepu was too busy playing with his cousins.

The night advanced and all Baraatis retired to their rooms. Angad and Kripa were taken up to the Honeymoon Suite on the top floor with balcony views of the plateau. The luxurious bed was decorated with flower curtains, rose petals strewn on the white sheets. Now that her suhaag raat was actually happening, Kripa felt strange tremors inside her. She was nervous, tense yet filled with anticipation. Angad had been aloof and distant all evening, probably due to the presence of his relatives. She looked forward to being alone with him at last, ask him why he had not returned her calls since last night. 


Gauri and Mishti led Kripa to the flower bedecked bed and helped her sit in the center. Gauri handed her a glass of milk and a silver bowl of dry fruits and nuts to place on the bedside table. 
Mishti sniggered: Apney husband ko doodh pilaa dena, God knows he would need the strength. Gauri rebuked her softly: Jeejee, aap bhi naa.
Kripa lowered her head bashfully. 

Her Jethanis took leave, wishing her a very good night. The door closed, leaving her and Angad alone. She sat on the bed with a palpitating heart and racing pulse, waiting for the moment when her handsome Prince would come to the bed and lift her bridal veil, filmi styleand then he would take her in his arms and.and.her cheeks grew hot, imagining what he would do next.

Several minutes passed, Angad didn't come near her. She got worried and looked up. Angad stood at the farthest window, looking out at the dark, starlit night sky. She wondered what was wrongwhy wasn't he coming to her? Was he unhappy with this marriage? But it was he who had pursued her relentlessly, won her heart, proposed to her.what was the matter now? They were married, this was their wedding night, yet he stood aloof, lost in thought! Something was seriously wrong!
She got down from the bed and walked up to him slowly. She stood right behind him, he still didn't turn around!

Angad! She called him softly.Kya baat hai? Kya tum naraaz ho? Koi problem hai?
Angad turned around slowly. In the dim light of the wall sconces, she saw.IT WAS NOT HIM! He looked exactly the same but he wasn't Angad! He was a complete stranger, staring at her with piercing hazel eyes! 

She gasped, jolted in shock, stepping backwards!
Shaking with terror, she cried out: KAUN HO TUM? TUM ANGAD NAHIN HO! WHO ARE YOU?
A large hand clamped over her shrieking mouth! He picked her up effortlessly with brawny arms, stifling her mouth and carried her into the large bathroom, closing the door with his foot. 
Kripa was dying with terror, almost suffocating under his palm. She struggled madly with frantic breathing, her heart pounded in her chest, frightened out of her wits! Who was this stranger who looked exactly like Angad but wasn't Angad? What was he going to do to her? Why was he taking her to the bathroom? 

He held her struggling, twisting body firmly in his grasp, he growled in her ear: Stop moving! Don't make a sound! I will tell you everything! Bilkul awaaz mat karna! Yeh zindagi aur maut ka sawaal hai! Listen to me carefully, then I will let you go! Do u understand?
She nodded silently, her enlarged dark pupils staring at him fearfully. 

The stranger didn't relinquish his grip on her body or mouth. He whispered harshly in her ear: Don't make any noises! The Bedroom may be bugged, so I brought you here! I am not Angad! I am ZAIB! Angad's twin brother! 
Her eyes widened with surprised doubt, Angad was an only child, he didn't have any brothers! This man was lying!
He laughed softly: Yes, I know, you think I am lying! Don't worry, merey paas saboot hai! Abhi dikhata hoon! Lekin ussey pehley promise me tum khamosh rahogi! This is a matter of life and death! Promise me!
She nodded imperceptibly. He released her mouth but still held her arms. 

Angad kahan hai? she asked in a whisper, trembling violently from shock and fear. 
His grim reply destroyed her: Angad hospital mein hai, uska accident ho gaya hai! 
The horrible words echoed in her ears.Angad ka accident ho gaya haiaccident ho gaya hai.iska matlab meri shadi uskey bhai se huyi haiiss admi se jo kehta hai uska bhai hai..Angad ka accident ho gayaaa..
Her head started spinning with the crushing weight of the compounded shocks! The stranger's face faded, blackness descended in her eyelids as she passed out in his arms in a dead faint!


Posted: 10 years ago
DECEPTION..PART 6

She was floating somewhere between a dream and a nightmare! A sudden spray of ice cold water rudely brought her back to her senses!
Kripa opened her eyes with a gasp and shook her head in protest.
She found herself lying in a wicker loveseat on a balcony somewhere, overlooking dark silhouette of the Ghats in the distance. 

Where was she? For a few moments she was dazed and confused! Then it all came rushing back to her.her wedding, the bridal chamber, the stranger who looked identical to Angad but wasn't him! ANGAD! She sat up with a panicked jerk! Angad ka accident ho gaya.those terrible words echoed in her entire being. She stood up, tossing the quilt covering her shivering body and turned around. The stranger stood there, glass of icy water in hand, staring at her silently. 

ANGAD KAHAN HAI? She shook with fear and tension . 
The fake Angad tossed the water and grabbed her. He pushed her down savagely into the loveseat , his hand slammed down on her mouth again. Kripa struggled furiously against his hold but he was strong as a wrestler.
He brought his face very close to hers and growled in warning: Mainey pehley bhi kaha tha, don't make any noise! I don't want anyone to hear you! Our lives depend on this! Angad's life and my life, do you understand? 

She didn't reply, could not reply because his heavy palm was blocking her mouth. She stared with wide-eyed panic at his face, his hazel eyes glittered in the pale moonlight like forest fire. 
His heavy voice rasped like silk over steel: Now listen to me carefully! Angad had an accident! He is in a hospital in Pune! 

Kripa jerked with shock under his palm and tried to speak, he warned her ferociously: CHUP! Don't make a noise, phir sabko pata chal jayega main Angad nahin hoon! Khanna family samajhti hai main Angad hoon! Lekin main uska judwaa bhai hoon! 
She mumbledMMmnnggg
Yes, I know! he smiled bitterly in the semi-dark: Sab jaantey hain Angad Dilip Khanna ka eklauta beta hai, lekin sach toh yeh hai ke uska ek judwaa bhai bhi thaMAIN, ZAIBseparated at birth by our two mothers!
Kripa gaped with surprise2 mothers! What did he mean by that? 

His strange eyes narrowed knowingly: Ghabraao mat! I will tell you everything! Lekin pehley tumhey vaada karna hoga, u will stay quiet! Not a single loud sound! Understand? Blink if u agree!
Kripa hurriedly blinked twice! His big and heavy palm was almost suffocating her! He let go of her with a sigh and sat down on a wicker chair next to her: Ab jo poochhna hai poochho, lekin dheerey se.keep ur voice down!

Kripa took some gulping breaths to fill her lungs with fresh air, then muttered furiously: Angad kahan hai? 
He frowned at her: Mainey bataya toh tha, he is in a hospital in Pune!
I want to see him, right now! she demanded urgently. 
That is not possible! he informed calmly.
Why not? She shook with indignant fury and anxious fear for Angad's life and stood up. Main abhi uskey paas jaana chahti hoon!

He sprang up as swift as a leopard and pinned her back in the loveseat. His hands gripped her shoulders cruelly as he grated harshly: CHUPCHAP baithi raho! Don't move! Tum Angad se nahin mil sakti!
Lekin kyun? .helpless desperation brought angry tears to her eyes.Kyun nahin mil sakti?
Kyunki issey uskey jaan ko khatra hai aur merey jaan ko bhi!
What are u saying? she squeaked in surprise: Jaan ko khatra kyun hoga?
Kyunki yeh accident nahin, kisiney Angad ko maarney ki koshish kee hai! .

She was so stunned she could not speak for a few moments. His hard face was inches away from hers, she stared up at him in disbelief and shock! Someone tried to kill Angad? What the hell was he talking about?
Haan! he reiterated: Kisiney Angad ke jaan ki supari dee hai! 
Supari? Kripa looked bewildered, still too much in shock for anything to register.
His lips twisted in mockery: Haan supari! Tumhey pata nahin? Kaisey pata hoga? Little Ms Innocent! Supari ka matlab kisiney Angad ko maarney ke liye Underworld ke aadmi ko paisey diye! You have heard of contract killers, right?
All the blood drained from her face. Underworld? Contract killers? But who would want to kill Angad?

His twin brother seemed to read her mind: Yes, that is the question! Kisney yeh supari dee? Yehi humein pata lagana hoga! Aur uskey liye yeh naatak karna padega! Main Angad bankar rahunga taaki Angad ke dushman ko pata naa chaley ke uska vaar kaamyab hua aur Angad hospital mein hai!

Kripa trembled silently, trying to digest this mindboggling piece of information. Someone had paid to get Angad killed! But who and why? And how did his brother know?
The tortured questions on her mind were mirrored on her face. Zaib released her with a grim look : Tum soch rahi hogi mujhey kaisey pata? Kyunki Angad ne khud mujhey bataya, kal raat ...when he picked me up from Pune Airport! 
Pune? Lekin Angad toh Mumbai gaya thakaam se? Pune kaisey pahunch gaya? she was totally confused now. 

Zaib sighed and settled down in his chair again: Let me tell u everything from the beginning. 
Angad and I were separated at birth. 2 saal pehley Avantika Mom ki death ho gayi! Ek chhitthi chhod gayi thi apney betey Angad ke naam. Usmein likha tha merey baarey mein, unka doosra beta jisey wo peechhey chhod aayi thi 28 saal pehley.

Jeetey jee Mom apney pati ko merey baarey mein bataa nahin sakee, wo itni sharminda thi, unkey ek jhooth ki vajeh se unka chhota beta hamesha ke liye kho gaya tha. Khair, sach ka pata lagtey hi Angad ne ek detective hire kiya, mujhey dhoondney ke liye. 4 mahiney pehley Bhai ko mera pataa mila. Main Hyderabad mein rehta tha, wahin meri parvarish huyi thi! Bhai came to meet me for the first time! Meri Ammi ne bhi mujhey kuchh nahin bataya tha.main bilkul anjaan tha ke mera aur ek bhai hai, judwaa, mera ek aur family hai Mumbai mein, ek Mom, Dad bhi hain! That my biological father was a famous builder.Angad ne mujhey sab kuchh bataya, Mom ki letter bhi dee! I was reunited with my brother! Angad ne mujhey tumharey baarey mein bhi bataya, wo mujhey hamarey Dad se milaney ke liye bechain tha. Phir hum dono ne taye kiya ke Angad ke shadi ke maukey per main yahan aaunga! Hum dono pehley adla badli karkey sabko ullu banayengey, phir asliyat ka khulasa karengey! Isiliey mainey brown contact lenses khareedey, aur Angad ne merey rang ke lens khareedey. Yahan aakar hum dono apna huliya badalkar tum sabko thagtey aur masti kartey! Angad main ban jaata aur main Angad! Yahi hamara plan tha

Zaib paused and looked grimly into the distance. 
Phir?.Kripa asked breathlessly, straining with tension: Phir kya hua?

Hoga kya? Angad picked me up from Pune Airport yesterday evening! I was flying in from Hyderabad. He took an earlier flight from Mumbai to Pune but he told his Uncle here that he had missed his flight. He wanted to surprise them with my arrival! We met in Pune airport, Angad had rented a black SUVwe started out on the mountaineous highway from Pune to Mahabaleshwar. 

About an hour later, we stopped at a little town for petrol and food. When we left that town, then the trouble began! Angad discovered his brakes were not working at all, they were jammed! They were working fine before! He panicked! We both panicked! 

Pahadon ka rastaa tha, gaadi out of control thi, Angad ne nasamjhi mein speed badha dee thi! Our SUV screeched around the bends, Angad tried desperately to control the car, turning the steering wheel as fast as he could to deal with the approaching bends. I was trying to help him by shouting instructions and warning him about next bend. Like that, we managed to drive for 10-15 Kms. Ek bada saa gap aaya jahan road seedha tha, tabhi Angad ne mujhey bataya someone wanted him dead! Mainey poochha, tumhey kaisey pata? 

Usney kaha, usey khabar mili hai from a trusted source that somebody was out for his blood! He was sure this was an attempt to kill him before his wedding day! He said while we were having dinner, someone must have tampered with the brakes!
Lekin kaun? I shouted. 
He yelled: I don't know, might be Kartik, he dislikes me intensely ever since Dad made me CEO! It may be my business rival Raheja! Or some other builder who wants my contracts
Ab hum kya karengey? How will we get out of this alive? I yelled above the screeching tires.
You have to jump! Angad told me!
WHAT!!!?? I WONT JUMP WITHOUT YOU! I told him!
But Angad was frantic: Zaib, you HAVE TO JUMP! TUJHEY MERI KASAM! BOTH OF US CANNOT DIE! TUJHEY ZINDA REHNA PADEGA!
THEN YOU JUMP!
I CANNOT! I AM ON THE RAVINE SIDE! IF I JUMP I WILL FALL RIGHT IN! 
MOVE THE CAR TO THE MOUNTAIN SIDE! ...I told him.

Angad tried to swerve the car to the mountain wall but right at that moment, a big truck suddenly appeared on the opposite lane! Angad swerved again to avoid a frontal collision! The truck missed us narrowly and our van started teetering towards the edge, but Angad managed to bring it back on track! He spun the wheel furiously, shouting: JUMP! ZAIB, JUMP! YOU HAVE TO LIVE!

MAIN TUMHEY AKELA NAHIN CHHODUNGA!
Angad yelled: I WILL ALSO JUMP AFTER YOU !
THEN WE BOTH JUMP TOGETHER!
THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE! YOU JUMP ON MOUNTAIN SIDE, THEN I WILL TURN THE CAR AROUND AND TRY TO JUMP OUT ON THAT SIDE TOO!
I opened my door and prepared to jump out. Angad yelled: AGAR MUJHEY KUCHH HO GAYA TOH KRIPA KA KHAYAL RAKHNA, AUR DAD SE ZAROOR MILNA! 
TUMHEY KUCHH NAHIN HOGA, BHAI! YOU JUMP OUT TOO!

YES I WILL! NOW JUMP, ABHI, JUMP!
I jumped down and rolled on the rough ground for several meters! My hands were badly scratched and bruised, my pants torn! Then I heard a huge crash and boom! I ran around the next bend, the SUV had crashed down the mountainside and hurtled at breakneck speed into the deep ravine, bursting into flames! Angad was nowhere in sight! He had not been able to jump out! I was shocked, horrified! Angad didn't make it! He was in the car! 

Inspite of the dark night and precipitous gorge, I clambered down the rockface. It took me half an hour to reach the burning wreck! Nothing could have survived that inferno! I was collapsing right there with shock and grief, when I heard a feeble moan!
Then I spotted Angad! He was lying on a bed of rocks! He had been thrown off the wreckage on the way down and landed there! His spine was broken! He couldn't move! He was bleeding all over, burned in a few places from exploding car pieces. I rushed to him and cried at his condition, I had no idea who to call or contact! Angad could still speak, he croaked: Pocketmobile
I groped in his pant pocket and found his mobile! 
Bhai, kisko call karoon? Kaun hamari madad karega?
Shabbir! Call ..Shabbir.he managed to gasp before he lost consciousness!

I found Shabbir's number in his contact list and called him, told him what had happened. Shabbir understood at once, it turned out HE was the one who had warned Angad that someone was after his life. He sent a helicopter to pick us up! It flew us to Pune! Angad was barely breathing but he had enormous will power! Before they wheeled him into the OT for surgery, he grabbed my hand and gasped: Tu Mahabaleshwar jaa, Kripa se shadi kar le!
I was shocked: What are u saying, Bhai? How can I marry your fiancee?
He insisted: Tujhey Kripa se shadi karni hogi! Tu Angad ban jaa, don't tell anyone who u are, then they will try to kill you too! 

Lekin Bhai, main Angad banney se kya faida hoga? They will try to kill me anyway.
Angad spoke weakly: Terey Angad banney se kaatil darr jayega ke uska vaar naakamyab raha! Aur tu vaada kar, tu kisiko nahin batayega, ke tu kaun hai.you have to be Angad and find out who is the killer.who is the mastermind.promise me! Tu shadi karega?

I saw he was sinking rapidly from his injuries, yet talking desperately. I couldn't refuse him anymore! His plan made sense! Isiliye main Angad ban gaya! Merey pocket mein brown contacts the, mainey laga liya.hamari pichhli mulaqaton mein aur emails ke zariye.Angad ne mujhey tumharey baarey mein, apney family ke baarey mein sab kuchh bataya tha, in details, sabki tasveer dikhayi thi! That's why it wasn't so hard to fool everybody!

Angad ko hospital OT mein chhodkar main helicopter se Mahabaleshwar pahuncha! Aur kal raat hi Resort pahunch gaya.Angad bankarsabki aankhon mein dhool jhonka, tumsey shadi kee Angad bankarlekin suhaag raat per tumhey batana hi pada! Aakhir tumsey kaisey chhupata ke main Angad nahin hoon? 

He tossed her a quizzical look. She stared at him, numb, frozen, statue-like with shock! Her mind couldn't comprehend the enormity of the past 24 hours! 
Her heart cried out to see Angad at once, yet her feet were bound by a fear of endangering his life again! Her head spun with horrified questions.who tried to kill Angad? Was it really Kartik Bhaiyya? Had he given the supari? 
She was riven with worry and tension, how was Angad? Did he survive the operation? Was he going to be alright? Tears threatened to spill over ..

She whispered a tearful plea to the hard-faced stranger : Please, itna toh bataa do, kya Angad ka operation kamyaab raha? Wo ab kaisa hai? 
Zaib nodded: Haan, aaj subah mujhey khabar mili, Angad pulled through! But he needs more complicated, advanced spinal surgery! He is being air-lifted to Switzerland tomorrow as soon as his condition is more stable!

Switzerland? Kripa sat up, startled! What an irony that Angad was going to the same place where they were supposed to have their honeymoon after 4 days! 
Haan, Switzerland, they have the best treatment for spinal injuries! Zaib half-smiled: Mujhey pata hai, tum aur Angad wahan honeymoon ke liye jaaney waley the. Hum bhi wahan jayengey, main Angad bankar aur tum meri biwi bankar!
Kripa's heart sank in sudden realization! She was this stranger's wife! She had married Angad's brother instead! Ohh, what a terrible mishap! 

Zaib's lips twisted again: Don't worry! Angad ke theek hotay hi main tumhey talaaq de doonga aur tum wahin Switzerland mein Angad se shadi kar lena! Deal?
Kripa nodded silently.

Good! Lekin tab tak tumhey yeh naatak bahut chalaaki se nibhana padega! Kisiko bhi bilkul shaq nahin hona chahiye ke main Angad nahin hoon! We have to act like a newly married couple in front of everyone, chahey wo Khanna parivaar ho ya Sharma parivaar ya tumhari Dadi! Yaad rahey, kisiko kaan-o-kaan khabar naa ho ke hamari shadi normal nahin.. ya iss baat ki bhanak naa padey ke hum dono kiss tension mein hain! Yahi tumhari pareeksha ki ghadi hai! Do it for Angad's sake! Usey bachana hai, uskey kaatil ka parda-phaash karna hai!

Kripa drew a deep breath: Theek hai! Main tayyar hoon! I will do anything to save Angad and expose his enemy! Main usey aisi sazaa doongi ke..her dark eyes burned with passion of hatred! If that enemy had been standing before her, she would have stabbed him with the fruit knife from the honeymoon suite! She really would!
She had never felt such fury, such wrath and such anxiety before! Her whole world had come crashing down, all her dreams of a perfect wedding and honeymoon with Angad had shattered, but from the wreck she had emerged a stronger woman who would go to any lengths to protect the man she loved!

Zaib smiled approvingly: Good! Very good! Mujhey tumsey yahi ummeed thi! Angad ne theek hi kaha tha, tum lakhon mein ek ho! Aaj se, abhi se hamara naatak shuru hota hai! Ab hum kamrey ke andar jayengey aur chupchap so jayengey!

Kripa looked nervous and embarassed, he raised his hand: Wait, don't worry, I wont touch you! Hamarey beech mein takiya hoga. Lekin hum ek hi bistar per soyengey! Aur ek baat ka dhyaan rahey, kamrey ke andar kahin bhi camera ya recorder ho sakta hai! Kaatil ka kuchh bharosa nahin! Wo yeh jaanney ki koshish karega ke Angad bach kaisey gaya? That's why we cannot talk about this matter inside the room! Bilkul nahin! Samjhi?

Haan, main samajh gayi! .Kripa gulped nervously yet faced him bravely! 
Good! Then lets go! Mujhey neend aa rahi hai!Zaib got up and strode towards the room.
Kripa called out from behind: Zaib! Mujhey wo chitthi dogey? Jo Mom ne likha tha, jismein tum dono ke janam ki kahani hai?
Zaib turned around with a mocking smile: Of course! You should know the dirty little secret of Khanna family! Aakhir ab tum iss parivaar ka hissa ho! I am the skeleton in their closet.main wo haqeeqat hoon jissey Dad ko aur purey parivaar ko bahut bada jhatka lagega!

Yeh lo! .he reached inside his sherwani and fished out a long envelope. He handed it to her and instructed: Kamrey ke andar jaakar chupchap so jaana, phir baad mein bedside lamp jalakar padhna! But don't ask me any questions! Agar koi sawaal tumhey paagal kar de toh mujhsey kehna bathroom jaana hai, main samajh jaunga, I will follow u there! I have checked the bathroom, there are no hidden mics or cameras there!
Kripa turned pale with all the secrecy and hush-hush plans but she understood why Zaib was being extra-cautious! She nodded in compliance. 

Zaib suddenly came near her, put his hefty arm around her shoulder. 
She stiffened at once at his alien touch! Then she twisted her shoulders to shove off his hand...

He warned her in a low baritone: Aur ek baat gaur se suno! KALJab main tumhey haath lagaungalogon ke saamney, tum simat mat jaana! Act natural! Don't recoil from my touch! Pretend that I am really Angad, we are happily married and you have just spent a wonderful night with me! Is that Clear? 
Kripa turned red with embarassment and tried to relax in his possessive hold. She acquiesced in a thin voice: Haan, theek hai! 
Toh ab chalo, andar chalkey so jaatey hain!

He led her inside the bridal chamber again and closed the balcony door. Still holding her tightly (for the benefit of any hidden camera), he walked her to the bed and made her lie down on one side. Then he switched off the main lights, drew the comforter over both of them. Kripa lay stiffly, her heart palpitating nervously! What was he going to do next? 
Under the covers, his hands moved surreptitiously as he placed 2 divider pillows between them. Kripa sighed with relief! Zaib was true to his word! He wasn't going to touch her or demand his conjugal rights! He was giving her the respect of his brother's betrothed. 

She relaxed gradually, holding the secret of the twins' birth tightly in her hand. A little later, she heard Zaib snoring gently! 
Half an hour later, she slid out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom, the envelope hidden in the heavy zari folds of her bridal dress!
Once inside the bathroom, she sat down on the side of the bathtub and opened the envelope with trembling fingers. 
She started reading Avantika Mom's dying confession with bated breath and stunned astonishment! Zaib was right! He was the skeleton in Khanna family closet! The most shocking secret of how Avantika and her cousin sister Naina had deceived Dilip Khanna 28 years ago!

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PART 7

Kripa sat down by the side of the spacious bathtub and opened the envelope with trembling fingers. 
She started reading Avantika Mom's dying confession with bated breath and stunned astonishment! Zaib was telling the truth!
He WAS the skeleton in Khanna family closet! The most shocking secret of how Avantika and her cousin sister Naina had deceived Dilip Khanna 28 years ago!

The letter in Avantika's words:

Beta Angad, aaj jo main tumhey bataney jaa rahi hoon wo meri zindagi ka sabsey bada raaz hai                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       jo mainey tumharey Dad se bhi chhupakar rakha, poorey 28 saal tak. Ab merey paas zyada waqt nahin hai, marney se pehley main yeh raaz sirf tumhey bataa rahi hoon kyunki tumharey Dad ko bataney ki mujhmein himmat nahin hai. Unhey chhodkar jaaney se pehley main unhey itna bada sadma nahin de sakti. Waisey bhi meri beemari ke kaaran wo bahut mayoos rehtey hain. Beta, main tumhey ek zimmedari saunpkar jaa rahi hoon. Usey poora karney ke baad hi tum yeh raaz apney Dad ko batana, aur kisiko nahin! Tumhey meri kasam! 
Yeh kahani shuru hoti hai aaj se 33 saal pehley, jab hamari nayi nayi shadi huyi thi.

Avantika's story translated:

Dilip Khanna, a brilliant young civil engineer, moved to Mumbai from hometown Delhi and started his own construction business. Within a few years he had established a successful venture and branched out into real estate development. As the projects expanded, his brother Darshan arrived from Delhi to join him. Their parents insisted they should get married immediately. Both brothers married girls chosen by their parents. Dilip married Avantika, Darshan married Damini, both weddings took place within weeks of each other. Dilip built a palatial house for the four of them in Mumbai. 

A few months later both the wives were expecting. There was jubilation and excitement all around. But the joy soon turned to despair as Avantika had a miscarriage in her 3rd month! Damini however gave birth to Kartik, the firstborn son of Khanna family! She was openly proud, triumphant and insensitive to Avantika's pain and disappointment. Dilip took his wife on a trip to Europe to help her cope with the tragedy. He consoled her, saying they would have other kids, as their doctor had reassured them.

A year later, Avantika was pregnant again but this time also she had a miscarriage during the 4th month. Dilip consulted the best doctors in Mumbai but they were also baffled why she lost her baby everytime. Meanwhile Damini had her second child, a son she named Nishant. She rejoiced in her double victory over her sister-in-law. Although Dilip owned the company, she was sure her sons would inherit it one day since Dilip had no heirs yet. Dilip was morose, dejected but tried to cheer up Avantika. He took her abroad to consult specialists, they could not find anything wrong with her either. 

At a point in their lives when they were both suffering from depression, Avantika received some good news! Her cousin sister Naina was getting married to a Navy captain in Vizag! Dilip accompanied her to the wedding and they had a gala time. Naina was a really beautiful woman with alabaster skin and hazel eyes inherited from a common ancestor. The groom was an equally handsome and dashing Naval Officer. It seemed like a match made in heaven!
But a few months later, tragedy struck! Avantika got the shocking news that her sister Naina had been widowed! The Navy captain had died in a freak accident aboard his battleship. Avantika rushed to Vizag to be by her sister's side. Naina was inconsolable! She was childless, widowed within months of the wedding! 

Avantika and Naina had always been very close and she clung to her sister in grief and despair. Avantika stayed back to console her, support her. Naina's aged father lived in Delhi and her mother had passed away so she really needed her sister's comforting presence.

During her stay at Vizag, Avantika discovered she was pregnant again! She was happy yet nervous. Fearful, she dreaded another miscarriage. It was Naina who insisted that she remain in Vizag. 
Didi, iss baar tum yahin reh jaao, merey paas. Yahan main bhi akeli hoon, main tumhari dekhbhaal karungi! Wahan Mumbai mein har baar tumhara bachcha gir jaata hai.iss baar tum wahan mat jaao, yahin per raho. Pata nahin, mujhey kyun lagta hai tumhari devrani tumpar koi jaadu tona karti hogi.nahin toh har baar kyun uski god bharti hai aur tumhari sooni reh jaati hai???

Naina's words struck a chord in Avantika's heart. It was true, everytime she had a miscarriage in their Mumbai house. Perhaps that setting didn't suit her, perhaps she would have a full term pregnancy in Vizag? Naina was insistent and Avantika agreed. She called Dilip and told him the good news but warned him not to tell anybody back home. She was superstitious and Dilip agreed to let her remain in Vizag for the length of her pregnancy. At home, he informed his brother and Damini that Avantika was going to stay with Naina for a few months till her sister recovered from the tragedy. 

He flew to Vizag and they consulted the best doctor in town. It was a double celebration! Avantika was expecting twins! Dilip's joy knew no bounds. But the doctor cautioned, with her history of miscarriages, she would have to be extra careful with twins. Naina promised Dilip that she would care for Avantika night and day and wont let anything happen to her or the babies. He left his wife in Naina's hands with full faith. He visited every weekend and still kept the pregnancy a secret from his family and friends.

As the months progressed without any mishap, all three were excited, hopeful, anxious. Avantika was advised bed rest, Naina waited on her every need like a dutiful nurse. She devoted all her time and energy to her sister and the unborn babies. It was like she had found a new purpose in life.
Due date had been set for February but as is usual with twins, they arrived prematurely one night in the 8th month. Dilip was away in Mumbai when it happened. Naina took Avantika to the hospital in the middle of the night and the twins were born an hour later. Miraculously, both were natural births. The second twin was born 18 minutes after the first one.

Dilip was informed of the births, he was taking the late morning flight. As Naina and Avantika held each infant in their arms, they were both ecstatic with joy! 
Didi, yaad hai humney kaun se naam chuney the, agar dono ladkey huey toh? ..Naina beamed, adoring the tiny boy in her arms.
Avantika laughed: Haan, zaroor yaad hai! Angad aur Abhimanyu! Yeh hai hamara bada beta Angad, (she cuddled the elder twin in her arms and kissed his pink forehead as he slept peacefully)..aur wo hamara chhota beta Abhimanyu! 

Naina could not stop adoring and cuddling little Abhimanyu. He had inherited hazel eyes from his mother's side of the family. 
Naina laughed: Dekho Didi, iski aankhein bhi merey jaisi hain. Lagta hai yeh mera hi beta hai! Mera Abhi.kichi kichi kichi.kitna pyara hai mera Abhi!

Avantika looked up with a smile. Naina looked happier than she had done in months. Her eyes were sparkling with delight, her whole countenance illuminated with a newfound joy. Avantika's eyes clouded over. She dreaded the thought of leaving Naina alone. She knew Dilip would insist on flying back to Mumbai with the babies as soon as she was discharged from the Hospital.

The next moment, Naina made her earth-shattering request: Didi, ek baat kahoon, tum bura toh nahin manogi?
Kya baat hai, bataa?
Abhi kya tum mujhey Abhi de sakti ho?
Avantika was shocked: Kya matlab?

Naina's eyes were pleading, tearful: Didi, tumhey Bhagwan ne do do betey diye. Mera iss duniya mein koi nahin, ek aulaad bhi nahin jiskey saharey yeh pahaad jaisi zindagi guzaar sakoon! Mujhey Abhi dogi? Phir mujhey bhi Maa banney ka sukh milega, main iskey saharey jee loongi! Please Didi.

Avantika looked stunned at her sister's pleading face, heard the sincere entreaty in her quivering voice. She faced the most difficult decision in her life. Both the boys were parts of her body and soul, separation from one would be heartbreaking for her! But she knew if it had not been for Naina, the babies probably would not have been born. Naina's tireless caring had given her the joys of motherhood. She was indebted to Naina and also aware of her tragic situation, widowed and childless at such a young age. 

Avantika spoke faintly: Lekin main.tumharey Jeejaji se kya kahoongi?
Naina flushed with guilt: Jeeju se hum kahengey ke chhota beta.humein chhodkar chala gaya! 
Avantika flinched with pain: Nahin! Main apney bachchey ke baarey mein itna bura jhooth nahin keh sakti! Main unsey darkhwast karungi, shayad wo maan jayengey!

Naina panicked: Please Didi, Jeejaji ko mat batana! Wo kabhie nahin manengey! Ek Baap ke liye apney betey ko kisi aur ke haathon saunp dena namumkin hai, lekin tum toh aurat ho, ek Maa ho, meri behen ho! Tum meri mamta samajh sakti ho! Please unhey mat batana, Didi, kuchh bhi bataa dena, unkey aaney se pehley main Abhi ko lekar chali jaungi! 

After a lot of heartrending inner turmoil, Avantika decided to "give away" her younger son to Naina. She kissed the tiny forehead one last time, shedding tears of farewell: Jaa merey betey, apni Maa ko khush rakhna! Uski jholi mamtaa se bhar dena! Meri har dua terey saath hai! 

Naina quickly took Abhi and left the hospital. Avantika called the doctor and attending nurse and begged them to lie for her.to say the unbearable, that her younger baby had not survived the night. She explained the whole matter to them and they agreed. The doctor had herself witnessed Naina's devotion and care and she understood Avantika's magnanimity and gratitude.

Dilip arrived later that morning, his arms stuffed with gifts for his newborns, especially two teddy bears he had bought at the airport gift shop. He saw Avantika's downcast face and floundered: Kya hua? Merey bachchey kahan hain?
She looked away, unable to meet his eyes and indicated little Angad sleeping in his crib: Hamara bada beta, Angad. 

Dilip rushed to the cot and admired his little Prince.: Aur hamarey chhotey shehzadey kahan gaye? he laughed ecstatically.
Avantika remained silent. He got nervous: Kya hua? Mera chhota beta kahan hai? Judwaa bachchey huey the naa?

She turned her face, silently begging the attendant nurse to break the news. The nurse told Dilip the younger twin had developed complications and passed away earlier that morning. 
Both teddy bears fell from his hands, he almost collapsed: Yeh kaisey hua? Oh God! I am too late!
Avantika quickly cried out: Dilip! Hamara bada beta toh hai naa! Uskey khaatir toh humein khush rehna padega! 

Dilip wiped his eyes and picked up one bear. He bent and kissed his son, his firstborn with tears in his eyes: Haan Beta, ab tum hi hamarey ghar ke ujaley ho! Hamara eklauta beta. Tumharey bhai ke jaaney ke gham hamesha rahega, isliye uskey hissey ka pyar bhi tumhi ko milega. Welcome to the world, my son!
Avantika was relieved how easily Dilip accepted the terrible lie. He was just so happy to be a Dad at last and though he grieved for his younger son, he shook it off as a practical man. He was eager to return to Mumbai and present his newborn son to the world. 

He did ask about Naina, surprised at her absence: Naina kahan gayi? Usiney toh kal raat mujhey hospital se phone kiya tha! Phir achanak kahan chali gayi?
Avantika avoided his puzzled glance: Naina ko Delhi jaana pada, achanak Uncle jee ki tabiyat kharab ho gayi, isliye. 
Dilip accepted that lie very easily, unsuspecting of the huge deception his wife and saali had inflicted upon him!

A week later, as soon as Avantika and infant Angad were healthy enough to travel, the family returned to Mumbai. They sprung the newborn surprise on their relatives and friends.
Darshan was shocked and hurt that his brother had hidden his impending fatherhood from him. But Dilip explained Avantika's superstition and he accepted. Damini welcomed Avantika and the new baby, smiling outwardly but fuming inside. She considered baby Angad a rival to her two boys. But she still considered them ahead of the race as they were older and would rightfully inherit the business when they grew up. 

But Dilip didn't see it that way. It was HIS company, Angad was HIS heir. He held a grand celebration to announce the birth of his son. Whole of Mumbai business world was invited and hundreds of VIP guests blessed the baby boy with the choicest of gifts! Thus, Angad was born with a golden spoon in his mouth and continued to enjoy the love of his biological parents and the luxuries of being a millionaire's heir apparent. He studied in the best schools, went abroad for higher education and joined his father's company at the young age of 24.

And his twin brother? What happened to him? What kind of a life did he lead?
Avantika wrote how she tried all her life to find Naina and Abhi but they seemed to have disappeared into thin air. She heard from Naina's neighbour that she had left Vizag. Avantika pined for her younger son and longed to see him.
Two years later, she suddenly received a letter from Naina: Didi, tum soch rahi hogi main aur Abhi kahan gayab ho gaye. Sach toh yeh hai uskey doosrey din hi mainey wo sheher chhod diya. Main jaanti thi tumhari mamta tumhey Abhi se door nahin rehney degi aur phir Jeejaji ko bhi pata chal jayega ke Abhi merey paas hai. Main Abhi ko khona nahin chahti isliye usey lekar bahut door jaa rahi hoon, please humein dhoondney ki koshish mat karna. I promise main Abhi ko bahut pyaar aur achhi parvarish doongi! Uskey baarey mein tum bilkul chinta mat karna! Angad ko mera pyaar dena! Tum aur Jeeju khush rehna! God bless you, Didi, tumney ek bewaa ko jeeney ki vajeh de dee! Bhagwaan tumhara bhala karein! 

Avantika cried everyday, secretly, for her younger son. Later she regretted giving him away but at that moment it had seemed like the right thing to do. God knows if Naina had not been there, perhaps she would never had delivered the twins so easily. But how could she kill her maternal longing? She longed to see how Abhi was growing, whether he looked identical to Angad as he had been at birth, if his eyes were still hazel or had turned brown like Angad's. She had preserved the 2nd teddy bear from the hospital in a box and every year she added an age appropriate gift for Abhi on the twins birthday. That is how she spent 26 years, pining secretly for Abhi, and feeling guilty for deceiving her husband. 

She ended the letter with a heartfelt plea: Beta Angad, yeh khat padhney ke baad, sachchai jaanney ke baad shayad tum mujhsey nafrat karney lagogey. Mainey tumharey Dad ke saath, tumharey saath bahut bada anyay kiya! Unhey apney betey se, tumhey ek bhai se judaa kar diya! Unsey itna bada jhooth kaha! Lekin uss waqt main bhavnaon mein beh gayi thi, mainey wahi uchit samjha. Aur sach toh yeh hai agar tumhari Naina Mausi nahin hoti toh shayad main kabhie Maa nahin ban paati. Useeney mujhey Vizag mein rok liya, mera itna khayal rakha, dekhbhaal kee. tum dono ko janam se pehley se hi itna pyaar diya, sach mein wo hi tumhari doosri Maa thi. Isiliye Beta, ho sakey toh mujhey maaf kar dena!

Aur apney Bhai ko zaroor dhoond lena. Main jaanti hoon sirf tum hi yeh kaam kar saktey ho, kyunki kehtey hain judwaa bhai ya behen mein rooh ka bandhan hota hai. Usee dor se tum ekdin zaroor apney bhai tak pahunch jaogey! Mujhey vishwaas hai Abhi achha bhala hi hoga! Buss ek hi afsos reh gayi, marney se pehley ek baar apney Abhi ko nahin dekh saki! Shayad yehi meri sazaa hai, mera prayashchit hai! 
Tum aur Abhi merey do aankhein ho! Meri duayein sadaa tum dono ke saath rahegi! 
Tumhari gunehgaar Mom



Tears rolled down Kripa's cheeks as she read the last para of the letter. Poor Avantika Mom! Torn between sisterly love and maternal instincts, she had made a bad choice, separating father from son, brother from brother. She had regretted her decision later but had been helpless to revert it. She had paid for her mistake dearly, her life ended without ever meeting her missing son! What a mess! Other families might have secrets but this family's secret was quite devastating! The twins grew up unaware of each other's existence. And when they did meet, one ended up in the hospital! What a star-crossed family! 

Kripa sniffed and rubbed her wet cheeks. Suddenly a tissue was held out by a tanned, muscular hand. She gasped in surprise and turned around. Zaib stood behind her, tall, dark, silent. When did he come inside the bathroom? He was so strange, like a leopard that stalks in the dark! 

She took the tissue silently from his hand and wiped her cheeks, looking up at him, studying his similarities and differences with Angad! Wahi chehra, wahi naak, sirf aankhein bhoori hain.and in many ways, he was more rugged and uncivilized than his polished, sophisticated brother. 
His hazel eyes met hers with an amused glint. His sensuous lips curved in a twisted smile: Kya hua? Abhi bhi Yakeen nahin ho raha, ke main Abhi hoon? Aur koi saboot chahiye?

She shook her head silently. She believed the letter, it was too heartfelt to be fake. Besides, he was a carbon copy of Angad as far as features and physical structure were concerned.
Good! he smiled mockingly: Iska matlab tum maan gayi ke main Angad ka judwaa bhai hoon! Phir bhi tumharey dil ke sukoon ke liye main aur ek saboot dikhana chahta hoon.yeh dekho!

He whipped out his mobile from his Sherwani pocket and pressed a few buttons, then held it out in front of her eyes. It was a picture, of the two brothers, standing in front of the Char Minar in Hyderabad! Without a doubt they were the Khanna twins, both tall, burly, handsome, smiling with one arm around the other. Zaib zoomed it gradually till their faces were bigger, in close up!They were identical, like clones.but one had brown eyes, the other had hazel otherwise there was almost no difference visible to the naked eye.

She stared at the picture with fascination, wondering what they had felt and said when they met each other for the first time 4 months ago! Why didn't Angad tell her about his twin brother? Did he plan to play a trick on her too? 
Zaib chuckled, his voice deep, heavy, sexy just like Angad's: Kya hua? Tasveer ko dil mein basana chahti ho?
Kripa flushed and looked away. So many questions raged in her heart! She looked up at him with the most obvious query on her mind: Lekin tum.tumhara naam toh Abhimanyu tha, phir tum Zaib kaisey baney? 

He smirked: Bataunga, dheerey dheerey sab bataunga! Philhaal soney chaley? Nahin toh spycam waley sochengey hum dono apna suhaag raat bathroom mein hi manaa rahey hain!
Kripa turned beetroot red at the comment. She got up at once and started walking out but he held out an arm, blocking her way: Ek kaam karo, tum apney kapdey utaar do! 
She drew in a sharp breath, looking up at his brooding face with shock: Kya matlab?
His lips slanted again: Don't worry, I am not telling you to strip. Mera matlab tha tum yeh shadi ka joda utarkar koi nightdress vagairah pehen lo, phir dekhney walon ko sab normal lagega. 

Kripa nodded, she remembered packing her lingerie in one of the two suitcases that contained her dowry clothes and cosmetics. Zaib moved out of her way and she quickly opened the smaller suitcase and took out her nylon nightdresses, choosing the most decent, high-necked one she could find. She went into the bathroom, took off her heavy wedding dress, all jewelry, untied her hair and put on the pink nightdress.
When she came out of the bathroom, Zaib turned to look at her. She froze self-consciously at the bathroom door, totally unaware that the background light outlined her feminine curves in every intimate detail. His hard glittering eyes swept down her body, lingering on the hills and valleys with pure male appreciation. Kripa trembled with sudden awareness and pulled her neckline defensively, shielding her chest from his probing eyes..kitna besharam hai, aisey ghoor raha hai jaisey pehley kabhie aurat nahin dekha!
Then she suddenly remembered the way Angad had checked her out the first time they met in his conference room. She almost smiled at the memory, kitni ajeeb baat hai, dono ke dekhney ka andaaz bhi ek jaisa hai! 

Zaib stiffened, drawing in a sharp breath.she was entirely desirable, innocently unaware how sexy she looked with her dark hair open to her waist, her silhouette almost naked through the nightdress. His jaw tightened with restraint, he looked away from that erotic sight. Kripa quickly moved to the bed and got in her side, drawing the rosepetal-covered bedsheets over herself. 

Zaib approached the bed with a harsh whisper: Chitthi kahan rakhi? 
Kripa gasped and sat up : Ohh No! Bathroom mein bhool aayi!
He shook his head disapprovingly: Bad! Very bad! Tumhey hoshiyaar rehna padega. Koi baat nahin, tum so jaao, main jaata hoon.

He grabbed some clothing from an overnight bag in the closet and went into the bathroom. Kripa closed her eyes and tried to sleep but her brain was too overstimulated, hundreds of questions floating in her mind. Foremost beinghow was Angad at this moment, was he alright, when would she see him again, why did Abhi change his name to Zaib, what did the brothers plan for the wedding day, it went on and on.

The bathroom door opened with a soft click, she opened her eyes and looked up. Zaib emerged wearing a black muscle T and long black pajamas. He tossed his wedding sherwani in a corner and strolled to the bed. Kripa sucked in her breath as a sudden jolt of awareness ran down her spine. She had never seen a grown man in such a state of undress before. He was huge! His musculature amazed and frightened her! Yet it was fascinating to her innocent eyes to watch all those muscles rippling in his bare shoulders, arms and upper chest. She gulped nervously and turned away, closing her eyes with a shudder. Did Angad look like that too without his shirt? 

Zaib watched from the corner of his eyes and hid a smile. Clearly she was affected by his buff body as much as he had been aroused by her curves. 
He slid into bed, his gruff voice sounded behind her: Sorry, main raat ko aisey hi sota hoon. You will have to get used to this!
She didn't reply, pulling the covers over her red-hot face as her heart thumped in trepidation for a while till he switched off the bedside lamp and finally stopped moving behind her. Then she heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed her tense body. 

A sliver of moonlight fell through the window curtains on her hands. She looked at the mehendi design on her palm, where Angad's name was hidden somewhere in the delicate whorls. She closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to her God: Merey Angad ka khayal rakhna, usey jaldi se theek kar dena aur mujhey ussey jaldi milana, mera dil bahut bechain hai, merey pyar ki raksha karna.

Zaib flung an arm over his eyes and drew a deep breath, trying to quell the tension in his body and mind. It was hard, very hard to stay away from her. She was the one he had wanted from the first time he laid his eyes on her photo, when his brother had shown it to him. He had fallen in love, deeply, madly, with his brother's fiancee. He had resigned himself to fate that she would be his Bhabhi. But now Fate had played its hand, he was married to her and she lay beside him in bed, so near and yet untouchable. His pulse raced, heart thudded slowly.she was within touching distance, he could smell her perfume, hear her soft breaths, yet he could not approach her.lest she take offence and jeopardize his whole plan! No, he must play the game.every step of the way! A game of Deception!

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DECEPTION-  PART 8


A rough hand shook her urgently with a harsh command: Kripaaa! Utho! Darwazey per koi hai! 
She moaned in protest and burrowed further into the bedcovers. She had been awake all night worrying about Angad and fallen asleep right before dawn. She was exhausted!
But the hard fingers shaking her were relentless, urging her in a deep raspy whisper: Kripaa! Jaldi utho! Dekho, Gauri Bhabhi shayad bula rahi hai.

Her eyes flew open! Everything came rushing back to her! Her wedding, Zaib, the accident, the unknown killer, the enemy within
She sat up with a jerk and looked around at Zaib irritably: Tum kholo naa
He rasped huskily: Meri taraf dekho! My contacts! I have to put them on! Main bathroom jaata hoon, tum darwaza kholo.

She looked into his strange hazel eyes with a sudden pang in her heart! Of course, he had to wear his brown contacts, otherwise his game would be up! 
She scrambled out of bed and hunted in her suitcase frantically for a nightgown-cover. She heard soft knocks on the door and Gauri Bhabhi's -voice calling: Angad! Kripa? Utho! Darwaza kholo, nau baj gaye! Maa-jee tum dono ko naashtey per bula rahi hain! 

Zaib slipped into the bathroom and locked the door in a hurry. Kripa pulled on her dressing gown and rushed to open the door. Mishti and Gauri were waiting outside with a decorated tray, holding a pink zari-laden sari with matching jewelry and shoes.

Gauri handed it to Kripa with her usual sweet smile: Yeh lo, Kripa, fresh hokar isey pehenkar jaldi se neechey aa jaao. Hum sab tum dono ka wait kar rahey hain! Angad kahan hai?
For just a moment Kripa hesitated, then forced a coy smile: Wowo bathroom mein hain!
Gauri reminded her: Yaad hai naa, aaj subah tumhey apney maaykey jaana hai pagpheri ke liye? Isiliye achhey se tayyar hokarsaj-dhajkar neechey aana!
Kripa nodded shyly: Jee Haan, Gauri Dee

Mishti studied Kripa from top to bottom, noting her tired eyes, then smirked suggestively: Lagta hai raat bhar soyi nahin? Hamarey Devar jee ne bahut tang kiya kya?
Kripa turned red at the wicked hint: Nahin, wo main.main abhi tayyar hokar aati hoon. she backed away from her probing eyes as Mishti tried her best to peep into the bridal suite.

Gauri chided Mishti as they turned to leave : Jeejee, aap kuchh zyada hi boltey hainkyun uss bechari ke peechhey padey hain?
Mishti argued heatedly: Kyun? Mainey kya galat kaha? Hamari shadi nahin huyi thi kya? Humein nahin pata suhaag raat ke baad kya haalat hoti hai?
Kripa shut the door quickly and leaned back on it, flushed and breathing hard, her heart pounding with nervousness. How would she face the world and keep up the pretence while living this lie with Zaib? Oh God! Please help me!
She closed her eyes and sent up a swift prayer for assistance. 

The bathroom door opened with a soft click. Zaib emerged as Angad, dressed formally in a daytime suit, every inch a clone of his corporate brother! Kripa stared at him for a moment, her heart skipped a beat! He looked as suave and dashing as Angad! Then she flushed and looked away as his eyes pinned her with its piercing gaze. 
Her heart fluttered wildly with a familiar butterfly effect.Ek minute ke liye mujhey laga ke wo Angad hi hai jo yahan hai, merey saath, iska chehra hi nahin, dekhney ka andaaz bhi duplicate hai..she thought ruefully.. Kaash yeh sach hota aur meri shadi normal hoti..
Zaib hid a smile and looked serious: Kripa, I am ready! Ab tum bhi tayyar ho jaao!

She snapped out of her wishful dreaming and shuffled to the bathroom with unsteady feet. He moved to the dressing mirror to complete his toiletries and check his get-up as Angad!
Kripa took a shower and donned the gorgeous pink sari. It took her quite a while to get ready as her hands shook while she put on the heavy jewelry and small teeka. She was excited and nervous about the pag-phera.
How would she keep up the pretence in front of her family? How would she hide her tension and fears from Dadi? From her parents? 

When she came out, Zaib was not in the room. She looked around, slightly relieved, wondering if he had left without her. Then she spotted him, on the balcony, talking on the phone with someone. 
She thought at once: ANGAD! Wo zaroor Angad se baatein kar raha hai.
She rushed out to the balcony: Zaib! Kya tum Angad ko phone kar rahey ho?
Zaib whipped around with a startled look and instinctively switched off the call. Dismay washed over her! 
She moved closer, taut with tension, accusing: Tumney phone kyun kaat diya? Mujhey bhi Angad se baat karni thi! 
Zaib's lips thinned in displeasure: Main Angad se nahin, Shabbir se baat kar raha tha! Angad baat karney ki haalat mein nahin hai! Wo log aaj shaam hi Angad ko Switzerland le jaa rahey hain!
Sach? Her eyes brightened with hope: Shabbir ko call back karogey? Phir main bhi unsey baat karungi.

Kya tumhey merey baaton per yakeen nahin hai? his cats eyes narrowed as he taunted her mockingly.
She took a deep breath: Mujhey sirf Angad ke baarey mein fikr hai! Kaisa hai wo?
Angad mera bhi bhai hai!he reminded her dryly: Hes pulling through! Lekin spinal injury bahut serious hai, isiliye videsh le jaana padega.
He moved into the bedroom: Ab chalein? 
Kripa followed him with a worried frown, fretting inside..Angad has serious spinal injury? That sounds really bad! Pata nahin kis haalat mein hai wo, kab main usey mil sakungi.

Zaib's deep baritone broke her chain of thoughts: Waisey biwi sahiba, aap iss sari mein bahut khubsoorat lag rahi hain! 
She looked up at him, startled, surprised at his amorous tone. He winked at her and slanted his head in the direction of the overhead light fixtures. She looked up, were there really secret recorders hidden there? Was someone listening to everything they said? Well, she could play the game as well. 
She smiled coquettishly: Thanks, Angad! Tum bhi bahut dashing lag rahey ho

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to his side in front of the mirror. She stared at him, at their reflection. They looked perfect as a couple! If only this had been Angad by her side, she would have no complaints. He studied her with more than clinical appreciation, a deep smoky look in his eyes. 
Her silky hair was open around her shoulders, the pink sari highlighted her pearly complexion and matched her pink cheeks, slightly moist pink lips.He held her shoulder and pulled her closer. She stiffened at once and tried to pull away. His touch scorched her skin! His hand did not belong thereAngad's did! 

He bent at once and whispered in her delicate ear: Hoshiyaar rehna! Aaj se, abhi se hamara imtehaan shuru! Har kadam per humein naatak karna padega! Jab main tumhey touch karunga, tab samajh lena Angad tumhey chhoo raha hai. Agar tum simat gayi toh dushman ko shaq ho jayega! Isiliye, don't flinch, don't move away when I hold you! Ab hum neechey jayengey, act normal, sabko lagna chahiye tumney abhi Angad ke saath suhaag raat guzari haiaur hum dono mein bahut gehra pyar hai, samjhi?
She lowered her eyes and nodded. She steeled her heart to bear his touches, to keep up the act of a blissful marriage. 

He asked casually: Bhabhi kya poochh rahi thi? Tum kaafi laal gulabi ho gayi thi?
Kripa blushed again, remembering Mishti's naughty taunts: Nahin, wo.wo bedroom mein jhaankney ki koshish kar rahi thiwo shayad aisey hi hain
I see! Zaib released her shoulder at last and turned to look around the room carefully, inspecting it for any anomalies. His eyes fell on the bridal bed, strewn with crushed red rose petals. He fixed his gaze on the white linen sheets, crumpled yet spotless..

He shook his head and suddenly grabbed the fruit knife from the table. Kripa watched with surprise as he ripped open one of the band-aids on his left hand and pricked his wound with the sharp knife!
She cried out in shock as crimson drops of blood oozed out of the wound: Yeh kyaa kar diya..
Ssshhh! Zaib warned her with a grim look, then kneeled on the bed and rubbed his palm on the bedsheet, smearing his blood on the spotless sheets, staining it with red streaks.

At first she didn't understand, staring at him with a stunned expression. Then the implications sunk in! All the blood in her body rushed to her face! She felt faint with embarassment and shock! He glanced at her, she turned her face away and scampered out of the room, trembling with shame. She did not, could not wait for him! She hurried to the lift and pressed the button. But he caught up with her in the lift. The doors closed, the lift descended to 2nd floor where the rest of Khanna clan was staying. 

Kripa looked down at the floor, facing the wall, avoiding him at all costs. Her cheeks and ears were burning! Zaib looked at her downcast face and smirked. Poor little innocent! Caught in a web of deceit! He hoped she would not give the game away! He watched her hands, slim fingers clenched in tension and twisting one end of her pallu. He felt sorry for her. She needed some pep talk!
He cleared his throat to draw her attention, then gently patted her shoulder: Don't worry, sab kuchh theek hoga! Main hoon naa! 
She didn't look at him, too mortified to speak! 

He went on: Mujhey bharosa hai tumpar. Tum kuchh gadbad nahin karogi! And if you slip up, I will cover for you! 
Then, she turned at his patronizing tone and glared up at him! This man was insufferable! What an inflated ego! As if she would slip up! Not when her Angad's life depended upon it!
He smiled unabashedly at her: A fighting spirit! Good! I like it! Im sure ke tum bahut umdaa naatak karogi!
Kripa blew steam and looked away, fuming inside.
But she had a perfectly shy smile on her face as she and Zaib walked into the large family style suite downstairs and were greeted by Angad's family.

Chachajee was the first to greet them: Good Morning, Beta! Good Morning, Bahu! Aao, aao, hum sab tum dono ka wait kar rahey the! Aao baitho, naashta kar lo! 
Damini complained as usual: Tum dono ne bahut der kar dee! Yaad hai, pag-pherey ke liye jaana hai, phir raat ko humein Mumbai bhi wapas jaana hai!
Zaib and Kripa touched the elder's feet and apologized for their lateness.
Mishti jibed with a nasty cackle: Mummy jee, ab suhaag raat ke baad thodi der tak toh soyengey naa? 
Kripa's teeth clenched with embarassment but she lowered her eyes like a shy bride. 

Damini rolled her eyes with a peculiar smile. She was already apprehensive about Kripa getting pregnant! 
Kartik and Nishant came out of their respective rooms. Nishant hugged Zaib affectionately with mutual backslapping. Kartik started talking business at once.
Gauri objected: Pehley Devarjee ko nashta toh karney deejiye! Phir kaam ki baatein karna!
Chachajee joined in: Haan, haan chalo sab baith jaao table per
Damini ordered Kripa: Bahu, hamarey ghar mein rivaaz hai, shadi ke baad pehley din nayi dulhan sabkey liye khana banati hai. Ab yahan Resort mein wo pratha nahin chalega, lekin tum sabko ab khana paroso!
Kripa tilted her head obediently: Jee, Chachi jee!

Gauri accompanied her around the table and helped her serve the elaborate brunch to the assembled family. There was everything from parathas and idlis to crepes and eggs.
Suddenly Dipu and Mili came running out of a room. Dipu jumped on Zaib's lap: Chachu! Hum kya aaj bhi ghodi per chadhengey?
He laughed heartily : Nahin Beta, aadmi zindagi mein ek baar hi ghodi per chadhta hai! Agli baar tum apni shadi mein chadhna! 
Dipu made a disgusted face: Ewww! Main shadi nahin karunga! Ladkiyan gandi hoti hain!
Everyone laughed at his reaction. Gauri shook her head at him: Chhee Beta, aisa nahin kehtey!
Dipu wrinkled his nose adorably: Sorry,Mummy!

Mili followed Kripa around, staring at her beautiful new aunt with fascination.
Gauri laughed: Kripa, tumhari fan club aa gayi! Ab tum bhi nashtey ke liye baith jaao
Nahin Jeejee, hum dono ek saath baithengey! Kripa smiled down at the pretty little girlGood Morning, Mili!
Mili looked gratified and asked: Nayi Chachi! Aap kya apni Mummy ke paas jaa rahi ho?
Kripa nodded: Haan, thodi der baad
Hum bhi aapkey saath chalengey!
Mishti chided at once: Nahin Mili, tum nahin jaa sakti! Sirf Chacha chachi jayengey! 
Please Mummy, please, mujhey bhi Nayi Chachi ke saath jaana hai! Mili wailed. She was very much fascinated with Kripa, didn't want to leave her side!
Kripa felt bad, she looked at Mishti, then Damini: Mili jaana chahti hai toh chalney deejiye naamujhey koi problem nahin, merey parivaar ko bachchon se bahut pyar hai.

Damini explained in a stern matriarchal tone: Nahin, bahu! Mili nahin jaa sakti! Tum dono ko akeley jaana hai! Yehi pratha hai! Angad tumhey wahan chhod dega, phir shaam ko jaldi wapas le aayega! Mili Beta, zidd nahin kartey! Chachi ke ghar tum nahin jaa sakti! Wo shaam ko wapas aa jayegi!

Mili pouted and stomped away to sulk in a corner! Kripa felt bad for her but could not oppose Angad's Aunt. It seemed like she would have a difficult time with his relatives.except for Gauri Bhabhi, Nishant Bhaiya and Chachajee, the rest were all unpleasant people! 

She sat down to eat beside Zaib and observed the family members surreptitiously. She glanced at Kartik Bhaiya repeatedly, wondering whether he was the one! The culprit! The disgusting killer who had planned Angad's accident? Zaib nudged her leg under the table with his foot. She looked at him in surprisehe warned her with his eyes. She was making it too obvious, the suspicion in her eyes revealing her thoughts. Kripa looked apologetic and quickly diverted her attention to the others.
Zaib enacted the role of a romantic new husband at the table. He fed her little morsels with his own hands, from his own plate: Yeh try karo, Kripa! This is very tasty! 

At first she refused coyly but then played along. Once or twice, his fingers touched her lips, she recoiled from his touch! Not out of revulsion. but he reminded her too much of Angad! His touch affected her, making her lips tingle.she didn't like that


Mishti observed them with a strange gleam in her eyes. But she didn't pass any snide comments in front of her in-laws! The others thought his behavior was normal for a lovestruck husband. 




Soon after brunch, the whole clan gathered in front of the Resort Hotel. All the baraatis were leaving for Mumbai that morning. Khanna family would fly out that evening. They exchanged fond farewells. Kripa touched many elders' feet and received blessings of good luck and progeny.                                                                                                                                                           When the last car/limo had disappeared around the bend, Darshan ordered the newly wedded couple's car to be brought forward : Angad ka car le aao! Driver se kaho Nayi Bahu ke maaykey jaana hai! 
A sleek black car drove up to the porch, the driver hopped out to open the door. Zaib halted him with a raised hand: Thehro, main khud drive karoonga.
Darshan frowned: Angad Beta, driver lekar jaao, achha dikhega..
Zaib/Angad explained: Uncle, Kripa ko maaykey chhodkar main kaam per jaunga! I would like to drive.

Uncle sighed with resignation, Kartik must have convinced Angad to work the day after his wedding. "Jaisi tumhari marzi.lekin Beta, Kripa ko theek 5 bajey wapas le aana, hamari flight 6:30 ki hai"
Uncle, don't worry, hum 5 bajey wapas aa jayengeyZaib smiled at his family, Kripa touched Chacha- Chachi's feet again and they were on their way. 

Zaib drove down the driveway, round a bend, out of their eyesight. Then suddenly he stopped and reversed, then drove forward towards some bushes, stopped again.
Yehtum kya kar rahey ho? She asked wonderingly. 
He looked grim: Brakes test kar raha hoon! I don't want a repeat of that night. Kya pata, aaj bhi brakes fail karva dein
She was shocked, horrified.Kya tumhey lagta hai wo log phir se humein maarney ki koshish karengey?
He turned his brown gaze on her: Kuchh bhi ho sakta hai. Unki nazar mein main Angad hoon aur zinda hoon, aur wo phir se try kar saktey hain. I cannot take any risks!
Her eyes were round, her face pale: Kya isiliye tumney driver ko nikaal diya?
Haan, mujhey driver per bhi bharosa nahin! Yaad rakhna Kripa, kisi per bhi bharosa mat karna! This family is not as they seem.daal mein kuchh kala hai! I don't trust them!

Kripa sat quietly as he drove normally after that, lost in her thoughts. She was fraught with tension! How would she behave normally with Khanna family if she didn't trust them? How would she live in the same house with them knowing one of them tried to kill Angad and now might try to kill her and Zaib? She had grown up in a normal, loving family and she could not imagine living amidst enemies..adversaries. Lekin agar merey kismat mein yeh jung ladna likha tha toh main iska datkar saamna karungi, for Angad's sake!

She steeled herself for the uncertain and danger-filled future as the car snaked around hilly roads towards her childhood home.
She looked at Zaib: Tum mujhey wahan chhodkar kahan jaa rahey ho?
He threw her a slanting, naughty look: Kyun? Are you going to miss me?
She flushed, then glared at him : Main wo nahin keh rahi thi, I mean kya tum Angad ke baarey mein khabar logey?
He replied rather brusquely : Haan, main Angad ke baarey mein sab pataa karunga, uskey kaam ke baarey mein. I have to catch up with all his projects, his workload. Aaj subah Kartik almost caught me he wanted to discuss some new projects and I had no idea what the hell he was talking about! Jitni jaldi ho sakey, I have to learn all about Angad's business. Isiliye main uskey Office jaa raha hoon. Kya tum kuchh bata sakogi uskey office ke baarey mein?

Kripa's brows knitted as she tried to remember: Angad ke office ke baarey mein main kuchh zyada toh nahin jaanti, ek baar hi gayi thi, jab hum pehli baar miley thelekin wahan ek bahut badtameez, ghamandi PA hai, naam hai Simone. Wo yahan ke office mein Angad ki secretary hai..
Simone, huh? Dikhney mein kaisi hai?
She gave him a sidelong glance: Kaafi achhi hai! Kyun, tumhey secretaries mein dilchaspi hai kya? 
He smirked: Aisey hi poochh raha tha! Kyun, tumhey jalan ho rahi hai? again he threw that wicked glance at her. 
She shrugged and looked away: I don't care! Mujhey kya? Lekin time per ghar aa jaana
She didn't know why she felt pissed off! 

She had to add: Tumhey construction projects ke baarey mein kuchh aata bhi hai?
He looked undeterred: Nahin! Lekin main seekh lunga! Main bahut jaldi seekh jaata hoon
Waisey issey pehley tum kaam kya kartey the? she asked curiously.
He glanced at her meaningfully: Yahan aaney se pehley, main singer thaclubs mein gaata tha! Kabhie kabhi local programs mein, shadi-byaah per.
Kya? Now it was her turn to be stunned: Tum singer ho? Tumhey gaana aata hai?
Haan! Thoda bahut.his sensuous lips twisted with humor. Aur mujhey pata hai tum bhi gaati ho, kaafi mashhoor ho!his warm glance touched her briefly.
Tumhey kaisey pata? Oh, Angad ne bataya hoga?
Haan, aur video bhi dikhaya thatumharey program ki !
Video? Kaisa video? she looked confused.

Aaj se 6 mahiney pehley, jab Bhai tumsey pehli baar mila tha, tumney yahan kisi function mein apney geet pesh kiye the. Angad ne useeka video khareeda tha, aur apney paas rakhta tha. Jab wo doosri baar Hyderabad aaya mujhsey milney, tab usney mujhey wo video bhi dikhaya .
He glanced at her, adding silently( aur tabhi mujhey tumsey pyar ho gaya, be-inteha pyaar, tumhari awaaz se, tumhari khubsoorati se, the whole package!)
Kripa smiled self-consciously, feeling quite flattered that Angad had bought her program video from the organizers and always kept it with him. 
Her heart pined for her lover, she looked at Zaib with pleading eyes: Tum Shabbir ko phir se phone karogey naa? Agar kuchh pata chaley toh mujhey zaroor phone karna!
His face was unreadable, enigmatic: Of course! Main thodi der baad phir se try karunga.

Kripa fell silent, brooding about Angad's condition and her imminent arrival at her maayka. She would need her best thespian abilities to convince her family that she was blissfully happy with "Angad" 
They had reached Sharma bungalow by then. 



Harshini, Nupur, and Kripa's younger cousins all stood eagerly at the gate, awaiting her arrival. As soon as the black car stopped at the gate, they cheered and announced: Kripa aa gayi! Kripa aa gayi!
Zaib grinned mockingly: Lagta hai tum apney ilaakey mein kaafi popular ho..
Kripa sniffed haughtily: Wo toh hoon! Sab mujhey bahut miss karengey!
Zaib smirked at her inherent pride, she was a pampered and spoiled beauty!

As soon as she stepped out of the car, Harshini ran to her and hugged her tightly: Oh Kripa! Tu kaisi hai? 
Kripa forced a happy smile: Kal hi toh vidaa huyi thi, aaj bhi waisi hoon!
Harshini pulled back and rolled her eyes naughtily: Bholi mat ban! Shadi ke baad sab kuchh badal jaata hai! Kyun Jeeja-jee? Sach kaha naa mainey?she winked at both of them..
Kripa blushed at the innuendo. She was getting rather tired of the constant teasing. Do all newly-married girls have to face this kind of inquisition? 
Zaib hid a smile at Kripa's discomfort. Her innocence amused and enchanted him!

Gayatri came out with an Aarti thaali, smiling joyously, accompanied by the other ladies of the family. Dadi rolled forward to the front porch, eagerly craning her neck to see her beloved grandchild.
Gayatri welcomed them with aarti, then took them up the steps: Aao, Beta, dono andar aao!
Kripa hurried to her Dadi, stooped low to embrace and kiss her withered cheeks. 
Dadi laughed and cried with joy: Meri gudiya, kaisi hai tu? Khush toh hai naa? Angad Beta, yahan aao, merey paas.
Zaib bent low to touch her feet. Dadi held his hefty forearms and kissed his forehead. 
She looked piercingly at both of them: Kitni sundar jodi hai, Bhagwan hamesha tum dono ki jodi banaye rakhey!
Kripa smiled so convincingly, nobody could guess the ache in her heart, the terrible tension gnawing her inside. Zaib seemed equally blissful in his demeanour.

Kripa looked around, searching: Papa kahan hai?
Gayatri smiled apologetically: Papa ke school mein kuch emergency ho gayi thi, isiliye unhey jaana pada, lekin wo terey saath lunch ke liye wapas aa jayengey!
Kripa didn't mind it one bit, after all her Papa was the Principal!
Her mother welcomed her new damaad: Aao, Angad Beta, andar aakar baitho.
Zaib tried to take his leave: Auntie jee, mujhey office mein thoda kaam hai, main baad mein Kripa ko leney aa jaunga

Aisey kaisey jaogey? Gayatri complained affectionately: Shadi ke baad pehli baar aaye ho! Thodi chai aur mithai toh lena hi padega..
Main chai nahin..Zaib stopped in the nick of time! He had almost saidmain chai nahin peeta, coffee peeta hoon, when he remembered Angad liked tea, HE drank coffee. Kripa's mom must be knowing Angad's likes and dislikes, he must be more careful! 
He quickly did some damage control: Jee, main chai nahin, sharbat peeunga, aaj kaafi tez dhoop hai!
Haan, haan, zaroor Beta, main abhi tumharey liye aam ki sharbat banati hoon!. The doting saas took her daughter and damaad inside followed by a bevy of ladies, and Kripa's giggling friends and cousins.

Zaib made a mental note to himself, ab se mujhey bahut hoshiyaar rehna padega! I have to think like Angad, work like Angad, eat and drink like Angad, BE Angad! Kisiko bhi zara sa shaq ho gaya tohthe game will be OVER!

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DECEPTION...PART 9

Gayatri served chilled mango juice and snacks to her new son-in-law and smiled affectionately: Angad Beta, tumharey Pitajee kaisey hain? 
Kripa's eyes darted towards Zaibhow would he answer the question about his Dad whom he had never met. But he didn't bat an eyelid and replied coolly : Dad achhey hain, Mummyjee!

Toh kya Samdhijee tum dono ki Reception per aa rahey hain? Apney bahu ko dekhney?
He shook his head gravely: Shayad wo mumkin nahin. Unki haalat itni achhi nahin ke wo uss bheed aur shor sharabey ko bardasht kar sakein. Lekin hum unsey milney zaroor jayengey, parson, reception ke agley din. 

Lekin uss din toh tum dono Switzerland jaa rahey ho naa? 
Jee Haan, shaam ki flight hai, isliye hum subah ko hi Khandala jaakar Dad ka ashirwad lekar aayengey!..he explained smoothly.
Kripa's heart jumped at the mention of Switzerland. Angad will be there! She would see Angad again! Ohh, she couldn't wait to board that flight!

All the female relatives in Sharma household crowded around the newly wedded couple, admiring their "made for each other" perfection, commenting on Kripa's expensive sari and jewelry, generally making a big fuss about the gorgeous couple!
Dadi beamed proudly at her Princess and Prince with all the satisfaction of having her dream fulfilled. Kripa smiled back at her beloved Grandma with forced cheerfulness. Now there was another reason she was going through this whole farce. If Dadi came to know the truth, she would suffer a terrible shock! For her sake, for her parents sake, above all, for Angad's sake, she would play-act as Zaib's wife. 
Gayatri noticed the young girls wanted to have fun with the couple so she shepherded the ladies out of the room on the pretext of preparing lunch for all the guests. Dadi's nurse wheeled her away to give her dialysis.


As soon as the older ladies left the room, Harshini and Kripa's cousins pounced on Zaib : Jeeju, ab batayiye, kal raat aapney hamari Kripa ko suhaag ke tohfey mein kya diya?
Zaib threw a wicked glance towards Kripa: Jo tohfa diya wo main tum logon ke saath share nahin kar sakta!
Hailaaa! So naughty, Jeeju!.all of them blushed and giggled.
Kripa turned red in embarassed anger : Uff! Tum sab chup bhi karo! Har waqt hansi mazaak!
Tu itna kyun akad rahi hai? Hum apney Jeeju ke saath mazaak kar rahey hain! Yeh toh hamara haq hai!...to her surprise they shut her up.

She fumed silently while Zaib joked with her friends and cousins like a typical jeejaji. He should get an Oscar for acting, she thought peevishly! Aisey pesh aa raha hai jaisey sach mein Angad ho!
She decided two could play the game. 

She called him sweetly like a coy bride: Suniye jee! 
Zaib looked at her in surprise, his eyes glinted with a hidden spark.
She dimpled at him: Yaad hai naa, aapko office jaana hai? Wahan kuchh zaroori kaam tha?
Zaib stood up at once with a ready grin: Oh Haan! Main toh bhool hi gaya tha! Thanks for reminding me, sweetheart! 
He swept past her, suddenly bending to kiss the top of her head: Bye, Kripa! Shaam ko jaldi aa jaunga! Tayyar rehna.
Kripa gasped in outrage, her friends/cousins giggled and went AWWW!

She glared at his broad departing back, he turned for a second and winked at her. But his eyes warned her Keep up the act! She took a deep breath and calmed her jangled nerves.
As soon as Zaib left, the girl group pounced on her and fired a volley of questions about Angad, about her in-laws and especially about her suhaag raat.
Kripa was fed up, gnashing her teeth helplessly. Pehley sasural mein, ab maaykey mein sabko suhaag raat ki padi hai! Wahan mera asli suhaag Hospital mein pada hai aur yeh log ek duplicate ko lekar uchhal rahey hain.but she sighed and put on her game face. She had to keep up the pretence in her maayka too! Finally she could not take it anymore and escaped to her mother in the kitchen.

The older aunts surrounded her again and enquired about the Khannas. 
Suna hai unka apna plane hai? 
Gayatri informed rather smugly: Haan Tayijee, bilkul theek suna aapney! Unka apna private jet hai! 
Toh kya useemein aaj sab Mumbai jaa rahey hain? The aunts were bug-eyed with wonder.
Kripa nodded absent-mindedly, wondering why Angad had not taken his private plane that night? Then the accident would not have happened. 
Then she remembered, he had told herthe plane had been carting Khanna guests and relatives for the wedding, so he had opted to fly on a commercial line. 

Kripa was like the 8th wonder in her family. No one had married a Crorepati before. They envied and admired her good fortune. Little did they know the dangers that come with money and power. 

Suryabhan returned home for lunch. He was a man of few words but deeply felt the pain of Kripa's imminent departure. Kripa ran to him and hugged him like a longlost child. 
His voice quavered with worry as he hugged her back: Beti, tu theek toh hai naa? Sab kuchh theek thaak hai wahan? Angad tera khayal rakh raha hai?
Kripa avoided his concerned eyes and smiled extra bright: Haan Papa, main bahut khush hoon, wahan sab bahut achhey hain. 
He seemed satisfied with her answer and asked Gayatri if preparations for Kripa's Bidaai were done.

Harshini was waiting for a chance to get Kripa alone. Finally after lunch, she escorted Kripa to her old bedroom for a siesta. The two friends lay side by side just like old times and chatted. 
Harshini looked sad: Tu humein chhodkar jaa rahi hai, Honeymoon se lautney ke baad yahan aayegi naa?
Kripa blinked away her tears: Of course aungi! Tujhey kya lagta hai? Main hamesha ke liye jaa rahi hoon? Angad ka yahan resort hai, business hai, hum aatey jaatey rahengey. Don't worry (she playfully punched her friend)you wont get rid of me so easily!
Harshini laughed away her sadness: Too bad! Ab bataa, kal raat ko kya kya hua?
Matlab? Kripa frowned and stiffened with dread..(Oh God! Not again!)
Aha-ha-ha, zyada bholi mat ban! I mean kal raat Angad ne tujhey pyar kiya naa?
Kripa sat up in agitation: Yeh kis tarah ka sawaal hai? 
Harshini laughed and pinched her red cheeks: Jaisey tujhey pata nahin! Bataa naa, usney tujhey kiss kiya? Did he make love? Kaisa laga, bol naa? 

Kripa's cheeks were burning, how would she know? Fate had deprived her of the most beautiful night with the man she loved. Instead she had spent it worrying about Angad all night, sharing the bed with a complete stranger. 
Harshie nudged her elbow: Bataa naa, chup kyun hai? Sharma rahi hai? Achha theek hai, main poochhti hoon, tu buss haan ya naa kar. Usney kiss toh kiya hoga zaroor, kiya naa?
Kripa didn't reply, just stared at her hennaed toes, biting her lips hard. 
Come on, Kripa! Kuchh toh bol! At least sar toh hila! Harshie was getting impatient but Kripa stayed mum. 

Finally Harshie complained: Mainey socha tha tujhsey kuchh tips milengi, lekin tu toh badi selfish niklee! 
That was the last straw! Kripa counter-attacked: Tujhey tips ki kya zaroorat? Tu kya shadi kar rahi hai? Kab? Kissey? Zara mujhey bhi toh bataa.
To her surprise, Harshie turned red and defensive: Main toh aisey hi poochh rahi thi! Hamarey group mein teri hi sabsey pehli shadi huyi naa, isliye..
But Kripa's antennae was up. She stared at her friend's flustered face and commented: Achha, toh yeh baat hai! tujhey kisisey pyar hai aur jaldi shadi karna chahti hai! Come on! Tell me! Who is it?
Harshini tried to turn but Kripa forced her to look her way: Nahin, tujhey batana hi padega! Kaun hai tera dream guy.Bataaa.abhi bataa, tujhey meri kasam!

After a lot of coaxing and nagging, Harshini finally blurted out: Prithvi! 
Kripa let her go in shock! She ran away from the bedroom! 
Kripa sat numb, her mind reeling ..Prithvi! Harshini Prithvi se pyar karti hai? Aur wo mujhsey? Oh God! What a mess! Agar Harshie ko pata chala Prithvi mujhey chahta hai toh uska dil toot jayega! Ab kya karoon? Mujhey Prithvi se baat karni hogi! Lekin kaisey? 

She tried her best to get away for a few minutes and meet Prithvi but it was impossible to escape from her family home.
Gayatri forbid her to step out of the house: Ab tu nayi naveli dulhan hai, ghar se aisey akeley baahar jaana theek nahin. Angad aakar tujhey le jayega, jahan tu jaana chahti hai.
Kripa whined and complained: Lekin main toh yahin paas pados mein jaa rahi thi
Nahin Beti, aaj nahin! Aaj pagpheri hai, aaj ke din tu sirf maaykey aayegi aur phir sasural wapas jayegi!

Lekin aaj toh main Mumbai jaa rahi hoon, phir apney doston se kaisey miloongi?
Her mother smiled: Unhey yahan bulaa le! Yahan itney saarey mehmaan hain, do chaar aur sahi! 
Kripa sighed in defeat and decided to speak to Prithvi when she visited her hometown next time. After all, Harshini had kept her feelings hidden for so many years, a few more months wont matter to her. 

Her thoughts turned to Angad. Pata nahin kaisa hoga.kahan hoga! Ab tak toh plane mein hoga.on his way to Switzerland. Shayad pahunch bhi gaya hoga. Zaib ne abhi tak phone kyun nahin kiya? She checked her mobile, there were no messages. Uff yeh Zaib bhi naa, bilkul apney Bhai jaisa hai, kaam ke waqt kuchh yaad nahin rehta. He had promised he would call and give me Angad's updates.ab tak call kyun nahin kiya?

Distraught with worries, she went to Dadi's room, where she had always sought solace as a child. 
Dadi was resting after lunch but wide awake. She smiled and called Kripa to her side: Aaja meri gudiya, yahan leit jaa, merey paas.
Kripa lay down beside her grandma and hugged her frail body. She loved that familiar smell of medicines and talcum powder.
Dadi stroked her hair fondly and asked with gentle concern: Kya hua? Tu pareshan lag rahi hai? Sab kuchh theek toh hai naa? 
Kripa's voice was muffled in Dadi's starched white cotton sari: Haan Dadi, sab kuchh achha hai. Mujhey koi pareshani nahin

Dadi lifted her pretty face and studied her worried eyes: Kya baat hai bataa.

When Kripa didn't answer, Dadi smiled gently: Mujhey pata hai, tu sasural ke baarey mein chintit hai, hai naa? Main jaanti hoon wahan shayad tujhey ajeeb sa lagega, naya ghar hai, naye log. Shayad koi kuchh khara khota keh dein, lekin Angad ke Chacha jee aur unki chhoti bahu bahut achhey hain, wo teri madad karengey. Aur phir Angad toh hai naa terey saath. Uskey pyar ke saharey tu sab kuchh jhel sakegi. Agar saath mein pyar karney wala pati ho toh har ladki sasural mein khush rehti hai. isiliye tu bilkul chinta mat kar aur khushi khushi sasural jaa. Main roz teri khushi ke liye prarthana karungi! 


Kripa nodded obediently: Haan Dadi, main wahan adjust kar loongi. 
Dadi advised more: Aur Angad ki seva karna, har khushi mein, har mushkil mein ek doosrey ka saath dena. 
Jee, Dadi! Kripa thought.wahi toh kar rahi hoon, Dadi. Angad ke liye hi yeh saara naatak, aap sabko dhokha de rahi hoon, taaki wo surakshit rahey.


Kripa's maayka visit was over too fast and soon it was time to leave.
Zaib/Angad came to take her back. Dadijee was wheeled out after her siesta, for the bidaai. Kripa changed into a new sari gifted by her mother with matching jewelry. All her relatives lined up to bless her and hug her. Kripa couldn't stop her tears. Although she had vowed not to cry, the teardrops just fell unchecked from her eyes. She was fraught with worry and tension. An uncertain future awaited her at Mumbai. Her future happiness depended on Angad's recovery.

She hugged her parents tightly and sobbed. 
Suryabhan blessed her gruffly and withdrew. Gayatri wiped her eyes and tried to console her: Ro mat Beti! Har ladki ko ek din sasural jaana padta hai. Tum dono videsh se wapas aakar yahan zaroor aana, aur phir Mumbai yahan se zyada door toh nahin! Hum bhi chaley jayengey kabhie kabhie!

Papa, Mumma, aap sab kal Reception mein aa rahey hain naa? Kripa asked tearfully. 
Dadi ki tabiyat acchhi rahi toh zaroor jayengey. Tu toh jaanti hai unhey iss haalat mein yahan akeley chhodkar nahin jaa saktey.
Zaib watched the emotional farewell dispassionately, yet his eyes reflected a certain sympathy for his tearful bride.

Kripa kneeled down beside her ailing grandmother and cried into her lap. Dadi's eyes were moist but she cupped her only grandchild's face and smiled through her tears: Ab rona band kar de Kripa, shubh ghadi mein itna nahin rotey. Tu toh apney ghar jaa rahi hai, wahan sabko khush kar dena, sabki seva karna.

Dadi, main jaa rahi hoonaap apna khayal rakhna.Kripa sobbed with the nagging fear that she wont see her again when she returned.
Dadi understood her distress and smiled: Tu meri chinta mat karna. Main itni jaldi nahin jaaney wali. Ab teri shadi ho gayi hai, ab main apney nawasey ka mooh dekhney ke liye Bhagwan se kuchh aur waqt maang loongi.
That stopped Kripa's tears abruptly. 

Nawasey ka mooh! Dadi was already dreaming about her great grandchild! But if that hope kept her alive, gave her a few extra years to live, then Kripa would try her best to keep that hope alive.
She wiped her tears bashfully and touched Dadi's feet. Zaib also stepped forward and took the blessings of Dadi and Kripa's parents. 
They all beseeched him to take care of their beloved child.

Zaib promised gravely: Dadi, Mom, Papa, Main vaada karta hoon, har haal mein Kripa ka khayal rakhunga, usey koi taqleef nahin honey doonga. 
Gayatri blessed him emotionally: Jug jug jiyo, Beta! Bhagwan tum dono ko lambi umr dein, tum dono ki jodi ko hamesha salamat rakhey!
Ameen! Zaib muttered under his breath, unheard by either Kripa or her relatives.

Kripa's parents loaded boxes of sweets and wrapped presents into the car as Bidaai gifts. Kripa took one last look at her childhood home and waving relatives as Zaib drove away round the bend. She had begun her journey into the unknown.
She turned towards Zaib: Shabbir ko call kiya tumney?
Zaib nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the winding road.
Kya kaha? She asked anxiously: Angad kaisa hai? Switzerland pahunch gaye?
Haan! Zaib replied in monosyllables to her annoyance.
Angad ki haalat kaisi hai?she repeated.
Hes doing fine!..tum befikr raho! He tossed a glance her way and clammed up after that.
Kripa looked out of her window, crying silently for the loved ones she left behind and for Angad, who was somewhere far away, injured, fighting for recovery. 


Their luggage was packed and loaded into 3 mini-vans. Khanna clan was ready to depart for the small airfield near Mahabaleshwar where their private jet was waiting to take them back to Mumbai. 
Darshan Chacha and Kartik shepherded the family members into the cars. 

Kartik pointed Zaib towards the smaller van: Angad! Tum aur Kripa uss van mein jaao. Nishant, Gauri aur Mom iss van mein, main, Mishti aur Dad iss car mein. 
Zaib looked at the black van and then at Kartik with cold, hooded eyes, strange and expressionless. 

Suddenly Mili came running to Kripa and caught her hand: Nayi Chachi, nayi Chachi, main bhi aapkey saath chalungi! Pleeease.
Kartik scolded her: Mili, Nahin! Tum Mummy ke saath uss van mein jaao..
Nahin, main Nayi Chachi ke saath jaungi! .Mili stuck to Kripa's side like glue. 
She smiled and picked up the little girl in her arms: Badey Bhaiyya, isey jaaney deejiye naasirf 20 minute ka toh raasta hai, kya farak padta hai? 
Kartik wavered for a bit, then agreed: Theek hai, lekin Mili, Chachi ko tang mat karna. Be a good girl!
Mili gave the most innocent angelic smile: But Papa, I AM a good girl! Right, Chachu?
Angad/Zaib grinned at once: Of course, Princess! You're the BEST!

Kartik shrugged and turned away. Zaib winked at Mili and they did a low five behind Kartik's back. Kripa was surprised at their conspiratorial gestures. She couldn't fathom their plan until they were on their way to the airfield. Mili was sitting between them, for which Kripa was grateful. At least she didn't have to sit beside HIM! After the way he took liberties with her at her maayka, she was rather wary of him. 
In the car, Mili chirped brightly: Chachu, Chachi kya hamarey ghar aa rahi hai?
Yes, PrincessZaib replied gravely.
Chachi kya hamarey saath rahegi? 
Of course! Koi shaq? 
Main plane per bhi Chachi ke saath baithungi
Zaroor baithnaa, bachchey! 

Mili chattered nineteen to the dozen in her high-pitched childish voice, Zaib replied in his heavy baritone. From their conversation, Kripa fathomed his plan. He had coached Mili to request going in their car. And then she realized whyif Mili was in their car, Kartik or whoever was the mastermind would not try to sabotage their car. She was rather horrified that Zaib used Mili as a human shield. 
Zaib noticed her disapproving expression and leaned behind her neck.
Only she could hear his husky whisper: Ek baat yaad rakhna, everything's fair in love and war!

She tossed a burning look at him and moved away, looking out of the window at the darkness spreading over the beloved mountains she was leaving behind. Zaib was a ruthless man and he would do anything to keep them safe. But could she blame him? Not reallywhoever had sent Angad to the Hospital was lethal, dangerous and Zaib would not take any chances. Even if it meant using his little niece as their safe passage.

The plane took off without any hassles and they reached Mumbai within 45 minutes. The private jet landed on a strip near the main airport. A white limo was waiting there to receive the family. It was dark by the time they reached the gilded iron gates of the seafront property. 
KHANNA HOUSE.it declared in gold-plated letters next to the gate. 
The huge gates opened by remote control and the limo glided in. Kripa and Zaib were sitting together, both looked out eagerly to get their first glimpse of Khanna House. 
Set amidst sprawling gardens embellished by statuaries, fountains and colorful flower-beds, the palatial house gleamed in the darkness with bright, festive lights. 

Damini commented smugly: Lagta hai Tejdhar ne hamarey swagat ki tayyari bahut achhi tarah se kee hai.
Kripa and Zaib were both equally awestruck by the grandeur of Khanna mansion. They couldn't stop staring at it. 
Sharp-eyed Mishti didn't miss their wonderment. 
She cackled: Kripa toh pehli baar aayi hai lekin Angad? Tum bhi kya apney ghar ko do din mein bhool gaye?
Zaib stiffened at once at his goof-up! He had slipped! Of course Angad would not stare at his house as if seeing it for the first time! 

But he covered up smoothly with a little smirk: Bhabhi, aaj ki shaam yeh ghar bhi naya lag raha hai, kyunki aaj pehli baar main apney dulhan ke saath ghar-pravesh kar raha hoon.
Chachajee agreed with a chuckle: Sahi kaha beta, bahu ke aaney se ghar naya sa lag raha hai, kitni roshni hai chaaron taraf. 

The limo pulled up under the pillared portico. The family stepped out as Tejdhar aka Teddy opened the mahogany double doors with a welcoming smile. Kripa and Zaib were going to step in but Chachajee halted them: Ruk jaao, Bahu! Tumhari saas pehley aarti karegi, phir saarey rasam nibhayegi.
He looked around irritably at Damini: Ab kya mujhey sab kuchh yaad dilana padega? Bahu ke swagat ki saamagri kahan hain?

Damini marched in with a martyred look: Thehriye aap! Zara Saans toh leney deejiye, abhi abhi toh ghar pahunchi! Uff! TEJDHAR! SAB SAMAAN LE AAO! GAURI! AARTI KI THALI LEKAR AANA!
Gauri and Teddy ran to fulfil her orders. Kripa and Zaib waited outside the door, staring with wonder at the huge Entrance Hall, with double staircase curving upwards on both sides and a domed ceiling that went up all the way to second floor. It looked like the lobby of a 5 star Hotel or something out of a movie! The floor was gleaming marble, expensive paintings hung on the walls and there was a fountain at the center of the hall, depicting Goddess Laxmi rising out of the oceans with Amrit-kalash (pot of nectar).

It was amazing, awesome, magnificent! Kripa had no idea it would be so grand! She knew Angad was wealthy but this was beyond her expectations!
Zaib became aware that he was gaping and quickly averted his gaze to observe Kartik who slipped into a door in the back of the Hall, probably the office room. He sure was in a hurry to get back to work! Or was it work or something else?

Gauri hurried over with a golden thali bearing Aarti ingredients, flowers, kumkum, a lighted lamp and haldi-chandan. Damini took it from her and smiled graciously at Kripa and Zaib as she rotated the thali and performed Aarti, welcoming the new bride and the son into the house. 
Teddy carefully carried a large thali of kumkum water and set it down. 

Damini ordered: Ab andar aa jaao, Chhoti Bahu! 
Kripa stepped in and knocked over the golden pot of rice set before her feet by Gauri. Zaib followed her close behind.
Next she stepped into the kumkum water and stepped forward, marking the white marble with her red footprints. 
Damini signalled Teddy with her head, who promptly wiped the footprints after Kripa with a cleaning cloth and spray. They could not take any risks with that costly Italian marble!
Kripa paused after a few steps, confused which way she was supposed to go. Zaib hung back with Nishant, he had no idea where Angad's room was. He was as lost as Kripa was in that huge mansion. But he had to hide that fact. 

Luckily Damini commanded: Gauri! Kripa ko uskey kamrey mein le jaao. Aur tum sab fresh hokar dinner table per aa jaao, adhey ghantey mein
Having passed her military style commands, Damini marched up the left staircase up to her suite. Mili and Dipu were both fast asleep, tired from the journey. Nishant and Mishti carried their respective kids upstairs.
Gauri took Kripa's hand with a gentle smile: Aao merey saath. Angad ka kamra iss taraf hai. 
She led Kripa up the right staircase. Zaib followed at a discreet distance, studying the floor plan surreptitiously. 

Upstairs was a long hallway on the right. Gauri led them to the end of the hallway, where two doors opened on the right, two on the left. 
She indicated the left ones: Yeh tum dono ke kamrey hain aur yeh (pointing to the right-hand ones) yeh hain Kartik Bhaiya aur Mishti Bhabhi ke kamrey.
Kamrey? Kripa wondered silently, how many rooms did she mean? 

Gauri opened Angad's door and took her inside. Then Kripa realized what she meant. There was a large sitting room, furnished in modern style, with even a gas fireplace. A fireplace? In Mumbai? God! These rich people went overboard, she thought! 
Aur yeh hai tumhara bedroom! Gauri opened a door leading from the sitting room. It was a huge bedroom, centered with a king size bed with white gilded headboard and black and white covers.

Yeh bed Angad ne khaas tumharey liye banvaya! Gauri smiled teasingly.
Aur wo dresser bhi tumharey liye order kiya hai, aur wardrobe bhi.
Kripa gaped at the gorgeous white wood dresser with gilded edges and matching double wardrobe. Wow! Angad ne merey liye yeh sab kuchh kiya? Ohh Angad, kaash tum merey saath hotay toh aaj ki shaam meri zindagi ki sabsey khubsoorat shaam hoti! Main tumharey ghar mein, iss kamrey mein tumharey baahon mein hoti.
Toh kaisa laga apna kamra? Gauri asked brightly.
Kripa forced a smile on her sad lips: Bahut khubsoorat hai, Angad ki choice bahut achhi hai!

Yeh toh tum khud usey bataa do! .Gauri indicated with her eyebrows at the door. Kripa turned around nervously. Zaib stood there with a slight smile, watching her, scanning the bedroom with razor sharp eyes. He had followed Gauri Bhabhi discreetly, allowing her to show him the way to "his" bedroom.
Gauri reminded: Toh tum dono ab comfortable ho jaao, Maajee ne adhey ghantey mein neechey bulaya hai. Dekho der mat karna. She added with a gently teasing look and left them alone in the room.

Both of them looked at the king-size bed and then at each other. His eyes were enigmatic but a peculiar smile played on his sensuous lips. Kripa's heart fluttered nervously at the thought of sharing that bed with Zaib again tonight. She said abruptly: Main fresh hokar aati hoon"
And escaped to the bathroom which was as well-equipped as the rest of the lavish suite.


When she came out after some time, the bedroom was empty. Curiously she went to the adjoining room and saw Zaib standing in front of the fireplace, staring at the big framed picture of a graceful, middle-aged woman in a brocade sari and antique jewelry. Kripa went forward eagerly. That must be Angad's Mom! She looked up at the oil portrait of her deceased saas. She was certainly a tall and good-looking woman with sharp features and strong charisma, clearly inherited by both her sons. So this was Avantika Khanna! Zaib's birth mother!

She glanced at Zaib to see his reaction! He was still as a statue, gazing at the portrait with a searing intensity. Was there accusation in his gaze? Or longing for the birth mother he had never seenor bitterness for the woman who had given him away at birth? 

Suddenly he became aware of Kripa's eyes on him. He turned his head and looked at her. She felt a jolt through her spine at the stark pain in his eyes! A pulse beat incessantly in his square jaw! He was vulnerable! He was hurting! For the first time, she had seen his raw emotional side! Her eyes filled with pity for him! She empathized with him! What a bittersweet feeling it must be for him, coming home for the first timeto his real home. Yet there was nobody to greet him, neither his dead mother, nor his ailing father nor his twin brother..

He read the sympathy in her eyes and abruptly turned away! 
Zaib! she called out softly, gently, with sympathy.
Sshhh! .he whipped around harshly with a hard, scathing look. His guard was up again. He was the ruthless imposter, the cynic! 
His eyes glittered with warning as he silently held up a finger to his lips. 
Kripa looked around the room, realizing there might be electronic bugs in these rooms too.she had almost given themselves away!
Her eyes expressed apology as she spoke aloud: Angad! Tum bhi fresh ho jaao, humein neechey jaana hai!
Alright, Sweetheart! he smiled coolly: Main abhi aata hoon
He walked down to the bathroom, leaving her staring at the portrait and wondering how Avantika Mom could give away one of her sons! How could any mother do so?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Posted: 10 years ago
PART 10

Kripa was gazing at Avantika's portrait when her eyes fell on smaller framed pictures on the mantelpiece. She was thrilled to see Angad's photos there as well! First one showed Angad as a little boy with his parents, holding both their hands. A fond smile broke out on Kripa's lips, he was so cute and handsome even as a child!

There was one of Angad as a young boy, around 9 or 10, sitting on a horse, holding its reins, with mountains in the background. She felt a sliver of excitement to recognize the tabletop hills of her hometown. That must be when he went on vacation there as a kid! 
She wondered with a sense of thrilldid we pass each other on Mall Road back then? Were we destined to meet only as adults? 

There was Angad as a young man at his college graduation, looking smart and distinguished in his cap and gown. Looked like some foreign University graduation. And in the last one, he was just in a formal business suit, suave, dashing, a charismatic smile on his chiselled lips! 
Her heart gave a little leap, he looked exactly as he had on that first day she met him for the first time in the Boardroom. Smart, sexy, compelling!

She took down the photo and kissed him softly. Two teardrops fell on the glass frame as she caressed his beloved features and whispered words of longing.Oh Angad! Tum kahan ho? Kaisey ho? I miss you so much! Kaash parson aaj hi hota, main tumhey dekhney ke liye taras gayi hoon.ab aur intezaar nahin hota, tum jaldi se theek ho jaao, main tumharey paas aa rahi hoo

A sudden husky whisper behind her neck made her jerk in shock: Apney jazbaaton per kaboo rakho! Yahan deewaron ke bhi aankh aur kaan ho saktey hain!
She looked back with a startled gasp. She had not realized when Zaib had crept up behind her! He was as silent and swift as a leopard! 
He was leaning so close, his lips almost touched her pale cheeks: Be careful! Angad tumharey saath hai, tum apney pati ke saath ho, uski tasveer dekhkar roya mat karo! 
Im sorry! she whispered as she realized her blunder. Ayinda aisey nahin hoga.
For a moment, his piercing eyes fixed with deadly intensity on her moving lips. Kripa shivered inside with a strange sensation that he had touched her.with his eyes. 
Then he straightened up with a bored look: Ab dinner ko chalein?

She nodded and looked away from that disturbing gaze. But his arm suddenly wrapped around her delicate shoulders as he bent to give more hushed instructions: Aaj se ..abhi se hamara naatak full-time chalu. Agley 48 ghantey tumhey yaad rakhna hai.main Angad hoon, hum dono ki nayi shadi huyi hai, hum ek doosrey ko behadd chahtey hain, samjhi? 
She gave him a weary sidelong glance and softly concurred: Haan, yaad hai..
Good! .he squeezed her shoulder, she stiffened in discomfort, he warned her again: Relax! Tum aisey sehem jaogi toh logon ko shaq hoga.just relax! Yeh sab ek naatak hai! 
She breathed deeply and forced her senses to stop from reacting to his touch. As long as he didn't try to be intimate, she supposed she could bear his touches

Zaib hid a smile and shepherded his reluctant wife down the passage to the grand staircase that led down to the dining room and Main Hall. At the bottom of the staircase, they paused uncertainly. There were two doors on the left and 2 doors on the right. Which way was the dining-room? Both were at a loss, both in the same boat, newcomers in a strange house. But Angad was supposed to know his whereabouts. Zaib and Kripa looked at each other anxiously. 

Kripa pointed tentatively to the right: Mujhey lagta hai iss taraf hoga. 
Zaib stared at the indicated door and shrugged: Chalo, try maartey hain. We might get lucky!
Just as they were turning to the right, the 1st door on the left opened and Gauri stepped out and called them : Arey Angad! Kripa! Tum dono wahan kyun jaa rahey ho? Dining room toh iss taraf hai! 
Zaib whipped around with a disarming grin to cover up his folly: Bhabhi, main Kripa ko ghar dikhaney jaa raha tha.
Wo main usey dinner ke baad dikha doongi.Gauri smiledab tum dono merey saath aao, sab table per intezaar kar rahey hain! 

The two conspirators followed Gauri sheepishly into a formal dining-room. The Khanna family was assembled at an elegant 12 seater dining table, spread out with expensive dinnerware and sumptuous dishes. 
Damini greeted them in her habitual rebuking tone : Sab tum dono ke liye wait kar rahey the! Kitni der lagaa dee! 
Zaib forced an apology: Sorry Chachi jee, thakaan kuchh zyada hi thi.fresh honay mein time lag gaya
Hum sab thakey huey hain, Beta..Chachi wasn't appeased and thinned her lips: Isiliye toh jaldi dinner karna chahtey hain. 

Mishti watched them with her usual smirk but didn't pass any of her insinuating remarks.
Chachajee defended them as always: Ab jaaney bhi do, koi pahad toh nahin gir pada
Damini sniffed with an injured air: Khair, tum dono yahan baith jaaoTejdhar, dinner serve karo!

She seated them at one end of the table. Kripa noticed the chair at the head of the table was empty. 
Chacha jee saw her wonder and explained: Wo Bhaisaab ki kursi hai, wo toh ab yahan nahin rehtey, lekin unka chair ab bhi khali pada hai
Kripa wondered why Angad's dad had to go live in Khandala in seclusion? Was it something to do with Avantika Mom's secret? 
However, Chachajee was like Laxman to Dad's Ram, preserving his chair at the dining table. 

Kripa was relieved to see everyone converse normally at the dining table like a regular family. 
Chachajee asked Nishant: Beta, kal ke party ki tayyariyan ho gayi?
Nishant raised his head: Jee Pitajee, sab kuchh ready hai. Kal subah decorators aa jayengey, Caterers bhi stall lagaa dengey.
Aur gaaney bajaney waley? 
Nishant smiled: DJ aur music sab fixed hain. TV ka wo singer bhi aa raha hai perform karney
Chachajee nodded happily: Bahut badhiya! Koi kamee nahin honi chahiye! Aakhir Angad Khanna ka Reception hai! Kyun Beta, theek kaha naa mainey?
He turned to Zaib who managed a bright smile: Yes, Chachajee. Khanna parivaar ki shadiyan hamesha rocking hoti hain!

Mishti agreed instantly: OF course! Meri shadi mein toh aisa dhoom dhaam hua tha.. her eyes sparkled as she started talking about her own wedding and reception and the conversation gradually veered towards their usual guests and relatives.
Kripa felt Zaib stiffen beside her. He must be as totally clueless about those people as she was.how would he manage to keep up the act at the party tomorrow? That will be their real test! HIS real test as Angad!

Kartik suddenly addressed him: Angad! Kal subah Land Development Corporation ke saath hamari meeting hai, yaad hai naa?
Zaib looked startled for an instant, then quickly covered up: Yes, Kartik Bhaiyya, I will be there..
Chachajee protested: Kal Angad ka reception hai, kal ka meeting tum hi sambhal lo, Kartik!
Kartik drawled: Dad! Kaam kabhie shadi byaah ke liye nahin rukta! Business is business! Angad should be there! Hes the MD, uskey signatures ki zaroorat hogi!
Kripa quickly glanced at Zaib. So now he will have to fake Angad's signatures too.
Zaib's jaws tightened in tension. The task of impersonating Angad wasn't easy, he knew it! He would have to prepare for it tonight! 

Gauri looked at the the silent new bride: Kripa, tum bahut chup chaap ho! Sab kuchh theek toh hai naa?
Kripa quickly smiled: Haan Bhabhi, main theek hoon
Gauri nodded in understanding: Naye ghar mein pehli raat hai. kisi bhi cheez ki zaroorat ho toh mujhey bula lena. Intercom mein extension 2 daba dena..
Thanks! Kripa smiled with gratitude. It was such a relief to have Gauri on her side.
Gauri looked at her saas: Mummy Jee, reeti ke anusaar kal Kripa ko sabkey liye khana banana padega naa?
Damini pretended like she had forgotten: Arey Haan, main toh bhool hi gayi thi. Kripa, kal subah tum aur Gauri milkar nashtaa banana. Tumhey halwa banana aata hai?
Kripa nodded silently but Mishti commented: Mujhey toh lagta tha tumhey rasoi nahin aati! Aakhir parents ki laadli beti ho.
Kripa's eyes flashed proudly: Jee, nahin. Bachpan se Dadi aur Mummy ne mujhey cooking bhi sikhaya hai
Chachajee smiled fondly: Bahut achhi baat hai, Beti! Phir toh kal subah tumharey haath ke garam garam parathey aur halwa ke mazey lengey sab.
Jee, Chachajee! Kripa nodded shyly, stealing a glance at Zaib who seemed lost in his thoughts. She was doing fine in her performance but he seemed to be slipping, she thought smugly.


After dinner, Gauri kept her promise to show Kripa around: Chalo, Kripa main tumhey ghar dikhati hoon.
Kripa followed her out of the dining room. Zaib tried to follow them too. He actually needed a tour as well. 
But Kartik called out to him: Angad! Tum kyun ladies ke saath jaa rahey ho? 
Mishti cackled: Baat ko samjho, jahan Kripa jayegi, wahan wo bhi jayega naa?
Zaib looked embarassed but Kartik wasn't amused: Agar aapko apney biwi se fursat miley, can I have a word with you about tomorrow's meeting?
Zaib had to agree inspite of his reluctance: OK, Bhaiyaa, lets go
They slipped into the office room in the back of the Main Hall and closed the door. 

Gauri took Kripa around the ground floor first. The first door on the right opened to a spacious sitting room with 2 different sofa sets matched with coffee tables and set at angles to each other. Kripa stared with blatant awe at the plush dcor and expensive decorations. The more she saw the more she was amazed at Angad's wealth. His demeanour in Mahabaleshwar never fully revealed the extent of his riches. 
Next, Gauri took her to the 2nd room on the right, which seemed to be an Entertainment room with a wall-built stereo, giant TV, comfortable couches and magazines and books on the walls.
Gauri informed her with a laugh that Khanna men relaxed in this room with the kids.

Kripa could well imagine Angad relaxing on the couch, beer in hand, watching cricket, his favorite sport. Her heart ached with a deep longing again. What she wouldn't give to have him here with her
Gauri crossed the hall back to dining room and took her through to the kitchen on the side of the house. Even the kitchen was bigger than most people's bedrooms. It was filled with all kinds of modern gadgets and 2 shiny cooking ranges. 

Gauri explained: Jab hamari parties hoti hain toh kamsey kam 150 log invite hotey hain naatab yahin per khana bantaa hai
Kripa asked curiously: Toh phir kal reception ke liye bhi yahan banega?
Gauri shook her head laughingly: Nahin nahin, kal toh kul milakar 400-500 guests hongey. Unkey liye Catering ka bandobast kiya hai. Wo log sab kuchh banakar le aayengey.
Kripa's head spun.500 guests! All coming to see her! How would she interact with them, without Angad's presence and support? Even Zaib was a stranger to them! Kal kya hoga.tension gripped her.
Gauri saw her nervous expression and pressed her arm : Don't worry, Kripa, hum sab tumharey saath hongey naa! Main tumharey paas khadi rahungi aur sabko tumsey introduce kar doongi. Aur phir Angad bhi toh hai naa.
Kripa forced a smile and nodded. She was overwhelmed at the enormity of Khanna family's fame and fortune. Nothing in her small town background had prepared her for this.

Gauri just indicated the two last doors on the left: Wo dono office rooms hain, ek Angad ka aur doosra Kartik Bhaisaab ka
Aur Nishant Bhaiyya ka office? ..Kripa couldn't help asking.
A shadow passed over Gauri's beautiful features: Unka office nahin hai, unka office hamarey suite mein hi hai

Kripa realized Nishant didn't have much importance in the family business. He was soft-spoken, mild-mannered and probably didn't have what it takes to do business. She wondered if Gauri ever resented that fact
So Kartik and Angad pretty much ran the business. She stared at the office doors and wondered how Zaib was faring, if Kartik would suspect his ignorance. 

Gauri took her upstairs and showed her the 6 bedroom suites, 3 on each side of the stairs. Each suite had a bedroom, a full bath and a small living room, just like a Hotel suite. Each suite was identical to the one Angad inhabited. Kripa silently thought.yeh log ghar per bhi Hotel ki tarah rehtey hain. But in a way it gave each couple the privacy they needed. Off the left hallway were suites belonging to Chacha-Chachi, Nishant-Gauri and a guest suite. On the right, it was Angad and hers, Mishti and Kartik's and an empty one previously inhabited by Angad's parents. 

Kripa hesitantly asked: Kya main andar dekh sakti hoon? She was curious about Dilip and Avantika

Zaroor! Gauri smiled and opened the door: Tumney toh abhi tak Tayajee ko dekha bhi nahin

Kripa went in and looked around at the rooms. Gauri told her they had been preserved exactly the way they looked when Avantika passed away: Sab cheezein waisey hi hain jaisey do saal pehley the.kisiney bhi touch nahin kiya.
Kripa had to ask the question which bothered her: Gauri di, Dad ne yeh ghar kyun chhod diya? Wahan Khandala mein akeley kyun rehtey hain?

Gauri looked a bit surprised: Angad ne tumhey nahin bataya?
Kripa flushed: Unhoney kaha Dad ke tabiyat ki wajeh se doctor ne recommend kiya
Haan, wo ek vajeh hai, yahan Mumbai ki weather unkey liye achhi nahin thi isliye doctor ne unhey kisi natural jageh per rehney ko kaha, lekin aur bhi vajeh hain

Kripa looked questioningly.
Gauri turned somber: Darasal Tayajee yahan rehna bardasht nahin kar sakey. Tayijee ke death se wo toot chukey the, uskey 2 mahiney baad hi unhey stroke ho gaya. Yahan iss kamrey mein unhey Tayijee ki bahut yaad aati thi isiliye Khandala ke farmhouse mein rehna hi unkey liye behtar tha

Kripa bit her lower lip. Dilip must have really loved his wife! He never got over her death.or was it something else? Did he actually find out about Abhi? About his wife's deception? Did that shock destroy his health? 
Maybe she would get the answers when she would meet him finally the day after.

Gauri smiled: Ab chalein? Raat bahut ho gayi. Tum so jaao, Angad bhi jaldi aa jayega. Aur yaad rahey, mera extension hai 02. Koi bhi zaroorat ho toh intercom se bula lena
Kripa thanked her sincerely and retired to her own suite. She took a quick shower and changed into a nightdress. 
Zaib suddenly entered the bedroom, back from his meeting with Kartik. He looked weary and tensed. Kripa self-consciously pulled on her dressing gown but he didn't seem to notice.
He curtly told her: Main nahaa leta hoonand disappeared into the bathroom.

Kripa unpacked some of her clothes and placed them in her new white wardrobe. Suddenly her eyes fell on the black wardrobe on the other side of the room. Angad's wardrobe! Curiously, she went over and opened the door. 
Neatly hanging inside in perfect order were shirts, suits, trousers, dozens of them. On the top shelf, casual T-shirts, jeans and shorts were neatly folded in layers. On the bottom shelf a row of matching shoes lined the front. Kripa smiled, Angad was such an organized person! It was so rare to find such a neat guy! 

She suddenly recognized one of the blue shirts! It was the one he was wearing when he had driven her out to the viewpoint, where they had kissed for the first time! Her heart gave a little leap of remembrance. Again that deep longing pierced her heart. She pulled out the shirt sleeve and held it to her cheek, caressing it, holding it lovingly, imagining it was Angad's arm... 

Suddenly a wet, brawny arm stretched out above her head and pulled out a black T-shirt. Kripa gasped with surprise, startled at this sudden intrusion. She whipped around and was confronted with the most disturbing sight! Zaib's massive bare chest was right before her nose. It was slightly wet, gleaming with drops of water. Her horrified eyes dropped lower! He was wearing only a short towel! Kripa trembled with shame! She closed her eyes, afraid she would see more than she had bargained for. 
Zaib's husky chuckle did nothing to quell the shaking in her limbs: Sorry, main kapdey lena bhool gaya tha! 

She opened her eyes and looked up. She felt a deep stab of shock, his eyes were green as the day he was born, gleaming with a wicked light. A mocking smile curved his sensuous lips. She could smell his after-shave and soap on his bare, buff body .her heart fluttered crazily in her breast. His overpowering masculinity overwhelmed her, rattled her, unsettled her!
She felt weak, feminine, helpless in front of his raw, physical force. And she didn't like that feeling! She resented it deeply!

She gulped tremulously and licked her dry lips. His eyes promptly fixed on her moist lips and a gleam of desire sparkled in its green depths. Kripa shook nervously. She suddenly remembered Angad staring at her lips at their first meeting. Her fear abated a bit.the two brothers were too identical in everything, even in the way they looked at her! 
Did Zaib desire her? She hoped not.what if he..if he tried to kiss hershe shook her head and demanded in a shaky voice: Excuse me! Let me pass..

Zaib seemed in no hurry to move, enjoying her discomfiture and her red faced embarassment. He could swear her pulse was reacting to his body.
He leaned over her petite form indolently : Aisi bhi kya jaldi hai? Biwi ka kaam hai husband ko kapdey supply karna, why don't you help me find some night clothes?
She hissed at him through trembling lips: Yeh Angad ke kapdey hain! Tumharey nahin!
So what? He shrugged carelessly: Main apney Bhai ke kapdey nahin pehen sakta? I don't think he would mind sharing.baaki sab kuchh toh share kar raha hoon..
Kripa knew he meant her! She flushed angrily, her eyes throwing fiery darts at him: Tum khud nikaal lo! Now Please move out of my way! 
He grinned then, disarming her with his sudden charm: Please, Kripa, merey liye ek black pants dhoond do naa.I cant see it, shayad tumhey mil jaye

When he asked so nicely, she couldn't be rude anymore. She grimaced, turned around and reached up on tiptoes, groping the top shelf for a pair of long black pants that he liked to wear. But being a shortie, she couldn't reach it properly. 
Suddenly his hands grabbed her waist and he lifted her off the floor. Kripa gasped and yelled: AREY AREY! Kyaa kar rahey ho?
Tumhari madad kar raha hoon.his deep voice had a mix of amusement and mischief.
Kripa was trembling like a leaf in his hold but somehow gritted her teeth against the sensations his touch provoked and quickly fumbled through the stack of folded clothes till she discovered a pair of black sweatpants. 
Yeh lo! She dumped it on his leonine head unceremoniously. 

He shook it off to the floor and let her down, but his hand lingered on her curving waist. His pulse was racing, heart pounding like a sledgehammer. He had a deep urge to pull her back against him, press her into his hardness. For a moment, Kripa feared that he would do something as his warm fingers tightened on her waist, but then he let her go and stepped aside.

Kripa turned at once and slipped out of his near embrace, heading for the safety of the bed. She dived into bed and closed her eyes, still shivering from her close encounter with the Devil! She thought she heard him chuckle and opened her eyes. 

He was changing right there! He had dropped the towel and she got a glimpse of his taut, gleaming buns! Horrified, she squeezed her eyes shut and turned her back on him! Besharam! Kambakht! Zara bhi sharam nahin! Itna bhi yaad nahin ke main uskey Bhai ki amaanat hoon aur Angad ke theek hotay hi hamari shadi ho jayegi! Ullu ka Pattha! Naalayak! She cursed him vividly in her mind. 

She heard him approach the bed and stiffened nervously. The bed sunk under his weight as he settled in. Her heart jumped violently. She turned over, facing the other way. She felt him rise and cringed, expecting him to touch her or "do" something. But he was only fluffing his feather pillows. 
He switched off the bedside lamp and drawled : Good night, Biwi! Sweet dreams!

Biwi! My foot! Main tumhari temp biwi hoon, Mister! She muttered furiously. 
He must have heard her for he chuckled : Don't worry, I wont touch you! he whispered in the dark. 
You would not dare! She whispered angrily and shut her eyes tight. 
He sighed and relaxed slowly as his aroused senses calmed down. And more morbid, worrying thoughts crept in. He had plans for the night. But he would have to wait till his pretty little bride went off to sleep. 

*********************************************************

A half moon played hide and seek in the clouds. Restless ocean waves swished in the distance, beyond the high walls of this seafront property. All was still and quiet in the Khanna mansion. Not a creature stirred in the house, all habitants deep in exhausted slumber after a week of hectic wedding functions.
A tall, dark figure crept silently out of bed. He paused for a moment and looked down at the beautiful girl sleeping soundly on the other side of the bed. She had been tossing and turning for the first 2 hours but now seemed to be in deep slumber. He swiftly went to his suitcase and took out a black mask and gloves. He had bought them the day of pagpheri when Kripa was at her maayka. He slipped them on. Now he looked exactly like a dangerous burglar, dressed all in black with black gloves and mask. Even if someone spotted him, they wont recognize him.

He slipped silently out of the suite, making sure to keep the door unlocked but closed. He sneaked down the stairs and slipped noiselessly into room after room, checking the layout of the house, memorizing it so he wouldn't be caught on the wrong foot! Last of all, he entered his office/study where Kartik had almost nailed him that night.

Kartik wanted to discuss tomorrow's meeting in detail and Zaib had to use all his wits to get out of it! 
Bhaisaab, ab shadi ke chakkar mein sab kuchh dhundla sa ho gaya hai. I have to catch up with the documents. I am also very tired. Can we discuss this tomorrow morning?

Kartik had looked at him strangely for a few moments and then smiled at the earnest look on his cousin's face: I understand! Hamari bhi shadi huyi thi, humein bhi yaad hai pehley kuchh din kaisey the. OK, we will discuss the details before the meeting. Waisey bhi meeting gyarah bajey ki hai, we will have enough time in the morning. 
Zaib had almost let out his breath in relief, he grinned: Thanks, Kartik Bhaiyya! Good Night! 

Now he sneaked back into Angad's office and approached the desk. Everything was neatly organized and docked in their proper places. He pulled out several files marked with names of their latest Real estate projects. Luckily, he also found the file marked Land Development Corporation. Khuda ka shukr hai! He had all night to study that. His eyes fell on Angad's laptop. He grabbed it at once with a satisfied grin. Once he got into the system, he would gather all information he needed to conduct Angad's business. Armed with the files under his left arm and laptop in his right arm, he sneaked out of the office. Suddenly he froze at the sound of footsteps. Someone was up and about! He hid behind a pillar supporting the dome of the Entrance Hall. The person passed him. It was Teddy/Tejdhar! 

What was Teddy doing here at this time of night? Zaib scowled with growing suspicion.
But Teddy just walked into the dining room and walked out with 2 bottles of cold water. He went up the stairs, yawning. Zaib realized one of his indolent relatives must have asked for those bottles. 
Yeh ameer log bhi kaisey ajeeb hotay hainhe mocked silently.khud ek glass paani bhi nahin le saktey!

He waited behind the pillar till Teddy trudged sleepily down the stairs and then ambled to the back door, probably headed to the servant quarters in the back. The coast was clear. Zaib crept up the stairs, armed with his precious loads. The hallways were clear. He thought he heard a child cry in Nishant's room, probably Dipu had got up and asked for water. He slipped swiftly into his room before anyone opened their doors at Dipu's crying. He locked his door and sat down on the couch in the front room. 
First of all, he switched on the laptop and tried to log in to Angad's account. After several tries, he managed to log in.

Zaib hacked his way into Angad's files and studied them thoroughly. He memorized all the names of Angad's closest business associates and their companies, tried his best to understand what kind of business Angad did with them, who was a contractor, who was a supplier, who was a Government agent, buyers, and so on. Luckily, he even found a list of wedding guests that Angad had compiled and went rapidly through them. He tried to find those guys' photos on business sites and did manage to find several of them. Now he felt more confident about the Reception tomorrow.

Lastly, he opened the Corporation file and studied their rules and stipulations. Zaib was a street smart guy, a maverick. He had grown up the hard way and lived by his wits. In very little time, he had the gist of what he was supposed to do at the meeting tomorrow. Basically he had to sign an agreement binding his company to adhere to Government rules and regulations so they would allow him to buy their land and develop it for commercial purpose. 
He found some documents bearing Angad's signature, a boldly scrawled AKhanna...he practised copying it several times till he got it near perfect! Now he was ready! To be Angad Khanna!

It was nearing dawn, when Zaib finally closed the last file and yawned tiredly. He looked at his watch. It was almost 4 AM. Now all he had to do was sneak downstairs and replace everything in the office. He went the same way he had gone before and managed to return everything in its proper place. He crept back upstairs undetected. 

Zaib slipped carefully into bed and gazed at Kripa in the pre-dawn light. She was sound asleep, her face turned his way. Her cheek rested on one hand, lips pouting like a child's. She looked so beautiful and innocent in her sleep, the lovely vision took his breath away! Myriad feelings bubbled in his heart, affection, love, desire, all mingled together in a glorious fusion. He couldn't help himself. He bent towards her and gently kissed her forehead. She frowned slightly in her sleep, then smiled a little. She must be dreaming of Angad!
Zaib sighed and laid back on his pillow. Kaash Kripa, main tumhey bataa sakta ke sachchai kya hai.kaash bataa sakta main tumhey kitna chahta hoon..his eyes closed finally as the first rays of sun hit the windowpanes.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DECEPTIONPART 11

True to her image as a dutiful daughter-in-law, Kripa woke up early and tiptoed to the bathroom to freshen up. Zaib was fast asleep on his side of the bed, snoring lightly. She cast a nervous glance at his broad back, loathe to wake him up as she dressed swiftly and silently in a yellow and red Bandhni silk sari, applied the required sindoor, wore the pretence mangalsutra and was ready as the new Bahu of Khanna House. 

She left the suite as quiet as a mouse and went down to the kitchen. Thanks to Gauri's guided tour, she knew where it was and was relieved to see that Teddy and Gauri were already in the kitchen, alongwith 2 maids, busy preparing tea, coffee, fresh orange juice and lassi.

Gauri greeted her pleasantly: Good Morning, Kripa! Aao, tumharey naye sasural mein pehli subah ka swagat hai. 
Kripa smiled rather anxiously: Thanks, Gauri di. Sab uth gaye kya? Naashta banaa doon? 

Gauri laughed with gentle humor: Itni jaldi kaun uthega? Sabke sab gehri neend mein soye hain! Sirf Pitajee jaldi uthkar bed tea ke saath akhbar padhtey hain, unki purani aadat hai, thodi der baad Maa jee nahakar Pooja paath karengi, phir neechey aayengi. Isliye tumharey paas bahut time hai, tension ki koi baat nahin, yeh dekho Teddy ne alu aur gobi ubalkar tayyar rakhey hain. Ab inhey tumhari jaisey marzi waisey pakaao.

Kripa figured she was required to prepare alu and also gobi parathas so she started right away. Teddy and Gauri helped her at every step, supplying her with all the spices and condiments. Kripa was enjoying her cooking experience in her new sasural, except for that nagging worry at the back of her mind about Angad. 

Gauri chatted happily with her as they rolled out the parathas and started frying them: Waisey toh Angad ko parathey bilkul pasand nahin. Angad aur Kartik Bhaiyya breakfast mein andey aur toast hi letey hain! Lekin Tayajee aur Pitajee ko apney Punjab-Delhi ka khana zyada pasand hai. unkey liye roz parathey bantey hain, zaahir hai sunflower oil se, cholesterol ka sawaal hai. 

Kripa smiled secretively. Of course she knew of Angad's penchant for exotic or western foods. She remembered their first "date" when he had plied her with Italian delicacies or their 2nd one when he had ordered Chinese and Thai food. But the man sleeping upstairs wasn't Angadher smile diedshe wondered if his twin had the same culinary tastes.

Kripa had just finished preparing the halwa when Mili and Dipu walked in sleepily. Dipu tugged his mother's sari: Mummy, bhookh lagi hai, naashta do naa..
Gauri smiled: Abhi deti hoon, beta, tum aur Mili table per baith jaao, main abhi lekar aati hoon. Pata hai, Chachi ne hum sabkey liye garam garam halwa banaya hai. 
Mili crept up to Kripa and looked up eagerly: Chachi, mujhey bhi halwa chahiye.
Kripa squeezed her cute cheeks: Zaroor, sweetie! Tum chalo, main le aati hoon. 

She followed Mili and Dipu with two bowls of hot, fragrant, sweet halwa and served them on one end of the huge dining table. Gauri brought forth two glasses of milk and buttered toast for the kids. 
But Mili pouted her demand: Mujhey Chachi ke parathey khaana hai!
Lekin beta, tumhey toh parathey pasand nahin? Gauri reminded her.
Phir bhi, aaj main parathey loongi! Mili smiled at her idol, Kripa, who was obviously flattered: Main abhi banakar laati hoon.

Kripa made less spicy parathas for the two kids who actually ate them with great relish, perhaps it was the novelty of their new Aunt making them or whatever childish logic, but they loved it.
Gauri laughed: Kripa, tumharey parathey toh bachchon mein hit hai, ab badon ki raye baaki hai!
Kripa rolled her eyes expressively. She was expecting Mishti to criticize them just because she had made them. 

She asked Gauri curiously: Mishti Bhabhi kitchen mein nahin aayegi?
Gauri made a cynical face: Mishti jiji ko apni beauty sleep bahut pyari hai. Wo roz aath bajey uthti hain, aur 9 bajey breakfast ke liye neechey aati hai! Ussey pehley Mili aur Dipu ko nashta khilakar school ke liye main hi tayyar karti hoon.
Kripa was shocked: Kartik Bhaisaab unsey kuchh kehtey nahin? I meanMili ke school ke time bhi wo nahin aati? 
This time Gauri rolled her eyes: Ghar grihasti mein kabhi kabhi log dekhkar bhi nahin dekhtey. Tabhi ghar ki shanti kayam rehti hai! 

Kripa nodded in understanding. With Mishti's shrewish nature, Kartik probably avoided any kind of clash or arguments. He was more interested in business dealings than what went on at home. 
And sweet-natured Gauri ended up serving the whole household, since Chachi jee seemed to have retired from active duty and just threw her weight around as the Boss. 

Gauri confided in a low tone: Mishti Bhabhi kehti hain, ghar mein itney naukar naukraniyan rehtey huey bahuon ko kitchen mein aaney ki kya zaroorat? 
Kripa raised her eyebrows: Lekin wo apni bachchi ka khayal nahin rakhegi toh kaun rakhega?

Gauri shook her head: Wahi toh, mujhey Mili ke liye bura lagta hai isiliye uski dekhbhaal main hi karti hoon. Ab dekhna, 9 bajey wo neechey aayegi aur aatey hi Mili ko daantna shuru kar degi!
Kripa grimaced: Aur mujhpar bhi taaney barsayegi! Pata nahin har waqt mujhey khari khoti kyun sunati hain!

Gauri quickly looked both ways, Teddy was in the kitchen, the kids were busy arguing with each other. She moved closer to Kripa and murmured in a confidential tone: Ek raaz ki baat kahoon? Angad se mat kehna mainey tumhey bataa diya
Kripa leant her ear eagerly: Haan haan, batayiyemain unsey kuchh nahin kahungi

Gauri divulged the secret behind Mishti's caustic behavior: Asliyat toh yeh hai Mishti jiji ka rishta pehley Angad ke saath hua tha
KYAAA? Kripa almost shrieked in shock! Angad had never told her about this!
Gauri shushed her urgently: Ahista! Koi sun lega! 
Im sorry! Kripa whispered anxiously: Phir Kartik Bhaisaab se shadi kaisey huyi?

Gauri gave a secretive smile: Darasal Mishti di ke Pitajee, Tayajee (Dilip) ke achhey dost the. Un dinon Tayijee bhi zinda thi, Angad videsh mein apni padhai khatam kar raha tha. Tabhi Mishti di ke Papa ne Tayajee se Angad ke rishtey ki baat kee aur Tayajee raazi ho gaye. Lekin jab Angad ko pata chala toh usney saaf inkaar kar diya. Kaha ke wo abhi shadi nahin karna chahta, aur uskey aagey do badey bhai hain, jab tak in dono ki shadiyan nahin ho jaati, wo shadi ki sochega bhi nahin.

Kripa's eyes widened with comprehension.so THAT was the reason Mishti was being so catty with her and Zaib! Because she was jealous and resentful! Angad had rejected her hand in marriage and she had married Kartik instead. Did she still have the hots for Angad? That would be so indecent, since she was his Bhabhi now!

Gauri observed the play of emotions on Kripa's face and set her mind at ease : Pata hai, Angad ne yeh bhi kaha tha ke wo apni dulhan khud choose karega, ke wo love marriage karna chahta hai, arranged marriage nahin! 
She lightly patted Kripa's curving cheeks: Aur humein naaz hai ke Angad ne tumhey chuna! Sab tumharey roop aur gun ki tareef kar rahey the shadi per
Kripa blushed prettily and smiled. She couldn't help asking Gauri : Kya aapki bhi love marriage hui thi?

Now it was Gauri's turn to turn pink: Haan, Humney bhi love marriage kee hai. Wo...Tumharey Nishant Bhaisaab Shimla ghoomney gaye the, wahan main school mein padhati thi. Wahin hamari mulaqat huyi aur phir pyaar aur shadi! 
Kripa smiled with delight, her romance with Angad and Nishant-Gauri's love story sounded so similar. Sirf meri prem kahani mein twist aa gayi.her smile faded.Angad ki jagah uskey bhai se meri shadi ho gayi. Ohh Angad, main kab tumsey milungi? Mujhsey yeh judaai aur sahi nahin jaati, pata nahin tum kahan ho, kaisey ho? Yeh do din kaisey katengey?

Fortunately, Gauri was distracted by the kids and didn't notice the sad, faraway look in Kripa's eyes.

***********************************************************


Inspite of his nocturnal adventures, Zaib was an alert trooper. His eyes opened the moment Kripa had stirred and got up from bed. When she emerged from the bathroom, all freshly showered and wearing a long bathrobe, he pretended sleep while watching her furtively with avid interest. She dried her hair with a towel, then moved on to her wardrobe. She took out a sari, then tossed a quick glance his way. Zaib closed his eyes at once, she turned around, dropped the robe and started dressing quickly, silently. His heart was pounding in his chest, his breaths labored, pulse erratic. She was wearing an orange blouse and petticoat under the robe, the creamy skin of her waist and back was tantalizing his vision and arousing an unbearable desire to touch her, to feel that soft skin with his fingers. But he had to feign slumber, so she wouldn't know. 
He held his breath so she wouldn't suspect he was watching. She draped the sari gracefully around her voluptuous curves and adjusted the pallu. Then she moved to the dresser and combed her long hair till it shimmered like brown silk. There was something so sinfully sensuous about watching his reluctant wife do her toiletries while he was in bed.
He watched her hand shake as she took out the sindoor and applied it unwillingly on her forehead. She picked up her mangalsutra and stared at it for a long moment, loathe to wear it, then she slowly put it on. He could well imagine what was going on in her mind. That she was thinking about Angad.lying in some distant foreign hospital, injured, helpless.while she enacted the role of a newly married woman
He didn't blame her, yet he couldn't help watching her with a sense of deep longing. She applied light makeup, wore some jewelry as behove a new bride. Then she cautiously checked his sleeping form again before making her exit through the bedroom door. 

Zaib sighed and tossed in his bed for a while, trying to soothe the ache in his heart and body. He groaned and rubbed his chest, as if that would make the pain go away.
Suddenly his mobile rang. It was Shabbir! 
He spoke rapidly and urgently to Shabbir before getting up from bed and making preparations for his next act as Angad! 

*************************************************************


Gradually the family members started coming down one by one, starting with Chachajee and Nishant. By 9 o'clock, everyone was at the dining table, except for Zaib.
Damini commented irritably: Nau baj gaye aur Nawaab Saab abhi tak neechey nahin aaye! Kripa, tum hi upar jaakar usey bulakar le aao!

Kripa hesitated. After the towel teasing last night, she was nervous about finding him in a state of undress again. Gauri read her hesitation as shyness and volunteered: Mummyjee, main jaati hoon Angad ko bulaney. Kripa ne subah se parathey banaye, ab wo thoda aaram kar le.

Gauri was heading for the door when it opened, and Zaib walked in, all fresh and clean-shaved, every inch the confident and charismatic Angad in a T-shirt and khakis!
Lo, Angad bhi aa gaya, Gauri beamed.

Kripa stared at him, startled for a moment at his amazing similarity with Angad. His eyes met hers and he winked with a sly smile. Her heart leaped! That wink! Again exactly like Angad! She looked away with sharply drawn breath and quickly started serving parathas from the warming server.

Her parathas and halwa were instant hits! Chachajee praised them vociferously : Kripa Beti, jug jug jiyo! Itney achhey parathey toh meri Dadi banaya karti thi, bachpan ki yaad aa gayi, jab hum Delhi mein rehtey the. 
Kripa smiled modestly: Chachajee, yeh meri Dadi ne hi mujhey sikhaya hai.
Tabhi toh.Chachajee nodded with pleasure. Dadijee ko shukriya kehna padega. Halwa bhi bahut badhiya banaa hai.
Gauri, Nishant and Kartik all praised her parathas. Mishti glared balefully and just ate a tiny piece with a sour expression. Damini Chachij sniffed haughtily but didn't comment for once. 

Then all eyes turned towards Zaib: Toh phir Angad, Kripa ke parathey kaisey lagey? Chachajee asked with a glint of humor.
Zaib was eating with great relish: Fantastic! Jawaab nahin! Bahut dinon baad aisey parathey khaaney ko miley!
Everyone burst out laughing, except Mishti and Damini. 

Chachajee guffawed: Toh ab Angrezi Babu ko parathey achhey lagney lagey? Pehley toh omelette aur toast ke ilaava yeh sab mooh bhi nahin lagatey the? 
Zaib looked up, his hand stilled. He realized his mistake. He should have remembered Angad's food preferances. He himself loved parathas, his Ammi used to make really delicious ones. But Angad.didn't like Parathas, he preferred his breakfast Western style. 

Zaib swiftly looked around the table at the amused and surprised faces of his relatives. One of them could be the killer and might get suspicious 
He quickly improvised.. flashing a flirtatious smile, he looked at Kripa amorously: Ab koi apney naazuk haathon se parathey banakar khilaye toh uska taste bhi toh alag hoga naa? 

Kripa, who was holding her breath at his gaffe, took his cue and blushed convincingly. Their audience looked indulgently with knowing smiles. It didn't surprise them anymore that Angad would suddenly develop a taste for his new bride's parathas. 
Mishti sneered enviously: Haan, haan, kyun nahin? Kripa ke parathey toh saarey Mahabaleshwar mein mashhoor hongey!
Zaib glanced at her coldly: Of course, aur aaj se Khanna House mein bhi mashhoor hain! 
Mishti glared resentfully but didn't dare to retaliate.

Zaib made a mental note to himself to be more careful in future.aagey se Angad ke pasand ka khana. Lagta hai Bhaijaan London jaakar Angrez ban gaye the, ab mujhey bhi Angrez banna padega. Khair, koi baat nahin, iss baar kisiko shaq nahin hua aur maamla tal gaya.

He glanced at the tense and nervous Kripa and smiled at her, conveying a silent messageeverything was in control, no need to worry.
Kripa fidgeted in her chair, she needed to tell Zaib about Mishti. About her deep resentment and jealousy regarding Angad. They would have to be extra cautious about her.
Zaib leaned closer and whispered: Vaakai, tumharey parathey bahut achhey hain! 
Kripa muttered seriously: Tumhey Mishti ke baarey mein kuchh batana hai.
Zaib raised his brows: Khaney ke baad kamrey mein aa jaana.

But just as breakfast ended, Kartik wiped his mouth and stood up: Alright, Angad! Ready for the meeting?
Zaib got up with a confident grin: Sure, Bhaisaab! Lead the way!
Kripa stared at his back worriedly, wondering how he would pull off the meeting with zero knowledge of real estate business. It was one thing to look like Angad but to match his knowledge of the business worldhow on earth will Zaib do it?

Aware of her eyes on him, Zaib tossed a look over his shoulder and winked at her with a quick thumbs up. He had everything under control. Then he followed Kartik to the office rooms with a confident swagger. 
Kripa sighed and relaxed, helping Gauri and Teddy clear the table. 

But little Mili crept up beside her and pulled her pallu: Nayi Chachi, meri doll house dekhney chalo naa.Pleeeaaase.
Kripa smiled down at her number one fan: Achha? Tumharey paas doll house hai?
Haan, Chachi, play-room mein hai. .please, merey saath khelney chalo naa! 
Kripa hesitated leaving Gauri to do all the work since Mishti had walked off without bothering. 
But Gauri urged her : Jaao naa, Kripa, Mili ke saath khelohum yahan kaam sambhal lengey, itney saarey log hain
Kripa nodded and latched on to Mili's little fingers, letting her lead the way to the TV room. 

Mili took out her full-size doll house from a wall cabinet and showed it proudly: See! Yeh meri Barbie doll-house hai! Daddy ne merey birthday per diya tha! Come on Chachi, hum dolls ko ghar mein sajatey hain.
She took out her Barbies and displayed them one by one. Kripa sat down on the floor beside Mili and helped her pose the dolls inside the house on cute pieces of miniature furniture.

Dipu entered the room and watched them silently. Gradually his button mouth pouted with resentment. He didn't like it all. Mili was monopolizing the new Auntie's attention. It wasn't fair! Angad Chachu always played with his cars, Chachi should also do her part. 
He went up to Kripa and tugged at her arm: Chachi, merey paas cars hain. Merey saath bhi khelo naa.
Kripa saw his jealous pout and hid her amusement: Zaroor Beta. Kahan hain tumharey cars. Yahan le aao naa, hum sab milkar khelengey.
Dipu frowned: Mili nahin khel sakti merey cars se
Kyun nahin, Beta? Kripa's lips twitched.

Kyunki wo ladki hai aur ladkiyan cars se nahin khel sakteyDipu informed her wisely.
Kripa looked grave: Phir main kaisey khelungi? Main bhi toh ladki hoon?
Dipu's button mouth formed an O of realization. He improvised: OK, phir Mili bhi cars se khel sakti hai, lekin phir main bhi doll house se khelunga
Mili twisted her pretty lips derisively: No Chachi, you don't know pichhli baar usney meri doll house mein apney saarey cars park kiye the, main nahin khelney doongi.

Dekho, aisa nahin kehtey, dono mil julkar khelo, tabhi toh khel ka mazaa aata haiKripa tried to bring peace between the cantankerous kids. 
After a while, she managed to convince them to play with their respective toys side by side while she sat in the middle and played with both.
Dipu happily exhibited a big red remote-controlled car : Yeh Angad Chachu ne mujhey diya thaachha hai naa?

Kripa picked it up with a sense of thrill, Angad had bought this for his nephew! She had often witnessed the affection he had for these two kids. 
He had said he loved children! And he had looked at her meaningfully when he said that. 
She had blushed then and now she blushed to herself. She would love to have his kids! Her heart ached with longing. she missed him so much! What she wouldn't give to have Angad here with her.in this house, with his family.married to her, leading a normal, blissful, newly-married life

Her romantic musings were interrupted by Zaib's heavy voice from the door: Kripa, main meeting ke liye nikal raha hoon. Tum mujhey kuchh bataney waali thi? Khair, lautney per bataa dena.
She looked up and stilled with shock. That suit! That tie! That crisp white shirt which clung to his firmly muscled chest! He was a carbon copy of Angad! How did he do that! How can two men be so identical in appearance? 
Even down to that jaunty smile and quizzical look in his smoky eyes! He was Angad in the boardroom, just as she had met him the first time! Distinguished, debonair, yet with a slight hint of the devil! 

Zaib's smirk made her realize she was staring open-mouthed.
She scrambled up from the ground and rushed to the door. She felt compelled to talk to him for some reason. 
Nahin, Zaib, mujhey kuchh batana hai, zaroori baat hai.

Ssshhh! He warned her sharply and suddenly pulled her outside, pinning her to the wall beside the door. Alarmed and shocked, she pushed on his rock-solid chest but he was immovable as a mountain. 
Yeh kya kar rahey ho? Chhodo mujhey? She pushed him furiously, desperately, her heart fluttering in severe alarm.

Sshhh! He whispered into her neck: Koi humein dekh raha hai, we have an audience.
She stilled at once: Kaun? She whispered fearfully.
MishtiBhabhi. Humein dekh rahi hai.jasoosi kar rahi hai.he informed her in a husky whisper. His warm breath tickled and tingled the soft curve of her neck. She trembled inspite of herself. It was a natural physical reactionof a woman in the arms of a man who looked exactly like her lover. but she was still ashamed of her reaction. 

Mishti.she tried to turn her head to check out the truth of his claim.
He caught her chin: Don't look! Wo pillar ke peechhey khadi hai. he breathed into Kripa's ear: Ab humein pati patni ki tarah goodbye karna padega

Kaisey? She shook nervously.
Aisey! 
Before she could react, his lips pressed down on hers. She gasped in protest but it was too late! His firm lips moulded her soft ones, commanding, male, possessive. Her heart was pounding violently in protest but she couldn't fight him, for fear of exposure, she had to keep up the act! His lips had a strange texture and feel, unknown, uncharted .HE wasn't Angad! He was a strangerbut he was kissing her and she couldn't do anything about it. She closed her eyes and remained passive. Mercifully, his kiss was gentle. Zaib brushed his mouth on hers gently, repeatedly, never parting her lips or invading her mouth, respecting her innocence and their pact. 

He slowly withdrew and turned slightly for the benefit of the snooping spy. He took out his handkerchief and wiped Kripa's pink lipstick off his mouth with a satisfied grin. Kripa opened her eyes, dazed, confused, dismayed. 
Zaib gave her a sensuous smile: Alright, Jaaneman, see you later, apna khayal rakhna. 
Kripa somehow managed a watery smile and shaky wave of her trembling fingers. 

Zaib marched out of the front door to the silver Mercedes standing outside with an impatient Kartik seated inside. Kripa straightened up shakily, riven with curiosity to confirm Zaib's words. She didn't have to wait long. She went inside the play room and peeped through the door. Sure enough, Mishti emerged from behind the 2nd pillar and paused to look at the closed door. Her face was dark with malevolent hatred. Such envy and animosity emanated from her eyes and face, it shocked the simple and innocent Kripa! 

Mishti had obviously witnessed the kiss and hated it! Zaib had succeeded in his plan. He had wanted to prove the veracity of his marriage but he didn't know the whole truth. Mishti really wanted Angad and hated Kripa for having what she had wanted! What a mess! There was Mishti with her unhealthy obsession with Angad and here was Kripa, married to Angad's brother while he was fighting to recover from a murder attempt..
Kripa shook her head in despair. What an utter mess!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

pallavi
Posted: 10 years ago
DECEPTION'..Part 12

Zaib sighed heavily with relief and leaned back on the plush leather swivel chair. Alone in "his" office at last! The meeting with Land Development Corp had gone down well! Khanna Builders had acquired a property near Madh Island, the land deal agreement signed by the Town Councillor and Angad. 
Zaib grinned...Angad's signature had been perfect. Nobody would have known it was fake. It helped to have a background in crime! Bhookhey peit ne kya kuchh nahin karvaya mujhsey!

 His expression grew somber as he looked around the gleaming office of Angad Khanna, his twin brother. It was luxurious, ultra-modern, with the latest gadgets and posh furnishings! Ceiling to floor windows on one side of the 16th floor office overlooked the curving Marine Drive and silvery Arabian Sea!
 Impressive! What a far cry from the surroundings he grew up in and worked amidst! A squalid tenement in Hyderabad! A dingy restaurant where he sang for a living.

 For a moment, bitterness soured his mind but he shrugged it off! With great wealth and power comes danger of constant pitfalls, of hidden enemies. Angad was a prime example of that! 

But now he would have to be very careful! The office part had been relatively easy. He had pulled it off, thanks to last night's quick review! But Zaib dreaded the evening's Reception party! So many guests, so many relatives'.half of whom he didn't even know. How would he cover up his ignorance? He would need a quick wit, every evasive tactics to escape detection. He had to be Angad in every way tonight! 

His eyes fell on Angad's large mahogany desk facing him. It had half a dozen drawers on both sides. Impulsively, Zaib started opening the drawers to check for any documents, letters, or photos that might help him in his mission. He found a few business letters and files but they didn't contain any helpful information. Opening the top left hand drawer, his hand stilled. Right on top of the small pile was a photograph'.. of Kripa! 

Her face was half-turned, a coquettish smile on her lips, a come-hither look in her eyes. Zaib's heart stopped for a second, then jump-started again at full acceleration! Those eyes, those lips, that smile! Her seductive beauty blew him away! 
Mashallah! Kya adaayein hain! Kya nasha hai iski aankhon mein! Aisey mein koi deewana kaisey apney aapko rokey! His finger traced the curve of her ripe lips. The kiss! His whole body flushed with heat remembering their kiss! The softness of her lips, her sweet breath, the trembling of her slender body in his arms! God only knows what effort it took to control his ardor, to stop himself from plunging into her mouth and devouring her! She was so alluring, so intoxicating'..

 Zaib suddenly recalled where he was! He was in Angad's office, looking through Angad's desk. That smile on Kripa's face was for Angad! Not for him! With a slam, he shut the drawer, hiding her photo from his hungry eyes. But the ache in his heart remained, a constant craving that is every lover's fate!
 
Zaib's square jaw hardened, a pulse beat in his neck as he tried to curb the tumultous surge of desire for his lovely "wife"'.it would be hard, very hard to live with her as a husband and not touch her, kiss her, make love to her. His amorous thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of the intercom. 
It was Kartik: Angad, can you come to my office for a minute? I want to show you the design for our Colaba project. The architect is here'.
Zaib straightened up, on the alert at once: OK, Bhaiyya, I am coming in a few..
He got up to go but paused'.his face felt hot, feverish, flushed with the heat of desire, his body throbbed with need. 

He needed to cool off, to be in his full senses before he met Kartik. His eyes veered towards the small bathroom adjoining Angad's office. Zaib mumbled: Thandey paani se kaam chalega''.as he marched into the bathroom. 
Bending down at the sink, he let the water run till it was ice cold, then he splashed it in his face and eyes, pushing away the image of sultry, seductive Kripa. He wiped his face with a paper towel and looked up in the mirror. 

SHOCK! HORROR! One contact lens was missing! One of his eyes was brown, the other green! ****! It must have fallen into the sink! DAMN! He searched frantically in the sink, under the stopper'.it wasn't there! He dropped on his knees and searched on the floor around the sink. No sign of the tiny lens! As a last attempt, he unscrewed the stopper and groped in the drainpipe'.then realized the lens was too small, it would just flow out with the water! Panic gripped him in its talons! AB KYA HOGA! KARTIK! I cant go before Kartik like this! My game would be UP! I must do something, RIGHT NOW! 

He looked around desperately like a trapped animal! I need my eyes, Angad's eyes! Merey paas koi doosra pair bhi toh nahin! Who could help me get it? His strangely bipolar eyes lit up suddenly! Of course! Kripa! His partner in crime! His Humraaz! He whipped out his mobile and called Kripa! After giving her a few urgent instructions, he straightened up his suit and dug in his pocket. Khuda ka shukr hai main sunglasses ghar per nahin bhoola! He quickly put on his dark shades, hiding those bi-color eyes and slipped out of his office. He took the back door, and went down the stairs, to avoid meeting people in the elevator. Agile and fit, he took 10 minutes to reach the ground floor parking lot. He spotted the car that had brought him and Kartik to work. The driver was sleeping inside. He woke up the driver urgently and told him to drive back home'..fast!

 Then he called Kartik: Bhaiyya, I am sorry, mujhey abhi ghar jaana padega! 
Kartik was astonished: WHAT! ABHI? LEKIN KYUN? Ghar mein sab kuchh theek toh hai naa? Dad? Mom?
Zaib smiled: Don't worry, Chachajee, ya Chachi ko kuchh nahin hua! Wo baat yeh hai'.he paused and cleared his throat in fake embarassment: Kripa ko achanak kisi cheez ki zaroorat pad gayi aur usey shopping jaana padega.
Kartik was silent for a moment: Kripa ko? Usey kya zaroorat pad gayi? Gauri ya Mishti se keh deti? 
Zaib chided him smoothly: Now now Bhaisaab, ab main aapko bataa nahin sakta kya aur kyun'buss yeh samajh leejiye wo cheez personal hai aur wo merey saath hi jaana chahti hai'.try to understand'
That shut up Kartik for good. He hemmed and hawed a bit, then instructed "Angad" to return to office after Kripa's shopping: Architect ne design banaya hai, you should take a look at it befor leaving for Switzerland.
Of course, Bhaiyya! Zaib agreed at once, appeasing his bossy cousin brother. He released a deep breath : Chalo, Aafat tali! 



Kripa was jolted out of her reverie by Mili's little hand pulling at her arm: Nayi Chachi, dekho naa, merey Barbie ko party ke liye kaun sa dress pehnaun? 
Kripa wrenched her thoughts back to the doll play and helped Mili select a gorgeous dress for her Barbie. Then she helped Deepu set up his car racing track. But she could not concentrate on the children's games anymore. Her nerves were jangled, her lips throbbed strangely, silent tremors still ran through her body at his shocking kiss! 

She made an excuse to her young charges: Mili, Deepu, tum dono shanti se khelo, Chachi ko apney kamrey mein kuchh kaam hai! Main baad mein phir khelungi, dekho tum dono jhagda mat karna, okay? Mili, apney chhotey bhai ka khayal rakhna. Aur Deepu, tum Mili ko tang mat karna, theek hai? 
Mili proudly took charge of little brother and Kripa escaped to her room upstairs and shut the door. She was breathing hard as if she had run a mile. 

With startling clarity she remembered the feel, the hard pressure of his manly lips on hers. She scrubbed them with her palm in the privacy of her room but the tingling sensation seemed to remain. She wanted to forget the touch of his warm mouth but the strange feeling seemed to linger on. She was deeply disturbed! Yeh kya ho raha hai merey saath! Why is his kiss affecting me like this? Is it because he looks so much like Angad? Am I being unfaithful to Angad by letting Zaib kiss me like this? But he had done it to fool Mishti'.or did he do it on purpose? Why did he have to kiss me so thoroughly? A simple peck on the cheek would have done! He seemed to be enjoying this dangerous game of deception'.going by the satisfied grin he gave at the end! 
Kripa frowned, getting hot in the face'.a bit of anger, a bit of confused shame! The room felt too warm! She glanced at the gas fireplace. Someone had lit a fire there! No wonder it felt so hot in here! She moved to the windows and flung them open to cool down her flushed cheeks. But it was warm and muggy outside. Mumbai in October wasn't the same as Mahabaleshwar. 
Kripa grimaced and looked back at the fireplace, mumbling: Kamaal hai, iss garmi mein aag kisney jalaya aur kyun? 'she shrugged: Shayad Mumbai ke raees log aisa hi kartey hain'.

Her mobile rang, she picked it up. It was her mother: Kripa, tu kaisi hai? Sab kuchh theek toh hai naa? 'Gayatri asked anxiously.
Kripa reassured her quickly: Haan Mama, yahan sab khairiyat hai. 
Her mom added: Angad kaisa hai?

Kripa bit her lower lip in silent pain, if only she knew how Angad was doing, but she forced cheer in her voice':Maa, Angad bhi theek hai, mera bahut khayal rakh raha hai.
Gayatri was pleased: Bahut achha. Lekin Beta, humein khed hai ke hum tumhari Reception per nahin aa sakengey. Dadi ki tabiyat theek nahin, Mumbai aaney jaaney mein 2 din lag jayengey, hum unhey yahan chhodkar nahin jaa saktey, I am so sorry, Beta'
Kripa quickly consoled her mother: Koi baat nahin Mama, aap Dadi ka khayal rakhiye. Waisey bhi, Switzerland se lautney ke baad hum aayengey naa aapsey milney''

Her heart gave a little leap of hope, that time Angad would be with her, not his replacement. 
After a few more affectionate exhcanges with her mother, Kripa hung up. She was almost sweating from the heat. She went to the stone fireplace and kneeled down. There was a knob that seemed like the on-off switch for the gas. She turned it to the left. The fire flickered, crackled and died down. Kripa heaved a sigh of relief and stood up. 

She was going to the bathroom to freshen up when her mobile tinkled again. She stopped in her tracks and picked it up. It was Zaib, sounding extremely panicked: Kripa! Dhyan se suno! I need your help!
Her heart jumped with fear:  Kya hua? Angad ko kuchh'
Zaib cut in impatiently: Angad nahin, mera ek contact gir gaya. Merey paas spare lens nahin hai.
Kripa gasped: Ab kya hoga?
Zaib instructed her tensely: Suno, abhi main jaisey taisey Kartik ki nazar bachakar nikal raha hoon, lekin tumhey merey saath Optical store jaana padega. 
Kripa was flustered: Main? Lekin main kaisey'.gharwalon se kya kahoon? 
Zaib cut in sharply: Unsey kaho Angad tumharey liye gift khareedna chahta hai, jo tum aaj raat reception mein pehnogi'.main abhi 20 minute mein aa raha hoon, tum tayyar hokar baahar aa jaao.
 
Kripa agreed breathlessly, her heart pounding with nervous apprehension'if anyone spotted Zaib without his contacts, he would be caught and the truth would be out! She swiftly changed into a beautfiful sari, refreshed her make up, picked up her purse, slipped on matching shoes and rushed downstairs.  Unfortunately, Mishti and Gauri were in the Hall below, supervising the decorators putting up lights and flowers for the reception. They were surprised to see Kripa on the go. 
Kripa forced a smile on her cold lips: Gauri di, wo'.Angad mujhey shopping le jaana chahta hai. 
Shopping? Mishti scowled suspiciously: Iss waqt? Lekin kyun?
Wo mujhey'..Kripa blushed convincingly: Wo merey liye gift khareedna chahtey hain.
Gift? Kaisa gift? Mishti interrogated further.
Ek'..ek necklace'.Kripa improvised quickly: wo chahtey hain main aaj raat Reception mein unka diya kuchh pehnoon'.
Mishti turned green with jealousy, her eyes glittering with the same hatred as before. She burst out sarcastically: Itney saarey toh gehney hain tumharey paas, Tayi ji ke gehney bhi ab tumharey, phir necklace ki kamee ho gayi kya?
Gauri as usual intervened on Kripa's behalf: Jiji, baat ko samjhiye. Angad apni taraf se kuchh dena chahta hai, yeh toh achhi baat hai. 
Mishti still persisted: Mummyjee sunegi toh gussa karegi'.
But Gauri smiled encouragingly at Kripa: Tum beifkr hokar jaao, main Mummyjee ko samjha doongi ke Angad tumhey le gaya'
Kripa smiled gratefully at her: Haan, Angad abhi mujhey leney aa rahey hain'
They heard a car crunching the gravel outside. Kripa turned with relief: Wo aa gaye'.achha toh main chali.
She escaped with a quick smile, ignoring the fury on Mishti's face and thanked her lucky stars that she had Gauri on her side.

She got in beside Zaib, they looked at each other silently as they drove off. She noted the dark sunglasses hiding his eyes and nodded with approval, at least he had the sense to take his shades. They didn't speak till they reached the Mall and got out of the car. Zaib asked the driver to wait and they went inside. He located an Optical store in no time and pulled Kripa to one side. He carefully extracted one brown lens from his eye and handed it to Kripa: Tum isey lekar andar jaao aur bilkul aisi lens khareed lo. I need at least 5 pairs.
Kripa was puzzled: Main kyun? Tum bhi chalo'
Zaib smiled mockingly: Agar main khud khareed sakta toh tumhey kyun laata? Baat ko samjho Kripa. Yahan Mumbai mein log Angad ko pehchantey hain. Wo kaafi mashhoor hai, business magazines mein uskey tasveer aatey rehtey hain. Agar Angad Khanna achanak contact lens khareedney gaya toh logon ko shaq hoga ke nahin? Aur agar unhoney meri asli aankhein dekh lee toh shaamat aa jayegi'.

Kripa nodded in understanding. She still didn't grasp the magnitude of the deception but was getting it slowly. She drew a deep breath and walked confidently into the store while Zaib waited for her behind a pillar. He didn't want to be accosted by any of Angad's acquaintances while his eyes were green. Kripa showed the lens to the Optician: Meri behen ke contacts gir gaye, mujhey bilkul aisey 5 pairs chahiye. 
The Optician took the brown lens from her, checked the lens for power and brought over 4 tiny boxes. He handed them to Kripa who checked each pair carefully. Yes, they matched the exact color of Angad's eyes'light brown, a melting warm honey-brown. Her heart ached tenderly'.kaash inki jagah uski aankhein hoti, wo hota merey saath'
Madam, cash or credit? She was startled by the optician's question. 

Kripa opened her purse, silently thanked the Lord that she had plenty of cash with her. She paid for the lenses and took the small bag the optician gave her with the boxes inside. She went out to the pillar and handed them to Zaib, who asked anxiously: Tumharey paas paisey the? Main tumhey dena bhool gaya tha'
Kripa nodded : Haan'.ab kya karna hai?
Pehley main yeh lens laga loon, tum yahan wait karo'..Zaib marched into the nearest men's room with the bag. First he made sure no one was around, then he took out a pair and carefully fitted them on his green irises. He looked at his reflection and grinned: Back to being Angad! Baal baal bachey aaj toh!
He carefully put all the boxes in his pocket. Now he had backup pairs so no present danger of being caught. 

He came out without his sunglasses. Kripa stared at him, fascinated'.it was so strange that just a pair of lenses could make him exactly like Angad again. She still couldn't get over how identical they looked!
Zaib moved closer and grinned: Thanks! Aaj tumhari vajeh se main bach gaya! Well done! Iss game mein tum mera kaabil partner saabit hogi! 
Kripa smiled slightly but looked away from his warm eyes. Suddenly her awareness returned! The latest crisis had made her forget about what happened that morning but now'..it all returned with full force'.the hard pressure of those lips, the forced intimacy of his kiss! She flushed, hating herself for reacting to his proximity. Zaib knew at once what was going on in that pretty little head. 

He hid his own excitement and cleared his throat: So' ghar mein tumney kya bahana banaya?
Kripa looked up hesitantly: Mainey kaha Angad merey liye ek necklace khareedna chahta hai jo main Reception mein pehnungi'
Necklace!! His eyebrows shot up high. She frowned. A teasing glint sparkled in his eyes: Toh kya pehley hi din Angad ka bank balance khali karney ka irada hai? 
She turned red with indignation: Kya matlab? Merey dimaag mein jo aaya mainey keh diya! Tumhey necklace khareedney ki koi zaroorat nahin! 
His lips twitched with humor: Ab necklace ke baghair ghar gayi toh gharwalon ko shaq hoga, right?

She saw him smirk and knew he was teasing her again. She lifted her chin proudly: I am sure Angad merey liye ek necklace afford kar sakta hai'. uski haisiyat ka andaza mujhey hai! 
The word Haisiyat stung Zaib's heart! Sure, Angad could afford it but could he? Well, at least he had Angad's credit card for now.
Zaib shrugged and pointed out a jeweler's store: Chalo, wahan chaltey hain. Tum jo chahey chun lo'..
Kripa accompanied him to the jeweler's, albeit unwillingly. The jewelers seemed to recognize Angad as they eagerly attended to the elegant couple. Kripa looked at several gold necklaces. But then Zaib drawled: Heeron ka haar dikhayiye! 
The jewelers gladly obliged with a show of their latest designs. 
Kripa gasped at the prices and protested: Yeh toh bahut mehengey hain'.
Zaib dipped low near her neck and amorously drawled: Sweetheart, you know I can afford it. Tum keemat ke baarey mein mat socho, just choose the one you like! 
Kripa shivered as his warm breath blew tendrils of hair at her nape. Her heart fluttered nervously as she quickly moved away. Zaib's mouth curved up at her instant reaction. She was definitely affected by him! 
Eventually, Kripa chose a sleek design diamond choker that accentuated her long, graceful neck. The jeweler packed the necklace in a red velvet box and they left the Mall in rather uncomfortable silence. 

As their car entered Khanna House gates, they observed party preparations were in full swing. Decorators were putting up huge maroon tents and setting up tables and flower pots. 
Kripa entered the house rather apprehensively as Zaib drove off to finish his meeting with Kartik. 
Of course Damini Chachi grumbled a bit about Kripa leaving the house without telling her but Chachajee defended her : Angad uske liye gift khareedney le gaya, ismein bataney ki kya baat hai? Jaao bahu, tum upar jaakar aaram karo, shaam ko bahut badi party hai! 
Kripa gladly escaped to her room to rest and prepare herself mentally for the ordeal of Reception. 

Evening:

Mumbai's top bridal artist Shenaaz and her two assistants were adding finishing touches to Kripa's makeup and hairstyle. 
The beautician finally stepped back and studied her handiwork. She grinned with pleasure: Bahut Khoob! Perfect! 100% Beauty Queen!

Kripa stood up and turned towards the mirror eagerly. She stared at herself in awestruck wonder. She had no doubts about her charms but these people had transformed her into a high society glamor doll. From her perfectly styled hair with a few tendrils artistically astray, kissing blush-pink cheeks to the shadowy darkness of mascaraed eyes down to the gorgeously embroidered pink lehenga and matching jadau kundan set'.she seemed to have stepped straight out of a designer's bridal magazine. A soft click of the door, she looked back.

 Zaib stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face the world as Angad. He froze at the sight of her heartstopping beauty. She was a Fairy Princess, the Pari of his adolescent dreams. Her natural beauty had been enhanced and adorned to a perfection that took his breath away! He stared at her, the blatant hunger in his eyes scorching her with heat. She couldn't look away either. Dark suit, slicked back hair, polished acquiline features, a sharp handsome arrogance! He was Angad all over again! She swallowed tremulously, lost in her favorite fantasy where Angad indeed was with her and it was THEIR wedding Reception! Shenaaz and her two assitants exchanged amused glances and tittered softly. Mr. And Mrs. Khanna were immersed in each other completely. 

Finally Shenaaz cleared her throat with a sly query: So, Mr. Khanna, how do you like our work?
Zaib could barely breathe, his voice deepened with ardor: Lajawaab! Koi jawaab nahin! 

Shenaaz smiled and bowed: Toh hum ab ijaazat letey hain. Shaadi mubarak ho! Come on girls'
The beauticians left the room laughing softly at the besotted pair. The spell broke, Kripa looked away, feeling hot and disturbed again. She nervously tried to brush away the ringlets from her cheeks. Zaib's husky murmur stopped her: Rehney do, achhey lagtey hain. Kripa stopped, her heart fluttering oddly. She sat down abruptly at the dresser and fiddled with her diamond bangles, avoiding him. 
Suddenly she felt him standing right behind her. Damn his stealthy footfall! Startled, she looked up, their eyes met in the mirror. She looked away, flustered, embarassed. He bent down all of a sudden and reached out in front of her, opening a drawer and took out the red velvet box. He opened it and gently extricated the diamond necklace they had bought that afternoon. The final touch! Zaib asked softly: Yeh haar, pehnaa doon? 

Kripa stood up quickly and held out her hand: Mujhey do, main pehen leti hoon. She looped the choker around her elegant neck and tried to fasten it. But she fumbled unsuccessfully with the complicated latch.
 
Zaib stepped forward gallantly: Allow me! She allowed him unwillingly. His fingers brushed her nape as he tried to fasten the latch. His touch burned her, she bit her lips, closed her eyes and trembled. His hands shook slightly, her skin was so soft and silky. He had a wild urge to bury his lips on the curve of her neck and kiss that alluring spot. But he controlled his desire and fastened the latch. He stepped away reluctantly, both looked into the mirror. The choker draped her slim neck beautifully, completing her outfit. Her eyes met his in reflection. His bold eyes adored her, he whispered gruflly : Bahut khubsoorat! 

Kripa didn't know why she blushed again, her eyes turned down. She was intensely aware of his body almost touching hers. Once more a moment of taut breathless awareness, like a tightly stretched spring between them, ready to snap'.
 Right that moment, Gauri's voice floated in from the door: Angad! Kripa! Tum dono tayyar ho gaye? Mehmaan aaney lagey hain! Daddy jee neechey bulaa rahey hain'.
Zaib yelled out: OK, Bhabhi, hum abhi aatey hain'
He held out his elbow: Ab Chalein? 
Kripa gingerly held his arm and accompanied him down to the party. Both were nervous, apprehensive'.yet determined to carry out the deception with panache!

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DECEPTION ...PART 13


Champagne flowed, glasses clinked, the party was in full swing! The huge red tents were bursting with hundreds of guests, chatting, drinking, noshing on delicious catered foods. Chachaji Darshan Khanna stood at the flowery arch, welcoming new arrivals. Chachijee was busy showing off her latest jewelry to selected socialite friends. Kartik was busy discussing business as usual with some associates while Mishti stood gloomily with her parents. Mili and Dipu were running around, socializing with other kids at the party. 

The stunning newlyweds stood on a raised velvet dais with the backdrop of a huge flowery butterfly. They greeted their well-wishers with confident smiles which hid their ignorance with expertise. The ever helpful Gauri Bhabhi and Nishant Bhaiyya stood on both sides of the couple, helping them greet guests and putting aside bouquets and gifts. Zaib had perfected the art of recognizing Angad's family members, friends and business acquaintances. He had done his homework well. he could recognize most of them on his own. When he saw someone he didn't know approach, he would bend down to his petite wife and mutter: Isey main nahin jaanta, tum manage kar lo'..

Kripa would turn at once to Gauri and ask: Didi, yeh kaun hain? 
Gauri would introduce her promptly: Kripa, insey milo, yeh hain'... 
The system was working well, then Zaib saw Angad's best friends approach'..Raj, Josh, Manek!
Zaib stiffened nervously.  Angad had grown up with these guys! It would be tough to fool his chaddi buddies. How would he deceive them? 

Raj Malhotra was tall, lanky and good-looking. He came with his girlfriend Anitah. 
ANGAD, YAAR! CONGRATULATIONS! SHADI MUBARAK HO! He yelled cheerfully, hugging Zaib, slapping his back heartily. 
Zaib hugged him back: Thanks, Raj!
Josh was even taller, heftier, almost like a giant, with a slight beard. He grinned at both newlyweds, then shook Zaib's hand vigorously: Congo, Buddy! 
Zaib winced but grinned back: Thanks, Bud!

Josh offered his hand to Kripa, she hesitated to shake that mammoth hand. He laughed: Congrats, Bhabhi! 
He turned: Angad! Tuney jaisa kaha tha, Bhabhi ussey bhi zyada khubsoorat hai!
Kripa blushed at the hearty compliment, Josh laughed loudly again, his giant frame shaking with merriment. 

Manek was short, thin and bespectacled. He seemed the more sober, silent type. He hugged Zaib as well : Badhaai ho, dost!
After the merry round of congratulations, Josh summoned a passing waiter and took 4 champagne glasses, handing them to his pals and Zaib. 
He raised his glass way up high and hollered: A TOAST, A TOAST! TO MY BUDDY AND HIS LOVELY WIFE! 
Some of the other guests gathered around the dais and raised their glasses as well. 
Josh announced: TO A LONG AND HAPPY MARRIED LIFE FOR ANGAD AND KRIPA! MAY THEIR UNION BE MOST FRUITFUL IN EVERY WAY! He winked meaningfully at Zaib who glanced quickly at his blushing bride.

 Chachaji heard all the commotion and came up on stage: Arey Josh Beta, kaisey ho? Manek, Raj, tum sab aa gaye? Bahut khoob! Ab party mein jaan aayegi! 
Chacha ji paused with a slight frown: Shabbir nahin aaya? Kahan hai wo? Shadi per Mahabaleshwar bhi nahin aaya tha'..badi ajeeb baat hai! Angad beta, wo tumhara azeez dost hai lekin shadi per bhi nahin aaya, ab reception per bhi gayab hai'.wo theek toh hai naa?

Zaib smiled too quickly : Chacha jee aap pareshan mat hona, Shabbir ne mujhey call kiya tha'.usey ek zaroori kaam se London jaana pada. Wo humsey Europe mein milega.
Ohh Achha, tab theek hai'.Chachaji nodded with a smile and went his way, after urging the youngsters to have fun and enjoy the party. The friends gang made a beeline for the bar area to start the celebrations.

Zaib and Kripa exchanged troubled glances. Shabbir'..Kripa's vision dimmed with worry'..Wo toh Angad ke paas hi hai'.naa jaaney Angad ab kaisa hai'.wo wahan videsh ke hospital mein pada hai aur hum yahan party kar rahey hain'..
Tears came to her eyes. The ever watchful Zaib suddenly clasped her cold hand in his warm palm and leaned closer: Kripaa'Apney aapko sambhalo! '.he warned her softly: Aaj ki raat tumharey aankhon mein aansoo dekhkar sabko shaq hoga'..
Instantly reacting to his touch, she snatched her hand away and turned aside to blink away the tears. 

But the ever attentive Gauri spotted her distress : Kya hua Kripa? Kya baat hai? tum ro rahi ho?' she asked with concern.
Zaib turned at once: Bhabhi, Kripa ke parents nahin aa sakey, Dadi ki health ki vajeh se, isiliye wo thoda upset hai, unhey miss kar rahi hai'
Gauri nodded sympathetically in understanding. 
Kripa turned around to stare at him in astonishment'.how did he know all that? 
Zaib gave her a sly wink'..his dearest father-in-law had e-mailed him at work to apologize for not attending the reception and requested him to console Kripa. 

Kripa gave him a sidelong look'he was too smart for his own good. Bahut zyada chaalu hai yeh '.har baat ka jawaab hai iskey paas.
There was a sudden commotion among the guests. The newlyweds looked towards the flowery gate and were totally amazed! 

A Bollywood megastar was walking in accompanied by his bodyguard. He walked up to the platform and greeted the couple with a huge bouquet carried by his assistant. Zaib and Kripa gaped at him, both equally starstruck and tongue-tied!
The superstar smiled, his signature dimple very much visible: Congratulations, Angad Saab! Shaadi bahut bahut mubarak ho! Khuda aap dono ki jodi ko hamesha kayam rakhey aur meherbaniyan barsein. 
Zaib regained his senses'.so Angad knew this actor too!! 
He hid his surprise and smiled broadly: Thank you, Mr Khan! Aapkey aaney se hamari party ki shaan badh gayi. Bahut bahut shukriya!
The star dimpled again: Bhai kaisey naa aatey? Aakhir hamarey dream house ke builder toh aap hi hain, phir aapki shadi toh hamarey liye number ONE priority hai. 
He smiled charmingly at Kripa and congratulated her as well.

Kripa swallowed a lump'.Angad had built this star's house too! He never told her he knew these Bollywood superstars! What else had he hidden from her? what else remained to be disclosed? 
The guests gathered around the platform to stare at the star amidst loud hum. Flashbulbs went off, photos of the newlyweds posing with the superstar for the wedding albums, Khanna family members came up to meet and greet the VIP. Then the star took his leave, citing other commitments, and the excitement died down for a while. 

Zaib and Kripa exchanged stupefied looks again. How many more surprises were in store for them?
Just then a hard, gravelly voice called out: Hello, Mr. Khanna'.
Zaib turned'.it was Angad's business rival, Mr. Raheja. Medium height, stocky build, greying hair, shrewd, calculating eyes, a tight, controlled smile! 
Zaib returned the greeting : Hello, Mr. Raheja! 
He didn't offer his hand, he wasn't sure if Angad was on friendly terms with his rival. But Raheja extended his hand: Congratulations, Mr. Khanna! Shadi mubarak ho!
Zaib shook that extended palm with measured candor: Thank you, Mr. Raheja. 
They sized each other up from top to bottom. Raheja's eyes narrowed slightly. Zaib stiffened. Kahin iss buddhey ko shaq toh nahin ho raha? Shayad yehi hai wo mastermind, jisney supari dee thi '..shayad isiliye usey shaq ho raha hai ke Angad zinda kaisey bach gaya?

Their silent staring contest was disrupted by Kartik and Chachajee who came up on stage  to greet Raheja and make him feel welcome in enemy camp.
Meanwhile, Kripa had jerked to attention when she heard Raheja's name. She was studying him surreptitiously, wondering alike as Zaib'.whether Raheja was the mastermind who had planned to kill Angad'..somehow he seemed quite capable of such a heinous act! There was something rather cruel in his visage'. a ruthless businessman who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted! 
Chacha jee and Kartik led Raheja away for refreshments and to talk shop. Zaib heaved a sigh of relief. That guy was giving him bad vibes. 

There was another ripple of excitement at the party. The famous Indian Idol runner up had arrived with his band to entertain the guests. Some teenagers at the party screamed out his name. 

Zaib and Kripa, both singers and music lovers, eagerly looked towards the singer. The singer set up stage at the adjoining platform and greeted the newlyweds on the mic. 
He dedicated the evening to love and romance, to the beautiful couple: Yeh nasheeli shaam, iss haseen jodi ke naam! Yeh mastani shaam, ishq-mohabbat-pyaar ke naam! Toh uthayiye jaam and doob jayiye ismein tamaam!

The singer started out with an old romantic song:

Tumney mujhey dekha hokar meherbaan
tumne mujhe dekhaa, ho kar meharabaan
ruk gayee ye zameen, tham gayaa aasamaan
jaana-ye-man jaana-ye-jaan

kahee dard kee seharaa me, rukate chalate hote
in-hothhon-kee hasarat me, tapate jalate hote
meherbaan ho gayee, zulf kee badaliyaan
jaan-e-man jaan-e-jaan

lekar ye haseen jalawe, tum bhee naa kahaa pahunche
aakhir ko mere dil tak, kadamon ke nishaan pahunche
khatm se ho gaye, raaste sab yahaa
jaan-e-man jaan-e-jaan


The Indian Idol singer smoothly transitioned to the next romantic number:

Jabsey terey naina merey nainon se laagey rey
Jab Se Tere Naina Mere Naino Se Lage Re
Jab Se Tere Naina Mere Naino Se Lage Re
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Sab Se Begaana Hua
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Oye Oye
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Ho Hohhohho

Jab Se Tere Naina Mere Naino Se Lage Re
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Sab Se Begaana Hua
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Oye Oye
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Ho Hohhohho

Hooo Jab Se Mila Tera Ishaara
Tab Se Jagi Hai Bechainiya
Jab Se Hui Sargoshiyan
Tab Se Badhi Hai Madhossiyan

Jab Se Jude Yaara
Tere Mere Maan Ke Dhaage
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Sab Se Begaana Hua
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Oye Oye
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re

Ho Jab se Hui Hai Tujhse Shararat
Tab Se Gaya Karar Ho Hoo
Jab Se Tera Achal Dhala
Tab Se Koi Jaadoo Chala

Jab Se Tujhe Paaya
Yeh Jiya Dhak Dhak Bhaage Re
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Tab Se Deewana Hua Aah Haaa
Sab Se Begaana Hua
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Oye Oye
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re Ho Hohhohho

Jab Se Tere Naina Merey nainon se laagey rey

Kripa noticed a certain restlessness in Zaib's demeanour as soon as the guy had started singing. He was fidgeting with his hands, moving slightly from side to side. Gradually she realized he was playing a non existent guitar. She released a deep breath. Poor guy! He was missing his guitar, his music! He obviously loved music just as much as she did'.but he had to hide his passion, because Angad wasn't a singer'..whereas he was! 
Then as the songs progressed, she noticed he was moving his lips as well, humming along with the singer. Hey Bhagwaan! Agar kisiney dekh liya toh pol khul jayegi! 
The singer was belting out an intense number:

Main ishq uska woh aashiqui hai meri - 2
woh ladki nahi zindagi hai meri - 2

Uske hi dil main 
aab to rehna hai har dum
uss dil ruba se kehna hai har dum

Main ishq uska woh aashiqui hai meri - 2
woh ladki nahi zindagi hai meri - 2

Khusboo jaisi aaye jaaye 
kitna dil ko woh tadpaye
meri sansein meri dhadkan
woh hai mera deewanapan
betaabiyon main hai woh raahat ka mausam
uske liye hi meri  chaahat ka mausam
main hosh uska woh bekhudi hai meri
main ishq uska woh aashiqui hai meri
woh ladki nahi zindagi hai meri - 2

Aankhon main hai uska chehra
yaadon  main hai uska pehra
main hoon rahi woh hai manzil
karna hai ab usko haasil
in dhadkanon main baje uski hi sargam
woh meri jaana hain woh meri jaanam
Main chain uska woh tishnagi hai meri
main ishq uska woh aashiqui hai meri
woh ladki nahi zindagi hai meri - 2
 

Kripa noticed with growing alarm, Zaib was singing along quite obviously now'.she had to stop him before anyone else noticed! She moved closer to him and pulled his sleeve. He was jolted into awareness and looked straight down into her eyes. He had been lost in dreams of her, romancing her on some faraway green hills '.but here she was beside him, in the flesh, his legally wedded wife, yet out of his reach! 
Kripa flinched! His heart spilled over in his eyes'.tortured desire, yearning, a deep burning passion! She jerked her hand back from his sleeve and stammered nervously :'.Tum'tum'gaana gaa rahey the'.Angad ko gaana '.nahin aata'.

Zaib came to his senses at once! ****! He swore under his breath and swiftly looked around. Thank God, nobody had noticed, every eye was focused on the singer.  He rubbed a large palm over his eyes and face, obliterating the steamy visions of himself with Kripa and stiffened his spine. He tore his eyes away from the alluring beauty of his wife and stepped down from the platform, heading towards his friends, actually Angad's friends. Perhaps they could help take his mind off this all-consuming need, this '.this hunger to possess what was not his!

Josh, Manek and Raj greeted him boisterously at the bar tent: Arey aayiye aayiye, Dulhey Raja! Hamarey saath bhi thoda waqt bitayiye, kahiye kya peeyengey? Whiskey? Rum? 
Zaib almost grimaced! Another difficult test! He hated alcohol, never touched it! Growing up in the chawls of Hyderabad, he had seen alcohol destroy lives and families. His own father'his Abbu had died of it'..
Zaib shook his head with a slight smile: Thanks guys! Today I will only drink champagne! 

Kyaa baat hai! Champagne for the married guy! Josh ordered the bartender who poured out a glass of the bubbly and handed it to Zaib with a bow.
Angad's friends clinked their glasses of whiskey and rum with his champagne glass and made toasts accompanied by hoots, whistles and randy jokes and downed theirs in a few gulps. But Zaib sipped his drink gingerly, hiding his distaste for the sparkling liquid.
Manek had been observing him curiously, his shrewd, wise eyes gleaming through thick glasses. 
He asked suddenly: Angad, whats the matter? Achanak tumhey drinks pasand nahin? Pehley toh you used to drink like a fish? 
Zaib's hand stilled. He looked at Manek through the raised wine glass. This was bad! Manek had started suspecting'..Angad was a heavy drinker, whereas he hated it! What could he say or do to cover up? He looked towards Kripa'.she seemed rather lost and forlorn on the platform, all by herself. 
Zaib smiled, a slow, wicked smirk and winked at Manek: Jab kisiki aankhon se peeney ki aadat pad jaye, toh sharab ki zaroorat nahin hoti! 
Josh and Raj burst out laughing, hooting, slapping Zaib's broad back appreciatively: Well said, Angad! Hear, hear! Manek yaar, samjha kar, yeh zyada peeyega toh Bhabhi naraaz ho jayegi!
Josh added: Aur kya pataa, zyada peeney se raat ko perform kar payega ke nahin'..Hahahahaha'.
Zaib flushed with heat at the ribald remark. He quickly glanced at Kripa'good thing she was out of earshot or else she would be dying of embarassment. He sighed and took one more sip'.One more difficult night, of lying beside her on the same bed and breathing in her sweet fragrance''Aaj ki raat jaisey taisey bhi ho kat jaye, aur phir kal Switzerland ke liye rawana hongey, inshallah'.
Zaib rolled his eyes heavenwards'.just let this party, this night be over without any further mishaps!




It was the middle of the night. Khanna House was dead silent, everyone exhausted from the party, lost in deep seamless slumber. 
Zaib suddenly woke up with a start! An impending sense of danger had alerted his warning antennae! His sixth sense told him something was grossly wrong! He sniffed the air! What was that strange smell? That sickly chemical smell? GAS! THE SMELL OF GAS FILLED THE ENTIRE BEDROOM!  He sat up at once, wide awake, alert and looked around. The bedroom door was open, the overpowering smell of gas leak was coming from the living room!

He sprang up at once like a leopard, raced to the living room, holding his night shirt up to his nose. The fireplace! The gas was leaking from the fireplace! Someone had turned on the valve while they were sleeping! He crouched down by the fireplace and turned the valve off! The leak was stopped, but the asphyxiating gas had filled both their rooms! KRIPA! 
Zaib ran back to the bedroom and saw her sleeping on her side. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her urgently: KRIPA, UTHO! 

She didn't stir'..her eyes were closed, there was no response. Frantic with worry, he shook her again: KRIPA!! JALDI SE UTHO, YAHAN GAS LEAK HAI! UTHO KRIPA! 

She still didn't move'..Zaib realized with dismay that she had passed out from breathing in gas in her sleep. He didn't waste a single moment. He lifted her up in his strong arms, ran out of the living room door and carried her straight to his parents' empty bedroom. He laid her down on the quilted bed and checked her for signs of life. He was relieved to see her breasts gently rising and falling with shallow breaths. He opened all the windows of the old room, letting in fresh air, then he turned on the cooling system'..anything to make her breathe clean air. 

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pallavi

Posted: 10 years ago
DECEPTIONPART  14

It was the middle of the night. Khanna House was deathly silent, everyone exhausted from the party, lost in deep seamless slumber.
 
Zaib suddenly woke up with a start! An impending sense of danger had alerted his warning antennae! His sixth sense told him something was grossly wrong! He sniffed the air! What was that strange smell? That sickly cloying chemical smell? GAS! THE SMELL OF GAS FILLED THE ENTIRE BEDROOM!  He sat up at once, wide awake, alert! The bedroom door was wide open, the overpowering smell of gas leak was coming from the living room!

He sprang up at once like a leopard, raced to the living room, holding his night shirt up to his nose. The fireplace! Gas was leaking from the fireplace! Someone had turned on the valve while they were sleeping! He crouched down by the fireplace and turned the valve off! The leak stopped, but the horribly cloying, asphyxiating gas had already filled both their rooms! KRIPA! 
Zaib ran back to the bedroom and saw her sleeping on her side. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her urgently: KRIPA, UTHO! 

She didn't stir...her eyes were closed, there was no response. Frantic with worry, he shook her again: KRIPA!! JALDI SE UTHO, YAHAN GAS LEAK HAI! UTHO KRIPA! 

She still didn't move, her body limp in his hands. Zaib realized with dismay she had passed out in her sleep from inhaling the gas. He didn't waste a single moment! He lifted her up in his strong arms, ran out of their suite and carried her straight to his parents' empty bedroom. 
He laid her down on the quilted bed and checked for signs of life. He was relieved to see her breasts gently rising and falling with shallow breaths.
 First, he opened all the windows of the old room, letting in fresh air, then he turned on the cooling system full blast..anything to make her breathe cleaner air. 

He checked Kripa's pulse, it was still present but she was barely breathing! Zaib panicked! His stepfather's death flashed before his eyes! 
Abbu had fallen into an open manhole on his way home from the Printing press one night.knocked unconscious by the toxic fumes, he died later in the hospital!  Panic gripped his chest! What if Kripa alsohis heart sank rapidly.his eyes searched wildly around for a phone, should he call an ambulance?
 
Then he remembered what the doctor had told him at the hospital.when the brain has been deprived of oxygen for a long time, death can occur in a matter of minutes! Ambulance would be too late!

 He recalled something else, the doctor had performed artificial respiration on his stepfather and even revived him for a few hours before he finally succumbed to lung and kidney failure! Zaib carefully recalled the step by step procedure for CPR and started right away on Kripa!

 First he placed his hands just below her breasts and pumped downwardsone, two, three! Then he leaned down on her face, opened her mouth with his thumb and index finger. He paused just a moment,  entranced by those soft pink petalsthen he shook his head, took a big gulp of air in his mouth, placed his lips on her open mouth and blew the air inside! Again he lifted his head, pumped her chest a few times, gulped in air and breathed into her mouth! He repeated these actions 10-15 times, getting progressivley desperate at her lack of response, she neither stirred nor breathed! 

Zaib closed his eyes and sent up a silent prayer : Aye Khuda, Kripa ki jaan baksh do, isey bhi mujhsey mat chheeno! Let her live, isey bacha lo.

His hopes renewed by prayer, he breathed air into her lungs more vigorously, pumping rhythmically, whispering: Come on Kripa, wapas aa jaao.come back to me! 
Suddenly she stirred under his lips, moaning softly. Zaib straightened at once, grinning with relief! Yes! She was coming through! 

"Kripa!" he held her face and gently shook it like waking up a child! She moaned again and shook her head weakly from side to side. 
Her eyes opened slowly, glassy, unfocused at first, then clearing with bewildered confusion. Suddenly she saw him, looming above her, big, strong, muscular, dangerously male, mussed up hair hanging over glinting green eyes! His hands rested on her abdomen below her breasts! 
She gasped and sat up in panic, covering her chest instinctively : Yeh kya kar rahey ho tum?. She spat at him in nervous fury!

His hands clenched, he smiled tightly: Tumhari jaan bacha raha hoon! 
Jaanbachanashe repeated vaguely, staring at him apprehensively! 
Her head felt light and woozy, she touched her temples and groaned: Kya hua tha mujheykuchh yaad nahin
Tum behosh thi.he explained grimly what that had happened, the gas leak, an attempt to kill them in their sleep, he had carried her here to save her ..

Kripa turned absolutely pale.someone had tried to kill them! Never in her sheltered, pampered young life had she encountered such danger to her life! This was getting out of hand! She looked at his hard face and blurted out: Humein turant police ko bulana chahiye! Pehley Angad ka accident, aur ab humein maarney ki koshish! We have to tell them

NAHIN! Zaib's vehement denial startled herHARGIZ NAHIN! Phir kaatil ko Angad ki haalat aur merey asliyat ke baarey mein pataa chal jayega! That scoundrel WILL WIN! Kaatil jo bhi ho, usey katayi khabar nahin honay dengeyke uska plan kaamyab ho gayaaaj raat jo kuchh bhi hua, uska zikr kisisey mat karna! Yeh raaz hum dono ke beech mein hi rahega, Samjhi?

Kripa nodded mutely, eyes wide and alarmed, partly with terror of the unknown killer and partly from the fury in Zaib's eyes! He stared at her fearful eyes and relented, his voice softened : Kripa, tum samajh rahi ho main kya keh raha hoon? Hum kaatil ko dhokha detey rahengey, wo sochega uska plan naakamyab raha, wo frustrate ho jayega, galtiyan karega aur phirphir hum usey pakad lengey! Lekin filhaal hamarey paas zyada waqt nahin.kal humein Khandala jaana hai Dad se milney aur phir kal raatSwitzerland ki flight pakadna hai! 

Kripa's face brightened at once Angad!! Switzerland! 
Zaib saw the swift change in her eyes and smiled ruefully: Chalo ab kamrey mein wapas chalkar so jaatey hain, kal subah jaldi nikalna hai! 
Kripa stuttered: Lelekin kamrey mein gas leak.
Zaib shook his head: Don't worry! Mainey gas off kar diya tha, ab tak AC ne hawaa saaf kar diya hoga

As Kripa moved to exit the room, he stopped her again: THEHRO!
He opened the door and checked the corridor surreptitiously. The coast was clear nobody seemed to be up and about! At least nobody could be seen around..
He signalled Kripa to follow him quietly. They sneaked out of Angad's parents bedroom and quickly slipped into their suite! Zaib was rightthe smell of gas was  almost gone! 
Kripa slipped into her side of the bed and sighed wearily.so much fear and excitement in one single night!

 Zaib's weight compressed the other side of the bed but for the first time since the wedding night, Kripa wasn't nervous or embarassed! She trusted this man! He had saved her life! He had revived her when she was unconscious! He could have taken advantage of her but he didn't! Her cheeks flushed suddenly at the thought of his hands on her chest.his lips breathing air into her mouth.but she mentally shook her head.Nahin, wo meri jaan bacha raha tha! Hes a good man! 
She turned her thoughts to Angad, waiting for her in a Swiss hospital. 
She whispered longingly into her pillow: Bus aur ek din. phir main tumharey paas pahunch jaungi! 

Zaib flung a hefty arm over his forehead, pretending to be asleep. But his eyes were open, his mind was a beehive of buzzing thoughts and questions! Kaun hai jo yeh sab kar raha hai? Zaahir hai ghar ka koi aadmi ya phir.kiraye ka kaatil bhi toh ho sakta hai? Nahin, ghar ka hi hoga! This gas leak seems like an inside job! Khair, aaj raat ko bahut badi balaa tal gayi! Ab jaisey bhi ho iss ghar se, iss sheher se kal nikalna hoga! Once we are out of here, my secret will be safe! 

                *************************************************************

Breakfast was a completely mundane affair! Nobody appeared to know what had happened last night! Zaib and Kripa behaved as normally as possible under the circumstances. They chatted with family members about their trip and answered their questions! 

Of course, Kripa couldn't help throwing suspicious glances at Kartik, but Zaib seemed to read her mind and nudged her foot with his toe under the table in warning! 
She quickly controlled her wondering thoughts and turned to Gauri Bhabhi who was asking her:  Honeymoon ke liye packing ho gayi? 
Kripa gave a shy smile : Mainey kal hi packing khatam kar lee thi..sab bags tayyar hain!

Mishti sneered at once: Of course! Honeymoon per jaaney ki bahut jaldi hai naa isey! 
Kripa turned red and quickly looked aroundThank God Chachajee was immersed in his newspaper and Chachi was still in her prayer room!
 She glared at Mishti, biting her lower lip to stop a retort! She pitied Mishti for burning up with jealousy at the thought of her honeymooning with Angad! 

Zaib smiled knowingly, Kripa had told him about Mishti's sick obsession with Angad she was the jilted woman! He couldn't resist torturing Mishti a little more.
 He smirked at Mishti and wickedly insinuated: Waisey Bhabhi, honeymoon ke liye zyada packing ki zaroorat nahin padti,  Right? He winked naughtily. Mishti turned a peculiar shade of maroon-purple and almost spluttered in furious indignation! 

Gauri cleared her throat and scolded them in a low voice: Papa baithey hain, zara sambhalkey.
Kripa smothered her laughter at Mishti's expression! Zaib and his naughty quips! He was too much! 
Chacha jee looked up from his morning paper : Angad Beta, passport vagairah sab lena mat bhoolnaaur tum dono meri gaadi lekar jaaoManoj tumhey Khandala hotay huey airport bhi chhod dega.

Zaib smoothly declined: Im sorry, Chachajee, mainey already Limo book kar liya haipehli baar Kripa ko Khandala lekar jaa raha hoon, kuchh special chahiye thaaur phir aapki car ghar per rahey toh behtar hogaChachi jee ko zaroorat pad sakti hai? 
Chachi jee was coming to the table right that moment, she beamed approvingly: Sach kaha beta, tum dono car le jaogey toh der raat tak wapas nahin ayegamujhey bhi aaj Temple ke ek function mein jaana hai.achha hua jo tumney limo bula liya

Chacha jee was taken aback at Angad's travel decision. He used to rely heavily on them before! 
But he nodded approvingly : Chalo, achha hi huaDekha, Bhagwaan? Shadi ke baad har aadmi badal jaata hai, zyada zimmedaar aur independent ban jaata hai
Kripa glanced at Zaib.so he didn't want any mode of transportation provided by his relatives, he didn't trust any of them! It was a scary thought.

                    ***************************************************************

They set out on their journey to Khandala without further delay, after loading the limo with 4 designer suitcases full of warm clothes for Switzerland! The Khannas bid them fairwell at the main door, Mili crying a little for her new Chachi..Dipu sullenly holding his Mom's hand.
 Damini Chachi smiled with smug satisfaction. With Angad and his bride gone, she and her brood would rule over Khanna House for the next 2 weeks! 

Chacha jee yelled out instructions till the limo pulled away: Bhaisaab ko hum sabka Pranam aur pyaar dena.aur Switzerland pahunchtey hi phone kar dena.
Zaib and Kripa waved at them with smiling faces. As soon as they were out of sight, their smiles faded, both slumped tiredly in their seats with a sigh. It was such a strain to keep up the pretence! To hide their fears and suspicions!
Both looked out of their windows, lost in their own thoughts. 

As the limo left behind the hustle-bustle of Mumbai and sped down the Mumbai-Khandala Highway, Kripa turned to Zaib to ask him how long it would take. The strange expression on his face made her falter. He looked extremely tense, coiled up tight like a spring.
Zaib.she called his name softlyKya baat hai? Tum pareshan ho?
He turned to look at her, a deep anguish and painful anxiety in his eyes! 
She realized he was going to meet his birth father for the very first time!
 But what a terrible twist of fate!  What supreme misfortune, he couldn't reveal his true identityhe couldn't tell his Dad who he was.the dead son returned to life after 26 years! He was meeting his Dad for the first time as ANGAD! Not as Abhimanyu! 

 Kripa was too softhearthed, not to feel for his dilemna! Her heart melted with pity!
She stretched out her hand and touched his wrist. She reassured him gently: Sab kuchh theek hoga, don't worry.Dad tumhey dekhkar bahut khush hongay.
What else could she say under those circumstances?
 His brown eyes turned to molten topaz with gratitude and some deeper emotion she couldn't read!
Thanks! he said gruffly, his large warm hand clasped hers, covering it completely. He squeezed her hand gently. a warm flow of understanding seemed to flow between them for the first time, a comradeship, of fellow travellers in peril! Kripa looked into those warm eyes, felt the heat of his touchsuddenly a tremor went through her bodyshe looked away and bit her lower lip in consternation. 
But she let her hand remain under his palm. Several minutes passed, he seemed to relax a little. 

To distract him from his present delimna, she asked him about his past: Naina Aunty ne tumhara naam Abhimanyu se badalkar Zaib kyun rakha? 
He smiled rather whimsically: I guess ab main tumhey poori daastaan suna sakta hoon.
He glanced at the limo driver who was too far ahead in front to listen in on their conversation. Besides this wasn't Chacha ji's car or driver. It was safe to tell Kripa about his childhood, his youth, his upbringingabout his other family in Hyderabad! 

                            *****************************************************************

Zaib's story:
After Naina left Vizag with the newborn Abhimanyu, she went straight to Hyderabad, where she had attended college before marriage. She knew a few people there but didn't contact anyone, she wanted to remain anonymous. She was constantly afraid that Avantika would change her mind or tell Dilip about the 2nd son and they would track her down and take Abhi away from her! 
So great was her fear that she cut off all contacts with her extended family so nobody would find her. She posed as a widow with a son born posthumously to a deceased husband. 

Avantika was still sending her money to a bank account in Vizag. She used that money to buy a small flat in the busy bylanes of the city where she could disappear in the crowds and be undetected by anyone who knew her as Naina. But she had overlooked one major factor. Her youth and unusual beauty attracted attention of the bad kind from men.all kinds of men, from local shopkeepers, to neighbours, to street Romeos, to pimps and gundas! The fact that she was alone, widowed, supposedly defenseless only spurred them on! Soon she became fearful for her safety. She couldn't venture out at night for fears of being molested. 

When Abhi was a toddler, he fell sick one night. She left him with her maid and went to the nearby Clinic to buy medicines for him. On the way back, she was accosted by a gang of 4 hooligans who followed her shouting ribald comments. She was terrified and started running. That's when she bumped into Zayed Akhtar, a struggling poet/writer who worked in the local Printing Press. 
Zayed was a local guy, people knew and respected him as a man of letters. Naina begged him for protection against the hooligans. Zayed took one look at the beautiful widow and lost his heart at once! He knew he couldn't fight the 4 gundas alone so he yelled and summoned a few friendly neighbours to help him! The hooligans ran away when they saw the people coming out of their houses.

 Zayed escorted Naina home safely that night. He returned next morning to enquire about Naina's son.he came again that evening after work to ask if she needed any medicines or supplies. At first Naina was awkward and hesitant with him, although deeply grateful for his assistance. Then gradually she started to like this gentle, poetic lover who never demanded anything in return for his devoted attentions! 

Slowly she warmed up to him and a few months later, he proposed to her, she accepted gladly. Marrying Zayed would not only give her a loving man and protector but she would convert to his faith and change her name and Abhi's too! That's how Naina became Nasima, and Abhimanyu Khanna became Zaib Akhtar! 

Zayed and Nasima spent a few years of married bliss! But when Zaib was 9 years old, tragedy struck again! After all these years of trying for another child, Naina became pregnant again! Zayed was overjoyed. He pampered his Nasima with gifts, shayari, his love and devotion! But alas, Naina was not destined to give birth herself. In her 6th month, she developed some complications of cranial blood clots and died suddenly, alongwith the little girl child in her womb!
 Zayed was devastated! He lost his beloved wife and unborn child! He spiralled into a black hole of depression and started drinking heavily! 

Zaib was almost orphaned.his Ammi had died, his Abbu was hardly home, spending his money and time in the local daru ka adda! He was left all alone and learned to fend for himself. The 10 year old boy taught himself to cook and keep house, he cooked meals for himself and his father, he went to school, studied, washed his and Abbu's clothes, took care of the house, paid bills with money he extracted from Abbu's pockethe was forced to grow up at the age of 10!
 
Five years later, Zayed suddenly had a change of heart. Probably some neighbour or friend reminded him of his responsibilties towards Zaib! He sobered up, started taking an interest in Zaib's education and upbringing. He even apologized to Zaib for neglecting him for those years! He felt guilty about how he would face Nasima when he met her in the afterlife. He promised Zaib he would be a better father. 

He wanted Zaib to study Engineering as that was what Nasima had wanted. Zaib promised Abbu he would study hard and pass the joint entrance exams to fulfil his mother's dreams! But alas, bad luck hounded him again! When Zaib had just passed his SSC exams and preparing for college entrance, Zayed died in a freak accident. Hyderabad was being plagued by power cuts in those days. On his way back from the Printing Press during such a power cut, he slipped and fell into an open manhole. He was rescued and taken to the hospital but died later of toxic inhalation. 

Zaib was really orphaned then! He was even more shocked to learn of his father's substantial debts. Naina had long ceased to take money deposited by Avantika, since she married Zayed. Her first husband's navy pension and Zayed's modest earnings had maintained the family well. But after her death, Zayed had incurred a lot of debt, due to his drinking problems and also taken loans to run his household. Zaib realized his dreams of attending college would remain a dream! He had no money to enroll, hardly enough money to support himself from day to day. 
At 18, Zaib became a man of the streets! He worked all kinds of odd jobs, even did menial labor sometimes to feed himself and pay off Abbu's debts. Hard work toughened him! He became a rough and tough streetsmart guy who knew how to defend himself with his fists! He became a fighter, a survivor!

Then one day while going through his Abbu's papers, he came across several notebooks, containing shayari, soulful poems dedicated to Nasima. They were poems of love, of pain, of loss, hopelessness! Zaib, the tough young man cried that day! He read those poems and cried! 
He realized how much Zayed had loved his Ammi! He also realized those poems were really good and should be published! He set out on a mission to get them published, determined to make Abbu famous after death. He knocked on the doors of several publishers but they all wanted money to print those poems. Finally disgusted with those avaricious businessmen, Zaib had a better idea.

 He had always been interested in music. Ammi had bought him a guitar when he was 9, just before her death. He had taken a few lessons as well in a local music school and had continued independantly during those loney years. 
He sat down with the poems and started composing tunes for them while strumming his guitar. Thus, Zaib discovered his own talent for music, for singing and composing! He had a rich, deep voice which suited those romantic melodies very well. He approached a famous Hotel and asked for a job as a musician/ singer. The Hotel Manager knew Zaib's neighbour so he gave him a chance and took his audition. So impressed was he with the performance that he gave Zaib a permanent job as a singer at the Hotel. 

Zaib not only had a night job, he was also keeping his father's creations alive by singing them in front of an appreciative audience. 
During the day, he worked at a factory as a machinist, in the evening he sang his heart out at the Hotel. His rugged good looks and deep baritone won the hearts and admiration of several rich women in the city.  They approached him and offered him money to be their secret lover. But he had no intentions of being a gigolo! He turned them down gently but firmly. 
This is how he spent the next 6 years of his life, working hard during day, singing romantic ghazals at night.till Angad found him one day! And then mayhem began in his life again!

                               ***************************************************************

Kripa listened wide-eyed to the tale of his turbulent past, of tragedies and struggles. Her heart melted with sympathy for this rough edged man who had been dealt a bad hand by fate! Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, sacrificed by his birth mother and brought up by kind yet ill-fated parents.he had faced a hard life, had to struggle for mere existence! Yet all the while, he was joint heir to a multimillion fortune, like his twin Angad! Suddenly, she felt guilty for some reason! Zaib should have received whatever Angad enjoyed! It was so unfair the way life had treated him. Kripa was surprised at her own feeling of guilt.. why should SHE feel guilty? Then she knew.she was compensating for Angad who wasn't here.. 

Curiously she asked Zaib: Kya Angad ko bhi yeh sab pata hai?
Zaib smiled, a rather mocking yet whimsical smile: Haan, Bhai ne bhi merey past ke baarey mein sab kuchh poochha, jaisey ke tum poochh rahi ho.
Kripa bit her lower lip.Angad must have felt horribly guilty too when he heard about Zaib's struggles in life. He had been unable to attend college because of lack of money! What a shame! Joint heir to Khanna family.had to work in a factory!

Impulsively, she clasped Zaib's hand again: Im sorrytumhey bahut kuchh sehna pada hai
Zaib looked at her.the piercing gleam in his eyes seared her soulhe seemed to be diving into her psyche to feel the sincerity of her words. Kripa gulped nervouslyshe wanted to lick her dry lips but didn't dare. She didn't want those eyes to focus on her lips again! Zaib's searching gaze found traces of tears in her beautiful dark eyes. He was satisfiedshe was really moved by his story! Good! Empathy was a good start to any relationship! He had stirred some deep feelings in her heart and that gave him a fierce satisfaction!

He suddenly looked away, releasing her from the prison of his eyes. 
He responded gruffly: Sorry ki koi zaroorat nahin! Sab apna apna naseeb hai! Waqt se pehley aur kismat se zyada kisiko naa mila hai naa milega! Waisey.I have no regrets! Ammi aur Abbu dono mujhey behadd pyar kartey the.bus merey naseeb mein likha nahin tha isliye unka saath chhoot gaya! 
Kripa looked at his hard profile, his heavy voice and deeply sad intonation belied the tough exterior of nonchalance. He wasn't as tough as he seemed. He had a soft core, that cried silently at his tragic destiny! She pressed his arm again gently, then withdrew her hand. 


As their limo approached the bright green slopes and valleys of Khandala, Zaib grew increasingly agitated. He was in a whirlpool of anticipation and apprehension, meeting his real father for the first time! How would he control his turbulent emotions and be a realistic Angad without raising Dilip's suspicions? Is it that easy to fool a father who has brought up a son for 26 years? Will he know the difference between Angad and him? 

He feared yet he hoped Dad would recognize him as the lost son. Kripa watched the silent conflict on his face and softly spoke up: Zaibyaad rakho tum Angad hoDad ko shaq nahin hona chahiye
He replied grimly without looking at her: Don't worrymain sab kuchh sambhal loonga! 

And he seemed completely in control as the car drew up in front a walled compound enclosing a sprawling white bungalow, with red sloping alpine roof and chimneys. It had the same security system as Khanna House.
 Zaib leaned out of the window and spoke into an electronic box at the gate : Shyamlaal, gate khol do, hum aa gaye
The manservant named Shyamlaal emerged from the bungalow with a broad welcoming smile. He was middle aged and quite hefty. He hurriedly opened the gate: Ayiye Angad Saab, Badey Saab bechaini se aap dono ka intezaar kar rahey hain!
Zaib convincingly grinned: Kaisey ho Shyamlaal? Dad kaisey hain?
Shyamlaal eagerly looked at Kripa and said: Jee, main badhiya hoon, Badey Saab ka thoda BP high hai lekin wo aapkey aaney ki khushi se
Zaib helped Kripa step out of the limo and sauntered confidently towards the ornate glass door: Dad ne dawai lee? 
Jee, dawaaiyan sab up to date hai.ab aapko dekhkar wo bilkul theek ho jayengey. 
Shyamlaal welcomed Kripa into the house: Aayiye Bahurani! 
She glanced at Zaib who quickly introduced her: Yeh Dad ke caretaker hain, unka khayal rakhtey hain. 

Kripa followed Zaib and Shyamlaal into a sprawling living-room with Kashmiri tables and chairs and a fireplace. A fire burned in the grate to ward off the chilly October air in the hills. The walls were lined with pictures of Avantika, Angad and Dilip in their happier days. Her gaze fell upon the frail old man sitting in a wheelchair by the couch. His hair was all white and wispy, his eyes blurry from old age and disease! 
He was completely paralyzed on his right side as that hand hung limply on his lap. He stretched out his left hand towards his son: ANGAD! he cried out shakily, his paralyzed lips twisting leftwards. 
Zaib froze for a moment! His eyes burned with suppressed tears! Dad! That was his father, sitting in that wheelchair, a broken shell of his former self, that he had only seen in pictures so far!
 Love and profound sorrow shook his large frame as he rushed forward and fell to his knees by his father's side. 
DAD! He wrapped his arms around the frail figure and hugged him tightly. Dilip hugged him back, a little surprised at Angad's sudden affection. 
Zaib quickly recollected himself and got up : Dad! How are you? Humney aapko shadi mein bahut miss kiya! he blurted out impulsively.
Dilip laughed, a weak, wheezy sound: Kya karoon? Main toh aana chahta tha lekin Dr. Mehra ne bed rest ka order de diya! Ab uss Hitler ke aagey mera kaun sunega?
Zaib and Kripa laughed too, pleased to see that Dad had retained his sense of humor inspite of physical disabilities. 

Dilip extended his good arm to Zaib: Angad Beta, Kripa kahan hai? Usey zara saamney laao..
Kripa went forward at once. Dilip craned his neck to see her clearly: Bahu, thoda nazdeek aao, mujhey theek se dikhayi nahin detaab toh aankhein bhi kamzor ho gayi hain
Kripa bent down closer to his face, he stared at her features for a long while. 
A one-sided smile lit up his frozen face : Bahut khubsoorat! Angad, tumney jaisa kaha tha, ussey zyada sundar hai hamari bahu! 
Kripa bent lower and touched his feet. He raised his left hand in blessing: Jeeti raho! Sada suhagan raho! Tum dono ki jodi hamesha bani rahey!
Suddenly upset, Kripa straightened up and glanced at Zaibwho looked quite smug at Dad's blessings. If she could read his thoughts she would be even more shocked! 
Bahu, wahan table per ek box rakha hai, zara yahan laao? Dilip's voice distracted her. 
Kripa replied: Jee Dad, abhi layi
She fetched the long red velvet box from the center table and handed it to him. He handed it back to her: Ab isey kholo.
She opened the box, resting inside was a gorgeous gold jadau set, slightly old-fashioned in design, yet immensely beautiful! 

Dilip smiled happily: Yeh tumhari saas ki thi, tumharey liye chhod gayi haiyeh mooh dikhai ke liyeaur bhi bahut saarey gehney hain, sab tumharey hain. Tum dono Honeymoon se lautkar aao toh sab kuchh tumharey haathon saunp doonga. Angad, zara wo haar bahu ko pehna do.tumhari Maa aaj hoti toh apney haathon se bahu ko sajati..Dilip fell silent, his eyes tearing up.
Of course, Dad!. Zaib swallowed a painful lump in his throat, he sure would have loved to meet his mother too!
 He took the necklace out of the box and signalled Kripa to remove the silky curls from her nape. She put down the box and obliged him. Zaib placed the heavy necklace around her neck and latched the back. Again, his fingertips touched the ultra-sensitive skin of her neck, again she shivered and cursed herself for reacting to his touch! Zaib hid a satisfied smile.

 She turned around to face her father-in-law. He peered at her hazy image and smiled, nodding: Bahut khoob! Tum Khanna khandaan ki yogya bahu ho! Roop mein Laxmi, gun mein Saraswati! Beti, Angad ne bataya tum bahut achha gaati hoek gaana sunaogi? 
Haan Daddyjee.Kripa agreed at once. 
Thehro, pehley tum dono araam se baithoShyamlaal, merey bahu aur betey ke liye sharbat aur mithai laao
Shyamlaal brought out a tray bearing glasses of mango juice, various sweets and snacks. He served them with a perfect hospitality. 
Dilip urged them both : Angad, Kripa, dono mooh meetha karo.shadi ke baad pehli baar aayi ho.  Bahuagar Avantika hoti toh sab rasam karvati, khair Damini ne wahan sab rasam karvaya hoga. 
There was a hopeful query in his voice. Kripa reassured him at once that all customs had been observed: Haan, Daddyjee, Chachi jee ne sab rasmon ka khayal rakha
Dilip nodded in satisfaction. He urged Kripa to sing and she obliged with a sweet melodious song from the 60s, with sad undertones of lost love. subconsciously she was dedicating it to Angad's dear departed mother: 

http://www.radioreloaded.com/tracks/?20542

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VizU0-Gcic

Rahe na rahe hum..mahaka karenge
Ban ke kalee..ban ke sabaa..baag-e-wafaa mein.

Mausam koi ho is chaman mein.. rang ban ke rahenge hum khirama
Chahat ki khushbu yun hi zulfon se udegee.. khiza ho ya baharen
Yun hi jhoomte aur khilte rahenge..
Ban ke kalee..ban ke sabaa.. baag-e-wafan mein.

Khoye hum aise.. kya hain milna.. kya bichhadna.. nahin hain yaad hum ko
Kooche mein dil ke jab se aaye.. sirf dil ki zameen hain yaad hum ko
Isi sarzameen pe hum to rahenge..
Ban ke kalee..ban ke sabaa.. baag-e-wafan mein.

Jab hum na honge.. jab hamare khaak pe tum rukoge.. chalate chalate
Ashkon se bhigi chandani mein ek sada si suno ge chalte chalte
Wahin pe kahin hum tum se milenge..
Ban ke kalee.. ban ke sabaa.. baag-e-wafan mein.

Rahe na rahe hum..mahaka karenge
Ban ke kalee..ban ke sabaa..baag-e-wafan mein.

Both men listened mesmerized, to her honey sweet voice. Dilip got nostalgic and tearful, remembering his dead wife! Zaib stared at Kripa as she sang, his heart aching with longing to possess her! She was such a wonderful singer, she was like his other half! If only..if only she was really his

When the song ended, Dilip wiped his eyes with his left sleeve : Bahut achha gaati ho, Bahu.tumhari awaaz dil ko chhoo jaati hai! 
Zaib cleared his throat, feeling all choked up : Dad, aap theek toh hain naa?

Dilip smiled again: Haan, beta, aaj main bahut khush hoon! Ab mujhey kya hoga? Ab toh mujhey bahut saal jeena hai, apney potey potiyon ko god mein khilana haiab yehi asha mujhey zinda rakhegi, tandrust kar degi.Kya pata, shayad potey ke saath ek din football bhi khel sakunga!  Dilip laughed again, frail, weak yet ecstatic! 
Kripa looked down in embarassment. 
Zaib grinned widely: Hum aapki asha zaroor poori karengey!
Kripa turned to glare at the shameless guy, he winked and gave her a teasing smile. Kripa sniffed and turned away haughtily, thinking, Yes! She and ANGAD will definitely fulfil Dad's wishes one day! 

Dilip started reminiscing about old days, about Avantika, about Angad's childhood. Kripa listened intently, Zaib pretended to remember all those incidents that had happened to his twin brother, although at times his eyes flickered with strange emotions. A mix of jealousy, angst, pain, of missing out on all those moments he could have shared with his real family!

A little later, lunch was served in the dining room. The cook had prepared all Angad's favorite dishes. Zaib ate everything with great relish, enacting the part of Angad to a T
Dilip asked him about the business and how the company was doing. Zaib answered his questions confidently, backed with knowledge acquired during the last 2 days! Dilip didn't suspect anything amiss! His weak eyesight had worked in Zaib's favor. 
Perhaps if Dilip's eyesight had been better, he would have noticed the slight differences in Angad, the mannerisms or special traits that only a parent would know about! 
But Zaib had managed to deceive Kripa at the wedding and his extended family and colleagues after that. He managed to pull it off with Angad's dad too.HIS Dad who had no idea of his existence! 

                              ******************************************************************

It was late afternoon and Zaib took leave from Dilip: Dad ab humein chalna chahiye, shaam ko 7 bajey ki flight hai, Mumbai Airport yahan se 2 ghantey ka raasta hai
Dilip nodded: Haan Zaroor! Late nahin hona chahiye, Mumbai ke traffic ka koi bharosa nahin, tum dono abhi nikal pado

Zaib and Kripa touched his feet and took his blessings again. 
Shyamlaal wheeled Dilip out to the porch where he waved to his son and bahu: Angad! Switzerland pahunchtey hi phone ya email kar dena.tum dono ka safar sukhad ho! Apna khayal rakhna! 
Zaib and Kripa took one last look at the frail old man smiling and waving from his wheelchair and then their limo went down the slope back to the Highway. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next part: Switzerland

Posted: 10 years ago
DECEPTION..PART 15

Their plane was in mid-air, crossing over the Balkans.  After the stewardess had removed their dinner trays and closed their tables, Kripa leaned back and yawned delicately.

 Zaib turned his head at once: Thak gayi? Tum so jaaochalo, main madad karta hoon..
He reclined her backrest all the way down in the business class seat, reached for a pillow and propped it under her head. Kripa laid back gladly as he covered her with the warm blanket. 
She smiled up at him gratefully: Thank you!
His eyes softened: No problem. Ab tum aaram karo.kaafi lambi flight hai
She closed her tired eyes and fell asleep at once! 

Zaib watched her with a bemused expression. Like a child, she could fall asleep so easily! She was so innocent.so unaware of reality.so hopeful, optimistiche sighed and turned away.
Zaib reclined his seat as well and closed his eyes. But sleep avoided him. 
Deep anxiety and tension knitted his brow as stormy thoughts circled in his head! So far he had been successful in convincing Kripa.but what will happen when she learns the truth? How would he tell her? How will she react? He was afraid.for her!

He opened his eyes and glanced at her, so lost in her dreamworld. She snuggled into her pillow, her face turned towards him. Long dark lashes rested on curved cheeks, a sweet smile played on those delectable crimson lips!  A sudden pang struck his heart.she must be dreaming of Angad! Yes, definitely she dreamt of Angad.her eyes moved rapidly beneath shadowed eyelidsher lips parted in a slight whisper..An..gad

Zaib turned away with a jerk! Again that sharp sting in his chest! The pain of wanting, rejection, jealousy! Yes, jealousy towards his brother! For possessing the heart of the girl that HE wanted!
 
Meanwhile Kripa was dreaming..
She was in a bright green undulating valley.snowy white towering peaks jutted all around the landscape! She was running towards someone, her feet didn't touch the ground, she was flying towards the man in her dream..it was HIM! ANGAD! He was coming towards herarms stretched wide, a dazzling smile of welcome on his sculpted lips! He looked so handsome in a brown leather jacket and white pullover! She felt breathless just looking at him! He was smiling at her and singing.it was strange, he wasn't a singer but he sang in her dream

Jaanam dekh lo 
Mit gayi dooriyan
Main yahan hoon yahan hoon yahan hoon yahan.
Kaisi, sarhadein, kaisi majbooriyaan
Main yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan

She was getting close,  closer still.his deep voice resounded in the surrounding hills..

Main hi main ab tumhaare khayaalon mein hoon
Main jawaabon mein hoon, main sawaalon mein hoon
Main tumhaare har ek khwaab mein hoon basa
Main tumhaari nazar ke ujaalon mein hoon
Dekhti, ho mujhe, dekhti ho jahaan
Main yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan
Jaanam, dekh lo, mit gayi dooriyaan
Main yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan
Kaisi sarhadein, kaisi majbooriyaan
Main yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan hoon, yahaan

He was coming closer but she could not reach him.she ran towards him with her arms outstretched..she was running still.as his song echoed in the hills above.

Main yahan hoon yahan hoon yahan hoon yahan.



A rough hand shook her shoulder: Kripa, utho, landing ka waqt ho gaya! 

 Yanked out of her beautiful dream, Kripa woke up with a start! For a moment she was disorientedthen she remembered where she wasshe was on the plane, going to Switzerland! Angad was there! At the hospital! Kripa sat up with bubbling excitement. She looked up at Zaib's inscrutable face with a dazzling smile : Hum pahunch gaye?

Haan..he was subdued, withdrawn: Captain ne abhi landing ka announcement kar diya, tum belt laga lo. 
Kripa buckled up eagerly and peered out of her window at the thinning clouds as the plane descended to her dreamland. She was so excited she didn't notice the grim, dark visage of her companion who was worrying about the next step in their journey. 
She could see the verdant valleys and towns of the picturesque country girdled by snow covered mountains. That landscape was in her dream just  moments ago! First happiness sang in her chestAngad yahan hai, isi desh mein hai...
Then worry set in.pata nahin kaisa hoga wo.
Then confidence in her love's healing power.Ab main apni jee jaan lagakar uski seva karungi phir wo jaldi theek ho jayega aur phir hum dono ek saath hongay..she started spinning happy dreams of being together with Angad again!

She was impatient as they cleared customs, collected their luggage in a trolley and walked out of the airport. A dark SUV was waiting for them, its Swiss driver standing with the placard: Mr and Mrs Khanna. Kripa eagerly followed Zaib into the car, the driver loaded their luggage in the back and then they were on their way. 

She looked out of the window at the sights and sounds of the strange country. They were in Lucerne, one of the main towns in the Swiss Alps.
She glanced at Zaib with a puzzled frownwhy did they come here, to a tourist place? Is the hospital located here?

Zaib was completely silent, brooding, avoiding her eyes, but she was too consumed by her imminent meeting with Angad. Every atom of her being seemed to be in a state of expectationher eyes searched for the hospital where Angad was admitted as they passed through the charming town. But no, they were not stopping anywhere! And there was no sign of any big hospital or clinic!

She couldn't bear the suspense anymore and burst out : Zaibhospital kahan hai? Kya isi sheher mein hai?
Zaib forced himself to look at her: Nahin, thodi door hai, yahan se kareeban 30 meel ki doori per hai, hum wahin jaa rahein hain! 

Ohh! Kripa smiled with relief and settled down to await their destination. She didn't see how pale and drawn Zaib looked as he replied, how he quickly averted his face to hide the dread in his eyes! 
The car winded up and down the mountain highway, passing cute villages perched on hillsides, mountain streams, rolling green hills, grazing sheep, with towering white mountains in the backdrop. Kripa was charmed by the lovely scenery and could only wonder how lovely her reunion with Angad was going to be in those environs.

Half an hour had passed and still there was no sign of the hospital Zaib had mentioned. Instead the car pulled up a hilly road to a cluster of wooden chalets or cottages and stopped in front of a big wooden building with the signage " Neuchatel Chalets"

Zaib got out of the car and started walking towards the building. Kripa hurried after him and pulled his arm: Yeh kahan aaye hain hum? Yahan toh koi hotel hai? Hospital kahan per hai?
Zaib turned around, his eyes shuttered, emotionless: Kripa, we have to check in at the hotel first, phir hum wahan chalengey! 

Lekin KYUN? Hum pehley HOSPITAL KYUN nahin jaa saktey? ..Kripa was almost tearful with disappointment.
Zaib blinked, trying to compose himself, then patted her cheek like a child's: Dekho, yahan scene mat karohamarey liyeI mean Angad aur tumharey liye yahan reservation hai, we have to check in first. Pehley cottage mein fresh hokar phir hospital chalengey! Aur tum time difference bhi yaad rakho.abhi yahan 2 bajey hain.Hospital ke visiting hours 5 bajey shuru hoti hain!

Kripa frowned at him for a few moments, trying to gauge his honesty. He seemed sincere enough so she calmed down and followed him quietly into the hotel office. 
The Swiss clerk spoke broken English as he welcomed Mr and Mrs Khanna, informing them that the best Honeymoon chalet had been reserved for them, awaiting their arrival with champagne and a burning wood fireplace. 

Zaib, alias Angad Khanna thanked the clerk, held Kripa's elbow as they walked out, then up the slope to the "Honeymoon" chalet. 
The couple entered the cottage, their driver brought up their luggage, Zaib paid him in Swiss currency and closed the door. 

 Kripa was in a daze as she looked around the beautifully decorated rustic cottage with its oak furniture, crackling fireplace, bubbling hot tub and big luxurious bed! All this was supposed to be for Angad and her! He had booked this chalet for their romantic nights in paradise! But now he was lying in some hospital not far away from this place, badly injured, fighting to survive! Tears came to her eyes but she blinked them away! 
NO, she would not surrender to fate, she will be hopeful, optimistic! Hope can work miracles and she will be Angad's strength, not his weakness! 

She looked out through the picture windows at the distant hills, wondering where the hospital was located. 
She turned around to ask Zaib:  Yahan se hospital kitni door hai?
But he waved her off, busy calling someone on his mobile.
 She went towards him, eagerly enquiring: Kya tum Shabbir ko call kar rahey ho? 

He signalled her to keep quiet and quickly marched into the bedroom to talk on the mobile.
 She watched him nervously, noting the tension in his hard, inscrutable face. What was the matter? Why was he acting so mysteriously?

Unable to bear the suspense, she followed him into the bedroom. Just as she reached him, she heard him yell: KYA? WHAT DID YOU SAY?
She saw Zaib's face turn to ash color as he sat down on the bed, the mobile falling from his hand, his eyes closed with despair.

A terrible fear gripped her heart! She ran to him, picked up the mobile and yelled into it: MR. SHABBIR! KYA HUA? ANGAD KO KYA HUA? ANGAD KAHAN HAI?
There was no response at the other end! Shabbir must have hung up! Kripa grabbed Zaib's arms and shook him frantically: KYA HUA MEREY ANGAD KO? KAHAN HAI WO? JAWAAB DO!!!

Zaib opened his eyes and looked at her..there was grief and anguish in his tearful green eyes. 
His voice cracked : Kripa.Angad humein.chhodkar chala gaya

Kripa jerked away like she had been struck by lightning: KYA KEH RAHEY HO TUM? ANGAD KAHAN CHALA GAYA? MUJHEY KUCHH SAMAJH NAHIN AA RAHA! BATAAO MUJHEY, KAHAN HAI WO?

Zaib stood up from the bed and tried to compose himself. This was the worst he had feared. 
Kripa grabbed his jacket collar and shook him, demanding the truth: TELL ME RIGHT NOW! I WANT TO KNOW! ANGAD KAHAN HAI? MUJHEY JAANA HAI USKEY PAAS!

Zaib shook his head slowly, a pulse throbbed in his jaw: Im sorry, KripaAngad is no more! ..he said it softly as if to soften the blow.
Her hands were cold, a deep tremor shook her body.she couldn't believe what she was hearing: Kya keh rahey ho tum? she stared at him in disbelief. 

Zaib looked into her horrified eyes with empathy : Haan, Kripa.yeh sach haiAngad ab iss duniya mein nahin raha.India mein hi.airport jaatey waqt usney dum tod diya.he passed away!
She felt numb with shock as all the blood drained from her body, there was a loud buzzing in her head.Angad passed away.passed awaywhat did he mean by that? 
Shock turned to denial! NOIT CANNOT BE TRUE! 
 Zaib was lying! He must be! He had told her Angad had reached Switzerland safely! 

I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! she screamed at Zaib.TUM JHOOTH BOL RAHEY HO! ANGAD YAHIN HAI! TUMNEY KAHA THA WO YAHAN HOSPITAL MEIN HAI! MAIN NAHIN MAANTIKE ANGADNAHIIINNN..SAB JHOOTH HAI! TUM JHOOTHEY HO! 
The pain deepened in his eyes, he spoke in his own defense: Shabbir ne mujhsey jo kaha tha mainey wahi kaha.lekin Angad ab zinda nahin

Kripa slapped him hard, screaming with rage: NOOO.SHABBIR NE NAHIN KAHA.TUM BAHANA BANA RAHEY HO! TUM NAHIN CHAHTEY MAIN ANGAD SE MILOON.TUMNEY DHOKHEY SE MUJHSEY SHADI KEE, AB MUJHEY ANGAD SE DOOR RAKHNA CHAHTEY HO! MAIN ABHI JAA RAHI HOON USKEY PAAS.
She turned around and started running out of the cottage. Zaib ran after her, his cheek stinging with her slap. 

He caught her at the door and trapped her in the prison of his embrace: KRIPA, MERI BAAT SUNO! MAIN SACH KEH RAHA HOON! I CAN PROVE IT! GIVE ME A CHANCE! MERI BAAT SUNO!
Kripa struggled madly in his hefty arms, screaming: NAHIN.CHHODO MUJHEY, ANGAD KE PAAS JAANEY DO! TUM JHOOTHEY HO, DHOKEYBAAZ, MAKKAR HO! LET ME GO, YOU BRUTE! YOU LIAR!
Zaib dragged, then carried her petite struggling body to the bed and threw her down on it! With lightning speed, he picked up his mobile and dialed Shabbir's number.
 Kripa half lay on the bed, stunned, traumatized, gasping with rage and disbelief, glaring at Zaib with suspicious hatred in her eyes!

Zaib spoke grimly into his mobile: Shabbir? Kripa se baat karo! Wo meri baat nahin maan rahi! She thinks I am lying..please, tell her the truth!
He handed the mobile to Kripa silently but his eyes conveyed the deep pain of her rejection and distrust. 
Kripa sat up and took the mobile in her trembling hand. She heard Shabbir's voice for the first time: Kripa Bhabhi, main Shabbir bol raha hoon.his voice was full of sadness: Bhabhi, I am sorry, hum Angad ko bacha nahin sakey.Aiport le jaa rahey the, itney mein ambulance mein hi wo.he expired. I am sorry.

She felt life ebbing from her veins, the whole world was collapsing around her but somewhere in her heart, there was still doubt . 
She whispered painfully  : Lekin. Zaib ne..  kaha tha Angad Switzerland pahunch gaya aur hospital mein hai

I know Bhabhi, I am sorry, mainey hi Zaib se kaha tha aapsey jhooth boley..main chahta tha aap dono Switzerland theek se pahunch jayen.agar yahan pata chalta toh aap apney apko sambhaal nahin paati aur phir Angad ka kaatil jaan jaata ke wo..uska vaar kamyaab ho gaya ..phir Zaib ki sachchai bhi pakdi jaati aur hamara plan fail ho jaata.

Main kaisey aapka yakeen karoon? Main nahin maanti aap abhi sach bol rahey hain!Kripa still didn't believe that her Angad was dead. she challenged Shabbir in a broken voice, clinging to her last hope.

Shabbir sighed and sadly agreed: I know Bhabhi, itni dardnaak baat yakeen karna bahut mushkil hai. Khair, main aapko ek MMS bhej raha hoon.chahta toh nahin tha, lekin ab yahi ek raasta hai aapko yakeen dilaney ka

Kripa's hands, her entire body shook as she held the mobile away and looked at the MMS..it was Angad.lying on a white hospital bed, covered with a white sheet. There were dark bruises on his face, a big white bandage covered his head completely.but it was his nose that confirmed her worst nightmare. Two pieces of cotton wool were stuffed in his nostrils.the sign of death! 

Kripa stared at his broken body covered with the shroud of her hopes and dreams, the end of the life of her love.the terrible photo seemed to fade and recede as the sound of rushing wind grew louder in her ears.the mobile slipped from her hand and she slumped on the bed, sinking into the darkness of a void! 

Zaib pounced on the bed, picked up the mobile and saw the terrible photo. He picked up Kripa and cradled her in his arms, calling her name urgently: KRIPA.KRIPAAANKHEIN KHOLO .KRIPA.
She was unconscious! Her face was pale, lifeless, her body ice-cold. He was stricken with a sudden fear..what if she collapsed from shock? What if she had heart failure from trauma?

He laid her on the bed, ran to the bathroom, fetched a cup of water. He sprinkled the water on her face gentlycalling her name: Kripa! Kripa, aankhein kholo.

She moaned softly and shook her head, but didn't open her eyes. Her body was still cold as ice! Zaib panicked, he had to warm her up somehow!
 He got up again, sprinted to the living room. He spotted a bottle of champagne and some jars of wine at the wet bar. His eyes swiftly scanned the wine shelf, he picked out a strong British brandy and mixed it with some water. 
Then he went back to Kripa, propped her up on his arm, opened her mouth and forced a little brandy down her throat. She coughed violently and opened her eyes. She blinked and saw his concerned face, the glass of brandy in his hand. 
Her eyes blazed at him, then she scrambled up, rolling away from him. 

KYA KAR RAHEY HO TUM? MUJHEY SHARAB KYUN PILA RAHEY HO? She yelled accusingly. 
He explained in a forced calm tone: Tum behosh ho gayi thi, tumhey hosh mein laaney ke liye iska.istemaal karna pada.

NAHIN CHAHIYE MUJHEY..KYUN MUJHEY JAGAYA? she screamed, sobbing hysterically: NAHIN JEENA MUJHEY ANGAD KE BINA.MARNEY DO MUJHEY! I WANT TO DIE! 
Zaib flinched as if she had hit him again: Kripa!.he tried to reason in a calm tone: Kripa, hosh mein aao, tumhey kuchh ho gaya toh tumharey family ka kya hoga..tumhari Daditumharey Mama aur Papaunka kya hoga? 

MUJHEY KUCHH NAHIN SUNNA.Kripa crouched on the bed, shaking violently, crying, tears washing her pale cheeks, howling with pain and rage: GET OUT OF HERE! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! GET OUT!!!
Zaib knew it was no use saying anything to her in that state! She had to deal with Angad's death in her own way. He left the room silently, closing the door behind him. 

As soon as the door closed, Kripa collapsed on the bed in a heap, heaving with loud sobs! She clutched the bedcover in anguish, her heart seemed to burst out of its confines with pain! Angad was gone! Her life was over! He had left her alone and gone! She was still breathing, but she was dead inside.she would never see his beloved face again! Never be held in his arms again! NEVER! The finality of his death struck her like a hammer beating on her head! The excruciating pain felled her like a building had collapsed on her. She cried and cried till she could cry no more.
The paroxysm of grief left her limp and drained. She lay on the bed, staring into emptiness.as empty as her existence without Angad!


Zaib paced the other room in agitated state. He was completely devastated by his brother's death but being a man, he couldn't scream and cry like Kripa. He knew he had to be strong for her sake! For the future, for their plan to succeed! But still his limbs shook in the aftermath, after all he was human! 
He went to the bar, and poured himself a pint of whisky, to steady his nerves. He hated alcohol and rarely drank but right now he needed it! He gulped down the golden liquid, letting it burn his throat like the fire burning in his heart! He plopped down on the couch, his head fell back on the backrest. Staring at the wooden beams on the ceiling, myriad thoughts tortured his head! If onlyif only they had found Angad sooner, they could have saved him! But Shabbir had said, the accident had flung his body so far from the crash site.it had taken the rescue team days just to find him! 

Zaib looked down into his whiskey glass.Angad, merey bhai, tu bhi mujhey chhodkar chala gaya? Main itna unlucky kyun hoon? Jo bhi mera apna tha, sab chaley gaye! Pehley Ammi, phir Abba, phir Avantika Mom, jinko main dekh bhi nahin saka.aur ab. TUM bhi? Why, brother, WHY? Why did you leave us? Ab Kripa ka kya hoga? Kaisey jee payegi wo tumharey baghair? She will never accept me as her husband! Wo sirf tumsey pyaar karti hai aur tum hi usey chhodkar chaley gaye!!
I shouldn't have listened to you, Brother! I shouldn't have jumped from the car! I should have forced YOU to jump! Then today you would be alive and I would be dead!
 Waisey bhi mujhey poochhney wala kaun hai? Merey maut se kisiko bhi farq nahin padta! I shouldn't have let you go .I should have looked for you that night in the ravine..agar Kripa ko pata chala ke mainey us raat ke haadsey ke baarey mein jhooth kaha tha, toh wo mujhsey aur bhi nafrat karegi! Usey kabhie poorey sach ka pata nahin chalna chahiye! KABHIE NAHIN!
He gripped the glass so tightly in his anguish, it cracked and broke, spilling some whisky on his thigh, then crashing on the floor below! 
Zaib cursed loudly and tried to pick it up! A shard of broken glass pierced his palm ! He gasped in pain and pulled it out at once. 
Blood gurgled out of the wound, fresh, red blood. Zaib stared at his blood.so thick, so red, so warm! It was the same blood as Angad's!
Mera apna khoon tha Angad! Aaj wo khoon bhi beh gaya, meri wajeh se! Main usey bacha nahin saka! Wo mar gaya!
 He closed his eyes again with pain.and folded his palm, gripping the flowing blood.

Finally, he got up and tiredly picked up the broken glass pieces, throwing them in the trash can.
Wrapping a small towel around his wound, Zaib collapsed on the couch again. His heart was full of anguish, remorse, torment! Blaming himself for Angad's death, worrying about Kripa, grieving for a brother he knew only last 6 months!
 His eyes closed gradually, from the exhaustion of fighting a war within himself!

******************************************************************************

Dusk had fallen, shadows darkened the beautiful Swiss valley. It grew cold, bitterly cold as night overtook the crimson evening. A light snow began to fall across the land, covering the hills and valleys in a thin white veil. The cottage was silent, like a tomb, where two tormented souls lay grieving for the man who had passed on into the other world!

 Zaib dozed on the couch, tired from the traumatic events! 
The bedroom door opened, Kripa stepped out in a daze. Her eyes were unseeing, she moved like she was sleepwalking to the front door. She opened it soflty and stepped out into the falling snow. Clad only in a thin coat and dainty shoes, she started walking down the slope to the main road. The snow was falling heavily now.it was getting late so no vehicles passed her on the village road. She kept on walking.towards the mountains from her dreamshe knew Angad was waiting for her there.smiling with love, his arms outstretched! If she couldn't meet him in this life, she would meet him in death! 

She must have walked for a half a mile or more, when suddenly she felt numb all over. It was snowing very hard now, everything around was blanketed with thick snow. Her breathing was labored, her whole body freezing from sub- zero temperatures. She sat down by the roadside on a little mound, unable to walk any longer. Slowly she slumped on the icy slope, laying down on the snow as deathly stillness overcame her numb, chilled body.

She waited there for Angad, for Death...whoever came sooner.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pallavi


Posted: 10 years ago
DECEPTION      PART 16

Zaib woke up with a bone-deep shiver! He was freezing! Despite the warm jacket he wore! He rubbed his weary hazel eyes and looked around! The whole cottage was like an Arctic zone, ice cold air was coming in through the open door! 
OPEN DOOR!!!! 
 Zaib sprang up, his heart pounding with sudden fear!
 KRIPA!!!!

 He ran to the bedroom, it was empty! He checked the bathroom, that was empty as well! His fears intensified! Kripa was gone, she was missing! She had left the cottage!
Zaib rushed to the open door and looked outside! Snow was falling in thick drifts, piling up everywhere from the distant hills to the slopes fronting the cottages down to the road below. 
He stepped outside and yelled: KRIPAAA! KRIPAAA! 
There was no reply. Only the eerie silence of falling snow, drifting,  blanketing everything around him! WHERE WAS SHE? 

Zaib panicked and ran down the snowy slope to the road below. He looked right and left, there was no sign of her anywhere! Fear darkened his vision! Pata nahin kab cottage chhodkar gayi...ab tak kitni door gayi hogi...iss toofan mein kahin phans gayi hogi! I have to go search for her...lekin paidal jaaney se koi fayda nahin, wo kaafi door jaa chuki hogi...I have to get a car somehow!

He ran back up and headed for the main office. It was closed, the clerk had left for the night. Zaib was furious...yeh kaisa hotel hai, raat ko Reception band hai ! Laanat hai aisi resort per...ab kaisey gaadi ka bandobast hoga?

He went outside and looked around. A few cars and jeep type vehicles were parked outside the cottages, probably belonging to the guests sleeping inside. He chose the most sturdy vehicles and tried to open their doors. He got lucky on the 3rd one, it was unlocked! 

He looked heavenward: Khuda ka shukr hai...ab kisi tarah isey start kar doon toh kaam ban jaye! He got in and looked around, the car key was not in the starter. Obviously its owner  had the key! Zaib shrugged, starting the car would be no problem! He was quite an expert at hot-wiring cars. 
A criminal minded friend in his chawl had taught him during his youthful days of mischief! 

He opened the engine and hot-wired the car, making the engine start manually. Then he rolled the car slowly down the slope, being careful not to make too much noise and wake up the owner. When he was safely on the road, he got in and accelerated the car slowly over freshly snow-covered road. The car slid and skidded a little but soon the wheels gripped the road and he was on his way. 

Zaib decided to head towards the city. He guessed Kripa must have headed that way...probably she was still trying to reach the hospital, hoping that Angad would be there! 
He prayed silently as he drove carefully...Kripa ko mehfooz rakhna, Khuda! Usey kuchh honay mat dena...us masoom per rehem karna, bahut bada sadma laga hai usey, kahin wo kuchh kar naa baithey...

His heart heaved with pain for her and his situation, for their mutual grief and loss! His frantic eyes searched the roadside as he drove slowly on the crunchy snow. 
According to his calculations, Kripa couldn't have gone far, not more than a mile or half in this weather...unless...he turned pale with dread...unless she got a ride from someone, a stranger! Then he may never find her!

After of a mile, he spotted a splash of color in the pristine white snow! KRIPA! It was the red woollen salwar she was wearing when they arrived in Switzerland! He stopped the car and jumped out! Yes, it was her! But she was half buried under a fresh pile of snow!

He hurried to her and dug her out! She lay slumped over a little hillock of ice, her face resting on her outstretched arm...she was deathly still, turning blue from frostbite!
KRIPA!! KRIPA!! ...Zaib yelled, lifting and shaking her! She was like a ragged doll in his arms, limp, lifeless! His heart stopped for a moment! Was she dead? He pressed his cold finger on the side of her neck...there was a pulse, but very feeble! He had to get her back to the cottage RIGHT NOW! No time to waste! He had to save her life!

He lifted her easily in his brawny arms and carried her to the car, laying her down gently on the back seat! Then he took off his thick warm jacket and covered her with it. Shivering with cold himself, he got into the drivers seat and turned the car around, driving back to the hotel. He drove as fast as he could without skidding and reached within a few minutes.

 Leaving the illegally borrowed car on the road below, he carried Kripa's inert, frozen body up the slope, entered their cottage and kicked the door shut!

 He carried her to the couch and took off the jacket covering her. She was wet all over, completely soaked by the snow and ice from head to toe! He had to make her warm somehow, right now!! He looked at the dying embers in the fireplace. Striding over to the grate, he lit a piece of firewood with the gas lighter and threw it in. He stoked the flames quickly with more dry logs and soon built up a roaring fire! He returned to Kripa's still form and quickly pulled off the wet salwar down her legs. Then he lifted her shoulders and tugged her kameez upwards till it came off completely.

 Underneath she wore a beige satin sheath that barely covered her creamy fair skin and swelling curves, its lacy hem ending just above her knees! He could clearly see the outline of her undergarments through the thin slip clinging to her body!
 Zaib's hands stilled for a moment in shock, a pulse beating in his throat! Heat suffused his face, spreading to the rest of his body! 

Her body was just...beautiful...it was pure perfection! Every limb, every curve was sensually perfect!   Khuda ne bahut  fursat se banaya hai tumhey, jaaneman...he whispered in his mind.

 Gritting his teeth against a growing arousal, he felt the satin slip for dampness! Thank goodness, it was almost dry! He wouldn't have to strip her down to her lingerie! He lifted her in his arms again, his fingers curled under her bare thighs as he carried her to the fireplace. He sat down in the couch closest to the fireplace, cradling her in his lap. He watched the fire crackle and warm up the room as it warmed him and Kripa too! He looked down at her face...icy pale, ravaged by tears, yet so poignantly beautiful! He tried not to look below her neck, at her delectable womanly swells. He stared at her long dark lashes, the sharp little nose, the sweet curved lips, the silky strands of hair framing her heart-shaped face...  she was so perfect, so dainty, so innocent!

 His heart ached for her pain, his body ached for her loveliness! He whispered achingly: Kripa...utho, aankhein kholo, meri jaan...main tumhey hamesha mehfooz rakhunga...I will never let anything happen to you, my love!

He watched her and waited, worrying, wanting, waiting for her to open her eyes. Slowly she started warming up...the blue hues on her skin was replaced by a red flush, a tinge of apple red blush returned to her cheeks. Zaib smiled with satisfaction, her body was regaining warmth at last! She would soon be alright! 

After half an hour, she stirred a little, moaning softly. Zaib knew she was returning to consciousness. He got up and carried her to the bedroom, gently placing her on the pillow, covered her with the thick comforter. She drifted back to sleep, safe and warm in the coccoon of the plush bed. 
Zaib sighed with utter relief: Chalo, balaa tali...ummeed hai Kripa theek ho jayegi aur phir se bhagegi nahin...he checked the lock on the bedroom door. It could be locked from inside and outside.

 Smiling with grim satisfaction, he went out to the living room, locking the bedroom door from outside. He settled down on the couch before the fire again, staring at the flames. They were a reflection of his passion, rising, crackling, roaring with silent intensity for the girl of his dreams who was grieving for the man she loved! 
Wo meri hokar bhi meri nahin...Angad ki amaanat hai. 
He silently promised his deceased brother: Angad, Bhai merey, main hamesha Kripa ko salamat rakhunga, apni jaan dekar bhi uski hifaazat karunga! Wo meri responsibility hi nahin, mera pyar hai, mera armaan hai, meri jaan hai!

He was too worried to sleep, his eyes constantly turning to the bedroom door, his ears pricked for any slight sounds from that room to alert him about Kripa's condition. After an hour he couldn't bear the tension and went back into the bedroom to check on her. Just to see how she was doing.

He knew something was wrong right away! She was flailing, gasping, then as he watched with concern, she began thrashing on the bed, crying out every other minute. She seemed to be in the grip of a feverish nightmare from which she couldn't escape. Zaib scooted to her side and held her shoulders to calm her down. She was shaking convulsively, crying...Angad...Angad...her eyes still closed.
 Zaib realized she was delirious. 
He panicked...she might go into shock and then into a coma! He had to stop her convulsions somehow...but how?

 His worrried glance fell on the dresser-mirror facing the bed...Angad's face stared back at him, except for the eyes! He had taken off his contacts when they had boarded the plane in Mumbai. He sprang up, rushed to the little box on the table, took out his brown contacts and put them on. Next he opened his suitcase, took out an outfit that Angad wore in the Mahabaleshwar photos...a white turtleneck pullover and dark blue jeans. He swiftly put on those clothes, brushed his hair the way Angad always did. Then he went back to bed and grabbed Kripa's flailing hands and held her in his arms tightly, reaching her with his loud, deep voice:  KRIPA...KRIPA...ANKHEIN KHOLO, DEKHO MAIN AA GAYA HOON! MAIN TUMHARA ANGAD HOON, I AM HERE, MY LOVE! LOOK AT ME, OPEN YOUR EYES! 

She opened her eyes, clouded, unseeing, frantic with grief and sickness! He rubbed his scruffy cheek against her soft one, making her feel his presence, his touch:  KRIPA...MAIN AA GAYA, MERI TARAF DEKHO, SWEETHEART! MAIN TUMHARA ANGAD HOON! 
Kripa sobbed: Angad! Tum aa gaye? Kahan the tum?
Main yahin paas hi tha...main tumhara intezaar kar raha tha! Ab tum aa gayi, hum phir se ek ho jayengey! KRIPA...I LOVE YOU! 

Zaib kissed her wet cheeks tenderly, kissed her temples, her swollen eyelids, all the while whispering tender words of love and reassurance. She calmed down miraculously, believing him, trusting him, clutching him tightly. 
Ab mujhey chhodkar kabhie mat jaana...she sobbed and clutched his arm like a drowning woman! 
He held her tightly in his arms: Nahin, kahin nahin jaunga, sirf tumharey paas rahunga. I promise!.
The soothing touch of "Angad", the comforting words, the promises uttered by him, acted like a balm on her wounded heart and soul. She quieted down, hiccuping a little, then slowly fell asleep in his arms. 

Zaib sat with her in his arms on the bed for a long time till she was breathing normally, deep in slumber. Then he cautiously laid her down on the pillow, and lay down beside her, holding her in his embrace. He couldn't leave her alone anymore, or else she might have another bout of convulsions. Now that he had convinced her he was Angad, he had to stay with her and keep his promise. 

Kripa murmured something in her sleep and convulsively clutched his arm again. Zaib drew her closer till they were flush together, body to body, toe to toe. She was almost bare skinned under the comforter, clad only in the thin satin slip and her innerwear. Her soft swells were pressing against his chest, her bare legs against his powerful thighs. Pretty soon, Zaib began to feel the effects of their closeness. 

His teeth clenched as he tried to control the rising desire in his loins. He cursed himself bitterly: Laanat hai, Kripa ki yeh haalat hai aur tujhey uski havas sataa rahi hai, tu aadmi hai ya janwar? 
His heart corrected him: Havas nahin, chaahat hai, main isey dilon jaan se chahta hoon aur yeh nazdeekiyan mujhey bebas kar rahi hain...aakhir main bhi insaan hoon...farishta nahin!
With clenched teeth and bated breath he lay there with Kripa in his arms, tortured by the feel of her softness, torn by guilt at his aroused state, determined to keep her safe at all cost, even at the cost of lying to her, pretending to be his dead brother!

Gradually, eventually his eyes closed out of sheer exhaustion and he slept, holding his girl tightly. 


When he woke up, it was early dawn. Some instinct told him something was wrong! He looked for Kripa...she had rolled away from him and lying on her side. He sat up and leaned over her to check her condition. She seemed to be breathing heavily. He stretched out his arm and touched her forehead. IT WAS BURNING UP! She had very high fever! Just by touch, he could tell it was dangerously high! His heart sank to his bowels again! Phir se...zaroor uss barf mein rehney ki vajeh se beemar pad gayi...
What if its pneumonia? That could be life threatening!!!
 Abhi doctor ko bulana chahiye!

He sprang up, covered Kripa with the thick blankets and picked up the bedside telephone. Thankfully, the receptionist had arrived for morning duty and answered in guttural German accented English. Zaib asked him about the nearest doctor. 
There is an emergency! My wife is seriously ill! She MUST see the doctor at once!

The clerk replied sleepily: Im sorry Sir, the road to town is closed now because of snowstorm. Snow machines will take at least 3-4 hours to clean it. 
Zaib cursed the weather and the country under his breath, then enquired: Is there a doctor I can call? Who can tell me what to do in the meantime?
Of course Sir! There is Doctor Hans Zimmer...he lives 5 miles to the south. He comes here to our village to treat patients. You can call him at this number.
Zaib quickly took down the number and called Dr. Zimmer. 

(to be continued)

pallavi

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DECEPTION..PART 17

Dr. Zimmer listened carefully to Kripa's symptoms as Zaib described her condition and urged him : Please Doctor, you must come at once! She has very high fever! Please hurry! She is really sick! 
The doctor queried: What is her temperature?
Zaib hesitated: Im not sure, it seems very highmaybe 102-103 degrees.

Zimmer instructed him: Do something.ask Marcel at the front desk for a thermometer, it should be there in a first aid box, then take your wife's temperatureit's a digital one, you just have to insert it in her ear and hold it till it beeps, take the reading, and call me back at once!
Zaib was on the go: OK, doctor! Will do that right now

He called Marcel who fetched the thermometer within a few minutes. Zaib followed doctor's instructions and took her temperature. 
He was shocked! It was 104.8!!
 He had never heard of anyone having such high fever! It must be pneumonia! His hands shook with trepidation.is Kripa going to die? Like Angad? NO! NEVER! I wont let that happen!
He called Zimmer right away: Doctor! Temperature is 104.8! YOU MUST come at once! 

The doc got worried too: That is very high indeed, patient seems serious.I fear I cannot make it there so quickly, theyre still clearing snow off the roads .it will take me at least an hour to get there.
Zaib panicked: One hour!!! What if she collapses! I don't know what to do! Tell me what to do.
Doctor Zimmer thought for a moment: Alright, listen, you have to bring her temperature down ..follow what I say.you have to give her an ice bath!

WHATT!! Zaib yelled in shock! ICE BATH?? WHAT ARE U SAYING, DOC?
Yes! Yes, listen to me carefully! When body reaches that high temperature, its very dangerous, we have to bring it down to normal temperature.so take your wife to the bathtub, fill it with lukewarm water! Ask Marcel to bring you ice.a lot of cubed ice from the ice machine or just ice packs. Put the ice cubes around her body, then place the ice packs under her neck, armpits and on her forehead! Then wait for some time and take her temperature again. Continue this till fever comes down to 101then wait for me to arrive and take over.
Zaib's throat was dry with fear, he swallowed and said: Alright, doctor, I will do my best!
 
He dialled up Marcel the clerk again, ordering him to bring as much ice as possible. Then he filled up the bathtub with a few inches of room temperature water. 
Marcel brought 2 buckets full of ice cubes from the hotel freezer. 

Zaib poured all the ice into the tub and then carried Kripa's unconscious form into the bathroom. He hesitated for a minute, she was still wearing the thin satin slip. He debated whether he should take it off, then shook his head. She was wearing just lingerie underneath and he didn't want to be distracted by that alluring vision while treating her ailment.

 He lowered her gently in the ice cold water and rested her head on a folded towel. He slowly rubbed pieces of ice on her forehead, neck, arms, hoping it would reduce the burning heat in her body! His eyes rested on her pale, beautiful face as he tended her as gently as a nurse.
 All his worries, all his longing came to the fore as he silently sent up prayers to make her better, to bring down her fever.
 After 10 minutes of ice treatment, he took her temperature again.it was 103.2! He smiled, the treatment was working!

 He resumed the ice packs with full faith, taking her temperature every 15 minutes. Just as the doctor had predicted, within half an hour, her body became cooler, the thermometer read 100.7 which was below the 101 mark!

 Zaib smiled and heaved a sigh of relief! She was out of danger for now at least, until the doctor could arrive and treat her. now he had to shift her back to bed but he must dry her first.and change her wet clothes. He gulped nervously, that would be a hard task for him!

 Changing her.meant undressing her completely! How would he do that without jeopardizing her modesty? How? He looked around the bathroom, his eyes fell on two "His" and "Hers" bathrobes provided by the hotel. 

He smiled with relief. perfect solution to his problem! He took the smaller bathrobe and spread it on the side of the bathtub. Then he lifted Kripa's completely soaked body and wrapped her securely in the robe. The thick towelling material absorbed most of the water from her body and lingerie. Zaib lifted her up in his brawny arms like a swaddled baby and carried her back to bed. 

But then he was in a quandary! How could he lay her down on the bed in the wet clothes? He would HAVE to change her clothes! There was no avoiding it anymore! 

Clenching his jaws, he placed her robed body at the edge of the bed. His hands shook as he unwrapped the robe and looked at her. the wet satin sheath clung to her curves like second skin. He averted his eyes from her swelling bosom and quickly pulled the thin straps off her creamy shoulders! He slowly peeled the satin slip off her body, trembling with uncontrollable desire as her beautiful body was revealed inch by inch, clad only in her silky undergarments! Every inch was perfect! The soft round swells, the valleys, the sweet dip of her navel, the generous curve of her hips tapering down to shapely thighs and legs.
 He could only stare and stare in complete wonder, he had never seen an undressed women so closely before! Were all women so beautiful? 
Kya Khuda ne har aurat ko itna khubsoorat banaya hai? Ya phir Kripa hi aisi jannat ki hoor hai jo kismat se aaj merey paas hai! 
His fascinated gaze was not just of lust, it was utter awe and fascination with the natural beauty before him! 
Suddenly he remembered her condition! She was seriously ill! And here he was gawking at her almost naked body! Shame on him! He cursed himself again and covered her body with the terry robe! 

He didn't have the courage to remove her innerwear too! NO! He couldn't outrage her modesty while she was unconscious! She would never forgive him when she woke up!
 If she knew he had seen her completely naked...he flushed at the sudden image that sprang up in his mind! His body hardened with intense need and he got up at once, pacing around the room to cool his ardor!

When he had controlled his urges, he returned to the bed and gently lifted her, placing her in the center of the bed. He covered her with the heavy comforter and checked her temperature again. It was holding steady at 100.2. 
Sighing again with relief, Zaib sank down on the chair in the bedroom and waited for the doctor to arrive, glancing from time to time at her still form. 

The minutes ticked by as excruciatingly slow as life does when everything is going wrong! Finally after an hour long wait, Dr. Zimmer arrived with a medical assistant. 
He was a tall, blonde man with crisp bedside manners. He asked Zaib about what had happened as he took Kripa's temperature and pressure. Zaib told him about her sojourn in the snowstorm and how she had been exposed to the bitter cold in the midst of the storm. 

Dr. Zimmer looked sharply at him: Why did she go out in the snowstorm? Did you have a fight with her?
Zaib quickly shook his head: No , it was nothing like that! My wife, she has had a severe shock! 

Dr Zimmer gave Kripa an injection, then looked up at Zaib with a frown: What kind of shock? 
Zaib cleared his choking throat: Someone she loved passed awaywe just got the news when we arrived here.the shock was too much for her! She just lost her senses and walked out in the snow while I was sleeping.I discovered her half hour later.or perhaps even later.Im not sure
Zaib's eyes clouded with pain as he recounted Kripa's mishap.

I see!.Zimmer looked concernedly at Kripa.so it's a case of mental shock combined with thermal exposure! That's a bad omen.
Zaib's heart leaped with fear: What omen? What will happen to her? Is she going to be alright? 

The doctor looked grim: In cases of shock the patient sometimes doesn't respond to treatment. The mind which controls  the body shuts down and doesn't reciprocate. On top of that she is suffering from hypothermia where  the body's vital systems have been affected. 

Zaib fists clenched anxiously: What can we do? Should we take her to a hospital?
Zimmer shook his head: No, no need for that, for now I will treat her here. If she doesn't respond or her condition worsens then we will have to move her to town hospital

 Zaib was close to tears : Please, doctor, save my wife!
The doctor smiled slightly at his worried face: Don't give up yet! We will try our best! 
Dr. Zimmer instructed his assistant to set up a glucose drip and started checking Kripa from head to toe. 
He frowned with disapproval: What is this? You have not removed her wet underclothes? She cannot remain in wet clothes! You have to remove them! And dress her in a warm nightdress.please do this while we go and get some supplies from the car.
Zaib nodded, he had no other choice. He would have to undress her completely now. 


But right then he had an idea, he could undress her without looking at her..he covered Kripa with the comforter and feeling for the back hooks and clasps under the covers, he managed to take off her bra. He took out a warm nightie from her still packed suitcase and slipped it over her shoulders and down her nubile torso. 

Then it was the more difficult part.taking off her panties. But he managed it somehow, covering the lower part of her body with the comforter, he slid the small garment down her hips, then more easily down her legs. When his fingers touched her soft skin, he trembled and for just a moment his hands lingered on her smooth, silky thighs. But then he controlled himself and continued the task with a wildly beating heart. This was Kripa! His life, his love! 
 He had to save her, somehow, anyhow! Even if it meant he had to pose as Angad and appear in her dreams! Even if it meant killing his own passion to keep her safe and alive!
Zaib was flushed and sweating by the time he had completed dressing her in the nightie. He had never been so aroused and helpless in his whole life!

Dr. Zimmer returned with a lot of medical supplies and soon a makeshift care unit was set up in the chalet bedroom. Kripa started getting glucose drip and a small heart monitor was set up to track her vital signs! 

Doc gave her another injection and then turned to Zaib.Mr. Khanna! Shes stabilized now but we have to keep her under observation for 2-3 days! Most important is for her to be revived, to recover consciousness, which should happen within 24 hrs! If she doesn't wake up by tomorrow, then.we will have to shift her to hospital for long term care. I have to leave now, other patients are waiting at my clinic but Im leaving my assistant here, he will monitor her condition and send me updates. You keep an eye on her too.and pray for the best!

Zaib was pale, subdued with anxiety but managed a smile as he shook doc's hand : Thank you, doctor! I hope she revives very soonshes been out so long.
Zimmer patted Zaib's hand reassuringly : Don't worry, young man, your wife will recover by this evening, if my medicines work!

After the doctor left, Zaib pulled up a chair by Kripa's bedside and watched her like a guardian angel, staring at her closed eyes, willing them to open, muttering prayers under his breath!
 
The doctor's assistant also pulled up the other chair and sat down to watch the heart machine, adjust her drip and meds and monitor her care.

An hour later, Kripa's mobile rang with a musical ringtone, shattering the tomb-like silence of the bedroom. 
Zaib sprang up and picked up the mobile from the bedstand. It was Kripa's dad calling from Mahabaleswar. Zaib sprinted to the living room and closed the connecting door. 

Yes, Papa! He answered the phone: Haan, hum yahan kal shaam ko hi pahunch gaye the
Kripa's dad complained: Yeh kya beta, wahan pahunchkar ek phone toh kar detey? Naa koi phone, naa khabar, hum toh soch sochkar pareshan ho rahey hain yahan

Zaib was sincerely contrite: Im sorry, Papa, safar se itna thak gaye the ke dono dinner ke baad so gaye aur phir aisi aankh lag gayi ke..pata hi nahin chala kab subah ho gayi.his voice trailed off as he contemplated the magnitude of lies he was telling his new father in law!
Surya empathized: Haan Beta, thakna toh tha, itna lamba safar jo taye kiya! Kripa kaisi hai? Kahan hai? Hum zara baat karein?

Zaib stiffened: Papa, Im sorry, Kripa abhi bhi so rahi hai, wo bahut thaki huyi hai, lekin agar aap chahein toh main jagaa doon? (he knew that would make Surya refuse at once)
Nahin nahin Beta, usey soney do, bachchi bahut tired hai, usko aaram ki zaroorat hai. Wo jaag jaye toh usey batana humney call kiya tha aur raat ko main phir call karoonga, uski Mumma aur Dadi dono bechain hain ussey baatein karney ke liye
Jee, Papa, hum zaroor call karengey, aap sab apna khayal rakhiyega! 

Zaib hung up and got lost in thought, he had managed the situation for now but how would he answer when Papa called at night, if Kripa wasn't revived by then? He would have to concoct more stories, tell more lies! He sighed and scraped both hands through his already tousled hair."what tangled webs we weave, when we practise to deceive!"

 The whole thing was a disaster, Angad's horrible accident and death, his disguise as Angad, fooling both families to find out the killer and. now this! Kripa's life hanging by a thread and his having to lie to her parents that she was hale and hearty, on her honeymoon! 

His lips twisted suddenly in derision,  what was remarkable was neither his dear uncle nor anybody else from the great Khanna khandaan had called even once.
 Obviously they didn't care if they had reached Switzerland in safety. Probably some of them would be very happy if they didn't reach at all! Especially the killer, whoever he was...

 But Zaib thought his Dad would certainly worry. He dialled Khandala house number and spoke with his Dad. His wounded heart got some comfort from speaking to the only living member of his family, his Dad! 

Dilip was happy and relieved to hear that they had reached safely.
 Angad Beta, bahu ka khayal rakhna, aur apney sehat ka bhi dhyan rakhna, wahan baraf gir raha hai, kaafi thand hogadono coat-hat-scarf wagairah pehney rakhna

Zaib smiled quizzically: Aapko kaisey pata? 
Dilip laughed: Main wahan ka weather dekh raha hoon yahan baithey, computer per, mujhey tum dono ki fikr hai, tum dono sahi salamat laut aao phir main chain ki saans loonga! 
Zaib agreed: Sure Dad! Jaisa aap chahein waisa hi hoga! (Silently he prayed that his Dad's wishes will be granted and Kripa will recover soon)

After talking to his Dad, Zaib felt more optimistic and bright. He got up and ordered breakfast from room service. Then he went into the bedroom and checked up on Kripa again. She was still unconscious but the attendant told Zaib that her vital signs were stable and there was no cause for worry!
 
Zaib freshened up after a traumatic night and had breakfast. He offered some to the attendant too and then asked how Kripa could get food in her unconscious state. 
The attendant assured him Kripa was getting both meds and glucose through her IV and didn't need any more sustenance for the time being. Zaib felt guilty eating while his wife lay in a semi-coma but he had to keep up his strength and energy to cope with whatever happened next. 

***************************************************************************

In the afternoon he suddenly got a call from Shabbir:  Hello Zaib! How is Kripa Bhabhi? How did she handle the news? 
Zaib's voice was heavy with grief: Bad News, Shabbir. Kripa is unconscious since last night!
WHAT? Shabbir must have jumped up in shock: What happened? Yeh kaisey hua?
 
Usey bahut bada sadma laga aur phir wo..Zaib told Shabbir all about Kripa's suicidal journey in the snowstorm and how he rescued her and what Dr. Zimmer had said regarding her illness : Doctor ne kaha hai shock aur hypothermia ki wajeh se Kripa ko bukhar hai aur wo behosh hai. agar kal subah tak hosh nahin aaya toh hospital shift karna padega.

There was a long silence at the other end, then Zaib overheard Shabbir talking in hushed tones to someone. 
Zaib frowned! Who was there at the other end? He and Shabbir were the only ones to know about Angad's death and the whole deception plan, then who else was he sharing it with? 
Zaib couldn't bear the suspense and asked sharply: Shabbir! Wahan aur kaun hai? Tum kissey baat kar rahey ho? Aur kisko pata hai Angad ke maut ke baarey mein?

Shabbir spoke quickly to alleviate his worries: Zaib! Yahan per wo detective hai jo pehley din se us khaai mein Angad ki khoj mein hamari madad kar raha tha, usey obviously sab pata hai. 
Zaib wasn't convinced: Usey Kripa ki haalat ke baarey mein bataney ki kya zaroorat hai? 

Shabbir denied it at once: Nahin Bhabhi ke baarey mein nahin, main ussey Angad ke funeral ke baarey mein baat kar raha tha.ke kaisey sab kuchh secretly kiya jaye.
But Zaib's antennae of doubt was up already: Oh I see, toh iss detective ka naam kya hai poochh sakta hoon? 
There was a slight pause at the other end, then Shabbir replied most casually: Rishi, uska naam hai Rishi Aggarwal, mera cousin hai wo, I can trust him with anything!

Achha. Toh theek hai, funeral ke baarey mein mujhey zaroor khabar kar dena, unfortunately main wahan nahin aa paunga, Kripa ki haalat aisi hai ke. Lekin main apney bhai ke roohani sukoon ke liye dua karunga.Zaib's voice deepened with the pain of losing his twin brother. 

Shabbir expressed concern about Kripa's condition:  Bhabhi ko jaisey hi hosh aaye mujhey call kar dena, main tumharey call ka intezaar karunga. Mujhey Bhabhi ki bahut fikr ho rahi hai, unko itna bhayanak sadma laga hai! Main unkey liye dua karoonga! Please call me, alright?

Zaib agreed and hung up. He was still not completely satisfied with Shabbir's explanations. 
He stood for a long time with doubts creeping up in his mind. 
Was Shabbir completely trustworthy? Who was this Rishi Aggarwal? How come Shabbir had never mentioned him before when the search was going on for Angad's body in the ravine? Can he trust Shabbir implicitly? Can he trust anybody at all in Angad's family or friends circle?

 Yet Shabbir was the one who had helped him all along right from that horrible night when he had stood at the edge of the ravine watching his brother's car burning down below. He had found Shabbir's mobile number in the wallet his brother had given him during their identity switch at the Pune hotel. Shabbir had come at once by helicopter and started searching the ravine right away.

 It was Shabbir who had given him a ride to Mahabaleswar that night so he could reach on time for the wedding, disguised as Angad! It was Shabbir who had advised him about all the family members in Khanna clan and Angad's friends so Zaib wouldn't make a blunder during his stint as Angad at the wedding parties. 
Shabbir had been his humraaz and co-conspirator all along.

Yet, that nagging doubt persisted in Zaib's head and heart. Why didn't Shabbir tell him about Angad's death before they left India? Yes, he wanted to shield Kripa but why not tell him? 
Angad was his own brother!! Why did he wait till Zaib arrived in Switzerland to give him the news? 
If he had learned about Angad's death while in India, he would never have journeyed here! Now he wont be able to see his brother even for the last time, before his funeral, before his body turned to ashes! 

With a throbbing head and aching heart, Zaib returned to the bedroom and took up his post near the bed where the love of his life lay deathly still, just breathing. He gazed at her closed eyes, her pale cheeks, silent lips and whispered.
Kripa, main tumhey kisi haal mein kho nahin sakta! Tum merey jeeney ka maqsad ho, meri zindagi ho! Please, aankhein kholo, jaan, meri taraf dekho.I just want you to come back to me. Don't leave me alone.
Weary tears burned his eyes as he waited for his own redemption from guilt and Kripa's recovery!

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pallavi


Posted: 10 years ago

DECEPTION...PART 18

Zaib spent the entire day at her bedside, waiting, staring intently at her face, almost willing her to open her eyes. Kripa remained stable throughout the day, her chest rising and falling with deep, slow breaths.

But she seemed to be in a deep slumber, lost in a dark realm of grief and sickness.

As dusk fell over the Swiss chalet, panic started to build up in his heart.

Dr. Zimmer had said if she didn't open her eyes within 24 hours, it was a bad sign! They would have to shift her to the hospital.

He asked the attendant when Kripa would regain consciousness, the guy just shrugged and shook his head...he had no idea, it was a waiting game as of now.

Zaib's desperation grew by leaps and bounds: Please Kripa, Khuda ke liye, aankhein kholo! Tumhey jeena hoga! You have to survive! Merey liye naa sahi apni family ke liye! Tumhari Maa, Papa, Dadi...sabka kya haal hoga jab unhey pata chalega tumharey saath kya hua hai! Kya kahunga main unsey?

It was almost evening, Kripa's dad would call again! What would he tell them? What new excuse would he make now?

As if on cue, the phone rang right that moment. Zaib sprang up and rushed to the living room to take the call.

It was Kripa's dad again: Angad Beta, Kripa uth gayi? Ab zara baat kara do ussey...

Zaib hesitated, tense, nervous: Nahin Papa, wo...wo abhi so rahi hai...

Kya hua usey? Sab theek toh hai na? Kripa theek toh hai naa? Suryabhan suspected something amiss.

Zaib gulped and drew a deep breath, he couldn't tell them the whole truth but he couldn't hide Kripa's condition from her parents anymore.

Papa... Kripa thodi si beemar hai (what an understatement, he thought)

Kyun? Kya hua Kripa ko? The concerned father panicked at once.

Zaib tried to break the news gently, minimizing the seriousness: Actually... Usey bukhaar hua hai. Yahan barf gir rahi thi, hum dono zara baahar ghoomney gaye the, usey zukhaam ho gaya hai, humein aadat nahin hai aisi sardi ka ...yahan ka mausam kaafi kharab hai...

Bukhaar? Yeh toh serious maamla hai, usey doctor ke paas le gaye the? Kripa's dad demanded impatiently.

Haan Papa, doctor dikhaya hai, davaa lekar so rahi hai ab, doctor ne kaha usey aaram ki zaroorat hai...

He could hear his in-laws talking on the other side, Gayatri worrying, fretting loudly, wanting to know more about her daughter's condition.

Zaib tried to sound reassuring: Papa, Mummy jee se kahiye, Kripa jaldi theek ho jayegi. Buss climate change ki vajeh se bukhaar ho gaya, normal si baat hai (Allah forgive me for lying so much)

Suryabhan sighed: Theek hai, Beta, tum uska khayal rakho aur apna bhi. Aur baahar ghoomney ki koi zaroorat nahin. Jab tak mausam kharab hai tum dono hotel mein hi raho...

Zaroor, Papa, hum apni galti nahin dohrayengey! I will take care of Kripa. Please aap tension mat leejiye, she will be okay, bilkul theek ho jayegi...(Khuda, meri baaton ko sach kar dein, he prayed silently)

After reassuring and soothing his worried in-laws some more, Zaib hung up with a sigh.

Just then his mobile rang again. It was Shabbir, also asking about Kripa.

Zaib had a resigned tone: Kripa ki haalat aagey se behtar hai, lekin usey abhi tak hosh nahin aaya...par uska pulse, temperature, BP sab stable hain.

Shabbir was silent for a moment, then spoke: Zaib, tum sach keh rahey ho? Kripa Bhabhi zinda hai naa?

Zaib flared up: Tumhey kya lagta hai? Main usey marney doonga? Kya main itna gair zimmedar hoon? Jab tak mujh mein jaan hai, main Kripa ko kuchh nahin honay doonga!

His fierce tone surprised Shabbir: Nahin yaar, I didn't mean that! I know u will do everything to save her life! Lekin usko ab tak hosh nahin aaya, that is not good...ab kya hoga?

Zaib rubbed his eyes wearily with the back of his hand: Kya hoga? Usey kal hospital shift karengey, wahan uski poori treatment hogi, jab tak usey hosh naa aa jaye, main uska saaya banker saath rahunga! So don't worry...

Shabbir sighed: Meri duayen tum dono ke saath hain! Kripa Bhabhi ko jaldi hosh aa jaye yehi har pal dua karoonga!

Yes, Im sure wo jaldi theek ho jayegi, usey theek hona hi padega! Zaib said forcefully, almost convincing himself!

Zaib went back to the bedroom with a heavy yet hopeful heart. With so many people praying for Kripa's well-being, she had a better chance to recover from her semi-comatose condition.

He resumed his vigil by her bedside, staring at her pale face, wondering if he could do anything to revive her. ANYTHING at all!

Darkness had shrouded the little Swiss town, a light snow fell outside the cabin.

Several more hours had passed, there was no movement from Kripa, except for the rising and falling of her chest, the only sign that she was alive and breathing.

Zaib gripped his chair handles, frowning with tension. It had been more than 24 hrs! She wasn't moving at all, she wasn't waking up! He would have to try something drastic to bring her back to life! What did she love most in her life, apart from Angad and her family...what was her passion? What inspired her? Excited her?

His brows furrowed as he thought hard...suddenly the clouds in his head cleared. A light appeared at the end of the dark tunnel!

MUSIC! OF COURSE! She was a talented, famous singer in her hometown. Zaib had watched her song video on Angad's mobile. She had the voice of a nightingale! She sang so beautifully in that video, that was what made him fall in love with her...he shook his head to clear it of those disturbing thoughts..

YES!...MUSIC might bring her back! He would have to try that! No harm in trying...

He quickly phoned Marcel, the hotel clerk: Do you have a guitar? Any guitar?

Yes, Sir, we have one here in the Lobby...its used for entertaining guests by our local musician..

Can I borrow it? I will pay for its renting...

Of course, Sir, no need to pay, its on the house. Are you a musician, Sir?

Yes, I mean no...Zaib said impatiently, quickly correcting himself. He was supposed to be businessman Angad, not club singer Zaib.

Carl brought over the Spanish guitar, Zaib settled down with the guitar at Kripa's bedside. The medical attendant watched him curiously but didn't comment. Obviously the sick lady's loving husband knew what he was doing...

Zaib handled the guitar lovingly, it had been so long since he had touched one. Ever since he left Hyderabad that fateful day, when he met Angad at Pune airport...music had been missing in his life. Now it was his only hope to bring back Kripa to consciousness.

He strummed and tuned the guitar gently then cleared his voice and started singing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAUSF4_ygJg

Dhundhla Jaayein Jo Manzilein

Ek Pal Ko Tu Nazar Jhuka

Jhuk Jaye Sar Jahan Wahi

Milta Hain Rab Ka Rasta

Teri Kismat Tu Badal De

Rakh Himmat Bus Chal De

Terey saath hi Mere Kadmon Ke Hain Nishan

Tu Na Jaane Aas Pass Hain Khuda

Tu Na Jaane Aas Pass Hain Khuda

Khud Pey Daal Tu Nazar

Halaton Se Haar Kar

Kahan Chala Re

Haath Ki Lakeer Ko

Modhta Marodhta Hai Hosla Re

Toh Khud Tere Khawabon Key Rang Mein

Tu Apne Jahan Ko Bhi Rang De

Ke Chalta Hoon Main Tere Sang Mein

Ho Shaam Bhi Toh Kya

Jab Hoga Andhera

Tab Payega Dar Mera

Uss Dar Pe Phir Hogi Teri Subah

Tu Na Jaane Aas Pass Hain Khuda

Tu Na Jaane Aas Pass Hain Khuda

Zaib continued his melody, looking at Kripa from time to time. From the first notes of the guitar, he noticed her chest was moving up and down more rapidly. She was breathing faster! Then as he sang, he saw her fingers move slightly. He smiled and sang with greater fervor. His magical cure was working! She was responding to music!

He continued with enthusiasm:

Mitt jaate hain sabke nishaan

Bas ek woh mitt ta nahin haye

Maan le jo har mushkil ko marzi meri haye

Ho humsafar na tera jab koi

Tu ho jahan rahunga main wahi

Tujhse kabhi na ik pal bhi main judaa

Tu na jaane aas pass hai khuda,

Tu na jaane aas pass hai khuda..

  The more he sang, the more her fingers moved. Then suddenly her face moved a little. Zaib sprang up with excitement and signalled the attendant who quickly took her pulse and smiled: Shes coming through, Sir! Good job!

Zaib grinned, the dark clouds had lifted, his smile was like sunshine. Kripaaa...he said softly, leaning over her.

Her long dark eyelashes fluttered, her eyelids moved a little. Kripa...he called her again, gently, lovingly.

Her eyes opened slowly, two dark pools, pupils dilated from strong medications.

 Zaib, overjoyed, called her name again: Kripaaa...

Kripa opened her drowsy eyes. At first, everything seemed hazy, foggy, like she was trapped in a dream! Then her vision cleared a little, focused right above...a smile broke out on her lips, Angad's face was right above her, whispering her name.

An-gad...she said softly, barely a whisper...

Yes, darling, main yahan hoon, tumharey paas...Angad's lips moved, smiled lovingly.

She stared at his lips moving, those lips that had kissed her, declared love to her...her eyes moved up to his eyes...those topaz eyes, glowing with love and concern. Her beloved Angad was here...she must have died and gone to heaven!

She smiled and sighed, closing her eyes...everything was alright now. She was with Angad in heaven!

Zaib panicked at once! Kya hua? Kripaaa...he grabbed her arms and called her urgently. Her eyes remained closed.

He asked the attendant fearfully: What happened? Did she pass out again?

Attendant checked her pulse and breathing pattern: Don't worry, shes just sleeping from the sedatives. Shes conscious, but sleeping. Congratulations, Sir, I think your wife is back...he grinned and shook Zaib's hand.

Zaib felt such a wave of relief wash through him, he collapsed in the chair. Shukr hai Khuda ka, Kripa wapas aa gayi, maut ke mooh se wapas le aaya usey main...

Things started returning to normal during the next few hours. Kripa was breathing normally, sleeping soundly. She was still getting sustenance from the IV drip, monitor was showing regular heartbeats.

Zaib freshened up, had dinner and slept on a couch in the bedroom. After 2 sleepless nights, he finally rested in comparative peace.

The next morning, the Attendant called Dr. Zimmer and reported Kripa's health updates. Zimmer gave her a clean chit, she was out of danger. The attendant took off Kripa's IV, gave Zaib the medications she would take, and also instructions on her diet and baths. Zaib listened carefully, brooding, worrying deep inside! How would Kripa react when she finally came to her senses???

His fears were not unfounded.

 

A few hours later, Kripa came to full consciousness. She opened her eyes and looked around the room with a frown. Where was she? The log cabin with its rustic dcor confused her.

She sat up slowly, weak and wobbly from her illness. Her dazed eyes scanned the room again. This was not her bedroom in Mahabaleshwar? It wasn't Angad's room...ANGAD!!! WHERE WAS ANGAD?

Suddenly everything came rushing through her head like a freight train on its way to disaster! ANGAD! ACCIDENT! DEAD!!

She cried loudly, a long wailing sound of grief and despair, like an animal in pain! ANGAAAD...

Zaib rushed towards her in panic! Kripa was back into full consciousness, she remembered everything!

KRIPAA!...he watched her with deep anxiety as she rocked back and forth with grief and wailed continuously. Twin rivers streamed down her pale cheeks. Her eyes were blinded, flooded with tears. He couldn't stand much more of it!

"KRIPA!" ZAib went near and called her name urgently, Please Kripa, calm down! Tum abhi abhi beemari se uthi ho, phir se bukhaar aa jayega! Please, shaant ho jaao!

She looked up at him angrily, her tear ravaged face tore into his soul. She recognized who he was now, inspite of his brown contact lenses!

 Her eyes spat fire at him: TUMNEY KYUN MUJHEY BACHAYA? MUJHEY MARNEY KYUN NAHIN DIYA? MUJHEY ANGAD KE PAAS JAANA THA...KYUN BACHAYA MUJHEY, BATAO! KYUUUNNN? She screamed with fury, venting out all her heartbreak on him!

Her accusing words pierced his heart like burning arrows. His temper flared, he had saved her life with such hardship and now she was asking him why he saved her life?

KYUN BACHAYA TUMHEY? He yelled back at her, KYUNKI TUMHEY JEENA PADEGA! YES! ANGAD MAR CHUKA HAI, BUT YOU HAVE TO LIVE! JAANNA CHAHTI HO KYUN? KYUNKI TUM SIRF ANGAD KI NAHIN! TUM APNEY MAA BAAP KI EKLAUTI AULAAD HO, APNI DADI KE AANKHON KA SAPNA HO! YOU HAVE TO LIVE FOR THEM! TUM ITNI KHUDGARZ KAISEY HO GAYI? ANGAD KE PYAR MEIN APNEY MAA BAAP DADI SABKO BHOOL GAYI? WO SAB TUMHAREY BAGHAIR JEE PAYENGEY? AGAR TUM MAR GAYI TOH UNKA KYA HOGA?

Kripa was stunned! His words sank into her devastated heart, bit by bit. She sat there like a statue, remembering her parents' loving faces, her Dadi in the wheelchair...she started crying again...this time it was silent tears rolling down her face.

Zaib knew he had hit the mark. But he wanted to make sure she wouldn't try to kill herself again.

He had to be cruel to be kind!

He marched to the bedroom door and opened it wide: Tum MARNA chahti ho naa? THEN GO! DARWAZA KHULA HAI! GO!

Kripa stared at him in shock.

He continued with his emotional torture: KYA HUA? JAAO BAAHAR AUR KHATAM KAR DO APNEY AAP KO! TUMHARA GHAM HI SABSEY IMPORTANT HAI NAA TUMHAREY LIYE? BAAKI SAB JO TUMSEY PYAAR KARTEY HAIN UNKA TOH KOI IMPORTANCE HI NAHIN! GO KILL YOURSELF...JAAO BAAHAR AUR PHIR SE LEIT JAAO BARF MEIN! MAIN TUMHEY BACHANEY NAHIN AUNGA ISS BAAR! KYUNKI MUJHEY JAANA HOGA KAHIN AUR...4 LOGON KE JANAZEY (Funeral) KA INTEZAAM KARNEY! TUMHARA, AUR TUMHAREY PARIVAAR KE 3 AUR LOGON KA...MAA, PAPA AUR DADI...SABKEY ANTIM SANSKAAR JO KARNEY PADENGEY MUJHEY...UNKA KOI AUR TOH HAI NAHIN ISS DUNIYA MEIN!

Kripa stared at him in stunned silence! Images of her Dadi, frail and helpless, wheelchair bound,  flashed before her eyes! Dadi...she whispered in pain...Dadi definitely would not survive if she knew the truth about Angad! She would die of shock...right away!

Zaib pressed on with his cruel attack on her sensibilities: TUM KHUD MARNA CHAHTI HO TOH THEEK HAI LEKIN YAAD RAKHNA TUMHAREY SAATH TUM 3 AUR LOGON KO BHI MAUT KE MOOH MEIN DHAKEL RAHI HO! JO TUMHAREY BAGHAIR JEE NAHIN SAKTEY! JO TUMSEY BEHADD PYAR KARTEY HAIN! ANGAD NE APNI JAAN NAHIN LEE THI...WO JEENA CHAHTA THA, TUMHAREY SAATH, LEKIN USEY KISINEY MAAR DALA... AB TUM BHI KAYARON KI TARAH APNI JAAN DE DOGI TOH WO KHOONI APNI CHAAL MEIN KAAMYAB HO JAYEGA! KYA TUM YAHI CHAHTI HO?

Silent tears of realization were rolling down her cheeks, she shook her head and looked up at him, mutely begging him to stop berating her!

He relented then, his eyes softened with love, she had suffered enough! She had just recovered from trauma and serious illness...Zaib turned away with a lump in his throat. Hurting her was more painful to him than she would ever know! But he had to do it! To stop her from going on a path of self  destruction, he had to speak the brutal truths! He took deep breaths, a pulse throbbed in his throat from his own emotional outburst! It was so hard to be so cruel to her...

He turned around after a few moments. Kripa had wiped off her tears and was staring dry-eyed at the wall...lost in her thoughts. He guessed she was thinking about her family back in India.

He walked towards her slowly. When he reached the bed, he straightened her pillows and made them upright.

She looked at him mutely. He signaled her to lean on the pillows and rest. She obeyed his silent instructions.  She leaned back and closed her eyes.

He said to her very gently: Tum aaram karo, Main tumharey liye soup order karta hoon.

Kripa didn't reply. Zaib went to the living room and called Marcel and ordered a bowl of hot vegetable soup.

When room service brought the soup, Zaib pulled a chair by her bedside and sat down. He took the soup bowl in one hand, scooped a spoonful with his other hand and held it out to her solemnly : Kripa, yeh soup pee lo...

She opened her eyes, looked at him tragically, then turned her face away.

 Zaib asked her in a grim tone: Tumhey jeena hai ke nahin?

She looked at him again with a glum face. Then she opened her mouth unwillingly. He fed her the spoonful, then another.

 He started talking to her normally then in a casual tone: Yeh soup khatam kar lo, tumhey taaqat ki zaroorat hai. Iskey baad hum tumharey Papa ko call karengey. Wo sab tumharey liye bahut pareshan hain!

Kripa asked him with sudden panic : Tumney unhey sab bata diya?   

He gave her a sardonic look: Pagal ho kya? Mainey buss yahi kaha ke tumhey zukhaam hua hai, hum snowfall mein ghoomney gaye the, buss tumhey bukhaar ho gaya!  Lekin phir bhi, they are worried! Maa baap hain naa...apney aulaad ki fikr toh hogi, itni door ho tum videsh mein...uspar beemar ho...

Her eyes clouded over with concern for her parents. He quickly applied balm on her worries: Chalo, soup pee lo jaldi se, tumharey mama-papa ko call karna hai...wo tumsey baat karney ke liye bechain hain!

That worked like magic!  Kripa swallowed the soup in big gulps and finished it in a great hurry.

Zaib smiled inside. She was like an innocent child, he could handle her quite easily, he  knew how to push her buttons!

He put the empty bowl aside, offered her a napkin to wipe her mouth.

Then he took out his mobile and paused. He warned her in clear terms :  Kripa, be careful! Ek baat yaad rakhna, unsey baatein kartey waqt unhey koi shaq nahin hona chahiye ke tumpar kya beeti hai ... Samjhi?

Kripa nodded, pale faced and wide-eyed. Zaib called Sharma Nivas.

Kripa's father picked up the call and rightaway asked about his daughter.

Zaib reassured him, Papa, ab Kripa bilkul theek hai, yeh leejiye aap khud baat keejiye...

He handed over the mobile to Kripa who took it with nervous, shaking hands. He warned her with his eyes to be careful and then smiled and fisted his hand, telling her to "be strong"!

Kripa cleared her throat and talked to her dad: Papa, main ab theek hoon...haan...aap sab meri fikr mat keejiye! Haan, ab bukhar utar gaya, doctor ne kaha ab main bilkul theek hoon...Kaun? An-gad?

Kripa paused for a moment, her lips quivered in a silent sob. Zaib grabbed her arm and pressed it in urgent warning.

 She looked at him and forced back her tears. Papa...her voice broke slightly: Angad bhi theek hai, usney mera bahut khayal rakha, meri kitni dekhbhaal kee hai.  Meri awaaz ko kya hua? Haan, wo...mujhey zukhaam hai naa isliye thodi galey mein kharash hai, ek do din mein wo bhi theek ho jayegi...doctor ne kaha hai. Mumma? Haan mumma ko phone deejiye...

Kripa repeated her reassurances and reports of well-being to her worried mother, then talked to her Dadi as well. She got a little emotional while talking to Dadi...she told Dadi she missed her ...Dadi told her to be careful and not to go out in the snow, but stay indoors and enjoy her honeymoon. Wicked Dadi...

Zaib sat close to her, watching her carefully, slightly tensed, wary of Kripa making a mistake in her present state of emotions. It was a precarious situation. But the phone call went smoothly and after 20 minutes of repeated assurances and exchanges of affection from both sides, Kripa hung up.

She was silent for a moment, then started crying again. She sobbed softly.

Zaib didn't admonish her this time, he quietly offered her some tissues from the bedside table. It had been a very difficult test for her, pretending that everything was alright, everything was normal, that she was enjoying her honeymoon with Angad...whereas the truth was too shockingly tragic to even comprehend.

Zaib got up and switched on all the lights. It was getting dark...he went to the windows and looked out at the Swiss valley lighting up with twinkling lights. It was snowing lightly outside. He sighed deeply and drew the curtains.

He turned towards Kripa propped on the bed. She had stopped sobbing. She looked up at him and said, Main fresh hona chahti hoon...

Zaib nodded and went to the bed, held out a hand to her. She hesitated for a second, then placed her dainty hand in his broad one. She got up from the bed with his support, she was too weak and wobbly. She swayed as she stood up and almost fell down.

Zaib scooped her up in his arms at once. She gasped weakly and protested, Main khud jaa sakti hoon.

He glared at her, his eyes blazing, she fell silent at once. He was too dominating and she couldn't struggle with him, actually she felt as weak as a kitten.

He carried her with long strides to the bathroom and put her down gently near the shower area. Kripa grabbed the shower door for support.

He handed her a bath towel and bathrobe.  He turned on the shower to the required heat setting.

 Then he instructed her like a strict parent: Zyada nahana mat, doctor ne manaa kiya hai! Main darwazey ke baahar hoon, dus minute mein baahar aa jaana, nahin toh main andar aa jaunga. Aur haan, darwaza andar se band mat kar dena...agar tum bathroom mein behosh ho gayi toh main tumhey help nahin kar sakunga!  Samjhi?

Kripa looked a little grumpy, why was he treating her like a little kid? But she didn't argue and nodded. Zaib went out and closed the bathroom door.

 Kripa slipped off her nightgown, stepped under the warm jet of water and shivered a little with weakness. But the warm  water revived her in no time! She soaped herself and showered with great relief. It felt so nice to be clean after God knows how many days and nights!

She had forgotten to ask Zaib how long she had been unconscious in a feverish state.

 She felt a little dizzy but gripped the shower rod on the wall to steady herself...she didn't want to faint in the bathroom... then Zaib would find her in this naked state!!

 She turned red as she suddenly realized who had changed her into that nightgown in the first place. She felt very angry at first that he had seen her naked...but then she shrugged it off!

After everything he had done for her, how could she fault him for changing her icy wet clothes? After all, he had saved her life! ONCE AGAIN!

Kripa completed her toiletries and wrapped the fluffy white bathrobe around herself. She stepped out of the shower and slowly walked to the door and opened it. Zaib was standing right outside like a guard on duty!  She was slightly amused. He looked at her anxiously, to see if she was alright...he slowly scanned her freshly bathed form, then his eyes darkened to a forest green.

Kripa didn't realize how pretty she looked, even in that frail condition! Wet strands of dark hair clung to her face and neck...drops of water still caressed her cheeks and forehead as she wiped slowly with a towel.

Zaib gulped down the sudden constriction in his throat. His pulse quickened. He looked away and held out a fresh nightgown towards her. His voice was hoarse as he told her, Yeh pehen lo, tum bedroom mein hi change kar lo, main zara baahar jaa raha hoon!

He walked out of the chalet leaving Kripa to change in the bedroom.

 He stood outside in the cold night, gulping in the fresh crisp air, shaking his head to clear the sensuous image of a freshly bathed Kripa. The cold night air cooled down the ardor in his heated body. He was getting used to this now, this constant attraction and resistance to his beautiful wife, who did not belong to him yet.

His stomach suddenly rumbled and Zaib realized he hadn't eaten anything for hours in the tension of trying to revive Kripa. He called the Hotel dining service and ordered dinner for himself and Kripa.

 

It was later at night. Zaib and Kripa had finished their dinner. Kripa barely ate anything but Zaib urged her to have a few spoons just to regain her strength and give her energy. He gave her the meds prescribed by Dr. Zimmer after the meal.

It was bedtime, Zaib changed into his night suit, he took a pillow and thick blanket from the bed and turned to go sleep on the living room couch.

ZAIB! She called him. He turned back in astonishment. She looked down shyly, then glanced up and met his questioning eyes: Zaib, tum yahin bed per so jaao...

He looked surprised yet pleased, but asked: Are you sure?

Kripa nodded and looked directly into his quizzical eyes to show her faith in him: Haan, Im sure, mujhey tumpar poora bharosa hai...aur tumhey baahar couch per takleef leney ki zaroorat nahin! Tum yahin bed per so jao...main beech mein takiya rakh deti hoon!

Zaib remembered their similar nights at Khanna House and hid a smile. He marched back to the bed nonchalantly and flopped down after throwing the pillow in place.

He stifled a yawn and muttered Good Night! He turned away from her and closed his eyes, feigning sleep. His heart was full of warmth and relief that Kripa was slowly returning to normal ...that she was accepting his presence in her life!

Behind his broad back, he felt Kripa place a pillow between them and lie down.

He smirked and thought to himself: Kripa, tum maano ya naa maano, main tumhara shohar hoon, tum meri biwi ho...hum dono ab ek doosrey se jud gaye hain. Main hamesha tumhari hifaazat karunga, har haal mein tumhara saath nibhaunga! Tumhey wo saara pyar, wo saari khushiyan doonga jo tum Angad se ummeed karti thi ! I love you, Kripa!  Aur mujhey yakeen hai, kisi naa kisi din tum bhi mujhko chahney lagogi. Apney pyar ki taaqat se ek din main bhi tumhara dil jeet lunga. Yeh mera tumsey... aur khud se vaada hai!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rb1C2ePNtc

Meri kismat ke har ek panne pe
Mere jeete ji baad marne ke
Mere har ik kal har ik lamhe me
Tu likh de mera usey
Har kahaani me saare qisson me
Dil ki duniya ke sacche rishton me
Zindagani ke saare hisso mein
Tu likh de mera usey
Aye Khuda aye Khuda jab bana uska hi bana
Aye Khuda aye Khuda jab bana uska hi bana

Uska hoon uss me hoon uss se hoon
Usi ka rehne de
Main toh pyaasa hoon hai
Dariya woh zariya woh jeene ka mere
Mujhe ghar de gali de shehar de
Usi ke naam ke
Kadam ye chale ya ruke ab usi ke vaaste
Dil mujhe de agar dard de uska par
Uski ho woh hasin goonje jo mera ghar
Aye Khuda aye Khuda jab bana uska hi bana
Aye Khuda aye Khuda jab bana uska hi bana


(Aye Khuda, jab banaa uska hi banaa) 1920 Evil Returns

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pallavi

 

                                                                               

Posted: 10 years ago
Yay .πŸ₯³. I am first one ..

first of all abig hug to you di for this beautiful and lenghty update πŸ€—πŸ€—..I was so so  excited had to raed it twice  to u know πŸ˜‰

ahh finally kripa is back to normal thank god .πŸ˜›.though it would take her time to get in terms with truth of angad's death completely but glad she 's accepting the truth..

Zaib is a total sweet hrt πŸ€— and he definitely know how to handle kripa .πŸ˜†.His care & concern for kripa above all his devoted love .

...loved the way how he made her realise that there are other ppl in her life too who love her, care,for her who can't live without her ..though he took only the names of her family ..but he was speaking out his heart .❀️..wish one day kripa listens to his hrt ,soon realizes how much lucky she is that life is giving her a chance of being loved so much again ..

and music therapy ..what an idea πŸ‘πŸ‘..superb and the songs ..like always perfectπŸ‘πŸΌ

for uska hi bana ..aww a big hug once again ..πŸ€—

 kripa is trusting Zaib good for both of them πŸ˜›...and this shabbir😲 ..I have doubts on him but he seems concerned ..waiting for secrets to unfold ..

Thnak you so much for update di ...I am not gonna ask when will the be  next update I am happy with this one..πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒ very much


πŸ˜›
Lucky
Edited by lucky.m - 10 years ago

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