PART 26 On the 7th, 8th and 9th days (Saptami, Ashtami, Navami) morning prayers and Aarti are held in every pandal Puja and people devotees gather in large numbers to offer pushpanjali (flower offering) to the Goddess and her 4 children, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kartik! Kripa and her parents dressed in traditional Puja dresses, the ladies in red-bordered Tassar silk saris with red blouse and Shurjo in old-fashioned dhoti-panjabi. Kripa had left her freshly-washed hair open and she carried a little thali with offerings of flowers, sweets, incense and sandalpaste. As they entered the pandal, Sumona and Payal called her : Eyi, Kripa, edikay aaye (Kripa, come here) dekhey jaa… Kripa went to their corner and saw Manek and Angad sitting there chatting with the girls. Angad was looking dashing in a cream colored kurta with brown and gold embroidery. He was enjoying the flattering attention of the girls who were fawning over him! His eyes danced mischievously as she glared at him. How dare he come early to the pandal and flirt with the local girls in her absence?! She was outraged and marched off to the front, Angad went after her, calling her name, she didn't look back. She went forward and stood next to her parents and closed her eyes in devotion to the deity. Angad greeted Gayatri and Shurjo with folded hands: Good Morning Uncle, Auntie! They were very pleased to see their future jamaai (damaad) at the morning prayers. They smiled and blessed him. Angad stood next to Kripa…she refused to open her eyes and kept on praying with folded hands. Angad nudged her elbow with his elbow…she moved away, he came closer again and nudged her elbow again…then he slightly tugged a strand of her open hair. She opened her eyes and glared at him…he bent low near her ears and whispered: Main subah jaldi tumharey liye aaya tha…aur tumhari wait kar raha tha…..ab wo ladkiyan mere peechhey pad jaye toh ismein mera kya kasoor?" His warm breath tickled her neck and ears, and made her redden and tremble slightly. She shook her head….Maa Baba hain, main kaisey jaaoon? The Pushpanjali had started, Kripa shushed Angad, then gave him some flowers from her thali and asked him to offer anjali. They closed their eyes and stood there, arms touching, as the priest chanted the verses of Pushpanjali and the devotees repeated the mantras after him. Angad opened one eye and looked at Kripa sideways, at her bent head, at her closed eyes. She looked so pure and untouchable, he longed to touch her….he moved closer to her, she smiled and moved away a little…their little game continued throughout the prayer. Finally anjali was done and they tossed the flowers at the image ….Angad was going to throw his flowers on Kripa but she guessed his intention and shook her head at him , then holding his hand in her own, she made him throw the flowers up towards the Goddess. He loved the touch of her soft hands on his own and also the fact that they threw the flowers together! After the prayers, prashad was distributed, Kripa brought plates of prashad for her parents and Angad and forced him to have the prashad although he didn't really want the cut fruits and sweets. Prashad se inkaar nahin kartey …paap lagta hai…she told him sternly. "Okay Madam! Jaisi aapki marzi" he ate the prashad as if he was having medicines…she laughed to see his expression….he loved to see her laugh. Shurjo asked Angad about his work and the two men talked for a while standing in the pandal. Gayatri asked about the Pelling trip and Angad told them about the time and schedule of their flight to Bagdogra and their trip itinerary. Beta, mainey toh chhutti le lee hai, lekin iss waqt wahan per sardi zyada nahin hogi kya? Mujhey toh lagta hai shawl aur sweater se hi kaam chal jayega , Gayatri laughed…. Jackets hamarey paas kahan hongey? Kalkatta mein jackets ki zaroorat hi nahin padti" Angad looked thoughtful….seemed like Kripa would need trekking gear and jacket…..YESS! he would take her shopping! What a wonderful idea! ….he asked his future in-laws if he could take Kripa for shopping for their trekking supplies. They agreed at once. " Toh theek hai, kal subah main Kripa ko shopping karney le jaaoonga" Kripa was talking to the Puja organizers about her function on Ashtami night, the songs she was supposed to sing. She pointed at Angad once and smiled at him. He wondered what she was talking about. He chatted with Kripa's parents. Suddenly he got a phone call from home….he excused himself and went out of the pandal: Kya? Okay Mom, Sure! No problem! He grinned to himself. Then he went in the pandal and called Kripa….." Dadi tumsey milna chahti hain…mere saath ghar chalo" Kripa was a little surprised…..she told her parents about Dadi's summons and went to Khanna House with Angad. The whole house seemed empty. Angad told her Shibani had gone to her maayka with her husband and daughter. Kripa went to Dadi's room…she wasn't there…she looked with astonishment at Angad, who was smiling mysteriously: Dida kahan hai? Unhoney mujhey bulaya tha na? Angad suddenly closed the door and leaned against it. " Dadi ghar per nahin hai….Mom aur Dad ke saath Shyambazaar gayi hai hamarey puraney makaan mein….we have the whole house to ourselves! He grinned shamelessly. Kripa gasped with her hand on her mouth: Omaaa, tum itna jhooth boltey ho? Chhheee….how could you lie like that? She angrily demanded. He laughed as he advanced towards her: Kya karoon? Tumharey saath waqt hi nahin milta….always too many people around us….now we are all alone. Her eyes widened, nervous about his intentions…she backed away to the wall, then she ran for the door, side-stepping him….KRIPAAA, he tried to catch her but she slipped past him. She opened the door and ran down the corridor to the stairs but he caught her at the top of the stairs, lifted her, tossed her over his shoulder, caveman-style and carried her upto his room on the 3rd floor. She was thrashing her legs and crying: Let me go, You Liar! Main tumsey baat nahin karna chahti" He laughed wickedly: Theek hai, baat mat karna, baaki sab kar lena" She got madder at his naughty comment and hit his back with her tiny hands….he laughed as if a little ant was hitting his broad back…it had no effect on him. He took her into his room and shut the door and locked it. Then he let her down off his shoulder….she scuttled away from him and looked at him nervously. Her sari had come off at places in the struggle, the pin securing her aanchal had come off and it was falling off….his heated eyes ran over her flushed, nervous face, her wide, wary eyes fixed on his, her heaving breaths, her chest rising and falling in agitation. She looked very beautiful and desirable! He came near her and rubbed his knuckle on her pink cheeks: Are you afraid of me? he asked looking quizzically into her widened eyes. Nahin….she whispered shakily, her eyes closing at his touch…. Jhoothi….he smiled at her tenderly. He came closer to her, she started trembling at his nearness, her heart pounding nervously at being alone with him in his room. She was breathing unevenly….His lips hovered near her ears: Don't be afraid, Sweetheart! I wont hurt you, main sirf tumhey kiss karna chahta hoon…kya tum mujhey ek kiss dogi? He asked very politely. She opened her eyes and looked at his pleading eyes….she nodded silently. He held her chin in his hand and lifted it….he slowly lowered his lips on hers, touched the soft petals of her lips lightly, applying gentle pressure. Her hands slowly crept up his chest, feeling his thick muscles, up to his neck. She lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed him back….their lips pressed against each other's lovingly, slanting, rubbing, nibbling. His tongue probed the seam of her lips, she opened readily for him, he entered her mouth, exploring it…. her tongue met his and rubbed softly. He shuddered with sudden desire, his hands went around her body tightly clasping her, raising her upto him. She trembled with answering passion and moaned softly into his mouth. They tasted each other's breaths, lost in the kiss completely. He suddenly lifted her off the ground and carried her to his bed. He laid her down on the plush bed... she was shocked! She tried to get up and leave, but he caught her hand and pulled her down on the bed again and pinned her under his body. She looked up into his face: Angad? She whispered, with uncertainty and fear in her voice. Shhhh, he shushed her gently, putting his finger on her moist and swollen lips: Trust me, Shona! Main tumhey hurt nahin karoonga" He caressed her lips with his fingertips….she closed her eyes and moaned helplessly, her lips trembling, tingling, throbbing from the rough yet soft brushes of his fingers. His finger probed inside her mouth…she licked it instinctively….he groaned with pleasure, his whole body clenching with desire. She was unkowingly seductive as she gently suckled on his finger. She didn't understand what she was doing to him...she just liked the taste of his finger. He suddenly grasped her open hair in his left hand, she gasped and looked at him in shock: "You are killing me" he grated out in a tortured voice. She looked baffled at his flushed face….he chuckled softly at her wide, innocent eyes: Do u have any idea what you are doing? Kyun? Mainey kya kiya? She looked surprised. He hid his heated face in her neck and laughed softly: Nahin, tumney kuchh nahin kiya…buss mujhey pagal kar diya…. He kissed her neck, softly nipping at the tender skin, licking, giving her love-bites….she shivered and cried out softly! Her hands clasped his head and clenched in his thick, wavy hair. His hand clasped her waist and caressed the soft skin of her stomach, his fingers traced her belly-button….she moaned and her hands went down to remove his fingers circling her navel. She knew it was going out of hand now. Angad, Chhod do mujhey….she pushed against him. Mmmmm… he protested against her neck, his mouth went down to her neckline as one daring hand moved up from her stomach to her blouse. She started struggling earnestly now: Angad, Stop It! Aur nahin….. Angad's hand ventured higher, covering her rounded swell, then he rubbed softly and squeezed….she cried out, her whole body arching under him, she felt a deep pulsing inside her and then a piercing pleasure washed over her as his fingers rubbed harder against her softness. The next moment she was pushing violently against him: Chhod do mujhey….please ANGADD! ….she was gasping with sudden fear, twisting desperately under him...….he raised himself finally….she got up and tried to go….he yanked her arm….she fell on top of him, her face red with arousal, her breaths heaving. He looked at her with hooded eyes, his own breathing was labored, his body throbbing with unsatisfied desire! Please don't leave…..I promise I will behave! He pleaded with her! She looked at him doubtfully…..he blinked his eyes, nodded and smiled at her…she couldn't resist his charm. She put her head down on his muscular chest, listening to his thundering heartbeats through the thin silky material of his kurta. They lay like that for some time, Kripa's body resting on his, her head on his chest….till their breathing became normal. She raised her head and looked at him: Ab jaaney do na… She didn't feel so nervous as she wasn't pinned under him anymore….she laughed and said: Agar Dadi wapas aa gayi toh? She covered his mouth with her hands….Chhheee mere Baba aisey nahin hain….wo toh ek makkhi bhi nahin maar saktey… He laughed loudly at her puny blows…then his eyes fell on her neckline….her aanchal had fallen off again, and her neckline was plunging in her leaning position on his chest…he admired the view! She rolled off his chest and covered herself with the pallu! He turned to her side and took her hand in his, they looped their fingers together, playing with each other's fingers, quietly lying side by side on his bed. Kripa, tumharey pass hiking boots ya Jacket hain? Wow! Switerland! she looked at him wonderingly….Alps kaisi hain? Bahut sundar hain kya? They lay on the bed, talking softly as he told her about his summer trips in Europe with his college friends. She listened with fascination…she had only been to one college trip to Digha, the seaside town 100 Kms. south of Kolkata. Besides that, she had been to Delhi to her Uncle (Mama) and Aunts house. Otherwise she had rarely visited any other part of India, let alone Europe. He looked at her amazed expression and assured her: I promise hum shadi ke baad Europe chalengey…main tumhey Switzerland aur Austria dikhana chahta hoon.. Sach? Her eyes lighted up….she had always wanted to see the world but her parents didn't allow her to venture very far from home. She had led a very sheltered and protected life so far. The thought of going to Europe with Angad made her dizzy with happiness and excitement! If I lay here, If I just lay here We'll do it all We don't need I don't quite know Those three words If I lay here Forget what we're told Let's waste time I need your grace If I lay here Forget what we're told All that I am - - -
He smiled down at her : Tum bahut khubsoorat lag rahi ho…..mere saath ghoomney chalogi? Puja ke baad?
He looked disappointed. But being Angad he would figure out a way to take her out.
Yes, Uncle, sardi kaafi hogi, aap sab garam kapdey zaroor leejiye aur agar Jackets ya coats ho toh aur bhi achha"
He kissed and nipped at the exposed skin above her neckline where her soft swells strained against him. She moaned in pleasure…..helplessly trembling under him…
Kyun, tumhey kaun si flight pakadni hai? He laughed up at her.
Toh hamari shadi kal hi karva degi….…
Agar mere Maa-Baba ko pata chal gaya toh?
Toh tumharey Baba mujhey bandook se maar dengey!
Really? He looked encouraged….phir toh main….he grabbed her again., pretending to go further with her….she laughed and hit him hard on his chest and arms with her tiny fists!
She saw where his eyes were: Chheeee, Oshobbho (Uncivilized) …she covered his eyes with her hand.
Kyun, kya hua? He grinned shamelessly…I was just admiring beauty….kya main thoda sa dekh bhi nahin sakta?
Nahin….she giggled….shadi se pehley nahin.
Toh shadi ke baad jitna chahey dekh sakta hoon?
Haan…she whispered shyly.
Whoaa Mannn! Cant wait for the wedding! He laughed happily!
Nahin toh….Kyun?
Hum Pelling mein Trekking karney chalengey….so u need trekking boots and Anorak!
Nahin toh mere paas nahin hain…mainey kabhie itni oonchi jagah per trekking nahin kee hai…Tumney kee hai? She asked him curiously.
Haan, kuchh doston ke saath Switzerland, Austria aur Germany gaya tha…wahin per bahut se trekking trails per gaye the…Alps mein bhi trekking kiya hai…
Yeah, its beautiful, lekin Himalay se zyada nahin….hamarey desh mein jo khubsoorati hai wo baahar kahan? He looked warmly at her as he said that and she knew he was meaning her too! She blushed and clasped his hand with her fingers.
Kal subah ki anjali ke baad hum shopping chalengey….mainey tumharey parents se permission le lee hai"
Theek hai…Kripa agreed!
As they lay there, with their fingers interlinked, talking softly, this song plays in the background:
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Everything
On our own
Anything
Or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
How to say
How I feel
Are said too much
They're not enough
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
Chasing cars
Around our heads
To remind me
To find my own
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see
PART 27 Angad-Kripa's little interlude in the empty house went unnoticed by their families. Even the servants were on leave for Puja. They spent two lovely hours lying side by side on his bed, quietly talking about everything on earth! Then they sneaked out later without being caught! The next morning, Angad took her shopping to New Market. He took her to a Jacket store and made her try out Anoraks. Finally they bought a hooded jacket with fake fur on the collar. He insisted on paying for all her clothes: Kya mera itna bhi haq nahin banta ke main tumharey liye kapdey khareed sakoon" he said sadly when she protested at the high price he was paying for the jacket. Kripa couldn't say anything more after that. He bought her hiking boots from a shoe store on Lindsay Street. Kripa felt rather strange walking in the heavy, high boots with spiky bottoms as she tried them out! Next he took her to Pantaloons on Camac Street and asked her to try out Jeans and pullovers. She was hesitant at first…Mainey Class 10 ke baad kabhi pants nahin pehni" she said with an embarassed face. Kripaaa….he reasoned with her….you cant go hiking wearing salwar-kameez…its not safe to wear loose clothes in such conditions." Kripa finally agreed and tried out a few jeans and finally chose a black denim jeans and an indigo brushed jeans. She tried them out and blushed a little in front of the mirror to see how snugly they fit her slim hips and rounded backside. Later on, she chose a pink pullover made of soft wool and a yellow turtleneck sweater. It was certainly going to be cold in Pelling in late September/early October! Angad approved of all her choices and paid for them. As they made their way home, the traffic was very slow, in many places there was traffic congestion caused by hordes of people out on the streets visiting the different pandals to see the idols. Kripa looked shocked at him, she put a hand on his: Angad, Puja ke samay aisa toh hoga hi, tumhey thoda sabr karna hoga, yeh Kalkatta ka traffic hai, aisey hi chalta hai" Angad looked impatiently at her: Yehi tum Kalkatta walon ki problem hai, you accept all the chaos, all the problems without any protest. Just look at this traffic Jam!….duniya ke kisi bhi sheher mein aisey traffic jams nahin hotey…This city will never change! He ranted in a frustrated tone. Kripa was rather mortified at his criticism of her home-town: Hum Kalkttawaley? She asked archly: Aur tum kahan ke rehney waley ho? London-waley? She mocked him raising her eyebrows. He looked angrily at her comment, then saw her smiling mischievously, his lips started twitching too: Haan main London wala hoon….aur wahin wapas chala jaaoonga agar yeh sheher sudhra nahin toh… Sach? She asked worriedly, she didn't want to go so far away from her parents. Another car side-swiped Angad's precious sports car, scraping the side: Da*n you, #*%& #%*%& *…Angad let out a string of swear-words in a fit of rage. Angad turned and looked at her staring at him in shocked wonder: She looked down, a little upset at his words. He looked at her downcast face, her open hair hiding her disturbed face. He had a tremendous urge to kiss her right there in the middle of the street but had to control himself! He satisfied himself by lifting her hand from her lap and kissing it instead. When he dropped her off home, she said: Angad, aaj shaam ko tum please apna guitar le aana? Kripa and her parents arrived early at the function in the evening! She was slated to open the evening program with her songs, followed by a well-known singer from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.. Kripa looked gorgeous in her new red silk sari with green border. Her mother had tied her hair in a fancy bun with curls hanging on both sides of her face, she wore a garnet set with little gold balls in them. Her eyes searched for Angad when she came into the pandal. The stage was on one side of the quadrangle, at right angle to the idols. About a hundred folding chairs had been set up in front the stage for the audience, they were filling up fast. Kripa saw the Khanna family in full force, sitting in the front row. They had given a hefty donation so the Puja organizers were giving them special treatment. The Boses went forward and talked to the Khannas who had come to hear Kripa sing. Dida blessed Kripa: Maa Saraswati swayam teri awaz mein utar aaye yehi mera aashirwaad hai." Naina and Dilip also wished Kripa luck for her performance. She shyly asked Dadi: Angad abhi tak nahin aaye? Angad arrived a little later, he had really dressed in style, he was wearing a brown suede jacket, with a cream colored shirt and brown cords pants. He had gelled back his hair to get a grungy look. He looked very handsome with the guitar in his hands, he looked more like a rockstar than a lawyer….Kripa's heart did little somersaults when she saw him. They admired each other's looks as he approached her." Banda haazir hai aapki seva mein…batayiye ab kya karna hai? " he stood before her, his eyes caressing her loveliness! Kripa said: Abhi shuru mein main sirf slow songs karoongi …..so you don't have to play right now but can u come backstage with me? The program started with the organizer announcing Ms. Kripa Bose's name as opening performer. There were loud whistles, catcalls and applause….she was quite a favorite among neighbours for her singing talent. Angad leaned in her ears: You are quite a celebrity here! he commented teasing her. Kripa enchanted everybody with her sweet voice in a rendition of this Tagore devotional song: Kee gaabo ami kee shonabo ( what will I sing? What will I make u hear?) Next she sang a popular Bengali song by Asha : Moyna bolo tumi Krishno Radhey (Moyna tell me krishna Radhey) . She also sang a sweetly romantic song by Arati Mukherjee: Eyi Mou jochhonay ongo bhijiye esho na golpo kori (Come and lets talk bathing our limbs in this moonlight) . She sang 2 Hindi songs after that: Dil deewana bin sajna ke Dhak dhak bole it ut dole Duniya maange apni muraadein main to maangoon saajan Jee ye chaahe banake aanchal tumko lapetoon tan pe Her next song was from Mainey Dil Tujhko Diya: Lyrics of Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai . Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki Pyar Humne Kiya Hai Pyar Tumne Kiya Hai Dard Jitna Milega Pyar Utna Badhega Angad was enjoying her songs but also getting impatient….when will she sing songs with faster beats? He really wanted to play his guitar alongwith her. Ab ,main aapkey saamney ek anjaaney kalakaar ko pesh karna chahti hoon jiska talent aaj tak chhupa hua tha…..wo ek achhey gayak bhi hain aur ek talented musician bhi ….may I present before you, Angad Khanna… Angad heard her announcement with an open mouth: What was she saying? He couldn't sing in front of all these people! He hadnt sung onstage for ages….last time he had performed onstage was in college 5 years ago….how can he do this? Kripa came backstage, grinning at him: Kaisa laga mera surprise? He looked rather angrily at her : Kripa, how could you do this? I cant sing in front of this audience! Yeh log iskey baad saregama ke artist ko sunengey….how can I spoil their mood with my singing? Kripa's face fell, she came forward, placed a hand on his arm and looked up into his eyes: Please Angad, meri baat suno….I know what I am talking about, believe me! Tum bahut achha gaatey ho…aur main yeh isliye nahin keh rahi kyunki main tumsey pyar karti hoon….main yeh ek artist ki haisiyat se keh rahi hoon….tum achhey gayak HO! Aur aaj tumhey mere liye gaana hoga…. Lekin…..he stared into her beautiful, pleading eyes and lost his words. Please Angad, meri khaatir gaao….she looked soulfully at him. But I am not prepared….he protested half-heartedly. He finally agreed with a slightly sulky, slightly nervous expression: Theek hai, main gaa raha hoon, but u owe me….main iska reward loonga baad mein….he promised. Kripa took him to the Chief Organizer: Mr. Mukehrjee! Angad gaaney ke liye tayyar hain" As soon as Mukherjee turned his back, Angad pinched Kripa's bare waist…UFFFFF!..she exclaimed, looking angrily at him. He smiled devilishly at her: Tum toh bahut chhupi rustam nikli….toh ilsiye us roz tum inkey saath baatein kar rahi thi …mere baarey mein" Angad went onstage with his guitar! Everybody started clapping….many of them knew his parents and were eager to hear him sing. Dadi already knew about Kripa's plan, she clapped enthusiastically, Naina and Dilip smiled and clapped, encouraging him! He took up his guitar and started playing: Kya Mujhey pyaar hai aaa . (Wo Lamhe-Remix version) Kyun aajkal neend kam khwab zyada hai, The Puja crowd burst into wild applause as soon as he finished singing. Catcalls, whistles, followed. Angad was quite thrilled, grinning, bowing to his admiring audience. Some started shouting: We want more, aur gaayiye, aur aur! Aro chayi! Angad looked at Kripa standing backstage, grinning happily….he smiled ruefully at her and winked: angrezi mein kahte hain ke I love you (ham tumpe itnaa Daa_ing Kripa stood in the wings, laughing and blushing all throughout the song…..everybody enjoyed the multilingual, multicultural love song he dedicated to his Bengali bride-to-be. After this one, many of them started shouting : DUET! EK DUET HO JAYE! PLEASE KRIPA DI, DUET KEEJIYE INKEY SAATH! Kripa obliged. She came out onstage and whispered with Angad about what song they should sing…some songs they both knew, finally both nodded, Angad started playing his guitar, the musicians played along too: . (Major Saab) Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana - 2 Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana - 2 Oh oh oh Hum tum, tum hum banke rahe humraaz humsafar Shikwa kare na koi ek duje se umr bhar Pyaar hamaara ho aise ke dekhe yeh zamaana Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana Main tumko samajh jaaoon, tum mujhko samajh jaao Na main tumhe sataaoon, na tum mujhe sataao Main tumko samajh jaaoon, tum mujhko samajh jaao Chaahat hi pooja ho mann mandir ho jaaneman Ek duje ke bin ek pal bhi lagta nahin ho mann Phir to jeevan ban jaayega pyaar ka taraana Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana The audience really went wild after this song, the romantic way they looked at each other as they sang gave the song a special charm and life….they werent even interested in the saregamapa artist anymore! They forced Angad and Kripa to sing several more duets: Chori chori jab nazrein mili . (Kareeb) Yeh kya hua kaise hua Chori chori jab nazarein mili Chori chori jab nazarein mili Kya jaane kya mil gaya Phoolon ke khwaabon mein aakar Phoolon ke khwaabon mein aakar Chori chori jab nazarein mili Rishton ke neele bhanwar Chori chori jab nazarein mili Angad really enjoyed singing with Kripa….he felt energized, enlivened….he thanked Kripa in his mind for making him sing….he really loved Music but had buried his love for it under his academic pursuits…now he was free to pursue music once more as a hobby alongwith his law practice! He had the best of both worlds! - -
Angad got very impatient…he was honking the horn loudly with a frown and grimace, throngs of people blocked the way, a car cut him off, he started cursing angrily.
He tweaked her cheeks with his knuckles: Gotcha! Im just kidding! I wont leave my family either…
Kripa gasped….she was shocked at Angad's uncontrolled fury, this was a side of him she hadnt seen before.
Kyaa hua? he demanded to know….why are you so shocked? Men swear, you know, better get used to my swearing" he said with a glint in his eyes.
He relented….he reached over and pulled her pink cheek affectionately : Okay, I am sorry, Madam! I will try to control my swearing when you are around" Kripa looked up and smiled tremulously at him, her expressive eyes adoring him.
Kyun? He asked….he knew Kripa was going to perform at the local Puja that evening.
Kripa just smiled mysteriously: Buss tum guitar le aana ….mujhey backup guitarist ki zaroorat pad sakti hai…
Okay, he agreed, looking whimsically at her. Whatever you wish! I would love to play with you!….he added and winked. She blushed and laughed, then softly said: Thanks, Angad!
Thanks for what? He asked, baffled.
She gestured to the shopping bags in her hands.
Oh That? Wo toh mera farz tha….so my future wife doesn't freeze in the mountains" he laughed. She giggled, then waved at him and went home with her purchases.
Dida laughed: Haan abhi aa jayega….wo aaj bahut care lekar ready ho raha hai…kya wo tere saath guitar bajayega?
Kripa leaned and whispered something in Dida's ears, Dida laughed, her eyes brightening, she clapped her hands like a child: Sach bol rahi hai tu? Yeh toh bada achha hoga!
Kripa shushed her : Yeh unkey liye surprise hai, please mat batana…she pleaded. Dida swore not to tell him or anybody else.
Of course! …. he looked delighted to go backstage with her...it opened up several possibilities of being alone with her.
But when he went backstage with her he was disappointed as there were people all around… organizers, musicians, lights-men, etc. Well, at least he was there with Kripa!
Aaj ke baad tum bhi ho jaogey, she said mysteriously.
Kya matlab? He asked in surprise.
She just smiled and went onstage….she greeted her audience with folded hands and told them she was starting with a Rabindra-Sangeet.
Aaji anondo-dhamey (Today in this abode of Joy)
Purobashi joney enechhi dekey ( we have gathered all our townspeople)
Tomari omrito namey ( By the grace of your Auspicious name)
Takey mon ditey je chai kemon badhey (I want to give him my heart but still hesitate)
Shoyna shoyna shoyna emon jaala shoyna shoyna (I really cant bear this pain)
Ghoretey amar ey mon royna keno royna royna… (My heart doesnt want to remain at home)
Dekho oyi jhili mili chaand shara raat akashey sholma jori (See how the sparkling moon spreads tinsels in the night sky)….
. (Mainey Pyar Kiya—Lata)
Maane na
Dil deewana bin sajna ke
Maane na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Din raina
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Duniya maange apni muraadein main to maangoon saajan
Rahe salaamat mera sajna aur sajna ka aangan
Iske siva dil rab se kuchh bhi chaahe na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Jee ye chaahe banake aanchal tumko lapetoon tan pe
Kabhi ye sochoon main ud jaoon tumko liye gagan pe
Aur bhi kuchh hain dil ke iraade kya kehna
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Ye pagla hai samjhaane se
Samjhe na
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Hum To Chaahenge Tujhe
Hum To Chaahenge Tujhe
Jab Talak Jaan Hai Baki
Yaar Phir Imtihaan Kyon Zamane Ne Liya Hai
Pyar Humne Kiya Hai Pyar Tumne Kiya Hai
Yaar Phir Imtihaan Kyon Zamane Ne Liya Hai
Saath Hum Denge Tera
Saath Hum Denge Tera Tujhse Vaada Hai Baki
Apni Chahat Ka Aage Yeh Zamana Jhukega
Dard Jitna Milega Pyar Utna Badhega
Apni Chahat Ka Aage Yeh Zamana Jhukega
Dil Se Dil Mil Hi Gaye Apna Milna Hai Baki
After finishing her 2nd Hindi song, Kripa paused and smiled at the audience who were clapping loudly and cheering her on for more songs:
She brushed his cheek with her soft hand: Jo bhi gaana tumhey achha lagey, ya jo bhi yaad hai, wahi gaao…
Okay, she laughed….then batted her eyelashes at him: Tumhara inaam tumhara intezaar karegi"
GREATT! He was suddenly enthusiastic at the thought of what rewards he would get from her.
Mukherjee beamed happily: Hello Angad!….I know ur father quite well! Kripa ne bhi aapki bahut taareef kee hai"
Angad smiled down at Kripa, then shook Mukherjee's hand: I don't know if I will fulfil all ur expectations but I will certainly try"
Kripa dimpled up at him: Kyun? tumhey bura laga ke mainey tumhari tareef kee? "
He bent low near her cheeks: Nahin, bahut achha laga….kitna achha laga yeh baad mein bataaoonga" he promised her with a glint in his eyes.
Kripa's friends who were Angad's fans applauded and cheered him. He took the microphone : Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen! Kripa ne mujhey aap sabkey saamney present kiya hai….I will try my best to fulfil hers and your expectations.
Lagta Khuda ka koi nek iraada hai
kyo aaj kal neend kam khwab jyada hai
lagta khuda koi nek irada hai
kal tha faquir aaj dil shehejada hai
lagta khuda koi nek irada hai
kya mujhe pyar hai...ya
kaisa khumar hai...ya
ooo...
pattar ke in rasto pe phulon ki ek chadar hai,
jabse mile ho hamko
badla har ek manjar hai
dekho jahan mein nile nile aasma tale
rang naye naye hai jaise ghulte hue
soense khwab mere jage tere waste
tere khayalosenhai bhige mere raste
kya...ooooo...
tum kyon chale aate hon har roj in khwabomei...
chupke se aabhijao
ekdin meri bahon mein
tere hi sapne andheron mein ujalo mein
koi nasha hai teri aankhonke pyalon mein
tu mere khwabo mein jawabo mein sawalon mein
har din jo rato mein main lata hoon khayalon mein
kya...oooo
Then he announced: I dedicate this next song to Kripa:
gujaraati maa bole tane prem karuuN chhuuN, chhuuN, chhuuN
bangaali mein kahte hain aami tumaake bhaalo baashi
aur panjaabi mein kahte hain, teri to, haa
tere bin mar jaavaaN, main tainu pyaar karNaa
tere jaiyo naiyo labni, o saathi ho
ni baliye, angrezi mein kahte hain ke I love you chorus: turu rutu
gujaraati maa bole tane...
jitnaa see mein paani laa_ing
aakaash mein panchhi flaa_ing
bhanvraa bagiyan mein gaa_ing) -2
angrezi mein kahte hain ke I love you chorus: turu rutu
gujaraati maa bole tane...
They laughed and cheered him on, clapping in rhythm!
Ek pal bhi jaane jaana mujhse door nahin jaana
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana - 2
Ek pal bhi jaane jaana mujhse door nahin jaana
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana - 2
Oh oh oh oh, mm mm mm
Ab zindagi ka maqsad hai bas tumhaara saath
Ek baar keh do tum bhi, haathon mein leke haath
Ab zindagi ka maqsad hai bas tumhaara saath
Lo keh diya yeh tumse, haathon mein leke haath
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana - 2
Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana
Ek pal bhi jaane jaana mujhse door nahin jaana
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana - 2
Na main tumhe sataaoon, na tum mujhe sataao
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana - 2
Kehta hai pal pal tumse hoke dil yeh deewana
Ek pal bhi jaane jaana mujhse door nahin jaana
Pyaar kiya to nibhaana, pyaar kiya to nibhaana
Lyrics of Chori Chori Jab Nazre Mili
Yeh kab hua kya pata
Chori chori phir neendein udi
Chori chori yeh dil ne kaha
Chori mein bhi hai maza
Chori chori phir neendein udi
Chori chori yeh dil ne kaha
Chori mein bhi hai maza
Chori chori jab nazarein mili
Kya jaane kya kho gaya
Tune yeh kya kar diya
Mujhko yeh kya ho gaya
Palkein jhuki palkein uthi
Kya keh diya kya suna
Khushboo chura le gayi
Baadal ka aanchal bhi aakar
O paagal hawa le gayi
Khushboo chura le gayi
Baadal ka aanchal bhi aakar
Paagal hawa le gayi
Ek phool ne ek phool se
Phir kaan mein kuchh kaha
Chori chori phir neendein udi
Chori chori yeh dil ne kaha
Chori mein bhi hai maza
Kuchh aur gehre huay
Tere mere saaye hain
Pani pe thehre huay
Jab pyar ka moti gira
Banne laga daira
Chori chori jab nazarein mili
Chori chori phir neendein udi
Chori chori yeh dil ne kaha
Chori mein bhi hai maza
PART 28 Everybody came to congratulate Angad and Kripa after their performance. They were all blown away by their amazing duo, both in looks and talent! Kripa's friends surrounded Angad and raved about his performance. They asked him if he had considered becoming a professional singer. He laughed: Nahin, mujhey vakeel hi rehney deejiye. Music mera shauk hai, career nahin" Kripa wasn't jealous tonight of all the attention Angad was getting from her friends…..he kept throwing her loving looks as the people praised him. He came to her and held her hand tightly in his, caressing her inner wrist, making her tingle pleasurably. She tried to remove her hand but he didn't let her go. He bent near her ears and whispered: Thanks, Kripa! Dilip-Naina and Dadi came up and hugged both of them. Dilip slapped his son on his back: Son, I am impressed! Mujhey pata nahin tha tum itna achha gaatey ho" Gayatri and Shurjo came forward and congratulated and praised their future damaad! Uncle, yeh sab aapki beti ki wajeh se hai….he grinned and thanked him. ************************************************** ********** ** On Navami, Kripa's friends called her to go pandal-hopping with them….basically visiting the nearby pandals, paying respects to the Goddess and checking out the latest fashions worn by other locality's girls! When Kripa returned home, she heard loud, angry voices from her father's study-room downstairs! She was astonished…..her Baba was a peaceful man, who was he yelling at? Kripa exclaimed: Kartik Da, aap yahan? Kripa looked at her father….she knew how precious this house was to him….it was his life, his pride ….and hers too! She was very conscious of her lineage and heritage. Granted that they would get a hefty sum of money by selling the house and property…the kind of money they could never dream of ordinarily. But even she wouldn't dream of selling her ancestral home just for the sake of money. She calmly told Kartik: Dekhiye Dada, yeh makaan hamarey liye sirf makaan nahin, yeh Dadu aur Bodo-Dadu (great grandpa) ka sapna hai. Hum us sapney ko aagey badhana chahtey hain…us sapney ko todkar uski jagah per flats banana nahin chahtey. Baba theek hi keh rahey hain….hum iss zameen jaydaad se kabhi alag nahin ho saktey…kyunki yehi hamari neev hai, hamara astitva hai" Kartik started losing his temper: Tum bhi in dakiyanoosi baaton mein vishwaas rakhti ho…tum toh naye peedhi ke ho…lekin lagta hai KakaBabu ne tumhey bhi brainwash kar diya hai" His eyes looked greedily at the beautiful antique clock on the wall and other antique dark teakwood furniture strewn across the room, the mahogany writing table, the Burma teak bureau, etc. His eyes glittered with greed: Dekho zara, iss kamrey mein hi kayi lakh rupiyon ke furniture hain….inhey bechney se hi kitna paisa milega…aur phir makaan ko toh koi bhi promoter ek jhatkey mein khareed lega…. Kripa felt disgusted at his attitude: Please Kartik Da, yeh sab cheezein Dadu, Bodo Dadu ne ek ek karkey khareeda tha, yeh sab aajkal miltey hi nahin, inka historical value paison se badhkar hai…aap yeh sab nahin samjhengey" Toh phir theek hai, mujhey aap log mera share de deejiye, main phir aapko pareshan nahin karoonga" Kartik demanded his share right then, in cash. Kartik made a sneering face: Main koi bhikhari nahin jo aap mujhpar taras khakar loan dilvayengey, main bheekh nahin maang raha …main apna haq maang raha hoon, aap log seedhi tarah mera share mujhey de deejiye, nahin toh mujhey kanoon ka rasta apnana padega" KANOON? Shurjo yelled angrily, tu mujhey kanoon dikha raha hai? Kal ka naujawan, mujhey kanoon ki dhamki de raha hai?…agar tere Baba zinda hotey toh tujhey beta maanney se inkaar kar detey, wo kitney samajhdar the, mahaan the… Haan, unki isi nadani aur badappan ka faida aap logon ne liya….unko aaj tak ek paisa bhi nahin mila iss jaidaad se….achha jhaansa diya hai aapney mere Baba ko…ab wo iss duniya mein nahin hain lekin main itna bewakoof nahin hoon. I know my rights aur wo main haasil karkey rahoonga" Kartik shook his finger at his uncle with his parting threat, picked up his tattered briefcase and stomped out angrily. After he left, Kripa and her parents discussed their course of action. The kind-hearted Kripa suggested: lagta hai Kartik Da ko paison ki sakht zaroorat hai, isliye wo aisa kar rahey hain….Baba, aap unkey liye loan ka bandobast kar deejiye" Shurjo differed: Nahin Beti, tu usey nahin jaanti, bahut shaatir-dimaag aur laalchi hai….wo itney kam paison se khush nahin hoga….loan aakhir kitney ka ho sakta hai? zyada se zyada 2- 3 lakh, jis tarah aajkal gaadi khareedney ke loan miltey hain…lekin uski nazar toh adha crore per hai…wo itni asani se nahin manega.. Aap Dilip Da se baat kyun nahin kar letey?….Gayatri asked …Wo toh property cases hi handle kartey hain… Haan, main Dilip se kal hi baat karoonga… Meanwhile in Khanna House, Dadi refused at the last minute …..Main nahin jaa sakti, mujhey uss thandi hawa mein aur bhi jodon ki dard hogi" Angad pleaded with her: Come on Dadi, be a sport, hum sab davaiyaan le jayengey, you will be fine" But Dadi was adamant: Nahin beta…ab ki baar nahin, iskey baad tu jab honeymoon jayega Kripa ke saath toh main chaloongi tum dono ko disturb karney….she teased her grandson, who just blushed and grinned in delight at the mention of his honeymoon. Lekin Kyun? Dadiiii, Chhutki moaned. Angad joined in: Haan Dadi, aap kyun aisa kar rahey hain? Dekho Beta, hamarey ghar mein Lakshmi Puja ki parampara hai, aur hum wahan se laut rahey hain Lakshmi Puja ke din subah ko….ab itni kam samay mein main kaisey sab bandobast kar paaoongi Puja ke liye? Naina, the goody-goody bahu at once offered: Toh Maa Ji, main bhi ruk jaati hoon…aapko Puja ke aayojan mein help karoongi" Nainaaa, tum jao, waisey bhi tum aur Dilip bahut kam ghoomney jaatey ho, tum dono jaao enjoy karo, ab iss budhi ko kyun sab jageh ghaseet rahey ho….Hardwar-Rishikesh ya Kedar-Badri hota toh main zaroor jaati, lekin yeh Pelling welling jaakar main kya karoongi? ************************************************** ********** Everybody pleaded with her but Dadi was a tough nut to crack. So Angad made last minute cancellation of Dadi's ticket. Their flight took off from Dumdum Airport at 10 A.M. and reached Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri at noon. They hired two mini- vans and set out for the mountains looming above in the distance, shrouded by clouds and mystery! Angad-Kripa and Chhutki went with Debu Kaku and Kakima in one van and the four parents went in the other van! Chhutki sang picnic songs all the way up to Pelling while Angad and Kripa sat side by side, glancing at each other and holding hands in her lap.
She smiled up at him: DIDNT I SAY you were good….hamesha meri baat sunna….she said triumphantly.
Yes, Madam, you are always right! He grinned at her, and tried to kiss her hand, but she snatched it away: Yahan nahin, baad mein….she whispered.
Thanks, Dad! Angad grinned.
Lekin ab tum music ko apna pesha mat bana lena…I need you at the Law Firm" Dilip joked.
Don't worry, Dad! Main sirf Kripa ke saath gaaoonga, uska singing partner bankar" he winked at a blushing Kripa!
Shurjo said: Waah Angad, tumney toh kamaal kar diya. Tum itna achha gaatey ho yeh humein pata nahin tha, Very good, Keep it up! Kripa ki tarah tum bhi sangeet ke pujari ban jaao!
He whispered on the side: Aapki beti sangeet ki pujari hai aur main aapki beti ka pujari hoon" Kripa heard him and pinched him on his arm! He yelped softly and grinned at her: Mera inaam kahan hai?
Pelling mein milegi" she smiled mischievously at him.
Don't forget your promise" he warned her solemnly.
She grinned at him and shook her head.
Curious, she peeped into the study room. It was her cousin brother Kartik, a tall man in his early 30s, wearing a khadi kurta and pajama. He lived in Baruipur with his ailing mother. His father had just passed away 4 months ago. His dad had been Shurjo's 1st cousin, their fathers had been brothers. Kartik owned one-quarter of the share in Bose Lodge…and he wanted Shurjo to sell the house to a promoter as he needed money for his mother's treatment and also start up a business for himself.
Kartik looked relieved to see her: Kripa, tum aa gayi? Kaisi ho? Lo, ab tum hi apney Baba ko samjhao….yeh purana makaan rakhkar hum kya karengey? Yeh ab sirf eent-patthar ki dher ban gayi hai….isey bechkar hum apna apna share lekar bahut kuchh kar saktey hain….Kakababu tumhari shadi dhoom dhaam se kar saktey hain, apney liye yahin pados mein ek modern flat khareed saktey hain, main apni maa ka operation karva sakta hoon…apna naya business start kar sakta hoon….lekin yeh maanney ko tayyar hi nahin"
Shurjo yelled again: Tumhara kya dimaag kharab hai? Main itney paisey ab kahan se laaoonga? Pachaas lakh! ... itna toh mere pension fund se bhi nahin milega….
Kripa tried to mediate: Baba, Kartik Da ko paison ki zaroorat hai, aap apney Bank se inkey liye loan kyun nahin sanction karva detey, phir toh problem solved ho jayegi"
Gayatri called out from the kitchen: Kartik Beta, khana toh khakar jaao….itney door se aaye ho..
Rehney deejiye, Kakima, main iss ghar ka jal-grahan nahin karna chahta jab tak mera share nahin mil jaata"
Gayatri stared dumbfounded at his departing back.
Kripa's eyes lighted up: Haan Baba, Pelling mein hi aap Chachajee se baat kar lena…
Shurjo slapped his head: Arey haan, hum toh kal hi Khanna parivaar ke saath Pelling jaa rahey hain….Gayatri, tumney packing shuru kar dee na? Dekho, main toh in jhamelon mein bhool hi gaya tha….
Gayatri laughed indulgently at her absent-minded husband: Aap chinta mat keejiye, packing shuru ho chuki hai….kal subah ki flight hai na…
Kripa's heart thudded with excitement, 5 days in the mountains with Angad …..it would be like heaven on earth!
Please Dadi, chaliye na….Chhutki nagged her.
PART 29 Yeh kahan aa gaye hum yuhin saath saath chalkey The pleasant little town of Pelling is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers good view of entire mountain ranges including the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others. Pelling is as close as you can get to Kanchenjunga without leaving the material comfort of good hotels and due to its advantageous location, many hotels and lodges have come up in and around Pelling. (click here to see pics of beautiful Pelling) As their minivan snaked up the misty mountain roads, traversing the hairpin bends and Devil's elbows, Angad and Kripa enjoyed the scenery outside….the tall "shaal" trees with their broad, thick leaves, the mountains and deep valleys, the waterfalls gushing down with frothy fervor. Angad opened the windows, letting the clouds waft in and out of the car as they climbed to higher elevations. Kripa shivered in the cool, misty air : Angad, mujhey thand lag rahi hai" She was wearing only a cardigan over her salwar kameez. Debu was in front passenger seat, Shibani and Harshini were in the middle row. Kripa snuggled closer to his broad chest, enjoying his warmth and closeness. But Chhutki soon turned around and saw them snuggling. She put her hand on her mouth, making big eyes at their embracing posture. Angad shushed her, putting his forefinger on his lips, pleading with his eyes not to say anything. She nodded, showed him a thumbs-up and winked at him. Thanks to a daily dose of Hindi movies, she was quite familiar with romancing couples. Angad knew he would have to bribe his little sister later with candy and latest DVDs! Kripa placed her head on his shoulder, her hand on his warm chest. It felt so good to journey like that, in his arms, up the beautiful mountain roads with cool misty air floating in through the open window. She sighed and burrowed closer into his chest. This must be heaven, she thought, listening to his strong heartbeats under her cheek. She wished the journey would never end and she could be in his arms forever. She closed her eyes and dozed off into a dreamland where she and Angad were singing songs in the verdant valleys. Angad placed his cheek on her head, breathing in her fragrance….feeling so content to hold her in his arms. He wished she would always remain like that… . (Roja-Chitra, S.P. Balasubramaniam) . Ye haseen vaadiyaan ye khula aasmaan Tere honthon pe hain husn ki bijliyaan Meri jaanejaan ye hai teri chaandni Ye haseen vaadiyaan ye khula aasmaan Ye bandhan hai pyaar ka dekho toote na sajni Ye haseen vaadiyaan ye khula aasmaan It took them 4 hours to reach Pelling from Siliguri. As they neared the neared the tiny hill-station, the peaks of Kanchenjunga loomed in the sky, huge, white, sparkling pyramids of ice and snow. He lowered his lips on hers and gently kissed her, whispering: Wake up, sleepyhead! She woke up with a start, her eyes wide and startled, so close to his that he could drown in their dark brown pools. His warm breath touched her lips: We are almost there! She looked into his light brown eyes and blushed, then quickly sat up, straightening her hair and clothes self-consciously. Then she saw the mountains looming before them above the town of Pelling….she gasped in awe at the beauty spread in the sky…..she had been to Darjeeling and Kalimpong and seen the Kanchenjunga peaks but this was really up close and personal. She felt as if she could reach out and touch them. She looked at Angad and smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement: Angad, kitna sundar hai na? Ohhh itney paas se mainey kabhie nahin dekha…. Angad woke up a sleeping Chhutki with a tap on her head….she sat up and yelled with excitement at the spectacular sight. Her parents also joined in the admiration. The 2 minivans pulled up at the Norbu Gang resort where Angad had booked a whole cottage for the 2 families. It had 4 bedrooms with attached baths, a living room and a small dinette in a kitchen. The ladies made tea and Gayatri took out the mishtis she had made for Bijoya (the days after Durga Puja when people visit each other, paying respect and touching elder's feet and exchange sweets). Dilip, Shurjo and Debu hugged each other and exchanged Bijoya greetings and so did the ladies. Kripa touched all the elders' feet, starting with her parents, and so did Angad and Chhutki. Chhutki did pranams to her Dadabhai and Kripa di too. Angad stood a little away and loudly asked: Kripa, Kya tum mujhey pranam nahin karogi? Angad grinned with delight ….Kripa went to him, making angry eyes at him for embarassing her in front of the elders….she bent down and touched his sneaker-clad feet and put her hand on her head, blushing slightly. He smiled and winked at her, then placed his hand on her head and blessed her in a low tone so others wouldn't hear: Jeeti raho, Kanya! Tumhey tumharey pati se dher saara pyar miley, tum 9-10 bachchon ki Maa bano, yehi mera aashirwaad hai" Her mouth fell open: Nau dass?! She whispered angrily: nau dass my foot! Sapney dekhtey rehna" Everybody sat on garden chairs in the front lawn enjoying tea with the delicious patishaptas and malpoas made by Gayatri for Bijoya, and laddoos brought by Naina. The sun was setting, casting orange and red glow on the shiny peaks….coloring the snowy caps in rainbow hues. It was getting chilly and the ladies and gents pulled shawls and coats on them, shivering in the cold mountain air. The two families chatted pleasantly, sipping tea and admiring the grand vista. Angad and Kripa strolled together to the edge of the lawn where a fence gaurded the sheer drop to the valley below. They stood side by side admiring the sunset. He placed a hand over her hand resting on the fence and they looked at each other and smiled. Chhutki wanted to go and join them at the fence but Naina stopped her: Tu aa mere paas baith, unko disturb mat kar…. They all looked at the lovely couple standing near the fence. Tired from the journey, they had an early dinner at the dining-hall in the main building a few yards away. They got ready to retire for the night. Debu, Shibani and Harshini were staying in one bedroom, Gayatri and Shurjo in 2nd one, Naina and Dilip in 3rd one….Angad offered the 4th bedroom to Kripa. She objected: Nahin, nahin, Angad, tum wo kamra le lo….nahin toh where will you sleep? Kripa protested again: Angad, main Maa-Baba ke kamrey mein manage kar loongi, ek folding bed rent kar letey hain….tum yeh room le lo" Angad laughed: Ab hum poori raat Lucknow ke Nawabon ki tarah pehley aap pehley aap kartey rahengey ya sonay ka bhi iraaada hai? Lekin tum yahan bahar kasiey rahogey? Kripa still protested. Angad looked around to see if elders were near, then he leaned near her neck and whispered: Waisey agar kisi ko objections nahin hoti toh main tumharey saath room share bhi kar sakta tha" Of course, Angad had other plans for giving her a separate room. Kripa had a disturbed sleep, tossing and turning, thinking about poor Angad in the uncomfortable sofa-bed. She woke up in the middle of the night, chilled, shivering with cold, she had pushed off the comforter and it was quite chilly inspite of the room-heater. She got up, worried about Angad sleeping in the cold living-room outside. She opened her bedroom door and tiptoed to the living-room. He was sleeping on his stomach, snoring slightly, his long legs sprawling, hanging down the edge of the sofa. He had thrown his covers off too. She tiptoed upto him, bent down and pulled the comforter over him….she looked around, there was an ottoman (sitting stool) nearby…she carried it quietly to the foot of the sofa and gently raised his dangling legs on the stool. Then she tiptoed to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Just as she was putting the glass away, a pair of muscular arms went around her, startling her out of her mind. She relaxed in his arms. He whispered: tumney kya socha, kaun hoga iss waqt? Lekin tum toh so rahey the, you were even snoring? She asked bewildered. Tum mere paas aaogi aur main sota rahoon, yeh kabhie ho sakta hai? Thanks, by the way for taking care of my feet and covering me up. He kissed her cheek, hugging her tightly from behind. Kripa was intensely conscious of his hard body pressing against her back, touching all throughout! Her heart began pounding in excitement! Sab so rahey hain, everybody is too tired" he laughed, "aur kisiney dekh bhi liya toh kya? …. yeh kitchen hai, bedroom nahin, hum yahan kar bhi kya saktey hain? Tum bahut naughty banti jaa rahi ho…pata nahin kaisey khayal aatey hain tumharey dimaag mein" he teased her, and hugged her tighter from behind. She pushed him angrily: Haan, main shaitaan hoon aur tum toh farishtey ho? Paaji kothakar (badmaash kahinkey) jaao, chhod do mujhey, neend aa rahi hai" Toh yahin mere paas so jaao na…phir mujhey thand nahin lagegi…he said in a seductive tone. She pinched his arm hard: bahut raat ho gayi hai, ab so jaao" Achha theek hai., she turned around in his arms and reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek. She blushed and tried to escape from him….he caught her up against him, raised her till she was level with him, then he kissed her lips loudly. He smiled against her lips: Yeh tha mera inaam, aur yeh haii tumhara inaam for taking care of me" She struggled briefly and then surrendered as usual, her hands circling his neck, kissing him back. He slid her down his body while still joined to her lips, making her intensely conscious of his maleness. She trembled in his arms, pressed so close to him she could feel every muscle, every sinew, every heartbeat. His mouth and tongue explored hers, she reciprocated, her passions aroused. Her skin felt heated inspite of the cold night air in the unheated kitchen. Her heart thudded with excitement, shivers ran up and down her spine. His hands started caressing her back, covered by a thin cotton nightgown...one hand moved to her waist and ventured to her stomach, moving upwards. She gasped and withdrew from him, knowing where this was going and stopping him before things got out of hand. His face was flushed and he was breathing hard. He pleaded her with his eyes to let him love her some more, she shook her head and went out of the kitchen. He grabbed her wrist and uttered: Goodnight, Sweetheart! Kal ki haseen mulaqat ke liye . good night aap la : aap ki : main aaya aap jaate hain - -
Teri baahon mein hai jaanam meri jismo jaan pighalkey
Placid Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state.
Kripa ooh-ed and aah-ed in delight: Kitni sundar hai na?
Angad pulled her close against his warm chest and whispered in her ears: Come here! I will keep you warm!
She tried to push away, whispering: Kya kar rahey ho? Kaku-Kakima dekh lengey"
Angad whispered back, his lips touching her shell-like ears: Don't worry! Who peechhey mudkar nahin dekhengey"
Aa gaye hum kahan ay mere saajna
In bahaaron mein dil ki kali khil gayi
Mujhko tum jo mile har khushi mil gayi
Tere gaalon pe hain zulf ki badliyaan
Tere baalon ki khushboo se mehke chaman
Sangmarmar ke jaisa ye tera badan
Chhed do tum aaj koi pyaar ki raagini
Aa gaye hum kahan ay mere saajna
Ye janmon ka saath hai dekho chhoote na sajna
Tere aanchal ki chhaaon ke tale
meri manzil mujhe mil gayi
Teri palkhon ki chaaon ke tale
mohaabat mujhe mil gayi
Aa gaye hum kahan ay mere saajna
In bahaaron mein dil ki kali khil gayi
Mujhko tum jo mile har khushi mil gayi
Ye haseen vaadiyaan ye khula aasmaan
Aa gaye hum kahan ay mere saajna
Angad sucked in his breath…..it was awesome, magnificent! He wanted to share this view with Kripa.
He looked down at her in his arms, her head was rolling on his shoulder, long lashes curving on pink cheeks, her soft breath on his cheek stirring his senses.
Angad smiled indulgently at her: Im glad you like it. Hum Yuksom chalengey trekking per, wahan se aur bhi nazdeek dikhega"
Kripa looked amazed at him, even closer than this?… she couldn't imagine how that would look.
Kripa frowned at him but Gayatri said: Jaao Kripa, Angad ke peir chhuo…wo tumsey bada hai aur phir tum dono ki shadi bhi honay wali hai"
Pehley shadi toh honay do, phir ek saath dekhengey" Angad promised her in a husky tone.
She glared at him but couldn't help laughing at his naughty expression: Angad, tum bhi na….
Kitni sundar hai unki jodi….Gayatri gushed…Bhagwan hamesha unki jodi banaye rakhey…Durga Durga!
Naina and others nodded and smiled indulgently at the youngsters in love!
Angad chose the sofa-bed in the living-room although it was too small to fit his large frame.
Kripa, you should have a room of your own….tum Chhutki ki tarah bachchi nahin rahi ab….You are a big girl now….the way he said that made her blush furiously. She kept quiet and didn't argue anymore.
Kripa turned redder and punched him on his arm: Chhheee Dushtu, mujhey tang mat karo, main sonay chali, Goodnight" she smiled at him archly and sailed off to her room.
She opened her mouth to scream, Angad covered her mouth with his hand: Ssshhhh, poorey ghar ko jaganey ka iraada hai kya? He breathed into her ears.
She pushed him back: Angad, chhodo mujhey, koi aa jayega toh kya sochega"
Pehley mera inaam do, he demanded in a commanding tone.
Kis baat ka inaam? She acted ignorant.
Wah wah, Ms. Kripa Bose, itni jaldi bhool gayi? Vaada bhool jaana toh koi tumsey seekhey! Mainey tumharey liye gaana gaya, uska inaam kahan gaya?
Buss, gaal per? He looked disappointed.
Haan, kyunki tum ungli pakadkar haath pakadna chahogey …she laughed up at him.
Sirf haath hi kyun? He asked wickedly.
He kissed her hard, deepening the kiss slowly.
Goodnight! She shyly whispered and ran to her room:
Aaj raat ke liye
Hum tum judaa ho jaatey hain
Achha chalo so jaatey hain
la : kal ki haseen mulaakaat ke liye
aaj raat ke liye
ham-tum juda ho jaate hain
achchha chalo so jaate hain
ki : kal ki haseen mulaakaat ...
neend nahi kya aai
la : neend meri aap ne churaai
main to nahi soi aadhi raat hoi
aap ko hua kya khaas vajah koi
ki : akele mein ham ghabara gaye
chale gaye the phir aa gaye
to maaf karna is baat ke liye
aaj raat ke liye ...
ab hai kya majaboori
ki : haan
kaam tha ek zaroori
la : lambi-lambi raaten chhoti mulaaqaaten
ki : bhool gaya tha main do-chaar baaten
la : baaton se na dil apana bhare
aankhon mein kai sapane bhare
to sapanon ki is baaraat ke liye
aaj raat ke liye ...
la : ham aapase sharamaate hain
ki : main to hoon deewana main ye nahi jaana
hamse sharm kya kya hai bahaana
la : dekho ham the ajanabi
ho gayi magar ab dosti
badale hue haalaat ke liye
aaj raat ke liye ...
PART 30 The morning was strangely silent and quiet-like a hush had fallen all over the world ! Kripa got up and opened the curtains…."Omaaaa" …she gasped with delight! It was snowing outside! It was all white…..it must have started late at night for the ground was already covered with 8-10 inches of snow. It looked beautiful….. like a fairyland, icicles hanging from the eaves of their cottage and from the branches of pine and fir trees! Kripa had never seen snowfall before as they always visited the mountains in summer months. This was too early in the year for snow but Pelling was at a very high elevation and too close to the high peaks. Kripa was thrilled to bits…she quickly freshened up in the attached bathroom, put on her new blue jeans with the pink pullover and jacket and boots! Tying her hair in a high ponytail, looking like a teenager, she went into the living-room. Angad wasn't there….he must be in the bathroom, she thought! She went outside the cottage and stepped out into the soft, squishy snow. Her feet sank into the soft piles….she looked up at the snow falling silently on the fir trees …..feeling the soft, feathery snowflakes on her face, smiling with delight. She stepped further into the snow, her boots got buried in the snow-pile. Suddenly a BIG snowball hit her shoulder. "Ufffff" …She looked up to see a grinning Angad in the distance, making another snowball in his hand to throw at her. She ducked the second one, laughing at him. Then she bent and scooped up 2 handfuls of snow and made a snowball out of it, she threw it with all her might at Angad but he ducked. She stomped her foot in frustration, he laughed loudly at her, approaching her with another snowball in his hand. She threw another one at him, this one hit him on his legs. He threw his snowball at her face….she ducked but it fell on her head, making her hair all wet and snowy. She shouted with anger and threw her next one at his face too but he side-stepped it neatly. He came nearer, his eyes glinting devilishly. She turned and ran around the side of the cottage. He came behind her, calling out her name….there was a gentle slope behind the house which went down to the next cottage. Kripa's feet slipped as she tried to run through the snow in her heavy boots. She fell and rolled down the slope…..Angad jumped to save her and he also rolled down the slope after her. It was quite a fall and when she stopped, she was shaken and out of breath, her whole face, hair and clothes were full of snow. Angad rolled down next to her, he removed the powdery snow from her chilled, shocked face and asked her with concern: Kripa, tum theek toh ho na? Haan, main theek hoon, she whispered up to his face, which was so close to hers, she could feel his warm breath on her cheeks. They looked deep into each other's eyes, breathless, lost in a world of their own! His large hand caressed her cheek slowly, his thumb brushed her lips gently then pulled at her soft lower lip, parting the seam. His mouth came down on hers as she moaned softly….their lips joined and he drank deeply from her sweetness, dipping into her honeypot with his tongue and lips. Her fingers burrowed in his thick hair, clenching, as her tongue brushed against his, both of them shuddering with the sudden passion ignited by their playful snowball-fight! They moaned into each other's mouth, hungrily exploring, kissing, tasting. His body covered hers as he came on top of her, burying her deeper into the thick snow-pile. Kripa trembled under his heavy weight…she moved restlessly against his hard, muscular body with an unknown hunger. She was on fire, even in the midst of snow. His hot breath burned her, his probing, invading mouth made her throb with desire. They twisted restessly against each other, her denim-clad legs twining with his….Angad groaned with desire as he crushed her in his arms, moving urgently against her as he kissed her hard and deep! His hand pushed up under her jacket and top, feeling the soft skin of her belly, moving up to cup her pliant softness. She moaned into his mouth with pleasure, her soft flesh tingling, tightening, aching! She felt a jolt of pleasure run down to her legs and arched under him with a cry muffled by his invading lips. His fingers caressed and rubbed her softness till she was mindless with pleasure, moving urgently under him, reaching for an ecstacy yet unknown to her. He moved over her, grinding, pressing down on her, feeling her softness through the layers of clothes…he groaned into her mouth, he was on fire to possess her, to take her to the heights of love! She felt a pulsing deep inside her, ready to surrender to his demands! She moaned deep in her throat! DADABHAIIII, KRIPA DIIIII….Harshini's voice floated down to them from above the slope: KAHAN HO TUM DONO? DADABHAIIII….. She came to her senses at the high-pitched, childish voice calling for them. She pulled her lips away from his and pushed against Angad: Chhutki bula rahi hai…she breathed out shakily, her lips and body still trembling with passion! Please Angad, wo humein dekh legi…..please chhodo mujhey….she pushed against him but he was too heavy to move. ANGAD! CHHODO MUJHEY! She said it louder now, piercing the haze of desire that had captured all his other senses! He reluctantly rolled off her, his face flushed….then he got up on his feet and held out his hand to her, she placed her small hand in his and he pulled her up from their bed of snow! She looked down, couldn't meet his heated eyes. They made their way up the slope, he held on to her elbow so she wouldn't fall again but she didn't move too close to him….she was still trembling inside from what had happened in the snow. Her legs felt weak and shaky and she was thankful for his supporting hand holding her elbow. As they reached the top, they saw Chhutki coming towards them, trudging through the snow-pile in her winter jacket and boots. She shouted when she saw them coming: Angad chuckled softly at her lie, she didn't look at him but blushed. Naina asked them where they had gone….she looked at their snow-covered clothes with surprise: Kripa looked away from his burning gaze: Nahin, tum dono bana lena, I am tired. Main abhi aati hoon….she went to her room, opened her jacket, her body was still throbbing from his touch, her lips felt swollen and bruised from his voracious kisses…..she sat down on her bed to control her trembling. She closed her eyes, remembering his touch on her bare skin….she shivered and put her hands on her hot cheeks: Hey Bhagwan, yeh mujhey kya ho raha hai? Main kyun apna hosh kho baithi? She had felt things she had never felt before….she was aroused and scared at the same time! Her limbs trembled, she felt weak and boneless. There was a soft knock at the door, it was Angad: Kripa…tum theek toh ho na? At breakfast, Angad glanced at her from time to time, looking worried that she might be upset about what happened. She avoided his eyes…. mixed feelings of shyness, yearning, shock and desire were churning her disturbed heart. But outwardly she was calm and composed! After breakfast, Angad and Chhutki went outside and made a big snowman. They broke off sticks from the trees to make the hands and stuck on two black stones as its eyes! Kripa stood at the window, watching them, wishing she could join in the fun too. But she couldn't go near Angad right now! The elders sat in the living-room in front of the small wooden fireplace. Bahadur Singh, a waiter from the Resort had cleared up snow from the pathway around the house, lit up the fire in the hearth and made tea and snacks for them. He also brought lunch for them as it was difficult for the ladies to trudge down to the main building for food. As they sat around the warm fire, enjoying tea and pakoras, Shurjo told Dilip about his impending legal hassles with his nephew Kartik and asked for his legal advice. Shurjo was mightily relieved: Bhai Dilip, tumney toh mere dil ka bojh halka kar diya. Mujhey badi chinta ho rahi thi ke kahan se itney paisey laaoon, Kartik ka demand bharney ke liye? Aur phir iss saal Kripa ki shadi bhi toh karni hai" Kripa who was standing at the window, heard that and went out of the room, blushing! The elders laughed indulgently. Naina commented laughingly: Sharma gayi bechari….kal tak toh hamari beti thi aur ab bahu bhi ban jayegi" Dilip said very firmly: Dekho bhai Shurjo, tum Angad-Kripa ki shadi mein zaroorat se zyada kuchh nahin karogey. Hum ab samdhi banney jaa rahey hain iska yeh matlab nahin ke hamari dosti khatam ho gayi….humein sirf Kripa chahiye, aur kuchh nahin….wo toh laakhon mein ek hai. Aur tum Kartik ke lawsuit ke baarey mein bilkul chinta mat karna…wo tumharey property ko haath bhi nahin laga sakta" That day they couldn't go sightseeing anywhere because of the snow. The elders didn't even stir out of the house because of the snow around them and spent the whole day playing cards, gossiping, chatting and eating food brought by Bahadur. He told them that most of the snow would melt by the next morning so they could go to Pemayangtze Monastery and other famous tourist spots around Pelling! Angad, Kripa and Chhutki played cards in the living-room all afternoon. He didn't pester Kripa too much, gauging her disturbed state of mind. When Chhutki took a bathroom break and they were alone, he leaned close to her and asked her in his low, deep voice: Naraaz ho mujhsey? He realized her conflict: Main tumhey kisi kashmakash mein nahin dalna chahta, na hi apni marzi tumharey upar force karoonga. I just want you to be comfortable with me, Okay? He pressed her hand gently. She looked up tearfully at him and nodded. The rest of the afternoon and evening, they behaved normally with each other again, teasing, fighting over cards, in easy friendly camarederie, although their passionate embrace was constantly at the back of their minds till bedtime and beyond when they visited each other in dreams to tantalize and arouse to a fever pitch again! - -
The wind had been knocked out of her but she was okay, no bones broken, just a little shaken.
Bulaney do….he mumbled huskily, his lips tried to capture hers again, plunging down on her face….she moved her face from side to side, evading his passionate kisses, which fell on her cheeks, her eyes, her neck. Unable to capture her lips, he nuzzled her neck, licking and kissing it!
He finally lifted his head, looking at her with unabated hunger. She pleaded him with her eyes: Chhutki humein bula rahi hai, please chhodo!
DADABHAI, KRIPA DI, KAHAN THE TUM DONO? MAIN KABSEY BULA RAHI HOON….JETHIMA (Naina) TUM DONO KO NASHTA KARNEY BULA RAHEY HAIN"
Kripa moved away from Angad's hand and quickly went to Harshini: Hum yahin per toh the….cottage ke peechhey.
They went in quietly, the elders were sitting at the dinette and living-room, they had ordered breakfast from the dining-hall as it was too snowy to walk there.
Kya hua tum dono ko? Theek toh ho na?
Angad laughed sheepishly: Haan Mom! Wo hum zara snowball fight kar rahey the….
Harshini heard that: Kyaaa? You are so meeaann! Why didn't u call me? Ab main bhi kheloongi…
Angad glanced at Kripa : Haan zaroor khelengey….khaney ke baad hum sab milkar snowman banayengey….kya khayal hai, Kripa?
In truth she was still trembling inside from their passionate embrace in the snow. She couldn't be alone with Angad now. She was too nervous about her own reaction to his passion!
She took off her wet clothes, laid down on her bed and rested for some time, trying to get back to normal.
Oh God! She couldn't let him come in now when she was feeling so vulnerable, she quickly yelled: Haan main theek hoon, mein change karkey aati hoon"
She quickly changed into a blue salwar so she wouldn't have to go out again to build a snowman with Angad and Chhutki. Besides her clothes were too wet from rolling around in the snow.
Dilip reassured him: Arey bhai Shurjo, tum ghabrana mat! Hum hain na tumharey saath, Khanna and Associates, wo Kartik tumhara baal bhi baanka nahin kar sakta. Makaan ke sale per injunction laga dengey, wo tumhara makaan kabhie nahin bech sakega"
Kripa looked down at her cards and shook her head: Nahin…..
Toh phir mujhsey baat kyun nahin kar rahi ho?
She blushed, biting her lips, how could she tell what a turmoil her heart and mind was in? She wanted to surrender to him completely but her values, her upbringing made it seem wrong to progress so far with a man before marriage, however much she loved him!
PART 31 As Bahadur had predicted, most of the snow had melted by next morning, which dawned bright and sunny. The Khanna and Bose families boarded the two minivans and set out for a visit to Pemayangtze Monastery. Pemayangtse literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. This is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Founded in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The three-storied building of the monastery houses a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures. On the third floor of the monastery, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and the whole panoply of Buddha and bodhisattva (re-incarnations of Buddha). They went over the whole monastery, paying homage to the huge statue of Buddha in the Center Hall where dozens of red-robed monks chanted Buddhist prayers in a monotonous, yet enchanting, sombre tone. The smell of incense filled the damp, cold air and a monk mournfully struck the gong at regular intervals! Kripa was fascinated with the huge Thankas hanging from the walls, Thankas are Buddhist religious paintings on canvas or embroidered on silk or satin depicting various events from the Buddha's life and Bodhisattvas and Jataka Tales. She stared open-mouthed at the intricate designs and beautiful colors used in the Thankas. There was also a gorgeous Chakra painted on the floor at the entrance, made out of colored powder. The monks spent hours making the chakra and when it was done, they just destroyed it with one swipe of hand. This symbolized the impermanence of all earthly things. While Kripa gazed wonderingly at the paintings, Angad followed her around, checking out her curves from the back….she was wearing her pink pullover and blue jeans and without the winter jacket, her delicious curves were accentuated in the figure-hugging denim! His pulse quickened, his blood heated : Kripa was driving him crazy! He followed her to the prayer-wheels outside. She turned around and smiled excitedly at him: Jaantey ho, Angad, in wheels ke andar prayers likhey huey hain, isliye jab hum inhey ghumatey hain, toh apney aap prayers padh lee jaati hain…..isnt that cool? Wow, he laughed with real amusement, yeh toh badi acchhi baat hui. Prayer mein bhi shortcut, these Buddhists are clever, apna waqt barbaad nahin kartey, buss wheel ghuma diya aur prayer khatam. Chheee Angad, Puja-paath ke baarey ke barey mein mazaak nahin kartey, yeh inka tareeka hai…..Kripa got offended at his jokes. Arey Kripaa, tum har baat itni seriously kyun leti ho? Chill Yaar! Main mazaak thodey hi kar raha hoon, main toh inki tareef kar raha hoon" Chhutki came running: Main bhi wheels ghumaoongi….Dadabhai please mujhey help karo na? The wheels were very big and heavy so Angad helped her spin them while following Kripa around the monastery where the wheels were attached to the walls! As Kripa spun them, she closed her eyes, and said her own prayers simultaneously! Kya maang rahi ho? Angad asked her, his warm breath tickling her nape. Yehi maang rahi ho na ke tumhara pati tumsey bahut pyar karey" Angad grinned and put a hand on his heart as if her reply had pierced his heart straightaway! He closed his eyes and spun a wheel very hard. Then he asked her : Ab tum batao mainey kya maanga? She blushed, she could guess what he wanted but feigned ignorance: Kya maanga tumney?" He bent down very close to her pink cheeks: yehi ke hamari shadi jaldi se jaldi ho jaye…mujhsey yeh dooriyan ab bardasht nahin hota" he looked longingly into her eyes, she lowered them, reading the want, the hunger in his eyes. Dhettt! She scolded him softly: Dushtu, mandir mein bhi?!….CHUP!…aisi baatein nahin kartey! He laughed: Kyun? Pyaar karna koi paap hai kya? Yeh kis shastra mein likha hai?" Shurjo called out to Kripa: Beti, tum apna camera layi kya? Itni sundar jagah hai, pictures lena mat bhoolna… Ohho, Kripa cried out, main toh bhool hi gayi thi….she took out a small camera from her purse and snapped pictures of the monastery from different angles, then she took group photos of the two families, then some pictures of Angad and Chhutki posing in front the of the monastery. Angad took a few pictures of her posing in front of Thankas. He told her: Main apna camera nahin laya per tum zaroor mujhey yeh prints dena. I want some pictures of yours for when I have to go on tours" Jhoothey! Tumharey paas toh meri ek tasveer hai" she smiled saucily up at him. Tumhey kaisey pata chala? He asked sheepishly. Gayatri called out to Kripa: Beti, hum ab Pelling sheher mein shopping ke liye jaa rahey hain….tu kya hamarey saath aayegi? Gayatri was hesitating a little, Debu and Dilip offered to go with them. Angad rolled his eyes heavenwards in exasperation: Yeh hamari families ki wajeh se main Kripa ko kabhie akeley mein mil nahin paaoonga…Khair, at least they cannot go with us on the trekking trip! He thought gleefully. So the 3 ladies and Shurjo went in one van while the others went to the waterfalls which was 10 kilometers outside Pelling. They had a great time at the waterfalls. Thankfully Dilip and Debu took care of Chhutki so Angad and Kripa got to explore the Falls by themselves. They relaxed on a big rock close to the waterfalls. Angad pulled Kripa near him and they sat there, his arms enveloping her in a close embrace. Kripa leaned her head on his broad chest and sighed dreamily: Kitni sundar jageh hai na? Jee karta hai yahin per reh jaaoon tumharey saath… Sach? His eyes lighted up, toh phir kaho main yahan ke real estate agent ko contact karta hoon, yahin per ek bungalow khareed lengey aur shadi ke baad yahin per rahengey. She giggled: Aur tumhara law practice? She laughed softly: Prem Puja se peit bhar jayega kya?" Nahin toh, aisa gaana actually hai kya? Ya tum banakar bol rahey ho? Kripaaa, he sounded offended: tum hamesha mujhey jhootha kyun samajhti ho? Of course theres a song like that…..Kalkatta lautkar main tumhey sunaoonga…I have it on my I-pod… Sorry Baba, maan gayi….zara tum gaakar sunao na….tum kitna acchha gaatey ho" I was standing Lost and lonely Don't you worry Now I've found you I would die for you When we're hungry, love will keep us alive I would die for you When we're hungry, love will keep us alive Kripa was very moved by the beautiful, emotional song…..she stared at his lips and face while he sang it….he enchanted her with his song and the moving words/lyrics. Her hand caressed his cheek when he completed the song, tears in her eyes: That is a really beautiful song. I loved it. Kiska gaana hai yeh? Angad got all excited and told her all about the Eagles and their band and their songs: Main tumhey yeh song download karkey doonga…tumharey dad ke study mein computer toh hai na? Haan hai,… Kripa's dad wasn't exactly living in the Middle Ages, he did have a decent computer at home. Waisey ek baat kahoon, Angad started nibbling on her ears and neck,.. shadi ke baad I wont be hungry anymore….I will eat you and stay alive" Kya? mainey kya bura kaha? Angad asked in mock surprise. Then he jumped off the rock too and chased her while she ran laughing towards Chhutki and the elders. After the waterfall trip, they visited another Monastery…Sangachoeling Monastery, which is the 2nd oldest after Pemayangtse. They were all very hungry after the day's sightseeing. Dilip called the ladies on his mobile…they were done with shopping too, they all decided to meet up at the Main Bazaar Area and have Lunch. Angad suggested that they should have typical Sikkimese food like Gyalthuk, Thukpa (noodle soup) and Momos….but the elders objected! Angad made a face….he had wanted Kripa to taste Sikkimese food…anyways, he thought, there was still the trekking trip. Kripa wanted to do some shopping too….after lunch, the gents accompanied the ladies to a second bout of shopping. Dilip complained: Aap mahilaon ki shopping kya kabhie khatam nahin hota? Naina laughed: Haan, theek jaisey aap logon ka kaam kabhie khatam nahin hota" Gayatri had bought a shawl for herself, sweater for Shurjo, and a magenta cardigan for Kripa to match her salwars. She took Kripa to a shawl shop and told her to buy a gorgeous shawl for her wedding totto (trousseau) Kripa blushed and protested: Maaaa, abhi shadi ka date bhi nahin fix hua aur aap shopping karney lag gaye?" Arey pagli, Gayatri slapped Kripa on the head affectionately: Shadi ka date fix honay ke baad kya hum phir se Pelling aayengey? Yahan shawls bahut achhey miltey hain aur sastey bhi, yahin se apni shadi ke shawl aur sweater choose kar le" See that was easy….Angad muttered in her ears later, tumhari aur meri choice milti hai. Good going….ab main tumharey liye ek choose karoonga. He chose a dark green shawl with orange and yellow embroidery that was too bright and gaudy for Kripa's tastes….she shook her head. He looked crestfallen but grinned…he had been testing her if she would be honest with him about her choice or just say yes to please him! Next he held up a mustard colored shawl with red, green and dark blue embroidery…she liked that one and nodded and smiled. He purchased that one for her. As they were going out of the shawl store, Kripa saw a bangle-stand…..she loved glass bangles. She said: Maa main chudiyan khareedkar aati hoon" Angad accompanied her to the bangles stall. The bangle-seller had only plastic and shell bangles, made of lacquer. But Kripa chose red and black bangles with little designs on them. Angad suddenly said: Kripa apna haath idhar do" Naina and Shibani came to the bangle store too…they saw Angad putting on the red and green bangles on Kripa's wrist. Naina smiled and said loudly: Wah Angad, tuney shadi se pehley hi suhaag ki chudiyan pehna dee Kripa ko? Kripa gasped….she didn't know red and green bangles were shagun colors! Angad laughed shamelessly: Haan Mom, mainey advance booking kar dee, pata nahin kahin haath se na nikal jaye aapki bahu! Kripa blushed furiously and glared at him but she didn't take off the bangles which looked so pretty on her creamy wrists! Later in the van, she caressed the bangles with her hands, smiling to herself! Angad saw her since he was sitting right next to her. He took hold of her hands, brought them to his lips and kissed them. He whispered in her ears: Raat ko apna darwaza khula rakhna….main aaoonga" - -
She smiled but didn't answer.
Wo toh already karta hai…..prarthana karney ki kya zaroorat hai? She gave him a sidelong glance, flirtatiously.
She pinched his elbow: Pyar karna nahin, besharam hona buri baat hai…ab chalo, sab humein dhoond rahey hongey"
Yes, Your Honor! Chaliye" he teased her.
He flushed, remembering the photo of hers that he had stolen from her notebook and which he kept in his wallet now.
Main itni buddhu nahin hoon, Mister! She poked his chest with her forefinger…wo mere college ke photos the…ek gayab hoga toh pata chal hi jayega na…she giggled …Chor kahinkey!
Angad looked embarassed but laughed loudly.
Angad quickly intervened: Auntie, main Kripa ko Sangay Waterfalls le jaana chahta hoon, can I take her there?
Debu said: Hum Ladies ke saath shopping jaakar kya karengey? Bore ho jayengey. Chal, Chhutki, hum bhi waterfalls dekhney jaatey hain.
Shurjo went with Gayatri but Chhutki also tagged alongwith Angad and Kripa.
Law practice chhodkar main 24 ghantey Prem Puja karoonga" he said huskily, kissing her neck and ears intermittently.
You are so unromantic, Kripa….he complained. Tumney wo gaana nahin suna? Eagles ka? "When we're hungry, Love will keep us alive"
His ego tickled, Angad grinned and happily obliged, humming the song in Kripa's delicate ears as he held her close against his heart.
All alone against the world outside
You were searching for a place to hide
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry, love will keep us alive
Sometimes you just got to let it ride
The world is changing, right before your eyes
There's no more emptiness inside
When we're hungry, love will keep us alive
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do
Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside
When we're hungry, love will keep us alive
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do
Kitney sundar words hain na, Kripa said thoughtfully…when we are hungry, love will keep us alive"
Chheeeee, ANGADDDD, you Besharam! Kripa started hitting his chest and arms and fell off the rock in the struggle as he laughed and tried to avoid her blows.
Shibani shivered in revulsion: Na Baba! Wo sab tum hi jaakar khao…England mein rehkar wo sab gai-bhains khana seekh gaye ho…mujhey toh sochkar bhi ulti aati hai…Maago ma!
They went to a Punjabi Dhaba style restaurant and had typical Punjabi food…Dal Makhni, Baingan ka bharta, parathas, peas pulao, meat curry and raita.
Of course Shurjo and Gayatri had problems with the hot and spicy food, they were used to more bland maccher jhol-bhaat but they had it to please their friends/future sambdhis.
Kripa felt shy as Angad was looking on delightedly at their wedding shopping. He helped her choose. She held up a maroon Kashmiri stitch shawl in front of her….he nodded and showed a thumbs up. She took that one, then she held up a black embroidered cardigan in front of her, he okayed that one too.
She was surprised but held out her hands….he took a bunch of red and green bangles and slipped them onto her slim wrists. She loved the pattern, she looked up shyly at him and said: Thanks, Angad!
Suhaag ki chudiyan….she would cherish these forever!
Kyun? She asked with nervous surprise.
Poora din tumhey kiss nahin kar paya….buss ek goodnight kiss chahiye aaj ke liye"
She looked suspiciously at him: Buss ek goodnight kiss, aur kuchh nahin…she made him promise before she agreed.
PART 32 All of them were dead tired after the day's excursion and had an early dinner and went to bed. Kripa changed into a red kaftaan and waited for Angad. Around midnight, Kripa heard a gentle knock at her door, she was anticipating that knock with a wildly beating heart. She opened the door, Angad stood there in his sweatshirt and pajamas. Can I come in? he whispered, his eyebrows dancing in mischief, his foot at the door. She looked doubtfully at him: Kyun? Yahin se goodnight kiss le lo na…andar aaney ki kya zaroorat hai? He grabbed her hand suddenly and went inside the room, and closed the door, pinning her against it. His heated gaze ran over her kaftaan-clad figure, his hands on both sides of her body, preventing her escape! Angadddd! She whispered angrily….yeh kya kar rahey ho? Kuchh bhi toh nahin….he laughed softly. His wickedly warm, brown eyes pinned her wide, startled gaze: Don't worry, Kripa, main aisa kuchh bhi nahin karoonga jo tum nahin karna chahti" His face hovered over hers, his heated breath on her skin, she closed her eyes, breathlessly anticipating his lips on hers. He brushed his firm, male lips on her soft cheeks and pointed little chin, whispering against her neck: You smell so good, .I want to drown in you! She trembled at his seductive words…."Angad, please aisa mat karo" Main apni hosh kho deti hoon….please don't do this! She begged him achingly. Nahin, Angad, yeh theek nahin hai, humein shadi tak rukna chahiye" Kripaaaa, he raised his head and teased her with his wicked eyes: Kripa, tumharey dimaag mein aisey khayal kyun aatey hain? Hum aisa kya karengey jo shadi tak nahin kar saktey? He looked at her in pretended shock! Kripa pushed at him furiously: YOU! Badmaash! main sochti hoon ya tum kartey ho? She started hitting his chest angrily. He laughed softly, grabbing her arms: Shhhhh, itna shor mat machao, nahin toh sab jaag jayengey aur main logon ko mooh dikhaney ke kaabil nahin rahoonga...tum mujhey badnaam kar dogi" She couldn't take it anymore, she boxed his ears and started laughing helplessly at his naughty, teasing remarks! He lifted her up in his arms and carried her to bed. He tucked her inside the comforter, then bent over her and whispered : Goodnight, Sweetheart! Zyada der tak mat jaagna, kal subah saat bajey hamari Jeep aa rahi hai" He took her lips in a deep, loving kiss, she put her hands around his neck and kissed him back. his hands caressed her arms and waist restlessly. Asiey kiss dogi toh main jaa nahin paaoonga" he complained against her lips. He pressed his lips on hers once more, unable to resist the temptation of her soft, pink lips. He longed to lie down beside her under the covers and take her in his arms, to spend the night with her…. but he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself if he did that. No, he would wait till Kripa was HIS in name as well. - - Their Tour Guide from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Mr. Thapa, came sharp at seven with a seven-seater covered Jeep, rugged and mountain-worthy. There were 4 more trekkers in the jeep with them, 2 Indian guys and a European couple from Sweden. Thapa stood on the back-step of the Jeep as there werent enough seats. He shook hands with Angad and did namastey to Kripa before handing them their rucksacks containing hiking supplies like water, dried food, nuts, light bedding, blanket and first-aid kit. Angad and Kripa bid a fond goodbye to their families. They were going trekking to Yuksam from Khechopalri Lake. Yuksam is the base-camp for all Kanchenjunga peak expeditions. But their families were going to Gangtok for the day which was about 3 hours drive from Pelling. Gayatri was quite worried about Kripa: Beti, zara saavdhaan rehna, theek se dekhkar chalna" Naina yelled at Angad: Betaa...Wahan pahunchtey hi phone kar dena….nahin toh hum worry karengey. Angad-Kripa were supposed to spend the night at Yuksam with the other trekkers before walking back to the lake the next morning and drive back the next afternoon. They got up in the Jeep and greeted their fellow trekkers, two young men from Delhi, Prakash and Jaideep Sehgal and a Swedish couple Lars and Dina Pederson, both avid mountaineers who were going ahead from Yuksam to Dzongri, the next destination. Angad put a possessive arm around Kripa's shoulders when he saw how the two young men were checking her out. Kripa looked lovely in her yellow turtleneck sweater and black jeans, her hair tied up in a ponytail with a few strands left loose. He glared at the young men who were in their early 20s: Keep off my property…..his eyes seemed to say. The men took the hint and looked away, talking about the trip with the Andersens. Kripa couldn't help notice Angad's possessiveness about her and she cuddled up to him lovingly, feeling protected and cherished! She looked up at him with a loving smile, he looked so dashing and handsome in a white pullover and dark jeans….he looked like a big-screen heartthrob! Better than him anyday! You are MY hero! ….she whispered back, snuggling into his warm chest. He smiled with satisfcation, keeping his chin on her fragrant hair. The others in the Jeep ignored the lovey-dovey couple, letting them whisper sweet-nothings into each other's ears and cuddle close to each other! Angad was glad to see that Kripa had lost most of her hesitation in getting close to him in front of strangers. But she was still very self-conscious in front of their families! Khair shadi ke baad wo jhijhak bhi chali jayegi shayad…...he crossed his fingers hopefully. Dina asked them suddenly if they were newly-married...Kripa blushed with embarassment, moving away a little from Angad's embrace. As the Jeep climbed higher elevations, it got colder and Kripa shivered in his arms. Their Jeep-ride took them right up to the Khecheopalri Lake which was about 27 Kms from Pelling, it took them about an hour's drive to reach the edge of the lake. This lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is also a walking trail from Pelling to Khecheopalri (5 hours). It is popular to trek to Yuksom from Khecheopalri (4 hours). For those interested in spending a night or two in this place, there is a trekkers' hut around. There is also a pilgrim's hut meant to provide accommodations to the people who come on pilgrimage tours. Local people also provide accommodation to tourists. This place is popular among trekkers. The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. By the lakeshore is the small Lepcha village of Tsojo, and about 1.5km above the lake is the Khechepalri Gompa (Cave). They got down from the cramped Jeep and stretched their legs. Kripa ran around taking pictures of the lake and mountains, chattering excitedly like a small child and Angad looked on indulgently, following her around. They posed together for pictures that Thapa and their fellow travelers snapped for them. Thapa told them they could spend an hour at that place before starting out on the trek to Yuksom. The other trekkers walked up to the Gompa while Angad and Kripa walked into the quaint, little village of Tsojo. There were Bhutiya and Lepcha women wearing colorful, traditional clothes selling warm clothes, Buddhist artifacts and food. Kripa bought a small Buddha figurine for Angad and presented it to him: Yeh hamesha tumhari raksha karengey" Angad was touched and promised to keep it with himself. Kripa took pictures of the local women….one woman presented her with a Lepcha hat, she wore the colorful cloth hat and Angad took her picture with the local women! He took her to a momo-stall where a Lepcha peasant woman was steaming hot momos in a large vessel. They took two plates of momos (steamed meat dumplings) and hot garlic sauce and ate it, sitting on a rickety roadside bench. Angad was really enjoying himself. He had been all over Europe with friends, he had been to many places but he had never felt so completely peaceful and happy before. Kripa and her love made everything seem special, even the momos tasted better with her by his side. Kripa was in seventh heaven…..this trip with Angad was the best trip of her life. She wished it would never end. - -
Kyun? He nibbled and bit her the curve of her neck. She shivered violently and moaned.
Hosh khoney se itna darti kyun ho? He asked possessively, his mouth exploring her collar-bone, pushing aside the kaftaan sleeves.
Theek hai, she kissed his cheeks loudly, ab yeh kaisa raha?
He touched his cheek with his free hand and smiled: Sweet, but I prefer the other ones.
He bid her goodnight reluctantly and left the room, closing the door behind him after reminding her to get up at six and be ready by seven.
Kripa hugged her Mama: Offo Maa, main theek rahoongi, tum har waqt chinta kyun karti ho? Ab main badi ho gayi hoon"
Angad said to her in a low tone as soon as Gayatri was out of range: Tumhari Maa ko bhi pata hai ke tum dekhkar nahin chalti" he sniggered and Kripa hit his arm angrily.
Angad yelled back: Okay Mom, if my mobile is within range then I will call"
Dilip said: Mobile kaam nahin karta toh radio kar dena zaroor, Guide ke paas radio toh hoga na?
He leaned near her ears and whispered to her: Do I look better than your John Abraham?
Kripa looked astonished at him: how did he know she was admiring his looks?
He supplied the answer: Tumhari aankhen har baat bata deti hai…kuchh bhi nahin chhupta, na pyaar, na gussa! So tell me, am I better than John?
Angad replied: No, actually we are engaged...he lied, Kripa stared at him open-mouthed at his blatant lie!
He shook his head and winked at her: Dont say anything, just play along" he whispered in her ears.
So when are you two getting married? Dina persisted at knowing the details of this attractive, romantic, very much in love couple.
Hopefully in December...he pulled Kripa close to him again, smiling at Dina confidently.
They had packed their winter jackets in their backpacks as they didn't need it during daytime and also it would be too bulky to wear while trekking.
PART 33 The little group started out on the trek at 10 …the weather was nice, sunny, bright and cool. Each trekker took a rucksack loaded with supplies. Angad helped Kripa put the rukcsack on her back. As he adjusted the straps in front, his hand brushed her chest! She jerked and moved away,her face turned red... he hid a secret smile, his own pulse reacting to the touch! They took a narrow trail by the lake up to the mountains and were soon on the main trekking trail to Yuksom. The trail was quite narrow in most places except where it widened in the valley areas. There was a steep drop on one side to the river gorge below and sheer rock rising on the other. The trail was wide enough for 2 people and a horse to pass at the same time. In many places, there were rocks and boulders strewn across the trail, signifying a recent landslide. As they climbed higher, the view just got better and better. The huge peaks of Kanchenjunga and its subsidiary peaks loomed high above them like mighty towers. trekking-in... They admired the stupendous mountain vistas as they trudged along. Kripa was not an experienced trekker so she got tired after an hour. She was out of breath and had a cramp on her side so she sat down to rest on a big rock. Kripa looked ruefully at Angad: Im sorry, meri wajeh se tumhey der ho rahi hai…..mujhey aadat nahin hai na trek karney ki… Kripa smiled at him and rubbed her sore legs….she wasn't a very physically strong girl and got tired easily. Just then a large white bird flew over their heads, circled once and flew to a high rock above them. It was a snow owl….it perched on the rock and stared with round eyes at them. "Omaaa, dekho….SNOW OWL! Kripa forgot all her pain, jumped up and started taking pictures of her feathered model posing on the rock. She took pictures from all angles, exclaiming intermittently. She stepped backwards without looking where she was going! Suddenly she screamed…..Angad who was watching the owl with his mini binoculars, turned around with SHOCK!…Kripa was nowhere to be seen! KRIPAAAA , KRIPAAAA, he shouted frantically as he rushed to the edge of the road. There she was, hanging on a ledge under the trail, holding onto a thick root sticking out of the mountainside! Under her, there was a steep drop to the mountain stream 200 feet below, gushing over jagged rocks! ANGADDD! She cried out in terror, hanging on to the thick root for dear life as her feet somehow stayed on the narrow ledge above the gorge! KRIPAAA, HANG IN THERE….Angad's heart was pounding with fear but he kept a cool head…he tore open his rucksack and took out a thick climber's rope. He quickly tied one end to his waist and made a loop at the other end. He went to the edge and threw down the looped end to Kripa: KRIPAA, YEH PAKAD LO, EK HAATH SE PAKADNA PEHLEY, DON'T LET GO" She was too terrified to let go of her only anchor to the earth….THE ROOT! LET GO, TRUST ME….Angad shouted down to her…she was about 25 feet below him. Angad lay down on the ground to maintain equilibrium….he instructed her to grab the rope with both hands. She shuddered with fear….then finally let go of the root completely….she grabbed the rope with both hands and clung desperately. KRIPAAA, NEECHEY MAT DEKHO….UPAR DEKHO MERI TARAF….HOLD ON TO THE ROPE TIGHTLY! She looked up at him tearfully…..he frantically pulled her up with both hands. Thankfully, Angad was a very strong man, his muscles werent just for show as Kripa discovered that day. He slowly pulled Kripa up by the rope, tugging with all his might, his powerful biceps flexing to pull up her weight. As soon as her hands were within reach, he reached down with one hand and grabbed her hand. He pulled her out with the help of the rope and her hand. She slid up the side of the mountain, and crawled up to him lying on the ground above. He grabbed her and hugged her tightly against him, then he got up, pulling her up and moved her away from the edge as if he didn't trust her not to fall in again! Angad suddenly took her shoulders and shook her quite violently: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS TRY TO KILL YOURSELF? He yelled at her in furious worry! Kripa just looked at him tearfully and sobbed : I am sorry, Angad! I am sorry! I am sorry…..she flung herself at his chest and sobbed with relief and gratitude. He had saved her from certain death! She clung to his chest like a vine….shivering, sobbing, while he hugged her fiercely, kissing the top of her head, saying silent prayer of Thanks to the Gods for the ledge being there to save Kripa from certain death. I Love You, Kripa! Agar tumhey kucchh ho jaata toh main, toh main…..….he mumbled into her hair! As she stepped back, she suddenly cried out with pain. AAAHHHH! Mera peir! Lagta hai moch aa gayi hai" Kripa held her heel up and hopped in pain. WAIT! Sit down! Angad made her sit on a rock and held up her left foot. He opened her shoes and socks and inspected the heel and ankle…it was slightly swollen and as he tried to move it this way and that, Kripa yelled with pain: Oooohhh, dard ho raha hai, Angad, please don't move it! Hmmm. Lagta hai sachmuch moch aayi hai….. Kripa, humein ab 3 kms jaana padega….wo sab hamara wahin per wait karengey" Angad tied the two rucksacks together, his and Kripa's, then tied a rope around them to pull them along after him. Next he scooped Kripa up in his arms and started walking, while pulling the rucksacks after him attached to his waist belt. Kripa looked admiringly at his presence of mind….carrying her and pulling their luggage at the same time! Angad held her close to his wildly beating heart, he smiled down at her upturned face and gave her a quick kiss on her lips: Lets go, my little troublemaker! She looped her arms around his strong neck and rested her head on his chest, sighing in content, breathing in his comforting scent. She trusted him completely, he could take her wherever he wanted to go…she would go with him! She closed her eyes and slipped into a dreamworld where she and Angad were singing a beautiful romantic melody in the verdant valleys, with streams rushing nearby, mountains in the background, she in a pink salwar, Angad in his white pullover and jeans and jacket: . (Aaao na...Kyun Ho gaya na?) -FEMALE— FEMALE Watch this amazing vdo mix by our Bony who had made this for me a long time ago! If u have problems viewing it, plz let me know and I will try to load it again...be sure to watch it-its amazing! :x :x :x d=0B5E49A0 vid/98113 - -
Angad asked the others to go ahead as he didn't want them to fall behind for their sake!
Angad scolded her: Kripa, bachchon jaisi baatein mat karo….main kya yahan trekking ke liye aaya hoon? main toh tumharey saath kuchh waqt bitaney ke liye aaya hoon, jahan tum hogi wahan main…
Kripa managed to grab the rope with one hand….NOW LET GO OF THE ROOT!
But as soon as she let go of the root, her feet slipped off the ledge and dangled over the steep drop. She screamed in terror! She looked down on the gorge and shook with fear. If she plunged, she would die for sure!
He hugged her tightly, his heart still hammering in his chest with terror, with the fear of losing her. She hugged him back tightly, shivering with shock and reaction.
She knew he was out of his mind with fear for her safety….she understood why he was so mad at her.
She raised her tearful face upto his, then she stood up on tiptoes and kissed his lips: I love you, Angad! Tumharey hotay huey mujhey kucchh nahin ho sakta…main sirf tumhari hoon, sirf tumhari" her fists clenched in his soft woollen pullover! He held her head and kissed her back in a passionate, intense lip-lock, his fear magnifying his love for her!
KYA HUA? Angad asked her, anxiously nervous.
Angad took out his mobile and called Thapa: Mr. Thapa, yahan per Kripa ka ek accident ho gaya hai, lagta hai peir mein moch aa gayi hai….haan kya? Yahan se 3 kms ke baad ek gaaon hai? …okay okay we will meet you there then, okay over and out!
Lekin main kaisey chaloongi? Mere toh peir mein moch hai? Kripa asked, childishly pouting.
Angad laughed indulgently: Toh yeh nacheez kiss kaam ka, do tumhara rucksack do.
Goonji si hai saari fiza
Jaise bajti ho shehnaaiyaan
Laheraati hai maheki hawa
Gungunaati hai tanhaaiyaan
Sab gaate hain sab hi madhosh hain
Hum tum kyoon khaamosh hain
Saaz-e-dil chhedo na,
chup ho kyoon gaao na
Aao na aao na, aao na aao na
-CHORUS—
Ga ga re ga ga re ga re ga ma ga re
Ni re sa ni re sa ni sa ni
Ga ga ga re ga ga re ga ma pa ni
Dha ni dha ni dha pa ma ga re ma ga
Ga ga re ga ga re ga re ga ma ga re
Ni re sa ni re sa ni sa
Gama pa ni dha ni dha ni dha ni
Dha pa pa sa sa sa ni dha pa ma ga re ma ga
-FEMALE
Tan mann mein kyoon aise baheti hui
Thandi si ek aag hai
Ho, saanson mein hai kaisi yeh raagini
Dhadkan mein kya raag hai
Yeh hua kya hamein, humko samjhaao na – 2
Sab gaate hain sab hi madhosh hain
Hum tum kyoon khaamosh hain
Dil mein jo baatein hain honton pe laao na
Aao na aao na, aao na aao na
-MALE—
Ab koi doori na uljhan koi
Bas ek ikraar hai
Ab na kahin hum na tum ho kahin
Bas pyaar hi pyaar hai
Sun sako dhadkanein itne paas aao na – 2
Sab gaate hain sab hi madhosh hain
Hum tum kyoon khaamosh hain
Ab mere sapnon pe tum hi tum chhaao na
Aao na aao na, aao na aao na –
Goonji si hai saari fiza Jaise bajti ho shehnaaiyaan
-MALE- Hey, laheraati hai maheki hawa Gungunaati hai tanhaaiyaan
-FEMALE- Sab gaate hain sab hi madhosh hain Hum tum kyoon khaamosh hain
-MALE- Saaz-e-dil chhedo na, chup ho kyoon gaao na –
FEMALE- Aao na aao na, aao na aao na
PART 34 Angad trudged uphill and downhill, with his precious load in his arms, his hands holding her securely. He felt her heartbeats at the side of her chest under his tightly gripping hand! Kripa clung to his neck, her head tucked in his chest, listening to his strong and steady heartbeats, feeling secure and protected in his strength! After every half kilometer, Angad stopped for breath, putting her down carefully on a cliffside rock and rested for a while, drinking water from a bottle and eating nuts and dried fruits, which gives trekkers energy. Kripa felt guilty that he was having to carry her and tow the backpacks too: I am sorry, Angad, meri wajeh se tumhey itni taqleef ho rahi hai" He picked her up in his arms again to continue the journey, gazed into her eyes with a passionate look, she hid her face in the crook of his neck, holding his neck tightly. Within an hour, they reached the little village nestled in the valley under a high peak. Mr. Thapa and their trekking group were waiting for them at a tea-stall near the entrance of the village. They got up and helped Angad put Kripa down on a long bench at the tea-stall, all of them expressing concern and asking Kripa about her injured foot. Dana Perderson, who was a trained nurse offered to take a look at Kripa's ankle. Angad opened her shoes and socks and Dana inspected Kripa's swollen ankle and heel which was turning blue and red. Kripa's palms and fingers had cuts and bruises from holding the root and scraping up the mountainside….Dana noticed them: Oh you hurt your hands too…how this happen? Angad calmly told them how Kripa had fallen off the side and hung on the mountain ledge and how he had pulled her up. Everybody was shocked and horrified at Kripa's narrow escape from death! They praised Angad for saving Kripa's life and congratulated her on her luck about the ledge and having Angad as her savior. Kripa smiled, looking with pride at Angad: Haan, main jaanti hoon, I am the luckiest girl on earth, jo mujhey Angad jaisa saathi mila hai" Dana cleaned Kripa's cuts and bruises with antiseptic from her first-aid kit and applied ointment on them. Then she gave Kripa a strong painkiller: Have this with food. she instructed Kripa...its very strong medicine! Kripa thanked Dana profusely…..who just patted her on the back and said: You are most welcome, Dear! Just stay out of trouble for rest of the trip" Thapa told Angad: Sahib Jee, she cannot go on trek anymore, you will have to stay back in this village for night…we meet you tomorrow on trekking back and take you back to Pelling. But how will we take her back to Pelling? Angad asked Thapa. Angad was satisfied with the arrangements and agreed to Thapa's suggestions. Lars patted Kripa on her back: Young Lady, be careful, mountains are dangerous place. Thapa introduced Angad to the Rest-house caretaker, Mr. Namgyal, who told them he had just one big bedroom for travelers and the other room was just for storage. The 3rd room was his own quarters. Very few travelers ever stayed in this village on the way to Yuksom. Angad said : No problem, I have a sleeping bag, I will take the floor. Namgyal brought food for them from the village. They had lunch in the Office-Room and then Angad carried her to the bedroom and settled her on the bed with her foot up!. Angad asked Namgyal about ice-packs. Saab Jee, where do I get ice-packs? theres no snow here today….Angad found that ironic as the village sat right below a snow-covered peak, yet there was no ice in the village. But Sahib, I can get cold water in balti (bucket) if you want that? Namgyal brought two buckets of ice-cold water to the bedroom. Angad took off his pullover, revealing a white T-shirt inside. He lifted Kripa to a chair and sat in another chair facing her with a bucket of icy water in between. He lifted her left leg on his lap, folded up her jeans to her knees, revealing her slender, smooth leg and then dipped her foot in the ice-cold water! Ufffffff Maaaa! Kripa gasped in shock as her foot went in the icy water. She shivered and then bent forward to take her foot out of the stinging ice-water. He bent at the same time to hold it in the water. Their heads collided again: Uffff, she exclaimed in pain. S**T! he swore at the bump on his head! KRIPAA, he scolded her, chupchap baithi raho, you have created enough trouble already. Didn't you hear Dana? This is your treatment for the sprain…DON'T MOVE! She quietened down, after a little while he heard her sobbing: Mainey kaha na I am sorry! Tum mujhey daant kyun rahey ho? She cried like a small child. He reached out and caressed her cheeks with his dry hand: Now don't cry like a baby…you are not a kid anymore" he laughed at her sardonically. Kripa wiped her tears with the back of her hand and then leaned back and let him bathe her swollen ankle in the icy water. Very soon, the pain lessened and her ankle became numb as Angad diligently poured ice-water on it. She looked with grateful affection at his bent head, so engrossed with her injured foot. She really was the luckiest girl on earth to have such a caring, concerned man who loved her with all his heart! Her heart overflowed with love and tenderness, aching to caress that slightly tousled head of wavy dark hair! Meanwhile, Angad kept his attention on her injured foot, very much aware of her creamy, smooth supple leg in his hand, aware of her proximity as he took care of her sprained ankle! He focused on her injury to keep away his wayward thoughts! He wanted to caress her leg, run his hand further up to her thigh...he shook his head, annoyed at the direction of his thoughts...She was injured, for God's sake! How could he take advantage of her in that condition? After bathing her foot for fifteen minutes, he carefully wiped it dry with a small towel. Then he tightly wrapped a bandage around her ankle with a piece of cloth he had taken from Namgyal. Kripa asked him hesitantly: Angad, tum Pelling mein phone nahin karogey? But he still called his Dad in the afternoon: Haan Dad, hum pahunch gaye…Haan …Yes! Yuksom bahut sundar jageh hai…..Yes, we got rooms at the hotel. Thapa ne sab bandobast kar diya hai" Kripa stared open-mouthed at his blatant lies….he caught her staring at him and winked, then he asked about Kripa's parents and the other family members and hung up! Kyaaa? Meri taraf aisey kya dekh rahi ho? He laughed at Kripa mockingly. Nahin, nahin, please Angad, she panicked. Unhey ab mat batana, nahin toh wo bahut worry karengey" Angad was getting restless sitting in the Rest-House, besides Kripa looked too tempting sitting in the bedroom on the big double bed. He told Kripa he was going to explore the village and buy some food and supplies for the night. Kripa protested: Nahin Pleeease Angad, mujhey yahan akela chhodkar mat jaao….mujhey darr lag raha hai….yahan anjaani jageh mein akeley nahin reh paaoongi" Don't worry, Kripa….Namgyal hai na? Yahan pahadi log bahut honest hotay hain, They are good people, nobody will harm you! Main abhi gaya aur abhi aaya" Per main akeli bore ho jaaoongi" Kripa pouted, whined and complained. Kripa quickly shook her head, blushing: Angad! Don't be stupid! Mera wo matlab nahin tha…..lekin akeley mein main kissey baat karoongi? Angad explored the village, admiring its quaint beauty and colorful costumes and craftwork of the local people. He found a few stores and bought a bead necklace for Kripa with matching earrings. It would go well with the blue salwar she had back in Kolkata, he thought with a smile. He bought a Tibetan mask for Shabbir, a bead set for Chhutki and some tea for his Mom, Gayatri and Shibani. He found a grocery store and bought a few bottles of drinking water. Then he found a tiny eatery which sold noodle soup (Thuk-Pa) ….he asked them to deliver Thukpa and momos to the Rest-House for dinner. When he returned after 2 hours, Kripa was fast asleep. He smiled fondly at her head rolling on the headboard….he propped her head with a pillow, covered her with the comforter and left the room quietly. He had tea sitting on the front porch of the bungalow and chatting with Namgyal. After some time, Kripa woke up and called out from the room….she wanted to use the bathroom! He helped her limp to the bathroom on one foot, pausing at the door: Main andar aaoon kya? Will you need help? He asked, wickedly teasing. She hit his arm: NOOO, I can manage ….she giggled and went in. After emerging, she insisted on going to the porch and having tea with him…Angad relented, he picked her up in his arms again and carried her to the porch. They stared into each other's eyes. Kripa whispered: I was missing you…did u have a good time? I had a smashing time shopping for you…he whispered back, staring at her lips. Really? Mere liye tum kya laye? She asked eagerly. He showed her the bead jewelry set that he had bought for her. Ohh Angad, its BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE IT! " she exclaimed excitedly, then reached over and kissed his cheek. He flushed and grinned! Cough cough…Namgyal was standing behind them with an embarassed face. No need for that! I have already ordered dinner from the village restaurant…..aap buss Memsaab ke liye chai le aayiye…Thanks, Mr. Namgyal! Jee Sir, abhi laaya….he brought tea and biscuits for both of them ….they sat on the porch side by side on rickety chairs, watching as the sun set behind the huge peak rising tall and proud in the sky. The red and orange hues of the setting sun colored their faces with a vermillion shade, like throwing sindoor on their faces. Kripa glanced at Angad from time to time….she was so content and happy to be here with him ….just the two of them, in this beautiful, deserted place! She longed to be in his arms, to keep her head on his shoulders and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. watch?v=KmhT4om2NWs (Mere humdum mere Dost) chalo sajanaa, jahaan tak ghataa chale sundar sapanon kee hain manzil dhadakan tumare dil kee ulajhee humaaree lat mein - -
He reached out and pinched her cold cheek: Tumhey uthana mere liye taqleef nahin, its my pleasure! He smiled and winked at her meaningfully, she blushed and looked away.
It is a bad sprain, I think, Dana said in her heavy Swedish accent, I am giving you painkiller, also you need to do ice-pack or cold compress on foot, then tie a cloth tightly around it. Rest the foot, don't walk, keep feet up!
Angad looked at her with an affectionate grin and winked: Ab iss saathi ko jeevan saathi bhi bana lo" ….she blushed and looked down with a smile!
Angad asked: But where do we stay tonight?
Thapa pointed to a little bungalow further downhill amidst the thatched huts of Lepcha villagers: There, Sahib! That is Rest-house belong to Sikkim Tourism…you get room there and food.
I will call Pelling Headquarters to send stretcher here tomorrow morning for Memsaab! Thapa suggested.
The trekking group helped carry Kripa to the Rest House. It was a small bungalow with just two rooms, one big bedroom with attached bath and an Office-room. The other trekkers bid farewell to the young couple before going for lunch in the village and continuing their journey.
Kripa thanked the Pedersons again. The Sehgal cousins looked snidely at her and Angad, as they would be spending the night alone in the Rest-house. Angad and Kripa ignored their knowing looks.
Thapa bid them goodbye, and left after sending radio message to HQ about Kripa's stretcher from the Rest-house Office.
Theek hai, thanda pani hi sahi….Angad had to compromise.
He looked up from holding her slender leg in the bucket and smiled tenderly at her: Sorry Kripa, you know what I mean, don't you? You HAVE to be more careful from now on, apney liye nahin toh mere liye hi sahi"
Kripa thanked him softly! He joked wickedly: Doctor ke fees baad mein collect karoonga"
He carried her back to the bed and put her injured foot up on two pillows.
Aur unhey kya bataaoon? Ke tum pahad se gir gayi thi? Bewajah unko heart attacks deney ki kya zaroorat hai?
Kripa had to agree with his logic!
Kripa said in a shocked tone: Tum kitni asani se jhooth boltey ho! Baap rey Baap!
Toh main abhi phone karkey bataa doon? Ke tumharey peir mein moch aa gayi hai aur hum dono iss gaon mein raat guzaar rahey hain? He started dialling.
GOOD! NOW you see my point! Kabhie kabhie doosron ko bachaney ke liye bhi jhooth bolna padta hai"
Kripa smiled gratefully at him for having the sensibility to save her parents from tension!
Angad couldn't resist her pout….he came near her, bent and kissed her lips quite hard : Toh kya poora din pyaar karney ka iraada hai? He teased her but he had a dangerous glint in his eyes.
I will get you something to read" …Angad got a newspaper and old magazine from the Office-room and kissed her again: Bye, sweetheart! I will be back in a heartbeat"
He left Kripa sulking on the bed with the recent Sikkim Times and a very old issue of Business India!
Kripa got bored very soon and started napping with her head on the headboard.
I am sorry, Saab Jee, what will you have for dinner?
lagaakar mujhe gale,
chalo sajanaa, jahaan tak ghataa chale
kadam ke neeche furasat kis ko itanee,
dekhe jo mud ke peechhe tum chalo,
hum chale, hum chale tum chalo,
saawan kee hawaa chale
chalo sajanaa, jahaan tak ghataa chale
tumare tan kee chhaayaa, kaajal banee palak mein
ek hain do badan do badan ek hain,
aanchal ke tale chale chalo sajanaa,
jahaan tak ghataa chale pathareelee raahon mein,
tum sang main jhoom loongee
khaaoge jab thhokar hothhon se choom loongee
pyaar kaa aaj se, aaj se pyaar kaa hum se silasilaa chale
chalo sajanaa, jahaan tak ghataa chale
PART 35 As night fell over the rustic valley, it got colder and a sharp wind started blowing down from the mountain. Namgyal predicted: Saab Jee, Snowfall coming at night! But Namgyal reassured him: Light snowfall SaabJee! It will clear up by morning. Soon a heavily covered Lepcha man came from the village eatery with their food! Namgyal laughed at their expressions: Sir, Madam, if you don't mind eating my cooking, I make food for you. Khair... Ab tumhara dard kaisa hai? Namgyal lit the small stove in his room and within half an hour he made thick, rustic chapatis and aloo sabzi for them. It was hot and delicious and they enjoyed it immensely. They thanked Namgyal sincerely for such a deliciously simple meal! After dinner, Angad carried her back to the bedroom…. she wanted to change into her night clothes so he left the room, shutting the door behind him. Kripa limped slowly to her rucksack and took out her change of clothes. She sat on the bed and Then she called out to Angad that she was done and he could come in. He took out his own Nightclothes and went to the bathroom to change, emerging in his navy blue sweatpants and white sweashirt. He took out his folding sleeping bag and spread it out, laying it on the floor a few feet away from the bed. He took 2 pillows from the bed and a woollen blanket. Kripa looked on guiltily. Because of her, he would have to spend the night on the hard, cold floor. Although they had a room heater, it didn't heat up the entire room and the floor was always very cold! She bit her lips and picked at her fingernails….she wanted to ask him to come lie down on the bed…it was big enough for 3 people, but she was too shy to say it aloud. What would he think? That she was inviting him to her bed? She pondered on how she could phrase her request so it would sound proper. Angad looked at her briefly: Should I turn off the lights? Are you ready for bed? He slipped into the sleeping-bag and rolled over to the other side, he closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep. He tossed and turned, uncomfortable in the tight confines of the sleeping bag…he was used to sleeping sprawled on a huge, plush bed at home! His tall, muscular body didnt fit properly in the mattress! Each was intensely conscious of the other's presence just a few feet away, in the same room, in this deserted, private setting. Every single nerve-end was attuned to the other's movements in their separate beds. The winds howled outside, shaking the thin window panes. A cold draft blew inside the room from a crack in the window siding. Angad got up, turned on the light and stuffed a few pieces of old newspaper in the crack to block the wind. Angad….she called out to him….he turned to look at her in surprise….she looked earnestly at him, tum yahin bed per so jaao, yahan itni badi bed padi hai, tum kyun zameen per taqleef kar rahey ho? Please yahan aa jao…. Haan….Kripa said with certainty and confidence, yeh dekho….she took two pillows and made a divider in the middle by lining up the pillows. Us taraf tum, iss taraf main, koi problem nahin hogi, dono apni apni space mein so jayengey. Is it okay? He turned his back on her to avoid looking at her tempting figure…he closed his eyes, drew a deep breath to calm his racing pulse and soon fell asleep. She stayed awake, thinking about the events of the day….her narrow escape from death, Angad's bravery and concern, his strength and endurance in carrying her 3 Kms on the mountain trail. Sach mein aaj Angad ne mujhey poori tarah se jeet liya hai, pyar toh main usey pehley se hi karti thi, lekin aaj uskey liye mere mann mein jo izzat aur bhavnaein jaagi hain, wo mere pyaar ko aur bhi mazboot kar rahi hain! I will be proud to be his wife! He saved my life and made me his forever! She looked at his large, muscular frame on the other side of the bed...she wanted to reach out and touch his broad back but bit her lips and resisted the temptation! She sighed dreamily, hugging her pillow and fell asleep with a sweet smile on her lips. It was well past midnight….Kripa woke up with a start! It was dark inside the room, the bulb of the table lamp had blown a fuse. The only light in the room was the faint glow of moonlight and bright snow reflected from outside the glass windows. She could see clearly outside the windows….it had stopped snowing…..it was strangely calm and eerie, still, silent! She felt suddenly afraid! She moved the divider pillows and moved closer to him: Angad! She called after him in panic….ANGAD! Wait, mujhey akeley chhodkar mat jaao….WAIT! Main bhi aaoongi tumharey saath. She couldn't stay alone in the dark room in that strange bungalow! Angad heard her and rushed back into the room: Kya hua? Kya hua? Kalkattey mein baat alag hai…she argued, yahan iss bhoot bungalow mein mujhey dar lag raha hai….wahan dekho khidki ki ore, baahar kitna sunsaan hai, khamoshi hai….mujhey khamoshi se darr lagta hai" He couldn't tell her how beautiful she looked in the faint moonlight in her thin nightgown….it was making his blood pool all over his body! He had a tight rein of control over his senses but now that control was on the verge of breaking. It was early dawn….Angad woke up to find Kripa in his arms, snuggling against his chest, her face tucked in the curve of his neck. The room was cold, very cold, the heater had stopped working at night due to power failure. It was freezing cold! - -
Angad got worried, if they were snowed in, how would they go back to Pelling the next day with Kripa on a stretcher? She needed immediate medical care for her sprain or else it might get worse!
He was right….light snow flurries started a little later as Angad and Kripa sat in the Office Room waiting for the dinner delivery. The wind started blowing harder, striking the rickety window-panes, making them shudder and tinkle!
Kripa sat with her feet up on a stool as Angad served the food in dishes supplied by Namgyal.
Kripa looked doubtfully at the Thukpa that he served her in a bowl : Angad, yeh kya hai?
Angad offered some of the soup to her: Taste karkey dekho, yeh yahan ka soup hai, noodles and meat.
Per yeh kaun sa meat hai? She asked suspiciously. She sniffed the soup tentatively from Angad's spoon and made a face: "Chhheee, kaisi badboo aa rahi hai!"
Namgyal who came in provided the answer: Madam, that is Yak Meat….mountain people eat Yak meat.
Wuaakkk! Kripa spit out the little bit of soup she had taken in her mouth to taste with a disgusted face: Yak meat? Isssshhhh, Mago Ma! Yeh kaisey khaatey hain? Angad, tum kaisey yeh khaa rahey ho?
I eat everything….Angad said complacently and ate the Thukpa with a weird face…even he was finding it stinky!
Kripa gladly agreed: Yes, Mr. Namgyal, that will be very nice of you, Thank You!
Angad grinned at her, even he was relieved that he wont have to eat the Yak meat.
Kripa giggled ….he was too egotistic to admit that the Thukpa wasn't what he had expected so he was forcing himself to eat it.
Angad, how did you like your Thuk-Pa? ….she teased him, he laughed and pinched her cheeks.
Zyada experiment karo toh yehi hota hai…..Kripa shook her finger at him!
I always like to try out new things, Angad said defensively. Mujhey kya pata tha ke wo Yak meat hoga? He laughed in self-mockery.
Pehley se better hai, Thanks to you and Dana!
Tumney dawaai lee?
Haan, Lunch ke saath ek lee thi…isliye neend bhi achhi aayi..
stripped off her jeans, sweater and underclothes and slipped into a Nightgown. She somehow limped to the bathroom and freshened up, then came out and slipped into bed, pulling the covers over herself.
He came in and looked at her propped up against the pillows in her pink nightgown, looking very demure and innocent. Her hair was open around her shoulders, she looked completely adorable. His breath quickened… he quickly shifted his gaze before his pulse raced out of control.
Haan, theek hai….she said in a small, guilty voice.
Angad switched off the main light, leaving a table lamp on as night-light. He gruffly uttered: Goodnight Kripa! Go to sleep now!
Sleep evaded him….so did it Kripa! She tossed and turned, watched him shift uncomfortably in his floor-bed.
Kripa sat up and watched his efforts to keep the room warm. As Angad turned to go back to his floorbed she couldn't remain silent any longer.
Angad looked at her quizzically, his eyes glinting with a strange light: Are you sure? Main bed per aa jaaoon?
Angad grinned suddenly with relief…he was already getting a backache from the hard floor. Okay, he said, main abhi aata hoon…he switched off the main light, took his two pillows from the floor-bed and gladly flung his tired body on the other side of the bed. He turned and looked at her: Chalo, ab so jaao, Goodnight!
Goodnight, Angad, she smiled happily, delighted that he was sleeping on the bed and not on the hard floor anymore.
Kripa listened to his soft snores, she giggled to herself: shadi ke baad uskey kharraton (snores) ki aadat daalni padegi.
But he didn't snore as loudly as she had heard some men do…like her Mama in Delhi, when he snored the whole house could hear it. She pitied her Mamima for putting up with such loud snoring. God knows how she slept all through her 30 years of married life!
She looked at Angad'sbroad back...
Angad! She called softly….he slept soundly.
He still snored softly. She put her hand on his shoulder and shook him: Angad! Utho! Batti bujh gayi hai..….mujhey dar lag raha hai…please utho na…
Angad groaned and turned towards her, he opened his eyes and looked sleepily at her in the darkness: Kya hua, Kripa? Are you alright?
Haan main theek hoon, lekin batti bujh gayi hai, mujhey darr lag raha hai, main andherey mein so nahin sakti"
Oh SH*T! he swore…..lagta hai bulb ki fuse ud gayi….he swung his long legs down from the bed and got up.
Tum thehro, main jaakar Namgyal se bulb lekar aata hoon.
He went to switch on the main bedroom light but it didn't turn on! DA*N! lagta hai current chali gayi storm ki wajeh se…..thehro, main abhi aata hoon….he left the room.
She tried to get out of bed, her twisted ankle gave away and she fell from the bed: AAAAAHHHHH…she cried out in pain.
He saw Kripa lying on the floor by the bed: Goddamn IT! Why did u try to get out of bed? He bent and picked her up gently from the floor while yelling at her.
She hugged his chest with her arms: Tum mujhey andherey mein akeley chhodkar kyun jaa rahey the? I told you I am afraid of the dark…
Angad settled her down on the bed tenderly and laughed at her: Kalkattey mein rehti ho aur load-shedding se darti ho?
Bhoot Bungalow?….he laughed heartily with incredulous expression….yahan kitney bhoot dekhey tumney? Bhoot aye bhi toh tumhari jaisi bhootni ko dekhkar bhaag jayengey" he made fun of her fears.
Main tumhey bhootni dikhti hoon? She asked angrily.
He tweaked her nose affectionately: Haan tum bilkul bhootni ho….pagal bhi"
She giggled and hugged him. He protested: Kripaa, mujhey candles toh le aaney do"
Koi zaroorat nahin…..tum yahin raho, agar tum jaogey toh main bhi chaloongi…akeley nahin rahungi iss room mein….
Angad sighed hopelessly, how could he carry her around the Rest-House in the dark?
Theek hai, toh raho andherey mein….he lay down on the bed, then jerked in physical reaction as Kripa snuggled close to him: Yeh kya kar rahi ho, Kripa? This is my side of the bed…tum apni side mein jaao aur so jaao…
Kripa pouted angrily and moved to her side but didn't put the pillows in the middle. She pulled the comforter over her and fell asleep gradually. Angad did a few breathing exercises to calm down his aroused senses, then went to sleep!
PART 36 It was early dawn….Angad woke up to find Kripa in his arms, snuggling into his chest, her face tucked in the curve of his neck. The room was cold, very cold, the heater had stopped working at night due to power failure. It was freezing! But the soft body cuddled against him was warm,...incredibly warm, soft and curvaceous! Desire hit him like a ton of bricks, blood pooled low in his body! He was fully awake and completely aroused! Her soft, silky hair fell in waves over his arm and shoulder! He breathed in the sweet fragrance of her hair, the sweet, feminine essence of her body. His hand had a will of its own as it traced her curves, starting from her armpit down the slope to the indentation of her waist and up the rounded curve of her hips, feeling her slopes and valleys through the thin material of her nightgown. His hand lingered on her hips, slid back down to the curve below, cupping it, caressing it heatedly. He was hot, flushed, breathless, aching and pulsing with desire. His hand travelled lower to her thighs, curving around to her front. She moaned softly against his neck, stirring with his seductive caresses…..Angad….she whispered against his warm skin, her lips, her hot breath making him shiver in reaction. He lifted his torso and kissed her neck, biting it softly…she whimpered and trembled….his mouth pressed on the soft skin under her ears, he groaned against her warm skin: Kripa, do you know what you are doing to me? Kripa slowly opened her passion-drugged eyes…she looked into the heated desire in his warm, brown eyes and trembled helplessly with answering passion! Their faces were just inches apart and so were their lips! Both moved forward to a sweet meeting of their lips, lingering, pressing, parting, pressing deeper.
Kripaa, he groaned into her soft hair, his mouth buried in the silky strands.
Angad….she whispered his name again and kissed the curve of his neck sweetly …she kissed his neck repeatedly, breathing in his maleness. He shuddered with pleasure at the touch of her soft lips on that sensitive joint.
He brought his face close to hers, cupping her chin in his palms: Kripa, kya tum jaag gayi ho? Do you know what you are doing?
His tongue softly caressed her upper lip, tracing inside the seam….she moaned and shivered, her lips parting in surrender! He suddenly thrust his tongue into her warm mouth, his hands gripped handfuls of her thick hair as he deepened his kiss, his tongue probing, caressing, coaxing hers to meet his, duel with his. She whimpered, pressing herself closer to him, her hands restlessly pressing on his back muscles.
He suddenly raised his upper body and pulled off his sweatshirt and undershirt, then lying down on his back, he pulled her on top of him. Kripa gasped at the contact with his bare chest, his taut, warm skin…he coaxed her mouth down on his chest. Her lips brushed over the hard slabs of muscles, kissing passionately down to his taut stomach. His whole body clenched and shuddered with incredible pleasure at the touch of her soft lips on his heated skin. He groaned loudly and pulled her up against him, then suddenly rolled over, pinning her under him!
His hard chest crushed her soft one as he raked his fingers through the clouds of hair framing her beautiful face, staring at her loveliness….her eyes were closed, her lips parted, breathing heavily. He held her head in his two hands and kissed her deeply, loving her sweet mouth with his lips, tongue and teeth. He kissed her closed eyes, her cheeks, her chin, descending to her neck. His impatient hands pulled off the buttons n front of her nightgown, pushing the short sleeves off her shoulders. When her creamy smooth shoulders were bared, he kissed them passionately, licking, tasting, biting the soft skin gently. Kripa cried out softly with pleasure…he pushed the nightie forcefully down both shoulders to her waist, baring her creamy soft perfection to his hungry eyes! Her breath came in short gasps as his mouth brushed roughly over her bare chest. Then he was kissing those sensitive tips…..she cried out his name in intense pleasure, arching and quivering under him, as his mouth, lips, tongue tortured her soft swells, licking, suckling, gently biting the swollen tips! She moaned and shook violently with painful pleasure, her nails digging into his hard, muscular back. Angad groaned with mindless desire, suddenly he rolled over covering her body with his….he was lying completely on top of her, heavy, aroused! Kripa gasped with shock…she felt his desire pressing against her legs. Nervous all of a sudden, she pushed against him: Nahiin, Angad! Chhodo mujhey!
I love you, Kripa! He rained kisses on her chest and neck…his mouth covered hers again, smothering her faint protests. His hands hungrily cupped and fondled her softness, brushing, rubbing her already sensitized flesh! She was lost again…she moaned into his ravaging mouth, trembling, shuddering, quaking with mindless pleasure. Her legs involuntarily spread apart, welcoming his heavy weight between them.
His hands pulled up her nightgown, urgently caressing her legs, her soft thighs and above, He probed her softness, arousing her desire to fever pitch, soothing her ache, building her hunger….till she was liquid with want, thrashing under him, seeking an ecstacy that only he could give her. They slept in sated exhaustion in each other's arms….Kripa was almost unconscious from the after-tremors of their passionate consummation….he drew the covers over themselves, wrapped his arms possessively around his beloved and sank into a deep slumber! The room got colder and chillier but their bodies were heated with Passion! ************************************************** ********** ****** A loud knocking on the bedroom door woke up Angad…it was Namgyal … Kabhie kabhie mere dil mein khayal aata hai Angad hummed the song to himself as he went out on the porch and stretched his aching muscles, gazing happily at the sunlit valley and sparkling peak before him…he asked Namgyal to make tea and toast for them! He was longing to go back to his sleeping beauty, warm and cozy under the covers, her soft curves beckoned him. He returned to the bedroom with a spring in his step….humming the love-song again. Kripa emeged from the bathroom with her hair wet. She had taken a shower in the freezing water and was wearing her jeans and pullover. She limped to her rucksack and rolled her wet, washed nightgown in the side-pocket. Then she took out her comb and brushed out her long, wet hair. She didn't look at Angad even once, stealing her eyes from him, evading his loving glances. Angad felt guilty, awkward….he should have stopped himself, but she was also eager for him….it wasn't just his decision to take their relationship to the next level. She bent her head, hiding her face behind a curtain of wet hair and quietly said: Main theek hoon" she couldn't look at him, meet his eyes after what had transpired between them. She needed time to accept this new development in her life! Did she regret her surrender to Angad? She wasn't sure herself of how she felt. - -
He moved forcefully over her ….suddenly she cried out with a bursting pain, snatching her lips away from his!
SHOCK, REALIZATION, pushed away the mists of passion clouding all her senses. She pushed violently against his shoulders, whimpering, sobbing ….her nails raked his shoulders wildly, hurting him as he was hurting her! He stilled his movements above her, breathing harshly, perspiring, shuddering with the effort to control his passion!
He groaned into her neck: Its too late, Kripa! I cant stop now…you have to relax….Let me love you, sweetheart, Let me love you! Pyar karney do mujhey!
Tears of pain trickled down her eyes as she turned her face away from his….he gently wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed her lovingly, he rained kisses all over her wet cheeks, her forehead, her closed eyes, her nose, whispering words of love, of desire till her passion returned, her desire reawakened, her body relaxed under him. Then he made gentle, tender, passionate love to her, possessing her mind, body and heart completely with his forceful love! He stoked the fires of her desire, till she reached her pleasure before he shuddered and groaned in completion.
SaabJee, Mr. Thapa calling from Yuksom….Saabjee, are you awake?
Angad quickly removed the clinging arms of Kripa from his bare body, got out of the warm comforter and yelled out:
Haan, main abhi aaya, Im coming! He quickly put on his clothes, covered Kripa's bare body completely with the comforter and went out, closing the door behind him!
Thapa had called to tell him that the stretcher from Pelling would be there at 10 A.M.
It was already 8:30….they had certainly overslept after their early morning encounter. He smiled with satisfaction….he was the happiest man this morning….Kripa belonged to him completely now! His heart pounded with feelings of love, tenderness, affection! She was so sweet, so passionate, more than anything he had ever imagined! She was a gift from God to him!
Ke jaisey tujhko banaya gaya hai mere liye
Tu absey pehley sitaron mein buss rahi thi kahin
Tujhey zameen pe utara gaya hai mere liye…
But the bed was empty…the covers removed, the bedsheet stripped. Kripa must be in the bathroom….he thought….but why did she remove the bedsheets? …he wondered. Then realization struck him….he flushed a deep red! He understood why she had stripped off the bedsheet! He felt guilty and yet satisfied and happy…strange mixed feelings!
He folded up his sleeping bag and packed his rucksack in preparation of their departure from the Rest-house. He looked fondly at the slightly rustic bedroom….he will remember this place forever., the place where he and Kripa had committed their love to each other, belonged to each other now for life!
He cleared his throat rather nervously : Good Morning, Kripa! Tumharey peir ka dard kaisa hai? (asking about her injury was a safe subject now)
PART 37 Kripa had woken up from the sound of Angad and Namgyal's voices. She felt drowsy, lethargic, aching all over …suddenly she remembered what had happened as her body gave her signals when she tried to move! She covered her burning face: Hey Bhagwan! Yeh kya ho gaya mujhsey? Main kyun bahek gayi, kyun apni bhavnaon mein beh gayi? Kyun apney aapko, Angad ko rok nahin payi? Ab kya hoga? Agar Ma aur Baba ko pata chal gaya toh? She was in tears as she gingerly got out of bed! Then she saw the bedsheet, proof of her surrender to Angad's passion. Her face burned, her whole body trembled in remembrance of those earth-shattering moments! Everything had changed now, she wasn't the same Kripa anymore. She was Angad's in every way, there was no going back….she quickly pulled off the sheets and limped to the bathroom. ************************************************** ********** *** Angad looked at Kripa with yearning, confusion, guilt in his eyes. He hadnt committed any crime but he still felt guilty. Perhaps he shouldn't have taken advantage of her innocence! She wasn't fully aware of what was happening in her half-awakened state but he knew very well what he was doing. But he had been helpless in the flood of passion and desire that had submerged all his senses and drowned his thinking process! She was so unknowingly seductive that he had lost control…..he had failed to protect her from himself! She had been his responsibilty for this trip but he had failed in his duties! How would he face her parents? Then he thought…how would her parents know about what happened here in this little village? They thought he and Kripa were in separate rooms in Yuksom…they knew nothing about this Rest-house….and he intended to keep it that way! He would protect Kripa from any repercussions of this act of theirs! This would be their little secret…..besides they were getting married very soon! So nobody needed to know! ************************************************** ****** Angad watched Kripa silently pack her things in her backpack! She had her eyes downcast, her head turned away from him. He went near her: Kripa…..meri taraf dekho….Kripaaa… Kripa, hamarey beech aaj subah jo kuchh bhi hua uskey liye kya tum upset ho? Are you regretting what happened? He asked with anxiety in his voice! Please Angad, main iss baarey mein baat nahin karna chahti…..her voice shook with conflicting emotions! Angad came closer to her and turned her around gently, he put a finger under her chin and raised her face, her eyes were closed, she was crying. Apney aap se bhi zyada…..she said in a shaky voice, her tearful eyes looked up at him….lekin yeh sab theek nahin hua….mainey apney Maa-Baba ke vishwaas ko toda hai! She sobbed suddenly….agar unko pata chal gaya toh main….toh main unhey kaisey apna mooh dikhaoongi? Wo mere baarey mein kya sochtey hain aur main….aur main….her voice broke. Lekin tum isey gunaah kyun samajh rahi ho? Hum ek doosrey se pyaar kartey hain…. Hamari shadi honay wali hai, for God's Sake!….Angad's grip on her shoulders tightened in frustration. Tum nahin samjhogey…..she said in a helpless tone…mere Ma-Baba puraney khayalat ke hain….bachpan se mujhey yehi sikhaya gaya hai ke pati-patni ke sambandh shadi ke baad hi shuru hoti hai. Wo log soch bhi nahin saktey ke main shadi se pehley…she couldn't continue anymore, but started crying harder. She had always been the Good Girl, obedient daughter, she hadnt ventured far from home, never had a boyfriend, followed all her parents' wishes, obeyed their commands, respected their values. But now in one single night, she had betrayed their trust in her. She didn't blame Angad….he wasn't brought up in the same way as her, he had different values, different ideas about love and relationships. She knew he loved her like crazy! She herself didn't think what they had done was sinful….but her parents would be devastated if they knew it! They had trusted her and Angad to go on this trip alone but they had broken that trust! Angad pulled her closer into his comforting arms, she didn't resist, she rested her forehead on his chest and cried into his shirt! Angad laughed softly: Ab hum dono phir se Lucknow ke nawab ban gaye….dono kasoor apney-apney sar le rahey hain…This is absurd!….Chalo Kripa ab rona band karo…aansoo pochh lo. I promise kisiko bhi iskey baarey mein pata nahin chalega….this will be OUR little secret! Sirf tum aur main….his voice deepened a bit while saying that…..tumharey parents ko iss raat ke baarey mein kabhie pata nahin chalega…yeh mera vaada hai" Tum phir se jhooth bologey? Kripa asked him with an accusing look! Aur koi chaara hai hamarey paas? Jhooth toh bolna hi padega…aur tumhey bhi iss jhooth ka saath dena padega…humein yeh kehna hoga ke hum Yuksom pahunch gaye the…wahan tum raastey mein phisal gayi aur tumharey peir mein moch aa gayi , lekin raat humney Yuksom ke hotel mein hi guzari! You shared a room with Dana and I shared a room with the guys, okay? Is that crystal clear? Kripa nodded, ashamed that she would have to lie through her teeth to hide their night at the village but she had no other option. She hated lying to her parents but now she would have to! Pyaar mein kya itna jhooth bolna padta hai? She wondered. Namgyal called outside the door: SaabJee, breakfast is ready! Can I serve it in Office Room? He went to Kripa and gently picked her up in his arms….she trembled slightly at his touch and hid her face in his chest. He carried her to the Office room and deposited her on a chair with her feet up on the stool. He handed her a cup of tea and two toasts and told her to eat. Kripa smiled at him lovingly….he was taking such good care of her….in EVERY WAY….she blushed remembering his tender initiation of her! He will be a wonderful husband, she thought positively about their future now instead of worrying about what had happened. Tum nashta karo, Main abhi fresh hokar aata hoon…. Angad went to the bathroom to freshen up. He stripped off his clothes and poured ice-cold water on his body….he drew in a sharp breath as the scratch-marks from her nails stung sharply! He went to the bathroom mirror and looked at her scratches on his shoulders and upper back. Khair, shadi ke baad sab kasar poora kar loonga….he thought heatedly….he wouldn't let her rest for an hour after they were married! He grinned to himself, losing himself in dreams of their wedding and honeymoon. GOD! How he loved his sweet little Kripa! He wanted her more than Life itself! Just as they were finishing breakfast, the kandi carriers arrived from Pelling. It wasn't a stretcher exactly, rather a seat with two long bamboo poles on each side carried on shoulders of coolies. It was called a Kandi as its carried on the kandha of the mountain coolies. Angad and Kripa thanked Namgyal sincerely for all his care and hospitality. Angad gave a large tip to Namgyal who was very pleased! He asked Sir and Madam to come back to the Rest-House for their Honeymoon after their wedding. Angad looked at Kripa wickedly and winked: Idea bura nahin hai, kyun. tumhara kya khayal hai? The coolies took their rucksacks and tied it to the wooden chair, then Angad carefully lifted Kripa on to the Kandi and they set out on the downhill journey to the Lake, on the way back to Pelling! Angad walked alongside the Kandi, sending longing looks at Kripa from time to time. She looked like his bride in her doli, sitting on the Kandi so demurely with her wavy, slightly wet hair open around her beautiful face! . (Rafi) blog/post... Aaj mausam bada beimaan hai Kya hua hai, hua kuch nahin hai Kali-kali ghata dar rahii hai Ai mere yaar ai husn vaale Angad threw romantic looks at Kripa as he sang the song and she blushed and frowned and shook her head at him, afriad of what the coolies might think of them! Angad regaled and entertained the whole rescue party with songs and Kripa listened with delight, all her doubts and fears about their intimacy washed away in a flood of warmth and tenderness as she gazed lovingly at her Prince Charming! Back at the Lake, a Jeep was waiting to take them back to Pelling. They had the whole Jeep to themselves as their trekking party still hadnt descended from Yuksom. Besides, Kripa needed more space in the Jeep because of her injured ankle. Angad got up on the long backseat of the Jeep and the coolies carefully handed over Kripa to him. He put her feet up on the seat and cradled her head on his shoulder. sambhala hain maine bahut apane dil ko, zubaan par tera phir bhi naam aa rahaa hai banayaa hain maine tujhe apna saathi, raahe kis tarah phir mere hosh baakee yeh zulfon ke baadal ghanehre, ghanere, mere baazoun par jho tunhe bikhere /watch?v=BK28xNVgnYY&mode=related& search= Kripa closed her eyes and listened dreamily to her Hero sing this romantic ditty for her…..she was overwhelmed by his love for her. He had saved her life, he had cared for her, looked after her and then he had made her his forever in the most intimate way! Ab Angad hi mere liye sab kuchh hai….main uski ho chuki hoon! Ab mere dil mein koi darr nahin rehna chahiye! Hum sada ke liye ek doosrey ke ban gaye hain! Hey Bhagwaan, humarey pyaar ko isi tarah banaye rakhna…..humarey beech mein ab koi dooriyan kabhie nahin aaye! She silently prayed to God with her head on Angad's shoulder! . (Aan Milo Sajna-Lata) Tere kaaran mere saajan Tere Kaaran, Tere Kaaran Priitam Kitanaa Hii Bulaaye Nikalii Ye Soch Ke Ghar Se Rang Laayaa Chorii Chorii - -
Was she angry about what happened? Did she regret it? NO, she cannot regret something so beautiful that cemented their love….she cant regret their lovemaking!
She slowly raised her head and looked at him, then her gaze dropped again, her face red and flushed! He had a night's stubble on his chin and cheeks, the same stubble that had rubbed in sensuous friction all over her body. She shivered slightly, staring at the bed.
Kripa, tum ro kyun rahi ho? Bolo, sweetheart?….kya tum pachhtaa rahi ho? Kya tumhey mujhpar vishwaas nahin hai?
Angad felt really guilty now: Im sorry, Kripa…sara kasoor mera hai…I should have stopped! Mainey hi Uncle-Aunty ka vishwaas toda hai"
Kripa raised her tearful face: Nahin, Angad! Dosh mera hai….mujhey tumharey paas nahin jaana chaihye tha….main bhavnaon mein beh gayi thi! Mujhey hosh nahin tha!
He raised her lovely face in his palm and wiped her tears.
Angad opened the door : Thank you, Mr. Namgyal…haan aap please wahan serve kar deejiye, hum abhi jaa rahey hain.
She sipped the hot spicy tea….Angad, tum chai nahin logey?
He smiled indulgently: His little tigress certainly had sharp claws! Next time he will be more careful with her. His blood heated up at the thought of next time!
Angad, you Animal!….abhi tumharey khoon ki garmi gayi nahin….abhi-abhi Kripa aaj subah ke baarey mein ro rahi thi aur tum phir se usey azmaana chahtey ho….he rebuked himself.
Kripa blushed and frowned at him: yeh Dushtu kabhie nahin sudhrega, besharam!…she muttered under her breath.
One of the coolies carried a small transistor in his belt which was blaring out old Hindi movie songs.
One of the songs made Angad smirk and look at Kripa suggestively, he even started humming the song alongwith the radio:
Bada beimaan hai aaj mausam
Aane wala koi toofan hai
Koi toofan hai aaj mausam
Baat kya hai pata kuch nahin hai
Mujhse koi khata ho gai to
Is mein meri Khata kuch nahin hai
Khoobsurat hai tu rut javaan hai
Aaj mausam bada O aaj mausam...
Thandi aahein hawa bhar rahi hai
Sabko kyaa-kyaa gumaan ho rahe hain
Har kali ham pe shak kar rahi hai
Phoolon ka dil bhi kuch badguman hai
Aaj mausam O aaj mausam...
Dil kiya maine tere havale
Teri marzi pe ab baat thahari
Jeene de chaahe tu maar daale
Tere haathon mein ab meri jaan hai
Aaj mausam bada O aaj mausam..
She couldn't help smiling at his wicked looks and singing. The coolies were pretty impressed with SaabJee's singing. They requested him to sing more songs.
Angad flirted openly with Kripa: Theek hai main gaaoonga, agar Madam haan kahein toh" Kripa said Haan of course…
As their Jeep proceeded to Pelling on winding roadways amidst mountain scenery, she snuggled into his broad chest….he caressed her open hair with his fingers and softly sang this song for her ears only:
jahaa raaz ko chhupaayaa naa jaaye, mohabbat mein aisa makaam aa rahaa hai
nazar youn bahekne laagi hain ke jaise, mere saamne koi jaam aa rahaa hai
main samjha ke jaise meri dharkano ko, teree dharkhano ka payaam aa rahaa hai
tere kaaran mere saajan
Tere Kaaran Mere Saajan
Jaag Ke Phir So Gayii
Sapanon Mein Kho Gayii
Aag Lage Saarii Duniyaa Ko
Main Terii Ho Gayii Re Baalama
Tere Kaaran, Tere Kaaran ...
Na Jaanuu Laaj Ne Rokaa
Par Aadhii Raat Mein Uthake
Uthake Milate Hii Maukaa
Ye Gayii Vo Gayii
Sapanon Mein Kho Gayii
Aag Lage Saarii Duniyaa Ko ...
Saiyaan Se Mil Aaoongi
Pal Do Pal Thahar Ke Jaldii
Main Vaapas Aa Jaaoongi
Piyaa Milan Ko Gayii
To Sapanon Mein Kho Gayii
Aag Lage Saarii Duniyaa Ko ...
Ye Milanaa Teraa Meraa
Raaton Kaa Pataa Chalaa Na
Baaton Mein Huaa Saveraa
Haay! Neend Merii To Gayii
Sapanon Mein Kho Gayii
Aag Lage Saarii Duniyaa Ko ...
Main teri ho gayi ...
PART 38 Angad called his dad and told him about Kripa's injury. DAD! Calm down! Kripa theek hai….she just sprained her ankle…Yeh kal shaam ko Yuksom mein hua tha…I will give you the details when we return. Filhaal aap yeh baat Uncle-Aunty ko bataa deejiye and please tell them not to worry. Shes Okay, REALLY! Its just a sprain! And Dad, please find out where is the nearest Hospital … …ask the Resort Manager! Kripa ke peir ki X-Ray karni padegi….hum aur aadhey ghantey mein Pelling pahunch rahey hain. Dilip: Okay, Beta! I will ask Mr. Shah…you take care of Kripa. We will wait for you. Dilip told Gayatri and Shurjo about Kripa's sprained leg…they were shocked and worried! Why hadnt Angad informed them last night or this morning? When the Jeep reached the Resort, they all rushed out. Gayatri cried out anxiously: Kya hua meri beti ko? Angad jumped out of the jeep: Wo theek hai, Aunty! Don't worry, mamooli si chot hai…First Aid bhi kar diya humney. Dad, what did Mr. Shah say? Beta, yahan Pelling mein toh koi bada hospital nahin hai….humein Gangtok jaana padega….yahan se do ghantey ka raasta hai. Hum sab chal rahey hain tumharey saath! Their whole group was ready to go to Gangtok with Angad and Kripa. Gayatri climbed into the Jeep and fussed over her daughter. Kripa's face was slightly flushed as she answered her mother's anxious queries about her injury: Kripa, kya hua tujhey? Yeh sab kasiey hua? Kripa replied with the story that she and Angad had prepared ahead: How they had reached Yuksom, then they went out shopping, she twisted her foot on a big stone near the marketplace and fell down, spraining her ankle and with cuts on her hands. She couldn't tell her parents about how she had fallen off the mountain and Angad had rescued her…if she told them they would never allow her to go anywhere again! Shurjo asked Angad: Beta, tumney humein bataya kyun nahin? Kal raat ko hi phone karna chahiye tha… Angad smiled : Uncle, main nahin chahta tha aap log worry karein…waisey hamarey saathi ek trained nurse thi…Swedish lady, she checked Kripa's ankle right away …usney dawaaii bhi dee …and we did cold compress on the foot. Shes fine REALLY…chinta ki koi baat nahin hai…ab sirf Hospital mein X-Ray karva lein toh poori tasalli mil jayegi! Shurjo was rather offended at Angad's high-handed decision-making…he sternly said: Angad, humein naa batakey tumney theek nahin kiya…har Maa Baap ka haq banta hai ke wo santaan ke bhaley burey ke baarey mein jaan sakey, khabar rakh sakey…agar chot aur bhi serious nikli toh? Angad was rather annoyed: Uncle, main tha na wahan…Kripa akeli toh nahin thi…I can take care of her…she was my responsibility. Aur phir kal raat ko toh hum Pelling laut bhi nahin saktey the…we did the best that we could! Gayatri saw that the two men were getting a little argumentative, she quickly intervened: Haan Beta, tumney jo theek samjha wohi kiya….humein tumpar poora bharosa hai. Angad and Kripa suddenly looked at each other, their faces flushed with guilty color, then they looked away. Guilt seared through Kripa's heart at her mother's words. She and Angad had betrayed this pure trust of her parents! She hoped and prayed to all the Gods that they would never find out the truth! They reached Gangtok STNM Hospital and admitted Kripa in Outpatient …she got an X-Ray and thorough check-up of her left foot. She tried to answer the doctor's questions about her fall as truthfully as possible without revealing the actual truth! Thankfully the hospital gown was high-necked so the doctor didn't see the love-bites and marks on the tender skin of her shoulders and upper chest. She was still sore and aching from the morning but she hid it well under cover of her ankle pain. The doctor diagnosed her ankle injury as a Second degree ankle sprain: Kripa was advised to rest her foot for next 10 days! Kripa was discharged from the hospital after her foot being bandaged tightly. All of them went to the Dragon's Den Resturant for Chinese lunch and then Naina and Shibani went for some last minute shopping, Dilip and Debu went to confirm their return air-tickets for the next afternoon, while Angad, Shurjo and Gayatri looked after Kripa. On their return to Pelling, they relaxed in the living-room of the cottage, chatting, watching TV and playing cards till dinner-time. Kripa sat on the couch with her bandaged foot elevated high on a stool and two pillows. She played Rummy with Angad and Chhutki. The two lovers exchanged longing looks from time to time while Harshini talked non-stop, asking them about Yuksom and their trekking trip. They answered her in monosyllables, remembering that morning. Kripa's face was tinged a delicate pink as she felt Angad's passionate gaze on her face and body. She trembled inside without even being touched by him…only by his eyes! It was their last night in Pelling and they would have to leave early next morning for NJP/ Bagdogra Airport so they called it an early night after dinner. They were taking the 3 P.M. flight to reach Kolkata in time for Dadi's Laxmi Puja that night. Now that he had mde her his, he was even hungrier for her company. She was a storm in his blood, a constant craving! He wanted to hold her, cuddle her, kiss her, take care of her. But their families were in the way. Gayatri and Naina fussed over her, Shibani offered her unwelcome medical advice, Harshini chatted constantly about Hrithik and John and the 3 gentlemen constantly asked her how she was feeling. He gritted his teeth and wished he could whisk her away to the mountains again and have her all to himself…he didn't want to share her with anybody else! Gayatri saw him hovering near the door…she took pity on him: Beta, andar aao, Tum zara Kripa se baat karo, main abhi uskey liye doodh lekar aayi" Angad entered the room with a huge grin on his face, looking gratefully at Gayatri : Sasur thoda khadoos hain lekin saas bahut sweet hai" he thought. Shut up, Angad…she said glaring at him, mujhey doodh peena pasand nahin, phir bhi peena padta hai…kabhie kabhie badon ki baat bhi maanni padti hai…she glared at him again. He understood what she was trying to say, but being completely thick-skinned he leaned close to her cheeks: Mainey poora din tumhey bahut miss kiya" WHAT? She looked shocked….yeh kya keh rahey ho? adha din toh hum ek saath the…..then she blushed furiously, remembering the beginning of the day. His warm breath touched her cheeks: Iss special din ki khatir mujhey ek goodnight kiss de do" She pouted at him: Subah ko itney kiss liye, jaao ab aur kiss nahin milegi" He jumped to the door, peeped outside and came back to previous position, breathing near her lips: No, the coast is clear, ab jaldi jaldi kiss de do" Kripa leaned forward and joined her lips to his in a sweet kiss….but he held her face at once and deepened the kiss. His hand wandered down her shoulder….she shoved his hand away: Angadd! Kya kar rahey ho? Yahan nahin…. Toh phir kahan? He whispered seductively against her ears. Come On, lets go back to the Rest-house! Angad rubbed his ears ruefully: Tumney apney honay waley pati ka kaan pakda?…jaantey ho yeh kitna bada jurm hai?" Ufff, Bandar ….she hit his shoulder hard….he laughed and kissed her neck softly. Gayatri cleared her throat behind them….he sprang apart, looking guilty….chori pakdi gayi….but sasuma was really sporting, she just smiled and said: Goodnight Beta, jaao ab so jaao, kal jaldi uthna hai…. Goodnight Auntie! Goodnight, Kripa! I hope u feel better in the morning! Gayatri gave the glass of milk to Kripa: Chalo, yeh pee lo" Chup chap pee lo, Gayatri scolded her, issey tumhari chot jaldi theek ho jayegi" Kripa hugged her pillow and went to sleep dreaming of her Bandar while Angad tossed and turned in his uncomfortable bed, thinking about his lovely bride! *************************** Angad upgraded their tickets to business class so Kripa could put her feet up and recline on the comfortable seat. Kripa was mightily impressed with the luxuries of business class. She played with all the seat controls, watched TV, pointed out things to Angad who laughed indulgently at her…. then drowsy from her medication, she fell asleep on Angad's shoulder, her warm breath tickling his neck, making him tremble inwardly. Naina and Gayatri watched them from across the aisle. Naina said: Ab in dono ki shadi jaldi karva deni chahiye. Dono ek doosrey ke baghair nahin jee saktey" Tumharey Guruji kab wapas aa rahey hain? Naina asked her. After they reached home, Kripa was settled in her room with her foot propped up by pillows after ice-pack treatment. In the evening, Kripa insisted on attending Dadi's Laxmi Puja: Please Maa, mujhey jaaney deejiye….maine aaj tak koi Laxmi Puja miss nahin kiya unkey ghar mein. Kripa really wanted to go not only to be near Angad but she already felt like a bahu of that house and wanted to be present at the auspicious occasion of Laxmi Puja. After all Bahus and daughters are supposed to be Ghar ki Laxmi. But her parents wouldn't let her go: Wahan bheed mein phir se chot lag jayegi…the over-protective mother opposed the decision. Wahan jayegi bhi kaisey? Iss tarah peir mein bandage lagakar" Maa, Bhagwaan koi bandage nahin dekhtey, sirf bhakti dekhtey hain" Lekin beti, tujhey wahan le jayega kaun? Theher main Angad ko bulati hoon"\ Angad came over at once, looking like a handsome bridegroom in a cream-colored sherwani. He smiled wickedly at Kripa: Yeh main kya sun raha hoon, tum zidd kar rahi ho? Bad girl! Kripa looked pleading at him: Please Angad, mujhey Dida ke Puja mein jaana hai" Dadi ne khud tumhey manaa kiya hai wahan jaaney se….doctor ne kaha hai tumharey peir ko rest karna hoga and you want to run around in a Puja function? Tch tch tch…really bad, Kripaa! He teased her. She pleaded him with her eyes: Pleeese le chalo! Kripa gave up….she didn't want to be carried around by Angad in front of neighbours….that would be too embarassing. Sorry, sweetheart….he leaned and kissed her cheek, main raat ko tumharey liye prashad lekar aaoonga. Aaj toh tumhey rest karna padega" Kripa sulked on the bed….after Angad left, she looked longingly outside her window from the bed…Khanna House was decorated with lights, she could hear people milling around, then she heard Puja sounds of the conch-shell being blown,the temple bell ringing. She didn't like it at all that she missed Dida's Puja for the first time! She closed her eyes and said this prayer to herself: Esho Maa Laxmi Bosho Maa Laxmi (Come, Maa Laxmi, sit, Maa Laxmi) Hey Maa Laxmi, mere Angad aur uskey parivaar ko hamesha khush-haal rakhna, aur mere Maa-Baba ki sab pareshaniyan door kar dena" - -
Dilip was shocked: WHATT! Yeh kab hua? Kaisey hua?
The mothers had made tea and sandwiches for the two of them. They set out for Gangtok, Shurjo and Gayatri with Angad and Kripa in the jeep and the rest in a mini-van.
Some more severe tearing of the ligaments
* Moderate instability of the joint
* Moderate to severe pain - weightbearing is very painful
* Swelling and stiffness
He prescribed anti-inflammation drugs for her and told her to do the following: to Place a plastic bag with ice on the ankle for 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times a day for the first 24-72 hours.
Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage from the toes to mid calf, using even pressure. Wear this until swelling decreases. Loosen the wrap if your toes start to turn blue or feel cold.
Elevate - Make sure to elevate the ankle above heart level.
Basically he prescribed the same things for her as Dana had done!
Gayatri slept in Kripa's room so she would be able to take care of her. She applied ice-pack compress on Kripa's foot! Angad lingered near the door, dying to talk to Kripa alone. He was very frustrated…all day she had been surrounded by his and her concerned relatives….he hadnt had a moment alone with her.
As soon as Gayatri left the room, he sat down on the bed next to Kripa and pinched her pink cheeks: Hello, doodh-peeti bachchi!
He begged her: Please, Kripa, ek kiss, meetha sa goodnight kiss"
She blushed and whispered : Maa aa jayegi, koi dekh lega"
In your dreams…Ab tumhey shadi tak intezar karna padega, Mister….she boxed his ears angrily.
Achha toh vakeel Babu, batayiye iss jurm ki sazaa kya hai? She dimpled at him.
Umr Quaid…Vakeel ki baahon mein….he kissed her ears and bit her ear lobe!
He went to his lonely bed in the living-room! Gayatri smiled indulgently at her future son-in-law: Ab in dono ki shadi jaldi karni hogi…bilkul deewaney ho gaye hain" she thought to herself.
Maa mujhey doodh peena achha nahin lagta….main ab bachchi nahin hoon" Kripa whined.
She didn't argue anymore, but held her nose and drank the slightly smelly milk from Mountain buffaloes.
Haan, main bhi yahi soch rahi thi….Gayatri said thoughtfully, her subconscious mind had registered some subtle change in Kripa but she didn't exactly understand what it was!
Guruji parson Kashi se laut rahey hain, unkey aatey hi hum shadi ka date pakka kar dengey"
Shurjo looked a bit disturbed at the close way that Angad and Kripa were sitting but couldn't say anything for fear of offending Dilip or Naina.
She called Angad on the phone: Dekho beta, Kripa Puja mein jaaney ke liye zidd kar rahi hai…tum hi aakar usey samjhao"
Theek hai….wahan sab padosion ke saamney tumhey baahon mein uthakar le jaaoonga….Im sure they will enjoy the sight….I sure will enjoy" he blackmailed her.
Thako Maa Laxmi amar ghorey" (Stay Maa Laxmi in my house)
PART 39 Angad came so late with the Prashad that Kripa was already asleep, tired from the journey and her medication.
The next morning, Dadi, Angad and Naina came to visit Kripa in her sick-bed. Dadi sat on her bed and fussed over her: Kya hua meri poti ko? Ab jaldi se theek ho jaa, beti….teri sagai karni hai Angad ke saath. Kripa looked shyly at Angad who was standing at the foot of the bed, looking at her with yearning in his eyes. Her heart skipped several beats….he was looking very suave and handsome in a dark business suit with white shirt and dark tie. He was on his way to the Law Offices of Khanna Associates….. he was starting work officially from that day! He returned her admiring look with a passionate eye-lock. Kripa blushed slightly and turned to Dadi: Dida, kal aapki Puja kaisi rahi? Kitney log aaye the?
Dida petted her cheeks: Puja toh bahut achhi hui, lekin tere gaaney ke bina adhoora sa tha….sab tere baarey mein poochh rahey the" Kya karoon, Dida, inhoney mujhey jaaney hi nahin diya" Kripa pouted and complained, looking accusingly at Angad and her mother. Dadi rebuked Kripa: Nahin Beti, unhoney theek hi kaha….tumhara jaldi theek hona zyada zaroori hai….tum theek ho jaaogi toh apney ghar phir se aa sakogi aur baahar bhi jaa sakogi" Kripa smiled : Haan Dadi, main jaanti hoon…..lekin yahan akeley mein bahut bore ho rahi hoon, koi bhi toh nahin baatein karney ke liye" she looked at Angad with yearning in her eyes. He grinned and winked at her…he would gladly stay back with her on that bed and talk with her all day….among other things, he thought wickedly. Dadi told Kripa: Main dopahar mein Chhutki ko bhej doongi….tujhey company mil jayegi…aur Angad kaam se lautkar tujhsey milney aayega. She asked Kripa about her accident, who repeated the story again. Naina gave Kripa some gifts that she had bought for her from Gangtok: a Tibetan necklace and a magenta cardigan. Kripa thanked her and tried on the necklace….it was beautiful with lapis lazuli and turquoise in it. Kripa was thrilled…Naina had good choice in jewelry! Meanwhile Angad was fidgeting impatiently…he was getting late for work. He wanted to kiss Kripa before leaving but couldn't do so in front of the elders. Dadi noticed his impatience and quickly spoke out: Gayatri Beti, Naina bata rahi thi tumney dher saari shopping kee Pelling aur Gangtok mein. Zara mujhey bhi toh dikhao Kripa ki shadi ke liye tumney kaun se garam kapdey khareedey? Gayatri was pleased to show her purchases: Haan Mashima, chaliye, wahan sab kuchh bahut sastey mein miley the…Gayatri took them to her room. Angad went to Kripa's bed at once and sat down beside her. They looked deeply into each other's eyes with passion and yearning. Angad slowly caressed her arm below her Kaftaan sleeve: Aaj main Dad ka Firm join kar raha hoon, Officially! Wish me luck, Kripa! Kripa knew what he wanted, she leaned forward and planted a sweet, loving kiss on his manly lips: Tum aaj bahut smart lag rahey ho….she smiled admiringly at him. Show off!.she giggled at him. He suddenly cupped her face in his large palms and kissed her hard, making her breathless. He whispered against her lips: Kal shaam mainey tumhey bahut miss kiya… She whispered back: Mainey bhi… He looked deep into her beautiful eyes: Tum theek toh ho na? Are you okay?
He adjusted his tie proudly: Haan, jaanta hoon….
She knew what he was asking, her eyes looked down, her lips trembled, she whispered: Haan main theek hoon ab! He looked at her bandaged foot: Ab peir ka dard kaisa hai? Aaj shaam ko main aaoonga tumsey milney….he kissed her again.
Thoda kam hai, she smiled encouragingly.
She kissed him back: Best of Luck! Then she giggled: Aur wo English mein kya kehtey hain? Break a LEG… Both of them looked at Kripa's ankle and laughed. Bye, sweetheart! With a last kiss and lingering look at his lovely future bride, Angad went off to work. Meanwhile Dadi, Naina and Gayatri were discussing fixing the wedding date.
Gayatri, tumharey Kul-Guru kal aa rahey hain na? Kal Shanivaar hai, parson Ravivar ko Gurujee ko tumharey yahan bula lena, hum bhi apney Panditjee ko lekar aayengey. Dilip, Angad sabki us din chhutti hai, wo bhi maujood reh sakengey. Shadi ki tareekh pakki kar lengey! *********************************** Angad was busy at work all morning with pending cases, Shabbir suddenly called him up before lunch-time: Yaar Angad, Kaisa hai tu? Chal, Lunch per chaltey hain….tujhsey kuchh zaroori baat karni hai….legal advice chahiye" Sure, no problem! Ill meet you at Mainland China…..Angad agreed! Angad was a little late….Shabbir had already ordered Beer and starters for them. Taken completely unawares, Angad turned a beetroot red, avoiding Shabbir's querying eyes. Shabbir was too sharp, he noticed at once…..his jaw dropped, his eyes rounded, he spluttered in incredulity: NO WAY! GET OUTTA HERE! DON'T TELL ME you and Kripa…..iska matlab hai tuney aur Kripa ne?…. DAM**! I don't believe this! Angad fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat, looking everywhere but at his friend!
Naina and gayatri agreed with Dadi's plans!
As soon as Angad sat down, Shabbir asked him with a wicked grin: Toh bataa, Kripa ke saath tera Honeymoon kaisa raha?
Shabbir continued: Mujhey toh vishwaas hi nahin ho raha….Kripa jaisi ladki tere saath itni aagey badh jayegi… At once, Angad jumped to her defense: NO! DON'T SAY THAT! Ismein uskaa koi kasoor nahin hai…wo toh bahut masoom hai., main hi apney aap per kaboo nahin rakh sakaa…apna hosh kho baitha…Angad realized suddenly that he had admitted to his and Kripa's liaison.
He looked seriously at Shabbir: Dekh Yaar! This is my and Kripa's secret…you have to swear you wont tell anyone else. As it is, shes very upset and afraid that her parents will find out somehow! But how in Hell did YOU guess?
He looked amazed at Shabbir who laughed heartily: Come ON Yaar! ! Hum dono chaddi-dost hain …. I can guess everything about you from ur face! I knew it when you were falling in love with Kripa and now I guessed this from ur expressions too!
Waisey ek baat bataa, HOW WAS she? Shabbir asked with a wicked wink! Angad's face turned a mottled red in embarassed anger: SHUT UP! Don't talk about her like that! Wo meri honaywali patni hai aur teri Bhabhi…Ab chhod yeh sab…main ab iss barey mein baat nahin karna chahta" he sipped his beer to cool down his ire!
At the same time, his pulse started throbbing, remembering her sweet innocence, her softness, her beauty, her passion! He took long gulps of the Beer, staring moodily down into the amber liquid! Shabbir's eyes twinkled mischievously: I guess this happened on the trekking trip, right? Jab buzurg log tere saath nahin the? Again Angad grudgingly admired Shabbir's deductive skills….he told Shabbir in short form all that had happened in the trekking trip….Kripa's narrow escape from death, her ankle injury, their subsequent night spent at the Village Rest-house, then he stopped letting Shabbir guess the rest. Hmmm, This is serious, Shabbir looked somber: Kripa's family is quite old-fashioned! Dekh, kahin Kripa ke dad tujhey goli se na udaa de….he laughed, then he turned serious: Ab Kripa ka sprain kaisa hai? Do u want me to take a look at it tomorrow? SURE! Angad's face brightened up a little. If u can swing by and take a look at it tomorrow evening to see how she is healing? Thanks, Yaar!
No problem, Shabbir smiled, waisey u guys can count on me if there are any complications from this….I'll always be there for you two! Complications? Main samjha nahin….Angad looked confused.
Shabbir smiled suggestively: You know…complications! Were you guys careful? He winked at Angad. Angad's face paled: SH*TT! He hadnt yet thought about that possibility. HELL! NO! yeh ho nahin sakta! GOD! what have I done? If she gets pregnant? Sabko pata chal jayega….he panicked. Agley mahiney hi shadi ka date fix karna padega…November mein. Shabbir watched the panic on Angad's face and patted his hand reassuringly: Don't worry! Main hoon na? Main tujhey achhey se doctor ka pata bataa doonga….agar abortion karvana padey toh…. Angad's mind revolted and repulsed at the thought of aborting his and Kripa'schild: KABHIE NAHIN! He declared firmly: Abortion kabhie nahin hogi….jo bhi hoga dekha jayega! Whatever happens, we will accept it!
Sorry Yaar! Tu ek kaam kar, jaldi se ussey shadi kar le…phir iski naubat hi nahin aayegi! Shabbir was apologetic! Haan wahi karney jaa raha hoon, ASAP! Next month we will get married….Angad's mind was made up…he grinned with determination! Khair hamari baat chhod, tu apni bataa….kya legal problem bataa raha tha? Kisi patient ko maar dala kya tuney? Angad retaliated in teasing Shabbir!
Shabbir told him about a patient who was threatening to sue him about a disputed bill and they started talking legalese! But at the back of his mind was the nagging anxiety: What if she is pregnant? How will they hide the truth then? He couldn't even share his worries with Kripa…she would freak out….unless she was already worrying about it! Somehow he didn't think so…then she would be even more upset and nervous! She was too innocent, probably the thought hadnt even entered her head yet! Angad was extra-romantic that night when he came to visit Kripa after work…he kept on dreaming and thinking about their possibly unborn child! He glanced very closely at Kripa's face and body, trying to detect any early signs. Fortunately there were none…. On Saturday, Angad brought Shabbir over to Kripa's house and introduced him to her parents. Shabbir opened Kripa's crepe bandage and inspected her ankle. It was healing nicely, the swelling had gone down. Shabbir reduced the dose of anti-inflammation drugs. He asked her about her trip…he looked curiously at Kripa, trying to gauge her emotional status …but she chatted normally and happily with him, oblivious to his knowledge of whole truth! Gayatri was very impressed with Angad: Kitna pyaar karta hai hamari Kripa se!….apney Doctor dost ko saath lekar aa gaya check-up karaney!
Gayatri insisted that both Shabbir and Angad should have dinner there. They both agreed after some persuasion! Angad carried Kripa downstairs in his arms to have dinner with all of them! Sunday early morning, the Kul-Guru of Bose family arrived at their house. Gayatri washed his feet with holy water and welcomed him. Guru Maheshananda was a silver-haired, serene-looking man who spent six months of the year in the Himalayas and Kashi and the remaining six in his ashram at Naihati near Kolkata. The Khanna clan arrived with their PanditJee. They sat around the living-room table after exchanging greetings and tea and snacks were served by Gayatri. - -
Shurjo's father had taken deeksha from his Guru and now all of the Boses were his disciples!
Gurujee studied Kripa's birth-chart seriously with a somber face. Finally he declared: Yeh shadi agley ek saal mein NAHIN ho sakti!
PART 40 Maheshanand Maharaj studied Kripa's Janam-Patri solemnly for some time and then announced in a somber tone: Yeh shaadi ek saal tak nahin ho sakti! Ladki ki rashi mein Shani ka prabhaav (influence) hai aur Rahu-Ketu bhi grahan lagaye baithey hain. Yeh varsh kanya ke liye haanikarak hai, iss samay shadi karney se ladka ya ladki dono ko khatraa ho sakta hai" There was a stunned silence in the room as Gurujee's words sank in! Angad's face turned a deep red with anger and he burst out: WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS? YEH KYA BAKWAAS HAI? I DON'T BELIEVE THIS! SHADI ISSI SAAL HOGI AUR AGLEY MAHINEY HI HOGI" Dadi tried to placate him: Beta, Guruji ki baat sun toh le ke kya keh rahey hain" Gayatri tried to reason with him: Angad Beta, shadi-byaah koi bachchon ka khel nahin, bahut soch-samajhkar, shubh mahurat dekhkar kiya jaata hai…yehi hamari reeti-rivaaz hai" Naina asked Gurujee: Kya sachmuch Kripa ki kundali kharab hai? Now she was worried about her own son's welfare. Gurujee smiled faintly at her: Nahin …Kripa toh bahut sulakshana kanya hai….wo Meen rashi ki hai, karkat lagna hai…. lekin iss waqt uskey rashi ke barahway kaksh (12th room) mein Shani ka nivaas hai….isliye uskey jeevan mein koi bhi shubh karya nahin ho sakta. Ek saal baad Shani ka grahan kat jayega…..aur tabhi Vivaah sambhav hoga! Agar aapko aitraaz na ho toh hamarey Panditjee bhi ekbaar Kripa ki kundali dekh lengey, Dadi requested. Haan haan zaroor! Ismein aitraaz kya ho sakti hai….Shurjo agreed. He studied it and concurred with Gurujee: Haan Matajee, Maharaj ne sab kuchh sahi bataya ….Kripa ke rashi mein Shani baitha hua hai….iss saal uski shadi nahin ho sakti" Angad couldn't keep his temper in check: Panditjee smiled patiently at Angad: Dekho, beta, Maharaj jee aur Main dono is baat se sehmat hain ke iss saal shadi nahin ho sakti, tum samajhney ki koshish karo….ismein tum dono kee bhalai hai….kya tum chahogey ke Kripa per koi vipatti aa padey? Angad declared arrogantly: Kripa ka bhala-bura main khoob samajhta hoon…..main uska dhyaan rakhunga…KUCHH NAHIN HOGA USEY…..aur aapko bhi bekaar mein logon ke mann mein darr paida nahin karna chahiye….jo baat hui nahin uskey baarey mein sabki chinta badha rahey hain. Main yeh sab Shani-Vani nahin maanta…insaan apni galtiyan khud karta hai….kissi Shani ki vajeh se nahin. Haadsa har insaan ki zindagi mein ho sakta hai…haadsey ke darr se kya hum jeena chhod dein? Har haadsa kya Shani ki vajeh se hoti hai? Shurjo interrupted: Kyun Beta? Abhi-abhi toh Kripa ke peir mein moch aa gayi aur wo bed-rest mein hai….ismein Shani ka prabhav bhi toh ho sakta hai…main apni eklauti beti ki zindagi ko dao per nahin laga sakta. Aur hum shadi cancel thodey hi na kar rahey hain? Buss ek saal ke liye postpone kar rahey hain.. Angad felt a buzzing in his ears with worry/anxiety/anger….how could he tell them why he wanted this wedding to happen ASAP? If Kripa is pregnant now and they didn't get married soon, both the families would come to know of their interlude in the Hills. He didn't want to put Kripa in such a painful, humiliating situation. He had to protect her at all costs. He replied to Shurjo in rather a sarcastic tone: Uncle, Kripa ka accident uski carelessness ki vajeh se hua tha….she wasn't looking where she was stepping….ismein aap log Shani ko kyun involve kar rahey hain? Aap Kripa ke baarey mein itni chinta mat keejiye….shadi ke baad main uska poora dhyan rakhunga…usey kuchh bhi nahin honay doonga… Shurjo smiled mockingly: Beta, Kripa ab bhi hamari beti hai…uska bhala bura sochna hamara kartavya hai, uskey jeevan ke baarey mein faisla karna hamara adhikaar hai…agar Gurujee keh rahey hain ke shadi iss saal nahin ho sakti, issey Kripa ko haani ho sakti hai…toh phir shadi abhi nahin hogi… Angad looked angrily at Shurjo : Isska matlab Kripa ki zindagi ka itna bada decision sirf aap sab milkar lengey, ussey ek baar poochhengey bhi nahin? Kripa….he said in a commanding tone…tum abhi mere saath neechey chalo…. Theek hai….yeh lo….he went to her steel almirah, opened it, took out a magenta salwar set and tossed it to her….yeh pehen lo, main baahar tumhara intezaar kar raha hoon" Lekin hua kya? Gurujee ne kya kaha? Angad told her in short about Shani and Rahu-Ketu in her rashi and scoffed at the superstitions: Sach mein tumharey Maa-Baba bahut superstitious aur old-fashioned hain…na wo iss Gurujee ko involve kartey aur na hamari shadi postpone hoti. Ab kya hoga, Angad? Kripa asked worriedly. He waited outside the door while Kripa changed into the salwar. Then he lifted her up in his strong arms and carried her down the stairs. As soon as they were downstairs, Kripa requested him to put her down: Please Angad, main Gurujee ke saamney iss tarah nahin jaa sakti…tum mujhey utaar do" Angad looked at her in exasperation and put her down: Kam se kam mera haath toh pakdo…yah usmein bhi sharam aati hai? Then she limped to Panditjee and touched his feet….he also blessed her. Then she went and sat down beside her mother. Gurujee asked her gently: Batao beti, jhijhaktey kyun ho? Gurujee looked thoughtfully at Angad, then at Kripa's red face: Beta…tum shadi ke liye itna utaavley (anxious) kyun ho rahey ho? Vivaah avashya hogi….Bhagwaan tum dono ki Jodi ko hamesha banaye rakhengey….lekin tum dono ki suraksha ke liye Vivaah agley saal hi hogi. Gurujee's sixth-sense told him that there was a lot of tension in the minds of the young couple….he wondered silently why Angad was so eager to advance the wedding date. Kahin yeh dono…? He shook his head…Kripa bahut susheel ladki hai…wo aisa kuchh nahin karegi. Angad turned in exasperation to Dadi: Theek hai, agar yahi decision hai aap sabki toh hum isey maan letey hain….lekin kam se kam sagai toh kar saktey hain na? Sagai mein kya problem hai? Naina turned to Panditjee: Kya iss saal sagai karna sambhav hai? He turned to Surjo: Beta, kya pichhley ek saal mein tumharey parivaar mein koi mrityu ya durghatna hui hai? Shurjo remembered: Haan, abhi Baisakh mahiney mein (April) mere chacherey bhai (Kartik's father) ki maut ho gayi" Phir toh vaisey bhi shadi nahin ho sakti agley baisakh ke pehley….parivaar mein jab ksiski mrityu hoti hai toh ek saal tak koi shadi byaah nahin ho sakti. Gurujee looked at Kripa's chart and did some calculations in his calendar: Kripa ki rashi se Shani prasthaan karegi agley Jaishthya mein (May-June)…isliye uski shadi agley saal Jaishthya ke baad hi ho sakti hai….tithi ke hisaab se agley saal Ashadh ya shravan mein tareekh pakki karni padegi" Aur sagai ki tareekh? Dadi asked anxiously. Angad scoffed at them mockingly, he thought to himself: Yeh sab Guru and Pandit …only thing they want is money…yeh sab Shani Vani ki baat kehkar logon ko daratey hain aur phir unsey Yajna karvatey hain…sab paisa kheechney ka dhanda hai, aur kuchh nahin. Thank God, my parents arent so old-fashioned. Agar unki marzi chalti toh abhi meri baat mankar agley mahiney hi shadi karva detey. Lekin ye Kripa ke parents toh….he mentally cursed Kripa's parents and Gurujee for throwing a spanner in the works and thwarting his desire to get married to Kripa next month. So it was decided that Shurjo and Gayatri would do a Yajna for Kripa on November 8, then roka/paka dekha will be on 10th in both the houses and sagai on the 15th in Khanna house. And wedding-date was fixed for June 30th next year. Naina laughed in agreement: Haan, tumney theek kaha, ab hum apni sab murad dheerey dheerey poora karengey…koi jaldi nahin hogi. Angad was very worried…he hadnt shared his fear with Kripa yet…he didn't want to frighten her with the possibility that was running constantly through his head….about her possible pregnancy. They all had tea and snacks as it was evening time. Gurujee and Panditjee received their dakshina from the parents and left the house. Angad carried Kripa upstairs again. The parents remained downstairs, giving the young couple chance to talk and discuss in private. They knew Angad was very upset and wanted to talk to Kripa. Angad settled her down on the bed and propped up her foot again. He sat down on the bed beside her and looked at her in disappointment: Kripa, tumney apni zubaan kyun band rakha? Kuchh kaha kyun nahin? Kripa looked at him tearfully: Main kya kehti? Kisi ladki ke liye apni shadi ke liye bechain hona besharmi ki baat hai…main kaisey unsey kehti ke mujhey shadi ki jaldi hai…aur agar wajeh poochhtey toh main kya jawaab deti? Angad looked at her tearful face and relented….he pulled her into his arms and stroked her soft hair: Theek hai, hum shadi ke liye wait karengey….at least we are getting engaged next month. Haan Angad, she looked up earnestly into his eyes: hamara pyar itna kamzor nahin ke hum ek saal bhi ek doosrey ke liye intezaar nahin kar sakengey. Apney pyar ko paaney ke liye toh log poori zindagi intezaar kartey hain…kya hum ek saal bhi wait nahin kar saktey? Haan Kripa, he wiped her tears, aur hum judaa thodey hi ho rahey hain….rahengey toh paas paas hi….aur mujhey har raat goodnight kiss bhi milengey …khidki se hi sahi….he laughed ruefully. She giggled and then shyly said: Goodnight kiss leney tum khud hi yahan aa jana aur main goodmorning kiss deney tumharey ghar aa jaaoongi" Sorry mera ghar…..hum roz miltey rahengey …phir gilaa kis baat ki" /view/fdf5c24de98c40403018 (video-QSQT-Udit narayan/Alka) . (song-QSQT) Aye mere humsafar ek zaraa intezaar ab hain judaee kaa mausam do pal kaa mehmaan aye mere humasafar, ek jaraa intezaar pyaar ne jahaan pe rakhaa hai, jhoom ke kadam ek baar - -
Dilip scolded him: ANGADD! Control yourself!
Avashya dekhiye, Gurujee passed on Kripa's birth-chart to Narayan Shastri, the Kul-Purohit of Khanna clan.
This is all NONSENSE…..SUPERSTITIOUS MUMBO-JUMBO! I DON'T BELIEVE IN ALL THIS! Hamari shadi issi saal hogi….Panditjee, aap agley mahiney ka koi date nikaliye.
Shurjo : Kripa kabhie bhi hamari marzi ke khilaaf koi kaam nahin karegi….phir bhi agar tum chahtey ho toh jaao ussey poochh lo…wo upar apney kamrey mein hai"
Kripa hadnt come down as it was considered improper for a girl to be present when her marriage date was being fixed. Angad didn't need any cajoling to go upstairs..he took the steps two at a time and barged into Kripa's room where she was sitting on the bed in a dark blue Kaftaan.
Lekin Angad….she protested, mainey achhey kapdey nahin pehney…I am not properly dressed.
Gurujee hamari shadi cancel kar rahey hain….tum khud chalo aur un logon se baat karo….I HAVE HAD IT!
KYAA? Kripa was shocked….Hamari shadi cancel? Iska matlab? Yeh kaisey ho sakta hai?
Kya hoga? Tumhey neechey jaakar apni raye batani hogi….Kripa, yeh waqt chup rehney ki nahin hai….YOU HAVE TO SPEAK UP. Yeh hamari zindagi ka sawaal hai…wo log hamari future ko lekar aisey khel nahin saktey. Chalo ab tum change kar lo…
She smiled placatingly at him and took his arm, leaning on it as she limped to the living-room.
She whispered to Angad: Mujhey Gurujee ke paas le chalo….he led her by the hand to Gurujee who was smiling at her. She bent down and touched his feet. He blessed her: Jeeti raho, Beti! Ayushmati bhav (long may u live) …sada saubhagyavati bano"
Dadi told her: Haan toh Kripa beti, Gurujee ne bataya hai ke tumharey rashi mein ab shadi ka yog nahin hai…isliye shadi agley saal hi ho sakti hai…abhi nahin.
Kripa kept quiet with her head bent…she couldn't say anything in fear of offending Gurujee or her parents. Angad looked at her in frustrated anger.
Jee, aap sab jo uchit samjhey, wahi mere liye theek hai"
Angad burst out: Come on Kripa….don't tell me you believe in this superstitious nonsense….tum sirf sabko khush karney ke liye yeh keh rahi ho…tum bata kyun nahin deti ke TUM kya chahti ho?
Panditjee looked at Maharaj who was his senior: Aap kya kehtey hain?
Gurujee looked thoughtful: Waisey Shani-Kaal mein koi bhi shubh kaam nahin karna chahiye , lekin (he looked at a crestfallen Kripa and angry Angad) ….lekin Paka-dekha (roka) aur sagai karney mein koi apatti nahin ho sakti.
Wo Shastrijee theek karengey….Gurujee said.
Panditjee looked at his calendar: Roka aur sagai agley mahiney ki dus aur pandrah tareekh ko ho sakti hai….dono shubh din hain aur mahurat bhi sabsey achhi hai….Lekin….iss sabkey pehley ek vipatti-nivaran Puja karna padega …yajna karna padega…
The Khannas and Boses were very satisfied with the dates and looked forward to arranging for Yajna and sagai/roka etc. Gayatri said: Achha hi hua…..ab mujhey shadi ki shopping ke liye ek saal milegi.
Dadi looked thoughtfully at Angad's angry, frustrated face. She knew he was very impatient and couldn't wait to make Kripa his bride. She would have to talk to him about this.
Mera ghar nahin, wo ab tumhara ghar hai, Kripa"
He kissed her gently on her cheek and then her lips. …..she kissed him back.
They had accepted this curve-ball that fate had thrown their way. They agreed to wait for their marriage...they were already wedded in heart, body and soul...so it didnt matter if they were wedded in name also.
Sun sadayein de rahi hain manzil pyar ki…
kaise naa jaayegaa andheraa, kyo naa thamegaa toofaan
kaise naa milegee, manjil pyaar kee
sun sadaayen de rahee hain manzil pyaar kee
wahin se khulaa hain koi rastaa, wahee pe giree hain diwaar
roke kab rukee hai, manzil pyaar kee
PART 41 Kripa rested her ankle for one more week before her foot was given a clean bill of health by their family doctor and she was up on her feet again. During those 7 days, Angad came regularly in the evenings from work and always managed to steal goodnight kisses when Gayatri was out of the room. He brought goodies for her: Chocolates and flowers to pastry or chicken patties from Flury's. Kripa laughed at him one day: Tum mujhey moti bananey ki koshish kyun kar rahey ho? …roz kuchh na kuchh khaney ke liye laatey ho" Kyun nahin? Mmmmmm...Angad said, relishing a gooey chocolate-filled pastry: I want you to get moti…..there will be more for me to love" She blushed and hit his shoulder hard: Emaaaaa, chheee, ki Dushtu" He licked his fingers, then offered them to her, Kripa reddened but obeyed the command in his eyes and licked the rest of the chocolate frosting off his fingers one by one. He stared at her little tongue and groaned with hedonistic pleasure. Gayatri came in right then, he quickly snatched his hand away ….she asked: Beta Angad, yeh sab kya laye ho? Itna khana? Auntie…aap bhi try keejiye na? Flury's ki chocolate pastry hai….bahut achhi hain.. When Gayatri left, Angad asked Kripa: Kya tum bhi yeh sab vrat vagairah rakhti ho? She looked at him emotionally: Tum mujhey itna pyar kyun kartey ho? Kabhie kabhie mujhey lagta hai main itney pyar ke layak nahin" Dadi talked to Angad about the wedding postponement ….he listened quietly to her lecture about why he should respect Gurujee's advice and Kripa's parents' wishes. How could he tell Dadi about his and Kripa's night in the mountains? She would be shocked to her core. She would blame him of course and she would be justified in doing so…it was entirely his fault….he should have controlled his passion! .Angad prayed everyday that Kripa wouldn't be pregnant. Dadi and Naina also visited Kripa every alternate day….Chhutki came over in the afternoon and played cards with her and of course did her Hrithik jaap! Kripa practiced her vocal music everyday now that she was bedridden and had nowhere to go….her Mastermoshai was very pleased to hear her improvement. He assured her that she would get a medal in next year's Sangeet Sammelan. Kripa was lucky that the injury had happened during Durga Puja holidays or else she would have missed college. Aaliyah returned from Hyderabad after a vacation with her cousins. She called Kripa to invite her to a movie outing…..Kripa said she couldn't go because of her foot. Aloo was shocked to hear about Kripa's accident…she came over one evening. She had bought a whole set of glass bangles in all colors of the rainbow for Kripa's wedding from Hyderabad! Kripa was thrilled, she loved glass bangles, especially colorful ones. She put them on and thanked Aloo with all her heart. She felt guilty that she hadnt bought anything for Aloo from Pelling! When Kripa got back on her feet, she went back to her daily routine of early morning Puja with Dida in Khanna House. Angad and Kripa looked forward to meeting each other in the Puja room every morning. They would exchange eye-locks and loving glances. They yearned to touch each other, to embrace and kiss but rarely got a chance, surrounded by relatives all the time. Kripa was horribly conscious about being the cynosure of all eyes observing her and Angad all the time…..she didn't let Angad touch her or cuddle her at all. Angad was getting very frustrated indeed. Dida had hired a daily maalish-wali due to Kripa's absense so she didn't have to do the hot oil treatment every evening. But she still went over in evenings to chat with Chhutki and Dida yet all the while her eyes would anxiously look towards the door, waiting for Angad to return from work. Dadi would observe her impatience for Angad's return and smile: In dono ke pyar ko dekhkar mujhey apna Punajbi yaad aata hai…..wo bhi kya din the….she would feel nostalgic and sad,remembering her beloved husband! Angad would go straight to Dadi's room after returning and he and Kripa would exchange passionate looks. Meanwhile Kali Puja preparations were on in full swing at Bose Lodge. Like many traditional Bengali families of old Kolkata, the Boses were devotees of Maa Kali. Every year, Kali Puja was celebrated with great pomp and ceremony in Bose residence. A large pandal was erected in Shurjo's substantial lawn and an image of the Goddess was specially made to order at Kumortuli (where all artisans live and work). Diwali preps were on at Khanna House, sweets being prepared and sent to relatives, new clothes purchased….Angad and Chhutki bought loads of fireworks to burn on their terrace. On Kali Puja day, the image was installed and invoked amidst holy chants by their priest. The actual Puja was at night…..Kripa dressed in a dark blue silk sari and gold jewelry and helped her mother prepare the prashad thalis while Shurjo inspected the lighting and microphone in the pandal. It was afternoon and Kripa went to her room to rest. She lay on the bed, reading a magazine and thinking about Angad. Her parents were busy with guests and relatives in the pandal. Angad had been busy all morning at work and hadnt got a chance to come see the Boses' Puja. He finally came into the pandal and started looking for Kripa. Aunty, Kripa kahan hai?
Angad laughed, he loved to hear "dushtu" from her lips.
Gayatri smiled affectionately at him : Nahin beta, tum dono khao, waisey bhi aaj Kripa ke mangal ke liye mainey vrat rakha hai"
Abhi nahin rakhti lekin shadi ke baad rakhungi, apney pati ke mangal ke liye" she looked lovingly at him.
He grinned and quickly kissed her cheek: "Toh main bhi vrat rakhoonga apni patni ke liye"
He put his finger on her lips shushing her: Shut up! Or I will kiss you! Apni patni se pyar nahin karoonga toh kya padosi ki patni se karoonga?
Kripa giggled at how he always called her his patni…it thrilled her and made her shy at the same time.
She will buy Aloo something good for her birthday in January, she thought.
Beta, wo apney kamrey mein hai, araam kar rahi hai….thak gayi hogi….Gayatri replied.
He went into the deserted house and up to her room. The door was slightly ajar, he pushed it open quietly and went in. Kripa was lying on her stomach, leaning on a pillow, flipping through a magazine and humming a Rabindra-Sangeet : Ghoretey Bhromor elo guguniye (Ek bhanwra gungun karta aaya mere kamrey mein) His breath stuck in his throat at the delicious sight of her feet up in the air, her sari had slipped down to her knees, her ankles crossed, silver payals adorned her pretty little feet, her smooth, creamy calves swaying slightly as she sang the sweet song.
Amarey kaar kotha shay jaye shuniye (Na jaaney wo kiski baat keh raha hai mujhsey)
Desire…passion coursed through his hot blood…..he closed the door silently and crept up to her bed. He leaned over her on the bed and kissed one dainty foot. She shrieked and turned around, her sari bunched up around her knees: ANGADD! TUM?
Shhhhhh….don't make so much noise, koi aa jayega…..he put his finger on her lips. Then his other hand slid up from her ankles and feet to her legs, caressing the soft skin, his eyes roving over her entire body. She looked lovely in the midnight blue sari which made her skin glow like porcelain! Her hair was tied up in a bun with a Juhi garland around it and gold jhumkas hung by her graceful neck. Her beautiful brown eyes stared up into his with alarm and awareness!
Angad, yeh kya kar rahey ho? Stop it! Kripa whispered!
Shhhh, itney dinon ke baad toh mauka mila hai….aaj mujhey mat roko…..he leaned over her on the bed and kissed her lips. she couldn't resist his tender passion, her arms circled his neck and she kissed him back with equal ardor. He kicked off his shoes and climbed on the bed, lying down beside her. He leaned over her and kissed her lips, cheeks, neck, his passion submerging all their senses again. While his hands restessly explored her bare waist, caressing her navel, his fingers circling the belly button , probing inside it. She moaned into his mouth and tried to push him away. But he was too strong and heavy for her to even budge an inch!
She trembled under his heated caresses as his other hand lifted her sari further up, fondling her thighs. She moved her lips away from his: Angad, chhodo mujhey….koi aa jayega."
He groaned into her fragrant neck: Sab Puja mein busy hain, ghar mein koi nahin"
He bit and licked the curve of her neck, his hand moved the pallu from her chest and pushed its way inside her blouse, cupping her softness. He was on fire for her…..all rational thought had left him….only Kripa was in his senses….only her essence, her beauty, her softness! Nothing else, no one else existed! Suddenly there was a knock at the door: Kripaaa, Gayatri called from outside the door.
Kripa moaned as his hand closed over her, she shuddered with pleasure, her body recognizing its mate…arching, trembling, on fire for him! His fingers moved in delicious friction over her sensitive flesh as his lips covered hers again, drinking her sweetness, smothering her soft cries of pleasure.
Kripaa, Angad kya upar aaya tha?
Both of them froze on the bed, horrified, terrified at being caught red-handed! He jumped off the bed and quickly adjusted his clothes. She scrambled up and tried to fix her sari and blouse…two of her buttons had torn from Angad's impatient hands. She somehow adjusted them and went and opened the door. Darwaza band kyun kiya tuney? Gayatri looked surprised. Then her eyes fell on Angad standing near the window with his back turned to her. Actually he was breathing hard, his face was flushed….he couldn't turn around in his present physical state! Gayatri frowned in disapproval….her daughter in a room alone with Angad and the door locked! She was shocked, dismayed…shayad humney in bachchon ko zyada hi chhoot de rakhi hai! Yeh bilkul theek nahin, mujhey Kripa se baat karni padegi…wo bahut nadaan hai…Angad kahin uski nadaani ka fayda na utha le….her maternal instincts had kicked in….she guessed that something not kosher was going on behind the closed door. Kripa's gulity, red face, her slightly shallow breathing, her dishevelled sari and torn gajra hanging down her neck told their own tale. Angad, tum yahan? Neechey Puja mein jaao, Beta! Puja shuru ho gayi hai" she said in rather a stern, disapproving tone. Gayatri looked sternly at Kripa who was standing with a shamed look on her face, her head downcast. Kripa silently nodded her head with her eyes downcast….she closed her eyes in torturous thoughts…..Maa, mainey wo seema paar kar lee hai, agar aapko yeh pata chal gaya toh main sharam se marr jaaoongi…. Gayatri looked at her tearful face and relented….she pulled Kripa's cold hands into her own and stroked it gently: Beti, humein tumpar naaz hai, main jaanti hoon tum bahut samajhdaar ho aur aisa kuchh nahin karogey jissey hamari badnaami ho ya hamarey parivaar per koi aanch aaye" Kripa shook her head silently…..almost in tears. "Chalo, ab dukhi mat ho…..fresh ho jaao aur neechey pooja mein aa jao" After her mother left, Kripa flung herself on the bed and cried her heart out…..her mother had guessed what she and Angad were doing in the room today….she felt so ashamed, so embarassed at what her mother had said….so guilty, knowing how far she had committed herself to Angad! Hay Bhagwaan, if her parents found out about that, what would she do? She had to tell Angad about this and ask him to control himself from now on! - -
Haan, Aunty, main abhi gaya" Angad had managed to control his physical reactions and went quickly past Gayatri, giving her a slight smile as he passed her and hurriedly went downstairs.
Kripa. Main tumhey aaj kuchh bata rahi hoon, wo tum dhyaan se suno….Main jaanti hoon ke Angad aur tum ek doosrey se bahut pyar kartey ho….lekin har rishtey ki apni seema-rekha hoti hai! Tum dono ki shadi mein ab bhi 8 mahiney baaki hain…..main nahin chahti ke tum aisa kuchh kar baitho jiski wajeh se tumhey aur humein sar jhukana padey. Beti, har rishtey ki maryada hoti hai, tum apni maryada ki seema kabhi paar mat karna….tum samajh rahi ho na main kya keh rahi hoon?
Gayatri left after her motherly warning to her wayward daughter. Little did she know how far Angad-Kripa's relationship had progressed but for the first time she suspected Angad of trying to seduce her daughter.
She decided to curtail Kripa's visits to Khanna House!
PART 42 Yeh Ishq nahin aasaan "Pyar wo sona hai jo aag mein jalkar hi nikharta hai, sanvarta hai" Kripa got up from the bed and wiped her tears. Her mind was made up….she would have to keep Angad at arm's length from today. She couldn't afford to lose any more of her mother's trust in her! She fixed her hair, gajra and sari and touched up her face makeup! She looked into the mirror at her swollen eyes…. She went downstairs and outside to the pandal where the evening aarati had already started! She stood in front of Maa Kali, closed her eyes and prayed hard for solutions to their problems. She ignored Angad who was standing on one side with folded hands, trying his best to appear devout and appease his angry saas! But he wouldn't stay away from her, saas or no saas….he inched upto where she was standing and stood next to her… as soon as she opened her eyes after prayer, he leaned slightly towards her and whispered: Kripa, I am sorry! She glared at him accusingly…..He smiled apologetically at her: Haan… Okay I am sorry! Meri wajeh se tumhey daant padi" Daant? She whispered angrily…..kya tumhey lagta hai ke wo daant thi? Wo toh mere liye ek sabak tha….ek shiksha thi….ke main tumhey apney paas kabhie na aaney doon….she said through clenched teeth. DA*N IT! Kripa! Itna kathor mat bano…..main tumharey baghair mar jaaoonga" he almost cried dramatically. She hid a smile at his theatrics: Don't swear in front of Devi Maa….ek toh paapi ho aur ab aur bhi paap badha rahey ho? Kripa, please tum berukhi mat dikhao….I cant live without you! Hmmmm, you are getting too smart….FINE! I wont bother you anymore" he made a sacrificing face and moved away to a decent distance from her. The rest of Kali Puja was completed without any hassles. The Boses' relatives, friends and neighbours participated, had prashad and "bhog", followed by a buffet dinner of khichdi and vegetables. Dadi and the rest of the Khannas came later at night to pay their respects to the Goddess and had dinner with the Boses. Angad maintained a respectable distance from Kripa. The next day was Diwali. A huge, decorated tray full of Laddoos was sent by Naina to Kripa's parents. In the evening, the Boses went next door to celebrate Diwali with the Khannas. Kripa dressed in a lehenga for the first time…..she had bought it for Durga Puja the previous year. It was pink and blue with beautiful zardozi designs…she wore gold jhumkas and necklace with it, her hair in a long plait with parandi and curly tendrils hanging from the sides. She looked like a gorgeous Punjabi bride which was the effect she wanted anyways. Angad stared at her like a hungry lion: DA**! Why is she doing this to me? Testing my resolve not to touch her? Torturing me? GOD! Shes so dam* beautiful" Hey hey, yeh kya kar rahi ho? Don't hold it so close to your body….your clothes will set on fire" he moved her hand forward by holding her arm. She looked at him, intensely conscious of his nearness. He looked at her ….they stared at each other, eyes meeting eyes, gazing at lips, longing to kiss….while the phuljhadi burned and crackled in her hand…..like the fire burning in their souls to be with each other! The torch burnt out….they came back to their senses….Angad moved away with a slight, satisfied smile….he knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Now he just had to play it right and she would be in his arms again. Kripa blushed and threw away the burnt stub. Manek, Anitah came with their mother to celebrate Diwali in their Mamar Badi (Nanihaal). Damini made it a point to ignore Kripa and her parents…she still wasn't over her disappointment of Angad rejecting Mishti. Manek and Anitah talked normally with Kripa, asking her about the Pelling trip, about the wedding. When Manek heard about the wedding being postponed, his eyes gleamed with an unholy light. Some kind of plan was forming in his mind. He would have to tell Mishti about this….she had agreed to marry him, but there was a condition….and he was eager to fulfil that condition! He noticed that Angad was staying away from Kripa: Hey Angad, Man, what is the problem? Teri Kripa se jhagda ho gayi kya? Itni dooriyan kyun tum dono ke beech mein? Nahin Yaar! Her parents don't like it…ke hum zyada close rahein….aur Kripa apney parents se kuchh zyada hi darti hai….Angad said with a slight hint of bitterness in his voice. Ahha I see, Manek's eyes gleamed with speculation. He taunted and incited Angad: Tu bhi kaisa mard hai? Uskey parents ko beech mein aaney de raha hai? Ek toh shadi postpone kar dee unhoney…. Yeah I know…..hamarey saath bahut bura hua…Angad looked with yearning at Kripa's lovely face as she sat there happily chatting with Anitah and Chhutki. Waisey ek baat kahoon….Manek dug deeper into his frustrations….You are very lucky, Yaar! Kripa bahut khubsoorat hai…Shes Da** HOT! I wish I could have her" Heyy, Heyy, mooh sambhalkey baat kar…..teri bhabhi hai wo….shes MY wife, meri hai wo...SHES MINE!….but you are right, shes too gorgeous." He said looking proudly at his beautiful Kripa! All Angad's noble resolutions flew away in the wind and a wave of possessiveness, desire and arrogance washed over him. Kripa belonged to him, and her parents cant keep her away from him….he was determined to have her. After a lavish dinner with the whole family, the young people went upstairs again to burn the rest of the firecrackers. Debu Chacha supervised Chhutki burning crackers while Angad and Manek lighted rockets, charkis and chocolate bombs. Kripa covered her ears everytime when they lighted the bombs….she hated the explosive sounds. One of the charkis (spinning disks) lighted by Manek started spinning and suddenly went haywire, spinning out of control and landed near Kripa's feet…the bottom of her skirt caught fire….she screamed with terror! He smiled whimsically at her: Pyaar mein jalna toh padta hai na? Im glad you are okay…he patted her cheek with his less-burnt hand. He grinned and pinched her wet cheeks: Thanks kis baat ki? I was just saving my love"….Manek, Anitah, Debu, Chhutki all gathered around them, exclaiming in shock at Angad's burnt hands and Kripa's burnt ghagra bottom. They went downstairs, the elders expressed concern and worry about the accident. Naina fussed over her son….Angad washed his hands in cold water, Kripa gently applied Burnol on his burns….they glanced lovingly at each other as she took care of his burns! They werent severe but would leave scars like they had on Kripa's wrists from the hot-oil spill. Gayatri looked very upset and worried about Kripa's skirt catching fire: Yeh zaroor Shani ki drishti ki wajeh se hua hai" Shurjo was also concerned but he kept quiet, he didn't want to express his superstitions. But Gayatri was very grateful to Angad: Beta, tumney Kripa ko bacha liya….Bhagwan tum dono ko lambi umr de….she thanked and blessed him, feeling more kindly towards him than the day before. Angad grinned….Fate and Mishaps were helping him tear away the boundaries between him and Kripa again, just like it had in the mountains. . (Parineeta) Dil ki jo baatein hain, baatein jo dil ki hain Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu na Ek nadi se maine poochha itla ke chaldi kahan Maine poocha ek ghata se itra ke chaldi kahan Angad's eyes were fixed on Kripa throughout the song, giving her passionate looks, while she blushed and smiled sweetly, looking away from his burning eyes, then glancing at him again, unable to keep her eyes away from him. The others observed their silent, adoring looks and smiled knowingly. Shurjo and Gayatri looked a little uncomfortable. Beti ka maa-baap hona bahut mushkil kaam hai, sagai honay ke baad thodi tasalli hogi-they thought silently. Dadi enjoyed her song and their sweet romance whole-heartedly, smiling with delight. As Naina and Dilip stood talking to Kripa's parents downstairs near the door, Kripa suddenly said: Ohh Maa, main toh apna purse bhool aayi upar" She ran upstairs where Angad was waiting for on the terrace. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly, she clung to his neck and kissed him back with equal passion. They separated, breathless and panting, Angad looked at her with burning eyes: Kripa, main tumsey door nahin reh sakta" Kripa put her head on his chest, hugging him fiercely: Main bhi nahin….I love you, Angad! The next morning, as Kripa was going out to attend Dadi's Puja, Gayatri called out behind her: Kripa, Puja khatam hotay hi ghar chali aana….aaj se tum kitchen mein mujhey help karogi" Haan Maa, she yelled back. She grimaced in disappointment….these were the last 2 days of her vacation, but her mother wanted to keep her away from Angad. Angad was waiting eagerly for her in the hallway downstairs….he was dressed in his business suit, ready for work. He pulled her into the pantry-room next to kitchen…."Mujhey aaj jaldi office jaana hai…jaldi se mujhey kiss de do" She reached up and kissed him, her arms circling his neck…. he caught her up against him, pinned her to the wall and tasted her sweet mouth and tongue, pressing his body to hers. She moaned in protest but he ignored her soft sounds. After several minutes of deep, drugging kisses, he let her go and wiped off his lips: Bye Sweetheart! See you in the evening" Kripa leaned on the wall, still dazed from his kisses. Bye Angad! She said softly through swollen lips. She looked at him shyly and adjusted his tie which had tilted from their embrace. He laughed softly and left the pantry room. But in the evening, Gayatri didn't let Kripa go to Khanna House, making up some errands for her at home to stop her from going. Kripa was upset and felt humiliated, realizing the reason for her mother's sudden strictness. But she knew it in her heart that Angad would find a way to get close to her again…he wasn't one to give up so easily. She knew her Angad too well! Angad was very disappointed when she didn't come that evening. When she didn't turn up the next evening either, he went over to her house: Aunty, main Kripa se baat kar sakta hoon? Gayatri couldn't help smiling at his persistence: Haan Beta, andar aao, yahan baitho, main abhi Kripa ko bulati hoon" So they had a supervised meeting in the living-room, in close view of Gayatri who came in and served tea and snacks to Angad, asking him polite questions about his work.
Ek aag ka dariya hai
Aur doobkey jaana hai
Sorry Mata Jee….Angad did a quick namastey to the Goddess.
Kripa smiled at him finally: Hum alag thodey hi hain…..buss kuchh mahiney intezaar karna padega…kya tum mere liye itna bhi nahin kar saktey? She batted her eyelashes at him sweetly.
Kripa laughed to herself: Angad, main jaanti hoon tum zyada din mujhsey door nahin reh saktey lekin abhi Maa ko shaq ho gaya hai isliye yeh doori hi hamarey liye behtar hoga"
He stared at her all evening but kept his hands to himself! Kripa was impressed….he had passed her test of patience. She relented…when they went up on the terrace to burn the firecrackers, she went and stood next to him. She asked him to light a sparkling torch for her (phuljhadi) ….he lighted one and handed it to her….. she held it in her hand…...he was alarmed, she had a tendency to have accidents.
Angad dived to her feet, threw away the culprit charki and beat on the burning cloth with his hands till the fire was out. His hand got burned in the process. Kripa cried out with his pain and kneeled down, taking his hands in hers….she looked horrified at the red burn marks on his hands: Ohhhhh Angad! Tumhara haath jal gaya"
Tears came to her eyes…..he had burnt his hand trying to save her…..he was her hero. She kissed his hand gratefully: Thank You!
Dilip, Debu tried to set her mind at ease: Bhabhi
Kya karoon? Maa hoon na….hamesha mann mein santaan ke liye darr rehta hai. She said tearfully.
Kripa was looking at him with open adoration and love….he smiled and winked at her…she blushed.
Everybody requested Kripa to sing a song. Dida said: Beti, Diwali ke iss shubh avsar per ek meetha sa geet suna de, Kripa obliged happily:
Dil hi mein rakhna piya
Lab to na kholoon main,
kholoon na lab to par Aakhon se sab keh diya
Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu na
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu na
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu na
Door tere peekha ghar hai balkhaake chaldi kahan
Thoda woh ghabraayi thoda sa sharmaayi
Ujhli yahaan se wahaan
Saagar se milne ka uska jo sapna tha meri hi tarah piya
Jiya dole hole hole
kyon yeh dole jaanu na
Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu na
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu na
Pyaas ki bari zameen hai barson bhi tarsao na
Thoda woh gurraayi thoda sa tharraayi
Gajhri yahaan se wahaan
Preet rootha thi phir cham cham woh barsi hi teri tarah piya
Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu na
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu na
Piyu bole piya bole kya yeh bole jaanu na
Jiya dole hole hole kyon yeh dole jaanu na Piyu bole piya bole jaanu na
It was time to go home….Angad badly wanted his goodnight kiss, Kripa wanted to give him his kiss….they waited for their chance.
I love you too, Baby! Phir mujhey aisey mat tadpana! He kissed her hard and deep again, then released her..."Toh phir kal subah milengey….. Goodnight, sweetheart!
Goodnight, she reached up and gave him a last, sweet kiss on his lips and ran downstairs again with her deliberately forgotten purse!
He smiled with satisfaction: Meri Kripa mujhsey door kaisey rahegi? Koi humein alag nahin kar sakta'
Angad and Kripa looked at each other, they knew they were under close surveillance by her suspicious Mother.
PART 43 Kripa's college reopened and Angad gave her rides to college as usual. Because of her mother's strict vigilance, Kripa went to Khanna House only in the mornings. But she got up and went to the Dida's Puja earlier than before so she wouldn't miss Angad who left for work early every morning. Dadi tried to make her stay for breakfast but she left with Angad as soon as Puja was finished. In the car they looked at each other with lovelorn eyes, they were really missing each other's company. Now they met only once a day during the morning Puja. Angad smiled affectionately at her, stroking her cheeks: I'm Okay…..Lekin tum iss tarah rona-dhona shuru karogi toh tumhey college se bhagakar Ganga ke kinarey le jaaoonga thandi hawa khilaney" Haan, of course! …she giggled through her tears, aur tumharey office ka kya hoga? Very simple…..Saarey clients ko keh doonga Ganga kinarey aa jayengey salaah leney" Aur sunvai kahan hogi? Judge kaun banega? She kept on the charade. Ms. Kripa Bose will be presiding Judge and court hearing will be at the Riverside Restaurant. Bolo, mere saath chalogi, Kripa? His eyebrows danced wickedly at her. Kal mere appointments kuchh kam hain, kal tum college ke classes bunk karkey lets go to Riverside for lunch" Chhheeee tum kaisey Vakeel ho, classes bunk karney ki salaah de rahey ho? She said in mock anger. Classes kahan bunk karogi tum? History ke badley Prem ka paath padhogi…he turned and winked at her. Kripa laughed and hit his arm with her fist. They had reached her college and she got down. He sent her a flying kiss, she grinned and caught it. Next day, Kripa bunked her afternoon classes, Aaliyah promised to cover for her. Angad picked her up near Park Circus and took her to the Princep Ghat by river Ganga/Hooghly. They sat down on a riverside bench from where they had a fantastic view of Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu. Angad wanted to take her to the Riverside Restaurant but Kripa preferred having Jhaal-Muri (Spicy puffed rice) and Phuchkas (golgappas) from the riverside vendors. Angad scolded her as she gleefully gulped down spicy Phuchkas: "Yeh sab street food khaogi toh beemar pad jaogi" Kripa laughed at him: Now you sound just like my Mother…..zara tum bhi taste karkey dekho na….bahut tasty hain…..she offered her golgappa to Angad. He tasted one: Yeah, you are right, sachmuch bahut tasty hain" he winked, then suddenly grabbed her hand and licked off the spicy water from her dainty fingers. Kripa snatched her hand away, muttering angrily: Chhhee, Dushtu! Kya kar rahey ho? Phuchkawala dekh raha hai… He smirked: Toh dekhney do na….wo thodey hi tumharey parents ko jaakar batayega ke main tumhari ungliyan kha raha tha…. Kripa blushed and moved away from him: Besharam! Kripa, kya tum nahin jaanti ke Pati-patni ko ek plate se khaana chahiye" Jhoothey! Abhi tak hamari shadi nahin huyi….aur agar hum ek plate se khaney lagey toh mujhey toh bhookhey pet hi rehna padega…kyunki tum sab kha logey" He bent near her neck and whispered huskily: Correction! Shadi ke baad main kabhie bhookha nahin rahunga aur tumhey bhi nahin rehney doonga" Kahan? He looked around in surprise…Yahan toh Phuchkawala ke ilaawa koi nahin hai" She went and sat on a bench and started eating with an angry face. Angad went and sat next to her: Ab kya yeh bhi share nahin karogi? Kripa laughed : Kyun kha gaye na maat, Angrezi Babu? Yeh Bangali mirchi hai, sirf Bahadur hi jhel saktey hain… REALLY ? U are challenging me? come on, give me some more…..Angad grabbed the packet and stoically chewed some more of the spicy Muri with chillies, peanuts, cucumbers. Soon his ears and cheeks became red, steam started coming out of his ears, as he started hissing with the heat of the chillies. Paani, paani…he looked around desperately, then saw a Kulfi vendor a little distance away. He ran and bought two kulfis, licking one with relief: Aahhhh ab jaakar aaram mila….sach, tumhari Bangali mirchiyan bahut teekhi hain" Mera teekhapan tumney dekha hi kahan hai, Mister? She asked arching her eyebrows. They sat like that for a long time, licking their Kulfis, teasing each other, enjoying their private meeting after a long time. Angad gulped down his Kulfi fast and asked Kripa for a lick from hers. They shared her Kulfi, eating from both sides, gazing into each other's eyes and lips! Some melted malai dripped off her lips, he leaned and licked it clean, smacking his lips with wicked satisfaction. She laughed at his continuous mischiefs, looking fondly at him….. he looked so relaxed and happy….he had taken off his formal suit jacket and opened his tie. It was hot outside even in mid-October so he unbuttoned 3-4 buttons of his dress shirt, revealing his tanned, smooth chest. Kripa couldn't help staring at his bare skin…..her throat dried up, she involuntarily remembered their passionate morning in the hills, his tanned chest crushing hers as he moved over her! She looked away, blushing, closed her eyes, savoring the memory of those stolen moments of magic and passion, the pleasure, the pain of belonging to him completely. His arm tightened around her shoulders, he whispered in her ears: Us raat ki yaad mein humein ab mahinon tak jeena hai…I want you so badly, Kripa…it hurts me to stay away from you like this" She closed her eyes as he nuzzled her neck and kissed it. She trembled and hid her flushed, hot face in his chest. After a long while, she looked up tearfully into his eyes: Angad, mujhey bhi bahut taqleef hoti hai …..tumsey door rehna bahut mushkil ho gayi hai ab" Angad hugged her tightly: Chalo, hum bhaagkar shadi kar letey hain….ek baar shadi ho gayi toh hamarey parents ko maan lena padega….they will HAVE to accept the marriage….main Court se licence le leta hoon, hum Registry marriage kar lengey…kya khayal hai? Isnt that a GREAT idea?" he was extremely enthusiastic! For a moment, Kripa's eyes lighted up at the thought of being legally married to Angad…then she thought about all her parents's expectations, all their dreams of getting her married according to family traditions, rituals etc. They would be so shocked and surprised that their obedient daughter had been so impatient for her own wedding that she had run away and married in secret. NO, she couldn't disappoint them like that! She and Angad would have to wait, they couldn't be so hasty and disappoint both sets of parents. Im sorry, Angad, main aisa nahin kar sakti….main apney parents ko iss tarah insult nahin kar sakti….unki marzi ke khilaaf jaakar bhagkar shadi karna theek nahin hoga" Angad was very disappointed and rather upset but he understood Kripa's dilemna…ek taraf duty towards family toh ek taraf Pyaar. Kripa jaisi ladki ke liye parivaar ki marzi ke khilaaf jaana namumkin hai…he will have to live with the fact that Kripa's family will always play an important role in her life. They sat there till sunset, content to be in each other's arms for the time being. The orange sun set over the river with little boats and ferries passing them, larger ships blowing an occasional horn. It was a peaceful world for lovers far away from the crowds of people that always surrounded them in this busy city of hustle-bustle! Aunty worry nahin karengi ke tum ab tak college se wapas kyun nahin aayi? Mainey Maa ko subah hi bataa diya ke main Aaliyah ke ghar jaa rahi hoon classes ke baad, aur shaam ko lautoongi…unhoney permission de dee hai….Aaliyah will cover for me if Maa calls her" Wah wah, tum toh bahut hoshiyaar ban gayi ho….Good Excuse!…Angad laughed and commended her on her clever lies. ****************** ***************** The next evening, Angad called her at home: Kripa, mujhey tumsey ek zaroori baat karni hai…kya tum kal phir classes cut karkey mil sakti ho? Kyun, kya baat hai? Sab kuchh theek toh hai na? she got worried. Haan, mujhey kaam mein ek success mila hai, usikey baarey mein tumhey batana chahta hoon"….he sounded excited and happy. Okay, I will meet you after 2 P.M. Angad picked her up from college-gates and took her to the riverside again and they sat on their familiar bench. He took her hands in his and gave her the news: Kripa, mujhey 10-15 din ke liye Bangalore jaana padega… Kripa was dismayed: Kyun? Dus-pandrah din ke liye kyun? Humarey Law Firm ko ek Multinational Company ne hire kiya hai. They hired me as Legal Advisor for some mergers with their Indian counterparts! They have their Head Offices in Bangalore. I have to go there and draw up all the documents for the merger. Tum toh jaanti ho ke mainey International Business Law mein specialize kiya hai, isliye unhoney mujhey hire kiya. These are the biggest clients our Firm has ever bagged. Dad is very pleased with me! Angad sounded very excited and full of spirits with this new development in his career. He had just started out in the Firm and already they got the biggest Multinational Company as clients…it was a huge achievement for a starter but not really surprising as he had a Law degree from Cambridge. Kripa smiled up at him, caressing his smiling cheeks: I am so happy, Angad! You deserve this! Tum ho hi itney hoshiyaar ke duniya ki sabsey badi company tumhey hire karegi! Aakhir tum mere Angad ho" She hugged him lovingly, tears of joy and pride on her face. Hey hey, tum ro rahi ho? Please mat rona, I will feel worse leaving you" He lifted her face and saw her wet eyes. Yeh khushi ke aansoo hain, ….main Maa Durga se prarthana karoongi ke tumhey aur bhi tarakki de, aur bhi kaamyabi de….she reached up and kissed his cheek. He hugged her tightly and kissed her cheeks: Yeh sab tumhari vajeh se hai…you are my Lucky Charm! My Best well-wisher, my wife! She didn't argue on the wife thing…..she knew he already thought of her as his wife and she didn't disagree as they already belonged to each other, though not in the eyes of their families and society. He told her excitedly about the new clients who had offices worldwide and were now merging with their Indian counterparts….she listened with fascinated wonder. Main wahan jaakar meetings, aur contracts mein bahut ulajh jaaoonga….isiliye tumhey har roz phone nahin kar paaoonga shayad. Yeh lo, tumharey liye main Mobile phone laya hoon, yeh tum apney paas, apney kamrey mein rakhna…. Angad gave her a small mobile phone and explained its functions to her….Kripa had never used a mobile before as her parents hadnt thought it necessary for her to have one. Main har raat ko sonay se pehley tumhey phone karoonga….mera goodnight kiss ready rakhna….he kissed her cheeks again. Aur jab bhi tumhey meri zaroorat padey, mujhey phone kar dena….agar main na miloon toh mere liye message zaroor chhodna…he showed her the message screen: aur main yahan tumharey liye messages chhodunga. Kripa felt very sad inside that he would be away from her for so long, that she wouldn't get to see him for 2 weeks. But she held her tears in check….she didn't want to make him weak before he set out on his first major assignement! Ab meri taraf dekho….Angad had bought a pair of camera phones for both of them…he clicked a photo of Kripa's slightly smiling face and saved it as his wallpaper. Then he took Kripa's phone and snapped a picture of himself on hers and handed it to her. Tum mera photo dekhkar so jaana aur main tumhari photo dekhkar so jaaoonga…phir dono ek doosrey ko khwabon mein milney aayengey" She smiled tremulously at his romantic imagination! Her cup of love and tenderness spilled over at his words….. she couldn't hold her tears anymore. He stroked her silky hair gently and soothed her: Come On Kripa! Kuchh hi dinon ki toh baat hai, yeh 2 haftey dekhtey dekhtey kat jayengey…aur phir main kaun sa London –Paris jaa raha hoon? Bangalore hi toh jaa raha hoon na…ek phone call karogi toh dauda chala aaoonga….2-3 ghantey ki toh buss flight hai… He comforted her with his logical words but his own eyes were moist too….how would he survive without seeing her even once a day? She had become a part of his daily life, a part of his soul….apney dil se bhala koi kaisey judaa reh sakta hai? Yahan at least khidkiyon se baatein hoti thi….wahan sirf mobile se baat hogi. Din phir bhi kaam mein kat jayengey, per raatein bhari pad jayengi….he will miss her like Hell! But he put up a stoic front to comfort the sobbing Kripa, caressing her back, her hair, her face, wiping her tears with gentle hands. Kripa finally sat up and wiped her tears with her dupatta: Im sorry! Im really really happy for your job, lekin mera dil nahin maanta…tumsey itney din alag rehney ki baat se taqleef ho rahi hai….but I will be alright! Tum mere baarey mein mat sochna…I will be alright! She assured him with a tearful smile! . music_video/tere_ _1 Tere bin kahin lagta hi nahi dil
Kripa took his hand in hers and inspected his burn marks. They had faded a little but were getting darker, leaving marks on his broad palms! She kissed his hand, a single teardrop fell on his upturned palm: Abhi bhi dard hai kya? She asked him with concern.
Kripa laughed loudly, imagining all Angad's clients sitting on benches at the Ganga promenade.
Haan, chaloongi, she said shyly, lekin kab chalengey?
Angad laughed and followed her, asking for more phuchkas. Kripa hid her leafy bowl: Jaao main nahin deti, you get your own bowl"
He bit her ear softly, brushing his hand on her arm sensuously…..Kripa blushed and moved away: Please Angad, log dekh rahey hain"
Toh wo kya insaan nahin hai?" Kripa quickly finished her last phuchka, paid the Phuchkawala and bought some Jhal-Muri from a vendor further up the walkway.
Kripa silently passed on the Jhal-Muri packet to him. He took some, then spit it out: OH GOD! This is too spicy"
He gave one kulfi to her, then put an arm around her shoulders, leaned and muttered in her ears: Lekin tum itni meethi kyun ho?
Really? Toh dikhao na? Main bhi taste karkey bataoon….
Kripa nudged his stomach with her elbow: Badmaash! One-track mind! Then she giggled and hid her red face in his arm.
Dida aur Chacha-Chachi bhi kya sochengey hamarey baarey mein? Ke hum kuchh mahiney bhi intezaar nahin kar sakey?
Tumsey hi seekha hai….she laughed and hit his chest playfully.
He looked very pleased that she had kissed him in a public place without caring who was looking….for the first time!
Aur yeh phone kisiko mat dikhana…this will be our little secret.
She hid her face in his chest and sobbed quietly.
kya karu mein kya na karu hai muskil
aese haaal mein chain vain aaye naa
abb to akele jeeya jaye naaa
Hai arzoo tu rahe rubaruuu
bas tere naam se zindagi ho shuru
dekhun jidhar aaye tu hi nazar
is kadar har jagah ho sanam tu hi tu
tanha mujhe chain aaye naa
Dil ko koi samjhaye naa
Abb to akele jeeeya jaye na - 2
Milke ke kabhi abb na ho hum juda
pyaar ke rang mein humko rang de khuda
tu khush rahe meri dhadkan kahe
raat din raab se mein yehi maangu dua
duur kahin tu jaaye na
yaad teri tadpaaye naaa
Tere bin kahin lagta hi nahi dil
kya karu mein kya na karu hai muskil
aese haaal mein chain vain aaye naa
ab toh akeley jiya jaye naa... - -
PART 44 Angad left for Bangalore by next evening's flight. Before leaving, he came over to meet Kripa to say goodbye. Gayatri and Shurjo congratulated him on his new appointment and blessed him for his future successes. Gayatri did a mini-jaap on his head to ward off all evil: Maa Durga tumhey har kamyabi dein….Beta, humein tumpar naaz hai. Tum aur bhi tarakki karo, aasmaan chhoon lo, yehi mera aashirwaad hai" Angad dutifully touched his future in-laws' feet and then politely asked: Aunty, Uncle, kya main Kripa se do minute baat kar sakta hoon?' Shurjo said: Haan haan, kyun nahin….he signalled Gayatri to leave them alone in the living-room and went to his study-room, Gayatri went to the kitchen. Angad looked at Kripa, who was standing there with her head bent, her hands tightly clenched together to stem the pain of separating from him. He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them gently: Ab tum mujhey hansi hansi vidaa karo, nahin toh mera mann kaam per nahin lagega aur main tumhari in bheegi palkon ke baarey mein sochta reh jaaoonga" Kripa's beautiful eyes couldn't hold their tears, two drops spilled down….he reached with one hand and wiped off her tears: Dekho, main tumsey door kahan jaa raha hoon? Hum roz raat ko batein karengey phone per aur roz sapnon mein mila karengey…..tum please rona mat, aur apna khayal rakhna….. Kripa nodded and then whispered through trembling lips : Tum bhi apna khayal rakhna….aur….aur kaam khatam hotay hi mere paas wapas aa jaana. Bilkul der mat karna…. Wo toh mujhey aana hi padega….bhala main apney Jaan se door kaisey reh sakta hoon? He laughed softly, then looked quickly towards the door….the coast was clear…he drew her pliant form into his embrace and whispered: Ab mujhey ek meetha sa goodbye kiss de do….jiskey saharey main 2 haftey guzaar sakoon" Kripa raised her lips to his, he kissed her long and deep, savoring her sweetness, her love, pouring his passion onto her lips, into her mouth! Their breaths mingled, tongues tangled, then he let her go reluctantly, wiped off his mouth and pinched her cheek lightly: Bye Sweetheart! Remember, no tears! He smiled, picked up his briefcase and went out into the hallway: Achha Aunty, he called out, main ab chala…. Gayatri came out of the kitchen: Dugga Dugga, achha Beta, apna khayal rakhna aur pahunchtey hi phone kar dena" Shurjo also came out to bid him goodbye….Kripa followed him to the Bose Lodge gates, she stood holding the carved iron gate, watching him get into his rented car ….he waved at her cheerily, gazing at her lovelorn face with a pang in his heart. He gave her a flying kiss, she caught it with a tearful smile and kissed her fingers. Then the taxi moved away on its way to the airport! ************************************ Kripa waited tilll late at night for his phone-call. After midnight, he called Shurjo's phone from his hotel-room in Bangalore. He had already called his Mom-Dad and Dadi….he told Shurjo: Uncle, main pahunch gaya hoon…haan yahan sab theek-thaak hai, kya main Kripa se baat kar sakta hoon? Shurjo handed the phone to Kripa waiting eagerly behind him: Hello, Angad! Haan, Angad, Okay, main apna khayal rakhoongi" she blushed and handed the phone to her father and ran upstairs. Shurjo looked after her and smiled….he asked Angad a few more questions about his flight and Bangalore weather and then ended the call. Kripa waited impatiently for his call ….she shut her door, pretending to go to sleep and lay in bed with mobile in hand, staring at it as if it was a magical doorway through which she could reach Angad in the flesh! When the phone rang after 15 minutes, she answered it at once: Hello, Angad? Main bhi tumhey bahut miss kar rahi hoon….she shyly said…..Tumney khana kha liya? Plane per dinner serve kiya toh tha…..lekin main ab bhi bhookha hoon….he laughed softly. Kyun? Peit nahin bhara kya? Yeh Airlines waley bhi na….theek se khana nahin detey….she teased him by acting ignorant. Peit kaisey bharta? Sweet sweet dessert nahin mila…..
He went forward and took her hands in his own, holding both hands in his palms, he said: Meri taraf dekho, Kripa…..she slowly looked up, trying to blink away her tears.
Kripa, tum apney kamrey mein chali jao, main tumhey mobile per call karoonga…after 15 minutes"
Hi Jaan! Kaisi ho tum? His deep, husky voice gave her goosebumps…I am missing you already.
Kyun? Air Hostess se maang letey…. Kripa teased him. Really? Toh tum permission de rahi ho? Main Air-Hostess se Dessert maang loon? He sounded devilishly pleased. Maar daaloongi tumhey….Kripa said angrily,…Agar kisi aur se dessert maangi toh! He laughed loudly: Aa gayi na line per, Bangali Mirchi? Ab mujhey rasgulla jaisi sweet kiss de do, then I can go to bed ….bahut tired hoon" he yawned slightly. He was already gazing at her lovely face on his mobile, he kissed her face loudly: Goodnight, Sweetheart! ******************************** ********* The next ten days dragged for Kripa….she would go to morning Puja at Khanna House but looked lost and forlorn. Naina looked sympathetically at her, Chhutki tried to cheer her up by giving her a poster of a shirtless John Abraham, but Kripa thought she would rather have a picture of Angad without his shirt, she blushed at her own thoughts. Dadi tried to comfort her: Tu chinta mat kar, Kripa, Angad sirf do haftey ke liye gaya hai, yeh do haftey dekhtey hi kat jayengey…..ab le, Krishna ke liye mala bana…. Dadi tried to involve Kripa in her Puja-room duties but her mind wandered to Angad, missing his white kurta-clad presence in the Puja-room, making her prick her fingers on the needle: Uffffff…she exclaimed in pain as a drop of blood appeared, staining the garland she was making for Lord Krishna. Isshhh, Dadi exclaimed….Yeh tuney kya kiya? Suin lag gayi na? Jaa jakar dho le aur dawai laga le…La de… yeh Mala ab Thakur ko nahin chadha saktey, isper khoon lag gayi hai….she took the half-finished garland and threw it out. Kripa was tearful: I am sorry, Dida….mainey Thakur ka mala kharab kar diya… Kripa nodded tearfully, Dida pulled her face in her arms and patted her back. Now that Angad wasn't there, Kripa would have to take the bus to college but Naina and Dadi wouldn't hear about it: Angad yahan nahin hai toh kya hua? Absey tu hamari Gaadi mein college jayegi…tu hamarey ghar ki honay wali bahu hai….hamara bhi kuchh kartavya hai ke tu sahi-salamat college pahunchey" Naina agreed: Haan Kripa, absey tum college jaogi hamari gaadi mein, Angad ke Dad tumhey drop kar dengey" Kripa didn't argue, she knew the Khannas worried about her as their own daughter! Dilip and Debu dropped Kripa at college gates on their way to their Law-Firm Offices. Aaliyah and her other friends/classmates were surprised to see her get down from a Scorpio instead of Angad's red sports car: Arey Kripa, tu aaj doosri gaadi mein aayi? Angad kahan hai? Kripa's sad face told its own tale as she quietly told them : Angad Bangalore gaya hai kaam ke silsiley mein….isliye Dilip Chacha ne mujhey ride diya" Chacha nahin, honay-waley Sasur Jee bol….her friend Sushmita teased her. Kripa looked surprised, then looked accusingly at Aloo….who shook her head, throwing up her hands: Mainey nahin bataya, I swear! Mujhey pata nahin kisney college mein sabko bataya… Kripa wondered: Phir kisney? Ohh I see….yeh Mishti ka kaam hai…. Kya iska matlab Mishti ne merey aur Angad ke rishtey ko maan liya? Kripa was amazed, and doubtful….But shes not so kind and accepting. Pata nahin yeh uska kya naya chaal hai…she thought with a frown. Aaliyah saw how morose and depressed Kripa was with Angad's 2 week absence….she tried to cheer Kripa up…they went to movies after college, hung out in the canteen at lunchtime with other friends….made fun of the HIP group. One day, Mishti sauntered upto Kripa's table, she smiled artificially at Kripa and loudly said: Congratulations! Ms. Kripa Bose! Toh aakhir tumney Angad Khanna ko apney Jaal mein phansa hi liya….Shabaash…Well Done! She clapped sarcastically with a nasty face. Kripa bubbled up with anger inside but held her temper in check, it was no use getting angry with a catty, nasty witch like Mishti. She said coolly: Kyun? Tumhey disappointment ho rahi hai ke tumharey laakh koshish karney ke bawjood tum ussey nahin phansa sakey, Ms. Kolkata 2005? All Kripa's friends laughed and clapped at her fiesty, fitting reply to Mishti, bringing up her sore point of losing the Ms. Kolkata title in 2005. MEEOOWWWW….somebody yowled in the canteen…everybody started laughing. Mishti's face turned an ugly red with fury: Hans Lo, Hans lo….tumharey bhi ronay ke din aayengey, Ms. Kripa Bose…aur us din main hasoongi….Remember, who laughs last laughs longest" She walked out of the canteen in a huff followed by a handful of followers. Mishti was fast losing her following due to her rude, obnoxious, high-handed behavior …lately her frustrations were evident even to the most obtuse of her sycophants. She was becoming unbearable….and her jealousy of Kripa was making her even more vicious and crazed! Just wait and see, Kripa…main kaisey tumharey guroor ko todti hoon" she gnashed her teeth, clawing her nailpolish off like she would like to scratch out Kripa's eyes! When Angad called late that night, he asked her about college….she wanted to tell him about her confrontation with Mishti but thought better of it….she wasn't catty like Mishti that she would go crying to Angad about what she had said…she could fight her own battles with Mishti! Angad sounded romantic on the phone as he asked her every detail about her whole day from where she went to what she wore. Ab batao, tumney abhi kya pehni hai? He asked huskily. Angad's soft laughter came through: Yeh sab tumhey shadi ke baad bataaoonga…. He changed the subject: Achha wo sab chhodo…main bahut tired hoon, poora din meetings aur contracts mein dooba raha…ab mera thakan door karney ke liye ek achha sa gaana suna do…..tumhari meethi awaaz se meri saari thakaan door ho jayegi… Gaana sunaoon? Phone per? She was doubtful . Tere bina jeeya jaye na jab bhee khayaalon mein too aaye Tere bina jeeya jaye na reshamee raate roz naa hogee Angad's breath caught in his throat….unkowingly she had chosen a very sensuous song…did she know what she was doing to him with her sweetly seductive voice and lyrics? Probably not, he thought ruefully, trying to ease his aching desire for her as he lay in his lonely hotel bed. Thanks sweetheart! He whispered after her song ended: Ab mera goodnight kiss! The next night, he wanted her to sing again for him, but this time, she demanded that he should sing a song for her. Kyun Jaan, tum kyun Bangalore ke gadhon ko competition dena chahti ho? As you wish, Your Honor! Hmmmm zara sochney do…okay…ab mera gaana sunkey kaan band mat kar lena…he joked again..
Kripa looked at Angad's handsome face in her screensaver and kissed it : Lo de diya….ab tumhari baari..
Goodnight, Angad!
They went to sleep with smiles on their faces, mobiles next to their pillows, looking at each other's pictures and dreaming ….about mountains, a cottage, a passionate embrace!
Dida patted her cheek lovingly: Ek mala kharab hua toh kya hua? Aur bana lengey….tu fikr mat kar, Thakur bura nahin manengey….Main jaanti hoon, Bahut miss kar rahi hai na Angad ko?
Haan, Sushmita admitted, Mishti hi hai jo saari College mein iss baat ka elaan kar rahi hai ke teri shadi Angad se next year honay wali hai"
Nightie pehni hai….Kyun? Raat ko toh nightie hi pehnoongi na….she sounded surprised.
Kya color hai tumharey nightie ka? He asked her with a deep voice.
Gulabi….Kyun?
Ab tum kahan ho?
Apney bed per…..Kyun? Abhi toh bedtime hai na? Gyarah baj chukey hain…
Ab tum bed per kya kar rahi ho? His voice got deeper and huskier….
Tumsey phone per baat kar rahi hoon….Angad! Tum yeh sab ajeeb se sawaal kyun poochh rahey ho? She was completely perplexed.
Dam*! He thought humorously….she was such an innocent….she had no idea what he was trying to do…he would have fun teaching her, he thought excitedly.
Haan, pehley bhi to sunayi thi, remember?
Haan, lekin mobile ka bill?
Tum uskey baarey mein mat socho….I have unlimited minutes! Come On, sing something for me….he commanded, pleaded.
Theek hai…she said shyly, Ummmmmmm, she closed her eyes and imagined Angad in front of her, what she would say to him if she saw him right now:
She started singing softly into the phone:
tere binaa jiyaa jaaye naa
bin tere, tere bin saajanaa
saans mein saans aaye naa
mere badan se khushaboo aaye
mahake badan mein rahaa naa jaaye,
rahaa jaaye naa
tere beenaa jiyaa jaaye naa
bin tere, tere bin saajanaa
saans mein saans aaye naa
ye saugaate roj naa hogee
zindagee tujh bin raas naa aaye,
raas aaye naa
She kissed his picture on the phone, he kissed her picture, ….then both went off to sleep, both aching, longing to see each other, to embrace, to cuddle!
Don't talk nonsense! Kripa scolded him….Tum bahut achha gaatey ho….aur hamarey muhalley ke log bhi iss baat ki gavaah hain….now don't make excuses, abhi gaao….she commanded him.
Angaddd! She rebuked him….jaldi start karo…. /watch?v=vk9TY6izvUo&mode=related& search= (Angad-Kripa) Doorie.. Doorie …Doorie After he ended, Kripa was silent, still feeling the thrills of his deep, sexy voice sending shivers down her spine. Kya hua? So gayi kya mera gaana sunkar?
Wait Yaar., give me some time to prepare my voice….he cleared his voice, then started singing:
Sahi jaaye na
Sahi jaaye naaaaaa
Sahi jaaye naaaaaa
Sahi jaaye naaaaaa
Khamoshiyaan yeh seh na sakoon,
Aawaaz deke mujhe tu de ja sukoon.
Doorie Doorie….
Adhoora hoon main ab tere bina,
Adhoori meri zindagani reh jaayegi
Doorie Doorie….
Har raah mein tu aaye nazar,
Kat ta nahin ab akele tanha safar.
Doorie …..
Nahin, main toh buss tumharey awaz mein doob gayi thi…..she said dreamily.
Really? Am I that good?
Even better! You are amazing!
He laughed, pleased at her adoration of his voice: Ab tum sunao….
She sang a sweet love-song for him:
Pal bhar mein yeh kya ho gaya Ten days went by with night-time sweet talks on their mobiles, songs, teasing, appeasing, missing each other, sending goodnight kisses!
Wo main gayi wo mann gaya
Chunri kahey sunri pawan
Saawan aaya abkey sajan
Dinbhar mujhey yun sataye
Tum bin ab toh raha nahin jaye"
It was the end of October and getting chillier. Kripa was sitting in the living-room that evening, watching a serial on Star Plus, wrapped in a red shawl, munching on potato chips. Lately she had been getting the munchies, a craving for all kinds of junk food…..she thought it must be the cooler weather….it was making her feel hungry all the time! She was engrossed in the show….the heroine had just discovered that she was pregnant…and she was crying as she was unmarried, saying: Lekin mainey toh Rahul ke saath buss ek raat guzari thi….sirf ek raat…. Kripa's hand stilled, the chips packet dropped from her hands, her eyes widened with horror…..NOOO THIS CANNOT BE TRUE! THIS CANT HAPPEN TO HER! She suddenly realized with a horrified pang that she had been overdue for more than a month! In all her preoccupation with Angad and then his absence from the city, she had forgotten completely about her normal cycle! Nahin….nahin…she got up in a daze and climbed up the stairs with shaking legs to her bedroom. When was the last time?….she remembered with shocked horror….it was just after Janmashtami, in last week of August! And now it was end of October! NO, NO, NO….This cant be happening to me! She walked to her bed like a zombie….. dropped down on the bed, hid her face in the pillow…..Nahin, main pregnant nahin ho sakti….Main apney Maa-Baba ko kya mooh dikhaoongi? Ke shadi se pehley hi main aur Angad…...Nahin nahin…yeh nahin ho sakta! She started crying with fear, shock….agar sabko pata chal gaya toh main kya karoongi? ANGAD! ….mujhey Angad ko batana padega….I MUST tell him! - -
PART 45 Kripa lay in bed, her tears had dried up, she looked at the ceiling with empty eyes, tossing and turning restlessly. Please Bhagwan, mujhey itni badi sazaa mat deejiye, meri ek bhool ke liye…..main kaisey sabko mooh dikhaoongi ?..…sab log mujhey ek sanskari ladki samajhtey hain, mainey apney Maa-Baba ka bharosa toda hai! Main kaisey jee paaoongi? She touched her flat belly….aur kitney din yeh raaz chhupaoongi sabsey….sabko pata chal jayega….log kya kahengey ke Bose parivaar ki beti ne….she hid her pale face in her hands, trembling in misery, fear!
Abhi tak meri aur Angad ki sagai bhi nahin hui aur yeh sab…..Dida aur Chacha-Chachi bhi mere baarey mein kya sochengey? Hey Bhagwan! Please mujhey iss badnaami se bacha lo….main phir aapsey kuchh aur nahin chahungi….she prayed earnestly with tears in her eyes. Mujhey Angad ko batana hoga….before anybody else suspects anything, I have to tell Angad about this, he will find out some solution! Gayatri called her from downstairs: Kripaaa, Khana tayyar hai, aaja dinner kha le" A concerned Gayatri came up at once: Kya hua, beti? Tu theek toh hai na? Maa, mujhey buss bhookh nahin hai…she felt like crying at her mother's worried face. She sadly thought: Maa, aapko agar pata chal gaya toh aap kya sochengey mere baarey mein? Kya hua tujhey? Gayatri looked with concern at Kripa's pale, gloomy face, Teri tabiyat toh theek hai na? Bukhaar toh nahin hai na? She touched Kripa's cool forehead and shook her head. Kripa held her mother's hand in hers: Nahin Maa, waisa kuchh nahin, buss thodi si sar mein dard hai"
Kripa yelled back: Maa, mujhey bhookh nahin hai…..mujhey dinner nahin khana"
Season change ki vajeh se hogi….Gayatri declared….lekin tu khali peit mat sona…theher main tere liye Daal ka Soup lekar aati hoon" She brought up some Dal soup (the nutritious thin soup on top of dals) and fed Kripa with her own hands. Kripa took the bowl from her hands: Maa, main ab bachchi nahin hoon, main khud kha loongi" Tu toh mere liye baby hi rahegi jab tak teri shadi na ho jaye aur tera apna baby na ho jaaye. Gayatri patted her cheeks affectionately. Kripa's face paled again at the mention of a baby. She ate quietly, Gayatri brought up some rice and fish and forced her to eat it…she didn't object…if she WAS pregnant, she would need the nutrition. Her eyes teared up again at the thought of her baby. Her mother looked at her crestfallen face and smiled in sympathy: Kripa, tujhey Angad ki bahut yaad aa rahi hai na? Tu fikr mat kar, aur 3-4 din hi toh baaki hain uskey aaney mein. Kaam khatam hotay hi wo wapas aa jayega aur 15 din baad toh tum dono ki sagai bhi ho jayegi" Gayatri regretfully thought she had perhaps been too strict with the kids, they loved each other so much, she was sure they wouldn't do anything wrong. Angad bahut sincere aur decent ladka hai, wo Kripa ko kabhie ghalat raastey per nahin le jayega. Wo Kripa ka kitna khayal rakhta hai…..sach, humein bahut achha damaad mila hai…. After her mother left, got up and went to her window and looked up at the dark window of Angad's room above hers. Should she call Angad now or wait for his phone call later at night? He usually called her after eleven….after he returned from dinner with his clients. No, she would wait for him to call….she didn't want to disturb him at meetings or dinner. When he called, she would tell him about her condition….then she suddenly remembered what her mother just said: aur 3-4 din hi toh baaki hain uskey aaney mein. Kaam khatam hotay hi wo wapas aa jayega!" She didn't want to harm his career, jeopardize his work! She could hide her secret for 4 more days….when she herself wasn't aware of it for last one month, she could hide it from others as well! But Angad suspected something was wrong from Kripa's listless voice when she answered the phone: Kya baat hai, Kripa? Sab kuchh theek toh hai na? Are you feeling okay? Angad…..she asked quietly…..tumhara kaam kya khatam ho gaya? Tum kab laut rahey ho? Main aur 5 din baad aa jaaoonga…abhi thodi si formalities baaki hain….then I will be done….Kya hua, sweetheart? Are u missing me too much? Im missing u too….I wish I could fly to you right now….he kissed her through the phone. Haan Angad, lekin main jaanti hoon tum bahut busy ho….aur main tumhey disturb nahin karna chahti….she said in a morose tone. Kripaaa. Come ON! U can never disturb me….jab bhi tumhey meri zaroorat padey mujhey phone kar dena…okay? I always have my mobile with me….jhijhakna mat… Theek hai….she sounded a little cheerful. She asked him about his work to take her mind off her problem and even laughed at Angad's descriptions of language problems between American and Indian counterparts of the company! He told her that the Chief Legal Advisor of their company was a Bengali, a Mr. Ganguly and Angad had told him about his future bride. Kripa blushed to hear that….his future bride….she wished they could get married right away and then all her fears would dissolve and nobody would know their secret! Kripa was on tenterhooks the next 2 days…it seemed she walked on eggshells, afraid all the time of somebody suspecting about her condition. She skipped college the next day complaining of headache, but the next day when she tried to bunk, her mother suggested taking her to the doctor. She went to college with a heavy heart…..Aaliyah looked thoughtfully at Kripa's suddenly downcast face: Kya hua, Kripa? Sab kuchh theek toh hai na? Is everything okay between u and Angad? Kripa forced herself to smile: Haan of course, Angad aur mera jhagda kyun hoga? Wo toh Bangalore mein hai….per ab bahut din ho gaye…I wish he would come back soon" she said sadly. Aloo hugged her depressed friend: Don't worry, Yaar, aur kuchh din hi to hain, then he will be back to hug you and kiss you again….chal ..lets go eat some phuchkas…that always cheers you up" But having phuchkas reminded her of Angad and his wicked comments even more and she started crying. Pehli baar dekha kisiko phuchka khatey khatey rotey huey…Aloo complained, then she comforted Kripa, holding her shoulders….COME ON KRIPA! Cheer up! Wo jaldi wapas aa jayega" Kripa lost her appettite, her smile, her sleep in the next 2 days. She didn't even go to Dida's morning Puja ….she couldn't face them or Dida's Gods! On the 3rd morning, she had her breakfast and went to her room to get her bag and books for college, when suddenly she felt like throwing up. She ran to the bathroom and heaved over the sink. Most of her breakfast came out, leaving her drained, horrified and dismayed! She returned to her room with trembling legs….sat down on her bed…..NO she couldn't hide this anymore….agar aisa chalta raha toh sabko pata chal jayega….what if she threw up or fainted in college? The whole world would come to know about her condition…..NO… she HAS to tell Angad right away…she cant wait anymore. She took her college bag and mobile and went to a park in the neighbourhood. Nobody was around at 10 A.M. She quickly dialled Angad's number. Angad was at his desk, arranging some documents and filing them….the merger had been accomplished and now he was overseeing some remaining formalities! Angad…..she sobbed into the phone….Angad…. Kya hua? Kripa are you okay? He got terribly worried and stood up from his chair….Kripa batao mujhey baat kya hai? Angad….I think….I think….. Batao Kripa? His mind automatically started thinking of the possibility that had been bugging him for last one month! Tell me, for God's sake! I think…..I am pregnant! She started sobbing louder, sitting on the park bench. WHATT? He dropped down on his chair. His hands started shaking….all his fears had come true….Kripa was pregnant with his child…a result of that morning in the hills. Then he calmed himself, he would have to be strong now….and be a pillar of strength for her…she was too young and innocent…he would have to protect her from the accusations and recriminations that would follow! It was his fault that she was in that condition…..he should have stopped himself, controlled his passion, his desire for her. Kripa, don't cry, PLEASE, apney aapko sambhalo…..Main aaj hi wapas aa raha hoon…I am taking this evening's flight back to Kolkata….please tum chinta mat karo, I am coming to you, sweetheart! Mere aaney tak please be strong….rona mat, Jaan! I love you! Angad, I am sorry, she sobbed…..meri wajeh se tumhey apna kaam chhodkar aana pad raha hai… Don't worry about that, Kripa! Kaam se sau guna zyada important hai hamara bachcha….he felt a strange thrill saying that….suddenly he had a vision of a sweet little girl in a pink frock who looked like Kripa…..he couldn't help smiling. Perhaps this was a good thing….now that Kripa was pregnant, her parents would be forced to get them married this year as he had wanted. Of course they would be furious at him and Kripa for overstepping their boundaries but then they would accept it as they would also be delighted to be grandparents! He grinned, suddenly optimistic about this news! But he had to comfort Kripa who was alone and scared! Kripa, please stop crying….nahin toh logon ko shaq ho jayega….I am returning tonight ….kal subah main tumhey doctor ke paas le chalunga…main abhi appointment karta hoon….Don't cry, sweetheart! Everything will be fine, trust me! Main hoon na tumharey saath! Yeh hum dono ki problem hai, hum ek saath solve karengey….now give me a kiss, and go to college, don't worry about anything, Main aa raha hoon tumharey paas! Kripa gave him a soft, tearful kiss, feeling reassured by his strong voice, his confident words! Angad aa raha hai…her heart started singing with hope and gladness...….wo sab kuchh theek kar dega! She wiped off her tears and went to college. Angad went to Mr. Ganguly and asked him to take over the remaining formalities: Mere family mein ek emergency ho gayi hai" Angad thanked Ganguly, then called the company's travel agent and booked his airline ticket for evening's flight! Then he called Shabbir: Yaar! Tu mujhey abhi ek Lady Gynaecologist ka naam bata aur uskey saath kal subah ke appointment ka bandobast kar de… WHATTT! DON'T TELL ME THAT…KRIPA….? Shabbir almost fell out of his chair….Don't tell me Kripa is pregnant? Lagta toh aisa hi hai….Angad couldn't hide his excitement from his best friend! WOW! CONGRATULATIONS, YAAR! Tu Papa banney wala hai? What Great news! Angad grinned happily: Wait Yaar! Not so fast! Pehley check-up toh karney de! Lekin mere hisaab se agar yeh sach hua toh agley mahiney hi hamari shadi ho jayegi aur next year July mein main Papa ban jaaoonga! He laughed in delight! That will be great...Shabbir laughed happily, don't worry Yaar! Main abhi ek Lady doctor ke saath Kripa ka appointment fix kar raha hoon" Shabbir hung up, grinning broadly at the news….he liked Kripa and wanted the best for her and Angad! He called all the offices of all the gynaes he knew but none of them had any appointments for the next day…usually all were booked weeks ahead. But Kripa's case couldn't wait! Finally he managed to persuade the office staff of Dr. Aarti Roy, one of the most senior and respected gynaes of Kolkata…..they gave Kripa the 1 P.M. appointment at their office in Ballygunge! Shabbir called Angad and told him the time and Doctor's name and location….Angad thanked him: Thanks Yaar! Tu nahin hota toh humein itni jaldi appointment kabhi nahin milti" Angad returned late that night….his family was surprised at his sudden return. Dilip asked him: Per Beta, tumney toh kaha tha ab bhi 2-3 din ka kaam baaki hai? Haan Dad, don't worry! Wo kaam Ganguly dekh rahey hain….basically I am done so I didn't want to hang around….and I was missing u guys! He hugged his mother and Dadi! Dadi kissed his forehead, then boxed his ears: Jhooth mat bol….sach bata tu Kripa ko miss kar raha tha….isliye jaldi chala aaya. Aur wo bhi toh tere liye bahut udaas hai, pichhley 3 din se pooja per bhi nahin aayi….khabar bheja ke padhai hai lekin main jaanti thi ke teri kami usey iss ghar mein bahut mehsoos hoti hai, isiliye nahin aayi, jaa, uskey saath ek baar milkar aa" Lekin Dadi, abhi gyarah baj chukey hain, Uncle-Aunty naraaz toh nahin hongey, itni raat ko milney gaya toh? Nahin pagley, main Shurjo ko jaanti hoon, bahar se kadva hai lekin andar se bhavuk hai, wo log tum dono ki haalat samajhtey hain, itney din alag rahey….Jaa milkar aa Kripa se" Angad blessed his lifesaver Dadi and ran next door to meet Kripa! He knew why she hadnt gone to Dadi's Puja for last 3 days….if Dadi knew, she would be angry at him at first, then she would be thrilled, he knew that! Dadi was just like him, or rather he was like his Dadi.…he grinned happily as he rang the bell. Shurjo opened the door and was stunned to see him: ANGAD? Tum kab wapas aaye? Aao Beta, andar aao... .Kripa ran out of the living-room….she was expecting Angad to come meet her when he returned. Her eyes became moist when she saw his beloved face at the door. She smiled tremulously, her eyes lighting up with joy, hope, love! Angad stared at her….as if he hadnt seen her for a year! He drank in her slightly pale but still lovely face, she had lost some weight from worry but still her curves made him dizzy with desire. He wanted to grab her in his arms, kiss her, feel her belly where their child was growing! He wanted to wipe the tears from her eyes, hold her, reassure her, but he calmly said: Hi Kripa! Kaisi ho?…..mera kaam khatam ho tay hi main wapas aa gaya…he told Shurjo. Gayatri came from the kitchen where she was clearing up the dinner leftovers…Angad Beta, tum aa gaye…main keh nahin sakti main kitni khush hoon tumhey dekhkar….zara dekho toh Kripa ne kaisi haalat bana rakhi hai ?…tumharey jaaney ke baad na theek se khaati hai na hansti hai…Kripa looked down in shyness at her mother's words….finally some red color returned to her face! Shurjo cleared his throat, a little embarassed: Main Study-room mein jaaata hoon, tum dono Baithak khaney (Living-room) mein baat karo" He left, giving space to Angad and Kripa….Gayatri gushed a little bit more about Angad's return, then went back to the kitchen. Angad took Kripa's cold hands in his and pulled her into the living-room, he stood behind the door and hugged her tightly! Kripa put her hands around his waist, rested her head on his chest and sighed in relief. It felt so wonderful being back in his arms again! His strength gave her comfort! Both of them closed their eyes, savoring the feeling of being in each other's arms again, as they stood there in a silent embrace for a long time. Finally, he raised her face up to him: Kripa, ab main aa gaya hoon, tumhey chinta karney ki koi zaroorat nahin, I will take care of everything, tumhey mujhpar bharosa hai na? he caressed her cheeks softly, delighted to see pink color return to her pale cheeks. Haan, she nodded, and held his cheeks in her hands: Mainey tumhey bahut miss kiya…tears came to her eyes at those sleepless nights when she had worried all alone! Kripa, meri taraf dekho…..he lifted her face again in his palms, Jo bhi hoga, hum dono milkar uska saamna karengey, humney koi gunaah nahin kiya, pyar mein aksar aisa hota hai…people lose control… don't be ashamed of our love, sweetheart! I love you and I will be always here for you" he gently kissed her lips. She kissed him back: Ami-o tomakey bhalobashi" Din mahiney saal guzartey jaayengey (Thanks to Jaba for the song) :) album/Avtaar-(1983).html (Avatar-Lata, Kishore) ki : din maheene saal guzarate jaayenge ( mat sharamaao a jaao ) -2 meri baanhon mein la : tumako hamane maan liya rab tum jaano -2 la : dukh-sukh ka saathi ( haan ji ) -2 tumhen banaaya hai -2 - -
If she told him just now, he would leave everything and come running back to Kolkata….she was sure of that!
She protested vehemently at once…..Nahin Maa, main theek hoon, mujhey doctor ki zaroorat nahin…..she was terrified at the thought of their family doctor diagnosing her pregnancy.
Kripa nodded sadly….she couldn't share her secret even with her best friend….it was too shameful! Even Aloo would be shocked to know that she had stepped over the boundaries in her love for Angad!
Haan, Kripa, bolo, kya baat hai, is everything alright? He asked with slight concern as she had never called him in the morning so far!
Of course, Mr. Khanna! No problem! I hope its not very serious? Ganguly expressed concern.
No Sir! Angad smiled at his grey-haired senior, Somebody is sick and she needs me there!
Oh I see, Ganguly smiled knowingly, Best of Luck, Son! I wish you both Happiness!
Arey Thanks Vanks chhod...mujhey mithai khilaney ki tayyari kar" Shabbir laughed. Aur kal theek waqt per Kripa ko lekar Dr. Roy ki office mein pahunch jaana...
Angad, mujhey bahut darr lag raha hai…..jab sabko pata chalega toh kya hoga? She trembled and hid her face in his chest again.
ham pyaar mein jeete pyaar mein marate jaayenge
la : ( dekhenge
ki : dekh lena ) -2
la : din maheene saal ...
ki : din maheene saal ...
dekho apani tasveer meri nigaahon mein
kya hua gar kaante hain apani raahon mein -2
in raahon mein phool bikharate jaayenge
ham pyaar mein jeete ...
ham ye jaanen baaqi sab tum jaano
kya kahana hai kya nahi ye ab tum jaano -2
tum jo kahoge ham vo karate jaayenge
ham pyaar mein jeete ...
ki : hamane jeevan ka saajhi haan ji tumhen banaaya hai -2
la : dil ki naeeya ka maajhi tumhen banaaya hai -2
ki : is paar se us paar utarate jaayenge
ham pyaar mein jeete ...
PART 46 Kripa came out of her college gates at noon where Angad was waiting for her in his sports car! They drove in silence to the Doctor's Office in Ballygunge! She was tense, picking at her fingernails, pale and wan! When they stopped at a red light, Angad reached out and squeezed her cold hands reaasuringly. She looked at him anxiously, he blinked and smiled at her: Don't worry! Sab theek ho jayega" ….she gave him a weak, watery smile. Although their appointment was at one, they had to wait till 1:45 to get in! the waiting-room was full of expectant mothers, some slightly pregnant, some with huge, protruding bellies! Kripa stared at them nervously, trying to imagine herself in that condition. Angad looked curiously at the other women and their husbands, wondering how Kripa would look with her stomach swollen with a child! HIS CHILD! The very thought excited and thrilled him! The others looked at the good-looking couple waiting anxiously for their turn. They looked curiously at Kripa's sindoor-less forehead, her neck devoid of mangalsutra or wrist devoid of Loha (iron bangle worn by all Bengali married ladies)….they all wondered what the deal was? Dr. Roy was a stern-looking middle-aged lady in her late 50s. she asked them to sit down, then observed them over over her thick-rimmed spectacles: First Pregnancy? She asked her. Kripa nodded: Yes… How long have you been married? Kripa bent her head in shame, keeping quiet. Angad cleared his throat : Actually Doctor, we are engaged, not married yet. Hmmmm, Dr. Roy looked disapprovingly at both of them, at Kripa's bare forehead, then she muttered under her breath: This young generation! Always in a hurry! She looked at Kripa's chart: So you are Ms. Kripa Bose? ….she looked at Angad: And what is YOUR name? She asked Angad rather belligerently. Even the cool-as-cucumber Angad was intimidated by the old lady: I am Angad Khanna! I see…again she looked disapprovingly at him. Ms. Bose, aap wahan jaayiye aur yeh gown pehen leejiye….she gave Kripa a back-open gown and sent her to the curtained-off area. While Kripa changed, Dr. Roy asked Angad about Kripa's details. Her date of birth, age, address…Angad gave her the info but requested her not to call Kripa's family or contact them. So they don't know about this? Dr. Roy glared at Angad over her glasses. Dr. Roy went behind the curtain and examined Kripa thoroughly. Then she told Kripa to change back and went back to her seat and started writing notes with a serious face. Angad looked anxiously at her, Kripa came back to her seat, looking at the doctor with a tense face. Dr. Roy wrote further notes in the case- file, then smiled slightly at the nervously fidgeting Kripa: Congratulations, Kripa! You are NOT pregnant! Both of them were stunned….they stared at the doctor open-mouthed, with astonishment! I'm NOT? Kripa asked in disbelief. The symptoms you have are from Colitis or Gastritis caused by bad eating habits. (Angad looked at Kripa in a "I told u so" way). And the irregularity may have been caused by some major change in ur life or tension about something. Kripa silently thought: Haan yeh sach hai….jab se Angad meri zindagi mein aaya hai, sab kuchh badal gaya hai….usney mere jeevan mein hulchul macha dee hai…shayad issi wajeh se….. Angad asked : Are you sure, Doctor? Dr. Roy looked at him over her glasses: Why? Do you want her to be pregnant? Angad flushed: Nahin, aisi baat nahin…but we thought her sickness….. Nausea and vomiting can be caused by gastritis or colitis also, I want her to get tested for colitis. And I think she might be anemic too….which can also cause irregularity. Dr Roy handed Kripa a sheet for blood-tests: Here! Get these blood-tests done and come back to see me after 2 weeks. Then she scribbled something on another sheet: And heres a prescription for birth-control pills that will prevent pregnancy till both of you are ready for a child! Kripa flushed a deep red, she pushed the prescription back towards the doctor: Nahin Doctor, iski zaroorat nahin padegi" Are you sure? Again the stern look over the glasses. Angad paid the doctor's fees and they walked out of the doctor's office in silence. It was a strange feeling of anti-climax that was assailing their hearts…..after 5 days of worry, anxiety, tension, it was finally over! She wasn't pregnant, it was just colitis and anemia! Kripa felt relief down to her toes….but there were strange pangs of disappointment nagging her heart. Suddenly a vision of a chubby little boy who looked like Angad floated before her eyes and then vanished. She felt strangely bereft…as if she had lost something she had never had in the first place. She felt like crying…..why why wasn't she delighted at the negative results? She couldn't understand why she felt this way! Angad was more disappointed than her: DA**! There goes our only chance of getting married next month. Now we will have to wait till next June….Da**! They drove back in silence….Angad approached her college: Do you want to go back to college for your last class? Nahin….she looked at him, Angad, kya tum mujhey phir se Ganga kinarey le jaogey? Sure! Good Idea! Lets go there…his car sped over Red Road towards Ganga ghats. At the Ghat, they sat on their usual bench by riverbank, silently watching the sailboats, river-ferries and small ships pass by. His arm rested comfortably around her shoulders, her head rested on his shoulder. Angad….kya tumhey Bangalore wapas jaana padega? Filhaal toh nahin, lekin November ke end mein shayad jaana padega, for some more formalities. Kripa snuggled closer to him: mujhey apney kaam ke baarey mein batao….Bangalore kaisa tha? Angad knew she was trying to take her mind off the baby fiasco….he felt her conflicted emotions. He started telling about the firm he was working for, about the vibrant IT capital of India….then he informed her that he was going to appear for the Bar exams for Kolkata High Court in December. Lekin tumharey paas toh Law ki degree hai na? she asked in surprise…phir se exams kyun? I need certification to practice law here, so I have to sit for this exam….but don't worry, it will be a cinch! Haan, main jaanti hoon, wo tumharey liye bachchon ka khel hoga" again her face fell at the involuntary mention of bachcha! He tried to lighten up her mood: But I have to study for it….so you'd better not disturb me….he nudged her head with his chin. Haan, main tumhey disturb karti hoon ya tum mujhey? She pouted up at him in mock anger. Toh theek hai, hum dono hi ek doosrey ko disturb nahin karengey….DEAL? he put out his hand, looking into her trusting eyes. Deal! She put her hand in his. He quickly kissed her pouting lips. "But you know sweetheart, it will be damn difficult to keep away from you! Tougher than the Bar exam! She laughed and hit his arm playfully: Shaitaan! … Pehley….8th December ….lekin tumhey mera birthday kaisey pata? Tum kya samajhtey ho, Mister? Mujhey tumharey baarey mein sab pata hai" Now I am getting scared….he sniggered ….aur kya-kya pata hai tumhey mere baarey mein? Tumharey ex-girlfriends ke naam toh pata nahin….lekin unki kuchh tasveerein dekhi hain" Kahan dekhi? He was amazed….then he laughed….Oh I know…Dadi ke paas dekhi hogi…..yeh Dadi bhi na mujhey barbaad karkey rahegi" Toh batao unkey naam….. Kyun kya karogi jaankar? Unko letter-bomb bhejogi? He joked. She hit him on his arm again: Batao na….dartey kyun ho? Okay….one was Simone and other one was Tina….both live in London. Toh unhey chhod kyun diya? Aur Tina aur Simone ke baad Kripa kaisey pasand aa gayi? She asked him archly. Kya karoon, Jaaneman….Dil toh Hindustani hai na? he squeezed her tightly in his arms. Batao na….unhey chhod kyun diya? Did you get bored with them? She nagged him. No Yaar! I was never serious about them…..they were just ….u know…Time Pass! Kripa was rather taken aback at his casual attitude about his ex-girlfriends. He must have had intimate relations with them, yet now he could casually brush them off as time-pass. His attitude towards women wasn't very commendable! Angad looked at her serious face: Kya hua, sweetheart? Whats bugging you? Angad, kya tum mujhey bhi ek din bhool jaogey? Usi tarah jaisey un dono ko bhula diya? Angad was shccked and dismayed: Kripa's eyes filled with tears: I am sorry….she touched his cheeks….phir kabhie aisi baat nahin karoongi" He kissed her gently: I know you are upset about the baby thing…..just forget about everything that happened. Aaj se hamari kahani naye sirey se shuru karengey…..jo kuchh bhi hua usey bhool jao…aur 14 din baad hamari sagai hai…uskey baad humein koi alag nahin kar sakega" She nodded in agreement. Chalo, tumhara mood theek karney ke liye hum ek movie dekhney chaltey hain aur phir baahar dinner kar lengey, what say? Okay. She agreed happily. Lekin Maa Baba se poochhna padega… Haan haan, poochh lo, main kaun sa tumhey bhagakar le jaa raha hoon? I am sure they wont object" Kripa called her mother and asked her if she could go from college to watch a movie with Angad and go to dinner afterwards. Gayatri was feeling kindly towards Angad ever since he returned from Bangalore so she agreed: Theek hai, Beti, Jaa…lekin raat ko zyada der mat karna….Angad kya tujhey pickup kar lega college se? They went to see an English comedy/romance " Music and Lyrics" and came out with lighter moods and hearts. Then they went to dinner at Tandoor Restaurant on Park Street. They had a pleasant time….….they chatted about friends, movies, books, exams and just enjoyed each other's company. The music system was playing soft, romantic Hindi movie songs…at one point, they stopped talking and just looked across the table, gazing into each other's eyes, promising a lifelong bond of love and trust! . (Haath Ki Safai) watch?v=xjiZfx1h5f8 waadaa kar le saajanaa ho ke judaa, ye waadaa rahaa, mai dhadakan too dil hai piyaa jab se mujhe teraa pyaar milaa sundar saa ho apanaa jahaan, ho ke judaa, ye waadaa rahaa, naa honge judaa, ye waadaa rahaa - -
When was the last date?
She blushed and told the date.
Angad shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking at the paper-weight: No they don't know yet! We will tell them after we confirm.
I am sure! Kripa looked her steadily in the eye.
Good! Dr. Roy smiled in approval. Then I will see you in 2 weeks.
He had already started dreaming about his and Kripa's child….now it was all an illusion. He was relieved in a way that Kripa wouldn't have to face her parents now….but that didn't comfort him fully.
Both of them missed the child that hadnt happened yet.
lekin yeh exams hain kab?Tumharey birthday se pehley ya baad mein? (She knew his birthday was on 15th December)
She had seen pictures of Angad at parties with two girls in separate photos, both tall, slim, fashionable!
Kiska naam?
Tumharey ex ke naam? Aur pata….
She asked hesitantly.
Yeh kya keh rahi ho, Kripa? Kaisi behki behki baatein kar rahi ho? I love you, Damnit! I didn't love those women. Never loved them. You are the first girl I fell in love with ( a lie….he had a major crush on a married classmate in Kolkata Law college but Kripa didn't have to know that) … Kripa, meri taraf dekho….he cupped her chin in his palm and turned her face towards him: Tum mera pyaar ho, hamari shadi honay wali hai….dubara phir kabhie aisi baatein mat karna"
Kripa lied: Haan Maa, usney phone kiya tha….
tere beena main naa rahoon
mere beena too naa rahe
naa honge judaa, ye waadaa rahaa
main baatee too meraa diyaa
hum pyaar kee jyot jalaayein
mai raahee meree manzil hai too
main hoon lahar aur saaheel hai too
jeewan bhar saath nibhaayein
a.. a.. a. aa. aa..aa
waadaa kar le jaana-e-jaan,
tere beena main naa rahoo, mere been too naa rahe
ho ke judaa, ye waadaa rahaa
naa honge judaa, ye waadaa rahaa
apanee to hai bas yahee duaa
har janam yoon milake rahenge
pyaar apanaa rahe sadaa jawaan
hum sukhadukh mil ke sahenge
a.. a.. a. aa. aa..aa
waadaa kar le saajanaa
tere been main naa rahoo, mere been too naa rahe
Sorry, Friends, to disappoint u all with the false pregnancy scare but just think about it...if Kripa had really been pregnant, the story would have ended here as they would have a chat mangni pat byaah (super-fast wedding) after getting lots of gaalis from parents...Angad would be delighed to get his wish and his baby, Kripa would be upset but happy...and there would be no more problems!
PART 47 Angad called Shabbir and told him about the negative results. Shabbir laughed heartily: Tu toh baal baal bach gaya, Yaar! nahin toh Kripa ke parents teri marammat kar detey. Take this as a lesson and try to wait till u put sindoor and mangalsutra on her. Wo toh main aaj hi khareedkar usey pehna sakta hoon…..will that make her my wife? NO, we need the Godda** approval of Guruji and society and everybody on earth! Angad sounded very frustrated. Shabbir chuckled: Chill Dude! Have patience…..abhi 15th ko teri sagai ho jayegi, then she will officially become your fiancee…..uskey baad…..Shabbir paused meaningfully. The next few days went by fast for Angad and Kripa! Angad got busy with work at the Law Firm, Kripa with college! He dropped her off at college every morning….sometimes he picked her up from college and took her for ice-cream or movies. Meanwhile preparations were on in full swing for the hawan/yajna at Kripa's house to ward off Shani-dasha ! Kripa's Mama-Mamima arrived from Delhi two days before the hawan…..they would stay till the engagement party. Her Mama Gautam was an IT officer, Mamima Chhaya was a school-teacher, cousins Aniruddh (23), Shreya (17) and Sraboni (14) were all students in college and High School! They enlivened Bose Lodge with their presence, lively chatter, games, late-night chatting….Kripa, who was a lonely only child was delighted to have her cousins there! They went out shopping for the puja, paka-dekha and engagement and bought lots of beautiful saris….. the young cousins bought salwar and lehenga sets although they already had brought gorgeous ones from Delhi but as any girl/woman will tell you, one can never have enough clothes! Kripa's Mamima had bought a beautiful salmon pink zardozi from Delhi for her Roka ceremony. Gayatri and Chhaya shopped and planned menus for the occasion, hiring the Bose family's usual Brahmin cook to prepare the Hawan food…..Bhog made of rice in pure ghee and vegetable curries all cooked in purified vessels …..to be offered to the sacred fire and then served to the guests! Shreya and Sraboni started teasing him as is common between jijus and saalis: Kya JamaiBabu, suna hai aap shadi ke liye bahut betaab hain? Itni jaldi bhi kya hai? Abhi hamari Didi bahut chhoti hai….aur do-teen saal wait kar leejiye" Angad grinned at them, accepting the challenge: Theek hai, main tayyar hoon, ab apney didi se poochho wo intezaar karney ke liye tayyar hai ke nahin? They looked at Kripa expectantly: Kripa di, tui Bol!..…..she just blushed, looked at Angad coyly from under her eyelashes but didn't say anything. Angad's heart was pierced anew by her shy glances….he laughed and said: See, shes in a hurry, not I! Don't blame me! he threw up his hands trying to look innocent.. Later on when he got a chance, he pulled her to his side and whispered in her ears: Iss tarah se meri ore dekhogi, toh Hawan ke baad hi uthakar le jaaoonga" he bit her ear softly. She nudged him sharply with her elbow: Besharam! Behave yourself….koi dekh lega" Aur tum jo nazron ke teer chala rahi ho…uska kya? Saara kasoor mera ho gaya….very good, Ms. Kripa Bose! Khud kaatil aur ghayal ko badnaam karti ho? But she under-estimated Angad….as she was going to the kitchen to bring some sweets, he suddenly caught her waist and pulled her into the store-room under the stairs….it was dark, dank and full of cobwebs…..Kripa struggled, whispering: Chhodo Angad, kya kar rahey ho? Kaatil ko sazaa de raha hoon" his lips swooped down on hers in a long, deep, drugging kiss which left her limp, breathless, quivering like jelly. He explored her mouth thoroughly with his tongue, drinking her sweetness, while his hands restlessly brushed her bare waist and back between her sari and blouse!
Angad cheered up at the thought!
Angad came to visit them and Kripa introduced him to her cousins, to her Uncle-Aunt. They all loved his suave charm and good looks!
Toh kaatil ko sazaa kaun dega? Tum? She laughed teasingly, knowing he wouldn't be able to do much in a house full of people.
Her heart was pounding, her body pulsing when he let her go…she rested her head on his chest to regain her breath, her arms hugged his waist, he gently stroked her thick flowing hair.
Suddenly they heard Sraboni calling her: Kripa dii., tum kahan ho? Pishima (Gayatri) mithai ke baarey mein poochh rahi hain….Kripa looked up, startled and opened her mouth to answer automatically! Angad placed his lips on hers at once to stop her from making any sounds….as soon as Sraboni passed the door, they creeped out quietly laughing….. then Kripa shrieked loudly as a large cobweb had attached itself to her hair….she hated spiders! I hate spiders! She shivered in revulsion, Maaago…..eeheeheehee…she still shook with fright! Don't worry, the spiders wont eat you! Although I cant make the same promise! He grinned shamelessly. Gayatri, Chhaya and her cousins had heard her scream and came running: Kya hua, Kripa? Tu theek toh hai na? The Shani dasha was really worrying her mother.
Angad quickly brushed off the cobweb laughing at her fright….Darpok! You are afraid of spiders?
Kuchh nahin Aunty, buss ek chuhiya thi….Kripa ki cheekh sunkar darpok bhaag gayi" Angad, the expert liar, again provided a ready explanation. Kripa glared at him….she knew who he was calling darpok and chuhiya. She pinched his arm really hard. Uffff, he exclaimed. Ab tumhey kya hua? Gayatri turned and asked him. Angad glared at her, his eyes promising a later revenge….her eyes danced mischievously at him….she would wait for his delicious revenge! The day of Hawan arrived….most of Shurjo's and Gayatri's extended families were invited as well as the Khannas, including Naina's and Shibani's maayka and Damini's sasural people. Damini did turn up with her children and husband, muttering to Shibani sarcastically: Agar Mishti ke saath Angad ki shadi karvatey toh yeh sab circus nahin dekhna padta" Haye Raam, Didi! even Shibani was shocked…aap Puja-paath ko Circus keh rahi hain? Aap kabsey itni modern ban gayi? Damini got offended and moved away, unable to create trouble. The Hawan Fire was made in the hallway of the House, facing the south-east! He looked bitterly at Gurujee….if only this guy hadnt interfered….
Lagta hai chuhiya wapas aa gayi aur kaat diya" Kripa laughed.
Guruji presided over the yajna alongwith two of his shishyas/disciples. Shurjo was giving him a dakshina of Rs. 5000 just for the yajna….when Angad heard that he smirked: Sab paison ka khel hai….yeh Shani-Vani toh bahana hai, asli baat hai dharm ke naam per business!
Gurujee looked up suddenly and met his eyes….he smiled slightly: " Bhagwan jo bhi kartey hain, insaan ke kalyan ke liye hi kartey hain" he calmly announced to the hawan attendees and then continued pouring ghee and incense into the Holy fire.
Angad flushed angrily, he knew that remark had been meant for him….he felt like leaving but stayed on for Kripa's sake! Kripa sat next to the sacred Fire with her parents on both sides! She looked heavenly in a red-bordered cream silk sari, her hair tied in a bun. The heat from the fire colored her face a lovely orange shade! He couldn't take his eyes off her….how he wished he could whisk her away from all these stupid rituals and marry her pronto! The Hawan continued for 3 long hours….loads of ghee, milk, sandalpaste, karpur (incense) and a mound of bhog was poured into the Fire to appease Lord Shani….so he wouldn't cause Kripa any harm or cause impediments in the sagai! After the yajna, food was served in the large dining-hall of Bose Lodge. Everybody mingled, the Bose relatives were introduced to the Khannas and vice versa. Naina had come armed with invitation cards for the sagai ceremony to be held at HOTEL TAJ BENGAL Reception Hall on November 15th. She distributed the cards to Bose relatives and their own relatives as well….most people promised to come as both Angad and Kripa were only children and this would be the only engagement/wedding arranged by their parents. Hence it was going to be a special affair…..a Grand Gala! Dadi was in full form, excited, thrilled, at her dream coming true, at least halfway! She chatted excitedly with Gautam and Chhaya….her childhood friend's son and bahu. Comings and Goings between the two houses continued over the next 2 days but Kripa wasn't allowed to go to Khanna House as it was only a day before her Paka-dekha. Angad found that rule totally ridiculous and fumed and fretted but couldn't do anything about it! On the day of Roka/Paka Dekha, Kripa was dressed up in the pink sari gifted by her Mamima, who also put make-up on her face and applied mehendi on her hands and a small design of chandan (sandal) on her forehead around a red bindi. She wore a heavy gold set and had alta(kumkum) applied on her feet by a local haircutter's wife (tradition again) and sat in the living-room with her head bent, very much a blushing bride. Shreya and Sraboni dressed up in colorful salwars, the mothers wore bright silk saris, the men wore traditional Dhoti-Kurta! When Angad arrived with his family members carrying the Roka trays, he couldn't take his eyes off her: DA*N! Its getting harder to stay away from her…..I would like to shoot the guy who invented all these darn rituals and customs. To HELL with tradition! Kripa….tum meri ho….aur tumhey paaney se koi mujhey rok nahin sakta" Shreya teased him: Jamaibabu, hamarey yahan dulha kabhie paka dekha ke din dulhan ke ghar nahin aata….sirf buzurg aatey hain….lekin aap aa gaye hain toh ab nikaal toh nahin saktey hain na? she laughed. Angad teased back: Agar main na aaoon toh tumhari Didi ko rokega kaun? He laughed at his own joke. Dadi, Naina, Dilip, Shibani and Debu blessed Kripa with haldi and kumkum paste on her forehad. Dadi gave Kripa a pair of heavy stone-set gold bangles that had been her own wedding gift 55 years ago. She put them on Kripa's wrists lovingly and kissed her forehead: Ab tu meri poti hui….poori tarah se. Ab mujhey us din ka intezaar rahega jab tu bahu bankar sada ke liye mere ghar aa jayegi" Angad quickly sidled up to Dadi and whispered: Aap permission de toh kal hi isey bahu banakar ghar le aaoon? Dadi slapped his cheek playfully: Kuchh toh sharam kar! Naina gave Kripa a red Benarasi silk sari, a green zardozi and diamond set….and she handed a diamond nose-ring to Gautam, Kripa's Mama and asked him to gift it to the bride as is the tradition. Both families exchanged gifts and mithai! Gayatri had bought gifts for all the Khanna family members and Naina had bought the same for Bose family. After gift exchange, they had sweets and snacks and and then sat around in the living-room, laughing, chatting in easy camarederie of two families soon to be joined in matrimonial ties! Angad and Kripa exchanged surreptitious glances. Angad was wearing a dark blue kurta with jeans….he looked manly and charming…..they sent lovelorn looks at each other…..dying to be in each other's arms. Kripa's cousin sisters observed their secret glances and giggled amongst themselves but didn't comment aloud in front of the elders as they didn't want to interrupt the lovers' secret eyelocks! Anirudh, who was an Accountancy student, chatted with Angad about sports, especially cricket which was his obsession. Angad promised to take his future saala-saalis to Tollygunge Club the next day for a game of golf and relaxation. In the afternoon, Kripa's family went over to Khanna House for paka-dekha…..the return ritual of fixing Angad's rishta for Kripa. They carried trays of gifts for Angad….which included a suit piece, shirts, trousers, Italian shoes, an imported watch (gifted by Gautam), a pair of diamond-studded cuff-links and a gold chain.
Angad fidgeted impatiently…..Kripa looked up a few times towards him….she crinkled her cute nose, pleading him with her eyes to hang in there! He couldn't resist the messages of her lovely eyes and settled down. Kripa stole glances at him…he looked so handsome in a white kurta-pajama. She was grateful to him for putting up with the long ritual for her sake….she knew his tolerance level wasn't very high!
She invited them to Dinner the next evening at their house.
Angad was delighted to get the gifts…he had thought that in Indian weddings, only the bride got all the gifts: Arey waah, yahan toh Dulhey ko double profit hai…ek toh meethi si delicious dulhan uspar yeh sab tohfey! No wonder desi log shadi ke liye taras jaatey hain" But he was very disappointed that Kripa hadnt come to his paka-dekha. All the Boses and Dadi laughed loudly at him : Beta, ladkey ke paka dekha per ladki kabhie nahin aa sakti….wo bahut lajja ki baat hai" Gayatri explained affectionately. Oh I see ! Angad flushed with embarassed anger…..again those darn traditions are conspiring to keep his Kripa away from him! . -MALE- Mere, mere dil ke paagalpan ki oh seema kya hai -FEMALE- - -
Aunty, Kripa nahin aayegi? He couldn't resist asking Gayatri finally.
Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa, ae subaah aa bhi jaa - 2
Raat ko kar vida, dilruba aa bhi jaa
Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa, ae subaah aa bhi jaa - 2
Raat ko kar vida, dilruba aa bhi jaa
Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa, ae subaah aa bhi jaa
Yun to tu hai meri, chhaaya tujh mein, ho, tera kya hai
Main hoon gagan tu hai zameen, adhoori si mere bina
Raat ko kar vida, dilruba aa bhi jaa
Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa, ae subaah aa bhi jaa - 2
Dekhoon chaahe jisko, kuch kuch tujhsa dikhta kyoon hai
Jaanoon, jaanoon na main, tera mera rishta kyoon hai
Kaise kahoon kitna bechain hai dil mera tere bina
Raat ko kar vida, dilruba aa bhi jaa
Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa, ae subaah aa bhi jaa – 2
PART 48 Angad took Kripa and her cousins to Tolly Club the next afternoon. He insisted that Kripa should wear jeans and a top….and she complied with his wishes! She had to borrow Shreya's T-shirt since she didn't have any. She tied her hair in pony-tail and looked like a school-girl ! Shreya laughed and told Angad: Hats off to you, Jambu !(they had shortened Jamaibabu to Jambu but Angad didn't mind)…..itney dinon baad Kripa Di ko jeans pehentey huey dekha, nahin toh wo hamesha sari ya salwar hi pehenti hai" Angad smirked, his eyebrows dancing with wicked mirth: Yeh toh kuchh bhi nahin….aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya…. What do u mean? Kripa asked suspiciously. Iskey baad tumhari Didi Miniskirts, gowns, halter-necks sab pehnegi….Angad told her sisters in a confidential tone! Tumhara sar! Kripa stomped her foot! Aisey khwaab dekhtey rehna…its not going to happen, Mr. Angad Khanna! Are you challenging me, future Mrs. Khanna? His eyebrows danced at her. Its no challenge, main waisey kapdey pehnoongi hi nahin….mar jaaoon phir bhi nahin" Kripa said very confidently. Theek hai, dekh lengey kaun baazi haarta hai" At the club, Angad hired golf-shoes and clubs for everybody and they walked to the golf-course. Angad and Aniruddh played a few rounds of golf while the girls watched. Then Shreya played a little….she knew the game somewhat. But Kripa had never ever touched a golf-iron before. Toh main kisliye hoon? Angad asked….. tumney golf pehley nahin khela toh kya hua? Jo kuchh bhi tumney aaj tak nahin kiya wo sab sikha doonga" something in his tone made Kripa blush suddenly. They looked at each other and looked away before they revealed anything to their onlookers! Angad handed her a golf-iron and showed her how to hold it and hit the ball. Kripa tried but she held it like a cricket bat as she had played cricket in her childhood! Angad laughed softly into her neck and moved away, pleased with her instant reaction to his touch! Kripa found golf a very boring game and frustrating too as the ball refused to go in the hole when she hit it! Angad teased her and didn't waste any chance to "show her the right moves" After golf, they played a little indoor badminton, which Kripa was quite good at as she had played it in school. Then they had soft drinks, club-sandwiches, patties and some delicious pastries, enjoying the ambience of the impressive club-room and its wonderful service. Kripa's cousins declared Angad to be the best Jambu ever! ************************** Over the next few days, Kripa was busy with her cousins,…. Angad took them for outings, movies in the evening after work and completely won over his sala-saalis! They went to Victoria Memorial and Science City on the weekend! Kripa had taken leave from college on pretext of her engagement. Aloo had promised to give her notes…..she had invited Aloo of course to her sagai and just 3-4 other close friends only. Angad had invited all his old college friends and new work colleagues. Altogether there would be about 150 people at the party! Finally the day of the sagai arrived. Gayatri and Chhaya made Kripa ready for the grand party at the Taj Bengal! Kripa and her cousins went to Sangam Beauty Parlor to get their hair tied in fancy hair-styles. The salon dressed Kripa's hair in an ornate bun with curls hanging all around her face. She wore a peacock-blue Tanchoi brocade sari with gold embroidery all over, that her mother had bought for her. It was heavy and gorgeous and Kripa looked stunning in it, with it she wore the diamond set that Naina had given her and Dadi's bangles! A small red bindi with chandan design around it and kajal, eyeshadow and lipstick completed the breathtaking picture of beauty. Gayatri looked at her beautiful daughter with tears of pride: Aaj meri beti ko kisi ki nazar na lagey…..ekdum Rajkumari jaisi dikh rahi hai" she did a little Jaap on Kripa's forehead to ward off all evil eyes. Chhaya agreed, holding Kripa's pointed chin in her palm: Theek kaha tumney…..hamari gudiya aaj Princess ban gayi aur Prince bhi toh mil gaya usey" Kripa smiled shyly, blushing. She wondered what her Prince would wear tonight! When the Bose family arrived at the Banquet Hall and she finally saw him, her heart skipped several beats…..he really looked like a Prince in a midnight Blue embroidered Sherwani, she thought how lucky she was that she was getting engaged to the man of her dreams, the one she loved! The huge Banquet Hall was magnificent, with sparkling chandeliers, gilded doors and windows, brocade curtains and shiny white tables decorated with gold and blue napkins and silverware. Angad was talking to a colleague when he heard Dadi and his parents greeting their sambdhis at the door! He turned and froze at the sight of his dream-girl coming in, looking like a million bucks! Dadi and Naina raved and fussed over Kripa, delighted with their choice of bride. The entire Kolkata High Society would see today what a lovely bahu they were getting! Dilip had invited all his colleagues and lawyer friends, including the Calcutta High Court Judge and the Police Commissioner who was a friend too! It was the crme de la crme of society….all top-notch lawyers, several Industrialists whose case Khanna Associates had handled…..everybody was attending. Angad and Kripa stared across the room at each other…drinking in the sight of each other …..Angad went towards her as if in slow motion, his eyes fixed on his lovely bride. She blushed and looked down, suddenly shy in front of all those people. She could feel his burning gaze on her, scalding her in the heat of his passion. Shreya and Sraboni, standing at her side nudged each other and laughed : Dekh dekh, Jambu kaisey Dii ko dekh raha hai…jaisey pehley kabhie dekha hi nahin" Kripa couldn't hide her smile and giggled softly!…..Angad came and stood in front of her, staring at her beauty, oblivious to the rest of the world. Shreya cleared her throat and swiped her hand in front of his hypnotized eyes: Ehem ehem, JamaiBabu! Aaiye aapka parichay kara doon….yeh hai hamari Didi Kripa Bose….shayad aap pehley insey miley nahin" she giggled loudly…. Angad grinned and extended his hand towards Kripa: Hello Ms. Kripa! Kaisi hain aap? She looked up at him slowly, his eyes met hers, piercing her heart with arrows of love and desire, she looked down again, then shyly placed her small hand in his broad palm. He closed his hand over hers, gripping it tightly and squeezed it. She trembled slightly at his warm touch, only he could feel her tremor through her hand! Shreya and Sraboni clapped and cheered them: Shabaash! Chalo, parichay toh ho gayi….ab mangni bhi kar detey hain….Jambu hamara inaam kahan? Humney Didi ko itni achhi tarah se sajaya hai….. Yeh lo inaam….Angad took out a 500 Rs note and gave it to his saali: Aur ab bhago yahan se, mujey tumhari Didi se baat karna hai" The girls whooped in joy, took the note and left….Angad moved closer to Kripa who looked up in alarm: Angad, kya kar rahey ho? Party mein itney mehmanon ke saamney please kuchh mat karo" Kripaaa, he complained gently, looking deep into her nervous eyes: Don't worry, main kuchh nahin karoonga, at least abhi nahin….main toh tumhey apney doston se milana chahta hoon! He tucked her hand in his arm, and took her to meet the group of his old friends. Shabbir and Mannan were there of course, alongwith Manek, Anitah, and 7-8 other old college friends including 3 girls, two of whom were already married. They all greeted Kripa pleasantly, admiring her beauty…especially the guys in the group ogled her and envied Angad! The 3rd girl Maya had always had a crush on Angad so she checked Kripa out with hostile eyes: So you are in 2nd year of college? Isnt that kind of young to get married? Kripa knew at once that this girl Maya was antagonistic to her. She smiled sweetly at Maya, tightening her hand around Angad's arm possessively: Jahan pyaar ho wahan umr koi mainey nahin rakhta aur padhai toh shadi ke baad bhi kee jaa sakti hai" Angad looked startled at her sudden tight grip, then looked at Maya and smiled knowingly. His lovely little tigress certainly had claws! He saw his guy friends ogling Kripa and warned them with his eyes, possessively circling his arm around her shoulders. Naina came over and whisked Kripa away to introduce her to Dilip's friend's and their wives. Then Dilip took her to meet the Judge, the Commissioner and other VIP friends. Everybody was asking them where they found such a lovely bride for their son. Dilip proudly announced: Family friend ki beti hai, bahut saalon se jaantey hain, aur phir in dono mein pyar ho gaya…. Kripa became red as everybody nodded and agreed: Wah wah, aisi jodi toh Bhagwan hi banatey hain, dono itney khubsoorat hain….Made For Each Other! Shurjo and Gayatri were introduced to all of Dilip and Naina's friends as well. Shurjo was slightly uncomfortable meeting all the Big-Wigs…he was a simple man and didn't like lavish parties or mixing with VIPs. He preferred the company of the hybrid roses in his precious garden and Bengali Historical novels of Bankimchandra and Sharatbabu. But this was his daughter's engagement and he would have to fulfil all his social obligations. But he was grateful to the Khannas for taking care of all expenses for the Engagement party! He looked around at the spectacular Banquet Hall with a decorated stage set up on one end for sagai ceremony. He could well imagine they must have spent lakhs of rupees for this function. For a moment, he felt a little doubt, marrying off his daughter in such an affluent family. He would never be able to match their gifts or expenses! He was worried about Kripa's wedding expenses the following year: aur uspar Kartik ke court case ki dhamki…he hadnt heard back from Kartik yet but he was doubtful about any compromise from his greedy nephew! Aaliyah arrived, dressed in a gorgeous green salwar set and kundan jewelry. She hugged Kripa and kissed her, then handed her a gift. She shook hands with Angad and congratulated him. Krips, You look AMAZINGLY AWESOME, YAAR! She gushed! Angad, you look GREAT too! TRULY, You two are MADE FOR EACH OTHER! What a Jodi! Angad took Aloo to his friends and introduced her. Shabbir looked at her appreciatively: She looks attractive and intelligent….kya naam bataya? Aaliyah Hussein? Hmmmm not bad, not bad at all….aakhir Kripa ki best friend hai, achhi toh hogi hi" Aliyah looked him directly in his eyes: Kya aapney mujhsey kuchh kaha? And for the first time in her life, Aaliyah blushed at a guy giving her a compliment. She recovered soon, cleared her throat : Thanks! I like your dress too. Shabbir was wearing a dark grey suit which accentuated his sharp features and intelligent face! Soon Aaliyah and Shabbir moved away from the others, chatting earnestly as they found a lot of things in common from books, to sports they liked. Angad pointed them out to Kripa who smiled in delight….she would be the happiest person if her best friend fell in love with Angad's best friend…she liked Shabbir…he was the most decent guy amongst all Angad's friends. Then her eyes fell on Mannan trying to flirt with her young cousin Shreya, who looked very pretty in a magenta lehenga set. But Shreya was only 17, much younger than Mannan who was 26-27. She whispered to Angad about Mannan chasing Shreya….Angad went off to rescue his young saali from the unwelcome attention of his flirtatious friend. When he called Mannan over to talk to him, he got offended: Kya Yaar! Tu mera patta kyun kaat raha hai? Khud toh ek khubsoorat pari ko phansa liya…." He glanced enviously at Kripa's loveliness! Bakwaas mat kar, Angad chided him….Shreya bilkul bachchi hai, shes only 17….shes not for you" Tuu kaun hai yeh decide karney wala? Mannan said rather angrily….he had already consumed 2 glasses of wine and wasn't totally in his senses. Then he added slyly: Bachchi hai toh kya hua? Usey main badi bana doonga, jaisey tuney Kripa ko bana diya… What the hell do you mean by that? Angad looked at him suspiciously, his mind suddenly fearful about his and Kripa's secret…. He thought: Kahin Shabbir ne isey ….? He was going to grill Mannan some more when he was called over by his parents for the sagai ceremony to commence. Dilip and Naina went up on stage with Shurjo and Gayatri ; Angad and Kripa went onstage and stood next to their parents. Dilip took the microphone and announced: Naina took the mic from him: Thank You All, for coming! Angad Beta, yeh lo angoothi aur Kripa ko pehna do….. Angad took the diamond ring out of the red velevet box in his Mom's hands and went to Kripa….he took her left hand in his and slid the ring on her anamika, (ring finger), smiling down at her. Everybody started clapping loudly, especially his friends, some even whistled and hooted! GO ANGAD, GO ANGAD! Kripa blushed and looked down coyly. He was encahnted with her shy looks. Next, Gayatri handed Kripa a gold ring set with a single diamond: Beti, ab tu yeh Angad ko pehna de" Kripa took the ring in her hand, her palm was sweaty with nervousness, she took Angad's extended hand and put on the ring on his ring finger with slightly shaky hands. His fingers covered hers when she slid it home. She looked up at him and got lost in the warmth of his loving eyes. Their audience cheered and clapped again. He grinned at her and whispered for her ears only: I wish I could kiss you now! She blushed and frowned at him: Khabardaar jo aisa waisa kuchh kiya toh….she muttered under her breath….Chalo ab dono parents ko pranam karna hai" Ohhh main toh bhool hi gaya tha…Angad grinned shamelessly. Both of them turned and touched the feet of both sets of parents, who blessed them and hugged them lovingly. Then they touched Dadi's feet and also went to Debu and Shibani to pay their respects. Chhutki jumped up and down in excitement, looking pretty in a dark blue lehenga. She kissed her Dadabhai and Kripa Di with delight! Kripa Dii, aaj se main tumhey Bhabhi kahoongi, theek hai? She asked excitedly. Kripa's relatives came up onstage too and everybody mingled, exchanging hugs and congratulating the engaged couple. Then the DJ in the other side of the room suddenly blasted out loud music, announcing: CONGRATULATIONS TO ANGAD AND KRIPA! NOW ALL YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, GET READY TO ROCK! DJ KAREEM IS HERE TO MAKE YOU SWEAT! Dance music started playing on the big stereo and the young people at the party started dancing. Soon the grown-ups joined them too, laughing as they tried to match steps with the fast beats of Bhangra or Rap or R&B songs. Angad pulled Kripa to a corner of the Hall and took her in his arms and started swaying to the music. She was a little embarassed at first but then she relaxed slowly, resting her head on his broad chest, listening to his fast heartbeats. The DJ saw them dancing and started playing soft,romantic music: . (Khakee) Wada Raha Wada Raha Wada Raha Dono Jahan Ko Bhola Hun Main Dekha Tumhe To Aisa Laga Angad took her ring finger in his hand and brought it up to his lips, kissing it: Jaantey ho, iss finger per ring kyun pehnatey hain? Nahin toh, kyun? She raised her head to look curiously up at him. Angad…..she whispered shyly in protest, stopped his hand from any further progress and hid her red face in his chest. I want to kiss you NOW! He whispered…he quickly pulled her behind a side-door and got his wish fulfilled. His lips joined hers in a deep, loving kiss…..he whispered on her lips: Tum aaj itni khubsoorat lag rahi ho ke mera dil bekaboo ho raha hai" his lips nuzzled her neck, breathing in her fragrance. Then he suddenly said: tumney aaj wo perfume lagayi hai na? Jo main tumharey liye laya tha? Kripa laughed softly: Haan, aaj pehli baar use kiya, bahut acchhi hai iski khushboo, Thanks Angad! Thanks to u, sweetheart, for using it…You smell delicious! And u look good enough to eat" - -
Kripa's cousins laughed, enjoying their cute fights and lively banter.
When Angad called her to play, she protested vehemently: Nahin, no way, mujhey bilkul nahin aata"
Angad shook his head: Aisey nahin, aao main tumhey dikhata hoon….he stood behind her, took her hands holding golf iron in his and showed her how to tee off!
Kripa blushed profusely, intensely conscious of his hard body pressing against hers from the back. She could feel every muscle, every sinew of his firmness. She nudged him slightly with her elbow and muttered under her breath: Angad, chhodo mujhey!
Kripa blushed and laughed: Aloo, tu bhi aaj bahut khubsoorat lag rahi hai….dekh aaj tujhey apna Prince bhi mil jayega"
Nahin toh" Shabbir was startled…..then he added in a low voice so only she would hear: Lekin kehna chahta hoon….I like your dress" he looked into her eyes, conveying he liked more than just the dress.
Ladies and Gentlemen, may we have your attention, please! We are delighted that all of you could join us on this Happy occasion when we pledge the hand of our son Angad in marriage to Kripa, the daughter of Mr. Shurjoshekhar Bose. Aaj in dono ki sagai hogi aur main aapsey request karoonga ke aap sab is jodi ko aashirwaad dein ke yeh sada prem ke iss bandhan mein bandhey rahey aur inki zindagi khushiyon se bhara ho"
Theek hai…..Kripa laughed, pinching her soft cheeks. Tu aaj se meri Nanad aur main teri Boudi!
( Wada Raha Pyar Se Pyar Ka
Ab Hum Na Honge Juda )...(2)
Yeh Meri Dhadkane Sun Raha Hai Khuda
Chahe Tumhe Kis Kadar Mera Dil
Tumko Nahi Hai Pata
Yeh Meri Dhadkane Sunraha Hai Khuda
Wada Raha
Aisi Lagi Hai Tujhse Lagan
Chahe Kaho Ise Awargi
Chahe Kaho Ise Deewanapan
Dil Ne Kaha Dil Ne Suna
Maine Tumhe Dilbar Chuna
Ab Doriyan Na Rahi Darmiyan
Kya Rang Layi Wafa
Yeh Meri Dhadkane Sun Raha Hai Khuda
Wada Raha ... Hai Khuda
Mujhko Mila Manzil Ka Pata
Chalna Hai Humko Ab Sath Mein
Tumse Juda Mera Rasta
Maine To Li Hai Kasam
Paon Tumhe Janmo Janam
Sajde Kiye Maine Shamo Saher
Manga Hai Tumko Sada
Yeh Meri Dhadkane Sun Raha Hai Khuda
Wada Raha ...Hai Khuda
( Wada Raha Ye Wada Raha
Pyar Se Pyar Ka Pyaar Se Pyar Ka )...(2)
( Wada Raha Ye Wada Raha
Pyar Se Pyar Ka )...(2)
Wada Raha Yeh Wada Raha
Kyunki yahan se jo khoon ki nafz (vein) nikalti hai wo seedhey dil ki taraf jaati hai aur dil mein samaa jaati hai, bilkul iss tarah …he slowly trailed his fingers from her ring finger, down to her wrist, then up her arm sensuously brushing her bare skin, making her shiver in reaction as she closed her eyes savoring his slow touch, his fingers trailed up to her shoulder, then down her neck to her chest.
Tum toh bahut pehley hi mujhmein samaa gaye ho….she mumbled against his chest.
Both suddenly remembered their passionate lovemaking and trembled in reaction!
Kripa laughed: Lagta hai tumhey bahut bhookh lagi hai…chalo ab khana kha letey hain….nahin toh sab humein dhoondney aayengey…..lekin pehley yeh ponchh lo….she reached up and wiped off her dark pink lipstick from his lips. he chuckled and escorted her to the Buffet table!
PART 49 The Engagement Party was a huge success, with music, dance, masti, sumptuous gourmet dinner (Indian, Thai and Italian dishes) and most of all with the charm and romance of the attractive couple that got engaged. Angad and Kripa couldn't keep their eyes and hands off each other all evening and were the cynosure of all eyes. The day after the party, Kripa's Mama-Mami returned to Delhi with their children. They were very pleased with Kripa's groom and her future sasural and were full of praises for Angad. They assured Gayatri and Shurjo that Angad was the best Jamaai they could get! Angad was in seventh heaven…..FINALLY he was engaged to Kripa…..he was halfway there to acquiring her completely. Angad had a nagging bad feeling about Mannan's comment at the party that night but he shook it off as his "vehem"….he was sure Shabbir would never reveal their secret to anybody. Perhaps Angad had never heard of the game "Chinese Whisper" where a person whispers a secret in one person's ears and it gets transferred from person to person till it gets completely warped and changed. When men are "in their cups" (ancient term for being drunk) they often let loose the deepest secrets and confessions. And that is exactly what had happened. Just 3 days before the engagement party, Shabbir, Mannan and Manek had been drinking late into the night at Tollygunge Club outdoor Restaurant/Bar. The night was cool and breezy…..the conversation turned to girls as is usual with three bachelors boozing and getting amorous thoughts. Mannan complained about Angad missing from the friend's group: Yeh Angad toh shadi ke pehley hi Joru ka ghulam ban gaya hai…..suna hai apney saala-saaliyon ko Kalkatta ghuma raha hai….ab uskey paas hum doston ke liye time kahan? Shabbir laughed drunkenly : Shadi nahin hui toh kya hua? Wo dono toh already pati-patni ban chukey hain…..….he stopped when he realized what he had said. Kya matlab? What do u mean by that? Manek pounced on him. Kuchh nahin, aisey hi mazaak kar raha hoon…..Shabbir tried to change the subject. Shabbir looked doubtfully at Manek, he knew he was Angad's cousin and could easily expose the secret to the family members. Manek understood his hesitation : I swear mere family ko kaanon kaan khabar nahin hogi….Just tell us what happened. Kahin Angad aur Kripa ne…..? C'mon Yaar, Mannan joined in, Tu Angad ke saari secrets jaanta hai…..lekin hum bhi toh uskey puraney dost hain…..hum bhala uska secret out kyun karengey? Bataa de, kya hua tha? Pelling mein kuchh hua tha kya? Shabbir had a bad feeling in his heart as he told the trekking story in short….of course he left out Kripa's pregnancy scare…..that was a doctor-patient confidentiality issue and he respected Kripa's privacy too much to reveal her embarassing secret. Mannan almost fell drunkenly out of his chair: KYA KEH RAHA HAI TU? Angad toh maha-chaalu nikla….isiliye Kripa ko trekking per le gaya tha? Taaki wo usey seduce kar sakey, maan gaye yaar, yeh Angad toh Champion nikla….he laughed with sick delight! Shabbir's drunken stupor was rapidly vanishing: NAHIN! Waisi baat nahin hai….IT JUST HAPPENED, OKAY? It was a moment of weakness, aisa hota hai, jab do log ek doosrey se behadd pyar kartey hain….Kripa waisi ladki nahin hai ke aisa kuchh jaan-bujhkar karey" he defended Kripa. Haan Yaar, hum jaantey hain Kripa bahut hi old-fashioned aur sanskari type ki ladki hai-isiliye toh Angad ki tareef kar rahey hain….usney Kripa jaisi ladki ko bhi pataa liya" Mannan laughed gleefully. He was excited at the thought of Angad "scoring" with Kripa! Manek didn't say anything more…..his eyes gleamed with a shrewd, calculating look: Should he drop this bomb on his family?….NO….that would only help Angad-Kripa. If Dida or Naina Mami came to know of this, they would arrange for them to get married at once. No, he would have to play this another way…something that would cause trouble between Angad and Kripa…..he had promised Mishti he would do that! Two days after the Engagement Party, Manek called Angad at work: Angad. Aaj raat ko hum Chinatown jaa rahey hain, dinner ke liye, tu bhi chal hamarey saath….bahut din huey you havent hung out with us guys, buss Kripa se hi chipakta rehta hai" he teased Angad. Angad laughed: Theek hai, tell me when and I will be there! Chinatown is in Tangra, a place on the outskirts of Kolkata on the way to the Airport. It has the best and most authentic Chinese Restaurants in Kolkata….since it's inhabited by Chinese immigrants who have made the city their home for generations. Chinatown is replete with tanneries and big and small eating joints-all owned by the expatriate Chinese community settled in this area since the early years of the last century. Many of them work or own the tanneries/ leather factories nearby at Tangra. These restaurants however are in quite dingy and dangerous spots and are rarely visited by women patrons, mostly men go there to booze and taste Szechuan delicacies! Angad reached the restaurant and found Manan and Manek waiting for him. He asked: Shabbir nahin aaya? Nahin, usey kuchh kaam tha…..Mannan replied. Actually Shabbir didn't want to face Angad's wrath when he found out he had exposed his secret. They ordered whisky and snacks and started chatting amidst thick cigarette smoke and smell of alcohol. Soon they steered the conversation towards women. Yaar Angad, tu toh Lucky hai, tujhey apni Dream-girl mil gayi…..na jaaney hamara turn kab aayega….ke hum bhi ek haseen, jawaan ladki ke saath….Mannan laughed meaningfully. Angad looked sharply at him: Abhi mili kahan? Abhi toh sirf sagai hui hai, jab tak shadi nahin hoti tab tak aisey hi rehna padega" he said in a slightly frustrated tone. Manek looked at him snidely: Tu humsey chhupa kyun raha hai? Shadi se pehley hi honeymoon kar liya aur humein bataya bhi nahin? Angad looked shocked, dismayed, horrified! Shabbir had leaked out his and Kripa's secret! He couldn't believe this! He looked angrily at his friends: Yeh hamari private baat hai, I don't want to discuss this! Sharmata kyun hai? Tuney jo kiya theek hi toh kiya….aajkal zamana badal gaya hai…..log shadi se pehley hi ek doosrey ko jaan letey hain, pehchaan letey hain, phir baad mein pachhtana nahin padta….u know what I mean? Mannan laughed nastily. Manek joined in: Yes, that's right! Wo mera dost Raj hai na? 3 mahiney baad uski shadi hai, lekin wo toh kabsey Sheetal ke saath …..he sniggered. Lekin Angad , YOU DOG! Tuney Kripa jaisi old-fashioned ladki ko bhi manaa liya?….Maan gaye Ustaad, tera jawaab nahin!" Mannan laughed loudly and slapped Angad on the back. Angad became red in embarassment…..but at the same time his ego was tickled at his friends' encouragement. Its true, he and Kripa loved each other and were going to be married, so what harm was there in being intimate and loving each other the way a man and woman are meant to? Should he have to wait 8 months for the darn wedding day? No way….he couldn't survive that long without Kripa! He wanted her soo badly….he stared moodily into his drink. Her beautiful face floated in the amber liquid! He could get more drunk on her beauty than with this whisky! He wished he could be with her right at that moment. Kya hua? Udaas kyun ho gaya? Kripa yaad aa gayi kya? Mannan teased him…..Yaar, I don't blame you! Shes gorgeous! You are one Lucky guy! Sagai ke din toh everybody was jealous of you! Yeah, If I were you, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off her" Manek added suggestively. Angad glared at him: Manek, u better watch out what u say! Wo teri bhabhi hai…..and I DONT WANT a word of this to leak back at home! he warned Manek. Don't worry, Yaar! Your secret is safe with me, after all we are brothers! Manek gave a false smile at Angad. Angad was brooding and moody for the rest of the meal…..his mind was in conflict…on one hand, he felt outraged that Kripa's honor had been compromised at the revelation of their secret….on the other hand, he felt strangely vindicated that he hadnt done anything wrong by being intimate with her before marriage. It was common practice as Manek gave the example of Raj…if two people loved each other, why did they have to wait till marriage to be close to each other? He couldn't find any sense in that. But Shabbir, he was very disappointed in him…..he would call Shabbir tomorrow and ask him why he had let the secret out to Manek and Mannan! ************************** The next morning, he called Shabbir at work, Shabbir had been expecting his call: Listen Angad, before you say anything, I want to say I am really sorry about all this, I was drunk at the Club the other night and it sort of slipped out…. WHAT THE F&%# DO YOU MEAN IT SLIPPED OUT? Angad yelled furiously, do u realize what you have done? You have jeopardized Kripa's reputation! Agar Manek ya Mannan ne kisiko bataa diya toh? Agar yeh baat Kripa tak pahunchi toh wo sharam se marr jayegi? You know how traditional she is! And her family? Unko yeh baat kahin pata chal gaya toh… Angad, please , mari baat toh sun le…..I don't think Manan or Manek will tell anybody….they swore to keep it a secret….and they don't know about the pregnancy test either" Chalo shukr hai….kuchh toh rehem kiya tuney Kripa per…..Thanks for small mercies! Angad slammed down the phone angrily. For the first time, he had a serious fight with his old friend, the guy who had been his closest pal for 10 years had betrayed his trust. He was very worried and upset ….kahin Kripa ko pata na chal jaaye that his friends knew about the trekking trip! He walked restlessly up and down his office-room, then pressed his intercom and asked for coffee….he was getting a headache from his anger, worry and last night's drinking session at Chinatown! The next day, he was very silent and moody as he took Kripa to college! She looked worriedly at him: Kya hua, Angad? Sab theek toh hai na? she asked him with furrowed brows. He looked at her seriously….he felt so guilty….he was supposed to protect her reputation, her honor but he had failed in that respect! She would never forgive him if she knew he had told their secret to Shabbir, who had leaked it out! Her eyes became moist suddenly, she reached out and touched Angad's hand: Kya tum mujhsey naraaz ho? Please naraaz mat hona, main bardasht nahin kar paaoongi" He quickly grabbed her hand and kissed it: Nahin Kripa, wo baat nahin, tum toh meri Jaan ho aur main apney Jaan se naraaz kaisey ho sakta hoon? Baat kuchh aur hai….mujhey iss baar Hyderabad jaana padega 7 din ke liye….isiliye pareshan hoon, phir se tumsey door jaana mujhey achha nahin lag raha… Kripa's eyes teared up: Kab jaana hoga tumhey? 5 din baad, and I will be back in the beginning of December. I will miss you, sweetheart! He caressed her soft cheeks. Per tum rona mat….humara mobile hain na, roz baatein hogi pehley ki tarah! Aur iss baar jaaney se pehley hum kahin ghoomney chalengey, okay? Really? Kripa cheered up at once, spending a day with Angad would be just perfect before he left for Hyderabad! Kahan jayengey hum? Raichak Tourist Resort chalengey…..how do you like that? He was pleased at her enthusiasm. Parson Sunday hai, lets go then….Ganga ke kinarey resort hai, bahut khubsoorat jageh….You will love it! Tum jahan bhi le jao, mujhey wahi jageh khubsoorat lagegi….she took his hand and kissed it, he looked lovingly at her as he stopped at her college gates and bid her a fond goodbye! . (Paraya Dhan—Kishore-Lata) la: tu pyaar la: tu pyaar ki: tu saaz la: tu pyaar ... la: baat aajki to yeh naheen, ki: tu saaz ... ki: door-duur ab rahana naheen, na lage aba jiya re, kahe ko tere dvaare, tera mera juda hona mushakil hai la: tu pyaar ki: raat aur din dhalate rahen la: tu pyaar - -
Nahin, bataa Yaar! Zaroor tu humsey kuchh chhupa raha hai"
8 o'clock, Mandarin Restaurant in Chinatown!
ki: tu preet
la: tu chaand
ki: tu raat
la: jeena marna saath tera mera juda hona mushkil hai
ki: tu preet
la: haan tu chaand
ki: haan tu raat
la: jeena marana saath tera mera juda hona mushkil hai
la: tu geet
ki: haan tu roop
la: haan tu rang
ki: chhoote na ye sang tera mera juda hona mushkil hai
bhoola jaaye jo vo ye nahi
haan baat aajaki to ye naheen,
bhoola jaaye jo vo ye nahi
nayi hai zindagaanii,
hai sadiyon puraanee,
hamaari mulaakaat
tera mera juda hona mushakil hai
la: tu geet
ki: haan tu roop
la: haan tu rang
ki: chhoote na ye sang tera mera juda hona mushkil hai
tu pyaar
aaj aur kuchh kahana nahi
ho door-duur ab rahana naheen,
aaj aur kuchh kahana nahin
main le aaoon baarat
ki: tu preet
la: haan tu chaand
ki: haan tu raat
la: jeena marana saath tera mera juda hona mushkil hai tu pyaar
la: saatha-saath hum chalatey rahen
ki: raat aur din dhalatey rahen
la: saatha-saath hum chalate rahen
ki: bane ham aise saathi
la: ke jaise diya baati
ki: dil mein hai ye umang
tera mera juda hona mushkil hai
ki: tu preet
la: haan tu chaand
ki: haan tu raat
dono: jeena marana saath tera mera juda hona mushkil hai dono: haan tu pyaar
PART 50 It was a bright, beautiful day in November, cool and breezy, as Angad's red car sped on the Highway towards Raichak, a picturesque resort by the banks of the River Hooghly near Diamond Harbor. Kripa wore a long-sleeved black and blue salwar-set alongwith the scarf and sunglasses that Angad had given her before. The hood of the convertible was open, letting the cool wind blow in their faces. Angad looked happy and relaxed in a cream-colored open-necked denim shirt and black jeans. He turned on the car stereo and played songs of Eagles and The Doors and then some romantic Hindi songs. They gave fond looks at each other, enjoying the gorgeous day and each other's company. Angad had no problems getting permission from Kripa's parents to take her to Raichak for the day. Gayatri trusted him completely now….he had won her over by his care and attention of her nephew and nieces when they had been visiting. He had taken Kripa and her cousins on excursions almost everyday. Angad's workload in Kolkata was minimal for now as he was handling only the international clients. But he assisted Dilip and Debu in some cases now and then. It took them one and a half hour to reach Raichak….the place is famous for Scenic Beauty and Raichak fort, a British fort guarding the river approach against pirates; The Resort mixes modern architecture with 18th century Anglo-Indian style. Circa 1783. General Watson was dispatched to Fort Raichak with wife Mary, daughter Caroline and sixty-five soldiers. Memories of the past are still alive here, amidst the breathtaking environs. Sailboats drift along serene waters… while the resurrected Fort Raichak lives on to tell another glorious story. In recent times, it has been converted into a Resort by the Radisson Group for a quick getaway for Kolkatans unwilling to make long trips. Kripa was fascinatd with the old Fort ruins! Angad smiled indulgently at her: Toh batao, History student ke liye mainey achhi jageh chuni ke nahin? Kripa grabbed his arm excitedly: Oh Angad! Thank You! I always wanted to come here. This is marvellous! Kitni sundar jageh hai" First they explored the fort ruins, Kripa admiring the cannons and firing-holes on the walls, the old stone masonry-work, and just about everything. History had always fascinated her! After the Fort, they took a walk in the exotic gardens of the resort, admiring the roses in bloom, the fountains and walkways. They strolled down to the riverside, watching the sailboats on the sparkling water. One of the Resort guys came up to them: Angad looked at Kripa: Kya khayal hai? Chalein? They went down the steps to the river-bank where a cute little boat was waiting for them. Angad laughed: Size se kya aata jaata hai? Titanic bhi toh doob gaya tha na? Agar saath-saath doobna hamarey naseeb mein hai toh wo mujhey manzoor hai" he winked at her. They got up into the boat, Angad helping her board holding her hand. They sat down by the stern as the boat-man was balancing the other end. The boat moved gently on the water towards mid-river, Angad pulled her close to his heart, she snuggled into his arms, loving every minute of the ride. When they reached mid-stream, the boat moved south alongwith the river currents. There were villages, ghats, jetties, temples all along the riverside. Village-women were washing clothes and bathing on the river-ghats, children swimming near the banks. Suddenly the majhi (boatman) pointed out: Dekho Memsaab, Saab, Shushuk (river-dolphins) …..Kripa stood up excitedly….sure enough there were 2 river-dolphins jumping out of the water in graceful leaps as they swam northwards. They passed close to the boat, executing graceful somersaults and jumps! She leaned too close to the side of the boat and almost toppled over into the water…..Angad swore loudly and pulled her down to him before she could fall in the water or capsize the little boat! Damnit, Kripa! Tumhey kya nadi mein tairney ka shauk hai? Hamesha apni jaan ko khatrey mein kyun daaltey ho? Kripa looked apologetically at him: Im sorry! He gazed into her beautiful eyes and forgot everything…lost in the depths of her innocently trusting eyes, holding her close to his wildly beating heart…his whole world had converged in those eyes of hers! He could live and die in them! . (Saaya….Udit Narayan/ Alka) DIL CHURA LIYA SAATHIYA"
He couldn't take cases in Kolkata till he got his licence.
Sir, do u want to go on boat-ride? I can arrange for one. Sir, it's a beautiful experience, you should try it!
Kripa grinned in excitement: OF COURSE, yeh koi poochhney ki baat hai?
Kripa looked rather nervously at the little boat bobbing up and down beside the pier: Itni chhoti naav? Kahin doob toh nahin jayegi?
She blushed, then said softly: Mujhey bhi manzoor hai"
Kripa was horribly excited: Omaa dekho, Angad, kitney sundar hain"
Suddenly she looped her arms around his neck and looked deeply into his eyes: Meri jaan toh tum mein basi hai, phir mujhey khatra kaisa? Main jaanti hoon tum hamesha mujhey doobney se bacha logey….bachaogey na?
watch?v=e3UqeOjF9cA (watch Kripa's fav. and my fav. John Abraham in vdo) O saathiya, o beliya Kripa gazed into his warm brown eyes and trembled in his arms at the love and passion she read there….…Her heaven and earth both resided in his eyes! Female: dekhi hain pehli baar, akhoon mein ye bahaar, Male: dil tha pyaasa, bas humne saara, Female: phoolon ko to kheelta dekha tha, Both: dekhi hain pehli baar, aankhon mein ye bahaar, The two lovers remained in an eternal eye-lock as their little boat bobbed up and down on the river ….taking them they didn't know where and neither did they care as long as they were in each other's arms! A little later, the majhi broke their spell: Saab, Memsaab, wahan pahadi per ek bahut purana Shiv Mandir hai….aap kahein toh main naav rokun wahan? Angad and Kripa snapped out of their romantic spell, a little disoriented. Haan kya kaha…..Mandir? Kahan? The boatman pointed on top of a little hill with steps leading up from the ghat….there was a greyish-white stone temple with a trishul on top…. A rural Shiv Mandir. Angad looked at Kripa, asking her with his eyes if she wanted to go there….she nodded. Haan Majhi Bhai, aap le chaliye humein wahan" Angad told the boatman. The boatman steered the boat to the mandir-ghat and tied it to the pier. Angad got down…. then he lifted Kripa out of the boat into his arms and carried her over the muddy soil near the river-bank. His own Nike sneakers were ruined by the mud but Kripa's shoes remained untouched. Kripa kissed his cheek and thanked him for saving her shoes and churidar from mud. He kissed her back: Yeh toh mera farz hai….apni beghum ke naazuk pair mitti mein kaisey daal sakta hoon? She giggled : Beghum! And kissed his cheek again affectionately. Nahin, nahin, she laughed, ab mujhey utaar do, nahin toh gaon-waley kya kahengey? Angad laughed and set her down on her feet….they climbed up the 100 steps to the old Shiv Temple. There were a few devotees there and an old Priest, chanting: Jai Baba Bholeynath! Shiv-Shambhu ki Jai Ho! Angad and Kripa folded their hands together and prayed in front the shivling….the priest came up to them and blessed them: Bhagwan Shankar tum dono ki Jodi ko sada banaye rakhey! Jai Bholeynath! Bholeybaba Paar karega! Angad opened his eyes and winked at Kripa: Yahin issi mandir mein shadi kar letey hain? Kya khayal hai? She frowned at him: Itni shortcut shadi? Mujhey to baraat chahiye…..…aur sehrey mein tumhey dekhna chahti hoon….….yeh sab nahin chalega….she giggled naughtily. Angad rolled his eyes heavenward, and said in a hopeless tone: Shadi karney ka itna achha chance tha, usey bhi kho diya" Angad gave dakshina to the priest and took Kripa's arm and said: Come on, lets go back to the boat! They stepped out of the temple and explored the little village outside. There were a few scattered huts and a small tea-shop! They had some hot tea from earthen cups and then walked further up the road to a little wooded area….. suddenly it started raining….it was strange…still sunny but raining….bin baadal barsaat! They ran to the nearest shelter which was a shed in front of a small closed shop. Angad pulled Kripa to the far corner of the shed, protecting her with his large frame from the battering rain. But Kripa suddenly came out and held her hands out to catch the raindrops, laughing joyously….she felt carefree today, liberated, drunk on the love in Angad's eyes. She closed her eyes, enjoying the smell of wet earth and leaves. As she caught the raindrops in her small hand, he observed her wet face and hair with a heated look, then came and stood behind her, his large hand cupped hers from below…letting the elixir of the Gods flow down their joined hands in a gentle stream of love! Kripa leaned back on his warm, wet chest and started singing in her sweet voice and Angad soon joined her: music_video/rim_jhim_rim_ /Hindi-Music-Videos/Rim-Jhim-Rim-Jhim Rim Jhim Rim Jhim Badal Ki Chadrein They stood like that for a long time as the untimely rain raged around them, protected by the shed, his arms circling her from the back, his chin on her wet hair, his wet body pressed against her back, as they watched the rain fall on the peepul and banyan trees around them. Suddenly they heard their majhi shouting: SAAB, MEMSAAB, KAHAN HO AAP DONO? HUM YAHAN HAIN, SHED KE NEECHEY" Angad yelled back. The Majhi came running, holding a tattered umbrella over his head: SAAB, AB AAPKO NAAV MEIN LAUTNA PADEGA….DER HO RAHI HAI" Yeh lo Saab, Chhaata" he handed over the torn umbrella to Angad. Theek hai, chalo Bhai…..he held Kripa's shoulder and holding the torn umbrella over her head, they carefully made their way down the steps to the boat! The boat swayed dangerously in the swirling waters of the rain-tossed river as they made their way back to the resort. Kripa clung to Angad, shivering and terrified that the boat will capsize in the rough waters. Angad hugged her tightly, clasping her as his heart pounded heavily, with nervousness from the rough boat-ride and also from the closeness of her wet body. Her clothes were sticking to her like glue…..outlining her feminine curves. His mind wandered…..he remembered the feel of her bare body against his own, her soft, creamy skin, the way she had felt under him! His pulse started throbbing and he pulled her onto his lap, looking deep into her startled eyes. She stared at his rain-wet lips and wanted to taste the water falling from them. He stared at her lips hungrily…..both longed to kiss and caress but the boatman was there….and they couldn't do much except hold on to each other in the swaying boat! They managed to get back to the resort in one piece…..Angad tipped the boatman heavily for all his help and getting them back safely. They hadnt brought any change of clothes but both were soaking wet! Angad went to the Reception Desk and requested for a guest-room for a few hours! The Resort Manager looked doubtfully at the two drenched, dripping visitors: Sorry Sir! You don't have a room-booking! We cant allow you to use the Guest-rooms! Angad smiled his charming best and handed a large note to the Manager: I will pay half-day's cost …..just give me the keys, will you! The Manager could neither refuse Angad's offer nor the bribe and handed him the key to a room downstairs. Oh Haan…Angad added. And please send some hot coffee and snacks to the room and send the laundry person….we need our clothes laundered! - -
dekhi hain pehli baar, akhoon mein ye bahaar,
ruth mast mast ye din ye waqt,
mausam ne kya jaadu kiya.
(dil chura liyaa saathiya)-2
ruth mast mast ye din ye waqt,
mausam ne kya jaadu kiya.
(dil chura liyaa saathiya)-2
sagar ko ghoont mein pee liyaa.
pal do pal mein bas aaj he khaal mein,
sau saal ka janam je liyaa.
dekha pehli baar jeevan ke aar par,
ruth mast mast ye din ye waqt,
mausam ne kya jaadu kiya.
dil chura liyaa saathiya)-2
kantein bhi aaj to khil gaye.
logoon ko to milte dekha tha,
ye dharti aasmaan mil gaye.
aaya hain pehli baar kismat mein aitbaar,
ruth mast mast ye din ye waqt,
mausaam ne kya jaadu kiya.
dil chura liyaa saathiya)-2
ruth mast mast ye din ye waqt,
mausam ne kya jaadu kya.
(dil chura liyaa saathiya)-2
Agar itney kisses miltey rahey toh main tumhey upar mandir tak aisey hi le jaaoonga.
Abhi thodi der yeh jageh ghoom kyun na lein? Kripa wanted to see the environs of the temple.
Okay, as you wish, Your Honor!
Rum Jhum Rum Jhum
Bheegi Bheegi Rut Mein
Tum Hum Hum Tum
Chalte Hein...Chalte Hein
Bajta Hai Jaltarang
Teen Ki Chat Pe Jab
Motiyon Jaisa Jal Barse
Boondoan Ki Yeh Jharhi
Layee Hai Woh Gharhi
Jis Ke Liye Hum Tarse... Rim Jhim...
Orhe Hein Wadiyan
Sari Dishayein Soyee Hein
Sapno Ke Gaon Mein
Bhigee Si Chaon Mein
Do Atmayein Khoyee Hein..Rim Jhim
Aayeen Hein Dekhne
Jheelon Ke Aayine
Balon Ko Khole Ghatayein
Rahein Dhuan Dhuan
Janyege Hum Kahan
Aao Yaheen Rah Jayen...Rim Jhim