PART-10
Kripa stayed with Divya…..and Angad like a true professional…..showed them around…..Kripa was amazed to see so many people working together, on different pieces….they asked about the art…..the colors used…..took some photos with Angad's permission…..and asked questions about how much time it took to make a piece….etc….Kripa was immersed in some painting, when she noticed Divya going to the corner of the room….and touching some one's feet…….
She followed her and was amazed to see that it was her parents….
D: Ma….kaisi ho….she asked with tears….
M: Mein thik hun beta….kitni pyari lag rahi hain…..
Divya smiled and looked down….
D: Ma….ye Kripa hai….
K: Namaste….
M: jiti raho beti….
D: Ye maa ne bheje hai….dadi ke ladoo….
Divya's father got up at once….Majisa ke ladoo….chal divya jaldi ek muh mein rakh de….he said opening his mouth….Divya laughed and kept one sweet in his mouth…and gave one to her mother….Hmmm…..majisa ke ladoo mein to jadu hai….sari thakan mita di….Then he looked at Kripa….tum kahan ki rehne wali ho beti….
K: Ji mein US mein rehti hun…..apne ye khud kiya hai….she asked surprised, looking at the big wall hanging……kitna sundar hai…..she said touching it…….
Divya's mother came forward…..Hum se achi bunai to Divya karti hai….uski shadi ka joda dekhna…..usne apne hathon se siya hai….she said smiling…
D: Ma tum bhi na…..she said taking some water from the pot……and drinking it…..chalo ma….mein chalti hun……Hume bajar bhi jana hai….Kripa ke bhai ke liye kuch kharidne….mein chalun….
Her mother hugged her and her father kept a hand on her head and said there byes…..Kripa was amazed at this unique bond…Rathods were very rich family around here and their daughter in law was from such a poor family….still they behaved so normally….from the corner of her eye….she saw Angad going to Divya's parents…and sitting there with them, laughing and having one more sweet from the box……she giggled a little….
D: Kya hua…?Divya asked…
K: Kuch nahi….abhi abhi to itne ladu khake aye hain….aur yahan baithkar phir se….
D: Aab dekhna….ma ki thodi roti sabji bhi lekar kha lega…..and he did exactly that…..
K: Baap re….ek number ka petu lagta hai…..she said grinning...for some reason, he looked so at home there…..his eyes full of mischief, his laugh infectious, she wanted to go there and join him…..she wanted to feel those arms around her….suddenly she blushed at her own thoughts and bit her lips…and tried to concentrate on what Divya was saying…..
D: Woh to hai….aur bahut acha bhi hai......itne bade parivar se hai….phir bhi kabhi nahi jatate ki woh unche parivar ka hai….mere ma baba ko bhi apne ma baba jaise hi respect dete hain….she said looking down….Aur kartik aur mein to haar week ghar jakar, ma ke hathon ki roti khakar ate hain….ajj kal devarji bhi sath ate hain kabhi kabhi….she said laughing…..
Kripa's respect for them grew, by this knowledge…..she looked at Angad from a new angle……he looked up while eating and this time when they looked at each other, there was not just attraction…..there was some thing else too….a understanding…..a mutual respect and some thing more…..He smiled at her slowly and she returned his smile…….Why was she having this feeling to run to him, feel his touch….she did not know......she looked away, blushing……she did not want him to see what she was thinking, it would be so embarrassing..….and most of all, she should not think all this….she would be leaving in 2 days to US…..Angad's life was here……hers was not…..Her heart bled at the thought, her throat felt dry.....She tried to ignore those feelings, saying it was just infactuation, he was very handsome and successful, and it was natural to get attracted…..but she still could not help herself from thinking about him……It was getting difficult and difficult to go back…..She kept looking at different people doing different things….it was really nice of Dilip Uncle to give these people a opportunity to show their art and talent to the world…….Divya was so lucky to have such a lovely family…….
Dilip: Kripa beta….Ashok tumse milna chahta hai….chai pe bula rahe hain sham ko….
K: Ashok? She asked confused…
D: Are Mr. Mittal….Nishant ke papa…..
K: Haan thik hai…Kanan bhi hogi na wahan…she asked delighted….
Dilip laughed and nodded….and Kripa agreed immediately…..
As they toured around the company, Angad and Kripa's eyes met many times, but they hardly spoke couple of words.....but Kripa noticed that he had quite good knowledge of local art .....he answered all their questions patiently with confidence and smile....commenting and joking about some things, in between, making every one feel welcome...she could see all her fellow students were as much impressed by him as she was.....Angad even talked to local artisans about there products explaining some people about why they were here.....she could see that he was good with them as well.... And as far as Divya.....she was born and brought up here.....she could see, she knew almost everyone here and touched feet of many elders present....
K: yeh sab log uncleji ki kaffi izzat karte hain na....she asked slowly
Divya looked at her surprised.....but then nodded with smile
D: pata hai Kripa....agar papa nahi hote na, to pata nahi Humare kya Hota.... Yeh sab logon ka kya Hota....papa jab mere baba ke paas aye the na, is company mein kaam karne ke liye bulane.....to Humare pass tab khane ke liye do waqt ki roti bhi nahi thi....par jab baba ne yahan company join kiya.....tab papa ne rehne ke liye quaters banaye.....schools khole, woh nahi hote to in saab ke bache anpadh hi rah jate....aur janti ho, ye schools kholne mein kisne madad ki....Tumhare taya aur papa ne....she said with a smile....Kripa looked up surprised....
K: mujhe nahi pata tha, ki papa ne yahan schools khole....
D: do schools chalte hain tumhare taya ke naam.....aur sab tumhare papa ke bare mein puchte hain.....
Kripa smiled sadly.....why did her parents never told her all this.....it was all so difficult to digest.....these people still remembered them with so much respect and love....but it was as if her dad had broken all the ties with them....she did not know this side of him.....she had always seen her dad as the best dad and wonderful person.....then why did he never try to keep this friendship.....
Looking at dadi.....Dilip uncle and Avantika aunty....it was obvious, they loved them all so much.....then why? She thought with tears......
She looked far away and slowly wiped her tears before she embarrassed her self in front of all these people.....
But not before, Angad saw them......he looked at her with a frown......but thankfully did not say anything.....Kripa again became her cheerful self and continued talking with the villagers.....
Dilip then asked Mr. Scott, if they could take Kripa home with them for next couple of days..…….
S: No problem Mr. Rathod….you can take her…..but we have a flight at 9 in the morning, the day after tomorrow…..and we need to atleast go 2 hours before….
Dilip assured him that they will bring her on time and thanked him…..After couple of more hours…..Mr. Scott and his team said bye to every one and went away…….It was already 4 o'clock, so they decided to go to Kanan's house first and then collect Kripa's luggage on the way….. Kartik was back and he and Divya went back home...
Dilip, Angad and Kripa went to kanan's house.....kanan was delighted to meet Kripa again.....and they talked with each other as long lost friends.....when in reality....it was just today morning that they had spoken....Angad and Nishant grinned shaking there heads at there obvious enthusiasm.....
Angad had never met a girl who could express her emotions in so many ways....she would be shy some times, and some times would laugh with mischief....some times she would be so bubbly carefree girl....who cared about nothing, and some times so very responsible.....it was like he was constantly in surprise.....
Ashok: Kripa beta nashta karo....Dilip ne kaha tum logon ne subah se khana nahi khaya hai....
K: khana nahi khaya tha uncle, par subah Avantika aunty ne itna nashta de diya ki abhi tak bhuk nahi lagi....she said with a smile....
As: beta abhi tum log kahan ho....pichle garmiyon mein tumhare papa ko phone lagaya tha....par phone lag hi nahi raha tha.....
K: jee....hum New York mein hi hai....she said with a frown....
As: jara mujhe tumhare ghar ka aur papa ka phone no. likh dena beta....unse baat karni thi....Tumhare ghar ke bare mein...
Kripa immediately gave him all the contact details.....
A: thank you so much beta.....
K: uncle koi problem to nahi hai na....she asked with concern.....
A: nahi beta.....he assured her....woh baat sirf itna hai….ki abb meri tabiyat thik nahi rehti....Nishant chahta hai ki mein apna kaam kum Karun....mera under 12 hotels hai, Jo mere management teams sambhalte hain....par kaam to bahut ho jata hai.....Phir bhi....nishant to tum janti ho na doctor hai....use business mein koi dilchaspi nahi....isliye soch raha hun ki thode hotels ke contract abb chod dun....Bhagwan ka diya abb bahut kuch hai....aab thoda kaam kum karlun, to pote potiyon ke sath samay gujarne ka waqt mileage age.......he said with a smile looking at kanan.... Kanan blushed and looked down...
K: ji uncle.... Mein papa ko phone karne ke liye kahungi....philhal to woh Dallas gayein hain....kaam ke silsile mein...
A: thik hai beta....aur ek request hai beta....tumhe to pata hain na ki tumhare papa ne school bandvaye
K: ji...she said slowly...
A: woh trustee ke logon ko kal pata chala ki tum ayi ho to tumse milna chahte hain....
K: ji pur mujhse....
Dilip: ek baar milke aao beta....bahut puchte rahte hain.....Aaj office mein bhi phone aya tha
Kripa just nodded....God what was happening here, she had no idea.....
K: thik hai uncle....kal mil lungi.....she told Mr. Ashok
Soon they had there tea and were on there way after goodbyes and hugs...
K: uncle ji srinathji ka mandir paas mein hai na, darshan karke jaayein.... She asked slowly
Dilip: beta abhi to bahut bhid hogi, aur khana khakar acha bhi nahi lagta....ek kaam karna kal subah school jane se pahle darshan kar lena.....subah thodi bhid kum hoti hain
K: thik hai uncle....she said with a smile....
Dilip: Angad mujhe office drop kardo aur Kripa ko uske hotel le jake saman le aao....mujhe packaging department ke logon se milna hai....
A: thik hai papa he said and looked in the mirror.....Kripa looked nervously outside the window, not wanting to meet his eyes......he smiled knowingly and adjusted his mirror, so he could see her.....soon they dropped Dilip at office.....
D: thik hai Kripa beta....thodi der mein milte hain ghar pe…..
K: ji uncle… she said with a smile
Dilip: gadi sambhal ke chalana Angad.....ye UK nahi....India hai....he said sternly
A: jee papa...don't worry.....mein Kripa ko sahi salamat le aunga.....he said with a grin
Dilip left.....but Angad did not start the car.....Kripa looked up and saw that Angad was smiling at her
K: ji... Kya hua? She asked nervously....
A: kuch nahi.....Tum agar aise piche baithogi na to saab mujhe driver samjhege....he said laughing.....
Kripa smiled shyly....
K: mein samne aati hun.... She said slowly looking up at him nervously....
A: aao na....mein kha nahi jaunga.....shudha shakhahari hun....Srinathji ki sou.... He said smiling
Kripa bit her teeth and slowly got down and went to passengers side....Angad had already opened the door....she sat in and closed the door taking deep breathe.....this was the first time she was alone with him.....and that too in such small area.....her face was flushed and she avoided Angad's gaze.....looking out as if interested in some thing.....but the reality was, she did not see a thing.....her thoughts, her mind everything was concentrated on person sitting besides her.....
They drove to her hotel silently.....Once they reached, Angad parked his car a little far away and they walked.....
They went to her room directly.....Kripa was a nervous bundle and her key slipped from her hands....
A: lau mein khol deta hun.....he said taking the keys.....their fingers touched and Kripa looked up shocked.....her eyes widened.....but Angad slowly opened the door, without looking at her....he knew, if he looked he wouldn't be able to control himself from taking her in his arms.....he knew from her reaction that she was as much attracted to him
He slowly opened the door and stood aside….Kripa went in and Angad followed her inside.
She slowly started packing her things with efficient hand. She folded her clothes, packed her toiletories, took her chargers and other wirings, packed her computer and kept it neatly in the bag. Her notebooks and pens, etc. were in the drawer, which she kept next to her sketch book….
She could feel Angad's eyes all the time….Her face was flushed…… Being with him in a room alone under his close scrutinity, made her all hot and bothered…..A red line appeared at the side of her cheek…..She heard Angad chuckle and looked up to question him….
A: Aab chalein….kitni der sarahati rahogi apne bag ko….he asked amused….
Kripa looked down and saw that she was done packing and was just patting the bag…..She bit her lips and blushed….She quickly zipped the bag and was about to lift it when Angad's hand came to hold the bag….There hands touched and Kripa held her breathe. He was so near that she could feel his breathe near her neck….her body shivered…..
Angad on the other side stilled…..His face close to her soft skin below her face…..for a second he had a huge temptation to just kiss that delicate white skin…..But knew, it was too soon….He slowly looked up this time, to see her eyes…..to see what she was feeling….but she wouldn't look up. He did not force her and took the bag slowly…
A: Chalein….he whispered….both knew that their attraction was mutual….both could feel the heat…
Kripa nodded and stood back ….took her purse and small bag and was about to walk, when Angad stopped her…
A: Mr. Scott ko inform karna hai?
Kripa had almost forgotten about it…..
K: Haan she said thanking him in her mind…..atleast he had his senses in place…..she was just too jumbled up to think about any thing…..She went to phone and called his room
K: Mr. Scott….Kripa here….I am here to take my bags….I am leaving in couple of minutes….she said nervously pulling the wire……
S: I will meet you in the lobby Kripa….
K: Yes….Mr. Scott….she said and kept the phone down…She looked at Angad slowly….
K: Woh….Mr. Scott niche lobby mein wait kar rahein hain….
A: Thik hai chalo…He said taking her bag and leading the way….Kripa locked her room and went down. Mr. Scott was waiting for them. He smiled when he saw Angad….
S: Thanks Mr. Angad Rathod, for giving us the tour of your company……It was a wonderful experience…
A: It was my pleasure…..he said with a smile….Scott looked at Kripa….
S: You are lucky to have such good family friends Kripa……Kripa smiled nodding…...Have a nice time…
K: Thanks Mr. Scott…This are the card keys to my room…she said handing over….
S: But remember, out flight is at 9 the day after tomorrow and it is necessary we reach there by 7 or we will miss our flight to NY….
K: Yes Mr. Scott…..I will be there before 7….
A: We will make sure of it sir…..you don't have to worry….
S: Thanks Mr. Rathod….Please take care of her……I will see you both at the airport then. Bye
A: Bye….
K: Bye Mr. Scott…..she said with a smile and went behind Angad…..
Angad kept both her bags in the back, and they sat in the car…..Silence fell again….Both did not know what to speak to the other….Angad switched on the radio …..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtRREvTMqS8
Hey zu Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm
hey hey hey hey hey hey
Ab mujhe raat din tumhara hi khayal hain
Ab mujhe raat din tumhara hi khayal hain
kya kahu pyaar mein deewano jaisa haal hain
deewano jaisa haal hain tumhara hi khayal hain
Ho ho aa ha ha ha la la la la la la
Ab mujhe raat din tumhara hi khayal hain
kya kahu pyaar mein deewano jaisa haal hain
Tum ko dekhe beena chain milta nahi
dil pe ab to koi zor chalta nahi
jaadu hain kaisa dil ki lagi mein
dub gaya hu is bekhudi mein
Ho ho aa ha ha ha la la la la la la
Ab mujhe raat din tumhara hi khayal hain
kya kahu pyaar mein deewano jaisa haal hain
Har pal dhunde nazar tum ko hi jaaneman
had se badhne laga mera deewanapan
dil mein basa lu apna bana lu
ya phir nazar mein tumko chupa lu
Ho ho aa ha ha ha la la la la la la
Ab mujhe raat din tumhara hi khayal hain
kya kahu pyaar mein deewano jaisa haal hain
deewano jaisa haal hain tumhara hi khayal hain
Ho ho aa ha ha ha la la la la la la
Ho ho aa ha ha ha la la la la la la
Kripa rested her head back and closed her eyes…..and listened to the beautiful songs with words, that felt were meant for her……She dreamed Angad singing the song for her…..and slow smile came to her lips…….
Angad was memorized and could see her every expression and read it with out her knowledge……..They drove listening to the song….each in their own thought…..
Kripa at the end of the song, opened her eyes and looked at Angad a little shocked…..Angad too looked at her at the same time and their gaze locked for a second……..
A: Kripa…..he whispered…very slowly……almost to himself…….
K: Ji….aapne kuch kaha…..Angad looked in her eyes and smiled….he shook his head and looked ahead for a while…..The atmosphere in the car was so tensed, that Angad could not take it any more……
A: Tum mujhe tum keh kar bulao…..aap bahot formal lagta hai….he said smiling at her slowly….after a while….
Kripa just smiled and nodded….and shyly looked out……
A: Vaise, ek baat kahun Kripa…..
K: Ji…..
A: Tum bahot khubsoorat ho…..he said with a slow smile, looking at her…..a red line appeared near her cheek….
K: Thanks….she said not knowing what to say……They did not talk any thing after this…..
Soon they were home….Angad took both the bags from the back and indicated Kripa to go forward…..Once inside, they were greeted by everyone except dadi….
AL: Angad bhaiya, ye kise le aye…..yeh aapki hai kaun….? She asked grinning……Angad became red….and frowned at Aliyah…..
Avantika: Are Aliyah….shaitan….kahin ki…..ye Kripa hai…Surya aur Gayatri ki beti…..she introduced….aur Kripa ye Aliyah hai…..meri sabse se choti beti…
Al: Are haan kal kanan ke shadi mein, aap hi thi na….kanan ke sath…..Ma pata hai…..kitna sundar ghumar dal rahi thi……Sare log dekhte hi reh gaye……Kyun bhaiya……she said grinning…..Aap to pure latto ho gaye the…….Angad closed his eyes….and counted till ten….he was so embarrassed….and his little sister had no shame at all….God, today she was going to pay for this dearly he thought…..
Kripa looked down and blushed……she did not know what to speak…..Avantika and Dilip just shook their heads and muttered some thing…and Kartik was suppressing his laugh….Divya came to their rescue….
D: Sach Kripa? Kahan sikha itna acha dance karna….
K: Woh Divya bhabhi……sorry mein apko bhabhi bulaun to chalega na…..woh kartik bhaiya bade hain to….
D: Chalega nahi daudega….she said chuckling….chalo jakar thoda fresh ho jao….phir baat karenge….thik hai….she said with a smile….
Dadi came in the room ……
Dadi: Aa gayi beta…..acha hua….khane ke time tak aa gaye dono…..Dopahar ko bhi khana nahi khaya…..jao jakar haath muh dhokar aao….phir khana khate hain….
K: Ji dadi… Kripa said with a smile….
A: Chalo…mein saman tumhare room mein rakhta hun…..
They slowly went up….well aware that everyone was watching them……
Angad kept her bag near the door….
A: Niche milete hain….Thodi der mein….tum fresh ho jao….
Kripa nodded and thanked him with a shy smile…..Aliyah's words, still echoing in her ears…..Angad looked at her a little embarrassed and wanted to tell her some thing…….but then shook his head….Kripa waited for him to go or speak….but blushed as she once again felt his gaze on her…..finally he turned around and left…..
She waited till Angad was out of sight….once she was alone….she closed the door and leaned on it….God….what a day….It was full of roler coster ride….She never had a day like this in her life……
She slowly walked to the bed and fell on it and closed her eyes……..Angad's face came before her again….She opened her eyes stunned….Why was she always thinking about him….what was it about him, that she was not able to think about any thing else…..She thought shaking her head….They had just met….yet it was as if, he was there in her every single thought…..She got up irritated at herself…..She took a quick shower trying to block his images, but it did not work…Time and again, she kept thinking about him…….It was as if he was a permanent fixture in her brain……..She sighed, hoping she would just forget everything……But no such luck…...Once ready, she slowly came down….Her heart again beating loudly……
Dadi was sitting there and asked her to sit besides her….
D: Beta kaisa raha tumhara din….Kripa smiled at dadi…a little bit relieved that he was not here any where in sight…..
K: Bahut acha tha dadi…..bahut hi talented artist hain yahan ke log…..Kitni safai ke sath sundar sundar chijhe banate hain….aur woh bhi itni jaldi jaldi….
D: Haan…..aur mehnati bhi to hai….mehnat karna to inke khoon mein hi basa hai….
K: Haan dadi….aur uncleji jis tarah se unhe support karte hain, woh wakehi bahut achi baat hai…..Divya bhabhi ne kaha ki uncle ki vajah se bahut logon ko rehne ke liye ghar, do waqt ki roti aur inke bachon ko school jane ke liye milta hain…..
Dilip: Bus bus…beta…itni tareef karne ki jaroorat nahi hai….mein to ek business man hoon….bus marketing hi to karta hun….asli kalakar to ye log hain….mehnat bhi wohi karte hain….to shrey mujhe nahi unhe milna chahiye…..Aur sach mano to mujh se bhi jyada Angad ki wajah se hi sales badhe hai….website launch karke Angad ne sach much bahut acha kaam kiya hai…ussane hi humari sale 60% tak bada di hai…..Aur Kartik pura din inlogon ke requirements, kalakar tak pahunchana aur unhe equipments aur sari samagri la dene ka kaam karta hai….aab to mein sirf naam ke liye baitha hun…..Thode dino mein Angad aur Kartik ko hi business ki bhag daud de dunga….he said laughing….
Kripa smiled at him and looked down….thinking about how a person so rich like him, can be so unselfish….He had no arrogance neither did he ever show off his wealth….She truly admired him for what he was……
Divya came and called every one for dinner….After dinner, they all sat in the garden with some desert…..talking about Rajashthan, this house, Kripa's house, their history….Kripa's life in US, about her college…..etc….She also learned about Angad being graduated from Oxford University…..She was really impressed to know that despite graduating in honors…..he had rejected many companies and joined his dad in this small city….But she knew why he did it…..Who could leave friends and families like this, to settle in some place….where we never feel like we belong……Kripa again thought of the attraction they shared…..Why was it that she was not able to think about any thing else…..Why was it she wanted to go and feel those arms around her……Why was it that she felt like melting in his arms and never come out of it……It felt so unsual for her to have such feelings……She blushed a little at her own train of thoughts……Thank God he was not here at the moment……She would die of embarrassment, if he knew what she was thinking…….As if his thoughts weren't enough, he was before her again……..Staring at her……She blushed even more…….Trying to block the images she had just a few seconds back…….
Avantika looked at her and smiled…….She liked Kripa……She was soft spoken as well as very much loving…….Her blush gave her away that she was attracted to Angad as much as Angad was to her…….She had talked to Angad after they had come home……He gave her a green signal that he liked Kripa and would like to go forward and meet her parents and convince them for this relationship……He had told her that he would want to take her out tomorrow and talk to her and tell her about his feelings…..Though Dadi had warned him about not telling Kripa any thing and let her parents do that……He had agreed reluctantly, but she knew him well……He did not like keeping things from the people he cared…..He was very open and she was sure he would some how do the exact opposite……She hoped Kripa would agree to be her daughter in law and come to their house……She hoped that their old friendship would be as strong or more so than before…….
Divya: Kripa tum kal school se ane ke baad, hum shopping chalte hain….
K: Thik hai bhabhi….Magar woh mujhe mere mails dekhne the….
Ka: Haan niche office mein jo computer hai, woh net ko connected hai….Divya tumhe kal woh on kardegi….
K: Thanks Kartik bhaiya….
D: Deevarji….aap bhi aiye na, kal shopping ke liye….humein ek driver aur kuli ki bahot jarurat padegi…..she said grinning….
Kripa giggled and looked at Angad….
A: Thik hai bhabhi……Banda hajir rahega…..aapka kuli aur driver time pe mil jayenge….he said looking at Kripa with a secret smile…..Kripa looked away shyly….….She knew, why he had agreed……She did not know what was going on between them…..But knew that this had to stop, because she was going back to US in a day, and may be for ever……For never to come back……Then she remembered the old saying, Never say Never……….
Angad kept staring at her……He could not help it……She was so beautiful and blushed so much that he would have laughed out loud, if he could……But knew she would be so embarrassed by it, that she might not even talk to him…..He wanted to spend some time together with her……His mother had talked to him and asked him about his opinion and he had told her in a very firm voice that he was going to bring his bride home soon……He wanted to give her the gift Divya had given him to give it to Kripa……It was a saree, she had did the work on which her self and asked him to bring her devrani home soon…..He grinned at the thought…….Yeah, he would……How could he disappoint any one now……he thought scratching his head a little……Kripa looked at him with fascination…..He looked boyish doing that…….She smiled a little……she couldn't help it…..Though she did not know what he was thinking…..Angad thought with a grin and smiled back at her shamelessly, till she blushed and looked away……
Soon, they all said good night and retired to their rooms……..
