Chapter 7

Part 7 -

Kripa – (in her mind) dancing with angad is not same as dancing with prithvi, actually other man for that matter.

A couple was almost going to push kripa when angad's arm tightened round her as he swiftly drew her out of harm's way.

Kripa – you are not planning to leave then?

Angad – kripa I have just arrived.

Kripa – angad every one prefers calling me krips instead of kripa.

Angad – I am not everyone. Krips is okay but kripa suits you better.

Kripa – what if I say I want you to call me krips?

Angad – all right krips, (he smiled). I will call you kripa whenever I get a chance.

Kripa – when I was small, I always use to think that khanna palace is actually a palace.

Angad – so did I.

Kripa – you have more trance of an English accent, where did it came from?

Angad – from my mother I guess she was a Britisher and well spoken and lovely. My father's family treated her very rudely they didn't have to the way they did, my father abandoned his family for her. When we left Mumbai long time back we went to London so my mentor was an English. I was very close to him.

Kripa – was he the one who send you back? (she wanted to know all about him).

Angad – yes he did before he died.

Kripa – ohh am sorry.

Angad – its okay not your fault.

Kripa – could you tell me his name?

Angad – no kripa.

Kripa – I am sorry. I won't intrude. I'm just glad you met someone who treated you well.

Angad – I can't recall many others (with a bitter expression).

Kripa – are you going to make us all pay for wounding you? (thinking he had been hurt a great deal)

Angad – (he ignored the question) I'd like to take you out to our palace. Would you come?

Her heart jumped. Agree and there'd be trouble, big trouble.

Angad – look at me , not away. Would you come kripa?

Kripa – how do you see me?

Angad – as someone whose freedom is being curtailed? Is it?

Kripa – I'd be delighted to come.

Angad – good, I confess I find a woman's views necessary.

Kripa – is it your intention to put in your ad that khanna palace is falling down and is in bad condition?

Angad – certainly, it's the right thing to do. But it's not in the utter state of decay it appears to be from the outside. The best materials were used in its construction. There is a tremendous amount of restoration to be done.

Kripa – perhaps you should say in your ad that you're looking for an heiress? (in a bitter – sweet tone)

Angad – now that's a great idea. (his face broke into a mocking smile).

Unnoticed by either of them, prithvi had blood flooded into his face the moment he saw them together.

Prithvi – (in his mind) how could krips do this knowing my feelings towards angad.

He made his way towards them with jealousy violent and painful. When he was stopped when mishti got him in a surprisingly strong arm – lock.

Mishti – prithvi, you're not ignoring me are you darling? You can't let your fiance have a bit of fun, can you? She is having fun, isn't she?

Prithvi – let go mishti.

Mishti – sure, one dance and we'll call it a night. Don't make a fool of me now prithvi. (she warned) I've kept my mouth shut up to now, but things can change.

Prithvi – (muttering) you are a real b****! You know that?? (a bit cooled down). You don't say that when I'm making you happy. I should never have started with you.

Mishti – you told me once you were in love with me. I'm still in love with you.

Prithvi – harshly why don't you get over it?

Mishti – easier said than done, prithvi. Don't get mad at me. I'm your friend. I've loved you far too much and far too long. You've made a big mistake getting yourself hooked up to krips sharma. You haven't got a damned thing in common.

Prithvi – shut up!!!!!!!

Mishti – watch it !!! you don't want people to see how jealous you are, my cousin is fascinating your beloved fiance. I have to admit he scrubs up pretty well. After all he is khanna. Why don't we sit this out for a while? Or we could go outside?

Prithvi – (bluntly) forget it.