Part 17 –

 

A whole new excitement opened up temptation danger.

Kripa – not at this stage. We're all caught in a maze of dilemmas, I'm afraid. But I feel I must see prithvi. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to him. He's been a big part of my life. God, prithvi, I was going to marry him in 2 months.

Angad – marry me instead (he found himself blurting out when he could well be ruining his chances by speaking out so precipitously. But hell, wasn't he a better option than prithvi?)

Kripa – (her knees nearly gave way from under her) you can't be serious?

Angad – (his handsome head blocked out the sun) I've never been more serious in my life. I wasn't joking when I said I wanted a wife and family, I do, I fully intended to advertise for the right woman. I'd thought it over carefully, came to that decision. Then along came you.

Kripa – at what point did you think I might suit? (in anger)

Angad – don't get angry. The last thing I intended was offence. Does it matter at what point? Hadn't he wanted her instantly? But to tell her was really to risk frightening her away. I think we could make a go of it kripa. You'd never feel trapped with me. You love khanna palace. I've seen that with my own eyes. We could restore it. I'm sure you know all about that side of things. She was the sort of girl he'd dreamed of but doubted he'd ever find.

Kripa – angad you can't speak to me this way (she clenched her hands together in agitation)

Angad – why not? This is a serious proposal. One I'd be honored if you'd consider. I'm not stone-broke like everyone seems to think. Miracles do happen in life. I've no great fortune. But quite enough to be going on with. I could make a good life for you. I'd dedicate myself to it.

Kripa – you'd marry a woman you didn't love? (she stared at him up at him. She wanted a man who would love her passionately, as passionately as she loved him. Love that would be there to stay).

Angad – you were going to marry a man whom you didn't loved (he pointed out very quickly)

Kripa – angad, I can't possibly consider this. It would take more than I'm prepared to give. Besides, I'm in an impossible place in my life. Haven't you enough admirers already? You could have had your pick of a dozen at the gala dance?

Angad – what, pretty little teenagers who don't yet know their own minds?

Kripa – there were others!!!

Angad – stop kripa. I understand you're in a difficult place. I daresay your parents wouldn't be happy about me, but I know we can make a real go for it. I can't put it better than that. Except to say I'm as strongly attracted to you as you are to me. Okay, it's not love. You say you can't fall in love right away. But what we have is good.

 

 

Angad – when are you wanting to leave?

Kripa – tomorrow morning. It would be a three hour drive even moving!

Angad – I'll take you.

Kripa –(shakily) so how would we meet up? (god she wanted so much to be with him when she didn't even know if she could handle it. Her whole philosophy of life was coming under bombardment. It was as though a volcano lying dormant within her was showing perilous signs of erupting)

Angad – what the hell, I'll drive out to versova (a area in Mumbai). I'll get an early start. What have we got to hide anyway? I'm going to see my cousin and you're going to see your ex – fianc. No need of me to come in and meet the folks. You can come out to the car.

Kripa shook her head. She just couldn't face her father's opposition. It would be like a great icy wind from Antarctica.

Kripa – I'll meet you in town. I'll park here.

Angad – what time can you make it?

Kripa – eight o' clock. Is that too late?

Angad – eight's fine. Put in a few clothes. You'll be tired. We might as well stay in alibagh overnight. Trust me kripa we'll ne fine.

Did she trust him? That wasn't the question at all. the answer was and it came right away. Did she trust herself?