FF: A Blue Moon Ago - Chapter 18

Kunal looked up at his mother and asked her, 'Mama, my friends are going to a picnic tomorrow after school, can I go with them?' He really wanted to go because he wanted to spend some time with his male friends and because they were going to his favorite spot. 

Kripa thought over it. 'Where will they be going?' 

'You know our favorite picnic spot, right? We'll be there. We'll be back way long before dark. Please Mama I really wanted to go.' Kunal wasn't pouting but he was very close to it. 

Kripa saw him and smiled. How could she deny him anything? 'Of course but remember, make sure you're back before dark. You know how worried we get because you'll always be our little baby. Kartik's mom will drive you right?' 

Mother and son talked about the picnic. By the end of everything, he was extremely excited about it. He couldn't wait for morning. He went to his bed thinking he would never be able to sleep but in no time was he out. Kripa tiptoed to his room, smiled at her sleeping son, kissed his forehead and tucked him in properly and left. She thought of the first time she had held him in her arms. 

***********Flashback*********** 

Kripa's labor was for an intense eighteen hours. It seemed like her son was in no hurry to get in the world. By that time she knew for sure that it was going to be a boy and the names were already selected for her son. 

Kripa's mother was beside her comforting and encouraging her daughter. Although Kripa was almost blinded with pain, her mother's presence really soothed her. She would have never made it without her mother. 

During her labor, Kripa was thinking if she would be able to take care of her child. Would everybody accept her son? Would they accept a boy born out of wedlock? She knew she could easily have lied to anybody that her husband was dead or any other lie; but she didn't want to live her life as a lie. She would be proud of her son. 

Kripa's thoughts stopped when she felt another searing pain. Why was he troubling her so? Couldn't he just come see his mother now? She was desperate to see her baby. 

When finally she gave birth to her son, all doubts vanished from her mind. When Kunal was placed in her arms, she knew that everything would be alright. She just needed to believe. They would go to another place. Thank God Josh was her friend. During this incredibly difficult time, he was always there to support her. Just when she thought of him, he came to her. He saw Kunal in Kripa's arms and smiled. He kissed Kripa's forehead and took Kunal in his arms. 

Kripa talked to Josh about relocating. Josh always understood. She never had to explain herself to him. He was so much more than a brother to her. She would forever be grateful for such a wonderful friend. 

Josh suggested going to Nainital. Since Kripa had wanted to become a doctor and the best hospitals were there, Kripa followed his advice and was forever indebted to him. 

***********End of Flashback*********** 

Kripa went back to her room and morning came too soon for her. She quickly got ready and sent Kunal off to school. 

Kunal had a wonderful day since his exams were already over. All he did was have an exciting time with his friends. They went to the picnic spot right after school. They climbed the hill and sang merrily on the way. They talked their boy-talk and enjoyed each others' company. They got to Kunal's desired spot when Kunal saw somebody seated there. Oh well, a little company would not hurt. Kunal did not want to go to the top of the hill but his friends wanted to so they would get together again on his friends' way down. 

Kunal went forward and realized that the person seated there was Angad. He became really excited. He would have some time with his father. 

Angad was in his own thoughts. He was thinking about Kripa and their old times. He really missed her. He wanted to see her but he had promised he wouldn't and a Khanna never broke his promise. He heard somebody approaching and turned. He saw Kunal and was very pleased. For some reason he couldn't understand, whenever he was with Kunal, he felt a lot happier. He always felt some connection with this kid. 

Kunal went and sat down beside Angad without a word. They looked at each other and felt compelled to hug one another. And they did just that. Kunal felt his universe was at its best. He was with his father. Oh, life was just incredible. Angad felt a pang in his heart. Why did this kid look so familiar to him? 

'Hi, Mr Khanna. How are you doing? It's so good to see you. What are you doing here? You know, this is my favorite spot here! I haven't seen you in so long! Why don't you come to the hospital to meet your mother?' 

Angad laughed. The boy was just full of questions. Angad remembered his childhood and saw himself in Kunal. 'Hmm, let's see in what order I should answer that. I'm fine and how are you? It's so good to see you too. I came for a walk and discovered this place and fell in love with it so here I am. I haven't seen in so long either. I do come to the hospital but late at night because I'm busy with work.' That was close to the truth. He did come late at night but to avoid Kripa and not because of work. 

Kunal laughed. He was on top of the world. Father and son were talking until suddenly Kunal sighed. 'Umm, Mr Khanna. I wanted to ask you a question. I figured you'd be the best person to answer it because Dr. Prithvi and Dr. Nishant are busy with their love lives I need to ask a man this question.' 

Angad tried his very best to keep his face straight. A little boy of ten years old was going to ask him for advice for his love life. 'Yes, go ahead, you can ask me anything.' 

'There's this girl in my school, Kiran. We've always been in the same school and I really like her. She is an unusual girl. You know once I was trying to disturb her and she threw me on my back in a blink of an eye. That did it. We used to fight a lot but then we became friends. And now I think I really like her. How do I let her know?' 

Angad couldn't stop laughing this time. This was just hilarious. When Kunal saw him laughing he nudged his father to stop laughing and tell him the reason of this laughter. 'Oh Kunal. You know I know this girl too! She did the same thing to me in my university days. That's exactly how we fell in love.' Angad sobered up. 'And then I screwed it up. But anyways, do something special for her; make her feel like she's the only, single, most beautiful person on this Earth.' Angad kept on giving Kunal ideas and his grin got wider and wider. It wasn't so bad after all. 

'Thank you so much! Now you tell me what's wrong with your love life.' 

Angad looked at Kunal thoughtfully. Should he be telling a kid? What the heck, he would do it. 'I messed it up with this girl really bad. And now she doesn't even want to see me. I don't know how to win her back.' 

'Simple, don't see her for some time. She'll realize that she really missed you and wants to be with you. Then, when you go in front of her, don't give her too much importance. That will annoy her. But she'll really want to be with you. Then be nice to her and do sweet things for her!' 

Angad looked at Kunal as if he was a genius. Angad realized that he could go till any extent to get the love of his life back. 'So, does anyone other than me know about your love life?' Angad asked Kunal. 

'Yes, Mama knows. We talk about everything! From God to girls; from school work to her hospital work. We're really close.' 

The pair chitchatted for some time until Kunal's friends returned. Kunal hugged Angad and left. Angad was left wondering why he could tell this kid anything and everything. Why did he seem someone that belonged to him?