*Falling for You* (AR) Part 5 (28/11)

***Part 1***

 

 

*Some months ago*

 

It was a lovely morning for the people in Milan, one of the major cities in Italy. The sun was shining brightly spreading its light to almost all the things it could reach upon, from automobiles to living beings to even nature related souls. The magic of the sunny weather had already worked its charm on the plants and the trees; they were bending lightly every now and then with the slight breeze flowing around as if waving happily to its viewers. There were different kinds of faces that could be seen around, ranging from young to matured to even wrinkled ones,  but all seemed to have one thing in common; they were all gleaming with enthusiasm to start a fresh day.

 

 

The traffic was always the highpoint in Milan, especially in the mornings. The cars, the bikes, the vans, the buses, each of them got accumulated everyday with the aim of reaching their destination on time. Even though the crowd was unbelievable almost everyday, there was never even the slightest sign of chaos or impatience to be seen around anywhere. Waiting patiently for each of their turns, the natives always managed to sort the issue with a complete ease and smoothness.

 

 

Sitting calmly beside the window, enjoying the sun rays fall freely over her smooth un-tanned skin, she observed the objects outside move past her rapidly, one after another as if competing against each other. By traveling through the same route for the past four years, she was now used to seeing the same things over and over again; the food shops advertising pizzas at special prices, the clothing designs flashing proudly with the stylish beaded decorations, the buildings standing erectly trying their best to reach the sky, and so on and so forth. Nothing had changed except for the faces, which altered every now and then.

 

 

Looking forward to today's work, she continued staring across the glass with a slight smile developed on her lips. Going to work was always a pleasure for her, bringing a sense of satisfaction, a feeling of being capable to do something, a feeling of being independent and being able to earn a living at her own terms. She had always hated being dependent on others for her expenditures. She still remembered how much she disliked asking her parents for money when she was in school. The whole idea of growing up and working in a field of her own liking was something she had always wanted from the beginning. She was proud of herself for standing up on her own feet by opening her own business and she was very pleased with the progress of the work she was doing.

 

 

Working in a fashion store was almost a dream for her; she had always aimed at opening her own clothing business where she could sell her designs making the customers appreciate her credibility more and more. Coming up with new, appealing designs had been a hobby since her school days. Being a fashion fanatic herself, she couldn't imagine going in any other field if not for designing clothes. Even though she was confused about going into Interior designing as that had been of an equal interest to her, she chose the clothing aspect over it due to its sheer market value. Fashion and Milan went hand in hand together, and she knew that fact extremely well.

 

 

Feeling her body tighten up with a figure occupying the seat just beside her, she tried to shift her weight towards the opposite side in order to avoid any physical contact with them. Managing her handbag to stay in her own spatial territory, she held it tightly grabbing it from the middle to maintain a good balance for it.

 

 

'Hi'

 

 

She heard a voice, a deep male voice. Not sure if it was really someone talking to her or if it was her imagination, she continued gazing outside ignoring whatever she just heard.

 

 

'Hello.......'

 

 

She heard the same voice again the only difference was that it was a 'Hello' instead of a 'Hi' this time. Confident of hearing it as opposed to day-dreaming, she twisted her head towards the other side in order to locate its source.

 

 

'It's a lovely day today, isn't it?'

 

 

It was a young handsome face talking to her. The slight smile on his lips made the dimples on both the cheeks deepen up even more making the face look all the more attractive and charismatic. The shiny strands of hair falling neatly on his forehead added to the sexiness, and its masculinity.

 

 

Ignoring his talks, she moved her face back to the original side giving him an indication of not being interested in him at all. Weather was the best way to start a conversation and it wasn't something new for her. She had come across so many guys in the past trying to fish out for topics to get into interaction with her. Knowing this case to be the same, she faced the glass with a frustrated yet calm look thinking to herself 'Such a loser, as if he thinks that I am going to talk to him just like that. Guys like him should be hanged right away, Goshhhhhh'.

 

 

'Uhhh''..Che bella giornata'

 

 

'Che bella giornata'

 

 

'Come sar' il tempo domani?'

 

 

She heard all those phrases popped up at her by the same person sitting right next to her. Annoyed with his unending attempts, she faced him with an irritated look.

 

 

'What are you doing Mr.? I know English very well and I got what you said the very first time. There's no need to repeat the same things in Italian.' She infuriated at him like a weapon.

 

 

'I am sorry, I thought you didn't understand me. That's why I translated it in Italian. You see'.....a lot of people here don't understand English so I thought you might be one of them.' He said in a very calm tone with a smile still playing on his lips; it seemed quite determined to stay there whatsoever.

 

 

Hearing his explanation with a weird look, she sat there without replying back yet again.

 

 

'So, you didn't answer me'''..What do you think will the weather be like tomorrow?' he asked with twinkling eyes, shifting his posture to face her.

 

 

'Now how will I know what the weather would be like tomorrow''''I am not a weather forecast reporter, am I?' she shot back at him''''again.

 

 

'That's true. But I thought that even the sun would be dying to come out tomorrow to get a glimpse of your beautiful face. See''''.its already smiling happily up there today.' He said pointing to the sky, the smile still sitting comfortably in its designated place.

 

 

Not sure how to react to his remark, she formed a confused look on her face. She knew that he was flirting with her but this was something that had left her in loss of words. Rising partially from her seat, she said to him 'Uh'''excuse me, my stop is here'.

 

 

Getting off the bus, she hung her handbag around her shoulder'''..noticing the same person gazing at her, smiling endlessly as if admiring her from top to bottom. Trembling a little from that strong gaze, she wished for the bus to be gone away as soon as possible. Observing the tires starting their circular motion, she felt relieved to see the bus go away with his face blurring out in the distance.

 

 

'Thank God he's gone. My Gosh, such a loser.' She thought to herself as she headed towards her work.

 

 

********************************************************************************************

 

 

'lo stile' the sign board was sparkling proudly above the shop, with cool subdued colors giving it a simple yet classy look. This was her very own boutique signifying the style brought by her designs in any and every form. She couldn't let this property slip away from her hands when she first got to know about its sale around four years ago. It was no less than a golden opportunity for her to get a shop in the middle of the main city that would get her all the recognition with lots and lots of profits. She knew it was a very big step in her professional life and she was sensible enough to take a good advantage of it.

 

 

Entering the store, she headed towards the front and placed her belongings on the counter.

 

 

'Morning Anjie'

 

 

'Good morning madam' came a female voice.

 

 

Anjalie in short Anjie was 50% partner of this clothing store along with her. They had always been the best buddies since their high school days. From dreaming about designing in school to studying fashion design in real in one of the best universities there, they practically lived this dream together. Always enthusiastic about coming up with new ideas of making all sorts of stylish clothes, including accessories such as bags, belts, shoes, even jewelry, they had wished to work in conjunction with each other'''all the time. Moreover, the duo always seemed a sure hit amongst the customers, which seemed beneficial in all sorts of ways ranging from financial aspects to creative issues. It was therefore not a bad idea to work together, in fact a highly profitable one for both of them.

 

 

'So, how was your journey?' Anjalie asked her with a smiling face.

 

 

'Don't ask Anjie. Oh boy'''..what a horrible experience it was. This guy'''''.gosh''''..he was literally flirting with me all the time in the bus''''''.'

 

 

Hearing the door swung open, she gave a halt to her early morning endeavors and looked at the other side to greet her first customer of the day.

 

 

'Hi, how can I help you?'

 

 

Seeing the figure head towards her, she felt a familiarity with the face as it came under the illumination of the bulbs. She was confused and shocked at the same time to see the same person standing in front of her who had left her to tremble significantly through his strong gaze a few minutes ago. He had that smile still intact on his lips with approximately the same radius as before. This was annoying yet scary she thought to be stalked up by a guy, following her till her own work place.

 

 

'What are you doing here?' She asked him with a frowned look.

 

 

'Ohhhh''''.nice boutique. So, you work here huh?' he said without replying to the actual question posed by the owner of the shop.

 

 

'I asked what you are doing here? Are you following me?'

 

 

'Yeah'''''.I am''''''..I came here to ask you something' he said shamelessly.

 

 

'What do you want?' She was confused as well as annoyed with his behavior.

 

 

'Will you go out for a coffee with me?' he asked without waiting for a moment.

 

 

That was surprising not only for her but even for her friend Anjalie who was viewing the scene as quietly as a non-living object. She had witnessed lots of men in the past asking her friend out but this''''''was different. This guy was blunt'''''and was full of guts without any doubt. Still maintaining her muteness, Anjalie waited for the scene to proceed.

 

 

'Excuse me??? What did you just say?' she asked with a tone filled with shock and confusion.

 

 

'I said would you go out for a coffee with me'''''.today''''.now?' he replied as confidently as before without any signs of doubt or nervousness in his voice.

 

 

'I am sorry'''..I don't go out with strangers'. She said maintaining her frown, accompanied with rudeness this time.

 

 

'Oh'''.If that's the case then let me cross away that criterion of yours. I am Armaan''''Armaan Mallik and you must be''''''Riddhima Ormanno Gupta' he said picking the visiting card that was sitting comfortably on its silver polished stand.

 

 

'Now, would you like to go out with me?' he said with a satisfied look as if highly positive about giving the right answer.

 

 

She was surprised by his behavior, she had not come across a guy as shameless as him before''''''.ever'''''''never'.

 

 

'Just telling your name doesn't make you less than a stranger I suppose.' She replied confidently.

 

 

'But that doesn't make us strangers either'''..does it?'

 

 

'Stop bothering me and leave from here.' She was boiling with anger observing him argue with her one after another.

 

 

Seeing him stand there as firmly as a statue, she shouted out with her eyes filled with anger while her hand was directing the exit 'Are you leaving or not'''''

 

 

'Think again Riddhima'''''..you might regret it later on' he said with a certain smirk on his face.

 

 

'I said leave''''''''..' she said with as much strength as possible with her red cheeks indicating the amount of lava burning inside her'''''ready to explode anytime.

 

 

Continuing to stare at her with the smirk which had replaced the smile from its past position, he walked backwards towards the exit''''..with his eyes determined not to blink no matter what. His eyes had something special'''''it was hard to describe in words what it was'''but they had a significant amount of passion in them''''..crazy passion. Opening the door leaving it to squeak a little, he made an exit at last''

 

 

Seeing him disappear, Riddhima finally exhaled her anger with the aim of calming herself down.

 

 

'Ridz, was that the guy you were talking about earlier?' Anjalie asked with a lot of interest.

 

 

'Yeah, I told you'''''..he is such a weirdo'

 

 

'I don't know about that but he is hot mannnnn. Are you mad, why did you refuse to him? I wish he had asked me out''''''.' Anjalie sighed saying so.

 

 

'Shut up Anjie!'

 

 

'Oh come on Riddhima'''..he was hot, wasn't he?'

 

 

'Arghhh'''..what does he think of himself? He asked me to reconsider my decision as if I was dying to go out with him'''''.loser'''..I hate such guys'''''''''I detest them to the core' she angrily flipped the pages of her account diary and got back to entering the figures in it'''''''..trying to take her mind away from what just happened'''''

*beep''.beep*  *beep'''beep*  *beep'''beep*

 

The sound coming from the alarm clock, standing beside her face broke into her morning sleep and shattered it completely.  Hauling her eyes apart, she looked at the time through the gelled clump of her hair.

 

'10 o'clock? Oh my God''.' She woke up with a startled jump. Throwing back the bedcovers, she hurried towards the cupboard.

 

Even though it was a Sunday today, she wanted to get up early like her usual routine. Being an early riser, she was one of those who liked to kick off their day early in the morning. She was in fact a very organized person and liked doing all her activities according to the plan. Today, like every Sunday was meant for house related work. Things like purchasing groceries and home d'cor items, vacuuming, lawn mowing, and car cleaning were all in her 'to-do' agenda.

 

Picking out a cool summer green dress from her wardrobe, she softly placed the delicate piece of fabric on the bed and began her search for the matching earrings. On finding the appropriate earrings, drop pearls in a silver setting, she put them carefully on the dressing table and staggered into the bathroom.

 

Why on earth did we go out on a Saturday night, she wondered as she massaged shampoo vigorously into her hair and tried to stay standing under the spray of water. She had gone out with Anjali to celebrate another of their business successes the previous night. The entire week had been very profitable for them in terms of selling almost all of their new collection to the customers, a lot of them had liked the new designs so much that they had even requested for more. While shutting the shop on Friday evening, Anjali had suggested her to go out to celebrate the following night. They had gone to George's, stuffed themselves with food in a Greek restaurant and fell down for a few drinks. It was a fun night altogether, nothing like her usual routine, and she got back to the apartment at about four o'clock.

 

'Not so fun when you come to think of it now Riddhima'''.Oh lord, I am having such a bad headache. I shouldn't have listened to Anjali, she is like that from the beginning'''Well, it was all my fault'''.I shouldn't have agreed to go out with her in the first place' Saying so, she wrapped herself in her flowery pink towel and headed towards the bed in order to get dressed.

 

********************************************************************************************

 

Coming out of the grocery store loaded with bags that were covering more than half of her body, she felt like a donkey carrying all the weight around in the middle of the shopping centre. While buying items, it had rather seemed like a good idea to throw whatever she came across in the shopping trolley. She had put lots of soups, salads, juices, milk items, as soon as she noticed them on the shelves. Being a health freak, she liked to maintain her diet on these things especially during the week days, and they were quick and easy to prepare as well'''.that suited her all the even more.

 

Trying her best not to lose her balance, she made her way in the direction of the exit.

 

'Hey again'''''

 

She instantly felt a big lump in her throat. It was the same person''or rather the same stalker who had followed her till her own work place the previous week. That incident had bothered her all day long, she had seen a lot of crazy guys trying their chance on her but that was different''..and that too in a scary way.

 

What if he comes again''.what if he follows me everywhere''..what if this'''what if that'''..she had wondered about the various possibilities all day. She was relieved to see nothing like that happen during the week, and she had in fact even brushed away the memories of that unpleasant incident. But seeing him now, standing only a few centimeters away, she could feel each and every moment of that scene coming back in her head as though it were on a videotape.

 

'Hello???? Miss Gupta'''How are you?'

 

'Uhhh''hi'''.what are you doing here?' His tone was so polite that Riddhima couldn't be rude to him''''but at the same time she couldn't be indirect to him either.

 

'I came in to do some shopping'''.Sundays are such a relief to spend time on yourself''.isn't it?' He said casually.

 

'Ohhhh''''.yeah' She gave a smile, a tiny smile that only barely turned up the corners of her lips. Not sure about what to say next, she stood there like a piece of stone''.waiting for him to either say something or just leave. As it is, she was having a hard time with the bags''''.it was almost like a weightlifting session going on for her.

 

'Let me help you with that''''.My God, are you planning to participate in the next Olympics? Look at you'''..you can be given the best weightlifter's title right away' he said with his dimpled effect.........the same smile had occupied its place on his cheeks like before.

 

Hearing him, she smiled sheepishly trying to look as casual as she could. 'No, thanks'''..I can manage.'

 

'Oh come on Riddhima''''.do you think it is gentlemanlike for me to see a lady as delicate as you standing like that''...with all the bags almost ready to eat her away?' He said with a smirk.

 

'Plus, it would be so difficult for someone like you living alone'''there won't be anyone to help you at your house either.'

 

She felt sick hearing that, a sudden heave over which she had no control brought her blood racing up, and made her shiver with the shock. She didn't know what to say after that'''it had astounded her so much that she instantly felt a drive to run away from there'''

 

'I have to go now''''..' She said abruptly rushing her self out from the conversation, and heading towards the parking area. 'What a creep''..how does he know that I live alone'''..this is ridiculous' she thought, pushing herself out of the shopping centre.

 

The drive back home hadn't been so pleasant for her with the thought of that man hitting her mind every now and then. His presence during both the meetings had made her feel uncomfortable. There was something about him that just made her run away from him. It wasn't his looks''..he was undoubtedly one of those good looking men who were blessed with attractive facial features. But, there was something strange about him''.something that had a power to disturb her for reasons she didn't understand herself.

 

She had managed to get home reasonably early and cooked a chicken stir-fry for herself. After finishing off the vacuuming and car cleaning, she had another shower before she tucked into her food happily, stretching herself out on the sofa in front of the TV'''taking her attention away from all those disturbing morning events.

 

********************************************************************************************

 

Wednesday was hectic for Riddhima and Anjali. The boutique had been almost packed with women all around, eyeing on the clothes that appealed to them, giving watery smiles to each of those outfits. They all came with the hope of getting something classy under their kitty''.and why wouldn't they'''.both the girls knew how important clothes were for the women in Milan. The right clothes were like a key to unlock their inner self. Wearing the right clothes made anyone for that matter feel confident, whereas the wrong outfit left the wearer unsure.

 

She had finally managed to finish off her work and shut off the shop on time. It had been an exhausting day at work. She could feel her stiff neck and the hangover drumming against the back of her eye while walking towards the bus stop. Waiting for the bus was another nightmare, why the hell doesn't it come on time ever, she thought. It had always irritated her when the bus didn't show up on time, she had this ready to kill look on her face''..which was quite obvious for the bus drivers to make them feel scared.

 

'Hey Miss Gupta, do you want a ride back home? I can drop you off' she moved her attention to the black colored Civic shining in front of her and noticed the same stranger offering her a lift.

 

'What on earth is he doing here? Why does this man keep turning up everywhere?' She murmured to herself, trying to make a sense out of it.

 

'Hello''.I was passing through and I saw you here'''I am more than happy to drop you off if you like' he said in a friendly tone.

 

'No''..it is completely fine, thanks. The bus would be here any minute' she said sharply while gazing at him.

 

Seeing the bus arrive and stop behind his car, she speeded towards its front door without letting him say anything in return. 'This is crazy, he practically shows up everywhere I go. What is wrong with him?' she thought while getting on the bus.

 

********************************************************************************************

 

It had been a busy day again, she sighed while twisting her neck to get rid of the stiffness. Anjali had left for her friend's 21^st early in the evening. She had asked Riddhima to join her but she had refused. She never enjoyed such parties; this was probably one of the main differences between her and Anjali. Anjali was more of an outgoing person, she liked to mix up with people, get drunk during weekends and basically have fun''which was what life was all about according to her. Riddhima on the other hand liked to spend time at home, all she liked to do was to relax at home by spending time alone''with herself. She liked to do things by herself rather than behaving crazily at the peak hour of the night, she found it ridiculous and purely a waste of energy as well as time.

 

Like other Fridays, she was busy with managing the accounts. The finances of the passed week's materials were taken care of and since Anjali wasn't around, the total work load came on her.

 

She was almost done with entering the figures and now all she wanted to do was to go home and spread on the sofa. Work was enjoyable for her but weekends were always welcomed, she used them to freshen up from the tiredness of the entire week. Closing the diary, she placed it systematically on the pile of files already sitting on the counter desk and packed her bag making her way out of the shop.

 

It was already dark when she left the shop, around 9 as she headed towards the bus stop. She shivered as the cool breeze stuffed inside her thin silk blouse'''partially due to a slight fear inside her. It wasn't like she had never been out till late by herself but being tired from the day's work, she wasn't feeling very confident about going alone to the bus stop''..and then waiting for long like an idiot for the bus to arrive.

 

She walked past the shops along the pavement, leaving each successive shop behind her within seconds. Along the same side of the pavement, not far from her, there suddenly came a man in evening dress; he was staggering and cautiously leaning against the wall. On noticing the guy, Riddhima became cautious and flew straight as an arrow, with the timid haste one sees in all the girls who do not want anyone to follow them home at night.

 

Without saying a word to anyone, the man set off and flew full speed in pursuit of his unknown prey. She started racing like the wind, but the staggering man was overtaking'''almost overtook her. Riddhima uttered a shriek 'What are you doing?' She asked as the man held her hand tightly.

 

He didn't answer and instead started pulling her towards himself.

 

'Leave me' she said sternly with a command in her voice but it wasn't very helpful as the man seemed determined not to let his prey get off from his catch.

 

She got worried as the situation became worse. She didn't realize when the tears started to roll down her cheeks. She was in trouble and she couldn't even do anything to get herself out from that man's grip. He was of a strong built and she was a delicate creature in comparison to him. Feeling herself helpless, she cried for help. She hoped for someone to help her out as it seemed like the most sensible thing to do at that point of time.

 

In a flash, she noticed her stranger in front of her'''the same person who had followed her to her workplace'''.the same person who had left her to shiver outside the grocery store'''..the same Armaan Mallik. It surprised her how his name came out of her mouth on its own as she saw him.

 

Armaan had a stick in his hand. Seeing his entry into the scene, the obtrusive harasser took his position and fell back on his own without a word, and only when he went far from them protested against Armaan's action in a rather vigorous language. But his words hardly reached them.

 

'Give me your arm' he said to her. 'And he won't dare to annoy you any further.'

 

She took his arm without a word, still trembling with excitement and terror.

'What were you doing here at this hour? You shouldn't roam around at this time'''..don't you know how unsafe this area is?' he asked with a firm voice.

 

On hearing that, she instantly released her hand from his grip and moved away from him 'I am not a child to be told what to do and what not to do.'

 

'Okay enough of that. Come and sit in the car, I'll drop you home, it is late already.'

 

'No thanks, I can manage. I don't need your help.' She slipped by him along the pavement and stood there with folded hands.

 

Armaan stood beside her and asked 'Why do I get a feeling you don't like me?'

 

Riddhima looked up at him. 'I don't know', she said honestly. 'I don't dislike you. You make me uncomfortable.'

 

'Why?'

 

She looked down at the ground. 'I am not sure.'

 

'Come and sit in the car and we can talk about it,' he suggested. 'I don't like to think that I'm making someone uncomfortable.'

 

She slid herself in the front seat and shut the door softly.

 

He drove the car silently; the frustration on his face was quite evident for anyone to notice. Seeing his face and recalling his words on the pavement, she felt a guilt crawling its way up her chest. She knew she behaved badly with him, he had been kind towards her, saved her from a dreadful attacker and she didn't even have the courtesy to thank him. Turning her posture towards him, she made an attempt at breaking the silence.

 

'I am sorry'..Ar'

 

'Armaan' he added spinning his head to face her.

 

'Uh.......I know I was rude towards you and I apologize for that''and'. thanks for what you did.' She said casting her eyes down on the gear.

 

'Its okay'''These things happen' he said smiling.

 

He faced the windscreen as he made a right turn. 'So tell me''''why do I make you uncomfortable?' he asked again.

 

'Because of the way you behaved with me during our first meeting. I found it'.'

 

'Straightforward'..' he added following a chuckle.

 

'I don't know'''.I found it weird.' She told him.

 

He laughed hearing that 'I know''''but that's how I am. I am a straightforward person and I say what I feel. Some people have the skills of playing with words but I am certainly not one of those gifted ones.'

 

His honesty impressed her. It was so easy to twist around words but hearing him say everything so simply brought a smile on her lips. She shot surreptitious glances at him, careful to look at him only when his attention was directed towards the front. His face had a charming feel; it was arresting. You couldn't help being drawn to him, she thought.

 

'What happened' he asked seeing her lost in her thoughts.

 

'Uh''.nothing' she nodded. 'Armaaan'.'

 

'hmm'

 

'How did you know that I live alone'''..you had practically scared me when you said that so confidently on that day''.in the shopping centre. I was scared you know.' She said lowering her eyes.

 

He laughed listening to her 'You got scared?' and laughed again.

 

'Obviously'''..who wouldn't'''I thought you followed me and kept an eye on me.' She told him.

 

'Yeah you were right''''..I kept an eye on your whereabouts.'

 

She felt hot at the mention of his statement, feeling sweat accumulate on her forehead. Unable to make out how to react, she ordered out 'Stop the car''''I said stop the car.'

 

 

 

curious to knw abt d story.....n just loved d whole concept........

plzzzzzzz pm me wen u update nxt.......