Part VIII
The doctor's lounge was abuzz around midnight with the constant movement of tired souls seeking a moment's reprieve from the exhaustive work of treating the large number of wounded patients brought in following a bus accident earlier in the day. While some caught up on emails sipping espressos, others merely dozed off in the comfort of the couch. Armaan lugged into the lounge, to see an empty seat next to a sleeping Riddhima. It wasn't the kind of first day he had expected, hectic and tiring- but there was a sense of satisfaction at having helped people in distress that gave him a strange strength to carry on.
Stretching his tired arms over the top of the couch as he settled in, he glanced over at a fast asleep Riddhima. As he looked on, the memories of their first meeting brought a faint smile on his lips inadvertently. And almost instantly in complete contrast - his facial muscles tensed up as he recalled her horror stricken face, pale with shock caused by the near death experience, the forlorn expression that he had noticed as she gazed on lost, with tears tricking down her cheeks and how he couldn't stop himself from feeling a tinge of pain looking at her. To date he had not been able to figure out what those eyes were saying at that instant. The moment, he had captured in his frame- with the picture that still hung in his studio- that image which had become the face of his exhibit- and hence the center piece, in all the three exhibits he had held since then. In all honesty, he had never expected to see her again- let alone find her standing infront of her own pair of eyes! And he had planned so much- in that short while as he had watched her bemused expression as she stared at her own eyes, the sight was endearing to him for some strange reason. He wanted to tell her that it was her- but then things rarely go as planned. She was too presumptuous - and quick to jump to conclusions about him, he was slightly ticked off- and may be it was better that way.
But the story didn't end there- he had to meet her again- and they had to have another face off. The moment he turned around to see her in Dr. Shashank's cabin- there was a sense of ease that spread within him- she brought out this prankster in him- and the odd part was he enjoyed it. He couldn't help but be an annoyance especially seeing how his remarks were affecting her composure. Her reactions to his intentional jabs had awarded him a weird sense of security.That flustered look in her face was priceless. I guess somethings never change, its in a man's nature to be attracted to beautiful maidens. He conceded to himself.
Knowing very well that the vagabond life that he wished to lead left no room for attachments, especially of this kind- he tried to maintain a distance but this woman, whom he barely knew was making him constantly challenge his own assertions- giving rise to this constant battle within him.
Immersed in his inner thoughts, as his voice trailed off while the background voices got slower and lower.. as if being sucked into an invisible pit- he slumped into a sweet slumber himself.
Only to be cut short by Riddhima's distressed voice, who jerked up with frown lines creased above her forehead, her distressed call of help was a clear indication of a bad dream. However, neither of them had bargained for what happened next. It had become a habbit for Riddhima to seek solace in her elder sister's embrace after a disturbing dream- she always had Anjali to turn to, to hug her reassuring that it was a bad dream or in some cases chide her for waking her up because of a weird dream, and so almost naturally, Riddhima latched on to Armaan who was seated next to her hugging him tigthly. He was stunned and as he looked on around the room, slightly flushed at the few other doctor's around the room- his hannds hanging in mid air on either side of Riddhima unable to put it around her, not sure how he should react. Until he heard, one of the doctors say, " oh no..not the flight nightmares again.." his hands almost instinctively went around her in a protective way, patting her back ever so gently, to reassure her that it was ok. It was a good few minutes before he felt her relaxing and that he himself found words to console her-, "its okay Riddhima, it was just a dream..shh.." She jerked up her face almost instantly- a moment of silence before her expressions were replaced by oh I've done it again look. " sorry..I..umm..I thought it was di.." she said in a low voice sounding terribly embarassed while still in his hold with her arms around him.
"It's ok, here have some water.." handing her a glass of water that a third doctor had passed on to him.
"..a bad dream?" he questioned with utmost concern.
" yea..more like a recurring nightmare.." taking a long breath, "i'm fine..thanks Armaan..I really feel bad about this..I'm sorry"
"it's okay..chill.." Riddhima saw his expressions change from that of concern to that of unmistakable mischief, she had seen enough of him to recognise that glint in his eyes, he added, "you know..its okay" winking at her, " I don't mind pretending..to be your di for a little while longer..this isn't such a bad pay off" tightening his hold around her in that pretext.
" You are incorrigible" shaking her head and yet holding on to him unconsciously.
Their little moment was finally interrupted by a un-impressed Anjali's voice, " since I am here...I think we can give the duplicate a rest for now..no Ridz?" looking at Armaan suspiciously.
Anjali's retort shook them out of this comfort zone- finally realising their relative positions, they disentangled themselves in a flash leading to a huge round of laughter from the curious by standers- who so far had managed to stifle their amusement, causing a hint of blush in Riddhima momentarily.
As he got to the door, he turned around to see Anjali and Riddhima talking with eachother, Riddhima looked up to him and flashed a brief smile and mouthed a Thank you. He nodded his head and headed back to work. Even as his mind repeated the words, stay away from her Armaan, he couldn't deny that he hadn't felt so good in ages.
As he walked back to the emmergency ward all recharged, he realised that he had been quick to dismiss this attraction- for it was the strongest he had felt in a long time- and oddly he couldn't quite place a finger on what exactly- rekindling this dual that had been a regular feature in his mind the last few days- the dual between his plans and his deepest subconscious desires. A normal life where he did not want to turn into his father, against his dreams of a free life- living on his terms and helping people, and she was messing it up big time. She was causing some sweet pain, he acknowledged.
~~~~~
The next two weeks went by with little interaction between the doctors. Armaan and Riddhima would meet occasionally, but since both were working different shifts, it was impossible for them to meet up or have any social interaction of sorts. Ofcourse, whenever they met- there were formal plesantaries exchanged and nothing beyond, they never talked about the hug, the exhibit or Mr. Khanna. Meanwhile, Armaan was eagerly awaiting the end to the night shifts so that he could devote sometime to his favorite pastime, painting.He hadn't been able to finish up anything decent for a while which was making him edgy.
Riddhima's life went on, like it had been for a while, to her great joy and dismay; the sequence of nightmares had stopped after that night at the lounge; and dismay since she found herself in a bigger flux. Her dreams were now frequented by one man- it was a total invasion- not that she didn't find the derogative title, Riddhima of Mumbai comparable to Venus of Urbino as she called the maiden in her dreams- amusing nor the images of exotic paintings a better trade off than gruesome images of pain and impending death but surely- this wasn't helping a her one bit. And neither did it help that she had to get up and go to work only to see the same man every day. Especially given his elusive behaviour, one moment he would appear like a long lost accquaintance while 99 times, he'd merely greet her and continue working as if it was the most normal thing to do. was it?
She couldn't figure out what annoyed her more, dreaming about Armaan or the lack of interest shown by Armaan- in the five minutes they would meet every second day or the fact that they would hardly meet at all on certain days. Was it a reaction to her eagerness to get up and go to work everyday- things had certainly changed in that respect. But then nothing much had happened otherwise- given that they had hardly been able to meet up in the past two weeks barring a few moments which were too insignificant to count. Or was it the realisation that he had hardly annoyed her which was another annoyance to her. She was just plain annoyed that he had invaded her peace of mind- this attraction was getting to her.
So to get out of this hopeless rut, she choose to go out and have fun with other friends; her logic to reassure herself was simple, I'm not going to waste time worrying about silly little inconsequnential things anymore. Summit and Muskaan had been ideal distractions offering to go out for coffee with her, and although she initially had reservations about Summit's expectations from her, he never seemed to make such moves that would confirm her inkling, and hence she thought it best not to deal with the awkward situation that would arise when she would bring up the issue to clear the air between them. He was now being a good friend, and she felt comfortable in that knowledge and with having a friendship that was purely platonic, and at every possible instance she had made it obvious to him that she harbored no amorous thoughts about him what-so-ever.
In between their coffee meetings, despite the dire warnings from her innerself, she did occasionally bring up Armaan in their conversations with a desire to know more of him. However, Summit had not been forthcoming with too much information except telling her how big a flirt Armaan had been while growing up- the rich, college play boy fascianted with oil painting and women. Who had almost given up his degree trading it with a life of a free lance photographer. This little insight had made her even more curious, but try as she might, Summit never uttered a word beyond these and she was sensible enough not to push her luck further. Somewhere- she wasn't surprised to hear that he was a college flirt, she had seem ample evidence of that trait- but a playboy?- hadn't seen that coming, perhaps so- with a tinge of jealousy kindling somwhere- she wondered whether he was still single? Not that it mattered to her in her scheme of things according to her.
In terms of dynamics, not much had changed between the other doctors in these two weeks, Muskaan still tried to initiate a conversation with Rahul- who continued to ignore her; Summit too increasingly had tried to get Riddhima's attention but barring a few coffee trips to the nearest coffee outlet and that too with Muskaan's constant company- he wasn't getting the kind of result he had hoped for. The more Riddhima maintained a friendly distance, the more she made her disinterest obvious, his desire to get closer to her grew more- he knew he was playing around, and hadn't shied away from the possibility of him using her as a bait to get in the good books of Dr.Shashank but he too was increasingly growing impatient with the lack of action, as he termed it.
Everyone was now looking forward to the monthly Friday bash that the hospital organised for the doctors- Muskaan wanted to talk to Rahul, Summit was cooking up plans to spend an intimate evening with Riddhima, Armaan had been tricked by Summit and Muskaan to agree on a blind date, Riddhima, in her own admission to herself, agreed to attend the event to enjoy the evening and not because she wanted to see how Armaan's date fared, which she concluded also meant he wasn't currently seeing anyone. He can date whoever he wants for all I care!
The two that seemed the least excited to attend this month's bash were Atul and Anjali; there was no hint of the excitement from them. For some reason, Atul seemed calmer and Anjali seemed far more relaxed than her usual self, but for now everyone was too engaged in theatre of their own dreams- to notice these changes.
Thursday night, before the bash at the entrance lobby.
Riddhima saw Armaan talking animatedly with a beautiful young woman, whom he was adressing as Dia. As she spied, rather wrongly- she over heard him talking about being famished, and eager to eat home cooked food. A restless Riddhima watched uncomfortably as the two walked off together.
" Flirt with Riddhima, dinner with Dia and Date with somebody else? What was I thinking? This man is something..but ..why should I care? ...and what were you doing with him Ridz everytime?... I need some sleep" she headed home praying she got a decent night's sleep for a change.
~~~~~
Hey folks-that was a longest part to date..phew
for all those who had asked for a longer part😊
just realised that -writing a ff is super addictive but HARD
so forgive me for all the inconsistencies that will surely creep in here and there
Lastly,
I welcome all the new readers to the thread
to those overwhelming majority of silent readers, i hope to hear from you someday
and sugarbuns😆- here's the part as i promised😉
- Aria
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Part IX
I wanna love you'
Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that Im feelin?
Is this love - is this love - is this love -
Is this love that Im feelin?
Wo-o-o-oah! oh yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!
Yes, I know; yes, I know - yes, I know now!
She turned the volume down not wanting to hear the word love one more time chosing to evade the haunting question by replacing it with the sweet sound of the monsoon rain instead. She loved rain- had missed it sorely- the fragrance of the soil when the first rain hits the land, while she was in the US busy with her studies. Tonight experiencing the rains after a hiatus ' feeling calmer, she chose to park her car a few blocks away from home- overlooking the turbulent sea- admiring nature- it felt beautiful and she had never felt more at home.
As the raindrops fell strongly on her car-Riddhima set her seat back- relaxing in this new found exhilartion. She had not felt so relieved in ages and yet, it was anything but calm- the whirlwind moonsoon rain almost reflected her inner conflict- that was plagued by multiple questions and contradictory emotions seemingly running side by side. Shouldn't she be feeling sad that Summit had been playing with her- but she didn't care!- shouldn't she feel bad for Ria- but she didn't know her well enough!
Instead she was happy- and almost ashamed to admit so. Afterall, its not nice to take pleasure out of other people's misery but it wasn't about others- tonight had been, against all expectations about her- and strangely Armaan. Her thoughts wandered back to the events of the evening, the strange dinner with Armaan, Summit and Ria. Her annoyance at seeing Ria get close with Armaan and her retalaiting by getting comfy with Summit in turn- I can't believe I did that, behave like a dumb high school kid who has feelings for the school president! She rolled down her windows partly, sticking her arm out to feel the rain on her palms- jealousy makes you do strange things, jealousy- she splashed some water on her face- jealous? This is so unlike me.
In complete contrast- she recalled how she was more relaxed watching an amused Armaan as he observed Summit and Ria interact. They clearly got along setting the house on fire- sure they hadn't exactly exchanged complimentary words- but even in their little dual- the fire was more than visible. I always thought Summit was the subdued kind- guess life never ceases to surprise you. It had been a little unsettling and surprising to find out Summit's truth considering she had taken him to be a good friend- can't judge a book by its cover.
Can't judge a book by its cover- that brings me back to him- the smiling assasin; now what do I do of him? He seemed so different tonight, not like the rich playboy Summit was talking about and neither the indifferent Armaan I have seen the last few days. This was a night of revelations and did it matter who said anything, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts- increasingly they hinted at something, and it was getting difficult for her to ignore her heart's call. She closed her eyes, as the rain water hit her face through the open glass- Armaan, what is it about him? Suddenly she remembered his insistence about something brewing between Atul and Anjie when they had seen them leave the party as they were sitting on the back steps talking- she smiled. He can be such a kid too, Di and Atul?...never in a million years!.. clearly the doctor needs a lot more practice..at fishing..and started laughing alone- the words fishing had taken an entirely different meaning from this night on. Closing her eyes, as the rain drops fell on her lips..the lips that soon curved into a smile.
~~~
Summit sat on the rocks watching the waves hit the shore continuously, he couldn't decide whether it was his heart that ached more or whether it was the the stormy skies and the dark night. As the rain finally broke through, he sat there all soaked - as was his heart- and it was then in that hazy moment that things became clear to him- he had lost it, he had lost her. He didn't know when the tears started but soon they mixed with the raindrops on his face and were streaming down drenching him in a pool of disgust that he felt for himself, and shame at his actions- everything was lost now, and it had taken him the hardest blow to reaslise how wrong he had been all along. As he sat there, all alone drenched on the rocks by the stormy sea-side, it dawned on him that Ria meant more to him than he realised; that explained why he had run after her from the pub leaving behind Riddhima despite his plans . The searing pain he felt in his heart when Ria broke off all ties and walked off, that blow had hurt the most. He lay down on the shore besides the rocks, and took in all the rainfall, hoping it would cleanse him. Images of her hurt face flashed across his eyes, making him feel worse.
~~~
Rahul finally broke the silence on the phone, "Thanks Muskaan" how he wished he could hug her at that moment.
After a brief silence, followed by a long sigh- a hint of resignation, Muskaan replied almost apologetically, " no I should be thanking you, I'm sorry once again Rahul- if only I had known- I just hope Ria doesn't get too hurt in all this Rahul..I didn't realise when I started this that I would be putting so many lives at stake'no wonder you were miffed with me.. I deserve every bit of your flak"
" well I'm glad miss fix it has got over that fixation- and I know you had honest intentions but no one has the right to play with other people's emotions, we can't fix things just cause we see it fit Muskaan. Sometimes things just have to run its own course and people have to learn the hard way. You know I always told Ria about Summit but she never believed me, I know she will be deeply hurt by everything but may be its better if she learns the truth now than later..and I can't blame you entirely as you didn't know the entire truth.."
He went on, " And to tell you the truthI kind of feel bad for Riddhima too, now that you two have become good friends, I hope she doesn't feel that you used her if she ever finds out.." Rahul looked on through the balcony as the rain innundated his front lawn.
"I didn't know it was the same Summit, I had honest intentions..just that things went wrong but she'll be fine, Rahul don't worry she doesn't think of Summit that way.." Muskaan was quick to reply.
"oh really, how can you be so sure?"
" You know, the other day over coffee, it was obvious that both were on different planes. Infact they were talking more about Armaan than about themselves..- that made me think- you know if Armaan and Riddhima ever got together- they would make the world's cutest babies.." Muskaan knew very well Rahul wouldn't be too pleased to hear this but she just had to get it off her mind.
"Muskaan..you are impossible!!...old habbits die hard, you're back to your match fixing again?..but this time do everyone a favor and keep it between us please..besides there is no way anything is possible between them" Rahul added.
"Don't be so sure Rahul, my sixth sense is..achoo"
"Muskaan have you been standing in the rain again?" He knew how she loved to get wet in the first monsoon shower.
" No Rahul..achoo" She moved in closing the balcony door.
The two went on talking over a trail of increasing achoos, as the rain fell over the city. Tomorrow morning was going to be beautiful.
~~~
At a cosy corner of an expensive restaurant- sat two love birds.
" No I know my sister, she doesn't harbour any such feelings for Sumit, she'll be fine..I'm just glad she's out of sphere from Muskaan's obnoxious blind dates" Anjali replied as she took a spoonful of ice cream from the dame blanc that was placed at the center of their table.
" how can you be so sure Anjie?" Atul prodded as he took out his share of ice cream, " I mean..everyone could see how well Summit and Riddhima were getting along there at the table. I think even Armaan and Ria were a little uncomfortable there to begin with. But its funny because Ria was flirting with Armaan so openly that the poor guy was clearly uncomfortable and then Summit- that slimeball with his arms around Riddhima was doing the same. I wonder why Riddhima didn't stop him, on the contrary she seemed to encourage it."
" That's what I am trying to figure out Atul, before Sumit ran off chasing Ria, both Armaan and Ria, Summit and Riddhima were flirting with eachother. Then there was a conversation between Sumit and Ria where Armaan and Riddhima were mere spectators. And then in the end only those two were left.."
" So you think Sumit and Ria have a history..?" Atul
" hmm.. seems like it..I'm just glad that Ridzi knows the truth about Summit..eventhough I always knew she didn't take him that way- now everyone knows the truth about them.." Anjali replied.
" Oh Ridz was fine, I saw her talking with Armaan and if anything they seemed to be having a good time.."
" I don't want to think about that Atul"
"think of me then" Atul winked as Anjie fought to keep his spoon away from the ice cream, he went on rambling with the aim of distracting her as he fought her spoon for supremacy over ice cream "..besides..I'm surprised no one's got a whiff about us yet" Atul smiled victiouriously as he finally managed to steal that spoonful of ice cream. " Hey!! that wasn't fair, you cheated.." Anjali complained.
" Everything's fair in love.." as he took another spoonful and fed her.
~~~
As Armaan sat on the rocking chair looking at the rain hit the inclined window in his plush apartment overlooking beautiful night drenched in the first monsoon - the cool air spreading a strange calm around him, almost instilling a stillness in his otherwise turbulent life. What was I implying there ..its not like I had too much to drink either..to be intoxicated..but she just brings it out ..as he sipped the hot tea, brings out something that puts me at ease.He smiled as he recalled her earnest attempts to make him jealous by indulging in a little flirting with Summit as he tweaked her jealousy bud further by pretending to play along to Ria's false advances. She never fails to surprise, why can't I resist making that one last jab at her?and despite my own convictions- I can't seem to stay away from her. His thoughts wandered off to the conversation he had had with Riddhima a while back in the pub after dinner- when she had indirectly asked about him.
"You know there is an impression that people hold of artists..that they love to live in their own worlds, very rarely are social- infact are almost those rare species- who except for one muse that holds his interest does not have too many acquaintances." Riddhima replied as she sipped water.
"Well, a hermit I cannot be- considering I am very much fond of all my muses..but slightly eccentric may be- if you ask each of them.." he let out an amused laughter as replied to her.
" so you do agree on a muse?"
"whoever said a word of just, A SINGLE MUSE- I am a modern wanna be- muses have been the order of the day" looking at her.
" yes ..the order of the day..Armaan and his multiple muses..Ria, Pia..Dia.." Riddhima stopped- holding herself back before she blurted out her angst against another innocent soul whom she barely knew anything about.
Looking at the play of certain emotions on her face, he concluded in a much honest manner, as he took a sip of wine, " ..or may be I haven't been lucky enough.."
"Lucky enough?"
"..you know to find THE muse- that I can keep in seclusion- claiming as mine forever..paiting her portraits- etching my name in her heart.."
"Armaan..you are never serious are you?" She replied but was quick to note the mention of his ill luck.
Armaan looked at her glass, and cocking an eyebrow, asked her, " so this doctor gets intoxicated with water- in which case, alcohol would render you..?" shaking hid head, " I knew it, you are the mild types..who never.."
" mild types? What is that supposed to mean?!" emphatically cutting him off, " before you get any ideas in your head- I am not a weirdo- I will admit to have had my share of wild moments- but I prefer my sanity anyday..especially when I am in the company of strange men..like you" Before she could finish, he interrupted her, " ahh..so you're not drinking because you want to be in control of yourself..? I know-I am irrestible!"
"Hey.." pointing a finger at him, " don't get any ideas Armaan- you are not the only good looking man in this club right now" Riddhima stopped mentally cursing herself- this wasn't how this line was supposed to come out, and look at that smirk on his face.
"oohhh..not the only good looking man ehh..?..go on.." Armaan smiled..as he pushed her for an answer, " well'er..you have a few plus points'too.. I guess..." trying desperately to cover up the slip.
"Chalo, that's always good to know..makes me feel better since my date ditched me to run off with another man"
" yea..with mine.." Riddhima replied lightly seeminlgy unaware of reaction it had triggered on Armaan.
" Yours?" all of a sudden, the silence was too strong as he awaited her response with an earnest expression.
"Ar..maan...we did come here together so technically..." Riddhima, who let her expressions give her clarification.
" phew.. that's better.. I was getting a little worried that all fishes are leaving the pond..I was thinking since your not too bad looking yourself, and we both have been brought togher by this harsh rejection..and since I'm always eager to help a damsel in distress.." his dimples back on his face.
"Fish..?Damsel in distress?..you have grave misconceptions about yourself doctor..and I can see the eccentric traits very well now.." looking at him suspiciously.
" well..you are alone for the night .." inching closer to her.
Sliding away from him, " don't get any ideas- and be aware doctor- I know karate"
"hahaha..you are really something Riddhima..you know a beautiful girl or a woman.." stopping to look at her baffled expression, " a girl" nodding his head in positive affirmation, as her eyes went wide realising the implication of those words, he went on , " a girl..as beautiful shouldn't be scaring off handsome princes.."
" Handsome princes?.. Armaan..you have clearly overrated yourself?"
" I was talking about Summit...who ran away with my date.."
There was a moment of silence- as they both recalled how Summit had followed Ria out of the pub.
" Some date huh, seriously Riddhima..I think my ego has taken a beating after all that- I mean no one has ever left me from a dinner table for another man like that. Riddhima, do you see any grey hairs in my head" jerking his head towards her face.
" eewww..Armaan..do you ever take showers.." pushing him back.
"Hey that's not fair.." He protested.
"well doctor...you just need to go find some other fish in the pond in that case" pushing him back.
"hmm that's true..but there isnt much of a pond where I am now..my only option is.." he purposely stopped himself from saying her name but his eyes were implying something that Riddhima could read easily.
" I think its all the house wine that's doing all the talking Armaan..and besides if the pond is out of fish..may be its time to change the pond..or more practice..and I can't believe I'm having this fishy conversation with you..how demeaning.." Before she could complete herself.
" shh.." he silenced her into absolute stillness by placing his fingers upon her lips, slowly he came closer and looking in her eyes, whispered, " has anyone told you that you have the most amazing, deeply beautiful eyes that can drown a million hearts?"
Their brief eye-lock was broken by droplets of rain that fell on their faces causing them to look up. Riddhima feeling relieved at the timing of the rain, broke the broken silence, " I think we should head in- looks like its going to rain heavily"
"I've clearly lost my touch.." He shook his head in disappointment as both got up from the steps overlooking the sea. Cleverly steering the conversation away from any unwanted awkwardness.
Riddhima couldn't resist one more jab at him, " clearly that's such a jaded line doctor.. no wonder you can't fish..you need a new bait" Even as they walked in- she could still feel his touch on her and hear his voice that boomed in her head- the rain was a welcome excuse.
Finally updated Part IX Folks😊
my apologies for making you guys wait- esp with that status update
truth was- i just wasn't happy with the way the part was shaping up
now that i've realised- can't do much to fix it, its up
i know you were probably expecting a lot more of the party
and even i had expected Armaan and Riddhima to dance😆
but those two are hell bent on nothing😲
hope to hear from you guys- feedback either way is always welcome
will be sending out pms now
tc
aria
Edited by olive_green - 14 years ago
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