~Part 33~
"ridzy..." she turned around lost in thoughts, but smiled as she
saw him....offering his hand, he pulled her to the dance floor as she
looked a bit reluctant....but soon she was tapping and moving in rhythm
to the fast dance number opposite him, and he said "thanks a ton!" she
looked at him curiously and he explained "i know i know....all the
credit to muskaan....the cake, the food, the party, the decor,
everything....i love the crazy girl to bits with or without her putting
in these efforts....but when she does stuff like this i know she feels
exactly the same....although um also sure u must have been tremendous
help for all this set up...." as she smiled he continued "cause that
useless ammy is worse than muski...."
ridhima said "u dont have to thank me reg....ur a special
friend....muski did a swell job cause she wanted to do it for u, not
cause i was there to pass orders....and armaan actually was quite a lot
of help too, he didnt let me touch a thing, n helped muski in all that
kitchen work he so isnt cut out for...." rahul grinned then shaking his
head he said "exactly....thats what i said thanks for....for coming
into his life....he is so himself now...." he pointed to where armaan
stood dancing with another girl from the cheerleaders across from them
and said
"u see him there???hes smiling....but observe him for a wile....he
cant stop himself from looking at u every few moments....a beautiful
lady in his arms, who is obviously keeping no secrets about how much
she would love to seduce him....he is as indifferent as can be...well
to be honest hes always been indifferent now for years....but the
reason has changed....earlier it was his inner resolution to keep
distance....n now its his proximity to the only girl in his life which
keeps him away from the rest....he loves u so much ridzy, n um so glad
its u he chose to spend his life with...he deserves nothing less than
the best....."
ridhima smiled graciously at rahul, in the couple of months of
interaction, rahul had always expressed all his feelings in few words
if ever, although he made them obvious through actions, but today he
was being downright honest with her...perhaps the occasion n the
champaign....she knew what he meant to armaan, n she had looked up to
their friendship, but today she knew why he held that place in his life
like no one else....she looked back at armaan, who was now dancing with
sandra, n found him staring at herself the very same moment, realizing
she noticed, he gave her a quick smile, then turned back to
sandra.....she smiled to herself, thinking....after a couple of seconds
she spoke up
"reg....even if armaan kept his distance, did none of the girls
from ur circle ever get serious about armaan???" rahul rolled his eyes,
then looking back at her he smiled "how do u define serious ridz???one
thing i can tell u is their serious n ur serious isnt quite the
same....but to get facts in place yeh most girls hit on him....THE
ARMAAN CHRISTOPHER BENZ effect u know...many have even dated him....is
that what u mean by serious???i bet not...." ridhima shook her head and
said "no i mean...u guys are all not just friends but professionals
working on the team together as well....when he turns down a girl, isnt
it hard to maintain the same cordial connection???i mean doesnt it get
awkward or rough for him to handle that????n now that he claims hes
committed how do they receive the fact???dont think um spying on
him....i just...well i want to be in his life as a growth factor, not
to make him run head on into trouble cause of my presence....u know
what i mean????"
rahul looked at her a for a couple of moments then closing in a bit
on the distance between them he held her hand and squeezed it with a
sigh, "u r his strength ridzy...his true strength...." letting go her
hand he explained looking towards armaan and sandra..."see sandra there
with him now???she been a persistant one, for over 4 years....she
claims they are together to everyone who's a big shot....being ammy's
girl is quite an image to flaunt....but does she care about him never
acknowledging her statement???nah....while she goes out n sleeps with
the rest of the team, she never fails to exert a chance of owning him
in places it would matter....would u ever call that serious???she aint
the only one, just the oldest with us, the rest of them too, leave no
stone unturned to draw advantage of being with him...thats all any of
them care about, as far as being connected with him is concerned....but
never did anybody ever hear armaan give his opinion about the projected
relations....he prefers staying quiet, u can never check gossip by
putting effort into correcting it, so he let it be....
but after u came along, he made it publically known....now that was
definitely news...it killed any rumors that have ever been, cause one
thing they all know about him is he says it only if he means it....the
boys have been trully happy for him....they all look upto him without
doubt n want to see him happy...the girls have been pretty cool about
it....they never loved him, all they seeked was publicity by being
hooked with him even if just for a rumor....guess they all are now busy
figuring out the next eligible bachelor they can be linked with....they
are his team...n there arent any hard feelings, he always claimed to be
a friend, n he is that to each one of us on the team....girls n boys
alike....beyond that he claimed nothing...if they dated him, they knew
it was all benefit for them, and a friendly gesture from
him....personally i think they are positive about u n him....hes been a
great captain n a true support, and everyone without an exception
admires him for that...." then holding ridhima's hand againg he
finished with a meaningful voice...."u want to help him???just be with
him....thats all he needs....."
ridhima smiled at him reassuringly....n then the rotation happened
seeing muskaan heading towards them she took his hand and urged him
towards her....he oblidged happily with a friendly wink at her, and she
found herself paired with a guy called Scot....smiling at him
deeply....rahul's words echoed in her head....unknowingly she had
indeed wanted to discuss this topic with someone, to be sure she was
working on the right outlook....n she was relaxed after the chat....she
was indeed bang on target....had decided a week ago to be there with
armaan, as he was with her, always....
she had decided to be positive about the female attention he
got....she looked at him as the next rotation took place and he was a
spot away from her, as she danced with Alex, and he was with
janice....he was a gem, she ought to be proud of him, n not insecure
about him, as he presented no reason for that....she wanted to be, as
rahul had just said, his true strength, n would be just that, without
letting any negetivity ever come into picture again to create doubt....
n by throwing this party she had taken her first step....she looked
at alex as he pulled her aside slightly keeping her hand away from the
girl dancing on their other side, she smiled at him....it was working
great so far, as she put in efforts to get out of her comfort zone n
interact with both the boys n the girls, she felt them receive her
well, not just for armaan's sake, but as a gesture in return for
hers....some of them, a couple of girls included, even complimented her
on being a wonderful host along with muskaan, and she felt thrilled....
at the next rotation minutes later she found herself in the only
pair of arms she prayed to have around her for the rest of her
life....she was paired with armaan....n smiled at him, with nothing but
love and happiness.....armaan returned a dazed stare, for a few moments
he couldnt draw his eyes away, but as the slow romantic track made its
presence felt he averted his gaze.....
"I know just how to whisper
and I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
and I know just how to lie"
~flashback~
he decided to talk out his guilt with her walking into the kitchen,
but the moment he entered he saw her trying to pick up the trays he
rushed to her n pulled them out of her hands.....the brush of her skin
at that moment broke his resolve again, n he said looking at the many
things which had to be moved out "u go n send muskaan in...we will get
this fixed in place..." he hated himself hoping she wouldnt be hurt or
misunderstand him but he just....needed the right moment...he had to
sort this out....n he just felt so....awkward???....she doesnt even
know what was gona happen....cant i just let it go???its fine i will
not lose it again.....at that moment she kissed him lightly on his
cheek n whispered "thanks honey...." and left the kitchen, leaving him
even more guilty n unsure....would it really not happen again???oh
man...i should have just told pa i want to get engaged...no actually
married right away, he thought....dam....this is gona kill me....i just
cant be close to her again without all those thoughts flooding me....no
no no....dude...u have to talk to her....at that moment muskaan had
come in to help.....
~flashback ends~
"And I know just where to touch you
and I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
and I know when to let you loose"
as he caught up with the lyrics....he saw her in his arms
again....shes such an angel....n me???....relax armaan...ur not a bad
guy right???its human...he told himself...i just love her
desperately....n this test of time is really going to drive me
crazy.....should i tell her now???but she looks so happy...what if she
gets mad at me or thinks i dont honor her ideals???....no she wont
think that way....she knows me....but...perhaps i should tell her after
the party....but should i delay this anymore???its killing me
inside....
"And I know the night is fading,
And I know that times gonna fly
And Im never gonna tell you everything
Ive got to tell you
But I know Ive got to give it a try"
"sweetheart???" he looked at her hearing her sweet voice, her
expression concerned n her face soft...he gulped n she said "armaan
whats wrong honey....i feel like something is troubling u....look u
dont have to worry...muski barged into the room but she...didnt
see....i mean...its ok....seriously"....he wanted to run away at that
moment....OMG! she thinks um awkward coz muskaan walked in on us....oh
no....how the hell will i ever explain this to her....and what exactly
do i want to explain....ridhima, sweetheart...i cant take the distance
anymore...can we go to bed???yeh sounds perfect, n il never see her
face again....god i really dont wana hurt her but she needs to know the
real me...someone get me out of this mess....
"But I dont know how to leave you,
And Ill never let you fall;
And I dont know how you do it,
Making love out of nothing at all"
"no um fine...just...the drinks i think...had a bit too much...u
know how that can be....anyways...u enjoying???happy with the party u
wanted???" he said it all without a pause...she looked at him n broke
out grinning, nodding her head she kissed him lightly on his lips....n
said "its all perfect...." tapping her feet her eyes shut, as he stared
at her......
"Every time I see you the rays of the sun
Are streaming through the waves in your hair;
And every star in the sky is taking aim
At your eyes like a spotlight,
The beating of my heart is a drum, and its lost
And its looking for a rhythm like you"
i love u sweetheart, he thought....i love u so much....its not lust
i promise.....i mean....you look breathtaking....n that is a
factor....but.....i never felt this way with the countless women who
looked out of the world.....the way i felt in the bedroom....the way i
feel now with u in my arms.....yes armaan.....its just her, cause u
love her.....u will understand that honey, wont u???
"I can make the run or stumble,
I can make the final block;
And I can make every tackle, at the sound of the whistle,
I can make all the stadiums rock..."
she whispered her eyes still closed..."wow those lines so fit
you..." n opening her eyes locking her arms around his neck she
continued, as he felt enervate with her beauty, the moment n her soft
voice..."my superstar!!!" n gave him a quick peck on his lips
again....he was too stunned to react....she wasnt going to make it any
easier for him to tell the truth was she??? n the proximity....he just
wanted to grab her n get out of this place where he could....."n by the
way, i know ur lying...." he was knocked back to the world of mortals,
totally startled by her words.....ok now she going to give me what i
called for....."u just had a glass of wine, even a two year old cant
get drunk on that....n u say ur high???".....huh??what is she talking
about now.....and she continued, softly putting her hand on one side of
his face "honey???will u tell me the real trouble???"
phew! she doesnt know....well not yet....but i have to tell
her...."ridzy...." he took in a deep breath...."i need to get a
drink....u want something???" she looked at him her eyes narrowing a
bit, then slowly shaking her head she let go of him, n saw him walk off
the stage, as the next rotation took place....after moments of dancing
with a pre occupied mind she politely excused herself.....with half
mind she started walking towards the drinks corner, but midway, she
changed her mind, and climbed up the stairs to go to the terrace....
armaan cursed himself as he picked up a shot....she was right....he
wasnt drunk at all....perhaps he needed to get drunk so he could just
blurt out the truth...it doesnt seem likely for me to gather the guts
to do it while still in my senses...as he drained off the shot, turning
around, he saw her going up the steps in a hurry.....first he
stared...why was she going up????her room was downstairs.....then he
ran to follow her.....on his way, he hastily grabbed a plate with a
piece of the birthday cake.....
*************
bracing herself against the cold wind, she looked upwards into the
sky, with the moon n the stars trying to distract herself from any
reason to cry....and she spoke addressing the nothingness around
her..."ridzy why do u think so much????you werent tracking him through
the party....maybe he did drink more than what u noticed....n
anyways....what are u bothered about...." then lowering her voice she
answered the self proclaimed question "well hes not ok....so um
worried....shouldnt i be???whats wrong armaan???everything was going
perfect...." she smiled remembering his words....'iv had enough
now....i wana get married right away....'....she blushed whispering "um
smitten by ur style lord benz.....u almost proposed me for a wedding
there didnt u???"....then her smile turned to a slight frown n she said
"so whats wrong now????a perfect moment like that, n u havent even
looked at me straight ever since....did muski make u that
conscious???are u embarresed of us together sweetheart???"
and she sighed....of course not ridzy she thought....he just got
awkward....wouldnt u get so if it had been reg instead of
muski....perhaps....gosh!armaaaaan....ur worse than girls....to think
the heart throb image is a camouflage to such sheer shyness.....she
thought shaking her head....and she shiverd lightly again.....with the
cold wind, and the touch on the bare shoulder.....turning around she
saw him....."why didnt i guess its u.....who else would creep on me
like that...." he smiled at her then turned to face the sky, just like
her, standing by her side....."a penny for ur thought my lady..." he
said after a few quiet moments passed by....she retorted without a
glance "cheapstakes dont befit lords like u....a penny???too less...."
he grinned at her pluck....then bringing the plate with the cake before
her eyes he said "does that make it worth wile???" she took it from him
n biting into it nodded...then said finishing her bite "my thoughts are
same as yours....only....um stuck with the question, while ur gamble
with the answer...." he asked making her face him "u mad at me???" n
she questioned back "should i be???" he lowered his gaze n whispered "i
dont know....but i hope not....."
she didnt like his tone.....putting the plate aside she waited for
him to continue....n he said "i uh....i think i got...."....cupping her
face in his hands he said closing his eyes "carried away....in the
bedroom i mean....i didnt....i didnt intend for it to happen ridzy it
just.....did..." and he opened his eyes to look back into hers....she
seemed puzzled for a bit....then she gave him a cheeky smile "i didnt
think id live to see the day ur lordship would be embaresed to confess
that he found me attractive...." he raised his eyebrows at her....then
letting her face go he held his head in his hands for a moment grinning
helplessly....then looking back at her...."embarassed???hell...no...."
then holding her hands he said "i mean...no ur getting this wrong...."
as she looked at him curiously expectant now n opened her mouth
slightly to ask what he meant she found his gaze piercing through
her.....it made her blush unintentionally and the question just
lingered in her look.....as she lowered her eyes, he pulled her close n
kissed her parted lips intensely....kissing him back, she felt a
different level of passion in his hold on her.....the kiss, the grip
around her waist, n the other hand in her hair....it was possessive,
and demanding....like he was urging her to understand something.....but
she could hardly process a thought....she felt weak in her knees, then
he softly parted, maintaining the touch n she smiled in his feel....he
whispered "i want you...." a couple of seconds went by...then she
jerked open her eyes n stared back into his , as he stood so
close....she felt blank n so were her eyes n expression.....
************
~Part 34~
For the initial moments armaan stared back into her eyes, his look
steadfast....but as the seconds ticked away, he felt restless at not
getting any response....his eyes wandered in minute scrutiny of each
subtlety in the softness of her face, desperate to detect even the hint
of variation of expression which may reveal her thoughts at that
moment....but she remained unfathomable....his lips still brushing
almost close to her mouth, he dared not break his hold on her to move
out of the overwhelming closeness which enveloped both of them, to a
certain extent clouding their logic....
for he feared what any physical disturbance to this stillness might
consequence....if he had invited trouble, which he felt he most
certainly had, breaking this spell might hasten its arrival n for then,
though his anticipation was rising by the second, he preferred the
moment of proximity, just him n her...would last an eternity.....but it
could not....anticipation was giving way to anxiety....n ultimately
after the lapse of a many inactive seconds frustration towered over him
n he could contain himself no longer...why didnt she speak????was this
the advent of his worst fears coming true????
he managed a barely audible hoarse whisper, each word greater
effort than the one before as he spoke "now....u are mad at me...." he
had meant that as a question but perhaps the answer had been obvious to
him, for it appeared to her as a flat fact he had stated after
resigning to its acceptance....and as her first reaction in over a
minute, she shook her head, so instantaneously that he was
shocked..."UR NOT???" he blurted out much louder this time arching his
eyebrows sharply....then his gaze flickered a bit trying to grasp the
realization, n looking back at her with an after thought, he spoke in a
lower voice again "so ur...uh....not offended???" trying to make sure
he was getting this right.....she shook her head a second time, almost
mechanically it seemed to him since her poker faced expression had
remained steadily unaltered.....
"u mean...."he stopped unable to aptly word his thoughts and
lowered his eyes with a slight sigh, then looking back he tried again
"i meant....so u want......" he stopped not quite able to say exactly
what he thought she meant...she isnt angry that's all...but doesnt that
imply she...feels like me???no armaan, dont mess this up anymore u said
what u had to n she not offended god alone knows how not, now dont try
her tolerance.....but i want to know he thought feeling
desperate....NO...whatever it is she may feel, i dont have the right to
take any liberties....just...just forget it man...yeh forget it.....BUT
HOW???
She could see the battle raging within him, as it reflected crystal
clear in his eyes....and also cause she was under a similar one of her
own....NO I AM NOT MAD AT U....she almost wanted to scream out but her
voice had deserted her....how she wished so would her power to
reason.....how she wanted to tell him she felt the same each moment she
was with him....especially now.....she was having a hard time keeping
her head clear of his essence his warm breath on her cheeks, his lips
so close to hers.....n yet if only it would stay this way
forever....and deep within she hoped she would lose this battle of self
constrain n not be questioned by her conscience.....she wasnt offended,
not in the least....
how could she be when she wanted him too...had wanted him in every
moment they were close, perhaps without even the conscious realization
of what exactly it was she wanted.....but when he said it she knew that
was it.....but how could she be thinking all this let alone not being
offended???shouldnt she feel like he was being outrageous????n here she
was feeling.....ALMOST HAPPY????n the feeling was rising within....like
a surge of emotion unchecked.....she finally lowered her eyes.....oh my
lord....forgive me....is it a sin to feel so for the one i love???the
only one it will ever be????i almost feel happy to the extent of
jubilation about him saying it n feeling my way....but this
guilt.....please god... rid me of one of the two emotions for how can i
face the two extremes together, in a situation which is hard enough
without this dilemma.....n she wished, it would be the guilt that left
her......
"um sorry ridhima" she looked up again hearing him whisper the
words....n in his eyes she saw a confusion floating...there was guilt,
but the confusion was glaring at her....his apology had almost been a
question....and as she looked into his eyes without blinking the strain
made them water slightly.....the strain of not flickering her gaze even
for a second, and the strain of her mental debate.....but the moment
armaan saw the tears swim in her eyes, his confusion was gone n he
cursed himself in his head.....for what he didnt know..for telling
her???no he had to or he couldnt even be around her without the burden
inside....for feeling this way???yeh that was it, but how could he help
that....he was at the end of the day all but human wasnt he???but now
he had made her cry....thats not it...she is perhaps deeply anguished
by my thoughts, and trying to not show it but now its apparent....
at long last he let go of his grip on her moving some steps back,
creating a distance he wouldnt want between them whatever the
price....but he had to, he was at a total loss of understanding her,
himself n his wish for the moment....he thought he wanted that
proximity to stay n grow....but it was so obviously hurting her....how
could he want that....he looked down, his feet and hands slightly
shifty n his eyes shut momentarily in the effort as he repeated this
time not as a question "um sorry....i dint mean it.....like this...."
in an even lower whisper if that was possible....and turned to go
letting out a deep sigh, his heart heavy with the mount of countless
bottled emotions n unspoken words.....in fact they could both perhaps
count on their finger tips the words they had uttered in the past
couple of minutes....correction...the words he had spoken, for she
uttered none, despite his silent urging to her to do so....n he walked
away....
hes sorry???but why???he knows um not offended....is he sorry about
feeling this way???what the.....whats wrong with this guy....one moment
he makes me feel so wanted n special....n the next he says he didnt
mean it???she let out a deep sigh, a bit restless, and extremely
disturbed running her fingers through her hair n pushing them back she
covered her eyes and forehead in her hands for a few moments...then on
an impulse she ran after him as fast as she could manage on her strappy
heals into the house...the blaring music hit her again....
halfway down the corridor he felt her hand on his arm...a tight
grip....he realized why as he looked curiously at the hand then turned
half way to face her, she was yanking off her sandles holding onto his
arm for support....he stood still not knowing what was happening.....n
then realizing she was struggling with them with her injured hand , he
stopped her n bent down to undo the strings...a moment later they were
lose n she yanked them off almost too roughly he thought....then
looking at him as he seemed puzzled she yelled over the blast of music
"where are u going???u havent heard me out yet...." as if their
conversation had never been interrupted by this short lapse.... the
temporary distraction forgotten, his expression turned grave again...at
first looking into her eyes, and then lowering his gaze in resignation
as he tried to figure out what that tone she spoke in implied...strange
but it didnt sound angry.....or was it????....at least shes finally
speaking...n well i called for it....just dont say u wont forgive me
honey....everything else i will take without question....n then he felt
her pull his arm , he looked up to see her pull them into his room....n
as she shut the door the noise from the bash was blocked out
considerably.....n then she turned around to face him, he heard her
soft low voice again n it sounded as he should have expected, quite
hurt....
"why are u sorry???" he looked up startled at first, then
uncomfortably he looked down again....sweetheart do u have to make me
spell it out for u???please dont make it so hard he pleaded in silence,
thinking of how to say it yet again....as if in response she said in
agonized urgency "ur sorry cause u love me???" that made him look up at
her again, after a couple of moments which it took for him to realize
her question he shook his head uncertainly....that wasnt what he was
expecting....now what could she possibly be trying to get at....she
replied his unspoken question again
"then ur sorry about being honest???or are u sorry u feel the way u
do????would you rather you didnt feel this way???" he was baffled by
her tirade she shot at him her voice slightly cracking towards the
end.....and slowly he lowered his eyes hit by her words....that was a
question indeed....would he rather he didnt feel that way.....ridhima
on the other hand had no clue whatsoever of what she was saying....it
wasnt as if she was asking him...it was like she was questioning
herself out loud....and she didnt know what her answer was....did she
regret either of them feeling so???not quite....no, not at all....but
should she feel ashamed of her desires????..."no" he answered at that
moment....and she wondered almost shocked if he was reading her mind,
but he continued to explain..."no its not that i would rather not feel
so...." now he looked into her eyes, n gathering all of the guts that
still remained in him he moved much closer, and held her face from the
cape of her neck, his fingers in her hair, looking into her eyes as she
looked back...
"how can i be sorry to love u sweetheart????n being honest
about...my desire for u....no u had to know it....but um sorry cause i
hurt u..." he let the last part linger like a question cause he felt
unsure once more of what exactly her thoughts at the moment were....a
part of him wanted to believe that she reciprocated his want of
her....n the other part feared what this whole talk was leading them
to....she asked in a low yearning whisper "n what if u didnt hurt
me???" he looked at her first curiously, then waiting for her to
conclude the statement she had made, cause he didnt think it was he who
was expected to answer....but as she continued to just look at him he
realized she was waiting for an answer....n he whispered uncertainly "i
didnt???"
she shook her head and raised her hand to caress his cheek gently,
he pulled her into a kiss....he didnt know what made him do it, at that
moment of all possible times....but as he kissed her with flooding
relief n passion, he realized she had urged him to it....cause she
kissed him back with a desperate craving....n he felt she didnt want
him to let go....as he pulled her tighter, without letting go her hands
gripped the back of his neck, her cold fingers sliding under the collar
through his shirt sent a sensuous chill down his spine, and as an
instantaneous reaction his hands caressed her bare back through her
hair....he felt his desires heightening much over any sense of reason,
his mind clouded by the sensation her touch brought
about....."armaaaan..." she gasped breathless as they broke apart, "i
love u ridhima" he whispered on her lips his own brushing against them,
n the last shred of constrain seemed to be leaving them both.....as he
kissed her again with bare seconds to recover some air.....n then she
hit the edge of the bed n as she lost her balance they both fell on it,
armaan on top of her causing them to break out of the kiss.....
"AAAAHHHHH"...the speed at which armaan jerked back was miraculous
hearing the pain in her scream....he moved away quickly staring at her,
completely shocked.....n then he saw the reason....she was holding onto
her bandaged hand agony etched over her face.....his senses flooding
back, he pulled her hand towards himself gentle despite the sudden
tension gripping him, n saw that the bandage was showing a small
reddening spot.....OMG, the wound must be bleeding again he thought
frantically, and he realized she was clutching his wrist that holding
her hand, hard, her nails digging into his flesh, and her eyes shut
tight in effort to not scream again, her lips trembling, and she let
out a shallow gasp close to a cry "armaaaaan....its.....aaahhhh" she
groaned in pain again a few tears now trickling down her eyes.....he
got up immediately pressing her forehead against him in urgency n
whispered "um coming" and reluctantly let go of her hand, running out
of the room to get her nursing kit n medicines.....
he was back within less than a minute, though it appeared to
ridhima to have been much longer, and saw her sitting the same way her
eyes shut, clutching onto her own hurt arm, with silent tears of
pain.....he rushed to her n started undoing the bandage.....as the
wound revealed itself he saw one end of the stitches were covered in
fresh blood.....he brought the hand closer for observation n realized
with an inkling of relief that none of the stitches had broken
apart....the bleeding must have occurred due to stretching of the hand
n strain on the stitches which meant he must have fallen....on her
hand.....he cursed himself gritting his teeth....then as she moaned in
pain again ever so softly he hurriedly brought out the ice pack n
pressed it gently but completely against the affected part to cause the
blood to clot.....
the pain must have numbed out cause as the moments passed by she
felt her frowns slowly easing away, and then finally she opened her
eyes to see him bent over her hand..."armaan..." she whispered again n
after a pause he said without looking up "is the pain any less???" she
was shocked by his voice it sounded so faint....not getting a reply he
finally looked up at her and she saw his eyes were red with unshed
tears....but he lowered them the very next instant and continued
without her answer..."the blood will clot pretty soon n we just need to
re bandage it with extra ointment n disinfectant....the stitches are
thankfully still intact....if um not wrong....hopefully it was atleast
not a re lapse...." his words sounded distant and she didnt know what
to say or do.....after a few moments she lifted his face to herself
again but he averted his gaze....
"there u are.....where the hell have u both been???" ridhima faced
rahul at the door while armaan quickly looked down at ridhima's hand
again concentrating on the ice....rahul followed his gaze n saw the
blood soaked bandage lying on a side n armaan holding an ice pack to
her hand, where a few dried drops of blood were visible....he rushed
inside in partial realization "omg....what happened to her ammy???"
armaan struggled to sound normal n started "she....uh....we....."
muskaan entered that moment "guys everyone is...." she stopped at the
sight facing her....n within seconds she too was kneeling down besides
armaan as she said "how the hell......" then facing her frowning hard
"RIDZY???what happened???" armaan opened his mouth to speak but ridhima
answered first "i stumbled on my heels in the corridor n hit the hand
against the wall so...it started bleeding again....n armaan..."
muskaan interrupted yelling "ARMAAN IS ALWAYS RIGHT WHEN HE INSISTS
WE SHOULD BE STRICT WITH U N I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO HIM WHEN HE SAID
NO FOR THE PARTY.....R U INSANE????RIDZY U KNOW HOW SEVERE THIS INJURY
WAS????N AS IF ONCE WAS NOT ENOUGH WITH THAT LAB CUTTER THAT
YOU....HAVE U FORGOTTEN HOW TO WALK NOW????" armaan jerked up his head
to interrupt but ridhima lightly squeezed his hand holding onto her
injured one with another stab of pain n said in a low voice "um sorry
muski....i just....tripped over something i think...its just....um
sorry...." n she lowered her eyes to meet armaan's n silently pleaded
him to not correct her.....
he looked away in desperation.....she was covering up for his lack
of control....why the hell was she saying.....oh god.....i just have
to.....he spoke aloud without knowing what he wanted to say "muski
actually it wasnt her fault.....i...." muskaan interrupted "no
armaan....dont cover up for her....how can u be so careless
ridzy.....but il deal with u later...first both u guys go down n see
off your gang...they are leaving soon....." before armaan could speak
up rahul said "muskaan u come with me....let armaan stay..." he sensed
there was more to the issue...n muskaan was losing it over
ridhima....it would perhaps be a good idea to let them be for a
while....n he pulled her away.....
for a couple of moments they both sat drowned in awkward
silence....then armaan spoke up "ridhima why did u...." she interrupted
him in a soft voice "because it was the right thing to do....." ...he
sighed deeply running his free hand through his hair and them looking
bac at her hand he removed the ice pack....the blood had stopped, deft
from years of sports and injury handling, he re did the whole dressing
in silence...which was getting to ridhima....the he got up n filled out
a glass of water for her n handed her some pills without meeting her
eyes....she took the medicine still looking at him.....was he not going
to say a word after all that happened???? she broke the silence at
last..."armaan are u angry cause i lied???" he didnt answer....this was
getting so unbearably uncomfortable.....
"armaan i had to....i mean....it was our matter...n
i....uh....didnt want to discuss with anyone before we talked.... n i
think now....." ..."ssshhhh" he whispered turning around...then walking
back to her he gently made her get off the bed then lifting the
comforter, he motioned her to get into the bed, she oblidged
obediently, her eyes not leaving his face, hoping he would at least
look at her.....then he tucked her carefully making sure she would be
cosy n said "now go to sleep...." his voice still distant, neither
commanding nor requesting...
"armaan i...." ...."ridhima we will talk tomorrow....please....u
need to rest for now...." then patting her head gently he added "sleep
well" and he turned around to leave she held onto his wrist and
whispered in a pleading voice "can u stay.....please" the emotion of
her voice wrenched his heart, n turning around as he looked at her ever
so briefly she did not miss his tearful eyes and he gave her a small
smile with great effort nodding.....then gently removing her hand off
his wrist he turned off the light n slumped on the couch across from
the bed.....shutting his eyes he finally let the bottled emotions flow
back into life sighing deeply.....
his mind raced with thoughts...what was i
thinking.....actually...WHY WAS I NOT THINKING....the bedroom thing was
a premonition, n i preferred to overlook it...in fact i took it for an
indication to the start of a new something.....i didnt regret a thing
even for a second, i was only worried about ridhima's reaction, n the
moment she let me off the hook, i was back to square one....WHATS WRONG
WITH U MAN???this isnt just a relationship....she isnt just a girl ur
attracted to.....how can u forget everything n everyone that
matters.....u know where this was headed???but she gave her
consent....she wanted the same n i love her....n um going to spend my
life with her so whats the problem.....
PROBLEM?????u took the responsibility, then who is
answerable???there is something called faith which was placed in u by
many....or have u forgotten the word???but what should i do with the
way i feel???cant a human have a weak moment???U KNOW WHAT UR WEAK
MOMENT JUST DID???GOD KNOWS WHAT SAVED HER HAND FROM ANYTHING MORE THAN
STRAINED STITCHES....ok fine..... it was wrong timing....i was
wrong....but not in the way i feel....cause she is the one....THE
ONE....
"exactly..." he whispered wording out his thoughts at long
last....saying each of the next words slowly with great emphasis to
prove to his inner prude self how much he meant
them..."she...is...the...one"...then after a pause he got up n started
pacing around the dark room....ENOUGH....he thought.....I CANT TAKE
THIS ANYMORE....i dont want to wait n prove to myself, to her or to
anybody else that this relationship is meant to be....i know it...she
knows it...i have seen enough of her n i dont care about what more
there is to be seen....because i know nothing will change my mind....n
i know she feels the same....pa u said lifelong decisions should be
made in their good time....but u also said i should take the decision
on my own terms....i have made up my mind now....i just have to get
this relationship moving, n give it the place in my life it is meant
for....
he walked towards ridhima on the bed n sat down beside her on the
carpet not making a sound since she might just have dozed off....he
controlled his urge to cuddle her as he saw her soft features in the
streak of moonlight hitting her face from the opposite window.....for
many seconds he just sat staring at her.....n then lightly brushing her
hair away from her eyes he whispered in a voice full of love
"sweetheart, this isnt just about me n my life....its about us....we
will talk tomorrow....i have made up my mind but i want to know what u
think....."
then placing a light kiss on her forehead he added "i am sorry
about today....i had no right to take that step....i respect what ur
family as much as my own.....but i just feel so trapped....neither do i
have it in me to ensure constrain.....nor do i wish either of us to
feel guilty of a feeling so pure....i love u honey.....n thats all i
care for.....the last word however, i leave to u.....whatever u decide,
i shall stand by.....but would it be too much to ask of you to not put
me to test anymore???" and he looked at her willing her to reply right
away....knowing she wouldnt, he held her bandaged hand softly in his
own n kissed it...."sweet dreams princess"...then resting by his head
by her side he closed his eyes, still clutching onto her hand....
she opened her eyes after several minutes when she was sure she
couldnt sense his gaze on her, n indeed she saw his eyes closed, as he
rest his head by her side.....her eye felt moist and she shut them to
stop any threatening tears....i love u armaan....for all the reasons i
know....n for the many i discover with each passing moment....she
snuggled closer to him.....wide awake, her eyes staring at him without
blinking....
***************
"good morning princess!!!how does ur hand feel????....be ready by
11am....we need to go see the doctor....had to leave early for
practice....sorry about that but hated waking u up much as i wanted
to.....n i also have some work at school after that so wont be home for
breakfast....but how about a lunch date???u can decide where....see you
soon...love armaan..." she read n re read, n re read the note yet
again.....and she pulled the comforter closer snuggling into it,
feeling his essence in the bed which essentially belonged to him...n
she closed her eyes remembering the events from the previous evening n
blushed unknowingly....then she jerked open her eyes....11AM....and she
sat up in the bed the very next moment.....its already 9:30....as his
last words from the night before came back she muttered...."what should
i wear today????it should be special....cause hes gona....PROPOSE ME"
she whispered blushing..."OMG I CANT BELIEVE ITS GOING TO BE
TODAY......LOVE U ARMAAN...." n she jumped out of the bed, kissing the
note he left her....n left the room to get ready for a day she thought
would be hers to remember her whole life....
***************
as he won the 15th round of 'jump 24' rahul said "dude???what side
of the bed did u wake up today....u havent missed a single shot...whats
gotten into u????i mean ur always bloody brilliant, but today is
like....flawless...." armaan grinned at him tossing the ball
away...then moving close to rahul he slid his arm around his shoulder n
said "just so u know...i didnt sleep on the bed last night....but
yeh....there is a code secret for the impeccable success as u call
it....come on i gota show u something....."
"so what do u think???" he asked as rahul looked zapped staring at
the screen of the laptop....turning to face armaan he said in a strict
voice "first u tell me what happened last evening..." as armaan frowned
at his question rahul added "dont deny it....something obviously
did.... to make u wake up n order a solitare by express delivery online
early morning....i mean u couldnt even wait to take her along n let her
chose the ring from the traditional shop in london which is usual for
ur family????" armaan blushed sheepishly...
it was hard to escape his best friend...he knew him too
well....aloud he said "well lets say nothing happened, but thats
exactly what made me realize i cant wait no more....she can always get
the main ring later when we hold the official ceremony in london
right???n who are you to comment....at least um buying her a new
one....u didnt even wait that long....just took off one from ur finger
n gave that to muski for starters remember???" rahul shook his head
grinning...and armaan persisted "i am going to collect the ring in half
an hour from the store before i go and pick up ridzy from the
apartment.....now tell me what do u think of it???" rahul hugged him
tight n said "um so happy for u bro....u better make this day special
for her...."
***********
"OUCH!!!" they both turned around stopping in their tracks as they
were walking to their cars, and ran back in a haste as they saw sandra
holding her leg sitting on the ground...."what happened sandy???" said
rahul rushing to her followed by armaan...."AAAHHHH" she moaned,
sticking her leg out towards armaan and they saw her knee was scraped n
bleeding ....."how did that happen" asked armaan kneeling down to
examine it and she said "duno how i slipped from there...." and she
pointed to a slightly raised platform close to the court....as they
both looked back at her she said in a painful voice "i think i sprained
my foot too..." armaan frowned feeling her ankle and said
"no i dont think u hurt that too bad or else...." ..."AAAWWWW" she
moaned again as he pressed it at a point "right there....it feels so
sore...um sure i sprained it AB...." he felt it again seeing her eyes
tearing....dam...we need the cheering squad ready by the end of this
week for the play offs next week...n now the lead says she sprained her
foot....why doesnt it feel too wrong though....apart from the bruise on
her knee....the ankle doesnt seem swollen...at least for now....but if
she insists its sore it must be i guess....and he sighed ever so
slightly....god these girls....just a sprain n the fuss they
make.....thank goodness ridzy isnt one of them....
ridzy...oh man i have to leave if i wana meet her in time.....n he
looked at rahul nudging him slightly and who said taking the hint "its
ok ammy u leave i know u have a class...il take sandy to a doc...." n
he winked at armaan slightly wishing him luck....but as he got up to
leave sandra groaned again much louder "aaaahhhh AB please dont
leave....how important is your lecture????um hurt so badly, n ur
worried about a class???atleast take me to a doctor...how can u leave
it all to reg????what if i need two people at the clinic for helping me
around n stuff???i most certainly cant walk on that foot....r u
forgetting um the lead" armaan turned back frowning....was that a
threat????shaking his head as she made a sorry face, he gave her his
hand to help her get up, n she stumbled onto him in the process.....as
he helped her balance again, armaan shot rahul a helpless reluctant
look, n rahul in turn frowned at sandra.....what timimg, he thought....
***************
she looked at the watch for the nth time pacing the floor of the
living room....it wasnt like him to get late....n he had called her
half an hour ago to confirm if she was up n ready....n now....he was
10minutes late already.....as the lapse closed to 20, she tried his
cell for the 5th time....switched off....armaan????where are you....the
doc wont be pleased if i dont be there in time for the
appointment...."ridzy???u still here??? i thought u said u will be gone
by 11...." ridhima shot her a troubled look n said "i dont know whats
delaying him muski....he is getting quite late, i dont think il make it
in time for the appointment if he doesnt come in the next 5
minutes...." muskaan looked at her calmly n said "so call him
ridzy...." which made ridhima frown at her "u think i wouldnt have done
that already???its switched off...." tapping her fingers for a moment
muskaan replied thinking "alright....he must be stuck with something
unannounced yet important...il take u....um done with classes till
afternoon anyways...." ...."but muski..." ridhima started to protest,
muskaan cut her off "i know u said u guys going out for lunch....lets
go see the doc at least then we can focus on tracking ur highness lord
benz....fine???" ridhima nodded reluctantly n followed muskaan out of
the house....
***************
~Part 35~
"i love u armaan" he replied hugging back..."i love u too
honey....i always have" and as she lifted her face from his shoulder,
ridhima was stunned to see who it was.....SANDRA???
She woke up with a start...sweating profusely.....her breathing
fast, n heartbeat rapid....in a hoarse voice again she whispered the
name that had haunted her sleep...."sandra...."...as the seconds
passed, she pushed herself to calm down, and shut her eyes
lightly....then opening them again she looked around her....she was in
armaan's room, still in her party dress....as she ran her fingers
through her hair pushing back the lose strands, she felt the stab of
pain in her hand....and looking at the fresh dressing she knew she had
not dreamt it all....but....she shut her eyes taking in a sharp whiff
of air....as the random scene of sandra falling over armaan flashed
back from her dream....she opened her eyes again, her breathing now
close to normal but her expressions confused n grim...n scared....
she looked around, but did not see any trace of armaan....had he
not slept by her????had she dreamt the words he had whispered???
no....of course not she told herself though quite
unconvinced....yeh....i think i dozed off staring at him and....as her
eyes fell on the wall clock she saw it was 7AM....and he must have left
for his early morning practice.....EARLY MORNING????and she shut her
eyes in terror as the dream flashed back....oh no....why did i dream
this now....early morning dreams are supposed to.....she couldnt bring
herself to even think about the age old superstition of morning dreams
coming coming true...what rubbish ridzy she chidded herself....ur a
science student...talk sense....its all just....complete
crap....besides he was gona propose.....he bought u a solitaire...wasnt
that all part of the so called morning dream???let it come true
then....by the way ridzy....what imaptience even in ur dreams...which
online express delivery sends solitaires in less than 4 hours???!!!
n she braved a small smile slightly shaking her head....but she
couldnt help thinking...why though, did i dream the latter part???i
mean....after the beautiful night....his honest confession....the words
he whispered.....could i still be....insecure about
him???no...absolutely not....there's nothing like that....dreams are
never logical....its ok ridzy relax....yeh deep breathe......ok good
girl....and she opened her eyes with a greater effort at
smiling....just a silly dream...thinking so she made to move out of the
bed...but then sat back, snuggling into the comforter...his
comforter...his bed....his room....and she smiled a bit blushing....his
girl.....right???yeh of course right.....did he whisper those words
last night???about talking to me???i hope they were real n not
something i dreamt....anyways ridzy....whatever the dream, stop
thinking negative...u promised urself u wouldnt....n now of all the
times???remember what reg said....JUST BE WITH HIM.....yeh its all
cool....n she slid off the bed, forcing her mind to get over the
inkling of uneasiness by humming a cheerful tune loudly.....
*************
"all right boys....lets call it day...." as he saw everyone nod
their heads, giving him a high five on their way off the court one by
one....he gave them a smile, wiping the sweat off his brow n made to
move out of the court himself after tossing the ball for a last 3
pointer for the morning...."AB..." he turned around to see sandra walk
towards him...he smiled at her lightly and said "hey sandy! ur early
for rehersals..." she nodded then shook her head...then walking closer
she said in a cheerful voice..."early yeh, not for rehersals
though....." he looked curious.....and she came closer putting her arms
around his neck which now made him frown...."i came for u..."
as he appeared flustered n visibly irked by her action and words
she slid her arms back "gosh! look at u AB....like um gona bite u...."
and she laughed in a frilly way, he gave her a blank look now, not
knowing what she meant....and she spoke again "mum n pa are throwing an
evening cocktail party at our mansion tonite....some of dads associates
are visiting from europe.....n so they wanted me to call my friends
there too, i passed the message to everyone....but the captain deserves
a special invite right???" armaan relaxed a bit as she said that with a
naughty winking smile.....sandy n her weird styles he thought.....n she
added "it would be great if you bring ridhima along as well..." now
armaan was pleasantly surprised n smiled at her warmly.....
"some of the associates are from london itself, n i guess they
would love to meet the lady who claims jr. lord benz as her beau....."
armaan shook his head smiling lightly "correction...she doesnt claim
it....i am her beau....n hopefully by tonite i will have been
promoted...." it was sandra's turn to look surprised and armaan said
with a light laugh "well if certain things i need to ensure fit well, i
plan to propose, n if my lady is gracious to say a yes, wouldnt u agree
i'd be promoted???" her asked perking his eyebrows in a questioning way
with a gleeful smile....she somehow managed to smile back spiritedly n
as she slid her arms around his neck a second time he didnt quite
object....
she said "wow AB that sounds like quite a plan...i am positive ur
lady will say yes ...why dont u surprise shoot the question at the
party itself???we can have a double celebration there n then...." and
hugged him....armaan hugged her back for her words, somehow they wiped
off any apprehensions on his mind....and in sheer excitement thinking
about ridhima's reaction, breaking from the hug but still holding him
around his neck she added "good luck..." and gave him a swift peck on
his cheek...then pulling apart, she smiled at him again in a fancy way
and walked off turning around once to add "i will wait for u..." he
replied "will be there...."
as he stood shaking his head with a smile he felt a hand on his
shoulder, turning around he saw rahul...."reg....um so excited bro...."
as he hugged him rahul hugged him back absent mindedly, his eyes
focussed at the disappearing sight of sandra with a slight frown,
remaining silent....armaan not getting the obvious question from rahul
pulled apart n said in a complaining tone..." ur supposed to ask
why...." rahul looked back at armaan with the frown still there
"huh???" armaan shot him an exasperated look "dude???whats on ur
mind???" rahul scratched his forehead slightly not speaking yet n
armaan repeated, not giving his lack of attention much thought for then
"i said um so excited...n ur supposed to ask why...but its ok, il tell
u anyways....um gona ask ridhima shashank gupta tonite if she would
like a change of name to ridhima armaan benz...."
rahul saw the radiance on armaan's face as he said the name
savoring each word....he felt happy but for the moment he frowned at
him and said in a solemn voice "um hurt ammy....i thought ud say cause
its my birthday...." as he finished with a naughty grin armaan punched
him lightly n spoke on "yeh right....muskaan's excitement fills up for
all of us....u dont need me for that now....." then getting a bit
solemn he said "she will say yes wont she reg???" rahul shook his head
at armaan's innocent question but realizing what armaan thought his
reaction must have implied he nodded vigorously and said "of course she
will mate.....if she had to avoid the disaster she would have done so
at the taj, but since her lesser mind took over then, i dont see u
getting dumped now!!!love really is devoid of reason i guess...."
..."in ur case blind too....wonder what muski saw in u...." n he ran
away dodging as rahul picked up the ball n aimed at him....
*************
"so birhday boy....where are u taking us for lunch???" armaan
yelled over the sound of the shower....."who said um taking u???didnt u
have enough of invading on a couple's privacy last night???it was meant
to be muski n me....n there u were the whole gang of drunks...." rahul
yelled back from his adjacent shower stall.....armaan laughed out
loud.....then he remembered the events from the evening....he felt a
shiver run down him, as he remembered her touch....shoving his hair
back he closed his eyes letting the cold water run down his smiling
face.....everything about that morning seemed extra beautiful n
cheerful....just how a special day should begin.....rahul realized
armaan was lost in thoughts again n so he quipped teasing "dreaming
again captain???"
armaan grinned coming back to the moment glad rahul could see him
blushing at the moment and said fumbling a bit "no...uh...of course
not..." after a pause he yelled again before rahul could take his
chance on him further "i was thinking of how to get a treat out of a
miser like u....i mean c'mon its once i year i ask u for one...." rahul
laughed hearing his make up excuse and said "yeh right....u were
thinking that, and angelina jolie dumped brad pitt for me....." armaan
retorted back "u wish...." rahul yelled back "i dont actually....but,
if as u claim, u were thinking of how to get a treat out of me, which i
believe in the least....here's my condition....ur welcome to join muski
and me at Palo Alto's corner cafe if ridhima's ring finger isnt
bare...." armaan broke into a wide dimpled smile, blushing...."reg i
could kiss u for that....."
...."eeeewww....please dont" rahul quipped disgusted, turning off
his shower....armaan waived off his taunting interruption and went on
turning off his shower too...."but i liked sandra's idea...." rahul
frowned stepping out of his stall n looked at armaan shaking his hair
to shed off the water drops...."sandra's idea??she knows???" rahul
asked at long last....armaan looked up surprised at his tone and
shrugged smiling "yeh...dont be jealous mate" winking at him,
then in an intended tone he said walking over to rahul n looking
him in the eye "i wanted u to be the first to know....but when she came
to invite ridhima n me for the party i just couldnt contain the
excitement....i told her just before u...and she was so sweet....said i
should surprise shoot the question at her party tonight...n i guess i
would love to....like before them all....ridhima is my life....n i feel
like i cant wait to tell the whole world how special she is to me....so
i thought her idea was fab....."
armaan noticed rahul was still frowning to himself.....he deserved
to know first thought armaan with a guilty sigh...."reg???what do u
think man???" he finally looked back at armaan ...."if u really wana
know ammy....i kinda disagree with sandra's plan....." armaan looked at
him curiously, waiting for him to complete...."i think u should ask her
alone....talk it out with her....n all of that before the party
tonight...." as armaan now looked at him his eyebrows raised
questioningly rahul continued
"theres all the time in the world to make public announcements....n
a benz getting engaged cant just be passed off without making headlines
anyways....but before anybody else....she deserves to know....just u n
her....i think....." armaan stood deep in thought pondering over
rahul's words scratching his hair....then looking back at rahul he
nodded slightly and said "il keep that in mind...." and pulled rahul
into a light hug "thanx man....for being there...."
rahul hugged him back "i will be...always....ridzy is the prefect
girl....um so happy for u ammy..." pulling apart armaan gave him a mock
tired look n said with a sigh "for the zillionth time reg....ITS
ARMAAN....when will u begin to remember...." rahul laughed back "not as
long as we' re buddies...so i guess not within this lifetime..." and
they both walked off to the changing rooms...
************
"oh so 8PM is final???ur sure to have it ready???n make the
packaging exactly as i want it...great...yeh il get a check for the
remaining dues with me...thanks alot...i appreciate...."...flipping his
cell close he walked down the stairs....and knocked on ridhima's door
fishing something from his wallet and said absent mindedly "honey are u
done yet????atleast let me in....reg invited us for lunch today, not a
year from now...." ridhima said from inside "u can go without me if ur
that late ur highness...its hard to fix my hair with that good for
nothing hand....n no...u cant barge in....i dont trust u after...." she
bit her tongue before saying anymore....
her initial disappointment was changing to slight irritation caused
by the fact that he made no mention of the previous night, since he got
back home, except asking how her hand felt....perhaps she was expecting
too much thanx to that crazy dream....beyond all reason, she had
searched the room to find a note from him in the morning but found
none, discarding that as a whim she had secretly without even admitting
to herself, waited for him to bring up the topic of some kind of a date
at the breakfast table, but he never came home for that...
instead he called to tell her to be ready for lunch, but the moment
she smiled excited he added with muskaan n rahul...he couldnt be
proposing there of course....to top the whole situation he mentioned
they were going for an evening party at sandra's house....a formal
occasion....great, she thought, thats all i need....she couldnt even
ask him whether or not the words she heard him whisper last night were
a dream indeed.....cause if they were real she would rather he thought
she had no idea..n if they were a dream....i hope not, thats all she
thought....
now hearing no response, she cursed herself thinking she did indeed
say too much...i dint mean it that way honey she thought rushing to the
door n opened it hastily....and saw him frowning in concentration as he
wrote something on the wall....perhaps he had missed her unintended
words....moving out she saw he was writing on a small
card...."whats...." she started he interrupted without looking at her
"for reg....n muski....its a gift card from this travel company....for
spring break trips to florida....what do u think???" he finally turned
to face her and she looked at him, the fact that she was touched by his
thoughts evident....and whispered "wow...when did u.....i mean...." she
hugged him, her agitation at his projected insensitivity towards her
forgotten that moment...."its...very thoughtful....reg n muski will
love u for this...." she said simply....
he is such a wonderful person she thought admiring him with
complete love for his thought n gesture.....she was just getting messed
up with that silly dream....n she must have dreamt him saying the
stuff....last night was just....a moment they got lost in....but
everything had to wait its own good time, n armaan was probably going
to stick to the word he gave her father....too bad she wanted not quite
that.....armaan meanwile was having a hard time acting normal so she
wouldnt doubt for a moment that he had plans for the day....not letting
her see through his sky high excitement level was quite a task....
he just wanted to kiss her right away n tell her what had been on
his mind all of last night, n all through the morning...smiling she let
him go n he said...."they will LOVE US sweetheart...its from u n me..."
ridhima looked at him for a moment then said "i got him something from
us as well...." and she pulled him into the room n pointed to a gift
bag on the bed.....shrugging at him with a little smile "not quite so
grand....but i think he will like it...."
as armaan picked it up she took it from his hands "no let him be
the one to open it....please...." armaan let go of the bag reluctantly,
disappointed to not be let in on the secret then said "not like i was
gona tell him..." she giggled at him pouting his lips n gave him a
quick peck on his nose and said "aaaawww my superman angry with
me???....i know u wont...but the charm of a surprise is in the moment
its revealed...let the mystery stay till then!!!!!" his frown eased out
instantly, but he hid his smile, as he thought of the surprise he had
planned for her....the revealing moment indeed he mused happily
inside...as he saw her looking at him curiously he pulled a long face
again and said a bit indignantly"alright fine....are u ready now...."
she turned hastily to the mirror n muttered looking at her lose her
hair as she tried running her hair brush through them with
difficulty..."yeh i guess, for now...." looking completely
unsatisfied....he grinned at her expression then moving ahead took the
brush from her hand "may i???" and he brushed her hair, the best he
could...trying to not pull hard at the tangled parts which luckily were
not many, and she stared, her eyes fixed on his face as he changed
expressions with each passing second, in deep concentration.....when he
looked up into her eyes in the mirror finally done he raised his
eyebrows in question and she laughed....then turning around she crossed
her arms around his neck n said "not bad sweetheart, ur picking up the
tricks!!" and she kissed him lightly on his lips.....
************
"u got reg some red roses as well???" she said in a cheeky voice to
not show her delight at seeing them, as she fluttered her eyes in
sarcastic innocence to tease him, lifting them off the passenger seat
she got into the car.....he made a face at her....n retorted "u
jealous???" taking the flowers away from her he shut her door walked to
his side of the car....she grabbed them away from him indignantly
showing him a defiant look warning him to dare take them away from her,
n inhaling the fresh sweet smell she said smiling as he sat tying her
seat belt..."thanks honey...i love them...uh..." he inetrrupted "they
arent your favorite right???" she looked at him for a moment, then
nodded sheepishly, as he looked back at her...then looking puzzled she
asked "how do u know???forget that...if u do know why did u get me
these???"
he grinned turning on the ignition, then shooting her a challenging
look with a naughty smile he quipped "why dont u try guessing???" she
looked at the flowers wondering, then looking back at him said in
matter of fact tone "cause they indicate love???" he shook his head
rolling his eyes at her then said laughing "strike one honey....u think
id ask u to guess a reason that obvious???" she made a face at him and
then looking back at the flowers she frowned , n then sighed..."why
else would u get them???" he looked momentarily, grinning at her
confusion, n said looking straight ahead in a solemn tone "cause they
cost me least...." ...."WHAAAT???' she bellowed glaring at him....."i
dont care if u dont spend a penny on me....but if thats ur reason, um
disgusted...AARRRRGGGHH"
n as she punched him on his shoulder he pulled her close still
looking ahead now laughing, her efforts to push him off futile n
whispered rustling her soft lose tresses lovingly "honey, 2nd obvious
line u fell for???strike two...." then giving her a quick kiss on her
lips he let her go....she looked at him blushing slightly, n
suspicious, he winked back, she shot him a childlike pleading frown to
give her a hint, but as he ignored it shaking his head at her she
looked back at the flowers completely confused making faces, as she ran
the fingers of her right hand through her hair straightening them out
unconsciously....after a few moments he said "still guessing....n here
i was thinking i found a rare beauty with brains...." she looked up at
him whining "armaaaan???!!...."
then after a pause she added "i dont care about the reasons....or
about favorites....atleast u got me flowers, u never got me any
before...." then in a quieter prudent way "is it....a speacial day???"
he looked at her with an intended look n rolling his tongue inside his
mouth he looked back ahead n said "yup....it is...." she waited in
hopeful anticipation her lips slightly parted, n eyes wide, n eyebrows
arched...not breaking her gaze by blinking even once....."i got u red
roses....cause no matter what flowers u get a girl, even if they are
the rarest species, available in like one part of the world, the only
flowers which make her think undoubtedly that the intended feeling is
love, are red roses....woman psyche i guess...its a bull's eye thing,
red roses, n its impossible that they think out of that obvious
track....so did u remember!!!....n thats why sweetheart...though they
arent quite my personal favorites either, i got them for u....the only
lady i ever got them for...."
she continued gazing at him with a cute pleasantly surprised smile
n whispered "armaaaan...how do u......think the way u do???" then
resting her head against his shoulder she continued "ur right....there
is something special about receiving red roses....even if they arent
favorites...." then linking her arm with his she lightly shut her eyes
as he smiled looking down at her fiddling with with his shirt
unintentionally....after a couple of moments she opened her eyes in
recollection n asked "so what is the occasion??" he smiled naughtily n
said "there wasnt one...but i think the moment looks right to propose u
for marriage...what do u say???" she stared at him, even though she was
expecting, well more like hoping for him to pop the quetion, this
was....so....out of the air.....was he....even serious???no...guess hes
joking....um just thinking too much cause of that dam dream....he
couldnt propose in such an outright fashion...i mean...it would
be...special, n planned...not just....like this???or could he
be.....she was interrupted as he snapped her fingers before her eyes n
said laughing at her reaction
"yo ridzy???u didnt answer me???oh hang on..." he said in a mock
teasing frown.."u not suddenly becoming one of those shy indian girls
are u???embarresed to be asked such a question???" he broke out
laughing as she blushed hard, giving him an indignant look....perhaps
she isnt blushing but angry at me he thought really amused by her
reaction barely able to contain his laughter....she was indeed getting
furious at him....he was...MOCKING A QUESTION LIKE THIS????how could he
be so....AARRRGGGHHH...this guy is beyond my understanding and she just
turned the other way to stare out of the window.....he stopped the car,
in the next couple of moments n she realized they had reached the
place....
as she made to move out, he auto locked all the doors....she turned
back giving him an angry look "armaan open the door....this is not
funny...." he shook his head in a stubborn way then bending over closer
he kissed her full on her lips taking her by surprise for the initial
seconds, but found her giving in n kissing him back soon enough....as
they broke apart, he didnt quite move to make more space, but stayed
bent over her looking into her eyes as they stared back at him
innocent, n questioning...oh god....i love her so.....so so much...he
thought running his hand through his hair he moved back into his seat,
which surprised her even more.....what in the world was going on, could
someone explain to her????he spoke again that same moment looking at
her "u still didnt answer honey...." then winking at her he said "whats
so hard about saying a plain yes???"
as she continued to stare at him unbelievingly, clueless about what
to think he gave her an exasperated look n said with an impatient sigh
"ok lets make it easier....if its a no, say it now, cause i want to
know that right away....but if its a yes...then id like u to save it as
a surprise for me for later...." as she still remained silent he
punched the air in an excited way, n giving her another quick kiss on
her lips he said "i knew it was a yes....oopz...i mean...ur supposed to
surprise me with a yes...il wait" and he winked at her baffled
expression...unlocking the doors, he jumped out of his side, moving to
hers, as she sat transfixed to the spot...WHAT????hang on....was this,
or was this not a proposal????n if it was...did she or did she not say
a yes....she didnt say anything...but thats yes for him...no thats a
surprise answer for him...huh???surprise???but if he knows its yes
whats the ....oh god....um losing it....what the hell is...n he swept
her off the seat giving her a quick kiss in her hair n said "dont think
too much princess....i can handle it for both of us!!!" and put her
down on her feet, turning to lock the door.....
**************
Part 36~
muskaan was completely bewildered with the way rahul had been
either silent in thought, or saying incoherent bits of whatever it was
that vexed his head....one thing she knew was that this was the last
way she wanted to celebrate his special day....if only he would
explain....."reg, darling i dont understand what are u unhappy
with....i mean u say hes gona propose her, n then u say there are
trouble summons in the air....how can u say those two things in the
same sentence???" presently, rahul finally decided to comply n
explain..."well they fit in the same line when the linking part is
SANDRA KNOWS ABOUT IT...."he said acting quotes for the emphasized
latter part of the sentence....
muskaan still looked confused..."and???....i mean they all have
known for ages now about armaan n ridzy together....whats the deal with
her knowing about the proposal...." rahul continued almost to himself
as if he hadnt heard her words "n she even suggested he should do it at
her bash tonight...i just hope i managed to knock some sense into
him..." muskaan now had enough of his silent musing n confusing
incomplete utterance of facts..."that is so sweet of her reg....whats
the problem????i dont see why u are so freaked out..." rahul shook his
head then looking at her he rolled his eyes upwards n said "its ok...i
dont expect u to see why, if that gullible idiot captain of ours
couldnt see through...." looking at muski in the eye now he said in a
grim tone "i duno whats on that scheming mind of hers, but the name
sandra is synonymous to trouble in ammy's life...."
"why am i not surprised to hear the word 'TROUBLE'....i mean we are
here to celebrate the blunder god made on this day over two decaded
ago!!!...trouble indeed...." they both turned around hearing armaan's
voice as he walked up to muski, looking supremely cheerful, n resting
his arm on her shoulder lightly gave rahul a teasing look with a
wink.....as muskaan giggled, rahul snorted at armaan making a face to
indicate he thought not quite highly of the intended joke, n retorted
"yeh u heard trouble, for i had this intuitive premonition moments ago,
about u making an appearence on the scene soon...." then hearing a
laugh behind him he turned to see ridhima grinning at the two of them n
he said, giving her a light hug "teme how u put up with him ridzy....i
havnt quite found my way in so many years....."
ridhima giggled more n armaan pulling her away from reg indignantly
n towards himself said looking at muskaan..."tell him to make most of
the remaining hours of his birthday to make all those wisecracks....um
not sparing him a second past 12AM tonight...." rahul showed him a
thumbs down n retorted yet again "was that supposed to scare me
captain???didnt quite work...." then without waiting for armaan's reply
he turned to ridhima who sat between him n armaan n lifting her left
hand cautiously he said "so hows ur hand doing now...." n shot armaan
an intended look with raised eyebrows, not seeing what he had hoped to
see.....armaan managed a quick assuring nod before all them were drawn
by muskaan's comment, as she gave ridhima a stern look "no reg dont
show concern....she doesnt deserve it this time.....whatever in the
world she was upto when she hurt it again....." but instead of the
expected guilty look or apologizing manner, muskaan was surprised to
find ridhima blush hard at her words looking uncomfortable....she
turned to rahul to comment on the observation but found him staring at
armaan n as she turned her attention to him, HE TOO WAS BLUSHING???
"happy birthday reg..." they both said, offering gift bags
together....before muskaan could make any sense of what was happening,
or question them about it....rahul broke out laughing at the
simultaneous spontaneity from armaan n ridhima to escape something he
had noticed the night before too, unfortunately he didnt know
what...YET...muskaan joined him grinning forgetting their reaction to
her comment moments ago....n armaan ridhima gave each other a sheepish
quick glance still blushing, and turned back to their friends as rahul
grabbed ridhima's gift n muskaan took armaan's...."OMG!!!" armaan
smiled deeply hearing muskaan's reaction, n turned towards ridhima
happily.....
to catch her staring at rahul...n he followed her gaze, rahul
looked zapped.....n then a small smile started breaking on his face,
until he was grinning hard...as he faced ridhima she said "u can lock
in one at a time....there's 7 of them...one for each day...." he shook
his head laughing out loud now, and managed to utter in between
"ridzy....awsome....omg.....thats...so cute" armaan n muskaan couldnt
handle the unexplained point between the other two, n while muskaan
bent over leaning on rahul's shoulder....armaan swiftly got up from his
seat n bent over rahul from behind him....rahul hid the thing in his
hands n said "will u both gime some air???" as they moved back
reluctantly rahul gave it to ridhima n said "why dont u explain the
technicalities u might best do that..." grinning at her again....
armaan n muskaan got back to their seats n all four of them bent
onto the centre of the table an saw a pocket sized flat plate like
thing about an inch thick.....n ridhima explained...."it works like a
kaleidoscope...only different in its image creation...its got a
hologramic base....with...." she tilted it and they saw an image of
rahul n muskaan in the rainbow shades as the hologram changed
angles....then as she twisted it slightly they saw a different image
...of rahul n armaan with same effects....n she twisted to show the 7
different picture holograms she had used...one with four of them...one
with pictures of rahul n muskaan from when they were kids clubbed
together....one of aryan minnie rahul n muskaan from the wedding....one
of rahul and ridhima....n then finally one of muskaan alone with a
captivating sweet smile as she seemed unaware of being caught by the
camera....as she turned to look up at all of them muskaan grabbed it
from her hands curiously to see it again n ridzy said immediately
"CAREFUL MUSKI....its...."
...."beautiful...." armaan completed her sentence not quite the way
she had intended to n she turned to see him staring at her awe
struck...."thats incredible....i mean...i loved it n...." rahul
interrupted laughing "n its mine....she made it for me..." armaan
looked at him narrowing his eyes as rahul stuck out his tongue at him
teasing him n armaan turned back to ridhima with a whinning look n
complained "RIDZY????" she shook her head laughing at his expression
then ruffling his hair she turned to rahul n said sheepishly "that one
is actually andy's work...i mean i havent been in the lab for almost
three weeks now cause of the hand...i did the templates n the protocols
for the holograms cause i had the creating software on my laptop....but
andy did the physical construction in the lab....we do holograms for
our project all the time so it wasnt quite hard....but the kaleidoscope
idea took more effort, n that andy worked out...."
then turning back to armaan she linked her arm with his n said
"guess the first one i make will be for u sweetheart...." n then
looking back at rahul..."but reg....u will be knocked out by armaan's
gift....its...." muskaan quipped looking up from ridhima's
gift...."unbelievably thoughtful...." handing rahul the card she moved
to armaan's side n hugged him "thanx armaan....its just....i duno how
to say this....but um so touched...." armaan hugged her back patting
her hair lightly n said "anything for ur beautiful smile muski...."
...."ahem ahem..." they parted as rahul looked at them both with raised
eyebrows...then grinning he said to armaan "ammy...." and he put his
hand forward which armaan grabbed n they both smiled at each other
deeply....no words needed.....
**************
"women!!! i guess they spend half their lives in the washroom..."
rahul laughed out hearing armaan's irritatedly muttered comment and
said "dude u really need to learn patience....by the way i have two
questions....one might be harder than the other...which one first???"
armaan looked at him a moment n said "il answer one....i asked her....i
mean not directly but in a way....i mean i got her answer without
letting out the surprise....n she said...." ...."yes....obviously...."
interrupted rahul "but armaan u sure u didnt want to discuss it with
her in detail???" armaan smiled at reg n said "relax dude....ur more
worried than i am...she gona say yes i know....but i really want this
to be special for her....n me....for us....its once in a lifetime
right???"
rahul nodded his head with a sigh...armaan had a point
there....just his apprehensions....on an impulse he said "so whats the
plan???" armaan looked in the air dreamily "the charm of a surprise is
in the moment its revealed...let the mystery stay till then!!!!!"
looking back at rahul he grinned n said "she said that....was that ur
second question???" rahul shook his head after a moment of the answer
sinking n said "no...the second one..." breaking into an evil grin n
sliding his arm around armaan's shoulder he continued "is the harder
one....how did ridhima injure her hand again last night???" armaan
looked at rahul a bit shocked then looking down he shut his eyes
lightly n the moment flashed back...he jerked open his eyes n said in a
low voice scratching his hair n without looking rahul in his eye
"i...uh...."
...."oki here we are...." they heard ridhima's voice, and armaan
let out a sigh....she saved him an explaination a second time...even
without conscious effort....he smiled at her deeply n she smiled back
walking towards him....rahul whispered "reherse ur answer.....ur savior
wont come each time!!!" and winking at him he moved towards
muskaan....armaan grinned shaking his head....as they moved towards
their respective cars muskaan turned around stopping rahul as well n
said to ridhima louder to be heard over the distance...." ridzy i
forgot....they were playing ur song on the indian short wave station in
the morning today....did u hear???"
ridhima gave her a quizzical look n muskaan said with a
wink....."UR SONG ridzy....anji, u n me???remember???" ridhima looked
back still puzzled a few moments n then smiled suddenly in realization
n said "really???wow muski u still remember???i totally forgot....that
was almost 3 years ago...." muskaan smiled n said...."i think its time
u sing it for armaan...." ridhima retorted "remind me after u sing urs
to reg...." muskaan said with a loving look towards reg "i did....at
the right moment..." then turning back to ridhima she said "i think its
the day....special...right armaan???" armaan who had been lost with the
coded conversation between the two girls gave muskaan a surprised look,
n then realizing rahul must have told her, he gave a slight shake of
his head n said with a forced laugh "for u muski....ur guys
birthday....special for u...." n with that he steered ridhima towards
their car finishing with "see u both at the evening party, if u decide
to make a public appearence after the long drive u heading for now!!!"
*************
"so whats this UR SONG U SHOULD SING TO ME HONEY???" ridhima looked
at armaan blushing slightly as he asked the expected question settling
into the car..."its just...just this silly talk we once had....muski,
di, n me....duno how muski remebered...was so....long ago....we three
were still undergrads, anji di in senior year, n muski n me sophomore
year....." armaan looked at her as she stared dreamily ahead, n couldnt
avoid teasing her "oooohhh girls talk....so how do songs come into
picture???" ridhima looked at him again and said giving him a sheepish
look "armaaan...its just....too girly....chuck it....." ....steering
the car out of the parking, he pulled her closer n whispered each word
delibeartely "i...dont...think....so....i think u just avoiding to sing
a song for me....." n kissing her hair, made her look up to face him,
then urged her with a silent look....
"honey...it was just....a silly girls night out chat we had...."
..." and???" he said looking at the road ahead as she paused...."and
well....we were discussing....armaan this is so...embarrasing...n
silly...." she said whinning...." silly silly silly...oh c'mon...now u
got me curiously hanging from the edge of the cliff...." she let out a
sigh blushing more n looking at him again she said "ur not gona
laugh????" he changed his grinning face to a solemn one immediately
looking at her a moment then looking back at the road n said
"absolutely....the word of a lord...." she looked away, straight ahead
n playing with her own fingers she spoke reluctantly n sounding
obviously embarased
"well....we were thinking if we had to....u know...ummmm....propose
a guy...." he raised his eyebrows n wiped off his grin the moment she
looked at him...."the bollywood style...." she
finished...."bollywood???u mean..." she interrupted nodding "the indian
movie industry....have u....ever seen a hindi movie???" he thought a
moment before nodding n then said "yeh...i mean....not like a whole
hindi movie, but bits of some here n there...mum loved many of
them....so dad had to watch with her....i thought they were like less a
movie n more of a musical....i mean too many songs...."
...."exactly..." she interrupted hinting him to
understand....pausing a bit he added "wait on.....songs???" and he shot
her a questioning look if he was close to understanding her
point????she nodded with a slight smile, blushing more...."the song n
dance....a complete performance..." she explained ....."what???i
mean...hang on...u mean....like propose with a song???" he let out a
chuckle n as she glared at him he added "sorry i didnt mean to...." n
bit his lip to not laugh n she said making a face at him "well thats
exactly how u did propose at the taj mister...it aint quite so
funny...." he let out his grin n kissing her on her cheek he said
"yup....n was i embarased????not at all...not even before the
strangers...." she realized what he was getting to n spoke before he
went further "well um not about to reciprocate for that spectacular
performance now...." and she pushed him away with a meaningful
expression....he made a face n muttered "why not???doesnt a guy deserve
to hear his girl sing for him???u didnt even make me a
kaleidoscope....all um asking for is a song...." and he looked grumpy
facing the road, she said "well ur a star singer....um an engineer....n
engineers dont sing n propose....il make u kaleidoscope...n i did not
make the one for rahul...andy did...."
he still looked grumpy n faced the road....and she cursed muskaan
for the situation n said "u never let me have my way..." he gave her an
incredible look at that n she muttered "no i mean...." ..."u mean u
always get ur way sweetheart..." he said completing her sentence his
way again....n looked ahead.....he wasnt angry at all....but just to
tease her he maintained an aloof look, knowing she was thinking of how
to make up to him...let her think he thought....i should be pampered
once in a wile too....
n inwardly he let out a silent chuckle patting himself mentally
winning over a point for once....she felt miserable thinking she upset
him....but singing....AAARRRGGGGHHHH she thought wanting to whack
muskaan for this....oh man....why singing.....why cant i just.....think
ridzy.....as the car came to a halt, she was still thinking and he
opened the door for her....having a hard time keeping a straight face
when he wanted to roll all over laughing at her expressions....but
no....he really wanted to see what she would do to appease him.....it
was his chance for almost the first time he could remember.....bring it
on sweetheart...i cant wait to see u plan....
**************
he handed her the glass of water n medicines with obvious silence
as she pleaded him wordlessly to at least spare her a glance....at last
she said in a requesting voice "armaan why u being so stubborn over a
whim" as he shot her a nasty look, she added in a timid voice "i
mean...i dont even remember the song....n how can i sing....like...."
he took the glass back from her n looking at her he said "sing like u
did in the demo for anji n muski 3 years ago....um not asking u
to....forget it....u dont need to....um the entertainer between the two
of us, why should u have to bother right???" with that he turned his
back n let out a soundless laugh the same second....oh god it was
hilarious to see her trying to make up to him....i just have to try
this more often man....
"armaan..." as he heard her tone he felt a tinge of guilt, stop
being a sadist man, he told himself....n turned around with a solemn
but less harsh look....she stood facing him with an apologizing
expression and said in a meek voice "i didnt mean it that way
honey....um just..." giving him a helpless look she stood on tip toe
moving closer to him and kissed him on his lips....feeling her passion
he kissed her back until moments later he realized....oh boy....what a
move....now she beating me at my own game...women i tell u....all right
sweetheart lets play fair....
and he kissed her back harder, just as she was about to let
go....he could feel her surprise, but she didnt pull away....and he
felt her hand in his hair, and the other resting lightly on his
shoulder, he held her close around her waist.....as he finally let go,
she whispered "i love u honey....." he smiled at her lowered eyes n
whispered back "i know....me too....but u have to prove it...." as she
looked back at him he gave a naughty yet firm look n moving back
letting her go he said walking off to the door n looking at his watch
"u have until the party tonight to prepare ur performance!!!...." as
she opened her mouth to speak he blew her a kiss n shutting his ears to
anything she might say, he said before leaving the room "love u
sweetheart!!" winking at her.....
**************
he opened the door to her room almost irritated....her cell had
been ringing for the past five minutes n if he could hear it all the
way up in his room, while he was on the phone with chris telling him
his plan for the evening, why couldnt she hear it lying next to
her....he knew why the moment he entered....."OMG.... i'l call u back
dad...." n he flipped shut the cell whispering those words into the
phone....picking up her cell, silencing the ringer he sat across, as
she sat her eyes shut, the headphones plugged on n the volume he was
certain at the highest since he could hear hints of the tune even
outside.....n he heard her humming with it....not loud, nor in a
whisper....just soft n deep, tapping the laptop surface with her
fingers to the beats n a small smile playing on her lips.....as she
started by whispering the words....
"Hold me let me feel you
In my arms again
Softly you whisper my life
My best friend"
a smile broke on his face hearing those words....n it widened as
her singsong voice grew louder than a bare whisper n she sang on.....
"A moment is all i am searching for
Just a moment in love with you
A moment so special so beautiful
In a moment my wish comes true"
he saw her smile widen n deepen intensely, and he thought he could
view the images flashing behind her closed eyes, cause he saw the
same......
"Save me from the future
Take me back in time
the words they have no meaning
Without you in my life"
he sighed bracing himself just staring at her, wishing he could
hear her that voice for ever second of his life from now on.....it was
no singers voice ...even slightly hoarse at the higher notes....n there
was no music to support it, since she was on the headphones n he
couldnt hear the background score.....but the melody in her innocence,
n perhaps that the fact that she was feeling each word inside was the
spell which bound him at the moment.....
"Let me walk the rainbow
In times of sweet surprise
To when i was a little girl
And had you in my life"
he grinned n wondered if she remembered singing the last two
lines....they were indeed together even as younger high school teens,
even if not quite.....
"I see the magic all around
Shining down on me
With you my life would be so right
If only it could be"
he smiled to himself blushing slightly n got up from the couch and
moved closer to where she half sat half lay on the bed her eyes shut
all through....resting her back on the pillow against the wall hugging
he now realized, a picture of him.....he kneeled down by her
bedside....
"May be this world is a mystery to me
But if you could be here for eternity"
he wanted to cuddle n kiss her at the last words....but he
didnt...realizing she was almost done since her voice reduced to a
whisper again as if singing the final scores.....
"A moment is all i am searching for
Just a moment in love with you
A moment so special so beautiful
In a moment my wish comes true"
there was a stillness as she stopped n he sat staring at her for a
couple of moments till she opened her eyes.....the moment she saw him,
she shut them again....n he saw her smile turn to a frown which made
him chuckle....she opened her eyes slowly again one at a time n still
frowning but not looking at him she yanked off the headphones too
roughly to hide her embarasment.....almost furious at she knew not
what.....he was here she thought....omg i thought he wasnt even
home....armaan didnt speak a word her voice still echoing in his ears,
and he smiled at her changing expressions as she no doubt was talking
in her head.....when she finally looked at him not getting any
response, he held her hands n kissed them looking back into her
eyes....she smiled lightly more at ease....n then lowered her eyes
again
"armaan...when did u...." ...."ssshhhh!" she looked back at him as
he got up n pulled her closer into a hug her head resting against his
waist and he bent down to kiss her hair....and she hugged him back
burrying her face into shirt so she wouldnt ahve to look at him quite
yet.....n he said in a low voice..."wow....um.....falling in love again
honey....." he felt her grip tighten n she looked down at her...how he
wished he had the ring in his hand n he wouldnt have to wait another
couple of hours....."so was that ur surprise yes to my question??" he
asked in a whisper...she stayed still for a couple of seconds then
realizing what he was refering to, she moved back to face him with a
questioning look....and he kissed her lips lightly n said "i love the
style princess..."
the moment was interrupted as he felt a vibration in his hand n saw
her phone ring again....flipping it open he said "hello?" hearing no
reply he repeated "helllllo??" looking at the phone he saw it was a
private call, the number not showing, then the call was ended....he
shrugged at her puzzled look....and then the phone vibrated, he
answered the call again "hello??" getting no answer he frowned looking
at the cell this time n saw the call get disconnected...."its a private
call, the number isnt showing" he said answering her unspoken question
....then with a mock suspicious look he asked "hmmm this better not be
another boyfriend or the poor guy wont live too long got that???" and
was going to hand her the cell grinning now when it vibrated a third
time he frowned seeing the words private number on the screen again n
was going to answer it when his own cell started ringing...seeing his
dad's name flashing he gave vibrating cell to her n answered his own
call "yeh dad, sorry i cut the call abruptly, i just couldnt miss...."
and she didnt hear the rest as she flipped open her own vibrating
cell.....her smile at his teasing jealous remark, soon faded....as her
frown deepened with each word on the other side......
**************
~Part 37~
"c'mon dad whats the surprise????alright, tell her then....i know
how to extract info out of her...did u decide to disown me now that
ridhima is into the family picture, will be i mean???dont forget she
there coz of me.....ok fine....il just pass it to her shes in her...."
he stopped at that, opening the door n seeing the room empty..."hang on
dad....she isnt in the room...leme check she must be around here...this
girl....never listens to me...n the word REST is not a part of her
english vocab...." chris grinned on the other end and said " yeh well
someone had to come into picture to fix the brat in u....shes perfect
for the role..." armaan shook his head chuckling n retorted "yeh
right...i shouldnt really be expecting u to back me up against her, i
dont see that happening...."
with that he paused frowning slightly as he checked her room
thoroughly n even the area around...she really isnt here.... he thought
almost as an unspoken question he was posing expecting chris to answer
it anyways, he walked towards the kitchen now preparing his attack
launch if she had dared to go there yet again despite his repeated
warnings....as he entered the kitchen though he found himself wishing
she had been there....cause she wasnt...."dad i have an incoming call,
il get her back to u...." n he cut the call abruptly a second time not
knowing what made him lie to his dad the first time ever for an unknown
reason....
"ridzy???" he started at a normal
volume...."sweetheart????....RIDHIMA???" he said in a booming voice now
which echoed back to him....looking into each possible room n corner of
the two floor house n basement...."where are u honey???dad wants to
talk to u...." he said that in a lower voice knowing inside she wasnt
hearing the words, but saying them nonetheless as if a mention of chris
would tempt her out of her hiding spot....
as expected, he got no response n went back to her room again....a
more studied look around told him her cell phone n shades was missing,
in fact, he noticed, so was her handbag....but the laptop just lay
there...n was still running....he went to the shoe rack close to the
door on an impulse n spotted a vacant spot where a pair of her running
shoes should have been....
he frowned deeper now, a crease of worry making an appearance, as
he narrowed his eyes n flipped open his cell...."hi this is ridhima,
sorry um unavailable at the moment but do leave ur message or a
number...id love to call u back....thanks, have a good day!" he heard
the whole of her recorded voicemail message hoping she would interrupt
it n speak for real....but as it finished, he flipped the cell shut,
almost slumping down to the nearest couch....
it was hard to say if her cell was out of reach, switched off or
just busy cause it always went to the voicemail with the settings she
had....no it has to be busy of course he told himself....looking at his
wrist watch he thought....guess i was on the call with dad for just
about 25 minutes....she couldnt just disappear into the thin air so
soon....
he ran his fingers through his hair nervously, the worry beginning
to grip him....then folding his hands he rest his chin on them n shut
his eyes.....relax armaan...u know her....she can never do as she is
told to...think now....she must have just....gone off for a walk....he
half got up....then sat down again thinking....she could have told
me....but then i would have stopped her she knows....doesnt she always
tell me even if its something i wont approve of....she would have told
me....n...why the handbag????...
he got up....n started pacing the living room floor to vent out the
restlessness.....maybe she had that sudden chocolate ice cream craving
again???....dont be silly dude...she makes those sudden demands in the
middle of the night only to get back at me....when i scold her...n even
if she wanted to, impossible though it sounds after that huge lunch,
she would have asked me to get it right???worst case she would have
insisted on coming along....she wouldnt just walk off....wait...should
i call muski n ask???maybe she knows....but they are out for a long
drive, ridhima cant be with them...n why would she tell muski where she
is going n not me when um in the house....i mean she just like...left
unannounced???
he stopped holding onto his waist his expression worried n grim
reflecting the thoughts which he was forbidding from entering his head
...yet...he shut his eyes again stretching slightly backwards n then
jerked back...picking up his wallet n bunch of keys he ran out to his
car, locking the door behind....whatever she is upto, she couldnt have
gone far....as the car roared to life he steered it out of the
driveway, n then after a moment of debate he turned it right....the
closest bus stop...
i mean she would obviously ask me for a ride if she had to go
far....but...i have to start somewhere....he wiped his brow
unconsciously wiping off the beads of sweat which had appeared even in
the chilly pre spring windy day....ridzy....ur so...how do u just walk
out on a running laptop, n me in the house without a mention...if this
is a joke um so not sparing u for it....but deep inside he prayed it
would be nothing more than that, trying hard to subdue the rising gut
feeling of impending trouble, his years of stress management techniques
on a game court all seemed to be failing him in this real moment of
test.....ridzy, baby...where are u????
**************
she sat listlessly clutching an envelope, staring at nothing as she
looked unblinking straight ahead, riding the bus back home.....although
that was the last destination she was aiming to go to that
moment....she couldnt face him till she sorted herself out.....the last
hour had been the most tormenting in her life she thought....and yet it
might astonish her much later how calm she had been through it
all...well calm was perhaps not quite the word....reactionless could be
more precise....
as thoughts stormed furiously inside her head battling the equally
outrageous emotions in her heart, her face remained devoid of any tell
tale expressions, she might have been practicing to take up a shift at
guarding the queen's palace in london, it was unaltered to that
extent....
as she continued staring ahead, her eyes registered an old man
standing just in front of her, not looking much at ease having to stand
n balance on a moving bus, she realized the bus was quite full, rarely
though it happened, for now it was so....she got up as a courtesy,
offering him her seat, the thought of doing so spontaneous n random....
it was almost like she couldnt handle the inactivity of her body by
sitting still anymore, in stark contrast to the massive tornado like
state of her mind....the lack of physical reaction highly imbalanced
the mental reaction n was going to cause her dizziness soon she felt,
it was getting on her nerves, n standing up instead of him, seemed a
place to start some movement.....
as he tipped his hat in a thanking gesture, she smiled back
mechanically acknowledging the greeting, some mannerisms are inbred n
reflect even when we are least aware of our outward reactions to the
world around n its people....her mind stuck to its preoccupying
thoughts....she closed her eyes momentarily now, n opening them again
she started running the string of events in the preceeding hour, one at
a time in the order of occurance....
**************
~flashback~
"n i would like to meet u at...." she flipped close the cell
without letting him complete his 6th sentence frowning hard....which
wasnt surprising considering the first 5 had been total crap coming as
a random crank call from a self proclaimed well wisher who refused to
identify himself....as she shoved the cell away, she could feel its
repeated vibration on the bed for atleast 3 calls, till she decided,
avoiding the caller wasnt working for her.....
not like she believed him....but he had to be stopped
from...uttering the non sense he was trying to sell off to her as facts
to know about....she picked the call...."miss gupta before u cut the
call, i realize um not going to hit a point with mere conversation n u
are not likely to meet me for the trust of my words, so i just mailed u
a document....on ur yahoo id....do check....u can call me back if u
wish to after that, the number is in the email...." n he cut the call
before ridhima had much chance to react....
she stared at the cell...the look slow changing to a glare, n this
time she threw her cell away as an impulsive reaction....n shoved the
laptop off her lap...but a couple of minutes was all she could
endure....n she picked it up again opening her email window....as she
opened the mail she knew he was referring to she couldnt stop wondering
who the hell he was n how he got hold of her email id....it wasnt hard
but he had to have put in some effort for it....why should a stranger
wana do that????as the email showed a picassa link she clicked on it,
after only seconds of debate.....
the next few seconds felt paralyzing....cause she should have had a
strong jolt of reaction, but she sat still keeping it in....the
adrenaline rush wasnt much help....n from no where she felt the pain in
her hand much more intense than she had even on that night in the
lab....she got up n walked to where her cell had crashed down on the
floor, opening up....she wasnt quite the angry impulsive girl, why then
did i....
i mean its just a crank call...n the picture???oh come on ur a
science student...optics to top that...forgotten what tricks
photography is capable of???as she denied any inkling of rising doubt,
she couldnt stop her hands from pickling up the pieces of the phone n
reassembling the battery, sim, back cover, n turning it on....n she
called back, despite the sharp negation to her action from every inch
of her body n mind.....
" i knew u would call...see u at the address i just sent u in a
second email...." click.....she let the buzz of a disconnected call
ring into her ear for moments before she slumped to the floor by the
bedside....why did i call him back,...i dont believe a word of that
trash....nor the worthless photograph....nor the seeming fact that the
voice sounded real n true...no nothing at all....as she shut her eyes
hard, the photograph from her laptop vivid in her mind the effort
making her clench her fists hard which caused her to jerk open her eyes
in pain instantly, n she let out a gasp holding the injured wrist
tightly from the arm to stop the throbbing pain from traveling....
the cell dropping from her hands breaking apart again.....slowly
she got up n refreshed her yahoo mail page....she could feel a battle
within....delete the mail ridzy...dont read it...u dont care....this is
all fake...n planted...n unreal....n crass....n as she deleted the mail
without reading she felt a strange sensation..certainly not happy or
relieved but like she was trying to escape a situation....was
she???....
she closed her eyes again, n this time the images from her morning
dream flashed back....she jerked open her eyes....."what the...." she
stooped midway from cursing....how in the world did i remember that
now????i never remember dreams more than a few minutes after waking
up..but...is this just plain coincidence???yeh of course....that trash
email....oh god....um losing it....she held her face in he hands
helplessly, trying to fight away any negative thoughts which were
threatening to make their presence felt....
help me lord....i am not feeling anything like this....no...of
course um not....it was just a silly dream....n this is
just....somebody's idea of a prank....cheap stakes.....no no no....i
dont believe any of this....its all untrue....why the hell did i call
him back...no why the hell did i even pick his call a second
time....she opened her eyes again lowering her hands.....pushing the
stands of hair off her eyes roughly she banged shut the laptop
screen....
"show me the way god...." she whispered in desperation...."whats
the hell is happening.....armaan....." as she uttered his name first
time in the past less than 8 minutes, she felt a sense of intermittent
relief....she opened the laptop again....why am i thinking of all this
as doubting him...of course not...thats not on my mind....u going to
clear off this....this whole issue....yes....i know there is no reality
attached to any of this....yes i just have to....tell this man to mind
his own business....
i have to....opening the trash folder in her mail id.....go meet
him...n she restored the deleted mail, n memorised the address.....this
is another one of those low acts by that.....no ridzy dont call anyone
names....relax....il go tell this man to keep off...never call me or
try to get in touch with me again...n tell that scheming mastermind
woman behind all this to STOP PLAYING HAVOC IN MY LIFE
....why the hell cant she.....calm down ridzy....its ok...just go n
tell this guy what u have to.....she smirked in a nasty grim way
reading the last line of the email "dont mention this to mr. benz
yet...." as if i was going to....i love him n trust him....u think id
go talk to him about ur low acts???so he thinks i was insecure n
doubting him???u...sick woman.... aaarrrrgggghhh.....no ridzy no
calling names....n she ran out of the room with her bag, shades, n the
pieces of cell phone reassembling them, but in her flustered hurry she
forgot to switch it back on.....
~flashback paused~
*************
why is this happening god....why me....armaan....she felt a tug at
her heart as the name hit her hard....she shut her eyes momentarily
again...."are u alright young lady???" she opened her eyes slowly as
the words registered in her mind n saw the old man she had offered her
seat to, hold her arm with gentle concern.....she looked back
blank....alright????u ask me if um alright????when my life seems to be
crashing down like a castle of cards....
something in his eyes stirred the unshed tears of agony n
pressure....she looked away....somehow his manner reminded her
of....chris....dad....i wish it was u n not this man.....i wish i could
just....cry in ur lap....armaan....dad could he have...???she was
ripped out of her thoughts by the repeated question "young lady????" n
she looked back at him.....nodding slightly she managed to utter her
first real words in past few tens of minutes..."yes i am sir...just
fine...." as she looked away with a trembling sigh.....
*************
~flashback resumed~
as she sat fiddling with her hands, each passing moment seemed an
eternity....where was this man now????seriously if this was a joke she
would....she sighed....please god...make it a joke....just say um
dreaming like the morning....its a nightmare again....she took in a
sharp deep breath closing her eyes....ridhima...its not a dream....its
a score u just have to settle with sandra once n for all....whoever
this guy helping her is, il ensure he refuses to recognize the name
sandra after i talk to him.....how dare he say all that about
armaan....um gona...make him regret teaming up with that woman...trying
to set up armaan, now that she cant seem to unnerve me any other
way...how low will she fall....feeling a brushing moment past her she
opened her eyes....
"this is for u ma'am" as ridhima shot a questioning look to the
waiter speaking those words he continued "a guy left it for u at the
reception..." ridhima looked at the envelope... then back at the
waiter..."when???n who???" she got up from her seat as he answered
"him...." pointing to a direction behind her...a minute ago i think he
said ...." ridhima rushed without waiting to hear the waiter out...she
followed the direction he had pointed to saw a certain someone's back
as he rushed towards the park lot....she absorbed the obvious
details...full length unisex overcoat, collar puled high, a huge rim
hat....basically it was impossible to catch any feature of him she
might recognize later...she ran much faster, catching up n closing on
the distance....as the person turned around she caught a quick glimpse,
which revealed nothing extra....
whoever it was now unlocked a black porsche n got in, the ignition
turned on the next moment, and with the last burst of energy she
reached in time to see the car swerve past her, as she stared
desperately into the deepest pair of blue eyes she had ever
seen...almost as if someone had added color to them to become
unrealistically blue.....she felt like she had seen them before...but
couldnt think where....they were different than any ever, yet
strikingly familiar....she cursed in an undertone, to have lost the one
person she had come all the way to meet....then remembering the
envelope she rushed back to the table, n saw it lying same place,
untouched....slipping into the seat she picked it up...then with a deep
breath she tore it open at one end.....a handful of colorful pictures
fell out of the packet, not unexpected she thought glaring at them but
avoiding to see them carefully...she looked into the packet again
feeling it wasnt empty n realized there were some papers in it....she
pulled them out....a letter???
"Dear Ms. Gupta
I know what i said on the phone or what i am going to tell u now is
the last thing u want to hear from me, or anyone in the world...but
truth doesnt come in fancy feel good packaging....its about armaan n
sandra as i already mentioned....n have nothing but my word to take for
all the pictures in there as true....u may ask why i, as a complete
stranger want to get involved with any of this....its quite a story, n
i assume u will take the time to read it if u came all the way for
facts....i have known sandra for many years now...in fact, ever since
we were little kids....u can say we grew up together....n through the
years i have seen her get what she wants whatever may be the
way....captain benz, well has always been top of her list, since she
started cheerleading for his team over 4 years ago in freshman
year....n why not....the captain, n the lead cheerleader, its a pair no
one can really object to....
captain benz however i admit in all honesty, has known his limit
with the sensuous beautiful women surrounding him all the years i knew
him....which are the same as sandra for i know him through her.....she
has had uncountable affairs, often with a new guy each time, but two
people in her life have remained constant....armaan n me....armaan, her
guy to be, as she always imagined....n me the fall back each time she
needs support....we have been best friends all these years before
anything else, and in all her frustrated moments the vent is me....i
love her unconditionally, n so does she....but not quite the love
way.....despite that knowledge, i have never been able to stand up for
myself, when she comes to me broken or hurt.....she has to say a thing
n i cant deny....
n for many many years i thought it was love....well it probably
was...n is....but now i know another thing which i never before saw,
until i realized about this....relation between captain benz n sandra
today....i always thought all her relations n actions were an open
book....but for once in her life shes been discrete....n when i
confronted her about all this recently she told me about her
plans.....i did not take them seriously trusting armaan to be what he
has proved to be over the many years....now i regret....n all in can
offer u is my sincere apology for no forewarning to u, or to him....she
did it again....i mean...she has this strange control over men in her
presence....she knows how to tackle each of them....armaan isnt the one
to go for, u know sheer lust....so she must have worked her way around
that....he is a soft hearted guy....she probably started that
way....but she knows how to get her targets n the right moments to do
so....n no man alive can survive her once she decides to have him....
i mean....armaan is not the kinds to cheat on u....i have heard her
talk about how he has lost it n thinks he is serious about u....but i
know he is serious cause its the first time he claimed a relationship
in years....but well...we are all human....n each man has those weak
moments....sandra knows just how to extract them n then exploit
them....thats what she did....i dont want to go into anymore of
it....but the pictures i included are from today morning....when it
all....um sorry....i would hate to hurt a beautiful lady like u, um
sure u must be a gem for getting armaan to fall in love....i would want
to punish sandra for all this, but um still weak in her love...but i
thought u should know all this....
armaan is not a man to cheat i repeat myself on that....n perhaps
this mistake he will never be able to face or admit, cause he didnt
mean to, n its something which can cause cracks....n he can hide his
weakest emotions well...i never knew in the many months of knowing him
initially about his pain for his mother's loss....when i did learn
about it somehow, i was shocked its incredible how well he can hide
emotions n never let them be seen....he probably will do that with his
guilt for this mistake....but....well...i dont see what justifies u not
knowing it.....if i know him even a bit he will do all to make up for
it as well...i wont be surprised if he asks u for marriage soon, cause
he is serious without a doubt....
i should probably have left this unsaid, as it is sure to create
trouble, but its my guilt at being partially responsible in a way which
couldnt stop me, n after all whats a relation with facts like this
unrevealed.....its for u to believe my earnest confession or not
believe it....pictures can be fake....so can be my words....its
probably asking for too much to trust the word of a stranger against
the man u love...but then again, what motive could i have in exposing
the acts of a girl i love so dearly, except that this action of hers
has been unethical in a way like none of her actions before.....i just
feel like i could have checked her from growing into this kind of woman
all these years if i had not harbored her wrongs but been firm....like
i said....i apologize....although that will not delete the.....um sorry
ms. gupta....n i did not have the courage to face u n say this in
person....i hope u understand....
regards
a name not quite relevant to the point here....."
she had read the letter three times, before folding it in folds too
hard n neat, but no other reaction had escaped her....she did not
glance at the pictures....she didnt know how she would ever maintain
herself in a public place if she did see them....who knows what she
would see....n god alone knew she couldnt bear it....she packed it all
into the envelope and had walked away wordlessly....whatever she had
expected to face n handle to have come here, was not quite what it was
turning out to be.....she just did not know what to think for many
minutes, as she walked aimlessly down the sidewalk out of the
cafe....mechanically she took the bus from the nearest bus stop,
clutching onto the envelope....
~flashback ends~
**************
where should i go now???back home????to him???no i cant....not
quite yet....he doesnt seem to have missed me anyways...not even a call
from him i havent been in the house for about an hour an a half
....without saying a word to him, n he still hasnt called to check on
me...her hand reached for her cell in her pocket, but she let it be at
an afterthought....do i really want him to call????i dont know what i
want....she pulled the stop cord seeing they were approaching a
stop....she wasnt thinking where, but she had to get off...this was
just the last stop before the one she was accustomed to getting off
at....as the bus rode away she hugged her shoulders the chilly wind
hitting her bare skin of the neck, she had not carried a scarf....where
to now ridhima gupta she asked herself wordlessly.....
as if in answer she heard a voice from behind her...."could i ask u
for another favor???" she turned around n saw the old man she had
relinquished her seat to looking at her with a slight smile, his manner
gentle the same way.....frowning slightly she didnt answer
immediately....something about his look made her feel she had been his
object of observation for the duration of the journey since she offered
him her seat....n now he got off at the same stop???coincidence???he
hardly looked like a stalker....
sensing her suspicious demeanor, he continued "i duly apologize for
sounding like a random stranger intruding more than i should....but...i
am just new to the place, here only for a weekend over some business
concerns....my car broke down which is why i had to board the bus, but
unlike the chauffeur who was accompanying me i have no clue about the
ways in this town....n there is some place i need to reach on
time.....would i sound imposing to ask u for help???"
she looked at him in acute observation, his clipped english accent
was unmistaken....he belonged to the continent midway between america n
india, nothing would deny he was a hard core brit...if being a Hugh
Grant fan all of her teen years wasnt enough to identify this fact, the
presence of the name benz in her life most certainly was....thats
hardly an accent i can miss she thought bitterly.....
and she would have made some random excuse, viewing interaction
beyond a limit with a complete stranger with some suspicion.....but his
whole persona was honest, gentle n quite like an honorable elder
gentleman....quite like chris, she thought feeling the similarity a
second time....how i wish.....her desperation to gain temporary
distraction was heightening.....she nodded in agreement, against the
prudent claims of her better logic....somehow, it didnt feel
wrong....anyways she thought gritting her teeth, i have gone by my gut
feeling about listening to strangers for the past one hour, theres
nothing to make life worse for me at the moment....helping him wont
kill me....though for once i think i wouldnt mind that.....
**************
Edited by spln - 15 years ago
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