Chapter 42

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

Recap : the gang goes for a trip to Goa where AR had their first serious fight and then make up as cutely as they can.. Atul and Anjali finally disclose their relationship to everyone.. Ridhima and Anjali are ALMOST back to normal.. Someone play a trick by sending Ridhima a picture of her parents with all the bank details on it.. Anjali calmed Ridhima and Armaan took care of her well till her mind was balanced and off that lousy plan..

Part 41 [PMs Tomorrow]

All the lights were dimmed only two small candle lights was flickering in the dark.. While Atul was under Anjali's hold.. Sapna and Amit were acting at Ridhima's directions.. three of them were led to the table and as soon as they reached were there everyone shouted 'Happy Birthday Atul' and 'Happy Anniversary Sapna n Amit'..

Atul was very happy as he secretly wished Anjali to be the first one to wish him and she did fulfill his wish by taking advantage of dark and kissing his cheek lightly saying a small 'Love You'.. "Par humari anniversary toh parson hai na.." Amit said..

"haan par parson toh aap humein treat doge.. aur raat ko hum Mumbai vapas ja rahe hain toh yeh bas ek choti si celebration hai.." Ridhima said with a smile.. Once the cake was cut decently it was time for the creamy moment.. Rahul was ready with camera.. Atul very nicely gave his first bite to Anjali but unlike Atul, Anjali took another piece and painted his face with cream naughtily.. Rahul took the opportunity and clicked many pictures of them.. some sweet, some naughty and some romantic.. Anjali stood worried at a distance when the guys were swingin Atul in the air holding his hands and feet giving him his Birthday Bombs.. She knew they are going to mercilessly throw him on his bump.. which they did.. Even though she was worried she giggled a bit seeing Atul;s face..

Next were Sapna and Amit.. they cut their cake and exchanged small bites and then Ridhima and Muskaan jumped between them.. "Hum bhi khilayenge.." they took pieces of cake and as Sapna and Amit were about to run Ridhima, Anjali, Muskaan and Nikki attacked Sapna while the guys attacked Amit.. After more than hour of dance and cake fight everyone went to get fresh and change as they had to leave in an hour..

"Mamma hum ka ja re hai?" Ryan asked as Ridhima was getting him ready and packing their stuff.. "Hum ghar ja rahe hain beta.." she told him while combing his hair.. "Lucky paash'." He squealed making Ridhima smile.. Ridhima had forgotten she is now returning to her routine.. though she likes working for Armaan and Ryan, but having them around all the time kept her highly contented.. putting her thoughts aside she kept Armaan's clothes on the bed and went to change herself..

Armaan smiled looking at her when he saw her combing her hair lost in her thoughts.. He mentally patted himself, it was indeed a good idea to bring her over for a holiday.. the last 7 days that they have spent in Goa meant a lot to him.. all day they used to mingle with their friends and catch onto their sleep that they miss at night.. sometimes romancing, sometimes chatting and sometimes sneaking out to the beach without telling anyone.. They shared their insecurities and love they had for eachother.. Armaan knew she loved him but the trip also told him how much she depends on him for her emotional support.. he was happy seeing how hers and Anjali's relationship is shaping again..

"Aap kya soch rahe hain..?" she asked when she saw him gazing at her with a dreamy look.. He gave her a dimpled smile and pulled her closer from her arm.. "Humare bare mein soch raha tha.. pichle 7 din.. har kaam hadh se zyada kiya humne.. lade bhi itna.. phir bohot pyar kiya.. kabhi bohot roye toh kabhi ek dusre ke saath itna hase.."

She rested her head on his shoulder and inhaled his scent.. "mere liye yeh waqt bohot acha tha Armaan.. chahe roye ya lade par hum saath the.. har pal khud se zyada yeh soch rahe the ki dusre ko takleef na ho.." she kissed his neck lightly while his hold tightened around her.. "Haan.. aur tumhe tumhari Anjali Di bhi mil gayi.." he said trying to probe her further to say her feelings regarding Anjali..

"unki baaton se toh yahi lagta hai.. par.."

"Bas Ridhu.. aur matt socho.. voh karo jo tumhe theek lagta hai.. main tumse kehta hoon ki jo ho raha hai voh sahi hai.. trust me Ridhu.. jo bura hona tha voh ho gaya.. ab aur kuch bura nai ho sakta.."

She looked into his eyes only to find all the love in this World in those blue eyes.. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead.. "Chalein..? sab wait kar rahe honge.."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Unlike last time their flight and tickets were confirmed.. waiting at the airport Muskaan reminded them of their arrival, how they came to Goa in train with their tickets unconfirmed.. "Ammy tu toh iss baar bada disappointed hoga na.. plane mein kaise romance karega.." Muskaan teased making Ridhima blush.. and others giggle..

"Nai Muskaan.. flight mein bhi blankets toh milte hain.." Armaan replied cheekily only to get a smack from Ridhima.. "Chup kariye Armaan.." she whispered to stop him from embarrassing her further.. "Nai nai Ridhu.. Jeej is right.. after all husband wife ho you have all the license.." Anjali added giggling..

"Di.. aap bhi inka saath dene lagi.." she pouted and picked up Ryan making herself busy with him.. Soon the announcement was made for the passangers to board.. All thorugh the journey Ridhima sat with her head on Armaan's chest and Ryan sleeping in Armaan's lap.. While Armaan was once looking at Ridhima and then at Ryan to see how peacefully his lil family was sleeping in his arms..

On the otherhand, Anjali was sitting with her hand clasped between Atul's.. "Apni mom se kab baat karoge Atul..?" she asked keeping her head on his shoulder.. Atul fell quiet for a moment but then he knew this has to be done.. He was well aware of his mother's impression of Guptas.. about Shashank Gupta's unruly ways of business and Padma's arrogance.. being a single parent she has struggled hard to keep all his needs satisfied yet make him disciplined.. He came back to the world when she shook him a bit.. "Kuch problem hai..?"

"Problem hai bhi aur nahi bhi.. I mean.. Mom met you and adored you as Anjali, my colleague.. she doesn't know you are The Shashank Gupta's daughter.."

"So..? I think that's a positive thing to count isn't it.."

"I.. I.. don't think so.. not in my mother's eyes atleast.. she's been against ur father in a few deals and her social circle is same as ur mother's.." he suddenly lost his voice, not being able to say any further.. Anjali knew what he wanted to say.. She could never make a few true friends who would stay with her for her not for her status.. and it was all because her parents didn't approve of her friends who were below their status.. she looked down as tears build up in her eyes with the thought of losing her friends she made at this trip.. and ofcourse her love..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Armaan drove and dropped Amit and Sapna followed by Rahul and Muskaan.. Since Niki and Abhi were to accompany them, they decided to drop Anjali first.. As Anjali got down all of them came out for goodbyes.. Atul got her luggage while Ridhima went to give her a hug but backed off when she saw Padma glaring at her.. Anjali saw this and in turn walked to Ridhima and took her into a rib crashing hug.. Padma fumed when Anjali bid goodbye to Armaan calling him 'Jeej'.. This was not she wanted.. she thought n this trip probably Anjali would hate Ridhima more seeing Armaan close to her.. but it turned the otherway round.. Atul, who was busy studying Anjali and Padma's silent war stayed away till Padma was gone.. he gave anjali a final hug and hopped into the car..

"Iss sab ka kya matlab hai Anjali..?" Padma demanded an explaination for her behavior outside.. "Mom Please.. main bohot thak gayi hoon hum baad mein baat karenge.." She said turning to go to her room.. Padma held her arm and turned her.. "Tumhe lagta hai yeh koi mazaak chal raha hai..? Ridhima tumhari behen nai hai Anjali.. uski vajah se tumse tumhare haq chhene jaate rahe hain.. agar hum na hote toh aaj tum itni shaan se iss ghar mein nahi aarahi hoti.. usne tumse tumhara pyar bhi chhena.. aur tum ho ki uske peeche andhi hoke ghoom rahi ho baaki sab ki tarah.." padma said in disgust..

"itni nafrat kyun mom..? kiya kya hai usne jo aap usko itna hate karti ho..? Just because voh uncle aunty ki death ke baad humare saath rehti thi iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki aap har waqt uspe ehsaan jatao.. and for last time mom.. main Atul se pyar karti hoon aur ussi se shaadi bhi karungi.." Anjali said with equal determination in her eyes.. padma knew if she says anymore, Anjali would rebel and nothing else.. so she kept mum and thought to discuss it with Shashank..

On the otherhand Ridhima was very happy.. although she saw hatred in Padma's eyes but she certainly did see the protectiveness and love in Anjali's eyes as before.. She loved the moment when Anjali hugged her and brushed her head with love.. Soon enough they were at their place.. Armaan gave keys to the guard and went to take sleeping Ryan from Ridhima.. he was abit confused when he saw her teary eyes.. he raised her eyebrows as if to ask her wats wrong, but she shook her head and gave him a sweet smile..

Armaan laid Ryan in his room and closed the door so that he doesn't get disturbed.. he saw Ridhima changed into her suit and settled on the bed.. he sat by her and put a few locks away from her face.. "Kya soch rahi ho Ridhu..?" She looks at him hides herself in his embrace.. "bas pichla ek hafta phir se chal raha hai dimaag mein.. jaise kitna kuch badal gaya ho pichle 5-6 din mein.. jo baatein pareshaan kar rahi thi voh sulajh gayin aur jo main peeche chhodna chah rahi thi voh jaise kisi ne aankhon ke aage laake rakh di ki main bhul hi na paun.." Armaan knew she was talking about Anjali and her parents.. he kissed her head lightly and brused her back to calm her down..

"kabhi bhi sab kuch acha nahi ho sakta na Ridhu.. tumhe shikayat thi ki iss shaadi ki vajah se tumhara sabse pyara rishta durr ho gaya tha.. tumhari behen.. par aaj voh tumhare paas hai.." Ridhima looked at him astonished, true she thought that but that was before she fell in love with her husband.. "Armaan.. aisa nahi hai.. main aapko bilkul blame nai karti thi apne aur Anjali di ke beech misunderstanding ke liye.. main toh.." He quietened her keeping hand on her mouth.. "I know.. safai nahi maang raha main.. jab se inn ankhon mein mere liye pyar dikhne laga hai, tab se inn mein purane dard ki koi jagah nahi rahi hai.. main har voh dard ya sawaal tumhare mann se durr kar dunga Ridhu jo tumhe takleef deta hai.."

Their conversation was interrupted by a swift knock on the door.. They went to see it was Armaan's parents.. amidst their conversation Ridhima completely forgot that she had to go and help Mrs.Mallik in the kitchen.. "Ma voh main aahi rahi thi.." she said when Mrs.Mallik smiled gently saying "nahi beta.. khana toh lag gaya hai.. main toh tum dono ko dinner ke liye bulane aayi thi.."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Ryan kahan hai..?" Bi asked..

"Bi voh so raha hai.. uthega toh main khana khila dungi, abhi uthaungi toh pareshaan ho jayega.." Ridhima replied..

Soon after dinner and trip gossiping between Niki, tara and Ridhima they retiered to their rooms.. Entering the room Ridhima saw Armaan sleeping with a pillow in his arms.. she peeped through the door to check Ryan once and then moved to bed.. she gently moved the pillow away and settled herself in his arms.. as soon as she settled hiss grip around her tightened and she felt his lips on her head.. "Mujhe laga aap so gaye.."

"tumhare bina neend nai aati mujhe Ridhu.."

It was around 3 in the night when Armaan felt disturbed in his sleep.. he felt something warm on his leg.. first he though that was Ridhima's legs so he brushed the thought off and slept.. soon after that he felt it on his tummy, which disturbed Ridhima too.. "uhhmmm.. Armaan kya kar rahe hain.." she said and pushed armaan abit.. soon the movements stopped when Ridhima felt herself hugged.. She finally lit the side lamp to see wat was Armaan upto but to her surprises she saw Ryan snuggling into her arms.. "Buddy.." she brushed his hair kissing his head..

"Aapko bhuki lagi hai..?" she asked him pampering him, still in her embrace to which he shook his head.. "Lyan, mamma paash.." Ridhima knew he was done with his sleep so he might be getting scared all alone.. she pulled him closer sleepily and told him a few stories.. Every 15 min she would fall asleep in between the story and Ryan would lightly shake her to continue the story.. Finally around 5am Ryan also started getting bored and sleepy..

Next morning Armaan was surprised when he saw that he was up before Ridhima.. he lightly shook Ryan and got him ready for his school.. They were at dinning table.. "Ridhima kahan hai Armaan..?" Tara asked.. "so rahi hai mom.. mujhe laga thaki hogi toh maine uthaya nahi.." He said..

"Ryan aapne dinner kiya tha..?" he asked Ryan putting a bite into his mouth.. to which shook his head saying "Lyan ko bhuki ni lagi thi toh mamma ne bohot saari stories suna ke lyan ko shula diya.." he grinned while others got to know the reason why was early riser was still asleep.. Abhi was already gone to his office.. "Bhai, main, mom aur Bi market tak ja rahe hain.. raaste mein Ryan ko school bhi drop kar denge.. Aap office toh vaise hi late jayenge na.." to which Armaan nodded looking up from his laptop..

He walked in the room with his laptop only to see his lovely wife in her towel confused whether to wear his fav blue or her fav yellow.. his mind was now getting naughty.. he went to her and without notice held her from back and traced her nape with his nose.. in turn she got scared and pushed him hard.. she turned to see who it was only to find Armaan on the floor, she gulped and looked at him in confusion till he got up.. "Aise koi dhakka deta hai kya..?" he said rubbing his back..

"Aise koi daraata hai kya..?" she asked trying to control her breath..

"Tum darr gayi thi..?"

"Nahi.. mujhe kyun darr lagega agar mujhe bina bola koi mujhe peeche se aake pakad lega toh.." she said sarcastically making him gulp..

"par main toh.. bas.. I mean.. tum towel mein itni sexy lag rahi thi ki mera mann kiya tumhe tease karne ka.." he said with a pout.. as soon as his words sunk in she blushed realizing she was there standing infront of him in just her towel.. she picked up a random suit and moved to the closet when he held her arm.. he once glanced at the door to see if it was closed.. he stepped towards her while she nervously stepped backwards till she was stuck by the wall.. Armaan's gaze was still locked at her.. She rolled her eyes and tried pushing him away abit.. he in turn caught her wrist and pinned her to the wall.. while she gulped praying the towel doesn't falls off.. next moment she forgot what she was thinking when she felt his pointed nose tracing its way up from her collar bone to her lips..

She breathed deeply when she felt his breath mixing with hers.. instead of kissing and giving her wat she was anticipating, he picked her up and took her to bed.. she just hid her face in his neck tickling him with her breath.. he sighed while laying her on the bed.. she shivered when she felt his hand moving inside her towel and caressing her navel.. She shivered with his touch and next moment he bent down and hid his head in her neck planting swift kisses all along the side of her neck till her chest.. he felt her grip tightening on his tshirt.. he stopped for a second to see her pink face, she was biting her lips while her chest heaved heavily in anticipation and nervousness..

Running his fingers lightly from her neck to her chest he gently undid the knot of the towel, with the towe still wrapped around her.. She moaned when she felt his hand inside her towel tracing the side curve of her body and his lips very close to hers.. drowned in their moment, she lifted her head abit to meet his lips but he pulled away.. he smiled when her hand reached into his hair and pulled his face down into a passionate kiss.. he groaned when she stroked his chest while kissing him in turn he traced her curves sensuously..

Forgetting that he has to go to the office and she has to get ready, he towered onto her, crushing her under him while leaving sensuous kisses on her face.. he felt her struggling with his tshirt.. in a swift moment he got rid of his tshirt which was soon joined on the floor by his jeans.. As he proceeded further kissing lower on her chest she started to breath heavily.. feeling his lips on her chest and then going down to her ribs and stomach left her gasping for breath.. his gentleness and passion was burning into her now.. she turned around and stroked his back while kissing his chest and neck.. his grip around her waist got tighter with each nd every kiss she planted..

"Armaaann.."

"Ridhhhuu.."

They moaned as they were very high at passion.. and there was no stopping then.. He kissed her one last time knowing she was now prepared to be his all over again..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They were rolled into eachothers arms tucked in a comforter.. though not asleep yet they had their eyes closed and faces red with blush.. caressing her back to relax her, he lightly kissed her lips, just a small peck to make his presence felt.. she looked into his eyes and soothed his face by running her soft fingers on his face and hair.. "I Love you.." he heard her whisper..

"I Love You too Ridhu.." he in turn whispered in her ear resting his head on her pillow near her face.. They shared a wonderful silence for sometime as the contentment that their relationship gives them is beyond words.. he frowned when he felt her sliding away towards the edge.. "Kahan ja rahi ho..?"

"Ready hone.. aapne toh apni meeting cancel karva di par abhi bhi humein Atul ke ghar jana hai Anjali di ke saath.."

"kal nahi ja sakte..?" he asked pouting like Ryan does.. "Abhi mann nai kar raha tumse alag hone ka.."

She smiled at his cute face and brushed his head lightly while kissing his cheek.. "Alag kahan ho rahe hain.. saath hi toh chalna hai aur saath hi vapas ghar aayenge.. kal jaane ke liye kahenge toh unhe acha nahi lagega Armaan.. yeh step unn dono ke liye bohot bada hai.." he nodded giving her his dimpled smile and got her into a rib crashing hug..

Soon they were ready to to go Atul's place with Anjali to support their love.. They picked Anjali from Sanjeevni on their way and reached Atul's place in time.. Outside Anjali was very nervous.. though she thought Atul's mother might like her yet she was worried if her family would destroy this relationship.. As it is Padma and Shashank doesn't approve of Atul much and now if Atul's mother says NO, then they might have to take some tough decisions..

Mrs.Naina Joshi : Wife of Mr.Omi Joshi.. A self made women who handled her father's business single handedly after her husband and father's death.. She is very strict yet loving mother.. though wants best for her son but she still doesn't like people who are fake.. what appeals her the most is Simplicity.. her decisions are final at her house..

As the door clicked open Anjali partly hid herself behind Armaan and Ridhima.. After greeting Naina warmly they walked in.. Anjali folded her hands to greet her when Naina said "beta aap vahi ho na jo pehle bhi Atul ke saath ek baar ghar aayi thi.. Anjali.." Nodding with a half smile and gulped thinking Naina might know about Anjali's rude behavior towards Atul back then..

As they sat with some coffee Anjali was somewhere relaxed when she saw Naina and Ridhima communicating very comfortably.. "Agar Ridhu inke saath comfortable hai toh aunty itni strict bhi nahi hongi.. verna Ridhu bhi toh awkward feel karti na.." Anjali thought to herself..

"Toh Armaan.. aaj aunty ki kaise yaad aayi..?" Naina asked mockingly as normally get togethers are organized at Armaan's place.. "Rahul, Muskaan aur Niki nahi aaye tumahre saath..?"

"Umm.. voh.. nahi.. aunty actually humein Atul ne bulaya tha aapse.." he was cut in between by Atul's sudden entry.. "Mom voh baat karni thi inse.. issiliye.. haina..? Armaan..?" Atul said covering up and fumbling.. Though looking at their faces naina guessed that Atul was covering up for something but she wanted to wait before she questions him.. "Theek hai.. tumlog baat karo tab tak main khaane ki taiyaari dekhti hoon.." saying so Naina disappeared in the kitchen..

As soon as Naina went away Armaan jumped to atul.. "Abe itni mushkil se toh Aunty ne khud topic shuru kiya tha, tuney bolne kyun nahi diya..? ab phir se baat shuru karni padegi.." he cursed Atul saying that.. "Tujhe yeh koi mazaak lag raha hai jo aate hi mom ke aage bolne vala tha tu.. seedha bolna hota toh tujhe thodi bulata main.." Atul said in equally irritated voice..

They stopped when Ridhima nudged them.. they turned to her and traced her gaze and were shocked with their jaws touching the floor.. there they were fighting on who to disclose the news of Atul and Anjali's relationship to Atul's mother while Anjali got up instead and moved to the kitchen to see if she could help.. Anjali Gupta, sitting on the table and chopping off the salad was something new to them.. "Yar yeh toh humse bhi zyada samajhdaar nikli.. apne aap hi kaam karke aunty ko pataa rahi hai.." Armaan commented..

"Shut up Armaan.." Atul and Ridhima said together..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Toh ab batao ki baat kya hai.. itni der se aapas mein kya ishaare chal rahe hain..?" naina finally asked when she caught them stealing glances at lunch and even now while sitting in the lounge all of them were probing eachother to say something.. "Aunty voh.." Armaan stared but fumbled so Atul continued.. "Mom voh.. main.. aapko batana chahta tha ki.." when Atul fumbled Ridhima continued.. "Aunty.. baat yeh hai ki Atul aur Anjali die k dusre ko pasand karte hain.." suddenly everyone in the room was staring at her.. Armaan, Atul and Anjali fr sayng it straight and Naina for when she refered to Anjali as DI..

Ridhima gulped and got nervous but felt ok when Armaan gave her hand a gentle squeeze.. "Atul tumhari behen ko pasand karta hai..? Anjali tumhari behen hai..?" Naina questioned Ridhima.. to which all of them nodded.. "Kitne waqt se chal raha hai yeh sab..? aur Atul, mujhe yeh baat batane ke liye tumhe itni himmat bhi nai aayi ki aake seedha mujhse baat karo..?"

"Nahi mom.. mujhe bas darr lag raha tha ki kahin aap naraaz na ho jayein mujhse.. main aapko hurt nahi akrna chahta tha par aapko apne aur anjali ke bare mein sach batana chahta tha.." He gulped looking at his mother who knew there was still more to it.. he rather bowed his head than saying anything further.. "tumhara pura naam batao beta aur apni family ke baare mein bhi kuch batao.."

"Ji Aunty.. Main Anjali Gupta, Shashank Gupta ki beti.. main Atul ke saath Sanjeevni'" Anjali was cut in between by Naina "Shashank aur Padma Gupta ki beti..?" seeing Anjali nod all the expressions of love vanished from Naina's face.. She looked at Atul waiting for an explaination.. but before she could ask anything from him she looked at Armaan.. "Ridhima bhi Shashank Gupta ki beti hai..?" she wasnted to hear a NO as she genuinely loved Ridhima and it would be really hard for her to believe that such a simple girl like Ridhima can be Shashank and Padma's daughter.. "Nahi aunty.. Ridhima Anjali ke tauji ki beti hai.." Armaan explained only to see relief spread on her face..

Atul saw his mother's scrutinizing gaze at Anjali.. "Aap please galat matt samjho mom.. Anjali bohot achi hai.. aap bhi usko jaan ne ke baad acha hi samjhogi.."

Naina nodded and went to her room saying "Baad mein baat karenge iss bare mein Atul.. tumlog baitho main chalti hoon.." as she left Anjali slumped into the couch.. first time in her life has she felt so nervous infront of anyone.. Atul sat besides her with equal disappointment.. though they knew that they will get this reaction but still they prayed for something good.. "Yahan aunty nahi manengi aur vahan mom dad nahi manenge.. hum kya karenge atul..?" Anjali asked in a small voice.. "Don't worry di.. Aunty ko thoda time dijiye.. unhone na toh nahi kaha na.. dekhna voh maan jayengi.." Ridhima said encouraging Anjali and Atul..

Armaan nodded aswell abit unsure though not knowing what exactly is in store for their future.. as it is everytime he notices that they are all connected.. one of them suffers. It leaves someone else with that ultimate hurt too.. he fears more because Atul is as a brother to him as Anjali is to Ridhima.. so anything happens will have him and Ridhima dragged into it too..

frnd.of.frndz2012-02-21 10:18:04