Chapter 2

 

Riddhima panted as she reached the white fence. Still the ranch was a few meters away .The white fence was a small little parting she observed. It merely separated the well kept lawns from the rest of the property. Beyond the fence she could make out in faint twilight that the grass was over grown and a few weeds and shrubs crowded the grounds.


The ranch was beyond that right at the end. She recollected Armaan telling her there was a small little lake as well, minutes from the ranch. Gosh the property was huge she thought. The Malliks were stinking rich she smirked not that she didn't know. But seeing the vast property gave made her weak in her knees. How on earth was she supposed to keep an eye on the whole thing?

 

She cautiously opened the small gate and stepped on the other side of the fence looking around. The yellow signaling was from that direction for sure .The ranch. She checked her GSM detector and saw she was on right track.

 

Her first reaction on seeing the yellow light from her room window was to grab a paper and pen and quickly detect the code. But seeing it for two whole seconds she instantly recognized the old message style. The beams were of uneven lengths. Short followed by long ones and sometimes two short flashes followed by long ones. She knew this code by heart.

 

Short flashes indicated a 0. Long ones indicated a one. The message had been five zeros at a span followed by one short and long real fast and then two long ones'.the last one which lasted a minute. The long last beam meant tonight. She knew that and the short flashes meant 000 01 and one long meant 1. The code was 000 01 which meant meet us tonight. Last 01 meant her code number. She was agent no 1 in this mission .Removing her GSM detector she saw the direction from where the beams had flashed. It was due north-west .The same place where the ranch was. Riddhima hoped she wasn't walking into the dragon's mouth.


She dare didn't call up lest she was being followed. But this form of code had been devised and followed by them only. Coding alphabets with mere 0's and 1's was a messy business. But they had taken the difficult route to safeguard their codes. And besides the top FBI agents not a soul would even understand what those flashes meant. Riddhima felt a little more confident as she softly strode towards her direction. She pulled her jacket closer to her body wrapping it tightly as the chilly breeze blew across the silent grounds. She hoped her messengers would be keeping an eye on Armaan as they called her here.

 

 

Hearing the restless thumping of hooves she grew alert. She was pretty near now. She quietly moved ahead and stopped seeing yet another fence .A broken one. Beyond that she could faintly make out the stable and could hear the "hurrrmmpppp "of horses moving about.

 

Just then she jumped hearing a loud owl hoot. It was literally like a wailing .Lasting for a minute. Riddhima silently let out a laugh. She was too experienced not to know this owl was a human. They always would owl hoot when they saw an agent close by or entering the secret outlet. She entered the ranch. Going up to the stables she looked around. There was no one about. She gently went up to the horses and murmured soothing words waiting for any action. Just then she heard a small hiss.

 

She flashed her torch sharply around. Noticing a small door ajar at the back of the stable she cautiously made her way there. Taking her deep breath she stepped in.

 

'Phew I thought you would never make it' Riddhima jumped hearing the door close behind her and saw Rahul flashing the high voltage torch on her face.

 

'Stop that you are blinding me' she whispered covering her eyes.

 

'Opps sorry sweetheart, but we had to make sure this was our agent Riddhima and not Armaan's Malliks secretary' he sniggered as he moved forward and switched on the lights.

 

As the room bathed in the yellow glow coming from the bulbs hung about here and there she noticed the hay and screwed up her nose feeling the faint horsy smell.

'Yup this is the stableman's cottage' Rahul muttered as he saw her moving about. The floor was covered with hay and dust rose as she moved about.

 

'So why did you call me here?' Riddhima turned to face him

 

'And the stable man's cottage? Where is the real stableman?' she enquired

 

'Hmm Riddhima firstly we wanted a report of your first day and then tell you the remaining action in plan'

 

'Ok my day was pretty nice'Armaan shouldn't be any problem. He is a through gentleman and I guess easy to take care of' Riddhima added.

 

'Did I ask you to describe Armaan?' Rahul grinned as she rolled her eyes.

 

'No I meant anything out of order? The house staff? Servants? Anybody?' he probed.

 

'No nothing as yet'.I would have told you immediately if it was Rahul' she retorted.

 

'Ok fine'so all clear from your side. Now our plan' Riddhima nodded.

 

'Firstly you have a new stableman' Riddhima widened her eyes as he smiled.

 

'No way'you here?' she questioned as it dawned on her .Rahul as a stableman? She giggled.

 

'Yes'.firstly this property is too huge. We need someone to keep an eye on it. Your job is to protect Armaan. The grounds too need to be monitored though. And since you are here with the danger himself Frankthought it was best to have one of us here covering you. I will be here and keep moving in and out. You will give me your reports and I will keep you updated with the latest news. Atul is staying nearby too keeping control over everything'

 

'Ok fine so I have you hovering over me?' Riddhima laughed.

 

'Unfortunately honey you do' he grinned back.

 

'But Riddhima we got some disturbing news just now' Riddhima wiped off the smile as he became serious.

 

'The ATS have dispatched their best agent on this mission. She is a lady. We don't know her name or face. We just had her fingerprints on our database and Atul matched them. It's her unfortunately. She's ruthless I have heard. And she has arrived in Cape Townyesterday itself. You have to doubly careful and not let Armaan out of your sight even for a second'

 

'But Rahul what about when I came here to meet you?'

 

'Ridz we have already setup tight camera security and stuff all over the house. Atul is monitoring it 24*7. As of now Armaan isn't in danger tonight. Hence I called you. Armaan's bedroom is the only room which doesn't have any bugs or cameras. And I don't want camera's there. It will be invasion of privacy. As far as we observed him he is a nice bloke. But yes bugs we need there in his room. Only thing is you will set those bugs and keep the transmitter's with you yourself as you will be with him all the time'

 

'Ok got it'I'll have the bugs in his room by tomorrow morning. And keep an open eye for this new female on the bloke. Plus I believe you have someone watching the house and office and all' she asked.

 

'Yes we do. All you have to do is stick to Armaan'

 

'Yes I will don't worry' she assured.

 

'It shouldn't be an issue Ridz, he is very handsome right?' Rahul mocked as she looked away.

 

'Much more then you' she remarked as he laughed.

 

'But Rahul how did you know that this new agent dispatched by ATS is on our track?'

 

'Ridz that was by our agent working in his Dad's office'Armaan's Dad'.she came across the code and letters addressed to his Dad in which they had issued this warning and all. And the signature'.I mean the symbol was that agent's'..that lady. She has a notorious reputation'

 

'Umm ok'who is working in his Dad's office?'

 

'Actually'umm agent Muskaan'.she is there working is junior secretary. His Dad knows this and we need to keep an eye there too. Hence Muski'' he stopped as she giggled.

 

'Muski?' Rahul you still are in that infatuation? Muski?' she giggled harder as she recollected how smitten Rahul had been with agent Muskaan had first joined the FBI .

But unfortunately for him she didn't even look at him. She was dedicated to her work and just kept at that. Her parents were both killed in a terrorist attack and Muskaan had built these tall walls around herself. Riddhima knew her plight. She was somewhere just in the same boat as herself but Riddhima did wish Muskaan to take refuge in Rahul as he promised to give her unconditional support.

 

'Yea Muski? Any problem' Rahul glared at her as she smiled back.

 

'You should just propose her Rahul' she mumbled.

 

'Yea right and she will shoot me right away with bullets straight in my poor heart'..if you don't mind Ridz can we get back to business?' he towered.

 

'Yea yea fine anything more?'

 

'No nothing more'you can leave.' He turned around.

 

Shrugging her shoulders she turned to open the door as Rahul held her arm.

 

'Riddhima?' she turned around.

 

'Take care honey, and any problem you face I am here' he whispered as she nodded.

 

'Bye' she smiled.

 

'Yea and am here as the stableman'.Rahul with horses'.what a life'.' He muttered as she made her way out in the cold night.

 

 

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

 

 

She opened her door and slumped on the bed exhausted. Her night trip had drained her. Closing her eyes she thought about the nest morning. Setting up bugs in Armaan's room?? That was some task she pondered.

 

Getting up again she switched on the bed side lamp and got up. Picking up her jeans she had worn on her visit to Rahul she fished out the pockets and removed what she had been looking for. Her spy camera'the newer version Rahul had given her. It was the size of a pen and the tip had a powerful camera .Powerful enough to capture a fingerprint on any surface. He had asked her to keep it with her each minute and take the pictures of anything she found suspicious. She could also take a snap  in a flash of any surface or material she wanted to test the fingerprints.

Keeping the pen in the drawer besides the lamp she switched the lamp and snuggled up in the blanket closing her eyes.

 

 

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

 

 
'Ahem ahem' she opened her eyes and closed them again as the light streaming through irritated her sleepy eyes.

 

Opening them wide with shock she jumped up covering herself.

 

'Armaan??' she cried out hysterically. She was still in her night suit. A sleeveless top with noodle strips and quite loose and to think the Armaan Mallik was standing just there. She pulled the blanket closer as he stood there smiling slightly and looked down.

 

'What are you doing here Armaan?' she asked feeling awkward.

 

'Ermm Riddhima'.am really really sorry for barging in like this .But its 8 am already and we had a meeting at nine remember. And you weren't up yet so I thought''.I didn't want any servant or staff to come into your room hence'..I tried calling but you weren't picking up. Hence I umm walked in. I am sorry' he mumbled looking away.

 

'No its fine really' she gave a faint smile. He was adorable. He hadn't even seen her face and had kept his eyes lowered all the time. She smiled wider as he turned to go out.

 

'Armaan I'll be ready in five minutes. I am so sorry'I guess I was really tired out yesterday hence I overslept' she apologized cursing Rahul.

 

'No its fine'.actually I just got the call that the meeting has been delayed an hour but then too I came to wake you up just incase' he smiled back. She looked stunning even with her hair falling on face. The long slender arms and her face fresh from sleep made him stop and stare. But he was gentleman enough not to look.

 

'Ok you freshen up while I go for a bath. See you in a bit. You know I really wanted to take you to the ranches and all today'.but this meeting right now canceled my plans. In the evening or tomorrow I'll show you around' he smiled as she nodded and left.

 

Getting out of the bed Riddhima quickly showered and got dressed. A knee length skirt with matching formal blouse was her attire. She checked herself in the mirror. How she hated these formal wear. But they were going for a meeting and she couldn't go in there with everyone with their blazers while she wore a dress or jeans.

 

Picking up her black blazer she walked out. Seeing Armaan's door ajar she stopped. Peeping in; she found him in the shower still.

 

Quick as lightening she went in and closed the door softly opening her purse. This was an ideal opportunity to set up those bugs she thought. She was carrying them in her purse waiting to grab an opportunity and here she was with a chance.

 

Looking about she was surprised. Armaan  Mallik seemed a neatness freak too. The bed sheet was set up perfectly without a crease and his bags were put on one and other lined u in the corner. On the bed were his clothes set out with great care and his watch'the kerchief'.perfume everything in put out with care.

 

Going to the bedside drawers she quickly placed the black tiny bugs in the corners. Placing one in the lamp she moved to the windows on the otherside. Five 'six would be more then enough she mused. She gently picked up the bed mattress and placed one underneath.

 

'Hello you here?' Riddhima jumped hearing his voice. She had been so engrossed in setting those bugs she didn't notice the shower turned of and the door knob being opened. Thank goodness she was near the bed and not cupboards. He would have been suspicious right away then. Pitting up a show of merely looking around she gave an embarrassed smile.

 

 

'Umm Armaan actually I was ready'and you took so long. I came to check and also ask if I had to get any files ready' she fibbed hoping he would buy her lie.

 

'Ohhh I see' he spoke mockingly smiling as he came forward.

 

Riddhima looked away nervously. It was then she noticed him. Straight-out from the shower, his hair still wet, he was surely some sight. He came out rubbing his hair with a towel and wearing only boxers. His body was really perfectly toned just as she had expected. She could count the abs she thought as he came forward. Looking away feeling shocked at her thoughts she stepped back as he came closer still.

 

'So you were here to ask me for files? Are you sure sweetheart?' he winked as she looked up.

 

'No I thought you were here to revenge me for the morning issue when I barged in your room just like this.' He added grinning.

 

Giving out a sigh of relief as Riddhima felt relieved that he didn't suspect a thing she turned around mumbling sorry.

 

'I am sorry' she mumbled.

 

'No need.' He grinned wider. 'Your luck I walked in from the bathroom wearing boxers or else'.' He left it midway enjoying the effects as she turned red.

 

'I am sorry Armaan' she sincerely spoke and turned to the door tucking her loose strand falling on her face from the loose pony tail she had tied.

 

'Hey' he held her hand to her amazement and pulled her back.

 

Pulling her closer he as she shuddered feeling her palms touch his chest she quickly dropped down her hands.

 

Gently she felt him remove the rubber band from her hair opening it.

 

'Leave them open' he whispered.

 

'It makes you look even prettier' he smiled seeing her eyes lowered as he released her. She felt herself go damp as he stepped back smiling. Nervously she tucked her hair now loose behind her ears and stared into those deep grey eyes.

 

'Now if you give me permission to get dressed' he blew her a flying kiss and smirked as she looked up and blushed slightly going out.

Closing the door she sighed. What was it that her body and senses would just react differently in his presence?? Armaan Mallik was looking like a danger to herself she thought.

 

 

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

 

 

'Ok you got those files right?' Armaan asked as they stepped out of the elevator. They had duly arrived on time for the meeting. It was with the automobile company with whom Mallik's were collaborating. Today was their first official meet to discuss the prospect.

 

Armaan had informed her that the meeting was really important and it was one of the company's representatives.

 

'Make sure we just put out our facts straight. We are signing the deal on our terms' he had told her as they walked down the corridor.

 

The cabin opened and Riddhima saw her seated. A long face with high cheekbones and cold shrewd eyes she thought as their eyes meet.

 

'Hello'I am Armaan Mallik' he smiled as she got up.

 

'Good morning, I am Anjali'.Anjali Sharma the representative you are scheduled to meet'

Riddhima felt an uneasy twinge as her eyes met hers. She stared into Anjali's narrowed eyes wondering whether she had mistaken or had seen a look in them with showed pure loath?

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



 

"This is Ms Riddhima Gupta, my assistant and designer of this project."

 

Armaan smiled as he introduced the two ladies. Riddhima moved forward meaning to have a handshake when Anjali merely nodded and turned her attention to a smiling Armaan.

 

"Have a seat" she indicated.

 

Sitting down besides Armaan, Riddhima looked around. The room was elegantly furnished and the seats covered with finest leather. The windows seemed to be made with special thick glass to block any sunlight and the air conditioner seemed to be kept at its maximum speed judging from the coldness in the room. Riddhima felt herself shiver under the thin blouse she wore and the knee length skirt.

 

"So Armaan, from oil to automobiles??? How come?? " she asked him fixing her gaze on him as he leaned forward.

 

"Well to be frank Miss Sharma…"

 

"Call me Anjali, no formalities Mr Mallik." she drawled.

 

"Then same goes for you sweetheart, its Armaan for you" he gave a small smile.

 

"Ok Anjali, business is a game of expansion isn't it?? You expand yourself, explore new avenues. This is just an experiment we are trying. Automobiles and oil do go hand in hand if you go to see. And if the alliance happens then believe it will be one of its kinds and create history."

 

"That's true" she remarked.

 

"So why our company Armaan?" she further questioned. "And I believe you will be having your automobile engineers and all working on the new model you propose to launch? Let me tell you…our brand….its the most sought brands among all the continents. And you are proposing that your designs, you inputs, we produce the car under our alliance partnership and of course propagate your oil company right??" she asked in one breath.

 

"Absolutely right" Armaan smiled.

 

"So tell me Armaan, give me one reason why should we invest in your model? Are your designs ready? What is so special and pardon me for questioning you like this but we do need a valid reason before we collaborate with Mallik empires"

 

"No…Anjali this is business right? Once your line of questioning is done you have to answer ours too…coming to your question, yes are designs are in progress, infact Riddhima here is in charge of it" he indicated Riddhima.

 

She blinked as the two heads turned to her. Great finally they did recognize I was here she thought?? It had been over an hour since they were sitting in her cabin and not once had she been spoken to. Riddhima felt like a statue sitting and merely nodding.

 

"Yes Riddhima, tell me sweety how's the progress?? "She looked at Anjali smiling a little more extra as she looked at her. Nodding back she opened her mouth.

 

"Umm Miss Sharma, we have started working on them, as you finalize the details we will reveal and show you accordingly" she politely answered.

 

"Haha, Riddhima darling this means you have not actually started working right?" she gave a small laugh on her joke as Riddhima looked at her not so amused.

 

"Miss Sharma, actually……."

 

"Sweety no explanations to me, you are answerable to your boss, not me" she said sweetly with a icy tone entering her speech which did not go unnoticed by Riddhima.

 

"Riddhima make sure designs are ready on time" she looked at Armaan a little shocked as he spoke to her with a hint to sternness, something she faced for the first time.

 

"Ahh Armaan, new assistants na…..takes time" she gave Riddhima a flashy smile.

 

"So continuing Armaan…..ok what if accept your deal, what financial strategy , our share prices???  Your company shares??  Market value??"

 

"Well its all being sorted out Anjali, and its all in profit as far as I know, why don't you take a look at the stock report later?"

 

"Surely I will, Riddhima honey what is Mallik empires current petroleum rates?" she asked suddenly.

 

Riddhima looked at her tongue tied. Ok how on earth was she supposed to know stock markets now?? Ok newest silencers….latest arms on international market were on her tips but stocks????

 

"I am sorry but I have not yet checked that out" she murmured softly.

 

"Tut tut…Armaan you need to train her…..Armaan Mallik's assistant and does not know the prices their shares hold in the market???" she looked at Riddhima and spoke in a deeply amusing and taunting tone.

 

"Um actually I just joined and I was supposed too…………"

 

"No excuses, is that a valid excuse??" she asked Armaan.

 

Armaan looked over at Riddhima and then over to Anjali .His face showing clear discomfort and not-to-happy look. Seeing his gaze Riddhima suddenly felt herself wanting to sink deep in the ground. Why hadn't she done her homework well? But she was told so abruptly and these finer details…..oh well damage was done. She had been proved as a complete idiot in front of them…..specially Armaan, thanks to Anjali she thought.

 

The next few minutes passed peacefully as Riddhima resumed her silence and watch Anjali dominate.

 

"Ok Armaan….yea so Armaan…I was saying Armaan….." hearing this lines Riddhima felt her ears ache. I am sure tonight in my sleep too I will mutter "Oh Armaan!!" she thought annoyingly.

 

"Hmm Armaan the deal is almost halfway done, just the final part left. I hope you are finding our prospective profitable" she heard Anjali ask him.

 

"Oh yes, but still we do need to consider every aspect and you yet have to hear out our terms" she saw him smile back.

 

"Well it's nearing lunch time, why don't we talk over at lunch. I mean we don't need this formal kinda atmosphere. So I insist….lunch is on me today" Anjali smiled as she stared at him yet again as if he were the only one in the room.

 

"Oh sure….I can see this as a great prospect…so lunch definitely right Riddhima?" Riddhima smiled gratefully at him.

 

"Hmm Armaan you are a pretty kind employer I must say….dont you think Riddhima should go back and do some homework?? For the betterment of your company….just saying" she sweetly said with a smile.

 

"Hmm no…I guess Riddhima will accompany us" Armaan objected.

 

"Lets go" he sighed looking at Riddhima. The lunch wasn't going to be exactly pleasant with two ladies in tow he thought.

 

 

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

 

I was so very right he thought as saw them both seated opposite each other. Riddhima was busy staring into the space and Anjali was busy with her cellphone.

 

"Menu Sir" Armaan glanced up at the waiter holding out the menu cards. Anjali had brought them to a classy Mexican restaurant and the scrumptious aroma of from the variety of dishes served at different tables was very delicious.

 

"So Riddhima what will you prefer?" he politely asked.

 

"Umm Armaan the Fideos they serve as appetizers are simply fabulous" he glanced at Anjali who spoke up as Riddhima merely looked down again.

 

"Ok…Anjali I guess you order whatever you wish, I will prefer something light" he smiled and leaned forward.

 

"I guess Riddhima too will prefer light right?" he smiled. "You aren't very fond of Mexican I believe" he added recollecting her telling him she wasn't too fond of that cuisine.

 

"Yea….I…" Riddhima paused as Anjali intertwined.

 

"Armaan you have to try Chile Rellenos, they are mouth watering"

 

"Armaan doesn't prefer hot and spicy stuff" he glanced up to see Riddhima finally speaking up.

 

"Yes I am sure you know your boss better but give me a chance to make him try something new. I am sure he won't mind" she added in a sweet mocking tone which didn't go unnoticed.

 

"And drinks? What will you prefer?" she asked turning her attention to Armaan.

 

"Right now Anjali…am not that hungry…I'll just have a coffee I guess after the main course" he simply added.

 

"Oh great…I have that habit too….so black coffee or anything special….you should try …."

"Armaan has his own specific taste for his coffee" Armaan now saw Riddhima responding quietly "And I am sure….."

 

"God Armaan what sort of assistant do you have? She keeps butting in when not required? Riddhima sweetie you are just an assistant ok you really don't need to dictate terms here…..have you no manners?" she retorted in a polite tone.

 

"Fine I'll just make a move since I am not really required here."

 

"That will be a smart move honey" she spoke icily.

 

Armaan sat there dumb folded. OMG he thought a live catfight??? Ok I don't need to be a monkey in between he mused. But why are they fighting? He wondered. Ok Anjali ….miss high and mighty is arrogant to her….but why the hell is Riddhima arguing back ?Both of them picking up a fight on my tastes and what sort of coffee I should drink?? He smiled slightly as he saw the two women glare at each other.

 

Riddhima wasn't the kinds to argue back he thought. Why was she doing this? Hang on the case of argument was he, his choices basically him. So wait a minute these women were fighting to get his attention???

 

Ok Anjali was the typical high society girl he thought but Riddhima? Was she trying to get attention too??? This was amusing…..two women fighting in front of him…and he specially was enjoying the show and see his sober and calm Riddhima bite Anjali.

 

"Ok I'll just leave Armaan?" he saw Riddhima stand up pushing back the chair and waiting or his response.

 

"Riddhima….it's really ok….I mean Anjali…." Armaan stammered.

 

Ok viewing a catfight was fun but to resolve and pacify?? It was not his cup of tea he thought. But heck in couldn't annoy Anjali, she was here giving him a lucrative offer in business and Dad would be furious if he let go of the deal. But Riddhima….well he would see it later…right now he had to keep Anjali pleased.

 

"Ok fine I'll get going" Riddhima walked out as she heard Anjali mutter.

 

"Armaan these assistants need to be shown their place. Else they will sit on your head and you are so gentle and a soft person…..these women…anyways since we have afternoon free would you like to go shopping? Or we can just hang around you know…."

 

"Yea I guess……" she heard Armaan say.

 

Once outside the restaurant she hailed a cab quickly. Getting in she leaned on the window……and fished out her cell.

 

"Hellooo….Rahul? Yea actually Armaan is busy….no he is on lunch date with that representative……Anjali Sharma, no I wasn't required there….on my way home ….So….." Riddhima left it midway. She couldn't blurt out in front of the cab driver and ask Rahul to trail Armaan and keep an eye since he was no longer with her. She hoped Rahul would get the clue.

 

"So yes got it Ridz, I'll have Atul tailing him don't worry, what did you say Anjali sharma? She is the new representative? Ridz did you get anything for fingerprints? We have to check the fingerprints of each and every person who comes in contact with Armaan"

 

"Yea…Anjali…that's her name….yes I got it. I will reach home in like 30 minutes."

 

"Ok I'll come over and collect it. Since you're alone in that house you can snoop around and check out the place too. See you. Bye" Riddhima sighed as she placed the cell back in her purse.

 

So Armaan was being trailed, she didn't have to worry about it. She was glad she had silently picked up the pen Anjali had touched back in the office and wrapped it in a tissue and kept it in her purse. Atleast her senses were in their place and working order despite the headache Anjali had given.

 

Feeling the cool air from the AC she laid back on the seat, her head resting against the back cover.

 

What was wrong with her? She had snapped back at Anjali?? The one they were supposed to sign a deal with?? But she had been provoked. She had humiliated her in front of Armaan how on earth was she supposed to be quite??

 

As she thought….Armaan…his name came surfacing in her mind. She flushed as she thought about him. He had plainly just enjoyed the claw fight she gritted .But what had you expected him to do? A tiny voice spoke in her head. You thought he would take your side?? How on earth did you think that way she clenched her fists as it all came back to her.

 

Each time Anjali snubbed at her he was quite and when she got up he had shown no motion to stop her or…….or what she questioned herself? You expected….Armaan Mallik…heir of Mallik empires to fight with his business associate for your dignity??? Why would he?? You are just a mere 'assistant' she mouthed in Anjali's tone.

 

God she had behaved shamefully. Why did she feel he was different? Why did she expect that extra bit from him…he wasn't totally at fault! He could not possibly insult or anger Anjali. Then why was she so hurt??? Maybe it was time she behaved exactly the way she supposed to. Be Armaan's assistant and nothing more.

 

He might be just merely flirting with her and was sweet and all and she took as…..as perhaps something else. He would just be polite and generous as a perfect host….maybe he would have a good laugh at her too. Her reactions….when he were close…the fact she told him so much about herself.

 

That's enough….I should perhaps just behave as his assistant, and expect nothing more….this is job afterall she sighed as the cab came to a halt.

 

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

 

 
"Hello?" she whispered softly.

 

"Muskaan?" Rahul gripped the phone. Closing the stable door behind him he quietly slipped in the cottage. He was perfectly safe here. Eavesdropping wasn't possible as he had debugged the whole place and installed transmitters.

 

Hearing silence on the other end he sighed.

 

"How are you" he softly asked.

 

"I am fine….and you?"

 

"I am ok I guess."

 

"And Riddhima?"

 

"She is doing well too…with Armaan…he is really very handsome you know" he smiled slightly hearing her giggle softly.

 

"I know…I have seen his snaps. He is good looking….fine specimen of a man."

 

"Ahem ahem….What's with you women? You can't see a handsome and dashing guy in front of you and eye other men? Shameful…." He muttered and smiled widely as he heard her giggle more.

 

Hearing silence again he looked up. Was he ever going to get Muskaan talk to him normally?

 

"Why did you call? Anything urgent?" he asked breaking the silence.

 

"No actually…..I just called to tell you….those warning notes, they seem very strange to me. Like as if you know…….."

 

"As if what?" Rahul perked up.

 

"Rahul I just thought…..it's just a hunch, some one from FBI is giving them information…they know Riddhima is not his assistant but she is keeping an eye on him…."

 

Rahul jumped. "OMG Muskaan…..what the hell are you saying…from us??? OMG Muskaan do you even know what you are implying?"

 

"Yes Rahul…I deduced this…the warning notes and all proofs indicate this….but…"

 

"Muskaan I have to see this….have you told Frank?"

 

"No not yet….I wanted to tell you first.." her voice quivered.

 

"Ok relax Muskaan…..see we will scoop this out ok sweetheart. You relax…."

 

"Rahul what if something happens to you or Riddhima….she isn't even aware….and…" her voice trailed away…..

 

"No I will have a talk with Riddhima…..we will be careful ok. And she is getting me the finger prints of the new business associate of Armaan…Anjali Sharma. I checked her profile…its pretty mysterious. She arrived on the same day as that ATS female agent arrived."

 

"Rahul she might not even be that agent…be careful" she whispered.

 

"You too Muskaan….be careful, take care…and I love you Muskaan."

 

"Bye Rahul…I'll take care…and miss you too" hearing her cut the call Rahul sighed. The day wouldn't be far when she would reciprocate and say "Love you too" he thought.

 

 

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

 

 

"Isn't Riddhima coming for dinner John?" Armaan cocked up his brows at the caretaker as he served his plate. Armaan looked around as he sat there alone on the dinning table. He was tired literally. The day with Anjali had not been so amusing after all. He regretted not stopping Riddhima now…but he couldn't annoy Anjali too. Still Anjali was just a business associate and Riddhima was……different. And the fact she didn't know about stock market wasn't a crime in his eyes, she was right in her place too he sighed.

 

He felt bad….as he recalled her hurt face….he expected her to be waiting for him…annoyed. But here she hadn't even shown him her face.

 

"No Sir" he spoke in a strong African accent.

 

"Why?"

 

"Madam said she isn't hungry and will eat later"

 

"Oh ok....tell her I am insisting that she have dinner with me?"

 

"Yes sir"

 

Armaan looked at her coming down the staircase gracefully. He got up pulling out a chair as she approached the table.

 

"Hi Riddhima" he whispered as she took a seat beside him.

 

"Hello Armaan….how was your day?" she asked coolly and smoothly looking up at him.

 

"Fine…fine" he muttered surprised to see her so calm.

 

"About afternoon I am sorry…..I should have stopped you and…"

 

"No need to apologize…." She cut him smoothly.

 

"It was my fault Armaan….after all with what position was I interfering?? I am just a mere assistant…I should not have accompanied you to lunch in the first place" she mumbled lowering her eyes.

 

"Hey no…..Riddhima it's nothing like that…." He leaned forward to hold her hand over the table, just to see her taking it back.

 

"Mr Mallik……….truth is truth…..I apologize for my indecent and shameful behavior"

 

"Riddhima no…." Armaan stared at her helplessly as she got up.

 

"I am sorry Armaan" she looked straight into his deep grey eyes as he stared back.

 

"Riddhima you weren't at fault at all, and sweetheart you don't really have to know the stocks and designs and be on your toes each minute. See Anjali is of that nature but….but I apologize for whatever happened…"

 

"Armaan?" she looked into his questioning grey eyes.

 

"You are really sweet Armaan, and I am really sorry for making you feel ashamed today."

 

 "Hey wait…." He called back as she ran up not paying heed.

 

"Now what? " he sighed.

 

Closing the door Riddhima sat down on her bed with weird feelings inside her. Why the hell did Armaan's opinion matter to her??? For the first time after her father had died Riddhima felt her eyes moist. She was crying??? Heck for whom?? And why?? She was Riddhima gupta…..the most sought FBI agent, and she was crying by some snubs made by some snotty jerk?? Wiping the small tears she quickly changed into her night suit…..barely paying attention to what she wore as she was pre-occupied and greatly disturbed by her own actions tonight.

 

Getting into bed she tried to get some sleep, tired of the day's events.  

 

 

****************************************************
"Hissss Riddhima???"
 
Riddhima woke up with a start…..glancing at the clock she jerked up wide awake. It was 3am in the morning. Rahul had already broken her sleep at 1 am calling her to inform her that he wanted her to come down to the stables next morning. Mumbling and feeling really annoyed she opened her eyes grudgingly to see him standing there. Even in the faint light she could make out it was him.
 
 
"Armaan?? You here? At 3am? In my room again?"




Okie part 5 up....longggg one. Thankuuuuu so much for ur support on this really. It keeps me going seriously!!  Pls do leave ur views if u find it worth, will be waiting for ur take on this one!!

Love
Jiajia..2008-10-03 11:37:29