Chapter 5
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**~PART 8 ~**
"Armaan?" she called out entering his room. The early tender rays of sun flooded the room with light; but as Riddhima entered the room she found him no where in sight. Riddhima frowned. It was very unusual of him to get up so early and go away anywhere and that too without informing her.
"Madam? Sir is in his gym" Riddhima turned around to see John at the door.
"Oh ok Thank you" she closed the door behind her as she came out and climbed down making her way to the mini gym they had. Armaan had proudly displayed the gym setup while showing her around the house when they had arrived. It had been in-built especially for him and he was proud of it. It hadn't taken very long for Riddhima to see he that he was a total fitness freak. Even a fool could make it out seeing his well-tonned body.
Everyday morning he would be up and work out before they started the day's chores and things to-do. Riddhima was now well aware of his routine after staying with him for almost two weeks. It had been almost a week and a half since they had gone down to the lake, immediately the next morning she had met up with Rahul as planned and he had informed her that it was indeed confirmed that Anjali was the dreaded agent. She hadn't left Armaan's side even once ever since then.
She would attend all meetings with him and was making sure he wasn't left alone even for a minute. And she was amused seeing how delighted he was when she would announce she was accompanying. She knew he was delighted with her company by his side and he had made no attempts to hide the fact.
He would openly flirt and pass teasing remarks to which she would giggle or feel herself go warm surprising herself. But she too had to admit she enjoyed having him around. He made her feel so relaxed, so much at ease and so comfortable, just as though she could be herself with him. No false pretenses or having to worry about any plans, any missions, any lives .
Just normal, like any other girl of her age. It seemed to her he made her feel a lot many years younger and made her feel she was beautiful .A woman. Something she wasn't exactly made to feel by anyone around her usually. Or rather she had distanced herself from these feelings for so long that these advances from Armaan made her feel divine. Plain fact was………..she adored his company she confessed as she finally turned around yet another corner and reached the other end of the house where the gym was located.
"Armaan?" she called out feeling the cool air surround her as she entered the air-conditioned room removing her sandals and feeling the soft carpet tickle her feet as she walked in.
"Good morning" she smiled as she saw him put aside the heavy dumb bells and got up from the seat wiping his sweat covered face with the towel that hung from his neck.
"Hmm good morning Armaan, you up so early??" she asked as he came walked towards her.
"Oh well I just happened to wake up earlier then usual and couldn't sleep so I was like why not have an extra workout."
"Oh Ok, I was just wondering where you….."she paused thinking how to frame her next line……
"Went away?? Or disappeared?? Or left without you......??" Armaan continued with a twinkle in his eye and an amusing tone.
"Don't worry I wont leave you and go anywhere." He winked as Riddhima lowered her eyes with embarrassment. What was it about him that his gentle teases would just make her go red???
"I didn't mean….." she paused knowing that he would just respond with some other flirtatious remark. She decided to drop the matter.
"So what are you doing today?? Cardio or strength???" she asked leaning on the cross –trainer handle as he sat down on the sofa nearby running his hand through his wet hair.
"Strength it always takes me longer and its much more rigorous you know, loads of hard-work but at the same time to maintain a body a your muscles its strength that does the trick" he elaborated.
"I know" she mumbled. "I hate strength workouts. They are full of lifting weights and leave your muscles all soar and dry. I could hardly lift my hands when I initially started..... after workouts" she continued walking towards him picking up the bottle of water that was kept on the side on the floor. As she handed him the bottle he spoke.
"Obviously you hate strength, usually all girls do Riddhima. It is basically not a lady's cup of tea" he grinned held the bottle to his mouth and gulped down the water.
"What do you mean? We girls can't do strength??" she retorted back in a challenging tone as he continued grinning putting the bottle aside.
"Well I didn't mean that……it's just not meant for women you know. You girls are delicate, soft and gentle. Weights and dumb bells aren't meant for you." He continued in an amusing tone seeing her narrow her eyes.
"Well Mr Mallik I don't say I can lift 50 kilos with one hand but I can definitely work with any strength equipment you point out here" she glared at him angered by his mocking implications. We can do anything she thought furiously. Uff these men and their over bloated ego…..girls are soft…….delicate….my foot. I'll show him now…..
"Hey I didn't mean to offend honey, I just meant the built of your body isn't made for such heavy stuff…." He smiled seeing her give him another glare and walk of to the nearest equipment.
"I'll show you right away that I can easily do this….." she muttered tossing her hair and turning her back to him facing the machine she had challenged to him on to do and show.
It was a rod lifter, the kind in which one had to lift the heavy rod with weights attached from its support with one's palms, the fingers curled around it and lift it up. Riddhima curled her fingers and tried lifting the rod up gritting her teeth and concentrating on applying all her strength to lift it up. it did move, inch by inch she did manage to lift it up from its stand but she stopped suddenly.
Trying as much as could she couldn't lift it up from midway. She closed her eyes gripping it tightly screwing up all the concentration she could muster to lift it up. Soon her biceps muscles began to ache under the pressure. She felt her hands as heavy as lead. No….I have to do this….she thought…..
Suddenly she felt two warm hands supporting hers and lifting up the rod, her hand holding the rod while his hands below her. She opened her eyes and glanced behind. Armaan smiled his eyes still twinkling with amusement.
"Told you sweetheart, these aren't meant for you, you need to be trained or have a proper trainer. Your body is much more delicate then ours. That's all I meant" he whispered softly not breaking her gaze.
Bringing down the rod swiftly and carefully he made her put it back on its stand, his arms still around her.
"I never meant women are weaker or not capable or doing things. I don't think that way Riddhima and even if I were I would definitely change my chain of thoughts after having met you"
Riddhima felt tiny goose bumps rise on her skin as she felt his breath down her neck. Her senses seemed to have gone numb and all she could feel was him around her. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips brush her ears.
"I had no intentions of challenging you, I was just talking from the physical aspects, nothing more. And you will be the last person I would challenge as you are….." she felt him moving closer still.
"One of the most amazing and intriguing woman I ever met." He continued in the same tone.
"I uh….." Riddhima didn't know what to speak. She was far to conscious and unaware of anything else with the close proximity.
Suddenly he moved away. Grinning he picked up his towel and rubbed his hair. Riddhima breathed in deep. She felt she had stopped breathing when he had closed in. GOD!!! She was behaving like a teenage girl going all red with slightest of the physical contact. What was wrong with her??????
"I uh…." She started again mustering her courage. She could now see how foolish she had been. Why did she always have to be so impulsive??
"Yea??" he looked at her questioningly.
"I am sorry…." She mumbled truly going red as she now felt ashamed with herself.
"No need, I love your pluck" he smiled leaving her stunned yet again. This guy!!!!!
"Ok anyways tonight Riddhima we have a part to attend, its organized by some members of UN. He is Dad's friend and like I have to attend on his behalf."
"Oh ok" Riddhima answered still dazed.
"So??? Riddhima your accompanying me ok" he raised his pitch a little seeing her lost.
"Oh yes ofcourse…..I will ofcourse….as your assist…." she smiled getting back.
"As my date" he cut her short and blew her a flying kiss as he walked out.
"See you at breakfast" he called as she stood there watching him march off totally stunned. Was she imagining or was there something more then mere attraction between them???
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Armaan couldn't help but stare as he saw her climb down the staircase. The black halter neck going down to her knees fitted her graciously making him skip a heartbeat. He smiled as he held out his arm and spoke.
"Some one is looking breathtakingly ravishing tonight" he whispered as she linked her arm with his.
"Thank you" she whispered back lowering her eyes.
"You are looking dashing too" she complimented giving a shy smile as he led her out of the house.
Get a grip Riddhima she thought to herself. She was supposed to be protecting him and not give in and respond to his flirtatious remarks!!
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"Hello Muskaan?"
"Hey Rahul" Muskaan greeted him enthusiastically.
"So you are here finally" he smiled listening to her voice full of cheer. It had been days since he last heard her voice. They couldn't talk much over the phone with the fear of being tapped. And there had been so much going on past few weeks. Having a traitor among themselves and keeping it away from Riddhima for time being so that she wouldn't get distracted as she was way too impulsive and impatient sometimes.
"Yep, here .Frank thought I was more needed here .Atleast for a few days. Later he might send me back. But for now am here in Cape Town. So how's things been going on??"
"Things are fine and under control." He answered.
"And how's Riddhima doing?? Does she know that like someone amongst us……."
"Nope haven't yet told her. She's better off without that news for now. Anyway right she is busy taking care of her boss…..or rather I should say she's enjoying how's he is taking care of her" he chuckled hearing Muskaan giggle.
"That's great…..am glad that Riddhima is atleast comfortable with him…."
"Yea…..she seems to have found a great friend in him. You know she actually had him ride a horse with her…..and he seems a great guy too…." Rahul mumbled.
"That's so nice Rahul…..she's always been so lonely…." Muskaan's voice trailed off….Riddhima had been like a sister to her.
Riddhima's mother had passed away on her birth and the lone girl had been raised by her father alone. She and Riddhima had been neighbors and she was just like a part of the family to them. They grew up together and life had been great till Shanshank got shot. Riddhima had then come to know that her father had been a top FBI agent apart from being a UN member. All her life her father had kept this truth away from her and she was completely shattered knowing it. He had been gunned down ruthless and Riddhima had sworn to take revenge and despite many pleadings from Muskaan's parents Riddhima had joined FBI.
Few months later Muskaan's parents were killed in a bomb blast and both the girls could not even cry over come with so much of grief. Muskaan joined Riddhima and the girls found this profession as though it had given a new meaning to their lives, a new aim, a reason to live. But they had retired to their self built cocoons and both were lonely they both knew.
Muskaan was happy hearing Riddhima had finally found a friend who didn't belong to their world. It would do her good.
"Muskaan you there?" Rahul broke her chain of thoughts hearing the long pause.
"Oh yea….I am just glad….Riddhima is opening up to someone finally…she has been so lonely all her life…..she never shows…"
"You too have been just as lonely" he whispered cutting her in between.
"Rahul?" Muskaan bit her lip knowing very well he was bound to bring up the topic sooner or later.
"Muskaan atleast give me a chance, I can give you the world….just one chance atleast. You have closed the doors to your heart in such a way that……." he broke off hearing the sniff. It was always like this. When could he get to convince her he didn't know.
"Rahul…..give me some time" she sighed.
"Ok….you have all the time right now….but don't take forever as I wont wait till then" he answered.
Muskaan closed her eyes wishing he wouldn't have brought up this topic.
"I heard there is a party tonight?? And Armaan is invited ?" she asked changing the topic abruptly.
"Yes, it's some party his father's friend has thrown. He is going there with Ridz ofcourse and Atul will be there too in the party. They have covered up the entire catering staff. Our agents will be there in the party keeping an eye camouflaged as waiters and all as Anjali will be there too. Atul is there, I will be keeping an eye on monitors from outside and I guess you will be going too"
"Yes, frank managed an invite for me. I am attending it as a guest. So there should be no trouble as such"
"Lets hope so, keep me updated. See you then…."Rahul muttered.
"Bye" she whispered
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"Hmm the party seems in full swing" Armaan remarked as they entered the brightly lit hall.
"Hey Armaan my boy" Riddhima saw Armaan turn and smile waving out lightly seeing people greet him.
"That's uncle, the one who organized the party, darling I'll just be back ok. I'll get us drinks and meet uncle and come" he smiled and left as she nodded.
Standing there scrutinizing the place along with keeping an eye on Armaan Riddhima gave a tiny smile as saw Atul dressed as a waiter approach. Picking up a glass of water she met his gaze.
"Be a little extra careful tonight" he quickly moved away and disappeared into the crowd leaving a confused Riddhima behind. Why did Atul warn her so suddenly?? With so many agents was there still an extra impending danger that she couldn't forsee???
She gazed around seeing Armaan deep in conversation with his uncle. Her eyes rested on Anjali talking amicably with a another guy. She saw Anjali nod her head lightly and swiftly hand over a what looked like a leather case to the man. The guy nodded and disappeared. Anjali met her gaze and Riddhima quickly looked away to avoid looking suspicious. What was going on she though??
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"Dance?" Riddhima smiled nodding and gave her hand in his as armaanled her to the dance floor.
As the low soft beats began Riddhima felt his arms slide along her waist. She looked up in his eyes as she consciously rested her hands on his shoulders. Looking into his eyes she felt the same sensation creep through her.
As they gently moved to the rhythm of the beats Armaan couldn't help but feel the same strong attraction, the same sensation of feeling her, of wanting to be close to her, wanting to hear her talk, her giggle, see her blush and shyly smile at his remarks. In a moment he realized this was far more then plain attraction or fascination. She had captivated him and he knew in was deep down now……. in love??? Or was it to early to say love???
On an instinct he gently pulled her closer .His hands gently caressing her waist. He could hear her gasp lightly and he gave a small smile. He knew she felt it too. His smile widened seeing her hands rigidly resting on his shoulders. She had firmly kept them there….not encircling his neck. He constantly kept his gaze on her, seeing her eyes lowered and meekly looking up to met his gaze every few seconds. Their bodies were in complete sync and Armaan held her firmly to himself.
Feeling him caressing her waist Riddhima felt her breath stop in the midway itself. His strong scent had already driven her senses crazy. She felt herself responding to his every touch. She felt him pull her closer still as she encircling her waist completely almost hugging her, she looked up. they had almost stopped moving and stood still. Riddhima felt her heart skip a beat as he stared at her unblinkingly.
She unknowingly slid her hands around his neck. The lights were dimmed on the dance floor and yet could sense Armaan smiling.
"Riddhima?' he whispered.
Riddhima kept looking straight in his eyes waiting for him to continue.
"I……I need to tell something" he started. He had to atleast share his feelings with her. Together they could perhaps discover what was this bond or connection between them?
Not daring to break contact she barely managed to whisper under his captivating gaze.
"Yes….?"
"I……Riddhima I don't know how….but I think I,...............I think I have fallen in....l......"
Riddhima blinked and stiffened her arms around him frozen. On the bare skin of his exposed neck was a bright red unsteady spot. Her eyes widened as she recognized the tiny red dot. It was that of a laser gun focusing before the shooter took his aim which meant Armaan could be shoot the very next second!!
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Ok part 8 is up!! Pretty earlier then my usual pace.
For all those wondering about Anjali-Ridz connection.....well that will open up soon and i couldn't possibly add everything here as it would be 20 pages of word doc and i am sure nobody would be interested in such a long update.
Thanx for all the support. Will be waiting for ur views!!love
jia
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