Chapter 9

**~PART 12~**

"What??" Riddhima broke the silence in disbelief.

 

 

"Yes he has disappeared, vanished without a trace, we don't know his motive or reasons, though Frank wants to still see the positive side saying he trusts Rahul and all" Riddhima could feel the smirk in his tone.

 

 

 

"Anyways Riddhima your orders are to stay where are, do your part of the job and try and keep yourself and Armaan Mallik out of trouble"

 

 

"That's what I have been told since the start, what's the point anyways?? And now with Rahul pulling this stunt isn't this getting out of bounds?" Riddhima gritted. The very last of hope of saving Muskaan, uncovering the truth seemed fading away now.

 

 

"Yes that's your duty, the authority that needs to be looking into this matter will do so, Rahul's case is being passed on to the intelligence, CIA, so lets see"

 

 

"And Muskaan?" Riddhima breathed closing her eyes.

 

 

"Her case is where it stands, she has been given a deadline of 48 hours, if she doesn't open up and continues to remain quite then we would be transporting her back to Washington where the authorities would take charge of her case, and evaluate her punishment accordingly"

 

 

 

"Can't I see her just once?" Riddhima sighed gripping the phone tighter.

 

 

"No Riddhima, you know the rule, friends and family aren't allowed and you were almost a family to her so…..anyways I need to sort out a few things so I'll get going, any help give me a ring and please do stick to your job, we have enough at hand here" he firmly addressed her before cutting the call.

 

 

 

Riddhima sat still holding her head in her hands, she couldn't help Muskaan and Rahul?? Where did he disappear leaving Muskaan, leaving her so utterly helpless .Try as she might Riddhima couldn't help but feel Muskaan wasn't a traitor, she just couldn't.

 

 

"Riddhima?" she looked up with a shock seeing him standing in her room.

 

 

"Armaan?" she got up quickly. Had he heard her conversation?

 

 

"Umm Riddhima sorry to barge in like this, you had forgotten your purse downstairs so I thought I would had it over to you, had gone down to get a drink of water and saw it lying so….." he smiled as he placed it on the table top besides her bed.

 

 

Stopping besides her he came forward and kissed her cheek lightly.

 

 

"Goodnight and sleep tight, if you are worrying about something do please feel free to share with me honey." He smiled and walked out leaving her standing still. Why did he say that statement about worrying she wondered. Maybe because he obviously noticed you worked up and hence, a small voice spoke in her head. I am just thinking way too much, Riddhima sat down. Pulling out the drawer of her bedside table she removed out a photo frame.

 

 

Gazing at it, she moved her fingers lightly over it. There was she hugging her papa with Muskaan on the other side. Her family, the two people who were her heart had been snatched away brutally yet again again and now she was alone…….. She was all alone, Riddhima oddly feel any tears brimming in her eyes, the shock of realization of loosing someone so close, of being so utterly helpless at being able to do nothing at all made her feel immune to every other emotion. She was alone, the sooner she accepted it the better she thought feeling strangely empty.

 

 

As she put aside the snap her glance fell on the shinning bracelet still clinging to her wrist. Armaan she thought. Well, she had to admit his charm was definitely growing on her. Earlier she had brushed off his growing advances on her as a mere infatuation, a mere crush he had on her. But as she thought about she couldn't help but laugh at her thoughts. Armaan was no teenage guy to have his hormones play games and nor was she a fool of a girl to mistaken the intensity and the depth of his emotions. These few days spent she spent in his company she knew he truly meant what he said. She didn't know how long their relation was meant to last. Armaan had made it clear that he was pretty serious about her, that he intended to spend his life with her but her?

 

 

 

Riddhima fingered the bracelet lightly as she pondered. The turmoil she was in was in was way to deep, too complicated according to her. But she had pushed for far too long. Now as she saw she knew she had led Armaan on, strengthened his belief that she felt the same he felt for her, no doubt her lack of response, her poor reciprocation to his love did make him uncomfortable but then she couldn't just think of a way out.

 

Firstly having another person to come so close, so close enough to touch her heart, reach to her soul scared her, not because of the lack of trust she had on him but for the fear of loosing him. She lost her papa, now Muskaan, all her family, slowly all were just snatched away, what if Armaan?? No she couldn't take another heartbreak.

 

And yet the very thought of breaking his heart, telling him there was nothing between them, Gosh no that just wasn't possible. Why??? And what about the heart ache he would have when she told him who she was. Wouldn't he feel betrayed him; that his life was an open book to her and here she had completely hidden her real identity from him for so long!! But mixing personal and professional life was like playing with fire. How could she let her emotions come in between when she was here protecting him??

 

 

And then if he left her? Riddhima sighed restlessly switching off the bedside lamp and closed her eyes as she sank in to the bedcovers. Deep down she knew the truth, why even the remotest possibility of Armaan walking away from her life stung her so sharply. Because she was in love, she knew it; Riddhima opened her eyes and stared out into the night, the shimmering moonlight streaming from the window. She was in love with Armaan, the only right thing to do was to tell him straightaway, the truth, her real identity,  and her true feelings, atleast she could confide in him, the way he had, he could decide what he wanted after that. How many times had she stopped herself from reciprocating his "I love you?"  So maybe it was time now to speak out the truth.

 

 

 

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

 

~A Week Later~

 

 

Riddhima smiled seeing his strong strokes as he cut through the blue water, powerfully and forcefully. It was no surprise that he managed to bring a smile on her face no matter what he was doing ;whether it involved her or not. Sitting down on the seat facing the pool she watched him dive deep down. He had not yet noticed her arrival or he would be out in a minute.

 

 

The week had past by in a blur. It was exactly a week ago Riddhima had come to know about Muskaan being found guilty and though she had tried her level best there was nothing she could. But Riddhima was determined to prove Muskaan wasn't guilty. Rahul's departure had been a blow as she had counted on him to support her for Muskaan but still with or without him Riddhima had filed a case against the authorities defying Frank's orders, hence Muskaan's case had been put aside till the day of her hearing arrived. She had transferred back to USA no doubt. There was nothing more Riddhima could now, she tried searching about or Rahul's whereabouts but it had been in vain.

 

 

 

And her main worry was now Armaan. She still hadn't been able to spill out the truth to him. She had been so involved in finding a solution to postpone Muskaan's conviction that whatever time she spent with him she would tend to loose herself. He had this remarkable charm and endearing personality to make her drown in him. The sightseeing, the tours, the white sands on the beaches, those long walks, his kisses, his touch seemed magical to her. Seeing the love in his eyes she couldn't just say…..

 

 

"Hey Armaan, um actually protecting you but still I managed to fall in love with you? And I actually messed up my professional and personal life, allowed you to carry on, and let your emotions soar high and reach a point of no return?"

 

 

 

She would confess, she decided, sooner or later. He said they would be going out for dinner tonight so maybe then?? Riddhima looked at him unconsciously still deep in thought.

 

 

 

As he raised his head up for air gasping, his gaze instantly fell on her sitting there lost in thought. A small smile played on his lips. Running his fingers through his soaked hair he walked out grinning. Feeling the water roll down he stepped out completely and grabbed the towel lying nearby. She obviously hadn't seen him coming he thought. Rubbing the towel through his hair he silently went and stood; resting against the pillar in front of her.

 

 

 

"Hello honey, Good morning" he greeted in a cheerful tone.

 

 

"Ar….Armaan?" Riddhima snapped out and saw him standing there almost naked.

 

 

"Yup me….why don't tell me you were thinking about someone else?" he teased folding his arms across his chest.

 

 

"Naah….no I was just…..hey wait, omg Armaan cover yourself, have no shame standing there in those swimming tracks in front of a lady?" Riddhima looked away her hands covering her eyes mockingly as she noticed his splendor.

 

 

 

"Riddhima don't act so silly, as if you have never seen men before? What about those toned beefy ones you eye on the beach…." He teased further enjoying the look on her face.

 

 

 

"Shutup Armaan I really don't fancy seeing half naked men running around, yes I know you enjoy seeing women in those skimpy bikinis on the beach, infact I noticed it each and everytime time when we went on the sands, your attention was more on those running around then me….." Riddhima got up pouting her lips still looking away.

 

 

 

"Hmm so that definitely clarifies one thing" he murmured, his eyes glittering with amusement. Seeing her look away he pulled her close to him suddenly with his hands on her waist. Encircling them around her waist, holding her firmly to him he smiled seeing her look at him with mock indignation.

 

 

 

"What does this "clarify??"" she asked irritably.

 

 

 

"That wherever my attention would be, on the women, their figures, whatever, you had your eyes only on me" he gave a small peck on her nose an grinned wickedly seeing her trying to wriggle out of his hold.

 

"Armaan, that was such an illogical conclusion, leave it, and let me go, you think everyone is as beefy as you?' she struggled trying to push her self way from him.

 

 

Armaan gazed at her intently as he tightened his arms around her waist, molding her completely in him, causing her to gasp and look up. her hands lay on his damp chest, and his cool, damp hands resting firmly along her waist gave her shivers.

 

 

 

"Caught you haven't I?" he whispered huskily in hr ears causing her lips to part even more as she lowered her eyes. This is what she feared always. She would just make up her mind to speak up, talk to him and the moment he would be physically close she would forget everything. And feeling his arms around her made her feel so secured, so comforting that she just couldn't get herself get away from it. He was bad for her and yet for once feeling some one out here whom she could call her own, a man who would assure to love her endlessly, a solid protective feeling he made her feel, she could stay like this forever.

 

 

 

"Now don't tell me my effects are so disarming that you forget to breath and forget that you can talk?" he grinned wickedly as she looked up embarrassed. Only this woman could make him feel like this he thought.

 

 

 

 

Unable to control the urge he pressed his lips against hers. This is what she feared. It was always like this and knew she would respond too as she was far too deep in love with him to think straightly. The closeness would make her forget everything else and after those intimate moments she really never had a heart to speak about anything else. She enjoyed this fairytale romance and a part of her wanted to live this forever.

 

 

 

The cool, silken brush of his lips turning hot, then hotter still as the kiss deepened. The taste of him, a rich, clean sweetness, like cold winter days and hot summer nights blended into one.

 

 

She heard herself whimper,as he swept his arms around her, drew her close. His heart pounded against hers; his body hardened and she felt her own softening in response, looping her arms around his neck she gave herself up to the kiss. Boneless she let herself melt into him. Gently breaking away Armaan softly kissed her once again and drew her close to him. Feeling her head rest against his chest he sighed.

 

 

"Riddhima?" he gently whispered. Looking up she met his gaze as he lightly fingered her hair.

 

 

"I love you sweetheart and I think its time we take a step forward and give this relation a name, a meaning, a new life. I know this might not be the most romantic way to do this but I feel it's the best way to do it with you right here in my arms……."

 

 

Riddhima held his gaze anticipating would he would say next.

 

"Riddhima I love you, I want to spend my life, till the last breath like this, with you in my arms, Riddhima I just want to spend my life loving you and having you with me forever, ….." he paused.

 

"Will you marry me?" he intently looked straight into her eyes.

 

Riddhima blinked. He was proposing her? He was actually proposing her???  Ofcourse without a doubt……her answer was yes, she wouldn't even hesitate.  She gazed at him, with a small smile playing on her lips. How she been dreaming about this the moment he entered her life……..Riddhima gazed up to find him looking at her expectantly.

 

 

"Armaan….." she breathed.

 

"Yea?" he replied tenderly brushing his fingers along her cheek.

 

 

"I need to think, I really……" Riddhima paused wondering what made her say that, but the fact was she had suddenly realized the position she was in. he thought her to be someone she wasn't. The biggest reality of her life was still a hidden piece of truth she had. How could she commit to him without telling him the real purpose of her in his life. She couldn't. And was she really ready to bare open her heart to allow yet another person to touch it and then have him snatched away? The time she spent with him was incredible and she had successfully pushed away all her worries, thoe nagging thoughts to one corner of her head and chosen to just enjoy the moment but now………………….

 

 

"Ahh its ok Riddhima, I mean this wasn't the best marriage proposal I know and again I popped it all of a sudden. I understand you would need time. Infact I apologize for such a hasty proposal, it was in the rush, in the spur of the moment, I mean I have been thinking about this, our relationship and I am ready to take to the next level, and marriage seems to be the next ……..oh well its really fine, take your time honey." He smiled placing a kiss on her forehead and let go of her.

 

 

He had expected this hadn't he? She never said those words he so wanted to hear, and yet she reciprocated his passion fully whenever they came close. She behaved just like an woman in love with him would when he was around and yet sometime she seemed so distant, so alien that he wondered if he even knew his Riddhima a little at all.

 

Riddhima knew he was disappointed. As he turned to leave, she held his hand.

 

"Armaan please, don't take wrongly, I just need some time to figure out a few things and then……." She paused seeing him shake his head.

 

 

"Sweetheart no explanations please, I understand, and I'll wait for your answer Riddhima, take your time, anyways I have meeting now so I better freshen up and get ready" he smiled placing her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

 

 

"Armaan………thankyou" she whispered gratefully.

 

"Uff Ridz what's this thankyou about? " he looked at her sternly.

 

 

"Nothing, we should go upstairs and get ready" she smiled.

 

"We? Riddhima you can stay back and relax, its just a short meeting, I'll be back in an hour" he frowned.

 

"No Armaan I'll accompany you" Riddhima answered firmly determined not to allow him to go alone.

 

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"John where is Armaan?" Riddhima asked worriedly seeing him no where in sight as she descended the staircase, he wasn't in his room either.

 

 

 

"Madam sir just left, he said it as urgent and he would be back in an hour"

 

 

"But I thought we were supposed to go together" Riddhima felt like kicking herself for not being more alert enough.

 

 

"Mam Sir left a message saying he would be back soon, he apologizes for not waiting for you, actually Mam he received an urgent phone call and left immediately" he added.

 

 

"Phone call?" Riddhima stopped in her tracks.

 

 

 

 

"Yes Mam, Sir was talking to some Anjali, he took that name twice, he said he is coming there right away"

 

 

 

"Anjali?" Riddhima whispered her heart beating faster.

 

 

"Did he say where he was going?' she asked crossing her fingers.

 

 

"No Mam he didn't specify but yes he ask her to meet at the cliff point, he said he would be there in ten minutes."

 

 

"Cliff point?" Riddhima frowned. There were so many ut here, which would he go? And Anjali all of a sudden. God Armaan you should have atleast waited for me.

 

 

"Mam anything else?" his voice broke her thoughts.

 

 

 

"No no…….I was just wondering which area was he talking about?" she answered absent mindedly.

 

 

"Mam I feel Sir has gone towards the south. There is no cliff here in the vicinity that will take just ten minutes to go to. Sir mentioned tenminutes so perhaps h would have gone to Derek's cliff, it's the nearest here" he added.

 

 

 

Riddhima jumped. Yes perhaps he was right, she should act immediately, atleast give this a try, and anything might happen, she would never forgive herself if anything happened to Armaan. This was a last chance.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

"Armaan" Riddhima screeched the car to a halt and rushed out holding her gun in her hand .Seeing him standing on the cliff's edge with his back facing the fall side and Anjali standing in front of, her gun in her raised though yet not aiming at him her heart raced.

 

 

 

"Riddhima?" he spoke in an astounded tone.

 

 

 

"Wh…..What are you doing here? You shouldn't have come here…." He spoke to her fiercely as she ran and stood next to him.

 

 

 

"Armaan I wasn't going to leave you alone, don't think I'll let you face this alone, I am here to protect and trust me……." she stopped seeing him shaking his head.

 

 

"Riddhima what's that gun doing in your hands, put it down" he ordered seeing her aim it an Anjali.

 

 

 

"Armaan I'll explain this later, but I wont allow this b**** to harm you, she's been on the run enough, this time….."

 

 

 

"Armaan ask her to lower the gun…" Anjali cut her off.

 

 

 

"Riddhima lower your gun for heavens sake…….Riddhima put that thing down!!" he ordered.

 

 

 

"Armaan stop it, nothing will happen relax, Anjali just surrender now and there won't be any fight, I am warning you. I don't want to hurt anyone.

 

 

 

"Riddhima lower your gun, I can explain, please listen…" Anjali whispered.

 

 

 

"No I know you will do something, just surrender, put your gun down Anjali" Riddhima ordered furiously.

 

 

 

"Riddhima enough, I don't like these guns Riddhima……we can talk our way out here with her…….." Armaan roared holding her hand.

 

 

 

"Armaan…….listen to me…"

 

 

"No it will be me who will be heard now" three heads turned to see the Rahul standing there holding a gun, his car parked at a distance. Riddhima felt a gush of relief wash over her seeing him. She had been so involved here that she didn't notice the roar of his car engine die down.

 

 

 

 

"Rahul, thank gosh you are here……Anjali its two versus one, surrender now…." She turned to face her and saw her going white.

 

 

 

"What are you doing here……." Anjali growled clutching her gun tightly.

 

 

 

"Exactly what I have been intending to do, just give it to me and I'll back off, no bloodshed and no harm" Rahul answered in a cool calm voice.

 

 

 

"No ways…" Anjali replied fiercely.

 

 

 

"Then I'll just have to take it…..I have no options Anjie, forgive me if you can ever……. " he took a step forward.

 

 

 

"Noo" Riddhima heard a growl escape from Armaan's lips and before she knew she found herself being yanked off the cliff, as Armaan pulled her off beyond the cliff, both  falling deep down onto the treacherous rocks below. She could feel them seleves being sucked deep down, the gravity pulling them both………deep down……

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Ok that was part 12. Would really love to se your views on this one. Pls do give ur views!! Thanku for those lovely encouraging words!!

Updated a tad bit earlier then usual, as i wont be online at all till wednesday night!! So heres the update.....

Oh btw incase u guys miss me, feel free to pm..... I just cleaned my pm dabba!! Love u all!!

jia..2008-12-08 10:52:46