Chapter 19

*~PART 21~*

RECAP:

"Armaan I am sorry……I…" Riddhima lowered her eyes only to feel his finger on her lips.

 

 

"Shh." He traced her lip and gazed into her eyes.

 

 

For now his total focus was Riddhima. Dear God, if anything had happened to her... He closed his eyes against such an anguished visage.
It helped to put his hands on her. The instinctive reassurance of touch……he lowered his head to hers and pressed a gentle kiss on her temple.

 

She didn't respond outwardly but he could feel the heat building up…..he lowered his mouth against and touched her lips with his…….

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Armaan cupped her face and bent his head down to hers. Then his mouth was on hers in a possession that transcended anything he'd bestowed on her before.

 

 Riveting and evocative, it was raw, primitive and passionate. Taking more than she could give in a ravishment so shamelessly intense, she uttered a faint moan in protest.

 

 Riddhima felt the moment he sensed it, and she gave a choked sigh as his mouth softened into a slow, sensual supplication that fragmented her senses and wreaked havoc with her emotions.

 

 A tear spilt down her cheek, touched his mouth and was followed by another.

 

 She closed her hand into a fist and hit his shoulder in a punitive effort as he slowly eased to a gentle, evocative tasting until her lips trembled beneath his own.

 

 When he lifted his head she could only look at him with dark eyes bruised with emotion, and he pressed his lips against each eyelid in turn.

 

 

 

"I love you Riddhima……only you….for now, forever. What if something what have happened to you?? What would I have done??"

 

 

Riddhima opened her eyes and met his own. She traced her fingers along his jaws and then rested her hand on his cheek.

 

 

 

"I just wanted to prove myself, last few months have been so crazy…crazy as hell. To discover what I did for a living was actually manipulated and presented to keep me safe and …….."

 

 

Armaan placed a finger on her lips and shook his head.

 

 

"True we manipulated you, but that was later. You father had already mentioned how daring and full of pluck and courage you were. He was sure you would follow his footsteps and make him proud. If we were merely manipulating  you for the mission, Frank would have never given you real cases. We would have kept in the office doing paper work. But it was your passion that made you what you were and are. I realized my plan turned your life upside down. It wasn't the best way to protect. Now I see my folly. If I had just explained……"

 

 

He paused seeing Riddhima shake her head.

 

 

"It wouldn't have worked Armaan. You know me, I cant sit…."

 

"Idle and watch action take place in front of and not participate." He smiled knowingly.

 

 

"I know that from personal experience……" he added. She giggled slightly and looked deeply into his eyes.

 

 

"I am sorry…..for asking you too leave your job….." Riddhima started.

 

 

"I know……we should have talked, we can still, but for now I just want to love you, feel you……the very thought of loosing you……I love you Riddhima." He kissed her fingers which were resting against his cheek lightly.

 

 

Riddhima smiled through her slightly teary eyes and caressed his cheek.

 

 

"You scared the hell out of me, the way you were pacing around in the club. And in the car….."

 

 

He shook his head and answered.

 

 

"It was because I cared for you…... And consider yourself lucky that I am too overpowered by emotions and thoughts of loosing you, too worked up by those thoughts that I cant scold or…or rather show you my temper…else the moment I came to know that you left the house, I was ready to bash you up and….."

 

"Stop.." she whispered.

 

"I am sorry Armaan….I really didn't mean too….."

 

 

 

She trailed her fingers along the edge of his jaw, felt a muscle bunch there, then she traced his lower lip and lingered at its edge.

 

 

 "I love you." She whispered yet again stepping closer.

 

His heart, which had been thudding loud in his chest, increased its beat, and for a few seconds he was incapable of speech. She watched his expression transform, saw the in tense warmth, the passion, the unguarded love, and there was wonderment that it was all for her.

 

There was also the knowledge she witnessed some thing she doubted he'd allowed anyone to see in a very long time…...raw emotion that came direct from the heart.

 

He brushed his mouth to hers, then used his lips to nip the fullness of her lower lip, lingering there before tracing a path to the vulnerable hollow at the base of her neck. And felt the answering kick of her pulse-beat as it moved in tune with his own.
Dear heaven, he had a burning need to hold her, to reassure himself she was alive, and his.
Armaan scooped her in his arms and carried her to her bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he followed her and gathered her up in his arms, holding her close, settling her in his lap.

 

 

 

"Promise me you will never ever do something like this again." he murmured caressing her back.

 

 

 

"You want me to promise you that….."

 

 

"That you will never walk into danger intentionally and without my knowledge." Looking at the naked vulnerability in his eyes she nodded and snuggled closer to him.

 

 

 

It was nice, Riddhima decided, to rest in his arms. She could feel the reassuring thud of his heartbeat, smell the exclusive cologne he preferred to use, and sense the clean male scent of him mingling with body warmth to create an essence that was uniquely his.

 

 

"Stay here tonight Armaan" she whispered playing with his fingers.

 

 

"You don't need to say that, I am not leaving you alone for a single moment from now on, be it nights or days….." he drawled gripping her tightly pulling her closer.

 

 

 

 

"Your intentions aren't very innocent Mr Mallik." Riddhima whispered looking into his eyes.

 

 

 

"When did I say they were…" saying so He finger-combed her hair, lingered at her nape, then he brushed a thumb down the sensitive cord to rest in the hollow at the base of her throat. He contented himself with stroking the slender curve of her back. Then he kissed her, with a gentleness that caused the breath to hitch in her throat, he snuggled her close and held her, stroking her back, cradling her head.

 

 

Armaan held her through the night. Whenever she shifted a little he drew her close, simply because he couldn't bear to let her go.

 

 

If he slept, he was unaware of those stolen minutes, when his eyes closed, weariness finally drawing him to sleep. It was Riddhima who slid carefully from the bed as dawn broke.

 

She shrugged on a robe and stood looking at him, drinking in the strong features softened in repose. There was the shadow of a night's growth of beard, and she almost reached down to trace a path across his cheek. Thick dark lashes with their slightly curled edges, and that mouth...

 

His eyelids swept up in one swift movement, the dark orbs instantly alert, then he saw her and he smiled, a slow, sweet curve that melted her bones.

 

 

"Hi." His voice was a deep, husky drawl, and he extended an arm.

 

 

"Come here."

 

 

 

He pulled her close and kissed long and deep. Then he rose and made his way to the bathroom as Riddhima squatted to the kitchen to fix them a breakfast. Last night, she did not recollect either of them eating any dinner. Shaking her head she poured the coffee from the coffee maker in two cups and made her way to the living room where she laid the table with the mugs and bite sized sandwiches. Armaan joined her a couple minutes later.

 

 

 

 

"I will be going to headquarters later by mid morning." He informed her picking up a sandwich.

 

 

 

"Tomorrow morning we are going to the bank. The party where you were supposed to hand this over is cancelled. I wanted to keep it a low key affair. We will just go, do the legalities. Once the vault is yours, you hand over the documents to me. And that's it. You will be in no more danger and free from this mess…" he smiled apparently looking more relieved then her. Riddhima nodded feeling oddly unsettled. It was silly for her to feel so, she thought. It was just the feeling that she would be free tomorrow and maybe she was just taking time to grasp the fact that from the day following today, she would lead her life, a normal life, pursue her career, her dreams and be with Armaan.

 

 

"While we are on this topic…" Armaan broke her thoughts picking up the coffee mug.

 

 

"I have decided that if you want me to resign I will." He declared calmly not looking at her. Armaan fervently hoped his declaration wouldn't spoil the bond and the camaraderie that had developed between them again. He could now see how immature they both had been. Obviously Riddhima had been insecure about him that time. How could he have been so blind to have taken so long to understand her? Maybe that time their love hadn't been so deep. It had been in the initial stages, of attraction, shimmering interest in each other. But now it was much deeper and he had no intention of behaving lamely and letting go of her. If they had disagreements, they would sort it!!

 

 

 

Riddhima sat there unable to speak as he drank the coffee looking unperturbed.

 

 

"Then we will do whatever you want." He added draining the last bit of his coffee looking at her visibly pleased and expectant.

 

 

"But…but I don't want you to leave your job." Riddhima blurted wriggling her hands.

 

 

 

Armaan's gaze narrowed. He hadn't seen that come he thought.

 

 

 

"Let me get this straight…" he started in a softer tone.

 

 

 

"You don't want me to leave my job??" he asked shifting closer.

 

 

 

Shaking her head Riddhima moistened her dry lips and inhaled deeply.

 

 

 

"No Armaan, I don't want you to quit now or ever!! You love what you are doing and I would be a selfish fool to take it away from you. I agree I did not know what you were and who you were when I fell for you but that doesn't mean it diminishes your love or your devotion to me. All my life after I lost my mother and lived a rather secluded life with my dad I wanted someone who would love me unconditionally all my life. I used to sometimes fail to understand why dad wouldn't be there for entire nights or why I couldn't attend some friend's party because he feared for my life. Hence I wanted some one who would be with me, and love me unconditionally, be the moment I want him to be with me. But finally I figured out that I wanted someone to love me according to my timetable. I am better off without that kind of devotion as that isn't love, just plain selfishness. So I finally figured out….I have no right to change your life. While we would have started out with attraction and interest….I love you more deeply now for what you are and who you are which is what matters. You accepted me as what I am, so its my turn."

 

 

Riddhima gave a smile and shifted closer give him a soft kiss on his lips and looked at him expectantly after her small speech.

 

 

 Armaan felt a hundred thousand emotions rushing through him as he looked at her. He had resigned to the fact that he would leave everything, just for her, if she wanted. But her admission threw him off balance.

 

 

Gingerly he pulled her into a tender embrace and mumbled "I love you."

 

 

 

She held him and smiled. "I love you too Armaan infact I am kicking myself for being so foolish. I was just…." She broke away from the embrace and looked down.

 

 

 

"Insecure and scared……its normal to feel so…." He tipped up her chin.

 

 

 

"I know understand where your coming from Riddhima .But well its past now. We make a new beginning now." He interlaced her fingers with his and held them there.

 

 

 

"Yes…..I will be with you in every step Armaan. We will work together." Armaan looked sharply at her and frowned in confusion.

 

 

 

"Work together?" he looked at her holding his breath.

 

 

 

"Yes, you said yourself that I was good while I was in FBI, I love my job as well. So I will be continuing it as well." Riddhima looked at Armaan uncertainly and tentatively. She did know what to expect as his reaction.

 

 

 

"So you are keen to go on working?" Armaan asked her in a strangely distinct voice.

 

 

 

"Yes, after this gets over, I want to take up my job again. " Riddhima replied without hesitation.

 

 

 

 

 

"What about us Riddhima??" Armaan asked in the same tone.

 

 

"About us??? Why is that a question Armaan. We are together and there is no reason our equation should change after I start working." Riddhima replied now starting to feel uneasy.

 

Armaan got up and went to the window. The curtains were drawn but still the faint sunlight seeping through illuminated his features while he continued to stare out.

 

 

"Riddhima I have made it very clear that I intend to us to get married and settle down. Infact that was the prime reason you wanted me to leave as this job as its own share of hazards. How can you even think of rejoining when you are almost ready to walk down the aisle with me? You yourself are aware of the odd timing, working hours, the missions that keep you away from home for days together. How will we be a family if you continue? And……don't you want stability from this relationship like every other woman craves??" he asked looking at her directly.

 

 

 

 

Riddhima fidgeted with her with the hem of the dress she wore and met his gaze.

 

 

"Yes I do want everything from our relationship which is normally expected, but I want to pursue what I love and wish to do as well. Starting a life with you doesn't mean I am throwing away my dreams…..you were hesitant as well and now that I said I have no issues with your job you will go back. if you can then why not me?" she questioned.

 

 

 

"Would you react the same if I were working like somewhere else? Like in a bank or an office? Or did you expect me to stay back home??" Riddhima got up and touched his arm looking at him defiantly.

 

 

Armaan sighed and hooked her arm with his.

 

 

 

"No  wouldn't object you working anywhere else, you are right. You see I am a man, a guy and I definitely can't see my woman running around with a gun. Its not your job even though you are good at it. And for my own selfish reasons I would want to have you kept safe and sound and greet me with a kiss everyday I step home rather then me having to worry as to where you were and what you were doing. I want to live a normal peaceful life. Yes I agree I am again selfish to keep my job and not allowing you to do so…but well I did not tell my intentions fully. I intend to give up my current position of being the mastermind behind the plans. Instead I am planning to step in as the mediator." He continued as Riddhima's eyes widened.

 

 

 

"You know what a mediator is right? Its like whenever there is some emergency, like holding people as hostages or something, I try and intervene and try to talk them out of it, rescue the eople without bloodshed."

 

"I know what a mediator is Armaan. But why are you giving up your current position?"

 

 

"Because I want to live a settled life now. I have done my share over the past couple of years. I want to live my life with you, start  family, be there to see my children grow up…just normal things any human will want. Continuing my current job will not allow me to do so…hence…" he shrugged non-committal and turned to look out again.

 

 

 

"I don't want you to continue working Riddhima. I may sound old-fashioned and very very selfish, but though you are good, I don't think you are fit for a job like that. You are too impulsive and lead with your heart. I don't say your incapable. But its just not your world. You can do anything else you want Riddhima. I want stop you. But while I am ready to leave my job if you wish, I will not allow you to work in this field. Its not meant for you nor would I want my wife to hop around everyday with guns." He turned to face her and touched her cheek gently.

 

 

"Think about it Riddhima. I don't want to loose you but if still if you wish to continue I wont stop you. Do think about this sweetheart." Saying so he kissed her gently on the cheek and walked away leaving her standing alone facing the window. Moments later she heard the click of her door and turned to see him going out.

 

 

"I should be back by evening. I'll call you around lunch time. Tomorrow we have to go by 10m. See you." Saying so he walked away closing the door behind him.

 

 

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Riddhima blinked and closed her eyes momentarily blinded by the sunlight as she followed Armaan out of the bank. The vault was signed and sealed as hers. The documents in it, her father's documents were automatically being transferred to the bureau office account. She was finally free now.

 

She looked at the man walking a little ahead of her. Everything was falling into its place except that one nagging thought .About her wanting to do her job. Armaan had kept his word and given her time to think. He had made his displeasure clear over her choice. She knew he did not want to continue because it was dangerous and secondly he did not trust her. He had called her impulsive which clearly told her he wasn't very impressed or really did not trust her to do the job well.

 

 

He had come back home latish last evening. And knowing how tiring his day might have been she really hadn't had the heart to pursue the matter further. Now that the impending tension of this day was over, Riddhima decided to argue her case one last time. As they made their way towards his car Riddhima decided she would tell him how passionate she was about her job…..but if he refused, she did not want to argue with him on it. If he was ready to give up his job for her, she could too…..

 

It happened fast….one moment Riddhima left Armaan's side to go and sit into the passenger seat and the next moment she felt herself being caught from behind, her mouth gagged as she heard the screeching of tires behind her. Infront of her eyes she saw the same happening to Armaan before she could alert him they caught him too and gagged him. Before she knew they were thrown into the car infront of then and blindfolded and tied with such swiftness that Riddhima felt herself in ropes before she could exhale out the air she inhaled in a breath. Riddhima could feel the car in motion again. she knew Armaan had been thrown in with her as well……but what chance did the two of them stand….tied, blindfolded against their unknown captors??

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An update atleast...i know i know supremely mightly delayed. And i hold my ears as an apology!! Flu doing rounds here so the bugs seem to be targetting me again.....anyways without using my runny nose and aching throat as an excuse i'll shutup and apologise. Sorry folks!!

As for the part...romance as long due....so well i cudnt sequeeze in the rest of the characters without making this update 20 pages nd um sure after one experience of such a long update (The latest my only desire update-20 pages) I doubt anyone cud stand another one neither did i have the heart to test ur patience..so the remaining parallel stories will progress from the next part.....love u all tons for the support!!

Pls do leaveur views...as thats the only thing that pulls me out of my hibernation spells. Muah!!