Chapter 4

Part-15

Riddhima walked inside Armaan's cabin only to see him sleeping on the couch inside his cabin'. It was 7:45 and so the office building was empty'. There was no one there except for the cleaning staff.

Riddhima walked closer to the couch and saw Armaan looking angelic in his sleep'.there was this really sweet smile playing on his lips'Riddhima's heart filled with sudden warmth' she knelt on his side and lifting her hand she moved it in his hair and on his forehead and saw Armaan's smile deepen and she too felt good doing that. Armaan opened his eyes slowly and their eyes met' Riddhima felt this sudden rush of warmth through her'. The moment felt so right'.and her mind and heart were at peace.

Armaan lifted his hand and placed it on Riddhima's cheek and caressing it for just a moment he moved it on the back of her head bringing her face closer to his'he moved a little and very gently he placed the lightest kiss on her lips'.it was such a gentle touch and nothing intense or passionate about it but Armaan knew at that moment that he'll remember the kiss forever.

Riddhima's eyes filled up and she stood up with a jerk' her body was shaking'Armaan also stood up next to her and took her in his arms and Riddhima surrendered willingly and broke down completely' Armaan could feel her tears soaking his shirt while he patted her back and tried soothing her''he moved her away from himself and made her sit on the couch'.

'Riddhima what is the matter?' Armaan asked her in a motherly tone.

Riddhima shook her head and spoke 'I don't know. I was just feeling kind of blue today''..' She quickly wiped her tears' she herself didn't know why she was crying. Maybe it was just the moment' she hadn't had anybody treating her so delicately from a very long time and with Kevin back in her life things were just getting even worst'. She was constantly reminded of how he had cheated on her while she had almost taken him as her hero when he had saved her dress from Claire'.he had come across as her savior but he had also broken her heart by cheating on her''.she just wanted to run away to some fantasy land where everything was happy and good.

'Riddhima you wanted to talk about something right?' Riddhima looked at Armaan. She nodded her head and spoke 'Armaan I wasnted to ask you something and also tell you something. Will you be honest with me?' Armaan nodded and spoke 'I promise I'll be honest with you.' Riddhima smiled at him and walked towards the window at the other end of his office.

'Armaan why are you the way you are?''..okay I know that it sounds really stupid but Armaan you are a really nice person than why do you go about hurting women'do you have no respect for them or their feelings? Why did you hurt Priya?' Armaan was shocked at her outburst'.he walked closer and began

'Riddhima I was in love with this girl Sameera' at least I thought I was in love with her' we had a very long relationship. I was really dedicated and sincere towards this relationship of ours but suddenly one day I came to know that the girl never really loved me and was always after my money' while I was madly in love with her and was planning our future together. After mom left me she was the only one I was close to'. Would share my feelings with but turns out that she took advantage of my mom's death' knowing that I was emotionally weak at that moment and used it to come closer to me. I never really accepted my mom's death and lived in this illusion that she will come back to me someday and tortured my dad forcing him to keep up the drama for my sake but one day the whole dream broke and I was forced to confront the harsh reality'. I was broken and just when I managed to get back to normal I was faced with yet another harsh reality which was about Sameera. And from that day onwards I never allowed myself to fall in love and the women I met too never wanted anything else but money from me and so I never realized what I was missing'.. I took priya to be the same. I am sorry Riddhima for all the hurt I caused.'

Riddhima was shocked with what she heard '. All this time she had assumed him to be a heartless brute'an insensitive playboy while he had been carrying a whole ocean of wounded feelings inside him.

Armaan Malik had turned into a cynic'.he was heartbroken and had tried to vent out his frustration and anger on the world outside'Riddhima knew how it felt to be cheated in love'. She looked at Armaan's hardened expression' he was trying to be angry but she knew that he was hurt and was on the verge of a break down.

Riddhima placed her hand on Armaan's shoulder and turned him around. 'Armaan you don't have to be sorry' its me who should be sorry for being so harsh with you' I was wrong but you tolerated everything and still treated me so nicely''

Riddhima saw a tear trickle down his face and without thinking twice she gathered him in her arms and this time it was he who broke down in sobs.

She moved her hand up and down on his back.

Armaan slid down to the floor and covered his face with his hands'. He had never shared all this with anyone and today when he had let everything out he felt surprisingly light and peaceful but those old wounds still hurt'.

Riddhima knelt down next to him and just looked at him'.she remembered how she had treated him when Priya had told her the truth about her and Armaan's relatiosnhip and for the first time she realized that it was Priya who was at fault and not Armaan'..she too like this Sameera chic had taken advantage of his weak condition only their intentions were different. She blamed Priya for making her hurt Armaan so much and at that moment she decided that she'll make it upto him. She smiled at her new resolve and gripping Armaan's shoulder she made him stand up and wiping his tears she placed a kiss on his forehead and spoke 'Armaan forget your past and start a new life'..I am sure you'll be able to find someone who will love you with all her heart and would never leave you alone or hurt you. And always remember Armaan that I am always there for you.' She smiled while Armaan simply stared at her'

If only you knew Riddhima that you are the only one I love'. I want you to know this but I am not sure how you will react. I want to prove my love to you and win you over and take away all the sorrow from your life. I will make you fall in love with me but till than I have to control myself.

With that new resolve Armaan stood up and left his cabin leaving Riddhima still kneeling on the floor'. She was confused at Armaan's reaction and though she didn't want to admit but she was hurt as well'.everything Armaan said or did had suddenly started to matter to her and she was happy with the fact that he had shared his feelings with her but than his sudden rejection of the comfort that she was offering had really hurt her'.

'So you finally realized your real place.' Riddhima's thoughts were interrupted by a sharp female voice and even before she lifted her face she knew who it was.

'What do you want Claire?' Riddhima stood up and faced Claire.

'What are you doing in Armaan's cabin?' she asked Riddhima with a tinge of menace in her voice'. Riddhima replied very coolly to her 'I was here to talk to him.'

'Talk to him or make moves on him just the way you did with Kevin.' She hissed while Riddhima narrowed her eyes at her and spoke 'I and Armaan share a bond that you would never understand and as for Kevin'. Well he is my ex-boyfriend and I know that you had so badly wanted him that you were ready to sleep with him a few days back knowing fully well that he was seeing me but you know what'. I am done with him and you are most welcome to have him in your life because I am no longer interested in him and you are always very interested in having my left over.'
Riddhima had barely ended when Claire raised her hand to slap her but before she could do that her hand was caught mid-air by a firm masculine hand and Riddhima looked up to see who her savior was'.

Part 16

Riddhima looked up at Andy holding Claire's wrist firmly in his hand looking daggers at her'.Claire twisted her wrist to get it out of his grip but he was way more strong than her.

'Let go you fool.' Claire yelled at Andy'.loudly enough to shake the building. Riddhima moved closer to Andy and placing her hand on his arm she signaled him to let go and so he did'.but the moment he freed her wrist'.he pointed his finger at her and spoke 'Listen and listen good Claire''.you are here to work not bug Riddhima'why can't you get a life?'

'Look Andy this doesn't concern you and so you stay away from this alright?' Claire hissed back.

'As long as it concerns Riddz'it concerns me as well. She is my friend and there is no way I will let you get'.'

But before Andy could complete his sentence she spoke up with a sly and dirty smile on her face'. 'What's going on between you two? I mean seriously'.am genuinely interested to know'.affair between the famous supermodel and her photographer'.is that why your pictures are always so so good? Huh Andy'.is that why you so protective but what about Kevin and '

'CLAIRE!!!' Armaan yelled at Claire'. He was there to get them to the studio and had heard her passing that snide remark to Riddhima'

'I don't believe I am working with somebody like you'.you are a senior in this industry but you are so caught up in your jealousy that you have forgotten the basic ethics of the industry'.you have no professionalism in you and I am sorry to say but I cannot work with somebody like you'..and you know what, I hate to say this but I gave you this assignment because I know exactly what kind of crisis you are going through which is why I decided to help you but your behavior is making me regret my decision. I think I will have to break the contract.'

Armaan finally stopped and felt Riddhima's gaze on him'..he looked at her only to see her shaking her head at him lightly and signaling him not to fire Claire while Claire too shocked to say anything but finally she mustered the courage and spoke 'Armaan I am really sorry'. I won't repeat this mistake in future' I am sorry.'

Armaan looked at her and shaking his head he spoke 'If you want to apologies'than apologize to Riddhima and not to me.' Claire's eyes widened while Andy tried his best to hide his smile'.and Riddhima on the other hand looked like she was trying to pop her eyes out of her sockets'.

Claire knew she cannot afford to loose the assignment'.she needed it and she also needed to stay close to Armaan who looked mighty pissed at her now so without thinking twice she swallowed her pride and turning towards Riddhima she spoke in a low voice 'I am sorry Riddhima.' With that she turned around and left the cabin while Andy burst out laughing'. 'Oh! Man I wish I could have captured the expression on her face in my camera'.it was a kodac moment'. I would never forget the way she looked while apologizing to Riddhima.'

Armaan glared at Andy to make him stop but slowly even his lips started twitching and he burst out laughing along with Andy while Riddhima just stood there shaking her head at the two of them'.

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

'RIDDHIMA!!! how long are you going to take?' Armaan stood outside the changing room waiting for Riddhima to come out'..they were getting late'Claire had already done her part of the shoot but Riddhima was just not ready to come out and Armaan was now loosing his patience'

'Riddhima!!! What the he'..'

Armaan could not complete his sentence as he saw Riddhima emerge out of the changing room looking breathtaking in her blue white evening dress'.it was a very simple dress but to Armaan Riddhima looked angelic in it'. He had stopped breathing as he saw her standing in front of him with her head lowered and her hand behind her back while her hair were all over her face'..finally she spoke breaking the silence between them' 'Armaan'.Armaan'.ARMAAN!!!' Riddhima tried getting the once again dazed Armaan's attention and when she did'.she again lowered her voice and spoke 'Armaan I am sorry I took so long but I can't reach the zipper and sorry to say but you don't even have assistants to help me with my dress'.a model is supposed to have someone to help her around'.anyways now what am I supposed to do? Will you'.uh I mean'.can you'.close the zip?' She hesitated but Armaan gave her a comforting and warm smile and walked closer.

He did not make her turn around instead his hands went around her perfectly slender body and he moved her hands away from the zipper making the dress come loose in the front and her left shoulder bared a little'.Armaan had a sharp intake of breath which went unnoticed by Riddhima since she too was getting nervous about their proximity.

He reached for her zipper and slowly pulled it up but in the process his fingers brushed against her skin and Riddhima gasped at the sensational contact' Armaan closed the zip but did not move away instead he moved her hair away from her face'deliberately moving his fingers on the edges of her face'.Riddhima closed her eyes but just when she did that Armaan spoke 'Look into my eyes Riddhima.' Riddhima quietly obeyed'she opened her eyes and looked into his eyes and was captivated by their intensity, she lifter her hand and placed her palm on his cheek'. He moved his face and kissed her palm while Riddhima just kept looking into her eyes'.He very slowly leaned forward and was about to kiss her when they heard someone's voice 'Riddhima sweetheart where are you?' Riddhima quickly got out of the circle of Armaan's arms and saw Kevin walking towards her'She frowned at him and spoke 'What are you doing here?'

'I came here to watch your shoot. You know I have always been at all your shoots sweety'.and so am here again to support you.' Kevin smiled at her and than turning towards Armaan he acted surprised and spoke 'Oh! Hey Mr.Malik' didn't notice you'anyways do you mind giving us a moment? I need to talk to Riddhima and if'.

But before he could say anything further he was cut off by Riddhima's sharp voice..

'I am sorry Kevin but we are already getting late and whatever you have to tell me can definitely wait but I don't want to delay Armaan anymore. Lets go Armaan.' She walked out. Armaan smirked at Kevin and giving him 'you are such a looser' look he too left the place leaving a fuming Kevin behind'

He had seen them getting closer but he didn't want them to know this so he had very carefully retraced his steps back and had walked back to the changing room deliberately making the sound of his footsteps so that they would break apart'..

There was no way that Kevin would loose Riddhima to this Armaan guy'. No matter what extent he has to go to'. But he will be the winner at the end.

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

'Riddhima moved a little towards your right.' Andy was trying to get the right posture for his camera to capture while Armaan stood to Andy's left watching Riddhima's beautiful body change postures every now and then'.his intense focus on Riddhima was making it hard for her to focus and for the first time she was feeling nervous'

Just when Riddhima decided that she will have to tell Armaan to leave in someway'. She saw Abhimanyu Malik enter the studio.

'Hey kids how is it all going?' Abhimanyu addressed all of them while they all smiled and nodded their heads.

He walked closer to where Riddhima, Andy and Armaan were working and spoke to Riddhima 'Riddhima you look beautiful'. I wish you were born 20 years before'.

But before Abhimanyu could continue he was cut off by an aghast Armaan 'DAD!!!' he left it at that hoping his dad would get the message'.and Abhimanyu did'he chuckled and patting Armaan's back spoke 'Chill!! Anyways I need you to go over some files with me so lets go.' they turned around and were about to leave when Abhimanyu suddenly stopped and spoke 'And ya kids you all are invited to tonight's party' 8:30...Hotel Sigma'.it's the launch party.'

 

Part-17

Riddhima paced her room to and fro for a really long time looking at the bed in between which had all her dresses spread on it. She was trying to find the suitable outfit for the launch party'she picked up a couple of dresses which she knew she won't be wearing and threw them on the floor and then she jumped onto the bed and sat in the middle of the whole mess.

Riddhima was looking down at one of her several dresses when her vision was blocked by some red stuff. She looked up and saw her father holding a red sari in front of her. She raised her eyebrows questioning him'

'I want you to wear this at the party today. You will look gorgeous in it just the way your mom did.'

Riddhima looked sharply at him. After their divorce her father had never even once talked about her mother and his wife.

'Mom?' riddhima probed him to continue.

Shashank smiled a painfully sad smile and spoke, 'Ya she was wearing this very sari when we met for the first time'and I instantly fell in love with her. When we got divorced I took this with me as a memento of our relationship. So I want you too to wear this and I am sure you'll steal every heart at the party. You'll be the most beautiful girl there.'

'Dad!! I am Riddhima gupta'.I will anyways be the most beautiful girl at the party even if I wear the shabbiest clothes of mine but I'll wear it for you.' She smiled up at him and taking the sari she left to change while Shashank wiped the tear that came the moment Riddhima was gone. He wiped it away'..remembering Mollie'.Riddhima was his only comfort and now even she would be gone soon'.. married to some guy.

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

Armaan sat on his armchair twisting the soft ball in his hand. The images of the day flashed in front of his eyes'.he remembered how he and Riddhima were so close today and remembering that he cursed Kevin the millionth time that day for that unwelcome intrusion of his'.the guy is such a pain.

Armaan cursed him under his breath. But the best part was the expression that he saw on Riddhima's face when he had stood close to her and had deliberately brushed his knuckles on her bare skin'he knew he was effecting her like a slow drug. Riddhima carter was finally falling for him. Armaan smiled and congratulated himself but now he had to make her trust him''but before anything else he had to get rid of the big time pain Kevin.

Armaan shook his head and fishing out one of his finest suit he went to change. He had to make an impression today.

***********

Riddhima stepped out of her room and the three people waiting for her in the living room had a sharp intake of breath. She looked divine in that red sari with a black border with her hair slightly curled at the end and dropped on her shoulder. She wore no jewelry'.her graceful and beautiful skin didn't need any adornment anyways. She looked beautiful without even making an effort. She had done minimal make-up with a faint pink gloss on her lips and slight blush on her cheeks along with the kohl in her eyes enhancing her green beautiful eyes.

Shashank felt a surge of pride on seeing his beautiful daughter all grown up in a beautiful lady. And for the first time he wished that Mollie was here with him to see their daughter. She too would have been equally proud to see her looking like a dream in the sari she once wore.

Kevin looked at Riddhima and was mesmerized. He had never before seen her in an Indian outfit but today when she was wearing one'.to him she looked like the best thing that ever happened to him. He seriously regretted kissing Claire'.only if he hadn't done that one stupid mistake he would have placed his arm around her beautiful bare waist without her protesting against it but he wasn't the kind to give up.

Riddhima was looking so beautiful that he was determined, more than ever to have Riddhima back in his life.

Andy looked at Riddhima and instantly wanted to get his camera and click as many photographs of her as he possibly can but he knew he'll get a huge lecture from her for thinking of photography at that moment so he instead walked up to her and placing his arm around her he spoke 'Your intentions don't seem to be good babe. Who are you going to victimize today with your charms?'

While Riddhima rolled her eyes'Kevin and Shashank chuckled.

'Common kids time to leave and Riddhima beta you look amazing.' Shashank told her

'Do I look better than mom dad?' Riddhima knew she shouldn't have asked that question but she was really curious to know his answer.

Shashank smiled at her and spoke 'Don't try to be smart kiddo'.I love both of you and can't choose one over the other.'

'So you still love mom huh?'

'Riddhima we'll talk about this later.' Shashank spoke sternly and left the room.

Riddhima sighed and followed him out.

**********

Armaan stood on the entrance of the hall welcoming all the guest there. He was wearing a black Armani suit with his usual signature cologne looking sexy as hell and a certain panache that only he could posses'.the way he carried himself was flawless and it all came naturally to him without any effort and his beautiful deep gray eyes were like icing on the cake. They could make any woman in the whole hall loose their senses in no time. Armaan was perfectly aware of the way the girls around him were gawking at him and were ready to kill for even the merest glance'..an acknowledgement from him.

Armaan behaved very politely with all of them and answered their flirtatious questions and compliment in a sweet way but without even a tinge of encouragement. He had changed'''.his love for Riddhima has changed him.

Armaan kept craning to see if Riddhima had arrived and finally she did. He saw their car and than he saw all of them get out of the car.

Armaan smiled but his smile faded when he saw Kevin get out of the car right after Riddhima. Shashank and Andy had already walked towards them and Riddhima too was about to but Kevin held her elbow and pulled her back. He whispered in her ear..'Riddhima sweetheart you look beautiful today.'

Riddhima glared at him and spoke 'Kevin for heavens sake don't you have any shame left in you. I have told you again and again that there is nothing between us anymore but you are still following me around like a puppy. I told you can stay here till Andy is here but behave yourself and remove your hand from my waist right now.'

Riddhima had raised her voice a little higher but Kevin kept smiling at her and slowly whispered 'Shhhh!! Darling don't yell. Have you forgotten your and mine position. We have press and media here and I am sure you don't to create a whole scene out here. They all know that we are dating each other so now you behave.'

Riddhima looked around and she realized that he was right. She forced a smile for the cameras flashing around her while Kevin took advantage of the situation and moved Riddhima closer to himself.

Armaan walked towards them and bent down to touch Shashank's feet. Shashank was pleasantly surprised'.Armaan had never done this before. He blessed Armaan with all his heart and when Armaan stood up and Shashank looked into his eyes he knew that Armaan did not greet him as a business partner'.he had greeted him as family. Shashanks's heart warmed and he hoped more than ever that Riddhima would accept that he is the guy for her.

Armaan shook hands with Andy who then left for the party. Armaan than saw Riddhima approaching the hall and his heart skipped a beat as he saw her in the red sari'..his heart was beating faster'..he could actually hear it beating but then the appreciative and amorous look on his face changed into a frown as he noticed Kevin and his hand around Riddhima's bare waist. Armaan flinched at the sight of Kevin's hand touching Riddhima's bare skin and he instantly turned around and walked away.

Riddhima had seen Armaan turn away and she really wanted to stop him but she knew that with Kevin along it was almost impossible.

*********

Riddhima saw Armaan sitting at the bar but thankfully he wasn't drinking.

She walked towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder. Armaan knew that it was Riddhima'.he wiped off the hurt expression and turned around with a smile and spoke 'hey Riddhima'you look really fetching in this sari and you and Kevin make a pretty good pair.' Armaan spoke the last words with a little bit of bitterness which was noticed by Riddhima.

She didn't know why but she wanted Armaan to know that she and Kevin weren't together and it was just an act that she had put up in front of all the cameras out there.

'Armaan I want you to know that I and Kevin are not dating each other. Its just that the press doesn't know that we are not together anymore and I don't want to attract any negative publicity just before the launch.'

Armaan thought for a moment and looked back at Riddhima and his smile deepened and he spoke trying to sound sorry but couldn't keep the smile away 'Oh!!! that's bad but you know what that guy is anyways not meant for you.'

'Oh! Really than who is?' Riddhima asked him with a sly grin on her face and Armaan was about to say that it was him when he saw Kevin approaching them'.he quickly extended his hand forward and spoke 'Riddhima will you dance with me?'

Riddhima looked at him and wondered what was up with him'.but she agreed anyways.

Armaan took her to the dance floor while Kevin stood there frowning at the two of them and than his eyes fell on Claire standing with some media people. He walked towards her and signaling towards Armaan and Riddhima he asked her to dance with him. She got the message and excusing herself from the reporters she placed her hand in his.

They also walked towards where Riddhima and Armaan were dancing and took their position right next to them.

Riddhima and Armaan were too lost into each other to notice the couple next to them.

Armaan's hand went around Riddhima's waist. Riddhima placed one of her hands on Armaan's shoulder and her free hand rested in his. They both swayed to the music closing the distance between them slowly. Riddhima was feeling very light and giddy in Armaan's arms. His intoxicating cologne was getting to her senses. She loved the touch of his hand on her waist and everything felt very right. To steady herself she moved a little closer to him and her cheek touched that of Armaan's'.she slowly removed her hand from Armaan's hand and placed it also on his shoulder while Armaan placed his now free hand on the her waist. They were almost in a hugging position with no distance left between them. Armaan's hands were around her waist almost protectively while Riddhima was holding his shoulders trying to remain upright and not collapse into his arms completely.

They were really comfortable with each other but unfortunately the music picked up speed and the extremely soft melody was replaced by a slightly fast music. Noticing the change in the dance around her Riddhima too moved back and Armaan and Riddhima did the dance that suited the music in between of which Armaan rolled Riddhima around himself and was about to roll her back in his arms when Claire bumped into Riddhima who landed into Kevin's arms while Claire took Riddhima's position with Armaan.

Riddhima looked at Kevin who smiled at her while she gave him a dirty look and was about to walk away but Kevin's strong hands held her back.

'What was that about?' Armaan blurted as soon as he saw Claire in his arms.

'Sorry Armaan but Kevin wanted to dance with HIS girlfriend.' Claire emphasized the word his to tell Armaan loud and clear that Riddhima belonged to Kevin.

Armaan frowned at her and creating some distance between them he looked at Riddhima who had her back towards him and just by her body language Armaan could tell how uncomfortable she was.

Riddhima looked angrily at Kevin and struggled to get out of his grip but when she felt his grip tightening around her she stopped struggling not wanting to created a scene. As Kevin felt her give up her struggle he ceased the opportunity and pulled her close to himself while her anger increased towards him but he remained unaffected. He caressed Riddhima's waist with his thumb'moving his fingers a little low while Riddhima winced at his touch. And as if that was not it his hand moved down to her hips and Riddhima moved her head up with a jerk.

'Stop it Kevin.' she hissed at him.

'Stop what Riddhima?' He kept smiling like an idiot and Riddhima had a very strong urge to slap him right across his face.

'Oh common don't act as if you don't enjoy it. You have always enjoyed having me do all this haven't you?' Riddhima felt disgusted and with great force she removed his hand away from her waist and left the dance floor.

Kevin looked around and when he saw that Claire had conveniently busied Armaan in some conversation he slipped out of the hall and followed Riddhima.

Taira2008-09-19 22:42:00