Chapter 7

Armaan looked at her nervously as she handed over the cell to him.

That slimy old politician again ? Why did he call up now ?To talk to me? Oh I hope he doesn't mess up things now. Armaan thought frowning as he took the cell and got up.

Riddhima looked at him leaving the room. Why did he have to go out to talk now to her dad? He could have had his conversation in front of her itself. But Riddhima he doesn't know that you now know about some deal going on between him and Dad. Oh Armaan cant we just sort this out? Tell me the truth Armaan. Promise I won't desert you. Atleast you won't have to pretend and go all nervous in front of me. And there wont be this thin veil separating us, with you always dreading I will leave you. Armaan how much long? I need to sort it out. Oh well you have some time more or I take things in my hand and probe you myself. How can do that Armaan? Please don't ever force me to do that as I know I cant'''..

Riddhima hugged her knees as her mind kept replaying all the unhappy thoughts. Armaan noticed her lost deep in thought as in entered the room.

'Ummm Ridz? What's wrong sweetheart???' He slid down beside her moving in closer as he saw her face showing a different expression unlike the one she had few minutes ago.

'Riddhima? Whats up?'

She looked at him straight in the eye intensely as if questioning him as he looked away nervous suddenly aware of her intense gaze.

'What did dad want Armaan?'

'Oh your dad just want to discuss some important case regarding the administration. Nothing moreee. And he said'..that'.oh well leave that for now, will talk about it later.'

Armaan looked at her with a slight smile confused by her question.

'Then why did you go out Armaan? You could have just sorted it out here right? I mean '''''''

Armaan looked at her shocked. OMG she is doubting me now? All of a sudden? Why?

'Riddhima, honey whats up? it was just plain on impulse that I went out. Had no intentions as such, am sorry if'''

'No Armaan its really fine I guess i''I over reacted and you really saying sorry?' Riddhima placed a finger on his lips as he smiled at her.

'Hmmm so where were we'..oh yes coffee?'How about Dr Armaan's special dose of medicine? Seriously it will be wonderful''and'.'

'Armaan will you keep quiet?' Riddhima mockingly glared at him getting out of his hold only to be pulled back with greater force, as they both fell back on the bed.

'Armaan you're too much'

'Oh yes not the first time I heard that honey'

Armaan laughed lightly placing a tiny peck on her nose.

'Hmm so shall we continue?'

'What Armaan?'

'My methods of treating you ofcourse'

'No ways'.you better'''

'Beep'beep'

'Ufff don't tell me your dad is interfering again between us'

Armaan looked at Riddhima's phone ringing again as she giggled picking it up.

'Helloo?' 'Diiii? hHow are you? Tell me hows your health? Jiju had just dropped in yesterday?'

'Yes yes I know Ridz I am fine''perfectly n fine health. Touchwood. And I just gave a call to give you some great news?'

'Really?' Whats it Di?' Riddhima got up excited. Armaan looked at her confused.

'Ridz'..Rahul and Muskaan finally decided to get married. I mean we forced them as its high time and can you believe it I made Rahul agree to it????'

'Goshh really? I mean'''..thats simply a great news Di? How did he agree so soon I mean? And when and?'

'Ridz the date has been fixed for the next month as the day is pretty auspicious'..so you guys better packup and get here as there is loads to do and Armaan'..oh yea Armaan doesn't know still does he? Give the line to him I'll talk'

Riddhima smiled as her pulled her tightly into a hug after he put down Anjali's call. She knew he was truly thrilled with the news. Rahul's marriage getting postponed two times hadn't gone down well with him as he somewhere considered himself responsible for it she knew. Their hasty marriage had made Rahul postpone it the first time.

'Riddhimaaa' he picked her up and twirled her around

'I am so very very happy today. Finally Rahul and Muskaan will get married!! OMG I cant believe this'.Ridz I love you'

Putting her down he gently placed a soft kiss on her lips before murmuring.

'Its all because of you Riddhima. The day since you entered my life you have given me nothing but happiness. I am really really a lucky guy to have you in my life. Thankyou so very very much Ridz''your'.'

'shhh' Riddhima placed a finger on his lips. Hugging him tight she softly whispered.

'Armaan I should say you brought happiness in my life. You are the one who brought life back in me. And I fear this might all just go away''snatched away rudely as it has always been so'.i feel so scared I will loose you and'''

'Enough Riddhima'.i will never allow anything to pull us apart that I promise you. I may sound clinched and like a real bollywood movie hero but it's a fact and I mean it.'

As he hugged her back with equal passion Riddhima closed her eyes wishing for the moment to stay forever. As he looseded his grip he cupped her face and smiled giving a slight peck on her forehead.

'Hmm I know this will be difficult but Ridz we have to go back sooner then I thought.'

'Armaan whats so difficult in that? Di told me''..there is no more auspicious day then the one next month'.for 5 months after it hence the hurry and ''''

'What?? I mean yes Anjali told me this but you don't mind going back so soon. I thought you enjoyed the fact we were alone here
''whether u like it or not I don't want to go away so soon.' Armaan sat down pouting his lip annoyed.

'Armaan''its not like that'.ofcourse I love us being here but then its Rahul's wedding and we have to go right? Its your brother's wedding and Armaan we can come back anytime you want as I love this place and'''.'

'Yes sweetheart I promise to bring you here whenever you wish. But tell mee seriously you want to go back I was so annoyed with your Dad told me to get back soon'.though he didn't tell me why that time but I guess it was for this'..'

'Armaan we have to be there right? Ok not tomorrow or day after but atleast by a week we have to leave'..Anjali wanted us to come back immediately. So atleast we should by the next 3-4 days.'

'Hmm ok'.but after 3-4 days, am not going anywhere leaving my mini honeymoon in between, no more discussion now, we have other better things to do'

'Armaan?? You are jus'.. '

'Too much I know Riddhima' Armaan winked at her as she giggled.

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

Riddhima stood in the balcony feeling the wind kissing her face as she looked over at the sea. It had almost been a week over since Anjali had called and Armaan had somehow managed to postpone their going back by a week. He was just too much she thought smiling.

Riddhima was by now completely and deeply in love with him. Not that she wasn't at first but these two months had brought them so much close'.. closer then she had ever imagined and expected that her love for him had just grown to an entire new level. She felt she fell in love with him every single moment all over again as he did those small little things for her and made her feel like a queen without putting any extra effort in doing so.

Feeling a warm hand resting on her shoulder she looked behind to see him smiling deeply as he came closer and hugged her from behind. Sighing she placed her hands over his as they encircled her waist and spoke.

'Armaan I really cant believe we have believe we have to leave this place in a few hours. How I wish I could stay here for ever!! I really don't feel like going back now'..much as I was the one preaching you but'..'

'I know what you mean honey' Armaan whispered kissing her ears 'But we have to as u had preached. Haha even I hate going back but somethings which are to be done have to be done right. Promise I will get you here whenever you wish. Your wish is my command.'

'Really Armaan?' Riddhima turned back facing him.

He smiled nodding his head and whispered

'Yes that's a promise sweetheart.'

Riddhima hugged him tightly as he gently kissed her hair. Finally pulling back Riddhima looked up and asked

'Armaan what did you think?? I mean I hope you don't mind me asking but you had promised to think about us shifting here forever na?Please Armaan I would love to shift here'.i so love this place and you by my side'cant we'.i mean?'

Armaan looked into her eyes feeling a pang of guilt raising deep within. It was true he had given it a thought and he would have agreed to her in a heartbeat and said yes but there was one major hitch. Shanky '.gosh thought Armaan how on earth will I tell him this? That I want to share and divide all his wealth with Atul and Muskaan'.i mean involving Anjali and Rahul will mean them too. He hates them so very much. Its so strange he hates the guy his daughter loves so much'.she is married to him, about to give birth to his child, his own grandchild, high time he accepted Atul along with Muskaan since he treats Rahul like a son. Armaan this guy is so strange; he trusts you suddenly giving you his daughter and wealth and doesn't trust his own daughter. There is something more I have to yet uncover Armaan thought. He had been thinking about this ever since Riddhima had told him her wishes. He so wanted to say yes as there was nothing he would lose. All he wanted was her happiness now.

But how do I convince that old man now? I shudder to think even his reactions now. Oh Riddhima what do I explain to you now.

Armaan looked at her staring at him expectantly. Forcing a smile he spoke.

'Yes Riddhima I will definitely talk to uncle about this once we get back'

As she lightly kissed pulling him into a hug again he looked up at the stars sighing.

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

Riddhima looked at him with tears in her eyes as she threw the papers on his face.

'its all over Armaan. I cant believe I loved you so much and all this time'..you were''''

Armaan looked dumbfolded at her as she fell down on the floor crying.

'No Riddhima you cant do this to me! Let me explain please'.just give me a chance'.you got it all wrong Riddhima'

'No Armaan I got it all right now'.till now I was under a false belief, living in a dreamworld. Thankyou for shattering it. Armaan how could you'''''..'

'Riddhima I'll explain'give me a chance '.how can you ask me for a''.' Armaan looked helplessly at her.

'Yes I want a divorce Armaan.'

'Riddhima no'.'

'you heard her Armaan, she wants to divorce you so you better just leave now or''' Shanshank stood behind Riddhima as an evil smile played along his lips.

Armaan felt as if he had been given a tight slap on his face as he saw Riddhima running up the stairs sobbing. He looked over at Shanshank looking at him coldly with a blank expression.

'What did u tell her?' Armaan gritted.

'Now now'..Armaan you have just been asked to get out of my house and your still standing here? You don't me to show Riddhima how I am throwing you do you? Get out for now, we can have our little chit-chat later '.goodbyee Armaan'

Armaan felt hard controlling himself as he felt a huge surge to catch hold of Shanshank's neck. Feeling it more appropriate he quietly walked out making a mental note to get to Riddhima somehow.

I need to talk to her, what has happened? She just left me like this??? I mean, what the hell? Atleast a chance to explain. I am her husband for God's sake. Not her father's servant.

'Riddhimaaaaaa, honey atleast one chance to talk? You just threw me out??' he muttered feeling his anger ebbing away as the new feeling of loneliness and helplessness took over. As he dialed her number''hearing unreachable he clenched his jaws. After what we shared you just ditched me? Is this your faith in me. Riddhima how could you?

Feeling his eyes moist as he walked down towards his car'..driving past the quite streets he felt his guilt now gripping him. I should have told the truth honey. Right from the beginning. I am to be blamed now. What did that old guy tell her is what I want to know now.

Flipping open his cell he dialed her number the 15^th time in a row. Hearing a ring finally going he heaved a sigh of relief.

'Come on darling pick up the phone'.i need to talk to you honey. Don't punish me like this'

Frowning as the call was cut suddenly he felt a lone tear roll down his cheek. She doesn't want even talk to me know? Is this the importance our love holds in her life? Wheeling his car to the side he stopped it looking straight ahead. The pain was getting unbearable now. I will talk to you somehow. I don't care if you don't want to even see my face but Riddhima you will have to listen to what I have to say. You are going no wer leaving me like this, I will just make you see sense now.

Saying so he took a U-turn making his back to her place. How will I face that Mr Shanshank? Armaan wondered. I will force my way he thought gritting his teeth. Honestly what a father, ruining his own daughter's life? Just playing these stupid games, he is actually playing with her life. But why????? Why is he playing this with his own blood?

 He disowns his elder daughter first and next he gets his younger daughter married suddenly to a stranger, and now when she is finally happy he asks her to divorce me? And Riddhima agreed? Oh Gosh I am going mad seriously!!

As he steered his way back he saw his cell screen flashing. Riddhima calling???? Bringing the car to a screeching halt he frantically picked it up.

'Hello Riddhima? Please listen to me once atleast sweetheart. Give me a chance to explain atleast. Its not what you are taking it to be'''.i can never'''

'Armaan I need to talk to you urgently. Come back please'.please Armaan come here now.'

Saying so she cut the call abruptly. Armaan looked at his cell surprised. She cut his call by just saying come back fast?? That's all I mean?? Ok she didn't sound annoyed now. Infact she was almost calling me pleadingly. HUH??

 Hearing the honking of vehicles behind him he realized he had stopped right on the middle of the road.

'Ya ya moving' He muttered as he drove back with a 100 thoughts going on in his crowded head. She calls him up and just utters 2 lines?? After flinging the divorce papers literally on his face she calls him 15 minutes later and just utters two lines?? Oh gosh am going crazy now. What is wrong with everyone out here?

He parked his civic a few gates away from the one he intended to go. What if Shanshank saw me again. He might not allow, or wait what if all this is his plan. He made her call me up? Naah Armaan your loosing it dude'.making Shanshank sound like some kidnapper keen to have his hands on you. As if he will have me dancing on his head Armaan thought. What am I thinking? Riddhima is the topic'..the main issue'..not her father'.well he doesn't behave like her father'.the way he treats her, here I go again on him. Armaan stop it!!

He cautiously entered through the main gate. Do I ring the bell?? Yea right and if Shanky opens the door he will definitely welcome me with a bunch of garlands''.'Welcome my dear Armaan welcome'

No then'..ahh window, truly bollywood style? Climb up along the pipe'..though I still wonder how can you climb up on those drainage pipes'.i mean'.oh well Riddhima is making me do all this so might as well try. No need to fear dude everyone has a first time!! Pipes ''here I come!!

As he went towards the backyard trying to gauge where her bedroom window might come'''What exactly are you upto?'

Armaan nearly jumped feeling a hand on his shoulder. Turning around he quickly spoke.

'well I am Armaan'.Armaan Mallik '.Riddhima's husband and'.'

Armaan stopped seeing the man standing in front of him smile.

'Ahh Armaan, was waiting for you. I am Mr Deshpande. Now if you are her husband why in the world are you sneaking up like this? Comeon through the main door. Or were you trying to climb up through the window?'

Armaan grinned sheepishly at him as he followed him to the main door. Then remembering suddenly'

'Well no I was sneaking up, but that Shanky'.i mean Mr Shanshank if he sees me'.i mean no no '.' Armaan bit his tongue not knowing how to explain seeing he hardly knew him.

'Yes I know, I understand everything. He is not here right now. Just left for an urgent meeting. That's why beta'.I mean Riddhima beta called you. Come along now.'

Armaan followed him confused'..Riddhima had actually told this Mr Despande to escort him?? Can someone please explain what in the world is going on here?

As he came to a halt after climbing up he stopped. 'Riddhima's room is down there'.to your left.'

Saying so he left a bewildered Armaan in a total state of utter confusion. Standing outside her door he took a deep breath before knocking. Before even he could knock the door flung open.

'Armaannn' Armaan stood rooted to the spot as Riddhima flung her arms around him and hugged him tight. HUH?? She's hugging me? What about her divorce talk?  Awkwardly hugging her back as he lightly patted her head he spoke'

'Ridz? Sweetheart whats going on. Please atleast tell me. You just threw me out and didn't even pick up my call and I so wanted to talk to you'.'

Pulling back she looked at his eyes which were saying a million of things, he looked so hurt, confused and concerned. She hugged him again tearfully.

'Armaan am sorry I did that'.I didn't mean too I mean'''

'Riddhima sweetheart can we go inside and talk''I mean here at the doorway'.i don't mind but if your dad comes and'.'

Riddhima pulled back smiling as she moved aside allowing him to enter her room. Closing the door behind him she saw him looking around.

'Not bad Riddhima'.nice interiors sweetheart, but not as great as the one our room has there'in our house back in Mumbai' Armaan winked at her smiling as he picked up the photo frame from the bedside table showing a picture of theirs together. He had his arm around her and she held him close, her both arms wrapped around his waist smiling.

'Hmm so you keep your handsome husband's photograph beside your bed'.even when you came to stay over here just for a day and when he comes to meet you '.you throw him out?'

Armaan looked at her grinning '.he truly happy now as he saw her reactions. She didn't seem remotely annoyed with him. He wanted to just relax the atmosphere before they got down to serious business. Of what had actually conspired.

Riddhima looked at him tearfully as he came forward and took hold of her.

 'You broke me in a million of pieces today sweetheart. You could have atleast told me what was going on? Divorce??? You actually want a divorce'..Riddhima how could you??'

Holding him tight Riddhima felt tears in her eyes as she heard him say that'.'Armaan I can never ever'.'

'Riddhima that's exactly what was eating me'.how can you even think of it. Was my love for you so weak? I asked this question a hundred times to myself and '.ok tell me what has happened now? And what made you do all this?'

Riddhima led him to the bed indicating him to have a seat. As he sat down she slid down on the floor next to him placing her head on his lap.

'Riddhima?' Stroking her hair gently he softly asked 'Now tell me honey what's going on?'

Riddhima looked up at him and took hold of his hands.

'Honey you left home saying dad had called you and wanted to spend some time with you and''.'

'Yes Armaan he called me up'..suddenly'.even I was taken aback and then he said he really missed me'.he wanted to meet me and'.asked me to come home to meet him. I came over '

'Yes I was the one who dropped you off and then was supposed to pick you up but it was late so you asked to me to go straight home after the hospital '..you will stay here for the night and morning you asked me to come and get you'.and then all this'.'

Armaan stopped unable to any further. The fact she had even spoken about a divorce pierced him like a thousand knives.

Looking up at his face Riddhima felt tears roll down her eyes. She had put him through all this'..

'Then what happened Ridz?'

'Well in the morning dad asked me to join me for breakfast'.when I went down he asked me about you. He asked me if you were coming me to pick up'.i said yes you were '..so he'he said '.' Riddhima stopped unable to continue any further'.

'What did he say?'

'He gave this folder in my hands and said he is sorry for having ruined my life'.he said its all his fault. He asked me to forgive him and'..i cudnt understand a word of what he saying Armaan'.i asked to explain what he meant. He asked me to open the folder placing his hand on mine. I opened it and''''''

'And??'

'Armaan it were those divorce papers'.u had signed them'.it had your signatures and seeing them'..'

'WHATTTTTTT??' 'Riddhima me and divorce papers?? Are you crazy??? And signed by me'never in my life''

He looked at her tearful face and slid down next to her'.placing and arm around her he cuddled her up as she hugged him tight.

'Armaan I saw them'.infact here they are with me'.i'll show you. And then when I asked him when did you give him'.he said the day before when you had a meeting with him. And you told him you wanted the entire property and everything now which is on my name transferred to yours. And since in the will all of sanjeevni is ours together'.my name first '.he said you wanted that too on your name '.and you anted to divide it with Rahul'.'

'I said I cant believe it'you saying this'.it wasn't making sense'.so he asked me to open the file and I saw those divorce papers and'..he said this is the truth'if I don't agree you will divorce me and take your share away'infact you had married me for all this and'''.he said I should just leave you'he will take care that you don't get a penny '.nd that you no longer wanted me'you fooled him and married me for all this'.'

Armaan pulled back feeling the earth move beneath his feet. Riddhima was told a down right lie? But why? And divorce?? Hmm so what I had feared is coming true thought Armaan grimly as he recollected his conversation with Shanshank from the meeting two days ago. Well he will think about it all later'.firstly he needed to console Riddhima. What she must have thought?

Cupping her face with his palm he looked deeply into her eyes and spoke

'Honey I love you'.i cant live without a minute and how can I even think about leaving you'.and'

'I know Armaan but that moment I felt completely shocked and then dad told me to tell you straight when you come to pick me up '.he said he wont allow me to come along with you'.Armaan I cant believe this'seeing the divorce papers i'..'

Armaan hugged her tighter as she cried out'pulling back he gently placed a kiss on his lips and hugged her again as he felt his eyes going moist. Why was her own dad playing these wicked games with her. With them? I have to find this out'Armaan thought grimly.

'Riddhima your dad is lying'.sorry if I sound rude but this is not true Riddhima'.and ''

'I know this Armaan'I knew it wasn't true'I knew there is much more to this'.i just reacted then the way he wanted me to'.and then as soon as he left I called you'I had to talk to you Armaan'.i trust you'our love cannot be so weak'not mine Armaan'.'

Kissing her forward Armaan nodded his head slightly.

'Riddhima I love you and the trust you place in me has just made my love for you reach new heights'ok first stop crying now'we will uncover this together ok'.stop crying honey'

Armaan looked at her sternly as he gently wiped away her tears'.she looked at him and smiled.

'You too stop crying Armaan'.look at yourself'.you look like a complete devdas' She giggled seeing him grin at her and spoke.

'Yea honey that's exactly what I had become thinking about all this'.really total devdas and just the drink was missing'.'

Armaan got up as she was about to hit him and looked at her seriously and spoke.

'Arre really you the way you flung the papers at me and then I was shown the door'.as I walked out I could just feel SRK singing in my ears''  Dramatically shaking his head and putting up a doleful voice he sang'

'Chan Se jo tute koi sapna
Jag suna suna lage
Jag suna suna lage

Koi rahe na jab apna
JAg suna suna lage
Jag suna suna lage
Jag suna suna

Hai to yeh kyun hota hai
Jab yeh dil rota hai
Roye sisak sisak ki hawayein
Jag suna lage

Chan Se jo tute koi sapna
JAg suna suna lage
Jag suna suna lage

Koi rahe na jab apna
JAg suna suna lage
Jag suna suna lage reeeeeeeee

Suna Lage Reee'

'Armaan what was this?? What are you upto?'

Armaan winked at her and continued'

'Then Riddhima you know as I walked upto my car and started the engine'driving down I could just feel Amir Khan's song flowing out straightaway from my heart!'

Ok Folks part 21. Took a different track then expected.... Hope you all atleast find it logical if not like it.... Am so very very sorry for this delay....had exams so cudnt just squeeze an update in between. But nyways now am free.... so i will keep my promises....

Love u all tons for making my day with ur love and support.

Pls comment if you find it worth ur time

Jia