Chapter 5

DEAL IS SEALED!!

(Part 2)

Haan main Armaan se pyaar karne lagi hu. Aur ab is rishte ko nibhane ki main poori koshish karungi. Par Armaan... main toh jaanti bhi nahi vo mere bare main kya sochta hai...kya vo bhi mujhse pyaar karta bhi hai? Uski aankhon main toh mujhe mere liye pyaar nazar aata hai par...

Ni: Bhabhiii...bhabhi bhabhi bhabhi...I am so happy today! She moved in circles holding onto Riddhima.
R: Arey arey kya kar rahi ho Nikki...kya hua?
Ni: Actually bhabhi mujhe kabse aapse kuch baat karni thi par himmat hi nahi ho rahi thi. Bhabhi main vo...ek minute yaha nahi...bhai kaha hai?
R: Vo nahane gaya hai. Tum bolo na kya baat hai?
Ni: Bhabhi vo main...abhi... just then Armaan came out of the washroom.
A: Hey kiddo...good morning!
N: Bhai...go...good morning.
A: Tu ab tak ghar pe hai...tujhe aaj office nahi jaana?
N: Haan main bas nikal hi rahi thi...vo bhabhi se kuch baat karne aayi thi.
A: Haan tum log baatein karo...vaise bhi main bhi thodi der main nikal hi raha hu office ke liye tujhe bhi le chalunga...
N: Nahiii...mera...mera matlab...mu...mujhe pehle kuch kaam hai; vo main main chalti hu...aap aajaiye baad main aaram se.
Both Armaan and Riddhima stared at her as she behaved weird and not to forget was also smiling strangely with no reason at all. Nikita went out all happy for God knows what and left behind Armaan and Riddhima wondering about her.
R: Paagal...pata nahi subah subah kya hogaya ise. Armaan could see Riddhima was embarrassed and was trying to avoid him after their encounter so he thought of breaking the ice himself.
A: Oye meri behen ko paagal mat bolo!
R: Vo tumhari nahi meri bhi choti behen hai...main jo marzi bolu tumhe kya? Riddhima did not pretty realize what she said but Armaan just smirked at her and did not bother quarelling back as he was very much happy with her answer.
A: Vaise Riddhima tum Nikki se kaafi close ho gayi ho na kuch hi dino main. Agar baharwala koi dekhe toh sachi main tum dono ko sagi behene maan le!...umm...tumse ek baat poochu...if you don't mind?
R: Kya?? Tum kabse permission lene lage mujhse?
A: Nai actually it's a bit personal...but if you don't want to answer then it's alright.
R: Hmm...poocho.
A: Riddhima...tum...shaadi se pehle...I mean now you have Nikki...par pehle tum ye saari baatein kiske saath share karti thi?I...umm...I mean...
R: I know what you mean Armaan...there was a long akward silence...
Di...Main Anjali di ke saath sab share karti thi. Pata hai Armaan main unhe dinbhar jo kuch bhi hota tha...however silly it might be...sab batati thi. Par fir unhe London jaana tha; aur shaadi ke liye bhi unhone na kardi thi, bohot jiddi hai na vaise di; Papa se bohot jhagda hua di ka aur fir...fir vo London chali gayi. Main unhe bohot miss karti hu Armaan. Kabhi kabhi phone par baat ho jaati hai...par bas...uske alawa aur kuch nahi...two tiny drops escaped her eyes piercing his heart. Without giving it a second thought he engulfed her in his arms and caressed her head.
A: Hey...stop crying. I am sorry I didn't mean to make you cry.
R: I know Armaan...but somehow this always happens with me...main jis kisi se bhi pyaar karti hu vo sab mujhse cheen jaate hai. Har baar. Pehle Maa chali gayi...fir di; Papa se bhi dur ho chuki hu aur ab...
A: Ab?? She detangled herself and kept her head still down not able to meet his eyes. Riddhima aisa kuch nahi hai...I am sure tumhari di bhi tumhe bohot miss karti hongi; aur vo bhi ek din aa jayengi tumhare paas. Your dad is just a phone call away; and you can tell me whenever you want to see him main khud tumhe le jaaunga unse milne. Aur fir tumse kisne kaha sab tumse dur chale jaayenge? Main toh yahi hu; humesha humesha ke liye; tumhe chidhane aur pareshaan karne ke liye. Tumhe ghusse se aag babula karne ke liye. Main itni aasani se tumhara peecha nahi chodne wala. She frowned a bit and smacked his shoulder making him smile. He kissed her forehead lightly when his gaze fell on his watch;
A: Ohh no...9:30 baj gaye. Tum ladkiya bhi na...humesha baton main laga deti ho. He went away blaming her while she just stood with her jaws touching the floor at his comment. But soon she smiled to herself as she remembered his words. It was as if his way of telling her that he was always there by her side; forever and ever.
The very afternoon Nikita called Riddhima for lunch saying that she wanted to discuss something really important. That is when Nikita told Riddhima that Abhimanyu loved her and had proposed her the previous eve. They had been into this relationship for past 1 and a half year but everyone was unaware about this. The day when Abhi had come over to their place Riddhima did have a doubt the way they fought and were staring at each other but she neglected her thoughts. But now that she knew everything she was really happy for both of them as she knew Abhi very well and was sure that they would make a perfect couple.
N: Par bhabhi 1 problem hai!
R: Kya?
N: Bhai! Actually vaise toh vo bade sweet hai aur meri har baat aasani se maan lete hai...par mujhe lekar na vo kuch jyaada hi possessive hai. Isi liye maine abhi tak unhe Abhi ke bare main kuch nahi bataya. This is the first time I hid something from him. Par ab mujhe samajh nahi aa raha unse kaise kahu. Mujhe nahi pata unka reaction kya hoga.
R: Ohh...hmm ye toh badi problem hai; kyunki vaise bhi tumhare bhai ko ye saari pyaar vyaar ki baatein zara kam hi samajh aati hai.
Ab: Tu ye bol rahi hai Ridz! Vo toh tere pyaar main poora paagal hai; paagal itna ki tujhse shaadi kar li! I mean seriously...Armaan Mallik getting married...big deal you know! Riddhima felt a little hurt as she wished that what he said could be true.
N: Haan bhabhi...aap aisa mat boliye; aap hi toh humari aakhri umeed hai. Aap hi hai jo bhai ko samjha sakti hai.
R: Acha acha theek hai relax. Kuch sochna padega. Vaise bhi dedh saal se use tune jhoot bola hai Nikki; toh use ghussa toh aana hi hai. Par koi baat nahi; ek baar ye birthday party ho jaaye fir main uska mood dekhkar usse baat karlungi. I am sure party ke baad toh vo thoda ache mood main hi hoga na...toh I'll talk to him.
N: Ya that sounds cool. Thanks bhabhi...love you!!

They walked out of the restaurant and Riddhima and Nikki hugged Abhi as they departed. But just when Riddhima was hugging Abhi Armaan by chance had to be passing through the same lane and saw them hugging. He felt a surge of fury as; as far as he remembered Abhi had gone out saying he had some lunch meeting with his friend and it was really important for business. If he was supposed to meet Riddhima then why didn't he tell him frankly. Anyways he chucked the thought and went home as he had his work finished early today. As Riddhima and Nikki entered the house they saw Armaan sitting on the couch watching tv while talking to Billy.
N: Hey bhai...aaj aap jaldi aa gaye.
A: Yaa...jaldi kaam khatam ho gaya tha. Vaise Riddhima tum log kaha gaye the? Riddhima was taken aback by his question as he generally never asked her about her whereabouts; specially the tone that he was using.
R: Vo Armaan...main aur Nikki lunch ke liye gaye the aur fir kuch shopping bhi karni thi. Kyu...kya hua?
A: Dono hi gaye the lunch pe?
An: Kyu dono kyun nahi jaa sakte. Usmain kya problem hai? Tu bhi na Ammy vo bechari abhi abhi aayi hai aur tu uspe tooth pada hai apne sawaalon ke saath! Use thoda baith toh lene de. Riddhima felt little strange at the way he was staring at her but she thought that maybe she was overthinking and he was probably just tired because of his work. She went up and freshened up when Nikki came to call her for dinner.
N: Bhabhi...mom ne khaana laga diya hai jaldi aaiye. Vaise acha hua mom beech main aa gayi varna jis tarah bhai aapse sawaal kar rahe the main toh dar hi gayi thi 2 min. ke liye.
R: Haan actually main bhi...mujhse ye jhooth bilkul nahi bola jaata Nikki aur Armaan...vo bas mera jhooth na pakad le...vo jis tarah mujhe dekh raha tha I thought maybe he knows everything.
N: Arey bhabhi kuch hi dino ki toh baat hai...vo bhai bas kaam ki vajah se thak gaye honge isi liye. Aur vaise bhi aap us sab ki tension chodo aur filhaal party ke bare main socho.
R: Haan saare preparations toh almost ho chuke hai bas Armaan ko kuch pata...just then Armaan walked in and both of then there was pindrop silence in the room. He looked from Riddhima to Nikki and back to Riddhima.
A: Kya hua tum dono mere aate hi aise chup kyu ho gaye?
N: Vo kuch nahi bhai...hum toh bas aise hi idhar udhar ki baatein kar rahe the. Aap bhi neeche aa jaiye jaldi...khaana lag gaya hai.
R: Kya hua Armaan...tum theek toh ho?
A: Huh? Mujhe kya hua hai?
R: Nahi tum thode thake hue lag rahe ho...thode...umm...chid chide lag rahe ho.
A: Vo...nahi bas...he could see the pure concern in her eyes and he melted then and there; there was just no way on earth possible that this girl would ditch him. She was so innocent!
R: Armaan kya hua?
A: Kuch nahi...main bas thoda thak gaya hu.
The next day as Armaan was getting ready for office Riddhima was scolding him for been careless as he had severe cold because of having cold water from past many days. She had been warning him but he just kept neglecting her everytime. Just then Abhi walked in the room and saw Riddhima with her hands on her hip scolding Armaan angrily about something and Armaan was sitting on the bed like an obedient kid with his tie in his hand.
Ab: Vaah kya bat hai...lagta hai subah subah lecture pad raha hai janab ko Ridzy madam se.
R: Arey Abhi...tum kab aaye?
Ab: Bas abhi jab tum in janaab ko daantne main busy thi.
R: Vo...dekho na Abhi ye tumhare itne bade Mallik empire ka CEO...meri koi baat manta hi nahi. Bas shaitaniya sujhti rehti hai. Khair chodo tum batao itni subah yaha kaise.
Ab: Vo Billy uncle ne bulaya tha...kuch files collect karni thi... Vaise koi bevakoof hi hoga jo apni itni khubsoorat biwi ki baat talta ho.
A: Acha...aur un besharmo ka kya jo mu uthakar kisi ke bhi kamre main ghus aate hai bina knock kiye! Both Abhi and Riddhima were stunned at his cold behavior; but Abhi thought that he was just angry as he had come in between husband and wife's sweet nok jhok.
R: Armaan!! Ye koi tareeka hai baat karne ka?
A: Acha...aur bina knock kiye kisike room main aana kaunsa sahi tareeka hai?
R: Armaan stop it vo toh bas...
Ab: Hey guys chill...main toh bas Ridzi se milne aaya tha Armaan. Darwaaja khula hi tha toh andar aa gaya. I am sorry next time se jarur knock karke aaunga...relax.
R: Nahi Abhi...it's no problem...vaise bhi ye kaunse manners follow karta hai jo tumhe sikha raha hai. Khud toh itne thand main thanda paani peekar jukhaam karva liya hai...huh!
Ab: Ohh God Ridz you are such a kid. Both of them walked out of the room and spoke for a few minutes standing at the door making sure Armaan couldn't hear them. Okay then...ab main chalta hu...milte hai jaldi hi...he winked at Riddhima and hugged her which was completely an unacceptable gesture for Armaan. Riddhima walked in and again putting on an angry face held her hand forward;
Tie do...bana deti hu jaldi...varna phir se kahoge meri vajah se late ho gaye.

He stood up with flaring nose and threw the tie away.
Koi jarurat nahi...I am sure tumhe isse kai jyaada jaruri kaam honge; so why bother about me? He strode out of the room angrily while Riddhima was taken aback by his anger. Just 2 minutes back he was sitting like an innocent kid then what happened all of a sudden; she just couldn't pin point.

A: Riddhima aisa kyun kar rahi hai? Vo kaise us Modi se itne pyaar se behave kar sakti hai...vo bhi mere saamne. Us din bhi usne jhoot bola mujhse; kitni safai se ye baat chupa li ki lunch pe Abhi bhi aaya tha! Par vo kyun jhooth bol rahi hai...aur aaj bhi pata nahi aisi kya baat ho rahi thi jo vo mere saamne nahi kar sakte the. Aur vo Modi...har baat pe usko hug karta rehta hai...mujhe toh kabhi itne pyaar se gale nahi lagati Riddhima. Kahi Riddhima aur Abhi...afterall they are college time friends...aur dono kitne close bhi hai. Aur Riddhima toh mujhse shaadi karna bhi nahi chahti thi!
Nahi nahi...ye sab main kya soch raha hu...Riddhima aisa kabhi nahi karegi. Jo bhi ho; vo shaadi aur in saare rishton aur rivaajon ko bohot maanti hai. Vo kabhi mujhe itna bada dhoka nahi de sakti.

Armaan felt uneasy throughout the day. He was so perturbed that he couldn't think anything other than Riddhima. What if she did not love him back? She was the first girl in his life who made his life worth living; he couldn't afford losing her. As he reached home he just kept wondering about whether he should talk to Riddhima but she seemed preety happy talking to Billy and Ananya; was having fun with Nikki like any other day. She was so gelled up with everyone. She thought and cared about everyone including him. Then why was he been unfair and doubtful about her. That was just mean and unfair! He went to his room leaving his plate half eaten. Riddhima followed him as she had been observing him throught the evening and she could see him lost in his own world. He did seem tensed up about something.

As she entered the room she found him standing near the window watching the stars unaware of her presence. She slowly approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
R: Armaan? Kya baat hai...tum aise khaane par se uthkar kyu chale aaye?
A: Riddhima...just leave me alone...mujhe kuch der akele rehna hai.
R: Armaan...tum mujhe kyun dur kar rahe ho? Mujhe dur kar dene se tumhari problem solve nahi ho jayegi. Main jaanti hu tum kuch dino se kisi baat ko lekar pareshaan ho. Jab se aaye ho kisise theek se baat nahi kar rahe...khaana bhi chodkar aa gaye; aur yaha aise akele chup chap khade ho. Mujhe toh bata sakte ho na Armaan...she turned him around and caressed his cheek;
Kya hua Armaan bolo na? Ghussa ho mujhse?
A: Riddhima main...sigh...I don't know this is all so frustrating. Mujhe bohot ghussa aa raha hai...par shayad...i...I just.
R: Hua kya hai? Subah bhi bina baat Abhi par baras pade ja...As soon as he heard Abhi's name his anger was back and he pushed her hand away.
A: Vo bina baat nahi tha Riddhima...aur tum uski itni tarafdari mat karo.
R: Arey...dekho fir ghussa ho gaye. Main koi tarafdari nahi kar rahi Armaan. Par use bura laga hoga tumne usse aisa kyu kaha? Vo bechara t...
A: Riddhima I said stop defending him. Mujhe jo kehna chahiye tha vohi kaha maine use. Aur tum mujhe chodkar uski side kaise le sakti ho. Tum meri biwi ho uski nahi...you should be on my side. Aur vo koi bechara vechara nahi hai. Tum use kuch jyaada hi innocent nahi samjhti...har baat pe use aise hug karti rehti ho...mujhse toh kabhi itne ache se baat nahi karti; itne pyaar se hug nahi karti.
R: Armaan kya bole ja...Ohhh...now I get it...she walked a little away...you are jealous? OH MY GOD!! Armaan Mallik is jealous...vo bhi Abhimanyu se!
A: Jealous aur main!
R: Ohh yes...shakal dekho apni...tabhi main sochu jab bhi uska naam leti hu aise ghusse se laal kyun hoo jaate ho...she was just loving the change in his expressions; they showed her that she had hit the target; hmm...par sahi baat hai...Abhi hai hi aisa ki kisi ko bhi jealous feel karva sakta hai.
A: Riddhima stop it it's not funny alright?
R: Ofcourse it's not... ab tum toh Abhi se jealous hoge hi na; tum kabhi uski tarah sweet aur caring nah...Armaan who was already trying to get this Abhimanyu out of his head had had enough. Why did she have to praise him and why the hell would he be jealous of that jerk. Grabbing hold of her arms he pinned her to the walls and looked at her with fire in his eyes.
A: I SAID IT IS SO NOT FUNNY GOD DAMNIT. AND I AM SO NOT JEALOUS OF HIM; BUT ISKA YE MATLAB NAHI VO TUMHE IS TARAH HUG KARE; AND I WON'T BLOODY TOLERATE HIM IN MY BEDROOM KYUNKI MUJHE VO LOG BILKUL PASAND NAHI JO HUMARE BEDROOM MAIN MERI BIWI SE MILNE AAYE VO BHI BINA MERI PERMISSION KE.
Riddhima could see his bloodshot red eyes and knew it was no good stretching the topic.
R: Armaan...tum ghussa kyun ho rahe ho? Main toh majaak kar rahi thi. Relax...shaant ho jao Armaan. I am sorry. Main toh bas...
A: Well then get this thing clear ki mujhe aise majaak bilkul pasand nahi. Samjhi? She nodded her head but hissed and a small tear fell off her eyes. He instantly softened as he realized he had been holding her a little too tight; so he loosened his grip and as soon as he left her arms she caressed her arm and he could see red marks on her hands. He instantly tried to caress it but she moved aside and tried to move away but he held her back.
A: Riddhima I am so sorry...I din't mean to hurt you.
R: Ofcourse you never MEAN to Armaan.But you always do end up hurting me!
A: Riddhima I am sorry...I am really very sorry. She pushed his hand again as he tried to hold her; Riddhima pleaseee let me see it...please... she finally removed her hand letting him see while she continued sobbing. He felt so guilty and his heart twisted in pain as he made her cry once again. Please please don't cry Riddhima. You know na main toh hu hi ek number ka idiot. He kissed her arm softly where the mark was and wiped her tears; please stop crying Riddhima. Chahe toh tum mujhe thappad maar lo but don't cry. He wiped her tears completely and held her face; Riddhima you don't know what you mean to me. Jab bhi I feel ki there is anything that can drift us apart I can't bear it Riddhima. Main soch bhi nahi sakta ki tumhare begair meri zindagi kaise hogi...it's just so...she placed her hand on his lips.
R: Shh...aisa kuch sochna bhi kyun jo kabhi hone hi nahi wala. Kabhi kabaar apne kaampar bhi dhyaan diya karo; idhar udhar ki baatein kam socha karo. She purposely joked around to lighten the atmosphere as she could see him feeling really guilty. He laughed as she said that and touched their foreheads together. She looked up at him as he bent down and kissed her fresh tears away. Caressing her waist he started moving forward and she kept stepping back. As her back finally hit the wall he moved his hands up slowly caressing her curves making her go weak in her knees and moan softly as his hands reached her lips. He caressed her lips with his thumb and then he slowly kissed the corner of her lips as if teasing her. He smiled as she groaned and pinning her hands he bit her earlobe.
A: You are so beautiful Riddhima...he kissed her neckline slowly and passionately making her wither in his hold. You have no idea...what you do to me! Moving to the other side he moved her hair away and hid his face in the crook of her neck kissing it passionately. As soon as he let go of her hands she held his shirt tightly for support. He loved the way she melted in his arms. As he bit her neck she hissed...
Armaaann...
He kissed the place softly to sooth her and then licked it making her go crazy. She held on to him tightly as he placed sloppy kisses right from her throat to her cleavage. His passion was just too much for her to handle so she pulled him up to her level and as he could see the same love and longing in her eyes he placed a small kiss on her lips. As she closed her eyes he moved away to have a look at her and then pulling her closer by her waist he bit her lower lip further teasing her. But as she groaned and tried to push him away he held her hands that were on his chest and placing them around his neck pulled her closer kissing her deeply. As he sucked her lips sensuously she ruffled his hair doing nothing but adding fire to his desires unintentionally. She groaned loudly as her body was crushed by his aginst the wall she could feel every hair on her body stand. That was their first kiss which was shared with both of their consent and anticipation with no intentions and the reason been only and only love. As he moved away and saw her completely red face, he pecked her lips slowly and kissing her forehead picked her up. Placing her on the bed still on her side with the pillow barrier in between he kissed her palm and held her hand;
A: Chahe jo ha jaaye...bas aisa kuch kabhi mat karna jo tumhe mujhse dur kare because I won't be able to bear that Riddhima. She just nodded her head and both drifted off into the sweetest sleep of their life holding each other's hand.
Next morning as he woke up he couldn't see her besides him anymore. Getting all ready for office he walked downstairs and as expected found her setting the breakfast table. As he found her all alone he slowly tiproed towards her and grabbed her waist from behind making her jump in fear. She relaxed in his hold as she sensed his touch but immediately tried to move away as he nuzzled her neck;
Armaan! Ky...kya kar rahe ho...chod..do...sab aate hi honge.
Uhuh...nahi chodunga...tum mujhe good morning wish kiye begair neeche kyun aa gayi?
Armaan...naashta banana tha...tum hato...koi dekh lega! He was in no mood to leave her but he saw Billy coming out of his room so he quickly pecked her cheek and sat down on the chair quietly. She was surprised by his open romance not even caring if someone might walk in. Armaan was more than happy with the newly found love and so was Riddhima. But both did not realize that they had never really confessed it to each other and it was about time to do that!
In the afternoon as Armaan was off to work Riddhima and Nikki were busy packing the gifts for him as Nikki had purposely taken an off today to look after all the preparations saying that she wasn't really feeling well. But as Riddhima was busy wrapping the gifts Nikki asked her out of the blue;
N: Bhabhi...bhai ne aapko propose kaise kiya tha?
R: Huh?
N: Propose bhabhi? I am sure bhai ne hi propose kiya hoga...he is pretty good in all such things you know...toh batao na kaise propose kiya tha unhone? Riddhima was tongue tied at that question; but it did make her realize that someone had to confess here; like duh...it had almost been a month now; what were they waiting for? Bhabhiii...kya hua bolo na!
R: Umm...vo...Nikki...vo main...actually...usne...
N: Kya? Bolo na...ek min...don't tell me he never proposed to you aur directly shaadi ki baat ho gayi thi and you agreed! I mean you know...maybe that kiss...was the approval huh? She nudged her arm making Riddhima feel like getting buried deep into the ground out of embarrasement.
R: Actually Nikki...I guess when true love happens nothing is to be really said out loud. Ek dusre ki aankhon main sab nazar aa jata hai. Vo choti choti cheeje jo ek dusre ke liye ki jaati hai; the care; affection and respect. It is just about feeling the love. By the time she had come out with all this she had come to the conclusion that tomorrow was his birthday and her confession would obviously be the greatest surprise she could give him. She was mostly sure that he would like it; but whateer it was she had to be out with it already. She couldn't hold her feeling for him any longer. Just thinking about it she had a huge smile on her face. As they were done with the packing both of them joined Ananya for preparing dinner while Riddhima was mostly busy preparing the cake. She was really excited about his birthday now; as she wondered what his reaction would be to her surprise.

As Armaan walked in he could see some hustle bustle in the kitchen but thinking that it must be the preparations for dinner he went up to his room. He came out of a fresh shower when he found her sitting on the bed all exhausted.
A: Hey kya hua...kaai thaki hui lag rahi ho?
R: Huh?? She opened her eyes startled at his question. Haan...bas vo...khaana bana rahi thi na...so... main abhi fresh hokar aati hut um neeche jao khaana lag gaya hoga.
A: Nahi theek hai...tum fresh ho jao main rukta hu tumhare liye.
R: Nahi...tum jao tumhe bhook lagi hogi na...Vaise bhi main shower lene ka soch rahi thi toh mujhe thodi der ho jaayegi tum...
A: Shh...maine kaha na tum jao...main yahi baitha hu kuch file work hai vaise bhi mujhe. Tum naha lo fir saath main neeche chalenge. He said ass he wiped the little flour that was on her forehead. Lagta hai aaj kaafi special khaana bana hai.
R: Main abhi aati hu okay; she grinned ear to ear at him and ran to the washroom. He smiled at her antics and started working on his file. As she walked out of the washroom with water dripping from her hair his file was long forgotten. He kept staring at her as the water droplet made its way down from her forehead to her chin and then going through her long slender neck disappeared in her saree. He turned his gaze away and held his fist tightly trying to keep a check on his desires. Riddhima unaware to his state rubbed her hair with towel and once she was done she grabbed his arm putting his file away.
R: Chalo jaldi neeche chalke khaana khaate hai bohot bhook lagi hai.
A: Umm...Riddhima...why don't you tie your hair? She had absolutely no idea how hard he was trying to keep his hands to himself and her hair were the biggest distraction on earth for him at the moment.
R: Vo baal thode geele hai na ab bhi is liye. Baad main band lungi abhi ch...
A: No...just...just tie them...please! She wondered what was with him as he was the one who usually liked her open hair; but chucking all the thoughts she just tied them with a lose clip anyways and went ahead as she was famished and knew that even he must be after a long and tiring day. They went down and saw the dinner table set while as soon as he saw Nikki he said;
A: Toh ab tumhari tabiyat kaise hai Nikki? Feeling better now?
N: Huh? Main mujhe kya hua...just then Riddhima stamped her feet from under the table; Oww bhabhi...Riddhima glared at her and she realized what she was saying so she continued; haan bhai bhabhi subahse khayal rakh rahih hai na mera. Ab main bilkul theek hu.
A: Are you sure you are ok Nikki?
N: Haan bhai...I am fine. Aap tension mat lo. Aap khaana khao na dekho bhabhi ne kitna saara yummy sa khaana banaya hai...mujhe tog bohot bhook lagi hai; chalo jaldi jaldi khaana kha lete hai aur fir...she stopped midway before blurting out anything more but Armaan again caught her in her words.
A: Fir kya?
N: Fir kya bhai...fir...fir hum sab so jaayenge ...fir kal subah vapas uthenge...fir office jaayenge aur fir...
R: Nikki!! Khaana ...khaana kha lo...ye lo tumhari favourite bhindi ki sabjee...khao chup chap.Hmm? Khaana khate waqt itni baatein nahi karni chahiye. Aur Armaan tum bhi khao na.
Billy shook his head as Nikki always had this tendency to blurt out wrong things at wrong time while Ananya just offered Armaan things to divert him from Nikki's stupid words. Armaan just kept staring at them strangely as he had his dinner. Later as soon as they entered the room Riddhima went and hit the bed.
A: Arey tumhe kya hua? Change toh karlo!
R: Nahi mujhe nahi change karna...mujhe bohot neend aa rahi hai.
A: Arey par...
R: Par var chodo aur ab tum bhi koi kaam mat karna chup chaap so jao samjhe...mujhe lights band chahiye; so don't disturb me main bohot thak gayi hu. Good night! He just stared at her as if she was some alien and then covering her properly with the blanket he went on his side and slept. As he went into his deep slumber; just after a while he could feel something tickling his ear; so he rubbed his ear and turned around. But again he felt something tickling him and he rubbed it away fruatratedly this time. As he fell back into his sleep he could hear someone calling him;
Armaan...utho na. Armaan! He recognized that Riddhima was calling him.
A: Kya hai Riddhima...so jao.
R: Armaan utho na kuch baat karni hai.
A: Riddhima subah baat karlenge...abhi so jao.
R: Nahi Armaan utho na...mujhe abhi baat karni hai...bohot jaroori hai.
A: Arey yaar Riddhima let me sleep...he turned around and removing his pillow from under his head he covered his ears with it.
R: Armaan get up right now! I need to talk to you!!
A: Uff...ye ladki bhi na...he sat up straight on the bed and rubbing his eyes said; kya hai bolo. But as he looked at her side he found it empty; nor was she found anywhere neither was the pillow barrier there anymore. Riddhima? He felt a tap on his shoulder;
R: Yaha hu main; as he turned around he saw Riddhima sitting besides him with a beautiful smile on her face and as soon as he looked at her she went near his ear and whispered softly;
R: Wish you many many happy returns of the day; birthday boy! Saying so she kissed his cheek lightly which woke him up completely and his eyes twinkled with joy like a kid. She laughed at his reaction and right then the door opened up and she stood up away from him. He looked up at the door as he saw Nikki and his mom dad coming in with a tray wishing him loudly.
An and Bi: Happpy Birthday Ammy!
N: happy happy birthday bhai. Everyone hugged him as they wished him and then he saw a small chochlate cake which looked absolutely mouth-watering to him. The tray was moved towards him and Nikki handed him the knife; Riddhima lit the candles and he looked up at her lovingly as he made a wish and blew the candle. She just avoided his gaze as he was continuosly staring at her which was obviously noticed by everyone and Nikki even purposely nudged her teasingly which made it even more embarrassing for her. He smiled as he noticed her red cheeks but anyways held her hand and brought her besides him. She looked at him incredibly as she was already so embarrassed and what did he think was he doing. But he blinked his eyes and helding out the knife he signalled her to cut the cake with him. She smiled at him and then grabbing the knife they both cut the cake and fed each other. As he took a bite he just moaned with delight as the cake was delicious.
A: yumm...the cake is deliiicious yaar...amazing. He fed the cake to his mom and dad and Nikki too who were smiling at Riddhima. What? Aap sab use aisa kyun dekh rahe ho...guys birthday mera hai!
N: Ohh bhai...you are such an attention seeker...but a cute one. Well actually the cake HAS to be yummy you know why...because cake bhabhi ne apne haathon se bade pyaar se jo banaya hai apke liye.
A: Really? You made it...OMG...it's really delicious yaa...just too good.
An: Haan beta vakai bohot acha bana hai cake.
R: Thank you.
All of them cherished the cake and then wishing him a happy birthday once again left the room. As soon as they were out he locked the room and walked up to her and said;
A: Toh tumne ye sab planning ki thi; aur vo cake banaya mere liye...hmm... kyun?
R: Kyunki ...umm...aaj tumhara birthday hai Armaan!
A: Hmm...sirf isi liye...the cake was really yummy by the way. He held her by her waist bringing her closer while looked down. Can I have a dance with you? She looked up at him surprised by his demand.
R: Abhi? Yaha?
A: Ya...kyun what's the problem in it?
R: umm...Nothing. She held his hand but he just kept staring at her so she asked him what was wrong through her eyes. In answer he just smiled and nodding his head pulled her by her waist and placed feet on his surprising her once again and as a reflex her hands went around his neck for support. The proximity was killing her as her body was right against his and her entire weight was on his feet while he held her through her waist. She looked everywhere but him as this was absolutely not the way of dancing she had imagined. She swayed along with him as he moved while he just kept staring at her down casted eyes and a cherry red face that was glowing in the moonlight. He kissed her forehead lightly and then planted a soft kiss on her cheek and smiled as she arched her neck completely giving in. Moving to her earlobe he planted a soft kiss and nuzzled her neck and she hugged him tightly as he hid his face in her hair nuzzling it.
A: Riddhima...
R: Hmm...she moved away to look at him.
A: I need to give you something. She frowned as he said that but he just kissed her cheek and made her stand on her feet. Going towards the cupboard he brought a packet and handed it over to her.
R: Ye kya hai?
A: Kholke dekho!
She unwarapped the parcel and saw a beautiful red saree which was quite simple but very elegant.
R: Woow...this is sooo beautiful Armaan. Par ye kiske liye?
A: Ye? Ye main Tanya ke liye laaya tha. Her smile vanished in a second and she pushed the parcel back in his hands.
R: Toh mujhe kyun de rahe ho use hi de do na. He rolled his eyes and hit her forehead lightly.
A: Riddhima ab tum stupid sawaal poochogi toh aisa hi answer milega na! Obviously tumhare liye hai Riddhima varna main tumhe kyun dunga.
R: Par mujhe kyun? He looked at her with an raised eyebrow so she continued...arey buddhu mera matlab...tch...birthday tumhara hai na Armaan toh gift mujhe dena chahiye tumhe; tum kyun de rahe ho?
A: Bas...aise hi...samajh lo tumhara return gift hai!
R: Par uske liye toh maine abhi tak tumhe tumhara gift diya hi nahi hai! Okay...wait a minue I'll get it. She ran to shopping bags and removed a neatly wrapped box.
A: Ohh...toh ye shopping ho rahi thi itne waqt se! She nodded her head enthusiastically like a kid and told him to open it. As he unwrapped the box; he found a white shirt and a rich violet coloured tie. He held the tie and frowned at it.
R: Kya hua? Tie pasand nahi aayi?
A: Nahi...it's really nice...par tie kyun?
R: Vo...Nikki ne kaha tumhe bohot pas...
A: Hmm I thought so...jarur usika kaam hoga.
R: Matlab?
A: Matlab...you know I hate ties...her face dropped as soon as he said that...arey nahi nahi...mera matlab...I hate the whole concept of "tieing a tie" you know. Actually I am not so good at it you know so...
R: Ohh...tabhi main sochu ki voh mere itne peeche kyun padi thi tie lene ke liye...hmm...bilkul tumpar gayi hai...1 number ki badmaash hai.
A: Acha?? Aur tum mujhe badmaash kis basis pe bol rahi ho...maine abhi tak apni badmaashiyan dikhayi kaha hai? So you better take your words back.
R: Armaaan...mera matlab...ismain kaunsi badi baat hai...I will do it for you na...main tumhare liye bana dungi na tie; toh tumhe kis baat ki tension?
A: Hmm...that would be even better...fir toh I guess us hisaab se mujhe roz tie pehenni shuru kar deni chahiye. She rolled her eyes at his flirtious comment.
R: Vaise ye saree kis liye Armaan? I mean aaj aise achanak?
A: Vo is liye kyunki main chahta hu ki tum ye kal meri surprise party ke liye pehno! She looked at him with her mouth wide open as he said that making him laugh out loud. Muh band kar lo makkhi chali jayegi.
R: Tum toh sab pehle se hi jaante ho.
A: Yes Mrs. Mallik. Actually kya hai na...meri paagal family aur friends har saal mujhe "SURPRISE" party dete hai! She giggled as she now got that how he knew about the party plan. Haan but still it is a surprise every year cause they have some special surprises for me everytime so it is al...
R: Har baar ka toh pata nahi...par is baar jaroor kuch alag hai. There is a big surprise waiting for you Armaan. And I hope you will like it.
A: From you?
R: Hmm hmm...
A: Ohh woow...well now that's interesting...now I am really looking forward to it...vaise what is it about batao na?
R: Uhuh...kal tak intezaar karna padega aapko. Sorry!
A: Okay...Whatever it is...as far as it includes you I am sure I am going to love it!

Next day morning started with a huge smile on everyone's face as it was THE ARMAAN MALLIK'S birthday. Everyone else was busy in the party preparations secretly while Armaan was looking forward to know what her surprise was! Riddhima was getting things ready for him and was about to go down when she saw him walking out of the walk in wadrobe looking ravishingly handsome and completely irresistible in the shirt that she had gifted him the previous night. He gave her a sweet smile spreading his hands as if presenting himself asking her how he looked. She gave him a huge smile and moving ahead straightened his collar that was folded a bit at the end.

R: Happy birthday once again Armaan. I wish you have a day and a life followed; full of happiness.
A: Thank you...but I would wish that for US instead.
R: Acha aaj ghar jaldi aa jana...now that even you know about the party toh jyaada kaam main busy mat ho jaana.
A: Well agar main chahu bhi toh bhi nahi ho paunga; dad aaj mujhe kuch karne hi nahi denge and as the clock strikes 5 he will make sure I reach home by then...chalo ab main chalta hu.
As soon as Armaan left the house; the three ladies of the house started decorating the house with the help of maids. Every nook and corner was cleaned while they made sure that every dish that he liked was ready. As everything was set and the clock struck 4; Riddhima went up to her room followed by Nikki for the last minute preparations. They were sitting in AR's bedroom checking the gifts and setting them properly.
R: Ok...gifts done; decoration ho chukka hai; snacks bhi tayyar hai...umm...sabko bol bhi diya hai...cake bhi...

N: Bhabhi...bhabhi...chill everything is set. Aap tension mat lo; everything is just fine. Aap thodi der beith jao aaram se; kitna kaam karogi? Agar itna kaam karke aapko kuch ho gaya na toh bhai khud ke birthday ke din bhi poora ghar sar pe utha lenge. So relax...ab thodi der baitho aur aaram karo, bhai thodi hi der main aa jayenge fir aapko party ke liye bhi toh ready hona hai na. Vaise bhabhi...bhai kitne handsome lag rahe the na aapke diye hue shirt main. Unpe bohot acha lag raha tha vo shirt.
R: Hmm.
N: Par mujhe na ab thoda dar lag raha hai.
R: Dar kyun?
N: Bhabhi...aap Abhi ke bare main baat karne wali ho na aaj unse...isi liye...pata nahi vo kaise react karenge is baat pe.
R: Haan...thodi tension toh mujhe bhi ho rahi hai...par I think Armaan samajh jaayega. I mean afterall yaha baat pyaar ki hai...kisike zindagi ki hai. Use samjhna hi hoga. Aur vaise bhi Abhi bohot acha ladka hai.
N: Haan par bhahi...you know it's about...choosing a life partner...bohot badi baat hai na bhabhi. She sat down on the floor in front of Riddhima and held her hands,
Matlab dekhiye na vo toh aapse bohot pyaar karte hai...like you both also had a love marriage and all...par that was like you both were working together and stuff; aur fir aap logon ne directly baat karli thi family se aur aapki shaadi ho gayi. Par Abhi toh...Aur bhai is going to be hurt badly afterall itne waqt se unse ye baat chupayi hai humne...par fir ye jaroori bhi toh tha na.
R: Nikki...she caressed her head and continued; tu tension mat le. Maine kaha na main usse baat karlungi ; aur fir main toh Abhi ko achi tarah se jaanti hi hu na. She knew Nikki was really tensed about what Armaan was going to do. And after the way he had been behaving with Abhi for the past few days she knew Nikki had been upsetabout the whole fiasco so to distract her mind and make her feel better she started teasing Nikki;

Infact let me tell you; Armaan ko toh Abhi se sikhna chahiye ki kaise treat karte hai apni lady love ko...varna vo toh humesha apne kaam main busy hota hai; aur jab waqt mile toh mujhse ladta rehta hai. She smile as she could see Nikki turning red. Abhi hai hi aisa ki usse kisiko bhi ladki ko pyaar ho jaaye. Huh...voh toh maine shaadi ke liye haan kardi is liye varna toh...

A: VARNA KYA RIDDHIMA??

------------------to be continued---------------