Chapter 7

Note: Okay so here's the last part of the SS...but this here is the edited version. Now all those who want the PM for unedited part will have to send me a PM saying so which would include your age info! The part will be sent STRICTLY ONLY and ONLY to the people who are 18+

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--->> arima_mallik <<---

Also I am sorry if ye story kuch jyaada hi lambi ho gayi...didn't really realise as I kept writing as I got the ideas. But hoped you enjoyed reading...So now do read the part and give me all the truthful comments about whatever that you felt!

A: Maine hi tumhe yaha bulvaya hai Riddhima. He made her stand straight on her feet. His gaze moved down towards her saree and a frown appeared instantly as she wasn't wearing the saree that he had gifted.
Tumne vo saree kyun nahi pehni jo mai...

R: Armaan...tumne mujhe yaha kyun bulvaya hai? Kya chahte ho tum ab aur ghar pe bhi toh mil sakte the na? Yaha kyu bu...
A: Kuch bohot jaruri baat karni thi Riddhima. Ghar pe ye baat nahi ho sakti thi!
R: Aisi kya baat karni hai tumhe mujhse jo ghar pe nahi ho sakti? She was looking absolutely stunning in the saree that she was wearing but he absolutely hated the way she had tried her best to hide the puffiness of her eyes that had come due to her constant crying. Closing the distance between them he caressed her cheek;

A: Tum ro rahi thi Riddhima? His simple question held so much pain and concern that melted her then and there. She wanted to hug him and cry in his arms to lighten the burden off her heart; but how was she supposed to do that now when he himself was the one to cause the burden. She tried to look away but he bent in and placed feather light kisses on both her eyes.
I am sorry Riddhima.

His words brought her back and pushing his hands away she moved back.
R: Armaan...tum...tum chahte kya ho? Mujhe kyun bulaya hai yaha tumne? Tumhari tabiyat abhi tak theek nahi hui; tumhe aaram karna chahiye. Though her words were of concern but her tone expressed pure rage.
A: Main bilkul theek hu Riddhima...par tum... Mujhse kuch kehna nahi chahti tum? Jo kuch bhi hua ya job hi faisla maine...
R: Haan darasal mujhe kuch kehna tha tumse Armaan!
A: Haan bolo!
R: I know ki tumhe in saari baton se koi farak nahi padta par fir bhi...main tumse ek request karna chahti thi...agar theek samjho toh...
A: Tum bas bolo Riddhima...kya kehna chahti thi tum?
R: Vo main...she turned around as she couldn't face him as she spoke;
Armaan jo kuch bhi hua us baarein main baat karke koi faayda toh nahi hai. Vaise bhi shaayad meri kismet main pyaar nahi likha...khair maine jo kiya shayad galat tha par itna nahi ki ye rishta hi khatam kiya jaaye. But on second thoughts shayad is rishte ka khatam hona hi theek hai; kyunki jab rishte ki shuruat hi jhooth se hui ho; jab rishte main pyaar hi na ho toh us rishte ka koi matlab hi nahi banta. Par Armaan mujhe thoda waqt chahiye. I mean...don't worry I won't change my mind...par Armaa main nahi chahti ki divorce ke baad mujhe vaapas Papa ke paas jakar rehna pade. Main Padma mom ko aur hurt nahi karna chahti...is liye I want to be on my own. Bas mujhe kuch waqt de do...meri internship toh complete ho hi chuki hai bas ek baar main job ke liye apply kar du fir main chali jaungi. Tumse aur us ghar se bohot dur. Bas utna waqt de do mujhe. Uske baad main divorce pap... he turned her around in a swift moment and held her face;

A: Shhh... tumhe kahi jaane ki koi jarurat nahi hai! Wiping the fresh tears that had spilled out of her eyes he caressed her cheek; tum naahi kisi job ke liye apply kar rahi ho naahi kahi jaa rahi ho; kyunki main tumhe koi divorce nahi de raha! She looked up at him surprised at his words. Her eyes filled with thousands of questions looked into his to find some answers and she was about to say something but almost forgot that her vocal chords even existed as she heard his next words;

A: I love you Riddhima!... main tumse bohot pyaar karta hu...I love you!

His own eyes held tears as he saw her cry. Gently wiping her tears away he moved even closer to her and kissed her forehead but she just stood frozen on her spot; but she returned to her senses as he held her face in his palms and she pushed his hands harshly.

R: Nooo...no Armaan. You are lying. Aisa nahi...main jaanti hu tum jhooth bol rahe ho. Tum mujhse pyaar kar hi nahi sakte.

A: Kyun...I really love you Riddhima mai...

R: Stop right there Armaan Mallik. It's just not possible! Agar tum vakai mujhse pyaar karte toh itne aasani se ye rishta khatam karne ke baarein main nahi sochte! Tum jh...

A: Riddhima just listen to me...aisi baat nahi hai. Main...mujhe bas kuch galatfemi ho gayi thi...I mistook certain things and...

R: Nahi Armaan...main kuch nahi jaanti. Mujhe kuch sunna hi nahi hai Armaan. Mujhe bas...she started walking away but he held her hand and pulled her back.

Cho...do...mujhe. Let me go Armaan...just leave!! She struggled hard to get out of his hold but the harder she tried the stronger his grip turned.

A: What's the matter Riddhima. Aren't you happy to know that I love you? Tumhe is baat se koi fark...

R: Nahi...mujhe koi farak nahi padta samjhe tum! Koi farak nahi padta mujhe! She turned red with anger and he could see her glaring at him with flaring nostrils.
What do you think of yourself Armaan Mallik? What the hell do...she shrugged his hands away as harshly as she could...just stay away from me. Tumhe kya lagta hai? Main koi khilauna hu? Huh? Ye...ye sab majaak hai na tumhare liye?

A: What are you talking about Riddhima mai...

R: Ye shaadi, ye pyaar... ye sab majaak hai na tumhare liye?Maine tumse pehle hi kaha tha ki shaadi koi majaak nahi hai par tum...you made a deal out of this marriage and forced me into it. Par mere liye ye shaadi kabhi koi deal nahi thi Armaan...I always lived this married life as faithfully as any married woman would have lived. Main is shaadi ko; is rishte ko; tumhe; samjhne hi lagi thi ki tum aakar mujhse kehte ho that you would get the divorce papers ready and just like that you end our marriage! Sirf is liye ki maine tumse Nikki ke baarein main ek sach chupaya tumne mujhe talaak dena ka faisla kar liya...just like that...haina? Maana mujhe tumhe sach batana chahiye tha...par kya mera Nikki par itna bhi hak nahi hai ki main uska sach galat soch saku...kya tumhara mujhpar itna bhi hak nahi tha ki tum aakar mujhse jawab maango ki maine aisa kyun kiya?

Kyun maine tumhe sach nahi bataya? Aur aaj...achanak aakar mujhse keh rahe ho that you won't divorce me; WHY? Because all of a sudden you realized ki tum mujhse pyaar karte ho! Stop it Armaan...just stop fooling around. It hurts you know...mujhse ye sab aur nahi bardasht hota. You don't even have any idea what it is like to be in love! Tum ba...

A: Oh really now! He pulled her back harshly towards himself bring her so close that she shivered with the proximity that they shared. He had lost his cool hearing her baseless accusations;

I don't know what it feels to be in love! What makes you say that huh? I know mujhe tumse divorce ki baat nahi karni chahiye thi...par mujhe koi khushi nahi ho rahi thi...to tell you that I want a divorce. Tum vo pehli ladki ho jisne mujhe pyaar ka matlab samjhaya...do you have any idea how hard it was for me to let you go! But I was still letting you go...you know why? Kyunki mujhe laga tha ki tumhari khushi usi main hain...and all that I wanted was to see you happy God damn it! He held her face gently as she stood all perplexed by his words;

Riddhima main Nikki aur Abhi ke baarein main kuch jaanta bhi nahi tha! It's just a few hours ago that knew about it when Nikki told me about all this. They weren't the reason I wanted to divorce you!

R: toh...Toh fir...?

A: Riddhima I...I thought... he took a deep sigh and finally blurted out;

Riddhima mujhe laga tha ki "tum" Abhimanyu se pyaar karti ho!

R: WHATT????

A: Haan vo mujhe...he narrated how he had seen them at the restaurant and then she had lied to him. The way he had found their bond so strong and so close. He also told her how his thoughts were confirmed by her praises and all that he overheard on his birthday that she was telling Nikki!

Mujhe laga ki tum usse pyaar karti ho lekin mujhe bata nahi paa rahi aur... SLAP...

Riddhima slapped him hard and pulled him through his collar roughly towards her.

R: What are you?? An idiot?? Tum...tum ne soch bhi kaise liya ki...she started hitting his chest as hard as she could. You stupid idiot; jerk...you moron.

A: Ri...Ridh...Riddhima meri baat toh...Riddhima...he tried to stop her but she was no way in a mood to even listen to a word from his mouth. She pulled him through his collar once again as she was furious than ever;

R: Tum aisa kaise soch sakte ho Armaan Mallik? Mujhse kuch pooch nahi sakte the tum? I am a married woman for God sake; how could you?...tumne soch bhi kaise liya ki main tumhe chodkar kisi aur ke bare main aisa kuch soch bhi sakti hu? Didn't you trust me enough...agar tum mujhpar itna bhi bharosa nahi kar paaye to...

A: No...no don't say that. I trusted you. Infact I never ever thought of you in any wrong way Riddhima...don't get me wrong!

R: Seriously...is sab ke baad bhi tum...

A: No no no...listen...I never thought that you were cheating on me or something! Infact jab bhi mere dimaag main aisa khayal bhi aaya that you and Abhi had anything...I blamed myself everytime. Main tumhare baarein main kabhi kuch galat soch hi nahi sakta Riddhima. But then...tumne khud kuch aisi cheezein ki thi...aur mujhse jhooth bhi bolne lagi thi. I thought...I thought ki shayad tum usse pehle se pyaar karti thi aur is shaadi ko sirf isi liye nibha rahi ho because you are bound to me now! Maine tumse jabardasti shaadi ki thi Riddhima; without your consent...toh maine socha shayad tum Abhi se pyaar karti thi par kyunki ab tumhari shaadi mujhse hui hai toh tum...you are just trying to be faithful to this relationship. Mujhe laga tum sirf apna farz poora karne ke liye mere saath ho...aur isi liye I wanted to give you a divorce. Maine socha...agar tum vakai main Abhi se pyaar karti ho toh mujhe koi hak nahi banta tumhe apne saath baandhe rakhne ka isi liye mai... aur fir tumne bhi toh mujhse kabhi kuch nahi kaha. You never said that you loved me!

R: Agar tum mujhe mauka dete toh main kuch kehti na Armaan! Us din tumhari birthday party ke baad mujhe tumse yahi baat toh karni thi...par isse pehle ki main tumse kuch bhi kehti tumhara accident ho gaya...aur phir tumne divorce dene ka faisla... tum kitne bade buddhu ho Armaan! Kya tumhe kabhi meri aankhon main apne liye pyaar nahi nazar aaya. Vo har pal jo maine tumhare saath bitaaya uske bare main tum ek baar bhi nahi soch paaye! Vo saare hak jo maine tumhe diye the khud par kya vo main tumhe sirf is liye de paati agar main is rishte ko sirf apna farz sochkar nibhaati! Tum jaante bhi ho peechle do din main mujhpe kya beeti hai...sirf tumhari is stupid misunderstanding ki vajah se!

A: Trust me main bhi tumhe khush dekhne ke liye hi ye sab kar raha tha Riddhima! Khair jo hua so hua...par ab toh tumhare paas mauka hai na Riddhima. Ab toh keh do jo tum us din mujhse nahi keh paayi thi. He wiped her tears and gently traced her cheekbone;

Ab toh bol do jo main kabse sunna chahta hu!

R: Mu...mujhe kuch nahi kehna Armaan!

A: Kyun?? Main jaanta hu tum bhi mujhse pyaar karti ho...toh kehti kyun nahi?

R: Please Armaan...

A: Ab meri galti ki itni badi saja bhi nahi de sakti tum mujhe Riddhima. I am dying to hear those words from you.

R: After all that you have made me go through...you deserve this! And you should be thankful that I am atleast not leavin...

A: No no no...don't you even dare go there! Tum mujhe chodkar kahi nahi jaa rahi...you want time it's fine! But you are so not going away from me.

R: Par Armaan Nikki aur Abhi ka kya? Tumne unke baa...

A: Shh...he placed his finger on her lips and brought her closer. Mujhe is waqt kisi aur ke baarein main baat nahi karni. I will take care of all of that; par for now; mujhe sirf humari baat karni hai.

R: But Armaan just remember Abhi sach main bohot acha lad...

A: Maine kaha na main dekh lunga vo sab; you don't worry! I hope you trust me that much that I won't take a wrong decision for Nikki. She nooded her head as she could surely trust him on that.

Putting her strand of hair behind her earlobe he held her chin up;

Tum kuch kehna nahi chahti vo toh theek hai...par mujhe ek hug toh de hi sakti ho na? She moved his hand away and tried to turn away but he held her shoulders keeping her in place; and as he turned her around he could see a lone tear drop down her eyes.

Pleeease Riddhima! She just sniffed trying to hold her tears back and looked up at him and again fixed her gaze down on the floor but this time not trying to move away. So he quickly kissed her tear away and took her in a warm hug caressing her head. She tried her best to refrain herself from hugging him back and stood with her hands down fisted tightly; but as he nuzzled her neck and placed a kiss on her neck whispering a small "I love you" she couldn't hold back anymore. She wrapped her arms around him slowly and as he could feel her doing that hesitantly his lips curved into a smile against her neck and he pulled her closer hugging her tightly. She let her defenses fall for once as she needed him badly for now and sobbed on his chest hiding herself in his arms. She forgot all her worries and tensions for a while and let the feeling of him engulf her senses.

They reached home after a while and headed straight to their room since by then everyone else was fast asleep. She changed into her night dress and brought a plate for him.

A: Tumhari plate kaha hai?

R: Mujhe bhook nahi hai...tum kha lo...she took the morsel to his mouth but he turned his face away.

A: Theek hai toh mujhe bhi bhook nahi hai!

R: Armaan jid mat karo...tumhe dawai bhi leni hai; chup chap khaana kha lo. Vaise bhi bina fracture bandage keg hum rahe the toh haath pe aur stress pad gaya hoga...toh ab...

A: Agar tum khaana kha rahi ho toh hi main khaunga varna main so raha hu...good night. She was highly frustrated at his demand.

R: Armaan tum...

A: Kha rahi ho ya nahi? She knew he wasn't going to budge so she had to agree as she was sure that by now his hand must be paining a lot but he wasn't saying anything so she just let go.

R: Theek hai main kha lungi...pehle tum khao. She moved the morsel towards him but with his left hand he directed her hand towards her mouth instead.

A: Pehle tum khao fir main khaunga. Just eat Riddhima! She was about to retort when he cut her in between;

Dekho main jaanta hu ki tumne kal raat se kuch dhang se khaaya nahi hai toh chup chaap khaana kha lo! I don't want to hear anything samjhi? Just eat it now!

The very next day Armaan called Abhi and took both Nikki and Abhi left and right for hiding the truth for past 1 and a half year as knowing the truth he would have convinced his mom dad much earlier for their marriage. Nikki was more than happy and Abhimanyu too thanked Armaan for been by their side. Riddhima on the other hand was happy for Nikki and Abhi; but at the same time she was confused about Armaan. She loved him a lot but whatever decision that he had taken had scared her that what if he would do something like that in future? Would she be able to take in another heart break? He loved her and would never hurt her on purpose and she knew that but her luck which usually was never on her side made her stay away from him. Armaan tried all the possible ways to make her smile and did succeed to an extent too; but somehow he could see that she was maintaining a good distance from him and fought with him with every little thing that was possible. Now he did not mind that ever as these fights were the only time she would actually be her genuine self. He knew something was holding her back but he was determined to make her confess and be all happy with him forever.

Armaan told Billy and Ananya about Nikki and Abhi's relationship and even convinced them for their marriage. So their marriage was fixed two moths later. It had been a week since then and Armaan was all fine now. It was morning time and Armaan was getting ready for office; Riddhima who was busy finding a tie for him as today he was supposed to go for a very important conference meeting; came across his violet tie which she had bought for him. Her fingers moved gently against the fabric as she remembered the day. Armaan walked in and found her standing with the tie in her hand caressing it with a beautiful smile on her lips. He realized that he had a golden opportunity to be close to her today as she had to tie the tie for him! Riddhima was trying hard from days to be all normal and behave him as usual; talk with him as usual for that matter she even fought with him like always but both of them knew that nothing that she did theses days was coming out genuinely. It was hard on her but she did not know what she was exactly supposed to do. Whether she should let it go or not was a big confusion for her! Armaan who was watching her silently got a call and the voice of his cell phone brought her back. He cursed the caller under his breath as she instantly kept the tie away and removed another tie for him. He ended the call and walked upto her to get his tie tied. But as soon as she kept the tie against his neck he held her hand and removed the tie off his neck.

A: Nahi ye nahi...vo waali pehnao. He pointed out towards the violet tie and she removed the tie quietly. Bright colour na...acha lagega is shirt pe! She started making his tie with no exchange of words and no eye contact. But as she finished making his tie and was adjusting his collar he held her hand again;

Hmm...very nice attempt you know. But somehow... maine tumhare aanson dekh liye Riddhima! Now now... Why are you crying Riddhima? Anything to do with the tie? As soon as he said she let his collar be and tried to walk away but he pulled her back and pushed her to the wall behind. She tried to move away but he pinned her to the wall leaving no way for her to escape. But all the while she kept her eyes casted down towards the ground. Bending down to her face level he kissed her lone tear off her cheek letting his lips linger there for a while.

Kyun khud ko itni chot pohocha rahi ho Riddhima? Why are you doing this hmm? He held her face and nuzzled her nose making her shut her eyes tightly.

He knew very well the effect that their proximity had on her. He could see her turning her hands into a fist and grabbing her saree in her fist to hold herself.

Main jaanta hu mujhse galti hui...main galat tha aur tum sahi...par ab bas bhi karo na Riddhima! Tum jaanti ho jo bhi tum kar rahi ho use sabse jyaada takleef tumhe hi ho rahi hai. Chod kyun nahi deti ye jid?

He traced her hand right from her arm till her palm and kissed her hand soflty holding it. Caressing her cheekbone he blew the hair off her face and nuzzled her earlobe. He could hear a soft moan that escaped her lips which made him smile. He traced her lip with his thumb and holding her chin made her look up at him. His eyes that held pure love for her made her lose herself in them again as always.

R: Ar...maan...main...

A: Hmm...tum kya Riddhima?

R: Main...

N: Bhabhiii...Nikki called out for her from downstairs and she was back to her senses in a snap. She pushed him away and ran out of the room leaving a smiling Armaan behind as he realized that it would be soon now that she would be saying things out loud; and if not on her own then he would make sure that she did so soon!

Riddhima was in her room thinking about their small moment that they had in the morning when she got his call. She frowned as it had hardly been just 2 hours he had gone away and the guy was calling her already! He lately had this habbit of calling her frequently once he had reached office. And it always happened so that whenever she would be thinking about him he would call and he would also kow that she was thinking about him. But right now she so didn't want to let him know the truth so she just pretended to be annoyed.

R: Hello...kya hua? Abhi thodi der pehle toh gaye ho na tum? Aaj tumhari koi important meeing nahi thi...toh mujhe kyu phone kar rahe ho kaam karo na apna.

A: Okay...chillax girl! Bolne ka mauka toh do. Kya baat hai...lagta hai mujhe kuch jyaada hi miss kar rahi ho jo itna ghussa kar rahi ho.

R: Ohh...Mr.Mallik has turned out to be smart huh...so you do know that thinking about you makes me angry!

A: Ahah... Well let's just say what you just confirmed was that you were actually thinking about me!

R: Oh you wish...ab kya kaam hai bolo varna main phone rakh rahi hu.

A: Tum ghar pe hi ho na?

R: Duh! Tumne landline pe call kiya hai Armaan...what do you think main ghar ka cordless leke bahar nikalti hu!

A: Umm...Ya...no what I meant was...tum din bhar ghar pe hi hone wali ho na? Like you aren't going anywhere right?

R: Hmm...tum kyun pooch rahe ho?

A: Vo merea ek bohot important parcel aane wala hai; mom dad toh subah hi delhi gaye hue hai...and it is really important that you receive it so...you know...

R: Haan main ghar pe hi hu.

A: Okay that's great! Thodi der main parcel pohochta hi hoga...umm...so ya. Talk to later then...bye...love you!

He sounded unusually happy and excited as he hung up the call. She looked at the phone weirdly as she found his behavior a little strange. She kept herself occupied in the chores that she was supposed to do when she heard the dor bell ring. She was alone at home and she was waiting for Nikki as it was almost time for her to come back. She ran to the door and opened it expecting Nikki but was shocked ot of herw its as she found Anjali; her sister standing right in front of her. She couldn't believe her eyes as she was seeing her after so many years. Anjali took her in a rib crushing hug and Riddhima was more than happy to see her. She brought her inside the house and Riddhima smile didn't budge to leave her face.

Anj: I am so sorry Ridz...main teri shaadi bhi nahi attend kar paayi. But you know kitni fatafat sab hua ki mujhe leave nahi mil rahi thi job se!

R: It's okay di... I am really happy ki aap yaha aa paayi. I am sooo happy tp see you di!

Anj: Well I must say you have got an handsome hunk as your husband huh? Lucky you...par tune mujhe kabhi bataya kyu nahi kit u use pasand karti thi! Matlab kabhi jikar bhi nahi kiya mujhse hmm?

R: Vo di...actually...

A: Well hello ladies...so I guess my parcel's reached home safely!

Anj: Hey...yes ofcourse it has! She walked upto Armaan and hugged him.

R: Armaan...tum itni jaldi? Aur tum dono ek dusre ko...how...how do you guys know each other? Aur tum dono kis parcel ki baat kar rahe ho? Ghar pet oh koi parcel nahi aaya Armaan.

Anj: Well Ridz...you should be thankful to your husband ki main...yani ki iska so called parcel yaha pe hu! You know he called me up and convinced me to come down to India. Main bhi aana chahti thi Ridz...but papa naraaz the; and everything was so messed up. But guess what tere is happening hubby ne Dad ko mana liya and he is all fine with me now.

A: Okay okay...enough of my praises. I hope tumhe kuch problem nahi hui aate waqt; sorry vo meeting important thi varna main khud...

Anj: Come on Armaan...cut the crap. It's not like tumne mujhe kisi anjaan sheher main akela chod diya tha. And afterall tumhari gaadi main baithke hi toh aayi hu; what could possibly go wrong!

A: Well ya but you know considering you are her sister...you never know!

Anj: Hey...don't you say anything about my sister okay. Anjali snapped her finger at him and Armaan raised his hands in defeat.

A: okay chill... I will go freshen up. Tab tak you guys have your long lost sister time! He turned around to Riddhima and smiled at her.

I hope you liked the parcel. Winking at her he walked upstairs to his room. Riddhima kept staring at him till he was out of her sight.

Anj: I must say you have found a gem for yourself Riddhima. He really does love you a lot. You know since the time we met he has just been talking about you. That guy has fallen hard for you Ridz. Lucky you!

R: Di...Armaan aapse kab mila?

Anj: Aaj subah...he was the one to receive me from airport. You know he is so mch fun to be around. Usne dad ko bhi kitne ache se convince kar liya. Dad was so happy to see me and I just can't thank Armaan enough for what he did you know. But I kept wondering ki vo ye sab kuch kyun kar raha hai...I mean fine that I am your sister and all but still. Aur jab maine use yahi sawaal poocha toh you know what he said?

R: Kya?

Anj: He said that he just wanted to see you happy and somehow he just knew that mere yaha aane se tujhe bohot khushi hogi. Can u imagine?...He did that just to see you smile Ridz...to keep you happy!
I tell you this guy is something! Seriously!

Riddhima couldn't understand if that guy was for real. He had gone out of his way to just make her smile; to see her happy. She had always wanted to see Anjali back in their house. But she had never in her wildest dreams imagined that he would make that happen. Both the sisiters chit chatted for a long time as they had to catch up for the lost years. Nikki came home after a while and since he did not want Riddhima to be busy in cooking and stuff he decided to take all them out for dinner just to celebrate the reunion of two sisters.

After the dinner they were supposed to drop Anjali but Riddhima insisted Anjali to stay with them for the night. Even Nikki forced Anjali to stay back as they planned to have a girl's sleep over. The entire evening Riddhima had been trying to talk to him; but considering Anjali's and Nikki's presence she couldn't do that. Also she had no idea that in what way was she supposed to thank him. She loved him a lot already; but if she hadn't realized it then after what he did today she had fallen for him all over again. Armaan on the other hand was very happy to see her all happy and smiling completely from her heart.

As they reached their room Riddhima held his hand to stop him and asked;

R: Tumne ye sab kyun kiya Armaan.

A: Hmm...you see...vo meri wife kahi kho gayi thi. I mean she was fighting with me and all par kuch dino se bohot upset thi. Jhoot mooth ka has rahi thi, just pretending to be happy you know. Toh maine socha ki kyun na kuch aisa karu ki vo genuinely smile kare. And here she is...back with a bang. You se...

His sentence was left hanging as she hugged him tightly which surprised him a bit. He was about to hold her but he felt something wet on his shirt and realized that she was crying. So detangling her he held her face and frowned.

A: Hey...tum ro kyun rahi ho? I thought that...that was supposed to make you happy. Tum...

R: I love you Armaan.

A: Huh?

R: I love you. I love you very very much.

Armaan couldn't believe his ears. Was she really saying that or it was just another of his dream.

A: Tum... tum mujhe...you ...

Riddhima smiled seeing him baffled as she confessed; but she did not want this reaction. And to make him realize that she was actually saying that and meant each and every word of it she moved ahead and smacked his lips. He stood like a statue as she was giving him shockers one after another. She hugged him tightly and whispered an "I love you" softly in his ears to bring him back. He wrapped his arms around her tightly as he reaized what was happening and squealed with delight.

A: Woow...that was all I had to do! Get your sister back to India. Pehle bata deti yaar...main itne saare din waste nahi hone deta!

She smacked his arm as he said that. He wiped her tears and held her face;

A: Ek baar fir se kaho na Riddhima...please!

R: I love you...I love you I love you I love you very much. Whole and sole as you are; and more than anything and everything in this world Armaan Mallik!

He twirled her around in his arms and as he placed her down he kissed her cheek tightly.

R: Armaan thanks a lot...tum nahi jaante ki tumne aaj mere liye kya kiya hai. Armaan...aaj se pehle kisine bhi mere liye kabhi itna nahi socha hai...aur tumne sirf meri ek choti si khushi ke liye jo kuch kiya hai...

A: Shh...tumhari khushi apne aap main hi ek bohot badi baat hai mere liye Riddhima. Tumhari koi bhi khushi mere liye choti ho hi nahi sakti. Tum nahi jaanti par main tumhari ek muskurahat ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hu Riddhima...kuch bhi...

R: Shayad Jaanti nahi thi...par aaj bohot achi tarah jaan gayi hu... I am sorry Armaan.

A: Sorry...kyu?

R: Jo bhi maine peechle kuch dino main kiye uske liye. Main jaanti hu maine tumhe bohot hurt kiya and I am sorry for been so rude. Par Armaan main dar gayi thi...agar tumne dubara kisi baat par mujhse kabhi dur hone ki baat ki toh main nahi bardasht kar sakti. Aur is rishte ko toh main bohot pehle hi maan chuki thi par...

A: I know Riddhima...I understand. After a jerk that I have been; I don't blame you for anything that you did. But I promise you Riddhima...I promise ki dubara kabhi bhi main tumse alag hone ki baat sochunga bhi nahi. Come what may! Par bas tum mujhse dubara kabhi aise naaraz mat hona. I mean you can obviously get angry and all; par aise mujhse duri mat banana... I love you Riddhima!

R: I love you too!

He pulled her in and kissed her lips finally but just then there was knock on their door.

N: Bhabhi jaldi change karke aaiye hum wait kar rahe hai aapka.

R: Haan...bas abhi aayi...main change karke aati hu. She instantly moved away from him but the cherry red colour on her cheeks was very much prominent. As soon as she changed and came out he turned around and lost himself again in her beauty. She was wearing a light blue gown and her hair flew that were dripping wet due to the shower making her even more angelic. The water droplets that were dripping on her neck made him gulp hard. He approached her with slow steps making her heart beat faster. Holding her through her waist he traced a water droplet on her neckline with his finger making her gasp. Leaning in he put a strand behind and bit her earlobe.

R: Ar...maan...

A: Hmm...

R: mu...jhe jaana...hai. Di...aur Nikki...intezaar kar...rahe honge.

A: You know...you are so mean! Tumne jaan bujhkar confess bhi tabhi kiya jab I can't really do anything about it na!

She looked up at him with a frown not getting his point.

R: What is that supposed to mean? You can't do anyth... ahh... she was startled as he pulled her in a swift movement making her place her hand on his chest as she banged against his chest. Smirking down at her he traced her lip and then his hand slowly moved down and untied the string of her gown.

A: Can't do anything...you know! He winked at her and she instantly got the meaning of his words. Her cheeks turned bright red on their own accord while she moved her eyes away from him.

A: You know ma...

Anj: Ridziii...there was another knock on the door for her. Tu kya kar rahi hai...jaldi kar na hum ruke hai tere liye!

A: Ohh God...Nikki kya kam thi jo tumhari behen bhi aate hi mere pyaar ki dushman ban gayi.

R: Armaan! She smacked his arm and went away to open the door. She took her pillow which was her favourite one and was about to walk away as Anjali stood waiting for her when;

A: Acha suno toh...

She turned around; Kya hua? He held her hand and her eyes widened; she nodded her head trying to tell him that Anjali was still standing right in front of them but he kept coming closer. So she murmured in a low voice with gritted teeth;

R: Armaaan...kya kar rahe ho? Chodo di dekh rahi hai!

Paying no heed to her words he planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

Good night Riddhima...he placed another kiss on her forehead; Sweet dreams and whispered in her ear; About me.

Riddhima wished she could bury herself inside the ground as Anjali was right in front seeing their PDA while Anjali just smirked at her teasingly as she walked towards her making her go all red.

Armaan hit the bed smiling to himself as he remembered the way she had finally confessed and then kissed him. On the other hand Riddhima had no choice but to sit with Nikki and Anjali and bear their teasings though she was busy thinking about Armaan and was hardly listening to them.

Next day Armaan thought of staying back to be with her but there was a very important client who was supposed to come and since even his dad wasn't in Mumbai he had to go to the office. He was busy the entire day and couldn't even get a minute to call her. Late night as he returned home all exhausted and as he entered the room he found it decorated with scented candles and rose petals. There was a table for 2 set up beautifully in the balcony area. A sweet smile formed on his lips and all the tiredness was out of the window in a minute. He searched for her but she couldn't be seen anywhere in their room or even in the washroom; so he was about to call out when she walked in from the balcony door in the same saree that Armaan had gifted her. She looked ethereal in the saree while the candle light made her glow in the dark. He stood rooted to the spot as he saw her approaching him;

R: So ...how do I look?

A: Can't you already read it from my face! She blushed hard at his comment.

R: You must be tired... Tum jaldi jaake fresh ho jao taba tak main plates laga deti hu.

He followed her instructions like an obedient kid and went in to freshen up. As he came out he found her arranging things on the table; so he quietly tiptoed to her and held her from her waist from behind.

A: Tumne ye sab mere liye kiya?

R: Hmm...pasand aaya?

A: I loved it! He placed a soft kiss on her cheek and removing her hair from her neck started nuzzling it. Nikki so gayi?

R: Hmm...kyu; kuch kaam tha?

A: Nahi...just making sure ki ab vo vaapas disturb karne toh nahi aayegi na humesha ki tarah!.Caressing her waist he kissed her earlobe; Oh God...I missed you soo much!

R: Acha...she removed his hands around her waist and turned around; Isi liye din main ek bhi baar phone nahi kiya! Pehle mana karti thi toh bina vajah phone karte rehte the...aur ab kya hua huh? Holding his hand she made him sit down on the chair and placed the plate in front of him.

A: Arey yaar kya karu...I was really busy; couldn't help it...sorry! She rolled her eyes and started walking away when he pulled her on his lap.

R: Ughhh...kya kar rahe ho...chodo mujhe! Hiding his face in her hair he placed soft kisses below her earlobe and then whispered;

A: What do you think am I doing Riddhima?

R: Tum na...bade besharam ho. Chup chaap khaana khao; bhook nahi lagi kya?

A: Arey...Tum mujhe bina baat ke credits mat diya karo yaar...mujhe toh ab tak tumhare saath koi "besharmi" karne ka mauka bhi nahi mila hai! She stared at him with wide eyes and open mouth at his shameless comment making him smile widely. He defined shamelessness!

Acha ab naaraz hona band karo aur mujhe khaana khilao! Bohot bhook lagi hai. She smiled at him despite herself and grabbing the spoon fed him. Both of them fed each other with loads of love.

As they were done with the dinner he stood wrapping her from behind; both of them looking up at the star studded sky.

A: Riddhima...tum is saree main bohot khubsoorat lag rahi ho you know. It seems as if ye saree specially tumhare liye hi banayi gayi hai.

R: Thanks...Armaan... Hum humesha aise hi rahenge na?

A: Nahi... though it sounds appealing Riddhima but I don't think it will work this way. Her heart skipped a beat as he said that.

R: Armaan...kyu? Tum aisa kyu...

A: Arey...ab hum humesha asie rahenge toh kaam kaise karenge Riddhima. I mean it sounds romantic but been in each other's arms forever is lik...she smacked his hand that was caressing her waist and he giggled. He placed a kiss on her cheek and turned her around;

Of course Riddhima! Hum humesha aise hi saath rahenge. And I assure you ki tumhari zindagi ka har din main isi tarah khushiyon se bhar dunga...Acha ek baat batao maine tumhe itna acha gift diya tumhari behen ke roop main so now I want a return gift too!

She was about to retort but stopped as he held her chin and leaned in.

So can I get it? She blushed hard at his demand and simply looked down giving him his answer. He traced her lip with his thumb slowly and then in a swift movement captured her lips in a sweet kiss. He nibbled her lips softly and sensuously. He started off the kiss smooth and gentle but as her soft delicate lips moved against his he forgot everything aroung him and pulling her closer deepened the kiss. Soon the passion overtook his senses and he kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

She fisted his shirt and moved out of the kiss as he chewed he lower lip making it bleed but the next instant he licked her lip and sucked the blood making her shiver with the intensity. Saree was playing a very good role for him at present as he got an easy access to her bare waist and she moaned as his hands roamed aimlessly.

She ran inside the room while he followed her. She stopped as she felt a tog on her pallu.
A: Aaj nahi Riddhima! Aaj tum kahi nahi jaa rahi... I wouldn't let you go anywhere today.

Finally sparing more torcher he picked her up in his arms and led her towards the bed. Placing her on the bed he moved down to her feet and pushing the saree a little up he traced her feet with his fingers. Towering up her body he slowly slid her saree off her waist and kissed it softly. Taking the pallu off her upper body he crawled up taking his sweet time placing a trail of kisses. As he came to her face and found her with her face turned to a side with her eyes closed and fingers clutching the pillow tightly he placed a kiss on her forehead and turned her face towards him.

Riddhima... look at me! She opened her eyes and as she stared back at him he kissed her eyes softly.

Agar tum abhi is sabke liye tayyar nahi ho than it's okay; I can wait. Tumhe meri khushi ke liye ye sab karn...

R: Nahi Armaan aisi baat nahi hai. Vo bas...main...

A: Nervous ho? She nodded her head looking down. Dar lag raha hai?

R: Hmm... bohot jyaada.

A: Kyun...mujhpe bharosa nahi hai?

R: Khud se bhi jyaada hai...par...

A: Shh...bas toh fir...just trust me. I won't hurt you...EVER!

He said with sincerity in his voice and she instantly gave in taking him in a sweet kiss.

The sun was setting in and the sky was still dark blue with countable stars still visible in the sky. The love birds laid in each others arms carefree about everything except each other. Her bare back rested against his bare chest as his hand held her through her waist while his lips caressed her nape. He had his face hidden in her nape when he turned her around. Pulling the sheet up on her properly he caressed her forehead leaning on her. As expected he saw her dried tears at the corner of her eye with a new lone tear trickling down but still her lips had a smile; her cheeks bright red while her face glowed. He kissed her eyes to kiss the tear away.

A: Uhuh...shh...aankhen toh kholo! She nodded her head aying no.

Oye hoye Riddhima...ab tumhari sharam dekhkar toh sharam shabd bhi sharma jaaye!
His words made her lips curve into a beautiful smile and he quickly pecked her lightly making her smile turn wider.

A: Riddhima you know...you are...you are so beautiful...ethereal than ethereal... I don't even know what that means but...*sigh*...you are just B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! And now you are Mine! In all sense.

Mrs. Riddhima Armaan Mallik!

R: I don't know if I have ever been...but today I feel that I am the most secure,beautiful, lucky and content woman ever alive. Now that I am yours and only yours in true sense I feel complete...beautiful about myself!

He kissed her forehead letting his lips linger there for longer than needed. Caressing her cheeks he stared deep into her eyes expressing all that his words couldn't.

You know Riddhima...I would like to confess something today; I don't know when I exactly felt in love with you...but what I know by now is that; when I had asked you for this marriage I definitely was already in love with you. Pata hai; jab tum apni internship complete karke chali gayi thi na...I missed you...I missed you like hell! I didn' want to confess that back then but deep down in my heart I knew I wanted to be around you. Vo sab jhagde, tumhe satna, tumhari hasi sunna, tumhe ghussa dilana...sab miss kar raha tha main!

R: Really?

A: Hmm hmm...but I didn't have the courage to come up to you. Then after few days I found out ki tumhari shaadi ki baat ho rahi hai...I just went crazy. I mean...I was as if there is no way that hitler is marrying away any random guy!

R: Armaan...she smacked his chest hard.

A: Oww... As he said sorry and pouted she kissed his cheek as he was looking just irresistibly adorable.

I mean...I just didn't know what got into me...par main bas itna jaanta tha ki tum kisi aire gaire se shaadi nahi kar sakti bas. And as if a reflex maine vo stupid sa plan banaya aur tumhare ghar aa gaya is shaadi ki so called DEAL ko pura karne.

R: You know I was really hurt that day. I hated you...but when you kissed me that day to force me into this marriage I loathed you. But then as I thought I really was set free of my problems.

A: Hmm...I am sorry for being stupid that day. Hey but now that I remember that deal...

R: Toh kya? She frowned as she saw him smirking.

A: You see jo bhi ho...ultimately main ek bohot acha businessman hu...and considering the profits out of the last deal I would like to put up a new deal for you!

She raised a brow at him not getting his words.

A: You married me for your's and my family's happiness right...so now that we are happy and so are all others with this arrangement...I want you as my life partne for the rest of my life till I am breathing in oxygen...and for the rest of my lives in any form and any planet that I might be on. I want to see you smiling exactly the way you are now...and happy forever. You being in my arms for most of the time would be my bonus while in return to all of this I can provide you with all the love that I might have and a promise to keep that smile on your face forvever. Tumhari khushi har din dugni ho iski koshish bhi karunga...and most importantly...kabhi bhi tumhe hurt nahi hone dunga. Well this time the deal is all about you and me...only and only for your happiness which in turn would make me happy. So...Deal?

She stared back at him as tears dropped down from her eyes and the very next moment she pulled him down and kissed his lips. As she moved away he wiped her tears and raised his brow at her as her act surprised him when he heard her say...SEALED!

A: Huh?

R: The DEAL IS SEALED Mr. "Businessman" Armaan Mallik!

A: I love you Riddhima.

R: I love you too Armaan Mallik...

He smiled brightly at her words and sealed her lips and the deal from his side and soon both were lost into their world of love where they lived and will live for the upcoming lives forever!