Chapter 6

Part -14

Riddhima was discharged soon. Her left arm plaster was removed, much of her wounds were healed, mentally also she was feeling better all thanks to Atul and Muskaan's jokes. Just her right leg plaster was still there. Anjali was not attending hospital so that she can take care of Riddhima as Dr. Shashank and Dr. Padma were busy with their duties and Naani alone was not able to manage. Armaan was taking proper care of Riddhima. He makes sure that he at least visits her once.

Soon the day came when her leg plaster was also removed but the muscles of her legs got weak due to plaster. The doctors advised her to take proper physiotherapies and exercises to build up the strength of her leg muscles. Armaan always helped her in her exercises. He was taking proper care of her which was clearly noticed by Muskaan this time and not to forget Sapna too. But she did not react to it.

"Rahul I think Armaan has got some special place for Riddhima in his heart" Said Muskaan while sipping her coffee in the caf. "Hai na... Mujhe bhi yahi laga" said Rahul banging his hand on the table. "It's okay Rahul, why are you acting nostalgic? Calm your nerves down boy." said Muskaan. "Oh Ya. Actually I got little excited" blabbered Rahul "Little! Oh really" Muskaan asked raising her one eyebrow out of astonishment. "Okay okay not little, but I got quite over excited" said Rahul to which Muskaan giggled, and Rahul skipped a beat of his heart seeing her giggling. He sighed and looked at her all lost "You look so cute sweet heart doing your cute little antics" "Yew Rahul! I will puke. How cheesy was that?" said Muskaan making a pukish face.

"Kya Jaan, you are so unromantic" said a dejected Rahul. "I know you are little, oh no, not little but completely a weirdo but still you are my girl friend I suppose to be romantic with you. But you, ah! What should I say? You are completely unromantic cold blooded Vampire. Ah no not Vampire because Vampires are romantic too like Edward but you are ruthless Zombie"

"Enough discussion on me Rahul. Can we discuss about Armaan" "Oh ya Muski. Let's plan to meet at Guptas" Meanwhile Atul joined "who are going to Guptas?" "We are planning" said Rahul "Very good planning, let's go" said an excited Armaan joining the rest "I haven't visited Riddhima even once, today" "Ahem ahem" Muskaan fake a cough, to which Armaan nudge her on her head and Muski giggled

So Atul, Rahul, Armaan and Muskaan planned to spend the evening at Guptas.

AT GUPTAS

They all reached at 5 in the evening. Dr. Shashank and Dr. Padma were at hospital and Naani has gone to the temple. Riddhima was trying to walking a stumbling gait due to her leg and she suddenly she lost her balance and was about to fall but suddenly Armaan grasped her. Some of her hair fringes were falling over her face, Armaan settled them back. Muskaan nudged Rahul.

"Ouch Muskaan kitni zor se maara" Rahul rubbed her arm. The disturbance broke Armaan's trance and he settled Ridz on the couch. "Khote teri wajah se itna romantic scene kharab ho gaya" Muskaan stomped her foot and walk away from there leaving a astonished Rahul there. "Meri wajah se, leking meri wajah se kaise. Khud toh itni zor se mara"

Atul was romancing Anjali in the kitchen in her usual Atul way praising the beauty of his lady love when suddenly Muskaan entered "ae lo, yahan bhi romance". Atul and Anjali both blushed

"oye hoye Champ blushing" teased Armaan joining the trio. "okay are the pakodas ready Anjali? I am super hungry yaar"

"yes they are" replied Anjali. Armaan helped Anjali in bringing them out and serving. Rahul was massaging Riddhima's leg. Armaan saw this and fumed in anger "Oye Moti apne boyfriend ko dekh, kaise Basket ke saath chipak ke baitha hai, aur kaise uski massage kar raha hai. Wo khud kar sakti hai I guess" said a jealous Armaan. "Why are you worried? He is also her friend just like me and you, tu kha m kha chidi ja raha hai. Jal Kukkad. Huh! Waise why are you jealous?" "Jealous please, me, no way, why would I be?" replied Armaan and to avoid conversation he walked fast and reached hall. "Hmmm for how long will you avoid my questions boy? Main bhi Punjab ki sherni hun. I will find out the truth" said Muskaan

Riddhima was not able to reach the pakoda plate Armaan picked the plate and placed it near Riddhima. Both Rahul and Muskaan noticed and exchanged glances. For the whole evening Armaan was behaving very caring and affectionate towards Riddhima. He was making sure Riddhima is all comfortable.

The door bell rang and Anjali went to open the door and was left flabbergasted seeing the person standing in front of her. It was none other than Sapna. "Sapna! You here!" asked all astonished Anjali "I know I am not welcomed here after all that I have done, but I want to start fresh and..." Anjali interrupted her "it's okay, come" Each live soul present at moment was shocked seeing Sapna there. Armaan clenched his teeth and tightened his wrist to control the rush of anger.

"I know guys m not welcome but I seriously wanted to start fresh so, I am just here"

Everyone was bewildered but still they allowed Sapna to join. She behaved very sweetly and well. Armaan was fully concentrating on Riddhima. Riddhima stood up to go "Do you need anything Basket?" asked Armaan. "Ya, water" replied Riddhima. "You sit I will bring that for you" said Armaan making Riddhima sit "Haan haan Ridz tum baitho, Armaan hai na" Muskaan teased. Armaan just ignored her and went. Rahul giggled. Armaan came back with water "Mujhe pakode aur chahiye Armaan" Said Rahul "Haan toh jaa ke le a na" replied Armaan "Haye! Kaash pakode Ridz ko chahiye hote" teased Rahul.

Atul who were noticing all this finally asked Rahul and Muskaan both "What are you guys upto?" "Nothing Champ, just wait you will come to know" replied Rahul and smirked.

Atul scratched his head in confusion and spoke "wait! but for what? Why are talking in riddles?" "Because Atul this riddle still needs to be solved" came an instant reply from Muskaan.

Naani too came back from temple and joined them. They cracked joke and laughed. Armaan manage to steal a glance and look at Riddhima. This was not left un noticed by Rahul and Muskaan.

At 9 they bid good bye to Anjali, Riddhima and Naani.

"Muskaan come I will drop you in my car." Asked Atul

"It's okay Atul I will go Rahul" replied Muskaan

"Rahul's home is in different direction. Yours come in my way come I will drop you" said Atul

"Atul I have to go at Armaan's place" replied Muskaan

"Mere Ghar kyun? Asked Armaan

"Tujhe koi problem hai? Main a nahi sakti kya" asked Muskaan

"Hmm no nothing like that. You are welcome." replied Muskaan.

So Muskaan accompanied Armaan in his car and Rahul was behind them in his car. They were heading towards Armaan's house.

Soon they reached.

ARMAAN"S HOME

"Okay guys, enough. Tell me what is the matter? Yun toh tum log mere ghar aoge nahi." Asked Armaan

"Just chill brother. Why so hurry?" replied Rahul.

Muskaan was messing with Armaan's music station. "Hey watch out Moti, don't mess with it. You know na I am gadget freak. Kharaab mat kar dena." Said Armaan

"I know I know... You go ahead with your talk" said Muskaan

"Ahh grrhh teri GF Rahul" said an irritated Armaan.

Muskaan still was messing with the music station when suddenly a song started playing on it that clearly depicted Armaan's present condition. Muskaan's eyes shimmered with spark and she got an idea to put forward what she and Rahul want to convey to Armaan.

She started singing that song loudly with the play back.

Kissa tera, teri daastan,
Chehra tera khud kare bayan,
Kisi se pyaar tujhe ho gaya,
Tu maan jaa,
Haan maan jaa...

Rahul and Armaan looked towards her all shocked. Muskaan winked at Rahul. Soon Rahul understood and he too started singing with Muskaan

Kahin naa laage mann,
Kya hai yeh sunapan,
Ahaa..ahaaa..
Mujhe tum bata do,

Rahul asked Armaan with his hand moments and gestures.

Armaan was the complete lost soul as he was not able to understand what on have happened to his two friends who were behaving madly and weirdly.
Koi to wajah do,
Ahaa...ahaaa..
Har ghadi ab khayalon mein,
Keh raha hai koi,
Har ghadi mere khwabon mein,
Aa raha hai koi..
Is this love?
Maine naa jaana
Ahhaa..
Is this love?
Tu hi bata naa
Ahhaa..

Muskaan sang and made Armaan dance too. Armaan like an obedient baby danced with her.

Tune chuna ishq ka raasta,
Hum safar iss safar mein dudhta hai tu,
Haan baat yeh maan bhi le zara,

Armaan lost his patience and finally he stopped the music. "Have you guys lost it. What are doing? You are singing pathetically and dancing. Are you guys okay?" "Hmm but you are not okay my friend" replied Muskaan "what? " asked all confused Armaan "me! You guys have lost it" "Na bhai, you have lost it. You have lost your heart. You love someone. You love RIDDHIMA" said Rahul. Those words echoed in Armaan's head and ears. "Me? In love? Oh please no.." replied Armaan. Muskaan again started the song and again she started singing with it.
Tut kar ab kisi ko chahta hai tu,

She pointed towards Armaan. Now Rahul started singing
Raat din meri needon mein,
Jag raha hai kio
Raat din meri aankhon mein,
Bass raha hai koi
Is this love?
Maine naa jaana..
Ahhaa..
Is this love?

Muskaan danced with Armaan in ball dance style
Tu hi bata naa
Ahhaa..

I need you,
You need me,
You are with me
Is this feeling of love?
Inside our hearts..

Muskaan sang and Rahul made Armaan danced

Tune tera dil kisi ko diya,
Baat yeh sach hai gar tu maan le isse,
Dil ka sukun tune hi kho diya,
Ab haqeeqat hai yeh tu jaane le isse,
Aajkal meri chahon mein,
Dhal raha hai koi,
Aajkal meri saason mein,
Chal raha hai koi..
Is this love?
Maine naa jaana..
Ahhaa..
Is this love?
Tu hi bata naa
Ahhaa..

Kahi naa lage mann,
Kya hai yeh sunapan,
Ahaa..ahaaa..

Har ghadi ab khayalon mein,
Keh raha hai koi,
Har ghadi mere khwabon mein,
Aa raha hai koi..
Is this love?
Maine naa jaana
Ahhaa..
Is this love?
Tu hi bata naa
Ahhaa..

"Enough guys" Armaan almost yelled "you guys have gone mad, basket is just my friend. Nothing else"

"Just friends. Oh really!" asked Muskaan "Armaan you almost forget yourself while taking care of Riddhima. You were not eating properly but you were making sure Ridz does. You were not sleeping properly but you were making sure Riddhima does. When she use to moan in pain. You were the one who feel it. Whenever she needs something you always make sure that she gets it. If this is not love when what is?"

"Muskaan that is because she is my BFF" replied Armaan

"Armaan she is more than a friend to you. if this is the case then why were you jealous when I was massaging her leg. Why you always feel that only you have the right to take care of her. Why Armaan? Why?" asked Rahul " and please don't repeat the same answer of we are just friends and bla bla bla"

"guys you are not understanding " but Muskaan Armaan "Its not us Armaan who are not understanding, but you. Think"

Rahul patted his back "yes buddy think"

And they both left leaving behind a lonely Armaan who was engrossed in his thoughts.

Part 15

Armaan was tossing and turning in bed. He was not able to digest the fact that he is in love with his best friends. "Is it possible that I have fallen for Basket? Basket! No... Basket! No no no!!!" and he sprang up from the bed. "Basket and me, me and Basket, how weird combination. I cannot fall for her. I mean Riddhima... no no no a big no. I can't love her. But why can't? Armaan you are going insane." He saw basket ball placed near his bed so went there and pick it up and started dribbling. "Armaan you have seriously lost it, you are dribbling basket ball in your bed room in the middle of the night. Rahul and Muskaan have gone insane, they are mad and they are making me mad. I cannot fall for Basket. But she is beautiful. Her big eyes, her silky hair, her petite figure. She is just an angelic beauty. What? I am praising her like an idiot stupid fool. But I can praise her after all she is my BFF. Haina? Han..." He left dribbling and started tossing here and there in his room, at one time he was biting his nails and at the other he was ruffling his hair. "Armaan tu sach main pagal ho gaya hai" and he sat with a thud on his bed and started fidgeting with his mobile and he open his contact list and start smiling seeing a name which was displaying on his contact list it was written Basket'. "Why am I smiling like a fool? I will go mad. I better should ask Ridz only, whether she is feeling awkward with me or not. Ya!! Good idea I should call her. It's just 11.30 she must be reading something, she won't be sleeping I must call her." And the next moment he dialed Riddhima's number. She picked it up and said "Hello" "Hello han Riddhima, I know you must be reading and I am disturbing you but Basket are you feeling bit awkward these days with me" "Kya!" came the reply from Riddhima who did not understand the head or tail of what Armaan is talking. "Armaan are you okay? Do you have nightmare?"

"Nightmare? What? Phushhh!! No..." replied Armaan "Then why are behaving like a lunatic?" asked Riddhima "Lunatic! Do you too feel that way that I have gone mad? Even I am feeling the same. Riddhima it's all Moti and Dadu's fault they have lost it. Completely." Riddhima huffed and rolled her eyes in disgust "Armaan I think you need a good sleep. Good night" "good night! No Riddhima no no no.. you didn't answer me" replied Armaan."Armaan you didn't question" came an instant reply from Riddhima.

"Oh Okay. I want to know, are you feeling bit awkward with me these days. Anything different anything special" asked Armaan

"Armaan you have seriously lost it. What all rubbish are you talking? Why would I feel awkward with you, Have you taken any kind of medicine that didn't suit you and it reacted? You are behaving like... arghhh... I suggest you please sleep Armaan. Good night" and she hang the call. "What? She disconnected! How dare she? Am I mad? All this is happening because of those two evil diabolic creatures, my so called friends. Tum logon ko toh main kal dekh lunga. Khud toh chale gaye mujhe pagal kar diya. Huh!!" And he lies down and finally he slept.

Armaan reached Gupta mansion and Ridzy open the door. "How is your leg Basket?" "It is okay. All because of you, you took such a nice care." replied Riddhima. "Oh it's all my pleasure. After all you are the reason why I exist and he pulled her so close to himself and grab her from her waist and put his lips on hers. And next moment he screamed and sprang up from sleep

"Oh no I kissed her" said all bewildered Armaan and then next moment he saw here and there, he was in his bed room only in his own house and then the reality stuck him "Oh it was dream. Thank goodness! I did not kiss her. I will go mad. It's entirely Rahul and Muskaan's fault. Pata nahi kya fitoor bhar diya mere dimaag main" he looked at watch it was 7 a.m. He got up from bed and went to get ready.

GUPTA MANSION

The bell rang and naani went to open the door. She got dumbstruck when she saw the guy standing at the door. "Tum!"

Siddhnat bent down and took her blessing by touching her feet. Naani unwillingly gave her blessings. "Kaun hai maa?" asked Padma and the next moment when she saw the guy she also got surprised. Sid went further and took Padma's blessings too. Mean while Dr. Shashank too joined along with Anjie and Ridz. Riddhima was not at all happy. She almost ignored him and sat on the dining table for breakfast. Sid started conversation "Papa, I mean Sir I just came to see Riddhima whether she is okay or not. I know whatever I did in the past few days, and whatever I said is not acceptable but I am really sorry. I seriously apologies from my heart. I know I was wrong and I am the reason for Riddhima's condition but..." before he could complete his sentence Riddhima lost her patience and said "If you know you are the reason then why are you here? Look Sid everything between me and you is over. You are no more needed in my life, actually in our life." "Riddhima but" Sid uttered "But what? Damn it! I am dying hundred deaths each and every day. Let me start a fresh. Why at first place I decided to marry you? Why? Please Sid just let me please let me live please." And she broke down into tears. "For once Riddhima please for once listen to me. Please" pleaded Sid

This time Anjali lost her patience "Enough of this drama Sid. If my sister wants you to leave her alone why the hell you still are here? Why don't you just leave? Let her live her life"

"Anjali I just want to talk to her once. Just once." pleaded Sid.

"Sid you can talk but in front of us" said Shashank.

"Sir just give me two minutes. Just two" pleaded Sid once again.

Before Shashank could say Riddhima interrupted and said "It's okay Papa. I will talk to him, but on one condition Sid, you will not interfere in my life after this"

"Ridzy have you lost it?" asked Anjali

"Di please, let it be" replied Riddhima

"Do whatever you wish. I am leaving" replied Anjali and she left without having breakfast for Sanjeevani.

But Shashank was not at all willing for this "Riddhima I won't allow for this, Sid you will not talk to Riddhima alone. Say whatever you have to say in front of us"

"Shashank is right, Sid we had committed a blunder that we chose you as our son-in-law. Now we will not commit the same mistake again" replied Naani.

Riddhima looked pleadingly towards Padma for help. "Shashank before any decision I want to speak to Riddhima alone" asked Padma and she took Riddhima in her room

"Bacche do you still want to give Sid a chance? Do you still want him in your life?" asked Padma "No maa.. never" came an instant reply from Riddhima " I just want him to leave me and if these two minutes can give me back my freedom I will give" "Darling you have got your freedom, the divorce, it has set you free. It is not necessary that you will fulfill all his desires now, he is no more related to you. He knows that you have a golden heart and he is just using it" explained Padma.

MEANWHILE IN SANJEEVANI

Anjali entered locker room in anguish.

"What happened Anjie? You are looking so upset" asked Atul

"It's Sid." Replied Anjali

Armaan got serious on hearing Siddhant's name and he listened carefully

"He is such an Ass. He showed up this morning and look at his guts, he wants to speak with Riddhima alone. Aur meri behen wo toh hai hi mahaan. She agreed" deciphered Anjali

"What? Basket pagal hai kya? He can wash her brain" replied Armaan

"Exactly that is what I am afraid of" said Anjali

"Dr. Shashank won't allow this to happen. He won't allow him to talk with her alone" said Muskaan

"But Anjali tujhe wahan rukna cha hiye tha" asked Rahul "at least you would have handled the situation"

"I agree" nodded Armaan. "Wait let me call her I will make her understand"

GUPTA MANSION

Padma explained Riddhima and she agreed that she won't talk to Sid alone and she embraced her mom tight "It's okay my Baccha. We are with you"

In Hall Riddhima's phone rang Sid saw and fumes in anger watching the name flashing on screen Armaan'. He deliberately picked the phone up. "\yes Armaan"

"I suppose this is Riddhima's phone and she must receive" asked Armaan.

"And I suppose to be an important man in her life" replied Sid. Hearing this Armaan lost his control he grinned his teeth in anger and said "you were mister. WERE. Remember that. And now please hand over the phone to her"

Naani saw Sid talking to someone on Ridz's Phone "Sid this suppose to be Riddhima's private possession and you have no right to use her private things" These words were clearly audible to Armaan. Listening to these a smile played on Armaan's lips. Naani took the phone "Haan Armaan beta, Riddhima is with Padma inside. Once she comes out I will let her know and..." She stopped in between when she saw Riddhima and Padma coming out of room.

"Sid say whatever you have to say in front of my family. I won't talk to you alone" Said a determined Riddhima.

Naani did not disconnect the call so everything was audible to Armaan. "Hey guys Ridz have come out." He put the phone on loud speaker so that everyone could hear.

"But Riddhima.." replied Sid

"No Buts Sid. Say it here only" replied Ridz

"I can't talk in front of everyone" said Sid

"Then you are free to go" replied Riddhima in a sarcastic way

Sid felt insulted and he left.

There in Sanjeevani everyone got happy "Sherni hai meri BFF" said Muskaan. Armaan was feeling immense joy and happiness after hearing all that happened there. On the other hand Sapna fumed in anger.

The announcement took place that says that every doctor should report to Dr. Shubhankar.

"Guys you go, main lab coat le ke ata hun" replied Armaan disconnecting the call

Sapna went upto Armaan and said with sarcasm "Poor Riddhima what can she do, She was with him as his wife for nine months. At one time she loved Sid so much so dearly. Obviously she will get melted easily; after all he is the love of her life. Poor soul I still remember how happy she was when she was getting married to him. And now. Pata nahi kyun Armaan but I feel she still loves him. And if given a chance she would love to go back to Sid." At this Armaan looked towards Sapna. Sapna continued "What? I said what I felt. Ab aaj hi dekh lo, initially she agreed na to talk with him"

Sapna's wordings made quite deep remarks on Armaan's heart and she knew that very well. She smirked and left from there "Mera kaam toh ho gaya" Sapna said evilly to herself.

Armaan was standing there all numb "will Riddhima still prefer Sid? Do she still love him?" asked Armaan to himself.

Poor soul he didn't knew that Riddhima agreed to talk with Sid for her freedom not because she loves Sid. Sapna misinterpret everything very well.

Part - 16

SANJEEVANI LOCKER ROOM

Armaan was standing there numb in the locker room. The thought that his Basket can chose Sid over him send shivers down his spine, he was not able to digest Sapna's wordings that Riddhima will prioritize Siddhant once again. One thing was now crystal clear in his mind that Rahul and Muskaan were right; Riddhima is not just a friend for him now. That he is immensely in love with his Basket and his face light up with a smile.

He faced the roof and expands his arms as if he is trying to welcome this new feeling and took a deep breath and uttered these words to himself "yes I love her. Yes I am madly, deeply and immensely in love with her. But what if she still loves Sid? What if she will lock her heart and will not allow anyone else to enter it? I will not be able to bear her rejection." And he was dejected next moment. "I can't afford to lose her, I won't tell her till the time I am sure that she don't love Sid anymore" His pager beep. "Oh I almost forgot about the announcement" and he left.

GUPTA MANSION

Riddhima was feeling so low after all that happened in the morning. Dr. Shashank had left for hospital but Padma decided to stay with Naani for Riddhima's emotional support. Suddenly Riddhima closed her book which she was reading and said "Maa, Naani I am bored at home. I want to go to hospital." But Naani and Padma were reluctant to send her as her leg was still weak.

But Riddhima is Riddhima, the stubborn and obstinate. Once she decides to do something she does it. Padma and Naani knew that they can't win over her so they granted her permission but Padma asked her to accompany her.

SANJEEVANI

CAF

Riddhima reached hospital late in the noon and she knew that she can find everyone in the canteen. She entered the canteen. Armaan's gaze fell on her and a smile formed on his face. She was looking like an angel wearing white churidaar with minimal makeup. Muskaan followed his gaze to see as to whom is he watching so passionately. She nudged Rahul to look towards Armaan. Rahul coughed deliberately which broke Armaan's trance. Armaan suddenly shifted his gaze from Riddhima and was embarrassed by two evil creatures, his two best friends Muskaan and Rahul. Riddhima greeted everyone with a hug. Riddhima hugged Armaan too. But for the first time Armaan felt something different, it's not that they hugged for the first time; no, they always use to do so but this was the first time Riddhima hugged him after his realization of his love for her

"Why you came Ridzy? Your leg is still weak, see you are stumbling. You could have rested today na" asked Anjali

Riddhima seated herself and answered "Di, I was fed up lying on the bed all day. Besides all that happened today in the morning was not bearable for me"

"Subh ki to tu baat hi mat kar, I didn't expected this from you" replied Anjali

"Di you know na" but Anjali interrupted "I don't know and I can never understand your stupid logics"

Armaan who was listening to the sisterly talk was eager to ask to Riddhima that did she actually gave Sid a chance to talk coz she still loves him but he was not able to garner the courage to do so. Luckily his question was asked by Atul "Ridz why at first place you gave another chance to Sid? Do you still... I mean do you still have feelings for him, like, do you still love him?"

Riddhima and Anjali were left surprised by Atul's question. Both exchanged looks. Anjali too looked towards her suspiciously "Di, why you looking at me like that. Don't tell me you too think like the way Atul is thinking. No way... No Atul, and Di please a big no. I don't love him. Actually now I think I never loved him. I gave him a chance because I thought he will go away for forever from my life, but I guess I was wrong. Mom was a major help for me.she made me understand how stupid I was and I am no more answerable to Sid. And Atul if I had loved him I would have never divorced him."

These words of Riddhima gave an unknown satisfaction to Armaan and he smiled. He thanked God in his heart for this.

"Guys I will join you in a bit. I had to go to meet Dr. Keerti for some work" said Riddhima and left. Atul and Anjali too left leaving behind two devils and a poor Armaan.

"Toh bada muskraya ja raha tha Hero" Muskaan taunted him and Rahul joined him "Even I saw Armaan. Teri toh nazar hi nahi hat rahi thi. Kya baat hai"

Armaan knew he cannot escape and he knew they will again ask the same questions, so finally he gave up and accepted in front of them "yes guys you were right"

Both Rahul and Muskaan exachanged mischievous looks and deliberately asked together "Right? Matlab?"

"Matlab,Yes I love her, actually Sapna made me realize that" replied Armaan

"Sapna! How come a devil turned into an Angel" asked Muskaan.

Armaan narrated whole thing, his conversation with Sapna in the locker room.

"Becahri aag lagane chli thi par sab kuch ulta pad gaya and unlucky for Sapna Armaan realized his love" said Rahul

And they burst out laughing.

After lunch break all doctors checked their duty chart and to Armaan's good luck he and his Basket got duty in the same ward. He exchanged glee looks with Rahul and Muskaan. Muskaan showed him thumbs up.

In general ward Riddhima was fully concentrated on patients but whereas Armaan's full concentration was on Riddhima's angelic face. Suddenly he realized that Riddhima's expression is changing to pain stricken face. He got worried and asked her "Riddhima you okay?"

"No Armaan, my leg, it's aching. I am not able to stand for long" replied Riddhima

"Aaj rest kar leti toh kya jata tumhara?" asked a worried Armaan "Come sit here" He showed him a chair to sit.

"Armaan I was all stressed after all that happened today. Moreover I was missing you all" replied Riddhima

They both looked towards each other and smiled. Suddenly he noticed that Riddhima's eyes are filled with tears. He moved his hands to wipe them out but Riddhima stopped him. Armaan looked towards him bewildered to which Riddhima answered "Armaan these are the tears of happiness. I am very lucky that I got friends like you, Muskaan, Rahul and Atul and of course my sweet Anjie. You guys are like family to me" and she embraced him. Armaan felt that this is the perfect place for him and he felt peace and solace in her arms.

"Will you come with me at the terrace after the duty" asked Riddhima with pleaded eyes

"Of course Riddhima. Why not? Should I call the rest too" asked Armaan

"No Armaan, this time just you and me" replied Riddhima

Armaan was on seventh heaven after hearing this. His heart was full of elation.

After their duty both Armaan and Riddhima went to terrace

SANJEEVANI TERRACE

The weather was quite pleasant clouds were covering the sky and slow, sweet breeze was flowing. Riddhima's hair was flowing with the breeze and some of her hair strands were falling on her, Riddhima tucked those behind her ears. Armaan was mesmerized by her beauty. He got intense desire to go and touch her soft silky skin and tuck her hair behind but he was not able to do.

"Armaan should I ask you one thing. Will you tell me just the pure and simple truth." Asked Riddhima

"hmm go ahead shoot Basket" replied Armaan.

"Armaan do you think I am responsible for your and Sapna's break up?" asked Riddhima

"No Basket never. As I told you earlier that me and Sapna were already on the verge of break up. And to be honest I guess I never loved her at first place. She was just an infatuation that is it. I never felt that warmth with her. And I am not saying all this to make you feel better but actually this is the fact." replied Armaan "Trust me I am over and not at all guilty. Now can I ask you something?"

"Poocho?" replied Ridz

"Riddhima if given a chance would you allow anyone to be a part of your life as your love, your soul mate?" asked Armaan and was looking towards her hopefully.

Riddhima huffed and replied "Armaan my heart has broken into pieces, I have been betrayed and to be true I have lost my faith on the word love. I don't think so I can love again with anyone"

These words were enough for Armaan, he knew that she is broken and that too very badly and she need time to recover. So he just smiled and changed the topic "Basket it's been so long that we haven't played basket ball and it's been long that you are not defeated by me" and he smirked

Riddhima opened her mouth in surprise "Haww, defeated! Me! And that to from you! Come on Armaan. In your dreams please. Do you even remember how many times you have been defeated by me?"

"Oh please Basket you always use to win through cheating" Armaan smashed back

"Oh hello mister I am not Armaan Mallik who will cheat, I am Riddhima Gupta who wins with her own determination and hard work" replied Riddhima

"Really Riddhima, then why are not fighting back your life? Why are still repenting on everything that happened with you? Why are you still showing pity on yourself? Where is that Riddhima who was proud on herself, who was bold, courageous and outspoken? Just one divorce cannot destroy your life Ridz. Why are you loosing yourself for that Sid. Why you are not giving another chance to life? Why?"

There was a moment of silence neither Riddhima nor Armaan was speaking. They were just gazing into each other's eyes. Riddhima broke the silence "Kyunki Armaan main darti hun. Darti hn kahin fir se zindagi mujhe dokha na de de. Kahin fir se main haar na jaun." And a lone tear fall from her eyes. Armaan moved forward and wipe that out and said "Riddhima zaruri nahi jo pehla hua wo fir se ho"

"Armaan tum toh mujhe chod nahi doge na?" asked Riddhima Armaan cupped her face and uttered " Kabhi nahi Riddhima kab nahi" and he embraced her in his arms. For the first time Riddhima was enjoying his body warmth and was feeling peace. The remained in that position for a minute and then got separated. "Armaan thank you for being there for me in my toughest time of my life" said Riddhima. "I was, I am and I will be always there for you Basket" replied Armaan. And they both smiled

"So you ready? Asked Riddhima

"Ready! Ready for what?" asked a perplexed Armaan.

"Haarne ke liye. Tomorrow 7 am basket ball court. Match is on. One on one. Just you and me" asked Riddhima

"Soch lo Basket, haarne ke baad rona mat" replied Armaan

"We will see" replied Riddhima and Armaan smirked.

They both keep on talking with each other for few more hours about anything to everything. Armaan was almost lost in her beauty and was admiring her continually throughout their chatting. Riddhima looked at her watch and said "it's quite late, we should go downstairs. Everyone must be searching for us" "You go I will join you in a bit" replied Armaan

"Why?" asked Riddhima. "Nothing, you go" replied Armaan and she left.

Armaan was watching her retreating figure very lovingly and promised to himself "Riddhima you will open your heart one day. You will live your life freely and fully one day. You will REKINDLE LOVE in your heart once again. And this time that love will be for me. And I promise I won't leave you till eternity. this is my promise with myself. Your heart will beat again. You will love the fragrance of rose, you will enjoy the droplets of rain, you will smile through your heart. And one day you will be mine, you will be Mrs. Riddhima Armaan Mallik. I don't know how much time will it take, how much efforts I will have put but Basket one day you will love me like I love you unconditionally. One day I will erase all your pain and sorrows. One day you will not remember that any Siddhnat Modi entered your life. I cross my heart and promise you that. One day I will REKINDLE LOVE in your heart."

Part-17

Riddhima snooze the alarm and again went to deep sleep but then suddenly she jerked up from sleep when she realized that she has a BB match with Armaan at 7 this morning. She checked the time it was 6.30 a.m. She hurriedly got up and rushed towards washroom to have bath and get ready. Anjali was sleeping; she got disturbed from the noises that Riddhima was making "what's with you? Why are you ready this soon?" "Di I have got a match with Armaan and I am already late" replied an all excited Riddhima. "Match? What Match? And where?" asked Anjali getting up from bed. "Di I have no time to explain you please, I am already late. I will explain everything later" Riddhima kissed her on her cheeks and rushed out "But what about your leg?" Anjali yelled but she was already out of sight. Riddhima rushed downstairs to find Naani worshiping and her mom busy in the kitchen. "Mom, Naani I am going out, will be home soon" she yelled and rushed out. Before anyone could ask anything she disappeared.

BB COURT

Mild breeze was flowing and the weather was cloudy. Armaan was wearing white vest and yellow shorts. He was already dribbling the ball, he rushed to put the ball in the basket but he missed and the ball jumped out of the court. Riddhima grasped it and started dribbling it. Armaan was mesmerized by his beauty. She was wearing a skin fitted red top and a black trouser. Her hair was tied in a pony. Her petite figure was looking just perfect. Riddhima noticed that Armaan is continually gazing at her, so she hit him hard with basket ball "What are you looking at?"

"You" Armaan mumbled unknowingly all lost. "What?" Riddhima asked surprised. Reality strike Armaan and he blabbered "Ah..no.. I mean.. not you... but your dribbling skills... I am really impressed." "What? Have you seen me playing for the first time? Well just forget that. By the way you are looking so sexy and handsome in this vest. Girls out their will die on you. All of them will lose their heart at your one smile Armaan. Bade kamaal ke munde lag rahe ho. Ekdum dasing" Armaan smiled, "I don't need all, you will do" Riddhima didn't get what he meant; she again asked all perplexed "What?" Armaan just smiled and said "Nothing Basket, nothing and by the way you are late by 20 minutes" "I know. I was sleeping for long." Replied Riddhima

"Basket, were you sleeping? or you got afraid?" Armaan asked and smirked "Afraid and that too from you? ha.. in your dreams boy, actually not even in your dreams."

Armaan snatched the ball from Riddhima "We will see Basket". Riddhima smiled "Yes we will see. The match is on"

Armaan dribbled the ball really well and was about to put the basket in the net but Riddhima blocked him and snatched the ball. Now the ball was with Riddhima, she dribbled it to her side of net and put the basket in the net, her score was two and Armaan at zero. She jumped in joy and showed thumbs down to Armaan and popped her tongue. "Ahem! Ahem! Oh Mr. Supercool on the way to lose" Armaan smiled. Riddhima again dribbled the basket but this time Armaan snatched it and did a basket. Now the score was equal. "Defeating me is not so easy Riddhima Shashank Gupta"

Riddhima huffed and Armaan smiled at her cute antics. Again Armaan dribbled and this Riddhima was not able to get the ball and he scored. Armaan bowed down in his Armaanish style "4 to 2 Miss Basket. Someone's loosing and I can smell jealousy" he smirked. For the third time again Armaan managed to basket and the score is 6 to 2. He teased Riddhima "Someone was making air castles that she will defeat me."Armaan danced to tease her. Riddhima had it enough, she dribbled and scored. "And it's not that easy to defeat me too Mr. Mallik" the score reached 6 to 4. Riddhima again managed to score, the score got equal.

Siddhnat happened to jog near the basket ball court, he saw Riddhima and Armaan playing and Riddhima really happy. He stood still there and saw them playing and then without saying anything he went from there. Siddhnat's presence was not felt by either Riddhima or Armaan. They were busy playing with each other.

Soon it started raining, Riddhima rushed to get some shelter but stopped her by saying "Kya hua Basket dar gayi?"

"Armaan it is raining. And I don't want to fall ill" replied Riddhima

"Sab bahane hain, tum darti ho kahin mujhse haar na jao" taunted Armaan

"No way Dr. Armaan Mallik, let the game begin" replied Riddhima

They again started playing, Riddhima was two baskets ahead of Armaan, while playing her top was shifted slightly in a way that her waist was visible a bit, Armaan knew that this time also Riddhima will manage to do basket so while Riddhima was busy dribbling he simply brushed her waist with his hand slightly. His touch send shivers to her skin, she looked towards him and lost the focus. This is what Armaan wanted; he snatched the ball from her and winked at her. Then he did basket. "That is cheating Armaan. You can't do that, ek toh its raining and you are making me play, secondly you are cheating" complained Riddhima Armaan smirked "Oh really! Everything is fair in love and war Miss" "But" Riddhima uttered but Armaan interrupted her "What now the baby will go and tell daddy that she is losing. Wohahahaha" Armaan pretended to laugh an evil laugh. Riddhima mumbled "you want dirty game, then let it be"

The game continued and now the score was equal. This Armaan played really well this time and was about to do basket when Riddhima yelled in grief. He looked towards her she was sitting at the ground holding her leg "Ridz, you okay? Is it painful?" Riddhima laughed and rushed and got the ball and scored. Armaan was bewildered and he yelled"Hey! That's cheating"

"Oh really Armaan, just few secs before what did you do?"Asked Riddhima "ahan Basket at evil best" replied Armaan. The match continued and Riddhima was leading by one basket. Now the ball was with Armaan he mange to get the ball till his net and was about to basket when this time again he heard Riddhima yelling. "Not this time Riddhima, I won't get trapped." And Armaan managed to do basket. Again the score got equal. "Wohoo, I did that." And he looked Riddhima was still sitting at the floor and was whining in pain. "Basket! What is the matter" "My leg Armaan" Riddhima cried in pain. "I guess your leg is weak, so the muscle got pulled. Come let's go to my car" He gave her support and took her to the car. He made her sit and closed the door and he himself got seated at the driver seat. He gave Riddhima his towel so that she can dry herself and he abducted her leg so that he can relax her muscle. Once he managed to correct her leg muscle, he sprayed the pain killer. "Feeling better?" asked Armaan to which Riddhima nodded. "Did you brought your car with you?" asked Armaan "No I jogged" replied Riddhima "Okay then let me drop you home. And say thanks to your leg the match ended in a draw else you would have been defeated by me" Replied Armaan to which Riddhima just smiled and shook her head. He drove and reached Gupta mansion

GUPTA MANSION

Anjali opened the door to see all wet Armaan and Riddhima who was bit limping. Anjali understood that she has hurt her leg "Are you two out of your minds? I told you Riddhima your leg is weak, moreover you guys played in rain. Have you guys lost it?"

At whom are you yelling?" asked Padma

"Mom at your darling. See what she has done with herself" replied Anjali.

"It's not her mistake Anjali, I forced her to play. She is not at all at fault. Don't yell at her" asked Armaan.

At this protective behavior of Armaan Padma smiled. Shashank who was watching him playing over protective for Riddhima also smiled

Armaan made Riddhima sit with all caution and applied the medications on her leg with the help of Dr. Shashank. While Dr. Shashank was treating Riddhima, Armaan narrated the whole match.

"Basically who won?" asked Naani

"No one the match ended in a draw" replied Armaan

"And yes not to forget Naani Armaan cheated" added Riddhima

"Really! How? Tell?" Armaan smirked to which Riddhima blushed and stammered "It.. it is not the point... the point is you cheated"

"As if you didn't" replied Armaan

"You started all" replied Riddhima.

Shashank and Padma were smiling at their cute antics and Naani joined them. "Armaan is really lovely and he reaaly cares for Riddhima" said Padma

"What if we had chosen him as her life partner instead of Siddhant" asked naani to which Shashank and Padma exchanged looks and then looked towards Armaan, Riddhima and Anjali who were laughing their heart out. Padma asked Armaan to change the clothes and gave him Shashnak's kurta and asked him to have breakfast with them. After having breakfast Armaan asked permission to leave to which Naani denied "First drink this" "What is this?" asked Armaan "Nothing just milk with turmeric, you won't catch cold, see Riddhima is also drinking" replied Naani

"No way Naani, please my stomach is full, Basket toh pagal hai wo to kuch bhi kha pee legi but not me. I promise I will take medications. But I can't have a morsel Padma has already made me eat so much" to which Padma smiled. Armaan took leave from Guptas and left.

Riddhima and Anjali too left the hall to get ready.

BlessedSoul2013-11-23 07:11:56