New Ariya story::: Azaab completed on 26/03

AZAB


Jiske Aane Se Muqammal Ho Gayi Thi Jindagi...
Dastake Khushiyo Ne Di Thi...
Mit Gayi Thi Har Kami...
Kyon Bevajah Di Ye Saja...
Kyon Khwab Deke Wo Le Gaya...
Jiye Jo Ham Lage Sitam...
Azaab Aise Wo De Gaya...


Mrs. Riya Arjun Rawte was standing near window staring outside lost in memory lane, remembering all good and bad times she has spent with her husband. This has been routine nowadays, from the time she was away from him, from her life at her maternal place.

Arjun...His name only is needed to light up her world, remembering about him brought smile on her lips. She thought about time when she came to know about him and their first meeting. How he entered in her life like tornado and changed her life for best. What she never thought, she will ever do he made her do the same and surprisingly she was eager to do that.

FLASHBACK

"Maa...How can you do this?" asked Riya to Sharmishta Mukherji entering inside house.

"I have every right to do this Riya. He is best for you. Moreover your Dadu wanted this" replied her Maa giving her glass of water to calm visibly furious Riya.

"Par aap janti hai na mujhe in sab pe vishwas nahi" said Riya getting frustrated with this sudden shocking news of her engagement with some Arjun Rawte.

She was in her college when her mother called her asking to return as soon as possible as the guy chosen by her late Dadu and her to-be-inlaws were visiting them to decide marriage date. They wanted engagement of the duo to be done within the week itself and marriage within the span of month as after that they didn't have any muhurta for next two years.

Riya was beyond angry. She never wanted to get married. She had her own reasons. But her family was not ready to listen to them. They have supported her in every step, had stood with her and they somewhere knew about her opinions on this topic still they wanted her to get married to this certain Arjun Rawte.

That guy without meeting her for once, not knowing her personally has agreed to this alliance only because he knew her Dadu. God! In this 21th century people like him do exists.

"Riya beta yeha aao" Her dida said extending her hand towards Riya.

Taking Hold of her hand Riya settled beside her dida on coach with gloomy face.

"Shona, do you trust me?" asked dida making Riya look at her.

Getting positive node from Riya she continued.

"Then do you think I will take wrong decision for you? I know him baccha, your dadu knew him, and he is perfect for you. I only want you to see you settled before I die" Dida said cupping her face by one side getting emotional.

"Dida...Please..." Riya said hugging her immediately.

"It's not like that. It's just ...just that it's too early. I...I don't know him and don't you think I'm too young for this." Riya said after some moment of silence still hugging her.

Dida smiled at her granddaughter. She knew about her insecurities and she knew Arjun is the one who will able to remove them.

Caressing her hairs softly she said in warm tone, "Shona I knew you will be thinking this, that's why I have called him so that you both can talk without any third person. I want this marriage to happen but with your consent bachha. Just give one chance to him for me, for your dadu and I know he won't let me down."

"Maa , par aap..." Sharmishta was going to ask her mother that when today they are about to decide everything then now why this new turn of event.

"Shomi...Ye Riya ki jindagi hai...Let her decide!" Said dida.

"Go Riya he is waiting upstairs in your room."Dida said pushing her from her place.

What? He is in her room? She stared at both ladies with Are-you-serious look.

Both of them just shrugged in response and send her in room but not before warning her to not do something inappropriate, knowing well that she can try to break this alliance.
***********************************

Riya entered her room taking a deep breath thinking how to face this. She loved her dadu alot and she did want to fulfil all his wishes. But this one was not she ever wished for.

Door of her room was open; there he was standing facing wall which has pictures all over it, from her childhood to till now with her family. His back was facing her.

On the other hand Arjun who was busy in observing her photos turned around at sound of someone's footsteps.

"Handsome."
That was the first thought came to Riya's mind.
"Beautiful" Arjun mumbled looking towards her taking a good time to observe her.

"Huh?" Riya asked perplexed. It was not that no one ever complimented her but he was making her feel the way no one did, and she hated to admit that.

Something in his eyes stopped her from being rude.

"This pictures. They are very beautiful." He said after awhile.

But Riya was sure he was covering up.

First time Riya was feeling nervous under someone's gaze, surprisingly not uncomfortable.

"Hi Riya... I'm Arjun" Arjun said extending his arm for formal handshake when he noticed her growing nervous in his company.

"Hello" Riya replied.

"Come Sit" He said still holding her hand and leading her to bed as if it was his room not hers.

Riya sat taking her hand back and keeping some distance between them.

Silence prevailed between them. Arjun started conversation.

"Riya... I know this is not you are wishing for. You don't want to marry me and you have your reasons. Frankly speaking I am also not expecting you to be." Riya looked surprisingly at him. Arjun just smiled in response.

"I know it's difficult to get committed for lifetime to someone whom you are meeting for first time, without knowing anything about him. That's the reason I'm here, to know what you want. I expect you to be honest with your opinions about this alliance." Arjun said looking in her eyes putting her at ease that he does understand her.

Riya was silently listening to him. He gave her chance to express what she wants.

"Thank you for thinking about me. I...I" first time Riya didn't knew how to explain things to someone.

"Riya" He called out for her.

Riya who was looking down in nervousness looked up.

"Dadu was the one from whom I learnt everything. He was like father figure to me. I respect him a lot." Arjun said staring ahead, his face expressing sincerity of his words.

"He always kept talking about you. He loved you very much." He paused for awhile.

"I'm here to fulfil my promise given to him, his last wish. But that doesn't mean I'm doing all this just because of some responsibility" he continued still not looking at her while Riya was intently listening to him.

"I'm doing this because Mai ye karna chahta hu...Dil se!" Arjun said looking straight in her eyes. Riya's heartbeat raced up and she didn't know why?

"I'm not forcing you for anything."
"Mujhe jindagi ne ek baat sikhai hai har cheej aapki marji se ho ye jaroori nahi to kuch baate waqt aur apni kismet pe chod deni chahiye. Kabhi kabhi hame jo sabse galat lagta hai wohi hamare liye sahi hota hai." Arjun said as if he knew for her this is most wrong thing in world to do.

Riya sat their lost in his words, where he was looking at her trying to gauge her reaction.

They were soon informed about arrival of Arjun's family. So Arjun left her giving her privacy to decide what she wants.

After lot of thinking Riya decided to leave everything on destiny and give chance to this new relationship perhaps not for herself but for her dadu and her family. After that everything happened in whirlwind.
...



Later she was brought downstairs to meet his family. She liked all his family members, they liked her too. She soon bonded with his sister Sakshi and his bhabhi Ayesha. They helped her in getting ready for engagement ceremony in the outfit they have brought.

When she was made to stand beside Arjun, she saw his outfit and noticed their clothes were complementing each others. She felt too good.

During the whole evening she was blushing unknowingly whenever they got teased, whenever Arjun had looked at her, when they were close to each other, whenever their skin came in contact. Whenever there eyes had met she felt an unknown feeling rising inside her heart.

The whole ceremony was quite simple and sober affair with the presence of only two families.
...

"Here, take this." He said forwarding card towards her.

Riya looked confusedly towards his stretched hand. They were now standing again in her room away from their families. As Rawte's were leaving for their house Arjun stole time giving excuse of forgetting his wallet in her room.

"My number, I know you need time. You can call me anytime, can ask me anything. I'm there." He said clearing her confusion, emphasizing last words assuring her.

Riya nodded little taking card from him. Their fingers brushed in process and she felt something stirring in her heart recalling his earlier words and now his touch.

They came down together as it was getting late for Arjun's family departure.
Soon bidding bye they left for their home.

That day was the day when he made official entry in her life.
...

Riya smiled looking at her engagement ring. She brought her ring towards her lips and kissed it.

"I never knew dadu that so much will happen in one day. I had got to know about your wish and then that meeting with complete stranger, my agreement and engagement within span of few hours. My whole life had changed and the reason was, Arjun." Riya said looking at sky.

Her eyes welled up; tears threaten to roll down from her eyes. She wiped then instantly when she felt someone entering in her room.

"Tumhe mujhse ye aasoo chupane ki jaroorat nahi hai Shona." Sharmishta said keeping her hand on Riya's shoulder.

Riya turned around and hugged her Ma hiding herself in her mother's protective warmth letting her tears flow down.

"I miss him Ma...I miss him" Riya said brokenly.
"Shh...Sab thik ho jayega Riya...Shh" Sharmishtha said caressing her hair and back to calm her.

Leading her to bed she sat their till Riya fell asleep and left room after kissing her forehead. She knew Riya was in pain but she couldn't do anything she was helpless.
**************

She was sitting in park near her home. She caressed the guitar holding it near her heart, remembering that time, when she for first time held it. Her hold tightened around it. She remembered all those time when she had played it, for him. How excited he used to get only to listen to her melodious voice and her compositions. He had been first listener of her compositions after her marriage, where he had always put his opinions, helping her, motivating her.

******************
FLASHBACK

In night Riya was seating on bed holding his card in one and mobile in another debating with herself weather to call him or not.

It's been week to their engagement and they haven't talked after that. Riya thought he might not have her number to call. So after lot of thinking she dialled his number and waited for him to answer. The call went unanswered. For some unknown reasons she felt disappointed.
After an hour her mobile started ringing, flashing his name on it. Her first thought was to not pick but deciding otherwise she answered on last ring.

"Hello, Riya?" came his voice from other side.

"Hello?" He again called on not getting any response from her side.

"Tumhe kaise pata ki ye mai hu?" Riya asked without thinking twice as she hadn't left any message stating it's her.

"I have your number."Arjun said smiling to himself anticipating her reaction.

"How? Wait a second if you had it then why did you gave me your number and asked me to call?" Riya asked not so gently. If he would have been in front of her then she might have ended up strangling him

"I wanted you to initiate" Arjun said controlling his laughter.

"Why?" Riya asked on not getting reason behind such behaviour.

"To accept us" He said seriously and sincerely, Riya's forgot to breathe for awhile.

Few moments passed in silence with both of them holding mobiles to their ears, waiting for other to speak.


Riya asked little hesitantly breaking the silence, "Kya hum mil sakte hai, mujhe aapse kuch baat karni hai?"

"Okay...I'll pick you from your college at 4. Is that okay?" Arjun asked for her approval after fixing everything quickly.

"Hmm Okay!" Riya said still lost in his earlier words.
Riya could listen to some noises from his background. Someone loudly called for him.

"Then see you at 4 tomorrow. Bye!" Arjun said quickly to her.

"Bye!" Riya said disconnecting call. Thinking what he was doing so late and about sources of noise.

Wait a second her mind pointed out, how he knows about her college timing? How he know address of that?
*****************
Riya and Arjun were now sitting in cafe wordlessly, true to his words he was there at sharp 4 waiting for her outside her college gate. Riya felt some sort of anger spiking through her vein she had noticed many college girls going gaga over him, admiring him. On top of that he was standing smilingly there. That's the reason she was being all grumpy and was not talking to him at all.

Sanskaar placed order for both of them on which she looked up at him thinking how he knows her favourites.

"Are you spying on me?" Riya asked angrily.

Arjun just stared at her.
"Are you spying on me, because that's what I can make out from your behaviour? You have my number, you know everything about my college and now you know my favourites too. Everyone is already impressed by you, now you want to use your tricks on me?" Riya said taking out all her frustration on him not realising everyone else was staring at them.

Arjun roamed his eyes around them, silently warning everyone to mind their own business.

Riya followed his gaze and on realizing what blunder she just created, she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Arjun pushed glass of water towards her, still not saying a word.

"Drink!" He said on noticing her being stubborn and not touching it.

Riya took glass and gulped down. She was not expecting this reaction from him on having heard about his bad temper.

"No, I'm not spying on you neither I am trying to impress you. Being your fianc don't you think I should know all these things about you?" He asked raising his eyebrow questioningly.

"For your information let me tell you Dida has given me your number, she was the one who told me details about your college and wait, it was not some sort of spying and it was just casual discussion we had. Most importantly what I ordered is my favourite I thought you will like it and before you say I don't have manners of letting you place an order, so Miss. Riya Bose you was the one who was lost in daydreaming while waiter was waiting." Arjun put forward his side of story all the while beholding her gaze.

"Waise wo ladkiya mujhe dekh rahi thi isme mera kya kasoor? Bhala unka gussa mujh par kyo? Maine nahi kaha tha unhe...Sachhi" Arjun asked her innocently still naughtiness was evident on his voice.

Riya's eyes widen in shock.

Seeing her reaction, Arjun started laughing loudly. Her mouth opened in shock. She made fool of herself infront of him. Riya lowered her eyes and started playing with dress smacking, herself in mind.

Just then waiter arrived with their order.

"Riya!" Arjun called out for her. When she didn't responded he gently placed his palm on hers which was on table holding it, not letting her withdraw it.

"It's okay! No need to be embarrassed."

"Sorry!" Riya mumbled lifting her lashes at him; her eyes were filled with tears. She was feeling guilty for her earlier behaviour.

"Hey! It's okay" Arjun said squeezing her palm softly.

"Please, don't cry. Look I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have stretched it. Riya, Please" He said earnestly.

"Tears don't suit your beautiful face!" Arjun said in daze.

"Are you flirting?" Riya asked wiping her tears.

"Is it working?" Arjun asked smirking.

"Hmm...I think yes." Riya said smilingly.

They broke into fits of laughter.

They finished their food talking on different topics. With him telling her about him, his family and his business. Riya asked him her doubts about continuation of her studies, her career and most importantly about her dida and Ma after marriage, which he listened patiently and answered.

Riya was kind of happy after him answering her every question. She wanted to ask him about his whereabouts last night and those sounds. She kept mum thinking it's enough for day.

When they were outside her home in car after their meeting at cafe, Arjun stopped her from leaving.

Turning from his sit he put his one hand near her head on her seat, Riya's heartbeat raced up, leaning forward Arjun fetched something from backseat of car and held in front of her.
Riya looked at gift wrapped in beautiful material having sticker attached "FOR RIYA"
She raised her eyes questioningly at him.

He just pushed gift further towards her.

Holding she unwrapped it only to get shocking surprise. It was beautiful guitar, with her name crafted on it. It was most expensive one and from limited stock.

There was message written at base, ""

She looked up to see him smiling softly at her, capturing her every reaction. She was about to deny it when he said, "This is my first gift for you and I'm not taking it back" not leaving room for her denial.

"Thank you!" Riya said roaming her fingers on it.

"I had back to back meetings yesterday. I was in meeting, that's why I didn't answer your call. The noises you heard last night were of my employees."
He said clearing her unsaid doubt about last night.

"You don't have to hesitate for asking anything Riya. You have every right to question, remember this, hmm?" He said letting her know that she is now part of his life.

Riya nodded her head positively feeling overwhelmed with everything.
He received call from his office asking for his presence, so he left the place quickly bidding bye to her.

Riya was standing in front of her house holding his first gift to her staring at the way he left. She stood there until her mother, came calling for her.

That day he broke the wall she had built around her and made place from him in her heart unknown to her.
*************************************
FLASHBACK ENDS

Now she misses all those times. She misses him. She misses everything related to him, related to them.
**********************************************

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




Riya was sitting in waiting lobby of hospital where she and dida have come. She stared towards room which held most dreadingyet most beautiful memory of her life.

FLASBACK

Arjun from his side had tried best to make Riya comfortable to everything related to them making every smallest thing special, every moment memorable for her of their new relation. After marriage everything was going well for her. Still somewhere she had her fears with her but his concern, care and affection somewhere buried them deep inside her mind.




Everything was going smoothly and steadily with both of the trying to adjust with each other. Arjun treats her like princess. Sometimes she felt he knew everything about her and she was the one who didn't know anything. Three months had passed after their marriage, with slow yet steady progress in their relationship, with both of them getting comfortable to each other.



Riya stared her mobile for nth time.Arjun had messaged her in evening about his late arrival. She tried calling him few times.

Some went unanswered and then his cell was switched off. She had enquired in his office about him when his secretary told her that he left office in early evening.



She wondered where he is. This was so unlike Arjun. After their marriage he always told her everything. Her mind started clouding with negative thoughts. Hewas yet to recover fromfever; still he left to office, in spite of her constant attempts of stopping him saying he will be back soon.



After that there was no news from him. On top of that she was all alone at home. Everyone of Rawte family were at Banaras to attend their close family friends wedding, Arjun and Riya had stayed back as Arjun was feeling unwell.



Riya was pacing warily in hall of Rawte Mansion, thinking of the ways to find him. Her mobile started ringing; she felt relived thinking it to be Arjun's call. To her utter disappointment it was from some unknown number.



For somestrange reasons Riya was feeling restless. Pushing restlessness aside she answered the call unaware of the storm on her way. Riya was numbed after listening to other side. It was continuous calling from other end that brought her to present. Hurriedly taking car keys she left Rawte Mansion to reach the address she received.



After an hourshe was sitting with moist eyesin hospital's room on stool in front of bed looking at the person lying on bed unconscious having drip attached to his body. His face was pale missing its usual glow.



The call she received was from hospital informing her that they have admitted Arjun in their hospital, some people found Arjun unconscious in his car at highway and they brought him there.



"Mrs Rawte, your husband is fine now; he will gain his conscious in about an hour." Doctor said smilingly assuring anxious Riya while entering Arjun's room.


"What happened to Arjun Doctor?" Riya stood up mustering every ounce of her courage asking him about what exactly happened that he was laying there in such condition. Anxiety was written all over her face and her voice was choking with all emotions she felt at that moment.


"His blood pressure had lowered and he had very high fever plus I think he hasn't eaten anything that was the reason he fainted. We have taken his blood samples for test. Let's wait till reports arrive." Doctor said checking Arjun's pulse.


Riyahead snapped at that, though she was talking with doctoryet her gaze was fixed onher husband.She lifted her fearful gaze towards Doctor crossing her fingers in processpraying toher DurgaMa for his well being.


"You said report, anything...anything serious Doctor?" Her heartbeats fasten. Something happening to him that thought itself was causing an unknown pain to her.


Doctor looked at young woman standing in front whowas looking so nervous, worried and tensed for her husband. This was not new being doctor for him, to come across such situations.
Wearing that smile on his face she said her in poised voice assuring Riya that everything is fine.


"Oh...Nothing Serious Mrs. Rawte, it's just precautionary. We have talked to your family doctor, Mr. Sharma to take his medical history. Mr. Rawte's friend was here, she gave us Mr.Sharma's and yours number."



"Thank you very much Doctor."Riya said genuinely expressing her gratitude.


Explaining her prescriptions and his diet he left, before she could ask him about his friend.


Riya pulled her stool nearer to his bed. Then deciding otherwise she sat beside his unconscious form, reaching for his hand she clasped his palm in hers, her eyes welling up seeing him like that. She sat there immobile staring his face.


Lifting her palm she brought him to rest on his day old stubble cheek caressing it with the emotions alien to her.

His skin feltfeverishagainst her cold one. Riya's heart filled with guilt, guilt of letting him go in first place.She wishedshe should have stoppedhim from leaving. Nothinglike this then had happened.He could have been at home with her.



"Arjun...Why you defy me? Why" Shuddering breath left her body. She bit her lower lip to prevent sob escaping through them.


"Agar tumhe kuch ho jata to? Kabhi tumne soacha hai mera kya hota? Kyo karte ho aisa Arjun?" Saying so her allresolved of staying strong broke, next moment she was hugging his sleeping form careful enough to not put pressure on him or on drip attached to him weeping uncontrollably on his chest soaking his T-shirt with her tears.

Riya remembered every little moment they have spent so far. The mere thought of something happening to him shattered her insides. She realized what he means to her at that moment, how badly she needs him at every step. How much she carved for his voice, his attention, his care...HIM!

She loves him. The realization struck her hard.

Arjun's eyes fluttered when effect of medicine was over. He heard some murmurs around him; the voice was low yet his senses recognizing that melodious voice which heis so addicted to. It belongs to her, his wife.


Hefeltsomething wet on his chest, along with someweight on it.

He tried recognizing what happened and why he was feeling so weak; slowly opening his eyes first thing he noticed her laying on him. He felt good being so close to her then on realizing his surrounding and her cries panic rose in chest. He tried holding her in turn moving his hand attached to drip resulting sharp wave of pain hit him.

Riya who was smiling through her tears on realizing her love for her husband pulled herself backwhen she felt some movement beneath her and then heard him hissing in pain.


"Arjun!"


"Thank God...Tumhe hosh aa gaya?"

"Itne careless kaise ho sakte ho tum Arjun?"

"Jante ho mai kitna Dar gayi thi."

"Tum thik ho? Mai doctor ko bulati hu."


Riya bombarded him with her questions. She stood up to call doctor when she felt hold on her wrist, she looked at him who have gripped her wrist in his palm.


Urging her to sit back at her previous position he held her hand in his.

Riya sat there looking down in her lap suddenly feeling conscious to face him with her new found feelings for her husband.


"I'm Sorry!" Arjun whispered softly to her, he knew what she must have gone through when he was not with her and there was no contact between them.


Riya refused to look at him let alone accept his apology. She was now feeling angry at him for this whole scenario.



"Riya, I know I should have listened to you. I'm sorry."

"Please Maaf kar do!"

He continued asking forgiveness when she remained quite.

Arjun felt guilty for putting her in this condition. He continued in heavy tone, his throat choking with intensity of pain he was feeling.


"Riya, I know maine tumhe dara diya hoga. Please trust me it was not intentional,Mai Tumhe Takleef dene ke bare me sapne me bhi soach nahi Sakta. Please, mujhpe gussa karo, chillo chahe to maar lo par is tarahchup mat raho. Mujhse tumhari narajgi manjoor haipar tumhara Khamoshi...Tumharakhamohi meri jaan le..."


His words were cut off in middle when Riya put her palm against his lips not wanting to him complete his sentence.

Her tearful eyes came resting on his face. His own eyes were glistering with unshed tears.

Their eyes spoke volume. Providing both of them way of peeping in each other's soul.

Arjun kissed her palm resting on his lips lightly. Riya's eyes shown surprise at his this act.

She was about to withdraw her palm when he stopped her, "Riya, I know this is not place for this and not certainly time, but I want delay it anymore, I want to tell you this."


"Mai tumhe iskiwajah toh nahi de sakta, kyoki ye mai khud bhi nahi janta, ke kab mujhe tumse pyaar hogaya. I love You Riya! I Love You!"


Arjun said confessing his love to her saying every word with so much sincerity, passion, love that she felt herself lost in web of his love.


"Aur ye jaroori nahi hai, jo mai feel karu, tum wo reciprocate karo. Maine tumse ye isliye kaha taaki kal agar mujhe kuch hogaya to mujhe iss baat ka afsos na rahe ki mai us insaan ko apne dil ki baat nahi bata paya jo meri jindgi hai."


Arjun said surprising her with his selfless love.

"You talk too much Mr. Rawte" Riya said smiling at him and wiping his tears while he did the same.

"Aur aap rote hue nahi muskurate hue acche lagte ho."

"Same applies for you Mrs. Rawte."


They both smiled looking at each other.


"I love you tooArjun!" Riya said after awhile deciding perhaps it's better to confess it rather than keeping it to herself.

Arjun's face has shown his utter disbelief at her as he was not expecting her acceptance and reciprocation.

Riya smiled looking at his shocked face, she knew she have to do something to make him believe her words.

Leaning further Riya planted Kiss on his cheek and shyly hided her face in his chest saying, "I really Love you Arjun!"


Some seconds pass with Arjun yet to process what happened, wounded his free arm around her holding her closer once her action and word sink into his system.

"I love you too Riya!"

************************
FLASHBACK ENDS


Her flashback was broken by sister's voice calling her and dida inside Doctor's cabin. She wiped the tear that rolled down from her lashes remembering best moment of her life.

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

Riya was standing infront of that place which changed her life, where she lost her Arjun forever because of her insecurity. Arjun, the only person apart from her family had loved her unconditionally. She lost in memory of that incident.


FLASBACK
After their confession, Riya and Arjun's relationship took new turn. Arjun openly showered his love on her, with Riya reciprocating it with same intensity. There was no turning back from that point. They both cherished their newly found feelings loving each other with all their might.

Apart from that Riya took extreme care of him; the sight of his pale, unconscious body on that hospital body was enough to make her shudder. Arjun was everytime surrounded by Riya and all ladies of Rawte family carrying food with them to feed him. He actually felt being babysitted by them. He used to curse himself for his carelessness as, as result of which his all liberties were snatched away by his mother.

After lot of persuasions from his side, his family reduced their extra attention from his health but on condition that he should listen to Riya always. Thinking it better to have one than whole bunch, hovering on you every time, Arjun eventually gave in. Time flew with both of them coming closer on emotional as well as physical level.

Arjun's work pressure increased to level that he used to spend his maximum time in office. He would go early morning, sometimes he stayed in office till midnight. Riya was very worried for him but wondered how his family's reaction is so normal to this? Her mother-In-law on sensing this then had told her that they are used to this. Arjun was like this from beginning. Once he immersed himself in his work he would forget everything.



She dialled her husband's number asking him about his lunch when he replied he had it and was in meeting. Riya's mind flooded with question that why he lied to her? Riya was out for shopping with her sister-in-law when something caught her eyes. Arjun was exiting from one shop with lots of shopping bag followed by lady. Riya could not see that lady as her back was towards Riya but she saw Arjun as his face was in her direction while he laughingly talked to that lady.


Then the memory of Doctor telling her about his lady friend came to her, which had slipped of her mind. She wondered why he lied to her. Before reaching to any conclusion she decided to wait for sometime perhaps he will tell her later.


That time never came. Instead she came across many things like his not being in office, his secret phone calls and messages which he would cut immediately when she would be near, which were related to that lady friend of him as once she had attained his call when he was in washroom, the lady had said something about her waiting at restaurant when Riya had asked him he dismissed topic saying that was related to business.

All this arose many questions in her mind. Still Riya didn't let her fears, insecurities overpower her rational mind. She waited for him to express his side of story. From whatever time she has spent with Arjun she was sure he valued his relationships. She assured herself saying he loves her.

Riya patiently waited for two weeks, yet there was no move from him. He failed to notice her turmoil, He one who used to understand her unspoken words failed this time or may be had chosen to ignore. That was the biggest mistake he did.

When one day Riya went to his office taking his lunch with her she saw him leaving with that lady in his car. Deciding something in her mind she followed them making sure of not getting noticed. After an hour's driving Arjun's car halted in front of house. They were now at outskirt of city.

Riya waited in car looking at the happenings in-front of her. Tears formed at back of her eyes as some bad memories resurfaced. Arjun and that lady unaware of the fact that someone was watching them were laughing freely. Arjun collected some bags from backseat and then they both entered inside away from Riya's vision.

Riya get out of car and stood infront of that house. The house was built in exceptionally beautiful way. The beautiful garden adding beauty to it, but she had no time for appreciating it.

Still bracing herself, shoving negative thoughts away she entered through already open door only to witness shock of her life. There stood Arjun holding that lady in his arms.

History was repeating itself.
What her mother had endured, now she will have to endure that for her whole life.
Her fear, because of which she didn't want the marriage, now had turned into reality.
Her father had cheated on her mother and now Arjun was doing that with her.

Clapping sound echoed in hall with her voice booming, shocking two other persons present there, "Wow! So this is the business keeping you busy Arjun"

Arjun looked towards Riya who was by now shaking with rage; he wondered how did she get here? Wait, what she just said. His sharp mind sensed something bad. He needed to clear everything, personally and privately. Quickly saying something to that lady he gave his car keys to her and she left giving one sorry look to him.

Riya was about to stop her when Arjun pulled her towards himself and locked that door. "Riya, listen..."

Riya jerked away his hands holding her, silencing him with her held up palm. Clear disgust was written on her face.

"Mar gayi Riya."

"RIYA" Arjun's eyes widen at that. Arjun tried stepping forward raising his hands to hold her when sound of slap echoed in hall. Arjun stared in disbelief towards Riya.

She had slapped him, slapped him hard.

"Don't! Don't you dare to touch me" She screamed at top of her voice stepping back, her palm burning due to the intensity of slap, while his cheek showing imprints of her fingers now turning red least she cared now.

Riya's tears started flowing, drenching her face. She wanted to rip him apart for ripping her trust and shredding it into pieces.

Her eyes accusing him, filled with disgust which once used to held love of world. She continued in her anger, failing to notice his hurt face.

"I was fool. Fool to trust you blindly."

"Tum sab ek jaise ho"

"Isliye maine dida ko mana kiya tha, par"

"Tum itne gathiya insaan ho jo shadi shuda hote hue bhi ek dusri ladki ke saath...Chi"

"Pyaar karne ka dava karte ho...Are tum kya pyaar karoge tumhe to pyaar ka matlab bhi pata nahi hoga...Tum jaise insaan jo sirf ladkiyo ko use"


"SHUT UP, JUST SHUT UP!" her words were cut by him.

Arjun had enough of her nonsense. She was accusing him for something which he never did and would never do. He was listening to her because he knew she misunderstood situation, he chose to act patiently keeping everything aside but his patience ended when she raised questions on his love, on his character.

"Har insaan tumhare papa jaisa nahi hota Riya. Mujhe laga shyad hamari shaadi ki 6 mahino bad tum ye baat samajh gayi hogi, par afsos...Afsos ki mai galat tha...Mai tumhare dilse un kadvi yaado ko nahi nikal paaya."

His voice held disappointment, disappointment at his failed efforts.

"Ek baar to mujhse pucha hota, ek baar to yakin kiya hota apne pyaar pe." Arjun said trying to keep his voice steady yet failing miserably.

"Wo ladki architect aur interior designer thi..Astha... Ye ghar dekh rahi ho ye mai tumhe dena chahta tha hamari 6th month anniversary pe Surprise ke taur par"

"From last two months I was doing this. But I never knew this will lead to such situation." His voice held grief. Sadness!

Riya felt her vision blurring with tears. She felt ashamed of herself. He was doing this for her and what she gave in return? Hurt, humiliation!

Arjun stepped forward and said through gritted teeth, "Aur kya kaha tumne Mai pyaar ka matlab nahi samajhta."

He roughly held her elbow and dragged towards closed room.

"Ye dekho" he said jerking her away from his hold.

The room was filled with her photos, their photos, beautifully arranged on wall.

Then he dragged her to other which was bigger than previous room. Oncethey entered she forgot to breath.

"Ye wo ladki hai jisse mai pichle 5 saalo se pyaar karta hu. Jabse maine usse dekha tha. Aur usse iss baat ka pata tak nahi" Arjun said pointing towards all those pictures which were hanged on wall. They were all her photos. They all were before their marriage taken without her knowledge, about which she had no idea.

Riya felt as if she was in some sort of photo studio. She then remembered her wish of having house at outskirts designed according to her taste with beautiful garden and all. He had fulfilled her that wish. He who was in love with her from long time never forced her for anything. He loved her selflessly and what she did?

Guilt was eating her up. All she could do was to stare at the face of man who had loved her unconditionally.


"Tumne pucha than na mujhse kya mai tumpe najar rakh raha hu, to iska jawab hai ha"

"Ha kyoki tum meri jimmedari thi. Dadu had asked me to take care of you and your family. Meri jimmedari kab meri jindagi ban gayi pata hi nahi chala"

"Par mai chahta tha tum mujhe dilse apnao isliye maine ye baat ab tak tumhe nahi batai. Soacha tha jab tumhe surprise dunga tab bataunga par"

Arjun said everything staring into her eyes, Riya felt as if being slapped by these revelations.

"Par ab nahi, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I'm freeing you from everything."

"Tum mujhpe bharosa nahi karti aur bina bharose ke rista mere liye koi maaiyne nahi rakhta Riya." Saying so heartbroken Arjun had walked out of place leaving broken Riya behind.

Who had fallen on ground crying over her fate, crying over her deeds, crying over her broken relationship.

**********************************************
That day Arjun walked away from her life. Riya felt ashamed of herself. Arjun's driver had left her to her maternal place with her luggage. Riya was too guilty to face him.

No one in his family knew what had happened as all he told them that as she was missing her family she went there for somedays.

Arjun had left next day immediately. No one knew where he went. From past four months there was no contact with him.

Riya tried every day his number in hope she could apologise to him only to get disappointed as it never connected.

She cried, prayed even pleaded her DurgaMa to send her Arjun back in her life.

Flashback ends

Tears again brimmed in her eyes remembering that time. Taking deep breath she entered that house when main door was open. She took small step Perfect according to her tastes. Nothing has changed there. It was same to what she had seen last time. All those memories came to her burdening her with guilt.
All she wanted was to be held by her husband close to his heart saying he is there for her.


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

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

EPILOGUE

After one year

Riya gazed lovingly at the face of man whom she adores with all her heart, she loves with all her being. They were now in garden; Riya rested her back against bench she was sitting on while he lay there with his head in her lap and body resting on bench. She weaved her fingers softly in his thick black hairs. Bending down little she placed her lips on his forehead placing an affectionate kiss letting her lips linger there for awhile. His lips curved in soft smile sensing her lips on his temple.

Riya thanked her durgaMa for that day when she got him back, this time for forever. Memories of that day still fresh in her mind.

Flashback

She entered in that house which held most painful memories of her life, where she last time saw him. Everything there made her feel guiltier for her behaviour, as the way he had taken care of designing of tinniest detail in that house according to her taste. Tears gather in her eyes remembering about their beautiful moments together.

"Where are you Arjun? Please come back...Come back to your Riya, Arjun" Her heart cried.

Riya was walking from one room to other stopping at the places which he had decorated specially for her, for them keeping their taste in mind.

Her heart suddenly took up pace beating frantically against her ribcage, the way it races up when he was nearer. Raising her hand, she kept her palm against her heart to calm down her increasing heartbeat. Closing her eyelids, she took deep breath to gain some control over herself.

Sliding already half opened door she entered the very same room where he had brought her to show her, her photographs, where he has revealed the truth of him falling for her long ago, where he had left her alone.

She stood rooted at her place seeing the sight in front of her eyes. The very own person of her distress, misery, pain yet the only one who was sole reason of her happiness was seating there in corner his back resting against wall. His eyes fixed on wall covered with her pictures all over them.

Her heart clenched painfully seeing him in that state. He looked pale; she could clearly see he has lost weight. His hairs dishevelled, beard grown on his face showing he hasn't shaven from long time.

That lost look in his eyes shook her. That hollow look in his eyes scared her. The eyes that used to be full of life were now devoid of any emotions. It appeared as if he was not present there. His soul was somewhere else.

"Arjun" She whispered breathlessly.

There was no reaction from him, from one who used to sense her presence, understand her unsaid words.

Leaving the knob which she was holding tightly in her grip till now she went towards him, kneeling in front of him, Riya reached out for his face gently holding it in her palms turning his face towards her.

His lifeless gaze met her tearful, concerned one. Riya saw shock registering in his eyes. He lifted his hand in trance, before it could reach her she saw him taking it back as if fearing something. His eyes fixed on her face, as if memorising every inch of her.

"Arjun" Riya called out for him. Her heart bleeds seeing him not responding.

"Arjun! Please talk to me!" Riya pleaded to him with vulnerable face, urging him to speak, where he remained impassive not responding to her.

Fear starting gripping her mind with all negative thought seeing him in such state. Shaking him, by holding his shoulders Riya pleaded him to speak.

Arjun blinked back several times as if trying to believe his eyes. Riya saw realizations searing in his system, his eyes showing his disbelief.

"Riya" Arjun whispered disbelievingly.

In next moment he was hugging her like his life depends on her. His hold tightening around her, as if fearing she will vanish if he loosens his hold. Riya wounded her arms around him, holding him closer to herself. Tears held till now started flowing through her eyes now with all there might.

"I'm Sorry! I'm so sorry Riya!" Riya heard him mumbling against her hairs. He was continuously saying sorry to her. They held each other close to themselves after long, torturous wait of four months. All pent up emotions were now bared.

They sat there hugging each other, when Arjun untangled himself and backed off little, shocking Riya with his withdrawal.

His head downcast, shoulders slumped in defeat. He was not Arjun she knew. She saw tear rolling down from his downcast head. His next sentences bruised her heart.

"Go Riya!"

"Leave Me!"

"Leave me! I don't deserve you!"

He said with great difficulty. Riya could feel his chocked voice and his pain while uttering those cruel words.

"Arjun?"

"No Riya!"

"I was at fault. I have hurt you, yelled at you when I should have explained you patiently." Arjun said shaking his head not meeting her eyes.

"Even after knowing about your fears from the very start itself instead of clearing them I lashed out at you! I am bad, very bad. Damm me! I deserve to be in hell."

"I deserve to be punished. Punish me Riya. Leave me to live alone, let me suffer, the way I am from four months. Punish me."

"In my mindless anger I destroyed everything! I destroyed our happiness." He said helplessly covering his face in his palm, his voice breaking at the end. His shoulders shaking indicating he was crying.

Riya felt herself lost in his confession, seeing him so vulnerable Riya felt her heart going out for him. He looked like lost person, totally broken.

Riya's felt sudden wave of love rising in her heart, wanting to engulf him in it, hiding him from every pain, giving him all happiness in the world.

Unable to hold anymore and watch him cursing himself she embraced him, letting her hands roam over his hairs and back calming him, smoothing him, wanting to take away his every pain

.

"Shhh... Arjun."

"Don't do this!"

"Everything is okay. We both were at fault. Shhh now we are together."

Riya could feel him shaking his head in denial, trying to free himself. Riya on not giving up held him more tightly assuring him, calming him.

Her efforts slowly calmed him down. He soon falls asleep in her arms, worrying Riya with his condition, his apologies still ringing in her ears.

-----------------------------------

Later that day after making him eat they were lying in bed in each other arms. Arjun had held her closer to himself fearing she will go away like every time she use to vanish in his dreams.

They talked that time about past. Arjun explained her about his whereabouts in last four month, apologising for his behaviour repeatedly.

"You know I had fallen for teenager Riya, I had for very first time seen in park, laughing and enjoying with her dadu."

Arjun initiated conversation telling her about his feelings, while Riya just listen to him.

"I was attracted towards you, your innocence captivated me. I was shocked with my reaction for teenager like you. Struggling with myself, I had tried very hard to control my growing feelings towards you."

"I used to watch you from distance, memorising you in my heart. I never knew when my attraction turned into love for you. Your innocent nature, your way of living your life, maturity at such younger age stole my heart."

Arjun confessed dropping kiss on her hairs, Riya's hold on him tightened. Wondering how she never noticed someone following her at the same time her heart fluttered with happiness knowing someone loved her from so long without expecting something in return.

"After lot of internal battle I had accepted what my heart wanted me to. I never wanted to impose anything on you so I kept mum knowing you were still young for all this"

Arjun told how he loved her silently keeping his distance and feelings within himself.

Arjun then remembered how after three years one day Riya's dadu accidently came to know about his feelings. That old man instead of getting angry was happy to know Arjun loves Riya.

"You know dadu was the first person who came to know about my feelings for you. That day he told me about your father. What you feels, how you used to run away from feelings like love. Your fears of letting another person like your father walk into your life."

Tears gathered in her eyes how supportive her dadu has been to her, caring about her same time she felt an immense hatred for her father. Sensing he tensed form Arjun caress her back trying to distract he in attempt of calming her.

Arjun then told her that, that day he made two promises, one to her dadu, and another to himself of not letting any pain touch her. He had vowed to take care of her, cherish, and love her forever.

"In the end he had ask for promise from me to take care of his Riya, keep her happy and erase all fears, pain from her life."

Arjun expressed his desire of being there for her in hard times yet he couldn't fulfil it!

"You know how badly I wanted every time to take you in my arms whenever you used to get sad after her dadu's demise, not showing your emotions to her family, sitting alone and crying for hours in same park where you used to sit remembering dadu."

Then he told her how eager to meet her in person for the very first time. Their journey till they confessed. Why he didn't tell her about his feelings to her earlier, as he never wanted her to reciprocate his feelings feeling obliged because of any pressure.

How happy he was when she confessed her love. Then he planned this surprise for her. He was going to gift this house to her along with telling her about his love for her.

How that day everything ruined! How guilty he was for his behaviour, words that day. It was neither his ego nor his anger towards her; it was his hurt of failing her. He was angry at himself for his behaviour that day. Even after trying hard to keep her happy, erase her fears he himself became reason of her pain. He hated himself for doing that.

In his guilt how he thought he didn't deserve her and because of that locked himself in that house away from everyone and everything leaving with her memories punishing him with this loneliness.

Then he told her reason of not coming back, feeling shameful and guilty, his soul didn't allow him to came to her. How he couldn't muster courage of facing her, seeing her.

How these four months had been torturous for him, where he wanted nothing but to came to her and hold her. Yet he refrain himself from coming to her because of his guilt.

Riya felt herself being consumed by his love. Unable to hold herself she embraced him saying her words of love and gratitude for getting him.

Then she told how badly she missed him. They both were in tears.

"I'm sorry Riya. I'm really very sorry for that day, for every pain I caused you. I'm sorry. For rest of my life I will make up for all hurt I cause you. I love you!"

Arjun said being emotional looking in her eyes expressing his insides to woman she loves.

"I'm sorry too... Arjun...I love you too!" Riya confessed softly her throat choking with all overwhelming emotions.

That night they resolved everything, promising each other to be together.

Riya took promise from him to never do such thing in future. If he wants punishment then she will do that but separating him from her, she won't allow him to do so, to which he had obliged willingly sealing their promise in his way.

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Flashback end

That day was the last day of Riya's AZAB'. End of every pain from her life. After that every day that followed was bliss, pure bliss. Arjun make sure to never let her feel any kind of pain. He fulfilled his promise, always keeping her happy bringing smile on her face, loving her, surprising her.

Riya was absentmindedly weaving her fingers through his hairs, remembering past. Her trance was broken, as Arjun brought their intertwine hands resting on his chest closer to his lips, dropping kiss on back of her hand.

Riya looked down to see his eyes staring at her warmly full of love, admiration, respect for her. Making her inside flutter with happiness with the thought she belongs to him and he to her.

Arjun's free hand went to her nape urging her to bend down, to which she readily obliged blushing at what her husband intended to do.

Every time when they share some close moments, intimacy Riya feels it to be their first time.

Slowly bringing her face down, closing the gap between their faces Arjun placed his lips on her expressing his love. Whenever he felt short of words, this was his way of expressing his feelings. Showing his love to woman he loves the most. His life, his wife, his Riya!

Her dark, long hairs falling on either sides of her face covering both of them, who lost themselves into each other. Their hearts beating in unison like always, their eyes communicating silently expressing their love for each other.

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