· FF: One Step At A Time(AR) - [Part 5 - Pg.11] - Page 2

Nice concept...I'm feeling bad for riddhima although even in my ff Kripa's family hated her but that was for a different reason though equally lame...plz cont soon and pm me

PART 2:

It was around 9 o'clock at night when Riddhima heard a knock on the door which was a bit surprising because no one ever came into her room.

'Come in!' Riddhima said.

It was Shashank which was even more surprising. I mean come on Shashank!..who barely even spoke to her came in her room today??

'Actually I needed to talk to you. It's a bit important.' he said hesitantly.

All Riddhima could do was simply nod her head.

'It's about well your marriage. There's a guy and well his name is Armaan Maalik and well I was, I mean me and your mom were wondering if you could ?'

'If I could get married to him?' Riddhima interrupted.

'Yes well woh --'

'But don't you want to know about him meet with him or how about at least talk to him?'

'No, I'm sure he's just perfect because my parents have chosen him for me. I don't have any doubts and I'm ready for this marriage.' and gave him a slight smile.

'Okay then..' Shashank said and he left the room.

Riddhima didn't know why she said yes. Was it because she wanted to get away from this house? The house in which she is not appreciated, the house which she gets taunted by everyday and the house in which not one day has gone by in which she hasn't shredded her tears. No, she thought. She can't think this way. This house has given her a life and family. Or was it because she thought that this Armaan Maalik dude was he last hope to change her life. I mean come on, I don't have any friends or family that I can call my own she thought. In fact she didn't care if Armaan was nice, bad or whatever, as long as her family was happy so was she.

Shashank had just entered his room and saw Padma who was reading a book. Boy it was along day he thought. He went to the washroom, freshened up, wore his night suit and sat beside Padma on the bed.

'I spoke to Riddhima about this whole marriage thing and..'

'What did she say?'

'She said yes but I don't feel this is right. She didn't even think about it and just directly said yes.'

'Shashank, Shashank, Riddhima knows we don't care about her or ever will so what's the big deal? All I know is I want her out of this house ASAP! I've tolerated her in this house for 22 years and I don't think I can wait any longer for her to leave. It was because of your stubbornness I let her live in this house but not anymore Shashank, not anymore!'

'But --'

'Listen Shashank' she said as she came towards him and rested her head on his chest. 'I know deep down inside your heart you really care about her and really want to take care of her but my promise is stopping you. Just remember you're doing all this just for her, for her future and for her to face the world. Maybe, and I hope that they boy you choose for her will do all the things a real dad would've done for her. She will find her happiness some day but it's just not with us.! She lifted her head and looked into his eyes, 'Don't worry everything will be fine.' and blinked her eyes to assure him that she was always with her.

It was 9 in the morning when Riddhima finally woke up after a sleepless night. All she could think about was if this marriage was a good idea or not and if Armaan would be her savior...these thoughts still drove her crazy. Forget it she thought, she had already said yes! She went to the bathroom to take a shower and came out. As usual she went to her closet and decided what she was going to wear. She picked out a magenta coloured salwar suit and wore it. She combed her hair, applied some kaajal and put some lip gloss on. When she finished she headed downstairs. As she descended down the stairs, she could hear faint noises coming from the living room and decided to check out who it was. She peeped through the living room entrance and saw three people sitting, whos backs were to her. There were two guys and one lady. Who could they be? Oh well, its probably some business deal or something going on? She thought.

So she went to the kitchen made her tea and two slices and headed towards the back garden and sat down on the garden swing they had over there and started eating her breakfast. This was where she always ate her meals as no one allowed her to eat with them. Riddhima even had to make her own breakfast and lunch. And dinner? Well she had to wait till everyone finishes eating and she would just probably get the leftovers.

She didn't mind though as she was use to to it. The back garden was one of Riddhima's favourite spots to sit and think. She would sometimes even fall asleep then and there. It had been almost and hour since she came there and had already finished her breakfast long back. But Riddhima...always thinking! Finally she decided to go to the kitchen to wash her plate and cup. As she entered the kitchen she suddenly bumped into someone and?

CRAASSHH!

Everything fell on the floor. She looked up to see who it was and it was none other than Anjali and her "best friend" Muskaan. Muskaan and Anjali studied together in the same university and she was also becoming a doctor. Muskaan and Anjali have been friends since nursery and really look after each other. The two belonged to the "cool gang" of the university and all of the people from their gang were the same...arrogant and naughty.

'What? Now you can't even look where you're going...auntyji?' Muskaan said arrogantly.

'Exactly you loaner!' Anjali said laughing loudly along with Muskaan. Hearing all the commotion in the kitchen Padma came running into the kitchen. 'What's going on in here?' She looked at Riddhima who looked like she was about to cry and broken pieces of glass everywhere. 'Who did this?'

'Mom, isn't it obvious who did it? That...that crying monkey face!' saying as she pointed her finger towards Riddhima.

'You two leave right now you're getting late!' Padma ordered.

'Okay, chill mom!!' Anjali said.

As the two left the kitchen, Muskaan whispered something in Riddhima's ears.

'Yes aunty, just keeepp crying like you always have!' and both Anjali and Muskaan left laughing.

'Riddhima you're getting away this time but next time...anyways go and wash up some people are here to see you.'

Riddhima nodded and made her way up to her room and closed the door behind her.

'Why me' It wasn't even my fault! Mom wish you were here! Your daughter needs you! Even if you were here nothing would've been perfect but at least I would have had you'

She cried for a few minutes and then realized she had to be down. But who could want to meet her? Ugghh..she thought. Why do I think so much? She quicky washed up and made her way downstairs to the loving room. Who were these people...the same people who she had seen earlier or...?

'Ahh Riddhima beta!' Shashank said as Riddhima made her way into the living room. Why is he being so nice to me she thought??

'Jee papa?'

'Woh--woh that's Armaan, your honewala pati...'

Riddhima turned around and and...