~My Only Desire~ Part13-pg107 NOTE pg 113 17/07 - Page 60

Jia.... its been long since you updated.please continue soon

nice updates jia!! loving the way u r taking this one...wonder wats armaan's role in this whole 'act as couple offscreen too' thing...he is mysterious...loving the charactization in this fic..plz dont make ridz lose her natural beauty with all those chemicals...the whole discussion is disturbing...cant wait to see wats in store for this nice girl...fab writing n twists jia....awesome!! hope u come back soon with a nice part!

love

harika

Jia.... continue this one soon dear...

"Yes???" I replied

"I want you both, Armaan and you to behave as though you are a couple…off-screen too along with on screen……"

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I gasped, slightly……had I heard it right? Behave as though Armaan and I were….Armaan and me??????

"Huh??" I looked at him bewildered. I heard Armaan give out an exasperated sigh.

"Riddhima…." Ankit started gently.

"You really are serious about this?" Armaan interrupted sitting up from and putting aside the cushion he had been hugging.

"Let me explain Armaan, you have done this before, its nothing new for you, let me explain Riddhima…"

I barely swallowed the saliva formed in my mouth. I still couldn't digest the fact….what was I expected to do? Behave as though I am Armaan's date??

"Riddhima….well you know this is a new program, agreed we have a star here….that is Armaan, but you are the heroine and a lot of success of the show depends on your chemistry with Armaan, your camaraderie with him."

"But you said we have….. go…good chemistry." I blurted.

"Yes you do, I don't deny that, but we have to get the audience atleast sit back and watch the first episode right?? Ok agreed having Armaan they will give it try…but then? This is the fame industry Riddhima, here the rules like your work speaks for you don't apply. How you are gift wrapping your product, how well you publicize it, how many scandals are associated with it determine how famous and successful your show or film would be."

"But what's this got to with that? I mean us behaving like this and…."

"It will garner media interest Riddhima, haven't you yourself observed that many a times you like to watch a show or particularly sit down to watch a show because you have heard or read that the lead couple is actually dating, or there something going between them etc??" Ankit looked at me quizzically.

I nodded.

"There it's as simple as that. You just have to get media speculating that perhaps there is something going on between Armaan Mallik and his new heroine……it will draw the audiences naturally to see if they can make out from your on-screen chemistry, whether your off-screen relationship shows on-screen and on so on…."

I understood it now, fully and clearly. Become Armaan's new side bimbo …ok not bimbo exactly but then where was this going to leave me and my honor.

"What about me Ankit??? My reputation?? Am I going to be known as Armaan Mallik new hottie who made it in the serial because she caught the attention of the star player??"

"Riddhimaaa, where does that come from???" Ankit looked at me and gave an exasperated sigh. But I wasn't going to give into this one without a proper explanation. What about my reputation, my parents? How could they just expect me to agree??

"See ok listen to me…" Ankit continued.

"Riddhima before you were signed on, we hand signed up Esha Motwani as our main lead." I sucked in a deep breath. Esha??? She was nearly as famous as Armaan and was currently doing a well known soap. She had even done some reality show with Armaan as her partner and it was there that people had gone gaga over their chemistry. I couldn't for the life of me imagine how she had been replaced by me.

I glanced up and stole a gaze at Armaan who seemed lost in his own world. With hands resting below his chin he seemed to be thinking something deeply. Why wasn't he saying anything?? Perhaps it was normal for him....he was used to this........ I looked back at Ankit again.

"So why…..why did she leave?" I managed to ask.

"She had a few problems with us, her date issues and all…the usual you know. So she couldn't give us the dates we needed, hence we had to let her go." Ankit added.

I nodded.

"But then why a me, a new face? You could have had another heroine right?" I added twisting my fingers.

"Well yes…and no. You see after the news got around that she wont be doing our show, not many heroines would agree to do the role she was supposed to be doing as comparisons would be there and so many other scandals….its a nightmare you know. Hence we decided to opt for a new face. Now you see Riddhima she walked out on us last minute. And we couldn't find a substitute who would fit the role for the next few days and now we have you…" he paused.

"So?" I shook my head trying to make sense.

"Meaning, media will hound day and night. Asking you questions how you made it here, why, when, what, how!!! It would be a crazy ride for you, and you aren't even used to all this. Also you were working with us and people would talk behind your back saying its funny how you landed up here within just two weeks of your employment here."

"But you were the ones who noticed me….I wasn't even aware…"

"Yes yes we know that…" Ankit waved his hand impatiently.

"But media wont, there will be ten stories about you….it wont be fair on you and your family."

"So you think this….." I vaguely denoted Armaan and me with my hand.

"Is this right? For people to think we are a couple? Would that be fair? I mean people would then say I charmed him and you know made it here….it's going to be a nightmare anyways…" I pursed my lips.

"But Riddhima….." Ankit gave a sigh and stopped gazing at Armaan. Silence fell in the room.

"Let me explain." Armaan looked up and nodded at Ankit.

I looked Armaan rather defiantly.

"Riddhima ; Ankit explained you the whole scenario rather wrongly. Its not that we need to really move around as an intimate couple. All you need to do is just be seen with me….you know when we have to go to certain parties….you would be maintaining a low profile as it is, knowing you, you background and being a newcomer. We wont allow you to come in contact with the media till the program progresses for a few months. So till then, if you are coming for some promotional campaigns or parties, you would be with me. that's all." He stated simply and smiled.

He shifted his weight to my side and reached out to squeeze my hand.

"Don't worry Riddhima, it will be alright. Rather then a couple, we would try to project you as a good friend. So that people don't raise their eyes on you. Its all for you own good." He held my gaze and for a moment when I stared into them….the world had faded. I stared into those eyes, which held seemed to be assuring me it would be fine. I felt him tighten the grip on my hand as though reassuring me again.

"It's going to be alright Riddhima, Ankit put and explained all this rather crudely." He smiled and gave a cold stare at Ankit.

"Hey…" Ankit rose with a comical expression on his face.

"You better keep quite now." Armaan ordered with a twinkle in his eye, his hand still on mine.

He gently brushed his other hand on my cheek.

"I have done this in the past too Riddhima, take my show with Esha for instance. If you had noticed….I used to be seen with her in all launch parties and what not. It was because she was my partner. We had to give the people an image to project that we share a good camaraderie, did anyone talk ill about her? It's the same for us. we need to do this firstly because you are new and need a good launch, secondly people need to see us together." He stopped his hand still resting on my cheek. I gave a sideways glance to the fingers gently caressing my skin on my face. He sheepishly grinned and dropped his hand.

"So its understood." Ankit muttered from behind.

"Tonight in the launch, you will come with Armaan and stay by his side." Ankit continued.

I nodded suppressing a smile. As if I knew anyone here that I would have an option of leaving him. And did I want to even leave his side??

"I'll come along to pick you up around 7." Armaan volunteered getting up.

"Hey….Armaan I can come on my own, or we can meet up outside. You don't have to come to pick me up" I protested.

"But I will, I'll wait down in the car. If I get down, we will never make it to the party." I giggled slightly and nodded. I suddenly felt happy and light, I could feel my mind fizzing with bubbles of happiness like those from a glass of champagne.

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Armaan fastened his seat belt and started the engine. It as about a fifteen minute drive to Riddhima's house he thought. He had decided to drive instead of the driver today. Perhaps Riddhima would feel more intimidated with a driver around, and he had to calm her down before they hit the party. As he steered the car on to the main road he couldn't help but smile. It was funny how that girl, he barely knew made him think more about herself then any other woman ever had.

He didn't exactly understand what had happened in the afternoon when he gone to her, squeezed her hand and assured her. True he knew how to charm women, say the right thing at the right time but with Riddhima he felt as if he had slightly overdone it. What had compelled him to touch her??? Armaan shook his head gripping the steering heel tightly.

She was a warm, vibrant young woman. She was innocent, nave and trusting. Just the perfect candidate he had picked up for his agenda. Armaan pushed the brakes seeing the signal blink red.

Clutching his cell he pressed the green button and held it to his ear.

"Helloo Riddhima? Yeah Armaan here….yea just called to let you know, I am on my way, yes be ready. Yea???"

"No don't worry about being late, you keep forgetting you are with me…ok see you." He smiled placing the cell on the empty passenger seat next to him. She was worried about being late? he almost gave out a small laugh glancing at his watch. The party must have begun but he wasn't making his entry till an hour later. That's how things were supposed to be, how could he being the star be there nice and early??? Riddhima had a lot of things to learn.

There again…he thought sighing. Riddhima…..it was quite strange how he behaved around her. The first time he had seen on the sets when she had come to see him. He hadn't really noticed her back then. No doubt he recollected her being sweet and not too clingy. She had been rather shy and overwhelmed by his persona. Back then he had treated her normally, just as he would treat any other. Then came the meeting in that mall. He hadn't really counted on running into her there and still hadn't figured out why had he taken the initiative and recognized her?? But it was just like something had clicked and he had been drawn by her. Not that he regretted showing recognition towards her.

She was beautiful no doubt. With a sensual air about her which he doubt she knew or was aware of. Full lipped mouth, thick eye-lashes, deep green eyes, curvy figure and the blush that fascinated him when it rose up her cheeks when he teased.

He never recollected thinking so much about any other woman. He was perfectly happy to accommodate their female egos on that score, though he knew they always had their eye out for someone who would accommodate them even better. He'd lived in that world all his life, and observation and personal experience had taught him not to get emotionally attached to any of the women who walked through it.

He'd worked hard to achieve and reach the status he currently enjoyed. Armaan's face hardened as he thought about work…sheer hard work he had done to reach here. He was a man of his own. Starting out as a mere side kick in films he had struggled tremendously to get here….hadn't all his life been a struggle. As long as he could remember?? Oh yes his life had been nothing but struggles, hard work….his childhood had been drowned seeing his father struggle and struggle to gain a standing in this very industry. Not to mention those evenings Armaan had spent anticipating how badly would the effects of alcohol his dad consumed everyday would result on him. a bruised cheek or a back??? And his mother, a silly feather headed struggling actress herself had left them when he had been barely five…….and had dissolved herself too inalcohol…drugs…… His father had made him go around relentlessly on the sets of numerous films, programs….pushing him…..Armaan closed his eyes momentarily. It was better that at he did not unlock these memories. He was a proud self made man now. He did not want any of past plaguing his future. He had succeeded where his father hadn't, where his mother hadn't. no one was ever going to mess with him ever again…not his past…nor any woman…..He enjoyed being successful with his career and was very careful about selecting good people to help him maintain and build its success.

Riddhima Gupta was in that category.

It was true he felt a tiny bit guilty of using her innocence, her trust in him this way. But wrong was he doing??? He had learnt to be weary of everyone in this industry. Actors and actresses once successful had thir egos bloating the size of an elephant. The same had happened with his first co-star Mia and then Esha…..they both had tried to bask in the limelight, plying with him, trying to hog all the applause and success. Well everyone minded their own business here and tried enhancing their own careers and he did not object that. What he objected was being played at. The episode with Esha had left a bitter taste. He wasn't going there again. Hence he was just playing safe. He would keep Riddhima safe too. As long as she was under him, she poised no threat. She was intelligent too. She would never ever go against him. she adored him!

Armaan's lips twitched. It was a real ego booster to know how much she adored him. she never wanted to be here, in the industry. He had dragged her here. Yes it was a safe game…..this program would take him to new heights and he would reach there with Riddhima under his thumb. Not trying to compete with him for limelight….for projects…not playing dirty politics unlike other actresses he shared screen space with. She wouldn't ever sight him date problems or speak against him in media. Nor would she try and walk ahead of him on the red carpet as she would never want to be there in the first place. In a way Ankit had been right in suggesting to get a fresh face for him and finding Riddhima had been a brilliant discovery.

Armaan smiled, feeling his guilt fade away. He wasn't harming her, he was just playing safe. It was just a small little game he was playing for himself…for his career…..to reach the top. He would make sure nobody messed with her….she was his responsibility…..and not to forget he was attracted to her which he found disgusting…no he couldn't do that to her……she was very vulnerable to him he knew.....he would just be nice…from a distance…..if that attraction resulted into something more, he would deal with it later…..Yes he would Armaan decided parking his car near her gate.

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"Helloo? Yes Armaan…..yes ok…but would we be late? the party must have already begun…huh?"

"Ok ok" I smiled cutting the call and gazed at my reflection in the mirror.

"I can't believe someone is getting calls from Armaan Mallik" came a cheerful teasing voice from behind. I grinned turning around.

"Jealous Muskaan?" I teased getting up. she sat down on my bed and slumped behind hugging the pillow.

"Ofcourse Ridz, green with envy yaar. I mean I still cant digest this!! You and him…" I giggled seeing her shake her head and sigh ruefully.

"Here I was the one pushing you, taking you to the sets and he selects you? I mean how unfair is that? I am beautiful too….see my curls, my grey eyes….." she got up standing on the bed and turning around, throwing the pillow on me.

"Muskaan?" I glared at her catching the pillow.

"What? Cant you see my broken heart? He selected you…..I mean Ridz I must be ten times more beautiful then you." She sighed dramatically.

"Who said so?" I asked walking up to my wardrobe and opening it trying to find an appropriate dress.

"I said so….I see myself in the mirror everyday." She declared posing in front of the mirror.

"You need to get your eyes checked." I muttered under my breath only to receive another pillow hit my head.

"No your darling Armaan needs to get his eyes checked. That's why I am coming with you tomorrow to the sets. Perhaps if he sees me, he'll change his mind I am sure." She giggled jumping down from the bed.

"Yea right….Muskaan he has brains unlike you." I teased enjoying the banter.

"Oye, in one day you changed sides?? From Muskaan to Armaan?? Dost dost na raha….pyar sirf pyar rahaaaa…" she sang in a ridiculously high pitched dramatic toe.

I giggled and threw the pillow on her.

"Muskaan will you allow me to get dressed?" I shouted above her banter. She stopped.

I turned back to my wardrobe and began skimming through my dresses. I had nothing, absolutely nothing to wear which was suitable for tonight. I felt Muskaan behind me and turned to face her.

"Yes madam??" I looked at her annoyed.

"Do one thing go to the party with him as I don't have anything appropriate to wear." I muttered even more angrily.

Feeling her arms around me I sighed.

"I am very happy for you Ridz, love you yaar." She whispered. I couldn't help but smile.

"I love you too yaar." I whispered back.

"But I love Armaan more." She giggled pushing me away.

I rolled my eyes as she walked upto to me again.

"Chal lets find a dress for my Cinderella." Se smiled.

"Your Fairy Godmother is here, have no fear." She pompously added causing me to burst into a fit of giggles.

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I opened the car door supremely conscious of my looks. I had been given no idea as to how I was supposed to be looking for tonight. I had adorned an elegant black number not too bold and eye-catching, just a simple evening dress, the one I had bought for the new year part last year. Muskaan had painstakingly worked on my make-up to produce the desired results. I hoped I was upto the mark I thought getting in the car only to notice him……….Armaan clad in black tailored trousers, pristine dress shirt, and in the process of adjusting his tie. I could feel my toes curl in my stilettos.

"You look gorgeous" he complimented, I offered him a quirky smile in response.

"Thanks. Same goes for you…..."

A gross understatement, I acknowledged as I slid into the passenger seat .For he could steal any feminine heart with effortless ease.

Was he aware of the effect he had on most women? Oh, tell it like it is…all women from sixteen to sixty!

He possessed the presence, the power and a primitive sensuality that promised much.

A considerable understatement, I allowed silently, wondering just how many women there had been who could attest to his ability to deliver.

"You are sure this dress will do?" I asked as the car hit the main road.

"You look just perfect." He grinned looking at me.

"Infact I'll relish the thought of keeping you by my side for the rest of the evening." He teased.

"You are such a flirt." I shook my head.

"Do you mind that?" he grinned looking at me.

Well…."

"Yes?" he looked at me expectantly.

"Forget it, I am not here to boost your ego." I declared surprising my ownself. From when did I possess the courage to talk to him so openly. It pleased me beyond doubt that I could counter his advances without being overwhelmed by his presence.

"Oh ego? He cocked his brow.

"Which implies you do enjoy my flirting" he added with a smug look on his face.

"Hey no…" I protested only to be silenced by his finger on my lips. I nearly stopped myself from biting my lip.

"You look beautiful Riddhima, just amazing. " he started speaking removing his finger from my lips. I could feel him trace down his finger gently against my bare arm. I looked at him mortified as felt goosebumps creep up on my skin. He wasn't even looking at me. His hand slid down and squeezed my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. I stole a glance at him, his eyes were still focused on the road.

He left my hand to change the gear and took hold of it a second later. I turned away from him and looked out. What exactly was I allowing to happen? Feeling him squeeze my hand again I turned to face him.

He slowed down the car and stopped it a second a later.

"We are here almost." He announced.

"Great." I smiled and muttered in a falsely bright voice.

"It will be alright." He murmured lifting my hand to his lips. But he didn't kiss it. He merely brushed his fingers over my knuckles and smiled.

"It will be fine Riddhima. Don't worry." He whispered.

I nodded and unfastened my seat belt. Bracing myself I opened the car door. It was showtime.

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My cheeks ached after smiling and posing for what seemed like an hour or more .The moment we had stepped into the venue….the flashes and flashes had nearly blinded me. questions were hurtled at us and Armaan had firmly guided me inside ignoring all the media glare. I never had realized till now that the program we were starring in had generated so much interested. Ofcourse it had to I now understood. Because of the star present in it. Armaan Mallik.

I sipped the chilled soda from my glass around. I was standing alone. I recognized a few faces here and there. Polite smiles were exchanged. I looked around for Armaan. Where had he disappeared??? Leaving me alone? He said he would be back in a couple of minutes. I spotted him going out on the grounds of the hall with Ankit. I smiled and followed.

I didn't want to interrupt their conversation, but I did not want to left alone in this unfamiliar world. It was too flashy, too alien. I followed him out to see a another man join them. It was the head of the production house. I had seen him a couple of times.

They stopped out in the balcony. I took a step forward deciding to join them and then drew back. it would probably look impolite. I turned back to go inside.

"Its all under control now." I heard Armaan mutter.

"Are you sure?" I heard the new voice rasp.

"Yes, I convinced Riddhima to play and behave as if we were a couple." I heard Armaan answer.

"She agreed??"

"I got Ankit tell her that it was for the show. She doesn't need to know that it was my idea or that this is for me. To control and protect my reputation from being damaged….she doesn't need to know the truth." Armaan answered. i felt my heart stop beating.......as i stared at them......

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Okies i knw updated after a long time!! Will as i guess everyone knows by now.....its just been so maddening. And yet my theory papers havent even started!!! So till 31st march um still buried...hopefully i'll come out alive!!

Forgive me yet again for not making out time for replies to comments....its just so hectic...i barely managed to squeeze an update!! I doubt i'll be able to now till 31st march...lets see i mite around 26th-27th update armour!! Anyways love u guys for being so very sweet and supportive!! Really need a booster here so plsdo gve ur views!! Really eagerly looking forward to ur comments...only saving grace of my days!! :(

And dun hate Armaan much after this part :D!! Love u all!! Muah...any issues pls pm me!! 🤗🤗🤗