AR:'IF YOU'RE NOT THE ONE''(VERY imp. note:pg 56) - Page 29

hey nice FF...plz pm me wen yu update the nxt part :)

Riddhima hurried around the room stuffing her house keys, lip gloss, eye liner and other accessories in her hand bag...

'These guys!' she muttered angrily as she heard the sound of the car horn again...Adi and Armaan had just arrived at her place fifteen minutes back and had been honking away to glory even though she had gone to the balcony and signalled them that she would take around 20 minutes more...Much to her horror, she had woken up late that morning..at 10:30...when he'd said he'd pick her up at 11!! she couldn't understand how she didn't get up...she had set the alarm for 9:30...she supposed she had simply put it on snooze and finally woken up at 10:30..she had rushed about trying to get ready...there was absolutely no time that could be wasted on deciding which outfit to wear, to search for matching accessories and shoes...she pulled out the first top and jeans she saw from her wardrobe and slipping on black shoes(after all black goes with anything!! she thought), she rushed about getting ready...and yet, she was late...Armaan and Adi had arrived in Armaan's car sharp at 11 and after hurriedly signalling from the balcony that she would take some more time, she had tried getting ready as fast as possible...ofcourse their occassional horns which Armaan was doing just to irritate her wasn't helping...

Glancing around the room and making sure she had taken everything she needed, she quickly dabbed some perfume onto herself and hurried out to meet them.

Both Adi and Armaan could not help give Riddhima an appreciative look...she was looking really sweet today...she had worn a white hooded sleeveless top and pencil jeans with black flats to give her a sporty look...she had pulled up her hair up into a high ponytail with her flick falling on her face making her look totally adorable...she had not worn any jewellery except a watch but that just added to her simplicity...ofcourse, the guys didn't know that it was because she didn't have time to go around searching for matching accessories...

'Hey,' Riddhima said nervously as she found both guys staring at her...

'Hey,' Adi smiled. He got up from the passenger seat and held the door open for her...she got into the seat behind and this time, Adi did not accompany Armaan in the front seat but instead joined Riddhima behind...

Armaan glanced at them both in the rearview mirror and simply smiled..he had nodded when Riddhima had greeted them and had made no further comment...as far as he was concerned, he was the third person here..the outsider...he was just here to give Riddhima the idea that it was not a date but a mere friendly outing...but that didn't mean he was not going to give them their privacy...infact he was fully planning on skipping dinner with them by making some excuse as he didn't want to interrupt what could very well be the start of a new relationship...Adi was genuinely interested in her...he could see that from the way his friend spoke about her...he'd agreed to message Riddhima and ask her about accompanying them for the game as well as dinner also for only Adi's sake...Adi usually never really hesitated in approaching any girl and when he did, it usually meant that the girl was special and he didn't want to screw it up...as for Riddhima? well, she was his friend as well now...and he knew that Adi was a great guy for her...he wouldn't be encouraging this otherwise...Adi would keep her happy...and moreover, this small crush or infatuation or whatever it was that she felt for him would fade as well after Adi came into her life...

Armaan continued driving all the way to the stadium in silence while Adi engaged Riddhima in casual conversation...he couldn't help notice how comfortable Riddhima made anyone feel around her...she was so easy to talk to..unlike Anjali...as much as he loved her as a friend, she wasn't exactly the easiest person to talk to...she was a little choosy when it came to making conversation...if she didn't like the person, she could be downright mean and bitchy..she wouldn't even make an attempt of trying to get to know the person...take Muskaan for example...Armaan didn't like the way sometime Anjali spoke to Muskaan...she could be so rude and mean..it put him off sometimes!! ofcourse, she wouldn't dare to talk to Riddhima like that! Armaan thought with a smirk...while Anjali could walk over Muskaan, Riddhima gave it right back if anyone insulted her in the least...Anjali was aware of this fact and hence she kept bitching about Riddhima to Armaan over some issues she didn't like about her but never really said anything when she came face to face with Riddhima....

'Armaan, you're playing today right?' Riddhima suddenly posed the question to Armaan, dragging him into the conversation as well...

'Yeah,' he answered.

'Ofcourse he is! he's our star basketball player,' Adi said, grinning at Armaan.

Riddhima noticed Armaan uncomfortably shift around in his seat as Adi said this...maybe he was nervous about the game and that's why he was not talking too much....she had been a little upset over the fact that throughout the ride Armaan had not uttered even a single word to her...it was Adi jabbering constantly...why wasn't Armaan talking?? he hadn't even said a 'hi' to her properly...just nodded his head with a small smile...he'd been fine yesterday..maybe he was nervous about the game...after all he was playing and this was an important match...but he shouldn't be nervouse...after all, like Adi said he was 'the star' of their team...it was just nerves and once he was on the court, he would be amazing as usual...

'Here we are,' Armaan announced as he pulled up in the parking lot of the stadium, 'C'mon people...it's show time!!'

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

Riddhima found a seat in the stadium with a few of her university friends while Armaan and Adi went off to the changing room to get ready as well as to get prepped up for their game...

Their entire team was there when they reached.

'Armaan! my boy!' Coach Arnie headed towards him and pulled him into the room, 'Where were you?? I was getting worried,'

'Yeah, I..uhm...I kinda got up a little late,' Armaan muttered in response to which his coach simply glared at him...according to him, getting up late on the day of the game was simply a 'no-no'...that was so unlike Armaan too!! he was usually the first one to arrive for a game..

'OK boys,' Coach Arnie said, once all of them got changed into their university jerseys, 'this ones a big one...I don't want to bore you'll with a long lecture or something...just GO FOR IT!! give it your all...LET'S GO BOYS!!'

There was a loud round of applause and a lot of cheering as everyone got into the spirit of them game and headed out to a loud round of applause from the stands...

'Hey Armaan,' Coach Arnie stopped Armaan, 'listen son...I don't want to pressurise you or anything but this is a big one and you ARE the best...you know that...all of us..and that includes the boys in the team are all counting on you..give it your best, son...give it your best!!'

Armaan stiffened at the Coach's words but nodded with a grim expression and jogged out into the basket ball court to join his team mates...

Everyone looked expectantly at him as he took his position on the court...yes, they could pull this off...Armaan was there...he was the best...he would pull this off for them!

Riddhima noticed Armaan's grim expression even from the stands...there was something about his expression that just spelt 'doom'...she crossed her fingers and hoped that her gut instincts about this game would be wrong...

Unfortunately, Riddhima's instincts were absolutely right...!! Their university team simply failed to deliver...and the worst part was that everyone was expecting Armaan to perform some sort of miracle and save them..he was their captain and star player after all...however, for the first time, Armaan failed to deliver the kind of performance that was expected from him...he had been on top form during the initial part of the game, however, as the game proceeded and the opposite team started scoring goals, it was obvious that somewhere along the line, Armaan had started faltering in his performance too and to make matter worse, this discouraged the rest of the team too and they gave up long before the final result was announced...they lost!!

Riddhima's gaze was constantly on Armaan throughout the game...she had noticed the grim determination on his face in the beginning of them game and had seen him fight pathetically for his team initially...however, after the first few baskets which the opposite team scored, she noticed an abrupt change in him...he was trying too hard to cover up for everyone..to try and be everywhere and do everything...it was almost as though he felt it was a one-man game and due to lack of coordination, the result was that there was utter confusion on the court...

Riddhima saw as all the guys dragged themselves dejectedly back to the changing room..she felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she saw Armaan...he looked so dejected...and..broken!! he had tried...he really had...the problem was he had tried a little too hard and that too all by himself...there was no team work at all...he thought it was his responsibility to win the match for his team and hence he didn't even give his other team mates a chance...instead, he took it up upon himself...which had actually been his biggest mistake!

Riddhima went towards the changing room, however, she hung outside waiting for everyone to leave till she finally met up with Armaan..

There was a feeling of general gloom in the changing room as everyone got changed from their jerseys...Armaan didn't know wether he was imagining it but he felt as though everyone was throwing his accusatory looks to make sure he understood that this was totally his fault...ofcourse, no one said anything...not even Coach Arnie...everyone had been supportive and taken this defeat in their stride, however, Armaan KNEW..he just knew that all their expectations from him were all shattered...they had all looked upto him...called him their star player...called him the best...expected him to pull this game off for them and in return, he had just squashed all their hopes....god!! he was such a loser!! he thought angrily, burying his face in his hands, what was the point of being 'the star' when he couldn't perform when his team needed him the most??!! Coach Arnie spotted him...he wanted to go and comfort him...he knew there had been a lot of pressure on him as captain and best player to win this game and he had personally gone and told him after the game that he was proud of the way he'd fought till the end...however, he also felt that for the first time, Armaan had taken the whole idea of being 'the star player' and 'saving his team' a bit too personally and tried to fill in everyone's position...he had tried to handle the game as though he was the only player from his team against the opposition...well, he would talk to him later about this...team work was important..ofcourse, every team and coach depended on that someone extra to put in their extra effort and pull of the game, however, ignoring everyone else and trying to win the game on your own...well, that had probably cost them this game, but ofcourse, Coach Arnie was not so mean to say that outright...Sighing slightly, he left the changing room...he didn't think he could say anything at this point to make Armaan feel any better...rejection was the toughest for a captain and this was Armaan's first defeat after winning 3 games...he was bound to take it hard...however, he needed to learn to cope with it...and he needed to learn himself...

Adi spotted Riddhima waiting patiently for them outside the changing room.

'Hey Ridz...' he said trying to sound a little more cheerful, however, Riddhima didn't miss the gloomy edge to his voice...

'Hey Adi...uhm...sorry about the game...but you guys did your best!' Riddhima said carefully, trying to be encouraging.

'I guess,' Adi replied, 'listen Ridz...I'm so sorry but could we go for dinner some other time? I mean, today is just-'

'Ofcourse,' Riddhima said quickly, totally understanding that at the moment his mood was off and he probably did not feel like going out, 'we'll go some other time,'

'Thanks,' Adi smiled gratefully, thankful that she understood, 'I'll drop you home,'

'No, that's OK...I'll manage...where's Armaan?' she asked, curiously.

'I don't think he'll come home right now...I mean, he's taking this pretty hard...it's his first defeat as a captain...give him some time...he'll be fine,' Adi said seriously.

Riddhima nodded, although she had sort of figured that out beforehand, 'you carry on Adi...I'll just meet him and then leave. I'll hitch a ride with Kathy..she stays near my place,'

'Are you sure you don't want me to drop you? It's fine with me...really...' Adi offered again...he felt sort of bad...first of all he had called her out and now he cancelling on her because they had lost a game! he was surprised she understood how he felt and was not throwing a tantrum like any of his previous girl friends usually would...she really was something different...

'I'm sure,' Riddhima smiled assuringly, 'you carry on. You need some rest...you look exhausted,'

'I am,' Adi admitted, 'Anyways, I'll see you then. Thanks for understanding Ridz....bye...'

Riddhima nodded, smiling and watched him trudge his way back to the parking lot.

Riddhima glanced into the changing room...no one else seemed to be there except Armaan...she hesitated a bit before entering...what was she supposed to say to him?? NOT NOW RIDZ...DON'T START ALL THAT NONSENSE AGAIN!! she mentally reprimanded herself...she was just going to go and be there for him...like a friend...that's all...there was no need for pre-planning or any such nonsense...

'Hey Armaan,' she said softly as she entered and saw him sitting on a bench, hunched over and covering his face with his hands..she felt unsettled for a moment as she saw Armaan in this state...he looked broken and defeated which was so unlike the other times she had seen him...

Armaan looked up at the sound on her voice and managed to give her a slight smile, 'Hey Riddhima...didn't you leave yet?'

'No,' she said, sitting next to him on the bench, 'I wanted to meet you before leaving,'

'That's sweet of you,' Armaan said absent mindedly.

Riddhima glanced at him, 'Don't take it so hard, Armaan,' she said softly.

Armaan did not look at her...instead he felt his own eyes tearing up...god!! this was ridiculous!! he couldn't believe he was crying over this!! like some sort of stupid kid!! that too in front of Riddhima!! get yourself together Armaan, he thought furiously.

'Yeah well...you're right...it's no big deal,' he said gruffly, quickling wiping away tears that were falling unchecked...

Riddhima felt totally helpless as she watched Armaan hastily dab away his tears...she knew that this was pretty hard for him...she wanted to be there to comfort him...as a friend...she just didn't know how to go about it...without thinking too much about it, she placed her hand over his and squeezed it gently, 'You have many more games to play and win, Armaan,'

'But everyone was counting on me on this one,' Armaan's voice choked with emotions as he finally let his guard down...right now, he needed a friend...he couldn't bottle up his emotions for too long...and Riddhima was offering him the support and comfort he was craving at the moment...

'Armaan...we cannot always fuflfill everyones expectations,' Riddhima said getting up from her seat and bending down on her knees in front of him in order to look at him properly...tears were falling fast now and even though he kept trying to brush them away, it was hard to keep his emotions in check at the moment.

'Yeah well, I am the captain and supposedly the best player of the team...what was the point when I couldn't help them when they really needed me??'

Riddhima gently wiped his tears away...she could understand what he was going through, 'you did your best Armaan. Sometimes we cannot do everything...'

'I know!! but what I did was obviously not good enough or else we'd have won!' Armaan said, frustratedly...

'You did what you could do and even more...I think that's where you actually made a mistake,' Riddhima said quietly...

Armaan looked at her sharply...what did she mean??

'Armaan...what I'm trying to say is that you can help your team by only playing to the best of your ability...you cannot play FOR THEM as well..it doesn't work that way,' Riddhima said, trying her best to make him understand...he was emotionally hurt at the moment and she didn't want to upset him further or make it sound as though she was adding salt to his wounds by pointing out his mistakes right now...however, he needed to know that it was not entirely his fault...that they were a team and that there was a only a certain extent to which he could help them...!!

'I was trying to make the team win,' Armaan said, defiantly.

'You can do that by playing to the best of your ability...you can't play for you entire team single handedly...you'll ARE a team after all...it's not a one-man match,' Riddhima tried to explain, gently caressing his hand as she tried to make him see reason.

'They were all depending on me Ridz!! My team mates, the coach...everyone!! the coach even called me aside before the game to emphasize that it was upto me to pull this one off...and...and..I failed...I failed, Riddhima..' Armaan buried his face in his hands as the sense of loss...the sense of defeat engulfed him once again...

'Armaan,' Riddhima said, gently running her fingers through his hair, 'they were just expecting you to play to your best...which is good enough for all of them...that's what they really wanted from you and you did that!!'

Armaan raised a tear streaked face to look at her, 'I was just trying to win for my team,' he said in a broken voice.

'I know Armaan...I know you tried your best and you were amazing...you really were...next time, just try and give your team mates a chance to play to their best capability as well...and then see, you guys will rock!!' Riddhima said, wiping away his tears and tweaking his nose in an affectionate way.

Armaan nodded, smiling faintly...it was a genuine smile...he was so glad that Riddhima had stayed back to meet him before leaving...there was something about her...something that had made him let go of his emotions in front of her...that had let her take charge and explain his mistake to him as well as let her soothe him..he didn't think he would have done that with anybody else...he understood what she was trying to say...there was only a certain extent to which he could help his team...the rest was upto them...each of them had to give it their best shot and when they called him their 'star player', all that they were really expecting from him was to play his best...they weren't exactly expecting miracles from him which was what he had tried doing today in the court...well, he had learned his lesson and he would keep it in mind from today onwards..all thanks to Riddhima ofcourse!!

'C'mon...let's go...its' getting late,' Armaan said, wiping his face for the final time and smiling at her.

'As you say captain,' Riddhima winked and laughing slightly, they both headed out of the changing room.

Heyyy guyzzz....that was part 8...as u cn see the chemistry and friendship is slowly building up...i always feel that before falling in love, ppl should be friends 1st in order to understand each other and trust each other..so basically thts wht m tryin 2 potray...n yea, i kept Adi out of the picture 4 nw for all AR lovers...he'll b der in the story soon tho...rite nw m focussn on shown AR's relationship...n yea, bissu...i jes realized tht even i introduced an armaan-riddhima-adi triangle...actually i've always loved the name 'aditya' so thts y i kept the name...lolz...hope u dont mind...n yea, sum1 had asked me tht since adi n armaan r such gud frnds, adi would b aware of the fact tht ridz likes armaan and thts y armaa's trying to keep his distance from her, then y wud Adi ask Armaan to msg ridz abt the whole game n dinner thing...well, yes, Adi did knw about it but like most of the others, he took it as a joke since nothing major had happened between Armaan n ridz...like, ridz had not confessed or anything n nor did ny of them knw the depth of ridz's feelings for Armaan...they all jes dismissed it as a casual crush...n since Adi had noticed tht day tht armaan n ridz had finally becum frnds n tht they were OK wid each other, thts y he askd armaan to call ridz for the game...he did not want to call her again incase she got freaked out over the fact tht he was constantly asking her out on various occassions...n moreover, adi didn't think 2 much abt AR relationship cz he knew armaan was nt interested...hope tht cleared ur doubt...if it confused u even more..well, i dont blame u!! lolz...nyways...i mite nt b able 2 upd8 everyday...my brain doesnt wrk tht fast..lolz..mayb every alternate day...hope u'll understand...nyways....byeeeeeeeeeee

woah🤗 its really rocking one⭐️ superb😍 so Armaan lost game sad😭 but nice to see Ridhima stayed to meet him😳 and also talked to him😎 that so cute😳😳 she really behaved like a gud friend😊😊 cool😎 as he need right's know a gud friend😊😊 and she done her job very well😉 nice😳 and Love triangle is interesting one😉 as to see how Armaan stop Ridhima😉 to go more near Adi😆😆 and how he feel when she is with Adi😉😉 awesome🤣 plz continue it soon😛😉