PART 39:
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT AT SURGICAL CONVENTION:
The Bollywood extravaganza was held at the Taj convention center. A lot of celebrities were invited to mingle with the world-renowned Plastic surgeons. The bollywood stars performed a variety of song and dance sequences as a part of the entertainment. Armaan was grateful to Anjali for organizing the whole event. The presence of the celebrity stars added to the glamour and color of the festive evening.
Anjali performed a dance on this famous song- "dilbar dilbar" from "sirf tum"
http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-1520.html
Ha ah ha, ha ah ha, ha ah ha
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar - 2
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar - 2
Tu mera khwaab hai, tu mere dil ka qaraar - 2
Dekh le jaaneman, dekh le bas ek baar
Choom le jism ko, hum nasheen paas aa
Chain kho gaya hai, kuch to ho gaya hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dilbar dilbar, haan dilbar dilbar – 2
As Anjali danced and gyrated to the music, her seductive moves lured all the young surgeons in the audience. Anjali, of course, openly wooed her prime target, Dr Armaan Malik. Armaan, for a change enjoyed the rapturous attention he was getting amongst all the young surgeons.
Haan haan haan haan, haan haan haan haan - 2
Ishq betaab hai, husn ki maheki bahaar - 2
Dooriya kis liye, kis liye ab intezaar
Tootna hai badan, kya hua kya pataa
Pyaas mein dhali hoon, raat din jali hoon - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Hosh na khabar hai, yeh kaisa asar hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Dard hai chubhan hai, kya deewanapan hai - 2
Tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Haan, tumse milne ke baad dilbar
Armaan was thrilled to see that all the delegates had their tongues hanging out after Anjali's sensuous performance. Armaan gave a big hug to Anjali, "you were great!"
Dr Modi congratulated both Anjali and Armaan, "I think these surgeons would want to come back to Mumbai every year….you both make a great team!"
Anjali looked at Armaan with the corner of her eyes, "kyon Armaan? Ab tho log bhi hamari team ki tareef karne lage hain…..after all we make a HOT PAIR! What ya'say?" she elbowed Armaan.
"Anjali…yeh sirf performance ki baat kar rahe hain…..zyaada extrapolate mat karo," he just grinned and walked to get a drink.
Anjali followed him, "Armaan….as you promised, can we go out to dinner now? I know this really cool seafood place…..wahan koi humein pareshaan bhi nahin karega….shall we?"
Armaan took out his phone from his pocket, "Ok..wait for me in the lobby…main bas yeh phone call return karke aata hoon," he noticed that Riddhima had called him a few times. He probably did not hear the ring when the songs and dances were being performed.
"Hello! Main Armaan bol raha hoon…kaun Lovely maasi? Riddhima hai?" Armaan called from a quiet corner.
Lovely: "beta Riddhima tho Padma aur Abhimanyu ke saath mandir gayi hai."
Armaan was baffled, "Abhimanyu? Abhimanyu kab gaya Ramgarh?"
Lovely: "arre beta wo hi tho Riddhima ko yahan laya tha….tumhey nahin pata? Wo tumhara dost hai na?"
Armaan calmed down, "haan…haan maasi wo mera achha dost hai….chalo achha hua wo bhi pahunch gaya wahan….main Riddhima se baad mein baat karta hoon," he hung up, still could not fathom the fact that Abhimanyu had taken Riddhima to Ramgarh, "mujhey bataaya kyon nahin Riddhima ne? Aakhir Abhimanyu ko wo jaanti hi kitna hai? Abhimanyu ne bhi mujhey phone nahin kiya."
Armaan could no longer think of anything else. He excused himself from the party and ran out of the convention hall.
Anjali was waiting for him in the lobby. She had changed into a sexy short sleeveless black dress, "so are we ready?"
Armaan cringed as he remembered his promise to Anjali, "Anjali…ek emergency aa gayi hai….I need to attend to that….can I take a rain check tonight?"
Anjali was furious, "Armaan…tumne mujhey samajh kya rakha hai? Tumhare ishaaron par naachti rahoon? Tumhari wajah se maine kitne dinner appointments cancel kiye….remember I am just doing a favor to you! Aaj ki shaam tumhare guests ko entertain bhi maine hi kiya hai!"
"Anjali…Anjali calm down….of course I am grateful to you…tumhare bina tho main professionally khatam ho jaaoonga….you have made me who I am….how can I forget that? Par please samjho…meri bahut badhi emergency hai….I promise kal shaam ko main tumhare saath dinner par jaaoonga….jahan tum kahogi…please understand," Armaan used his charm once again; he knew how to pacify women with his innocent and charming act-Anjali was no exception!
"OK Armaan! You are a good friend….iss liye tumhey maaf kiya….par kal agar tumney apna vaada thoda na…mujh se bura koi nahin hoga!" Anjali warned him. She knew that the only way to make Armaan hers was by patience and perseverance. She was almost getting there- all the hard work of the past year was slowly but surely showing results.
"Promise!" Armaan wrinkled his nose and walked out to the parking lot.
Armaan started his car and started driving like a maniac. He did not know why, but the knowledge of Abhimanyu going to Ramgarh with Riddhima had stung him sharply.
He covered the 5-hour journey between Mumbai and Ramgarh in 3 hours. He was in front of Dr Misra's house by 1 am.
He knocked on the door a few times. Finally, a bleary eyed Lovely, opened the door, "Dr Malik aap? Itni raat ko?"
"Namaste maasi…Riddhima kahan hai?" Armaan asked as he entered inside.
"Hey Armaan! Tu aa hi gaya? Teri conference kaisi jaa rahi hai?" a sleepy Abhimanyu walked out of the guest bedroom.
"Oh Hi Abhimanyu! I am glad you are here…..I am sure you are a big HELP!" Armaan said sarcastically, his eyes still wandering for Riddhima.
"Beta….wo Padma ke saath Dr Misra ke kamrey mein hi so rahi hai….chaaho tho andar chale jao," Lovely informed Armaan.
Armaan was about to walk towards Dr Misra's bedroom, when Riddhima walked out of the room, "kaun hai maasi?" she said in a weary voice.
Riddhima saw Armaan standing in the hallway. She was overwhelmed with emotion at seeing him. Her heart had been aching for him since she had heard about her uncle's heart attack. She had suffered and cried alone the last 3 days, but now she could not hold her tears anymore, and ran to him. She hugged him tightly and started sobbing, "bahut der kar di Armaan…mamaji ab hamare beech nahin rahe."
Armaan put his arm around her, "don't worry jaan! Ab main aa gaya hoon I am here to take care of you," he looked up at Abhimanyu as if indicating to him, "she is mine buddy….back off!" Abhimanyu lowered his eyes and went back to the guest room. Lovely also retired back to her bed.
Armaan held Riddhima for sometime. He also became a little emotional when he saw Dr Misra's photograph in a corner with a garland around it. There was a small diya still burning in front of the photograph. "Maa kahan hai?" Armaan asked Riddhima.
Riddhima led him to the bedroom, "maa….Armaan aa gaya…" Riddhima whispered softly
Padma sat up and stretched her arms for Armaan. Armaan sat down next to Padma and gave her a hug, "mujhey maaf kar dee jiye maa….main pehle nahin aa paaya….Sir humein bina mile hi chale gaye."
"Beta….bhaiya is duniya mein nahin hain tho kya? Unka aashirwaad hamesha tum dono ke saath rahega," Padma kissed Armaan's forehead, 'achha hua tu aa gaya beta….kal ghar par shanti puja hai….tu hi unke bete ki jagah puja mein baithna kal."
Armaan pulled back, "lekin…lekin maa, main tho thodi der mein wapas chalaa jaoonga….wahan Mumbai mein conference chal rahi hai…main tho sirf Riddhima ko wapas le jaane aaya tha," he said.
Padma and Riddhima were stunned and looked at each other.
Riddhima came forward, "Armaan…main kuch din yahin rahoongi…..jab tak 13 din nahin ho jaate, main wapas ghar nahin aaoongi."
Armaan was surprised. He got up and walked towards Riddhima,
"Riddhima….tumhey akele kaise chhod sakta hoon….wapas kaise aaogi?"
Riddhima said tearfully, "Armaan jaise aayi thi, waise hi wapas chali jaaoongi…tum kyon fikar karte ho?"
Padma sensed the tension, " beta Armaan…thoda aaraam kar lo….kal subah chale jaana….main samajh sakti hoon ki kaam bhi bahut zaroori hai….par itni raat ko kahan jaaogey?"
Armaan stared at Riddhima and walked out in anger. He went upstairs to his old room and sat down on the bed. His 'room' was still the same; untouched by anyone- it seemed that he still lived here-he remembered the first few months of his blissful married life, there were a lot of memories attached to this room. The stuffed teddy bear he had purchased for their child was propped up on the bed. He lay down on the bed and tried to close his eyes.
Riddhima walked in after a few minutes, "Armaan, tum yahan kyon aaye ho? Tumhari conference abhi khatam nahin huyi hai, aur tumhey wapas jaana hai, phir kuch ghanto ke liye hi kyon aaye ho?" she bit her lower lip as she suppressed her tears.
Armaan got up and said, "tumhey meri fikar na ho….par mujhey tho hai na? Main sirf tumhare liye aaya hoon…please wapas Mumbai chalo"
Riddhima turned her back to him and walked towards the window, "Armaan, tumhey meri fikar hoti tho mere saath aana chaahiye tha…..wo tho bechare Abhimanyu ka shukar hai ki wo mere saath aa gaya….aur yahan sab ke saath itna apnapan dikhaya hai usne…sach mein tumhare saare purane dost bahut ache hain….pata nahin naye doston mein tumne galti kaise kar li?"
Armaan's nostrils flared up in anger, "Riddhima! You have no idea about the real world! Main maanta hoon ki mujhey yahan pehle hona chaahiye tha, par tum har baat mein Anjali ko galat kyon saabit karna chaahti ho…why are you jealous of her?"
Riddhima's voice cracked, "Armaan…please don't yell at me….tumhey wapas jaana hai tho jao….main 13 din baad hi aaoongi."
Armaan picked his bag and walked out in frustration, "theek hai! Main wapas jaa raha hoon….ab tho tumhey Abhimanyu ka saath mil gaya hai na, tho meri kya zaroorat hai?"
Riddhima was stunned. She turned around, "THO YEH BAAT HAI? TUM YAHAN ABHIMANYU KI WAJAH SE AAYE HO NA? SHAYAD TUMHEY YEH GAWAARA NAHIN HUA KI KOI AUR MARD MERI MADAD KAR RAHA HAI! YOU ARE JEALOUS OF HIM….AREN'T YOU?"
Armaan clenched his teeth and said, "I am going Riddhima….tumhey jab aana hai wapas aa jaana…..jiske saath aana hai, aa jaana….mujhey bahut kaam hai….I don't have time to waste on such discussions! Bye!"
Armaan walked out and drove off to Mumbai. Abhimanyu saw Armaan drive off from his window. Abhimanyu called Anjali and gloated, "lagta hai, jalan ki aag lag gayi hai…..I think they had a big argument….he has turned around to go back to Mumbai….congratulations Anjali!"
Riddhima was heartbroken. She was shattered by her uncle's demise, and her husbands's heartlessness had broken her completely. She stayed up all night, sobbing on her pillow, till her tears had dried out.
The next morning, she decided to focus on the important things- the shanti puja at home.
She told everyone that Armaan had an emergency at work and had to leave ASAP.
Keerti and Shubhankar came down that day to take part in the puja. Keerti was upset when she found out that Armaan was not there on Riddhima's side when she needed him the most.
"Riddhima….mera bhai kabhie kabhie bhatak jaata hai…..usey sahi raasta diChaddhaa padhta hai kai baar….wo apne kaam aur career mein kuch zyaada hi doob jaata hai….Mumbai jaakar usey pyaar se samjhaana…..main bhi us sey baat karoongi," Keerti soothed Riddhima as she gave her a warm and affectionate hug.
Shubhankar was surprised to see Abhimanyu so involved in the puja; he almost seemed like a family member. Shubhankar and Keerti knew Abhimanyu as Armaan's friend, but had never taken a liking for him the way they were fond of Muskaan. Muskaan seemed so genuine in her friendship, but Abhimanyu seemed like an opportunistic friend. Shubhankar had noticed Abhimanyu staring at Riddhima on various occasions-not as a friend or a well wisher, but with a lustrous desire in his eyes. Riddhima, of course was oblivious as she was too overwhelmed with grief and sadness.
Shubhankar came up to Riddhima after the puja, "yeh Abhimanyu kuch zyaada hi tum mein interest nahin le raha?"
"Oh jiju aap? Abhimanyu? Wo Armaan ka dost hai, aur ab mera bhi….bahut helpful hai," Riddhima defended Abhimanyu
"Helpful tho hai….par meri baat ka dhyaan rakhna….keep some distance from him…I am not sure about his intentions." Shubhankar gave his brotherly advise to Riddhima.
Riddhima nodded and thanked him, "aap fikar mat kee jiye jiju…Armaan ke alaawa main kisi aur ki taraf dekh bhi nahin sakti."
That day, Armaan's mind could not focus on any of the seminars or papers presented in the conference. His argument with Riddhima kept playing back in his mind repeatedly. Riddhima was right! He was indeed getting jealous of Abhimanyu….but he had a right to be jealous…who was Abhimanyu to interfere in his life and try to take his place at the Misra residence? Armaan promised himself, that as soon as the conference was over, he would go back to Ramgarh and spend the last few days with Riddhima and her family.
Anjali reminded him of his promise that evening, "shall we go out tonight?"
Armaan remembered his promise and said, "as you wish"
"How about my place? I will have my chef cook something up for us…OK?"
"Whatever you want Anjali." Armaan was in no mood to argue with her and accepted her offer.
Anjali and Armaan had a cozy dinner at her place. Anjali sent all the servants away for the night, "bas aaj raat ko no disturbance…OK?"
Armaan got ready to leave. He felt a little light-headed after the few drinks he had consumed with dinner. He had been very quiet during the dinner; his mind still thinking of the argument he had with Riddhima the night before. The more he felt bad about lashing out at Riddhima, the more alcohol he consumed.
As Armaan staggered to leave, Anjali stopped him at the door. She came close to him and started caressing his muscular chest. She unbuttoned his top 2 buttons and kissed him passionately on his chest, 'kahan jaa rahe ho jaan-e.man? Abhi tho raat baaki hai."
Armaan gave out a faint laugh in his inebriated state, "kya kar rahi ho Riddhima? Bahut shaitaan ho gayi ho."
Anjali was not pleased to hear Riddhima's name, but she did not say anything; she thought, 'chalo Riddhima samajh kar hi sahi…..meri pyaas tho bujhaa dega aaj."
Anjali started her seductive game on Armaan. She laid Armaan on the couch and started working on him. Armaan just kept muttering Riddhima's name in pleasure. Just as Anjali was getting ready for him, Armaan's phone rang loudly. However sleepy or inebriated Armaan would be, he never ignored his calls from the hospital.
"Sorry…let me take this call," Armaan swayed away from the couch and answered, "yes…this is Dr Malik! Kya hua….503 has coded? Ok, main abhi aaya!" Armaan suddenly regained his senses, buttoned and zipped up his clothes and ran out the door. 503 was the finance minister of Maharashtra and he had to be attended to ASAP!
Anjali was left high and dry once again………she fumed and fretted all night, but Armaan never came back….
PART 40:
Armaan got back from the hospital after resuscitating the Finance Minister back to life. Armaan was exhausted from the sleepless nights; he collapsed into his bed as soon as he reached home. He had flashbacks of his evening with Anjali. He was disgusted with himself and thanked the Finance minister from saving him from committing a sin- a sin even he would not have forgiven himself for.
After the conference was over, Armaan decided to leave for Ramgarh. Anjali had bribed Dr Modi into keeping Armaan in Mumbai at some pretext. Dr Modi insisted that Armaan stay back in town as they had some major surgeries scheduled that week, "Armaan…..i cannot perform these surgeries without you….you are my right hand man! Agar tum nahin huye, tho yeh surgeries ki success kum ho jaayegi…..you have to understand Armaan……ek surgeon ki zindagi uski nahin hoti….apne patients ki hoti hai…..theek usi tarah jaise ek sipaahi ki zindagi uski nahin, balki desh ki hoti hai."
Armaan fell trap to Dr Modi's emotional blackmail and cancelled his plan to go to Ramgarh. He called Riddhima several times, but she just answered his calls in monosyllables and reassured him that she would be back after the 13 th day ceremony. She had become a little bitter after Armaan's brief visit to Ramgarh. She knew that she had no choice but to go back to Armaan, after all that is what she had heard all her life…..pati ka ghar hi sab kuch hota hai….
Riddhima insisted that Padma accompany her to Mumbai, but her mother refused. She would not leave Ramgarh, come what may. They finally decided to lock Dr Misra's home; Padma moved back to her own house. Tamanna promised to take care of Padma maasi after Riddhima was gone.
Abhimanyu and Riddhima returned to Mumbai after completing all the ceremonies. Riddhima kept her distance from Abhimanyu, after Shubhankar had warned her. Abhimanyu was very considerate and compassionate with Riddhima. He did not probe into her personal affairs; he offered his help wherever she needed help and held back when Riddhima needed to be alone.
Armaan was home when Riddhima walked in with Abhimanyu. Riddhima paused when she saw Armaan sitting in front of the TV, flipping channels. He had not shaved in a few days, his hair was unkempt and his eyes were red from insomnia. He smiled at Riddhima's sight and got up. He saw Abhimanyu following with Riddhima's bag in his hand.
"Thanks Abhimanyu!" Armaan said and met him at the door, indirectly asking Abhimanyu to leave and not enter the apartment.
Riddhima turned around and smiled at Abhimanyu tearfully, "thanks for everything Abhimanyu….I will be grateful to you forever…..you are a great friend," she held his hand and squeezed it with her hands. Abhimanyu came forward and gave her a friendly hug, "take care of yourself Riddhima!" Abhimanyu shook hands with Armaan and took leave. Armaan's nostrils flared when he saw Riddhima hold Abhimanyu's hand and clenched his fists as Abhimanyu hugged Riddhima.
Riddhima picked her bag and walked into her bedroom
Armaan followed her, "Riddhima….kaise hain sab Ramgarh mein?"
Riddhima replied dryly, "agar formality mein poonch rahe ho, tho rehne do….aur agar genuinely poonch rahe ho, tho tumhey poonch ne ki zaroorat nahin honi chaahiye…..apne aap samajh jaana chaahiye," she took out a change of clothes from the closet and headed to the bathroom.
Armaan grabbed her wrist, "Riddhima….please aise baat mat karo…..main majboor tha….please mere saath thodi der baith jao….I need to talk to you."
Riddhima pulled away, "Armaan….please leave me alone for sometime…..I am not in a mood to talk," she went to the bathroom and shut the door behind her.
Armaan tried to follow her, but she had locked the door.
He just kicked the floor in frustration and said to himself, "jab Abhimanyu se itni baatein kar li, tho mujhse kyon karogi?" he left the room and went back to the TV remote.
Armaan and Riddhima lived like strangers for the next few weeks. They did not even communicate through their post-it notes. Armaan was upset about the whole Abhimanyu issue; he expected Riddhima to come to him and clear any misunderstandings about Abhimanyu. He expected her to run into his arms and tell him how much she missed and loved him- just like he did, but would not say it.
Riddhima was of course hurt by the fact that Armaan had not even bothered to spend anytime in Ramgarh with her family after the tragedy, but was more hurt by the fact that Armaan had not shown any respect for the late Dr Misra. She did not pay much heed to Armaan's jealousy about Abhimanyu. Riddhima would have forgiven Armaan, if he had shown even a little compassion and tried to understand her grief, and above all shown some respect to her family back in Ramgarh.
Riddhima resumed her recordings for her album. Armaan immersed himself in work and would not return till late at night. Riddhima was usually fast asleep by the time he came back. They barely touched each other; they were like perfect strangers in their tiny apartment leading parallel lives.
Riddhima's emotions are very well expressed in this song:
"ek daur wo bhi tha" from "yeh nazdeekiyan"
http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-3624.html
ek daur vo bhi tha
ek daur ye bhi hai, ek daur ye bhi hai
ek daur vo bhi tha
ham jo kah na paate the aap vo bhi sunate the
kaanton ko pare karake ek phool chunate the
ek kvaab bunate the
ek daur vo bhi tha
ek daur ye bhi hai
jo bhi kahana sunana hai kud se kahate sunate hain
phool hon ke kaante hon apane aap hi chunate the
jitane sapane toote hain utane sapane bunate hain
ek daur ye bhi hai, ye bhi hai, ye bhi hai
ek daur vo bhi tha
ham jahaan bhi jaate the saath saath jaate the
saath ladakhadaate the
saath ladakahadaate to ham sanbhal bhi jaate the -2
ek daur vo bhi tha
ek daur ye bhi hai
ab jahaan bhi jaate hain poochhate hain raste bhi
kyon akele phirate ho
is tarah sanbhalana kya lagata hai ke girate ho
ek daur ye bhi hai -2 ye bhi hai, ye bhi hai
ek daur vo bhi tha jab bahut thi nazadeeki
ek daur ye bhi hai jab hai utani hi doori
kisako dosh de koi vaqt ki ye majaboori
raat baaqi hai lekin neend ho chuki poori
ek daur vo bhi thaa, vo bhi thaa, vo bhi tha
ek daur ye bhi hai, ye bhi hai, ye bhi hai
One day, Armaan decided to appease Riddhima. He met with a realtor and took possession of a house near Juhu beach. It was a beautiful two-storey mansion with a sprawling front and backyard. It was an ex movie star's home.
"Riddhima….aaj mere saath chalo….ek surprise hai," Armaan tried to thaw the ice between them.
Riddhima stayed silent and kept doing her work.
"RIDDHIMA! For heaven sakes, please chalo mere saath…..uske baad tumhara saara gussa thanda ho jaayega….main jaanta hoon main tumhara gunahgaar hoon…..please come for my sake."
Riddhima relented and went with Armaan, "theek hai…..kahan chalna hai?" she asked dryly.
They arrived at the mansion. Armaan helped Riddhima out of the car, "Yeh raha tumhara naya ghar!"
Riddhima did not show any signs of elation. She replied sardonically, "You mean makaan? I am sorry Armaan, I don't see any point in moving to a bigger house, we are strangers in our small apartment as it is…….do you think this house will bring us closer?"
Armaan frowned and said angrily, "aakhir tum chaahti kya ho Riddhima? Har aurat ki khwaaish hoti hai ki uska ek ghar ho….aur phir tum hi tho chaahti ho ki hamara ek bachha bhi ho…..maine jee jaan lagaa ke yeh ghar khareeda hai….sirf tumhari khushi ke liye…."
Riddhima gave him an angry look, "Armaan……kaash tumne kabhie yeh socha hota ki mujhey sach much kya chaahiye…..yeh ghar tumney apne liye khareeda hai…..tumney aaj tak har cheez sirf apne liye ki hai…..kabhie kisi aur ke liye kuch kar ke dekhoge, tab pataa chalega ki khushi kise kehte hain."
Armaan held her hand, "What the hell? Yeh sab tumhare liye hi tho kar raha hoon main……please andar chalo."
Riddhima relented and just followed him. She accepted the new house as her fate; she helped Armaan move to their new house. She had lost the desire to decorate or convert the four walls of the house into a home. She had almost become stone like in her emotions.
Sid had noticed the change in Riddhima at work. Riddhima was not her usual cheerful self. She still sang with all her heart, but hardly interacted with anyone at work. She declined Abhimanyu's offers to go out for dinners or lunches.
Armaan kept his distance from Anjali after her seduction act. Anjali was also busy with her out door shooting these days. Abhimanyu and Anjali were content that Armaan and Riddhima were not as intimate with each other as they used to be. Anjali knew that it was just a matter of time before their marriage would crumble. At that point, Anjali would move into Armaan's life and his new bungalow!
Sid contacted Muskaan one day and talked to her about Armaan and Riddhima. They both wanted to help their dear friends. They knew that Armaan and Riddhima still yearned for each other; they just needed a catalyst to ignite their chemistry again.
Muskaan and Rahul had gotten married recently at a quiet ceremony, but had not thrown a post wedding reception yet.
"Riddhima….kal shaam ko Muskaan aur Rahul ka reception hai…..please tayyar rehna….wahan jaane se inkaar mat karna," Armaan pleaded.
"Theek hai!" Riddhima replied. Her replies were usually brief and to the point these days. Armaan had given up on trying to please her…..if a huge mansion could not please her, what would? He forgot those days, when Riddhima would melt at the sight of a wilted flower, as long as it was accompanied with a genuine apology. Armaan had become so possessed by materialism and a sense of fake happiness that he did not realize what Riddhima really needed and wanted.
The reception party was held at Rahul's family's farmhouse. Rahul came from a well to do family and was now a practicing general physician. Muskaan and Rahul made a perfect pair- they were unassuming, compassionate and down to earth people. Riddhima was very fond of both of them. Despite her differences with Armaan, Riddhima had managed to keep in touch with most of his friends. She hosted large parties for his colleagues and for networking purposes. On the outside, she was an ideal wife- devoted, kind and polite who looked after all her husband's needs. No one but people close to her like Muskaan and Sid could tell that Riddhima was unhappy.
At the party, Armaan mingled with the other physicians and their spouses. Anjali was not invited to the party, but Abhimanyu and Sid were present with their band.
Riddhima hung out with Muskaan and Abhimanyu most of the time. Armaan kept an eye on her and cringed every time she whispered something into Abhimanyu's ears. He wanted to take Abhimanyu to the side and beat him up black and blue.
Sid's trained eyes were not oblivious to the dynamics between Armaan, Riddhima and Abhimanyu.
After drinks and dinner, Sid announced, "I would like to congratulate the newly wed couple, Muskaan and Rahul and would like to dedicate this song to all the lovely couples here….mera saath dengi hamari nai singer, Naina Singh! I urge all the couples to come to the dance floor and dance to this evergreen number"
They both started crooning this beautiful, romantic song : "jab koi baat bigad jaaye" from "jurm"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCgtJjWwqHY&feature=related
(AR VM by neelu21)
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Armaan and Riddhima looked at each other as the song started playing. This was one of their favorite songs. Armaan looked at Riddhima longingly and walked towards her. He stretched out his hand. Riddhima was initially hesitant, but Muskaan nudged her to take his hand. Muskaan and Rahul took to the dance floor and swayed with the song.
Riddhima finally accepted Armaan's offer. They had not touched each other for weeks; they were both surprised as the first touch in weeks could still elicit the same current through their bodies, as before.
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Armaan pulled Riddhima gently into his arms. Riddhima did not resist and twined her hands with his hands. They both drifted closer and closer to each other, till there was hardly room between them.
Ho chaandni jab tak raat deta hai har koi saath
Tum magar andheron mein na chhodna mera haath
Ho chaandni jab tak raat deta hai har koi saath
Tum magar andheron mein na chhodna mera haath
Abhimanyu watched them with hateful eyes, "bane banaaye kaam par paani phir gaya…yeh Sid ki tho main khabar loonga" He went to Sid and whispered in his ear, "yeh boring gaana kyon lagaa diya?"
Sid smiled at him as he was swaying with the music, "kyon jalan ho rahi hai….tera plan fail ho raha hai?"
Abhimanyu was stunned, "plan? What do you mean?"
Sid hummed, "jab koi baat bigaadni ho….tho Abhimanyu aur Anjali ko saath le aao….main sab jaanta hoon Abhimanyu…..I overheard you and Anjali one day…..bechare Armaan aur Riddhima ke peeche kyon padhe ho….see look at them…they are madly in love with each other."
Abhimanyu fumed and looked at Armaan and Riddhima. They were both crying their hearts out; tasting each other's tears as they danced together……
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Wafadaari ki vo rasmein nibhayenge hum tum kasmein
Ek bhi saans zindagi ki jab tak ho apne bas mein
Wafadaari ki vo rasmein nibhayenge hum tum kasmein
Ek bhi saans zindagi ki jab tak ho apne bas mein
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Armaan whispered, "Riddhima…I love you jaan….please maaf kar do mujhey."
Riddhima whispered, "maafi doosron se maangte hain…apno se nahin."
Dil ko mere hua yakeen hum pehle bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka koi aaj ki baat nahin
Dil ko mere hua yakeen hum pehle bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka koi aaj ki baat nahin
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
After the song finished, Armaan and Riddhima stayed locked in each other's arms, oblivious of their surroundings. Armaan kissed Riddhima passionately on her lips to the applause of their audience. They both fumbled and looked embarrassed. Muskaan had tears in her eyes; she gave a thumbs up to Sid as Abhimanyu left the party in a haste.
Armaan and Riddhima did not stay much longer either. They rushed home and walked in with their lips locked to each other. Armaan finally lifted his wife and rushed up the stairs to inaugurate the bedroom in their new house.
Their pent up passions played havoc all night, as they could not get enough of each other…….Riddhima had never felt so liberated in her life…..Armaan gave her everything he had…..and she would cherish this gift from him all her life…….
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Indias Got Talent 11
Cricket
Anupamaa
