THIS ONE SHOT IS DEDICATED TO :
"Stop crying baby.. Diana would be fine.." Armaan Mallik said trying to console his 6yrs old son, Aditya.. "No daddy.. she is in pain.. she would leave me alone just like mom did.." Adi said crying nd brushing feathers of his lil duckling who laid quacking on the grass..
Armaan looked helplessly at Marie, Adi's care taker.. he was about to say something when Marie took hold of Adi saying "Adi Baba.. the doctor is on the way.. vo abhi aapki friend ko theek kar dengi.."
Displeased Armaan saw a lady entering the garden with a bag.. she was wearing loose top nd denims.. He frowned at her.. "Hi.. I'm Dr.Ridhhima Gupta.." she said looking at Armaan.. she was awestruck looking into those big blue while Armaan just looked the other side.. Ridhhima checked the lil duck nd turned to Marie.. "did you change any of her food or did she eat any rubbish..? I think she has a bad stomatch problem.. I've injected her she might get relief in a few minutes.." Marie smiled nd put Adi on ground..
Adi just sat by the lil duckling nd hugged her by her neck.. "I was right to think of not allowing this lackluster noisy creature into my house.. but you asked me to do that Marie.." Armaan grunted looking at Diana.. Ridhhima's temper rose at his heartlessness.. "Mr.Mallik.. you better keep your selfish thoughts to yourself.. I'm a vet I know what these lil creatures feel.. your son seems better human than you are.." Ridhhima said nd turned to Marie "Please inform me if there is any problem.. though I don't expect any.."
"Thank you.." Ridhhima heard a feeble voice when she turned to go.. She turned around nd Adi hugged her.. "You're welcome sweety.. take care of ur friend.." Ridhhima said lightly ruffling his hair with a smile.. Armaan's heart for once skipped a beat looking at that angelic smile nd green eyes but he kept his behaviour cold..
The Armaan Mallik, the hottest nd most talked about widower had his Heart shut
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
Ridhhima Had to visit Mallik's farm house frequently coz the duckling wasn't doing well.. Marie who knew Ridhhima well, used to call Ridhhima for help.. Ridhhima visits were pleasing Adi aswell.. everytime she would visit, he would just be with her nd learn new ways of taking care of Diana, the duckling..
Once Ridhhima was passing by so she dropped in to see Adi.. She greeted Marie nd then Adi.. "Dr.Ridhhima.. Diana ko kuch hua hai..?" he asked looking at Marie nd Ridhhima as Ridhhima used to visit only when Diana was uneasy.. "No Adi.. your friend is doing fine now.. I just came by to meet you.." Ridhhima said gladly..
"Sachi..?" Adi asked excitedly.. "Aunt Marie main Adi ko thodi der ke liye le jaun..? hum farm mein hi rahenge, I won't take him out.." Ridhhima said..
The day for the duo seemed like a blessing.. They played with Diana nd roamed about in the farm.. "chalo Adi hum na vahan garden mein chalte hain.." Ridhhima held his hand nd they walked "Aapko kaise pata ki vahan Garden hai..?" Adi asked.. "kyunki aapke pehle main yahan rehti thhi.."
"To kya aap issliye chali gayi kyunki aapki Mom aapko chodke chali gayi, God ke paas..?" He asked innocently implying that they shifted here coz of his mother's death.. "Nai.. main issliye gayi kyunki mere husband chale gaye God ke Paas.." She replied recollecting how beautiful moments she had spent with Raj here.. He was also a Vet nd they both came here for relaxation..
"Aapko unki yaad nai aati..?" Adi asked..
"Aati hai.. lekin ab main kuch nai kar sakti.." Ridhhima said..
"Pata hai main bohot roya thha jab maine Mom ko bye bola thha.. lekin kisi ko batana nai.. kyunki boys rote nai na.. aap royi thhi unhe bye bolte hue..?" Adi asked with slight tears.. Ridhhima shook her head.. "main unke paas nai thhi tab.. unka accident hua thha.."
"Aap mujhe Diana ke saath baat karna sikhaugi Dr.Ridhhima.." Adi asked suddenly changing the topic.. Ridhhima wondered but then realized he probably missed his mother too much nd was lonely that's why he is always with that duckling.. ridhhima Felt her anger rising realizing how Armaan seemed to have ignored the kid.. "The most talked about, Armaan Mallik.. huh..! how disgustingly self-centered this jerk is.." she thought while walking with Adi..
On the otherhand later in the evening Armaan arrived nd asked marie about Adi who was still not back.. "How could you Marie.. That's my son.. with who's permission did she took my son with her.. nd its too late what if something happens or they forget their way.. it's a damn big farm.." Armaan almost shouted.. "Armaan relax.. she knows this place well.. At some point of time this farm belonged to her nd her husband.. they hiered me as a caretaker here.. she will bring Adi well.." marie told Armaan..
"Look there they are.." Maria said pointing to the back door from where ridhhima entered with Adi in her arms.. "What the hell.. what have you done to him.." Armaan roared as he saw blood oozing out from Adi's toe..
"Nothing Daddy.. I stepped on a sharp stone by mistake.." Adi said as Armaan almost snatched him from Ridhhima.. "you better shup up Adi.. m not talking to you.. come let me see your wound.." Armaan placed him on the couch in the living room.. Armaan undid the hanky Ridhhima had tied on his wound to stop it from bleeding.. "I'm taking him to hospital.. this seems a bad cut.." Armaan said looking at marie.. "No Daddy.. I hate hospitals.." Adi whined while Armaan knew he hated them coz he had seen his mother struggling for her life there.. before he could start crying Ridhhima stepped in with her first aid box.. "Come on lil urchin.. let me do this for you.."
Ridhhima nodded nd went out while Adi shouted out happily "Bye Dr.Ridhhima.."
"See doc.. Its simple.. You're making my kind obsessed with that noisy creature Diana.. I want you to stop right here.. I can handle my son.. I don't want you around him.." He was just outside nd loud enough for Adi to hear him.. "Mr.Mallik I've heard a lot about you in town but let me tell you, You've not impressed me single bit.. you think I've made ur son obsessed to Diana.. huh.. It's you Mr.Mallik.. you're son needs someone to talk to nd play with.. he has all his grief buried inside him all because of you.. Stop running away from ur past Mr.Mallik.." Ridhhima told him nd made him even more angry..
"Enough now.. Just get out of my house.." he yelled at her while she stomped off in anger aswell..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
"You're mad at me Kiddo.." Armaan asked sitting besides Adi who was busy with his toys car nd not even looking at Armaan.. he had even declined the offer to play video game with Armaan.. Armaan had this sinking feeling, he knew what was wrong..
Armaan sat by him nd brushed his hair when he softly muttered "No.." he could hardly hear it.. "I think you are.. its okk kiddo.. we can talk about it.." Armaan said trying to convince him.. he looked up at him with those beautiful blue eyes that broke his heart.. he knew it was not just anger.. his son has been deeply hurt.. "Is it about what I said to Dr.Ridhhima..?"
Adi nodded..
"What wrong did I do.. you were hurt nd I was scared baby.." Armaan asked dreading the answer.. "Aapne daanta unhe.. ab vo kabhi mujhse milne nai aayengi.." he said softly with his lower lip quivering.. Armaan reached out to him nd held him.. "I was scared baby.. she took you nd I didn't know where you were nd then seeing ur blood, my mind went blank.." he confessed..
"No Daddy.. she is good.. humne games khele aur stories suni, cookies khaye aur jab mujhe lag gayi thhi to unhone mujhe chalne bhi nai diya.. vo mujhe utha kar yahan layi thhi.." he said in an upsetting tone..
"I'm sorry Kiddo.. I was rude to her.."
"mujhse nai Dr.Ridhhima se sorry bolo Daddy.." Adi said as a matter of factly..
Seeing Armaan nod with a small smile Adi jumped to him nd hugged him..
"to main na abhi Marie Aunty se kehta hoon ki Dr.Ridhhima ko bole ki kal aap dono Ice Cream khane ja rahe ho.." he said in all excitement nd carefully ran to Marie.. While Armaan smiled thinking of his antics nd suggesting an ice cream meeting..
Ice Cream Parlour
"Adi thought you were rude.. but important thing is what do you think mr.Mallik.." Ridhhima asked.. he nodded nd sighed "Firstly stop calling me Mr.mallik.. people call me that when they want to sell me something.."
"I'm not trying to sell you anything MR.MALLIK.." Ridhhima said making a face.. "Secondly.. I'm Sorry.. Even I think I was rude to you.. I might buy you an Ice Cream on command but I only apologise when its heart felt.." armaan said honestly..
"I was unfair to you yesterday.. nd its completely fair on ur part to be mad at me.. Possibly I was even more mad at myself.. to be honest I was guilty to never take time nd be with Adi nd Diana.. I've never taken him around the farm nd not made him cookies either.. nd I hadn't been there to console him when he was hurt.. I took it out on you.. I'm truly sorry.. will you forgive me..?"
"Yes.. all forgiven nd forgotten.." she said "You don't have to buy an ice cream if you don't want to.."
"Oh No.. I have to do that bit or Adi will go on a strike.." Armaan smiled nd went to place the order..
As they finished their third Ice Cream Ridhhima realized that her ice cream never tasted better than this.. "This was a good idea.. tell Adi I like it when he takes charge of his father.." Ridhhima teased.. "No way.. The Kid got me under control already abit too much.. there's no point encouraging the tyranny.." He said with a smile.. Ridhhima could help noticing for the first time, he had a breathtaking smile.. She wondered if knew what effect that smile has on women..
specifically her..?
"Tell me something about ur business.."
"Well we import scarps nd then renew it into things for sale.. basically expensive metal or Old cars.." he said.. "You like moulding old nd worn out things into new nd useful ones.. well I wish you could do that for my patients aswell.." She didn't have to think too long to know that he threw himself into work because he was a man running scared.. he was scared of Loving, scared of loosing nd hurting again..
"Now you tell me.. what do you like nd hate about ur work..?" he asked..
"Well I do love animals.. I like relieving them of pains nd preventing it sometimes.." she said with happy eyes.. She saw something unexpected in those Blue eyes – Respect.. "You have that special gift Dr.Ridhhima.." he said "You have that Healing touch.. what could be a better way to spend ur life as a healer - to man or the beast.."
Just as she was about to answer she was interrupted by a buzzing sound.. She looked at her mobile.. "This.." she held the her mobile.. "is what I don't enjoy being a vet.. I hardly have any meal without.." her voice trailed as she read the message she had received.. Armaan looked at her face nd knew something was wrong.. He touched her hand that was on the table while she looked up to his concerned eyes.. "The retriever I had to visit in an hour is no more.." she whispered sadly..
They kept quiet for sometime, soon Ridhhima composed herself nd confessed
"In our profession, not all vet stories have happy endings.." she said.. "How do you deal with that sort of sadness on regular basis..?" Armaan wondered..
"Its just a part of life Armaan.. we all have to die one day.."
He kept mum for a few seconds nd then whispered "I wasn't there when my wife died.." in a voice which Ridhhima could hardly hear but she did.. She decided to keep mum nd let him speak "I left the hospital just 20 minutes before.."
"Its okk.. If you'd known you would have stayed.. your wife knew your heart.. I'm sure she understood.." Ridhhima said comforting him.. he nodded "Were you with ur husband when he.." She shook her head.. "He had an accident nd died immideately.." she said.. "Does it feel strange that you couldn't say last words to him..?" he asked..
"yes.. it feels terribly strange sometimes.."
"How long does it take Dr.Ridhhima.. to overcome this feeling.." he asked innocently.. "It depends on the person.. but for me the Hurt began to fade when I let it go.." she said..
"What do you mean Doc.." he asked.. "Armaan.. the grief never leaves you until you start to let go of the guilt.. you've piled on that feeling of guilt that you were not with ur wife when she left.. Let go of it Armaan.. live for what you have now.. Live for your Son who badly needs someone to tell him that he is needed.."
"Thank you Dr.Ridhhima.. I know whatever you said is true.. nd I'll try my best.." Armaan said finally as he dropped Ridhhima to her car..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
"How was it Daddy..? where did you take her..? what did you do..?" Adi bombarded Armaan with his questions.. "Easy kid.. let me sit atleast.." Armaan said nd slumped onto the couch.. "Daddy.. did you shout at her again..?" Adi said crossing his hands on his chest..
Armaan shook his head in NO nd patted his knee asking Adi to sit in his lap but Adi didn't move.. "Aapne phir se daanta na Dr.Ridhhima ko..?" he asked with an-about-to-cry face.. Armaan picked him up nd kissed his head.. "I did not shout at your dear Dr.Ridhhima.. infact we had a gr8 time.. I didn't even chew my nails, scratched my armpits or dig my nose in front of her.." Armaan said abit chuckling at Adi's glowing face.. "nd burping..?" Adi asked frowning.. Armaan giggled nd shook his head saying NO..
"Thank you daddy.. now tell me.. did you kiss her..?" Adi asked..
"Aditya Armaan Mallik mind your words.. I'm a gentleman.. I don't seek opportunities to kiss any random lady.."
"Daddy cross your heart nd say you kissed her or not..?" Adi said
"Adi you've been watching a lot of movies.. I did not kiss her.. cross my heart.."
"okay.. Daddy can I ask you something..? but you have to honest.."
Armaan nodded while Adi stood on his knees nd cupped his face.. "You didn't kiss her na..?"
"Adi.. I Did Not kiss Dr.Ridhhima.." Armaan said in a different tone..
Adi came closer till his nose was touching Armaan's nd asked "Did you want to kiss her..?"
"Did he wanted to..?"
Hell.. Yes, Ridhhima was all he could think of while sitting in his office for a few days now, pretending to read a file while anything on his Mind was Dr.Ridhhima..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
A day before Adi's birthday.. Armaan was going to the office just to check something even though it was a holiday.. He was about to go, when he heard loud nd distinct whimpering.. It was raining badly since night nd the sound was coming from garadge.. He walked to the garadge nd looked for the source when he found A small black pup rolled into a ball in a corner.. It almost wailed with fright when Armaan picked it up.. "easy bruiser.. wheres ur mum nd other siblings.." Armaan observed it was very small to be alone.. not even his eyes were open as yet.. Armaan quickly hid him in his jacket for some warmth..
"Armaan.?" Ridhhima looked at his sudden appearance that to on a holiday.. "Umm.. I'm sorry .. I should have called before dropping by.. but it was urgent.." he added.. Ridhhima clutched her robe as she suddenly felt n*ked under his gaze.. "Umm.. come in please.." Ridhhima invited him in when she heard that sound.. "hey that's a puppy or kitten..?" she said..
"Bull eye doc.. I found this pup in my garage seems in a bad condition he was cold so I pulled him into my jacket.." Armaan opened his jacket nd took out the lil bruiser.. "Oh my.. he is famished.." Ridhhima quickly took him into a towel nd dried him.. she brought him a miniature bottle of milk which it literally attacked on..
"So.. I think my work is done.. I should go.." Armaan said getting up..
"Hey are you by any chance thinking that I'm keeping this pup..? come on you found him so take care of him na.." Ridhhima said..
"But I can't.. If I take him home Adi would claim him right away.. This pup looks very delicate right now.. I wonder if it would survive.. I don't want to see Adi hurt.." Armaan said.. "Armaan.. let Adi have him.. this would be the best gift Adi would get on his birthday.. the pup would be fine I'm sure.. he just needs some extra care that's it.." Ridhhima explained..
"I'll not keep him in my house that final Dr.Ridhhima.. if you don't want to keep him then I'll think of something else.." Armaan took the pup nd went off..
In the Afternoon
Adi was off to his mid day sleep while Armaan wa asleep in his room aswell.. he felt soft wet nose, sniffing at his ankle.. the tiny lump under the blanket slowly moved upto his pajama leg to his knee.. "Don't tell me you're hungry again bruiser.. I just fed you 2 hours ago.. even Adi was not his much of trouble when he came home, newly born.."
Armaan took the bottle again nd popped it into pup's mouth.. he was startled by a knock on the door.. he quickly covered the pup nd the bottle while Adi ran inside.. "Daddy can I talk to you.."
"Sure kiddo.. come on sit.."
"aap kya kar rahe ho..?" Adi asked, his voice still abit drowsy..
"nothing.. umm.. why..?" he fumbled..
"aap kuch chupa rahe ho daddy..?" adi caught that look..
The puppy, unhappy having his lunch interrupted let out a loud squeak.. Adi was alert.. "What was that daddy..?"
"what..?"
"that noise..?"
"Nothing kid.. I coughed okay..? it came out wrong.."
"No daddy.. It wasn't you.. its has to be something cute nd small.." he got down nd started searching when finally the pup made another sound nd Adi got it..
"Daddy.. is this my gift.. thank you daddy.. its very sweet nd best gift.." Adi said excitedly holding the pup.. Armaan took it nd fed him.. "Adi.. we're not keeping this pup.. I happened to find it in garage.. we can't keep it.." Armaan warned Adi but he was adamant..
"you don't love me daddy.. I loved this gift but you're taking it away.. it could be my friend to play with me nd Diana.." Adi said while two fat tears made their way down his cheeks.. Armaan felt guilty of hurting his kid.. its was last thing he ever wanted.. he caught hold of Adi as he turned to leave.. "We can keep it.. but only if you promise not to forget taking care of yourself with it.."
"Thank You Daddy.. I love You.. this is my family.. Adi, Daddy, Diana nd puppy.." Adi said caressing the pup.. "Thats bruiser, kiddo.."
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
Same evening..
"Ridhhima.. come here its urgent.." Armaan sounded serious on the call.. Ridhhima was surprised to see the sudden disappearance of 'Dr.' from her name..
She quickly reached Mallik farm nd found the puppy lying on the couch with Adi crying.. "Dr.Ridhhima.. bruiser is not moving.. he is my Birthday gift.." he said in between his sobs.. Ridhhima cleared Adi's tears nd checked the pup..
"That was the only reason I didn't wanted this puppy.." Armaan said in frustration as Adi fell asleep on the couch near to the pup.. "Armaan calm down.. just tell me by any chance did the puppy had something sweet..?"
"I don't know.. Adi was playing with him nd he was having jam toast aswell.." Armaan said in a worried tone looking at Adi.. "ussi ka effect hua hai.. maine medicine inject kar di hai.. bas thodi der mein he'll be fine if he wakes up for milk.." Ridhhima said..
All of them sat around in the lounge.. Ridhhima kept stroking the lil pup.. she looked at the time it was just a few minuted for Adi's birthday to start.. she passed a look at Adi nd Whispered "Plz God.. the kid has already gone through so much.. Please its his Birthday.. not on his birthday please.." Armaan could hardly hear what she had been mumbling but he could make out she was praying.. She kissed the puppy nd blew into her ear while surprisingly he stirred nd whined..
Armaan nd Ridhhima both had a wide smile seeing him fine.. She pulled him closer into the warmth nd gave him the milk bottle.. After sometime when Ridhhima kept the wrapped up pup on the couch near Adi, Armaan caught her hand..
Without a word he took her to the balcony nd held her by shoulder.. he pulled her to himself.. for a long time they stayed like that.. he held her tightly nd buried his head in her hair, saying nothing.. slowly her arms went around him too.. After along time had she felt such warmth nd belonging.. she didn't knew how much she needed his support.. someone to say that she belongs to him..
Finally he realeased her while she was shocked to see the depth of emotions in his eyes.. it felt like mirror to what she was feeling.. He took her hand nd kissed it.. "Ridhhima.. you've done so much for us.. for me.. in the time I've known you.. you've taught me how important it is to reach out to others.."
He leaned towards her nd tenderly kissed her head.. "I want to reach out to you Ridhhima.." he paused for a moment nd continued "If I do.. If I find courage to do so.. Will you be there..?" Hundered of replies rushed into her mind.. there she stood in front of a man she could easily Love.. or is already in love with..
"Armaan.. I.." she finally gathered courage nd muttered what her Heart said
"I'm here Armaan.." A second later she was pulled into his arms.. It was not a hug between friends; it was a lover's embrace.. He kissed her warm, soft nd gentle but it conveyed the deepest emotions that floated in his Heart at that moment..
His touch reminded her that she was still much of a woman.. he gave her lines of kissed while she didn't even think of resisting.. why would she when she felt it to be so Natural, so right..?
"What about Adi.." she asked as they made their way inside..
"He's gonna figure out soon anyway.. he is too fond of you to object.. he loves you nd so do I.." he kissed her head as they settled in the lounge only..
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