It Had To Be You (Part 11) AR ff pg 131 4/26/10 - Page 98

Originally posted by: bheegi

the part is almost ready....will update tonight (US time)...there is a little surprise in next one :)

Originally posted by: lilangel_soumya

hey bheegi di,

I came across your ff and I started reading it because ur title interested me
but once I started reading....I was floored by the way you have written
I mean each and every description was just so wonderful
you left me spellbound in each and every chapter
I loved the way you have described Armaan's feelings bloom from childhood friendship, to jealousy and possessiveness and finally to love(at the age of 28)
I loved the way Armaan cared about Riddhima even if he did it unknowingly
to sum it up I just wish to say that I really love your ff
you have written it so beautifully that it has left me captivated
I hope that you post the next part soon
and can you please add me to your pm list if you have one?
Looking forward to you next update

love,

soumya 😳

reserved

PART 11:

After reading some suggestions from readers, I have changed the narration here a bit to expedite the pace of the story. The basic story still remains the same though…

"Happy Birthday Riddhima!"

"Thanks Nikki. How is Denver treating you guys?"

"We love it here. What about you girl, 27 today, right?"

"Yes, another year gone by (sighs) just like all the others."

"Hey, come on Ridz….today's a special day sweetie. Cheer up. I wish I could be in New York right now. I would have taken you out to lunch."

"Don't worry Nikki. I am fine. Anyways, I am waiting for an interview right now. I will catch up with you later. Say Hi to Abhimanyu."

"Will do…take care hun and good luck at the interview. By the way, where are you interviewing?"

"New York Daily."

"Wow! I am glad you are finally doing what you've always wanted to do. They could never get a writer as good as you…bye…mwuaah!"

"Bye now," Riddhima smiled and kept the phone down. Nikki was right- she was finally doing something she had always wanted to do. It had taken years of struggle, rebellion and resistance- sometimes even passive-aggressive behavior that had finally given her the courage to take this step forward. As she waited outside the assistant editor's office, in anxious anticipation, she recalled that shuddering sensation that had become a part of a recurring nightmare in her life. Six years ago, when she had dropped out of the pre med program at Boston University in her junior (3 rd year) year at college, how she had infuriated her dad, let down his dreams, disappointed all her professors and for the first time in life, had felt like a complete loser. To date, she had never mentioned her real reason of dropping out of college, to anyone.

"Ms. Riddhima Gupta, Ms Bose will see you now."

Riddhima startled, shook off her thoughts and followed the young intern to the assistant editor's office.

"Please come in Ms Gupta!"

"Thanks."

"Nice to meet you."

Both women shook hands and sat across from each other. Riddhima hesitated a bit as the bespectacled yet elegant looking woman looked vaguely familiar.

"Rockbrook High!" The assistant editor glanced at Riddhima's resume and smiled at her.

"Yeah," a bit surprised, Riddhima looked up, "how do you know that school?"

"Well, I graduated two years before you did, from the same school."

"Oh really? What a small world?" Riddhima relaxed a bit and scratched her memory to recall who the lady was.

"Yeah, remember me?"She took her thick framed glasses off and raised her eyebrow.

"Oh my God! Anjie Bose? The..the….."Riddhima bit her lip and lowered her head.

"Ms STD…isn't that what everyone called me in high school?" Anjie laughed, "but don't worry, just call me Anjie. My husband still laughs at that nickname."

"Oh..my…I am so sorry Anjie…I mean Ms Bose. You know how high schools are."

"Yeah, especially those mean girls," Anjie chuckled, "I don't recall you as one of them though…you must have been a quiet one, right?"

"Well, I tried to stay out of trouble."

"Really? Unlike Armaan Malik?" Anjie sat up with a sly smile on her face.

Riddhima stiffened at the mention of his name, preferring silence over response. Of course, Anjie knew him- how could she forget his date with her? That was not surprising- he'd probably dated every girl in school and college.

"I am sure you remember Armaan Malik? He was quite a character, wasn't he?" Anjie chuckled and stooped forward to get a response.

"Yeah, I vaguely remember him Ms Bose. I haven't been in touch with most of my high school friends," Riddhima turned a little pale, averting her gaze.

"Oh, never mind….I just thought I'd mention his name because he considered you a good friend." Anjie shrugged her shoulders and uncapped her pen, ready to take her interview notes.

Riddhima shuffled in her chair, ill at ease; conversing about Armaan was the last thing she needed at such an important interview. Her life depended on this interview, her apartment lease was running out, she barely had $500.00 in her bank account and she had no desire to keep writing for throw-away commuter newspapers and tabloids anymore. This was her first real serious job interview, and Armaan was an undesirable distraction at this point. She had already ruined some golden years of her life thanks to him.

"Anyways, enough about high school," Anjie looked up, sensing Riddhima's discomfort, "so tell me, why do you want this job, or rather why do you think you would be a good fit for our paper? New York daily is a prestigious paper, and frankly, so far, your work experience doesn't stand out amongst a large number of applicants for this job."

"I know Ms Bose. My resume doesn't do justice to my talent."

"Hmm, you might be right, because you were quite a brilliant student in high school….wow a perfect SAT of 2400! GPA 4.2! You were definietly Ivy League material. But looks like you opted for the seven year combined undergrad and medical program at Boston University. Interesting!"

"Yeah, my dad really wanted me to go into medicine."

"Oh…I see…then why did you drop out in your junior (3^rd) year? I am sure you could have just changed tracks and completed your graduation at the end of the forth year. Why drop out of college? You realize that a college dropout is a big NO-NO for most employers?"

Riddhima lowered her eyes, "I-I understand Ms Bose. I was young and immature at that time."

"Oh, well…we have all been there are some points in our life, haven't we?" Anjie smiled, "but why did you not transfer to another college?"

"For personal…and health reasons."

"Oh, I am sorry. I hope it wasn't anything serious." Anjie mellowed down a bit.

"It wasn't," Riddhima shook her head, "but it was severe enough to kill my motivation."

"I see a two year gap in your resume after you dropped out…what happened Riddhima? I promise I will keep it confidential and whatever you tell me will not be counted against you at this interview."

"Yeah, I had moved to California."

"Why California?"

"I just wanted to be far from the East coast."

"What about your parents?"

"Dad was unhappy that I quit college."

"Hmm…so what did you do in California?"

"Odd jobs. Worked as a nanny, waitress, even a bar tender."

"That's unusual for an Indian kid, isn't it? Your parents are quite well off, aren't they?"

"Yeah, but I had let them down. I didn't want to burden them any more."

"Wow! You are a brave girl….I admire that."

"Not that brave Anjie," Riddhima smiled wryly, "I was a timid girl then. Just couldn't handle imperfections in my life." This interview had become more of a therapy session but there was something about Anjie that gave Riddhima the faith to confide in her.

"Why do you say that?"

………………………………………………………….

ARMAAN'S NARRATION:

It was summer after high school graduation. Mom and dad had given up on my chances of moving up on the eternal college wait list. Reluctantly, I enrolled myself in a local community college. I still recall those few months of summer, when I felt such a loser. While all my friends talked about dorms, college campus orientations, what computers they would but for college, I just sulked and shot hoops in my backyard. My friends called me a party pooper as I had no desire to celebrate their success stories while they just gave me sympathy: Maybe next year Armaan, you never know till the end, some people got accepted a week before fall session, use a good college counselor for your college apps next year etc etc. There was no dearth of advice, just a drought of hope.

To add salt to my wounds, you left for Boston early that summer. You had enrolled in a summer college program at Boston University. I don't know why you went all the way to Boston when there were tons of great programs for high school students in New York. I missed you terribly, but never tried to contact you. I felt like a loser, I had let you down, and I didn't want you to feel sorry for me just because you were a friend.

By the end of July, I had filled out all paper work for the community college when an envelope in the mail, surprised me to tears: I HAD BEEN ACCEPTED AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY!

I jumped five feet in the air and pretty soon, the whole neighborhood, desi community and my school friends had heard that I was finally not a big loser- better late than never- dad lifted me in his arms just as he used to when I was a little kid and twirled me around in his muscular arms. Mom went to the temple and served a free meal to all visitors that day.

You were back from Boston. I couldn't wait to give you the good news.

"Armaan!" I was shocked when you gave me a big hug as soon as I walked into your house, "I am so happy for you."

"Me too! I am happy for ME!" I was in seventh heaven, your arms around my neck and a college admission in my back pocket, what else could a guy like me want at that moment? Dad was right- better late than never!

"I can't believe you are going to BU! I just got back from there." You were jumping with joy like a little girl, still hanging from my arms. I savored each moment of that hug and held on to you snugly.

"Congratulations Armaan!" Padma aunty's voice had me startled. I let go of you and hugged your mom, "Riddhima is my good luck charm auntie, wonder if she bribed them or something," I chuckled facetiously, but was surprised to see you turn red at my comment.

"WHY WOULD I DO THAT?" You were upset.

'Oops…I was just kidding Riddhima. Of course, I know those things don't work, but if they did, would you have done that for me?" I winked, teasing you again, but you were not amused.

"NO WAY! ONE GETS WHAT THEY DESERVE!" Any mention of immoral conduct was a sure shot way to get you all riled up.

"Yes, of course," I touched my ears apologetically, "I know I deserve this admission, rather BU has finally woken up from the dead. It's their gain while the other colleges are losers!"

"No need to gloat Armaan," you rolled your eyes, "consider yourself lucky and hope you don't goof up at college."

"Me and goof up? Are you kidding? I am the most serious animal on this planet," I made a serious face while both you and auntie burst out laughing.

My happiness had no bounds. I had been accepted at the Center for Digital Imaging and Arts at BU. Somehow, someone at the Digital arts center had noticed my talent in photography and that had triggered the call from the University.

My undergraduate days were the happiest days of my life- no parental hovering, I did courses I enjoyed rather than cramming subjects just to get a passing grade and then the big surprise that you had accepted an early admission at BU's seven year medical program! When I heard the news, I couldn't believe my ears: RIDDHIMA IS JOINING BOSTON UNIVERSITY? I was shocked; too numb to respond and extremely happy to express.

I remember when I went home over Christmas, while everyone was congratulating you on the early admission, Shashank uncle was the only one mourning. Why was I surprised? By his standards, BU was a second tier college, way below the top notch Ivy League colleges- how could his daughter settle for mediocrity?

"Congratulations uncle!" I walked into your house with a big card and flowers for you.

"Congratulations? For what?" Uncle ignored the flowers and card in my hand.

"I heard Riddhima has accepted the BU admission."

"She is crazy! With her grades, she can easily go to an Ivy League college. I don't know why she has chosen BU of all places."

"It's a great university uncle. Even I am there."

"Exactly! That's why I don't want her to go there."

I was both startled and hurt. If there was one person on this planet who I detest to this day- it's your dad. I wasn't such a loser as he always made me feel.

Without replying, I walked past him, defying his angry glares and walked up to your room.

My heart went out to you when I saw you crouched up in bed, sobbing on the pillow.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE RIGHT NOW!" You yelled without looking up.

"Ok, don't open your eyes then, just hear what I have to say," I sat down next to you and had a brilliant idea to snap you out of self pity mode, "hey babe! I had no idea you had such a crush on me. Why didn't you tell me before? Now I know why you have chosen BU."

"SHUT UP ARMAAN!" I managed to get the desired response from you. With a pillow in hand, you smacked the hell out of me. Soon, I was rolling on the floor, trying my best to escape your pillow and verbal assaults, "YOU ARE SUCH A SWANK! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"

"HEY! HEY! I WAS KIDDING! WHY WOULD A GIRL LIKE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT A GUY LIKE ME?" I pulled the pillow with my hands and threw it away.

"Of course, why would a brilliant girl like me choose a college just for a guy like you?" You stood over me with hands on your waist, hair more messy than a bird's nest, face more loopy than a druggie's.

'Yeah, a brilliant but scary girl. Are you dressed as a scarecrow today? It's not even Halloween."

'ARMAAN!" More punches were showered at me but then like a typical girl you burst out into tears, loud bawls filled the room as you plopped back on your bed.

"I know I am a bad girl….sob…sob…. no one likes me…sob…sob….I am ugly, scary and a Halloween mask….sob…sob..I hate myself!"

I had never seen this aspect of your personality before- you were acting like a typical teenage girl!

I wanted to scream: NO, RIDDHIMA YOU ARE A GOOD GIRL, THE BEST GIRL I HAVE EVER KNOWN, AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THIS WORLD!

As always, I shied away from speaking the truth. Instead, I tapped on your head, "it's my lucky day Riddhima. For a change you hate yourself and not me!"

BAH! BAH! BAH! I HATE YOU TOO

"Yeah…that's more normal…..okay, I am sorry Riddhima. I didn't mean it that way. Why are you so upset? I am so happy I will be your senior at college too. Maybe we can resume our chess club there."

"Dad is really upset with me," you sat up, sobbing. I wiped your face with the corner of the bed sheet, "I though he wants you to be a doctor. So, what's the problem? This way you will be in and out in seven years…no MCATS, no med school applications."

"Exactly," you pulled the sleeve of my sweat shirt and wiped your drippy nose with it. I had never seen you do that either, but I loved it- I loved your snot on my sleeve! "That's what I have been saying to him, but he doesn't understand. He wants me to go to Harvard, Yale or Princeton."

"So, why do you want to go to BU?" I lowered my voice and gazed into your eyes, hoping to hear what I wanted to hear.

"I love that program! I met them last summer when I was there." You replied defiantly.

"Oh…really? I thought it was because of me." I pouted, just to tease you.

"You are crazy Armaan," you chuckled, wiped your face and got up, "leave me alone Armaan. I need some time with myself."

"Naaa…not yet! Let's go celebrate. There is a new ice cream place around the corner."

"Okay," you sighed, relenting more easily than I had anticipated.

"Hey hey..hey," I snapped my fingers at you, "ice creams are like colleges….come with me only if you want to eat ice cream, not because you want to make me happy…got it?"

You smiled at my wink, trying to read between the lines, "you have a weird way of equating ice creams to important decisions in life Armaan."

"A dim wit like me cannot think beyond small pleasures in life," I laughed as I walked out to my car in anticipation of our umpteenth ice cream date.

………………………………………………………..

"Why do you say that?"

"It's a long story Ms Bose."

"Well, if that's the case, let's go and get some lunch. How about I treat you to a birthday lunch?" Anjie picked her purse and stood up.

"What about the interview?" Riddhima was confused.

"That was a mere formality," Anjie smiled.

"Formality? You mean the position was already filled?"

"Yeah, I had decided to hire you the moment I read your article in the evening paper on the commuter rail last week," Anjie grinned, "shall we?"

"I don't believe it!" Riddhima had tears of joy in her eyes.

"Come on birthday girl. Spare some tears for another day," Anjie placed her arm around Riddhima's shoulders and walked out with her, "what kind of food would you like?"

"I am not picky."

"Japanese?"

"Sure!"

The two women settled down for a leisurely lunch at a nearby Sushi place.

"So, now that we are off record, I want to hear everything." Anjie settled back in her seat with a glass of Japanese beer.

"Why are you so interested in finding information about me?"

"I am a journalist Riddhima…just like you. We are curious people. Your story intrigues me."

"What do you want to know?"

"Ok, why did you go to BU?"

"What?"

"Why did you go to BU? You had many other options."

"F-for dad….he wanted me to be a doctor…so I chose the sure shot way to please him."

"Why did you go to BU?" Anjie stooped forward and glared intensely into her eyes. Riddhima tried to avert her eyes, but couldn't lie anymore.

"B-because…because…of Armaan."

….to be contd….

Wow, Bheegi! It was a shocker. Don't know how to react. All I have is questions - why did Riddhima drop out of school? What did Armaan do to her? Why med school when she knew her interest was in journalism? And, she isn't in touch with Armaan? What about super-mom Padma - why didn't she intervene? It seems loser turned out to be a winner and winner a loser. Something very bitter could have happened .

It was nice how Armaan tried to cheer Riddhima up after her admission. It seems reaalllllllllly strange that Riddhima will do this to her career, even for Armaan's sake 😕.

Did you have all this planned? And, it is her 27th birthday. Isn't this the day when her ' I hate you' tune changes? I hope you update really soon.

Although, I liked this style too but the original one was really good and unique. I know you have been getting different reviews, so dont bother changing just for me. I like your fic whichever way you write. The story is what I go for, and you sure know how to be creative. Please join the Cinevistas' Creative Team :-D!

awsome part bheegi..👏👏👏👏👏

hey di finally after so many days u continue

Hi, Di... Thanks for the update....

Yeah it was definitely surprise.... she started liking Armaan. And I Think she is the one who presented the Armaan's photograph and how talented he was.

But more than that the shocking was Riddima and her decision. She dropped out of college at 3rd year and after that she was in CA....

Means Very SHOCKING TWIST HAVE HAD HAPPEN AT BU!...

umm lemme guess... She started liking Armaan. they stayed and spent time together with each other a lot. And Ms. Goody and Mr. Naughty/Confident got carry over and she lost her virginity... I m guessing as I m going to college as well. And 8/10 times girls do such things which she regrets later...

But she must have kept secret that she might have got pregnant.... and drop out of college.... (this makes sense as for Ridzi part).

What about Mr. Confident? did he not take his responsibility? No clue.

Anjie Bose. She looks confident as always. One thing is clicking me WHY she is so much interested in Riddima's life from high school till now? How come she knows about her but trying to find a real reason behind AR's break-up? What's her REAL reason behind hiring her at New York Post?

I hope she is an ANGEL for AR.....

Sorry very short analysis....I am eagerly waiting for more twist and surprises....

TC.
Krina

P.S.: I liked both style of writing... both have their uniqueness in its place.... I like the original one better cause it was more about Armaan's feeling and his goofness while others were kept at dark..... I liked that one better for one more reason cause he is the one who fell in love with princess and he was different than rest but also more messy, lack of confidence in speaking of love and confused what he wants. Especially, He himself doesn't know WhO is ARMAAN? and Don't know what his goal are?

Even this pace was good and faster with both perceptive. which is better at some point in writing. Now with both perceptives readers are able to follow and know why, & what would have happened?

I liked reading so both styles work good for me yet You pick what's the best way you can write and express the story and excitement.

:) :):):)

yayieee bheegi! you got the update on here and i'm so glad you did - it always makes my day to read a morning update from you - turns out our opposite time zones at the moment are more to my favor than when we were both eastern time =)

although i wasn't at all irked by a slow pace in your fic previously, the shift of gear sure is a welcome move! i like how you're rattling more frequently between present and past now ... and anjie is the perfect character to fit this suit - you sure know how you;re using who and where in this fic bheegi, and that's going great guns! i'm wandering in circles trying to comment and compliment - lets just say i enjoyed the part as always, maybe a little more, but then i always seem to think that for every new update in this fic!

cheers,
nj =)

😳I LOVE WEN RIDDHIMA SAID :BECAUSE OF ARMAAN"
WHY DID U STOP THERE...WANTED READ MORE N MORE....I LOVE UR WRITING STYLE SO MUSCH
ITS AWESOME...TILL LAST PART IT WAS ONLY ARMAAN'S VIEW....
WILL LOVE TO SEE IN RIDDHIMA'S VIEW ALSO...
SHANSHANK VERY BAD....LIKE GETTING IN BOSTON UNIVERSITY IS EVERYONE'S DREAM....N HE SAID IT IS FOR THE LOSERS..REALLY FELT BAD FOR ARMAAN..I REALLY LOVED ARMAAN RIDDHIMA MOMENTS....
IT WAS SIMPLY SUPERB
I REALLY LOVED ANJIES CHARACTER....A VERY DYNAMIC CHARACTER...
FRIENDLY BOSS....GOOD.....AS WELL AS A WORKING LADY :)
"Odd jobs. Worked as a nanny, waitress, even a bar tender."
...NEVER THOUGHT RIDDHIMA WOULD DO THESE KIND OF JOBS....
"I know I am a bad girl….sob…sob…. no one likes me…sob…sob….I am ugly, scary and a Halloween mask….sob…sob..I hate myself!"
I REALLY FELT BAD FOR HER......I KNOW WAT IT FEELS WEN SUM1 CANT STAND UP TO HIS OR HER PARENTS WEN SUM1 DISSAPOINT THEIR PARENTS......
I wanted to scream: NO, RIDDHIMA YOU ARE A GOOD GIRL, THE BEST GIRL I HAVE EVER KNOWN, AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THIS WORLD!...ARMAAN IS SUCH A SWEETHEART.....I REALLY ADMIRE HIS CHARACTER...

you pulled the sleeve of my sweat shirt and wiped your drippy nose with it. I had never seen you do that either, but I loved it- I loved your snot on my sleeve! ".............HE IS REALLY ON TOP OF THE WORLD.....I LOVE HIS ANTICS...AS WELL AS RIDDHIMA'S....THESE SMALL ANTICS MAKE SUM PEOPLE SO SPECIAL :)


"ice creams are like colleges….come with me only if you want to eat ice cream, not because you want to make me happy…got it?....IT WAS SERIOUSLY SO SWEET OF HIM....ICECREAMS R REALLY IMPORTANT :P........

"A dim wit like me cannot think beyond small pleasures in life," I laughed as I walked out to my car in anticipation of our umpteenth ice cream date. SERIOUSLY IT GIVES US SO MUCH PLEASURES...WHETHER ITS SMALL OR BIG...MAKING SUM1 HAPPY BY THESE PLEASURES IS THE BEST THING ... :)

"B-because…because…of Armaan."I LOVED THIS LINE SO SO SO MUCH..........

….to be contd….N I HATEDD THIS LINE AS U STOPPED THERE...I WAS ENJOYING IT AND U STOPPED IN SUCH A PLACE THAT URGHHHHHHHHH.....UPDATE SOON PLZZZZZZ

BIGGEST COMMENT EVER BY ME.......PHEW :)

I LOVE UR FF SO MUCH....ITS SO SIMPLE BUT SO DIFFERENT...I REALLY LOVE THE ESSENCE OF UR WRITING...IT GIVES A SPECIAL FLAVOUR TO ALL......PLZ UPDATE SOON

LOVE

DEBADRITA