Hey everyone!😛
Well, well, lemme say, the comments are getting scarce by the day! Is it that people are no longer interested int his FF and I'm simply slogging ahead? If so, do lemme know, I'll stop right away! Your comments/ criticism are highly essential for me to write further so please make sure you leave your say!
So! Are you guys ready for the bomb? I've tried to make the update nice and long with ample AR moments so make sure you leave nice, long essay sized, comments/criticisms! So, go ahead, enjoy!
Recap: Garv's arrival, party discussion and AR's second dance session!
Chp. 48 The rain kiss
With the blink of an eye, Saturday already arrived and Sunday was the day of the grand party. Most of the preparations were already done. The theme being a masquerade ball, it was even more exciting.
"Ridhima, what are you wearing to the ball tomorrow?" asked Nikita breaking Ridhima's reverie.
"Huh?"
Ridhima was thinking about Maan. She didn't really realize why her thoughts more ever than often always drifted to Maan. They hadn't had any other dance practices since their second session and nor had Maan mentioned anything about one. Well may be she didn't need those practices anymore because two sessions had been quite sufficient and she already felt she wasn't alien to the moves anymore. Probably Maan thought the same and hence he had been tight-lipped on the topic.
"Ridhima, what are you gonna wear to the ball, honey?" Nikita repeated.
"Erm, dunno, haven't decided yet. The theme's white right?"
"Yup, white for the ladies and black for the gentlemen."
Ridhima needed help on this one, thought Nikita.
"So when do you actually plan to finalize your outfit?"
"Probably after I finish my chores for the day."
"What are you doing now?"
"Um, nothing."
"Fine, then come along." Nikita dragged Ridhima to her room and closed the door behind them.
"Nikita, what?"
"Honey, the ball's tomorrow and you haven't even decided your wardrobe, so I thought you could definitely do with some help."
Ridhima grinned.
"So here, have a look at this. I have some stuff here; you choose and pick whatever you like. I seldom use any of it."
As Nikita showed everything Ridhima just stared agape. In the first closet there were probably not less than hundred handbags, sunglasses, wallets and hand purses. In another there were shoes, sandals, stilettos, slippers. Then another which held jewellery and accessories ranging from beautiful and exquisite rings, bracelets, earrings, neck pieces, wreaths, sashes, etc of diamonds, pearls, platinum, gold and silver and yet another huge one which was divided into compartments and consisted clothes ranging from tops, trousers, denims, jackets, skirts, salwar suits, sarees, gowns and scarfs.
As Ridhima took in everything she thought that one could probably open a whole big store with all the stuff.
"Nikita, I.. What..?"
"Well Ridhima, this is all I have. Have a look and in case you don't like any of this we can pick something else from my designers," said Nikita.
"Nikita thanks for your generosity but am I crazy to not like anything from here? This is probably a huge store full of stuff that you have," replied Ridhima awestruck.
Nikita grinned. She started picking various gowns and asked Ridhima to try them out. Ridhima was reluctant but Nikita convinced her and so commenced the fashion show. One by one Ridhima tried different gowns and showed them to Nikita but she wasn't impressed. After trying almost every gown in Nikita's closet and getting a disapproval from her, Ridhima was shocked. She sat down on the bed frustrated.
"Nikita, what is wrong with these gowns? They're all so beautiful. Look at this, this satin one is so beautiful and this silk and tissue one, it looks exactly like the one which I saw in a recent issue of Vogue."
"They're beautiful Ridhima, no doubt. But I want something different for you, something exclusive."
"Exclusive? Excuse me, but who's the Princess here? You or me? So who needs the exclusive one?"
"Shut up Ridhima, I shouldn't have showed these to you in the first place."
"Believe me girl, you can ask anyone, there's nothing wrong in these," said Ridhima.
There was a knock on the door and Nikita decided to check out. It was Maan. He'd wanted a quick word with Nikita. She poked her head inside and asked Ridhima, "You wanna ask Maan whether these are perfect, or better, how about ask him to choose one for you?"
Ridhima turned a crimson shade and threw a pillow at Nikita, "Shut up!"
Nikita ducked in time.
"Oops! Someone's angry, nope wait, someone's blushing! Oh my God! What's the matter, huh?" asked Nikita walking in.
Ridhima just remained silent but kept blushing.
"Wait a minute, whom are you going to the ball with?" Nikita asked. "Maan?"
Ridhima nodded.
"Ooh... Something's brewing," Nikita teased.
"Nikita I think we're here to discuss gowns and we're still on ground zero right?"
Nikita laughed, "Yeah let's go, we'll pick something really becoming for you."
***
They quickly drove to the designer's studio and received a warm welcome from Garcy, the designer, a petite lady in her early forties. Nikita quickly explained what exactly she was looking for in the gown and Garcy showed them some exclusive designs and as expected, Nikita found what she was looking for but she didn't just want to force her choice on Ridhima and she also knew that Ridhima would never voice her choice and so Nikita kept an eye on Ridhima's expressions. With each gown they asked Ridhima to try, Nikita realized that Ridhima was a pro at keeping clear expressions. Finally, the gown which Nikita had liked at first sight was the one which Ridhima liked too and Garcy also felt that it was the best choice for Ridhima. After suggesting a few changes here and there, Nikita and Ridhima left the studio with an assurance from Garcy of getting the gown delivered by night. Nikita didn't pick any new gown for herself because she already had many and there never was any occasion where she had worn them since Ajay's death.
Nikita then decided to take Ridhima to the Jewelers' but Ridhima kept refusing persistently. She had already taken a massive favor from Nikita by accepting that lavish and expensive gown and now the thought of letting Nikita buy her complementing jewellery too left Ridhima flabbergasted. However, Nikita had her way and convinced Ridhima that this was the last time that she was showering her with gifts and expensive stuff and Ridhima could rest assured that there wouldn't be any more coming her way, not from Nikita at least. After picking something really elite and elegant, they headed back to the palace.
***
By the time Ridhima finished the few remaining chores and retired for the night, it was 10 p.m. She lay in bed and as usual her thoughts drifted to Maan. How would the ball tomorrow be? Would everything go well? Her dance sessions with Maan played in her mind and they definitely brought a cute smile to her lips. The buzz of her cell phone shrilled her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Maan.
Need a last practice before the ball. See you in the music room in 10.
She smiled but she was already too tired because of the running around today. She sighed and dragged herself to the music room. Maan wasn't there yet. She walked around, checked the CD's and waited for Maan. She spotted a door which opened to a beautiful garden. The Shishodiyas were truly nature lovers, she thought. The weather was cool with a soft breeze blowing. She leaned against the parapet enjoying the weather and waiting for Maan.
"Enjoying the weather?" Maan walked in and handed her a mug.
"Yeah," she replied and thanked him for the mug.
"So you ready for one last practice before the final show?"
"I'm too tired."
"Well, the contents of that mug should help alleviate your fatigue."
"Hmm... Smells delicious."
They made themselves comfortable on the grass under the luminescent sky and drinking a sinfully delicious concoction of coffee, chocolate and cream did heighten Ridhima's spirits and killed her stress.
The weather turned cooler still and to their surprise an unexpected and unseasonal shower rained down. Ridhima was delighted. In her delight, she sprang up from her place and opening her arms wide, swirled in the rain enjoying the kiss of the raindrops against her face and body. Maan was surprised. She made a beautiful sight dancing out there in the rain. She beckoned him to join her but he refused. When she asked him again an idea struck him. He nodded in the positive and disappeared in the room and moments later music filled the garden drifting from the room. Ridhima was surprised. Maan approached her and offered his hand. Ridhima's heartbeat suddenly was racing.
No! Not now Ridhima, not now...
Ridhima knew she should refuse, her brain told her so. Instead, one look at those piercing blue eyes, those strong shoulders, those locks of dark hair getting rapidly soaked with rain, that heart-warming smile and she felt she had no right to refuse him. Before she could stop herself she found herself taking his hand. He placed his one hand on her shoulder and the other on her waist and they began swaying gently with the music.
Tumhi ehsaason mein…tumhi jazbaaton mein…
Tumhi lamhaaton mein…tumhi din raaton mein…
Maan's eyes found Ridhima's and she found them full of intense love and fixated on hers. Before she knew it, Maanpulled away the clip holding her hair and the roll came tumbling down in waves, the rain drenching every single strand.
Bakhuda… tumhi ho, Har jagah, tumhi ho…
Haan main dekhun jahaan jab…uss jagah… tumhi ho…
Maan twirled her around on his finger and away from him and then again pulled her back ever so swiftly and gently to land in his arms. She was delirious due to his natural fragrance.
Ye jahaan… tumhi ho, wo jahaan… tumhi ho…
Iss zameen se falak ke…darmiyaan… tumhi ho…
They swayed together in each other's arms, unaware of time or their surroundings. They forgot everything but themselves.
Tum hi ho… beshubaa….tum hi ho…
Tum hi ho…. mujhmein haan...tum hi ho….
Tum hi ho…tum hi ho…
Maan spun her around in one regal turn and dipped her low, brought her back-up, turned again. She was mesmerized when she turned into his arms and placed her hand on his shoulder again.
Kaise bataayein tumhe…aur kis tarah … ye…
Kitna tumhe hum, chahte hain…
Sayaan bhi tera dikhe…to paas jake…
Uss mein simat hum jaate hain…
A wet strand of hair fell on Ridhima's face. Maan tucked it behind her ear, his fingertips gently brushing her skin. The touch sent a sizzling sensation through every nerve in her body.
Raasta… tumhi ho, rehnuma… tumhi ho…
Jiski khwaahish hai humko…wo panaah tumhi ho…
Tum hi ho… beshubaa….tum hi ho…
Tum hi ho…. mujhmein haan...tum hi ho….
The rain poured down on the two souls lost in paradise drenching them not with its wet droplets but their own love.
Tumhi ehsaason mein…tumhi jazbaaton mein…
Tumhi lamhaaton mein…tumhi din raaton mein…
Their bodies touched, swayed apart and then touched again as the music continued to play. They could inhale each other's fragrance whenever they came close and when they drifted apart they would, as though magnetically attracted, come twirling back towards each other.
Kaise bataayein tumhe…shabb mein tumhaare…
Khwaab haseen jo aate hain…kaise bataayein tumhe…
Lafz wo saare…jism ko jo mehkaate hain…
Ridhima and Maan's eyes were glued to each other with mesmerizing captivity. Ridhima was totally oblivious to the fact that her heartbeat was galloping. She was too dazed by Maan's presence to realize anything.
Iftidaar… tumhi ho, intehaan… tum hi ho…
Tum ho jeene ka maqsad…aur wajah tumhi ho…
Bakhuda… tumhi ho, Har jagah, tumhi ho…
Haan main dekhun jahaan jab…uss jagah… tumhi ho…
Maan twirled her around and swirled her away and brought her back to him. He gently lifted her by the waist, performed a soft and gentle yet regal turn and brought her back to the floor. As she slid down his arms, his fingers on her waist sent delicious tremors within her.
Ye jahaan… tumhi ho, wo jahaan… tumhi ho…
Iss zameen se falak ke…darmiyaan… tumhi ho…
Tum hi ho… beshubaa….tum hi ho…
Tum hi ho…. mujhmein haan...tum hi ho….tum hi ho….tum hi ho…
As Ridhima swayed in Maan's arms, their bodies barely a hairsbreadth apart, Ridhima realized up close he was extremely overpowering. She had to resist the temptation to stare like a dizzy schoolgirl. She looked up into his eyes, dazed. The lamplight in the garden illuminated his strong features and sinfully sensuous mouth. He dipped his head, and her heart skipped a beat and before she knew it, their lips met and an inexplicably delicious sensation burst through every vein in their bodies. Maan's hands were wrapped around her waist and Ridhima unknowingly locked her hands around his neck. It was a kiss of sweetness, a kiss of tenderness, yet one which very well conveyed their innermost feelings and desires.
The moon and the stars shone brightly upon them, the stars glittered in the blue and black night. The clouds were still pouring when suddenly lightning slashed the skies, accompanied simultaneously by a clap of thunder so loud it shattered a beautiful dream and brought Maan and Ridhima crashing back to reality. They broke the kiss and Ridhima was left astounded as to what she'd done. She just stared at Maan for a moment, then without a backward glance or a word rushed out.
Yudhishter sighed. He wasn't shocked by her reaction. In fact, he would have been surprised had she not run away. This was exactly what he'd expected her to do. She hadn't really been taken unawares by his kiss, she'd responded, like he'd expected her too. Now he knew whether he should make the next move or not. And he would make the next move-tomorrow, after the ball...
*****
P.S: Okay people! Hope you enjoyed this! My knowledge about music and dance is pitiable, so please excuse my bloopers... I am not a big music freak, but this song was in my head for a while and I thought it wud go wid the current theme of my FF! Feel free to comment and criticize! SILENT READERS! IT'S HIGH TIME YOU REVEAL YOURSELF!!!
Cricket
Anupamaa
272