FF-humari dosti humara pyaar NEW part 54 pg32 - Page 25

Armaan sat down next to riddhima who was engrossed in her folder...

Armaan: hey...

Riddhima: hey armaan

She glanced at him and then back to the folders and immediately looked back at him in surprise...

Riddhima: armaan!? (she said surprised to see him) what are you doin here??

Armaan: why?? Shouldn't i be here (he smirked)

Riddhima: no. I mean thats not what i meant, but i thought you were at the hospital with rahul...

Armaan: yehh i could be, but decided to stay with you (he smiled)

Armaan and riddhima looked at eachother smiling...

Armaan: oh also...here you go...

He took hold of riddhimas hand and placed her now fixed phone in her hand...

Riddhima: you fixed it!!!

Armaan: yep and it works, dont worry...

Riddhima: thank you armaan...

Armaan: you are most welcome...

And just then he yawned...riddhima looked at him feeling guilty...she remembered that he hasn't had a single moments worth of sleep and that too because of her...armaan noticed and smiled...

Armaan: im okay don't worry...and continue with your work.. (He said as he got a book out to read) what are you doing by the way...

Riddhima: im just looking at these textile portfolios of some ex students you know to get some inspiration...

She continued to look at the folders...

Riddhima: i realised i have sorta reached a dead end with my work...i have no clue about the colours, my designs, my presentations...if i continue at this rate there is no way i am going to get my A or A*

She continued to ramble on...talking away and then she looked at armaan who was fast asleep leaning his head against the table...she smiled looking at him...

Riddhima: so sweet...

She slightly stroked his hair...and then she grabbed her hoodie and slowely put it under his head so he can use it as a pillow and got his hoodie to use as a blanket...once she covered him with his hoodie she smiled...

Riddhima: sleep well armaan (she whispered)

Ra.mom: rahul beta, im fine...why did you leave school??

Rahul sat down next to his mother...holding her hand smiling...

Ra.mom: voh bhi puri fauj ke saath!! (She said slightly laughing at rahul, atul and muskaan)

Atul: not a problem aunty, vesey bhi yeh toh kuch bhi nahi hai its was only tutor period and PE...hum apkeliye kuch bhi karsakte hai...

Ra.mom: kuch bhi??

Atul: kuch bhi (he smiled and winked)

It had been a while since rahuls mom had been conscious...she seemed well, up and happy, but they all noticed that she was slightly weaker than normal...he energy levels were low...but they knew that after a while she would be back to her usual self...she looked at rahul who now had teary eyes and was avoiding her gaze...she lifted his head up and caressed it...

Ra.mom: im sorry beta...

Rahuls shook his head saying no...

Ra.mom: i didn't tell you anything only because i didn't want you to stop living...i wanted you to have a normal childhood...

Rahul: i know mom...(his eyes became slightly teary)

Ra.mom: you are my strong beta na...

Rahul nodded: i love you mom

Ra.mom: i love you too beta (and they hugged) but still, you guys should be at school right now...

Rahul: don't worry maa...

Atul: exactly aunty...dnt you worry...riddhima sorted it all out...

Muskaan looked at atul surprised and nudged him to to stop talking...

Rahul looked at atul confused: riddhima??

Atul looked at muskaan with a small smile...while muskaan glared her eyes at him...

Atul: whoops! (he said innocently)

Atul looked at a confused rahul...

Atul: haan riddhima...without her we wouldn't even be here...haina muskaan???

Rahul looked at muskaan...

Muskaan: h...haan...emm...

Rahuls mom looked at muskaan who was lost for words...and then at atul who was smiling...she instantly knew what was happening...

Rahul got up looking at muskaan...he got up and left the room immediately...

Muskaan: ra..rahul...

She called out for him and followed...

Rahuls mom looked at atul...

Atul: it slipped out (he said with a cheeky smile)

Ra.mom: i see (she smiled)

Atul sat down next to rahuls mom who was looking out at the door watching muskaan talk to rahul...

Ra.mom: she really does love him...

Atul nodded: haan, but she shows it in the wrong way...

Rahul mom raised her eyebrows...

Ra.mom: you know??

Atul: do you know?? (he questioned back)

Ra.mom: atul...(hinting him to spit it out)

Atul: armaan told me...but what do you know??

Ra.mom: everything...

They both talked about rahul, riddhima and muskaan...

Ra.mom: atul beta...you guys need to fix this soon...

Atul nodded: don't worry aunty...i know i have made muskaan somewhat realise that she is wrong...and i will not give up until she herself goes to riddhima and takes her to rahul...

Rahuls mom smiled at atul...

Ra.mom: in the mean time you can also add some sense into riddhima and armaan (she said grinning)

A playful smile came across atuls face...

Atul: you see it too??

Ra.mom: ofcourse...they are good together (she winked)

Atul: at least im not the only one who noticed (he said as he laughed...

The school bell rang at the end of the school day...riddhima closed her books and looked over at armaan who was still sleeping...she smiled looking at him so peacefull...

Riddhima: maybe i should wake him up...

She didn't know whether she should wake him up or not...but it was time to leave...she decided that she would pack away their things...and maybe in the mean time he would wake up...

She put their school books in their bags and organised her files and put away the portfolios...once she did that she looked at armaan who was still sleeping...

Riddhima: hmmm...i should wake him up now...(she said to herself)

She went and sat down next to him...she moved her hnad towards him to nudge him so he could wake up...but before she could even nudge him armaan took hold of her hand and held it next to his chest...riddhima looked at him confused...armaan was still asleep and now he was just holding her hand...riddhima could feel his heartbeat...a small smile formed on her face...and just then armaan slowly opened his eyes and saw riddhima in front of him and smiled...

Armaan: hello (he said sleepily)

Riddhima: hey sleepy head...

Armaan - "its really you" he thought...he looked around his surrounding and woke up immediately...

Armaan: i fell asleep...(he looked at the clock) i slept through last period too...(he said shocked)

Riddhima just looked at her hand which he still held...armaan noticed he was holding her hand...he quickly let go and ruffled the back of his hear embarrassed...riddhima smiled shyly and slightly surprised by her reaction...

Armaan: im sorry riddhima...i...uhh (he fumbled upon his words not knowing what to say)...umm...

Riddhima smild at him and slightly laughed...

Riddhima: its cool armaan...we are even now...(she winked)

Armaan looked at her confused: what??...

Riddhima: i spelt sleeping on your shoulder...and you slept holding my hand...so we're even now...(she grinned)

Armaan smiled and then frowned when he looked at the clock...riddhima noticed and looked at him confused...

Riddhima: what happened?

Armaan: i missed last period cos i was sleeping...it was PE...why didn't you wake me up??...im gna be marked in as absent now (he said pouting)

Riddhima looked at him smiling...he looked cute...she started to laugh...

Riddhima: armaan you sound like me...(she rolled her eyes)...dont worry...you are not marked as absent as i spoke to mr carson...anddd i didn't want to wake you up...you haven't sleep for more than 24 hours...you needed the rest...

Armaan smiled...

Riddhima: also...(she smirked)

Armaan: also??...(he questioned raising his eyebrows as he smiled)

Riddhima: you look like a little baby when you sleep...chooo cute!! (she said as she pulled his cheek and started to laugh)

Muskaan: rahul please listen to me?? (she pleaded)

Rahul: what muskaan??...you lied to me?? why??

Muskaan became mum...she didn't know what t say to him...she looked up at rahul who was waiting for an answer...

Muskaan: i don't know rahul...its just...

Rahul: don't know?? (he said cutting in) muskaan...what has gotten into you thes days?? You have changed a lot...

Muskaan: rahul...(she said shaking her head saying no)

Rahul: you have started to lie to me now...

Muskaan: rahul...its not like that...i did it to stop you from getting hurt...

Rahul looked at her... he didn't know what to think...his riddhima has helped him so much...surely she would have is she hated him she though...but what did muskaan mean by stopping him from getting hurt...muskaans eyes started to tear up...

Muskaan: with all that happened between you and riddhima...i thought that you will get hurt...

Rahul stroked his hair in frustration...

Muskaan: i didn't mean to hurt you rahul...but i had to lie...because she is playing with your feelings...which wil hurt you even more

Rahul: enough muskaan!! (he said in anger) just stop it...

Muskaan looked at rahul taken back...a tear fell from her eyes...

Rahul: i have told you this before...whatever is going on between me and riddhima is between us...you do not need to get involved...

Muskaan: i just wanted to help you rahul...be with you...

Rahuls expressions soften looking at muskaan...

Rahul: i know muskaan...

He went and hugged her...

Rahul: i know you just want to protect me from getting hurt...but you really do not need to...anything about me and riddhima is between us, you do not need to get involved or worry about it...everything will be back to normal soon...and then this bad dream will end...

Muskaan closed her eyes: hmmm...

Rahul: i love you msukaan...

Muskaan: i love you too rahul...

It had been 20 minutes since everybody had been dismissed... Armaan and riddhima walked out of the classroom to go home...smiling and laughing...armaan looked at riddhima and finally saw glimpses of the old her coming out...he didn't make it obvious that he noticed so that she would not go back to being the broken riddhima...he continued the conversation normally and ensure the smiled remained on her face for the time being...as they walked out the classroom armaan rested his arm around her shoulder as if he was about to put her into put her into a headlock...riddhima looked at his arm on her shoulder and then back to armaan raising her eyebrows...

Armaan: btw riddhima...you said that i am starting to sound like you...(he said smiling)

Riddhima: soo?? (she said looking confused at armaan waiting for him to continue)

Armaan: well don't you see why??? (he said smiling at her confused expression) obviously im going to sound like you when i spend all my time with you naa...riddhimaaa...use some common sense...(he said winking at her)

Riddhima opened her mouth in shock...and armaan grinned...

Armaan: riddhima...the flies remember (he let out a small laugh as he teased her)

Riddhima closed her mouth...she pushed his arm off her shoulder and faced away from him crossing her arms as she sulked...

Riddhima: well you don't have to spend all your time with me (she said sulking pretending to be mad at him)

Armaan looked at riddhim smiling..."so cute"...he thought as he stared at her pretending to be angry...he put his arm back on her shoulder as he spoke to her...riddhima looked at his arm and smiled...

Armaan: see...that's gna be a lilll problem...

Riddhima went back to her sulking expresson and faced armaan how was looking at her smiling...he leaned forward making the gap between their faces a lil shorter...riddhima looked away from him not making eye contact...

Riddhima: and why is that?? (She looked at his mischievious expression pretending to not care)

Armaan: because im too fond of you now (he whispered)

A smile formed on riddhimas face...armaan looked at her and winked with a smile playing on his face...and just then they both bursted out laughing...as they laughed armaan looked at riddhima smiling...he thought "i wish your laughter and smile never fades away"...his thoughts and their laughter was disrupted by a cough...they both stopped and looked at the person who coughed...armaan looked confused with a small smile...wheres riddhimas smile had disappeared as she saw the person standing in front of her...

???: sorry to disturb your moment...(he said with a smirk looking at armaan and riddhima)

Riddhima: abhi (she said seriously)

Armaan looked at abhi wondering why he suddenly came up to them...he was sure that he wasn't going to start a fight as he remembered that abhi himself had helped him find riddhima by telling him which direction she went running off to when she was upset...but then why was here???

Armaan: abhi?? (he looked puzzed) are you...

And just then he was cut off by riddhima...

Riddhima: look abhi, i am really not up for arguement right now...so will you please not start...(she sounded fed up as she pleaded)

Abhi looked at her shaking his head saying no...

Abhi: im not here to argue riddhima...(he smiled)

Armaan: you are here to punch me are you??? (he smiled hesitantly reminding him of their previous encounter)

Riddhima looked at armaan and abhi confused as they smiled to eachtoher...not knowing what was happening...

Abhi: no...not at all (he smiled nicely) however i may consider it sometime in the future (he said jokingly)

Armaan slightly laughed...and stopped when he looked at riddhimas confused expression and became quiet...she looked at armaan and abhi back and forth...abhi smiled at her and decided to ut her out of her misery...

Abhi: actually riddhima...i wanted to speak to you about something...

Armaan was just about to excuse himself but riddhima stopped him. She looked at abhi curious...

Riddhima: go on...

Abhi: i heard about rahuls mom...(he said quietly)

Riddhima looked at him and looked down...abhi noticed her sad expression...

Abhi: how is he doing??

Riddhima: hes coping...but why do you suddenly care?? (She said as tears formed in her eyes)

Abhi: i am his friend...obviously i care riddhima...

Riddhima shot a surprised look at him which had turned into a frown as she started to get angry when remembering abhi's behaviour to his "friends"...

Riddhima: you don't care abhi...especially not like a friend...you just feel sorry for him...(she said through her gritted teeth)

She felt armaan slightly sqeeze her hand...riddhima looked at him and her expression softened...armaan slightly shook his head telling her to get angry...she closed her eyes and gave a slight nod...abhi and armaan looked at eachother...armaan knew that abhi wanted to speak to her alone...he nodded at abhi and looked at riddhima...

Armaan: riddhima...let me excuse myself...this is between you two...i should not be involved...

Armaan slowely explained to riddhima that she and abhi need to be alone...riddhima nodded and armaan excused himself...before he left armaan put his other hand on riddhima hand and smiled telling her to calm down...

Armaan: i will meet you outside...

Riddhima nodded at him...and then armaan left abhi and riddhima alone...riddhima looked at abhi...

Riddhima: abhi, for the past 2 years all you have been doing is picking up a fight with me atul or rahul...especailly rahul...and now you are coming to me saying that you care?? You are his friend...

Abhi: riddhima...i have always cared...i...

Riddhima: no you haven't!!...(she cut in)...you haven't...you don't even know that you are talking to the wrong person...if you care about rahul then why didn't you go and see him!!

Abhi: because i care about you too!!!...

Riddhima: then why??...(she cut in one again getting frustrated)...why have you been on our case over the years??...we used to be really close abhi...but you distanced yourself...you started to hate us...started to fight with us...(a tear rolled down her cheek)...we used you be really good friends...always there for eachother...

Abhi: i don't hate you...

Riddhima: then tell me!!! Why did you do all this...(she said hurt)...if you really didn't hate me...and were really my friend you would be here for me when i need my friends the most...

Abhi: there is no use of me telling you...but im here for you now (he went to touch her shoulder to console her but riddhima flinched away)

Riddhima: too late abhi...after all you have done...its too late now...(more tears fell from her eyes and she moved away to leave)

Abhi: you!!!! (he said impulsively) i did all of this for you...because of you...

Riddhima stopped walking away and turned to him...they both looked at eachother and silence arose between them...abhi looked at riddhima hurt and riddhima looked back at abhi confused...riddhima broke the silence...

Riddhima: what do you mean???

Abhi took a deep sigh and looked at her curious expression...

Abhi: i liked you riddhima!!!

Armaan stood outside of the school building...he wondered if riddhima was okay alone with abhi...hoping that she was calm...hoping that everything was okay...it had been a while since he had been waiting for her and he started to worry...

Armaan: maybe i should go back to see if shes okay...(he said to himself)...

He turned around to go back to her...but stopped...

Armaan: nahi yaar...i shouldn't come in between them...they need to sort it out...i shouldn't go...(he said talking to himself)

Just then his English teacher Miss Jackson came up to him...

Miss Jackson: armaan...who are you talking to (she looked at him amused)

Armaan: huh??...nobody...(he smiled slightly embarrassed)...just waiting for riddhima...

Miss Jackson: ahh i see (she smiled) well as you are waiting for her...i do have some good news for the both of you...would you like to know now and tell riddhima?? Or would you like to find out tomorrow during our lesson??

Armaan looked her his English teacher curiously...a small smile appeared on his face...

Armaan: can i find out now please??? Right now we could really do with some more good news (he grinned)

Miss Jackson looked at armaan smiling...

Once again abhi and riddhima stood there in silence...taking glances at eachother...riddhima was trying to take in what he had just told her...and abhi looked at her waiting for her to say something...once again riddhima broke the silence...

Riddhima: so you liked me...and because of that for the past 3 year you hated me, rahul and atul...especially rahul...

Abhi: sounds stupid right???

Riddhima: you are not making any sense abhi!!!...your problem was with me...where did rahul come into this...where did atul come into this...and now how did you get armaan involved...

Abhi: just hear me out please...its was 3 years ago...we were really good friends since primary school and during then i started to develope a huge crush on you...but it was futile riddhima...because you didn't notice anyone but rahul...forget me...when we started to Elliott, i started to think that there was something going on between you and rahul so i backed off...i distanced myself from you...the entire group...stopped talking to everyone...but i knew you guys would not give up...so i started to fight you guys...argue...hate you...just so you guys will never be my friends every again...just so you guys hate me...

Riddhima: me and rahul??? You know we are just good friends...

Abhi: i know...i know...but riddhima i was a kid back then...and you know i am famous for my impulsive decisions...and i still am...but back then i didn't think one second about the consequences...because i liked you...i hated rahul more because i thought you were together...

Riddhima: if you really wanted to distant yourself from us then why did you continue to fight us...

Abhi: because i wanted to speak to you...may it be in anger or in happiness...i missed you guys and the only way for me to even speak to you guys was by fighting...and the only reason why it got physical was all due to my impulsive behaviour...you know i have anger issues...

Riddhima ran her fingers through her hair in frustration...

Abhi: look riddhima, im sorry...i really am...i was stupid, naive and a complete fool...i was a kid and made a huge mistake...but i am trying my best to make things back to normal...but i want to be there for you...for rahul...for my friends...please forgive me...(he said sincerely)

Riddhima looked at abhi who was feeling really sorry...her expresson softened and she nodded...

Riddhima: its okay abhi...dont worry...(she saw a smile form on his face)...

Abhi: thank you riddhi...(he smiled) thank you so much...

Riddhima smiled: you do know we could have talked his out ages ago abhi...3 years...

Abhi: i know...but you know i got a really big ego which gets in the way of everything...

Riddhima nodded: i know...but i still have a question...

Abhi: what??? (looking at her confused)

Riddhima: why did you pick up a fight with armaan??? What did he do?? The poor guy didn't even know you...

Abhi smiled at riddhima...and riddhima looked at him confused because he was smiling so much...

Abhi: i wanted to see if his worthy of your friendship...

Riddhima raised her eyebrows: ohhh...so was he??

Abhi nodded: yh...without a doubt...

Abhi and riddhima looked at eachother smiling...

Riddhima: you know you didn't have to do that...

Abhi: do what? (he said raising his eyebrows)

Riddhima: distance yourself by making us all hate you...

Abhi moved a step closer to riddhima...

Abhi: mmm...but...

Riddhima: but??

Abhi: isn't that what you are doing now with rahul???

Riddhima looked at abhi hurt as she remembered everything she did to rahul...

Abhi: i may have been away from you guys...but i know everything...

Abhi looked at riddhima...her eyes started to tear up and she looked hurt...abhi went and gently gave her a side hug...

Abhi: hey...dont cry...(he said consoling her)

Riddhima: i have hurt him a lot abhi...but...

Abhi: i know...(he said cutting in)...dont worry...im here now...

Riddhima hugged abhi and sobbed...abhi was stroking her hair telling her to calm down...just then armaan arrived and saw them...he stopped and looked at them with huge grin on his face...

Armaan: looks like they sorted things out between them...looks like the day is brightening up...(he said to himself)...let me go give her one more news...

He went up to them smiling...but his smile slightly faded as riddhima was still upset...abhi looked at him and smiled closing his eyes and then looking at armaan telling him that everything was fine...

Abhi: hey armaan...(he said letting go of riddhima) sorry for making your bodyguard and Juliet cry (he smiled winking)

Armaan smiled looking at abhi...

Armaan: riddhima...abhi...its riddhima...(he said with a smirk)

Riddhima looked at abhi and armaan back and forth

Riddhima: sooo, when did this happen??? (pointing at them)

Abhi: what???...our bromance?? (he smirked)...ahh riddhima...you see...we have a very special connection between us...you wont understand...(he said winking at armaan cheekily)

Riddhima looked at armaan who looked at abhi with a very confused expression...she bursted out laughing looking at the two...abhi and armaan looked at riddhima and immediately smiled...riddhima stopped laughing and looking at the two smiling...

Armaan: you okay?? (looking at riddhima concerned)

Riddhima smiled and nodded...

Armaan: good...because i have some really good news...(and just then he hugged riddhima and picked her up twirling her in the air)

Riddhima: ahhh...armaan...put me down...(she said laughing)

Armaan put her back down and riddhima stood up straight...abhi smiled looking at them...

Riddhima: what news???

Armaan: you passed with flying colours Juliet (he grinned)

Riddhima: huh?? And its riddhima...armaan...remember?? (she said as she looked at abhi)

Armaan: yess i do remember...and no...I meannn...we got an A* for our Shakespeare module in English...(he said with a huge smile)

A broad smile came across riddhimas face...

Riddhima: no way!!!! (she squealed with excitement)

Both armaan and riddhima hugged in happiness...while abhi looked at the two with a smile playing on his face...

Riddhima: thats amazing!!

Armaan: i know...first aunty...and now this...(he smiled)

Riddhima: aunty!!! (she said instantly)...armaan i want to go and see her now...

Armaan: okay lets go to her now...(he smiled sweetly at her)

Abhi: can i come???

Armaan and riddhima looked at abhi smiling...

Riddhima: sure...lets go...

And they left to go to the hospital...

Armaan, abhi and riddhima walked into the hospital upto the oncology ward...as they made their way to rahuls mom room riddhima stopped walking...abhi and armaan turned around to look at her...

Abhi: are you okay??

Riddhima: i can't go in right now...its not right...

Armaan gave her a small smile as he walked up to her...

Armaan: i understand...(he said softly)...lets go home...

Riddhima: no armaan...you guys go...i will be fine over here...

Armaan: but riddh...

Riddhima: armaan please...(she cut through pleading)

Abhi: are you sure...

Riddhima nodded and gave a reassuring smile...

Riddhima: i will be fine...now go...

Armaan: okay...but if you need me...just call okay??...(he smiled)

Riddhima nodded...and abhi and armaan walked into the room...

Abhi: you two are cute...planning to cheat on me with your Juliet?? (he whisper cheekily as they walked into the room)

Armaan looked at abhi and rolled his eyes as he smiled

Armaan: shut up abhi! (he said as he playfully hit him)

Riddhima watched armaan and abhi walk into the room...she took a deep breath and walked up to the door...she looked through the window and smiled looking at the happy faces...she hid herself behind the door frame with a relieved smile on her face knwong that everything was okay...she peeked through the window once again and took a look at rahul...finally she saw a smile on his face...she wiped her tear eyes as she looked at him...

Armaan and abhi walked into the room and just then all eyes were on them...well abhi to be precise...

Armaan: hey guys...(he smiled looking at them)

The smile on rahuls and atuls face had disappeared as they saw abhi...armaan just continued to smile...rahul mom looked at armaan and abhi happily...

Ra.mom: abhi beta...nice to see you...been a long time...

Abhi looked at her and gave a small smile...

Abhi: how are you aunty??? (he said slightly nervous)

Ra.mom: im good (she smiled sweetly)

Atul: what are you doing here (he said coldly to abhi)

Atul looked at armaan confused...armaan just smiled at him...he gave him a reassuring look and then slightly pointed to the door...atul looked and saw riddhima standing there...they made eye contact and riddhima nodded...just then he realised that riddhima had brought him...but he wondered why...he looked at abhi waiting for an explaination...abhi looked at atul and rahul back and forth...

Rahul: armaan...why is he with you?? (he looked at abhi)

Armaan didn't say a word...he looked at abhi waiting for him to say something...

Rahul: look abhi...i really don't...

Abhi: im sorry (he cut in)

Rahul and atul looked at him confused and waited for him to continue...

Abhi: i am not going to start anything...no arguements no fights...guys...im here to apologise...im really sorry...for everything i have done...please forgive me...

Armaan gave a small smile to them...rahul looked at abhi confused...and atul looked like he just had solved a mystery...armaan noticed and nodded as he smiled...just then atul smiled too...

Abhi: please...(he said softly)

Rahul looked at abhi...his confused expression had softened...he looked at his mom who was smiling and nodding at the same time...he looked at abhi with a small smile...and atul continued smiling...

Rahul: its okay abhi...we forgive you...but under one condition...

Abhi looked at rahul curiously...

Rahul: hug us yaar!!! (he said with a huge grin)

A broad smile came across abhi's face and he immediately went to hug them...armaan smiled looking at them...he looked at the door and gave a sly thumbs up to riddhima who was witnessing everything from the window with a tearful smile...

An hour went by with the boys being with rahuls mom...they all talked a lot...but then came the time when rahuls mom told them all to go home

Rahul: mom, im not going anywhere...

Ra.mom: rahul beta...i fine sweety...go home for a while, eat, rest and do your homework...and then come and see me at night okay...but right now i want you to leave...you have work to do at home...and clean your room too...

Rahul: but, my room is clean...

Ra.mom: rahul beta...im your mom...i can sense from a mile away that your room is not clean...

Rahul smiled as she scratched his head...

Ra.mom: now go...even riddhima isn't here to help you out...

The smile from rahuls face had slowly disappeared...rahuls mom noticed and gave him a small smile...she looked over at armaan and atul and nodded...just then muskaan spoke...

Muskaan: koi baat nahi...main hoon na...i can help...since...(she smiled)

Abhi: we all can...(he cut in)...right guys...

Atul: yeh...but abhi...do you even keep your room clean??

Abhi: i try...(he said as everyone laughed)

Ra.mom: good...now guys go home...and come back to see me later...okay???

Atul and abhi: yes mam!!

Armaan nodded...

Rahul: okay mom...you take care...have your medicines on time...and when im back i want to see all these fruits gone...

Ra.mom: yess sir...(she said slightly laughing as she saluted him)

Rahul: i love you mom...

Ra.mom: i love you too beta...

She kissed him on the forehead...and they all got ready to leave...as they left riddhima hid herself from their sight...they all made their way out of the room one by one...armaan made sure he was the last to leave...before he left he went to rahuls mom and placed him phone in the table beside her...

Armaan: i will be back in a few minutes aunty...

He winked at rahuls mom...and she looked at him smiling and nodding as she watched him leave the room...

Rahul: thanks alot you guys...

Atul: for what??

Rahul: for all the support you have given me...also for coming home to help me out...i really do appreciate it...

Abhi smiled at rahul...

Armaan: no need to thank us rahul...we are like family...we are always going to be here for you...(he smiled)...like guardian angels (he whispered and winked at rahul)

Rahul smiled at armaan and nodded...

Atul: alsooo...we hope you repay the favour by cleaning our rooms sometime...

They all laughed as the left the hospital...and they started to walk to rahuls house...just then armaan stopped...

Armaan: uhh guys...i think i left my phone in the hospital...

Abhi and atul looked at armaan smiling knowing that he left it there on purpose

Rahul: its okay armaan, you go get it we will wait here for ya...

Armaan: uhh nahh its okay, you guys go ahead cos i dunno where i left it...

Abhi muttered under his breath: you aren't goin to ditch us right?

Atul slightly laughed and armaan rolled his eyes

Armaan: you guys go ahead and i will catch up with you guys...

Atul: okay armaan...see you later...

They left and armaan went back to the hospital...

Riddhima slowely entered the room...she ensure that her tears were gone before she entered...

Ra.mom: finally you came!! (she spoke as riddhima entered the room)...

Riddhima smiled: sooo sorry im late aunty...

Ra.mom: late?? (she slightly laughed) riddhima! You have been waiting outside for the past hour...you think i haven't been watching you??...

Riddhima gave a small smile and rahuls mom reached her hand out to her stroking her hair...

Ra.mom: hes okay riddhima...and he will be fine...dont worry too much...and don't be sorry okay!

Riddhima looked at her surpised...

Riddhima: did you just read my mind??

Rahuls mom laughed...

Ra.mom: nahi beta, just like rahul is my son...you are my daughter...you two are my babies...i know you both inside out...meaning i would know how you feel even if you don't tell me...and right now, your eyes are telling me everything...

Riddhima smiled with teary eyes...

Rahul, muskaan, atul and abhi entered rahuls room...

Atul: wow! (he said with his eyes wide open)

Everything was everywhere, books and papers scattered on the floor...clothes everywhere and a pile in the corner...paint tubes open...his bed was a mess...

Abhi: how did you even sleep in here?? (he said scanning the entire room)

Rahul: its not that bad (he said sratching his head)

Atul: oh its bad rahul...

Rahul: i know...(he said looking down)

Muskaan: not to worry...we will sort it out...

Atul: only riddhima can sort this out (he slightly laughed) like always

Muskaan: well shes not here...things can be done without her you know (she snapped)

Abhi raised his eyebrows at muskaan...

Abhi: he was just teasing...

Muskaan: whatever...we should get started...(she glared at abhi)

Rahul: emm yhh...you guys get started...i will just go and get some refreshments...

Muskaan nodded...

Atul: i will help...

Rahul and atul left to go to the kitchen...abhi and muskaan looked at eachother and started to clean up rahuls messy room in silence giving eachother cold looks...muskaan started to move things around, but found hersef stuck as she needed help to carry a box of books...

Muskaan: abhi can you move this over there?

Abhi: no thank you...

Muskaan: excuse me?? (looking at abhi)

Abhi: you heard me (he said casually)

Muskaan: do you have a problem with me??

Abhi: as a matter of fact i do (he said folding his arms moving a step closer to muskaan)

Muskaan: what have i ever done to you...

Abhi: oh nothing yet...but i do have a problem with who you are...

Muskaan: you don't even know me...

Abhi: oh but i do muskaan...you are a self absorbed, egotistic, insecure girl who from the outside looks innocent but is heartless on the inside...

Muskaan: how dare you

Abhi: i haven't even dared to do anything yet muskaan...but if you continue with your stupidity i may have to...

Muskaan: im sorry what??

Abhi: don't be all innocent muskaan...

Muskaan: you don't know anything...(she said through her gritted teeth)

Abhi: actually i do...i know everything that has got to do with my friends...

Muskaan: says the guy whos been away from them for years (she retorted back)

Abhi grabbed her arm in frustration...muskaan winced a lil...

Abhi: i may have been away from them...but they are my friends and i will know everything and will always be with them...you think that by telling riddhima to stay away from rahul, you can separate them...but you are wrong...and will always be...riddhima will always be there for rahul and you cant stop it...nobody can...you got that...

Muskaan looked at abhi furiously...

Abhi: one more thing, i am not like riddhima, or atul or armaan...they may have promised to not tell rahul the truth about you...but i haven't and i wont either...so its better you fix things up yourself...

Muskaan: are you threatening me???

Abhi: yes i am...(he said muttered aggressively)

He pushed her away slightly...

Muskaan: your threats are not going to work on me...do you really think that rahul will believe the guy who has hated him for the past few years???...and for your kind information...me and riddhima are doing this all for rahuls happiness...

Abhi: oh give it up muskaan...

Just then atul walked into the room...he sensed the tensed atmosphere as he looked at both abhi and muskaan back and forth...there was silence in the room and just then rahul came...

Rahul: uhh hey guys...whats up?? (he said looking at everyone...)

Abhi: nothing...just introduced myself to your girlfriends...aint that right muskaan??

Muskaan looked at abhi annoyed and then back to rahul smiling...

Muskaan: hmm (she nodded)

Atul: anywayyy...lets get back to work...this room isn't going to clean itself (he slightly laughed...trying to lighten the mood)

Riddhima: so how are you feeling??

Ra.mom: a lot better...you?? your mother told me you stayed here all night...

Riddhima nodded...

Ra.mom: riddhima beta...you need to look after yourself too...

Just then armaan entered the room...

Armaan: not to fear aunty...im always here to look after riddhima...(he smiled and sat down next to rahuls mom opposite riddhima)

Ra.mom: i know that...you are her best friend afterall (she wnked at him)...but you are no less mister...you didn't sleep all night...so who will look after you...

Armaan: riddhima (he slightly laughed)

Rahuls mom looked at them both and smiled...

Riddhima: what are you doing here armaan...i thought you left with the others...

Armaan: do you really think i will leave you alone...like i told you earlier...im too fond of you (he winked)

Riddhima: and what about the others??

Armaan: well right now they think im am back looking for my phone...well besides atul and abhi ofcourse...they know im here...

Ra.mom: and heres your phone beta...

Armaan: thank you aunty (he smiled)

Ra.mom: no problem...also i am very happy to see abhi today...

Riddhima: me too...

Ra.mom: if i knew that me getting admitted into the hospital would make things better between you guys...i would have came here a long time ago...(she laughed)

Riddhima: aunty don't say that!! (she looked at her worried with teary eyes)

Ra.mom: im sorry beta...bad timing i know...but im fine...dont worry (she said as she caressed her face)...no more tears okay...

Riddhima nodded and wiped her eyes...and just thne she layed her eyes on a plate of fruits...

Riddhima: what is this aunty?? You haven't had your fruits...very bad!

Ra.mom: you and rahul are the same (she slightly laughed)...i will eat them later beta...

Riddhima: im not going to listen to another word...come on lets eat these fruits...and then you have your medicine...

She started to feed at fruits...

Armaan: im going to go get you some water and something to eat...okay...be right back...

Riddhima smiled and nodded...and they watched armaan leave...

Ra.mom: hes a good guy you know...

Riddhima: i know (she smiled) a really great guy...(she looked a the door again)...now come on...last fruit left...

Ra.mom: i will have it...but under one condition...

Riddhima: what??

Ra.mom: you need to stop being worried about me...

Riddhima: im just really scared aunty...

Ra.mom: i know...but you are my strong daughter na? You can do anything (she smiled) aur vaise bhi, kisi na kisi din toh jaana hoga na muje...but it just happens to be soon for me

Riddhima: aunty...(she said shivering at the thought)...you are not going anywhere...you still have to see rahul and me graduate from university...watch rahul become the worlds best architect...watch him get married...become the grandma...you cant go anywhere...you have to see so much...(she smiled)

Rahuls mom smiled weakly...

Ra.mom: i know beta...but maybe i will be seeing this from somewhere else...(she said with teary eyes)...lets face it...its a miracle that i am alive right now...

Riddhima shook her head in disapproval...tears started to fall from her eyes...rahuls mom wiped her tears away...

Ra.mom: no more tears beta...i have lived my life...seen my two kids grow up to be very mature and responsible...i have seen both of your futures...and i know that its bright...what more do i need...(she smiled)...but haan...there is one thing...

Riddhima looked at her confused...

Ra.mom: i need you to promise me that you will never leave rahuls side...after im gone, you are his only family...he will need you the most...please...

Riddhima nodded: i promise you...i wont let anything happen to rahul...

Rahuls mom smiled...and riddhima wiped aways their tear...

Riddhima: enough depressing talks...like i said...you aren't leaving me that easily...afterall...whose going to find me a suitable guy to marry (she winked)

Ra.mom: hmmm...i do have somebody in mind though...

Riddhima raised her eyebrows: oh really??? Who??

Ra.mom: armaan...(she smiled)

Riddhima: armaan???

Ra.mom: haan armaan...acha ladka hai...tumhe bohot khush rakhega...

Riddhima: haan...but we are just good friends...

Ra.mom: toh...friendship is the first step of love...

And just then armaan entered with a tray of food...

Armaan: heres your food madam...

Riddhima: thank you...

Ra.mom: perfect timing armaan...we were just talking about you...

Armaan: really??? Good or bad??

Ra.mom: all good...dont you worry (she slightly laughed)

Riddhima smiled...and quietly started to eat her food...

Ra.mom: vesey armaan beta...havent you been here for too long...you should get going before the others start to wonder...

Armaan: haan...but aunty (he said as he held her hand) i love you soo much that i don't want to leave you...

Rahuls mom looked at armaan slightly laughing...just then her vision started to go a little blurry, her head started to hurt a little and her heartbeat increased...she touched her forehead slightly in pain...

Armaan: are you okay??? (he said worried)

Riddhima put the tray aside...

Riddhima: aunty??? (she said scared)...whats happening??

Armaan and riddhima looked at eachother worried...rahuls mom took a deep breath and looked at two...her vision was still not clear...but she forced a smile...

Ra.mom: im fine you two...dont worry...and you armaan...i didn't know you were a lil charmer...(she said slightly laughing)

Armaan and riddhima relaxed...and armaan smiled...

Armaan: there are many sides of me which you have yet to see (he winked)

They started to laugh...but then then rahuls moms laughter had turned into a harsh cough...armaan and riddhima looked at her worried...riddhima quickly made her drink some water...but the coughing continued...her head started to throb and she winced in pain...

Ra.mom: ahhh!!! (she said holding her head)

Armaan: are you okay??? Whats happening

Riddhima: aunty?? (she said terrified) whats happening?? Are you okay???

Rahuls mom was finding it hard to control herself...the pain continued to grow and her vision completely went away...she became really pale in second...riddhima looked at armaan worries...

Riddhima: armaan???

Armaan: im going to get the doctor...stay here and don't worry...

Riddhima nodded and armaan ran to get the doctor...

Riddhima: aunty...dont worry...you will be fine...armaans gone to get the doctor...

Rahuls mom fit continued to get worse...she was starting to find it difficult to breathe...

Ra.mom: riddhima.. (she whispered through her breathes)

Riddhima held her hand...

Riddhima: aunty...aunty...listen to me...nothing is going to happen to you...you will be fine...

Ra.mom: riddhima...just...rememeber...my promise...(she said with difficulty)

Riddhima: aunty...please...dont think about that right now...just take deep breathes right now...armaan will be ther any minute with the doctor...

Rahuls mom started to cough more...and blood came out of her mouth...riddhima looked at in horror!!!

Riddhima: ARMAAN!!!!! HURRY!!!! (she shrieked out)...aunty...aunty look at me...

Rahuls mom looked at riddhimas...she saw a glimpse of her before her vision disappeared again...she could hear her consoling her...but even her voice started to fade away...

Just then armaan entered the room with the doctor and two nurses...

Dr smith: you two will have to leave the room right now...(she said in a rush)

Armaan: riddhima...lets go...

Riddhima looked at rahuls mom...

Riddhima: everything is going to be okay...(she said before she left)

Riddhima and armaan stood outside the room...pacing up and down...armaan place his hand on riddhimas shoulder...

Armaan: she will be fine...dont worry...

Riddhima nodded and held his hand...

Armaan: i have called uncle and aunty...and they are just on their way...and di, jiju and jay will be here soon too...

Riddhima: and rahul??

Armaan: im just going to call him now...

Riddhima: thanks armaan...

Armaan: don't worry...

Just then the doctor came out the room...riddhima slightly squeezed armaans hand as she looked at the doctor anxiously...

Armaan: dr smith...is she okay??

Dr smith looked at armaan and riddhima and took a deep breath...

Dr smith: im sorry...

Just then riddhima let go of armaan hand instantly...she stood there frozen...armaan looked at her and watched the colour drain from her face...

They both stood their silently looking at the doctor...just then riddhimas family came...

R.mom: what happened??? Is she okay now...

Dr smith: we tried our best...but there is nothing we can do now...she no more...

Tears started to form in riddhimas mom eyes and stream down her face...everyone started to have tears in her eyes...abhay and jay looked at their emotionless sister and began to worry...armaan and sara looked at eachother and then to riddhima...

R.dad: i will be right back (he said and followed the doctor to complete some formalities)

Armaan: di...take here...im going to call rahul here...

Sara nodded and took riddhima to the side...she didn't say a word...and hardly moved...armaan looked at her and went on his phone...

Armaan: rahul...come to the hospital now...its important...(armaan didn't have the strength to say anything more...and put the phone down)

He looked other to see everyone crying...and then looked at riddhima who showed no emotion at all...his eyes became a little watery looking her are...she just stood their quietly...after 5 minutes rahul came running into the hospital...he stopped outside the room and saw everyone in silence...the others were right behind him and stopped looking confused...

Rahul: is everything okay?? What happened??? Why isn't anyone inside with mom??

He was just about to move to go into the room but jay stopped him...

Rahul: jay...i need to go see mom...

Abhay stood in front of rahul...and tear rolled down his face as he looked at rahul...he shook his head saying no...and hugged him...

Abhay: im sorry...(he said)

And just then rahul became a lifeless body...atul and abhi looked at eachother shocked and looked at armaan who nodded silently...tears started to fall from muskaans eyes...rahul stood their frozen in abhays arms...it was as if time had stopped for him...he looked up to see an emotionless figure standing on the side watching him...they both just looked into eachothers eyes...

Abhay made rahul sit down...they all looked at him but there was nothing...no tears no emotion...they all began to worry...and didn't know what to do...rahul just kept on looking at riddhima and riddhima kept looking at rahul...atul and abhi went to armaan who told him everything that happened...

Atul: armaan...you need to take riddhima home...

Armaan: but...(he looked at rahul and everyone)

Atul: don't worry about everyone...we will look after them...but right now...riddhima needs to get out of here...take her home please...

Abhi: hes right armaan...please take her home...

Armaan nodded: okay...i will leave now...

Armaan went to riddhima...

Armaan: riddhima...

There was no response from her...she was just looking at rahul...armaan put his hand on her shoulder...and just then she looked at him...

Armaan: lets go home...

She didn't say a word...and started to walk...she looked at her everyone who was in tears and then at rahul who looked as if he died that moment...she walked past him lifelessly and walked out the hospital silently...armaan quietly followed her...

The walk to riddhimas house was silent...they didn't say a word to eachother...armaan just kept on looking at riddhima...and riddhima kept looking forward as she walked...they reached her front door...riddhima opened it and walked in...it was like she was zombie...armaan looked at her slightly worried...

Armaan: riddhima...do you want me to stay here with you...

Riddhima: got back to the hospital armaan...(she said quietly and went to close the door)

Armaan: but...you sure?? (and just the the door closed)

Armaan let out a huge sigh...

Armaan: i hope you will be okay riddhima...

And just then his phone rang...

Armaan: yhh atul...what happened...is everything okay??

Atul: everythings still the same over here...rahuls still in shock...but you tell me...hows riddhima...have you reached home yet??

Armaan: yh we got here a few minutes ago...shes gone inside and i was just about to come back...

Atul: what?? Armaan, whatever happens...do not leave riddhima alone...

Armaan: she told me to go back to the hospital though...

Atul: she needs you the most right now...rememeber you said yourself...something will happen and everything will change...the change it here armaan...she is going to breakdown completely...she needs you...so don't leave her...

Just then armaan started to press the doorbell...but she wouldn't open the door...

Armaan: riddhima...open the the door (he said knocking on the door)...please open the door (he said worried)

Armaan went back on the phone...

Armaan: she not opening up...what do i do now atul (he said scared and frustrated)

Atul: the balcony...got to her room through the balcony...its never locked...

Armaan: i cant do that atul...

Atul: yes you can armaan...and you have to...please...just look after her till we get there...

Armaan disconnected the phone...her tried the doorbell one more time but there was no luck...he looked up onto the garage roof and sighed...

Armaan: i cant believe i am just about to do this...i guess there is a first for everything...

He put his phone into pocket and started to climb into the garage roof...he walked across and made it to get back garden and then climbed the ladder and pipe to riddhimas bedroom balcony...when he reached there he stood at the window watching riddhima from afar...

Riddhima walked up the stairs to her bedroom...she went into the bathroom and splashed her face with water...she took a deep breath and remember what had just took place within the past hour...she slowly walked out the bathroom to her bedside table and picked up a photoframe with a photo of her rahul and rahuls mom...she touched the cold glass of the frame as she looked at it...she continued to remember everything...everything seemed so normal when she met her...but then it turned upside down...she remember the look on rahuls mom face when she last saw her...she remembered the promise she gave...she remembered the tears which streamed down her mothers face...the tears in the eyes of the family and friends...she remembered the lifeless look rahuls face...his world just came crashing down on him and he just remained emotionless...she remembered the doctors words...A tear fell onto the photoframe in her hands...and just then riddhima realised she was crying... and then it just hit her...she was gone...the second mother was gone forever...she was never coming back...riddhima held the photoframe close to her heart and let out a cry...she looked up and screamed as tears rolled down her face...she curled up at the edge of her bed crying her heart out as she hugged the photoframe...just then she felt someone touch her...she looked up and saw armaan kneeling down next to her...she looked into his eyes and more tears flowed from her eyes...she immediately hugged him and broke down in his arms...

Riddhima: armaan!!! She gone armaan!!!! She gone!!! (she cried out as she hugged him)

A tear fell out of armaans eyes as he witnessed her breakdown...

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