Siddhima-AR FF: Fate, O.S.C.Fate [Completed] - Page 27

Originally posted by: AbhiNikiLuver

haw....you guys have gmail? i do toooooooooo :)

Originally posted by: Naina2127

hehe gchat is awesome....ehem we'll definitely have gchat sessions if uh our chat club thing don't work out😆😆

Originally posted by: Naina2127

dude. you know what you should do? to make it easier for crazy people like me to reread?

you should compile it all in like a few posts on the same page...or I can do that if you want me to 😆

Five years later'..

He stood in the bangle stall at the bazaar staring at the bangles, not really seeing, lost in his thoughts. 'Armaan, what are you doing here?' he asked himself. It had been six years since he'd set foot in Mumbai. What was he doing back here? There was nothing left for him, nothing but his slowly fading memories of his life here. Of his friends, coworkers, and' her. He could never forget Rhiddima, his love, his jaan. He knew that even if he lost all physical memory of her, his love would somehow still be retained. Maybe that's why he was here, to see her. To make sure she's ok. Five years ago she'd come looking for him, despite his best efforts she'd found him. He'd hid just in time, and he'd watched from afar where later a young man carried her away in his arms. He'd felt a pang in his heart then, wishing that could be him again. Wishing it could be him holding her his arms, but he'd known it wasn't possible. So he'd left, he'd run away again. In the present Armaan laughed sardonically, how many times had he run away? One, two, three? He'd lost count; it seemed his circumstances had turned him into a coward. Now here he stood, in the middle of a bazaar in Mumbai, too much of a coward to go and meet one of his old friends, too much of a coward to go see her.

He came out of his thoughts when in his head a faint song started playing:

asmani rang hooo.........pyaaar ki boond hoo......roshni hoo dhup hooo chahaton ki gunj ho aanchal mein hain phanak chandni haathon mein woh chand hain gairon se bhi hain waastan apno mein pehchaan hain

He whipped his head around, why was this happening? Was she here? No, 'no you idiot, she's not here, it's just you, thinking about her and going crazy again. She's not here''

He looked at the bangles wistfully again; they would look so lovely on her wrists. Through the rows of bangles he could see a woman, her hair whipping around as she shook her head, throwing it back to laugh. The laugh sounded so familiar'. "Rhiddima?" he whispered, 'no- no you idiot! It's not her!' he turned away, ready to head off.

"Madam, do you want this inscribed with your name?"

Rhiddima looked at the man quizzically, why would she want to label a pot with her name?

"why?" she asked, confused. "well madam, it's not uncommon for things like this to be stolen." Rhiddima laughed at the thought of a thief coming to their house to steal her steel utensils, "ok then!" she said, "let's do that!" she wondered what Sid would have to say about her name on their utensils, Mr. Houston had probably never heard of anything like that before, heck she hadn't, how would he?

"what's your name madam?" the store clerk asked.

"Rhiddima." She said, "Mrs. Rhiddima Modi! And please write that whole name!"

Part 2:

Armaan's heart stopped beating when he heard that name. Rhiddima. What were the chances that of all the girls in Mumbai the one in the next stall was named Rhiddima? 'O fate,' he mused, 'oh so cruel.' He'd thought for a minute that she had been his Rhiddima, but then the light voice with which she'd said Mrs. Rhiddima Modi had convinced him he was wrong.

Something a protective, possessive instinct in him refused to admit that yes- she could have moved on. She could be married, she could be a mother, she could be happy- without him. He refused to admit that Rhiddima, his Rhiddima would ever enjoy calling herself someone else's wife. 'It's not her Armaan,' he told himself, ready to leave again, but something kept him rooted in his spot. He had to see, he had to make sure; he had to see the woman behind the veil of bangles. He had just stepped out of the stall when he saw the excited face of a young man running towards him. It was the same man from five years ago, the same guy that had carried away Armaan's Rhiddima in his arms. And here he was again, yelling, "Rhidi!"

"Rhidi!"

Rhiddima turned in the direction the voice was coming from, she saw Siddhant racing towards her with a thrilled expression, holding something in his hand. He slid to a stop next to her, and held it up. "Look what I found! Man I love these bazaars!"

Rhiddima looked at the small child's dress he held,

"Siddhant, I hate to break it to you, but we have a girl," she said grinning at the small boy's outfit he held.

"Rhiddi, I know that. This is for Yuvi and Naina's baby,"

"But we don't even know if it is a boy! It's not even born yet!" Rhiddima replied.

"It'll be a boy; trust me. You and Naina can turn Ashita into a girly girl, but my nephew's going to be a rock star!" he said determinedly.

"Siddhant, you-" Rhiddima was interrupted by the arrival of her newly engraved pressure cooker, she held in her hands grinning as Sid paid.

As they left the stall, Rhiddima paused and said pointing to her name on the cooker, "Sid, look."

Siddhant glanced at it, and then leaned in for a closer look, "Rhiddi…why is your name engraved on our pressure cooker?"

Rhiddima smiled knowingly, "well, Mr. Houston, it is not uncommon for utensils to be stolen from houses here in India. In fact-"

"Nooo, please not another one of those India lectures! Chalo, we have to get home, it's already 6!" Siddhant interrupted. Taking the bags from her he grabbed her hand with his free one and headed towards where he had parked the car.

PART 3:

Getting out of the taxi Armaan pulled out one of his most prized possessions. His basketball, the same basketball that had earned Rhiddima Gupta the name Basket, the same one she had used when she first beat him at his own game. Yes, he remembered it all, every single bit of it. Her bright yellow and orange outfit the first time they'd met, the ketchup trick he'd pulled on her, their fights, when she'd first said I love you. When everyone had found out, and he'd gone on a hunger strike, when they had their roka, and then the fights after. He remembered the secret meetings, sweet kisses, passionate hugs, their unforgettable moments. He'd lost his memory then, sure, but he had it back now. He remembered their last moment together, when he'd slid the ring onto her finger, they had been so happy….

And now it's all changed. Now she was someone else's. Someone else had the right to touch her, feel her. Someone else held her in his arms and kissed away her tears. She belonged to someone else now. She was… she was Mrs. Siddhant Modi. It was all over for Armaan now… there was no real reason to stay. Nothing but his conflicted feelings, his boiling blood at the thought of someone else having the right to her over him. It was unjustified, he had left her, she deserved a better life, but all that didn't matter. At this moment Armaan Malik was a hurt man. He knew he was wrong to think like this, he couldn't expect her to wait for him forever; in fact this is what he had wanted. He had wanted her to be happy, and if that was with someone else, then so be it. But he wasn't feeling very rational, or very gracious.

'She had seemed happy,' he thought bitterly, laughing, teasing, and holding hands together. All those things that they used to do. And she… she had a daughter, named Ashita. They, Siddhant and Rhiddima, had a life together. A life that was supposed to have been his. 'Armaan what are thinking man?!?' he asked himself. 'This is what you wanted, now leave and leave them be!' he willed himself to get up and leave. But he didn't get far.

NEXT PART 4:

"Yuvi, yaar, you have got to relax!" Sid passed the basketball a frazzled Yuvraj.

"Easy for you to say," Yuvi replied, "you don't have a moody pregnant wife." He tossed the ball back to Sid, with more force than necessary.

"I don't now- no." Sid continued calmly, "but remember, say two years ago, when I was running around at three in the morning looking for chocolate ice-cream?"

"That's a scene from Salaam Namaste"

"Yea, we watched it before going to sleep, she wakes up at 2:30 going on about chocolate ice cream. Her face was too adorable'. It took me two hours; I had to get the ice cream man up!" Sid and Yuvi climbed onto the court, not paying attention to the surroundings, bouncing around the ball, shooting hoops.

"I guess it's not that bad," Yuvi finally admitted, "I stocked up the fridge and freezer, Naina just has these random moments where she wants to visit people. Last week we drove to see Raj."

Sid chuckled, "how'd that go?"

Yuvi frowned, "same as always, he completely ignores the fact we're married and tries to win over my pregnant wife!"

"Raj will never change, you know it," Sid said laughing out loud. Yuvi smiled in reply and acceptance. They continued tossing the ball around, exchanging stories about pregnant wives and complaining about patients; an hour later they decided to head back to their wives and Ashita, they walked off laughing, each unaware of Armaan standing in the shadows observing them.

Armaan was unsure of what to do. His brain told him to scram. He'd just heard Siddhant; they were a family that had their own joys, problems, friends, and happiness. He wasn't a part of that. He wasn't needed- or wanted. But his heart told him to go see, if not walk up to her directly, at least from a distance, see her. One more time. He just wanted to see her happy. He wanted to see her beautiful smile. Again his brain interrupted his heart, it wasn't reasonable, and it seemed WRONG. His heart wanted him to just make sure, not make sure but to reassure himself. It was like the devil and the angel; the only problem was, he couldn't tell which was which. But the true reason he knew, was not to see if she was happy, it was to see how she was happy. How without him? How was Rhiddima, his sweet but ferocious Rhiddima, happy without him? His Rhiddima, the same one that would have ran to the ends of the earth for him? How?

'But she isn't your Rhiddima anymore' he reminded himself, 'she's Siddhant's Rhiddima, she's Ashita's mom.' He heard the guys getting further away, make up your mind now Armaan, what are you going to do?

"Honeys! We're home!" Sid shouted as he entered into their, as Rhiddima called it "quaint" house. Yuvi laughed and smacked him, "yaar you're too much!"

Hearing no reply they continued to the living room where the women sat on the couches, holding cups of tea. They looked up as the guys entered the room, acting unperturbed. They were off course bothered; both men were sweating and looking quite nice. But they both knew that if they let their appreciation on they would be teased mercilessly.

Yuvi glanced at the clock which read 8 o'clock, "Naina we should leave, it's late"

"No!" she immediately replied, "I don't wanna!" Yuvi groaned at her childishness, Sid interrupted, anticipating where this was headed. "yaar I think we should take a shower."

"KYA?!?!" Rhiddima spoke up. "Yea- wait, No-not, God Rhiddi!" Sid groaned,

"Sid I- how could you?" Rhiddima continued beginning to sob dramatically. "No no no! come on Rhiddi, GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!" Sid tried, but Rhiddima's cries became louder, and she was joined by Naina's insistent howls as she said "I thought you were just friends! O God Yuvi how could you do this to me?!?!"

"Arghhhhh" grabbing a dumbfounded Yuvi's collar Sid pulled him towards the bedrooms, "just forget we were here!" he shouted back.

As soon as the guys were out of sight the girls cracked up, "o God didi!" Naina said catching her breath, "poor Sid! And Yuvi did you see his face?!?!"

"I knowwwwwww" squealed Rhiddima, "Sid is not going to sleep tonight!"

"ohhh'." Naina said winking suggestively.

"Naina!" Rhiddima said laughing and slapping her carefully, calming down she replied, "so I hear you've been keeping Yuvi up huh?"

"yea' Naina said guiltily, "he's' dealing with it. I know I can be a handful. He's been unbelievably sweet. Sometimes I feel bad'"

"don't." Rhiddima interrupted, grinning she added, "what are husbands for anyway?"

An hour later the guys had returned from their separate showers and realized the girls had fooled them. After the girls had finally gotten them to smile, it was time for Yuvi and Naina to leave.

NEXT PART 5:

Armaan slumped down next to Sid and Rhiddima's house. They hadn't seen him in the shadows once again. He'd finally talked himself into walking up to the house when the door had opened and Yuvi and a pregnant woman, presumably Naina, had stepped out. He jumped into the bushes near the open window as not to be seen, it was from there that he witnessed everything that had happened afterwards. It was still there that he was slumped now. The bushes were scratching at his face and arms, but he didn't notice, the scene kept replaying in his head.

Closing the door after waving good bye to their friends, Sid turned to Rhiddima. "so you thought we were gay?" he said walking towards her, she wrinkled her nose cutely, pondering. "mmm'.. maybe'" she replied receding.

"wrong answer." He said catching her in his arms, bringing her closer he continued, "guess I'm just gonna have to show you'" he bent down for a kiss.

Laughing she pushed him away and stepped back, "no, that's ok Mr. Houston, I think I already know."

"well," he said, stepping towards her again, "I think we should just make sure." He lunged towards her, a move she neatly avoided, giggling.

"Mrs. Modi!" Sid said demandingly, lunging towards her again.

"yes Mr. Modi," Rhiddima replied from her place across the room.

"Rhiddi!" he said again, chasing her around the room, as she laughed and ran away from him. He finally managed to corner her against the wall, placing his hands on either side he leaned in'

"Sid, no. please. Not here" Rhiddima tried.

"Why? Is your Papa going to come?" Sid asked, saying papa with his usual tang.

"no, but your daughter just might."

"she's asleep."

"she could wake up."

"she won't"

"she could"

"she won't" he said confidently, "but just to make sure," he said grinning. Stepping back he picked her up swiftly into his arms and began walking towards their bedroom.

"Sidddd" she whined softly into his neck, "you're too much."

Rhiddima was right, Sid didn't sleep that night.

:P [I just had to say that]

She'd moved on. It was true. He'd seen it with his own eyes. And he had heard it with his own ears. She had moved on. The tears flowed freely as he wept for all he lost, Rhiddima, his life, his career, his everything, but most of all Basket. He cried and cried and eventually, he fell asleep, sitting in the bushes in front of Sid and Rhiddima's house.

The next morning he woke to the sun's rays hitting his face. He observed his surroundings wondering where he was, why was he in the bushes of someone's house? Then it all flooded back to him, this was just anybody's house. It was Rhiddima's house. He couldn't believe what he'd been doing. He was spying on her, his- no, not his Rhiddima. He was spying on a married couple; he didn't even know what category of creeper that came under. Checking to make sure there was no one around, he jumped out of the bushes and left heading to the small motel he knew was nearby.

NEXT PART 6:

Sid walked into the living room, looking for his chain. After checking under the couch he stayed kneeled next to it, biting his lip wondering where else it could have fallen in last night's frenzy, Rhiddi had noticed it first, he'd reassured he'd find it in the morning. Now it was morning and he hadn't found it yet. He looked up checking the clock, it was 8 o'clock, and he would have to leave soon for the hospital. As he returned to searching a sight outside the window caught his eye. He watched astonishedly as a man rose from the bushes, brushed himself off and checked for anyone noticing him. Sid ducked as the man turned towards the house, but it wasn't before Sid caught a glance at the man's face.

Armaan.

Armaan.

The name echoed in Sid's head as he collapsed onto the floor.

Armaan was back.

Armaan was here.

Armaan was in my bushes.

Armaan.

It was him, Sid was sure of it, it was him. No mistake.

Armaan.

Till about four and a half years ago that name had haunted him. It had haunted most of everything he did.

When he had looked at Rhiddima five years ago, she was Armaan's Rhiddima. She would never be his.

When he'd walked down the halls of Sanjeevani, it was with the thought that Armaan had walked down those very halls. That was the same place where Armaan and Rhiddima had fallen in love.

When he ate at the canteen, he had related it to Armaan and Rhiddima.

When he ate the food Rhiddima set before him he wondered if she had cooked for him like that.

Four and a half years ago he would never have imagined having the kind of relationship he had with Rhiddima now.

Armaan.

The same Armaan that five years ago, had driven Rhiddima almost insane looking for him.

Sid had wanted Armaan to come back then, to take Rhiddima away, put her out of her misery. Even as he led Rhiddima around the sacred fire, as he tied the mangalsutra, and filled her maang, he had an inkling of hope. He had wanted Armaan to show up even at that moment and take Rhiddima away.

He had known it would hurt him, but he was willing to make that sacrifice. Just because he wanted her happiness, because he knew it would be right.

But now.

Now things had changed.

Rhiddima had been willing to build a bridge, and they had built it. Little by little until it was finished and they were here, they were happy.

Why was Armaan back now?

How do I tell Rhiddi? Sid wondered, looking up as if he was asking God.

"Sid?" Rhiddima's voice interrupted Sid's thoughts, "Sid where are you? Did you find it yet?" she walked into the room. Seeing Sid sitting at staring at the ceiling she said coolly, "oh, I see it's on the ceiling."

"what?" Sid asked coming out of his trance,

"Did you find your chain?"

"what chain?" Sid asked slightly lost, "oh- right"

"Sid!" Rhiddima said, and then noticed his pained expression, "Sid, what's wrong?"

"what?" Sid asked again, distractedly, "no, nothing." He got up unsteadily; he had to think about what he was going to do. Rhiddima reached out to steady him as he stumbled, clasping her hand he squeezed, reassuring himself more than her. Reassuring himself that she was here, for now at least.

"I'm…gonna go. I'll be late."

"what?" she asked confused.

"I-" he didn't know how to explain why he seemed out of it.

What would he say? I just saw the love of your life, yea that one you were ready to die for emerging from our bushes. I'm just going to go figure out what he's doing. O and yea, I'm not even sure if you will stay with me after you find out?

So he didn't finish what he was saying and he left a confused Rhiddima in the living room and headed to the kitchen. But no matter how he much he tried he couldn't take a bite of anything. It didn't help that he was avoiding Rhiddima's curious looks or Ashita's queries of "whats whong daddy?"

NEXT PART 7:

Siddhant drove slowly, thinking. What was he going to do? Wait, did he have to do anything? Why was Armaan back? Was he back for good? Would Rhiddima leave him now? Would she be able to stay wholeheartedly? Did he want her to stay?

The questions ran through his head, around and around in circles. His head was spinning and he was hungry and tired. He'd become spoiled, he was used to having Rhiddima there to cook for him, to feed him. He'd pretty much be screwed if she wasn't there. And now that the possibility of her leaving'.

HONK!!!!!!!

The rude honking of the cars lining up behind him rudely interrupted his thoughts. Pulling over to the side of the road he thought 'Wait stop dude! What are you doing? Stop panicking! Just. Stop. Ok let's think this out. Come on Sid, let's be' rational. What are you talking about, you can't be rational. Shut up! Yes you can!'

Sid groaned it was at times like this that he wished he could stay mature for longer periods of time. Sure when the occasion called for it he could be responsible, but the second he was alone, he couldn't focus, his mind wandered, no matter how important the subject was. Just like it was now, 'FOCUS DAMMIT!' he thought. 'Focus! Wife. Armaan. Problem. Focus!'

He sighed leaning back onto the headrest; he glanced at the clock, 8:30, 30 minutes till he had to show up for his shift. He couldn't do it, he couldn't focus. He' was overreacting. He was insecure. He' was looking straight at Armaan Malik!

Armaan stared at the road watching the vehicles passing by on the road. Each car seemed to have a story, a hurried executive, a housewife out for groceries, parents taking children to school, school buses full of children, autos with aunties, uncles on scooties and bikes, even a bhel gaddi. He wondered if Siddhant was one of those people in the cars, maybe he took his daughter to school. Or maybe Rhiddima did that, maybe Rhiddima had started driving. Now that he thought of it more, their daughter wasn't old enough to go to school. At least he didn't think so. She could only be a little more than four right? He'd only been gone six years' she couldn't have possibly forgotten him that quickly right?

STOP just stop you idiot! Just stop thinking about it!

He hadn't gotten to the hotel; that was where he was headed, but was ambling along and had ended up here. At the small roadside tea stall, sipping tea and wondering how someone's world can do a 180 in one day. Or hours. He was thinking himself in circles, he was going nowhere, so far he'd thought of Rhiddima, Siddhant, and Ashita more times than he could count. He should probably leave, before someone he knows sees him and has to have the awkward job of telling him that his reason for living had pretty much forgotten him. He figured by now he was going literally crazy, at the very lease he was delirious' or delusional. Yup he was delusional, because Siddhant Modi was walking towards him that very moment.

NEXT PART 8:

Siddhant:

'What are you doing?!?!?!

STOP! Stop this instant. Turn around and pretend you didn't see him. Turn around right now. Siddhant Modi, what the hell do you think you are doing? Sid you are dead, you are committing suicide. What are you going to do? What are you going to say? Turn around and pretend not to notice him.

Armaan:

RUN!

Get up and run. This moment.

Stupid legs, why aren't they working?

Armaan he's gonna kill you. Why the hell did you come back? He's gonna kill you. You're gonna die.

Well it's better than dying alone'

You are alone.

Great then! You can die alone.

Siddhant:

There's still time. Stop feet stop!

By the way, what are you going to say to him?

"Hi my name is Siddhant Modi, I married Rhiddima Gupta. Yea, that Rhiddima Gupta, the one you supposedly loved more than your very own life. Yup, I married her. What? Oh yes! I did know about you, I'm just the idiot that thought you were gone for good. My married life? O it was fine! Until I saw you creeping out of our bushes this morning. Yup' don'tcha love life?

Armaan:

Up and atem'! Right now, come on, let's move. You're not talking to him. Once a coward always a coward. Let's go, come on! GET UP! UP YOU IDIOT UP!!! What would you say, huh? Hi, I'm Armaan, I love Rhiddima. Now you love Rhiddima. We should be friends. The I Love Rhiddima Club. Yay! We could be so happy together huh Sid?

Siddhant's steps faltered the closer he got to Armaan. He couldn't go through with it. He wasn't sure what he had set out to do, but whatever it was, he couldn't. There was a lot Siddhant Modi would do for Rhiddima, but this wasn't one of them. He couldn't bring himself to do it. He wasn't that big of a man that he could walk up to Armaan Malik and ask him why he was here. He had his limits, he was too afraid Siddhant stopped at the tea stall and bought himself a glass, swigging it down he headed back to his car. He had patients waiting.

Armaan let out a sigh of relief, he felt like a large weight had been lifted of his chest. He didn't know why Siddhant had changed his route, or even if he was heading towards Armaan in the first place. He knew Siddhant knew about him, he had to, he had come to Panchgani, but was he ok with Armaan? Was he ok with Rhiddima's past? Armaan had to find out, but first he needed some rest.

******

It was break time for Siddhant and Yuvi who sat side by side on the steps of the basketball court in silence. Yuvi had sensed Siddhant's, not foul, but disturbed mood when he'd walked into the locker room instead of his private office, right next to Yuvi's. When questioned he'd made up a lame excuse about checking for rats in the new intern's things.

"Do you want to tell me what's wrong?" Yuvi inquired after a while, bored but worried out of his mind. He hadn't seen Sid like this since Sid and Rhiddima had returned from their honeymoon.

Siddhant didn't reply,

"Sid?" Yuvi asked again, "what's the matter?"

"Armaan." Sid said silently.

Yuvi was confused for a minute, until realization dawned, and then confused again.

"I thought that you guys were through all that, bhabi's over him right?"

"She was over him because he wasn't there, but what happens when he is?"

"Sid, he's gone remember? He went loony or something."

"No Yuvi."

"What do you mean no? He's gone; Bhabi is here, with you. End of problem!"

"He's back."

"What?"

"I saw him, this morning, he was in our bushes. Yuvi I think he was there all night, he was watching us'"

"He was in your bushes?"

"And I saw him again, at a tea stall, but I didn't have the guts to go up to him. I turned around and came here."

"Does Bhabhi know?"

"Not that I know of. I only saw him this morning. And I would like to believe she would tell me something like this."

Yuvi thought quickly, but didn't really know what to do. Too much was happening at once, well not really, but this was a big problem. The only thing he could think of was distance. Armaan must be kept away from the Modi's until he sees the truth of Rhiddima Bhabi's life and leaves. Then Naina would help him do the rest, whatever the rest was.

"Siddhant," Yuvi said, in as calm a voice he could muster.

Siddhant turned to him with an emotionless stare that chilled Yuvi to the bone. He saw that despite the calm voice which had told him about Armaan's arrival, Siddhant was in distress, major distress.

"Siddhant I want you to go in and take care of the rest of your patients, then go home and act normal ok? Don't tell bhabi about this, I'll figure something out."

"But she needs to know-"

"She will just not now, ok?"

Yuvi felt a strange eeriness as Siddhant nodded like an obedient child and left, his face bare of any expression.

He watched as Siddhant moved at an even pace disappearing into the building before he pulled out his phone,

"Nainajaan! There's a problem!"

NEXT PART 9:

It had started drizzling by the time Sid left the hospital; the sun had begun to set. Sid drove home nervous tension causing him to be impatient honking his horn more times than necessary and lashing out at the simplest things. The traffic was murder and by the time he reached home it would be past eight o clock. Ashita was long tucked in and Rhiddima would be waiting up for him. He was tired and sick of it all already, and it had barely begun; whatever it was. That was another problem, he didn't really know what the problem was, he was just bothered. As he drove into his driveway however every thought disappeared from his mind. All he could think was Rhiddima. Rhiddima. Rhiddima.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN5HUeKuD10

Rhiddima had been lounging on the couch reading a magazine when the rain had started. A childish excitement came over her then, she didn't know why, maybe it was living and being in love with Siddhant, because yes, she did love him; he was a kid half the time and it was spreading to her. She felt more free as each day went by, her excitement for life growing, her willingness, her need to do random, fun things increasing. And so she ran outside, the rain falling gently at first then rapidly as she jumped around grinning with glee at the crying heavens. She spun in circles, the falling rain somehow reminding her of her husband. He had slowly knocked on the doors to her heart, and then like the thundering rain, burst his way into her life; and she accepted it all wholeheartedly.

She sensed Siddhant's arrival as soon as he turned into the driveway, even though the roaring sound of the raindrops had muted all other noises. He stepped out of his car with an awed look on his face; Rhiddima laughed excitedly running to him and pulling him into a hug.

Unnai kandaene muthal murai

naan ennai tholaithaene mutrilumai thaan

Unnai kandaene muthal murai

naan ennai tholaithaene mutrilumai thaan

Kaathal boothame ennai neeyum thottai

Ayyo ayayyo acham varuthe

Thappi chellave vazhikal illai inge

ayyo ayayyo che ennavo panninai neeye

Unnai kandaene muthal murai

naan ennai tholaithaene mutrilumai thaan

He was soon as sopping wet as she was as she pulled him to the middle of the lawn running as if not to miss a minute of the rain. Letting his hand go she spun around again, her arms swinging around. He had let everything else go; right now it was just them, just him, and Rhiddima. His Rhiddima. They were Mr. and Mrs. Modi, and they were going to dance, sing, and forget the world.

Erikkira mazhai ithu

Kulirkira Veyil ithu

Kothikkira neer ithu

Anaikira thee ithu

Inikkira vazhi ithu

Ithamulla poo ithu

Ithayathil malarvathu oh penne

Nijamulla poi ithu

Niramulla inippithu

Mounathin mozhi ithu

Maranathin vaayvithu

Antharathin kadalithu

Katti vantha kanavithu

Ainsol kolvathu aen penne

Their hands linked in the air above their heads as they brought them down, their faces came together; she smiled as his lips bushed against hers. Holding his hands tightly she leaned back as far as she could, feeling the rain wash over her, before he jerked her back into his arms.

Aenginaen naan thaenginaen

Aenadaa pothum imsaigal

Vaanamum intha boomiyum

Unthan thotrame

Un paer sonnaale ulle thithikkume

They ran around, chasing each other, the villa-like bungalow had an expansive lawn full of plant life. Suddenly Sid couldn't see Rhiddima; he stood in the middle of the lawn his hands on his hips. Rhiddima slowly crept up behind an unsuspecting Sid, jumping onto his back and he almost fell over, catching himself in time he reached back and swung her around into his arms with a smirk, dipping her lower and lower to the beat of the song, then pulling her back up.

Kaathal kaditham athu konjam paesum

Kannoadu irukum pala kaditham

Penne naanum un kannai padithaen

Puriyaamal thavithaen poi sollutho mei sollutho

He turned to face away, his arms outstretched.

Oh kaathal enai thaakiduthe

She wrapped her arms around him from behind.

Sarithaan enaiyum athu saaythiduthe

He turned to face her, she gently kissed his check.

Iravil kanavum enai saapiduthe

He kissed temple, her ear, as he reached further she slipped out of his grasp shaking her head no, a teasing look on her face.

Pothuvaay vayathil ithil thappikka yaarum illaiye

Unnai kandaene muthal murai

naan ennai tholaithaene mutrilumai thaan

She stretched out her arms, taking in the rain, he walked towards her, and soon his arms were wrapped around her waist again, holding her to him, her arms wrapped around his neck, swaying together. Slipping out of his hold, she ran again, coming to a stop, she stood near the greenhouse, full of her flowers; he ran after her and came close, his arms trapping her as she tried to run again, pressing her into the blurred glass, he laid a kiss on the top of her head.

Aeno iravil oru paadal kaettaal

Udane en ulle nee varuvaay

koyil kulle kan moodi nintraay

un uruvam thaane ennalume nenjil thontrume

Naan unnaal thaan swaasikkiraen

Naan unpaer thinam vaasikkiraen

Uyirai vidavum unai naesikkiraen

Kadavul nilaiyai nam kannile kaattidum kaathal

Unnai kandaene muthal murai

naan ennai tholaithaene mutrilumai thaan

Kaathal boothame ennai neeyum thottai

Ayyo ayayyo acham varuthe

Thappi chellave vazhikal illai inge

ayyo ayayyo che ennavo panninai neeye

She pushed him off and tried to run away but he caught up and pulled her back, teasing and tickling her as she squirmed in his grip, laughing at his antics. Wrapping his arms around her waist he spun her around, both giggling, relishing the moment.

Erikkira mazhai ithu

Kulirkira Veyil ithu

Kothikkira neer ithu

Anaikira thee ithu

Inikkira vazhi ithu

Ithamulla poo ithu

Ithayathil malarvathu oh penne

Nijamulla poi ithu

Niramulla inippithu

Mounathin mozhi ithu

Maranathin vaayvithu

Antharathin kadalithu

Katti vantha kanavithu

Ainsol kolvathu aen penne

Aenginaen naan thaenginaen

Aenadaa pothum imsaigal

Vaanamum intha boomiyum

Unthan thotrame

Un paer sonnaale ulle thithikkume

He pulled away and lifted her into his arms, spinning around .They stayed like that, reveling in the rain, the happiness, the comfort, the moment.

manasukkul aetho sol sol

ethirinil othu nil nil

uyirukkul aetho jal jal

ithu sari thaana nee sol

'''

The tears that should have been running down his face were washed away by the rain; he turned around to walk away again. He had his assurance now; he knew that his basket wasn't his anymore. Armaan had come to check on her, only to do that. He had promised himself that he would do just that and leave. And he had his proof, dancing in the rain. They used to do that, flashes of their past had run past his eyes as he watched her tease her husband. All that he had done was a waste, she wasn't his. As he walked lost in his thoughts, he almost missed the young man walking towards him, in fact he would have, if the young man hadn't stepped squarely in his path and stayed there.

"I thought you would be here."

Armaan peered at the man, he didn't seem much younger than himself, "what?"

"I'm Yuvraj, Siddhant's friend. And as his friend, I have come to make sure that you don't destroy his life."

"Look I-"

"Don't bother defending yourself. I understand it all, I...I... one minute!" Yuvi turned around and pressed the Bluetooth closer to his ear, "Naina! What do I say after that?" he whispered.

"Duffer!" Naina's voice came over the Bluetooth, "tell him about the party!"

"O right!"

Yuvi turned back to Armaan, who stood there with a confused look. Composing his face into the somber expression from earlier Yuvi continued, "I will show you what you're about to ruin. There is a party for Siddhant and Rhiddima's anniversary the day after tomorrow. They don't know about it and DON'T spoil it, if you do, I'. I know where you wander at night.

I'll get you."

Yuvi nodded curtly and walked away, "YUVI!" Naina's voice boomed through the Bluetooth, "the place and time!"

Yuvi turned and walked back to Armaan just as curtly as he had left, Armaan was still standing there, trying to digest what the stranger, whom he now placed as Yuvi from the basket ball court, had said.

"It's at The Club Cha Cha at 8, be there." Yuvi said seriously, and turning again, he disappeared off into the night. At home, Naina set down the phone satisfied with her planning and her husband's obedience.

Armaan stood there for another minute, trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming, or hallucinating.

Day after tomorrow. Party. Anniversary. Siddhant and Rhiddima. The Club Cha Cha at eight? What was all of that? Show him what? Was he expected to show up? At a party? For "the Modis?" he didn't know what to do. His heart was being broken over and over and the worst part of it was that he was going back for more. So should he go?

A couple hours later he stood at the window of his motel room. Staring at the now clear night sky. He felt so alone, there was no one here. He had driven everyone away. Atul, Anjie, Muskaan, Rahul, Nikki, everyone was gone. He didn't know where they were, how they were. He hadn't kept contact with anyone after he left. No one, contact cut off from everyone that had-no that did matter to him. He didn't have anyone to talk to, he didn't know what to do, and there was no one to help him. No one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZJkbD5Apic&feature=related

(Apani Tanhaayiyon Mein Koi Saaya Bhi Nahi) - 2

Koi Apana Bhi Nahi, Koi Paraaya Bhi Nahi..

(Kise Aawaaz Doon)- 4

Saari Jhuti Baatein Hain, Din Apane Na Raatein Hai

Hoo Saari Jhuti Baatein Hain, Din Apane Na Raatein Hai..

Pal Pal Ek Kahaani Hai, Jo Jivan Bhar Dohraani Hai

(Kise Aawaaz Doon) - 4

(Chehare Kya Tasweere Hain

Na Khwaab Hai Na Taabirein Hai) - 2

Aas Hai Jo Ke Jivan Hai, Ulajha Ulajha Bandhan Hai

(Kise Aawaaz Doon) - 4

(Apani Tanhaayiyon Mein Koi Saaya Bhi Nahi) - 2

Koi Apana Bhi Nahi, Koi Paraaya Bhi Nahi

NEXT PART 10

Siddhant sat on the bed, drying his wet hair with the towel, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" he looked up at Rhiddima's inquiry, her concerned face filling his heart with guilt. Her caring look threw all of Yuvi's advice out the window; he could never hide something like this from her. He loved this woman and no matter what he would make sure she got what she wanted. Even if it left him shattered.

She walked over and reaching over, grabbed the towel, continuing to dry his hair. His vision was semi blocked by the towel and his hair in his eyes, as she moved to stand before him, all he could see was her stomach, exposed through the sheer fabric of her black nightgown. They'd both taken showers and changed. She pulled him closer, rubbing the towel harder as his face pressed into her midriff.

"Sid what's wrong?" she asked again.

"I wannnn tou yo sunuhha." He said, his words muffled.

"What?" Rhiddima asked, not stopping her rubbing.

"Siddhant stop acting like a kid." She said, frustrated, his bad mood in the morning and now this? How much in a day? Really her whole day would have been ruined if not for Ashita and the fact that she didn't have any hormonal expectant mothers in her hands. And now here he was again, giving her attitude like a little kid, he was her frikin husband and-"ahh!" she yelped as he reached out and catching her arms, swung her into his lap.

"Listen." He said in a serious voice. Her surprised eyes met his annoyed ones and held on. The world disappeared for the second time that night, leaving only them. Again he noticed how her tendrils of hair fell softly upon her face, and he noticed his The moment held onto Siddhant and Rhiddima for a couple minutes, until Siddhant's mind unfroze and began to work again, reminding him of the decision he'd made before she had entered the room. Lifting her gently off of his lap, he set her on the bed and slid down to kneel beside her.

"Rhiddima, I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" she asked, apprehension filled her mind, Siddhant was never this serious. "Sid, kya hua?"

He reached out and clasped her hand, reassuring her, or was it himself? "I need to tell you something, and it's very important."

"Okay, then tell me!"

"Rhiddima, before you say anything, or think anything, just listen. Don't jump to conclusions-"

"I don't-"

"Yes you do, and we both know it so PLEASE. Listen."

Rhiddima pursed her lips, listening seriously.

"Rhiddima, I want you to be happy. I NEED you to be happy. And while I like, no love, to believe I am your happiness, that Ashi and I are all that you need, I can't really believe that can I? You see what I want to believe and what I can believe are too different things and there are times when I really don't know what to believe, because ' wait I'm getting sidetracked. "

"Sid can you please just tell me what's wrong" she interrupted him.

"Yes." He took a deep breath.

"Rhiddima, if I' tell you, something. If I ask you something will you answer to it honestly?"

"Of course I would! Why-"

"Armaan's back Rhiddima and I don't know what to do but tell you and wait for you to tell me what to do." He let it all out in one breath.

She stared at him, openmouthed and stunned. Armaan was back. The Armaan. Armaan.

"Ah- a- are you s-sure?"

He nodded, hesitantly.

"A-and, what do you want, to know?"

"I'I don't know. I don't know what I want to know." He said, looking down to their entangled hands. "I don't know' you tell me. What do you want to do? What do you want me to do?"

She looked at him confused, what was she supposed to say? What was he saying? Was he suggesting they' that she would want to? She gasped pulling her hands away; he fell back startled by her sudden movement. She looked at him accusingly, "what are you saying Siddhant?"

He shook his head, "I- I'm not saying anything I-"

She shook her head slowly, tears spilling slowly as she thought of how her life had taken such a turbulent turn so suddenly.

Siddhant got up from the floor. His sad eyes concentrated on her face as it changed from shock to happiness to confusion to sadness. He slowly headed away, leaving her to think by herself. He paused at the doorway, throwing one last longing glance at her that went by unnoticed.

It was a melancholy night for both of them; for him as he lay in his daughter's bed, holding her close to his heart, and for her as she curled into a ball on the very bed where she had spent numerous nights with Siddhant.

'^'*o*'^'

The next morning few words were exchanged between the couple as they bustled around in the morning. Both their heads were swarming with assumptions, questions, confusion, and hurt. Both wanted to speak out, demand the other to give it them straight, but fear of the answer kept them quiet. Siddhant left and soon Rhiddima was left alone with only Ashi for company. A little while later however Ashi grew tired of playing and settled in for a nap, leaving Rhiddima with nothing to occupy her time but think; she wasn't working this week and therefore was at home. She supposed she could go for a walk, but she really wasn't in the mood for anything. She sighed, she had thought many times what she would do if this situation arose, but she'd never had an answer.

The phone rang then; it was Naina, ready to set the plans in motion. "Hi didi, how are things?"

The simple but inquisitive question brought on the waterworks, "Sid thinks I'm going to leave him," Rhiddima sobbed into the phone. "He thinks I want a divorce. I know it; I saw it in his eyes."

Naina panicked for a moment, that idiot Sid, what had he done now? "Didi, what happened?"

Rhiddima wept into the phone, telling Naina what Sid had said to her last night, Armaan was back and he didn't know what he wanted anymore. "Sid," she blubbered, "Sid didn't know what he wants anymore. He thinks I want to leave Naina, that's all the faith he has in me! Why does he think that? How can he think that? How could he'?"

She quieted down slowly, still whimpering and whispering as Naina reassured her.

"Didi, this is Sid we're talking about! He loves you! Didi, what did he say exactly?"

"I, I don't remember'"

"What did you say?"

"I don't remember."

"Didi, remember your nickname for Sid?"

"Yes. Of course, Mr. Houston-"

"-because he's so American."

"Yea."

"That's what's at play here didi, he's been raised in America, and you know it has one of the highest divorce rates in the world."

"Yes'"

"And it's practically normal there to get divorced."

"That's not true!"

"Well it might as well be! Just listen, all I'm saying is Sid just wants you to be happy. You need to talk to him and I am willing to bet you guys haven't spoken since last night."

Rhiddima didn't reply, her silence was her answer.

"If you won't overreact I'll tell you something."

"Ok, what?"

"Didi, Sid had already told Yuvi everything. Yuvi came to me. We kind of had a plan, but then Sid told you, even though we told him not to."

Letting the fact that he has told Yuvi before her go by, Rhiddima interrupted "a plan?"

"Yes," Naina replied, "a plan. Yuvi met Armaan didi."

"What? When?"

"Sid doesn't know, last night, Yuvi figured he would be there."

"Where?" Rhiddima interrupted again.

"At your house." Naina replied hesitantly.

"What? He was here?"

"Yes. He was watching you."

Rhiddima's mind raced to last night, o god, she'd been out there flaunting her new life in front of Armaan'

"He- he was watching?"

"Yes, and Yuvi talked to him, and." Naina paused, contemplating her next move, should she tell didi about the party or what?

Rhiddima spoke again, suddenly determined to make things work, "Naina, tell me the plan, I need to show Siddhant that he's the one I want."

Naina smiled, life always had a way of working itself out, "ok di, listen up."

The plan wasn't complicated, all Rhiddima had to do was get Siddhant to the Club Cha Cha tomorrow night, everything was handled but the "super couple" Naina and Yuvi.

NEXT PART 11

He entered the house hesitantly that night, not knowing what to expect. He knew what he didn't expect though, and it was this. Rhiddima sitting on the couch, casually reading a magazine. But she wasn't really reading, because no one can read by candlelight these days. And that's all there was. Every light in the house was off, candles lit up the living room, the hall, the even the bedrooms. He looked around baffled, reaching over he flicked the light switch, nope the electricity was not out. Rhiddima glanced up from the magazine, and smiled. He smiled back nervously, more a reflex or habit than a genuine smile. As she went back to her magazine, he wandered towards the hall, walking into Ashi's room.

Rhiddima looked up again, watching the door expectantly, on time Siddhant walked right out, confused again, "Where's my daughter?"

"Our daughter" Rhiddima said pointedly. "and she is with papa and mama."

"ok," he nodded perplexed, wondering what was happening. He wondered if he'd just dreamed last night, maybe he hadn't told her. Maybe they hadn't slept in different rooms' but he'd woken up in Ashi's room! He shook his head trying to make sense of things. He didn't really know what he had expected, but after he had told her, and he was sure he had, why didn't she say anything? No outburst, no accusations.

The indifference continued as they had dinner, she chatted away as he replied in monosyllables, observing her silently. After cleaning up he walked towards their room, thinking about the situation when he felt a tug on his collar and two arms wrapped around him. He looked down at them, very familiar hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77_1P4mrSTQ

na na na na, na na na , na na na, na na na
na na na na, na na na , na na na, na na na

His eyes widened as he realized they were Rhiddima's. He stepped out of her hold turning to face her. He gasped as she winked then poked him. He noticed that she was wearing a slinky yellow and white sari with spegetti strap blouse as she began pushing him backwards as she sang:

ho' maine toh maanga tha, saheli jaisa saiyaan ---(2)
(what i had asked for, was a lover in the guise of a friend)

He was backed up against the wall trapped, her arms on either side of his torso, but that didn't stop him from trying to escape. He captured her arms, turning her around as he walked off.

mua palle pada, paheli jaisa saiyaan'
(damn, and this what I got, a lover in the guise of a puzzle!)

paheli jaisa saiyaan ---(2)
(my lover like a puzzle)

He stopped; this wasn't how you got to the bedroom! He was getting lost in his own da** house. He shook his head, continuing in his initial direction, shaking off Rhiddima again, she stood there pouting and stamping her feet.

bhoola bhoola sa rehta hai,
(he remains lost in his thoughts)
jhoola jhoola sa rehta hai
(and sways around aimlessly)

She went after him again, dancing.

nayi dilli mein, bareilly jaisa saiyaan'

(in new delhi, a lover like he's from bareli)
bareilly jaisa saiyaan' ---(2)
(lover like he's from bareli)
ho' maine toh maanga tha
(what I had asked for)

na na na na, na na na na, na na na na
na na na na, na na na na, na na na na

He fretted, he really just wanted to talk, or not talk but not, not this! He marched around the living room getting cut off often by Rhiddima swaying and dancing in front of him. She fell into his arms, he stood her upright and moved on, she pulled at him, he tugged away, he attempted to stay away, trying to concentrate somewhere else.

sara din afwaahon sa, udta phirta hai gali gali'
gali gali mora saiyaan'
(in the by lanes, my lover)

"Rhiddima-" he tried talking to her, to no use as she continued singing and swaying seductively in front of him.

ho' aake ghar angithi sa, baatien karta hai jali jali
(when back home, he spits fire in his talk)
jala jala mora saiyaan,
(the charred sweetheart!)

She pinched his cheeks sweetly, he walked off again. She spun dramatically down the hall towards him. Her bright sari making her a pretty picture.

bawre ne hi' bawri kiya
(this mad guy himself, drove me mad for him)

She fell backwards against him, and was immediately up righted by his hands, but she caught his hand, climbing up so she could hold his arms, turning him side to side.

hai maine kya' panga le liya
(God knows, what a problem i have taken up in him)
chuna bhooton ki, haweli jaisa saiyaan,
(just like touching a haunted mansion)

She stepped back, doing a little dance step to the music, that didn't go unnoticed by Siddhant as he unwittingly smiled.

haweli jaisa saiyaan,

(my lover, the haunted one)
bareilly jaisa saiyaan
haan' maine toh manga tha, saheli jaisa saiyaan
(what i had asked for, was a lover like a friend)
saheli jaisa saiyaan

He walked around the whole house, trying to avoid her, so he could keep a clear head. But she followed him everywhere, singing and dancing, throwing things between them away. His feeble attempts at staying away were brushed off by her pokes, pulls, and falls. He himself tripped and fell in the process.

haan'uthte hi akhbaar pe, toot padta hai subah subah,
well, he sticks to the newspaper each morning,
bhooka sa mera saiyaan
the hungry sweetheart)

He plopped onto the couch, hoping TV would distract him. She sat on the couch's arms singing:

oh' biwi se zyada toh yeh, tv se hi juda juda,
and, more than his wife, it's the television he sticks to
chipku sa mora saiyaan
the stuck up idiot

She fell onto the couch, leaning into him.

bawre ne hi' bawri kiya,
(and this is the mad guy, i went mad for)
kaise na bhala' jale ye jiya

He stood up, causing her to tumble onto the floor, she sat up, head in her hands.

pade jhelna, jo daily aisa saiyaan,
(if daily I have to bear with such a lousy lover!)

She stood up doing her little dance step again.

jo daily aisa saiyaan,
(have to bear him daily!)
bhoola bhoola sa rehta hai'
jhoola jhoola sa rehta hai,
nayi dilli mein' bareli jaisa saiyaan
In New Delhi, Bareli like partner
bareilly jaisa saiyaan

She caught him before he went into their bedroom, blocking his way, a hand on her hip revealed by the sari draping away. She quirked her eyebrows challenging him as she finished the song.

paheli jaisa saiyaan
(my lover, the great puzzle!)
ho' maine toh maanga tha, saheli jaisa saiyaan
(what i had asked for, was a lover in the guise of a friend)

Siddhant breathed in and out, calming himself down. He looked down at her challenging look. What was going on in her head? Why was she acting so unaffected? He took her hand and tugged her into the bedroom, sitting her down in the exact spot as he had yesterday, he knelt before her again.

"Rhiddima, do you remember anything about last night?"

She pretended to think, "Siddhant do you remember anything about yesterday." She asked.

Siddhant pursed his lips, "I'm serious Rhiddi, do you remember what I told you?"

Rhiddima sighed dramatically, "Mr. Houston, do you really think ki, tume mujse itne jaldi chutkara milega?"

Siddhant rubbed his chin, frustrated by her nonchalance. She sighed again, and grabbing his hands, put them in her lap.

"Sid, do you remember what I said to you when we got married?" she asked. He looked up at her, shaking his head slowly. "I said that Armaan was my past, and you, are my present, my future. And I had said it so many times in the first two weeks of our marriage alone that I know you've grown tired of hearing it." He scoffed there, remembering how everyday they would fight, and she would go on a long ramble about pasts, presents, futures, and he would end up tuning her out.

"I remember" he said. She tugged at his hands, making him sit on the bed next to her. Burrowing into his arms, she rested her head on his shoulder, "nothing's changed Siddhant. I made my choice and my choice was you." He let his arms wrap around her, holding her close.

"Do you remember our honeymoon?" she continued? "Our very first one?"

He thought back, cringing at the thought of their first trip together as husband and wife. He had idiotically screamed at her again, and she had set out to prove herself. He laid a kiss on her head, pulling her closer. She smiled in his arms, "I would do it again." she said, they both knew what she was referring to, "if you ever, ever suspect my love for you again, I will do it again. And I won't stop at a hundred, Siddhant Modi. I'm not kidding, I will do it again" He smiled, giving her another kiss. "Please don't," he said. She shook her head, "I won't unless you make me."

He pulled away, looking at her feet, "so what does this mean?"

She took his hand in hers again, "this means," she replied, "that Armaan Malik could walk up to our front door and ask me to walk out but I wouldn't. He could do anything, offer me all the love in the world, but I wouldn't go. Because then I wouldn't have yours, and I need yours the most. I don't know why Armaan is here Siddhant, but I don't care! I need you to be happy Sid." She paused in her speech, "Siddhant, you want me to be happy right?"

He nodded, still concentrated her feet, still not completely convinced.

She cupped his face in her hand and continued. "I'm happy when I'm with you, when I see our daughter, when I wake up in the morning and you're beside me looking like an innocent kid. And' I'm happy when I realize you still worry over things in the past that hurt me and still try to find ways to fix them."

She sighed, seeing he still wasn't completely satisfied, and she didn't blame him, how could she? She herself had worried that one day Tamana might show up again, and that she wouldn't be able to keep Siddhant with her. How do you tell someone that you needed them so much it hurt? That the mere thought of losing them made you want to end everything?

"Siddhant I will always remember him. I'm not going to lie to you, you should never bury your memories, purane yaadein bulne se kuch nahi hota," she went on meaningfully, "Accept them, and don't be afraid to make new ones. You don't need to get rid of old memories to make new ones."

She lifted his face up so their eyes could meet, smiling at him gently, sadly, hopefully.

He slowly returned her smile, acceptingly. They sat up doing more talking that night. He leaned against the headboard, and she sat nestled between his legs, collapsed onto his chest, their hands entangled and their conversation a string of 'remember when's. Sure he still had a little bit of inhibition left in him, any sane man would, but he brushed it off, I didn't really matter, there would always be memories, but there were new ones to be made.

NEXT PART 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rprer5PwNxE

Armaan had wandered around all day. His thoughts consumed by thoughts of Rhiddima, he thought about Siddhant, Ashita, and Yuvraj too, but mostly, Rhiddima. Fate was so cruel, they had had everything to live for, everything. Love, support, they had had their whole lives in front of them, so they could live it together.

Na hai yeh paanaa naa khonaa hi hai,
(This may not be achieved, but i don't want to lose it either)
Tera na hona jaane... kyun honaa hi hai??
(Why should I not become yours, I don't know why it has to be)

Tum se hi din hota hai,
(Because of you the day starts)
Surmaiyee shaam aati hai,
(The darkness prevails with you)
Tum se hi,
(because of you)
Tum se hi...

Har ghadi saans aati hai,
( I take each breath)
Zindagi kehlaati hai,
(I live this life)
Tum se hi,
(because of you)
Tum se hi....

Na hai yeh paanaa naa khonaa hi hai,
(This may not be achieved, but I don't want to lose it either)
Tera na hona jaane... kyun honaa hi hai...
(I am not to become yours, I don't know why this has to be...)

His whole life, his whole existence had revolved around her. Whatever he did, the first thing he had thought tended to be 'what would Rhiddima say?' Rhiddima Rhiddima Rhiddima. And she had been like that too, everything she said, everything she did, Armaan Armaan Armaan. But it had all changed. He felt like such a bore, repeating the same things to himself again and again. It seemed like he had said 'I can't believe' to himself more times since he had met Rhiddima than he had in his whole existence before. 'I can't believe I'm in love' 'I can't believe she loves me' 'I can't believe she thinks I could do that' 'I can't believe she left me' 'I can't believe' that she could live without me, that she could be happy without me.

Aankhon mein aankhein teri,
(In my eyes, I only see your eyes)
Baahon mein baahein teri,
(In My arms I see only you)
Mera na mujh mein kuchh raha... hua kya??
(nothing in me is for me... what has happened to me?)

Baaton mein baatein teri,
(I talk only about you)
Raatein saugaatein teri,
(my nights and dreams/thoughts are for you only)
Kyun tera sab yeh ho gayaa... hua kya??
(Why is all this yours... what happened?)

He had looked up to the heavens again, begging them to tell him why it had to be them. Why they had to be separated. They had sworn to love each other forever, for all lives ahead. Had it all been a lie? Were they never meant to be together at all? But if that's how it was, why was she all he ever thought about. Why did he see her everywhere?

Main kahin bhi jaata huun,
(Whereever i go to)
Tum se hi mil jaata huun,
(I meet you)
Tum se hi,
Tum se hi...
(Because of you...)

Shorr mein khaamoshi hai,
(The chatter resembles silence)
Thodi si behoshi hai,
(there is a little intoxication)
Tum se hi,
(because of you)
Tum se hi...

His life was a bunch of broken promises, lies he had told his heart. Promises no one would ever be able to complete, promises no one would ever fulfill. And they all pointed to her, no matter what he did, he knew he would never forget her. He would never not know what it felt like to hold her, to touch her, to see her smile. He had bonded himself to her.

Aadha sa vaada kabhi,
(Incomplete is the promise at times)
Aadhe se zyaada kabhi,
(sometimes it is more than half complete)
Jee chaahe karluun iss tarah vafaa ka...
(I feel like loving in such a way...)

Chhode na chhuute kabhi,
(even if we want to leave we won't be able to)
Tode na tuute kabhi,
(Even if we try to break, it never will)
Jo dhaagaa tum se judd gayaa vafaa ka...
(The bond of our love is as such)

Main tera sarmaaya huun,
(I have prospered because of you)
Jo bhi main bann paaya huun,
(Whatever I have become now)
Tum se hi,
(is because of you)
Tum se hi...
(all because of you)

Somewhere along the way, their paths had separated, and now it seemed he had forced them back together, if only for a while. But not it wasn't just the two of them, Siddhant's was woven into hers, it ran right along with hers. Her new companion, and there was new path just starting out. Their daughter. Once upon a time their destination had been the same, not anymore.

Raaste mil jaate hain,
(The roads cross and meet)
Manzilein mil jaati hain,
(Detinations are reached)
Tum se hi,
(because of you)
Tum se hi...

Na hai yeh paanaa naa khonaa hi hai,
(This may not be achieved, but i don't want to lose it either)
Tera na hona jaane... kyun honaa hi hai??
(Why should I not become yours, I don't know why it has to be)

Perhaps they were only meant to meet for a few moments, not forever. Maybe that was the way it was supposed to be. He wasn't admitting defeat really; it was more of a truce, with himself. Their paths would separate before she became aware they had even collided. But before he left again, he decided, he would see her for a last time. Tomorrow. Tomorrow was their anniversary and they would have a party. He could easily blend into the background, watching from a distance as she lived her new life. Her life without him. He had to do this; he would force himself to if he needed to. He would see her tomorrow, and then he would never come back again. He would never, ever, see her again. He would make sure he stayed far away, and never came into their path.

NEXT PART 13

Siddhant reached over expecting to find a warm body next to his. He squinted his eyes open, head slightly rising, "Rhiddima?" she wasn't there! He groaned sitting up, he was wondering if last night was a dream now. This kinda sucked. He didn't know what was real and what a dream was. Maybe all of it was a dream, maybe- 'shut up Siddhant' he said to himself. 'You know you can't handle that much thinking first thing in the morning.'

He sat back, remembering he didn't have to go in today for some reason he couldn't seem to remember; he had the nagging feeling that it was an important reason. He heard the shower running; Rhiddima was in the shower, how nice. He lay down again and turned over, hugging a pillow, ready to fall asleep again. Alas it was not to be, the doorbell rang. He covered his head with the pillow, hoping that whoever it was would go away. But they didn't.

"Siddhant!" Rhiddima yelled out, "Get the door!"

Groaning he got out of bed, stumbling down the hall to the door, cursing as he rubbed his eyes. Yawning again he opened the door, and got mauled over by a giant bear hug!

"HEY LITTLE BROTHER!!!" Abhimanyu Modi squeezed his little brother harder, practically lifting him off the ground, laughing.

"Bhaiya" Siddhant strained to breathe, "Hey! Wanna put me down?" Abhimanyu finally set him down, still grinning. As soon as Siddhant began catching his breath, he was caught again; this time by his petite sister in law, Nikkita. "Hiiiiiii Sid! How are you? Where's Rhidzy? Where's Ashi?"

"Hey!" Siddhant finally realized what was going on; he picked Nikkita up and swung her around, laughing as she squealed. Setting her down he said, "I am fine, Rhiddi's in the shower, and Ashi's with her grandparents; what are you guys doing here?"

Abhimanyu and Nikkita looked at each other; Abhi spoke first, "well you know. We just, wanted, you know, to see you guys."

Nikki nodded, shrugging she added, "Yea. We missed you. So you know, we just dropped by."

"Right...." Siddhant said giving them a quizzical look, "you just dropped in' from Delhi. Which is, of course, just down the street."

Abhi and Nikki looked at each other again, "Yup. Yea that's it," they said, together giving him toothy beams. Nikkita walked into the house, heading towards their guestroom, completely at home; "the luggage is in the car!" she called back. Siddhant looked back at his brother, "all right then," he said, "you get the luggage bhai, I'm gonna freshen up." He said with an extra sweet smile, heading towards his bedroom.

"I thought you said Rhidzy was showering!" Abhimanyu called after him.

Siddhant turned, walking backwards, "what's your point?" he said with a grin, before turning around and ambling towards the room.

Abhi chuckled as he headed towards their car, 'that's my boy' he thought.

Rhiddima was stepping out of the bathroom when Siddhant walked in, he was of course disappointed.

"Who was it?" she asked drying her hair.

"Bhaiya and Bhabhi, they just dropped in."

"Really?"

"No it was the red nosed reindeer, yes really!"

She ignored his sarcasm, too excited to be bothered. Throwing the towel down she brushed past him as she practically sprinted to the guest bedroom where she knew Nikki would already be setting shop. Sid stood there; frowning, no shower and no good morning kiss. Today sucked.

Abhi walked in with suitcases just in time to see Rhiddima rushing out the door and Sid with a lost puppy look, he laughed again at his brother's misfortune. Sid glared at him, turning on his heel to walk away in a huff! Abhimanyu just laughed louder. Closing the door behind him he headed to the guestroom, freezing in his tracks as loud squeals erupted from the room, shaking his head he continued trekking onwards, Nikki had packed like they would stay for a month.

"I can't believe you just dropped in!" Rhiddima exclaimed.

"Hey, tum musibat mein, aur hum na aao?" Nikkita replied back coolly.

"Well I actually may have sorted it all out'"

"No. Please don't tell me I drove all that way for nothing" Abhi's horrified voice came from the doorway.

"Abhi!" Nikki chastised him, "we're visiting Sid and Rhidzy that is not for nothing."

"I know but-"

"Chup!"

Abhi frowned 'it's better than having a problem' he thought. Sighing he dropped off the luggage, collapsing on the bed next to the woman.

"Ok," Nikki said, getting down to business, "what's the plan?"

Rhiddima smiled, "It's quite simple actually'"

'^'*o*'^'

"So Sid."

"Arghh!" Sid almost fell down, startled but his brother's voice as much as he was. He had just stepped out of the bathroom, and Abhi was lounging on the bed casually hugging a pillow.

"Bhai! What the-"

"Sid, get dressed."

Sid looked down at the towel he was wearing, suddenly feeling exposed. As he pulled on his signature UB shirt, Abhi continued talking.

"So what are you going to do tonight?"

"I don't know, why?"

"You're not doing anything special?" Abhi asked seemingly astonished.

"For what?" Sid asked confused.

"For what? You honestly don't remember?"

"No' Does this have something to do with why I don't have to go in today?"

"Quite possibly. Infact probably. Actually that is the reason."

Sid sat on the bed, scratching his head; so there was something important today. That nagging feeling wasn't for nothing' what was it?

Abhi crawled up next to him, "you really don't know." He said, it was a statement not a question. He sniggered, "Rhiddima's gonna kill you!"

Siddhant gasped, jumping up and knocking Abhi back in the process, "O SHIT!" he shouted. He slowly sunk back down onto the bed. "Armaan ki chakkar mein bhulgaya. It's our anniversary."

Neatly sidestepping the mention of Armaan, Abhi climbed back onto the bed, saying, "it's ok. I'll help. I have a plan."

"Really?" Siddhant asked hopefully, the look of a five year offered a free pass to the ice cream store came over his face.

"Of course, Abhimanyu Modi is always prepared."

In the corridor, Rhiddima and Nikkita quickly gave each other a high five, turning to surreptitiously watch their husbands again. Abhi sat grinning amusedly as Siddhant fretted and worried, now pacing up and down, planning how he could put together a wonderful night in about eight hours. Abhi couldn't, after all tell him that it would be useless, because it was a surprise party, for Siddhant at least.

Things soon settled down and the two couples went about the day, Rhiddima and Nikki headed out soon enough to shop and Abhi and Sid were left to themselves. Abhi pretended to help Siddhant arrange things for that night by making calls; meanwhile Siddhant continued fretting, questioning how he could have forgotten something like this.

At around seven thirty everything was set. Siddhant had asked Rhiddima out to dinner, she had of course happily obliged. Abhi and Nikki tagged along too. They set out, Rhiddima dressed to kill in a sheer black and white sari and matching silver and onyx jewelry and Siddhant dressed semi casually, a black jacket thrown over white shirt and black slacks. Nikki was dressed in a dark purple and off white sari, Abhi wore black slacks as well as a black vest over an off white shirt, and magically produced a tie that matched his wife's sari. They were silent on the ride there, Abhi, Nikki, and Rhiddima anxious because once they got there, there was no plan. Or if there was, they didn't know it. Siddhant anxious and hoping that everything would go according to his plans, because things generally tended not to- now that he thought about it, it should really just teach him not to plan.

'^'*o*'^'

As they emerged from the car around 8:30, Siddhant realized right away the night wasn't going right, they were the wrong place! This wasn't the Mystique! This was Club Cha Cha! "Bhai!" he turned angrily to his brother, who had driven while he anxiously sat in the backseat, "why are we here?"

Abhi smiled sagely, "shh, just follow me."

Groaning inwardly Siddhant followed his brother, sister-in-law, and wife in. lo and behold the second shock of the day:

"SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Yuvi, Naina, JP, Jiggy, Su, and even Raj, along with a bunch of other friends stood inside, beaming and laughing at Siddhant's astounded face and Rhiddima's excited one.