Hey all...I hope you still remember this fic...once again I am super-duper late. What can I say except "ab to aadat si hai mujhko aise jeena main"... lol.. Couldn't think of any better song to express my emotions ; p
I am guessing you have forgotten about where we left. In case you haven't, DUDE you have to tell me the secret of your sharp memory. I really need it. 😛
Last part was posted way back in September and I am showing myself now. It's just that the part wasn't coming out like I wanted. Still not satisfied with the part but I couldn't think of anything else. Here is a small recap of the story to refresh your mind. Read it and I'll meet you at the end of this part.😊
RECAP
Armaan and Riddhima go for their honeymoon. It was Abhi, Riddhims used to call. Later we get to know that Abhi and Armaan are together. Armaan asks about hime to which Abhi says that he is here. Abhi tells him that maybe they are wrong about her but he is not satisfied. Riddhima is kidnapped and in the flashback we see the entry of new character Sahil. Armaan yells at her at the party and she runs away. In the end, Riddhima comes back to their room and faints.
PART 8
"She'll be okay" Abhi assured him, keeping his hand on his shoulder as the doc inside was checking her.
"I hope so" Armaan replied. It's been an hour since Riddhima came back and her image kept replaying in his head. There were so many questions playing in his mind. But the first and the foremost concerned was her well being.
"How is she?" he asked as soon as the doc came out of the room.
"She is a bit scared. But I am sure with your love and care she'll be okay. She is sleeping right now and if you need me, you have my number" the doc smiled. The tension and anxiety of the past few hours left him and he thanked the doc. Abhi left with the doc to talk to the police after Armaan told him to take the case back. His first priority was Riddhima and he had to talk to her before taking any step, including talking to the police.
Closing the door behind him, he entered the room and saw her sleeping. Moving towards her side, he sat beside her and looked at her. Her right cheek was a bit red and there was a minor cut at the corner of her lips. With one hand holding hers, he touched her cheek with the tip of his finger making her finch as he felt her grip on his hand getting tighter.
"It's me Riddhima. You are safe." He whispered trying to soothe her. The frown on her forehead disappeared hearing his soothing voice. Bringing himself closer to her, he kissed her forehead pressing his lips for a bit longer and slowly moved back, his eyes not even leaving her face for a second. Only he knew what the last few hours had done to him. With so many different thoughts haunting him, majority of them being the bad ones, he just wanted to see her. She was new to this place and her disappearing just like that was a matter of concern, especially after knowing from Abhi that they are not alone.
Covering her with duvet, he looked at her one last time and tried to get up. He stopped as he felt her hand holding his hand tightly, scared to lose him. He tried removing her hand but the more he tried the more her grip got tighter. A frown appeared on her face making him realize the intensity of the situation. He wasn't there when she needed him and he was again going away.
"I won't let you go through this" he kissed her hand ever so lightly, looking at her with tear- filled eyes. He didn't know what future holds for them, for him but he was sure about one thing- no matter what, he can't see her in pain. He can't see tears in her eyes. He can't see her like this. Sitting beside her on the bed with sleep being miles away, he closed his eyes and went down memory lane remembering about the time when he first felt something for her. It was after the party, when he had shouted at her for no reason.
Flashback
Image of her running from the party with tears in her eyes wasn't leaving his mind. "What is wrong with me?" he asked himself, sitting on his bed holding his head.
It's been a week since that incident happened and the guilt was eating him inside, why? He had no answer to this question. In the past one week, many things changed- Riddhima wasn't working under him anymore. She wanted to resign but Rahul after much coaxing stopped her by putting her under someone else. He had seen her quite a couple of times but never heard her talking in front of him. She either used to stop or leave from there. Armaan had no idea why it was affecting him so much. Should he be happy? He won't have to deal with her immature behaviour anymore. His anger that was always ready to burst out seeing her wasn't anymore but still he was not the same Armaan Malik, he was one week back. If that wasn't enough, there was Rahul who was constantly reminding him about that incident by talking non-stop about her in front of him- how she is not the same Riddhima anymore. She doesn't talk or behave like she used to. Rahul had noticed the change in his bro, amused at the turn of events in his favour and just hoped of his plan not getting failed. Armaan Malik, the so-called business tycoon getting affected by a woman. For the first time, his bro was late for the office. The shadows under his eyes told him the entire story. Although he wanted to know it from his bro's mouth but seeing his foul mood, he dropped the idea.
Riddhima was relieved, she won't be working under him anymore and during the office hours she did her best to avoid him. There were few times when she had seen him looking at her and to avoid any more confrontation, she used to leave the place.
Although Rahul was happy that his plan of getting them closer was working, but knowing his brother stubborn nature and his views about love, he knew it will take his bro another life to know what he is feeling is the first step of love. Before things go out of control, he had to do something quick and the time finally came to execute next step and what better than Abhi's birthday party.
The two problems in this case- Abhi wanted to celebrate it alone with Nikki and Armaan saying 'yes'. Abhi's case wasn't that much of a problem as compared to his bro's coming. Armaan and agreeing to a birthday party, that too at a club- who was he kidding?
Agreeing Abhi took some time and he finally agreed after Rahul's non-stop persuasion. Now the biggest problem was left, agreeing Armaan for the party and to his surprise Armaan agreed without creating much of a fuss.
Rahul along with Nikki and Riddhima reached the club. Riddhima for a change wasn't wearing the usual salwar kameez, thanks to Nikki who had forcefully made her wear a western outfit for a change. Wearing a black satin dress that reached up to her knees and a very light make-up, she was standing beside Nikki feeling a bit conscious at the stares she was getting from the opposite sex. Even Rahul had a "wow" expression when he saw her for the first time. Seeing her in Indian attire earlier, he couldn't even believe she is the same Riddhima, the one he sees every day at the office. Now he was just waiting for his Brother's reaction.
Armaan was at the bar ordering a drink of himself as Abhi had gone to receive them. Sipping the drink, he turned around and stopped in his tracks as he looked at the person standing at the entrance. He couldn't believe at first. Riddhima was standing there looking quite nervous as she noticed the people around her. Never been to this kind of place before, she was feeling out of the place. Looking around her eyes stopped at the person who was right in front of her, sitting few feet away looking at her. She had no idea about him joining them otherwise she would have never said yes in the first place.
"Rahul why didn't you tell me" she asked Rahul feeling a bit uncomfortable at his staring.
"tell what?" Rahul asked acting surprisingly, knowing very well what she was talking about.
"Rahul, don't act okay. You knew Armaan was coming par tab bhi tumne mujhe nahin bataya"
"You wouldn't have agreed knowing bro was coming." Riddhima glared. "okay I am sorry, from next time I will give you the whole list of people invited for the party... Happy" as soon as she saw him sitting few metres away, her mind told her to run away but looking at Rahul's pleading face, she couldn't say no and agreed.
"Shall we or you want to stay here for the rest of the night" Rahul had a victorious smile; his first step was successful as he noticed the look on his Bro's face. "Just as I expected" he thought as they made their way inside.
Armaan who had actually agreed for the party to take some time off her, saw her standing before him looking "stunning" - the word came out of his mouth watching her. Walking slowly, she stood beside Rahul at the extreme end, trying to create as much space between them as possible.
After ordering the drinks everyone except Armaan went towards the lounge as he was still sitting at the bar, drinking. Riddhima was walking beside Rahul feeling nervous as she felt someone's gaze, turned back and found him looking at her. Feeling uncomfortable at his gaze, she quickly turned and moved towards the lounge. Abhi and Nikki went to the dance floor having their own time. Rahul was sitting with her having nothing to talk about as he was constantly checking his phone. Riddhima looked at Abhi and Nikki dancing closely.
"They look so cute..." Riddhima said looking at them. Rahul looked at them and smiling approvingly turned his attention towards the phone.
"Rahul...." She whined taking his phone from his hand. "I am talking to you." She complained.
"I am listening Riddhima.." he tried taking the phone from her hand. She got up from the seat, holding the phone as high as she could.
"No you are not... I am getting bored. Just coz of you I came and you are busy in your stupid phone. What's so important than me?" she tried looking at the phone as Rahul snatched it from her hand. Surprised at his sudden act, she looked at him with a frown as she saw him checking something on the phone.
"Hey...." Hearing his sudden voice she turned just to bang with him, her head hitting his chest. He held her by her elbows before she could hit the ground. Feeling her so close, her shallow deep breath almost touching his chest, he felt something stir inside him. She looked up and saw his face just inches apart from her. Releasing herself she quickly took steps back looking down as she felt his eyes fixed on her. Rahul saw this as an excellent opportunity and excused himself on the pretence of attending an important call before she could even stop him. She looked around not knowing what to do. The person she was avoiding all this time was standing in front of her and she was running out of excuses to avoid him. Armaan sat on the couch as she sat at the extreme end of the couch feeling stupid to stand alone. Her eyes fixed on the door waiting for Rahul to come back.
Armaan saw her from the corner of his eyes and noticed her discomfort. He knew the answer to this question as he was at the receiving end of this all through the week. But no more, he knew he was wrong and he was ready to correct his mistake but this time she was not giving him a chance to explain himself. How is he gonna say sorry when she won't listen to him. It was no or never for him, he was getting mad, her avoidance was affecting him and no matter what he'll talk to her.
Riddhima got up from the couch to look out for Rahul. She wanted to go home to avoid anymore confrontation. Armaan looked at her and stood up.
"Hey, you need something" he asked, feeling uncomfortable himself. Riddhima closed her eyes – "GREAT" just what she was avoiding. Sighing she slowly turned around and looked up "I am not feeling good so I am going home" she replied with a straight face.
"I can drop you home" he offered.
"Thank you for the offer Sir, but it's okay. I can manage" she turned to leave without waiting for him.
"Riddhima..." he called out her name. She stopped knowing where this conversation was heading and she was dreading this encounter. She didn't know herself why she was getting nervous in the first place. It's not like he'll kill her or something, but after what happened at the party, she just wasn't ready to face him.
"I am sorry.." he sounded genuinely sorry for his behaviour. He knew she had heard him as he noticed her getting stiffen. Moving towards her, he stood behind her and continued "I shouldn't have behaved that way and I promise this won't happen again." He waited for her response as there was no reaction from her side. On the other hand, Riddhima didn't know how to react. She never in her wildest dream thought about Armaan apologizing to her again after that incident. She wanted to run from there, away from this place, away from him. As she turned to go, she felt his grip on her hand stopping her to move further.
"Riddhima..please..." he pleaded.
"Sir...please...I have to go.." she whispered as she tried to release her hand from his grip. He let go of her hand and she made her way out. Watching her running away like this, he ran behind her trying to talk to her not realizing that Rahul was standing behind the pillar watching them the whole time.
"Riddhima.....Riddhima..." he called noticing her almost running out of the club. He got hold of her at the corner of the street and stopped her.
"We need to talk Riddhima..." he said, standing in front of her. "you can't just run like this all the time. I know I made a mistake and I want to correct it but avoiding each other is not the solution. I want to clear this out but all you are doing is running away. Stop being so stubborn.." sounding frustrated at the turn of events, his anger was slowly taking the better of him.
"AM I..." she was astonished at his talks. Isn't this was he wanted, to not show her face and embarrass him. The best for both of them was to stay away from the other and this is what she was doing but still she was at fault. "You had problem with me working under you, you never left a single chance of yelling at me, you shouted at the party in front of everyone for no fault of mine and still I am the stubborn one."
"Riddhima...I didn't mean this. It just ....." feeling out of words, he stopped. It wasn't what he wanted to say as the word just slipped out of his mouth. Once again, he had hurt her. He wanted to sort everything out but screwed up in the process as he noticed the hurt on her face.
"It hurts okay.." she finally said looking up at him as tears rolled down her eyes. "The way you treat me like I am nothing but a piece of trash, like..like I don't even exist.... It really hurts" she turned around not wanting him to see her like this. He was looking at her back not knowing what to do. Feeling frustrated at the turn of events, he moved his hand in his hair and sighed. He could hear her miffed cries and felt bad- yes 'bad', that's what he was telling himself looking at her but a corner of his heart knew- it not just limited to feeling bad but more than that. Seeing her in pain, hurt him- he wanted to console her, confront her, stop her tears and do whatever it takes to bring the smile on her face that was missing coz of him.
Hearing the honk of the car, they turned towards the source and saw Sahil looking out from the car.
"hey Riddhima..." he waved his hand, looking at them. Riddhima quickly wiped her tears plastering a fake smile and waved back. He got out from the car and walked towards them. Watching him coming, Armaan stopped himself from hitting him by making a fist. The person he didn't want to see even in his dream was standing right in front of him and he couldn't do anything.
"Is everything alright.." he asked and Riddhima nodded weakly. "hey Armaan..what's up man?" he asked looked at him. Armaan stood with an expressionless face and looked at her as she was looking at the ground. Feeling the tension in the air as he noticed their faces, Sahil saw this as an excellent opportunity to play his card.
"Shall I drop you home" Sahil asked to see her nodding. Before Armaan could stop, Riddhima started moving towards the car with him behind her. Settling her in the front seat, he made his way to the driver seat. Before sitting, he looked at Armaan and winked with a smirk on his lips.
Armaan saw them leaving as he stood at the same spot. He knew the kind of person Sahil his and didn't missed the smirk on his face he saw just moments back. But the question was- Sahil and Riddhima friends or more than friends? When did this happen? And even if they are, he has to do something before things go out of control. Kicking the empty can in front of him in frustration, he moved back towards the club hoping to talk to her tomorrow not knowing something big was about to happen that night.
*******************************************************************
"ARMAAN...HELP ME...ARMAAN....LEAVE ME PLEASE... ARMAAN...." hearing her cries, he opened his eyes and looked at her. She was crying, dreaming about the incident. He sat beside her, holding her hand looking at her dreaded face. The tears were flowing down her eyes as she was calling his name.
"Riddhima..Get up..Get up Riddhima..Open your eyes. Main yehi hoon..." he said, slapping her cheek lightly trying to wake her up. She was fidgeting in his hold, hitting his arms to free herself. Not able to see her like this, holding her by her arms, he shook her hard forcing her to open her eyes.
She looked at him in disbelief through her tear filled eyes. "It's me Riddhima..." he whispered looking at her, his hands on her face as he wiped her tears with his thumb. "main yehi hoon..tumhare pass..." Hearing his voice and seeing him in front of her, she got up and flung her arms around him holding him tightly.
"Armaannnn...." she cried holding him never wanting to let go as he wrapped his arms around her. Feeling her shivering in his hold, he moved his hand on her back trying to calm her down.
"you are safe Riddhima..I am here only. I am not going anywhere" he whispered with his soothing words, kissing her forehead as he felt her tears on his chest. He embraced her in his arms till her shivering subsided. Looking down when he felt her no more crying, his heart melted at the sight in front of him. She was holding on to him, like a small child afraid to leave. The frown on her forehead told him how scared she was and he was nowhere near her when she needed him the most.
To be continued....
The part is still not complete but it was turning long so stopping here. Not much happened in this part but it was needed to show Armaan's feeling. The secret will be out slowly –slowly in flashbacks as well as in the present track. Hope you all enjoyed the part. And about next update, my fics are never updated on time but won't take this long for the next update. Expect the unexpected- part will be out anytime..😉
Looking forward to your views...
Loads of love..
Mel..
PS: new readers can check their names in the Pm list on page 26. If missing, do let me know.
Members Lounge
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Anupamaa
