Do I have to say the words...(AR) #1 - Page 32

I am so late in commenting this time 😔 but it was a wonderful part. So Rahul has also joined Smiriti's gang. I loved his interaction with Nikki at the start. The manner in which the disclosure shocked him was well written and also very funny 😆

Originally posted by: rkmnsg

Part 3

uffff this part is too cuTe!!

all the girlzz really likes Armaan

and Atul and Anjili marries thatzz nice

and later Ridzz in her new job

and she meets Armaan there

I think they starting to like each other na!
just can't wait to read the next part

-Lina-

Hey Richa

Apologies for the late comment!

Rahul has also joined the cupid gang now I am sure we'll see some more awkward but romantic AR moments like the little lunch date. Aramaan needs to realise his feeling ASAP and they need get together before Ayush dude makes a move on Riddhima but I very much doubt Ridz will reciprocate as her feelings for Armaan is quite strong!

Riddhima + Armaan + Goa = Confession 😍

Needless to say this was an awesome update and I'm looking forward to another one soon😳

Nahida

Originally posted by: khahani

Hey Richa

Apologies for the late comment!

Rahul has also joined the cupid gang now I am sure we'll see some more awkward but romantic AR moments like the little lunch date. Aramaan needs to realise his feeling ASAP and they need get together before Ayush dude makes a move on Riddhima but I very much doubt Ridz will reciprocate as her feelings for Armaan is quite strong!

Riddhima + Armaan + Goa = Confession 😍

Needless to say this was an awesome update and I'm looking forward to another one soon😳

Nahida

Fantabulous update! Rahul also knows about AR now, yippeee! Will be waiting for the Goa trip eagerly.

Part 9:

"Where are they?" thought Armaan exasperatedly as he looked at his watch for the hundredth time.

It was now 15 minutes since he arrived at the airport, but there was no sign of Rahul, Riddhima or the other two members of their team. He tried calling on Rahul's cell phone, but this guy wasn't taking his calls.

"What should I do now? Wait for them over here or proceed for check-in?"

Armaan was also getting a little irritated with the "unlimited" attention he was getting from the womenfolk around him. Men were also sneaking glances at him, trying to decipher why the women couldn't take their eyes off him.

"Can't these people get a life?" he muttered under his breath.

"Hi Armaan" said a voice that always sounded like music to him.

Armaan turned around to see Riddhima standing with Muskaan besides her.

"Hi ladies" said Armaan before adding "I was just about to call you Riddhima."

"What happened?"

"I am desperately trying to locate Rahul as no one has any idea of his whereabouts and he is not even taking his calls."

The worried look on both the girls' faces convinced Armaan that even they weren't aware of Rahul's whereabouts.

"Ridzy, do you think we should call Niki? She might have some idea, right?" said Muskaan in a very worried tone.

"Good idea Muski"

They were just about to call Niki, when they heard a cheerful "Hi guys". Looking in the direction of the voice, they saw Rahul standing a few feet away with Niki by his side.

"Hi guys" he repeated. "I don't think anyone is happy to see me!" he added with a cute frown.

"Rahul!" said Armaan in a stern voice. "Where were you? You could at least inform people before deciding to disappear! You know how worried everyone was?"

"Sorry bro" said Rahul, "But the truth is that we came across an unexpected problem."

"And what is the problem?" asked Armaan.

"Well, the problem is that I won't be able to leave for Goa today"

"What!!!" shouted both Armaan and Riddhima in unison.

"I got to know a few minutes back that I am needed for an urgent client meeting this evening and so are the other two guys in the team, which means that the three of us will be leaving for Goa tomorrow morning and I got our flight rescheduled accordingly"

"Guess we should also reschedule our flight then" said Armaan.

"I don't think that would be a wise idea as we need people to represent us at the welcome party for all delegates this evening" said Rahul. "Moreover, this party gives every delegate the perfect chance to know people and also do some business networking"

Armaan looked at Riddhima who was also looking at him with a confused expression on her face. The truth was that both of them were scared to travel alone with each other. However, the reputation of Verve mattered a lot to them and hence they agreed to go along with the plan.

"Don't you think Riddhima can go with you tomorrow? I think Armaan is already a pro at handling such PR tasks and can manage alone" said Muskaan as she could sense Riddhima's discomfort.

"No way" shouted both Rahul and Niki in the same tone.

Seeing the strange looks the other three were giving them Rahul added, "It would be good to have two people from different departments represent us. That's what Bade Papa says too."

Thankfully they believed him as he was scared that they had seen through his lie. Sending Armaan and Riddhima alone had been a plan they hatched a couple of days back and now they couldn't let all their hard work go waste, especially after coming this far.

"Ok then, it's just the matter of one day. I guess we should proceed for check-in then" said Armaan.

Riddhima nodded and hugged the other three before following Armaan inside.

"Yaaaaaayyy" shouted Niki as she did a victory dance, much to the amusement of the people standing nearby. Even Muskaan was equally shocked, while Rahul looked at both girls with an idiotic grin on his face.

"I guess both of you have to do a lot of explaining now" said Muskaan

"Sure dear" said Niki with a smile as she led both her and Rahul to the coffee shop nearby.

********************************************

"Sure" said Riddhima with a smile.

"Great! I will get some then."

When Armaan was gone, Riddhima let out a ragged sigh. She had been very nervous since the time she got to know that they would be travelling alone. It had been difficult not to ignore the strange sensation she felt as she stood ahead of him near the check-in counter, his spicy cologne playing havoc with her senses. Her breathing had been irregular since then, but now that he was gone, she could breathe easy for a few minutes at least.

"Why does he have this effect on me?" she thought.

Armaan was gone for more than 10 minutes now, so Riddhima decided to check where he was. She stood up and walked towards the coffee shop where she saw him talking to a very gorgeous woman. Again, the strange feeling she experienced when she saw him with the models at the concert came to haunt Riddhima again. She didn't know why, but a sudden surge of anger always overwhelmed her whenever she saw Armaan with any woman. She didn't even realize when she started walking towards where the two were standing.

One thing about Armaan and Riddhima was that they both used to sense each other's presence whenever they were near. Not surprisingly, Armaan could sense her presence and turned around.

"Riddhima, you here?"

"I came to check if you need any help as you were taking some time" she said in an extra sweet voice mixed with anger.

"I was just coming, but bumped into Natasha, my college friend"

He then proceeded to introduce the two women who exchanged smiles and polite hellos.

"Alright then, I will get going as I hear an announcement for my flight" said Natasha. "It was great bumping into you Armaan and Riddhima, it was nice meeting you" she said before leaving them alone.

"Shall we go?" asked Riddhima.

Armaan nodded and followed her with a puzzled look on his face. He could sense a sudden change in her, but it was difficult for him to determine the reason.

********************************************

"What are you saying Niki?" shouted Muskaan. "Tu pagal to nahi ho gayi na?"

"Muskaan, cool down yaar" said Rahul looking around and hoping that they weren't thrown out of the coffee shop.

"What cool down Rahul? Tu sun raha hai na yeh kya keh rahi hai. Armaan and Ridzy, I can't believe it. How can it be possible in the first place?"

"I know it's hard for you to believe this, even I had a hard time believing it, but it's the truth Muskaan" said Rahul earnestly.

Muskaan looked into his eyes and knew instantly that he was saying the truth. She had sensed a change in Riddhima's attitude towards Armaan, but never did she think anything along those lines. She thought they were slowly getting friendly with each other, but this love angle didn't seem to fit in.

Knowing that it wouldn't be a very easy task to convince her, Rahul and Niki made Muskaan sit down and then explained everything to her in detail. They told her about the evening at the concert, the lunch and everything else. Slowly realization dawned upon Muskaan and she accepted that her friend was almost in love, if not in love already. She also knew that Riddhima was a staunch believer in love and if these were the symptoms she was showing, it meant a big "YES".

"Tum logon ne itne dino se mujhe kyun nahi bataya" she said with a frown. "I could have also helped you guys, right?"

"Muskaan we realize that but trust me, we ourselves were not sure about it" said Rahul.

"Ok then, you both are forgiven but promise that you will keep me in loop going forward."

"Of course, welcome to the Cupids club dear" said Niki as she hugged Muskaan.

Muskaan on the other hand was really happy that her friend was finally close to finding her soul mate. It was true that Muskaan was always vocal when it came to expressing her dislike for Armaan, but she also knew that Riddhima would never fall in love with someone who didn't share her goodness of heart.

********************************************

"You comfortable, right?" asked Armaan as he seated himself next to Riddhima on the isle seat.

"Yup"

He noted that she was looking very tired and he couldn't be more right as the last few days had been quite hectic for her in terms of work, plus the preparations for the trip and conference had also drained her out.

"You are looking tired Riddhima. Why don't you catch some sleep before we reach Goa?"

"That's a good idea. Hope you don't mind a sleeping travel partner by your side."

"Of course not" said Armaan with a killer smile making Riddhima stop breathing for a few seconds.

As Riddhima dozed off, Armaan opened the latest edition of a business magazine. Soon he got so engrossed in it that he didn't even realize that an hour had passed and that they would be reaching Goa in around half an hour. A little pressure on the right side of his body diverted his attention and to his surprise he saw Riddhima sleeping blissfully on his shoulder. He could not help but notice how beautiful she looked with a few tendrils of hair lying scattered on her face. Her facial expressions indicated that they were disturbing her sleep and Armaan tenderly brushed them away from her face. After that, he just kept looking at her, his magazine lying half open on his lap. Time remained suspended for him and his heart started beating erratically as he took in her sweet fragrance.

An old lady sitting with her husband on the opposite side looked at Armaan and Riddhima and whispered to her husband, "Awww, they are looking so sweet. I am sure this handsome young man loves his wife like crazy and I must say that they remind me of us, right after we got married."

"Yes dear" said her husband. "The way he is looking at her proves how much she means to him. After all, our old but experienced eyes don't miss such things, right?"

It was an announcement from the cockpit which brought Armaan out his stupor and he vaguely heard that they would be landing in a few minutes. He hated to wake her up as she was sleeping like a log, but as there was no choice, he gently shook her and called out her name. On opening her eyes, Riddhima was shocked to see herself leaning on Armaan's shoulder.

She quickly sat up and mumbled, "Sorry for causing you any inconvenience".

"That's fine Riddhima. I know you were tired" said Armaan with a smile.

"This is indeed a wonderful sight to behold right after waking up" thought Riddhima as she saw his smile.

She smiled back and adjusted her hair. Very soon they landed in Goa and within half an hour were on their way to the hotel.

The venue for the conference was one of the best resorts in South Goa. Every team had been allotted a villa in the same resort, so as to cut down on the traveling time. The villa allotted to the Verve team was just a two minute walk from the resort's private beach and Riddhima was pretty excited about the fact. When Armaan and Riddhima reached their villa, he handed over her card key. The Verve team would be sharing the same villa, but every room had an independent entry, which was a welcome relief to both Armaan and Riddhima. They were also informed while checking in at the resort that the welcome party was scheduled at 8 in the evening, which would give them ample time to rest.

"Alright then, you go and rest. I will give you a call at 8" said Armaan.

"Sure and you should also get some rest Armaan" she said.

"Yup, see you later"

********************************************

Riddhima looked at the mirror for the last time before leaving her room. It was 8 PM and Armaan just called saying that he would be waiting outside their villa. Since it was a corporate event, Riddhima chose a sari for herself but was not sure whether it was looking ok on her. To be honest, she always underrated her looks and it was no different even now. However, the fact was that she was looking extremely radiant in the pink sari she was wearing.

Armaan was waiting near the steps leading to their villa when he heard a door being opened. Turning around, he saw the most exquisite sight he had ever beheld in his 28 years of life. Standing before him was an angel dressed in pink and needless to say, she simply took his breath away. He had never seen her looking more beautiful and right now his heart couldn't stop its erratic beating as he continued looking at her without saying a word. Riddhima felt very shy as she found herself being subjected to his intense gaze. It was making her go weak in the knees and all she wanted was to hide herself somewhere. Her heart told her that she needn't worry about looking good in the sari as Armaan's eyes were saying it all.

Gingerly taking a few steps towards him, Riddhima asked in a quivering voice, "Armaan, I am ready. Shall we go then?"

Suddenly realizing that he was staring at her all the while, Armaan looked down for a few seconds, trying to steady his heartbeat. On the other hand, Riddhima got worried that he was not feeling well.

Coming up to him, she laid a tentative hand on his shoulder and asked, "Are you ok Armaan?"

"Yes, I am.....no worries on that count. Let's go."

"Alright" said Riddhima with a smile.

Since the resort sprawled across a huge area, it had electronic carts to ferry all their guests from one location to another. Armaan helped Riddhima climb on to a waiting cart and they left for the party.

********************************************

"MJ, you are simply amazing" said Niki as she hugged Smriti.

"Yes, Badi Mom. It was indeed a great idea to make them go without the rest of the team. They truly need some time alone to realize their feelings."

"That's right dear. But before that we need to clear up a misconception I planted in Armaan's mind long back" said Smriti.

"What was that?" asked Rahul and Niki together.

Smriti then told them about how she made Armaan believe that Rahul was in love with Riddhima in order to make him realize his own feelings.

"Oh no!" said Rahul. "That means bro has been staying away from Riddhima because of me. Man, I feel so guilty now."

"No dear, you need not" said Smriti. "However, I thought it was needed as Armaan has never given importance to women barring those from his family. It was necessary to alter this thinking of his. He had to let go of the fear that having a woman in his life would distance him from his family and other commitments. I wanted to make him know that there is something called love and it can really change your life for the better."

"I think you are right MJ" said Niki. "Armaan bro had to realize this. Hats off to your foresightedness"

"Yup" said Rahul as he hugged his Badi Mom and sis.

********************************************

The party hosted by the Global Media conference team was a delightful affair. As Rahul mentioned earlier, it served as a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and also do some business networking. However, the party wasn't only about work, the fun element was also very much present.

With drinks flowing and music playing, people were in their element when Armaan entered the venue with Riddhima. A collective hush fell over the people standing near the entrance as the gorgeous pair walked in. Needless to say, every female eye was on Armaan. Dressed in a black tuxedo, he was looking more than handsome. Moreover, his personality was something that attracted women like moths to fire.

Riddhima was also not lacking in the attention department as all male eyes gravitated towards her. She was never conscious of her beauty, but the world knew that she was a very beautiful and charming woman. Her graceful demeanor, elegant poise and charming smile made her an instant object of attention and admiration.

Armaan never gave great importance to the female attention he always received. In fact, he took it as a part of his life that would always be there. However, right now he was very unsettled by the looks his beautiful companion was getting. To make it clear to the male population that they should stay away, he suddenly clasped Riddhima's hand and led her inside.

Not sure what Armaan meant by this sudden action of his, Riddhima thought it was best to do what he wanted at the moment. There were many people who knew Armaan and they came up to him to chat and exchange pleasantries. As they shared thoughts and ideas, Armaan made sure that Riddhima never left his side.

When the party was at its peak, the host announced that the dance floor was now open. Many went ahead and positioned themselves on the dance floor as the music flowed. Armaan looked at Riddhima as she admired the dancing couples. He finally admitted to himself that she was looking so beautiful that he had a hard time concentrating on anything this evening.

"Liking the party Riddhima?"

"Yes. The right people coupled with the right ambience always makes for a perfect combination. I also like the fact that it gave us the opportunity to meet so many of the other delegates who have come for the conference."

"Agree"

Both of them were engaged in a conversation when a voice interrupted them.

"Excuse me"

"Yes" said Armaan turning towards the good looking man who had come up to them. He recognized him as one of the many people they were introduced to this evening.

"If you don't mind, can I take this lady away for a dance?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" said Armaan looking at Riddhima.

The man repeated his request to Riddhima and she had no choice but to agree.

Armaan kept looking at Riddhima's retreating back as the man led her away. He could feel something stabbing at his heart at that moment.

"Why do I always feel so when she is with someone else?" he thought.

However, there was nothing he could do about it. The guy was a very polite mannered man and there was nothing wrong in his dancing with Riddhima, but Armaan's heart didn't agree and it kept repeating again and again that he should have been the one with Riddhima on the dance floor. As he was lost in his thoughts, Armaan didn't even realize that he had downed two drinks in a row.

The music was good, her partner was very decent, but Riddhima didn't know why her eyes were always going towards a particular direction of the hall from where a handsome man clad in black was continuously looking at her. There was something in his look that simply mesmerized her and try she might, she couldn't tear her eyes away. Her partner was talking to her as they danced, but all Riddhima could do was to reply in polite monosyllables. She was indeed praying for this dance to get over, so that she could stand by "his" side again. She remembered the way Armaan held her hand as they entered the party and though her mind didn't believe it, her heart said again and again that there was a touch of possessiveness in that grasp.

As the song drew to a close, Riddhima's dance partner felt a light tap on his shoulder.

"Mind if I take it from here?" asked the voice that Riddhima was longing to hear since the dance started.

"Sure, after all she is all yours" said the guy with a knowing smile before placing Riddhima's hand in Armaan's.

"The next song is a romantic number going out to all lovely couples out here" said the DJ as Armaan placed his hands on Riddhima's waist and gently drew her close.

As soon as his hands came in contact with the bare skin of her waist, Riddhima felt something akin to a jolt of electricity going up her spine. The sudden sensation made her look up and their eyes met and much as she tried, Riddhima couldn't move her gaze away. Right on cue, one of the most romantic numbers by Bryan Adams started playing in the background.

Look into my eyes (Bryan Adams)

Look into my eyes - you will see

What you mean to me

Search your heart - search your soul

And when you find me there you'll search no more

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for

You know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

Look into my heart - you will find

There's nothin' there to hide

Take me as I am - take my life

I would give it all - I would sacrifice

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for

I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more

Ya know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

There's no love - like your love

And no other - could give more love

There's nowhere - unless you're there

All the time - all the way

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more

I would fight for you - I'd lie for you

Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you

Ya know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

Both Armaan and Riddhima had eyes only for each other during the entire song. To the onlookers they looked like a madly in love couple who simply couldn't get enough of each other. The way Armaan held her possessively and the way Riddhima placed her hands on his shoulders indicated that they were made for each other. As the dance ended, Armaan and Riddhima were brought back to reality by the thunderous applause they received and a blushing Riddhima allowed Armaan to take her away from the dance floor. No one else went up to Riddhima to ask for a dance as Armaan had made it very clear to everyone that she was only his.

The party was going on in full swing when Riddhima asked Armaan, "Would you mind if I leave the party? I am feeling a little suffocated out here."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier Riddhima? Come on, let's leave. Moreover, you know I am not very fond of parties."

On coming out of the party hall, Armaan was about to call a cart to ferry them to their villa, when Riddhima asked if they could walk.

"Sure" he said

They both started walking and talking about the next day's meeting. Greatly engrossed in their discussion, they didn't realize that they had passed their villa and were walking towards the beach that was a few meters away.

"Hey Armaan, I guess we forgot to stop at our villa" said Riddhima as she looked at the sea.

Right from her childhood, the sea always fascinated her. Even now, her childhood fascination was clearly visible on Riddhima's face as she ran towards the semi lighted beach. The fact that she had also taken a glass of wine at the party made her a little perky, which amused Armaan.

"Riddhima.......careful" he said. Armaan was scared that she would trip on her sari in her haste to go and touch the water.

"You know Armaan, I simply love walking on the beach especially at this time of the night. The sound of the sea always has a lulling effect on me" she said dreamily.

"I can see that" said Armaan looking at her beautiful face that was glowing even in the dark.

In her excitement Riddhima forgot about her high heels and quite expectedly tripped. Thankfully Armaan grasped her hand just in time.

"Riddhima......please be careful and get rid of those heels"

Riddhima now held her heels in one hand, while the other was clasped by Armaan lest she tripped again. They walked on the beach for some more time before heading to their villa.

"Good night Riddhima" said Armaan

"Good night Armaan"

"Also, let me know in case there is any problem or if you need anything" he said.

"Sure, thanks" she said with a smile before entering her room.

Both Armaan and Riddhima were exhausted after the hectic day. However, the few minutes they spent at the beach were now etched in their hearts forever.

Hey guys,

Love,

Richa