Do I have to say the words (AR) #2 - Note pg 147 - Page 80

Originally posted by: coolvini4u

@sjain n ARlover (sorry dnt know ur names ..😆)

Richa is online na..mujhe toh woh online dikh rahi hai .. i ll surely not leave her if she doesnt update today ..i got to wake up early tomorrow n m just waiting for her ..... 😡😭

Reserved :)

Originally posted by: -ARLover-

Hey Vini(Right?),

I'm Shatakshi😊.... In my account...It showed she was offline...But now it shows she is online!!

Yeah...Even i was sleepy...But now,...Meri toh neend hi bhaag gayi...hehe...😆

Richa, mansi di n writers like them have such effects.........😆😆
anyways, ur name is soo sweet .. wat does it mean? soo unique.... like it.....😃
n yeah m vini ....😆

Part 22:

A gloomy night sky looked down at Ayush as he stood at his balcony, lost in thought. It was just a few minutes since he returned home from his meeting with Malhotra, but rather than focusing on its outcome, he was more in a mood to reflect on the events of his life, especially the past one year.

"Gosh, life can really surprise you at times!" he whispered in the midst of his cogitations.

He remained standing there for God knows how long when a drop of water startled him out of his reverie. It was raining. Stretching out his hand to catch the falling drops, he then travelled back in time to one rainy evening when he first lost his heart to someone. He was only a 9 year old kid then, who had gone to his favourite ice cream parlour with his dad on a Saturday. He was happily relishing his ice-cream when it suddenly started raining. As if on cue, everyone started running helter-skelter to escape the fast falling drops. His father too joined the melee and grasped his hand, pulling him inside the ice-cream parlour.

"Have your ice-cream here as you enjoy looking at the rain outside", he said to the young boy holding on to his hand. Ayush still remembered his dad saying those words.

Without any complaint, the young Ayush perched himself on the window seat pointed out by his dad. He was delightfully engaged in trying to scoop out the last traces of ice-cream from his bowl when he heard some sounds right outside the window. Looking up, he saw the most mesmerizing sight he had ever seen in his 9 years of life. It was that of a cute fairy who was frolicking around in the rain. Dressed in an equally cute pink dress, she held him rooted to the spot. She must have been just 7 or 8 years old, but was giving her mom a very hard time as the older woman chased her around the parking lot. Apparently her mom was trying hard to get her inside their car, but she seemed to be in no mood to get away from her toy boat that was proudly sailing in a puddle of rain water.

As she ran around dodging her mom, who on the other hand was trying her best to keep a check on her fast rising temper, the little girl suddenly slipped. Though he hated getting wet in the rain, Ayush at that moment felt an inexplicable urge to run outside and help her. The child in him was confused by this sudden change of preferences. However, as he battled this change, he also expected that girl to start wailing any moment. But he was wrong in his surmise, as instead of bawling her heart out like all other children (him included), this fairy just gave a very sweet smile to her mom and held out one of her hands towards her. He craned his neck curiously to see what she was holding and was surprised to see a flower in her hand. She must have gotten hold of it as she ran around the place hiding from her mother. Not surprisingly, her mom's anger melted that very moment and she was taken in a warm hug. Soon they were seated in their car and were gone but this moment remained in Ayush's memory forever and he doubted that he would come across another such beautiful moment in his life. However, he was mistaken as there was another such beautiful moment waiting for him 18 years down the line. Yes, it was the moment when he saw Riddhima.

It was indeed difficult for Ayush himself to fathom the way his life changed its entire course after that. However, the answer was simple. It was Riddhima, the woman who managed to change him, even without being aware of it herself.

Letting out a sigh, he remembered the first time he saw her on the day of Anjali's engagement. Indeed, he knew about Riddhima long before he met her in person, going by the fact that his mom was a good friend of her parents. He was also aware that his mom was very fond of this youngest daughter of the Guptas and saw her as her prospective daughter-in-law. This used to irritate him no end and he resisted all her attempts to make him meet Riddhima. However on the day of Anjali's engagement, he really didn't have a choice as his mother had emotionally blackmailed him for 2 full days. His plan was to go and show his face for 10 minutes and then run back to the happening party that was being hosted by a friend of his. But little did he know that those 10 minutes would change his life forever. It was that very day when he fell in love, an emotion he never took seriously before. For him, life was all about enjoying to the fullest and having no regrets about it later. True, he did have his share of affairs and flings, but the strange feeling that overcame him the moment he set his eyes on the girl descending down the stairs, he knew that he was a goner.

A perfect combination of beauty and grace, this girl started evoking those feelings in him, which he used to laugh at earlier. All he could do was to stand and stare. His eyes followed her wherever she went and he didn't even realize when those 10 minutes he promised himself were over. It was only when his mom tapped him on his shoulder and brought him out of his reverie that he got to know that this beauty in blue was the very Riddhima he had been trying to avoid all these years. Life really played a big joke on him. Someone who was not exactly a fan of love was now a victim of the malaise called "love at first sight".

Making a mental note to talk to his mom soon, Ayush also cursed himself for wasting so much time in running away from Riddhima. Right now, all he wanted was to make her his own, but he also knew that it wouldn't be advisable to take her off guard with his overtures of love. He had to take it slow, so that she got to know him first. As a result, he deferred telling anything to his mother for the time being. However, he made a decision then and there. If he was to marry, Riddhima was the one for him.

He waited for some time before befriending her and as per his expectations, Riddhima was really a wonderful person. As he got to know her better, he fell more and more in love with her. Going by the fact that she was always so sweet and genuinely concerned about his wellbeing, Ayush was confident that she would accept his love easily. He was in the delusion that she also saw him as someone special until it was shattered in Goa, when he saw her with Armaan. He could make out straightaway that Armaan felt for her. The way he fussed over her, the way he always hovered over her protectively made him all the more sure. This realization shook Ayush up as he had gone to Goa to confess his love to Riddhima. However, much as he tried, he never got to say those words to her. Very soon, he also realized that Riddhima liked (if not loved) Armaan and he was convinced that as long as Armaan was in the picture, it would be difficult for him to reach to Riddhima.

This realization brought about a change in Ayush. A stubborn streak, which he himself wasn't aware of earlier started showing its presence. It told him that he couldn't let his love fail. Riddhima now defined his life and he couldn't let her go. His desperation grew to such an extent that the desire to eliminate Armaan started sprouting in his mind. His saner self did warn him against it, but Ayush was beyond all reason now.

Contrary to what he told Riddhima and the gang on the last day of the GM conference, he didn't get back home that day. Instead, he stayed back and hatched a sinister plot to get rid of Armaan. He took the help of hired goons and instructed them to run him over, but to his bad luck, Armaan escaped with a minor injury. This was really disappointing for Ayush as he was present at the spot, monitoring the situation from a safe distance. But what disappointed or rather pained him more was the way Riddhima tended to Armaan's injury. He could make out that there was more to Riddhima's feelings than just plain liking for Armaan and his resolve to get rid of his opponent became even stronger. However, the fear that he might get caught made Ayush leave Goa that very afternoon.

Once he was back home, he again started devising plans to get Armaan out of the way. His obsession with Riddhima had now reached a level of madness. He started by sending threatening messages to Riddhima, so that it would scare her off. However, it never worked and he himself knew that it was a very stupid and impulsive thing to do, but luckily for him, Riddhima never pursued it further. Then came the plan to get rid of Armaan at the parking lot. Of course, Ayush knew that Armaan had gone there with Riddhima and this was the very reason why he asked someone to make a random call to her, so that she stayed away out of harm's way, while the hired man did his job. But the man apparently was no match for Armaan.

Ayush was at his wits end now. However, his wilting confidence received a boost after a chance meeting with Malhotra. Technically they didn't meet, as he only happened to overhear a very drunk Malhotra at a pub. Apparently Malhotra had a grudge against the Malliks and really wanted to get back at them somehow. After eavesdropping for some more time, Ayush got to know that Malhotra's company had a long standing relationship with Verve. However after Armaan joined the organization, he brought about many changes, and one of them was to stop doing business with some of their existing suppliers. This came as a big jolt to Malhotra's business and he squarely blamed Armaan for this, though Ayush later got to know that Malhotra's company lost out due to the old technology they were selling.

"Your enemy's enemy is your friend" ' true to this famous saying, Ayush also found a potential ally in Malhotra. He made his trusted employee contact him and then started a dangerous game by the two men ' one who was driven by pure revenge and the other who was driven by love that bothered on fanaticism. Though Ayush chose to remain in the shadows, he in conjunction with Malhotra did manage to plan another attack, a fatal one, but again Armaan proved to be too lucky. They were disappointed but were waiting to strike again when Malhotra suddenly started developing cold feet. Yes, he did have a grudge against the Malliks, but he didn't want to harm them at the cost of his own reputation. If this ever came out, his business would be doomed forever. This was what he told Ayush during their meeting. He made it clear in no uncertain terms that he didn't want to take any more chances just for the sake of revenge, a motive which had started sounding very hollow to him. Ayush did try to convince him but Malhotra was adamant and in the end, Ayush decided to fight his battle alone. However, what always frustrated him was the fact that the more he tried to wean Riddhima away from Armaan, the more closer they would get and he could feel that every single time.

"Let's see how this Sunday goes, otherwise I will have to bring plan B into action. That won't fail" thought Ayush with a determined face.

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

"So what do you think?" asked Rahul as he and Armaan pored over the proposed layout for their upcoming Bangalore office.

"Hmm, looks good. However, I have a few questions about the way your architect designed it."

"I think he would be the best person to face your missiles, but as he is not available at the moment, I volunteer to face them myself" he said humorously and Armaan gave him a light whack on the head.

"Can I start shooting then?" laughed Armaan.

"Yeah of course"

They were halfway through the Q&A session, when Riddhima's sweet voice wafted in.

"Good morning boys"

"Hello beautiful, a very good morning to you too" said Rahul and he gave her a quick hug.

Riddhima then turned towards Armaan and exchange a smile. Along with it, they also exchanged a silent look, a look that conveyed a thousand words in itself. After this silent communication, she turned her attention to the maps on the table.

"Come on guys, don't act like prudes now. You are meeting after one whole day, so I won't mind being witness to some public display of affection. Aajkal sab chalta hai, moreover, I am a very broad minded person" said Rahul with a wicked grin.

Riddhima turned crimson at this unexpected remark, while Armaan just rolled his eyes and said, "Put a brake on your PDA talks. We were in the midst of a discussion if you remember."

"Bro, I remember that, but I guess your attention has already been diverted. Don't think I will be seeing the same level of interest you were displaying a few minutes back" Rahul teased, while Riddhima couldn't stop laughing at the incredulous look on Armaan's face. He knew quite well that his kiddo was saying the truth, but Armaan being Armaan just refused to accept it.

"Chal ab bas kar. Kaam par dhyan de" he said, trying to divert Rahul away from the topic.

Even though he was madly in love with Riddhima, Armaan was still embarrassed to admit that she always managed to divert him away from his work whenever she was around. At times he really felt bad about ditching his first love for Riddhima, but he couldn't help it.

"Work can wait, but I am waiting for the other thing bro"

"What?"

"For the PDA of course! Come on, don't be a sissy now"

This was a big jab to Armaan's male ego and he couldn't help but react to this.

"You are saying this to Armaan Mallik? No one calls him that" said Armaan and the next second, he wrapped his arm around Riddhima's petite waist and before she could react, he pulled her towards him and gave her a peck very close to her lips. Even as she stared at him with her jaw almost dropping to the ground, Armaan flashed a victorious smile at Rahul.

"Happy?"

"I am very happy bro, but I don't think Bhabhi ji is very happy about it"

Armaan looked at Riddhima, who was too embarrassed to even reply. So to relieve her from the sticky situation he just put her in, Armaan directed their attention to the layout maps and resumed the discussion from where he and Rahul had left it. After getting over her initial embarrassment, Riddhima also joined in with her own set of questions and Rahul happily answered to all of them. However, both she and Rahul failed to notice that Armaan had become very quiet all of a sudden.

However this was not without reason as Armaan couldn't help drowning in Riddhima's perfume which was tantalizing his senses. His attention kept oscillating between the discussion and Riddhima, and with every passing minute, he was losing all interest in the former. His girl was looking so fresh and radiant today that he was finding it difficult to keep his hands on the table and not pull her closer to him and kiss her like no tomorrow. So with every ounce of will power, he forced himself to keep looking at the maps. As a result, his questions and comments considerably lessened as he was now directing all his efforts at holding himself back and not giving Rahul another chance to open his big mouth.

After battling with his baser instincts for some time, Armaan suddenly realized that Rahul was deeply engrossed in making a few rough designs on a piece of paper as he tackled a question from Riddhima. Deciding not to let go of this opportunity, Armaan stealthily slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Reluctant to react as Rahul was sitting right in front of her, Riddhima tried not to look affected. Armaan had already embarrassed her a few minutes back and she didn't want to give her best friend any more chances to tease her. However, she soon realized what a hard time she would face while trying maintaining her composure as Armaan's fingers started caressing her waist and he soon proceeded to nuzzle her hair. He also took adequate care to keep an eye on Rahul at the same time, however, his kiddo proved a little too smart for his big bro's comfort.

"Bro" he said suddenly, though his eyes were still on the designs, "go get a room!!"

Armaan and Riddhima literally jumped at this "out of the blue" remark, but both had different reactions at being caught red-handed. If Riddhima was wishing that she was invisible, Armaan on the other hand started smiling with amusement at the very thought.

"Don't worry, we will get one when the time comes. Moreover, I would hate to have any spectators around when it happens" he said with a chuckle and both the brothers started laughing their hearts out.

However, the poor Riddhima was left staring at both. She never imagined that Armaan could also talk like this. Indeed, he was not what he seemed to be but nevertheless, they were playing the game called "Embarrass Riddhima" quite well.

"I am going" she said in an irritated tone and was out of the room even before the other two realized what happened.

"Gosh kiddo, I am going to be dead meat soon" said Armaan, staring at the door.

"You asked for it"

"You started it"

"But who asked you to play along"

"It always happens when I am with you. Have to think of something now, otherwise, she will kill me" said Armaan in a worried tone as he started following her out of the room.

"But I don't think you should go to her now as you will be blasted like no tomorrow. Better wait for some time before the storm passes over" remarked Rahul

"Shut up you devil, you have already caused enough trouble" said Armaan before he bolted out of the room.

Riddhima was pacing up and down her cabin.

"How could they embarrass me in that manner? I know that Rahul is totally shameless, but what about Armaan? The way he was adding to my embarrassment is something I never ever imagined. Let him come" she thought angrily.

True to her expectation, there was a quick knock and Armaan timidly peeped into her room. She just shot him an angry glare before looking the other way.

"Sorry" he said with a very cute face.

Riddhima melted then and there, but she decided not to give in to his charms, which she always found hard to resist.

Crossing her arms across her chest, she said, "I hope you had a great time embarrassing me today!"

"We were just joking dear"

"Joking?? Armaan, I never expected this from you. How could you embarrass me like that in front of your younger brother?"

"Oh come on, he is also your best friend. You guys must have had shared many such jokes between yourselves and I don't see any reason to be so uncomfortable"

"I agree that such jokes are common between friends, but Armaan, the equation between us has changed now, more so because he is aware of our relationship. To be honest, I am having a hard time adapting to this change. Seeing my close friend as my prospective''" she was suddenly too shy to continue.

Armaan was totally fascinated by the pink blush creeping over her cheeks.

"Let me complete this for you" he said with a smile, "seeing your friend as your prospective brother-in-law is making you a little nervous and you are not sure how to handle this new situation, right?"

She nodded shyly and Armaan quickly pulled her nearer. Holding her hands in his, he continued, "Riddhima, just because your life is now connected to mine, it doesn't mean that it should bring about any change in your relationship with Rahul. He has been your good friend from the very start and would always remain so. You don't need to stress yourself out over this. Never will I interfere in your relationship with him. "

Riddhima's face broke into a sunny smile once she heard this.

"Thanks Armaan, you really lifted a great weight from my heart" she said happily and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

Armaan was a little surprised at this spontaneous action of hers as it was very unlike her. Nevertheless, he was really happy to see Riddhima showing her affection without any inhibition.

"Wow" he said with his hand on his cheek, "I loved it and would have liked some more but there is an investors meeting in 10 minutes. Have to get going" he said a little sadly.

"Yes, you should get going or else your secretary will barge in any moment" she smiled.

Armaan was just about to go when Riddhima suddenly held his hand and pulled him towards her.

"Lagta hai aaj aapke iraade theek nahi hai" he remarked cheekily.

"Sorry to disappoint Mr Mallik, but I only wanted to make sure that you don't go for your meeting with this tell tale lipstick mark on your cheek" replied Riddhima as she rubbed it off with a tissue.

"What's this Riddhima, you just robbed the office of a juicy piece of gossip! As for the board members, they would have been scandalized for sure"

"Yes, after all they wouldn't expect the very sober Armaan Mallik going around getting kisses from his female admirers and that too in the office"

"You bet, but I don't think the female employees in Verve would mind giving me kisses every morning, would they?" he smiled naughtily.

"Armaan!!!!!! You are becoming impossible nowadays"

"Am going" he said and disappeared before she could say anything more.

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

"Hey dude"

Armaan looked up from his laptop to see Atul standing near his bedroom door.

"Hey champ!!! What a surprise bro! Never expected to see you here on a Saturday morning"

Armaan stood up and gave Atul a warm hug.

"Well, these surprises have become necessary as this is the only way I can meet you coz you have become so very busy nowadays. Got bored of catching up over the phone, so aaj darshan karne chala aaya"

"Stop being sarcastic, will you?" said Armaan, "Ab khada kya hai, don't think I need to tell you to make yourself comfortable"

"Of course not, coz this is my room as much as yours" said Atul as he plonked himself on a bean bag, "There are so many wonderful memories associated with this room" he continued nostalgically and looked at his and Armaan's photos adorning the walls.

"Yup, those were the days buddy"

"Hmm, aur ab dekh, we don't even get time to catch up regularly. By the way, tu aaj kal kahan gayab rehta hai? I hope you still remember that our college group catches up once every two weeks and you haven't been turning up for quite some time. If I am not mistaken, you are the one who came up with this idea and now look at you. What's happening huh?"

"Kya karun yaar, life has really become busy nowadays"

"I understand dude" said Atul with a smile, "on one hand there is so much of work and on the other you are busy dancing to your girlfriend's tunes. Must be a tough job man, going by the fact that you have never danced to a girl's tunes before" he added wickedly.

Armaan just stared at Atul for some time. He knew that his best friend was somewhat aware of his relationship with Riddhima, but this direct jab was unexpected. He did foresee a confrontation some day or the other, but he never thought that today would be the day.

"Huh" this was all Armaan could manage.

"What huh? Come on dude, you know better" said Atul, "give me the details as I have a very good idea about what's going on between you and my little sis in law"

"Ab tujhe sab pata hai to main kya kahun" said Armaan with a resigned shrug.

"But I want to hear it from the horse's mouth" replied Atul with an excited grin on his face, which made Armaan laugh too.

"Yes, we are in love" Armaan said with a dreamy smile, "and we want to confess this in front of everyone. But the problem is that we or I should rather say Riddhima wants it to be a surprise for everyone. Don't tell her about this conversation of ours or else she will kill me"

"This is what I wanted to see. The I-care-a-damn-about-girls Armaan Mallik is now scared of a girl. Hamari choti si Ridzy to mujhe itni darawni nahi lagti hai. How come you are so scared of her?" laughed Atul.

"I don't think you have ever been subjected to your choti si Ridzy's anger. She can be a terror at times aur pata hai..........," Armaan stopped to glare at Atul who was rolling with laughter, "yeh kya has raha hai. Oh I see, badla le raha hai na, for the time when we used to tease you about Anjali"

"Yup of course, you guys had made my life a living hell then. I knew that one day I will also get a chance to laugh at you and I am enjoying every moment of it."

They were engaged in a lively conversation when Armaan's phone rang. Looking at the caller, his facial expression changed and he went to the balcony to receive the call. Atul found it strange as this was the first time that Armaan didn't answer a call in front of him. In fact, it was very rare that he hid things from him.

"Sorry yaar" said Armaan as he returned. He was aware that Atul might have found his behaviour strange.

"No problem buddy, but would you mind telling me why your expression changed the moment you saw the name of the caller?"

"Really? No, it was nothing like that champ"

"Armaan, something is wrong and I can sense it, so you better come out with it. By the way, was this call somehow linked to your meeting with Mr Kumar the other day?"

The colour drained from Armaan's face as he heard those words.

"Don't try to come up with any excuse now" said Atul, "I do know a lot of things dude"

Knowing that he couldn't lie any more, Armaan bared his heart to Atul. Meanwhile, Atul's expressions kept changing with every word uttered by Armaan. He just couldn't believe what he was hearing. Yes, he had sensed that something was wrong but he never thought that it was so serious.

Once he heard it all, Atul sat still for some time before saying, "You should have told me at least."

He was really hurt.

"I know I made a grave mistake, but I was really concerned about everyone, especially mom, Rahul and Riddhima, they couldn't have taken it easily"

"I know that, but there was uncle and your so called best friend too. Couldn't you have share it with us? You have been going through it all alone and I, I didn't even realize it" Atul literally choked with emotion.

"Champ, I am sorry" Armaan was really feeling very guilty now.

"Whatever!!" said Atul a little angrily, "I am glad I got to know about your meeting with Kumar and before you ask me how, let me say that I was keeping tabs on you. I smelt something fishy a while back and decided to investigate" he added, careful not to add anything about Yash's involvement.

"Once I had some facts in hand, I decided to confront you and here I am today. Dude, don't remain in the illusion that you are the smartest guy around. Some people are even smarter than you" said Atul as he patted himself.

Not having much to say, Armaan could only sit and stare at his friend.

"Stop staring at me now, I am not Riddhima" said Atul cheekily, which made Armaan chase him around the room.

After discussing their next plan of action, Atul left, but not before eliciting a promise from Armaan that he would not hide anything from him. Once he was gone, Armaan sat back and started thinking. Yes, he was wrong in hiding things from the people who cared about him. But again what could he do, he really hated to see his loved ones worried.

He then remembered his quick decision to get married. Yes, this was a very careless move on his part, but he had realized it only when he was in London. What if something happened to him after he and Riddhima got married? What would she do with him gone? He realized that he couldn't be so selfish and rush into something like marriage just because of his insecurity. It was that very day when he decided to take things slow until this problem was solved. But today it seemed that this problem was at an end as Kumar just gave him some very good news.

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

It was a busy day at the Gupta Mansion as the senior Guptas were celebrating their 30^th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, the whole house was buzzing with excitement.

Talking about Riddhima, she literally had no time to breathe today. After wishing her parents in the morning and arranging a sumptuous breakfast for them, which of course was prepared by her, she sent them to a luxury spa for the day. It was her gift to them and it was also a way of buying some time to decorate the entire place as the party was meant to be a surprise for Shashank and Padma. To help her with the preparation, she asked Rahul, Muskaan and Niki to come over in the afternoon, which they readily agreed to. She had also asked Armaan to come, but he managed to piss her off again.

FLASHBACK:

"So you mean to say that you are not coming?"

"Riddhima ....... honey ....... I am not saying that I am not coming. I am only trying to say that I won't be able to come in the afternoon. However, I will be right in time for the dinner party"

"But I thought it would be a great chance for our gang to spend some time together. As it is, all of us are too busy these days, so it would have been fun to catch up after a long time and also get everything in place for the party."

"That would be great and I would have loved to come, but since you didn't mention it before, I already fixed up an important meeting with someone" He couldn't tell her that he was meeting Kumar. "Moreover, you were too busy to talk to me yesterday, remember? I called and you just disconnected saying that you would call later, which you never did."

"But that doesn't mean you couldn't call back. Anyways, I got it, you don't have time for me even on a Sunday. That's it, baad me hi aa jaana"

She disconnected the phone, leaving a confused Armaan wondering what he should do now.

FLASHBACK ENDS

It was afternoon and Riddhima was in her room with Muskaan. Both of them were trying to hide some surprise gifts they had got for Padma and Shashank. However, they were totally clueless about where to hide them till the evening.

They were busy racking their brains when Muskaan spoke up, "Ek idea hai"

"Haan bol"

"Why don't we hide these gifts up there?" she pointed towards the top shelf in Riddhima's wardrobe, "there isn't even the slightest chance of anyone getting there"

"Great idea, but yaar it is too much of an effort. I never use that shelf as it is too high for me"

"Tabhi to keh rahi hoon that it is a safe place. Wait here, I will get a stool"

Muskaan was back with a stool the very next minute and since Riddhima was the lighter of the two, the job of getting up on the stool automatically passed on to her. They were almost done when Rahul and Niki's voice floated in from the living room below.

"Arrey, yeh log aa gaye" said Muskaan a little too excitedly which didn't go unnoticed by Riddhima, "main abhi unko hi keh ke aati hoon"

"Ok, but help me get off this stool first. It is a little too high for comfort. Just wait for two more minutes" said Riddhima as she was still arranging the gifts on the shelf.

However, when Riddhima turned around after getting her job done, she realized that she was talking to an empty room as Muskaan was nowhere to be seen.

"Shucks, how do I get down now?"

A sound near the door made her sigh in relief.

"Muskaan, kahan chali gayi thi? Come and help me now. Don't think I can get off this stool without fracturing my leg"

However, she was shocked to realize that instead of helping her, Muskaan started tickling her waist. Riddhima was having a hard time controlling her laughter and balance.

"Muskaan, yeh kya kar rahi hai. I will fall!!!"

She couldn't even complete the sentence as she lost her balance and fell. Fearing the worst, she closed her eyes and prayed that she didn't fracture any body part of hers. However, she never hit the ground as someone's strong arms made sure that she didn't. She was scared no doubt, but Riddhima didn't even have to guess who it was as she could recognize this touch anywhere. She slowly opened her eyes, only to find the most mesmerizing pair of blue-grey eyes staring back at her. Needless to say, they started communicating without a single word escaping their lips.

"I know you like being in my arms and I love that too, but I guess you have put on some weight and it's killing my shoulder" said Armaan, putting an end to this intense eyelock.

"Chodo mujhe" said Riddhima, as all the romantic thoughts that were hovering around in her mind a few seconds back vanished into oblivion.

She stomped towards the dressing table and angrily started arranging and re-arranging her cosmetics.

Armaan looked at her and shook his head with a smile. Dressed in a spaghetti top with quarter length pants to match and her hair tied up in a pony tail, she was looking like a petulant kid.

He went up to her and put his hands on her shoulders, but she shrugged them away and walked towards her wardrobe. As she started sifting through her clothes aimlessly, Armaan quietly inched closer and slid his arms around her waist. When she didn't object, he pulled her closer, inhaling her fragrance that always made him go crazy.

"Naraaz ho?" he whispered in her ear.

"As if you care"

"Why wouldn't I care if my sweeheart is angry?"

"Oh you do?" she asked sarcastically, "This is coming from someone who doesn't even have time for his so called sweetheart on a Sunday"

"But it was urgent Riddhima, as I had already fixed an appointment. There was no way I could avoid it"

"I understand Armaan, but you know that today is a special day for us. I was planning to spend some time together and enjoy our last few moments of privacy before the whole world gets to know about us"

"Tabhi to sab kuch chod kar aa gaya, since my sweetheart was angry"

Riddhima couldn't exactly fathom why, but she could sense a change about him today. He sounded very relaxed and happy.

"Let me ask him" she thought, but before she could open her mouth, she felt his cool lips on her bare shoulder, sending her emotions into frenzy.

"Armaan, kya kar rahe ho. Koi aa jayega" she said half heartedly as she really wanted him to go on.

"I know very well that there is no one is at home and my spies won't let anyone come here. Koi khatra hoga to woh humein bata denge"

"Spies?"

"You forgot your best friends?"

"Ah I see now, that's why Muskaan disappeared all of a sudden. Tum sab log mile hue ho"

"Of course we are and that's why I especially love this best friend of yours" said Armaan before he received a punch in his stomach, "ouch Riddhima, I didn't mean it that way"

"Jo bhi ho, but you are totally booked now Mr Mallik. Don't you dare look at anyone, not even my best friend!"

"Ek to meri girl friend mujhe bhav nahi deti hai and on top of that I have been banned from looking at other girls" he said sadly.

"Oh, my poor baby is so sad" said Riddhima and she playfully patted his cheeks.

"This won't do maam, I want a kiss" he said with a naughty smile adorning his extremely handsome face.

"Ok" she said a little too easily.

"Wow, looks like I am in luck today!"

"Guess so" said Riddhima as she put her arms around his neck.

She then brought her lips closer to his and her hand covered his eyes as she wasn't being able to take that intent gaze of his. However, she never planned to give him the kiss he was asking for. What she thought about doing was to run away before he realized it, however, Armaan was too quick for her and he caught hold of her and pinned her against the wall.

"Kya kar rahe ho Armaan"

"Seems like this is your favorite dialogue for today" he chuckled, "but tell me what would you prefer? Me leaving this room or continuing with what I started?"

Riddhima was too shocked to retort to this cheeky line, more so because it was coming from the "gentleman" Armaan. However, she really wanted to feel his touch today and Armaan guessed that from her flushed face. Locking his fingers with hers, he started by kissing her neck and then he gradually made his way towards her shoulder, which shivered at the contact. Even though she was feeling a little strange about getting so close to Armaan and that too in her own house, Riddhima was not immune to the pure bliss that enveloped her being as Armaan's lips played their magic on two of the most sensitive spots on her body. After kissing her neck and shoulder blade to his heart's content, Armaan started moving towards her lips. With her breath getting heavier, Riddhima closed her eyes in anticipation.

A few moments passed and she was still waiting for that kiss, something which seemed strange to Riddhima. She opened her eyes confusedly and was shocked to see no one in front of her. Hearing a slight shuffling sound below, she looked down and was shocked to see Armaan on his knees.

"Armaan?" she whispered.

"I knew that you would be surprised at this sudden action of mine, but I can't help it. In a few hours from now, we will become a couple in front of the whole world, but before that happens, I really wanted to say a few things that have always remained locked in my heart."

As Riddhima nodded encouragingly, he continued, "Riddhima, before you came into my life, it was something I was always at war with. I always blamed it for snatching away some of the most precious people from me and hence I could never make peace with it. That was then, but I absolutely have no complaints against life now as it gifted me something I never even dreamed of possessing .............. and it is your love. Yes, it is your love that has changed me, brought out the real Armaan who always remained hidden behind that cold exterior, which everyone used to hate.............you saw that person who was struggling to get out of the stranglehold the other Armaan had on him. You are the reason why I started smiling again, the reason why I dream about the future now and you are the reason why I have fallen in love with life again. Today, I pledge you my love and loyalty, which will remain with you till my last breath and today is the day when I want to ask you something with all my heart"

He paused for a few seconds ................ "Will you marry me?"

With these words, he held out the most exquisitely beautiful ring Riddhima had ever seen in her life. As he looked at her expectantly, Riddhima's tears couldn't stop flowing. She was too overwhelmed to utter even a single word after his heartfelt proposal. Indeed, she was the luckiest girl in the world to have a guy like Armaan in her life. He was her love, her pride, her everything.

Nodding happily, she gave her hand to Armaan who slipped the ring onto her finger. He then stood up, his eyes a little moist, and took her in a hug that promised her all his love and a lifetime of togetherness.

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

Originally posted by: coolvini4u

Richa, mansi di n writers like them have such effects.........😆😆
anyways, ur name is soo sweet .. wat does it mean? soo unique.... like it.....😃
n yeah m vini ....😆

Sorry guys.............I couldn't post the update on the previously reserved slot due to some technical snag.

Originally posted by: arshluver_15

i hope you dont want all of to HALA BOLE in your FF......................plz yaar updat na