Taming the Wild 5 part-60 pg-93 05/08/10 - Page 11

Recap :- Armaan is surprised to find Ridhhima back. She takes care of him and decide that she'll throw hints so that he confesses his love . She tries her hand at telling PJ's and for a moment they are together when he burns his hand.

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She was as usual tying the knot of his tie and he was busy admiring her. She looked up, their eyes met and she caught him staring at her. He quickly came out of his dazed state as she raised her brows questioningly. Smiling inwardly.

" Umm, ehem " he cleared his throat gaining back his composure " wo Ridhhima.. actually wo.. main tumhe kal batana bhuul gaya tha. You know Pam naa.."

" Pam ? " bit confused

" Haan, remember Manali.. Party "

" Oh haan that Pam " remembering now. How can she forget Armaan-is-mine-Pam. She wondered what she'll do now, poor soul will have a heart attack. Grinning at the thought.

" Well, wo actually Delhi aayi hui hai and she's also working for company's ad campaign so.. Ehem " he felt awkward not sure how she'll react " she's coming for dinner on thursday " he said it in one go exhaling with relief. He looked so cute with that expression that she wanted to just pull his cheeks, but controlled.

" Oh, I see. That's two days from now " he nodded " To itna pareshaan kyun ho rahe ho ? After all she's your favourite model and jaisa ki lag hi raha tha, your best buddy too " she faked her displeasure at the news.

' Oh no ' he thought ' Ridhhima to naraz ho gayi ' he tailed after her as she picked and folded his clothes hiding her smile " R.. Ridhhima wo maine use invite nahi kiya, usne khud ko " she turned abruptly, he stepped back hesitating seeing that non amused expression " invite.. Kar... Liya.." gulping

She stared at him for a moment, he gave a nervous grin and then.. unable to control any longer " Ohh Armaan tum naa.." she laughed , feeling at a loss for words she did what she wanted to. Pulled his cheeks " it's okay. Let her come, she's most welcome. Tum itna kyun ghabra rahe ho " he ran his fingers on his cheeks pleasently surprised

" To.. To tum naraaz nahi ho ? " confirming it again

" Armaann don't be silly, why would I be angry huh. Don't worry I'll make something nice for her. Without poison okay " he grinned at it " Tum ab chalo bhi nahi to fir aadha breakfast chhod kar bhagoge ki late ho raha hun " and pushed him from behind. He smiled broadly all fears vanished...

Since her realization of her love a new feeling of belonging came to her, feeling of fully being the part of everything which is his. It was as if she was now looking at everything with a completely new perspective feeling like a proper family member now, this is where she truly belongs... But there was a task to be done.

" Hmmm, my silly husband ji ab bhi agar aap nahi samjhe to dekh lena " she grinned looking at their wedding photograph which turned into a loving smile. Husband... The word automatically gave her the sense of oneness, the right over him ,his love. Running her fingers over his face she kissed it and hung the picture where it was easily visible. Taking the other pic. That was her birthday present she for a moment was lost in the fond memories when they were together. What time that was, there was truth, trust, and belief, and still is, that the other would be there whenever the need be. Smiling broadly hung that picture too.

" Hmm, task one complete. Now let's see Mr. Super Intelligent Malik ki aap samajhte hain ya nahi " satisfied she glanced at the watch, there was still time for his return,to quieten her restlessness decided to have a round of the house, which she felt now truly was hers...

Stuffing the earplugs of her Ipod she came out of the room. Walking through the corridors she remembered the day when she came to the house for the first time and he took her to show around. Her eyes fell on a painting ,she smiled remembering how he told that he tried to be clever with that after breaking it and was caught by Virendra. Laughing softly, Modern Art ! Something which still went over his head... crossing through another corridor she saw the tree with the swing in the garden. A smile crept on her face ,remembering when she first felt the security of being in his strong arms. Gazing at it she rubbed her arms trying to feel the warmth again. Her heart told her that her.. No their, wait was soon going to be over. It was Leo's bark which brought her out of her dreamland.

" You know you just spoiled my super romantic dream " Leo just made a sad noise as if saying ' That's why I disturbed you. It wasn't about me ' she sighed seeing that hurt innocent look on his face " God ! You are one jealous dog. Cmmon " she moved on with her shadow following her, wagging his tail. Changing the song on her Ipod her attention suddenly diverted to Leo who barked standing before a room, getting close she saw Martin inside, and then she noticed...

She was standing before Armaan's childhood room. Martin was dusting around keeping things in order with another servant. Leo barged in sniffing things trying to get hold of the toys kept there. The sudden appearance caught Martin's eye.

" Leo ! " he shouted pulling away the toy he was trying to chew, his eyes then fell on Ridhhima who stood behind Leo " Ma'am.. " an unsure expression came over his face seeing her there. The room brought some other memories back.... He'd yelled at Martin the first day she came here and then the other day after their marriage.

She felt really strange that he asked her straightaway not to come here. Something was not right, it was hard for her to understand that what could be here in such a beautiful room that scared him. Yes ,the look that he had on his face was of pure shock and fear. She decided to get it clear with him later, but for now she wanted to have a closer look at the room, everytime she came here the visit was disrupted by one thing or the other.

" Ma'am.. Do you need anything ? Let me make some coffee for you. Plz. Come it's.. Dusty in here " she could see Martin was just trying to get her out of here, he was clearly feeling uneasy to see her there and his eyes darted from her to the door.

" No, thank you Martin. I want to have a look at the room before he comes back " she smiled at him easing his discomfort a bit. He still looked bit unsure, with Leo's collar in one hand who was struggling hard to get hold of some delicious looking toys..

" Leo ! " he scolded the overenthusiastic dog " Hari take him out plz, before he breaks or eat up something. " the other servant took Leo out. Ridhhima looked at Martin who looked as if wanted to say something but didn't knew how to.

" What is it Martin ? "

" Ma'am plz excuse me, but sir have specifically asked.. Ordered, not to let anyone in this room and I need to go out so if you could.. "

" I know Martin but I want to have a look around. " she could see Martin was debating how to make her understand " Don't worry Martin he won't be back so early, you can carry on with your work "

" But ma'am.."

" No Martin. I'm not leaving. " she said firmly looking at Martin and he knew he had to drop it. " Very well then, I need to get the lock repaired it doesn't open from the inside. Plz don't remove the box from there " he pointed to a box working as a stopper, she nodded and Martin left with a glance at the watch. It was still time for him to return the repairs could be done easily in the meanwhile.

Fate, destiny have unusual knack of taking sudden turns and twists and it so happened that day too.

He stepped out of the car happily, coming lot earlier than usual to spend time with her, he had to clear out things as soon as possible the distance was getting unbearable now....

Rushing to the room with the bouquet of her favourites- orange roses, this time splattered with red, the colour of love... He opened the door quietly. wanting to surprise her and then as planned his eyes fell on the pics on the wall, gaze fixed on them he walked to them...

" Yeh photos to pehle yahaan nahi thi... Kya yeh Ridhhima ne... Is she trying to say something..." his mind worked at super fast pace " No. First confirm Armaan. Nahi to... Don't assume anything " he was still cautious, not aware that his dream was minutes or rather few words away from getting fulfilled... " but where is she ? " he looked all around in the room but she wasn't there " may be she's out. I wasn't suppose to be back for next three hours, it's just four now " explaining to himself he came out looking for her..

Ridhhima stood before the wall looking at the pictures. He was there with different people some she knew and some she didn't. It had pictures of his birthday where he stood blowing candles with that angelic dimpled smile. Even her father was there in some, of course he and Virendra are best friends.

He rushed from one place to another looking for her. Finding Hari on the way he asked if he'd seen her Hari pointed out the way. Happily he climbed the flight of stairs to reach his love running through the corridor looking for her. He looked in all the rooms but she wasn't in any of them his smile turned into a little worry as he closed on his room. He stopped on his tracks, the light from the open door cleared that it was open and someone was probably there. With beating heart he stepped ahead hoping that it wasn't her there.

But his fears came to be true. She was inside. Suddenly some flashes came before his eyes, they weren't clear but were enough to raise his heartbeat, scaring him... shutting his eyes he jerked his head to clear them off and for a moment they stopped. He have to go away, take her away from here... It wasn't good place to be...

" Ridhhima " he called, not daring to step inside. Ridhhima was busy admiring the wall of pictures with Earplugs stuffed enjoying music. His restlessness grew by seconds, beads of sweat formed on the forehead " Riidhhiimaa " he shouted louder but still it didn't reached her. His temper rose now. Why wasn't she listening ? Why was she here in the first place ? Who the hell gave her the key ?Bloody hell, Where is this Martin ? He felt helpless ,didn't knew whether to look for Martin or bring her out, calling was definitely not working.

Desperation and helplessness gave rise to anger, dropping the bunch he took a deep breath, he have to bring her out. With fists clenched he took angry steps inside kicking the box in the way and stood by her side.

" Ridhhima " he grabbed her wrist, startling her

" Armaan.." surprised to find him there suddenly " tum kab aaye ? tumne to mujhe daraa hi diya.." pulling out the earplugs, but she could see that he wasn't smiling. Infact he looked worried " Armaan.. Kya hua ? Is everything okay ? " but she knew the reason. He wasn't happy to see her here.

He was kind of breathing shortly " come out " pulling her away, not even glancing anywhere

" but..." she tried to explain but he wasn't listening, he turned the knob. The door didn't open, dropping the hand he tried to pull it open but it didn't budge. Multiplying his efforts he now tried frantically.

" Damn ! Why isn't this opening ? why this damned door not opening !? " trying desperately making her worry

" Armaan.. Armaan calm down. Meri baat to suno.."

" OPEN THE DOOR !! " he turned to look for an exit and then his eyes fell on the wall. The pictures...

Immediately his head was filled with screams, loud painful ones... There were people... There were masks.. They were laughing, loudly.He covered his ears... His head throbbed.. Ridhhima was very worried now.

He looked at her pleading " Plz open this door, get me out "

" Armaan. Stop " trying to make him listen but he was beyond any explaination. She'd never seen him like this ever.. the situation got worse by every passing second.

Before she could think of anything he fell on his knees covering his ears " stoopp, plz. Stoooppp "

" Armaaann, listen.. Stop what ? " trying hard to make him look at her

" Mujhe.. Main pagal ho jaunga Ridhhima I'm going to go mad... plz.plz. Stop that woman from screaming... Un logon se bolo ki wo chup ho jaayein... Main aur bardasht nahi kar sakta... Plz..." He covered his ears begging her hiding his face in his knees... Tears rolled down from his eyes...

Ridhhima was bewildered seeing this she didn't knew what to do... Sitting by his side she held his hands that covered his ears, trying to stop the non existing screams " Armaan look at me." knowing perfectly well that she had to keep her calm " kaun si aurat ? kaun se log ? yahaan koi nahi hai Armaan..." trying to make him look at her but He still didn't, his eyes tightly shut head bowed down " Armaan meri taraf dekho, Armaan.." trying her best to make him open his eyes and look at her but was unable to do so. Finally she grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him... " Armaan. Armaan look at me..." hearing her loud voice he opened his eyes slowly ,he was panting and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. She cupped his face and said lovingly yet firmly " yahaan koi nahi hai Armaan. Koi nahi... It's just you and me.. Door ka lock kharab hai isliye wo band ho gaya, abhi Martin aa kar khulwa dega ok.. Yahaan koi nahi chilla raha ,koi nahi hai " still breathing shortly he looked around as if seeing everything for the first time... " Armaan sab theek hai.."

Unsure still scared, he suddenly hugged her tightly. For a moment it took her by surprise but then held him close knowing well that he needed it very much ,kicking into the doctor mode she kept whispering softly assuring him. Picking up the phone she called Martin to come quick. He was back in minutes, the door was thrown open.

She was still sitting on the floor, holding him tight. His head buried in her neck.

" Ma'am.." Martin called softly. He was worried, a look of guilt on his face, she signaled him to be quiet. He understood " I'll be right outside " she nodded

" Armaan " calling softly " cmmon let's go. Darwaza khul gaya "

Breaking the embrace she tried to make him get up, he was shaking and didn't spoke a word. Gathering his strength he stood up but his knees felt weak Ridhhima quickly supported him taking him out...

Back in the room she made him lie on the bed, he was shivering badly suddenly cold as if was drenched in ice cold water. Covering him immediately she sat by his side trying to comfort him but all was in vain. He didn't uttered a word and kept his eyes tightly shut as if trying to stop seeing something scary, the look of pain clear on his face.

Being a doctor she knew that he must relax and calm down. The sleep was the best medicine at this point of time but it was impossible to make him sleep on his own now. She decided to call Rahul and Virendra, even Muskaan was not at home but as she was about to get up she realized that he was holding her hand firmly she sat down again beside him..

" Armaan main yahin hun bas phone lene jaa rahi hun " he didn't utter a word just tightened his hold she knew that she could not leave him now sitting by his side she kept on stroking his hair " kuch nahi hua Armaan, kuch nahi hua, sab theek hai..." She cursed herself for going to his room... he still was awake, no more shutting his eyes he looked at nothing in particular, it was almost an hour after the outbreak that she felt his grip lightened a little she said softly " Armaan main paani pi kar abhi aati hun " this time he let her go

Rushing to her bag she prepared an injection and sat beside him " Armaan so jao naa..." trying once again

No reply... she gently rubbed his arm and prayed to god that he don't react to the prick... She was deft with the injection and probably he didn't feel anything as there was no reaction at all slowly the medicine started to show it's effect and his eyelids became heavy... finally they closed down to give him much needed sleep... she kept caressing his hair for a while ,covering him properly, she got up...

She had decided that it was time to have some serious discussion about his nightmares... his fear of blood, needles, his room and most of all... even of his mother's picture.

She didn't had to wait long. Martin had already informed Virendra and others, she met them as they rushed to see him. Seeing that he was fine and was sleeping peacefully, they all took a breath of relief.

" Papa.. Aaj jo hua, I need to know everything. It's not okay. In sabki koi wajah to zarur hai. Aisa kya hai us room main jo use itna dara deta hai aur yahi nahi aap jaante hain ki.."

" Haan main jaanta hun ki wo apne room main nahi jaata, na pehle na ab.. Accident ke baad hospital main rakhne main hamein kitni mushkil hui thi... Injections ya needles se darta hai, khoon se aur... Yahan tak ki Naina ki tasveer se bhi..." Virendra added. He stood by the window of the library where all of them gathered to have the family discussion. He knew this was bound to come up but what he didn't anticipated was it would be in such a manner. BP placed his hand over Virendra's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze.

Seeing that Virendra could not speak further he added " Beta main maanta hun ki hamein yeh baat aapko khud bahut pehle bata deni chahiye thi magar.. I guess we were selfish. Wo itna khush tha ki hamein laga ki wo darr ab beeti baat ho chuka hai aur ab hamare Armaan ko koi pareshani chuu nahi sakti.. hamein laga ki shayad usne khud us hadse ke baare main bataa diya hoga magar.." he paused for a moment " I think we were wrong "

" But, papa aakhir aisa hua kya tha ? "

Virendra turned, looking at her he sighed deeply, bracing himself " Armaan and Naina were kidnapped. The day after his 10th birthday "

" What ?! " she was shocked. For a moment there was complete silence. None spoke. Her eyes moved from one face to another. Muskaan was holding Rahul's hand both faces realized with pain they still felt. BP was no different and Virendra, it seemed was gathering every ounce of effort to speak further. Even Martin for whom it was unusual to display any emotion stood in the corner like a terribly sad statue.

Virendra continued " it all started on his 10th birthday. It was something of a double celebration for us. Uske kuch din pehle hi hamein ek bahut badi jeet haasil hui thi, hamari company ke naam par jo frauds nakli medicines supply kar rahe the wo pakde gaye the... Kisko pataa tha ki agla din hamari zindagi badalne waala tha... " his eyes got moist and a lump choked the words

BP took the turn " Armaan Naina ke saath agle din shopping par gaya tha. Main aur Virendra office main the jab Vibha ka phone aaya aur usne bataya ki Armaan aur Naina ko kuch log kidnap karke le gaye hain. We rushed home. Ghar aa kar pata chala ki Armaan aur Naina shopping ke liye gaye the aur wahan se bahar aate hue kuch logon ne unhe gun point par kidnap kar liya, wahaan ke guard aur unke beech firing bhi hui magar wo un dono ko le jaane main kaamyab rahe " BP paused for a moment " kya kya nahi kiya humne police ,detectives sab, magar kuch pata nahi chal paaya aur hairani to tab hui jab koi ransom call bhi nahi aayi. kamyabi chahe anchahe bahut dushman babaa deti hai, hum kisi ek par ungli nahi utha paaye "

" Aur phir achanak hafte baad ek phone aaya. Aaj tak mujhe wo shabd yaad hai " Virendra said

FLASHBACK

" Kyun Virendra Malik kaisa lag raha hai apni biwi bete ke bina " said a cold voice

" Kaun.. You bas***d ! Who are you ? Tum aakhir chahte kya ho ? Meri biwi kahan hai mera beta... Agar unhe kuch bhi hua to.."

" Awaaz neechi Virendra Malik jitna chillaoge usse kahin jyada uunchi chikhein tumhe sunne ko milengi " I was stunned to hear it.

" Dekho tumhe jitna paisa chahiye main dunga bas mere biwi bete ko jaane do "

" Jayenge to sahi wo Malik. Bahut duur " and the man laughed a chilling cold laugh, " abhi to shuruat hai Malik zara tum bhi dard seh kar dekho "

" You.." but the call was disconnected " You bas***d ! "

" Feeling helpless all my anger was taken out on the phone which went flying across the room... We continued our search, the most terrible was the time when we started getting a blood soaked peice of cloth everyday. The police suspected it was someone from within who was involved but we could point at none. It continued for a week when one day we got a call from the commissioner that they have found Armaan and Naina. Iss khabar ne jaise ek murde main jaan daal di..." Virendra was lost again for a moment before continuing

" Police ko kisi tarah khabar mili ki ek accident hua hai, ek car jisme kuch log jaa rahe the uski ek truck se takkar ho gayi. Us car main 6 log the, aur un 6 logon main se ek Armaan aur Naina bhi the. Baaki 4 main se teen ki mauke par hi maut ho gayi thi. Khabar milte hi hum us jagah bhage. Armaan jab hamein mila tab Naina ka sar uski goud main tha, wo ek paed ke sahare baitha hua tha, ek hath Naina ki gardan par lagi chot par tha... Wo khoon behne se rok raha tha... Main wo samay aaj tak nahi bhul sakta..." again a lump formed in his throat but now tears fell from his eyes " mera 10 saal ka beta, jo khud itni buri tarah ghayal tha apni maa ko bachane ki koshish kar raha tha..."

Tears dropped from Ridhhima's eyes imagining it. This time BP continued " hamein laga ki ab sab theek ho jayega. Naina aur Armaan ab hamare saath the. Badi mushkil se hum use Naina se alag kar paaye. Wo use chhodne ko tayar hi nahi tha huh, aur aaj dekho uski tasveer tak nahi dekhta... Magar jaisa hum soch rahe the waisa hua nahi. The real testing time was ahead... Armaan aur Naina ko hospital le jaaya gaya. Ek baat jo hum nahi jaante the wo yeh ki jin logon ne un dono ko kidnap kiya tha marne waalo main unka boss nahi tha. Wo bach kar bhaag chuka tha. Aur uss din..." he trailed off

FLASHBACK

Sunil was there in Naina's room as Virendra went to meet the doctors, he dozed off reading a magazine when suddenly he felt something sharp hit his head and before he could react his hands were tied and mouth gagged. Gaining some control he looked at his attacker... They were attackers. Three in all, dressed as doctors with their masks on they must have succeeded in fooling the guards. He tried to struggle free and was shocked when one of them pulled out a big knife and stepped toward resting Naina.

The commotion woke Naina up her eyes widened with horror ,stunned to see the men before her. They obviously intended to kill her. She tried to get up but the other two held her back and then there was a flash. The man stabbed her. She could not even scream as her mouth was covered. Sunil who was lying on the ground behind the curtain could only see the flash of blood soaked knife. He was too stunned to utter anything. Naina was stabbed... Killed...

Just then the knob turned they quickly hid behind the door it was Armaan, he came there limping.

" Mumma..." Sunil tried calling out to warn him but couldn't. He went to Naina's side and found her breathing heavily " mumma, kya hua mumma ?? " worried

She held his hand " A..ar.. Armaan... Run beta... go.." but it was too late. The door was already shut, he turned and saw three men, their faces covered. One of them covering his mouth grabbed him from behind, it was then one of them again pulled a knife Armaan struggled to get free of that man's hold but what chances did a ten yr old had in front of that burly man.

One of the man covered Naina's face with pillow and stabbed her brutally many times. His eyes widened with shock and horror, he bit the man's hand hard who let him go instantly..

" Moooommm " He screamed , Sunil was stupefied. Armaan saw his mother being killed right in front of his eyes... he rushed to her all he could see through his teary eyes was a blood soaked hand that held his... " Mumma.. Mummaa " was all he could manage when he was roughly pulled away from her..

Their other target was right there. Sunil struggled hard to get free but it was Armaan's scream that caught the attention of the guards outside. Meanwhile, he saw them. Terrified, their faces covered with white masks, they grabbed his arm, he was utterly shocked so much that no voice came out of his mouth... They were about to kill him too when the door burst open and guards came in there shouting warnings.

They saw the man with the knife about to stab Armaan and fired at him. He died on the spot but the other two used him as a shield. Virendra rushed there and was horrified to see what was going on. Hiding behind Armaan the men came out of the room. Sunil was freed quickly ,now both Sunil and Virendra went after the men..

He limped painfully as they pulled him with them, crying to go back to his mother and father. Sunil, Virendra and policemen rushed after them. There was firing and more shouting.. He tripped but they didn't wait for him to get up keeping a firm hold on his hand they dragged him to a distance. He screamed with pain.

" Leave my son ! " Virendra roared but they hardly bothered till they found an emergency exit then one of them pulled him up using him as his sheild. The police felt helpless they couldn't close on them as they had Armaan. Then Sunil called on their personal guards, they were sharp shooters...

Armaan was still in that man's arms who was running with him they were now outside the hospital on their way to main gates where other people of the gang were waiting for them. The man who was now running blindly with him was looking back when he was suddenly hit by an approaching ambulance... They both fell down almost face to face and then there was a noise as if someone had burst a loud cracker.

Armaan's face was splattered with blood... The man's grip on his hand slowly loosened ,he lay still lifeless on the ground his eyes staring at him behind his mask that still covered his face, now red due to blood ..the bullet peirced through his head... Armaan stood up looking at the building and others. Everything was running in slow motion his father and BP running to him.. But he could not hear what they were saying he looked at his hands covered with blood... touched his face, fresh blood dripped from there... The man's blood, who now lay lifeless near his feet... He looked at the building with it's big red plus sign... People looking at him scared, terrified... His head started to spin and everything went blank...

FLASHBACK END

" It was two days later that he gained consciousness " BP said " hum sab tab wahin the. Naina.. Ja chuki thi hamein chhod kar..."

Virendra came and sat on the chair beside her " Us haadse ke baad hamne Armaan ko wahaan rakhna theek nahi samjha aur hum use ghar le aaye, hosh aane ke baad usne sabse pehle Naina ke baare main hi puchha hamme se kisi ki himmat nahi hui use sach batane ki..."

FLASHBACK

Virendra stood quietly by the window. Sunil and Vibha were there too. She was sitting near his bed.

" Virendra " all looked at her, Armaan was stirring now. Tears of relief filled their eyes. Sunil thanked God in his heart. Armaan slowly opened his eyes as if he was waking up from a sleep everybody was happy seeing him awake...

" Hey Tiger. How are you ? " Virendra asked smiling at his son

" I'm fine.." then he looked at the bandages on his body " yeh kya hua papa ? " puzzled

" Yeh ? Aapko nahi pata ? " surprised at his question. He looked at his father as if he didn't understand what language he was speaking. He turned to BP

" BP mumma kahaan hai ? "

" Beta wo.. Wo " they all looked at each other helplessly, he didn't knew that she was no more

" Beta wo kisi bahut zaruri kaam se baahar gayi hain..." Vibha lied controlling her tears

" Mera toy laane jo kal tuut gaya tha ?! " He asked happily excited at the prospect of getting his favourite toy again... " Magar mumma ne kaha tha ki wo mere saath jaayengi... Wo akeli kyun gayi ? "

Everybody was surprised " beta kya kaha aapne kal toy tuuta tha ? " Virendra asked him

" Haan kal birthday par jo mila tha mera favourite... Mcch aapko nahi pata mumma ko pata hai..." He picked up his videogame

" Beta birthday kal to nahi tha... Wo to.."

" Kya papa aapko nahi pata birthday kal hi to tha aap bhul gaye aap hi to mera favourite cake laaye the phir hamne cake kaata tha phir meri ladayi hui thi aur mera toy tuuta tha... Arre jab mumma gussa ho rahi thi aur phir aapne hi to mumma se kaha tha ki mujhe waisa hi toy laake dene ko... Aapko yaad nahi..."

All were stunned " But beta..."

" Sir some policemen are here to meet you..." Martin announced

" Yeah, I'm coming..."

" Mr.Malik him aapke bete se kuch puuchna chahte hain... Un logon ke baare main..."

" Kya kuch pata chal paaya officer ? "

" Abhi bas itna hi ki unka hamle ke pichhe bas yahi wajah thi ki wo apni pehchaan chuppana chahte the. Armaan aur aapki wife hi wo do log hain jinhone us insaan ko, unke boss ko dekha hai. Baaki sab kiraye ke gunde the jo paise ke liye kuch bhi karne se darte nahi "

He looked at Armaan who was busy playing his video game " Well.. Aap Armaan se baat kar sakte hain magar jyada daer tak nahi he needs rest " still puzzled about what happened few minutes ago...

" Hello beta " an inspector went up to him ,he looked at them puzzled " beta hum aapse kuch puchhna chahte hain. Aap hamein sach sach batayenge okay, darne ki koi zarurat nahi hai theek hai.." Armaan was still puzzled " Beta inme se aap kisi ko pehchante hain..." Showing him some photographs one by one... All were dead people. He just stared at all of them saying nothing... " Do you remember any of these people ? " he was still staring at the photographs his expressions changing...

" Where did they take you ?? Yeh log aapki mumma ko aur aapko kahaan le gaye the ?? Aur koi bhi tha kya inke saath ?? Bolo beta cmmon "

" Mumma ke saath ?? "

" Haan beta "

" Mujhe nahi pata "

" Cmmon beta yaad karne ki koshish karo, kya in logon ke alawa bhi aapne kisi ko wahaan dekha ?? "

" Kisko ?! Mujhe nahi pata... Daddy mumma kahaan hai ??? Mujhe mumma ke paas jaana hai..." he demanded

" Armaan " he held him in his arms " kuch nahi beta just relax kuch nahi hua, just answer what uncle is asking...." consoling him

" Mujhe nahi pata... I want mommy. I want mommmmyyyyy..." he got unconscious crying for her

FLASHBACK END

" We were really scared doctors denied any kind of talking about that incident for the time being. Jab hosh aaya to he cried a lot... that day we were stunned to hear his answer... he didn't knew what happened with him or Naina in the past two weeks... Even at the hospital..."

" In fact he didn't knew that two weeks had already passed... we consulted the best doctors psychiatrists.." BP said " Sabki yahi rai thi ki uske dil dimaag ka us haadse ka itna asar hua hai ki uske dimaag ne ek tarah se uss hisse ko band kar diya hai jahaan uski un dino ki yaad thi, uski chotton ko hamne yeh keh kar taal diya ki wo stairs se gir gaya tha... Agle kuch din hamne Naina ki baat usse chuppa kar rakhi magar ek din usne wo pucch hi liya. "

" BP mumma kahan hain ? " He remembered the day, " we were stunned with his sudden question "

" Beta wo.. Wo mumma.." " I fought very badly to hold my tears but it was like fighting a lost battle..."

Vibha tried to divert him " she.. She is fine beta achha aapko pata hai Rahul bhai aapke liye ek game laaya hai aur is sunday hum sab kahin bahar chalenge Kitne dino se hum kahin ghumne nahi gaye..."

" Mumma is dead." He looked straight into Vibha's eyes. We were stunned... " Hai na badi maa..."

" It was statement not question. She could say no more embracing him again that day she wept bitterly... Infact everybody did, we weren't hiding anything anymore..."

Virendra continued " Aur wo shuruaat thi Armaan ke daraawane sapno ki... Har raat wo cheekh kar uth jaata tha... aur kabhi kabhi raat bhar jaagta rehta... Doctors ya hospital ke naam se kaanp uthta tha aur aaj bhi darta hai... Uske iss darr ki wajah to shayad hum jaante hain " now she understood why he never entered the hospital gates, and why the sight of blood troubled him. but what about the needles and Naina's pic.

" Din ba din wo udaas rehne lagaa... Aur apne kamre main to jaana usne band kar diya... Kehta tha ki wahaan use daraawane sapne aate hain... Lekin yeh nahi pata ki un sapno main aakhir usne dekha kya... Naina ki maut ke baad mera mann bhi nahi lagta tha aur Armaan ki haalat dekhte hue socha ki jagah badal lun aur phir baaki sabne bhi hamein yahi sujhaav diya hum use har us baat se duur rakhte jo use pareshaan karti thi... Dheere dheere hamne yeh jaana ki wo Naina ki tasveer dekh kar bhi pareshaan ho jaata hai... Uski udaasi aur akelepan ke saathi bas Rahul Muskaan Sunil bhaisaab aur Vibha bhabhi hi thi... paanch saal lag gaye usko phir se hasta khelta Armaan banane main... Phir Vibha bhabhi ke jaane ke baad laga ki kahin phir se... magar iss baar wo Rahul aur Sunil bhaisaab ka sahara ban kar khada hua... Aur tabse wo aisa hi hai... Usne us din ke baad se aaj tak kabhi un dino ki baat nahi ki... Aur wo yaadein aaj bhi uske dil dimaag main kahin gehri dabi hui hai jo kabhi bahar aa jaati hai aur use andar tak hila deti hain... Pata nahi kya kya saha hoga usne kya kya dekha hoga..."

" Doctors ne kya kaha papa ? "

" Doctors bhi kuch nahi kar paaye unhone bhi yahi kahaa ki kuch baatein samay ke saath hi baahar aati hain... wo agar jyaada zor denge to ho sakta hai isme nuksaan Armaan ka hi ho. uske aaraam ke liye bas kuch medicines ke alawa wo kuch nahi kar paaye, kuch waqt baad usne kisi bhi doctor se milne se saaf manaa kar diya... Aur main ab apne bachhe ko koi pareshaani main nahi dekhna chahta tha isliye hamne wohi kiya jisme usko chain mile..."

" Aapne kaha ki police ko shak tha ki un logon ke saath koi ghar ka hi mila hua tha..."

" Yes, that bloody bas***d was, unfortunately my uncle. My mother's brother " Rahul spoke up after a long time his hatered and anger clear by his tone..

" What ?! " shocked to hear it

" Yes. lekin uska sach hamein bahut daer ke baad pataa chala aur iss baat ka fayeda uthate hue wo yahan se bhaag gaya. We still don't know why he did that probably it was for money " he banged his fist on the table.

" Hamne bahut koshish kari ki kisi tarah uska ya un logon ka pata lag paaye ki kaun the wo log magar usko kuch bhi yaad nahi unka ek aadmi us din bhaag jaane main kamyaab ho gaya aur jo pakda gaya tha uski maut ho gayi..." BP said

" Aapne baad main Armaan se jaanne ki koshish nahi kari ? " she asked

" Haan ki, magar aisa lagta hai maano jaise koi use rok raha hai use wo sab yaad karne se jab bhi koshish kari tab tab wo itna darr gaya ki hamne fir koi baat nahi chhedi... Usne apne kamre main jaane se saaf manaa kar diya aur ekdum chup ho gaya tha... Aaj jo tum Armaan dekh rahi ho naa Rahul Muskaan bhaisaab bhabhi ki mehnat hai warna main to apne hi gam main itna duub gaya tha ki apna beta bhi kho deta, aur ab wo baatein zaruri bhi nahi hai, mera beta to kam se kam mere paas hai... ,magar Jahan tak main jaanta hun Armaan abhi bhi us sadme se ubar nahi paaya hai... is haste khelte chehre ke peeche bahut dard chuupa hai. Armaan andar se chahe jitna bhi udaas ho, tuta hua ho main jaanta hun wo apni feelings kabhi kisi se itni aasani se share nahi karta tum ab uske sabse kareeb ho wo tumhe bahut chahta hai... Us haadse ke zakmo ko bharne ke liye use bahut pyaar chahiye aur sabse zaruri tumhara sath... is waqt agar uski koi madad kar sakta hai to wo tum ho... Hamesha uske sath rehna, he needs you..."

Ridhhima kept a hand over his assuring him " I will papa.. don't worry " now everything got cleared it was that accident which had left a deep scar in his heart and mind... But to take away all the pain and fear from his heart she needed to know everything that happened during the time he was kidnapped ,what they all knew was just a part of it and the real truth lied deep in his mind to which his mind had tightly shut the doors... She resolved that she will make him free of all fears and it's time that those scary shadows leave him forever... She will be his strength... She won't let him get hurt in any way...

That night she sat by his side caressing his hair, remembering the time in the room. She sighed deeply kissing his forehead lightly " I'm sorry Armaan. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you... I just didn't knew... But I'm here with you ,I won't let anything hurt you. I promise " it was a promise to him... To herself.

He twisted in his sleep. The masks were back, those cold eyes were staring hungrily at him. He ran from them but it wasn't clear, everything was red... Blood red, it was suffocating.. His hands were covered with blood, he rubbed them on his clothes trying to wipe them clean but more he tried more the blood spread all over. The footsteps were closing in, he ran again panting but there was a wall ahead. A big red brick wall, there was no where to go he was stuck in that alley. The men found him, the cold eyes were back. They ran towards him shouting, a scream peirced through and suddenly there was a booming laugh which grew in pitch every second. He covered his ears falling on the ground, the men were still closing in they are going to kill him.. They had weapons..

He woke up " Noo stoopp stop..." Ridhhima was out in the balcony when he heard his shout, rushing in she found him awake, he was panting. She knew it was the nightmare, sitting by his side she cupped his face.

" Armaan. Kya hua ? It's okay. Everything is fine " she assured him lovingly " koi bura sapna dekha kya hmm " For a moment he was glad that she was there, he looked around to see if he was really awake. He was. " Armaan " he looked back " kya dekha sapne main ? "

" Sapne main.." he frowned ,it was something scary but... Now that he tried to recall it nothing came to him " pata nahi... I.. I don't remember " she knew he wasn't lying. But then yesterday evening came back to him and suddenly his expressions changed " Ridhhima, tum.. You were in that room "

' so he remember ' she thought though hoping that he didn't but she was prepared for his whiplash " haan wo main kal aise hi ghuum rahi thi to..."

" And you went in " his eyes narrowed ,she could see his temper rising again

" H..haan wo actually Martin was cleaning and I was curious so.."

" What ?! You were curious ! Great ! Kya tumhe itni si baat yaad nahi rahi ki I told you NOT to go in there. Just a simple instruction ya phir tumne meri baat naa maanne ki kasam khayi hai " he roared " bahut achha laga hoga naa tumhe wahan jaa kar ,mujhe takleef de kar "

" Armaan, I can never hurt you " she was hurt by his words but then consoled herself remembering what he had been through. He didn't reply but got up and went away. She could hear the bathroom door slammed shut.

She sighed, it was expected but now she had to cool him down. Seeing that he was going to get ready for work she quickly decided to make something nice for him. His favourite paranthas after all age old saying that way to husband's heart goes through his stomach can't be false.

Quickly preparing everything she came back to the room. Thanks to 3 M's - Muskaan, Maria and Martin who helped her with everything in the kitchen. Grabbing a tie she came out smiling to herself, how can he run away from her loving embrace... But was surprised when he came out, this time he wore no shirt but was wearing a V-neck T-shirt under the jacket. Without glancing at her he sat down tying the shoe laces.

" Armaan maine tumhare kapde nikaal diye the phir yeh "

" Thanks " he said dryly " but main apne kapde khud select kar sakta hun " he turned and found Leo sniffing his briefcase probably grading it on his Chew-O-meter " Leo ! " Armaan shouted ,poor dog was taken aback for a moment, but it seemed he could sense that today was just not the day to be on the wrong side of this cranky croc. Leo backed away and ran out of the room whining. Grabbing his briefcase he strode out leaving a surprised Ridhhima.

She quickly came to her senses " breakfast ! " and rushed after him " Armaan breakfast, maine tumhare favourite paranthe banaye hain "

" Haan Armaan " Muskaan inhaled the beautiful aroma " chal aa baith yahaan " with Rahul and others forcing him he had no choice. No body spoke of yesterday's event, rather they all tried to be cheerful and casual. But it had no effect on him he hardly spoke anything, ate minimum and was up before anyone else.

" Aap log breakfast karke aa jaana, mujhe kuch important kaam hai. I have to leave early " before anyone could stop him he was out. Ridhhima watched his retreating back.

" Koi baat nahi Ridhhi, thodi daer main uska mood theek hi jayega. Main dekhta hun okay " Rahul and others consoled her.

" Papa.. " she turned to look at Virendra.

" Haan beta "

" Aapka beta ek number ka sadu hai "

" I know beta but... What ?! " it took him a moment to register what she'd said. They all were expecting a teary outburst but...

" Yes, subah se manane ki koshish kar rahi hun aur wo hai ki itna bhaav kha raha hai " crossing her arms she faked anger.

This brought smile on everybody's face who a moment ago were gloomy and anxious. BP and others laughed out and the atmosphere eased, the suffocation vanished " Veeru, you were right. She's the perfect choice " Rahul gave her a side hug as if saying everything will be okay, Muskaan stood by her side BP hi fived and Virendra kissed her forehead

" Now I'm sure everything will be okay. You are here. You two are the best decision of my life " looking at Muskaan, Ridhhima felt truly loved and thanked God that the elders took the decision. Armaan was her life she can't imagine a minute without him now.

She wasn't surprised that the lunch she sent for him came back as it is. It worried her a bit coz he was just recovering from illness, she would have gone herself if she hadn't got that emergency call. Sighing she came out of the kitchen, Rahul had called her to inform that he tried his best but he slipped in pretext of one thing or the other. She knew he would have but he had - The Armaan to handle which wasn't an easy task.

He was back from the office and she found him playing with Angel... He was smiling, but now looking at him again she saw that, that smile didn't really reach his eyes it was a delibrate effort when he laughed at Muskaan and Rahul's banter... And somehow she knew that he was forcing himself into this, he was covering something... Trying to run away from something and that secret was hidden deep inside his heart which haunted him still , something even he himself was not aware of... He had shut himself from it so tightly that noone was able to break that lock till now...

" Lekin kuch to hai jo un dabi hui yadoon ko bahar aane par majboor kar deta hai aur jise soch kar bhi wo darr jata hai... I will get to know about it " she thought. Muskaan told her that the recent outburst was the first and worst in years.

The dinner was quiet affair he ate minimum and talked even less, and to her not a word, not directly atleast. When she came to the room she found him gulping a glass of water, her eyes fell on the bottle. He was back to the pills, she was late. He gave her a cold glance and went to bed switching off his side of lamp. A clear indication that he was not interest in any conversation with her. She sighed, her plans of making him talk went down the drain. Tomorrow she would definitely talk to him, apologize. It was just a day that he hadn't talked to her and it felt suffocating, to see him right in front of her and not talk.. The thing which hurt the most was his coldness, aloofness suddenly she felt far away from him, very far...

She took a deep breath. She can't let this carry on, it wasn't good neither for him nor for their relationship. She didn't wanted to loose his trust. Everytime she thought of that day it filled her with guilt, she should've been careful but noone knew that he would come back so early. It was very late when sleep finally visited her till then she kept staring at his back hoping he would turn and look at her, but that happened only in her dreams...

The next day was no different, it was as if she wasn't there at all. He didn't talk to her, stopped wearing shirts so no need of tie. It seemed he was punishing her for that day. It had been two days since he had talked to her and she was trying super hard she'd even apologized but there was no response from his side, there was a change in his behaviour too, sometimes he looked scared even at the slightest noise, loud voices irritated him his appetite almost vanished and along with that went away the happy, carefree, loving Armaan. He spent most of his time in either office or with files at home. Had Rahul not pushed him out of the office he would have stayed there all night.

Looking for him everywhere she found him sitting in the library again busy with some files. He was alone and it was a perfect place to initiate a talk.

" Hey Armaan. Hmm library.." she went around looking at the shelves " you know I just love books "

No reply

She didn't knew what to do now, Suddenly something striked, she sat by his side with a smile on her face.

" Pata hai Armaan when I was in school my teachers always used to wear sunglasses in the class.. You know why ?

No reply. He didn't even look at her kept turning the pages of the file. Hiding her disappointment she continued

" Coz I was such a bright student " and laughed but he just stared at her not even a flicker of smile came to his lips.. closing his file he got up to go but this time she wasn't going to let him. She held his hand stopping him.

" Armaan plz. Meri galti ki itni badi sazaa mat do. I'm sorry Armaan. Plz talk to me, gussa karo, danto, jhagda karo kuch bhi magar plz don't be quiet. Your silence is killing me plz. Main jaanti hun tum pareshan ho mujhse galti hui hai and I'm sorry. Really sorry for it. Plz aise mujhse naraz mat raho, I can't bear it any more." he looked into her eyes " I want my old Armaan back... Plz.." she pleaded softly

Her last words caught him' my Armaan...' but then that day flashed again and suddenly he was back in the same mood

" Kya kahun Ridhhima. I don't have anything to say. "

" Plz don't say this Armaan. I know tumne mujhe manaa kiya tha magar..."

He turned facing her now and held her by her shoulders " magar kya Ridhhima. Ek cheez. Sirf ek cheez maangi thi maine tumse aur tumse itna bhi nahi hua... Kyun gayi tum wahaan ?? Why you have to do this to me ? Why ? Why are you hell bent on doing the things which I specifically tell you not to. Why do you hurt me so much ? " He shrugged away her shoulders in exasperation..

" Armaan I.." she could see the pain he felt in his eyes. She raised her hand to caress away the worries on his face but he stepped back

" Plz Ridhhima. I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to talk about anything, just leave me alone " he turned away and walked out

A tear rolled down her eye. It was pain of being with him and yet far away, this incident had created distance between them which she was trying to reduce. Suddenly he felt too far away. She knew his reaction was just. He had been through so much and still suffers from the past... The one which he can't even speak of... The one which still haunts him. she stood there watching his retreating back, not stopping there to listen to her..

" I would never hurt you Armaan. In anyway.." She whispered back quickly wiping it off a tear when she saw Virendra coming in, he'd seen Armaan storming out. He kept a hand on her shoulder

" Still angry ? " she nodded " koi baat nahi beta main jaanta hun usko uska gussa jyada daer ka nahi hai aur tumse to wo gussa reh hi nahi sakta. Just give him some time he'll be back to his normal self again. Hmm " he patted her head lovingly planting a small fatherly kiss. She smiled weakly but then resolved that she's not going to give up . She will bring back her old Armaan, the one who used to laugh, tease , love, the one she fell in love with...

She was true to her words. Her PJ attacks became severe and more frequent, everyone rolled with laughter but surprisingly it had little almost no effect on him. But she won't let him run away from her it was neither the option nor the solution. And for a moment she felt his anger subside a little, he was staring at his bottle of pills, Virendra told her that they were prescribed by the doctor anti-depressent and sleeping ones, only to be used in emergencies...

" Armaan plz. Not again. You don't need these " sitting by his side

He was quiet for a moment " let me decide if I need them or not, unlike you I don't have the privilege of easy peaceful sleep " he didn't look at her and walked to the table

Before she could say anything he gulped down two. She so wanted to hug him and make him sleep in her arms like that day giving the warmth of her love wishing to take away all his pain but it seemed impossible right now. Sometime later he was asleep...

The next morning she was as usual getting ready for the day, but this time she found him stealing glances at her. Her heart immediately got hopeful, that was a start atleast... But she could see that he was hesitating ,delebrating somethimg so to relieve him of his dilemma she decided to ask herself.

" Armaan " she called softly, he looked up from tying his shoelaces " kuch kehna tha kya ? " she could see him debating " kya baat hai Armaan ? " little worried now

He stood up but didn't said anything for a while " wo.." finally he spoke " aaj Pam ghar aa rahi hai dinner par " he looked at her now

" ohh bas yehi baat thi " she felt so relieved " mujhe yaad hai ki Pam ne aaj aana hai, tumne bataya to tha. Don't worry everything will be perfect " she smiled assuring him. He too looked relieved and muttering a small thanks went out. She felt like jumping, this was first non angry, sarcastic sullen talk they had in two days ! The anger was definitely ebbing away...

The evening finally came and with that came - The Pam. Ridhhima could see that she was same anorexic ,haughty, egoistic Parminder. She almost laughed aloud when she remembered her reaction on hearing her real name, making a mental note to share this with Muskaan later. But within few moments she found out little more about her, Pam was not the same she was renewed beautiful more arrogant snob who disliked her and wanted to possess Armaan .Ridhhima was furious at her attempts.. She openly flirted with Armaan and tried to make Ridhhima look like a fool before the family, she had to control Muskaan from saying something to her out loud..

" Ridhhi tu kyun uski harkatein seh rahi hai. Mann to kar raha hai ki ek kheech kar chanta maru uske muh par. Just what does she mean by that look ' oh you don't know about Australian and French wine difference ' sharabi kahin ki. Aur Armaan se kaise chipak rahi hai " said a very angry Muskaan

" Bhabhi cool down, main sab dekh rahi hun aur samajh bhi rahi hun, magar wo hamari mehmaan hai bhabhi aur mujhe bolne ki zarurat hi nahi Armaan ne meri taraf se jawaab de to diya naa " hearing Pam sarcasm about Ridhhima's ignorance about wines Armaan gave her a snapping polite reply that being a doctor she knows better what's good for her and what's not. After all healthy living is what matters... It brought her smile back and she no longer worried about Pam's jibes. But what irritated her was her attempts to get close.. A bit too close to Armaan.

Pam's advances even raised some brows and Rahul looked at Armaan as if saying ' Were you out of your mind to invite her ! ' But poor Armaan was trying to save himself from her. Ridhhima could bear no longer. As soon as she got the oppertunity to be alone with Pam she decided to clear it out with her.

" Pam don't think ki tum jo kar rahi ho wo mujhe samajh nahi aa raha. Main sirf Armaan ki wajah se chup hun. Mehmaan ho mehmaan ki tarah raho " she warned

Pam smirked " oh really ! Mehmaan main nahi mehmaan to tum ho. Armaan ko bhool jao Ridhhima yeh mat sochna ki main kuch dekh nahi sakti, the way he is behaving with you, so aloof." so she noticed, Ridhhima thought ,but she hardly knew the reason why he was so " wo tumhara na kabhi tha naa kabhi hoga, he's bored of you... Tum uske layak hi nahi ho, you can't keep him happy. kabhi dekha hai apne aapko sheeshe main... Yeh suit sari pehan kar tum kya sochti ho ki tum Armaan ko apna banaa logi... You are so wrong sweety, jo tum ab tak nahi kar paayi wo ab kya karogi. Armaan aaj ka modern ladka hai wo tum jaisi behenji se majburi main shaadi to kar sakta hai magar pyaar nahi... Tum dekhti jao main kaise use tumse chhinti hun... He will be mine " she smiled evilly at her... Ridhhima fumed with anger but kept quiet as she didn't wanted to create a scene in front of the family...

She replied calmly " You are wrong Pam. Armaan is my husband, he loves me and only me... And yes I might not wear the kind of clothes you wear but the truth is that he loves me for what I am and I don't pretend Pam... I love him for what he is and he loves me for what I am that is it ... But leave it you won't understand... You never loved anyone except yourself "

" Oh really.. You live in a dream world Ridhhima... Prove it if you can..." she challenged

" Oh I very well can prove it to you... But the thing is I don't find you important enough to go through the trouble.." replying calmly again

" Ha other way of saying you can't.."

" We'll see "

" Yeah we will " Pam sipped her wine and picked up the bunch of roses that Armaan gifted her earlier in the evening and caressed them by her cheeks looking slyly at her... Ridhhima just didn't wanted anything more at that moment but to poke her eyes out with the fork she had in her hand...

And as if God heard her. Pam gave a loud shriek...

" Aaaaaaa " her hand on her cheek

" Pam what happened ? " Ridhhima asked her in mock concern... Rahul and Muski too came there

" Oh my god... Angelica..." She called her secretary... " Call the doctor call the skin specialist... Bring the mirror oh my god ! I got a scratch om my face... oh my god ! oh my god..! Angelicccaaa " she screamed again and her poor secretary came running with a small mirror which she grabbed instantly Rahul and Muskaan tried to console her.. Armaan was away to make a call.

" Hey Pam don't worry it's very minor it will be all right " Rahul said looking at the scratch

" It's not even visible.. You are just panicking for nothing " Said Muski which somehow infuriated Pam even more

" It is not 'just a minor thing' it's a scratch ! that too on my face oh my god ! I have a shoot tomorrow and a party to attend, how can I go with a scratch on my face what will people think... Oh my god..."

" Yeah people will think you had a really wild night " Rahul sniggered,Muskaan rolled her eyes and make a sign of throttling her.. Which Ridhhima somehow caught hold of in time...

" Hey Pam... Take me as a guranter it's really not that big and if you worry there might be creases on your forehead and eyes which will not look so nice..." He said in a mock serious tone and it worked...

" Oh yeah you are right Rahul... I must not worry, are you sure it's really not visible " looking her cheek again in the mirror...everybody specially her secretary took a breath of relief...

In the meantime Armaan came back and they started with the dinner... Pam kept talking to Armaan in a flirtatious manner sometimes it even made Rahul to raise an eyebrow and Armaan too felt slightly embarressed but he somehow managed to divert the talk... Thankfully the dinner got over... But not Pam's advances

" Hey guys let's have a cup of coffee. Come Pam " He got up giving her his arm. Pam gave Ridhhima an arrogant look and Ridhhima looked at her daggers...

Hardly a minute or two had passed since Martin brought the coffee.when Ridhhima heard Armaan shout..

" Aaaaa Ridhhiiimaa..." Ridhhima got up instantly rushing to him. He clutched his left hand with the right... " Ridhhimmaa.." Pam spilled steaming hot coffee on his hand while she was busy giving evil snares to Ridhhima. Now Ridhhima wanted to strangle her for causing him pain coz of her carelessness.

" Oh I'm so sorry Armaan. I'm really sorry pata nahi kaise mere haath se cup slip ho gaya.." Pam looked apologetic

" Armaan dikhao mujhe.." she took his hand in hers

" Oh Armaan... You got hurt..." Pam sat next to him seeing his hand turning red, meanwhile Martin brought the first aid box and gave it to Ridhhima...

" Oh let me do it..." She snatched the box from Ridhhima's hand " Cmmon Ammy show me your hand..." Rahul and Muskaan didn't like her behaviour at all and Rahul was about to say something when Ridhhima stopped him signalling through her eyes...

" Pam. plz give the box back to Ridhhima..." Pam was surprised to hear it...

" What..?! " but she quickly controlled herself " Armaan... Oh cmmon I won't hurt you. It's just an ointment "

" No Pam.." He said in an authoratative tone... " I want Ridhhima to put the ointment... She knows way more than you... And when Ridhhima does it, it never hurts..."

Pam was stunned to hear it... It was a big blow on her ego... She controlled her anger somehow and with a forced smile gave the box to Ridhhima... Rahul and Muskaan gave an appreciative smile to Armaan Ridhhima for a second looked at Pam, her eyes conveyed all.. It was Ridhhimas turn to smile now...

" Ssss ... Bas ho gaya..." blowing air on the burn... " thank god jyada nahi jalaa... Ek do din main theek ho jayega... Dard to nahi ho raha naa.." Asking super lovingly and Pam by now was as white as a charcoal.

He smiled and shook his head, she was so relieved to see that smile back on his face. That was something she was really hoping to see for so long... Pam was furious seeing their bonding and also how rudely Armaan spoke to her... But she somehow managed to keep the fake smile all through the evening...

Later Pam got up to leave thanking everyone for their hospitality deliberately leaving Ridhhima which Armaan noticed and was not very happy about it... As they were moving out Rahul called Armaan for a minute and Muskaan left in pretext of looking after Angel... She just could not jhelofy this Pam any longer... Which left Pam and Ridhhima alone...

" So Pam... I hope you got your answer... And your doubts are cleared "

" What answer ..?? " She replied rudely

" That Armaan loves me..."

" What..?? "

Ridhhima smiled " Let me explain.. When you got a scratch from that rose thorn which name did you thought of first... your doctor, mirror.. your secretary... That's because Pam you are obssessed with yourself and when Armaan burnt his hand he called out my name, that's because he know I will be there for him in an instant no matter what... He didn't let you put ointment on his hand because he don't trust you... He know that no matter what I won't let him feel any kind of pain... It's the trust which I have earned Pam but you won't understand it's value because you love no one and trust no one. You are no threat to me Pam, I trust Armaan completely... More than myself and I love him more than my life. "

Pam's car arrived in the mean while... She turned to it scowling, stomping. She didn't had any answer to Ridhhima's words..

" And yes, ek aur baat. Tum mujhse kabhi Armaan ko cheen nahi sakti... Maine use haasil kiya hai, wo mera hai, hamesha rahega aur main use kisi keemat par khoungi nahi..."

" You.. You.." Pam could think of nothing to say in return. Ridhhima raised a hand stopping her midway

" Jaane se pehle tumhe ek thanks jaroor kahungi " Pam looked puzzled " You gave me the reason to bring back his smile "

" What smile ? " she asked confused

" His real smile. But you won't understand. Your self obsession has made you blind " she smiled poor Pam could say nothing but frown. Furious she sat in her car and ordered the driver to drive away... Seeing it Ridhhima could not stop her laugh ,shaking her head she turned to go in when she bumped into Armaan. She was about to fall loosing her balance when he held her firmly in his arms. Their eyes met and everything felt just right at the moment. He didn't let go of her holding her from her waist being veryy close to her, hearing her heartbeat feeling her warmth and softness, mesmerised by her beauty...

" Ehem " Rahul cleared his throat bringing them back to reality " Pam chali gayi..? " he left her

" Ji bhaiyya ,usko kuch zaruri kaam yaad aa gaya tha..." she lied

" Phheww thank god gayi... Paka hi daala tha... Thanks Ridhhima tumne sambhal liya warna wo to aaj isko biryani samajh kar kha hi jaati... Tumne dekha kaise chipak rahi thi... Uuugghh " Rahul shuddered..Ridhhima chuckled.

" Yeh hai hi itna cute ki koi bhi ladki ise dekh kar fisal jaaye..." Muskaan added all laughed and he just rolled his eyes. With this the evening came to a pleasant end. Both the couples then retired to their rooms. Armaan was in a lighter mood, she was relieved that though he didn't talk much he wasn't that aloof now. The best thing... That night he didn't took pills and straightaway went to bed.

" Armaan " she called softly lying by his side, he didn't say anything just turned his head a little in her direction " good night "

He turned his head back again. For a moment there was silence and then came his reply " Good night Ridhhima " they were simple words but she felt as if he'd said ' I Love You ' to her. With a contented smile she closed her eyes feeling relieved after days. Pam's visit wasn't a bad idea at all...

A surprise awaited her the next morning, coming out drying her hair she found a steaming cup of coffee waiting for, she knew, her. it brought a big smile on her face her heart knew immediately that the anger was now fading.. Glad, happy beyond wotds she was about to go looking for him when there was a knock at the door...

" Good morning ma'am " It was Martin

" Good morning Martin. Have you seen Armaan ? "

" Yes, he's coming here, he was with Rahul sir " Just then he came in already dressed, stopping on his tracks seeing her. She looked stunningly beautiful, little drops of water dripped from her hair, her rosy cheeks, those pink lips. His heart skipped a beat. Martin looked at both and knew he was probably at wrong place.

" I'll take leave then I've some packing to do " bringing both to present world

" Yeah, Martin plz keep these files in the bag too "

" Bag ? What bag ? Tum kahin jaa rahe ho Armaan ? " her happiness fading

He just went around picking few things not meeting her gaze steadying his heartbeat in the process " haan, I have to go to Manali. Official work "

She didn't said anything just picked the phone and called Maria ,who came within minutes " Maria, plz pack my bags too " he stopped directing Martin what to keep and what not and looked at her.

" Bags ? Ridhhima where are you going ? " she could see the flash of fear on his face and worry clear in his voice.

" I'm not ' going ' Armaan, I'm ' coming ' with you " she said firmly, taking him by surprise

" What ?! With me ! But.." before he could complete his sentence Virendra came in

" Good morning " he said smiling

" Good morning papa " Ridhhima touched his feet and he blessed her lovingly " Ridhhima beta yeh aisa ajeeb sa muh banaa kar kyun khada hai ? " Armaan quickly adjusted his expressions

" Papa main Armaan ke saath Manali jaana chahti hun, magar lagta hai Armaan ko koi problem hai " she made a fake annoyed, hurt face

" What ?! But... Dad it's official trip you know. Ridhhima wahan kya karegi. You'll get bored " turning to her

" kyun aisa bhi kya kaam hai, bid to ek din main khatam ho jayegi agar wo aana chahti hai to tumhe isme kya problem hai in fact I think it's a very good idea " he sided with Ridhhima

" But... But.." trying to think of something

" No but's Armaan. Ab to papa ne bhi keh diya hai, I'm coming with you and that's final " he was surprised at her authoritative tone, with Virendra supporting her he had no choice and somewhere he was happy about it..

" Fine " he gave in " we'll leave at 11 today " she smiled happily,he turned away hiding his faint smile " Martin keep these too " she saw it was his medicines

" I'll have these " taking them from his hands " Armaan why do you need these there ? "

He waited for a moment before answering " I always take them when I go for trips, I.. I can't sleep at new place " he confessed

She softened a little " theek hai but yeh mere paas rahengi " he didn't argue, she knew it was his way of giving her back the rights over him. She was overjoyed with this realisation.

She knew that they were back on track. This trip would give her the perfect opportunity to gain back what she's lost and that too in Manali where they shared some very happy memories. A perfect setting for meeting of two hearts...

__________________________________________________

pheww so THE update. so now you know the reason behind his not going to the hospital and blood the remaining secret will be revealed in due time. just 15-16 parts left...

a big bear hug to mera morcha mandali 😳😃

wow.....i m 2nd.....😳😳😳

res.............

hi...

i know u r not gonna read this....

but thrn also....

the part was really very very heavy....

grave mistake of ridzi...

entering the forbidden zone...

i can so very well understand armaans happiness over seeing the photos.............

very heart wrenching past of armaan.... but curious to know the full... lets see when do u plan to tell us...

Aapka beta ek number ka sadu hai .......... awww armaan ko sadu bola....

the incidents must have been too harsh... for armaan to react in such a way with ridzi...........

very fruitful event with arrival of pam... she was blessing in disguise...

manali is gonna be rocking...

do continue super soon....

bye

Originally posted by: mansibharti

Taming The Wild

Part-58


The Closed Door



guys abhi kisi kaam se market jaana hai aa kar update karti hun okay 😃

tchhhh apko market bhi aj hi jana hain kya?😡😆

amazing part