The World's Oldest Story!! - AR - Page 73

Originally posted by: riddhan

r u updating today 😊

WHEN THE HEART TAKES OVER...

Rahul was very excited about the date that he had planned for Muskaan today.. He had decided that today he would confess his feelings to her no matter what.. He had enough of this cat and mouse game.. He wanted to move ahead and he was sure that she wanted it too.. Surprisingly, for someone who could talk non-stop for eternity, Muskaan got particularly tongue tied when it came to professing her love for him.. He kept replaying her soft 'I love you', from the only time she had said it to him.. He recollected how he had confessed to her during Anjie and Atul's Sangeet party, but both of them had deliberately brushed it off as a joke.. At that time he didn't know or would have never believed that she would actually fall for him someday, let alone get married to him, and be his forever.. As he waited for her in the living room while she got ready, he got this new sense of belonging.. She was very special to him, and he was going to make this evening special for her..

"Rahul.. Main tayar hoon.. Chalein..", came her soft voice from behind him.. When he turned around to see her, he forgot to breath.. He couldn't believe his eyes.. She looked ethereal in that black sari.. Her long curly locks falling right till her bare waist that was visible through the translucent sari.. Her eyes had him mesmerized as they held him in a trance.. Muskaan felt a little awkward at the way Rahul was looking at her.. This was the first time, at least in front of her, that he had held his gaze on her for so long.. She got the butterflies as she saw that something new in his eyes, "Rahul.. Aise kya dekh raha hai.. Agar theek nahi hai toh I'll change.."

That brought Rahul out of his trance, "Huh!.. Nahi.. Nahi.. Muskaan.. You look beautiful.. I just cant believe I am so lucky.."

Muskaan blushed a deep crimson at his words.. Rahul realized he probably went over board in the heat of the moment, and embarrassed at his own words, turned away blushing.. "Anyway.. Chal.. I think we should get going..", and he led her out and into the car as they drove off to their dream date destination..

Armaan was very happy today.. He felt like he had made Riddhima his today.. A small gesture it was, but for him it was a big step ahead.. The fact that she accepted the key to his house, just sealed the deal between them.. They were like semi-officially together forever.. He smiled as he unlocked his door and entered the house.. As he sat on the couch, still reliving their fire escape moment, he smiled involuntarily.. How he missed pulling her into the fire escape.. And the kiss was just the most beautiful ever.. He had understood exactly what she'd been trying to tell him.. He realized that she needed him as much as he needed her.. Hopefully, this step forward will give them more time to know each other and of course more time to 'spend' with each other.. He grinned as that naughty thought passed his head.. Of course Riddhima will want to talk! How much ever he may find it as a waste of time, he wouldn't deny her that.. He was doing all this just for her.. For them.. He would do anything she asked for.. Anything that kept that beautiful sunshine smile on her face.. He smiled again remembering her blushing and shy self as he had left for the OT earlier this evening.. He could see she was really happy and that's all he wanted.. Of course, he also really wanted her to use that key as soon as possible.. He checked his watch to see if there was any possibility of her coming over.. When he saw that it was 11:30 already, his face fell.. no chance tonight.. She must have gone off to sleep by now.. But then as he thought some more, he realized that she was probably up, thinking about him.. This step of theirs must obviously keep her mind occupied.. If he knew her even a little, he was sure that she must be staring at the stars and thinking about him and this new turn that their life had taken.. So he decided to call her.. He had to talk to her about it.. Ask her how she felt about it.. He tried calling her, but to his utter disappointment she didn't answer his calls.. He sighed as he thought that maybe he was wrong.. Maybe she had gone off to sleep indeed.. So he trudged into his room disappointed as he changed and got into bed, still thinking about her..

Nikki was arranging her clothes in her new wardrobe.. Though shifting wasn't that troublesome, as she lived just next door, it had taken quite sometime to move all her stuff from that apartment to this.. She had also gone and returned her key to her house owner and had quite a tough task trying to avoid her whys and whats.. As she kept one of her last few clothes neatly in the cupboard, a pair of strong arms caught her by the waist from behind, "Abhi!! Kya hai.. I am arranging my stuff na.. Don't bug me right now.."

"Kya yaar Nikki.. Aaj pehle din hi tum kaam karne lagi.. Don't you wanna spend time with me..", he complained as he nuzzled her hair.. Nikki wriggled out of his hold and pushed him away, "Abhi its really late.. Jao aur apne kamre mein so jao.. I don't want any funny business here.. Let me sort things out.. We'll talk tomorrow..", she ordered him strictly..

Abhi just made a face.. This hitler was just going to get worse day by day, he thought.. But he didn't have the guts to challenge her authority.. So he turned around and reluctantly walked out of her room and into his.. Nikki smiled as she saw him leave.. She loved the kind of authority she had over him.. He just didn't do anything against her wishes.. He invariably gave in to all her demands.. She sighed as she thought about what he had said.. Of course, she wanted to spend time with him, but it was pretty late and it was better to sleep.. But she couldn't sleep without giving him what he wanted.. So she finished off her remaining unpacking and tiptoed to his room only to find him sleeping.. She looked at him sleeping soundly and couldn't stop herself from bending over and placing a soft kiss on his forehead, "I knew it.. Tum aaogi..", his voice startled her, "Abhi you scared me.. Sone ka naatak kyun kar rahe the..", she reprimanded him, her heart still in a frenzy, reeling under the shock..

"Yeh dekhne ke liye ki tum mera fayda kaise uthati ho..", he grinned as he sat up straight and pulled her next to him on the bed..

"Shut up Abhi.. Main toh sirf tumhe good night wish karne aayi thi..", she defended herself as she blushed crimson..

"Tum aise good night wish karti ho Nikki..", he scoffed, then coming closer, "Wait I'll teach you how its done..", Nikki tried backing out but couldn't help herself as he claimed her lips.. They kissed each other a very long and passionate good night before Nikki blushed crazy and ran off into her room..

Rahul and Muskaan were driving back from their dinner date in silence.. They kept glancing at each other from time to time.. Rahul cursed himself in the head for being such a wuss.. They had had the most amazing date ever.. Everything went according to plan.. However, unfortunately, when it was time for him to confess he got tongue tied and ended up making a fool of himself as he backed out at the last minute.. But it wasn't his fault.. She looked so beautiful tonight, he couldn't believe that he deserved her.. She was way too good for him.. Muskaan on the other hand was touched by the efforts Rahul had taken to arrange for this date.. This was indeed a very special evening of her life.. She wanted it to go on forever.. Especially, when they danced and he had held her close.. She had wanted that moment to last a lifetime.. She blushed as she recollected the way he was looking at her in awe all night.. She loved this attention from him.. He made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.. Only if he could say those three words.. She wouldn't ask for more.. With these thoughts occupying their mind, they made their way up to their apartment after parking the car.. There was this awkward tension that filled the inside of the lift as it took them up.. Rahul couldn't take his eyes off her and Muskaan couldn't take his stares anymore.. Rahul unlocked the door to their apartment and both of them headed straight to their room .. Suddenly Rahul realized that she might want to change so he started to make his way out when she stopped him, "Rahul.. ", he turned around surprised, "Haan.. Bol na Muskaan.."

"Woh.. Thanks.. I really had the best time of my life tonight.. ", she hesitated but thanked him anyway..

Rahul smiled and went up to her, "Thanks to you Muskaan.. Tu nahi hoti toh kucch special nahi hota.." he held her hand as he said this.. Muskaan got nervous, both at his reply and his action.. The blush crept up her cheeks as she looked away.. He thought she was not comfortable, so he left her hand and was about to leave, when she caught his hand to stop him.. Shocked at her action, he looked behind at her blushing self.. And before any other thought could come to his mind, he gave in to his feelings and took her in a hug.. Muskaan closed her eyes as he took her in his arms.. They stayed like that for sometime, finally feeling at peace with themselves and one another.. After an eternity, when they parted, Rahul spoke first, "I love you Muskaan.. ", she blushed but couldn't take her eyes away form his as she whispered, "I love you too..", and then quickly hugged him to hide her embarrassment.. Rahul just smiled as he hugged her back.. He felt on top of the world.. So this is how it felt.. It was the most exhilarating experience ever.. He took her hands in his and parted to kiss them one by one.. Muskaan blushed but didn't try to run away, "I promise I'll always love you and keep that smile on your face..", he told her, looking into her eyes.. She looked back with just love in her eyes as she said, "I know.." and on an impulse, kissed his cheek softly.. Rahul was shocked but grinned inspite of himself as he kissed her forehead and hugged her back.. Soon they made themselves comfortable on the bed as they sat up for a long time catching up with each others'life.. Rahul was telling Muskaan about his first crush when he didn't get any response from her.. He looked at her to find her asleep, leaning on his shoulder and a serene smile on her angelic face.. He smiled as he lay her down properly and holding her hand, himself went off to sleep after putting off the lights..

Riddhima was startled by the shrill sound of her cell phone at around eleven in the night.. She had been dreaming about Armaan, staring at the starlit sky, and jerked up straight as she heard her phone.. On answering the phone, she found out that there was an emergency in Sanjeevni and she had been summoned immediately.. She informed Padma and Shashank and she rushed to the hospital.. One of her long term leukemia patients had suddenly passed out and needed to be attended to immediately.. She studied the patient carefully and with the help of a few interns had got her back to consciousness.. After a draining duel of life against death she breathed a sigh of relief at her victory.. When she was sure that the little kid was stable she decided to head back home.. As she got into her car she checked her phone to find five or six missed calls from Armaan.. He must have called when she was busy with her patient.. She smiled as she once again remembered the events that occurred today.. At that thought, she rummaged in her bag and found what she was looking for.. She held the key tight in her hand as she kissed it lightly.. She looked at the key for a long time contemplating the thought that had just occurred to her.. Now that she had this new right, she couldn't wait to exercise it.. Would it be inappropriate to go to his place right now?.. It was too late and he must have slept off by now.. So she decided against it and kept the key on the dashboard as she started off towards her house.. Throughout the drive she was trying to keep in check her temptation to go over to his place.. But what would he think.. He'd think she's crazy.. But did she really have to think all this.. It was Armaan after all.. She could meet him any time she wanted to.. Didn't he himself say that to her earlier today!.. As these thoughts occupied her mind, she involuntarily turned into the direction of his house and she couldn't stop herself.. As she parked in front of his house, her heart raced.. She was excited about getting in.. She held her key in anticipation as she walked to the door.. She excitedly slid the key into the keyhole and turned it in the lock to open the door.. Her face broke into a smile as she stepped in.. It was dark.. He'd probably gone off to sleep.. She had second thoughts about going back.. It wasn't exactly decent to show up at someone's place at this indecent hour.. But her heart silenced her brain again and she moved in to switch on the lights.. And besides, this wasn't 'someone'.. It was her Armaan..

"Armaan!! Leave me.. Kya kar rahe ho?..", he was shocked to hear Riddhima's voice.. He had woken up when he heard the door of his room creak open.. He had seen a silhouette sneak stealthily towards him and thinking that it was a burglar he had grabbed them by their arm and twisted them face-on onto his bed.. He leaned onto them heavily as he tried to control the writhing so-called burglar.. But as he heard her voice, he couldn't believe that this sly stealthy burglar was none other than his Basket.. He quickly let her go and switched on the lights as she straightened up to glare at him.. But before she could kill him with her glare, she noticed his bare torso and screamed, "Aaa!!.."

Armaan didn't know whether to shut her mouth or to shut his own ears as he heard her piercing shriek, "Shut up Basket! What's wrong with you..", and he shut her mouth with his palm.. Riddhima shut her eyes tight and tried to get out of his hold.. She couldn't tolerate to see him like that.. She would melt right into his arms if he didn't let her go soon.. Armaan wondered what is wrong with her and let her go, "Riddhima what is wrong with you.. Its one thirty in the night.. Tum mere ghar pe kya kar rahi ho?.. And what the hell are you wearing..", she was wearing the spaghetti strapped top that was a part of her night suit.. She had just pulled on a pair of denims to replace her shorts.. It was weird how this was the first time he'd seen her in denims.. She was in such a hurry for the emergency that she didn't bother changing into formals.. But Riddhima was flabbergasted with his comment, "At least I have worn something.. Where the hell is your shirt Armaan?.." she yelled as she saw him only in a pair of khaki three fourths.. Armaan suddenly realized why she was being so weird.. His eyes widened in shock as he scurried to his wardrobe to find a shirt to put on.. Red with embarrassment, he said, "Woh.. Actually AC kharaab ho gaya tha.. So you know.. I wasn't expecting anyone.. I am sorry..", and he completely messed up the buttoning in his frenzy.. Riddhima burst out laughing at his state of embarrassment, all her shame forgotten, she came up to him and started to correct the buttons.. "Tumhe apna shirt bhi pehna nahi ata Armaan.. Your so funny..", and she laughed some more.. When she tried closing the top two buttons Armaan held her hands, "Really?.. Fine toh main shirt hi nahi pehenta.. I'll just take it off.. ", and he started undoing his buttons again.. Riddhima stopped him holding his hand, then smacking it, made some distance between them.. Armaan grinned at her discomfort, "Ghar se bhaag kar aayi ho kya Basket?.. Chor kahin ki.. Do you know what time it is?.. "

Riddhima blushed.. Her mind started mocking her, while her heart lost all control as it beat frantically.. The words 'I told you so' kept playing in her head as she looked down in embarrassment.. "Sorry.. I should go.. Woh.. I just came to say 'hi'!" and she started to move towards the door of his room, but he came and stood in her way, "Ab aa hi gayi ho toh 'hi' toh theek se bol do..", but she still tried to get away.. Armaan realized she was really embarrassed about coming to his place so late in the night, so he tried to be casual about it, "Accha theek hai.. Since tumne already meri neend kharaab kar hi di hai.. How bout a cup of coffee?.."

Riddhima finally looked into his eyes, but shook her head in a no, "I m sorry.. Mujhe nahi aana chahiye tha.. I just..", but Armaan cut her, "Woh toh aane se pehle sochna chahiye tha.. Now you cant leave till I let you go..", and with that he dragged her by her hand to the kitchen..

"So seriously.. What's the deal?.. itni raat ko.. Aise..", he indicated at her more than casual appearance, "Meri itni yaad aa rahi thi?.. ", he winked at her, teasing, as he started making coffee..

"Tch.. I just had an emergency call in Sanjeevni.. Important tha toh I didn't bother changing.. Then while coming back, I just dropped in to say 'hello'.. I Shouldn't have come!.. So stop irritating me..", she told him angrily..

Armaan grinned at her, "Don't lie Basket!.. I know you wanted to meet me.. Bahana accha hai.."

Riddhima scowled at his comment, and taking offense, started walking out, but couldn't, as Armaan held her hand.. "Armaan let me go.. Please mujhe jaane do.."

"Aur agar nahi jaane diya toh?..", he asked her, raising his eyebrows..

"Armaan..", she started protesting but he silenced her with his finger on her lips, "Shh.. I am not letting you go.. That's for sure.. Toh chup chap baitho warna mujhe tumhe aise hi pakad ke rakhna padega.."

Riddhima calmed down a little as he let her go, and sat on the kitchen counter waiting for him to finish making coffee.. They took their coffee mugs and went into the living room to make themselves comfortable on the couch.. Armaan didn't waste any time in putting his arm around her waist and pulling her closer.. Riddhima tried in vain to push him away, and then finally gave in as she too became comfortable..

"So how's your patient?..", Armaan asked her, not out of curiosity, but just so that she stops feeling embarrassed about coming over..

"Stable hai.. I was scared for a moment, but God was with us today..", she sighed..

"And also, you are a wonderful doctor.. Obviously your effort paid off..", he added and gave her a loving peck on her forehead.. Riddhima felt so good at his words and his gesture.. Her smile was back and all her regret of dropping in was slowly effacing away.. He had this way of making her feel at home and she was in love with that feeling.. She leaned her head on his shoulder and said, "I love you.."

"Oye hoye.. Today's my lucky day.. Itna sara pyaar ek hi din mein.. I might just keep you with me forever.. Not let you go anywhere..", he teased her.. But it didn't bother Riddhima a bit as she shocked him by saying, "I wish I could be with you forever.. Its where I belong.. Unfortunately, I gotto go.. So ab chodo.. Main ghar jaa rahi hoon.." Armaan couldn't believe his ears.. Did she just say that she belonged to him.. He of course knew it already, but to hear it stated in clear words like that was a new experience.. A warm feeling took over his heart and he smiled his best smile.. But his smile soon turned into a frown as she tried getting up to leave.. But instead of letting her go he pulled her on his lap and held her tighter.. "I love you..", he declared and hugged her tight.. Riddhima smiled, taking in his love, as she hugged him back, and got comfortable in his arms.. Her mind was continuously telling her to leave and go home, but her heart didn't give a damn to her brain.. It got what it wanted.. Armaan was still replaying those words of hers 'its where I belong'.. He was really moved by what she had said.. He was touched by the fact that it was not only him who was dependent on her.. She was too.. And he was ecstatic to know that.. He felt so secure.. and for some time he just wanted to be with her to make sure this was for real.. He hugged her possessively and caressed her back, while she was lost in her own thoughts.. "Thanks Basket..", he finally spoke after some time..

"Kis liye Armaan?..", Riddhima was confused, she pulled out a little to look at his face..

He put her stray strand of her hair behind her ear as he said, "For everything.. For making my life so beautiful.. For making my existence meaningful.. Tum nahi jaanti what you mean to me.. You are my savior.. My angel.."
Riddhima raised her eyebrows at his declaration, "Ok!!.. Mujhe itna mat chadhaao Armaan.. And really, I am no angel.. I didn't know you were so filmy..", she kind of teased him as she grinned..

But Armaan was serious, "Call me filmy for all I care, but I know what I am saying.. ", and he hugged her back, this time resting his head on her shoulder, hiding in her hair, breathing in her fragrance.. After a short pause he said softly, "You know my mom succumbed to cancer when I was ten..", as soon as she heard him mention his mom, she stiffened.. Never had he spoken about her before.. She tried to pull out of the hug to look at him but he held her tighter and hid himself further in her hair as his hands fisted behind her back.. She sensed his discomfort.. She knew he had never spoken about this to anyone ever.. She ran a loving hand through his hair as she tried comforting him, egging him on to continue.. Armaan took a deep breath before he continued, "She was hospitalized for a month before she gave up.. She knew she was dying.. I knew she was dying..", he held her tighter as he continued, "And I was damn pissed with god.. He had already taken my dad away.. Now he was going to take her away too.. I was begging to her not to leave me.. But she knew nothing could be done.. I still remember her smiling through her tears as she had held my hand and promised that god will take care of me.. I will find a reason to live.. She asked me to work hard and not stray in life.. If I'd be a good boy, then some day god would send me an angel who'd take all my pain away.. Naive that I was, I believed her at that time.. Little did I know then that life was not a bed of roses.. As I grew up and saw the harsh world outside, I realized that all that she said was a load of crap just to console me.. And I stopped believing in god altogether.. ", Riddhima could feel the pain he had gone through.. A lone tear escaped her eye as she heard his soft voice.. She could feel how much effort it was taking him to say all this.. She wanted to comfort him, but didn't know how to.. He finally parted a little and looked at her as he said softly, "Mom was right Riddhima.. I got my angel.. Even though I lost faith and wasn't completely good in all that I did, god gave me you.. And I will always be thankful to him for that.. " Riddhima's eyes welled up as she heard him.. She hid her face in is chest as the tears streamed out of her eyes.. Armaan, worried by her response, made her look at him, "Hey.. I am sorry.. I didn't want to make you cry.. Please Basket I cant see you in tears..", he wiped away the tears from her face frantically.. Riddhima chuckled at his response.. Shaking her head she smiled through her tears as she said, "Armaan.. Tum poore pagal ho..", then taking hold of his face, "I love you so much Armaan.. I am also grateful to god for giving me you.. You're best thing that ever happened to me in my life.. I promise I'll love you forever.. ", and she sealed the promise by placing her lips on his, kissing him softly.. Armaan smiled as he kissed her back gently bringing her closer with his arm around her waist.. They poured their feelings out into the kiss promising their life to each other.. As the passion built up, they had forgotten the world and were busy feeling each other, kissing each other ardently.. With Armaan letting his guard down a little, both felt, like a wall that they didn't know existed, had disappeared from between them.. A sense of freedom engulfed them.. Riddhima knew she was his forever and Armaan knew he belonged to her as she belonged to him.. This new feeling of liberty and belonging, dissolved the careful distance that both had maintained so far.. Parting from her lips, Armaan placed fervent kisses on her neck and shoulders.. Riddhima shivered as she felt him move down her throat to her chest and his hands moved around her waist.. She had lost track of what was happening and was in no mood to stop him.. Once again her heart had managed to numb her mind and its better judgment.. She explored his back as her hands moved sensually, some times running through his hair and some times clutching his shirt tight.. Soon she had taken over from him, and placed soft passionate kisses on his neck, moving down his collar bone.. As he felt her kissing him passionately Armaan's hands swiftly moved under her t-shirt to feel her bare waist.. As his hands moved up slowly, urging her to continue, Riddhima's conscience suddenly awoke.. All of a sudden she realized what was happening and she stiffened realizing his hands were still touching her bare skin.. Armaan who felt her stiffen, took a few minutes to come out of his dazed state.. As soon as he realized, he withdrew his hands quickly and parted her from himself, guilt written all over his crimson face.. Riddhima couldn't meet his eyes either, as she stood up and straightened the falling straps of her top.. She shut her eyes in embarrassment wanting nothing but to disappear form this spot.. Armaan stood up as he glanced at her once.. He didn't know how she'd react?.. How was he going to explain his actions to her?.. He cursed himself as he recollected what had just happened.. How could he have lost control like that!.. He came to the conclusion that, if nothing else, at least he should apologize.. He put his hand forward to place it on her shoulder to turn her around, but hesitated as he saw her soft bare skin.. Still lost in the ambivalence of it all, he didn't realize when she turned around and not meeting his eye said, "Uh.. I think I should leave..", and she started towards the door.. But before she could reach the door Armaan called out, "Riddhima..", she turned around to see him come towards her, "I'll drop you.. Its very late.. You shouldn't go alone.."

"Armaan.. I have my car.. Don't worry.. Main Sanjeevni bhi toh gayi thi itni raat ko.. Jaise aayi thi waise hi chali jaungi..", she didn't want to trouble him at this hour.. Plus, after what had just happened, she felt jittery around him.. She didn't want to think about what had happened.. This was even more embarrassing than the way she had behaved on the night of the party.. At least she was drunk then.. But today she was in all her senses and still lost them completely..

"No Riddhima.. Its very late.. Please let me drop you..", he realized she was feeling embarrassed and wanted to get away from him asap, but he wasn't going to let her go alone.. In fact, he had been bothered that she had come to his place so late in the night on her own, in the first place.. Before she could protest he went in to fetch his car keys..

Riddhima saw him come out of his room with his car keys and his jacket, "Here..", he handed the jacket to her, but didn't dare look at her.. She took the jacket hesitantly and put it on as he led her to his car.. They got in and buckling their seat belts drove slowly towards the gate.. But before Armaan could steer out onto the main road Riddhima screeched, "Ruko!.. Armaan please stop!!.."

Armaan suddenly braked as he heard her, "Kya hua Riddhima?..", he wondered what had gotten into her..

"I forgot my key inside..", she told him, realizing that she had forgotten to take her most priced possession, in the whole embarrassment of it all..

Armaan smiled and replied, "Its OK Riddhima.. Main kal tumhe de dunga.. Abhi chale.."

"Nahi! Mujhe abhi chahiye.. Give me your key quick..", she unbuckled her seat belt and put her palm forward as she demanded his keys with a frown on her face..

Armaan saw her frown and chuckled, "You're unbelievable..", and he gave her his key.. She hurried back into the house to fetch the key as he waited in the car, amused by her behavior.. She came back with the key tightly clutched in her fist and returned his key to him, "Thanks!.."

"I could have seriously given it to you tomorrow.. Abhi jaane ki kya zarrorat thi.. Already its so late..", he asked her as he drove towards her place..

"Zaroorat thi.. What is your problem?.. You don't know how important it is to me.. This is the key to my house.. Tum chup chap gaadi chalao..", she scowled as she looked out of the window.. Armaan grinned as he heard her.. He couldnt agree more.. It was after all her house.. He stole a side glance at her and looked back at the road as he drove on with his dimpled smile, all the embarrassment and guilt momentarily forgotten..

Reserved :)