Recap:"Armaan and the kids.. Humesha sab ka dill jeet lete ho tum!"- A girl walked up to him and smiled at him..
"Oh hi!" He got up to greet her..
The girl was Shilpa Malhotra.
He gave her a side hug and sat down..
"Kaise ho? tumne mujhe yahaan kyun bulaaya hain?"
"Shilpa I'll just finish the check ups.."
"Theek hai.."
*|Proposals & Panchgani- II|*
Armaan was done with the check ups after 2 hours and he went inside to meet Shilpa..
"Hi.. "
"Hi.."
"Kaisi ho tum?"
"I'm good.. Aur tum?"
"Very good!.. Tumne khaana khaya?" Armaan asked
"Haan.. Why don't you take lunch.. Its late.."
"Yeah.. "
"Dr Armaan.. Khaana laga diya hain.. Aapko kuchh aur chahiye toh please bol dijiyega!" The chacha came in and told him..
"Jee thank you!"
He served his plate..
"Chalo.. Hum bahar baithkar baat karte hai.." Armaan told her..
They walked out and sat themselves on the bench on the other side of the garden..
"Toh kaho Armaan.."
"pehle tum batao.. How are you? Tum kahaan par intern kar rahi ho? And how's life?"
"Life is good.. Aur mein Pune City Hospital mein intern kar rahi hoon! I wanted to get into Sanjeevani Pune but there was no vacancy and so I got rejected!"
"Oh.. Nice! Toh wahaan ke nurses kaisi hain?"
"Nurses.. ? Achhi hai-- Armaan!" As she realized he was only pulling her leg.. They both started laughing..
"Achha.. Toh tumhari internship kab khatam ho rahi hain?"
"Ek aur saal.. Uske baad mein waapas U.S. chali jaaongi!" Shilpa bit her tongue as soon as the words were out of her mouth..
"U.S.?" Armaan was confused
"Umm.. Haan.. Woh mere kuchh relatives wahaan rehte hain.."
"US mein tumhare relatives hain? Tum ne toh kabhi nai bataaya.."
"Woh.. Haan.."
"Lekin tumne toh kahaa tha ki bhuaji ke alaava tumhara koi aur nahi hain.. ! Shilpa sach sach batao.. What's the matter? Baat kya hai?" Armaan looked at her confused and slightly worried!
"Armaan.. Kyaa baat hogi? Its nothing!" Shilpa said looking everywhere but at him
"Shilpa are you lying to me?" He asked with utmost concern..
Shilpa took a deep breathe in.. And decided it was time for the truth.. The whole truth to finally come out.. She had to break her silence and clear what Armaan and even Sid had assumed..
"Shilpa.. ?"
"Armaan.. U.S. mein.. U.S. mein.. mom aur.. Aur dad.. rehte hain.."
"Kyaaa?" Armaan stood up with a jerk
Shilpa stood up with him..
"Mere mom aur dad US mein rehtein hain.. And mein oonke saath rehti thi.. Until I came down to India a year back.."
"Shilpaa.. What are you saying? Mujhe kuchh-- tumne kahaa tha ki tum yahaan orphanage mein.. Aur ab tum keh rahi ho ki.. Mujhe lagaa tha ki tumhare dad mar chuke hai..!"
"Armaan.. Mein India Riddhima di ko dhoondhne aayi thi.. I don't think dad mujhe yeh baat kabhi bataana chahte the.. Mujhe galati se sab kuchh pataa chal gaya.."
"Aur yeh orphanage aur bua..?"
"Mere dad yahaa par donations dete hain.. And mein jab bhi India aati thi.. Humesha yahaan rehti thi.."
Armaan couldn't believe this!! This was too much! So now.. Shilpa's dad was alive.. And he had no intention of ever knowing Riddhima.. Here, he had thought of calling Shilpa and getting her to tell Riddhima the truth! He had thought that since Shilpa had nobody and their father was not alive.. Riddhima and Shilpa should know each other and put an end to a chapter that hounded Riddhima's life till date.. Now Shilpa had been lying all along.. She had let them assume that her father was dead.. This was such a mess!! What was he going to tell Riddhima? And what good was going to come out of it? Riddhima was very sensitive when it came to anything regarding her adoption even..! What sense would it make to tell her that Shilpa was her step sister and her dad was alive, living in the US and had no intention of acknowledging her existence ever!
"Shilpa.. Tumne yeh baat.. Itni badi baat.. Jhoot bola tumne.. Kyun!?"
"I don't know Armaan.. Ek jhoot ke baad dusra jhoot.. Kab kaise.. I don't know.. Lekin mein kisi ko hurt nahi karna chahti thi.. I just wanted to meet Riddhima.. "
"HURT NAHI KARNA CHAHTI THI!?" A few kids heard Armaan scream and stopped playing and looked at them..
Armaan realized he was screaming and calmed himself down.. He couldn't lose his cool right now.. He had to talk it out with her.. And get one plain simple point across..
"I'm sorry! Dekho Shilpa.. I just want to tell you one thing.. I hope your dad doesn't know what you are up to.. And if he does know this and is sitting quiet and allowing you to f**k up Riddhima's life.. I'm not going to let that happen..! I am sorry for my language... ! But Riddhima is a part of MY life now.. I love her more than I'll love anything else in this world and I will not leave anyone who tries to ruin her happiness! She has been through enough already!"
"But Armaan.. "
"Shilpa.. You are not a child!! What is wrongg with you? Tum Riddhima ko kyaa bataana chahti thi?! Hi Riddhima.. I'm your step sister.. My father who dumped your mother and left her pregnant with you however isn't interested whether you are living or not?!"
"Armaan.. I didn't think of it that way.."
"You should have! This isn't a small thing.. You can't just pack your bags and walk into Riddhima's life like that!"
"You are right.. Lekin mujhe oose bataana chahiye ki--"
"Bataanaa chahiye?! Kyaa bataana hai tumhe oose Shilpa!? Ki tum ooski behen ho? Aur tumhare dad US mein hain.. And he doesn't give a damn about her!? I'm not going to allow that.. Riddhima IS my life! And anyone.. I mean ANYONE who messes with her has to face me first.. And you can go tell your dad that!"
Armaan had completely lost his cool.. He was so furious that probably even if Riddhima tried to calm him down.. He wouldn't have mellowed down.. He just couldn't fathom how people had the GUTS to actually treat Riddhima like that! It boiled his blood to think that there existed a man who was Riddhima's biological father and he couldn't care less if Riddhima lived or didn't live or what condition she lived in !!
"Mujhe jo kehna tha.. I've said it.." He looked at Shilpa straight in the eye and said it in a tone that could. intimidate anyone.. With that.. Shilpa just went away from there.. Armaan looked at her retreating back and sat down on the bench in defeat! Armaan sat there thinking for hours..! How had this become so complicated? He had been privy to Riddhima's past even before she knew once again! And this time he wasn't sure if she was ever going to know.. He knew Riddhima hated lies.. But to his better understanding.. It didn't make sense to tell Riddhima at this point of time.. She was like a little child when it came to anything regarding her family.. And Padma mumma? How would she feel? Was it fair to her? To bring her entire past alive in front of her eyes once again? And what good would it be? Why should they go through so much torment and depression? For what? No.... It was not worth it.. Was it? It was better for him to keep shut about this whole issue.. This chapter needed to be shut.. He didn't know if he had the strength to lie to Riddhima.. Everytime he lied to her.. Something had always gone wrong.. Even though he did what he thought was the best for her.. He always managed to make the wrong choice.. Oh God! Whyy couldn't he be at peace?! He looked up at the sky.. "Bhagwan! Kya aapko mujhse problem hain? Yaa phir aapko meri aur Riddhima ki achhi happy cute love story pasand nai hain?! Thak gayaa hoon mein! Yeh koi film yaa serial nai hain! Ek ke baad ek twist.. !" He talked to the sky.. He was so fed up! That's it.... Enough was enough!! If something was going to happen regarding this.. He would deal with it when it happened! Right now.. Things were perfect.. ! They were settled.. Everyone was happy.. And he wanted it to be that way! Yess.. He was not going to tell Riddhima anything.. And this chapter remained closed for the rest of their lives..
--
His phone rang.. The screen flashed "Basket Calling" He saw the time on his phone and he had been thinking for over 3 hours! He was NOT going to tell her. "Be normal.." He said to himself and picked up the fone..
"Haan Basket..!"
"Hi Armaan.. Dr Keerti ne mujhe tumse puchhne ko kaha hain ki Mr Nitin Shukla ka dose tumne badla tha?"
"Haan.. Oos patient ka dose badhaana pada.. He suffers from a mental disorder and needs to be cured soon.. I've been in touch with his psychiatrist.. I've scheduled his surgery the day after I get back.."
"Okay.. I'll tell Dr Keerti! How is your day going? Armaan..."
"Hmm?"
"Sab theek hain naa? You sound tired.. And tensed!"
"Shit! How does she know everything?" He thought to himself.. "Naii Riddhima.. I'm fine! Travelling ke wajah se im very tired!"
"Are you sure?" She asked him.. Still unsure of whether to push it or not..
"Haan Basket!"
"Achha how was your day?"
"Good.. Aur tumhara..?"
"Pathetic.. I miss you!" She pouted and sulked over the phone..
"I miss you too Riddhima..!" He said softly.. "And why pathetic?"
"Don't ask.. 2 complicated surgeries back to back.. And I was assisting Dr Keerti in both of them! One of the patient's relatives actually refused to sign the forms and it was a total mess.. Finally, papa had to intervene and get the signatures.. By then the patient had slipped into unconciousness and it complicated the surgery even more.. I am already so tired.."
"Aww! Basket.. Tum toh meri Superwoman ho.. Don't stress too much.. You go have dinner.."
"Tumne khaaya?"
"Bas.. I was going to take my food and you called.." He lied..
"But I don't feel like eating without you.."
"Riddhima.. Agar mein tumhe yeh bolta toh tum kehti ki mein nautanki kar raha hoon.."
"Haan.. That's because I know you love your food more than me.." She pouted..
He laughed..
"No baba.. I love you more than anything else in the world.. Don't skip dinner and I'll call you a little late at night.."
"Okay.. Bye!"
"Bye Basket"
He kept the phone.. Riddhima.. Riddhima Gupta.. His Basket! Basket Armaan Mallik.. He would not let anyone or anything come in way of her happiness! He just stared at one of her pictures hugging the teddy bear he had given her and smiled..
---
Next day morning:
*phone rings*
"Hi.. Good morning!"
"Armaan?!! Tum waapas aa gaye?"
"Yaa.. I just reached home right now.."
"You're sounding tired!"
"Haan.. Main aaj hospital nahi aa raha hoon.."
"Lekin kyun?" She was dying to see him..
"Kyunki meine Dr Keerti ko bola ki dekhiye.. Meine Panchgani mein bohot kaam kiya hain! Aur mein ab aur kaam nahi kar sakta.. Aur mujhe ek din ki chhooti chahiye!"
"Aur oonhone tumhe chhootti de di?!"
"Ofcourse! Dr Armaan Mallik ko kaun mana kar sakta hain?"
"Haan haan theek hain..."
"Tumhari duty kitne baje khatam hoti hain?"
"6 baje!"
"Itni late?! Mujhe tumse milna hain naa.. " He said while checking the clock on the wall..
"Mujhe bhi.. I missed you!"
"Me too.." He kissed the phone while she blushed on the other line.. "Achha toh mein ek kaam kartaa hoon.. Mein tumhe lunch break mein canteen mein milta hoon!"
"Haan.. Taaki Dr Keerti kahein.. Dr Armaan.. Aap apni fiance ko milne hospital aa sakte hain.. lekin aap hospital aa kar kaam nahi kar sakte.. Kyun? Oh right.. Kyunki aapne off liya hain aaj.. Bohot thak gaye the nai?"
He smiled.. It would be worth seeing Dr Keerti's face if she found him at the hospital after taking an off for the day on the pretext of being tired..
"Haan.. Gabbar mujhe maar degi"
"Dekho Armaan second time pager bajaa hain! Mujhe jaana hai"
"Jao Riddhima beta Jao! Jee lo apni Zindagi.. I mean.. Kar lo apni duty.."
"Armaaaan! Mein rakh rahi hoon"
"Achha mein tumhe 6 baje pick up karta hoon sanjeevani se.."
"Theek hain.. Bye.."
"Bye.. I love you"
----
In the evening..
"Hey Basket !"
"Hi.. " She said as she got into the car hugging him..
"You are looking gorgeous.. Yellow tum pe bohot suit karta hai.. Pata hain?" He kissed her cheek and started driving still hugging her..
She looked up and kissed his cheek.. "I missed you!" She said her eyes moist..
"Me too.. Achha.. Soono.. Tumhare liye ek surprise hain"
She pulled apart.. "Kya?" She asked with twinkling eyes.. She checked the backseat of the car.. And there were no bags or anything so she was curious now.. She loved his surprises.. They kept surprising each other without any reason or occassion.. She remembered how she'd surprised him two days before he left.. She had picked up 2 caramello coffees from Coffee Beans and driven to his house at 2 in the morning.. Her surgery had got done late and she was desperate to see him for no particular reason.. Then they'd driven around for a good 2 hours.. Talking over nothing in particular.. He'd dropped her back and she had sneaked back into the house at 4 30.. Her parents were fine with them going out.. But Padma was strict about coming home before 12 or 1 except if they went out in a group or something.. She smiled at that thought..
"Armaan.. Let's go to CCD?"
"Haan.. Lekin pehle hum kahin aur jaa rahein hain.. "
"Kahaann..? Kyun? "
"Surprise hain baba.."
Armaan shot a sideway glance at her.. She was looking outside the window.. Her face glowing and a soft smile playing on her lips as "dil toh pagal hai"- her all time favourite song played in the car.. He personally didn't like hindi music too much.. But it was worth listening to it just to see the twinkle in her eyes.. It somehow made her really happy to hear shahrukh khan romantic numbers.. That guy wasn't even close to good looking for God's sake! He made pathetic romantic films that were every guy's nightmare when they had to watch it with their girlfriends, fiances or wives! But it made her happy.. And he was happy just to see her happy.. He realized how much he had truly missed her!
"Dil toh pagal hain.. Dil deewana hain" he sang along the song.. Nudging her a little..
She looked at him blushing.. He whistled the tune with the song and drove on..
"Hmmm aa ha haa haa.. Hmmm ho ho ho ho.." He winked at her nudging her again.. "Dil toh paagal hai.. Dil deewana hain!" He sang along playfully.. Making her laugh.. He put an arm around her..
"Rehne do chhodo yeh kahaaniya.. Deewanepan ki sab nishaniya.. Logo ki saari pareshaaniyaan.. Is dil ki hain yeh sab nishaaniyaan.."
And he continued to whistle and sing the song..
----
"Armaan? You have brought me to the sports club?" Riddhima asked him confused.. After killing more than an hour in the traffic and fussing and guessing over what the "surprise" could be.. They were at Armaan's sports club! Out of all places she had guessed this was the least expected... !
"Arrey, chup chap chalo naa yaar.." Armaan said.. He was irritated! Full one hour in the car she was going yap yapping about the surprise.. And there was a limit to the amount of questions and guesses he could take.. Anyway, he was too excited.. !! His stomach was actually doing little flip-flops.. !
"Where are we going?"
"Pool area!"
"I don't want to go to the pool area.. Let's go to the lounge and sit naa.."
That's it. He was tired and fed up. He carried her over his shoulder and started walking..
"Armaan.. What.. What.. What are you doing?!"
"Phirse sawaal?"
"Armaan sab log dekh rahe hain.. This is so embarrassing!"
"Tum toh yahaa aati bhi nai ho.. Tumhe kya fark padta hai.."
"Armaan.."
"Riddhimaaaaa.."
"Mujhe neeche rakho naa.."
"Tum toh meri princess ho naa.. Toh tumharein pair zameen par.. Nai nai nai.." He said.. With exagguration..
"Mummyyyy.." Riddhima pretended to cry as she was nothing else she could do..
He got into the lift..
"Armaan sir!" The liftman acknowledged him with a stunned look on his face..
"Armaan.. WHAT are you doing!?" Riddhima shrieked into his ear..
The lift man was just looking down.. Not knowing how to react.. Armaan continued to be unaffected as if it was an everyday thing he carried a girl over his shoulder and walked around in the club.. While Riddhima literally put all her hair in front of her face properly so that her face would be covered!
They reached the pool area and Armaan put her down before they reached the swimming pool in front of the changing rooms for women..
"Go change!" Armaan told her while he started walking towards his changing room..
"Change into what?!" She looked at him.. Was this man retard? First he carried her and gallawants all around the club and now this... AND she was stuck with him for life!!
"Enter the changing room.. You will know.."
"I am not going to listen to you!"
"Do you also want me to carry you INTO the women's changing rooms?" He came forward..
"No no.. Okay I am going" She replied back quickly.. She didn't put anything past him.. He was very capable of carrying her into the changing rooms..
Riddhima entered the changing room and saw one of her own swimsuits along with a small hand written note.. "For the girl who can slip into a swim suit as easily as she can slip into a salwar kameez.. -Armaan"
--
She wrapped a towel around herself as she walked out of the changing area.. The sun had set and the yellow lights had been switched on.. But to her surprise.. The pool was completely empty.. With not a single person around.. She looked around to see Armaan right behind her.. He was wearing his swim trunks and she hated it! Armaan put in a lot of effort to be fit.. He had a treadmill at home since he wasn't a morning person and didn't like going to parks.. And he always followed some sport or the other at any given time.. Basketball, football, squash, swimming.. Swimming was his current favourite.. He tried to come to the club everyday in the morning! Result: Six pack abs and a forever sexy Armaan. She had even mentally made up a song "don't you wish your boyfriend was hot like MINE" but she never sang it aloud because she didn't want to chadao him.. He was already very proud of the way he looked and the attention he received..
"Hello gorgeous!"
"Armaan.. Yeh kya hai.. You know I don't like swimming.. I can barely swim! And why aren't there other people in the pool?"
"So I'll teach you! And I paid everyone to get out so that I could spend some "us" time with you..."
"What rubbish Armaan..." She knew he would come up with something silly like that..
"Arrey baba.. Full romantic mood spoil kar rahi ho tum! The pool shuts by 7 on wednesdays for cleaning... I just got permission- which by the way they don't give to everyone- to have the pool to myself for half an hour.."
"Really?" Riddhima blushed and her eyes twinkled with excitement..
"Haan!" He came forward and held her by her waist.. Taking in the fragrance of her peach lotion..
He hugged her...
"Armaan I missed you.." She said.. Her voice slightly cracking..
"So let's make up for all the time we lost.." Armaan said naughtily pulling her closer and leaning in to kiss her..
"Armaan...!" And she gave him a slight push.. What she didn't realize was that they were already at the edge of the pool and in a matter of a micro second she heard a SPLASH. She had pushed Armaan into the pool! By mistake.
"Aww shit Armaan.. I'm.. I'm soo sorrryy!" She said in between uncontrollable laughter as Armaan glared at her..
"Basket! Tumne mujhe pool mein giraaya..?!" He said
"Meine tumhe nai giraayaa.. You lost your balance.."
"Jhooti! Tumne mujhe pool mein dhakka diya.." He almost shouted.. "Ab tum ruko.." And he splashed all the water out at her..
"Armaan.. Armaan!! Armaan.. Kya kar rahein ho tum!?"
"Badla! Ab tum pool mein aa rahi ho yaa nahi?"
"Naii.. I'll sit out.."
"Theek.. Baithi raho!" And with that he swam towards the other end of the pool...
Riddhima sat down at the edge of the pool.. Dipping her legs in the cool water and saw Armaan completing his laps.. He had good speed, she decided.. Maybe she should also try and be a little more fit.. But she was a lazy person when it came to fitness and the only time she went for a walk was if she felt she had put on a pound or 2.. She looked at him as he already finished 2 laps and wondered if she should call him back.. They barely got any time alone except for the little time they got during their breaks at the hospital.. She didn't want to miss an opportunity like this one to have a great time with him.. After all, it wasn't everyday they got a pool entirely to themselves.. !!
"Armaan?" She called out to him.. But he couldn't hear her..
"Armaaaan !!" He looked at her and swam towards her..
"Kya hai?" He said coming out of the water slightly breathless..
She slowly stretched her hands out for him.. And pouted at him..
"Itna naatak Basket.." And he pulled her in the pool..
"Aaah.." She screamed a little as she felt the cool water..
"Kyaa aah?" He teased her as he held her from the back..
She turned around and splashed a little bit of water on his face.. And tried to swim away from him as fast as she could.. He plunged foward.. And pulled her back..
"Mujhse badtameezi.. ! Tumhari itni himmat! Dr Basket Armaan Mallik!" He moved closer to her and she could feel his heart beating against her back.. His warm breath on her neck.. A blush crept to her face..
"Hmm.. Ab tumhaari saath badtameezi nai karoo.. Toh aur kiske saath karoon?" She teased him..
"Badtameezi karni hai tumhe?" He said in a serious tone... And turned her around to face him.. Their noses were less than an inch apart.. And neither of them could tear their gaze away from each other.. For Armaan, this was the moment he had waited for since morning.. And Riddhima.. She was just enjoying every second of this beautiful time she got with him.. She knew she would look back with this memory with a smile.. All her memories with Armaan made her blush.. Right now all she could feel was his heart beating against hers.. And his warm hand holding her waist in the cool water.. She looked into his eyes for a moment and leaned in to kiss him.. A seal of promise that she was his forever and they would always keep each other happy.. ! He pulled her closer and kissed her back.. They broke apart and she buried her head in the crook of his neck.. Hugging him tightly.. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer.. He could feel her warm body against his and he didn't want his train of thoughts to get out of control.. So he tried to pull her back and distance himself a little.. But Riddhima being Riddhima.. Always made things difficult for him.. As soon as he tried to pull apart.. She pulled him closer yet again.. Putting all her weight on him and wrapping her arms around his neck even tighter.. She looked at her hands.. And saw a glittering 'thing'.. And looked blank for a few seconds.. Until realization sank in....... !
She didn't utter a word but simply pulled apart a little.. To look into his eyes.. Into the dreams that she saw in them.. The dreams that they had built together...
"Will you marry me Basket?"
"Is that even a question? Ofcourse I will!"
"I knew it..! That's why I slipped the ring into your finger without even asking.."
He pulled her into a hug.. And they spent the rest of the time playing around in the pool and mostly romancing.. The Armaan-Basket way ofcourse!
The past and the present.. Not much had changed.. Armaan was still the same.. Basket was still the same.. Only difference was that now they could do a lot more than hugging in the pool.. And they didn't need a private pool.. And the Armaan-Basket way of romancing had become far more.. Interesting?
BACK TO THE PRESENT
*TRRRRIIIINNNGGG*
"Haan Atul bol?"
"Armaan.. Saale! Kahaan hain tu?"
"Champ.. Mein panchgani mein hoon!"
"Woh pata hain mujhe.. Tu nikla nai abhi tak wahaan se?"
"Arrey! Mein nikal hi rahaan hoon!"
"arreyyy! Tu jaldi aanaa!"
"Tujhe itni jaldi kyun hain?"
"Woh ---"
Rahul snatches the phone from him.. "Armaan.. Dekh.. Riddhima ko teri zaroorat hain iss waqt! Tu jaldi aa.." "Rahul?? Kya? Riddhima ko kyaa hua?!"
"Tu idhar aa.. Tujhe pata lag jayega.."
"Arrey lekin--"
"Sawaal mat poochh Armaan!"
"Lekin par--"
"Armaan.. Time waste kar rahaa hain tu!"
"Haan mein--"
"Achha chal.. Bye!"
"Hello ?? Hello?? Atul.. Rahul?? Kameeno!" He spoke into the phone with a face.. "Hello??" They had cut the line..
--
Atul and Rahul just couldn't believe this! This just didn't happen ! It was just yesterday that they all met ! And today... This was a shocker!
--
Armaan was on his way back and he had taken the wheel.. The could drive faster than the driver and he wanted to reach back as fast as he could.. He tried called Riddhima and Muskaan.. But neither picked up the fone! He was getting worried now... For the love of Atul and Rahul and their lives, he hoped that this wasn't any of their shady pranks !
--
The gang was at their house.. Waiting for Armaan to arrive.. Rahul and Atul wanted to break the news to everyone together.. This was a major thing.. And more than anyone else, they just hoped Armaan wouldn't react badly !
--
"Abey Armaaan.. Kaahaan hain tu?" Atul called again..
"Champ.. Raaste mein traffic hain.. Aa rahaa hoon! Ek gante mein!"
"Chal jaldi aa"
"Arrey champ---" now this was the limit.. What was happening?
"Okay okay bye Armaan!" Atul hung up in a hurry as he saw Riddhima coming from the kitchen..
"Atul.. Kisse baat kar rahein the? Armaan se? Mujhe phone nai diya?"
"Arrey Ridzie.. Woh drive kar rahaa hain naa.. Toh woh baat nahi kar sakta!"
"Achha theek hain.. Kitne time mein aa raha hain woh?"
"Ek ghanta.."
"Mein sab ke liye pasta banaa rahi hoon! Hum log sab kitchen mein hain.. Tum logo ko drinks chahiye toh order kar do!"
"Drinks ki zaroorat nai padegi aaj" Atul muttered..
"Kyaa?"
"Kuchh nahi kuchh nahii.. Ridzie.. Tum jao naa.. Khaana banao.. Warna humein jalaa hua khana milega.." And he pushed her in the kitchen..
"Kya hua Ridzie?" Anjali asked..
"Kuchh nai di.. Pataa nai.. Kab se dekh rahi hoon.. Kuchh toh garbad hain.. Mein Armaan ko call back kar rahi thi.. Toh Rahul aa kar mera fone le gaya.. Aur abhi abhi Atul Armaan se baat kar rahaa tha.. Toh mujhe oosne baat nai karne di.. Aapka phone dena.. Mujhe Armaan se baat karni hain.."
Muskaan and Anjali were sitting on the platform.. Eating chocolates.. While Nikki was stirring the pasta..
She took Anjie's fone and dialled his number..
"Hello?"
"Riddhimaaaa.. Tum kahaan ho?? Thank God tum theek ho! Pata hain.. Mein kitna pareshan tha.. I was soo worried!"
"Huh? Armaan.. Mujhe kyaa hua hain?"
"Champ ka phone aayaa tha.. Oosne kaha Riddhima ko tumhari zaroorat hain.. Or something like that.. Pata nahin.. Tumhara accident yaa kuchh toh nahin hua? Riddhima.. I am soo worried.. I called you.. You didn't call me back.. Mein wahaan jaldi aa rahaa hoon..Mein yahaa traffic mein---"
"Armaan.. Calm down... Mujhe kuchh nahi hua hain! Mein bilkul theek hoon!"
"Basket.. Kya minor accident tha?" He sounded really harrowed and worried!
"Armaan.. Meri baat soono! Mujhe kuchh nahi hua hain.. No accident.. Nothing! Aur I didn't take your call kyunki mein tabhi duty par thi! Aur abhi hum sab yahaan hain.. And we are waiting for you to come! Toh tum aa jao.. And drive safe!"
"Basket.. I was really worried!" He said in a soft voice..
She smiled..
"Armaan.. I love you! And I'm waiting.."
"I love you too.. Bye!" She hung up..
"Kya hua?"
"Kuchh nai.." She said as she stormed out of the kitchen yelling for Atul.. "Atulllllllllllllllllllll"
Rahul and Atul were sitting on the couch watching TV and hearing Riddhima call him.. He jerked and almost fell down..
"Atul.. Kyaa tumne Armaan ko bataaya ki mera accident ho chuka hain?" She spoke in that stern voice with her hands on her hips.. And that could scare anyone..
"Ridziee.. Nahin toh.. Nai.. Nai.. Mein.. Kyun.. Aisa bolunga?.. Rahul ne shaayad kuchh kahaa hoga.. Rahul.. Kya.. Tumne.. Kuchh kahaan tha?"
With that.. Riddhima's glare was directed on Rahul and Rahul gulped..
"Nai.. "
"Guys.. Tum log jhoot mat bolo..!" She said sternly.. "Woh kitna pareshan tha.. Tumhe pata hain?"
Just then.. Nikki called her to the kitchen as she seemed to have messed up the pasta.. "Riddhimaaaaa.. Jaldi aao! Shittt ! Jaldiiiii Riddhima.. Jaldiiii!"
She gave them a dirty glare and went in..
Rahul and Atul looked at each other..
"Bachh gayye!"
They hadn't meant to worry Armaan so much.. Which is why they had spoken rubbish and random things.. They really wanted him to rush here! And there was no better way to get him here faster than involving anything to do or closely associate with Riddhima..
--
The girls brought in the pasta while Abhi, Atul and Rahul took out the Coke and filled the glasses.. They were waiting for Armaan to come now.. And he was taking long.. Because he was stuck in traffic.. Riddhima was getting desperate now.. Something was really fishy.. She had called Armaan back to ask him what exactly those 2 told him.. But he had picked up and cut the next minute saying just two words-"traffic police".. And these guys here were acting very secretive and said they couldn't open their mouths now.. They wanted to tell everyone together.. And would tell everyone only after Armaan came.. !
So they just sat down to chill and wait for Armaan.. Everyone was really hungry and they helped themselves with the food.. Riddhima was the only one who didn't take her plate.. She decided she would eat with him.. She was very hungry.. But she wanted to wait for him..
They were sitting and catching up with each others' lives in general.. When the door bell rang...
Before anyone could even blink Riddhima sprang up and she was at the door..
"Heyyyyyy!" He enveloped her into a hug and dropped his bags.. He was so happy to be back home!
She snuggled deeper into his chest and hugged him tighter.. Taking in his scent.. And shutting her eyes.. Happy and content.. 2 days had been soo long without him..
"I missed you!" He whispered into her ear and planted a soft kiss there.. His hands moved inside her T-shirt.. And he carressed her waist.. Pulling her closer..
Within seconds.. They heard a few coughs.. And throats clearing..
"Hello ladies!" He said from behind Riddhima.. Still holding her by her waist.. "Kameenos!" Acknowledging the boys.. He looked at Atul and Rahul and gave them a sarcastic smile with a semi-glare..
"Finally aa gayye haan tum!" Nikki said!
"Haan.. Tujhe pataa hain Riddhima kitni desperate ho rahi thi tumse milne ke liye?" Anjie added..
"Woh mera piya-ghar-aayaa types.. Ekdum filmy!" Muskaan winked!
"Diiiii.. Muskaaaan!"
"Achha Riddhima mein change kar leta hoon!"
"Arrey nahii Armaan.. Change wange baad mein kar lena.. Tu baith naa.." Rahul got up.. And pushed Armaan to some empty space and made him sit down..
Atul cleared his throat!
"Guysss.. Mujhe aap logo.. I mean.. Mujhe aur Rahul ko aap logo se ek bohot important baat karni hain.."
"Humein nai pataa ki yeh kaise kahein.." Rahul continued
"Lekin.. Bataana zaroori hain!"
"Let me guess.." Nikki cut in.. "Tum dono gay ho!"
"KYAAAA" Both Atul and Rahul screamed in unison..
"Mujhe pehle din se laga ki yeh dono mein kuchh chal rahaa hain.." Abhi said.. Agreeing with Nikki..
"Arreyy nahiiii lekin Rahul gay nahi ho sakta yaar!" Muskaan screamt..
"Tu itne confidence se kaise bol sakti hain haan?" Anjali smirked..
"Woh main.. Woh.. Rahul gay nahi hain yaar!"
"Exactly! Hum dono gay nahi hain.." Rahul and Atul looked at each other and then took one step away.. "Euurghhh" Echoing similar sentiments..
"Achha tu woh sab chhod.. Saale.. Tumne kyun bataaya ki Riddhima ko tumhari zaroorat hain and all that?"
"HEYYY PAPAJIII.. Ridzieee.. Tu pregnant hain??"
Hearing that Armaan's head shot up in surprise.. "Riddhimaaaa !?? You are pregnant.. Aur tumne mujhe bataayaa bhi nahi..!?"
"Armaan.. Aisi baat nahi hain.."
"OhmyGod Ridz! I am so happy for you!! Congratulations!!" Anjali took Riddhima in a tight hug..
"Tum hug wug baad mein karna.." He pulled them apart.. And made Riddhima face him.. "Basket! Tum ne mujhe bataayaa nai? I am soo happy !! " And he took her in a rib cracking hug..
"Armaan.. I can't- breatheee.. And.. I am.... Not preg.. nant!"
"Kyaaa?! You are not??"
"Guys guys guys.. Before you guess anything more.. Hum aapko bataate hain.." Rahul said..
"Rahul.. Jaldi bataa naa yaar..!"
Rahul drew in a deep breath and looked at Atul..
"Abhi.. Nikki.. Tum logo ne humein bataaya nahin.. Ki.. Tumhari.. Shaadi ho chuki hain?"
*WHATTTT*
*KYAAAAAAAA*
*Sound of a fork falling*
And Armaan spat out the water he was drinking onto Abhi's face.. "KYAAAAAAAAAAAA" He got up with a jerk..
"Shaadi??! Abhi.. Nikki!!!??" He screamt at both of them..
"Haan.. Armaan woh.. Hum dono ne thodi pee li thi.. Aur phir.. Pata nahi kaise.. Shaadi.. Shaadi ho gayi.." She stuttered
"Shaadii ho gayyyiii? What do you mean by ho gayi? Nikki.. This is serious! Marriage is not a joke! What is WRONG with the two of you!?" He said shaking her a little..
Riddhima intervened.. "Armaan.. Armaan.. Calm down!"
"Riddhima.. Isne shaadi kar li hain.. Humein bataaya bhi nahi.. I can't calm down!"
"Armaan.. Chillane se kuchh nahi hoga.. Nikki.. Dr Modi.. Aap logo ne shaadi karli.. Aur humein bataana bhi zaroori nahi samjha?" Riddhima said..
"Haan.. Aur agar Atul ne Nikki ki baatein galti se nahi suni hoti.. Toh we would never know.." Rahul said..
"Dekho guys.. Let me explain.." Abhi said..
"Abhimanyu Modi.. You piglet! You better explain!" Armaan said with a warning finger walking towards Abhi.. That look on Armaan's face was a serious one! Nikki was one of his best friends.. and this was no joke! Everyone looked on.. And nobody dared to calm him down..
"Armaan.. Dekho.. Aisa nahi hain ki we didn't want to tell you! Pata nahin yeh sab kab kaise ho gayaa.."
"Drinks pee kar phir shaadi kar lena.. Yeh koi mazaak nahi hain! Nikki.. Shaan uncle ko phone lagaa.. Mujhe unse baat karni hain..!"
"Armaan.. Papa ko kyun involve kar rahein ho tum?" She stuttered..
"Papa ko kyun involve kar rahein ho!!?? Nikki.. Tumne shaadi kar li hain..! You know what that means!?"
"You calm down first.." Riddhima said making Armaan sit down..
"Mein aur Nikki ek dusre se pyaar karte hain.. And that's what matters! Aur humne yeh decision liya hain ki hum indian style mein shaadi karenge.. Lekin abhi ke liye.. Hum court mein jaake marriage register kar denge.. Humare parents ko bhi bulaayenge.. And everyone will be there.." Abhi spoke up..
"Haan.. Hum aap logo ko bataane waale the.. Lekin.." Nikki supported him..
"Nikkkkiiiiiiiii... Oye congratulations!!" Muskaan enveloped her into a hug! Nikki and Abhi had been together since a long time now.. And she couldn't be happier for her friend.. !
"Thank you!"
"Congratulations guys!" Everyone wished them.. Everyone except Armaan..
"Armaan... Go and wish Nikki..!" Riddhima came and sat in with Armaan in their bedroom where he was sitting..
"No.. I don't want to.. Can't believe ki usne mujhe bataaya nai.."
"Hum is baare mein baad mein baat karenge.. ! I've even ordered for cake.. Go wish her! Don't spoil the mood.. I know ki tum uske liye khush ho.. And secretly tumhe pataa hain ki Dr Modi ek achhe insaan hain.." She told him making him get up from the bed..
"Aur Armaan.. Suno.."
"Yes my wife! Bolo.." He said coming towards her.. She stopped him at a one arm's distance..
"Please change your clothes!"
"Yes! Your Highness!" He mock saluted her with a wink..
---
"Nikki.." Armaan went up to her..
"Armaan.. I'm sorry.. I know you are upset with---"
"Congratulationssss Nikks!" Armaan crushed her into a bear hug.. and Nikki could hardly breathe.. He was upset that he got to know from someone else that she was married! But he decided to put all of that aside for Nikki.. She was happy.. And its all he wanted! Even though he thought she could have done better than piggy-specs!
"Dr. Modi.." He shook his hand in a very formal way and in the most polite way he could.. "Saalaa Modi.. Mujhe pehle se hi is par shaq tha!" Armaan thought to himself while giving deadly glares to Abhi..
"Okay guys! Cake is here.." Riddhima announced holding a gigantic box of cake..
"Where did you arrange a cake from that fast!?" Rahul asked
"Oh.. I called Celejor and asked him if anything could be done.. He said he had one 5 kgs cake ready for tomorrows order.. He sent it to us and will make another one for the order! Cool naa?"
"My wife coolest!" Armaan said proudly..
"Armaan.. My wife coolest? Seriously!?" Anjali said..
"Achha ab cake kato naa.. Bhook lagi hain.." Atul said..
"Wohoooo!"
"Happy Wedded life to you.. Happy wedded life to you!" And they all sang in random tones with happiness and laughter.. Atul was drumming the table.. Rahul just picked up Nikki and twirled around with Nikki screaming obviously..
Armaan cut a huge piece of cake.. And went to Nikki..
"Hello Nikks.." He said with a broad mischevious smile..
"Armaan.. Kya kar rahein ho tum?"
"Kuch nai.. Tujhe theek se wish karne aayaa hoon!" With that, he smashed the whole piece of cake on her face..
"Congratulations.. And celebrations! We wish you a happy wedded life!" He did a little dance in front of her.. While everyone just looked on and laughed.. This guy was madddd!
"Youuuu.. Armaan ke bachhe.. rook!" Nikki screamed as she took off after him..
"Armaan ke bachhe ko abhi bohot time hain.. Haina Riddhima.."
"Armaaan!!" Riddhima said glaring at him..
Nikki cut a piece of the cake and aimed it at Armaan.. Only it missed him and hit Abhi instead!
"Oh Abhi.. I'm so sorry!"
"Guysssss.. Not in my houseeee!" Riddhima said as she half shouted half cried! Armaan was such an idiot.. ! There was cake all over the floor and a bit over the couch.. She was confused over whether she should hit him or bang her own head on the wall..
"Riddhima.. Yeh sab Armaan ke wajah se hua hain.." Nikki said..
"Arrey! Maine kya kiya? Dr Modi par toh cake tumne pheka.. Meine jab cake pheka tab kuchh bhi ganda nai hua tha.. I promise Riddhima.." He replied.
"Shut up! Start tumne kiya tha.." Nikki shouted back..
"Haan lekin.. Sab cake tumne giraayaa hain.. Tumhe pataa hain.. Riddhima kitna.. Kitna khoon paseena ek kar ke hamaaraa ghar clean rakhti hain!? Neat and tidy! Spick and span!" He told her as if it was all her fault and he had nothing to do with it..
"Nikkkkkiiiiiiii!! KYA KIYA TUMNE!?" Armaan screamed as Nikki smashed some cake on his face..
"Meine socha ki theek tarah se thank you toh bolna chahiye naa? Hmm?" Nikki said in a sugary sweet tone..
"Tujhe mein chhodunga nai.. Tu rook!"
"Armaan.. Armaan.. ! Stop it!" Riddhima stopped Armaan as he attempted to get another piece of cake..
"Riddhima.. Nikki ko bolo naa.. Hamesha mujh par hi chilaati ho!"
"Di.. Yeh cak andar le jaaiye please.." She did some damage control.. No cake.. So no cake fight! And her house would be fine with a little bit of cleaning!
Riddhima pointed her finger at Armaan's chest... And whispered so softly that nobody else could hear..
"Armaan Mallik.. If you don't go and wash your face RIGHT now.. There's going to be no sex for the next one week.."
The next thing everyone saw was Armaan jogging into the bedroom and kicking the bathroom door shut!
"Mein bhi apna face wash kar deti hoon!.. Abhi.. Chalo.." Nikki stuttered before Riddhima lost it any more..
"Chal naa Ridzie.. Hum yeh clean kar dete hain.."
"Haan haan Ridzie.. Cake sab ke pair mein aayega toh poora ghar ganda ho jayega.."
--
"I'm back!" Armaan said.. Coming out and raising his hands in a somewhat SRK style..
"Armaan.. Tu bathroom gayaa tha.. Apna face wash karne..! Lekin.. Meine tujhe kitna miss kiya tujhe pata hain.." Rahul went up to him and hugged him acting as if he was crying..
"Shut up you two.." Anjali said..
"Guys.. This weekend we should all go somewhere.. Nikki aur Abhi ki shaadi ke khushi mein? Hayye Rabba.. Inki shaadi bhi ho gayii hain..!" Muskaan suggested.. Everyone was finding this difficult to digest.. Nikki was now Mrs. Nikki Modi! She was like this kid in the group.. And now she was somebody's wife! And that somebody being no one else but khadoos Dr. Modi!
"Haan yaar.. Its been so longg we went for a trip! Is baar kahiin chaltein hain.. Celebration ka celebration.. And lots of fun!" Rahul said
"Achha guys.. This trip is my treat.. Toh batao Nikki kahaa chalna hain?"
"Umm.. Goa?" Nikki asked looking at Abhi lovingly..
"Goa ke liye hotel bookings nahi milegi.." Atul said
"Achha guys! Mere ek cousin ke friend ka resort hain.. Karjat mein" armaan said..
"Oh haan.. Raj ke friend Hitesh ka resort.."Riddhima said..
"Haan.. Wahaan booking bhi mil jaayega.. And its beautiful! Hum log kabhi bhi wahaan gayye nahin hain.. Mazaa aayega!" Armaan said
"Sounds good to me!" Anjali said..
"Toh theek hain Dr. Armaan.. You take care of the bookings.. I'll arrange for the cars!" Abhi said..
They decided to go to Sunville at Karjat for the weekend while everyone retired to go back home.. All of them were super-kicked and excited about this trip.. After all, they were going on a trip like this after 2 years.. Since they had all been so busy with their own lives, settling their careers, sorting out their priorities, taking important decisions....... They had lost touch for some time.. And then, there was no proper time when all of them were free to go for a vacation.. However, now that they were FINALLY going, one thing was a given.. Ammy, Basket, Muski, Daddoo, Anjie, Champ, Nikks and Piglet together= Lots of fun.. !
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