QSS thread # 3 part 149 posted on pg149on 6/1/11 - Page 3

Part 136

Feeling very thirsty, she opened her eyes and was surprised to see him sleeping in a sitting position. She looked at the clock and saw that it was 10 minutes past 5. Feeling her move, he at once opened his eyes and asked "How are feeling now?" She said she was thirsty and he got up to get some water. When she tried to sit up, the pad from her forehead fell on down, and only then she realized that he had been up all night, putting cold pads on her forehead.

He came and sat beside her, lifting her a bit, put his arm around her shoulder and held the glass of water to her lips. She drank thirstily from it. When he put the glass back on the side table and was about to lay her on the bed again, she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him first on his cheeks. Then moving onto his lap and holding his face in her palms, kissed him on his lips. Then looking deep into his eyes wished him a very happy birthday. "I'm sorry I foiled the cake cutting plan and kept you awake the whole night," she apologized. "It's ok sweetheart, I'm glad to see you better. We can cut the cake now, no problem."

As he tried to move her she got naughty and started unbuttoning his shirt. When he asked "Riddhima, kya kar rahi ho?" she laid soft kisses on his chest and neck. "Riddhima, tumhari tabeeyat……" he couldn't get any further. Thus his birthday began on a wonderful note.

Armaan stretched his arms to put off the alarm and once again nuzzled into her hair. Both of them had fallen asleep after an exhausting love making session. But Armaan's thought of getting back to sleep was short lived, because his arch rival was awake and hungry. He pulled on his clothes and picked him up from his cot. He took him out, so as not to disturb her, and started bottle feeding him. At first Ani refused to take the bottle, but Armaan explained to him in his baby language that his mama was not well and as if he understood it, he started drinking from the bottle.

Riddhima woke up a few minutes later. She was still feeling very weak. She went to the washroom and after freshening up went to look for Ani and saw that Armaan had just finished bottle-feeding him. She asked him, "Armaan why didn't you wake me? Why did you bottle feed him?" Armaan looked at her, surprised by her question. "Riddhima you are not well, so I didn't want to disturb you. Secondly I thought it would be safer, so that he doesn't catch the infection."

Riddhima came and sat next to him and asked "Armaan don't you remember what Dr. Kalyani had said last time, when I had severe cold and asked her if I could breastfeed Ani? She had said "The best thing you can do for your baby when you're sick is to continue to breastfeed. When you have a contagious illness such as a cold, flu, or other mild virus, your baby was exposed to the illness before you even knew you were sick. Your milk will not transmit your illness to baby, but it does have antibodies in it that are specific to your illness (plus anything else you or baby have been exposed to) - they'll help prevent baby from getting sick, or if he does get sick, he'll probably not be as sick as you."

A: Yes, you're right I forgot that.

As they were talking Akshat dashed in and came and sat on his mama's lap. Then touching her forehead asked "Ab aapki tabeeyat kaisi hai? Main aapko do bhaje uthane aaya tha, lekin aapko bahut tez bukaar tha. Isliye dad ne kaha hum cake subah kaatenge. Lekin aaj maine dad ko first "happy birthday" wish kiya. Aap second ho gayi" he teased her. When she made a sad face he said "Theek hai, jab dad cake kaatenge aapko hi pehle khilayenge na?" "Of course not, jisne mujhe first wish kiya, usi ko khilaoonga" interrupted Armaan.

"Dad" shouted Akshat. Then turning to his mama whispered in her ear "Aap sad mat hona. Yoohin jhootu, jhootu keh rahe hain. Sure, aap hi ko first khilayenge. Aap unki wife ho na? Main bhi jab bada hounga to main bhi first apne wife ko hi khilaoonga." Then he bit his tongue at what he had said. Both Armaan and Riddhima burst laughing. Seeing them laugh the little one also started laughing. Then Riddhima said "Chalo sab log tayyar ho jao, pehle cake kaatenge, aur phir apne apne kaam par chalenge."

A: Nahi, Riddhima, hum aaj kahin nahi jaayenge. Na tum clinic jaogi, na main hospital jaoonga.

Ak: Aur main?

A: Tum bhi school nahi jaoge. Aaj hum ghar par hi mera birthday manayenge.

Riddhima almost agreed to his request, but then suddenly remembered Devi's call and said "Nahi Armaan, jaana zaroori hai. Tum hi to keh rahe the aaj koi important meeting hai."

A: Yes, you are right, woh to main bhool hi gaya tha. But you are definitely not going anywhere. And I'll be back by lunchtime.

"If he's back home by lunchtime, how will the decorators do their work? Moreover the courier might come in the afternoon only," thought Riddhima. So she quickly said "theek hai, I won't go in the morning. You need not stay back after lunch either. I'll be only sleeping, what's the point in your staying home? In the evening, you come and take me to the clinic for an hour, just in case there are any emergency cases. OK?"

A: No Riddhima…….

If she didn't know how to manipulate him, who would? She pouted very sadly (as he usually did) saying "theek hai tumhari marzi." He immediately changed his mind saying "ok we'll do as you say. Akshat you also go to school. Come on let's go and get ready."

When Armaan came out of the bath he saw a beautiful new shirt laid out on the bed for him. He had a smile on his face as he wore it and remembered that he had tried a similar piece at one of the shops they had been to, last month. But it had been smaller size and they didn't have the same one in the bigger size. He had been quite disappointed. Trust her to go and get the same one, he thought to himself buttoning up the shirt.

He was combing his hair in front of the mirror when she came out of the bath. She came and hugged him from behind saying "This shirt's looking very nice on you. Be careful, surely some girls are going to drop dead today" she teased. "Come on Riddhima, ab to do do bachchon ka baap hoon. Koi ladki aankh uthakar bhi nahi dekhti" he complained. She gave him a glare and said "good for them. They probably know your wife would pull their eyes out if they stared at you." As they giggled over what Riddhima said, Akshat called out to them "Dad, mama jaldi aayiye. Mujhe school ke liye late ho jayega."

When they hurried out, the cake had already been kept on the low table near the sofa. Akshat was explaining to his dadu and athai, whom the six figures on the cake represented. Their broad smile indicated that they felt proud to be accepted as a part of this lovely family. Armaan loved the cute looking cake and was overjoyed when Riddhima explained that they had chosen this theme because Armaan cared about his family, the most. He hugged them all and said "That's absolutely true."

Seeing all of them huddled together, the little one, who was in the middle of the circle, but at a lower level, took the opportunity to pick up a handful of the cake. When they came out of the hug and asked Armaan to cut the cake, they were shocked to see the tiny hero happily lick his cream covered palms. Kaka who was standing ready with the camera, to click the photo of Armaan cutting the cake, clicked this photo instead,

Everyone stood gaping at Ani for sometime. Akshat was the first to react. "Ani" he called out loudly and looked angrily at him. "Bhukkad kahin ka. Itna beautiful cake tha. Poora cake barbaad kar diya" he lamented. Armaan silenced him shaking his head. "Aisey nahi kehte beta. He's so small he can't understand anything. He saw the cake and wanted to eat it.Waise bhi, cake ko kaatna hi tha." By then akka had undressed Ani who had the cake all over his dress and had gone to fetch other set of clothes for him. Riddhima was pulling out some tissues from the box, to clean his hands.

Seeing his bhai so angry with him, the little one thought he was upset because he didn't share the cake with him. So with a chweet smile, he held out a piece of the sabotaged cake, for his bhai also.

Who could be angry with cutie pie after that? All of them obviously started laughing at his antics. Riddhima wiped his hands while Akshat said, laughing at his adorable brother, "Thank you lekin mujhe tere haath se cake nahi khana hai, mujhe aaj dad ke haath se hi khana hai." Realizing that they were getting late, Armaan said "chalo, chalo baaki bacha hua cake to kaatloon."

Finally amidst a lot of jokes and fun, Armaan cut the cake. Riddhima had managed to salvage the cake and hide the damaged part from the camera. So anyone seeing the photos would not guess at all, the drama that took place before it was cut. But after cutting the cake, the birthday boy was in a dilemma as to whom he should feed first. Undoubtedly, she would always hold the foremost position in his life and in his heart. But at the same time his son needed to get over his insecurities. So he picked up a piece, broke it two and held it simultaneously towards two mouths, Akshat's and Riddhima's. Not that Riddhima would have minded if he had fed Akshat first, but he couldn't do that to his sweetheart.

Then he gave kaka and akka a piece each and touched their feet to take their blessings. Finally holding the little one by his hands as far away from his new shirt as possible, he put a small piece into his mouth, though he had already helped himself generously to it. Kaka gave him a wallet and akka a handknit sweater. Armaan was deeply touched by their love and got emotional. He hugged them as if they were his own parents.

Finally Akshat left for school and Armaan to the hospital. Armaan kissed her before leaving asking her to rest. Riddhima went to her bedroom to lie down for a bit thinking, even the little activity had tired her. She had been asleep for sometime when akka came to check her and found her burning with fever. She made some kaada for her and forced her to have it, but the fever didn't let up. That's how Armaan found her when he came home for lunch.

He decided he wasn't going to the hospital. He forced her to have some soup. She didn't have the strength to even sit up to feed Ani, so he placed him beside her on the bed, for his feed. In the meantime he phoned Dr. Kalyani and gave her the details. He then went to the chemist to get the antibiotic which the doctor had prescribed. He asked akka to keep a watch on her, as he got the medicine.

Both mother and son had fallen asleep when he came back with the medicine. Akka had put Ani in his cot. Armaan took the tablet in his hand and slowly tapped on her cheeks to wake her up. "Riddhima, utho, yeh dawa lelo" he woke her up. She opened her eyes and he helped her to a half sitting position and placed the glass of water to her lips. Then he popped the medicine into her mouth. After swallowing it she asked in her hoarse voice "Armaan what was that? Did you give me some antibiotic?"

Before she could raise the issue that she was nursing and couldn't take antibiotics, he said "Maine Dr. Kalyani se pooch kar hi di hai. Your temperature shot up again. The fluctuating temperature was worrying me. So I called her and she prescribed this. She said it was quite safe, so don't worry." Hearing his assurance, she put her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest went back to sleep again. He was surprised that she didn't question why he didn't go to the hospital. Surely that itself was an indication that she was very ill.

He had also closed his eyes as he held her asleep in his arms but was woken up by the ringing of his cell. He gently placed her head on the pillow, covered her, and went outside to take the call. Seeing that it was from the hospital, he only hoped it wasn't and emergency call. He was relieved when the receptionist told him that there was a courier for him and that the delivery person was not prepared to hand it to her. Armaan spoke directly to the person and asked for the name of the sender. He was surprised when he said it was from one Mr. Bashir. He felt it must be something urgent, so he somehow convinced him to come home and deliver it, explaining to him that it was a family emergency, hence he was unable to come to the hospital. He asked the receptionist also to inform Dr. Mohan that he was taking the afternoon off, as his wife was unwell.

When the doorbell rang he went to open the door wondering how the courier boy had reached here so soon. But the person at the door said, he had come for the terrace decoration. Armaan thought he might have got the wrong address but kaka intervened and said to Armaan, "Beta, aaj bahu ne ek party rakhi hai terrace pe, tumhare janm din ke liye. Usi ki tayyari karne yeh aaye hain." Armaan was about to say that it was cancelled when kaka said "Ab aakhri samay par cancel karna bhi theek nahi hai. Bahu ko bhi bahut bura lagega. Bagair jyada shor kiye party chalne do."

A: Haan kaka, aap theek keh rahe ho. Ab har ek ko phone karke mana bhi to nahi kar sakte.

Then turning towards the man he said "Aap terrace par jaakar apna kaam kijiye." He asked kaka if he had any idea, how many people she had invited and who the caterer was. Kaka shook his head to indicate that he knew nothing about it. The door bell rang again and Kaka opened the door. It was the courier. Armaan accepted the package wondering what it could be. When he offered a hundred rupee note to the delivery boy he refused saying that it was a part of his job. Armaan asked kaka to get him a piece of his birthday cake and asked the boy to come in and sit down.

In the meantime he opened the packet and was shocked to see the document it contained. He opened the letter enclosed with it and had tears flowing down his cheeks. When the boy ate the cake and wished Armaan a happy birthday, Armaan hugged him and said he had brought the best gift to him. The boy, who had many-a-times regretted doing such a job, though he was well qualified, felt very proud today. He had made someone so happy, especially on his birthday. He left with broad smile on his face.

Seeing Armaan in tears but extremely happy, kaka asked "kya baat hai beta?" indicating the papers he was holding in his hands. Armaan at once hugged him and said kaka 'ab yeh ghar hamara ho jayega." Then he rushed in to give his sweetheart the good news.

Hi friends,

I'm very thrilled to see such a tremedous response to my question. And since EACH AND EVERYONE of you have given me the green signal to continue with this ff, I shall defnitely do so. Your wish is my command. Aapke hukum sar aankhon par. Some have even threatened me "You daren't stop it!"Of course with so many loyal readers, I really DON'T DARE TO. Thankyou so much for the prompt and massive response.

Love, Shardha

Part 112

Kaka brought some snacks and coffee for the guests. Devi refused as she was feeling very nauseous. Riddhima asked Kaka to get her some sweetlime juice and made Devi drink it. Bashir felt very pleased with the way Mrs. Mallik was taking care of his wife. He left the room to discuss something with Armaan. Armaan was in the garden with the kids. Abhi and Rahul had gone for their Ayurvedic Massage.

When Riddhima tried to make some space in Akshat's closet for Bashir and Devi's clothes, Devi said they didn't mind living out of a suitcase, but didn't want the Mallik household to be disturbed in any way. Riddhima understood Devi's feelings as she would also have felt the same. She sat next to her and explained to her that she shouldn't consider herself an outsider. She was like an elder sister to her. The Malliks didn't have any relatives living closeby. They missed that. So any guest was very dear to them. Devi was really touched by Riddhima's words as she also missed her relatives very much at such times, and tears trickled down her eyes. Riddhima lovingly wiped them away saying "We've brought you to be happy and cheerful. Not to cry. You get some sleep, you must be tired."

She coaxed Devi to lie down and pulled the curtains to darken the room. Then she switched on the AC. She sat next to her till she fell asleep and then quietly left from there. She saw her friends watching some cookery show and joined them. Muskaan reduced the volume and asked "Kaisi hai woh? Bahut daya aati hai uski haalat dekhkar."

R: So rahi hai. She doesn't need our pity, she needs our friendship, Muskaan.

M: Ya, of course.

R: Muskaan, Nikki I want to ask you one more favour.

M: Riddhima when did you become so formal. Just tell us whatever you want.

R: Armaan wants to have a men's evening out at the club. He doesn't have many friends here, though he's a member of the club. His only outings are with the family. So I wanted him to have some fun with his friends. Would you people mind if they went to the club tonight? We can take the kids to the Blossom International Park.

M: Of course, it's ok Riddhima. I'm sure with Armaan there, they won't get too naughty.

N: Of course I too don't have any problem, but I have one doubt. Tell me honestly Riddhima, was it Armaan who wanted it or,

R: See whoever wanted it, I want Armaan to have some fun. He's been too tied down with us for more than a year. He's used to being such a free-bird all these years. Don't we females sometimes wish for a break? Away from the kids and home? Of course that's a different matter that we only keep wishing and never actually take a break because even if we did we'd go somewhere and keep worrying only about the kids.

M: Sachchi Riddhima, you and Armaan are really different. Every female wants to keep her husband tied to her pallu and you want to set your husband, who has voluntarily tied himself to your pallu, free.

R: Hey Madam, you are mistaken. I don't have any ideas of setting my husband free. Not in this janam nor in next seven janams. I'm giving him freedom for only one evening, and that too only to be with his men friends.

Seeing Nikki very quiet Riddhima enquired "Tum itni chup kyon ho Nikki? Are you worried about Abhi? I believe the more you try to pull the rein him, the more he wants to break free. Set him free and he'll remain bonded by your love and trust.

M: If all of us go out, what about Devi and Bashir?

R: Bashir will of course accompany the men and Devi will come with us. Aaj zara Kaka aur akka ko bhi kaam se chutti dete hain. We'll go to Saravana bhavan and hog there. Their dosas and sambhar are awesome.

Armaan came in with Ani and Rohan, as dirty as can be. It looked as if they had been rolling in the mud. And the best part was that they had convinced Bashir also to join them. "My God! Armaan yeh kya haalat bana rakha hai? You are worse than Ani." Riddhima screamt as she tried to pull Ani, but Armaan held on to him saying, "You keep cool, I'll get myself and the boys clean in no time." When Muskaan got up to take charge of Rohan he smiled and told her, "Relax Muskaan, I'm used to taking care of two boys at one time."

M: of course I know that. And you better take care of the two big boys also when you take them out this evening.

He laughed at her remark and said "Rest assured, I will." Then he moved with the boys to the washroom. They were gone for more than half an hour but came out bright and sparkling. From the time Snoopy and Droopy had come Ani had forgotten his nap. (A couple of days back he had tried to go out, to play with them, on his own and had tumbled down the front steps, bumping his head.)

As soon as Armaan put Ani on the floor and went to get his clothes from the closet, he quickly crawled to Riddhima, stood up holding her saree and started tapping her saying "mamamama". Riddhima understood that he was asking for his feed, but pretended to be angry with him. "Jab tak Droopy aur Snoopy ke saath the, to bhook nahi lkagi thi aur andar aate he bhook lagne lagi? Jao aur khelo unke saath" she scolded him. He immediately pursed his lips and started crying.

Armaan came out with his clothes and asked Muskaan to give Rohan his clothes. Seeing Ani crying, he picked him up and kissed him, but Ani only wanted his mama. He bent towards her and cried more. "Kyon rula rahi ho usey? He must be hungry. Lo feed him," he said handing over Ani to her. As she walked in with him, putting on his clothes, Armaan saw Nikki sitting quietly.

A: Angel kahan hai?

N: akka usey bottle pila rahi hai.

A: Nikki I wanted to talk to you about Abhi, as his doctor.

N: Actually mujhe bhi aapse baat karni thi.

A: We could go up to the terrace, so that we won't be disturbed.

N: Nahi uski koi zaroorat nahi hai. I'm fine here.

A: Ok shoot.

N: Armaan please don't mistake me, but I'm not able to understand Abhi's moods nor gauge them. I knew him from his childhood days and when I married him I knew it's not going to be easy, but I want to make Abhi's life better. I want him to be happy.

By then tears were rolling down her cheeks. When Muskan came with Rohan having dressed him, she was shocked to see Nikki and Armaan chatting and Nikki weeping. She quietly left the room taking Rohan along with her.

Armaan got flustered seeing Nikki cry. "Please get a hold on yourself Nikki, and tell me explicitly what's the problem," he coaxed her.

N: Actually we had not thought of a baby when I realised that I was pregnant. So I was very apprehensive about Abhi's reaction. But he took it very well saying we've had a late marriage so it was good to have a baby soon. He took good care of me during my pregnancy too. He was the happiest person when the baby was born. But soon he started cribbing saying I was ignoring him, not caring about him. Now that I had someone else to shower my love, I didn't need him etc. I don't need to tell you how much work a new baby entails. I made sure I didn't burden him with any of the baby's work. I did everything myself. Even then,

"That's exactly where you made a mistake," Armaan interrupted her. "As he was kept away from the baby's care, he started feeling left out. Had you made him share a part of the burden, this situation wouldn't have aroused."

Hearing the car drive in, Armaan stopped talking saying, "We'll catch up later," and switched on the TV. Nikki also went in, to see if akka had finished feeding Akshita.

Part 114

Having bid the ladies and kids goodbye, the men walked indoors. They were to leave only at eight. The whole house felt empty without the kids and the women. Armaan told kaka that he didn't have to have to prepare dinner as all of them would be eating out. He gave akka permission to go visit her friends and stay the night there. He asked kaka also to take the evening off and go for a movie or something. Seeing the coffee cup left untouched on the table, kaka remarked "Jaldi mein bahu ne coffee tak nahi pi aur naahi kuch nashta khaya."

A: Aap fikar mat karo kaka, woh log hotel mein khakar hi aayenge. Hum bhi thodi der baad nikal jayenge. Aap jaakar apne doston ke saath picture-victure dekh aayiye na.

Kaka had his group of friends. One was a watchman, one worked as a cook in a restaurant and one worked in a house like him. He would have to check and see who was free to go with him. Anyway he left for his usual walk where he would meet them.

At the park the gang was enjoying themselves.

D: We could have brought Droopy and Snoopy also. They would have enjoyed it here.

R: I don't think they would have let them in.

Devi was sitting on the wheelchair and both the boys were pushing her.

The men got ready and left the house at 8. There were lots of sports facilities and pool at the club. They enjoyed some tennis, had a swim, then played some card games. They had very mild drinks as none of them wanted to offend their better halfs. Armaan had called Riddhima a couple of times but he only got the message that she was not reachable.

A: Hey guys, you didn't tell me how the Ayurvedic massage was.

Ab: It was awesome, so relaxing. I loved it.

R: Haan yaar, you missed something fantastic.

A: Arrey main to yahin hoon, I can go any time, no problem.

R: Ya, if Riddhima allows you.

A: Why won't she? Why would she have a problem? You think I spend all my free time with her because she won't let me do otherwise? You are mistaken my friends. I do it out of my own choice.

Ra: You know if Riddhima hadn't convinced Muskaan, she would have never agreed to this mens' evening out. Yaar tu bahut lucky hai. Saat saal kya bichad gaye the tum, Riddhima ab tera har baat manti hai. Mujhe lagta hai mujhe bhi Muskaan ko,

A: Rahul,

Only when Armaan called out to him, Rahul realized that he was saying things in front of Abhi. But seeing him embarrassed Abhi said "It's ok. Actually I don't have any memories of those years. I only remember slogging in the middle East. I was home only during vacation and then too my mother was there to do everything for me. It's only after she died, that me and Riddhima needed to talk about daily things. Like she used to just inform me ke khane mein kya bana hai, kahan rakha hai etc. not that I used to listen. Un saat saalon mein we didn't even manage to talk as freely as we talk today. She was busy with her work and then she had Akshat to take care of. I had my so called friends. That's why I didn't even bond with Akshat. That child used to be terrified of me because I used to always be in a foul temper. Aaj sochta hoon ke aisey haalat mein bhi this child has grown up to be an exemplar to all children. The full credit for that goes to Riddhima. I only had a negative effect on him always."

Armaan was stunned to hear Abhi pour out his heart for the first time. He couldn't believe his ears. He consoled him "Come on Abhi why remember the unhappy past when you such a cute present waiting to be in your arms. God has given you a second chance, just like he did for me and Riddhima. Jo kuch tum Akshat ke liye nahi kar paye, ab angel ke liye kar dena.

Bashir was looking perplexed from one to the other. So Rahul explained to him briefly about Riddhima-Abhi's marriage etc. Bashir was astounded to know that Armaan had actually helped the man, who had taken away his love, to get settled in life. This man is an incredible human being, Bashir said to himself. In this selfish world, where people don't find time for their family, this man goes out of his way to help even people whom he doesn't know. And that too for no benefit to himself. He prayed to God to bless him and fulfill all his desires.

A: Actually Rahul, you also need to cut down your work a little and give time to Rohan. Why do we men slog so hard and earn so much? For our family and kids. But if we have no love bonding and closeness with them, all the money and luxury is of no use. The greatest luxury for them would be to spend some quality time with their dad, maybe just a few minutes or an hour, but they will eagerly await that hour.

Mothers manage to connect with them just by attending to their daily chores. We could also try doing the little things for them which would please them immensely. You know sometimes when I have to go late to work, I drop Akshat at school. I drop him for his football practise, I talk to his friends once in a way jusy to say "hi". I speak their lingo that brings them closer to me. And you know his friends tell me "Uncle Akshat is very lucky to have such a cool dad." I'm not trying to blow my trumpet but I'm only saying everybody envies the way our family is bonded, but it's not easy. It's sheer hardwork that has brought about this bonding, the first and foremost rule being 'never take your near and dear ones for granted.

Rahul, you should also build a closer bond with Rohan, this is the right age for him. Once he bonds with you now, he'll remain bonded in future too. I know you give him everything he asks for and even more, but you need to become his friend, his best friend. Then he'll also treat you like a friend and confide everything in you. So by the time he reaches his teenage, you would have build such a friendly relationship with him, that he won't hide anything from you, unlike other teenagers who usually hide things from their parents.'

At the park all of them were tired but they couldn't get enough of that wonderful place. They decided to go for boating and then call it a day as it was already past 9. Devi was hesitant, but Riddhima made her leave the chair and helped her get into the boat. Then she took Akshita from Niiki, so that she could get in. After handing Akshita back to Nikki, she pulled in the boys. Then she held out her arms for Ani whom she had handed to Muskaan before helping Devi. When Muskaan held out Ani to her, she moved a step forward to get a better hold of him. But she stepped on her saree, tripped and fell down, hitting Ani's head on the side of the boat. The boatman couldn't come to her rescue as the boat was swaying and he had to balance it.

Ani was wailing loudly. Muskaan shouted for help which caught the attention of another boatman. He jumped into the water and coming near their boat helped Riddhima stand up with Ani in her arms. On the other side Rohan was crying thinking that they had moved away, while his mother was left on the shore. Pandemonium broke loose. The enjoyable evening came to a tragic end.

Soon a crowd gathered around, and Riddhima panicked seeing her hand covered in blood. All her efforts to silence Ani was futile. With the help of some people, they all climbed ashore. Riddhima asked Muskaan to take charge of the situation while she rushed to the hospital with Ani. Tears were pouring down her cheeks as she ran with Ani in her arms. Muskaan followed her saying, "Rukh main bhi chaloongi tumhare saath." "Nahi" yelled Riddhima. Main hospital pahunchte hi Shafi ko wapas bhej doongi. Nikki won't be able to manage Devi and the kids all alone. You please call Shafi and ask him to come to the gate, here take my cell." She threw her cell towards Muskaan and continued running. Muskaan stopped to search Shafi's number and call him.

Just as Riddhima reached the garden gate, Shafi was drawing up the vehicle. Seeing the wailing Ani and Riddhima running, he at once opened the door. She entered the back seat and did what she knew would defnitely stop Ani's crying, unmindful of even Shafi's presence. Even as he sucked the little one was hicupping in between. They were at the hospital in 10 minutes and Ani had fallen asleep after his feed. Before she ran with him to the emergency ward, she requested Shafi to go back to the garden and drop all of them home.

As she saw the doctor clean and plaster the wound with Ani wailing, her heart tore. She wished Armaan was with her, but she had left even her cell phone with Muskaan. Though the doctor assured her that the cut was not very deep, she insisted on a scan so that they could be sure that the child was fine. It was 11 by the time she got everything done and the reports took another half an hour. She thought of calling home but thought it better to go and talk to them in person. As she came out of the hospital wondering if she would get a taxi, she saw Shafi waiting outside. She was extremely pleased with his concern and thanked him profusely.

S: Please don't make me ashamed. I would anything for you and doctor saar.

They reached home in 10 minutes. She saw Armaan walking out of the house angrily as the van drove in. As soon as he saw her, he lost control andgrabbed the child from her. "Kya samajti ho apne aapko?" he asked gnashing his teeth. Afraid that he might create a ruckus outside, Riddhima quickly walked indoors thanking Shafi. Armaan followed her in, kissing the baby, and pulled her arm saying "Answer me." When she didn't reply, he continued, "Mujhe ek phone nahi kar sakti thi? Woh to achcha hua ke kaka ghar par the aur film dekhne nahi gaye. They didn't have the house keys and all of them were starving. Riddhima felt very bad and tears flowed down her eyes.

M: Bus kar Armaan. You won't understand the state she was in.

A: At least you could have phoned me or Rahul.

M: We were also not sure whether to tell you people or not. We didn't want to scare you unnecessarily if it was something minor. So we decided to wait for Riddhima to return. But we didn't think that she would take so long and that you people would return before her.

Then turning to Riddhima she asked "Why did it take so long? Is Ani ok?"

R: Yes he's ok. I asked them to take a scan, to be sure, that's why it took so long.

Kaka brought her a glass of water. She held out her hand to take it, but it slipped out of her hand and the next minute, she collapsed on the floor. "Riddhima" Armaan screamt as he ran towards her. Muskaan came and took Ani from him and he sat down beside Riddhima, taking her in his arms.

K: Tum jaante ho na beta usney shaam ko coffee bhi nahi pi thi. Lunch ke baad usney kuch bhi nahi khaya. Aur na khane se chakkar aate hain.

Armaan tapped her cheeks callling out "Riddhima ankhen kholo, I'm sorry Riddhima aankhen kholo, please Riddhima," Kaka brought another glass of water, gave it to Armaan and started picking up the broken pieces of glass.

Armaan sprinkled water on her face and she slowly opened her eyes. Tears were pouring down his eyes as he held his ear with one hand and apologised. She shook her head and wiped his tears, saying "It's ok Armaan. I can understand your concern." Unmindful of all of them watching, Armaan showered kisses on her face saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Riddhima put her hand on his mouth and indicated with her eyes that others were watching, only then he realized what he was doing. When she tried to get up, he helped her.

She managed to stand up, wobbling as she did so. Immediately he swept her in his arms. Riddhima was screaming "Armaan main theek hoon, mujhe neeche utharo." He took her straight to the dining room and seated her on the chair.

Devi came upto her and asked "Are you ok?"

R: yes Devi, don't worry. I'm alright.

Muskaan and Nikki had also followed them to the dining room.

M: shaam ko kuch khaya nahi is liye weakness ho gaya hoga. Ab theek se khana kha lo.

N: We also wanted to wait for you. We fed the kids and asked Devi to eat as she had to take medicines. But she refused to eat unless we both did, so we had to eat.

R: It's ok. I'm glad you all ate otherwise I would have felt very guilty.

Muskaan handed Ani to Armaan and everyone dispersed bidding them goodnight.

Part 122

The two lovebirds got so carried away that they didn't realize how much time had passed. Since the other couples were directly under the fall they couldn't stand the force of the water, for long. So all of them had come out and also changed. The drenching in water, had worked up their appetite and all were waiting for the hosts. At first no one went in search of them as they already changed into their dry clothes.

But when they hadn't come even after an hour Abhi, volunteered to go in search of them. He changed once again into his wet clothes. He went looking for them. He couldn't call out to them because his voice wouldn't be heard above the noise made by the gushing water. So he kept asking people if they had seen the couple describing their dress, but no one seemed to have seen them.

He went further and further searching for them and when he came to the part where the waterfall was just a trickle, he thought of turning back. There was no one to be seen there. But just then he heard Riddhima's giggle followed by her question "Armaan kya kar rahe ho? Chodo mujhe." He started moving in the direction from which he had heard the voice, but then changed his mind and cupping his hands around his mouth screamt "Armaan, Armaan".

At first Armaan and Riddhima were not sure if they had heard his name being called, but when Abhi continued calling, they came out of their hiding. Riddhima had been lying on a rock and Armaan next to her, koochi kooing with her. Both of them got up with a start and Riddhima started straightening her kurta, glad that she hadn't worn a saree, which would have clung to her body.

Armaan lifted her down off the rock and walked with her, hand in hand. When she tried to pull out her hand, he held it tighter. Seeing Abhi, Armaan asked "You came in search of us? Sorry we didn't realize how the time passed." Abhi smiled and said "Yes, I can understand that." Riddhima blushed at his comment and all of proceeded out.

Seeing them come, Akshat ran to them, tears pouring down his cheeks. As soon as they stepped on the dry land, he went and hugged them both by their legs questioning angrily, "Kahan chale gaye the aap dono? Main kitna darr gaya tha." Both of them realized that they unknowingly made everyone anxious. Armaan apologized to all. "Sorry, we didn't realize it was so late. Aur haath mein gadi bhi nahi thi to'" They had removed their watches and handed it to Kaka before entering the waterfall.

Riddhima knelt down and hugged Akshat. Following her Armaan also knelt down. Akshat put his arms around both their necks and showered them with kisses. His question "Agar aap logon ko ho jaata to main kya karta?" brought tears to their eyes. Both of them held their ears and apologized to him.

R: Sorry, it will never happen again.

"Aap log baatein karne lagte ho aap ko kuch khyal nahi rehta," was Akshat's angry reply.

A: Theek hai tum jo saza doge humey manzoor hai.

Everyone was watching spellbound, the drama unfolding before them. Akshat thought for sometime and said "Aap log ek doosre ke se baat nahi karoge."

A: Kya? Kitne samay tak?

Everyone prompted Akshat saying "ek saal, ek mahina," etc. But seeing his dad's sad pout, Akshat smiled and said "ek din." Armaan heaved a sigh of relief and lifted his eyebrows questioningly at his wife and she nodded in assent. Then Armaan said "our time starts now OK?" Akshat nodded with a smile.

M: Arrey yaar, kahan reh gaye the tum log itni der tak?

A: You know how crazy Riddhima gets seeing the water. She wasn't willing to come out. And when she did we were tired so we rested a bit on the rocks. Haath mein gadi nahi thi na isliye time ka pata hi nahi chala.

M: Akshat ne sahi kaha tumlog apni duniya mein chale gaye honge is liye time ka pata hi nahi chala.

Ra: Chodo Muskaan, now they are here let's eat. Everyone's famished.

As soon as Armaan and Riddhima had changed, all of them attacked the food. There was idli covered with the dry chatni powder and oil. Besides that there was lemon rice with banana chips. These were the only things that kaka and akka could rustle up, in the little time that they had.

They boys played some ball games while the ladies had an Antakshari session. Finally it was time to leave. Armaan had to go to work the next morning. Everyone was extremely tired once they reached home, so Armaan ordered for some light food from the nearby restaurant, overriding Kaka's idea of making some upma.

A: Kaka aap bhi thak gaye honge aur kal subah phir se kaam par lagna hai. Isliye aap abhi aaram kijiye.

All of them went to their room to wash and change. As soon as Armaan entered their room he called "Riddhima pehle tum wash lelo." Immediately he got a tap on his behind and when he turned around it was Akshat reminding him of his punishment by placing his finger on his lips. Armaan hit his head and apologized to Akshat by holding his ears.

Just then his phone rang. It was Dr. Shashank. He had called to inform that all the paperwork of Sanjeevani was done and all the problems solved. Sanjeevani was back with a bang and all set for a renovation making it one of the best hospitals in Mumbai. When Armaan enquired about Devi's case Dr. Shashank said he had made the necessary arrangements and she could sent to Mumbai in a few days. Then Dr.Shashank spoke to his daughter and grandson, and on hearing that Rahul and Muskaan were there, spoke to them too.

So, at the dinner table the talks centred about their Alma Mater, Sanjeevani. The pranks they'd played, the cakefights they'd had, the girls v/s boys basketball matches etc. And all four of them were very confident that Devi would become fit as a fiddle once she went there. That lifted her spirits and in turn, everyone's. So that night all of them went to bed with happy heart.

The next morning Armaan woke up early. He was going to the hospital after a long break. Riddhima had also woken up early and was removing his clothes when he came out of his bath. He came and hugged her from behind, kissing her neck. She turned around and asked him "Armaan kya kar rahe ho, darwaza khula hai, koi aa jayega." "ssshh!" Armaan silenced her putting his finger to her lip and indicating that he didn't feel like going to the hospital.

She also got into his act and asked him in action are you a small kid who doesn't want to go to school after a vacation. Unknown to them someone was watching them from the door. When Armaan hugged her and pretended to cry on her shoulder, they heard a voice say "Yeh to cheating hai." When they turned towards the door they saw Akshat standing there with his hand on hips

A: Ismein cheating kya hai? Baat to nahi kar rahe hain na? Tum nahi rote kya chuttiyon ke baad school jaana hota hai tab?

Akshat broke out laughing, "Mama theek hi kehti hai. Aap really nautankbaaz hi ho aur aapki nautanki se koi nahi bach sakta. Chalo aapka punishment cancelled." Then he ran forward, climbed on the bed and hugged both his parents. Both of them bent to kiss him from either side. But at the right moment he ducked down and they ended up kissing each other. He lay on the bed roaring with laughter.

Riddhima pretended to be angry and asked "Yeh kaisi shararat hai? Bahut badmaash ho rahe ho." Then turning towards Armaan started scolding him "This is all your influence. You've changed my well-mannered son to a naughty one." Akshat's face fell because he was only fooling and his mama misunderstood him. Seeing that Armaan immediately hugged his son asking "usmein galat kya hain? Children ought to be naughty only. If a child can't fool around with his parents, whom will he fool with?" Then he whispered in Akshat's ears "Jhoot moot ka gussa kar rahi hai. Tum bura mat manna." Hearing Armaan, Riddhima also gave up the pretence and hugging him said "Beta, main to mazaak kar rahi thi. I'm very proud of you and love you a lot." She showered him with kisses.

At the breakfast table the boys were laughing seeing Armaan with a sad face and pout, as he was the only one to go to work. He envied all the others who would enjoy without him. At last after a lot of fuss and cribbing he left for the hospital.

The next two days just flew away with Armaan busy at the hospital and the guests relaxing. They visited some nearby tourist spots with Shafi and enjoyed the delicious food cooked by Kaka and akka. The kids enjoyed playing with Droopy and Snoopy. Nobody wanted to go back to their normal routine. They all wished they could stay on here, forever.

Soon the day for the Grewals and Modis to leave, arrived. Everyone was very disturbed. When it was time for him to go to the hospital that morning, Armaan apologised for not being able to accompany them to the airport. They made him promise that the Malliks would come to Patiala for the next vacation. When Shafi came with the van to pick them up, the two boys were hugging each other and crying. So after a lot of pleading from both of them, Riddhima allowed Akshat to escort them upto the airport. Shafi promised to take care of him and bring him back safely. But seeing his brother enter the van, the little one started shouting and screaming stretching out his arms. Everyone kissed him in turn and he clung to everyone. It was pathetic tearing him away from them. Finally it was Snoopy and Droopy who distracted him.

Part 127

Suddenly lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder. Both of them automatically turned towards the balcony. She went and opened the door, with him following closely behind her. Putting his arms around her waist and his chin on her shoulder he asked "Remember our first date in the basketball court?"

R: Yes, the weather was exactly like this.

"And we played basketball in the rain," he laughed.

A: I've always wondered about one thing. Tell me honestly, were you glad that I didn't kiss you inspite of having come so close to you or were you disappointed?

R: Actually, I can't say. The feelings that came over me that night were absolutely new to me. I'd never felt anything like that before. When you were about to kiss me, my mind kept saying it's wrong and I should back off. But my body wouldn't obey me. My lips wanted to feel yours. I was totally confused.

A: What would you have done if I'd kissed you then?

R: I'm not sure. I think even if I'd liked it, I wouldn't have dared to kiss you back. And if in case I'd responded it would would only have reinforced the wrong impression I had about you and I would have very much regretted having fallen prey to a playboy. But in all probability I think I would have given you a tight slap and run away from there. Though I would have regretted it later and cried over it the whole night. Remember, then I was a great hypocrite, on what's moral and immoral?

"Come on Riddhima, why are you so harsh with yourself?" he asked as he closed the balcony door and lead her to the bed and continued. "It's the way you were brought up, with all the right values and in a cacooned world. You didn't have much exposure. Even in med-college, Anjie was like a mother hen clucking over you, so no one dared act smart with you. You were too straightforward and innocent for the big bad world.

R: But I was very happy that night when I went home after playing with you in the rain. You had won a special place in my heart because you didn't take advantage of the situation, when I was vulnerable. Your image of a flirt, a Casanova, changed overnight. I couldn't sleep, it was the longest night ever. I was eager to see you the next morning. And when I saw you, I couldn't understand or handle the feelings coming over me. I wanted to come close to you, hug you. My heart was beating erratically. But when you moved towards me I was scared and started backing off.

A: All the same, you agreed to meet me in the fire escape when I asked you to. I think it was there, that you boldly looked into my eyes. For the first time, I could see in your eyes that you had some feelings for me, though you were afraid to say so.

R: Ok you tell me, why did you forego such a chance of kissing me?

A: Riddhima whatever my image was, it was only outward show. It was a cover up for the vulnerable Armaan, who didn't have anyone, except Bi, to call his own. I wanted to project the image of a cool dude with so many girlfriends. Thanks to my physical attributes, I had girls swooning over me. So I didn't have to work very hard for that image. But the minute I felt any of the girls getting closer to me, I dropped them like a hot cake. And everyone thought I changed girlfriends as quickly as I changed my shirt.

Naturally those girls used to be depressed because of my rejection and to protect their image they bad-mouthed me. It didn't affect me anyways. On the contrary I thought it bettered my playboy image. Believe me I'd never touched any girl. I used to take them out on dinner dates, movies etc. but dropped them back home straightaway. Maybe a friendly goodnight kiss on the cheek, but no further.

"Oh! So many of them might have been disappointed," teased Riddhima.

"Maybe," he laughed it off and then said in a very serious tone, "but with you it was an altogether different feeling. I wanted to spend time with you, get to know you better. I wanted you to come closer to me, to like me. When you came to meet me that evening, I understood that you also reciprocated my feelings. I was very happy and was dying to hold you and kiss you. But I was wary. By then I knew you enough to understand that you wouldn't be comfortable with that. Tough I could fee it that you also wanted it as much as I did. I didn't want to sour the relationship which was just beginning to build between us. That's why I changed my mind in the last minute. But today I've in my arms, what I yearned for then." He concluded and starting kissing her passionately and she too reciprocated with the same fervor.

The next morning they were woken up as usual by the hungry tot. Hearing him Riddhima lazily opened her eyes and was shocked to see it was past 8 o'clock. Their night chatting and it being Armaan's day off, was responsible for it. She quickly picked up the little one and started feeding him. Armaan had also woken up when she moved.

He took the baby once she finished feeding him, saying "You take your shower in Akshat's bath, I'll take care of this chap." He said taking him into the washroom. Since Akshat also had an off that day, he was also still asleep. But hearing the shower run, he woke up. When he went to his parents' room he saw Ani and his dad having a gala time in the bath. So he also joined them. When Riddhima came there after her shower, she saw all three of them dripping wet. It was only after she threatened them of dire consequences that they dried themselves and came to the breakfast table.

Immediately after breakfast Armaan said "Riddhima you go and work on your assignment. I'll take care of the kids." So Riddhima closeted herself in their room while the three males moved to the hall. Ani was put in his play-pen with all his toys around, Akshat sat down with his homework, while Armaan watched the news.

Ak: Dad, mama kya kar rahi hai?

A: Woh bhi homework kar rahi hai.

Ak: Phir, aap meri help karoge?

"Haan batao kya help chahiye?" Armaan asked muting the TV.

AK: Mujhe 'My Best Friend" pe ek paragraph likhna hai.

A: Yeh to bahut asaan hai. What's the problem?

Ak: Whom do I name as my best friend?

A: Jo sach mein tumhara best friend ho.

Ak: Actually meri best friend Tania hai. Lekin agar main uske bare mein likhoonga to sab ladke mujhe tease karenge.

A: Kyon tease karenge? Best friend ladki nahi ho sakti hai kya?

Ak: Woh kahenge "Tania teri girlfriend hai."

A: Woh girl hai and tumhari friend hai, so what?

"Dad aap samajte nahi ho." He said sulking.

Armaan didn't want to get into any further argument so he gave a solution. "Sunny bhi tera friend hai na? To uska naam likhde. Yeh to sirf ek composition homework hai. It's not necessary you have to write the absolute truth. Ismein jhoot bhi chal jayega."

Akshat was a bit hesitant at first, but then decided to follow his father's advice. Our little fellow was bored of playing by himself, so started crying a bit and calling out to his dad. Armaan switched off the TV, picked him up and cuddled him. That made him laugh a lot. Then when Akshat was done with his homework, Armaan became a 'goda' giving Ani a ride on his back, with his bhai holding on to him. The little fellow was very excited and started screaming loudly. Even akka came to see what was happening and went in with a smile on her face.

Soon all of them were tired out. Akshat sat on the sofa and switched on his favourite cartoon channel. The little one was getting restless, rubbing his nose and sniggering. Armaan thought he might be sleepy and tried to put him to sleep but he was restless. He was looking all around as if he was searching for something. When he started his typical cry for his feed, Armaan asked akka to get his bottle but he wasn't prepared to drink it. Armaan understood that he wanted his mama. So he picked him and went to their room.

Ridhhima was was busy typing on her laptop. Hearing them enter she looked up and the little one literally fell on her muttering "mamamama". She looked up at the clock and was shocked to see that it was past 11 o'clock. Kissing the little one she asked "Shonu ko bhook lagi?" Then putting him to her breast said "Sholly shona mama ko time ka pata hi nahi chala."

Then leaning back on Armaan who was sitting behind her she said "Thanks to you, I could work on the assignment with so much concentration. I didn't realize how the time flew away. You know this assignment is so interesting." Then she started discussing it with him and welcomed his suggestions on it.

Ani fell asleep after his feed. She showed Armaan her assignment and was incorporating his suggestions into it. They realized that it was lunchtime only when akka came to call them. As Akshat was not there in the hall, they went to his room to look for him. He was lying on the bed writing on a colorful book. The minute they entered he closed it and hid it under his pillow. When they questioned him about it, he said it was a book given by his nanu in which he asked him to write whatever he liked. Riddhima remembered that her father always advocated the habit of diary writing for children as he felt it was a way where they could pour out their feelings without being judged for it.

After lunch, Akshat huddled together with his parents for a nap. When Armaan woke an saw the others still asleep, he quickly sneaked into Akshat's room to find that diary. He was curious to know what the boy had written in it.

He found it right under the pillow and opened it. The first page was beautifully decorated with his name and year written boldly across it. The next page had the heading 'Favourite Persons.' Below it he had listed the names

dadu – his beta (dad);

Athai – her chellum (meaning pet in Tamil), Ani;

Dad – mama;

Mama – dad;

Ani – Mama;

Me – dad and mama (sometimes I love dad more and sometimes mama more.)

But what troubled Armaan the most was the last sentence – 'But whose favourite person am I?'

Part 131

When Ani spoke cho chweetly to him, Armaan was very moved. "He held his ear with one hand and apologized "Cholly beta, hum tumhe chodke gaye, tum naraaz mat hona." As if he understood him and forgave him, he kissed him soundly. (Literally making a loud 'pa' sound.)

Then all of them had dinner and Akshat went to his room to complete his homework. The price he had to pay for the evening out. Armaan sat with him, waiting for him to complete. Akshat saw him yawn and chweetly said "Dad aap jaakar so jaayiye, main complete kar loonga, bus chaar sums hi to baaki hai." He kissed him goodnight and went to his room. Riddhima had just finished feeding Ani was laying him in his cot.

As he sat on the bed waiting for her to join him he had a far away look in his eyes and a smile playing on his lips. He was obviously reminiscing about that day nine years ago. Riddhima came and sat beside him and asked "what are you smiling about? In the cinema hall also you were laughing to yourself. Kya baat hai?" He put his arm around his shoulder and whispered in her ear "If I tell you the reason, you'll also smile."

"I was thinking about our first film date, nine years ago," he confessed. She teased him about how she had foiled his plans. But when he told her that the flower showering which had happened on Lovely was actually planned for her, she burst out laughing. "Armaan I never knew you had such down-market tastes." She teased him all the more.

A: Anyway what I couldn't achieve in so many attempts, your dupatta managed in one shot.

R: Matlab?

A: I was making desperate attempts to get closer to you and your dupatta brought us close by just attatching itself to my button.

"My dupatta stopped me from going away, lekin 'aur paas, aur paas' to tum hi bula rahe the, aur main keeche chali aayi," she laughed. "That day, honestly, I also realized my feelings for you, but …." She stopped midway, thinking had her di not had such a poor opinion about Armaan, she would probably have accepted his love much earlier and not wasted so many years. Seeing her face grow sad he asked "Kya hua?" She came out of her reverie and asked "Did it all happen on the same day?

A: Yes, remember Anjie was called away on night duty and I dropped you home?

R: Yes, you are right. I've always heard females complain that men are very bad at remembering dates. They forget the most important dates. Then how come you remember each and everything about our internship days?

He pulled her on his lap and kissing her said, "for seven years I had nothing better to do in my free time, than recollecting all the incidents that took place between us. I used to recall each and every detail, and then think maybe if I had said this or done this, she would have understood me and accepted my love. I used to keep wishing I could turn back the clock and rectify my mistakes." By the time he finished, his eyes were brimming with tears. She kissed each of his eyes and said "Armaan please don't remember things which make you sad. Just thank God for giving us another chance even if he couldn't turn back the clock for us."

On the day of their marriage, she had vowed to herself, that though she couldn't take away all the pain he had gone through, she would make sure that those painful memories were totally erased from his memory. She would bring so much happiness into his life that he would cherish only the new happy incidents of their togetherness.

Seeing her so thoughtful and sad he added "Had I revised so much for any exam I'm sure I would have topped the university." It had the desired effect and made her smile. Now it was her turn to cheer him up and she sure knew how. To start with she pulled him down beside her on the bed, switched off the night lamp and started placing soft butterfly kisses on his chest and neck. Then when she began nibbling his earlobes, he was totally lost. Armaan always enjoyed her aggressive, wildcat mood. Only thing he was always left guessing as to what trigerred it off.

The next morning Riddhima was smiling to herself as she was feeding Ani, thinking about the happenings of the previous night. Surprisingly, he was still fast asleep. Usually he was the first to wake up hearing Ani. He was perhaps tired after their wild night, she thought to herself and blushed. Very affectionately she brushed his hair with her free hand and he smiled in his sleep.

"Aaah Ouch!" she shouted and that was followed by Ani's loud cry. Armaan woke up with a start and asked "Kya hua?" and saw tears in her eye. He took the crying baby from her and tried to pacify him. He noticed that she was pressing her palm against one of her breasts. He turned her face towards him and asked "batao na?" "He bit me badly, so I beat him," she said and began to cry. Armaan didn't know whom to console. "Shall I get some ointment? Is it bleeding?" he asked her. She just shook her head, took the wailing baby from him and put him to the other breast. And he also started feeding hungrily, though making angry noises as if to ask why she beat him. Armaan was amazed at that and thought to himself, that's a mother, though she may be in pain, she can't see her baby crying or hungry.

He wiped her tears and kissed her eyes. Then he opened the medicine draw and brought an antiseptic cream and a plaster. He waited for her to finish feeding, then took Ani from her and gave her the medicine and plaster. When Ani smiled at him, he pulled down his lips and said "I think he's teething. He's been cranky also since the last 2 – 3 days. Haven't you noticed he wants to put all the toys in his mouth and bite. Probably his gums are getting irritated, that's why he may have," Riddhima smiled to herself at his attempt to defend his son, who was smiling like a sweet angel now.

She had her back was towards him,as she put medicine and plastered the cut on her nipple. When she turned around and glared at Armaan he immediately pretended to scold the little one saying "Mama ko kaat diya buddhu. Ab bhooke raho. No dudhu." The little continued to smile as if he knew that his dad was just fooling. "Dekho cholly bol raha hai," he said to Riddhima, himself making a small face. "Bus bhi karo, subah subah dono baap beti ki nautanki shuru ho gayi" she said with false anger. So to make her mood ok he pulled her and kissed her cheek. Then he asked Ani also to do the same and he very chweetly obliged. After that, who could be angry with the duo? "Ok theek hai apology accepted" she said kissing both of them and agreeing with Armaan that Ani was probably teething.

His crankiness over the next few days, only confirmed their doubt. A visit to the pediatrician became necessary. She also agreed with them and suggested cleaning the area with a cold or wet washcloth, feeding him some, slushy foods such as applesauce or frozen and slushy fruit juice and giving him a chilled plastic teething ring to chew on.

On Thursday afternoon when Armaan came home for lunch he said to Riddhima "Aaj sham tayyar rehna kisise milne jaana hai." When she asked him who it was, he said "Dr. Jyoti."

R: Dr. Jyoti? Kaun hai woh? Aur unse kyon milna hai? Is there any problem with your health Armaan?

A: Kitne sawaal karti ho tum. Have patience till evening.

Riddhima's head was bursting by the time he came home at 6. From the time Sheena and Rajan had resumed duties, he was home quite early. She was ready and waiting for him. Seeing her in salwar suit he marched in and opening the cupboard took out a simple, but pretty, pink saree and said "Please yeh pehenlo. Suit mein tum bahut choti lagti ho. Main tab tak fresh hokar aata hoon." She knew he wouldn't have asked her change without reason, so she did as he had asked.

As they left the house he told kaka "Ek ghante mein aa jaayenge. Agar late hua to phone kardoonga. He told Akshat to keep a watch on Ani so that he doesn't trouble athai. Akshat was of course honored to take the responsibility and said "dad aap fikar mat karo, main usey sambhal loonga." Armaan kissed him while Riddhima just ruffled his hair and they left.

Once they were seated in the car Riddhima couldn't hold her curiosity any longer.

R: Armaan batao na, why are we going to meet Dr. Jyoti?

Armaan found this a good opportunity to tease her and said "Because she's pregnant"

R: What? But who is she? Do I know her?

When he kept smiling and didn't reply she was frustrated and said "Armaaan"

A: Hold on just ten minutes more and you'll know everything.

There was nothing else she could do but wait patiently.

In a short while they drew up outside a building, with a line of shops on the ground floor. Above one of them was the board Dr. Jyoti Nair, MBBS. Armaan walked into the dispensary and gave his card to the girl at the counter. The girl went in and came back asking them to wait for a few minutes. There were quite a number of patients waiting. After the patient who was inside came out, the girl asked the Malliks to go in.

As soon as they entered, the lone occupant of the room stood up and shook hands with them both. Riddhima saw that she was heavily pregnant.

J: Sheena spoke to me about you. I'm very glad that you came. I was getting worried I may not be able to find any suitable replacement before I deliver.

Riddhima didn't still understand what was going on.

J: You see, my parents are at Thirussur. I'll be going there for my delivery and since there's no one here to take care of the kid here, I don't want to rush back to the clinic. That's why I wanted someone who could at least take over for six months. Are you ok with that Mrs. Mallik?

Riddhima looked surprised at Armaan and he just nodded. Riddhima understood that since she had expressed a desire to work, he had gone ahead and found this for her. She smiled at Dr. Jyoti and said, "Of course it's fine with me."

J: My clinic timings are from 9am to 12 noon and 6pm to 8 pm. You can make changes if you want to.

R: I think I'll stick to the same timings as of now.

Then they spoke about the monetary part and arrived at a satisfactory arrangement and left. She was to start from the following Monday. For a week Jyoti would be with her, till she got used to the clinic and its patients

As soon as they were seated in the car, Riddhima put her arms around Armaan's neck and kissed his cheek. "I just said in passing that I can also start working again, and you had to immediately fulfill my wish. Isn't it?

"Of course! Because your wish is my command." He said kissing her back.

"Armaan you are such a darling. You know it feels so exciting," she said clutching his hand which was on the gear. Armaan couldn't help smiling seeing her getting excited like a child who had got a new toy. When he parked the car outside their house, he pulled her into a hug and kissed her saying, "I'm so happy to see you excited like this. Maybe I should have done it earlier."

"Nahi Armaan," she said getting out of the car, "No armaan I myself didn't want to start earlier. I had planned to take a full time job only after weaning Ani, but for now this part time work is wonderful."

The remaining of the week Riddhima was as excited as a child preparing for her first day at school. She sorted her dresses first to see which were good enough for the clinic. Then she hunted for her Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure meter), stethoscope etc. even though Armaan reminded her that it would all be available in the clinic. Seeing her like this he felt he had made a mistake letting her become a house maker for a year and a half and not encouraging her to get back to her career.

He had always only thought of her physical comfort. He had seen how the females in his hospital complained of double duty, job and home. So he let her be a full time mother only. As a compensation, he had encouraged her to do her masters, so that she doesn't feel she's wasting her intelligence.

As for Riddhima, she had no complaints with her life after her marriage to Armaan. He danced to her every whim and fancy. Fulfilled her wants even before she expressed them and more than she ever expected. But when she saw Anji incharge of the administration of such state-of-the-art hospital, she regretted not paying attention to her own career. At the same time she wanted to be there for her husband and children always. But she couldn't have the cake and eat it too. She had to make a compromise somewhere. So this seemed to be best solution. And once again, it was her Armaan who made it possible for her.

But the minute Riddhima spoke about her career, he realized his mistake. It was her calling, though temporarily shelved. There were no two opinions about the fact that she was the most caring wife and the most loving mother, but she was also an excellent doctor. That moment, he decided that she would go back to where she belonged to, at least for a part of the day. He started making enquiries for a suitable opening for her and came to know that Jyoti was looking for someone to stand in during her maternity leave. He at once made an appointment with her and there they were.

Part 145

They walked hand in hand to the OPD hoping it wasn't crowded as usual. But luckily for them, because of the inaugration ceremony, OPD was closed. So the room was empty. When they entered it, they felt as if they were entering the sanctum sanctorum of a temple. This was the place where their life had taken the most important turn.The whole scene of Riddhima's confession played before their eyes.

She recollected how he had winced in pain when Muskaan pushed his hand away. And seeing the blood stain on his shirt, she had been in even greater pain. She had followed him and offered to help him. He had been harsh with his words, but when she broke down, he couldn't bear to see her cry.

Just as she had dressed his wound, he had also dressed the wound on her arm, right here, when she had been hurt, having fallen off his bike, during the bike race. Even though they had not been on friendly terms then. He could never ever bear to see her in pain. She wondered why she hadn't realized this nine years ago. If she had she could have saved both of them a lot of pain.

Armaan however only recalled her confession in here. How confused she had been about her feelings for him. He had purposely lashed out at her to make her pour out her heart. And how her "I hate you Armaan" had changed to "I love you" when he kept reiterating "but I love you."

They turned towards each simultaneously, as if some unknown power was pulling them, and hugged each other. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled back a little saying "That day you were crying bitterly as you confessed your love for me. Today let me hear it with your angelic smile and joy in your eyes, instead of tears. She held his face in her palms and looking deep into his eyes said "I love you Armaan, I love you very much.And One thing I didn't tell you that day was that, my world begins and ends with you." Then she stood on her toes to seal it with a passionate kiss.

When they came out of the kiss, his eyes were literally brimming with tears. Before she could question him, he said, "I too love you very much sweetheart. Nau saal pehle maine jo chaha tha, woh aaj mujhe soot samet mil gaya. All my wishes were fulfilled the day you came back into my life, as my wife. Lekin aaj tumne Armaan ke baaki saare armaan bhi poore kar diye.When you confessed your love the first time, you were not confident of our love. Hence you didn't want anyone else to know about it. I've always felt very miserable, that I wasn't able to convince you of my undying love. But today, the love in your eyes and the joy reflected on your face has erased those memories and replaced them with this happiest moment of my life. It's as if you've turned back the clock and set things right. You've made me the happiest man today Riddhima and I can't thank you enough for it. I don't want anything else in life now.

R: You know I wasn't very keen on wearing this saree today because it brought bitter memories of our breakup on that dandiya day. I wore it only to please you. But now I'll associate this saree with one of the happiest days in my life. Thank you for making my life so beautiful Armaan, after all that I put you through.

Now it was his turn to close her mouth. "Sshh! No more talk of the past. We've driven away all the ghosts today. Here afterwards we are going to treasure only the beautiful memories of the past. Cherish the past, dream the future and live today, is going to be our mantra."

They stood there hugging each other, till her phone buzzed. It was her maa calling to say that Ani was crying a lot, not willing to eat anything. "Hum bas nikal rahein hai maa, paanch minut mein pahunchte hain." Then turning to Aarmaan she said with a smile, "we can't turn back the clock Dr. Mallik, as we have made two wonderful babies in these nine years and who are at present demanding our immediate attention. To chalein?" Putting his arm around her waist he said "jo aapka hukm sarkar." That sentence once again made them laugh as they remembered how she had acted like his slave for a few days, during their internship.

They were home in exactly 7 minutes, but by then the little fellow had brought the whole house down. His cries could be heard from the road. As Armaan stopped the car, Riddhima just jumped out and ran into the house. The minute she took him in her arms he clammed up. Everybody around also stood looking with open mouths. So there was pindrop silence when Armaan entered. "Kya hua?" he asked and the little began to complain "dad wooo" pointing to his mouth. When Armaan looked to see what he was pointing he saw his mouth very red.

A: Riddhima dekho looks like he's got some sort of a rash.

Riddhima carried him near the window and asked him to open his mouth. She could clearly see some spots. When she asked him if it was burning in his baby language, he nodded with tears in his eyes. She at once checked his hand and foot and found some rashes on them too.

R: Armaan I think he's got the hand, mouth, foot infection. We need to take him to a pediatrician immediately.

Dr. S: Riddhima I've already called Sanjeevani's pediatrician Dr. Mrs. Kelkar. She'll be here shortly.

Ani started "mama mama" pulling at her pallu. Riddhima was surprised that he was asking for her feed because she had weaned him since more than a month now. But he wouldn't stop. When she looked questioningly at Armaan, not knowing what to do, Padma understood her predicament and said "Riddhima mere saath chalo" She took her to her room and said "Maybe since he's in pain he wants the comfort of your breast, let him suck if he wants to." "But maa, I haven't fed him for more than a month now. I won't have any milk." But there was no time for further talk as the baby was crying again, so to satisfy him, she put him to her breast.

The doctor arrived a few minutes later. But till then he was sucking as if he was really getting his feed. He wouldn't let the doctor check his mouth. But seeing the rash on his hand and foot itself the doctor concluded that Riddhima's guess was right. And as it was a viral infection, quarantining from other kids was essential. She gave some medicine for local application and something to relieve the pain. Besides that she couldn't do much, as the infection would take it's own course. She said the baby may find it his mother's warm nipple soothing, rather than the bottle or spoon feed. Hence she should breast feed him as and when he wanted. She assured Riddhima that she would automatically start lactating again.

Armaan wanted to shift him to Sanjeevani as quarantining him there would be easier, but the Guptas wouldn't hear of it. They didn't want the child to be unnecessarily hospitalized during the festive season. Anjali suggested the next best alternative, that the Joshis move to their house with the kids. But Armaan didn't want his parents-in-law taking a risk either. So only Armaan, Riddhima and Ani were to stay here. Padma tried her best to convince Armaan that since Riddhima would be tied up with Ani, someone should be in the house to cook and clean. But Armaan wouldn't hear of it. He assured her that he could manage. Finally they arrived at a compromise. Food would be sent over from the Joshi house.

So all of them packed up and were about to leave. Armaan was downstairs to see them off. Akshat was very worried as to why his brother was being kept away from everyone. Hugging his father's waist he began sobbing. Armaan was surprised because he least expected Akshat to make a fuss as he was always so understanding. But before he could say anything "Akshat looked up at him with tearful eyes and asked "Dad Ani ko bahut dard ho raha hai? Woh theek to ho jayega na? Mujhe mera bhai chahiye."

Armaan was baffled by his son's reaction. He knelt down and wiping his tears kissed him. "Ani ko mamuli sa infection hua hai. Woh do din mein theek ho jayega. Lekin yeh infection bahut contagious hai, especially bachchon ke liye. Isliye tum log maasi ke ghar ja rahe ho. Tum bilkul fikar mat karo. Ab doctor ne davai di hai na, ab uska dard bhi kum ho jayega. Main aur mama tumhe phone karte rahenge. Tum mera brave beta ho na? Rote nahi. Aur maasi ke yahan jaakar khoob enjoy karna. Ani ki bilkul fikar mat karna. Main phone par tumse uski baat karaoonga. Ok?" Akshat nodded. "Ab dad ko a sweet smile dedo" requested Armaan and the young one smiled through his tears.

The Guptas and Joshis just stood gaping at the duo. They'd never witnessed so much love in any family. As you sow so you reap, it's said. The Malliks showered unlimited love on each other, the kids and even the people who worked for them. Hence they reaped love in multiple amounts. Akshat's parting words to his dad were "dad ab main bilkul nahi rounga. Main maasi ke ghar par achche se rahoonga. Aap meri fikar mat kariye. Aap mama aur Ani ka khyal rakhiye. Bye, Love you." Then he kissed him and said "Love you dad, mama aur Ani ko bhi meri kisses dena. Tell them I love them very much." Armaan kissed him back and said "Main unhe keh doonga. You take care. Bye."

After all of them left, Armaan went into the kitchen to get something for Riddhima to drink, because if Ani was to sustain solely on her milk, she would require adequate fluids. He made a milkshake for her and took it upstairs. When she started refusing he reasoned it out with her and for the sake of the child, she drank it up. Before leaving Atul had got the medicines calling up the nearby medical stores.

Ani had just dropped to sleep and Armaan wanted to apply the medication. Riddhima was against waking him up, but she knew that unless the medicine was applied the infection wouldn't ease up. Armaan took Ani on his lap, put on a pair of gloves and slowly opened the baby's mouth. Gently with an applicator he applied the medicine on the blisters. At once Ani started screaming and crying loudly. He was uncontrollable. Armaan wanted to call the pediatrician but had forgotten to take her number. Riddhima also tried to pacify him but he kept yelling. Suddenly Armaan removed the information leaflet from the box and started to read the literature. It said the medicne may smart for a few minutes after application, but the burning would soon die down. Soon Ani's cries reduced and Riddhima cuddled him back to sleep, but couldn't control her tears. Noticing that Armaan consoled her saying "come on Riddhima, you've got to be brave. He's going to be fine in a day or two."

R: Armaan I can't see him in so much pain. Whenever I treat kids I tell the mothers who cry "You have to be strong for your baby. If you cry what will the child do?" But today I can understand their tears. Seeing you child helpless and in pain is truly unbearable.

Armaan took Ani from her arms, laid him on the bed and tucked him in. Then giving her a side hug, he said, "You also rest for sometime. If he wakes up he might keep clinging to you." When she lay down beside the baby he started patting her cheeks just as she did when she put the kids to sleep.

At the Joshis everybody was silent thinking about Ani. To cheer up the kids, Atul brought out the play station and coaxed the boys and Mini to play. Anjali got a phone call and moved to another room to take it. She was very busy with the administration of Sanjeevani. The others began chatting.

P: Riddhima jab bhi Mumbai aati hai koi na koi bimaar ho jata hai.

S: Arrey aisey kyon keh rahi ho. Bachche to bimaar padte rehte hai. Munnar mein bhi usey yeh infection ho sakta tha.

P: jo bhi ho woh hamesha akeli pad jaati hai.

S: Isliye to humne Armaan ko Sanjeevani mein offer di, par woh nahi mana.

Bua was listening to all this. She intervened saying "main soch rahi thi ke kuch din unke saath rehkar aaon. Aap kya kehte hain Dr. Shashank?"

P: yeh to bahut achcha socha aapne. Riddhima ko help bhi ho jaayega, aap ke liye change bhi ho jayega.

S: Yes, that's a good idea.

Atul: Haan main bua ka ticket usi flight mein book kara deta hoon.

S: Don't be in a hurry. Let's be sure if they can leave on Sunday, as per schedule. They can't leave till the little one is ok.

B: Woh to sahi hai.

Bua noticed that Akshat wasn't attentive towards the game. He seemed distracted. She called him to her and making him sit on her lap asked "Kya baat hai? Mama ki yaad aa rahi hai?" He shook his head but his face was glum. "Baat karoge mama se?" she coaxed him. To which he nodded. She asked him for Riddhima's number and dialed it on her cell. The call was picked only after quite a few rings and that too by Armaan.

Part 106

Riddhima couldn't wait to get back home. She'd never been away all alone before. As the taxi drove in, Akshat ran to her. She picked him and kissed him asking "Mera Shona kaisa hai ab?"

Ak: Khaansi kum ho gaya hai. Maine sab davaiye li, khana kha liya aur soup bhi pi liya.

R: Tum to mere best bete ho. Good boy.

As they entered the house this is what she saw.

She called out "Ani" and expected him to come crawling at jet speed to her. But to her disappointment he smiled at her and continued his masti with Snoopy. Once again she called out to him but he paid no heed.

She asked Akshat "Dad kahan hai?"

Ak: ek doctor didi aayi hai---

She picked up Ani but he struggled out of her arms onto the floor. Just then akka came with a glass of water for her. "Yeh Ani ko kya ho gaya hai?" she asked akka as she sat down on the sofa. She explained that he's been inseperable from the dogs since morning. When they forcefully took him away, he cried so much that they had to aceede to his whims. He even had his afternoon nap with Droopy.

Kaka came with a steaming cup of coffee and some snacks for her. She picked up the coffee cup and refusing the snacks proceeded to her room.

When she entered, she saw Armaan sitting on a chair, bare chested. A pretty young girl was standing behind him, bending over him from behind holding his arms from either side as she showed him how to move his arms back and forth to exercise his back muscles. Both of them looked up at her, hearing the door open. For once Armaan was the one blushing, the girl didn't seem perturbed seeing her. Riddhima smiled at her and she smiled back. She introduced herself and Malvika too did the same.

R: Is it ok if I'm here?

M: of course, no problem.

R: How is your patient?

M: Very co-operative and willing to bear some pain, which is very good for the beginning. For a day or two it may be difficult as the arm has been in a cast but it will get better with regular exercise.

R: Don't worry I'll make sure he does all the exercises. Anyways he's an exercise freak so it won't be any problem getting him to do that.

Malvika smiled and continued with her instructions as she taught him a couple of exercises more. Then she prepared to leave saying that he should rest that evening and not do any sort of work as his muscles had been worked after a week. She added that she would call up the next to tell them what time she would be coming. Armaan thanked her picking up his shirt. Riddhima pulled it out of his hand and made him wear it. Malvika bid both of them goodbye and left. Having buttoned his shirt, she made him lie down on the bed, arranging the pillows properly. "Don't move from here unless I ask you to," she warned him.

A: You also look tired. Come lie down beside me and take rest for sometime.

R: Yes, but I'll freshen up and come.

When she came out of the washroom she heard Ani crying loudly. Seeing Armaan about to get up she pushed him back on the bed saying, "Stay put, I'll see to it." When she went into the hall, she saw Ani rolling on the floor. Akka and Akshat were also trying to hold him. "why is he crying like that?" asked Riddhima as she picked him up.

Akka explained that the dogs needed to be taken out so Kaka has taken them for a walk. He wouldn't let them go. Ani was twisting out of her arm too. She kissed him and hugged him asking Akka "when did he have his last feed?"

Ak: Around 5, just before you came.

I'll feed him and put him to sleep she said as she took him in. It was half an hour later that she came out, having managed to put him to sleep. Akshat was watching some reality dance show on TV. Armaan didn't want to lie inside, so with Riddhima's permission he came and lay down on the sofa. As she sat on the other sofa, Akshay came and sat on her lap. "Yeh Ani ko kya ho gaya hai? He's become crazy after those dogs, in a few hours," she pointed out to them.

"You should have seen him in the afternoon" Armaan remarked and both of them started laughing. He was pulling their tail and ears--

R: Ussey bilkul darr nahi laga?

Ak: Dogs ussey darr rahe the, unhe itna hug kar raha tha, unke aank mein ungli dall raha tha--

A: I was afraid they might bite, but they are too gentle.

R: We have to keep the dogs out. He may catch some allergy or infection.

Kaka had brought the dogs back and tied them at the side of the house, under the stairs.

A: Tell me how was your day? What did the oncologist say?

She told him everything as she rocked Akshat on her lap. Armaan also agreed that things should go on as scheduled as of now. After the chemo they could see her condition and move her to Mumbai.

It was dinner time. Akshat had trouble swallowing, so Kaka had prepared soup and khichdi for him. Immediately after dinner they decided to hit the bed as Riddhima was very tired and Armaan, Akshat were also tired thanks to Ani's pranks with Droopy and Snoopy. When Riddhima brought the hot water bottle, Armaan said "give it to me, main foment kar loonga. You go to bed."

R: Nahi. Tumne dopehar ko foment kiya tha?

His eyes were downcast when he replied "Nahi". He couldn't lie to her. It was not possible for him to foment his back by himself.

R: Chalo chup chaap let jao.

She was fomenting his back and after sometime he felt her fall on him. He called to her but there was no response. Then he realized that she had fallen asleep. He carefully turned over, making sure he didn't hurt himself. But his movement woke her up. She wiped her eyes and got up.

R: I'm sorry I think I fell asleep.

Armaan put the hot water bag away and pulled her over him. "Remember you are not a superwoman. Get some sleep now." He pulled her close and kissed her. She kissed him back, a short sweet kiss. And the minute her head touched his chest, she was dead to the world.

The next morning they visited the pediatrician, Dr. Shaila. On Sunday itself Armaan had called her up and started with antibiotics for Akshat, as advised by her. She checked Akshat and found him responding well to the antibiotics. Ani was also due for his check but kept pulling and snatching everything he could lay his hands on, which amused the doctor. "You have a really mischievous one here" she laughed. But found him absolutely healthy.

Akshat didn't attend school for two days. On Wednesday when Riddhima was pouring warm water in his water bottle, he made a confession, "Mama Saturday ko maine school mein cooler ka paani piya tha. Mere water bottle mein paan khatam ho gayi thi." "Akshat tum jaante ho na chilled water se tumhe problem hoti hai. You should have had plain water na?" Riddhima admonished him. "Sorry mama," he said as he hugged her and bid her goodbye.

Riddhima and Armaan were to leave for Kochi shortly. Armaan would drop Riddhima at the hospital as Devi was to get her first chemo that day and he would proceed to the airport to receive his friends. On the way back, they would pick Riddhima.

Part 107

When Riddhima reached the hospital Devi's chemotheraphy was just about to begin. She was very happy to see her and thanked her for dropping by. She sat chatting with her. After half an hour there was a call from Armaan saying that the flight was an hour late. He was getting bored at the airport. He wanted to join her but Riddhima firmly said "no". Firstly, because Devi might not feel comfortable in his presence and secondly, she didn't want him travelling to and forth. She asked him to buy a ticket and go and sit in the visitor's lounge.

Devi was in a nostalgic mood. She told Riddhima about herself and Bashir. She came from a Namboodri family, priest community, of Kerala. She and Bashir were classmates and benchmates from class I. As he came from an orphange his lunch would have rice with some curry, while she always carried different snacks like idli, dosa, puttu, uthappam, etc. and often even sweets like neyappam or sweet dosa. It all began with his oggling at her lunch, especially when she brought some sweet dish. As they were benchmates she shared it with him and could see the joy in his eyes as he devoured it. Later, she started carrying extra for him.

Their friendship grew stronger as years passed by. She was very good in studies while he was mediocre. She would help him with his difficulties during lunch break. At first her parents thought they were kids and didn't mind her mingling with him. When they came to class VII, they started restricting her and later shifted her to a girls' school. But by then they had bonded so much that they started meeting clandestinely. She did teacher training after XII and he took up draftsman course, as he was good in drawing.

Their meetings continued unknown to her family, but they never crossed their limits. In all these years he had never touched her. She said that with great pride in her voice. She got a job in a government run school with a handsome pay package. Her parent started looking for a suitable groom for her. She somehow managed to put off one alliance after another, till he got a good job. Then they sought her parent's permission to marry. Of course they refused point blank, he was a muslim, it was unthinkable. So they eloped from home and got married, thinking once the marriage took place her parents would accept him. But they didn't. They broke off all ties with them.

They were quite content by themselves for a couple of years. Both earned well, they bought a house and were awaiting for God to bless them with children. But unfortunately the doctors said due to some uterine malformation, Devi could never bear a child. That's when they missed having a family to console them. Her parents refused to even speak to her on the phone. So they got themselves jobs in Dubai and shifted there 15 years ago.

There they made many friends and had a good life. With the money they earned there they had bought this house in Munnar, 5 years ago, hoping to spend their retired life here. Unfortunately Devi started with health problems. At first it was thought to be menopause but further investigations revealed cervical cancer. She had no unfulfilled desires, but she couldn't leave her Bashir alone in this world and go in peace. He was her baby and she his.

Tears welled in Riddhima's eyes listening to her story. Armaan had called a couple of times in between and now he called to say that the flight had landed. So they should be there in less than an hour. Riddhima informed Devi that she would have to leave when Armaan arrived. Devi thanked for being there for her, a person she had met only a couple of days ago. For having left her kids, coming all the way here and spending time with her. Riddhima assured her that it was nothing and she was happy to be of some help to her.

Soon Armaan was there. The gang was waiting in the van. When he came to the hospital, Bashir met him in the corridor. He hugged Armaan and broke into tears. Armaan consoled him and warned him of the possible problems Devi might have because of the chemotheraphy. He said the doctors had explained about it to him. Then they both went and met the oncologist and understood that Devi would be discharged the following day.

Armaan told Bashir to bring Devi to Munnar after she was discharged. By then Riddhima also joined them and agreed that Armaan's suggestion was the best. But Bashir didn't want to impose on them, especially because they had guests. They explained that their friends were also doctors so it wouldn't be a problem. They left only after Devi and Bashir agreed to fall in with their plans.

When Riddhima and Armaan walked to the vehicle, Muskaan who had been standing out, ran to hug her. They exchanged pleasantaries and then Riddhima said "Hi" to Rahul, Nikki and Abhi. Riddhima had a peek at Akshita who was fast asleep in her crib and so was Rohan in the middle seat. All of them huddled into the vehicle. But there was only one seat vacant, beside the driver, for Armaan and Riddhima. When Nikki tried to make place for Riddhima by adjusting Akshita's crib, Muskaan said "rehne dey Nikki, Armaan ussey apne godh mein bita lega" and all of them started laughing. Riddhima gave her a stare, but finally had to squash in with Armaan in the front seat almost on his lap.

Armaan's hand caressing her waist, were doing things to her. There was no space to put any distance between them either. When she turned towards him and gave him a glare, he looked at her innocently raising his eyebrows in a question. This didn't go unnoticed by Muskaan who was waiting for a chance to tease them. So she said aloud "Armaan, Ridzi ko kuske pakhadna, kahin who gir na jaaye." Riddhima was toatally embarassed especially because Abhi was there. So Riddhima turned to glare at her saying, "Tu ghar chal, dekh main teri kaise khaatir karti hoon."

They reached home in time for tea. Akshat was also back from school. As soon as they entered he came running to meet them all. He was so happy to see Rohan, his maasi and chachu. He hugged them in turn. Only then he noticed Abhi with the crib and hesitated a bit. Abhi called out to him "Kaise ho bachcha?" and held out his free hand to him. Then Akshat went and hugged him saying "Main theek hoon, aap kaise ho?" then taking a peek into the crib remarked "Baby kitni cute hai."

Kaka went to help Rahul and Shafi with the luggage, Armaan was not allowed to pick up anything. Akka served water to all when they were seated. The whirlwind came crawling at top speed, following akka, but stopped seeing so many people. Then quietly moved towards Riddhima, clutched her saree and stood up uttering "mamamama". When she picked him and crushed him and kissed him, he enjoyed it, laughing out loudly. He too expressed his love for her by licking and biting her. All of them were amused to see his antics. When Muskaan came forward and tried to pull him saying "Ay hero ke bachche aa, maasi ke paas," he turned away and hugged Riddhima tightly by her neck.

Kaka asked them to wash up and come for snacks and tea. Akshat took them all upstairs. In one room the Grewals and in the other room the Modis. They came down after a few minutes to see the table laid with so many different snacks prepared by both Akka and Kaka. All of them were hungry so they ate well. Muskaan managed to lure Ani by offering him some eatables. Finally when he settled on her lap and started asking for more Armaan called "Ay bukkhad". He turned towards him and shook his head so fast, as if to say "Don't disturb me, I don't want to come to you now." His antics were amusing to all.

When all of them went and sat in the hall, the princess slowly opened her eyes and let out a faint wail.The boys were playing on the quilt on the floor. Ani immediately went towards the cot to see what the sound was. When Nikki picked up the baby, he kept looking at it surprised. Riddhima took Nikki to Akshat's room for the feed and the little one followed them. When Riddhima turned around closing the door, she nearly fell over him. "Pagal mere peeche peeche kyon ghoom raha hai? Main tumpar gir jaati to?" she asked picking him up.

When he started his typical cry for feed pulling at her pallu, she moved with him to their room, calling out to Muskaan, so that both of them could catch up with their gossip while the men had their talks. As she started feeding Ani, Riddhima said "Dekh Muskaan tum Abhi ke saamne mujhe aur Armaanko tease mat kar. Accha nahi lagta."

M: Tu bhi na buddhu ke buddhu hi rahegi. Main jaan bhujkar aisey kar rahi hoon, taaki woh tum logon se kuch to sikhe. Kabhi kabhi Nikki ussey baat karne se bhi darrti hai. Woh bahut short tempered hai.

R: Jaanti hoon. Theek hai par jyaada nahi haan. Mujhe bahut sharam aati hai.

Nikki had finished feeding the baby and came into the hall. She hesitated not findingg Riddhima and Muskaan there. Armaan noticed her discomfort and said "Riddhima aur Muskaan bagalwale room mein. Go ahead join them." As she turned to go he called out "Nikki, gudiya ko to mere paas deti jao." When she wondered how he would hold her in one arm, he said "Don't worry, main aap ki beti giraaunga nahi. Main Ani ko bhi ek haath mein utha leta hoon." He kept his left arm folded for her to lay the baby. Then taking her close, kissed her cheek and introduced himself. "Hello baby, main aapka Almaan uncle hoon. Aap to bahut cute ho."

By that time Riddhima had also finished feeding Ani, so she came out with Muskaan. The minute Ani saw his dad with the baby in his arms, he couldn't bear it. So he climbed down from Riddhima's arms and crawled quickly to his dad and stood holding his trousers. Then raising both his hands started his "dadadadada" jaap.

A: Buddhu mujhe theek se pakado warna ghir jaoge.

Then he engulfed him between his legs and purposely showered the baby with kisses to make him jealous. Rahul felt sorry for him and said "Tu chachu ke paas aaja beta," and picked him up but he started kicking his feet and wanted his dad to pick him up. To tease him Armaan lifted Akshita towards Riddhima saying, "Riddhima, lo tum baby ko lelo, main Ani ko utha leta hoon." When his mama came near he started pushing her away and started crying loudly.

Hearing that the baby also started crying. So she ended up in her mama's arms. Quickly Ani tried to climb on his father's lap. Riddhima picked him and put him there. He immediately started biting Armaan and putting his mouth to his cheeks said "pa". His new way of kissing. Armaan also cuddled him and kissed him making him laugh a lot. Abhi just sat looking at them, speechless. And Muskaan smiled to herself noticing that.

Part 116

M: Main apne hero ka favourite, aloo parathe banaoongi.

R: Rahul ko bhi aloo ke parathe pasand hai?

M: Yahan Rahul ki baath kaun kar raha hai, main to Armaan ki baat kar rahi thi. Arrey hum to hamesha apne husband ke pasand ka khana to banate hi hain, kyon na aaj kisi aur ki pasand ki cheez banayi jaai?

N: Not a bad idea. We'll take that one step further, we'll ask the men to guess who has made what. Let's see if they recognise their wife's cooking.

D: Ok but we need to know everyone's favourite food. Bashir likes rice more than paratha or chapati.

N: Ok then I'll make vegetable Biryani and raita.

D: I believe the Malliks are total vegetarians otherwise I would have made fish curry.

N: You could make some vegetable but not south Indian style, because it'll be a give away.

D: Ok, I'll make a mix vegetable with paneer.

R: Yes that'll be good. Make it less spicy so children will also relish it.

K: Lekin maine chole bighoye hai.

R: Ok I'll make chole.

N: Make it a bit spicy for the adults.

R: Lekin koi sweet dish bhi to chahiye. Main kheer bhi bana leti hoon.

All of them set about their duties. Kaka helped Devi chop the vegetables. There wasn't place for everyone in the kitchen so they have to work in turns. Riddhima put the milk to simmer on one gas, the potatoes for paratha and chana in the cooker to boil. Devi put the paneer in the microwave to thaw. Nikki sat on the dining table cutting vegetables for the biryani. She would have to cut at least one kilo onions. Just then akka came in and started helping her. Muskaan was kneading dough as if she was going to feed an army.

The men and kids were in the garden. Ani was shouting and screaming because he wanted to play with Droopy and Snoopy. But Armaan had kept him tied to his pram, lest he should hurt his head again. That was making him unhappy. So to satisfy him, Armaan made the lazy Droopy sit next to him on a plastic chair, while he threw a ball and Snoopy ran to fetch it. Ani had his hand on the sleeping Droopy's head and was laughing aloud seeing Snoopy chase the ball. Abhi was talking to his Angel who was smiling, enjoying her papa's attention. Rahul and Bashir were playing cricket with Rohan. Thankfully it was shady on one side of the house.

By the time the ladies finished cooking, the men and children were tired and hungry. They decided to have a wash and ransack the kitchen. At the same time the ladies had left kaka to set the table, while they had a wash. So the boys had to wait till the girls were done. Finally all of them landed on the dining table ready to gobble anything that they could lay their hands on.

Kaka and akka made all of them sit down and started serving.

M: Ok men, taste the food and guess who has made which dish?

Ro: Paneer ki sabzi , wow, I love paneer.

R: Akshat ko bhi paneer bahut pasand hai. Poor thing he's missing all this.

All of them started eating.

Ab: The chole is just perfect, defnitely yeh to Riddhima ne hi banayi hai. Right?

D: Absolutely right. How did you guess?

Ab: Well it tastes exactly like that made by my mother and …..

Abhi stopped in midsentence and looked askance at Bashir because he wasn't sure if Devi knew about him and Riddhima being married.

D: I know everything, Abhi. I can understand, your mother must have taught Riddhima to make chole like this. Yes it's nice and spicy.

M: Armaan, did you guess that it was made by Riddhima.

A: Actually I haven't tasted it now but I better not if it's so spicy. I can't tolerate pungent food. Isliye yahan itna spicy khana banta hi nahi. But now I remember. Before our marriage, I had had dinner with Akshat and Riddhima one evening. (He didn't mention that it was one of the many evenings that he had had dinner with them.) The rajma was so spicy that my eyes started watering.

"Yahan to kaka aur akka hi khana banate hai, to Armaan ne kabhie Riddhima ka haath ka khana nahi khaya hoga." Rahul teased.

"Aisi koi baat nahi. Riddhima to mere pasand ka khana kayi baar banati hai." Armaan at once defended his wife.

R: Actually we made one accompaniment spicy and one less spicy, to cater to everyone's taste.

M: Theek hai baaki ka khana bhi chak kar batado kisne banaya hai.

B: This paneer sabzi is defnitely made by Devi because she's very partial to the green gravy.

M: That's good, full marks to you Bashir. Ok Armaan, tumhare favourite aloo ke parathe kaise bane hain?

A: Achche to hain, lekin issey zaroor Riddhima ne nahi banayi hai.

M: tu itne yakeen ke saath kaise bol sakta hai?

Armaan closed his eyes and had a faraway expression on his face. He wanted to say, "uski haath ki khushboo kuch alag hi hai." But he didn't want to offend the person who had made it. So he said "Riddhima ko pata hai ki mujhe hari mirch pasand nahi hai. To woh aisey chilly pieces usmein nahi daalthi. Isliye mujhe pata chal gaya."

R: Mujhe pata hai yeh parathe kisne banaye hai. Yeh meri shrimati ji ke alawa koi aur nahi ho sakta.

B: you have to tell us how you guessed it.

"Because of the variety of shapes she makes them in," Rahul said laughing. Muskaan immediately went into the kitchen, got the belan and was about to beat him with it saying "Everyone here is praising their wife's cooking and you dare find faults with mine?" but the other's intervened and saved Rahul.

M: Mujse bachkar kahan jaayega? Patiala chal main tujhe bookha hi maar doongi.

Finally Rahul had to apologise and confess that he had been fooling.

Armaan was now tasting the Biryani and screamt loudly. Riddhima at once got up and rushed to him asking "kya hua?"

A: Aah! aah! Mirchi, ssss…. mirchi.

She at once picked up a cup of kheer and fed him a spoonful from it saying, "yeh kha lo."

He had a spoonful and then another and finally grabbed the cup from her hand and gobbled it up.Then with his cute dimpled smile said, "Yeh to defnitely Riddhima ne hi banaya hai, kyonki kaka bhi itna yummy kheer bana nahi paate." Riddhima blushed when kaka added "issey fridge mein rakhar, shaam ko khaoge to aur bhi badiya lagega. Mere bahu jaise shayad hi koi kheer bana sakta hai."

Abhi realized that since each one had made a dish, Nikki must have made the Biryani. He thought he should compliment her. So he said "Biryani kaafi achchi bani hai Nikki. The minute I saw the generous use of cashewnuts and raisins, I knew that was defnitely made by you." Nikki blushed getting his compliment.

All of them enjoyed the food. Finally, the judge, kaka, declared that all his bahus were excellent cooks and all his betas were diehard fans of their wives' cooking. Hence they were able to spot the dishes made by them.

Akka had fed Ani khichdi and put him to sleep while everyone had lunch. When on reaching the dining room and hearing kaka's verdict, akka said, "ok so this evening men will cook and ladies will have spot which dish is made by whom," a bombshell fell on the men. The ladies shouted in chorus, "yess", while the men started protesting.

B: Hey, that's not fair!

Ab: Give us some other task, we'll prove our skills to you.

Ra: We'll take you to the best restaurant for dinner.

A: An unforgettable dinner.

The ladies discussed together and then gave the answer.

M: Ok you take us out for an unforgetable dinner tonight, but all of us including the kids, kaka and akka will go together.

Ra: We need sometime to make the arrangements, let's make it tomorrow night.

M: No, no. You'll have to make the arrangements in less time, that's the challenge.

A: Ok, sab kuch ho jaayega. So its 8pm tonight. Ok?