AR short ff part 2.....'MY EXCEPTION'

Hi...I'm new here but have been reading ff's for a while.....wanted to share some of my writing....please do tell if I should continue....cheers

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My Exception

I could not pull away from her gaze…it was magic…just like it has been every other time our eyes have held for a moment to long.

Armaan smiled to himself lying on the bed in his darkened room and thinking about the night.

Kucch toh hai…humare beech …kucch toh hai…par kya?

Like every weekend, this weekend too their gang went out to party…to catch up…to be together…it was their sacred routine. Rahul, Muskaan, Atul, Anjali, Armaan and Riddhima.

Rahul Mallik was the rich, serious, smart, sexy and suave and not to forget successful hotelier with a chain of hotels all over the world. His dad had made a legacy and he was responsible enough to continue it, and continue well. One of the most eligible bachelors in town…but not for long…for he had found Muskaan…

Muskaan. One could smile hearing her name only. The charming and bubbly event manager with a degree from Lancashire. Three events organized with Mallik chain of hotels and she was bowled over by the quiet and powerful Rahul who made her every wish come true. No one and nothing could part them.

Atul Joshi…a neurosurgeon and the youngest chairman ever at Sanjeevani, Mumbai's biggest hospital. Hardworking, caring, sensitive and extremely down to earth, he was everything a woman could wish for…only if he could escape his duties and hectic schedules. His only retreat were the late night coffees at Marriot…the coffees that brought him peace and a special someone.

The special someone Anjali Gupta. Upcoming industrial designer and writer. Her late night work companions were the Marriot's poolside cafe, a cup of coffee and then Atul. He could make her smile and laugh like no one ever did. Their first meeting when Atul had bumped into her chair making her spill her coffee on her drawings did not exactly call for love at first sight but Atul's sweetest apology along with a promise of a free medical check up melted her heart and filled it with a feeling she had never encountered before.

Riddhima Gupta, Anjali's sister and an artist, writer, actor, social worker and you-name-it-she's-done-it, was the sweetest soul alive on earth. She was everybody's darling (well almost! there are always exceptions…) and loved taking care of everybody. If there was anything constant in her life then it was her itch to work and Armaan.

Armaan Mallik. Rahul's younger brother by a year and the heart throb of all the girls of Mumbai (well almost! there are always exceptions…). He could easily become a superstar with his blue eyes, dimpled smile and pagan good looks, but he loved his family business and his degree from Oxford Business School helped him expand the business in ways no one could imagine.

Armaan and Riddhima were each others exceptions! Even though they spent whatever time in Mumbai almost always together as their dads the great Shashank Gupta and Billy Mallik were the greatest friends ever. They even went to the same schools, were in the same class and good friends…but still…. Armaan and Riddhima were each others exceptions!

Until…..

Kucch toh hai…humare beech …kucch toh hai Riddhima…par kya?

Armaan smiled as he thought of ways to find out…and got out of bed to stare at the moon from his balcony…unaware that not too far away a pair of restless eyes were doing just the same…

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Blue eyes. I hate blue eyes. And pointed noses. Add to that well sculpted bodies, million-watt smiles on perfect lips and dimpled cheeks. In short, I hate Armaan Mallik.

Riddhima looked angrily at the moon from her balcony in half-desperation. The man in question was disturbing her peace of mind and now her night's sleep. What was it exactly that was going on here?

Kucch toh hai…humare beech …kucch toh hai…par kya?

The dinner at Wasabi along with the walk along Marine Drive could be accounted for just perfect…if only…

"Rahul! Please dheere chalo naa! My heels are killing me and you guys think its time for a brisk walk or what? Yahaan aao!", Muskaan shouted.

All the three guys turned around and walked back to where the girls stood giggling. Not adhering to Muskaan was nothing short of stupidity, especially when she was half a bottle of wine down.

Rahul quickly hugged her, pecked her on the cheek and whispered something in her ear that made her blush and hide her face in his chest. Atul just comfortably slipped his hand into Anjali's and kissed her forehead. Both the couples walked at their own pace. Which then left Armaan and Riddhima to walk next to each other in nothing but companionable silence, which they had of course gotten used to in the past months.

"Tumhare naye play ki rehersals kaisi chal rahi hain?" Armaan said.

"Nice! Aur tumhara Bali wala project? Dad says ki iss baar you have really come up with something out of the world!" Riddhima said.

"Oh don't I always darling?" Both of them laughed. "But yes…this time, I think it's a little too good…even by my standards" he replied.

Just then a young boy came up to them offered Armaan to buy a bunch of red roses. "Lelo na bhaiya jee. Aapki girlfriend khush ho jayegi aur meri raat ban jayegi" the little urchin flashed a toothless smile at them.

Armaan's dimples appeared and he reached for his wallet and Riddhima coughed with surprise. He paid for the bunch and chuckled as the boy ran away jumping with glee at the added tip. Armaan turned towards Riddhima and held out the flowers. Riddhima looked at him with mischief in her eyes.

"Main tumhari Rina, Tina, Hina mein se nahin hoon. Aur yeh phool toh tumne apni girlfriend ke liye lie hain naa? So no. no way. I can't accept them."

Armaan looked hurt. "But Riddhima…Please don't break my heart! I swear meri Rina, Tina aur Hina ke baad tum hi aati ho….sirf tum! I promise!" And the look in his eyes changed to completely naughty. With that he gave a little flying kiss that had her chasing him along the road with little shouts.

He was too quick for her especially with her heels but he jerked to a stop suddenly to annoy her and she banged right into him, lost her balance and was about to hit the ground when a strong pair of arms secured her waist.

The intense blue eyes looked directly into her green and he straightened the both of them up. But neither of them could look away. The cool sea breeze and their heavy breathing mixed with the scent of their nearness produced a heady fragrance. Their arms around each other gave a sense of belonging that felt just so right! They did not blink…just held each others gaze leaning into each other till…

"Oye! Tum theek to ho naa!" Atul's voice carried out from behind and broke their trance. They quickly parted and straightened their clothes, too embarrassed to look in the eye again. Armaan showed him a thumbs up as all of them walked towards each other and said goodbyes to go home.

Armaan and Riddhima, both just smiled at each other without saying a word. Somehow the close proximity had opened a prospect of feelings that they had never imagined for each other before. But how the hell did it feel so right?

Kucch toh hai…humare beech …kucch toh hai Armaan…par kya?

Riddhima turned around to look at the bunch of roses she had carefully arranged in the vase tonight and bit her lower lip. Her anger melted. If they could make it into her room…was it possible that Armaan could have made it to her heart?

She smiled at the thought and turned back to the moon going back in her mind to the moment when he caught her waist and perhaps…her heart.

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Part 1

11 a.m. Gupta Mansion. Everybody is as busy as they are everyday, except for the one most active person who is strangely still in bed!

"Arrey! Aaj Riddhima kahaan hai?" Shashank asked.

"Bitiya aaj utthi hi nahin sahab ji. Kamra abhi tak band hai. Anjali beti jaldi nikal gayi toh koi uthaane vaala hi nahin. Aap kahein toh main jaake dekhoon?" kaka retorted.

Just then Armaan walked into the sitting room dressed in a casual white collared t-shirt, blue jeans and slightly wet hair looking as handsome as ever. He smiled and greeted Shashank; after all he was nothing less than a father figure to him.

"Armaan!" Shashank took in a proud breath and smiled. Every time he saw this young man he wished for a son just like him. So confident and successful at such a young age but he never even once forgot his values and traditions. It was hard to find such a combination in today's generation but this young lad was definitely an exception.

"So good to see you beta! Come sit! Kya loge?" Shashank said.

"No thanks uncle! I'm fine. Bus Riddhima ko milna tha. Wo uska theatre play hai na kucch dino mein, uske sponsors arrange kare the. Just wanted her to see the list and approve them," Armaan explained.

"Oh! Strangely, Riddhima abhi tak kamre se bahar nahin aai hai. Par tum jaa ke dekho aur agar Maharaani ji so rahi hain to please utha do! Its nearing 12 o'clock!" Shashank said.

Hesitation was clear on Armaan's face as his mind raced overtime.

Armaan Mallik. Isn't this why you came here? Sponsors to ek bahaana tha…tu actually to Riddhima ko milna chahta tha…dekhna chahta tha…jaan na chahta tha naa…iss se better chance kahaan mil sakta hai? Come on! Kamre mein hi to jaana hai! Kamre mein people are most comfortable…she will be herself and her defenses and facades will be down. This is just perfect!

Armaan made his decision and nodded his head. He got up and started climbing the steps to Riddhima's room all set to unravel the mystery of the strange connection they shared.

Behind his back Shashank gave himself a silent pat on the back. Instead of wishing for a son like Armaan…wasn't wishing for Armaan as his son-in-law a better idea? He chuckled to himself.

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Nothing in the world could have prepared Armaan for the sight that waited for him. As he opened the door of the room a few inches and whispered her name, nothing followed except silence and darkness so he helped himself in. The curtains were all closed, the blinds down and a figure was curled in the centre of the bed in a sheet.

Wrong idea Mallik. You should walk right back out from where you stepped in. But a little peak won't kill you. So here goes.

As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he looked around. He had come to her room after quite some time. The last was perhaps in school when he sometimes came over to work with her. But not much had changed. The room was as neat and clean as ever, her desk in the corner the only proof of the amount of work she actually did, the photographs on a wall were there then also and the room smelled just like her…sweet and somehow mysteriously alluring.

He walked towards the bed and the sight made his breath hitch and heartbeat skitter. Riddhima with her expressive green eyes was beautiful, but Riddhima sleeping peacefully was startling.

His knees gave away and he sat on the cool white silk sheets of her bed. He reached out his hand and touched her arm to make sure she was not an angel…not a dream…not a figment of his imagination.

The touch gave him confidence and he bent closer over her body taking in her smell. His hand reached her face and caressed her cheeks, pushing back tendrils of hair behind her ear.

Riddhima.

In the darkness he whispered her name in her ear, for the first time, actually feeling the vibrations in his throat…in his soul. Tasting her name on his tongue and sensing its sweetness.

Unexpectedly Riddhima shifted and brought an arm around him as a result of which Armaan now lay flat on the bed half encompassed in her embrace. He realized she was wearing just a thin white silk night shirt and pajamas through which he could feel her warmth. She made a small noise of contentment that made Armaan want to stay there forever. In that one moment, he hugged her back and envisioned a lifetime with her. She was his and he would make her realize that no matter how long it took. Damn the years they had lost! But this moment…gosh this moment was special. He had accepted that he loved her. There…he said it…LOVED HER!!!

He looked at her face and just could not control himself. He snuggled in closer and placed his lips on her neck, slowly travelling to her chin, placing small kisses on her cheeks, her eyes, nose and stopping just short of her lips. Armaan lingered for a moment and placed a final kiss on her forehead. Then carefully releasing himself from her grip, he got up, wishing that she miraculously got up and asked him to stay next to her. God he would have obeyed!

But now his mind started making all sorts of plans to woo her. Also before that, he had to find out what this dazzling damsel felt for him. With one final look at her, he smiled and took a few steps towards the door but stopped at the wall with the photographs.

There was Riddhima in all ages and sizes. He chuckled to himself at her poses. Riddhima and Anjali. Riddhima and school friends. Riddhima and their gang. Riddhima and him. Wait. Riddhima and him?

He studied the photograph closely. It was when they had both graduated and their parents had given them both a joint surprise party. Both of them were dressed in black, feeding each other pieces of cake and smiling widely into the others eyes. It was a beautiful shot, but what was it doing on her wall? Did she feel something for him too? Has she been feeling something since then? Did he feel something for her then? Does he feel something now?

Armaan tip toed out of her room and house unwilling to share a dialogue with anybody. The questions still swirled in Armaan's head. But one thing he was sure of. He loved Riddhima Gupta. And she felt something for him too.

Proof…the red roses that had stood perfectly arranged by her bedside.

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Riddhima opened her eyes as soon as Armaan shut the door behind him. She did not regret him coming in. She did not regret his kisses, caresses and touch. She did not even regret embracing him or him snuggling her. All she regretted…was the kiss…that he had left incomplete.

He loved her and she knew his little secret. This was going to be fun.

Riddhima got out of bed feeling more alive and in love than ever before.

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Part 2

Armaan sat in his office day dreaming about no-points-for-guessing-who when suddenly his intercom buzzed and his secretary Jolie said that some Miss Gupta had come to see him. At first he jumped out of his seat in surprise sending some papers flying in the process, then quickly regained his composure, straightened his hair and clothes, cleared his throat and asked Jolie to let her in with a serious voice while his heart did a hula dance.

The door opened and Armaan produced his most charming smile only to find Anjali making her way into his office.

"Oh hi! Tum? Tum yahaan…mera matlab…aaj…matlab…I don't mind that its you…uff…what I'm trying to say is that I wasn't expecting you…" Armaan trailed off awkwardly as his cheeks turned red.

"Armaan Mallik! Relax! Its ok…I know I've made a sort of surprise appearance but it's just me…Anjali…and who else were you expecting by the way when you heard Miss Gupta?" Anjali's left eyebrow shot up and gaze challenged him.

Armaan flustered again. "Oh it's just the work pressure these days! The new Bali project is on its last leg. It's driving me half crazy. Hence the confusion! Sorry Anjali…I did not mean to offend you" he tried to cover up.

Anjali smiled and said "Don't be silly! I was just teasing you. I understand your position but actually I also came to you to discuss about your Bali project. I know most of the details are finalized but do u need any consultancy or work done at the design end? Actually I have a friend Nikita who is great but requires a job."

"Actually we do need a landscape designer for a few places. Think that she could manage?" Armaan asked.

"Yes! Of course! In fact she has quite some experience in landscaping and public space designing." She beamed.

So the two of them sat for the next half hour talking business and finalizing details. Finally, Anjali got up and smiled "Thanks Armaan! You are nothing short of amazing!"

Armaan laughed and bent his head in gratitude, silently wishing that it was the other Miss Gupta who had said these words. Anjali shut the door behind her.

Armaan cleared his mind and promised himself to focus on work when a minute later his intercom buzzed again and it was Jolie.

"Uhh….Sir…Miss Gupta just …"

"Let her in Jo" Armaan cut her short.

"But she…" Jolie continued.

"Just let her in Jo! Hurry up, I don't have the whole day!" he said.

In a few seconds the door opened and Armaan started not even looking up, "I was also thinking that she could do our roof gardens reserved for only private guests also. What do you say?"

"I think its sounds marvelous but a male gardener would definitely be on for faster work…not that I am a sexist!" replied a smiling female voice that definitely did not belong to Anjali.

Armaan's head shot up and he sat in surprised silence as he took in the fair, slim, long-legged lady in an alluring red dress.

"Hi I'm Nikita. Anjali talked to you about me? I was in the neighborhood so I thought a quick introduction would be nice. And I guess the receptionist was trying to tell you just that. Won't you say something Mr. Armaan Mallik?" Nikita shot her most provocative smile. Armaan's silence reminded her about the effect she had on men…and this man was totally worth having an effect on she smiled inwardly.

"Oh! Pleasure Nikita. That was thoughtful of you." Armaan extended his hand and shook hands.

Armaan was disappointed. The woman definitely did not fit his definition of an ideal woman. Her voice was too fake, clothes too provocative, her touch too cold and lingeringly possessive. He instantly craved for Riddhima's warmth.

"Please sit down. What would you like to have?" he said hoping that she would leave soon.

"I'm sorry! I have to leave as I have to be somewhere. But we could definitely meet up tonight for a drink and discuss business and perhaps…more?" she said suggestively.

Uncomfortably forward as well, Armaan added to his list. "I'm afraid I hate to carry my work beyond the office hours. But I'm sure my secretary Jolie would fix an appointment as per your convenience." He tried to be as pleasant as possible and walked her out of the door.

"Our convenience" Nikita said batting her eyelids. Armaan just forced a smiled and shut the door.

He shivered involuntarily at the cheap suggestions. Just then someone knocked. Armaan opened the door and found Riddhima standing there in a white summer dress looking angelic.

"Hi!" Riddhima said in a guarded yet breathy voice and a blush stained her cheeks. She wasn't expecting him to open the door and stand so close to her. She could smell his cologne and feel the force of his persona. And the way his blue eyes devoured her…so hungry…as if he was waiting for her since an eternity.

"I can feast my eyes on her for an eternity." Armaan thought.

This was what a real woman looked like. Beauty, charm, poise and the bashful eyes that would not hold his gaze. What secrets was she hiding?

"Keeping interesting company these days" Riddhima broke into his thoughts. "And are we going to stand on the door and do all the talking Armaan?"

"Oh sorry! Come in Riddhima. And 'Nikita' is an employee for the Bali project. Just an employee…" Armaan reeled and let Riddhima in. He pulled her a chair and went to sit on his, all the time still wondering if she was here for real.

"Coffee?" he asked. She nodded and smiled.

Armaan walked over to his side table that contained a spread to confectionary and drinks and started to pour two cups of coffee from a kettle.

"Papa keh rahe the ki tum ghar aaye the aur mere kamre mein bhi…" Riddhima started.

Armaan's heart did a summersault as he remembered the mornings happenings and the kettle slipped from his hand spilling coffee on his other. "Owww!" he yelped in pain.

Immediately Riddhima shot up from the chair and had his hand in hers the next instant.

"Dekh ke nahin daal sakte Armaan? Dekho jal gaya hai! Bilkul careless ho! Dhyaan se kyun nahin karte?" Riddhima trailed on and on worriedly. Armaan just started at her face, his pain forgotten with the magic of her touch. She suddenly realized that he wasn't saying a word and just gazing at her. Embarrassed, she let his hand go and said "Main ice dekhti hoon."

She bent down and unsuccessfully tried to open the freezer that seemed to have jammed. Armaan bent down next to her and opened it for her. He caught her eye for a moment but she quickly looked away and busied herself in taking out the ice.

Riddhima held out her hand to Armaan hesitantly. He gave her his right hand.

"Armaan!" she chuckled shaking her head, grabbed his burnt one carefully and started to apply ice. The warmth of his hand overpowered the coldness of the ice. Riddhima marveled at his perfect hands and smooth palm hoping that he could not feel the quickness of her heartbeat. She would love to hold on to this hand forever.

"Uh…I had got you the list of sponsors." Armaan said quietly happing that he could be the reason for her smile.

"Toh uthaya kyun nahin Armaan?" Riddhima said looking straight into his eyes.

Armaan just could not look away…"You looked beautiful…no no ….I mean peaceful….and restful…..and asleep and…." Armaan trailed on embarrassed. Riddhima put a finger on his lips.

"Shhh….I think main samajh gayi ki tum kya kehna chahte ho Armaan…aur kya nahin bhi…" Riddhima whispered. Armaan clasped her hand that rested on his face and just then…

The phone rang…

Both of them were shaken out of their reverie and realized how awkwardly they sat squatting on the carpet. Armaan hurried to the phone cursing under his breath and jerked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

Two minutes of utter silence and Armaan puts down the phone. Riddhima looked at him worriedly and asked "Armaan?"

Suddenly Armaan jumped and shouted and ran around the table taking Riddhima in a tight hug. He swept her off her feet and twirled her around laughing and shouting….

"Rahul is getting married!! Yippee!! I can't believe it…so soon!!! He wants to do it in our new resort in Bali!! Muskaan and Rahul….wooohoooo…..Can you believe it? Oh my God! There is so much to be done…cards, cakes, clothes, menus, functions….so much….I'm so happy!!! Riddhima Riddhima Riddhima!!!"

With a final twirl and a sudden loud kiss on her cheek he set her down…only to realize how the length of her body pressed against his and how her fragrance engulfed him. Both of them were breathless…him with the sudden outburst and her with surprise.

"I can't think of a better news Armaan…Congratulations!" Riddhima struggled to keep her tone normal but it was impossible to do so with him holding her so recklessly close. She could feel every inch of him and hear their hearts hammer against each others chest.

Both of them flushed and let go. Riddhima hastily mumbled about going somewhere and dashed out of his office, not stopping till she had reached the confines of her car.

Maine khud ko promise kiya tha ki Armaan ko sataoongi…par kyun uske paas aate hi sab bhool jaati hoon…kho jaati hoon…yaan shayad…poori ho jaati hoon…

Riddhima inhaled her dress. It smelt of him…completely and unmistakably of him. She smiled and drove away with the desire of curling up and sleeping with his scent still clung to her.

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Back in the office, Armaan kissed his hand that Riddhima had held in hers.

I think main samajh gaya ki tum kya kehna chahti ho Riddhima…aur kya nahin bhi…

Armaan walked out of the office with a smile on his face and a promise in his heart…

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