A Walk On The Beach..-AR[New Page Link: Page 150] - Page 21

ahhh! i cant waitt...when will they meett?

PS. ur an awesome writerr <33333333

oh and please add me to ur PM list :)

-Noma 😊

thanks 4 the pm n update soon :)

Even if I try, main Armaan ko bura nai bana sakti! I love him too much!😳 And don't worry, he has a reason for EVERYTHING he's done till date....So maybe one fine day, you'll understand why he didn't come and say goodbye to Riddhima....About why he didn't defend Riddhima...Well you can't expect him to just blast off Andrea especially when she's right in her PoV! Would you tolerate if you were Armaan's girlfriend, and you saw his 'best friend' being in such close proximity with him? C'mon, it's ARMAAN we're talking about! Who wouldn't be possessive about him?😆

Hey guys! Here's Part 11 COMPLETED!! I'm sure you'll will like it!😆

Part 11:- The Last Christmas:-

"Yeah Dad! I know! Uncle's coming to pick me up! And tell Mum not to worry! I'll be back before she knows it!" I spoke into the phone, massaging my head...After hearing the news about my flight being cancelled; Uncle had called me, first to scold me for my stupid thoughts of spending the night at the Airport (Hey! I could shop in Duty-free! It's the best place!)-since my flight was scheduled to leave at 1 am in the night the next day instead, and secondly to tell me that he's coming to pick me up, and my stupid refute of not coming would make no difference to him what-so-ever!

I sighed as I tried to see if Uncle had come, craning my neck...It had been over half an hour since I had talked to him...He should be here by now, I thought...And just as I thought that, I saw a familiar car draw up the crossway of the Airport...Only it wasn't Uncle's car...

Seeing him walk towards me, I couldn't help but feel relieved...Relieved to at least have gotten to see him before leaving...Although now I had an entire day to spend with him...And at that thought I realized why I was feeling relieved...Because he had chosen to not see me off at all...I looked away and crossed my arms-determined that if I would go back home, it would definitely not be with him!

"Hey!" He said hesitantly, as he approached me...I cocked an eyebrow at his 'Hi'...Boy, he had some audacity! My scowl and glare were all he got as a reply..Sighing, he bent forward to pick up my bags when I stopped him...

"Where's Uncle?" I asked, not caring to keep my voice calm...

"He's sent me...And I know you're mad, but can we please sort this out once we get home?" Armaan sighed...His glance told me that he had anticipated my reaction...

"Oh no no, Dr. Mallik, who the hell gave you the idea, that I was going to sit here in the Departure lounge and sort," I quoted the word with my hands, "things out...? Please do not be mistaken....I was just trying to tell you indirectly, that I'm not gonna go anywhere with you!" I said in a bitter-sweet formal tone, although my tone couldn't keep the anger out of bay....

"Riddhima thanks for that very insulting respect you just gave me! And now Dr. Mallik," He said emphasizing on my attempt at keeping the formality alive, "is requesting you to PLEASE get into the car, and then you can kill him if you want when we get home...For now, please get into the car! It's Christmas Eve today, and it's gonna be hell of a job if we leave any late, to get through the traffic! Now please!" Armaan said calmly, his voice pleading...

"No...I'm not coming with you! I would rather spend the day here than see your face for another day! Especially when you didn't even bother showing up today morning! Where the fu-hell were you?" I asked, controlling my words, as I remembered Armaan hating it when I would use swear words, he would say it didn't suit me....But then why should I give a damn about that, I thought...

Armaan was constantly looking down... "Look I know you won't understand nor believe when I tell you that I had a reason...And I understand you're gonna be mad at me, and I'm sorry for that...But please can you just come home now! Please!" He sounded genuinely sorry... "And besides, if you don't come, what am I gonna tell Mum and Dad? Rhe will kill me!" Armaan smiled a little...I narrowed my eyes...

"Tell them the truth!" I said icily...Armaan smiled...

"Fine! Now can you please come? And have you had your lunch yet?" He asked as I nodded and started moving towards the car...I turned and glared at him...

"I'm coming with you! But I'm not going anywhere out with you! Get that clear! Air head!" I huffed away, and I was sure I saw Armaan smirk!

"I couldn't be happier! I'm gonna personally send these Airport people a 'thank you' message!" Rhea exclaimed cheerfully as I sat there, yet again, in the Malliks' living room, the most unexpected turn of events!

"Me too!" I heard Armaan mutter under his breath...I passed him a murderous glare, but he grinned back unaffected...

"It's not funny guys!" I sighed, thinking about my parents who were completely disappointed on hearing my flight's cancellation news...

"Okay sorry! But hey, you got an extra day to spend with me'" I looked at him as he said that, with cocked eyebrows... "I mean with us..." He said looking down sheepishly...I frowned...Was this guy for real? He hadn't spoken to me a word the past entire week, not to mention he hadn't even cared enough to see me off, and now he was talking about being so glad that my flight had been cancelled! Really?

"Yeah I agree with Bro! You're last Christmas here! Hey but we didn't get you presents for Christmas morning tomorrow!" Rhea looked horrified...I smiled, she was the sweetest person alive!

"It's okie, I'll put it on your tab!" I winked and grinned... "So, what plans for Christmas Eve? I'm disappointed I won't be able to have Aunty's special feast tonight!" I pouted sadly; Uncle and Aunty had taken to another one of their week-long-expeditions, they had left an hour after I had arrived back home...

"Hmm well, I was planning on chilling at home with Nick at his place'" Rhea was cut off in between by Armaan...

"Which I didn't approve of!" Armaan said with a sardonic smile...I wasn't surprised...Trust Armaan to intervene when it came to Rhea and her boyfriend-Nick, being alone...I rolled my eyes....

"Thanks for that favour by the way! Anyway, so it was my great Bro's great idea that we go for a double date tonight! Please come with us, I can't stand Andrea!" Rhea made no attempts to hide her disapproval of Andrea, while I gave a small chuckle...

"Ohk...But how can I come? It's a date nevertheless right? I don't want to be a kabab mein haddi!" I shrugged, but I couldn't help but feel lonely all over again!

"Kabab what?" Rhea asked me confused... "And anyway who cares? Trust me, out of this little group, I like you the best!" Rhea grinned...I smiled back...

"No seriously, you two can go ahead! Don't change your plans! And it's not about you, I would feel awkward! Go ahead! I'll stay at home, watch Home Alone on Channel 24 or something! I never get tired of watching it...Seriously don't worry!" I assured her with a smile, although a part of me hoped that they would stop me!

"You sure?" Rhea asked doubtfully... "I would have cancelled, but I've ignored Nikhil completely the past 2-3 weeks cause of exams and stuff, and he's leaving for his stupid skiing trip tomorrow!"

"I understand! Wish him a Merry Christmas!" I smiled and nodded...Rhea seemed to have been convinced... "Anyway, I'm stoked...Think I'll go rest for some time!" I got up, before they could retaliate and raced up the stairs, to my bedroom, which was now devoid of books, clothes, and looked completely empty! At that precise moment, I wished I was on the flight back home right now!

I woke up groggily, and stared outside the window....It was past twilight by the looks of it...Checking my phone, my assumptions were proven right-it was 7.30...Had I slept for 4 hours?

I walked downstairs, expecting the house to be empty....Armaan and Rhea should have left by now, and both their room were empty as well...But as I neared the living room, I heard the faint sound of the TV...Surprised, I walked in to find Armaan perched on the couch watching some stupid ice-hockey match...

"You didn't go!" I asked, confused...

"Hey you're up!" Armaan looked up at me and made space for me on the couch... "And no, Andrea cancelled...Said she had some family stuff to attend!" Armaan said nonchalantly....And my hopes of him having cancelled his plans for me went crashing down again...

"Oh!"

"Anyway, you want something? I ordered pizza but in case you want something different..." Armaan asked, a bit hesitantly....Would the awkwardness ever leave? This was precisely why I hated fighting with him!

"Nah pizza's cool!" I said grinning a little...

"Okie! Hey be right back, just get something to drink...You want?" Armaan got up and asked me...I shook my head and he turned towards the kitchen...

Just then, his cell buzzed, showing *1 new text*...Checking the sender's name, it read 'Andrea'...I sighed...I opened the text, expecting to see how she had managed to get out of that family stuff and wanted their date to happen after all...

"I can't believe you cancelled on me tonight! I have to spend Christmas Eve with my retard brother now! Hate you! You better make it up to me later!! :( x x!"

I was surprised to read the text! So he had cancelled the plan for me! And all of a sudden, my anger towards him melted in a split second! As he came out of the kitchen I looked at him, a big smile adoring my face...He stood there perplexed at my smile, and the next second, his confusion knew no bounds as I ran to him and hugged him tight!

"Thank you!" I whispered as I felt him hug me back...

"Merry Christmas Munchkin!" I heard the smile in his voice! And that was all! Apologies and explanations were no longer needed!

"Why'd you lie? You told me Ms. Airhead scrapped the plan...!" I asked him teasingly as we sat on top of the roof, overlooking the backyard, and ate from the box of hot Pizzas...

"I thought you were mad at me...Didn't think you would take it very well!" Armaan shrugged...

"Were mad? I still am Mr.!" I said faking anger, and crossed my arms, looking away, head held high...

"Right! Nautanki!" Armaan rolled his eyes...I raised my eyebrows, impressed at his use of a Hindi word...

"Nautanki huh? Know what it means or just aiwe hi...Luck by chance?" I asked, cocking my eyebrows and grinning...He grinned back...

"Aai shappat...I know what it means!" His eyes twinkled while mine widened...

"Where the hell did you learn that?" I exclaimed...He chortled at my reaction...

"Ah well...You know, I'm not as daft as you think I am!" He shook his head and chuckled...

"Really? Well then Mr. I'm-not-that-daft, well how do you explain your behaviour this entire week...?" I asked again, teasingly...He sobered a little at that...

"I'm sorry about that... You know how my anger gets the better of me sometimes!" He mumbled sheepishly...But I knew he was hiding something...

"Why were you so angry at me? I haven't even done anything that annoying!" I asked confused...He gave a small chuckle at that...

"So you agree you do annoy me a lot then?" Armaan asked giving me a sardonic smile...I nudged him...

"Serious!" I said, probing him to reason out his behaviour...He sighed...

"I was angry at myself...I admit I should have been there for you! I mean you and Sid had been together for almost 3 years! I'm sorry Munchkin!" He said quietly, his eyes revealing the actual depth of his apology...

"It's okay! And hey, only you have the talent of making up for an entire week of disasters in a few hours!" I said, grinning...He smiled back... "Oh hey, Rhea's excused for not bringing me a Christmas gift this year! Not you though! I still expect to find your gift under the tree this time!" I smiled happily...He looked practically scandalized!

"Hey! That's unfair! And anyway, in case you haven't noticed already, we have just put up the tree...Haven't even bothered decorating it...It just looks like a stupid old plant!" Armaan smirked at me, while I pouted...

"Well then we decorate it now!" I declared, crossing my arms...

"Oh c'mon! If I wanted to get bored that way, I would have done it today itself when I got it!" Armaan smirked... "And besides, we don't have anything to decorate it!"

"Yes we do! I put the decorations in the attic last year!" I said, getting up... "And hey, what're you being so lazy for! You've never complained before!" I asked, frowning...

"Yeah, because normally all of us put it up together! What's the fun when you don't have anyone to do it with you?" Armaan asked, looking up at me...I pulled him up by the arm, and beckoned him to come back inside...Sighing, he followed me inside, through the small window...

"So what if the entire house is empty? At least we could do it right?" I said, putting the box of decorations on the table, while Armaan rolled his eyes...

"Munckin!" Armaan groaned, but I was determined....

Putting on a few Christmas songs on my I-pod, I smiled enthusiastically and began decorating the tree...My enthusiasm must have been infectious, as Armaan did eventually join me later...The chant of Jingle Bell Rock echoed in the room as we decorated the tree, messing around with each other at the same time, throwing things around!

"Armaan we still have to put the star up!" I said, as we slumped onto the couch, exhausted....Looking at the tree, it finally felt like Christmas!

"Forget it!" Armaan said lazily and shut his eyes...I thumped him on the head once and got up, trying to reach the top of the tree to put up the star....Owing to my miniscule height, I obviously failed in my attempts...I frowned, staring up at the tree, thinking of ways to finish the task, when I felt a weird sensation...I felt Armaan's hands trickle across the front of my waist, and without warning, he hoisted me up effortlessly...Still surprised at this little act of his, and the weird sensation which was encircling my heart, I remained hoisted in mid air, still wondering what the hell was happening...

"Oi hurry up! You're not exactly light!" Armaan's comment made me come out of reverie...Scowling, I kicked my leg back, which hurt him on his stomach... "Ow! Munchkin you're an idiot!" I scowled again and put the star on top of the tree...I looked down and saw Armaan smirking...I knew he was smirking about the fact that I was pretty short for a girl...I kicked him again...This time he got angry and put me down clumsily, as a result of which I tripped and before I could balance myself, I fell, Armaan being my support and as a consequence, he fell with me...

Staring into his eyes, I was surprised at the new sensations enveloping me....That feeling which had overridden my heart still persisted, making my heart beat faster....I looked at him again, his eyes questioning, and finally, I broke off, sitting up...

"Erm, I'll just get a glass of water..." I said awkwardly, and rushed to the kitchen....Coming back out, I saw Armaan happily staring at the tree we had put up...I put on a straight face to hide my embarrassment and went up to him....

"You know Munchkin, you were right...This wasn't a bad idea at all...Just that I thought it wouldn't be that much fun as the previous years because it's only the two of us this year...But it was fun!" He smiled at me, genuinely happy, and I couldn't help but return his smile...

"Yeah...This is the last time I'm doing this with you...That was one reason why I wanted to do this!" I said, my smile faltering a little...Armaan noticed my change in expressions and frowned....

"I've been dying to ask you something....But couldn't since we were fighting..." He said...I looked at him questioningly... "Why are you not at all happy about going back to a place where you've lived practically all your life? I mean that's your home!" Armaan asked me confused...

"I dunno...I didn't even have this much of an attachment to this place when we shifted to India before....But hell I was 9 at the time..I didn't even know what it meant by 'attachment'...But I dunno, it just feels like I belong here...Surprisingly I didn't hesitate even once when I came here, but now I dunno what's stopping me from going back! I know I might sound stupid, but my flight getting cancelled actually seems like a sign or something!" I said, finally pouring my heart out...

"Hey relax!" Armaan said, alarmed at my sudden outburst...I sighed, trying to ward off those feelings of fear and loss, and placed my head on his shoulder... "Honey that's your home...And you're probably feeling this way because you haven't gone back even once in the past 3 years....The one time you did decide to go back, my stupid accide'"

"Don't remind me!" I groaned....That was the last thing I wanted to be reminded off...I still remember those hours of fear, anticipation, guilt and tears I had gone through...And I didn't want to go back there ever again!

"Okay okay sorry! But seriously! It's probably only because you've stayed away from home so long!" He said, trying to calm my nerved; he knew he had treaded on a sensitive nerve...

"Or probably because I found home here..." I muttered to myself...But then, smiling, I nodded at Armaan... "Probably you're right!" I said, and he smiled back reassured....

The doorbell got us back from our reverie...I looked at the time: It was Christmas! I didn't even realize where the time had flown....A happy Rhea came marching inside, pink in the face, and Armaan looking completely lost...Rhea was positively awed with the fact that her Bro and I were finally back to normal with each other, and she was floored with our overly done Christmas tree...But Armaan still looked a bit embarrassed through it all...

"Bro saw Nick and me kissing at the front door!" Rhea whispered to me and giggled...I giggled with her, imagining the look on his face, but quickly straightened my face as Armaan glared at the two of us...

The next morning I woke up, with a smile on my face...Although I didn't remember, I did know that the dream had been nice, and it had been beautiful...Racing towards Armaan's room, he was still sound asleep, his mouth slightly ajar...I smiled and shook my head and went up to him...Closing his mouth with my hand, I looked at him sleep, as his mouth curved into a small smile...I tilted my head confused, as I felt the same emotions evoke within me, which had erupted last night when he had held me...Looking away from his face, I quickly made my way back out, more to pacify my racing heartbeat...

Racing downstairs, I walked to the Christmas tree, last night's memories coming rushing back...I could still feel his touch, his tight hold, which had sent shivers down my spine, and surprisingly enough, it was still happening...I shifted my gaze to the floor, when my eyes fell on a small box...The tag read Munchkin and I smiled...When did he get the time to get me a gift, I thought...As an answer to my question, I read the note inside the tag...

"I brought this last week, thought I'd give you an early Christmas present! But I obviously couldn't! But hey, since you never leave a chance to get your rightful gifts from me, I got a chance to give this to you anyway....I'm really thankful to the airport authorities for cancelling your flight! Hope you like this!

Peanuts! x x"

I smiled as I read the note and opened the small teeny-tiny box...Opening it I found a small pendant kind of thing shaped like a plane...Positively mystified at this weird choice for a gift, I found an even smaller note inside the box...

"P.S. This charm is a reminder of our last Christmas together! Love you Munchkin!"

I looked at the small locket in my hand and at my charm bracelet...I knew the locket was to be added to the bracelet, only I didn't want to...He was right...It was the last Christmas!

[continued...] [[CAUTION: A bit sad, but it's something which does happen abroad, although in India, it's a lot worse! It was necessary for the story to move ahead! Please don't kill me by the end of it!]]

"Hey Merry Christmas!" Rhea raced down cheerfully and hugged me tight as I sat there, still holding my Christmas present, tightly clasped in my hand...

"Merry Christmas!" I smiled a little and hugged her back...

"Hey you got a present! I knew about that though, Bro said he'd already got you one a few days back..." Rhea said, looking at the small box and wrapper next to me...

"So you knew! And hey your present is still pending!" I smiled and reminded her...She grinned back...

"You said you'd put it on my tab! And hey your gift is pending too you know!" Rhea said nudging me playfully...

"Can you girls ever think beside gifts and presents?!" Armaan walked in, rubbing his eyes and yawning, clearly still sleepy...His hair completely ruffled and messed up...

"Nope! Bro I want my present! It's not here!" Rhea ran to him and began searching him, looking at his hands and searching behind his back...

"Rhe! I don't have it yet! And what's the point, you exchange everything anyway!" Armaan said groggily...I grinned, that was true...If the gift was a surprise, it had to be exchanged for something of her choice!

"Hey don't say that! Even Riddhima's exchanged a couple of gifts! So big deal! Better than gifts going waste!" I glared at her as she said that, but she was oblivious to it...

"What has Riddhima exchanged?" Armaan cocked and eyebrow and looked at me...I gulped, oh crap!

"That sweater you gave her last year! Ow!" I kicked Rhea as she uttered my best kept secret and avoided looking at Armaan...

"That red one? Riddhima I had spent 3 hours looking for that one!" Armaan said, completely scandalized at this revelation...I looked up at him, however, and saw him smirking...

"Sorry! But I prefer wearing cardigans or sweat-shirts...I don't wear sweaters!" I said sheepishly and looked down...

"Who cares, what did he bring you this year?" Rhea asked me trying to see what was in my hand...I opened my palm which held the charm and looked down at it, a little sadly...But put on a smile anyway, lest Armaan should know!

"Ohk, cute addition to the bracelet, but what's with plane?" Rhea asked staring at the charm she was now holding...

"A tribute to her delayed flight! Which reminds me, what time do I drop you off tonight?" Armaan turned to me and asked...

"Flight's at 1.20...So I guess reach there by midnight?" I said nonchalantly...I wished the flight would get cancelled again tonight...

"What time is your date with Andrea? She won't let you leave any time soon!" Rhea made a face as she said that and I giggled...

"Date? You're going out tonight?" I asked, a bit too disappointed... "I mean, umm, cool! Wish her a merry Christmas!" I said uncertainly and kicked myself for loss of control...

"I won't if you don't want me to?" Armaan asked hesitantly and looked at me...I smiled and shook my head...

"Nah it's cool...You already cancelled on her yesterday...And we all know she's got the sensitivity range of the Pacific Ocean..." I laughed a little to hide my disappointment...

"You could come along...You know, meet her one last time?" Armaan asked again....I contemplated over the offer...

"Nah, don't want to see that happy look on her face when she realizes I'll be gone for good!" I laughed again, but it didn't match my tone...

"Bro cancel on her! It's Riddhima's last night here! And anyway, Andrea is such a royal pain!" Rhea shrugged as if it was the simplest choice to make!

"No! Don't do that! I mean yeah she is a royal pain in the you-know-what, but seriously it's Christmas, and how much ever she annoys me, I understand she must be wanting to spend Christmas with him!" Armaan chuckled as I said that...

"I'll try coming back as early as possible!" Armaan promised and I smiled and nodded...

"Riddhima, have you ever given much thought to shifting to California? I mean seriously, you used to live here anyway! I curse the day your parents decided to shift back!" Rhea pouted and I grinned....

"Rhe, have I ever mentioned that I love you and that you're the sweetest thing alive?" I laughed and winked at her...She scowled...

"I'm serious! Then this wouldn't be your last Christmas here! Remember your first Christmas! We were sitting right over here, exactly 3 years ago, opening presents...!" Rhea sighed, but the mention of my Christmas over there held greater meaning than Rhea had ever imagined...I looked at Armaan, and I could see the reflection of the ghost of that day, which I was sure still haunted him as well....

-----------------------------********--------||--------********------------------------

FLASHBACK:- Christmas, 3 years ago

The party was in full swing, and the dance floor was jammed with people...I looked towards the bar, where Armaan was sitting with his roomies-Sam and Krish, having what looked like beer...I yet hadn't tried drinking, and even the thought of it would make me nervous...I didn't know how much of it I could handle...I saw Andrea go up to Armaan and have a sip from his bottle...I had the sudden urge to throw up....

"Hey beautiful!" I saw Sid walk up to me with 2 bottle of beer... "Drinks for the fair lady?" He gestured the glass towards me, and I looked at it hesitantly...

"Uh...Beer? As in alcohol?" I smiled nervously and he looked at me curiously... "Umm, sure...! Thanks!" Great going Riddhima, I thought, make him think you're a total goner!

I had a sip of it and tasted it, as the heat began to fill my throat...It felt nice in the cold weather, and it didn't taste that bad either....I kept taking small sips while I chatted with Sid, afraid that I might lose it if I have a lot of it...I looked at the bottle, it was still over half full, and if I wanted to avoid looking like a wimp in front of people, I should have to take bigger sips...I looked at Armaan who was now busy dancing with Andrea in his arms, probably saying sweet-nothings in her ear...And on an impulse, I looked at the bottle, and took a big sip of it...

I looked up at Sid, who now looked even more curious about what was going on in my head...I smiled to assure him that I was fine...Just that instant he got pulled on to the dance floor by one of our mates, and I sighed....A soft, slow tune was being played, and I was one of the only single people looking on as couples swayed with the music...My eyes turned to Armaan and Andrea, and I suddenly began to feel cold...I could feel my heart's wish coming to the fore, as I watched Andrea wrapped in his arms...Why didn't I have anyone who could hold me that way and keep me warm...? I ran to the rest room, unable to handle the lovey-dovey atmosphere that Christmas brought with it....

I came out a few moments later and stepped outside into the hall's veranda....The cold breeze was adding to my giddiness, and I wrapped my stole securely around me when I heard familiar voices...

"So did she like it?" I heard Nikki laughing and the next voice I heard added to my surprise...

"Yup! Thanks for the idea Nik! I was getting tired of her silent treatment!" I heard Armaan sigh... "We live in the same house for heavens' sake! And honestly I was tired of Mum asking me what's wrong with the two of us every time! But anyway, this bracelet was the only way through to her! And at least now I hope she can avoid annoying Andrea! I mean I know Riddhima wasn't completely wrong, she is my best friend, but she has to understand Andrea's my girlfriend....I can't choose Riddhima over Andrea, and I can't just give Riddhima up either...Not to mention the fact that it would be completely awkward if we did stop talking for good, and still bump into each other at home!" Armaan sighed again....

That did it, if I wasn't feeling lonely already, his words were the final straw...So this bracelet was Nikki's idea, I thought as I gaze down at my wrist... And he had taken the trouble because he was tired of my silent treatment and Aunty's questions? The reason he wanted to sort things out was to avoid the awkwardness it would cause at home? Was this the in-short summary of what he had just said?

I felt hot tears prickle my eyes, and as one made it's way out, I quickly wiped it off and walked back in to the party....I sat there at the bar, looking at people still dancing around, and I saw Armaan and Nikki walk back in, only they weren't alone, Andrea followed them...So he was saying all this in front of his beloved girlfriend...I felt even more humiliated...I kept staring at him in disbelief and then looked down at my bracelet...I wished I could just remove it and throw it in his face, but I couldn't bring myself to do that...It was the first time he had given me something, and even though I repented it now, I treasured it beyond anything else...I saw him looking at me curiously, and he raised his eyebrows questioningly....I couldn't bear to give him a fake smile this time, and glaring at him, I walked towards the door and ran out...

"Riddhima! Oi! Riddhima wait up!" I heard Armaan panting, and he finally caught up with me as he stood in front of me to stop me.... I saw his breathless expressions turn to those of shock and intrigue as he saw my tear-stained face.... "Munchkin what's wrong?" He asked me, concerned...The worry was evident in his tone, but I couldn't help but think, was this a put-on as well?

"Just go away!" I yelled and began to walk ahead, when he held me by my shoulders gently and turned me around...

"Honey please tell me what's wrong...I'm getting worried now!" Armaan said calmly, but that didn't calm my nerves, and I jerked his hands off rudely....

"What's wrong? Ask me what's right? The facts are, that I'm a pain for you, a burden, who you're tired of, that you don't really give a damn about me, and the only reason you chose to sort things out with me so that you would be spared the awkwardness!" I blasted as looked positively taken aback at my outburst....

"What the hell are you even on about? What the hell is making you think stuff like that?" Armaan asked my in disbelief... "And are you drunk?"

"Maybe I am! But that's not the point! I heard you talking to Nikki right now, inside....Armaan, seriously you don't need to take this pain of bearing me! And as for seeing my face everyday, sorry I can't help that, but don't worry, I'll avoid coming home when you're there!" I sobbed and shut my eyes....

"Riddhima! Cut it out! What you heard inside wasn't meant the way you're interpreting it all! I didn't mean all this bullshit about you being a pain to me or something! You're my best friend, and it hurts me when we're so close to each other, but can't talk because of stupid issues!" Armaan said calmly, probably understanding the reason behind my outburst...

"Stupid issues? Armaan your girlfriend humiliated me in front of so many people? And you would obviously still choose her over me! You didn't even bother siding me up when I was saying the truth!" I said, my eyes accusing him of betrayal....

"Riddhima I was siding up with your truth, but I was also siding up with Andrea, because she was right in her point of view! Would you stand it if you were in her position?" Armaan asked me again, his voice still calm and caring....

"Well, I'm not? I'm not as lucky as her am I? I don't have anyone who'll defend me! And you're obviously not going to, as much as I thought you would!" I said, tearfully, my voice now choking, the anger had disappeared...

"Riddhima enough! Seriously! You think you mean nothing to me, that these past 6 months that you've spent with me mean nothing compared to this stupid fight we had? And please for Gods' sake Riddhima, stop jumping to your own conclusions! Yes this bracelet was Nik's idea, but that was because I was missing you a hell lot, and I confided in her about this! I honestly couldn't think of ways to make it up to you, because you were so hell bent on not speaking to me! And you think I didn't hear you sobbing at night when we were home? I did! And if there is one thing I hate, it's your tears!" Armaan said impatiently, but then his voice softened... "You're my best friend Munchkin! And you do mean a lot to me! I couldn't stand not talking to you, I missed your stupid antics, your stupid dancing and prancing, all of this which was lost, for I don't know what reason! You're my Munchkin! My best friend! And you know me inside out! Or so I thought....You honestly think I'm that bad? That cold?" Armaan asked me, his voice wavering a little...I looked up at him, and contrary to what I had heard inside, his eyes only spoke volumes of how much he cared for me....And I knew for a fact that his eyes never lied to me...

"Armaan I just wanna go home...You stay here, I'll find a cab...Please don't follow me! I won't stay!" I said, trying to sound firm, but failing miserably...

"No! You crazy? You're half-drunk, I can't let you go alone! Especially when you look like that! And who the hell told you to drink? This is your first time right?" Armaan's voice suddenly grew a few pitches, and I gulped...

"So what? I had to try someday? And why do you care anyway! All pretence!" I said impatiently, not meaning a word of it...

"You know what? Fine! If you think all this is pretence, then I might as well let go! Since I'm being accused of pretending anyway, I might as well pretend like I don't care! At least get blamed for something I have done!" Armaan said bitterly, turned and walked back inside...

I began to cry again as he started going back, leaving me all alone...Turning slowly, I began to walk, in search of a cab, but the road was empty...And so I decided to walk home, until I found a cab along the way...

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"Andrea, I'm going and dropping Riddhima home, she's uhhh....Unwell..." Armaan said uncertainly as he raced back inside to Andrea and Nikki...

"Armaan everything okay? You look worried? Is she alright?" Andrea asked concerned...

"Can't you show you're concerned about her, in front of her?" Armaan muttered angrily, while Andrea stared at him in shock... "And no, she's not okay...She's half-drunk, I dunno how, and she apparently heard me talking to Nikki right now, and she thinks that I don't give an effing damn about her, and that she means nothing to me!" Armaan continued angrily...

"Seriously? How thick is she! Ask me how much you yelled at me for yelling at her that day!" Andrea said, irritated...Armaan glared at her...

"You both deserve every ounce of what you're getting from me! And I'm not losing her because of these stupid fights between the two of you!" Armaan looked at her crossly, and turned on his heel before Andrea could retaliate...He knew she would probably kill him later, but that was a fact...He wouldn't lose his Munchkin for nuts, he thought as he got into his car....

**********************

"Hey pretty, care to accompany us? We're a lot of fun!" I looked at the 2 men staring at me on the opposite side of the road, and I chose to ignore them, trying to play cool...

"Hey c'mon, what your boyfriend dumped you? See we're more fun than them...!" I heard the second one say in a sing-song voice and quickened my pace....

"Hey c'mon!" I could feel them drawing closer, when they suddenly jumped in front of me and I stopped in my tracks... "Okay, we spare you, but we need our Christmas presents! C'mon hand me your purse, and oh your earrings aren't bad looking either, sweet! Get a move on, and no one need get hurt...!" I tried turning and moving back, but the second accomplice blocked my way...I was trapped...

"Please let me go!" I stammered as tears made their way out...

"We will! Just give us what we want!" The second guy sneered and snatched my clutch before I could react...."C'mon, your earrings and your neck piece...C'mon!"

"No! Please! Just let me go!" I sobbed, but my heart stopped when he pulled out a pocket knife from his coat...I looked around, but the road was deserted...

"Does this quicken your understanding pretty? C'mon!" He shouted, and I sobbed even louder as I pulled my earrings off and handed it to them....He pointed at my neck with his knife, and I reluctantly pulled out the neck piece which had been given to me by Nikki for Christmas...

"Her clothes aren't bad either!" The first one sneered and I began to hyper-ventilate...

"Nah, for now, just hand me that bracelet you're wearing! C'mon move it!" The second one growled, and my sigh of relief was washed away with fear again...I couldn't give up the bracelet...It was too precious! I saw Armaan's smiling face in front of my eyes, and that somehow gave me strength which I never though I was capable of holding in such a situation!

"No, I can't!" I stammered, but my voice was firm...The first man stopped sneering, and the second one looked taken aback with my declaration...

"You what? What'd you just say? I think you didn't hear right, give me that bracelet!" He yelled again, and I shivered, but I shook my head.....

"I won't!" I said, determined...The next thing I knew, I felt my cheek burn as he slapped me....I fell to the ground on my knees, now sobbing hard, as he tugged at my wrist, trying to get my bracelet off...But I wouldn't give it up, and I fought with all my strength, trying to whisk my hand off his grasp...I felt the first man tug at my hair, pulling my head down, and I screamed in pain.... "ARMAAN!" I called out for the one person I was fighting for...

"RIDDHIMA!" His voice swept over me, relieving my senses, and I felt the men's tugging loosen...I looked up to see Armaan running towards me, and felt the men leave my hand and hair....I fell to the ground, my knees giving away, and I could feel the men's heaving footsteps going farther away from me...

"Hey you bloody bast*rds!" I heard Armaan yell out...I felt his warm hands pull my head up on his lap, and I opened my eyes slightly, his face filling my heart with the long-lost warmth and relief...

"Armaan!" I clung onto his shirt, afraid he would leave me, and shut my eyes...My head began to spin, and my eyes refused to open again....Everything went black....

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Done! Don't kill me please! Getting mugged is very traumatising (Not that it's happened to me ever!) But it is pretty common and isn't unheard of...I know you'll will probably hate Armaan even more after this part, but just blank out for a moment, and think of his PoV...Is he wrong? Put yourself in his place!

And I know many of you think that I'm ruining his picture perfect image, but actually speaking, I'm just adding to his perfection...He's a guy, and guys behave that way (I do have experience in that area!)...The point is, in spite of it all, he never left Riddhima alone did he? And please don't misinterpret his words the way Riddhima did...Read between the lines, but keep his love for Riddhima in mind, and you'll see what he actually meant! You'll see that he actually meant that he was missing her like crazy! And this part is going to be a major turning point in the story, not gonna tell you how, but you'll know the reason once the story moves ahead!

Sad part I know! But please just bear with it for now!🤔