Stardust - Link to thread 2 on pg 1 - Page 10

Originally posted by: Aanya_taanu4evr

Aww the update was awesome :)

I loved that diary entry! The way you described everything was so amazing! I almost cried at all that jealousy and pain Riddhima was feeling! After this part, I think I fell even more in love [Right...like that's possible] with Dr. Armaan Malik :) Haayyeee he's so darn perfect!!! Can u find me someone like that please? Meri toho life set ho jaayegi 😆

And the flash back was so so so so so CUTE <3 Every feeling, every emotion, every touch, every heartbeat was described so enchantingly, I was glued to the screen [not to mention smiling like an idiot at it ;)]! I adored how they confessed :) Oh and their kiss made me go "Aww" !!! *sigh* your romantic updates always manage to make me smile and go "aww" :D

Do I need to tell you to continue SOON? :)

Love ya <3

xoxo

Aanya

_______________________

MY AR FF: Love Is.. - www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1611044

MY AR MINI: Heartbeat - www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1640957

MY AR OS - Ours - www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1686671

Part B - love Just Happens

Riddhima was brought back to the present by a chilly wind that gushed past her face, making her tremble. She looked up at the crescent shaped moon, remembering how there was a full moon the night she and Armaan confessed. They had sat down on the pier, with Riddhima leaning towards the side, hugging Armaan's arm and putting her head on his shoulder in pure bliss. She smiled when she went back to the way Diya threw herself on Armaan when they were back with everyone else, and the way Armaan avoided her after getting jealous glares from Riddhima! Then their date the next evening had been perfect. It was something ordinary, but extraordinary for her. She could talk to Armaan about anything and everything! Armaan's presence, the easiness of being with him made it extraordinary. Riddhima felt a blush creeping up, remembering how she had taken AGES to find the perfect dress, and it had all been worth it, because Armaan could not keep his eyes off her the whole evening.

Her heart ached for him. What the hell had she put herself into? She was getting married to a guy she barely knew! She was getting married to someone whilst she loved someone else! She could never let go of Armaan and his memories. She remembered how her Dad thought it was some new trick of Billy Mallik's. At that point, she refused point blank to accept that Armaan could ever do anything to hurt her. But right now, right now she was having doubts again. Riddhima shut her eyes as a million insecurities filled up inside her. What the hell was she thinking?

To rid herself of these feelings, she remembered how their ten months flew by, watching horror movies (while she dug herself in his chest and he held her for hours afterwards trying to calm her down), going on secret dates, watching romantic flicks (where Armaan nearly always fell asleep on her shoulder after hugging her from the back), going on double dates with Rahul and Muskaan (who had created an uproar initially when they found out), going para-sailing and bike racing (where Armaan enjoyed the way she tightened her grip around him). They even once went sky diving and Bungee jumping! This was Armaan's life. And she loved being part of it. But it hadn't been a smooth car journey. There were rough patches for example Diya, and Armaan's other group of friends, like in all relationships, but each time, they pulled through and came out stronger, deepening their love for each other. But all in all, these had probably been the best ten months of her life. She would never forget them.

Riddhima did not know when she went off to sleep against the parapet of her balcony but woke up with the sun streaming down at her, and someone knocking severely on the door of her bedroom. Adjusting her eyes to the sunlight, she got up and rushed to open the door.

"Kitni der se knock kar rahi hoon.." Nani's worried voice reached her ears.

"Sorry Nani, voh main, pata nahin kaise uth nahin paayi." She whispered and unlocked the door of her room. Nani had to take one look at her puffed eyes to know she hadn't slept well. Feeling her heart scream for her daughter, who had much better control over Shashank, she put her hand on Riddhima's head.

"Sab kuch theek hojayega. Tum fikr mat karo. Shaadiyan toh upar waala banata hai. Toh jo kuch bhi hoga, achche ke liye hoga." She assured her, while she put the day's offering in her hand. Riddhima couldn't say anything, but nod at her. "Tumhaari bags packed hain?" And Riddhima nodded once more. After Nani left, Riddhima went for a shower mechanically. That was how she had been acting for the past two weeks. What was going to happen? How many mistakes was she going to make? It wasn't long before Anjali, her cousin less and elder sister more, came up.

"Dekh Ridz, main jaanti hoon it's a difficult decision. But it was yours. You chose to make your father happy. Else by now, things would have been different. I'm really proud of your decision though. If you think about others before yourself.." Anjali couldn't finish before Riddhima butt in.

"Lekin, some times I think why me? I'll get married forcefully to someone else. But Armaan? Armaan might refuse to get married completely. His whole life will be shattered! Aur Sid bhi nahin jaanta Armaan ke baare mein. To make one person happy, how many will I hurt? Papa ki zidd ke saamne main kuch nahin kar sakti. Why.." she hugged Anjali, who consoled her lovingly. Anjali and Sid had gelled on well. Actually, Sid wasn't someone you could stay angry with for long. But for Riddhima, he wasn't Armaan. And he could never be. Sometimes, when she watched Sid messing around with the others, being teased by her whole gang, she wished Armaan was there instead.

"Chalo, lets go to the salon. Poora din wahaan rehna hai! We have to grace that place with our presence.." Anjali joked in an effort to cheer her up. Riddhima went inside her bathroom to wash her face, and when she came out, Anjali handed her phone to her and they left. Well, sneaked out to avoid other cousins tagging along. Just the two of them.

The sun was sinking. Her wedding time was getting closer and closer. In her maroon and silver bridal attire, she stood on her balcony watching darkness envelope her. Her heart was beating faster by the second. She had asked Armaan to take her away, true, but she knew he knew that she wouldn't want to go against her father. Or hurt him in any way. The lehenga she was in was beautiful. But how she wished she was all decked up for Armaan and not Sid! But it would always be Armaan for her. Always.

She had locked the door to her room for a bit of privacy, so she could look at Armaan's pictures and reminisce her moments with him for probably the last time. She was drained off tears right now, knowing she had spelt doom for herself. A life of misery. And the worst bit was, two other people would be going through the same thing. All because of her. A gush of wind blew in her face, and she turned around, going inside her room again. The heavy dupatta was lying on her bed and she was completely ready; her hair pinned up in an exquisite style with strands left at the side framing her face, her jewellery weighing her down, slight make up making her skin glow and her top tightly fastened with the strings digging into her back. She took a deep breath. She would no more be Riddhima Gupta in a while. She would not even be Riddhima Armaan Mallik, the way she had dreamed of being. She would be Riddhima Siddhant Modi. And it hurt.

She traced her mehendi adorned hands over Armaan's face in the photo. He had his charming smile there, which was one of the reasons why she had fallen so deeply for him.

"If you love me so much, then why did you sacrifice me?" a voice behind her startled her, and she turned around, to see Armaan there with an unreadable emotion inside his eyes. It was a mixture of anger, pain, and blankness? She wondered. Hope? Where did that come from? He took a step towards her while she remained silent, wondering if it was all true.

Armaan had climbed over the balcony expertly before the baraat had arrived. He wanted to see Riddhima once more. And after making sure there was no one inside, he had finally stepped into her room, which was messy with jewellery, shoes and sandals here and there. But that wasn't what was bothering him. The beauty in front of him left him breathless. She looked so divine and elegant that he felt his heart skip beats in between. Even without the shine in her eyes of starting a new life, she looked like the perfect bride. Like the dress was specially designed for her. He could, at that moment, shout out that to him, she was the most beautiful creature on this planet! And he loved her. Really loved her! With all his heart, knowing that he wouldn't be able to live without her ever!

"Yaad hai, how you pestered me for candy floss at this fair after taking this picture?"

"And I told you I'll never ever lose this picture, because I could only see my reflection in your eyes." It felt like her heart was digging in itself. She couldn't meet her light brown with his blues. It hurt too much.

"That will never go.." he whispered taking another step towards her.

"Why are you here?" she asked silently. He was now barely an inch away from her.

"To make sure you don't do anything stupid." His husky voice and breath on her face made her, if possible, weaker.

"I wouldn't have waited till now if I had to do something stupid.." she replied indignantly, frowning, then her face fell. "Armaan..mujhe leke jao. Take me away from here." She pleaded him.

"You know you'll regret it if I do. Nahin karsakta. I won't be able to live with myself if I see you upset every day of your life. Main jaanta hoon tum Papa ke ashirwaad bina kuch nahin kar sakti."

"Main tumhaare bina jee nahin sakti! What about that?" she replied her voice choking. "Armaan.." and before she could continue he pulled her into himself. She gasped, feeling his body against hers, his hands on her back. Slowly, she brought her own hands up to accept him. They held each other like that, trying to prove their depth of love. She felt tears get the better of her, but continued holding him for dear life. He was her support. He was the one for her! Then how did she agree to get married to someone else? He took in the perfume that had been sprayed on her. Her natural smell was still present, and the mixture was now intoxicating him. Throwing him to another world. A world where only they existed. Slowly, his hands made their way down to her bare waist, stopping her breath half way. She wanted to stop him but couldn't find the courage to and instead remained silent. His caressing melted her as she clung on to his shirt to stop herself from falling. Pretty soon, she felt him place wet kisses along her neckline and fisted his blue shirt in her hands. She was going to get married to someone else! It was not fair on him. Heck it wasn't fair on Armaan either. Armaan loved her! And she loved him back equally. She felt his kisses trace up to her jaw, then her cheeks and finally, he put his lips on hers, but she stood still like a statue, saturating his closeness. She was trying to lock it inside her, so that she could take it with her wherever she went. He urged her to respond, and she finally gave in to her hearts desire, for probably the last time.

"Riddhima.." he murmured against her lips as he split apart. His touch still sent fire through her, and she tried to feel every moment of it. "Riddhima.." he called again and she opened her eyes, only to see a very blurred image of Armaan in front of her, which became clear when the drop was about to fall from her eyelids, and he wiped it away. "I won't let you go away so easily."

"Kya karoge? Meri shaadi ek ghante mein hai." She argued back in a broken voice.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

"Armaan.."

"Shona. Trust me." He told her. "Please?"

She looked at those blues, which were full of assurance. He would do something. He would, wouldn't he?

"Don't cry anymore. Just go through with everything like it's supposed to." He whispered, his hands still on her waist. He brought them round to frame her face, and made her look into his eyes again. "Just trust me. I promise I'll make it all better. I love you." And she couldn't help but obey to what those oceans were telling her. She nodded and a watery smile appeared on his face. Her hands went up to his hair, and traced down the front, grazing his cheeks, feeling his lips once more, taking in every bit of him she could. He put those very on her forehead then on her closed eyelids one by one.

"I love you too.." she whispered, and this time, he put his lips on hers for a second then split apart. He turned and walked back to the balcony, forcing himself to leave. That was just when they heard a knock on the door. Riddhima's heart beat louder, as she glanced at the door, then at Armaan. She rushed to the balcony watching Armaan, who was just about to climb over.

"Armaan, you'll be careful won't you?" she whispered, and he smiled.

"For you, always. Shona.." he called when she turned to look at the door, where the knocks were getting more frequent. She turned back, her eyes portraying fear.

"Armaan jaldi bolo!" she whispered urgently.

"You look gorgeous." He smiled and leaving her blushing at that sudden comment, he made his way down again, careful to not be seen by anyone.

Coming out of her trance, Riddhima went back inside her room, to open the door.

"Ridzy, listen.." Anjali said urgently, but at that moment, Riddhima's other cousins barged in.

"Riddhima didi. Baraat aagayi hai. We've been sent up to look after you."

"Baraat aagayi hai?" Anjali stood shocked. She immediately ran out of the room leaving a confused Riddhima staring after her.

'This is it,' were the only words that swam in Riddhima's head, while her cousins spent a good half an hour straightening bits and pieces of her wedding dress, touching up on her make up, spraying and making her hair sleeker. Finally, they brought the heavy dupatta over, and put it on her head, like the finishing touch. She looked at herself in the mirror. Armaan's words spun in her head.

"Trust me.." she hadn't received any news as yet. She didn't know what was going to happen. Muskaan wasn't even here, that she could ask her to go check and see what her father was doing, what was happening.

"Muskaan kahan hai?" she asked one of her cousins, who confirmed that she had seen her downstairs, rushing from one place to another, thoroughly worried about probably the wedding preparations.

"Ridzy.." Anjali was back. "Can you guys give me a minute alone with her?" Anjali demanded to the others, who gave her weird glances. They left, and Anjali closed the door behind her.

"Where do I start off.." Anjali muttered to herself. "Sid, he's downstairs, yes..aur.." but at that moment, another knock was heard. "Fine, I'll tell you later!" Anjali said, exasperated.

"Pandit ji Riddhima ko bula raha hai." Nani came inside the room. She gave Riddhima a few words about being a good wife, and doing stuff to please her husband and family at home, but Riddhima's mind was numb. Anjali could see tears slowly spill out of her eyes, and took the dupatta, putting it over her face as a veil so that her tears could be hidden.

Riddhima's heart weighed her down. It wasn't a game. It wasn't a dream. It was reality. She was getting married. And not to Armaan, to Siddhant. She shut her eyes tighter under the veil and felt more tears pour out, as she was led slowly out of the room.

She got to the top staircase, and saw the hall filled with about 50 or so guests. As Shashank had promised, it wasn't a huge affair. Only close friends and families were invited from both sides. Through her veil she saw Sid sitting next to the fire, with a sehra matching his cream sherwani. This was definitely it. She was getting married to Sid. Unless, unless Armaan came from somewhere, her heart raised her hopes.

Her father's words came back to her.

"Billy ki koi nayi chal hogi." Did Armaan really betray her? She believed in him! She trusted him! But he hadn't done anything so far! She had blindly put her faith in him, and now, now she was getting married to Siddhant! She felt her father take hold of her, and sit her down. That was it. She was going to be someone else's forever. Images of Armaan flashed through her mind. She let out a sob, and was sure Sid could feel her silent shaking beside him. There was no backing down now. She had to get this done and over with.

The chanting from the pandit had already started and Riddhima oculdn't help but grieve. She wanted to be with Armaan! Her Armaan! Not the person who had instilled fake hope in her, that he would make everything better! Excess crying was not good for you, Armaan would constantly tell her. He should know, she figured since he was a doctor. What happened to his promises, his faith? Had he really betrayed her? Led her to live the worst life ever? His touch never left her. It inflamed through her body daring her to say her heart's desire. To admit her defeat to the way he caressed her waist, the way he kissed her, when he told her those magical words, just before Anjali came into the room. Her brain was pounding against her head and she could feel herself shaking with a surge of unjustified emotions to the others in the hall.

They all Awwwedd when they saw the groom put his hand on Riddhima's to calm her down. Riddhima, on the other hand, gasped. Her tears froze momentarily as she looked to her side at Sid. Why was the touch so familiar? She blinked back her tears, trying to clear her vision and looked, through her veil, at the profile she could recognize from anywhere. She looked back down at the hand that was clasped over hers, and her heart started beating faster. She could feel that touch anywhere. Part of her refused to believe it, but another part of her hoped against hope it was true. The person next to her probably wasn't Sid. It was,

"Armaan.." Riddhima whispered just audibly to herself and in response, the hand tightened over hers, assuring her of her hopes.

What could she do? She looked at her father who was quite a distance away, and he looked so happy. Overjoyed! If she got married to Armaan, that smile would be wiped off his face! No, she couldn't. But if it was Armaan next to her, where the hell was Sid? Did Armaan force his way into this? She didn't want a marriage like that! What would her father go through once he found out that the person he was right now giving her away to was none other than his enemy's son!

But wasn't that what she wanted? Her heart argued back. She wanted to be with Armaan, and Armaan had refused to run away with her because it would hurt her father. But wouldn't this really kill her father too? No, she couldn't take part in her father's murder! But if she stopped the wedding now, he'd be humiliated in front of those people. Wait, maybe that was what Armaan wanted? NO! It wasn't a battle inside her. It was a full on, neck to neck, torture filled war between her heart and mind. They both stood up, she still battling within herself. Before she knew it, she'd taken the seven rounds. If she had to stop it, she had to do it now else she was running out of her mind. But Armaan assuring hand on hers shut her up. She could feel herself tremble less when his grip on her tightened.

She closed her eyes. She often read and heard of how people had been betrayed in love. But she'd also read of undying love! She closed her eyes, and his blues came back to her mind. She trusted him. He asked her to trust him and that what she would do. If this trust was broken, then she would be ready to face the consequences. But some part of her denied it. This trust would not be broken. His blue eyes could never ever lie to her.

It was done. She was married. Anjali came and took the veil off Riddhima, placing it neatly on her head, so that her face was now visible. She was smiling at her. Riddhima bent down and touched her father's feet along with Sid, to the rest of the world presently, but Armaan to her. He brought them both up, and whispered,

"Mera aashirwaad humesha aap dono ke saath hai. Look after my daughter Armaan."

Riddhima did a double take. What the F***? Armaan? Her father had said Armaan? She froze, wondering what the hell was happening. She couldn't even co-ordinate at all then the tears a normal bride was supposed to shed were out of the question.

"I'll explain," Armaan whispered huskily in her ear, and she felt herself go blank. Slowly, she was led to an empty room by Armaan and was shocked to the core to find Sid there, grinning at her like a mad idiot, Muskaan and Rahul smiling, Anjali with a triumphant smile on her face, Nani with a knowing look and a man and woman, supposedly Armaan's parents, looking at her proudly. Armaan finally took off the sehra and said,

"Pheww..How heavy are flowers?"

"Oye, duffer. It's not the flowers that are heavy, it's your over large but worthless brain that can't fit in your head!!" Muskaan spoke next, causing the whole room to burst into laughter except Riddhima. She looked behind her at her father, who was also laughing. What the hell was happening?

"Lets look at our beautiful daughter in law." The woman said, and came forward leading her husband. Out of habit, Riddhima reached down and touched their feet.

"Now that the pleasantries are over, Riddhima tum mujhe ek baar bata nahin sakti thi ki tum kissi aur se pyaar karti ho?" Siddhant said out loud, in a clear, mocking yet disgruntled voice.

"Heyy, meri biwi ko kuch matt bol." Armaan replied, pulling Riddhima closer by her waist. She looked at her father, who was smiling without any problem. He had gone to stand with the Malliks. She threw questioning glances at all of them, who didn't seem to notice a thing. Her eyes sought Muskaan. Yes, she would help explain this situation. Riddhima felt like a real life sleeping beauty here. Gone to sleep for a hundred years and waking up not knowing where the hell she was, what the hell was happening, how technology had advanced this fast! Or was she still in that 100 year dream period where she would wake up and find that it's all stupid and she was still getting married to Sid!

Muskaan gave her one of her best friends smile, blinking once. But this wasn't enough to answer her questions. Finally, she looked next to her at Armaan, who was staring directly at her with oceans of love surfacing in those gorgeous eyes of his.

"Yes basket. We are married. You are mine and I am yours." He emphasised on the important words assuring her, but the confusion was still there. However, at that moment her brain clicked. It was all true. All of it! She wasn't getting married to another guy. She was already married! Already Armaan's! The way she had dreamed of being! She was now Riddhima Armaan Mallik. The only other surname, besides her own, she had willingly wanted to attach to the end of her name. And before everyone in the room, she threw her arms around him.

All questions could wait. All answers could be paused. Right now, she wanted to be in the bliss of knowing she belonged to Armaan. Trying to calm her frantic heart, she took deep breaths while her face was dug into Armaan's neck and she couldn't help but let a slow smile spread across her face when his arms came up and pulled her closer. She wasn't a sentimental person or maybe she was, she wouldn't know. But it was like seeing a break of dawn after a long, torturing night that never ended. She never knew when one, or was it two, tears dropped out of her eyes while she was feeling inflated with life all of a sudden.

"Kyun, yakeen nahin hota, Mrs Basket Armaan Mallik?" Armaan whispered, so that it was only audible to her. In response, her arms just tightened around his frame. He was all hers. And yes, it was so hard to believe that!

"Ahem, hero. Bass huwa. Abhi se suhaag raat ki tayari ho rahi hai?" Muskaan giggled.

"Voh toh kabh ki chalu ho gayyi thi." Armaan replied, and for once, the words passed right over Riddhima's head, who was still soaking up the feeling of being all his.

"Oye, zara toh censor kar tumhaara dimaag, look who's around!" Sid replied indignantly. That was his ex-going-to-be wife!

"Jal matt!" Armaan retorted. "Riddhima.." he continued and she finally pulled out, looking at him with tear stricken face.

"Thank God for water proof make up!" Anjali muttered "varna meri poori mehnat paani mein daal leti tu!" They all giggled and chuckled at those words.

"Riddhima, I'll explain." Armaan whispered to her and she looked up expectantly. "What we didn't know, was that Papa aur Dad were best buddies all through their younger years." Riddhima, amazed, looked at her father who nodded and put his arm around Billy Mallik, now Dad. They were both beaming!

"Haan beta. Yeh saala mera sabse poorana dost tha. Phir we met Padma and Ananya when we went to high school, who were also best friends then, and that's where our love story started."

Riddhima frowned, however didn't say a word. How hypocritical of her father! He said she didn't know what love was when his own love story started in high school?!

"Details are kind of embarrassing," Shashank continued, "but the main thing was that after settling down, we got so wrapped up in our business that we hardly had time for each other."

"Haan. Then we were both striving in our businesses, and the lack of communication meant we were forced to believe the media and that gave birth to our rivalry. While I wanted to be on top and win all the awards, Shashank wanted to outdo me as well! Then a few years later, Padma passed away in a hit and run."

Riddhima felt her eyes tearing up when she remembered how her Mom had left her on the pavement with her Aunt, at the age of 4, and walked across the road to talk to their driver, but when she was coming back, another car was driving wrecklessly, and that was it. Her mother was gone. Right in front of her eyes! Riddhima shut her eyes, trying to get the images out of people rushing towards the body and the car just driving away at full speed. She felt Armaan's arm tighten around her and was grateful for the support. "I did not come to the funeral, and forced Ananya not to either" Billy admitted ashamed of himself. "And that's where the rivalry really took off to a spitting start."

"Basket, remember you asked me not to speak to Papa. You didn't tell me about not talking to my own Dad. So when I did, at first he refused to see my point. But then Mum wove her magic. She understood and she always wanted us to get together."

"I didn't do anything. I just showed him old photographs, and talked a bit about Padma, because Billy really did take her as a sister, so I opened the old feelings that had been buried under business. And it took a good week to do that. But emotional blackmail about Armaan's condition, and what Padma would feel cracked him!" Ananya finally spoke. "Aur dekh Billy, bilkul Padma jaisi hai." And Billy nodded.

"Basket I thought I'd lost you!" Armaan spoke, turning around and cupping her face in his hands. "Because before I knew all that, you had already made up your decision. Then after that call last night, I knew I could not lose you. And you couldn't lose me. So I called Rahul and Muskaan, who agreed to talk to Papa about it for the final time when they saw him."

"And that's where I step in!" Anjali smiled, and Riddhima's head turned to looked at her. "Remember I gave you your phone when you came out of the bathroom after washing your face? I had secretly taken Armaan's number from there and then had him and Sid meet up while we were at the salon."

"And I being the good guy, understood everything. Because even though you said you were happy, I was sure, somewhere you weren't. You could have just told me once!" Sid sighed. "Anyway, Anjali talked to me about Armaan and when I met him, he confirmed it. Hence, we decided, that either way, sehra pehenke tumhaare saath mandap mein Armaan ko hi bethna hai."

"But you looked so broken, so hurt, that I thought you might do something to yourself, so after dressing you up, I called Armaan over to look after you." Anjali continued. Riddhima frowned. Why did people think she was stupid to hurt herself? Wasn't sacrificing Armaan painful enough?

"And I came through the balcony. While I was leaving to go to your place, Dad stopped me. Then he dropped a bomb saying he was coming with!" Armaan smiled victoriously. "Aur Mum bhi aayi humaare saath. So while I climbed over your balcony to look after you, Mum and Dad went to talk to Papa."

"Lekin Uncle yahaan se wahaan wahaan se pata nahin kahaan ghoomte rehte they. It was so hard to find you and get you to sit in one room, Uncle!" Muskaan complained while Shashank chuckled. Muskaan was like his second daughter.

"Phir we dragged Nani and Anjali along to the same room. Billy Uncle and Ananya Aunty were already there, phir chalu huwa asal rona dhona." Rahul put in, making everyone laugh.

Flashback

"Kya karne aaye ho Billy?" Shashank asked coldly.

"Tumhaara vaada kyun tod rahe ho Shashank?" Billy asked seriously.

"Jab dosti hi nahin rahi, toh vaada kahaan raha?" Shashank replied bitterly. The promise they had made as soon as Armaan and Riddhima were born, with a one year difference between them, was to get the kids married to each other in future years, if they didn't mind.

"Shashank," it was Ananya this time, and Shashank couldn't be stiff with her. "Voh dono ek doosre se pyaar karte hain."

"Ananya, mujhe iske baare mein baat nahin karni." Shahsank was about to leave, much to the horror of everyone else present, but Billy spoke.

Flashback ends

"Well, Shashank proved a hard nut to crack! I apologized what, about ten times Shashank? - for the distance I created, but he just didn't want to forgive me."

"And we tried explaining to him about how you were so broken about getting married to Sid. We could tell he was melting after we described how much you cried." Rahul added, speaking on behalf of Muskaan and Anjali too.

"Lekin voh tab tak nahin maana jab tak maine kahaan ki Padma ko uski beti ki khushi uske business se zyaada pyaari hai." Nani finally spoke in a kind voice, and Riddhima blinked back tears. She looked at Armaan, who leaned over and whispered,

"See, during our make out session, we were missing a whole load of drama here!" That put a small smile on her face. She looked at Shashank, who was shamefully looking down. No, she couldn't see her father like that.

"So I did not know that Papa finally agreed to our marriage. But when my phone vibrated, indicating Rahul was calling, I had to leave." Armaan spoke up.

"And when I came in, I was about to tell you, but the baraat arrived and I had to smuggle Sid into the changing rooms, send Muskaan to look for Armaan, and they could then swap clothes and stuff." Anjali was proud of her perfect plan.

"Aur humaara hero garden mein tha." Muskaan replied.

"Anjali then told me he agreed. If he hadn't agreed for our marriage in stead of yours and Sid's, we would have continued with the plan anyway, because sasurjee.." he looked sheepishly at Shashank who glared at him in fake anger, "didn't know I was here. Sorry Papa."

"Bin bulaye mehmaan.." Shashank muttered. "Billy tum nahin sudroge na? Dekh, apne bete ko apna jaisa bana diya."

"And we only went ahead with the whole thing because Armaan strictly ordered us not to embarrass Uncle by cancelling the wedding. But now I'm having second thoughts. Maybe he couldn't wait to get married to you!"

"Oye saale.." Armaan spoke up cursing Rahul, who found it all very amusing.

"Either way Rahul, damage is done." Sid teased, making Armaan glare at him. "So, Riddhima, Uncle also agreed to the plan. As for my parents, they already knew this afternoon, after my meeting with Armaan, and as always, supported me, informing our guests that it wasn't my wedding. So personally, I'm sort of glad it was on a small scale! And as for others, well baatein toh hoti rahegi until they find a new topic. I'm glad I'll get to be the center of attention once in my life at least!" Sid concluded. Everyone else shook their head at his boyishness.

Riddhima remained silent. She couldn't believe how everything had changed in a matter of hours. She belonged to Armaan. The satisfaction of that hit home, while Armaan turned her to himself.

"You haven't said anything so far." He whispered. "I'm getting worried. Kuch toh bolo." But she continued gazing into those eyes that had not left her mind from day one of their meeting. "Shona..?"

She finally opened her mouth and whispered the first words that came into her head.

"I love you.." and that was enough for him and for everyone in the room. He smiled through his rare tear, and said a very inaudible,

"I love you too, Basket." She was then crushed into his arms, as she put her head on his shoulder, and her hands on his back. She hit his back once but clutched his sherwani and pulled him closer to herself in possible, feeling as though all the weight in her heart had dropped out completely. He was hers. Her Prince Charming, her Knight in Shining Armor, her Romeo, her everything and most importantly, her life. He promised he would make everything better. And he did. She had trusted him with her life, and he had taken care of it like no other.

They split apart, and he framed her face, while she smiled up at him. She had no complaints, no expectations, and needed no explanations.

"Riddhima.." she heard her father coming forward. "Please forgive me. I should have understood you. It was you making all the sacrifices. I just never knew when to stop you. When you were about to make such a big sacrifice, I never knew how big it was.."

"Papa it's ok. I did everything for you. You're my hero right?" she asked, using an old tactic showing how she had no complaints against her Dad. He was after all her world.

"Not anymore. Your hero is someone else.." he stated as he took her in a hug. The father daughter reunion indicated a fresh life.

Riddhima split apart from the hug and her father's words came back, 'your hero is someone else.' She looked at her savior who had moved to give her and her Papa some space He winked once and blew her a kiss. She felt herself turn a deep shade of red while everyone else teased her and Armaan just looked on, lovingly, with all the affection in his eyes.

She was finally alone in Armaan's room and recalled what had happened a few hours back. Dad and Papa had announced a huge reception for everyone, and they had once more become best of buddies. There no turning back this time. She would make sure it wouldn't happen. And she would make sure history wouldn't repeat either. Her kids would never have to go through anything of that sort. To do that, she had stashed away a diary and photos of her, Armaan, Rahul and Muskaan in a safe place and was planning to frame a huge photo of them, Anjali and Sid taken a little while back and put it up on the wall. Just in case.

She looked around at Armaan's room. There was no decoration - and she didn't need it ' because the whole time Ananya was in there, she had spent tidying it up, keeping Riddhima away from it till it was clean. It was huge, with a large dressing table on one side pushed against the wall, next to the four poster mahogany bed which was right across the Sony Plasma screen next to the door. The sliding doors to his balcony were on the other side of the bed, about a meter away, framed with maroon curtains. He had a separate study room next door and opposite the balcony, there was a row of built in cupboards with a glass door next to them leading to a bathroom. But the best feature she loved about the room was the thick maroon carpet spread all over the floor with a Hi-fi system in a corner. He loved his luxury, was the only thought that came to her mind after she observed and had fallen in love with his room. Their room.

Standing on the balcony, she looked up at the heavenly sky with stars twinkling down at her.

"Thank you," she whispered. It was her faith. And she'd always turned there whenever she needed help. She felt hands creep round her waist and someone nuzzle into her neck. Everything was ok.

"Tumne sab ka dill jeet liya?" She asked and he nodded, turning her around. "Papa ka bhi?" And he nodded once more.

"Tumhaare liye," he replied. Smiling, she pulled him closer to herself, covering the distance between them. Their eyes closed and their lips met. She knew one thing for sure. Life with him was nothing short of a fairytale. And she already loved living it.

Love,