Stardust - Link to thread 2 on pg 1 - Page 5

3 days later

"Basket, don't cry. We'll figure a way out. I won't let you go that easily. You can't!" He held her as she sobbed into his chest.

She had met him after 3 days of not seeing him at all. He had died numerous times then. She had refused to see him point blank at first. His calls were not picked up after a day, and neither his messages replied to. It was until he threatened to come into her house and climb over her balcony was it when she finally agreed to meet him. And when she did, she couldn't hold back. As soon as she came out of her car after taking an afternoon off work, she rushed into his arms, crying uncontrollably at the sight of him. That's when she told him about her encounter with her father.

"Armaan I can't go against him. I can't." He closed his eyes, as he felt a sharp sword dig right through his heart.

"I know, I understand." He replied and held her tighter. The gentle lapping of the water on the beach was the only sound that filled their ears. When her crying subsided, he pulled out, looking at her. Hey eyes were shut, as silent tears poured out, one after another. "Basket, look at me." But she refused to budge. "Please, Shona." She finally opened her eyes. He only ever used that when he really wanted something out of her. "Look, I'll talk to him. I'll forcefully see him even if he doesn't want to see me. He can't split us up. I'll beg him.."

"No Armaan!" her eyes widened in horror. "He'll embarrass you."

"I don't care.."

"But I do! Armaan, I won't be able to see him embarrass you. And I don't want you embarrassed ever because of me. Neither do I want to see you begging for anything to anyone! Even if it's me. Please. Armaan ka sir toh kissi ke saamne jhukta nahin na?" She quoted him, in slight attempt of humour.

He looked into her eyes that held eons of love for him. She cared so much. But he had to do something for them. He couldn't live without her. But she knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

"Armaan tumhe meri kasam. You will not talk to him about us. You won't do anything. Armaan, mere Papa bure nahin hai, but when it comes to me he's extremely possessive. And he hates your father. I love you too much to see you get embarrassed. Tum kuch nahin karoge." He shut his eyes in despair. How? When his love, his life was being snatched away from him, how could he just sit there and watch? He shook his head. "Don't do anything of that sort Armaan! I don't ever want to see you with your head down in front of anyone, be it my father. I love you! But I love him too. I can't choose Armaan." She whispered, hiding her face in his neck again. She soaked up his presence. "But I have to don't I?" she mumbled against his neck, letting more tears fall. She split apart and looked deep into his eyes, which were speaking agony! Feeling her heart shatter to pieces, she pulled herself up and placed her lips against his. He knew her decision already. And he could not stop her. Out of habit, he responded almost equally, but tried to put much more in that kiss. They momentarily forgot all that pain, all those problems in that time. They were the only ones that existed in the world. And oh what a beautiful world it was! Holding her close to himself, he didn't let her break apart until both were completely out of breath. Panting, they closed their eyes and leaned on each other.

"Promise me Armaan, you won't do anything stupid. Anything that will result in you being humiliated. I won't be able to take it. Especially begging in front of him."

" How do you know he'll embarrass me?"

"I know him Armaan! He's my dad! Your dad is his business rival! They HATE each other. He'd do anything to put your dad down."

"Riddhima.."

"Promise me Armaan!" and finally, he nodded as he brought her hand up to his lips. She sniffed as she wiped away his lone tear. "I love you. And I always will." She framed his face, and continued. "Par voh mere Papa hain.." and after kissing his closed eyelids, his cheeks, his nose, savouring the feel of his skin against her lips, she put them on his for the final time. And before he could respond, she broke apart wiping away her tears.

"I love you," she whispered, and the next second she turned and ran away. With her red dupatta flying behind her, she wiped her non stop tears, and forced herself not to look back, else she might just lose out to her heart. She got into the car, and instead of starting it, she put her head on the steering wheel, crying her soul out.

Armaan just stared at her as she went. The moment her hand left his, everything started spinning ten times faster around him. He felt water drop down his cheeks, and instead of calling her, stopping her, he turned away. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't. He knew how difficult it was for her, and he didn't want to make it harder. But damn, what about him? Didn't she see how hard it was for him? How much he needed her for survival? She had forbidden him to talk to her Dad, but she hadn't mentioned his father at all.

Flashback ends

She was brought back to earth by someone's hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she hugged her nani, trying to find comfort and solace in her arms.

"Nani, I love him. Main usse bohot pyaar karti hoon. Toh kissi aur se shaadi kaise karungi?" she blubbered. "kaise khud ko kissi aur ke hawale kardoon? Kaise usse itni aasani se bhool jaun?"

"Main jaanti hoon bachcha.." Nani whispered, but otherwise, couldn't find words to comfort her. How could she comfort her when she herself couldn't do anything to help? She'd tried talking to Shashank, but when she so much as mentioned Armaan, he cut the topic then and there. Instead, she just held her daughter like grandchild close to herself.

Moments after her Nani left, Riddhima got up and went to the balcony, feeling the chilly wind blow through her pinkish dupatta. Being an only daughter of a father meant that Shashank was always over protective when anything came down to Riddhima. She was the apple of his eye, wasn't she? Then how could her own father see her in so much distress, she wondered to herself? She was always the protected Daddy's girl, but Armaan? Armaan was like a breath of fresh air for everyone. He was an adventure freak, looking for dare devil stunts wherever he went, risking his life here and there, then boasting about it to anyone who would listen.

There he was. Right before her eyes. He was wearing a red shirt, and walked up to her, so casually, with all the love in his eyes that she had seen and drowned in a million times before. Her heartbeat quickened by ten folds as he moved closer to her inch by inch. Their bodies were almost touching, and she felt her breathing go ragged while his breath caressed her face tenderly. He blew her hair out of the way, making her turn a deep crimson, and leaned forward, ever so slightly, rubbing his nose with her cheek. His stunning blue eyes captured every single part of her, when the buzz of the phone in her hand brought her out of her reverie that she had been having non stop.

Sighing, she slid down the metal parapet of her balcony, feeling her heart weigh her down by a million tones. She needed him! She couldn't live without him! And getting married to someone else was like inflicting torture upon herself. Like committing suicide! Well, that was what she was doing wasn't she? She wasn't the chirpy, bubbly, fun-filled girl anymore. She had become a heartbroken, serious woman who hardly reacted to anything at all. But her going to be husband did not know her heartbreak, and if he did, he probably couldn't care less. He was a business tycoon in the making after all. And obviously, when it came to business, she always lost. Her phone flashed his name. Siddhant Modi calling.

Flashback

The sun streamed in through the balcony, and Riddhima opened her eyes slightly. She gasped as she felt her back and neck throbbing in pain. Her eyes shut again, feeling drained of any energy she once upon a time had. She had not been able to or even tried sleeping, until an hour of two before sunrise, when her eyes automatically closed against the bed post.

A knock on her door forced her to get up, and go open it. There her father stood, in his business suit. She looked up blankly at him.

"I called your office yesterday. You had taken a half day off?" he asked. She nodded in reply. "Kahan thi tum? Ghar pe toh nahin thi."

"I was saying bye.." she whispered, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"Good. Usse bhool jao. Siddhant Modi and his family are coming to see you tonight. I don't need to tell you, but behave properly. And don't mention Armaan."

Riddhima stood still, shocked at her father's decision. He wasn't getting her married was he? No! He couldn't! She needed time to get over Armaan, if she was to ever get over him.

"Papa, I don't want to get married." She whispered, horrified.

"Kyun? Kuch din pehle toh shaadi bohot jald karni thi.. anyways, I'm getting late. Meet him once at least. The choice is then yours." And before he could even hear her out, he walked away from there, leaving her in bunch of turbulent emotions.

That evening

"So, what are you hobbies?" Siddhant asked. He wasn't bad looking. She could see aspiration, determinedness and high aims behind that boyish face of his.

"Siddhant.."

"Call me Sid."

She was about to protest against this marriage, when her father's words came back to her. "Don't mention Armaan." They circled her head over and over again, but not mentioning him didn't mean she couldn't think about him. Or try and feel him. Or remember him. She looked around at the place she called home. They were sitting on the swing that her father had so lovingly bought for her upon her insistence on her 15^th birthday, and she didn't have the heart to continue her protest.

"I love reading, watching movies, I'm a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan, and adore Kolkata Knight Riders because of that." She replied in a monotone, shutting out Armaan's thoughts. He despised Shah Rukh Khan, because an actor got more attention than him from her! And he knew other reasons why she loved Kolkata Knight Riders. Because it had Brett Lee in it. He hated reading, except when it came to comics, and loved horror movies, which she absolutely despised!

"We have something in common. I'm a good reader, and a fan of Kolkata Knight Riders too! SRK, I can't say much, I don't look at guys." He joked. "But I watch loadz of Aishwarya movies.." Riddhima looked away. Armaan was an ardent Katrina fan. He often joked about how he'd leave her if he ever had the chance to get together with Katrina, which resulted in her giving him silent treatment for hours on end, until he bought her their favourite chocolates. Galaxy!

After the Modis left, Riddhima voiced her doubts.

"Papa..."

"Yes beta? You know how happy I am? He liked you. It's a yes from their side!" Shashank exclaimed, but Riddhima couldn't even manage a smile. How could he have not liked her. She was after all looking really pretty in her lime green and yellow saree.

"Am I business deal?" she whispered, not having the courage to look up at him. Shashank became numb with this accusation. It took him a while to register that comment in his head.

"Business deal? You hate me so much that you'd think I brought you up to sell you away like that? Riddhima I'm your father!" he replied, in such a quiet tone, that she immediately regretted each word out of her mouth.

"No, Papa. I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry."

"Riddhima, you can go now. This is the first time I feel like a failure as a parent." He said more to himself.

"I really didn't mean it like that. I'm so sorry, Papa." She ran to him as he sat down on the luxury leather armchair. She kneeled down, and put her head on his knees. As expected, she did not feel his hand on her head at all. Feeling her heart sink, she thought of the one way that will make him accept her again and grabbed it.

"I'm ready for this marriage Papa. Main poori koshish karungi Armaan ko bhool jaane ki. I have always done what you pleased. So why not this time as well? I'm ready Papa. You can tell them it's a yes from our side too." Her words were devoid of any emotion whatsoever.

She had done everything to please her dad in her life. Then how would this last sacrifice matter? But it would! Her heart shouted at her. It would kill her slowly from inside! Why did she refuse to see that? However, another part of her silenced her by accusing her of being selfish. How could she look for her own happiness when her father was depressed? His mood had been perfect when he got the confirmation from their side.

"Main kitni buri hoon na? Humesha aapko dukh deti hoon. Please, Papa. Ek aakhri baar mujhe maaf kardo." And that was when she felt his hand on her head, for acceptance. He finally forgave her. Looking up, she saw him in tears of happiness.

"Now I can say you've grown up, Riddhima. Kisne kahaan tum buri ho? You're my angel aren't you?" She forced a smile on her face, even though she pictured Armaan's caring touch on her. His caring voice, when he called her 'Shona'. "Shaadi ek hafte mein hai. It's only a small affair as of now, but the reception will be huge!" he continued, oblivious of the conflict his daughter was in. After hugging her father, she made an excuse of work, and rushed to her room. Since that night, his blues pleasantly haunted her in every dream. Be it during the night or day time. It was safe to agree with herself that Papa's angel wasn't Papa's anymore. She belonged to someone else. She was and would always be Armaan's. One promise made to her dad she would not be able to fulfill, she was sure. She wasn't going to forget Armaan ever. And neither was she going to try to. Moments with him were some of the best times of her life, and there was no way she was going to let go of them so easily. Not on her own life.

Flashback ends

She ignored Sid's call and spent the night before her wedding out in the balcony, lost in reams and reams of Armaan's memories.

Armaan looked out of his window, up at the gathering clouds, making this night darker. He couldn't believe how had been forced to let her go. How she had been forced to let him go! Yet how much they both couldn't live without each other. Tomorrow, she was getting married. In less than 24 hours. His life was being given to a certain Siddhant Modi. And would that guy even take care of her, love her, the way Armaan did? He closed his eyes, putting his head back on the edge of the window frame.

Flashback

"Dude, she's not my type. Way too trendy. No values. She won't respect my parents. And is probably after my money as well as looks.." Armaan bragged to Rahul.

"You have to settle down one day dude. Diya looks like she'd die for you." Rahul grabbed his coffee off the counter and both made their way to the nearest table. Diya was another intern in Sanjeevani Hospital, who was pretty no doubt, but threw herself all over Armaan. He found nothing new in that. He had the brains, the looks, the money.

"Which girl wouldn't?" Armaan asked as he grabbed an empty chair.

"Excuse me. There's something called courtesy on this Earth. You ask people before you take a chair from their table." Armaan narrowed his eyes. He hadn't had a very productive day at work, and he wasn't going to take kindly to a stranger's sarcasm.

"Sue me!" he replied to the girl in a blue, what were they called? Right, chooridars.

"I clearly don't have the time to waste that much energy on you."

"Dude, she wouldn't." Rahul answered Armaan's question, who rolled his eyes.

"They're called Aunties, Rahul." He replied with a smirk on his face. The girl's face dropped open in horror.

"Excuse me. Aunty hogi teri girlfriend! Just because I have a cultural essence in me, and don't go around flaunting myself to the first guy I see on the streets..."

"Oh, but you do flaunt yourself around..?" Armaan asked, catching her. He watched her turn a deep shade of red in almost an instant as she tried finding words for a come back.

"I..uh'that's for me to know. Mind your own business." She glared at him, and at that time her phone beeped. "Mujhe jaana hai. So meherbaani ho toh kya hum yeh jhagra kissi aur din continue karein?"

"Sure beautiful." He replied, winking, his flirtatious skills back again. She just rolled her eyes, and turned to go.

"Yo, naam toh batati jao." He called after her. She turned and replied sarcastically,

"Kyun? Jaankar kya karoge? Aarti utaroge meri? Idiot!" With that she turned once more, but Armaan just continued staring at her, a dimpled smile on his face. Just before she exited the coffee shop though, she turned back once more to see him put a hand on his heart while gazing blatantly at her. Her light brown eyes widened in surprise, at the bold display of affection from someone he had met just two minutes ago. Blushing profusely, she nearly ran out like a teenager. He had a cute smile. And gorgeous blue eyes! Smiling to herself, she bit her bottom lip and crossed the street. But not before Armaan could notice all her reactions.

"Already smitten?" Rahul asked cheekily, grinning.

"Shayad.." he whispered back, lost in her thoughts already.

Flashback ends

Their second meeting was where he started calling her Basket. Because believe it of not, she still refused to tell him her name! He chuckled to himself, re-living those memories.

Flashback

Bouncing the ball back and forth between the kids in the basketball court, he couldn't get his mind off this girl. Who was she? And how had she managed to slip into his thoughts and refuse to leave?

"Armaan Bhaiyya, kahan kho gayye they aap. You missed the ball completely." A kid shouted at him, and Armaan looked down, slightly embarrassed.

"Sorry buddy. Aage se nahin hoga."

"Guys, coach badal lo. Faayde mein rahoge." The voice that had been haunting him for the past few days came back, and he whipped around. She smiled superiorly at him while bouncing the ball. Probably, she had seen him playing but he couldn't resist teasing her slightly.

"Mera peecha kar rahi ho?" he asked, noticing how hot she looked in her black tracks, and a red racer back top. Her face contorted into a confused frown.

"Excuse me.."

"Admit it, you've been bowled over by my charms, and have been stalking me for the past few days."

"Huh, keep dreaming Mister." And from the free shot area, she aimed at the hoop and the ball went in cleanly without a problem, much to the amazement of the children. Impressed, Armaan continued grinning at her. She shook her head and made her way.

"Heyy..Miss Coffee shop.. abh toh naam batao." She raised her eyebrows at him, and shook her head, before continuing with her daily jog.

"Miss Kharoos Basket Ball." He murmured under his breath, getting annoyed by her hard to get attitude. "Hmmm..Miss Basketball." He looked up at the sky. "Please do something, so we meet everyday!"

Flashback ends

It was all thanks to Rahul that he finally got to know her name and gotten to know her more. He remembered that day clearly, when Rahul had dragged him along to meet his then girlfriend, now fiance, Muskaan. It was all against Armaan's wish, as he preferred to stay in the hospital and flirt around with hot chics.

Flashback

"Yaar Rahul, girlfriend teri hai! Mujhe kyun milwa raha hai usse." Armaan grumbled as they sat in the car.

"Because she's probably the one." Rahul replied, slightly blushing. "And I want to know what you think."

"Agar mein na kahunga toh meri baat maanega kya?" Armaan asked cheekily, only to be punched by Rahul while he was driving. "What if she sees me and ditches you?" Armaan continued joking, taking advantage of having Rahul sitting behind the wheel.

"Toh main tujhe jaan se maar dalunga. We're here. I think she's brought her friend as well."

They made their way up to two girls, when the girl with curly hair left, and Rahul got a call that moment.

"Tu jaa milke aa, I'll be there in a sec."

So Armaan slowly made his way over, wondering what the hell he'd tell Rahul's girlfriend. Probably start off by insulting him. That always worked.

"Uhmm..excuse me.." the girl turned around and Armaan's eyes widened in shock.

"Tum!" they both exclaimed simultaneously.

"Urgh..not again! Muskaan ko koi aur nahin mila?" she grumbled while he muttered to himself,

"Saala Rahul dhokebaaz nikla! Ek baar akela miljaaye!" he shook his head and continued. "Miss Basketball.."

"What?" she asked, horrified at what he'd called her.

"Tum toh mujhe apna naam nahin batati. So I've got to refer to you as something na. So there we go. Basket. Quite a cool name huh?" She turned away, at that moment while the curly haired friend came back. "Yo, basket. You didn't tell me you were dating Rauuull!"

Flashback ends

That was when all the misunderstandings cleared between them. Muskaan came and held an introductory speech, where he found out her name was Riddhima. Armaan sighed to himself. Exactly. When else would Rahul and Muskaan help? They had witnessed their friendship from then onwards turn into love. He smiled when he remembered their initial days.

Flashback

"Heyy basket.." he spoke over the phone.

"When will you stop with that name Armaan?" she grumbled over the phone.

"Never. It's a cool nickname! Achcha, Rahul and Muskaan fought today." He stated while he munched onto an apple after kissing his Mum's cheek.

"Don't they always?" she replied with a sigh, making him laugh.

"Haan lekin iss baar mamla thoda zyaada kheench gayya hai. So I have a plan." And it was a very simple pan. Take each separately to the cinema, force them to sit together, then the movie will work its charms on them. So Riddhima suggested a nice Romantic flick, but Armaan nearly puked at that idea.

"Marwana hai kya? Romantic flick, no way!"

"Kyun? They are so adorable!"

"Yeah.." he replied sarcastically, "Rahul will compare the heroine to Muskaan and Muskaan will compare the hero to Rahul. Perfect right? More reason to fight!"

"Fine..!" she grumbled seeing his point of view.

"Horror should do the trick!" and even though he was on the phone, he could picture Riddhima's face drop.

"No..Armaan please..Armaan no."

"Kitni selfish ho? You can't sit through a horror movie for your friend's eternal happiness?"

"Arghh fine." She finally agreed, and they both met up at the cinema for the 8 o'clock movie with their friends, who glowered once they set their sights on the other. He could see Riddhima's terrified eyes before the movie even began, and since he was sitting next to her, he offered a comforting hand, which she purposely ignored. She was one heck of a woman. But he didn't have to wait long, because in the next 5 minutes she was already frightened out of her wits and clung onto Armaan's arm desperately, seeking refuge. He pulled up the arm rest between them, and she automatically came closer, snuggling into his shoulder and peeking out at various intervals.

"Darpok.." he whispered to her.

"Shut up Armaan! If I can't sleep tonight I'll blame you!"

"Riddhima, demons are scared of horrific looking things too.." he teased back, making her mouth drop open at the insult. The movie momentarily forgotten, she started punching him with all her might, until a shrill scream from the back speakers scared the living daylights out of her, and she froze.

"Heyy..basket..??" he asked, slightly alarmed.

"Armaan, take me out of here. Please." She whispered. "I feel suffocated and nauseated. Please, let's get out of here."

"Don't worry, chalo." Positively worried now, he led her out of the theater, and once they were in fresh air, she could breathe freely again and hugged him with all her might. Automatically he put his arms around her, feeling her heart slowly become at ease against his chest.

"It'll be fine. Main hoon na. Shhh'" he tried consoling her. Seeing her like that put him through actual torment. Though he didn't know why! Splitting apart, he looked into her fearful eyes. "Riddhima, it's ok. It's just a movie."

"Armaan.." she whispered, and he heard her voice break, as a feeling of dread filled him.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have brought you here. I'm sorry. Please, Riddhima..forgive me.." her voice, so weak, nearly broke him apart. But suddenly, he saw a smile forming on her face.

"Agaye na track pe? Hah, fooled you!!" and the cheeky glint was back in her eye, with a naughty, devilish smirk plastered across her face. It took him some time to register that she was actually acting.

"But your eyes.."

"Tch..Armaan. I was a born actor!" She giggled behind her hand highly amused at the prank she had just pulled off, while he let the truth sink in. Gosh, how worried he had been! It killed him to see her like that. "Serve you right for emotionally blackmailing me into this plan, and calling me horrific looking!" she narrowed her eyes then burst out laughing again. Seeing her like that lifted his heart so much, that he couldn't help but smile at her antics!

"Riddhima ki bachchi.." and they were off, having a wild goose chase around the cinema, which was a million times more entertaining than watching the horror flick. For one, it didn't scare Riddhima, and two, he was sure he could continue watching her laugh, smile, giggle for ages on end without getting tired! Yes, if this was love, he was in love. With her.

Flashback ends

Riddhima took out her diary from under a flower pot. No one would have guessed it was hidden there. But there was a reason it was hidden in the first place. That book had captured every single precious moment of her life. She opened it to her favourite page, one she'd read a million times over the past few days and was still not tired of.

6^th July 2010

After I found out the horrid truth, about 10 days ago, I tried to avoid him. I hardly talked to him when we were in a group, and neither did I answer his calls. Whenever I wanted to hang around with him, Ramu Kaka's words came back to me.

"Bitya, yeh Armaan Mallik hai. Billy Mallik ka ek lauta beta. Tujhe nahin pata tha kya? Shashank sir ka business rival ka beta."

I can't forget these words. Of course I'd heard about my Dad's business rival, Billy Mallik. But I hadn't heard about his son! And why would I? Armaan was doing nothing in business, he was an intern at Sanjeevani hospital! Is it possible to feel your heart weigh you down like a huge boulder? Because either I was going crazy or that was really happening! I never thought your heart could ever be a burden on you!

I never cried. Not over petty issues like these. But I did today. Armaan found out, well guessed that I was trying to avoid him. How can I not, when I was starting to accept my feelings towards my Papa's enemy's son? It hurt! But I had to, for Papa's happiness. I'm so glad Papa still doesn't know.

Let me start off from the beginning. This morning, Rahul called saying that he'd planned a lunch party for us at Seaside Resort, and we would be spending the whole day there. I wouldn't have gone if Armaan was coming, but somehow, Rahul forced me to, saying Muskaan would find it boring. Grudgingly, I put on my blue, strapless sundress, and took my car. What would it be like seeing Armaan after not seeing him for a few days? I hope he was doing ok. Please, don't ask me why I should care, because I do! I care a lot. But by keeping myself away aren't I doing both of us a favour? I was wishing I had never met him during my ride there, or at least not been attracted to him! But some part of me cherished every single moment I spent with him so far. He was different, so unique. And according to Rahul, the biggest flirt around, however, when I was around, his whole attention was always on me, and I simply adored that feeling. In fact, I missed it, I concluded. I'd try and be friends with him. But wouldn't that hurt? So what, at least being friends was better than being his nothing.

But as I got there, I noticed there wasn't just barbecue lunch for close friends. It was a full blown party! Where friends were invited. Friends of friends were invited. And friends of friends of friends were invited, in short, gate crashers, who were all welcome anyway! Feeling slightly out of place between all the girls in bikinis and shorts, I tried to find Muskaan, who was with Rahul and Armaan. But there was someone else. Someone with blonde highlights, undoubtedly hot (I don't check girls out! But heyy..it's that tinge of regret for not trying to maintain your body, that slips up when you see 'uss type ki ladkiyan'!), hardly wearing anything, and clinging on to Armaan, as though never going to let go!

That's when I felt my heart burn, my intestines squelch, my stomach churn, name every single feeling inside your body that mixes pain with jealousy, I felt that. I looked away as I made my way to them, hoping they didn't notice the torture I was bearing inside, through my eyes. Armaan could always read my eyes. I hoped desperately that he didn't this time. So he had replaced me. The thought itself dug into me, making everything else in my vision blur. Was it that easy? After not seeing him for what, a week, he'd found someone else in my position?

I avoided Armaan's eyes, which were scrutinizing me, when I went up to them. Oh, by the way, that girl's name was Diya! Uff, itna achcha naam isse suit bhi nahin karta! Anyways, let me stop spoiling my mood and continue with the story. Surely, after a bit of chatting and messing around, except with Armaan whose full attention was with Diya ' at that point I really did think he had replaced me! - The music started and everyone hit the dance floor. That meant bikini clad girls, with boys in shorts only, brushing their bare bodies with each other. I was glad to see that Armaan at least had a blue t-shirt ' did I forget to mention we matched? ' on top of his white shorts. Yes, he looked amazing! And it hurt even more, that all his attention was on pink Bikini topped Diya! He caught me looking quite a few times, but I hoped he didn't notice anything. If he did, he never said it. Well, he hardly said a word to me then anyway, besides a 'wassup Basket?'

But it felt worse when I saw him drag Diya to the dance floor, with music pumping around. Rahul and Muskaan followed them, and I sat back on the grass, watching, or rather cursing fate. I didn't think I was able to take anymore when I saw Armaan's hands around Diya's bare back, and her body pushed up against it. I had taken an afternoon of his ignorance, her giggles, their coochie cooing, but this just hit the jackpot. There was no way I was going to sit and bear the agony of watching Diya literally look like she was trying to climb on top of him. I could console myself as much as I wanted, that Armaan and I were never meant to be hence my avoiding technique but how could I stop the tremendous torture I was going through? Reduce it at least? And he found my replacement. That easily? Why was it so hard for me to find his replacement?

So I wandered aimlessly, till I got to the complete end of the pier. It was empty, as everybody was having a gala time dancing and messing around while I was the only one with a broken heart. The sun was sinking, and was just on the brink of beginning to set. But for once, I wasn't paying attention to it. Feeling water run down my cheeks, I realized I was crying. (Yes, that's the crying I was referring to at the start.) I must have been there for quite a few minutes, when I felt someone scare the living hell out of me, and pick me up in their arms. There was no need for me to look, to recognize the person. His strong arms around me felt so right that I wanted to get lost in them. From then on, I can remember every single detail, as though etched into my memory!!

Me - (Very loudly, and trying to get anger in my voice) Armaan put me down!

He did not respond.

Me - (Slightly more angrily..Come on, he had spent the whole day mucking around with Diya, ignoring me as though I didn't exist, then suddenly wants attention from me?! Please. Ok I.. on the other hand, had a reason to avoid him for so many days! What was his reason for letting Diya claw her way all over him?!) Armaan, put me down, NOW!

Then he finally obliged and looked at me with mischief glinting in his eyes. I narrowed mine in response and looked away. That when I realized why I was angry, and the real reason behind my anger. He continued looking down at me, as though he was trying to read me.

Me - Armaan stop!

Him - What?

Me - Coz I'll fall more deeply for you if you don't

JK! No I didn't say that! I actually said, "Staring at me like I'm an open book or something!"

Him - Weeelll, you are.

The nerve of him! Arghh!!

But at that time, I felt my sadness reach its height. Even talking to him like that attracted me towards him! His cheeky eyes, and that dimpled smile! Uff...then that hair that blew about in the breeze. But that's when my brain got the better of me, and reminded me about why I had started keeping this distance between us the first place.

Me - Humme chalna chahiye.

And I turned, then in a complete filmy style, (Haayyyeee..) he held my hand! Of course at that point I didn't think it was filmy, it just hurt too much. So I composed my self, or so I thought, and turned around to face him. But I was astounded to see anger blazing in his eyes.

Him - Kab tak avoid karti rahogi mujhe? If you don't like my company say it!

Me - Stop being absurd Armaan! Where did you get that thought from?

Him - Really? You meet Muskaan, you meet Rahul, but when we're all supposed to hang around together, you find work? Muskaan and Rahul have seen you for the past few days, then how the hell haven't I?

Me - (Now I was trying to find the best excuse possible, so don't kill me with my next line!) I don't know maybe you're too busy hanging around Diya.

Him - (He changed the topic! Idiot! How didn't I notice it then? Maybe coz I was too busy trying to sort out my mind and heart.) Jealous much? Why have you been avoiding me Riddhima?

Me - I'm not avoiding you. You're imagining things.

And boy I was sooo close to releasing myself from his grip, but it tightened further, and then he pulled me back, into his chest, (can a heart really skip a beat? Coz I'm pretty sure mine did!) locking his arms around me. Awhh..must have been so romantic! But blind as I was at that time, I didn't see it. I could really feel my heart thudding against his, while my limbs, for once, refused to respond to my brain's command of pushing him away. I just knew one thing. He would probably hate me if I told him the truth, but I had to.

Me - Fine then! You really want to know why?

His eyes were boring into mine. How didn't I get lost in those ocean blues again? Probably because I was wondering whether I should tell him the truth. The thought of him hating me because I'm his Dad's rival's daughter nearly stopped me. I didn't want him to hate me!

Me - You're probably going to hate me but here goes..(deep breath)..I'm Shashank Gupta's daughter. Our parents are the biggest business rivals in India! There is no way my father will agree to our friendship. And, I.. I can't go against him.

He continued staring down at me, and when I looked back in his eyes, there was no anger. Just sadness.

Him - I know.

That's what shocked me the most. How the hell did he know who I was? And if he knew, why didn't he tell me before? And even if he didn't tell me, why the hell did he want to continue sharing what was between us?

Him - I knew from the moment Muskaan introduced you. Hence I only introduced myself as Armaan. There are a lot of Guptas in India, but to make sure, I had to do some research, that included getting Rahul to question Muskaan about you. I found out.

Me - Why? Armaan, why didn't you tell me? What did you get by keeping this from me?

Him - (I feel like dying when I recall his next words, or rather, word..) You.

Me - (Fumble, loose my voice box, and say the only thing that I can pronounce properly) ..Armaan..

Him - Main jaanta tha jab tumhe pata chalega, toh tum mujhse nahin milogi. And I didn't want to not meet you again.

Riddhima shut her eyes, experiencing the moment, as though it was yesterday. Little did her father know that they had been together for Months! Almost a year! She noticed how many blotches that particular page had, suggesting the amount of times she had cried over it off recent. Probably after she broke her relation off with Armaan.

Flashback

Her eyes were brimming with tears, but as she blinked them back, causing some to fall in the process, she noticed the grief inside him, reflected in his eyes! And that nearly killed her, this time. That's when she realized he was almost an inch away from her and not caring, she put her hand up to caress his cheek with all her feelings pouring out. With his one hand around her waist, he brought her palm to his lips with his other and kissed it, making a bolt of electricity shoot through her for the first time!

"I didn't want to not meet you again, because, after the first couple of meetings, I was.." he sighed. "I felt something for you. Something really strong, that refused to leave."

Riddhima felt a sudden shock run through her. He felt something? He was also in the same position as her? She had, even though she tried denying it several times, been attracted to him from the first meeting itself. At first, she thought it was just plain stupidness on her behalf. But after spending more time together, she finally realized she was attracted to him!

"I didn't want to lose you because.. because, I think.." he shook his head. "No, I know..that I..I love you." Riddhima nearly felt herself melt under his constant gaze and his words. Someone had finally said those three magical words to her. And how they sounded so great! So perfect! Especially coming from his lips! Now that he had said it, she was sure of it too. She loved him too.

In fact, she had had his nagging feeling that it was love, ever since she saw Diya's tiny hands crawling all over him! She had been jealous, no doubt, but underneath that layer, there had been so much hurt as well! That pain, that wouldn't be present if it was just attraction. That pain that nearly forced her to act on, if she hadn't gone away from there.

"Armaan.. I can't. Papa kabhi humare rishte ke liye nahin maanenge." She whispered.

"That's not what's bothering me Riddhima." He replied.

"Our father's are rivals.." she tried explaining to him.

"I don't care!" he cut her in an even tone. "I don't care what's going on between them. I don't give a damn whether they hate each other or not. They aren't the ones that are feeling what I am. They aren't the ones going through this torture, of watching you, being with you everyday, hoping it would last. Why are WE involved in their businesses deals when we have nothing to do with it?" he questioned, trying to make her see his point of view.

He was right. Why were they suffering for what their parents were doing? She could feel herself giving up. Yes, she could. All of a sudden, what her dad thought didn't matter anymore. What the world thought didn't matter anymore. The only person that did matter was right in front of her. His blue gaze was weakening all restraints. Yes, she loved him too! A whole lot! Who cared about what would happen in the future. Right now, only she mattered and he did. And they would try and work things out wouldn't they? But there was one more question nagging her at the back of her mind.

"Since that problem is solved, then what about Diya?" she asked, and she saw his dimples form.

"Don't kill me. I needed to see whether you felt the same way for me." He explained, and her mouth dropped in horror.

"You!!! And I thought you had replaced me! All your attention was on her, when before, it used to be me!" she poured out her feelings furiously. "Your hands snaking around her bare back, her stuck to you like glue, both of you acting as though no one existed in the world! Love me my foot!" she narrowed her eyes, and looked out to the sea again, turning her back to Armaan. The sun was just beginning to set.

"I could never replace you. I only gave her my attention today, because I saw you come in. I missed you so much over the past week. And I hated it when I couldn't understand why you started avoiding me. It really did hurt."

"So to get back at me you flirted with Diya?"

"Sort of. I was pissed off, Riddhima. I didn't want to care. But I did! So I wanted to see your reaction. Your eyes are very expressive, Basket, telling me all I needed to know," he concluded and she growled in response.

"Shut up Armaan!"

He put his arms around her, and rested his chin on her bare shoulder, making her shiver at his touch. Unaware of that, he pulled her closer to himself, tightening his arms around her.

"But Miss Riddhima Gupta. I love you and only you. I promise, that I won't look at any Diya, or Tia.."

"There's a Tia as well?" she turned her head to look at him.

"Tch, Tia is a metaphor for all the other girls! And stop interrupting my amazing speech! Kahan tha main, haan. I will only look at you. And even though I know you quite well for someone who's been a friend for only around 4 weeks, I want to know you much more, and prove that I really do love you. So will you go out for dinner with me tomorrow night?" He finished, and Riddhima felt herself lose against him.

"Armaan. All this will be worth it won't it?" she asked, feeling so insecure.

"Us being together? I'll make sure it is. So I'll pick you up tomorrow?" he smiled, lightening the atmosphere in an instant.

"I haven't said a yes yet, Mallik." She teased.

"You haven't said a no either, Shona." He whispered seductively in her ear, making her flush a sharp red colour, then turn around.

"Shona?"

He nodded in reply and she could see eons of affection for her gushing out of his eyes.

"Armaan," she whispered, unable to stop the natural smile that formed on her face while she was tracing her fingers down his strong, masculine jaw line. "I love you too."

His eyes shone while his arms around her tightened. The dimples on his face could not be missed as he pulled her closer to himself and leaned down, hesitantly at first, to capture her lips into his. But after taking one look into her eyes and seeing that she wanted it as much, he finished the gap in an instant. The sun was setting behind them, and Riddhima was sure that to the people back on the beach, who were still dancing away to glory, they both looked like unrecognizable silhouettes. She split apart, and looked at the sun that had nearly set and the darkness that was engulfing them, while Armaan just continued adoring her after pushing his head against hers.

"Perfect," she whispered, smiling, before pulling him closer to herself and joining her lips with his again.

Flashback ends

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

feel bad for AR...

contiinue soon!

*Edited*

Okay! So, you're back with an OS! Since so many days, I've been dying to read something off you, and ah, my wish is fulfilled! Thank you! <3

Coming to the OS! Right now, its sad, because two people love each other and can't be together - not because of status norms, nor society, nor some third person! Its because of business!? I sincerely hope it doesn't actually happen to someone! Its terrible to go through that! And through your writing, you brought out just that! It was so real, with so much of euphemism, that even though the story is sad, it still makes you fall in love with it!

I'll wait for the last part to comment further! <3

nice part... but a sad one too...

plz contiue soon..

n thanx 4 da PM!!!

plzz cont soon nd thanks for pm

Haha I saw Shru's chotu sa comment on your OS and it made me laugh :D We just can't stay without IF and our FFs and OS-es 🤣