AWalkOnTheBeach-AR#3|| NewThreadLink:Pg160 (17/5)

"You're dressed up!" Rhea said with raised eyebrows as I approached Armaan and Rhea who were spending the day watching TV. The parent party had taken off on a tour of the city, and wouldn't be returning till late.

"Umm...I have plans..." I said nonchalantly. I avoided Armaan's questioning gaze.

The previous day, I had come back home, with all my spirits dampened. I still had questions in my mind, although the answers were clearly in front of my eyes.

But there were questions I had seen in Armaan's eyes as well...But I was in no mood to answer them...

What he had put me through was definitely unfair, and even if I tried, I couldn't stop it from hurting me...

But at the same time, I knew I would have denied my feelings for even longer if it hadn't been for the hurt I had been put through.

Whoever thought that everything being in the open solved confusions, was completely wrong. If anything, I was more confused than ever. I probably had a disorder, I thought. A disorder they hadn't discovered yet. The Confused-to-the-T Syndrome. I should probably get the noble prize for it, I grimaced.

"What plans? Anything specific?" Rhea asked, but I saw Armaan nudge her.

"Um...Nothing...Uh...I'm just umm....Going out...With Sid..." Isaid hesitantly and I saw Armaan's shock and hurt ridden eyes meet mine. They asked me 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'

I chose to avoid that question.

"Anyway, umm...I might have dinner and come...So, don't wait up for me...And if Mum calls, just tell her I'm out...See you guys later!" I said in a hurry, while Rhea kept looking from me to Armaan, trying to see if the volcano erupts, because Armaan's eyes definitely spoe murder. Whether it meant murdering me, Sid or himself, I had absolutely no idea.

Without waiting for a reply, I rushed out...I looked back once, something stopped me...I was probably spoiling things more, maybe...But I had to do this...

I sat there, staring into the afternoon sea, the sun causing the sand to burn my feet. But I didn't care....

I always found solace here, found answers...Not that I didn't already have them...But I could understand them better here...The beach had always been my favourite place...

I had to lie to Armaan...I didn't mean to hurt him. That was the last thing I would ever do. But something compelled me to do it, and somehow, in spite of feeling terribly guilty, in spite of knowing I had taken a step too far in hurting him, I knew I was a step closer to where I was supposed to be...

I sighed, perching myself on the beach, near the shore...I could feel the water occasionally washing over my feet. The beach was almost deserted, summer had arrived, and the afternoon sun wasn't really inviting...

My brain seemed to be having a civil war with my heart, and I could have absolutely no control over it...Just when I would think either one of them is winning, the opposite side would begin to dominate...I wish I could just separate either one of them from myself. But for that I would have to choose between either one of them. And that was the problem in the first place!

Sighing, I shut my eyes, replaying the past 3 and a half years in my mind...I had come here the moment I had landed in Cali, and I remembered how anxious, yet excited, how unhappy, yet content I had felt...I almost wished to be back there again. Relive the past 3 years, amend things, make things easier, uncomplicate matters...Start over...

I had met him here for the first time, after a gap of 9 years, and I remembered how I had felt familiar even though I had no idea it was him at that time. There was just something about him which had made me trust him...

And even today, in spite of all that had happened I knew I trusted him and loved him, but then what was compelling me to distance myself out from him? The fact that he had snogged Andrea? The fact that he played this mean trick on me, although it was only because he loved me at the end of the day?

No...My heart answered. It's because you're afraid. What if this isn't it? What if it's not right? Then you end up losing your best friend as well...

But hadn't I already lost him, I argued. Because we definitely weren't just best friends anymore, we never would be again...

Then make a move, my heart yelled. Don't wait too long again! He's waited 3 years already! Don't let fear and insecurities overcome your feelings for each other. At the end of the day, he did all of that only because he loved you. Maybe his ways were wrong.

Maybe, I asked my heart sceptically.

Okay, maybe he was way too wrong in what he did. He shouldn't have. But don't ignore his intentions behind the whole wrong. His intentions weren't wrong were they? He didn't want to hurt you! He just wanted to reach your feelings...Is that wrong?

No, I answered in a small voice.

Then stop lamenting over what he did! So he played with your feelings for him, so he snogged Andrea openly in front of you, so he gave her things which you liked, including him. But at the end of it all, it's you he wants! Isn't that what matters?

Then why am I even having this conversation if it's all so clear, I asked my heart. I felt my heart groan.

Because he's right. You're a dimwit. And you're always going to remain that way!

I scowled. Why was everyone blaming me?

Well, I will continue wallowing you in misery and guilt if you don't move your butt and tell him he's off the hook! The poor soul's suffered enough already, my heart threatened me.

Wow! You really are in love with him aren't you, I asked my lovestruck heart.

Any doubts, my heart asked my shyly.

Smiling, I sighed contently and began walking back. Things were gonna be okay now!

I walked back into the house to be welcomed by uninviting silence. Did someone die, I thought.

Walking into the living room, I found our parents and Rhea with sullen faces, Dad and Uncle blankly staring at the TV. And panick began to evade my happiness because Armaan wasn't part of the party.

"What's going on...?"

"Umm...Nothing big really, but Armaan just got his first rejection letter...From Yale..." Rhea said hesitantly and my heart sank.

Armaan had applied to 5 universities including Yale and Princeton for cardiology. His grades had been amazing, he had aced in every subject, because of which we were all confident he would get in anyway. But probably his applications didn't appeal to them. But how could that happen? I had proof-read them a million times to make sure they were perfect!

"Where is he?" I asked slowly.

"He left...Didn't bother telling us where. He left and I thought I should call Mum and Dad and inform them..." Rhea said with a sad smile.

"Rhe! You could have called me too! He had his hopes set on Yale! He was so confident about getting in! He must be heartbroken!" I groaned. Rhea raised her eyebrows at me, as if to ask me, 'Seriously? Look who's talking?'

I ignored her and raced upstairs. Would he be okay?

Of course not you idiot, my heart yelled.

Shut up, I retorted!

Quickly removing my phone, I speed-dialled his no. and waited with bated breath for him to answer the phone. It rang once, twice, thrice, 7 times, but no answer.

I kept calling, not caring he would probably murder me for doing so. I was worried and I had to talk to him. His first rejection letter, and I had hurt him right in the beginning of the day. Man, was he having a pathetic day! But I had to ease his pain, had to uncomplicate his life! At least to some extent. I had to let him know that I was there with him and always would be.

I sighed, giving up after calling him 13 times. I wasn't worried something had happened to him. He was responsible, and even during times of great problems, he would keep his cool, and that was something I admired about him. The only time I had seen him lose his control was when I had got mugged. That was the only time I had seen him cry, I realized...

Not being able to control my restlessness, I paced my room, but on finding it too small, went back downstairs. Everyone looked much more relaxed now.

"He called to say he was fine...And he'll be home late, will have his dinner out, and that's he's absolutely safe and sound and in his senses." Rhea said with a smile as she noticed my questioning look. "And uh, he kind of asked me to tell you to stop calling." She whispered in my ear and I scowled.

I sat there with them for the rest of the evening; waiting for Armaan to get home....I had to talk to him...

Past 11, while everyone decided to call it a day, I sat there on the couch, flicking through various channels, keeping my ears open to listen to his car pull up in the driveway.

I sighed, shutting my eyes, trying to relax them...And I didn't know when sleep got the better of me....

I opened my eyes to the sound of a door opening and closing. Armaan was home, I thought joyfully!

But I woke up to a strange sight. I was back in my room. How? I remember falling asleep on the couch. Then how did I end up here.

Inquisitve, I got up, and ran to Armaan's room. He wasn't in there. Was he even home yet?

I peeked down from the stair railing and saw the lights in the kitchen on. Sighing, I raced down, taking two steps at a time.

And then, I smiled.

He was there, his frame leaning on the kitchen counter, and his eyes staring into space. So he had carried me off to my room. How much did this guy love me, I wondered and smiled. A lot, came the answer.

I saw the microwave on, and saw a packet of Maggi at its side. I frowned. He didn't make any for me! Oh, never mind! Now wasn't the time!

Walking up to him, I saw his eyes lift and gaze at me. I stopped when he looked at me.

"Uh...Hi!" I said nervously.

"Riddhima, if you've come here to gimme a hard time for carrying you up to your room, please just let me off the hook for tonight! I just saw you were uncomfortable over there...I swear you can get back to taking your revenge tomorrow!" He sighed and said in a tired voice.

I looked at him with raised eyebrows. So he thought I was here to give him a hard time?

"Armaan I'"

"I hoep you enjoyed with Sid today!" He cut me across with a smirk plastered on his face. It didn't reach his eyes.

"Armaan just'"

"Why Riddhima? What...I don't even know what to make of you! Yesterday, all was fine, you were messing around with me, but at the same time you pretended as if you had forgiven me...And today we're back to square one?" He glared at me and I gulped, shuffling my feet. His eyes spelled my ultimate doom!

"Armaan I'"

"You know what Riddhima! It's okay! I'm going to bed now! Had enough for a day!" He walked right past me in a huff and I bit my lower lip in guilt.

"But your Maggi!" I tried stopping him one last time.

"You have it! I'm good!" He said, not stopping and I heard his footsteps thudding against the stairway.

Sighing, I heard the beep of the microwave. And that got my grey cells thinking! I had to make it up to him! Tell him I loved him in the best way possible! And I knew the perfect way!

How the hell did Romeo manage climbing up to Juilet's balcony in the dead of the night that too completely silent, I groaned. I looked down. The ladder was rattling and I was sure it would fall off any moment. There goes my attempt at being romantic.

I wondered what my parents' reaction would be if I managed to break my arm, leg or neck because of this stunt. They would probably be ashamed of their daughter who was trying to climb up a boy's window in the dead of the night, that too when I could have simply used the door!

Sighing, I took another step up carefully and continued doing so, making sure I wouldn't fall off.

I finally reached his room, but frowned when I found his window shut. I peeped inside and saw him gazing at something while lying down. I tapped on his window vigorously, but then lowered the noise remembering there were others in the house.

I saw his eyes lift towards the window and then widen. I saw him dart towards the window hurriedly and open it and in my excitement, I smiled letting go off the ladder's support, forgetting I was balancing myself on that support. He pulled me back just in time.

"Hey!" I swayed and held his hand, my fear of falling vanishing. I knew he wouldn't let me fall now. Unless he was mad enough to kill me. Nah, he loved me way too much.

"Riddhima Gupta what the f are you doing here! And like this! Are you freaking out of your freaking mind?" He held my arms, hoisting me up effortlessly as if I were a child and leading me inside the window.

"Don't shout at me no!" I pouted and I saw his expressions softening. The pout always worked.

"Riddhima what the hell are you doing here?" He asked me, his voice tired and my face fell.

"I came here to uh..."

"Uh what? Riddhima couldn't you just have used the door? It would be easier and let's face it, safer!" He said sceptically and I scowled.

"I was trying to be romantic okay! I thought you know..." I said, upset my plan hadn't worked.

"I thought Romeo always climbed Juliet's balcony. Have we exchanged roles here? Or did you take my 'Coming out of the closet' t-shirt too seriously?" He asked me with a smirk and I glared at him.

"You're lucky you have me as your Juliet Mr.! Be thankful! But if you can't appreciate it, then fine!" I stomped my foot hard and turned to leave when I felt him pull me back. Why did he always pull me back after making me so mad? "Why, let me go na? Ek toh I came to say sorry, and I don't even get appreciated for actually climbing the ladder, which btw, was so wobbly, I thought I was gonna break my neck!" I crossed my arms and scowled.

"You came to say sorry?" He asked me surprised.

"Yes! Problem?" I asked arrogantly and he shook his head in fear. I looked away again.

"Munchkin!" He said his voice soft. I chose to ignore. "Munchkin! Oye Riddhima!" He turned me towards him and made me look at him.

"I knew you wouldn't like this! I should have just done this the traditional way. Should have just done this over a candle-light dinner. But I thought you'd like this!" I argued and saw him grinning. "And now you're laughing!" I said sadly, my face falling.

"I loved it!" I felt his hands frame my face and his words being whispered in the dim lights.

"You did?" I asked hopefully and he smiled. His dimples were back.

Out of excitement, I fell right into his arms. I felt him stiffen, probably because he was surprised. But then I closed my eyes in contentment when I felt his arms circling around me.

"Now can I ask why my Juliet chose to become Romeo for tonight?" He pulled back and looked at me straight in the eye. I smiled when I heard him say 'my Juliet'. Felt so right.

"I wanted to say sorry. I mean not sorry for those silly pranks. But for you know...Making you wait...For so long...I shouldn't have been so daft. Bu then it was your fault also na. You should have told me. Who cares about Sid. I would've dumped him." I said and bit my tongue when I realized how rude that sounded. I saw Armaan wearing a sceptical smile, the same thought crossing his mind.

"That's very sweet of you honey, and not to mention I got to see another side of you..." I rolled my eyes at his statement. "But whatever it is...If this is what I get for waiting, then the wait is definitely worth it. I mean how many boys have girlfriends climbing up their windows at night?" He winked at me and I pouted.

"I knew you would laugh!" I hid my face in his neck.

"You do such funny things, anyone would, trust me!" He laughed and I smacked his back.

I felt him kiss my forehead and sighed. How did this feel so new, yet normal and comfortable? Probably because I belonged there.

"I'm sorry Armaan!" I whispered and looked up at him. I saw his eyes sparkling and his dimples not leaving his face. Poking them with my finger, I continued, "I know I kind of got on your nerves these past few days...These past few years in fact...But I was just so confused after everything you told me...The fact that you loved me still hadn't sunk in...And then I was still so mad about everything you did and you snogging Andrea...But then I had forgiven you as well...And, I have a confession to make..." I looked down at his neck while talking. I was sure he would laugh and make me laugh too if I looked at him. I could feel his questioning eyes on me. "I lied...I wasn't with Sid today! Obviously i wouldn't be! I'm not dumb...I just needed to think stuff out and wanted to get abck at you and so'"

"You lied about being with Sid..." He completed the sentence and I nodded sheepishly.

"You have to put up with my confused and complicated mind for the rest of your life now you know! Just warning for future reference!" I said, fidgeting with his shirt collar.

"I swear I'll never complain!" He raised my chin up and gazed down at me. And I knew he had forgiven me. But his eyes were still asking for something more.

"I love you Armaan! And I'm not gonna take another 3 years to let you know that!" I whispered and finally saw his smile widen to the edges of his face.

"I love you too Riddhima!" He whispered against my lips, and then, he pulled me into our first ever kiss...The sweetest kiss I had ever got. Big words weren't needed anymore; we had never needed them anyway. Everything was in place just because I simply chose to say my heart's feelings without any hesitation. And I knew that instant ' whether we were right or wrong didn't matter; we both now knew that we would love each other in spite of all the wrongs anyway, and set them right in our own wrong ways...I smiled, as I felt his arms pull me into a tight hug. I was finally home...

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Done! They're FINALLY together! Happy? I bet you are! Next chapter aane mein time lagega!

Now I'm off to bed!

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Thanks a tonne guys!

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P.S. PMs will be sent tomorrow! Dead tired now!