Life Out Of Control #2

Hii everyone!! 😃

This is for Aanya and Shru!! Love you guys! I don't know how I managed to get this done but it's all thanks to them😆😊 Love you guys..!! Sorry for any mistakes

Chapter 14 - Surprises Gallore

"You're so beautiful, but that's not why I love you, I'm not sure you know, that the reason I love you is you, being you, just you, yeah the reason I love you is all that we've been through, and that's why I.."

"Baassskkett..!!!" Armaan sing songed her name, bringing her out of her song that she had been quietly singing to herself. Seeing him, a smile automatically plastered on her face as she sipped her juice to hide it.

"Kya gaa rahi thi?" he asked, taking a seat next to her on the canteen table. She frowned in response. How did he hear that? Anyways, it wasn't a big deal was it? No, he would make it a big deal. Maybe not? "Riddhima..!" he persisted.

"A song, Armaan!" she replied back, leaning her head on his shoulder, realizing how drained she already was and it was only lunch time with no one to be seen around.

"Which one?"

"I love you."

"I know sweetheart I love you too." He replied cheekily making her grumble.

"That's what the song is called. It's on Avril's new album."

"Doesn't mean I don't love you."

"Armaan!"

"No seriously.."

"I wonder with this open PDA and fighting, why people are still blind to your relationship." Sid muttered as he came in, watching them wistfully.

Riddhima looked into Sid's eyes and noticed something different. There was a sort of emptiness in them, a longing for something. A longing for someone to love, probably. A longing for Preeti. She would know. After all, there had been times when she was surrounded by so many couples, and she had wished for a prince charming to come early. Watching couples dance on the dance floor while sitting at the side feeling like a loner wasn't anyone's cup of tea. She had wanted many a times, before Armaan came back in to her life of course, find a guy who would give her attention. But the thought of finding a guy just for the evening sounded so cheap, she had forbidden herself to think about it let alone act on it. Instead, she had resorted to stay away from all those couples especially during college. Done case. Life was different now. It was much more beautiful, with Armaan by her side, holding her, kissing her, cherishing her. He had definitely been worth the wait. Not that she was waiting for HIM specifically, she was waiting for someone special. And just how special he turned out to be was a magnitude measurement she would not be able to even guess.

But Sid couldn't even help it. He worked around couples. Literally everyone he spent time with was either married or dating. Then how could he evade himself from that feeling? How could he block out those feelings of wanting to have someone love him? True, he was a guy, but all guys needed someone no matter how late they actually grew up. And Sid, by the looks of it, had matured early for his 'guy' age. Riddhima sighed to herself. It would have been great to know Preeti. Closing her eyes, she could only pray for Sid.

"I don't know yaar. They all seem blind! Yesterday, a male nurse randomly stopped me in the corridors, asking me for ways to get a colleague of his. So I told him, the easiest way. Give her attention then make her jealous by flirting with other girls.."

"Armaan!" Riddhima reprimanded him. Were girls toys or something?

"Awesome dude!" Sid high fived him, while Riddhima narrowed her eyes at both of them, evidently pissed and disgusted at such attitude. She was about to leave, but Armaan held her hand underneath the table and linked his fingers with hers, forcing her to stay behind. Feeling a bolt of current shoot through, she listened to that tiny part of her which told her to stay behind and did, however, still not pleased with either of them.

"Tu jaanta hai uss chitku ne mujhse kya kahaan? 'Dr Riddhima single hai na? Toh kya main ussi se flirt karun?' Saale ki itni dhulai karni thi mujhe..!" Armaan fumed as Sid burst out laughing. However, Riddhima immediately saw something else on the horizon.

"What did you reply?"

"Before I could say anything, Hitler turned up, saving him." He grumbled.

"pheww.." Riddhima sighed in relief.

"Riddhima. You're mine, did you really want that chitku to flirt with you?" Armaan questioned, horrified, his eyes round in shock while Sid frowned uncertainly at her.

"Firstly, stop calling him chitku. It's not nice. Secondly," she interrupted him before her could put a word in. "He was probably watching your intentions, because hey, nurses are humans, they like to gossip, so he probably wanted to know whether we are together or not so he could tell his friends too. And if it wasn't him directly, I have a feeling some other girl set him up to it." She frowned slightly. "Armaan, agar un sab se Papa ko pata chal gayya.." she looked at him, trailing off.

"Don't worry basket. Kuch nahin hoga." He squeezed her hand and his pager beeped. "Mujhe chalna chahiye, and trust me, I won't let anything happen to us ever again." Smiling, he kissed her forehead, making her worried frown disappear altogether as she smiled at his reassuring words and actions. "Love you," he whispered in her ear making her heart immediately warm up and start beating faster as he left to go to Dr Khanna, his senior.

"Yeah.." Sid put in. "We'll try and keep these gossiping spies in the dark as much as we can." And before he left, he kissed Riddhima's forehead too, winking mischievously, as she giggled at him. She had a bunch of crazy friends, true. But she adored each and every one of them. Especially the one with charming blue eyes and a dimpled smile, who she was sure, adored her equally. He was her life. Biting her bottom lip, she shook her head as she got up. Armaan would make her go crazy one day! Not that she wasn't already crazily, madly, and irrevocably in love with him. Her Armaan, her desire.

"Abhi no!" Nikki nearly shouted in the locker room at the end of the day when Riddhima entered. Everyone else, for a change Rahul and Muskaan too, were staring at them open mouthed. It wasn't what you got to see every day. Abhi and Nikki fighting?!

"Kya yaar Nikki, itna bhau kyun kha rahi ho? I told you na I'm tired? How about some other day?"

"You're tired? Wow, you've been working 24 hours continuously haven't you?"

"But I've taken you out on a date so many other times. Can't we let it rest tonight? Please?"

"Kehdo na. That you're already tired of me! That's what all guys want. A few months of having fun, messing around, then move on." Nikki fumed, looking away while Abhi was trying to console her.

"Well said Bhabhi!" Sid exclaimed about to clap his hands but the glares from the girls present prevented his hands from meeting as he cleared his throat and looked away.

"Kyun ruk gayye?" Rahul asked. "Inn ladkiyon se darte ho? Oye Abhi, you're tired. She needs to accept that fact."

"Kyun khotte? Aur jab main thakki huwi hoti hoon, yet you still make me massage your back at night, uska kuch nahin?" Muskaan put in seethingly. "And what does Abhi need to do. He just needs to go out with her. How does that take up energy?"

"Of course it does. To please a girl. Kitna dimaag lagana padta hai." Armaan put in and Riddhima's mouth dropped open. Why did he need to interfere?! And now that he had, and had openly claimed which side he would take she could not at all sit back and let him get away with it.

"Accha. Dimaag hoga toh lagaoge na?" Riddhima shot back narrowing her eyes at Armaan.

"Look Riddhima, you stay out of this." He said authoritatively.

"What? Aur tu taang lada sakta hai? Don't tell me what to do Mallik!" She pushed her way to the front, facing Armaan.

"Dekh maine kahaa na stay out of it. It's nothing to do with you."

" So why did you speak? Their whole conversation was centered around you wasn't it, that you had to put forth your baseless and pointless opinions."

"My opinions are not baseless or pointless! Please."

"No, they're very worthwhile. Everyone should get the pleasure of hearing them." She replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Riddhima!"

"What Armaan?!"

"Chaddo na Riddhima. Yeh ladke sab hai hi aise. Ek number ke kanjoos aur kharus!" Muskaan put in, stopping their bickering. "Nikki, tu chal. We'll have a girl's night out."

Nikki's face immediately lit up.

"Haan! And you all can sleepover at mine! It'll be great! Slumber party!" And before Riddhima could think of denying it, the plan was made.

"Aap sab ghar pe baithke bore ho jao! Hum bahar jaa rahe hai!" Muskaan gritted her teeth at Rahul who scoffed.

"Aap sab bahar ho aur hum ghar pe baithe? Yeah right. Watch us. We're going out too."

"Yeah!" the rest of the boys chorused.

"Weren't you tired Abhi?" Nikki asked in a sickeningly sweet voice, her eyes shooting daggers at her boyfriend.

"Was. But now I'm not!"

"Urgh!"

"Whatever. Why are we bothering with these losers?!" Riddhima asked and turned her back on the whole lot. The girls all stormed out, evidently pissed off at the whole gang of boys, who didn't seem to care in the slightest.

Girls were like burdens? They would show them. Girls could have a lot more fun without boys any day, any time!

She got to Nikki's house with all her bags clothes for the night. Nikki had insisted that they change and get ready at her house, that way, they could dress each other up and have a gala time before they left for the club.

"Oh, Hi Ridzy! Kitni der lagaa di." Muskaan complained and Riddhima frowned. She was only five minutes late!

"Heyy, I'm on time. And you're dressed already?"

"Haan, voh I came here half an hour earlier. Nikki's ready too. She's just inside cleaning up the mess we made. Chal."

Doubtfully, Riddhima followed. She should have listened to her second instinct which told her to go to Nikki's house earlier! Argh!

"But you know it's awesome. Now you can be pampered by both of us. Waise there are so many dresses you can choose from Nikki's wardrobe, but we already picked out a special selection for you. By the way, what do you think of this on me?" She had worn a sleeveless, silver, sparkling, short dress that made her stand out. And her hair was left all curly, coming down one shoulder with very light make up, which looked perfect because the dress made her stand out anyway.

"Awesome." Riddhima replied smiling and they entered the room, where Nikki was sitting in front of the mirror and combing her long, straightened, hair out.

"Oh, heyy Ridz. Tera dress bed par hai. Uss box mein."

"Wow Nikki. You look fab!" Riddhima exclaimed without giving another glance to the dress. And indeed, Nikki did. With her flaming Reddish orange, strapless dress, she managed to pull it off with average make up and yellow shoes and purse perfectly! And the result, Riddhima had to admit was WOW!

"You'll look the same, don't worry. Check yours out in the box. I've never worn it before, but I don't know how it'll fit you. Here try it out!" She stuck the box in Riddhima's hand and pushed her towards the bathroom.

"But Nikki, this is a chooridar. How can I wear that to a club?" Riddhima asked, shocked.

"Yes you can, and trust me you'll look beautiful! Go now!" Muskaan interrupted, closing the door on her face. What the hell? Why did they get to wear such pretty dresses and she get to wear a.. WOW!..chooridar? But it honestly was beautiful! A dark pinkish red, sleeveless, with silver embroidery on it. It looked gorgeous from the first sight itself!

She put it on, however, it was slightly loose from the bust. Great. She couldn't go out like that! Coming out of the bathroom, she showed Nikki and Muskaan, whose faces initially with excitement, dropped.

"Yahaan se loose hai." Muskaan commented, as though Riddhima didn't know.

"Jaanti hoon. It has to hold me here and it doesn't. I'll just wear another dress."

"No!"

Nikki was frowning, pulling it from the sides. Suddenly, her eyes lightened up.

"I have thread and needles. Take the top out and give it to me. No wait first." She took a measurement using her fingers and then forced Riddhima out of the dress. So while Riddhima was sitting with the trouser and t-shirt over herself, Nikki was working on the dress and sewing it up for her. After a good twenty minutes, she was finally done.

"Nikki You didn't have to. I told you it was fine.."

"Now it's fine! And if we get late coz of you I'll murder you." She glanced at the clock nervously. At that moment a call came and she picked it up. "Yes we're on our way." Cutting it, she looked up at Muskaan and Riddhima, both who were looking at her curiously.

"I invited my other girl friends. Hope it's ok."

They nodded and she pushed Riddhima inside the bathroom again. When she emerged, the fitting was perfect, and the dress made her look radiant. Even without any make up.

"It's sooo beautiful. He has such a great choice doesn't he?" Muskaan blurted out and Riddhima looked up at her in question.

"My dad. He bought this for me actually." Nikki put in hastily and Riddhima, with doubts still in her mind chose not to pursue the matter, however let them pamper her with make up and hair straightening tools.

"I thought we're going to a club. Why are we heading to a restaurant."

"There's a party tonight. Then we'll head to the club."

Riddhima racked her brains. It wasn't her birthday, she hadn't graduated, they were in the middle of the month so intern of the months wasn't even in question. Then what the hell was it she didn't know about? Armaan's birthday? Nah, they wouldn't keep it a surprise from HER. Plus it was a good three weeks away.

"Looks like we're the first ones here." Muskaan whispered as she led the way inside the restaurant which was quiet besides the hum of people talking in the background. Nikki and Riddhima followed Muskaan to the lift, where Rahul and Abhi were surprisingly waiting for them.

"I thought it was a girl's night out! What are these idiots doing here?!" Riddhima narrowed her eyes at them. Honestly, what were they doing here? Party or not, these guys weren't supposed to be here! And if by chance they did end up at the same place, then they didn't have to go together! Traitors! Then where was Armaan?! She glared at Nikki and Muskaan whose eyes immediately fell down in a sheepish look.

"Well, you see we thought, I mean we do love them after all.."

"Ohh. You love them. Ok, where's Armaan then?" she whispered furiously, conscious of the looks she was getting from passer bys.

"Yeah, Rahul. Armaan kahaan hai?" Muskaan asked, her eyebrows raised up. Rahul frowned in confusion then suddenly said,

"Wait let me call him." And he went away while Riddhima was still evidently pissed off at the the way the girls sold her out. Well, not exactly, but she felt that way! Traitors the lot of them! Now she would never join forces with either of them! And let Armaan come. The girls could forgive the guys, but she wasn't going to let Armaan go that easily! He deserved some attitude! Idiot!

"He's saying he'll be here. Let's go to the terrace where the party is held. It's getting late." He gave a meaningful look at Muskaan, who nodded and they all stepped in the elevator, Riddhima refusing to look at either of them.

"Ridzy, maaf karde humme." Nikki pleaded but was silenced with a glare very much like Dr Shashank's!

Muskaan however didn't have the courage to even look at her and hummed to herself throughout the ride, irritating Riddhima all the more! Firstly, traitors that they were she couldn't tell them anything now, secondly Muskaan was acting indifferent to what she had done?! Oh she was so dead when they met alone. The lift doors opened and Riddhima was the first to step out, determined to get lost in the crowd and give these people her high and mighty attitude the whole evening. Weirdly, however, there was no crowd. Instead, there was no one around.

The terrace however was decorated so beautifully, with a white tent in the middle and flower petals on the floor inside it. There was also a table for two, laced in white and red, with a dim candle in the middle, glowing, bringing out the red around. The rest of the terrace, originally beautifully tiled, was bordered with candles and everything was so simple yet so beautiful and breathtaking!

She gasped looking at the scenery in front of her. It didn't look like it was a party venue! Turning around to question the others about this, she saw that the lift was closed and they must be on their way down. She turned back around to the beautiful scene in front of her, and saw Armaan emerge from the side, his smile, his eyes, and his heart all for her.

She forgot that she had been angry at him. She forgot that she was going to give him an earful. She forgot how she was probably not going to talk to him for a whole day. No, she loved him. And love didn't have space for all these small banters. Or maybe it did. It just didn't have the time to prolong them.

He was walking towards her, and suddenly, she felt herself shying away. He was looking extremely hot with his jeans, a shirt matching the colour of her chooridar and a coat to top it off, while his hair was left gel free like always, just styled in his usual. In short, he was the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. She could not remove her gaze from his blue which captivated her. Oh, how much she adored him!

"Gorgeous," he whispered with a smile, and she felt herself colouring up again. "Basket, ek din meri jaan le logi." He said coming back to normal, in his cheeky tone. She grinned and bit her bottom lip.

"Shut up Armaan!" and his signature wink was back.

"But you look beautiful. And why not. Choice was mine after all." He complimented himself and she frowned.

"So this whole thing was planned from before?" she asked, her mouth dropping low. Finally everything started making sense. Muskaan's little slip about his choice. The call to Nikki. The guys meeting them there. He nodded. "Every single bit?" He nodded once again. "The dress?" One nod. "The girl's night out?" One more nod. "The fight?"

"Yes sweetheart. Every single thing." He kissed her forehead once and she put her arms around him, pulling herself closer to him in a content, satisfied manner. Leaning up very slightly, she joined her lips with his surprising him initially. Immediately, he took charge pulling her closer to himself to have more of that sweet, small, soulful kiss that he couldn't get enough of.

"Armaan, this is beautiful." She said when she split apart, wanting to lock him in her arms forever.

"Our gang helped. A lot." He admitted, slightly sheepishly. She looked up and smiled at him. She didn't care if the whole world helped him. He was still, and always would be, the only one she loved. And why not? It was only he who managed to make her feel so special. He was the only one who managed to make her feel so beautiful, though she was sure she wasn't. He was the only one who brought the glowing feeling inside her, making her believe that she was everything she thought. And for that, she adored him to the core.

"I love you." She half whispered, and half mouthed.

"I love you too. So much."

"Really?" she questioned, her eyes narrowed in fun.

"Really." He replied, narrowing his back, forcing her to smile. It would be safe to say that without each other, life was as meaningless as a blooming rose without observers.

"Riddhima? Robbie Lobster?"

"Don't call him that. Bechara." She pitied the certain Robbie while Armaan held her in his arms and they swayed their bodies to the soft music.

"Yeah why not? Tujhe toh bohot taras aati hogi uspar. Saccha pyaar jo karta tha tujhe." Armaan remarked sarcastically, feeling a bolt of annoyance rush through. How did that Lobster, well his second name was Robster, get so much courage to ask Riddhima out in college? When Armaan had left, Lobster was such a nerdish scarecrow! And apparently the next year he had asked her out already? Wow!

"Atleast someone liked me. Otherwise the one I had fallen for broke my heart and ran away." Riddhima remarked with a hint of tease in her voice.

"And came back only to find that this broken heart was his true home." Armaan's dimple was evident as he pushed his forehead onto hers. This act of endearment always melted her heart then and there. What was it about him that had always enchanted her? What was it about him that she just couldn't put her finger on, that pulled her towards him like gravity? The first time she met him in college, the time he came back after a good five years, those days she resolved to stay away from him after the whole bet and then Sasha fiasco! Yet every time, she was drawn towards him automatically without any strings. And even right now, when he had just implied that she was heartbroken for a good five years. Hey! She hadn't been a female devdas for five years - No way! She thought to herself indignantly.

"Only, it wasn't broken anymore." She argued back softly, countering his cheesy lines.

"Just empty and longing for someone." He pursued and she frowned at him, giving up this mild battle they were going through. Putting her head on his shoulder, she felt his arms tighten around her as they continued their slow movement to the rhythm.

Half an hour ago, she finished a smashing dinner of boneless, roasted chicken along with chips, while Armaan stuck to his stake and potatoes, joking and laughing over nearly everything. They gossiped about the hospital, what her dad would say if he found out about them like this and when Armaan went too far she narrowed her eyes, which was a good indication of shutting up, unless he wanted her cocktail drink down the front of his new shirt. Then they had continued their non-sensical banters until Armaan had risen from his seat and gracefully asked for a dance.

All along, she had been extremely curious to know exactly how much all this would have cost him, however refrained herself from asking lest it show lack of appreciation, of which there wasn't any at all. The surprise had really astonished her and what more could she ask for if it was Armaan at the end of it, with the help of some of their friends?

"So, exactly how much are you planning to spend on me?"

"For the rest of our life? Ooohh uhmmm.."

"Armaan! For tonight!"

"Well, just a little less than a forutne." He answered back honestly but that was not enough for his practical headed girlfriend.

"And what would a little less than a fortune be in figures?" She asked testily.

"My salary." He gave up and told her the truth. Well, part of it anyway. Booking the terrace for the whole evening, having personal waiters having the music system installed all cost him his savings from ages. Then the decorating and the tent and other small side things jobs like getting her a suit and bribing Nikki and Muskaan to go buy it simply because he lacked the time cost him his two months' salary. It was safe to say that doctors did not earn a lot. Especially interns.

"Really?" she frowned slightly disbelievingly. "We aren't paid that much and this must be quite a lot.."

"Basket honestly, it doesn't matter. It's all for you. And forget my salary, tere liye toh jaan bhi haazir hai mehmsaab." He winked as he smirked at her while she groaned audibly. When would he get over his cheesiness? It would do them both a lot of good. And stop her feeling embarrassed!

"Armaan, I want to feel like I'm dating a human. Not some character out of a fiction show!" Riddhima found herself complaining.

"Please, tumhaare SRK se toh sab.." but he couldn't complete it before she interrupted him.

"Armaan, don't drag Shah Rukh Khan into this. He has nothing to do with all this."

"Haan haan, karo uski taraf daari. Jaise Lobster ke liye taras kha rahi thi."

"Armaan, Robbie and Shah Rukh are two different people. And why do you drag Shah Rukh into so many things. Bechara tumhaara kya bigaada hai?" she scowled demanding for a reply. No one was spared when they insulted her first love. Not even Armaan!

"Can we continue this in the car? Humme chalna chahiye."

"Kahan?" she questioned looking at the time. It was only ten thirty and it was not like Armaan to drop her off home so early. He would normally make the most of the time they had.

"Just let's go.." but he found her hugging him tighter. She liked where they were at. All alone, with no one to disturb them. The serenity filled up inside her and all of a sudden, the mention of leaving this place just disappointed her. As much as she loved surprises - well who didn't? ' she didn't want to leave so soon at all.

"I want to be here, alone, with you."

Armaan found himself smiling at her childishness. His heart warmed to see her so close to him. The mere fact she wanted to be alone with him right now showed how much she had missed him over the past week, when time had been so little for both of them. And so had he. In fact, every moment he spent without her seemed like time he had wasted. Every moment he spent thinking about her increased his longing for her. People said true love was hard to find, then how did he, of all people, someone so undeserving, manage to find someone nothing short of an angel to him?

Pulling her apart, he framed her face with hands as his eyes portrayed all the love he could put down at her feet. Without thinking twice, he leaned down capturing her lips in his, in gratitude for ever having stepped into his life. This mere gesture of his caused her to smile against his lips at first, then surrender with all her will, without any resistance. She wasn't perfect, she knew that. But he made her want to be perfect. He made her want to try and be everything he thought she was. And yes, she was a lump of insecurities sometimes. But whenever held her close to himself, whenever he tightened his arms around her while kissing her, like he was doing now, some part of her knew it would last. And right at that moment, she wanted nothing more from the world.

As she pulled out, her eyes automatically shut themselves although she could feel his ragged breath caressing her face, whispering for more. She forced her greens to open, only to be drowned in the intensity of adoration, the depth of care that care all directed at her that was held in his vast blue oceans of endless emotions. Once more, she leaned in to give him what he desired and passion unleashed! There was a craving which only he could satisfy and intensify at the same time, a longing which he could only surface within her and a desire which he could only evoke inside her that she thought she never possessed!

Armaan found his hands pressing her closer like he could not get enough. Her mere presence intoxicated him. Her touch sent his body soaring like never before. His hands roved around her back, daringly coming down lower, while she clutched his shirt collar in an effort to control this new electrifying feeling that was rushing through her veins at the speed of light! She found herself nearly tearing out his top buttons to get better access to his toned chest. Their lips still pressed against each other, their foreheads clammy with the heat of the fire raging within them, they explored the new boundaries they had granted each other.

They had travelled so far away, that it took some time for them to realize that the Nokia tune was actually Armaan's phone and not some background music that they had left unheard in the height of their passion. Riddhima was the first one who managed to step out of this trance, as she pulled out and immediately whispered,

"Your phone.."

He rested his forehead against hers and shook his head.

"I love you." He whispered back, ignoring the phone that was ringing in his pocket.

"I love you too." She replied, with all her heart, meaning every single word just like he did.

When the ringing wouldn't stop, Armaan frowned, very much annoyed at this person who apparently loved being the classic kabab-mein-haddi type and removed the phone.

"Saale ek baar nahin uthaya toh message nahin mila?" he snapped at Rahul while Riddhima, taken aback at first then realizing it probably one of their friends, just hid her face in his neck.

"I called three times buddy! We wanted to know whether or not you're coming to the club. You said you'd be here."

"Uhmm..change of plans. No clubbing." Armaan replied hastily as Riddhima hugged him tighter. After some more small talk, and a lot of teasing from Rahul's side, Armaan cut the phone and jammed it back into his pocket, wishing he could silence it and the tittering annoying voices of their already tipsy friends he could hear, in the background, forever!

"Now can we go?" he asked Riddhima who frowned in confusion.

"Where? I thought.." she trailed off.

"Somewhere."

And without hearing another word, he led her to the exit.

"Armaan tum nahin sudroge.." Riddhima mumbled as she felt Armaan nuzzling into her neck and pushing her hair aside.

"Main nahin sudrunga? Mehmsaab it was you who wanted to sit on the bonnet on the car, while eating your ice-cream. I was content on sitting inside the car where there was more distance between us."

"Accha..so you wanted to create a distance between us? Why?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes as she caught Armaan. Armaan, not for the first time this evening, found himself at a loss of words.

He was sitting with his back against the windscreen of his blue, latest model Range Rover, his recent obsession for which he sold off his SUV. Riddhima had placed herself between his bent legs, her back against his chest, turning only so she could give him spoonfuls of her favourite chocolate sundae ice cream topped with a cherry which she was saving for last. He had brought her to her most adored spot, the pier. Unlike other times they had come, tonight the place was brimming with small families and majorly couples, which was the reason ice cream shops and cafes were still open though it was nearing midnight. Well, when else could these people make money if not on a Friday night?

He felt her nudging him for an answer.

"Voh, because..you.."

"Yes Armaan, me? Do tell..I'm waiting."

"You uhmm.. I mean because you.."

"I don't have all night Armaan.." she tutted impatiently and looked away while Armaan felt a grin form on his face as he thought of the perfect answer. Well, perfect to shut his basket up at least.

"Because..you want me to say you look really, really hot, really tempting, so tempting that I find it hard to control myself around you?" he asked seductively in her ear, as her signature blush came up as she forgot about the ice cream for a moment. Lowering her lashes, she felt her heart beat quicken up. He was so amazing. So romantic. The typical sort of Prince Charming people would want. Well, he could be a nutcase, a jerk and a moron at times as well.

"Hah! Not in a million years Miss Basket Gupta!" He looked away, while his arms still circled her waist and her eyes shot up at that last comment, while her mouth dropped open with insult. Hell no! He was NOT romantic. NOT amazing. And he was a jerk and a moron ALL the time! Urgh!

"Accha Mister I-am-so-smart Mallik. Then why did you want to distance yourself from me?"

"Riddhima jee, ek akeli ladki ho. Aura main ek akela ladka hoon. Socho, humaari shaadi toh chod, mangni bhi nahin huwi hai. Agar kuch hogaya toh hum kisise muh dikhane layak nahin rahenge." His saintly, dramatic voice and words hit target as she found herself narrowing her eyes, and anger build within herself. What did this Jackass think of himself? Removing his hands from her waist she found herself retorting.

"Fine then. Main hi chali jaati hoon yahan se." And without a second glance at him, she left the plastic ice cream cup on the bonnet of the car, and slid down before Armaan could hold her back.

"Riddhima.."

"No Armaan.." she walked away from the car as he slid down himself.

"Tumhaari ice cream!"

"Tum khao." She turned back, the breeze of the beach whipping her hair around her face. "Tumhaari bakwaas sun kar mera pet bhar gaya."

"Toh meri bakwaas tumhaare pet tak jaati hai?" he asked cheekily only to infuriate her more.

"Shut up, smart-ass!" she replied back and walked further away, until he ran up behind her and grabbed her hand, forcing her to turn around. "Armaan, chodo mujhe. Mujhe tumse baat nahin karni."

"Lekin mujhe karni hai na.." He hugged her instantly, as she tried to push him away. However the warmth of his body due to the closeness was getting to her, while his grip around her tightened. As much as she tried struggling it was of no use, and it kept getting worse while she felt herself giving up. No, he could not win just like that. Forcing herself to listen to her head for once, finally managed to free herself.

"Aise maafi nahin milegi. Chodo mujhe."

"Accha listen to me at least. You look gorgeous." She stopped fidgeting and he brought his hands up to her face, framing it. "Irresistible, Riddhima. And trust me, not only tonight but every single day I have to control myself around you." That comment made her face flush once more, matching her suit. "Because your beauty doesn't only come from the clothes you wear, the way you do your hair. It comes from deep down, where you have a child hidden inside you, who loves everyone they meet, who plays with everyone they know, who loves to see everyone happy." She couldn't help but stare into his magnetic, stunning eyes that showed every word he uttered was coming straight from the heart. He smiled. "You are so beautiful, because you're one of the strongest woman I've come across. You're independent, you care about others, you love others more than yourself, you have just about the right percentage of emotion, childishness, and adulthood in you. And I could go on but that would leave us here till eternity." He leaned closer to her, and pushed his head against hers. "And if loving you so much means I have to control myself around you every single day, I will still happily fall in love with you for thousands of lifetimes."

Riddhima was speechless. She gently brought her hands around his shoulders and pulled him closer to herself. Closing her eyes, she saw his shut too, and they both remained in that position for what seemed like hours, however were only minutes in the real world. She didn't know that this was what he thought of her. She never knew that he saw her in so much depth, so much light, that she had never pictured herself in.

"I never..knew you thought about me like..that.." she managed to whisper. How much did he love her? She found herself asking this question in her head for about the umpteenth time. Probably more than she had ever loved him. And she had fallen hard for him. Loved him more than she had ever imagined loving anyone in her entire lifetime.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.." he winked at her, as she hugged him, burying her face in his neck.

"Cheesy.." she whispered, but felt the never ending heat rise again.

"Heyy.." he pulled his arms around her tighter, his voice filled with complaint. "I was cool before you turned me into mush.." she found herself giggling and drew back.

"Just to make sure. Me hugging you doesn't turn you on does it?" with a cheeky glint in her eye, and a smile which refused to leave her face, she watched as Armaan's expressions change to surprise and shock at her daringness.

"So this is what I get for pouring my heart out to you?" He brought her closer with a jerk, trying to hide the slight embarrassment he felt while her amused face showed that she had read right through his actions. He narrowed his eyes as her smile grew wider. Finally, she shook her head.

"Flattery always earns you extra marks." And with that, she placed her lips his, taking him by surprise. He however, responded almost immediately and held it for a few seconds before letting go.

"Armaan humme chalna chahiye.." she whispered, slightly aware of the attention they were gaining from the onlookers.

"Nah I'm quite enjoying this." He murmured, his dimples adorning his face as he teased her. She showed mock surprise, then thoughtfulness.

"Accha, abh kya hua tumhaari dramatic line ko? What was it? Yeah. Hum kisise muh dikhane layak nahin rahenge." She quoted him as his dimples deepened, while he adored every look in her eyes.

"Waise, if we continue what we were doing, logon ko bohot takleef hogi humaara muh dekhne. So technically, kisiko muh dikhana hi nahin padega."

"Shut up Armaan!" But she couldn't wipe that wide smile and feeling inside her heart off, as they made their way back to the car, their hands intertwined, looking like two souls meant for each other as the moon casted its shadowy light over them.

We should get jerseys 'cause we make a good team
But yours would look better than mine 'cause you're out of my league

And I know that it's so cliche to tell you that everyday
I spend with you is the new best day of my life
And everyone watching us just turns away with disgust
This jealously, they can see that we've got it going on

I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know, you're more to me than what I know how to say
You're okay with the way this is going to be
'Cause this is going to be the best thing we've ever seen

If anyone could make me a better person, you could
All I gotta say is I must have done something good
You came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must have done something right
I must have done something right

And maybe I'm just lucky 'cause it's hard to believe
Believe that somebody like you'd end up with someone like me

And I know that it's so cliched to talk about you this way
But I'll push all my inhibitions aside
It's so very obvious to everyone watching us
That we have got something real good going on

I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know, you're more to me than what I know how to say
You're okay with the way this is going to be
'Cause this is going to be the best thing we've ever seen

If anyone could make me a better person, you could
All I gotta say is I must have done something good
You came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must have done something right
I must have done something right

If anyone could make me a better person, you could
All I gotta say is I must have done something good
You came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must have done something right

If anyone could make me a better person, you could
All I gotta say is I must have done something good
You came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must have done something right

Hope you guys like it..please do leave your comments or critisms...both are appreciated LOADZ!! 😃

Chapter 12 - Talking Helps

"Riddhima, Anjali aur Atul aaye hain." Riddhima heard her Mum call from downstairs. Immediately, her heart increased pace. Anjali was here, that meant one thing. She would want to talk about Armaan now. And if they talked about Armaan, Riddhima wasn't sure if she could act up to any more drama, emotions and shouting roller coasters. Especially with her sister! Sighing and very hesitantly, she still headed downstairs in her pyjamas. She found her PJs so comfy that she changed into them as soon as she got back from work!

She wondered to herself - had she forgiven her sister already for what she had said about Armaan? That wasn't the point, or was it? Riddhima thought to herself. She didn't need to forgive her sister for anything. Anjali hadn't done anything tremendously wrong! Why was life so difficult? Why did everything have to happen at once? Couldn't Anjali have never found out what Armaan did? Wouldn't this have made life a lot simpler? But if it was simple, it wouldn't be life would it?

"Di.." Riddhima forced a smile. True, she wasn't feeling exceptionally warm towards her sister, but she didn't have any complains against her either. She was looking out for her after all, wasn't she? Then how could she be angry at her?

"Ridz.. Can we go to you room, I want to discuss things with you." Anjali gave a small smile to Padma, who already noticed the tension in the air. She frowned wondering what the problem was. Her daughters had never fought ever since Anjali had moved to Australia to study. Instead, they had proved the statement 'distance makes the heart grow fonder' right! That obviously didn't include those silly fights between them, where one would annoy the other and who'd end up chasing the other all around the house! Then why something so serious all of a sudden? She looked at Atul for a clue, after not receiving answers from either sisters, but Atul's serene face showed no emotions.

Riddhima's eyes widened with fear. Not that talk again! Please not. She wouldn't be able to bear it! And there was no Armaan either to console her this time. She looked at Atul, who gave a small smile and a reassuring nod.

Anjali watched her sister's silent play of emotions in her eyes. Riddhima didn't want to even talk to her now? Did she already hate her elder sister so much? Feeling everything weigh her down, she watched the silent conversation between her husband and Riddhima. Obviously Riddhima found it more comfortable with him around. He hadn't attacked her like she had that afternoon! Maybe she shouldn't have been so harsh. But Riddhima was her baby sister! How could she stop getting worried for her? Ever?

"Atul, will you please join us?" Anjali asked silently, almost feeling her voice break. Her sister had indeed grown up. And Anjali could not do anything about it. Quietly, they all went into Riddhima's room while Padma pretended to fuss about the tea and went to the kitchen. Riddhima closed the door behind her, and looked at the floor, not being able to meet her sister's eyes.

"Itna gussa ho, ki nazar bhi nahin milaogi?" Anjali asked suddenly and Riddhima's eyes shot up of their own account.

"Di, main gussa nahin hoon. Zara sa bhi nahin."

"Mujhse jhoot bol rahi ho?"

"No, honest." She went to her sister who had sat down on her bed. "I'm not angry at all. I just don't know how to face you. I don't want to go over that talk again. Please."

"Lekin Riddhima, this needs to be sorted out." Atul spoke this time as he stood in front of both sisters.

Riddhima looked at him .Was she at fault? This needed sorting out? What did he mean? How could she make them understand that Armaan was the only one for her? Unknowingly, she slumped down beside her sister.

"Ridz, I know I was harsh this afternoon. I said quite a lot of things I shouldn't have. In fact, I said them in the way I shouldn't have. And that just made you stand up more for.."

"No di. Even if you had said them in the most subtlest way, I still would have stood up for him." Riddhima interrupted her quietly. They were still at the same spot, or so she thought until she heard the next line.

"I'm sorry. I should have understood you. I mean after reading your diary at least I should have understood. Just don't hate me.."

"Di, what are you saying? I can never hate you!" Seeing Anjali's eyes brimming with tears, she felt her own voice crack. How could Anjali think she hated her? How? Her sister was everything to her! Even the thought of hating her shocked her to the core!

"I know you probably hate me for saying so much against Armaan, Riddhima there's no point in hiding it."

"Di, being upset and hating are two completely different things. I was upset, yes, because you said all that about Armaan and I was upset because you didn't understand me. Lekin main kabhi bhi aapse nafrat nahin karsakti. Aap dono se kabhi nahin!" She referred to Armaan as the second person.

"Ridz.."

"I was upset. I wasn't angry, neither do I hate you. After all, you were looking out for me. I need you there for me. Always."

"Haan samjao. She's been broken ever since we got home. Kehti hai..'main itni buri badi behen hoon.' And 'Shaant se kuch samja bhi nahin sakti. Main bass kharoos hoon, issilye sab mujhse darte hain' Not to forget ' Itna attack kiya ki dekh bhi nahin paayi kitni chot pohnchayi hai meri choti behen ko'." Atul quoted and Anjali looked away, tears streaming down her face. Riddhima looked at her. Her sister, the emotionally strong one between the two, was crying?

"Di, mujhe laga nautanki main thi. When did you start being all dramatic..?" She said with a smile that forced a small chuckle out of her sister. "Mujhe aapse koi shikayat nahin hai. Honestly. Main sirf yeh soch ke heraan ho rahi hoon, ki aap humesha meri dill ki baat jaan leti ho. Toh phir aaj kaise..?" she trailed off, and turned Anjali's face, demanding softly for an answer.

"I'm sorry Ridz. I just didn't see it because I was so shocked. So horrified and astounded by what he did that I ignored your feelings completely even after you tried explaining them to me." Anjali muttered, looking back down on the bed.

"It's okay. I'm not surprised. Main toh hoon hi aisi. Aap bhi jaanti ho. Kissi ek ko pyaar karti hoon toh bass kissi aur ko dekh bhi nahin paati." She gave a sarcastic sort of laugh, but changed her tone to a cheerful one. "Yaad hai na, main kaise aapke saath ladti rehti thi. While you fell for every new actor in the industry, it was always Shah Rukh Khan for me??" Both of them laughed at that while wiping each other's tears.

"Aur issi room mein, hum kitna jagadte they! Phir raat ko jab zor se baarish hoti thi, toh ek hi bistar par ek doosre ko hug karke so jaate they!" Riddhima found tears making their way into her eyes again when Anjali said that, but forcefully blinked them back.

"Pata hai aap jab gayyi, toh I used to miss you sooo much! And when you came in your holidays we used to sleep on the same bed the first few days!"

"And I used to wear your jeans and tops, and reduced my luggage by bring only four or five pairs of clothing! But I never touched those chooridars!" Anjali laughed along with her.

Atul found himself shaking his head at the two sisters. One moment they were spilling buckets full of tears, the next moment laughing and remembering old times! Sighing, he wondered how the two best women in his life were sisters! Yes, they were poles apart, yet they were so similar, and that's what brought them closer!

"Di, about Armaan, please don't push it further.." Riddhima quietly pleaded. Suddenly getting serious. This matter needed sorting. She saw Anjali glance at Atul and her face harden ever so slightly.

"I will talk to him tomorrow Ridz. Main itni aasani se jaane nahin doongi usse."

"No, Di, please. He's still very insecure. Please don't tell him anything.."

"How do you know he's insecure?"

"When he took me out of your cabin, we went to the basement car park and there he told me everything. Though he didn't tell me, I knew that he was thinking the best thing for me would be if he wasn't in my life again." She continued telling her sister about how he had left only for her, how he had felt, how he had done so much for her and yet thought he had done nothing. "Di we talked so much, and all his inner feeling came out. Please don't let them settle inside him again."

"Riddhima I can't promise that. But that talk WILL happen and I want some answers and affirmations from him." Anjali was back to herself old determined self and Riddhima prayed to make things go well. As a result, she let the subject drop. She'd ask Atul to accompany them during their talk, because she was certain she wouldn't be allowed even ten meters' radius of their area while they were talking!

"Di, one more thing that upset me. Why did you tell me whatever you did about Sid? It felt like Rohit all over again. Only this time, you didn't understand me.And.." she continued. "That's what made it worse."

"Awwh, Ridz. I'm so sorry. I just thought the only reason you weren't ready to let go was because you were afraid of being lonely again. And Sid would help fill the void." Anjali admitted meekly, shutting her eyes. She would try her best to understand Riddhima again. Unknowingly, she had hurt her so much!

"Atul jeej, Anjali pagal hogayyi hai na?" Riddhima frowned as she looked at Atul who had been a silent spectator all along.

"Yeh toh main kabse kehne ki koshish kar raha tha!" He sighed and muttered to himself. "Ek behen pagal, toh doosri tube light! Armaan aur main kahaan phas gayye?" Both sisters glanced at each other, narrowing their eyes. This guy had so pulled the trigger!

"Atul!" Anjali almost shouted and both got up to corner their very adorable, understanding, family member, who immediately rushed downstairs to save his dear life from the two demons known as the Gupta sisters! If only life was always like this, without sad moments. But wasn't it the sad times that made the happy ones more memorable?

"Riddhima.." Padma called and put down her reading glasses along with her magazine on the bedside table. She asked her to sit next to her. It was time she and her daughter had a little talk. Nothing much, just something small. She had been silent spectator of her daughter's emotional turbulence. And while the mother in her wanted to step in and talk to her, help relieve her of all those thoughts, the woman in her told her to let her go through this herself, and that was how she would grow and mature. But after seeing the slightly cold behavior towards her sister at first, Padma got startled! True, when they rushed downstairs, after Atul's life, she was sure nothing was wrong anymore.

"Jee mumma?" Riddhima asked slightly tentatively as she sat down next to her. Her father was still at work and was due to return anytime soon.

"Kya huwa? It's been so long since you told me your heart's feelings." Padma came straight to the point. True, Riddhima was Shashank's princess, but everyone was aware of Shashank's sudden reactions and outbursts, which Anjali had taken after, and so hesitated telling him what was on their mind. In these matters, Riddhima had inherited the genes from both of them. She could be really calm, but burst out any second, surprising everyone. However, she always kept control of that. While Riddhima had grown up, quite wary of her father, she had come rushing to Padma with every problem she couldn't handle since she was twelve. All her friends' issues, how some back stabbed her, how some were just plain nasty to her, how her best friends were leaving and not coming back. These sorts of issues during her school life had made her a very insecure person. And though from the outside, she seemed strong and well at handling trivial matters, her Mum was the only one who knew how deep she actually took everything that appeared to have no effect on her. Then Armaan leaving must have been nothing short of a huge blow in the pit of her stomach, causing her to double over and fall straight to the ground! And just as Padma was about to go and help her, she suddenly stood up, transformed and led an almost normal life. That was if normal meant devoid of any feelings. That was her daughter. Her gem of a daughter, who never let anything show.

"No Mumma, aisi baat nahin hai.."

"Haan, these days you're just used to keeping everything pressed inside yourself till it eats you up right?" Riddhima slightly frowned in confusion. Her Mum had a point. She had been wanting Armaan to spill his heart out, so that the past didn't affect him, while she herself had hidden it from the most important person in her life! No wonder reactions like Anjali's occurred then. Maybe she should tell her Mum. She was after all her next best consultant after Anjali. She suddenly lay down on the huge bed and put her head on her Mum's lap. Smiling, she remembered how Armaan did that with her, and like her Mum was doing now, she massaged his scalp with great care. It was such a wonderful feeling! People were right, you could never find the comfort of Mum's arms anywhere else.

"Mumma, If someone thinks you're wrong, someone close to you, yet you think you're right, who's right?" Riddhima questioned simply. Padma didn't reply. Instead she looked down at her daughter, trying to decipher the meaning of what she had just said. "Mumma, what do you think of Armaan?"

Padma smiled. She didn't know much about Armaan but his name was always praised by Shashank, her mother-in-law, Anjali and Atul. Then how could she have a problem with him? When she met him, he was as sweet as a person could be. He was a flirt, cracked jokes, made everyone laugh in his presence. Somehow, she was glad Riddhima had chosen Armaan.

"From what I know, bohot accha hai. Mujhe bohot pasand hai. UskeParents bhi bohot acche hain aur voh ek kaabil doctor bhi hai." Padma voiced, making Riddhima smile. Armaan had found hi way into everyone's hearts.

"Mumma, yaad hai aapne mujhe kahaa tha to sometimes let life take it's own direction?" Padma nodded. "I did, and it just came back to Armaan again. But Mumma, Di has a problem with it." Riddhima whispered, slightly afraid of the outcome. True, her Mum listened to everything and was a calm person. But just incase..

"Aur voh kyun? Anjali was very happy with Armaan wasn't she?" Padma questioned. This was the source of the tension between them.

"In Lonavla.." Padma's eyes widened slightly in concern but Riddhima re-assured her. "No, Mumma, nothing bad happened. You trust me don't you? Mumma, you know Armaan and I broke off when he went to Australia right?"

"You broke off? I thought you were just missing him too much and.." Riddhima shook her head.

"We broke off just before he left. Like three weeks before." She admitted, shutting her eyes. She felt her Mom's hand come out of her hair and pull Riddhima up.

"Usne kuch kiya." Riddhima shut her eyes and nodded slowly.

"I still love him. He still loves me. Mumma, please don't judge him on what he did. He didn't mean it. He wasn't in his full senses."

"Riddhima, pehle huwa kya."

"Promise you won't judge him though. Like Di did."

"Accha theek hai."

Riddhima proceeded to the telling her Mum everything from scratch about Sasha and Arjun. Going back to those details, funnily enough, wasn't as painful as she thought it would be. It made her wonder how she had ever forgiven him for what he had done at the picnic, but after that, realized probably her forgiving was the reason things went that far. So could she blame it on her lack of experience in relationships? No, no one was to be blamed. Not her, not Armaan, not even Sasha to some extent. She registered her Mum's very subtle reactions. Sometimes Padma's grip on RIddhima's hand grew tighter, and sometimes she would slightly frown.

"But Mum, he left because I told him to. Maine bass ek baar keh diya, aur voh chala gayya. Even while knowing how much hurt he would have go through. Mumma, at least I had you guys here. I had Di, Jeeju, Muskaan, Rahul, Abhi, Nikki. I had everyone. Aur uske paas koi nahin tha wahaan pe. How did he manage?"

Padma smiled sadly at her daughter.

"Tum usse bohot pyaar karti ho.." it was more of a statement than a question. Padma was staring out as she said that, making Riddhima wonder what was wrong.

"Mumma.."

"Riddhima, jo main tumse abh kahoongi, maine kahin saal kissi se iske baare mein baat nahin ki." Riddhima was shocked. Her Mum had a secret? A secret she hadn't talked about in ages.

"Your father and I did our internship together. And I," she sighed before continuing. "I fell in love with him." Riddhima wanted to tease her but knew not to break the trance. "Your Papa didn't love me. He fell in love with Doctor Smriti." Riddhima frowned. Wasn't Dr Smriti a very prestigious doctor? But she'd passed away hadn't she? Riddhima had only heard of her once or twice before. But then, her father falling in love with her? That she had never heard or even thought of!

"Mumma." Riddhima hugged her dearly. It sucked to love someone who didn't reciprocate it. "Phir kya huwa?" she whispered in a question.

"Main Shimla chali gayyi, to my parents straight after their wedding. And I was there for a good three years or so, coping with life. Maine kabhi kissi se kuch nahin kaha." Padma smiled at Riddhima after pulling her out of the hug. "You're a lot like me in that matter. I don't like what I've passed down to you. Phir ek din, Shashank came to Shimla. And we resumed the old friendship we had. I asked him about Smriti, it was nearing their third anniversary, and that's when he told me, she had an accident barely a year after their marriage and she couldn't survive it." Riddhima gasped. Her father had been through so much! It's not like he was the world's most expressive person, but he could have told them once, shared his grief with them once at least!

"Phir Papa.."

"He was in Shimla for a year, for his placement before he went on to neurosurgery. Aur tab maine uska saath bohot diya and all my friends noticed. But they had a problem with his past. They kept telling me that he would never be able to give me Smriti's place. I never wanted to take Smriti's place. I just wanted to make a space of my own. Phir your Dadi suddenly came home for my hand in marriage with you father. My Mum was against it after she got know what happened, lekin Papa ne mujhse kahaa tha. If I was confident about this relationship then whatever anyone else says shouldn't matter to me. So bas, aise shaadi hogayyi, and not once have I regretted the decision. Especially after I conceived Anjali and you."

Padma smiled once at Riddhima. Respect for her mother had heightened by a million folds, in Riddhima's heart. How much had her Mum been through? Two months of separation from Armaan had nearly murdered her, then three years?

"So, what I wanted to say, was if you're sure of this, if you're confident about your love, then don't let anyone stop you. I'll always be with you and so will my prayers and blessings." Padma continued and kissed and her daughter's forehead once.

"I love you Mumma," Riddhima whispered and hugged Padma once more, this time for a much longer time.

"I love you as well, baccha.." Padma hugged her back equally.

When Riddhima walked out of the room, Padma stared at her daughter. How she had grown up in front of their eyes and they hadn't even noticed! Talking about this inner most secret of hers, after so many years, helped a lot. Even if it was her own daughter she was spilling them out to, it surely relieved a huge burden off her heart. She knew how trying things could get when everyone, especially your own, thought you were taking the wrong step. But was falling in love a wrong step? If so, why did so many people do it?

"Padma, khaane pe kya hai.." she heard her husband call on cue, wiped a small tear that was about to spill out of her eye, and headed downstairs to serve her love.

The phone rung and Riddhima heard Armaan pick up.

"Basket, what's up?" he asked with a dimpled smile she could picture, adorning his face. She needed to tell him this.

"I love you.." Instead of hearing a cheeky reply from him, she heard his voice turn serious.

"Kya huwa? Basket did something happen.." she shook her head at her idiotic boyfriend and replied in the negative. "Toh kissi ne kuch kahaan kya?"

"Armaan can't you straightforwardly give me the reply I want to hear!" she snapped, anger getting the better of her. He was so thick sometimes! And she heard him chuckle over the phone, apparently at ease now.

"I love you too Basket. A lot. More than my life is.."

"Yeah yeah enough." She stopped him, feeling herself blush to the core. He didn't give her what she wanted at first, then gave all and more in one go making her cheeks flush a dark shade! He could be such a prat at times!

"So, do you know I was fighting with Dad today." He changed the topic in a disgruntled voice.

"Whyy?" She was astonished. Armaan and his Dad had a great relationship! Then why all of a sudden?

"Because he said both of you will gang up against me." She could hear his pout however his voice softened with the next line. "You're loved so much already.." Initially, she was shocked that his Dad knew but quickly came over it as she said,

"Armaan, be calm, think before you answer every question of hers." Riddhima was straightening the collar of his shirt, not that it needed straightening but she needed something to do. There was no way she could describe the nerve wrecking tension, and hope flowing through her as she lectured Armaan in the fire-escape. "She's probably going to insult you, please don't take everything to the heart." She managed to mumble out as she hugged him once more.

"Yes Basket.." Armaan replied nonchalantly, as shut his file. It was lunch time and he had a few cases to handle, on top of that Riddhima was acting as though he had an interview with her father!

"Armaan don't worry, everything will be fine.." she muttered more for herself.

"Riddhima, yaar, you're acting as though I'm going to Anjy for a job interview. Dekh.." he split her apart as she finally giggled after realizing how she sounded. "I'm going to talk there, with her. It will only be a talk. I promise to turn deaf ears to her insults. I promise to not throw any myself. And I'm there to tell her I love you and will always do." He said clearly, looking into her eyes.

"I love you too, so much!" she replied, hugging him once more.

"Really?" he asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Really." She replied before sealing it with a kiss straight on his lips.

Chapter 10 - I love life..

The sun blazed onto her, its rays making their way through her closed eyelids. Involuntarily, she smiled as she smelt a similar fragrance next to her. Her body was slightly stiff due to the position she was in, but heck who cared? Unlike other times, she knew exactly where she was, and with whom she was with. Her Armaan! She could barely feel the thin, worn out cushion underneath her but who gave a damn? For the first time in ages, yes, it seemed like years, she had woken up with a smile on her face. Her heart content, she gripped tighter onto his shirt, as she placed a kiss on his neck.

"Subah Subah bohot pyaar aaraha hai?" His voice startled her slightly, but she hugged him tighter in response. How was he awake? They barely had any sleep! And she was trying to get the most she could of being with Armaan, before anyone woke up! She looked at the time on her watch. It was 6:30!

"Shit," she whispered as she quickly disentangled herself from him. What would the caretakers say if they saw them like that?

"Kya huwa, basket?" he asked yawning in the process.

"Sab kya sochenge if they see us?" she whispered, and got up to go away, but he was too quick for her. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down onto his lap, and rested his face on her neck.

"Yehi, ki hum ek doosre ko bohooot pyaar karte hain. Aur koi bhi humme kabhi juda nahin karsakta."

"Lekin, they won't deem it right Armaan." She whispered back, feeling safer than ever. If anything happened, Armaan would take care of it. She was sure of that. She felt her lips curve at the thought of it. They were back together! Her Armaan was with her. And dare anyone even try and break them apart, be it Armaan himself, she would not take it!

"Armaan,"

"Hmmm.." he asked looking in her eyes. She could see all the love he had stored for her in his heart, via those vast oceans of his.

"I love you." She whispered against his lips, making him smile.

"I love you too. So much."

"Really?"

"Really!" She pushed her head against his, her smile not leaving her face. He took her hand, and raised it to his lips. She was like a vital organ inside his body that he couldn't live without. That he couldn't breathe, couldn't walk, couldn't function..hell, couldn't survive without. Perfectly like a heart in the human body. His life without Riddhima would be empty, one he had experienced during his sleepless, emotion void days in Australia. And needless to say, he did not want to go back to those times. His grip around her tightened at that thought, as he pulled her closer into him. Without complaining, she rested her head on his shoulder, hoping for this day to end so that she could go to sleep peacefully once more.

"Armaan chal. We have to get our day started."

"Basket, thodi der aur.."

"We can't Armaan, what if someone sees us."

"Nothing will happen in five minutes." He muttered as he felt her get off his lap and take a seat next to him. She put her head on his shoulder and he kissed it. Without any more words, their fingers intertwined as Armaan gave a long sigh of satisfaction.

"You know what basket, there were so many hot girls in Australia." He joked, and predictably, a frown took over her face. Wait, here she was, dreaming, crying and being depressed because of him, and there he was, drooling over hot chics?! This was so not happening! Part of her knew he was doing this just to get her irritated, and though she tried not to fall in his trick, she couldn't help but gape at him in utmost horror, feeling her temper rise. How could he even think of such a thing?!

"Armaan! Tum..tum vahaan..ladkiyan ko ghoor rahe they, aur main yahaan baithkar.." she faltered and fumbled as she looked for the right word, " .. female Devdas ban rahi thi!" she replied, furious and annoyed as she turned to look at him.

"Wow, female Devdas?" his dimples just made her realize what she'd said, as she shut her eyes in regret. "I must say good one basket! So, for me, you were downing just how many bottles a day?" he winked, teasing her further as she felt herself go red.

"You..I.. main.."

"I know basket, you and I. Perfect Right?" Armaan Mallik was back in action with his favourite hobby.

"Shut up! I don't drink, Mallik! You should know that." She fumbled with her words as her anger got the better of her.

"Not right basket." He reprimanded her. "Agar tumhe Shahrukh ko copy karna hai toh poori tarha copy karo na." She frowned, wondering what the hell she had gotten herself into! How had she let this small information slip? Probably if he hadn't said that there were hot girls..that reminded her!

"That's not an issue Armaan!" she narrowed her eyes. "I can't believe you were staring at those Australian brunettes..and you don't need to tell me they're hot! I know they're hot!" she turned away from him, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Since when did you check out girls, basket? Do I need to get worried?" his teasing got the better of her as she grumbled into her hands. How had she landed herself into this mess called Armaan Mallik?!

"Armaan tum na..jao bahar mein. Mujhe tumse baat nahin karni! You have to get the wrong meaning out of everything I say, and I still can't believe you were checking out girls there! I hate you Mallik." She was boiling, and he was taking full advantage of that!

"Basket.." Crap, what had he gotten himself into? How could he infuriate her like that when they had only been together for what, 7 hours? Around 5 of which they were sleeping, with each other of course. Ok, not the 'with' each other, he reprimanded his naughty side, but yeah, the casual with. " Riddhima.." he called her as she refused to answer him, and the stubborn person she was, refused to look at him as well! "Baby.."

"Don't baby me Mallik!" she threw him a savage look as he cowered against the bench. He noticed the new use of Mallik when she was now angry, loving every word that came out of her mouth. He tried to stop himself but she looked so cute when she was all furious and jealous like that! Her eyes spitting loving flames, her forehead contorted in an adorable frown. He continued staring at her, a smile taking over his face. "Tum..tum hass rahe ho??!" she exclaimed, gaping at his daring! She got up and went to the edge of the porch.

"I'm sorry basket." He said while she refused to answer. However, the next moment, she felt her arms circle her waist as she was pulled back into his strong muscular chest. Why couldn't she control herself? Why did he know that this move of his always melted her anger? But this time, she was not going to fall for his trick. Or so she thought as she replied,

"Armaan, get off me!" struggling half heartedly, she suddenly stopped as she felt his breath on her nape, making her shiver.

"I'm sorry. Pata nahin main kuch bhi bol deta hoon. I never checked out any girl in Australia. I couldn't see any girl besides you basket. Tumhaare bina kuch karne ka mann nahin kar raha tha. Knowing that I had lost you forever just made me so helpless, so lifeless. It was so difficult without you." He whispered into her neck, making her turn around. The seriousness in his voice got the soft side in her. His eyes held so much sincerity she found herself believing every single word.

"Armaan.." she whispered back, and put both her hands on his cheeks. "Let's not talk about this ever, ever again." She could feel tears threatening their entrance after seeing his condition. He had been trying to hide this deep feeling inside himself, by cracking these lame jokes which pissed her off. He turned his face and kissed her palm, nodding in the process, and she leaned up and kissed his closed eyelids. Feeling content, she hid her face in his neck as his arms tightened around her. "Or the Sasha thing.." she continued, knowing she might probably never forget it. But she was not going to give in without trying. "Wait, I have one question." She asked, pulling away and he raised his eyebrows, his arms still around her securely. She fiddled with his shirt collar first, straightening it, while she thought of a way to phrase her question. "Voh..when you came from US, and you were leaving everyone behind. Did it hurt as much?"

"What?" Armaan asked, not getting a head and tail out of what she was asking.

"Sasha's your ex right? So when you were leaving, did it hurt as much when you were leaving America, as when you were leaving for Australia two months back?"

"Tum pagal ho? Riddhima, Sasha is nothing, nothing," he repeated emphasizing it the second time, "compared to you. How did you even think that.."

"No, voh you guys broke up because you came to India right?" she asked genuinely, but became confused when she saw Armaan's incredulous look on his face.

"No. We broke up about..uhmm a month of two before I came to India! Why did you think.."

"Aise matt dekho mujhe. Sasha told me..!" she replied indignantly, watching Armaan grumble to himself.

"Can I go to the US to kill her, and Arjun while I'm at it? Please?" he pleaded furiously, making her smile. "Aur kuch nahin toh shanti milegi! Damn her!"

"I would have done that long back if I could." She muttered, feeling a surge of resentment rush through her.

"Heyy, ek baat yaad rakhna." She felt his hands come up to her face. She had missed that caring touch of his so much. "I love you and only you. I will always Basket. And no one will ever be able to change that." Her frown was replaced with a smile and she pulled herself closer to him, listening steadily to the beating of his heart. They had indeed learnt their lesson. None could live without the other, and no matter how many hurdles came in their way, no matter who was wrong, their love would never lessen for each other. And that was true love, wasn't it? It didn't change with the season, or didn't change with the entrance of others in your life. It always held you to one person. Just the one.

Armaan felt someone put their arms around his legs and he and Riddhima immediately split apart. She was turning a deep shade of red at being caught and looked away. Armaan however, looked down and saw Viraj hugging him cutely.

"Heyy buddy! Kaise ho aap?" he picked Viraj up and carried him in his arms. Viraj nodded his head at Armaan, then made a sad face.

'Aap kyun hume chod kar chale gaye they?' he asked in his sign language, which just made sense to Armaan.

"I'm sorry. Phir se nahin jaunga. Hamesha yahaan tumhaare saath khelene aunga. Aur Riddhima didi ko bhi launga." Armaan smiled and threw a sneaky glance at Riddhima, who just looked away, not being able to meet his eyes and tried to make her way back inside the house. Armaan however, stopped her with his free hand.

"Armaan..!" she reprimanded him as Viraj laughed silently. "Hellow baccha. Kaisa hai tu? Dekh, tumhaare Armaan bhai aagaye phirse humme tang karne ke liye!" she joked, and poked her tongue out at Armaan. Viraj then took his hand and wiped imaginary tears on Riddhima's face, surprising Armaan. He frowned in confusion at Riddhima, who was leaning in to kiss Viraj.

"Riddhima that's not fair. Aur meri kiss?" Armaan asked cheekily, watching Riddhima blush beetroot.

"Armaan stop being shameless!" She scolded him. "Bacche ke saamne? He's not deaf. Or stupid either for that matter."

"Toh maine kab kahaan he's deaf and stupid. I just asked for my good morning kiss. And what did Viraj just do?"

"Whatever he did, voh mere aur Viraj ke beech mein hai. Right?" she asked, framing Viraj's cheeks. In response, Viraj nodded his head. Armaan narrowed his eyes as he saw Viraj take Riddhima's side.

"Hawww.. traitor..!!" Armaan whispered at Viraj, making Riddhima giggle.

"Viraj, Viraj beta!" they heard Vidya calling, and as she came outside, she smiled as she saw him with the two of them. "Good morning, Armaan, Riddhima."

"Good morning Vidya Aunty," they replied, and Vidya proceeded, "Aapki neend kaisi thi?" to which Armaan replied,

"Aisa lag raha hai jaise barson baad itni acchi neend aayi hai." He looked into Riddhima's eyes purposely, who couldn't help but drown into his, feeling a small smile form on her face. Why did his eyes have so much depth? She could see the truth behind his eyes, and the torture he was reminiscing when he was in Melbourne. She begged for him to let go of all that he had been through in Australia. Just as she was letting go of everything. But Armaan couldn't. He just couldn't let it go so easily, or so she realized. At least she had her friends, their friends, to look after her. They had made sure she was fine, looked after her, forced her to eat, to sleep, to function like a normal human would. But him? He had no one there! Not a single person. What must those two months have been like to him? She wished she could go back, and erase the past. Erase everything that hurt him and shield him from whatever he had been through in Melbourne.

"That's good." Vidya's voice brought them back to earth. "Aaj sirf mujhe in sab shaitanon ko sambhaalna hai. The others are going home for the weekend." She then went on about how Viraj was such a nuisance and hardly slept, then fell asleep in his classes, while Armaan and Riddhima just laughed. Viraj on the other hand just hid himself in Armaan's neck.

"Haan haan, baccha hai issilye toh kahin baar chodiya. Badmaash!" Vidya smiled when Armaan took Viraj's side. He put him down, and Riddhima ruffled Viraj's hair before he ran to Vidya. Vidya took Viraj away, scolding him for being nocturnal, leaving Armaan and Riddhima alone once again. Armaan suddenly hugged Riddhima once more, surprising her.

"Armaan! Koi aajeyga! Choro mujhe." But with her back facing him and his chin on her shoulder, he shook his head.

"Uh uh.." She closed her eyes, remembering how she missed these very habits of Armaan. She remembered the emptiness she had seen in his eyes moments back and instead of protesting further, she just secured her arms over his, showering him with all the love she could. That's probably what he needed. Security. And she was ready to promise him all the love, all the support in the world. But would he do the same? Of course he would! Hadn't he proved it so many times that he was always there for her? One mistake, and it still haunted her like no tomorrow. Then what would he be going through? All that guilt, all that pain, having to deal with it all himself? No, he wouldn't have to. It would slowly eat him from inside if he didn't let go of it. But how could she make him forget it? And if not forget it then live on with it at least? She pushed herself further back into Armaan's chest.

"Humme chalna chahiye.." she whispered, not wanting to really let go. She felt his lips on her cheek then he backed off. Without another word, they headed inside together, finding the calm in each other's company that they had been looking for, for the past few months.

"Armaan bhaiyya, Riddhima Didi!" the children screeched when they saw the doctors here. Riddhima giggled. This was probably the only time where she heard children get excited at the visit of Doctors! They had all trooped into the kitchen to have breakfast and a surprise had met them. A basket of chocolates and goodies was kept for them on the table and needless to say, afterwards a huge commotion took place! In the midst, Armaan and Riddhima got out of their hiding places, with amused grins on their faces and once the kids saw them, the chocolates lost all their attention!

"Meri chocolate hai, chodo!!!!" Mallika, aged about ten, screamed and aimed millions of kicks and punches wherever she could on Ishaan!

"Nahin meri hai!" Ishaan screamed back equally, hitting Mallika, who was a tad bit taller than him, despite no age difference.

"Meine pehle lii thi!" Armaan raised his eyebrows, looking at Riddhima, who seemed equally stunned. Somehow, Vidya wasn't around and these kids seemed to be taking full advantage of her absence.

"Lekin tumne chod diya tha. Toh meri hai!"

"Lekin maine pehle dekhi!!"

"Well tough first come first serve!" The huge Cadbury bar looked like it was going to be ripped apart mercilessly, if no one intervened.

"Ishaan kya kar rahe ho? Ladki ko nahin maarte!" Armaan took a struggling Ishaan away in the air.

"Haan kyunki ladkiyan itni kamzor hai!" Ishaan replied back, not willing to let his chocolate go.

"Kamzor huh?" Mallika seethed back, and did a full on rugby tackle on Armaan's knees, who swayed slightly on the spot, as she jumped up to hurt whatever part of Ishaan she could. Laughing at Armaan's condition, Riddhima stepped in to take Mallika away and help Armaan out.

"Okay enough!" she announced in authoritative tone.

"Nahin, ladne do in dono ko!" a voice came from the entrance and everyone turned to see Vidya coming in. "Humesha ladte rehtey hain! Bass, ab in dono ko koi chocolate nahin milegi tab tak, jab tak ek doosre se maafi nahin maangte."

Ishaan's eyes widened, as Armaan put him on the floor.

"You heard her buddy. Go."

"Main kyun maafi maangu? Chocolate meri thi!"

"Tu ladka hai. Take the first step!" Armaan whispered in his ear.

"Phir mujhe ladki banna hai!" Ishaan muttered without thinking, but widened his eyes the next instant. Laughter broke out between all the kids, making Ishaan flush red! Mallika laughed the loudest, and said,

"Toh kya bulayein hum tujhe? Isha?" which led to another round of harder laughter, and chants of "Isha, Isha, Isha.."

Ishaan's anger mounted up and he threw himself on Mallika again, who was taken by total surprise. However, with that adrenaline rush, she was quick to respond and another fight broke out between them. This time, Vidya got fed up.

"BAS!" She screamed, making everyone, including Armaan and Riddhima, freeze in their spots. "Sab, chup chap khaana kha lo, not a word from anyone. And Mallika and Ishaan, dare I hear your breath, aur aap dono ke saare treats band poore hafte ke liye!" she threatened the whole lot, while the two guilty ones threw infuriated looks across, each blaming the other for this outburst. The scared kids didn't dare move an inch, and Riddhima thought of taking the situation in hand.

"Come on everyone. Let's have breakfast. Chalo Vidya Aunty. Yahaan Armaan bhaiyya ke favourite aur boring Cornflakes hai," their eyes met and he felt his lips tug at the ends. She still remembered every single detail about him. "Aur wahaan yummy pan cakes hai. Phir chocolates bhi khaani hai na? Chalo jaldi naashta karlo." The shuffling and scraping of chairs started, as Vidya now had a regretful look on her face.

After a very quiet breakfast, the kids headed out, and stood in a straight line without saying a word, in the garden. Armaan looked at them surprised. Normally, he would have to catch and pacify them for a check up! He could clearly see the horror written on their faces as Riddhima took out the box for the vaccination, but the fright in their eyes over powered it as Vidya glared at them. She reminded him a bit of Dr Shashank there, and he shook his head getting rid of Shashank's flaring nostrils and piercing daggers that always seemed as though he had x-ray vision!

The torture and subdued seriousness soon washed over, after all the kids were vaccinated. Riddhima suggested taking the children for a swim so that Vidya could have some time to herself. What Riddhima did not know was that the kids had to be walked over to the public swimming pool which took a good fifteen minutes, five of which she was continuously trying to get them to walk properly and not do any masti. This of course was impossible, with Mallika complaining about Ishaan half the way, and Ishaan boasting to gang about how he can beat up Mallika, along with the same old girls vs boys issue.

Armaan put his head in his hands as he slumped down on a beach chair with an umbrella just overhead, giving him shade. He had honestly had it! Those kids, sweet as they were, could be a real pain in the backside! They weren't angels, as people described them. They were devils! Complete 'Shaitaans', as Vidya put it. In fact, the devil himself would be put to shame in front of them, Armaan found himself thinking.

He remembered how Ishaan and Mallika fought ' yes, again ' and bumped into someone else's car parked nearby. If that wasn't enough, Mallika nearly, nearly kicked Armaan in the crotches while he was trying to pull Ishaan away and Riddhima was trying to control the other kids from doing masti. As soon as Riddhima's attention was diverted from the kids even fora second to Mallika, they imitated the tourists a bit too loudly, some of who found it funny, while others just gave then a rude glare, not pleased at all. Armaan never remembered being so embarrassed in his life, while he was trying to apologize to the infuriated and miffed tourists.

Riddhima approached him and gave him a bottle of water which he gratefully took, as he watched the children splash about in the water. Yeah, at least that was distraction enough. While he was sitting upright on the chair, she sat down beside him, opening another bottle.

"I swear Basket. We are not having kids like these!" he grumbled, almost making her choke on the water she was drinking. She looked at him curiously while he just stared at her confused, and felt herself turn beetroot at his comment.

"Oye hoye.." he murmured, with smile on his face. "thodi slow ho na basket?"

"Armaan!" she complained, digging her elbow in his ribs gently.

"Ok, seriously basket. Humaare bacche sirf tumhaari tarha honge. Cute, sweet, aur Papa ki baat maane waale." He put his arm around her, bringing her closer.

"Accha, agar sab Papa ki baat maanenge to meri baat kaun maanega?" she asked, turning to look at him.

"You're not important." He replied casually, staring out at the kids, while her eyes narrowed.

"What? Fine..if I'm not important then who will give birth to your babies?" she challenged him and he laughed openly at that statement.

"You're not the only girl in the world Basket."

"Huh?" Her face dropped, but she put up with the charade. "Ok, then how will they be like me if my genes aren't in them?"

"Voh toh hai. Wow, you're becoming smarter Basket!" he gave her his cheeky grin while she glared at him.

"Shut up Armaan!" Now she had won this round, she could get back at what he had said. "What was that comment, I'm not the only girl in the world? Fine, see if you can go and find someone else joh tumhaari bakwaas sunne ko tayyar hogi."

"Riddhima ladkiyan mujhpe marti hai. Tum lucky ho maine tujhpe taras kha gayya aur pyaar kar baittha. Varna Armaan Mallik would still be single and ready to mingle." He winked at a girl around their age, walking past them in a two piece swim suit, who in turn flashed her white shining teeth at him.

Riddhima, who observed all that, threw a deadly glare to the girl, who frowned in confusion, and pulled Armaan by the shirt collar towards her with so much force, he ended up nearly choking.

"Single and ready to mingle? My foot! Earth to Armaan, you're not all that. And as for other girls, I dare you. Tumhaara kachumbar aur uss ladkiyon ka keema bana dungi main, if you so much as raise your eyes at all of these short skirt, bikini swimsuit, wanna be western bimbettes! I don't care agar duniya ki saari ladkiyan tumpe marti hain."

Armaan noticed their closeness, and calculated that their faces must be about an inch away from each other. Her eyes held all the fire inside them of jealousy, but when they met his loving gaze it disappeared into the atmosphere as they mirrored his face with so much adoration. She felt her heart go out to him. Was it possible to fall in love with someone over and over again? Because that would be like the millionth time in a day she felt herself fall for him.

"Aur agar main kahoon main tumpe marta hoon toh?" he whispered huskily, gazing intensely at her, watching her face change colour, while he lessened the distance between them. His lips were hovering just above hers and she finally, through her erratic heartbeat, over her blood rushing like wildfire through her veins, through her throat that seemed stuck, managed to reply slowly,

"Toh..Main kahungi.." she wanted to shut him up for his cheesy statements which he stole from movies once and for all. But somehow..

"Kya kahogi Basket?" he challenged her, letting his breath linger on her face and her lips as he gently blew on them..

"Main kahungi.." she whispered, feeling intoxicated, but trying to stop herself from losing her senses.

"Kya kahogi.." he practically dared her this time, locking her forest green marbles into his sky blue ones. She felt herself shut up. He had managed it. Like always, he managed to control her body, her mind, her soul. And all words she had wanted to say were thrown somewhere where she couldn't recover them. Not yet anyway. Not while he was capturing her in him. It felt like that was all she needed..to breathe for..to live for. Him.

A burst of giggling suddenly brought them back to the world they had left behind. She saw the children staring at them, and laughing behind their hands. No way, this was not happening was it? Moving back, she looked at Armaan, whose dimples were etched in his face again as he watched her horror filled and embarrassed face. He found it amusing? Feeling heat rise within herself, she got up from the beach chair and walked swiftly over to the cafe close by, pretending to order something and not having the courage to look back. How did he still have control over her like that, she wondered.

* * * * * * * * *

"Armaan bass karo na.."

"No!" he shook his head.

"Armaan! Enough, you're hurting me..!"

"Yeah yeah. You know you love it!" he replied back cheekily. Riddhima heard some giggling from teenagers behind their seats and felt herself get embarrassed for the nth time that day. Why didn't he understand?!

"Armaan..!" she whispered furiously, pushing his head off her shoulder and detaching his arms from her waist. They were back on the bus to Mumbai, and Armaan had started his 'trademark badmaashi', as Riddhima put it. At first, she thought he had just wanted to doze off, but when she felt his wet kisses on her neck, and saw the passengers getting on the bus giving them dirty looks for the open PDA, her head hit the ground and she reprimanded Armaan to stop doing that. However, this was to no avail as he refused to obey her and tightened his arms around her instead.

"Armaan get off me!" her tone had finality in it, but Armaan did not listen to her. Instead he tightened his arms, and mumbled,

"I need to lean on something Basket.."

"Armaan you have a window to lean on to your side!" she replied horrified. He responded to that by not responding at all, which infuriated her all the more! "Armaan, main chilaungi. Kahungi tum mera faida utharahe ho!" her voice depicted the lie behind her words.

"Go ahead."

"What? Armaan I'm serious!"

"You can't see me in trouble Basket! So there's no point." She sighed, knowing he was right. Instead, she resorted to thinking of ways to get back at him if the embarrassing looks from the pair sitting across the aisle didn't stop.

"Main, main tumse baat nahin karungi! Poore hafte ke liye. Aur..aur.. nazar bhi nahin milaungi. Phir tumhe jo karna hai karo. In fact, I'll stay with Atul and Anjy, then you won't even be able to come home over my balcony to pacify me. And I will refuse to go out with you completely. Then not even Galaxies will help. I will honestly not talk to you! Armaan, main keh rahi hoon na..main tumse nazar nahin milaungi? Mera yakeen karo, main kar ke dikhaungi! Bohot pachtaoge tum! Aur phir main..main Mum ke saath forces join karke tumhe tang karungi!" Her voice became softer though as she dove back to those memories. "You remember that don't you Armaan? You know, when Mum told me that at the Diwali party, I wasn't so sure I could join forces with someone else to annoy you. Just like you. Khud itna tang karoge ki poocho mat! Lekin jab koi aur tang karta hai mujhe, you'll always take my side. Yaad hai na Armaan? Armaan?"

She looked to the side to find him sleeping on her shoulder with a sense of serenity on his face. Had she talked for that long? Or were her talks that boring? Feeling highly insulted she huffed and was about to push him off her shoulder, when she took another look at his smiling face while he was snuggled up close to her. Her heart started beating faster as she felt a slow, unreasoned smile form on her face. It was just the bliss of being together again which put her in such an elated mood, that sleep evaded her. Armaan, during the time he used to love being Romeo, had often said he could watch her sleep for hours on end. And now, she could say the same about him. All thoughts of teaching him a lesson, when he got up, were mixed with the kilometers eaten by the bus as it rumbled on the smooth, paved roads. In his defense, she found herself thinking, they hadn't had the longest sleep the previous night. What with the confession, them going through her book. She closed her eyes, scrunching up nose at the thought of that. How embarrassed she had felt. Well, she still did feel slightly embarrassed, but he thought it was cute! He thought she was cute! She was pretty sure people would describe this feeling as a 'teenager's first crush.' But it was more for her. Way more! Shifting her weight on him, she put her arms around his waist, watched him frown in his sleep as he was slightly disturbed, and put her head on his. She felt him lean back on the window, tighten his grip around her and continue his beauty sleep that he been woken up from for a very short while. Her head now on his chest, she closed her eyes finding more warmth, solace and comfort there than her own bed.

Her eyes first opened when she felt someone's lips on her head, her forehead, and everywhere they could reach. However that wasn't too far, so the frequency of those kisses increased. Closing her eyes again, she snuggled into his neck kissing it once and wondering what had come over him.

"Riddhima we'll reach in a bit." He whispered to her, trying to stop the fire that flew through his body at her touch.

"Wake me up when we do reach." She muttered, making herself comfortable. Feeling his arms tighten around her, she closed her eyes once more, but noticed there was something different this time. He was holding her, not for the sake of it. The way he was holding her was different. It was more of a need, more of a proof to himself, an assurity.

"Armaan?" she questioned getting up, and taking a look in his eyes. They could never lie to her. Ever. She managed to catch a glimpse of that deep emotion, but the next moment it was gone as he looked away from her. "Armaan kya baat hai?" she asked, getting more concerned.

"What do you mean Basket?" he smiled.

"Fake smile. Different way of holding me. Nazar churana." All of a sudden she was wide awake. The bus, unfortunately for her, jerked to a stop at that moment, and people started getting up. Riddhima however, held his hand, and forced him to stay put. "Armaan.." she put her hand on his cheek, forcing him to look at her.

"Basket it's nothing..honestly." he tried getting away, but she was in one of her stubborn moods.

"Armaan, kuch toh hai..what is it?" she asked, sure of her suspicions after taking another look into his eyes.

"Miss Basket Gupta. You're reading too much into stuff." He smiled kissing her forehead once. He wasn't going to give up that easily. This time, he didn't hesitate to look into her eyes, and she could see eons of love, sincerity and truth behind them

"I love you. Abh chalein? Raat hogayyi hai. Sasurjee ko lagega main tumhe utha kar kahin legaya hoon!" he joked as she got up unwillingly, still frowning to herself, trying to figure out what was the meaning behind what she had seen. They were standing on the aisle while Armaan was taking the bags down from the compartment above.

"Armaan.." she repeated and he turned.

"Basket, I know my name is very nice. Lekin baar baar repeat karogi toh I'm going to start thinking you love my name more than me!" He joked, as he led the way out of the bus, leaving a confused Riddhima to follow him. They waited outside in the night breeze for the Sanjeevani driver to come pick them up. This was the chance, and she grabbed it.

"What's going on Armaan?"

"Basket.."

"I mean inside your head. What are you thinking? What's troubling you? And don't tell me nothing.." she interrupted him as he tried to protest. "I know you too well for that." She could hear him give the smallest of sighs and saw a hope of him giving up. "Armaan.." she made him face her then continued. "I love you. Please tell me.." and with that, he leaned in, pulled her closer by her waist and put his lips very gently on hers. Closing her eyes, she felt her heart beat increase pace slightly, and responded equally. It wasn't a passionate lip lock. Just a sweet, simple heart to heart sort of kiss that left a deeper meaning behind it. He pulled out, and she opened her eyes only to see his were closed.

"Care to share?" she whispered, making him smile.

"I promise I will. Just not today.." he replied back, his breath hovering above her lips. She contemplated with that, until she saw his blue oceans boring into hers, begging her for time. She felt her heart lose out to him - again! - and looked at him assuringly.

"I love you Armaan.." he knew she had consented.

"Love you too basket. A lot!" and he pulled her into him again.

After a while, which seemed like seconds to the two of them, Armaan felt a buzz in his pocket, indicating the driver was here. They climbed into the vehicle after a friendly chat to Prakash, which Armaan maintained throughout their way as he was seated at the front. Riddhima couldn't help but admire how easily he got along with everyone. Smiling, she questioned herself; wasn't this one of the millions of reasons she fell in love with him? Probably, was the answer.

The gate opened up and Prakash drove into Riddhima's house, parking in the driveway. He was about to get out to help, but Armaan was faster and told him to stay put while he did the helping. Prakash smiled to himself, who said Doctors didn't have time for love? Love just took a moment, and he was pretty sure the moment had already occurred or was happening between those two.

"So..I guess this is it for now." Armaan said in a disgruntled voice, as they were standing outside her house. She just smiled. "Couldn't we have spent more time there?" he asked slightly hopefully, as though she would agree and they'd head back. However, she couldn't reply. He had given her the best day ever! It was one she would treasure forever. The full moon was shining down brightly at them, sending a warm sensation buzzing through her.

"Parso milte hain?" she asked hopefully, knowing that meeting him on a Sunday was close to impossible. She had to give her family some time and so did he.

"Can I call you tomorrow?" she shook her head and his eyebrows raised up in a slight question. Feeling her lips tug at the ends, she nodded, forcing him to smile as well. She turned and rung the bell wondering when, and if so, why she had ever stopped loving him. His hair flowing in the wind, his casual smile and dimples on his face with his hands in his jeans pocket was the epitome of what she had wanted when she was deciding how her Prince Charming would look.

"Goodnight kiss nahin dogi?"

"Keep dreaming Mallik. Papa ghar pe hain." She indicated with her eyes to her father's car. He was about to retort but at that moment the door opened and Anjali's beaming face appeared.

"Ridzy!!" How was your trip?!" she smiled and hugged her sister like she had not seen her for months.

"It..was..good..you're choking.." Riddhima managed to get out, until Anjali let go of her.

"Hey Anji! What's up? Champ kahan hai?" Armaan asked. Anjali, in response, gave him a cold glare with her jaws hardened, causing Armaan and Riddhima to recoil in surprise.

"He's inside." She replied in a hard tone, and turned, taking Riddhima's bag.

"Armaan.." Riddhima whispered, confusion evident on both their faces.

"Ridzy chal rahi ho ya nahin?" Anjali's voice trailed and they both came back to the present world. Armaan gave her an understanding nod, telling her to go inside. "Ridzy.." Anjali's demanding face this time turned. A shocked Riddhima followed her sister and looked back at Armaan's equally stunned expression as the door closed behind her.

Armaan was left staring at the brown door in front of him. What the hell was all that about?

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

Comments guys..and don't forget to press the like tab if you liked it..😊

Chapter 13 - More exams..!!

She sighed as she turned over in her bed. Before leaving the hospital, she had whispered a quick thank you to her sister, given her a long hug and a kiss on her cheek for being so understanding while Atul kept looking on with a small smile, until he received a loving hug from her too. But now something was missing. After so much drama in her life it suddenly felt sort of, empty ' was the only word she could describe it as. And though it was after all life which had its ups and downs, Riddhima had gotten used to the emotional sense which she had been dealing with for the past months. But then, with Armaan, things always managed to sort themselves out. Just how much did he love her? Just how much did she love him? A lot, was her answer. She enlarged a photo of him on her phone and stared it, feeling a slow smile creep up on her face. She really was acting like a teenager with her first crush wasn't she? But this wasn't a crush. It was love. Her love which just multiplied every second.

Armaan stared outside the window at the sky aimlessly. He looked down at his phone, wondering whether or not he should call her. However, she must be asleep by now. That was if she was used to sleeping without him by her side. He remembered how she used to dose off in his arms every single night when he went to visit her. What rubbish, of course she would be used to it. He had left her alone for two whole months! The thought struck like lightning in his heart, increasing his guilt. But then, distance makes the heart grow fonder right? And he was so sure the love between them had increased by a million folds. His mother was right! Amazing as she was, he used to think she was so wrong when she insisted Riddhima still loved him. How stupid he had been to never think of it before! His mother was a woman. She'd obviously know more. He couldn't keep the distance anymore with his basket. He would call her and if she didn't pick up, he'd probably send her a message.

The phone buzzed on her bedside table but Riddhima was too immersed in her dream, which she was half broken out of. It had been so beautiful with those captivating blue eyes, his husky voice on her nape. She shut her eyes tighter trying to maintain the dream while the buzzing suddenly stopped. When it did, she subconsciously took back the broken links of that amazing dream she was having and continued it.

Well, she probably was asleep. Now how was he supposed to sleep without hearing her soothing voice? He pouted as he landed himself in bed, his hair tousled. She proably didn't love him as much as he loved her. But the next second his heart denied it. Who was he kidding? If anyone could accept him after such a blunder, could still adore him after that huge mistake, it was his Basket. And he was sure she loved him more than anyone else would. Plus, this wasn't the love that would ever fade. On his side too, he was sure. It would increase in the form of respect, trust and security by the day. Even when they had kids in the future. He smiled at the thought. She was definitely a keeper. Not that he hadn't thought of that before, however, this time he was more sure than ever. She was for the keeps. And he would fight whoever he had to, for her. Of course, providing she still loved him the same way, which he didn't doubt for a second.

Ok, so what if sleep evaded him? No one could stop him thinking about her could they? No one could stop him from thinking about her. From drowning himself in her thoughts. From reminiscing his moments with her. Taking his phone, he typed in,

I love you xxx

And pressed the send button. Then people could call him cheesy if they wanted to. They could say this must have been one of his gay moments. They could say he was truly whipped. But he didn't care in the slightest. Not all of them had a Riddhima to love, to adore and to cherish. They would know what it was like if they did.

"Armaan get up!" a sweet, slightly irritated voice was telling him when he opened his eyes to the blissful glittering sun that enlightened his room through the window.

"No," he mumbled, shutting his eyes. First he hadn't been able to sleep because of her memories, and now he wasn't allowed to sleep because of her voice! Not fair! He felt her kisses on his face as she tried to get him up again. That was just sending him into deeper slumber! Oh the heavenly feel of her lips on his skin!

"Armaan, please get up.." she resorted to pleading. "Mujhe neeche bhi jaana hai. Abh utho!" he opened his eyes very slightly to see her dressed in a green saree, smiling at him, looking dazzling. Gosh he loved her. However, he wasn't going to give in that easily. He loved his sleep too!

"Uh uh.." he replied and turned over, away from her, his face facing the other side.

"Armaan jee.." He frowned hearing that. 'Jee'? Where did that come from? "Uthiye na. Maine aapke liye dekho kaisa breakfast laayi hoon jee. Char omlettes, aur aath toasts. Phir aapko paanch aloo ke parathe bhi khaane hai jee."

"What the hell Riddhima?!" He muttered to himself and turned around, only to see sister Lovely staring down at him, batting her eyelashes with a huge smile and a pink uniform!

"What THE F***???" and Armaan sat up on his bed, his eyes wide with fear, shock and horror screaming out in bold! He looked around, and true, the sun was streaming in, the setting was the same, only, there was no Lovely standing at the edge of his bed, and neither was Riddhima there.

"Bad dream, Armaan. Bad dream." He whispered to himself in shock as he blinked his eyes rapidly, his heart beat racing. Without thinking further, he rushed to the bathroom, to splash cold water on his face.

"Interns, you do know your exams are exactly two months away. So I hope you've already started preparing for them. If not," Keerti's sharp eyes flew over to Muskaan, who looked positively shocked at the news of exams, "then I guess you'd better start now! Disperse!" and before the rest could actually disperse, Keerti was the one who swept away in her greenish chooridar.

"Armaan, have you started preparing for them?" Riddhima asked in a small whisper, but Armaan was busy frowning, his head immersed in other thoughts. Why was Lovely smiling at him like that behind the desk? Or did she always smile at him, and he was noticing it just today? Gulping, he shifted closer to his basket, trying to hide behind her.

"Kya huwa Armaan?" No answer. "Armaan!"

"Haan?" he suddenly came back to earth after hearing her voice become sharper. "Kya huwa? Tum pareshaan lag rahe ho?"

"What, me? No, basket. Why do you think..? Of course not." He phooed the idea and curious as Riddhima was, she decided not to prolong the matter, so just raised her eyebrows and replied in a small,

"okaayy.."

Just as she was about to leave, Armaan noticed he was stranded all alone at the nurse station with the likes of Sister Lovely stealing glances at him! What the hell? No WAY!! He rushed to his basket, and immediately caught up with her.

"Don't..don't leave me like that ever again with Sister Lovely..!" he panted his dream still visible in his head, no matter how much he tried forgetting it.

"Armaan, I was just here.. and why with Lovely?" Riddhima was utterly confused. She had wanted to send him a text back the moment she read it, first thing in the morning which made her day, but decided on saying it in the hospital itself.

"Nothing, basket. Bass aise hi.." he replied, as they went into the locker room.

"Tera naa hona, jaane kyun hona hi hai. Tumse hi din hota hai, Surmayi sham aati hai, tumse hi tumse hi," they momentarily forgot their conversation as they saw Sid and Muskaan singing and dancing along with those lyrics.

"Wow, Muskaan, itni jald Rahul ko bhul gayyi?" Riddhima asked, in a teasing manner after seeing Rahul watching them with his eyes slightly narrowed.

"I wish..lekin yeh gaana toh internship exams ke liye hai!"

"Toh Rahul hai na. Don't you think he's going to burn with jealousy after seeing you dance with someone else..?"

"Iss khote ko jitna jalna hai jalle." Muskaanlooked away from Rahul.

"Bechaara pyaar ka maara. Aur biwi usko bhau bhi nahi deti..tch tch tch.." Armaan pitied Rahul, in full drama, as he went over and slapped his back.

"Iss gadhe se better toh Sid hi hai. Sid why didn't I get married to you?" Muskaan asked, throwing a dirty glare at Rahul.

"Kya karein, shayad kismat mein nahin tha." Sid sighed dramatically, pouring fuel over the fire that was already raging war between Rahul and Muskaan. "Bhaag ke chalein kya?"he winked and Muskaan's eyes gleamed.

"Haan, mujhe toh bachpan se bhaag ke shaadi karne ka bohot mann tha!"

"Le," Rahul put in. "Sasurjee ke saamne meri vaat lagaayi. Agar bhaag ke shaadi karni tha toh mujhse kehti. At least sasurjee ke saamne jhukna toh nahin padta."

"Tu.. chaddo ji! Tenu poochna hi bekaar hai. Aaj subha mujhe ice cream chahiye thi voh bhi nahin mili! Huh..Bade aaye bhaag ke shaadi karne waale." Evidently, the reason Muskaan was pissed was now out as she turned to face him.

"Subah aath baje mehmsaab ko ice cream chahiye. " Rahul told the others." Muskaan we were getting late to work!"

"Yeah, like buying ice cream would take ten hours!" she retorted.

"Muskaan, traffic?"

"And I was the one who asked you to wake up late as usual? Pata nahin kaise gadhe se shaadi karli maine." Muskaan retorted.

"Gadhi ko gadha nahin milega toh kya, sona milega?"

"Huh? Tune mujhe gadthi bulaya?" Muskaan screamed, highly insulted much to the amusement of others.

"Nahin, tu toh Pari jaisi ho." His sarcastic voice evidently hitting home as Muskaan rushed up to him.

"Mr Rahul Grewal. Agar main pari jaisi nahin hoon, toh tumhe kya lagta hai? Tu duniya ka sabse sona munda ho? Anpar gawar lag rahe ho."

"Eh please. Doctor hoon! Anpar gawaar hota toh mujhe yahaan aane hi nahin dete sab doctors. Dimaag pata nahin kahaan hai. "

"Dimaag hai toh sahin. Tera bheja bilkul khaali hai!"

"Tere jaise dimaag se behter mera bheja khaali hi ho!"

"Huh!" Muskaan fumed and stormed out of the locker room. Rahul grumbled, slammed hislocker door shut and stormed out too, going the other way. The other spectators looked at each other, shrugged, and continued with their work, well aware of the calm, silent and slightly awkward atmosphere the couple had left behind. Things didn't seem right. Muskaan and Rahul had fought before, but they always made up the next second. Then what was this happening between them now? Surely, things weren't that serious were they?

"So, Abhi aur Nikki kahaan hai?" Armaan asked Sid.

"Voh to kab ke chale gayye duty pe. Duty saath mein hai na?" Sid winked and they understood.

"No basket, I'm dropping you home that's final. I want to spend time with you."

"But Armaan I'll be in the library for quite a while.."

"I'll wait.." he added stubbornly as they were walking along the corridor. She turned to face him and seeing his kiddish, 'I want it MY way' look, she couldn't help but smile. Fine, if he wanted to wait for her then. She didn't have the heart to refuse to this adorable face of his.

"Dr Armaan jee, " and Armaan groaned, his dream coming back to him as he heard Lovely behind him.

"No, Lovely, mujhe aapse koi baat nahin karni. I'm taken." He replied much to the shock of Riddhima and Sister Lovely!

"Lekin, jee, main toh aapko yeh file dene aayi thi. Piyush ki.." Lovely said slowly, her face crestfallen.

"Oh, right, uhhmm.. thank you." He muttered and was about o go when Riddhima held his hand back and pulled him into the fire escape while Lovely turned and walked away, wondering why on earth Armaan was being so rude to her. After all he was always nice to her!

"Ok, what was that?" Riddhima asked him straight forwardly.

"What? Nothing. Sister Lovely wanted to give me a file.." he laughed nervously, not feeling too good about his small outburst.

"Armaan.." she reprimanded him and forced him to face her. Especially after seeing that he was slightly troubled. Ok he HAD to tell her. He had to get it out of his system. Maybe that would be the only way he could peace out, especially around Lovely! Frowning slightly, a really sheepish look decorating his face, he told Riddhima about his dream that refused to leave his mind.

"How did you turn into sister Lovely? It was so random and so out of the blue!" He looked up at her and saw a huge smile on her face, with her eyebrows raised up out of complete surprise and amusement. When he finished, she closed her eyes, giggling to her heart's extent about the dream that Armaan had seen. She could actually picture his reaction! And Oh how adorable he looked, even now with that confused look hitting a home run inside her heart.

"Hasso..jee bhar ke hasso. Meri aisi haalat pe khul ke hasso.." he mumbled, looking down and pouting to himself. She put her bottom lip in her mouth in an attempt to stop her laugh, however the smile would just not be wiped out no matter how hard she tried. Part of the reason was that he looked so cute right now, she wanted to pull his cheeks and give him a huge kiss depicting just how much she adored him.

"Awww..mela baby..bura laga??" she asked quietly in a babyish tone and he frowned slightly.

"I'm not your baby." He muttered, looking away as she let out a small laugh. Regaining herself, she put her hand on his cheek and forced him to look at her.

"Armaan.." he looked at her in a disgruntled way while she had a serene smile on her face, enhancing her beauty. "Look. I love you. That was just a dream. And I liked the first part of the dream.." she added with a tinge of red creeping up her cheeks. She really had. Oh, come on she was a girl with the same fantasies about a prince charming for a husband, a loving family, though that scene did seem like it was directed for a movie, she didn't mind at all. He caught on very quickly and rushed to his favourite hobby.

"Really? So you don't mind being Mrs Armaan Mallik?" but to his surprise she replied,

"When did I ever say I did mind? And now.." she added possessively as she hugged him, "I'm not going to give anyone a chance to even claim that title. Whether it's Lovely or.. Katrina!" Armaan put his arms around her too.

"Hey come on man..Katrina?" he asked, only to receive a slap from her.

"I don't want Katrina. She could be the world's most beautiful woman, but I only want my basket." She smiled wider at that.

"Stop being so cheesy and filmy Armaan." She muttered while she was still in his hold, feeling herself turn red at that line.

"Tumhaare SRK se toh seekha hai yeh sab."

"I love you.." she whispered against his chest, content with life at the moment. He stroked her hair and tightened his arms around her securely.

"I love you too basket.."

Riddhima sighed as she tried to concentrate on the book in front of her. This wasn't how she had planned her revision to go. Stuck at home, the sun had long gone down and she had just finished dinner with her father giving her the normal,

"If you work hard and study hard for these, you won't go wrong at all in your exams. It's just the theory."

Yeah. If she worked hard and studied for them. But her eyes were drooping already. However, she knew once she got into bed, sleep would evade her completely especially if she thought about Armaan! Thinking about that, reminded her of the dream he had and involuntarily, a giggle escaped from her mouth. The chair groaned as she shifted her weight to the other side and put her head down on the table, wondering what on earth to do. Study, or think of Armaan. Of course the latter sounded more appealing than ever, but it was her conscious brain that screamed at her to get some studying done now, else she won't be able to cope up with the pressure if she left it late. Maybe it was time to brew herself some horrid, yuck, strong coffee that she had gotten used to over all those nights of staying up and studying in college!

The thought of it made her want to puke. No, she'd study for an hour or so then go to sleep. She didn't want to stay awake for the whole night anyways. And during all that, they still had to go to the hospital and do their duty. How unfair could life get? She remembered how Armaan annoyed her in the library while she tried to read up about the brain anatomy. He would hug her, kiss her randomly, making her loose her concentration much to the librarian's astonishment and disapproval, while she tried to get as much information as she could out of the book. Finally, embarrassed with the glares the lady was giving both of them, to which Armaan just smirked and winked at, she shut the book, and brought it home. Now it lay on her bed, along with other things, waiting to be picked up or strewn across the floor like always.

"I have to go Armaan."

"Where?" he asked, grumbling at her. She had barely given him time the whole day and now she had to go out? Why? That meant he couldn't even drop her home, spend some time with her.

"With Anjali. We need to go shopping."

"Fine, screw shopping, I'm coming with you."

"What? Armaan! No! We're going shopping, we're having sister time. You don't interfere."

"But Basket.." he whined.

"And I'll be an Anjali's too tonight so I'll call you." She smiled at him and kissed him once on his cheek after shutting her locker door.

"No Basket. I want to spend time with you. Pata nahin kahan busy hoti rehti ho. Poora din mein hospital mein pata nahin kahaan thi."

"We didn't have.."

"I know..duty together, but at least we could have spent lunch together. But no, even then, you were playing 'The Invisible Man'." He looked away slightly pissed off, frowning at the turn of events that day. He hadn't had a very great start to the day getting into a fight with his darling Mother about breakfast. Then he'd been scolded twice by Keerti for something, he wasn't even responsible for!

Firstly, a male-nurse, not Jiggy thank God, had caught him in the middle of the hallway asking for advice on how to attract his colleague, whom he claimed to be madly in love with. He'd given a fool proof plan of giving her attention then making her jealous by flirting with someone else. When the nurse suggested if he should flirt with Riddhima, since she was the supposed single, hot female doctor, Armaan was about to blow his cool when,

"Dr Armaan!" His anger froze at that point, as he turned.

"Y..yes Dr Keerti?" He asked in his sweetest voice possible. Then came the lecture about this was a hospital and not a love guru clinic or a marriage bureau where he should give fake advise to the staff. When Armaan had noticed the 'fake' and tried to put in an opinion, he had been shut up completely with one glare that seemed remarkably like Riddhima's or Anjali's!

Second time was not even his fault. He had been concentrating on Piyush, a young boy of eight with cancer, which however, was only on the first stage so was curable with a bone marrow transplant. Fate was just not with him when the other kids in the ward snuck up behind him, scaring the living daylights out of him! The commotion from the children brought Keerti running in, who was a only a door away and he had another earful about how he should be able to control the kids when it was duty time, and not become one himself!

Life sucks, was the motto he had been chanting to himself for the rest of the day. But one glimpse of his basket at the end of the day finally made the whole day worthwhile. It just lit up face with a huge smile as he continued observing her frowning at a certain file, then look at her watch and realize the time, with a an 'oh' face. The smack on the forehead and muttering to herself had increased his amusement by a million folds, and suddenly, the day didn't seem so bad anymore.

But oh, was luck ever on his side? She had to go shopping with her sister! Perfect. That meant he should go home and wait for her phone call. Like he needed that! Yes he did!! He badly wanted to shout out. He needed her!

"Fine, you know what, you go with you darling sister, have fun. I'll just sulk here by myself."

"Aww..mera shweetu.."

"I'm not your sweetu and don't baby talk me..!" he complained, forcing a wider smile on her face.

"Well, Armaan, stop acting like a kid then. Look, I'm sorry. I really am. Par mujhe jaana hai. Then I also have to revise. Anyways, kal library main itna tang kiya mujhe, uski sazaa milni chahiye!" she put in while she headed for the changing rooms and he followed.

"But Basket..!"

"Please Armaan? Only today.." and she leaned forward, taking him in a sweet, short kiss, that made his mind spin and forget everything while he pulled her closer to himself. He felt her hands go round to his shoulders as she split apart, smiling.

"Abh kya karogi?" he whispered seductively against her lips as his arms tightened around her, imprisoning her in his hold. She felt herself lose her senses after feeling his breath lingering on her lips.

"Armaan..tum bohot badmaash hogayye ho." He frowned in mock consideration as he looked at the ceiling.

"Haan thoda bohot."

"Armaan chodo na."

"Nope.."

She frowned, then smiled again as she thought of one way he would completely melt. Forcing him to look into her eyes, she made an earnest, cute pout and mission accomplished, she thought to herself as his eyes softened completely.

"Arghh fine! Why do you get so cute with me? You know I hate it!" he loosened his grip around her as she giggled.

"Bye Armaan.." and pressing her lips softly against his one more time, she retreated and went out of the changing room, while he went to the locker room and sat on the bench sulking.

"What's up?" Abhi asked Armaan as he saw his forlorn face.

"Girl problems..!" Armaan answered at once and Abhi frowned in confusion.

"Girlfriend ne chod diya kya?"

"What?" Then Armaan realized that probably Abhi still didn't know about him and Riddhima! Well, how should he tell him? No, he didn't want another Anjali! People were very protective of Riddhima! Wait, but this was Abhi! Then if he told Nikki! Well, Nikki didn't mind she was obviously all for them being together. And Nikki had been the first one to know everything anyway.

"Uhmm..it's not just a girlfriend. I mean..it's like this.."

"He's back with Riddhima!" Sid interrupted like a savior waltzing into the room. Armaan nodded at Abhi's surprised face.

"When did this.."

"Lonavla.." Sid replied again.

"Kaise..?"

"Simple, thoda rona dhona, some confrontation, then a confession.." Sid replied while Armaan stared at him horror struck.

"Oye tera bhoot tha kya Lonavla mein?" Armaan asked, slightly disgruntled.

"It's obvious isn't it?" Sid rolled his eyes at the lack of gratitude from Armaan's side.

"Armaan are you mute?" Rahul put in as he came forward, examining him.

"What?"

"Clearly not, then Sid, he can answer for himself can't he?"

"Accha baba. Kissi ko meri acchai pasand nahin hai..!" he grumbled as he shut the locker door and went to sit wnext to Armaan.

"Aap sab ka problem kya hai? Theek se gussa bhi nahin karne dete aap log!"

"Oye hero, kis baat ka gussa?" Muskaan trailed in with Nikki.

"Yaar, khud par! I promised to take Riddhima out on a date, perfect setting, perfect atmosphere, and now I can't even plan anything.

"Oh, you want to confess to her?" Nikki asked, her eyes gleaming.

"Voh toh ho chukka.." Abhi interrupted and Nikki and Muskaan's eyes widened immensely.

"Yaar, meri love story hai! Let me do the honours of telling them!" Armaan frowned. "And help me instead of gossiping!"

"Oh right..!" they all chorused, and put their heads together with Armaan's deciding to come up with something amazing for Riddhima. **************************** Happy Birthday Aanya..!! And look out for your PM-ed Gift..!! I'm sure you're gonna love it..!! 😊

Chapter 15 - People we love

"Give me everything tonight..For all we know we might not get tomorrow so baby tonight.."

"Calm down Nikki..yeh lo, tera ghar pohonchgayya." Abhi sighed as they finally reached Nikki's house.

"No, no Mujhe ghar nahin jaana!" She complained stubbornly, in what anyone could tell a very drunken state. "Mujhe dance karna hai. With you.." eyes closing shut, she leaned forward placing her lips on Abhi's, who immediately withdrew.

"Nikki, you're drunk, please go inside. You need your rest."

"Ok! But you come with me!" Nikki's grin widened as this apparently brilliant idea hit her head, but Abhi groaned. How the hell could he come inside, her dad would probably murder him! Firstly, for dropping Nikki home at two am, AND drunk! Plus in her drunken state, who knew what she would say?

"Listen.."

"I love you Abhi.." and with that she threw her arms around him. "I love you more than anyone else in the world."

Abhi looked at her amazed. He knew about her past, about how she had been deprived of love thanks to her father. But she had always expressed deep love for him, after all he was her father at the end of the day, and probably everything he did was unintentional anyway.

"Nikki.." he whispered, astonished.

"I know..maine tujhe nahin bataya. Par main darti thi. I'm so scared, of losing you one day. And I was never this afraid ever." She added pouting as she looked up earnestly at him. Just as he was getting lost in those deep brown eyes of hers, he heard a revving of an engine before it died and looked aside to see Armaan step out of the car with Riddhima.

Armaan had spent some more time with Riddhima after their little banter, and finally, after a lot of consoling, surprisingly from Armaan's side, they agreed to go back home.

"Basket, do you have to go?" Armaan asked slightly wistfully as they came out of the car. Riddhima narrowed her eyes.

"Jab main keh rahi thi, no when I was trying my utmost to convince you of staying there, you were the 'practical' one, telling me that Nikki and Muskaan will get worried. Now suffer the consequences. They won't let me go. Remember, slumber party?" Armaan sighed, wondering what he had put themselves into. Grumbling, he followed Riddhima's lead to the front door, only to meet an astonishing sight! Nikki was practically throwing herself on Abhi, who at that point was trying his utmost to get away. They both looked at each other and frowned in confusion, then looked back at the duo.

"Nikki, we'll meet tomorrow. I swear." Abhi was trying to compromise but Nikki was not having any of it.

"No. Not tomorrow. Today, tonight, even that song says it!" Nikki pouted cutely as she looked at Abhi. At that point, Abhi looked behind at the stunned pair and threw them a look which clearly screamed 'HELP'! Realization kicked into both, Armaan and Riddhima, and they burst out laughing at Abhi's state. He was in so much tension, his facial expression suggested that he was having a harder time than someone would have trying to diffuse a bomb!

"Guys, help would be more appreciated instead of laughter!" He said exasperated. At that point, Nikki saw them and rushed toward Riddhima hugging her.

"Ridzy you're here! Now I won't have to be alone. You're like a sister! The best one ever!" Surprised, Riddhima hugged her back as Armaan took slight steps backward incase Nikki threw herself on him this time. But Nikki clearly had no intention of doing that as she clung on to Riddhima and murmured in a drawled voice, "You know you and Armaan make the best couple. Even after everything, you're still together. You make the best, the cutest, no the hottest couple ever!"

Feeling blood rush to the surface of her skin, she glanced at Armaan who grinned back, and winked at her, his dimples evident. Cursing Nikki inside her head for making her go through this, she half pulled, half pushed and half stumbled inside the house - door open courtesy to Abhi - before making Nikki lie down on the sofa as she was apparently sound asleep already.

"Woh..uhmm Muskaan was high too, so Rahul took her home instead." Abhi nervously explained as Riddhima straightened out Nikki's legs and took her shoes off her feet.

"Ok, you guys can go now, I'll handle it from here." Riddhima said as she turned around, dreading to see Armaan's mischievous glance at her.

"Ok. See you Armaan. Bye Ridz." Abhi said, apparently relieved that he had to go without a Q&A session with this newly pronounced sister of Nikki's. Armaan however, lingered before saying goodbye, and right after Abhi left, he pulled Riddhima to himself, wishing for a quick, hearty kiss before he left. But Riddhima had a mind of her own at that point. Well, when didn't she? Armaan mused when she refused to comply to his kisses at first. She looked at a snoring Nikki, then looked at Armaan wistfully. She wanted to spend so much more time with him! But funnily enough, the more time she spent with him the less it seemed!

Giving in, she pulled herself closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he grinned victoriously. This was so not fair! She was always weakened by his mere presence, and he knew this, then was he really unaware about the whirlwind of emotions his touch created inside her? Especially when he caressed her back like that, she wanted nothing more but this security for the rest of her life.

They split apart and he brought one hand forward, caressing her cheek as her eyes shut of their own accord. She looked utterly divine as the porch light basked her in its light rays. He loved her so much! It would be impossible to put into words because all the words in the English, well forget English, in any lingual dictionary just never summed up what he felt for her. It must be a crime to love so much, he thought to himself as his thumb slightly brushed her lips.

That minimal contact forced Riddhima to open her eyes, only to be awed by the intensity of vehement sentiments that swarmed in those gorgeous blue eyes of his. She brought her hand up to the few strands of hair that fell over his forehead, and lovingly pushed them aside one by one with the delicate touch of her fingers. It proved of no use however, as they fell back, this time over his eyes. He brought her hand down to his lips and brushed his lips along her knuckles and fingers.

"I love you." he whispered against them, and she heard each word clearly, as her touch senses this time sent the receptive signals to her brain.

"I love you too." And smiling, she leaned forward, letting him take her into his warmth filled embraces for the final time that night.

* * * * *

"Ridzy..ouch my head.." she whispered as she squinted at the bright light that streamed into the living room. Nikki shut her eyes, trying to gain her lost consciousness, while the back of her head felt like it was continuously playing bounce against some invisible wall!

"Take this it will help." Riddhima offered lemonade to Nikki who frowned at the confused sight in front of her. Why was she in the living room? And where was Muskaan? What happened to the slumber party they were going to have? How did she doze off when they planned to stay awake the whole night?

Nikki took a sip of it, scrunched her nose up then crashed back into the sofa.

"Urgh, what's the time?"

"9:30. I thought you'd be out for another hour at least." Riddhima offered, as she had been awake since nine sharp.

"Crap what happened? Where's Muskaan?" Riddhima gave her a moment to gather herself.

"Rahul took her home because clearly you two were stoned last night." Riddhima smiled as she sipped her glass of juice.

"Ohh..yeah..I remember having a few shots. Actually, quite a few.." she admitted in a slight whisper. "Then everything has gone blank." Riddhima was not surprised. "Oh my God! I remember throwing myself at Abhi!" Nikki suddenly screamed and THAT caught Riddhima's attention.

"Yes.." she replied uncertainly.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no.." Nikki groaned as she put her head in her hands, apparently getting flashbacks of last night. Riddhima's brows shot up and she tried her best to hide her smile. "I think I walked in on two people going really wild while they were making out." She continued. "And I also remember telling Abhi..gosh," Nikki positively turned red as the events of the previous night came crashing back. But Riddhima was in no mood to get only half so story, so she badgered Nikki until Nikki gave up and spilled out everything!

Riddhima couldn't stop giggling as Nikki told her the most hilarious true story she had heard in a long time! The boys and girls had had a real fight right after they got to the club, because Abhi and Rahul ordered the girls not to have any drinks. Well, Muskaan did not like being ordered around by her husband, especially when he said she couldn't control herself, and in a huff, the girls had gone to the bar, then bottoms up.. and she never kept count of how many drinks they had.

Nikki then remembered stumbling to the bathroom, but instead, she had no idea where she went and that was when she saw the couple. Instantly, her thoughts went to Abhi, and instead of the bathroom, she went to look for her darling boyfriend. She found him, or rather, he found her and that was where she spoke her heart's desires. Stuff she only wondered but never voiced. She remembered the drive home with Abhi, and that was about it.

"Riddhima what will he be thinking about me?" Nikki mumbled as she got up, then sat back down.

"Nothing. He loves you Nikki. You were drunk."

"You haven't gotten drunk and told a sane Armaan you want to sleep with him have you?" Nikki brought out and Riddhima found herself doubling up again with laughter.

"Precisely why I don't drink, Nikki." Nikki's hands sifted through her hair.

"Gosh I feel like such an idiot!"

"Why, for voicing you inner most, physical needs with Abhimanyu Modi?" Riddhima teased and Nikki threw a cushion at her, turning positively red!

"Shut up!" But Nikki's look turned serious. "Abhi, what will he be thinking? What if he leaves me? Thinks I'm the clingy type?"

"Heyy, listen. I'm sure he loves you a lot. And if you're that worried, why don't you just call him?" Nikki looked positively scandalized.

"No! How can I do that?"

"Simple, just call him and talk to him. If he talks like normal, then you know he's not mad for whatever you said and he loves you."

"But.."

"And if you have the guts, then you can ask him if he's fine about what happened last night.."

"What?! And have him tease me till the day we die?! No way!"

"Just try it!"

"But.."

"It's ringing," Riddhima gave Nikki's phone back to her, which she had taken out of her purse and dialed Abhi's number on.

"Hi..uhmm Abhi?" Nikki whispered in the phone, biting her lip. Riddhima got up and went to the kitchen meanwhile, to get some breakfast for both of them. While setting the cereal boxes, milk and cutlery out, she got a call and her heart beat quickened as she saw whose name was flashing on the screen.

"Basket.." he whispered blissfully as soon as she answered with a 'hello'. And that meant that their conversation did not stop until a whole thirty minutes had passed by, and Nikki had grown tired of waiting. Eventually, she snatched the phone off Riddhima's hand, told Armaan that his 'basket' had other people to attend to and barely gave them ten seconds for their goodbyes after that. If someone wanted to know how to annoy two love birds, Nikki would be the best person to take lessons from!

"He said it's fine. He still loves me. You know Riddhima, when I was in college, I never thought that I'd finally really fall in love with such an average guy."

Riddhima swallowed the cereal on her spoon quickly.

"You find your boyfriend average? That's a first." Nikki giggled.

"No, but I always thought that my guy would be some rockstar sort of fellow, who will only breathe on my orders. Someone who's just naturally good at what he does and can do multiple things. Multi-talented, but still adores me only." Nikki spaced out, forgetting her breakfast.

Riddhima couldn't help but frown at that description. It totally fit Armaan! And probably if she asked him to stop living he would probably do that too, only it would kill her at the same time so there was no point of asking that off him!

"Abhi is so hardworking, his character just draws you towards him. And he's like perfect for me. I don't give orders when he's around. I don't want to. It's like we have this mutual understanding, mutual feeling that could last a lifetime and I wouldn't get tired of it." Nikki continued.

"That mutual feeling is called love, sweety." Riddhima replied nonchalantly then added, "By the way, tumhaare papa nahin dikhai de rahe?"

"He's out on a business trip. Hey, do you think Rahul and Muskaan have done it?" Nikki suddenly asked, making Riddhima choke on her food. She looked at Nikki incredulously, who was staring back expectantly.

"Uhmmm..I don't know.."

"I think they have. Come on, they are married, they live together, and they work in a hospital so protection is more easily accessible." She replied logically.

"I have no idea, Nikki, and to be honest, I haven't thought about it." Riddhima frowned in realization. "Am I a girl Nikki?! I haven't gossiped in ages, I'm not much into shopping and I haven't had a girly night out in a long, long time, where you talk about this stuff! Gosh I feel like such a loner. I haven't been to a salon for ages, haven't pampered myself, haven't had a manicure, though I rarely got those done. Help!" Nikki laughed at Riddhima's horror stricken face.

"Yes you are. You have just had too much on your mind of recent. Too much." Nikki offered, then continued sheepishly. "And the girly night out, well, sorry about that. We'll make up for it for some other night."

While Riddhima continued pondering over her lack of girlishness, Nikki startled her once more by openly saying,

"I can't believe I told Abhi I can't wait to get married to him. Have you ever thought about Armaan like that?"

Riddhima gave a thoughtful look at Nikki.

"Actually, there was a time. But then after all that happened.. I don't doubt that Armaan is the one, don't take me wrong, but I guess we both still need some time. And I don't mind how long this time between us lasts, because at the end of the day, I know that Armaan's love for me will never waver." Riddhima replied softly. "It's something that I know will always be there. Till the end."

"Then, have you ever thought of going all the way with him? I mean, I have thought.." Nikki admitted. "With Abhi, a lot of times."

"I don't think I've ever found the need to think this through." Riddhima replied slowly, surprised that she wasn't blushing. It was probably because of Nikki's seriousness. She pushed her plate away from her as both of them were done with breakfast, and leaned her elbows on the surface of the table. "Nikki, having sex isn't the only way to prove your love to someone. When it's time, I will know. And if it's right, it's right. Then even if it's tomorrow or in the next ten years. And anyway," she added with a small smile. "Armaan knows me a lot more than I know myself. He knows his boundaries and when to stop. Of that, I'm sure."

It was so true! Armaan knew his limits with her. He never forced her, emotionally or physically, he had never tempted her too much into doing things she may regret later. Rather, she had lost control of herself so many times. She was the one who had lost her head in their heated moments so much, that when he pulled away she was momentarily left confused, unsure of whether or not she wanted more. And yet he thought he was always wrong.

"When it's right, it's right." Nikki murmured, quoting Riddhima. She was chewing the corner of her lip in deep thought, while Riddhima picked the stuff off the table. What was going on in Nikki's mind? And sudden questions like these? Something was definitely up with her best friend.

* * * * *

"What happened, Romeo?" Riddhima asked, as she saw Sid sitting on the bench lost in his own thoughts.

"Just wondering if my Juliet liked her date with that ass," Sid flirted with her, rolling his head back and winking at her. Riddhima raised her eyebrows at that. So he wanted to play it that way huh?

"Oh, I think Juliet loved her date with her new Romeo." She said sitting down next to him. It was amazing." She added sincerely, remembering every detail of Friday night. She saw him sigh then dramatically say,

"You broke my heart. But then again, you're Junior Hitler so I'd be lying if I said I expected better.." He said cheekily as her jaw dropped then she narrowed her eyes.

"Whatever." She answered and got up to go to her locker. Here she was being nice, and Sid wouldn't even be a friend and tell her what was going on in his head! She had a lot on her mind anyway. What with Nikki's sudden idea, one that Riddhima thought was quite courageous, and the exams which were eating her head away slowly, not to mention Keerti's overload of work on her, she was probably the one who needed someone to lean on and complain to.

"I'll be so bored!" Sid finally complained. "With you guys gone for what, a month? What will I do all alone in this hospital?"

"Yaar, itni tension kyun leta hai tu?" Armaan suddenly asked him appearing at the entrance.

"Haan, kyunki tumhaare paas problem ka har solution hota hai na?" Sid grumbled. Armaan smiled in spite of Sid's grumpiness.

"You'll have new interns to entertain. Socho. New people, new emotions, new fights, new drama, new mistakes, new reasons to laugh.."

Riddhima found herself smiling. Trust Armaan to come up with stuff like that!

"Oye khotte, maine kitni baar kaha hain mujhe tang mat kiya karo. Abh dekho, pad gayyi na daant Dr Keerti se?" they heard Muskaan screaming at Rahul as both of them entered the locker room.

"Dr Keerti ne tujhe meri wajah se nahin, uss nurse ki wajah se daanta tha." Rahul replied coolly as he trotted off to his locker.

"Accha..us nurse ki wajah se? Jo tumhaare saath flirt kar rahi thi?"

"Yupp.." Rahul replied nonchalantly.

"Dekh kaankhajure! Agar tu respond nahin karta, then she wouldn't have pursued!" Muskaan narrowed her eyes, wanting to beat Rahul black and blue for so much as looking at the nurse.

"Muskaan agar tu ward boy ke saath flirt kar sakti hai, toh mujhe nurse ke saath kuch private moments spend karne se kyun rok rahi thi?"

"Yeah, maybe I wouldn't have flirted with the ward boy if you weren't angry at me! Jab dekho toh gussa hote ho mujhpar. Rabba ji, maine kaunsa bada gunnah kiya joh harroz iski shakal dekhni padti hai sazaa ke liye?" Muskaan muttered as she slammed the door, unaware or not caring about the rest of the interns who were observing this drama.

"Gunah tune nahin maine kiya hai. Tujhse shaadi ki jo.." Rahul replied equally angry.

"Toh nahin karni chahiye thi na shaadi? Roz ka naatak nahin karna padta tujhe!" Muskaan shot back and before Rahul could reply, she rushed out of the room after slamming the door once more and leaving everyone in a huge shock.

Riddhima bit her bottom lip, glanced at Armaan then looked at Nikki who had a thoughtful, debating look on her face. Nikki and Abhi had entered the room soon after Rahul and Muskaan, hardly being noticed because of the commotion the other two were making. They all watched Rahul silently glare after her, curse, then walk out in the completely opposite direction. Riddhima looked at Armaan, as she felt the tension in the air. He was staring at the door thoughtfully then looked at Riddhima with a worried look in his eyes. Things were not looking all that great between the married couple.

Riddhima glanced at Nikki, to see that she was watching her with a pleading look on her face. Sighing, she excused herself and dragged Nikki out of the room, ignoring the questioning eyes she was getting. She heard Sid say,

"This is one drama I definitely will miss," to lighten the atmosphere, but instead was reprimanded by Abhi.

"Don't make others' problems your entertainment Sid!"

And she could make out no more as they both turned the corner.

"Look Nikki, Rahul and Muskaan were nearly pushed into this marriage." Riddhima tried to desperately explain to Nikki. "It's not right for you to think that if you marry Abhi, when you marry Abhi, the same will happen."

"But it happens in all couples. They fall out of love. And I don't want to be one of those girls who regret falling in love. It's the most beautiful thing ever." She whispered as she turned her back to the railings of the fire escape. Riddhima blew the soft tendrils out of her face. Muskaan was somewhere, and probably needed her, but Nikki needed her at the same time. If Muskaan was going through a break-down, maybe, because it was likely she'd be somewhere swearing to what extent, Riddhima did not want to guess, Nikki could be going through a future break down too. But Muskaan needed them now. And Nikki just had to pull herself up, get over her insecurities, and help a friend in need.

"Nikki, Muskaan needs us. Let's go." And once more, Nikki found herself being dragged around by Riddhima, until she finally surrendered and kept up herself, putting all her problems aside.

"Muskaan," Riddhima called as she stepped onto the terrace.

"Musk..there she is.." Nikki said and ran to her. Muskaan was standing at the parapet of the terrace, her back facing them.

"Muski.." Riddhima followed Nikki and when they both got to Muskaan, shock filled their faces.

What happened to the loud mouthed, vibrant, abusing Muskaan they knew? What happened to her haughty ways, her loud thoughts and her spitting words? Instead, here, Muskaan was standing, as still as a rock, with the cold wind hitting her already reddened cheeks fiercely, with unmistakable tears rolling down. Riddhima, astounded to the core, put her arms around one of her best friends.

"Muskaan.." she whispered comfortingly.

"He's such an ass! Such a jerk! Voh ek baar mere haath aajaye na, main isse chodungi nahin!" Muskaan determinedly said, which made Riddhima raise her eyebrows at Nikki. Well, Muskaan was a tough nut to crack. "Uss kamine ke taange tod kar gutter main.."

"Muski..I think we're going too far. Voh tumhaara pati hai." Nikki cut in.

"Bahar main jaaye mera pati!" Muskaan seethingly replied. "Kaisa pati? Ek number ka nikama hai!" but the tears would not stop streaming down her chubby cheeks, portraying just how much hurt, how much agony and frustration she was holding inside. "I never thought, that our small fights those small arguments we used to have everyday would one day become so big.." she finally sobbed and held on to Riddhima, letting her heart pour out. Nikki put a reassuring hand on Muskaan's head, but it seemed as if ages of pent up emotions were finally escaping. Riddhima remembered their first ever serious fight. Was she keeping all this from them since then? She hugged Muskaan tighter, to let her know that no matter what, she would always be there for. Muskaan could cry all her frustration out, and Riddhima and Nikki would still hold her through it. Marriage woes? They found each other questioning. Probably.

* * * * * *

"Armaan, I think Muskaan and Rahul are going through a tough time." Riddhima whispered as she put her head on his shoulder. They both sitting at the ice-cream booth, the following weekend, and Riddhima could not just sit and watch Muskaan and Rahul give each other silent treatment. If this was the way they were at work, then what would it be like when they were at home? She did not like to think.

"Yeah, they are." Armaan replied silently, with his arm around Riddhima's waist, pulling her as close to him as possible.

"What do we do?"

"We can't do anything. They are a married couple. And sometimes, their fights and their arguments are something they need to sort out themselves. We can't solve it for them." He explained, kissing her head to the side. She smiled in relief. She was glad she had him for support. He was amazing. Jus his dazzling smile, his shining blue eyes, and his electrifying touch did every thing to cure her of all her sorrows. Even if they were about other people. She didn't like having the burden of someone else's troubles on her. But when they were that close, and they were the ones that had helped her when she was a broken wreck, she felt the same grief they did.

"Rahul ne kya kaha?" She asked lifting her head to look at him.

"We are guys, basket. We don't talk about stuff like that much."

"But Armaan," She linked her hand through his. "There must be something we can do. On top of that, the exams are fast approaching. And what if they can't do them well?"

"I'm sure everything will be fine. Are the exams getting to you so much?" he asked in amusement.

"Armaan! I'm serious. Something is wrong somewhere. And both of them need their heads cracked open! If they love each other so much why don't they just apologize and make up?" she questioned, getting irritated all of a sudden. Where was the logic in this world? They knew how much they loved each other, yet they let small arguments grow between them and that just resulted in a huge fight which no one wanted to back down from! "Muskaan was so broken the other day. She said it had been a small fight, and it turned bigger and bigger. And this was not the first time something this big had happened. I hope they've made up."

"Heyy basket.. how are you sure they haven't made up and made out and maybe more?" he asked, winking at her. She shook her head in frustration. Armaan and his thoughts were disgusting! He was disgusting! Yes, maybe he was right, but did he have to voice that? How did she end up with him? But she still found herself smiling.

"Armaan.."

"At least you smiled.." he defended himself. She found the smile on her face getting wider. He was so adorable! Such a sweetheart! Indeed, how did she end up with him?

"I love you.." and she pulled him closer, covering his lips with hers, and momentarily forgetting all the pressure, all the worries that circled in her mind. It was just the blissful essence of his arms around her, and her world revolving around him. Solely him.

* * * * * *

"Nikki, will you give it a rest?" Riddhima sparked finally and Nikki shut up in astonishment. "Look, Muskaan and Rahul are probably going through a phase, they have their differences and sorting them out calmly doesn't always happen, but then that doesn't mean that their love for each other has lessened." She lectured to a somber Nikki.

"But Ridzy.."

"Look, I know you're nervous.." she interrupted as she and Nikki headed for the canteen, "but it's normal. Anyone would be. Firstly, calm down, before you wet your pants.."

"Very funny.." Nikki narrowed her eyes at Riddhima's stifled smile.

"Ok, bad joke. But seriously, I'm sure everything will be fine. And Armaan is handling everything on Abhi's end as well right? And I'm sure, Armaan's information is never wrong." She added with a hint of pride in her Armaan. Nikki however was too tensed and worried to notice.

"He'll say yes won't he? But what if everything falls apart, like Rahul.."

"Nikki, wait." They stopped as Riddhima rushed her to the changing room. "Look, Rahul and Muskaan are a different couple and you and Abhi are different. In a marriage, there are bound to be differences. It's not like you can survive your whole life without a single argument or fight with your beloved. You can fight like cats and dogs, but that doesn't mean that you'll ever stop loving him right?"

Nikki just worriedly frowned at Riddhima, who guessed that not a single word of hers was going through her thick friend's head. Maybe that's what nervousness did to you. Well, to Nikki. Taking a deep breath, she tried again.

"If your love is strong, you will survive. If you trust him enough, if he trusts you enough, you will definitely pull through and not even know it. If you're hesitating already, then how can you expect this to work?"

"I don't know.."

"Close your eyes and think of what you really want. Something that you've always wanted, then make your decision. I don't want to push you into doing this, but you wanted to do this. And ever since Muskaan and Rahul have started fighting..anyways. Do what I told you. Calm down, and think hard."

She should be an advisor. Why the hell did she need to stay up and study for so long to be a doctor when she had a hidden, talent, inside her? But truth was, she herself was slightly nervous. If things didn't work out, and people thought that she was the one that pushed them into this, Riddhima might never be able to forgive herself for her entire life. But when she looked at Abhi and Nikki, she could tell that both were more than ready for a step further, yet they hesitated. And who wouldn't? Closing her eyes, she thought of the one person who always managed to sort out her confusion. He had been supportive of the plan throughout and helped in little things. With his carefree attitude, his endearing words, his talents, he always managed to win everyone over. Then how was she the one that had ended up with him? How? True, he had done unforgettable things. Probably unforgivable. But at the end of the day, he never had any bad intentions. And probably he'd continue making mistakes in his life, probably break her heart with one or another silly act. It was up to her whether she would teach him through it or not. And yet, despite everything, she was sure he would continue loving her. However, was it only love that made the world go around? Would she continue feeling that security, that warmth, that care, or like Nikki suggested, would it fade some day?

"I love him.. and I'm ready." She was brought back from her train journey of analysis and turned when she heard Nikki's voice. Urgh, Nikki was doing this to her! How had she caught on to her thoughts? Nikki up at her and Riddhima forced one on her own face.

"Is my hair okay?" Nikki asked, looking at the mirror, then back at Riddhima.

"Never better. And now that you're excited about this, you look a million times more beautiful."

They both giggled and Nikki straightened her outfit, which was slightly more fancy than normal, and touched up her make up. This was it. They were doing it. Riddhima paged Armaan to tell her they were on their way to the canteen, and he should be ready.

* * * * *

His pager beeped, and Abhi looked at Armaan, who gave a slight smile. Why was Armaan wasting so much time to get to the canteen today? Abhi wondered. Normally, he'd be the first one there unless he and Riddhima were somewhere else! Then today..?

"Ok, so Abhi..I've got to check up on a patient, how about you come with me?"

"But I thought we are going to the canteen." This was astonishing. What was Armaan doing? And why would Abhi want to come to Armaan's patient's check up?

"We will, but this will take five minutes."

"And you could just meet me there.." Abhi replied uncertainly, however was frog marched to the General ward by Armaan, who refused to answer further questions.

"Doctor aapne toh mera check up karliya." The man on the bed asked, startling Armaan suddenly, who looked around hoping Abhi hadn't heard anything. Thankfully, he hadn't as he was busy chatting with a nurse about another one of their patients. Couldn't that dude keep his mouth shut? If he checked up on him twice, who was it better for?

"Do baar chack karlun toh kya bigad jaayega? Bemaar ho jaoge?" Armaan muttered in the nicest voice he could pull with the annoyance building inside him. Throughout the day, he had hardly had a glimpse of his Basket! She was either busy with Nikki, or with Muskaan, or with work. Sometimes, all three! And the mere fact they had to report to duties right away, he hadn't even had a chance to see her, which built the frustration inside him. And the only contact he had with Riddhima so far had been through the pagers! Funny life savers they had turned out to be. Especially considering how many a times he had wanted to kill the person that invented them! And well, why was he complaining? He had met her over the weekend, and he was sure he'd see her at the canteen. But right now, even duties apart seemed like torture. And why this hospital so big? If their duties weren't so far apart, then maybe he could have a glimpse of her working. Maybe talking to some patients, or chewing the end of her pen while writing reports, or cursing her files which had just slipped out of her hands.

The beeping of his pager brought him out of his thoughts, as he looked around, and caught the man smiling thoughtfully at him.

"Aap mera check up kar rahe ho ya jaan bujkar mujhe aur beemar kar rahe ho? Waise agar Riddhima hoti, toh mujhe koi problem nahin hota agar do baar check up karle." The man said with a dreamy look on his face. Armaan narrowed his eyes. This one was going too far.

"Accha, aapko Dr Riddhima chahiye? Dr Keerti ko bulaun?" Armaan asked with a sardonic voice, stressing on the 'doctor'. Bad mood and this guy's smile at the mention of his Basket did not help at all.

"Nahin..aap hi ..aap bhi acche doctor ho.." It was evident, even the patients feared Keerti's wrath.

"Accha..well agli baar.." Armaan's voice turned into a threatening one while the poor guy's eyes widened, "Riddhima ka naam bhi liya na, toh main tujhe itna injure karunga, ki Sanjeevani ki Dr Keerti bhi kya, India ka koi bhi doctor tera ilaaj nahin karpaayega. Samajhgayye?"

Armaan's gum was having a hard time trying to keep up with the pace of his jaws as he gave a final terrifying look to his patient, and walked over to Abhi, ready to go to the canteen.

* * * * *

"Abhi, will you marry me?" Nikki was on her knees, in front of the whole canteen, with everyone gaping at the duo, surprised that for the first time in their life they had seen a girl proposing for marriage to a boy. Well, yes, it was the 21^st century, and girls did do that, but it was still an uncommon thing! The lights were out in the canteen, except for the one bulb, that dimly lit over where Abhi and Nikki were, depicting the astounded expression on his face. Mouth open, he continued looking at the person he loved, who was now proposing to him. WOW! So shocked, and surprised he was, that he couldn't even register anything in his head. Register that he had to reply, register that the answer was a YES, register that the longer he kept silent, the more insecure she was feeling thinking of his answer as a no. And well, who had the patience to kneel down for a full couple of minutes and wait?

Nikki's eyes found Riddhima's, who blinked assuredly at her. The fact that Abhi had taken this long to reply, was finally pushing the dreadful truth inside her. Maybe he wasn't ready for this. Maybe she had rushed into this. But behind Riddhima's assurance, she could see the worry in her eyes. Why was Abhi taking this long to reply? It was a simple yes and no. Some part of her knew it! She shouldn't have done this. She should have waited for Abhi to make the great speech about how much he loved her, about how she was his life and not vice versa! Ok, he didn't need to say 'no' and embarrass her in front of everyone! She could get his silence. After opening her mouth, no words came out. Instead, she felt her cheeks dampen, and her first thought was to run out.

"Yes, I will." If that voice wasn't so familiar, Nikki was sure she wouldn't have believed it was Abhi speaking. All of a sudden? Just like that? He agreed? How? She thought he'd say he needed more time. Well, guys normally did run away from commitment. Finding herself short of words, she saw him bring her up on her feet, a wide smile on his face, and take her into a huge hug. He agreed! And shutting her eyes, she let the truth sink in. She was an engaged woman now. An engaged woman head over heels in love with her simple, boy next door type of boyfriend.

"You scared me for a while.." she managed to whisper.

"And you paralysed me for a while!" was his reply, making her giggle, and hug him with all her might, deaf to the applause around them.

Riddhima looked at Armaan, who at that moment made eye contact with her and winked once, dimples etched into his gorgeous face. Smiling, she looked at Muskaan, who had a wistful expression, slightly sad, slightly thoughtful, but who was however, looking straight at Rahul, who would not meet her eye. When would those two sort out their differences? Wasn't it about time? It had been almost a week since they had been arguing constantly. Sometimes, the patients got treated to one of their heated one on one arguments and sometimes the nurses. It was only when one of the interns split them up and took the other away did those fights stop. And somewhere, Riddhima was feeling the responsibility to do something.

* * * * *

"Armaan, promise me one thing." She said as they sat together in the fire escape at the end of the day, her head on his shoulder and their hands inter-twined. Finally the alone time both had been craving for was granted to them, credit going to Abhi and Nikki because they were in the spot-light for the day. "You won't ever fight with me seriously, and if we ever do, we won't drag it on for more than a day..no, for more than six hours." After lecturing Nikki, why was she going through similar insecurities?

"Riddhima, where did this come from?" he questioned her as she looked up at him.

"Muskaan looks so miserable for the past week, fighting with Rahul every day. Things aren't going great between them, the whole hospital knows it, but also, it looks like they don't make up at the end. So promise me."

"I can't do that.." he said earnestly and her face contorted in confusion. All she was asking him was to make a promise! And he couldn't do that? "Listen to me.." he interrupted her. "I can't make a promise, which I'm not sure whether I'll be able to keep or not." He framed her face. "Truth is, I'm getting worried for them too, but they love each other. And they'll pull through. I'm sure of that. And I know that no matter how much I fight with you, no matter how long, no matter what the case is, I will always love you through it all. And I will never, ever let you go." He smiled at her smile. "Unless you want me to of course, in which case.."

"I wasn't able to let you go, or want you to do the same when you went to Australia." She interrupted. "What makes you think I'll ask you to let go in future?"

"Urgh, great. So I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life?" he grumbled in mock annoyance. His words hit home as her mouth dropped open. She knew perfectly well it was way to irritate her, and this time, she wasn't going to fall for it.

"Rest of your life? Mister, you're tied to me till eternity." She tightened her hug around him as his dimples deepened.

"And what about my other girlfriends?"

"Dump them. I can get very possessive." She grinned.

"Kahaan phas gayya.." he mumbled playing along, and enjoying every moment of it. "Koi aur nahin mila tujhe? Mujh bechaare par apna hukm chalati hoon."

"Hai na koi aur. In fact, there are a lot more. Robby, Rohit, Aarian, Imran, Alfaz, Sameer.." Armaan's smile changed into a scowl when he heard all these names. Nope, now it wasn't that much fun to play along. Who were all these guys? Well, he knew Rohit and Robby, her ardent admirers, but did that mean the other four were once upon a time after her as well?

Riddhima got up, nonchalantly, not missing the change in Armaan's expressions, patting herself mentally at the list she just constructed. Riddhima one, Armaan, nil. "And there are a lot more, but I'm not in the mood to remember them all.." smirking, she turned to leave, when Armaan, who had seen her smirk, caught on, got up and pulled her back, locking his arms around her.

"Accha, well, dump them. I can get really possessive as well." His mischievous glint was back as he turned her towards the wall, her cheeky look striking a home run somewhere inside him. But before she could think of a smart reply, she felt his soft lips on hers and willingly complied with his demands. And if the world right now consisted of only Armaan, and Riddhima, none would care. It was all they needed at the moment. Each other, the blissful feeling around them that never ceased and the assurance that their hearts only, and only, beat for their other half.

Go on, go on, leave me breathless
Come on

The daylight's fading slowly
But time with you is standing still
I'm waiting for you only
The slightest touch and I'll feel weak

I cannot lie
From you I cannot hide
I'm losing the will to try
Can't hide it (can't hide it)
Can't fight it (can't fight it)
So

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless
Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this
loving feeling, make me long for your kiss
Go on, go on
Yeah, come on

And if there's no tomorrow
And all we have is here and now
I'm happy just to have you
You're all the love I need somehow

It's like a dream
Although I'm not asleep
I never want to wake up
Don't lose it (don't lose it)
Don't leave me (don't leave me)

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless
Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this
loving feeling, make me long for your kiss
Go on, go on
Yeah, come on

And I can't lie
From you I cannot hide
I've lost my will to try
Can't hide it (can't hide it)
Can't fight it (can't fight it)
So

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless
Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this
loving feeling, make me long for your kiss
Go on, go on
Yeah, come on

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless (leave me breathless)
Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless (leave me breathless)
Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless (leave me breathless)
Go on, go on

Ok, I finally finished..!! Please do give me the long awaited comments..I'm sorry if this turned out so dreadful..!! 😕

Chapter 8 - Kryptic Keerti, Amazing Anjy!

"Shit I'm late!!" Riddhma muttered to herself as she hurried along the corridor, at 9.00am sharp.
"Sirf teen din huwe hai, and already late? Keerti aaj pakka tera khoon pee legi!" Armaan was mumbling to himself as he rushed into the hospital himself.

They both ran towards the nurse station and collided with each other, to everyone's surprise.
"Ouch!!" Dekh ke nahin chal sakte kya?" Riddhima snapped, while Armaan replied in the same tone,
"Agar tu dekh ke chal rahi thi toh phir hum takraaye kyun?" Both rubbed their heads in frustration, before noticing the environment around them. Muskaan and Rahul were giggling at them openly, while Nikki was trying to subside her laughter along with Abhi. Anjali, however, just shook her head at them while Atul and Sid looked on, amused. However one person was not amused at all. With her eyebrows raised up, and a deadly look on her face, she glared at the watch, as though cursing it because it didn't go any faster.
"Just on time Doctors.." she stated. "Next time, I expect more mature behaviour. And, if you had been here 5 minutes earlier, this might not have happened."
"Sorry ma'am." They both mumbled with their heads down.
"So, Dr Sid and Dr Muskaan, you are going to Lonavla orphanage tomorrow evening. The children need vaccinations for yellow fever. Everyone else, usual duties. Disperse!" she commanded and they all flee from her like bees, except Muskaan.

"Dr Keerti.." Muskaan hesitantly called, just as she was about to turn and walk away.
"Voh..I'd love to, lekin I can't go to Lonavla." Keerti's eyes narrowed.
"Why, Dr Muskaan?" her demanding tone nearly scorched Muskaan like the glaring Mumbai sun.
"Voh..After my court marriage, since I'm shifting with Rahul, I..it's a very huge hassle..and..uhmm yeah. I'd like to have more time, if possible." She finished off lamely. Keerti's eyes continued to strip her, to see if she was saying the truth.
"Ok Dr Muskaan." The verdict was given, as Muskaan sighed. She was safe! "Tell Dr Riddhima to go instead of you."
"Sure, Ma'am. I'm sorry once again." One nod and Keerti swept off.

"Yaar, Hitler ka aaj mood kharab lag raha hai." Sid was mumbling to Armaan, in the locker room.
"I know. Subah subah I got on the wrong side of her!"
"Lagta hai Shubhankar ko phirse aaj raat bahar sona padega!" Sid joked, and they both hi-fived.
"Bechara.."
"Ridzyy! Oh..aap logo ne Ridzy ko dekha?" Muskaan interrupted them rudely.
"She went to duty." Sid replied.
"Kahan?"
"Path lab!"
"Great..see you guys..!"
"Hold on..Punjab ki express! Itni jaldi kyun hai?" Armaan asked, making Muskaan skid on the floor.
"Jaldi nahin hai..sirf Ridzy ko kehna hai that she's going to Lonavla instead of me tomorrow..then I have duty in the general ward with Rahul.." She closed her eyes, putting her tongue between her teeth. "Kaisi garbar kardi.." she muttered to herself.
"Ohhh..now we see." Sid replied in a teasing tone. "Yaar, you're already married! Abh toh ek doosre se chipakna band karo!" Muskaan felt her cheeks turn hotter by the second.
"Sid, agar ek doosre se chipkenge nahin, toh tujhse chipkenge kya?" Armaan replied with a wink to Muskaan. If possible, Muskaan felt her self blush harder! Was everyone out to embarrass her today or something?
"Aap dono.. Jao bahar mein. Baad mein dekhlungi!" she shouted between an embarrassed and an angry tone.
"Oyy..Humme dekhegi toh Rahul humme maar daalega!" Armaan shouted back for the whole hospital to hear, while Muskaan's mouth dropped low and she literally ran further away from their sight and their guffawing laughter! Armaan frowned as soon as Sid left. So Basket was going to Lonavla tomorrow with Sid? Sighing, he looked up trying to control his conflicting emotions. Was Sid actually good for her? But he was sure she loved him and Sid.

Riddhima was sitting in the canteen at a table in the corner, to escape all the noise. Her brain felt like it was hammering against her head, and right now nothing was helping it. She wanted to hide herself in someone's arms and feel their warmth embrace her. That would be the best cure for her headache. Well, not Anyone's arms. She'd probably run a mile if Jiggy offered to do that! Probably Armaan. Only Armaan, she thought to herself. She remembered how he took care of her the past few days. Sara's death was still fresh in her mind and she started feeling choked. What was wrong with her? Her father had warned her not let anything personal interfere with her work. He warned her against being over friendly with patients. Then how the hell did she fall into that trap? Was it just nature? Or was she really that naive to have believed that maybe, with a lot of faith, Sara would pull through? Either way, it wasn't enough was it? Her eyes started brimming with tears, but she blinked them back. She had to be strong.

"Heyy Ridzy, tu yahaan akeli kyun baithi hai?" Sid asked as he joined her.
"Bas aise hi." She replied, holding her head in her hands. He came right next to her, concern visible on his face.
"Tum theek toh ho na?"
"Yeah I'm fine.." she got up, and forced a smile at him.
"Tujhe kal mere saath Lonavla nahin jaana?" he was joking, but had a tone of seriousness underlying his words.
"Aisi baat nahin hai Sid. Just leave me alone please?" she asked in the most politest way she could, feeling her temper rise by the second. She just wanted to be alone! Couldn't he get that?!
"Siddy boy, tujhe Hitler ne bulaya hai!" Abhi called as he entered the canteen with Armaan. Armaan took one look at Riddhima, and knew something was bothering her. He let Abhi leave with Sid, while he himself went to where she was.
"Riddhima.." she looked up, recognizing his voice. His blue eyes held so much care! Where was it all when he left her? Why didn't he care when he chose to believe Sasha over her? Why the hell was she thinking about this now? Hadn't she let go of this? Hadn't she moved on from this? Didn't she still love Armaan enough to forget everything? Then why was she bringing this up again? Feeling frustration for herself build up, she looked down again.
"Riddhima are you ok?" he asked.
"Yeah I'm fine."
If they were still together, she would probably hug him then and there. In fact, she might not even be in the canteen right now. She would probably just meet him in the fire escape. He would hide her in his arms and shield her from the world. If they were together. It hurt knowing she couldn't do that anymore. It hurt so much being alone like this and watching couples all around her! She longed for his arms to be around her. Here she was, trying to please everyone and be the perfect person for them. Wasn't he the only one who had loved her for who she was?

"What Armaan?! Maine kahaa na I'm fine! Just leave me alone! Like you did a few months back! Where was all that care then? All for Sasha? Now she's not here, you choose to care for me? I don't need your sympathy!"

Shocked wasn't even the word for what Armaan was going through, after that short, sharp, cutting speech, that directly wounded his heart and shred it into tiny pieces. Her eyes widened as she saw the hurt she had put him through. How could she throw all her anger for herself at him? His blue eyes dampened right in front of her, as she observed his face drop. Her mouth opened of its own accord, but words failed to come out. He just continued staring at her, with a pained expression, while she felt her guts squelch within her.
"I'm sorry.." he whispered, his voice breaking. Looking down, he turned and left the canteen, leaving her frozen frame there, staring at his back.

She was still hurting! He thought to himself. She was still hurting a lot! Unknowingly, he had scarred her so much, that even if he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to refill the wounds that he'd given her! Maybe ever! He shut his eyes as he headed for the fire escape. How could he ever forgive himself? Not believing her was like blasphemy! It made his insides churn with self hatred. Why did she still love him so much? Even after the hurt? Her actions suggested all that very blatantly. But did he really deserve her? Like a nightmare, the question continued to hover over him. He could probably still tell her he loved her and she would come back to him. He needed her so much to live freely again! But why should he take advantage of her love like that for selfish reasons? He didn't deserve to live freely did he?
"Why do you love me so much basket?" he whispered to himself. As in response, a book dropped down onto his lap.
"what the.." he looked up to see Anjali sitting down next to him. "What's this?"
"The answer to your question."
He opened the first page to see Riddhima's picture stuck there, holding a teddy. Underneath it was written, 'My life.'
"Anjie!! I'm not going to read that!" he said, flabbergasted.
"If you don't, I'll read it to you!" she replied in a menacing voice that reminded Armaan of a lioness.
"I won't read someone's diary!"
"Technically, it's not a diary. She hasn't written a daily account of her life in it, plus it doesn't say 'personal' anywhere." She replied smartly. "So it's open to everyone who comes across it!"
"How did you get it again?"
"She forgot it at home and I brought it to the hospital to give it back to her. But now, I'm sure someone else needs it more than she does!" Anjali got up and without a second glance, or hearing Armaan's protests, left the place. Armaan looked at the book in his hand. It had a thick, smart leather cover, A4 sized. The page after her picture had a list titled 'most memorable' indicating what was inside the book, like a contents. Sighing, he closed his eyes, wondering if he should turn the page over. Maybe he should. And that was exactly what he did.

20th May 2010
He's back!!! Can you believe it? Armaan Mallik! Ufff..And he has not changed at all! Stupid, idiot, moron, jerk! And Keerti should go die as well! Hitler kahinki! She gave me duty with him for the rest of the week! And he's irritating me as though there's no tomorrow! Firstly, he followed me around the hospital..Can't he get it when he's not wanted?! Saala gadha!! What does he want?? Mann karta mere sandwich ke saath usse bhi kha loon! And he called me Jangli Billy! As though basket wasn't enough of a nickname at college! Why did he come back? Didn't the US suit him? It would have, after all that was all he was looking for wasn't he? Girls to time pass with. Lekin pyaar? Not even close! And to think there was a time I thought I was in love with him! Ewww'what did I see in him then? I hope if anything, that I can get along with him. Else how the hell am I supposed to spend the whole year of internship with him? Enough about him!

One week into my internship, and things seem so amazing! Sapna joined Sanjeevani with me..and there are other interns as well.
Abhi - very sweet guy! Amazing so far.
Rahul - He's nice. Lekin he's trying to hit on me. I can so tell it! He's good looking, and has those grey eyes! But they don't match Armaan's blue ones! Urgh not Armaan again!
Muskaan - She's so bubbly and full of life! Oh, and when she fights with Rahul, not only sparks but whatever's in her hand also flies! Directly at him!! LOL!!
Note - Rahul and Muskaan fight like cats and dogs! Itna toh main bhi nahin ladti kisike saath. Wow!! Their fights are actually sooo entertaining!
Nikki - hmmm..dunno yet. She's very pretty, so competition? Nahh, agar mujhe pyaar milega toh sirf mujhe pyaar karega. Kisi aur ko dekhega bhi nahin! IF I find my true love. Very filmy? I know! But I can't help it..:S

Overall, apart from Armaan haunting me..(Well maybe he's not that bad..I mean, he looks a lot more mature and I must say if I didn't know him, I'd probably fall for him!!) everything else seems so exciting. Hmmm.. Maybe Armaan and Nikki will get together! They should.. they suit each other! At least I'll be out of the equation then! But I shouldn't be caring about all that.. my main aim here is to be a good doctor! I hope I can make Papa proud!

Oh, this morning, Mumma ne mujhe kahaan Atul and Anjy are missing me! I wonder why they'd be missing me on their Honeymoon ;) Should ask them when they get back..!

Around the text, there were pictures of Sanjeevani, Riddhima and Sapna on their first day as interns, and individual pictures of everyone. Armaan guessed that she had stuck them later on, because he noticed that some pictures were taken at the interns' party. There was a picture of him right above hers, where he was winking at the camera, while she on the other hand was pointing her tongue out at it! He smiled as he caressed her picture. His basket!

27th May 2010
Urgh! Stupid interns party! Stupid Idea! Stupid Anjy..no very nice Anjy! Stupid toh Armaan hai! Stupid stupid Armaan! Arghh, can you believe it. Ek din mein itna apna pan dikhata hai, phir doosre din, he doesn't even look at me?! Why should I care? But I do! And I don't know why! I wish I wasn't affected by him! But I am..and I really have no idea why. What is it about him?! I was so, so sure that at least we were friends after what happened yesterday. Oops sorry, rewind!

Well, his 17 year old cousin, Minnie, got an accident and he was really upset. So we were writing a report together and I was helping him, (And he bribed me with 2 galaxies!! Mmm! But I still haven't received the other one!..I'll get him back for that!!!) when I noticed there was something wrong. He wasn't teasing me, he wasn't making stupid lame jokes, he wasn't even paying attention to what I was saying! (well he never does anyway!) I asked him and he told me. And then in the car, I agreed to finish the report for him and impulsively he kissed me on my cheeks! It felt so..beautiful. I've been kissed by guys before, and this time it felt so different. Am I starting to have feelings for him? No no no, please no! I really hope I don't fall for him! I don't want to go through another heartbreak coz I am so different from him! He wants to mess around with girls, and I take relationships seriously! Well back to why I'm irritated.. today he ignored me the whole day! Sort of took me back to the time he started ignoring me right after our end of year party! But this time, I'm not going to let myself fall weak! After all two can play at the game! I'll ignore him as well! Moron!

After Interns' party
I miserably failed! He was flirting with me. Kabhi paas aao toh kabhi door jao! Chahta kya hai yeh. But.. I had such a great time! Armaan danced with me ' note, he was the one that pulled me to dance with him - and he sort of hinted something. Shayad? Then he was so rude to me and he used Kuch kuch hota hai dialogue on me!! How dare he?!
"Kuch kuch hota hai Riddhima..tum nahin samjhogi!" Seriously?? What does he think of himself??!!! SRK?? Stupid idiot! He's not even close to SRK. But when we were dancing, the way he held me made me feel so special. Like I was the only person he cared about. Arggh, God, I asked you to keep him away from me! Then why the hell are my feelings developing again? I really don't want to get hurt again. And I need to concentrate on my internship and do well. I can't see Papa disappointed!

There was a picture of Armaan and Riddhima dancing closely. How did she get that, he wondered. It had a label underneath it which said,
'Admit it, he looks dashing!' Armaan grinned to himself. So she thought he looked dashing? He read through what she thought about their date, and she had captured each and every emotion very eloquently taking him right back to that day! At the end, she had written,
'A night I'll treasure and never forget! *blush*'
Then after a few more pages about their friendship, which she loved, a whole page was dedicated to 3 words
'I LOVE him!' He felt his lips tug as he dived back into his memories to that day when they all followed the radio and sang 'Is this love' for her. Then followed the times when she was hurt, Sanaya's return, her jealousy and how she wished she could get over her own hurt and just admit to the feeling that was pushed down inside her. His heart weighed him down as he read about her confusion and pain. It looked like there were many reasons she had to say no to him. And so there it was, listed.

Reasons not to be with Armaan:
1) If Papa finds out, he'll be so upset and I'll never ever be able to face myself again.
2) I have to concentrate on my internship ' Primary focus.
3) What if he breaks my heart again? Done it once, could do it again!
4) Even if I do forgive him, will I ever be able to forget what he did?
5) Major reason after Number 1 - What if he gets bored of me and I still love him this much? If he leaves me, will I be able to take it?

Ok, 5 good enough reasons not to be with Armaan!

Reasons to be with Armaan:
I LOVE HIM! And I do.. so much!

Yes, Riddhima, this is the most stupidest thing to do! Make a list?! Really? But we're not meant for each other. We're so different! He's everything and I'm nothing. And that's a fact!

Armaan felt his brows crease as he read that! It felt like she put her own heart into the pages of this book, and he didn't even have a clue! What the hell was she on about? She was everything. She was the one that gave everything to their relationship. For crying out loud he hadn't even taken her on a proper date after they got together! Once again, he cursed himself, but not for long as his pager rang and he was summoned to Keerti's office. Shutting the book, he hid it inside his lab coat and made his way out.

"Come in Dr Armaan." He heard when he knocked at her door.
"Yes Ma'am."
"Dr Armaan, you're going to Lonavla tomorrow instead of Dr Sid." Armaan's eyes widened in disbelief. What the hell? How was he'? Why? Wait, did that mean he got to spend some time alone with his basket? Slowly, he felt a smile form on his face. Ever since he heard that Riddhima was going to Lonavla, he was dreading the following day ahead of him! He would be without her! But now, now he was going with her. Just them two, for the whole day! Her words however, came back to him. They still seared right through his heart, as he recalled them. No, she wouldn't want to be with him. And neither did he blame her for that.
"Ma'am I've got a lot of work'"
"it'll be taken care of Dr Armaan!" Keerti's sharp tone pierced through his ears as he looked down, thinking of a way out.
"Ma'am Sid was supposed to go."
"DR ARMAAN!" He closed his eyes trying to shut the image of her nostrils flaring in front of him. Instead, a half dragon, half bull sort of creature appeared in front him, charging at him, with smoke flaring out of every hole in its body. The creature had an uncanny resemblance to Dr Keerti!
"Dr Sid, has an emergency with Dr Shubhankar! And he chose you to go instead of him! And you will go! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes Ma'am.." Armaan replied meekly, feeling like Jerry when he was cornered by Tom!
"Resume to your duty then. Now!" He scrambled from her office. If she had a bad day, why the hell was she taking it out on him?! Did he have something written on his face that invited everyone to throw their anger on him? First, Riddhima. Then, Keerti! Next? Maybe Shashank! He prayed not, and decided to shut up and concentrate on his work for the rest of the day. Putting the diary into his locker carefully, he braced himself for the next few hours at work. Hopefully, his afternoon would be better than his morning.

He smiled as he flicked through pages of pictures of their Lonavla trip. Underneath each picture, there was some text hand written, that he loved reading. For example, Riddhima had secretly taken a photo of Muskaan and Rahul in an eye lock and had written 'If Jerry was a girl, would Tom and Jerry fall for each other?' Then there was one of her and Armaan, where he gave her a surprise kiss on her cheek, making her turn a deep shade of red in front of the camera! Underneath that, she had written, 'Anji turned redder than I did! Promise! (Out of fury of course!!)' He smiled as he went back to those days. Then obviously, she didn't miss out the Diwali. In fact, it came under a title 'My best Diwali ever!' and she had proceeded to explain how Armaan had taken care of her and given her the necklace, of which the picture just had to be there, and her conversation with his Mum. He smiled as he flicked through memories which she had brought alive in each page, and felt his blood boil when she mentioned Arjun and Sasha's arrival, how she felt slightly insecure, and the way Arjun flirted with her at first!
"What the hell?" He found himself muttering, wishing Arjun was in front him right now so he could give him back a solid answer for flirting with his basket! True, Arjun and Armaan had occasionally swapped girls before, but this was Riddhima! And Armaan remembered telling Arjun that she was his life! Then how the hell..? Everyone had been right! Arjun and Sasha were no friends of his! The only friends he had were the ones that still stuck by him, today, even after what he had done! And of them, the only person he loved was the one that still loved him. So much, that she had captured every moment of theirs, in this book, never letting any of her memories fade away. And what had he done? Given her the most pain anyone could even imagine. Shutting his eyes, he proceeded forward.

He frowned as he saw the next entry was at least a month later. Obviously, this was during the whole Sasha fiasco, and she had not written any of it down! Except, when he left! Heart sinking horribly, he realized she had been crying when she was probably pouring her heart out! A lot! Feeling his eyes tear up, he brought the book up to his lips. How on earth had he managed to hurt the one woman he loved the most in the world?

He looked at the time. It was just past 10 0'clock, and he was shut in his room, reading through every page of this book as though it was a map to some treasure. Nevertheless, he continued turning each page over, knowing that what he was coming to now, was probably the crucial part, the reason why Anji and Nikki wanted him to go through this book so much!

January 1st 2011
Happy New Year! So Di and Atul held a small party at their house last night, and I did not want to go. Lekin di would feel bad, so I guess I had to put up with it! Anyways, it turned out to be kind of fun. Our whole gang was there, except..well, you know who. ARGHH I should stop thinking about him, but how can I? Back to the party, it was fun, until someone mentioned him! His absence at such a crucial time did it! Why do I feel like my life is lacking something?

I give up. I'm tired of forcing myself to believe he was entirely at fault. I mean, I had to be wrong somewhere too. Else we never would have drifted apart like that! Maybe I was too lenient with him and Sasha. But truth is,
Armaan I still love you. And I always will. Stupid, sad, soppy? Maybe. But I've given up trying to hide it from myself. The least I can do is face it myself. I just feel so..alone these days! It's not the same without him. I miss everything about him! His secretive winks across our lockers, his mischievous smile, him pulling me into random empty cabins or the fire escape! I miss everything about him! But does he even care? New Year and he hasn't even called! Arghh..he can be so infuriating! If he was in front of me, I would definitely wring his neck, shout at him, throw him the dustbin or better yet the gutter, slap him a good few times, and if he still doesn't get it bake his head in the oven! But if he was here, he wouldn't need to call would he? We'd be spending New Year the way I imagined us to be. Together. Maybe, we just weren't meant to be. Happy New Year Armaan!

February 1st 2011
Crap crap crap crap crap!!!! ARGHH!!! There's a new intern who just joined..and CRAP! His name is Sid, apparently Abhi's cousin. But here it is. He is completley like Armaan! Well no not really. Lekin, he reminds me the most of Armaan! Of the fire escape, the terrace, my balcony (which I still haven't opened), the beach, someone whom I don't know in the slightest reminds me of Armaan the most! And just seeing an Armaan persona there, but not the real Armaan..it's so.. hard! What have I done to deserve this..?? And he dresses similarly to Armaan! Stupid copy cat! And he used a clich dialogue on me! I told him
"You can take your big head, and go to hell!" Well I know it's a very old dialogue as well, but then I always use it! And he replied.
"Raasta toh batati jao!" What an idiot! And before that he called me Junior Hitler, then denied it! Arghhh..ek toh pehle se mood bhigrahuwa tha, upar se yeh Sid ka bachcha aake aur bigaad diya! I guess I need some sleep to sooth my mind! And no more Armaan! I HATE HIM! ( Yeah, who are you kidding?)

Armaan shut the book. He wasn't going to read any more of it. It was stupid of him to even open it in the first place. If she still loved him, and of that he was now 100% sure of, she would give in. And he would wait for that day! He put the book on the bedside table, and turned away from it. But, he had gone through most of it then what difference would the last few pages make? Stretching his hand out, he pictured Riddhima's glaring face inside his head, and immediately withdrew his hand again. No he couldn't. Well, he could put the blame on Anjali if he needed to. But he wasn't one to blame people for his actions. Else by now he'd probably have murdered Sasha and Arjun for ever stepping into Mumbai.
"Sorry basket!" he murmured and took the diary again, opening it where he left off. No wonder Anjali was still nice to him. Nowhere, had Riddhima mentioned why Armaan had broken up with her.

14th February 2011
Armaan called! Armaan actually called! My voice was shaking! After hearing his voice, it felt so, relieving! Please make him come back. Please! I don't know how I'll react. Frankly I don't care. Please Armaan, finish this training soon and come back! He didn't talk at first, but I recognized him! He said he missed me! Why Armaan?! If you love me so much, why the hell did you leave me alone like that? But does he?

Chapter 9 - Always will be in love with you

Riddhima had just finished stuffing her small bag up in the compartment when she felt someone's presence behind her. Somehow, that feel was not familiar, she thought to herself as she disregarded her first thought of it being Armaan. The same person then bumped into her, making her twirl around as fast as she could.
"Sorry.." The man replied, scratching his stub. Riddhima eyed him, judging his red bandana, slightly long hair, and brown jacket, with a red t-shirt inside. His dark brown eyes had some sort of amusement in them, which sent the creeps through her, and she automatically looked around for Armaan, whose back was turned as he was helping an elderly man put his bag up. Her heart warmed up at that action, as she felt her eyes get glued to him. His perfect profile just made her melt, and she wished she could hide herself in it like she had done before.
"I'm sorry.." The guy in front of her repeated, bringing her out of her reverie. She tightened her own jacket around her, and smiled very slightly at him, her smile not reaching her eyes.
"It's fine." She replied, and immediately excused herself stepping over an old lady's feet and placing herself on the inside seat. From the corner of her eyes, she could see the guy's eyes still on her, and turned her face, to look out, feeling herself boiling in rage. What was wrong with these people? Couldn't they keep their stupid, good for nothing, evil eyes to themselves, not to mention getting rid of their sadistic thoughts and minds! The guy finally went and sat on the opposite aisle, just across the lady. Riddhima could still make out the guy staring at her, and felt like punching his guts out! Wouldn't he give up already? She felt the bus jerk and move forward.

Darkness had already settled in and the after a few words, the woman next to her settled down to get some sleep in this journey. Riddhima looked across to find the guy winking at her, and exposing murky brown, rotten away remains of his teeth. Feeling herself shudder in disgust, she observed him tip a whole packet of strong Manikchand into his mouth. Clearly, that was his lifetime partner, despite the un-repairable damage it had done to his teeth! Armaan, who was sitting directly in front of him, turned his head back, to look across at her. Her disgusted and fear filled eyes met his, and he questioned her. In response, she indicated at the guy behind him. Armaan turned slightly to look at him, and saw his eyes glued onto Riddhima. Turning back, he felt his fists curl as he suddenly felt a bolt of energy rush through his veins. Nevertheless, he looked back at his basket, blinked once as though to say 'I'm there', smiled and turned to face the front, after seeing a smile from her. She looked down putting her bottom lip into her mouth, wishing he was the one next to her instead of the old lady. She wished she could tell him how much she loved him! Smiling to herself, she felt her phone beep. The message, weirdly, was from Armaan, and it said,

Pehli baar ladka ghoor kar dekh raha hai tumhe! Enjoy! 😛 On a serious note, don't worry. I'm always there.

Kuch is Tarha - Tasveer

Armaan watched the change in her expressions carefully. From offence and anger to sudden embarrassment and blush. She smiled and looked up at him, mouthing a 'thank you'. Armaan was just about to mouth back a 'love you' when he stopped half way through the phrase, nodded and looked away. That was the most unusual way to confess to a girl! But he had done it out of habit! Riddhima frowned at what he nearly mouthed, trying to figure out what it was. She'll ask him later, she though to herself, and read the message again, letting her heart swell with happiness.

Male:
Kuch is tarha dil ko mila hai sukoon
Kuch is tarha khush hai yeh dil kya kahoon
Asaan hai abh yeh safar
Jo bani tu meri humsafar
Asaan hai abh yeh safar
Jo bani tu meri humsafar

Female:
Kuch is tarha dil ko mila hai sukoon
Kuch is tarha khush hai yeh dil kya kahoon

The Bus jerked and the driver called out for a 5 minute stop, as they changed the tire. Many people decided to step out of the bus to refresh themselves at the service station they had stopped at. Riddhima thought of stretching her legs after she saw Armaan leave. Either way, she didn't want to be one of the few in the bus. Stepping out, the cool breeze of the night hit her face, bringing with it the tangy smell of the earth mixed with food being fried from somewhere. She was about to turn when someone bumped into her back again. Furious, she turned to give that person a piece of her mind, but got frozen at the sight of the same eerie grin, a few centimeters away from her face.
"Oops..sorry. Lagta hai abh aadat ho chuki hai." The guy smirked, moving closer to her. Riddhima narrowed her eyes, not amused at all, as she stepped backward.
"Toh aadat se bahar nikliye! Achcha hoga aapke liye!" she answered furiously.
"Ouuf teekhi mirchi! Abh toh yeh aadat aur pasand aa rahi hai humme." Riddhima just eyed him, and moved to get inside the bus, but the guy blocked her way. "My name's Abhay."

Male:
Koi vehem na hai sanam
Tu meri saanson mein nazdeek hai

"Armaan." A voice behind the guy said before Riddhima could even open her mouth. Abhay turned around, to see Armaan level with him, fury burning in his eyes. Riddhima's face split into an immediate smile., as did Armaan's.
"I thought we were getting to know each other! So, Hi! My name's Armaan! And she's Ridzy." His sudden cheerful tone caught Abhay off guard, but he quickly straightened himself.
"Buzz off! Can't you see I'm busy?!"

Female:
Ab na sehen karna hai gum
Jo ishq hai tera sab theek hai

Armaan's eyes narrowed, showing that he was done trying to drop hints at him.
"Let her get in the bus, and don't ever set your eyes on her again."
"Why, what difference does it make to you?" Armaan came in front of Riddhima as she felt her heart beat rise. Looking behind his broad shoulders, she gave the guy a superior look, daring him to do anything else. Abhay saw her smirk, and looked back at Armaan who looked deadlier as he made the chewing gum in his mouth evident.
"Teri lagti kya hai?" he asked, trying to match up to him with the last ounce of courage. Armaan linked his fingers through Riddhima's and brought her beside him.
"Meri sab kuch." His reply stunned the people present, especially Riddhima, who looked up at him. In response, he tightened his grip on her, but wouldn't let go of Abhay's gaze. After giving a final filthy look at him, Armaan led her inside the bus, not letting go of her hand.

Male:
Kuch is tarha..Kuch is tarha
Tu saath hai jaise koi duwa

Female:
Nazook hai bada
Yeh pal yeh samaa
Aaja meri chaahon mein
Tu toh zara

"Yeh tera mangetar hai beti?" the old lady who was still seated in her seat asked Riddhima. She had taken a liking to this girl, who was kind and spoke very nicely to her. Many strangers just looked down at her.
"Uhmmm..voh'" Riddhima stuttered, wondering how the lady had come to this conclusion. Obviously, her hands were still linked through Armaan's and she had felt so safe, she didn't want to let go.
"Haan, humari sagai abhi abhi huwi hai." Armaan replied, smiling, and Riddhima looked up at him, confused. What the hell? He was lying blatantly to someone! A squeeze from his hand shut her up however, and a few minutes later, after some very nice words to the woman, he was sitting in her place, with Riddhima next to him.

Male:
Kuch is tarha dil ko mila hai sukoon
Kuch is tarha khush hai yeh dil kya kahoon
Asaan hai abh yeh safar
Jo bani tu meri humsafar
Asaan hai abh yeh safar
Jo bani tu meri humsafar

"Tumne jhoot kyun bola?" she asked in a furious whisper. He looked at Abhay, who had just entered and didn't dare look in Riddhima's way. She felt a smile tug on her face, and let out a small laugh. Her face contorted into a frown as she looked at him,
"Tumne usse maara kyun nahin?" Armaan's dimples deepened. So she wanted some entertainment at his expense.
"Tum toh World Heavy Weight Champion ho. Tum maar leti usse." Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped low as he emphasized the 'heavy weight'.
"You! Arrgh I hate you! Fine I didn't need you. I could have punched the crap out of him! Agar tumhe hero ban ne ka shaunk hai, then show some heroic qualities at least!" she grumbled and folded her arms, pouting.
"No sense of gratitude! I helped you aur ek thank you bhi nahin." He sighed at his luck, but looked back at her, after she tugged his shirt.
"Do I need to say it?" Her tone so sweet, her eyes questioning, the earnestness in her voice hit a home run in his heart. Their eyes met and he shook his head, smiling.

Female:
Kuch is tarha dil ko mila hai sukoon
Kuch is tarha khush hai yeh dil kya kahoon

Feeling herself turn a different shade, she proceeded to look out, into the darkness that was rushing past them. They had left the service station long back, and somehow, it felt like a new journey. Closing her eyes, she put her head on the frosting window, not knowing when sleep overcame her with Armaan's warmth next to her. Armaan's head turned as he looked at her, sleeping slightly uncomfortably against the window. He saw her frown as her hair bothered her. Riddhima felt a hand on her cheek then her head move to be placed on something softer. She opened her eyes slightly, and noticed she was now leaning on Armaan's shoulder. Smiling to herself, she clutched his shirt and continued her pretense of being in deep slumber, till she felt him put his head on hers. The smile would not leave their faces as both enjoyed the position they were in, thinking the other was asleep.

Something was wierd. Riddhima opened her eyes slightly, to see herself snuggled up to Armaan. Her head in his neck and his arms completely around her, made her heart beat increase pace. They were in the bus, but somehow, the rumbling she had gotten used to over some time had just stopped. The buzz of people getting out of their seats to grab their bags and head off the bus, got to her. Riddhima eyes met Abhay's, who was looking curiously at her. Looking away, she snuggled up closer to Armaan who, in response, tightened his arms around her, making her feel safe instantly. She got out of his grip unwillingly and looked up his face, which had a small smile playing on it. No this wasn't right, she thought to herself. As much as she loved him, they weren't in a proper relationship to behave that way. And somehow, she felt like she was taking advantage of his care. Extracting herself away from him, she glanced out to see the chilly wind of the hill station frost on the window. The old lady she was sitting next to before, gave her a cheerful wave, and went off the bus with a younger man - probably her son.

"Armaan.." she whispered, trying to wake him up. He just frowned instead. She smiled at that face of his, finding herself amused. He was such a sweetheart!
"Armaan utho.." she tried again, wondering if she should prod him or just wake him up gently. She decided on the latter. Had she been miffed, she'd probably have dragged him awake. But the previous hour's events had just melted her heart instead. So she put a hand on his cheek, and tapped it lightly.
"Armaan.."
"Tch.." was the reply she got as he turned away from her, making her frown. What the hell. This idiot was enjoying his sleep and they had to go to the orphanage! And the bed they would get there was likely to be much more comfy than these hard narrow bus seats.
"Armaan!!"
"Kya basket.." he mumbled. Her eyes widened as he said that. It was the first time he used that nickname after coming back! Disregarding it, she sighed and got up, treading carefully over his legs, taking out her bag. His eyes were still shut! Enough was enough!
"Armaaan!!!! Utthhooo" she dragged her words, and thumped him on his head with her bag.
"Ouch!" he opened his eyes frowning at her. "Thoda aaram se utha deti!"
"Well, Mallik. I tried! Lekin janaab uthne ka naam hi nahi le rahe they!" she replied in a menacing tone, narrowing her eyes. Grumbling, he narrowed his eyes back and went to get his own bag out, leaving her shaking her head at his antics.

They finally got themselves into a cab and headed off for the orphanage. It wasn't a great distance from the bus stop, however, nightfall had already enveloped them. As expected, the kids were asleep once they got to the orphanage, and after having a good meal, they headed off to the rooms allocated to them by the three women in charge, who fussed over both of them to no extent!

This is for Shru and Aanya - Thank you guys for making my day start off so wonderfully..!! 🤗

Chapter 11 - Some more drama and some more emotions

"I don't know.."

"Lekin kuch toh idea hoga na basket."

"Armaan, I really don't have a clue! She was fine as soon as the door shut behind you! Perfect in fact, as though nothing had changed."

"Phir..?" Armaan questioned.

"Tumne usse kuch kaha kya?"

"Nice joke Basket, meri itni himmat? Even though you guys are poles apart, aap dono ka gussa ek jaisa hai. Aur mujhe iske beech mein nahin phasna!" he replied warily making her scowl.

"Humaara gussa? Uff Armaan! You know what. Bahar mein jao. I don't want to figure out why Anji was so rude to you. In fact, good she was! Achcha huwa!" Riddhima retorted as she stood in the balcony, enjoying the cool breeze.

"Basket aise matt kho na.." he flopped down on his bed holding the phone close to his ear. "Ohk, lets forget Anji for now. Kal usse nipat lunga."

"Baat kar rahe ho jaise Superman ho.." she muttered into her Sony Ericsson.

"Shayad super man nahin, lekin super cool toh hoon na. Unlike you. Super fool, joh apni behen ki feelings nahin samaj paati!" he joked.

"Shut up Armaan!"

"Aagya, tumhaara Signature 'Shut up Armaan'." He complained into his phone. "Let the whole world think you and Anjali are the most un-alike sisters on this planet, Atul and I know the truth. Pehla, aap dono ka gussa, baap re! Phir your style of saying, 'Shut up Armaan, Shut up Atul.' What else do you have in common that you're hiding from me?" Riddhima couldn't help but giggle at his stupidness silently.

"Our hatred for you Mallik!"

"Ouchh.." he nearly shouted into the phone.

"Kya huwa? Armaan? Are you ok?" she became concerned. What the hell was he doing?

"Nahin, bass, something cut me."

"What were you doing? Kitchen mein ho? Mujhe laga bedroom mein honge, either way, how can you be so careless? What cut you? Is it deep? Have you cleared it yet?" she wasn't short of caring words for him when he shut her up.

"Riddhima shush! It's fine. Not that deep. Just slightly poked me."

"What?" she asked worried. Knowing Armaan, nothing would be serious for him.

"Your words." He quietly said to her, and she heaved a sigh of relief.

"Wait what?" she asked again, when his words made sense to her.

"mhmm.." he nodded to himself, feeling dimples form after picturing her fuming face.

"Mr Mallik! Be original for once and stop using those cheesy lines to make me feel bad. You know what, mujhe neend aa rahi hai main jaa rahi hoon. Good night." She spat out, her frown not leaving her face. She waited for him to stop her, but he didn't say anything. Did he really want her to hang up on him? "Armaan..!" she exclaimed into the phone and she heard a burst of laughter from his side. Feeling her temper rise to innumerable heights, she finally managed to splutter out, "You find this funny?"

"Of course I do Basket. I was waiting for you to hang up on me. The mere fact you didn't shows that you were waiting for me to stop you. And now because I fooled you this time..hello? Basket?.." he heard the beep of the phone and cursed himself, putting his head in his hands wondering what mess he had gotten himself into.

"Apne aap ko samjhta kya hai? Idiot! Jerk! Ek baar kal hospital mein mil jaaye na, toh chodungi nahin. No, in fact, baat hi nahin karungi uske saath! Then he can continue pleading me for the whole day.." she was muttering to herself, when he phone rang again. Unwillingly, a smile formed on her face as she saw his picture flashing in front of her. Gosh she loved him! But a frown replaced her smile the next moment as she cut it.

Her phone buzzed the next minute and she opened the message from him.

'Main jaanta hoon tum mujhse kabhi naraaz nahi reh sakti. Koshish bhi kyun karti ho?'

'What's the point? You won't be able to sleep peacefully while you're angry at me.'

Finding it hard to frown, she concluded he was right. But that didn't mean she was ready to talk to him. She was ready to have a not so peaceful sleep for one night. Especially if it meant he would beg her for forgiveness the next day! However, it looked like she didn't have to wait that long because his next message said:

'Achcha Babaa. I'm sorry. Very sorry for acting like a Jackass. Kya tumhaare buddhu Armaan ko maaf nahin karogi?'

And this time, she was thinking of what to reply when her phone vibrated continuously in her hand. He was calling! Smiling she picked it up to hear the three words from him that always made her day, her night, her life now.

"I love you Basket." Her smile widened and she snuggled into her blanket further, whispering an "I love you too," which resulted into another of their conversations lasting a good hour before both of them were finally engulfed with the beauty of each others dreams.

Things really were back to normal weren't they, Riddhima thought as she stepped into their locker room. It had that fresh aura in it, that welcoming light which had disappeared when Armaan had left. She shut her eyes, smiling to herself. Armaan was hers again. They were together again. And it was amazing. Her first thought was telling everyone about it, then frowned. No, not yet. How could they tell everyone without sounding like a couple of idiots? It would make much more sense to let them find out themselves.

She felt someone's arms circle her from the back like she loved. He put his chin on her shoulder as he hugged her close to himself, dearly.

"Armaan.." she whispered. It felt so right. That was where she belonged. In his arms.

"I love you basket.." he whispered back into her ear, making her flinch as his husky breath and voice went right into her heart. She found her arms gripping his tighter, enjoying the effect he had on her. She shut her eyes and turned after feeling him peck her cheek. Framing his face, she observed his calm, serene face and felt her heart beat increase pace. His eyes held the depth they always did and today, she leaned up and kissed those blue orbs that she loved while he closed them. His dimples appeared and she hid her face in his chest, feeling herself go red. This was how it was meant to be. Just the two of them. Their world. Armaan and Riddhima.

"Ahem ahem.." a fake cough pulled them apart, and both looked around to see Rahul smiling at them and raising his eyebrows.

"Voh..uhmm..kya hai..ki..mujhe kuch kaam hai.." Riddhima stuttered and she went to hide her flushed face in her locker. Armaan just looked on at her, then back at Rahul, who immediately straightened his face and walked towards his locker, singing,

"Abhi kuch dino se suna hai dil ka rob hi kuch nayaa hai, koi raaz kambhaqt hai chupaye khuda hi jaane ki kya hai..hai dill.."

"Abhey saale.." Armaan began and Rahul looked around innocently, shutting up with his song.

"What? Abh kya kiya maine?"

"Kuch nahin? Tu kabhi kuch karta hai?" Armaan asked sarcastically as he rushed to his locker slightly irritated.

"I'm happy for you both." Rahul added, and went on humming the tune, making Riddhima wish she could hide herself in the locker and never emerge! Rahul continued sorting his locker out and Armaan tried to get Riddhima's attention from across his locker. She caught his eyes and gave him a questioning look. He indicated the changing rooms but she frowned and shook her head, as she removed a couple of files. Sid entered the room quietly and looked the scene in front of him confusion evident on his face. Armaan looked like he was pleading, but Riddhima wasn't giving in. He then gave up and rolled his eyes to the ceiling, at which she narrowed hers in anger. Sid's eyes darted from one to the other observing the silent communication. Armaan then winked once at her, and blew a flying kiss at which she stuck her tongue out at him and smiling secretly, rummaged inside her locker room.

"Abh se koi khushi nahin jiski tum wajah nahin, abh se koi din nahin jiski tum subah nahi.." Sid sang noisily as he sauntered off to his own locker, with a knowing smile playing on his face. "Tumse hi tumse..har baat, har baat hai jab tum ho saath.." Riddhima and Armaan frowned at each other in confusion, then looked at Sid, who at that point, looked back at them and winked. Feeling herself match the pink in her chooridar, Riddhima looked away and was about to rush out of the place, when Muskaan Nikki and Abhi trooped in together, chatting about Keerti, oblivious to the awkward atmosphere they had just entered in.

"heyy Ridzy, Anji tumhe dhoondh rahi hai."

"Di..lekin.." Riddhima was saved the confusion and Anjali entered.

"Ridzy, come to my cabin when you're free. I'll be spending the whole day there."

"But..why?"

"Kuch baat karni hai! See you around guys." Anjali smiled at the lot, locked her eyes on Armaan, giving him a hard glare and turned to go, leaving a very irritated and flabbergasted Armaan. What had he done to deserve that now?!

"Di, I uhmm..calm down. Firstly, how did you know?"

"Ridzy you're questioning me?! Where's the sense? Anyway, I got to know coz Sid and Nikki were talking about it on Friday evening after you left for Lonavla with him. You don't want to tell your elder sister anything anyways." She seethed.

"Di, elaborate please? Then I'll tell you everything. I swear." Riddhima managed to calm her sister down. She had just finished her duty and had come rushing to her sister's cabin to know what was wrong. And upon asking, Anjali had replied curtly "Armaan!" and Riddhima had guessed.

"I know everything now! The day you left, I was passing the locker room and Nikki and Sid were talking about you two. So I couldn't help but overhear.." she put her head down, "Nikki said something about how Armaan was finding it hard to face himself, and people should understand his situation as he was in a worse position. Then Sid said something about how he should have thought before choosing Sasha over you in the first place." Anjali's voice filled with hatred again. "So I stepped in and demanded to know the truth, which they couldn't deny and had to spill. I know he chose to believe Sasha over you. I know you hadn't done anything. And he broke it off, sab kuch akeli sehti rahi Ridz? Ek baar bhi mujhse nahin kaha?"

Riddhima closed her eyes. This was not what they needed right now. No wonder Anjali had been so cold to Armaan. She should have guessed! But no, she just had to be lost in thoughts about Armaan 24/7 to even wonder about other things. Crap, now how could she make her di understand.

"Di, I knew you would react like that. Isiiliye kissiko nahin kaha. Nikki dropped by, aur usne poocha, so I had to tell her. Di, voh zara nashe mein tha tab. He really didn't know what he was doing, I mean he probably did, but didn't understand the gravity of what he said.."

"Why Ridz, are you siding with him?" Anjali demanded.

"I'm just trying to think from his point of view as well," she tried explaining earnestly, and looked away.

"Wait.. do you still love him?" Anjali asked softly, putting her hands on Riddhima's shoulders and forcing her to look up. Riddhima bit her bottom lip and nodded slowly, quite wary of the outcome.

"How? How do you love him? After all he did?!" She exclaimed, hoping for a different answer from her sister. But after all, this was her sister they were talking about. She was a one man woman through and through. Calming herself down, she asked Riddhima again. "How Ridzy? After all the pain he put you through? Have you forgotten how you used to be two months back?"

"No I haven't. Maybe that's why I'm so willing to accept him again? Di, you reminded me of how badly he behaved with me. But don't you remember how he has always been there for me? How he loved me, to the bits. How he was the one who looked after me when I had a fever. He was the one who consoled me when Sapna left. He felt the worst when we were dancing to Sheila. He was there for me when Sara passed away. He gave me the courage to tell her family. Di, he left for my good. He thought he didn't deserve me.."

"And he doesn't. All this you've described. Uske ehsaan hai. You can easily act the sa.."

"No. Uska pyaar hai. And I'm not sure we are not the ones to decide who deserves who. Surely that's not our job."

"Riddhima stop being so philosophical and think practically! Things go wrong in this world and people don't change! Hang on, Riddhima, did you confess at Lonavla?" Anjali suddenly asked sharply, as though realizing why Riddhima defended him. Riddhima looked back at her sister and nodded once more.

"Di, I love him. He loves me."

"How can you even think of accepting him again? Honestly? How? Riddhima this is beyond my comprehension!" Anjali's horrified look made Riddhima shudder. It was after all her sister, and she wouldn't want to go against her.

"I don't know di. I've forgotten what he did.."

"Yeh right, forgotten Ridzy!" She received a scoffy reply.

"Maybe not. I agree. But I've learnt to move on with it."

"Why do you want to move on with it? He was the one that was wrong!"

"So what? We all make mistakes." Riddhima answered back determinedly. They had to sort this out once and for all so that no one could point fingers at Armaan and they had her sister's support here like they used to.

"He's the most irresponsible, immature, spoilt brat I've ever come across! How wrong were we all about him! He didn't get his own way so he forced his own way and now claims that he loves you? Yeah right! Let alone loving you I bet he doesn't even know the meaning of love!" she spat out, evidently furious at Armaan for putting her younger sister through so much torment.

"Di you're going over the top.."

"Over the top? Three times Riddhima! Three freaking time he broke your heart and the last time he promised me he would do nothing of the sort again! His intentions can't be right if he's not even bothered to keep his promise. And plus, you weren't at fault here either..! Ridzy three times and you're ready to accept it as though it was nothing?"

"You're not being fair here. First time, fine, but at that age all guys are jerks anyways! You told me that remember? Second time was a misunderstanding on my behalf. I should have listened to him before jumping to conclusions. And this time, the situation was such that.."

"Ridzy, it's not the time and place that determine a person's character. It's their actions at the given time and place!"

"Exactly.. but time and place have a lot of influence on the actions however, don't they?" Riddhima turned around to face Anjali who had walked around and now had her back to the door.

"This is not love! It's craziness, obsession. You need to get over it Ridz! No girl, no matter if she loved him or not, in their right mind would accept him after all he's done." Anjali tried reasoning.

"That isn't love either then. It's ego, which I let go of the day he left me."

"What's the guarantee he won't do it again?" Anjali asked, softening her tone slightly.

"There isn't. It's just his word. And I'm ready to believe it and trust it again because I love him. And I know he loves me too."

"How?" Riddhima smiled slightly.

"He wouldn't keep coming back would he?" her simple questioning reply to her question left Anjali stunned and wordless. Either way, she wasn't going to give up that quickly. If Riddhima was too blinded to look out for herself, she would!

"That is besides the point. Tum meri behen ho, and I'm merely looking out for you. Ridz, why don't you get it? I don't want you hurt again. And Armaan has no guarantee.."

"I know you're looking out for me. Sab jaanti hoon. Aur yeh bhi jaanti hoon ki Armaan jaisa pyaar mujhse koi aur nahin karsakta."

"Abhi bhi itna yakeen hai Armaan par?" Riddhima looked away sighing. "Aur agar main kahoon koi aur hoga joh Armaan jaisa pyaar tujhse kar sake toh?" Riddhima stared at Anjali in complete shock. You don't just decide to love someone because they love you. It has to be mutual, otherwise it's not love! "Ridzy, mujhe Nikki aur Muski bataa rahe they how you were more like yourself after your trip with Sid to Lonavla" Riddhima shut her eyes as she digested that information. How did Sid Step into the equation again?

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you know everyone talks, and nurses have been talking about how after Armaan left you and Sid seemed to be really good friends and how they were sure the relationship would go to the next level pretty soon, hadn't.." she paused wondering whether she should continue. To hell, Riddhima had to know the truth! She had to stop being so blinking naive! "hadn't Armaan come back. And it makes perfect sense. You loved Armaan, he broke your heart and Sid came and you learn to love.."

"Di.." she interrupted her. "My life isn't a novel." Riddhima replied quietly, as Anjali shut her eyes in slight guilt. Riddhima was finding it hard to co-ordinate now. Others talking and thinking about Sid and her like that, she could tolerate. They hardly knew her inner self so she probably couldn't blame them either and what they thought didn't make a difference to her in the slightest. But this was her sister! She thought her sister knew her way more than any other Tom, Dick or Harry!

"Ridz, I didn't mean it like that." Her tone became more firm with the next sentence. "I don't think you should see Armaan any more. As much as I used to respect him, it's all gone down the drain!" Riddhima stared at her sister shocked that she should say that. No way! She had to see Armaan! Else she'd probably lose the will to live!

"I can't not see him. I love him! Try staying away from Atul!" Riddhima replied, determined to make Anjali see her side of the story.

"Atul wouldn't ever do what Armaan did!"

"I don't care!! Not everyone's the same!" Riddhima nearly shouted back. Anger was getting the better of her and tears of frustration were building up inside, willing to pour out.

"Look, I think there's potential for you and Sid. Sid might be falling for you. In fact I'm pretty sure he has already.."

"How can you be sure? You don't even know half of Sid's story di!" irritated, Riddhima replied back urgently, then faltered in her sentence as realization struck. "Oh wait..you do. You read my diary." She resolved to muttering.

"Yes I did. And at first I was fine with you still loving Armaan. But after knowing what he did? Ridzy, you're just hurting yourself further! Putting yourself further into darkness that one day you may never be able to get out of! While Sid is there, you may be able to make him get over his old girlfriend as well."

"How, if I myself can't get over Armaan? Sid deserves someone to actually love him, not act to because I know I can't love him like I loved Armaan!"

"And so do you! You deserve much better than Armaan!"

"Di, you don't get it! I've tried explaining this, I won't be able to fall in love with anyone except Armaan.."

"That's what your stubborn brain doesn't want to listen to does it?" Riddhima felt a tear fall down and her throat choke her.

"Please di. I don't want to go through what I went through the past two months. I don't want to live and feel suffocated at the same time."

"And I'm saying Sid could make it better. And I would be much more happy, not having to be cautious that he won't hurt you."

"How well do you know Sid?" Riddhima's voice broke.

"I admit, I don't, but there's potential.."

"There's none. It's Armaan! Always been Armaan. Not Rohit in college, or anyone else everyone tried to set me up with. Not Sid. Only Armaan. And I thought you knew that. But you of all people don't understand me?" she resorted to breaking whisper, with continuous tears streaming down.

"Ridzy, I'm just looking out for you. I don't want you hurt like last time." Anjali moved to console her sister but at that point heard a knock on the door. Riddhima wiped her cheeks and turned to the side, when Armaan entered. From his face, it was evident that he heard every single word that had conspired between both sisters. They weren't exactly whispering, Riddhima thought to herself. From behind him, Atul entered with a slightly guilty look in his eyes, but his face portraying a calm sea undisturbed by any actions. Riddhima looked at Armaan, whose eyes were fixed on hers, and she could see, heck, feel the torment that he was going through. No he didn't deserve this! Neither did she. Feeling more tears seep down, she glanced at Atul with pleading eyes as he blinked back assuredly, and gave her a hopeful smile. Anjali however was fuming at Armaan's sight.

"What do you want Armaan?" she spat out and Armaan came out of his trance. He continued making his way towards his basket, ignoring Anjali completely, and Riddhima felt fresh tears ooze out, ripping down her cheeks.

"Armaan.." she managed to bring out of her throat, and he took her into a hug.

"Sshh..Riddhima, no matter what anyone says, no matter what I ever do or have done, I'll always love you. Remember that.." he managed to bring out, as he held her close to himself while she was sobbing her heart out.

"Armaan saying and doing are two different things. Your actions have not proved half of what you said at all!" Anjali reprimanded him, feeling slightly guilty after seeing her sister's tears. In all the hyperness, frustration and sheer irritation of Riddhima not seeing things from her point of view, she had forgotten or been blind to what she was putting her baby sister through, and only the entrance of Armaan now showed how deep a scar she had inflicted on the one family member she loved so dearly.

"Anjali, you want to say anything, curse anyone, shout at anyone, I'm the one that deserves that. Not Riddhima."

"I wasn't shouting at Riddhima.." Anjali began defending herself.

"I know. But don't put Riddhima through this talk ever again. Especially if this is what it does to her."

"Armaan, stop acting like you care ok!" Armaan shut his eyes. If things had been much lighter, he would have marked another similarity between the sisters. But this time, the situation was too deep. "I'm looking out for her. So that people like you stop hurting her over and over again!" Armaan felt another burst of tears wet his shirt and he had had enough of her crying. No more, he thought to himself.

"Anjali, you're just torturing your sister with every word."

"I'm what.." Anjali asked bewildered that he even had the courage to speak up in front of her like her, about Riddhima! "Look Armaan.."

"Anjy. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I promise to have as long a talk with you as you want. And if you still don't think Riddhima should meet me then.." he paused as he felt Riddhima grip him tighter, while her face was still buried in his neck. "Then we'll see what happens." He finished off lamely, not being able to keep away from her for her sake. He tightened his hold on her, and kissed her hair.

"Listen Riddhima.." he began pulling her away, holding her sobbing frame tenderly, as she shook her head. He then cupped her face and brought her closer, kissing her forehead. But she was showing no signs of listening, so he gave up. "Can I take her home?" he asked gently, looking at Anjali then Atul.

"Ridzy..I didn't mean to attack you like that." Anjali whispered as she moved forward. "It's just that..you know what, let's drop it for now. You're my younger sister, I care for you." She saw that Riddhima had calmed down in Armaan's arms, and was slightly thankful to him now. Their eyes met over Riddhima's head and Armaan gave her an assuring look that he'll look after her. Anjali finally swallowed her pride, her ego, as Riddhima put it, and had to admit, that Armaan was the only one who could look after her sister that well, because she had trusted him enough to do that. "Take her home. I've got work to get done. And don't forget the talk tomorrow." Anjali muttered, closing her eyes. Armaan slowly led Riddhima out of the room, his touch comforting her immensely.

"Atul, when did my baby sister grow up?" Anjali whispered as she watched Armaan and Riddhima leave, stunned at Riddhima's behavior. "I thought she'd always listen to me when it came to advice like this. I thought she'd always need me to protect her. Lekin, this time, she's given the place to someone else." Atul glanced at Anjali's defeated, somber face and rushed to her. "She doesn't need me anymore."

"She does need you. She needs you a lot. Probably a lot more than she did before. But this time, she needs you to support her. To be with her in every decision she takes even if it's not the right one in your opinion. Hence she was so broken a few minutes back" Atul consoled his wife, hugging her.

"How can I when he hurt her so much? She wouldn't even listen to my suggestion of Sid. Uski yeh zidd ek din.."

"Uski zidd nahin hai. Yeh uska pyaar hai Anjali. She won't let it be lost that easily. That's where her stubbornness comes in useful for her."

"But if Armaan hurts her again?" Anjali asked, voicing her biggest fear.

"If they were meant to be, then no amount of hurt will ever be able to separate them. And if she is hurt, hum hain na? That's when she'll need us the most. Riddhima isn't weak. She's stronger than what we see her as. And it's Armaan who unknowingly has made her this strong." Atul shut up then and he had a feeling that Armaan will never ever hurt her again. However, by mentioning it, he didn't want to 'curse' it, as people put it, because believe it or not, sometimes, events occurred that rendered people helpless, making them take decisions they shouldn't.

"And now stop making me talk in so much depth. It's not good for my plants." Atul said in a louder, cheery yet reprimanding voice. "Do you know if you communicate with your plants every day, they can end up feeling your mood? They'll be sad if they feel my serious mood." Anjali looked at him skeptically then put on a hard glare. "I'm not joking..it's written.."

"Shut up Atul!"

"Mission accomplished," Atul mutteres to himself, as the old Anjali was back in action.

"Shush Basket." Armaan whispered while they were heading to the basement, not being able to hear her sobs.

"No Armaan.." he stopped before he got to the car, and turned her around so she could look into his eyes.

"Basket, I'll talk to Anjy. About us, and explain everything to her. Just calm down.."

"Armaan I can't." she replied desperately. "How can I calm down? Armaan, I don't want to go through what I went before. Please Armaan." Tears were getting the better of her again as she dove into his eyes. She could read the hurt etched into those blues, and felt it stab her right in the center of her being. No way, she had to stop that hurt in him. And predictably, it had surfaced when he heard Anjy's words. She leaned up suddenly and placed her lips on his, trying to melt all her and his pain away into the atmosphere. But he didn't respond. This was a sure sign of trouble.

"Armaan.." she mumbled needingly against his lips, and that was when he suddenly pulled her into himself so hard, she gasped in surprise. Pressing his lips hard against hers, he continued what she had left mid way. Such ardour! - Riddhima wondered as she tried to respond with equal zest. But there was more. She only belonged to him. No one could change that. Not her sister, not their friends. Nothing would ever affect them again! She wouldn't let it! Startled, she split apart when she felt a tear ' his ' drop on her hands that had clutched his shirt.

"Armaan, I can't let you go again. I can't let you let me go either. Please don't make me go through everything again. I won't be able to survive."

"You think I want to go through all that again? No Riddhima. But Anjy is right in her place.." And they were back to square one with his insecurities. Why didn't he understand? Why didn't it get through his thick skull? Amongst her blurry vision, she felt her temper rise.

"Armaan I don't care who's right! I don't care if I'm wrong!" Riddhima felt herself become hysterical. She honestly didn't care who was the good person or the bad. She didn't care whether right now every step with Armaan she was taking was the worst decision any living being could make. It felt right! And anything with Armaan felt right! "I don't care who is wrong. No one knows what it was like! Not Anjy, not Sid, not even you!" Her voice turned accusatory. "It was so difficult, waking up, acting like everything was normal in front of people.."

"I know, Riddhima. Main jaanta hoon." And he did, after all he had read her diary.

"Then how can you just say Di is right in her place?" Riddhima retorted back.

"Because Anjy was saying the truth. I was the one completely at fault."

"So what?!" Riddhima nearly screamed. Why didn't people get it? She was the one that had been 'wronged' ' in their words - right? Then if she didn't have a problem with it then why the hell did they? If she was willing to trust Armaan again, then why was he so bent on making himself the bad guy? "I told you I don't care.."

"But I do Riddhima.." She narrowed her eyes and looked at him squarely not registering the next words that shot out of her mouth.

"Care? Yeah right you care. Enough to consider leaving me alone to fend for myself against all those memories all over again?"

"I wasn't going to.." but she continued.

"After all, you had a gala time in Australia, new place, new people, you didn't have memories to look at every single minute of every single day.."

"You think it was easy? Riddhima you think going away, leaving everything behind, leaving everyone behind, leaving you was easy?" Armaan interrupted her with so much force in his voice she shut up. He wasn't shouting, but she could see her words had caused a huge scar that was about to spill out his inner secrets. She was stunned when she digested each word she had spat out in fury. No, how could she have said all that? But before she could contemplate and rectify her mistake, he continued. " you think the decision I made was something made in an instant? I thought through everything Riddhima! Every single thing. I knew how hard it would be to go away from everything that made me who I am. To go away from you. To leave you. Every single step I took away from this place was taken after ages and ages of thought. You think my actions didn't hurt me? You think the moment I realized what I'd said at the club I didn't want to take it back? You think seeing you break down as you walked out gave me pleasure? Seeing you in the rain, lost with life, all because of me? I felt elated? Do you know what I went through when you didn't turn up at the hospital the next day? Hell, Riddhima hell! After knowing you had a fever, all because of me? That guilt that ate me up from inside every single day after I made that baseless accusation, after I hurt you, honestly answer me. Do I really deserve you? YOu loved me endlessly, supported me and I? Do I Basket?" He ended in a small voice, his question desperate, begging. Riddhima calmed down after his out burst. She replied in an even, understanding tone that forced Armaan to look at her again.

"You were the one who left everything for me then. You risked Keerti knowing..you knew you could have been suspended. Still you came to look after me. You were the one there for me when Sapna left. No one else noticed how I really felt. You were the one who stood up against your best friend despite not knowing what happened. Armaan you were in full senses then. The other night in the club you weren't. Right now you could have left after hearing Anji's words, but instead you came there and stood up against what you believed and thought, against Anji just for me. You were there for me when Sara.." she still couldn't admit it. "Armaan can you blame me for being myself when you're around? You're the one who understands me. Who knows what I need. That's why I love you!"

"I don't understand you. Else I wouldn't have, ever, ever broken this relationship off in the first place."

"Armaan that's not the point here. I just needed time to gather things, to gather myself. To get over the hurt.."

"Exactly I hurt you. And I hurt you more by going away.."

"Armaan you went because I told you to leave. I was so angry that I didn't even think of what the consequences would be." She took a step closer to him trying to make him see things her way. "I was just so blinded by what you had done, that I couldn't see how much you leaving would kill me. And you left. Just like that. Without a word. Armaan I had heard that you were planning to stay there for good and complete your internship there. Do you know how much I prayed, wished, hoped for you to come back? Just that once so I could tell you to never leave me again. So I could explain that yes, I was wrong in asking you go away. Because we needed time with each other to sort everything out. Armaan I wanted to tell you not to leave me alone, but I couldn't. I couldn't bring myself to say it because it still hurt at that time. But being away from you physically is like a million times worse. Not knowing how you were, how you were keeping, whether you were fine or moving on with life. And look at how thin you've grown!" she added indignantly. "while I was here, stuck at the same place, waiting for one phone call from you. Just the one." She ended in a whisper, and leant against the car, closing her eyes and going back to those haunted memories. She didn't want to go back to those times. She didn't want anyone to say anything that will make Armaan doubt himself and so turn away from her, 'for her own good' as he put it.

Armaan this time took her hands and brought them to his lips. She watched him caress them and felt a pleasant sensation go through her as finally she spilled out everything that she had wanted to tell him for ages.

"I wanted to call you. Every single day while I was there. Run back and beg you to take me back if you will.." Armaan started in a hoarse whisper. "The moment I stepped onto the plane, I knew that I had to do this. Leave behind a life that I had destroyed myself. I didn't want to leave. But then whenever you saw me, you seemed so broken, I knew my presence did that to you. You said you'll be able to forget everything if I went, that day on terrace."

"I didn't mean any of it." She replied quietly. "Not a single word. Call it my ego, my pride, but there was no way I was going to admit that I would miss you. I realized you going would change things. But not to this extent. Not to the extent that I would wish to have even a glimpse of you anyday, ban myself from going to those areas, our areas, just because I would miss you so much. It made me realize I was ready to forget everything, just so I could be with you, like it used to be. But then I wondered how you'd be in Australia. Probably moving ahead.."

"I wasn't. Not at all. Riddhima it was so difficult there. Life was fast paced, yes, high demands, even higher expectations. When I landed there, I realized all those dreams I had woven about you, about us, had come crashing down. No one knew me there. No one was around to make sure I was fine. Yes I made friends, but how were they to know what I had been through? Every living moment was like a horrible nightmare. Life just wasn't what it was here. At least had I been here, I would have seen you. Seeing you starts my day Basket." His eyes fixed into hers and she could see that this directly came from his heart. "Even a glance, just so I know how you're doing makes me satisfied to continue with day's work. Then how could I function in Melbourne without you? Every single day, it was the same routine. It was so difficult to get out and smile at people. To work like nothing was wrong when I wanted to cry for you so much. I couldn't sleep! And work was the only thing that helped me keep going. Every time I thought of calling you, I cut the phone before it even connected. Because I could picture you, being happy, being the person you were before I came to Sanjeevani, the person I had unknowingly.. killed."

"Armaan.." she gasped, framing his face in her hands.

"One smile from you Basket and that makes my day. To know I was the reason you stopped smiling. To know I was the reason of all that pain I put you through. No Riddhima, I don't deserve.."

"Armaan you put me through pain. Fine I admit it. But if you leave me alone now because of what others say, it will kill me more. Armaan, since the time I have been small, I've always done things to please people. Papa, Mumma, Di, yahaan tak dadi bhi! Armaan, Papa never told me no for anything in life. When I wanted to go to parties with my friends, he never liked it, but he never said a straightforward no. I automatically stopped. Because I knew he didn't like it. I went with Mumma here and there because she needed someone to accompany her, and Anjy was in Australia. I never liked doing all that but I did it. Kyunki Mumma khush hoti thi. Armaan when I started liking you the first time, I always wondered whether what we had would be able to survive through college, and into the future." She smiled slightly. " I didn't need to worry about that." Seeing guilt reflect in his eyes, she quickly continued "Now I look back, I'm grateful for whatever happened. Because what you did at that time made strong. It made me believe in myself more. It made me sure of my decisions. And when we were together a few months back, I always wondered what Papa would say, would do if he found out. Initially, despite my feelings, I tried to stay away from you because I was scared if I let things go further and Papa found out, it will kill me. But he loved you. You made your way into so many people's hearts and I was the stubborn one who refused to listen to my own heart. Armaan, remember the Sanjeevani party? It was then I realized, that it didn't matter what anyone said. I did really love you, and somehow, someway, things would sort themselves out. I'd always wished for someone to love me like Atul loved Di. And you," she smiled as she recalled those memories while they had been together. "You were perfect. You were my choice. And for once I didn't regret doing anything behind Papa's back, because I knew there would be a time where he came to know. And I know, that he will approve. Armaan, I love you! And no matter what you've done, what you've said, nothing's going to change it. And I will fight for you with anyone. Just don't let me fight alone else I won't be able to do it. Please don't." She ended in a whisper, pulling herself closer to him. She felt his arms come up and tighten around her frame.

"I love you too basket. I love you a lot." He whispered into her ear. "You're the only one I didn't mind telling Mum about. Because I knew that if I would ever lose you, it would be impossible to find someone else. And while I was away, you were on my mind every single day." He pulled out and framed her face with his hands. "Riddhima, living a life away from everyone, I found out, was bearable. But living away from you. Thinking of you every single day. And every time I wanted to call, I thought you'd be busy, you'd be smiling and as soon as my call came, your smile would vanish. And if I called what could I tell you?" he sighed as he put his forehead on hers. "That I was missing you? That I still loved you so much? That life without you was like eternity of torture? That I felt like I was suffocating every living moment while I was there? On valentines day, I called. I couldn't help it Riddhima. It hurt so much seeing couples around. For the first time I had wanted to do something meaningful for a girl on valentines day. Something you'd always remember. I didn't even get the chance to do that. After all the pain I had put you through.." he trailed off. "I had to see you after talking to you. Just to see if you were doing fine. And that's when I saw you with Sid. But I could read your eyes. You still loved me. And I thought Sid maybe better for you. But you two never saw eah other as anything more than friends. Kitna pyaar karti ho mujhse, Basket? I'm not worth it." He finished, shutting his eyes.

"People thought Sid was reason I was more like myself after the Lonavla trip. Yes, the talk with him, maybe to some extent he was the reason. A very small extent. But, it was after you called, that I realized you still loved me. Then why I didn't say it as soon as you came back I don't know. It was hope, probbly, that you still loved me. And missed me. Because there couldn't, can't be any one besides you."

"I promise, Basket. I'm always going to be there for you while I live. Always. I know that Anjy said saying and doing are two different things but Riddhima, I'll never let you fight anything alone. Even if I think you're wrong. Even if it's not right. I don't care. I was so scared to lose you again, incase I hurt you once more. I was so scared of going back to those days without you. Basket, I love you." He ended simply with a kiss on her forehead, and she savoured the feel of his lingering lips.

"I love you too Armaan. A lot" she replied back and felt him crush her in his arms the next moment. He'd just spilt out his heart to her. He had told her everything on his mind, and she had told him everything on hers. It was like letting go a very huge weight, burden, and now she felt like a million times lighter. He was with her! He would fight with her! Turning her head to hide it in his neck, she shut her eyes to prevent tears from falling out. She loved him so much!

Armaan felt her put her arms around him. He was in awe of how much more free he felt than he had in the past ages. He had been scared to lose her, but wasn't anymore. The only person he'd ever been able to spill his heart out to was his Mum, and sometimes his Dad. Heck why was he surprised. This was Riddhima. His basket. The one he'd promised to shield, to protect from any harm. He couldn't bear to see her the way she was in Anjy's office. There was no way he could let her fight alone. He was going to talk to Anjy. Make her see that he loved her sister to no ends. Caressing her hair, he gave a sigh. No matter what, he'd always protect Riddhima. From everyone. He loved her. And he would do anything to prove it.

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

Hope you all (Shru and Aanya esp..) liked it..!! Please do leave your thoughts..!!! And if you liked it..don't forget to press the like tab..!!

Chapter 7 - With you

Riddhima's eyes opened as the sun seeped through the window, directly onto her face. She closed them again, and turned to the side where she felt something soft and silky tickle her cheeks. Opening her eyes again, she realized she wasn't in her bed! Wait then where the hell..? The events of the previous night came flooding back to her, and sure enough, she was on the sofa. She got up to see Armaan on the floor, his head close to where hers had been. Weren't they both sitting on the sofa together? A slow smile crept up on her face as she thought of what he had done. Her heart yelled at her to get close to him. Very hesitantly, she stretched and let her fingers sift through his beautiful hair that had tickled her moments ago. He shuffled slightly due to the hardness of the ground and immediately, she withdrew her hand. But he did not wake up. Getting up, she checked Sara's pulse rate and in the 3 hours she had slept for, it remained the same. Her family was still sleeping around her. Carefully, she left the room and went to freshen up. She was grateful for the extra pair of clothes she had left in the changing room for emergencies. Soon, she stepped inside the ICU in a red chooridar to see everyone still sleeping.

Sara looked so frail, as though the slightest touch would break her apart. There was nothing much Riddhima could do now so she just stood there, next to Rahul, and continued gazing at Sara. The machine was still beeping, but because of the hustle and bustle outside, the sound seemed drowned. Sara moved her head to the right, and coughed slightly in her sleep. She had been such a wonderful friend. The teenagers Riddhima knew right now were all stroppy and big headed. Obviously, being a teenager herself once upon a time, she knew exactly what it felt like when 'no one understood' you. But she had always put her parents first before everything. And Sara just surpassed everything. She had managed to be her growing brother's best friend, her dad's ideal daughter, and her mother's first confidante. If she was loved and needed so much, why was He taking her away from them? Despite everything, Sara still had the perfect attitude around her. She smiled at every obstacle, laughed when she fell, and picked herself up to continue living. Yet here she was, so helpless. Riddhima's heart went out to her, seeing her in this condition. Suddenly, she felt a figure stand beside her and when she looked, sure enough, it was Armaan.
"Kab uthe?" she asked in a whisper so as to not disturb the others.
"Bas abhi.." he replied. He was so close to her and she had this sudden urge to hug him. But..what would he think? That she was taking her chances? Her green eyes met his, and they had the same assurance they did a few hours ago. He would always be with her.
"I'll be back." He whispered and left from there. The awkwardness, but the familiarity between them was so..weird, she thought to herself. They had never been like that. They either had zero awkwardness between them, or had all of it together since he came back. Now, it was like 50-50 and she was not familiar with it at all. But this was not the time to worry about that. Her attention went back to Sara, then at the clock. It was around 7:30, and the sun was already out.

"Riddhima, you must be hungry, let's go to the canteen." Armaan whispered as soon as he came back. She shook her head. She did not want to leave Sara's side.
"Riddhima, zidd matt karo. You need something inside you."
"I'm fine Armaan. Anyways, Sara needs a doctor with her, incase anything happens." Armaan sighed. Riddhima wouldn't budge! He smiled lightly.. of course, his basket was way too stubborn! Fine. He stepped out to go to the canteen himself, thinking of bringing some food back with him, when he nearly bumped into Dr Shashank.
"Careful, Dr Armaan." Shashank told him.
"Sorry sir. Uhhh..Good morning Sir." Armaan greeted him.
"Good morning. Riddhima andar hai kya?"
Armaan nodded in reply.
"Good, kyunki Padma ne uske liye naashta bheja hai. So if you excuse me."
"Uhhmm..sir, I could take it.. for her I mean." Armaan intervened and Shashank frowned slightly, making Armaan gulp in fear. Those brows should never crease! Armaan thought to himself. They looked fatal!
"Can't I meet my daughter, Doctor Armaan?"
"Of course you can..I'm sorry..sir..I just thought..you know to save you..trouble.."
"It's not trouble Dr Armaan. Now please excuse me." Shashank said in a stern voice and Armaan immediately stepped aside. This man may eventually kill him one day! Either through a heart attack, or those deadly eyes of his! Instead of going to the canteen, Armaan went back and stood at the door watching Riddhima hugging her dad. Shashank stroked his daughter's hair, whispering encouraging words to her. He smiled at the scene in front of him. Riddhima was loved by everyone so much. Then why was he so special to her?

Shashank left and Armaan came up to Riddhima.
"You're back already?" she asked surprised.
"I never went.."
"Doctor, abh kaisi hai Sara?" Rahul asked interrupting them. They hadn't realized when he had woken up.
"Voh..uhmm.." Riddhima found it hard to reply.
"Heyy Buddy, you want some breakfast?" Armaan asked suddenly.
"Don't try to change the topic. Just tell me, Sara kaisi hai."
"Rahul..she's uhmmm.. voh.."
"She's not improved has she?" Rahul asked, tears threatening their entrance. At the sound of voices, his parents woke up as well, questioning Riddhima and Armaan about Sara.
"I'm really sorry.." Riddhima replied, feeling her heart drop down by a mile. It's the best we can do.
"Heyy, aap sab kyun meri best friend ko rula rahe ho?" a weak voice whispered, and everyone's head snapped to look at Sara.
"Sara, how are you feeling? Tumhe kuch chahiye?..." They all said at once, while Riddhima remained silent and looked at the machine. She looked up at Armaan as she felt a lump fill her throat and he shook his head, indicating her to be strong.
"Time kya hai?" Sara asked, weakly. The tubes and needles on her body were making her feel worse by the moment.
"It's 8 o'clock. Time for your breakfast!" Armaan replied, in a cheerful way, and called a nurse to send in some food. Soon, the nurse came in and Armaan asked her to inform Dr Keerti about their whereabouts.
"Sara beta, yeh lo. Phir jald se jald theek hona hai.." her mother fussed, wiping her tears.
"Mummy, jhoot kyun bolti ho? Waise aapne khaya?"
"Who hum baad mein kha lenge.."
"Aap sab nahin khaoge toh mera mann kaise karega khaane ko?"
"Aunty, Sara is right. Kya main aap logon ke liye kuch bhi canteen se lasakta hoon? Varna usne zidd bhi Riddhima se seekhi hai." Armaan tried lightening the atmosphere, and managed to bring a smile on Sara's face, which then lightened the hearts of the others around.
"Waise canteen ka khaana ganda hota hai. So, aap yeh aloo ke parathe kha leejiye." Riddhima smiled and offered her own breakfast to them. The family was touched by the concern shown and gladly accepted the proper food Riddhima provided them with. Sara also smiled and took a few spoons of the nutritional soup sent for her. But immediately, she coughed and vomited it all out in a basin next to her. Seeing her like this brought more tears to everyone's eyes and Riddhima immediately turned to hide herself in Armaan's chest again.

Sara looked around sadly at everyone's forlorn face.
"Dr Armaan, aapne voh kaam kiya?" she asked while Armaan nodded. Her eyes shone suddenly. "Rahul, mere bedside drawer main ek envelope hai. Yeh tum kal, ya Dr Armaan ke kehne par khol lena please."
"Kal kyun? Abh kyun nahin." Rahul asked in a teary voice.
"Aaj toh badi behen ka kehna maan sawal pooche baigar." Rahul nodded, and held her fragile hand, squeezing it. He looked up at Armaan, who was still hugging Riddhima, with questioning eyes. Armaan assured him to do exactly what he had agreed to.
"Envelope ke saath tumhaara birthday gift bhi hai." The talking was taking up a lot of Sara's energy, and Armaan reprimanded her.
"Abh bohot boldiya. Baaki main usse kehdunga. Humesha chappar chappar karti rehti ho. Issilye toh Riddhima ro rahi hai!" he joked and Sara smiled. Riddhima hugged Armaan tighter. She wouldn't mind listening to Sara's blabber for the rest of her life, as long as Sara lived! Rahul went over to where his parents were, hugged them both. Everyone was on the verge of breaking down.
"Sara, how are you feeling?" Dr Shubankar smiled as he entered the room.
"I could do a million exercises. If these tubes and needles didn't make me feel so useless." She answered.
"Enough Sara, Abh se bolna band karo. Taking up unnecessary energy!" Riddhima scolded her as she came out of Armaan embrace.
"Sorry.." Sara smiled. Everyone just watched her and within moments, her eyes closed and the sound of her steady breathing was heard. The machine continued beeping.
"Riddhima tum kuch khaogi?"
"No Armaan I'm fine."
"Dekho, Dr Shubankar is here, you don't need to worry. Have something to eat!"
"No Armaan..seriously.." she tried to protest but Armaan dragged her out anyway.

"Kha le!" He put a sandwich in front of her. "It'll only take 10 minutes."
She looked across at him, as he bit into his own sandwich. He was so caring! He was so adorable! He was so amazing! And there was a time he was all hers. But now..now she had to share him. As a friend. The mere thought just wiped the smile straight off her face. She started stuffing the food down her throat for the sake of eating. Her appetite had not been with her for ages.

"Hii Ridzy!! Ooopss..sorry," Muskaan finished in a whisper as Ridzy pointed to Sara lying on the bed. "Aaj meri aur Rahul ki court marriage hai."
"Congrats," Riddhima whispered.
"Will you be able to make it?" Rahul whispered. Riddhima shook her head sadly. Sara right now needed her. And she was not going anywhere leaving her alone. The rest of the gang came to see Sara as well while she was sleeping, taking time off their duties. However, no one was as frequent a visitor as Armaan. Riddhima had specially requested to take a day off and just look after Sara.

During lunch break, Armaan came to see Riddhima sitting beside Sara, and talking animatedly with her parents. He entered the room and sat beside her.
"Oh, so you finally came. Main inn sab ke chappar chappar se thak gayyi thi." Sara suddenly whispered, amazing them.
"Issiliye toh main bhaag gayya duty karne ke liye!"
"Armaan!" Riddhima reprimanded him.
"Aap sab ne lunch kiya?" Armaan asked her family, who looked down.
"Voh beta, koi bhi ghar nahin gaya. Hume Sara ke saath baithna hai.." Her father tried to explain, as his brows creased.

For a man who had only a few white hair on his head, his daughter's condition seemed to have aged him more. Their family was in the working class group, and Armaan could tell that Sara's mother also worked to increase their family's income. Her Sari suggested a well dressed and presented lady showing simplicity and a dedicated attitude to everything that mattered. Despite that, both looked shattered and drained from the events occurring in their lives. Rahul, on the other hand, rarely talked. According to Sara, he was a complete prankster failing in all his subjects except when it came to flirting. But now, he looked as though the will in him to live freely was gone.
"No problem, main abhi aap keliye khaana ghar se lata hoon."

He left as they all smiled at him. He was such a sweetheart, Riddhima thought to herself. Just not her sweetheart anymore. Sara seemed weaker than ever now. She was under constant drips to get some sugar into her blood stream, as her body refused anything that entered through her mouth. Riddhima saw how Sara was desperate to get out of this situation. Her regular hoarse coughing and teary eyes made Riddhima lose more hope by the minute as the fact stared at her in the face. Sara's condition was not improving. And maybe Sara had been right.

Flashback (2 months back)

"Ridzy, what would you do if you really like a person lekin you can't be with them?" Sara asked tactfully and Riddhima smiled.
"If you're referring to my love story then.. nothing."
"Nahin yaar. Waise, I'm sure Dr Armaan abhi bhi aapko bohot pasand kartein hai."
"Sara, main yahaan meri personal life ki baat karne nahin aayi hoon. Waise bhi, it's already dead." Riddhima reprimanded her.
"Har baat mein kuch toh personal hota hai. Anyways, jab main school mein thi, a few months back, I had a best friend."
Riddhima remained silent and let her continue.
"Before we shifted to Mumbai for my treatment, we were in Pune. I had a best friend there. Many people told me, that a girl and guy can't be best friends."
"What rubbish, of course they can!" Riddhima replied, thinking of Rohit.
"That's what I said. But it turned out that after a while, he liked me." Riddhima smiled, but refrained herself from teasing Sara. After all, she had been through something similar.
"So, when I found out, main bohot gussa huwi. Because only my family knew about my condition. So I told him outright that I didn't like him and never would. And at this age, all guys are jerks anyway. I did the right thing, right?" Sara looked up for advice. Riddhima sighed, remembering her time with Armaan in college.
"Haan, most guys are. But that doesn't mean all of them are. When I was your age, slightly older, mera dost tha, Rohit. He also liked me, lekin main usse uss tareeke se kabhi dekh nahin paayi. I was told to give him a chance, and my feelings would develop into love. Lekin if there were no feelings, no spark in the first place, how would they develop?" Sara nodded. "That was my belief. Did you have anything for your friend?"
"Shayad. I don't know. Maybe I did, but it all seemed pointless anyway. If anything did develop, he would be the one hurt at the end." Sara replied thoughtfully.
"And why is that?" The next answer that came from Sara was to the point, blunt and left Riddhima in temporary shock that Sara already knew so much.
"Because I'm going to die anyway right?"

Flashback ends

She came out of her thoughts as she heard the clattering of spoons and dishes. Armaan was back. Wow, Already? Well it had been half an hour since he left, and since then she had been lost in her thoughts.
"Riddhima, and this is for you." He placed a plate of homemade, toasted sandwich before her that he made himself, with a galaxy next to it. She took one look at it and was touched by the amount of care that was in his eyes. However, she shook her head, saying she wasn't hungry. He could see dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep already and how tired she was but forcing herself to stay awake.
"Have a bit." He pursued.
"No Armaan, I'm fine."
"Riddhima.."
"Seriously Armaan!" He squatted down next to her and took hold of her hands, caressing them, after placing the plate aside.
"Not eating won't benefit anyone. Please, have something." His blue eyes found their way into her green ones. "For me?" He whispered. She could see the anxiety in his eyes for her and found herself nodding silently and giving in to his pleas. He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her cheeks once as she closed her eyes at that touch. He gave her her plate then proceeded towards his own.
"So finally, kisiko akal aagayyi?" Sara asked in a whisper. Riddhima looked at her confused. "Dr Armaan ki baat kar rahi hoon."
"Achcha madam. Pehle tu jaldi se theek hoja, phir tujhe dekhta hoon." Armaan replied.
"Anyways, I'm happy for you both." Sara smiled and Riddhima wondered what Sara was talking about. Anyways, now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

They all finished their lunch, and Riddhima continued checking Sara's pulse. It was there, but very weak. The machine was still beeping, indicating it was doing its job. But for how long? Riddhima wondered. She went to wash her face in the bathroom attached.
"Have you said it?" Sara asked Armaan, who shook his head.
"Do it soon."
"Hey, Rahul. Tu kyun itna chup hai?"
"Tum bohot bol rahi ho na, issliye." Rahul replied, a tear falling down, as Sara smiled. She looked at Armaan again. Riddhima came out to hear her telling Armaan,
"I always had faith in you two."
She stood beside Armaan watching Sara, who finally closed her eyes. The intervals of the beeping on the machine grew longer, and Riddhima's heart beat quickened in panic as she looked at Sara's shut eyes and monitored her breathing visually. Armaan checked the machine, as he ordered Sara's family to go out. They obeyed, taking a final look at their daughter. He quickly paged Dr Shubankar, who arrived immediately to see Riddhima and Armaan trying cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to get her heart beating again. Riddhima's own heart was beating at an alarming rate as she looked at Sara's pale face. No, this couldn't be. They had to keep trying! It seemed of no use however, as the machine finally became silent. Shubhankar opened Sara's eyes, and checked for her pulse through the wrist. Riddhima checked her breathing. Nothing. She held the stethoscope to Sara's chest and listened intently. Nothing.
"Sara.." Riddhima whispered her voice breaking, as she tried pumping her heart again. "Armaan help me!" But instead, Armaan silently priced her hands away from Sara and held them in his own. "Armaan, Sara can't..She can't.." Riddhima moved back to Sara's bed to try again, however, Armaan took her in his arms from her back. She refused to believe her own sight. No way. This could not be! There had to be some way out! Anything! And she would keep trying till Sara's heart started beating again.
"We can't give up Armaan! Just one last try.." She nearly screamed at him, still struggling to get out of his hold. Her eyes flew to Shubhankar standing there solemnly and switching off the machine, detaching her from the tubes etc.

"Dr Shubhankar, not so soon, we need to give it another try..please!!"
"Riddhima there's nothing we can do."
"We haven't tried enough! Armaan let me go!" But Armaan turned her around and his grip tightened on her, as one hand was round her waist and the other on her back, pulling her closer to himself. Shubhankar spoke next in a calm and soothing tone.
"Dr Riddhima. Please control yourself. She's no more."

The last sentence rung in her head as she gave up struggling. "She's no more." She looked up at Armaan for the confirmation, and his shining, tear filled eyes made her heart sink down lower, as she realized the truth. He shook his head and she closed her eyes, hiding her face in his neck as she let the dams break. He just pulled her tighter into himself while he felt one tear slide down his own cheek.

Shubhankar looked on at them without saying a word. This was definitely love. But he was in no position to tell anyone anything. How could he? Riddhima needed support right now, and Armaan was here for her. And so what if they loved each other? He loved Keerti didn't he? But did Dr Shashank know? Heck, they were adults. They knew what they were doing. He would not interfere in anything. He looked once more at Sara's lifeless body and, out of instinct, pulled up the cover himself up to her chin. Slowly, he made his way out, to say those dreaded words which he had said so many times in his career, but not gotten used to. Heck that was the worst part about being a Doctor.

Riddhima clutched the back of Armaan's shirt. She refused to open her eyes. Once again, he felt her shudder in his hold, and more tears slide down his neck. He put his hand in her hair, trying to calm her down. The lump in her throat refused to leave, and the flow of water from her eyes refused to subside. They had lost her. The most precious person Riddhima had ever met and gotten to know was lost. Why? She just tightened her grip on Armaan as though he was her solace. Her refuge from all the bad things in the world. He was her sanctuary, where she could cry her soul out, and no one or nothing would be able to touch her. And indeed, with his arms around her, it was nothing short of that. Armaan had not even in his wildest dreams thought that Riddhima and Sara would get this close. And losing someone like that would definitely break her, tear her apart. But she needed someone to keep herself together, then if that was his job, he didn't mind. He would be there forever. Just for her.

Anjali had been supervising Armaan for duty, and he was now half an hour late! What the hell. He had gone to check up on Sara hadn't he? She came to the ICU just in time to hear Shubhankar giving the bad news to Sara's family, outside. This was Riddhima's first case where a patient had not pulled through! Anjali remembered the feeling of that well, and being a tough person, she had handled it. But knowing Riddhima, she might not be able to bear the pain! Especially considering how close Sara was to her! She fled inside the room only to stop at the door to see her baby sister being cared for very carefully, by none other than Armaan! She looked to the side, where Sara's family had just entered the room, and were falling apart at their loss. Despite the situation, Anjali felt her heart lift very slightly. She did not need to worry about Riddhima any more. Someone else was here to take care of her.

Riddhima saw Sara's family sobbing over her body, and her grief heightened as she held on to Armaan. Seeing her break down like this in front of him ripped his heart into tiny pieces. He couldn't see her like that anymore! Gently, he tried pulling her apart so he could talk to her, but she wouldn't let go. So instead he just held her to himself again, shielding her from everything, trying to absorb all her pain into himself.

"Beti, tum bohot ladti thi Rahul ke saath. Aaj kya huwa?" They heard Sara's dad sobbing. This brought Riddhima into the real world. She looked up at Armaan tears pouring out of her eyes. He framed her face as he pulled it close to his own.
"Riddhima, himmat rakho.." she shook her head. "Riddhima you have to face it. It's reality. Yes it's cruel. But you can do this right? Apne aap ko sambhal sakti ho na? They need you. You were her doctor." She looked into his eyes and nodded as he nodded with her.

Armaan wiped away the rare tears that came out of his eyes as he let Riddhima go to Sara's parents.
"Rahul, please come outside with me." Reluctantly, Rahul followed him, staring constantly at his sister's closed eyes. She looked like she was sleeping peacefully. He was so sure that if he threw water on her, like he used to, she would wake up at scream at him! But his mind had registered the fact that this was impossible. So the only water that was present was in the form of tears dripping from his eyes.
"Look Buddy, I probably have no idea what you're going through. But sometimes in life, things happen that are beyond our control."
"If this is the 'be strong', 'be brave' lecture then I suggest you cut it.." Rahul replied rudely.
"Wrong on both accounts. I just told you I have no idea what you're going through. Then how can I advise you how to react? Plus it's not a lecture. I wanted to tell you there's a letter for you in the envelope Sara left behind. Do you want me to bring it?"
"Nahin main jaata hoon."

Pretty soon he came back with a wrapped box, no doubt his best chocolates, and was opening the envelope, wondering why it feeling heavier than paper. Emptying the contents, he found a piece of paper inside it, and a locket. It brought tears to his eyes again.
"I'd much rather have her than this locket.." he whispered as Armaan looked on, wondering why a 12 year old had to face all this. Rahul caressed the Happy Birthday written on the envelope, opened up the letter and read silently.

Rahul,
Oyyy..itna rona band kar! Sehat ke liye accha nahin hota. I should know..!! ;) Heyy, you know when we were young, I always wondered why Mummy and Daddy would prefer you over me. Even though you were the naughty one. You were the one who didn't bring good grades. You were the one who was always in trouble! But they always favoured you. Hmph! I used to wish to be more like you. But either way, I was who I was. And now I look back, I guess it's much better that you were their favourite one. And no regrets at all.

In fact, this is slightly more important. And no I'm not going to talk about concentration in studies and all. Because that is very materialistic and very clich. You'll work when you want to. This is about our family. I know that chances of my survival are minimal. Hence I just want to say one thing. You're responsible enough now. Please look after Mum, Dad and yourself. Don't make them miss me too much. Waise miss toh sab karenge, after all I am one of a kind!

I'm not sure of what else to say. Just that, you were always my baby brother and no matter how much I sometimes hated and fought with you, I've always loved you! I can't believe for once I'm speechless. Oh, by the way, further flirting will just result in a really bad bahu for Mum! So cut that down! I don't need to tell you but do remember my 'I told you so' when years later you get married to Shivani! Yes I know you hate her, but mark my words. Oh, and a French beard is really not THAT sexy as you think it is! So when you start shaving, don't you dare keep it! Plus, try and reduce the amount of gel you use daily, you'll find you have a lot more pocket money left over! As for that crap you've started eating called Manikchand, and forced me to keep a secret from Mummy and Daddy, if you don't stop, I think I'll be expecting to see you up there soon, aur abhi abhi tujhse chutkara milega, please don't bother me so soon! ;)

Plus, I know you probably forgot, I did too, but remember when we used to be home alone, and watch movies on end, then imitate the characters? Those days were probably the best days of my life. But don't make them yours, because you have your whole life to live. Oh, and you used to pester me to make you popcorn, aur agar main manna karti thi toh do din tak mujhse baat nahin karte they! Writing all that down brings tears to my eyes, but I know one thing, we'll both treasure these memories till our last breath, even though we may seemed to have forgotten them.

Itna chirti thi tumhaari constant teasing se, but in the hospital, I realized how much I missed it. Don't forget to look after Mum and Dad. I trust you.

Love you always xxx,
Sara

P.S. The locket is for you since you loved it. And I have a feeling you'll treasure it more than I did!

Rahul gripped the letter in his hand, wishing it never ended. The slight smiles when he neared the end off the letter were wiped off after the last sentence. He could continue reading it on and on! It almost felt as though his sister was beside him! Armaan saw him break down and his first step was to console him.

"Rahul.." he put his hand on his shoulder.
"Why did she leave us?" he whispered.
"Rahul look inside." And indeed, Rahul did. He could see how broken his family was on the death of his sister. "You have to look after them. Sara left you with that responsibility. Now either you run away from the truth or you accept it and help your parents get through it all." Rahul was listening intently to every word Armaan was saying. "And Sara would not want you to stop living life would she?" Rahul shook his head and suddenly hugged Armaan.
"Thank you for helping..so much."
"Heyy..maine aisa kuch nahin kiya..Sara was a special person. She will always be close to everyone."
He nodded.
"Your parents need you." Rahul left and went back inside the ICU after thanking Riddhima, who had been standing at the door the whole time, watching the interaction.

Armaan looked at the family from the window. They needed each other for support. He closed his eyes, thanking the Almighty that he had never been through any of this, and if he did, he would get the strength to get through it. Compared to others in this world, his life had been a bed of roses! He felt someone stand next to him and looked to see Riddhima.
"He's a strong person." Armaan said looking back at Rahul. Riddhima nodded.
"Thanks to you." She whispered back.
"I didn't do anything."
She shut her eyes, and wondered how Armaan found his way into everyone's heart. He was the epitome of perfection. Except when he took decisions impulsively, her mind argued back. But so what? Why even did she blame Sasha for trying to get him? She probably would have done the same. Wait, wasn't there a time she was in Sasha's position. She went back more than 5 years ago. Remembering how smitten she was by him, she shook her head and a small smile escaped from her lips. It also made her think of Rohit. She should really get on her facebook account and see what he was up to! When was the last time she had remembered Rohit? When Sara was talking about HER best friend. Did that guy know what happened to her? Did he even care after she rejected him? Did he know she was..no more? Accepting this reality brought more tears to her eyes. Armaan turned to look at her and his hand found hers. Slowly, he led her to the bench outside, and made her sit down as he also sat down beside her. She put her head on his shoulder and her tears subsided. Pretty soon, the presence of each other was comforting enough for both of them as none said a word.

The door opened bringing both out of their thoughts, as Sara's family came out led by Rahul. Riddhima sat up straight, and Rahul's father spoke to them.
"Aap dono ne humaare liye itna kuch kiya. Thank you. Yeh ehsaan hum kabhi nahin bhulenege"
"Ehsaan nahin hai, Uncle. Sara humaari bhi dost thi." Riddhima replied interrupting him.
"Thank you so much.." Rahul added his eyes showing tones of gratitude to Armaan especially. They left, But Sara's mother stayed behind. Her hair was messed up, and the loss of her only daughter had aged her by 20 years.
"Aap dono ka kaise shukriya karoon, mujhe nahin pata. Lekin main Khuda se duwa karungi ki aap dono ki jodi humesha salaamat rakhe." Riddhima turned to Armaan, as those words sunk inside her head. He looked back at her, but before they could correct her, she had left to catch up with her husband.

They had seen the support Armaan provided Riddhima with, and despite seeing no signs of marriage between them, it was likely they were together in some way or another. While Rahul didn't care and didn't bother asking, his parents thought they were probably engaged. But right now was not the time to clear misconceptions. The nurses came and wheeled Sara out, this time covering her whole body, including her face. Before Riddhima saw this, however, Armaan took her away. It was close to 5 and Armaan wondered how time had flown. Shit he hadn't even reported to duty again after lunch! If Keerti found out, he was in for some major trouble. Why didn't Anjali look for him and tell him?
"Armaan mujhe Papa ko milna hai."
"Accha..how are you going home?"
"Voh, I don't want to drive, so I'll give Papa the car keys, and I'll find my way home." Maybe she would walk, she thought to herself. It would clear her mind.
"When you finish wait at the entrance, main aata hoon."
"No Armaan..I'll be fine.."
"I told you! Wait at the entrance!" Armaan's tone had finality in it and Riddhima was too drained to argue back. She nodded obediently.

If he wasn't screwed, he could drop her home. But right now he had to meet Anjali. He saw her in hers and Atul's cabin.
"Hi Anjy. Sorry voh main duty pe.." but she interrupted him with,
"Ridzy kaisi hai?"
"I'm so sorry, voh Sara did not pull through.."
"Armaan mere sawal ka jawaab do." She asked cuttingly.
"She's fine now."
"Good." She suddenly smiled. "I thought she would need someone after I heard about Sara's..uhmmm..you know..after I heard that she couldn't make it.." Anjali faltered in her sentence. "So when I saw you there for her, I just covered up for you. Waise abh kahan hai?"
"Thank you. She wants to go home, and she's given the car keys to Dr Shashank."
"Phir voh ghar kaise jaayegi?" Anjali continued, her brows furrowing. "Armaan, please can you drop her. Kyunki Atul and I have some more work here."
"Lekin duty.."
"Oye, aadhi duty toh bunk kardi! Anyway, duty time is over isn't it? Please drop Riddhima home. And driving in this condition isn't good for her either. I'll go and see her tonight."
Armaan smiled back. He really didn't mind dropping her home. Anyways, it had become a habit he hadn't let go of. Dropping her home after work. He was about to go when Anjali spoke.
"Thanks Armaan. For being there for her and helping her.." but Armaan was sick of all this gratitude he was getting for no reason.
"Anjali, maine koi ehsaan nahin kiya kissi par. I did what I wanted to. I left all those patients in the general ward, who also needed me, just to be with Riddhima because I wanted to! Not because I'm doing an extra favour for someone or I was being kind. I was with her because she needed someone and I couldn't leave her alone at a time like this! I don't know if she needed me, but I didn't do it coz I'm expecting something in return. Seeing her like that just made me forget everything. I mean I love her and will always do!" After his small rant, he looked up at Anjali to see her smiling at him.
"Aagyi na akal track pe?"
Unknowingly, he blushed as he realized what he had just said.
"Voh.. I'm sorry..It's been a long day and.."
"I know. Go drop your 'basket' home!" Still smiling, Anjali got out of the cabin, leaving Armaan blushing to himself.

"Let's go//" Armaan said as he took out the car keys when he met Riddhima at the entrance of the hospital.
"Armaan, tumhe duty resume nahin karni?"
"Madam, It's 5. Duty time's over!"
She smiled to see this old spark back in Armaan. Silently, she went to the underground car park with Armaan right next to her.

"Armaan mujhe ghar nahin jaana." She whispered as they got into the car.
"Toh kahaan jaana hai?"
"I don't know kahin bhi."
He looked at his watch, nodded and drove on. He could ask Sid to cover the first half of his duty till 8 then he would take over for the rest of the night, leaving Sid to go home early. Poor guy, he deserved that. When Riddhima got out, she realized he had brought her to the park. Any place was better than home right now. She waited at the entrance for him while he talked on the phone inside the car. They then casually strolled on the footpath letting the breeze caress their faces and enjoying the serenity that surrounded them.
"Armaan.." he looked at her. "Her family will be alright na?" she asked him slightly hesitantly.
"Of course they will," he assured her. "They've got to move on."
Riddhima pictured Anjali in Sara's place. No way! She cut the image out of her mind. She didn't know if she could be as strong as Rahul had been.
"Shayad.." she muttered and sat on the swing they were close to.

Leaning against the rope, she thought back to the events. Sleep was taking over, but somehow, the thought of going home right now wasn't too appealing. In fact, she wanted to be with Armaan. That Armaan who was always there for her. Her impulsive, bhuddu Armaan whom she loved so much but couldn't claim. Why couldn't she? Did he really love her? She wondered. If he did, why hadn't he said it? She looked across at him, sitting on the grass. If she went over and sat next to him, would it seem too desperate? Her answer was affirmative. So she remained seated on the swing, closing her eyes.

Armaan took a glance at her as he sat down on the grass. He hated seeing her like this; so lost in herself all the time. He wished he could tell her how much he loved her! Just crush her in his arms! But the time had to be right and right now was not the time. True, they were alone however the events that occurred during the day just didn't fit in with his confession. His confession that he still loved her. Immensely! Just the thought brought a smile on his face. He took another glance at her and saw that she had closed her eyes and was resting her head on her hand that was gripping the rope. Getting up, he went closer to her. She looked so peaceful, so cute, so utterly divine! Gently, he blew her fringes that were hanging over her face.

At the touch of his breath on her face, she opened her eyes slowly. She hadn't actually slept off at all. Her greens met with his blues, and she felt like losing herself again. He was so close to her, she noticed! She could lean in very slightly and her lips would be on his! That touch she had craved for since ages! Predictably, she felt his hand slide around her waist pulling her to a standing position. Still staring into his eyes, she felt his hand touch her chin then caress her cheeks. Though his face was inches away from hers, she could see him coming closer and felt herself freeze. Armaan had lost complete control over himself. All he could feel was his heart burning to get closer to her. It was demanding to feel her soft lips again. It was pleading for that touch of hers so much that it was impossible to think of anything else. He wanted to convey his deepest feelings to her. How much he still adored her! Time had stopped for both of them. Looking into his desirable eyes and seeing the passion inflamed in there, made her lose all her senses. His lips were barely a centimeter away from hers, and his ragged, warm breath on them set her heart racing a hundred times faster, making her feel like she was on fire!

"Didi.." a tug at her dupatta and a small voice brought them both to the real world. Armaan immediately let go of her and looked down to see a young boy, with a rounded face and huge brown eyes, occupying the swing that Riddhima was on before. Her face flushed red, having been caught by a kid. Armaan felt his lips tug at the ends after seeing Riddhima's face change colour.
"Didi..will you pleash push me?" the boy asked, unaware of what he had disrupted. Armaan couldn't really blame him. But damn, what if he had come five minutes later? This boy completely ruined their moment! Darn! Riddhima however, smiled down at the young fellow.
"Of course I'll push you. Tumhaara naam kya hai?" she asked, as she moved to the back, ignoring Armaan.
"Aditya Anand." The boy replied, waiting for her to push him.
"Heyy champ. You seem like a big boy. How old are you?" Armaan asked.
"4.." the boy answered back happily as he felt Riddhima pushing him slowly. Small dimples appeared on his cheeks as he smiled, feeling the wind rush through his straight hair.
"You are big!" Armaan replied in an impressed tone.
"Main Big Boy hoon! Papa ka shupalman!" This made both of them smile as they glanced at each other. However the scene 5 minutes ago played in their head and both looked away, utterly embarrassed.
"So Superman. Papa kahaan hai?" Riddhima replied.
"Mumma ke paash."
"Aur Mumma?"
"Piya ke paash."
Riddhima was about to ask who Piya was, when they heard a worried female voice calling.
"Aditya! Adi beta..kahaan ho tum?" A male voice joined in,
"Adi! Papa ke paas nahin aaoge kya?"
Armaan went to find the source of the voice, and soon came back with a woman carrying another baby girl, of no more than 2, and a man beside her.
"Thank God! Adi..maine kahaa na main tumhe le aungi swings pe. Phir khud kyun chala aaya?" The woman sighed as she hugged her son on the swing Riddhima had stopped. Aditya's father was thanking Armaan and Riddhima.
"Sholly.." Aditya looked up with rounded eyes at his parents.
"Thank you so much. Humaari toh jaan nikal gayyi thi!" The woman looked at Riddhima who assured them that it was a pleasure meeting such a sweet kid!
"By the way, I'm Priya Anand."
"And I'm Dev Anand."
"THE Dev Anand?" Armaan replied, with a teasing glint in his eye and voice.
"You caught me!" and they all laughed.
"I'm Armaan.."
"And I'm Riddhima.."
The couple looked like they were in their early 30s and clearly in love. After the introduction, Aditya, who was bored of the swings, saw ice cream and demanded for that.
"Fine..chalo. Lekin iske baad no badmaashi!" His dad sighed. "Hope to see you around. Good day.."
"Same here.." Riddhima and Armaan replied.
They saw Aditya running back up to them and hugged Riddhima first around her legs then Armaan, astonishing them to the core.
"Thank youu.." he said, in such an adorable voice, then ran away to his father.
"He's already fond of you! I'm sure you'd make great parents." Priya advised, smiling, before she caught up with her son and husband. Riddhima stared at her, then at Armaan. That was the second time in one day they were thought of as a couple! Feeling her cheeks burn very slightly, she whispered,
"We should get going." Armaan nodded in reply and smiled to himself. He squint his eyes then looked to the side at Riddhima, whose gaze was still fixed on the floor. He loved her so much!
"Chalo.." he said. Riddhima moved forward as did Armaan and both nearly bumped into each other. She moved back while he indicated for her go then caught up with her after she'd taken a couple of steps ahead. Side by side, with the back of their hands occasionally brushing each others', they both headed off together with the sun setting behind them, indicating an end to an emotionally turbulent day.

"Riddhima..Ridzy..!!" Anjali was calling her, and she came out of her thoughts. She had resumed work the next day, but whenever she passed by Sara's ward, 105, it seemed so..empty..lifeless! Even though she could see nurses clearing everything up ready for a new patient, it still didn't seem right.
"Haan di," she asked, forcing herself to turn away from the room.
"Kahan khoyi huwi hai tu? We're all so worried for you. Dekh, everything will be fine after a while, I promise. I've been through it." Riddhima smiled at Anjali.
"Jee.." she replied half heartedly.
"Let's have a small coffee break in my office." Anjali suggested, and steered her away from there by her shoulders. Riddhima sighed as she looked at the ward one last time, before following where Anjy was leading her.

"So..what's happening?" Anjli asked, sipping some coffee, after pushing some paper work aside. Riddhima frowned slightly as she smiled back.
"You know what's happening..Muskaan and Rahul just got married and they're actually moving in! Do Rahul's parents know??!"
"Obviously. Unke permission bina kaise shaadi karega Rahul? Dalraj Uncle and his loud voice immediately made Rahul's parents agree..!" They both laughed at that. "Lekin aap sab ke exams ke baad, the proper wedding is in Punjab, and we all have to go for that."
"Oh yeah..end of internship exams.." Riddhima sighed. It had completely escaped her mind, and they had a good two and some more months left to study for them. Just when she thought she was done with school sort of stuff. And if they passed this, they would officially be Doctors! Armaan wanted to specialize in cardiology, while Riddhima was looking at Pediatrics. Muskaan and Nikki were all in for Gynecology, while Abhi wanted to specialize as a brain surgeon, and Rahul wanted to be a general practitioner.

Well, so much for those dreams, only if they passed the exams, else they'd have to repeat a whole year of internship. Sid on the other hand, had no exams to take as he had another 6 months of internship to get through.

But recently, Riddhima had had so much on her mind, what with Sara's case and Armaan occupying it 24/7, she had completely forgotten about those exams!! Making a mental note to go start studying for everything soon, she continued sipping her coffee.

"But I wasn't talking about general stuff.." Anjali continued. "I was talking about you and Armaan."
Riddhima groaned inwardly. She herself didn't know what was happening. True, she still loved him and now thought he still loved her as well, but if he did why hadn't he said it yet? Or was he still confused? What the hell was going on his mind?
"So.." Anjali pursued.
"So what..?" she replied uncertainly.
"Don't act smart with me young lady!" And Riddhima was taken aback at how much Anjali sounded their Mum!
"Wow..mujhe lagaa Mumma aayi hai hospital main!!"
Anjali laughed at that, but continued asking Riddhima the same thing, determined to squeeze everything out of her.
"I don't know di..it's complicated. And I could try and sort it out, lekin..I just don't have that energy anymore. Main thak chukki hoon with all these problems, all this confusion. Kabhi lagta hai usne kuch ghalat kiya hi nahin, toh kabhi lagta hai main usse kabhi maaf nahin kar paungi."
"Usne kuch galat kiya?" Anjali asked warily, and Riddhima eyes widened. Wow, what had she let slip?! "Kya kiya usne?"
Should she tell her, or shouldn't she? Riddhima weighed the possible out comes of telling her that Armaan had left her because of Sasha. Anjali would probably go and strangle him.. nahh, too extreme. Well, shout at him. Maybe. Tell him to stay away from Riddhima! Most probably. But now.. did that event that took place months ago, even matter to her that much? No it didn't! She concluded. Then what was the point of telling Anjali?
"Ridzy!!! Usne kya kiya?" Anjali's sharp tone pierced through her thoughts.
"He left. And uhmm'. I didn't believe in long distance relationships ..so I broke it off'" Riddhima mumbled as fast as she could, to get over the lie.
"You broke it off, and you're blaming him?" Anjali bought it.
"Well, he left didn't he? Anyways, mujhe jaana hai." Riddhima's pager rang (sounding like a call from heaven for the first time!) and Dr Keerti was calling her to her cabin. Anjali nodded and let her go. Their coffee break was finished long back, and somehow, the sister talk Anjali planned to have didn't happen. Maybe Riddhima really didn't know about her feelings. Maybe she needed more time to figure stuff out.
"She's grown up. She can take care of herself." Anjali whispered and got back to her work. Why was she so over protective of her baby sister?

Kahaan phas gayyi?! Riddhima thought to herself. Here she was with Sid, who was blabbering on about how some random hot chic was his patient and was taking her chances on him. Apparently every hot female, including nurses, in the hospital, apart from the ones taken, were 'fida' over him and couldn't remove their gazes from him. The nurses had better jobs to do than to eye HIM of all people! She voiced that thought, only to hear,
"Heyy..mere jaisa HOT Doctor hai hi nahin Sanjeevani main."
"Oh there are quite a few. Aur tumse kahin zyaada hot bhi hain sab!"
"Kaun.."
"Papa..Jeeju..Armaa.." she stopped then continued in a casual tone. "Armaan."
"Arre vah Armaan phirse hot lagne lagaa hai?" Sid asked in a teasing voice.
"Sid shut up!"
"hmmm..some feelings being rekindled..?"
"Shut it!" Riddhima said looking around her, hoping he wasn't around. She couldn't stand being embarrassed in front of him.
"Taare vaaste dedenge jaan ve," Riddhima looked at him confused. Why the hell was he singing? "Taare vaaste dil hai kurbaan ve, Love you oh love you jaana, tu hi Armaan ve.." at the 'Armaan' he nudged her making her flush red, as she realized the answer to her question a little too late.
"I'll get Keerti to give you extra duty. Don't test my patience!" And that shut him up.
"Dekh.." he replied suddenly changing the topic as they got to the nurse station. "Voh aakhon se mera balatkaar kar rahi thi! Sab nurses aise hi karte hain."
"Sid, agar SAB" she stressed on it, "nurses aankhon se TERA balatkaar kar rahe hain, toh mujhe lagta hai tumhe sirf ek hi nurse dikhay de rahi hai. Lovely jeee!" Riddhima called, seeing her from the corner of her eye. Sid's face fell, as he saw Lovely running up to them. Riddhima took a pen out, and started updating a report as they got to the nurse station.
"Lovely jee, Sid mujhe abhi keh raha tha, ki tum kitni hot ho. Aur shayad usse tujhse pyaar hogaya hai. AUr agar abhi nahin huwa hai, toh ho jaayega."
"KYA?" Sid was horror struck! He didn't know she would be that evil!
"Sachchi..?" Lovely batted her eyelashes at Sid, while his own eyes widened.
"Voh..uhmmm..main.." Sid couldn't really deny what Riddhima said, as Lovely would probably get hurt. "Bohot..sundar..aur hot..uhmmm..aur.."
"Aur kya jee??" Lovely shifted closer to Sid, who was now sandwiched between Lovely and the desk.
"Sid," Riddhima put her pen away and looked at him. "Sharmane ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. I'm sure you two make a wonderful couple!" Smiling sardonically, she left him dealing with the situation, unaware of someone's gaze on her from the time they got to the nurse station.

"Basket..kabhi nahin badlogi na?" Armaan whispered to himself, smiling. But there was this emptiness in her eyes, which he had seen since he was back. And he was determined to get rid of it. But what could he do?

"Heyy..Riddhima.." she heard Armaan calling her and stopped. Lunch time had just begun and she wasn't in the mood for it. So her plan was to go through some files, and work during lunch, then see if she could head home early.
"Lunch karne jaa rahi ho?" he asked. On any other day, had she been going for lunch, her answer would have been sarcastic. But this time, she just shook her head slightly.
"Actually, mera mood nahin hai, I'll just continue with work."
"Mood nahin hai? OK, chal mere saath."
"Where.."
"Out, for lunch."
"Armaan seriously, I'm not hungry.." but he didn't listen to her as he dragged her out anyway.

So here she was, sitting in the booth of a small restaurant, while Armaan had gone to place an order of plain chips, as she insisted on nothing too much. She remembered how he slightly scolded her as they walked to the restaurant. His caring tone with his sarcastic remarks, it was almost as though her old Armaan was back. It sounded wonderful as well. Her old Armaan. A slight smile flitted across her face.

A gang of guys and girls walked in, the guys eyeing her. Whispering amongst themselves, one of them finally mustered up the courage to walk up to her. His hair was saturated with gel, and for some reason he thought he looked hot in his over sagging, baggy, jeans with so many chains around him, which made Riddhima think of an escaped prisoner. She took out her phone from her jeans pocket, and pretended to be busy.

"Hey beautiful," he tried putting on the husky tone, and she closed her eyes. He looked like he was in his very early 20s, maybe just hit them. Saala akeli ladki dikhi nahin chalu hogaye, was the one thought that circled her mind. Still, she turned and looked at him directly into his eyes, showing she wasn't scared of him in the slightest.
"Can I get you something?" he continued.
"No thanks I'm fine." She replied wondering where the hell Armaan was!
"Come on baby.." The guy faltered in mid sentence as he felt someone's hand on his shoulder. Riddhima looked to see the reason behind the sudden hesitancy in his speech, and was delighted to see Armaan there.
"Dude..voh mere saath hai. Koi problem?" Armaan asked in a tough voice, making the guy shrink in his shoes.
"No no problem at all.. sorry dude.. Just being nice"
"Yeah enough of being nice..go join your friends!" Armaan replied, narrowing his eyes.

He watched the guy stagger back to his friends, who were trying their hardest to hide their laughter. Sure enough as soon the door of the restaurant shut behind the group, Riddhima heard peals of laughter erupt from them. Armaan had seen them coming in, but with his back to the tables, he had no idea what was happening. After placing his order to the very slow waiter at the counter, he turned only find some random guy hitting on HIS basket! Really?! Feeling his blood boil, he made his way there, but was surprised to see that it was probably some harmless flirting, from someone he was probably only a couple of years older than. He glanced at Riddhima, whose eyes were shining with happiness, and couldn't resist but wink at her, giving her one of his mischievous smiles.

"You are so evil.." Riddhima murmured as Armaan sat opposite her.
"Hah..look who's talking! Aaj bechara Sid ko Lovely ki baahon mein phasaa diya. Phir I'm evil? What had he done to deserve this?" Armaan asked casually. Riddhima didn't know what to reply.
"Mujhe irritate kar raha tha.."
"Waise I don't blame him.. tujhe irritate karne mein mazaa hi kuch aur hai.." her mouth dropped open.
"Kya? Issiliye mujhe hamesha pareshaan karte rehte ho. Armaan tum nahin sudroge na?!"
"Yeh umar sudharne ki nahin, bigadne ki hai.." he replied in a filmy way.
"Achcha..since when were you so updated on bollywood."
"That movie is over a year old! And you're calling me updated? Riddhima you're more than 6 months behind everyone.."
"Please, dialogue tumne bola.. so you're behind everyone"
"no..you are.."
"Armaan..you are.."
"Riddhima.. you are.."

"Armaan.."

"Riddhima.."

"Armaan.."

"Riddhima.."

Like that, the next hour was spent in laughter and jokes. Riddhima couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed when lunch was over. She could be with him for ages and just listen to his nonsensical banter without any problem. After seeing that shine back in her eyes, Armaan felt the earth spinning again. Things were shaping up again. Finally, his world was being set right!

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

Comments guys!!!! Sorryyy I HAD to kill Sara off..!! 😭 It was planned from before..!! Sara's death was a catalyst to bring AR closer..hope you understand..!! 😊 Obv..when it comes to AR you will..!! 😛