Hi Guys I'm sooo Sorry For The Delay! 😳 I know I took extremly long but it' s not my fault I didn't have net!! but I do now!! so YAY!! Before I post part 2 I just want to clarify that Armaan is NOT dead and nor is he married to Riddhima!! RIddhima was married to someone else!! Also the parts in Purple are Riddhima's thoughts and the Blue are Armaan's . Also I would reply to all of you but I'm a bit lazy rite now so I'm going to let it be and just say a Big Thank You!!!!!
But I promise to answer from next time!!
-Part 2-
I stood in front of the door waiting for it to be opened. I still didn't know if I had done the right thing by coming here. I hadn't even called first to see if anyone was home but before I could debate with myself more the door opened and a woman with dark brown curly hair wearing a long white summer dress and brown eyes stood in front of me yelling at someone behind her.
"IT'S IN YOUR BOTTOM DRAWER YOU KAANKAJHOORA!!!"
I stood there in amazement and a bit scared as I watched the feisty woman in front of me as she yelled at "KAANKAJHOORA". Okay what do I do wait for her to finish or run away and come back tomorrow. I was busy weighing my options when her voice snapped me out of them.
"Yes Can I Help You??"
"Umm, yeah I'm here to see Dr.Gerwal"
"I'm Dr.Grewal How Can I Help You??"
"No I mean Dr.Rahul Grewal"
"Rahul?? Why do you want to see him and who are you??"
"I'm Riddhima M... I mean Riddhima Gupta and I wanted to see Rahul because I wanted to…." I was in the middle of my sentence when I was interrupted by a new voice…
"Muskaan I still can't find it!! It's not in the bottom drawer!!"
"I swear this dude is going to drive me crazy!! Will you excuse me… um… yeah Riddhima I'll be right back. Rahul!! Someone is here to see you!!"
"Hi I'm Rahul what can I do for you??"
"Hi I'm Riddhima Gupta you gave me your card when I bumped into you that day outside the school."
"Oh yeah I remember nice to meet you Riddhima please come in."
Following Rahul's lead we went inside. If I had thought that the outside of the house was nothing short of beautiful then the inside of the house was just as beautiful if not more. There were large windows, high ceilings with large light fixtures hanging down. There were pictures of Rahul and Muskaan his wife hanging on the light purple walls. The marble floor was shining bright as we walked towards the large family room. I had never seen such a home it was everything that a person would want and I only hoped and that was a BIG IF that I would one day have a home like this. Reaching the family room Rahul and I sat down opposite each other on the large sofas.
"So Riddhima what can I do for you and how did you get my address??"
"Well I had called one of the number's on your card which turned out to be from the hospital that you work at and then I pretended to be one of your old patients and asked for your address, and as for doing anything for me thank you so much for offering but I just wanted to come here and apologize for my behavior that day. I was in such a mess that I didn't even speak to you properly and moreover I felt that I should say all this face to face rather then over the phone."
"Riddhima you don't have to apologize for anything I understand and besides I'm glad you came over I get to talk to someone other then Muskaan and not get yelled at."
We both burst out laughing after that. After a few minutes Muskaan also joined us and I got the chance to get to know both of them better. I found out that Rahul and Muskaan were both doctors he was a cardiologist and she was a pediatrician. They had both been interns at Sanjeevani where after a dozen fights they had eventually become friends and then fallen in love. They had been married for about 2 years and were now resident doctors.
"So Riddhima tell us about yourself" Muskaan asked smiling at me.
"Well I'm 24 years old I'm a teacher and I used to live in the states but then I moved back to India and have been living in Delhi for about a year now ever since… I stopped in the middle of my sentence not knowing if I should tell them everything or not. I wasn't sure if it was the right time to tell them about my past as I had just met these people this morning. I started to feel tears brimming in my eyes and so quickly excusing myself I ran outside to the backyard and sat down on one of the benches. I sat there for a few minutes trying to compose myself when I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. Turning to my side I saw Muskaan sitting down next to me with a concerned yet hurtful expression not saying anything. Why does she look so upset?? Did I say or do something wrong??And so cautiously I asked her hoping I was not going to get myself into trouble.
"Um Muskaan what's…."
I was cut off before I could complete my sentence by Muskaan's voice.
"My mom always says that just by reaching out to someone in a big or small way you can make a world of a difference in that person's life. I'm not going to ask you what's wrong or why you are upset because I know that you're not comfortable telling since we just meet but I want you to know that even though I may not be able to fully understand what you have gone through but I am willing to listen. I know that when you share pain with others that it not only lightens a person but it helps them to heal and so whenever you feel that the time has come to share your pain that you can borrow this new friend of yours who is ready to lend you her ears."
Muskaan's words rang in my ears as she finished talking. Maybe it was time that I shared my pain with someone I mean how long could I keep it inside of me. I knew that I had only met Rahul and Muskaan today but it felt as if I had known them forever. And besides wasn't this one of the reason's that Rahul gave his card to me so that I could share my past with someone and heal. Come on Ridzi someone is reaching out to you as a complete stranger. Isn't this what you wanted someone to comfort you when you felt alone, to talk to, to share your pain with. Yes this was what I wanted one chance to tell someone my story and now that I was getting it I knew I had to take it and I would. It was time to face the past. Felling Muskaan squeezing my hand one last time and getting up I stopped her by holding her hand and said "Could I borrow my new friend now…"
Muskaan stopped in her tracks and sat back down on the bench beside me and after a few seconds of silence I told my story for the very first time. I told her everything that I had been through right from the start. I told her how I was a widow and how my husband had died. I told her how my husband used to beat me black and blue whenever he got drunk. I told her how my family no longer had anything to do with me after he had died. I told her how I had even before getting a job had lost it. I told her how I had run into Rahul that day and how he had given me his card. I told her how I had a hard time trusting people as I had been betrayed many times. I told her how I had moved from the states with very little money back to India. I told her how people that used to care about me turned there back on me when I went to them for help. I told her how I would cry every night at the fate of my life. I don't know how long I talked to Muskaan but by the end of it I felt as if a big weight had been lifted off my chest. I felt as if I was finally free from the shackles of my past.
"I'm so sorry Riddhima that you have been going through so much in your life. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you to go through all of that and that to all alone but I want you to know that me and Rahul and here for you and from now on don't ever feel as if you have no family or friend cause now you have a new sister who is going to stand by you through thick and thin and I promise you that your life will no longer be in the dark that a new ray of light is on it's way."
I sat there and stared at Muskaan and couldn't believe that I finally had someone who understood me and didn't judge me. I had finally found a friend that I knew I could tell anything to and she would understand. I didn't know what to say and so I just engulfed Muskaan into a hug as my way of showing her how much it meant to me that she had given me a chance to express the pain and torment that I had gone through. Breaking from the hug a few seconds later I wiped my tears as did Muskaan and we made our way back inside smiling from ear to ear.
I silently sent up a thank you to god for giving me a second chance at life by sending Rahul and Muskaan as we walked back into the room. I just hoped that this was just the start and not the end.
After that meeting Muskaan and I became the best of friends. We met for coffees, went shopping together, we would spend hours talking on the phone about anything and everything. Muskaan had even started calling me Ridzi and she became Muski for me. I had even started volunteering at the hospital a few times a week after Rahul and Muski talked me into it saying that it would give me something to do and I wouldn't feel so bored. I had even been introduced to some of Rahul and Muski's friends and fellow colleagues there were many but the few that stuck out were Atul and Anjali Joshi, Abhimanyu and Nikita Modi or Abhi and Nikki for short. They had also told me about one of there other friends who was currently not in town but they had told me that he was one of the best doctors that they had. And now as I lay in bed after a long day thinking about how my life had changed slowly in just a matter of a few days I closed my eyes waiting for a new day to start not knowing what was going to happen next.
I woke up the next day bright and early and got ready to start my day. I quickly took a shower and brushed my teeth and getting ready I headed out the door to the hospital. Parking my red Honda civic in the parking lot I got out of my car, closing the door and locking it made my way inside the hospital. I walked down the hall towards the nurse's station to find out which room I would be in as they rotated volunteers at the start of each week so that everyone got the chance to experience all areas in the field of medicine. I approached one of the nurses sitting at the desk who was going over a file to find out where I would be today.
"Good Morning Sister Lovely So Where am I today??" I asked smiling bright at her.
Sister Lovely had been working at the hospital for about 1o years and was one of the head nurses. She was every dedicated to her work and loved to help people. She was one of those people who you could talk to about anything and she would willingly listen to you with rapt attention until you were done. Everyone in the hospital loved her not because she was sweet, caring and a joy to be around but because she had a heart of pure gold. She never once complained and always did her work with sincerity and dedication. She had also paid the bill for a 10 year old boy who was brought into the hospital after suffering from a head injury. The parent's of the boy were poor and weren't able to come up with the required payment so Sister Lovely had stepped up and without paying any heeds to the boy's parents paid for all the medical expenses that the boy went through.
"Good Morning Riddhima!! This week you will be assisting one of our resident doctors who just came back from out of town he's in his office you can go and see him now"
"Thank you Sister Lovely!!"
I started to leave to head towards his office when I realized I didn't even know what this doctor's name was so turning back to Sister Lovely I quickly asked her what his name was.
"Umm Sister Lovely you didn't tell me what this senior doctor's name was??"
"Oh silly me! good you reminded me I almost forgot his name is Dr. Armaan Mallik"
I turned away from Sister Lovely and started walking towards his office once again.
Shining in the setting sun like a pearl upon the ocean Come and feel me
O feel me
"Hmmm"
Shining in the setting sun like a pearl upon the ocean
Come and heal me
O heal me
"Urgghhh!!!"
"WHAT!!!"
"Good Morning Bubbles!!"
"Dude how MANY times have I told you not to SAY THAT!!"
"How MANY times have I told you NEVER to sleep in!!"
"Rahul??"
"Yes Bubbles??"
"Laundry and Muskaan"
"Nooo!!!! You wouldn't!!!! You promised!!"
"Oh but promises are meant to be broken and I will do it!!"
"Okay… Okay… Peace!! I won't call you Bubbles"
"That's like a good boy!! Now hang up and let me sleep!!"
"Dude Dr.Keerti is looking for you!! If you're not in front of her in 1o mins she is going to kill you!!"
"Oh Crap!! I forgot!! I'll see you in 10!! Later!"
"Hurry Up!! Later!"
This was how it was everyday I would sleep in and Rahul would wake me up. I was 25 years old lived alone and yet I still needed someone to wake me up every morning just like a parent would. I quickly jumped out of bed and ran to take a shower. I got out drying my hair with one towel while the other was wrapped around my waist and walked towards the closet. I quickly grabbed a black shirt and a torn at the knee pair of blue jeans and got dressed. I looked at myself in the mirror once last time and couldn't help but grin Dude you are dressed to kill today! The ladies are going to be all over you!! and with a quick wink I grabbed my keys, wallet and cellphone and made my way out before Dr.Hitler killed me!!
Finally reaching the Sanjeevani parking lot I parked my black Infinity G35 and checked the time. 8 am good!! Just in time Armaan saved! Now run to dearest Dr.Hitler before she eats you alive!!Getting out of the car I made my way towards Dr.Keerti's office.
"Come in"
Opening the door I walked into Dr.Keerti's office and waited to hear why she called to see me.
"Good Morning Dr.Armaan I hope you had a pleasant time in Punjab"
"Yes I did Dr.Keerti thank you for asking… I was wondering what you wanted to see me about??"
"I'm getting to that Dr.Armaan. For the rest of this week one of our new volunteer's will be assisting you. As you already know we rotate our volunteer's so that they are able to experience all fields of medicine and since you have just come back from your trip Dr.Shubhankar who is in charge of our volunteer's has appointed one to help you get back on track. If you have any problems you can come to me or speak directly to Dr.Shubhankar. The new volunteer will meet you in your office in about 10 mins. That will be all you can resume your duty now."
I walked out of Dr.Keerti's office and rewound her words in my head as I walked towards my office. So THE Armaan Mallik is getting an assistant huh! Sounds interesting. I wonder who it is?? I hope it's a really hot chick!! That would be awesome!! Just imagine she walks into MY office wearing a short skirt and a tight t-shirt HEAVEN!!!! But what if it's a Dude!! No No No!! It HAS to be a CHICK!!!!! Finally reaching my office I opened the door and got ready to wait for my new so called ASSISTANT!
Knocking on his office door I waited for permission to enter. I wonder what's going to happen?? I hope I don't screw up!! I hope he likes me!! I hope I look okay!! I thought quickly scanning myself and making sure that my blue t-shirt was pulled down and that my white capri pants where wrinkle free. I wonder what he's going to think of me?? WTH!!! WHAT AM I THINKING!!!! Who cares what he thinks!!!! I don't even know him hell I have never even seen this dude before!! Calm down Ridzi it's not like you're meeting a potential groom or something!! Be strong! Remember you are here to assist him not ask for his biography!! I composed myself and after finally hearing a "Come In" I turned the knob and walked in.
Closing the door behind me I walked a few steps and stopped in front of a large glass desk filled with files, a coffee mug and a sliver laptop all spread out. Wow! How the hell can this guy stand to be in such a dirty office?? I mean coffee mug, paper work everywhere, is that a shoe?? And what is that smell?? Oh lord get me out of here!! I was so busy serving the office of the so called Dr.Armaan Mallik that I didn't notice when he decided to get up from his chair and speak up breaking my train of thoughts.
"Armaan. Dr.Armaan Mallik! And you must be the new volunteer who is going to assist me??"
Okay WTH was that? "Armaan. Dr.Armaan Mallik" What is he James Bond?? Who introduces themselves like that?? Is he really a doctor or some undercover gangster?? Well from the looks of it he seems like a doctor! I mean he's tall, he's got dark black short hair, grey blue eyes, fair skin, and are those tattoos?? Oh god he's a GANGSTER!!!!!!! But wait why is he smiling at me?? Did I just see DIMPLES!!!!!! OMG HE'S A GREY-BLUE EYED TATTOO DIMPLED GANGSTER PRETENDING TO BE A DOCTOR!!!!!! Okay Ridzi calm down breathe!! Deep breath!! That's it!! Now just smile and nod!! Good girl!! Now slowly take 5 steps towards the door!! That's it……1….2…..3….4…. and 5. There now you're safe. Okay now look up and wait.
Okay first of all thank god it's a chick!! But WTH what is up with her?? Why is she staring at me like that?? She's got that confused yet shocked yet get me out of here look!! Is that even possible?? Oh who cares dude!! You have better things to worry about!! Why don't you smile at her and ease some of the tension maybe she will relax. There you go good boy! That's it smile dimples and everything!! Dude it's not working!! She's moving back towards the door!! Why?? It's not like I'm going to attack her or something!! Wait maybe she is trying to get a better look at me!! Yeah that's it dude she's trying to check you out!! She's just intimidated because she has never seen such a sexy, hot guy before that's all!! See Armaan you haven't lost your touch you still got it!! Well looks like she stopped now say something before she runs out the door!!
"If you're done checking me out can you please tell me your name??"
That's it dude good job!! Ha ha look at her face!! I soo caught her red handed!! man this chick is too funny!! I think I'm going to enjoy working with her!!
"Huh… oh yeah… I'm… I'm Riddhima… Riddhima Gupta." I said with a forced smile trying not to show him how scared I was.
Damn it Ridzi!! He caught you!! look him just standing there laughing at you with that naughty look on his face!! He is so not going to let this go!! I'm soo screwed!!! I'm soo not going to like working with him!!
"Well Miss.Riddhima it's very nice to meet you now do you mind if we get to work??"
"Yeah sure whatever you say"
"Well first of all I need you to go through all these files and sort them out by date starting with the earliest and ending with the oldest and then…
Wow this dude really likes to hear himself talk doesn't he! I mean look at him with his hand gestures and facial expressions it's like watching a one man play! But I have to say he does look sexy doing it! I mean with the hair slowly moving back and forth, the way his eyes sparkle as he talks, the way his… Whoaaa!!!! Rewind!! WTH are you thinking woman!! You have just met this Dr.Armaan and your thinking this way stop it!! Stop it now!! You have no right to be thinking like this. Now pay attention and snap out of it!!
you will assist me in a surgery is that alright Miss.Riddhima"
"Huh.. Ye.. Yes.. that's fine Dr.Armaan" I said nervously as he looked at me with a confused look on his face.
"Alright then let's get to work"
Let's get to work Ridzi you have a long day ahead!! Enjoy!
The rest of the day went off without a hitch. I was rather surprised by the end of it that I had actually learned some things from Dr.Armaan which I hadn't expected in the least. I had learned that he was a Neurosurgeon and had even been asked to give a few lectures at universities. I had also gotten the chance to observe him as he worked and found that he was actually quite good at what he did. The patients that he handled all loved him not only because he made everyone feel comfortable and flirted with them at times but because he genuinely cared about them. Even the nurses and other doctors that we came in contact with were all in awe of him. He had also at one point told me to stop calling him Dr.Armaan as he felt that it made him feel old and that it didn't go with his image and that he preferred to be just Armaan. I also at that point asked him to stop calling me Miss.Riddhima and to just stick with Riddhima but for some reason which only he knew he decided to ignore my request and started calling me BG. I had tired to ask him several times why the name BG but he would just smile at me with the biggest grin and then wink. Over all I had never had such a good day. I smiled as I entered my room recalling the entire day. I had never become so comfortable with someone and that to in one day. I had gone from thinking that Armaan was a grey-blue eyed-tattoo-dimpled-gangster-pretending to be a doctor to a Friend?? Was that what had he had become?? What is going on with you Ridzi?? How is this one man affecting you so much and that to after one meeting!! You only met him today!! You can't go on thinking like this!! You have been down this road before and look where it has led you!! But why does it feel right this time?? I suddenly laughed as I remembered how I had pestered Armaan to tell me why he had given me the name BG and how he just smiled and winked at me!! Urgghh not again Ridzi!! I said smacking the back of my head now stop thinking and get some sleep you have a long day tomorrow!!Shaking my head for thinking such things I quickly changed into my Mickey and Minnie mouse PJ's and climbed into bed to get a good night sleep or at least that's what I hoped.
Closing the door behind me I entered my house after a long yet amusing day. I had spent the entire day with HER. I had started out thinking that she was some grey-green eyed- had-a-staring-problem-psycho-lady- to a Friend?? Could she be called that?? Wohaa!!! Dude you just met this chick today!! Relax!! I think calling her a friend is a little too soon!! She's only my assistant!! Yeah but why did she feel like more then a friend?? How is this one woman affecting me so much and that to after meeting her today!! I don't even know anything about her and yet it feels as if I know everything about her. Oh come on Armaan you have been out with countless girls how is this one any different she's just like all the rest!!! But is she?? I suddenly had a flash and couldn't help but laugh remembering her face when she had pestered me to tell her why I had given her the name BG. Man she was so adorable when she scrunched up her nose and gave me those puppy dog eyes and cute pout and said "Armaannn Tell Me!!!!!!!!!" and the way she was all fidgety when she first came into the room she was like a little kid who was made to stand in front of there peer's and tell them about themselves. I so wished I could have given her a hug at that moment. Urgghh there you go again Armaan stop it!! Stop it now!! You can't be thinking like this about someone you have just met!! Remember she is only your assistant for a week then she will leave! Now stop thinking and go to sleep!! Smacking the back of my head for thinking such things I quickly took a shower changed into my black batman shorts leaving the shirt as it was a hot night and hit the bed still unknowingly thinking of HER.
So that was Part 2 I Hope You Enjoyed It!!! And I Just Want To Thank All Of You Once Again!!
Index Is On Page 1 As Well As The PM Request!!
And Sorry For Any Errors!!
-Tashu-
XOXOXOXOX
41