Part 58
The following morning had arrived with a ray of sunshine beaming through the curtains and onto the love birds who were still fast asleep, their fingers still entwined as they had done last night and both smiled soundly as they slept until a few moments later when there were several knocks on the door making them both frown and shuffle.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Shashank: Riddhima?
Armaan and Riddhima both shot up as they heard her name and looked at each other in shock at the sound of Shashank's voice...
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Ridz: - mouth in shock to Armaan – Papa... – panicking she jumps off of the bed
Armaan: Calm down... - whisper
Ridz: Armaan...- quietly - ...how can I calm down...papa is outside of the room and you are inside...what am I going to do...he'll find out everything... – panicking – ...he'll be furious...he will take me home...Armaan do something... – frantically moving around looking for a solution - ...I'm so dead...he'll kill me...everything's finished...it's all over... – close to tears
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Armaan: - moving towards her – Riddhima ssshhh... – putting a finger to her lips to quieten her down
But before either of them could say another word Armaan stopped and looked around curiously then down to his pocket. He took out his phone which was vibrating in his hand, he saw there were seven miss calls, looking at the name of his partner flashing on the screen he quickly answered the call and whispered.
Armaan: Yeah...
Sunny: Where the hell are you...Boss is here and he's looking for you...I told him that you've gone for your morning jog...he said he was going to meet his daughter...
Armaan: Yeah I know...he's here...
Sunny: Then get yourself out of that room...if not you're done for...
Armaan: Thanks... – sarcastically he cut the phone
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Armaan held onto Riddhima's shoulder making her look into his eyes but she was far too frustrated to hear anything he had to say but he somehow managed to silence her and get her attention.
Armaan: Riddhima you need to calm down...I'm going... – looking around to see if he had left anything then back at her - ...I'm going to leave from the garden and then you're on your own...try not to panic...just act as if everything is normal okay... – she nodded and he kissed her forehead - ...I love you...
Riddhima watched as he walked towards the glass door and into the garden. He jumped over the fence and disappeared from sight; she took a deep breath then walked towards the room door. She quickly acted as if she was half asleep before opening the door with a big yawn to see Shashank standing there looking a bit worried, as she saw him she smiled happily and he smiled back to see that she was okay.
Shashank: Riddhima...is everything okay? – concerned - ...You took so long to open the door...
Ridz: Papa...woh main... – yawning - ...I was asleep...I'm sorry...come in...
Shashank: It's okay... – walking into the room and she closed the door behind him - ...how are you?
Ridz: - hugged him happily – I'm fine papa...but I've missed you all so much...
Shashank: We've missed you too... – kissing the top of her head and moving back - ...have you been taking care of yourself?
Ridz: Papa... – making a face - ...you sound like mama now... – smiling - ...I'm absolutely fine and I have been taking care of myself...really well...you don't have to worry...
Shashank: Okay my princess...now that I've seen you I'm very happy...why don't you get ready and I'll meet you later for breakfast... – she nodded - ...I'm going to go and meet Armaan...I went earlier but Sunny told me that he had gone for his morning jog so I thought I'll meet you first before we get down to work...
Ridz: Theek hain papa...I'll see you later...
Shashank left the room, Riddhima closed the door behind him and leaned against it, she let out a huge sigh of relief then quickly tided up the room before going to have a shower and got dressed. Half an hour later; Riddhima gathered her work bag and was about to leave the room just as Tia entered, she looked very energetic and happy to which Riddhima raised her eyebrow.
Ridz: Are you feeling okay?
Tia: I'm absolutely fine...and how are you...? – with a huge grin – ...How was your night...? – winking
Ridz: - looked at her in disbelief - ...I don't believe this...this was all a plan...you knew that he wanted to spend the night here that's why you slept out...? – thinking then in shock - ...And Sunny too...you both knew about Armaan's plan...
Tia: - nodded cheekily – So...how was your night...?
Riddhima smacked her on her arm and she shielded herself and laughed. Riddhima explained to her that they had a wonderful time but it was nothing of the sort that was going on in Tia's mind. Tia nodded obediently but laughed as Riddhima gave up and left the room frowning but then smiled. She made her way through the lounge and towards the dining hall and as she entered she saw Shashank sitting there with Armaan, who both looked up at her as she neared them. Armaan smiled knowingly at her but she tried her best to ignore him as Shashank was there.
Shashank: Come join us Riddhima...what would you like for breakfast...
Ridz: - settling down – I'm okay papa...not very hungry...
Shashank: And that will definitely not work...you have to eat something...I'll get you something...
Ridz: It's okay papa...really I don't have much for breakfast...
Shashank got up completely ignoring her he moved towards the counter to order something for her to eat while Armaan sat there watching her with a cute smile. They spoke through their eyes for several seconds but were soon joined by Shashank who was carrying a tray full of food for Riddhima making sure she ate properly.
Shashank: - to Armaan – And you're not doing a very good job either...
Armaan: Sorry sir? – confused
Shashank: You don't even look after her properly...
Ridz: - in shock – Papa...you sent him here to look after me? – making a face - ...Main choti bachi nahi hoon...I can take care of myself...
Shashank: I can see that...not having breakfast... – watching her closely to which she kept quiet and looked down in her lap
Armaan and Shashank laughed at her and Armaan started teasing her making her annoyed so she started up also. They carried on for a while longer until they were joined by Sunny who was ready to work. Riddhima excused herself saying that she needed to get to work and she would meet them for lunch. The men went into the lounge area and settled down as they began going through the details of the show which they wanted to finalise with Shashank.
Armaan: Right sir... – laying out all the paper work on the table - ...here are the blue prints and signed paper work, letters, forms and agreements which we completed in the office... – handing a pile to Shashank
Shashank: - flicking through the papers - ...Okay this all looks up to date and completed...next...
Sunny: We've had a good look at the location which is perfect and here's the paper work of the checks... – handing the file to Shashank who glanced through them and gave it a nod
Armaan: I've spoken to the team leaders and have got all details of the themes and props for the main event...it has all been sorted... – handing him a third file
Sunny: We've done a complete risk assessment and here are the details...
Shashank: - after placing down the last file - ...All the paper work looks correct and ready...now what is the next step...?
Armaan: With your approval...we have now got five days left till the main event...the team should arrive this evening and the production will begin sharp at nine thirty tomorrow morning...the stage will be the first to put up...lighting and decoration will be next...the models will have a catwalk practice once it is all set up...
Sunny: I have received all the names of the guests and I will call the office right after the meeting and have the invitations sent off so they will receive it two days before the event...we've arranged for a professional photographer and the entertainment have been finalised...they will arrive a day before the event to have a run through practice...and the judge panel will arrive the night before...
Armaan: There's just one other idea which I would like to present to you...if you agree we can add this in to the event...
Shashank: And what is that? – curiously
Armaan: Actually sir I was talking to Riddhima a few days ago when she gave me and idea of having a gallery section for the guests to have a look at during the intervals... – looking at Shashank's confused expression he carried on - ...well sir what we had decided was to set out a gallery area on the side with the designs of the participants... – he carried on further without any interruptions - ...as well as making the outfits the participants had to design quite a few outfits and because they have put so much effort into it we thought it would be a good idea to display it for others to see...
Shashank: That sounds like a great idea...
Armaan: Sir if you grant us permission I would like to take full responsibility to set up the gallery...
Shashank: Sure...
Armaan and Sunny came to the end of their presentation and waited for Shashank to approve. He looked over all the paper work once more as well as the production plan then gave them the final go ahead. Sunny called the office about the invitations and also for the team to make a leave with all the props and necessities while Armaan went through the remaining details. They carried on till lunch when Riddhima met back up with them in the lounge.
Ridz: You guys are still working very hard...come on it's time for lunch...and you tell me I don't look after my health...
Armaan: We don't all sit around lazy like you... – as Shashank laughed
Ridz: That's where you are wrong Mr. Armaan Malik...actually I've been working hard for the past two and a half weeks and my hard work has finally paid off... – they raised their eyebrows in curiosity to which she smiled happily - ...I've finished my final dress...! – excitedly hugging Shashank
Shashank: Well done Riddhima beta...I'm so happy for you...come let me give you a treat...
Sunny: Well done Ridz...
Ridz: Thanks...
She looked at Armaan while Sunny and Shashank packed away all the paper work correctly; he mouthed "Well Done" to her as he winked making her smile widely. They all went to the country club restaurant where Shashank treated them all to a lovely lunch for all their hard work that they had put into this project and for Riddhima as she had completed her task. They had a great time together and Riddhima realised how happy she was that Armaan and Shashank were both here, she had missed her family so much and seeing Shashank in front of her she was really happy.
Later on after lunch Armaan and Sunny carried on working while Riddhima spent quality time with Shashank showing him around the club to all the facilities and the open area where the show was going to be held. They then settled down in the lounge enjoying some coffee when Riddhima decided to call home and talk to Padma but she suddenly moved the phone away from her ear and looked at it curiously and Shashank asked her what was wrong.
Ridz: Pata nahi papa...I don't think mama is at home...
Shashank: Why don't you try her mobile...?
Ridz: - nodded and called her mobile before placing the phone to her ear again with a smile – Hi mama...how are you?
Padma: - happily - ...I'm fine beta and how are you?
Ridz: Bilkul theek hoon mama...I miss you so much...why didn't you come with papa...
Padma: Riddhima beta... – smiling happily - ...your papa is there for work...and I'm also a little busy today...
Ridz: Busy?
Padma: Haan...actually I'm out shopping with Gayatri aunty for the wedding...because we are very close friends from a very long time ago and her family are all coming down during the wedding time we are the only close one's she has...so she asked me to come shopping with her...
Ridz: Oh yeh...I forgot the wedding was so soon...aur Rahul? – making a face – Is he not helping at all?
Padma: He is...but he's busy at work...and not interesting with shopping and all...so I thought it was best that I went with her...
Ridz: That's right mama...okay then...I'll talk to you later...give my love to Gayatri aunty...take care mama bye...
Riddhima ended the call and filled in Shashank about the conversation she just had with Padma. They talked for a while longer until Shashank decided it was time to go. They went back in to see Armaan and Sunny then Armaan came along with Riddhima to see Shashank off. As Riddhima said bye she was once again close to tears but Shashank reminded her that he will see her in less than a week again for the big event which made her smile through tears and waved bye to him as he drove off. Armaan consoled her as they walked back into the lounge and he tried to cheer her up.
Armaan: So...shall we finish off from where we left off this morning... – snuggling close to her
Ridz: Armaan... – shyly - ...not here...control yourself...
Armaan: I can't... – coming even closer - ...last night you were so... – whispering in her ear making her blush crimson
Riddhima was about to say something but suddenly realised that they were not alone, she moved slightly away from Armaan as she looked up to see Jay standing in front of them looking very cross. Riddhima felt awkward and Armaan noticed a bit of tension, he helped her up and they left the lounge, as they walked past Jay purposely barged Armaan on the shoulder but Armaan paid no attention to him and carried on walking Riddhima away from there to another quiet place.
During the week Riddhima had made her three outfits ready to perfection and had also made accessories to go with each outfit as she had time to spare. She made sure that she was two hundred percent ready for the show; she set out her outfits, accessories, jewellery and shoes to a side of her cupboard being fully prepared. She had her makeup set aside and he had also researched on different hairdos which would go nicely with each outfit. It had now finally hit her as she saw it all being put together, she was going to model her three outfits in front of a live audience and a judge panel. It was like a dream come true and she just couldn't wait for the big day.
Once she had her things sorted and had double checked she tried helping out other members of the group but was told that it was not allowed so she decided to head down to the open area to give Armaan and The Khushi Event Team a hand in setting up the stage. As she neared the area she noticed the stage was almost finished and Armaan ordering around a group of people who were beginning to put up the lighting and decoration according to the theme, using the props. She stood behind him patiently as he dismissed them then moved to stand next to him.
Ridz: Hey Armaan... – cheerfully
Armaan: Ridz...what are you doing here?
Ridz: Can I help?
Armaan: Help? – smiling at her cuteness - ...With what?
Ridz: Anything...just give me a job and I'll get it done... – looking at his face - ...don't worry...you won't have to pay me...
Armaan smiled sweetly at her and told her what was happening on the site then she asked to help with the decorations to which he just could not refuse. Riddhima got to work right away helping out the team to put up the drapes and nets.
Now with three days left till the main event everyone had started to get very excited. Armaan was busy working away with his team on the site making sure to make this the perfect event, Riddhima would help out a little in the morning trying not to disturb him but whenever she was around he would find himself staring at her with a smile on his face, she noticed and decided it was best to stay away for a while as it was disturbing him. She made her way to the dining hall to grab some lunch, on her way she stopped by the notice board to have a quick read as something had caught her eye making her more excited and she rushed to the dining hall to share the news with the others. Riddhima took her lunch and settled down at the table with the group.
Tia: Hey Ridz...where've you been?
Michael: You look very excited what's up?
Ridz: - excitedly – I've just read something on the notice board...
Jay: What?
Ridz: Catwalk practice this evening...at five...
Sharon: Oh wow...
Rachel: This is so cool...it actually feels like this is coming together now...
Tia: I know...I'm so excited...
Jay: What's so big in that...
Sharon: Just because you're a guy...you don't find it interesting...
Michael: Well anyway...I'm looking forward to it...but before that I need to get my final outfit done by tomorrow...
Ridz: Are you almost done...
Michael: Yeah almost...well I hope... – getting up - ...I'll see you guys later...I need to get back to work...
All: Bye...Later...See ya...
Tia: So at least we have something to look forward to this evening...
Sometime later they all went back to work and Riddhima realised that she had nothing to do but wonder around the place, then a tiny light bulb popped into her mind and she felt like a little child sneaking around as she went back to her room for something. She was a little unsure but decided that it was okay, she quickly got dressed in the changing room and then looked around the place before walking out of the changing room and into the indoor swimming pool area which was empty with her heart beating very fast, she sat at the side of the pool and dipped her feet in the water, it was slightly cold but she decided to jump in.
Within a minute she was use to the warm water and began to do some warm up exercises before doing a few laps; she had not tried this in a long time and she felt extremely good. About half an hour later she moved to the shallow end of the pool for a breather, leaning against the side she held onto the pole and let her body float peacefully. She was fully enjoying herself until she heard a few heavy footsteps on the tiles moving towards her, her concentration was disturbed and she stood up in the water as she looked around to see who it was; suddenly she became frightened.
Jay: You swim really well... – standing by the step and watching her
Riddhima quickly moved out of the water and grabbed her towel wrapping it around her and ignoring him until he blocked her way making her stop.
Jay: How about a swim with me...
Ridz: Please Jay...leave me alone...
Riddhima barged past him and rushed into the changing room away from him. She got dressed quickly and made her way through the other door towards her room where she stayed for the rest of the afternoon till it was time to go down for the catwalk practice.
As she walked around the pool and made her way towards the open area she noticed that most of the Khushi Event team had left the area apart from a few who were doing a few final touches for the day and a small group gathered in a huddle around Annie. She moved towards them and waited to find out what was happening.
Annie: Okay most of us are here now so I think we should begin before it gets dark...
She started to call out names who would practice first and sent them to the back of the stage where Billy was and the others stayed back to watch. Most of the girls had brought their heels along which they were going to use on the main event to get the hang of wearing them on the stage. Riddhima then went back stage as it was her turn soon, she stood there waiting for a while, she put on her heels and waited for her name to be called but suddenly she heard her name being whispered into her ear and she whipped around to see who it was.
Ridz: What are you doing here? – angrily
Jay: I'm here for the same reason as you are... – coming close to her
Ridz: - backing away – Listen Jay... – seriously
Jay: Listening...
Ridz: Jay you're... – looking for the right word - ...you're a nice guy...talented...and friendly...but...
Jay: But what?
Ridz: But we're just friends...and that's it...
Jay: Why?
Ridz: Because I have a boyfriend...and I'm very happy with him...
Jay: But I love you... – cutting her off
Riddhima was shocked and it suddenly had gone very quiet as she stood very still as the words echoed through her mind until she heard her name being called out loudly from Billy. She turned on her heel and walked away from him towards the stage. Jay stood there watching her go but suddenly turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Jay: How dare you touch me...?
Armaan: Listen Jay...we need to talk...
Jay: There's nothing for us to talk about...
Armaan: Come on Jay...you know exactly what's going on and we need to have a manly talk...
Jay: I have nothing to say to you... – pushing past him
Armaan: - holding onto his shoulder – But I have something to say to you... – Jay turned around - ...Riddhima is my girlfriend and I've noticed that you've been bothering her for the past few days...I would appreciate it if you stayed away from her...
Jay: Who are you to tell me what to do and what not to do...she might be your girlfriend...but I know she has feelings for me...and if she really was your girlfriend she wouldn't sneak around behind you...
Armaan: What is that suppose to mean? – squaring up to him
Jay: Time to reveal her unfaithfulness... – smiling evilly - ...your oh-so-innocent girlfriend was this close to me the night before you came... – making a small amount with his fingers - ...she was all over me...she was even ready to kiss me...
Before he could say another word Armaan punched him forcefully across his face which made him double over in pain for a second but it did not stop him from lashing back at Armaan. Within a second they were both hitting at each other with every opportunity they got until there was a sudden shout and Tia moved into the scene to stop them, she was successful in pulling them apart and looked over angrily at Jay.
Tia: What the hell do you think you're doing...?
Jay: You stay out of this... – he spat angrily
Tia: I think you're taking this way too far and it needs to end...now...
Jay: Mind your own business... – turning to Armaan - ...I'm not finished with you just yet... – moving forward
But before anything else could happen Annie and Billy came backstage with the rest of the group including Riddhima who instantly noticed something was wrong with the looks on Armaan, Jay and Tia's faces, she looked from one to the other and back but no one said anything instead Annie started off the next practice section.
Annie: Right...now for the second set you'll be modelling with a partner and here's the list... – she begins to call out the names
Everyone smiled as they heard the name of their partners until she said the final name which made a few people look up in shock.
Annie: And the final couple is Riddhima and Jay...
Riddhima looked on in horror at Jay but Tia stood by her side and gave her a reassuring look but it didn't help as she saw Armaan walk out of room angrily. Everyone stood next to their partners and the practice began, Riddhima stood at the end of the queue with Jay next to her which she hated; with every minute that passed Jay moved closer and closer to Riddhima who was now highly irritated with his actions and the change in his behaviour over the past few days. As they were almost to the end of the queue and were about to go on Riddhima moved away as he was now touching her shoulder and she stared at him angrily.
Ridz: Please Jay...this is enough...you really need to stop this...
Jay: - cutting her off - ...Stop what? – with a smile
Before she could say another word their names were called out and he forcefully held her hand and walked her out of the room onto the stage as she looked on in disgust at his action, but he ignored her and further annoyed her by placing his arm around her waist which was now the limit. She stopped in mid step and removed his hand, he looked over at her while he carried on walking, they began to squabble on the stage and as he was not looking in the direction he was walking he missed a step and tried to grab onto Riddhima but with a sudden force pushed her and she wobbled on her heel making her loose balance and felt herself falling from the stage.
Her heart thumped furiously against her chest as she closed her eyes while she fell down and down letting out a cry of help...
Well that's all for tonight...Hope you guys have enjoyed that long part...Please post your comments!
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