Part 61
Riddhima settled down in the car silently while Armaan drove off, a while later he turned to look at her but unexpectedly she had a small smile as she looked out of the window. He smiled knowing that she was okay while she carried on looking out of the window as her mind wandered down its own path of thought.
Ridz: Well...that's another chapter closed in my life...time to go back to reality...taking small steps at a time...
Two hours later they arrived in London and Riddhima smiled as she looked out to the familiar settings of her home town. They drove silently around the well known roads until they finally made it to the Gupta house. Armaan parked the car and turned to look at her as she stayed seated smiling happily in her own world of thoughts, he moved his hand over to touch hers gently making her look around suddenly.
Armaan: Wake up...we're home... – smiling sweetly at her
Ridz: - sitting up and looking around - ...I didn't even realise... – smiling as Armaan signalled her to come out
Riddhima got out of the car and made her way towards the front door as Armaan went to collect her suitcase and bag from the boot of the car. She rang the doorbell and waited patiently and by the time Armaan made it to her side Padma opened the door with a happy smile.
Padma: Welcome home... – letting them in and hugging Riddhima
Ridz: Hi mama... – moving back
Armaan: Hey Aunty... – hugging her
Padma: Come in...
Armaan left Riddhima's suitcase at the bottom of the stairs and followed Padma and Riddhima through a quiet kitchen towards the living room.
Armaan: Kahan hain sab log?
Padma: - turning with a happy smile – Everyone's waiting for you both...
Ridz: Kahan? – sharing curious looks with Armaan
Then she looked over at Padma who was taking them towards the conservatory; Armaan shrugged as Riddhima looked at him and then back to Padma.
Padma: Yahan... – walking out of the conservatory door with the two of them at her heels
Everyone: CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME HOME!!!!
Riddhima and Armaan looked around the garden to see a crowd of people; Shashank, Vikram and Nandani stood up front and as they looked around they saw Atul and Anjali, Rahul, Muskaan, Sid and Nikita. A little further they noticed Rahul, Muskaan and Nikita's parents amongst neighbours. Armaan also noticed a lot of his work mates including Sunny and some of the Khushi Event team members who worked with him on this project.
Riddhima stood there in shock to see so many people in her back garden but Armaan got over it quickly and went to his parents, he hugged his mum and chatted with them for a while as Shashank joined Padma and Riddhima.
Shashank: Welcome home beta...
Ridz: - stuck for words - ...Thanks papa...
Padma: Ab jao...aur sab ke saat enjoy karo...you deserve it...
Riddhima hugged her parents and walked off of the patio and down to the garden where the first people she met were Anjali and Rahul's parents.
Anji: - giving her a side hug - ...It's so nice to have you back home...I've missed you so much...
Ridz: I've missed you too dii... – moving back
Gayatri Aunty: Anjali was just telling me about the show...I'm so happy for you...congratulations...
Ridz: Thank you aunty...
Anji: Ridzi why don't you go and have fun with your friends...they've been waiting for ages to have you back...you guys took so long...
Ridz: Haan dii...actually your brother-in-law drives so slow... – laughing at her own joke while Anji grinned
Riddhima walked along the garden path towards her friends but was stopped at every step as many people approached her to praise her for her hard work and success. She met her friends' parents as well as her neighbours and other family friends who all said the same thing which made her smile happily to think that they were all here to celebrate her success and happiness; she thanked them all and carried on walking towards her friends who stood in a huddle waiting for her.
Muskaan: Finally Ridzi...you took your time... – giving her a side hug
Ridz: Sorry guys...it's just that everyone stopped me on the way...I couldn't come quickly...
Niki: - laughing - ...Ridz...Muski isn't talking about now...she meant...you and Armaan took your time coming home...
Sid: Yeah...everyone was starting to get ideas... – teasing her
Rahul: What were you lot up to? – winking at her as she stood there with her mouth hanging open
Ridz: What?? – in shock at her friends questions - ...I don't believe you guys...
Muskaan: Come on Ridzi...what don't you believe...we all saw that place last night...it was just amazing...and you both spent two weeks there...
Sid: Alone...without any preying eyes...
Niki: You must've got up to lots of mischief...I mean fun... – correcting herself with a giggle
Ridz: - happy to see her friend back to normal but still in shock she smacked Nikita's arm – Niki!! How could you say that? – turning to all of them - ...You guys are impossible...where's Armaan... – turning around to scan the garden - ...wait till he hears what you guys have to say...
Rahul: Ohhh...looking for your lover boy... - teasing
Ridz: Shut up Rahul... – blushing
Muskaan: He's too busy with his work mates...why don't you tell us how you guys spent your two weeks...alone...
Ridz: - smacking her arm – Muski...that's enough... – but smiling
Sid: Go on Ridz...tell us...
Ridz: That's more than enough... – completely changing the topic - ...why don't you guys tell me what you've been up to for these three weeks...Muskaan how was it at the Institute...?
Muskaan: It was okay...when you left we had the annual fashion show which I took part in...it was fun...but apart from that the rest was normal...I've almost finished all the projects...just another three weeks to go then the course will be over...and then... – smiling widely - ...wedding preparations... – looking at Rahul
Ridz: That's great...I can't wait...but I also can't believe that this one year has gone so quick...this time last year we had finished secondary...and so much has happened in one year...
Rahul: Yeah...you're right...even I can't believe it...time really does fly when you start working...but I'm enjoying my work so it's okay...
Ridz: And Sid? – turning to him - ...How are you finding it at Khushi Events?
Sid: It's okay...nothing exciting... – making a face
Niki: That's only because you're doing paper work...
Rahul: She's right...I remember when Armaan started...he also hated it because he was buried in paper work...it'll take some time but you'll love it when you get your first project...trust me...
Sid: I hope...
Ridz: And Niki? – turning to her - ...What you been up to?
Niki: Umm not much...
Before she could say anything else Armaan walked towards them smiling happily.
Armaan: Hey guys...
Rahul/Muskaan: So you finally found time for us...
Armaan: Yeah...had to meet all my work mates and family...all they did was praise me and I was enjoying it...I knew you guys would wait for me...
Rahul: You're still so big headed...
Armaan: That's me... – lifting his shirt
Muskaan: Come let's have something to eat...dinner is being served...
They all made their way to the table laid with food and helped themselves, from across the table Riddhima noticed Nikita serving Sid and he did the same, she smiled silently as she watched them in their own world. The evening went on with food, music and dance as everyone celebrated and had fun. It was quite late when the guests began to leave once again congratulating Armaan and Riddhima on their success for their different projects. A while later the Malik family and Riddhima's friends left making promises to meet up again soon and Riddhima thanked them all for coming.
Riddhima then tried to help Padma tidy up but Padma noticed how tired she was and sent her up to her room to sleep. She smiled and dragged her feet up the stairs, walking into her room and switching the lights on she smiled widely as she felt great to be back home, to her own room and her most comfortable bed. She quickly got dressed and jumped into bed falling asleep the moment her head touched her pillow.
Three weeks later Riddhima found herself walking alongside Muskaan out of the tube station and on their way to the Institute for their final day. Riddhima was excused from finishing off her projects as she had worked extremely hard for the Fashion Show competition and her three outfits had been counted as part of the course but she insisted that she would work on two projects before the end of the course which was today. She smiled as she entered the building talking happily to Muskaan about how she had worked hard on her final two projects and how happy she was that they had made it to the end of the course.
Muskaan: I know what you mean...I feel a bit sad that the course is finish but we both made it to the end...just hope I pass...
Ridz: Of course you will...we both will...with flying colours... – giving her a sweet smile as they walk into their room
Muskaan and Riddhima settled down and carried on talking until their mentor Laura walked into the room and asked for everyone's attention.
Laura: As you all know...today is your last day here as a group...most of you will still be around finishing off your projects but for some of you...this is the last day here at the Institute...but before any of that...let's get on with our work...
Riddhima and Muskaan had completed their projects and were having a last look through it before handing it in. After about an hour they made their way towards Laura just as Tom walked into the room and stood next to them.
Muskaan: Laura? – getting her attention - ...Here's our final projects... – handing her a huge file
Laura: All completed? Checked, dated and signed?
Muskaan: Yes...
Ridz: And this is mine... – placing her file down next to Muskaan's – ...all done...
Laura: Well...congrats to both of you...and it's been a pleasure knowing you both...
Tom: Of course...you'll be missed...
Muskaan/Ridz: We'll miss you too...it's been a great opportunity being here at the Institute and working with you both...
Laura/Tom: All the best for the future...and hope you both get good news on your results...
Muskaan/Ridz: Thanks...bye...
They both walked out of the room happily and made their way to the lifts chatting excitedly until they met Jia and her friend as they walked out of the lift. Jia completely ignored them but Muskaan smiled evilly and nudged Riddhima to say something.
Muskaan: Go on Ridzi...after all she's put you through...now show her who's the best...we're out of here...but she's nowhere near finished...she has failure written all over her work...
Ridz: Muskaan... – seriously
Muskaan: Go on Ridz...
Riddhima turned and called out to Jia who didn't stop. Riddhima walked after them and called out her name again, her friend stopped her and made her turn and Riddhima walked up to them.
Ridz: Jia...
Jia: What do you want? – rudely – ...Come to rub salt on my wounds?
Ridz: Umm...actually I'm here to say sorry...
Muskaan/Jia's friend: What???
Ridz: I'm here to say sorry...we started off on the wrong foot...I'm not even sure why...but what's happened has happened...and neither of us can go back and change time...I just want to say sorry if I've hurt you unintentionally...I didn't mean to...let's just forget about everything and move on...
The three of them stood there in shock unable to take in any of Riddhima's words; Jia stood there with a blank expression staring at Riddhima like this was some kind of joke.
Ridz: I'm sorry...I hope you will forgive me...
Jia nodded her head ever so slowly; if anyone had passed by they wouldn't even notice. Riddhima smiled and walked away with Muskaan at her heel in shock.
Muskaan: Are you going to explain what that was all about?
Ridz: - getting into the lift – Come on Muskaan...there's nothing to explain...
Muskaan: Ridz...she was in the wrong from beginning so why on earth were you apologising?
Ridz: Muskaan...whatever the problem was I just thought of being the bigger person and do what I thought was right...
Muskaan: You are unbelievable... – walking out of the lift and towards the exit
Ridz: I know... – smiling
Muskaan: Come let's meet up with Niki at the mall...I feel like shopping...
Ridz: - laughing – Now Rahul's working you want to finish all of his money before it reaches his account...
Muskaan: Hmm...yeah...something like that...
They both laughed as they walked towards the tube station, Muskaan called Nikita asking her to meet them in the mall to which she agreed and they met her there within half an hour. The girls had a great time shopping and talking about the upcoming wedding, Muskaan made a plan with the girls to meet up at her place the following weekend to finally get down to the wedding preparations which they just couldn't wait for.
As planned the girls made their way to Muskaan's house that weekend; Riddhima and Nikita waited patiently outside after ringing the doorbell. A moment later the door was opened by Yuvi, Muskaan's brother who let them in and gave them a small warning.
Yuvi: I wish you all the best girls...
Niki: For what?
Yuvi: She's going to load you down with heaps of work... – whispering - ...it's finally beginning to hit her that she's getting married...she's in the ordering around mood...and when nothing is going right...she starts to throw a tantrum like a two year old...I'd stay away if I was you...
Ridz: Yuvi... – laughing - ...you're mad...
Yuvi: I'm just warning you...then don't tell me I didn't...
Muskaan appeared at the top of the stairs and noticed the three of them whispering at the bottom.
Muskaan: Oi...what are you whispering to my friends? – shouting from the top
Yuvi: Nothing... – walking back into the living room but as they passed him he whispered - ...all the best...
Niki: - laughing as she walked up the stairs – Pagal...
Muskaan: Tell me about it...I have to live with him...
Ridz: Don't worry...not for long now... – as they walk into her room and close the door behind them
Niki: Haan after all... – in a sing song voice – ...tujhe saajan ke ghar jana hain...
Ridz: - joining in – Haan tuhje saajan ke ghar jana hain... – laughing as she flopped down onto the bed
Muskaan blushed and settled down next to Nikita at the top of the bed but Riddhima carried on making her blush even more.
Ridz: Seriously though Muskaan...have you given it any thought?
Muskaan: What?
Ridz: I mean...you're going to go and live at his house...everything is going to change...a whole new household...new rules...new room...living with Rahul...
Niki: Ridzi you're scaring her...
Muskaan: Yeah...I have thought about it...but it shouldn't be that bad...
Ridz: Matlab?
Muskaan: I mean...I know his parents really well...within this one year I've spent a lot of time at his house with his mum...and they are really nice...
Ridz: Yeah I know...they are really nice...I've known them since I was a child...
Muskaan: Exactly...and the other thing is...he's not a stranger...we've been together for almost three years...
Niki: Woh sab to theek hain...but I get what Ridz is trying to say now...you've been on your own but having to live with a guy...in his room...just imagine having to share everything...I can't do that...
Ridz: Me either...I can just imagine having to live in Armaan's messy room... – making a face
Muskaan: - laughing – Come on guys...Rahul is different...I'm not saying he's not like all guys...but I've lived with Yuvi all my life...and if I can tolerate him...then I can live with any guy...
They all laughed and joked around for a while imagining having to share everything with a guy, especially if you didn't have any experience. After a while they calmed down and took a breather.
Niki: So you really have thought about it...
Muskaan: Yep...I'm ready to move in with Rahul and his family and live with him...because I really love him...
Rahul: I love you too...
The girls looked up suddenly to see Rahul standing there with the door open; Muskaan blushed as he walked in and sat down next to her as Nikita moved up giving them space.
Ridz: You could've knocked...you do know its bad manners to walk into a room without knocking...
Rahul: I know...but it's my fianc's room and I bet she doesn't mind...right Muskaan... – turning to her and she nodded
Niki: You guys are so cute...
Rahul: Thanks Niks... – putting his arm around Muskaan's shoulder - ...so have you guys started any planning or have you just been sitting here gossiping?
Muskaan: We have spoken a bit...but we were waiting for you guys...
Ridz: Talking of the guys...where are they...where are Armaan and Sid?
Rahul: They were supposed to come with me but they decided to stay at the office so they could concentrate better...
Ridz: Concentrate on what? – confused
Rahul: They've been given a new project... – looking at Muskaan - ...our wedding and our events...mehendi, sangeet and reception...so now that's sorted you guys don't need to worry about that bit...
Niki: So uncle and aunty have finalised Khushi Events... – Muskaan nodded
Muskaan: We're sorting out between the two families...we're doing the mehendi and wedding and Rahul's parents are doing the sangeet and reception...all four events are going to be organised by Khushi Events...
Niki: That's nice...
Ridz: - lost in her thoughts - ...But...I thought we would meet today at least... – sadly - ...he's just so busy with work...if he was here right now it would be so nice...I miss you Armaan...
Muskaan: - nudging her – Ridz are you okay?
Ridz: Huh?? – looking around – ...Umm...nothing...what were you saying?
Rahul: What's up with you? – smiling at her - ...Missing your lover boy? – teasing
Niki: Aww...she's thinking of Armaan...
Muskaan: You guys spent so much time together...it'll take some time for you to get use to him being away from you again...
Niki: Haan Ridzi...you never told us what you guys got up to when you were there... – nudging her in her side while she blushed
Rahul: Come on Ridz...tell us...
Ridz: Guys please... – getting up and walking to the window as she blushed madly - ...can we drop this and get back to the main topic...
Rahul: This is the main topic...
Ridz: I meant...wedding plans...
Muskaan: Yours and Armaan's wedding plans already...he hasn't even proposed...or has he? – teasing
Ridz: - turning around with a straight face – That's enough...stop this topic right now...or I'm leaving...
Niki: Okay...okay we're sorry... – noticing the small smile on Riddhima's face
Muskaan: Fine we won't say anything else...theek hain?
Ridz: Good...
Muskaan: Okay then...if everything else is going to be organised by Khushi Events then all we need to think about is...our outfits and accessories...
Ridz: Have you thought of colours and themes?
Muskaan: Umm...sort of but I haven't decided on anything yet...I've been looking through magazines but there all so good I can make up my mind...
Niki: And what have you thought about hair and makeup?
Muskaan: That's sorted...I've already asked my cousin...you remember the professional beautician who did my hair and makeup for the engagement... – they nodded - ...she'll be doing it for all four occasions...but I have two requests...
Niki: Kya...?
Muskaan: Would you please do my mehendi? – to Nikita
Niki: - thought for a second – Of course... – with a smile
Muskaan: Thanks...
Ridz: And the second?
Muskaan: Would you please design my outfit... – to Riddhima
Ridz: Anything for you...
Muskaan: Thanks a lot guys...
Ridz: Well...let's do one thing...I'll search up on some bridal outfits this week and Niki can work on some mehendi patterns then we'll meet up at one of our houses by the end of the week and come to a final decision...what do you say?
Muskaan: That sounds great...
Niki: Okay...we'll meet up next Saturday at my place and you guys can have dinner at mine...done?
Ridz: Sound perfect...Muskaan?
Muskaan: I'm so excited already...I just hope everything goes to plan and perfectly...
Rahul: It will...don't worry...we have such great friends who are ready to do anything for us then we don't have to worry about anything...
Ridz: Hundred percent correct Rahul...
Muskaan: Thanks guys...
Niki: Please Muskaan...that's why we're you're friends...not just to hear a thanks...
Ridz: Exactly...and I can't wait to get started...
Niki: Me too...so we'll see each other next Saturday...
The girls left after a while and Riddhima made her way home after saying bye to Nikita; even as excited as she was her mind somehow kept wondering back to Armaan...
Ridz: I miss you Armaan...it's nice to know that you're working hard for your friends' wedding...I hope you'll be planning ours very soon as well... – blushing to herself as this thought entered her mind...
That's all for today...Well i hope you guys have enjoyed this part...Please post your comments...!
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