Armaan aur Riddhima ka SAFAR...MSG pg 153 - Page 69

Part 62

Riddhima sat quietly in Muskaan's living room with her grandmother sharing a sweet smile as she wished she could hold up her hands to her ears or better yet place some ear plugs in her ears as she heard shouting coming from up upstairs and on the stairs. She carried on smiling as she heard Muskaan coming down the stairs still carrying on her argument with her brother. A moment later she appeared at the living room door and almost pulled Riddhima out of her seat.

Muskaan: Let's get out of here... – shouting as she walked to the main door - ...mummy we're leaving...and you get a life... – to Yuvi who stood with a furious look at the foot of the stairs

Riddhima was happy to be out of the place and so was Muskaan; she suddenly changed her mood and turned to Riddhima who wore an ever-so-curious look but changed her mind as Muskaan was about to open her mouth.

Ridz: Leave it...I don't want to know...

They both looked at each other seriously for a moment then on cue they burst out with laughter.

Muskaan: I'm so glad I won't have to live with him any longer...

Ridz: And if Rahul turns out to be worst than him...

Muskaan: He won't... – certainly - ...but if he does...I have a plan for that also... – smiling evilly

Ridz: You're mad...

Muskaan: I know...I've been living with Yuvi for nineteen years of my life...

They laughed again and carried on to Nikita's house where they had made plans to meet up and discuss the wedding outfits and other stuff. They arrived about five minutes later and stood patiently at the doorstep after ringing the bell; a moment later they were greeted by Nikita's mum who stood there inviting them in with a smile.

Nikita's Mum: Hi girls...come in...

Ridz: Hi aunty...

Nikita's Mum: Niki's in the kitchen...go on...

They walked through to the kitchen to find Nikita in a peach coloured top and blue jeans covered with an apron, her hair was tied up with a clip and she worked like a professional, she turned around as they came in and gestured them to have a seat at the counter top as she carried on working.

Niki: Sorry guys...I'll be with you in a minute...just have to finish this off...

Riddhima and Muskaan settled themselves down on the high chairs next to the counter top with their mouths hanging open as they looked on at Nikita's work. She had made two cakes, one was completely made and had been put to a side and she worked away on the second cake. She was now adding fresh cream to cover it and decorate it with coloured cream and fruits. The girls were stuck for words at such a beautiful cake, it was just like one you would find in a bakery, they were unaware of this talent of Nikita's and had absolutely no words to say as they carried on watching her closely as used her decorating equipment to make the cake look even lovelier.

About ten minutes later she finished decorating the cake and was tidying up the area; she quickly took one look at her friends and had now noticed that they were sitting there silently with their mouths hanging open. She was surprised as she had never seen either of them sitting silently for over ten minutes without uttering a word.

Niki: Are you guys okay? – waving her hand in front of their faces

Muskaan: Huh?? – jerking out of her thoughts – ...What?

Niki: What's wrong with you two? – turning around to go and wash up the equipment

Ridz: Niki this is beautiful...if we had walked in when you had finished I would've thought that you brought them from a bakery...

Muskaan: Exactly...I was thinking the same thing...this looks really delicious...

Niki: Thanks guys...but it's not that big of a deal...I mean...you guys are making it sound like such a huge project when it's just a cake... – giggling at her own joke

Ridz: But...when did you start doing cake decorating?

Niki: It's just a hobby...when I had absolutely nothing to do...I mean when I was at home I would either bake or do mehendi patterns...

Muskaan: This is like really professional work...to do something like this I would have to do a course in cake decorating...and you did it just like that...

Niki: Guys...again...it's not anything big... – finished washing up - ...I just started on something small...like sponge cakes and cupcakes...then desserts...and through time and experience I tried bigger things...I've just started doing icing cakes but I haven't mastered that yet...so I'm just sticking to these cakes... – drying her hands on a tea towel

Ridz: Niki...you have amazing talent...

Muskaan: You really do...I'm still stunned by how quickly and neatly you did that...it looks so delicious I want some now...

Niki: Sorry... – picking up the cake and placing one in a box then in the fridge - ...not now...that's for dessert...

Muskaan: I can't wait... – licking her lips

Ridz: But...who's the other one for?

Niki: - walking out of the kitchen not hearing what Riddhima had said - Why don't we go upstairs... – they followed her out and upstairs - ...I've designed a few patterns Muskaan...you can have a look and decide which one you like...

Muskaan: I already know that I'll love all of them... – following her into the room and settling down at the edge of the bed

Niki: Have a look first... – smiling as she handed her the scrap book

Riddhima and Muskaan looked through the designs and instantly fell in love with one of the designs which they chose immediately and Nikita agreed.

Niki: Well...that was easy...

Muskaan: Ridz...let's see the dress designs...

Riddhima looked into her bag and pulled out a file with loose papers which she had designed a few bridal outfits. She handed it to Muskaan and they looked through it together discussing the details. After about half an hour they decided on an outfit, Muskaan kept the design and decided she would get an outfit made to that design for her big day.

Ridz: Okay...now that's been sorted what's next...?

Muskaan: Hair and makeup sorted...mehendi patterns and designer sorted... – with a smile to Nikita - ...bridal outfit design sorted...now we need to go shopping...

Ridz: We need to buy a suit each for the mehendi, sangeet and the reception...

Niki: And matching jewellery and accessories...

Muskaan: That's going to take a few days... – beginning to look depressed - ...and there's so much more to do...

Ridz: Don't worry Muskaan...everything will be sorted...you just don't take any tension...

Niki: Ridz is right Muskaan...if you begin to panic then you'll think that everything's going wrong...

Muskaan: Okay...so what should we do?

Niki: We can go shopping for the mehendi and sangeet on one day...and once you get your bridal outfit then we can shop for the reception outfit and accessories for the wedding...

Ridz: Yeah...that sounds good...in that way we can spread it over two days...and we won't get confused with it all at once...what do you say Muskaan?

Muskaan: Umm...yeah that sounds fine... – not too certain

Niki: Muski...don't worry...you still have two months and everything will be sorted before that...

Ridz: Right...so calm down and enjoy every moment...because this is going to be very special for you...if you panic you'll miss all the fun...

Niki: Now smile...

Muskaan smiled slowly and they began talking about married life making her blush furiously. A while later the conversation changed as they talked about other preparations and the entire wedding atmosphere, fun and games, rituals and other stuff. After a long time Nikita's mum came upstairs and knocked on the door telling them that dinner was ready. They came down and the three of them sat around the dinner table eating away as they carried on their previous conversation. Once they had eaten Nikita took the cake out of the fridge and gave them each a slice.

Muskaan: As much as I praised it earlier...I can't...

Niki: Why not?

Muskaan: One...I'm too full from this delicious food...two I have to start watching my weight...and three...- looking down at the cake - ...it just looks too nice to eat...

Ridz: - laughing – Oh Muskaan...you're too much...

Niki: Exactly...just eat it...it's a one off...after this you can start thinking about your weight...not that you need to lose anything...

Ridz: Yeah Niki is right...you don't need to lose anything...

Muskaan: But I have to make sure I don't put on anything... – still looking at the cake

Ridz: - having a spoonful - ...Oh go on Muskaan...it's delicious... – they watched as Muskaan tried some - ...I told you it was delicious... – as she saw the look on Muskaan's face then she turned to Nikita - ...Niki...who's the other cake for?

Niki: Umm... – not sure what to say - ...woh...

At the same time the doorbell rang and Nikita stood up quickly, Muskaan and Riddhima looked at her curiously as she made her way to the dining room door but before she could go any further her mum walked followed by their guest.

Nikita's Mum: Niki...Sid is here...

Sid entered the room and Nikita's mum left; Riddhima and Muskaan were shocked to see him there but he walked in casually as if the situation didn't bother him.

Sid: Hey Niki... – then looking around - ...oh hi girls...

Muskaan: Hi... – slowly looking from Sid to Nikita who was looking down

Sid: – turning to Nikita - ...I'm hoping that's not my cake that their eating... – pointing to Riddhima's and Muskaan's dessert

Ridz: Your cake?

Sid: Yes...I asked Niki to make me a cake...what's wrong with that? – looking at her expression

Ridz: Nothing... – changing her expression - ...I was just asking Niki who the other cake was for but before she could answer you came...

Sid: So I guess you guys don't mind if I join you... – sitting down as if he was in his own home - ...come Niki...

Nikita sat down slowly and they carried on with their desserts, Riddhima and Muskaan; even though they had a million questions on their mind they carried on as if everything was normal. Sometime later the girls helped Nikita tidy up then they sat for a while longer before deciding to leave. Nikita was slightly back to normal now as she showed them to the door.

Muskaan: Thanks for the design Niki and thanks for the lovely dinner... – giving her a hug

Niki: No problem...I'm glad you liked them... – then giving Riddhima a hug

Ridz: Thanks again Niki...loved the dessert... – then whispering in her ear - ...and thanks for his one too...I'll finish it tonight when he's asleep... – giggling

Sid: What's all the giggling about?

Ridz: Nothing...I was just telling Niki now that you're here we'll get a lift home...

Sid: Sure... – then to Niki - ...thanks for the cake...

Niki: No problem...bye guys...thanks for coming round...

They waved as they got into the car; Sid placed his cake safely in the front seat making the girls sit in the back. Once they drove off Riddhima turned to Muskaan and they smiled evilly before turning to Sid.

Ridz: So Mr. Siddhart Gupta...tell us what's going on...

Muskaan: Haan...hume bhi batao na...yeh sab kya chal raha hain?

Sid: What are you two on about? – confused

Ridz: Oh stop messing around and come straight to the point will you...

Sid: I don't even know what you guys are talking about...

Muskaan: Be serious Sid...we're not blind...we can see something's going on...

Ridz: Exactly...so just come out with it now...

Sid: Whatever you two have to say just say it clearly...because I haven't got a clue what you are trying to say...

Ridz: Oh come on Sid...we can see that something is going on between you and Niki...and if there is just tell us...nothing's wrong with it...

Sid: - suddenly jerking the car – WHAT??? – turning around to look at them

Ridz: Sid??? – shocked – ...What the hell was that...and you're in the middle of the road...

Sid drove ahead and found a clear spot before parking the car and turning around to face the girls with a shocked expression.

Sid: What did you say? Me? And Nikita? – Riddhima shook her head slowly – ...Are you serious Ridz...

Muskaan: Come on Sid...we've noticed the closeness between the two of you since you got here...and it's not only one sided...being in your company Niki has really changed...before you came she was different...she use to lock herself in her room and not come out...she had almost given up on life after she got her results...and when you came she's changed...

Ridz: Exactly...she's back to normal now...she's laughing again...having fun...going out...meeting people...and only you've brought this change in her...she seems comfortable with you...anyone would think that you two have a relationship going...

Sid: I don't believe this...- now completely facing them - ...you two are actually serious about this...

Ridz: Then why don't you explain to us what is going on...? – looking closely at him - ...Why are you getting so worked up?

Sid: Ridz...Muskaan...it's not about what's going on...that's not the reason I'm getting worked up...I'm actually shocked because I thought you two of all people would know about this...but I don't believe that either of you have no idea what has happened...this is unbelievable...

Muskaan: I'm confused Sid...what are you talking about?

Ridz: Sid...what do you know that we don't? – curious

Sid: You two are supposed to be her friends...her best friends...and you have no idea at all... – running his fingers through his hair and fully looking at them - ...from the moment I met her in the park...the very first time we came here and I saw her I understood her feelings and you two have been with her for almost ten years and you don't know...

Ridz: Know what Sid? – curiously - ... Just tell us...

Sid: Ridz...you think there's a relationship between me and Niki...but that's not possible...and never will be...because she loves Abhi...

Ridz/Muskaan: WHAT??? Abhi?

Sid: Yes...Abhi...Niki is in love with Abhi... – the girls sat in shock as he unveiled the story - ...I still don't believe you two don't know this but I found out on the very same day I met her...they had an argument when we were playing football...she was close to tears and ready to leave and I can't see anyone in tears as it is...I asked her to come for a walk...we sat by the lake and she told me her entire story...

Flashback

They settled down and carried on chatting away, Nikita stayed quiet but Sid tried to cheer her up.

Sid: Hey... – making her look up with his whisper - ...you wanna go for a walk... – she shook her head to say no - ...c'mon you'll feel better...

Sid stood up and held his hand out to her; everyone looked on as Nikita took his hand and stood up.

Sid: We'll be back... – Riddhima nodded as to say thanks

They walked away leaving Riddhima and Muskaan smiling mysteriously at each other. They walked silently for a while until they came to the lake side; Sid gestured for her to sit on a nearby bench and she did. They sat in silence both looking out onto the calm lake until Sid broke the silence...

Sid: I'm all ears...just say whatever is on your mind...you'll feel a million times better...just spill...and don't worry...my left ear is open...I'll take it in through this ear and let it out through this ear... – using hand gestures - ...I won't tell anything to anyone...you can trust me...

Nikita actually smiled at his sweetness then immediately tears formed in her eyes but she controlled herself and began talking.

Niki: I don't know why he hates me so much...I just refused him when he proposed to me...but we we're still young and immature...at the time I didn't even know about these kind of feelings...but now he hates me...I don't know what to do...I want to apologise...I want him to accept me...because...I love him...if ever I've loved anyone more than my parents its him...but he just doesn't understand...I love him...but the most painful thing is...I know he'll never want me...we can never be together...because he hates me...he hates me...

End of Flashback

Ridz: But how is this possible? – confused

Muskaan: Exactly...they were always fighting...I didn't even have in inkling that Niki would even love someone who had such bitter thoughts for her...

Sid: You guys thought that she was broken because of her bad results...? – shaking his head to which they looked confused - ...Actually you guys are wrong...she was actually happy with those results because Abhi was proved right...she was happy to know that he was right...but the main reason she was broken to such a state...was because he left...

Ridz: Because he left to go New York...? - slowly

Sid: Exactly...she would rather have him taunt and insult her while he was in front of her for the rest of his life...rather than have him go away from her and not have any contact...

Muskaan: I don't believe this...

Sid: Her life was a mess because he was not around...and it still is...but you know what...she's very strong...all she needed was to have someone to let out her feelings to... – turning to Muskaan - ...and that is what I did...when I came back I instantly noticed that she had changed and had met up with her...I didn't have to say a word...just let my ears do the work...I gave her a shoulder to cry on...and that was all she needed...and now you say she's back to normal because of my company...she didn't have to wait for me...any of you two could've done it...but I'm still in shock that you two being her best friends didn't have a clue about her true feelings...I'm shocked...

Riddhima sat there in silence taking it all in, she felt devastated to hear her friend's story like this. All this time she had known Nikita, but from the time Armaan had come into her life she had forgotten everything around her to such an extent that she didn't even realise her friend's feelings for someone, not just someone but Abhi. The two of them were always in front of her eyes but she never realised.

Sid: Anyways...why don't you two just forget I said anything...I mean...I wasn't even suppose to tell you this...it just slipped out and it shouldn't have...I'm sorry...whatever has happened has happened...and there's nothing we can do about it now...so let's just forget about it and go home...

Muskaan: Sid...I'm sorry...we're sorry...for teasing you about Niki...we didn't realise you would be hurt by this...

Sid: It's okay Muskaan...forget it...

Sid started up the car and drove to Muskaan's house, she waved bye to them and went into her home leaving the two of them sitting silently in the car. As they reached their home Sid turned off the car and looked around at Riddhima.

Sid: Sorry Ridz...if I said anything wrong...but now that you both know...let's just keep this between us...

Riddhima nodded and whispered sorry before walking out of the car and into the house; Sid followed with his cake in his hand. Riddhima made an excuse and went up to her room while Sid was back to normal; he shared his cake with Shashank and Padma and joined them in the living room to watch an old Indian movie.

Upstairs; Riddhima walked into her room in a daze, she switched on the light and dropped her bag onto the bottom of her bed, and she automatically walked towards the window and shut the curtains before moving towards the washroom. About ten minutes later she walked out looking slightly fresh as she had changed into her night clothes and had a face wash which made her feel slightly better. She switched on her bedside lamp and sat down in her bed with lots on her mind.

She replayed the entire story which Sid had narrated and had thought about her friends.

Flashback:

*

Abhi: And they're off again... – rolling his eyes in their direction - …don't you guys ever take a break??

Niki: It's cute…you're just jealous…

Abhi: Me??... Jealous??... Yeah right…of what??

*

Niki: Oi Modhi...I wasn't talking to you…so shut up!

Abhi: I can't believe you didn't know that…why don't you just quit...it's better than failing…

Niki: - threw a book at him – SHUT UP!!!

Abhi: – ducking – Shut don't go up…prices do!

*

Abhi: Please Armaan...just a minute...I'm not finished yet...I still have a lot more to say... – turning back to Nikita who was sobbing - ...actually I'm just getting started...never mess with me...like I said...all my words came true...and yours? – smirking - ...Empty and hollow...just like you...useless...I told you to quit...it's better than failing...but of course...Miss Nikita Malhotra...listens to no one and thinks she's the best...it's all been cleared up for you today...now you know exactly what you are...A FAILURE!

*

Niki: And... – slowly - ...Abhi?

Ridz: Umm...woh...Ab...Abhi is...Abhi is going to America tomorrow...

Niki: - her head snapped up and looked at Riddhima – Kya?

Ridz: Uh...umm his uncle got him a job in New York as an IT Assistant in a big company...he's leaving tomorrow...

Niki: - the tears which were welled in her eyes spilled out and ran down her cheeks - ...I'm happy for him... – sadly

*

End of Flashback

Riddhima shook her head, disappointed in herself for not understanding her friend's feelings. Before tears could well up in her eyes she thought of calling Armaan so that she would feel better. She hadn't spoken to him for ages or neither had she seen him as he was keeping himself very busy at work. Even Nandani Aunty and Anjali didn't see him around the house much. She picked up her phone from the bedside table and pressed the familiar name then held it up to her ear waiting to hear his voice which would definitely put a smile on her face.

VM: I'm sorry the person you are trying to call is unavai... – she cut the call and frowned

She looked at her phone and put on her alarm then laid down further in her bed pulling the duvet up to her neck, she was about to turn on her side and close her eyes but thought of calling once again. She picked up her phone and pressed his name before holding it up to her ear again.

VM: I'm sorry the person... – she cut the call and placed the phone onto the bedside table sighing loudly

Riddhima closed her eyes and tried to sleep but a while later her phone rang and she eagerly picked up.

Ridz: Hello...Armaan...

Armaan: Hi what's up...why did you call?

Ridz: Kya? – confused - ...Armaan...we haven't spoken in a while so I thought I would see how you were...where are you?

Armaan: Ridz...why are you getting so worked up...you know I've been busy at the office...and why are you asking where I am...I mean...you're not my mum or dad...then why should it bother you were I am...

Ridz: But Armaan...I'm just as...

Armaan: - cutting her off – Ridz please...ease off a bit...you need to calm down...

Ridz: I'm sorry Armaan but you need to calm down...what is wrong with you?

Armaan: Please Ridz enough is enough...just because we spent two weeks together doesn't mean you need to know my every whereabouts and what I do...just go back to normal...you're not my wife so just leave me alone...

Well that's all for tonight...Please post your comment...