Armaan aur Riddhima ka SAFAR...MSG pg 153 - Page 71

Part 63

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... – ending the call

Ridz: - in shock and anger – Armaan?

Riddhima sat up suddenly in bed thinking of what had just happened but as she looked down at her hand it was empty, there was no phone in sight. She switched on the bedside lamp to see her phone sitting soundly on the bedside table where she had left it before she fell asleep. She picked it up and searched through it to see that the last call was made by her and Armaan did not call back.

Ridz: Yeh ek sapna tha? – thinking to herself then out loud after minute – ...Thank God...if Armaan really had became angry like that what would I do... – sweat beads forming on her forehead - ...from now on I won't bother him...I can't afford to lose him...I love him so much... – panting slightly - ...if he's busy I won't pester him...I'll just have to meet him whenever he's ready... – holding on to her chest feeling her heart beat rapidly - ...at least that was just a dream...

Taking a slow breath she lay back down in bed and stared up at the ceiling as the dream replayed in her mind not allowing her to go back to sleep. She sighed as it repeated for the fifth time and as much as she tried to get rid of the thought she just couldn't; instead she pulled out a novel from her bedside drawer and began to read even though she never had a habit of reading before bed but she had no choice. She read late into the night until she finally fell asleep after four in the morning.

The next week Riddhima and Sid were sitting in the conservatory taking a breather after a long day of spring cleaning as Shubhankar and the rest of the family were coming down to spend the summer holidays with them. The two of them had worked together to get the rooms ready like Riddhima had done the last time they came round. It was just after four when they finally finished up and were resting in the conservatory when Riddhima decided to bring up a certain topic now that everything was back to normal with them.

Ridz: Sid...I'm going to ask you a question and I'm hoping I get an honest answer...

Sid: - grinning mischievously – What is this...KBC? – then laughing at his own joke - ...How much am I winning for this question?

Ridz: Shut up Sid...I'm serious...

Sid: Okay...go on...

Ridz: Please don't get offended I just need to know the truth...

Sid: Okay...okay just go on...

Ridz: I'm sorry for bringing up this topic again but it's been bothering me all week...and I just want to know what are your feelings for Niki... – looking closely at his expression then carrying on - ...I mean...I know about her feelings but I also know that you two are very close...but what do you feel for her...

Sid: Ridz...

Ridz: Please Sid...all I want is an honest answer...be it in a sentence or one word...but please tell me...

Sid: Theek hain...because I know you're not going to let this go like that... – watching her smile - ...haan I like her...because we're close...we're friends...I like her company and she's a nice person...and...

Ridz: Aur kya... – smiling widely now

Sid: Aur kya? – looking at her knowing she wanted to hear more - ...She's pretty...friendly...has a lovely personality...very talented...but...

Ridz: But? – with a slight frown - ...You've said all the good stuff what's left?

Sid: Ridz...woh sab toh theek hain but you're forgetting the main point...she loves someone else...

Ridz: Haan par woh... – quickly shutting up

Sid: Woh kya? – sitting up suddenly – ...Don't go getting any ideas...okay? – looking closely at her - ...You know it's never going to happen...and please don't make her upset by even mentioning this to her...

Ridz: C'mon Sid...she's my friend...I would never do that...I just wanted to know you're feelings for her and that's it...

Sid: And now you know you've got to keep this shut... – making a gesture of her zipping her lips - ...got it? - strictly

Ridz: Theek hain...but one thing...

Sid: Ab kya?

Ridz: One more honest answer...

Sid: What?

Ridz: If she does like you as well then what would you say?

Sid: Ridz please...enough questions...

He got up and walked away but she noticed the smile on his face as he left and knew what he was thinking. And being a master mind herself she smiled secretly already having a plan cooking in her mind. She got up and went upstairs to get dressed before the guests arrived. After half an hour, while putting on her jewellery she heard the doorbell ring and she smiled rushing to get ready quickly then just as she lifted her dupatta off of her bed and put it round her neck her room door opened and in ran her favourite little boy.

Dhruv: Riddhi...! – running to her and giving her a hug

Ridz: Dhruv... – happily - ...how are you?

Dhruv: I'm fine...and how are you...did you miss me...I missed you so much...but you didn't call me...you forgot me... – turning away from her and walking to the balcony

Ridz: Aww...that's not true... – walking towards him with something in her hand which she picked up from her table - ...how can I forget my favourite person...?

Dhruv: - turning around happily - ...I'm your favourite person?

Ridz: Of course...and I have something just for you...

Dhruv: Kya? – excitedly

Ridz: - holding out the surprise towards him - ...Your favourite...

Dhruv: Chocolates... – taking them happily and hugging her again - ...I love you Riddhi...

Ridz: Love you too Dhruv... – hugging him close as she had missed him - ...you've grown so much... – moving him back and having a look at him, he was now up to her shoulder

Sid: Wow...there's lot of love sharing up here...I knew we were missing something Naina... – looking at her

Ridz: Shut up Sid... – walking towards them with a smile - ...hey Naina... – giving her a hug

Naina: Hey how are you?

Ridz: I'm good...I'm so happy you guys are here...

Dhruv: I know...you must be very bored of him now... – pointing to Sid

Sid: Oi... – chasing after him making the girls laugh

Ridz: - turning to Naina - ...So how's 6^th form going?

Naina: It's okay...but glad the holidays are here...I need a break...come...let's go down...everyone is waiting to see you downstairs...

Ridz: Yeah...let's go...

They reached the living room and Riddhima was very happy to meet Ba, Keerti Chachi and Shubhankar Chachu. They were also happy to see her and they sat and talked for a long time until dinner which was full of fun and laughter after a long time.

The next day Riddhima and Naina met up with Muskaan and Nikita at the mall to hang out, the girls had to sneak out of the house while Sid kept Dhruv occupied with a game so that he wouldn't want to tag along. They looked around some of the familiar shops picking out some attractive stuff and Riddhima looked around for something special; the reason why she came to the mall but was still in two minds if she wanted to buy it but she finally made up her mind and picked it up hiding it at the bottom of her hand bag while the girls looked around.

A while later they bought themselves ice creams and cold drinks before settling down at the fountain; their usual spot and the general conversation started up.

Naina: So what's the latest over here?

Niki: Well...Muskaan's shaadi is the next big thing...we're all looking forward to it...

Muskaan: Yep...and Armaan and Sid are working really hard on it...everyone is working on it I just hope everything goes well...

Ridz: Oh Muski...stop panicking...it'll be fine...

Naina: Of course it will Muskaan...I wish you all the best...

Muskaan: Thanks...

Naina: I hope Sid's not being a pain...he likes everything his way...

Ridz: - thinking – Thanks Naina...at least you brought up the topic now leave it to me...

Muskaan: He's fi...

Ridz: - cutting her off - ...Sid is Sid after all...he's so fussy... – nudging Muskaan's feet under the table asking her to play along

Muskaan: Yeah...he's a little annoying... – making a face

Naina: I guessed...I know my brother really well...

Niki: You guys are mean...he's actually a really nice person...you only find him annoying because you don't see his point of view...

Ridz: Oh come on Niki...he's so selfish...that day he finished the entire cake on his own...he hates sharing...

Muskaan: Are you serious? – fully in role now - ...How greedy...

Niki: Muskaan...he's not greedy...after all it was his cake...

Naina: But Niki he is very greedy...he doesn't share anything...

Ridz: I know...and he's such a messy person... – now smiling widely on the inside thinking - ...Oh ho Niki...Sid ki itni tarafdari...wah!

Niki: Oh that's not fair Ridz...don't you remember Armaan's room the first time you walked into it...you guys are picking on Sid for no reason...

Muskaan: Oh wow Niki...why are you sticking up for him so much...his sister and cousin are saying this and you're favouring him... – smiling at her

Niki: - biting her lower lip - ...It's nothing like that...I was just thinking that you guys are being really mean to him...that's all...

Ridz: Koi baat nahi Niki...hum samaj gaye... – winking at her

Niki: - blushing but now in shock at what the girls were trying to say – Oh guys please...

Naina: What is going on? – looking from Riddhima to Muskaan then to Nikita who was blushing madly

Ridz: Naina...you're looking at your bhabi-to-be... – teasing

Niki: Mujhe ghar jaana hain... – getting up and the others followed

Muskaan: Niki...bolo na...you like Sid isn't it...

Niki: - turning in shock at Muskaan - ...How can you guys say that...just because I was supporting him...I mean...we're just friends...

Ridz: Niki...there's nothing wrong with it... – holding her shoulder and talking calmly - ...listen to me... I'm not forcing anything on to you...but I know that Sid is a really nice person...you guys are very close friends...you also look very, very nice together...we can see that you guys get on really well...and he enjoys your company a lot as well...I'm not saying to rush into anything...just think about it...because he can keep you very happy...and you deserve the best...

Nikita was now in deep thought and Riddhima silently cursed herself hoping that she had not brought up ill thoughts of Abhi in Nikita's mind but as she gave Nikita's shoulder a slight squeeze she turned to look at Riddhima with a sweet smile as if she was still blushing. Riddhima smiled and gave her a side hug then Muskaan started teasing her again.

Muskaan: Aww...Niki...I think you guys look adorable together...

Naina: And you look so cute when you blush...

Niki: Please stop it girls... – blushing madly

Ridz: That's enough guys...if not she'll complain to Sid about us... – nudging her

Niki: Ridz...tum bhi... – turning to her in shock

Ridz: Sorry bhabi... – before Nikita could slap her she changed her words - ...I mean...Niki... – holding her ears

Niki: You guys are too much... – walking quickly away from them with a wide smile

The girls walked behind her with smiles on their faces and Riddhima felt that her mission was accomplished, all she needed to do was to make Sid propose to Nikita which seemed quite difficult at the moment but she would think of something.

Riddhima and Naina said bye to Muskaan and Nikita then made their way home, as they entered everyone rounded up on them making them double take and wondered what had happened suddenly.

Padma: How could you girls do this? – frowning at them - ...It was not nice...

Keerti: Exactly...what you did was very wrong...

Naina: Mum? – shocked - ...What did we do?

Ba: Tum dono ko saza milna chahiye...

Ridz: Ba? – confused – ...Kaisi saza...aur kis liye?

Padma: Now stop asking questions...go and apologise...

Naina: Apologise? – making a face - ...To who? – turning to Riddhima

Sid: - walking into the kitchen - ...Oh you're back... – smiling evilly

Ridz: What is going on? – looking closely at him - ...Who do we need to apologise to?

Naina: And for what...what have we done wrong?

Sid: You two went out without the baby of the family...and he's sulking...you need to go and apologise to him right now...or you'll be punished...

Naina: - breathing a sigh of relief - ...Is that it?

Sid: Not is that it...go to him right now...he's really upset...

Ridz: - smiling – It's okay...I'll go... – to Naina - ...he'll be fine in a minute...

Riddhima walked out of the kitchen into the living room and towards the conservatory where she found Dhruv sitting there with his knees up and his head resting on them. Riddhima felt bad but knew how to fix this situation; she kneeled in front of him and put her hand on his head but he didn't look up.

Ridz: I'm sorry Dhruv...

Dhruv: - not looking up – Go away...

Ridz: Dhruv...please look at me once...I'm really sorry... – holding her ears, he peaked through a gap in his arm - ...please forgive me...

Dhruv: It's okay... – slowly but not looking up

Ridz: If you forgive me please look at me...

Slowly Dhruv raised his head and looked at her to see her holding out a box in her hands; he smiled slowly as the picture on it caught his eye and he grabbed the box.

Ridz: I went to get this for you...I wanted this to be a surprise...

Dhruv: - happy now – It's okay Riddhi...thank you... – giving her a hug - ...I forgot to bring my own water gun...and you brought me a new one...thank you...I love you...

Ridz: Love you too... – ruffling his hair

She left him to it and went back into the kitchen with a smile and they all knew she had fixed the problem, she settled down next to Ba at the dining table.

Ridz: So...what's cooking for dinner?

Padma: Kuch nahi...

Ridz: Kyun...are we going to a restaurant tonight?

Keerti: Nahi...we've been invited to dinner...

Ridz: Where? – curiously

Padma: Nandani Aunty called this morning...we're having dinner there tonight...it's a small party...

Ridz: That's nice... – with other thoughts on her mind

A while later Riddhima went upstairs and later on in the evening she began to get dressed with lots of thoughts running through her mind.

Ridz: - thinking – After three and a half long weeks I'm going to see Armaan...why am I so nervous...I want to see him... – dream flashed into her mind - ...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... – jumping out of the dream - ...but does he want to see me... – suddenly rubbing her arms - ...why have I got goose bumps...what is happening to me...

Naina: - putting a hand on Riddhima's shoulder – Ridz?

Ridz: - jumping out of her thoughts – Huh? What? – looking around

Naina: Are you okay?

Ridz: I'm...I'm fine...

Naina: Okay...get ready quickly...we're leaving soon...

Ridz: Just two minutes...

Naina left the room and Riddhima got dressed quickly as her thoughts carried on running through her mind. She thought of meeting Armaan but was afraid of how he would react to her; she put on her dupatta and looked into the mirror fixing her hair before grabbing her bag and phone and leaving the room. She walked into the living room and sat down silently in her own thoughts as they waited for everyone to be ready.

Ridz: - thinking – What if he doesn't talk to me...I won't be able to control myself there in front of everyone...maybe I should just make an excuse and not go...that would be better... – debating with her mind - ...are you mad Ridzi...if you don't go everyone will be asking question after question and anyway...what stupid excuse are you going to come up with...you're health is absolutely perfect...it's going to look completely foolish if you suddenly fake a faint spell or upset stomach...get a grip and just face reality...whatever happens will be dealt with there and then... – she was suddenly nudged in the side

Dhruv: Hey Riddhi...wake up...we're leaving...

Ridz: - looking around - Huh?

Shubhankar: Lost in your own world... – laughing along with everyone else

Ridz: No-nothing like that Chachu...I was just...

Sid: We know...

Ba: Okay stop teasing my gudia now...

Shashank: - smiling – Chale...

They all walked out of the living room, through the kitchen and outside to the cars, Dhruv insisted on sitting with Riddhima so Sid drove one car with the youngsters and Shashank with the elders then Dhruv insisted on having a race to see who would get there first. He talked all the way through the journey not giving Riddhima's mind a chance to be filled with sad thoughts and she carried on smiling along to his jokes but the moment Sid turned off the car and they stepped out she suddenly became frightened of the thought of coming face to face with Armaan.

They stood at the doorstep after Shashank had rung the bell. Everyone was excited as they had not yet met the Malik family, as the last time they had come down the Malik family had gone back home, this was the first time that the two families would meet. A moment later the front door was opened by Vikram who gave them a warm welcome; Nandani, Atul and Anjali had joined them standing in the foyer where Shashank introduced the two families to each other.

Vikram: It's nice to have finally met you all...

Nandani: Haan...please come in...

They walked into the living room where they introduced each other further while the youngsters were slightly quiet and whispered amongst themselves. Anjali was very happy to meet her family after many years; she sat next to Ba and had become slightly emotional but controlled herself and smiled away happily engaging in conversation with Keerti and Ba.

Ba: My daughter has grown so big...

Keerti: And you're looking very beautiful...

Anji: Thanks Chachi...

Keerti: - pointing out to her kids – You know Sid...and that's Naina and Dhruv...

Dhruv: Riddhi's best friend...

Anji: Oh really...only Riddhi's friend? – to him

Dhruv: Umm...everyone's friend...but Riddhi's best friend...

Atul: Wow Ridzi...you have a really cute admirer...

Ridz: - ruffling Dhruv's hair – Yep...he's very cute...

Sid: - to Atul - ...Where's Armaan?

Atul: He's been extremely busy with this new project...he's at Rahul's place discussing plans with his parents...

Sid: I know...he's working really hard on this one...and he's really quite good...I've learnt so much working with him...

Atul: Honestly though...I think he's taking it a little too far...he doesn't even come home till late...

Riddhima's mind was filled with mixed thoughts on Armaan, about his work and their relationship that she was now staring into thin air as her mind began another conversation with itself.

Ridz: What has happened to Armaan suddenly...he's never taken so much interest in his work like this...and to think that we haven't met for three and a half weeks...what is going on...what if...

Too caught up in her thoughts she tried to take a deep breath but instead she choked and excused herself from the room, Nandani followed her into the kitchen and helped her to a glass of water and a seat making sure she was okay.

Nandani: Riddhima beta...are you okay now? – rubbing her back gently

Ridz: - taking a slow breath - ...Ji aunty...ab main theek hoon...

Nandani: Have some more water...

Ridz: - taking a sip then another slow breath - ...Thank you aunty...

Nandani: You okay?

Ridz: I'm fine now...can I use to washroom?

Nandani: Sure go ahead...

Riddhima walked out of the kitchen and made her way upstairs to the bathroom. She freshened up and took several deep breaths to ease her nerves. She looked into her bag and took out the small item she had bought earlier in the day; she turned it over in her hand looking closely at it and sighed.

Ridz: - in a small whisper to herself - ...I don't know what's happening between us Armaan...but I just want you to know that I love you lots... – her eyes filled with tears but she refused to let them fall

Making up her mind she walked out of the washroom and turned to her right, she took small steps towards his room, slowly pushing the door open she switched on the light and walked further into the room. She looked around the room and felt a rush of emotions flow through her as she missed him immensely; she closed her eyes as tears welled up in them again.

Ridz: - thinking – I miss you Armaan...I miss you so much...why can't things be normal again...I love you...

Armaan: How dare you walk into my room?

Suddenly Riddhima froze as she heard his voice, her eyes snapped open but she didn't turn to face him, her heart thumped against her chest loudly she could almost hear it.

Armaan: What are you doing in here?...

Well that's all for today...hope you enjoyed...Please post your comments...