Armaan aur Riddhima ka SAFAR...MSG pg 153 - Page 76

Part 66

About ten minutes later Naina excitedly nudged Riddhima whispering in her ear that Rahul had arrived and was making his way through the crowd, and Riddhima whispered into Muskaan's ear making her blush even more. Riddhima and Muskaan scanned the crowd until they found Rahul but suddenly turned to each other as he made his way onto the stage with someone.

Niki: - adding the final touch – There you go Muskaan…all done… - looking up suddenly to get a shock

Before anyone could say anything further Naina excused herself from the stage so that Rahul could sit with Muskaan, as she left the atmosphere became tensed as Nikita stared at him in shock unable to believe that he was once again standing in front of her after a whole year. All the memories flooded back to her suddenly and her eyes welled up with tears.

Abhi: Hi Niki… - slowly

Nikita looked away finding an excuse by packing away her mehendi equipment quickly and leaving the stage unable to have eye contact with anyone. She stood up with her bag of things and walked quickly off of the stage while Abhi followed her with his eyes felling very sorry. Rahul settled down next to Muskaan and Riddhima was left sitting there in shock at the small situation that just occurred as she did not see this coming.

Riddhima excused herself telling Muskaan that she'll be back in a bit as she was going to see if Nikita was okay. She walked off of the stage and through the crowd looking for Nikita, she noticed her standing at the back of the hall with someone and as she neared them she realised it was Sid and she overheard a little bit of their conversation.

Niki: I'm fine Sid… - lying - …actually it's quite late…I've finished doing Muskaan's mehendi so I thought of heading home…

Sid: Did you have anything to eat…?

Niki: - shaking her head - …I'm okay really…I'm not very hungry… I think I'll go…

Sid: Bilkul nahi…Niki… - slowly - …come let me get you something to eat then I'll give you a lift home…

Niki: - slowly she nodded her head even though she wanted to refuse - …Theek hain…

Nikita walked towards the food counter and Sid was about to follow but noticed Riddhima standing there, he shook his head in her direction in disgrace then walked away after Nikita. Riddhima suddenly felt terrible with herself for some unknown reason which she just couldn't seem to understand but she made her way back up to the stage to be there for Muskaan.

Riddhima stayed over at Muskaan's place that night to give her company, not that she needed much as she had a house full of relatives but at this time she needed someone close. They slept till late the next morning and were woken up by Muskaan's mum at eleven in the morning to have breakfast in bed as downstairs was too crowded.

Muskaan's Mum: You two have your breakfast then Riddhima beta you can help Muskaan with the last bit of packing… - sadly

Ridz: Ji aunty…don't worry…I'll help her… - she looked over at Muskaan to see her wearing a sad face then to her mum who looked the same and she smiled - …there's still another thirty hours before the bidaai…

Muskaan: - with a watery smile - …Thanks for reminding me Ridzi… - Riddhima gave her a hug

Muskaan's mum came closer to the bed and gave Muskaan a kiss on her forehead then Riddhima asked for one to lighten the atmosphere, she received one with lots of watery smiles then Muskaan's mum told them to have their breakfast quickly before it goes cold, then she left the room. They ate up and Riddhima helped Muskaan with the last bit of her packing until around two when they both settled down on the bed talking generally. Muskaan called Nikita and told her to come over so that they could get ready together, she agreed after a little persuading and arrived soon after.

Once she got there the girls started to get ready for the Sangeet function which was going to be in the evening. Riddhima had noticed from the moment Nikita walked into the room that her mood was completely different from how she had been for the past couple of weeks. Even though she had a smile on her face she was sad and did not take part in any of the fun and jokes between Riddhima, Muskaan and her cousins, instead she stayed in the background and got ready silently smiling now and then.

They arrived at the hall about two hours later and noticed that some of the guests were already there. Riddhima and Nikita settled down with Muskaan at the front of the hall and looked around admiring the place.

Muskaan: - to Riddhima – I must say Ridz...you're boyfriend has put in a hell of a lot of effort into these events...yesterday the place looked beautiful and today...even though it's almost all the same decorations as yesterday it looks great...what do you think Niki?

Niki: - looking around with a small smile - ...Yeah I agree...the place looks really nice and the service is also very good...

Muskaan: Looks like I'm going to have to thank him personally when the wedding is over...because I haven't seen him at all...

Ridz: You're not the only one...I haven't seen him around either...I think I'll just go and see if I can find him...

Muskaan: Okay and thank him from my side too...

Riddhima got up and made her way through the crowd in search of Armaan. She looked around the main hall but he was not there, she moved outside of the hall and looked around the foyer but again he was not there, looking through the dining hall she noticed him ordering around a few members of staff and rushed towards him but he didn't notice her. She stood patiently to a side until he dismissed his workers and she made a quick move towards him but he turned and began to walk away. She frowned and called out his name making him turn.

Ridz: What's this Armaan...you're so busy you don't even notice me...

Armaan: I'm sorry Ridz...you know how much I need to do around here...I'm the only supervisor on this project and it's just keeping me busy...and this is only the second event...tomorrow and the day after will be even more hectic...I got to go... – turning away

Ridz: - holding his hand and making him turn again – But Armaan...can't you just take five minutes out and have some fun with us...after all this is not just a project for you but it's your friends' wedding...and I need to talk to you about something important...

Armaan: Ridz...if I could take five minutes out you know I would but right now I can't...things need to be done in order for this event to go smoothly and I need to see to it...

Ridz: Can you just listen to what I have to say for two minutes before you get back to work...?

Armaan: - sighing loudly and becoming irritated - ...What is it about?

Ridz: Armaan...I'm feeling terrible about Niki again...she's finding it so hard in front of Abhi and I'm sure Sid is also upset...

Armaan: Is that it... – annoyed - ...come on Riddhima...I have bigger issues to deal with right now...and if you're feeling so guilty you should've of thought of this first before setting them up...you knew one day or the other Abhi was going to come back...then why did you mess up Sid's life by dragging him into it...? – looking around and noticing a new job - ...please Riddhima...let me get back to work and you try to sort this one out on your own... – walking away

Ridz: Armaan... – slowly but he didn't hear as he walked out of the room, she began to think sadly - ...you're blaming me for this...of all people Armaan...I thought you would be on my side through this...and you didn't even look at me once...you didn't even say how I looked... – sadly - ...Armaan you don't even think about me anymore...? – on the verge of tears

Suddenly she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder and she turned to see Abhi standing there.

Abhi: What's wrong Ridz...why are you standing here alone...? – looking down at her curiously - ...Come and have fun with the rest of us...

Abhi lead her out of the room and into the main hall where everyone else was, he moved through the crowd to where Muskaan and Rahul sat with Sid and Nikita on both sides and Naina next to Nikita.

Abhi: Why are you guys sitting here like a bunch of lemons...? - looking around at each of their faces and pulling Rahul and Muskaan up - ...It's your sangeet...let the fun begin...

Abhi made Rahul and Muskaan hold hands then helped Sid up and walked him to Nikita putting their hands into one another's then he held his hand out to Naina who accepted and he walked towards Riddhima bringing them into the middle of the dance floor. Muskaan's cousins noticed some fun coming on and asked the DJ to play a song as they all got into position.

Abhi, Rahul and Sid stood at one end and walked slowly towards the girls as the music played in the background; "Hey, hey, hey, hey"

Abhi: Girl you are my Chamak Challo...where you go girl I'm gonna follow... – now standing in between Riddhima and Naina

Rahul: - moving around Muskaan - ...What you want girl just let me knooow...oooh, oooh, oooh...

Sid: You can be my Chamak Challo...ooh, ohh... – smiling to Nikita

All Boys: Shawty I'm gonna get ya…you know I'm gonna get ya…you know I will let you be my Chamak Challo…

Abhi: - dancing in between Naina and Riddhima – Kesa sharmana aja nach ke dikha de…

Rahul: - to Muskaan - Aah mere holay aa parda gira de…

Sid: - to Nikita - Aah meri akhiyon se akhiyan mila le…

Abhi/Rahul/Sid: Aah tu na nakhre dikhaa…Wanna be my Chamak Challo…ooh, ooh, ooh…

Naina/Ridz: Kaisa na sharmana tujhe nach ke dikha doon…

Muskaan/Niki: Tera ho jaye jo main parda gira doon…

All girls: Aah tujhe ankiyon main apne basa doon…Aah tujhe nakhre dikha…

All boys: Wanna be my Chamak Challo…ooh, ooh, ooh…Wanna be my Chamak Challo…ooh, ooh, ooh…Wanna be my Chamak Challo…ooh, ooh, ooh…

The song came to an end and they all enjoyed themselves fully but Abhi who stood back and watched Nikita having fun with Sid, he smiled sadly to see her happiness with Sid and began to walk away but Naina stopped him and complimented his dancing skills as well as singing skills. The rest of the evening went on with more songs and masti-filled games and pranks until it was quite late and most of the guests began to leave. Rahul and Muskaan stayed seated talking silently until the girls noticed them and rushed towards them moving them apart.

Rahul: But what's wrong all of a sudden…?

Ridz: I'm sorry Rahul…that's enough for tonight…no more contact between the two of you till tomorrow at the wedding…

Rahul: But…

Niki: No buts Rahul…you can go now…

Rahul: At least let me say a proper bye to Muskaan…

Naina: Bye can be said from here…

Rahul: Fine… - making a face - …bye Muskaan… - walking forward to her but the girls made a barrier to stop him

Muskaan: - laughing – Bye…

Rahul looked annoyed but didn't bother arguing with the girls, he turned around and walked away with Abhi. Riddhima watched as they met Sid and Armaan at the door, she looked on to see Armaan talking friendly with them with a huge smile on his face and felt a sudden pang of hurt in her chest as she remembered how he had spoke to her earlier that evening. She was brought back to reality as Naina shook her shoulder.

Ridz: Huh?

Naina: What's wrong with you…are you okay?

Ridz: I'm fine…

Naina: Well…I'm going to go now…I'll see you guys tomorrow for Muskaan's big day…

Ridz: Okay bye…

Naina left after they had all said bye and settled down. They chatted about the entire event until Yuvi stood at the door and shouted over to them that their lift was ready, the girls walked out of the hall and got into the car making their way to Muskaan's place where they were going to spend the night. The girls stayed up most of the night along with some of Muskaan's cousins and elder sister-in-laws who spoke about what happens after the wedding, teasing Muskaan until she had enough then they left after it was quite late. Muskaan was left in her room along with Nikita and Riddhima; they sat up in bed and carried on talking.

Muskaan: I can't believe this is all happening…I mean this is what I want of course…but after an entire year of waiting for this day…it just all seems so unreal to me…is this normal…? – looking from Riddhima to Nikita

They both hugged her together and gave her the opportunity to let out all of her feelings.

Muskaan: Tomorrow is going to be my big day…it's going to be our three year anniversary that we've been together…and we're finally going to make it official…I'm excited…but… - her voice started to shake a little - …I'm really nervous girls…so many people are going to be there tomorrow…all eyes are going to be on me…I'm going to leave my room…leave my house…and I'm going to leave my family… - now on the verge of tears - …I'm going to… - tears rolled out of her eyes and down her cheeks

Ridz: Muskaan… - holding onto her - …sshhh…don't think about all of this now…

Niki: Hmmm…this was all going to happen…and you're prepared for it…up till now you've been really strong…just a few more hours and then we'll see to this later…but now…leave this thought aside…

Ridz: Niki's right…you just think about you're big day…how beautiful you're going to look…and the look on Rahul's face when he sees you…he won't be able to wait to take you away with him…

Niki: And of course…you're honeymoon… - nudging her in her side making her smile

Muskaan: Niki… - smiling as she whipped her cheeks

Ridz: Now you try and sleep…and stop worrying yourself…okay?

Muskaan nodded and the girls got ready for bed, they made sure Muskaan was comfortable and not taking on tension before they fell asleep all excited about the big day ahead of them. The next morning Muskaan woke up earlier than the girls and started moving around collecting her last minute things putting them in her suitcase and getting ready to leave her room and move to Rahul's home. She was focused but signs of worry showed on her forehead as she rushed around her room silently trying not to wake the girls, but soon after Riddhima and Nikita both woke up as they sensed a bit of tension. Riddhima rubbed her eyes until they came into focus and Nikita yawned widely then they noticed Muskaan with a handful of stuff trying to fit them all in a small bag.

Niki: Muskaan… - sleepily - …you should've woke us up…we would've helped you pack…

Muskaan: It's okay Niki…I'm almost done…I've done the main bit ages ago and Ridz helped me out the other day…I've just got the last few stuff but I've got now space in my suitcase…

Ridz: Here… - moving to sit in front of the suitcase - …let me help you…

Muskaan: Thanks yaar… - turning to Nikita - …Niks can I please ask you to get me some tea…sorry…I just need it right now…and I need to get this stuff done before mum comes up and starts lecturing me that I should've had this sorted before…

Niki: - smiling - …Sure, after all it's your big day…you have every right to order us around…

Ridz: - joining in - ...Only this one day…then you can order Rahul around…

Niki: Ridz…you want anything…?

Ridz: Just a cup of tea…thanks…

Nikita left the room and Riddhima sorted out Muskaan's suitcase, making it neat to find space for the last few things. Once Nikita had come back up with three cups of tea they sat and planned out what they were going to do before they made their way to the venue for the main event. They fixed up the room as planned and made it all neat before spreading out Muskaan's outfit over the bed with her jewellery and accessories and also took out the girls' outfits and hung them on the cupboard door handles. Everything was sorted and they had time to spare but as they thought of something else to do there was a knock on the door and Muskaan's mum, dad and Yuvi came in. Riddhima caught Nikita's eye and they left the room silently giving them some family time.

About half an hour later the girls noticed Muskaan's mum and dad coming down the stairs with smiles on their faces, they smiled at each other and went back upstairs to see Yuvi and Muskaan sharing a lovely hug, Muskaan had tears in her eyes but she was smiling as Yuvi had his arm around her in a cosy hug.

Ridz: Arre wah…Niki take a photo quickly…this is a miracle… - smirking

They moved away from each other and smiled then Yuvi ruffled her hair making a mess and she threw a pillow at him as he walked out of the room.

Niki: And…they're back… - smiling as she walked into the room

Ridz: So…are you ready?

Niki: Time you doll you up for your hubby-to-be…

Muskaan blushed as they began teasing her again. She went to the washroom and by the time she got back her cousin started working away on her hair and makeup while the other two took turns to use the washroom and get ready. Almost two hours later Muskaan was fully ready and was placed to sit in front of a mirror while everyone admired her and made her blush even more.

Muskaan's young cousin: Wow Muskaan Didi…you're looking like a princess…

Niki: She so is… - giving her a side hug

Muskaan was scared; she blushed as she took a glimpse of herself in the mirror; she really did look like a princess. She wore a beautiful red lengha; it was a straight cut skirt with full embroidery, sequins beads and studs. The blouse also had the same designs on it as the skirt and she looked beautiful in it. The dupatta was fully embroidered and it all looked very beautiful. She was still blushing, she kept her eyes down, and her heart was thumping madly. She was excited about this day, she was finally going to be Mrs. Muskaan Rahul Garewal but the tiny thought that was bothering her in the back of her mind started to creep up as she thought about leaving her beloved family but he thoughts were interrupted as Nikita put her hands on her shoulders.

Nikki: Aww sharma gayyi! – looking at her reflection in the mirror

Riddhima looked down at her and bent down onto her knees to be at the same level as Muskaan and so did Nikita on the other side of her.

Ridz: Everyone will be so jealous of you today… - slowly

Muskaan: Thanks guys…for everything you guys have done for me…I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you…you guys really are the best friends ever… - she pulled them into a hug and they stayed like this for a while

Then they were called downstairs, Muskaan met her grandparents, uncles and aunts and was escorted to the venue, it was a quite a drive from home, not kept in the same hall as the other two functions. Riddhima and Nikita chatted away excitedly trying to take Muskaan's mind off of her bidaai as they talked about how the venue would look, about the rituals and games etc; until they got there about forty minutes later.

Most of the bride's guests had already arrived and were waiting to welcome the bride herself who got out of the car carefully with the help of her two best friends and looked around at the place. To begin with there was a beautiful floral arch which lead onto the red carpet isle which they walked through carefully; along the isle were tall white pillars with flower decorations placed on top of them and fairly lights alongside the red carpet but they were still turned off. As they came to the middle of the red carpet isle they could see round tables for the guests which were decorated with pale coloured drapes and bowls with candle and petals which looked amazingly beautiful. They came to the end of the isle and made their way onto a step up stage which was decorated even more beautiful than the entire place, it was simple yet elegant and Muskaan and the girls loved it.

They settled down on the stage looking out over the beautiful garden area and Muskaan felt a surge of happiness as she thought back to how she had described her design of the venue to Armaan, he had added every bit of detail which she mentioned and even more which left her stunned and speechless. Riddhima looked around at the Khushi Events crew knowing that Armaan was around somewhere but she couldn't catch a glimpse of him and felt upset as she remembered his words from last night. A while later the bharat arrived; and most of the guests made their way over to welcome them. Muskaan and the girls left the stage and were escorted to a small cabin room which was put up behind the stage for them to rest until her groom came. Riddhima was called out specially to welcome the bharat as she should've come with them but she was needed more to be with the bride. She welcomed them in and made sure Rahul was comfortable before going back to Muskaan.

Ridz: Ready?

Muskaan nodded with a smile and stood up with the help of Nikita; Muskaan's mum and some family members joined them and escorted Muskaan out of the cabin and down the aisle towards the mandap. Rahul stood up and looked at his princess, she looked so beautiful, and all eyes were on her. Muskaan's mum and aunt were next to her with Riddhima and Nikita just behind her as they helped her to sit down next to Rahul and the wedding ceremony took place perfectly.

The moment the wedding ceremony was over Rahul asked for his shoes and everyone started looking around for it; then suddenly Nikita felt a strong nudge in her side which made her turn to see one of Muskaan's cousins asked her to come with him.

Niki: What's wrong…?

Boy: We hid Rahul Jiju's shoes earlier but now we can't find it…please help us…

Nikita was about to say something but was stopped by a loud laugh which made them turn. Dhruv stood there with the shoes in his hand, the boy went for it but Dhruv ran away and Nikita ran after them. One of Muskaan's older cousins took it from Dhruv's hand and shouted to Nikita to come and get it, just as she was about to grab it someone else came behind her and took it in front of his eyes, she turned to see Abhi standing very close to her.

Abhi: Do you want it… - Nikita nodded slowly - …come get it… - moving back and walked away

Nikita stopped for a minute to think, she couldn't care less and decided to leave it as she didn't want to be around him but the little boy begged her to get it and so did her cousins, she turned to them and sighed then went after Abhi who started to run and she ran after him. She chased him around the place, dogging guests and decorations. Abhi teased her by sticking his tongue out and waving the shoes in front of her face. She scolded him and reached out once again to grab the shoes; Abhi dodged her and ran into the cabin and she followed. Once again he waved the shoes in front of her face and she started to get annoyed, she was about to walk away but Abhi held onto her hand and pulled her forcefully towards him, now holding her around her waist and looking deep into her eyes. They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like ages until Nikita came back to her senses. She tried to get up but Abhi held onto her wrist, placing the shoes into her hands but not letting her go.

Niki: Mera haat chodo Abhi… - silently

Abhi: Not until I finish saying what I have to…

Niki: Abhi please leave me…

Abhi: Niki… - ignoring her and carrying on - …how can you be someone else's when you belong to me and only me…even you know that you love me…then how could you think of being with someone else… - he moved his arm around her tiny waist, making her heart skip a beat and she held her breath - …Niki I'm very sorry…for everything I have ever done and said to you which has hurt you…and I know I've hurt you many times from the moment we got to know each other till now…but I'm truly sorry…

Nikita shuffled a little trying to get out of his grip but he held onto her as he was not finished clearing up everything. He moved closer to her and she tried to get away but he held her tightly and she stopped moving.

Abhi: I know you won't believe me…but I have loved you and only you…even when I went to New York all I could think of was you…you're mine Niki…when I got back and I found out that you're getting married to someone else I was broken but then once I saw you I knew that you still loved me…all I want to say is please forgive me…don't be stubborn and ruin both of our lives…please don't go away from me…I can't live without you…and I know you have the same feelings for me…

Nikita listened to his words silently and took it in but she was still angry with him; she struggled again and he loosened his grip as he knew he was hurting her.

Niki: Let me go Abhi…

Abhi: First tell me that you love me…

Niki: Never… - angrily - …I don't love you…

Abhi: Look into my eyes and say that…

Niki: - looking into his eyes – No I don't…

Abhi suddenly let go of her hand, taking the shoes she walked out of the cabin and met Muskaan's cousin a little way away and gave her the shoes which she ran to show Rahul who gave them their gift money. Nikita stood back a little with these thoughts on her mind; Abhi's words echoed in her mind but there was something else she didn't know; their entire conversation was overheard by Sid who stood just outside of the cabin while they were inside…

Well that's all for tonight...Please post your comments...!