Part 68
Everyone looked on happily but Abhi who lurked around in the corner. Keerti placed the ring into Sid's hand and told him to put it onto Nikita; he took it and looked at her but he saw something which wrenched his heart; even though she wore a small smile he could see behind it and he knew she was screaming just one person's name in her mind and it was not his.
Sid: I'm sorry Niki…
Everyone looked at him in shock even Nikita wondered what he was doing but Sid just stood there and shook his head slow to Nikita.
Sid: I'm really sorry Niki…I can't go ahead with this engagement…
Niki's Mum: But Sid beta…kya huwa? – worried – …Are you angry at Niki for some reason…what happened?
Shubhankar: Sid…what are you doing? - confused
Sid: Please dad… - looking at him then at Nikita's mum - …just a minute…aunty… - then turning to Nikita - …mere aur Niki ke beech main aisa kuch nahi huwa…and Nikita is not to blame for this… - looking around at each person on the stage - …this is my decision…
Niki: - looking closely at him close to tears - …But why Sid? – her mind was full of questions - …Why are you breaking off this relationship?
Sid: I'm sorry Niki…but I can't ruin your life…
Niki: What do you mean by that…why would you even think that you would ruin my life?
Sid: Because I've come in between the two of you…and I know you can only be happy with him…by taking this relationship forward I'll be ruining your life as well as his…and I don't want to do that…
Niki: But Sid…I'm ready for this relationship…I want this…I will be happy with you… - tears forming in her eyes
Sid: I know you will Niki but…it won't be the same happiness that you will feel with him…because I'm just a friend…someone whose company you enjoy…someone who understands you…and someone who will always be there for you…but he'll keep you happy for the rest of your life…because you both love each other…
Niki: - tears now rolling down her cheeks - …Nahi…main use pyar nahi karti…Sid I want to go through with this please… - almost begging
Sid: You're just saying that to punish yourself…but the truth is that you'll be happier with him…
Niki: Please Sid… - crying
Niki's Dad: Sid beta…yeh sab kya ho raha hain…? – confused - …Who are you talking about? – then turning to Nikita - …Nikita who else is in your life?
Sid: Uncle please…like I said before Nikita is not to be blamed for anything that is happening…she's not at fault…
Niki's Dad: Then what is the truth…
Sid: Uncle…Nikita is in love with someone else…they both love each other but are unable to say anything because of problems which happened in the past…but today I'm going to sort it all out because I know that none of us will be able to live peacefully if I go ahead with this relationship…
Niki's Mum: But who is he?
Sid: - looking directly into Nikita's eyes - …Just give him one more chance…he's learnt his lesson and has come to terms with the truth… - Nikita gulped as tears rolled down her cheeks - …please…
Sid looked around the hall full of confused guests who were listening to his every word wondering what was going on. He spotted Abhi standing at the back and motioned for him to come forward as everyone turned to see who he was talking to. Abhi walked towards the stage; his eyes on Nikita and Sid while the crowd parted leading him towards them. The guests all started talking at once while their friends stood there silently wondering if Nikita would give him another chance.
Abhi made it to the stage and stood in front of Nikita who was still crying uncontrollably; Nikita's mum was in shock while her dad stood there silently watching his every move.
Niki's Mum: Ab-Abhi? – silently
Sid: Abhi…I'm moving out of your way because I want to see Niki's happiness…and I know only you can give her that…please prove me right…
Abhi: Thanks Sid…but now it's my turn… - turning to Nikita - …Niki…I'm very sorry…I know I've hurt you a lot…and one sorry isn't going to make it all better…I was wrong…right from the beginning…I didn't know that my love for you would turn so bitter…I was out for revenge…and when I finally got it I realised how much you meant to me…when I got to New York I was fine for a week…but then all I could think of was you and the state I had left you in…and I was paining…I thought I would come back and sort it out right away…I would take any punishment you gave me happily…but when I got here and saw that you were going to be someone else's…I realised that was my biggest punishment…and I was ready to take it on…I wanted you to be happy with Sid but not like this… - holding onto her hand - …if you were happy with Sid I wouldn't mind…but silently hurting yourself is not what I wanted…and now I know Sid also feels the same way about you…he also knows that you were paining inside…and I'm so happy that he's given me another chance…I hope you would also give me one more chance…
Niki: - hiccupped – Ab-Abhi…
Abhi: Please Niki… - going down on his knees still holding her hand - …Niki…please forgive me…please be mine…
Nikita blinked her eyes several times to get rid of the tears then looked around at everyone on the stage. Sid nodded his head telling her to go ahead with a smile; his parent were also smiling in her direction giving her a sense of confidence; then she looked at her parents; her mum was smiling with tears and her dad nodded his head slowly in her direction. Nikita looked down at him with tears in her eyes to see him mouth "I love you" to her which made her heart skipped a beat and she wore a watery smile while nodding her head slowly. Abhi stood up happily and pulled her into a comforting hug which he had wanted to do for a long time; then he suddenly realised where they were and how many people were watching them; he moved apart and looked down at her happily.
Abhi: I'm sorry… - to Nikita then turned around to her parents - …I'm sorry uncle aunty…maybe I should've done this a long time ago…I've messed up the whole party atmosphere… - then turning to Sid's parents - …once again…I'm really sorry… - they nodded with a smile then he turned to the guests - …please all of you forgive me for making a mess of the party…
Everyone started talking at once but Abhi saw the smiles on their faces which made him feel at ease; he turned around and walked towards Sid who stood at the edge of stage.
Abhi: I really don't have any words but…thanks…what you did today…I really have no words to describe…you really are a man with courage…and I understand why Niki became so fond of you…I owe you one…
Sid: Please yaar Abhi…what I did was for her happiness…and I hope you will keep her happy for the rest of her life…
Abhi: I will…promise…
Abhi and Sid walked over to where Nikita was sanding with her parents and Sid placed their hands into each other before walking off of the stage with a huge smile on his face. Riddhima, Rahul and Muskaan walked towards him and Rahul clapped him on his back; he smiled at him but turned to Riddhima which he noticed was very sad.
Sid: - putting his arm around her shoulder – What's wrong with you?
Ridz: - looking sideways at him – I'm so sorry Sid…I really had no right in messing with your life…it's because of me you had…
Sid: - cutting her off – Please Ridz…what you did was right…all you wanted was your friend's happiness and nothing is wrong with that…now look…everyone's happy…
Ridz: Are you? – slowly
Sid: Of course I am… - with a huge smile - …look over there and tell me what you see…
They both looked onto the stage to see Abhi and Nikita sitting together with huge smiles on their faces. Abhi took out a small box from his pocket and opened it to show Nikita a diamond ring to which she looked on in surprise and smiled widely.
Sid: Look how happy they are…that's all I wanted…don't worry about me…I had prepared myself for this the very first day I saw Abhi back at Muskaan and Rahul's mehendi…so I'm fine…and you should be too…
Ridz: - giving him a hug - …You really are the best friend anyone can have…
Sid: Thank you… - as she moved back
Ridz: Not everyone could do what you did today…
??: You're right Ridz…I'm really impressed…
They both turned to see a really pretty girl standing next to Riddhima with a smile on her face as she watched the two of them.
Ridz: - smiling – Sid this is Tannu…Armaan's best friend…and Tannu…Sid…my cousin…
Sid: Hi…nice to meet you… - holding out his hand
Tannu: Hi… - shaking his hand
Ridz: Excuse me… - walking away
Tannu: I really am very impressed with what you just did…you really have a huge heart to pull off something like that…
Sid: Thanks but…I just did what I thought was necessary…
Tannu: But in front of so many people…I would never have been able to do that…
Sid: And I hope you'll never have to…
Tannu: You're really a sweet guy…
Sid: Looks like it's my day for compliments… - smiling
Tannu: Seriously…
Sid: Let me warn you…if you already have a boyfriend you should stay away from me…because people easily fall in love with my charm…
Tannu: Oh really… - Sid shook his head to which she smiled - …then let me just inform you… - whispering - …I'm single…
Sid: Interesting… - cheekily
Tannu: - laughing she held out her hand – Friends…?
Sid: Of course… - shaking her hand
The engagement ceremony took place peacefully and was accepted by all. Abhi made sure he apologised to everyone he needed to, Nikita was consoled by all the guests and Sid was complimented by everyone and the wedding date was announced for two weeks later.
A few days had passed with the Gupta family getting over the small situation; Keerti and Ba were quite upset but Sid had tried his best to make them understand the situation and he promised that he would find a bride soon for them to accept as their daughter-in-law. Once things were back to normal Padma invited the Malik family over for dinner as it had been a while since they had a get together. That evening the ladies had spent a long time in the kitchen preparing lots of delicious food and snacks for their guests.
They arrived just after seven pm and everyone engaged in their own general conversations. Riddhima kept her eye out on Armaan who on the other hand stayed seated with the grownups conversing about business which made Riddhima wonder what was going on but her mind was diverted for a while by Dhruv; the girls were seated in the conservatory chatting away.
Dhruv: Anjali Didi…you didn't bring anything for me… - sadly
Anji: Oh no I forgot…
Dhruv: That's not fair…Riddhi always brings gifts for me…right Riddhi?
Ridz: Yes I do… - turning to Anjali - …dii you should have brought something for my Dhruv… - giving him a hug
Naina: Dhruv…you're being really spoilt… - to Anjali – …its okay Anjali Dii…he's just being a baby…
Tannu: And a very cute one… - ruffling his hair
Anji: - smiling – Don't worry Dhruv…I was just joking…your gift is in the kitchen…
Dhruv: What is it? – excitedly
Anji: Come… - getting up and holding out her hand for him to take - …I'll show you…
Dhruv: Yes… - cheering excitedly
The two of them walked out of the conservatory leaving Naina shouting behind them making Riddhima and Tannu laugh.
Naina: You guys are really spoiling him…and I'm the one who'll have to deal with it when we get back…
Ridz: Aww…he's just so sweet though…
Naina: Haan…you don't say anything at all okay…we all know he's your boyfriend…
Sometime later they have a delicious dinner filling themselves until they could hardly move then they youngsters went upstairs to chill in Riddhima's room, Tannu made sure she dragged Armaan and Sid upstairs with them and no one had to tell Dhruv as he lead them upstairs. They settled down around the comfy chairs and bean bags; Riddhima and Dhruv together, Tannu in between Sid and Armaan and Naina on the floor as they started chatting away.
Tannu: So…what's the plan?
Armaan: What plan?
Naina: Let's do something fun…
Dhruv: Let's play snakes and ladders… - jumping up excitedly
Sid: Shut up Dhruv…
Ridz: - ruffling Dhruv's hair as he was about to say something - …Dhruv…I'll play snakes and ladders with you tomorrow…
Dhruv: But I want to play now…
Naina: We're not playing that now…
Ridz: Dhruv… - calmly - …there's lots of us…we can't all play…so me and you will play tomorrow okay?
Dhruv: Okay…
Tannu: How about…Chinese Whispers?
Ridz: That sounds like fun… - excitedly
Armaan: How old are you guys…grow up…
Tannu: What's wrong with that?
Armaan: You guys go ahead and play baby games…I'm off… - getting up
Ridz: But Armaan…stay for a while…we won't play that okay? – seriously
Tannu: Fine…how about pass the pillow…?
Armaan: I'm going… - getting up again
Ridz: Armaan…what's the rush…why don't you decide a game then…
Armaan: I'm really not in the mood…
Ridz: Please… - pleading
Tannu watched them with a bit of concern as she realised that there was some tension between them but stayed quiet taking it all in and wondering what was up.
Sid: What about spin the bottle…
Tannu: That sounds great…
Naina: Yeah that's fine…what do you say Armaan?
Armaan: Fine… - sitting back down
They played spin the bottle for a while daring each other to do silly things and asking a few personal questions which everyone seemed to enjoy but Armaan who was very boring and not in the mood; everyone ignored him and carried on. The game went on for a very long time until it was time for the Malik's to go home; everyone left the room but Riddhima asked Armaan to stay back for a minute.
Armaan: What's up?
Ridz: Armaan…don't you think we need to spend some time together?
Armaan: Please Ridz…I've told you already…I'm really busy these days…I haven't got time to be messing around like before…
Ridz: But Armaan…what about us…doesn't our relationship mean anything to you any more…?
Armaan: What kind of question is that Ridz…you know I love you…but you also know how important my work is for me…I can't give it up…
Ridz: I'm not saying to give it up…I'm just saying…
Armaan: Please Ridz…I've had a long day…I wasn't even going to come tonight but mum and Tannu forced me…if not I have a whole new project that I could've worked on this evening…you know there's not much time left for Abhi and Niki's wedding and I need to get on with it…
Ridz: But…
Armaan: We'll talk about this later…bye…
Armaan ran down the stairs leaving Riddhima standing there speechless. She walked down slowly as his words replayed in her mind, she got to the bottom and saw that they were all ready to leave but Tannu walked towards her.
Tannu: Are you okay?
Ridz: Huh…? – looking around - …I'm…I'm fine…
Tannu: Okay listen…we'll meet up tomorrow…I need to go shopping at the mall…
Ridz: Fine… - with a small smile - …give me a call when you're ready…
Tannu: Cool…bye… - giving her a quick hug
Shashank and Padma saw their guests to the door while everyone else settled down to watch a movie but Riddhima's mind was far from it and within ten minutes she made an excuse saying she was going to bed and went upstairs while Armaan's words echoed through her mind as she fell asleep. She woke up panting and sweating two hours later as her dreams began to haunt her and she thought once again about staying away from Armaan for a while.
The next day Riddhima went over to the Malik house to pick up Tannu as they had made plans to go to the mall. They got there and started shopping instantly; Riddhima felt slightly better and at least had a smile on her face as they walked around and looked at clothes deciding of to try it on and the usual that girls' do in a mall. Once they had found a few outfits and bought them they walked down to the coffee shop where they bought themselves drinks then settled down.
Tannu: So tell me…what's up with you and Armaan?
Riddhima did a double take as this was the last thing she wanted to talk about right now; her nightmare flashed into her mind once again and she got instant goose bumps but yet she did not answer.
Tannu: Are you going to tell me or not…because I'm not blind…since I've got here I've notice a difference in your relationship…
Ridz: To be very honest Tannu…I have no idea what is going on between us…
Tannu: What do you mean?
Ridz: Well…since we got back from the country club where we spent two and half weeks alone he's come back and jumped straight into his work…
Tannu: Go on… - nodding her head
Ridz: I'm not saying anything is wrong with that…it's absolutely fine…I have no problems with that…because everyone is so impressed with his work…he organised the fashion show really well…then Muskaan and Rahul's four massive functions…and then he was working on Sid and Niki's engagement and now Abhi and Niki's wedding…
Tannu: So what exactly is the problem?
Ridz: The problem is that he's so much into it that I feel as though he's moving away from me…our relationship has been put on the side…and he doesn't care…but in actual fact he's changed so much in this two months…it's unbelievable…
Tannu: I agree… - nodding - …ever since I got here I can see a change in his behavior…he's never at home these days…and all he cares about is his work…even before I got here he had stopped calling me for a while and wasn't answering my calls…for a second I thought you guys were spending a lot of time together so he couldn't be bothered…but now I know that it's his work that's keeping him occupied…
Ridz: I just wish everything would go back to normal…but to make matters worse my nightmares are just not helping…
Tannu: Nightmares?
Ridz: Yeah…I've been having nightmares about this whole problem and I'm going mad!
Tannu: Don't worry…it's just a phase…I bet it'll past soon and everything will be fine again…just wait till most of his projects have been completed… - thinking for a second - …Niki and Abhi's wedding is the last for now right?
Ridz: Yeah I think…why?
Tannu: Right…after this project try to talk to him as he spares a moment then tell him all about your feelings…I'm sure he'll understand and he'll be back to normal very soon…
Ridz: Maybe you're right…
Tannu: You just don't worry yourself about this...it's not worth it…just chill… and enjoy the functions…be happy for your friends…then sort Armaan out later…
Ridz: - with a small smile - …Thanks yaar Tannu…after talking to you I feel much better…
Tannu: And that's why I asked you to come out today…because I noticed the tension between you two last night and I sensed that something was wrong…shopping was just an excuse… - looking at Riddhima's expression - …but at least you're feeling better now after you let all your worries out…right?
Ridz: - nodding her head with a smile - …Thanks…
Tannu: It's cool…
A while later Riddhima got a call from Nikita asking her to come around, they went home to drop their bags off and asked Naina to come along with them. They got there just in time as Muskaan and the girls had a great evening planning a small wedding function; making the next day a shopping spree in South Hall which was great fun.
Two weeks came around sooner than they thought and before they knew it Nikita and Abhi's wedding ceremony was taking place. Everyone was excited and had lots of fun even though it was a very small function with very few guests but it was one of the best functions where the gang had a great time. Surprisingly Armaan also took part in some of the fun and games but the distance between him and Riddhima was increasing by the minute. Their reception function was taking place that night and Rahul and Armaan were making the most of this time to tease Abhi reminding him of all the fun he use to make of them back in their school days.
Rahul: Armaan…do you remember what he use to say… - imitating Abhi – …This love stuff is so crap!... How could you guys fall for it?
Armaan: How can I forget…he kept saying it's never going to happen to him…and now… - turning to Abhi with a cheeky smile - …what happened Abhi?
Abhi: Shut up guys…
Rahul: But one thing's for sure…since he's got back from New York he's changed…
Armaan: Yeah…he thinks he's too good for us low class people…
Abhi: What are you two on about man… - annoyed - …enough rubbish and let me enjoy my day…
Armaan: Oh we will…don't worry… - cheekily he looked at Rahul who nodded
Abhi: What are you up to? - curiously
Armaan and Rahul walked off of the stage with big grins as they made their way to the DJ and the music started up. The girls; Riddhima, Naina, Muskaan and Tannu heard the tune and walked into the middle and started dancing.
Girls: Aya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…Aya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…Aya te sada rang laya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…Aya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…
Armaan: O o bole angrezi munda…O karda tezi munda... - imitating Abhi - …Lagata woh tie-shie…Hai very hi-fi…
Rahul: O bole village ko ganda…O badla hai yeh banda… - making fun of Abhi - …Hai bhoola woh desi tane…Te gaye English gane…
Both: Ata jata nusk nikaly…Kam dham ka na…Ata jata nusk nikaly…Kam dham ka na…Paar samundar jake usne itna hi jana… - dancing - Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Te ban than ke jashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…
Rahul: Ho assi an padosiyan de kundy-shundyy khol ke…Tip-top rehnda dekho, hello hi bol ke…
Armaan: O peepdiyon pe nache sunte bol na woh dhol ke…O disco seekha bhool gaya hai woh bhangra pana…
Boys and Sid: Paar samundar jake usne itna hi jana…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Te ban than ke jashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…
Girls: - sitting next to Nikita - …Aya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…Aya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…Aya te sada rang laya ladiye ni tera sehreyan wala vyavan aya…
Sid: Haye sohniyan te mohniyan vi, gabru jawan vi…Haniyan ko mil jani, yenhi koi jan vi…
Armaan: Han sohniyan te mohniyan vi, gabru jawan vi…Haniyan ko mil jani, yenhi koi jan vi…O thodi khas ada hai apni, te vakhri hai shan vi…Shan vi, oye shan vi, oye…
Rahul: Ho pyar ka pecha apne aap hi apna pai jana…Pyar ka pecha apne aap hi apna pai jana…
Boys: Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…Te ban than ke jashan main rehna…Ke sajh dhaj ke tashan main rehna…
Girls: - dancing in the middle - …Kik lik li di, pagg mere veer di…Dupatta mere bhai da, pind mo jamai da…Kik lik li di, pagg mere veer di…Dupatta mere bhai da, pind mo jamai da…
Everyone joined them in the middle and had great fun for the rest of the evening. Many couples were coming closer together enjoying the new feeling of companionship but in between all of this two people were moving further apart…
Well that's all for tonight...Hope you've enjoyed it...Please post your comments...
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
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