Armaan aur Riddhima ka SAFAR...MSG pg 153 - Page 83

Part 70

They arrived in about five minutes but neither of them got out of the car; Armaan looked around at the park to see if there was something she wanted to show him but it was bare and he turned to look at her.

Armaan: What's wrong Ridz...why have you asked me to bring you here...and what's so urgent?

Ridz: Armaan...we need to talk and this is the only way I could get to see you... – slowly turning to him - ...Armaan...things have gone too far...and we need to sort it out before it gets any worse...

Armaan: What are you talking about Riddhima...what has gone too far? – looking closely at her – ...What is the problem?

Ridz: Don't tell me that you don't think there's a problem... – shocked

Armaan: I really don't Ridz...I don't know what you're talking about...

Ridz: Are you serious... – getting slightly angry

Armaan: Please...stop beating around the bush and come out with it... - frustrated

Ridz: I don't believe this...you think that nothing is wrong at all... – outraged - ...I just don't believe this...

Armaan: Come on Ridz...just tell me what is wrong...

Ridz: Armaan I've had enough...I've had enough of all of this...

Armaan: Enough of what...you're still not making yourself clear...just tell me straight...

Ridz: - now in anger and close to tears – Armaan...you're so stuck into your work that you don't see anything that's going on around you...you've changed ever since we came back from the country club...we we're so close and we spent some good times together...but ever since we came back all you care about is your work...it's almost going to be a year that everything has changed between us...you got yourself so involved in Muskaan and Rahul's wedding...then Sid and Niki's engagement...then Abhi and Niki's wedding...and after that all your other projects and now it's just like... – not sure how to end her sentence

Armaan: Like what? – confused – ...Riddhima...that's my job...

Ridz: Armaan...you still don't get what I'm trying to say... – trying not to give up

Armaan: Why don't you say it clearly and then I can understand... – now very frustrated

Ridz: - fuming - ...You're not putting any effort into this relationship...you're always working... – angrily - ...you've forgotten me and you have no time for me...it seems like I'm the only one who's trying...and I'm tired of running around after it...because it's just one sided...so why should I bother...? – looking angrily at him, her voice began to rise - ...Armaan...does this relationship mean anything to you anymore? – looking into his eyes - ...Do I mean anything to you?

Armaan: Ridz I think you're just over reacting... - calmly

Ridz: Over reacting? – shocked yet again at his calmness - ...Armaan...are you being serious...you don't think that there's a problem...we haven't spoken to each other for over a month and you think that's normal...? – rounding on him - ...We haven't met for over two months and that's normal...? Not wishing me on my birthday or even a single text is normal for a couple...? This is all normal for you...you think it's fine if it carries on like this...?

Armaan: - was stuck for words for a moment - ...Ridz...

Ridz: I've really had enough now Armaan...and if you think so or not but I think we need to make a serious decision... – almost shouting - ...because you haven't got time...for me...for us...for our future...you have other priorities which does not include me...because you've just got too big for your own boots now that you just don't see anything else or anyone else but yourself... – angrily on the verge of tears - ...you're selfish Armaan...you're not the person who I fell in love with...you've changed...and I don't think we can be together any more...

Armaan: - angrily – Riddhima you are over reacting now...I'm not selfish and neither am I too big for my boots...you are the problem...miss princess just wants all the attention for herself...no one else should matter but her...you know what Ridz...I've also had enough of your badgering...your pointless phone calls...annoying text...people have a lives...they don't just sit around like you...so I think it's best that we end it...

Ridz: It was my idea and I'm ready to leave you...because you're just heartless...you care for no one but yourself... – crying – ...I hate you...

Armaan: Feeling's mutual... – spat angrily - ...at least I won't have to think about you any more...

Ridz: Not like you did anyway... – crying uncontrollably

Armaan: Get out...I don't want to see you again...I hate you...

Riddhima grabbed her bag and jumped out of the car slamming the door behind her; a second later he drove off and Riddhima leaned against a lamp post crying her eyes out. A few moments later she controlled herself and walked back in the direction they came from wrapping her coat around her as snowflakes began to fall from the sky and settle around her; tears continued to roll out of her eyes and down her cheeks as she made her way home; his words echoed through her mind for the millionth time.

Sometime after she had ended her relationship with Armaan, Riddhima had found herself in a worse condition as it kept replaying through her mind; even though she wanted to end their relationship; that was not the way it was supposed to have happened. She wanted to end it on a calm note so that they could still be friends, in a way that would not affect their family relationships but things had just gone way out of hand and neither of them wanted to see each other again. The entire conversation had gone the wrong way and had made Riddhima's nightmares a hundred times worse; it had now affected her health, her lifestyle and her work; everything just seemed awful.

A week later she found herself rushing through the icy street trying not to fall as she made her way to her favourite coffee shop; which for some strange reason she was beginning to hate. She was supposed to meet a client there to discuss her outfit designs and she was running late; she felt her shoe slide on a piece of ice but she quickly grabbed hold of the door handle and controlled herself before she walked into the shop. She spotted her client who did not look very happy and walked over to her with a small smile.

Ridz: Hi I'm sorry for being late...it's just the weather...

Lady: - cutting her off - ...I got here in the same weather and on time... – cross - ...anyways...let's get on with it...

Ridz: Sure... – taking out her file from her bag - ...here are some of the designs... – handing them to her

Lady: - looking closely at them - ...What is this...? – frustrated - ...I purposely said not green...why is there three designs in green? – looking up at Riddhima - ...And who wears long sleeves blouses with a sari? – handing the papers back to Riddhima

Ridz: - looking at the designs and swearing silently – Umm...I'm sorry...but the colour is not a problem...I can change them...what colour would you prefer...

Lady: I'm sure I had given you my preferences in writing... – annoyed - ...why haven't you followed them...?

Ridz: I'm sorry ma'am...I'll double check them and have it sorted...

Lady: I haven't got time for this...I might as well buy my own readymade outfit from a boutique...just forget all of this...I don't want to go through with this...

Ridz: I'm extremely sorry ma'am... – upset

Lady: And you should be... – getting up

Ridz: Please just give me one more chance...

Lady: No way...my wedding is in a few weeks...I need it for this spring...not next... – walking away

Riddhima slumped down in the chair as she watched her client walk out of the coffee shop in a huff; she slammed the file on to the table and leaned her head onto it.

Ridz: Aarrggghhh...my head is so painful...why can't I concentrate on my work...why, why, why? – frustrated

A few weeks later Riddhima noticed that instead of things getting better it was now in a complete mess and there was no way she could fix it. She had messed up a few more of her clients designs and she just could not concentrate on anything; she had asked Shashank for a small break from the designing until she thought she was ready. She stayed at home and put her mind into other things like cooking which made her feel slightly better.

That morning Padma had gone out with a couple of neighbours to Wembley for sale shopping and Riddhima was at home alone; Sid had gone back home for a while and Shashank had left early in the morning to go to the office. She had decided to try out a new recipe and was searching in the cupboards for the ingredients. A while later she was well into cooking and the kitchen was filled with a delicious smell; she licked her lips as she tasted her food and smiled slightly; the first in a very long time.

Sometime later she had just added the final touch to the dish and placed it in the oven when the phone rang making her jump; she looked around quickly holding onto her chest as it had given her a small fright then walked over to it and picked it up.

Ridz: Hello?

Muskaan: Hi Ridz...how are you?

Ridz: Oh hi Muskaan...I'm fine...and you?

Muskaan: I'm okay...I've been trying on your mobile but it keeps going to voicemail...

Ridz: Sorry...it's upstairs...I forgot to bring it down with me...

Muskaan: It's okay...what you up to...I haven't spoken to you in ages...

Ridz: I'm just cooking...yeah I know it's been a really long time...how's married life going?

Muskaan: Good...has its ups and downs...

Ridz: It's almost going to be a year for you guys...wow...

Muskaan: I know...time flies...

Ridz: You think... – seriously - ...it's going extremely slow for me...aatiichhoo... – sneezes several times then recovers before talking - ...sorry about that...

Muskaan: Are you still not well?

Ridz: Yeah...just this really annoying cold...I've had it all winter and it doesn't want to go...

Muskaan: Have you done anything about it...like go to the doctors...

Ridz: You know I don't like going to the doctors...

Muskaan: Well don't expect it to get better on its own...spring is here now and it's not good to have a cold for so long...it's almost five months right...

Ridz: I know meri maa...what's with the lecture... – smiling slowly

Muskaan: Fine I won't lecture you...you know what's best for your health...

Ridz: So tell me...what's new?

Muskaan: Nothing much with me...you should be telling me...I bet you're so happy...

Ridz: I should be telling you? – confused – ...What?

Muskaan: Okay stop with your nautanki now...I bet you can't wait for the party tonight...

Ridz: Muskaan...what are you talking about...what party?

Muskaan: Ohh...looks like it's a surprise for you also...

Ridz: I'm seriously confused Musk...tell me clearly...

Muskaan: Be ready tonight...your sly boyfriend will be coming to pick you up...

Ridz: Musk... – slowly

Muskaan: - cutting her off - ...Okay fine...I'll let you in on the surprise but don't tell him I told you...Armaan's been promoted... – excitedly - ...he's throwing a party tonight at our old club...he called and invited us two days ago...

Ridz: Oh...that's great... – sarcastically

Muskaan: What's wrong Ridz...?

Ridz: Muskaan...I'm not invited...and I won't be...

Muskaan: What are you saying Ridz...of course you're invited...your boyfriend's been promoted...

Ridz: No Muskaan... – slowly - ...he's not my boyfriend...we broke up a month ago...

Muskaan: WHAT...?? – shocked - ...Ridz are you serious? When? I mean...how did this all happen?

Ridz: It's been going on for ages...and the only solution was to end it...

Muskaan: But... – still in shock

Ridz: Woh sab choro Muskaan...it's over now... – sadly - ...but you guys go ahead and celebrate...I'm happy for him...he got what he wanted... – on the verge of tears - ...and he deserves more...

Muskaan: Ridz... – slowly

Ridz: Umm... – clearing her throat - ...Muskaan...I'll talk to you later...my food is ready and I think mama is back...I'll give you a call sometime in the week...take care...bye...

Muskaan: Bye Ridz...

Riddhima ended the call and leaned against the cupboard thinking about Armaan's success; she really was happy for him. Even though they had ended it her feelings for him had not changed and she still cared a lot for him; this news was music to her ears and even though she couldn't celebrate with them she was happy to know that he was celebrating. She walked towards the kitchen table and sat down thinking of Armaan and their first meeting.

Flashback

*

Teach: Looks like you finally have some competition… – he hands their work sheets back to them – …very good work Armaan…welcome aboard!!

Ridz: WHAT?? – shocked - …But…but I always get the highest marks!! – sad face

Armaan: Not any more…Ms. Not Interested!! I think you should get use to the fact that I'll always be one step ahead of you…

Armaan picked up his bag and walked to the door; he turned and winked at her before walking out of the room.

Ridz: Arghhh!!! – very angry now

*

Ridz: Tum?? Phir se? – looking at Armaan

Armaan: Maine kya kiya? – smiling slightly now that she's okay

Everyone settled down and looked curiously from Riddhima to Armaan and back.

Ridz: I don't ever want to talk to you...

Armaan: Par baat to tumne shuru kiya…hain na? – smiling sweetly

Ridz: YOU?? – pointing at him

Armaan: My name is Armaan…not "you"!! How many times do I have to remind you?

Ridz: Argh…wish I didn't have to put up with this…

*

Ridz: TUM? What are you doing here?

Armaan: Huh? – coming out of his thoughts – …What?

Ridz: Behre ho kya? What are you doing here?

Armaan: Ajeeb ladki hai…you've come to my house and you're asking me what I'm doing here… pagal…

Ridz: Kya kaha tumne? Pagal…main aur pagal…tum toh…

Armaan: Haan…you're right…tum sirf pagal nahi ho…tum toh sab kuch hai…pagal, janglee, crazy, stupid…pura list hain mere paas…sunna chati ho?

Ridz: TUM! – stepping up now at the same height as Armaan

Armaan: Kitne baar tumhe kehna parega…it's Armaan…not TUM! Please get it right…

Ridz: Whatever…

*

End of Flashback

Riddhima smiled through watery eyes as she thought about each time they started bickering for absolutely no reason; she hated it then but now she wish she could bicker with him again just for the fun of it. It had been an entire month since they had last seen or heard from each other and she missed him lots.

Ridz: - talking out loud to herself - ...I'm really happy for you Armaan...you really deserve this...all your hard work has finally paid off...even though we did start this together...event management...but even in this you're one step ahead of me...if it wasn't for me...you wouldn't even know that you had a hidden talent in this field...but now you've really gone way ahead and forgotten me on your way to the top...but I still love you...and I'm happy for you... – tears rolled down her cheeks - ...I pray that you achieve the highest and your name is written in golden letters...all the best...

Riddhima thought about him for a while longer until her tears stained her cheeks and her eyes were red. She had stopped crying now and was staring into thin air as her thoughts carried on until from a distance she heard the front door slam shut; she quickly wiped her face before turning to see who it was. She saw Padma walk into the kitchen carrying a few bags and she walked over to help her.

Padma: Ridzi you should have come along with us...there was some really nice outfits...I bought so many nice saris...and I bought a suit for you too...here... – looking into the bags and picking out a suit - ...have a look...

Ridz: - taking it - ...Thanks mama...

Padma: Go and try it on...

Ridz: Abhi nahi...I'll try it later...

Padma: Go on...

Ridz: Mama...lunch is ready... – changing the subject - ...let's eat...I'm very hungry...

Padma: Okay fine...I'll just go and freshen up...

Padma left the kitchen and Riddhima set the table with lunch; she sat down and waited for Padma to return then they began to eat together. Padma talked through the events of the morning; about who she had met; outfits she liked and the prices of everything while Riddhima stayed quiet and nodded several times until Padma brought up a subject which the neighbours had mentioned while they were out.

Padma: Ridzi...I was thinking... – getting her attention - ...one year is almost up...and you have stopped working on your fashion design ideas...so maybe we should start thinking about what will happen next... – beating around the bush - ...and today the neighbours were also saying the same thing...what do you think?

Ridz: Mama...what are you talking about...I don't understand... – confused

Padma: The neighbours were saying that it's been a long time since we had a wedding...

Ridz: - not letting her finish - ...So they should get their kids married then... – quickly

Padma: Haan Ridzi woh bhi theek hain par... – getting serious - ...one year is almost up beta...if we start looking for someone now then we can have the wedding in summer...

Ridz: Mama please... – annoyed

Padma: Riddhima...do you have anyone in mind...? – looking closely at her

Ridz: Nahi mama... – getting up

Padma: Then we'll start looking for someone...

Riddhima turned around sharply to say something but stopped as she realised the seriousness of this matter. She stayed quiet as she put the dishes in the dishwasher and rushed out of the kitchen and up to her room leaving Padma sitting there with a smile on her face. She walked into her room quickly and stood in the middle as the conversation replayed in her mind several times. She suddenly felt a little dizzy and her vision became blurry, she moved to her bed and laid down closing her eyes as her mind filled itself with random thoughts.

Ridz: - thoughts – ...Rishta...Shaadi...Armaan...pyar...nahi...no... – shutting her eyes tight - ...Armaan...

Flashback

Ridz: Kyon?

Armaan: Kyon ki…I can't see you cry… - whispers

*

Armaan: I thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world…you looked so beautiful…and I couldn't take my eyes off of you…I just wanted to capture that moment forever and I took the photo…I'm sorry if you're hurt or…

Ridz: It's okay… - she doesn't know what to feel

Armaan: Riddhima…I don't know how to say this but…I can't sleep without looking at your photo…I can't work when you're not around…I want to know that you're alright where ever you go…I think about you all the time…I lo… - he stopped to think if he should carry on, Riddhima was all smiles

Ridz: Go on…

Armaan: I love you Riddhima…I love you…

*

Armaan: Great... – pulling her closer with a big smile

Ridz: Noo... – moving him away – …you stay right here...I'll just take a quick shower and be down in five minutes...

Armaan: That's not fair Ridz...this is perfect time...I just want to love you...we never have time alone… – pulling a puppy dog face

Ridz: Armaan... – after a few seconds of watching him she finally gave in

Armaan: I love you…

*

Ridz: Armaan...yeh tum kya kar rahe ho...it's unhygienic...

Armaan: Nothing is unhygienic between us...I can't see you bleed... – staring lovingly into her eyes

*

Armaan: Get out...I don't want to see you again...I hate you...

*

End of Flashback

A few days later Riddhima found that her health had deteriorated with the amount of stress that was building up. She had decided to get out of the house and get some fresh air but she wanted to be alone and made a trip to the mall. The moment she reached there she felt like walking back out as all the memories of the gang and Armaan flooded her mind but instead she debated with herself and decided to be strong walking in and browsing through the shops.

Half an hour later she had felt slightly better and had also found a nice new outfit which she bought without second thought. Just as she walked out of the shop she heard her name being called from a distance but didn't turn until it was called out again and she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see a beautiful young lady standing there with a bright smile on her face.

??: Hi Riddhima…how are you?

Ridz: Umm...I'm fine... – baffled, then slowly – ...do I know you?

??: Not fair Riddhima...you've forgotten me... – smiling - ...Minnie...

Ridz: Oh my gosh Minnie... – happily hugs her - ...you're so grown up...you look beautiful...

Minnie: Thank you...

They went over to the fountain cafe and settled down after they had each brought something to drink.

Minnie: So...you've forgotten me...but I still remember you all...I missed you guys so much for the rest of my school life and even now...how's Muskaan and Niki?

Ridz: They're fine...both married and settled down with their husbands...

Minnie: Married? – surprised - ...Wow...Rahul and Muskaan right...and who did Niki marry?

Ridz: You remember Abhi right...

Minnie: What...?? – shocked – ...But they both hated each other...then how did they get married?

Ridz: They were in love...secretly...after going through lots of problems they're now happily married...

Minnie: And I'm sure you're also happily married...here shopping with your husband's money... – winking - ...so tell me how is my Armaan?...Or shall I say now your husband Armaan...

Ridz: - becoming serious - ...Umm...I'm not married...and we're not together any more... – slowly

Minnie: Oh... – shocked but calm - ...I'm sorry...

Ridz: It's okay...it's been a while...

Minnie: Well...I hope you find someone very soon...and I pray that he makes you the most happiest and lucky lady in the world...

Ridz: Thanks... – smiling

They chatted for a while longer until Riddhima realised the time; they shared contact information and wished each other before Riddhima decided to head home. Even though she had felt slightly better after getting out of the house her mind still buzzed with the usual thoughts of Armaan, their breakup and now Minnie's words which confused her slightly. She reached home sooner than she had hoped and as she entered she heard voices coming from the living room, she peeped in to see that they had guests but was not sure who it was; instead she rushed upstairs from the main staircase to her room to get dressed into some decent clothes.

Once she had felt a bit fresh and looked decent she decided to go down to meet the guests. As she neared the living room the voices could be heard but she still could not make out who it was until she got to the bottom of the stairs and was met with a shocking surprise.

Padma: Lo Riddhima bhi agayi...

Shashank: Come Riddhima beta...we we're just waiting for you...tum hare liye ek bohot acha rishta aya hain...

Riddhima stood rooted to the spot as all heads turned to face her but one; and she felt a shiver go down her spine as he slowly turned to face her with a smile...

Well that's all for tonight...and i'm apologising from now for the suspense... *I can see the shoes flying in my direction again* 😆 ...Please post your comments...