Hey everyone...Thanks so much for the comments...Keep them coming 😉 ...here's the last part for the night...Enjoy!
Recap:
* Abhi and Nikki tease Anji
* Ridz witness Armaan's soft side with children
* Muskaan decides to help Rahul
* Sohan see's Ridz and decide to tell her the TRUTH!
Part 31
Last part repeated:
Sohan: Uh...I don't know how to say this...but it has to come out some time...and this is the best time...actually Riddhima...Armaan and I and... - he cuts his sentence short not knowing where to go from there..., he takes out his wallet and opens it, hands it over to her
She looks at him with a confused look, he gestures for her to look at the wallet and she slowly looks down, her expression turning from confused to shock in less than a second. She is unable to speak and she drops the wallet on the floor'
Ridz: Is this some kind of joke? ' angrily
Sohan shook his head and looked down into his lap. She bent down and picked up the wallet then sat there in disbelief looking from Sohan to the photo and back several times. Sohan had shown her a photo of himself, Riddhima and Armaan all dressed formally on the Graduation Night. Armaan was standing on the right with his arm around Riddhima's waist and Sohan was standing on the left with his arm around Riddhima's shoulder. Riddhima stood in the middle staring at the camera with a bright smile on her face and a slight twinkle in her eyes.
Ridz stared at the photo as if she was waiting for it to give her some explanation. It was as though a shock wave had passed through her and she just did not know what to do or say or feel. She flipped over the wallet to find another photograph; Armaan and Riddhima in a rib-crashing hug, they both were facing the camera with silly grins on their faces, Riddhima was wearing a plain blue salwar kameez and her arms at her side as Armaan hugged her like there was no tomorrow. Ridz did not understand what this was all about; she needed some explanation, some answers to her million questions. She looked up suddenly but before she could say anything Sohan started to speak.
Sohan: That's Riddhima'mine and Armaan's best friend'and Armaan's girlfriend'we've been together since we were kids'never been apart'everything we did'was together'and Armaan and Riddhima'they were known as the "love birds" back home'but'just a few months ago'everything changed'for the worst' ' he recited slowly
Ridz: - very interested but trying to get her voice back ' 'What'what happened? I mean'can you tell me what happened? Why is Armaan like this? What happened that made him change?
Sohan explained to Ridz how Armaan was, how they were together, all the childhood stories of the trio and much more and finished off by giving Ridz another shock'
Sohan: Then Riddhima left us'she had'brain tumor' - pause ' 'she never let us know about it'she kept it a secret for many months'Armaan was shattered'you can say he died along with her'he's not been the same since!...she was his life'she knew all along but she didn't tell him because she knew that he would have died as well'but he made it all the way here for her'she had made him promise that he would go ahead and fulfill his dreams for her'and because of that one promise he came here'and that's when he saw'he saw you'
Ridz: And he became dumbfounded'to see a look alike of his love' - finished for him
He shook his head and closed his eyes.
Ridz: Now I understand'he's been through soo much'it must be so difficult'I mean'I'm shocked just looking at this picture' ' looking back at the photo ' 'but now I understand what he must have felt when he first saw me'when he ignored me'when he shouted at me' - pause ' 'he's not full of himself like I thought'he was being tortured every time he saw me'it's because of me' - cut off by Sohan
Sohan: Ridz'don't blame yourself'you had no idea'
Ridz: I know'but still'some where it's me that brought back all of those painful memories'
Sohan did not know what to say. She was right; every time Armaan saw her he was crushed, but how could he say that to her, she was already feeling guilty for a crime she unknowingly committed.
Sohan: Listen'it's not your fault'but'if you really want to do something'will you please take care of Armaan'
Ridz: What do you mean?
Sohan: I have to go back'and Armaan will once again be on his own'just'just make sure he's okay'and if possible'maybe'you can try and talk to him'be friends' - pause, looks down - 'all I want is to have the normal Armaan back'laughing, smiling and playing pranks'that's Armaan'not the walking body that he is now'
Ridz: Don't worry'I promise'I won't do anything that would make him upset and I'll try my best to bring back your best friend' - she puts her hand over his and gives it a reassuring squeeze and smiles
Sohan: Thanks' - whispers
Ridz: Anytime' - smiles
Sohan stood up and Ridz followed. They stood facing each other for a while then Ridz smiled widely and put her hand forward.
Ridz: Friends?
Sohan looked at her, one of his fondest memories flashed into his mind'
Flash Back
Riddhima: Dost?
Sohan brightened up a little when he noticed that she wanted to be his friend too and shook her hand
Sohan: Dost' ' with a bright smile he took hold of her hand
End of Flashback
Sohan smiled at her action then took her hand and shook it.
Sohan: Friends'
They walked back to the hospital together filled with new emotions. Ridz was determined to bring back the old Armaan no matter what and Sohan was pleased to know that he will be able to leave and not worry too much about Armaan now that he knew there was someone else there to care for him. Somewhere inside he felt that Ridz would definitely have a positive affect on Armaan and this thought made him feel satisfied.
*Sanjeevani*
Ridz had said bye to Sohan and had returned to her duties with a whole new mission on her mind while Sohan sat in the cafeteria with Abhi and Nikki who were on a break. Right on cue Abhi and Nikki's pager beeped as Armaan walked into the cafeteria and they left saying bye to Sohan.
Armaan: So you're leaving? ' sitting down after he had ordered a coffee
Sohan: No choice'duty calls'gotta go'
A fresh new smile plastered on his face; he was a little upset about leaving Armaan again but now he was sure that he would be fine as he had some one looking out for him, some one who knew about his past and was there to help him when he needed it.
Armaan: You're right'work comes first'
Sohan: Armaan'before I go'I just want to say something'
Armaan: Go on' - sipping his coffee
Sohan: Ridz'
Armaan put his cup down and a frown appeared on his face as he waited for Sohan to carry on, not that he wanted to hear what he had to say'
Sohan: Give her a chance'just be friendly'talk to her'get to know her'who knows she could be a really nice person'
Armaan: You've been talking to her'haven't you?
Sohan: Armaan'she's concerned about you'
Armaan: I don't care about her' - sternly
Sohan: I know you don't'but she is really worried about you'I've heard her' - he was cut off by Armaan
Armaan: Sohan'she needs to mind her own business'
Sohan: Armaan'listen, I have no time to sit here and argue with you'and this is an order' - looking him straight in the eye ' you'll speak to her, you will apologies for your rude behaviour and you will get to know her'got it?
Armaan: But'
Sohan: No buts'I've said it...that's final' - firmly
Armaan: Fine' - frowning
Sohan: That's better ' smiling ' ok'I have to go now'
They both stood up and walked towards the locker room where Armaan collected his stuff and Sohan said bye to the other interns. They left the hospital, went back to the apartment to collect his belongings then they went to the train station. They said their final goodbyes with Armaan promising Sohan that he would speak to Ridz, making Sohan leave with a big smile on his face.
*Gupta House*
Ridz walked into the house deep in thought about her recent conversation with Sohan. It had left her completely spell bound, the fact that there was some one out there that looked exactly like her made her scared. For some weird reason that thought really freaked her out; she had not seen this person face to face and yet it had still shaken her up. She sat down on the sofa still lost in her thoughts when Padma and Anjali walked down the stairs in conversation with each other. They noticed Ridz daydreaming and shared a confused look, then Anjali tapped her on her shoulder and she jumped out of her thoughts and looked around frantically.
Ridz: Kya'kya huwa!
Anji: Ridzi? What's wrong? Are you ok? ' sitting down next to her
Ridz: I'm'I'm fine Di' - nodding to her sister ' hi ma
Padma: You're very late'where've you been?
Ridz: Umm'hospital'there was lots of work
Padma: You look so tired'and it looks like something's bothering you'bolo na'what's wrong?
Ridz: Kuch nahi ma'I'm just really tired'
Padma: Chalo'main khana lagati hoon'have dinner then you can go to sleep'
Ridz: Ma...I'm not really hungry'
Padma: I don't want to hear anything'you young girls'you don't eat anything' - walking towards the kitchen ' come on now'I'm going to make sure you both eat a plate full'
Anjali and Ridz smiled at each other and followed their mother into the kitchen.
Both: YES MOM!
They have their dinner and after saying good night they drag themselves up to their room. They take turns to have quick shower and they finally settle on their beds, both staring up at the ceiling lost in their own thoughts, then Anjali spoke up'
Anji: Ridzi?
Ridz: Hmm
Anji: I've got something to tell you'
Ridz: Bolo' - turning her head to face Anji
Anji: Mujhe pyar hogaya hain
Ridz sits up abruptly and shouts out loud
Ridz: KYA!!!!!!!!
Anjali also sits up and smiles at her. Ridz gets up from her bed and sits infront of Anji in utter shock.
Ridz: What? When? How? Who?
Anji: Calm down'! ' puts her hand on Ridz's shoulder ' batati hoon'
Ridz: Come on di'quickly!...
Anji: Sachin'
Ridz: What? You mean'Dr. Sharma?
Anjali nods her head, blushes and tells Ridz everything from the beginning, about their date and every moment they spent together. She speaks about her feelings and also what Sachin had told her about his feelings for her. Ridz was completely shocked but at the same time really happy for her sister. When Anjali had finally stopped talking Ridz smiled sadly at her and gave her a hug.
Ridz: Di'I'm so happy for you! I wish you all the happiness in the world'
Anji: Thank you' - hugging her little sister
Ridz: When are you going to speak to mom dad?
Anji: Abhi nahi'I think it's best that we get to know each other a little more'maybe if things work out'in a month or so?
Ridz: You're right'you need some more time'but I'm sooo happy for you di'
They shared an emotional moment and then they went to bed...
Hope u enjoyed...Please post your comments!
Edited by arsafar - 13 years ago
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