Part 10:Gestures and Ashayein.
"Armaan tumne suna? She is not coming." Riddhima fumed and then spoke again "Diii !! This is not fair. You have all the time in this world to be with you're in laws and praise them. But you can't attend Gestures. We have worked soo hard for it." Riddhima tried to convince Anjali. Because of some work commitments,both Anjali Atul could'nt come down all the way to Delhi.
The In laws comment did'nt go well with Armaan. "Basket !! What do you mean praising the in laws? We have never expected bhabhi to do cut on her happiness" he was genuinely hurt. "Shitt!! I forgot. Armaan i am soo sorry. I did'nt mean it that way. I was just try to emotionally blackmail her" Riddhim apologized . "Oh !! Come on you two. Mujhse baat karni hein ya apas me. I am keeping the phone down" Anjali shouted this time.
Riddhima was at Armaan's. They had just come down to his flat from Rahul muskaan's . Four of them were discussing about the gestures,since only a day was left. Riddhima was just keeping some of the decorations in his room when anjali called up. Keeping the phone on speaker both of them chatted with her. It was only now that Anjali told her about not coming.
"Nahii!! Dont you dare hang up on me" Riddhima was actually very angry. "Basket she is you're elder sister. Look at the way you are talking to her." Armaan scolded her. "You stay out of it" Riddhima shouted at him. "Its totally okay Armaan. Ridssy i can understand how you feel. But i am soo sorry!you know what our work means to us" Anjali tried to convince Riddhima. "Dii, i am soo sorry for acting that way. But i am soo upset. I wanted you too come and see our efforts" Riddhima said. "Ridssy now don't start all this. I seriously wanted to come but the work is not letting me. Trust me as soon as this finishes, we'll make a trip to Delhi. I have to go now, will call you soon. Armaan try to lighten up her mood.Byyee! Guys love you" Anjali said. "Bye bhabhi, will surely try to" Armaan said.
"Basket, Will you ever give up on you're work and fly down to meet her?" Armaan asked her. "Yes i will !!" she said. "Don't try an act smart. I know you won't. both of you are alike in this manner. You are totally dedicated towards the work you take. You have to respect her decision. I know Gestures is like the most important event of you're life. You have put soo much effort. Even She wanted to see, but since she can not. You have to accept it ." Armaan tried putting some sense in to her mind. "I hate it when all of you are right!!" she said. "Yeah right. Smile and wish her all the best for her work." Armaan told her. "Okay! i will. Chalo ab ghar chod do mujhe" she said. "Your wish is my command" Armaan said. With that Armaan dropped her home.
Finally it was the day. Gestures !! The event Delhi was waiting for. Rahul had made sure to do enough promotion for this event. He wanted people to see what Divine was capable of. He had worked really hard for their magazine to reach the heights it was at. This was their fifth anniversary and like every time he wanted to do something special. He did'nt have to think a lot since Riddhima joined. He only was glad that Riddhima did all this for a great cause. The charity they supported was still unknown to everybody including Rahul. Riddhima wanted to reveal it only during the event. The money from the donor passes went straight away to this charity. They had also requested people to donate as much as they can, but only if they believe in the cause.
Rahul looked daper in his tux.He managed to grab all the eyes balls as he entered the banquet with his beautiful wife in tow.This was their first event together as a couple since their marriage. Muskaan complimented him in her black saree. She wore a sleeveless blouse and a pair of black earrings falling over her shoulders. She decided to let her curls fall as the way they are, Rahul loved her curls.
"Oye !! Itnaa khush mat ho.Yeh sab mujhe ghoor rahe he."Muskaan whispered in Rahul's ear. "Haan tujhe hi ghoorenge. Tera pati hi itna handsome he." Rahul teased her. Muskaan step on his feet. Accidentally, or not. "Muskaan!!" Rahul shreiked
"Mr and Mrs Garewal. You both are the perfect example of the Made for each other concept. You compliment each other soo well. I must say you seem to catch a lot of attention here. " Some Mrs Sharma came and complimented them. "Thankyou Mrs Sharmaa. You look pretty yourself." Rahul said. "Yeah, you seem to have lost a lot of weight" Muskaan managed to compliment this heavily dressed, make up, clothes and body wise aunty and took a few steps away from them. She was well aware of how fake these ladies can get, she only wanted to find somebody she could actually talk to. Unknown to her, the aunty got offended. "Ahh, she means you look soo fit!" Rahul tried to ease the tension. "Excuse me" he excused himself and grabbed her elbow. "Muskaan what is wrong with you, bechari you should have seen her face."Rahul said and both of them started laughing. "What is soo funny guys" Armaan asked.
As soon as Muskaan saw Armaan she whistled softly. "If looks could kill" she said. "If i were a girl" Rahul said. Armaan was pleasantly pleased with Muskaan's comment and the whistle but Rahul's comment made him twitch his eye brows in worry. "Come on, Armaan don't take this guy seriously.Would you like to dance wtih me" Muskaan further added, irritating Rahul.Rightly, Armaan looked soo handsome in his black tux and white shirt. It seemed as if the outfit was exclusively made for this man. His gel free thick brown hair added to the charm. "Yeah, the prince charming, only if we could find you're cindrella." Rahul smirked. "Exactlty!! Where is this girl now? Shouldn't the organizer be the first one. I am already starving." Muskaan said and got a shooting glare from rahul. "Yeah yeah, i know first i am supposed to watch everybody eat and probably offer them and then think about eating."Muskaan further added. "What is up with you Muskaan? Girl, you are on fire today." Armaan said.
"Look, Uncle aunty are here. She must be around somewhere" Rahul pointed towards Shashank and Padma. Both of them entered , hand in hand through the red carpet. "They look soo cutte" Muskaan shrieked. Armaan admired them from the first day he met them at atul anjali's wedding. They surely make a handsome couple. Riddhima has a lot of them both. Three of them moved towards Padma Shashank, greetings happened. "Rahul! I am proud of you. You have managed an amazing response." Shashank complimented. "All thanks to Riddhima uncle, Where is she?" he asked.
Armaan spotted the lady in pink outside the banquet talking to a group of people. He was totally awstruck. Riddhima wore a three fourth blouse with her pink sarree and pearl drop earings. No make up as usual,just a dash of kohl. Her naturally pink cheeks made her look adorable.Her hair all gathered at one side accentuating her bare back.He went close to her and whispered in her ears, "You are beautiful". Riddhima literally jumped at his sudden comment and immediately pirrouted towards him. "Armaan!! You look you look soo handsome yourself"she was about to give him an earful but ended up complementing him. Armaan offered his hand and they both entered the banquet, walked through the red carpet. Everybody in the banquet stared at them They looked amazing together. Rahul Muskaan were soo happy on seeing them together. They knew things were getting better here. Shashank Padma gave a knowing look to each other.
"Armaan, yeh sab aise ghoor kyun rahe hein?" Riddhima asked. "Are you really that dumb or just acting" Armaan was amused at her question. "What do you mean?" she aked offended. "Riddhima i am a very handsome man,totally prince charming types and today for a change you look amazing too" He said. "Yeah right!" she said. Riddhima hated being the centre of attention. she was always happy being behind the stage and an underdog. Armaan looked at her, she looked so pretty and the fact that she was soo unaware of her good looks made her beautiful all the more. They reached where Shashank padma , Rahul muskaan were standing.
"I knew I married the wrong friend" "What have you done to yourself?" Rahul and muskaan simultaneously complimented her. "I told you on the wedding day itself and Muskaan you yourself look soo gorgeous." she said. And the regular chit chat started. Soon Shashank Padma joined an elderly couple there and Riddhima went near the stage area. She wanted to address the gathering.Rahul Muskaan And Armaan were soo curious to know what was she upto.
"Good evening everybody! Hope you're all having a fun time. I don't want to interrupt the party mode, but for me to make this announcement is the soul reason why all of us are gathered here.As you all know we are here to congratualate Mr and Mrs Garewal on the fifth anniversary of Divine and to support a cause. All the money from the passes goes to Ashayein, a support house for little children in Lonavala."Riddhima couldn't come to say orphanage. She continued, "I would like to call Shehnaz bi, the care taker of Ashayein, a huge round of applause for this lady. She has provided the warmth and care to all the FORTUNATE children in Ashayein and this cheque is for Ashayein" Riddhima presented her a cheque.
Rahul cursed Riddhima for calling it a Mr and Mrs garewal's success. He didnt undrstand why this girl is soo stupid. Muskaan was herself very upset. Riddhima soo deserved to be appreciated for her efforts. They were pleasantly surprised to hear the cause she was supporting. They had never heard of Ashayein but were happy that they could help the FORTUNATE children.
"I would like to accept this cheque with the one person responsible for taking Ashayein where it is" Shehnaz bi spoke on the microphone but more to Riddhima. "Sure, Mr Armaan Mallik, may we have you on the stage please." She called Armaan. She could see the shock and the happiness written on his face. This is what she wanted.
Riddhima walked down the stage and Armaan addressed everybody and thanked Divine. All this time his eyes were on Riddhima. He was shocked when he heard her naming Ashayein, Shehnaz bi's presence made it clear to him. Riddhima had actually done it. She was thoughtful enough to call bi all the way from lonavala to Delhi. Armaan wanted to just hug her and thank her. He didnt even have the words to thank her. She surely is a god sent gift.
Rahul and Muskaan were shocked to hear that Armaan owned a support house for children. Their eyes questioned Riddhima. She explained how once Atul jeeju had mentioned that Armaan, from his first big cheque actually build Ashayein. She asked Armaan and he told her how he always wanted to do something good for the little children who have lost their parents in such a young age and this is how he came up with ashayein. He even told her what importance Shehnaz Bi had in his life. This is how Riddhima thought of helping Ashayein with this event. She had kept it a surprise for Armaan. Rahul Muskaan were proud of Armaan and Riddhima for different reasons.
Armaan came down the stage and people congratulated him. Rahul hugged him and Muskaan complimented him once again. He wanted to run away from these people and talk to that one person who was the reason for all these. He went to her. "Armaan,Bi is going to leave within 20 minutes. She wasnt ready to come, then i told her that come for half a day. Don't worry i have arranged everything. Driver will take her to the airport . She is just having her food. Go accompany her." she said and walked off. Armaan was irritated now. But went to Bi and chatted with her.Thanked her for coming and asked her about all the kids. Bi told him how Riddhima convinced her and took extra care to make sure she is okay. Bi kept on complimenting her and Armaan was continuously looking for her in the crowd. "Armaan, she cares a lot for you. She is a gem!! Dont ever loose her." She finally said. Armaan nodded and bid her a good bye. Now only if he could find Riddhima and talk to her.
Riddhima was too busy meeting people and leading them to the food stalls. Phew!! Somebody has just given her a huge bouquet and she somewhat managed to carry it to the other end. "Need some help?" she heard his voice. "Armaan please hold this bouquet and keep it in the corner" she requested. While Armaan was keeping the bouquet, Riddhima turned to leave. Armaan held her by her hand. "No escaping this time" he ordered. "Riddhima, We are leaving. I have office tomorrow." Shashank said nearing them. "Yeah, How will you come back."Padma asked. "Armaan will drop me. Don't worry you two."Riddhima said. "Okay!! Bye Armaan. Have fun" Shashank said."Take care" Padma had to add.
"Armaan, kyaa hein? I have soo much to do. Let me goo." Riddhima said. "Noo, Come with me" He took her outside in a small garden near the hall. "Sit." he gestured her to sit. "What is it Armaan?" she asked . "Talk about modesty!" Armaan said. "What?" she asked confusingly. "You mad woman. I just want to thank you for all this. I can not even imagine in my craziest dreams that you will go all the way and help Ashayein this way. And asking Bi to come down here was the cherry on the top. Bi was soo happy Riddhima. I have never seen her this happy ever. You know how she felt, there on the stage. Riddhima you have seriously made her day and mine too.I can never be grateful enough.You honestly are an angel. I am soo happy today. I can not believe that you would be soo considerate enough to remember Ashayein. How do you doo all this?" he was falling short of words to thank her. "Armaan, you don't need to thank me. I just wanted to do this for the kids there. And about Bi, i know what she means to you. If she is special to you then she is special for me as well. I know you are too happy to be normal. i could see it in your face ever since i announced. Also, from the fact that you called me Riddhima and not basket that too twice. I doon't like when you call me that. Basket is soo good. And what do you mean? Am i not considerate?" she asked making faces. '"Hahaha !! i can not believe, Riddhima, my name is Riddhima" he commented something very similar to their early banters."And i did'nt mean that way.You have always been the considerate person. I just love you for the way you are." he said. He had never thought saying i love you would be soo easyy, even though said for a different reason all together. Riddhima just smiled. "Armaan lets sit here for some time more." she insisted. "Finally. You didn't have a single second to talk to me. Ignoring me all the way and now lets sit here. I am starving here. Haven't had anything since afternoon" Armaan complained. "Noo!! I wasnt ignoring you" Riddhima defended herself. "Achah chalo, lets go inside have our dinner and then come back here to talk" he said ignoring the drama.
"There they are!" Rahul exclaimed. "Where the hell were you two? Mujhe bhook lagi hein. Chalo, lets eat." Muskaan said. Since half of the people had already departed and the rest were done with the dinner, the four of them moved to the dinning area. they ate together and pulled each other's leg."Armaan, we want to visit Ashayein. Please don't say noo.Also Lonavala is a beautiful place i heard." Muskaan requested. "Yeah, seriously even i want to goo" Riddhima added. "Guys, any time you want. Lets plan a trip together. What say?" Armaan offered. "Yeah !! lets do it." Rahul agreed."Time for ice cream" Riddhima excitedly said and went away. Armaan kept on looking at her child like expressions."Armaan stop staring at her like this. Go, get some ice cream for us as well" Muskaan said. Armaan was caught off guard."Yeah, i'll i'll get the ice cream" he mumbled and went towards the ice cream stall.
"Riddhima, this has been incredible. I just love everything around." Riddhima's old friend said. "Thanks Priya. Thanks for coming.Had your food?" Riddhima played the perfect hostess. "Yeah, really nice food. And look who it is? Finally you have found you're dimpled prince charming" she said pointing towards Armaan."Hey !! Meet my friend Armaan. Armaan this is Priya. We went to college together." she introduced them diverting the topic. They chatted for a good five minute. Riddhima gave her a glaring stare as she kept on flirting with Armaan. Just on cue ,"You guys enjoy. I need to leave" she said and left. "So, miss basket here has a thing for dimples. I am amazed."Armaan teased her."Oh! come on, don't flatter yourself too much. I like dimple on shah rukh khan not some wanne be Mallik here."she retorted"But i guess your friend priya liked them on mee. Did you see ?" he said. "No i did'nt" she said irritated and playfully hit him on his arm.
Muskaan took the two of them to dance floor. The four danced like crazyy.Everybody was genuinely happy to see the four of them bond and dance like maniacs at the floor, totally monopolizing the dance floor.This was probably the best day of their life for different reason al together. Armaan was still grateful to Riddhima for what she did and Riddhima was more than happy to see him happy.Rahul and muskaan were soo happy on the success of Gestures and the development between Armaan Riddhima. They knew the thing wasnt far enough. That day calls for a better celebration Rahul thought. Muskaan was beeming with happiness when she saw the two close dancing on Riddhima's favourite number."Rahul, do you by any chance think that they already are going around and have chosen to hide it from all of us" Muskaan said "May be, you never know" he winked. Soon Muskaan and Rahul were deeply lost in each other's eyes. "Armaan look at the loved birds there. They are soo sweet." Riddhima said. "Hmm, yeah!!" he said and continued to dance with her. Armaan was too happy to be dancing with her than too look at any body else.He was loving this new found happiness and reason to smile or blush may be.Riddhima felt a strange sensation on her body when armaan twirled her around. She had never really danced this close with any guy. But it did'nt even occur to her when she began dancing with Armaan. This was the fact of their relationship. They were getting drawn to each other unknowingly.
Life as we know it is about taking each day as it comes ;)
Edited by Angel.ARlover - 13 years ago
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