Part 11:The troubled heart.
Airports !! She looked around the airport and smiled. Nostalgia took over. She was just seven years old when she had come to the airport for the first time to drop her father off . She loved the place soo much and the whole idea of meeting somebody after soo long or parting with a loved one intrigued her. She had excitedly told her father how she wanted to work in an airport. Shashank had just laughed off.
She immediately looked at her cell phone. Still two hours to go. She brought herself some coffee and dough nuts and sat reading her novel. But she just couldn't concentrate on the page she had been trying to read since fifteen minutes. Shutting the book close she decided to replay the whole conversation she was going to have with him. Then brushing off the idea as she wanted it to be spontaneous she thought about the past five days and how her life has turned a 360 degree.
It was the day after Gestures, Rahul had given Riddhima and Muskaan off and he himself went to the office for an hour or so. They were to have a small celebration after gestures. Just the four of them. Armaan had also decided to take the half day off. Rahul had planned everything. A movie,lunch and ice cream off course. He was just soo happy and overwhelmed. Everybody agreed only after promising themselves, noo party and celebrations anymore. Work and commitments first. It has been a complete month that each one of them was soo bussy in gestures including Armaan that their work took a back seat.
Rahul, Muskaan and Riddhima were waiting for Armaan near the multiplex. Riddhima was super upset. Armaan wasnt picking up her calls since morning and neither did he reply her texts. She had planned to give him her coldest shoulder. Soon Armaan drived in and greeted the three of them. Riddhima quickly peeked over to see his face and all the plans came crashing. Armaan was unusually dull today. Not even once did he flashed his dimples. She immediately went near him . "Armaan! What the hell?? Why did'nt you take myy calls?" she asked him. "Sorry!! Riddhima . I was bussy and then this traffic. Sorry guys. Chalo, lets move inside." he suggested. Muskaan Rahul followed his lead and Riddhima was left behind. thinking. "Riddhima?Somethings surely wrong with him." She again tried to catch up to him and asked him if he was fine . He brushed it off and changed the topic each time.
Armaan was trying his best to ignore her.He knew she must have understood by now how somethings messed up. He did'nt want to tell her as yet. He was soo angry at his company and the board of directors. He could sue them. How could they be soo evil.But when he tried to practically reason it out,there was nothing wrong.Then why the hell did it seemed like a nightmare.Urrghh!!
The four of them were having their lunch when,"Armaan, ab toh its high time. Tell us what is it??" Muskaan asked. "Yeah, you havnt smiled since the time you came and you havnt even teased Riddhima" Rahul added. "And you are calling me Riddhima" this time it was Riddhima. Armaan chuckled. She was soo cute. He finally decided to tell them. "Guyss!! I have to goo to Mumbai for a week. Have some presentation there and then have to finalize a new deal.And nobody can step in for me. I have too goo. "he finally answered them."Armaan, you acted like a total jerk. A week man. Its not as if you are going away forever. I thought it was something serious."Rahul could'nt really understand. "Yeah !! Its Mumbai after all. You are going to meet you're family after soo long."Muskaan said. "Yeah !! i know that.Even i was happy at the first moment. But then i will miss you guyss soo much and i have been soo damn used too Delhi and the three of you now." he said,"Ohh !! Even we will miss you"Muskaan Rahul said.They tried to cheer him up. Muskaan told him to shop for her. All Riddhima said was"I am going to drop you at the airport."
"Nahii Riddhima, my flight is really late at night and it will be risky for you to travel all by yourself that late. I'll take a cab." Armaan said. "He is right. Riddhima don't worry, i will drop him."Rahul added. "Nahii. I am going to drop him and i will have dad's driver by my side. I am not listening to any of you now,Armaan i will come and pick you up at ten." she said with a finality in her tone. They finished with their lunch and went back home. Armaan had to prepare for his presentation.
Riddhima went back home and told her parents how Armaan was going for seven days. Finally taking permission from them, she drove away to Armaan's place.She was soo unsure of her feelings. She knew it wasn't that long, not forever atleast. But the feeling of him going away was too hurting, She couldn't really understand why. She soo wanted to kick everybody who was responsible for this. Why does he have to goo.
Riddhima helped him prepare the presentation, she even packed his bag. She knew he was totally useless. Armaan bid good byes to both Muskaan and Rahul. The two of them climbed down stairs near the parking lot. "Basket, give me the keys. I am driving us till the airport. I know you haven't brought the driver along. You are too stubborn to listen." Armaan said. She happily gave the keys to him. "Hah ! you know me soo well. I hate to be dependent on someone and why don't you people understand i am old enough to drive at night aloone." "Yess, i exactly know you well.Now tell me how do you feel about me going away?" he asked with utmost sincerity. He knew her. She wasn't taking it well. "I am the happiest here. Good riddance!!" she exclaimed. With a five seconds pause, "Armaan !! i am hating it. I soo want to kill your office people. Whyyy dooo youuu have too gooo. . Shitt !!" she finallyy spoke."Ghosh!! Basket. I knew you were not happy, but thiss sad? What? its just a week. I will be back before you even realise it." Armaan tried to cheer her up. "Yeah !! But Armaan." she whined. She was getting more and more upset as they neared towards the airport.
Armaan knew there was no point probing her further. She would get more upset. He tried to tease her and come up with his best wise cracks. Riddhima did give in and their famous banter started. Soon they reached the airport. Armaan clearly told her how he was going to miss her but it was inevitable. He had to go, it was very important for him. It was just a matter of ten days.Riddhima understood what he was trying to say. Before going away she hugged him. "Armaan i know, its just a week. But its Mumbai, that is where you live. You're family.Ultimately you have to leave delhi and me and go back to mumbai. the mere thought of it tears me up" she slowly whispered. Armaan hugged her back, "Riddhima, whatever has to happen will happen. For now all i can say is. i will be back in a week. I am never going to leave you. I will miss you." he softly said and moved away. Its going to be difficult he thought. He was upset at leaving Delhi but meeting up with his parents excited him. He missed them soo much. Here was this girl who kept on telling him to call back home and listen to his parents all these days and now she was dreading what if he goes back forever. Why is life soo complicated. Sooner, he boarded the plane and dozed off sleepily.
Riddhima on the other hand cursed her self. Why was she acting soo insecure. Rightly, he has to goo back one day. Why should she worry over it noww. Its just ten days. He will be back soon and they will be back to square one. Always fighting and not even caring about the other's presence. She immediately texted him : *Sorry for acting like a fool. Enjoyy the trip !! All the best with your presentation Armaan. Have fun! :)* She waited for the reply, but it did'nt come. She again texted him. *You must be in the plane by now. Call me as soon as you get down.*, *Yeah!! Good night! Sleep tight.*
Day one:
"Riddhima, beta utho. Rahul has called in twice."Padma shouted.She suddenly felt like the mother of a five year old. She never had to wake Riddhima up. Never during her school days. Well, if it was this irritating then thank god she did'nt have to. Riddhima got up after a few calls. She greeted her mother a good morning and after a quick realization of the time she got up and immediately went to get ready.She did a quick breakfast and drove towards the office. It was only on her way, she checked her phone. 3 missed calls, Rahul. 5 from Armaan. Armaan!! shitt. he would have landed by now. She checked the time, obviously he has, She read his texts. *Basket, i know you are a fool. No point of acting.Thanks.*,*I called you,guess what you were sleeping. no problems. I have landed safely. Atul came to pick me up. I am perfectly fine. You have a great day at office and work well. Don't miss me much.* She smiled. She texted him back, *Who is going to miss you? Me? Neverrr. Have fun and take you're time. Delhi seems to be blooming with happiness :D. Office time, call you in the evening.*
Armaan enjoyed Mumbai. He missed his home soo much. Atul came to pick him up. They chatted away to glory. Armaan knew his mother would definitely be shedding some tears. It was true. His mother was an eighties mother. Shedding tears at all moments. He loved her to bits. It is only when he entered his home, he realized how much he missed his family. He was happy to be back. Early morning he went for a jog at the beach. He had his breakfast and went for the presentation, he kept reminding himself that he was not on a vacation..some where deep down, something bothered him.May be the fact he hadn't talked to Riddhima, not even once.But he obviously did'nt have the time to figure it out.Work comes
first.
Riddhima received accusing and murderous glares from both Rahul and Muskaan when she entered the office. She tried to explain them, reason out and then a little emotional act..bam the ice melts. They had a very tiring day ahead. The new issue was to be out within three days. The last minute this and that kept them on their toes throughout. Riddhima failed answer Armaan's texts. by the end of the day, she was super tired. "Ridzzy, fir so gayi" Muskaan came in looking for her. "Nahii yaar just a little tired," Riddhima dully responded. "A little tired ? Chal, we will drop you."muskaan offered. "Nahi, i have my car." she argued. "Shut up! Car kahi bhagi nahi ja rahi." Muskaan retorted. Riddhima had to agree. Getting home she had a little chat with her parents and went to her room. She finally had the time to call him. His phone was switched off, what the..She had her dinner and went back to sleep.
Day two:
Armaan had just come back from his jogging routine. He had his breakfast with the entire family. Massi, Atul, Anjali and Krish joined them. Armaan's mother had prepared everything he liked. "Mom, you are too much. I can't in any possible way eat all these for the breakfast." he whined. "You can, you have to. Look at you, all thin and weak." she answered. Armaan chose to remain quite. He knew his mother had her way. Since Armaan was free for the evenind he decided to take Krissh out. Krissh reminded him of Basket. The same childlike innocence. The only difference being, krissh was still a child. He decided to call her.
Riddhima woke up to her cell ringing. She looked for the caller's name. It was an unknown number. She frowned. The phone did'nt stop ringing. Unwillingly,she answered the call."Hello, who is this?" she said. "Still sleeping lazy bum. Get up, you'll get late for the office yet again."Armaan replied. "Armaan, is that you? Hyee, how are you?" she shrieked. "Basket, calm down. I am perfectly fine.You tell me?" he asked. "Shut up, i am not talking to you. Why the hell was your cell switched off?And whose number is this?" she said. "Well, a certain basket forgot to pack my charger.This is our landline."he said. "Oh!! come on, you told me you have already packed it. You are such a dog Armaan." she answered angrily. "Achah, so i am free for the evening, taking krissh out. Want me to do a favour for you by shopping something?" he asked. "Absolutely, buy me whatever you like.And is krissh nearby?" she said."Oh yeah. " armaan said and gave the phone to krissh. Riddhima and krissh talked to each other.Armaan was shocked when he heard krissh saying "Okay! Goodbye massi. Take care of yourself." Armaan chuckled. "Basket, everybody has to remind you of taking care of yourself.You are such a baby." he teased her. "Ohh, Armaan you are just jealous. Okay byee. i am getting late. Call me in the evening or i will call you. We will see. Have fun. Buy me something good. I miss you." she said. "Yeah same to you!!" he said. "Dog!!" she replied. "Woof woof." he said and heard the line dead.
The rest of the day went just like that. Riddhima had tons of work at the office and returned back home tired. Armaan had a rough day at his work, some problems related to the deal. He managed well and took Krissh out. He texted Riddhima a few times. did'nt receive any reply.He was starting to miss her even more when he saw a coffee house. Riddhima on the other hand had to accompany her parents to a relatives place. She hated these formal events. All she ever did was smile and nod. She could'nt take his calls and texted him, *Bussy!! Will call you later. Enjoyy!!*
Day 3:
Rahul, Muskaan and Riddhima had to attend a press release of their new issue. They got ready early morning as the venue was on the other side of the city. Last night, Riddhima returned really late and as she had to wake up early morning, she just went to sleep. On the way she called Armaan, "Basket, Can i please call you in an hour. I am stuck up with some clients. Byyee!!" he spoke as soon as he received the call. Riddhima was obviously upset at the fact that she hasnt seen him since three days and still there were four more days. She could'nt really point out what was all this mess about. Why was she feeling the way she was. Rahul Muskaan had noticed the change of expressions and asked her gently, she refused to discuss anything. "Ridssy btaa na. Kyaa hua hein? You have been off lately!" Muskaan asked concerned. "Muskaan, there is nothing. Don't you just get it.Even if there was something, you can not do anything about it. Just let it be." Riddhima snapped at her. Realizing her folly, "I amm soo sorry!! Its just that i am not in a mood to discuss anything right now." she added, "Yeah, fine. Whenever you feel like you can tell me or Rahul. " Muskaan said, hurt evident in her voice.Rahul was stunned at Riddhima's reaction. He had never seen her lost her cool, not with muskaan atleast.
Armaan on the other hand was bussy in a meeting. Today, they had to finalize the terms and conditions with the other company. He really could'nt understand their demands. He was miffed with their working policies. Given a chance he would have left the meeting then and there. He was already upset at the fact that Riddhima did'nt call him back the other night. He tired to concentrate on the meeting. After the meeting, he sat in a cafe near by and decided to have a cup of coffee. He looked through his phones and saw two missed calls from her. As soon as her press release got over, Riddhima had dialled his number again. She was totally ignoring Rahul and Muskaan. Partly because she was guilty, partly because she did'nt want to talk to anybody but Armaan. She tried his number for the third time.
"Hello!"Armaan said. "What is this Armaan? You said you'll call after an hour. Its been three hours. And on top of it you did'nt pick up my call twice." she shouted. "What? I can't believe it. I am here for some work and not a merry time." he retorted angrily. "Armaan , What is wrong? I just was concerned." she whispered softly. "Nothing's wrong Riddhima and if you were so concerened why did'nt you call me back yesterday?" he cross questioned. "Armaan i was too tired and why are you blaming me like that." she asked. "No i am not blaming you. You can be tired and not call back. But if i do the same,you get angryy." he answered. "Armaan" she did'nt know what to say. "Riddhima, listen, I will talk to you later. Byyee!" he finally said. Riddhima did'nt know what to do. She stood there numb, tears trickling down. She has never been the crying types. Not on such petty matters. But Armaan's tone killed her.
Armaan banged his head on the table. He immediately regretted his words. But there was no point calling her back. She won't listen.Must be fuming with anger,he assumed. He was totally unaware of what she was going through.He tried to reason out why he blasted at her the way he did. He was upset that she did'nt call , then this meeting and the deal, on top of it Riddhima shouted at him for no fault of his. He couldn't possibly call her in the middle of an official gathering.She was being unreasonable. He just drove away to his place wishing her to calm down by the night. He made a mental note to call her up and apologize.
Muskaan saw a crying Riddhima coming out of the ladies room. She had tried to clear all the tear stains but every time she thought about him, fresh ones appear.Muskaan panicked as she saw her. She quickly went towards her and hugged her. This was all Riddhima needed. Rahul came the next second and muskaan told him not to react in any way through her eyes. On the way back, Riddhima was absolutely silent and even slept. When they reached their apartment, Rahul woke her up. She refused to go upstairs. "Riddhima, we promise. We are not going to ask you anything. But you cant go back to your place in this condition. Uncle aunty will worry" Rahul said. Riddhima agreed. After an almost silent lunch, Riddhima started to speak.
"Muskyy, Thankyou."she got up and hugged her. "I was expecting a sorry" muskaan said. "Come on you two. Sorry ,thankyou.?? Chuck it." Rahul said. "Whatever! I am not taking you're sorries or thankyous until you don't tell me what's bothering you. I can't just sit here and act unaffected." Muskaan seriously said. "Its nothing." Riddhima answered. "Don't lie!!" Rahul said.
"Okay! fine. Its Armaan." she said. "I miss him so much. All these days i was soo habitual of him. We would text each other 24/7 telling the other every detail of the day. Then, our coffee routines. I enjoyyed all the attention he gave me. I loved his company. I loved when he called me basket. I totally enjoyyed our good for nothing banters. You know, i have never been soo close to anybody except for you guys. But then this guy comes. I hated him in the beginning but now he is a part of us. And now it bothers me that he is not here. He will one day move back to mumbai.He doesnt text me, he doe'nt take my calls, doesnt tease me. Also, there is some wierd feeling that i am not able to figure out. Its all soo messed up.Aaj, toh he even shouted at me.And i already was soo guilty at snapping at you and then he was soo rude, i couldn't, couldn't hold up and tears started streaming down." she finally breathed. "And its just been two days!!" she added. "This was bound to happen." Muskaan said. "Armaan shouted at you?? How dare he? I am going to kill him. Honestly!" Rahul said. "Yes he did, just like Riddhima shouted at me. "Muskaan said. "Muskaan i am soo sorry. I did'nt mean to hurt you. Shitt!! now i realise how you must have felt." Riddhima said. "No Riddhima, it is completely okay. Trust me it is. I was just trying to make rahul understand how it is all fair in between our loved ones." she eyed rahul. "Yeah, i guess it is. But Riddhima cried." Rahul added. "No big deal."muskaan said. "Riddhima, it is just two days and you have gone mad. Don't you now realize what armaan means to you? " she added. Rahul tried to stop muskaan. "No, rahul! She can't understand on her own. She needs to hear it clear and loud. Riddhima, Armaan is not just a friend to you. I am sorry, i don't want to be soo abrupt but you won't understand it by yourself. You feel something for him, i am not saying love but there surely is something." Muskaan tried to put some sense. "What are you saying? Muskaan you are definitely reading too much into it. Its nothing . Trust me. " she spoke. "Is it??" she asked, this time from Rahul. "Riddhima, yes!! You have to admit it. Armaan's just not a friend. All of us can see it. By not admitting it, you are just hurting yourself. " Rahul said. "But! Noo this is not right. Armaan and I, noo it won't work out. We are soo close as friends."Riddhima said."Riddhima if you don't give it a thought, it definitely won't work out. First be open to the idea. And try to figure out your feelings." Muskaan said. "Yeah. You have to first figure it out all by yourself."Rahul added. "But" Riddhima was very unsure. "We are with you forever. Come we'll drop you back home. You have the complete day, no office today. Just give yourself some space." Rahul said. They dropped her home and made her promise that she is not going to cry anymore and not trouble uncle and aunty.
Riddhima slept the rest of the day. She woke up in the evening around seven. Saw his missed calls, she chose to ignore them. She let him assume that she was still mad at him. It will give her time to think about 'them'.
Day four:
Armaan was trying her number, it was switched off. He even called at the landline but aunty said she was not home. Where could she be?Armaan understood, he was in deep shit now. Riddhima was seriously mad at him.He hated himself for shouting at her. He called rahul and indirectly asked him about Riddhima. Rahul taunted him of not remembering them even once in these days. Rahul told him how Riddhima went to their other office in gurgaon.Rahul also revealed to him how Riddhima cried after their conversation. Muskaan immediately grabbed the phone from him and assured Armaan how Riddhima was not feeling well and she did'nt really cry. Was just upset.Armaan was more than worried for her. Through out the day, Armaan kept calling her and thinking of all the possible ways to apologize to her. He was driving back home when he received a text message from Riddhima *Armaan, i am alright. Don't worry. Will call you soon.*. He was thankful for this text. He called her, she picked up and assured him that she was fine. Armaan wasnt satisfied with her reply but gave in nonetheless.Armaan thought of giving her some time. He texted her *Basket, i don't know if you are still mad at me or not. But i sincerely want to apologize. I was just not in the best of my moods. I miss you. I wish i could see you.* Riddhima smiled for the first time ever since that conversation. She texted him*I am fine Armaan. Don't apologize. It happens. I miss you too.*Riddhima knew he felt guilty just like she did wehn she behaved the same way with Muskaan. But Riddhima could'nt really do anything. It was important that she cut him off for sometime to think about the possibilties of their equation.
Day five:
Riddhima had finally figured everything. She was sure Rahul and Muskaan were right. She understood why she did'nt want him to go to mumbai in the first place.She was too scared to lose him.She understood why Armaan's words that day hurt her. She understood why Armaan's texts make her smile.She understood why people around her always thought that the two of them were together. She just wanted to talk to Armaan about all these things.She wanted to hear his side of the story. She wanted to give 'them' a chance.She was too happy today.She told rahul and muskaan how she has finally accepted her feelings towards him and will confide in with him soon.Muskaan warned her, this could be too early. But Riddhima was confident. She did'nt want to have yet another fight with him.
Armaan was equally happy today. Riddhima finally talked to him and replied to all his teases.He was now satisfied that she was okay. more than anything, he was going back today. The seven day trip ended in five days. He made sure it did. He called her and told her how he was coming back today. He loved her excited squeal. "Wooww!! Armaan. I am soo happy." she had said.He told her how he has a surprise for her. She replied with a "I hate you Armaan, i hate surprises." He chuckled. His basket was back. He was confident that all the shopping he has done for her will make up for this silly fight. And the surprise was too huge.
Riddhima did'nt realize how the time flew. She practically replayed all these five days. She was soo happy. She had already reserved a table for two at his favourite restaurant. She was probably in love. The only feeling of it made her fly high. Her stomach did various cartwheels at the mere thought of seeing Armaan.
She saw him coming from the other side. With his luggage. She noticed how handsome this man was.He had a little stubble, just the way she liked. She went ahead to engulf him in a hug and when she heard "Ridsyy!!" it was Anjali.She turned around and saw her sister, jeeju and krissh. She did'nt know how to react. Her happiness on seeing her sister was not as much compared to her sadness of not spending the evening with Armaan alone.
Life as we know it can sometimes be as tricky as the bermuda triangle.
Hyeee!!! It has been soo long. I was a bit caught up in various things. This part is going to be very loong. I hope everybody likes this part. This is going too change a lot of things .This was just the first installment. Will write soon. Keep reading!!
Finally the part is over. Hope y'all like it.
Edited by Angel.ARlover - 13 years ago
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