The Right Choice-AR FF-DMG2 Note-Pg 65

In the city of New York,a girl is walking on the snowy streets clutching her jacket close to her body.She keeps on walking till a Basketball court and sits on the snowy ground.She hugs her knees and keeps her head on her kness.Tears continuously flowing from her eyes,she is mumbling something,"Please come back,I miss you!"

She feels a hand on her shoulder.She looks back and finds a guy.
Riddhima's POV

I looked at him and cried"Rahul!"Rahul realised I was crying and sighed.Why wouldn't he?,I thought.He had seen me crying me for the past six months.He gave me a side-hug and then helped me get me up from the grounds."Stop crying Riddhima.It was your decision to leave him ",he said.

''I know,Rahul.But why does it always has to be us?Why does all problems find us?Why can't I lead a normal life?First the memory loss,then the attack and then Sid!Why me,Rahul!"I cried.I was tired after the emotional upheaval I had been facing for the last six months.Rahul looked at me with me with a sad look.I knew he had no answers to my questions.I felt guilty for taking out my frustration on him,as he was facing the same thing.Rahul had cancer and therefore he had left Muski.He had been trying for Muski to fight cancer,he looked so gullible now.The cancer was now almost cured but it had weared him out.He looked so weak.

Looking at him I remembered that Armaan was fighting to cure himself just for me.I felt so guilty for giving him so much pain.Rahul walked me back to my house.After entering the house,I collasapsed on the sofa and remembered the instance of 6 months back.

FLASHBACK

Armaan was in so much pain as he was standing in the boxing ring.Yes,STANDING!not FIGHTING!Because of the dumb promise I gave him.I was shaken from inside seeing him in so much pain.But after the fight,his words seemed to shake me from my roots.Tum khone ka dard itna hai ki baaki koi dard mahsoos hi nahi hota.

I was continuing this lifeless marriage to make him move on in life,because I betrayed my promise and married somebody else.But his words made me realize that he couldn't,that my attempts were fruitless.After walking a distance away from the ring,he collapsed.My heart was beating rapidly.He was taken to Sanjeevani and his wounds were cleaned there.He had gained conscious but insisted on stitching the wounds without anaesthesia.I knew he was trying to hurt himself but I couldn't see him writhing him in pain.As he closed his eyes in pain,i fisted my hands as my body tensed up and had cramps in my stoamch.I couldn't bear it anyomer and I collapsed on the floor.

When I gained consciousness I could see everyone and Armaan was standing in a corner with tears in his eyes.Gosh this guy loved me so much!I knew he wanted to take me in my arms and soothe me but couldn't!He couldn't take it anymore and strode out from my room.Sid came to me and sat near me and said that it was due to stress that I had collapsed and told me to rest.As soon as everyone left I strode out of the room towards the terrace and I knew he would be there.I was shocked to see him that condition.He was hugging his knees and sobbing continuously.He felt a hand on his shoulder and hugged that person and cried his heart out.I would have been in the place of that person if I had not taken that dreadful decision of marrying sid.

Armaan was saying something.I moved a little towards the door and heard'Nikki!Why me,Nikki.Why can't I get happiness,Nikki!I can't see her like this.I wanted to take her in my arms and sooth her but couldn't.Why couldn't I have lived a normal life with her.God plays such mean tricks on me.I will not make her go through more pain again,I'll leave Sanjeevani.But Nikki,but why doesn't she understand me?why does see doubt my love for her.She thinks I like Shilpa,as if anybody can take her place in my heart.She thinks I am humiliating Sid.I just want her happiness,Niks!Will you take me with you,Nikki?''he asked with puppy dog eyes.

Nikki chuckled a little with tears in her eyes and said,''Of course,I'll take you.But couldn't you call me when you were going through it all alone.Tab best friend ki yaad nahi aayi!''She hit his head lightly.They sat quietly for sometime after which armaan spoke"Thanks nikki!Niks,could I be alone for some time,please!'She nodded her head slightly and moved towards the door while I hid behind it.

I looked at armaan and he was staring at the moon and the stars.He looked so peaceful.I could look at him all my life.Then I heard a faint whisper,"I love you Basket"Then I couln't control myself and putting a hand on my mouth as tears were threatening out of me,I ran from there.

After crying for an hour I washed my face and I moved towards the cafeteria.I saw Muski and Nikki talking there,I moved towards them but Nikki gave me a disgusting look and ran from there.Muski didn't give me even a glance as she walked away as her pager beeped.Muski had become Armaan's confidante in these few months and had seen him break down a few times.I was grateful to her for supporting Armaan when he needed me.I sighed and move towards the Fire Escape,my refuge for my threatening tears.As I moved inside I saw Nikki there with her head in her hands and crying.I kept a hand on her shoulder but she jerked it away after looking at me with blood red eyes,anger bubbling inside them.

She said-''Oh Mrs Modi is here to show some fake sympathy.What do you want now,Riddhima?After spoling Armaan's life."I looked at her and said''Nikki listen-''Nikki yelled at me-''You listen to me,Mrs Riddhima Modi.Are you even aware of what are you doing.Why are you hurting him so much?First when he came back,you didn't tell him you were married and then humiliated him in front of every person of Sanjeevani.And what right do you have to be angry?He went away for your happiness and if you would have told him about your marriage on the very first day,he would have left that day itself.He had a right to be angry as you m arried somebody else but he never accused you of anything but apologized to you.Do you even love him,Riddhima?Do you even understand him?You accused him of humiliating Sid but didn't you know Armaan never plays pranks to hurt somebody.Don't you know him that much.He was instead using all his strength to help Sid with YOUR likes and dislikes BECAUSE he wanted YOU to be happy.And You told him to move on in life but you couldn't even see him with Shilpa when she was clearly trying to help him.And you expect him to see you with you SO-called husband.Your husband doubted Armaan's love for you and you couldn't even say a word.Don't you know who is a better person and whom to believe?When you put Armaan behind bars for a crime he never committed in the start of your internship days,he never said a word to you but saved you from the clutches of Vivek and you hurt him at every point of life while your so-called husband took revenge by ruining your reputation by releasing those fake pictures and YOU MARRIED HIM!You knew how much pain he has been through life but still you left him.Sid has a family with him but who does Armaan have?I seriously doubt your love,Mrs Modi!I seriously do"With that she left in a huff while I fell to the ground,her words reverbating in my ears and my heart clenching with the amount of pain I gave armaan.I cried continuously and then made a decision.I left Mumbai the next day with two letters left behind me.

Riddhima came home after a whole day of work.She was missing Armaan very much today.She decided to go to the basketball court today.She went and sat on her usual spot and tears started flowing on their own.She remembered the conversation she had with Lovely a month back.She could not believe Armaan accepted Shilpa's love.

"You forgot me Armaan.I can't believe you moved on in life.I can't believe you accepted Shilpa's love.I miss you Armaan"cried Riddhima.She felt a hand on her shoulder.She shrugged the hand away and yelled,"Go away Rahul.I don't want to go home.I can't believe he moved on!"she cried more.She got up and dusted her clothes and started walking ahead.

"Basket"Armaan said.

She turned and saw Armaan.He could see confusion and then surprise in her eyes.He was confused when she started walking ahead.she was mumbling"Ab toh paagal bhi ho gayi main. Hallucinations bhi hone lage.Dimaag hi nahi hai mujhme."He smiled and said,"Haan Basket who toh nahi hai tum mein"

She turned back with a jerk and tears starting filling her eyes with a smile on her face.She could see her favourite two pair of blue eyes looking at her with affection and his dimples digging his cheeks.She ran towards him in full force and he stumbled back with the force but caught her in her arms.He held her by one hand at her waist and one hand at her back.She sobbed in his arms."I love you Armaan and I missed you"She cried.

"I love you too Basket.You love me ismein rone waale baat hai kya.Abhi bhi senti ki senti hi ho."he said.She hit him on his chest and smiled.He cupped her face and kissed her on the forehead.She smiled and with caressed his cheek and leaned towards him,armaan also leaned forwards and took her lips into a deep kiss.It was a soft and small kiss.She turned a deep red and hid in his chest.He parted fom the hug and sat down on his knees and took her hand in his and said"Miss Riddhima Basket Gupta.I waited long enough to make you my wife and this is the third time I am proposing.So I am not going to ask you this whether you want to marry me or not.I love you Basket and always will and therefore I want you to change your surname from gupta to Mallik and become MY Basket legally and I am going to make you my wife this time.So MARRY me Basketji and become Mrs.Armaan Malik!"And with that he slipped the ring in her finger and kissed her hand.Riddhima had tears in her and she silently prayed that his wish came true.She smiled widely while he got up and smacked his lips on her and took her in a deep kiss.She blushed crimson and hugged him tight.

These are the clothes they were wearing and this is the ring.

Armaan smiled and said"Oye hoye" and kissed her head and said,"To-be-Mrs malik Do you have a house,I am freezing here.And I have surprise for you when we get back home."She nodded her head and lead him on while Armaan kept his hand around her and walked with her.She reached her house and opened her house and went inside.Two hands snaked around her waist and he pulled her closer and kissed her cheek.She smiled,turned and pulled Armaan towards the couch and pushed him on the couch and sat beside him,put her hands around his waist and kept her head on his chest and sighed.Armaan was confused for a moment and then pulled her closer and kissed her hair.He felt her tears soaking his shirt.He let her sob for some time.After a few minutes,he parted from the hug and whispered,"Basket"Instead she whined and pulled him closer.He again parted from the hug and cupped her face and said,"Basket listen baby.I am not going anywhere.I love you and I am not leaving anywhere.I am back for good and we'll be together this time,ok"She nodded and he wiped her tears with his thumbs and said,"Waise I want you to sign these papers"She had a confused pout on her and she looked so cute."Madam basket,these are the marriage papers and I want you to sign them"Her eyes widened as usual and Armaan chuckled and kissed her cheek and said"Basket do you trust me?"She nodded her head and armaan said,"Basket this time I don't want to take any chance.I'll marry you now and then after we go back to India we'll have a proper wedding.Please basket"he looked with hopeful eyes.

Riddhima's POV

I knew this time I couldn't let him down.He suffered a lot because of me.And I didn't trust our destiny and I wanted to sign papers also but I wanted a promise.I started,''I want to marry you as well but"His face fell"I want a promise Armaan"He looked at me suspiciously and gestured me to continue.I continued,"Armaan if ever god forbid the same situation of your illness arrives, promise me you won't leave,Promise me Armaan you won't ever hide anything from me even if it means my own good"Armaan looked at me in disbelief,"Basket I can't promise this.You know Ican't see you in pain."I looked into his eyes and said,"Would you feel the same way if I were in your place.Would you not expect me to tell you?Would you leave me?Armaan being away and knowing you are in pain hurts me more than knowing that you have a disease and seeing you in pain."He knew I was right and a lone tear escaped his eyes and he said,"I promise basket but you promise me the same thing"I nodded my head happily and said"Promise"and signed the papers.I kept my head on his chest and sighed when I felt his arms around me.Just the bell rang and Armaan got up to open the door.As soon as he opened the door,his eyes widened at the person in front of him.I smirked at his expressions.He exclaimed"Saale!" and the person hugged Armaan tight.

After 10 mins,Armaan lay on the couch with his back against the armrest and riddhima lay her head against his chest silently absorbing each other's presence.

Armaan POV:

I pulled her closer by the waist and sighed.I was SO HAPPY today.Today I was complete.After a few seconds,I heard Riddhima speak,"Armaan."Riddhima looked up at me with her hazel green eyes,resting her chin on my chest."Hmm",I said moving my hand through her silky hair.She sighed and said,"Armaan how did you find me and'...I heard ki youuu".I knew it was something hard for her to say,I gently rubbed her back to go.She said after a pause,"You said yes when Shilpa confessed her love for you.Then how'...what'"She couldn't frame words and I took her in gentle kiss to assure her of my love for her.She understood and gestured me to tell her my side of story.I started,"Basket when you went away,I searched every place but couldn't find you.And then 1 month back,Shilpa confessed her feelings for me.I guess sister lovely telling you about this conversation right?"Her eyes widened at that and I pecked her forehead.She nodded meekly while I smiled and continued,"Actually before comig here,a week back I heard sister lovely talking to you and extracted information from her about your whereabouts and flew here a week after that and no I didn't scold her because you must have blackmailed her,bechari sister lovely!"She pouted at that and I chuckled and continued,"Anyways when Shilpa confessed she didn't hear the full conversation.How can I say yes to shilpa?When I didn't accept her when you were married how could I accept her when I knew I had a chance to get you back.Actually shilpa after confessing asked me whether I understood what I was trying to say when I said yes,lovely heard that and went away.I told her I still loved MY basket very much and couldn't love anybody else."I smiled at him and then frowned,"Damn that sister lovely because of her I had to suffer that much in the last one month.I am sorryyy!"She pouted and I chuckled and said,"Its okay basket,I know you suffered too much this last month and no need to make the puppy face,I still love you baby."

She smiled and said,"I love you too"and rested her head again on my shoulder and slept in my arms.I sighed and knew this is going to be the best sleep of my life.

I got up in the morning when I couldn't feel my warmth.i looked at the time it was 7.I thought maybe Basket had got up to get fresh.I heard noises from the kitchen and I saw MY basket making breakfast.

She was wearing a black t-shit and jeans.I wrapped my arms around her waist and put my head in her shoulder.She stiffened a little and then relaxed feeling my hold.She put one hand on my hand on her waist and one in my hair and ruffled them and said,"You woke up baby?"I just mumbled a hmm and pulled her closer.I was still sleepy!Then riddhima said,"Listen armaan I need to go to the hospital today."This woke me up I whined,"But why?We are going to India then why do you need to go to work."She said,"Armaan I need to submit my resignation and say bye to my colleagues.I have to report at 8.30."He left me suddenly and strode of the kitchen saying"I am coming with you.I'll be ready in 20 mins."I shook my head and continued cooking.

I came down after wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.We had breakfast which was amazing BTW!I know I am so lucky na I got a wife who can cook,who reads books and also has great looks.I know Bad joke right,I chuckled to myself while Basket looked at me suspiciously.I shrugged and continued eating.After finishing my food,I pecked riddhima on her lips and said,"Amazing food,wifey!" and went to wash my hands.

I came back to see to that my Basket wearing a black jacket and boots and a stole wrapped around her neck.Boy she looked HOT!

I gestured her towards the door while she frowned while I gave her a questioning look.She exclaimed,"Wear something warmer Armaan,It is cold outside."I knew no use arguing because when Basket get stubborn,no use saying anything.I pulled a Man U sweatshirt over my t-shirt while she pecked my cheek smiling widely,"GOOD BOY!"put her hand on my arm and dragged me outside while rahul picked up on the way to the hospital.We had fun on the way to the hospital while I got to know that Basket can drive now!Knowing some more things about the six months here,we reached the hospital.

Armaan's POV

I had noticed one thing during the drive that Basket and Rahul have become very close just like me and Muskaan.It was the same like us,they could share their griefs together.In no time,we reached the hospital.The hospital was huge having ten floors but not bigger than Sanjeevani but a lot modern than Sanjeevani.There was a long corridor which led us to the reception area.Riddhima greeted the nurse there and said,"Mary I have got an appointment with the dean,can you please check it?"

But Mary was looking somewhere else and smiling dreamily,hence didn't answer.Riddhima followed her gaze and found it on me.And then BAM!THE JEALOUS BASKET GUPTA was back!I missed the jealous basket and I was happy to see her back infact I loved the possessive basket.She was fuming and had her eyes narrowed at the nurse,by looking at Basket I thought that she'll kill the nurse there and there itself.I smiled back politely and then as soon I smiled,the elbow on which she was resting her head slipped and she starting blushing,I looked here and there and rahul sniggered beside me.What could I do about the effect I had on girls yaar!Anyways I nudged rahul to stop laughing while basket was looking at daggers at the bechari nurse.Arre bechari toh hogi na,angry basket kisiko nahi chodti!Six months ki friendship toh aaj paani main jaane waali hai!

Basket then sweetly said in fake sugar tone,"Arre Mary you didn't meet my FIANCE.He's armaan and that is mary."I smiled at her while her face fell noticing the ring in Basket's hand while Basket wrapped her hand around my arm claiming her property and telling the others nurses who stopped to look at me,to back off. Then one of her colleagues came and greeted Riddhima,while riddhima smiled slightly.I found her a little uncomfortable there so I wrapped my arm around her waist while she looked at me in assurance.I found it weird but I thought to ask about it later,in the meanwhile she introduced us,"Armaan this is Steve and Steve this is Armaan,my fianc."His eyes hardened a little at the word fianc.''

And then riddhima got called in cabin,She pecked my cheek and whispered in my ears,"Stay away from them,they can get real touchy."I chuckled at her and bid her a goodbye while rahul followed her in as he also wanted to submit his resignation.I thought to make a few calls as I still hadn't informed anyone in india.I called up muskaan but decided against telling her about Rahul.So I called her up,Phone uthate hi she started shouting.

Mu:Herooo kahaan that tu?hum sab kitna pareshaan hai yahan,tujhe yaad bhi hai ya nahi?Riddhima mili kya?woh aa rahi hai kya vaapis?Tum log kab aa rahe ho?Woh thik toh haina?tu kuch bol kyu nahi raha hai?Awaaz chali gayi kya?
Ar:Muskaaan bolne degi toh bolunga na!Kitna bolti hai.Soch hi raha thi ki Anjie ko call karna better idea tha.Thand maar Muski.

Mu:Chup kar khotte!

Ar:Muski main theek hu,Basket mil gayi hai.Hum log kal ki flight se vaapis aa rahe hai.Basket bhi theek hai.Aur phone karne ka time hi nahi mila.Sun tu kisiko kuch mat bata,sabke liye surprise hoga aur tere liye bhi surprise hai!

Mu:sachi main!tu jaldi aa mujhe mera surprise dekhna hai.

Just then I felt a hand on my back.I turned around and saw a nurse and told Muskaan,"I'll call you back later.Yess?" I asked the nurse.The nurse flickered her eyelashes seductively and touched my muscles,"Hi I am Suzie.Hey you got really nice muscles!"I moved back a little and said,"Hi I am Armaan!"And then I saw Basket standing behind .I ran to her and stood behind trying to save my IZZAT!While Basket smiled wickedly and said to the nurse,"Armaan,MY fianc."and dragged me to the canteen.I looked at the canteen and said WOAH!.She huffed and sat on a chair while I sat beside her and then Rahul came and sat beside us.Basket was angry,I could see.They started filling all the forms.I then started a conversation,"Basket why were you uncomfortable around that Steve."She looked up at me startled and started nervously,"Woh'nothing.I was not uncomfortable."I asked again,"Why are you trying to lie,you know I know you better than anybody else!"She looked up at Rahul who nodded,"He kinda proposed to me last week.He said he loves me.He was kind of eating my brain to be his GF."I was shocked"What???"I shouted."Saala kaminaa.Dikhata hu use,meri Basket ko propose karne chala tha."I stood up while Basket pulled my hand and made me sit down,"Arre Armaan he just proposed to me and not forced himself on me.He is also colleague.Dont fight ,anyways Rahul had threatened him to keep himself away from me!"

I chuckled and patted Rahul's back and said,"Well done mere Sher!Life main pehli baar sahi kaam kar diya.EK punch bhi maar deta hai."Riddhima smacked on my arm."Ouch Basket!waise Rahool Muski tera wait kar rahi hai."He was drinking water and spat it out"What??Tune us ko bol diya."I chuckled and said,"Tension mat le re!Usko bola sirf ki uske liye surprise hai.HAHAHA saale tera mooh dekh!Waise woh steve ko threaten teko Muskaan waale plan mere WORLD_CLASS ideas zaroor milenge!Aakhir ARMAAN MALIK ke ideas kabhi fail nahi hote!"Rahul sighed in relief and Riddhima exclaimed,"Shut up Armaan!hume kaam karne do."

I said,"Waise Rahoool us steve ko hindi aati hai kya??"Riddhima raised a eyebrow while Rahul suspiciously said,"Nahii".I told Riddhima,"Nahi basket nahi maarunga use promise!"Riddhima looked away and gathering her papers went to the dean.

After coming back,we decided to eat here itself as we were hungry.As we finished eating,Steve joined us and greeted us while I sat closer to Riddhima and said to Steve''Saale kamina mere fianc pe line maarta hai.Kutte agar riddhima ne promise nahi liya hota na tu vaapis pero pe nahi jaata!Kaminaa kahin ka."With a sweet fake smile,I patted his back a little too hard and wrapped my arm around Riddhima's shoulder.While Steve looked at us with a questioning look while Rahul sniggered and I sat there grinning.

Riddhima smacked my hand on her shoulder and spoke to Steve,''He said nice meeting you.I told him about you that's why he mentioned my name and invited you to our wedding.I need to go now,I'll talk to you later."With that she looked at me angrily and strode off while rahul chuckled.I knew she would bid bye to all her colleagues while I said to rahul,"Ab manana padega yaar!Sun hum log chalte hai.I need to meet your dad so I'll see you tonight then we'll go for dinner.Bye!" And ran behind her.

Basket was just bidding bye to her colleagues and was going towards the exit.I shouted,"Arre Basket,ruko!!"She glared at me and huffed and went away."Arre yaar aaj toh bahut manana padhega"I said to myself.She was walking on the road while clutching her jacket closer.I tried talking to her but Basket was not listening to me.She was mumbling,"Dimaag hi nahi.Kuch bhi bolta.Manners naam ki bhi koi cheez hoti hai!Moron!Stupid!"Then she realised ki I was not standing near her and she started searching frantically.I knew I had to do something new.

I saw a kid playing a guitar there.I asked him if I could use it.He nodded and gave it to me.As I started strumming,Basket turned and looked at me while I smiled wide and winked at her and looked in her eyes and started the song.

She hugged me tightly and then took me in a long gentle kiss when we came out for air she said"I love you" and I smiled wide ,everyone started clapping.She become redder and I kissed her red nose and pulled her closer with an arm around her waist.A man came to us and gave us a tape which he recorded because he found us those madly-in-love couples and wanted to give us a memory.Riddhima squealed excitedly and took the tape and thanked the person.

We went home,packed her stuff and had our dinner and saw some places.The next day went the same,and by night we were in the plane.I could see she was nervous going to India sitting beside me in the plane looking outside the window.I squeezed her hand and she looked at me and smiled.She put the arm rest up and snuggled closer to me and slept while I switched off the light and started to think what awaitened us in india.India here we come!!