Because this is life (AR).. Chap26: 2/12

When will things start getting better? - Part 2


So 2 hours after my flight landed at 11:30 pm, i've still yet to breathe the fresh air of London, But alas, that doesn't seem possible after having a mental breakdown 45 minutes after landing... with cursing, yelling and pretty much a full blown adult tantrum right here at heathrow airport... whilst the airport staff apologised for the nth time... profusely too, for losing my luggage somewhere in Cairo, Egypt.. Great start to my dream eh..??

Finally fully exhausted and a little jet lagged getting into the cab arranged courtesy of the airport as a compensation as well as an upgarde to business class tickets for my next booking as a way of apologising for the humongous blunder i was out of the airport.. I'm glad they booked a taxi though, i didn't realise how late it really was..a glance at my watch revealed 3 am.. My phone dead as a result of no battery, and the charger in my luggage... It then suddenly occured to me that my parents will worry when they try and call me to ensure my safety and they wouldn't be able to reach me... Shucks, i'll be soo dead... But i'm too scared to go look for a pay phone at this time of the night or should i say wee hours of the morning..

I'll somehow contact them in the morning and deciding to catch a wink at the back of my taxi before my super nice cabby wakes me up reaching our destination in west of London.. A suburb names Hammersmith.. it's supposed to be relatively alright.. It's a place my parents rented an apartment for me.. close to the station so i can catch a tube to the central part of the city with ease.. guess i should kiss the luxury of having a car and driving goodbye... and to think i just got my license a year ago.. great.. atleast i'll keep fit with all the walking..

Anyway so here i am, good thing the keys to the house were in my handbag, or i'd be stuck outside in the cold, and no matter how much i may love this cold breezy weather... i still aint a crazy eskimo to be outside in antartica.. Entering the room, i slipped on a piece of paper which was evidently slipped under the door, causing me to sprain my already bad ankle.. Yelping in pain whilst displaying my limited knowledge of the colourful language that will bring sunshine to the world in this dark, cold night... I couldn't help but sigh "Welcome to london, Riddhima.." Finally limping my way to the sofa i sat down holding my ankle and opening the note i read the following..

hello neighbour,

Well not exactly, but i live in your neighbouring suburb.. I am the son of you dad's friend. I've been living here for the past year. Dad told to look out for you. But i've got work early tomorrow morning, so i wouldn't be able to welcome you.

Anyhow, see you around sometime, sorry dad wasn't too sure of your name. So i hope you had a pleasant flight miss Gupta. Good...

And the ending of the letter had ink prints smudged on it... not knowing where that water came from i checked back on the floor and saw and upside down water bottle and a puddle of water there. Huffing i got up and picked the bottle up.

"great, even after running all the way to london to be alone and independant some family friend's son appears to be my neighbour. Coincidence? huh.. i think NOT.." This was soo planned, probably why dad bought me this appartment in an expensive neighbourhood. We are well of but not filthy rich by any means to throw money on my appartment which is nothing fancy by the way, just a good and relatively safe local with good public transport connections.. specially when they are funding my whole trip, the university fees and my whole stay. Anyhow making a mental note to get this family friend to help me call back home, i moved towards the only room in the small apartment, leading from the living room that you enter into the first thing you walk into the door.. besides which is a small kitchen.. on the far end a small balcony and next to it my bedroom ensuite. Not having any clothes to change into.. i just stripped down to my undies and singlet and crashed into the bed and got comfortable..

Today my life begins- Part 3

Opening my eyes groggily because of the chaos of beeps and bumps of what sounded like a construction crew. Sitting up on the bed and stretching whilst yawing i rubbed my eyes, finally deciding to get up.. only to be startled seeing a man with a fluorescent orange vest and a hard hat, wink and blow me a kiss from the large window opposite my bed in the room. I couldn't even make a sound, my mouth dropped open, my groggy eyes flew wide open and as an instinct i pulled the doona covering my chest..

Well good thing i did because that's when i realised that i was sleeping in a singlet and my undies.. simply because i had no night clothes to change into. And because of my tiredness and the darkness that the room was engulfed into last night i wasn't able to notice the window curtains. Not that i thought that privacy would be an issue in a high-rise apartment, but to my bad luck, my building has window cleaners. Embarrassment only lasted a few minutes as i made my way upto the bathroom, taking a shower... and coming out fully clothed. I looked at the time '1:30', read the microwave..

"shucks!" i muttered. Great start Ree, first day of independence.. you are supposed to show some maturity; not oversleep, even if you were jet lagged and hell tired after a very messy/stressful journey on the other side of the world. Just then remembering that i have to make my way to the airport to inquire about my luggage, i made my way towards the front door...

That's when i noticed another piece of paper, opening the folded piece of letter i read:

Hey neighbor,


I see your still sleeping, i knocked profesuely but got no response. I got a little worried not knowing whether you got here okay, specially after dad called to ask why you weren't answering your parents call. But then the doorman and the reception confirmed your arrival. They also told me about your flight screwing up with your luggage and stuff.. Sorry about that man, really sucks! But never fear when i am here.. let me know if you need anything. I also let your parents know that you are okay, make sure you give them a buzz soon.. Apparently you mum's stressing.

P.S I'll be off from work around 5, will check again later.. but if you aren't going to be home could you please text me, then i can go straight home!

P.P.S oh yea... number's at the reception with Amanda, i know i could have written it here.. but kinda needed a reason to give it to the new hot chick downstairs.. Man why doesn't my building's receptionist look that sexy!

ahem.. yea okay i'll take my business elsewhere! Bye.. and have a nice first day in my city.. :)

WOW.. so Mr. Family friend is a flirt, eh whatever the case he should know better than to try himself on me!

Stuffing the note in my bag, i headed out to the reception. Studying Amanda and her looks carefully whilst she fumbled to find me the phone number..which if i didn't know any better she was hoping to never give it to me at all... Poor girl! maybe i should tell her i'm no competition at all... Nah maybe i'll make her wishes come true and let Mr. Family friend known that she's keen too..
aah young puppy dog love... gotta love match making.. ;)

"Here it is miss, see the number is here, sorry it took so long, its just that it a lone piece of paper amongst all of my clutter, oh and I'm Amanda by the way, you are the new tenant in 94B right?"

Yes I am, thanks! I'll leave you to it then, I'll be heading out to track down my luggage. Saying that I walked towards the exit, only then remembering something I made my way back to the reception.

"Hi, you forgot something?"

Huh.. yea sorry just wondering where is the nearest store here? Local or supermarket? Just needed something basic.

"There's a local store 5 blocks down. It'll be easier just to walk there, but if you want I can call you a cab too."

No sweets its fine, I think I'll walk and explore a little. and save whatever is left of my money after the very expensive cab ride and here, I added to myself.

I'll be okay, right? - Part 4

Shit shit shit shit shit.. why why why on earth does this place have to be so darn local.. no credit cards.. and I don't even have enough cash left.. only wait let me check again.. arg.. $1.75. great! that isn't really going to help me in choices.. Fine I'll just get whatever the hell brand I can afford. Beggers can't be choosers Ree.

This one, no.. wait this one is on sale!

Maybe I should just find a public toilet and get one from the change I've got and then look for a shopping centre that accepts credit cards.. arg but that'll take so long. And I need to make my way back to the airport too in order to track down my luggage. And this stupid headache, and the cramps from all the walking aren't really helping. "5 blocks isn't that far", what a tool that receptionist was, misinforming much. Actually no it wasn't her fault completely, how was she to know that due to the road works I had to cross the road and walk twice the distance to enter through another entrance to the street. I'm just cross with her because of my mood, circumstances and annoyance. That's all.

W*F man it's been 15 minutes of carefully selecting and rejecting packets, with a lot of consideration about my limited budget and dire need of..

That thought was lost somewhere as I felt dizzy and found myself stumbling to stay upright, in an attempt to do so, I managed to knock over the whole isle and landed head first on the floor a the very local shop i was standing inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you okay?"

Arg.. yea, yea I am.. What happened? I asked looking all around to the 5 odd faces staring down at me.. one of a woman, in her early thirties I suppose. Pretty I thought looking at her flawless skin and big round eyes. And then a couple, whom I recognised to be the elderly owners of the store. Also a couple of other random shoppers I assumed as they had baskets in their hands.

"Nothing, you just fainted! Here take my hand."

Yea right, thanks! And taking her hand I pulled myself up, only to stumble again to keep my balance because evidently my head was still spinning, and spinning a lot.

"You don't look okay, you are all pale. And if I'm not wrong you head is spinning too. You live close by?"

Arg yea, I think I'll just go home. You're right. I'm not feeling that great! Thanks for all your help. It was really kind of you to stay, how long have I been out?

"Not too long, just 5-10 mins I think. I was just checking your vitals, when you regained consciousness. I think you might just be feeling weak, from the blood loss, and I'm guessing you haven't had enough water or any food. So that's probably why your body gave way. It's okay, here take my hand tell me your address. I'll drop you home. I can see standing is still a task for you."

No thanks, it's okay, I can't impose on you. I live close by, I'll walk. How though I found asking myself because even though I didn't really want to impose on this nice lady, it would still be pretty impossible to walk when I was feeling so rotten and weak. And ofcourse this lady was right, I hadn't eaten anything, and all the added tension must have caused this embarrassing fainting. Great now I was one of those weak people who faints? How embarrassing I don't care how but I just need to get out of this place really, so that I can go dig myself a hole and go hide in it.

"Don't be silly, I'm a doctor and I ain't leaving you here to fend for yourself, common my car is just out front, I'll drop you. Also, I need to make sure you eat something, don't want you fainting again do i? so we'll grab this pack of mi-goreng here. Hope you don't mind these?" She said smiling sweetly and I couldn't help but smile back and nod.

You can stop just here, this is my building. And oh thanks again for all of this, I can't tell you how embarrassing this is. I'm sooo sorry for completely ruining you day, you must have had plans. Oh shit, you said you were a doctor! I hope I'm not taking you away from someone who really needs you!

"as a matter of fact you are. Relax sweetheart don't let that face fall. You have a beautiful smile. I was just kidding. Don't worry I don't have to be anywhere. I've still got a couple of hours before I have to pick up my son from childcare. Finished early from work today, less cases so I was just passing time. But it's a good thing I was, because then I could help you. Now come on, get up. Let's see how hospitable you are."

huh.. oh yea sure! Thanks again. This is all so sweet, I mean you don't even know me.

"hmm.. you're right about that! So I am Dr Kirti Mallik, a neurosurgeon here at St Paul's hospital. I'm indian but been here for most of my life now, met my husband here, and now after 7 years of marriage we have a 3 year old son, Karan. And how about you?"

Smiling and feeling a little less awkward, I told her about myself, and trip, my family and that I recently landed here and then we had some lunch, and I could tell the food was making me feel better already.

No such thing as coincidence- Part 5

hey sweets, so its time to pick up my kiddo. Hope... and keerti stopped midway as she saw riddhima sleeping soundly all snuggled up under the doona hugging a pillow..

"she's soo innocently cute" whispered keerti just then there was a knock on the door. leaving the sleeping beauty and opening the door to the apartment keerti was pleasantly surprised to find her devar on the door.

"Armaan? what.. what what are you doing here?, oh no bacha please tell me you didn't stalk this poor girl.. because i'm serious you stay away from her. She's too innocent for your 'no strings attached dating' ways, so don't even think about it.. u got that.?"

A baffled Armaan, shocked to first see her babhi open the door was about to ask her what on earth she was doing here. Then he started to questioned himself, as he sneekily glanced at the apartment number outside to double check if he had the right place. But upon hearing her nonsense talk he got all the more confused.

"shut up pepsi! what are you doing here?" and with that he pushed forward.

On the other hand Riddhima woke up hearing all the commotion and yelling at the door. Making her way to the door, she stood rooted as she saw Armaan.

Armaan it seems, had a very similar reaction, whilst a baffled Keerti decided to break the silence. "Hello, guys what's wrong?"

And with that Armaan and Riddhima broke out of their reverie. Both broke into a dazzling smile rushing to Armaan, riddhima hugged him and he reciprocated the hug tightening his arms around her.

Hmm.. man seriously he's a great hugger, always has been.

'Oh god Amraan, what are you doing here?' The only words I could form stumbled out of my mouth. Wait did that sound almost accusatory? As in you can't be here, in a you are not welcome here sort of way?

Hang on, what am I thinking, its Armaan! Since when have have bothered to censor my thoughts or tone in front of such losers.

"Chill yaar basket! Throw me out of your house later.. for disturbing your sleep. I can see you were umm resting your eyes, I knw I can tell with one look at the mess of your clothes and hair. Either that or you were really busy getting kinky. But I'd seriously rather not think about that since Pepsi opened the door and I can't see anyone else here. I mean it's cool if you went the lesbian way, it has been a long time and all but still I cannot let you drag my Pepsi into this. She's married for god sakes and has a kid. And above all of that, she's my Pepsi so you keep you filthy jungly paws off her okay?"

"Armaan!" screamed a now scandalised Keerti in a desperate attempt to reprimand on how shameless he was being with a young woman he had just met.

"wait hang on! Armaan you know her?" asked Keerti as she gathered herself from the shock and putting two and two together.. realising that the way they were talking. Him calling her Basket.. which she was sure was a nickname, which he gave to a chosen few.

"huh.. yea ofcourse I know Miss Gupta, Pepsi.. this woman and me go way back, right basket? He asked her with a wink.

Shaking her head Riddhima decided to clear a few things that she could see Keerti was trying very hard to make a sense of. Also, the little annoying speech from Amraan was proof enough that he hadn't changed a bit' and it would be useless to expect for him to help without cracking another one of his not so amusing jokes.

'Ignore him please', she lifted her hand signalling Armaan to shush at the same time as she saw him open his mouth with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a crooked smile, clearly indicating that his version of an explanation would only leave Keerti more confused.

As Armaan frowned on hitler basket's command to stay shut, Riddhima began her explanation.

Actually mam Armaan and I met in New Zealand a couple of years ago.. it was I think.. "oh you went to Summerhill too then?" asked Keerti who finally saw some connection.

A smiling Riddhima replied. Umm kind of' actually I was there on a special offer..

"yea she was assisting her hunky mentor Joshua Valera, the whole school knew he was crushing on her, only she was to nave to notice."

Yuck Armaan he was my mentor and 30 years old, not to mention my colleague. I got to learn so much from him. I swear all those late nights were actually worth it. Experience of a lifetime, he was so right! And I can never thank him enough for almost forcing me to accept his offer.

"what offer?" asked a curious Keerti.

Woh.. I was studying in Melbourne, I was in year 11.. ending it actually and I was taking legal studies. I was actually finishing it a year earlier and doing really well. I ended up topping the state later on, but in one of the mock trials during the end of the year, we had Joshua as a guest judge and he was really impressed by my skills. And he offered me a position as his assistant in his law firm as part of a special correspondence program, which would give me a diploma in level 1A law by the end of the year. And the good thing was I would still be able to go to school full time and finish my last year of school. But the only catch was that I had to shift base to summerhill in New Zealand, I was hesitant at first.. and actually refused his offer because I knew my parents would never let me. But because he insisted so much I finally asked my parents and to my surprise they were alright with me going away. So there I was in Summerhill, where the first person I ran into, and I mean literally running into was Armaan here.

"Hehe.. you were so mad at me nah basket? When my basketball caused all your books to drop, uff you were so irritated, your eyes spew murder."

'Ofcourse they did, and you did nothing to soothe it did you, with your stupid flirty lines and then challenge to a game, which I won by the way but I still don't remember getting my present for winning from you.'

"what you lost from her Armaan?" a shocked Keerti couldn't help but exclaim and I couldn't blame her either because later I did find out that he was amazing in the sport. Only I managed to beat him that day. Come to think of it, I think he let me win.. I mean he was kind of trying to hide his smile when he lost. Who smiles when they lose, specially to a girl? At that thought I looked across the room and Armaan whom I guessed was thinking along the same lines winked at me.

Smiling I continued with my story. Urg yea ofcourse he lost, wasn't so hotshot infront of me, I am pretty good too.

"oh so let me guess you two went around?" asked Keerti with a teasing smile.

What? Oh no we didn't. It was nothing like that actually we hardly ever spent time together.. I was ever so busy managing my work and classes and assingments.. and he was busy in whatever he did.. im still not sure what that was by the way. But I did hear stories of his boxing challenges and bike racing events from tash from time to time.

"See I knew Tash would tell you things, why can't girls just keep things to themselves? And stop glaring at me bhabhi it was years ago. And yes I know I shouldn't have and I've promised you that I won't but that was after school finished so you can't get mad at me now for something I did years ago. Thanks a lot basket though! Got me in trouble already.. Great meeting you again" Armaan sighed as he thumped her back casually like a pal only he was too strong for riddhima and she stumbled to keep her balance so armaan had to take her by the shoulders and ensure her safety and then he felt sorry for hitting her so he mumbled a small sorry looking at her rather guiltily. But the girl he knew used to be stronger than this. On second thoughts he saw that she looked really pale and weak. On an instinct he couldn't help but ask, "you feeling okay riddhima? You don't look too good, and just now you felt a little warm too."

'Urg yea I am, now' she added the now as an afterthought as she saw keerti raise her eyebrow at the apparent lie. 'I mean thanks to this beautiful lady here' she added in a desperate attempt to evade her anger.

"seriously riddhima, I told you to lay back of my pepsi"

Oh shut up armaan, and what's with this pepsi? Also, wait how do you two know one another?

And oh wait what are you doing here? And I mean here as in London as well as here in my apartment?

"Coincidence basket, what else?"

"nope not a coincidence, nothing ever is, there is a reason for everything."

Part 6- too err is human, to forgive devine.

"isn't it a coincidence though? Us here after a good couple of years of no contact.. And hey where did you disappear to? When we all came back from camp you were gone.. I mean even tash didn't know about you plans.." Asked armaan as they both settled down on the couch with pizza and coke.. It had been half an hour since keerti left and armaan ordered pizza in the meanwhile because he was famished and she had nothing in the house.

'I had to go back home.. plus I was done with the case I was assisting in and I left Tash a letter apologising and I talked to her afterwards.. so stop blaming me okay?'

"how come though? Why so suddenly, last we talked you were so happy to have a shot at independence, you were excited about spending some time alone, not working, not amongst family. You said you wanted to discover yourself.. then what happened that you rushed back there.."

'Armaan.. woh I had a family emergency and I needed to head home immediately..'

'everything okay?'

'yea its been years now' please please please do not ask me once more what happened armaan, for I do not have it in me to speak it out loud and you probably do not want to see me cry.. pretty sure I'll freak you out.. and with that I couldn't help but giggle a little..

"riddhima? Oye why you giggling like a kid I just asked if you were okay.. I mean just two seconds ago you were soo serious and I swear you were on the verge of tears, I thought I was worried for you then.. but to be honest I am more worried now.. you okay na?? didn't go crazy or anything?"

'what nonsense I was not 'on the verge of tears'' she couldn't help but clarify, not wanting to sound like a pathetic weakling.

'Yea okay whatever, you don't have to try and act all strong.. all you girls are the same..!! cry cry cry all the time.. such weaklings'

Excuse me? You did not just say that you pig.. Don't underestimate the strength of a woman. She may be portrayed as weak, but she can carry a child in her womb. She may look vulnerable, but she can weather a storm. A woman can multi-task as a mother, wife, worker, friend, and daughter, without missing a beat. So celebrate her and encourage her to take on the world.. and don't behave like an MCP all the time because trust me one day you'll regret your words for someone will prove you wrong and that day you will feel like a fool.

And with that an eerie silence could not be witnessed in the room with neither riddhima nor armaan speaking. Whilst armaan was just absorbing what she just said and thinking how much whatever she's been through in these few years has changed her. She's matured..he couldn't deny that.. not that she wasn't mature before but something has changed now.. something more.. not being able to point out the exact change. He blurted 'you've changed you know, I mean you've grown up!'

A smiling riddhima replied to that countering 'I've heard that it's possible to grow up - I've just never met anyone who's actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don't go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it..and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope...'

'wow… deep and you know what I agree..! no such thing as grown up is there?. Atleast not all of the time.. or life would be too boring I think. On that note.. are we okay? You don't still hate me do you?'

With that hesitant voice with which he asked that simple question layered with the same insecurities as 3 years ago made me smile.. she couldn't help but think how could this guy sitting infront of her still be stuck in that same misconception from years ago.. for I stopped caring years ago. But he was always afraid of me.. 'is he still' she couldn't help but wonder.. and it seemed clear the more she looked into his eyes and the more she thought about the hesitancy in his voice when he asked the question.

'Armaan lets please get something clear today.. im sick of trying to explain myself… first to Tash.. then to the others.. but it seems the message must have gotten lost somewhere in translation for you to be sitting here infront of me and asking me the same question three years afterwards… I don't know why it matters, or why you care.. and I would really like to know why on earth are you soo scared and anxious of my reactions?..'

'I care because you've been a wonderful friend.. and somehow I didn't want to lose you.. I don't think any of your friends would ever.' He added almost sounding like a cover up to avoid the awkwardness that sometimes presented between us.

With that answer I couldn't help but smile.. for I know that we were hardly ever given the opportunity to be friends.. we were friendly but that was all.. but regardless I knew that I would always be there for him if he ever asked something of me.. and with that thought circling my head I replied with pure honesty and no pretence.. "There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends Armaan. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.. so please never think of anything else.. we might not have been the thickest of friends and we may have had a falling out because of the circumstances.. but I did consider you as my friend at one point of time.. and I may have gotten angry at your decisions but isn't that my prerogative as a friend to disapprove of your actions. But more than that it was my duty as a closer friend to tash to side by her.. which I did.. and I am not sorry for my actions, for it was me whom she confided in when things turned sour.. and for that I hated you.. I blamed you and rightly so may I add. But the second she got over it.. or rather I realised that she may be stretching the situation and falling into the trap again and again.. I let go of all my hostility towards you.. and from then on I have felt nothing for you.. no anger.. no disappointment.. no nothing.. so please lets just get over this for now, once and for all. Besides I blamed her more than I ever blamed you because she lied.. she lied right to my face and made me look like a fool.

'For what its worth I would really rather like to tell you my side of the story.. maybe not today but someday.. when you are obviously bored enough for me to provide entertainment to you and considering that you are now here and know no one apart from me.. I think we may just find the time..' and with that he got up winking at me and I couldn't help but smile at his attempt to diffuse the tension and end the conversation and I was ever so grateful for that.. because his re-entry in my life had been too sudden. Not that anything I had already confessed wasn't true.. I had thought long and hard about this, days preceding all this drama and I was sure I held no blame in him, well almost none.. but I was sure it didn't matter now.. but I still wasn't too comfortable having this conversation with him.. and I think he sensed that.. so he cleverly ended the conversation but even more cunningly cleared that we will talk again.. telling me indirectly that he just gave me time to think, but he wasn't gonna let go. And with that I knew that he had matured too.. for the old Armaan did not have that much patience.

"It's been a long time Riddhima.. I should get going now. You should get to bed too.. I have a late shift tomorrow I'll drop by in the morning and we can grab a coffee.. we still haven't talked about our present.. got too stuck in our past didn't we.. ?"

'hmm.. what can I do, you talk way too much'.. I added smilingly.

Through that smile all Armaan could think was nothing but that "she's still got eyes of innocence, the face of an angel, a personality of a dreamer, but somehow her smile now instead of being enchanting as it used to be now hides more pain than you can imagine" and that thought was disturbing in more levels that he could imagine.

Part 7- Yawn Brawn

Knock Knock..

Knock Knock..

Arg I am seriously going to kill whoever is at the door so early and seriously even after me trying to ignore the persistent knocking.

This loser is going to get an earful once I get my hands on the...

Opening the door whilst squinting her eyes, not caring about her messy appearance, clutching the doona that was tightly wrapped around her she grumbled a low threatening 'WHAT' at the intruder of her precious sleep not even caring to find out who, what or why someone was disturbing her this early in the morning.

"Woah, easy there tiger, and don't you'.." Forced to stop there mid-sentence because his mind wandered off to other more appealing thought processes of things like her bare legs, bare arms and nothing but a sexy doona covering her just right. But just as that thought crossed his mind, another thought brought an adorable smile on his lips showing his all the more adorable dimples. That thought being how cute she looked, those slightly chubby cheeks of hers that gave her an innocent and childish edge and a cute button nose both of which a shade of rosy red, and more than that her hair completely dishevelled but just then her yawn broke his chain of thoughts and moving her aside from the wide opened door he pushed his way inside.

Realising and registering that the only person who would dare to annoy her this much without even trying to she couldn't help but grumble an 'armaan' and closing the door she came inside and lay on the couch opposite his figure sitting on the couch trying to figure out how to start the tv'

"basket you don't have an xbox?"

Without bothering to open her eyes she replied, 'Armaan you seriously came here so early to play xbox..?'

"aaah..Basket you talk in your sleep? Anyways, to answer your question..no I did not come here so early to play imaginary xbox..i just came here cause we a had a coffee date remember. And before you reprimand my eagerness for the time, its just that I have an afternoon shift at the hospital, and to get adequate time we need to start early, sorry I forgot to mention that yesterday, but its not like I could have called you either.. Basket I realised I don't even have your number.."

Riddhima still replying with eyes shut and a sigh whilst hugging the doona more.. 'No point in having my number Armaan, my phone has been dead and the charger is in Cairo..' then added mumbling in a not so incohesive voice 'stupid luggage, stupid airlines, stupid losing everything.. been in these same disgusting clothes now for 3 days.. freezing yet sleeping in the bare minimum and all this guy care about is xbox and coffee.. I just want to slap him across the face and throw him out of my apartment so that I can at least sleep..'

A sniggering Armaan, tried hard to control his smile, but seeing as though her eyes were still closed he decided to control on his laughter instead whilst indulging in a full wide smile and shaking his head he moved to the box he put down on the kitchen counter whilst walking in and started taking out things one by one.. a couple of glasses, plates, cutlery, bread, milk, jam, butter, eggs, cornflakes, chocolate, fresh flowers, a special pink bag which he wasn't allowed to look inside as he was instructed by keerti specifically when he picked it up this morning from hers.

She had called late last night.. just as he was about to hit the bunk and gave him the idea that he should help her out with the basics because from what she gathered riddhima is way over her head without even realising it.. and she spent all of yesterday in bed due to her sudden weakness. And knowing that the first thing on her schedule today would be to race to the airport to track down her missing luggage she will once again forget about the basics.. besides from what she could remember she was running low on cash.. and not exactly knowing whether she had any money available to her currently or not she wanted to help her out.. specially because she seemed like a really sweet kid and specially after knowing from Armaan that uncle had asked Armaan to look after her.. and more importantly knowing that she was a friend of Armaans.

After unloading everything, he took the liberty in starting on breakfast.. since missy clearly was jetlagged and under normal circumstance he may have tried to wake her up, but knowing that she wasn't exactly well from her unexpected fainting spell yesterday that Keerti had filled him in on he really wanted her to take it easy, and gather her strength, because the pale look on her wasn't nearly as beautiful as the rosy red from right now.

Hearing the c***tary clattery of utensils, broke Riddhima's resolute of sleeping and she groggily walked towards the kitchen and sat at the counter resting her head on her lands that leaned on the benchtop.. she squinted her eyes open with great effort, although only enough to see the minimum as to what the whole commotion was about.

'Armaan, whatcha doing?'

Turning around and stopping midway in chopping the veggies, Armaan answered "So miss gupta is finally awake or it the aroma of my delicious cooking that finally managed the impossible? Anyway since you are awake now, let me confirm you eat eggs yea, cuz I mean even though I've already started making it I could always just have it myself and feed you plain old toast. Muahaha"

'I eat eggs, but may I ask what turned you into a chef this morning, and what's all of this?' she asked looking at the scattered contents he has just unloaded.

"oh all of that is just a care package of sorts, if you will, I just thought I'd help you get a head start, it's just the basics.. we'll have brekky then we'll go get the rest of what you will be needing, oh and just put the flowers wherever u like and check the pink packet, that's from pepsi and I'm curious to find out what's so secretive about it that she forbid me, THE CARRIER to even take a sneak peek."

'Flowers.. uh yea.. I'll put them somewhere nice, but why the flowers?' Asked a nervous riddhima trying to hide the expressions of horror from her face looking at the flowers and then deciding she'll deal with them later and for now moved towards the pink packet to check what it was, although she was sure she knew what it was, and opening the packet confirmed her doubts and she couldn't thank keerti didi enough for her thoughtful consideration of her need and even more for her foresight to warn Armaan against peeping in.. otherwise things may suddenly turn a lot awkward.. even though technically he is a doctor and there's nothing to be ashamed of something so common in a girl's life but still there are some things that are best to remain private.

Seeing her close the pack again after having a sneak inside Armaan commented, "so what's inside.. atleast now can I have a look?"

'Huh no way.. its private, please let it be' saying so she started to keep it away and under the counter as she saw Armaan cocking an eyebrow at her statement.

"Private from me the messenger, who had to first go pick it up and then carry it all the way here.. I don't think so!" He stated teasingly and started to bend to pick it up but before he could get to it Riddhima moved her hand faster and grabbed the packet faster and moved it under her seat and then blocked his way by her hand, only it wasn't her defence that caused armaan to stop in his tracks and give up on trying to get his hands on to the packet but more so the bruise on her right arm that was so obvious as she was still covered by that sheet. Carefully moving forward to inspect her arm, he asked "Basket what happened to your arm, it's so badly bruised".

'huh oh, that umm must have been the kid from the flight.. woh I was seated next to a lady she had a few weeks old baby and another toddler and when the flight was taking off and landing as well as the little turbulent weather where I offered to look after the little boy as the lady had her hands full with the baby.. the poor boy was soo scared that I guess he must have grabbed my hand too hard and my skin is sensitive as it is.. it bruises easily.. must have just been that. But oh wait.. oh god.. shit Armaan.. im not even half decently dressed couldn't you have mentioned this before.. im gonna go change but don't you dare look into that packet you got that?' She finished the last part of that as a warning with a finger pointed towards him and walked out of there and towards the bedroom but thinking again about the window incident thought better to move towards the bathroom and was glad to find a bathrobe and just slipped into that after a shower since her clothes were still in the bedroom floor. Opening the door and stepping out she smelt the wonderful aroma and only then realised how absolutely famished she was. Quietly she sat back down at the high chair at the kitchen island where she was sitting before and saw that the packet was left as it is.

Hearing the noise of footsteps he turned around to see her hair wet and eyes lowered as she fidgeted on the seat, clearly not entirely comfortable with her appearance which made him wonder why didn't she just put on clothes instead of choosing to sit here in a bathrobe, not that she looked immodest in the slightest but still he didn't really want her to be uncomfortable in his presence.. so he decided to ask her " why didn't you just change after your shower, clearly you aren't the kind of girl comfortable with my presence when you are indisposed.. atleast according to you.. then why the bathrobe?"

'umm yea well it's not exactly by choice I only have a pair of clothing on me' lost my luggage remember? And well the only pair of clothing I have is on the floor of my bedroom and I was going go to collect them.. but once I stepped out I smelled the beautiful aroma of the food and I realised I was famished so without much thinking I got here.. and then I realised that I was in.. well this.. and now I don't know how to behave. You know what I'll just go and change and then we can have breakfast and leave for the chores already since I desperately need some temporary clothes if nothing else. She mumbled most of that looking down whilst fidgeting with the rope of the bathrobe, twirling it around her fingers and looking at that nervous state of hers over something so insignificant to him yet of something of importance to her made him chuckle at the scene in front of him.. and all he could manage was to point towards the door of her bedroom in a gentlemanly fashion.

In another time she may have had a comeback for his uncalled for chuckle at her explanation but right now she just scurried away to the room grabbed the clothes quickly and rushed to the bathroom to change.

After having breakfast they both got out of the apartment and entered the lift only to see to the same guy from the day before with the hard hat and the fluorescent vest with a coffee and a sandwich in his hands.. Just seeing him there brought upon riddhima's instinct to look down and perhaps hide behind armaan in the odd chance that he may not remember their encounter from before. But alas.. if only things ever turned out the way one wished upon in life.. he noticed her straight away.

'heyya beautiful.. we seem to meet every morning these days.. but I've got to say I liked our encounter yesterday a whole lot better that this more civilised meet.' He finished off that comment with a wink and amraan looked back at riddhima in an attempt to try and figure out the connections to the conversation.. but all he saw was an even more flustered riddhima look up and stutter before finishing off with a fake smile 'oh well umm I just moved in.. didn't realise there were no curtains in the bedroom in the darkness. I'm sorry.'

"it's okay sweetheart, the pleasure was all mine.. I mean seeing such a beautiful face early morning certainly adds a level of cheerfulness to my boring day." With that he winked once more and smiled and got out of the elevator as the doors opened in the lobby.

Shortly after Riddhima got out aswell, and so did a confused armaan behind her. As they got out of the building and turned onto the street Armaan simply turned towards her and raised his eyebrows at her whilst they were walking side by side with his hands in his pockets of his coat. Without turning she sensed his questioning gaze and she mumbled 'woh the night before when I crashed in bed it was dark and I didn't realise there was a giant window right opposite the bed which has no curtains.. and let's just say when I woke up yesterday I was in a very similar state as when you saw me in this morning only difference being it wasn't you it was a stranger and worse still one of those flirty construction workers.'

He nodded his head whilst at the same time raised his eyebrows further and shook his head for the mental image of her dishevelled appearance on the bed that popped up in his head. But then in an attempt to lighten the situation and her obvious embarrassment he just chuckled and added "well you should be flattered a fine man as him is obviously smitten by your appearance.. and I thought you girls thought of those guys as a turn on?"

To which riddhima replied 'they say flattery gets u everywhere.. but i think its over rated.. it's what someone does for u in the time of need that make u truly recognise what u mean to them.. and it may be a turn on for others but I don't quite like the obviousness in his flirting it's rather school boyish.. I like a man!' She winked and walked on whilst he shook his head once again at the completely unexpected answer from her yet again and at that point he knew this girl was way more intelligent for what he gave her credit for and he would have to stay on his feet all the time if he was to survive around her or repent his fortune of that he was sure.