Thread2-Ten Ways To Get Him Back-Preview-P90 - Page 35

Hey Alisha! Still continuing with this one right?
Miss this FF! Please update?

Alisha are you there?
Its almost a year.Please continue soon.

I doubt that you are not going to continue this story SIGHH

hope u will resume ds FF oneday soon.. plz cont. ..

please continue this FF PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

atleast inform us if you are going to continue or not.

Hi everyone. I know it has been a while since I wrote anything, but the last year has not been an easy one for me. All I can say is that I will continue this story and my other one soon. Thank you all so much for bearing with me. I know it has not been easy.

Love you all, Alisha K.

You ARE HERE???!!
OMG WE MISSED YOU!

Hi Everyone!
Long time no see (more like long time no talk). So here is the next chapter for my story. It has been so long, I actually had to re-read it a couple of times to refresh my memory and regain my thoughts. But life is getting better, and I started writing again.

Hope you enjoy it.

Love you all, Alisha K.

P.S: Updating bit by bit, til I figure out what is wrong.
P.P.S: Okay, so finally figured out. So here it is!!
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~Chapter Twelve: Second Chances~

"I can't believe it!" Muskaan barged in the apartment, a book tightly clasped in her hands. "How could she?"

"I'm sure she had a good reason too." Riddhima replied without bothering to look up. She had a lot of catching up to do, which is why she was currently spending her day off reading cases files.

"Do you even know what I am talking about?"

"No, but I assume my answer is still valid."

Muskaan flung her copy of Mockingjay in front of her friend. "Why would anyone chose Peeta over Gale?"

Riddhima finally looked up, an amused smile slowly forming on her lips. "That's your big dilemma?"

"I am serious. I mean, have you seen him. Tall, handsome, dreamy."

"Why do I have a feeling that description isn't coming straight out of the book"

"What can I say? I have a soft spot for the Hemsworth brothers." Muskaan said before she plopped herself on the couch. "So anything interesting I should know about?"

Riddhima raised her eyebrow. "If by interesting, you mean related to why you took me on a tour across town two days ago, then no."

"You're no fun"

"Why is she no fun?" A third voice joined the conversation. Muskaan looked up and there he was in the flesh, dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, her real dilemma.

"Me apparently, but then again, I am a doctor. Since when are doctors any fun?" She quipped.

"Since they have been dating two superstars!" Muskaan replied like it was the most obvious of things. Rahul agreed. "She does raise a valid point you know."

"No, I dated a teenager who became a superstar, and I went out once" Riddhima emphasized the last word "with the other superstar."

"Same thing." Muskaan brushed off her explanation as she popped her feet on the coffee table. "So, let us return to the topic. Did anything happen?"

Riddhima sighed. "I am no longer in the cave anymore." Muskaan squeaked at the good news, while Rahul came and gave her a quick hug. They were really happy for her. They knew how much her patients meant to her; her work and dedication towards them clearly showed it.

"And-Armaan-sort-of-said-he-will-prove-that-we-belong-together" She stringed all her words together, forming an incoherent sentence. There was a part of her that was thrilled that Armaan thought they belonged together, that guilt was not the reason for his actions, but another part of her, the more rational part of her, was afraid she was right.

"Can you repeat that, because I am not sure that I heard what you said properly?"

"Armaan sort of said he will prove that we belong together." She repeated slowly.

"Ok. Is this good news?" Rahul asked, knowing how Riddhima felt about the whole situation, he wasn't sure if his friend was happy by the prospect of it. She was still confused and her emotions were clearly etched on her face. "Did you hear him out this time, or-" He trailed off.

"No, I heard everything he said, but we didn't really talk much."

"So there is the solution to your problem" They always seem to have some communication problem, these two.

"Okay" Muskaan said, interrupting their conversation. "I am seriously confused here?"

Riddhima and Rahul stared at each other, before breaking out in a fit of laughter. Muskaan's expression was quite hilarious. She had been left out of the loop, and it was perhaps time to fill her in all the details.

"Well how about, I served you both dinner and we can all catch up."

Muskaan's tummy grumbled loudly right at that moment. She smiled, embarrassed by her body's sudden outburst. "Yeah, I think my tummy agrees with your idea."

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Armaan's heart was racing. He had been running on his treadmill for the past thirty minutes and yet, he couldn't relieve himself from all of the nerves that were jittering inside of him during the past couple of days. He meant what he had said to Riddhima, but words were always easier said than done. How would one go about proving something like that, especially when she hardly talked to him anymore? Where was that feisty girl who was determined to prove him wrong and fight for her love?

He needed a plan, and he needed one fast. If he was to succeed at salvaging their relationship from the mess they both created, he needed to get her to say more than the few mumbles he had been getting. He needed to get her somewhere from which she couldn't run off. Or give him any excuses. Thanks to his nosy sister, he was able to get Riddhima's schedule, and would able to plan his around it

He turned off the treadmill, and dried off the sweat from his face. Just as he was about to hit the showers, the doorbell rang. Odd, since he wasn't expecting any visitors at this hour. He opened the door and groaned silently.

"Bonjour mon amour." Felicia's voice greeted him. She strolled in without an invitation, dumped her bag on the couch, and faced the actor. "I have missed you so much. You haven't answered my phone calls. "

"What are you doing here Felicia?" Her presence was the last thing he needed.

"C'mon darling, you know I missed you." She whispered seductively as she patted his bare chest.

"There is nothing to miss. We were never together."

"Don't say that" She placed a lingering kiss on his chest. "We were good together, even if it was for the media only. Together, we can be a power couple."

Armaan grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away. Her prying hands were starting to make him feel a little sick. "I know what you're trying to do Felicia and it won't work. There is a reason I had a contract drawn up."

"And what am I trying to do?" She purred, trying to approach him once more.

"You want to hook up with me because any real relationship between us would make the contract void. Why do you think I chose someone new instead of choosing someone from my previous relationships, however short lived they were. If you disclose any of this information, my lawyers would destroy your career and take all your money." Armaan went to the door and held it open. "This thing between us, it was nothing more than a business transaction, and now that we are finished, get out of my house."

"Remember Armaan, you're going to come back to me, and once you do, I will be waiting with open arms. I'll ease all your pain away. What can a simple doctor like her give you?" Felicia squared her shoulder, grabbed her purse and left the house with her head held high.

Everything, Riddhima could give him everything.

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Riddhima was running late. Her alarm hadn't worked this morning and the only reason she was up was because the garbage truck probably hit a parked car while backing up, making the alarm go off. For once, she was thankful to those rough truck drivers. Only once.

She wouldn't have time to change in the hospital so she decided to wear her scrubs directly from home. She locked her doors quickly and headed for the elevators, her eyes scanning the inside of her purse for her hospital card. She was pretty sure it was inside, but there was no harm in checking on last time. That is until she hit a wall. Her quick reflexes were enough to stop her fall, and she finally looked up, her eyes meeting a pair of green ones. Her wall was actually breathing.

"Morning Riddhima." Armaan stood near the elevators, one of his hands shoved inside his pocket and the other one holding a Starbucks cup. Good thing Riddhima managed to stop her fall, because there was no way he could. "This is for you." He handed her the drink. "It might have gotten cold, but you still like cinnamon latte right?"

The smell of her favorite drink filled her nostrils as she accepted the gift. "Thank you. I don't really mean to be rude or anything, but what are you doing here?"

"I asked Muskaan what time you were working today, and since I have the day off, I thought that maybe I could drop you to work. Save you the hassle of taking the bus."

"Oh..."

Armaan chuckled at her response. He wanted to surprise her, and right now, he wasn't sure if his appearance was a good thing or a bad thing to her. He cleared his throat "Well c'mon. We don't want you be late now do we."

The ride down the elevator had been a quiet one; neither of them really spoke. Riddhima mostly looked down, her hands tightly clasped around the Starbucks cup. She knew Armaan was staring her, she felt his gaze on her. At the car, he held out the door for her. He was being the perfect gentleman, and yet Riddhima had a hard time believing that Armaan was doing this out of love instead of guilt.

Funny how the tables had turned.

"So, how is your movie doing?" Riddhima finally asked, breaking the awkward silence. She did not know how to act. Why did no one think to write a How to get out of awkward moments for dummies. That would have been a real bestseller.

"Don't you think it's funny how you always ask me about my movies when we're confined in a car." He answered, his lips slightly curving in the corner. "But to answer your question, everything is good. This movie is an action one, so it's very different from my last one."

"Yeah, I heard about that one. Isn't that the one for which you might get an Oscar?"

"The key word being might. Besides, the list isn't even out yet."

"But it's coming out in a bit more than a week." Riddhima blurted out, but realised a bit too late that she just gave herself up. Not keeping track of Armaan's career was a bit hard to do, even with everything going on between them. "I read it on some magazine yesterday" She added quickly, looking away in hopes to seem unaffected, but the twinkles in his eyes were probably a clear indication that she was being rather unsuccessful.

"Actually, it's more life 8 days, 15 hours and 32 minutes but who's counting right"

"You forgot the 15 seconds. No, wait 14 now."

Armaan chuckled lightly. "Good to see I haven't stripped you of your sense of humour."

Her lips slightly curved up, and she turned away, pretending to have quite an interest in the park they were passing. The car was once again filled with an awkward silence. She knew Armaan's eyes kept shifting her way; she could simply feel it. He was probably trying to figure what to say next, but just as her, he was lost.

Unable to continue their trip with uncomfortable exchanges, Riddhima's hand shot up, turning on the music. Some old tune of Coldplay was currently being played. Nothing like the voice of Chris Martin to fill in the lack of sound in the car. Armaan shut it off within moments, sending her a really look.

"What? Music is good for the soul."

"Are we really going to be that couple, Riddhima?"

"We are not a couple." She shot back.

"Minor technicality. My point being is that are we really going to be those people who shut themselves off with the voice of Chris Martin filling in the silence?"

"Apparently. It's a good thing I like Coldplay then." She said cheekily.

"C'mon Riddhima. This time is meant for us to reacquaint ourselves. A lot of things have changed, and with our history, we shouldn't jump into anything."

"Except maybe into the Hudson River." She muttered drily. She knew she was a bit on the snarky side today, but with no sleep and an upcoming 12 hour shift, it was understandable.

"Yes, and then we can catch hypothermia and get to know each other while we are both stuck sleeping on uncomfortable hospital bed. No offense."

"Hmmm."

"Since you obviously don't know how to play this game, why don't I start? Hi, my name is Armaan Malik, I am 27 years old, and I am a successful actor."

Riddhima remained quiet. She knew all this already. There was absolutely no point in repeating facts about themselves. This whole reacquainting phase was not going to clear her head of the suspicions she had. How could she really know man wasn't just acting out of guilt? But then again, Armaan was willing to give her chance despite her mishap seven years ago. She owed him at least a chance to prove himself. And God help her, because the little glimmer of hope that she had in her heart was enough to tear her apart if this went the wrong way.

"This is the part where you talk." Armaan said, breaking her line of thoughts.

The lady doctor took a deep breath "Nice to meet you Armaan. My name is Riddhima Gupta, and I am 24 years old. I am currently a resident at Memorial Hospital."

"See, that wasn't so bad."

"We sound ridiculous." They both stared at each other for a couple seconds before starting to chuckle softly.

"Yeah, we sound like we are auditioning for some reality show." He agreed, but at least the tense atmosphere seemed to have dissipated. "Okay, how about we play a different version of twenty questions. We say a fact about each other, and turn it into a question."

"Fine, we can do that, but just until we get there. The ride isn't terribly long. You first."

"Okay, let's see. I was the first person you met when you moved into our humble town, who was the first person you met here?"

"I don't remember." She whispered slowly. "I really didn't have any friends. I was just focused on getting through school and getting in to med school." Riddhima remembered how lost she had been without him, and how she closed herself from everyone around her. "I had a few acquaintances. Rahul was really the first friend I made here."

Armaan frowned at her answer. He pictured his Riddhima, young and afraid in a big city. Lost and heartbroken. He still had his friends. For whatever reason she left him, she didn't have anyone to cheer her up, to help her get through those hard times. It wasn't supposed to be like this. "Then I'm glad you found Rahul." He smiled half heartily at her. "Your turn."

"You always wanted to become an actor, and now that you are, do you still want to remain one?"

Good question. "I haven't thought about that. Don't get me wrong, I love acting, but maybe later on, I'd try my hand at directing. See if I like it or not."

"I think you'd be great at it. You always had a way for creating perfect moments."

"Those were only reserved for you" He smiled, showing off that perfect little dimple that made Riddhima's heart flutter. That bright and beautiful smile that melted her heart. Get a grip Riddhima, she scolded herself.

"Let me think a moment for my next one" He didn't want to ask her something that would bring another sad answer as last one. "You always wanted to help people, no matter what. How does it feel to actually save them?"

"When I save someone, and then the person opens their eyes and smiles at me, I feel as if God has forgiven me for all of my sins. Nothing else matters but that small little moment. Not the past, not the future. In that moment, I feel so light, like I have done the greatest thing on earth." Riddhima answered wishfully. One look at her, and anyone would understand how much her work meant to her.

Armaan's heart swelled up. While he was the one making millions, she was saving lives. While he entertained people, it was really her who gave them true happiness. Not the past, not the future. In that moment, I feel so light, like I have done the greatest thing on earth. He realized that those moments were the ones that helped her cope. Those moments were more important to her than having a long list of friends to add on Facebook. How could he have ever thought so ill of her? Riddhima kept bringing guilt up in their conversation, but the only guilt he felt now was from the fact that he had believed the worse of her.

"Take a left here." Riddhima said, bringing him back to reality. "I believe it's my turn. Here's an interesting one. You also used to love playing football. Do you still play?"

"Sometimes. I don't always have the time, but back in California, we do sometime gather up and play a couple games. You should come sometimes."

"I live in New York Armaan. I have no reason to go there."

"But you could have" He gave her a meaningful look. "Besides, what's the point of knowing a superstar if you don't get the perks of using his private jet?" The car slowly came to a stop, right in front of the main entrance.

"Looks like we've reached our destination. Thanks for the ride Armaan. I appreciate it." She hopped out her seat, but before shutting the door, Armaan's voice stopped her. "One last question sweetheart. You went out with me in high school. Would you go out me this Friday night?" He asked with his most dazzling smile.

She tried to stop her smile, but Armaan could clearly see her lips twitching. God, he wanted to kiss her then. Actually, he had wanted to kiss her senseless throughout the entire ride, but he was sure the women in question would object. Slow, Armaan. You need go slow.

"Thanks for the ride Armaan" She simply said before walking away and disappearing behind the heavy set of doors. Damn. She still hadn't accepted to go out on a date. Again.

Well, at least it wasn't a flat out no. So that my dear friends, was magnificent progress.

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Riddhima was humming as she strolled towards the lockers. Despite her long shift, she felt giddy inside.

"Well, it seems like someone is quite happy today," A snarky voice halted her steps.

"Is there something you needed Michelle?" Riddhima asked politely. There was no way she was going to let a petty girl like Michelle destroy the wonderful day she was having.

"Actually, no. I don't like taking advices from tramps, but Dr. Sheldon wants to see you about Mr. Humphrey's case. Didn't know you gave your favors to the boss too in order to get the good cases" said Michelle.

"You know what, just because you probably slept your way through med school, not all of us are actually like you. So keep your petty jealousy to yourself. Not only am I better doctor than you, I am also a better person. Maybe if you kept focus on your tasks instead of gracing us with your useless comments, you could've gotten more interesting cases." She could see Michelle's face turning a shade redder. The girl was clearly trying to control her temper. Before she could utter another word, Riddhima walked passed her. There was no way that pathetic trollop would get the last word.

"Riddhima" Dr. Sheldon's voice boomed across the corridors.

"Yes, Sir. I was just on my way to see you. Michelle said something about Mr. Humphrey's case."

"Actually, I gave that to Nina, but I need to talk to you about an offer that might interest you. I have a friend who is a Neurosurgeon and he is looking into taking someone under his wings. I wanted you to apply for the position. I would of course personally recommend you. The job, however, is in Seattle."

"Wow, Sir. I don't know what to say." Riddhima was truly surprised by the proposition. Dr. Riddhima Gupta. Neurosurgeon. It did have a certain ring to it. This job was actually an opportunity of a lifetime.

"Say you'll apply for the position and then decide about it. No need to rush right now. I'll email you the forms tonight."

"Thank you so much sir."

Wow. Could this day get any better?

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Armaan waited patiently for Riddhima to emerge from the massive structure. He couldn't wait to see her again. He rested against the hood of his car, his arms crossed. It was quite chilly outside; a soft wind blowing and gentle snowflakes melting as soon as they hit the pavement.

Riddhima got out of the building, a tall brunette walking beside her. They were laughing about something. How he had missed the sound of her laughter. He forgot how the very sound filled his heart with joy. She waved goodbye to her friend, shoved her hands in her pocket, a smile still plastered on her face.

"Hello sunshine" Armaan finally said, before he seemed like a creepy stalker lurking around in dark corners.

"I would ask you what you were doing here, but I think I already know." She smiled. Her skin was glowing under the lamp post, and he could clearly see the small snowflakes resting on her eyelashes and slowly melting away.

"I am your personal chauffeur today." He said a bit distracted. A single snowflake had made its way to her lips, and melted, leaving nothing but a small drop of water on her plump lower lip. He knew Riddhima was talking to him, but all he could think about was licking that small drop. How her luscious lips would feel on his. How they would slightly quiver from surprise and cold. How they would mould perfectly with his afterwards.

"Armaan are you listening to me? I was just'" He leaned forward and kissed her, everything else be damned. The need was stronger than him. He heard her gasp in surprise; he took his chance and deepened the kiss. Her lips were soft and warm. Absolutely perfect.

The wind pushed a couple of locks of her hair against his face, and he gently nudged them away before cupping her cheek softly, still kissing her. He should stop. He would stop. Right about now '

And then he heard her soft moan.

Damn.

He slid his arm around her waist and brought her body against his, his mouth growing more insistent. Her petite frame fit snugly against his. He turned them around, until her legs hit the front of his car, his body pressing hers onto the hood. He felt her hands around his neck, gently tugging the hair near his nape. God help him, he didn't want to stop, but if he didn't stop now, he wouldn't be able to stop at all. He slowed the kiss, savoring every last moment of it, before easing away and pressing his cheek against hers.

So much for taking it slow.

Riddhima's body still hummed from being thoroughly kissed, and her mind was completely blank. She could still feel his unsteady breath fanning her earlobe. Before she could even gather enough brain activity and utter a syllable, Armaan answered the question that was quietly forming inside her head.

"I had to do that before I went insane. You were there, and I just had to kiss you." He whispered near her ear, his voice rough and breathless.

He took a step back and studied her face. There was slight blush on her, starting at her cheek, covering her neck and finally disappearing at the opening of her coat. Her eyes were wide open and her lips swollen. She exhaled sharply, her breath shaky, and before he lost control a second time, he pulled away completely from her.

"How about I get you home?" He quickly opened the passenger door and waited for her to come in.

The ride to her house was quiet and Armaan turned on the radio despite his morning remark. He tried to steal a couple glance, but he couldn't decipher any type of emotions. Was she angry? Annoyed? Excited?

As soon as he reached her building, Riddhima bolted out of the car, throwing a quick thank you. The young man didn't even get a chance to discuss anything about their relationship.

One thing was certain though; both of their worlds had been rocked by their earth shattering kiss.

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Muskaan sat quietly in front of her empty canvas, trying quite desperately to paint something. It seemed that all of her inspiration took their vacation days at the same time. None of them took her needs in consideration. The sudden knock at her door finally gave her the reason she needed to leave her studio room without so much as a dot of color on the blank canvas.

She yanked the door open. "Riddhima, you look a bit flustered. Also a tad agitated"

"Armaan kissed me!" Her friend exclaimed. She started pacing in front of her. "Now I'm not sure what to do. He told me that he just had to kiss me. I was there and he just had to. It was actually quite romantic now that I think of it. I hate that I am so confu-"

"Calm down women! You're going to dig a hole on my floor with all the pacing you're doing." Muskaan grabbed her guest and dragged her to the living room. "Take a seat and breathe."

Riddhima did as she was told. She could still taste Armaan, feel his lingering lips on her. The heat of his body over hers. Dear God, was it hot in here or what?

"So, my brother kissed you. Quite normal since he wants to date you, and you sort of want to date him, but can't until you're sure about his intentions."

"Not funny Muskaan. I'm so confused. A couple of months ago, I would probably be jumping up and down. Now, I... I don't know anymore."

"Can I be honest with you Riddhima?"

She nodded in response to Muskaan's question.

"I know the past few months have been quite painful, for both of you. I don't excuse some of the stuff he said or did, but as someone who saw the effect of your break up seven years ago, I can understand why he lashed out several times." Muskaan sat down beside her friend and took her hand in hers. "As someone who knows him and has seen the extent of his devastation, if he wants you back, he's not doing it because he feels guilty about what he did. He's doing it because he finally wants to be happy."

"How can you be so sure?"

"If you had seen him after you left him, you wouldn't have doubted for a second. Because there is no way my brother would intentionally let you in his heart if he wasn't a hundred percent sure. If he dated you out of guilt, realized that he couldn't forgive you or trust you, and broke up with you afterwards, he would be also affected by the end of your relationship once more. He would not risk putting himself back in that position. Just like you, he wouldn't be to survive it without losing a part of his soul."

Riddhima tried to hide the tears that were forming in the corner of her eyes, but Muskaan caught her. "Dear Lord, I didn't mean to make you cry. So about that kiss, what kind of kiss was it?" She asked mischievously, changing the topic to a lighter one.

Riddhima cheeks grew pink. "A very good one."

"That's sounds so boring. Was it a I miss you one, a You look beautiful one, a I'm sorry one, or a I want to get you naked one

"Muskaan!"

"Never mind" She frowned. "Don't answer that. I don't want to know. I forgot for a second we were talking about my brother here. I don't want to know anything about his love life except that he is happy."

Muskaan's brows were still slightly slanted, and she seemed displeased about something all of a sudden.

"What's wrong?"

"I just realized I can never ask you naughty details about your love life like girlfriends usually do. It would be way, way, way too much information about my own brother."

They both laughed at her sudden epiphany.

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Riddhima lay wide awake in bed. Her curtains were still up, and she could see Armaan's Gillette ad on the billboard. His smouldering gaze, his angular jaw, his jet black hair, his hard muscular body. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, remembering their passionate embrace. His eyes had darkened when he looked at her tonight. It had made her feel tingly, warm, hot and cold, all at the same time.

She had felt desired.

His hair had been soft and slightly damp from the snow, and his body had set hers on fire when he had pressed her against him, his light stubble, rough and yet soft against her cheek, whispering into her ears.

I had to do that before I went insane. You were there, and I just had to kiss you.

He had made her feel so alive and wanted that for a moment, any confusions she had simply vanished. In that moment, he had wanted her for her, not because he was trying to be noble and do right by her.

You were there, and I just had to kiss you.

Muskaan's words repeated themselves in her mind. She knew she had hurt him went she left, but something in the way Muskaan spoke made her feel like there was something they were hiding from her. Something she should feel guilty about.

Just like you, he wouldn't be to survive it without losing a part of his soul.

Suddenly, everything seemed clear. She's been viewing his emotions as black or white. Love or guilt. Who better than her would know that the world was filled with hues of gray, that love was entwined with guilt, just as it was with hate. If she could accept that Armaan had hated her so in the beginning because he had loved her, that why couldn't she accept that he felt guilty because he still loved her. Because he had hurt the person he loved. Strong emotions only consumed you when you cared deeply. When you loved deeply. He hadn't said so yet, but she was sure it was there.

I just had to kiss you.

Riddhima started to laugh, unable to contain the happiness that was bursting within her. She blew a kiss to billboard Armaan, hugged her pillow, and with a huge grin plastered on her face, closed her eyes. She couldn't wait to say yes when Armaan asked her out again.

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"Good Morning Armaan." Riddhima greeted him. Once again, he stood near the elevators, with a cup of Starbucks in his hand. However, there was a nice phone number in pink inscribed on it.

"Good morning to you to" He handed her her beverage.

"Are you sure this is for me? It seems like one of your fans wanted you to give her a call."

Armaan smiled. "Actually, that is my phone number. Since you refused me both times I asked you out, I figured I'd leave you my number so you can do the honors. I don't think my ego would survive if the third time ended up not being the charm." Actually, his ego wouldn't care as long as she said yes, but this was his way of placing all the cards in her hands. He would wait. For as long as she needed.

One second thought... until he couldn't take it anymore and needed a plan C, but he'd think about that if it got there, if being the key word here.

"The pink is just for dramatics."

"Thank You Armaan." She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Shall we go?"

Great, now that she finally decided to agree, she actually had to muster up the courage to do the actual asking.

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Five days.

Five excruciating long painful days.

And Riddhima still hadn't called him.

Every time, he picked her up or dropped her off, with her cinnamon latte in hand, his number written in bright colors, all he got was a sweet chaste kiss on his cheek. Don't get him wrong, he lived for those kisses, but definitely missed the other one.

The one they had never mentioned.

The one he dreamt about at night, except in his dreams, he didn't pull back.

During the rides, they talked about everything and nothing at the same time. They still played their version on twenty questions, but they had moved to lighter topics like favorite restaurants and food. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he remembered their conversation about movies. Apparently, his movies didn't make her top five favorite movies. She looked absolutely adorable, mumbling the titles with a guilty look. Apparently, The Lord of the Rings counted as three movies, her fourth was the Godfather I, and her fifth was Gladiator.

Beaten by a bunch of hobbits, dwarves, elves, roman soldiers and the mafia. At least his movie Torment made number seven. Given the fact the fact that her list was understandable, and he probably wouldn't chose his own movies in his top five, his ego had sure taken a huge gigantic blow.

He stared at the clock and groaned. It was only 7:30 pm. Riddhima didn't finish her shift till 9 pm. He tried practicing his lines, but it was quite hard to concentrate with his focus constantly shifting between the clock and his phone.

Screw this! I'm just going to wait for her over there.

He reached the hospital in record time, and once again leaned against the hood of his car, and waited for the girl of his dreams to come out. Meanwhile, he would close his eyes for a bit and dream some more.

Until his worst nightmare called his name.

"Fancy meeting you here Armaan." Ian said, showing off his signature smirk.

"I see your nose is healing rather well. I hope it didn't cause too much trouble with your show." Armaan remarked.

"Actually, they decided to incorporate my facial injury in the show. I get punched by my brother for taking away his girl." Ian replied casually. He made sure to keep his bouquet of red roses in front of him, something he was sure Armaan would notice.

"Ironic because that's exactly why you got punched in the first place. And from what I can see" He looked at the fresh flowers in the man's hand "You still haven't learned your lesson. Maybe I should have added a few broken ribs as well."

Ian thought carefully for a moment, and rubbed his hand over his chin for show "Well, hit me all you want, but remember one thing. We're in a hospital and our dearest friend is working today. Who do you think is going to fix me up? Have her hands all over me? Put bandages on my wounds?"

"We're not quite in the hospital. I might have enough time to charm another doctor into taking care of you."

"Yeah, but then, the one that really matters would be cross with you, so I still win. Besides, she's the one who called me here. You don't want to trash the date she's called in do you?"

"What are you really doing here?" He knew she definitely didn't call Ian for a date, but she had still called Ian. She called Ian, but never bothered to send him a little hi'. He didn't even get the this-is-the-text-to-send-you-my-number text. Not a single word from her. While he had stared at his phone every free minutes of his time, she had taken the time to call someone he absolutely hated. Armaan was extremely irritated at the moment. Actually, he was more than just irritated.

"Ian!" Armaan finally heard the voice he's been waiting to hear all day. Except she'd called out his name.

"Nina is waiting for you inside. I hope it won't be awkward for you to go on a date with someone with the same name as your co-worker? If this ends up being a passionate affair, you better not forget who set you up." She said with that bright and radiant smile of hers.

"Never sweetheart" Ian added in the term of endearment just to get a rise out of his arch enemy. He winked at Riddhima and left the couple - or almost couple -alone.

"Well" Armaan cleared his throat loudly to make sure his presence was known to her. "That was interesting."

"Yeah, I never really thought I'd try my hand at matchmaking, but Nina really needed a date to her super mean cousin's wedding. I figured if she arrived with a celebrity in her arms, she would be off the hook for not having a love life." Riddhima said happily.

She finally turned around and took a good look at the man standing beside him. He did not seem happy. His stance was rigid, jaws clenched and arms tightly crossed. "You don't look to happy at the moment?" She vocalized her thoughts.

"That's probably because I'm not." He replied, his voice clipped and laced with irritation. Without offering any further explanations, he opened the door for her. "Shall we go?"

The air in the car was tense. Armaan stared ahead of him, his eyes focused. The scowl on his face showed no indication of leaving. Silence filled the car and it was killing Riddhima. She took a quick peek at the speedometer, and they were above the limit. She opened her mouth to tell him, but snapped it shut immediately. Now was definitely not the moment to lecture him about safe driving.

Well, his anger was clearly because of Ian, but Riddhima had made it clear that he wasn't there for her. He couldn't be jealous because she had no interest in The Vampire Diaries' star. He knew that. After all, she was there sitting in his car.

The car stopped abruptly, and she realized they had reached her building. Armaan held the door for her as he always did but he still hadn't said anything. She didn't want to leave with unresolved issues between them. They already had enough of those for ten lifetimes.

"Are you angry at me?" She asked a bit nervously.

"It's nothing Riddhima. You're probably tried. Go to bed and I'll see you tomorrow." He answered as he raked his hand through his hair.

"I'm going to stand right here until you tell me what's bothering you. I know it has to do with Ian, but you know I called him for Nina. It had nothing to do with me."

"Exactly" He cried out as he hit the top if his car with his palm. He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly to calm himself down a bit. He looked away and apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose my temper."

"Armaan" Riddhima took a step closer to him and cupped his cheek, turning his face towards her once more. "Don't hide from me. Not anymore. These past few days have been wonderful. You shouldn't worry about Ian."

"It's not Somerhalder that has me angry." Actually it was maybe a bit him, but that wasn't the main point. "You called him, and yet I stare at my screen all day long waiting for a word from you. Not a single call. Not even a text. I worry that I might be doing all this, and yet my phone is never going to buzz."

Riddhima actually never thought about that possibility. She was too busy trying to man up and ask him out. She figured since she saw him every day, he was okay with her taking her time. She never really bothered texting him about anything else. It never even crossed her mind. God, she was an idiot. "I want to show you something." She grabbed her phone from her pocket, tapped it a couple of times and handed it to him.

"What is this?"

"Read them"

Armaan looked down at the little device in his hands. The words Unsent text messages was written across the top and he could see his name appearing countless times. He chose the first one, and then the next, and then the next, until he couldn't stop reading.

Hi Armaan, want to grab dinner with me?

Hello. I was just wondering if you wanted to go out on a date with me?

Sup? Want to grab food one of these days? :)

Armaan, I have finally decided to go out with you.

Hey superstar, how about dinner Friday night? <3

Morning Handsome, now about that dinner you were talking about?

...

Not sure how to ask this, but is that date offer still valid.

I'm screwed. I am never going to get this right.

I don't know if you are sleeping, but would you like to go out with me.

Dinner?

Hey Sexy! Dinner?

These were messages she had typed but had never sent for some reason. All his worries, anger and irritation had vanished within seconds, replaced with sheer joy. "Why didn't you send me any of this?"

"I lacked courage." She muttered, casting her eyes downwards.

"This coming from the girl who wouldn't leave me alone a couple of months ago?" Armaan raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with humour. He placed the phone in her pocket and took the opportunity to slide his arms around her waist to pull her to him. "Yes" He whispered seductively in her ear.

Riddhima's mind went blank, and she blinked. "Yes?" She repeated, her voice shaky.

"Yes, I want to go out with you." She could hear the smile in his voice. He curled a strand of her hair around his finger, and let it go.

"Hmmm" She placed her arm on his chest, gently playing with the buttons of his coat. She remembered the last time she was in his arms, and her heart started to thump against her ribcage. "Armaan" Her voice was soft and husky.

"Yes?" He stroked her cheek with his knuckles, and stopped right below her lower lip.

"You know how you said last time that I was there and you just had to kiss me?" She continued to toy with his coat, and felt his grip tighten around her.

"Yes"

She gulped. "Well right now, you're here, and I need you to kiss me before I actually go insane."

She didn't need to ask him twice. His mouth captured hers. Hungry and demanding. Fierce and possessive. Her fingers clung onto him and her pulse raced. She kissed him back, responding to his touch eagerly. He slowed the kiss before tearing his mouth from her and placing his forehead on her shoulder. He needed to catch his breath, and from the way her chest heaved, she probably did too.

He pulled away from her, gave her quick peck because she looked too damned irresistible after being thoroughly kissed, and said. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 o'clock."