In My Heart. An AR ff. Last Chap + Epilogue on pg 118. - Page 21

Chapter 12 A.

A cool breeze blew lightly swaying the trees along its tunes and the birds chirped away merrily in flocks. A black Range Rover came to halt in the garage of Mallik Mansion. Armaan came out of the car and made his way up to the back stairs with Riddhima cuddled in his arms. He slowly closed the secret door in Riddhima's room with his leg and settled in bed with her. Armaan stared lovingly at the sleeping beauty in his arms thinking about the best night of his life so far. So much had changed within a day. Last night he had taken a huge step of confessing and proposing to Riddhima. He wasn't sure of her reply as it seemed rushed but he couldn't watch someone take her away. All his fears were washed away with just one nod from her. Armaan couldn't thank God enough for sending this angel down for him. "I love you Basket, love you more than my life. I promise, I won't let anyone separate us now." he whispered trailing his nose down her face. Riddhima fidgeted in her sleep as she felt something crawling slowly on her face moving downwards. She tried pushing it away with her hands and continue sleeping but couldn't, then she forced her heavy eyelids to open as she felt the thing restrict her movements. Riddhima found herself in a tight embrace and two fingers running all over her. She smiled a little in response and took in her surroundings. She sat erect as she realized they were home. "Armaan, when did we reach home? Why didn't you wake me up? What are you doing in my room? What if someone saw us together? What are we going to say if they question where we were last night? Armaan did somebody see us coming back? Why aren't you answering me?" Riddhima looked at him frowning.

"Why, you said you'll show me once we return." Riddhima complained.

"I did say but you were sleeping, so how could I show you at that time. Now wait till I use it next time to get in here, when you lock your door to avoid me. You closed the door to run away from me, isn't it?" Armaan spoke in a teasing tone.

"Why should I run or avoid you? I wanted to sleep that's why closed everything, if you didn't notice when you came in. But this in unfair, I'm supposed to know where the door is. If you won't tell I'll look for it myself. Move." he let her get down the bed and smiled seeing her touch the walls for the door. Armaan couldn't stop himself from laughing when she made those cute faces on not finding it and sat on the bed's edge. "What's so funny? I'll see it when you go out from my room now."

"I won't use that door to go out now." he pulled her into his arms and leaned back on the bed with her head on his arm.

"Armaaan."

"Baaaskeet."

"Don't talk to me."

"As you wish." he closed his eyes and kept the other hand on his forehead.

"Mat batao, main Dad se pooch loon gi." Riddhima was irritated when he really didn't talk to her. She faced the other side turning her back towards him.

"Don't be silly Basket. What will he think about us if you tell I came in through a hidden door? Anyways no one knows about the door and I want it to remain that way."

"Why did you renovate this room according to my likes?" she asked.

"Who told you this? It's nothing like that." he lied hoping she won't get it.

"Really, you think I won't know about it. There's nobody here who knows my likes and dislikes in so much of details except you."

"Dad wanted you to have a permanent room in this house and all the rooms downstairs were taken as guest rooms so he asked me to keep one room for you in this portion. You had left the renovation of this portion purposely, isn't it?"

"Dad told me that he wanted to keep this upper portion only for you and Naina. I knew you wouldn't like me interfering in your matters so i left it untouched." he closed his eyes to block the pain from spreading through his body hearing Riddhima's words. He was so ashamed of himself to have put her through all this torture. She did everything without complain. After seeing her with Sameer, he now understood what agony she must have felt on seeing him with Naina. Armaan knew she was thinking on the same lines. But he wanted to move ahead and make her forget the past, so he tried to lighten the mood.

"But you can't stay in this room permanently; you'll have to change your room."

"Oh, but I love this room." she said in a small voice thinking he didn't want her to stay here.

"It'll remain untouched like this. You can stay here for some time but then you can't sleep here." He spoke turning his head to look at her.

"Where will I sleep then?"

"In our room."

"Our room?"

"Hmm. You've seen that room at the end of passage?" he continued after she nodded. "That's our room. Where we'll stay together after our marriage. You can come here and stay during the day when I'm not home or when you're angry but you're not allowed to sleep without me or go away from me for one single night. This is a strict order and there will no leniency in this, so remember it, because I won't repeat it." he pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, burying his head in her neck.

"Armaan."

"Hmmm." he said nuzzling her neck.

"Hamari shaadi hogi na?" Armaan turned her to face him as he heard her voice quiver with uncertainty.

"Hamari shaadi zaroor hogi, wo bhi bohat jald. It's my promise to you Basket." he said gathering her in a tight hug and kissing her head. Armaan knew what she felt because he was facing the same emotional turmoil. Getting her back in his life gave him a reason to live but he still feared losing her again.

"She's supposed to stay happy, she had had her share of grief, I won't let any worry touch her now." Armaan thought.

"Nobody can take you away from me Basket."

"What if.."

"No ifs and buts. I know what you're thinking. I will face everyone and fight them too for us. Just remember nobody can separate us not now and not ever. Okay?" The conviction in his voice soothed Riddhima and she nodded.

"So Basket what were we discussing? Yeah, the room. I have few other rules also which can't be changed. The one that's effective from today is that you kiss me every morning & night." he teased her.

Riddhima bit her lip and snuggled more into his chest hiding her face. Armaan chuckled at her reaction and held her firmly against himself.

"Sleep Basket, it's still very early. I'm here besides you." Armaan slipped out of her room when she drifted off to sleep.

Riddhima and Prem were seated in the study of Garewal Mansion reading a project file. Prem noticed that Riddhima was fidgeting with her fingers and so held her hand over the study table. He knew she wanted to discuss something and so blinked at her assuring. At first Riddhima hesitated but then opened up to him, telling him everything from Armaan's apology to his proposal last night, skipping the details of the past and their intimate moments. Prem looked at Riddhima with a blank expression for a while and then walked in her direction. He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight hug. Riddhima couldn't control her emotions and so cried in his arms. Prem told her that he knew everything except for the confession as Armaan had spoken to him earlier. "Thora pagal hai per chaley ga, kyunki tumse bohat pyaar karta hai. I've warned him to stay cautious because one mistake and he'll have to face me." Riddhima smiled hearing Prem. "Rhea, you're really happy, right?" she nodded with moist eyes. "You know I always thought I was very smart but I actually wasn't because I couldn't figure why my baby sister was so lost. When Armaan told me that he loves you, i was blown. I realized then it was love that kept you from moving on. You love him Rhea, don't you?" he moved her chin up as she looked down blushing. "Did you tell him?" she shook her head. "Hmm, taking revenge for making you wait. I just can't put in words how happy and content I am to see this smile. I would have dragged him to you if I knew that he was the key to this hidden smile." he said as Riddhima smiled.

"I'm sorry Prem, I didn't tell you about it earlier, and actually I was confused myself. So thought I shouldn't burden you more than I already have. I know, I know, I'm not a burden but still I've troubled you a lot and made you cry too, isn't it? I can never return even a bit of love that you've showered on me always. Prem you're happy with this relation or are just saying for me?"

"Rhea you should know that I'll never be burdened by you. You are the reason that I'm even alive today. You've given me immense joy by just coming in my life, Ri. Your presence and love is my gift from you. You should never even think about all this return business, it's a brother's responsibility to protect and fulfill all his sister's wishes. And I'm not just saying it, I really am happy with Armaan and your relation. You have my blessings. I'll be with you when you tell Mama and papa about it. So don't worry and enjoy this period. Hmm." he said running a hand over her head lovingly. Riddhima hugged him in response. "I love you Prem, I love you a lot." she said crying.

"Uh.. Rhea, I don't think Armaan will like to hear this." he chuckled as she hit his back. "I love you too sweet heart."

After spending the whole afternoon lazing at home, the gang had decided to head out for some fun. Boys had teamed up against the girls and challenged them for a car race, and decided that the losing side would treat the winners with a wonderful dinner. A Land Cruiser came to screeching halt in the parking area of a sports club followed by a Hummer shortly. The girls came out of the Land Cruiser laughing and hi-fiving each other as they had won the race against boys, who emerged sulking and pretending as if nothing, had happened at all

"So guys are you prepared for our dinner treat tonight?" Anjali asked moving towards them.

"I am always ready Anjali. Uh.. I mean yes we are ready. Where would you like to go?" Atul spoke hesitating.

"Oye tu un se kyun pooch raha hai, jahan hamara dil chahe ga, hum wahin dinner karain ge." Armaan hit him on the back of his head.

"Oh really, I'm so sorry but this isn't acceptable because according to your bet the winning side was supposed to be treated at their choice of restaurant. And now that you've lost, you can't change it." Riddhima said.

"Who says so Bas..Riddhima? We will do whatever we like; nobody can stop us, right boys?" Armaan teased her. Riddhima narrowed her eyes at Armaan as the boys agreed with him.

"You will stop and follow our orders, that too willingly. Right girls?" Riddhima spoke in a sweet tone. The girls nodded and turned to leave for the entrance shouting, "Just make sure you bring your credit cards along."

The guys stopped at the basketball court and decided to play a match. They called out to the girls who were going ahead chatting continuously. "Sorry guys, you go ahead but Rhea and I aren't playing." Muskaan said taking hold of Riddhima's hand and moving out of the court.

"Wait! Why aren't you two playing?" Rahul asked coming towards them.

"I love swimming. I want to go swimming. I can't go alone, I'll get bored, so you all play and we'll leave. Chal Rhea." Muskaan made up an excuse and in her hurry she failed to notice everyone's confused expressions. Armaan shook his head at her stupid excuse and pulled her aside to ask what the matter was.

"Kya problem hai?"

"Kuch problem nahin hai bhai."

"To phir achanak tujhe swimming kyun karni hai?"

"Woh bohat din hogaye na Rhea or mujhe saath swimming kiye, is liye. Ap jao, hum abhi aatay hain." Muskaan tried shoving him away.

"Muski, what is the problem? Tell me now!" Armaan hissed signaling others to go and change.

Muskaan gulped and looked at Riddhima, who had left for the changing room with the girls. "Rhea isn't comfortable with this game. She's just doing it for us."

"What makes you think so?" Armaan frowned.

"She only played basketball once during these three years at the University that too she was forced to. Later she sat in the ground lost while our team mates were rejoicing on the victory. I've seen her avoiding the court and any discussions regarding this sport. Something about it bothers her, hurts her."

"Okay, go." Armaan turned away from Muskaan and fisted his hands as tightly as he could to control himself from bursting. He went to the changing room as he realized that all had changed and only Riddhima was left inside. He saw her stepping out wearing a pink and black jogging suit. Armaan kept staring at her as she walked towards him, giving him a bright, heartwarming smile. He turned around not able to see into her eyes, his guilt killing him.

"Oh, I thought you were here to meet me and tell how much you missed me during the day, but I guess I was wrong." Riddhima said gripping his wrist with both her hands as he started walking.

"Riddhima, leave my hand. I have some work, we'll talk later." he spoke without turning.

"What happened? Are you angry with me? I'm sorry, please Armaan tell me what happened? Look at me." she spoke turning his face towards her. Armaan jerked her hand and pulled her to him.

"Why are you doing this? Why aren't you saying anything? Why aren't you screaming at me? Why aren't you punishing me for hurting you? Why Basket, why?" Armaan cried with his head hid in her neck.

"What happened? Why are you saying all this? We already spoke about it, why again?" Riddhima tried pulling away but he wouldn't let her move.

"Please Armaan, you're scaring me like this, don't cry, please." she rubbed her hands over his back trying to calm him.

"I've hurt you a lot and have made you stay away from everything you loved, I'm very bad, I don't deserve to be with you." he spoke with moist eyes.

"Aisa kuch nahin hai Armaan. You never meant to hurt me intentionally. Or agar main hurt hui hoon tau so have you. You've also kept away from all your favorite things, infact more than me. Muski told you about me not playing basketball, right?" he nodded lightly still hugging her.

"I didn't play because it reminded me of you. I couldn't forget the memories I had of us playing numerous times. But now I'm fine, kyunki ab tum mere paas ho." Armaan moved back a bit still holding her close.

"You don't have to Basket, if you don't want. I'll take you back and no one will say anything." his concerns clear in his voice.

"But I want to play Armaan. I want to relive all those memories and make new ones too with you." They moved away as they heard footsteps outside the door.

"It's okay, it's just me guys. Rhea, you don't have to.." Prem spoke closing the door behind him but Riddhima cut him. "Oh God, pehle aik ko samjhana parta tha or ab do do ko. Please guys, I'm fine, don't worry." she grimaced.

"How did you know about us? Did you?" Armaan asked in confusion.

"Yes, Rhea told me. You didn't think of it as necessary to tell me now that you have what you wanted." Prem teased Armaan.

"Aisa nahin hai, I would have told you if you had stayed a bit longer. But I'm glad your sister told you herself. Thanks for your help Prem, without it I wouldn't have been able to get her back." Armaan spoke pulling Riddhima to his side.

"You're welcome. But remember my warning. I must say, you two look beautiful together. Stay like this always." Prem smiled seeing Armaan hold Riddhima.

"I know, even I want to stay like this, but what do I do, your sister runs away from me always." Riddhima's jaw dropped and both the guys chuckled at her response.

The gang had started their warm up when Armaan returned after changing. The boys suggested that Atul would become the referee and this way it would equal the players in both teams. Girls disagreed and called Atul back saying that whichever team makes 15 baskets first would win and with this started another round of arguments.

"But this way you'll have one less player." Rahul said.

"It's okay, we'll win anyway. You guys need an extra player to play against us." Muskaan replied.

"I think you're forgetting that it's you who always loses, we always win every match." Armaan spoke.

"Oh please Armaan; now don't make me open my mouth." Riddhima retorted.

"What do you mean?" Armaan moved towards her.

"I mean, you've forgotten that you always lost."

"I never lost Riddhima."

"Yes you did, every single time we played."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes you did." Prem jumped in the middle to stop the argument before the two spoke something they weren't supposed to. The rest were staring at them blankly, watching the duo argue for the first time.

The girls were leading the match from the start. The scores were 7:4 after 15 minutes of play.

"Common guys, we can't lose to them. Pehle hi we lost the race or ab yeh. It'll be too much. Girls sir pe char jain gi. Let's think of something." Abhi said to the boys during a 5 minutes break.

"Haan yaar, yeh to bilkul sahi bola tum ne. Dekh kaise uchal rahi hain saari, jaise match jeet chuki hon. Hamein kuch karna chahye. Armaan tu kuch soch na, tere ideas aik dum mast hotey hain. Armaan, Armaan mere bhai, kahan kho gaya tu?" Atul patted Armaan's shoulder, shook his arm but no reaction. Atul and the guys looked in the direction of his gaze and found it locked on Riddhima who was spraying water on her face from her bottle.

"Pareshan mat ho Atul, yeh soch raha hai magar bohat agay ki. Let me think of something for now." Abhi said rolling his eyes and distracting Atul & Rahul, who were confused as to what had happened to Armaan.

"Oyye wo chali gayi, or tu bhi jaye ga agar isi tarah usey dekhta raha. Rahul tujhe hi ghoor raha hai. Chal thora focus game per kar baqi usey ghar jakay dekh lena." Abhi hit Armaan on his head breaking his trance.

"What the.. Tera problem kya hai Modi? Tu kabhi tameez se baat nahin kar sakta kya? Or main kuch soch raha tha itna important, sara focus kharab kar diya." Armaan spoke defensively as he had been caught staring.

As the game was resumed, boys started covering the girl who dribbled the ball to the net and somehow took it away from her. Abhi had only winked at Nikki and she left the ball from her hands. Sameer had pushed Muskaan to take the ball and she ended up on the floor with Rahul. Girls had understood their intentions and decided to keep alert. Riddhima dribbled the ball across the ground and just as she aimed for the net, she was lifted off the ground and twirled. "Put me down Armaan. Tum hamesha aise karte ho, loser." she screamed wriggling in his hold. He put her down once Prem had done a basket and that made the boys a point ahead of girls.

The scores were now 9: 11. Boys were hi-fiving and whistling.

"Aik minute, hamesha matlab, tum dono pehle bhi saath khel chukey ho?" Nikki asked Riddhima.

"How did you know it was Armaan even before you saw him?" Anjie asked.

"Woh..actually I knew it because nobody else would do something like this, isi liye. Waisey bhi Armaan has cheater written all over him." Riddhima tried to explain narrowing her eyes at Armaan, who was smirking.

"Oh really Bas.. Uh. Riddhima? Theek se dekho, shayad tum ne sahi se nahin dekha mujhe." Armaan teased her.

"I know what you're trying to do, so don't act smart." Riddhima poked her finger in his chest.

"What am I trying to do?"

"You are cheating because you're losing and this time all of them are helping you with it."

"Why would we cheat Bas... Riddhima? Did you see us cheating? Look at the scores properly baby, you are losing, not us." Armaan spoke in a sugary sweet tone knowing too well of its result.

"Yes of course you're winning, just like you always do, isn't it? Well let's finish the match so that you can celebrate, okay?" Armaan controlled himself from laughing at Riddhima's face that was scrunched up in irritation.

The game was resumed and this time girls used boys' trick on them. Anjali blew a kiss to Atul who nearly passed out seeing this. Rahul was left gaping at Muskaan as she blew a kiss and called him towards her. Riddhima came in front of Armaan and took the ball away by blowing in his eyes. The guys got hold of their senses and focused on the game but they lost it when Anjie scored the 15th basket. Girls group hugged and jumped up and down giggling on their victory. Boys shook their heads seeing the girls dance as if they've won a lottery.

"I know it's hard to accept defeat but it's okay, I know you boys are strong to take this. Now that we've won, you're supposed to do whatever we say, okay?" Naina said.

"You must be crazy to think we'll listen to your orders. We're treating you at your choice of hotel, that's more than enough." Abhi answered back.

"Well too bad, you will have to listen to us otherwise.." Riddhima trailed off with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"What do you all want?" Armaan asked.

"A day to ourselves." Anjie said.

"When did we stop you from this?" Abhi spoke.

"I knew you wouldn't disagree to what we say. So it's decided we spend the whole next day without you guys." Nikki spoke enthusiastically.

"What?" boys spoke together.

"What, what? Of course having the day to us means no distraction and you all are the biggest distraction. You don't let us do whatever we want." Muskaan said as a matter of fact.

"You are kidding right? You can't do this. I mean we already don't get time to spend together due to the functions and after tomorrow, we'll be busy with the wedding. Anjali tum hi kuch bolo na." Atul spoke.

"Oh common Atul, aik hi din ki to baat hai. Besides think you'll have so much fun without us, isn't it?" Anjali replied.

"Exactly, I remember you guys saying kab hum se jaan chutey gi, now you're getting the chance. I'm sure you don't want to miss it, right boys?" Nikki added.

"Yeah, yeah, of course. We'll have lots of fun doing.. doing.." Rahul trailed off not knowing what they'll be doing.

"We'll manage, you tell what are you all planning to do?" Abhi asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well we plan to go out shopping.."

"Shopping? Are you crazy? You girls spent two whole weeks shopping for wedding before coming here and now you want to go again." Abhi asked with eyes wide with shock.

"Yehi to main in se keh rahi hoon." Muski replied.

"Muskaan teri tabiat to theek hai? Tu or shopping ke liye mana kar rahi hai?" Rahul asked touching her forehead for fever.

"Maine kab mana kiya shopping ke liye, main to in sab se kab se bol rahi hoon ke hum ne sirf shaadi ki shopping ki hai, casual wear to liya hi nahin." Armaan face palmed and patted Rahul's shoulder in sympathy hearing Muskaan reply.

"Or shopping ke alawa kiya karein gi ap log?" Prem asked looking at boys' sulking faces.

"We won't tell because you guys are going to follow us like always and pretend it was a coincidence. In short, we're spending the entire day out of the house. Okay, now let's get back home so that we can sleep well for the next day." Anjali said.

The next morning was a chaos at the Malik mansion with girls rushing their daily showers and dressing up to start their Girls' Day Out. They woke up late courtesy boys who kept them up till midnight simply talking while munching on snacks and sweet goodies. Prerna and Kashish were after the girls to at least have breakfast and then leave but they decided to begin the day at Starbucks. The boys admired the girls silently while sulking in the lounge when they were all gathered around Prerna listening to her instructions. The girls had dressed casually; simple & elegant. They chose black skinny pants, fitted tops, converses, few accessories with minimum make up for the day.

Armaan and Prem had got busy with the task in hand as soon as the girls left. An hour later a team of men carrying briefcases arrived at the Malik mansion. They were called to install security systems in both the mansions. Prem and Abhi had taken up the charge of keeping the others busy to avoid questions and suspicion as this was a secret. Later Armaan interviewed the bodyguards who were assigned duties during the wedding, especially of protecting Riddhima. Once he was sure of their capabilities, he explained to them what and how were they supposed to carry out the plan.

The girls were heading towards the spa after having a gala time at the malls shopping, laughing, teasing and babbling together. They had decided to relax for a while and what better way than to have a body massage, so here they were at Leeds' best spa. They indulged themselves in pleasure with chocolate spa, enjoying the warmth and soothing sensations at the hands of best professionals.

It was almost dark when the girls returned home to loud whistles and cheers resonating in the air. The boys were glued to the large home theatre screen watching soccer match. Girls slumped on the floor cushions joining them to watch the last few minutes.

"Where's Riddhima?" Armaan asked the girls.

"Where's Riddhima matlab? Isn't she back yet?" Nikki spoke.

"What do you mean; she was with you all, so how come she return before you?" Prem questioned.

"Yeah she was with us but she left earlier saying she had some work and would return home directly." Anjali said.

"She said she'll take a cab and we take her car to return. But that was almost 2 hrs. back, why isn't she back yet Anjie?" Naina asked worried.

"What non-sense, how did you let her go alone and that too without her car, how will she return now?" Armaan's heart sunk in fear of losing Riddhima. He quickly pulled out his cell and dialed Riddhima's number but it was redirected to her voice box. Armaan groaned in frustration and pulled his hair in desperation when after 30 minutes they found her cell in Muski's purse.

"This girl drives me crazy with her careless attitude. Poori dunya ka khayal rakhe gi siwaye apne. I clearly told her not to leave without informing us but why would she listen to me?" Abhi put his arm around Armaan hearing him mumble to himself.

"What was so important that she left so abruptly?" Rahul questioned.

"Pata nahin, koi call ayi jis ke baad wo chali gayi." Muskaan replied.

"Or tu wahan baith kar dekhti rahi usey akela jatay huey. Didn't I tell you all to stay together? How could you let her go alone after what happened in India." Armaan spoke angrily.

"Common bhai, don't worry she'll be back safely, she knows how to handle herself plus she knows this city too well to lose her way, so relax." Muskaan tried consoling her brother who at the moment was worried sick for Riddhima when there was no apparent reason for it.

"Shut up Muskaan, I didn't expect this from you. How could you let her go all by herself?" Armaan shouted.

Armaan could feel an unnerving sensation settle at the bottom of his stomach making him helpless as the minutes ticked away. He paced around impatiently enraged in anger; ready to pounce on anyone who came near him. The gang was confused seeing Armaan react this way except Prem and Abhi, who knew the real reason behind his frantic behavior.