In My Heart. An AR ff. Last Chap + Epilogue on pg 118. - Page 27

Originally posted by: awesome

awesomeee

Originally posted by: Rarepearl

Hey Sunshine,

firstly I'm so sorry for you felt that i'm still angry with you. It's nothing like that. I did reply to your pm, guess you haven't read it though. I'll see to it that it went to you.

Well to be really honest I had been like waiting eagerly to read your comments & now that you have I am flying. lolz. seriously you exaggerate the whole thing so much. I really didn't like this part a lot. I had wanted to write a more in this part but then there was something I was getting confused with so couldn't. Now, just check your inbox quickly, I'm sending your Armaan your way. how I wish we all had our Armaan's, it would have been heavens instead of earth then, isn't it?

Thank you for liking all the previous parts as well as this one. Okay with your questions, about Abhi, you are the only one who thought about it. cool na!! I'll be adding his part in the upcoming one. And nooo Armaan hasn't told his parents about his break up yet, if you're taking that scene after bidaii in the hall as that, then no. this is yet to happen. Prem is a positive character so no worries regarding him. Rakesh, his motive will come clear in the next 2 to 3 updates. it's this only that I was bit confused, how to bring it out, hence I'm taking this long for the next part.

So I hope you do understand a bit.

A BIG bear hug to you for your wonderful comments.🤗

I'll be writing a reply to your pm very soon, just things not well here, will let you know about them too.

Till then Lots Of Love & a Huge Thank You..

Muskaan rushed back in kitchen with the big crystal bowl containing the dessert followed by girls.

"Why did you have to make this Riddhima? Couldn't you make something else, something everyone would like? How will we now stop the volcano from erupting? All was good for a few day and now.." A scared Muskaan babbled.

"What happened Muski, is the dessert not good?" Riddhima asked softly.

"It's not about being good, of course it is, but you do not understand what I'm saying."

"Of course, how will she when you speak in riddles, what is the problem in this gajar ka halwa? Everyone loves it out here.."

"Except Armaan bhai." Muskaan cut Nikki in middle. All stared at Muskaan as if she had spoken something insane.

"What? Don't look at me like that. I know you're thinking I'm gone crazy but I'm not. He doesn't like it anymore. The last time it was made in our house was some years back and bhai had gone and thrown the whole bowl in bin and made it clear he never wants to see it again." Muskaan cleared the confusion and Riddhima felt bad for him as she understood the reason.

"Don't you think Armaan has been acting strangely ever since..." Anjali was cut in by Arjun and Riddhima was relieved because she didn't want discussions regarding Armaan's behavior, not now at least.

"Yaar meetha mile ga ya nahin? Tum log isey yahan chupa ke kyun rakh rahe ho, hum wahan intezar kar rahey hain, or yahan tum log akele khane ka plan bana rahey ho, not good. Let me tell Armaan, phir dekhte hain yeh kis ko milta hai, Ar.." Arjun opened his mouth to shout Armaan and Muskaan covered his mouth by her palm. She told him the problem and he stood there confused. He turned towards Riddhima who was playing with her necklace nervously looking down and he understood the connection.

"Common yaar, wo us ka mood kharab hoga, aj aisa kuch nahin hoga. I can assure you." Arjun said and picked the tray.

"Nahin. Please I'll get something else for dessert. I don't want a scene right now nor am I interested in getting a lecture from him. Besides Armaan gussa mein uncontrollable ho jata hai." Riddhima said stopping him.

"Look who's saying this? The one who can control Armaan's temper, I mean yeh halwa, now you all, come out before everyone comes in here." Arjun covered his mistake and went out blinking at Riddhima assuring.

Everyone savored the delicious warm sweet while waiting eagerly for Armaan to finish his task. Armaan sat down on the floor cushion after adjusting his laptop with the 49" plasma screen to play videos of the wedding functions.

"Naina beta, serve the sweet to Armaan." Pooja told Naina.

"No no Naina, keep sitting. I'll get it myself. Aray ap log nahi le rahey?" he asked.

"Sab le chukey hain, sirf tum bachey ho." Prerna said.

"Well then I'll have it in the bowl itself."

"Armaan tum bhi na." everyone laughed seeing him stuffing his mouth except Muskaan. She wasn't able to digest what she saw but just kept mum as Arjun held her back from questioning Armaan and not wanting to ruin the moment.

"Aray Rhea, you should have asked the servants to get the coffee, waisey hi subah se kaam mein lagi hui ho. Bas rakh do, Nikki zara serve karna beta." Nikki nodded at Prerna and took the tray.

"Rhea you didn't taste the sweet, did you?" Abhi asked. She shook her head in no.

"Great, ab taste kar bhi nahi sakti kyunki Armaan ne poora bowl le liya hai or woh kisi ke saath share nahin karta." Arjun spoke eyeing Armaan.

"Umm.. Bas.. Riddhima you can have this." Armaan spoke with his mouth full of the sweet delicacy.

"Oh God, ye din kaise aa gaya, ke Armaan Mallik apna halwa dene ko tayyar ho gaye? Armaan tu sach mein.." Arjun teased but Armaan cut him in the middle understanding his intentions.

"Main ye poora nahin de raha, just asking her to eat with me. Waisey bhi yeh itna nahin khaye gi because she doesn't like it."

"Ap ko kaise pata ke isey yeh nahin pasand?" Muskaan couldn't stop herself anymore from asking him.

"Wo.. Mujhe.. Haan..Prem ne bataya tha."

"Oh acha. Waisey bhai aj tak apne yeh halwa mere saath to share nahin kiya, phir is ke saath kyun?"

"Wo is liye kyunki she has made it, so she has the right to taste it as well."

"Ap ko kaise pata yeh is ne banaya hai?"

"Muski please I'm in no mood to play 20 questions with you, so please relax and watch the video. And you come here." Armaan pulled Riddhima besides him. The lights were switched off for full effects and Prem and Arjun sat covering the two lovebirds from everyone's gaze.

"How does it taste?" Riddhima asked hopefully as the haldi video began playing.

"Hmm, theek hi hai, bus cheeni kum hai."

"Really, per maine to sugar dekh ke dala tha or baki to kisi ko meetha kum nahin laga. Kahan Armaan, bilkul theek to hai sab." she whispered taking a spoon in her mouth.

"Acha dikao idhar." Armaan pulled her closer to him as she put forward the spoon. "Mmm.. Just perfect."Riddhima froze in her place while he licked his lips. Armaan had thrust his tongue into Riddhima's mouth as she opened it to say something. He moved back immediately after swirling his tongue once in her mouth. She glared at him and moved away embarrassed as Prem and Arjun had witnessed the scene and were now teasing Armaan silently.

Pooja wasn't really happy with the way Riddhima was treated by the Malliks. She always found Riddhima doing everything that Naina was supposed to. She agreed that Naina didn't know cooking at all but even in other matters, Prerna always preferred Riddhima over Naina. And Anurag considered Riddhima his daughter, addressing her as his Princess. Pooja wanted to see Naina in that place. She didn't like the shower of affection and praises on Riddhima by everyone after the lunch. Muskaan's relation with Riddhima was understood but she had noticed the soft look in Armaan's eyes whenever he gazed at Riddhima. Was there really something going on between them? Was Rakesh uncle right in suspecting them? What could she do? There was no sign of improvement in Naina and Armaan's relationship. Recently Naina had become so careless regarding all the matters involving Malliks that it was extremely difficult to understand where they were headed to. But Pooja knew one thing; she had to warn Riddhima to remain in her limits. Her mind was completely messed with these thoughts and seeing the two sitting so close together with Armaan feeding her drove her mad. She excused herself and left the hall.

"Armaan please send me a copy of all these snaps, I want to get few of them enlarged and put here." Anurag said as everyone leaned back in their seats after the videos were over.

"Dad, I've already sent you a mail with these pics, you can decide and tell me, I'll get it done." Anu nodded at Armaan.

"Hey listen everyone; I wanted to tell you all something." Riddhima said softly. Armaan stared at her thinking why she was so nervous and what did she want to share.

"I.. I have to no I mean am supposed to.. Okay.. Please don't get mad at me, all of you." she stammered and Armaan grew tensed.

"What is it Princess?" Sujal inquired.

"Papa I am going back to Australia on Saturday." she said in one go.

As expected all were absolutely against her decision, no matter how much ever she explained. She looked at Prem for help who raised his hands as a gesture of surrender.

"Sorry Ri, but this time I'm not favoring you because there's no valid reason which requires you to leave. So you're staying." he spoke in a stern tone.

"Don't you think me starting a company there is reason enough for me to go?" she asked incredulously.

"So we didn't ask you to. Why do you have to work so much when you have your own business here?" Rahul replied.

"That's where the problem is. I am treated as the head already when I'm just joining, plus you guys don't let me move or do anything. I've had enough experience with you all by now. I want to join our business but after learning and reaching that level where I know I am capable and deserving of it."

"You can work with me then." Armaan said as Riddhima finished. Everyone looked at him.

"I mean if that's the only reason she's leaving for, then she can join me." Armaan explained.

"He's absolutely right. You will work with us. No one will treat you differently, the only advantage you will have is we'll appoint you according to your qualification without an interview." Anurag agreed with Armaan. Riddhima was now confused. She looked at Armaan who held a pleading expression on his face.

"Thank you Dad. I'll surely think about it but I really need to go for now. There's lot to be taken care of over there." Anurag nodded lightly not really agreeing with her idea.

"Dad, Papa, please I need your support. If you both make such faces I won't be able to go peacefully. Do you want me to be sad when I leave? No na, so please smile." she spoke sitting between Sujal and Anurag. Armaan shook his head understanding it was a lost case and made his way out of the Mansion saying:

"Ma main office ja raha hoon, dair se lautoon ga. Please mera intezar mat karna ap log."

Pooja had heard the entire conversation regarding Riddhima's departure and was not really glad about the Armaan's offer. But in the end she was a bit relieved that Riddhima would be leaving anyhow. Now she only had to use this time and decide a date for Armaan and Naina's wedding and rest all would fall in place, she was sure.

Arjun had asked Riddhima to give them a tour of Sanjeevani Leeds and so they were standing outside the hospital waiting for Armaan to arrive. Though he wasn't interested or showed so at least, Arjun forced him to come anyhow. He knew Armaan was upset about Riddhima's decision to leave but he wanted them to be together as much as they can. Arjun knew that times ahead won't be very favorable as they might have face off with Rakesh and their families. Rahul Muskaan had left for their home to pack their luggage for the trip.

The gang settled in canteen after taking a round of the whole building. They were really impressed by Riddhima's work. Everyone indulged in the delicious chocolate pastries and coffee that she ordered on the demand of her friends to celebrate her success. But Riddhima was lost in her own world, oblivious of her surroundings. Her thoughts broke with the shrill sound of her mobile. She looked up to see everyone staring at her worried.

"Sorry just zoned out. I'll be back, have to receive a call."

After finishing the call Riddhima picked up bags from her car and went to the pediatric ward. Riddhima was engulfed in a bear hug by the kids as she stepped in. She kissed everyone and led them to the colorful rug, where she sat surrounded by kids. She gestured the attending nurse to bring in the bags and was more than glad to see the innocent smiles on their faces. Riddhima laughed away happily listening to their stories. She didn't realize how much time had passed in this. Prem's call cut through the happy moment and reminded her of the inner turmoil she was trying to run away from. She bid bye to the kids with tight hugs and kisses and a promise to return soon. What Riddhima had failed to notice was a pair of blue eyes who had been a witness to every movement of hers. As she made her way back to the canteen, an arm came around her waist and a palm clasped her mouth, pulling her towards the fire escape. She fidgeted, moving her legs to break away but relaxed as soon as she heard the voice:

"Easy, it's me."

She started hitting him as soon as he released his tight grip in her. He pulled her into his chest and looked deeply in her green eyes. Riddhima too lost herself in the depths of the blue orbs. "Armaaan." she whispered. Armaan could read the emotions in her eyes too well and knew the reason behind them.

"I'm so proud of you Basket." He kissed her forehead saying this. It seemed like Riddhima had been waiting for this moment. She crushed herself in his arms and sobbed hard. Armaan held her shaking body tight to him and ran his hand over her hair. Tears escaped his eyes and he did nothing to stop them. Both held each other and wept for the lost time and dreams they had promised to achieve together.

"I am so sorry to have put you through this torture. Believe me Basket; I have been through it too. Despite all the circumstances I have also yearned for your company, for your advice, your support, your approval and above all a look of appreciation from you all these years. But I know only I am responsible for all the mess, your tears, your pain and everything that went wrong around you. What do I do to erase all the pain, tears and bad memories? I want to keep you happy but I'm failing repeatedly. It's like all I manage to do is make you cry. I don't deserve to be with you. I don't.."

"Please don't." Riddhima said in a voice only audible to Armaan and moved her face to look at him.

"Don't say this. I know and understand everything. I don't hold you responsible for any of this so, you don't need to blame yourself. You never wanted this to happen. It's just that since the beginning of this project, I wanted you to be around me, be my strength, just like you promised. Nothing of that sort happened but I always imagined you saying this to me and now when you did I couldn't control myself. I didn't want to hurt you." Riddhima said sniffing and wiping Armaan's tears.

"I know there's nothing that can be done to undo our past and redo it the way we wished. But I promise Basket; from now on you'll find me with you always." He leaned his forehead on hers closing his eyes.

"Sorry for disturbing you, but everyone's coming this way so please come out." Prem knocked at the door and informed them.

"They wouldn't have known we were here, and firstly who told you we're here?" Armaan asked annoyed taking his hands off Riddhima's waist.

"They would know due to this and I know because this is Riddhima's favorite place here." Prem said showing him the end of Riddhima's duppatta that was stuck in the door. Armaan pulled Riddhima back as she climbed to go back.

"You don't have to control your emotions in front of me or hide anything, I want you to share everything you feel and think with me without any fear of hurting me, got it?" he continued as she nodded.

"I'll see you at night then. Bye." Armaan moved out kissing her cheeks followed by Riddhima. The gang went with Armaan and Prem took Riddhima home.

The night was a happy affair at the Garewals as Rahul, Muskaan, Prem and Riddhima tried to relive some moments from the past. But it was torture for Armaan as he kept pacing his room for a green signal from Riddhima to meet her.

"Sorry Armaan, we can't meet tonight. Muski is sleeping with me. I won't be able to reply constantly to your msgs too, otherwise she'll inquire. See you tomorrow. Good night."

His wait was over by her message but his agitation knew no bounds. He immediately called her.

"What is this Basket? You said we could meet tonight. I've been waiting like crazy to spend some time with you and now you say no at last moment. What is wrong with Rahul, how can he leave his bride of 2 days to sleep away from him? Are you even listening?" he spoke as soon as she picked the call. Riddhima giggled in response irritating him more.

"Hans lo, hans lo. Tumhe to maza aa raha hai mujh bichare ko tung kar ke. Sab ke saath to thi poora din phir ab kia zaroorat hai unhe tumhare saath rehne ki, meri to zara si bhi fikar nahin hai." he complained with a pout like a small kid being denied his share of candies.

"Main kya karoon Armaan? I didn't know of this before. Everyone retired to their rooms but Muski said she'll sleep with me. I can't say no to her now. She wants to spend some girl time like before with me." she tried to reason with him.

"Ye aik to tum logon ke 'girl time' ne jeena mushkil kar diya hai. Poora din gossip karti ho phir bhi dil nain bharta kya? Muskaan pagal hai kya, usey kaho apne pati ke paas jaye, is liye shaadi ki thi usne ke tumhare saath soye? Rehne do, main hi Rahul ko call kar ke setting karta hoon." he spoke non-stop.

"Kitna baat karte ho tum, how can you speak so much in a single breath?" she teased.

"Basket ki bachi, wait till I get my hands on you. Phir dikhaon ga ke main baat ke saath saath aur kiya kar sakta hoon."

"Common Armaan, gussa kyun ho rahey ho? We just met few hours back and we'll meet tomorrow as well that too early morning. Remember Bhai and Muski are leaving? She just wants to spend a night with me."

"Whatever, I don't like this at all. She has spent enough time with you, ab Rahul uski priority hona chahye. I really pity him, bechara kuch bol nahin sakta us ke saamne. But remember, main ye sab tolerate nahin karoon ga. Koi aye, jaye, rahey na rahey, tum kahin nahin jao gi. I will not let you go away from me even for a single night, do you understand?" Armaan asked in a stern tone.

"Yes I do Mr. Possessive Mallik. Kuch aur jo main ap ke liye kar sakti hoon? Koi aur rule from your book of rules?"

"Tum aise kyun bol rahi ho Riddhima jaise main tumhare saath zabardsti kar raha hoon? Kya tum mere saath nahin rehna chahti?"

"Armaan tum pagal ho gaye ho kya? Kaisi baatien kar rahe ho, maine aisa kab kaha ke main tumhare saath rehna nahin chahti."

"Per tumhari baaton se aisa laga. I really am possessive about you, and I'm not ashamed. I just can't share you with anyone. Dekhna Riddhima, once we're together you wouldn't be able to stay away from me for a minute."

"Oh really, woh kaise?" she asked playfully.

"You'll see yourself. Rakhta hoon, Good night."

"Listen, naraz hona mujhse? Please maaf kardo, I was just teasing you. I.."

"It's okay. Good night." Riddhima stared at her cell blankly; she hadn't planned on getting him angry. She was just playing around with him and he took it all to heart. Now she had to pacify him before he did something crazy, tomorrow first thing in the morning.

The next day turned out to be totally opposite of what Riddhima had wanted it to be. Prerna took her and Kashish to spend day with them after Rahul Muskaan left. She was hopeful she would get a chance to apologize to Armaan but no. How was that even possible with our gang present there? Everyone wanted her to help them with their pending tasks as they were also leaving for India after Riddhima. She couldn't say no to anyone for anything and amidst this she saw Armaan fuming. He was in a bad mood, very bad mood. He was ready to pounce on anyone who went near him. Everyone had observed it and so maintained distance. Riddhima tried to speak to him but he didn't let her and left for office. The entire day was spent shopping with the gang. They called Prem and Armaan to join for lunch which Armaan declined immediately.

"Armaan please gussa mat ho, I am not doing this on purpose. Aa jao na, is tarah thori dair time spend kar lein ge saath." Riddhima messaged him.

"Thank you Riddhima but I'm really busy. You enjoy yourself." he replied back.

At night Sujal took Riddhima, Kashish and Prem out for dinner to their all-time favorite restaurant. They returned home and decided to meet in Sujal's bedroom after changing. The family spent time like old days playing games over coffee till they were exhausted. Riddhima lay down with her head in her Mama's lap. She closed her eyes tightly and tears rolled down her cheeks out of frustration and helplessness that Armaan never tried to understand her position. Kashish and Sujal were worried looking at her crying. They comforted her and tried to persuade her to stay back saying someone from the company would go on her behalf and settle the matters but she denied. Riddhima found herself in a tough situation where she couldn't share anything with anyone and the one who was supposed to be with her wasn't making it easy for her. Armaan was ignoring her calls and messages constantly since evening and she couldn't understand what to do. She fell asleep in this confusion.

As Riddhima joined everyone for breakfast the argument started once again. Everyone wanted to accompany her to airport but she was adamant on not taking anyone along and her reason was goodbyes weren't easy for her. Finally when Prem couldn't take it anymore, he intervened and settled the matter.

After lots of tight hugs, kisses and teary good byes, Riddhima bid bye to all and drove off with Prem.

Armaan spent the entire time till lunch in his bedroom due to a severe headache. A cup of coffee and medicine sent by Prerna remained untouched on his side table as he lay on Riddhima's bed hugging her pillow tightly, trying to find some comfort in her smell that lingered on the duvet & sheets. He couldn't believe she had left and that too without a proper goodbye. He somewhat hoped that she would delay her return due to him but nothing like that happened, in fact she left in an upset mood. Prem entered the room and took him away for some work forcefully. They drove for about an hour before the car stopped in front a huge iron gate. Armaan stepped out of the car and looked around the locality as Prem drove away leaving him behind with the keys saying: