In My Heart. An AR ff. Last Chap + Epilogue on pg 118. - Page 28

but why is Riddhima going away...

wow...a secret date of AR.

eagerly waiting for next part.

cont soon.

plzzz pm me for next part

continue soon

Long comments in new year

very nicely written..amazing..

plz cont soon...

Armaan stood admiring the photographs that adorned an entire wall of the living room in this beautiful white cottage. His eyes stopped at a particular picture of Riddhima in which she was kissing a pink rose bud. Armaan was enthralled by her beauty and innocence once again. She was standing bare feet in a white and black polka dots night dress, without a spot of make-up, early morning in the garden and yet managed to surpass all levels of beauty. He took out his cell to capture it for himself till he got hold of the original picture. A pair of hands wrapped tightly around his waist as a soft body hugged him from behind. The touch was enough to bring a gorgeous dimpled smile on Armaan's face. He kissed the right palm and rested the other on his heart in a tight grip. They stood there in complete silence for a few moments, absorbing the presence of the other, before Armaan turned around. His breath hitched seeing Riddhima decked up in a peach lehenga saree with bronze and pearl embellishments, hair done in soft curls falling down to her waist, little touch of make-up and a radiant smile. His heart fluttered as she blushed under his gaze.

"So Beautiful." Armaan whispered kissing her forehead. Riddhima entwined their hands and led him upstairs through a passage and stopped in front of a room. She gestured Armaan to open the tinted glass door. The room glowed as the golden candles flickered and soft music played in background. A table for two was set in one corner and a bed pilled with soft cushions was placed adjacent to the large window overlooking the garden.

"What's happening here?" Armaan asked Riddhima pulling her close by waist.

"A romantic lunch date." she answered wrapping her hands around his neck.

"May I know why?"

"I wanted to spend some time with my fianc."

"Oh really? Achanak itni meherbani kyun? Kal tak tau you didn't have a second spare for me."

"I didn't ignore you purposely. Everybody kept me busy and I couldn't say no them."

"Of course, how could you? Na tau sirf tum mujhe keh sakti ho. Har aik ka khayal hai sirf mera nahin hai." he said sulking.

"Sorry kaha na maine or dekho sirf tumhari wajah se ruk bhi gayi. And here you're still wasting time sulking." she said with a pout.

"Kya sach, tum nahin jaa rahin? Yaayy, I knew tum mujhe chor ke nahin jao gi." he lifted her off the floor and twirled around.

"Armaan, mera matlab hai main abhi nahin, raat ko jaon gi." his smile faltered.

"Jana zaroori hai Armaan, samjho na. Main jaon gi tabhi to tum Maa or Dad se baat kar sakte ho." she cupped his cheek.

"You don't have to leave for that. Main waisey hi sab ke janay k baad hamare parents se baat karne wala hoon."

"I know but I think Pooja aunty won't like my presence. Its better you deal with them and clear everything when I'm not around warna tumahri attention meri wajah se divert ho gi."

"Unho ne tum se kuch kaha? Idhar dekho." he said pushing her chin up to meet his eyes.

"Nahin but she really doesn't like me. I've seen her giving those disapproving looks to me whenever I'm around your family. So I don't want any unwanted tension, waisey hi unke uncle kuch kum hain kya?"

"Did Rakesh say something? Did he do something?"

"No. That's what the problem is, wo itne chup kyun baithey hain? What does he want? Armaan wo hamare peechey kyun hain, what did we do?" her grip tightened around him in fear.

"Nothing will go wrong now. No one can separate us ever. You don't have to be scared of anyone or anything or worry, I have all in control. Now let's eat and not spoil the beautiful setting, I'm starving since yesterday." Armaan pulled her towards the table.

"When did you arrange all this?" Armaan asked as he gobbled down a bite of his favorite cannoli.

"Last night. Prem got the house cleaned and stacked up with all that I needed. I just came and prepared the lunch." she spoke putting a morsel in her mouth.

"You could have told me, I would have got something from outside. You didn't have to work."

"Oh really Armaan? Tum meri koi baat sun rahey they jo main tumhein batati."

"I'm sorry but I couldn't help much. Everyone was getting to spend time with you except me, so what could I do? And although I don't want you to work but I'm glad you cooked because I prefer your handmade food over everything else." she shook her head seeing Armaan eat with full zest.

"What happened, why so sad?" Armaan wrapped his arms around her waist as she closed the refrigerator. They had finished lunch and Armaan helped her in putting the dishes back.

"The dessert is not done. You'll have to wait for a while."

"No problem. We'll sit till then. Come." Armaan settled on the bed pushing the cushions away. He hugged her tightly as she sat between his legs and kept his head on her shoulder.

"Basket I had to tell you something."

"Kya?"

"I've told Prem and Abhi everything about us." she turned her face to look at him narrowing her eyes. "Please don't be angry. I had no option. I was dying in guilt since I found how wrong I was. Prem was the only one who knew about us and I needed his help to gain your forgiveness. He was mad at me, wasn't even listening and told me that you hadn't told him anything about what happened between us. I thought he had the right to know. Later he told me about all that happened with you. I was extremely worried and wanted to confirm myself that you were completely fine so I approached Abhi. But Abhi being Abhi wasn't opening his mouth saying he wanted to maintain his patient's privacy so I told Abhi about whatever had happened till then. I'm sorry I shouldn't have done this but I.."

"It's okay Armaan. I understand. It's just that I didn't want to share anything about us with anyone. Whatever it was good or bad, I wanted to keep it to myself. Now don't tell anyone else about it okay, not even our parents."

"Kya pagal ho? Unhe kaise nahin bataoon ga? Waisey hi I don't know what you told Dadi that she didn't question me?"

"Woh mera masla hai, tum kyun pareshan ho rahey ho. But ab kisi ko nahin batana matlab nahin, bas." Armaan kissed her cheek lovingly understanding she didn't want anyone to think wrong of him.

"Itna pyaar kyun karti ho mujhse? Main to badle mein sirf dard deta hoon." she leaned back into him closing her eyes.

"Pata hai hamare presentation waley din, I wanted to share my feelings with you. I knew even if you didn't reciprocate them, you wouldn't make fun of me or leave me. But destiny had other plans for us." Riddhima inhaled deeply, just the mention of that time unnerved her. Armaan understood her state and caressed her arms entwining their fingers tightly, giving her the assurance of his love.

"I wanted to call you after I returned to orphanage but your response to Prem's call disheartened me and I believed that you actually didn't want to keep any contact. I made Prem promise me to never bring up this topic nor tell our parents about it. After returning here, I couldn't keep up with my friends or any social gatherings, so I just shut myself from everyone. Muski had joined back then too. We had a few subjects together. During one of Prem's visit she met him and mentioned about how lonely she felt. That's how she shifted in with me. I always maintained a distance but she kept trying to come closer. As time passed I grew fond of her silly antics and full of life attitude and started opening up to her. I didn't let myself indulge in the past during the day but could never put a stop to my day beginning with your thoughts or my nights dreaming of you. I tried to run away from all the memories and emotions related to you as they rushed back during the winter break and even tried to finish the pain for ever but again destiny played its trick and Muski saved me at the last moment. After that incident I understood, no matter how much I tried to hate you for hurting me, breaking me, I couldn't forget you nor move on. I accepted my feelings for you and that you might not be in my destiny but you were here to stay 'In My Heart' forever." Armaan turned her around in his hold and hugged her tight, tears escaping both their eyes.

"Okay now let's check the dessert. It must be done. Enough of rona dhona, hmm." Riddhima parted after a while and wiped Armaan's tears.

Riddhima rolled in a trolley with dessert and drinks and found Armaan sitting with a pained expression. He smiled half-heartedly seeing her. He couldn't pull himself out of the torturous memories of their past they had lived apart from each other. He couldn't believe he had forced her to such an extent that she went on to finish her life.

"Tum kehte ho that you always hurt me. Ab main bhi yehi kahoon gi ke I always make you cry with my talks." she said sitting next to him.

"Aisa kuch nahi hai Riddhima."

"Acha to yeh kya hai?" she took a drop of tear on her finger tip. He wiped his face not knowing when tears started flowing from his eyes.

"Armaan, these might be drops of water for you but they are very precious to me. Each drop that falls down breaks my heart. You are my world Armaan, and I can't see it falling apart like this." Armaan kissed her temple holding her sideways.

"Now common don't waste my efforts like this. Quickly bring back my charming Armaan." he smiled a little at her.

"What's this?" he asked pointing to a small box wrapped in red gift paper.

"See yourself."

Armaan smiled as he saw a platinum ring glisten from a red heart case.

"May I?" he nodded putting forward his left hand.

"This ring is my promise to you that I will always be by your side no matter what and to mark you as mine." Riddhima slipped the ring in his finger and raised his hand to her lips.

"I love you Armaan." she said kissing his hand. Armaan's heart skipped beats hearing her say the 3 magical words.

"Meri aakhon mein dekh ke bolo Basket." he whispered lifting her chin.

"I love you Armaan." She lifted her eyes slowly to meet his intense gaze.

"Phir se kaho."

"I love you Armaan."

"Phir se."

"I love you, I love you, I love you so so much Armaan." She giggled joining their foreheads. Armaan leaned in to take her lips in a kiss but Riddhima turned her face away, so the kiss landed on her cheek. He tried to kiss her again but she pushed him away pointing towards the trolley.

Riddhima had baked Armaan's favorite chocolate cake and scribbled "For My Armaan" with chocolate sauce on it. They cut the cake together and fed each other.

"So now is everything done? I mean do you have any more surprises for me?" Armaan said as he pushed his plate away after two bites.

"No there isn't, but why aren't you eating? Didn't you like it?" she answered with a confused look.

"No I'll have it after I thank you." he said pushing the trolley away.

"There's no need to thank Armaan."

"But I want to Basket."

"What are you doing?" she asked seeing his eyes twinkle with mischief.

"Thanking you in my style." Armaan winked pulling her into his chest. He aligned his face with hers and leaned in. Riddhima's heartbeats quickened feeling his breath on her lips. He kept the kiss soft and sensual, lightly pecking not putting pressure, while his hands rubbed circles on her waist. Riddhima slowly moved her hands along his arms and shoulders before wrapping one around his neck and the other in his hair. She cupped his face and tugged his hair when he made no move to deepen the kiss. Armaan obliged and poured his love and desire for her in it. Riddhima reciprocated his emotions and mirrored his movements making them lose themselves in their love.

Armaan opened the door of the cottage to let Prem in who had come to pick them up as it was nearing the time of Riddhima's flight. Riddhima came down dressed in grey dress pant with white chiffon shirt holding her black Chanel purse.

"Hey Prem, when did you come?" she asked.

"Just now. All ready to go?"

"Hmm all done. How's all at home?" the word home broke Armaan's reverie.

"Home? Prem what did you say at home? Shit, where's my cell, I didn't even check it."

"Really Armaan? You're thinking about it now?"

"Haan, matlab nahin. Maine socha tha per poochna bhool gaya. Riddhima does everyone know your flight is now?"

"Nopes, I've reached Australia already according to them."

"What? How?"

"I told them that I've spoken to Rhea after she landed there. But tumhare liye problem hai kyunki everyone's searching for you. What will you say Armaan?" Prem shook his head seeing Armaan's reaction.

"Laugh as much as you want, sab tumhari wajah se hua hai, you pulled me out and didn't let me speak." he complained.

"Armaan, are you always this lost or is it only around Riddhima that this trait arises?" Prem teased.

"Stop it Prem." Riddhima said.

"Of course, I forgot tum to is ki side pe ho ab." Prem spoke.

"Aray yaar, don't you remember we had to go out for a site work? I told Anurag uncle that we're heading there and will return late night, okay." he told Armaan.

"Yeah, okay. But what will we tell him, we haven't visited it yet. What if he wants to see a report on it?"

"Armaan not everyone is as free as you. Only you had an off today, rest of us worked, meaning I've seen the site and made the report too. You can have it."

"Thanks man." Armaan said punching his arm.

The ride to the airport was uneventful. Armaan held Riddhima tightly as she leaned on his shoulder and entwined their fingers.

Prem handed Armaan an official permission letter allowing him to see Riddhima off till the last door and left bidding her bye with a hug and kiss. He rolled his eyes at Armaan, seeing his death grip around her hand.

"So when do I get to see you next?" Armaan asked as they strolled to the VIP waiting lounge.

"Depends on you." Armaan raised his eyebrow. "I'll return as soon as you talk to Papa about us. You'll not make me wait for long, right?" she asked hopefully. Armaan shook his head in a no, not being able to speak.

"You'll never be alone. I'm always with you. I reside here, In Your Heart. All you need to do is just feel me." Riddhima said placing her palm on his heart.

"Feeling is not enough. I need to touch you, hold you to make sure you're okay. How can I live peacefully when you're so far and I can't even see you?" he replied holding her palm.

"Just remember Armaan, I'll be fine as long as this keeps beating. You have to take care of this, for me, as it now belongs me." she said gazing in his eyes.

"I love you Basket." his eyes moistened seeing the intensity of Riddhima's love.

"I'm glad." she replied cheekily to distract him.

"Say you love me too." he spoke frowning.

"You know it already and besides haven't I said it enough times today for a week."

"No, it's not enough. I want to hear you say this every moment of my life. So say it." he spoke seriously.

"Say what?" she asked in mock confusion.

"I love you Riddhima." he said sternly.

"I love you Riddhima." she repeated after him irritating him further. He freed her arms as the announcement for her flight was made.

"I love you Armaan. I love you more than my life." she said pressing her lips into his and kissing him like her life depended on it.

"I love you too Basket. I love you more than you'll ever know." he kissed her forehead and gestured her to go. Riddhima halted at the last step and turned to look at him one final time. Her heart broke seeing Armaan turning away with a lost and dejected look. She ran down the steps and past the security guards shouting his name. Armaan turned around hastily in time to steady himself as she flung herself over him and sobbed hard. A group of young students who stood in the queue looked back and awed at the scene of two lovers in tight embrace.

"Shh.. Basket it's going to be okay. Don't cry..You know I won't let you go if cry like this.. Please don't cry.." Armaan showered her face with urgent kisses as the final passengers climbed up.

"I love you Armaan." she said in a teary voice.

"I love you too Meri Jaan. I love you too."

Prem pressed on to the brakes to stop in front of the Mallik Mansion. All his attempts to make conversation were futile as Armaan only responded in monosyllables. The entire 1 hour journey was spent in silence with Prem driving and Armaan leaning back in his seat and eyes tightly shut. Prem squeezed his shoulder gently to break his thoughts. Armaan looked around and realized he had reached home.

"I can't do anything to show how grateful I am for the innumerable favors you've done on me Prem." Armaan spoke.

"Well you can do one thing for me, just keep my sister happy and love her like this always." Prem replied smiling.

"I will, always. Prem wo maine jo.."

"Ho gaya hai Armaan, don't worry. Everything is done just like you said. Now stop worrying and go to sleep till she lands there. Okay. Bye." Prem rode off leaving Armaan at the entrance.

Armaan dialed Riddhima's number as he jumped on the bed to catch some sleep. He had drained himself of as much energy as he could so that he could sleep but nothing worked. He immersed himself in work the whole day, returned late but always ended up staying wide awake seeing videos and pictures of Riddhima. The Mansion had gone quite as the gang left for India three days back.

"Hey, how are you?" she asked brightly.

"I'm fine. How are you & what are you doing?"

"I'm fine too. I'm at the office Armaan, have a meeting scheduled in next 2hrs with the officials of the company I'm doing the new project, so going through the details. You tell me."

"Nothing. Just got in bed after a long day."

"Oh okay, sleep then. You must be exhausted."

"That I am but I can't sleep without you."

"Oh really, how did you sleep all these nights, hmm?" she teased.

"I didn't."

"What did you do then?"

"I just kept seeing your pictures." he replied in a small voice.

"Why didn't you tell me before." she sobered hearing him.

"You were occupied with office work so I didn't want to disturb you. But now I can't do this. Can I see you now, I promise I won't take much time."

"Hmm. Come on Skype."

"Armaaan. What is all this? Why are you doing this to yourself? You'll fall sick if you continue like this." she became worried as soon as she saw his face. His eyes were puffy with dark circles underneath and a few days old stubble making him look as if he was ill for days. He didn't reply but signaled her to continue her work. She studied the report glancing at him occasionally.

She gestured with her hands for him to close his eyes and sleep. He replied in the same manner that he wanted to see her. Riddhima fixed i-pad in lower portion of her large office desk such that only they could see each other and activated her Bluetooth before discussing a few terms with her PA. She smiled during the discussion as Armaan mumbled an "I love you" before drifting off to sleep. Her eyes moistened realizing that Armaan was sleeping in her room hugging her pillow. She felt bad for treating him like this. It had been 5 days since she returned and the new projects, impending meetings and business had taken all her attention, and she couldn't manage to talk to him. They remained in touch through messages and small talks but didn't have a proper conversation. Riddhima couldn't stop herself from caressing his face on screen and kissing him.

Armaan stood outside Pooja's house with his parents, both of them having stern expressions. He gulped hard to swallow the lump and his nervousness as well. He was here at Pooja's doorstep to inform about calling off the engagement. Armaan was very sure of his step but he wasn't sure of how he was going to crack it in front of her. He had already gone through a huge lecture on being irresponsible and immature by his parents when he told them, but they had agreed reluctantly with him.

Pooja had thought of their trip to be one to decide the dates of wedding ceremonies. But she was mad at Armaan when he told her that he had finished the engagement with Naina that too with her consent.

"Don't use her name here Armaan. I know you must have said something to her due to which she agreed with you. She was so happy with this setting. It was always you who wasn't happy. You always failed to provide her the support and love a fianc should."

"I'm sorry aunty. I know I've not been able to give Naina what she deserved. That is why I'm taking this decision. None of us would be happy. We won't.." Pooja cut him in the middle.

"It's because of that girl, isn't it? She is the reason behind all this. I should have believed on what Uncle told me."

"Which girl are you speaking about Pooja?" Prerna asked confused. Armaan clenched his fists not liking where the topic was headed to. He didn't want his parents to know about Riddhima from someone else that too like this.

"How can you be so blind to all that was happening in front of your eyes Prerna? Your son has been deceiving all of us and only because of that cunning girl." Armaan's head snapped up at her comment.

"Aunty I am your culprit, you can accuse and punish me. There's no one else to blame other than me so please." he spoke trying to hold on to his patience.

"Of course there is." all of them turned around on hearing a voice from the entrance.

"I am responsible for all this." Naina said coming in.

"Naina, what are you saying?" Armaan said glaring at her to shut up.

"Please Armaan, you don't need to do this. You've already done enough for me. Mom, I'm the reason why Armaan broke the engagement, so now say all that you want to me." Naina said turning to her mom.

"Naina, you don't have to do this. I know he has forced.."

"Forced. Mom he's done anything but force me. He never forced me for anything. He broke this engagement due to me. The girl you're blaming, you got to know about her due to your Uncle now. But I knew of her before the engagement. Armaan had told me everything about her because he didn't want to keep me in the dark. We had agreed to this relation just because you all wanted us to and we tried our best. Even after that girl came back in Armaan's life, he never looked at her just because of me. It was when I fell in love with someone that Armaan took this step that too for me." she cut Pooja mid-sentence and told the entire thing.

Pooja, Anurag and Prerna stood shocked on hearing this. The Malliks left after settling things with Pooja.

Anurag and Prerna felt bad for their son. Now they understood why he had gone in a shell and reserved him from all interactions. But they were hopeful that his life would be set right as his love was back. They just needed to make sure that the feelings were mutual so they could ask for girl's hand in marriage.

"Where do you think you're going Armaan Mallik?" Anurag held his arm as Armaan rushed to go upstairs.

"My room. You want something Dad?" he asked innocently. Anurag raised his eyebrow and tapped his foot in reply. "Uh.. Can we do this later?" He knew they wanted to know about the girl.

"Can I change and come? These clothes are really uncomfortable." Armaan said sheepishly pulling at his collar desperately trying to escape to receive Riddhima's call.

Prerna pulled Anurag with her to their room shaking her head at Armaan's lame excuses to attend the call in private. Armaan received the call rushing up stairs. Riddhima and Armaan talked about how her day went and the morning incident at Pooja's house.

"Armaan mujhe darr lag raha hai. Kahin Maa or Dad ne mana kar diya to hum kya karien ge?"

"Wo aisa kyun karien ge Basket?"

"Agar main un he pasand nahin ayi to?" Armaan burst out laughing while Riddhima pouted on the other side.

"Kya hai Armaan?"

"Basket tum itni bholi kyun ho? Do you even know what you're saying? Tumhe pata hai mujhe to yeh darr hai ke kahin Maa or Dad shaadi ke din tumhari side se participate na karien. Kyunki wo tumhe mujhse kahin zyada pyar karte hain." he spoke rolling and Riddhima rolled her eyes at him.

"Good night Jaan. I love you." Armaan said as he saw her eyes closing.

hufff i loved the part yaar.. it was osme one yaar...

i truly loved it... armaan and ridhima spend the tym so romatically and then i knew ridhima will be there and armaan bhi na... i loved how ridhima make it for armaan and plus her line where she said ki ye tumpar depend hain mein kab aaun... as soon as u tell them i will be here was osome and

u hate pooja she didn't know and acuse ridhima .gandi lady,, hunh,,,,,,

oosme yaar.. can't say what it make me fell readin this update... i really loved it and the cherry on cake armaan watching ridhima working and ridhima watch armaan sleeping and caring him from screen and then

bholi ridhima everyone love her more then they love armaan tab bhi dar rahi hain ... huff ridhima bhi na...

and plz continue soon ...

hufff this i longest commetn i didn't on ff...