In My Heart. An AR ff. Last Chap + Epilogue on pg 118. - Page 57

hey nimra

awesome part ...

Hey Everyone,

The venue fell silent when the gang presented a few skits on Armaan Riddhima's love life.

"'Put me down Armaan. Tum hamesha aisa karte ho, loser. I know what you're doing, so don't act smart.'

'Main kya kar raha hoon?'

'Tum cheating kar rahay ho because you're losing and all of them are helping you this time.'

'Oh really Bas.. Riddhima. Look at the scores properly. Its you who's losing baby.'" Armaan gazed at Riddhima lovingly as Nikki and Abhi enacted a scene from basketball court.

"'Why is he still here?'

'He'll leave in a while. Why is there any problem?'

'Why is he here when all your friends were invited only for the wedding?'

'He's a close friend of mine.'

'So why is he getting close to Riddhima?'" Riddhima giggled along with others as Muski and Rahul played the part where Armaan was jealous. Later the gang also performed on various numbers.

There were loud whistles and claps as all the family members were dragged one by one to dance. The atmosphere turned emotional as Kashish sang 'Yeh betian tou babul ki raniyan hain', while a slideshow of Riddhima's pictures from birth up till today morning played on the projector. Armaan looked on a daze at all her pictures, enjoying seeing her in all the phases of her life, but his head snapped towards Riddhima as he heard her sniffle softly. She had bent her head down and was biting on her lower lip to stop her sobs. He quickly grasped her hand and rubbed circles on it. Sujal opened his arms and she ran into them on the stage. The whole Garewal family hugged her and they cried tears of sadness as she would leave their home soon and tears of joys as she would begin her life anew. Armaan's heart jumped to his throat seeing Riddhima cry. He inhaled deeply before walking backstage nodding at Abhi.

Everyone looked around as the loud music forced them to move apart.

'Balika tumhare sapno ko Rajkumar aa raha hai.

Varmala, baraat, doli saja ke Dulha chaa raha haii.

Shubha mangla saavdhaan.' Riddhima giggled as Armaan raised the veil of flowers from his face and winked at her singing,

'Heeriye sehra bandh ke main tou aya re.

Doli, baraat bhi saath mein main tou laya re.

Ab tou na hota hai ek roz intezaar, Soni aj nahin tou kal hai tujh ko tou bus meri honi reee.

Tenu leke main jaawa ga, dil de ke main jaawa ga.'

She walked along with others to get down the stage but Armaan caught her arm and shook his head not letting her go. The lights were turned off completely leaving the venue in darkness. Riddhima was shocked when he pulled her towards him, making her crash into his chest. She gasped and struggled against him when he kissed her tears away but it only made him hold her even tighter.

The next moment white light shone through the water and thick smoke filled the air, making it look as if they were standing on clouds.

'Ek din ap yoon hum ko mil jayein ge,phool hi phool rahon mein khil jayein ge,

maine socha na tha.' Armaan pressed his eyes at her pleadingly to sing along and she complied with a small smile.

They danced to this romantic song, moving across the lit platform sensually. The world blurred into oblivion as they sang each line from heart holding each other's gaze. Their bubble burst as the crowd hooted and cheered at their beautiful performance. Dadi came up and hugged both of them.

"I love you." Armaan mumbled kissing her temple as they sat back on their seats.

Soon the dinner was served. The guests appreciated the food a lot.

"Here, this is pink tea. Drink it, you'll feel better." Riddhima glared at Armaan as he brought her a cup of tea.

"Really Armaan? Are you gone crazy or something? You've been forcing me to drink all types of teas since morning. Green, black, white, herbal and now pink." She scrunched her nose in irritation.

"Yeah so? I want you to recover quickly. This is really tasty. Aik sip leke to dekho." He said bringing the cup to her mouth.

"I'm not sick. It's just a little harmless cold. Otherwise I'm perfectly fine, understand?" Riddhima said gulping the warm liquid and licking her lips as she liked the taste.

"Good, I want it to stay that way. Now finish this." Armaan made her drink again.

"Are you worried I won't be able to make it to the altar?"

"No, I know you would. I'm scared about getting stuck here and missing my honeymoon though. I don't want to spend it here amongst these crazy people who don't even let me see you in peace let alone touch you." He admitted cutely.

Riddhima's eyes widened and she looked around quickly to see if anyone heard their conversation.

"Besharam." she hit his arm.

"What, I haven't done anything yet and you're calling me besharam? I didn't even get a chance to tell you properly how gorgeous you're looking tonight." He said rubbing his cheek on hers but pulled back abruptly as Atul and Nikki approached them. Armaan gave Riddhima a 'i told you so' look and handed Atul the empty cup and saucer.

"Waisey Rhea, tum terrace pe akele poori raat kya kar rahi thin?" Nikki asked taking a spoonful of the delicious trifle.

"Haan Basket, tum akele terrace pe kya kar rahi thin?" Armaan asked suddenly forgetting his grumpy mood. Riddhima narrowed her eyes at him and gave him a disapproving look before answering.

"I wanted to enjoy the cool breeze for a while, pata hi nahin chala kab aanhk lag gayi. Aray Atul tumhe Di bula rahi hai, dekho." She said cutting Atul from questioning her again and twisted her nose before turning away.

"Gussa ho?" Armaan whispered in her ear after Nikki left. Riddhima just took a step away from him silently.

"Main kya karta tumhi batao? They were knocking on the door. I couldn't take you out."

"So you left me and hid behind the plants. Very nice move."

"Basket, if they had found out that we were there together, they would have teased relentlessly and I didn't think you wanted to go through it willingly. Do you want me to tell them the truth now?" He asked closing the distance between them.

"Ye sab na tumhari galti hai. Why did you drag me up there?"

"I don't remember using any force to stop you. Why didn't you leave? As far as I remember you enjoyed last night just as much as I did." He said nipping her ear lobe.

"Armaan." Riddhima said in a shaky voice. He shook his head and licked the same spot.

"Please koi dekh lega." She placed her hand over his on her stomach.

"Phir mere saath chalo." She didn't get any time to react as Armaan pulled her away.

"Armaan ye tum kya kar rahay ho. Dekho koi aa jaye ga tou kya sochay ga?" Riddhima asked as he locked the dressing room from inside.

"Ssshh." He whispered trapping her between himself and the wall. Riddhima lowered her eyes as his heated gaze traced her features. Armaan placed soft kisses all over her face. There was a knock on the door just as he placed his lips over hers. Riddhima pushed him away quickly and corrected her duppatta. He shut his eyes tightly in frustration and rubbed his eye brow as the knocks became loud and frequent.

"Rhea tum kya kar rahi thi, kitni dair se knock kar raha hoon? Aray Armaan tum bhi ho yahan." Atul said as Riddhima unlocked the door.

"Tumhe kya lagta hai Champ? Waisey tum yahan kya kar rahay ho. Yeh to ladies dressing room hai na?" Armaan asked standing in front of him.

"Pata hai mujhe. I only came to take Anjali's purse. Per tum yahan kya kar rahay ho? Wo bhi is ke saath?" Atul questioned with a raised brow.

"Atul, tumhe late ho raha hai. Di tumhara wait kar rahi hogi."

"Aray haan, baad mein baat karte hain Armaan. Thanks Rhea."

"Not bad Basket. You've learned how to tackle the gang very quickly. I'm impressed." Armaan said side hugging her as Atul rushed out.

**********

A blue Honda civic screeched to a halt before a check post. The two passengers looked around to make sure they were at the right location.

"Nikki, tumhe nahin lagta hum galat jagah aa gaye hain? Pehle tou yahan koi security nahin thi." Atul asked timidly.

"Haan per ghar tou isi area mein hai.

Dekho GPS pe yehi route hai. We have to go in further... Maybe." Nikki said hitting her device on the dash board as it went blank.

"Looks like a politician's house to me warna why would they place so many guards?" Atul said narrowing his eyes to count the guards.

"Hmm. Abhi ko bola tha hamein bhi pick kar le but nahin why would he? Atul jao ja kar poocho kisi guard se Garewal house yahin hai ya nahi. Ye stupid device ka charger nahin hai mere paas."

"Main. Bilkul nahin. Tum jao." The duo kept bickering till Nikki's phone rang.

"Oyye tum dono dus minute se car mein kya kar rahay ho? Function attend nahin karna kya?" Armaan asked from the other side.

"Karna hai na agar ghar mil jaye. Aik minute, how did you know we're in the car? Armaan, you are not allowed to meet Rhea, remember?" Nikki said quickly turning back to see where he was.

"I know. The guards informed me. Shukar karo I remembered your car number warna abhi tum jail mein hoti."

"Guards? Oh so you've placed this security over here? Of course, main bhi kitni pagal hoon. Aise kaam to sirf tum kar sakte ho." Nikki said sarcastically and starting her car again.

**********************

It was a warm afternoon as the sun was shining brightly but the cool breeze balanced its heat and provided some relief. The Garewal garden was decorated and set up to hold Riddhima's haldi function. It was a small gathering as Armaan had requested to keep this a low key affair. A bronze garden swing decorated with orange and yellow flowers stood on the well-trimmed grass as a stage in one corner. A traditional wood craft table with marble top was placed in front of it. Water cascaded down the rocks and gathered at the bottom in the beautiful garden fountain opposite the swing. A long table was set up near it for refreshments and chairs were scattered around.

Vibrant shades of orange flashed across the garden as the girls rushed around in gowns placing the homemade ubtan and oil in silver bowls on the table. The men were seated in the living room enjoying the ongoing series of league cricket with warm snacks while the ladies gathered in the garden. The girls escorted Riddhima outside. Nikki placed a device on the table hidden from everyone's view by the flower arrangement. She looked around with a frown for a socket and found none. Nikki went back inside and dragged Arjun out. He rolled his eyes when she told him what to do.

"Seriously I thought he was staying away from the function just as he was told. But obviously yeh Armaan hai, how can he miss on a chance to look at his Basket. Charger ko is connection mein plug karo." Arjun said opening a multiple socket plug adapter. Riddhima quirked eyebrows seeing him fidget with something bent over the table.

"You look very pretty Bhabhi." He kissed her head and walked back inside.

Armaan's heart leaped into an overdrive on the sight in front of him. Riddhima sat in a baby yellow gown with beaded sweetheart neckline. Her hair was tied in a fishtail braid with small pearls over her left shoulder. A white wild flowers headband, charm bracelet and engagement ring were the only accessories she had on. Riddhima looked pure and innocent just like an angel.

"My angel." Armaan whispered before clicking the call button on his mobile.

The ceremony began with Dadi putting ubtan on Riddhima's feet followed by Kashish, Prerna and rest of the ladies. Prem walked in with a silly grin holding a bouquet of crme and peach roses and a small wooden box. Riddhima's face lit up seeing the flowers. She had been waiting for them. It had now become a routine to receive a different bouquet daily from her love. Riddhima chuckled seeing the girls' shocked expressions when she pushed the box behind her. They gave her the best puppy eyes but she just shook her head.

"Let her be girls. It's hers to see first. She'll show you later." Prerna said walking over to the group hunched over Riddhima. She caressed her hair lovingly and dragged the girls to attend the guests.

Riddhima gasped softly on opening the lid of the wooden box. An angel charm of white gold was placed on top of black silk and a note stuck beneath it.

"An angel for MY Angel."

She picked it up carefully and attached it to her bracelet also given by Armaan.

Riddhima tapped on her mobile and kissed the screen.

The guys walked out to join the girls as soon as the guests and elders left. Abhi, Atul and Arjun applied a little ubtan on Riddhima's hands. Rahul and Prem both settled on each side of her on the swing and kissed her temples. They dipped their hands in the bowl and winked at each other before smearing lots of it on her cheeks. Riddhima squealed and jumped up but they held her back rubbing it all over her face and neck as she squirmed. Soon others joined in too and threw ubtan at each other running around the garden. Kashish pushed them all to washrooms to clean up before the dinner and called in help to clear all the mess.

**************************

"Oyye hoyye Soniyo." Her head snapped up as she heard Armaan's voice. She frowned on not being able to see him anywhere. She stood confused finding his picture on her dressing table, trying to comprehend how a picture could speak. This was until he grinned and winked at her that she realized it was his tab and he was online.

"Do you wear that to bed daily?" She followed his gaze down the length of her body and shrieked running away from the screen. Armaan laughed loudly at her delayed reaction. Riddhima pulled on the belt of her white satin robe tightly as Armaan looked her up and down again. She cleared her throat to gain his attention.

"Did you like your gift?" He asked as she sat on the dressing stool.

"Yes, I did. It's beautiful. Thank you Armaan." She smiled brightly.

"You don't need to say thanks again."

"But I didn't say it before." She spoke confused.

"You did when you kissed your phone and whispered I love you." Her eyes squinted in thought and then widened on understanding.

"You saw the whole ceremony on this, didn't you? Dadi told you not to come here and.." Armaan cut her in the middle.

"She told me not to come and I didn't. I just saw it." He gave her a sheepish grin while she glared at him.

"It was a girl's function and you aren't supposed to see me till the wedding."

"But I wanted to see you. I miss you so much." He whined.

"It's not like you haven't seen me for ages, we met just last night Armaan." Riddhima replied.

"Oh yeah I forgot. Don't know what I was thinking doing this. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"Armaan that's not what I meant."

"I understand. Good night."

"Armaan listen to me.." She leaned her head on the table cursing her for being rude to him when he was being nothing less than a sweetheart. Riddhima decided to skip the dinner as Armaan wouldn't be joining them and hid beneath the plush duvet, seeking its warmth, feeling bad for spoiling Armaan's mood. She dozed off texting, calling and waiting for any of them to be returned by him but with no such luck.

MINE

Hey there beautiful!

Once again, your sunshine along with everyone else think that this chapter is amazing! Can I just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful your writing is. You leave me in awe, the first few lines captivated me... Your writing is MWAH! I read this again di and I had the same feelings as the first time, this is beautiful!

I could picture the beautiful setting you have create, the sangeet was grande in every possible way. The skit by the gang made me laugh. I cried along with Kashish and Riddhima went the sad songs played and she hugged her. Armaan Armaan Armaan. Bless him, not being able to see her cry. So he goes and dances like her rajkumar and cheers her up. I love the choice of song di. I went into my AR dreamland!

Naughty Naughty Asad. The dressing room was let's just say beautiful in every possible way. I mean- that suhaagraat needs to come for us and them. Come on di!
My innocent Atul, always using Anjali to distract him. Poor baby!


I laughed so hard seeing all the security guards in place. My overprotective Armaan. Nikki set up the camera for him to see Rhea, clever guy. The haldi was absolutely beautiful. Your descriptions were on point, I could imagine everything in front of my eyes. I want a haldi like that *pouts*
The light moment between everyone was a treat to read.
And that box, soo cute! An angel for my angel! I awww'd! The way she kissed the phone, that small moment touched my heart. With Armaan watching, perfect moment.

Have I ever told you how much is 'Oye Hoye' kills me? Like right in the chest. I can totes picture his teasing voice, that smirk on his face as he says it. Good old DMG days. The way he teased her about the nightgown. I wonder who put the ipad there. Loool! But I love the bedroom scene.
Oh no, he's not angry angry right?

Beautiful chapter. Your writing is amazing and I am in love bas. Stop doubting yourself and give us the next chapter. This story is amazinggg! Your writing perfection.

Much loves <3

awsm update.
Superb one.
Luvd it.
Cont asap.
Thanx 4 d pm.
T.c.

Hey Sis

nice update dear.. finaly we r seeing naughty Arman back.. i missed him so much.. now have to see how Ridhima paataaawwo him.. post part two soon

loved the part so very much...