AR's 'Mine Forever.' A Note on pg 76. - Page 2

Riddhima had changed into her baby pink Minnie mouse tee and black pajamas. She got into her bed at 1 am, hugged her pink teddy tightly and thought about the past.

"Shashank Gupta and Padma Gupta stayed in Shimla with their two daughters Anjali and Riddhima. They had a flourishing business of hotels in Shimla and in many cities in India. Anjali was in her last year of college and Riddhima in last year of high school. Shashank wanted his daughters to gain the best education and so decided to move to Delhi. It would take at least a year for him to shift completely, so he thought of sending Anjali and Riddhima before, they could stay at the hostel for some time until he bought a house. Balwinder Mallik (Billy) was Shashank's childhood friend who resided with his family in Delhi. When he got to know about Anjali & Riddhima, he made it clear that the girls would stay at his place and so the decision was sealed. After the final examinations, Anjali and Riddhima flew to Delhi. Billy had come to receive the girls at the airport. When the car stopped in the driveway, a beautiful huge mansion came in view. Ananya Mallik dressed in a white & black sari, stood at the main entrance to welcome them in. The girls were shown their rooms. Everyone gathered in the dining room for dinner and was introduced to Armaan Mallik, Billy's only son. And Bi who was Armaan's care taker since birth, more like a second mother to him. Armaan and Anjali had become friends instantly. Both of them were head strong, confident and made friends quickly. They had applied in the same university. Armaan had taken up MBA and Anjali opted for CA. Whereas Riddhima was innocent and bubbly but didn't open up to everyone. She took time to befriend people. She had taken admission in a college and took medicine as her subject. Anjali had settled in easily but changes were never easy to accept for Riddhima. She stayed quiet most of the time, only muttering a yes and no when spoken to. They had arrived in Delhi 10 days before the start of new academic year. Ananya & Billy had found in Riddhima, the daughter they had always longed for. Ananya was busy during the day so made up for it by spending time with Riddhima at night; she would take milk for her and then put her to sleep. Riddhima had asked her not to bother so much but she had denied that she wanted to do it for her own happiness. During the day Bi would keep Riddhima company, whereas Anjie & Armaan would go out sight-seeing and parties. Armaan had introduced Anjie & Riddhima to his friends' circle that was Abhimanyu Modi, Atul Joshi, Nikkita Malhotra & Sanya Mehra. Anjie had clicked with them but Riddhima had just kept mum amongst them. As the days passed, Riddhima had grown fond of Ananya whom she called Annie aunty & bi. She would talk to them freely & take care of them. Armaan never spoke much to her. He was busy with his life and friends. The new sessions were beginning & Billy had given the responsibility of dropping & picking Riddhima to Armaan and instructed him to take special care of her. Riddhima had protested but then given up on Annie's insistence.

It was the first day of her college. She was very nervous and missed her mom a lot. She couldn't eat anything due to the knots in her stomach, but her mother would hug her and all the tensions would fly away. Riddhima had put up a baby pink churidaar with light golden embroidery on the neckline. She came out late from her room on purpose so that she could skip breakfast without anyone noticing, but the happenings there warmed her heart. Billy & Annie had taken off to stay with her on her first day of college. They all had breakfast together. Armaan & Anjie had left early, because Billy wanted to drop Riddhima. Annie kissed Riddhima's forehead & hugged her tightly, whispering words of courage. Billy spoke throughout the ride to the college about his experiences during college life in order to divert her thoughts & he was successful. Billy bid her bye and best wishes. She unbuckled her seat and stepped out, but then turned back and kissed Billy on his cheek muttering a thank you with moist eyes.

Ri: Thank you so much uncle. Today I was really nervous & missing mom dad, but you & aunty have made this day special for me just like mom dad would have done. This means a lot to me. I love you Uncle.

Bi: Kids don't thank their parents. We did all this because we love you too beta. He patted her head and gestured towards his watch, that she was getting late. Billy's heart filled with love for her on this gesture of hers. How he wished to keep this little angel with him forever.

Riddhima had made friends during the first week, Sapna Modi & Siddhant. The new sessions had made it difficult for both Anjie & Riddhima to interact more often, as Anjie had taken up coaching after University hours with Atul & Nikki. Anjie would come back at 3 pm, rest, leave for coaching at 6 pm and return home at 10 pm, as she did group studies with her friends. All of them would join together for dinner, as it was a rule in the Mallik Mansion, for everyone to have their last meal together; there discussions about the day were done. It had been 2 months since the classes began. Riddhima had difficulty in completing her biology project. Anjali couldn't help much because of her own assignments, so Armaan had offered to help. Riddhima was reluctant but agreed. Armaan had been dropping her at college as told, they didn't exchange anything other than pleasantries for the first few weeks but when Anjie had started leaving with her friends, they had to speak to kill silence. Riddhima was surprised to see Armaan so good at drawing; he had done all the diagrams for her in an hour and that too perfectly. She thanked him and left for her room. After this one project, it had become a routine for Armaan to help out Ridz with her studies. They had developed a bond between each other that kept strengthening with time.

It was the end of 1^st year college and Inter State Social Cultural Program was being conducted. Best students were selected from all the Colleges. Riddhima, Sapna, Sid and 4 others from the senior year were selected to represent their college. Riddhima had been ecstatic about it all. She had requested Billy, Annie, Bi, Anjie and Armaan to come and see their performance and they all had promised. Riddhima had grown very fond of Armaan, she would discuss all her day's happenings and problems with him and he had always been sincere in advising and loyal in difficult times. It had become a routine for Riddhima to be woken up by Armaan every morning and put to bed as well. They would talk nonstop during drives to college, back home, markets. The whole Mallik family would go out for dinner and long drive every weekend. It was finally the day of Competition and Riddhima was back in her nervous mode. Annie had arrived earlier then the timings of function just to provide Ridz with moral support, for which Riddhima was very grateful. Acts of affection like these had made Riddhima love the Malliks all the more. All participants, parents, guests and judges had arrived. The huge auditorium was filled with silence as soon as the organizer began the introductory speech but there was one person whose gaze was fixed at the entrance of the back stage. Armaan had an exam that same day and couldn't make it at time. The function had begun and students were performing on stage. It was Riddhima's turn next and she was nervous. Sid had his arm around her shoulder and was telling lame jokes to ease her tension. Just then somebody removed Sid's hand while whispering in Riddhima's ear. She quickly turned around and hugged the person. "I thought you wouldn't come." Riddhima said softly. "Silly, how could I not come? I told you, I had an exam na." Armaan said. Riddhima just nodded her head in his embrace. "Nervous?" "No." "Oh so your teeth are chattering due to cold?" Armaan whispered. As the name of Riddhima's college was announced, Armaan shook hands with all of them and hugged Riddhima tight whispering best of luck. He quickly went and settled in his seat in the auditorium to see the performance. Riddhima's group represented the Bengali culture. The stage had an ambiance of Bengal and students were dressed accordingly. They did a few rituals & also enacted a part from the famous Bengali literature. The show had come to an end and Riddhima's college had won. She was very happy.

Riddhima had found Armaan's behavior a slight changed after the competition. She had tried to know the reason but couldn't understand. At the end of the 2^nd year, the college authorities had decided to take the students on a trip to Goa for 5 days. It was night time and all had gathered at the dining hall. After the meals were done, Riddhima asked Billy about it.

Ri: Uncle our college is taking students to Goa for 5 days. I needed your permission to go.

B: You don't need my permission for that beta.

Ri: I know you won't say no but still I needed to ask you. I would have asked Papa, if he was here, and you are just like Papa to me. So can you sign this permission paper for me?

Billy and Annie became emotional. Billy nodded and signed on the paper. He went to Riddhima, kissed her forehead and handed her an envelope containing some cash and credit card. Riddhima refused to take it.

Ar: Dad this is not fair. You never give me money when I go out. Armaan said pouting.

B: Yea, I don't because you never ask before going and besides you're not my daughter, Riddhima is. So Riddhima don't refuse and please take this. I'll be happy if you use them. After hearing this Riddhima did not have the heart to refuse, she thanked him by hugging him.

Armaan had come to drop her at the airport. He was unusually quiet during the journey from the house to airport, only answering in monosyllables. He got out of the Land Cruiser and went towards the trunk to remove Riddhima's luggage. Dragging a Pink & white trolley bag, both of them turned to go to the departure area when Riddhima tucked at Armaan's left wrist.

Ri: Are you angry with me Armaan? Ar: No. Ri: Then why are you not talking to me?

Ar: I am Riddhima, who said I'm not.

Ri: Really Armaan? Why do I feel as if you are trying to push me away from yourself? Armaan shifted slightly in his position and spoke averting his gaze from her.

Ar: You're just imagining things, why would I do this?

Ri: Armaan, meri taraf dekh k bolo. She said cupping his right cheek to make him face her.

Armaan saw hurt in her eyes. He held her hand on his cheek and said: Aisa kuch nahin hai Riddhima. Main tumhein kyun khud se duur karun ga, tum mere liye bohat special ho. Main kabhi tumse duur jaane ka soch bhi nahin sakta. Ok?

Riddhima held onto his gaze and found sincerity and something else too in them. She moved forward and hugged him by his waist. Armaan was taken aback by this but then composed himself and hugged her back. Armaan mumbled a sorry and promised to never hurt her again in his mind. They straightened when Sapna and Abhi reached there. Abhi side hugged Riddhima; she had developed a brotherly affection for Abhi due to the numerous times she visited their home to study with Sapna. Armaan requested Sapna to take care of Riddhima and instructed both of them to stay away from boys and strangers. Riddhima giggled when Armaan repeated all the things Annie aunty had already told her. Both Abhi and Armaan left for their Uni, after the flight took off.

Riddhima had a nice time with her friends in Goa. The water, sandy beaches, water games, shopping and the calm atmosphere of Goa had done the magic on them. They all felt rejuvenated. From early morning till sunset they enjoyed on the beaches or did shopping but every night time was fixed for bon fire. All the students and teachers would gather around the fire to play games, sing & dance on random numbers. This week had brought the teachers and students to interact with each other closely. Amidst all this Riddhima found her heart sulking at times. She missed home and especially Armaan like anything, she called them at least thrice each day narrating all that she was doing, but still it felt restless. She had started counting hours after the first 32 hours of her stay in Goa. Riddhima bought souvenirs and dresses for everyone back home.

Finally the plane had landed in Delhi at 11 am. Riddhima's excitement knew no bounds when she came out of the terminal. But her face dropped once she noticed only Anjie and Abhi had come to pick them up. Both of them left for their lectures after dropping the girls. Riddhima rushed inside the Mansion like crazy and hugged Annie. Billy had also take half day off at work to spend time with Riddhima. Everyone at the Mansion had missed her and her sweet talks a lot. She had unknowingly become joy of the house and the apple of Billy's eyes.

Time passed on like this and it was the last year of Riddhima's college and Armaan's last year in University. Shashank had yet not been able to wind up his business from Shimla & settle here. Riddhima had developed feelings for Armaan. They both accompanied each other everywhere. Armaan had even taken Riddhima as his date on the valentine's and New Year party in his University. After the New Year's Eve, Armaan had declined all interactions with Riddhima for 2 weeks. He had requested Abhi to pick Riddhima as well for college, saying he had some project at University to complete with his friends. At home, he would stay in his room, immersed in his books and only come out for dinner and then retire quickly before anyone questioned him. Everyone was oblivious to his behavior, they had bought his lies of study pressure but Riddhima couldn't be fooled. She had understood that he was avoiding her. She was disheartened at his response as she had begun to think that they shared mutual feelings for each other. She tried to corner him but he always fled the scene making some excuse. Riddhima took all this to heart and started going back into her shell. She didn't come down for meals as she noticed Armaan stopped interacting with others and averting his gaze as soon as she settled in her place. She started going to Sapna's house for studies and Abhi and Anjie would help them prepare for their finals. It was the third week when Riddhima had suddenly fallen ill. She didn't tell anyone about it and kept taking medicines on her own. Bi and Annie had noticed the change in her behavior but were unaware of her ill health.

It was a weekend and they were all supposed to go out as usual. Riddhima wasn't feeling well, so she wanted to tell that she couldn't accompany them. As she descended the stairs, she felt dizzy and darkness engulfed her senses. Riddhima stumbled and rolled down the steps. RIDDHIMA! Armaan screamed on top of his voice and rushed to stop her fall at the 5^th step. Armaan had seen Riddhima close her eyes and clutch the railing strongly, but before he could reach her she had fell down. Everyone rushed out of their rooms to find an unnerved Armaan holding a bleeding Riddhima. He was screaming and begging her to open her eyes but she remained still. Billy gained his senses first and called the doctor. Armaan laid her on her bed carefully and cleaned her wound till the doctor came. Anjie and Annie were crying uncontrollably holding each other, whereas Armaan felt his life sucking out of him but he controlled his emotions in front of all. The doctor treated her wound, gave her an injection to reduce her temperature and made a quick blood test on Riddhima. He had asked Armaan to collect them next morning, till then Riddhima would be out for the night due to the medicines.

Armaan had stayed beside her the whole night, cursing himself for his insane behavior. Tears flew down his cheeks as he remembered how Riddhima had desperately wanted to know the reason of his aloofness. The reports had shown that Riddhima had been suffering from high fever for few days and malnutrition lead her to unconsciousness. Armaan had informed Billy about her reports and their friends too, that's when Sapna told him about Riddhima taking medicines for over a week. Billy had been furious with himself for being so ignorant. He just sat by her bed side, waiting for her to wake up. All of them had showered Riddhima with affection as she got up. But Riddhima's heart ached, thinking Armaan had not even bothered to be by her side when she wasn't well. She kept quiet and pretended to be sleepy; they all left her to rest.

Armaan had rushed in her room on returning from the hospital with her medicines & reports to find her staring at the roof. He approached her in quick steps; Riddhima turned her face to the other side closing her eyes seeing Armaan. He bent on her and crushed her to himself.

Ar: Don't do this to me, never ever again. He said softly. He parted a little from her on sensing that Riddhima wasn't responding. She had her eyes closed all the time.

Ar: please look at me. I know I'm the reason behind your current condition, punish me, however you want. Riddhima, please look at me. He pleaded.

Ri: Please leave me alone. I want to sleep. She said with closed eyes. Armaan laid her back on the bed and held her hands.

Ar: I'm sorry. I know a sorry isn't enough for all that I put you through, but believe me, I'm extremely sorry. Riddhima punish me as you want but don't do this. Please, speak to me.

Ri: Did you talk to me when I begged you to? No. Then why should I? Did you tell me why all of a sudden you pushed me away from yourself? No. You avoided all interaction with me at all costs; hell you wouldn't even spare me a glance. Now you want me to talk to you, why? I don't need your sympathy or fake concern. So please leave, now. Her voice rose with every word. Armaan remained quite letting her speak.

After she finished, he held her hands softly: I didn't know I was hurting you so much by being a jerk. I don't know what overcame me but I promise this will never happen again. Please forgive me Riddhima, just this last time. Riddhima looked at him and saw tears streaming down his face. She raised her hand and wiped his tears and spoke: I will forgive, only if you tell me why you were avoiding me.

Ar: I promise I will, once I'm ready to talk. Riddhima twisted her nose & faced the other side; Armaan smiled lightly and whispered in her ear: So I'm forgiven?

Ri: No. Ar: Really? Ri: Really. Ar: Think again Riddhima, you might want to change your answer.

Ri: No. Ar: Alright then. With that he started tickling her. Riddhima squealed and tried to get out of his grip, but couldn't. She kept laughing and asking him to stop but he wouldn't budge. Ar: First say you forgive me. Ri: No. Ar: Well then I can't help, sorry. When Riddhima could take it no longer she spoke: ok I do. Armaan leaned his forehead on hers and mumbled: I missed you. Ri: You too.

Everything had gone back to normal after this incident. Armaan had spent every possible moment with Riddhima to make up for his rude behavior earlier. They would sit together at nights and do their assignments in Riddhima's room. Riddhima would steal glances at him when he was immersed in his work. Armaan was very enthusiastic about joining Billy in his business and so was Riddhima. She would keep telling Armaan how she wanted him to be dressed when he joins the office, how his office dcor would be done and that they'll throw a huge party the day Armaan signs his 1^st project, Armaan would smile and listen to her intently."

Riddhima screamed and sprang up from her bed as a splash of water hit her face. She narrowed her eyes at Rahul who was laughing holding on to his stomach with one hand and the empty flower vase in other. "You!" She exclaimed as she dived in to punch him but Rahul was quick enough to dodge the heavy punch. He ran to his room to save himself as she chased him. They ran around his room, messing everything in their way. Rahul fell on his face as Riddhima pulled his leg. She picked up a pillow to hit him and with this began their favorite pillow fight. In a matter of minutes the room was graced by feathers flying in all directions.

"OMG, what are you two up to?" Anjie screamed from the door. Both of them stood up quickly with hands folded on their backs and spoke at the same time: "I didn't do anything." and glared at each other accusingly.

"Di, I didn't do anything. He threw water at me when I was sleeping." she said with a pout.

"Oh really, I tried for 15 minutes to wake you up from your deep slumber but when you didn't I could only think of this." Rahul retorted.

"Seriously you two, give it a rest. Agar koi tumhein dekha ga to yeh nahin maney ga kay tum dono doctors ho." Anjie said frustrated. "Before you two start again with your verbal war, get down the bed and get ready this instant, understand! Billy uncle's flight is about to land in 45 minutes and with the way you two are taking time, I think hum dinner tak pohanch jaein ge. No. Shut up and get moving." she said with her raised hand indicating no more discussion.

Riddhima's heartbeats became erratic, as the car pulled up in Mallik Mansion. She gulped hard and breathed deeply to conatin her anxiety and nervousness but nothing seemed to help. She felt a comforting grip on her hand.

"Just text me when you want to leave, I'll take you away. You don't have to worry about anyone." She smiled instantly looking up at Rahul. He was a true friend in all sense, always by her side without demanding any explanations.

Riddhima squealed in joy and ran over to the white Range Rover which entered through the gates. She was engulfed in a bear hug by Billy and Ananya as they stepped out. They parted and admired Riddhima. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. A yellow long dress with silver design just below her chest only flowed down till her ankles. The color made her look more radiant and brought out the green of her eyes. Ananya lovingly put a black dot behind her ear to ward off evil and pulled her in for a hug again. Riddhima's steps halted at the door as she saw a tall, muscular figure, bent over the chestnut drawer writing something in irritation while giving orders on phone. He turned towards the door feeling somebody's gaze on him and Riddhima's heart missed a beat seeing him. Dressed in an ash gray suit with a white and black striped shirt, black tie, rimless glasses, stubble and features carved in stone, he screamed Perfection. Armaan was in no better condition, his breath hitched as he looked at how Gorgeous she looked in this yellow dress with only a delicate bracelet, eyes outlined with eyeliner, lips stained with beige rose color and hair naturally straight. She was truly His Sunshine. Armaan stood frozen with the cell on his ear and none of them could tear their gaze from each other. All Riddhima wanted in this moment was to crush herself in his comforting embrace and so she took a few steps towards him but stopped as his words from years ago echoed in her brain. She felt an all familiar pain constrict her chest as she looked away from him before her eyes gave away her thoughts but couldn't stop the tear that flew stubbornly over her cheek seeing him.

Armaan ended the call and reached Riddhima in long strides. "Hi." She said forwarding her hand for a shake. "Hello." He held her hand in his firmly. They both felt a shiver pass through their bodies and Riddhima tried pulling her hand back that instant but he held it tighter forcing her to look in to his eyes. His eyes showed hurt and confusion and only she had the answers to them but she wasn't willing to give them, not now not ever.

"How are you?" she asked politely to which he only nodded his head.

"Aunty is calling me." she said to get away from him but silently wishing for him to never leave her hand. He left her hand and gestured to go.

The day went on smoothly for Riddhima. Armaan had left for his office for an urgent meeting. Billy and Ananya showered her with so much of love and she had all their attention so she enthusiastically narrated incidents from her initial days, University and internship days. Armaan was upset as he returned just when Riddhima and Anjali were about to leave at night. He couldn't get time to interact at all with Riddhima but with whatever time he spent, he understood she was avoiding him to the fullest. But he had also made it a point to make her speak and answer his questions.

"Anjali, how about we plan a stay over tomorrow here? It's the last weekend before your wedding functions begin and after that I don't think we'll have one for a long time, plus everyone will get to meet Riddhima too. What do you say?" Armaan asked Anjali pulling her in the kitchen. Anjali eyed him suspiciously to which he rolled his eyes and she laughed.

"Okay." she said peeping in the refrigerator for a chocolate.

"But you've got to ask Riddhima on your own. I don't want to get killed between you two."

"Really, have you not seen how she's ignoring me? Please Anjali." Armaan said with a sad face. Anjali's heart melted at the sight and she side hugged him.

"I will convince her, you don't make such faces." Anjali said.

Riddhima was perplexed by the situation at hand. How much ever she thought she couldn't come up with a convincing story to stay behind at home and avoid the stay over. Anjali had told her about the plan the next evening, leaving no space for arguments.

"How many times have I told you that making up stories or lying isn't your fort?" Rahul asked dumping himself on the bean bag in her room. He joked around with her and pushed her to get ready.

"You're coming with me." she announced entering the washroom.

"Guys, I have a little surprise for you." Anjali said to her friends. She moved to the side revealing Riddhima. Abhi, Nikki, Sapna and Atul were shocked to see her but within a minute the Mallik mansion was ringing with squeals and laughter. Nikki and Sapna had caught Riddhima in a bone crushing hug and were swinging from side to side holding her.