Here's the next part. Hope you find it worth reading.
Love..
Chapter 10:
Armaan dusted his cargo pants leaning against the pillar as he admired his nursery after hours of plucking dead leaves, trimming over grown plants, shifting pots, spreading fertilizers and watering the newly formed buds. Now it gave the impression of a flourishing and well maintained green house rather than a tangled mess of branches that it had been earlier. He swiped a hand across his forehead to wipe the trickling sweat beads. Today was unusually hot for a spring afternoon but Armaan had no complaints. He had no care of the scorching heat, the polluted air of the city or the constant noise of traffic. He enjoyed the warm breeze carrying the fragrance of roses; the smell of his love. In short he was content after a long time. He had once again gained his positive outlook and the courage to embrace life with all its flaws. He found everything around him beautiful. It was funny how he didn't appreciate the spectacular beauty surrounding him in Nainital where he stayed for months. He didn't make an effort to explore the valley which was known for its lush greenery and magnificent views. He had read a phrase way back in his student life but understood its meaning only now. "Home is where heart lies." Armaan looked over his shoulder at the person who was responsible for bringing this change in him. Riddhima. She brightened even the dullest of his days and made all seem perfect with just her mere presence. He needed nothing else in life when she was by his side. He froze as his gaze met with hers through the large window for a moment before she turned away to continue her conversation with his Dad but not without giving him a breathtaking smile.
Armaan had boarded the first flight to Delhi as soon as Riddhima was discharged from the hospital after being kept under observation for three days. His parents were pleasantly surprised to see him standing on the steps of Mallik Mansion unannounced, early in the morning. Riddhima was adamant on leaving after the greetings but they made sure she stayed back, disregarding all her excuses.
"I don't want to interfere in the family reunion." She had expressed her concern.
"This family is incomplete without you Angel." Billy had answered lovingly cupping her face making her give in without a further word. Rahul had left with a promise to join them at evening.
Billy and Ananya were over joyed on having the kids back at home. Worry and panic clouded their features as they saw Armaan carry Riddhima inside the house. The trio had settled on telling that Riddhima had sprained her ankle at the camp. They knew it was wrong to hide the truth but now that she was doing fine, they didn't see the need to stress them. His parents were angry initially at being kept in dark about her injury but later fussed over her like a glass doll making sure she was comfortable in every way. Ananya was beside herself with happiness at the return of her son and immediately called for a celebration. She had forgotten all about her illness and went around giving directions. The Mansion was abuzz with activity after a long time as the servants prepared for tonight's dinner cheerfully.
Armaan's heart fluttered as he carried Riddhima upstairs to her bedroom. She looked so innocent and adorable sleeping with a pout that he wanted to embrace her tightly and never let go. He pressed a kiss on her head after tucking her in properly and stood to leave.
"Armaan." Riddhima whispered his name.
"There's something I want to talk about." She dragged herself up against the head board.
"You need to sleep Riddhima. Thodi dair mein sab aa jaien ge, you won't get a chance then. Hum baad mein baat karien ge." He said as she patted the spot next to her on the bed and rubbed her heavy eyelids with the other.
"Kya hua?" He sat down as she reached for his hand and held it tightly between hers as if scared that he might leave.
"I want to apologize for what I said at the hospital. No, please let me say it." Riddhima shook her head as he opened his mouth to stop her. She had to clear a few things between them so that they could at least maintain a friendly relationship.
"I'm sorry Armaan. That day my intentions weren't of hurting you. I just wanted to know the truth. I assumed you wouldn't tell me anything and so I forced it out of you. I didn't want another misunderstanding between us. God knows we have enough of them already. You're not upset with me, are you?" Riddhima spoke softly.
"You don't have to apologize, I'm not upset at all. In fact I'm glad that you asked me instead of turning your back on me again. Riddhima, in the future as well, if you have any doubt or concern please ask me once before coming to conclusions. All right?" She nodded in response not being able to form a sentence. She was ashamed on hearing him because this was what she had done all those years ago. His words weren't harsh but his voice hinted on the pain she caused him by running away.
"Can we be friends again Armaan? Can we start afresh? Like we've just met and are getting to know each other for the first time." Riddhima asked him hopefully. She was a fool then but now she wanted to make it up to him and the first step was to befriend him.
"No." Her heart dropped in her stomach hearing him. She realized how painful a simple word like 'no' could be. She bowed her head down in defeat. She shouldn't have asked him at all. Of course he didn't want anything to do with her after all that she had done to him. Before she could berate herself further she found his fingers lifting her face to look in to his eyes.
"Will you answer a few questions honestly?" Armaan asked cautiously. She gulped knowing he would ask her the same questions which he did during Anjie's wedding. She now realized that he deserved to know the answers hence nodded.
"Has this gap of 8 years been able to erase me; my likes, dislikes, my good and bad side from your memories? Has it made you forget all the moments we shared? Was this distance successful in making you not miss me even once all this time?" Riddhima's lip quivered as she denied all his questions. She had no words to tell him how much she had missed him all these years or that nothing could take him away from her heart.
"Then I suggest we start from where we left and lock the bitter parts away." Armaan smiled widely as she understood his words.
"There's nothing in this whole world that can make me forget you or sever the bond we share. I know we've been apart for too long but we're still the same, aren't we Riddhima?" He said as she crushed herself in his waiting arms and sobbed. He hadn't confessed but his words brought so much comfort to her broken heart and wilting hope.
"I missed you Armaan." Riddhima said sniffing.
"I've missed you too Princess, dearly." Armaan pulled her closer to himself and kissed her hair affectionately.
Their moment was broken by hurried footsteps and loud noises approaching near. The door opened with a thud revealing a weeping Anjali followed by a concerned Atul and Rahul. Anjali rushed forward and embraced her sister tightly crying. She checked Riddhima from head to toe for more injuries even after everyone assured her she was fine now. Armaan rolled his eyes as Anjali glared at her husband and brother who shifted from one foot to another.
"Anjie, don't be angry with them. I told them not to inform you. I didn't want any harm to come to you and my little niece or nephew in here. I would have told you if it was something serious. Besides Riddhima is fine and in front of you now. Does she look unwell to you?" Armaan asked sitting next to Anjali and taking her hand. Anjali couldn't argue or complain hearing him so shook her head in denial seeing that her sister did look well, in fact she looked even better than before the accident. She knew Armaan had something to do with it. As if understanding her thoughts he blinked in assurance and squeezed her hand lightly making her smile in relief.
The sky darkened as the navy blue clouds spread across the horizon consuming the last remnants of colors left behind. It was a moonless night with only a few flickering stars in sight. The cool night breeze had brought with it relief after a blistering day. Nights usually signified silence and desolation in Mallik Mansion for the past few years but tonight was a refreshing break as the house glowed with light, love and euphoria. Shashank and Padma had finally returned from their tour and had a very emotional reunion with their daughters. The gang had gathered together for dinner party. Armaan received warm tight hugs by his buddies. Everyone was worried seeing Riddhima's bandaged foot and Armaan bringing her downstairs. Abhi wrapped his arms around her lovingly and whispered in her ear how relieved he was to see her. Nikki however didn't give much importance to Riddhima or show any concern over her accident which was noticed by all, especially Armaan. He had seen hurt flash across her eyes as Nikki inquired about her health from the other end of the room in a bored tone. Dinner was a cheerful affair with everyone enjoying each moment of being together in high spirits. After dinner the two elderly couples retired to Billy's bedroom while the youngsters settled in the living room. They sat in a circle admiring the adorable, chubby baby crawl in the middle and play with her soft toys. Pari was very smart and energetic for a fifteen month old baby but a very sweet one too. She would ever so often look up at someone and communicate in baby language. Being the only baby in the family and friends' circle she was always the centre of attention; a bundle of joy. Pari was passed from one person to the other, being cuddled, showered with kisses and spoiled with gifts. Hours passed in a blur as the friends sat together chatting and soon it was time to leave. They had work to attend next day. Armaan's mind was a mess. He was resuming his responsibilities at the office once again and that ensured hectic work schedule but it didn't faze him in the least. He was used to working till exhaustion. What disturbed him was the thought that Riddhima was leaving. He would no longer be able to look after her or enjoy her company, which he had grown used to in the past few days. He wished she could stay back but knew that wasn't possible.
"Armaaan. How will I learn to use these crutches if you don't let me stand for a minute?" Riddhima whined as he scooped her up effortlessly.
"You'll get plenty of chances to use them from now onwards as I won't be around any more." Armaan said walking her to the car. The gang had already left and Guptas were saying their good byes.
"I'll be seeing you again, right?" She asked hesitantly as he eyed her curiously because she tightened her hold around his neck when he lowered her on the car seat to hold him back.
"You'll be seeing a lot of me now." He replied confidently. They might be living in different houses but that wouldn't stop him from visiting her. She didn't know he was starting to miss her already.
"Best of luck for tomorrow." Riddhima leaned in and kissed his cheek. His heart skipped a beat and lips stretched in a wide dimpled smile at her sweet gesture.
"Thank you. Good night Princess." He said pressing a kiss on her forehead. His eyes closed and lips stayed there for a little longer to carve this moment in memory.
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