AR's 'Mine Forever.' A Note on pg 76. - Page 29

Chapter 13:

The golden light from the street poles reflecting on the windshield highlighted Armaan's sharp features as his car came to a halt at the red signal. Soft evening breeze entered through the partially open window and ruffled his hair. With his right hand on the steering wheel he pushed back the loose locks falling over his forehead as he sat deep in thought. Since he asked Riddhima out he had been debating continuously with his conscience which pointed out that his decision was wrong. He didn't regret it; for him it was her or no one. No one could take her place. All he wanted was to do it the right way. With so many things unsaid and unclear between them, it didn't feel right. He wanted to work through and remove each misunderstanding and to assure her that he was always by her side. Only if he could have thought before claiming her as his, his date, in front of everyone. He cursed Prem realizing that he did this to get a reaction out of him, he knew too well he wouldn't allow anyone to take Riddhima out, and he being an idiot gave in. Armaan looked around as loud honks broke his reverie. Drivers behind him yelled and honked as his car caused a jam. He quickly changed the gear and drove away. One day was enough for him to come to a conclusion. Nothing was lost till now. He could use this oppurtunity to disclose everything in front of Riddhima. In fact this would be his best chance as they would be alone. He hoped that today he would be able to get a clearer picture of her feelings for him and where they stood as one .

Armaan's initial surprise on seeing Nikki at the Gupta house was replaced by contentment at the fact that she had mended her relationship with Riddhima. He indulged in talks with everyone with a racing heart eager to catch a glimpse of his beloved. His gaze betrayed him as it frequently paused on the staircase waiting for her arrival. This was the first time he was picking her up from her house, all the previous times that he had escorted her to events, it had been from Mallik Mansion. It was different also because he had no idea as to what she was wearing, previously they used to discuss, well at least Riddhima did while he just looked at her speak animatedly. To him she was beautiful, always, regardless of what she wore but the knowledge that she would have dressed up for him tonight made him giddy. Armaan knew the exact moment she stepped out of her room even before seeing her. He closed his eyes briefly to calm his heart that thumped in anticipation. Everyone became aware of her presence only when he turned around.

Riddhima stood on the top step gripping the banister tightly to balance her trembling body. Her eyes searched for Armaan the minute she opened the door. His back faced her but she knew he was well aware of her presence by the way his shoulders tensed. Her intuition was proved right when he was the only one to stand up. She bit her lower lip nervously as he turned around slowly. The world faded for them when their gazes collided. They drank in each other hungrily, their eyes roaming leisurely and taking in every little detail.

Riddhima looked exquisite in her coral cap sleeve v-neck floor length gown. The gorgeous floral lace bodice was accentuated with crystals. A satin band wrapped around the waist gave way to the sweeping chiffon skirt. She had pinned the top half of her hair with a bejeweled butterfly clip and the rest fell in soft curls till her waist. She had used make up to enhance her delicate features, which was a first, previously she always opted only for lip gloss and kohl but Armaan wasn't complaining. He loved her new look just as much. It made her look more refined and chic. Her green orbs captured his heart once again. They weren't any ordinary shade of green. They were the color of the forest after rainfall, the color which stood out prominently through thick piles of snow announcing the arrival of spring. Her eyes reflected hope, warmth and life. It was strange how they pulled him in to their depths to the point of drowning yet provided strength and became his anchor during the storms. She was simply his Everything. With a blink he broke the connection between their souls and bent to pick up a bouquet of orchids. Her favourite.

Riddhima's feet felt as heavy as steel making it hard for her to take a step forward. She inhaled deeply as Armaan walked towards her with long, powerful strides. He oozed masculinity in his rich brown slacks and waistcoat with a crisp white shirt folded up to his elbows. Simple yet classic. He was what she called perfection personified. The man of her dreams. Here he was looking at her with so much adoration that her eyes moistened and heart soared. Armaan always looked at her this way, as if she was the center of his world or maybe it was the fault of her blurred vision. She at least hoped that she did because God only knew this man was her Universe.

"So beautiful." His soft whisper broke the spell making her realize that he now stood just an inch away.

"Thank you." She kissed his cheek happily as he handed her the flowers making him smile. She ducked her head as a soft blush spread on her cheeks as her own action registered in her mind.

"Shall we?" He said gesturing to the bottom of the stairs. They walked downstairs with their arms looped together like a perfect couple. Rahul quickly moved backwards trying to capture them. He knew they would thank him for recording their moment once they sorted the differences.

"Sanya its high time you wake up and accept the truth. He didn't love you then, he doesn't love you now and I don't see any chance of that happening in the future either. He has always been in love with that green eyed beauty. I remember telling you so earlier as well. Precisely when you forced me to nag him until he gave some info about their relationship." Dev said exasperatedly.

"He did say she was just a responsibility, remember? He doesn't love her. You are misunderstanding his concern for her as love." Sanya countered him.

"Tch. Always in denial. Sanya, Armaan was lieing through his teeth for what reason I don't know. Anyways don't expect me to pry any information from him or play part in one of your dramas. It has already ruined my friendship with him."

"Drama? You're calling my love for him fake? How can you say that Dev? Don't you know how long I have waited for him?" Sanya exclaimed loudly.

"Exactly. I know you too well that's why I'm telling you to stop all this. You've been trying to gain his attention for ten years in vain. He doesn't look at you the way he looks at Riddhima." Dev tried to make her understand.

"Shut up. Just shut up. If you can't sympathise with me then just leave me alone."

"I'm afraid that's what you'll be left with at the end. Sympathy." He shook his head sadly.

"Leave Dev."

"I have Sanya. I have left you five years back realizing you will never give anything and anyone importance in front of your obsession. Armaan is just an obsession. It'll be best for you if you try and move on too." Dev turned and walked out of the ballroom. Prem slipped behind a Roman mytholigical statue to hide himself from being discovered. He had overheard the conversation by chance but was glad that he did. Armaan and him had distanced themselves from Dev after that night at club but now he knew exactly who was the master planner and he was determined to protect his best friend's happiness from any further damage.

Armaan didn't really agree with the idea of everyone travelling in the same car as that meant cutting short his alone time with Riddhima. He was about to object as well but refrained seeing how it made her happy. They had been travelling for about an hour now. This Resort was a new construction at the outskirts of the city.

"Armaan?" Armaan glared at Abhi sitting besides him on the passenger seat assuming he had punched on his shoulder. Abhi pointed his thumb towards a pissed Anjie.

"What now?" Armaan asked annoyed thinking it to be one of her pregnancy tantrums. He didn't understand why she had to bother him everytime he was around. He felt sorry for Atul who had to bear this daily.

"What what? Main kitni dair se tumse kuch pooch rahi hoon or tum sun hi nahin rahey ho." Anjali replied.

"Can't you see I'm trying to concentrate on driving? I can hardly focus on the road with all the noise you guys are making." He said. It was true he couldn't focus on driving or the road or traffic around them but it was all due to a certain someone sitting right behind him, making it hard for him to look away with her innocent beauty.

"What were you saying Anjie?" He quickly masked his expressions and asked softly as he saw Riddhima frowning at him.

"Now you want to know huh? Sorry but I don't want to talk to you anymore." Armaan almost rolled his eyes as Anjie looked out of the window puffing her cheeks.

"Armaan, wo bol rahi thi that we all should go somewhere for a few days." Nikki spoke seeing her friend wasn't going to speak.

"Sounds good. Where do you want to go?"

"That's what we were asking you dumbo." Nikki replied.

"Hey about our farmhouse? Remember we used to go there at every possible chance. It used to be so much fun playing in the pool and then campfire at night, nahin? With the renovations done it must look even more beautiful, I'm sure. I can't wait to go there. I mean we can go there, if you all want to." Riddhima's excitement ended on seeing her friends surprised looks. Only Armaan had a huge smile on his face. His heart swelled with happiness as she addressed the farmhouse as 'our'. Hope blossomed in his chest.

"We can go only if Armaan still owns it." Nikki said.

"What do you mean?" Riddhima asked confusedly.

"The last we spoke about it he was planning to put it on sale."

"Oh." She felt sad. That place held too many memories, all dear to her heart.

"It's still ours Princess. We can go there anytime you want." Riddhima's smile returned hearing Armaan and so did his. Few years back he had intended to sale it when he required money for a new project but couldn't. He knew she loved that place, it had so many memories attached with it. Her essence enveloped him in an embrace everytime he visited there. He couldn't part with the only reminder of the moments they shared.

"But you need to tell me in advance so that I can get it cleaned. Its been closed for too long now." Armaan said.

"I didn't mean it like that. Riddhima I'm sorry." He added quickly seeing how her lower lip quivered. He knew she was blaming herself for the lost time.

"Its okay. I'm also sorry for hurting you all." She said in a soft tone with her head ducked down. It wasn't deliberate on Armaan's part but still he wanted to kick himself for reminding her of the past.

"Oh common all that is in the past now. What really matters is that we all are here, together, once again. So let's celebrate our reunion tonight, what do you say?" Abhi said turning back in his seat. He ran his hand on Riddhima's head in brotherly affection to which she responded with a slight nod.

"We've reached the resort." Armaan announced putting the car in parking gear. Her eyes flickered to the rear view mirror where they met with his awaiting gaze expressing hurt and sincere apology. She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked at him assuredly; silently telling him that all was okay. She didn't want him berating himself for no reason. Tonight might not be an official date between them but she wanted to enjoy it to the fullest with him.

Armaan picked a glass of fruit punch from the passing waiter and walked towards Riddhima who looked troubled as she sat with his friends. It had been an hour since they arrived at the Resort but she remained withdrawn and reserved during all conversations, speaking only when necessary. He appreciated how the gang tried to involve her in silly talks noticing her discomfort. Words weren't required when it came to them. They just knew when the other needed support or some cheering up. He couldn't thank God enough for bringing these beautiful souls in his life. He said a silent prayer for all of them to stay together forever.

Riddhima walked down a cobbled pathway dotted with pink, purple and white flowers in the wide stretched lush green garden leading towards a white canopy draped with vines. A beautifully carved stone bench with a small antique table in front was placed inside it. The golden hue spiralling from the floating candles made the setting look even more beautiful.

"Picture perfect." Riddhima sighed perching on the edge of the seat. Only thing missing was a companion to share this beauty with. Which reminded her that she had ventured out here without informing anyone and needed to return. She would go back but after enjoying the solace for a few minutes.

Armaan's concern grew as minutes turned into more than half an hour and Riddhima still hadn't returned. He knocked rapidly at the door of ladies' toilet calling out her name. His forehead creased hearing no reply from the other side. He looked around to see where she could go. A large wooden door left half open caught his attention so he peeped outside. The beautiful scenary allured him too into walking out and he was glad that he did. He wouldn't want to miss this for anything else in the world. The sight of his beloved gazing at the stars in deep concentration with feet dangling lightly as the night breeze played with her silky locks warmed his heart. It was her childlike innocence that he adored.

"Armaan, tum wahan kya kar rahey ho?" Riddhima asked seeing him lean against a tree bark. A flash went off as a tell tale of what he was doing.

"Wanted to capture the beauty of the moment. Hope you don't mind." He winked at her keeping back the mobile in his pants and straigthning up to join her. She thanked God for the semi darkness that hid the blush spreading across her cheeks.

"What were you thinking about so deeply?" He asked sitting besides her.

"Nothing. Just trying to decipher the patterns these twinkling stars made."

"Like old days?" She replied to him with a hum and shifting closer to place her head on his shoulder. A smile stretched across his face at her gesture.

Armaan hated to disturb their moment but what he had to say was important too. He needed to clear the air between them for him to take any step towards her. Tonight she looked so gorgeous in the gown that he wanted to kiss her senseless, hold her and never let go but restrictions and hesitation stood tall between them.

"Riddhima, there's something I had been wanting to discuss with you for quite sometime now."

"Armaan." She whined his name in a protest.

"I'm sorry for ruining this moment. I know you don't want to talk. How about you stay just like this and I speak?" He asked hoping she would agree. It wasn't only for her comfort. He didn't want her looking at him because he knew he wouldn't be able to say anything coherent once they locked gazes.

"Ok." She sighed heavily thinking he wouldn't stop until he says whatever it was. She had noticed him trying to initiate a conversation with her earlier in the evening as well but one or other of their friends interupted.

"Riddhima, that night at club..." She quickly placed her fingers on his mouth and shook her head indicating him to stop.

"Please listen to me once Princess." He requested but was met with the same response.

"Please. Not tonight." Riddhima countered pleadingly. She couldn't bear anything related to that night. She wasn't ready to hear him confess to her face the reason why he said those words and admit they were true. She knew one day he would bring up this topic but tonight seemed too early. She wanted to enjoy this evening with him, who knew it might be the last time they were together. He closed his eyes tight trying to erase the look of hurt and desperation he had seen just now in her eyes. He couldn't understand why she didn't let him speak but let it pass not wanting to stress her any further. He would try again and again till she heard every word that he had to say but for now he wanted to erase this unwanted tension and go back to how they were few minutes back.

"May I have one dance with my Princess?" Armaan asked forwarding his palm. The soft tunes floating in the background gave him just the chance he was looking for.

"Here?" Riddhima looked startled at his sudden change in mood.

"Yes, here and now. May I?" He asked with a deep smile. She slipped her hand in his without any delay not wanting to lose any precious moment with him.

"Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan

Dhadkan bani zubaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan

Dhadkan bani zubaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan." Armaan smiled as the lyrics registered in his dazed mind. It could be called irony of life or a signal from above. He pulled her in his arms swaying lightly to the romantic ballet.

"Khulte band hote labhon ki ye ankahi

Khulte band hote labhon ki ye ankahi

Mujhse keh rahi hai ki badhne de bekhudi

Mil yoon ki daud jaayein nas nas mein bijliyaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan

Dhadkan bani zubaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan." He twirled her out and then back in with her back pressed against his chest. He gathered her hair and put them on her left shoulder leaving her neck bare to his gaze. He dipped his head and ran the tip of his nose along the length of her neck inhaling deeply her enchanting scent. He pressed lightest of kisses behind her ear making goosebumps erupt on her skin and tremble in his hold.

"Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand

Aasmaan ko bhi ye haseen raaz hai pasand

Uljhi uljhi saanson ki aawaaz hai pasand

Moti luta rahi hai saawan ki badliyaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Baahon ke darmiyaan do pyaar mil rahe hain

Jaane kya bole mann dole sunke badan

Dhadkan bani zubaan

Baahon ke darmiyaan." Riddhima's hand landed on his chest as he turned her in his arms. She could feel the heat emanating from his body and the fast rhythm of his heart matching that of her own. She couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes knowing very well they were focused on her. Her eyes slowly met his awaiting orbs as he dipped and tilted her back. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she saw different emotions swirling in his eyes. Warmth, adoration, desire and might she hope love, crossing her fingers, reflecting in them. He brought her up slowly and they stood with eyes locked, trying to get the answer of the one question nagging them both. Armaan glided his thumb across her rose tinted cheeks making her lean into him. She felt emotions clog her throat while her body burned wherever he touched. His fingers itched to touch and pull the lip she was biting nervously but he refrained with difficulty. With her in his arms looking so beautiful and not objecting to any of his moves, he was bound to lose control that was sure. Armaan joined his forehead with hers without breaking their eye contact.

When the song ended none of them knew. It was like they were transported to another world where only they existed. Riddhima wrapped her arms around him after several failed attempts at trying to say something. She felt all her unanswered questions and worries dissolve as he reciprocated the hug. His hold around her provided her a sense of security and belonging. She adjusted her head on his chest, this was where she wanted to be, forever. Armaan held on to her a little tighter trying to grasp the moment from running out. His lips lingered on her forehead after he kissed. He didn't know what the next day held for them but right now he was the most content man on Earth. With his love in his arms; the place where she belonged truly.