Im back with an update. Yes. You've read it correctly. I am updating early this time and that too a long chapter. Consider it my thanks to all those of you who read and liked it. But it also means you leave me some extra love because the next part is gonna be the most important one ;)
Thanks again.
Sis, thank you for taking out time and reading the part and helping me through it. Love ya loads.
Without further bak bak.
Chapter 14:
"Sorry Ma'am but Sir is unavailable at the moment. Do you want to leave a message?" Uma, Armaan's PA said. Sanya threw the cordless phone on the wall without any answer and screamed out in frustration pulling at her hair. It had been over a week to that outing but she wasn't able to get in touch with Armaan. She had called a dozen times daily, left messages on his cell but in vain. It was like he deliberately avoided any interaction with her. But that couldn't be true, could it? Why would he not want to talk to her? If anyone was supposed to be miffed, it was her. That night he had ignored her every attempt to converse and even declined her offer to dance. All due to that girl hanging on his arm. Sanya had seen them get cozy in the garden and then dance, sensuously lost in each other. Riddhima's face glowed when they returned and a smile never left Armaan's lips. She fisted her hands in anger, she was supposed to be the only reason he smiled for. She needed to think of something to distance them before they got too close and the matter got out of hand. She hadn't waited and wasted so many years of her life after him to gain nothing in the end. It had been a hard task to keep tabs on him without letting him or his close friends know. She hated the bunch of them but was forced to be kind and polite for Armaan's sake. One of the first most things in her list to do after becoming Mrs. Armaan Mallik was to say good bye to all of them and the drama they brought with them. For now she needed to focus on the man to make her dream come true but how? She had tried almost everything in the book but that stubborn man was as clueless as ever. She felt irritated with all the sunlight and cheeriness outside her boutique. Here she was drowned in tension and there everybody went on enjoying the pleasant weather which silently mocked her. Nobody knew her well. She was never a loser nor would be. Once she set her sight on something, it was bound to be hers. By hook or by crook. This time was going to be no different. Giving herself a high five mentally she picked up the best dress from her latest lot of designer outfits and headed towards the changing room with determination to carry out her plan.
"That'll be it for today gentlemen. Mr. Sinha, please look in to the matter thoroughly, I want results tomorrow." Billy said dismissing the meeting with his manager.
"Five minutes Dad, let me complete this file." Armaan said without looking up from the file as Billy tapped his feet impatiently next to him.
"Hurry up Armaan, I don't want to be late and upset Anjali."
"She's always upset or angry or throwing tantrums these days Dad, nothing new." He said signing at the end.
"You don't want her to hear that, do you now?"
"No ways. I won't be able to take any of her drama. I pity Atul, har roz bechara ko yeh sab face karna padta hai." Armaan made a weird face getting up from his seat making Billy laugh.
"Boss, Ms. Sanya is waiting for you in the lounge." Uma peeped in after knocking at the door of conference room ending the playful talk between father and son.
"What the hell is she doing here now? I thought she would take a hint but no the girl is dense." Armaan groaned in annoyance hearing his PA.
"Any problem Son? Whose Sanya?"
"A college friend Dad."
"I can tell her you're busy if you don't want to meet her." Billy offered seeing his son's forehead crease with tension.
"Thanks Dad but I'll manage. I'm sorry I won't be able to drive with you."
"That's fine. I'll take my car but will you be fine?" Billy was worried.
"I'll be fine Dad, don't worry. I'll join you guys in sometime. Please tell Anjie to excuse me just this once, again." He added sheepishly.
"She won't be very happy that I can tell you. You're making a habit of arriving late and leaving early at the family gatherings. Anyways, don't take too long." Billy left patting his back.
Sanya paced from one corner of the lounge to the other waiting for the meeting to get over. She was happy that she had arrived before Armaan left the office. Now no one could stop her from meeting him or executing her plan, she was confident. Waiting for him was making her grumpy, she had never done that before. All her life she had people wait for her. Her inner monologue was broken by the sounds of approaching steps and so was her wait as she saw Armaan paas through the door followed by his PA.
"Hey Armaan. How are you? I was passing from here so thought of dropping by to see you." She walked forward the with intention of hugging him.
"I'm fine. How are you?" He asked formally with his hands stuffed deep in his pants.
"I'm great. Why don't we catch up at dinner? Its been long since we spoke. My treat." She said cheerfully.
"I'm sorry that won't be possible. I am already heading out to a dinner now."
"Oh I didn't think about that and sent my driver away. Silly me. Its fine, I'll take a cab home. I was really looking forward to spending sometime with you. Can we meet tomorrow?" She asked inching forward and keeping her palm over his arm.
"I can't promise anything. Why don't you come with me now? We can talk on the way and I'll drop you as well." He spoke after a moment of silence. He knew she wouldn't back down until he spoke to her. Meeting out for meals was not an option so this was the best deal. He would be done with her quickly without any fuss.
"Really? That's great. Common let's go." She exclaimed happily turning on her heels.
Armaan felt suffocated in the car as Sanya sat next to him, too close for his liking. The drive was marked by an awkward silence for the first few minutes where he kept staring out of his window while she looked at him.
"Weren't you supposed to be gone out of city for a fashion show or something?" He asked trying to kill the time.
"You heard that?" She asked surprised. Armaan forced a smile for her sake although he wanted to roll his eyes and say it was impossible to hear with the volume you were speaking in.
"It got postponed. Now its next month."
"How's your work going?" She asked. He nodded in reply.
"I was thinking of joining the business world. What do you say Armaan?"
"Aren't you a designer by profession?" He asked confused.
"I am but don't forget I have the same degree as you. Finally thought of putting it to use. Can I join you in your new project as an investor?" Sanya asked with bated breath.
"I have finance all covered." Armaan replied pondering on why she was interested all of a sudden.
"Oh. That's good then. Can I join you in Mallik Industries?"
"I will have to see about that Sanya but at the moment no position is open at our office." He was confused by the track their conversation was taking.
"You told Nikkita that she could join you whenever she wants. Why can't I take that position? I know I'm inexperienced but so is she. In fact I have some practical experience in the field, she doesn't even have that. Besides she can always work with her husband." Armaan shook his head hearing her.
"Nikki might not be a Mallik by birth but she is my sister. She will always be welcomed there because it's her right. If you're really that desperate, I have a solution for you. Arjun is looking for an investor. Why don't you join him. It'll be beneficial for both of you." Sanya knew his answer was a clear 'no' but he just didn't say it outrightly for her sake.
"Thanks. I'll think about what you said." She frowned as her plan A failed. She had intented to get close to him by joining him at work but he didn't seem taken by the idea. Now only one way was left and that was the direct approach. She still had few minutes before they reached the destination and she was going to make the best of them because who knew when he would meet her next.
"Armaan. There's something that I had been wanting to discuss with you." Sanya took his hand in hers making him go stiff.
"I tried so many times earlier as well but couldn't due to that girl throwing herself on you. You were so busy with her that you didn't notice me that evening." She said with a pout. He knew she was up to no good by the way she had turned towards him and batted her lashes. He wanted to get out of the car instantly but held back with great restraint. She continued without considering how he had snatched his hand away and gritted his teeth.
"I know you had to entertain her as she was your date and even understand that you asked her out so that she doesn't feel odd amongst us. But don't you think it's going a little too far? You should let her know that you don't feel anything for her. She was just a responsibilty that you had to fulfill due to your parents. She should have taken the hint when you didn't contact her for years but no she's still glued to your side like before. There's a limit.."
"Exactly there's a limit which you've crossed Sanya. I don't remember giving you any right or asking for your opinion regarding my personal life. What I do or who I spend my time with is none of your business. No. Now you listen. I've heard more than enough." Armaan said aggressively making her gulp heavily.
"I have always ignored your moves on me thinking you'll understand with time but clearly I was wrong. I didn't want to spell it out but you've just forced me to do this. I respect you as a college acquaintance, nothing more nothing less. I have no feelings for you what so ever. I'm already committed to Riddhima. It'll be better if you grasp this truth as soon as possible. One more thing, I don't tolerate a word against her but am letting you off the hook for now counting this as your first and last mistake." He spoke in a voice that left no room for argument.
"Gopal, in ko jahan jana ho chod dena." He instructed his driver who nodded his head quickly not wanting any of his employer's anger.
"Don't forget what I've said Sanya. Next time I won't be so kind." Armaan closed the car's door with a loud bang and walked off towards the hotel's entrance without a backward glance. Sanya was left with an open mouth gaping after him. She couldn't believe he had said all that to her and she had sat without an objection. She wanted to more than object but his cold glare and menacing tone made her immobile.
"Ma'am ap ko kahan jana hai?" The driver asked her after a few minutes of her staring at the empty entrance.
"Kahin nahin. Main khud chali jaon gi." She said angrily and scooted towards the door to get out. She stood there contemplating on what to do. So what if her plans had failed, she wouldn't accept defeat so easily. Armaan couldn't ruin her efforts in a click. There must be some way to get back at him, she thought. As if on cue Riddhima stepped out of her car and right then another idea popped into her brain.
Riddhima's heart picked up race as she set foot on the ground. Her face glowed with happiness and her twinkling gaze focused on the glass door of the hotel eager to catch a glimpse of her love who was behind them. She put a palm on her vigorously thumping heart and took a deep breath before climbing the stairs. It had been exactly nine days since she last saw him, precisely on her doorstep when he had come to drop her back after the outing. She couldn't meet his eyes after the dance they had shared as mischief shone in them. She had wanted to run away from him as the realization of what had transpired between them dawned on her but he had entwined their hands as they walked inside and kept it like that throughout the evening. She was grateful for the gang's presence in the car when they returned home because she couldn't look at him without turning different shades of red. She hadn't picked up his calls either not knowing what to say and maybe he had understood her predicament that's why he kept in touch through messages. But now that he was few feet away she couldn't help but tremble in anticipation of what tonight would bring for them. Her feet stopped in air as she rose it to take the sencond step as someone called her from behind.
"Hi Riddhima. What a pleasant surprise? Didn't expect to see you here." Riddhima's heart dipped seeing Sanya standing there with a smirk.
"Hey. My Di has arranged a get together, bus wahin ja rahi thi. How are you?" She asked politely.
"I'm doing great. Actually I was just leaving after dropping Armaan, tumhien dekha to socha hi bol loon." Sanya said with a fake wide smile.
"Oh acha." Riddhima felt sad hearing she was with Armaan but said nothing.
"Armaan tou mujhse bol raha tha to join him but I declined. Acha nahin lagta na aise. I told him to first inform his parents about us, our relationship, if he wants me to come with him. He agreed. He's going to tell them very soon. I'm so happy. I've waited so long for this day." She continued in her high pitched voice.
"Oh I'm sorry. I wasn't supposed to tell you this. Armaan wanted to surprise you all. Please don't tell him anything." She did a little happy dance mentally seeing all color drain from Riddhima's face.
"I won't. Cong.. Congratulations." Riddhima said shakily.
"Thank you so much. Look, I have to go now. It was nice meeting you. Have a good evening Riddhima." Sanya left with Armaan's driver who was also puzzled seeing her get inside. Riddhima closed her eyes which burned with tears and bit on her lower lip to choke back the building sob. Her heart cracked and all the anxiousness to see him flew away leaving behind hurt and dread. She had to go in even when she wanted to run in the opposite direction, lock herself in her room and cry her heart out at how unfairly fate had treated her. She took deep breaths to regulate her breathing and calm herself down. She didn't want to worry her family. This was her problem and she would deal with it later but for now she needed to go in before someone found her standing here.
Armaan casted another yearning gaze towards the door willing them to reveal his beloved and end his wait. The whole family was present when he had arrived few minutes back. After greeting everyone he had taken the seat opposite the door so that he could see when Riddhima entered. He cuddled his niece and kissed her little curious hands trying to catch everything in her reach. He joined in the conversations half heartedly as his heart was getting restless by the minute. Armaan forgot to breathe for a moment as the doors slided and she stepped in looking as beautiful as ever in her dark blue floral print maxi dress with her hair held in a high pony and a lose strand of hair falling over her forehead. His forehead creased as he saw her always twinkling eyes dull and deprived of life as she scanned the area for their table. He stood up with Pari in his arms so that she could see them. She moved her gaze away as soon as they landed on him making his frown deeper. He shook his head thinking he was over analyzing things. She had just arrived from hospital, it must be exhaustion taking over. Armaan smiled as Shashank complained pulling a sad face when she greeted Billy first.
"Whoa didn't know you'll miss me this much within an hour." Rahul teased her as she wasn't letting go of her tight hold on him. She stepped back and greeted everyone with a smile and hug except him. All he got was a soft hi and small smile while she kissed Pari's nose and ruffled her hair.
Atul stood up and clanked a spoon to the glass to gain everyones' attention. They had gathered their families to make an important announcment regarding the baby rather babies. Yes, they were expecting twins. They were shocked at first when the doctor had revealed this during the recent monthly visit but later they were over whelmed with happiness, especially Atul. Having grown up in an orphanage all his life, he had always looked in envy at his friends who were blessed with the love and support of parents. He was never mistreated but still there was always a void in his heart. Billy and Annie's unconditional love and the support of his dearest friends had filled most of it and now with Anjali and his babies, he felt whole, complete as if he was a new person. His joy knew no bounds and he wanted to share it with the small but loving family that he had built over the years. Everyone was ecstatic on hearing the news. Congratulations were said with tight hugs and lots of kisses. Immediately the to be uncle and aunts were dicussing the changes that needed to be made to the nursey to accomodate both twins.
Armaan wanted to pull Riddhima away from here to a corner and hold her till she spilled what was bothering her. It had been more than an hour and she hadn't looked at him once. She talked with everyone, indulged in planning the nursery for the coming babies normally or as normally as she could because he could see right through her mask that she was holding herself back. What had troubled her so much within a span of ten hours or was it something he said or did was beyond him? The last he chatted with her, she had been excited for the dinner or he had thought so. He knew very well that she was feeling shy after their little moment in the garden and wouldn't meet his eyes but this was different. Her cheeks no more held the rosy tint nor did her eyes sparkle with mirth.
"Guys now this is going over board. With everything that you're putting in the nursery, we won't have to shop for years. Armaan, aik kaam karo tumne jo woh toys order kiye thay unhe cancel kardo, waisey bhi they are for kids above one." Anjie said trying to get one of them to understand but of course no one was ready to back down.
"Bilkul nahin." Came Armaan's instant reply.
"Tum kis liye itne excited ho, they are expecting a baby not you, remember?" Abhi said.
"I know. Maybe you've forgotten that main bhi pehli baar Chacha bun raha hoon, I'm allowed to be excited." He said patting Pari's head softly as she rubbed her face on his shoulder sleepily.
"Chacha bun ne pe ye haal hai, jab baap bano ge tou kya hoga?" Padma spoke making him look down and smile wider.
"Armaan zameen aasmaan aik kar de ga apne baby ke liye." Atul said patting his brothers back.
"He's going to make a great Dad. Have you seen how he deals with Pari? I'm sure his wife will always be happy with him." Nikki added.
"Armaan sab kuch khud hi kar le ga, hamien to kuch karne ka chance hi nahin dega." Anjie complained.
"Doonga na chance. You'll all be welcomed to give blessings and love to my daughter." Armaan added.
"Daughter hunh? I bet tum ne naam bhi soch liya hoga, haina?" Nikki teased.
"Of course, yeh bhi koi poochne ki baat hai. Yeh Armaan hai guys, bohat aagay ki planning karta hai." Atul answered.
"Aww look at how he's blushing like a girl." Abhi said earning a glare in response as all oohed and aahed.
"Excuse me." Riddhima stood up and dashed towards the restroom.
"What happened to her?" Armaan and Rahul exchanged worried glances.
Riddhima gripped the marble counter so tightly that her knuckles turned white and the edges bit into her skin but she felt no pain as it was nothing compared to the sharp ache in her heart. Armaan cuddling and rocking Pari in his hold was a sight that warmed Riddhima's heart. She had dreamt of him holding their child like that, showering his love on him, multiple times. Listening to the talks on the table sliced her heart as she imagined him with Sanya. She couldn't bear even the thought of it, only God knew how she would endure all of it when it actually happened. She left from there splashing cold water on her face to erase the trace of tears and turmoil. A scream escaped her mouth as a hand pulled her darkness.
"Shhh its me." Riddhima tensed as he made her stand against the wall and switched on the torch in his mobile. She looked around as her sight adjusted to the dim light and she noticed they were in a desserted passage only for employees.
"Kya hua?" Armaan asked softly. She was forced to look into the eyes of her captor. She stood there motionless staring in his eyes, searching for answers in their depths.
"Riddhima kya baat hai?" She wanted to look away knowing he could read her eyes as well but couldn't.
"Please Princess, what it is? Why aren't you talking to me? Please tell me." He pleaded as she forced her gaze down. Riddhima wanted to shake him hard and scream that why was he hiding such a big truth from her and giving her mixed signals? Why did he come so close to her that night if he was interested in someone else? But she kept mum wanting to see when he comes out with the truth.
"Riddhima." Her name came out as a pleading whisper from his mouth.
"I'm just tensed due to a case." She uttered the first thing that came to her mind and thankfully it wasn't a lame excuse.
"Sach mein? Meri taraf dekho." He said cupping the side of her face in his palm.
"I have to go." She put a barrier between them by looking at him blankly. She tugged at her hand trying to free it from his hold, he let it go but as she turned to leave he imprissioned her between his arms and the wall. Riddhima sucked in a breath as he dipped his face in her neck and ran the tip of his nose along its lenght. She closed her eyes and fisted her hands tightly trying to fight the effect he had on her. He kissed the hollow space between her collar bone and moved back just enough to see her face.
"You know you can share anything with me, don't you?" He glided his thumb across her pink cheek.
"Armaan, let me go. Koi dekh lega." She said looking around nervously.
"Dekhne do." He knew she was lying and also there was no way he could force her to open up but that didn't mean he couldn't try.
"Armaan move. Sab wait kar rahey honge."
"Karne do. Pehle tum bolo kya baat hai?" He asked bending his face to look in to her lowered eyes.
"Oh I'm sorry." A waiter said turning back on his heels seeing the two of them so close to each other. They sprang apart hurriedly. Riddhima ducked her head down in embarrassment while Armaan just cleared his throat and gestured with his hand for the waiter to pass.
"Tum kahan jaa rahi ho?" He asked catching her wrist as she passed by him in a hurry. She glared at him making him chuckle but he let go of her hand as sounds of people nearing the corner became louder. He waited for her to return to the table before he joined them as well.
Cricket
Anupamaa
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