Im here with the next chap. Hope you all find it worth your time.
Sorry for such a late update. I hope a few of you still have some interest left in this story. I would wait to hear from you all.
Love..
Chapter 16:
"Armaaan." Riddhima whispered his name, pleading him to response as he stood still as a statue. Her breathing became shallow and heart raced rapidly as he continued to look at her with an unreadable expression. The confession which was long overdue still came as a shock to Armaan. He had rehearsed this scene uncountable times in his head but none of them revolved around her bending on one knee in front of him. He had never expected this from his demure Riddhima. She was never one to voice her feelings openly and to see her express her emotions so boldly had rendered him speechless. Her heartfelt confession had blown him to say the least. Armaan's happiness knew no bounds. His heart leaped in joy. It was like he was set free from all the restrictions, burdens, heaviness and worries after ages. He could see she was awaiting his reply nervously. He wanted to ease the lines of doubt from her forehead, tell her she had nothing to be worried about but he was helpless. His brain couldn't form a single coherent sentence nor was his body responding to his attempts. His name which came out as a plea from her lips touched his soul giving him the strenght to slip his hand in hers and pull her close to him.
"Yours... Always.." He said showering her face with urgent kisses. Riddhima sighed in contentment. Her quivering lips stretched into a smile while her eyes moistened at the same time hearing his acceptance. Though he hadn't said the three words, this was just as good for her. Armaan crushed her in his embrace and they both wept tears of joys holding tightly onto each other.
Soft hues of pink, purple and yellow enveloped the clear sky as the tangerine ball of fire sunk lower in the horizon. A golden glow washed over the farmhouse terrace from the flickering flames of candles. Armaan and Riddhima sat on a swing holding hands witnessing the sunset in tranquility. Words weren't required. Their hearts communicated in a language known only to them. Light slowly faded as darkness took over, indicating the end of another day and with it ended their long wait. Today the setting sun had given way to the dawn of their happiness, love and togetherness.
"I love you Riddhima." Armaan said huskily raising her hand to his mouth and pressing a kiss inside her palm. Riddhima's heart missed a beat as he confessed his love. She found herself drowning in his deep blue orbs which held an ocean of love and adoration, just for her.
"No more tears Princess." She didn't know she was crying until he wiped the tears running down her cheeks and kissed her eyes. The dimple below her right eye became prominent as she beamed at him nodding her head in agreement.
"What happened that day before you joined us for dinner?" He asked tentatively playing with her fingers. Riddhima lowered her gaze thinking how to dodge the question. She didn't want to ruin their day with any tiff from the past.
"Please Princess, I want to know what had stolen the sparkle from your eyes?" Armaan gripped her chin and made her face him. The earnest in his eyes made it difficult for her to think let alone lie so she told the truth.
"I met Sanya outside the restaurant. She told me that you were going to tell your parents about your relationship with her."
"How could I forget? I should have known she was behind it." He muttered angrily punching his hand on the swing.
"Armaan." Riddhima whispered quickly grasping his hand scared he would hit again.
"The nerve of that girl to say this when I told her clearly that I was committed to you." He raked his free hand through his hair in agitation. He wanted to strangle Sanya for creating problems in his life repeatedly. Prem had told him of her involvement in the incident that separated Riddhima from him.
"You did?" Riddhima asked in a tone so soft that for a moment Armaan thought he had imagined it but the look of surprise and anxiousness mixed with a streak of doubt made his heart go out to her.
"It has always been you, Riddhima. You were the one who gave meaning to the word 'love' in my life. Before you it was just that, a mere word. You know seeing Mom and Dad so much in love with each other made me yearn for it, for someone to be there for me as well and God answered my prayers by bringing you in my life. You are the only one I've ever loved Riddhima." He said turning towards her and cupping her face in his palms. The sincerity of his words was clearly reflected in his eyes.
"I've loved you too Armaan.. Always." She said looking into his eyes, trying to convey her deepest emotions.
"Thank you for the lovely meal." Armaan said standing right behind Riddhima who was working in the kitchen. He wanted to step forward and take her in his hold but resisted the urge not sure of her reaction.
"It wasn't much, just what I managed to put together with the limited resources here." She replied stirring a cup with closed eyes, their proximity affecting her.
"It's the best meal I've had in a long time and what makes it more special is that you cooked it for me." A small smile touched her lips hearing him but she couldn't reply as his breath fanned the back of her neck making goosebumps errupt. Upon receiving no answer Armaan looked over her shoulder to see what she was doing. She closed the lid of the container after drawing a smiley with cocoa powder over the froth. He chuckled softly remembering how she used to bring a cup of hot chocolate with a smiley, hold her ear with one hand and give him her best puppy look; her way of apologizing whenever they had an argument or he was upset with her.
"You have nothing to apologize for Princess but, yes, a lot of making up for the lost time." He said huskily. He finished the distance between them with one step as she leaned into him unconsciously. He traced the path from her temple to her neck with his lips; leaving the lightest of kisses. Pressing one last kiss he placed his forehead on her shoulder inhaling her heavenly scent deeply trying to regulate his erratic hearbeat. Steadying her quivering body she turned around and followed him to the drawing room with two mugs of steaming coffee. Barefoot, she padded towards him as he patted the spot next to him on the sofa. He shook his head seeing her sit a good distance away. He encircled her waist and pulled her closer to him which she didn't seem to mind. They sipped on the hot beverage in silence, both lost in thoughts about what the future held for them.
"Riddhima, I want to explain what happened that night in the club." Armaan said after taking a deep breath, readying himself to narrate the incident.
"Armaan please, you don't have to. It doesn't matter to me anymore now that we are...together. We are now, aren't we?" Riddhima hesitated while asking.
"Yes Princess, we are together. It is for this reason itself that I want you to know the truth. I had previously said that we should lock our past but now I think it's better to discuss those bitter parts so that no one can take advantage of our misunderstanding and tear us apart, once again." She nodded at him as she couldn't deny what he said. It was true. Keeping things in the dark was like providing a chance to their enemy to separate them themselves.
The fast and loud music reverberated through the walls of Blue Lagoon Club. Groups of youngsters danced crazily to the up beat rhythms under multicolor globes flashing lights on them while others indulged in chats over drinks. Armaan was interested in none of them and so he sat with his elbows propped on the bar and lips turned in a downward curve, showing his dislike for being here at this time. His gaze flickered back to the dark screen of his mobile repeatedly, willing it to light up, chime and somehow produce the message he had been waiting for since he entered the club; his pass to get away from here. He pouted adorably at his not so good luck.
"What's up man?" Ron clapped Armaan's back before jumping on the high chair next to him.
"Kya hua Armaan, waiting for a call?" Dev asked circling his hand around Armaan's shoulder.
"Yeah." Armaan answered in one word.
"Kis ki call ka wait itni besabri se ho raha hai, hunh?" Vivek asked joining the group.
"Yeh bhi poochne wali baat hai bhala? Of course Riddhima ki call hogi." Dev replied with a knowing smirk which Armaan found extremely irritating but kept silent none the less.
"Haan, us ke anay ke baad se to yeh humien bhool hi gaya hai. He doesn't go out with us or attend parties anymore." Vivek added.
"Who would go out with his friends when he has a hot n happening house guest?" Ron squeaked as the drinks started to show their effects. Armaan bit his tongue to stop himself from lashing out at them and answered sternly.
"It's nothing like that. I've been studying our office files along side studies, is liye time nahi nikal paya."
"Oh so you mean you aren't involved with her?" Dev questioned to which he shook his head negatively.
"And you aren't interested in her either?"
"Can we please talk about something else?" Armaan said losing his patience. He wasn't going to discuss his private life with them.
"You can tell us you know? Hum tumhari help karien ge. Afterall tum ne hum sab ki kitni help ki hai ladkiyon ko impress karne mein." Vivek offered.
"No. Thank you. I don't need any help from anyone. Bye." Armaan said in calculated words getting down from the chair not wanting to have a verbal spat right now.
"So next weeek se apnaa plan start karr sakte hain. Dekhtee hain kaunnn us haseena, Riddheeema, ko pehle impresss kartaa hai." Ron's slurred words halted Armaan's feet from moving ahead.
"What did you say?" He asked turning back.
"Arrayyy tum gaayye nahin abb takk?" His glaring eyes made him shut up.
"Vivek or Ron ne bet lagayi hai ke jo Riddhima ko pehle impress kar le ga and ask her to be his girlfriend, usey 5k rupees milien ge." Dev told him excitedly, looking forward to their plan to unfold.
"There's nothing to get angry about Armaan. Tumhien to woh pasand nahin hai na toh phir problem kya hai? Its just a harmless bet." Vivek encountered seeing how he fisted his hands. They were all aware of his anger.
"Even if she isn't with me it doesn't mean you can try your tricks on her." Armaan told them clearly. He wasn't going to let anyone play with his Princess's feelings and reputation.
"Tum accept kyun nahi kar lete Armaan, ke tum ussey pasand kartey ho. It's very clear to us. Afterall you spend an awful lot of time with her. Plus you wouldn't be reacting like how you are now." Dev said.
Armaan sighed. Getting defensive wasn't going to help. He knew his friends, or once upon a time he considered them to be. He couldn't fathom how he spent time with them all these years? He had believed them to be good hearted beneath the spoilt brat attitude but he was wrong. They had no care or concern for anybody other than themselves and their fun. He couldn't stand to be with them for a moment longer but he had to divert their attention from Riddhima, to protect her. If he admitted to having feelings for her, the news would spread like a wild fire and reach her sooner than he liked and in a way he never wanted it to. There was only one way now. He hated himself already for even thinking about it but there was no other option. These guys loved challenges and the thrill of pursuing it. He couldn't let her become their target. He would paint a picture of Riddhima so bland and boring that they would leave her alone and in peace.
"Riddhima to sirf aik responsibility hai.." He couldn't speak beyond that due to the huge lump in his throat. He couldn't think anything bad about his Princess let alone say it but looking at their curious eyes he knew he had to say something now.
"You know Dad's childhood friend's daughter and Dad loves her a lot. So I have to take her along everywhere. Believe me she's so plain, boring, behenjee types and besides wo yeh sab dating wageira nahin karti. So please ussey bhool jao and enjoy with these hot chicks." Armaan continued taking a huge gulp of his drink and gestured towards the scantily dressed girls dancing around guys to get their attention.
"Phir tu kyun har waqt us ke saath hota hai? Hamare saath kyun party nahin kar raha jab se wo ayi hai?" Vivek asked with a raised brow.
"Aray yaar bola na wo mera pura waqt le leti hai, itna bolti hai ke bus and I can't leave her because of dad. But don't worry, bohat jald us ke parents aa jaein ge yahan so she'll shift and I will finally get my freedom back." Armaan gulped the whole drink in one sip trying to push down the bile rising in his throat. He was feeling claustrophobic here and after all the lies he had just spun, his head was going in a dizzying speed.
"I think Armaan is right. Why waste your time on her when you have so many interesting options." Dev persuaded his friends who shrugged non chalantly.
"Guys what are you all doing here? Come, let's dance. Armaan.." Sanya said from the back. Armaan raised his hand to stop her from coming near and got up.
"I'm done here. Remember one thing, I won't hesitate to rearrange the features of anyone who as much as thinks of hurting Riddhima." Armaan said with finality before marching out of the club.
Riddhima sat stunned hearing him narrate the happenings from that night. She couldn't believe she had been such a fool to have accepted what little of the conversation she heard without asking him for a reason. Armaan took her silence as one of hurt and anger.
"Riddhima, the hatred you saw in my eyes was not for you, it was directed towards me for uttering those words about you. I hated myself for being so weak in that moment. If I had dealt with the situation cautiously everything would have been different for us." He said putting his head in his hands defeatedly.
"Armaan please don't hold yourself responsible. What you did was solely for me. If only I had seeked an explanation rather than a way out, things could have been different too." She said placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Armaan please, I know what you want to say. You're not the only one who was at fault here. Both of us were wrong to some extent so we should accept our mistakes and leave the past where it belongs." She continued taking his hand in hers.
"I'm sorry Armaan for behaving rudely with you at Di's wedding and for not giving you a chance to explain." She said with remorse.
"I'm sorry too Princess, for hurting your feelings so many times, even if it was unintentional." He replied looking down at their joined hands.
"You know you're right. We shouldn't waste anymore time dwelling on what can't be changed. We should look beyond that towards our future together." Armaan agreed and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I Love you Armaan." She said nestling her head in the crook of his neck making him smile.
"I love you too Riddhima.. Infinitely." He whispered pressing a kiss on her forehead and leaning back on the sofa with her in his arms; the place where he intended to keep her forever.
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