AR's 'Mine Forever.' A Note on pg 76. - Page 48

Chapter 18 A:

The sweet sound of Riddhima's humming filled the void of conversation in the car as Rahul weaved their car through the heavy traffic of Delhi. They were on their way to join the gang for a quick lunch before they all had to resume duties at their work places again. Rahul's heart swelled with contentment seeing his little sister's exuberant demeanor. These days her eyes twinkled like gems and face sparkled with a radiant smile, which in turn charged the atmosphere with positive energy. This was the happiest he had ever seen her and there was only person to thank for this pleasant change. He sent a silent prayer to God to always keep her happiness intact.

Gurgles of a very happy and excited Pari echoed in the dining hall as she wiggled in her uncle's hold to touch and catch each fish that crossed in front of her in the wall sized aquarium of the restaurant. Armaan's heartbeat accelarated indicating that Riddhima was near and his heart wasn't wrong as she climbed the last few steps of the spiral staircase. Her eyes brightened and lips curled in a breathtaking smile as she saw him and Pari. He could see the bounce in her step and the glow on her face. He was so proud and content to be the reason behind it; both of them made the other happy. In his case, she completed him and his world. She was his life. The beautiful dimples marked their presence on his sculpted face as she gravitated towards him, her eyes never leaving his.

"Hello my babies." She muttered softly placing a kiss on their cheeks. His lips stretched to their limits hearing the endearment she had used for him unconsciously. She really must have been under a magical spell to publically show so much affection or maybe she hadn't realized it yet, he thought. She nestled her head at her favorite spot, between his neck and shoulder joint, wrapping her arms around his torso and the cooing baby. Armaan kissed her head holding her back with his free arm and Pari touched her cheek. They made a beautiful, heart warming picture.

"Don't you three look just adorable." A series of flashes followed by Nikki's voice cut their moment short. Riddhima immediately straightened up realizing for the first time that they an audience. She had forgotten about the others once her yearning gaze found her object of desire. She ducked her head as she turned tomato red due to embarrassment.

"Did you three color coordinate your clothes?" Rahul asked making the duo look down at their dresses followed by Pari, who tried to imitate their actions. Armaan wore a deep blue three piece suit with a white shirt, Riddhima was in a dark denim overall with a white ribbed shirt and Pari had a dark blue frock with a white bow. They smiled at each other before moving towards the table.

"Thank you Armaan." Rahul whispered as they hugged but was met with a questioning look.

"For making my sister so happy." He said gratefully.

"She makes me happy too. Very happy." Armaan replied looking at her in a daze.

"Rahul, woh pictures jo tumne.."

"Sent already. Check your whatapps." Rahul cut him in between making him beam. Riddhima hugged Nikki and Abhi before taking her seat next to Armaan who threaded his fingers through hers on the table, involuntarily. The lovebirds had grown more close and comfortable after their first kiss last week. Since then they had met daily, religiously taking out time for the other, however small it was they made it worth. Armaan's need to be close to her at times drove him crazy, so he always maintained physical contact with her when they were together, depending on where they were.

"Ummm is there something we should know?" Nikki asked eyeing their hands. Riddhima quickly tried to snatch her hand but Armaan tightened his hold before speaking.

"Yes, there is. Riddhima and I are together now." Th men winced and covered their ears as Nikki screamed and jumped before taking the duo in a bear hug.

"I'm so happy for you both." Nikki said parting with watery eyes. She couldn't thank God enough for returning her brother's happiness.

"Can you please not tell Anjie about it? I want to be the one to tell her this. After all that she has done for me, its the least I can do." Armaan requested Nikki.

"Of course. Don't worry. When will you tell your parents? They will be over the moon hearing this news." She replied.

"Very soon." He said.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late. I hope I... Ok, what's going on here?" Prem asked leaning against the table, breathing heavily as if he had run a marathon.

"Armaan and Ridz are finally together." Abhi replied hugging them.

"Congratulations my little one." Prem shook his head and kissed Riddhima's cheek as she turned her face away, showing her displeasure at something.

"I can explain. Please give me a chance." He pleaded turning her to face him to which she twisted her nose cutely.

"Kya hua?" Rahul asked looking at the exchange between them.

"Riddhi naraz hai mujhse. Koi baat nahin, main mana loon ga issey." Prem replied confidently. They all settled down and enjoyed the sumptuous meal over hearty conversations.

"Niks, I was thinking about throwing a baby shower for Di once Mama returns with Nani. What do you think about it?" Riddhima asked feeding a spoon of dessert to Pari.

"Great. It'll be so much fun. When do we start the preps?" Nikki asked. Men made faces when they both discussed the details enthusiastically.

"What's the problem with you all? Aisi shaklien kyun bana rahey ho?" Nikki questioned.

"This is going to be so boring. Yeh sab itna girly stuff hai." Abhi complained.

"Girls function hai tou girly to hoga hi na." Riddhima replied.

"Girls? What are we going to do then?" Rahul asked to which they replied with a careless shrug.

"Don't tell me, you're planning on not letting us in? Common yaar, hum kya karien ge? Kahan jayien ge?"

"No need to be so dramatic Armaan. Tum log golf course ya bowling chaley jana ya whatever stuff you guys do. It's your headache." Nikki said. After a lot of argument and even more cajoling girls gave in and agreed to let them join as well.

"Phir tou mujhe koi jagah search karni padey gi. Earlier I was thinking of arranging it at our house itself but with men there too, space kum padh jaye gi."

"How about we go together and look for the halls?" Armaan asked.

"Yeah, that will be nice."

"Ok then I'll pick you from hospital at 7 in the evening tonight." He said getting up to head back to work.

"Excuse me, where do you think you're taking my girlfriend?" Armaan asked Prem as he encircled her waist with an arm and directed her towards his car, more like dragged as she dug her heels in the ground, making it hard for him.

"I need to talk to her. I'll drop her after that."

"I don't wan to talk to you. Leave me." She fidgeted.

"You don't have to, you just listen and I'm not letting you go so you better come willingly warna main utha ke le jaon ga Riddhi." He threatened when she started calling Armaan and Rahul for help.

"Looks like I'm not needed here anymore. Bye guys. I'll see you around Sleeping Beauty." Rahul left kissing her cheek.

"Let me say my goodbye and then I'll be out of here too." Armaan added. They laughed at her shocked expressions.

"You.. You traitors. Har baar mere saath chod dete ho." She was upset with them for always not taking her side.

"Give me a moment Prem." Armaan said irritatedly as he stood there next to them grinning like an idiot, observing the so in love couple.

"Make it quick." He said leaving them.

"I'm not talking to you." She huffed crossing her arms across her chest.

"I love you Princess." Armaan's tender voice made her look up in to his eyes filled with warmth and love. They made all her anger melt. He pulled her behind the car to gaurd them from prying eyes. He cupped her cheeks and took her lips in a kiss that was urgent and passionate, giving away his desire for her. She replied with just as much love and ardour making it hard for him to pull away.

"Don't forget I'm here too." Prem's voice pulled them back to reality.

"I love you too." She whispered breathlessly parting from him.

Armaan's eyes twinkled, as a little child in a toy store, as he entered Sweet Pea; a baby store. The vibrant and colorful clothing, accessories, furniture, toys all pulled him towards them. The infant girls section appealed

him the most hence he decided to start his search from that section.

Riddhima's step faltered at the heart warming sight in front of her. There amidst a rainbow of colors and fabrics, stood Armaan in a three piece suit; like a perfect business tycoon, but the soft gleam in his eyes tugged at her heart. Seeing him like this made her weave dreams of their blissful future, soon she would have her own little family.

"What are you doing here? I've been looking for you in the whole store. I ordered the furniture for the twin. They said it'll be delivered and assembled by the start of next month." Riddhima said coming near him.

"Aww this is so pretty." She picked up a sequenced white frock with bright pink ribbon from his trolley.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" He asked turning around with handfuls of frocks.

"Yeah. You don't think you have the wrong size? This is too small for Pari.You're taking this for her only, right?" She asked looking at the size tag which read 9 months.

"No. It's not for her."

"Phir kis ke liye?" She asked irritatedly as he kept looking at the clothes in front of him.

"For my daughter."

"Excuse me!" Riddhima exclaimed loudly earning attention from other customers.

"Sorry, mera matlab hai hamari beti ke liye." He replied sheepishly at his mistake.

"Armaan, mujhe lag raha hai tumhari tabiyat bohat kharab hai, chalo hum ghar jatay hai." She said taking his hand.

"Ruko Riddhima, the salesman is bringing me the last piece from this collection." He said threading his fingers through hers.

"Sir, yeh lijye. This is the only piece that is left in stock."

"Thank you. Ab chalo." He said happily turning around to leave.

"You're really buying them?" She asked shocked.

"Of course, kyun? Koi problem hai? You like them too, don't you?" He asked confused at her expressions.

"Armaan, baat pasand ki nahi hai. Come here." She dragged him to the silent corner of the aisle.

"Who are you buying this for?"

"You have short term memory?" He asked in a similar tone.

"Armaan, abhi hamari shaadi bhi nahi hui hai and here you're shopping clothes for a baby? What's wrong with you?" She said trying to make him see sense.

"Oh tou yeh problem hai. Don't worry, hamari shaadi bhi ho jaye gi or bachey bhi, woh bhi bohat jald but not neccessarily in the same order." Armaan whispered the last part hugging her from behind.

"Armaan Mallik! Have you lost it completely? Don't for a moment think.." She stopped mid sentence as Armaan's rich laughter rumbled through his chest that was pressed against her back and resonated through her body.

"Chodo mujhe, chodo." She wiggled to get out of his hold understanding he was teasing.

"Nahin chodun ga, kabhi bhi nahin. Princess, you should know I would never do anything that you dislike or makes you uncomfortable." He turned her in his arms to face him.

"But that doesn't mean I'm not buying these dresses." He stated.

"How are you so sure we'll have a girl only first?" She said playfully wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I know the secret of making a baby girl." He said with a wink.

"But I want an adorable blue eyed boy." She said dreamily.

"If that's what you want. Your wish is my command, Princess. You should know beforehand that's going to need lots of practice and I suggest we start now."

"Armaan, no. Besharam. Koi dekh lega yahan." She pushed him away as he pulled her flushed against him.

"Does that mean if nobody is around we can?" She swatted his arm lightly as he teased her. She covered his eyes to avoid his penetrating gaze but he pulled down her hand and kissed it.

"Kya kar rahay ho? Dekho, koi aa jaye ga." She stuttered taking one step back for each step he took towards her. All protests died in her throat as he backed her up against the wall and captured her lips in a quick kiss. They walked out of the store, hand in hand with half a dozen bags filled with pretty dresses; for their soon to come little one.

Armaan placed his head on the steering wheel with a sigh after parking the car in the garage. He looked up at the horizon enveloped in complete darkness; there was no star in sight. The surroundings were drowned in an eerie silence as the hustle and bustle of transport had died down and the nearby residents had retired for the day. Usually such atmosphere constricted his chest, pulled him into the valley of memories he had tried hard to supress and reminded him of his loneliness. Tonight no such emotions suffocated him. He felt liberated, joyous and content from within as everything that caused him agony was now in the past. He had overcome the obstacles separating him from his happiness. Tonight the one empowering his senses and holding him captive was his love; His Princess. Time seemed to fly in her presence since their confession but it still left him with moments to cherish. His heart craved to be near her always and since that wasn't possible he valued each second spent with her. He wondered how long would it now take them to be tied together by the sacred thread of marriage? His roaming gaze settled on the window of his parent's bedroom. He found it strange that they were still up at this late hour; they usually slept early. He tiptoed through the mansion with shopping bags in his hands, not wanting to be caught with them. He quickly pushed them in his room and turned to check on his parents.

"Mom ap abhi tak soyi nahin?" He asked peeping in from the partially opened door.

"How can a mother sleep when her son is still out so late?" Annie replied keeping aside the book she was reading.

"Mom, maine call kara to tha ke main Riddhima ke saath hoon, besides 11 pm is hardly late." He walked up to her.

"Hmm but it still is a concern for a mother." She patted the space next to her on the bed. He laid down with his head in her lap and they talked about their day.

"Dad, what is this? You're still doing office work. Take it easy, I have this deal under control." Armaan said taking off his father's reading glasses making him smile.

"I think you're right, I should consider taking retirement." Billy said joining his wife on the bed.

"Woah, I didn't mean to say that easy Dad. I'm still not ready to take this responsibilty."

"You're ready my son. You're ready to shoulder all responsibilties but don't worry I won't pressure you into anything and nor would your Mom. I've told her not to push you anymore." Billy said seeing the worry lines on his son's forehead.

"Billy sahi keh rahey hain. I'm not happy with his decision per kyunki ab waada kar lia hai is liye poora to karna hi hoga." Annie added unhappily.

Guilt gnawed Armaan's insides as he heard his parents. They were willing to put their dreams away for him, not wanting to force him in any matter and here he was enjoying his newfound happiness and love without their knowledge. It made him feel selfish. He never intended to keep this away from them, he only wanted to have Riddhima's undivided attention for sometime; till his heart was assured of their togetherness.

"Mom, Dad, I want to tell you something." Armaan said fidgeting with the loose ends of his mother's shawl. There was no other moment better than this to tell them the truth. He didn't want them to know about their relationship from someone else. Plus he was sure that his demeanor would leave little to suspect at the upcoming business event, seeing how he behaved around her.

"It's okay Sunny boy, don't feel bad, we just want you to be happy." Billy said patting his back.

"Dad, I.." Armaan stuttered again, not finding the proper words to explain himself.

"You found someone?" Annie asked hopefully. She could see her confident and eloquent son seemed lost for words, something which was very unusual.

"Oh God, I can't believe this." She exclaimed covering her mouth when he nodded his head in affirmative. She fired questions at him about how, when, where and who the girl was excitedly.

"It's Riddhima." He told them cautiously, not knowing how they will react.

"Our Angel?" She asked. Her eyes widened in disbelief as he nodded again.

"Why did you say no for her when I asked?" She kept silent, trying to absorb the news and then within minutes her questioning gaze turned accusing.

"I never said no for her Mom. You mistook my silence for a no." Armaan replied. He knew his mother was reffering to the time when she had come up to him with the first wedding proposal and the girl was none other than Riddhima. She had been so sure, he would say a yes because of the relationship they shared. It was the year she graduated. By then Armaan had given up reconciliation, adopting the silent stance. He didn't give any answer for months, unsure of Riddhima's reaction to this proposal, and Annie took that as a no. With that started a long list of girls who all got the same response from him; a clear no.

"Yes, you're right. Your reluctance to answer made me assume that it was a no. Why did you keep quiet when it has been her all along?" Annie questioned.

"I realized my feelings after she left. I didn't know if she reciprocated them or not. We didn't have much communication as we both got busy with our lives, separately. I couldn't agree without knowing for sure of what she felt for me." He answered with a lowered gaze. He couldn't lie to them otherwise, they read his eyes. He hid the truth because he didn't want their affections for Riddhima to diminish even a fraction. Although she wasn't at fault even a bit, they were his parents and his pain would make them look at matters in a different angle. He was just trying to protect them from something that was now in the past.

"Have you confessed to her now or are you still waiting for some sign?" Billy asked.

"I told her last week." Armaan told them snippets from their first date minus the romantic parts.

"I'm going to pull Riddhima's ear in the morning. Itne din chup rahi, ghar aana bhi chod dia, bol nahin sakti thi mujhse ya Billy se, pagal ladki."

"Mom please usey kuch mat kahye ga, is mein us ki galti nahin hai." He said quickly making them look at him with raised brows.

"Wah wah, abhi baat pakki nahin hui tou yeh haal hai, baad mein kya hoga janaab ka." Billy joked.

"Ap, ap log khush nahin hain is rishtey se kya?" He mistook his father's teasing.

"Don't be silly Armaan. Idhar aao. Hum khush kyun nahin honge? Hamari to hamesha se yehi khwahish rahi hai ke Riddhima hi hamare ghar ki bahu banay. Aj tumne mujhe bohat badi khushi di hai Beta. I'm so happy." Annie said kissing his forehead.

"We're so happy." Billy corrected her and pulled his wife and son in a warm hug with a huge smile.

The huge ballroom was decorated in soft hues to balance the sophisticated decor that was done in accordance to the big event. A red carpet was rolled out to welcome the biggest and leading businessmen from around the country; who were gathering here to award the most popular and successful ones amongst them. Men dressed in finest tuxedos and the women accompanying them adorned in an array of designer labels mingled together; impatient for the evening to begin formally. Armaan looked ruggedly handsome and impeccable in his black three piece suit with a crisp white shirt and bow tie. He conversed with fellow workers and acquaintances, politely thanking them for their wishes and adding a word or two where appropriate. He was one of the five who were nominated for the best businessman award this year. He had a gut feeling that today would be his day; in all senses, afterall his lucky charm was with him now though currently she was running late.

"Here, have a drink and stop glaring at the gate. Riddhi will be here on time, don't worry." Prem said handing him a flute of cocktail from the passing waiters.

"How are you so sure?" His impatient gaze kept flickering to the entrance and each ticking minute seemed to irritate him.

"I just spoke to her, she's on her way here."

"As far as I remember she wasn't talking to you." He said taking a sip of the drink.

"Woh kal ki baat thi. We're cool now. You're aware of your brother's convincing powers, aren't you?" Armaan shook his head with a chuckle as Prem lifted his shirt's collar. He couldn't deny that he indeed was very good with words; that gave him an edge over others.

"I thought she would give me a hard time but as soon as I told her that Mukti and I were shifting back to India, all her anger was forgotten. You should have seen how those two got along just on the very first call. They're in touch now and everytime I call Mukti, all she talks about is Riddhi and their plans. I'm dreading when these two get together. We'll have to search for activities to keep us occupied because they won't have time for us." Prem said sulkenly.

"I'm glad they bonded so well. Riddhima was.." Armaan's words died on his lips as he felt the atmosphere around him shift. A wave of air carrying the sensuous fragrance of roses carressed his senses, informing him of his beloved's arrival. He froze on spot as his yearning gaze landed on Riddhima who stood at the entrance; her kohl outlined emerald eyes flitting from one corner of the hall to the other in search of him. It didn't take her long to locate him. As soon as their eyes connected, he felt a surge of current pass through his spine and the hair at the back of his neck stand. There were hushed whispers amongst the guests as they appreciated her looks whereas Armaan still hadn't taken her appearance into notice yet his orbs reflected warmth and love. The adoration he held for her ran deeper than just her physical attributes. She was beautiful, inside out, and he admired everything about her. He was spell bound; her hypnotic eyes holding him captive. The connection broke as Billy lead her inside the venue. Riddhima looked ethereal in an ankle length black anarkali frock with delicate golden embroidery. Her silky locks cascaded down her waist in waves; bouncing with her steps. Armaan's gaze followed her each move from a distance. He watched her eyes gleam and lips stretch in a warm smile as Billy introduced her to his business acquaintances. His patience worn thin as his friends held her back, so he took long strides to reach her without waiting for a moment longer.

"Good evening My love."Armaan said in a hoarse voice and kissed her forehead.

"Oyye hoyye." He whispered as Riddhima lowered her eyes shyly as color rose to her cheeks when he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side without any hesitation.

A pair of eyes burned in jealousy and rage on watching this scene unfold in front of them. On seeing the interaction between the couple and their friends, it was apparent that their relationship was now in the open and they were all happy about it. Except her. Sanya couldn't stand to see another woman by Armaan's side as his partner nor accept that he didn't have any feelings for her. It was the first time that someone had turned her down. Coming from a wealthy background and being an only child not only gave her the freedom of choosing everything to her liking but also of throwing a fit and demanding things to be done her way. She loved to take charge of matters but the situation at hand was spiralling out of her control, very fast and that did not sit well with her. The thought of losing Armaan to another girl unleashed a darker side to her personality, one that was not only wild and crazy but also very dangerous. Sanya knew she had to fight and win this losing battle herself as her parents wouldn't support her this time. She was willing to go to any lengths to win Armaan and her first target was his mother. She let out a deep breath of satisfaction after going through her plan mentally. She had sometime before the award distribution began and she was sure that was all the time she required. Sanya covered up her smirk with an innocent smile and walked with grace towards Annie, who conversed with other ladies. After exchanging greetings she politely asked for a moment to talk in private, which she agreed to without reluctance. Sanya batted her thickly coated eyelashes and spoke in an overtly sweet tone, playing her part well. Soon the smile from Annie's face was wiped out and a frown took its place hearing Sanya. Annie patted her hand in acknowledgement for the information she shared and took quick steps towards Riddhima for an answer, just like Sanya wanted. What she hadn't expected was Prem's intervention.

"What happened Mum, why do you look so upset?" Prem asked circling his arm around Annie's shoulder. She looked at him varily for a moment and then asked.

"Tum mjuhe aik baat sach sach batao ge?"

"Mum, when have I ever lied to you? Poochiye ap kya poochna chahti hain." He said.

"Has Riddhima ever hurt Armaan? Was she the reason behind his changed behavior? Does she really love him or is she just playing with his feelings?" Prem's eyes widened in alarm hearing her questions. He had a gut feeling that Sanya was upto something when he saw her take Annie to a corner and his intuition was proved right. That cunning girl had brainwashed Annie into believing that Riddhima was at fault.

"Abhi, tell Armaan to meet me near the balcony gate. It's urgent. Keep Riddhi busy with you. I'll tell you later just don't let her come after Armaan." Prem disconnected the line after speaking to Abhi.

"Two minutes Mum. Aj Armaan hi ap ke har sawaal ka jawab de ga. Bohat kar lia us ne sab ka khayal. He should learn that some people don't deserve any kindness at all." He said glaring at Sanya who trembled slightly seeing them approach her.

"Prem, kya hua? Why did you call?" Armaan said joining them. He sucked in a sharp breath as Annie relayed what Sanya said.

"Don't keep quiet today Armaan. Don't give her a chance to manipulate our family against us. Let everyone know her true face." Prem said pressing his shoulder when he didn't reply for few minutes. Armaan pondered on the situation, his heart beating wildly in his chest as his past stood infront of him threatening his future, once again.

"Mum, is ne ap se jo bhi kaha hai wo jhoot hai. Meri or Riddhima ki kabhi koi ladai nahi hui. Riddhima had overheard me talking bad things about her, which were all lies, to my so called friends. She went abroad because I broke her heart. When we tried to patch up our differences on her return, someone fed her lies about me and you know Mum who created misunderstandings between us both the times? This girl. She made us go through so much agony." Annie was shocked and hurt to say the least. She couldn't believe her son had gone through so much silently and that too at the hands of the girl whom she thought fit as his life partner.

"Where do you think you're going Sanya?" Armaan gripped her upper arm as she tried to slip into the shadows. Sanya's face lost all the color as he glowered at her. She swallowed hard and tried to formulate a sentence but couldn't come up with anything.

"Hadn't I warned you to not interfere in my life again? Hadn't I made it clear that I want nothing to do with you?" He backed her up in the corner seething in anger.

"Ar.. Armaan, listen to me." She stammered.

"You listen to me and listen very carefully." Armaan stepped closer and stared down at her.

"You stay away from me, Riddhima and my family. You've already caused enough damage Sanya. You take one step in the wrong direction, I swear I'll make you regret ever being born." Sanya shrunk with fear seeing the building rage and fury in his eyes. She sneaked into the balcony as he left after warning her.

"There you are, I was looking for you all. The function is about to start, come let's take our seats." Riddhima chirped excitedly. Her smile faltered as Annie kissed her forehead with moist eyes and left with Prem. Armaan enveloped her in a hug. He tightened his hold as his body shook with rage. He hid his face in the crook of her neck and breathed in her soothing scent to calm himself.

"What happened? Armaan, are you alright?" She asked worriedly, wrapping her arms around him.

"I'm fine. Just missed you." He replied with fake enthusiam to avoid worrying her.

"Are you sure?" She asked skeptically.

"Of course Princess." He pecked her lips softly before leading her to their table.

Armaan looked at Riddhima when she clasped his hand tightly and chewed her bottom lip nervously as the announcer opened the envelope to announce the winner.

"The award for the Most Successful Businessman of the year goes to Mr. Armaan Mallik." His focus remained on her even after the hall echoed with claps as her eyes sparkled with delight as his name was called out. She turned to face him with a breathtaking smile making his heart skip a beat. He kissed her temple lovingly before standing up and taking blessings from his parents. The friends cheered and patted his back as he walked upto the stage.

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great honor for me to stand here tonight. I am sincerely greatful to be amongst the nominated and very pleased on having received this award.

This success isn't mine alone. It is the result of combined efforts of all the dedicated employees at Mallik Industries. This award belongs to all of us.

I want to express my gratitude to my parents and friends who constantly supported me in all my endeavors. Lastly I want to thank My someone special. My love you were away but never far from my heart. You have always been my light, my strength and my reason to carry on in life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve these heights. Thank you." Riddhima's eyes filled with moisture and her heart swelled with pride and love as he collected his award. His words touched her. She had played no part in his success but he still gave her the credit.

"Dad, I'll leave after the photoshoot. When you're ready to go just give me a call. I'll come." Armaan said.

"There's no need for that Armaan. Tum bhool rahey ho main bhi hoon yahan. I'm coming back home because Mum won't let me stay at the hotel." Prem said from his place.

"You're crazy if you think you're staying anywhere else Bro. I'm taking Riddhima home with me. Give me a call when you leave the venue." He whispered the last part in his ear hugging him.

"Shall we leave Riddhima?" He asked giving her his hand which she took without hesitation. After the ceremony ended he was called to pose for the selected electronic and press media. He wrapped his arm around her waist protectively and guided her to their car waiting for them at the entrance amidst flashes from frantic paprazzi.

"Why did you bring me here Armaan?" Riddhima asked as they climbed the stairs of Mallik Mansion with hands clasped together. Riddhima gasped on seeing his bedroom filled with gifts, they were probably the same ones she saw earlier, but now with them taking up the whole king sized bed and side tables made her realize just how many they were. He loosened his hold on her hand and gestured with his eyes to check them. She looked at him from her position on the bed seeking an explanation silently which he understood well.

"I bought these for you on different occassions. You weren't here and I couldn't send them to you so I just saved them for when you would be back. I've written when and how of each gift in this diary and few special moments that I wanted to share with you." He said giving her a thick notebook. Riddhima felt her heart sink a little seeing the flash of sudden saddness and hurt on Armaan's face which he hid well with a smile. She sighed thinking about the pain he had gone through. She had done her best to remove him from her memories, albeit in vain, and here he was buying her gifts and writing to her, sharing his each day with her. She gulped back the lump of emotions and skidded towards him keeping the book back on his lap.

"You keep this with you. I can't turn the time but I surely can live those moments with you now, through this. I want you to read it for me and share with me all the details, even the little ones you haven't mentioned here. I will open each gift one by one as we read these entries together, okay?" She asked threading her fingers through his to which he nodded kissing the inside of her palm.

"For a man who has just won such a prestigious award and whose dream has come true, you don't look too happy. Tell me why you aren't happy?" She asked as he gave her a surprised look. He shook his head thinking it wasn't the first time she picked up on his mood, it was always like this. He had done some romantic arrangements in the spur of a moment to seize this day as theirs, to fulfill his dream completely, but now he wasn't too sure about approaching the matter anymore so he thought about diverting her attention but with her looking at him with so intently, trying to read him, he decided to be honest.

"It's because my dream hasn't come true, not yet." His words made her frown.

"What do you mean? You wanted this, didn't you? You've worked so hard for it and now you are saying this?"

"It was your dream Riddhima, one which you dreamt for me, so it automatically became mine. I had to fulfill it. I want this too but there's something else that I want as well." He said easing the creased lines on her forehead with his finger.

"What is that you want?"

"You. " Armaan said meeting her eyes.

"Me? But you have me." She replied not quite understanding him.

"Not like this." He said.

The curtains danced to the tunes of soft night breeze as he slid the glass door to an adjoining balcony and went to stand outside. He was very clear on what he wanted in life but pondered on the possibility of it being too early or fast for Riddhima. Afterall it had been only a few weeks since they confessed.

"Armaan." She couldn't utter anything beyond his name as the beautifully decorated balcony left her in awe. Strings of fairy lights sparkled against the dark backdrop like shiny stars. Candles in small hurricane glasses were used to write I love you on the floor, with red petals filling the huge heart in the middle. In place of the usual coffee table was a plush sofa and a red rose on top of a throw cushion.

"Yeh sab?" She asked with a gesture of her hand.

"Kuch nahin. I just wanted to celebrate tonight with you, is liye." He replied dodging the real reason. She gave him a look that said 'oh really', clearly not buying his excuse.

"Princess, its nothing, really. Actually I didn't realize how silly I was being, I thought of surprising you but now I think its not such a good idea." He rambled off nervously.

"Armaan please tell me what were you saying inside?" She said making him face her.

"Okay, I will but just remember you can say no, its your decision. I will not hold it against you nor will it affect us in anyway. You understand?" He asked. Though he had told her she had an option, which she really did, he silently prayed with all his heart for her to accept his proposal. He wanted to give a name to their relationship. There was nothing wrong in being called her boyfriend for a while but he couldn't ignore the little voice at the back of his mind which kept reminding him how he had lost her earlier. True now there were no secrets between them but no one knew what destiny would throw their way next and tonight's incident with Sanya was a proof of that, so he just wanted to do this for his peace of mind. This wasn't the entire truth. There was another reason as well. He was almost impatient and tired of these restrictions, limits, distance between them which held him back from showering affection on her openly, especially after the few chances he had to spend with her alone. He cherished each one of their interactions even though they were just a handful. She was his and he wanted the world to know this but for this he needed her consent first. He came out of his reverie as she placed her hand on his arm and raised an eye brow.

"Riddhima.. Meri har khushi, kamyabi, zindagii, sab tumhare saath ke bina adhure hain. I am incomplete without you. I want you to be with me at every step as my friend, my love, my soul mate and my life partner." He tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear and cupped her face lovingly.

"Armaan what exactly are you asking me?" She whispered drowing in the deep, endless ocean of love that his bluish grey orbs reflected. Taking a deep breath and drawing courage from her warm green eyes Armaan went down on his knee.

"I love you Riddhima, infinitely. You are my life. You are the missing piece of my heart, one that completes my very being and is my reason to breathe and to live. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can't promise that everything will be perfect for us always but I promise you my loyalty, support and unconditional love through thick and thin. I promise to protect you with my life. I promise to try and be everything you need and deserve. Riddhima, will you make me the happiest man alive by being 'Mine Forever'? Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" He pulled out a small box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond studded ring. He looked up at her with baited breath; waiting for her response.

Riddhima felt her heart stop for a moment and then spiral out of control as Armaan went down on a knee. She could not believe this was happening so soon. She wasn't complaining. Afterall this was her dream. She had dreamt of this day for so many years. She wouldn't say it openly but even after they had parted ways, on not so good terms, she had still fantasized about it. She had thought that Armaan would want some time to get reacquainted with her now that their relation had stepped up from being best friends to lovers. He had always been a great friend, always looking out for her, but since their confession she had found him to be more attentive, caring and affectionate. It was like almost looking at a new side of his personality which Riddhima preffered more. She was enjoying his attention and shower of love very much. These days his mere presence around her was enough to make her giddy and set free swarms of butterflies in her stomach. Add to it his heated gaze, deliberate brush of hands and passionate kisses which left her reeling and desiring for more. Riddhima could see he was getting jittery with every passing second but hearing him say such heartfelt things had left her tongue tied.

"Yes." She couldn't form any coherent sentence so settled at whispering a yes with the nod of her head which had his stormy orbs shed the darkness, like the grey sky turning a sparkling blue, and brighten with delight. Armaan pressed a kiss on her hand after slipping the ring.

"I love you Meri Jaan." He said in his husky voice covering the distance between them and taking her in his arms.

"I love you too." She replied softly. He dipped his head lower to claim her lips in a tender but sensual kiss.

"Why did you think I wouldn't agree to this?" She asked, breathless from his lingering kisses, gripping the lapel of his shirt to support her wobbly legs.

"I didn't want to rush or force you into anything."

"You're not doing any of them. I want this just as much as you do. You don't have to change yourself one bit. It is you who I love, just the way you are. Armaan you are more than what I deserve, infact the best thing that has ever happened to me." She said moving back the fringe that had fallen over his eyebrow and cupping his cheek lovingly.

"Thank you. You've eased my conscience with your assurance." He said joining his forehead with hers and they stood in that position for a few minutes. Her gaze travelled to the ring sitting proudly on her finger signifying that she now belonged to him.