AR OS and drabble gallery: New SS-THE CURSE : PART 2 UPDATED-PMs LATER - Page 18

LOVE IS...ALWAYS IN SHADES OF GREY!

He had seen her just in the morning; being her chirpy self. Doing all her antics so that he allowed her to go for the party that Muskaan had held. And now by night; he sat all alone in that huge house which was now EMPTY! She was gone...MISSING! She was ABDUCTED!

Her giggles rang in his ears as he saw her picture frame. Just then his cell vibrated;

Voice: Helllo my old friend; how are you? Missing your princess? Don't worry; I assure you she... isn't all that fine!

That was all...the line went dead!

Ab: Hello? Hello? Hello...

He looked down at the screen cursing himself to get her into such a trouble. He threw the cell phone on the sofa and held his head wondering of all possibilities that his princess must be going through!

Ab: Ridddhimaaa...

This was ABHIMANYU MODI! An undercover officer. Only thing that he wished in his life was his princess's happiness.

RIDDHIMA GUPTA his sister; his life, his princess, his only reason to smile! He protected her more than his life. He could give up everything for her; she was his only family! Yes she wasn't his real sister; but they were childhood neighbours/friends. She lost her entire family in a flight crash when she was just 10 years old. She had nobody left except for her grandfather.

Abhimanyu on other hand had never wanted to live with his family as his dad was a dirty politician while his mother was just a kitty party woman! Just after the accident he had asked his father if they could adopt Riddhima as his sister since she had always been his very good friend and he adored her like his younger sister which he always had wished for. And Mr.Modi had obliged considering that to be a great influence for his career.

Right from then she had always been with him right till now. But just in a click; someone had snatched her away. She was abducted and taken away with no clues left behind except for the call; which also was of no use as there was no demand! Just a THREAT! A WARNING!

She opened her eyes and found herself tied to a bed. She remembered she was walking towards her house after the party when some guy had come asking for some address but she couldn't remember anything after that.

The room was pitch dark; the fabric below her wasn't of any relief either. Her mouth had a tape and as she tried to get up she felt dizzy. Her throat had dried as well; she was trying to look around to figure out where she was when a strong masculine aroma hit her nostrils. She turned around as she heard the latch of the door open and found two figures walking towards her.

Voice 1: Sir...here she is. He has no clue about her sir and...

Voice2: I think we can talk about these things later. Nothing in her presence.

Voice1: Sir no worries; she isn't conscious...

Voice2: Did I not make myself clear? Nothing in front of her; whether conscious or not! You may leave now.

The other man left; while the probable boss who had planned the abduction moved closer to her. She kept wriggling trying to get out of the ropes as he kept coming closer bur her attempts were futile.

Hello Miss Modi...don't worry; we won't hurt you... PROVIDED... you co-operate!

He removed the tape off her mouth and heard the loudest scream of his life...

Ahhh... Chodo mujhe...kaun ho tum...ahhh...leave me.

Tears of agony left her eyes as the rope cut her skin.

She froze as he bent down swiftly coming very close to her. The moonlight that shone in the room gave her a clear view of his eyes; but only EYES. Those dark; hazel eyes that bored into hers!

Jitna chillana hai chilao; it's not going to be of any help. Jis jagah pe tum ho; vaha tumhe mere alawa aur koi nahi milega. Ab agar chup chap ache bachon ki tarah rahogi toh safe rahogi;

He bent further down on her and held her chin mercilessly;
Agar jara si bhi chalaki karne ki koshish ki toh... tumhari jaan toh nahi jaayegi; par aisi halat jarur kar dunga that you will plead to die!

His slow murderous voice made her numb; incapable enough to even move a nerve!

R: Tum kaun ho? Kya chahte ho mujhse...mujhe yaha kyun laaye ho?
Kidnapper: Tumse?...tumse main kuch nahi chahta! Par tumhare bhai se jarur kuch chahta hu!
R: Bhaiyya se? Kya?
KN: Uski jaan!

Saying just enough he walked out of the room shutting the door tightly turning the room back to dark room!

Around 8 in the morning he heard some commotion coming from her room. The next moment he saw his maid coming down with a frown.

Daisy: Armaan sir...she won't eat a bite! Bohot ro rahi hai vo; kuch nahi kha rahi!

A: So? Make her eat forcefully; I don't care! Just...

D: Sir I tried...but she threw the plate away. Why are you doing this sir? You never ill-treat anybody then what wrong has she done? She seems a good child; don't hurt her sir...

A: LEAVE Daisy! I'll see what to do...

He entered the room and found her curled in a corner of room. Her face was completely tear stricken. Something in his heart stirred. She looked in pure pain.

R: Please mujhe chod dijiye...mere bhaiyyan ne kuch nahi kiya. Please mujhe jaane dijiye.

A: Dekho; just have your breakfast; tumhare ye nakhre jhelne ka waqt nahi hai mere paas! Chup chap naashta...

R: Mujhe bhuk nahi hai...

He grabbed her hair and pulled her closer...
A: Miss.Riddhima Modi; agar tumhe bhuka marna hai toh I don't care; par jab tak tum mere kabje main ho I really can't let you die! And I am sure tum bhi apne bhaiyya se ek aakhri baar milna chahogi!

R: Par tum...bhaiyya ko maarna kyun chahte ho? Unhone kiya kya hai??

A: Khud apne us kameene bhai se pooch lena jab use ghaseet ta hua yaha le aaunga!

R: Tu...tumhe kuch galat femi hui hai...mere bhaiyya kabhi kuch galat...ahh...

He pulled her up through her shoulders so close that she could feel his breath against her skin.

A: Jyaada sawaal jawab mat karo samjhi. Khud se naashta karogi toh achha hoga; varna mujhe majburan apne tareeke apnane honge.

Since yesterday she had not eaten an ounce of food. He wanted to grab hold Of Abhimanyu and she was a very important link; he couldn't let anything happen to her.

A: Hello Abhimanyu...dhund liya har jagah? Nahi mila na main? Maine pehle hi kaha tha ki koshish bekaar hai.

Ab: Kaun hai tu...kya chahta hai? Dekho...Riddh...Riddhima ko kuch nahi hona chahiye nahi toh tera khoon kar dunga main! Dekh Riddhima ko chod de main...

A: Tch tch tch...aise kaise; usi main toh teri jaan basi hai. Use aise kaise chod du? Tujhe bhi ehsaas hona chahiye Modi; ki ek ladki ki zindagi barbaad hone par kya hota hai!

Ab: You moron...usko haath bhi mat lagana varna... If anything happens to her...

A: Don't worry Modi; I won't let anything happen to her...
until she faces the worst! Vaise bhi tu toh ladkiyon ki zindagi se khelna khub jaanta hai nahi? Toh ab tu mehsoos kar jab koi teri behen ki zindagi barbaad karta hai tab kaisa lagta hai

Ab: Tum kehna kya chahta ho...kiski zindagi barbaad ki hai maine? Aur...

A: Acha toh itni ladkiyon ki zindagi se khel chukka hai tu ki ab tujhe is baat ka andaza hi nahi ki main kis ladki ki baat kar raha hu! Just Wait and watch Modi...don't worry jaldi hi tujhe teri behen se milvaunga; kyunki tujhse maafi bhi toh mangvani hai! Teri behen ka vo hashra karunga ki dubara kisi bhi ladki ki taraf aankh uthane se pehle 100 baar sochega tu!

The line went dead and Abhimanyu was again left cursing his luck. He had searched every nook and corner but had failed to find his princess. He couldn't really pinpoint what this guy wanted. What revenge did he want from him?

Armaan strode up to the room where she was kept. He entered the room and found the plate still untouched.

A: Tumhari problem kya hai? Khaana kyu nahi kha rahi tum?
R: Mujhe yaha nahi rehna...mujhe jane do yaha se. Mujhe Abhi bhai ke paas...

She saw him advancing towards her and went mum.
A: Tumhare us behuda bhai se milne ki kya jaldi hai tume? Maine kaha na tumse; main use milvaunga tumse; chod dunga tumhe; bas ek baar uske uski galti ka ehssas dila du!
Dekho tumse meri koi dushmani nahi hai; par agar tum co-operate nahi karogi toh...

R: Toh kya haan? Toh kya? Aur vaise bhi tum kaun hote ho mere bhai ko behuda kehne wale? Tum...tum vohi Mallik ho na jisne abhi abhi business man of the year award jeeta hai. Maine dekha tha tumhara photo us magazine pe! Pata nahi kya sochkar tumhe un logon ne ye khitaab de diya; tum insaan ke naam pe ek dhabba ho! Abhi bhaiyya tumhare jaise bilkul nahi hai; vo tumse kaafi ache hai.

A: Bilkul vo meri tarah ho hi nahi sakta. Ek number ka gira hua; nihayti behuda janwar hai tumhara bhai. Ek behen ke hote hue vo ladkiyon ko khilauna samjhta hai!

R: Shut up...just shut up. Abhi bhai bohot acche hai; vo ladkiyon ki izzat karna khub jaanta hai. Aur tum ye sab kaise keh sakte ho; tum kaunsa ladkiyon ki izzat karna jaante ho! Tum main toh ladkiyon se baat tak karne ki tameej nahi hai. Mere bhaiyya kisi ladki ke saath aisa bartaav kabhi nahi kar sakte.

Aur gire hue vo nahi tum ho! Mujhe is tarah bandh kar rakha hai tumne apni kisi dushmani ki vajah se! Ladki ki izzat karna tum kya jaano! Tumhe toh bhai se seekhna chahiye ki ladkiyon ko kaise treat karte hai...

She regretted her words instantly as she found him approaching her with big steps.

A: Main gira hua hu? Tumhare BHAI se seekhna chahiye mujhe...ki ladkiyon se kaise pesh aate hai? Really...

R: Main...main vo...

She tried to move back but hit the wall. She had no scope to move away as well as hands were still tied at the back.

R: Dekho...mu...mujhse dur raho. Mujhe chune ki kosh...

A: Kyun...main toh gira hua hi hu na! Tumhara bhai toh dudh ka dhula hai. Didn't you say mujhe bhi uski tarah hona chahiye...vohi toh kar raha hu!

He pinned her to the wall blocking both her sides placing his hands. Riddhima shivered as she felt him coming closer and closer.

R: Please...please don't...

Paying no heed to her words he pulled her closer by her waist making her bang against his chest. She wriggled to get out of his hold but couldn't do much as her hands were tied. He pulled off her duppatta and her eyes grew wide! He pushed her back to the wall and again blocked her.

He had not intended to do anything but as he moved closer; her strong feminine aroma hit his senses. Her features too sharp and angelic. His hands held her waist and caressed her entire face part by part. He nuzzled her cheek lost in his trance while his hands would have never stopped devouring the silky touch of her skin; but a pearl like tear dropped from her eye and settled against his finger. He snapped out of his revive and realized what he was doing.

He instantly let go off her and moved back.

I...I am sorry...vo...main...

He picked her duppatta and draped it around her body properly and for once untying her ropes turned around.

I am really sorry Riddhima...I didn't mean to...

Not knowing what else to say he just walked out of the room never looking back and shut the door. She slid down and cried holding onto her duppatta.

After that he did not come back to the room for hours. He had sent Daisy after a while to ask her if she was okay and had also sent a hot bowl of soup for her. She couldn't understand him. One side he had ABDUCTED her and then he had tried to come close to her was much relevant; but now these parts where he took care of her were so confusing. Either he should be good to her or just plain bad guy; which also he was "supposed to be" as he was her abductor!

On the other hand; Armaan was messing his room feeling so stupid about his act.

Soch kya raha tha main. Aise kaise use... ...sigh...thank God waqt pe hosh aa gaya varna. Nahi nahi Armaan; ye galat hai. Riddhima ki is sab main koi galti nahi hai. Use bas Abhimanyu ko darane ke liye tune yaha rakha hai ye mat bhul.

Bas aaj se usse dur hi rahunga main. Kuch ulta seedha nahi hona chahiye...aur vaise bhi; mera toh koi rada bhi nahi tha use aise chune ka; toh maine kyu...
Nahi bas; abse tu usse 10 feet ki duri par hi rahega!

Like every night; she was trying to make Daisy go away as she did not wish to have her dinner.

R: Maine kaha na mujhe bas bhaiyya ke paas jaana hai. Mujhe yaha kyu rakha hai...Just leave me!

Armaan had been quietly listening to all her retorts from downstairs but suddenly he heard someone shriek.

R: Ouch...aap jao; mujhe kuch nahi chahiye keh do apne us Sir se!

Armaan came running to the room and found the glass pieces on the floor while her toe had some fresh blood stains.

A: Ye sab kya hai...oh no...ye tumhare pair ko kya hua?

He walked towards her but found her going backwards while her face turned pale. He realized that she was probably terrified because of the previous encounter. He sensed her fear and tried to go out as he remembered he had decided to himself stay away. But looking at the blood oozing out of her toe he couldn't stop himself.

A: Daisy go; where's the first aid?

D: Sir vo...vo drawer main hai!

Armaan quickly made her sit down on the bed and started examining her toe. Daisy handed him the kit;
Jao jakar haldi wala dudh le aao Riddhima ke liye.

R: Nahi nahi...please...Mu...mujhe kuch...nahi...mujhe chodo please...main...

She kept dragging her feet away from him while she shivered as he tried to dress her wound.

A: Please Riddhima; agar dressing nahi ki toh infection ho jaayega. Just...let me...just do the dressing. I promise dressing karke chala jaunga. Let me just check please.

She did not know why; but even after whatever transpired between them in the morning her heart told her to trust him and she let him dress her wound. He was treating her toe as if it was the most delicate thing of the universe. He precisely cleaned the blood and applied ointment making sure she wasn't hurt in anyway.

Why was this man so confusing? Just few hours back he had tried to cross his limits and now he was nurturing her wound! And just as he had said; once the dressing was done he just looked up at her once; only once and then walked out without any exchange of words.

She did not even see a glimpse of him after that. Daisy kept coming for checking on her and giving her small small things; and every time she kept asking about her toe. Riddhima somewhere understood that she was doing everything on his instructions; but why did he bother?

She had fallen asleep on the couch after Daisy had checked on her one last time. She was feeling very cold; but her body was too tired to wake up and find the blanket to cover herself. She felt some commotion which made her open her eyes in a sleepy mode. She saw the door knob turning a little and she instantly shut her eyes pretending to sleep. She could see a little through the slits of her eyelids; and found him entering the room. Her heartbeats started racing as to what was he up to.

But all he did was covering her with the blanket properly after he had checked her toe! He switched off the lights and walked away. The door closed and she sprang up on the bed instantly turning the lights on.

R: He isn't a bad guy; then why doesn't he let me go! Mujhe yaha kyun band karke rakha hai? What does he want from bhaiyya!

Next morning he found Daisy standing in front of him all worked up.

D: Sir...the girl has bad swelling in her leg. She's unable to walk sir; I think she's really in great pain.
A: But I had bandaged her toe...chalo let me see.

He walked up into her room and actually saw her frowning in pain. Her foot had some swelling.

R: Don't touch my leg...go; just go away. It's all thanks to you. Why are you doing this? Why don't you let me go?

A: Listen Riddhima; let's treat your toe first...

She stood up trying to go away from him;
Nahii...I want my answers. Peechle do din se you have kept me locked here. Aakhir chahte hya ho tum? What has Abhi bhai done? Batate kyun nahi tum? What am I suffering for...I have the right to know.

A: Tum pehle dressing...
R: Mujhe kuch nahi sunna...if you don't want to tell me then...I am just going. Main tumse nahi darti...ahh...
She cried in pain as she tried to walk but her toe didn't support her. He instantly grabbed her in his arms and made her sit down.
A: Just shut up and sit right where you are alright! Why are you hurting yourself; that b******is not even worth it!
R: How dare you...khabar daar jo bhaiyya ko kuch bhi bola toh! Unhone kuch nahi kiya hai samjhe tum...kuch bhi nahi. So just...
A: Really...tum kuch nahi jaanti ho Riddhima. Your so called brother is not like he looks. He is such a...

R: Jo bhi hai why don't you tell me?
A: Theek hai ; sach sunna chahti ho na! Toh suno! That low lying son of a b**** slept with my friend Nikki; usse shaadi ke promises kiye and when he realized that she is pregnant he simply left her saying their marriage wasn't possible. Nikki meri sabse acchi dost; jo humesha hasti rehti thi; khush rehti thi; is lost somewhere. She is a single mother to a 4 year old who is been criticized by the society for your brother's mistake. Due you even have an idea how hard life has been for her!

Ab bhi bologi ki tumhara bhai achha hai; ki vo kabhi kuch galat nahi kar sakta? That I should learn how to respect women from him!

R: Nahi...aisa nahi ho sakta. Bhaiyya aisa kar hi nahi sakte. Vo kabhi kisi ladki ki zindagi ke saath nahi khel sakte!

A: Of course for you he is your brother; your loving and perfect brother. But for me he is just a useless scumbag jerk! Now if you are through with your interrogation; will you please have your breakfast!

R: Nahi you don't understand; main...

Paying no heed to her words he simply picked her up and walked downstairs. Placing her on the dining chair he told Daisy to quickly get her some breakfast.

A: I don't want any more discussions about this. You are here just for time being. Ek baar tumhare us bhai ko sabak seekha du; then you are free to go. Till then; don't mess with me!

He was about to walk away when he stopped in his tracks hearing her question.

R: Par tum mera itna khayal kyu rakh rahe ho? Tum jisse badla lena chah rahe ho; main toh uski behen hu; so why are you concerned if I have my meals or not!

A: Kyunki I am not like your brother. Tumse meri koi dushmani nahi hai; you are here for a reason. Once that I catch hold of his neck; you will be a free bird!

Riddhima smiled at his retreating back as Daisy placed a steaming coffee in front of her. So he was doing all of it just for his friend! Maybe there was some misconception but she was bowled over by the way he was supporting his friend. He was right; he wasn't a bad guy. He hadn't really tried to even touch her except for that one time in past two days. And even for that he had still been apologizing. He wasn't really bad at heart; maybe just trapped due to the conditions.

R: Tum bure nahi ho Armaan...main janti hu! Tum ye sab sirf Nikita ke liye kar rahe ho. Agar tumhari jagah koi aur ladka hota; toh shayad mujhe itni achi tarah treat nahi karta; mera itna khayal nahi rakhta! Tum dil ke ache ho; bas apni friend ki help karne main sahi galat soch nahi paa rahe ho.

She saw his and Nikita's photos on the table. She remembered the girl; she had probably seen her once with Abhimanyu. That meant Abhimanyu did know her; there was some truth to the story. But he playing with her life wasn't even the slightest possibility; there was more to the story.

While she was busy analyzing what the real truth could be she heard some giggling voice from his room. She walked towards his room limping. There she saw him laughing to the fullest as a cute 4 year old sat in his lap. A little away she saw the girl; NIKITA: sitting behind staring at the two giving a heart filled smile.

Armaan who was busy playing with Neev(Nikita's son) looked up and found Riddhima standing at the door.

A: Tum? What are you doing here?

He immediately called Daisy and Harry; and ordered them to take her upstairs immediately.
A: Why is she here; didn't I tell you to keep an eye.

Riddhima was about to retort when Nikki herself spoke up;
Ek minute...Armaan! Ye kaun hai? What is she doing here?

Armaan looked at her tongue tied .

Neev: Chachu...ye didi kaun hai? Aapki fliend hai? Humshe kyu nahi intloduce kalvate aap?

A: Neev...baby go to the fun room. Check out I have got so many new toys for you!

Neev: But...

Ni: Babu...go; listen to chachu.

Neev: Okay mom... I'll meet you latel didi... Waving his tiny hands at Riddhima he walked to his play room.

R: Armaan please meri baat suno. Let me talk to Nikita once.

N: Ammy...what's happening? Will you please tell me; who's she?

A: Actually Nikki...sh...she is...

R: Main Abhimanyu Modii ki behen hu; aur tumhare is dost ne mujhe yaha kidnap karke rakha hai!

N: Armaan? Ye kya bol rahi hai...tune sach main...

Armaan narrated the entire situation to her. He wanted to bring Abhimanyu down on her feet and the best way was through Riddhima. So he told her that he had just kept her in house arrest for a few days; to make that Modi taste his own medicine. But Nikita had obviously not at all liked the idea.

Afterall Riddhima was suffering for no reason at all.

A: Par nikki; I haven't planned on hurting her or something. Main bas use yaha Modi ka dar badhane ke liye rakhna chahta hu. I swear I've tried to take proper care of her.

N: But still Armaan; maine kaha tha tumse let things be...

A: That I just can't let happen Nikki. Us kameene ki aise toh chodunga hi nahi main. Bas kal tak ki baat hai Nikki. Main kal us Modi se khud mil raha hu. Jaise hi he comes; Riddhima uske saath chali jaayegi...humesha ke liye!

The last words were more likely to himself than her!

Nikita not very much convinced by his act; walked up to Riddhima's room. Riddhima saw her and realized that she was indeed beautiful. Nikita gave her a small smile which Riddhima returned. The situation was an awkward one. Either of them didn't know what to say to the other.

R: Umm...hii...I...umm...

Just as she was trying to break the ice Neev came running to the room and hugged Nikki through her legs.

Nee: Heyy...; hi mela naam Neev hai. Aapka naam kya hai didi?
R: Hii Neev; mera naam Riddhima hai!
She sat on her knees to come to his height and shook hands with him.
Nee: Aap Armaan chavhu ki fliend ho na? Kya aap meli bhi fliend banogi?

Riddhima gave him a kiss on his cheek as he was too adorable and she couldn't resist.
R: Of course Neev. Friends!
Nee: Yeaaa...pal didi aap lo(ro) lahe the? Aapki eyes toh puli sujh gayi hai. Pata hai Mommy kehti hai ki big girls don't cly; aur chahchu bhi bolte hai; girlsh ki eyes main tears ache nahi lagte. Aap mat lo; aap mujhe batao na aapki ploblem; main sholve kal dunga. Ab toh I am youl fliend na!

N: Neev...baby go to chachu's room. Hum dono ko kuch baat karni hai!
Nee: But Mom...I also want to...
N: Neev! I said GO! NOW!

Neev puffed in anger and showing her that he was angry he left the room. Riddhima smiled at the adorable site. The boy did look somewhat like Abhimanyu; but was he really...
Her chain of thoughts was broken by Nikita.
N: Riddhima Right? See...I am really sorry for what Armaan did. Actually he is my best friend; he cares a lot for me and is a little over protective about all his friends. Main kuch hi din pehle India vaps aayi hu and jab main usse mili and he got to know about Neev; he told me he would do something about it. But I had no clue ki vo tumhe aise kidnap karlega.
R: Nikita!! 1 minute. I think there's some major misunderstanding. Armaan told me that Neev...aapka aur Abhi bhaiiya ka beta hai. But...I mean...
N: It's okay Riddhima; I understand. Tum Abhimanyu ki behen ho; it's hard on your part to believe; par yahi sach hai! Vo chahe jitna bhi achha insaan banta ho; par uski asliyat sirf main jaanti hu!
R: Nahi Nikita; you don't understand. Matlab agar koi aaur hota toh shayad ye baat samajh bhi jaata; par main is baat par yakeen kar hi nahi sakti! Bhai kisi ladki ko aise haalat main akela chod de; aisa ho hi nahi sakta! Vo kisi ladki ki zindagi se kabhi nahi khelenge!
N: Par usne meri zindagi barbaad kar di hai Riddhima. The moment he got to know ki I am pregnant; vo dusre hi din ek chitti dekar chala gaya.
R: Jaroor koi misunderstanding hai Nikita!
N: Par tum itne yakeen se kaise keh sakti ho; tumhe toh usne shayad mere bare main kabhi kuch bataya bhi na ho!
R: Nahi bataya par maine aapki photos dekhi unke paas. Aur vo aaj bhi un photos ko apne mobile main rakhte hai. I tried asking him; but unhone kabhi kuch bataya nahi aapke barein main. And moreover; main is liye itne yakeen se keh rahi hu ye sab kuch because...main Riddhima MODI nahi hu! Main Abhi bhaiyya ki real sister nahi hu!
N: What??

Riddhima narrated how Abhimanyu had insisted on adopting her as his sister and had always taken care of her. He could have easily stayed with his parents in that lavish house with all amenities at his foot; but to save her from his dad's political life and it's bad influence; the day he started earning he had shifted into another flat just with her.

R: Shayad unhone galti ki ho; aapse shaadi ka waada bhi kiya ho; par vo jaan bujhkar kisi bhi ladki ki zindagi barbaad nahi kar sakte! Bhaiiya aise hai hi nahi Nikita! I am sure kuch vajah rahi hogi. Tumne unse poocha nahi; baat nahi ki kabhi?
N: Mujhe jarurat nahi lagi!
R: I think you should talk to him once. Agar vakai bhaiyya ne ye sab aapki zindagi ko khel samajhkar kiya ho; toh maink khud unhe saja dilvaungi; aapki help karungi! Par mujhe poora yakeen hai; ki poora sach kuch aur hai. Please ek baar bhaiyya se baat kar lo Nikita. Please...I request you; please!

Nikita left the room engrossed in her thoughts. If what Riddhima said was true; then definitely a guy like that couldn't make a joke of her life. There had to be some reason for his act. After a long debate between her mind and heart Nikita finally decided to talk to Abhimanyu. After all she also had the right to get her answers. He had to answer her! She immediately confronted Armaan; that the next day as Abhimanyu would come; she would be the one talking to him not Armaan. He tried to retort but she was too adamant to let go.
N: Nahi Armaan; I need my answers. And I have all rights to get them!
A: Theek hai...but agar us haram jade ne kuch bhi ulta seedha kiya toh main use chodunga nahi; I swear I'll kill him!

The day came to an end; but all of them were sleepless tonight. Abhimanyu was still in search of Riddhima; even after been an undercover officer; he wasn't able to find her which meant the kidnapper had quite good sources! Nikita was just thinking about the past years of agony thanks To Abhimanyu. While Armaan and Riddhima both were definitely worried for Nikita! But other than that what had kept them awake was; the fact that it was her last day in the house.
She would go back to her house the next morning; which was supposed to be a relieving thought but both of them felt uneasy thinking about her departure.

Armaan was sitting in his room wondering about all the past days and Riddhima's face that kept flashing in front of him. He grabbed a glass and gulped down chilled whisky shots. Out of the blue; lights went out and he still wouldn't have bothered but he heard Riddhima's loud scream and the glass in his hands hit the floor.

He instantly got up and rushed out to her room. He panicked even imagining that she was in some kind of pain. He did not know why; but there mere thought made him restless!

He entered her room but obviously as it was pitch dark around; he held his mobile up and flahed the light when he saw her sitting curled up on the bed; trying to hug herself. He walked closer to her and saw her eyes still shut in fear.
A: Kya hua Riddhima? You alright?

His voice made her open her eyes instantly and without thinking; she just pulled him down into a tight hug!
R: Thank God tum aa gaye...mujhe andhere se bohot dar lagta hai Armaan! Please please don't go anywhere; main sone ki hi koshish kar rahi thi utne main lights chali gayi aur main...please please please don't leave me alone...yahi ruko na please!

Armaan who was pulled down into that surprising hug was too baffled to even hug her back. The phone had long back dropped down from his hand; while the girl who was clinging against him out of her fear of darkness had no clue what she was doing to him!

He had completely lost the track of everything and anything as her arms had gone around his neck. Her lips were playing havoc to his senses as she tried to speak while hiding her face in his chest. His hands moved up to engulf her in his arms but both of them dashed out of their revive as his phone that was clinging at the end of the bed fell down. He instantly opened his eyes and dropped his hands down fisting his palms tightly.
Embarrassed at her own act; she came out of the hug and looked up at him.
R: Vo...I am sorry...actually mujhe aise andhere main bohot dar lagta hai; main yaha akeli thi toh...

Armaan tried to lighten her mood as he could see her embarrassed as well as scared;
Tum toh Neev se bhi battar ho; vo bhi itna nahi darta jitna tum dar rahi ho!

R: Shut up...mera mazak mat udao samjhe. Aur vaise hasne ki koi jarurat nahi hai; vo toh main akeli thi; aur vo...ye jagah bhi nai hai...isi liye.
He smiled as she looked too cute trying to cover up. He tried to move away to get a grip on himself when her locked entangled in his shirt's button which in turn pulled him more towards her bring them face to face with just an inch distance. The room was completely pitch dark due to which she was still holding onto his hand which they realized as he moved his hand up to detangle the locket.
But even after several attempts the locket did not seem to come out of the button; so he bent down to loosen the hook by his teeth. But all the while what he was unaware to was; his hot breath that played havoc with her senses as it hit her bare neck. She gripped the bed sheet tightly as he continued with his task; surprised at the way her body reacted to the proximity. Forget about feeling scared; or wrong about his closeness; in fact his breath on her neck gave her a tingling sensation in her stomach.

Finally detangling her locket he moved up to find her eyes shut tightly while her lips quivered. Her face was glowing in the moonlight make her look all the more angelic. He never knew when his hand moved up and held her cheek; with a gentle blow he erased the fringe off her face. A soft gasp escaped her mouth as he did that while she opened her eyes slowly to get lost in those deep hazel orbs!

She completely forgot that she was in a pitch dark room; and the guy sitting in front of her was nobody else than her KIDNAPPER. The guy who wished to take his revenge from her brother! All she could see was his dark eyes and all she could feel was his fingers that moved gently against her cheek. His thumb slowly descended to her rosy petals which accelerated her heart rate. His eyes glued to her eyes; while his finger traced her entire cheek bone.

Her hand moved up to his chest on it's own accord as his other hand found it's way around her waist. He pulled her closer leaving no space between their bodies. She felt too hard to breathe as she came in such proximity with him.
He nuzzled her nose and whispered right against her lips;
Tum bohot khubsoorat ho Riddhima...bohot bohot khubsoorat. Pata nahi kyu main jitni bhi koshish kar lu; tumse dur reh hi nahi paa raha!

R: Kal toh...main humesha ke liye dur chali jaungi...kya tab mujhe miss karoge...??

Her question made him feel drawn away from her; and on an impulse his lips descended down on hers. As a reflex her hands circled around his neck ruffling his hair; causing him to deepen the kiss. He had had such a hard time since past two days to keep his hands to himself; but now he had forgotten all his lines. And the fact that she herself was responding back did no good to his self control!

She fell back flat on the bed while his hand entered her shirt caressing her waist. Her hands roamed on his back while his lips nibbled hers. She had never felt such strong emotions erupting within her anytime before. His kiss was making her go crazy. His hand that caressed her waist sent a shiver down her spine.

Her hands that played with his hair stirred innumerable desires within him. Holding her hands he pinned them to the bed kissing her full mouth. Both of them were too lost to realize that they were about to cross their limits. Coming out of the kiss he planted soft kisses on her eyelids when the lights came back. That snapped him out of his revive and he was stumped as he realized what he was doing.
He instantly moved away and ran his fingers through his thick hair. She opened her eyes as well as he stopped abruptly; but as she sat straight she realized the situation and as highly embarrassed. She didn't even dare look up at him.

Riddhima sat clutching the blanket; trying to hold her breath as the memories kept flashing in front of her eyes. She should have topped him; not let him close; but she didn't! In fact her body had reacted in an exact favour of him! It wasn't intentional; but the way he had touched her; caressed her; kissed her did not feel wrong! She thanked her stars that the lights were back or she shivered wondering where the things would lead!

Armaan too was no behind. He was pacing in his room up and down trying to digest that he had just now KISSED her! Her skin had felt so velvety against his fingers that he was sure if the lights weren't back on time there was no way he was going to stop. It was as if he didn't even realize and he was already kissing her. That girl made him CRAZY! He had no control over himself in front of her. He smiled remembering the way she had submitted herself to him. Her shivering hands; and racing heart beats had very well told him her part of story. She too was affected by him badly! But then his smile was wiped off as he remembered her words.

A: Par kal toh Riddhima chali jayegi...uske baad...
Nahi...ye main kya kar raha hu! I had promised Nikki that she was here just for a reason. Main aisa nahi kar sakta; ye sab main sirf Nikki ke liye kar raha hu! Oh my God; pata nahi Riddhima...vo is waqt kya soch rahi hogi. She must have felt like been used!

He felt disgusted as he realized that she must be cursing him right now. He remembered her scared face; when after their first unintentional encounter he had tried to dress her wound. He had felt so restless; and now he felt horrible wondering what she must be thinking of him!

A: Bas...kal vo Abhimanyu ke saath apne ghar chali jayegi Armaan. Tujhe us main aise involve nahi hona chahiye. Varna uske us kameene bhai main aur tujh main kya fark reh jayega! Nahi...ab main uske aas paas bhi nahi jaunga. I am sure ye ek infatuation hai; waqt ke saaath chala jayega. Kal vo chali jaayegi fir...

That thought itself made his heart heavier. His heart was shouting out; that INFATUATION was an absolute wrong word. This feeling wasn't any attraction or infatuation for sure! It wouldn't end in a day or two. But ignoring all that his heart was saying he decided to just stay away.

Morning sun arised and the most awaited call was received by Abhimanyu. Armaan instructed him where to some and he made sure that Abhimanyu came alone. Anyways his entire bungalow had tight security so Abhimanyu had no chance to bring anyone along and get away with it; but still he kept everything under check.

Riddhima was still inside the outhouse but Armaan wasn't around. He had purposely kept a guard to keep a watch; Riddhima had insisted him to stay back as the room was a little dark and the guard too was eyeing her in a creepy way; but Armaan had to stay away! He couldn't afford to listen to her!

Abhimanyu entered the house and saw Armaan.
Ab: Tum?? Tum toh...Armaan ho right?
A: Armaan Mallik hu...that's right. Par mera introduction yaha khatam nahi hota; there's a little more to it. Main; Nikita Malhotra ka dost hu! Nikki...my best friend! The girl whom you had promised to marry but spoilt her entire life!

The name very well rang bells in his ears and now he understood the entire kidnapping fiasco. He had known of Armaan who was Nikita's friend; but he did not know that he was Armaan Mallik; the great business tycoon. He saw Nikita walk downstairs and stood in front of him.
A: Mr.Abhimanyu Modi; Nikki ke kehne par main yaha se jaa raha hu; use kuch baat karni hai tumse; par agar koi bhi ulti seedhi harkat ki toh panga mujhse hai yaad rakhna!
Ab: 1 minute...Riddhima ka...
A: Vo bilkul theek hai; aur kuch der main tumhare saamne hogi! But not until I wish!

Saying so he walked out leaving them alone. He was not ever going to trust that man so he stood near the door hearing their conversation silently.

Abhimanyu kept asking about Riddhima and Nikki assured that she was absolutely fine. After a few more minutes of interrogatin here and there; he came to the main point. As Nikita told him about Neev he broke down; surprising both Armaan and Nikita. Abhimanyu apologized to her and said he was helpless. He was sorry for what he did and couldn't himself forgive his deeds.
Ab: I am sorry Nikki; but I couldn't help it. Dad ko humare baarein main sab pata chal gaya tha; vo tumhe apni bahu nahi banana chahte the. Us waqt main bhi itna established nahi tha ki ye jimmedari utha saku! Dad ye shadi kabhi nahi hone dte Nikki; aur agar unhe is bacche ke barein main pata chalta toh vo shayad use bhi maar dete. I couldn't afford that!
Isi liye I thought you would be better without me. Aur...Armaan! Mujhe laga Armaan sab theek kar dega; vo...vo jarur tumhari help karega. Afterall tum itni baatein karti thi uski; but I hadn't even expected ki vo Riddhima...
Dekho Nikki job hi maine tumhare saath kiya; vo galat tha. But please Riddhima ko kuch nahi hona chahiye! She has nothing to do in all this!

Armaan realized that Riddhima was right. Abhimanyu indeed was a good guy; he did not hurt Nikita intentionally. Yes of course there could have been some way out; but maybe that time he hadn't had any support. But he could see that he still loved Nikita. And the way he reacted on seeing Neev's photo did tell him that he never regretted his child!

Just when he was busy thinking; his heart skipped a beat hearing Riddhima shout;
Armaaan...help! he...

Armaan ran towards the outhouse and found the door locked from inside. He remembered latching the door from outside telling the guard to not dare enter inside; just keep a watch from outside! He peeped through the window and found Riddhima trying to set herself free from the guard's hold who was forcing himself on her. His blood boiled seeing her crying in help; while his eyes poured rage. The guard for sure was dead the moment he would come in his hands.

Armaan broke the door in a minute and grabbing hold of the guard hit him black and blue. He kept punching him hard till he lay in a pool of blood.
How dare you touch her you b******! Maine kaha tha na bahar rehna; how dare you enter the room. Riddhima ko chune ki himmat kaise hui teri...you jerk...

Riddhima saw him hitting the guard mercilessly; so coming in between she tried to move Armaan away. The guy was bleeding badly as he pleaded to let him go; but Armaan wouldn't budge. Finally Riddhima put in all her strength and dragged Armaan back by his shoulders.
R: Armaan leave him...vo mar jaayega! Chodooo use!

Armaan finally let go off him and turned towards her. Holding her shoulders he asked her all worried;
Tum theek ho; tumhe kahi chot toh nahi aayi na? Riddhima? Kya hua? Bolo na? Are you ok?

Riddhima just stared at him blankly for two minutes and then started hitting his chest.
Maine bola tha na tumse mujhe yaha chodke mat jao. I told you to stay back with me toh kyu gaye tum?

A: Riddhima I am sorry main...
He tried to hold her but she just kept crying and pushing his hands away.
R: Agar abhi...tum waqt pe nahi aa pate toh? Main...main...aise kaise kisi ke bhi saath chod kar chale gaye...I hate you Armaan...tum bohot bure ho...

A: Meri baat toh suno Ri...

He tried to hold her; explain ; but she just kept hitting him. She was just upset with him for keeping her alone with that disgusting man; she had noticed he had tried to keep away from her. But she had not at all happy with his behaviour and so she wasventing out her anger on him.

But before Armaan could make her understand Abhimanyu had walked in and saw Riddhima hitting Armaan. Riddhima did not look in a good state; her hair messy and her dupatta was lying on the floor. He misinterpreted the situation and without wasting a minute more grabbed Armaan by his collar! He started hitting Armaan without thinking for the consequences.
Ab: Teri himmat kaise hui Riddhima ko chune ki? Mujhe itni seekh de raha tha kameene...aur yaha khud... How dare yo touch my princess...I'll kill you you moron...

Armaan was caught off guard and couldn't do much as Abhimanyu was hitting him madly! Riddhima saw Abhimanyu and was happy that finally he was here; but the moment he started hitting Armaan she was stunned. She realized what Ahe must have thought as she looked down at her state. Instantly she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from Armaan.
R: Bhaiyya kya kar rahe ho...chodo use...

Abhimanyu tried to drag her out of his way; but she stood firm covering Armaan. Nikita too walked ahead and held Abhimanyu by his arm.
Ab: Chodo mujhe...ye tumhara Armaan; iski himmat kaise hui Riddhima ko...

R: Bhaiyya please aisa kuch nahi hai. Armaan ne kuch nahi kiya; vo toh mujhe bachane aaya tha!

Just then their eyes caught the guard who was till now lying in pain; had gained a little strength and ran out of the room.

Bhaiyya; vo guard mere saath jabardasti karne ki koshish kar raha tha; Armaan ne toh bas mujhe aakar bachaya hai.

She knelt down and held Armaan's head in her lap.
Armaan...tum theek toh ho na...jyaada lagi toh nahi? Oh God kitna khoon beh raha hai...
She panicked as she saw a deep cut on his lip which was bleeding; while his forehead and arm too had some bruises.
Armaan saw Riddhima looking down at him with utmost concern and found her caressing his forehead. He remembered he was supposed to maintain his distance and instantly holding his head sat up.

Ab: I am sorry Armaan...vo I thought...

N: Par agar tumne kuch nahi kiya toh Riddhima tumhe kyu maar rahi thi Ammy?

A: Kyunki hai toh ye is Modi ki hi behen; courtesy naam ki cheej hogi kaha is main!

Riddhima was shocked at his open taunt. What had she do to him to get such words in her PRAISE!

A: Aur tum... He walked to Abhimanyu and grabbed his collar;
Itne bade officer ban gaye ho thoda sa dimaag nahi use kar sakte the? Mana us waqt apne dad ki vajah se Nikki ko nahi apna paaye; par baad main aakar uske haal jaanne ki koshish kyu nahi ki? Agar ussee itna hi pyaar karte the toh ek koshish kyu nahi ki usse sab sach kehne ki?

Ab: Kyunki...maine socha ab tak Nikki ne shaadi kar li hogi aur...

N: Tumne aisa kaise soch liya Abhi? Main tumhare begair kisi aur ke baarein main aisa soch hi kaise sakti thi? Chahe tumne mere saath job hi kiya ho;par maine humesha sirf aur sirf tumse hi pyaar kiya hai Abhi!

Abhimanyu was too elated to hear her confession and was about to hg her when Armaan came in his way.
Ek minute...pehle ye bata ki kyat u ab himmat rakhta hai ki Nikki se shaadi kar sake? Uski bigaadi hui zindagi; aur apne bte Neev ki zimmedari lene ko agar tayyar hai; toh hi tu Nikki ko haath laga; vara tera hath todke tere usi so called political dad ko bhej dunga.

Ab: Agar Nikki mujhe maaf karne ko tayyar hai; toh main jaruru usse shaadi karunga. Meri galti sudharne ka isse achha mauka mujhe mil hi nahi sakta!

Nikki can you please forgive me and do the honours of being Mrs.Abhimanyu Modi?

R: Haan Nikita...please bhaiyya ko maaf kar do. I promise is baar vo aapko chodke kahi nahi jaayenge; aur agar unhone aisa socha bhi toh main khud unhe kheechkar aapke paas launga; fir hum dono milkar inki dhulai karenge.

Nikita giggled hand and knelt down;
Please haan keh do Nikita. I promise; main humesha tumhe khush rakhunga; aur zindagi bhar tumhara saath nibhaunga. Is baar Papa ko beech main nahi aane dunga; kyunki unse sirf naam ka hi toh rishta hai. Unhe humari zindagi barbaad karne nahi dunga Nikita. Please say YES!

Nikita shed her tears of happiness as her life was back on track and looked up at Riddhima and Armaan who looked at her anticipating her approval. She finally nodded her head and muttered a soft; YES. Abhimanyu instantly hugged her tight both crying in each other's arms. She looked up at Armaan and whispered a small Thank you which Armaan accepted returning a small smile.

Riddhima caught their eye conversation and looked at him; but the moment his eyes met hers he instantly looked away and walked out of the room. Riddhima felt immense pain as he walked away ignoring her completely.

Later he apologised To Abhimanyu for kidnapping Riddhima and for his plan that he had made specially to make him suffer. Abhimanyu had upset about the abduction fiasco; but he anyways forgave him as thanks to his plan he finally met Nikita and Neev and he couldn't thank him less for that. Also did he understand that all that he did was for Nikita's future; since been a great business tycoon he had kept his pride and dignity at stake. One wrong statement by Abhimanyu to the press would have made Armaan pay a hard time. But Abhimanyu did not take any action against him as he understood it was fairly help that Armaan was trying to provide to his dearest friend.

They met a several times after that; Abhimanyu was anyways no longer with his parents as he himself had opened up a few cheats and politics that his father had been hiding from past years. He had no more considered Mr.Modi as his father; o he cared less even if he objected the marriage. And his mother was anyways too busy in her social life to even keep a track of how; when and to whom he was getting married to!

The engagement was done at a small level; with only their friends involved where again Armaan had not even exchanged a word with Riddhima! Nikita had noticed Armaan's glum face and Riddhima's disappointment had also not gone unnoticed as he had continuously ignored her!

Nikita knew something was cooking up; but wasn't able to get time to talk to either of them. Their (Abhi-Nikki) marriage was fixed after a month. Riddhima had kept thinking about ARmaan and his changed behaviour and had felt horrible about it. She remembered the first time when he had come closer to her and then backing out how he had draped her duppatta around her apologizing for his deed. She remembered his care; his affection that he had showed for her in just a matter of 2 days. How he had sent Daisy after every half hour to check if she was okay. The way he had kissed her as she had asked him if she would be missed; the way he had touched her. Her eyes welled up as she remembered the last day when he had started to draw himself away and then today; when he didn't even wish to see her face.

She had fallen for him; madly and truly in live with him. She knew it sounded so hypothetical love story types; but the last night at his place had made her realize that she wasn't meant to go away from him. The last day when that guard had misbehaved; irrespective of knowing that Abhimanyu was right their; her heart had called out for Armaan! And she knew; she had read his eyes that night; he too did not wish to let her go. Maybe she had been there just for a reason; a revenge that he wanted. But she had seen the feelings in his eyes as well. And any doubts left were very well cleared by the steaming passionate kiss that they had shared!

Sitting in her room she cried and cried as she remembered how he had spoken to everyone in the engagement part; except for her. He had even spoken to Muskaan and Atul whom he barely knew; but had simply ignored her! She felt betrayed and hurt. She knew he too had feelings for her; then why was he avoiding her.

Few more days went by and finally THE WEDDING DAY arrived. Armaan had been too busy as Nikita had no other family than him; he was more than happily arranging everything getting too much involved and so had not a single minute to spare! After all the decorations were set; he walked towards Nikita's room to give her a last friendly hug; as soon she would no longer just be his Nikki; but would turn Mrs. Nikita Modi. And he himself had planned a month long honeymoon for them as he understood they had to cover up for the past years that they had missed. And Neev had happily obliged to stay back with him; and with the bribe that he would also get to visit his newly found friend Riddhima very often!

He was busy checking the lists of some arrangements when a girl came running towards his direction and before either of them knew; she tripped on the carpet and landed straight in his arms.
She grabbed his sherwani to save herself from the harsh fall; while his hands had perfectly circled around her waist.(Yes yes...no gifts for guessing guys...the girl was RIDDHIMA!Obviously ;P )

She looked ethereal in her navy blue and pink lehenga; while her hair tied up in a bun beautifully rounded by lilies. Kohl filled eyes; while her lips as rosy as ever. His heart skipped a beat as he saw her; rather felt her so close after an entire month. He knew how hard it had been to ignore her; not let her thoughts distract him; to keep his heart beat normal whenever she was in his view. A month back he had promised himself to keep away; assuming it was just his infatuation. But the more he saw him; the stronger his feelings grew. He had not an ounce of doubt left that he loved her! He was still in his own dilemma of his thoughts; when she opened her eyes and took both of their breath away.

Her eyes automatically welled as she saw him; but composing her posture she kept a straight face. She was hurt by his past month's behaviour but did not let her face show anything. Not wanting to face another heart break she ran away in an attempt to hide her tears.

Armaan had seen the tears at the corner of her eyes and somewhere deep down also knew the reason. Nikita who had come out to find Armaan had witnessed the scene and found it the perfect time for THE TALK!

N: Armaan...do minute andar aaoge; baat karni hai tumse.
A: Haan; main...tumhare hi paas aa raha tha. Vo mujhe...

Nikita dragged him inside the room and took him left and right for his behaviour with Riddhima. He tried to defend himself but she didn't give him a chance.
N: Armaan tu jaanta bhi hai vo bechari kitni royi hai teri vajah se. Main nahi jaanti tere dimaag main kya chal raha hota hai; ya tu jo kar raha hai vo kyun kar raha hai! But main tujhe bas itna bolna chahti hu ki quit it already! Tujhe kya lagta ahia main andhi hu? Mujhe kuch samajh nai aa raha kit u kaise use avoid kar raha hai aur kyu!
Dekh Armaan main jaanti hu kit um dono bohot galat haalaton main mile ho; par pyaar kisi bhi waqt ya haalat ka mautaaj nahi hota. Jab jaha kis kisi ke saath hona ho; bas ho jaata hai! Agar usse pyaar karta hai toh use bol kyun nahi dete? Kyu use aise sata raha hai; usko itna rula raha hai tu>
A: Par vo ro kyun rahi hai? Maine toh kuch...

Nikki smacked his head hard at his tupid question.
N: Tu use 1 mahine se avoid kar raha hai toh vo royegi nahi toh kya khush hogi?
A: Toh fir kya karu yaar Nikki. I had kidnapped her; for God sake! Use jaakar kya bolu; ki us kidnapping ke chakkar main usse pyaar ho gaya! Ye kidnapper wala muh lekar jau uske saamne!

N: Armaan stop being such a jerk! Ye kya bakwaas sa logic hai tera? Tu sach much ka kidnapper thodi hai; jo bhi tune kiya sirf mere liye kiya tha and she knows it. Par jo ab tu kar raha hai vo vo bechari kaise samjhegi? Vo bechari tujhse itnaa pyaar karti hai aur tu hai ki...

A: Py...aar? Tu...tujhe kaise pata ki vo mujhse pyaar karti hai?
N: Kyunki main andhi nahi hu na Armaan. Usne khud ye kaha hai mujhse; aur agar nahi bhi kehti tab bhi tum dono ko dekhke koi bewakoof bhi yeh baat samjh jaata. Bas tu ek idiot hai jo kuch samjhta hi nahi!
A: Riddhima ne...usne khud kaha...vo...vo mujhse pyaar...

He got another smack from her as he smiled like an idoit.
A: Oye Nikki yaar maar kyu rahi hai?
N: Kyunki mere hi naseeb main tere jaisa idiot dost likha tha! Acha sun ek aur jaroori baat karni thi tujhse.
A: Hmm bol na.
N: Neev told me; ki tune use yaha apne saath rukne ke liye mana liya; par vo yaha nahi rukega; he will come with us.

It was Armaan's turn to smack her head.
Aur mujhe idiot bol rahi hai tu? Apne bte ko apne honeymoon par saath le jaana chahti hai! Dimaag theekane pe hai tera? I wonder tujhe pata hai honeymoon pe kya hota hai. Neev vaha...
N: Armaaan! Shut up! You shameless donkey; stop your nonsense. Actually ye mera aur Abhi dono ka decision hai. We don't want to leave him alone Armaan. Aur Abhi bhi chahta hai ki jo waqt usne gawaya hai Neev ke saath vo use vaapas mile. Is liye...

A: Hmm...ye banda toh vakai acha khasa nikla oye Nikki! Par ek baat bata...
N: Hmm...
A: Tujhe kaise mil gaya...I mean tu aisi buddhu si aur vo tehra...aah...

He ran out of her room as she ran behind him to hit him. Armaan finally got away and now knew what he had to do. Now that Riddhima's feelings were out and clear he HAD to come out with his and make her confess as well!

The wedding started and Armaan couldn't move her eyes from her. Not that; he hadn't been staring at her before; but he would not let her know of his stares. But today he was continuously and openly staring at her without a blink! She was a little surprised by the way his eyes had followed her everywhere. Just a few hours back he was avoiding her and now he was gawking!

She felt like hitting either her head or his head to understand what was in his mind and to put some sense in there! The ceremony was carried out happily and everyone bid the bride and groom towards their car. Riddhima saw Armaan trying to approach her but she was no more interested. She wasn't a toy; that he would talk to her whenever he wished and avoid her whenever he felt like!

Riddhima kept herself busy with Muskaan and Atul while Armaan still made futile attempts to speak but nothing helped. Finally they called it a day and everyone left to their respective rooms. All of them were staying at Riddhima's house today; and were supposed to leave the next morning. Riddhima had just entered the room and sat on the pouf to remove her jewellery when the lights went off. She shrieked in horror and got up instantly but was surprised as she found all the other lights outside were on! Before she could analyze things she felt someone grab her from behind and she was pushed against the wall behind. She was about to scream but then she saw the hazel orbs staring down at her. She couldn't forget them; she perfectly remembered the very first day when she had seen only his eyes.

He smiled at her as she managed to look pretty even when scared! He blocked her between his arms and bent down closer to her face.
A: Kaisi ho Riddhima?
R: Arma... she could sense her eyes welling up and instantly looked away.
Tum yaha kya kar rahe ho? How dare you enter my room? Mera raasta chodo aur chale jao yaha se!

She tried to move away but he held her hands and pinned them up to the wall.
A: Kyun tumne mujhe miss nahi kiya? Aren't you happy to see me?
R: Nahi...apni bakwaas band karo aur chale jao yaha se; varna main security ko bulaungi!
A: Acha go ahead...bulao!

R: Mujhe challenge kar rahe ho? Tumhe lagta hai main tumse darti hu?
A: Uh hmm...
R: Well then...You are wrong Mr.Mallik. Secu...ummm...

She opened her mouth to call the security but he covered her mouth instantly. She tried to remove his palm off her mouth but he was too strong for her. They fell back on the bed in this struggle and grabbing the absolute opportunity he pinned her hands and removing her hand off her lips kissed her covering her mouth; knowing very well she would obviously shout given a chance.

She felt a surge of emotions as his hands caressed her cheek ever so softly; while he kissed her softly. She had missed him so badly; had missed his touch terribly; that all her anger went flying out of the window the moment he laid his hands on her. And his lips did the remaining wonders to make her forget all her disappointment. Her eyes shed tears of longing. She felt him pouring pure love through his kiss making her weak.

He moved down to her neck and planted a trail of sloppy kisses. She shivered bad under his hold as he kissed her throat passionately.
R: Ar...maan...
A: Hmm?

He continued kissing her neckline while his hands still caressed her cheeks.
R: I...I love you Armaan...

Finally...finally he heard what he was yearning for! He instantly stopped and looked up at her face flashing a wide smile which she obviously missed as her eyes were shut and still shedding tears. He frowned seeing her tears and kissed her tears away. Moving down to her earlobe he removed her earring and nibbled it softly;
I love you too Riddhima! I love you...

Kissing her forehead he just stared at her face wiping the fresh tears awaiting her reaction. She opened her eyes and smiled at him; but soon remembered that she was supposed to be angry on him. As she remembered her past month's sleepless nights that she had spent weeping over him.

She grabbed his collar and the next minute rolling around came on top of him hitting him mercilessly on his chest with her fist.

Tum...khud ko samjhte kya ho haan? Peechle ek mahine se mujhse baat nahi kar rahe; meri shakal tak dekhna nahi chahte the aur aaj achanak aakar mujhse keh rahe ho ki mujhse pyaar karte ho?

A: Ouch...Riddhima; that hurts...aah stooop...

She ignored him completely and kept hitting him. He tried to defend but since he was lying down under her he wasn't able to grab hold of her hands.

He shrieked in pain as her hand hit a particular point on his chest. She saw him groan loudly and stopped hitting him.
Owww...you crazy woman! Kya kar rahi ho...

R: Kya...kya hua...chot lagi hai kya...

He saw her instantly turning soft and asked him worried. Grabbing the opportunity he turned her down again and pinned her back to the bed.
A: Oww...itni si ho; par haath kaafi tej hai tumhare! Aise koi maarta hai kya...
R: Tum mere kamre main jabardasti ghus aaye ho aur mere upar aise chadke baith gaye ho; what do you expect tumhari aarti utarungi?
A: Nahi...bas mujhse apne pyaar ka izhaar karogi; jaise 2 minute pehle kar rahi thi!

She dropped her gaze feeling the anger rise in her.
Apni bakwaas band karo aur hato yaha se. Main koi pyaar vyaar nahi karti kissise...

A: Par tumne abhi 2 minute pehle...

R: Maine kaha na; chooodoo mujhe! Chale jao yaha se; main koi khilauna nahi hu tumhara jo jab jee chaha paas bula liya; jab jee chaha ignore kar diya. Bas uthakar bitha diya apne ghar pe kisi stupid revenge ke liye; aur matlab khatam hote hi muh mod liya. Aura b vapas aaye ho apna pyaar jatane!

Pata nahi tumne mere barein main kya rai bana li hai; par main vaisi ladki nahi hu Armaan. Us din tumhe kareeb aane diya; mujhe chuna ka hak de diya iska ye matlab nahi tha ki tum...

A: Shut up Riddhima...you don't even know what you are saying! Aur maine aisa kuch bhi nahi socha hai! Balki tum mujhe galat samajh rahi ho. Tumhe kya lagta hai peechle ek mahine main maine tumhe miss nahi kiya; it was esy for me to stay awy from you?

R: Lagta toh aisa hi hai!

He held her chin and turned her face towards him;
I am sorry Riddhima...I had to stay away. Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki; jo bhi maine kiya uske baad tumhe kaise kuch kahu. The way I had treated you; us badle ke chakkar main jis tarah maine tumhe apne ghar main bandh rakha tha; uske baad mujhe laga...tum; tum nafrat kar rahi hogi mujhse! I didn't know how to talk to you. Maine socha; tumse dur rehna hi sahi hoga. Shayad tumhe bhi takleef kam hogi. Par aaj jab Nikita ne bataya ki tum...peechle ek mahine se mere liye ro rahi ho; mere ignorance ki vajah se tut chuki ho toh main khud ko rok nahi paaya.

He caressed her cheek clearing her tear stained face;
Par galti tumhari hai; agar main nahi bol paa raha tha; toh tumhe aakar mujhse apne dil ki baat kehni chahiye thin a!

R: Shayad tum bhul rahe ho; ki mere saamne aate hi tum apna muh fer lete the. Mujhe dekhna tak gawara nahi tha tumhe; mujhe chodkar sabse baat kar rahe the tum; jaise main exist hi nahi karti. Meri...meri koi...keemat hi nahi...

Her voice broke as she started sobbing replaying all the memories in her mind. He quickly engulfed her in his arms as she cried. She tried to push him away but he kept his hold firm and sat up taking her along and placed her in his lap.

R: Tum bohot buree ho Armaan...bohot rulaya hai tumne mujhe. Maine kitna miss kiya tumhe; socha...tum...tum bhi mujhe yaad karte hoge...par; tum...tumne toh ek baar mudkar...dekha bhi nahi meri taraf us din ke baad...

He held her chin and caressed her cheek;
Shh...I am sorry Riddhima. I am really sorry; mujhe maaf kar do.
He rubbed her back pulling her closer.

You are right main bura hu...bohot bura hu. Tumhe kitna rula diya maine dekho. Bohot bada gadha hu na main.

R: Hmm...

A: Huh?

R: Kya huh! Tum ho...bohot bade gadhe aur ullu ke patthe bhi ho tum! Agar Nikita tumse nahi kehti ki main tumhare liye ro rahi ho toh tum toh kabhi aate bhi nahi shayad mujhse ye sab kehne! Main aise hi roti rehti humesha aur tum fir bhi nahi aate!

A: Acha suno toh...

R: Kya hai?

A: I love you!

R: Toh main ky...
she looked up at him as her mind registered his words. She had heard him say that a few minutes back too; but right now the way he was looking at her made her blush deep red.

He held her chin and smiled at her red cheeks;
Oye hoye...tumhe toh sharmana bhi aata hai!

She smacked his chest and tried to move away but stopped as she heard him groan. She realized maybe she had again hurt him on his wound; but why was he hurt at first place!

R: Armaan I am really sorry...I didn't mean to...
Par tumhe kya hua hai? Chot lagi hai kya...dikhao mujhe?

She tried to move his shirt a little away when he held her hand;
Arey arey ye kya kar rahi ho; ye sab shaadi ke baad Riddhima; abhi nahi!

He got another stern glare from her as he teased her.
Armaaan...it's not funny okay. Please batao na kya hua? Kya laga hai tumhe?

A: Arey baba kuch nahi hua; bas vo tumhara great bhai...yaad hai tume chudane aaya tha tab kaise peeta tha mujhe! Bas ek ghaav reh gaya hai uska; uspe thodi kharoch aa gayi thi kal toh isi liye dard kar raha hai bas.

R: Acha hua...acha sabak milna chahiye tumhe. Mujhe itne waqt se aise yaha rote hue chodne ka. I wish bhai hote yaha; unse fir se maar padhvati tumhe main. Mujhe itna sataya tumne aur...

She gasped as he suddenly pulled her closer...
Riddhima; mere I love you ka jawab nahi diya tumne!

R: Tum vakai main buddhu ho ka; ab bhi nahi samajh...

A: Samajh toh main bohot pehle hi gaya tha Riddhima; par mujhe tumhare muh se sunna hai! Please bola na...

She found him staring back at her intensely awaiting her confession; and after a long wait of one month she too wanted to be out with it; so without any hesitations she placed a small kiss on his lips and whispered against them before hugging him tightly;
I love you Armaan!

He smiled as she hid herself in his arms after the cutest confession ever and he instantly wrapped her in his arms.

A: I love you Riddhima...pata hai ab humare paas poore ek mahine ka courtship period bachta hai; kyunki jab tak Abhi aur Nikki vapas nahi aa jate we can't marry right? Acha khaasa waqt hai tumhare paas before you turn Mrs.Mallik

He dragged her out of the hug and held her face;
I promise Riddhima; dubara kabhi aise nahi rulaunga tumhe. Bohooot saara pyaar karunga tumse; and I will make sure ki tumhe kisi bhi tarah ki takleef na ho kabhi bhi!

R: Aur kabhi is tarah mujhe fir se ignore karne ki koshish bhi ki na toh maar dalungi tumhe samjhe!
A: Oye hoyye...pehle hi kaunsa zinda rakha hai!
She blushed profusely at his comment and hid in his arms again.

The entire night they spent in each other's arms talking and conveying their feelings to each other. All the loneliness that they had suffered through the past month was now slowly earsed from their hearts as they sat by each other's side.

She merely knew him but her heart trusted him completely. She had blind faith on him and this not only her heart but mind too could trust him that he wouldn't cross his line without her consent. It's never about the time period; for how long you have known each other. It's about how well you understand each other. She knew whatever he did was not his real side; but just a shade; there was lot more to his identity and she had an entire month's time to discover theose new facts about him!

AFTER 4 months...

It was their first night; while Riddhima awaited her husband! Finally he entered the room and saw her standing by the dressing table. She blushed hard as he approached her with one of those heart warming smiles of his! His palms slowly travelled to her tummy caressing her milky waist and interlocked his hands trapping her in his arms. He bent down to her neck and bit her skin.
R: Ouch...Armaan...

A: Tum aaj bohooot khubsoorat lag rahi ho Riddhima. I swear aaj se pehle kabhi kiskio kidnap karke kisi kidnapper ko khushi nahi hui hogi jitni mujhe!

She frowned at him looking through the mirror.

A: Arey aise kya dekh rahi ho...agar main tumhe kidnap nahi karta ; toh na Abhi aur Nikki ki shaadi hui hoti; na is waqt tum mere baahon main hoti!

She smiled at his logic and kissed his cheek.

A: Finally after 4 months tum meri ho hi gayi! Agar aur thoda bhi intezaar karna padta na mujhe toh sach kehta hu; main tumhe dubara kidnap kar leta aur kahiii dur bhaag chalta tumhare saath jaha sirf tum aur main hote!

She giggled as he complained cutely.

R: Armaan tumhe pata hai; agar tumne mujhe kidnap karne ke baad jaisa treat kiya vaise har kidnapper khayal rakhe na; toh har ladki per onth ek baar toh jarur kidnap hona chahegi!

A: Ohh really? Yaar dekho; ab ye tumhe shaadi se pehle bolna chahiye tha na! Main aur ladkiyon pe try...

She smacked his arm hard;
Khabardaar jo kisi aur ladki ko najar uthake bhi dekha toh...tum sirf mere personal kinapper ho samjhe!

After Abhi and Nikki's arrival from their honeymoon Armaan and Riddhima declared their wish of getting married but unfortunately certain things did not let them become one. His company's workers had some internal disputes due to which he had to go to Delhi and then after that Abhimanyu met with an accident; a huge one and he took a long time to recover. But now finally the day had arrived; they had become one and he couldn't allow anyone to come between them tonight!

He held his hand out for her;
SO Riddhima; uh huh...Mrs. Riddhima Armaan Mallik! May I have the pleasure to finally make you mine!

The love birds slept entangled in each other finally become one for eternity. Their story had started from an absolute unromantic situation; but LOVE is never bound to time, place or situation. It simply happens when it's supposed to happen. Love can never be completely BLACK or White...it always has shades of GREY! And only once that you pass through them can you achieve your real; true; eternal love which is in only few people's destiny!