To be or not to be...
NOTE: So as per people's requests; since it's 29th Oct today so I thought of posting this marriage wala part today itself. Do read and leave your comments!
*I was supposed to post the video in the next post but the size is too huge so I have posted the links below in the next post; do have a look and give me your feedback!*
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Finally the day had arrived they would become one! Armaan and Riddhima's happiness knew no bounds... but along came the nervousness and fear of some or the other mishaps that always came in way. Their engagement... official engagement was scheduled at 11 while the marriage would take place same day; evening 6:27 to be precise... as that was the mahurat! Riddhima was strictly warned to wear all reds while the functions be it vermillion red; blood red, light red, dark red... whatever shades and tones possible... but colour RED! And Riddhima had absolutely obliged... for the first time without any complaints! As far as she knew Armaan if he had said 10:30 usually he had arrive by 11:30; but considering it was THE day they have always been waiting for; she expected him to be arriving by 10! But it was already quarter to 11... there was no sign of Armaan. Even his Mom Dad had not arrived... no call; no messages nothing. Riddhima's heart had already started beating frantically; but she kept consoling herself. Padma could understand her restlessness even without she saying a word; but couldn't do much other than being by her side. Nobody had any clue as to why were they late... or where had the family gone missing.
Finally... after a long wait; and numerous calls; Armaan called Shashank at just 5 minutes to 11. The minute Riddhima heard the ring she took the phone from Shashank caring least what the people around would think; "Armaan... tum kaha ho? Ab tak pohche kyun nahi? Sab theek hai na... tum theek ho na Armaan... kuch bolo... Armaan?"
"Basket...shhh; shut up yaar kitna bol rahi ho! Saamne wale ko bolne ka mauka dogi tab toh voh kuch bolega na; na hi na hello bas shuru ho gayi!" He purposely teased her so as to distract her since he knew what all must have crossed her mind by now.
Riddhima sighed as she finally heard his voice and he clearly heard her so he continued;
"Don't worry; main bilkul theek hu bas vo Billy ki gaadi traffic police ne rok rakhi thi toh mujhe vapas aana pada; isi liye phone bhi nahi kar paaye is sare chakkar mein. Hum bas pohoch gaye hai; 2 minute mein vaha honge okay? Just calm down... sorry." He apologized sensing her totally disturbed and she instantly replied; "Hmm... tum bas jaldi aa jao; hum sab wait kar rahe hai."
She narrated the reason as much as she knew for the delay and everyone took a sigh of relief as somewhere everyone else too were a little tensed. But to lighten the atmosphere Anjali tapped her shoulder "Acha chal Armaan toh aa hi jayega kuch der mein par tune usse jhuth kyu bola?"
Riddhima frowned not getting her point so she whispered; "Hum sab uska wait kar rahe hai... ya tu uska bohooot jyaada wait kar rahi hai?"
"Diii!" Instantly her cheeks coloured up and smile reached her eyes erasing the lines of worry. Anjali hugged her tightly seeing her blush "Aww... koi nahi Ridz; humare Armaan jeeju jaldi hi aa jayenge..." Everyone smiled seeing Riddhima turn into darkest shades of red.
Armaan and his parents reached soon and they started the ceremony. First thing he did as soon as he entered was hugged Riddhima and held his ears in apology which gave the gang another reason to pull their legs. And things turned more embarrassing as he was right next to her while they teased her. Doing his tika and some choti moti rasmein; they brought the rings. Expense was saved here... hehe ... as they already had the rings; just to make it official they were supposed to exchange them once again in front of everyone. Finally the ring would be back from her right hand to her left hand but this time quite more meaningfully. She slid his ring in his finger and raised her hand. The minute that he made her wear the ring and looked up at her she could clearly gauge his look full of love. But she did not bother looking up. She just kept admiring the ring and thinking about her life. Her eyes had welled up wondering about their marriage which would take place in a few hours now. Not only would they officially be together; but she would also be tagged by his name. She would soon transform herself and become his! But however happy; she did not want those tears to spoil the moment as they might worry him. So she gulped them back and tried to compose herself; when Armaan noticed her trying to hide her gaze; while she remained completely quiet. "Riddhima... kya hua? Itni shaant kyu ho... you are okay na?" She shook her head letting him know she was okay giving him a small smile. But he frowned as she never looked up. He did not get any chance to question her anymore as the gang was all set to tease them seeing them busy murmuring. They were pulled away and the fun continued though now with a two feet distance from each other. She had quickly wiped her tears as he had moved away so later as he saw her he could only see her smile whole heartedly; so he did not bother her much.
A long day ahead... she kept her emotions in check. Completing the engagement ceremony both their parents got busy with the evening arrangements. Though not many people were invited but all the customs were to be followed and all arrangements were to be handled in such a short span; so they were on their toes the entire day. Riddhima was sent away to rest for a while as soon she would have to start getting ready. Sneak peaking around and missing everyone's gaze he somehow managed to reach her room and entered without warning. All the girls and her parents were busy downstairs so he knew she would be all alone. Tip toeing he quietly stepped in and saw her standing by the bed. Her lehenga was placed neatly in front which she was busy staring at. He smiled as she too must be busy just like him; painting some more colours into their dream day. Startled as he out of nowhere appeared; and hugged her from behind. Wiping the tears at the corner of her eyes she quickly stabalized herself. "Kiske khayalon mein khoyi ho... hmm hmm?"
"Kuch nahi bas aise hi... tum yaha kya kar rahe ho? Aur tum andar kaise aaye; kisi ne tumhe dekha nahi?" Armaan turned her around and let his arms rest over her shoulder dragging her close; but she kept her eyes casted down. "What do I say; samajh lo... Main ab expert ho chuka hu sabse bachte bachte tum tak pohchne mein! Vaise I am eagerly waiting to see you in this lehenga; I know tum khubsoorat hi lagogi... but still. Aur..." he stopped as he noticed her eyes and raised her chin. She met his gaze and he instantly sensed the redness of her eyes; "Tum ro rahi thi Basket?"
Riddhima shook her head in denial but he did not let her look away; "Riddhima??"
Before he could say anything she placed her hand over his lips; "Kuch nahi main khush hu Armaan... samajh lo kuch jyaada hi khush hu. Aaj meri shaadi hai; aur is liye thodi si emotional hu aur kuch nahi. Tum batao tum yahape kya kar rahe ho?"
Armaan cupped her face ignoring her question and confirmed; "Tum pakka theek ho na?"
"Main theek nahi bohot acchi hu; ab batao yaha kya kar rahe ho!" Armaan kissed her forhead smiling at her reply and stated the reason of his presence; "Basket abhi toh kisi tarah mushkil se tumhare kamre mein pohoch gaya main; sab neeche busy hai na is liye. Ab thodi der mein tumhare saari saheliyan tumhe tayyar karne mein lag jayenge; fir toh koi chance nahi ki main tumse mil saku. Is liye abhi aa gaya... iske baad directly mandap mein hi mil paayenge na toh... remember I need to..."
Riddhima cut his words with a smile and finished his unsaid words; "Mujhe payal aur kadha pehnane aaye ho! Yahi na?... ek minute ruko main abhi aati hu."
She picked the payal and kadha he had returned and walked back to him; "Hmm ye lo..."
She settled on the dressing pouf while he made her wear the anklet and delicately pushed the bangle back into her hand. "Hmm... ab tum bilkul ready ho; meri dulhan banne ke liye!"
Armaan caressed her cheek and placed a soft kiss seeing her blush at his words. "Chalo ab isse pehle ki koi muhe tumhare saath dekh le mujhe yaha se nikla hoga." He had just walked a few steps but returned; "Aur haan..." Riddhima raised her brows in askance when he placed feather light kisses over her eyes; "Jyaada emotional hone ki koi jarurat nahi hai; mujhe mandap mein meri dulhan bilkul khush dikhni chahiye... aisi rotlu shakal wali nahi samjhi?" Riddhima smacked his chest but nonetheless giggled at his words as he teased her and kissing her palm one last time he finally moved out.
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Counting every minute... every second as the day moved slow than ever today he sat all ready waiting to have a glimpse of her. Abhi and Nikki too had just arrived and since all of them were meeting after so long the gang was having a blast. Seeing their most favourite couple to be married soon they were all excited for the two. Along with Armaan... for a change even Anjali was teased today as the next in line to get married soon was her. Now that her younger sister was going to settle in her life Shashank would definitely soon think about her marriage as well; and to everyone's surprise today they saw Anjali Gupta blushing. Lost in their teasing sessions and all the masti; they did not realize that it was about time to call Riddhima down. Padma had slowly dragged Anjali out of her friends and they escorted Riddhima.
The gang who was busy laughing stopped all f a sudden as they heard some gasps and awes around and turned their gazes towards the source.
There she was... walking down the stairs looking a goddess of beauty; clad in a lavish red lehenga choli; dupatta drapped over her head and face glowing just like angel. Not only Armaan but everyone around gaped as Riddhima looked ethereal in her bridal attire. No doubts the lehenga Armaan had selected was a brilliant choice; but her smile; the happy glint of her eyes and the glow her face held were something that made her look like a bride... a happy bride all set to start a new life. And that is what was missing the last time she had dressed as a bride. As things dawned upon Shahshank he regretted certain decisions of his past; but did not let those mistakes falter his today's happiness. He was happy that finally his daughter was happy... and she would always remain so as he noticed the look in Armaan eyes. The immeasurable love that his eyes held could be read by a blind eye as well!
Armaan had his mouth open in awe while Riddhima looked away seeing him gawking at her. Soon shifting their attention back towards Armaan; the gang cleared their throat and gave fake coughs to bring the hero out of his la-la-la land. Armaan shut his mouth but cared less about his stare session. As she reached the mandap he forwarded his hand to help her up and she obliged with an angelic smile. He himself was looking no less than a Greek God. For the first time ever as she confessed the fact to herself she blushed inwardly. Not only was she lucky to have such a caring and loving guy like him; but in a fraction of minute she read it in almost every girl's eye standing around him... he was something every girl desired of! Dashing... and irresistibly handsome.
"I told you... you had look absolutely stunning in this lehenga. Meri choice kabhi galat nahi hoti!" Riddhima rolled her eyes as he straightened his collar crediting all her good looks to his choice. He chuckled at her face and whispered; "Tum bohot jyaada khubsoorat lag rahi ho Basket..."
She smiled at his compliment but frowned; "Armaan... kam se kam aaj hi mera naam dhang se le lo!"
Armaan shrugged his shoulders at her complaint; "Kya farak padta hai ab Basket..." He looked at her intensely as she glared back "Tumhara naam toh vaise bhi change hi ho raha hai kuch der main... mere hi naam se jud jayega. Toh kya fark padta hai ki main tumhe Basket bulau ya Riddhima... meri marzi!"
Riddhima looked up at him and smiled deep at his words... but soon their eye lock was interrupted by the pandit and their faces flushed as everyone around found a brilliant opportunity to tease. They exchanged the jaimala and sat in front of the holy fire to continue other proceedings. Mantras were chanted and the pandit started explaining the meaning and importance of marriage and its customs. Minute by minute as he explained things as to how the two were supposed to be together through thick and thin and many other things; she remembered most of the responsibilities and promises that he had already followed for her. The happiness that he had provided her with no bonds attached... no ties declared! She looked down at his hand that even now had her hand entwined and she looked up at him. Sensing her eyes on him he turned towards her and raised his brow but she simply shook her head and turned away. Oblivious to the turmoil going on within her he had his undivided attention towards the pandit's instructions. An attempt of keeping her emotions in check was faltering as they piled up in her heart. Taking a deep sigh she kept looking down while he caressed her palm sensing her shiver a little under his hold. Considering it to be her nervousness he tightened his grip and continued with whatever the pandit instructed.
Riddhima was soon told to place her hand in his as they were to shower some holy things into the holy fire. Armaan nudged her as she remained lost in her own thoughts but soon she placed her palm over his and they did the needful; "Riddhima... kya hua?" Once again she shook her head but did not utter a word. He frowned a bit but let her be. As the primary customs were done; he then instructed Armaan to fill her parted hair with vermillion. Armaan sensed her tremble as he had lifted her mang tika and slowly traced her parted hair with a pinchful of sindoor. Her eyes shut... her lips quivered. Padma who sat by her side corrected her mang tika and cleared the vermillion that had dropped down on her nose as he was done. She patted her head as even she noticed her state. Both Padma and Armaan exchanged a look and looked down at her who was still gazing down quietly; Armaan caressed her arm and she gasped but did not look up "Riddhima kya hua tumhe... tum theek ho na?"
She had no clue how she was managing to keep her tears locked but could no more mask it with a smile. All her pent up emotions had started surging as... soon she would be his but she knew he had wanted to see her smile... ONLY smile as she would sit by his side as his bride. So she curved her lips a bit and forced a smile; "h... haan... main theek hu!"
He wasn't very much satisfied by her answer but nonetheless turned as the pandit handed him the mangalsutra. He was being told to fill the holy hollow moulds one with vermillion and the other with turmeric. Done with that as he was told to proceed and he raised it up; a tiny tear trickled down her eye. Not that it went unnoticed but he placed the wedding chain around her neck and locked it while she stayed mum. But soon that he had managed to hook it and flowers and holy rice showered onto them her damn broke. Armaan held her arm as she literally started shivering out of her hard sobs. "Riddhima?... kya hua?" He asked her concerned as she broke down all of a sudden but she simply shook her head. "Ku... kuch nahi... so...rry..." she wiped her tears and managed a quick apology between her hiccups. Armaan realized what she was going through and rubbed her arm taking her in a side hug. His own eyes leaked as he felt her tremble and hold onto his arm tightly as she cried in his arms;
"Shhh Basket... aaj itna khaas din hai; humara sapna finally poora ho raha hai dekho!"
But that instead increased her sobs; he tightened his hold hiding her within him letting her be. Caressing her head he tried to calm her and everyone just sighed as they could understand their longing and pain for each other. Eventually as she did not budge to stop while the pandit awaited to carry on with the rituals Armaan wiped her tears and cupping her face whispered slowly to cheer her up "Basket... rona band karo; varna sab sochenge maine tumhe kidnap karke jabardasti ye shaadi karva raha hu! Dekho aaj bhi bohot ladkiyan marti hai mujhpe; koi bhi shaadi ke liye ready ho jayegi aur tum ho ki...come on... saari ladkiyon ke saamne meri ek image hai; use kharab mat karo." Finally she smacked his arm and came out of his hold glaring at him. "Tumhe kisi... aur ke... saam...ne koi image ban...nane ki vai...se bhi jarurat nahi; shadi ho rahi hai tum...hari; ku... kuch toh sharm karo!"
She warned him between her sobs and he smiled; "Toh tum rona band karo!" He wiped her tears and held her hand once again in a tight hold. Everyone around was awestruck seeing the couple and all they had were best wishes and blessings coming out from their heart seeing them so much in love! He asked Muskaan to get some water but Riddhima denied as she was fasting. Getting over her tears she nodded her head as she was now ok so they were told to get up for the rounds. With every round a promise as per the customs was made; and along with it another set of silent promises were made to themselves in their own hearts;
1. To be by each other's side forever.
2. Provide the other with all kind of happiness.
3. To never let the happiness falter; and differences apart them.
4. To understand and trust one another as much as possible.
5. To think of his/her happiness before ownself.
6. To fulfil all his/her wishes and never let the smile fade.
7. To shield him/her from any kind of pain, hurt or sorrow.
All the customs and traditions were fulfilled. All the while as he had her hand intact in his firm hold the gang started teasing him and even tried to take her away for a while but he did not budge; "Arey kyu chodu main... mujhe nahi chodna uska haath bas!" As Riddhima had made an attempt drowned in embarrasement he cut her off as well; "Tum bhi kuch nahi keh sakti mujhe; ab toh license hai mere paas. Aur main jaanta hu ye sab chidha rahe hai is liye; varna tumhe bhi koi man nahi hai ki main tumhara haath chodu." Riddhima blushed profusely as his words were true and it wasn't any secret now.
Breaking her fast she had the first few morsel by his hand as everyone insisted and he had obliged with a wide smile. Dreams had finally come true and they were together as husband and wife. The nervousness had started fading as everything was done successfully. Finally it was time for bidaai and he finally loosened his grip over her as she approached Padma. Though her eyes shed tears but everyone could see; her face no more depicted any pain.
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Sitting by his side as they made their way home; he cleared her tear stains;
"Kya hai na Basket; ab main toh vo disciplined ladkon ki category mein aata nahi ki humesha ek handkerchief leke ghumunga. Toh ab isise kaam chalana padega. Is liye better stop crying... varna tumhare aanson ikhatta karne ke liye toh mere paas kuch hai bhi nahi; and kurta bhi naya hai na varna I would have let you cry in my arms."
Armaan just shook his head as whether she found the ring or not... she was anyways going to rule his heart; now and forever!!
Large bowl of milk was placed in between them and countdown started. Both of them dipped their hands and started searching for the ring. Riddhima was completely concentrated while the lover boy was a usual busy looking up at her. The gang cleared their throats to grab his attention but nothing worked... though Riddhima looked up at him and blushed looking at his constant gaze. Though lost in her his hand reached the ring; and he held it out showing the ring announcing his victory. Riddhima pouted as she lost while he just shrugged his shoulders at her. Nobody cared who won or lost as they were very much busy enjoying their togetherness after so many hardships. Round 2 won by Riddhima and the game turned interesting. The ring was dropped once again and they both started searching for the ring. Armaan sensed the ring and smiled to himself but did not raise his hand; instead he moved ahead and searched for her hand. Riddhima looked up at him as he held her hand and she could feel the cold metal that he held. But before she could say anything he pulled her hand out so that the ring remained in her hand while he held her hand. Everyone frowned as the ring was missing while they just sat holding hands. Nikita snapped as they kept still;
"Guyss... game ring dhundne ka hai; ek dusre ko pakadne ka nahi!"
Just as all of them started laughing; he slid his hand away so that they could see the ring lying in her palm; "Hum jeet gaye... aakhir mein koi bhi nahi hara" He looked up at her meaningfully and everyone understood the meaning of his words and they simply smiled while he winked at Riddhima.
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Riddhima was sent up to their room while Armaan was kept busy downstairs. Where boys were busy pulling his leg; things were no behind upstairs. The girls sat surrounding Riddhima teasing her to no ends and awaiting Armaan. They were supposed to receive a huge amount of neg fom him afterall... while Riddhima too waited to finally spend some time with him alone. Working out ways and using numerous tactics he finally escaped the guys and reached his room but was greeted by the girls. Of course... how could he forget them.
"Oye hero... badi der laga di aane mein; anyways ab aa gaya hai toh jaldi se hume humara neg bhi de de."
Armaan narrowed his eyes at Muskaan as he knew there was no way they were going to let him enter without having what they wished for so he straight away came to the point; "Kya neg?..."
"Bohot soch samajh ke aur finally kuch compromises karke we have decide ki tujhe sirf... 25000 dene honge."
Armaan choked on air listening to their demand and instantly snapped; "Mujhe andar jaake sirf apni hi Basket se milna hai; koi international level match nahi dekhne jaa raha main! 25000 de do..." He mimicked them and tried to push them away but he was pushed back and he almost stumbled. Anjali glared at him with her hands over her hip; "Tum meri behen ki insult kar rahe ho. Vaise toh itni badi badi baatein karte ho; meri Ridzy se milne ke liye itni si keemat bhi nahi chukka sakte!"
"Itni si?? You call it ITNI SI!!" Armaan widened his eyes asking totally surprised but all the girls shouted back at him together almost turning him deaf; "HAAN ITNI SII!!... " Nikita marched ahead making Armaan back away; "Dekh Ammy... tere profession ke hisaab se bhi toh thoda soch na. Aur hum sab mein we will distribute the cash na... toh per person atleast 5000 toh milne chahiye. So ab jyaada akad mat aur chup chap paise nikal varna raat bhar yahi baitha reh!"
Armaan had opened his mouth to snap back but just then Riddhima came by the door hearing all the commotion and he obviously went mum seeing her. The girls pouted while some smacked their foreheads seeing her as he wasn't supposed to even get a glimpse of her till he paid. ; "Ridzy yaar tu bahar kyu aayi... tujhse kaha tha na andar rehne ko..."
Riddhima frowned at Muskaan complaint; "Vo itna shor ho raha tha toh maine socha..."
"Hum kuch nahi kar rahe tere hero ko... chill. Vo aa jayega."
But Armaan was already lost in her; so the girls quickly covered her obstructing his view and he was snapped out of his dreamland. He frowned as she hid behind and gritted his teeth at the insensitive girls; "Dekh jitni jaldi neg bharega utni jaldi you can see her; toh ab jyaada bhaav mat kha..."
Having no other way out he scratched his head as he had only 10000 on him for now. So he handed them and the girls instantly attacked him; but he shut them up
"Jyaada chillane ki koi jarurat nahi hai; I know it only half the amount par don't worry... jaldi hi main khud tum sabko shopping treat dunga. For the remaining 15... no actually let's make it a round figure 20000 rupees... happy?" All the girls gasped while Riddhima looked up at him shocked. "Kya baat hai sir... aapko koi lottery lag gayi kya?" Naina questioned him though excited by is offer. Keerti too asked in surprise; "Haan Armaan... itni meherbani kaise?"
Armaan smiled at them and replied looking at Riddhima; "Kyunki aaj main bohot khush hu; mera sapna sach hua hai aaj; aur kisine mujhse kaha tha ki khushiyaan baatne se badti hai. Isi liye samjh lo meri taraf se ek choti si treat hai!"
Everyone looked back at Riddhima and nudged her elbow hooting at his reply. Riddhima turned deep red and walked inside not wanting to face any of them anymore. Since they finally received what they wished for; but he wasn't let to meet her so easily. They continued playing some or the other pranks on him; making him get some or the other things from the kitchen under the pretext that it was a tradition to make the bride happy on the first night by offering her all of that. Poor guy lacking knowledge about all custom and traditions kept doing as instructed but after sometime realized it was just a prank and headed straight for his room falling for no more interruptions.
Breathing a deep sigh of relief tired of all the teasing session he locked the door. A smile adored his lips thinking about her... finally they would get some time alone. His eyes wandered around the room; she stood caressing a huge frame of theirs smiling to herself. May be she was busy replaying the memories attached with it.
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Veer Hanuman
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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