AR OS and drabble gallery: New SS-THE CURSE : PART 2 UPDATED-PMs LATER - Page 46

PART 3

Correcting his mood he walked downstairs neatly dressed in a coffee colour suit with a crisp white shirt beneath and to his surprise she wore an ivory coloured saree with a thin coffee coloured border completely complimenting with his attire! She turned around and a sweet smile adored her lips as she noticed his suit and saw him looking at her saree. She knew perfectly well what he was thinking and she thanked herself for choosing this saree over the blue saree that she was supposed to wear instead. The door bell rang breaking his trance and he quickly averted his gaze realizing he was staring at her all the while. The delegates had arrived and Armaan got busy with them. Everybody had definitely complimented Riddhima's culinary skills. Billy was happy seeing her smile while Tani stood by her side giving her some company as Armaan would definitely never do that.

Riddhima who was left all alone for a while as Tani was to attend a call; she saw Armaan and one of his client who he was about to sign the next contract with, standing right in front
"Armaan aapne toh hume apni wife se milwaya hi nahi! Introduce toh karva deejiye kam se kam."
His lack of interaction with her had not gone unnoticed by any of them and this Punit guyseemed too keen of meeting her. Having no way out he maintained a straight face and introduced casually;
"Umm... yeah... she's Riddhima."
Riddhima kept looking at him; awaiting that he would introduce her as his wife; just for formality sake maybe, but once. Alas that never happened as saying just that much he excused himself of making an important call.
Riddhima's hopes faltered once more but all throughout she completely forgot about the guy standing in front of her. Punit forwarded his hand in order to greet her and she obliged but a few minutes of conversation and she started feeling uncomfortable with his presence. As she saw a glimpse of Armaan who was done with his call; she tried to call him but he simply walked away ignoring her completely. She looked around for some escape but Billy had long ago gone to Ananya's room; while Tani had still not returned. Riddhima felt so frustrated and agitated at the same time. She understood Armaan's hatred for her; but could he not once be there for her reading her discomfort? Couldn't he just be there to help her away from this maniac who was looking at her as if she was some artifact of display. Not like a husband; but just like a gentleman, couldn't he just stand by her side stating that she wasn't alone! But maybe the answer to all her questions was a plain NO as he seemed unavailable for her. Just as she thought of helping herself and getting away from the jerk he dared to hold her wrist to stop her and she flinched.
"Arey Riddhima rukiye na, thodi der humse baatein kar leejiye. Vaise bhi aapke pati ko toh shayad aapke liye fursat nahi par hum aapki khidmad mein haazir hai."

She whisked her hand out of his hold and scowled;
"Stay in your limits Mr.Punit!! Mujhe apni hifazat ke liye apne pati ki fursat ki jaroorat nahi. Aur unhe mere liye fursat hai ya nahi isse aapko koi matlab nahi hona chahiye. Mehmaan ki tarah aaye hai; mehmaan bankar hi pesh aaye toh acha hoga!"

She turned on her heels furiously to come to face with Armaan but she no more needed him. She felt sick of him as he had ignored her while she needed him the most and he was no blind to not read that anger and thin line of water arising in her eyes.

Naina tere kajraare hai, naino pe hum dil haare hai

Anjaane hi tere naino ne waade kiye kayi saare hai

After the party what followed was Riddhima's upset conduct which made Tia confront her and ultimately Armaan heard it all as he happened to eavesdrop the conversation while walking back to his room. Within a matter of two minutes he made up his mind and the deal was cancelled with the Punit guy. Armaan felt really ashamed of himself. He never realized that his ignorance had led her into such a situation and being right there he hadn't been able to help her out; as he did not bother to look after her. The hatred he held for her was constant; but guilt slowly pushed in as well. Riddhima had no clue of his doing and he made sure she didn't know it as well. As much as he was guilty; he was still not ready to let her know that he cared... he still did!

Saanson ki lay madham chalein, tose gaye

Barasega saawan
Barasega saawan jhoom jhoomke, do dil aise milenge

-----------------------

A week had passed away and nothing changed, she put in her best efforts to be there for him but he stayed ignorant. Tonight he had some friends coming over and she had thought of staying away as she had realized by now how her presence disturbed him. But to her luck his friends insisted upon meeting her and she was left with no choice. Armaan who was atleast smiling until now had turned completely grim on seeing her. Everyone in his gang had loved her simplicity, she was such a sweet innocent girl that they couldn't stop praising her and his choice. Little did they know that their praises only infuriated him further more. Only he knew what she was capable of, how mean she could get. Unable to bear her cunning charms that she somehow spread and trapped people(according to him) he looked away cursing her under his breath. Just as he was sipping onto his mocktail standing by the bar he saw his friend Kunal approach him with a huge smile.
"Armaan dude what are you doing here? Yahah akele kyun khada hai?"

"Kuch nahi bas... simply."
He thought he was still busy wondering about his mother, all of them knew how tensed he was of her condition so he pulled him towards the area where all of them were sitting and tried to console him;
"Don't worry Ammy, she will be fine soon. Itna mat soch. And by the way tu toh bada chupa rustam nikla yaar!"

"Huh... kya matlab?"

"Ek toh tune jaldi jaldi mein chupke shaadi karli aur upar se apni itni khoobsurat biwi ko itne din se chupake rakha hia humse."

Armaan's jaws tightened at her reference while Riddhima shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
He shut his eyes and thought of sneaking out of the conversation;
"Excuse me... I need to make a call main--"

But he was cut by his other friend Sara who sat by Riddhima's side and nudged Riddhima;
"Oh ho dekh loo Riddhima. Tumhara pati toh sharma raha hai, see how he's running away. Well that's a news, kyunki aaj tak humne Armaan ko sharmate hue nahi dekha."
The entire gang burst out laughing but only Riddhima knew how their teasing were triggering his pain further more. But she could only sit and watch completely clueless of what was she supposed to do to stop them.
"But I don't blame you Armaan, after all she's really beautiful yaar, aur itni smart and hot bhi hai. Perfect match hai tere liye!"
Sara declared kicking his anger a notch up and he lost it. He looked back at Riddhima and spat without thinking twice,
"Smart she is... indeed."

Everybody hooted as he spoke up but his followed words wiped their smiles;
"But about "hotness"... well I will have to really think you know. She's not that great as well trust me."
He smirked at Sara and whispered the rest passing a wink;
"And I should know better since I am with her day in day OUT you know what I mean! I have definitely had better than her."
The room was filled with utter silence. Everyone's mouth gaped at his remark while Riddhima shuddered by his cheap statement. She couldn't believe he had stoop so low to insult her. Nobody knew what got into him, while they felt bad for Riddhima so Sara tried to put in some sense into his brain;
"Armaan what are you saying, are you out of your mind?"

"Arey kya hua... main toh bas... ohh I see you liked her too much to know that? Well but she's not that bad, she's really obedient! Aur mom ki favourite bhi hai ye, unki saari baatein maanti thi na. Dono ke beech itni baatein hoti thi ki aaj tak mujhe unke topics pata hi nahi chale, Kyun Riddhima?"

Riddhima who was busy fighting her tears couldn't take it anymore and was up on her feet to run away but he held her wrist stopping her in place;
"Arey ruko na Riddhima itni jaldi kya hai. Sab ko pata toh chale kitum kitni achi patni ho."

Looking daggers at her he purposely let a little mocktail drop onto the floor and looked up at her;
"Tch tch tch ye toh farsh kharab ho gayi ab ise saaf karna padega. Toh ab----"

Noora (their maid) who was watching everything silently stepped in but he instantly snapped back;
"Main abhi saaf kar deti hu bhaiyya---"

"Koi jarurat nahi! Arey humari itni pyaari si itni pati-vrata patni hai na yaha, Riddhima! She's supposed to clear up her husband's mess na, so Riddhima why don't you..."

Riddhima shut her eyes tight and whispered softly;
"Armaan please mera haath chodiye. Sab dekh rahe hai."

"Arey toh dekhne do na Riddhima. Unhe bhi toh tumhare talents pata chale, you are such a cleanliness freak na toh why don't you----"

"ARMAAAN! YE KYA BATAMEEZI HAI. HAATH CHODO USKA."
All of them turned around and found a fuming Balvinder Mallik. Armaan let her free gritting his teeth as he knew that Billy would never tolerate this nonsense or any harm to Riddhima. Not wanting to be a part of the huge scene that was about to take place Riddhima simply ran up to her room and locked herself.
"Armaan what is wrong with you? Vo kuch kehti nahi iska ye matlab nahi hai ki vo kamjor hai, ki vo kuch kar nahi sakti. She respects you aur tu..."

"Please dad; I know very well ki vo kya cheej hai!"

"Enough Armaan! Not a word more. Tumne soch liya hai ki galti uski hai isse vo gunehgaar nahi ban jaati. Par tum apni aankhon par patti band kar ghum rahe ho and you believe ki sach vohi hai jot um soch rahe ho. Kabhi apni aankein kholo aur use dekho toh samajh jaoge ki uske paas yaha rehkar tumhari bakwaas sehne ki koi vajah nahi hai par fir bhi vo yaha hai kyunki vo teri parvah karti hai. Main nahi jaanta tu kabhi is baat ko samjhega bhi ya nahi, par ainda kabhi bhi tune uske saath koi bhi aisi harkat karne ki koshish ki toh main bardasht nahi karunga."
Stating ultimatum he walked up to his room while Armaan stood wondering over his words. His friends got going totally taken aback by Armaan's other side but nonetheless greeted him as they left. He crashed the glass and walked out towards the lawn to breath in some fresh air. The stars were his only companion these days.
"Why... aakhir meri galti kya hai? Why did she have to do this to you Mom. I am so lost, please help me. Agar aap aaj theek hoti toh aap jaroor meri madat karti, mujhe batati what I am supposed to do. You know I loved her Mom, main bohot pyaar karta tha usse, par uski vajah se aaj aap..."
He lost in the memories of that horrendous night.

FLASHBACK

Armaan entered his house all happy as the marriage was just a few days away. He was absolutely looking forward to finally have her in his life, and especially to see her dressed as his bride in that beautiful red and white they bought just a day before. Lost in picturing her in her bridal avatar he had just reached the stairs when he heard some commotion. He walked back to Ananya's room as he could hear someone talking to her and Ananya seemed quite agitated.

"Nahii... tum samajh nahi rahi ho. Main apne bete ko jaanti hu aur uske liye kya sahi hai aur kya galat tumse achi tarah samjhti hu."

"Par aap usse jhoot bol rahi hai, use itna bada sach chupana... ye galat hai!"
He stilled hearing that voice, he had instantly recognized that it was Riddhima his mother was busy arguing with. But that mere thought was so contradictory, he knew Ananya loved Riddhima like her daughter and adored her to no ends that she couldn't ever hear a word against her but right now she seemed too unhappy with Riddhima.

"Mom aap samjhti kyun nahi agar Armaan ko aap khud sab bata dngi toh ho sakta hai vo..."

"Nahi use kuch bhi batane ya samjhane ki koi jarurat hi nahi hai."

"Ye galat hai Mom use haq banta hai sach janne ka, and I am sorry par agar aap usse baat nahi karengi toh mujhe karni padegi."

"Ruk jaoo Riddhima, please meri baat sunlo. Main apne bte ko khona nahi chahti Riddhima. Tum samajhti kyun nahi? Dekho ye sab bhul jao please. Tum bas apni aane wali zindagi par dhyaan do, baki sab bhul jao. Armaan is waqt bohot khush hai Riddhima; is shaadi ko lekar bohot khush hai. Aur main jaanti hu ki tum humesha use aise hi khush rakhogi, toh poorani baatein peeche chod do aur..."

"Par main sach jaante hue chup nahi baith sakti. Apni nayi zindagi ek jhootb se shuru nahi kar sakti main. Main aapki baat samjhti hu Mom... par aap Armaan ka bhi toh sochiye, agar use kisi aur se ye baat pata chali toh vo toot jayega."

Too perturbed by their conversation he finally opened the door and both the ladies turned,
"Mom? Riddhima? Ye kya ho raha hai? Aur Mom aap ro kyun rahi hai?"

Ananya's eyes widened as Armaan looked at them confused as hell;
"Armaan!! Tum... tum jao yaha se Ammy hum bas..."

Armaan walked upto her and held her arms;
"Aap aise ro rahi hai and you expect me to go away. Riddhima what's happening?"

Riddhima looked back at Ananya and then at him unsure of what to say.
"Mom main jaanti hu ki aapko dar hai ki aap Armaan ko kho de par agar aap usse sach chupayengi toh..."

"Riddhima tum ghar jao bohot raat ho gayi hai. Vaise bhi tumhe is sabse dur rehna chahiye."

"Ye aap galat kar rahi hai Mom, aur mera poora haq banta hai ki aapko ye galti karne se main roku."

"Main uski Maa hu Riddhima, nobody can think of any better for him than me."

"Aap uske liye acha nahi apne mamta ke swaarth mein andhi ho rahi hai."
Armaan snapped back at Riddhima as she accused Ananya for some reason unknown to him;
"Riddhimaaa, ye kya bakwaas kar rahi ho tum?"

"Armaan tum nahi jaante par tum ek dhoke mein jee rahe ho. Main jaanti hu ki inka koi galat intention nahi tha par ye jhoot hai, galat hai."

Ananya folded her hands in pleading manner and approached Riddhima;
"Please ruk jao Riddhima. Main haath jodti hu tumhare aage aisa mat karo."

Riddhima gasped and instantly held her hands
"Please Mom, aap ye kya kar rahi hai? Please aap apne haath mat jodiye."

Armaan was shocked and furious at Riddhima at the same time as Annaya turned so helpless in front of her. Why couldn't she let go off whatever topic that they were discussing about. Couldn't she see how his mother was crying and pleading her to let go.
"Theek hai Mom main chup ho jati hu, lekin kisi din ye sach Armaan ko kisi aur se pata chala toh vo bardasht nahi kar payega aur uski jimmedar aap khud hongi. Ek baar meri baat par gaur keejiye aur fir jo aapko sahi lage vo keejiye. Waqt rehte sab theek kar deejiye Mom varna aisa na ho ki apni mamta ki aad mein chup reh kar aap apne bte ko khudse aur dur karde. Main aapki ijjat karti hu Mom aur samjhti hu ki aapke najariye se aap jo kar rahi hai vohi sahi hai, par ek baar mere najariye se sochiye toh shayad aap samajh jaye ki main ye aap dono ke ache ka soch kar hi keh rahi hu."
Armaan was blank about everything that was happening but he did not like the way he saw his mother. Never ever had he seen her cry so badly and Riddhima for some reason was being insistent about talking to him about some truth which only induced more pain for Ananya. Her words left a deep impact on her, she knew she was being selfish but she couldn't lose Armaan by telling him the truth.

Riddhima looked up at Armaan who just kept staring at her quizzically. She could see that he was disappointed in her as all he knew was his mother was crying about something that Riddhima said but he had no clue of the truth. As Riddhima tried to say something he cut her furiously;
"Just leave Riddhima, you have already said enough. Mujhe is waqt tumse koi baat nahi karni. Tumhari vajah se aaj Mom ko maine pehli baar itni boori tarah rote hue dekha hai Riddhima I did not expect this from you. I will never forgive you for this."

Ananya held his arm realizing that he was getting it all wrong and blurting his anger on Riddhima for no reason;
"Nahi Armaan uski koi galti nahi hai. Riddhima tum jao beta, I will handle everything. Bas mujhe kuch waqt de do."

Nodding quietly she sighed looking up at Armaan hurt by his dismissal and had just taken a few steps towards the door when the emotional turmoil became too much to handle for Ananya and she placed a hand over her heart. A sharp pain attacked her and she fell on her knees groaning in pain. Riddhima turned around and found Ananya down in pain lying in Armaan's arms.
"Mooom... kya hua aapko? Mooom!!"

He started calling out for the maids while Riddhima ran back to hold Ananya. He picked her up in his arms and ran towards the car. They reached the hospital and Riddhima quickly called for the stretcher and rushed it towards the OT.
"Mom keep taking deep breath, sab theek ho jayega."
Riddhima held her hand and instructed her of what to do while Ananya held her hand up for Riddhima calling her closer and she instantly bent down trying to stop her from speaking as talking in that state was not good for her but seeing her adamant she gave in;
"Riddhima mujhse vaa--- vada karo ki tu---tum Ar---maan ko kuch na"nahi bat--- bataogi."

Riddhima hesitated a bit but seeing her condition gave in;
"Haan Mom aap shant ho jaiye, main use kuch nahi bataungi. Aap jaisa kahengi vaise hi hoga. I will not tell him anything."

She had realized that Armaan was disappointed in Riddhima and would blame her if anything happened to her(Ananya) at this point so she called him ahead. Holding his hand he gave it in Riddhima's hand and held them tight;
"Armaan ch--- chahe aaj kuch bhi ho ja---ye tum Riddhima se usi din shaadi karo---ge jis din kida"te fix hui hai. Pro---mise me!"

"Mom aap..." He looked up at Riddhima and whisked her hand away. Riddhima was taken aback by his move but she understood his state and stayed mum.
"Aap aisa mat boliye main---"

Ananya shook her head and uttered amidst her deep breaths;
"Pr---omise me Armaan!"

Seeing her having difficulty to breath he gave in and promised her that he would marry Riddhima on the fixed date. And soon they had reached the OT so he had to stop outside. While Riddhima went to the pharmacy to get the things she knew would be needed. Billy arrived soon as he got the news and they all awaited the doctor. As soon as the doctor stepped out Riddhima approached him;
"Doctor how is she? Vo theek hai na?"

"Dr.Riddhima sorry to say but she's not really all that fine. Aap janti hai ki she has suffered from a major attack, unka BP bhi kafi low tha which we have managed to recover but..."

"But kya doctor?"
Armaan spoke up worried.

"After her BP came back to normal she has suffered through a partial paralytic attack. And she's slipping in and out of coma."

The world came crashing down for all of them hearing his words. Seeing her symptoms Riddhima had realized she was suffering through an attack, and somewhere she also knew the reason after all the emotional turmoil that she had suffered. But as she heard it out clear from the doctor's mouth it sounded even more dangerous. Armaan slumped down on the chair while Billy froze on his spot. None of them knew how to react to that piece of information. Somehow regaining her voice Riddhima approached the doctor,
"Shubhankar sir vo theek toh ho jayengi na? She ... she will be..."

"Riddhima you know the answer, we cannot say anything. Aap khud ek doctor hai aap janti hai ki... anyways just keep praying."
-------------

Riddhima took over her case and started monitoring her closely while Billy and Armaan sat outside still trying to digest everything. After a few hours as she approached Billy and instructed a few things as Ananya's BP was back to a normal pace but she had slipped into coma and all they could do now was wait for her to respond. Riddhima went to the waiting area as Tani had arrived by then and took Armaan there as he was in a bad state. He wasn't saying anything. Tani looked up at Riddhima as she entered and stood up asking her about Ananya's status. She looked back at Armaan and left to get something to eat for him leaving the two alone for a while. Riddhima sat by his side and placed a hand on his shoulder but he did not react.
"Armaan... please kuch toh bolo. Mom theek ho jaye----"

"Tumne Mom se kya kaha?"

"Huh?"
She looked at him perplexed as he put forth a question which did not make any sense to her as his voice too was very low.He finally turned his face to her, his eyes bloodshot read with the burden of unshed tears and pain while he kept looking at her quietly for a minute and then spoke up in a slow firm voice;
"Tum dono mein kya baat ho rahi thi Riddhima? Why was Mom crying?"

Riddhima stiffened as she realized where this was heading. Of course he must be busy wondering of what had happened that led his mother suffer through an attack but she had nothing to say. What could she tell him now, Ananya had taken a promise to stay mum. However that she wanted to tell him the truth; she couldn't break her promise
"Armaan chodo vo sab, it's nothing."

"Even if it's nothing I need to know Riddhima.Maine kabhi Mom ko aise rote hue nahi dekha aaj tak, and for God sake she was pleading on front of you! Tell me what happened!"
She could see that he had turned red with anger but she couldn't help it.
"Armaan main... main tumhe kuch nahi bata sakti I am sorry!"
"Keep your fcuking sorry to yourself Miss. Gupta, I need to know the truth now. Aisa kya hai jiski vajah se meri Mom aaj is halat main hai!"

Riddhima shuddered seeing him roar but she tried to cool him placing a hand over his shoulder which he shrugged off harshly. Pulling her arms he brought her closer and uttered venoumously;
"Don't you test my patience Riddhima, I need to know what happened. Tumne aisa kya kaha hai meri Mom se jo aaj vo is haalat mein hai!"

"Armaan tum galat samajh rahe ho!"

"Toh mujhe sach batao aur meri galat femi dur kardo."

"Main aisa nahi kar sakti... I cannot tell you anything.Par tum jo samajh rahe ho vo galat..."

"Nahi main ab tak tumhe galat samajh raha tha, aaj sahi samjha hu!"
He pushed her away roughly making her stumble;
"Agar tum vakai vaisi hoti jaisi dikhti ho toh aaj meri Mom ki ye halat nahi hoti. I don't know what happened between you two, aisi kya behes hui jiski vajah se meri Mom ko tumhare aage haath jodne pade, par itna samajh lo ki iske liye main tumhe kabhi maaf nahi karunga Riddhima. Kabhi bhi nahi!"

He had walked out on her that day and never tried to get back to her about that day. She had tried her best to talk to him but he never budged to hear her out. He just knew that whatever conversation they had led his mother into this misery and he would never forgive Riddhima for that. He never wished to see her ever again in his life but irony, he had promised Ananya of marrying Riddhima. Though he couldn't pinpoint the reason why she took such a promise from him but he couldn't drag out of it however he tried. Even his father for some reason had agreed to Ananya's decision and had convinced Armaan to get married on the fixed date.