PART 8
NOTE:The part has turned out too big so hope you all don't sleep in between. Hope you all enjoy the part! 😛
Soon all his friends arrived and all of them got busy catching up. They were all happy to see Ananya now fit and fine, as they could also see their friend's smile return. Everyone was busy enjoying the snacks with all the chit chat and teasings, but his eyes only searched for her. He saw Tani come downstairs and instantly enquired her about Riddhima, but without much details she only let him know that she was getting ready and would be down soon. All the while that he kept talking to his friends his eyes every now and then drifted towards the stairs. And then after a long wait he felt his heart catch a pace and on cue he turned to find her walking down the stairs dressed in the saree he just gifted, but he was a bit unsure if it was the same saree, since it certainly did not look that pretty when he bought it.
She looked absolutely breath taking and he was totally floored. He came out of his dreamland when an excited Tani rushed towards her and took her in a tight hug complimenting her. Her eyes dropped and cheeks flushed as she could still feel his gaze. He somehow managed to compose himself and walked up to her. Riddhima was terribly nervous as he approached him as the flashes from past party flashed, but she shut her eyes and shook her head at those memories. To her surprise as she opened her eyes Tani had already rushed away to the gand while she found him right in front offering his hand. Hesitantly though, she let her hand into his which he held delicately;
"You look stunning Riddhima."
She muttered small thanks and soon escorted her towards his group who were smiling a bit awkwardly as the memory of last party was fresh for them too. But all the awkwardness was washed away as he glided his hand across her waist and introduced her with zest and pride surprising one and all;
"So guys... Last time main theek se introduce nahi kara paaya but better late than never. So meet my wife, Riddhima! And I am sure I don't need to sing her praises as you guys have already met her, still I would like you all to know that I am the luckiest one here, ki mujhe Riddhima jaisi wife mili!"
Riddhima turned towards him surprised; to see any kind of humor flickering through his eyes, but only found appreciation and acknowledgement as he was already looking down at her. Ananya and Billy who stood nearby had huge smiles on their faces. Smiling at his words, happy that everything was okay between the two now all his friends hooted as the two were lost in an eye lock! He rolled his eyes at them while she delicately moved out of his hold blushing profusely. Sara came ahead and instantly appreciated her looks and soon she was surrounded with his gang talking about anything and everything. She was indeed enjoying their company and all his glances that he kept stealing in between but soon he moved towards Tani and went away signalling something. Her eyes followed him as she tried to find out what he was up to when Ria tapped her shoulder;
"Aa jayega vo vapas, don't worry... Tum toh do minute mein use miss karne lagi."
Her comment instantly made everyone chuckle while her cheeks flushed bright red. They continued with their teasing session as it was so amusing to see her turn red instantly at his mere mention, however she tried hard to divert the topic and stop the blush somehow, but eventually remained unsuccessful. And just while she was busy defending, the lights were out and everyone started murmuring. But soon they heard a voice and they could see a figure standing a few feet away with a mike in his hand and soon he started;
"Hello friends...don't worry lights jaan bujhke band ki hai as you all know me, I have always been a little filmy so I can't help it!"
There were loud chuckle as everyone had guessed who it was;
"And today that I have planned something special, these special arrangements were quite necessary."
Spot lights were turned on and moved along with him as he approached. Though she kept searching for the source of lights as she was sure she had seen no such arrangements but just then she found Tani at a far corner instructing the guys who were handling the lights. So this was what he was busy signalling she concluded. Armaan reached her and bent to her level and whispered in her ear as she looked too surprised;
"Don't be so amazed as yet, I have a little surprise for you!"
Passing a wink at her he once again held the mike and continued;
"I have some very important things to say but before that I have a small dedication for my beautiful wife here, I hope you like it!"
Everybody cheered him as he walked while she kept looking at him too dazed to utter a word. She could see him pull out a chair and grab something as he settled. And as he settled down did she realize it was a guitar that he held. No sooner that she saw it, he looked up at her and struck the chords once as if bringing her out of her trance. And soon enough he started playing the strings, which directly touched her heart's chords. That is when for the first time she had an entire look of him head to toe and realized he was himself looking ready to kill dressed in a white shirt, paired up with a black leather jacket and blue faded jeans. Her heart skipped a beat; she looked up and found his eyes shut as he started singing in his husky voice;
Yaariyan ve...Yaariyan..
Dil mera hai na-samajh kitna
Besabar yeh bewakoof bada
Chahata hai kitna tujhe..
Khud magar nahi jaan saka
His eyes opened slowly and he continued looking straight through her as if meaning each and every word he uttered;
Is dard e dil ki sifarish
Ab kar de koi yahaan
Ke mil jaaye ise woh baarish
Jo bhiga de poori tarah...(2)
She noticed him look behind her and smile at somebody, and even before she could turn she was taken in a warm side hug by Tani who gave him thumbs up. Ridhima was overwhelmed by all the sudden attention all thanks to his dedication, and to top it all his eyes that never left her. As expected soon his gang was back to their teasing ways as they just couldn't help adore the two. She knew he sang, but wasn't aware that he sang so well! His every word, every nuisance that he took pulled the strings of her heart. She was too happy to see him all chirpy and expressive of his feelings, though it was a bit awkward but she felt so special that she couldn't put it in words.
Kya hua asar tere sath reh kar na jaane
Ki hosh mujhe na raha
Lafz mere jo zubaan pe aake ruke
Par ho na sake woh bayaan
Her embarrassment only rose a notch higher as they nudged her to go and join him for a dance which she was definitely never going to give in to. But her determination faltered as he himself walked up to her and held his hand out. She did not know if it was the atmosphere, the loud cheers of people around her, the mere push that she was given from behind, or her love; that she held his hand forgetting all her shyness. She was escorted to the centre and he guided her hand to his shoulder while he held the other and started swaying her slowly. His hand resting against her waist caressed her pulling her closer, but she was too lost in his eyes to maintain any inhibitions of the crowd anymore.
Dhadkan tera hi naam jo le
Aankhein bhi paigam yeh de
Teri nazar ka hi yeh asar hai
Mujh pe jo hua..
He twirled her around and brought her back into his arms this time much more closer making her shudder with the proximity. He slowly wiped off the lone tear from the corner before it could run down and touch her flawless skin.
Is dard e dil ki sifarish
Ab kar de koi yahaan
Ke mil jaaye ise woh baarish
Jo bhiga de poori tarah..
Is dard e dil ki sifarish
Ab kar de koi yahaan
Ke mil jaaye ise woh baarish
Jo bhiga de poori tarah..
By the song's end they were once again deep drowned in each other's eyes as their eyes spoke many many unspoken words to each other. But soon the loud applause brought them back to the world and she instantly moved away. She looked around and found everyone smiling at them whole heartedly, and she was just about to move away when he held her hand holding her in place.
"Ruko Riddhima I am not done yet, sabse jaroori baat toh abhi baki hai!"
She stood back awaiting what he wanted to say;
"Ok guys... thank you very much to bear me and my singing so patiently."
There was another fit of laughter amongst his friends but he soon cleared his throat and continued this time with no sign of humor;
"I am really happy ki aap sab aaj yaha aaye, I had a lot of fun with you guys and we could catch up; which is a great thing. But but but... I would like you all to know ki aaj maine tum sabko kisi khaas reason se bulaya hai and I want you all to listen to it carefully."
He turned towards Riddhima and said; "Especially you!"
"So... Aaj yaha mere saare kareebi dost hai, jo kuch din pehle bhi mere saath isi jagah pe the aur humne ek get together kiya tha par tab haalat kuch aur the. Mere Mom dad bhi yahi hai, bas Riddhima ke parents nahi aa paye, but I wish they could... *sigh* so anyways..."
That caught Riddhima's attention but she just kept listening to him quietly;
"Guys... I hope you remember ki maine kuch der pehle meri wife ko introduce karte waqt kaha tha, that I am the luckiest person to have her in my life, I did not just say it, I meant it. Aur ye main is liye keh raha hu, kyunki kuch din pehle tak main bohot disturbed tha, Mom ki health ko lekar, bhatak gaya tha aur jo kuch bhi man mein aaya vo keh raha tha, kar raha tha. Aur yaha maujud har ek shaks ye jaanta hai ki is sabke beech sabse boora agar maine kisike saath kiya hai toh that's my wife, Riddhima. Ye ladki jo aaj bhi mere saath khadi hai, kal bhi thi aur mujhe poora yakeen hai aanewale kal mein bhi hogi. Meri har galti ko bhulakar, vo aaj bhi mera haath thaame khadi hai toh mujhse jyaada lucky koi aur ho bhi kaise sakta hai?
Main nahi samjhta ki use mujhe maaf karna chahiye kyunki main khud ab tak apne aapko maaf nahi kar paaya hu, but I still owe her an apology."
Ananya had slight tears in her eyes as she could feel his guilt and was happy that he had finally accepted her.
"Riddhima aaj main----"
But before he could finish a teary eyed Riddhima held his arm;
"Armaan please aisa mat keejiye; iski koi jaroorat nahi hai!"
"Wait Riddhima let me finish... aur jaroorat toh bilkul hai ye karne ki. So back to the point, maine in sab ke saamne tumhe aisa bohot kuch kaha hai jo muje kabhi bhi nahi kehna chahiye tha, nahi karna chahiye tha aur mujhe is baat ka bohot bohot afsos hai. Is liye in sabke saamne main aaj tumse maafi ki umeed kiye bina tumse maafi maang raha hu, is liye ki in sab ke saamne tumhare saath itna bura behave kiya hai us galti ko mitane ki ek koshish hi samjh lo. Otherwise; even if you don't accept my apology ever, mujhe fir bhi koi shikayat nahi hogi tumse. I am sorry Riddhima, I am really really sorry!"
Riddhima just stood shaking her head at his apology as she wasn't liking it a bit. But all his friends cheered him appreciating his honesty and attempt of correcting his mistakes. He offered her a white rose which she accepted without moving her eyes off his.
-------------------
Just after he was done with his apology he excused himself from everyone and asked her out for a long drive as he so wanted this time with her and only her. Finally after a long drive he stopped the car near a secluded road close by the sea shore and both started strolling quietly for a while. He kept mum expecting her to say or maybe ask something but when she did none of the above he couldn't stay quiet any longer and held her arm;
"What's wrong Riddhima? Kuch toh bolo, mera surprise kaisa laga tumhe? And... and I really don't expect you to accept my apology; it was just----"
"Armaan kyu; aapne ye sab kyu kiya? Kya jarooraat thi iski?"
"Riddhima I told you I----"
"Nahi Armaan aapne ye theek nahi kiya."
Her agitation clearly visible from the tone she used;
"Armaan ye baat sirf hum dono ke beech ki thi. Aapko itne logon ke saamne mujhse maafi maangne ki kya jaroorat thi; I felt so... so humiliated, mujhe itna bura laga vaha... Har pati patni ke beech tanaav hota hai Armaan, iska ye matlab toh nahi ki aap poori duniya ke saamne mujhse maafi maange aur khud ko aise sharminda karde. Maine----"
Her words ended midway as he held her arms slowly pulling her closer;
"Riddhima you seriously surprise me! Maanta hu patni patni ke beech ki baatein sare aam duniye ke saamne bayaan karna koi samjhdaari nahi, lekin us waqt tumne ek shabd nahi kaha jab unhi logon ke saamne main tumhari itni insult karta raha, tumhe itna kuch kehta tha. Tum ab kyu humiliated feel kar rahi ho because mera sar jhuka; jabki har baar main kaaran bana tumhare sharminda hone ka, tumhe itna humiliate kiya itni bakwaas karke. Par main aaj sabke saamne maafi maangke kam se kam khud se toh nazar mila paaunga ab. Agar maine tumhare saath unlogon ki maujudgi mein itna galat kiya tha toh fir maafi akele mein kaise maangta, uska matlab hi kya hota?"
"Armaan aap samjhte nahi, main bhi koi sati savitri nahi hu, na un ladkiyon main se hu jo ye maane ki pati jo bhi kare vohi sahi. Kuch bhi sehkar chup rehne mein yakeen nahi karti main bhi. Baat bas itni hai ki aapne jaan bujhke mujhe chot nahi pohchai kabhi. Jitni baar mujhe jakham diya uska dard aapko bhi hua main jaanti hu. Bas ek galat femi thi jis mein aap sahi galat samajh nahi paaye. Aur fir kahi na kahi main jimmedar bhi toh thi, agar us raat maine aun--- Mom se baat hi nahi ki hoti----"
He pulled her even closer and uttered sternly cutting her words then and there;
"Iske baad kabhi bhi ye mat kehna ki tumhari us sab mein koi bhi galti thi, aur koi galat femi meri un saari galtiyon ka excuse nahi ho sakti. Jo maine tumhare saath kiya vo galat tha... agar vakai main tumhari koi galti hoti bhi; fir bhi maine job hi kuch kiya vo tab bhi galat hi kehlata Riddhima."
"Armaan aap..."
This time her words were interrupted by her ringing cell and she quickly excused while they continued walking ahead. It was her Mom's call who firstly greeted her usually but soon expressed how happy she was. Riddhima was surprised when she let her know that Armaan had come home in the morning and apologized to Shanskank and her (Padma). He had been really really guilty of his doings and had promised to keep Riddhima happy forever and never give her any chance to complaint about anything. Armaan stopped as he felt her grip his wrist and as he turned he was surprised to find her still with a tiny drop of tear on her cheek;
"Riddhima, kya hua kiska phone tha?"
"Mom... aap subah ghar gaye the?"
He wiped her tears silently and then nodded;
"Haan... I really owed them an apology big time. Vo itne pareshaan the tumhe lekar... for obvious reasons so I thought-----"
"Aap mujhe yaha kyu lekar aaye hai Armaan?"
He sighed as she put up a direct question and stepped closer;
"Riddhima jo bhi maine kiya, jo kuch bhi hua peechle kuch dino mein, vo bohot galat tha I know. But even after knowing the truth I couldn't ... I mean I..."
*sigh*
"Point being; I want to start afresh Riddhima. Main tumse aaj vaada karta hu that I accept you as my wife in all my senses, and I promise ki main har koshish karunga tumhe khush rakhne ki! Na sirf tumhari jimmedariyaan uthaunga, but we will lead a happily married life just like any other couple does. Main poorane har guilt, har regret ko peeche chodkar tumhe ek nayi zindagi dena chahta hu, sirf aanewale kal ke baarein mein sochna chahta hu. And I hope you are in it with me?"
He cocked his brows as she just stood staring at him quietly, but just a moment later he froze as she hugged him giving him his reply without any words. He hesitated and his hands fisted as she kept hugging him not wanting to let go.
"Ri... Riddh...I... "
Finally giving up he lifted his hands and had just placed it around her back when she hugged him tighter making it impossible for him to stand still. But just as he thought of engulfing her into a tight hug his cell phone interrupted their moment and gauging the situation she moved out of his arms.
---------------------
They reached home with huge smiles on their faces, content with their life now. Riddhima was unaware that he still held her hand and knew about it only when he turned to lock the main door. Everyone had retired to their rooms and only the passage lights were kept on for them. She shut her eyes running the past few hours of her life in her mind and cherished them. Trying to make herself believe that it wasn't a dream and she actually had him by her side, she turned around to have a look at him. But as soon as he turned and caught her looking at him she quickly turned away and made her way upstairs.
"Riddhima..."
She stopped just by her room's closed door as she heard him but could not dare to turn. Armaan smiled as she kept playing with her fingers unknowingly letting him know how nervous she was. He purposely turned her and held her hand in his stopping her play and kissed her palm surprising her once again;
"Riddhima I was thinking that... tum, agar tum chaho toh tum mere kamre mein aakar reh sakti ho, you don't need to----"
She looked up at him as he spoke but not happy with his own choice of words he sighed and took a step close;
"Wait let me rephrase it; Main chahta hu ki tum mer--- humare kamre mein laut aao. You have every right to share that room, tumhe mere saath humare kamre mein hona chahiye, kahi aur nahi! Tum is ghar mein mehmaan nahi ho, is ghar ka hissa ho, ek ahem hissa."
She was touched by his words, indeed he had humiliated her numerous times under the same roof. Banned her from entering his room, or touch his things, but today he had returned all her dignity by apologizing for his deeds and giving her the rights she deserved as his wife. And she could see that he did not do it for the responsibility sake, but he meant it! He did accept her as a part of his family, a part of HIS life and that was all she ever wanted. Andd though she could walk into their room on her own but she awaited this moment when he would initiate, since he was the one to throw her out it had to be him to bring her back! But just as she was about to reply Tani walked out of her room and Riddhima instantly jumped away from him.
"Ahem ahem... so you guys I hope I did not disturb you!"
Armaan rolled his eyes at her timing and snapped instantly;
"As if that's going to make any difference to you!"
Tani chuckled and shrugged her shoulders as he was indeed correct. She then held Rddhima's hand;
"Where have you been yaar, pata hai main kitni tension mein thi, ek toh ye slide na... it's just looking wrong yaar, I was waiting for you since so long."
Armaan and Riddhima looked at each other and Tani definitely noticed it, but before that she could say anything Armaan held Riddhima's hand;
"I am awaiting your answer!"
Tani bit her tongue realizing that they indeed were in some serious discussion when she had dropped in;
"Umm I... sorry! You guys carry on, vaise bhi main paani lene aayi thi, so I will get going."
She quietly made her way to the kitchen to get the bottle filled when Riddhima turned to him;
"Armaan I really want to move on and start newly, par aaj raat let me be here. Actually Tani ka ek project chal raha hai and I had promised to help her so... Parson uska submission ho jayega, so it's just a matter of two days, I hope you don't mind."
He pretty much wasn't happy for the delay but then it was just another two days so it was okay. He rolled his eyes but nonetheless nodded with a big smile. And just when he was about to walk away she held his hand;
"Aapko batana bhul gayi thi, mujhe aapka gift bohot pasand aaya. You have a great choice and a great voice as well. Thanks!"
"You are most welcome and had I not had a great choice, toh tumhe kaise chunta apne liye?!"
Riddhima gave a shy smile when he gave her another shocker as he bent and placed a small kiss against her forehead; "Goodnight!"
He walked away wishing her night but she still stood dazed with her eyes closed absorbing his touch.
---------------
Tani was surprised to find Riddhima changed and all smiling, sitting on her bed. Well it was Riddhima's room but she wasn't expecting her here for now;
"Hello dream girl... kaha khoyi hai aap? Aur yaha kaise?"
"Yaha kaise matlab? Aur kaha hona hai mujhe?"
"Jyaada ban mat, I mean I did need your help and stuff; but weren't you supposed to be with Ammy right now?"
"Nahi... Actually tera assignment submit karna hai na tujhe so I told him ki vo hone ke baad---"
"What??"
She blurted out surprised by her words;
"Are you like serious? What's wrong with you? I mean... don't be crazy yaar, I definitely love teasing you guys and all, par mujhe tu apne story ka villain kyu banana chahti hai?"
"Tani... kya bol rahi hai?"
"Kya bol rahi hai kya... Arey..."
She smacked her own forehead at Riddhima's words;
"I agree it's fun to see how he is dying to be with you, but that does not mean ki main tujhe uske liye uske paas jaane hi na du. It's just a project yaar, I'll handle it na. Tum dono ke beech ab jaake sab theek hua hai toh kyun us bechare Ammy ko saja de rahi hai tu? You go to him yaar I will----"
"Uff... Tani tub hi na. Aisa kuch nahi hai, I mean... yes I want to be with him but I have promised you and---"
"But Riddhima----"
"Tani it's alright, sirf do din ki baat hai. Vaise bhi its said ki thodi dure rishte ko aur majboot banati hai, vaise bhi kal tak vo mujhse naaraz the tab main akeli is doori mein jee rahi thi, unhe bhi toh pata chale ki dooriyan kitni mushkil ho sakti hai!"
She winked at Tani making her jaws drop and soon both started giggling hard. Though Tani too knew it was just her excuse, but she did not bother arguing anymore and soon both got back to work.
----------------
He received a big big surprise when she dropped by his office for lunch hours. In a hurry he had not carried his lunch box today, but either of them knew that she had carried it along just as an excuse and he was utterly happy that she had come all the way just for him.
"Aaj tumhe koi duties nahi thi?"
"Nahi kuch khaas nahi, aur abhi mera bhi lunch hour hota hai na, ek surgery hai par vo do ghante baad hai so I am free for now."
"Hmm that's great!"
"Aapki koi meeting thi na aaj, I thought aap us mein busy honge toh aapse mil hi nahi... I mean umm... Aapko lunch nahi de paungi?"
He smiled at the change of words;
"Haan but cancel ho gayi, kal subah hogi."
Riddhima shut the lids and was all set to go when he held her hand;
"Acha ek aur baat karni thi, rather ek request hai!"
"Kaisi request?"
"Tum ye aap kyu bulati ho mujhe? I mean ek toh I don't even deserve to----"
"Armaan please!"
"Okay okay... but it... it feels so weird. Tum shaadi se pehle toh mujhe aap nahi bulati thi."
"Shaadi se pehle haalat bhi toh alag the Armaan."
She blurted without thinking but sighed realizing what her words meant and his face immediately fell; so she quickly placed her hand over his;
"I mean... shaadi ke baad it's kind of you know, aadat ho jati hai. And I truly respect you so I don't mind."
He was surprised how she still held him so high in her opinion. He had been so unfair, ruse and heartless to her that if he imagined himself in her place he was sure he would have never been so patient and forgiving like her. He kept wondering if he even deserved her!
Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi,
Kismat Pe Aaye Naa Yaakeen,
Utar Aayi Jheel Mein Jaise Chand Utarta Hai Kabhi,
Haule Haule Dheere Se
"But I do... tum please mujhe aap mat bulaya karo, be with me just the way you used to be. Tumhare aap na bulane se meri respect kam toh nahi ho jayegi na, And most importantly that appellation makes me feel drawn away from you. Humare beech kisi bhi rishte se pehle; dosti ka rishta tha, aur hum dono equal hai so I really don't like it when you call me aap!"
This was her Armaan, the guy she had agreed to marry and she was happy that he was finally back. Back with a bang!
"So?"
He asked her innocently snapping her out of her thoughts making her smile
"Theek hai I will try not calling you aap hereafter."
He smiled a million dollar smile when his PA entered and informed him about his Ooty trip for the following day. As soon as she left the room Riddhima enquired;
"Aapne bataya kyu nahi ki kal aap---"
"Riddhima not again!!"
She frowned for a minute but soon got his point;
"Yaa I mean...tch... tumne bataya kyu nahi ki Ooty jaa rahe ho kal?"
"Mujhe bhi aaj subah hi pata chala so tumhe batata kab!"
"Ohh"
He was somehow happy to see that she was bothered and not-so-happy that he was going away even if it was for a day.
"Hey... kaha kho gayi?"
"Huh?... nahi I was...just... I will get going, mujhe der ho rahi hai!"
-----------------
When he reached home he corrected his whole room and set things as a day later she would be in here with him. He got busy arranging his wardrobe making space for her when he found a small charm that belonged to her dupatta she wore on their engagement which he had kept with him secretly ever since then. He caressed it reviving the good old memories.
Gunguni Dhoop Ki Tarah Se Taranum Mein Tum,
Choo Ke Mujhe Guzari Hu Yu,
Dekhu Tumhe Ya Mein Sunu,
Tum Ho Sukoon, Tum Ho Junoon
Kyu Pehle Naa Aayi Tum?
Kaise Mujhe Tu Mil Gayi, Hoo Hoo..
Kismat Pe Aaye Naa Yaakeen, Hoo Hoo..
Soon freshening up he walked out of his room and found her settled in the living; next to his mother busy telling her about her day. It was her every day routine to have a long chit chat with her after returning home, of course after that he had allowed her to be with Ananya. He remembered how she had put in all her efforts day and night to serve Ananya and he had still blamed her for everything. The nights when she too had stayed up worrying for his mother but he had ignored her, and the way she had always cared for him, looked after him, stayed by his side so that he did not go through any break down but he had never bothered to have a word of care in return.
Mein To Yeh Sochta Tha Ki Aaj Kal
Upar Wale Ko Fursat Nahi
Phir Bhi Tumhe Bana Ke Woh
Meri Nazar Mein Chadh Gaya,
Rutbe Mein Woh Aur Badh Gaya..
He came out of his thoughts when he sensed a hand over his shoulder and realized there was nobody in the living area anymore. Of course there couldn't be since as he turned he found her looking up at him concered as he looked upset. She asked him through her eyes if he was okay and he quickly nodded passing a small smile.
"Acha Armaan...aap"tum kitne din ke liye jaa rahe ho Ooty?"
"Kyun?"
He purposely pushed knowing well why, but was hoping she would say it out loud.
"Nahi bas aise hi pooch rahi thi!"
"Just a day or maximum two. Meeting khatam karke immediately niklunga main."
"Hmm... aapki Puriji se baat hui?"
He frowned at her question as to how did she know of his manager, and also she had once again called him aap;
"Mr.Puri? Nahi toh, he didn't call me Riddhimaji!! AAP kyu pooch rahi hai?"
He emphasized to point out how these appellations could get on nerves. She giggled noticing the irritation in his voice;
"Nahi bas vo kuch baat karna chahte the tumse; kuch details confirm thi na unhe is liye pooch rahi thi..."
"Nahi, he will call me once everything's fixed."
"Hmm... actually main ye soch rahi thi, I mean I wanted to ask if----"
But to her luck Ananya called her breaking the moment and she rushed downstairs keeping the topic hanging. All of them settled enjoying the evening snacks and he had seen Tani murmuring something to Riddhima all throughout. But Riddhima looked adamant about something as she denied and left leaving Tani sulking all alone. He quietly settled next to her;
"Kya baat hai, kabse dekh raha hu kya chal raha hai tum dono ke beech, and why are you making faces at me."
"Because it's all coz of you!"
"Mee? But what did I do, I don't even know the topic of your argument!"
"Chup kar tu, hum sari girls, Riddhima ki aur meri friends ne milke acha sa plan banaya tha kal kyunki humara project submit ho jaayega toh hum ek choti se trip pe jaayenge Lonavla!"
"So that's a brilliant idea."
"Haan par kya faayda Riddhima to mana kar rahi hai."
"Kya... Vo tum logon ko kyu mana karegi kahi jane se!"
She rolled her eyes and smacked his head for his idiocy;
"Vo hume jaane se mana nahi kar rahi buddhu, vo khud aane se mana kar rahi hai, and it' all because of you."
"Par maine kya kiya is mein?"
"Tune hi mana kiya hoga na use, you always keep controlling her. Ab vo aane ke liye mana kar rahi hai. Maine toh Ananya aunty ko bhi bola tha use manane ke liye, par she made an excuse of her duties toh aunty bhi kuch nahi bol paayi!"
"Toh shayad use sach mein kaam hoga na."
"Nahi hai... I know she's just making excuses. Aur ab humara sara plan flop ho jayega, kyunki usko liye begair toh hum jaayenge nahi par vo hai ki maan hi nahi rahi!"
Armaan frowned but nonetheless pacifies her;
"Acha sun itni upset mat ho, main baat karta hu usse. Vo aa jayegi tum logon ke saath."
"Sach?"
As soon as he nodded Tani hugged him tightly and ran upstairs to finish her project and start with the trip's planning. Armaan knocked on Riddhima's door and soon entered this time telling her it was him to avoid any awkward encounter like last time. She sat reading some file and was visibly upset;
"Riddhima I wanted to talk to you for a minute."
"Haan Armaan, bolo kya hua?"
"Tani keh rahi thi that they were planning for Lonavla trip, par tum nahi jaana chahti?"
"Toh ab usne tumhe bhej diya!" *sigh* "Is Tani ko toh----"
"Nahi actually, main khud hi aa gaya. Why don't you want to go? I mean sab itna keh rahe hai toh chali jao na. Tumhe bhi apne duties aur ye roz ke routine se break milega na."
"Actually Armaan vo... I... meri... "
"Haan haan bol na what actually?"
The Einstein-Tani spoke up who was quietly listening to their convo peeping through the door.
"Tanii??"
Both of them turned their head blurting her name at the same time. She fumbled at being caught but composed herself soon;
"H... haan... main! Tu kyu itna bhaav kha rahi hai, ab toh Ammy bhi mana nahi kar raha."
"Main toh kabhi mana kar hi nahi raha tha!"
Armaan defended innocently but was soon cut by a worked up Tani;
"Haan haan theek hai na chup kar main baat kar rahi hu na!"
"Guys I just... Mera man nahi hai Tani."
"Toh man banale na. Dekh tu nahi aayegi toh trip cancel ho jayegi, kya tu hum sab nanhe munhe bachon ka dil tod degi!"
Armaan rolled his eyes at her nautanki but anyways joined her party;
"Yeah I think you should just go and have some fun. Varna ye sab bhi nahi jayenge fir tumhe hi boora lagega so..."
Riddhima looked to and fro from Armaan to Tani as if in a big dilemma but then sighed having no way out but just as she was about to say something Armaan's phone buzzed, he excused himself and walked out while Tani left stomping her feet passing a glare her way.
"Yes Mr.Puri?"
"Sir all the arrangements are done, kal subah 7 baje nikalna hai."
"Ok."
"Sir, aap akele hi jaa rahe hai...?"
"What do you mean? Main meeting ke liye jaa raha hu, shaadi pe nahi!"
"Nahi vo... aapki tabiyat bhi thodi kharab thi na toh... Why don't you take someone along you?"
"Meri tabiyat ko kya hua?"
"Sir aapka sir dard kar raha tha na toh..."
Armaan checked the name on his cell screen if it was really Mr.Puri he was talking to. I mean from when did the guy start caring about his headache. Ok fine that was a sweet gesture, but why all of a sudden?!
"Mr.Puri are you alright? Sir dard hi hai usse kya ho... aur vaise bhi aapse kisne kaha ki mera sir..."
But all of a sudden he remembered the steaming coffee that he had received in his coffee after Riddhima left in the afternoon, she had knew of his headache and ordered it for him. It was then he remembered of all the conversations they had, how she had been upset about him going away on this trip. That is when it clicked and he instantly thought of confirming it;
"Wait a minute... aapse Riddhima ne kuch kaha tha kya?"
"Nahi... Na-hi sir main toh b-as aise hi po-och raha tha. Ais... ai-sa kuch nahi hai!"
His stuttering voice was proof enough that he was lying.
"Spill the beans now..."
"But sir ma'am ne mana kiya tha!"
"Aap mere liye kaam karte hai ya ma... I mean Riddhima ke liye? You better speak up, don't you worry your job is safe, provided you open your mouth NOW!!"
"Sorry sir, Riddhima ma'am janna chahti thi agar aapke saath koi aa sakta hai. Unhone kaha tha that I ask you to take someone along so..."
"Hmm... ok Mr.Puri, thank you very much! Aap nahi jaante how happy that revealation has made me. Don't worry Riddhima ko kuch nahi bataunga about you!"
A wide smile dancing over his lips as he cut the call.
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