AR OS and drabble gallery: New SS-THE CURSE : PART 2 UPDATED-PMs LATER - Page 76

PART 3

NOTE: Now as u all must have seen how long the part is so bear with it and the errors cuz I have written it with a jet speed and have not been able to recheck. Also... now that I have put up such a huge parts, NOTE THAT I expect the comments accordingly, one word and one liner comments are definitely going to upset me to no ends so please, do not comment in case u don't have anything to say more than just a word I would be okay with that.
No offense but after such a huge part, a response as small as a word or a line is not something anyone would appreciate I guess. SO yeah... that's it, hope you all understand... Thank you.
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Riddhima had just arrived and was checking some file at the nurse station when her pager beeped and she instantly got going. Though as she reached, there was no commotion seen around, infact the place looked pin drop silent. With a frown she turned around, when she heard some noise and walked a little ahead to realize the sound was coming from near the morgue area. With a bated breath she moved ahead but then stopped wondering there couldn't be any emergency there for sure, so she just thought of going and confirming things at the nurse station. But the minute she turned someone jumped in front of her out of nowhere and she flinched with her eyes wide open while a hand against her chest as she could almost hear her heart thud loud;

"Goood morning Riddhimaaa!!"

Riddhima looked up at Armaan who was laughing his head off;
"Armaan... tum? Tum paagal ho gaye ho... ye kya majaak hai?"
She snapped at him in a loud voice and started walking away understanding it was his same old prank while he followed her trying to catch his breath.
"Oh God... I can't believe you still fell for that. Tumhara chehra..."
He continued laughing when she stopped all of a sudden and turned to him;
"Armaan grow up, ab tum ek senior doctor ho. Kam se kam ab toh apni responsibilities samjho."

Shaking her head at his still same careless attitude she made her way to the locker room;
"Oh come on, uske liye tum ho na. Besides, it's been ages maine tumhari aisi shakal nahi dekhi. I mean come on I am Armaan Mallik, sab apni life mein itna busy ho gaye hai muskurana tak bhul gaye hai. I am just trying to bring that smile back."
She looked back at him understanding what he meant, but by then they had reached the locker room ad failed to notice the presence of others.
"Bilkul sahi kaha sir..."
Yuvi's comment snapped them out and Riddhima instantly walked away to her locker.
"Yaha toh har koi itna serious ho gaya hai aaj kal."

Naina agreed too;
"Haan... sab apne apne kaam mein hi busy ho gaye hai. Vaise sir aaj aap bohot khush lag rahe hai, aur ache bhi lag rahe hai... anything special?"
She asked with a tinge of tease to which Armaan smiled;
"Haan... khush toh main humesha hi rehta hu, kyunki har cheej ko seriously leke uspe afsos karna... Not so Armaan style!"
Riddhima rolled her eyes as he flaunted but looked up at him as he continued;
"Aur acha shayad is liye lag raha hu, kyunki aaj maine apni favourite shirt peheni hui hai! Kisine bade pyaar se chuni tha mere liye ise... Shayad isi liye."

Riddhima looked at the shirt he was wearing and kept staring at him for a minute but looked away as soon she realized he was about to look up. He had sensed her gaze but anyways started reading his case file.
"Ohh... I see! So ye shirt kahi kisi special someone ne diya hai?"
Naina asked and he chuckled.
"Haan aisa hi kuch samjh lo... Valentine's gift tha mera."
Riddhima frowned and glared at him for the senseless conversation.
"whoaaa... hume bhi toh uska naam bataiye na sir?? Kya vo Sanjeevani se thi... Bohot khubsoorat, cool aur happening rahi hogi na... I mean aap itne good looking aur cool h----"
Yuvi nudged her and Armaan cleared his throat awkwardly while Riddhima glared at both of them now. What were they thinking, did they even realize they were at their workplace... of course she couldn't expect Armaan to follow any rules ever, but she could try putting some sense in her interns for sure. Naina and Yuvi read her face and shut their mouth, but Armaan was obviously least affected. In fact he continued the conversation;
"Khoobsurat, haan... lekin kaafi simple. Aur----"

"Dr.Armaan!! Aap shayad bhul rahe hai ki aap apne interns se baat kar rahe hai, aur ye Sanjeevani hai koi caf nahi jaha aap apne life ke kisse sunaye logon ko. And you both... aap dono ko is waqt nurse station pe hona chahiye, yaha seniors se personal matters discuss karne ki koi jaroorat nahi hai."

"Nahi ma'am hum toh bas---- "

"Get going... NOW!"
She snapped at them and they quickly left with an apology.

"Whoa... cool down Dr. Riddhima! Tumhe ho kya gaya hai, abhi duty hours shuru nahi hue hum toh bas aise hi baatein--------"

"Armaan just stop it alright. Tumhe lagta hai main samjhti nahi tum kya karne ki koshish kar rahe hai ho? Tum kaise unse ye sab keh sakte ho?"

"Ok Dr.Riddhima listen... ab tum mujhe ye nahi bata sakti ki main kya keh sakta hu aur kya nahi. And don't worry main kisi ki marji ke begair uska naam apne saath jod lu itna immature bhi nahi hu main. So don't worry, tumhara naam nahi lene wala tha main."

"Haan aur gifts discuss karna is very mature right?"

"See abhi duty shuru hone mein time hai, aur main sirf ye bata raha tha ki ye mera Valentine gift-----"

"Badi badi baatein karna, logon ko challenge karne ka shauk rakhte ho, par ye tak yaad nahi rakh sakte ki ye Valentine nahi birthday present tha!"
She snapped back totally disappointed with his unreasonable behavior.

"Oh yes of course... Main toh bhul hi gaya tha."
He pulled on his labcoat; shut the locker and looked back at her;
"My bad... Par tumhe ye sab yaad hai? Strange!! No cuz ... I thought tum toh sab kuch bhul chuki ho, mujhe... meri baatein ko... you know? You are right... I am wrong, maybe!"

Lo maan liya humne
Hai pyar nahi tumko
Tum yaad nahi humko
Hum yaad nahi tumko

He pursed his lips as if it was just a co incidence. But the next minute he gave her a knowing smile and winked as he left.

Bas ek dafa mud ke dekho
Aye yaar zara humko

She had made such a fool out of herself by correcting him. Of course there was no way he could forget her gift or the occasion. Did she not know him well?! She kept staring at his retreating figure as he walked away with that victorious smile. He had made her blurt the truth and she had happily walked into it. She shut her eyes feeling defeated already. He could always make her speak whatever he wanted to and there was no denial for that. But she had to be strong, she could not let him win this one cuz hell this was no game!
--------------

Done with her duties she settled in the cafeteria for a steaming cup of coffee. She rubbed her eyes to wear out the exhaustion, but as she opened her eyes she was greeted with a cute treat. She looked up at the caf guy who had placed the coffee with a sweet chocolate syrup smile on the top.
"Bhaiyaa ye?"

"Ma'am aap bohot thaki hui lag rahi thi so special coffee for you today, I hope you like it. And it's on the house, vaise bhi ab koi aur hai nahi so enjoy."

"Oh that's really sweet. Thank you very much bhaiyya."
The guy smiled and got back to his work while she enjoyed the coffee. She found it weird in the beginning but all the staff had known her since years, so she just took it as a sweet caring gesture. Besides the delicious coffee made her forget everything else; it felt like heaven after such a tiring day, surprisingly it was made just to her taste.
She collected her stuff and walked out to sign the register when she realized she had forgotten her mobile at the cafe. She quickly made her way back to the caf and checked the table where she sat but it was cleared already. She turned towards the counter when she saw Armaan pay while he thanked for the coffee. But as much as she remembered she was here 2 minutes ago, but he wasn't around back then. Anyways worried about her cell phone she walked to the counter and enquired when suddenly Armaan turned quiet seeing her. Before he could answer, the guy who had cleaned the table brought it and handed it over to her. She thanked them and decided to leave quickly since now that Armaan was present too when the guy offered Armaan if he wished to order anything. She frowned at both of them wondering didn't he just pay?! She started walking away a little confused with his utter silence and ignorance when suddenly it clicked. She stopped suddenly and he realized she must have figured it out so he made a run for it but she stopped him;
"Armaan... ye sab tumne karvaya tha na? You just paid for my coffee, didn't you? Why don't you just leave me alone."

"Okay okay relax... It was just a coffee, tum bohot thaki hui lag rahi thi aur main offer karta toh tum leti nahi so..."

"That's because I don't want any favors from you."

"Are you talking about yourself, cuz I don't do any favors. Main vohoi karta hu jo mera dil kehta hai."

"Armaan please... apna ye bachpana band karo."

"It's just the beginning Basket!"
She looked up at him tongue tied as if he had spoken some forbidden word;
"Aur tumhe kya hua hai... abhi toh poore 6 din baaki hai, tum abhi thak gayi. Come on Basket you are better than that, you don't give up that easily."

"Well maybe that's because I am not your Basket anymore! Main sirf Riddhima hu... aur ye Riddhima lad lad ke thak chuki hai, haar chuki hai is liye please ye zid chod do."

He turned quiet seeing the pain in her eyes and the defeat in her words, but he soon composed himself;
"Toh fir kyu lad rahi ho mujhse, sach maan kyu nahi leti?! Mujhe kuch karne ki jaroorat hi nahi padegi fir... Riddhima just understand this; agar main haara toh humare pyaar ki haar hogi, agar main jeet gaya toh hum dono mein se koi kuch nahi harega Basket. Tum chahe kuch bhi kehlo mere liye tum humesha meri Basket hi rahogi, aur mere hote hue Basket kabhi haar nahi sakti!"
He stated it like a matter of fact and once again left her in thoughts.
---------------

The next day arrived with lot of surprises. Anjali had returned and was really upset about everything that had happened in her absence. Everyone was glad to see Anjali back, especially Riddhima as she felt weak and lonely trying to fight all by herself. Now that Anjali was here she knew she would help her stay strong. She greeted everyone while she had tagged along a friend of hers who was here for a while for a documentary project. Everyone was glad to meet her friend, who undoubtedly had grabbed all the attention with her appealing looks in her knee length floral dress and a full fledge smile adorning her lips. But to everyone's surprise as Armaan entered, Sanaya greeted him with utter excitement surprising everyone, mostly Riddhima as they both shared a tight hug irrespective of everyone watching them. And their followed conversation, like long lost friends with oh-so-happy faces, not only bothered Riddhima but also confused everyone else to which they explained they were close friends since college. Armaan suddenly stood at an arm distance from her, reading Riddhima's eyes though she didn't say anything, but everyone could read the jelousy. And soon she left smiling formally at Sanaya as she introduced herself.
Anjali let him know that she was still upset with him for he had left Riddhima and everyone suddenly, but she was on his team since she knew of her little sister's feelings very well. While everyone was busy talking about this Siddhant excused;
"Mai... main chalta hu, I will see you guys later."
Armaan noticed his glum face and thought of stopping him but Sid conveyed that he was okay so Armaan left him alone. He could understand it wasn't easy for him, and Armaan did not want to make it worse so he let him handle himself in his own way. Cuz nobody knew it better than him, that this pain could only be overcome by ownself, nobody else could help.
------------

Riddhima had successfully avoided him that day and left home as soon that her duties were over. As she reached home she found out that Sanaya was supposed to be their guest for the while that she was in Mumbai, and for no reason that fact bothered her. The next day as they were getting ready Sanaya walked in asking Anjali if she could lend her some hand accessory and both the girls sat down finding something suitable for her. While the search was on, Sanaya was completely in love with a bracelet she just saw in Riddhima's collection which grabbed Riddhima's instant attention. But unknowingly Riddhima had instantly apologized that she couldn't lend that particular one. Riddhima lost herself in some memories as of course it was a special gift, with those sparkling charms, coloured in his favourite "sace wala red" hue, dangling down the chain. Sanaya smiled at her and completely unaware that it was Armaan's gift to her she spoke up;
"Hey that's alright, vaise bhi ye mere dress ke saath nahi ja raha, but it's going perefectly with your attire. Wait..."
She took the bracelet and put it around Riddhima's wrist inspite of all the retorts.
"Please let it be na... it looks perfect on you. See main yaha kuch hi time ke liye hu na, dekho tum mujhe toh ye lend nahi kar sakti toh just wear it for a day. I just love it and it looks so good on you, meri choti si request nahi maan sakti tum? Pleaseee!"
Though Sanaya's closeness with Armaan bothered Riddhima, but she was also a sweet, bubbly girl and seemed like a really loving girl. So she simply gave in to her sweet request. Sanaya hugged her and they dropped her to some caf where she met her other friends while the two sisters left for Sanjeevani.

Armaan noticed the bracelet in her hand and had gone down the memory lane just like her, but had soon composed as he knew she would instantly turn awkward if she would see that he had noticed. Though he did not know the reason she wore it cuz obviously it wouldn't be on purpose he was sure, but he was happy to see it adorning her wrist. It was where it belonged, so no questions asked! While she tried her best to stay away from him, she received a cute teddy holding a box of chocolates which she knew were by him, but she was was once again unable to deny since they were handed over by a 7 year old patient whose innocent hopes she couldn't crush. He had double duties these days, and it was quite tiring so he was heading out for some fresh air before joining back for night duty. Riddhima had finished her duty and she headed home, when he saw her. He was quietly observing her as she looked beautiful as ever even after a long day, and not to forget the bracelet somehow made him smile wide. As she was busy with her papers the pen slipped out of her hand and as she bend down, the hook at her back had opened up loosening the zip. Straightening up she placed the pen back in it's place and tried to reach back as she could sense something was wrong. But suddenly she noticed Armaan who was busy admiring her and forgot about everything else.The way he looked at her with all admiration and love as always, made her jittery but she soon snapped out and turned to leave. He shook his head with a smile as she had once again run away, but then he noticed her zip which had opened up a bit. Quickly he walked in her direction to stop her, and she heard his callout too, but did not stop. She was tired emotionally and physically, last thing she wanted now was a conversation with him, so she paced up.
"Armaan please stop it... Mujhe koi baat nahi karni is waqt."

"Nahi it's not that, Riddhima tum----"
He noticed a gang of guys standing by the parking who were already busy chechking her out and so quickly held her hand to stop her from coming in their view. But unaware of things she shrugged his hand away and turned around snapping at him;
"Why can't you just leave me alone Armaan!"
The guys hooted as her now half open zip gave them a nice view of her back which only infuriated Armaan. He swiftly turned her around jamming her back with his chest while he glared hard at the gang;
"Just stay still Riddhima... "
He instructed her and turned to the guys;
"Niklo yaha se varna har ek ke liye chaar aadmi bulvaane padenge ghar pohchane ke liye."
Not waiting another minute he wrapped his arm around her and pushed her to a secluded corner paying no heed to her retorts.
"Armaan ye kya pagalpan hai? Chodo mujhe..."
He tried to justify but she pushed him away this time harshly, unable to figure out his behavior and also as their proximity scared her.
"Mujhse dur raho Armaan; don't touch me! Maine kaha na mujhe koi baat nahi karni, you cannot force me like this. Ye baat baat par mere kareeb aane ke bahane mat dhundo, mujhe bilkul acha nahi lagta jab tum----"
He had had enough as she kept ranting giving him no chance to speak and her senseless accusation was the last straw. His slow advancing steps sealed her mouth as her heart caught a pace, she froze as she was pinned to the wall behind, having no more space to move away. Initially she only worried about the proximity but as she sensed the cold wall against her back, she realized her zip had opened up and her eyes widened;
"Haan bolo? Ruk kyu gayi... aage bolo na! Vaise bhi it's not the first time you would be accusing me for something like that!"
Her eyes dropped with guilt realizing what he had been trying to do. She simply stretched her hand behind trying to reach the zip but remained unsuccessful. Her gaze moved up to him who was still looking at her. He definitely looked hurt, she re-ran her words in her mind and cursed herself. She meant nothing of what she said, and of course he knew that, but that did not lessen the hurt the words caused. Her heart cursed her time and again, all she wanted for him was happiness. But every action, every word only caused pain for him and she hated doing this to him. But he just wouldn't listen and give up, leaving her with no other choice. To add to her misery, the zip just wouldn't budge as it was nowhere in her reach. Giving up she sighed and looked up, she spoke up earnestly;
"I am sorry... I did not..."
Two tears slid down her ran down her cheeks and she closed her eyes in defeat. But suddenly she felt his hand against her waist as he pulled her closer and she gasped;
"Armaan tu----"

"Shh..."
Bending over her, almost taking her in a hug he pushed her hair to one side, he let his fingers trace her back in search of the zip. Her mind had practically numbed feeling his touch, and his hot breath fanning her neck played havoc with her senses. Her eyes shut on their own accord as his fingers slowly dragged her zip up while she shivered. He tilted his head slightly to look at her face and smiled shaking his head whispering against her ear which made her open her eyes to look back at him;
"Agli baar jab aisa kuch kaho, tab yaad rakhna ki mere chune par aaj bhi kaanpti ho tum! Agar mere chune se itna hi aitraaz hai, toh kam se kam apni aankhon ko samjha dena, vo tumhe dhoka de deti hai, kuch aur hi bayaan karti hai, tumhari in chadti saanson ko kaabu mein kar lena taaki kam se kam tumhara jhut dikhane mein toh sach lage."
Locking her hook he stepped back purposely letting his nose brush past her neck earning an audible gasp. Her hand unknown to her, already rested against his chest while he cupped her cheek, the tear stains were wiped and he adjusted her duppatta;
"Aisi baatein kehti hi kyu ho jisse tumhe khud takleef ho?"
He caressed her trembling lip as new fresh hot tears wet her cheeks. She stood still, lost in his eyes, unable to move while he kissed her tears away. Their touching noses and heavy breathes made her shudder with anticipation, and her trembling lips invited him. To give her an assurance, to take away the pain, the longing, to erase all the differences and he bent down to oblige, but his conscious stopped him. His mind held him back and he smiled at her helpless self. On what basis was she running away, denying that she was in love with him? What part of her proved any of her words, he thought! Shaking his head once again at his stupid stubborn lady love all lost in the moment, he stepped back calling her out;
"umm... it's getting late you shoud... probably----- "
He spoke up when her eyes flung open with shock. But admist the whole mess, her bracelet like always had managed to get tangled within his shirt's button and both of them looked down at the same time. She was flushed, embarrassed, angry at herself, guilty, confused and a lot many other things while he tried to set the now tangled bracelet free. While she drowned in guilt thinking of everything that occurred, the tangled bracelet added to her embarrassment, and she could no more stand the proximity. She pulled her hand harshly causing the delicate chain break apart and the charms shattered to pieces by their feet. He looked down at heartbroken at the pieces of bracelet while she stepped back quickly with a blank face. He looked up annoyed by her haste to get away from him and couldn't help speak up;
"You know Riddhima... After all the time that we have been together it's a little difficult to believe this, but in my defense... mera pyaar itna begairat bhi nahi hai ki tumhare is haalat ka main faayda uthau. Toh tumhe is tarah darne ki ya bhaagne ki jarooat nahi thi, I had almost set it free you know!"

"Yahi hota hai Armaan... yahi hoga! Humare pal bhar ki najdeeki, humara kuch waqt ke saath se isi tarah sab kuch tut kar bikharta hai Armaan. Apna naam firse mujhse jodne ki koshish mat karo, usse har baar ki tarah tumhe hi takleef hogi. Main tumhe dard ke alawa kuch nahi de sakti; mujhse dur raho Armaan ... Yahi tumhare liye acha hai,yahi hum sab ke liye acha hai."
Before he could retort she placed her palm against her mouth stifling her sobs and ran away never looking back while he picked up the broken bracelet and thought of the moment, his heart and his hopes that she had just crushed altogether.

Lo maan liya dekha hi nahi
Tere kandhe ka woh til
Lo maan liya toota hi nahi
Tere haathon se mera dil

He remembered the time he gifted the bracelet, the days they had spend together. All the wonderful memories they created and the promises that they made to one another... None of them mattered anymore to her?

Chaaon mein teri beeti hi nahi
Woh garmi ki baatein
Baahon mein teri guzri hi nahi
Woh sardi ke raatein

And now suddenly everything seemed to fade away. He was standing all alone, while all he could think was the accusation that her eyes held... once again. The times she had run into his arms for assurance, while now his closeness bothered her, she said! Her heart beats, her body, her eyes ... did not support her words, but he could never erase them from his memory. He smiled as he recalled her words, only if she could trust him, their love enough!

Lo maan liya humne
Aitbaar nahi tumko
Tum yaad nahi humko
Hum yaad nahi tumko
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With every passing day, Armaan's old ways, pranks and with his expressive love, Riddhima was undoubtedly growing weaker. And of course Miss. Sanaya made it a point to meet him every day, either in Sanjeevani or outside as she wanted to spend her time with him for the while that she was here. On one hand as she tried her best to neglect all her feelings for this guy and focus on her life, the other hand, Sanaya's closeness to him only disturbed her to no ends. She spoke to Anjali who as always was there for her, but her opinion wasn't different from Armaan's and that was not helping Riddhima in any way to stay firm at her decision. As the duties were announced and she realized she was supposed to handle the case with Armaan, she instantly retorted, no need to say making Keerti furious;
"Dr. RIDDHIMA!! Ab aap mujhe samjhayengi kise kya duties deni hai? Behtar hoga agar aap apne personal issues apne paas rakhe aur unhe apne profession ke beech na aane de."

Armaan shook his head but nonetheless spoke up;
"Dr.Keerti I think she's right."

His words not only infuriated Keerti furthermore but also surprised Riddhima;
"I mean Dr.Keerti I just think... Sid, I mean Dr. Siddhanth pehle se ye case handle kar rahe hai and he knows the history better, so vo behtar sambhal paayenge. Aur fir meri double duties chal rahi hai, so I will be anyways taking care if needed in the night shift, so..."

"Hmm... Fine then! Theek hai so Dr.Riddhima aap Dr.Siddhant ke saath ye case handle kar sakti hai, now everybody can get back to work."

As everyone headed for their work Armaan quickly walked over to Riddhima and as they entered the elevator she could not ignore him;
"Riddhima you really think mujhe in duties ki zaroorat hai tumhare paas rehne ya tumse kuch bulvane ke liye? Basket..."

"Stop calling me that, and Armaan please ye sab band karo ab, mujhe aise pareshaan karna... mera peecha karna chodo!"

He stared at her quietly for a minute as if calculating her looks and suddenly spoke up;
"Okay!"

"Huh?"
She looked at him baffled, just an okay? He was simply going to give in... so easily?

"Haan... tumhari ye baat bhi maankar dekh lete hai. Agar tumhe vakai koi farak nahi padta toh main aaj poora din tumse na milunga, na tumhe pareshaan karunga, na tumse kuch kahunga! Dekhte hai... tum jaise keh rahi ho vaise vakai tum sach mein mujhse dur reh sakti ho toh. Trust me Basket... main kuch nahi bhi karu, tumse dur rahu toh usse hum dono dur nahi ho jaayenge. That won't stop you from thinking about me! Kyunki hum dono ek dusre ke liye vo hai jinhe hum dimaag se nahi dil se yaad rakhte hai."

"Mujhe tumhare baarein mein sochne ki jaroorat hi nahi hai."

"Yeah we will see that Basket... Bas ek choti si baat kehna chahta hu, ye jo tum jhuta dikhava kar rahi ho na mujhe yakeen dilane ke liye; uska koi faayda nahi hai. Jis din main tumhari ye baat maan lu, aur tumhari taraf badne ki bajai tumse dur chalne lagu, mark my words us din sabse jyaada pachtava tumhe hoga."
She looked away as her heart thudded against her chest as if accepting his words.

"Anyways mera floor aa gaya, I need to go help Yuvi for now. You carry on... Good day!"
He smiled at her as he left, and she hated how he looked all confident everytime that he challenged her about herself.

------------
Just as promised, he had not tried to cross her path, no prank calls, fake pagers, flowers, chocolates or anything that could irritate her. The first 2 hours passed by smoothly, and she got busy with her work when suddenly something caught her attention. Of course he wasn't going to follow his words, the cologne she could smell was proof enough he was just right behind her. She turned around swiftly and snapped;
"Tumne toh kaha tha tum mujhse-----"
She stopped abruptly as she found Sid standing in front of her looking totally confused by her sudden outburst;
"hey Riddhima... kya hua, you alright?"

"Sid? Tum?"

"Haan... Meri bhi duty yahi hai na aaj... remember?"

"Haan, nahi... Vo I thought---- Umm sorry... kuch nahi, excuse me!"
Considering it to be a mere co-incidence she let it go... But then followed another series of things that reminded her of only one person... She realized it was just his plan for the day, that was why he had pretended to give up so easily! The entire day she kept ignoring all the things, but as she reached the nurse station to pick her file, and just as she was about to leave she found a Superman comic right next to it and as she turned, there he was by the children's ward talking to the nurse.
"Agar Dr.Riddhima mile toh unse keh deejiye ki mujhe unse case ke baarein mein kuch discuss karna hai toh mu----"

"Of course you need to discuss a case!"
She snapped at him cutting his instructions while he looked surprised at her sudden arrival. But before he could react she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the fire escape;
"I need to talk to you!"
She was fed up, and he was going to get an earful.
"Yo... and I thought tum mujhse baat nahi karna chahti thi!"

He looked at her baffled as she pulled her into the fire escape and closed the door;
"I knew it... mujhe pehle hi samajh jana chahiye tha ki ye sab tumhara plan hai."

He raised his brow confused as hell;
"What?"

"Tum jaan bujhkar ye sab kar rahe ho na. Khud mere saamne nahi aaye ho, par saari cheejien mere saamne laa rahe ho taaki mujhe hum dono ka saath bitaya hua waqt yaad aaye aur main majboor ho jau tumhare baarein mein sochne par. I can't believe this Armaan, stop playing these nasty mindgames with me, will you?"

"What are you talking about? Maine toh kuch kiya bhi nahi hai I----"

"Kitna jhut bologe Armaan? You think main kuch samjhti nahi, mujhe dikhai nahi deta tum kya kar rahe ho subah se?"

"Okay?... okay! Kya samjhti ho tum, kya kiya hai maine?"

"Don't act smart... main sab samjh rahi hu Armaan. Aur jhut bolne ki koshish mat karna kyunki tumne khud kaha tha mujhse ki tum Yuvi ki madat karne ja rahe ho."

"Haan toh?"

"Toh? Toh ye... Ki tumne jaan bujhkar use vo sorry board wala idea diya Naina se maafi maangne ke liye. Usne Naina ko gift mein bhi red colour ka dress diya jo tumhara favourite colour hai, Naina ka nahi!"
He tried to retort but she did not allow him to speak;
" Apne favourite comics jaan bujhke mere file ke saath rakh diye, abhi abhi us nurse se message bhijwa rahe the jabki mujhe pata hai aisa koi case nahi jo tumhe mere saath discuss karna ho; aur toh aur tumne Sid ko bhi use kiya Armaan, that's just too much. Use jaan bujhke tumne vo perfume diya tha, jo tum jaante ho mujhe sabse jyaada pasand hai, aur ye tumhare alaawa koi nahi jaanta!"
As she took a deep breath done with her accusations she looked up at him and found him grinning like a fool, while he stood with folded hands as if enjoying whatever she said. A helpless tear trickled down her eye which she cleared off before it could drop down and shook her head at him defeated;
"Tum kabhi nahi badal sakte Armaan... tumhare liye aaj bhi ye sab ek khel hai na. Ek shart, jise tum jeetna chahte ho. Grow up Armaan, tum shayad bhul gaye ho ki daav par mere jasbaat bhi lage hue hai. Stop doing this to me, mujhse ye sab aur nahi-------"

"Ho gaya tumhara? Ab main bolu?"
She looked away as she cared least of his explanations, it was already more than enough for her. Having no more strength left she decided to leave when he pulled her back caging her in his hold looking straight in her eyes;
"Armaan pleaseee..."

"Just shut up and listen to me, you think this is easy for me huh? Just because main tumhari tarah aansoon nahi baha raha tumhe lagta hai mujhe farak nahi padta jab tum is tarah mujhe thukra kar chali jaati ho."
She shut her eyes tight as he leaned closer and tried to get out of his hold but he stayed firm;

"Haan ye sach hai ki maine koshish ki tumse milne ki, jab maine abhi abhi nurse ke kaha ki tum tak mera message pohchaye, aur tum mujhse mil lo under the pretext of this case; and I accept it kyunki I have nothing to hide. Tumhara pata nahi par main toh tumhare begair apna din nahi gujaar sakta Basket. But that was my only try... iske alawa maine kuch bhi nahi kiya. Tumhe vakai lagta hai aaj jo bhi hua maine kiya, I mean seriously? What do you think, just because I am trying to prove something to you, saari duniya mere hisaab se chalne lagegi?"

"Kya matlab?"

"Matlab ye ki... main tumhare dimaag par itna haavi ho chuka hu Riddhima that you are looking at things from a perspective that gets me into the picture, tum khud cheejon ko mujhse relate kar rahi ho, when I have absolutely nothing to do with any of it."
"Yuvi ki madat maine ki, that's right... but vo apology ka idea maine use Naina ke liye diya tha... I did not, rather I could not know ki tum usi waqt vaha pe aakar vo sab dekh logi! Uska gift... well if you can see "red" just as my favourite colour, toh main kya kar sakta hu? Did you not for once think ki vo basically ek rang hai jo koi bhi kisiko bhi gift kar sakta hai, or maybe because most importantly it symbolizes love, Riddhima. Ho sakta hai isi liye usne Naina ko laal rang ka dress diya ho. Vo comics maine hi padhi abhi abhi, par just for your information vo mere aane se pehle hi vaha pe rakhi hui thi, and I so did not know ki vaha pe tumhari file bhi hai. Even if I knew I absolutely could not think ki vo comic tumhe sirf meri yaad dilayegi, cuz there are hundreds of other people I think, jo vo comic padhte hai. And last but definitely not the least. Sid? Really Riddhima... you think I will use him? Do you forget vo mera bhi dost hai, to say the least?!"
He smiled as he continued;
"And I am actually surprised at this Riddhima... tumhe aaj bhi mera cologne yaad hai! And then you say I don't really mean anything to you now? Just to clarify, Sid ko vo cologne pasand aaya tha so I just let him use it, trust me on this, that had nothing to do with you!"

Riddhima tried to form words, she was speechless. He was right, he would have to do nothing to make her think of him, cuz she always thought of everything in his context. He cupped her cheeks as she stood mum;
"This is how it's meant to be Riddhima. Hum dono hi ek dusre ki manzil hai, chahe hum is sach se kitna bhi bhaag le, taqdeer har baar hum ek dusre ke saamne laake khada kar deti hai. I have tried fighting it, going away from you... Ye sochke ki tum nayi zindagi shuru kar logi, mujhe bhul jaoge. And I can clearly see how that ended, I guess now it's your turn. Aur mere liye ye rishta kabhi majaak nahi tha Riddhima, maine har baar socha ki tumhari baat maan lu, par mera dil nahi mana, vo har baar tumhari taraf kheech kar laata hai mujhe. Aur mujhe zid karni pad rahi hai kyunki tum apni zid nahi chod rahi!"
His words brought her back and she slowly came out of his hold;
"Agar ye mere liye sirf haar jeet wali baat hoti, majaak hota... Toh main itne waqt se tumhare liye lad nahi raha hota. Ab tak kisi aur ka haath thamkar aage badh chuka hota, tumse kahi dur jaa chuka hota."
She wiped her tears, while he thought of letting go off the topic as she was in visible pain, though she invited it for herself. But her next words stirred every nerve of his being;
"Toh fir badh jao aage, thaam lo kisi aur ka haath... tumhe kisne roka hai Armaan?"
His fists tightened while his eyes blazed fire;
"Yahi toh problem hai Riddhima, tum jaan kar sab cheejon se anjaan jo ban rahi ho. Tumhe humare rishte pe vishwas nahi toh theek hai, but don't you dare try make me stop believing in us."
Giving her a clear warning he left, and she finally set her tears free again. She cried silently as he left, it was hard to stay away, but harder to push him away. Only she knew her struggle of fighting him, while he tried to give his unconditional love but all she had in return was pain.
"I am sorry Armaan... please mere liye ye aur mushkil mat karo. Main tumhe aur dard nahi dena chahti... mujhe majboor mat karo."
She gasped as she felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned surprised at the voice;
"Toh fir aap unhe sach bata kyun nahi deti?"

Riddhima shut her eyes shaking her head as she found Keerti questioning her;
"Sab ko pata hai ki aap unse kitna pyaar karti hai, toh aap unhe kyu khud se dur kar rahi hai? Armaan bhi bohot takleef mein hai Riddhima, aakhir aap aisa kyu kar rahi hai?"

"Main jaanti hu main use chot pohcha rahi hu, par main aur kya karu Dr.Keerti? Aap bataiye kya itna sab hone ke baad Armaan ko mujhe apni zindagi mein vapas shaamil karna sahi hoga?"

"Vo aapse pyaar karte hai Riddhima!"

"Aur isi liye main chahti hu vo mujhse dur ho. De.Keerti jab vo vapas aaya tha, tab maine Sid ko chuna... maine uska saath choda tha usne nahi. Tab maine usse kaha tha ki main aage badhna chahti hu, uske begair... kisi aur ke saath. Lekin ab sirf is liye kyunki mera vo faisla main nibha nahi paayi, kyunki usne mera haath chod diya hai toh main Armaan se kaise kahu ki vo ab mera haath thaam le? Main itni selfish kaise ho jau? Mujhe aur Sid ko ek karne ke liye usne kya kuch nahi kiya... Maine padha hai uski aankhon mein vo dard. Aur is sabse vo sambhalne ki koshish kar raha tha, aage badhne ki koshish kar raha tha., lekin is sab ke beech agar meri shaadi tut gayi toh uske liye main firse Armaan ko kheechkar vapas vaha kaise khada kar du jaha se vo itni mushkil se bahar nikla tha."

"Vo toh humesha se yahi karta aaya hai, khud se pehle mujhe rakha hai apni priorities mein. Lekin isse har baat use takleef hui hai. Usne itna pyaar kiya hai mujhse, ki main chahkar bhi use chukka nahi sakti. Mere saath rehkar har baar meri har takleef ko apne upar leta aaya hai. Aur main jaanti hu agar vo mera saath raha toh yahi karta rahega. Main use aisi zindagi kyu du jaha use sirf takleef hi mile. Mere saath rehkar vo jaise apne baarein mein sochna hi bhul gaya hai, meri khushi, meri takleef, mere gum, meri pareshaani... Is sab se bahar hi nahi aa pata vo kabhi. Par ab main chahti hu ki vo mujhe bhulkar aae badh jaaye, jaha uski zindagi asaan ho, itni mushkile itni takleefe na ho. He deserves a better life... a better girl!"

Keerti was left speechless unable to decide who was right;
"Dekhiye main ye toh nahi jaanti ki aap sahi hai ya galat. Aap dono hi apne pyaar ke liye lad rahe hai. Main bas itna chahti hu ki aap dono khush rahe, ek dusre ke saath rahe. Kyunki pyaar har tarah ki musibat ko aasan kar deta hai Riddhima. Main samjhti hu aap Armaan ke liye ek achi zindagi chahti hai, lekin mere hisaab se ek dusre se alag koi khushiyaan hoti hi nahi hai pyaar mein. Aap please unse ek baar baat kar leejiye, khud ko is tarah takleef mat deejiye. Ho sakta hai baat karne se aap dono hi koi faisla le paaye."

---------CONTINUED IN NEXT POST----------

--------------CONTINUED-----------

Just two more days before, he could either win her back or lose everything. After she had returned home, all she had heard about was Armaan from none other than Sanaya! She was eaving the next day and so all the three girls were up chatting late night. And all Sanaya wanted to talk about was Armaan from their college days. She tried to change the topic but that did not help much. Besides she could herself never be tired of listening to this, but the excitement that shone in Sanaya's eyes for him disturbed her. What she did not know was it was indeed a mini plan by her sister and Sanaya, to make her jealous and make her think of him.

Armaan on the other hand unaware to things and Anjali's plan entered Sanjeevani drowned in his own thoughts. Shashank had called up Billy and Armaan had no clue what for. Riddhima noticed him walk out of the OPD and thought of having a conversation with him as Keerti's words kept ringing in her mind. Maybe she could make him understand and both of them could atleast get some time to think over things. But while she was on her way he was greeted by Billy so Riddhima thought it was better she spoke to him later; while Armaan greeted him surprised.
"Billy! Aap yaha kya kar rahe hai?"

"Hello sunny boy. Main abhi abhi Shanky se milke aa raa hu."

"I know... unhone aapko kyu bulaya tha?"

"Tere hi baarein mein baat karne ke liye bulaya tha... everything is so compliacated, aur fir Riddhima ke divorce ko lear bhi vo thoda pareshaan hai toh... is liye bas baat karne ke liye bulaya tha."

Riddhima had heard it and she was confused, but then suddenly she thought over his words. She concluded that maybe Shashank was holding Armaan responsible of things, her divorce. That could be the only reason she could come up with cuz Shashank had not spoken a word of Armaan since her divorce, but had called up Billy for a conversation. She would never let that happen, she would talk to Shashank right away she thought.

While Billy and Armaan were busy in their talks, Sanaya entered and greeted both of them. She was here to meet Armaan as she was supposed to leave in an hour. Sanaya took them to the caf and they sat talking about random things when Billy realized how similar the two were. While Sanaya left, billy poked him and suggested;
"She is so pretty nahi?"

"Billy? Go home and stop hitting on my friends. I mean have some shame, ab meri shaadi ki umar ho chuki hai and still you are flirting!"

"Haan toh main bhi toh vohi samjha raha hu tujhe, shaadi kar leni chahiye tujhe ab varna aise hi Buddha ho jayega, humesha thodi sunny boy rehna hai tune! Aur jaroori toh nahi tu meri tarah humesha hi handsome rahe, what if tujhe baad mein koi ladki----"

"Ho gaya? Ab ghar jao... Mujhe duty pe jana hai, bakwas sunne ke liye time nahi hai mere paas."

"Arey yaar baith ja do minute. Meri baat sun, mujhe bata kya galat kaha maine?"

"Billy yaar situation pata hote hue, how can you even think about marriage right now?"

"But why? Dekh ab toh Riddhima ka bhi divorce ho chuka hai... jo hona tha ho chuka na, ab usmein tum kya kar sakte the? Tu kab tak aise majnu banke firta rahega ab... Main jaanta hu ki Riddhima abhi bohot pareshaan hogi... But I think Ab tu shaadi kar le... Infact Shanky ne bhi mujhe yahi baat karne ke liye bulaya tha."

"What?"
Armaan looked at him shocked out of his wits. How were they even thinking of marriage when this girl wasn't even ready to see eye to eye with him and they thought she would say YES to the marriage, ofcourse she will, he thought funnily! He was about to retort when they heard a voice and turned around to see Riddhima. She had heard it all, but had obviously understood wrong. Billy's words only gave an idea that he wanted his son to get married and move on in his life. Shashank had never really liked him she knew, and that was why she thought he was once again blaming Armaan like many other times and wanted Armaan to get married and move on. Little did she know her father had already approved of him. She remembered his words;

"Ab tak kisi aur ka haath thamkar aage badh chukka hota, tumse kahi dur jaa chuka hota."

He was right, there was no need for him to keep waiting for her, he should move on with someone who could give him a life, the happiness that he deserved. Just while she was busy thinking all this Armaan for a minute started wondering of all the wedding plans that he had once made with his Basket, and the beautiful dreams unknowingly brought a smile to his lips. But seeing that happiness in his eyes she took it in wrong context, unknown that she was the reason behind it she spoke up;
"Uncle bilkul sahi keh rahe hai Armaan tumhe shaadi kar leni chahiye."

"Arey beta... aao. Main bhi ise yahi samjha raha tha, dekho Riddhima bura mat manna... I know abhi abhi tumhara divorce hua hai aur tum dono ka ek past bhi reh chuka hai. Main samjhta hu tum pareshaan ho lekin ab tum dono ko aage badh jaana chahiye------"

"Nahi Uncle I understand; infact mujhe lagta hai aap bilkul sahi keh rahe hai. Main toh kab se Armaan ko yahi samjhane ki koshish kar rahi hu ki vo ab beeti baatein bhul jaye, aur apni zindagi mein aage badh jaaye. I am sure Billy uncle tumhare liye koi achi ladki dhund lenge Armaan..."

"Kya?... Nahi Riddhima main toh----"
Billy tried to clarify as he realized she mistook his words but she continued;
"Uncle don't worry mujhe isse koi aitraaz nahi hai. Aap... aapko jaroor sochna chahiye... Ar... Armaan ki shaadi ke baarein mein. Use koi... achi si ladki jaroor mil jayegi. Ap... apne dad ki baat maan lo----- shaadi karlo, aur aage badh jao Armaan. Tumhe toh... koi bhi ladki mil jaayegi, so it's... I... I am happy ki tum... Ab khush reh paaoge. I am happy for you."
She uttered gulping back her tears having a smile plastered on her face, conveying she was okay with the decision. The pain her eyes held did not go unnoticed by him, but her words had infuriated him to no ends. How could she even suggest him to get married, and she was happy she said? Yes he could clearly see it. He knew the pain she was going through by his anger knew no bounds at her stupid behavior. As she walked away he stood trying to digest everything that happened when Billy's words brought him back;
"Yaar isne toh kuch aur hi samajh liya. Main toh tum dono ki hi baat kar raha tha... You think mujhe baat karni chahiye usse, ya fir Shanky ko bolu-----"

Armaan cut his words furiously having had enough now;
"Nahi Billy, I don't think anybody needs to talk to her anymore. Bohot khush hai na vo mere shaadi ke decision se toh hone deejiye, par vo mere liye faisle nahi le sakti. Bohot ho chukka ... ab main use bataunga ki mera faisla kya hai!"
He strode off, hurt and anguished, he would end this right away. He would give her what she wanted. He found her walking through the corridor and paced up. Unaware to his presence, lost in her own pain she walked down the aisle; her breath still stuck in her throat with the thought of his marriage. Out of nowhere she felt a grip on her hand and she was pulled inside the mini treatment room. Armaan locked the room and she was about to ask him what was happening when he pinned her to the wall looking at her daggers;
"Armaan ye kya-----"

"Don't you dare say another word Dr. Riddhima Gupta, bohot bakwas sun chuka main tumhari ab tum meri baat suno. Kya kaha tumne? Mujhe shaadi karni chahiye... that will make you happy, is it? Huh? Bolo?"

"Haan... agar---- you looked happy and if you wish to move on toh... ahh----"
She gasped as he held her arms caring least of his death grip;

"Tumhe kya lagta hai, move on karne ka matlab sirf kisi aur ka haath thaam lena hota hai. Uske alawa insaan khush nahi reh sakta?"

"Armaan...sss... you are hurting me!"

"I am hurting you? What the hell do you think of yourself, who gave you the right to decide main shaadi kar lu? How could you even think ki main apni zindagi mein kisi aur ko kabhi bhi tumhari jagah de sakta hu, main kisi aur se pyaar kar sakta hu... kisi aur se shaadi------? Fcuking hell Riddhima... tum toh sach mein mujhe bilkul nahi jaanti, mujhe kabhi samjh hi nahi paayi ho tum."
He left her arms harshly and slapped his palm hard against the wall right near her head as he could no more hold his aggression inside him, he had to vent it out or his head would explode. Her tears spilled seeing him furious like never before;
"Main toh... bas ye keh rahi thi-----"

"Tum keh hi kyu rahi thi kuch bhi, haan? Kisi ne tumse rai maangi thi? Why do you keep doing this Riddhima? Kya milta hai tumhe aise chot pocha kar mujhe? Kya tum bilkul nahi samjhti tum mere liye kya ho? Kya meri feelings koi maayne nahi rakhti tumhare liye? What have I done to deserve this, please batao mujhe. Kis baat ki saja de rahi ho tum? Aisi kya galati hai meri ki tum is had tak mujhe khud se dur karne pe tuli hui ho? Kya saabit karna chahti ho apni is zid se? Main muskurakar tumhari har baat ko taal deta hu iska ye matlab nah hai ki mujhe takleef nahi hoti, mujhe bhi dard hota hai Riddhima, mera dil bhi toot ta hai. Kya is rishte mein sirf main hu Riddhima?... Main thak chuka hu tumse apne pyaar ki bheeg maangte maangte. What do you want me to do now?"

"Meri baat-----"
Armaan pulled her up by her arms once again as she tried to speak but he wasn't interested anymore;
"You know what, galati tumhari nahi galati meri hai! Maine tumhe khud par itna haq de rakha hai ki tum mujhe chot pohcha sako. Main bewakoof hu jo tumhare peeche pada rehta hu, when all you wish right from the beginning is freedom... from me. Maine kaha tha Sid se ki koi faayda nahi, Dr Shashank ko bhi samjhaya tha ki vo koi koshishe na kare humare liye, kyunki usse tum aur dur bhaagogi, par vo nahi maane!"

"Pa... Papa? Vo dono...?"
Riddhima was a little confused about what was her father involved in.

"Dono nahi Riddhima... sirf vo dono nahi. Tumhare alawa yaha ka har insaan meri tarah paagal hai, kyunki unhe lagta hai ki tum aaj bhi mujhse pyaar karti ho. Aur hadh toh dekho, ki vo log vaha baithke humari shaadi ki baatein kar rahe hai, can you believe that?!"

"K...ya? Lekin..."
She asked totally baffled, how was that even possible!

"And believe me or not, is mein mera koi haath nahi hai. Tumhare Papa ne Billy ko yahi baat karne ke liye bulaya tha."

Shashank had already approved of him, and she had no clue?! She now realized what Billy had been talking about, what he actually meant by moving on.
"Par... Mujhe toh laga tha ki-----"

"Tumhe laga tha ki... tumhe acha bahana mil gaya mujhse chutkara pane ka, yahi na? Agar mujhe pata hota toh main ye sab hone hi nahi deta. Vaise toh tum mana karogi iska andaaza tha hi mujhe, par ab bas itna kar do ki meri shaadi ki baat mat karna, na Billy se na kisi aur se, kyunki main kisise shaadi nahi karna chahta. Main jaisa hu khush hu apni zindagi se... and you know what you don't need to worry anymore either. Kyunki I am done with you! I grant you your wish Basket... I mean Dr. Riddhima Gupta! Main aaj se tumhe bilkul pareshaan nahi karunga. Tumhe mere is shart se problem hai na, meri in koshishon se ki hum ek ho jaaye... Par ab tension mat lo. Because now that you have made things clear aur tum bata chuki ho ki tum kitni khush ho mujhse dur hone ki khabar se hi, then why waste another day, main aaj hi is kisse ko khatam kar deta hu Riddhima. Mere bhi sabar ki ek hadh hai, aur aaj vo tut chuki hai. Vaise bhi mujhe haarne ki aadat ho hi gayi hai toh bas ek aur baar sahi... samajh lo tum jeet gayi."
Her eyes shut tight as the words pierced deep, all she wanted was him to move on but she knew how harshly her words had scarred his heart. She made an attempt to heal his heart and tried to speak between her sobs but he was past the level of understanding anything;
"Armaan... muj...he galat mat samjho main sirf-----"

"Nahi nahi Riddhima tum sahi ho, main sab samajh raha hu aur main baaki sabko bhi ye baat ab samjha dunga that you don't hold any feelings for me. Us raat bhi jo kuch bhi tumne kaha... it meant absolutely nothing."
He thought of something and smiled;
"In fact I just realized... har baar jab bhi main dard main raha hu, ya maut ke muh mein utra hu, sirf tabhi toh tumne apni feelings express ki hai, and I am such a fool ki main use tumhara pyaar samajh baitha! Ye toh bas... tumhari sympathy thi... "

"Armaan?"
She looked up at him shaking her head as she could not believe his words.

"Haan Riddhima... of course, now it all makes sense to me. Tumhare liye kabhi meri zindagi maayne rakhti hi nahi thi shayad. Jab main sahi salamat hota hu tab tumhare dil mein sirf nafrat hoti hai mere liye... Shayad tumse apne dil ki baat bulvaane ke liye mujhe har baar intezar karna chahiye ki kab meri jaan khatre mein ho, kyunki sirf tabhi tum mere liye shayad kuch feel kar sako. Marte hue insaan ki jaise aakhri khwahish poori nahi karte... vaisa hi kuch toh kiya hai tumne!"

"Armaan enough..."
She was stunned at his conclusion, the anger in his eyes and the hatred his face depicted, and most importantly the hurt and pain in his voice. It was getting unbearable so she stepped ahead and placed her hand on his chest trying to calm him;
"Tum ye kya----- uhh----"
She gasped as he shrugged her hand away with full force as if he resented her touch;
"Don't Riddhima, tumhe ab ye fikar karne ka dikhawa karne ki bhi jaroorat nahi hai. Main tumhe azaad kar raha hu is bojh se ab... mujhse!"

It killed her to hear that would be an understatement. That was what she had asked for, but the way it had turned out was not something she expected it to be. He looked around as if rembembering something and then held her closer;
"Ye vohi jagah hai na jaha hum dono ki kahani shuru hui thi. Aaj... isi jagah pe main tumhe azaad karta hu. Main tumhare saath har rishta todta hu, I won't bother you anymore. Yahi chahti thi na tum... lo maan liya..."

Riddhima went blank, she did not know if she heard it right but it hurt as hell and she felt chills down her spine. Suddenly she became unsure of her own decision as he accepted it. She had no clue what she expected, but reading his eyes and the pain they held, her heart definitely told her that this cannot be it! And while she drowned in her own pain his next words almost sucked the life out of her;
"Tumne us raat meri jaan bacha kar apna farz pora kar liya Dr.Riddhima, mujhpar zindagi bhar ka ehsaan diya. I am sure you regret it now kyunki us vajah se dekho aaj hum dono kaha khade hai! I am sorry that I have been such a hurdle for you. Na main theek hota, na vapas aata na aaj ye sab ho raha hota. I am really sorry that I came out alive that night ----"

"Ar...maan... bas... bas karo please------"
She tried to stop him in a broken, choked voice but he was no more stoppable.

"Bas... ek choti si request hai, agli baar jab aisi situation aaye na, toh bas ye dua mat karna ki main apni aankhein kholu. Kyunki har din tumhari aankhon mein ye pachtava dekhne se, tumhare is ehsaan ko pyaar samjhke tumhare intezaar mein roz thoda thoda tadapne se acha ye hoga ki main us ek pal mein tadap tadap ke mar ja-------"

"Armaaan!"
She cried out helplessly placing her hand against his mouth, but she realized how late she was. There was no healing for the pain she had caused him. He held her hand away as he continued;
"Congratulations... tum ab free-------"

His tears that he had been trying to hold back forever choked his throat to say anything further. Pushing her hand away harshly, he gave her a last look full of pain and hatred and zapped out never looking back. She collapsed, completely shattered, her limbs numbed while her hands shivered as she recalled his words. Her sobs were uncontrollable, his accusations, his hatred gave her a taste of her own medicine. Did he really think his life meant nothing to her? Her chest tightened with horrible pain as she remembered the look his eyes held. Her vision blurred, partly due to tears and partly, because she felt dizzy. Suddenly his words buzzed in her ears;

"Jis din main tumhari ye baat maan lu na, aur tumhari taraf badne ki bajai tumse dur chalne lagu, mark my words, us din sabse jyaada pachtava tumhe hoga."

She was the one who always walked away from him, denied his love. The thought that he would give up on them someday and walk away promising to never return back to her, had never crossed her mind. In the past they have had their fights, he had walked away from her but never ever had she seen him defeated, never had she witnessed the hatred he held in his eyes today for her. It was he who had given up, but ultimately she had lost. And the feeling of losing him, his love was the worst she had ever experienced. The way he had claimed how she cared of him only when he was near to death twisted her heart in an inexpressible pain, but she could not deny it completely and the confession made her cry in guilt. She loved him, she cared for him but she did not express it until needed, but on the contrary he never looked for an opportunity. He had expressed his love for her with every breath, while she had only thought of the rights and wrongs. Suddenly it dawned upon her that love was far above any right or wrong, and if anything mattered to him in his life, it was love... it was her, his Basket. Nothing else could ever make him happy, cuz he did not want anything else, he never wished for anything other than her. She realized what he meant when he said she would be the one devastated when he would walk away, as that would officially mark the end of their love. Since, if the only one amongst the two fighting would also give up leaving behind no hopes, it would be too late then to look back!
-------------

Armaan on the other hand, sat in his room heartbroken and defeated, angry and disappointed. His patience and given up and he could not beg for his love anymore. Billy tried to have a word with him but he had shut himself away from everything while he recalled their conversation they had just had while he had walked out on her ending all their ties.

Jaao le jaao neend meri
Uff na karenge hum
Jo le jaaoge khwab mere
Toh kaise jiyenge hum

While he was busy shattering all the things around venting his pain, he picked up a frame to thrash it on the floor but his hand did not budge, as his eyes fell on her image. He made another attempt to break it to pieces, but his heart denied to follow. Defeated by his own heart once again he crashed to the floor finally setting the hot tears free. However he tried to hold back, his hand unknowingly moved up caressing the smile on the frame, the face that was the reason of his existence. The defeat was accepted, but how was he supposed to survive without her! Knowing well that she loved him too, but still they couldn't be together just because she did not care enough for their love, hurt as hell. Any efforts any more were useless because she had decided not to reciprocate.

Jeena humko aata hi nahi
Teri saanson ke siva
Marna bhi ab na mumkhin hai
Teri baahon ke siva

Lo maan liya humne
Parvah nahi tumko
Tum yaad nahi humko
Hum yaad nahi tumko

Gulping his tears he sat cursing his luck when he sensed a shadow and looked up. Confused and disturbed he stood up as he saw Riddhima standing at his door. Red puffed eyes conveyed her pain and the tears she had suffered, but he decided to ignore them as he was saturated enough of his own pain to pay heed to her decisions and denials. Clearing his tear stains he shook his head not really pleased by her presence;
"Tum? Yaha kya kar rahi ho? Oh please... ab agar tum mujhe shaadi ke liye convince karne aayi ho that how that's going to help me move on, then please leave Riddhima. I don't think I can take it anymore."

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

~CONTINUED IN NEXT POST~

--------Continued---------

Tired of the same argument over and again he turned away not wishing to take in the pain anymore. Some kind of reply or retort was what he expected, but her reaction surprised him beyond words. Her hands nestled at his chest as she hugged him from behind resting her head against his back. Unable to put a finger on her present thoughts he turned to her, but in respose to that she simply stared at him while his eyes poured innumerous questions. One look at her and he knew she was having a tough time to fight with herself anymore and her feelings were just about to spill but he stayed mum.

Words finally uttered out of her mouth along with the tears dampening her cheeks, but they were of no relief to his already aching heart;
"Armaan... I hate you!!"
Irrespective of the hurt her words caused him, his lips curved up into a smile understanding what she really meant. With a sigh he rolled his eyes at her as he was left with no strength to bounce back if she once again denied everything pushing him away. The very first time when she had uttered these words right before she had confessed, flashed in front of his eyes and he knew that her words held same meaning at the moment too; but he wasn't going to nudge her this time;
"Oh God... Not again Riddhima."

He backed a step away but she held his hand holding him in place with non stop tears streaming down her cheeks;
"Ruko Armaan, I really really hate you aur tumhe meri baat sunni padegi!"

For a moment he stared down at her hand that held his, looked up at her and shrugged it away. Knowing she wouldn't leave he himself thought of walking out when she shut the door standing in his way;
"Maine tumse kaha mujhe tumse baat karni hai."

"And I think kuch waqt pehle tumne hi mujhse kaha tha ki humare beech baat karne ke liye kuch nahi bacha!"
Snapping at her he tried to turn the knob but she once again stopped him while he lost his cool. He turned away fisting his palm trying to calm his nerves;
"Riddhima don't test my patience and just leave."

"I am not going to leave unless you talk to me... aur na hi main tumhe kahi jaane dungi!"

Armaan turned around burning with rage;
"Aur kis haq se rokne wali ho tum mujhe?"

"Jis haq se vo saari bakwaas ki thi tumne kuch waqt pehle... aur mujhe itni chot pohchakar ab tum khud yaha baithkar ro rahe ho?!"

Armaan held her arms tightly caring least that his nails dig deep in her skin he simply lashed at her;
"Maine chot pohchai tumhe? Tumhare itne taane sunne ke baad, itni nafrat ke baad main ab tak tumhare liye ladta raha, aur tumhare kehne pe aaj tumhe aajad bhi kar diya ye jaante hue ki tumhare begair mere liye ek pal bhi jeena mumkin nahi... Ab bhi tum yaha aayi ho sirf apni nafrat bayaan karne aur fir bhi tum keh rahi ho ki maine tumhe chot pohchai hai!"

"Haan kyunki tum mujhse pyaar hi nahi karte... agar mujhse pyaar karte toh jo kuch tumne mujhse kaha, jo iljaam mujhpe tumne lagaya vo kabhi nahi lagate!"

He shook his head at her audacity, how could she still blame him and question his love while her eyes held tears for him and pinned her to the wall as she brought out the worst in him;
"Tum apni baat karo, mere pyaar par ungli uthane ki himmat bhi mat karna samjhi tum?"

"Kyu nahi, main jaroor ungli uthaungi. Tum achi tarah jaante ho ki tum mere liye kya ho, fir bhi tumne mujhse kaha ki tumhari zindagi mere liye koi maayne nahi rakhti! Sirf is liye kyunki maine apne pyaar ka izhaar karne se mana kiya? Kaise mujhpar ye iljaam lagaya tumne, ki main tumhari jaan bachakar pachta rahi hu? Pehle bhi toh maine kabhi apne pyaar ka ijhaar nahi kiya tha, tab toh meri har dhadkan bhi padh lete the, aur aaj sab kuch jaante hue bhi mujhpar itna bada iljaam kaise lagaya tumne?"

His eyes softened and his grip loosened as he read the pain in her eyes, which was partly physical due to his tight grip but mostly because of his accusation which he could see had hurt her deep. However upset though, he could still not let her suffer;
"Haan mujhe aaj bhi ye sunne ki jaroorat nahi ki tumhe mujhse kitna pyaar hai, kyunki tumhari har ek saans is baat ka sabot hai... lekin iska ye matlab nahi ki tum mujhe chot pohchati raho aur main humesha sirf is intezar main baitha rahu ki tum kisi din mujhpar taras khalo!"

"Aur kya tumhe is baat ka ehsaas nahi ki tumhe chot pohchakar mujhe kitni takleef hoti hai?"

He pulled her up staring deep in her eyes which reflected the same pain and tears in his eyes;
"Trust me main jee jaan laga deta hu tumhe us takleef se dur rakhne ki. Maine har baar haath badhaya hai tumhare liye Riddhima, par tumne thaamne se inkaar kiya hai, kya vo meri galati hai?"

"Sirf is liye kyunki main tumse bohto jyaada pyaar karti hu Armaan aur sirf khudse jooda rakhne ke liye main tumhe dard nahi de sakti."
Her hiccups made it difficult for her to continue but she had to speak up today;
"I am sorry that I hurt you so much, lekin... Armaan maine ye sirf ---- sir"f tumhare liye kiya."

He gently wiped her tears cupping her cheeks though not really approving of her words;
"Tumne mere liye, mujhe aur mere pyaar ko thukraya?"

She knew it was a clear taunt and that offended her in many ways and she took hold of his collar;
"Maine vo sh---aadi wli baat kahi kyunki... maine tumhe---- tum---he muskuraate hue dekha tha, jab Billy uncle ne... vo sab kaha, toh main--- maine socha ki..."

"Kyunki that reminded me of all the dreams I saw with you of our marriage."
She looked up drowning a little deeper in her guilt as he revealed the reason. She bowed setting free another set of sobs and made her look up;
"Riddhima I know you love me, I know you always will, par is waqt please aisa kuch mat kaho jise tum kuch hi waqt mein kisi na kisi wajah se thukra do. Riddhima how could it be ki tum mujhse itna pyaar karo fir bhi mujhese har tarah se ala g hona chaho? Why wont y ou just tell me what is it? Kya tumhe mujhpar jara sa bhi yakeen nahi? Ya tumhe humare pyaar par bilkul bharosa hi nahi raha Riddhima... Aakhir aisi kya vajah hai ki tum----- "

"I just wanted you... to move on!! Ha---- har baar meri har takleef, har pareshaani is sab mein ulajh kar reh... Jaate ho tum. I ju---st wanted a better li--- life for you. Meri shaadi na tute iske li---ye tumne itni koshise ki, maine bhi bohot ko---shish kit hi... Par main Sid se pyaar nahi kar paa------ main vo bhi nahi ni--- nibha paayi... aur vo rish"ta tutne ke baad bhi tum mujhe ap--- apnane ke liye tayyar the---- main jaanti thi ---- lekin, main sharminda thi... Itna sab hone ke ba---aad main firse tumhe apne saath... nahi baandhna chahti thi. Agar... agar ye sab nahi hua hota, toh main aaj bhi----- Sid ke saath hoti aur---- tum mujhse kuch expect nahi karte badle mein, but I would have tri---ed to help you move on and you wou---ld have kyunki main beech mein nahi----- hoti tab..."
She uttered between her hiccups and he started to understand what she meant. Bending in he kissed her tears as she tried to continue;
"How insane can you get? Tum Sid ke saath zindagi bhar hoti tab bhi main kisi aur ka haath nahi thaamta!"

"Jaanti hu main aur isi liye ye sab----- But you should have moved on cuz---- you shou---ldnt be stuck with... me! I can never make yo---u happy. I do not deserve you Armaan------- I just wanted the best for you. I th---ought tumhe koi bohot achi lad"ki mil sakti hai aur main tumhe uske saath khush dekhna----"

He knew she would just have some stupid reasons as always but this time she had gone a bit too far almost breaking them apart going through the horrible pain for an absolute insane reason he would have never even considered. He simply kissed her eyes sucking her tears and cupped her cheek snapping at her;
"Look up at me and dare to say that again, I swear I will not even consider how much I love you before giving it back! Just get this thing straight, I can never think of you with anyone else... but I let go of you cuz you were married to Sid, and you wanted the marriage to work, leaving me with no other choice. Tumhe maine khud par humesha har haq diya hai, is liye tumhari nafrat, tumhara pyaar, tumhari naarajgi sab kuch sar aankhon par. Par mera naam kisi bhi aur ke saath jodne ka haq maine na tumhe kabhi diya hai, na main tumhe kabhi dunga, samjhi tum?"

She once again dropped her gaze;
"Main tumhe samjha nahi sakti Armaan ki maine kya mehsoos kiya tha, jab---- mujhe tumhare aankhon mein dekhkar ye kehna pada tha ki main kisi aur ki pat--- patni hu. Us har pal jab tumne mere aur Sid ko kareeb----- lane ki koshish ki thi, tumhe toot ta hua dekh---kar main bhi bikhar rahi thi. Tumne har baar mere liye apni saari kh---ushiyon ko daav pe lagaya hai. Main jaanti thi ki tum kabhi kisi--- kisi aur ka haath nahi thaam sakoge lekin... kam se kam tum khud ko mu---jhse dur kar rahe the, main bas chahti thi ki... tum mujhse alag apne baarein mein soc"sochna shuru kar do. Kyunki main... main nahi chahti ki meri nakamiyaab shaadi ka iljaam... koi bhi tu--- tumpar lagaye. Mere is past ki saja tumhe nahi--- milni chahiye. Mere saath ho----ne ki koshish mein har baar... tum chot khate ho Ar---maan! Main tumhe jaan bujh kar hurt nahi kar---na chahti thi, main toh bas---- tumhe mujhse alag ek zindagi dena chahti thi... kyunki mere saath life mein humesha sirf compl---ications hai, aur main tumhe is sab... Mein fir se ghaseetna nahi chahti thi."

He held her closer and looked straight in her eyes;
"Aur kya tum ye nahi jaanti ki tumse alag meri koi zindagi hi nahi?! Agar tumhare saath mujhe har din thode aansoon mile toh bhi manjoor hoga, par tumse alag hokar duniya bhar ki khushiyaan bhi mere kisi kaam ki nahi!!..."

Riddhima looked up at him tongue tied with continuous tears streaming down her eyes and her hiccups clogging her throat. Armaan's eyes, still red with tears now held a small smile as he bent in to kiss her puffed eyes;
"Toh ab tum mere paas kyu aayi ho?"

"Kyunki---- main..."

"Kyunki kya... Basket?"

"Kyunki tumne itni jaldi haar maan li, abhi aur ek din baaki tha is liye main tumse kehne chahti hu ki main tumhe haarne nahi de sakti kyunki... I realized th---at tumhari haar se meri jeet kabhi nahi ho sakti. I am not str---ong enough like you to let you go Armaan; shayad main nahi chah---ti ki tum mu---jhse humesha ke liye dur ho jao."

"Aur itne din se jab main yahi baat samjha raha tha tab ye nahi maan sakti thi tum? Mujhe pareshaan karna jaroori tha?"
She shook her head at his question and continued;
"Tum toh jaa"nte ho na... kuch cheejein samjh---ne mein mujhe th--- thoda waqt lagta hai aur-----"

"Thoda?"
He snapped back making her look up and she found him staring back intently with a mocking smile. Guilt washed her veins as his eyes still held tears but she knew he was all ready with his hands held out waiting for her to hold them. And that's when she realized, an apology was the least she could begin with so she instantly held her ears and shut her eyes;
"I am sorry Armaan, tumhe meri zi---d ki vajah se chot... poh----chane ke liye, mere liye tu----mhe jo bhi takleefein uthani padi u---- us sab-----"

"Shh..."
He cut short her apology once again cupping her cheeks;
"Is baar tumne mujhe vakai bohot chot pohchai hai Riddhima..."
She once again shut her eyes as she could notice the pain in his voice;
"Armaan main-----"

But he placed his finger against her trembling lips stopping her once again;
"Shhh... lekin mujhe tumhari apology nahi chahiye. Apni aankhein kholo Basket; dekho meri taraf."

She opened her eyes hesitantly looking at him;
"Tumhe mujhse vaada karna hoga ki tum fir kabhi mere pyaar se muh nahi modogi, naa hi kabhi khudko jabardasti mujhse alag karne ki koshish karogi!"

That only multiplied her tears and hiccups leaving her incapable to speak so he caressed her cheek slightly calling her in a mere whisper;
"Riddhima?"

She held his hand clutching it tightly against her heart;
"I promise ki main----- main kabhi tu---m... tum-----"

Armaan held her waist pulling her closer, he let his lips absorb her tears indicating her to stop crying;
"Hmm... aage bolo Riddhima... I am listening!"

His lips leisurely wandered all over her face showering tiny kisses encouraging her to speak up. Feeling his touch against her skin she forgot everything for a while and her fingers clutched his shirt. A smile knocked onto his lips as she pulled him closer giving her consent silently. His hand caressed her waist trying to calm her and he found his way to her earlobe when she finally spoke up in her broken voice;
"Tumhe khudse... alag nahi... karungi main----- I... I promise!"

He pulled away looking down at her;
"Basket----------"
He was about to say something but she placed a palm against his lips and instead surprised him by a sudden confession;
"If it still means anything to you... I love you Armaan."
She wiped his tears whispering once again waiting for him to respond;
"I love you. Kya tum mujhe maaf kar ke mujh-----"
He simply took a step back and held his arms wide open giving her an open invitation into his arms and back into his life. After life had given her yet another chance, and he was still willing to take her back after such a terrible phase, there was no way she was going to have any second thoughts or concerns anymore. With tiny but confident steps she walks into his embrace and he pulled her as close to himself that he could. After what felt like an eternity as he embraced her in his arms, they let all the dams break and cried their heart out. They had awaited this moment so long, it felt like a boon of water on a deserted land.

He was the first to recover though he continued caressing her head as she still sobbed in his arms.
"Shh... Riddhima calm down... it's alright."
The more he tried to calm her down the more she pulled him closer so he gently just called her out;
"Basket??"

"Armaan... main jaanti hu is baar galti meri thi, lekin tum ek baat samjh lo. Aaj tumne jo kuch bhi kaha hai na uske liye main tumhe kabhi... kabhiii bhi maaf nahi karungi. Tumne mujhpe itna bada iljaam lagaya Armaan? Tumne kaha ki mujhe pachtava hai tumhe bachane ka... Ki---- ki main dua karu ki tum tadap----- "
She burst into another set of sobs and he held her tighter rubbing her back;
"That was how you made me feel Riddhima, tumhari zid dekhkar, tumse dur hone se behtar mujhe---..."
She pulled back and looked at him with a hurt look but he planted a lingering kiss against her forehead and took her in his arms when she retorted;
"Tumne socha bhi kaise ki vo ehsaan tha, tumhari zindagi mere liye koi maayne nahi rakhti? Agar main tumse keh du ki mere maut ki dua-----"

"Riddhima!!"
He cut her in a stern tone pulling her out of the hug while his eyes held rage. Riddhima held his collar and pulled him down;
"Ab samajh aaya kaisa laga hoga mujhe? Itna kuch keh diya mujhse tumne... ek baar nahi socha na mai----"

Armaan cooled down getting her point and held her nape planting a soft kiss against her forehead to calm her;
"I--- I get it. I am sorry... I shouldn't have said that. I am really sorry Basket... I am sorry."
He continued planting kisses against her head swaying her in his arms, he nuzzled her neck knowing how it helped her sooth;

"Agar dubara kabhi bhi aisa kuch bola na Armaan toh... toh mainkhud tumhari jaan le lungi aur fir tumse... Tumse kabhi baat nahi karungi, samjhe tum?"
She muttered against his chest spitting out her anger and he smiled wondering whether it was her complaint or warning!

After a while when her tears finally settled and she stopped shuddering in his arms she sensed a lingering kiss against her earlobe before his hot lips moved against her ear;
"Basket... Vaise ek baat kahu?"

"Hmm?"

"Vo main keh raha tha ki ... Umm... agar tum, tum mujhe-----"

She looked up at him as his hold loosened and he spoke up in a serious tone, she frowned;
"Kya Armaan?"

"Agar tum..."
He quietly for a second as she heard him with utter concentration and then uttered in a single breath;
"Tum meri jaan le logi toh uske baad mujhse vaise bhi baat nahi kar paaogi, you know!"

"Haan par main-----"
Riddhima tried to come up with an appropriate reply when his lips slowly twitched turning into a full smirk and that's when she realized what he had just said.
"Armaan tum... majaak---- ughhh you idiot, tumhae toh main-----"
And with that he ran for his life while she chased him, all the tears and pain forgotten. But as he reached the leaving area he stopped abruptly as he saw the person on the couch and Riddhima too came to a halt seeing him go still. She followed his gaze and saw Shashank and Billy who looked up at them surprised at their sudden appearance. Before she could say anything Armaan uttered;
"Sir aap yaha?"

"Jee vo main Riddhima lekar aayi thi mujhe... vaise bhi us din shaadi ki baat adhoori reh gayi thi."

Armaan looked back confused at Riddhima when she explained;
"Haan vo maine socha kuch back up bhi hona chahiye na... in case tum mujhe mana karte toh---- tum Papa ko kabhi mana nahi kar paate na-----"
She replied a little guilty and a bit shy too, when he held her hand surprised beyond words;
"What makes you think I could ever say no to you? I don't think any such world exists where I would not want to be with you Riddhima!!"

All she could do was admire him for the endless love he still held for her while he lifted her hand placing a kiss against her palm completely forgetting the presence of two other people around. Billy cleared his throat as the two were lost in each other, and they sprang away.

Armaan was still in a happy shock as both their fathers were actually busy discussing their marriage, with Riddhima's consent! He couldn't have thought that the day which had given him so much pain would have ended so beautifully. The two of them stood at a side watching everything silently as Padma and Ananya was too called up soon for the further discussion. Armaan slowly caught hold of her hand as all she did all the while was blush. She looked up at him asking him to leave her hand through her eyes but he simply shook his head and caressed her palm; so she retorted slowly not wanting to grab anyone's attention.
"Armaan!"

"Forget it Basket, main ye haath kabhi nahi chodne wala, na aaj na kabhi aur--- so just quit. Badi mushkil se tum mere haath aayi ho, ab toh tum jid kar lo tabh bhi main tumhe nahi chodunga. I am not letting you away this time Riddhima... I just won't!!"
Though he spoke with a glint of mischief she could read it in his eyes that he meant every word and she did not wish anything else either. A tear escaped her eye but before he could worry about it she cleared it off and intertwined their fingers giving it a light squeeze letting him know that she approved of his every thought.
"I would be disappointed if you would!"
The warm smile that her lips held and her words fluttered his heart and she was instantly taken in a warm hug. Their parents did take notice but decided to turn a blind eye as finally the two lovers had found their way back to each other, and the wind around too was a witness that nothing could break them apart. They were done with their part of test... and a new life of togetherness awaited them.

------------THE END-----------