The Distance Between Us - An AR FF (Link to TDBU#2 - Page 1) - Page 17

Finally you updated...

What timing, I must say!!!!!

Armaaniac-licious Reserve.

"All parts are subjected to emotional level, please start reading if you are string from heart and have great and majbooz Chappal and jootas."

"License to throw on the person, when she gets on head more."

"No one allowed to throw dagger, if asked to update later and if I spam."

- ThankYou
- PragawatiCrazySquad

wow! just loved it so

Previously on...

Armaan and Riddhima talk, sort of.

Tammy's entry

Track 6 - The Reason, Hoobastank

Riddhima spent the rest of the day in a daze. She couldn't believe that Armaan had moved on, or was trying to move on, or had a girlfriend or whoever she was. They'd been talking just a few minutes prior and the way Armaan spoke, it felt as though he was still harboring hope that maybe someday she would be with him. But, then, Tammy had come, all heartbroken and sobbing and Armaan had forgotten that she was even there. All his focus was centered on that one girl.

Riddhima hadn't ever seen Armaan that way with anyone else apart from, well her. She was used to being the center of his attention and the receiver of his affections. Seeing him be so gentle and loving and caring and so Armaan with someone else hadn't sat all that well with her. He used to be this way with only her, just her, dammit. He hadn't been this way with Muskaan or Anjali or even Nikki. And he'd been best friends with Nikki for most of his life. So, yeah, Riddhima understood that this Tammy person was really important to him.

And sure, maybe he didn't love her yet - because let's face it, the way he was looking at her, he might as well be in love with her. Or maybe he hadn't realized it yet. He had always been a little slow at getting a hang of his feelings. Whatever the case maybe, it was apparent that Armaan was trying to move on. Honest to God, from the heart, move on from what had happened. And, so she would have to maintain her distance.

She wouldn't go near him, wouldn't confess her love for him, wouldn't apologize and wouldn't hope he would take her back because finally, she realized that he was what she needed in life. She only needed the feeling of knowing that she wouldn't ever have him back to know that. Riddhima had been in denial of her feelings for him for so long, it had become like second nature to her. She lied to him in the beginning when he confessed his love to her, she lied when they broke up and she lied when he left her after the accident. So, when he had come back to claim what was rightfully his, Riddhima had fallen into a pattern and lied through her teeth about not wanting him in her life.

Sure, she'd been somewhat honest with him in their last conversation in the locker room, but she'd lied even then. She'd asked for him to move on, to forget about her knowing that she couldn't bear to live in a world where Armaan Mallik showered all his neverending affections on someone else. But, still, she'd lied. For herself. Because, she wanted to take the easy route. Because she was too much of a coward to admit that she wanted him in her life and because she didn't have the courage to stand up for herself and their relationship.

Riddhima had been entirely too selfish when it came to Armaan, always taking and giving way too less in their entire relationship. Well, it was time that she woman up and do something for Armaan. Something that made Armaan happy, and not her.

So, she decided that she wouldn't tell Armaan about the annulment. She wouldn't tell him that her and Sid were no longer together. And she wouldn't tell him that she had spent the better part of the last six years searching for him desperately. She wouldn't tell him that she was no longer on talking terms with her father, not after she informed him that she wasn't spending her entire life with Sid like he'd planned for her.

Life for her had not been easy in the past six years. Living on her own for the first time in her life had been an eye opening experience. She'd found that she loved it. Even though she'd struggled a whole lot when she first moved out of Sid's house into her own, it was worth it. Sid had been the perfect gentleman, assuring Riddhima that she could stay with him as long as she liked, but it hadn't felt right. Not after everything that had happened. She owed it to herself and to Sid. They wouldn't be able to maintain a proper distance if she didn't move out. But, more than that, she owed it to Armaan. It had never felt right, sharing house, much less a life with someone who wasn't Armaan.

Before Armaan had come into her life, Riddhima imagined that her parents would find a suitable boy for her and she'd get married as per their wishes. She would be the wife, mother and daughter that everyone expected her to be and just move on with life the way it was. She never ever imagined being loved the way Armaan loved her. She always thought that that kind of love was for the fairytales. But, Armaan had come in, sweeping her off her feet like some knight in shining armor and had opened her heart to so much. After Armaan, she couldn't imagine loving someone so deeply, ever again. And, what did she do? She took it for granted.

Well, she paid dearly for that mistake. While processing all this information, she realized. This was her penance. God was making her live these moments because Armaan had lived similar moments everytime she chose Sid over him.

And, if that's what it took so that she could finally stop feeling guilty about holding Armaan back, then that was exactly what she would do.

When Sid finally found Riddhima, she was lost deep in thought, a million miles away.

"Hey," he whispered, sitting next to her.

"Hi," she replied.

"How are you holding up?" Sid asked her.

"I'm fine," she replied.

"Famous last words," Sid commented sarcastically.

"Fine, I'm coping. Trying to anyway," she said.

"Did you talk to him?" Sid asked.

Riddhima nodded. "And?" Sid prodded.

"And what?" She asked.

"How does he feel? About everything. I mean, the annulment," Sid clarified.

"I didn't get the chance to tell him about it," Riddhima responded.

Sid nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get it. He's really stressed right now. Maybe you should talk to him later."

Riddhima shook her head vehemently.

"No, no one is going to talk to Armaan about anything," she declared.

Sid looked appalled. "Ridz... what... I mean... why? What? I don't understand..."

"Look, Armaan is finally moving on in life, okay. I'm not holding him back," she told him.

"What are you talking about? He loves you, Riddhima," Sid replied.

"That was seven years ago, Sid. A lot has changed between then and now. And, Armaan has someone in his life. I don't know whether he loves her or not. But, the way he looks at her is pretty damn similar to the way he looked at me. And I cannot stop him from finally moving on when I moved on way before he was even thinking about it."

"But, Riddhima, you have to tell him," Sid tried to reason.

"No, I don't. And neither do you nor anyone else. I don't want anyone telling Armaan that we're not married anymore," she told him. She used the word married, because even when they were husband and wife, they hadn't been together, not really.

"Riddhima..." Sid tried again, but she cut him off. "No. This discussion is over and I don't want to listen to anything about it. You should tell the others too. And, if we have to pretend to be a couple while we're on this trip, just to appease Armaan, then so be it. You understand?" She asked him.

Sid nodded reluctantly. He knew there was no point arguing with Riddhima, especially when Armaan was concerned. So, he didn't waste his time or energy arguing. Instead, he went to find the others to break the news to them. He had to find them without Rahul so that he could talk to them. He didn't think Rahul would keep quiet once he found out.

But, this was going to be tricky. Armaan didn't know about their annulment, but Rohan did. Per Rahul's admission, Rohan hated the girl who broke Armaan's heart, Riddhima. How was he supposed to convince Rohan and his family why they were behaving like a couple was beyond him. This whole thing had disaster written on it in capital letters, but there wasn't much he could about it. Plus, from what he knew, the old gang were masters at this sort of thing. He was going to need all the help he could get, he thought, sighing.

Thankfully, Rahul seemed to have gone to check on Jaanhavi, so Sid sat everyone down and explained the situation to them. Everyone was shocked on learning that Armaan had moved on, but somewhere were happy that he was trying to get his life back on track. Sid explained to them that Riddhima had decided that Armaan couldn't know about the annulment and so they were going to behave like a couple on the trip. But, then he explained the catch. They needed to come up with a plan on how to avoid Rohan and the rest of the Mehras realizing what they were doing. Rohan's family hadn't really been involved with the Mumbai Sanjeevani for a long time and they didn't know much about anyone, so they would be easier to fool. The real challenge was Rohan. He knew Riddhima really well and he knew everything about her and Sid's relationship. So, this was going to be difficult.

"We should worry about Rohan later. He isn't here now. We have to be there for Riddhima at this moment. God knows how she must be feeling," Atul interrupted.

Everybody nodded in agreement.

Just as they were going in search of Riddhima, Rohan bounded in, all worried and tensed.

"Where's mom?" He asked frantically.

"I think... they're with Armaan," Sid answered.

Rohan nodded. "What floor?"

"Room 402."

"Thank you," he replied before rushing there.

The others followed, not really knowing what to do. When they reached the floor, Armaan was sitting between Rahul and some girl, who was hugging him tight, but was sending him glares all the time with so much rage that it was a miracle he wasn't dead yet. Rahul seemed to be on the receiving end of similar looks.

Juhi Ma and Chote Papa were both pacing impatiently.

"Hey," Rohan greeted them.

"Rohan?" Chote Papa asked, surprised. "What... what are you doing here?"

"I... I came as fast as I could," he replied, hugging his parents and then moving on to hug Armaan and Rahul.

"I'm sorry it took me so long," he said.

"That... That's okay," Armaan replied, a little dazed. "But, Rohan, the... the meeting? You had a meeting today, right? In New York, with the Board?"

Rohan nodded sheepishly.

"I blew it, sort of," he replied.

"WHAT!" Armaan bellowed. "What do you mean, you blew it? You either blew it or you didn't. You can't have it both ways!" He said, getting worked up with each passing minute.

"Armaan! Calm down!" Rahul reprimanded him. "Let Rohan speak, will you?"

"What happened?" Rahul asked Rohan.

"We had a lay over and I checked my messages. There was on from you and one from Dad. And when I found out that it was Jaanhavi and then Armaan, well I sort of lost it. So, I called the Board and told them that I couldn't make the meeting because of a family emergency and flew back," he explained.

"Okay. Okay," Armaan replied, seeming to process this. "But, you're gonna have another meeting now, right?" He asked.

Rohan shrugged. "Armaan, we know that the hospital is on the verge of shutting down. I'm pretty sure they were calling me to inform me that they were pulling the plug," he replied.

"No. They can't. They... they can't do that," Armaan replied. "I'm putting in 50 million anonymously right now."

"I can't let you do that, Armaan," Rohan replied.

"You know what Rohan? f**k you," Armaan replied.

"ARMAAN!" Chote Papa bellowed.

"No, Dad. This is it. I'm not taking any more shit from either of you regarding this. I'm investing the money and that's the last I'm gonna talk about this," Armaan said.

"Armaan, listen to me," Chote Papa tried to reason with him. "I can't ask you to do this."

"You're not asking. I'm offering," Armaan replied. "Besides, it's my money and I can do whatever I want with it and I want to invest the money in the hospital."

"Armaan..." Rohan tried interrupting.

"No," Armaan replied firmly. "Things have been spiraling out of control all morning," he said, looking at Riddhima who stared him down. "But, this is in my control and I'm not letting your pride come in the way of saving this place."

Chote Papa looked shocked, like he couldn't believe what Armaan had just said. "Pride? You think it's my ego that's making this happen?"

"Isn't it?" Armaan shot back. "You're ashamed of asking me for help. Because you're older to me and in the stewardship position. You don't want me to help you because I'm your daughter - in - law's brother."

"How can you say that, Armaan! How can you even think that?" Chote Papa asked him. "I have never thought of you as anything other than my son since you came into our lives."

Armaan's expression softened. "Then, as your son, I have every right to support you in this. Please, Dad. Let me do this. For you, for us, for this hospital. You let Rohan help, why can't I?"

And that's when Chote Papa realized that he had played right into the hands of this young man standing in front of him. There wasn't a thing he could do about it now. And, comparing himself to Rohan had been a low blow, a way of assuring that he couldn't say no. Because wasn't he always harping that he thought of all his boys equally? That Armaan and Rahul were no different to him that Rohan? And yes, he let Rohan help but Armaan was kept far away from this business. But, it was only because he knew that the minute Armaan would be allowed to help, he would be writing cheques left, right and centre, giving away all his hard earned money to the hospital.

"Fine, you can do that," Chote Papa said, defeated. "But, you have to let us pay you back."

Armaan shook his head. "Not happening."

"Then no deal," Rohan said, stepping in.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to come off as an egotistical bas***d, but do you guys know how much I made just last month?" Armaan asked.

"No, we don't. And we aren't interested either, Armaan. We know that you're filthy rich and if you wanted you could build 50 more Sanjeevanis that are way better than this and still not have to work one more day in your life. But, that doesn't mean that we're going to take the money for free."

"It's a donation, you idiot. How else are donations supposed to work? And need I remind you that this is not just your hospital? Last time I checked, I was on the committee as well. And I say that this money is interest free. But, if you want, we can keep this proposal in front of the entire Board and let them decide," Armaan countered.

He had Rohan there. If someone was willing to donate all the money, the Board would be over the moon. And, they wouldn't pay any interest if they had a choice in that matter.

"Fine," Rohan agreed grudgingly.

"That's my boy!" Armaan replied, looking all kinds of smug.

"Now, if this is settled, can I go see my fiance?" Rohan asked.

"Go right ahead," Rahul replied.

"Hey Doc!" Armaan called as Rohan moved away.

"Yeah?" Rohan asked.

"Talk to her, okay? Ask her to come back. I'm not ready for her to leave me. Not yet," Armaan said.

Rohan nodded and pulled Armaan in a tight hug before he walked down the hallway.

Everybody settled down after Rohan went in, waiting for news.

Sid was looking around, searching for the girl who Riddhima assumed was the girl Armaan was trying to move on with, but he couldn't find her. He had seen in her in the beginning for a short time. But when Armaan had started throwing accusations around, she'd slipped away. He couldn't get a good look at her before she left. He wanted to see who this girl was to have caused Armaan Mallik to forget Riddhima. The guy who could live and die for her.

He heard the melodious sound of a payal nearby and looked up. His heart caught in his throat when he saw the source of the sound.

"Tamanna," he whispered to himself. He blinked, not sure if he was seeing right. If it was his Tamanna. If it was the girl who had left him heartbroken all those years ago. If he was dreaming. Turns out he was not, because, Armaan looked up too.

And, then, all his fears came true when Tamanna walked right past him and into Armaan's waiting arms.

xxx

Not a peep in weeks and now two updates in three days! Am I awesome or what? I was supposed to study but lately I've been thinking a lot about this story and couldn't help myself. So, I typed the afternoon away and this is the end result! I'll try to update ILYLTF tomorrow, but as of now, no promises!

Hope you enjoyed it! A little closer look at some of Armaan's relationships.

Also, more is revealed about Tammy. Yes, Tammy is Tamanna aka Sid's sort of ex girlfriend who got married. More light on her past will be shed soon, but, I'd love to hear your theories about it! Is she dating Armaan? Is she not dating him? Is she married? Is she not? What do you think?

And, is it right for Riddhima to just assume about all this stuff about Armaan without actually talking to him? Is it wise to hide about her annulment? What do you think of the fact that she did actually get an annulment? I didn't think Riddhima had it in her, to be honest. But, more of that will be explained later.

How do you think is Armaan so rich that he has 50 mil lying around?

I would love your thoughts about all this and everything else in general.

Also, this chapter's song is - The Reason by Hoobastank. It is completely, utterly heartbreaking and fits the mood well.

Check it out here -

The Reason, Hoobastank

Also, I don't know if you guys know, but I have a book blog where I post reviews and stuff!

It would mean the world to me if you checked it out!

InkdIn's Book Blog

I have a Twitter and Instagram for that account which you can find on my blog page. If you like it, please follow!

And, that's all folks!

I'm not a perfect person

There's many things I wish I didn't do

But I continue learning

I never meant to do those things to you

And so I have to say before I go

That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you

It's something I must live with everyday

And all the pain I put you through

I wish that I could take it all away

And be the one who catches all your tears

Thats why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

and the reason is You

and the reason is You [x3]

I'm not a perfect person

I never meant to do those things to you

And so I have to say before I go

That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me

To change who I used to be

A reason to start over new

and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show

A side of me you didn't know

A reason for all that I do

And the reason is you

- The Reason, Hoobastank

Amazing update!!!
Oh god! Pls let Ridhima tell Armaan the truth, I am so sure Tammy is not Armaan's girlfriend or anything like that...Armaan can only love Ridhima(that's what I think)...
Yes even I am curious to know how Armaan is so rich
Amazing twists and turns, pls update soon :)

Hey yaar it was an awesome update. I like every part of it and for tammy i don't think she is dating Armaan. I think they are just good friends and tammy might still have feeling for Sid. Please do update soon. Can't wait for more.

Originally posted by: --MinOch--

Armaanlicious 1st reserve.
Unreserved in interest of Author.

With resepect of highlchangung harmonal emotions, due to the sudden wedding inviation and cramps, i was on a emotional ride yesterday.

The part took it to another level.

________________________


It seems Armaan is torn between two mental conditions.

One, where he goes through some of the flashes of his past life and can feel it at the same time but he never wanted to endure it.

Where as on the other hand he is unable to connect to his past when he herself willing to live it. It is also unacceptable to him.

When we lose something precious we told our mind that we can
never ever forget the grief but the truth is , (we admit it or not,) that time is
a great healer, at least for our conscious self. With the passing time our
conscious mind goes through so much that it tend to decrease the intensity of
past emotions. Its a kind of default setting that nature follows to keep the
mind sane.

But humans never wanted to admit it and as a result tend to be
shocked when they found that the event can not bring the same intensity to
them now. Instead of taking it as a natural system they tend to believe that
they are betraying their feeling and importance of that precious thing. ( I
have read a story where the father is so much in puzzlement that he can not
cry like the way he had a few years ago when his one and only beloved son
died in battle field, in spite he can still remember everything related that
day)



To be cont...