Previously on...
Armaan and Sid bonding.
Armaan sees Sid and Riddhima together.
Cake fight and some gang goodness.
Track 16 - Let Me Go, Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso
Some semblance of normalcy returned within the gang after the cake fight. They started behaving like they had before. They laughed and joked, they even pranked each other a little. It was not all okay, like it was before, but they were on their way to that. And for that, everyone was greatful.
"The cake fight was a good idea, Rahul told Armaan one night. They were in the living room, blankets sprawled around them. The two boys were having a movie night. They often did that. Tamanna and Jaanhavi didn't like the horror movies the boys so loved.
"What? What idea? Armaan asked, playing innocent.
"Shut up, Armaan, Rahul replied. "You and I both know you were planning a cake fight. Things have been so awkward since everybody got here and that was a good idea. In the past couple of days, we've started behaving like before.
Armaan smiled when he heard that. "I know. I'm glad, yaar. Matlab, all this was so silly. I get that things have changed, but those people are our friends. And they'll always be our friends. They're the biggest part of one of the most beautiful phases of our lives. And, we can't ever forget that.
Rahul nodded. He kept his head on Armaan's shoulder and sighed. "Sometimes, I feel like maybe we shouldn't have come here. I miss Atul and Anjali and Muskaan and even Riddhima. Somedays, it's really bad. But, then, I see you and Tamanna and Jaanhavi. Our family. And I feel guilty for wanting that life back.
Armaan kept his head on Rahul's and gave him a side hug, squeezing his shoulders. "I know what you mean. I miss all of them too. It's not easy to forget all that, Rahul. Yes, that place has given us a lot of sadness, but it's given us so much more happiness. How can we forget all that?
Rahul sighed. He wrapped his arms around Armaan in a tight hug. "We're gonna be okay, right? He asked.
Armaan nodded. "We're gonna be great. We have each other. Aur kisi ki kya zaroorat?
Rahul laughed. "Right.
They watched movies till late in the night, falling asleep still hugging each other with the tv on in the background.
So, of course, who should find them the next morning but Riddhima and Muskaan?
"Awww, dekhna Ridzy, kitne cute lag rahe hai, Muskaan cooed at the two boys.
Riddhima smiled.
"I wish... I wish they stay like this forever, Muskaan mused.
Riddhima looked at her, shocked. "You want them to stay in each other's arms forever? She asked Muskaan.
"What? Muskaan questioned, surprised. Riddhima gestured to them sleeping soundly in each other's embrace.
"You just said you wish they stayed like this forever. So, they're sleeping in each other's arms. Do you want that? Riddhima cleared.
Muskaan laughed. "No, no. I just meant, happy. Look at them, they look so content and happy. I wish they stay that forever.
Riddhima looked at them again and nodded, smiling. "I wish. You know Muskaan, Armaan has faced a lot of difficulties in his life because of me. But, seeing him here, with all these people, happy and comfortable, it makes me so happy. For the longest time, I was worried that Armaan would never find happiness in his life again. But, seeing him has made me realize that I was wrong. So much had happened, I forgot that Armaan Mallik can spread cheer and laughter anywhere he goes.
"Riddhima, Muskaan said. "Don't think that way. Yes, Armaan has had to face difficulties to be with you, but he was happy to do it. He loved you, Ridzy. And that gave him so much happiness.
"That's why, Muskaan, Riddhima answered. "For the longest time, Armaan's happiness was tied to my own. He never thought of himself. Only about me. It was like he had no other purpose in life than to make sure I was happy. And he lost himself somewhere in the process. I felt so guilty, not only for marrying Sid, but also because I was the reason that he'd forgotten to smile. Now though, I'm glad he's happy.
"Are you happy, Riddhima? Muskaan asked.
"Of course, Riddhima replied, trying to sound confident, but her voice cracked. "Excuse me. Saying so, she left. Muskaan knew she'd touched a nerve, so, she rushed behind her, wanting to apologize.
Rahul opened his eyes when he heard Muskaan leave. He sighed. This was all such a big mess. It was so clear to Rahul that Riddhima still had feelings for Armaan. But, she was married to another man. Rahul also knew that Armaan hadn't ever completely moved on from Riddhima. But, he was determined to stay away from her. Would things between them ever settle down?
They were all eating breakfast, when Armaan's cell phone rung.
"It's Jenny, he sighed after checking the caller ID.
"Later, Armaan. After you're done eating, Tamanna ordered.
"It might be important, Armaan insisted.
"Rules are rules, Tamanna shot back. "And, if you try the whole rules are meant to be broken' shit with me, I'll seriously hit you.
Armaan sighed. He answered the call saying, "I'll call in you in 5, before disconnecting. Hastily finishing his breakfast, he stood up. "Can I leave now? He asked Tamanna sarcastically.
"Fine, Tamanna relented. Armaan beamed at Tamanna and kissed her cheek before taking his phone out and dialling.
"Good morning, Jen - Jen - Jenny, he said, walking towards his office.
Rahul laughed. "Well, that's that. I'll check on him in half an hour and make him put his phone down if he's still not done, Rahul told Tamanna, who nodded.
"Rahul, who is this JenJenJenny? Nikki asked.
"She's Armaan's secretary, Rahul replied.
"He has a secretary? She questioned, surprised.
"Yes, Rahul answered. "She's the reason he has time to breathe. She fields all his phone calls and emails, making sure only important stuff reaches him. She also organises his life, down to the second. I mean, I think she knows when he sneezes.
The others at the table laughed.
"No, but seriously, if it hadn't been for Jenny, I don't know how Armaan would have managed. He's got his fingers in so many pots, sometimes I'm surprised he's got fingers left, Rahul commented.
"Really? What else does he do? You know, besides the studio and the hospital? Riddhima asked, interested and eager.
Rahul smiled at her. It was so obvious how much she still cared for him.
"Oh, so many things. He teaches music to the underprivileged kids, he's involved in way too many charities, he's also got an NGO of his own. He's also a member of the Doctors Without Borders initiative. We all are, actually. It's just that we provide monetary and tech support instead of going on location. And, he's invested money in a few ventures - art galleries, publishing houses and the like, Rahul answered.
"Wow. When does he find the time to breathe? Sid asked.
Rahul, Tamanna and Jaanhavi laughed. "I ask myself that everyday, Jaanhavi answered. "But, jokes apart, he only really works at the studio and hospital. He's got an amazing team working at the NGO and he only checks in once every week to make sure everything is running properly. And, he's involved in charities, but a lot of it is only donating money. I mean, yes, we all volunteer to help many charities for various causes when they're in need, but that's not a constant. We do it as and when we have time. So, it's not that difficult to manage. But, Armaan gets a lot of meeting requests and such because of his active involvement in the monetary aspect, which is the major reason he has a secretary.
"Oh, Sid replied. "Wow. He's doing so much good in the world. It's great to know.
"Yes, Jaanhavi replied proudly. "He's very dedicated. And so hardworking. But even in the middle of all this, with his busy schedule and thousands of meetings, he never lets us feel like an interruption. Family is important.
"Yes, it is, Riddhima agreed. "And, Armaan has always known that. I mean, jitna maine usse jaana hai, family always came first, no matter what.
Jaanhavi nodded. "Yes. Armaan is a little sensitive about it. I mean, with his parents always fighting so much, and mom's death, he doesn't have any good memories of growing up with a family, like all his friends. So, he knows the importance of a loving, caring and supportive family.
Riddhima couldn't help the tear that leaked from her eye when she heard that. She always knew that Armaan didn't get along with his parents. But, still, knowing that they were the reason that Armaan didn't have the best childhood hurt. And, finally, when he was settling down in life, with her, things had turned upside down again. She'd left him. Armaan had told her so many times that she was his family. Riddhima had her parents, her sister, her grandma. But who had Armaan had? Her. She was the only one with whom Armaan was honest and open. He never really discussed his problems with any of his friends, not wanting to burden them with his issues, but with Riddhima, he was always ready to share. He'd jokingly told Riddhima once that it was because in the ways that mattered most, he already thought of her as his wife, his life partner. So, he didn't feel any hesitation when talking to her. Riddhima had been so touched by his words that day that she'd cried.
Today, remembering that incident brought a fresh wave of tears for her. What sort of family was she? The abandoning kind. Did it make her any better than his parents? Though she liked them, she'd always been vocal of her disappointment in them for leaving Armaan the way they had. She'd vowed that she'd never be the same, but circumstances had forced her to do the same thing she'd promised to never do.
"Arre, Riddhima Di! Jaanhavi exclaimed, seeing her cry. "It's okay. She immediately got up from her chair and pulled Riddhima into a hug. "Don't stress. Armaan's doing great. He's happy.
Riddhima smiled at her. "I know. How can he not be happy when he has such a ray of sunshine like you in his life? She asked, wiping her tear away and pulling Jaanhavi's cheek. Jaanhavi blushed and giggled.
Armaan walked just in time to see this beautiful sight in front of him. Without wanting to, his mind conjured up images of what could have been, if Riddhima was his wife instead of Sid's.
Breakfast every morning with the three of them teasing each other, the drive to work filled with mindless chatter, movie nights, picnics, Riddhima and Jaanhavi teaming up to have their way against him, Riddhima always siding with Jaanhavi instead of him, him pretending to hate it but actually loving it secretly.
In another life, it would all have been true, he thought. But, there was no use thinking like that now. He'd promised himself that he wouldn't let Riddhima have any power over him and his life. And he wouldn't. Ever again. Strengthening his resolve to stay away, he walked into the dining room and sat down beside Rahul.
Putting his head on Rahul's shoulder, he sighed, saying, "I have to go to the hospital tomorrow.
Rahul looked down at him surprised. "How come?
"Chloe's performing a complicated surgery, Armaan answered.
"Armaan, Tamanna cut in, "you can't. Chloe has to do it by herself sometime.
Armaan sighed. "I know. I'm not going to be inside the OT, I promise. She's just nervous so I promised I'd sit in the viewing gallery, just in case.
"Just in case? Tamanna asked, flabbergasted. "What, so when she screws up, you rush in and save the day?
Armaan nodded. "Look, it's not gonna happen. Whenever Chloe assists me in a surgery, she actually performs the surgery herself. I'm just a spectator most of time. She's a great surgeon, but she's just jittery cause this time I won't be inside.
"Don't you think you're indulging her too much? Sid asked, who'd been listening in.
Armaan chuckled. "Nah. Chloe's my mentee. And she's a damn fine doctor. It's the least I can do for her. Plus, I promised her I'd introduce her to Dr. Morgan if she performs the surgery successfully on her own, he added.
"No! Jaanhavi exclaimed. "Really?
"Yes, Armaan replied, smiling. "Chloe's wanted to meet her for so long. And, I was planning on seeing her in a couple of days anyway. Gotta personally deliver the new wedding cards. So, I'll take her.
"I wanna go, too! Jaanhavi crowed. "I'm the only one who hasn't met her yet! She pouted.
"Sorry, Jaan, Armaan apologized, kissing her temple. "I've tried so many times, but it's just fate. I guess you'll see her at the reception, because of course you're in no condition to leave the house right now.
"But... Jaanhavi started to protest.
"No more discussions on this, Armaan cut her off.
"Who's Dr. Morgan, Armaan? Dr. Keerti asked.
"Oh, she's my mentor. Dr. Fallon Morgan, Armaan answered.
"THE Dr. Fallon Morgan, who's considered the best orthopaedic surgeon of all time? Shashank asked, hearing the discussion.
Armaan nodded proudly. "Yeah. Her. She's been a godsend for me. Taught me everything I know, he explained.
"Do you know her? Armaan asked Shashank, surprised to see the shocked expression on his face.
"Uh, she was my doctor, Riddhima answered in a small voice.
"Oh, Armaan replied, stunned. "W... Wow. That... That's great! He said, forcing a smile on his face.
Riddhima smiled back timidly. "Yes, she really is godsent. I don't know where I'd be without her.
"You and Armaan both, Jaan interrupted. "Maani wouldn't be anywhere as accomplished and successful as he is today, if not for her.
Desperate to change the topic, Armaan turned to Tamanna and he said, "I promise I won't go inside the OT, no matter what. I only told Chloe that to pacify her. She'll never learn if she thinks I'll save her from the bad stuff. I know I baby her too much at times, but I just can't help it.
Tamanna, Jaanhavi and Rahul laughed. "You pamper and baby everybody, Armaan, Rahul commented.
"Haha, Armaan replied sarcastically.
"Uh, Armaan? Abhi called tentatively.
"Yes, Abhi, wassup? Armaan asked.
"I was thinking, if it's okay with you, we could come to the hospital too? I mean, we're here for the next 3 weeks with not much to do. We can help out over there. I mean, if it's okay with you? Abhi questioned timidly.
Armaan grinned. "Hey, that's a great idea, Abhi! Of course, you're all welcome!
"Great! Abhi grinned.
"Okay, tomorrow morning. Sharp at 7. Be ready, Armaan ordered.
The next morning, as requested, everyone was ready to go at 7. Anjali had decided that she wasn't going because she wanted to rest. As a result of which, even Atul wasn't going. Armaan came downstairs, looking absolutely dapper in his 3 piece suit.
Everyone was surprised to see him so decked up for a day at work. Earlier, in Mumbai, he always wore a button down and jeans to the hospital, so they were all confused as to why he was wearing a suit.
"Um, Armaan, Dr. Keerti said, "aren't you a little over dressed?
Armaan laughed and shook his head. "No, ma'am. This is what I usually wear to the hospital. I'm not just an intern anymore, na. I'm one of the heads of the Orthopaedic Department and I'm also a Board Member & Trustee. So, gotta look the part, he explained.
"Tamanna! He called up the stairs.
"Hold your horses, I'm coming! Tamanna hollered back. "And for God's sake, learn how to knot your own tie!
Armaan smiled sheepishly and shrugged at the others who looked amused.
Tamanna rushed down the stairs a few minutes later to see Armaan looking at her earnestly with his tie still un - knotted and the buttons to his waistcoat and blazer open. "Please, he begged.
Tamanna sighed and stood in front of him. Armaan smiled victoriously and used his feet to push the small stool that was kept beside the sofa in front of him for Tamanna to step on. They'd tried this without a stool one too many times to know that it was a nightmare because of their height difference.
"You're so lazy, Armaan. Itne saal mein tie bandhni bhi nahi seekhi! How do you manage when I'm not around? She asked him.
"I ask Rahul, Armaan fired back immediately.
"Hayye, this looks like a scene out of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Armaan is Amitabh and Tamanna is Jaya, Muskaan cooed, looking at Armaan and Tamanna joke as she knotted the tie.
"I know! Nikki agreed, smiling. She was so happy to see how well settled Armaan was in this new life. She was worried that Riddhima's betrayal would steal Armaan of his will to live, but he had found a new life for him with these people and he seemed to be genuinely happy. And, seeing this, Nikki couldn't have been happier for her friend. Yes, she'd missed him in the past 8 years (yaar, 8-9 months when Armaan was away for treatments and then when he came back to Sanjeevani, Nikki wasn't there na. Toh 8 years), but if this was the result, she'd bear the pain of losing her best friend a hundred times over, if she got to see him smiling so wide in the end, especially after everything that had happened.
Listening to Muskaan's comment made Riddhima's heart pierce with pain. Muskaan and Nikki had seemed genuinely pleased to see Armaan happy with someone else. They'd supported her in the past years with her loneliness of missing Armaan, especially Muskaan, who'd been there for her through everything. But, seeing Armaan, they thought that this Tamanna was maybe better for him than her. She understood why Nikki felt so. Nikki was Armaan's best friend and with everything that had transpired between Armaan and Riddhima, Nikki didn't have the heart to forgive Riddhima. But, over the years, they'd reached some sort of middle ground where they werent exactly the best of friends like they had been before, but Nikki didn't taunt Riddhima everytime she was in her presence like she used to. It was a delicate balance and Riddhima understood where Nikki was coming from. She hated Riddhima for causing Armaan pain. Not difficult to do, since Riddhima hated herself for it too. So, yes, she knew why Nikki was so happy to see Armaan with Tamanna. But, Muskaan's happiness made her itch. Muskaan knew how much Riddhima had suffered in Armaan's absence and yet, she seemed to think that it was a good thing that Armaan was seeing someone else. That made Riddhima's chest ache.
Shut up, she scolded herself. She'd brought this upon herself. Muskaan really cared about Armaan. So, of course she was happy to see him happy. And, if Riddhima so desperately wanted it to be her who Armaan was happy with, she should have done something when she had the chance. Now, she would just have to be a silent spectator and endure it all, because, as she already knew, she brought this on herself.
Book Talk
Shiv Shakti
254