Posted:
Hello Everyone,
I'm here with my first TS on AR. It's my way of making up to my readers, those of who are left, for being super late in updating my on going FF. Guys, please accept my apology. I'm going to update that story soon as well. Pinky promise.
Here's a super long part for you. Hope you enjoy reading it just as much I enjoyed writing it. I will wait to hear from you all.
Love.
The pale golden glow of the lamps, the mouth watering aroma of cinnamon rolls and freshly brewed dark coffee in The Regal Palm Hotel's cafe welcomed its customers with warmth and hospitality which the current harsh weather lacked. The city had been enveloped in ash grey clouds and thick humidity since two days; indicating the residents of the upcoming storm. Finally the floodgates had opened in the morning and now the rain fell in torrents providing some relief from the constant suffocation. The bell hanging over the huge ornate door tinkled repeatedly as people sought refuge inside. Riddhima sat at her usual spot, besides the arched window over looking the lush green gardens within the hotel premises, her gaze fixed at the drops of rain playing tag with one another on the glass. To some the rainfall might look like inconvenience but to her it was soothing and rejuvinating. It brought with it a sense of freedom and gave her the courage to dream of a beautiful future with her someone special. Riddhima belonged to one of the most elite and influential families of India, lived in a house worth millions and enjoyed the lifestyle fit for a queen but even all the luxuries couldn't bring her one thing she yearned the most; love. Money cannot buy happiness; she was a firm believer of this phrase as she had spent her whole life pining for affection from her family. Her parents provided her with the best of education and worldly goods but that was till where there care and concern went. This cafe was more home to her than any place as she spent her free hours here with her books and gadgets. Vikram Rajput, the owner of this hotel, was a man in his late sixties who treated her like his daughter; whose affection and attention had mended her wounded spirit to some extent.
"Jise zindagi dhoondh rahi hai
Kya ye woh makaam mera hai
Yahaan chain se bas ruk jaaun
Kyun dil ye mujhe kehta hai
Jazbaat naye se mile hain
Jaane kya asar ye huaa hai
Ik aas mili phir mujhko
Jo qubool kisi ne kiya."
Riddhima turned around sharply as the husky voice riding the air waves reached her ears and immediately her gaze focused on the guy strumming the strings of an unplugged guitar at the far end of the cafe. She could hear the loud beats of her heart over the music and felt the void in her soul diminishing fast and the reason of it was sitting just across her.
"Haan..
Kisi shaayar ki ghazal
Jo de rooh ko sukoon ke pal
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjaare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjare ko ghar
Hmm...
Jaise koi kinaara
Deta ho sahaara
Mujhe wo mila kisi mod par
Koi raat ka taara
Karta ho ujaala
Waise hi roshan kare woh shehar."
They were practically strangers as she had never introduced herself formally. She had seen him in this very cafe for the first time a month ago when he had visited with his friends and upon whose insistance had sung a couple of songs. Now he performed here every Saturday night amidst a large excited crowd. Riddhima had been content to know his details from her friends in the staff and see him from a distance since she knew she would make a fool of herself if she ever approached him.
"Dard mere woh bhula hi gayaa
Kuch aisa asar huaa
Jeena mujhe phir se woh sikha raha
Hmm..
Jaise baarish kar de tar
Yaa marham dard par
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjaare ko ghar."
Armaan. Like his name he had become the desire of her heart. His melodious voice, heart touching compositions and even more beautiful azure orbs captivated her. He was the only one who had managed to not only capture her heart but reach down till the depths of her soul that too just through the silent communication between their eyes. He had given her the confidence to wish, hope and weave dreams once again.
"Muskaata yeh chehra
Deta hai jo pehraa
Jaane chhupata kya dil ka samandar
Auron ko toh hardam saaya deta hai
Woh dhoop mein hai khada khud magar
Chot lagi hai usey,
Phir kyun mehsoos mujhe ho raha hai
Dil tu bata de kya hai iraada tera
Main parinda besabar
Tha uda jo darbadar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjarey ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar
Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai
Jaise banjarey ko ghar
Jaise banjarey ko ghar.."
Riddhima wanted to look away and break the connection between them, afraid he might read the pain and longing in her eyes but it was impossible to do so due the hypnotic hold of his gaze over her. Each phrase depicted her emotions so well that she almost believed it was meant for her but she wasn't a fool. She might have lost her heart to him, dreamt of a blissful future together just by observing him all this time but that meant nothing. She wanted to believe otherwise but was well aware of her importance in his life. So lost was she pondering and mulling over her situation that she didn't hear the sound of resonating claps as the song ended nor saw the tall, lean figure approaching her until a hand stretched in front of her.
"Hello I'm Armaan Mallik." Riddhima gasped audibly seeing him standing right before her. He was even more ruggedly handsome up close. Her gaze traced his each feature slowly; caressing them with her eyes.
"Can I join you Ms..?" She caught the tentative look on his face, maybe he wasn't so sure about approaching her or of her response. She nodded her head in agreement and quickly started to clear her table, buying time to regulate her erratic heartbeats.
"You still haven't told me your name." He said softly bringing her attention back on him.
"Ri.. Riddhima Gupta." She stuttered.
"You two want something?" John, the barista, asked collecting the empty trays from the tables next to them as the cafe emptied.
"The usual." Armaan answered for both of them.
"Am I making you uncomfortable Riddhima? Do you want me to leave?" He asked with a frown. She quickly shook her head negatively not wanting him to leave.
"Nervous?"
"A little." She replied meekly without looking up at him.
"Here's your coffee Riddhima, sweet and creamy, and dark for you Armaan with freshly baked cookies." John returned with their orders.
"Thanks man." Armaan said.
"Will you be my friend?" Armaan forwarded his hand surprising her, what she didn't know was that he had surprised himself as well.
"Friends." Riddhima said softly slipping her hand in his. A spark of awareness ran through their bodies as their hands touched but both disguised it well behind smiles, which were as real as the day.
"I'll take your leave now, I have a few errands to run of before the weekend gets over. I'll see you around, right?" He asked after they enjoyed their warm beverage in a companionable silence.
"Yes you will."
"It was a pleasure meeting you Riddhima." He said sincerely.
"Same here Armaan." With a nod he turned around and left the cafe.
Armaan sat hunched over the table balancing the sheets in his office at the back of The Regal Palm Hotel before they went for scrutiny to the top manangement. He closed the register, clicked the pen off and leaned back in the chair with a sigh after completing his work. His gaze immediately flicked to the wall clock and he counted the hours left before his weekly performance at the cafe tomorrow. He was looking forward to it but this time his passion for singing wasn't the only factor. A certain green eyed beauty was equally responsible for his anxiousness. Riddhima Gupta. They had only spoken once but it felt as if he knew her since a long time. Her piercing gaze had burned a hole in his back when he sang the first day at the cafe. Their eyes clashed when he turned around and he was momentarily stunned seeing her. She was gorgeous even without a stitch of makeup and hair pulled up in a messy ponytail. What appealed him the most were her big doe shaped eyes. Their color reminded him of freshly rain washed forest and they expressed openly what she hid behind a mask of silence and smile. Armaan had waited for her to approach him after the performance like everyone else but was disappointed when she didn't. He wasn't prepared to do the weekly act but when Vikram asked him to, he couldn't refuse. This man had helped him in his time of need and he would forever be grateful for that. He found Riddhima on the same spot the following weeks, immersed in drawing or reading till he entered the room. It was as if they were joined by some unseen force that made them aware of each other's presence. Armaan had seen appraisal and keen interest flash in her eyes. After a month he knew a lot about Riddhima, like how she spent most of her time at the cafe but rarely interacted with anyone apart from her barista friends, her fondness for desserts and coffee and that she strolled in the gardens in the evening without fail. When the urge to know her better clouded his senses to the point of distraction, he decided to approach her. He wasn't known amongst his friends to be the ice breaker or the one to indulge in mindless talks but there was something about this girl that compelled him to make her comfortable and be herself around him. He wanted to see her smile and be truly happy. The songs were his medium to express his thoughts and recently they only circled around Riddhima. Armaan shook his head to clear his mind, he was surely losing it otherwise why would he dwell so much on someone and something that didn't even exist for him few days back. When the next day seemed to be too far away and the sudden longing to see Riddhima couldn't be curbed, he left his office to go see her. As expected she was out in the garden, sitting under a plam tree completely engrossed in her book so he took that chance to admire her. The play of emotions, the hidden pain and longing in her eyes as she read made him want to protect her from the harsh world and to cherish her. With that thought in mind he stepped out of the shadows and her gaze connected with his in a beat. After few quiet, but not awkward minutes, they got on pretty well and didn't notice when the day turned into evening.
"I don't know how I never said this before but you have a very beautiful voice Armaan." Riddhima complimented him as he joined her after the performance.
"Thank you."
"Are you a professional singer?" She inquired stirring her coffee.
"No, not at all. Singing is my passion but I'm an accountant by profession. I work in this hotel." He informed her.
"Hmm. You'll be a sensation if you ever pursue this line." She said.
"You think so?" He asked leaning forward on the table.
"I know." Her confident reply made a flash of pain cross his eyes.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" She asked hurriedly but he didn't reply for a few minutes.
"No, please don't say sorry. It's just that you're the first person to have said this."
"That can't be true." She said with a tilt of her head, not believing him. On seeing him shake his head she added.
"Oh well not everyone has the sight to recognize a true gem. Only few people do." Riddhima's heart went on an over drive seeing the two adorable dents in his cheeks become prominent when he smiled. Armaan looked so devastatingly handsome that she struggled to breathe for a moment.
"My mother used to say same thing. She always wanted me to pursue my passion." He said.
"Then why didn't you?"
"Belonging to a family where there was no financial stability, I couldn't afford to lose time or money on such pleasures."
"What did your mom say?"
"She was disheartened and held herself responsible for it."
"Aww. Why don't you try now? I mean if its a good time for you. You can make your mom happy too."
"She passed away four years ago."
"I.. I'm so sorry Armaan. Please forgive me for bringing this topic up. With how you always talk about your mom, I could never have guessed." Riddhima held his hand above the table.
"Don't be. It's okay. I love talking about mom but only with you. You remind me of her in many ways. She would have loved you just like.." Armaan stopped abruptly.
"Just like how she loved me." He finished the sentence seeing Riddhima was waiting for him to speak.
"I wish that was possbile too." She said with so much longing in her voice that Armaan wanted to hug her tightly and erase all traces of hurt.
"It must have been so hard for you after her." She said gripping her emotions.
"I was devastated. She was the only family I had. I spent months moping and felt I no longer had any reason to live. That was when I met Vikram uncle, he took me under his wing and healed me back with his relentless love and care. He has been a God sent." Armaan said thinking of the gone by days.
"I agree. Vikram uncle is a gem of a human being. Its like his only mission in life is to help people put back their broken pieces. If it wasn't for him I would have long lost myself." Riddhima admitted.
"If you ever want to talk about it, I'm always here for you." He said squeezing her hands. He had noticed she never spoke about her home or family.
"Someday but tonight I want to sample the new dessert introduced here."
"You and your love for sweets. Come, lets first put some proper food in your system. Vikram uncle told me you've been here since the afternoon. Why didn't you eat lunch?" He said getting up and motioning towards the passage that lead to the restaurant internally.
"I was so busy in completing my project that I forgot and by the time I realized it was time for you to come, so I thought we could eat together." She replied standing besides him.
"That's not very nice Riddhima. You shouldn't neglect your health for anything. Now hurry up. We'll pick this when we leave." He said taking her hand as she turned to pile her stuff at one corner of the table.
What began as friendship between Armaan and Riddhima blossomed into something more meaningful within months where their weekly meetings turned into spending time together daily, as much as their work commitments allowed. Where once they were wary of their own feelings now were certain of what it was and that the other reciprocated it as well. They hadn't said the three words openly yet but Armaan's compositions and the adoration relflecting in Riddhima's eyes were no less than a confession. Both of them valued and treasured each moment spent with the other, deeply.
"Armaaan. What are you doing? I have to finish this design today. Give it back to me." Riddhima whined when Armaan pulled her sketchbook from her hands.
"You can do whatever you want but after eating. You've been sitting here on empty stomach for hours." He said placing the tray laiden with food in front of her.
"Sitting for hours doing nothing. Only fifteen days are left for the fashion show and I don't even have a design. All the other students have finalized everything and I don't even have a rough sketch. What am I going to do?" She sulked.
"I'm sure we'll work out something. Common now, dig in." He said opening the lids of the white disposable containers.
"Mmm." She moaned chewing the first bite of her juicy grilled steak.
"Here, have a look at this. I thought I'll give it a try and see if I can come up with some ideas. You will have to do some refining with the finer details though." Armaan unfolded a sheet of white paper on the table nervously.
"Well what do you think?" He asked impatiently as she sat with her eyes and mouth wide open in surprise or shock, he didn't know. He nudged her shoulder with his and raised his eyebrow in question.
"I think you missed your calling." Riddhima said gingerly touching the sketch of a beautiful evening gown.
"It's so so gorgeous Armaan." She beamed turning to face him.
"Does that mean you'll use it?" He asked hopefully.
"Of course I will. It's just so beautiful. I love it. Thank you so much Armaan." She threw her hands around his neck taking him off guard for a moment. His lips stretched in an adorable dimpled smile; expressing his joy over her approval.
Armaan stared at the velvety midnight blue horizon dotted with infinte shimmering stars from his place on a cast iron bench in the backyard. The Regal Palm Hotel glowed and radiated positive energy, warmth and cheers as it welcomed its guests to join in the New Year eve's party. The air buzzed with music and laughter as people partied in exuberant spirits.
"There you are, Armaan. I've been looking for you everywhere." Vikram said walking towards him.
"Hello Uncle. How are you?" Armaan asked standing up.
"I'm fit as a fiddle, thank you. What are you doing here alone?" He asked looking around the place bathed in darkness except for the light from the night sky.
"I came to receive a call. Did you want something?" Armaan replied taking in his surroundings for the first time.
"Yes, I wanted to congratulate you on completing this project successfully. You've done an amazing job with the arrangements and decorations. I'm so proud of you my son." Vikram said patting his back with pride and affection.
"I wouldn't have been able to prove myself if you hadn't given me a chance. Thank you Uncle." Armaan replied gratefully.
"I miss Riddhima. It would have been so much better if she could join us tonight, isn't it?" Vikram asked eyeing his reaction.
"Yes. She wanted to be here as well but she had a college function to attend."
"You two have become very close. I knew it was a matter of time before you found each other." Vikram stated looking ahead.
"Both of you are very dear to me Armaan and I don't want either of you getting hurt. Riddhima treasures you, I've seen it in her eyes. This is the happiest that I've seen her in years. Promise me you will always keep her safe and happy." He asked putting his hand forward.
"I promise to cherish Riddhima, till my last breath and beyond." Armaan replied with conviction taking the outstrectched hand in both of his.
"Thank you son, you've removed one worry from my shoulders. Now come, let's go back to the party before people think the hosts have abandoned them." Vikram joked dabbing the moisture from his eyes. Both of them left for the party together.
Armaan made sure everything was going according to the plan before joining his friends from the hotel. He had no desire to mingle and party but was held back by duty. He felt lonely even amongst the crowd. The noise of chattering and laughter suffocated him. Even the music couldn't provide him any comfort. Seeing couples swaying together on the dance floor made his heart ache for his beloved. All Armaan wanted in this moment was for Riddhima to be near him; in his arms. He wanted to see how she looked in the dress he had designed for her in a moment of passion but she had kept it a secret, not giving away anything about how the dress was coming out to be. What she didn't know was he was guarding a secret too. Armaan had no idea how all this dress designing worked but it hadn't seemed a great task when he had sat down with a paper, pencil and Riddhima in mind. He knew what he wanted to see her wearing and what would look best on her. So he had sketched more than a handful evening gowns for her.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur for Armaan. Even the company of his friends couldn't pull his mood up nor make him participate in the conversations except for the contribution of few words here and there. He busied himself with overlooking the caterers when he couldn't sit in one place anymore nor the lavish meal tempted him one bit. As the dinner ended and the clock ticked closer to midnight, Vikram signalled him to take the mic and sing to which he nodded reluctantly. Armaan felt sorry for the audience who were about to hear a very sad song on such a lively evening but there was nothing he could do about it. His heart wasn't under his control. He had spend the entire evening being polite and courteous, playing the perfect employee, keeping everyones' feelings and needs in view but now the restlessness and anxiety he felt couldn't be suppressed.
Armaan felt the change in the atmosphere as he stood confused on the stage pondering what to sing. The cool wind of December night carrying the sensual scent of his love caressed his already windswept locks. He inhaled deeply, breathing in the essence that brought immense relief to him. He looked around with a yearning gaze for a glimpse of Riddhima. The anticipation of finally being able to see her was too much, it made his emotions spiral out of control. Armaan's breath hitched seeing how exquisite she looked in an ivory colored two piece gown. His admiring eyes roamed over her body leisurely. The high neck sleeveless top was embellished with pearls and beads and showed a peek of her petite waist. Sporadically dotted sequinces sparkled on the floor length tulle skirt. Her long brunette hair framed her beautiful face and flowed down her shoulders in soft waves. The world tiltled and stopped on its axis as his eyes met her magnificent emerald orbs, all the noise and commotion reduced to an insignificant thrum in the background. In that moment it was just the two of them and their rapidly beating hearts, whose thunderous beats resonated through their bodies. Words weren't required to portray the emotions, their eyes communicated in a language known only to them and their hearts propelled them towards the other by an invisible force. The arch of streamers, ribbons and strings of fairy lights above their heads made the ambiance look like one of the fairytales and Riddhima, a princess from a far away land. His Princess.
"I wanted to begin my New Year on a happy note and that wasn't possible without you." Riddhima's one sentence explained everything he needed to know.
"I'm glad you came." He was over joyed on having her with him.
"Your college event?" He asked suddenly remembering she had a function to attend.
"I won the title for the best attire at the fashion show." She replied with a beaming smile.
"You look resplendent." Armaan said fondly making her cheeks tinge with his favorite color.
"May I have this dance?" He asked. She nodded and slipped her hand in his, not wasting a moment.
"Mila hoon ab jo tum se,
hai dil ko mere kasam se,
sukoon mila, sukoon mila.
Tujhe hai paaya Rab se,
hai dil ko mere kasam se,
sukoon mila, sukoon mila."
Armaan sang looking directly in Riddhima's eyes, drawing her into the depths of his orbs that resembled turbulent waves.
"Har pal haseen sa huaa hai,
saanson ko tuney chhuaa hai,
badhi tujhse nazdeekiyaan,
sukoon mila, sukoon mila.. mmm.."
He encircled her waist with an arm and pulled her against himself. With their eyes locked and breaths mingled, they swayed lightly to the music floating in the air.
"Jab se judaa, tujhse jiya
chain o qaraar dil ko mila.
Jab bhi rahoon sang tere,
bhoolun har gham shiqwa gila,
tere ishq ka hi nasha hai,
meri rooh tak mein basaa hai,
tuney aankhon se jo chhuaa,
sukoon mila, sukoon mila.. mmm..
Mila hoon ab jo tum se,
hai dil ko mere kasam se,
sukoon mila, sukoon mila.."
He sang in a voice that carried his emotions to the depths of one's soul. They stayed frozen in their place, locked in an embrace, even after the song ended and everyone rushed outside to watch the fireworks.
Armaan tilted Riddhima's head and his gaze stroked her delicate features highlighted by the soft glow of the lights in a feathery caress. Emotions swirled inside him on having her so close and looking up at him with adoration.
"I love you Riddhima." The words stumbled out of his mouth on their own accord in a voice laiden with utmost love and devotion. He saw
Riddhima's eyes going wide with the sudden confession. He waited for her to reply or say something but when she stood as still as a statue after long, nerve wrecking minutes, his own body went rigid with apprehension. Armaan took few steps back as if electrocuted on seeing her eyes moist with tears.
"I'm sorry. I thought you.. we.. Riddhima, you know I'm no good with words. I didn't mean to hurt you. It's okay if you don't love me. Please don't cry." He stuttered with a heart heavy with the weight of rejection seeing her shake head in the negative. He had misunderstood their relationship. It was Armaan's turn to be surprised when Riddhima took three steps forward and covered the distance between them.
"How can I not love you Armaan?" She cupped his face in her cold, trembling palms.
"You are the one who gave meaning to the word 'love' in my life. You made me overcome all my insecurities, filled the voids in my heart and completed me in a way no one ever can. You are my soulmate, Armaan. These last few months have been heaven for me because you were always by my side. I love you Armaan, I love you to the moon and back." Riddhima stood on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss on his jaw.
"I love you too raised to infinty." Armaan whispered spanning his hand on her neck pulling her close.
"Happy New Year Meri Jaan." He said as multitude of neon colors enveloped the horizon, brightening the dark night, marking the end of one year and welcoming the next with cheers and zest. The whole world blurred into oblivion when he dipped his head and claimed her soft lips in a sweet and sensual kiss.
Riddhima tipped her head back to look at the clear sky that was ablaze with fiery hues as the golden ball of flame sunk lower in the horizon. Chilly air nipped at her skin and withered blooms surrounded her but she still found it all rejuvinating and pleasurable, all due to the man whose arms held her protectively against his chest. Armaan and she were sitting in the grounds behind the old temple, where they had prayed together in the morning, hidden from prying eyes.
"Time to get you home Princess." Armaan said pressing a kiss to her temple. Warmth spread from that spot to the tips of her toes at his affection.
"Just a little while more." She replied closing her eyes to save the moments in her memory.
"You've been saying that for the past one hour Riddhima."
"I don't want to go." Her soft voice was enough to melt him but he had to be forceful because he didn't want her getting into any trouble with her parents, who were returning home after a month long business tour.
"We'll come here again but now we have to go. Your parents.."
"Let them come to an empty house and see how I feel staying there all alone throughout the year. Besides its nothing big, you know. Just a dinner where they will shower me with the most expensive gifts, ask how my studies are going and talk all about the millions they've made so far. That's it! No declaration of being missed and certainly no words of love." Riddhima said sourly. This had been her life all along and she was accustomed to it by now but sometimes the bitterness was too much to rein in.
Armaan's hold tightened around her and she felt his relaxed posture getting rigid. She bit her lip knowing well how much her sorrow affected him. If she was wounded, he felt the hurt and pain, more than her. He coulldn't vocalize his feelings openly but then he didn't have to with her, she read and understood each passing emotion in his expressive orbs and body language.
"I'm perfectly fine Armaan. I'm not upset at all. Not with my parents, destiny or life because what God has given me in return is far greater and precious to me than any thing in this world. You. I have you with me." She said turning to cup his cheek.
"You have me, always." He replied pulling her into his embrace. They strolled out of the garden, after spending the whole day together, with fingers entwined and hearts beating in sync. Where the previous night had given them immense joy and surpassed any of their expectations, the first day of the new year didn't disappoint them either. It brought along smiles, contentment, hopes and even more dreams of a beautiful future with each other. Riddhima leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Armaan's waist as he started the motorbike's ignition, silently praying to God to protect her love and new found happiness.
Riddhima's body broke into a cold sweat sensing the change in atmosphere of her house upon her return. What she had assumed to be the usual namesake family reunion turned out to be an interrogation session where she was asked minutest of details of how she spent her time daily. Not being habitual of answering to anyone Riddhima found her patience running thin at a fast pace as her parents objected and pointed out faults in everything she did. The penny finally dropped when her father revealed that they knew about her affair with Armaan. One of his friends had seen them together and thought it as his duty to inform them about the happenings in their only daughter's life. Riddhima confessed her feelings for Armaan without hesitation and explained that what they had wasn't a temporary affair, they were very serious and committed to each other.
"Non-sense. You wouldn't be saying all this if you knew his reality." Mr. Gupta said dismissing her confession non-chalantly.
"What are you talking about?" She asked bewidered.
"That boy is very clever and conniving. He has made a life for himself taking undue advantage of Mr. Rajput's kindness and now he is after you knowing you belong to a wealthy family."
"What rubbish? How can you even say such things about Armaan?" Riddhima said incredulously.
"You have lost all sense of propriety but we will not allow you to tarnish our family's name. We've decided to send you abroad. You'll stay there till we find a suitable match for you." Her mother announced with finality. All her pleas of meeting Armaan once before taking any decision fell on deaf ears.
"Listen Riddhima, we've always given you a free hand in everything and supported you without question but your relationship with that boy is taking things to an extreme. We will not back you on this. You will have to do as we say, afterall it's the first time we're asking you for something. Surely you can do this much for your parents." Her father said ending all her protests.
"You're asking me to give up the person that means more than my life. Please don't do this." She said helplessly.
"There's no room for discussion. Go back to your room and start preparing for your trip. You leave after a week for London."
"I'm not going anywhere and I will never leave Armaan." She said turning towards the main door, desperately wanting the warmth and protection of Armaan's arms but she couldn't go far as a bodyguard blocked her path.
"Move. Let me go." She said trying to go around him.
"Take her to her room." Mr. Gupta ordered before turning around to leave. Riddhima shrieked and thrashed against the tight hold on her as she was carried upstairs against her wish. The guard snatched her purse before locking her inside disregarding her tearstained face.
Riddhima looked at the passing scenery with a forlorn expression; the clear sky, the brilliantly shining sun and the merrily chirping birds mocking her. The beauty of nature and the normalcy with which people did their daily tasks showed her that life carried on; it waited for none, however much anyone willed it to slow down or stop. She was aware of the fact that her life would never be the same again. It couldn't be after losing her love and her will to live in a blink. Her dreams and hopes were snatched and ruthlessly crumbled under the feet of her parents. She had fought as hard as she could but after being locked up in her room for a week, all fight had left her. In its place now stood numbness which she welcomed with open arms. She wanted to feel nothing, see and hear nothing, all she wanted was to perish into oblivion because a lifetime without Armaan wasn't worth living but she was helpless at the hands of fate. Hence was being driven to the airport, under tight security, from where she would board a flight to London.
"I know you're not happy with this decision Riddhima but trust me, you will thank me later." Mrs. Gupta said placing a hand on her arm noticing how her daughter looked ahead without seeing. She was met with silence in reply just like the past week where all her efforts to drill sense turned futile. She turned away irritated at Riddhima's behaviour and handed the documents to the porter knowing well she wasn't going to cooperate more than this. Each step that Riddhima took into the airport, the tiny pieces of her heart broke a little more, piercing her soul with their shards. She wanted to bolt out and run straight to the person she longed to see but it wasn't an option as her father's guards were patrolling outside till her flight took off so she followed the porter blindly. She didn't take notice of the noisy waiting lounge, the long alley bustling with officers or the completely secluded room until the click of the lock registered in her brain startling her.
"What are you doing? Why did you bring me here?" Riddhima asked looking for something to defend herself with.
"For a hug and a kiss." She turned around so fast it was a surprise her head was still attached to the shoulders. She gasped loudly as her eyes bulged out on seeing Armaan in front of her.
"Do I not get one?" Armaan asked opening his arms. A wretched sob escaped her thorat before she launched herself into his embrace. She wound her arms around him as tightly as she could, fearing he would disappear and he understood because that was what he felt too so he held on to her for life.
"Armaan I wanted to come.. to you.. tell you everything but my parents didn't... They took.. my mobile as well. They want me to..m..marry someone else. Pleasee.. take me away from here. I can't.. live without you.. Armaan, please take.. me with you." Riddhima mumbled incoherently between her sobs.
"Hush, don't cry my darling. I know everything." He said parting just enough to wipe the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"You do?" She asked with a frown and he nodded.
"Who informed you Armaan?"
"I came to your house when you didn't come the next day or take any of my calls but a guard at the door didn't allow me in. I visited daily in the hope of getting to see you but was met with the same fate everytime. Two days ago I got lucky when I met your driver. He took pity on me and told me what your parents were planning." He told pushing back the fringe covering her eye.
"How did you get here? No body is allowed to come inside like this, how did you manage?" She asked suddenly remembering where they were as a knock sounded on the next door.
"You don't worry yourself with all that, come here and sit down. We don't have a lot of time and I want to talk to you." Armaan said leading her to the leather sofa.
"Time. We don't have time. Let's get out of here Armaan. We have to get away before someone finds us." She said pulling him in the opposite direction hastily. She stopped realizing Armaan wasn't following her.
"No." She choked hearing him. Just one small word cut all her hopes and in a moment she saw the blank canvas of her future taint with bleakness and desolation.
"You want me to go." Riddhima stated gravely.
"I can never want that. You're my only family." He said walking up to her.
"Why?" The immense pain behind her question tugged at the strings of his heart.
"When life tests us harshly, we are left with no option other than to make some tough decisions."
"We have a choice." She replied softly.
"We don't. Your parents will never approve of this step and I know how much you've yearned for their approval." He guided her to the sofa.
"Not at the cost of losing you." She cried.
"You won't ever lose me." He kissed her forehead.
"I know your parents don't approve of me and they are right in wanting the best for their daughter, which I'm not." He said with averted gaze, trying to hide the pain slicing his chest.
"Don't say that. You're the best thing that has happened to me Armaan. You are everything that I ever wanted and more." She turned his face towards her.
"That isn't enough Riddhima. You deserve the best of everything, material things included, which I won't be able to provide at the moment."
"All I need is your love and support Armaan." She assured him.
"I know but I want to become the man you deserve, to whom your parents will give your hand willingly." He said vowing silently to reach the top of the social ladder.
"I don't want to go." She repeated hoping he would change his decision.
"You have to." Armaan replied without faltering though his insides shook imagining what life would become for him without her presence.
"Now you will tell me to marry who ever my parents choose." She said irritatedly not understanding his dilemma.
"No. I won't. All I'm asking you is for sometime so that I can stand on my feet. If you stay back your parents will push you to marry at the earliest to get rid of me but if you go as planned, it will give me a chance to prove myself worthy of you." He explained.
"They can force me when I'm abroad as well." She feared her parents would do that very soon.
"They won't. I'm sure your masters degree will be a valid excuse." He saw the wheels in her head turning and wondered what she was thinking now.
"How will we keep in touch?" She questioned.
"We won't?" She gasped with disbelief.
"It can cause trouble for you if your personal possessions are tapped." She knew he was right, it wasn't below her father to keep a check on her.
"Can we get engaged before I leave?" She asked hopefully.
"There's nothing I would want more than that Riddhima but no we can't. I don't want to hold you back from seeing and exploring the wide possibilites that lay ahead of you. I want you to pursue your dreams and give it your 100 %." He declined as polietely as he could not wanting to hurt her feelings but he did it anyway and he could see it clearly in her eyes.
"What if you find someone else and forget about me?" Armaan's heart went out to her hearing her innocent fear. She really didn't have an idea of how strong her hold was over him.
"You're my life Riddhima, there's no way I can forget you. You're as essential to me as breathing is for survival." He said looking directly into her emerald orbs that glittered with uncertainty.
"I want you to keep this with you." Armaan said unfastening a locket from his neck.
"No. I can't take this." She refused.
"I know its nothing much." It was a simple letter 'A' dangling in a thin gold chain.
"No, please I didn't mean that. Armaan its the last possession of Mum that you have, I can't possibly take it." She clarified immediately, not wanting to hurt his sentiments.
"It's not just a necklace, its Mum's love and blessings for me. It has kept me safe and afloat all these years and now if only one of us can have it, I want it to be you. May I?" She nodded tearily,touched at his gesture. Armaan gathered her hair on one shoulder leaving her neck bare to his gaze. He pressed a kiss on her nape after fastening the necklace.
"Don't cry please." He kissed her tears away.
"I'm scared life will tear us apart. I don't want to lose you Armaan." Riddhima whispered leaning against him.
"Nothing can seperate us. I will come for you very soon and that's a promise." He prayed to God to help him fulfill his promise. He claimed her lips and poured his love for her in one kiss.
"Stop thinking and kiss me back Jaan." Armaan said huskily when she didn't reciprocate. He tilted her face upwards to meet his warm lips in a delicate kiss. Then he wound his arm around her waist like an iron band and pulled her into his lap. Riddhima splayed a palm across his chiseled chest, where his heart beat a tattoo against it, the other hand traced the bulging muscles before entangling in his dark silky hair and tugging at them to deepen the kiss. Armaan obliged happily. Trembles shook her body and warmth blossomed within her as he savoured her lips with delight. He nipped at her throat when she pulled away breathlessly. A moan escaped her mouth as he sucked the soft spot at the hollow of her neck. He pulled back and traced her features with so much love and desire that she felt delirious, every sense deserting her except for the acute awareness of his burning touch and proximity. A sharp tap at the door brought them crashing back from their world of passion to reality.
"Do we have to do this? Can we not stay together and work out things?" Riddhima questioned gulping the thick lump in her throat as they stood in a que for immigration.
"Believe me Riddhima, I wouldn't ask you to do this if it wasn't neccessary."
"I don't want any distance between us." She whimpered.
"There is and will never be any distance between us. We are one, forever. You reside here, in my heart and in every breath I take. You will never be alone, I'll always be with you." Armaan turned to cup her face in his hands.
"We have a long journey ahead where I know things might not always go according to us but never let that weigh you down. Remember every step that we take from here brings us closer to each other, leads us back to our love, our home." He said gesturing towards the red marked line on the sparkling creme tiles, beyond which he couldn't go. They were on their own from here.
"Take care of yourself, for me." He added caressing her face with soft strokes of his fingers.
"I love you Armaan. I love very you much." Riddhima said as the final announcements to board the flight were made.
"I love you too Meri Jaan. I love you infinitely." He showered her face with urgent kisses as the passengers made their way to the terminal.
"I will wait for you Armaan." She pressed her lips to his in a kiss which he deepened immediately, promising her of his unconditional love and loyalty, silently. They turned away dejectedly with misty eyes and a heart as heavy as lead but determined to conquer every obstacle that stood as a hurdle between them and their happiness.
The last part of this TS will be updated only if I get a reasonable response here. So don't forget to leave behind your opinion. 😉
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin
9