Part B.
The architecture of the newly constructed building left all in awe. It was an amazing amalgamation of modern and by gone years, vibrating with sophistication and deep warmth. Riddhima stood there without noticing a thing of her surroundings, everything was a blur except for the metal digging in her palm.
She grasped her necklace tightly trying to block the storm of questions raising in her mind, seeking comfort in it. Today was her first day as a senior fashion designer at a reknowned fashion house, something she had always wanted but she wasn't happy because her dream wasn't fulfilled. Whenever she had imagined this day Armaan was always by her side, wishing her luck with a kiss and a hug, but the reality wasn't as sweet. It was only her with nobody on her side, even her parents didn't have time to message her. All her quests for Armaan came up empty leaving her perturbed as to where she stood with him but she knew one thing and that was that life distributed bitterness more than it ever did happiness. She expelled all her worries for time being with a deep breath and stepped into the building with her head held high and a smile. What she failed to comprehend were the emblazoned words on the threshold in the same italic font as her pendant. "RA House of Couture" held the answers to all her doubts and symbolised how beautifully her past had carved itself in her present and future.
Riddhima's spirits raised on receiving a warm welcome from her management and collegues. The fashion house was launching its first bridal line this season. All the designers were enthusiastic about it and were putting in their 100 % efforts. The show was just after a fortnight and hence most of the tasks had been covered before her arrival. The one thing still left was matching accessories with the costumes. Riddhima happily took up this responsibilty as opportunity presented itself.
"I will not to let you down Muskaan." She said to the Head of Fashion department who insisted on being reffered by her first name.
"I'm sure you'll ace it Riddhima." Muskaan said confidently.
"Now that all the points for today's meeting are covered, let's get back to work guys." She said getting up from her chair and picking up her folders.
"Roohi is an intern here and she'll be with you until you are familiar with your surroundings." Muskaan said walking down the corridor with Riddhima. They waited for the lift to take them to the top floor where their work stations were situated.
"Thank you for giving me a chance Muskaan." Riddhima said sincerely.
"Your welcome." Muskaan nodded and walked off.
The small smile of achievement and sense of elation vanished as soon as she opened the door of the office assigned to her. There on the table lay the same bouquet of flowers which she had received all through the three years with the addition of a card. Fear gripped her insides and made her immobile.
"Wow, aren't these beautiful?" Roohi asked excitedly brushing past her.
"Looks like you already have an admirer." She chirped with the excitement of a teenager, which she was.
"Why are you still standing there? Riddhima are you alright? Why do you look so pale?" She asked running back to her hurriedly scared she might faint any moment.
"I.. How? Who? These?" Riddhima couldn't string a sentence together. What seemed a major over reaction to Roohi was actually the fear of someone keeping an eye over her, no matter where she went. She should tell Armaan was the first thought that crossed her mind but for that she needed to know his whereabouts.
"Please tell the reception to not receive anything on my behalf unless I say." She cut short the babbling intern and sent her off to get the files she needed. With shaking hands she picked up the card and opened the envelope.
"Best of luck." The card read. She knew what the wishes were for but it was a little disconcerting to know a stranger was keeping tabs on you. Seeing how charmed her assistant was with the flowers, she decided to give it to her. The card she would keep for any future occassion, which she hoped never arose. With eyes closed she blindly searched for her mobile in her purse and tapped in the password hoping against hope to find an answer to one of her calls or messages.
"Where are you Armaan?" Riddhima whispered in a broken voice to his picture on her wallpaper on not finding anything.
"I'm waiting for you. Please come back." She pressed the mobile to her chest and breathed deeply till she got her bearings back. The rest of the day passed quickly with her reading, recording, assessing and sketching files.
The delicious smell of food welcomed everyone warmly as they gathered in the canteen for lunch. Riddhima was present there too. It had been a few days since she started working at 'RA house of couture' and had formed an easy camaraderie with her fellow workers. Everyone was so kind and supportive that she found it hard to decline whenever they approached her for lunch and today was one of those days when she had been enticed to join them on the pretext of a very happening news. Happening it definitely must be, she mused silently looking around her as the canteen buzzed with excitement. Everyone seemed more chipper and energetic.
"Mr. DS is returning." Roohi giggled in response when she raised an eyebrow in question.
"Mr. DS?" She said with a frown.
"Mr. DS. Mr. Dreamy smile. You haven't met because he was out of country. He's coming back after two days for the event."
"Oh." She failed to understand what was so great about this but smiled for her assistant's benefit.
"He has the most dreamy smile ever. When he smiles two adorable dimples dent his sculpted cheeks, his eyes are so expressive, his.." Roohi went on describing the physical attributes of Mr. DS but Riddhima had zoned out after the second sentence as a vivid memory of someone with the same features played in her mind.
"Riddhima stood under the thick canopy of trees as it drizzled, thoroughly enjoying the beautiful weather. It would have been picture perfect if only she had someone to share this sight with her. With a sigh she observed the nature keenly drawing inspiration from it. So immersed was she in her thoughts that she missed Armaan joining her until he blew in her ear from behind startling her. They enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere in a companionable silence, it was always like this between them. They didn't require words to communicate, their eyes and hearts did all the talking. Riddhima shook her head as Armaan beckoned her to come out under the open sky. Her lips stretched into a smile as he pouted before closing his eyes and spreading his arms out, inhaling the earthly sweet scent of the ground which enveloped the surroundings. Her heart lurched at the heartwarming picture he made. She longed to join him and dance to the tune of pitter patter of the rain. Armaan looked at her directly as if reading her mind and tugged at her wrist making her stumble into his hold.
"Armaan nooo." Riddhima spoke over the sound of cascading water and hid her face in his chest suddenly feeling cold. Laughing he spanned a hand on her waist and entwining the other with her swayed them to the rhythm of the drops. She pulled apart just enough to see him. Armaan's azure eyes shone with warmth and affection whereas a dazzling dimpled smile adorned his lips. He was a sight to behold. Picture perfect."
"Earth to Riddhima." Muskaan nudged jostling her out of her reverie.
"Hey when did you come?" She asked sheepishly.
"When you were busy dreaming of Mr. A." Her cheeks flushed as Muskaan signalled towards the necklace dangling around her neck.
"I.. I wasn't. I was listening to Roohi telling me about Mr. DS." She fumbled with the words as her friend gave her a knowing look.
"Mr. DS. Whose that?" Muskaan asked confusedly.
"You don't know? He's Mr. Dreamy Smile aka our CEO." Riddhima replied.
"Oh." Muskaan replied eyeing the girls with narrowed eyes.
"You've met him right?" She asked unaware of the glare.
"Yes."
"But you don't seem quiet taken with him. Why? Is he not as handsome as these girls said?" She joked not recognizing the pleading looks directed towards her.
"He is. He's my brother." That statement made her eyes widen and mouth drop open. She looked sideways at her juniors and found them fumbling with the cutlery or the food on their plates.
"I.. I didn't know. I'm.."
"It's okay Riddhima." Muskaan chuckled thinking of what her reaction would be when she met her brother.
Riddhima sat on a high chair near her work station, her face scrunched in concentration as she highlighted the finer details of the last sketch. She had successfully completed all her designs but the real credit went to Muskaan who made it possible for to finish her assignment on time. She had given her ample resources including labour and finance. Riddhima's hand stopped midstroke as a gentle breeze carrying the enchanting smell of her love enveloped her. She stared at the huge mirror in front of her as the sensation of being watched rose goosebumps on her body. Armaan. Her palm enclosed around the pendant as her heart whispered longingly. There hardly seemed to be a moment when she didn't miss him. Closing her eyes with a cold sigh she tried to divert her mind back to work. She had taken up jewelry making as a hobby during her time abroad. It gave her a challenge to do something new and creative and to direct her energy towards a positive task instead of dwelling over the past or future.
"Wow Riddhima, you're too good at this." Muskaan said appreciating the sketch.
"I needed to update you with the events details." She added guardedly noticing the somber expression on her face.
"After all the costumes have been showcased we'll have Leo, The Rockstar, perform for us live. It'll be the first time ever that he appears before the public, so far he has kept his identity hidden, so you can imagine the tremendous hype around this. Only selected media personnel will be allowed to attend to avoid any mishap." All this information only dragged a nod from Riddhima making Muskaan pause for a while.
"The other thing is that our CEO has decided to present his designed attire at the event too and he has chosen you to model it."
"What? Are you crazy? How can I do that? I'm not a model. You will have to select someone else because I'm for sure not doing this." Well this bit seeped through her guards and made her react.
"I'm sorry Riddhima, I can't help you in this. It's the Boss's order. Anyway you have nothing to fear, I'm here for you na."
"I want to meet the Boss. I will talk to him myself." She said determinedly.
"No use arguing, the decision is final. The conference room number 3 is cleared for us so let's meet there after an hour to practice." Muskaan left the room hurriedly not giving her a chance to retort.
It was the day of the fashion show and needless to say that Riddhima was a bundle of nerves. How she got through supervising the first half of it was beyond her. Handing over the responsibilty to a collegue she now made her way to the dressing room to get ready. She rubbed her arms up and down as the feeling of being watched combined with her intuition that something was going to happen, good or bad was left on time to prove but that didn't mean that she didn't think about it. Truth be said she had pondered over the matter in every spare moment. Before she could delve further into it the make up artist ushered her to the dressing room.
An hour later she stood staring at the beautiful bride in the wall length mirror. Riddhima smiled as everyone in the room praised her. She couldn't believe the reflection looking back at her was of her ownself. She had to applaud the artists who had done a fabulous job with her hair and make up and not to forget the spectacular dress to make her appear a million bucks because that's how far it all went. She might look pretty but within a storm was brewing, silently promising to wreck everything in its path. The dress was simply every bride's dream. Dream. Desire. Love. Armaan. Her heart squeezed painfully as she took in her appearance carefully. She would have dolled up for him just like this on their big day in Red, the colour of love, her love's favorite colour. How unfortunate was she that neither was this her day nor was she accompanied by her love. Her hand involuntarily went to her pendant, a reminder of her time with Armaan, something she would never part with till her last breath.
"You're next Riddhima. Let's get you to the back stage." Muskaan said breaking her thoughts.
"You look gorgeous Riddhima. Your Prince Charming awaits you, impatiently if I must add." She said adjusting her dupatta.
"What do you mean?" She questioned warily.
"Hush. Don't worry too much. Just put one foot in front of the other. Breathe in. Breathe out. Smile and voila, you'll reach your destination. They're announcing your name. Go now." Muskaan guided her to the curtains and left kissing her cheek. Riddhima was so caught up in understanding the underlying meaning of her words and her own emotions that she missed the introduction. She was pleasantly surprised to see the romp filled with flower petals and balloons as soon as she set a foot on stage. This must be Muskaan's idea for the final performance, she explained to her thudding heart. She tilted her head up an inch and put up the brightest smile she could without looking fake and walked amidst the loud cheers and flashes.
"We've reached the last and most awaited part of this event. Yes, no more wait." Muskaan laughed as the crowd shouted excitedly.
"Ladies and gentlemen I now present to you all the man behind the biggest musical hits of this decade. Our very own RockStar, the Sensational Leo."
"Meri bechanion ko
Chain mil jaye
Tera chehra jab nazar aaye
Tera chehra jab nazar aaye.."
The melodious voice of Leo echoed throughout the hall and entranced the audience. Riddhima's heart stopped beating for a moment as her brain registered the sound. She might not be able to see in the darkness but she would recognize this voice even in unconciousness.
"Mere deewanepan ko
sabr mil jaye
tera chehra jab nazar aaye."
What might be just lyrics to others to Riddhima it was the sound of love which resonated through her blood bringing her alive.
"Zikr tumhara jab jab hota hai
dekho na aankhon se
bheega bheega pyaar beh jata hai."
Her Love beckoned her in his endearing way to turn towards him, to return to him.
"Main raat din yeh dua karun
tere liye main jiyoon maroon
charon peher tujhe dekha karun
mera jahan ye tujh pe fanaa karun
zikr tumhara jab jab hota hai
dekho na honton pe tera ehsaas reh jata hai."
The audience went crazy seeing the face of the man they admired for his beautiful voice and melodious compositions as the lights switched on. Leo was none other than Armaan Mallik, CEO of RA House of Couture. What they didn't know was that the inspiration behind all the heart touching lyrics and his reason to live stood there immobile, turned away from him. He covered the distance bewteen them while expressing his emotions to her in the only way he knew.
"Mere har raaste ko
manzil mil jaye
tera chehra jab nazar aaye
tera chehra jab nazar aaye."
Riddhima choked on her breath as his voice mirrored her yearning. She squeezed her eyes tightly as he stopped just behind her. Even without touching his warmth and essence, which she craved all these years, embraced her soul. A sob escaped her mouth as he kissed the back of her head finishing the line.
"Armaan." Riddhima whimpered as he ran his fingers down her arm in a loving caress and entwined them with her hand. She gasped and ducked her head as he stepped in front of her bringing her palm to rest on his heart that beat in sync with hers.
"Bairan hawaain mujhe na jaane
de gayi sada kyun abhi abhi
hai sarfaroshi yeh aashiqui bhi
jaye gi jaan meri is mein kabhi
zikr tumhara jab jab hota hai
dekho na har lamha teri daastaan
keh jata hai."
He placed a finger under her chin to lift her face to his yearning gaze. He sucked in a sharp breath seeing his love up close after a long separation.
"Meri har tadap ko sukoon mil jaye
tera chehra jab nazar aaye
tera chehra jab nazar aaye."
He sang willing her to open her eyes, to look at him once and open she did. In that moment the world faded for them and so did the madly cheering audience as the song came to its end. All that existed were the two of them. No words were exchanged. Their moist eyes spoke of their anguish, pain, longing and everything they beared without each other in a language known only to their hearts. For how long they stood frozen on that spot was unknown to them and so was the sudden silence that had fallen around or the audience watching their interaction with piqued curiosity.
Armaan wiped the lone tear that rolled down Riddhima's rosy cheek and shook his head firmly, his eyes promising her the end of the days filled with darkness and despair. The lights went off as he clicked his fingers and the entire roof lit up with hundreds of fairy lights transforming the entire venue into a star studded night.
"I love you Riddhima. I've only ever loved you and pledge to love you for as long as I breathe and beyond." Without a moments hesitation Armaan was on his knee in front of Riddhima with right hand on his heart making her eyes widen in surprise.
"I'm sorry to have made you wait so long. I'm sorry.. for everything." He said in a voice thick with emotions. His heart squeezed in pain everytime he thought of her facing hurdles all alone. He would fight the world if need be but wouldn't let her go away from him, not this time and not for a moment.
"I offer myself to you with a heart which beats only for you and a soul that's incomplete without you. My love for you increases and intensifies every second. I'm yours, for eternity." He confessed his love once again. The intensity of his gaze and words took her breath away. Her hand flew to her mouth as he pulled out a black velvet box from his pocket.
"I'm nothing without you Riddhima. You're my only reason to live. I want you as my best friend, my lover, my soulmate, my better half. Will you give me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you be mine Riddhima?"
Riddhima felt lightheaded and swayed lightly as he spoke. She couldn't believe the day of which she dreamed each night had at last arrived and it was nothing like her dreams. For the first time in her life reality was much more better and sweeter than dreams which were her sanctuary in Armaan's absence; the only place where she was allowed to be with him freely. A stunning ring with an emerald gemstone set amidst diamonds sparkled brightly as he flicked open the cover and looked up at her expectantly. Riddhima opened and closed her mouth repeatedly trying to form a sentence but it was as if all her senses had deserted her. Seeing him get restless her mind drifted back to the day they had confessed their love for the first time. He had taken her silence as rejection. She didn't want him to think like that again. Only God was aware of how much she wanted to be his, in every sense of the word.
"Yes." She managed to whisper. Armaan's orbs which were the color of turbulent waves cleared and shone just like the ocean on a sunny day. The dimples which she adored so much marked their presence as he beamed with delight. He kissed her knuckles after making her wear the ring.
"I love you." He said huskily standing up and drawing her close to himself.
"I love you both sooo much." An extremely excited Muskaan said taking them both in a surprise bear hug and breaking their bubble.
"Thank you my little one." Armaan kissed her forehead and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Riddhima meet Muskaan, my sister. She and Rahul have been my rock all these years." He said to a bewildered Riddhima.
"Explanations can wait Bhai. You both go now."
"Armaaan." Riddhima yelped fisting his jacket as he picked her up bridal style and carried her out of the hall amidst whistles and cheers.
Armaan crossed the threshold of his new house with Riddhima still in his arms. The living room was bathed in warm shades of gold as he switched on the dimmers with his elbow. He waited for her eyes to adjust to the lighting before making her stand on the floor covered with heart shape balloons. Riddhima stared around, her mouth agape with incredulity at the sight in front of her. The whole room was filled with bouquets of flowers and they weren't just any flowers, they were exactly the same ones she always received, white orchids and red roses.
"Armaan..?" She said gesturing towards the flowers, her chest heaving as she strained to breathe. She didn't know whether to cry or smile as nodded his head in reply. All these years she believed herself to be alone whereas the reality was different. Despite all the physical distances between them Armaan had found a way to be there for her and even made the important days of her life special, just as he had promised. She turned around to seek some answers but her breath got stuck in her throat on seeing him look at her with an intensity that set her senses sizzle with awareness.
"Don't move Riddhima, let me look at you." He said stopping her from turning around. It was now only that he was taking in her appearance. Earlier on he was too fixed on professing his love and claiming her as his in front of the world. She was a vision to see and behold in a crimson red lehenga with gold embellishments and motifs and adorned with jewels. Armaan walked towards her in a daze and cupped her face in one palm traced her features so tenderly with his fingers. She gasped seeing fear swirl in the depths of his orbs as if scared she would vanish in thin air if he applied even a little pressure.
"Armaan." Riddhima whispered his name. His eyes shut as she pressed a kiss on his jaw standing on her tiptoes. He wrapped an arm around her petite waist and pulled her flush against him. He leaned down and kissed the hollow of her neck making her draw a sharp breath. He traced an upward path with soft, gentle kisses making warmth blossom within her. By the time he reached her lips she was dizzy with desire. Armaan looked at her lovingly as her cheeks had turned a beautiful shade of red. He tilted her head up and placed his warm lips over hers, unmoving, savoring the moment of being reunited with her on more than one level. Riddhima's hand travelled up his arm feeling his muscles and the intricate pattern of tattoos before threading through the hair at the nape of his neck and tugging at them. He obliged and kissed her deeply. Even with there eyes closed darkness evaded them. All they saw were the colors of their love melting away all their agony, worries and pain transporting them to a universe where only they and their love existed.
"I love you so much Armaan." Riddhima verbalised the only emotion running through her veins as they parted to take in oxygen.
"I love you too Meri Jaan, raised to infinity." He said huskily and sealed it with a kiss; an unsaid promise of their happy beginnings.
Edited by Rarepearl - 9 years ago
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