Just A Bend Not The End---AR FF, #THREAD2, Part-11 updated

~Just A Bend Not The End (AR Version)~

RECAP: Ridhima agrees to the project, Some Arman-Ridhima moments. It's the D-Day (presentation day) and Ridhima is really nervous as to whether her work will pay of or not. Arman tells her to relax and they make their way towards their office for the presentation.

PART-10:-

~Malik Enterprise~

Arman was going through a final check of all the arrangements for the meeting, it was a very important project and so he wanted everything to be perfect. "Lisa make sure everything is arranged for and just run a final check on the projector in the conference hall, and yes inform me when the delegates arrive" instructing his secretary, he made his way to Ridhimas's cabin to check on her and as soon as he entered his cabin he was not at all surprised to find a restless Ridhima pacing around the room while she entangled her fingers with one another in a very tight knot. Arman shook his head at her and leaning against the closed door with crossed arms he just kept looking at her waiting for her to turn and take notice of him. After a minute when she finally did turn around she was shocked to see him there..."Arman, tum yaha...what are you doing here" she asked trying and failing to keep the nervousness out of her voice. Hearing her Arman let out an exasperated sigh and walked towards her, standing in front of her he just stared deep into her eyes for a minute, then very gently he took hold of her hands and freed her fingers from the tight knot "trying to break our fingers, are we?" he asked once again looking up at her. Hearing him she just bit her lip and lowered her head not knowing what to say as he had clearly judged her nervousness. "Hey...look at me" he said in a soothing tone making her look up at him. "Ridhima...baby trust me everything is going to be fine, I have seen your work and I know its amazing tum dekhna aaj delegates ko bhi zarur pasand ayega...just have some confidence in yourself my love, there is absolutely no need for you to be nervous, hmm?" he said lovingly cupping her face in his hands "But..." she tried to retort but was shushed by his finger on her lip. "Shh...no ifs or buts, maine kaha na sab acha hoga. Just trust me, now take a deep breath and relax...common do it" he said rather insisted and not having any more choice she just closed her eyes and took a deep relaxing breath and then slowly opened her eyes only to meet his affectionate eyes. "Better?" he asked to which she nodded with a small smile making him smile as well. "That's like my Princess" he said planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

KNOCK KNOCK...Their moment was disturbed by Lisa who had come to inform that the delegates had arrived and were seated at the conference room. Arman thanked her and told her that they would be there in a minute. Thereafter he once again turned his gaze towards Ridhima "Don't worry okay, just be confident, All the best my love" he wished her one last time with a light peck on her lips and with that the two of them made their way towards the conference room. Soon enough they greeted the delegates and Ridhima started with her presentation. She was really nervous but did not let her nervousness visible and that made Arman really proud, the ease and confidence with which she presented was one thing that he admired about her right from their college days. After a good hour, the presentation ended and the delegates requested to have a word with Arman alone. This made Ridhima and everyone else anxious as well. However not having much say all the others left leaving Arman alone with the delegates.

~After 30 minutes~

Arman was still in the conference room with the delegates and with each passing second Ridhima's anxiety just increased 10 folds. When she could no longer take it anymore she made her way towards the small temple made in the office...In the meantime Arman had finished his meeting and bidding farewell to the delegates he made his way towards Ridhima's cabin only to find it empty, he wondered where she was and asked an employee who told him that she was near the temple, Arman shook his head knowingly and without wasting another second he made his way towards the temple. As soon as he reached there he saw his angel standing in front of the sacred idol, with closed eyes and folded eyes. "Please please Bhagwanji...let the delegates say yes. Arman has worked really hard for this aur agar mere vajah se yeh deal use nahi mili to I won't be able to forgive myself. Please Bhagwanji, please please let the reply be positive" she prayed earnestly making Arman smiled wide hearing her, she looked no less than a school going kid who prayed so eagerly to pass the exam. He very quietly walked towards her and stood right behind her. He then very slowly bent towards her and whispered huskily in her ears "Wish granted...". Startled by the sudden voice Ridhima opened her eyes and turned around only to find Arman standing with a huge grin on his face. "Arman...tum yaha and wait what did you just say...wish granted? "she asked him getting all confused making his grin wider. "Arey abhi you were only praying na that the deal gets signed to bas maine socha ki apko bata diya jaye that your wish has been granted" replied Arman making Ridhima's eyes go wide in shock. "You..you mean they...they said yes? They...they signed the deal?" she stammered as she confirmed if what she heard was right. "Absolutely Mrs. Malik they not only said yes to this deal but so impressed with your presentation that they have also offered us another contract" said Arman with a huge smile and the next second he held a squealing Ridhima in his arms. "OMG, they said yes they said yes Arman" she said excitedly as he lifted her off the ground and twirled her a bit. "I am so so..so happy Arman, main bata nahi sakti, ki main kitni zyada khush hu" she said with a huge smile adoring her face as they slightly parted from the hug. "Hmm! Who to dikh hi raha hai...I am so proud of my princess" Said Arman with a huge smile as he placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Maine kaha tha na sab acha hoga, and see its more than good" said Arman once again taking her in a warm embrace. "Thank you!" she said looking up at him still staying in his arms. He gave her a questioning look so she just continued "For trusting me and for bringing back my confidence". He just smiled at her and mumbled "I love you" which she gladly returned...After a few moments they parted from the hug and together stood in front of the Ganesh idol and thanked God for all the blessings he had showered upon them.

...

The day went by in a positive mood. The entire office rejoiced for getting the project, but of course sooner rather than later they all, including our very own Ridhima and Arman had to get back to work, after all signing the deal was just the stepping stone. It was around 8:30pm when Ridhima winded up for the day, she made her way towards Arman's cabin to see if he was done as well but was surprised to find it locked from outside. Just then Lisa came up to her informing her that Arman had left nearly 2 hours ago and handed over a note that Arman had left for her. Ridhima frowned at the information she received wandering why he had not personally informed her that he was leaving early. However, keeping her thoughts aside she thanked Lisa who then took her leave. Still frowning Ridhima started to read the note:-

Ridhima,

Hi baby! I so sorry I had some really urgent work and so I had to rush. You were busy with the interns isliye khud akar inform nahi kiya apko. Anyway, now stop frowning and give me a sweet smile...Ahaan that's like my princess. Acha suno bahar driver wait kar raha hai the moment your done just give him a call...haan haan mujhe pata hai you can drive but I know my princess is tired and so I just want her to sit back and relax isliye no more discussion on this aap driver ke sath arahe ho bas. I'll see you at home; I love you, take care.

Arman<3

By the end of reading the note, Ridhima had a huge smile adoring her face for he had judged all her responses correctly. Shaking her head at her crazy husband she called the driver asking him to get the car out.

...

In the next 30 mins Ridhima reached home and thanking the driver made her way inside the house. As she entered she found the house covered complete darkness, she frowned thinking that Arman had not yet reached home and switched on the lights only to be greeted by the cutest thing ever, on the living room table sat a fluffy-big purple teddy bear holding an even bigger "Congratulatory" card. She slowly walked towards the teddy with a constant smile adoring her face. She first took the card and read the message written by her husband ...

"May you be rewarded with all the success in life while I reward myself with the pride and joy of having such a talented and beautiful wife ;)"

Her smile only grew wider after reading that, she then picked up the teddy cuddling it, when she felt two strong, familiar arms around her waist... "Congratulations" he whispered lightly kissing her earlobe making her shiver under his hold and making him smile seeing her reaction. He then turned her around in his hold so that they come face to face with one another, "SOOO...I see that you have already befriended Mr. Teddy...hmm?" said Arman winking at her as she still held the teddy securely like a priced possession. Ridhima chuckled hearing him and thought to play along for a little while..."Bilkul, Mr. Teddy is just sooo cute and see he gave me such a nice card also" she said giving the teddy a kiss. "Hayyy...Kash humari bhi isi teddy jaise kismet hoti...at least I would have gotten a kiss" said Arman pouting a bit making Ridhima giggle. "Acha??? So Mr. Malik wants a kiss?" she asked to which he just nodded his head with a cheeky smile..."Hmm let me think?? What if I say no" she said teasingly. "Hmm good question, if you say no then..." he took a pause on purpose "then wh...?" she was going to ask him then what but stopped mid-way as she saw him stepping closer towards her while she took slow steps backwards till her back hit the wall..."Theeennn" he said bringing his face really close to hers..."Thenn?" she asked in a mere whisper as her eyes shut on their own accord while her heart beat increased as she could feel his hot breath on her skin..."Then I'll take it on my own" he said and without giving her anytime to register his words he captured her lips for deep, passionate kiss...she was taken off-guard for a second but as she felt him probing her she too gave in making him smile amidst the kiss...After sometime they broke apart with a content smile as they rested their foreheads together "Thank You" whispered Ridhima still in the same position. "Uhuh not yet" said Arman parting from their earlier position making Ridhima frown both at his act and words. "Arey yeh sab to Mr. Teddy ne tumhe diya na now its turn for my gift..." "But Arm..." "uhuh no ifs or buts, just close your eyes" "Par..." "Tch close it na" whined Arman..."Fine, here I closed them'' "good girl...don't peek ha" he said and very slowly removed a blue colour velvet pouch from his pocket and removed a delicate diamond chain which held a heart shaped sapphire pendant from it...he looked up at Ridhima and smiled seeing her eyes still shut tightly with a prominent frown on her forehead as her curiosity was getting the better of her and so putting an end to her misery he asked her to open her eyes and as soon as she did her eyes caught hold of the beautiful ornament resting on his palm making her gasp... "Ar...Arman this is beautiful" she exclaimed as she caressed the sapphire gently with her fingers. Arman smiled at her and without saying a word more he placed the chain around her neck and hooked it..."Now it's beautiful" he said making her smile with misty eyes, without saying anything further she came forward and placed a light peck on his lips whispering a small thank you. In response he just took her in his arms and kissed the top of her head just enjoying the feeling of being together, after a few minutes Arman parted from the hug making Ridhima frown "Well I understand desert was really good (the kiss) but I think our tummy wants some real food too, what do you think?" he said feigning innocence making her blush hard while her hands automatically went up to smack his shoulder while he just laughed at her reaction...Finally though they did make it to the dinner table and as soon as Ridhima saw what's for dinner she squalled like an excited child on Christmas..."EEpps, FettucciAr in Milano sauce...uhmm Arman I love you so much this is so good" she said happily tucking in her food making him smile contently, after ages did he see her so happy and so lively unlike the previous days were he was dying to even hear her talk, it was as if the dawn had finally risen for them. He once again looked at Ridhima who kept talking about anything and everything making him chuckle slightly at how fast she managed to switch between a hundred topics. He kept staring at her just trying to capture her smiling picture in his heart forever, been given a choice he would have ceased time there and there and just keep looking at her all happy and cheerful and just so much more lively, just like the Ridhima he had fallen in love with.

Jab tak tujhe pyar se

Beinteha main bhar na dun

Jab tak main duaaoon sa

Sau dafa tujhe pad na loon

Haan mere paas tum raho

Jaane ki baat na karo

Mere sath tum raho

Jaane ki baat na karo

She saw him gazing at her continuously and raised her eyebrows asking him what the matter was in response to which he just shook his head smiling at her while she just shrugged her shoulders and continued talking about what she did with her interns after he had left. He lightly hit his head doing a small touchwood and thanked the almighty for returArng his reason to live, her smile.

...

At around 11:30 they fiArshed their dinner and clearing up the table both Ridhima and Arman retired to their room and as soon they entered their room Arman asked Ridhima to quickly freshen up and change(she was still in her office attire) as he had one more surprise for her..."One more surprise...but Ar..." "uhuh no time for ifs and buts pehle jaldi jao and freshen up, I am sure you must be uncomfortable na by now so...go and quickly freshen up go go go" he said cutting her in between and literally pushing her inside the washroom with her Arghtgown making her frown but nonetheless she did as told as if she had any other choice. After a good 25 mins she came out refreshed and clad in a purple colour ankle length Arghtie "Arey agai tum, finally maein kabse wait kar raha tha...Tum ladkiya bhi na kitna time lagati ho change karne mein, anyway yeh sab chodo and come with me..." said Arman, who himself had changed into a black-full sleeve T-shirt and track pants as he led her towards the balcony without giving her a chance to speak. Just before opeArng the door he covered her eyes with his palm..."Arm.." "shh just wait my jaan" said Arman interrupting her even before she actually say something. He then opened the door and brought her inside the balcony, then very slowly he removed his hand from her eyes letting her see her surprise, the balcony floor was covered with white and purple balloons, on various points there were scented candles placed, on the couch was kept a large fleece blanket and soft cushions were kept on it and some even around it, giving it a very cosy atmosphere, a small table was placed on the side on which laid a very beautifully decorated cake with the wordings 'Happy AnArversary"... Ridhima looked around in awe when she felt two arms slowly make their way around her waist..." Happy 2^nd AnArversary, sweetheart" said Arman while placing a loving kiss on her temple, letting his lips linger for a few seconds. Ridhima immediately turned in hid hold and hugged him really tightly, almost catching him off-guard for a second but soon enough he got over his shock and with a broad smile adoring his face he too engulfed her in his arms "I love you Arman, I love you so so so much...thank you so much meri zindagi mein ane ke liye and use itna khobsarat bana ne ki liye...Thank you" she said still hugging him tightly and in response he kissed the top of her head, pulling her closer to himself. After a few minutes Ridhima parted from the hug and even before Arman could understand what was happeArng she held her ears with her head bowed down making him frown "I am sorry..." she said looking up at him with moist eyes confusing him all the more ..."I am sorry, I did not get anything for you..." she said as a lone tear slipped off her eye feeling extremely guilty for forgetting such an important day. Arman sighed hearing her, of course she was guilty for forgetting their anArversary and he should have guessed this by know however keeping his thoughts aside he first took of her hands from her ears and then very gently wiped her tears..."Jhooti...I already got my gift to ab sorry kyu bol rahi ho?" he said making her look up at him..."Nahi Arman, I really did not get anything... " "YOU DID" he said in a more convincing voice shushing her up right then. "First things first there is absolutely no need to feel guilty about forgetting the date, don't I know how hard the last few days rather weeks have been on you, itna kuch ho gaya and its obviously hard to digest it...so agar aise mein tum humari anArversary bhul bhi gayi to I have no complains at all, it's perfectly human Ridhima... and ha rahi baat gift ki to aaj tumne mujhe jo diya hai na Ridhima use zyada acha gift na mere liye kabhi tha and nahi kabhi ho sakta hai... Your smile...aaj kitne dino bad I have seen you smile whole heartedly and the satisfaction it has given me just cannot be described in words, it's like someone had held my neck for so long and aaj jakar finally they have let go, letting me breathe peacefully, tumne muje meri Ridhima wapas kardi...woh Ridhima jo kahi kho gayi thi. Tumne mujhe meri jeene ki vajah wapas kardi hai aaj...and for that even if I thank you a million times it would be less" he said with a watery smile, while a tear slipped off her eye yet again seeing the amount of love he held for her. "Abbb yeh assun pocho aur agar aap kahe to chalkar cake cut karlein, because I don't know about you but my mouth is really watering looking at it" said Arman making her chuckle as he gently wiped of her tears...He then took her hand and led her towards the table making her stand in front of him he handed her the kArfe and then snaked his hands around her waist holding her hand which held the kArfe making her smile at his gesture while he planted a soft kiss on her temple, thereafter they cut the cake together "Happy AnArversary Mrs Malik" said Arman lightly pecking Ridhima's lips as he offered her a piece of cake making her blush...she then took the same have eaten piece and made him have it kissing his cheek and wishing him deepeArng his dimple.

...

After sometime they both sat cosily on the couch placed on the balcony such that Arman's sat diagonally with his back partially resting on the head rest and partially on the arm-rest while Ridhima sat between his legs holding a plate with a huge slice of cake that they both were sharing. "Arman..." she called him "hmm" he said as he just fed her a bite and was taking some from the plate to help himself as well. "What are you going to give me as an anArversary gift?" she asked slightly tilting her head to look at him. "Areyyy didn't I already give you the pendant? Dint you like it?" he asked getting confused and slightly hurt as well thinking that she did not like the gift. "Nahi Arman, I loved the pendant but that was my congratulatory gift right? To ab mujhe AnArversary gift bhi to milAr chahiye na?" she said pouting a bit, making him smile wide as she looked just so cute that he could not help but give a huge kiss on her cheek. "Hmm...yeh baat to sahi hai. How silly of me to forget nahi?" he asked her keeping his chin on the top of her head while she nodded at his question indicating that it was indeed very silly of him to forget her gift. "Hmm... this is indeed very wrong on my part...par ab kya kare? He asked looking at her. "Ek tareeka hai for you to compensate" she said playing with his fingers "and that is?" he asked making her smile a bit. "Soch lo...you can't say no once I have asked for it" "arey tum bolo to...I will do anything and anyways maine aaj tak kabhi apko kisi cheez ke liye mana kiya hai kya?" he asked making her smile wide while she shook her head at his question indicating that he had actually never told her no for anything. "Just a second I'll be back" saying so she got up and even before he could retort she went inside the room making him shake his head at her antics. Not having much of a choice he waited for her to come and not really having anything to do he went through his phone, just randomly browsing through his mails and messages. After a good five minutes he felt her presence and looking up he saw her standing right in front of him holding his guitar in her hands, he gave her a questioArng look as to why did she get the guitar "You have to sing a song for me" she stated bluntly handling him the guitar..."Song? Now??" he asked totally baffled with her demand while she just nodded her head vigorously. "But Ridhima, its past one sweetheart...and after such a hectic day we both are tired right?...So abhi rehne do, I promise tomorrow I will sing for you okay" he tried to reason out with her as it was indeed very late and also it had been forever he had played the guitar so he was also a bit apprehensive which she did know but she also knew that he was a wonderful musician and so she really wanted to hear him sing for her so she just shook her head with a huge frown on her forehead and lips pouted..."Nahi...now! And you promised me you will not say no" she said folding her hands across her chest making her look no less than an angry 2 year old who has been deAred his or her favourite toy, making Arman smile despite himself. "But baby..." he tried to retort but she just cut him off angrily "Fine...do what you want, don't sing and don't even talk to me" she said turArng around angrily and going and standing against the railing facing her back at him making him sigh deeply seeing her not willing to let go at all. He then looked at the guitar and again glanced at an Ridhima who now looked more upset than angry and after having such a beautiful day he was defiArtely not willing to let it end by making her upset so without a word more he picked up the guitar and started playing it while humming a song...

As soon as she heard his voice a beautiful smile crept on her lips while she still stood in the same position that is with her back facing him...

He kept the guitar aside and walked towards while continuing the song. He tapped her shoulder from her right making her turn and frown on not finding him for a second, but the next second she saw him on her left with a naughty smile. She tried to turn away again to just show that she was still mad but he held her wrist and pulled her closer to himself, not giving her a chance to speak or retort at all...

He slowly caressed her facial features still singing for her while she lost herself in his intense greyish-blue eyes. He then purposely bend forward and started tracing the distance between her jawline and ear by planting small-lingering kisses along it making her shut her eyes. He smiled seeing her melt in his arms, her pretentious anger long forgotten in the process...

Not able to stand his intense gaze on herself which she could feel even with closed eyes she turned around and tried moving away but he held her hand and pulled her back making her back rest against his chest. He skated his fingers through the length of her arms and very slowly entwined his fingers with hers. He bend down and sensually stared nuzzling her neck, planting a few kisses here and there making her shiver under his hold...

He could clearly feel her going week in the knees and so without any further ado he picked her up automatically making her arms go around his neck. He walked inside the room making it a point to keep his eyes locked with hers as he continued to hum the lyrics. He then very gently placed her on the bed and himself got in overlapping his body with hers. He nuzzled her hair taking in the beautiful fragrance of her shampoo...

In a swift move he turned around such that now she was above him. He caressed her cheeks looking deep into her eyes. She was not able to take his intense gaze any further so hugged him tightly hiding her face in his neck. He slowly caressed her head to sooth her racing heartbeats but soon enough she felt his ice-cold fingers trace her upper back which was bare because of the deep cute Arghtie which automatically tightened her hold on him.

After a few seconds he slightly parted from the hug to see if she was okay with what was happening, though her body language had already given him the green signal, yet he wanted to be sure. And he soon got his assurance looking her face. She had here eyes closed while a shy yet content smile adored her lips which gave him immense satisfaction for he knew that she was just as into the moment as he was. So he very slowly dimmed the lamp-lights and before she knew what was happening he took her lips into a deep passionate kiss while she too responded with equal favor, surrendering herself to him in all senses...

-Tanishka (Tani)

Just A Bend Not The End (AR Version)

RECAP: Ridhima's presentation is successful and they get the deal. Armaan and Ridhima's anniversary, Armaan plans a date at home and finally some very sweet Armaan-Ridhima moments.

PART 11:-

~10 Months Later~

Armaan stood leaning on the door of the huge room while his heart ached looking at the sight inside. A really vulnerable Ridhima sat on the far end corner of the room, her eyes devoid of any expression while she had her knees pulled up till her chest as she hugged herself as much as she could. A lone tear slipped of Armaan's eyes as he saw his princess in that condition, why was life so cruel to them he thought.

Jaane kis modh pe le aayi

yeh zindagi main jaano na

He wanted to go in and just engulf her in his arms but he knew at this point it could only worsen the situation as she was not even willing to look at him for now and so with a heavy heart he held himself back and just stood there watching her, thinking over his decision that he took for her, for her well-being but then seeing her like that made him want to think twice.

dhadkano ki yeh bechainiyan

aye humsafar pehchaanun

Just then he felt a comforting hand squeeze his shoulder 'She will be fine Armaan, don't worry" said Rahul (NOTE:in the beginning itself it was mentioned that Rahul is Armaan's best friend) "How? " asked Armaan turning towards Rahul "How can I not worry, waha Ridhima...Rahul waha meri jaan pal pal apne aap se lad rahi hai and I can do absolutely nothing about it..." said Armaan feeling utterly helpless. 'Now I feel I made the wrong decision, she hates me for this Rahul...nafrat karti hai mujhse Ridhima itni zyada ki she does not even want to see me anywhere close to her..." said Armaan with a chocked voice once again turning his head towards Ridhima. "Armaan...Tune kuch galat nahi kiya, what you did is absolutely right, you need to give her time Armaan...bohot jald woh samaj jayegi ki tune jo kiya wohi uske liye sahi tha, stop blaming yourself man...Halat hi aise ho gaye ke tu chahkar bhi koi aur decision nahi le paya so stop blaming yourself" said Rahul lightly patting Armaan' back who still stood in the same position making Rahul sigh, his two closest friends were going through so much and he really felt bad for them. They were the nicest people he knew and they had already gone through so much that even he could not help but ask why to the almighty, but that was not the time to sit and think about all this at first he was a doctor and he had to do what was right for his patient. "Armaan it's really late, I think you should leave now" said Rahul making him turn towards him. "But Rahul main aise kasie...waha Ridhima...she might need me Rahul I can't just go" said Armaan totally baffled with just the thought of having to leave Ridhima. Rahul shook his head for he knew this was coming up..."Armaan she is not alone, yaha main hu aur bahi doctors hai, nurses hai...don't worry she will be well taken care off" assured Rahul "But what if..." Armaan tried saying something only to be cut off by Rahul. "No ifs Armaan...dekh I know you are worried but Armaan I can't let you stay here it's against the rules you know that...Main janta hu it's a hard decision but ab liya hi hai so have some faith in yourself, in your love, in Ridhima" hearing him Armaan just stood quietly he knew Rahul was right this was really needed but how was he to explain this to his heart..."take care of her...pls" whispered Armaan after a few minutes "I will, I promise...Ridhima is like a sister to me, I will do all that I can for her you don't even need to say that" assured Rahul while Armaan simply nodded letting Rahul know that he did trust him. He then once again turned towards Ridhima and then closed his eyes tightly for a second trying to accept what their situation is, thereafter he opened his eyes and without giving a single glance back he walked out as fast as he could afraid that if he stayed any longer he won't be able to stick with his resolve. Rahul stood there watching Armaan leave feeling really bad for him, he then turned to go to his own cabin giving the nurse strict instructions to feed Ridhima and give her medicines as well.

Emotionally and physically drained Armaan somehow managed to drive home amidst his tears. Entering the lonely, dark house he robotically made his way towards his room, as soon as he entered the room he went and sat on the bed and was just plainly staring into oblivion thinking about their fate and the thought himself filled his heart with so much pain that his eyes began tearing on its accord.

taheri zameen tahera hai pal

mann mein machi kyun hulchul

He picked up a photo frame kept on the side table that had a picture of the two of them. Ridhima, whose mouth was covered with chocolate, was kissing Armaan's cheeks while he was cutely frowning. Those where such good times he thought, how he longed to see the same million dollar smile on her face and the magical shine in her eyes, how he yearned to hold her in his arms and shower her with all the love and affection in the world.

chuubti hai mujhko kyun dooriyan

koi na jaane majbooriyan...Majbooriyan

How he wished that destiny would have been a bit more kind to them, how he wished that things would have not turned as bad as they were today, how he wished that she was with him there in their house at that moment...

kabhi na sukoon aaya

kabhi na qaraar aaya

jabse hai tumpe mujhko pyaar aaya...

He fondly stared at the picture gently caressing it as his mind began to drift to the time 10 months back, the time where everything was perfect yet imperfect...

~Flashback 10 months before~

It had been a month since Armaan and Ridhima's anniversary and life was going on beautifully for the two of them. Their anniversary night that had brought them closer after a long time seemed to have infused a sense of freshness in their relation, Ridhima was in a much happier and much more confident phase at least that's what Armaan thought so and looking at her being joyous was enough a reason for him to be happy as well...It was a Friday morning and Mr. Malik was fast asleep lost in his dream land while Mrs. Malik who just woke up a little while ago walked in the room, still clad in her lavender color night gown with a steaming hot cup of freshly made coffee. A wide smile spread across her face on seeing her hubby dearest sleep so cutely and so peacefully. He looked so tired and why not he had practically stayed up all night working on a new project, for once she really thought to let him seep for a little longer but he had a very important breakfast meeting which could not be missed under any circumstance and so having no other choice she made her way towards Armaan to wake him up. Keeping the mug on the side table she sat beside him and gently shook him to get him out of his dreamland "Armaan...wake up dekho its 7:30 already" she said in the softest tone while Armaan frowned and turned his face the other side pulling the blanket over his face and mumbled 5 minutes in a groggy sleepy voice. Ridhima shook her head for she knew what his 5 minutes actually meant and so without any further ado she pulled the blanket away making him whine grumpily. "No 5 minutes 10 minutes, abhi utho...its already late Armaan and tumne hi kaha tha na that this meeting is really important to chalo be a good boy and get up...chalo" she said trying her level best to coax him to wake up. Hearing her he sighed deeply knowing that she was indeed right and he had to wake up and so having no other choice he turned around to face her and opened his eyes lazily. "Good Morning" wished Ridhima while lovingly ruffling his hair. "Mmm Morning" he replied yawning and finally opening his eyes completely only to be greeted by the sight of his beautiful wife smiling affectionately at him which made him smile too. "Bohot thag gaye ho na?" asked Ridhima stroking his hair as he really did look very tired and she could see that it really took him a lot of self-convincing to actually open his eyes. Armaan looked up at her and smiled seeing how concerned she was, she always worried about the slightest discomfort that he had and this made him fall in love with her all the more. For a fact he knew that she too was very tired because if he was up all night then she was not sleeping either, she was right there awake with him, helping him wherever needed and otherwise just sitting by his side and being there for him, He tried his best to get her to sleep but she was just as adamant. So without bothering to answer her question he just took her hand in his and kissing it tenderly he mumbled an "I love you" which instantly managed to wipe out all lines of worry from her face. "I love you too...chalo ab utho aur apni coffee pelo, I'll get your clothes out and..." she went on rambling and just as she got up from the bed she was pulled straight back by her dear husband who was just not willing to let wifey go away from him. The sudden pull not only shushed her but also made her land right on top of Armaan making her eyes widen in shock "Just a second madam... may I know apko jane ki permission kisne di?" asked Armaan with a raised eyebrow as he held her closer to himself. "Ar...Armaan kya kar raho ch...chodo mujhe and what do you mean by permission, mujhe kyu kisi ki permission chaiye hogi" replied Ridhima trying her best to get out of his hold, but of course Armaan was way too strong for her he simply tightened his hold around her "Of course permission chahiye how could you just go like that without giving me my morning kiss...uhu not allowed. Sorry permission not granted" said Armaan shaking his head and making her turn crimson red at his demand. Just five minutes before he was not ready to open his eyes and now he was asking for a kiss, God she was really blessed with one unique husband she thought. However trying her level best to control the blush that was just not willing to leave her she once again tried her luck to free herself "Ar...Armaan dekho abhi no badmashi...its already late aur..." "Wahi to mein keh raha hu Ridhima, its already late isliye abhi aur time mat waste karo and just give me a kiss" stated Armaan shamelessly once again making her eyes go wide and cheeks turn cherry red "Armaan yeh kya..." Even before she could frame her sentence she felt his manly lips on her soft feminine lips for a second she was to shocked to react but as she felt his lips probing her she too gave in. The kiss was deep, passionate and lasted for what seemed like eternity thereafter the two of them broke apart and rested their foreheads together catching their breath..."Now that's what you call a Good Morning" said Armaan winking at Ridhima making her blush a deep pink. "Tum na...bohot besharam ho gaye ho" she replied back smacking his shoulder in an attempt to hide her blush but that only made him grin wider "Ab jab meri biwi itni hot and sexy hai to kabhi kabhi like just kabhi kabhi mujhe thoda sa behsram bana padta hai " he said adding more color if possible to her already red face..."Armaan" she said in a voice as low as a whisper "Yes sweetheart" he replied..."Tum...tum na pagal ho" she said fiddling with his shirt buttons, too shy to look at him "Hmm woh to mein hu...lekin sirf tumhare liye" He whispered the last bit right in her ears making her close her eyes and involuntarily grip his vest tightly in response. Armaan smiled looking at the effect he had on her in spite of being married for such a long time already, somethings just never change he thought. She looked so beautiful with that flushed pink face and eyes closed and how he wished to just hold her in his arms for ever but the blaring alarm tone that had earlier been snoozed brought them both out of their lala land. Ridhima immediately stood up and without looking up at him she said "Uhmm you go take a shower till then I'll go make a fresh cup of coffee...this ones got cold" she said passing him his towel and going towards the cupboard to remove his clothes. Armaan too stood up and quietly taking the towel he rushed to the bathroom without trying to do anything else as he was really getting late then...

After fifteen minutes Ridhima came back in the room with his newly prepared coffee only to find him standing near the bed in his black trousers and light blue shirt still unbuttoned reading a file. She shook her head looking at him get into work mode and walking towards him she snatched the file away from him making him scowl "Ridhima..." he said irritably "Don't Ridhima me...pehle ye coffee piyi phir jo karna hai karo, here" she said handling him the mug while she took it upon herself to button up his shirt. "Mmm this is amazing" he said taking a sip of the coffee, making her smile. "Acha suno Tumhara laptop maine tumhare bag mein rakh diya and I have also put the file having the quotations in it. Your wallet, car keys and cellphone is also kept out...and done" she said after buttoning his shirt and tying the knot of his tie as well. On getting no response she looked up at him only to find him smiling down at her..."Kya hua? Aise kyu dekh rahe ho?" she asked wondering what made him smile like that. "Dekh raha hu ki how lucky am I to have you in my life" he said tucking a lose tendril of her hair behind her ear. "Ridhima...I don't say this as often as I should but kabhi kabhi kehna zaruri hota hai and isliye aaj main tumse kehna chahtu hu...Thank You! Thank you for doing all this for me without any complains, thank you for supporting me in whatever I do...Thank you for being there with me through thick and thin...Thank You for being my best wish granted" said Armaan cupping her face with his free hand and looking deep into her eyes that had turned misty hearing his few yet heart touching words. "Tum hi to kehto ho ki humare realtion mein sorry aur thank you ki koi jagah nahi hai aur ab apna rule khud hi tod rahe ho" she replied in an attempt to lighten the situation as she could see that even his eyes had turned moist. He chuckled hearing her complaining tone and without wasting another second he took her in a warm hug which she reciprocated with the same amount of love...They stayed in each other's arms for a few minutes just basking in the warmth of love thereafter very unwillingly they broke apart keeping in mind that Armaan really had to leave. "Okay ab I really need to go, tum apna khayal rakhna, office to tum aekele hi ayogi so Pleas drive carefully or even better take the driver with you...and ha breakfast kiye bina to bilkul ghar se mat nikalna aur kuch bhi ho to mujhe phone karna okay?" instructed Armaan making Ridhima giggle at her over protective husband. "Aye aye captain" she said saluting him in mock appreciation making him shake his head "Pagal" he muttered then turned to place the empty mug on the side table. "Chalo Bye, love you" said Armaan kissing her forehead and leaving "Love you too...all the best" she yelled for him to hear as he had already walked out of the room...

~2 hours later~

It was past 4PM when Armaan came to office after attending his breakfast meeting that was extended till after lunch. He had earlier tried calling Ridhima twice to inform her that he would be late but since she did not answer he assumed that she was busy and so he just dropped a message, but now did he was in office he really wanted to meet his wife and so immediately made his way towards her cabin only to find it locked. Confused as to where she was he looked around trying to find her and that's when he bumped into one of the marketing interns Yuvraj who was currently working under Ridhima. "Arey Yuvraj, thank god you're here! Have you seen Ridhima anywhere? I have been looking for her since a while now" asked Armaan. "Ridhima maam? Sir but Ridhima maam has not come to work today" replied Yuvraj in a factual tone. "What? Not come? But why? She was supposed to come and...did she call or something to inform why she is not coming" asked Armaan really confusing the intern "Uhmm no sir she did not call...in fact we tried calling her a few times because we needed the details for Mr. Khanna's project but she is not receiving any calls" hearing this Armaan really grew tensed he knew for a fact that Ridhima was a thorough professional and she would never not just come to work without any valid reason plus the fact that she was not taking any calls just added to his tension "Kya hua hoga? Ridhima never does this and aaj subha bhi usne aisa kuch nahi kaha that she won't come to work or something..kahi use kuch..." the thought itself made Armaan shudder. Yuvraj saw Armaan's face turn white with concern and could not help but ask "Uhmm sir are you okay? I mean aap..." "I am fine Yuvraj...uhm pls do me a favor just inform Lisa (his PA) to cancel all my appointments for today...I have to go home urgently" said Armaan and without waiting for a reply he left just wanting to get home and check on Ridhima once, somehow he felt really restless and he knew only seeing her safe and sound would be able to calm him down.

On his way home he tried calling her several times, he even tried on the landline but unfortunately nobody answered making him all the more anxious. After struggling for an hour in peak traffic he finally reached home and ran inside. He rang the bell several times but on getting no response he just used his spare keys and rushed in only to find the house dimly lit by the faint light coming from the setting sun..."Ridhima...Ridhima where are..." He called her name out but stopped abruptly as he her limp body on the floor beside the steps. "RIDHIMA..." he yelled and rushed towards her almost skipping a few heartbeats in between. "Ri..Ridhima...shit...Ridhima wake up...please baby akhein kholo" he placed her head on his lap and patted her cheeks repeatedly trying his best to get her to open her eyes. After a few minutes he felt her stir in his lap and that somehow brought some relief to his thudding heart..."Pa..paan...paani" Ridhima fumbled through the word in her meek voice as she slowly stared gaining her senses. "Ha...ha baby abh...abhi paani de rahu main apko...let me just take you to the couch phir paani deta hu apko hmm?, just a minute" said Armaan immediately getting up and carefully carrying her in his arms and taking her towards the couch in the living room.

He gently sat her down placing pillows all around her and then ran to the kitchen to grab a glass of water for her. He came back in less than a minute and offered her the water to drink "Ridhima yeh lo baby paani peelo" he said trying to hand her the glass but as soon as he touched her right hand she shrieked in pain making him draw back his hand immediately. Ridhima started crying real bad all the physical pain being really too much for her fragile body to handle. Armaan on the other hand panicked way more to see her crying like that and in a flash placed the glass on the center table and took her in his arms..."Ridhima kya hua baby...why are you crying so much sweetheart?" he asked swaying her in his arms but she continued to sob hiding her face in his chest to suppress the pain which did nothing but increase his anxiety. "Kya hua baby kuch to bolo please...did you slip down the stairs? Are you hurting somewhere?" he asked to which she slowly nodded her head while she still kept her face buried in his chest. As soon as she nodded her head Armaan was alarmed, he had somewhere guessed that she must have slipped down the stairs but what? Where? How? and how bad was she hurt he had no clue, but now that she crying her eyes out he was sure that she was really hurt bad and that really scared him. "Rid..Ridhima listen...suno baby mujhe batao kahal laga hai apko, where are you hurt sweetheart?" he asked gently prying her body away from him and cupping her face in his palms but she just continued to cry making his heart sink all the more but he knew for a fact that it was not the time for him to be weak, he had to first take care of Ridhima and so he tried asking her again "Ridhima please baby...tell me where are you hurt bacha, aap kuch bologe nahi to how I will know...pleas batao baby" "Ha...han...hand" she said between her sobs in an almost inaudible voice. "Hand?" he asked just to confirm if what he heard was right since her voice could barely be heard, she nodded at his question still sniffing in between. "Acha...acha don't cry lao dikaho mujhe ...let me see it" said Armaan consoling her and trying to take her hand in his but again just as he tried to take her hand in his she screamed in pain making him take his hand back "No...nahi pleas it hurts really bad...don...don't touch pleas" she said and continued to cry hysterically. "Ridhima baby mujhe dekhne to do...I need to see it once na sweetheart" he said in a cajoling tone but she was just not ready to listen and shook her head adamantly making him sigh hard "Please bacha...I promise I will be gently...but mujhe dekhne to do, how will I know what the problem is if you don't let me see na?" he tried his level best to convince her just like one convinces a child and finally after hesitating a bit Ridhima nodded making him sigh relief. He very carefully lifted her right hand and could see that that her hand really swollen up, specially her wrist which had also turned slightly blue."Shh...shhh its okay...it's okay" he tried calming her down as she cried and hissed through his examination. "Ridhima are you hurt anywhere else baby?" asked Armaan worriedly, her hand did not seem all that fine and he was most probably sure that is was more than just a sprain and they would definitely need to go to the hospital to get it treated but before that he had to know if she was hurting anywhere else so that he could at least try and comforting her. Ridhima nodded her head meekly hearing his question making him all the more restless "Where? Where baby?" he asked trying his best to keep the panic away from his voice so as to not stress her any further. "My...My le...left foot'' she replied in such a weak voice that literally stirred his heart, however keeping his emotions aside he at once got down from the couch and bend down to have a look at her foot, it did look a little swollen not as bad as the hand though, he tried to rotate her ankle but her painful cry made him stop there and then. He carefully placed her foot down and getting back on the couch he cupped her teary face in his hands "Shh...shhh...it's okay baby, hum abhi doctor ke pass chalte hai you will be absolutely fine okay" he said wiping her tears with his thumb and assuring her to the best that he could "Na..nahi no doctor please" she said amidst her sobs making him rub his face in frustration. He knew she hated hospitals but this was really not the time to be stubborn for once he wanted to scold her for even denying to go to doctor but looking at her sate he thought otherwise and trying his level best to keep his anger at bay he said in a voice as calm as he could manage. "Ridhima this is really not the time to even think of saying no to the doctor...apni halat dekho bacha you really need a doctor...and no more arguments on this". Ridhima wanted to refuse but hearing the finality in his tone she knew he would not budge come what may and to add to it she was too weak to really argue so having no other choice she just nodded quietly making him smile lightly and kiss her forehead "Good girl...first have some water phir chalte hai okay...here" he said taking the glass of water from the table and making her drink it. Thereafter he cautiously carried her in his arms and made his way towards the car where he guardedly sat her down on the passenger seat that was slightly reclined to make her feel more comfortable after which he too got in behind the wheel and drove as fast as possible to the hospital.

~Hospital~

It had been 20 minutes since Ridhima was wheeled in and brought to the emergency room and was being examined by the doctor while Armaan was with her all the while soothing her..."Well looks like Mr. Malik has fractured her wrist" said the doctor grabbing both Armaan and Ridhima's attention. They looked so worried and so without bothering to wait for them to ask the doctor spoke up himself ..." Don't worry she will be absolutely fine, we will have to put a cast and she will have to be very careful for the next two-two and a half weeks making sure to apply no pressure on it at all and ill also prescribe some pain killers that she can take as and when needed. Also she has sprained her ankle but that should get better within a week just be sure to avoid straining it too, much...Other than that she is okay and I must say it was lucky safe, had she not put her hand in between and hit her head things could have turned out really bad so..." Hearing the doctors words somewhere Armaan was relived at least he knew she would be okay, though seeing her in pain nearly killed him but like the doctor said things could have really been bad and he should be grateful that they were not. "Thank you so much doctor'' said Armaan while the doctor nodded in acknowledgement and soon enough got into the task of putting Ridhima's hand in a cast. She kept hissing in between while Armaan tried his best to comfort her "Shh...shhh...bas...bas ho gaya baby" said Armaan while caressing her hair as the doctor continued with his work..."And it's done..." said the doctor as he finished putting the cast. "Uhmm when can I take her home?" asked Armaan while rubbing Ridhima's back as she hiccupped a little due to her constant crying "You can take her home now itself... There is no need for her to stay here, just take the precautions I told you and she should be fit as a fiddle and if anything you're free to call me anytime" said the doctor smiling at the couple who looked so much in love, he could clearly see how worried Armaan looked while Ridhima too was just not willing to let him go away for even a second. "Don't worry Mrs. Malik the pain injection that we gave you should start showing its effect now and you will surely feel some relief...Anyway I'll take your leave now, the nurse will get the discharge papers and there are a few more formalities to be done thereafter you can leave and I'll see you next after two weeks hopefully till then we can remove this cast" said the doctor as he saw Ridhima silently sobbing in pain and thereafter left after instructing the nurse to help the couple. "Shh abhi theek ho jayega hmm...bas shh" said Armaan taking her in his arms and caressing her head to calm her down...

After sometime the injection showed its effect and Ridhima felt slightly better, just then an nurse entered with Ridhima's discharge papers and asked Armaan to go to the reception to complete the rest of the formalities and although unwillingly but Armaan had to go...After twenty minutes Armaan came back to Ridhima's room after completing all the necessary paper work and found Ridhima chatting randomly with the nurse who was tying a crape bandage on her sprained foot. He just stood leaning on the door of the room silently watching her, God such a relief it was to see her (Ridhima) smiling and not crying. The last two hours had been hell for him, how his heart shattered to see her cry in so much of pain, she still looked pale and very weak but she was undoubtedly in a better condition than the last few hours and that somehow managed to cool down his thumping heart. "Arey Armaan, waha kyu khade ho come na" said Ridhima breaking his chain of thought as she saw him standing at the door of the room, hearing her call him he straightened his body and smilingly walked towards her "Ab kaisa lag raha hai? Ab zyada dard to nahi hai na?" asked Armaan as he lovingly kissed her forehead and brushed her fringes away from her face "Hmm...Abhi dard kam hai" replied Ridhima with a smile making him smile more.

Just then they heard a slight whimper from somewhere near the door and on turning towards it they found a small baby who could barely walk on his own sat near the door with tears streaming down his face. He was probably just crawling around and lost his way and since the door of Ridhima's room was opened he must have entered. Armaan at once went to pick the baby up and console him "Ale ale...kya ho gaya baby ko? Why are you crying sweetie...shhh" he cooed swinging the baby gently in his arms. Ridhima and the nurse smiled looking at how nicely Armaan was handling the child..."Ek baat bolu Ridhima ji?" said the nurse while Ridhima nodded "Aap na bohot lucky ho...Your husband is really good with kids, I am sure he will make an amazing father. Woh to is bache ko jante bhi nahi hai par phir bhi kitne pyaar se use chup karwa rahe hai to apne bacho ko to kitna pyaar denge nahi?" said the nurse. Ridhima once again turned towards the door to see the baby who was now much more calm resting his head on Armaan' shoulder while Armaan patted his back to soothe him and all of a sudden a feeling of guilt surrounded her. Had things been different she would have been four months pregnant today she thought...All of a sudden everything came in front of her, her baby, her taking those sleeping pills, her miscarriage, everything...But the worse thing was that she still did not understand why? Why did she have to take those pills? All she knew was that she killed her child, she was the reason of that void in their life and that very thought left a very bitter taste in her mouth...Her chain of thought was disturbed by the mother of the child who came running towards the baby all panicky and worried as she could not find the baby anywhere, she took the baby from Armaan and thanked him profusely for taking care of the child who had actually lost his way while crawling while he brushed it off saying that it was okay and he was such a cute baby he loved to have gotten the chance to meet him, the lady finally left thanking him once again. Armaan waved to the baby till he was out of sight then made his way towards Ridhima with a wide grin on his face "such a cute kid na" he said while Ridhima nodded with a small smile. "Kya hua? What are you thinking about?" asked Armaan as he found her a little lost to which she just shook her head saying that she was just tired and sleepy probably because of the painkillers. Armaan instantly bought this excuse as it did seem very valid and so not bothering to dig further or read between the lines he just nodded and without wasting anymore time he placed her on the wheelchair and made way to finally exit the hospital and go home completely unware of the havoc going on in her mind.

PRECAP:- More of flashback and maybe a glimpse of present as well ;)

-Tanishka (Tani)