TDBU #2 [An AR FF] - (Teaser - Page 142) - Page 8

Originally posted by: scorpiofazy

Is our lucky day today to get update???

Previously On...

Shilpa reveals that she is Karthik Malhotra's daughter.

Riddhima makes a snide comment on learning the truth, which causes Armaan to lose his temper and he behaves very rudely with Riddhima.

Track 26 - Oh Mother, Christina Aguilera

Armaan paced his office, worried. Ever since his talk with Shilpa, he was agitated. She'd forgiven Riddhima so easily. Armaan knew how much it hurt Shilpa to hear Riddhima say those words. But, she'd still forgiven her. Just like he used to.

He'd forgiven Riddhima for hurting his feelings time and again way back when. He'd been so in love with her that one smile and he was ready to let her get away with murder. It was a given, he supposed. Loving Riddhima was such an intense feeling. You couldn't go half-way when you did. It was always all or nothing. And he'd loved her with everything. Like, Shilpa did.

Yes, it was a different kind of love that Shilpa had for Riddhima, but it was wholesome nonetheless. Shilpa had told him time and again how much she loved Riddhima and many times, it used to remind Armaan of the love he had for Rahul and vice versa. And, he and Rahul would do absolutely anything for each other.

Now, knowing that she loved her sister so much, yet wouldn't get to be a part of her life, no matter how small or insignificant, hurt Armaan. Shilpa was a really good friend and Armaan did care a great deal about her. She'd been there for him through some really tough times back in Mumbai and then when they'd met again, in New York, 2 years ago, their friendship had only grown stronger. So, yes, she was a great friend and Armaan was worried for her. He wanted her to be happy.

He was also absolutely disgusted by himself. He couldn't believe that he'd said all those things to Riddhima. He'd called her selfish and heartless and cruel. He was so mad at himself for doing that.

Yes, what Riddhima had done was wrong, what she'd said was reprehensible. Yes, he was absolutely, completely mad at her for saying that to Shilpa. But, that didn't mean he had to do the same thing to Riddhima. He should have had a handle on his feelings and not blown off the gasket like that.

He knew Riddhima. He knew that once she learned the truth, at first it would be a complete shock and she might say stuff she doesn't mean. That's exactly what had happened. Yet, he'd lost his cool and proceeded to spew absolute venom at Riddhima, adding to her woes. He should have given her time to process the news. He should have helped. But, he'd done the exact opposite.

He needed to apologize to Riddhima. It was the right thing to do. He needed to do this. He needed to set it right.

Determined to talk to her, Armaan left his study and walked to her room. The quiet of the house made Armaan feel uneasy. It was haunting. Rahul and Tamanna had gone for some wedding prep, that Armaan and Riddhima were supposed to handle, but seeing the situation at home, Rahul had suggested they go instead. Jaan was a little shaken by the heated arguments at breakfast and had gone to the Mehras' for the day. Shilpa was in his room and Karan was sitting outside his door, determined to be there the minute Shilpa needed. That boy loved her so much. He just needed to figure it out already. The rest of the gang, he was sure, was with Riddhima. The kids had been sent to the Mehras along with Jaan so that the sombre atmosphere at home didn't affect them and they didn't ask questions.

Good, he thought. A public apology would be perfect, especially after he'd said all that in front of everyone.

He knocked on Riddhima's room and Atul opened the door.

"Is Riddhima there?" He asked. Atul nodded and opened the door wider to let him in.

Sure enough, all of Riddhima's family was inside, with the exception of Sid, which he found odd, but wrote it off. Armaan had bigger issues to deal with. Riddhima was sitting on the bed, clinging to Anjali with Nani sitting on her other side. Padma was sat at the foot of the bed. Shashank was standing near the bed, peering at Riddhima, looking really worried. Atul was sitting on the floor near Anjali.

He guessed that the others were all in their rooms, still repurcating from the events of the morning and trying to give the Guptas some space to resolve it all.

Armaan cleared his throat and got everyone's attention.

"Riddhima," Armaan asked gently, "can we talk?"

Before Riddhima could say anything, Shashank thundered, "Is there anything left to say, Dr. Mallik? Have you decided that everything that you said to her in the morning wasn't enough that now you're here to say more? Add some salt to her wounds?"

"No! Absolutely not. I... I shouldn't have lost my cool like that. What I said to her was wrong. I just... I want to apologize," Armaan replied.

Turning to Riddhima, he repeated, "I just want to apologize. Please."

Riddhima nodded. Happy with her gesture, Armaan sat on the only empty space on the bed.

"Look, Riddhima, what happened at breakfast shouldn't have happened. Ever. I'm sorry I said all that to you. I didn't mean it. I absolutely shouldn't have lost my temper like that. But, I just got really mad when you said that to Shilpa. I should have understood. What Shilpa just revealed... It was a huge thing. Obviously, you needed time to process. Anyone would. But I didn't think about it and just said all that. It was complete bullshit. It was all my fault. You didn't do anything wrong," Armaan told her.

"It was the truth," Riddhima croaked.

During these few hours, she'd come to realizations of her own. And, she realized that everything that Armaan had said was absolutely true. She didn't stop to think what others were feeling when she said something, especially when it was to call them out on something.

And, what she'd said to Shilpa was kind of cruel. She shouldn't have essentially called her filth.

"It wasn't!" Armaan disagreed vehemently. "You're not selfish or heartless. Or cruel. Or even vindictive. Okay, you're a little vindictive, especially when you're pranking me. But, you're a good person. In fact, you're one of the best people I know."

Riddhima laughed at his words. He always knew what to say to make her feel better.

"The best person?" She asked, surprised. "Even after everything?"

"What happened between us didn't change my opinion of you as a person, Riddhima. At that time, circumstances were such that they led you to make a decision you thought was best for everyone involved and I'd never hold a grudge against you for that. You were just doing the right thing," Armaan told her.

"Thank you for saying that," Riddhima replied, tearing up.

"I see you still carry a water tank in your eyes," Armaan joked.

Riddhima made a face at him and swatted his arm.

"Ow!" He yelped. "Still hit as hard too."

Everyone in the room laughed at that. Seeing Armaan & Riddhima behave so normally with each other after all this time, as if nothing ugly had transpired between the two of them 7 years ago, was both a shock and a surprise, but in the best way.

"But, jokes apart. I really am sorry for saying all that. I just, I lost my shit back there. I didn't think and just spewed anything and everything. I should have taken into account how you must have felt at that moment. It was obviously a shock. And you needed time to process, but I just... I didn't think," Armaan said.

"No. Don't... Don't apologize, Armaan," Riddhima replied. "You were just defending your friend. And, you were right. What I said to her was cruel. I shouldn't have said that. Just like I shouldn't have said all those things to you when I found out that you knew I was adopted."

Armaan sighed. Of course, she would be hung up on that.

"No, no, Riddhima. What happened, happened. I don't care about that. It was a decade ago. I've already forgotten it. And, you needed someone then. I was happy to help in any way you needed. I cared about you. I still do," Armaan answered. "In fact, I should be apologizing to you about that. I shouldn't have said anything in front of others. That was something that was between you and me. Nobody else needed to know what had happened, but in the heat of the moment, I just said that."

"Armaan, you don't have to apologize about that. I get it, you were angry then, just like I was. And, it's not like they didn't know about my adoption. Everyone did. So, you didn't tell them something new. If they hadn't known, yes, I would have been angry, but they all already know that Dad adopted me. And, well, they still didn't know about Mom, because no one took her name, and that's great. So, I would like to keep it that way, okay?" Riddhima replied.

Armaan nodded. "Absolutely. You have my word. No one will find out that we were talking about Padma Aunty," Armaan vowed, looking at her (Padma), who flashed him a grateful smile.

"I still am sorry about the way I reacted then, Armaan," Riddhima continued. "You were there. You were there through it all. When I needed a friend, you were always there, no matter what. And, then I just turned on you after I found out the truth and that wasn't okay. I can understand why you didn't tell me. I mean, how do you tell someone that you know that the family they thought was theirs for all their life isn't actually theirs, right?" Riddhima asked.

"Ridzy!" Anjali cried. "How can you say that? We're family. We'll always be family. We always were one. You're my sister, and nothing can change that. Especially not some piece of paper. Okay?"

Riddhima nodded and hugged Anjali tight. "I love you, Di," she murmured.

"I love you, too," Anjali replied.

Armaan smiled at the love and affection between the two sisters. This is what Shilpa dreamed off. Riddhima loving her like she loved Anjali. Armaan knew that something like that was almost impossible to achieve, because of course, Riddhima could never love Shilpa as much as she loved Anjali, even if somewhere down the line, she accepted Shilpa as her sister, which in itself was not something Armaan could foresee happening.

But, that didn't mean that they couldn't at least be kind to one another, and share a cordial, even if aloof relationship.

"Can I... Can I say something?" He asked, out loud.

Riddhima nodded.

"Look, it's not my place to interfere and I probably shouldn't even say anything," he began, "but would you consider giving Shilpa a chance?"

"Armaan, I..." Riddhima trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"I... Look, I'm not saying you have to do it. I'm not trying to force you. At all. It's just... I really think you should," Armaan said.

"Why? Why should she do that, Armaan?" Padma asked.

Armaan gave her a small smile. "I understand that what her father did to you was absolutely abhorrent and cowardly and completely shitty..."

Padma didn't let him finish, before she intervened. "Exactly. It was all that and more. And you know it. So, why are you saying that?"

"Aunty, I..." Armaan tried to defend himself, but Padma didn't give him the chance.

"No, Armaan. Like Riddhima said, you've been there through it all. By Riddhima's side. By my side. You know everything. You supported both of us through it. And you're still asking Riddhima to give Shilpa a chance? How can you do that?" Padma asked. "Of all of Riddhima and Anjali's friends, you've always been the one who understood me. Better than anyone else. At times, better than even Riddhima. You know my pain. And you're still sitting here, asking us to give a chance to the daughter of the man who almost ruined my entire life. Did you ever pause to think where Riddhima would have been today if Shashank & Smriti hadn't decided to adopt her?"

"Mom is right, Armaan," Anjali seconded. "That man ruined everything. We're all very thankful that he wasn't able to, and that Ridzy became a part of our family and then Mom did too, but it could have gone another way. It could have ended with Mom raising Ridzy alone. It could have ended with them being shunned by society and being taunted everywhere they went. Their lives could have been absolute Hell."

"I know," Armaan replied. "I know, okay? I completely understand. And, if you choose not to, it's your right and your decision and I won't ever, ever, ever ask you to change it. But, have you ever paused to think that none of this is Shilpa's fault?"

Armaan's question took everyone by surprise. None of them had thought before blaming Shilpa for everything. But, really, that girl wasn't even born when all this happened.

"I mean, really, what is her fault in all of this? Her father hadn't even met her mother when all this happened. She wasn't here. She didn't make him do anything. He did it of his own free will," Armaan said. "And, when she found out about it, she left her ailing father to look for you. Even now, when she's back in Florida, she doesn't live with her father. They stay separately. And she only goes there to check up on him, because she thinks it's her duty as his daughter to look after him. She's never eaten a single meal at his house since she found out. And, yes, she went back to Florida because of him, but it wasn't out of love. It was out of responsibility. You understand the difference between love and responsibility, don't you?" He added, looking pointedly at Riddhima.

If anyone, she knew what he meant. Hadn't she chosen responsibility over love 7 years ago, when she told Armaan she had to let him go? When she'd chosen Sid for the final time over him, breaking both their hearts in the process?

"Armaan..." Riddhima whispered, her voice full of a thousand emotions. Love, regret, loneliness, want.

Armaan sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," he said quietly. "But, I didn't mean... I didn't mean what you think I meant," he insisted. "I wasn't trying to taunt you, I promise."

"I know," Riddhima answered.

"What?" Anjali asked. "What does that mean?" She was really confused. Why had Armaan & Riddhima both reacted so strangely to Armaan's words? What had he meant by them that only Riddhima understood? Of course, the two had been in a relationship for a long time and obviously there was stuff that no one knew but them, but this was making her anxious, because those words didn't have a positive reaction, like the joking earlier.

"Nothing. It's not important," Armaan answered.

"Armaan, it is important, if it makes both of you feel so bad," Anjali told him.

"Let it be, Di. Like Armaan said, it's not important. Even if it was, it's long past. A memory, that's it," Riddhima said.

"Yes," Armaan agreed. "And, we have much more important things to talk about."

"Riddhima, Shilpa really loves you," He said. "She really does. And, accepting her doesn't mean you're accepting her father. It's okay to loathe that man. God knows I do. I absolutely hate him for he did to you and your mother. So much that, the only time I've been in a room with him, for I don't know, 5 minutes? Karan had to physically restrain me from punching him in the face. I absolutely, completely, wholly hate him. And I always will. There is nothing he can do change that. But, I love Shilpa. She's one of my best friends because she's such a great person, not unlike you," he added in the end, winking at her. Riddhima laughed at that.

"I know that it's hard and if you chose not to, no one would begrudge you that, especially me. But, I really think you should give her a chance, because if you don't, you're going to miss out on knowing an amazing person, who really, really, really loves you. Please, don't punish Shilpa for the sins of her father," Armaan pleaded.

Turning to Padma, he said, "I know... I know what I'm asking for is a lot, that it's all easier said than done. I also know that the amount of pain you've suffered at the hands of Shilpa's father isn't something that can ever be measured. You've... Gods, you've seen so much, Padma Aunty. And I really, really, really admire you for being so strong and finding your place in the world despite everything that happened. What Karthik Malhotra did to you is not something that can ever be forgiven or forgotten. He's an asshole, and I will never change my mind about him. He doesn't deserve it.

Knowing what he's done makes me so angry, so I can't even imagine how you must rage, experiencing it all. And, to accept that man's daughter? It's not easy. It is perhaps more difficult than anyone can ever imagine. I know it will cause you pain. And, if you don't want to, I completely support you. It's not something you can expect out of anybody.

Shilpa too. She... She hopes to be a part of your family, but she knows that the possibility of it is very less. And, she doesn't begrudge you that. She knows that after everything you've all been through, because of her father, accepting her is hard.

And, if you don't want to, that's your choice. We all will respect that. But, if you could just... I know even asking this is a lot, but... Uh... If we could all stay civil for the next few days? I mean... We're all here, under one roof, to celebrate such a happy occasion. Tainting it with bad memories, yours, Riddhima's or Shilpa's will be painful, not only for you guys, but for all of us as well, because we all care about you. Especially me. You... You've always been like a mother to me, Aunty. And I respect you a lot. Causing you pain or hurting you is the last thing I want to do. But, Shilpa... She's also my friend. And she's been through a lot in these past few years. She's supported me through some tough times, and I can't turn my back on her. Because I care about her too.

You're right, Padma Aunty. I understand what you've been through because I was there. Which is why, I know that you're the most forgiving person I've come across. So, I hope you can forgive Shilpa for her father's mistakes. Because, Shilpa is so much more than just Karthik Malhotra's daughter. She's a good person.

And, I'm not asking you to open your arms for her and welcome her into the family like a long lost daughter. I just... I hope you can keep your differences with that man aside and not judge an innocent bystander for his sins. I hope that you can be somewhat polite and friendly to her, and not make her the victim of your anger on what her father did. That's all.

The rest is up to you. Thank you for letting me talk. You didn't have to, but you still did. And, I really am very sorry for the way I behaved this morning," he concluded.

"Armaan, don't. Please stop apologizing. Yes, what happened at breakfast, shouldn't have happened. But, I started it. And, looking back, I realize that what I said was out of line. It was a really cruel thing to say. No matter what, Shilpa is human. Equating her with garbage isn't something I should have done. Anyone would have reacted the way you did, and I don't hold it against you. But, if it's important to you, I forgive you," Riddhima replied.

Armaan grinned at her knowingly. She was throwing his words back at him. Like she had a propensity if doing.

"Once a line thief, always a line thief," he told her. Riddhima guffawed at that.

No one understood what Armaan was implying, but the smirks on Armaan and Riddhima's faces where enough for them to understand that it was a private joke between them from earlier.

Seeing them joke about the past so casually was a sight to behold. It seemed like all the bad memories and pain had washed away in this time apart and only the good things remained.

Riddhima passed him a small smile, which he returned. He then got up from the bed and turned to leave, only for Riddhima to stop him by saying, "Is it okay if I see her now?"

Next time...

Riddhima & Shilpa talk. Shilpa explains her reasons for leaving her father behind.

xxx

So, I hope y'all enjoyed this and maybe Armaan was able to redeem himself from his fit of anger in the last chapter. He realized he made a mistake and apologized.

More of Padma scenes coming up, with Armaan and Riddhima and maybe even Shilpa. So, this is not the end of this conversation.

PLEASE READ & COMMENT ON THIS!

Gear up for a few chapters without AR sharing scenes because everyone has a lot to think about/discuss. There might be a scene or two scattered over the next few chapters, but zyada scenes nahi honge cause, like I said, Padma will have separate scenes with A & R. Ridz will have a scene with Nikki, Armaan with Shilpa and/or Karan. So, AR will be there, just not together.

Earlier, I was going to put all these scenes as outtakes, but I think that they're important for the storyline and character development, so I've decided to keep them in the main story. But, if you still want them to be outtakes, lemme know and if majority of the people think that, then we'll put them as outtakes. :)

Ab wish me luck cause results are out tomorrow and I'm really scared! I hope it's all good!

Whoa, oh, yeah

She was so young with such innocent eyes
She always dreamt of a fairytale life
And all the things your money can't buy
She thought that he was a wonderful guy
Then, suddenly, things seemed to change
It was the moment she took on his name
He took his anger out on her face
She kept all of her pain locked away

Oh mother, we're stronger
From all of the tears you have shed
Oh mother, don't look back
'Cause he'll never hurt us again

So, mother, I thank you
For all you've done and still do
You got me, I got you
Together we always pull through
We always pull through
We always pull through
Oh mother, oh mother, oh mother

It was the day that he turned on his kids
That she knew she just had to leave him
So many voices inside of her head
Saying over and over and over
'You deserve much more than this.'

She was so sick of believing the lies and trying to hide
Covering the cuts and bruises (cuts and bruises)
So tired of defending her life; she could have died
Fighting for the lives of her children

Oh mother, we're stronger
From all of the tears you have shed (all of the tears you have shed)
Oh mother, don't look back
'Cause he'll never hurt us again (He'll never hurt us again)

So, mother, I thank you (thank you)
For all that you've done and still do (still do)
You got me, I got you
(Yeah, you got me, and I got you)
Together we always pull through
Oh mother, oh mother, oh mother

All of your life you have spent
Burying hurt and regret
But, mama, he'll never touch us again

For every time he tried to break you down
Just remember who's still around
It's over, and we're stronger
And we'll never have to go back again

Oh mother, we're stronger
From all of the tears you have shed
Oh mother, don't look back (Oh mother, don't look back again)
'Cause he'll never hurt us again 'Cause he'll never hurt us again)

So, mother, I thank you (And I thank you for everything you've done)
For all that you've done and still do (Together we always move on)
You got me, I got you (You got me, I got you)
Together we always pull through (always pull through)
We always pull through
We always pull through

I love you, mom

- Oh Mother, Christina Aguilera

res
unresed!


Armaan realized his mistake and he actually went to ask forgiveness infront of everyone..as he said those things infront of everyone


I actually loved shanky here.. His reaction was normal here... Any father would have done the same thing.. So I'm not saying anything to him.. I'm actually glad he didn't said anything else.. It was padma and ridhima only...



Then AR little moment.. They actually remember their past.. And made comment..and how other members react to their interactions..


Also Love the fact sid was nt there.. It was a family matters.. So only family was there... Idk why armaan ignored it.. Well maybe i would have done d same thing.. At that tym there's so many things in armaan's plate so y sid was nt there thats nt important for him at that moment..


Loved how armaan put his point... He actually understands its not easy for them to accept shipa with open arms.. Bt he also hope lyk shilpa..


Hahaha ridhima listens to armaan thats miracle..well we all know how ridhima is.. Over the years this thing changed

would love to read those larts as outtakes..warna so maby updates without AR is impossible to take

results ka tension mat le.. ab jo hona hai wohi hoga... lol.. just kidding
don't worry sab accha hoga

i want a shilpa karan convo.. not armaan.. i actually want karan to tell her its kind of impossible things what she wants from ridhima and her family.. for once she should think abt padma.. not only ridhima...


and i actually want ridhima to ask shilpa to make things better between shilpa and her father

one more thing i actually forgot to add love armaan mentioned when he met with shilpa's father he was ready to beat that man.. hahaha.. jo thandak mehsoos huyi kya batau

Originally posted by: Prizi

res
unresed!


Armaan realized his mistake and he actually went to ask forgiveness infront of everyone..as he said those things infront of everyone


I actually loved shanky here.. His reaction was normal here... Any father would have done the same thing.. So I'm not saying anything to him.. I'm actually glad he didn't said anything else.. It was padma and ridhima only...



Then AR little moment.. They actually remember their past.. And made comment..and how other members react to their interactions..


Also Love the fact sid was nt there.. It was a family matters.. So only family was there... Idk why armaan ignored it.. Well maybe i would have done d same thing.. At that tym there's so many things in armaan's plate so y sid was nt there thats nt important for him at that moment..


Loved how armaan put his point... He actually understands its not easy for them to accept shipa with open arms.. Bt he also hope lyk shilpa..


Hahaha ridhima listens to armaan thats miracle..well we all know how ridhima is.. Over the years this thing changed

Yeah, Armaan and Riddhima both have matured. So, they're a little different than the characters we fell in love with, but they're still the same in the most basic, important ways. Which is why, Riddhima listened to what he said and when she felt what he was saying was right, she asked to see Shilpa. Just like Armaan felt that because he insulted Riddhima in front of everyone, he should apologize in front of everyone too.

Hahahaha. Yeah, Shanky was right, here. Waise I was planning to give him a long rant, but then I didn't, ki chod, fukat mein people will start saying shit about him. So, he just said a little.

Those little AR moments, all of them which were scattered in this chapter were just so... It was difficult to write them, but at the same time, I loved writing them too. <3333

Pehle I'd planned keeping Sid there, but then I decided not to, because he isn't family. Waise bhi, Armaan was so preoccupied, thinking about how to apologize to Riddhima, what to say to her and to Padma that he didn't really think much of him not bejng there.

Yes. Armaan knows that accepting Shilpa is not something that the Guptas can do, and even if they do, it'll not be easy. He completely understands that. So, he's not going to force them to do so, or talk them into it. He just wants them to not hold a grudge against Shilpa for what Karthik did. Nothing else.

Originally posted by: Prizi

would love to read those larts as outtakes..warna so maby updates without AR is impossible to take

Point noted, judge saab.