Part 13
So very sorry for the delay'I hope I make up the delay with this part'which is pretty long'This is an early EID gift from my side to all my readers'Early EID Mubarak!😊 I hope you all enjoy the way the update turned out 'I hope you all find the past up to the bar'Please leave your honest comments'it would help me improve!😳
Everyone gathered up in Armaan's SUV to head back home. Armaan looked towards his right while driving and stole a glance at Riddhima, who was sleeping, her head resting against the cushion of the seat while her hands were tightly crossed in front of her chest. A smile automatically formed on his face as he looked at that angelic face of hers which reflected pure innocence as she slept. Everyone had beeen exhausted after all the fun they had at the boardwalk and the beach and had some time or the other had drifted off to sleep while Armaan drove. Silence surrounded the inside of Armaan's SUV'well, except the light snoring that was coming from Muskaan once in a while.
Riddhima's foot was healing slowly, but on Anjali's insistence that she get some room, Armaan carried Riddhima to the passenger seat of his SUV and put her down there. Armaan definitely did not mind Riddhima sitting next to him. It was just the perfect chance to be close to her. Riddhima smilingly shook her head at him as she could tell by his expressions that he was jumping with joy on the inside. Arman tried very hard to control his excitement of getting another chance to be with her as Riddhima glared at him. It was as if God were listening to Armaan's pleas.
Armaan put his foot on the brake as he approached traffic. He still couldn't come to terms with the fact that today both of them had confessed. Armaan initially confessed without being certain about her feelings. He confessed his feelings for her at the spur of the moment without even considering if she felt the same way. His confession turned out for the better though. He would have never imagined that Riddhima felt the same way about him as he did about her.
He turned to look at Riddhima, who was slighly shivering despite the AC not being on. The AC hadn't been turned on due to the fact that all of them were still a bit wet even after they had dried themselves up with towels. All wanted to avoid getting sick. Armaan grabbed his jacket from behind his seat and he leaned towards Riddhima and layed it on top of her. Riddhima shifted in her seat as she slept whilst a smile crept on her face which mesmerized Armaan all the more. There was definitely something to her smile which slowly pulled Armaan more towards her. As he looked at her, he vowed that he would never let her smile escape her lips. Never would he allow a cloud of storm to fall upon them or their love. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trailing his fingers on her milky skin.
Riddhima jerked feeling someone's touch on her face and instantly opened her eyes only to see Armaan staring lovingly at her. She looked back at him with the same love in her eyes. She glanced at Armaan's jacket covering her body and she clutched on to it even tighter as if she was claiming it to be her own.
Armaan smiled as he looked at how possessive Riddhima was getting with the jacket. She had a right to. Both were certain that their love for each other was true and wasn't a facade. There wasn't anything wrong with Riddhima showing that both of them were together through the jacket. After all, everything of Armaan's would belong to her soon enough. It made Armaan happy knowing that Riddhima accepted him for who he was along with his love.
'Aaarmaan,' whispered Riddhima, lowering her gaze slightly, as Armaan blew her a flying kiss while pressing his foot on the accelerator.
'Itna kyun sharma rahi ho,' he whispered mischeviously as he glanced at her for a second, 'I know deep down you enjoyed that flying kiss.'
Riddhima flashed him a shy smile and turned her face towards the window, looking at the night-time view surrounding them.
'Oye hoyye...tumhari yeh sharam meri jaan le legi,' he whispered leaning towards her, his breath hitting her neck, as he stopped the car at the red light.
Riddhima tried very hard to maintain her posture as his breath hit her neck. His proximity did wonders to her. She felt as if her organs inside her body were doing somersaults when he came this close to her. A rush of emotions passed through her as she slowly turned her face around to face him.
'Armaaan,' she whispered as put her finger on his lips. 'Agar aisi baat hai tho mein sharma na chordungi...agar mera sharmana tumhari jaan legi tho mera kya hoga'I can't imagine my life without you Armaan'Please don't say things like this,' said Riddhima, as she started feeling her insecure emotions on the rise again. She had gotten love back in her life and she didn't want to lose on it.
'Riddhima,' he said, taking her hand in his while one was on the wheel, 'main to sirf mazaak kar raha hoon'I'm just joking.' He glanced at her and tightned his hold on her hand. 'Mera kehna ka matlab tha keh jab tum sharmati ho tab tum bohot khoobsurat lagti ho,' he winked.
A smile appeared on Riddhima's face. 'Acha,' she said as she glared at him.
'Kyun'koi shaak?' whispered Armaan back to her.
'Hmm'Are you trying to say I'm not pretty when I don't blush?' she said raising her eyebrows and snuggling herself against the warmth of the jacket.
'Hmmm,' he said as he went into thinking mode. 'You may be right'Zaara sochna padega'give me some time to decide on it,' he said only to feel Riddhima pull her hand out of his grasp and turn to the window, clearing showing signs of anger.
'Riddhima,' said Armaan as he smiled looking at her childish behavior. 'Riddhima,' he said as he grabbed a hold of her hand again and clasped it tightly, making her face him. 'Riddhima, you are beautiful no matter what'Khoobsurati tumhari dil aur dimaag pe chaayi hui hai'tum sirf bahaar se hi nahi'andar se bhi khoobsurat ho'Tume kya laga, mene sirf tum se aise hi pyaar kiya'I love you for what you are'not only how you look,' he said deepening his dimples as he smiled. 'Mere liye tum khoobsurat ho aur raho gi'lekin jab tum sharmaati ho tab tum bohot bohot khoobsurat lagti ho aur jab tum ghabrakar apne nazrein niche karti ho tab bhi tumpe khoobsurati chamakti hai,' he finished off winking at her, and turned back to look on the road.
Riddhima melted hearing his words. His sweet words touched her heart. She felt her heart flutter at his soothing, sweet words. She knew she made the right choice by including Armaan in her life. He made her feel so good about herself. Not that she was insecure, but he was able to bring a smile on her face with such ease. It was as if he had magic in his hands. She silently thanked God for bringing Armaan in her life. Now the only thing that remained for her to attain true happiness was reveal her past to Armaan and lift the burden which was weighing itself on their relationship. She didn't want her past to come and ruin her present and future with Armaan.
'Armaaan,' said Riddhima, holding his one hand close to her heart. 'Tum mujhse itna pyaar karte ho'I have no words'I'm seriously speechless'You still don't know about my past'and you've accepted me so gracefully'without asking any questions or anything.'
'Riddhima'I've told you before that your past can't harm our relationship'I won't allow that to happen'I don't need to ask you any questions'the fact that you want to tell me about your past yourself just shows how much you care and value our relationship.' He glanced at her eyes welling up, 'Riddhima, now wipe those tears'Their too precious to be wasted'We've reached Sanjeevani.'
Riddhima wiped her tears as he stopped the car and looked back at the gang sleeping soundlessly. He smirked mischeviously as a thought came to his mind.
'Watch how they all wake up now,' he said to Riddhima as he accelerated the car in the parking lot and braked hard.
'Ahhh,' yelled Rahul, Muskaan, Anjali, and Atul as they slightly jerked forward in their seats.
Armaan started chuckling slightly as Riddhima joined him.
'ARMAAAN! Kya kar rahe ho,' yelled an irritated Anjali seconded by Muskaan.
'Haan Armaan'marne ka iraada banaya hai kya'chain se sone bhi nahi dete ho'tumhari aur tumhari mom ki ek hi aadat hai,' she said agitated due to the sudden jerk, 'kabhi mera picha nahi chorte.'
'Muskaan'meri mom khe bare mein ut patang batein maat kiya kar'ek din agar mom ne sun liya tho teri khair nahi'tab ana mera paas rote huye'' he said turning his face towards them.
'Sorry yaar' lekin is jhatke ki kya zaroorat thi'' said Muskaan gently massaging her head as her head felt very heavy after the nap in the car.
'Tum logon ko ghar nahi jaana hai kya'Hum Sanjeevani pohonch gaye hain,' said Armaan calmly.
Everyone got out of the SUV and made their way towards their vehicles. Rahul offered to drop Muskaan home and they bid their goodbye's. Atul and Anjali wanted to drop Riddhima off home this late at night.
'Riddhima'come with us, we'll drop you home,' said Atul.
'Nahi jiju'It's fine' I can manage,' she said with a smile on her face, blinking her eyes as if thanking him for the offer.
'Riddhima'yeh kya baat hui'we'll drop you off'your foot is probably swollen right now'I don't want you to go out this late finding a taxi anyway'plus, you're my sister and I won't even allow you to go out alone this late at night in this condition no matter how much you protest,' Anjali said firmly grabbing her hand.
'Anjali, if you don't mind'I'll drop Riddhima home'You both go home and relax a bit'It's been a long day for both of you'I don't mind taking her home at all,' said Armaan, interrupting their conversation.
'Hmm...Are you sure Armaan,' said Atul, 'We don't have a problem with it''
'Don't worry guys'I'll drop her home'You guys go rest,' he said flashing a smile at them.
'Thanks Armaan,' said Anjali hugging him. 'You're always there for us.'
'And I always will be there for you all.' He pulled out of the hug.
Anjali and Atul bid goodbye to Riddhima and Armaan and left for their home. In the meantime, Armaan slid his hand on Riddhima's waist as he helped her walk to the passenger seat. Riddhima threw her hands behind his shoulder for support as he walked her slowly to the car door. Opening it, he placed her in the seat.
The car ride had gone by in silence when Armaan suddenly stopped the car abruptly. Riddhima, who was enjoying the warmth of Armaan's jacket around her shoulders, jerked up and looked out the window to try to get a clue as to where they were.
'Armaan'yeh hum park mein kyun aaye hain,' she said with a puzzling expression on her face.
'Hmm...Because I want to spend some time alone with you,' he said teasingly winking at her as he took off his seatbelt.
'Armaan'mazaak ke ilaawa kuch soojh tha nahi hai tumhe'har waqt mazaak karte rehte ho tum'' she said getting out of the car as Armaan opened the door for her.
'You know you love it,' he said with a mischevious grin on his face as Riddhima smiled at him.
'How could I not love it,' she said with her smile plastered over her face, 'You always manage to bring a smile on my face with your humor.'
'Ok..Ok'getting to serious business,' he said as Riddhima leaned her body on his for support as he walked to the bench in the park. 'You wanted to tell me about your past'I'm ready to listen to whatever you have to say,' he said, sitting her on the bench and sitting himself down too. 'Jo bhi kehna hai kaho'Tell me everything you want to tell me'I'm here to listen to you,' he said clasping his hand with hers.
Riddhima took a deep breath. She wanted to put her past behind her, however, now that she had binded herself in a new relationship it was time for her to be completely honest to Armaan. He deserved to know everything about her so no misunderstandings could form later on.
She narrarated the story as he held her hand in his hand.
Karan and I met at a friend's party about one and a half year ago. I was in my last year of medical college when we happened to fall for each other. To me, he seemed like the guy who would always be there for me, always support me whenever I needed it, and always love me for who I am. We bumped into each other quite often..sometimes at the local stores, at the public libraries, at the rare parties I attended and we instantly were pulled towards each other. We started meeting up in the libraries, we went to coffee shops, we hung out'basically we grew fond of each other instantly. I never found a bad streak in him. It was like he didn't have a bad side to him. Boy was I wrong'Kabhi kabar ankhein dhoka kha jati hain---I learnt that fact the hard way' What you see isn't always what you should believe.
Karan asked me to be his girlfriend after a while of knowing each other. I instantly said yes figuring that he was the man of my dreams. He always showered love on me and always did little sweet things for me. His every small gesture had a big impact on me. He always did things that would make me happy like bring me teddy bears, flowers, and chocolates'How I used to love that'Before Karan had come into my life, I used to wonder if I would ever get the chance to experience love for myself in my life. You know when I was small, I always had a dream. Keh ek din mera sapnon ka raj kumar aayega aur mujhe uthake meri zindagi rangeen bana dega. I always had the hope alive in me that one day my dream would come true. I felt that Karan had come into my life for that purpose. He would fill my life with colors, he would support me throughout my life, and he would love me unconditionally. He even bought me a promise ring saying that he would always stand by my side. Boy was I wrong'
I hadn't even told anyone in my family about our relationship as yet not even Anjali Di. Whenever I would ask him to come and tell my family about our relationship, he would always avoid the subject. Initially I used to not pay attention to the fact that he was avoiding coming clean about our relationship to my parents, I guessed that he needed time. He was finishing up his business degree and wanted to become successful in life and his career before commiting himself'I took that as his excuse. I decided to give him his space and let him be for a while, but when it began to keep on happening continuously, I figured that something or the other was definitely wrong.
One day, I decided to go meet him in his apartment just to spend time with him since I was getting bored at home. Upon opening his door with the spare key he had given me, I slowly walked towards his bedroom door hearing his voice coming from inside it.
He was talking to someone'a girl'I heard him talking to a girl. Standing outside the door, listening to the conversation, I was appalled. Never in my life I had thought that Karan would turn out to be this way. He admitted in the conversation he was having that he was using me for money. I was just a mere toy for him to come close to what he had always craved for in life'MONEY! My dad, being the head of Sanjeevani in Mumbai earned a huge wallet of amount as a doctor. We were fairly well- off when it came to money. Karan left me shocked that day for good'his words kept on repeating themselves in my ears as I quietly exited his apartment' 'I used Riddhima for money'Don't worry sweety, I'm already on Riddhima's good books'I've kept my image in front of her clean'I'm just waiting for the right moment to meet her parents'I don't want them to think I'm not worthy of her'I've been avoiding meeting her parents all this time since I wanted to gain her trust completely'But now that she trusts me more then her life, it will be way easier for me to play my next move now'' I couldn't believe what I heard. This man, whom I considered to be my knight in shining armour, had been a CHEAT all along. He had played with my trust'he had deceived me'All he cared about was wealth.
I told Anji Di about my relationship with Karan once I came home that day. I sobbed as I told her how much I had trusted him and he'He did nothing but break my trust'Anjali di gathered me'a complete wreck in her arms. She had gotten mad at me that I kept my relationship with Karan hidden from her, but seeing me completely broken down, she consoled me as much as she could have. She now had began to understand why I would leave her alone at medical college with excuses once our classes were over'That night, Anjali di did all she could to make me feel better without letting my parents even get an ounce of suspicion regarding me. Anji di advised me to forget Karan'Guys like Karan would never change, according to her and I began to comply with her opinions. Although Anji Di had never seen Karan, she had formed the opinion that he was a worthless guy and she tried her best to make me believe that too.
The day had finally come where we would be graduating from medical college. My five years of medical college finally paid off as I got my MBBS in my hands. That was the happiest day in my life after I had overheard Karan's conversation. I had been ignoring Karan for a week now. He absolutely had no idea why I was acting the way I was'obviously he wanted to find out sooner rather than later since he was greedy for money. Although I tried to appear confident from outside, my wounds on the inside were still fresh and I tried my best not to let them show. I was stepping into a new phase of life'I was going to start my internship pretty soon and I wanted to start it off on a good note. I wanted to let go of Karan and start afresh.
That same night I went to his apartment to break my relationship with him. I took the promise ring he had given me off my finger with anger showing on my face and threw it on his face once I stepped in his apartment.
Riddhima started sobbing softly as she began to narrate what had happened that night. Armaan sat there silently listening to her with her hand in his hand and tightened his hold on it when she cried while he held her close to himself by putting his other arm across her shoulder.
'Riddhima, yeh tum kya kar rahi ho,' said Karan appalled when he noticed her anger mixed with tears in her eyes once she threw the ring on his face.
'I can't believe you did this to me'and you're standing here asking me what I am doing'You very well should know what I am doing,' said Riddhima, anger rising through her expressions and tone by the second.
'I don't understand Riddhima,' said Karan as if he was ignorant.
'What don't you understand Karan'Why are you acting so ignorant like you know nothing'I heard you conversation the other day with the girl'YOU used me'I thought you loved me, but you used me for wealth? How cheap could you get?,' screamed Riddhima as she grabbed on to his collar.
'What rubbish,' said Karan acting as if he had never uttered those words.
'You were using me to fulfill your dreams'I can't believe I trusted you'After meeting you, I began to believe that you were the right man for me in my life, but now I'm sorry to say, you're deserving of NO woman'Tum jaise ladke ko kabhi kisi ladki ka pyaar nahi mil na chahiye',' she said in disgust as she took her hands off his shirt and looked away.
'Today, I break my relationship with you'Keep your stupid promise ring'You couldn't even keep your promises'I'm so thankful to God that he showed me your true colors before it was too late'' with saying that Riddhima turned to leave when Karan grabbed her wrist and pulled her while the anger on his face was boiling.
Riddhima bumped hardly into his chest. He held on to her as tight as he could from her shoulders, scaring Riddhima second by second.
'Karan,' said Riddhima as goosebumps on her body began to creep up, 'Leave me this instant.' She moaned in pain as his fingers clutched tightly to her flesh, 'Karan'I said LEAVE me'You're hurting me.'
'Who do you think you are,' yelled Karan as he shook her. 'Fine, I admit I used you'You are like any other girl'What's so special about you anyway? Tum jaisi ladki milna kaha itna mushkil kaam hai'I could find a bunch of other girls like you who can fall prey in my trap.'
Riddhima tried looking away in disgust as he held on to her.
'I can't believe that you actually began living in a fantasy world that I was the right guy for you,' he started laughing as if it were entertaining. He stopped laughing and looked into Riddhima's eyes, 'Main tumhe itni assani se jaane nahi doonga...Do you really think I'm going to let you off the hook so easily.' With saying that, he pinned her to the wall as fast as he could as Riddhima tried to resist his attempt but failed as he was much stronger than her.
'Let me go,' cried Riddhima as his body pressed on top of her's while he moved his lips closer to her's. He kissed her hard on her lips as Riddhima pushed his face back and slapped him as hard as she could. Blood started oozing out of the corner of his lips and he brushed the blood off and looked at Riddhima with even more anger. She had never seen this side to Karan and was frightened to wits end and tried to free herself from his grip, but couldn't.
He looked towards her in anger and tore the sleeve to her shirt off while Riddhima cried for help. 'Karan'choro mujhe'yeh tum kya kar rahe ho'leave me,' she said in sobs.
Karan brought his face closer to her neck and showered kisses on her neck ignoring her cries for help.
Riddhima cried as his lips made contact with her skin. He wasn't letting go of her hands. She was absolutely helpless. She decided to kick him as hard as she could and then take advantage of the situation and run.
'Ahh,' yelled Karan as he freed her hands and brought his to his leg once Riddhima kicked him hard.
Riddhima took full due advantage of the situation as she sobbed and got the vase from the nearby table and smacked it on his head and ran for her life as Karan winced in pain.
Narraration Mode Over
'Armaan, I can't believe that Karan would stoop so low! Never in my life I had imagined he would go that low to fulfill what he wanted'I still get the creeps when I remember this incident,' she said as she started sobbing hard while Armaan held on to her as tight as he could to comfort her.
'It's okay Riddhima'Let go of your feelings,' he said, swaying his hand on her back to soothe her.
'I never had the guts to tell my parents about Karan or what he did after that incident,' she said while trying to control her sobs, 'I ' I'I didn't even tell Anji Di as I know she would get mad at me for even going to Karan's place late at night'.I kept everything to myself and lived with this harsh reality of my life'I don't even know what happened to Karan after that incident and I really didn't bother to care also'I went to Delhi for the few beginning months of my internship to get away from his memories and gave my parents the excuse of wanting to learn in an environment where my father wasn't in charge'They believed me and let me go off to get more experience''
Armaan sat there, comforting Riddhima, letting all that she had told him sink in. He now knew why she would get all jittery and nervous whenever he asked her why she went to Delhi. Armaan felt like strangling this Karan dude'If he ever met him in his life, he would surely kill him for sure. For right now, he needed to comfort Riddhima for opening up to himself. Riddhima suffered through a lot in her past relationship and now it was up to Armaan to make her feel 'loved' again in this relationship. He would teach her to LOVE again. He would make her feel wanted and make her trust this relationship, even if it took him a lifetime to do so.
Hope you all found it satisfactory!
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