That night as Riya got ready for bed clutching her princess doll in her hand all she talked about was her Ajun Uncle. Arohi tried not to frown as she heard words like fun, park, toys, ice cream, fun! "Sure, it's all fun when you have the child for a few hours but it's her that got to do the non fun things, the every day mundane, boring things that normal parents get to do. And the way Riya had taken to Arjun was mind boggling to Arohi. She had never seen her respond to someone like this...Arohi wasn't quite sure how she felt about that. She was used to being the caregiver, the one Riya loved most. The one she turned to when she wanted to be comforted or just wanted a cuddle. Now with Arjun in the picture Arohi was going to have to share Riya. She wasn't going to be the most important person in her life. Especially when she was old enough to really understand that Arjun was her dad. "Time for bed princess." Arohi said as she tried to take the doll out of her hand. "No, I seep with pincess, mama." "Okay baby, get into bed then." As she tucked her in and gave her a soft kiss she saw her snuggle closer to her doll. And for some inconceivable reason Arohi felt jealous! Jealous over a stupid doll she asked herself as she closed her daughter's bedroom door part way. No, not jealousy over the doll, jealousy over the person who gave Riya the doll. It wasn't fair. Ever since he'd come back into their life nothing was fair!
Over the next few weeks Arjun stayed true to his word. He picked up Riya three times a week and they did all sorts of things from the zoo, to animated movies to afternoons at his home where they did whatever she wanted. Arohi usually saw him when he dropped Riya off at home in the evening. They'd learned to keep their conversations short if not sweet,because on more then one occasion when they said too much, their conversations would end in arguments. And they had both decided the arguing would not be done in front of Riya. One night when Arjun had dropped off Riya he was met by Amar who in no certain terms had let Arjun know exactly what he thought of him abandoning his wife and child. Ofcourse lover boy would blame him, Arjun thought to himself almost laughing at Amar's stupidity. Arjun had told Seema about Arohi and Riya too, leaving out many of the cruel details. He had left it at Arohi and him were divorced and that Riya was their child that he hadn't known about, but now that he did know about her she was going to be the biggest part of his life. Seema had had many questions and had been upset that he hadn't told her right away. But she'd understood once she heard that he himself had been overwhelmed by the news. Which was partly true. But he had given Seema an out. "Right now Seema my top priority is getting to know my daughter and spending as much time with her as possible." "I have a lot of making up to do and I want her to know me." "I know this is a surprise and I will understand if you decide to back out of this relationship." "I wouldn't blame you." But Seema had shook her head and said she adored Riya and wanted to be a part of her life too.
Arjun watched as Riya and Arohi hand in hand walked towards him. He was standing at the entrance to the fair waiting for them. Arohi had declined to have him pick them up. What a surprise, he thought as his gaze lifted to Arohi. Grudgingly he admitted how damn beautiful she still was. He'd found himself thinking about her last night as he fell asleep. And his mind ofcourse had wandered from how irritating she was to how soft her skin was. That had led him to thoughts of touching that soft skin and from there everything had gone down hill. He'd had to get up and take a cold shower which had irritated the hell out of him. He hated her. But she still effected him. "Hi" Riya said as she came and stood infront of him waving up at him. Arjun crouched down beside her. "Hi sweetheart." "How are you dong?" "Fine, tank you!" she answered in her sing songy little munchkin voice. "Are you ready to go on lots of rides and play tonnes of fun games?" he asked. Riya nodded excitedly. "And eat cotton candy too!!!" she said rapidly. Arohi quickly stepped up and took Riya's hand. "Let's go baby, I'll just grab our tickets and you can go on as many rides as you like." "I already got our tickets" Arjun said holding them up as he stood up. Arohi glared at him. "I will pay you for mine and Riya's!" Arjun rolled his eyes. "I said I got it didn't I!" Arohi went and stood close to him. "If you try to boss me around or tell me what to do one more time Arjun I swear I'm I'm...I'm going to scream!" Arjun stared at her and then let out a laugh. "Wow, Arohi, that's some scary stuff." "I don't know what I'd do if you screamed." he said with a look of mock horror. Arohi wanted to slap him. If they were alone she probably would have. "I'll buy dinner!" she snapped grabbing Riya's hand and marching ahead. Arjun shook his head and followed behind. Arohi just loved to be contradictory. Nothing he did could ever be right, she'd find fault in everything. But this new self reliant, do it myself, warrior Arohi was definitely different from the one he'd known most of his life. Hell she was still as stubborn as ever, but he was man enough to admit that this self assurance, and confidence he saw in her...he kind of liked. It looked good one her. It was sexy. She'd made something of herself. He didn't like the way she had done it...by destroying her marriage and keeping his child away from him. But she had made a success of herself and he was impressed.
As they moved into the fair Arjun asked. "What would you like to do first Riya?" "Games, or rides?" Riya put her finger to the side of her mouth and looked liked she was contemplating something quite serious. Both parents looked at her and couldn't help but smile, but the smile quickly disappeared when their gaze met eachothers. "Rides!" she screamed jumping up and down. "Alright, rides it is!" Arjun said taking Riya's hand. The two of them started walking towards the merry go round when suddenly Riya stopped and looked behind her. "Mama, you come too!" she said holding out her other hand. Arohi's gaze shifted to Arjun who stared at her intently. "Okay baby, I'll come too." Arohi said taking the few steps it took to reach Riya. Riya grabbed her other hand and Arjun and Arohi's gaze met again as they stood side by side with their daughter in between. This would have been our life." Arjun thought to himself. Arohi turned away as she saw a flash of what looked a lot like pain in Arjun's eyes. Riya pulling her parent's hands brought them back to the one thing that would join them forever...their daughter.
The afternoon turned into evening as Riya went on ride after ride, watched a performance with some dancing children and now played various games. Arohi watched as Arjun held his daughter up in the air as she dunked a ball into a basketball net to win a prize. The look on her face when she saw her prize was priceless..but what was even more priceless was the love that shone in Arjun's eyes for his daughter. Riya giggling as Arjun cheered for her. It didn't matter that the toy she won cost 10 times what it was worth. All that mattered was that she was happy. As Arjun lifted Riya onto his shoulders Arohi was struck once again by the resemblance in father and daughter. Ofcourse she always knew their was a resemblance. But to see them so close, both with the same smiles, same dimples, same sparkle in their beautiful big brown eyes. It made her breath catch and made her wish that things were different. . But their was no point in dwelling on the past. They couldn't go back. They were just not meant to be...that was all there was too it. But still her heart seemed to shift a little at seeing Arjun and Riya together. "Here!" Arjun said handing Arohi two large teddy bears. And letting Riya down who ran to go play on the slide. "Please hold this." "What you can't hold a pink and purple teddy bear?" "Too girly for Arjun Singhania?" she asked with a teasing smile. Arjun was a little taken back. Smiling he replied. "You want to hear girly, just a few days ago I played barbies with Riya." Arohi gawked at him. "You played barbies!" "I don't believe you!" Arjun folded his arms across his chest. "Riya did my dolls hair." he said, his eyes twinkling "And I did her dolls nails." Arohi's mouth fell open, and looking him up and down she burst out laughing. Arjun's lips twitched and he smiled ruefully. "I can't believe it!" "I would love to have seen you sitting on the floor playing dolls. Arjun shrugged. "It made Riya happy" "That's all that mattered." Arohi stopped laughing and turned to a giggling Riya going down the slide. "She's pretty incredible isn't she?" "She's amazing," Arjun said softly. "I still can't get over the fact that she's mine." "I have this amazing, beautiful, daughter." Arohi watched the play of emotions on his face. "And she's got you wrapped around her little finger already if she has you playing with her dolls" "I would be careful Arjun, if someone sees you they might question your manhood." Arohi teased. Arjun turned towards her with his eyebrows raised. "Arohi, I think you and I know their is nothing to question about my manhood." "But if you would like a refresher I can give you one." Arohi felt her mouth go dry as her eyes widened. She quickly took a step back. Was the enemy flirting with her! And worse was she responding! "I, I think it's time to go home!" she said hurrying to Riya. Arjun watched her go. A slow smile creeping up to his lips. She wasn't as immune to him as she pretended to be.
As they walked out Riya turned to Arjun and crooked her finger at him. "Ajun uncle, Ajun Uncle." she said. Arjun crouched down and gave her a quizzical look. "Yes Riya?" And before he knew it Riya was wrapping her chubby little arms around his neck and squeezing tight. Arjun's eyes widened and then he wrapped his arms around his little girl and hugged her tight. Arohi stared at the exchange between father and daughter and she felt tears fill her eyes. Quickly wiping them away she watched as Riya pulled away from Arjun and titling up her face she gave him a big smile. "Good night!' she said happily. Hearing Arjun's soft good night Riya grabbed Arohi's hand and pulled her along. Arohi glanced back at Arjun who stood alone staring back at them. She didn't miss the moisture in his eyes.
Three days later Arohi pulled into Rosa's driveway and leaned her head against the steering wheel. It had been a long day. She loved her job, but today she had a bridezilla come in and literally drive her crazy. She had crazy demands and expected Arohi to fulfil them at the snap of her little manicured fingers. She was happy when it was finally closing time. Getting out of the car she walked towards the front door. She couldn't wait to get home. Tonight after she tucked Riya into bed she was going to treat herself to a nice glass of wine and a long soak in her tub. Before she could knock on the door a livid Rosa pulled open the door. Arohi stared at her in worry. "Rosa??" she asked. "Is everything okay?" "That man!" "That man!" 'I tell you I have never met such an arrogant individual!" "Who does he think he is teaching me how to take care of children?!" Rosa yelled as Arohi walked into her house. "Rosa, what happened?" 'Who are you talking about?" Arohi asked. "That, that ex husband of yours!" Rosa finally grated out! "No wonder he's your ex, he thinks so highly of himself." "Talking to me like I don't know what I'm doing!" "Just because I stepped away for one minute!" Arohi frowned. "Arjun, said something to you?" she asked. "Something! " "Something!" Rosa screamed. "He said a lot of something's to me!" 'He told me I can't take care of Riya any more!" "Who is he to tell me that?!" "You hired me!' "Who is he?!" Arohi gritted her teeth in anger. She was going to kill him! "Why would he say that?" she asked trying to stay calm. "Because he's arrogant!" 'He hasn't liked me from day one because I complained about the noise from his construction site!" "And today he comes along and Riya was playing outside in the backyard!" "Arohi I swear I left her in the backyard and next thing I know he's banging on my door telling me I'm incompetent and how can I leave Riya by herself outside!" "Now tell my Arohi, am I incompetent!" "Do I not love that child like she is my own?!" Rosa asked with tears in her eyes. Arohi was so livid she couldn't see clearly. Hugging Rosa she reassured her that she was the best and that Riya and her both loved her. "Where is Riya now?" Arohi asked. "He took her with him!" "I tried called you but you didn't pick up." she said. Arohi nodded. Her stupid phone battery had to die today of all days! "Don't worry Rosa, I am Riya's mom and I make the decisions!' "I'll deal with Arjun Singhania!"
Arohi was beyond furious. She wanted to rip that man's head off she was so mad! Who did he think he was coming along and throwing his weight around! He didn't know anything about anything! And there he went assuming things again! As per usual! If he had picked the daycare Riya went to, it would be no problem at all but since this is something she had chosen he ofcourse would nitpick it! She'd been putting up with too much of his meddling, but now after what he'd done to Rosa.. that was the last damn straw! Arjun Singhania wait until I get my hands on you!
Arohi banged on the door of his two story apartment! How is this even as apartment she thought angrily to herself! It was huge and way too large for one person! What a waste she thought furiously to herself. As the door opened she quickly rushed in. "Where's my daughter!?!" she asked the housekeeper. Housekeeper had obviously recognised her. "Riya baby is sleeping." "Sleeping?" Arohi thought irritability. How dare he put her daughter to sleep. "Where is Arjun?" she asked. "Sir, had a headache I think he's in his room. "I can call him for you." "No need, I'll go see him myself!" Before the housekeeper could say anything Arohi was already heading towards Arjun's room. That bas***d she thought to herself as she first opened the door to Riya's room and saw her tucked into her bed sound asleep. My little baby Arohi thought. She was going to make it that Arjun never saw Riya again! Stomping to his room, she knocked loudly. No answer. Then she knocked again! No answer. Turning the doorknob she saw it was unlocked. She opened the door and slipped in. From the doorway she could see him lying on the bed. Good he's asleep, now he won't be able to struggle when I strangle him to death! Marching over she stopped beside the bed and looked down at him. Instantly her anger started to dissipate a little. He seemed to be sound asleep and he looked so handsome. So young and handsome. He slept on his back and looked so peaceful. The devil sleeps peacefully, while he steals my peace! she thought to herself angrily as she remembered what he'd just done. Reaching out her hand she shook his shoulder. No reaction. "Wake up Arjun!" she said again shaking his shoulder. No reaction. She could scream she was so frustrated. Leaning over him she grabbed both shoulders and shook him. "GET UP!" she said against his ear.
Arjun's eyes snapped open. He looked around wildly and then his eyes settled on Arohi. And his lips turned up into a soft sexy smile as he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her down on top of him. A shocked Arohi stared down at him. "What are you doing?" she choked out. In answer he put his hand behind her neck and pulled her face down. "What I've been doing all night." he said in soft groggy voice and then his lips crushed against hers. Arohi proceeded to forget everything else. Oh my god his kisses. She hadn't forgotten but she had pushed from her mind what an amazing kisser he was. How his kisses could leave her whimpering, practically begging him to make love to her. She groaned as his mouth made love to hers. And then suddenly he was rolling her off him and he was on top. His mouth on her neck, kissing, and biting, leaving her arching against him. Pulling at his t-shirt, wanting to feel his bare skin. He made quick work of it and yanked it off leaving Arohi to explore. His mouth making it's back to hers. Kissing her deeply and with so much passion that her whole body felt like it was on fire. Her hands moved up his abs and chest to his shoulders and he continued to kiss her senseless. And then suddenly she felt him still. He lifted his head and looked down at her, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Arohi?' he asked softly his gaze shifting to her swollen lips. Arohi wasn't ready for reality to sink in yet. She moved her hands up to behind his neck and brought her lips up to his. Arjun paused for a split second before he was devouring her mouth again. "Arohi this is even better then my dream." he said roughly as he kissed the side of her neck and making his way to her silky tank top, kissing her shoulder and slipping the strap down her shoulder. "You're still as sexy as ever" he said moving her hand underneath her silky tank to find soft skin. "Hmm," Arohi, said arching against him. And then she didn't know what happened, maybe it was his warm hand against her bare skin, or sanity was finally setting in making her realize what she was doing. But her eyes snapped open and she was pushing at his chest. "Arjun, get off me!" she said hoarsely. Arjun was too busy driving her crazy, kissing along her ear. Arohi bit back a groan. "Please Arjun!" she said pushing at his chest. Arjun lifted his head up and looked down at her with hooded eyes. And then she heard "SH*T!" come out of his mouth as he quickly rolled off her. Arohi lay next to him, both their breathing ragged as they stared up at the ceiling. Not saying anything. "What just happened here?" she finally asked weakly. "What are you doing in my room?" he asked roughly. "I, I came to talk to you about something!" Sitting up he stared down at her. "Well how did you go from talking to kissing me?!" he asked. Arohi gasped as she sat up an scrambled off the bed. "Kissing you?!" "Dream on!' "I didn't kiss you, neither do I have any desire to do so!" she snapped. "Oh, I saw a whole lot of desire when you were arching against me trying to rip my shirt off!" he snapped. Arohi gasped. "You are such a jerk!' "Nothing has changed with you!' "Has it?!" "You're just as egotistical as ever." "Thinking every girl in the world wants you!" "Well for you information you kissed me!" "I was minding my own business and you pulled me to you and kissed me!" "I didn't see you struggling to get away!" he snapped. "And as for minding your own business!" 'I'll believe that when I see it...meaning never!" "You jerk!" she said reaching out to hit him. "I don't think so!" he said grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer to him. The two of them glaring at eachother until Arjun's eyes drifted to Arohi's beautiful luscious bruised lips. He suddenly let her hand go. "I thought I was dreaming" he said softly. "Actually having a nightmare!" he snapped instead. "What do you mean?" "Are you saying you were dreaming about kissing me?" she asked shocked. "Among many other things." he mumbled raking a hand through his hair. "What?!" she asked. "Nothing!" he said turning towards her. "I can't believe you're dreaming about me." she said with a big smile. "Don't get all smug" "I was dreaming about where I could hide your dead body when I finally strangle you!" he said folding his arms across his chest and frowning at her. Arohi glared at him. "I took something strong for a migraine!" "It made me groggy." "Liar, Liar Pants on fire!" she chanted before she could stop herself. Looking at Arjun she gulped. Maybe that wasn't the best thing to say she thought as he took a menacing step towards her.
Whoa 2 updates! I hope you all like them. Please comment and/or press the like button to let me know what you thought. I won't be updating for a few days because I'm going away!! YEAH! So everyone have a great weekend!