AR SS:The Deadly Husband Thread#2 link /Pg-151 (Part 28 updated) - Page 26

Part 9

Riddhima rushed back to her room as soon as the door closed behind her. She fell down on her bed and absorbed her face in her pillow to not let her voice walk out from her room. "Engagements are breakables" She remembered how Aryan said that. "What will people think that you married off one of your granddaughter in a rich family and other to a middle-class. They will say that you just tried to push her burden off from your shoulders". Those words made her heart bleed. "From all the people Armaan, I hadn't expected this from you" She was hurt. Badly hurt by his words. Is he too feeling pity of her? Is that why he suggested his friend proposal for her? She remembered the time when Aniket proposed her in the dancing school. She was shocked, surprised to see someone genuinely taking interest in her rather than pitying her state. She thought of the proposal for whole two days before asking him to come to her grandfather with the proposal. To her, right then Aniket looked like an escape route to get out from Gupta mansion. Never ever in her wildest dreams, she had ever imagined that Armaan and Muskaan will come to her, search for her. Otherwise... Surprisingly, Grandpa didn't make an issue out from it and got her engaged on the first mohurat, in a small function. Riddhima seriously was looking forward for her future with Aniket. The times, he took her out on small dates, if she can call it, he always tried to make her comfortable and talk. But now, after hearing Armaan and Aryan discussion with Grandpa, she felt that dream long gone. Grandpa will surly agree to this proposal if it is benefiter for him. But what hurt her most was that Armaan considering her a perfect companion for Aryan. Is that what she deserves? To be called as 3rd wife. The replacement.

Armaan minimized his stay time at Gupta mansion as he couldn't breathe. Knowing that Riddhima is their somewhere, crying, and he can't even go and wipe her tears made his heart bleed. He could hear her muffed cries but couldn't do anything. "I am sorry" He kept on mumbling to himself. He took a deep breath after getting out and quickly rushed into the car, taking his place at the back seat. Muskaan, Aryan and Rahul all looked at him with worry as he put his head back and closed his eyes. That memory of 14 years old smiling Riddhima was now seemed to be replaced with this 24 year old crying Riddhima in his vision and a lone tear rolled down his eyes too. How he wishes to put a smile on her smile. How he wish to be the only most important reason of his smile. For once, just for the split of a split of a second he wished to back out. He wished to go back to Delhi, get back to his life where there was a mission of his life. But then he thought of the consequences, that Riddhima had to face alone, just because he wasn't there with her. "Bhai...we are back home" Muskaan shook him. Baffled he looked around before composing himself and got out of the car to march towards his room. "Talk to him Muskaan" Rahul prompted a worried Muskaan who nodded and get down.

Armaan was in washroom when Muskaan tip toed into his room wearing her night suit. The running water voice put her in ease as she looked around and found the room messy. The shirt Armaan had worn to Gupta house was put on the bed while the suit was placed on the back of the chair. Muskaan shook her head. "The anger" She mumbled as she hanged the suit neatly and hanged into the wardrobe and put the shirt in washing bin. It was that moment when her eyes fell on Armaan's laptop which caught her attention. Frowning she went to the open screen before she scrolled down and was shocked to see what she read and saw. Armaan came out from the bathroom, rubbing his wet hairs with the towel when he found Muskaan looking intently at the laptop screen. Blood rushed into his veins once again as he moved forward and closed the lid ASAP. (Armaan surly wasn't seeing anything wrong...ha-ha...don't worry ;): P) "Bhai" Muskaan could just whisper. "Muskaan...No discussion on this" He said as he moved forward and placed the towel on the chair. "You knew all about this...that's why..." She was out of words. "And me stupid...I thought that..." "You thought that your brother is stubborn...heartless" Armaan spitted out of anger. "No...NO BHAI...I know my brother is stubborn...but not heartless..." Muskaan's meek voice made Armaan melt and he quickly realize that he was being over hard. "I am sorry Muskaan...but it's just that... That bast**** of a man...whenever I think about him and what he is doing behind Riddhima, just makes my blood boil...That's the worst thing that could happen to a woman that the man, she is thinking to spend her life with and had almost planned her whole life is cheating on her." Armaan turned around and looked at Muskaan. "I could see that in her eyes that day Muskaan...when she told me about this Aniket that how much she is looking forward to it. I almost...almost can see the dreams that she is wooling." He seemed helpless. "And still you went ahead and planned this marriage?" Muskaan questioned. "Yeah...In the start...it was just anger...she was my sole target...my main aim..." He avoided using the passionate words in front of Muskaan. "And when she told me about this Aniket, I felt I am going to lose everything...my life Muskaan...you can't know how lifeless, hollow I felt in those moments...In anger I decided that we will go ahead with our plan asap...but as with time I thought..." Muskaan cut him in between. "You realized...you were worried and wanted to be assured and that's why you investigated about this Aniket". Armaan could just nod. Muskaan smiled and come forward to hug her brother. "I don't say it much...but I love you Bhai...Now I know my Bhai willet do anything to hurt anyone". Armaan hugged her back. "You will help me through this Muskaan...won't you...?" He knew the answer but just for assurance, had to hear from her. "Of course Bhai...always..." she broke the hug and put her fingers on Armaan face, stretching his lips just to make him smile. And as sudden realization get on her mind. "OMG...my brother is getting married...I have so much to do...tomorrow morning...first thing we going to do is to go for shopping..." Armaan smiled genuinely after days and hold Muskaan from her shoulders. "Hold on Muskaan...we still have to wait. Akshay Gupta still has to give his approval for the proposals" "That he will...who dare to refuse my brother...ekkss... I will just sketch the bridal dress for Riddhima on my own and will ask my designers to work on it as soon as possible...hard to do...but I hope we could manage..." Muskaan mumbled to herself and get out while talking about the color combinations and what sherwani design should Armaan wear. Armaan felt content with his plans once again and the guilt of any type that was prevailing in his heart, just got disappeared.

"No" That was the only one word she could speak in front of Akshay Gupta and it was the same one word that boiled Akshay's blood. "What you said?" He asked while gritting his teeth and his tone surly conveyed that he didn't like the answer at all. "I...I meant... "Riddhima ran her tongue on her dry lips before murmuring once again. "I willnt marry Aryan" Her eyes were down with the effect, Akshay has on her but her words were her own, without being intimated by anyone. Akshay glare was ignored by her down casted eyes. "Who said I am asking you that if you will marry Aryan or not...I am telling you...You are going to marry Aryan Khanna by the end of this week as my dear granddaughter is going to marry Armaan..." He looked Shaina who was looking at the scene while holding her breath, at a side. She always hated these confrontations of Akshay and Riddhima but she was helpless and somehow adapted the situation. Akshay put forward his hand asking for Shaina's. She got close before Akshay pulled her into a warm side hug. "Are you happy?" He asked gently and Shaina nodded enthusiastically. Armaan was a dream comes true. Rich, good looking and the raw anger on his face makes him look sexier. He was a deep listener and Shaina needed someone who would be just that to her. Who wouldn't like to tame her for his own reasons but will let her pursue her life, the way she wants. "That's what I want, my doll...your happiness is what means the most to me" He mumbled and left a sweet kiss in her hairs. Shaina raised her eyes up to see tears in Riddhima eyes before she turned and ran away. The wishful look in her eyes was not something that could be hide. Shaina closed her eyes momentarily in before Akshay pulled away. "I have to go and inform Armaan and Aryan that the wedding is on ...God, I have so many preparations to do...Caterers, and hotel booking, and invitations...I need to check for a good wedding decorator." Taking out his smartphone from the pocket of his sleek coat, he scrolled the screen before he left and Shaina took a deep breath. How she wished Riddhima would have agreed to marry happily for this marriage but she also knew, marrying a man who was already married twice is surly not a girl's dream. What life could bring to us?

Akshay visited Armaan's place that afternoon, making his employees hold a lot of shagun thali's in hand. "Congrats Armaan...Aryan" He said warmly, hugging the boys. "Congrats to you to Mr. Gupta...you deserve all the credit for arranging this alliance" Aryan said as he motioned Akshay to sit down. "Yeah...that's one thing...But you both were right also...Marrying Riddhima in that middle class family would have arisen so many questions in the society...so you both have actually saved me from that" He praised. "YOU WILL KNOW SOON HOW MUCH WE ARE PLANNING TO SAVE YOU" Armaan thought. "I hope there was no argument in the house due to our proposals?" Armaan asked Mr. Gupta casually though he was quite aware of all the happenings in that home. "No..Not at all...For my granddaughter, my decision is the final one" the boys observed that whenever he mention granddaughter, it just refers to Shaina. Muskaan held Armaan's hand for support. "Actually, Mr. Gupta..." Akshay cut them in between. "Till what time you will call me Mr. Gupta...You can also refer me as Grand Pa now...we are getting into a relation" He said warmly but the emotions didn't reach anyone's heart. "No, we will prefer Mr. Gupta till the weddings...but what I was about to say is that you don't have to worry about anything...We will take care of every nick and bit." Aryan nodded in approval before adding. "And Riddhima's every single thing will be from our side...her wedding dress, jewelry...even we Muskaan was saying that we ourselves will book a Parlor for her makeup" He chuckled at the end but Akshay's mind just drift to some other place. "WHY THEY ARE BEING SO FUSSY OVER RIDDHIMA" He thought. Armaan noticed it and put a hand on Aryan's knee who too acknowledged that look but was smart enough to come with a prompt answer. "Actually I am going to marry thrice and I want it perfect this time. My first two weddings brought too much humiliation for me. This time, I myself want to supervise every single thing" He said that made Akshay smile and get up to hug him. WHY HE SHOULD WORRY ANYMORE WHEN OTHERS ARE SAVING HIS MONEY. He was worried, initially, that while marrying Shaina and Riddhima at the same time, he has to spend equally on Riddhima's stuff as on Shaina's to keep his nose up in the society. But now that problem was automatically solved. As if God is hearing and answering his prayers all by himself. He thought and smirked while planning other wedding details with the to be grooms. "Mr. Gupta, I want to take Riddhima out tomorrow for the shopping...There are not many days, plus with all the arrangements, I don't think I will have time later on". Aryan said before Akshay was about to leave. They all agreed upon a date 8 days from then on. "Hmm..." Akshay thought for a minute. "Don't worry, Muskaan will be their too" Akshay looked at Muskaan who nodded and Akshay put all defenses down. "Ok...I will ask her to be ready tomorrow".

Next day, Riddhima was informed of the shopping trip and was strictly advised by Akshay to wear something NICE. Shaina was asked to accompany her but she excused. When Armaan wasn't coming, it was useless for her to go. Aryan, Muskaan and Rahul came to pick her along with Roy, who was driving. Armaan wasn't there. Riddhima felt worse on knowing that. Somewhere she had thought that if Armaan would accompany, she will ask him, demand from him an explanation for his actions. Without her approval, how can he take such a big decision of her life? With Aniket, she knew that at least she had a say in between. Aniket had asked her directly first before approaching Akshay. But here, she was even not having a say. Rahul sat in the front while Aryan, Muskaan were sitting at the back. Riddhima get in next to Muskaan, making her get in between herself and Aryan. All through the way, Muskaan, Rahul and Aryan kept on chatting. "what is your most fav color Riddhima?...See I have already by self has designed a wedding attire for you but you have to buy something for the reception yourself...Bhai have called the best Make Up artist from Delhi specially for you...Oh, you are so going to look like princess" Muskaan said out dreamingly. She checked few things, made Riddhima try on few saris and bought all which, according to her, made her look ravishing. Next they went to get an engagement ring and Muskaan made Riddhima try many designs. But there was one ring, which caught her eyes even though her heart was so not into the shopping. She kept on looking at it but there was someone who was observing her just as closely as no one can. Either it was having an eye on the ring or the silent touch to a light pistachio green sari which was so delicately embroided and was having half cut pearls on places, but was rejected by Muskaan calling it too dull for a reception. When boys disappeared to do some shopping, Muskaan pulled Riddhima in the women section and started to search through the rails for some night suits. Riddhima fidgeted with her fingers before asking. "Muskaan.." "Hmm..." Muskaan took out a black 2 piece nighty. "How is it? Nice na?" her twinkling voice really put Riddhima in an anger mood. "Why you all are doing this to me...? By making me marry Aryan, without even asking my consent, do you all think that I will be happy...Is that why you came back into my life? I already had enough people who always took decisions for me...about my life...Marrying Aniket was the sole decision that I took and now even the right to choose my life partner has been snatched by you guys?...Why...just why have you came back into my life?" Her voice cracked in the end. All that was stored in her heart from last two days spilled out in a minute. She was more than angry. She was hurt. She felt deceived by her own friends. Muskaan eyes soften, seeing the helpless look on her face. She went closer to her and held her from her arms. "Do you love Aniket? Tell me honestly Riddhima" Her tone was serious and for the time, Muskaan felt her breath stopped. But if her heart is saying truth, it is not the case. It surly isn't. Riddhima thought on it for a moment. "Is she?" the question rose in her mind but as she even started to ponder, her heart quickly gave her an answer and she shook her head in negative, much to Muskaan's relief "One last time...just last time let someone take a decision Riddhima...I promise...further on in life, every decision will be yours...just one last time...trust us". Riddhima looked up into her friend's eyes. No matter how many years prevailed between their friendships, she could still see and feel the truthfulness of her eyes and voice and felt defeated. "I trust you..." She whispered. Muskaan smiled and again put forward the nighty. "Ok then tell...howz this one...I loved this noodle strap inner...what you think?" And they shopped. Aryan called them in groom's sherwani shop and asked their opinion on two sherwani's, he liked. At the end of the day, they were too exhausted to even talk and in silence, they moved back home.

A week passed in a blur. While Shaina was looking forward for a happy future, Riddhima feared it. Where Shaina was busy in buying the stuff for after marriage, Riddhima kept on praying for her married life. How it would be, how she will spend her life with someone, she doesn't even know. Someone, who already had women in his life. She was too much afraid. Shaina bought a spectacular almost a million worth Lehnga for her wedding. Akshay was at his best to indulge her in. But when Muskaan sent the Jora for Riddhima, specially designed by her own self, all happiness from Shaina's face went off. It was one amazing red jora. A lot of kundan, zari, net was used but the best was how Muskaan merged different colors in there. There was a hint of purple, green and bright pink that made it look more bright and stylish. Shaina kept on ogling but thankfully, the Jora was designed especially for Riddhima. The length of the lehnga was perfect for Riddhima but for Shaina, it was 3 inches short and it couldn't be amended as there was a motive on the belt area. Nothing could be done so Shaina just sulk and stayed happy with her one. Next came the gold set. It was an exquisite specially designed set having nice curves and pure red rubies were attached in. Earrings and rings were made in the same way where a large ruby was attached in the middle. Shaina friends who came to see her wedding dress, nearly shouted in awe. "How pretty...it's so damn pretty" One shouted. "Yaar, I am in love with this...You will look so pretty in it" The other said and tried to put it on Shaina. "No...It's for Riddhima" Shaina pushed the set away. "What?" They were shocked. "For that LS cousin sis of yours...such a great shirt?" "Ruchi...shut up...Riddhima is nice the way she is" Shaina defended her then. "Ok ok...but just think if Armaan's friend can send such superb things for your cousin, just guess what Armaan will get for you later on" Shaina smiled at the thought and closed the jewelry box. Indeed, she was looking forward to it too.

It was the wedding day finally. Akshay has booked a lavish Grand Hotel of Dehradun for the weddings indeed. Everyone was running around to complete the last minute chores before Barat could arrive. Armaan and Aryan had avoided calling anyone from their extended family. It was just them and few business corporates along with their families from their side. Muskaan was dressed beautifully into a royal blue and pink lehnga. Rahul complimented her wearing a royal blue sherwani himself. The two grooms, riding in the same care were wearing two identical maroon sherwanis. There was a small motive on the one side of chest that was different and which was the only thing that could point them out as otherwise no one would have guess who is which groom due to the sehra, they both were having on their faces. The grooms came out from the cars gracefully. Akshay along with his relatives, and friends was standing outside. Shaina parents too arrived in the morning along with their younger daughter, Suhani. Aryan and Armaan get close to the main door where Akshay let Shaina's mother do the Aarti of them but as she was about to move the sehra away to put tilak, Muskaan very smartly stopped her. "No aunty, you can't see their faces...It's a tradition in our family that once the grooms put on sehra, they can only show their faces till wedding is done". Akshay laughed at that. "That's so old fashion...trends have changed" He said. "Yeah they have...but still, we want to keep this tradition going on" She chirped in. For once, Armaan who always used to make fun of this tradition and feeling thankful for it. "But I have to put tilak..." Shaina's mother, Kalpana voiced. "Just do it like this..." and Muskaan guided her finger having powder through sehra and put tilak. Pleased, they let Grooms in as Shaina took hold of the net dupatta's she had brought with herself and left for bride's room.

"OH MY GOD!" was the first line that escaped her mouth. Her eyes nearly tear up seeing how beautiful Riddhima was looking in all her glory. She was shining but that sadness on her face was hard to miss. Still she kept her chirpy self on and went near her. "See I told Bhai, Muskaan's creation could never be less then best but you have made this lehnga look even more beautiful". She patted Riddhima's cheek, making her give a weak smile. Shaina's friends, who were sitting beside her in the same room, asked. "Bhai?" "I mean Aryan Bhai...he has especially requested me to design this jora for Riddhima" Shaina pouted. "You could have designed for me too". Muskaan felt irritated but still smiled. "Bhai hasn't asked me...Plus he wanted you to choose your own dress" She tried to please her and she was. "Ok now, get this on..." She gave one red netted dupatta to Shaina's friend and other one, started to put on Riddhima, making it be down enough that could cover her face. "What is this?" Shaina friends asked in almost a disgusting tone but Muskaan glare make them stop. "It's a tradition in our family. The bride and groom don't see each other and their families till the wedding is done...now just stand up and pin it up on Shaina's head" Her curt tone was enough to stop them and get to work. Muskaan, once done, bend down on her knees and look up at Riddhima. "Everything is going to be alright Riddhima..." She held her cold hands and gently squeezed them. Indeed, everyone's life was going to turn upside down.

Next: Wedding and the Dhamaka...



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