An Arranged Love Marriage (AR FF) #1 - Link to 2nd Thread On 1st Page - Page 51

He made her drink water after certain intervals without fail and also kept asking her if she was okay. She felt something stir in her heart. That Armaan who she had fallen in love with was right in front of her. She had been upset because of what he did; but what could he do of her heart that kept beating for him? This guy next to her had the capability to turn her entire world upside down and still managed to maintain that soft corner in her heart. He managed to break her heart and still managed to keep her heart beating for him!

How could he arise two extremely opposite emotions within her at a time?

Drowned in her own thoughts she never realized that the pooja was already over and Armaan was asking her if she wanted to go back to the room; but she just kept staring back at him blanky.

A: Riddhimaa? Kya hua? Tum andar jaana chahti ho ya fir kuch der yaha bahar sabke saath baithna hai tumhe?
Riddhima?...Riddhima??

He shook her through her shoulders lightly to snap her out of her thoughts;
Kya hua kaha khoyi ho? Tumse baat kar raha hu main!

Huh? Main...voh; kuch nahi...

She nodded her head and chucked the topic.

He smiled at her and shook his head at her confused face.

After the pooja again he got busy with the party preparations and couldn't even spare a second to even share a small pleasantry with her; but still he kept stealing some moments to go and check if she was okay; but without letting her know. While he was busy running up and down he had noticed her looking upstairs; more of staring at something with a hope in her eyes. He had caught her eye as he was walking down and asked her through his eyes; but she had simply shook her head and turned away. He tried to figure out what she was thinking of; but failed to understand.

Riddhima was forced to sleep after she had her lunch as the party might wear her out. She was desperately waiting for Armaan; but he never came to her room. She wanted to talk to him; clear things out. The questions running in her mind had to stop somewhere; and only Armaan could give her the answers!

Around 6 she sat on the bed looking at the photo frame; both their faces held a content smile. She remembered their first night when in mere few words and gestures he had made a space for himself in her heart already! But then she remembered their first morning; and his anger flashed in front of her eyes.

Their life had been a roller coaster ride. Be it care or anger he had always kept it to the extremes. He had made it so clear to her that he could never love anyone; and yesterday what he said had left her in a dilemma. He was so mysterious. A moment he would be angry but a minute later he could be irresistibly adorable!

She heard someone coughing as she was busy caressing the photo frame; she looked up and found Muskaan smirking at her.

Hello birthday girl! Apne pati ko miss kar rahi ho? Hmm hmm?

Riddhima placed the frame back on the table and just smiled at her;
Muskaan...hi. Tum...ye tumhare haath main kya hai?

Ye... she placed the wrapped packet in Riddhima hands and gave her a teasing smile.
Ye aapke patidev ne bheja hai aapke liye...

Armaan ne? 
Riddhima looked down at the wrapped box and wondered what was inside the box.

Muskaan interrupted her chain on thoughts and nudged her;
Yes...Armaan ka gift hai tumhare liye; aur kya Ridzy! Usne kaha ki tumhe ye de du aur tumhe tayyar karvakar bahar le aau! Party ki saari arrangememnts ho chuki hai; bas tere aane ka intzar hai.

Riddhima opened the box and found a beautiful peach coloured simple light weighed salwar suit. But it had beautiful handwork; comforting fabric and it looked ethereal!

She found a small note in it which read;

Simple yet beautiful dress; for my simple and beautiful wife!
-Only Yours;
ARMAAN

Her fingers moved over his name that was inked on the paper as if feeling him. However upset with him; these gestures; made her skip a few beats!

She understood that he had purposely gifted her that dress; as she wouldn't have anything to wear since wearing a saree was not even in her options. All her dresses were a little heavy or the colours were bright enough to make her hot and itchy. But this dress seemed perfect; beautiful looks; comforting feel and absolutely stunning for the party.

 She couldn't deny the fact that she was lucky to have him by her side; but the question was; did he feel the same for her?

Muskaan got her ready which did not take too long; as Riddhima never preferred a lot of makeup. She had her hair left open; and small pearl drop adoring her ears. Her hands were covered completely with the full length sleeves of the dress; which covered her swollen hands completely.
Kohl did absolute covering up of her tired eyes and a little blusher sprinkled on her cheek made her ready for the party.

She wasn't really willing to go out; celebrate and have a party; but she couldn't say NO to so many people who just wanted to see her smile. She was all set to go out into the party; but Muskaan told her to wait for a while till she would dress up and be back. Riddhima sat in front of the mirror watching the only thread around her neck; her mangalsutra. She was again lost in her thoughts when she heard the room door open and Armaan walked in with Muskaan.

Toh ye rahi tumhari pyaari si biwi; mera kaam ho gaya hai; ab tum ise bahar le jao party main; tab tak main ready hoti hu! The moment Armaan had stepped inside the room he forgot to breath. The dress had fitted her curved perfectly and she looked an absolute fairy. The peach colour complimented her flawless skin so well that it seemed a part of her own body. She felt uneasy under his gaze as he kept his eyes constant on her; but he cared less that there was another pair of eyes watching them. He approached her and was supposed to escort her out to the party; but he just stood in front of her observing her angelic features from a little closer.

Riddhima...tum bohot khubsoorat lag rahi ho! You look absolutely stunning...
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her earlobe like the most necessary thing to do for the moment. Riddhima shivered as always as he touched her; but she was well aware of Muskaan's presence as well; so she quickly diverted her eyes.

Muskaan smiled at the cute duo but had to break their dreamy moment as they were getting late for the party; and she; to get ready!
Armaan...biwi tumhari hi hai...bahar jaake jitna ghurna hai ghur lo; par abhi room se bahar jao yaar! I need to get ready; aur tum dono bhi late ho rahe ho; everyone's waiting outside. Go!!

Armaan rolled his eyes at Muskaan and held his hand out for her; but Muskaan again interrupted.
Oye hero... aaj toh acha khasa mauka hai; aur aise waqt pe Riddhima ko wheel chair par lekar jaayega tu!

Armaan raised his brow at her not getting her point making her slap her forehead;
Arey thoda romantic bana is din ko...apni biwi ko thoda special feel kara; afterall it's her day!

Riddhima looked up at Muskaan not really happy with her suggestion. But Armaan had absolutely loved her idea and was more than willing to follow; but was a little unsure of Riddhima's reaction. He saw her turning uneasy; but then he knew that indeed it was her day. And she asked for it or not; she deserved to be treated SPECIAL every day; every hour of her life. And today being her birthday; he couldn't miss a chance.

Nahi Muskaan; mujhe...Riddhima tried to speak up but she felt a tap on her shoulder and stopped midway...
She turned sideways and found Armaan looking at her with a smile and a shine in his eyes. That is when she actually had a complete look at him and he looked no less than a Greek God. He wore a white suit; with a black lapel jacket and was looking irresistibly charming. His eyes that shone of happiness as his smile reached his eyes. It was rare that she had seen him that happy; and for some reason she felt at peace seeing him so excited for her birthday. It gave her a weird sense of relief!

Before she could retort or question he slid his hands under her waist and picked her up from the dressing chair. She just kept staring back at him as he kept her eyes locked with his gaze. He had carried her exactly the same way out of the room to middle of the party; and she did not realize anything around till he placed her down on the sofa chair. That is when she noticed all their friends were home and the party was all set only awaiting her!

Sapna and Anjali complimented her for the dress and her as she was looking simple yet pretty. She looked around at her living room; and just couldn't identify it as her own house. She could see it covered with so many decorations. Red and white drapes everywhere around embellished with spiral ribbons. The room had beautiful fragrance of the lilies that were placed at every alternate vase that was in her view. Uncountable balloons covered the floor and all the lights and chandeliers were out; she just saw certain pale white lights glowing which made the place look magical.

Once that she was done checking out her own living room; she heard a faint voice which she could recognize from any corner of the planet.
You like it?

I loved it Arma...

She turned around speaking in a dreamy tone; but as she came face to face with him she lost her vocal cords. She was genuinely happy and surprised to see all the decorations; but still that stormy cloud kept peeking it's head in between whenever she smiled.

Muskaan too entered the party getting ready quickly and saw the love birds again drowned in each other;
Aey lo...yaha main daudi daudi chali aayi ye sochke ki cake cutting shuru na ho jaye; par ye dono toh apne main hi lage hai!

Armaan quickly moved away running his hand through his hair embarrassed; as everyone started laughing. He walked away with Billy discussing something while the girls surrounded Riddhima. Armaan kept stealing glances at her throughout the party; but she did not look up at him. She was still faking her smile; and he could bet his life in that fact! He felt restless that all the efforts were of no use till that BIG question of divorce was erased completely out of her mind!

Anjali and Muskaan were as usual busy teasing her when Abhimanyu greeted her. She was a little startled as he came out of nowhere and wished her.

Dr.Modi...hello!

He frowned at her choice of words;
Nahi nahi...main toh Abhimanyu banke hi aaya hu. Koi doctor vegera nahi haan. Armaan ka dost hi hu; so please yah ape you can call me Abhimanyu; I would prefer it that way!

Riddhima smiled at his frowning face;
Okay Abhimayu.

So...how's your day rather evening going birthday girl. Vaise tumhe bata du; tum kaafi khubsoorat lag rahi ho aaj! Thank God tumhara hubby yaha aas paas nahi hai; toh main...

He felt a grip on his neck from behind and knew it was none other than Armaan.
Toh mere peeth peeche meri biwi se flirt kar raha hai? Hmm?

Abhimanyu released his neck from his hold and rolled his eyes at his friend-turned possessive husband.

He had usual talks with Armaan but his eyes did not miss the emptiness in both (Armaan-Riddhima) their eyes. He grabbed the absolute opportunity as Armaan went away with Rahul leaving Riddhima alone with him.

Riddhima...I hope you are better now? Tumhare check up ke liye vaise bhi kal aana hi hai still...

Riddhima nodded her head and gave a meek smile.

Arey aise hasne main kanjusi kyu kar rahi ho...don't worry gift main tumhare liye koi injection ya dawai nahi laaya hu!

She looked up at him and smiled;
Nahi nahi aisi koi baat nahi Dr.Mo...I mean Abhimanyu. Vo bas main... thodi thak gayi thi.

Abhimanyu sighed catching her lie;
Riddhima if you don't mind kya main kuch baat kar sakta hu tumse?

Jee...boliye na!

She looked at him attentively as he suddenly turned serious.

Tumhare reports dekhe tumne?

Riddhima nodded her head as she was too busy in her own turmoil that she hadn't paid attention to her health status.

Hmm...I can't blame Armaan to be angry about your health issues then!

Riddhima shifted uncomfortably in her place as Abhimanyu spoke direct to the point.

Vaise I dind't mean to taunt you; par main bas itna batana chahta tha tumhe; ki agar tum nahi rakhti toh kisi aur ko toh tumhara dhyaan rakhna padega na Riddhima. And I think Armaan is doing just that.
Aur reports ke baarein main main tumhe is liye pooch raha tha; because beign Armaan's friend I do care for him. Aur maine dekha kit um shayad ab tak usse naaraj ho; which I guess must be because he must have forced you to do this surgery some way or the other.

Riddhima looked away not wanting to continue the conversation anymore;
Abhimanyu actually vo Muskaan se kuch baat...

Abhimanyu smiled sarcastically at her letting her know he knew she was trying to run away.

Riddhima I am sure Armaan ne jarur kuch ut patang tarika hi apnaya hoga; par I know him. And he never does anything without thinking all the pros and cons. I understand ye tumhara personal maamla hai; par Armaan ka dost hone ke naate main use humseha khush dekhna chahta hu. And to let that happen I need to tell you that...you are completely fine Riddhima! Tum jab chaho Maa ban sakti ho. I saw your reports and they are completely positive!

Riddhima looked up at him with a surprised smile and he blinked his eyes in assurance.

Armaan ne ye sab tumhe nahi bataya hoga kyunki... use khud ab tak ye nahi pata hai Riddhima!

That brought her frown back as he had kept a complete record of her files and her reports. He would never ignore anything related to her health reports...

Lekin Armaan ko kaise...mera matlab...

He could see her questioning herself as he placed the truth in front. To end her dilemma he answered her;
Armaan ke paas saarein reports hain; aur haan usne sare health reports hazar baar pade bhi honge to make sure you are completely okay. Par sirf vo ek report chodke which confirms whether you can conceive anymore or not!

Pata hai ye main itni tassali se kyu keh raha hu; kyunki Riddhima; tumhari surgery se pehle hi tests karvane par we got to know ki tumhara cancer itna nahi faila ki tumhari ovaries puri tarah se damage kar de! Maine Armaan ko batana chaha but he cared less.

Tumhari surgery ke baad; dawaiya likhwate waqt bhi maine Armaan ko ye batane ki koshish ki par vo sunna hi nahi chahta tha. He did not bother to check the reports because he did not wish to know Riddhima. Vo bas is baat se khush tha ki tum bilkul theek ho. Uske liye yahi sabse badi tassali thi kit um ab poori tarah se theek ho; SAFE ho!

Riddhima main jaanta hu tum ye surgery kyun nahi karwa rahi thi; aur main ye bhi jaanta hu ki tumne sirf Armaan ke force karne par hi ye surgery karwai. Aur mujhe nahi lagta ki usse naaraj hone ki koi vajah ho sakti hai Riddhima. 

Yakeen maano; maine bohot si ladkiyon ko Armaan ke liye kaafi kuch karte dekha hai! He has always been an apple of everyone's eye; especially every girl's! Par maine kabhi use us tarah kisi ladki ke barein main sochte hue; fikar karte hue nahi dekha hai Riddhima like the way he does for you. Tumhara naam aate hi uska chehre pe ek wide smile aati hai; effortlessly!

Jo kuch bhi tum dono main hua hai; job hi tarika usne apnaya ho tumhe manane ke liye; par I assure you Riddhima; he is deeply, unconditionally in love with you. Aur usne jo bhi kiya hai sirf apne pyaar ki vajah se kiya hai. Tumhari jaan bachane ke liye kiya hai! I think I had to make this clear... just give it a thought Riddhima. Shayad tum uski jagah hoti toh tum bhi apna pyaar bachane ke liye jaroor kuch na kuch toh karti; right? Aise hi apne pyaar ko apni zindagi khatre main daalne toh nahi deti na!

Rahul who had walked back towards them interrupted;
Jerry...I think Abhimanyu's right! Armaan ne jo kiya na vo sahi kiya ya galat ye toh nahi jaanta main; par haan usne jo kiya sirf tumhe manane ke liye kiya Riddhima. Maine tumse kaha tha vo gadha kuch samjhta nahi; usko thoda jagane ki jarurat thi; realize karvane ki jarurat thi. Dekho ab toh usne khud keh diya ki vo bhi tumse pyaar karta hai! Toh ab kis baat ka intezaar?

Main jaanta hu usne tumhe manane ke liye jo tareeka apnaya that was really absurd but...
she looked up at Rahul a little surprised so Rahul immediately replied her unasked questions.

Haan Riddhima... Armaan ne mujhe bataya and he is really guilty for what he did. I think you both really need to talk.

Abhi and Rahul's words were like an alarm for her to snap out of sad dreamland that she was unnecessarily staying in. Now that the world could read love in his eyes; and his confession in front of the whole family; what more proof did she want! Yes he had said; he couldn't fall in love; but he wasn't GOD! He could make mistakes. But STILL...the divorce STILL couldn't be justified and so it was a waste of time to think over other things. Best way was to just talk to him straight away. She had to know that if all that his friends were saying and the change that they could see in him was true; then how he dare ask her for a DIVORCE!

What was she thinking all this while...she had all the rights to snap at him. She had every right to question him; demand answers from him. She had every authority to ask him that how he had dared to say such a horrendous thing. Who gave him the right to snatch her mangalsutra away from her?

Yes he had the right to decide what she did with her life; to decide whether she should go through the surgery or not; for that matter even to decide whether she should live any more or not but he had absolute no right to snatch away their relationship; her right to be called his wife! She looked down at the mangalsutra and clutched it tightly as if consoling herself; that only she had the right to decide when to keep it with her and till when! He couldn't decide the life of their marriage all by himself! She had equal rights; and it was time to make that clear.

Suddenly she felt unusual silence around and found all the eyes on her. That is when she noticed Armaan standing right next to her.

Riddhima time to cut the cake...here you go!
He handed the knife and pointed towards the cake placed right in front of her. She looked around and found everyone awaiting the cutting of cake. He raised her eyebrows asking her what was she thinking as she looked lost; but she simply nodded her head and moved forward to cut he cake.

She cut the cake and picked a piece; without any doubts she held it up to feed him but he stopped her and himself took the cake. She obliged as he held the piece in front of her mouth looking up at him with nothing but pure love. He read the difference in her eyes; sometime back the eyes which were empty; now seemed full of emotions!

Abhi tak maine tumhe wish hi nahi kiya Riddhima... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS.RIDDHIMA MALLIK! I wish you all the happiness of the world. I hope you like your gift!

She frowned as he said that and found him smiling at her. Keeping her eyes still locked with his he placed a soft kiss on her palm and eyed down at her fingers. Surprised at the smoky quartz embedded with solitaire placed against her ring finger she gasped as he caressed her knuckles.

That's a promise ring for you Riddhima...promising that I would be with you; by your side and LOVE YOU till I breath out the last ounce of carbon dioxide...or maybe even after that!

Unknowingly a tear trickled down her cheeks and she looked up at him stunned. He placed a small kiss on her forehead and whispered so that only she could her;
I don't know if you particularly like that gem; par ye tumhari aankhon ke rang se kaafi milta julta hai! So I couldn't stop myself from buying it as the moment I laid my eyes on it; mujhe tumhari khubsoorat aankon ki jhalak dikhai di; jo isi rang ki hai aur bilkul isi tarah chamakti hai!

She felt her heart whisked away right that moment. She needed some time to get hold on herself. His touch; his words; mere whispers against her earlobe; his simple kiss against her forehead; did something to her. She felt everything around her fade and all she could see and hear was HIM!

He smiled and moved away disappearing into the crowd; and her friends and family hugged her; presented gifts wishing her; but she had no more had any clue WHO was saying WHAT! She was mind-blown; she felt mesmerized, SPECIAL! She felt... LOVED!

Everyone around was talking to her; making her eat; fed her that yummy chocolaty cake; but her mind and heart both were stuck at that gem shining against her hand.

The party came to an END; everyone stared leaving; but still she just kept staring down at the ring as his words kept playing with hr senses. Riddhima sat by the window ledge in her room when Muskaan eneterd to wish her one last time before leaving.

Hey birthday girl... Wish you a very happy birthday once again. Keep smiling...and you know I love you right!

Riddhima took Muskaan in a bear hug and thanked her.

Main chalti hu ab... vaise I really loved what Armaan gifted you; rather the way he gifted you. I am really happy for you Ridz; Armaan's a great guy! I never knew he was so romantic...and plus ye bhi ki vo vrat shat rakh sakta hai tere liye!

Riddhima was bowled over for the n th time in past 24 hours.
Vrat...kaisa vrat?

Muskaan sat down next to her looking at her ring closely;
Arey haan tujhe nahi pata? Vo subah tere liye pooja hui thi na; toh uske liye Panditji ne kaha tha jiske liye pooja rakhi hai usko vrat rakhna padega. Par Armaan ne saaf inkar kar diya tha kit u koi fasting nahi karegi; par fir jab panditji ne kaha ki it's necessary ki ye vrat rakha jaaye; toh he said that he will fast for you; vaise bhi theek hi hai na Ridz...ab toh vrat tu rakhe ya vo one and the same thing na!

Riddhima felt speechless as Muskaan teased her. 
Iska matlab Armaan ne subah se kuch bhi...

Muskaan nudged her getting up to leave;
Arey chill; vo bas abhi abhi khana khane baitha tha. Ananya aunty se hi baat kar raha tha; abhi dekh kar aa rahi hu main. Chal ab main chalti hu Tu aaram kar theek hai. Main kal aati hu tujhse milne. Bye; happy birthday once again; love you!

Stunned would be an understatement for her state right now. Armaan Mallik was fasting...and that too for HER! How had he even managed to do that when he was busy with the arrangements running here and there entire day. She went down the memory lane; past few days when she had been so rude; their arguments; his anger. The first day as Mrs.Armaan Mallik; his small gestures stating she was all HIS! His demands; cute antics; her stubbornness making him helpless.

Tears streamed out of her eyes; she realized his unconditional love and was overwhelmed knowing he himself had realized it! She thanked her stars for bringing him in her life. If he so damn loved her still he had hurt her.

She looked up at the clock. It had been an hour since Muskaan left. Armaan should have been back to the room by now. Usually she had noticed; he didn't leave her alone these days; e would send Ananya or Sophie if he couldn't be around. She desperately wanted to meet him; talk to him. She could wait no more now!

Caring least she put in all her efforts and stood up all by herself. Taking support of the walls; she took tiny slow steps and walked out of the room. The decorations still there; but all the lights were out; except for the night lamps. Irrespective of her fear for dark; she walked out of the room as she saw a figure resting against the plush sofa placed centrally in the living room.

She did not need her eyes to recognize it was HIM. He looked tired; his eyes shut; head resting against the sofa; exhaustion dipping out of his every nerve! A lone tear escaped her eyelid as she saw his tired body resting against the sofa. She looked up at their room; their bedroom where they slept before her surgery. She felt guilty as he had that huge room all to himself as after the surgery she had to stay down stairs. He hadn't been sleeping next to her on the bed due to all the recent fights and tiffs.

He could simply use his room; sleep there peacefully; but he chose to sleep on the couch in the room that she slept in; just to be there if she needed anything.

She lifted her hand to touch his forehead but couldn't bring herself up to do so. She looked back towards their room reviving their memories.

Armaan who had been sitting silently; relaxing for some time; felt someone's presence and so he opened his eyes. Her presence alerted him and he stood up on an impulse. 

NOTE:I know you all are eagerly waiting for the confession; but this choti moti baatein were important before the confession; I hope you all understand enjoyed it! And NEXT PART is FULL CONFESSION! I plomish!!