Part 23Seeing Dhruv sitting with Riddhima, Armaan's blood no doubtedly boiled. How dare he sit so close to her? How dare his finger brushed againsr hers? Were his thoughts but clenching his fist, practicing self control, he kept sitting far across from them in the living room. His feet were stretched out having laptop over his thighs. His palm was placed on the keyboard. His lips straight and his eyes fixed on the duo, sitting in Riddhima's room. Riddhima was giggling at something Dhruv said and hit his hand in friendly gesture. "He must be a joker" Armaan mummbled under his breath and turned back his attention on the laptop screen but that made him miss the look, Riddhima passed at him.
"Oh ho...Sad to see his attention diverted to something else than...YOU?" Dhruv questioned in a teasy tone that earned him a glare from Riddhima. How she is regretting now to open up to him?
After settling in the apartment, Riddhima paid a visit to her university to collect her rol no slip and papers schedule sheet when she met with Dhruv and her other friends. She was elated on seeing them once again an so were they. They together went in to collect the things, they required and roam around the now almost empty building of their univerdity, remembering th 4 years of their academic session. It was Riddhima's idea to call Dhruv over so they can do combine studies but during the break, when Dhruv inquired about her life...precisely married life... she confined in him about the emotional turmoil she is going through. Her reactions, her feelings for Armaan...Her confusion. After patiently hearing her out, all Dhruv had to say. "Are you stupid not to sit it in its face? Its love Riddhima...Your heart is developing feelings for him". Riddhima was stunned but Dhruv cant help but be happy about his friend. Right from after her marriage, he had always prayed to God to bring happiness in her life no matter where it lies and than, he started on teasing him with Armaan's name not leaving this blockbuster chance. Riddhima glared, smacked, pouted but nothing could dull that shine in her eyes whenever Armaan's name is mentioned. "I am already regretting telling you things that I still have not told myself" She said in a low voice. Her eyes still struck on Armaan as she took a sigh. "But you couldn't help...Besides, I am your best friend and best friends main...No secret" He winked, teasing her perfectly knowing that for her, Muskaan and Armaan.will always stay the best friends. But then, this was something she couldn't share with them. Not now atleast. "Oh my God Riddhima...I am so so happy for you..." Dhruv exclaimed with happiness making her get out from her train of thought before he pulled her in a friendly hug. Riddhima hugged him back feeling somewhere soothness in her heart. Oh she missed this support and friendly hugs. "I missed you..." She said before pulling away. "Though Armaan was always my friend but these few years of seperation did brought an awkwardness between us...It's you who was all ears to hear what I had to say...I...I..I am so glad you are here right now..." Her voice got teary. Dhruv just rubbed her arms in silent understanding before he pulled away with a grin. "But now, am here and am all ready to tease you to the point that you will get fed up o me" In reply, Riddhima just gave a teary giggle before hitting him on his arm. "You are so bad". "Now let's get back to the studies or the way he is looking right now, if we stood like this a minute more...Your husband will walk in this room and will kick my butt out of this house...Can also ban my presence near you". Riddhima looked at Armaan who was now looking at them with dangerous eyes that had her instantly jump a step back. Tucking her loose hairs behind her ears, she gave him a last look before taking place on the single chair and pulled out a notebook. No need to say, Armaan's constant glances were still so observed by her body.
Standing in the window at night, Armaan was having a soft smile on his face. Not cause of the killing jealousy that occured in his heart on seeing Riddhima sitting close to Dhruv. He wanted to beat him bad, break his fingers that touched his wife but all that killing instict went to haywire when while leaving, Dhruv approached him and said. "Take care of her Armaan...She trusts you and I trust her trust...You...You always made me jealous...Even when you were not here all those years, all she talked was about you and her days with you...How great of a friend you were to her...I tried...I seriously tried hard to make her erase those memories of your friendship cause she is a friend, hard to get...and I wanted her frindship all to myself...But today, seeing her happy...I realised what she has with you is something...far more than a mere friendship...It is something, beyond my thinking... And am sure, with you...all she will be is happy...Take care" Saying this, though Dhruv has left, but behind he left a hope for Armaan. He will have her was all he thought as he drifted to sleep.
"Will you be fine giving exams like this? We can still ask the principle to get someone write down the paper for you" Next morning, He questioned once again as they were still sitting in their car which was parked into the University Premesis. His eyes were fixed on her bandaged hand. "Armaan...My left hand is injured...not the right one...I can write down my own exam". She said experatedly while putting her notebook shr was reading before back into the bag, assuring that she had her roll no slip and spare set of ball pen. Her eyes rose up to find him still looking at her with worry. "I will be fine Armaan" She held his hand and squeezed it a bit that made him have a sigh and step back. "Okay...But do give me a call when you are done...I will be right here to pick you up" He requested that results in a nod from Riddhima. "Okay...Bye" Opening the car door she was out. Armaan leaned at her side of the seat and said. "All the best" that made her smile and saying "thanks" she went in. But she couldnot help but smile remembering his tensed face later on. Oh my...How she loves the care, he shows. And that thought kept her happy the whole day.
The coming days were tough for Riddhima as she got in full mood to study, keeping her emotional change at a side for the time being. Dhruv would come over, sometimes alone...Sometimes with another two female friends but his presence was not making Armaan uncomfortable any longer. He was someway relieved that atleast in University, Riddhima is under the eyes of someone who cares for her. The group will study, strucking their heads down on the number of notebooks until Armaan will barg in along with tea and few snacks, loudly saying. "Take a break people" that will automatically put smiles on their faces. Dhruv himself started to like Armaan. Armaan was a dedicated successful businessman but still was down to earth for the ones he deeply care. And Riddhima looked out to be one of his passion. That thought just made Dhruv happy and smirk.
Armaan paid visit to his under construction hotel site which was facing a legal problem that he knew was one of Akshay Gupta's dirty tactic but he also had some influencial relations and great lawyers who took no time to solve these hurdles. Dehradun might be Akshay Gupta's territory but this world belongs to Armaan. He was in constant contact with Aryan and Rahul who kept on updating him about the business development. But he didn't miss the early morning breakfast, after exams discussions on lunch and asking about her exams and prepartions about the next ones on th dinner. The usual after dinner coffee time was now occupied by her studies but he knew, soon, she will be all his. Very Soon.
It was the 12th day of their arrival. Riddhima was already done with 5 of her exams and only last was remaining in which she has to submit a painting as a project. She will be given marks(the one she was working in the past three months) on the basis of her project topic and its relation with painting. It was already done...but Riddhima thought to give some final touches. Dhruv saw her piece and assured her that its look fabolous but just a little work was needed that had to be done. So after dinner that night, Riddhima stood in her room, examing her work with a microsopic view when the light went off. "Armaan..." Was the first thing that escaped her lips in a small voice of help. She wasn't afraid of darkness. She was used to it but the last 4 months did bring a change in her. She was no longer subjected to darkness and that was making her used to it now. When Armaan didn't come, she went towards the single window of her room and opened it just to come face to face with a thundering storm. The wind was blowing too forcely to make the windows pane hit the wall hardly on the side. The lightning was occuring on the sky. Riddhima took a step back when she felt the warmth of two strong hands around her sides. Her back hit a strong chest. Her poor heart raced as she felt the warm breath of his, falling on her neck even in this fast cold wind. She shivered that made Armaan push forward his hands and close the window. Riddhima stood still in the trance while Armaan's hands slowly move down and come around her waist. His even breathing was mking her tremble with each blow. Her eyes were downcasted. The emergency light he brought in and placed on her side table before was enough for him to witness her reactions.
For Armaan, this whole scene was like a dream. She in his arms, was a thought that made him smile broadly and seeing his effect on her, he couldn't help but take the leap. His fingers traced the softness of her waist through the silk dress as his face dipped more into her neck and left a small kiss after a bit hesitation. She shivered and sighed. Her trembling humm encouraged him to move ahead with his act of showering love. His fingers moved up on her body as is playing an instrument. Slowly, softly they mounted the length of her hand to the shoulder before he cupped the side of her face and caressed it, making her get comfortable to his touch. Their was a strong storm going outside the building but another one was building up inside the room. Her lips trembled as soonbas his thumb get in contact with it. His now blazing eyes get fixed on those soft petals which were clentched between her teeth. "Ar...Armaan" She murmured and that was the last thing He heard before he turned up her face and prlecked her lips, as if making his name stood still on her lips. The sudden act made Riddhima get out from her hazy world and look upbwith shock eyes but without giving another moment of thinking, he pulled her close once again, making his lips search hers for a moment before making her completely oblious to the surroundings. Riddhima's hand landed on his chest in order to push away lamely but he caught her fingers in his and pressed her back with the closed window keeping the kiss intact. The slight pushes and strokes earned him a reward of her acceptance as she opened her mouth, letting him enter and explore. What he got was totally unexpected for him. Her sweetness, her rawness made him pull more close by hips. Riddhima too was now inbvolved and learning this new thing. There first kiss was full of testing, implementing and awesome results.
As finally they stopped to get a breather, he kept standing at his place not letting the wind pass in between them. Riddhima was still panting while his breathing was rough. Their foreheads were attached, eyes were closed. The moment was so precious to both. Her sound of breathing was hearable to him and his fast heart beat could be felt by her fingertips which were placed on his chest. For few moments, none from both tried to move away. It was finally the light which came back and filled the room by brightness that put them out from their trance. Armaan was the first one who moved away after a resigning sigh and giving a last look to her face, he turned away. No need to say that her smudged lips, her close eyes, her high breathing state will keep him awake for tonight.
Riddhima found heself all alone the next moment when she opened her eyes on feelinf the cold wind practically hitfing her hot body. She shivered and looked around with hazy eyes for Armaan but he was already gone. As the senses get back to her, she moved her fingers up on her lips. Was he here kissing her a moment back or it was just her illusion? She rushed towards the mirror in the room to find her messed state. Her hairs were frizzy, her lips were blood red, showing his power of possesion, her neck having red marks of his fingers which were holding her face straight just few moments back. She stumbled and held the dressing for support. She was just too shocked with the intensity of the kiss. His passion, his way of exploring. But still he stopped... A voice said inside her heart. She was weak then. He could have pursue his action but he stopped, just for her. Her days of attraction towards him was finally finding a point of relaxation but was she ready enough to let him occupy herself. That was tge question, she was about to answer herself that night.
Next morning, Rupa was all set with her breakfast on th dinning table. As Riddhima approached she wished her a Good morning and went in to get the tea. Riddhima's eyes wandered into small apartment to find where Armaan is this morning but she got nothing. It was a sigh of relief or a sigh of anxiousness on not finding him, she was unable to understand. Rupa silently poured the tea in the cup. "Maam...you want something else?" She asked politely. Riddhima gave her a look and shook her head. 'Should I ask or not?' She questioned herself for 5 times and 6th time, asked ahead. "Where is Armaan?" With his name her heart raced but she made sured that her expressions dont spill something out. "Armaan Sir has already left an hour back...He said their is some issue and some legal matters that need to be take of today itself...but don't worry maam...Rakesh is outside to drop you off to university and will pick you up" Rupa assured. Riddhima nodded and started to eat silently. She knew somewhere that Armaan was ignoring her. And she knew, even if he would have been present in the home right now, she herself would have avoided him but still, hurt took place in her heart. She was not feeling hungry at all now soshe just took the tea and after getting her painting carefully placed in the car, she left for university.
In afternoon, Armaan was talking on the phone with Aryan, discussing a deal proposal he has received when he saw Riddhima entering the apartment in a grumpy mood. Her eyes were looking a bit puffy. Occupied by her thoughts, she didn't even dare give him a look and went straight to her room. As it was important, Armaan just completed his discussion with Aryan that was stretched to 15 minutes and cutting the call, went to check on Riddhima. "Did something wrong went with her project?" "Is she upset about the kiss?" "But she did reciprocate" OR "Did someone say anything to her?" were the kind of thoughts running through his mind but putting it away from his mind, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Whatever her emotions are about the last night were need to be heard by him. "Riddhima?" He knocked. "Riddhima? What happened?" He knocked again but on getting no response from her even after the fourth knock, he turned the handle and entered in, only to find the room empty. The running water sound from the bathroom caught his attention. "Oh...she is here" He took place on her small bed. He didn't intend to ignore her. Last night, he himself gave to her just to figure out her feelings. He loves her and in return, wants her love. Sighing, he covered her face with his plams. And that's when he noticed itn The sound of water hadnt stopped or changed in last 10 minutes. The flow was constant and in a minute, the little steam also started to make its way out from the small space under the door that freaked him. His eyes instantly went towards the water heater switch outside the bathroom which was On. The steam was coming out like a blow. He became tensed and rushed to the door. "Riddhima...Riddhima..are you ok?" he asked desperately but still no reply. Has she hurt herself? He had ledt right after they shared the kiss? Is...Is she regretting that and punishing herself was his thoughts at the moment. He turned the knob of bathroom with bated heart and found it open. The first step inside the bathroom had made him embrace the clouds of warm steam. The mirrors were covered with fog. "Riddhima..." He called out a bit loudly. And then he heard it. The flinch in water and her slow sound, "Armaan...What...What are you doing here?" She spoke after standing and quickly grabbing the towel from the rail, covering her front. Her bare back got pressed with the sweaty titled walls of the bathroom. Thankfully the plastic shower curtain was their to protect her modesty but still, he could see a reflection through it. And no need to say, whatever he saw, has made him speechless. Her hazy image was enough to send his hormones on fire. "Armaan" She called again to gain his attention. She hoped he had left silently but the dark black image behind the curtain was saying something else. Her grip on the towel got tighter as she saw him taking a step forward. "Woh...I called you so many times...and...and you...you didn't reply...I...I just got scared" Armaan replied gaining some control over himself. His throat was cloged. His fingers were curled into fist which were just so eager to take a step forward and remove this hurdle(curtain) from between them so he could have a clear view of her but he stopped. "I...I just dozed off...I am ok ..Please leave" Her stuttered tone turned a bit hard at the end. "hmm..." Still without looking away, drinking the view from his eyes, he took few steps back before he was out from the bathroom and shut the door closed.
Hey guys...so sorry for being late...
am not feeling well and so havent checked mistakes...kindly ignore...
Do give ur feedback
take care
Ana Edited by ..oneOone.. - 10 years ago
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