Mere Liye Ho Tum
OS | 29
ARSH VERSION >>Click Here<<
(The song is not the main song but I think, it is the perfect reference for this story...This song 'Hasi Ban gaye' was suggested by Sharmeen...And I got this idea to use both male and female version but Separately...so basically, this OS is divided into two parts...In two version...showing two different eras of a couple :D )
Just for reference mentioning the ages of Gupta and Malik Siblings
Riddhima Gupta/Malik: age 27
Rohit Gupta: age 24
Preetika Gupta: age 17
Armaan Malik: age 30
Muskaan Malik: age 25
"Fiction is a lie through which we tell the truth"
Albert Camus
Her leg bent as she kept it over his thighs and get settled into his warm embrace. They both had submitted themselves to the deep sleep just 2 hours back. His hand came around her waist to pull her closer. They were looking well settled, perfect, made for each other But something was unsettled.
The already bulging disc of her backbone started to put pressure on the main vein of her body, slowing down the blood flow in her right leg. The pain started to make its way from her thigh to the back of her knee before moving towards the point under her foot. An alarming message was passed between the body and the mind before it was registered.
Feeling the immense pain in her leg, she woke up from her deep sleep with a shattered cry.
"Ahhh...Ahhh...oh ma...Armaan...Oh...ma..." patting her right thigh vigorously, she cried rolling on the bed, jerking her leg furiously not able to bear the pain but just in few seconds, she felt the pair of hands calmly taking over her thigh and started to press in alternating between his fingers and palms, putting the leg straight from its curved position.
"Calm down...shhh...abhi theek ho jaye ga..." He said still hearing her cries which have started to get slow down ... "Shhh...I am here" He assurred, soothing her forehead with one hand while keeping other busy on her hip bone.
She looked back into his sleepy yet worried eyes and leave a soft breath of exhaustion.
"Theek ho...?" he questioned just to see her nod.
Right then, the door flew open and in entered a 17 year old Preetika, who was staying at her di's place.
"Di...Tum...Tum theek ho? I heard your scream" She questioned wuth fearful eyes just to see her di looking back at her with a small smile.
"Haan...*gulp* "abh theek hoon...shukar hai k Armaan tha" She gave a thankful look to Armaan before looking back at her little sister.
Preetika was relieved but then her eyes unintentionally moved to the hands of her jeeju which was practically holding Riddhima in a protective grip. His one hand unintentionally caressing her hairs and the look. The LOOK he was passing on to Riddhima was full of dedicated love and fear.
"Tum...Tum abhi tak jag rahi ho...Pihu tau theek hai na?" Riddhima questioned next making her sister's attention turn back to her.
"Ha...Haan di...wo...wo theek hai...sou rahi hai...mujhe neend nahi aa rahi thi, tau main aik novel parhne lag pari k jab tumhari cheekh suni..." She replied stuttering while her eyes were keep on drifting to her jeeju who was still lost in her di.
"Theek hai...Chalo phir ja k sou jao...Pihu subah jaldi uth jati hai...Kal tumhain bohut tang karne wali hai" Riddhima warned with a chuckle just to see her sister giving a feeble smile before turning on her toes and leaving the room.
Haan hasi ban gaye
Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan
Meri zameen ban gaye
"Armaan...Main abh theek hoon...tumhain bhi sou jana chahiye" She said looking back at her husband who was so concerned for her while his fingers cupped her cheek.
"Tumhain patah hai...tumhari takleef...tumhara youn raat main cheekhte howay jagna, meri jaan nikal deta hai...*looking away*I am so sorry...mere financial crisis ki wajha se tumhain itna sehna par raha hai" His fingers pushed away the small fringes from her face while his eyes were filled with guilt.
"Shh...Khabardar mujhe sorry bola tau...*held his chin and made him look back into her eyes* Mujhe patah hai, k agar tumhare haath main hota tau tum mujhe kal hi hospital admit karwate operation k liye...or agar...agar mere haath main hota tau main bimar h na hoti...par Armaan, kuch cheezain hamare haath main nahi hotin..." She rubbed his brows trying to sooth the frown that was etched on his handsome face.
"Magar haan, kuch cheezain hain jo tum kar sakte ho..." He frowned just to see her having a naughty grin on her lips while her fingers snaked around his neck.
"Mujhe pyaar kar sakte ho...Mera khayal rakh sakte ho...aik kiss day sakte ho" Her voice turn into a mere whisper as she pulled him down.
A sexy grin got placed on his lips too but just as the lips were about to meet, he stopped.
"Kar tau main sab kuch sakta hoon...par pehle, darwaza band kar loon" His eyes moved from her to the ajar door before falling back.
"Ahhh" Leaving her groaning, he got up from the bed with a chuckle.
"Darwaza band karna chahiye tha na..."
"Patah hai...Par Pihu pehli bar hamare saath nahi hai...Maine socha k agar wo tang kare gi tau Preet usko la sakti hai mere pass..." Turning around, she looked as her husband bolted the door and get back to bed with a smirk.
"Preet usko sambhal sakti hai...warna humne usko yahan bulaya hi nahi hota...Pihu ki fikar na karo...likin abhi" He stopped beside bed before hovering over her.
"Meri fikar karo..." Riddhima giggled as he rubbed his stubble against her cheek before engulfing her lips in a soft kiss.
"Chalo abh sou jao...Zyada excitement tumahare liye acchi nahi" It was his time to giggle as she pouted but none the less, snuggled into his arms.
This time, keeping her leg entwined with his in a straight grip, he went to sleep.
But unknown to them, there was someone who was a silent spectator and listener to there private talks.
Getting back into her room, Preet passed a look in the crib to check on a peaceful sleeping Pihu before getting into the single bed beside it.
Opening the ebook that she had downloaded from a free book store, she started to restart the read from the point she had earlier left it on hearing her Di's shout earlier.
Courtesy: Dancing In The Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne
"Kia aisa hi lagta hai...Pyar karna, pyar main parna...pyar ko paana..." She wondered. And then she remembered the look her Jeeju was Passing onto her Di. A look of possession, of protectiveness.
And then wondering if she ever get to experience such thing, she went to sleep.
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Riddhima Gupta, now Malik was a junior in the same college as of Armaan Malik when they fell in love. It was probably the love at first sight as he will call it. As soon as the proposals started to come for Riddhima, Armaan informed his parents about her and send his proposal which was surprisingly preferred by her parents over others as
one, he belong to a very noble middle class family.
2nd, he was Riddhima's choice.
But the wedding was postponed till her finals in which Armaan gave his full support. The marriage was a happy affair and Armaan brought his bride to the two bedroom apartment, he had acquired in the same building as his parents. Armaan loves his privacy. Earlier living with his parents and younger sister was fine, but now, stepping into the new phase, he wanted to have his own space. His parents were quite happy with his decision but his sister, who before always used to be the one getting his affection couldn't take it all too well. Muskaan will always accuse Riddhima for snatching away her brother but it was all ok when she herself got married. Armaan took none of his sister taunts to heart neither let Riddhima get affected by it and started his life's journey with his wife. Riddhima was well educated so he encouraged her to work and get some practical experience but after 1 year, when she conceived there first baby, she gave up on well payed job. She was a lady who knew her priorities and she knew a way to make it work. All through her pregnancy, she kept herself busy with home tutions that kept her mind occupied and made her happy. And then entered, Ms Pihu Malik. She was the life of the family. Her toothless laugh was the reason of Armaan and Riddhima's happiness. But just after 7 months of her birth, Riddhima had started to get pangs of pain in her leg. Her back will hurt if not having any support. On seeking help from a nearby physician doctor, she was prescribed to take a medicine for a month for back pain but when nothing helped, Armaan took her to a specialist Orthopedic who in the first examination told them that she is suffering from slip disc. Three of her lower discs were effected but one was far more effected than others. The fluid, on bending or sitting cause a pressure on her blood vein which cause her pain. It was one tormented period for the couple. All through the rides, she will sit barely on edge to stifle her cries and will keep on standing as much as she could during the visits to doctors. The doctor advised her for an instant operation or otherwise, she might can injure her leg. Numbness has started to sit in her leg at few places already. But financial crises had kept them on hold. Just at the end of last year, Muskaan's wedding had cost Armaan alot that he had to take a loan from the bank. Later, Pihu's birth and additional expenses did not let him save enough for a rainy day and here now, he was just waiting for the next month salary to get Riddhima admitted in the hospital and get her relieved from this pain. As she was strictly forbidden to bend down or lift heavy things, Armaan had made a call to her mother to comeover and help Riddhima for few days but as being busy with her school Principal ship issue, she couldn't make it. His own mother was having knee problem so she couldn't help either. And then, Riddhima's mom suggested to send her younger sister, Preetika over for few days who was having her mid term break. Armaan, after consulting with Riddhima, agreed to this arrangement.
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Pouring down coffee into her cup, Riddhima turned to greet a yawning Preetika coming out from Pihu's room.
"Morning"
"Morning Preet...Pihu k saath pehli raat kaisi rahi?" Bringing her in a side hug, Riddhima kissed her little baby sis cheek who whine in annoyance. She was not a person who like to be touched and Riddhima usually take full advantage of it to annoy her.
"It was fine...Pihu do bar uthi thi par jaise hi usko bottle bana k di, saath hi sou gaye" Preet explained.
"Good...Chalo fresh ho jao...Main breakfast ready karti hoon" Riddhima prompted just to see Preet nod.
"Jeeju chalay gaye?" She questioned casually.
"Haan...Armaan tau subah 7 bajay hi nikal jata hai...Omelet?" She questioned and just heard Preet agreed voice.
The whole day the sisters spend there day while talking and handling Pihu. Riddhima cooked food while Preet informed her about the future course of studies she was planning to take on. Later, they went for a stroll as Pihu loves outdoor. Her giggles and smiles just made everyone adore this bundle of joy.
Haan hum badalne lage
Girne sambhalne lage
Jab se hai jaana tumhein
Teri ore chalne lage
Armaan returned by 5 just to see his rather busy wife sterilizing Pihu's baby bottles. The apartment was silent otherwise, means Pihu was taking her nap. He next looked out for Preet who was not in sight. Seeing the coast clear, he silently made his way to Riddhima with a naughty grin before hugging her.
"You know...Tum chahay kitna bhi discreetly behave karo...Mujhe patah chal jata hai k tum aye ho" Without feeling surprised, Riddhima looked back with the smile she was adoring just to see Armaan pout that made her chuckled until Armaan joined in.
"Preet kahan hai...?" Nuzzling her neck, he questioned.
"Naha rahi hai" Giving into the passion, emitting from his touches, she was about to give in when he turned her around.
"Good...phir main ye kar sakta hoon" Palming her face, he bend down and kissed her passionately, making her fingers curl into his shirt.
Moaning, she broke apart, keeping her forehead on his chest.
"We have company in home" She chuckle as he held her arms in a tight grip and made a frustrated sound.
"You know how much I hate this privacy invasion...I just can't be ME with YOU" She smiled at his possessiveness and romanticism that melted him down instantly. Running his knuckles on her soft cheek, he took a deep sigh before whispering.
"Par chalo...Abh phir se chup chup k romance karne ko milay ga... Remember... College time..." Blushing, she turned around, but holding her still in his arms, he continued.
"Wo library main table k neechee haath pakarna...we can do that at dinner now... phir campus building k peeche milna to steal a kiss or two...abh we can do that in our room".
"Armaan" She groaned pushing away his hands and making him move to the bedroom.
"Jao or change karo...Main tumhari fav coffee bana k lati hoon..." But Armaan winks and still more words to say were hard to ignore.
As he went into their room, Riddhima held the kitchen shelf for a brief moment and took a deep breath. Even after almost 3 years of there marriage, their relation, their bickering and their love was still the same.
Preet who was out from the bathroom, was standing near the door with a towel wrapped around her hairs. Hearing about all those naughty stuffs her mind wander to the hero of romance novels, she had read about.
Are they even real? she used to wonder before but now. All she could think is. The Romance Heros are real.
---------------------------
It was one week of Preetika's stay in Malik Apartment. Armaan was a very reserved kind of person, open only with those he trusts and love but Preetika was one, he respects just like a sister. So he was friendly with her but to a limit.
"Di...Tum sure ho k Pihu k saath manage kar lo gi?" Preet asked once again before putting two of her things into a small handbag.
"Preet...Tumahre anay se pehle bhi main manage kar rahi thi yaar...Don't worry...Waise bhi Rohit is coming over...Usay is naughty naughty Pihu k saath day spend karna hai..." Riddhima said pulling Pihu's cheek who was sitting on the kitchen shelf having a toy in her hand and giggled when her mother kissed her later.
(Rohit is Riddhima's brother who is 3 years youngr to her.
"Chalo...Bhai aa raha hai tau phir mujhe tension nahi...Enjoy with Mamu Pihu Rani" Moving close, Preet kissed Pihu's cheek before turning to Riddhima.
"Di..mujhe tumhari wedding album chahiye...Wo Prachi and Sana ko dikhani hai... ...Pooja and Shobha ne jab se album dekhi hai wo har kissi ko tumhare photographer ko hire karne ko bolti hain..." Riddhima smiled broadly.
"Ok...Tum Pihu k pass do minute ruko...main abhi lati hoon..." And Riddhima went in her room to get the albums.
------------------------------
Her friends had planned a get together in college and Preetika was forced to come. As soon as the album was opened, she heard gasps of her two friends.
"Ye tere jeeju hain...WOW...he is so handsome yaar" Sana said having her eyes just on Armaan.
"Yup...butmeri di bhi kuch kam nahi hai..." Preetika said with a visible pride.
"Dikh raha hai...they make a beautiful couple" Prachi completed with a sweet smile.
"Haan wo tau hai...but look at him...Love marriage thi k arrange marriage?" Sana questioned next.
"Love marriage...Di or Jeeju aik saath college main thay...Junior Senior...But haan, Mama Papa ki permission k baad hi shadi howi...See...main kitni choti thi..." Pointing towards her picture, Preetika giggled along with her friends.
"So cute..."
"Kash, hamare college main bhi koi itna handsome larka hota..." Sana added.
"I agree...Maine jab pehle pictures dekhin theen tab mera bhi yehi reaction tha...agar Shipra k jeeju itnay handsome tau I would have kill her to marry him" Shobha giggled.
"Shipra kaun?"
"My cousin sister...uski bari behen Arpita, she died in labor. Baby Maya bach gaye. Jeejaji Pune main akele rehte thay with Jiji...tau sab worried thi k Maya ko kaun sambhalay ga...as usual, unki doosri shadi ki baat chiri or sab se pehla naam Shipra ka aaya jo k shuru se Maya ki dekhbhal kar rahi thi"
"Phir...?"
"Phir kia...Shipra ne mana kar diya...usay koi or pasand tha and waise bhi uske Jeeju baray hi brooding and moody thay...Dikhne main bus sahi thay...Magar agar tumhare jeeju jitne handsome hotay, tau i would have push shipra to say yes" Shobha giggled in the end to make the envoirnment light but there was something that had strike in Preet's head.
All the loving moments that she had witnessed between her Di and Jeeju had slowly made him an ideal of a life partner for her.
He was her role model.
------------------------
It was another day in home. Armaan was off to his office. Preet just changed Pihu's diaper who was now crawling on the floor while Riddhima had moved to get a bath when her shrill voice touched Preet's ear.
"ARMAAN...UFF...Oh Maaa..."
Feeling her heart beat low, Preet got up in a panic and rushed to her Di's room just to see her practically moving on the bed like a fish out of water. Her hands moved furiously on the bed as she rolled from one position to another, jerking her feet, not finding a single position comfortable and painfree.
"Di...Di...kia howa..." Preet asked with trembling lips... Her hands moved to hold her Di but she just moved right then to roll on the other side. The pain arose in her leg was unbearable...
"Ahhh...Preet...Uff...Armaan..." Her shouts were even louder than earlier as tears streamed down her face. She kept on hitting the bed.
"Jeeju...Main...Main Jeeju ko call karti hoon..." She said and ran to grab her phone. Her hands were literally trembling as she searched for his name before clicking the dial button.
Hearing the shouts, Pihu was also stunned before she started to cry too.
"Ahhh...Maa..." Riddhima cried once again before clutching the pillow into her mouth to stop her sobs.
On the third ring, Armaan picked up the call but before he could ask anything, he did heard Pihu's and Riddhima's cries.
"Jeeju...Jeeju...Di ko bohut zyada pain ho raha hai...Mujhe...Mujhe kuch samjh nahi aa raha...wo tarap rahi hai bed pe letay letay" Preet explained holding her head...
"Armaan..." Riddhima cried once again for him who was now equally tensed.
"Preet...Calam down...Meri side table main aik medicine pari hai...It was given for emergency purposes...Us main se aik tablet nikal k Riddhima ki zuban k neeche rakho" Armaan instructed as putting the phone on speaker, Preet pushed that on bed before hurridly moving towards the side table to grab the medicine.
"Riddhima...Shh...chup ho jaoo..." Armaan kept on saying as Preet take out the pill and turning Riddhima's face towards her, put that under her tongue.
"Di...Calm down...Please" Preet pleaded while caressing her sweating face calmly with her hands.
"Preet...Pihu..." Riddhima said as she could still hear her baby's cry who was now sitting on the threshold of her room and looking up at her mom with raised hands.
Riddhima's heart scrunched more. How she wish to bend down and grab her baby...Momentarily she made her forget her own pain, before the medicine worked and Riddhima fell on the pillow, having her head engrossed in it.
Preet got up to hold Pihu and patted her back still passing looks to her sister who was now calm but her body was still shaking with sobs.
Right then, they heard the Bike Starting voice through mobile, before Armaan voiced boomed in.
"Riddhima...Tum theek ho...Preet...Tumhari Di kaisi hai...?" He asked hurriedly.
"Di...abhi chup hai..." Preet mumbled holding the mobile in other hand.
"Main ghar aa raha hoon...Par Preet, agar Riddhima ko phir pain ho tau yaad rakho...15 minute baad doosri pill deyna...us se pehle nahi...ok..." Armaan instructed before cutting the call.
Sitting beside her with a now calm Pihu in hand, Preet caressed her Di's hairs.
"Please di...hold on..." She requested just to hear Riddhima's
"Why me...Why me?" Before she cried silently into her pillow.
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Riddhima was laying still in the bed, afraid that the pain might return with just the change of position. She had asked Preet to take Pihu away as she doesn't want Pihu to get affected by any of this. Thankfully it was also Pihu's feeding time before she was off to a small sleep.
Preet was standing in the door when the main door opened and Armaan rushed in with worried eyes.
"Kaisi hai abh?" He questioned in air, looking straight onto his wife who was laying like a log.
"Di pichle 20 minute se aise hi leti hai...Zara bhi nahi hilli..." Preet explained feeling too traumatized with the situation, she had to face earlier.
"Preet...thora kuch khanay ko lay k aoo...Main hoon Riddhima k pass..." He requested, seeing Preet nodding and moving out.
"Hey beautiful..." He whispered sitting beside her while moving the messy tresses away from her face.
"Aj sab ko dara diya haan..." With the back of his fingers, he wiped away her tears before she hugged his waist in a tight grip.
"Main khud bohut darr gaye thi..." She whispered against him as he combed her hairs between his fingers.
The silence prevailed but the unsaid communication happened between her hold on him and his caresses.
"Jeeju..." Preet called him from the door. "Yeh...khana" Armaan put forward his hand and get hold of the tray that Preetika had brought.
"Main hoon Riddhima k pass abh...You relax...Ja k zara rest kar lo..." Preet nodded in approval and left the room after closing the door.
Making her carefully turn around, Armaan helped her sit before starting to feed her not hearing any of her protests.
"Maine advance salary ki baat ki thi apnay boss se...Us ne kaha hai k kuch na kuch arrange ho haye ga...abh zyada din tumhain suffer nahi karna pare ga..." He assured only to see her falling into his arms with a stifle cry.
"I am such a burden on you" She whispered just to feel his hold tighten...
"No...you are not...pagalon wali baatain na karo...samjhi...Doctor nay bataya na k slip disc honay ki koi proper wajha yaan timing nahi hoti...ye kissi ko bhi ho sakti hai...agar mujhe hoti tau kia main tum pe burden hota?" But in reply, she just sniffed and closed her eyes. Her unsaid words were apparent. Armaan also knew that in such conditions, the person suffering also loose her confidence. So to lighten up the mood, he caressed her earlobe, he whispered.
"Waise kabhi kabhi you know, I doubt k ye slip disc hai...Mood swings, tantrums...ye sab tau tum Pihu k honay k time pe karti thi...You sure k it's not some good news on our way" Riddhima giggled and smacked his chest in play.
"Besharam...Mera mazak uratay ho" She showed her eyes.
"Nahi nahi...Bus doubt utha tau pooch liya...Tum nay hi tau kaha tha k hum mann ki baatain share karain gay an koi secrets nahi rakhain gay apnay beech...and I am a keeper...You know it"
Riddhima smiled before moving her face up and kissing side of his chin.
"You are adorably adorable..." and Armaan was content just with that smile.
Later when she heard Pihu's wake up cry, she wanted her there in her arms and Armaan was more than ready to indulge her. Just the thought that what if he had been at her place and had to bear it all made him shiver. Seeing your daughter down on floor but can't bent to hold her up would surly have shook him but it was altogether different for her. She wanted a daughter to pamper, dress up and play. She wanted to feel all those moments and emotions that wired up between a mother and daughter. The casual routine, feeding her, changing her diaper, fulfilling her demands and playing and here, Riddhima was practically made stick with the bed, not allowed to do any of that freely. The baby was already put on formula milk. Her teary eyes will call for her mother but all Riddhima could do was curse herself to put her daughter and husband with all kind of tortures.
A medical condition is not damaging a person physically, it damages the emotions and mentality to another level.
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As promised by his boss, Armaan did received an advance pay and after consulting with doctor, Riddhima was ready to get admit into the hospital the next day after Diwali.
But special privileges come with special requests but Armaan was ready to do anything to let her wife get rid of this unbearable pain, she was suffering from.
She was the light of his home. The Queen of his empire. Without her happiness, he could see his fort falling in doom.
Preetika had seen in the past days how her BIL will get home late in night but her Di, was always there ready with the warm food to serve him with. She will stand beside in the open kitchen, starting a random discussion with him till he was finished with his food. He will then help her cleaning the dishes before forcing her to take her pain relieving medicines, he especially go from doctor after her earth shattering pain scene. He was caring, he was indulging and he was deeply in love with her sister.
And somewhere, the discussion with her friends and witnessing the moments between Armaan and Riddhima had invoked a rather unethical thought in her mind.
She wish to have been the one for him. She wished to have him.
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Diwali arrived in all its buzz. The whole building has planned to celebrate the event together in the basement. Riddhima's parents were too about to come to join the celebrations.
"Wow...meri baby tau aj doll lag rahi hai" Armaan said standing in the door as Riddhima put on the sparkly shoes in Pihu's little feet. She was wearing a sweet dark blue shalwar kameez that was having bead work all along the neck line and border. Two cute butterfly pins were resting on her small soft bush of hairs.
"Par...Tum abhi tak ready kyun nahi howi?" Riddhima was standing in her usual home clothes that made him frown.
"Main neeche nahi ja rahi" She moved to the washroom to put away Pihu's soiled clothes as Armaan took hold of Pihu and followed her.
"Par kyun?"
Taking a deep breath, Riddhima turned and looked at him with a depressed look.
"I am scared Armaan..." She finally said it.
Armaan's eyes softened as he moved near her to hug.
"Darne ki koi baat nahi hai yaar...Doctors are sure k easy operation hai...You will be fine once it over" Rubbing her arm, he assured her, just to see her getting a strong hold over his shirt.
"Unke liye easy hai...par it will be me who will be laying out there...in operation theater..." She argued, making him smile.
"Mama..." Pihu muttered patting her mother's hairs.
"Yaar...itna tau tum apni delivery k time bhi nahi dari thi"
"Wo or baat thi...mujhe khud se zyada Pihu ki fikar thi..."
Pulling her away, he held her chin in one hand before making her look up at himself. His thumb ran sensuously over her soft skin.
"Tau is bar tum...meri fikar karna..." Rubbing her earlobe, he saw her eyes getting diluted with a desire that only transpired between them two.
"Yaad karna k agar...andar aik dard tumhain ho raha hai...tau bahir main bhi wohi mehsos kar raha hoon...agar aik kharoonch tumhain par rahi hai tau uska asar mujhpe bhi hai...agar tumhain darr lag raha hai tau mujhe bhi...kyun k hum aik hi hain...nahi?" He questioned, just to see her nod with mist eyes and hugging him in a tight grip.
Letting her stay there, providing her all the energy that he can give, he held her till Pihu made an irritated sound. Poor baby was sandwiched between her parents while the parents giggled seeing their frowning child.
"Dekha...maine tumhain kitni bar kaha hai k is k samne aise actions na kia karo...copy karti hai ye badmash"
"Koi baat nahi...baby dady pe nahi tau kiss pe jaye gi" Armaan took side of Pihu who enjoyed this fussing of her parents.
"Chalo bahanay band karo or tayar ho...zyada na rukna par thori dair ko hi sahi... aunty uncle bhi bus atay hi hoon gay" Ajun prompted and Riddhima had to give in.
-----------------------------
Pehchaante hi nahi ab log tanha mujhe
Meri nigaahon mein bhi hai dhoondte wo tujhe
Pehchaante hi nahi ab log tanha mujhe
Meri nigaahon mein bhi hai dhoondte wo tujhe
Riddhima sneaked out from the function just after one hour of joining. Everyone understood and let her move but after not having her around himself, Armaan could hardly enjoy.
So making a beeline, he escaped too without letting anyone notice.
She was standing into the open window of their room, looking down at the occurrence. Her sleek fingers were tenderly caressing her mangalsutra.
Lost she was. And he was so ready to take the advantage of her absent mindedness.
Scrolling through his playlist on mobile, Armaan finally managed to get the one song he was looking for. Connecting his mobile with the Bluetooth speakers, he hit the play button, letting the soft melody fill the air.
Oo..Oho..
Oo..oho ho..
Oo..Oho..
Tum ho..
Riddhima turned around with a soft smile and shook her head. This was always one way of Armaan to took her mind away from worries. Dance. A close dance with him. Which always do it's magic.
"Dance with me" Putting forward his hand, waiting for her acceptance, till her cold palms met his warm ones.
Pulling her closer by the hips, he made her stood plush against himself. Looking straight ahead into his eyes, she moved her fingers around his neck, caressing the small hairs there before there bodies started to sway on the soft rhythm.
Tum ho..
Paas mere
Saath mere
Ho tum yoon..
Jitna mehsoos
Karoon tum ko
Utna hi paa bhi loon
Tum ho..
Mere liye
Mere liye
Ho tum yoon..
Khud ko mein
Haar gaya tumko
Tumko main jeeta hoon
Oo..Oho..
Oo..oho ho..
Oo..Oho..
Tum ho..
Tracing her neck line with his nose, he left a soft peck at the base of her jaw, making her shiver under his touch. He was well aware of her each insecurity, her each fear and her each confusion but unknown to her, he was the lone solution to all her miseries.
So tonight, right now, he wanted her to forget all about tomorrow. All that should be on her mind has to be, NOW, this moment, their moment and how beautiful it is.
Kahin se..
Kahin ko..bhi
Aao bewajah chale
Pooche bina kisi se
Hum mile..
Bandishein naa rahin
Koi baaki..
Tum ho..
Tum ho..
Paas mere
Saath mere
Ho tum yoon..
Jitna mehsoos
Karoon tum ko
Utna hi paa bhi loon
Oo..Oho..
Oo..oho ho..
Oo..Oho..
Kis tarah..
Cheenega..
Mujhse yeh jahan
Tumhe..
Tum..bhi ho
Kya fikar
Ab hume..
Tum ho..
Mere liye
Mere liye
Ho tum yoon..
Khud ko mein
Haar gaya tumko
Tumko main jeeta hoon
Oo..Oho..
Oo..oho ho..
Oo..Oho..
Tum ho..
They were lost in each other. She just wanted to hold onto him and forget all about her pain and impending operation and with his arms securly wrapped around, he was asPreeting her of his support but then back, in the shadows, his hawk eyes had caught the glimpse of those black eyes which were a bit replica Riddhima's but nowhere as much warm or attractive.
His heart caught a bad feeling, seeing her eyeing them like this. He was not a person who like other's to invade in his private life
Preetika was having fun down when she noticed that her di and Jeeju were missing. Thinking that Di must have gotten another of her pain pangs, she had rushed up thinking may be Jeeju will need her help but what she saw, had made her stopped in tracks. Her di was standing protectively in the hands of her Jeeju. Both softly swaying there bodies more upto the rhythm of eachother heart beats than o the soft music playing in the background. it was such a private moment.
Look away.
Her mind warned but her eyes rejected to even blink. And then, she noticed the flaring eyes of her Jeeju.
He was angry, she knew it. His body moved in a way that his back was facing her. Riddhima was completely covered by his body from her view.
It was a true defining moment.
A Warning
Loudly, it was saying. Don't invade my privacy & second, stay away from me and your sister. Just stay away from our world.
After few moments, he turned back to find the place empty. He hoped, just hoped that the messaged was reached clearly and understood.
Only if he had knew.
--------------------------
Riddhima was admitted into hospital the next day and was instantly took care off. The blood was arranged, her tests were done in the next 3 hours before she was lead to the OT.
Pihu was back at his parents home with Preet who had promised to look after her. Her parents had just made it in time as she was wheeled. Rohit proved out to be a big support as he was the one running around to get medicines and things done while Armaan was standing outside OT in grave tension.
Though he knew it will be ok. Riddhima will be fine after it but still, nothing could stop him from worry.
Atlast, after 4 hours, his prayers work and emerged a doctor, with a satisfactory smile, that made his heart pump the blood at the normal rate which was rather feeling low earlier.
"Operation is done and all is fine now. We will be keeping her inside till amnesia wears off. Later, she will be taken for a X-ray before getting shifted to the room" Doctor explained just to have Armaan pay his regards.
Another hour later, Armaan was allowed to meet his wife who was still dizzy but in immense pain.
"Armaan..." Laying on her stomach, she whispered her name just to have her hand clasped by his. His fingers of other hand moved the silky tresses of her face.
"Main yahin hoon..." He assured just to see her relieved before slipping back to sleep.
------------------
Armaan was forced to leave the hospital next afternoon after he made sure that Riddhima was fed with liquid food that was prescribed by the doctors. Her mother had opted to stay till his return. Riddhima knew he needed a bath and a content sleep but he wondered, how will he fall asleep knowing that somewhere she is in pain.
Nonetheless, he was back. For Pihu. His heartbeat.
Making his heavy steps moved towards his parents apartment and peeked in to see his daughter sitting in his mother lap who was cooing at the bundle of joy. He smiled. It was such a heart felt moment. Next he saw his father coming to them with a rattle toy in hand. Preetika was standing close shaking the milk bottle for Pihu.
His father saw him first and called him in.
"Riddhima kaisi hai abh?"He inquired but instead of coming close, Armaan took a step in and leaned back on wall beside.
"Better hai...Doctors nay check kia...belt lagay gi...aj physiotherapist aye gi...main bus thori dair k liye aaya hoon...*and then he chuckled* zabardasti bheja gaya hoon...aunty hain Riddhima k pass" Armaan explained.
"Good...chalo abhi sham main tumhare saath hum bhi chalain gay...and Pihu ko bhi lay jayein gay...theek hai na" Armaan mom looked up to his father who nodded.
"Sure...Balke Muskaan ki bhi call aye thi...keh rahi thi k hospital jaye gi..."
"G mujhe bhi call aye thi..." Armaan explained.
"Accha...main zara abh aram kar loon...phir wapis jana hai..." And all understood. Bidding bye, he exited.
Coming up to his room, he took a wistful glance before falling down on the bed with his face down. Clutching Riddhima's pillow, he pulled it close and took a deep breath.
Missing you- He thought before closing his eyes and thinking about Riddhima, he drifted to sleep.
--------------------
"Preetika...jao zara ja k Armaan ko khana day aoo...patah nahi kuch khaya bhi hai k nahi" Armaan's mother said while putting the food into the tray after an hour.
Preetika hesitated first but being asked again, she grabbing the tray, moved out.
"Jeeju..." She called him after seeing him laying on bed but when he didn't answered even after 2-3 calls, she sighed and put the tray outside.
Somewhere her own thoughts had started to scare her.
Attraction. Yes Attraction. That she was having for Armaan, was making her feel so...disgusted.
She had got that warning he had send her way just two days back and had observed how plainly he had ignored her further more but she felt helpless. She knew it was an infatuation but somewhere, her age and her immature mind was taking over her all coherent thoughts.
Just like now.
He was sleeping, unaware of her presence. A close look wont harm, now will it.
Moving with steady unsound steps, she went into his room and made her way to the bed, before sitting beside him. His face was weary and tired. His brow was scrunched. He was smelling sweaty and those of medicines.
But she just liked being that close.
Just a moment. Only one. She told herself and moved her hand to caress his hairs.
But her luck wasn't so good.
Armaan felt a stare and than a touch that woke him up only to quickly move further away on the bed instantly.
His eyes widened, his heart beated furiously seeing Preetika sitting so close to him.
"What the hell" He shouted, making Preetika sprang up with a scared face.
"Tum mere kamre main kia kar rahi hoo...or...or...yahan kyun bethi thi..." He asked straightforwardly.
"Jeeju...Main...Main...main wo...apko jaganay aye thi...Khana...khana bheja tha aunty nay..." Preet fumbled while her own heart was racing in fear.
"Tau main uth k kha layta...Chor k chali jati...Mere kamre main anay ki ijazat kiss nay di tumhain" His tone went harder.
"Main...Main...tau bus" But before she could complete, Armaan was up on his feet, glaring at her.
"Preetika...Main chahta hoon k tum aj, abhi, issi waqt apnay ghar chali jao...Chahy koi bhi bahana banao...par main tumhain abh Mere ghar main nahi dekhna chahta" He ordered. He could have said many more things how he doesn't like the intruding. How he hate sharing his space. How uneasy her presence had made him althrough. How he had simply HATED her for witnessing the moments that were just his and Riddhima. But he wanted to keep a level of respect. He wanted to keep that veil between him and her which was there from start. Preetika is Riddhima's sister and no matter how disturbed he had been by her all through last two weeks and above all, this incident, but he will never ask Riddhima to part ways from her sister. Hell, he couldn't do it when Muskaan was being all mean and rude to Riddhima.
Preetika eyes rose up.
"Par Jeeju...Di or Pihu ko meri..."
"Tumhari zaroorat nahi hogi...or na hi tumhari help chahiye...Riddhima ko main sambhal loon ga...Thank you for being concerned enough till now...par main arrange kar loon ga...Chahay Pihu k liye mujhe koi maid hire karni pare, I will do it but I SIMPLY DONT WANT YOU..." He was adament.
"I...I am sorry..." She whispered but that was just the testing statement.
"Stop that...Jao...apna saman bandho...main cab lay k ata hoon..." He moved out as he finsihed.
Preetika was dissingly standing at her place for few moments before moving out.
She had just made the biggest mistake of her life.
-------------------------
Preetika was gone and Armaan himself had paid the cab charge in advance to the driver to ensure no hassles come his way.
He was so pissed by the way things went but right now, these things didn't deserve any attention. Right now, it was Riddhima who needed him, needed his support and he wanted to make sure, she have it.
Riddhima was kept into hospital for next three days. The physiotheripist has told her few excercise that Armaan promised to help her with further on.
Rohit, Riddhima and Armaan's mom dad will keep on visiting her in intervals. Muskaan too made it once with her husband but on not seeing her sister, Riddhima was concerned.
"Preet dekhne kyun nahi aye mujhe...Wo Pihu ko lay k aa sakti thi na aik din tau" She questioned one day, making Armaan seeth in anher but controlling it, he put on a calm face and replied.
"Preet ghar ja chuki hai...Koi courses start ho rahay thay uske college main jo wo leyna chahti thi...tau maine usay bhej diya...shayad unhi k liye apply karne main busy hogi"
"What?" Riddhima was stunned. "Wo aise kaise chali gai...Pihu...usay kaun dekh raha hai...main Preet k bharosay hi tau chora tha" Riddhima was worried now.
"Riddhima...calm down...Pihu theek hai...Remember, hamari building main wo Mamta aunty rehti hain, jin ka beta US main hai" Armaan inquired only to see Riddhima nod
"Wo bohut akela feel kar rahin theen...Maa se keh rahi theen k koi kam karne ka soch rahi hain...beta paise tau bhejta hai or visa k liye bhi apply kia hai par time tau lagta hai na...tau maine unse poocha k agar wo bura na manain tau Pihu ki dekh bhal kar lain...Tumahari surgery ka bhi unhain patah hai par you know what...Pihu ko pakarte saath hi unhoon nay kaha k ye tau best job hai...Aik bache k saath khelna, uska bachpan dekhna...or saath hi, aik hi building main reh k unhain koi mushkil bhi nahi hogi...Wo tau pay layne se bhi inkar kar rahi hain...Maa nay kaha k Aunty unke pass poora din reh sakti hain ta k Pihu ki dekh bhal kar sakain or tumhain bhi fikar karne ki zaroorat nahi hogi..." He hoped that this will pacify her mother heart and it had. but the sistership was making her worried.
"Ye tau accha hai...Par Armaan...Preet..." But Armaan cut him in between.
"Maine kaha na k usay jana tha..." Riddhima looked at him with wide eyes and he realized, how loud he sounded. So controlling, he started.
"Riddhima...Preetika ki apni life hai...hum usay apnay saath tau bandh k nahi rakh sakte na...phir uska college, uske exams, un sab ko chor k wo Pihu ki dekh bhaal tau nahi kar sakti na..." And Riddhima had to agreed. This was a logical reason.
As she quit on this subject, Armaan took a breath of relief but still, somewhere, he knew, he has to give answers which will destroy a relation.
He hoped. He seriously wished if Preetika had been this concerned about her sister.
But Alas! No one was like his Riddhima.
----------------------------
Hum the dhoondhte jisey wo kami ban gaye
Tum mere ishq ki sar-zameen ban gaye
She was discharged and was escorted back home into the old car of her father-in-law while laying at the back seat. Armaan made sure to not let any humps hurt her.
Getting back home, her first demand was to take a bath which Armaan was more than glad to help her with.
Putting a plastic chair in the bathroom, he helped her with dress before making her sit.
With utmost care in order to not let the operated area get wet, he helped her freshen up. Later, to wash her hairs, he tied the apron at the back side of her body before tilting her head up and washing the soft smooth hairs.
If Riddhima loved him before, she fell all over just seeing his concern.
Making her change into a fresh pair of dress, he helped he lay back on the bed before changing the dressing on her wound. Another one month, she had to strictly be on bed, moving around as less as possible.
"So...abh kia hukam hai meri malka-e-aliya" He bowed down just to make her laugh.
"Abh mujhe meri shehzadi chahiye, Ghulam" She winked, replying in the same manner as he did, just to see him grin back.
"Ghulam haan...beta g...chala lo apna hukam...baad main meri bari aye gi..." He warned as a soft blush crept on her plae cheeks.
"But abhi k liye, jaise k ye GHULAM bhi bohut ut-sukh hai Shehzadi se milne ko...Main abhi usay lay k ata hoon..." And pecking her cheek, he left.
Life couldn't have been anymore better than to have a partner who is literally in there with you in health and sick, Riddhima thought while looking into the doorway.
--------------------------
Mamta aunty was really a good person and Riddhima realized, the best person to look after Pihu. She had been a mom herself and now was a grandmother, missing to be with her grandson who was out there is US with his family so currently, Pihu was helping her cope up with those missing moments.
Mamta was in love with this baby girl and so was Pihu.
Her giggles, her antics will bright up each heart. Some days, Mamta will stay with Riddhima, talking to her, cooking for her or sharing her life experience over a cup of tea.
But as soon as Armaan would be back, he would take over his home, making Mamta leave.
After her operation, Riddhima observed, Armaan was even more protective about his privacy. He wouldn't let anyone beside his and her parents to be a guest in there home.
Preet had called her few times around the week...but never once, she came to meet her. While Armaan had told her that Preet left to join some vocational courses, Preet had said that her exams were coming up that had made her left so abruptly. And both statements didn't matched.
Something was telling her that Armaan was hiding a secret. Something had happened and she was unaware and that deeply hurt her.
So one night, when they were all settled to sleep, Riddhima whispered. "saat"
"Haan??" Armaan frowned. "Saat kia?"
"Saat din Armaan...Saat din ho gaye k tum mujhse kuch chupa rahay ho...Main gin rahi thi k or kitne din tak chupa sakte ho" Her face was calm. Her voice was normal but Armaan clearly heard the disappointment in her tone.
"Riddhima..."
"Nahi...koi baat nahi...nahi batana chahte tau...its ok...I understand...hoti hain kuch apni problems...Main tau yahan bed pe pari hoon na...Mujhe kia fikar hogi tumhari yaan tumhari problems ki..." She was feeling all emotional now.
(In sickness, A person who is suffering feels himself/herself to be the most un-useful. He/She considers himself/herself to be a burden on those, who took care and consider it pity even if the care is out from love.)
Turning away from him with a great effort, she held the pillow and let the single tear soak into it which just ran down.
Armaan felt frustrated first and then concerned.
He tried to put his hand on her shoulder, but only heard her meek. "Sleep Armaan..."
And his fist curled in anger before he laid straight on the bed. There was a huge bank of thoughts which was capturing his mind. Anger, Disgust, care, concern, all were a part of it.
Her soft sobs could be heard by him that made him sigh. But he knew, this secret was not worth to keep. One day or another, she will get to observe his dis attachment with Preetika. The questions will be raised and then, eventually, he will have to answer them.
"Maine hi Preetika ko yahan se janay ko kaha tha" He started after few moments, catching her attention.
"Kyun..."
"Kyun k wo wo sab sochnay lag gaye thi jo k sahi nahi tha...She was infatuated.." He stopped and she got it. By whom, she was infatuated.
Armaan then slowly started to explain the events when he had felt Preetika inverting in their lives. Her presence to witness there diwali night dance and lastly, the event that forced him to kick her out.
"Main usay kissi bhi kisam ka bharhawa nahi day sakta tha...usay rokna zaroori tha...or is liye maine usay wapis bhej diya...Tum...Tum chaho tau mera yaqeen karo...chahy na karo...Par ye mera sach hai...baqi tum pe hai" Armaan siad the final words while turning around and closing the side lamps to let the darkness seep in.
He knew, he had put her on a tight spot. It was not an easy thing for her to accept something like this about her sister. But he didn't had any other way to say it. Lying would have only kept a facade that would have damaged their relationship one day or other.
Pulling the sheet over himself, he closed his eyes just to feel her hands making way around him. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes more tightly to stop the tears that were making way in his eyes.
"I am sorry" she whispered against his back while her fingers clutched his thin shirt.
"Main jhoot nahi bol raha Riddhima..." He desperately tried to make her believe.
"Patah hai...I trust you...bus, mujhe hamare darmiyan koi secrets nahi chahiyein" She argued only to feel him holding her hands before turning around and pulling her in a comfortable hug.
"I promise...agay se koi secrets nahi" And she believed him.
Whatever she had heard about Preetika had definately shocked her. Atleast, she hadn't expected this from her sister but then, she also knew that it was her age of imaturaty. Things these days are more open for one to dwell and think about. Armaan surly had taken a good step to discourage her but she has to do somethinng to guide Preet. And she will definately work on it.
But right now, this momet was of them.
And she gave herself up to his warm embrace as he pecked her forehead before falling into a cozy sleep.
Haan hasi ban gaye
Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan
Meri zameen ban gaye
End ka I m not so sure...But ye OS had se zyada lambi ho gaye na na karte karte bhi...
still i feel k kuch parts hain in which i could have added more. Few quotes. The flow.
But bus...will edit it phir kabhi...
Now have to start working on TDH.
TC
PS: Na bhi pasand aye story tau I seriously don't mind.
Its not one of my good write ups.
Riddhima Preet Convo will happen in 2nd version of this story...
this was all about how Armaan managed the situations...Riddhima's way will be explained in 2nd version :)
Edited by ..oneOone.. - 9 years ago
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