AR OS and drabble gallery: New SS-THE CURSE : PART 2 UPDATED-PMs LATER - Page 41

PART 2

"Abhi theek ho jayega baby stop crying", Armaan made her understand but Riddhima just won't stop crying. "Uff... chot bhi itni badi nahi hai jitna hungama macha rahi ho!" But that instead made her cry even more.
"Par kitna khoon nikal raha hai..."
Nancy finished the dressing and smiled at her, "Baba theek keh rahe hai, dekho abhi maine dressing kar li na ab jaldi se theek ho jayegi chot aap ro nahi." Patting her head she left the room to get back to her chores while Armaan thanked her for the dressing. Armaan settled beside her and wiped her tears showing his dressing, "See it's all fine, now stop crying varna I will also start crying, should I?"
She quickly shook her head and apologized holding her ears.

Yes HE was hurt but SHE was crying want to know why; aage padho aage padho ;)

"Meri vajah se tumhe ye boo ho gaya aur itna shara khoon nikla, I am sorry."Armaan instantly removed her hands off her ears and cupped her cheeks; Nahi Miffy, it's not your fault. Aur ab bas rona band karo, chot mujhe lagi hai aur ro tum rahi ho ye kya baat hui? Tumhe bhi kahi lagi toh nahi?"
He asked concerned but she shook her head, "Nahi tumne mujhe girne se bacha liya na, par tumhe chot lag gayi toh main itnaaa shara khoon dekhke dar gayi."
Armaan pulled her cheek as she looks so cute talking amidst her sniffs.
"Aise kaise kuch ho jata. Meri Miffy mujhe kuch hone hi nahi deti, hain na?"
But she did not look pretty convinced so he smirked at her, "Acha ab bhi nahi hosogi...okkk!" And next minute she fell back on the bed rolling in fits of laughter as he tickled her tummy. Finally as she begged him to stop he let her go and pulled her up with him, "Chalo ab mujhe itni chot lag gayi hai toh iska sweet sa treatment bhi jaroori hai na!"
Riddhima looked at him perplexed, "Par abhi toh dressh ki..."
"Haan par ice cream toh nahi khilayi na?" He winked at her and her eyes automatically twinkled at the mere mention of ice cream. They both sneaked into the kitchen for no reason, as nobody could dare deny him anything he wanted, but she always had that habit. Since she wasn't supposed to have much ice-cream and HE had strictly warned her to not have it, many a times she would still sneak into the kitchen and have some. So he played along with her joining into the crime and realized it was so much fun to sneak and eat, especially when your cute partner in crime gave that bright smile on succeeding.
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That night he was supposed to reach a little late and it so happened to be the same day when she was to be injected. He sent a nurse who could inject her but knew it was going to be a task. The last time that she was to be injected he remembered how she had created a huge chaos and finally somehow he had managed to inject her after an hour, but this time he couldn't do much as his duty called. His car parked outside the house when completely exhausted he picked his cell phone to see 20 missed calls. His eyes opened wide as he saw his landline number and took no time to understand that Riddhima must have definitely created some fuss over the injection for which the nurse and maids must have tried to contact him but being in a surgery he hadn't been able to answer. As he stepped in he heard loud sobs which almost made him miss a beat and he ran up towards his room with a jump in his feet. Riddhima was forcefully held by her feet while the nurse tried to inject her but Riddhima was putting in all her strength to get away just like any other kid of her age would. But the way her face had turned red, made him realize that she had been crying from a while now and that infuriated him. Nobody had the right to make her cry, after all she was an innocent girl just afraid of the needle, and the nurse should have understood and been calm with her instead of force fully having her way. He snapped loudly making everyone look up; "Stop it and leave her alone right this moment." Nancy who had been holding her feet, was too startled by his sudden presence to move which rewarded her with a louder snap; "EK baar mein samajh nahi aati baat? I said leave her!" The poor lady left her instantly and stood away while Riddhima instantly got down and ran straight into his arms; "Armaaan... tum kaha the. Ye--- ye sab... vo nurse aunty muj---he jaba-dasti inject----ion... mujhe ... mujhe pakadke... rakha tha! Tum... tum daant lagao inhe."
He looked daggers at the nurse and instantly approached her leaving a crying Riddhima behind; "Aapko maine kaha tha na be polite with her, have you f**king never handled a kid. Can't you see how scared she is?"
The nurse definitely was scared seeing his bloodshot red eyes but she really wasn't at fault. It had been past one and a half hours when she had lovingly tried to convince her, distract her but she had not budged, and he too chose just the moment to return when giving up she had finally asked the maid to hold her feet so she could just get done with the injection. She tried to defend herself, "Nahi sir vo..."
"Not a word more, you may leave. Give me the injection I think I will take care of it myself, thank you!" He snapped not wanting any further explanation while the nurse looked at Riddhima apologetically as she had really turned red due to sobbing but that definitely made no difference to Riddhima. Instead as he sent Nancy out as well in a sharp tone her sobs only increased petrified by his anger. Armaan cooled down as she backed away seeing his anger and took her in a tight hug;
"I wasn't scolding you Miffy, shant ho jao. Main toh nurse ko daant raha tha, see she made my Miffy cry na is liye!" He gently wiped her tears and settled her on bed. He offered her some water which she drank in a single gulp.
"Tum itni deri se kyu aaye... pata hai main kitna dar gayi thi na! Sab mujhe jaba-dasti pakadke injection de rahe the."

"Kyunki tum maan rahi thi na Miffy!"

"Haan toh kitnaa dald hota hai."

"Koi dard nahi hota, bina vajah ghar sir pe utha liya. Chiti kaantne jitna dard hoga bas."
He finally scolded her softly realizing that neither the nurse nor Nancy was at fault. It was Riddhima who must have brought some hard time on her but he it was just that seeing Riddhima red-hot with sobs he did not have any control on his anger. But he made it a point that he would apologize to both the ladies next day itself.
"What chiti? Woh kaun hai?" Hearing her innocent doubt made him forget everything else and he pinched her cheek laughing whole heartedly.
"Chiti matlab ant Miify! Ants hoti hai na, vo, unke kaantne se kitna sa dard hota hai vaise hi hoga bas."
"Nahi main injection nahi lagwaungi na, pleash Armaan."
"Uhuh Miffy... aise jid nahi karte. Aapko jaldi jaldi theek hona hai na? Chalo I promisseee main jyaada dard nahi hone dunga. Please injection lagwa lo."
But she still remained adamant when after distracting her by some or the other talks he quietly settled on her opposite end and she, drowned in the funny video he was showing her only realized she was been injected when he pulled the needle out and it stung a little. And the minute that she realized what had happened she looked up at him hurt, the smile leaving her lips while she started crying looking at him as if he had betrayed her. He could clearly see that her tears weren't because of the pain from injection but because he had tricked her and injected her which only made him chuckle at her expression. But as she started hitting his chest all annoyed he grabbed her wrists and held her still. "Bas bas bas... I know tumhe jara bhi dard nahi hua hai, bas aivey aansoon bahana band karo ab Miffy."
"Tumne jhoot bola... tum gande ho, tumne bola injection nahi doge!"
"Par tumhe theek bhi toh karna hai na. Aur dekho ab ho gaya na, it's over. I promise ye last time tha sacchii. Iske baad kabhiii tumhe injection lagaunga, aur kisi aur ko bhi nahi dene dunga pakka! Promisee!"
"Nahiii..." She huffed and slumped down turning her face away with her hands crossed against her chest and he knew without seeing that she was pouting.
"Sorry na miffy, dekho maine apne kaan bhi pakad liya."
"Nahi nahi nahiii!"
He nudged her to turn her around; "Please na Miffy, I am sorry. Acha... acha chalo punish me. You are upset na, maine tumhe injection diya toh tum batao, main kya karu, tum jo bologi I'll do it."
She slowly tiled her head towards him and asked with a frown, "Pakka?"
"Yess baba pakka!"
"hmmm..." she tapped her nose with her index finger thinking hard of his punishment and then suddenly chirped excitedly with her eyes going wide; "Haan... tum na mujhe ek achi si story sunao. Mujhe story sunni hai."
Armaan was really taken aback by her demand but then of course, what could a 5 year old ask probably other than story telling for a punishment. He chuckled but confessed; "Par mujhe toh koi story nahi aati". And instantly she turned around, her pout returned and she whined trying to get off the bed; "Hump... fir mujhe bhi tumse koi baat nahi karni."
"Armaan shook is head and instantly pulled her back as she got back to her tantrums; "Ok ok chill main sunata hu tumhe story. Let me think." Remembering all the stories that he had heard in his childhood but couldn't remember a single story from start to end; so he simply made up his own fictional fairytale with a prince and princess with a "and they lived happily ever after" ending. Making the plot ready in his mind he started narrating in the old school manner, "Once upon a time there was a prince..." As he kept building up his story as she carefully heard him, he sensed some commotion and froze for a minute as she lay down on his lap. That was obviously too close for his comfort but she groaned seeing him go quiet and tugged his sleeve probing him to continue as she was almost drifting into sleep. Left with no other choice he continued though not knowing if the story made any sense any more. And just within another minute she touched her arm where she was injected hissing in her sleep when he bent, "Is it hurting?"
She nodded in her sleep and unknowingly, seeing her do that he bent in and kissed her arm to soothe her to see an instant smile light up on her lips. Placing a soft kiss on her forehead whispering a soft Good night in her ears he moved back quickly as his eyes drifted down to her lips and shut his eyes cursing himself for his stupid thoughts. He made an attempt to get up but she groaned due to the disturbance and held his sleeve even tighter snuggling closer. He stilled right away as he couldn't afford any more closeness from her in order to keep him from moving; so he himself stopped moving to let her be where she was. Once that he saw her relaxing and going back into her sleep he just sat admiring his angel patting her head so that she stayed calmly in her sleep with no disturbance.
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Days were passing by and he was falling hard for her not even realizing it. Ridhhima on the other hand too was bonding with him very well, but her innocent mind and heart couldn't make her realize that was she held for him was pure love. She was too naive to know of it, and was considering him as her best friend, one who she couldn't imagine a single day without. While he was understanding the situation and had realized his feelings already, but seeing her state he could do nothing, he was helpless. And the more he thought about it the more he felt guilty as she was just looking up to him as a friend, as her curer and he held this one sided love for a girl who didn't even know what LOVE probably meant!
Armaan was busy in his own thoughts as he entered after a long hectic day when he heard some chaos happening in his room. He headed straight upstairs and could hear Nancy trying to convince Riddhima about something but she definitely was in no mood to listen to her. He shook his head thinking of her cute pouty face as she must be arguing and entered the room but stoned. Nancy looked up at him with wide eyes while Riddhima looked too happy least bothered of the two. Riddhima approached him with great excitement, "Dekho main bhi tumhare jaisi ban gayi."
Nancy looked at him nervously as he kept mum, "Maine bohot koshish ki inhe samjhane ki par..."
Armaan looked up at her and then back towards Riddhima. He fisted his hand trying to have control over himself as she stood wearing HS shirt and mind you that was not accompanied by any pant as in itself reached her knees.
"Riddhima ye tumne kya pehen rakha---"
She cared least of his words and continued, "Kaisi lag rahi hu main batao na."
Armaan shut his eyes tight as she held his hand waiting for his reply; "Riddhima ye mera shirt hai!"
"Haan jaanti hu, batao na kaise lag raha hai? Main lag rhi hu na ekdum tumhari tarah."
"Pants kyu na---"
"Ye shirt itiii lami hai, mujhe isi mein garmi lag rahi hai. Tum roj kaise pehente ho ise."
Armaan was completely mum as the shirt showed her curves perfectly, the shirt landed just till her knees giving him a nice sneak peek of her smooth legs. She looked irresistibly hot in that attire and if that was not enough the thought that she was in HIS shirt was too intimate to digest. Trying his best to avoid eye contact he simply muttered through his gritted teeth, "Jaake change karo Riddhima."
Instantly a pout settled on her lips as he told her to change; "Par kyu Armaan, dekho na kitna acha lag raha hai. Mujhe change nahi karna."
"Riddhima jid mat karo... go and change."
"Nahi main nahi change karungi." She replied sternly not knowing his state. He calmly tried to make her understand as she was giving him tough time and also he was now worried that any of the male maid could walk in for some help hearing the chaos and he couldn't afford any one seeing her in that attire so he ordered her strictly, "Enoughh Riddhima, no more arguements. Nancy jao ise change karvao." He turned back to Riddhima and repeated making himself clear, "Jao uske saath and change NOW!"
Riddhima finally went away with Nancy seeing him order with anger. But she was definitely upset now.
Nancy held her arm to take her to the washroom but she shrugged her hand, "Koi jarurat nahi, main khud change kar lungi,I am a grown up girl."She was just wearing a shirt, why did he have to scold her for that? Never till date had he denied her for anything, and today not only had he denied but also scolded her. Changing back into her cute bermuda pants and tank top she walked out of the washroom huffing in anger and giving him a glare walked back to her room stating clearly that she was angry with him. Armaan couldn't help smile at her cuteness. It wasn't a tradition of returning to her room after he returned, as then they would spend the rest of their time playing, chatting, teasing and having loads of fun. And her little act was enough to let him know that she was very very upset with him.
Riddhima entered her room and settled in front of fluffy who was busy playing with Raheem(maid). He walked out as she came after making sure if she needed anything. The minute that he walked out of the house she settled fluffy in her lap and begn with her complaints; "Armaan bohot boora hai, bohoot bohoot bura. Kitna daant diya mujhe, aisa kya kiya maine? Main ab use kabhi bat nahi karungi, uske room mein bhi nahi jaungi. Main use katti hu aur aur main... haan... main uske saath chocolate bhi share nahi karungi. Vo kadvi kadvi medicines bhi nahi peeungi uske haath se, aur na... aur main... main ice cream khaungi. Bohoot sara ice cram khaungi, uski baat nahi sunungi bilkul bhi."
She sniffed and wiped her lone tear when she heard a voice from behind; "Arey bas bas bas... itna sara ghussaaa!" She did not turn as she knew who it could be. Instead she simply folded her hands against her chest turning her face away. Armaan giggled at her and entered the room but made a face finding the fluffy in her lap, while he too scowled looking at him. God knew how he hated animals but he was tolerating because he knew here he made an attempt to shoo him away and there she would kick him(Armaan) out of his own house. Yes, she looked tiny but was very much capable of doing so. So he quietly settled besides her ignoring the dog but luckily he himself got down her lap and ran out of the room. Armaan looked up at her and found with her face still turned away but her leaking eyes were peeking secretively. He smiled to himself and wiped her tear when she turned her face further away. Getting his cue he instantly held his ears in apology;
"I am sorry Miffy, maine aapko bohot sara daant diya na. Par tumhe meri baat maanni cahiye thi na. Tum itni jid karne lagi ho aaj kal..."
"Par maineee kyaaa kiya?" She turned around completely with a jump startling him and looked at him as if he was the culprit; "I know kisi aur ki cheej ko aise haath nahi lagate, bad manners but you only said na ki main kuch bhi use kar sakti hu isi liye maine vo shirt le li. Main toh bas tumhare jaisi banne ki koshish kar rahi thi."
"Kyun?"
"Kyunki tum... kitne ache ho. Tum mera kitna khayal rakhte ho, fir main bhi tumhare jaise banke tumhara kayal rakhna chahti hu." She uttered with a smile but as soon as she looked back at him she remembered that he scolded her just a few minutes ago so she continued with a scoff "Nahi tum gande ho, tumne mujhe daanta. Aur ab main tumse bilkul baat nahi karungi."
Armaan who was busy smiling whole heartedly at her previous reply sighed as she sat with puffed cheeks. "Baby tum samjhti nahi ho, vo shirt... umm... it's... you can use anything you want of course par vo shirt"; Oh god this was so difficult he though. How was he to explain that he wasn't really angry that she wore it but was just making an attempt to make things easier and keep her away. Somehow after a lot of thinking he finally uttered; "Actually Riddhima, vo shirt meri hai na matlab ek ladke ki hai aur tum toh ek ladki ho hain na? Toh agar log tumhe ladke ke kapdon mein dekhenege toh majak udayenge na tumhara!"
She thought over his words and then her tube light lit, "Ohhh... vaise! Par fir kya hua tum toh mere dost ho na."
"Miffy tum samajh nahi rahi...tch... ab tumhe kaise samjhau meri mushkil..." He ran his hand through his hair not knowing what was the right thing to say. So after thinking a lot he finally said;
"Acha theek hai tumhe meri shirt pehenni ain a, you can lekin main aise sirf shirt pehenke toh nahi jaata na? See I have it tucked in neatly always, toh tum ek kaam karo main tumhe apni shirt deta hu tum uske saath apni ye wali pant pehen lo theek hai? Riddhima's eyes twinkled and she nodded happily and as usual kissed his cheek thanking him. She walked back to the washroom and came back with his shirt over her bermuda pants but wasn't happy with the way it looked;
"Armaan dekho ye bohot gandaaa lag raa hai, ise theek karo na. Tumpe kitna acha lagta hai."
Armaan adored her as she complained cutely, he was bowled a while ago seeing her in his shirt but right now she looked so cute as she complained with a huge pout. Armaan now only thanked his stars for his mother's thoughtfulness who taught her on the very first day to change on her own otherwise she was so used of always coming up to him for every little thing just as she had now and he was awestruck by her beauty. He shook his head at her futile attempt of adjusting the shirt when he held her arm pulling her closer. Riddhima stood still with a huge smile adoring her lips as he carefully buttoned the hand cufflinks and straightened the collar, buttoning up the second button letting the first one be as she had left the first two buttons undone just like him. And now came the toughest part, tucking the shirt, he looked down at her for a minute and then moved back. This would be inappropriate he knew so he smiled at her and untucked his own shirt, "Riddhima now look at me and do as I do ok?" She geared up with excitement and tucked her shirt exactly the way he did. Armaan looked at her top to bottom and smiled widely as she looked like a cute kid all dressed to go to school. Entwining her arm he showed her own reflection through the mirror, "So happy now?" Riddhima gave a 420 volt smile making him smile wide as she twirled around checking out her Armaan-look! Oh God he so loved her.
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Nothing and absolutely nothing could convince her of staying away from him anymore. Her day started with him and ended with him. Ananya and Billy were home for another two days when Ananya tried to take her to her room to sleep. Not that she had any issues, but she could understand that she had to break this habit of hers as that was the only right thing to do. After some insistence Riddhima agreed as she too Ananya as a motherly figure. Though Ananya was a little upset with the turn of events as she had read the love in her son's eyes and knew how hard things must have turned out for him and had only made an attempt to help him. Armaan was upset as he was so used to having her around every night but kept mum understanding that whatever his mother was doing was better for the two. Though his heart couldn't understand this thing and he kept tossing and turning in his bed feeling restless. Around 3 am he had just fallen asleep but his eyes opened as harsh light hit him suddenly. He looked around to understand what was happening but for some reason wasn't able to move an inch. Annoyed by the resistance he turned to his side and groaned as he found Riddhima all snuggled up against him. That is when his eyes moved further up and found Ananya standing at the door and realized she was the one who had turned the lights on. Ananya smiled at Riddhima who was lying with her head on his chest while he tried to defend himself embarrassed by the situation. Ananya shushed him as his movements were only disturbing Riddhima's sleep while Armaan looked down at her who smiled as he stopped moving and hugged him closer. Ananya patted her head and looked up at him, "Jaanti hu jo kuch ho raha hai shayad sahi nahi hai, par isse kisika nuksaan toh nahi ho raha hai. Bacchi masoom hai, bohot koshish ki maine ise sulane ki par jaise hi meri aankh lagi ye yaha aa gayi tere paas. Tujhe apna dost maanti hai, tere paas hi mehfoos samjhti hai khudko, aur main jaanti hu tere liye sab mushkil hai par use teri jaroorat hai Ammy. Bacchi ka khayal rakh, ek baar vo theek ho jayegi toh sab theek ho jayega tu fikar mat kar." Ananya consoled him while he simply nodded his head thanking her for understanding and supporting him. Ananya left the room while Armaan spend the entire night watching her sleep soundlessly in his arms. Not only was the sight too enchanting to miss, but he feared himself with her so close to him that he could feel her breath on his chest.
With every passing day she became more dependent on him and he wasn't complaining. But a fear kept growing at the back of his mind that what would happen when she would recover completely as he could see tiny changes in her since her brain started developing. Could she understand his love the same way even then? Entire day she would be involved in some or the other game with the maids, or fluffy, watching tv and video games. When bored of all she would call Armaan if he would be free and when Armaan would return home then the house would just be a chaos. Sometimes she would insist him to feed dinner while sometimes she would lovingly feed him when he would be tired. He wouldn't be allowed to enter until and unless he would hand her a chocolate. No tv or video games were needed when they were together. But when that the two would sit together to watch tv, that would only end in remote fights. And he absolutely loved when she would get all angry and upset and he would manofy her, that was life. However though, many a times he hated himself for scolding her but in her innocence but a tickling session always set things right and is even that didn't work than ice cream was an all time hit solution. But boy she had brought tough times on him with her stubbornness as she was so pampered by him that she would never take no as an answer from him. Off lately as he had once scolded her for bringing fluffy onto his bed once again after his consistent denial she had poured an entire jug of cold water on him for being so rude towards fluffy and that had only led to; him chasing her all around the house till they panted hard due to the chase game and had almost forgotten what they were chasing each other for!
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But slowly and gradually as she started recovering and gaining her sensibility and maturity back, things started changing and she started turning alien towards him. Amidst their fight or some masti she would suddenly go all quiet realizing the situation and move away. Previously she would many a times insist of settling her head in his lap while they watched movies when he would have holiday and he always tried to deny wishing she would once agree making things a little easier for him but she never did. But off lately she never made any such demands, kept as much distance from him that she could and she had also stopped kissing his cheek whenever thankful for anything. He could see she was developing mentally and though he was happy that she was recovering he felt as if she was slowly moving away and that feeling was terrible. He himself started making some distances as she started understanding things around. Meanwhile planning carefully Shashank had mislead Shikhar and given him a false address of Riddhima through his sources and while that Shikhar made plans of harming her he himself gave enough proofs of his intentions and was now put behind the bars. That had put an end to everything and Shashank had returned to take Riddhima home.

It had been 4 days she had gone away and he missed her terribly. The situations never let him spill his feelings and now that she was all okay he did not know if he should let her know. She had come up to him just in need of medical help and he had let his heart cross it's limit, but he had no clue what she thought of him. She definitely thought of him as a good friend even now he could see, but his confession would only drift her away if she did not feel the same way about him. On the other hand Riddhima had herself been restless. As she recovered she remembered all the moments, the embarrassing moments. How she had insisted him for anything and everything and he had never denied. Her sleeping in his room, kissing him on his cheek, insisting him to feed her, wearing his shirt without his permission. She indeed cherished those memories and was trying to get out of the awkwardness that she had herself created by her innocent demands. Firstly she had been confused but the separation made her feel sad. She not only remembered her days with him but missed them. She felt incomplete as she no more had him around to take care of things. Suddenly when she sat holding a snap of their in her hand a sudden realization dawned upon her making her curse herself. His greyish blue eyes, his sharp cut face, and by God the killer dimpled smile shook her senses. What was she thinking, what was she doing, here she had this Greek God taking care of her day in day out, had obliged into her stupid tantrums, was definitely very much in love with her she just knew. Hie eys while she left the house had depicted everything clearly then what was she waiting for. How could she lose him, and what for? By the end of her second sleepless night she had realized that this feeling bubbling within her was nothing but LOVE.
Armaan on the other hand would sit with his own shirt she used to wear a few days ago and caressed it trying to feel it. He missed her terribly but he did not know any solution out of it. Lying on his bed staring aimlessly he was trying to sleep when his cell phone buzzed. He grabbed hold of it a little annoyed as it interrupted his thoughts but had to receive it as an unknown number flashed and being a doctor he could never deny any call at any hour. But to his surprise as he answered the call there was pin drop silence for a minute. He checked the screen once again to see if the call got disconnected but as it wasn't he put it back against his ear and heard a deep sigh. His eyes flashed open wide while he sat up straight understanding in a snap that it was HER.
"Riddhima?"
Riddhima was surprised as to how he recognized her but did not say anything.
"Hello? Riddhima... you there? Ye kaunse number se phone kiya hai tumne."
She snapped out of her thoughts and finally thought of replying, "Vo umm... ye mera... mera naya number hai. Bas abhi activate hua toh... main soch rahi thi kisi ko call karke check karlu if it's working aur...umm... phonebook mein tumhara number sabse pehle tha toh..."
Armaan smiled deeply at her white lie, he could bet his life that she was simply lying at the moment. Not only was her nervous voice proof enough, but logically too he knew she had many friends of hers who had names with A which alphabetically were above his. His heart fluttered with happiness as she herself had called him making an excuse which he had never been courageous enough to do. But she mistook his silence and quickly apologized snapping him out of his thoughts; "I think maine tumhe disturb kar diya, I am sorry main-----"
Armaan instantly cut her smacking himself for his tupidity, "Nahi nahi... I ... I was just lost somewhere. Tumne mujhe bilkul disturb nahi kiya Riddhima. Tum kaisi ho..?"
"Haan main theek hu, vaise I was thinking umm... tum kal sham ko free ho?"
"Huh?" He had heard her question crystal clear but was startled as he did not expect that question. He was happily surprised and he never realized that he had uttered a surprised huh until he heard her fumble. He smacked himself as he realized he had only made things awkward for her. Here she was so sweet and thoughtful and he was just ruining it so shaking his head he continued; "Umm nahi I mean... kitne baje?"
"Che baje?"
"Haan don't worry I'll be free by 6." He thought of taking things in his hands now that she had been kind enough of initiating; "So can you meet me tomorrow? I would really be glad if you do."
Riddhima smiled widely as he uttered the last words and they fixed the time and venue and the meeting was set. Both had a bright smile on their faces as the call ended. They were equally excited but Armaan suddenly frowned. He knew she was happy and wanting to meet him, but he was maybe just jumping to conclusions. It might be so that she just wanted to meet up as friends, afterall she had just been back to herself and he shouldn't be expecting a lot out of her. He decided he would wait instead of been left heart-broken. Now that they were meeting he wouldn't just conclude things, but observe her understand things and then decide whether she was really on the same page with him or it was just his air built castle.
Riddhima put in all her guts and made a call but the thought of meeting him sent shivers down her spine. Especially after this love realization seeped in things turned difficult. So she asked Aaliya, her best friend to accompany her. As they entered the cafe, he sat across the outdoor tables, clad in a crisp white shirt paired with royal blue denim and a shady glare over his eyes he looked an absolute Greek God, ravishingly edible enough that Aaliya almost fainted. Riddhima had definitely missed a beat and colour arose on her cheeks while he himself missed a beat as his gaze caught her. He waved a hand calling her ahead simultaneously trying to calm his raging heart seeing her looking beautiful than ever. He was even more surprised as he had never seen her in a suit as she always wore her cute tank tops or night suits as she was always home then and no doubts she looked ethereal in those as well. But right now she looked an angel in a white and turquoise suit which complimented her skin so perfectly that it had instantly become his favourite colour combination. He was no blind to read the blush on her cheeks but his smile faltered for a minute as he saw she got company. It was really mean of him to be unhappy of her friend's presence but then he cared less.
Anyways it didn't matter after a while as they started talking about anything and everything under the sun but basically trying to observe each other amidst the talks. Riddhima had told him how she thought of thanking him for everything and so this meetup, which for some reason spoiled his mood. He was wishing that she would want to meet just as a friend but here she was, just to show her gratitude and all his dreams and hopes went down the drain. Though he couldn't completely deny that she had a spark in her eye and that kept him going. And then their meetings followed. Aaliya had turned out to be a great help, she did not accompany her after their first meet but had gelled up pretty well with Armaan and had let him know a lot of things about her which he had only used in his way to know her closer.
The next day was going to be her birthday and he had planned that whatsoever happened he would be the one to wish her first. And it did not seem difficult as he had asked her out for a dinner and she had readily obliged. Shashank was happy that she was all free now and could roam around like a free bird now that the culprit behind the bars. He had also seen a special spark in her eyes for Armaan, but he waited for the day when one of them approached him about the topic as he knew that it would be soon. He had already liked Armaan as a person the day he had accepted of treating her, and thereafter the graph had only raised.

Armaan sat in her living along with Shashank waiting for the lady who was getting ready since past half hour now, "Okay enough now, uncle ab agar aapki ye princess agle do minute mein neeche nahi aayi na toh ma----"
The air was sucked out of him as his gaze caught her view while she descended down the stairs wearing a flowy rich purple evening gown, shiny black studs resting against her ears and a peach gloss turning her lips even more edible. God she looked hot or what!
"Lo main aa gayi, tum bhi na." She reached him tightening her earring and as her eyes looked up she found him gazing at her totally smitten. Her cheeks turned pink and the blushers were not needed any ways anymore. Shashank complimented her and asked Armaan to take care of her and leave as he more needed to wait when he replied dazed by her beauty; "Main toh zindagi bhar rukne ke liye tayyar hu." Riddhima blushed hard while Shashank frowned but Armaan had luckily snapped out and corrected himself; "Umm... mera matlab ab... dosti ki hai toh jaroorat padne par ruk sakta hu for life-long!" Shashank simply shook his head at his reply and bid adieu.

As the journey began he saw she was unusually quiet and had her face turned away. He was supposed to drop her home at 12 as there was a small party organized for her on the terrace by his and her parents and friends which she wasn't aware of as yet and just as to distract her he was taking her for this small treat. But his plan was a little different. He was going to be the first to wish her no matter what and then would drop her around 12:05/ 12:10. However selfish it might sound but he was going to be the first and that was decided. After that they finished dinner and were on their way back home, she squealed all of a sudden; "Armaan stop stop stop...!"
She had yelled so abruptly that he pushed the brakes in fear an turned to her with wide eyes; "Ky... kya hua Riddhima? You alright??"
"Armaan ice-ceaaam!!" She tugged his shirt's sleeve and pointed out towards the ice-cream stall on the read and squealed in delight making him glare at her as she had almost given him a heart attack. But she cared less;
"Armaan chalo na mere liye ek ice cream khareed do pleasseee."
Well she was begging him for past 5 minutes but he kept denying as it was already late, the weather was too cold and unknown to her he had also planned on proposing her before reaching home. Her reactions towards him in past few days had encouraged him and he decided to at least give it a try especially today not thinking of the consequences for once. So he wanted to skip this ice cream treat as he knew everything would completely be spoiled if they made any delay but she just wouldn't budge. And yes she could very well buy it on her own not needing his permission ever for an ice cream but the problem was, since she was out with him she had not carried any money out of habit. Cause every other time that he was with her she was banned from using her wallet so what was the use anyways carrying it, but today she regretted her habit. But she wanted ice cream and she would get it so she used her best weapon and made a puppy face which she knew for some reason he could never deny. And he instantly melted and also thought of just buying it away so that done with it he could carry on with his plan. Getting her the usual favourite double scoop chocolate ice cream cone, he walked by her side watching her relish it, boy it was a sight to watch her have her ice cream. Nobody could say looking at her at this moment that she had recovered because she looked nothing but a 5 year old enjoying her ice cream to her fullest. And what had made him smile wider was her hand, her other free hand that held his sleeve in her tight grip as she walked. She had had this habit ever since she stayed at his place, but even now when she was all grown up she always held his sleeve while she would have a walk with him. He looked down at her hand and wondered if someday she would entangle her arm with his authoratively but then shook his head at his own thoughts as he did not mind this cute innocent gesture of hers as far as she was holding onto him. He tried to drag her back sooner but now it looked as if she was delaying things on purpose while she tried to speak something. So he thought of just getting the rose he had in the car and spilling the beans already; "Acha tum do minute ruko main abhi aata hu."
Saying so he got up from the platform under the cold tree where they had just settled, and was about to march away to the car when he felt a strong grip against his wrist and he turned around surprised by her move. She sat with her gaze dropped down and looked in deep thought so he cleared his throat to grab her attention. She looked up at him with a slight blush on her cheeks to his surprise but her hand did not lose his hold; "Armaan, tum doctor ho na. Well actually I needed a little help. Mujhe kuch hua hai aur shayad tum mera ilaaj kar sakte ho!"
He frowned deeply as her expressions definitely did not match her words so he just raised his brows signalling her to go on when he noticed her blush intensify resulting his heart to catch a pace. He was very much looking forward to whatever that she wanted to say now and he just waited for her to finish. This was definitely going to be interesting her eyes told him! "Kya matlab Miiffy?"
"Uhh... Armaan I have told u so mannnyyy times Miffy mat bulaya karo na mujhe, ab main theek hu na, I am no more a five year old." She whined at him making him chuckle.
"Haan par see you still do whine like a 5 year old."
"Armaaannn..." She glared at him and he chuckled at her cute face while they both never realized or rather did not mind that she still held onto his wrist. Popping in the last bite of ice cream left she started playing with his fingers as she continued with her gaze never moving up "Jab se main vapas aayi hu na tumhare ghar se, mera ... kisi cheej mein dhyaan hi nahi lag raha. Mujhe poora din bas tumhari baatein yaad aati hai. Kuch bhi khaane ka man nahi karta, jabki maharaj ji toh roz mere pasand i hi saari cheejein banate hai. Us din toh Sally(maid) ne khud mujhe haathin se khilaya, par fir bhi mujhe kuch incomplete lag raha tha. Jab tum mujhe apne haathon se khilate the tab kabhi aisa kyu nahi laga?
Aur fir sham ko bhi tum nahi hote, mujhe chidhane ke liye, masti karne ke liye, baatein karne ke lye toh bohot ajeeb lagta hai. Raat ko mujhe neend hi nahi aati pata hai. Shayad mujhe kuch ho gaya hai. Shayad... mujhe aadat ho gayi hai, tum jaise mera khayal rakhte the uski. Tumhari baaton ki, tumhare saath rehn----" She looked up at him and found him gazing at her thrilled by her words. He was definitely understanding her point which made her blush. "Toh kya tumhare paas is ka koi solution hai Dr.Armaan?"
Coming out of his trance realizing that she had just moulded her confession into a cute complaint and put forth he fell in love with her all over again. Could this girl get any cuter? he thought! But then pushing his thoughts aside for once he sat on his knees right in front of her holding her hands not wanting to let the moment go. Now that she had initiated he was expected to take charge from here and he was more than ready for it.
"The way I look at things, you are definitely are no more a 5 year old Miss Riddhima!" That only increased her blush further more while he smiled deeper. "But that doesn't change your cuteness or innocence. And about your problem... I guess the only solution is that you need to be taken care just the way as before. Aur uske liye toh tumhe humesha ke liye mere paas aana padega, toh ab kya kare?"
She creased her forehead and then thinking for a mini second suggested, "Umm... toh haan ek kaam kar sakte hai. Kyu na tum Papa se baat karke dekh lo. Shayad vo maan jaye, mujhe humesha ke liye tumhare paas bhejne ke liye."
She looked up at him nervously hoping that he would get what she was asking for and that was it... no other words were needed to confirm her feelings for him and he instantly embraced her in a tight hug twirling her around in his arms elated by her cute demand. She giggled hard in his arms wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as he kept twirling.
"Ohh Goddd Miffy, you are theee BEST. And you are sooo cut, and you bet I am very soon talking to your dad... very very soon!"

"Ahh... Armaan put me down!"
She panted hard as he finally placed her down and she had turned a little dizzy due to all the twirls. But as she saw him raise her chin up looking at her passionately she melted into a puddle. That mere brush of this finger against her cheek as he caressed it made her stomach jittery. Unable to face him any more she turned on her heels to calm her raging heart when she felt a hand against her wrist and she heard him sing in a husky voice making her stop right there; "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you happy birthday to DEAR MIFFY... Happy birthday to you!"
He sang the last bit slowly in her ear making her shiver and she looked down at her watch to see that it was indeed 12! He did not wait for her to turn and instead himself moved in front of her; "Happy Birthday Miss. Riddhima Miffy Gupta."
"Thanks Armaan" She whispered in a soft shy tone as he kept looking at her. Her hands turned shivery as he took a step closer and gauging it he instantly interlocked their fingers bending down to her earlobe, "I think you haven't noticed yet what I am wearing. Tumhara birthday hai and I just wanted to be as close as possible so... I hope you won't mind!"
He moved a step behind to let her gaze moved down to his attire. She realized he was wearing a nice black blazer and then her eyes caught the shirt he was wearing and understood what he meant making her shut her eyes tight. It was the same shirt she used to wear when at his place, and seeing him in the same shirt sent a shiver down her spine. Armaan flashed his dimples seeing her cheeks turn bright pink while she tried to untangle her fingers from his, "Umm... Armaan please chodo na."
"Uhuh... aise kaise. Abhi toh sirf wish kiya hai maine, muh meetha karna toh baaki hai! So may I?"
Riddhima bit her lower lip at his question and just stood still waiting for him as he bent in. Armaan could clearly see her nervous as hell as the distance grew shorter. Brushing her fringes aside he caressed her lip with his thumb making her gasp and he saw her hand grip her dress tight in her fist. Smiling at his cute little nervous Miffy he let her feel his hot breath against her soft lips but moving up instead placed a long lingering kiss over her forehead; "You definitely owe me a sweet kiss, but I guess that can wait. Aaj ke liye tumhare birthday cake se kaam chala lenge what say?"
Her eyes flung open at his words and he winked at her. A sweet smile broke on her lips and she hid herself in his neck hugging him tightly. The rose and the proposal long forgotten as they already said and heard everything without any need of roses, special arrangements or for that matter the three magical words. Armaan kissed her cheek tightly making her shiver at the very first brush of his lips against her cheeks. Both were engulfed again in a long never ending embrace until that they were disturbed by his ringing cell flashing Shashank's name reminding him that her family and friends also deserved her time today. So holding her hand he himself guided it around his arm intertwining their hands and the two love birds walked back to the car to now celebrate her birthday and share the wonderful news with everyone.
So serendipitously had the two strangers met, become friends and unknowingly without any warnings, had fallen in love with one another irrevocably under the circumstances where she was just a 5 year old mentally. Who would have thought that a guy, who could make any girl fall for him would himself fall for a girl who wasn't even in a state to behave as per her age. But then as they say...life has it's own ways.
-----------------THE END-----------------

P.S: Please ignore the spelling and grammar errors. Bohot neend mein likha hai and I have not been able to check it before posting so bear with the mistakes. 😛 😆