AR OS and drabble gallery: New SS-THE CURSE : PART 2 UPDATED-PMs LATER - Page 82

She made an attempt to catch hold of the moment or at least him but somehow both slipped away and once again she woke up with a startle in her dark room, snuggled in her fluffy blanket.
"Oh God... aise toh main kisi din pagal ho jaungi.
Riddhima Gupta twisted and turned in her bed knowing that now she was not going to have an ounce of sleep. It was freaking 2.50 am in the morning and that stupid dream had disturbed her sleep for the n^th time. What was with those eyes, they had been haunting her since a while now. After about 45 minutes to nearly an hour later of moaning and tossing under the blanket, she flung it away and stepped down. It was almost dawn now so she decided to step out and walk around for a while, breathing in the fresh cold air to calm her senses. There wasn't enough light around considering the time, also as the town she lived in was small with an outlining forest, it was quite calm usually.

Any other day she wouldn't have even thought of walking out of her house. But for some reason she was feeling so restless that she couldn't help it. She started walking slowly as the moon light streaked through the trees creating a path. She never took any chance with darkness as she was petrified of it, but the silent night and the tall sturdy beautiful trees looked so mystical, everything around had turned alluring under the moon's light. The sleep had anyway decided to leave her so she made her way deep into the calm night, lost into her deep calm thoughts.
Many things were running through her mind, they started with the dream that she had been getting often these days. Those deep, passionate eyes left her breathless every time she thought of them, but at the same time they did calm her oddly. Somehow her mind ran back to some other events disturbing her even more. Her life was going perfectly fine, a normal job, a decent routine, some new found friends, everything was just perfect, EXCEPT him!
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FLASHBACK

Armaan Mallik!! Her so called Boss. She wasn't the only one intimidated by him, but he definitely was a little extra rude to her. Ever since they had first met, she had seen the look in his eyes... they held fire. Well, they always held rage towards everyone but he looked at her as if her mere existence was a horrible mistake. Then there was ... Rahul. She clearly remembered how amazing her meet with Rahul had been. An extremely fun-loving, not to forget; handsome guy that he was, he had so warmly welcomed Riddhima into their team and they had instantly become friends. Most of the girls had a crush, hard crush on him, and they weren't at fault. He was quite a specimen, his green eyes accentuated his handsome face, he was a complete package with amazing looks and wonderful personality, but too bad for them that he was committed. Riddhima thanked her stars that she somehow had not fallen for him, it was quite surprising but she could only think of him as a great person and a wonderful friend. And being the kind, beautiful girl and wonderful employee that she was Rahul too considered her a real good friend and had told her all about Muskaan, which she was glad to hear about. But just 2 days later, Armaan had arrived back from his business trip and then her easy going life did not seem so easy anymore. Her memories rushed back to their first meeting;

Just before she was to meet Armaan as "Armaan Mallik, she had bumped into him in the corridor. The coffee that had spilled and stained his crisp white shirt was not enough, his cell phone that he was busy with, was on the floor with the screen probably shattered. And he was very well blamed for that by her for been so lost in his own world and how stupid he had been all the while just staring at her not even bothering to apologize. Turned out later... The same guy sat in Armaan Mallik's seat holding the same glare while Rahul introduced her.
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Yep that had been an "eventful day, and everything that followed wasn't very pleasant either! First instruction by Armaan Mallik was she would work directly under him, hereafter. If that wasn't enough, by the end of the meeting she had a presentation to be made within next 2 hours without any, especially not Rahul's help! Rahul had definitely tried to retort but that had only led into an argument which lasted for about 15 seconds and was undoubtedly won by Armaan. For the first week she had been with him for every hour until the office hours ended. Be it any reason like if a cup of coffee was needed, if a certain pen from certain drawer was required, in case certain things on his desk did not look in order, for that matter even if there was a draft to be sent to a client, Riddhima was called in. She had started doubting if she had actually applied for his P.A's post, because he definitely was treating her like one. Of course she had tried to reason with him, but the guy never let any person speak, unless it was someone dolled up in tight-fitted clothes, barely fulfilling any purpose that clothes were made for and having an oh-so s**tty fake smile plastered on the face. Yes... because that was all he would do, be with a new girl every other day and she did not care, but well hello!? Who was going to help her with her work if he was always going to be busy in his "important meetings! He did keep calling her for silly reasons, but wouldn't speak much. It would just be a few words, or sometimes just some magazine that she was asked to study sitting right in his cabin, while he would ask some questions in the end about. Though it was quite helpful sometimes, she could not understand why she had to be in his cabin while she studied it, it almost reminded her of college days, as if she was in for a surprise test!

He had kept her on her toes, asked for things she obviously wouldn't know, gave her files to work on which were far from her understanding. Though he gave her a hard time, he wasn't very much seen around; or at least he probably did not meet her a lot. The only time that she had seen him was during the team meetings, all the other work was only reviewed through mails! Obviously nobody else was concerned as he was never personally looking after anybody's work, after all why would he? That was why he had appointed teams, but now that he wanted to monitor her personally, he should have at least paid attention! It had started bothering her as she had seen him staring during the meetings with an unreadable face, it sometimes felt as if he was studying her but he did not utter anything. He had not even snapped at her for the other day's behavior.

This carried on for a few days under the name of "good exposure. After a week or two of constantly keeping her under his nose, he had suddenly almost banished her. He needed her after every 10 minutes until just a few days ago, and recently it turned out that he did not even know she existed. His behavior had never been any less confusing, somehow this guy's ignorance left her perturbed, probably because he was too attentive to every other female in the world, even flirtatious with some. Now THAT did not bother her... of course NOT! I mean after all it was his personal life, why would she care... was what she had been chanting to herself of course!

Yes he was really good looking, she did not think it was possible- but yes... He looked even better than Rahul, gifted with a Greek Gods' physique, dark hazel eyes. In just a few days she came to realize; the way he looked at her as if memorizing her, left her nervous indeed; but when he was in the same room and not looking, it made her even more restless. His attitude, taunts and a little too bossy behavior towards her as if he owned her, made her want to strangle him but when he wasn't around, suddenly everything fell too silent. And the worst of all was; his bipolar behavior was just directed towards her, a day he would be on her head as if wanting to kill her just with his gaze and words, and then he would not look at her for days as if she never existed. Ignoring his weird behavior and all the stupid thoughts she had been trying to focus on just her work but she lost it when a certain evening he was instead busy with some blonde in his cabin for the past two hours when she had been asking him that she had some important points to discuss about the project. Suddenly he did not have any problem if she discussed it with Rahul, as he was "busy!

It was f**king 7 pm and the guy still hadn't walked out. And the fact that it bothered her was even more unsettling;
"No... this is just not fair. I mean mujhe kya jiske saath jaha chahe rahe, jo chahe kare... par; mere kaam ka kya? If he is just not bothered toh mujhe Rahul ke team se alag kyu kiya? Peeche ek hafte se he has been avoiding me like a plague. Theek hai na, mujhe bhi koi shauk nahi hai uski shakal dekhna ka, par ab jo cheej uske supervision ke under karni hai, achanak jaakar vo Rahul se kaise discuss kar lu?
She was busy cursing him mentally unaware of his presence right behind her. Armaan cleared his throat making her flinch. She turned around to meet his gaze, realizing suddenly that she was the only one left in the office.
"Tum ab tak yaha kya kar rahi ho?

"Huh?...
She looked around baffled partly under the shock that there was no one around to know if he killed her then and there for all the rubbish that she had uttered about him, and then just the thought of not knowing how much of it he had heard was terrifying enough to leave her speechless.
"Main kuch puch raha hu tumse? Sunai nahi de raha or you really are dumb enough to not understand a simple question as that!?

That definitely snapped her out of her trance and she clenched her fist;
"Ok... that's enough! You just crossed your limits now Mallik!

"Excuse me!?
His eyes narrowed, eyebrow raised as he snapped back in a murderously low voice, his dark eyes and demeanor was threatening enough but she just couldn't care anymore and snapped her finger at him;
"Yes that's correct, Armaan! Tum ne jaan bujh ke mujhe team se alag bitha diya, personally mera kaam over look karne ke liye. Mujhse jaan bujhke mere profile se related nahi bhi the vo kaam karvaye, over time karvaya, din bhar mere sir pe baith ke orders dete rahe aur ab achanak se hafte bhar se itne busy ho gaye ho ki mere saath discussion ke liye bhi time nahi hai tumhare paas. Oh but well... peechle do ghante se apni girlfriend ke saath cabin mein baithkar gappe lada sakte ho!? Hai na!!

"Watch your tone. Are you forgetting who you are talking to!? Not that I owe you any explanations, but she is NOT my girlfriend.
His eyes had turned so dark that if she wasn't angry herself she would have probably run for her dear life right now, but her patience had given up to care enough!
"Oh yes I know who I am talking to. I guess she left so you finally did get some time to walk out. But do you think I am a fool? Tumhe lagta hai main kuch samjhti nahi, ki tum kya aur kyu kar rahe ho?

Suddenly an unreadable look clouded his eyes, but before she could try and understand he averted his eyes. It looked as if he was caught off guard and his ever so confident posture faltered;
"Ky-- *ahem ahem* Kya kar raha hu main? What are you trying to say?
His voice itself surprised her, he really seemed fazed by her accusation. Though she wanted him to know she was angry, she did not really expect that he would actually act guilty. Guilty much to not even look square in her eyes;
"Main jaanti hu ki tum ye sab jaan bujh ke kar rahe ho. I know you have issues with me----

"Listen tum----
He tried to speak up still in a quite low voice but she did not let him interrupt;
"No you listen. I know tum us din ka badla le rahe ho mujhse, and maybe I might have said a bit too much, but it was basically your fault alright! Tumhe itni hi problem thi toh you should have just yelled at me, or even better fired me. In fact if you want I could get you an exact replica of that shirt, par tum khud phone mein busy the toh meri kya galti. Aur thodi bohot coffee mere dress pe bhi toh giri thi!

"Yes I unde------ Wait what?
He asked perplexed as her words suddenly lost on him,
"Tum... Kis baarein main baat kar rahi ho?

Her nose flaring as he not only acted but also managed to sound oblivious;
"Oh come on don't pretend now. That's what this is about right? Tum usi din ka badla le rahe ho na mujhse. Isi liye mujhe aise treat karte rehte ho. Par dekho, it's just that we started it off on wrong foot. I understand you probably hate me for talking to you like that aur tumhari shirt bhi kharab ho gayi thi par-----

"That's what you think I was mad about!?
His huge frame hovered over her petite frame making her look so small and her argument died as his voice rang so close to her ear. His eyes more like saying it to himself as he looked up at her completely taken aback. As she looked at him with a "duh face, oddly he sighed as if relieved. His jaws clenched while he shut his eyes drawing in a sharp breathe before stating;
"I am not upset about anything.

His calm composed posture was back, he stepped away as he spoke; his eyes looking straight through her. That brought her to a surprising realization and her eyes widened. Armaan tried to study her face but as always remained unsuccessful. She looked calculative about something lost in her deep thoughts and then suddenly spoke up;
"Wait... you are... You aren't upset about that!

The minute he shrugged his shoulders carelessly she and stepped up closing some distance between them;
"Toh fir tum mere saath aise behave kyu karte ho? What do you hate me so much for?

It seemed impossible not to argue her last statement as she searched his eyes innocently, a bit hurt too. But that another step she took towards him forced him to move back and he closed his fists tightly. Unknown to his own self, his eyes had shut; once again his jaws tightening while he looked away. That move only left a huge scar for her. His reaction clearly shouting that he loathed her so much he couldn't even breathe the same air as her. With that step he took away he clearly drew a line, making it obvious that he did not wish to be anywhere close to her or in any kind of discussion. Did he really find her that repelling!? That really should have made her see fire, but surprisingly it somehow hurt. Though she wished she could just smash his head as also strangle him for being so rude leaving no chances of him being alive, but also when he did not look up she wished he could at least take his words back. While she was still contemplating, out of nowhere Rahul appeared tugging at her arm,
"Riddhima... Tum ab tak yaha kya kar rahi ho? It's quite late chalo let's leave.

"Main... par vo----
Pretty much confused at Armaan's behavior she tried to retort but was only met with a loud noise startling her, a growl that had just left Armaan's mouth. Initially when he used to do that it really scared her, because his whole body seemed tensed whenever he made that sound and he almost looked inhumane, the sound most definitely supported that too. And also had she come to realize that it was only around her that he would grow so angry. Her eyes met his but he was busy glaring, this time at Rahul and suddenly Rahul left her arm taking two steps back;
"Armaan relax, I will drop her home... We are just leaving.
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BACK TO PRESENT

Riddhima couldn't get that last meeting with him out of her mind. It had been more than a week she had last seen him, when he looked so displeased with her mere presence. Since the day she had tried to confront him, he had disappeared in thin air. No message, no instructions, nothing though Rahul apparently had been in touch with him but wouldn't talk anything about his whereabouts or any kind of update on him. Not that she really cared but also a fact untold was; she HAD to pinpoint the reason as to why he hated her so much if she ever wished to sleep peacefully ever again;
"He said it himself, humari first meeting mein jo hua uski vajah se vo upset ahi hai. Toh fir vo mujhse itni nafrat kyu karta hai? Why does he keep pushing me away. I mean... Not that I am really dying to be anywhere near him; par... kuch vajah toh hogi.
The cold winds almost piercing her skin reminded her of the present situation making her groan;
"Ugghhh... this is so annoying! Achi khasi neend ek toh kharab kar di us stupid se sapne ne, aur ab main us idiot ke baarein mein kyu soch rahi hu!? Main kyu itna sochuuu? Kya farak padta hai agar vo mujhse nafrat karta bhi hai toh! Mujhe kya lena dena hai usse, vaise bhi uske irt girt ladkiyaan mandraati rehti hai makhiyon ki tarah. Uske paas toh waqt bhi nahi hoga mere baarein mein sochne ke liye. He anyway loves to torture me, and I am not going to give him this benefit ki saamne na hote hue bhi mujhe uske behavior ki vajah se pareshaan rakhe. Haan yahi chahiye hoga use... of course!! Main soch soch ke paresshan ho jau uske baarein mein isi liye aise behave kar raha hoga. Thee----

*snap*

Too busy cursing him, murmuring and debating to herself she was completely unaware of the pair of eyes tracking her every move. That snap of some twig nearby caught her entire attention and she froze on her spot. Her eyes nervously ran all around her in every direction to catch the presence of any other being or hoping for some tiny harmless creature at the most. Suddenly the calm soothing quiet night, grew into terrifying silence. Gulping back hard, suddenly drops of sweat streaming down her forehead irrespective of the cold winds still playing against her skin. There was no sign of anything or anyone around which was a bit of a relief, but lot terrifying. Instant regret spread through her and she remembered why she hated darkness, why it was never safe to walk out alone in the trees. Pushing away all the bad- frightening thoughts for her own good, she took a deep breath and decided to start walking back quickly. Humming to herself trying her best to stay calm, she had taken just 2 steps when there was another snap, this time closer and crystal clear. Unintentionally her neck snapped and her eyes frantically moved around in search of the source hoping against hope that she found it, but also praying on not finding anything and let it all just be her imagination or even better a bad dream! Her pace quickened staying focused, looking just straight ahead she continued walking but met her fears midway.

Something shone in the darkness a few feet away on her right, she knew there was no good in finding what that shine belonged to and forgetting every damn thing, and leaving all logics behind she ran for her life. Her hand clutched tightly against her chest as if trying to calm her raging heart, but as expected that did not work out so well. Just 5 seconds down and she came face to face with what had been hiding behind the trees all this while. The shine radiating through trees crystal clear in the dark night, belonged to a pair of eyes. Enchanting amber- almost golden eyes, which she would have found absolutely spectacular any other day, and from far- far away, but right now they only petrified her enormously. Right in front of her stood a huge wolf, body covered in beautiful soft white fur and blaring teeth waiting to sink deep in her. Her body numbed, unable to believe that this was really happening. There were no animals found ever in their town, no case of even a wild pig was noted in years, where had this wolf crop out from? But that was not something she was really going to be bothered about at the moment, she tried to scream just like her mind and heart was, but her tongue froze. Still trying to believe and digest the fact that she was actually standing in front of a live freaking wolf, she took tiny steps back. The only knowledge she had so far about any encounter with a wild animal was not to make any sudden moves. Though it was hard to follow, her body had anyway frozen, but she made an attempt to just back away slowly. Her eyes growing wide, her heart beating at a rate almost ready to pop out of her chest, her mind aching with the thought that this were probably the last few minutes of her life, her ears trying to shut away from the terrifying snarls. But amidst all this when she saw the wolf digging his claws in the ground getting ready to pounce on her, all the tiny bit colour left drained out of her face, her eyes almost popped out of her head, and f**king all the logic she turned on her heel to make a run, but to her luck her leg twisted and she stumbled on a stone falling straight on her face.

With her heart already at throat, still unable to find her voice back she just turned to look at her predator expecting him to use her fall to his benefit, but was surprised when the wolf stood just growling. While she tried to get up and away, she noticed how he was contemplating, as if something holding him back, he kept strolling back and forth but wasn't making any advances probably scared of something. That gave her enough time to get on her feet, but the minute she was up the wolf made an attempt to attack once again stopping midway looking behind her. Caring least of what held him back she took the opportunity and sprinted off, adrenaline finally kicking in. Her body almost giving up, unable to comprehend with everything that had just happened. Not knowing where she was exactly headed, her legs just kept going in the direction of light as it seemed like a house which meant it was "maybe safer. As she was out of the dense trees she came to an abrupt halt panting horribly, her eyes moved back to the trees checking if there wasn't anything right behind so she could just stop for a moment to catch on her breath, as she hadn't stopped running for God-knows how many minutes continuously. But maybe luck wasn't really on her side today, as she looked up she found a pair of eyes peeking through the trees. Though far away to be even seen clearly, but she had definitely caught a glimpse considering she had to be alert or die; being the only options. Why couldn't the freaking damn wolf just leave her alone and find something else for his meal! With hardly any strength left she was still about to drag her body in order to survive out of this mess but something struck her suddenly. Those eyes...they weren't golden, she couldn't see the figure completely but the eyes were seen crystal clear and she could also figure that it wasn't a human figure, it was some creature; maybe another wolf she assumed. Afterall the wolves were always in a pack she had heard. Those eyes were the same bluish-green hue she had seen in her dreams. If the night hadn't been adventurous enough already, the latest realization only left her shivering. She knew she should just keep walking, but somehow the eyes held her captive, they seemed to oddly relax her just like in the dream, but her mind was screaming, she had probably lost it! Why wasn't she running, why wasn't she screaming... maybe her mind was losing control with all the recent happenings. The deep hypnotizing eyes stayed locked with her for just a few moments before looking around her as if sensing something and then the figure suddenly disappeared back deep into the trees. She stood quietly for just 2 minutes making her way towards the house but even before her heart could settle she sensed a voice behind her making her scream;
"Riddhima?

"Ahhh---

She was turned around and she relaxed just a tiny-bit having heard a human voice but screamed even louder and she instantly shut her eyes as she met a pair of green eyes reminding her of the eyes in her dream and everything that had followed.
"Aahhh--------------
Her scream even scared her a bit, she was surprised at how loud she actually could get when a hand landed on her shoulder shaking her to snap her out of it;
"Riddhima? Tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?

She looked up finally her vision clearing and as she recognized the face, relief finally washed over her;
"Rahul!! Oh thank God... vo vaha-----
She tried to speak up as she finally found her voice back, still trembling from shock. Rahul held her arm and guided her up inside the house shocked to see her shivering body;
"Kya hua tumhe? Ye kya halat bana li hai, aur tum is waqt yaha ----- chalo andar chalo thoda shant ho jao pehle.

Riddhima just let him tag her along as her tired eyes finally looked down at her horrible state, her clothes dirty with all mud, there were bruises against her skin; definitely looking like some kid who had been playing in the mud, she must look devastated. She squirmed a little embarrassed at her horrible appearance but well she almost experienced death, so the reasons were justified. As he sat her down on the couch she looked around the house which looked so wonderful and clean, but it couldn't calm her;
"Rahul tum yaha rehte ho?... I ... didn't... main bas yaha vo bahar... Vaha main... walk pe aur fir ...vo bhediya... mere peeche tha main...
She tried explaining but her hyperventilating state did not help. She wanted to get it out of her system, tell him how she was nearly attacked by a wolf, but her tired body did not help. He offered her a glass of water, holding her hand trying to sooth her but his voice started fading, everything around, already was blur turned worse. Her drowsy eyes and mind were giving up but a figure approaching them caught her attention. Despite of her worn state, her hazy vision saw the person who had just walked down to her and for the first time his voice that was filled with concern rang in her ears;
"Riddhima!!? Are you alright?

Just for a second after blinking her eyes rapidly to clear her vision, she caught a glimpse of him, confused, surprised but suddenly relieved. It had been days since she had seen him, she frowned wondering if she was hallucinating, but was happy at the same time seeing him after so long while his deep hazel eyes looked down worried at her current state. But her eyes finally shut murmuring his name as she lost her conscious;
"Armaan!

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NOTE: Hello again guysss... So yes as from the poster and the chapter you guys must have realized, but fir bhi I'll clarify! Yep... it is a supernatural story. Fr the first time ever I a about to attempt something like this, this new. I hope you all enjoy it. Please do let me know of your honest reviews of the chapter and the idea through your comments on the thread. Love you all 😊