The Distance Between Us - An AR FF (Link to TDBU#2 - Page 1) - Page 55

Short update tha. But finally, AR will talk. I can understand how awkward it must be for Ridz to go talk to him after all that she put him through and the guilt she is feeling. And Armaan is determined to stay away from her. Both have always been equally stubborn from the start. Earlier it was Ridz who used to stay away from Armaan and Armaan used to always manofy Riddhima. Now it's vice versa.

Waiting eagerly for AR to be together soon

Yayyy...

Originally posted by: scorpiofazy

Ah !! Finally an update...i have been opening India forums since morning that when you are gonaa upload next chapter but its too small yaar thoda to bada hota na...anyways eagerly waiting for the next part which is gonna be my favorite...

Originally posted by: Prizi

1st it was a really small update u knw... U end this on a very bad point... Arghhh... Im really mad at u right now...

Love love love sid-ridhima convo... love how sid pushed her to talk to armaan... And I'm really glad ridhima ko akkal aagayi that taking sid with them not a good decision.. Thank u akkal ki dushman 😉
Hahaha fr a change armaan didn't see sud and ridhima together.
And then sid is on mission.. Dude I've a full faith on u.. Only u can do it...

Can't wait for the next update...
Cont soon

Originally posted by: dmgd3

Short update tha. But finally, AR will talk. I can understand how awkward it must be for Ridz to go talk to him after all that she put him through and the guilt she is feeling. And Armaan is determined to stay away from her. Both have always been equally stubborn from the start. Earlier it was Ridz who used to stay away from Armaan and Armaan used to always manofy Riddhima. Now it's vice versa.

Waiting for next update...

Originally posted by: Nazzz16

Waiting eagerly for AR to be together soon

Exicted to read the next part

Update super soon😊

Originally posted by: anne_01

Yayyy...

Finally, Armaan riddhima's interaction.

Let's see what will Sid do.

I'm loving it. ;)

Previously On...

Sid & Riddhima talk. Sid convinces Riddhima to speak to Armaan.

Track 19 - Starting Over, John Lennon

Sid cleared his throat to get Armaan and Riddhima's attention. The noise startled Armaan, who finally got out of his trance. He looked to see Riddhima in his arms and let her go as if she was on fire. She would have fallen to the floor, but luckily, Sid was standing right behind her and balanced her in time.

"I'm sorry!" Armaan exclaimed. "I didn't mean to..." He tried to explain, not knowing what to say. More than Riddhima, he was apologizing to Sid. He didn't want to cause problems in Riddhima's marital life. Again. He'd already done that enough back in Mumbai 7 years ago. He wouldn't do it again. He needed to stay firm in his decision and stay away from her. What had happened was just a momentary relapse. Having Riddhima so close to him, in his arms, like he'd had so many times before had just made him remember those old times, which was the reason he got carried away. Nothing else. He didn't feel anything for her. He'd left her behind in that locker room all those years ago, and he wouldn't let those emotions wreak havoc in anyone's life again.

"It's okay, Armaan," Sid said, sensing his guilt. Armaan was such a pure soul. Sid really admired him.

Armaan managed a small smile.

"Can I do anything for the two of you?" Armaan asked hospitably.

Before Riddhima could deny, Sid frantically nodded. "Yes!" He exclaimed. Riddhima tried to walk away, but Sid caught her wrist, not letting her escape.

"What is it?" Armaan asked, though his eyes were locked on their joined hands. The sight made his chest ache. Just a little. But, he was able to shrug it off. It wasn't the overwhelming pain it used to be, seeing them together. Now, it was just a dull ache. A reminder of what could have been. Nothing else.

"Uh, Riddhima wants to talk to you," Sid announced. Armaan looked at her curiously, wanting to know what it was. Riddhima hadn't initiated conversation with him since that one conversation they'd had while Jaan had still been in the hospital.

"Alone," Sid added, making Armaan even more surprised.

"Oh," Armaan breathed.

"Yes. So, I'll just be on my way," Sid said, slinking away, after showing Riddhima a thumbs up sign. Riddhima tried to stop him, but he ignored her and left.

"Ufff! This Sid. Such an idiot I tell you," Riddhima muttered under her breath.

Armaan cleared his throat, wanting Riddhima's attention. When she looked at him, he asked. "What's the matter, Riddhima? Any problem?"

Riddhima shook her head. "I just... I wanted to talk."

"Okayyy," Armaan drawled. "What about?"

"Um, can we talk inside?" She asked, gesturing to his bedroom.

Armaan nodded reluctantly.

"So? What is it?" He asked, closing the door behind him after he'd followed Riddhima inside.

Riddhima didn't talk. She looked around the room, surrounding herself with the essence of Armaan. His scent lingered in the air. Riddhima was happy to know that he still used the same perfume as before - Curve by Liz Claiborne. It used to drive Riddhima wild. She'd never admitted it to Armaan, but his scent was one of the first things that had attracted her to him. But, Armaan being Armaan, had, in some way, figured out that she liked that scent, which is why, when he'd been trying to get Sid close to her, he'd advised her former husband to use that perfume. However, it had the opposite effect from what Armaan desired. Smelling it had only reminded Riddhima of the time she'd spent with Armaan. When, one night, she'd reluctantly told Sid this, he'd immediately started wearing his old perfume again. As far as Riddhima knew, Sid still didn't use it, even though he'd admitted to liking the scent a lot.

Apart from the smell, the visual was also all Armaan. An unmade bed, a tiny bookshelf with well loved books, clothes strewn about, a guitar placed carelessly in a corner and a basketball lying on the ground somewhere. Yes, this was Armaan's room alright. Looking around, Riddhima was surprised to see that Armaan had changed so much in some ways, yet, he stayed absolutely the same in others. He'd definitely gotten more serious and taut from the man she'd known 7 years ago, but he was still loving and generous. He didn't smile as much anymore, but the few smiles that she'd seen on him were genuine and made his face glow, just like they used to. The scarcity of his smiles only made them that much more special, she concluded. A girl could lose herself in that smile, she knew. Perhaps, it was a good thing that he didn't smile as much. She didn't like the thought of girls swarming him even now.

"Rid... Riddhima?" Armaan called hesitantly, breaking her train of thought.

She turned to him and gave a tentative smile.

"You wanted to talk?" He asked.

"Ye... Yes," Riddhima replied shyly. She didn't know how to behave in front of him. On one hand, she just wanted to say, f**k it, and throw herself in his arms, to never let go, while the rational side of her wanted to stay as far away from him as possible. She'd betrayed his trust one too many times to expect any kind of affection from him.

"Bolo," Armaan spoke softly.

"Woh... Woh... Actually," she fumbled. Seeing her so nervous settled Armaan's nerves a little. So, he wasn't the only one who was affected by this interaction. Good, he thought snidely.

"Kya?" Armaan asked.

"Um... About tomorrow," Riddhima started.

"Yes? What about tomorrow?" He asked. Remembering that they were supposed to go check out a venue, he added. "Uh, are you not comfortable going alone with me? I understand if that's the case. Sid is welcome to come with us." Though it pierced his heart to say those words, he did. The fact that Riddhima was so uncomfortable with him that she didn't want to be alone with him was a little too much to handle. Given how they'd spent almost 2 years of their internship alone with each other at every possible moment, it hurt him to know that they were so far gone that now Riddhima didn't trust him enough to keep her safe, or worse, she felt the need to bring someone along because she thought he'd try to do something because they were alone.

"No!" Riddhima almost screamed. "No, not at all," she added in a softer voice. "That's... That's not it. I don't have any issues going there with you. Alone," she said, stressing on alone. She knew that Armaan always assumed the worst, especially when it came to her. She'd disappointed him many times in the past. But, she wouldn't anymore. No matter how much time had passed, no matter how much their relationship had changed, Armaan was still the one person who Riddhima trusted the most. And she wanted him to know it.

"I trust you, Armaan," she said softly, but firmly. Hearing her words made Armaan smile beautifully. This was probably the biggest smile Riddhima had seen on his face in 8 years. It made him look so much more handsome.

"That... That's good," he fumbled. "Thank you."

Riddhima shook her head at him fondly. "It's the truth," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "But, I just... I wanted to apologize," she finally she said.

"Apologize? What for?" Armaan asked, shocked. What did Riddhima have to apologize to him for?

Riddhima sighed. "So many things, Armaan. But, for now, I really want to apologize for being so rude and distant since I got here," she said. Mentally, she added a list of things she should be apologizing to him for, but didn't have the courage to.

I'm sorry for not trusting your love enough, I'm sorry for doubting you, I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did, I'm sorry for lying to you, I'm sorry for breaking your heart, but most of all, I'm sorry for being so selfish and never letting you go when I should have.

"It's... It's okay, Riddhima. You don't have to apologize," Armaan replied.

"No," Riddhima argued vehemently. "I do. I behaved so badly with you. You opened your home for us, you've been so good and I just... I've been so cold. I'm really sorry, Armaan. I didn't mean to. I just got overwhelmed, seeing you after so long. I swear, I didn't mean anything by it," she ranted. Now that she'd started talking, it seemed that she no intention of stopping.

Armaan stopped her mid rant by placing a finger on her lips. "Shhh," he reprimanded.

Riddhima gasped at the touch, causing Armaan to pull his finger away instantly. "I'm sorry," he apologized. In his mind, he slapped himself. He'd been slipping a lot a today. He needed to remember that she was someone else's wife now. He couldn't behave this way with her.

Turning around, unable to look her in the eye, he said, "Riddhima, it's okay. I understand. You don't have to feel guilty."

Riddhima sighed. Armaan had always been too kind for his own good.

"No, Armaan. You're wrong. Of course, I feel guilty. Nothing gave me the right to be so callous. I agree, seeing you so suddenly was a big shock, but I should have handled myself better. I mean, I'm sure it was a shock for you too, seeing me after so long..." She trailed off, remembering how Armaan had had a panic attack, only a few minutes after he'd seen her.

"It was," Armaan agreed.

"See! It was a surprise for you, too. But, you didn't behave like a douche to me. Instead, you've been so welcoming and generous and just... You've been so Armaan about the the whole thing and it makes me feel worse," she admitted.

"So Armaan?" Armaan asked, confused. "What does that mean?"

Riddhima hesitated, unsure of how to explain it. "I... I don't know how to tell you," she admitted.

"Arre? How else will you tell me? With your mouth!" Armaan admonished.

Riddhima laughed lightly. "That's not what I meant, Armaan, but it's good to know that your stupid sense of humour hasn't left you in the last 7 years."

"So, then, what did you mean?" Armaan asked her, choosing to ignore her dig at his jokes.

"I mean... I mean I can't put it into words, what I mean by that," Riddhima told him.

Armaan grinned. He didn't know why, but hearing this made him extremely happy.

"Try," he insisted.

"Armaan..." Riddhima reprimanded.

"Please," he begged. The longing in his voice made Riddhima stop. She'd denied Armaan the simple pleasures of being with her for far too long. She wouldn't do it again, she decided.

Sighing, she began. "I... I don't even know what to say. I guess, I just meant... So nice and happy and good. I mean, you've been so great about the whole thing. Accommodating and understanding and welcoming. Just like you always were," she said.

"Hmmm. Thanks," Armaan said, thanking her for her kind words.

"Isme kya thanks? It's the truth. I should be thanking you," Riddhima said.

Armaan chuckled. "First decide. What do you want to say? Sorry or thank you?"

"Both," Riddhima replied promptly.

Armaan smiled. "I don't know why you're doing this, but if it's important to you, fine, I forgive you. You made a mistake, you realized you did, now you're apologizing. So, let's move on and put the whole thing behind us. As far as thanks is concerned, you don't have to thank me. You're here for Rohan's wedding. And Rohan is my family. It's the least I could do."

Riddhima smiled brilliantly on hearing that. Her Armaan still had the biggest heart. "Thank you!" She exclaimed.

Armaan smiled. "Anything else you wanted to talk about?" He asked her.

Riddhima smiled widely, Armaan's instant forgiveness sparking confidence within her. She walked around his back so that they were face to face again.

"Friends?" She asked, bringing her hand forward for a handshake.

Armaan looked at her outstretched hand and then to her face and back again, hesitantly. He didn't think this was the best idea, but what was he to say to her to deny her? Especially after she'd just apologized to him for everything that had happened between them in the past few days - the cold shoulders, the snappy comebacks, everything. Riddhima was never one to apologize so quickly and own up to her mistakes, especially where he was concerned and it made him feel good. And, he didn't have the heart to tell her no after the conversation they'd just had. Their first civil conversation in 8 years. It was a big f**king deal. What was he supposed to do in such a situation?

Sensing his hesitation, Riddhima whined, "Come on, Armaan! Before everything, you were my best friend," she said. "Can't we be friends again? Please?" She pleaded.

Hearing those words stopped him short. He knew she had considered him a friend, a good one at that, at one point of time, but he never knew she thought of him as her best friend. Now, how was he expected to say no? He couldn't!

"Friends," he confirmed, taking her hand into his own.

Riddhima smiled widely at that. "Great! I'll see you tomorrow morning!"

After flashing one more dazzling smile his way, Riddhima skipped out of the room, leaving Armaan behind, staring at her in disbelief.

xxx

IT IS HERE, YOU PEOPLE! THE MOST AWAITED CHAPTER!!

I hope it lived up to your expectations. I'm really nervous about this one, so please be gentle.

But, please comment!

Prags, XOXO

Our life together
Is so precious together
We have grown, we have grown
Although our love is still special
Let's take a chance and fly away
Somewhere alone

It's been too long since we took the time
No-one's to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It's like we both are falling in love again
It'll be just like starting over
Starting over

Everyday we used to make it love
Why can't we be making love nice and easy
It's time to spread our wings and fly
Don't let another day go by my love
It'll be just like starting over
Starting over

Why don't we take off alone
Take a trip somewhere far, far away
We'll be together all alone again
Like we used to in the early days
Well, well, well darling

It's been too long since we took the time
No-one's to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It's like we both are falling in love again
It'll be just like starting over
Starting over

Our life together
Is so precious together
We have grown, we have grown
Although our love still is special
Let's take a chance and fly away somewhere

Starting over (over and over and over)

- Starting Over, John Lennon