ILYLTF #5 (Chapter 145 - Page 110) - Page 61

wow awesome part.part ki liye bohot sukriya.love the part.love armaan ridzy full part.armaan and anjali conversation is good.photoshoot scene is beautiful.totally love it.beautiful story.pls post asap.eagerly waiting for next❤️😍😘

I had a few chapters to catch up on..

Armaan and Riddhima can't be involved in their own wedding.. understand their frustration and I felt really bad with the side choosing thing ..  hopefully Rahul's idea resolves it.

Loved the photoshoot moments and could imagine them like this..

Can't wait for their wedding and an abundance of AR moments <3

Chapter 109

Previously On...

Armaan talks to Anjali. Armaan & Riddhima do a photoshoot.

As the date for the wedding grew closer, the excitement only increased. The gang met up whenever they could, preparing for the wedding, and spending time together, having fun and reminiscing. Both Armaan and Riddhima’s extended families seemed pretty excited about the wedding too. Barely any one of them had been able to make it to the engagement, and so they were all looking forward to the wedding. The weekend before their families were set to arrive, the gang took it upon themselves to throw the couple bachelor and bachelorette parties to blow off some steam.

Unsurprisingly, Armaan had not been entirely on board with it. “Yaar! Hum sab ek saath party karte haina? It will be so much fun, like always!” He whined.

“No, Armaan! Ek saath party nahi hogi!” Anjali declared. “It’s a bachelor and bachelorette. Woh kabse saath mein hone lage?”

“Aur waise bhi… ek saath toh hum sab hamesha hi party karte hain,” Muskaan added. “Teri aur Ridzy ki shaadi hai toh kuch toh different hona chahiye na!”

“Meri aur Riddhima ki shaadi hai toh humein decide karne do na kya karna hai! Har cheez mein tum sab bulldozer ki tarah full speed se aage badh jaate ho. Mujhe aur Riddhima ko kya chahiye usse kya fark padta hai, right?” He asked sarcastically.

“Absolutely right,” Muskaan replied. “Aur iss maamle mein na… tum dono ki bilkul nahi chalegi… kyuki bachelor aur bachelorette party tumhaari taraf se nahi humaari taraf se hai. Toh hum hi decide karenge ki humein kise invite karna hai aur kahaan.”

“Waise, yeh sab chodke bhi… Ridzy ne toh already haan bol diya hai, Jeeju,” Anjali told him. “In fact, usne insist kiya ki parties separately ho. She wants to spend time with just the girls.”

The look of betrayal on Armaan’s face was far too funny for either of them to not react to it. Both the girls started laughing loudly, scandalizing Armaan even further. “Chodo. Ab main tum dono se kya kahoon jab dhoka toh mere pyaar ne hi de diya.”

“Oh, Mr. Drama Queen… itni nautanki mat karo. We’ll all have fun! Dekho ab separate parties hongi toh hum woh kar paayenge jo hum chaahte hain, instead of compromising and finding a middle ground. Tum baithke dekhoge hum sabke saath cheesy romantic movies?” Anjali asked.

“Of course!” Armaan cried immediately. “Yeh koi poochne ki baat hai? I will 100% watch them. Kaunsi movie dekhni hai tumhe? Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge? Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? Ya thoda Hollywood style jaana hai? The Notebook? Sleepless in Seattle? Main sab dekhne ke liye ready hoon!”

Muskaan let out an impressed whistle. “Not bad, Hero. Tujhe itni saari romantic movies ka naam pata hai?”

“Mujhe inn sabka plot bhi pata hai,” Armaan fired back. “I’ve watched them a million times. Tum shayad bhool rahe ho ki I had cousins growing up… and I’ve been in a very serious relationship for three years. Of course, maine yeh saari movies dekhi hain!”

“Armaan, you’re so cute!” Anjali exclaimed, pulling him into a hug. “But still… party toh alag hi hogi. I’m sorry, Jeeju!” 

“Fine… you win this time. But please, for god’s sake, koi aur function aise alag - alag mat plan karna. Tumne Papa aur Dad se special permission li haina? For all ceremonies to happen together? Lekin fir bhi alag - alag parties chahiye. Ab tum sabko nahi ladna ki kaun meri side se attend karega aur kaun Riddhima ke side se?” He asked, side eyeing them.

“Armaan… it doesn’t even matter. Tumhe pata hai ki bachelorette pe sirf ladkiyaan hongi aur bachelor’s pe sirf ladke. Iss tarah taunt mat maaro tum,” Anjali replied.

“Theek hai, theek hai,” He relented. “Do what you want. But, you better compensate for this separate party nonsense by planning the best parties ever.”

“Yes boss,” Muskaan answered. She added in a mocking salute for good measure, making Armaan pull another face.

______________

The weekend of the bachelor and bachelorette parties dawned on them quicker than anticipated. The gang had decided to keep the whole thing pretty intimate and outside their immediate circle, only a couple people were invited. Riddhima had invited her college friend, Shreya, and Diya, while Armaan had invited Rakesh and his cousin, Uday. But, other than them, it was just their Sanjeevani gang. 

The girls descended on the Gupta Mansion early Saturday morning, pulling a half asleep Riddhima out of bed. They didn’t even give her time to eat breakfast and were immediately pulling her out of the house with a farewell to her family. 

“Maine achche se brush bhi nahi kiya,” Riddhima whined in the car. “Thoda aur time de sakte the na!”

“Diiii! Humein subah se hi party karni thi! Aap itne late tak so rahe the toh hum kya karein?” Naina chimed in. “Aapko pata tha na aaj subah se hi plan hai, toh aapko meri aur Anjy Di ki tarah ready rehna chahiye tha!”

“Tum mein se kisine mujhe bataya ki subah - subah 7 baje hi lene aa jaoge?” Riddhima fired back. “Mujhe pata hota toh main ready ho jaati!”

“It’s okay, Ridzy,” Nikki said. “Humne poore din ka plan banaya hai. That includes a shower and a breakfast. So don’t worry!”

“Fine,” Riddhima relented. 

The short journey passed with some idle chatter and vague hinting of the day’s plans for Riddhima. When Riddhima saw Anjali turn the car into the entrance of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is when she said, “Guys! What is this? Itni expensive hotel kyu?”

“Ridzy, tu bas mazze le. Yeh paise ki tension kyu le rahi hai?” Muskaan asked.

“Aise kaise? Tum sab itna spend kyu karoge? This is not right,” Riddhima argued.

“Ridzy, humne saari bookings kar li hai. Toh ab tere paas koi choice nahi hai,” Anjali said.

“Di! Aap bhi? Aapko inko encourage karne ke badle mana karna chahiye tha,” Riddhima told her. “This is just too expensive! And upar se the whole day?”

“Riddhima, itni tension mat lo,” Keerti finally cut in. “Iss party ke liye paise hum mein se kisi ne nahi diye hain.”

“Toh phir kisne diye?” Riddhima asked.

“Billy Uncle,” Nikki told her. “And you know how he is. Unke strict instructions the. Only the best for my daughter.”

“Unhone mujhe apna black card thama diya,” Anjali confessed. “And he told me to go wild and just book everything. Toh main kar diya.”

“Dad na…” Riddhima sighed. “Hamesha aisa hi karte hain. Kya zaroorat thi?”

“Ridzy, let him pamper you… and by extension us,” Muskaan ordered. “Teri shaadi hone wali hai. Itna toh banta haina?”

She finally gave in. “Okay, fine.”

A collective cheer rang out in the car. “That’s our girl,” Anjali exclaimed. “Chalein ab?”

“Aap chalo, I’ll just make a quick call,” Riddhima said.

“Ridzy, you know the rules,” Sapna said. “Armaan ko call nahi kar sakti tum aaj.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Riddhima replied. “Usse nahi, Dad se baat karni hai mujhe.”

“Cho cute, Di!” Naina exclaimed, hugging Riddhima. “Hum jaate hain. Aap Billy Uncle se baat karke aa jao.”

The girls all went in, giving Riddhima some privacy. She quickly dialled Billy’s number.

“Good morning, Riddhu,” Billy’s voice greeted her after 2 rings. “Kya baat hai? Apne friends ke saath enjoy karne ke badle apne buddhe baap se baat karni hai tumhe?”

“Dad!” Riddhima cried. “Aap koi old nahi ho,” she said. “Armaan ke saamne mat kehna warna woh hamesha chiddhayega aapko. Aapko apni, Billy, The Tiger, wali image ki koi fikar hai bhi ya nahi?”

“Meri beti ke saamne kya yeh image? But tu woh sab chod,” he said. “Aaj teri bachelorette party haina? Toh tu mujhe kyu phone kar rahi hai?”

“Dad… Di ne mujhe bataya… ki aapne poori party fund ki hai. Thank you,” she expressed her gratitude.

“Bas ab yehi din dekhna reh gaya tha,” Billy moaned. “Beti aake thank you bolegi. Paagal ladki. Tu kya bas kehne ke liye mujhe Dad kehti hai? Maanti nahi na?”

“Dad! Aap kya keh rahe ho? Aapko pata haina… I love you. You’re my Dad,” Riddhima replied.

“Toh yeh thank you wagerah chod de,” Billy said. “Meri beti ki shaadi hai. Celebrate toh karna banta haina.”

“Haan, Dad… but itna sab karne ki kya zaroorat thi? Aapko pata hai Di ne Taj Mahal Palace mein bookings ki hai. This place is so expensive!” Riddhima exclaimed.

“Toh kya apni bachchiyon ko aisi hi kisi jagah celebrate karne bhej deta? Only the best for my princess,” Billy told her. “Anjali se maine hi kaha tha wahaan sab arrangements karne.”

Riddhima got a little emotional hearing him say all that. “You’re the best,” she croaked.

“Woh toh main hoon,” Billy agreed. “Chal ab, ro mat. Warna sab mujhe daatenge ki aajke din tujhe sad kar diya.”

“I love you, Dad,” she stated.

“I love you, too, mere bachche. Have fun, okay? Bohot enjoy karna and click lots of photos to show me!” Billy instructed.

“Yes, Dad,” Riddhima replied. 

They said their goodbyes after that. Riddhima broke the rules to send Armaan a quick message to let him know that she’d reached the hotel with the girls and would not be available for the rest of the day.

When she entered the lobby, she was greeted by a small welcoming committee. They congratulated her on her pending nuptials and presented her with a bouquet, making Riddhima blush deeply. She thanked them profusely and went to find her friends. 

“Ho gayi Uncle se baat?” Nikki asked her, spotting her first. Riddhima nodded.

“All set?” Anjali questioned the gang. When everyone nodded, she pulled everyone upstairs to their room.

“Don’t get too comfy,” she announced. “Bas apna samaan dump karo and then we’re going downstairs.”

Riddhima should have probably guessed, but she was still surprised to see that Anjali had booked a suite for them. The suite opened a large and spacious living room, complete with a sofa set, and a study table. There was even a dining table in one corner and a home theatre system on the wall. It had three bedrooms, all with spacious beds and bathrooms. 

“This is so gorgeous,” Nikki commented. “Hum room chodke kahin aur kyu jaa rahe hain?”

Anjali laughed. “We have plans, missy, as you know!”

“Fine, fine,” Nikki replied. 

Anjali instructed them to place all their bags in one room and then locked that room, quickly escorting everyone out.

“Di, Diya aur Shreya toh nahi aaye ab tak?” Riddhima asked. “Aapki unse baat hui kya?”

“Haan,” Anjali replied. “Diya will meet us downstairs in about half an hour, but Shreya ko kuch kaam hai toh she’ll be here by noon.”

“Oh, okay,” Riddhima said. 

“Are we ready to get this party started, ladies?” Muskaan asked. Everyone cheered and laughing, they all arrived at the poolside.

“Here we go,” Anjali and Nikki handed out costumes for everyone in the bags they’d carried. “Get changed. Abhi thode time ke liye we’ll lounge by the pool. Breakfast bar bhi humaare liye yahaan alag se set hoga. And then a few hours later, we can move to the next activity.”

They’d gotten customized costumes for everyone, signalling they were a bridal party.

“Getting drunk?” Riddhima asked, laughing, once they’d all exited the changing rooms.

“Listen, I know ki hum sach mein drink nahi kar rahe kyuki… well, Nikki pregnant hai and it’s better that you don’t drink so that you remember ki party mein kya hua, but they’re cute,” Muskaan replied. “Aur… hard alcohol nahi pi rahe toh kya hua? We’re gonna get drunk off non - alcoholic drinks.”

“Aye, aye, cap’n!” Naina cried in agreement.

“Dr. Keerti aur Di kahaan hain?” Riddhima questioned once she realized those two were not with them.

“Woh dono arrangements check karne gaye hain,” Nikki answered. 

The duo joined them a couple minutes later. “Everything is set to go,” Keerti announced. “Shall we?”

Anjali led them all to a secluded private pool. The area had been cordoned off for a private party and there was no one else allowed inside. The pool was smaller than the regular pool the hotel had, but gorgeous nonetheless. The hotel staff had put up decorations for the party and had started a breakfast bar on one side of the pool. It was really pretty and Riddhima was appropriately impressed by the arrangements.

“I love it,” she declared, pulling Anjali into a hug. “Thank you, Di.”

“You’re welcome, meri pyaari Ridzy,” Anjali replied. “But Dr. Keerti aur Nikki ne meri bohot help ki hai yeh party arrange karne mein.”

Riddhima hugged the two of them too, thanking them for taking so many efforts to make her day special. The girls all lounged by the poolside for the next few hours - playing in the water, walking around, eating, and just relaxing. Diya joined them too, and it was a really fun experience for all of them. They did click a bunch of pictures everywhere, just as Riddhima had promised Billy she would.

A couple hours later, when they were all heavily pruned, they left the pool and showered, after which they were directed to the spa. They were all given massages, manicures, and pedicures before getting a steam bath. (Don’t come at me with any technicalities of this whole thing. IDK if you can go to a spa and get a massage and steam bath after spending 3 hours in the pool and I don’t care either. My girls are just gonna have a fun and relaxing day here :p)

“That was soooooo relaxing,” Diya commented as they all lounged in the steam room. “I feel like sleeping for the next 5 days.”

Everyone murmured in agreement. “This has been such a good day,” Riddhima said. “Thank you so much for doing this for me!”

“Ridzy, abhi toh bohot kuch baaki hai,” Muskaan replied.

“I know,” Riddhima agreed. “But fir bhi… you guys have planned such a nice day and I’m really enjoying it so far. Isliye, thank you!”

“Riddhima, itni baar thank you bolne ki zaroorat nahi hai. We were happy to do it,” Keerti said.

“Haan, aur nahi toh kya! You and Armaan are finally getting married. Tujhe pata haina hum sab kabse wait kar rahe hain iss sabka?” Nikki questioned. “We just want to celebrate this time taaki tum dono ko apni life ka yeh phase hamesha yaad rahe.”

Riddhima hugged Nikki tight. “I know,” she said. “It means a lot to me!”

“But, Di… main soch rahi thi… aapne abhi se hi bachelor aur bachelorette kyu plan kar li? Aapke aur Armaan Jeeju ke cousins aane waale hain shaadi attend karne thode dinon mein? If we had waited a while, hum unhe bhi invite kar paate,” Naina wondered.

“Exactly isliye hi toh pehle ki, Naina,” Anjali answered, laughing.

“Aapke aur aapke cousins ke beech sab theek haina?” Keerti asked, worried.

“Haan, Dr. Keerti. It’s nothing like that. Lekin aapko pata haina… cousins ke saath… sabke saath achchi equation nahi hoti,” Riddhima explained.

“Ridzy is too nice,” Anjali added. “What she means is that humaare almost saare cousins bohot zyada annoying hain. Apart from Nishank Chachu’s kids, humaari kisi se itni nahi banti.”

“Haan,” Riddhima agreed. “And his daughter, Taranya, is studying abroad toh woh bohot zyada time ke liye nahi aa sakti. She will be here only one day before the ceremonies start aur woh shaadi waali raat ko hi nikal bhi jaayegi. And his son, Dhairya… well, he’s only 18. Toh, we didn’t want him to attend the bachelor’s. Woh ladke toh alcohol wagerah rakhenge na apni party pe.”

“Armaan is also like that,” Diya said. “He hates all his cousins except for me and Dodo. And uske Tayaji ka beta hai… Krish, who he’s close to. But, Krish ke bhi exams aane waale hain, so he said he won’t be able to be here for a long time.”

“I like this better anyway,” Muskaan said. “Ab agar tere ya Armaan ke zyada cousins aate toh hum freely celebrate nahi kar paate na. At least all of us know Diya from that day when she visited. And Shreya hai bas… but agar zyada log hote toh it might have been awkward for everyone to get along. Isliye bas hum hain wohi achcha hai.”

“I agree with that 100%!” Nikki exclaimed. “Some of Armaan’s cousins are so snooty. Main toh poora time apna gussa hi control karne ki koshish karti rehti unke saath.”

“Nikki, tumhe bas woh isliye nahi pasand cause they always tried to set Armaan up with their hoity - toity friends,” Diya laughed. “But now they can’t na. Maybe you’ll like them better now.”

“You wish,” Nikki mumbled.

“By the way, Diya,” Riddhima asked, “tum abhi bhi Samrat, Mayank ya TJ se touch mein ho kya? I was thinking about inviting them for the wedding too. Pichle kuch saalon se hum touch mein nahi hai but they were good friends of mine during college days.”

Diya laughed. “I very much am,” she said. “Samrat and Mayank are my brothers - in - law.”

“What? Really?” Anjali exclaimed.

“Haan,” Diya replied. “They both married my Chachu’s daughters. Actually, unn dono ne college tumhaare graduation ke baad start kiya tha toh you didn’t meet them. But, they joined in our second year… tab hi Mayank aur Samrat unn dono se mile and then they ended up falling in love.”

“That’s so nice! Though I can’t imagine Samrat ever getting married,” Anjali commented. “Yaad hai, uss time kitni ladkiyaan uske aage peeche ghoomti rehti thi?”

“Aur Mayank toh apne books se kabhi upar hi nahi dekhta tha. How he managed to fall  in love is beyond me,” Riddhima laughed.

“Look who’s talking,” Diya complained. “Jo haal Samrat ka tha na… woh same Armaan ka bhi tha. And you know Riddhima, there’s a reason why you and Mayank got along so well during those days. Tum dono bilkul ek jaise the. But, ab tumhaari aur Armaan ki bhi shaadi ho rahi haina.”

“Fair point,” Riddhima conceded. “But, yes. Please mujhe unki contact information de dena, and main obviously baat kar lungi, but before that, tum bhi ek baar unn dono se baat kar lena to let them know I’m planning to invite them. Please.”

“Absolutely no worries,” Diya assured Riddhima. “Main baat kar lungi.”

Once they were done with their steam bath, Anjali, the magician that she was, produced clothes out of seemingly nowhere for them. They all changed into the matching tees and jeans that she’d gotten for them and left for lunch, where they were greeted by Shreya, who was already decked out in her Bride’s Babe tee and ripped jeans.

They enjoyed a hearty lunch at the restaurant that Billy Uncle had insisted they eat at. It was his favourite and he always made it a point to visit there when he was in Mumbai on business. They came back to a suite that had been completely transformed.

“OH! This is so pretty!!” Shreya exclaimed. “Very aesthetic. Kitne Pinterest boards refer kiye yeh banane?”

“Don’t even ask,” Nikki muttered. “Too many. Aur upar se yeh humaari perfectionist Miss Gupta ko toh aur zyada problems hote the.”

They shared a laugh at Anjali’s expense before she put a stop to it by announcing their next activity. “Present time!!”

“Ab yeh sab karne ke baad presents bhi doge?” Riddhima asked.

“Yep,” Anjali replied. “Tere paas mana karne ka option nahi hai, Ridzy. So, don’t even try.”

“Okay,” Riddhima conceded. “I won’t.” In her head, she added one more item to the list of gifts she was planning to buy for all her friends for the wedding.

They all sat by the window overlooking the Gateway of India, and started piling Riddhima with presents.

"I'll go first," Nikki announced. "So that we can get all the embarrassment out of the way."

"Embarrassment?" Riddhima asked, already scared. 

Nikki smirked and presented Riddhima with her gift bag. "Here you go!"

Riddhima opened the present with trembling hands to find bath salts and soy candles inside. "What's so embarrassing about this?" She wondered out loud. 

"Woh nahi," Nikki replied. "Open it entirely."

Riddhima fished inside the bag and came out with a gift card. To Victoria's Secret. 

"NIKKI!" She cried out. "I can't…"

Everyone laughed as Riddhima blushed a deep shade of red. 

"It's okay, Ridzy," Nikki replied. "Ab dheere - dheere aadat daal le. You're getting married. And this is very common for us. But… Tu tension mat le. Tera first time haina… I promise I'll help you."

"Yes, taaki tu mujhe aur zyada embarrass kar sake?" Riddhima asked. 

Nikki laughed. "Woh bhi… But also to help you."

"Nikki… I can't believe this. This is so embarrassing. Tu…" Riddhima moaned. 

"Main kya?" Nikki asked. "Zyada doodh ki dhooli mat ban. As if you and Armaan have never done it."

"WE HAVEN'T!" Riddhima shouted. 

"What rubbish!" Anjali exclaimed. "It's okay, Ridzy. You can tell us. Tujhe pata hai hum mein se koi bhi Mom ya Dad ko kuch nahi batayega."

"Di…" Riddhima whined. "Please. Stop it. And we really have not."

"Matlab… Tum dono itne saalon se date kar rahe ho… But you're celibate?" Muskaan questioned.

"And what's wrong with that?" Riddhima fired back. 

"Nothing," Keerti intervened immediately. "Isme koi galat baat nahi hai."

"Guys, Riddhima ko aur embarrass mat karo," Sapna added. "Sabki relationship alag hoti hai. And some things are private. Yeh sab rehne do."

Riddhima sent both of them a thankful look as murmurs of agreement rung around the table. 

Anjali went in next, giving Riddhima some very gorgeous jewelery. Riddhima fixated on a pair of earrings in the mix, examining them closely before looking up at Anjali in awe. 

"Di??" She held them up questioningly. 

"Yeh meri taraf se nahi hai," Anjali replied. "Nani sent these for you. Mom ki haina… She'd set them aside for your wedding."

Riddhima hugged Anjali tight. "Thanks, Di. They're gorgeous." Anjali patted Riddhima's back and dropped a kiss on her cheek. 

Muskaan gifted her a cross stitch pattern of a bride and a groom with their backs turned, a calendar for April to their right, the wedding date marked with a heart. 

"Muski, yeh tune khud banaya?" Riddhima asked. 

"Of course, Ridzy!" Muskaan exclaimed. "Kisi aur se thodi banwaungi tera present. Tujhe pata haina mujhe iska shauk hai… This was a little complicated piece, though, isliye itna achcha nahi bana jitna maine socha tha."

"Shut up!" Riddhima commanded. "This is absolutely gorgeous and I love it so much!! Thank you, Muski. I'm going to get this framed and put up somewhere nice in the house."

Keerti gifted her with a couple's cookbook and tickets to a weekend couple's cooking class that was valid for the next six months. "I know that tum aur Armaan dono bohot achche cooks ho, but this is something Shubhankar and I also did after the wedding and it was a great bonding exercise."

"Thank you, ma'am," Riddhima replied. "This is really very nice."

Sapna had gotten her an assortment of connoisseur chocolates from Spain. "Amit wahaan abhi recently business trip pe gaya tha," she explained. 

Riddhima wasted no time in popping a chocolate in her mouth. It melted the second it touched her tongue and her mouth exploded in a tangy sweet taste. "Mmmmm," she moaned in appreciation. "This is so good, Sapna!"

She offered a piece each to the others and then quickly packed away the rest, not wanting to share more. All her friends were natural bhukkads and she knew that if she kept the box outside, the chocolates would be over before the day ended. 

"Here," Shreya went next, placing a makeshift calendar in front of her with the wedding week marked in red. 

"Yeh kya hai?" Riddhima asked. 

"This… Is what Shikha Bose's calendar looks like," Shreya replied, smiling cheekily. 

"No way!" Anjali exclaimed. "How???"

"I have my sources," Shreya replied. 

"Shreya…" Riddhima said. "She's the most sought after wedding photographer in the country. Uski dates 1-2 mahine nahi, 1-2 saal ke liye booked rehti hai. How did you even manage this?"

Shreya sighed. "Woh Rehaan ki batchmate hai," she explained. "And she owed me one for when I'd helped her last year with some stuff, so I called in a favour."

"Thank you so much!" Riddhima exclaimed, hugging Shreya tight. "I never even imagined something like this."

"Don't you worry," Shreya replied. "Tere liye itna toh kar hi sakti hoon main."

Naina got her a set of very comfy satin pyjamas that read wifey. "Oh, this is so smooth," Riddhima said as she felt the soft fabric. "Thank you so much, Naina."

"I'm glad you liked it, Di!" Naina exclaimed. 

Diya went in last, and produced an album of Armaan's baby photos. They ranged from when he was a baby to his early teens. It was absolutely glorious. 

"Thank you so much!" Riddhima exclaimed, pulling Diya in a hug. 

"You're welcome," she replied. "But, you have to do something for me in exchange."

"Bolo na," Riddhima immediately agreed. 

Turning the pages, Diya stopped on a particularly embarrassing photo of a young Armaan bathed in cake and what looked like soda. "This was on his 10th birthday. All the kids banded together to throw cake at him and then someone brought in Pepsi, I don't know why," she reminisced fondly. "Yeh waali photo chupa dena. I promised Armaan that no one would ever see this."

"Done!" Riddhima replied. "Armaan ko bilkul pata nahi chalega ki yeh photo mere paas hai."

Once they'd all ooh-ed and aah-ed over Armaan's photos, Riddhima packed it all away. She kept all the presents safely in a bag and locked the room in which she kept it. She gave all the attendees a tight hug. "Thank you so much! All these presents were so beautiful and thoughtful. I couldn't ask for more!"

It was only mid-afternoon by then and they had a couple hours before the activity scheduled for the evening, so Nikki suggested they watch a movie, settling on Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge. The girls all snuggled up on the very comfortable couch and watched the movie, exchanging laughs and sighs. 

Just as Raj pulled Simran on the train in the climax, the door to the suite opened, surprising Riddhima. 

(Continued in the next post!)

Armaan slept in late that morning, only waking up at 10 when Rahul kicked him out of bed. "Oyye, Kumbhkaran is chatti aulaad! Chal uth!!" He exclaimed. 

"Abbe, Daddu! Sone dena," Armaan whined, hiding his face in the pillows. 

"Armaan, kitna soyega? Uth jaa!" Rahul pushed. "Dekh, Abhi, Champ, Dr. Shubhankar… Sab aa gaye hain. Yuvi, Uday, aur Rakesh bhi aate hi honge. Tu sota hi rahega kya din bhar?"

“Haan,” Armaan replied. “Meri bachelor party mujhe aise hi manani hai. Soke.”

“Armaan!” Rahul exclaimed, dumping cold water on him. “Uth jaa!”

“AAAAHHHHHH!” Armaan jerked awake with a start. “Rahul… kamine! Aise koi jagata hai kya?” He cried, rubbing along his arms and face, trying to dispense the cold. Rahul shrugged. “Mere andar aur patience nahi thi,” he explained. “Chal ab fatafat ready ho jaa.”

Armaan got out of bed, grumbling loudly. “Fine, fine,” he mumbled. He checked his phone and saw a message from Riddhima early in the morning, telling him that her bachelorette was already underway and she wouldn’t be available for the rest of the day. He grumbled louder at that, going into the bathroom and shutting the door loudly behind him. By the time he’d come out after getting dressed for the day, everyone had reached and were currently crowding his living room.

Armaan was wearing a superman tee and he saw that everyone else was also wearing superhero tees. They’d even set up the living room with comic book decorations. It was all really cute.

“Armaan! Mere bhai!” Atul exclaimed, pulling Armaan into a tight hug. “Kaisa hai tu?”

“Main toh theek hoon, Champ. Tu kaisa hai?” Armaan asked.

“Aaj ke liye bohot, bohot, bohot excited! Tujhe pata hai, aaj Anjali nahi hai fir bhi main khush hoon… sirf teri wajah se! Aaj teri bachelor party jo hai!” Atul replied, making everyone laugh.

“So, what plans?” Armaan asked them.

“Waise plan toh footbaal ka hai, but everyone is hungry,” Rahul lamented. “Toh ab kya karein?”

“Abhi pehle khaate hain, fir football PS pe khel lenge,” Armaan announced.

“Smort,” Rakesh snorted. “I like this idea. Main ab zyada time bhooka nahi reh sakta, yaar.”

“Abbe, oyye! Rakesh! Teko time pata tha na… toh pehle se breakfast kar leta,” Rahul commented.

“Woh mera ho gaya,” Rakesh replied. “Yeh second round.”

“I agree,” Uday added. “Breakfast is more important.”

“Dodo,” Armaan laughed, “tu bas khaata hi reh.” He gave Uday a noogie, making Uday shout and the others laugh. 

“Waise… Billy aur Mom kahaan hai?” Armaan questioned.

“Aaj Shashank Uncle ke ghar unki bhi party hai,” Rahul said. “Nani wants to go over the ceremonies and stuff. Toh woh log sab aaj discuss kar lenge.”

Armaan hummed in acknowledgement. “Chal ab… breakfast kara.”

“Yes, please… Dr. Rahul… aaj subah zyada time nahi tha, toh ab bhook lagi hai,” Shubhankar announced.

“Kya hua, Dr. Shubhankar? All okay?” Abhi asked, worried.

“Haan, haan,” Shubhankar assured. “Don’t worry. Woh bas Samrat was being a little fussy today. Usse babysitter ke saath nahi rehna tha.”

“Breakfast, coming right up!” Rahul announced. He pulled Atul along with him and came out carrying plates laden with parathas. 

“Parathe!” Armaan exclaimed happily.

“Yes! We have a variety, so please, help yourself. Aur saath mein dahi, shakkar, achaar… jo chahiye, sab hai,” Rahul said.

The boys all jumped at their breakfast, eating to their heart’s content. Once they were done eating, as promised, Armaan connected his PlayStation to the home theatre Riddhima had picked out a few days ago, and they played football for the next few hours. After a lunch of pizza and beer, Abhi announced that it was present time. 

“Presents? For me? WOW! Thanks, yaar, guys. Mujhe seriously laga nahi tha ki tum laoge,” Armaan commented.

“Humein aisa hi samjha hai kya?” Atul cribbed. “Of course, bachelor party hai toh present laaye hain… woh Rahul ne sabko 100 baar yaad dilaaya tha. Kaise bhoolte?”

“Let’s go, then!” Rakesh cried. “Me first!”

Armaan made a ‘go ahead’ gesture at him, and Rakesh presented him with wine. “I got this one from Austria last year. It’s supposed to be the best they have.”

Armaan accepted the wine and thanked him for it, promising that he’d enjoy it with Riddhima. Well, he would enjoy it. It would be better if Riddhima didn’t drink too much of it, given her history.

Uday got him a comic book subscription for the next year, which made Armaan whoop in joy. He’d gotten Armaan subscribed to Superman, his favourite, and The Flash. Uday had always favoured Barry Allen since they were kids. “Tu nahi sudhrega. I’m sorry, Dodo. But Clark Kent all the way,” Armaan commented.

Yuvi got him a personalized journal and diary, with all important dates in his life marked. Armaan didn’t really know how Yuvi knew his and Riddhima’s confession anniversary but he let it slide because frankly, he was scared of finding out how Yuvi had gotten that information. So, he just politely thanked Yuvi and moved on.

Abhi got him luggage with his and Riddhima’s initials monogrammed on everything. It was a complete set with two suitcases, a duffel bag, a laptop bag, and even toiletry bags. “This is really gorgeous and will be very useful. Thanks, Abhi!” Armaan cried, giving Abhi a light hug.

Shubhankar got him a vintage pocket watch with his and Riddhima’s wedding date engraved on it. Armaan didn’t really use watches, but this one was so gorgeous, he promised to keep it on him whenever possible.

Atul got him cufflinks, which was a surprise for everyone because they thought that he’d get Armaan some plant like always. “Nahi, yaar. Main dene wala tha,” Atul explained, when asked. “But, Anjali ne mujhe suggest kiya ki plant ke alawa kuch doo iss baar. Plant toh main har baar deta hoon… but tum log itna zyada achche se dhyaan nahi rakh paate na jaise main rakhta hoon. Toh isliye fir maine iss baar cufflinks liye. Lekin… dekh maine yeh leaf shape ke liye hain taaki tu jab bhi pehne, tujhe environment ki raksha karne ki responsibility yaad rahe.”

“They’re so cute, Champ! Thanks!” Armaan thanked him, hugging him tight. 

Rahul went in last, and thankfully so. When Armaan saw him uncover the portrait he’d done of Armaan and Riddhima on their engagement, he got very emotional. It was a beautiful rendition of one of the most beautiful days of his and Riddhima’s life and he was so thankful to Rahul for immortalizing it in such a way. Armaan gave Rahul a tight hug to thank him for being so thoughtful and getting him the best present ever.

After all the presents were opened, Atul suggested they move on to the next part of their day. Which was the most exciting part, according to him.

“Ooohhh. Aisa kya hai?” Armaan asked, gearing up for something really fun.

“It’s time for a treasure hunt around the city!” Rakesh announced gleefully.

“Wait… what?” Armaan exclaimed. “Treasure hunt?”

“Yes! It’ll be so much fun, Armaan!” Abhi encouraged. “Rahul has put together some really fun clues.”

“Yaar… yeh kya treasure hunt? No… kuch aur karte haina,” Armaan bargained. “Uske badle… I’ll give you guys one more party tomorrow.”

“Sorry, Armaan,” Rahul replied. “Aisa toh nahi hoga. Bachelor party pe hamesha woh hota hai jo dost chaahte hain, aur hum yeh chaahte hain, toh tujhe karna hi padega.”

“But it sounds so boring!” Armaan whined.

“Woh jo bhi ho…” Shubhankar said. “Khelna toh aapko padega, Dr. Armaan! Tabhi toh main Keerti se mil paunga!”

“Dr. Keerti se? Kaise? Hum girls ki party pe jaa rahe hain kya?” Armaan asked, suddenly getting excited about the prospect of seeing Riddhima.

“Chup kar, Majnu,” Rahul replied, hitting Armaan on the head. “Tu treasure hunt poori karega aur fir bachelor party khatam hogi uske baad hi hum sab ghar jaayenge na. Aur Dr. Shubhankar ke ghar kaun hoga? Dr. Keerti! Toh woh milenge na.”

“Aisa? Really?” Armaan questioned.

“Yes, really,” Rahul answered. “Tu bas poora din aise Majnu type behave karta haina isliye tere dimaag mein yehi sab chalta hai.”

“Yaar, fir kyu treasure hunt? I want to chill,” Armaan protested.

“Hum treasure hunt ke baad chill karenge na! Chal ab!” Abhi bullied him, pulling him up from the sofa. 

“Yaar, tum log aaj mujhe bohot torture kar rahe ho. Yaad rakhna… sabse badla loonga main,” he promised, making his way outside.

“Baad ka baad mein dekhenge, Bhaiya,” Yuvi said. “Abhi toh chaliye.”

They all piled into Armaan’s Scorpio. It was then that Rahul produced the first clue. They spent the next two hours driving around the city in search of clues. Armaan didn’t want to admit it, but he did end up having fun with the boys. Not everyone knew where the clues lead. It was just Rahul and Abhi who had put the whole thing together, so everyone else helped him solve the puzzles. They ended up at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel at the end of the hunt, and Armaan decided to forgive them for making him drive all around the city, if he got to spend the rest of his evening here.

“Not bad, Daddu,” he praised. “You went all out, huh?”

“Yes,” Rahul agreed with a laugh. “Happy?”

“Very,” Armaan confirmed.

“Good. Let’s go then,” Rahul replied. He checked in with the reception and then led them upstairs, handing Armaan the key card to their suite. “Ummm, before we go in,” Armaan said. “Strippers nahi bulaaya na? Riddhima mujhe maar daalegi.”

“Tujhe lagta hai Muskaan mujhe zinda chodegi?” Rahul fired back. “Don’t worry, you’re safe.”

Armaan swiped in the key card and opened the door, stepping inside.

(Continued in the next post!)

“Ridzy, jaake dekhna kaun hai,” Anjali said.

“Di… Akele jau main? Kya pata kaun hai,” Riddhima protested.

“Kuch nahi hoga,” Anjali insisted. “Tu jaa na.”

Knowing that the chances of someone getting past security were very negligible, Riddhima went to check, thinking it might be someone from room service or the like, having mixed up their check out time with some other guest, only to see Armaan stepping inside.

“Armaan?” She called, surprised. 

He looked at her, a huge smile lighting his face and without a word, marched the few steps to her to take her in his arms, hugging her tight. “I missed you,” he murmured softly.

“I missed you,” she echoed. “But bohot zyada nahi. We had lots of fun.”

Armaan chuckled and hugged her tighter, content to just bask in her presence. It was silly that he was being so clingy, but he had gotten used to seeing her everyday, and it was weird for him when he didn’t.

“Tum dono ka ho gaya ho toh baaki sab andar aa jaaye?” Abhi called out, making the couple separate.

“Yes, please,” Riddhima shouted, giving the boys the go ahead to step inside. There were lots of hugs shared amongst all of them, excited chatter filling the room that made Riddhima grin. Her friends were the cutest.

When they’d all settled down, Armaan couldn’t help but tease, “I thought ki bachelor aur bachelorette party toh ek saath nahi ho sakti?”

“Shut up,” Anjali glared.

“Ek toh tere liye humne dono parties combine ki,” Muskaan added. “Ab tu humko attitude dega? Tu na… ek kaam kar… alag party mein hi jaa. Humein nahi karni saath mein party.”

“Muski! Bhadak kyu rahi hai? Main toh bas mazaak kar raha tha, yaar! Thank you so much!” He cried, pulling her into a bear hug. “You’re the best!”

After some more ribbing and teasing, Rahul and Anjali set up their events for the evening. They brought out a FRIENDS-esque Trivia Board, making everybody hoot.

“Okay! Calm down, yaar! Kitna chillaate ho!” Rahul cribbed. “Mujhe pata hai ki tum logon ko samajh gaya hai ki kya ho raha hai, but shhhhh!”

They all calmed down on hearing his words. “Thank you,” Rahul mumbled sarcastically.

“Anyway, as you guessed… TRIVIA TIME!!” Anjali announced.

“But… yeh game sabke liye nahi, bas Armaan aur Riddhima ke liye hai… seeing as they’re our guests of honour!” Rahul explained. “We have three categories… ek mein inn dono ko ek doosre ke baare mein poochenge, and doosre mein we will have a couple trivia to see who remembers more.”

“Jeetne pe kya milega?” Armaan demanded.

“Bragging rights,” Anjali laughed.

“Kya yaar… kuch toh gift hona chahiye na?” Armaan whined. “Not fair.”

“Gift ka kya kare? Whatever we give, tum dono ek doosre pe hi spend karoge waise bhi,” Rahul fired back. “Isse better hai ki hum naa hi dein kuch.”

“Aur waise bhi… aaj itne zyada presents already mile tum dono ko. Ab aur chahiye?” Anjali questioned.

“Nahi, Di! Yeh Armaan toh bas bakwaas karta rehta hai kuch bhi. Koi present nahi chahiye,” Riddhima interrupted. Armaan sulked but nodded.

“Okayyyyy!” Rahul cried. “Let’s go!!”

“We’ll start with questions about each other. Let’s see ki Sanjeevani ka sabse romantic couple ek doosre ko kitne achche se jaanta hai!” Anjali announced. 

“We’ll start easy,” Rahul assured. “And no cheating. Humne yeh questions tum dono se pehle hi pooche the, and we recorded your answers. Ab tum change nahi kar sakte.”

Turning to the board, he flicked the first sticker off, reading out the question. “Aapke partner ka favourite colour kya hai?” 

“Red!” Riddhima cried out immediately, at the same time that Armaan exclaimed, “Blue!”

“Correct!” Anjali grinned, marking a point for both of them.

“Okay, question two is,” Rahul read, “aapke partner kaa favourite khana kya hai?”

“Baingan ka bharta,” Armaan replied promptly. It took Riddhima a second to think, but then she replied, “Aloo ke paranthe!”

“Correct again!” Anjali announced, giving them both a point.

“Aapka partner aapke alawa iss duniya mein sabse zyada kisse pyaar karta hai?” Rahul asked the next question.

“Apne Papa se,” Armaan answered confidently. 

“Apni Mom se,” Riddhima said, making Armaan look at her in surprise. Armaan was sure she’d say Bi, but he should’ve known… His Basket knew him too well. But, this would cost her. Thinking that Riddhima would say Bi, Armaan had replied Bi when Anjali had asked him this question. Anjali had made it seem like they would play this game at their own bachelorette to see how well Riddhima knew Armaan, and he’d eagerly complied.

“Sorry, Ridzy,” Anjali announced. “Armaan ne toh Bi kaha tha.”

Riddhima laughed and shook her head. “Armaan…” she reprimanded.

“Areee! Mujhe laga tum Bi hi bologi. Mujhe kya pata tha ki tum aise Mom ka naam le logi?” Armaan replied.

“Bi is the correct answer, right?” Anjali asked. 

Armaan shook his head. “It’s Mom… but I thought that Basket thought it’s Bi, isliye maine Mom nahi kaha,” he explained.

“Oh my god! Hero… Ridzy ko jitaane tune galat answers diye hain kya?” Muskaan cried.

“Not all,” Armaan answered sheepishly. “Bas 1-2.”

Everyone facepalmed at that, but they shouldn’t have expected any better from the self proclaimed lover boy of their group. He literally would do anything for Riddhima, wouldn’t he? This was really nothing compared to some of the other stuff he’d done.

“Armaan!! You’re too cute!” Nikki cried, hugging him, making everyone laugh. 

“Let’s give Riddhu the point then,” Rahul announced, getting back to the game. “Since Armaan ne admit kiya hai ki usne humein galat answer bataya tha.”

“Yes,” Anjali agreed. “Armaan, ab jis bhi question mein tune galat answer diya hai, humein pehle se hi bata dena and then we’ll see.”

Armaan nodded. The entire time Riddhima was just looking at Armaan with undisguised awe. It was such a silly thing that he’d done, but it meant the world to Riddhima. She hadn’t even thought twice about answering the questions, actually looking forward to seeing if Armaan knew her as well as he claimed, and here… this man had done this. Granted, she was miffed that he thought she didn’t know him well enough, but still, he’d thought of giving wrong answers in hopes of her winning and that touched her heart.

“Aapke partner ki aapke haathon se bani favourite dish kaunsi hai?” Rahul asked.

“Baingan ka bharta,” Armaan answered immediately.

Riddhima, on the other hand, had to think hard on this one. Armaan loved everything she cooked. He would always ask her to cook for him at least once every two weeks and she would generally experiment with stuff on those days. But, she suddenly realized that Armaan would always ask her for apple pie for dessert, no matter what she suggested.

“Apple pie,” she announced, pretty sure that was the right answer.

“And, you’re both right again!” Anjali laughed. “Good going, guys!”

“Aapke partner kaunsa perfume use karte hain? You have to tell us the brand and the specific perfume under that brand that they use,” Rahul explained. 

“Guess 1981 Pour Homme,” Riddhima was the first to answer. Armaan was honestly surprised that she knew this off the back of her head. He himself didn’t. He knew that she used a Carolina Herrera after Anjali had gotten her one as a present, but he couldn’t remember the exact fragrance.

“Carolina Herrera,” he finally replied after racking his brains for a minute. “Good Girl, mostly. But main exact scent ke baare mein sure nahi hoon,” he admitted grudgingly. “I’m 99% sure ki yehi hai, but not 100%.”

“Well, good for you, Dr. Mallik. Aapki 99% wali surety sahi nikli,” Anjali announced. “You’re both right, once again!”

“So… the first round ends aur as expected… tum dono ke full marks hain. 5 out of 5 for both of you, ending this in a tie!” Rahul cheered.

“Moving on to the second round,” Anjali continued. “Ab saare questions tumhaari relationship se related honge. Let’s see kisko kaunsi date yaad hai… So… first up. Tum dono ne sabse pehli baar ek doosre ko I love you kab bola tha?”

“7 January,” they both answered in unison, making everyone hoot.

“Oh!” Nikki realized. “Armaan tune Riddhima ko apni confession anniversary pe propose kiya? That’s so cute!”

Armaan scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah,” he mumbled. “I’d been planning for a while aur fir it was around the corner toh maine socha uss din hi kar deta hoon.”

“Niceeee!” Atul commented, giving Armaan a hi5. 

“Okay, then! Both of you get the point, cause obviously yeh right answer hai,” Rahul announced.

“Question two… tumhaari first date kahaan thi?” Anjali asked.

“Yeh thoda tricky hai… I think we’ve had like 5 first dates,” Arman replied.

“Tumhaari first first date kahaan thi?” Anjali clarified.

“Basketball court,” they both answered together again.

“Right you are,” Rahul agreed. “So, scores are still tied up at 7 all.”

“Next question,” Anjali announced. “As a couple, tumhaari first fight kab hui thi?”

They both looked at each other and laughed. “On our second day as a couple?” Armaan asked Riddhima, turning to her.

“Will that count as the second day? Technically speaking, we confessed at night, toh woh din toh waise hi khatam ho gaya na? Aur uske baad phir agle din toh humaara jhagda hi ho gaya tha,” Riddhima answered.

“This is confusing… but you’re both saying 8 August, right? The day after you confessed?” Anjali asked.

“Yep,” they both confirmed.

“As expected of the two of you,” Abhi murmured. “Kabhi ladna chod sakte ho tum dono?”

“Nope,” they replied, once again, in complete sync.

“It’s a little scary, how in tune the two of you are,” Muskaan commented. 

The couple laughed and shrugged, not knowing what to say to that.

“Okay, guys. All this later!” Rahul interrupted. “Game continue karna hai humein.”

“Yes!!” Anjali agreed. “Fourth question, guys! What was the first festival that you celebrated together as a couple?”

“Ganesh Chaturthi,” Riddhima replied.

“Does Independence Day count as a festival?” Armaan asked.

“Obviously not, Armaan,” Riddhima said. “That’s a national holiday, not a festival.”

“What Ridzy said,” Anjali agreed.

“Okay,” Armaan said. “Fir Ganesh Chaturthi.”

“Correct again!” Rahul cheered.

“Okay, guys! Last question!! Brace yourselves!” Anjali announced. “Where are you going on your honeymoon?”

“Am…” Armaan started saying, in the flow of the game, but stopped when realized what he was about to say. “ANJY!” He cried. “Unfair!”

“Sorry, Armaan!” Anjali laughed. “Ek try toh banta hai. Tum itne secretive jo ho!”

“You’re not finding out so easily,” Armaan replied.

“Please, baby,” Riddhima pouted. “Mujhe jaan’na hai.”

Armaan looked away, closing his eyes, so as to not give in to her puppy eyes. “Yeh trick kaam nahi karegi, Basket,” he said. “It’s a surprise! Kisi ko pata nahi chalega before it’s time.”

A moment later, he added, “Anjy!! Come on! Next question, please.”

“Right,” Anjali murmured. “About that… aur koi questions nahi hain. We couldn’t think of any. So… this is the end, then.”

“As expected of the two of you, tum dono hi yeh competition jeet gaye ho, so three cheers for Armaan and Riddhima!!” Rahul cried. 

“This was fun,” Riddhima said. “Thank you!”

“Yes,” Armaan agreed. “A lot of fun! Thanks, guys!!”

“Okay… now… for the final part of the night… hum sab lawn mein chalenge,” Rahul stated. “This is my favourite part, guys. I hope tum dono ko bhi mazaa aaye!”

“I’m sure it’ll be great, Rahul,” Riddhima replied. “Bohot amazing hi hoga, jo bhi tumne socha hai.”

Rahul checked in with one of the staff members at the hotel and then led them all to the lawn. The entire place had been set up gorgeously for an outdoor movie night, complete with snacks and drinks. 

“Wow,” Armaan breathed. “This is gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” Rahul replied. “But almost saara kaam yahaan ke staff ne kiya hai. Anjy aur maine unhe basic instructions diye the, but these people have really gone above and beyond.”

Only the gang had stayed back for this, Diya, Uday, Rakesh, and Shreya, all leaving after the game with Armaan and Riddhima due to various reasons, which served the gang just as well, because this part was pretty personal for them.

They all took a seat on the various blankets, snuggling with their partners. Once everyone was properly situated, Rahul called the manager who had helped him set all this up to make sure everything was in order before playing the video.

“Hey guys!” Rahul appeared on the screen. “So… mere dono best friends shaadi kar rahe hain, and I’m over the moon! But… sirf main nahi, aur bhi bohot log hain jo iske liye excited hain. And… we wanted to take a moment to tell you how excited we are and wish you the best, toh maine socha, let’s just do this. I hope you have fun!” 

The camera panned out to show Nani. She was sitting on the sofa in the living room of the Gupta House, dressed in a beautiful saree. “Armaan, Riddhima… aaj main bohot, bohot, bohot khush hoon! Mere dono bachchon ki finally shaadi hone wali hain. Isse zyada khushi ki aur kya baat ho sakti hai mere liye? Main kitni zyada excited hoon, main shayad express bhi nahi kar sakti. Armaan itna achcha bachcha hai aur meri Riddhima ko bilkul rajkumari ki tarah rakhega apne saath, yeh mujhe pata hai. Lekin, Riddhima… tu bhi mere Armaan ka achche se dhyaan rakhna. Bas… tum dono khush raho aur kya chahiye mujhe? Congratulations, you two!”

Next up were Dr. Shashank and Padma Aunty. They both sat together in Riddhima’s room, on her bed. “Hi, Armaan!” Padma greeted, just as Shashank said, “Hi, Riddhima!”

“Congratulations!” They both said in unison.

“Hum dono iss shaadi ki liye bohot, bohot, bohot excited hain,” Padma continued. “Tum dono ek doosre se itna pyaar karte ho aur ab finally apni new life start karne jaa rahe ho, toh hum sab bohot khush hain. I know ki tum dono ne iske liye bohot wait kiya hai, bohot struggle ki hai, but humne bhi kaafi wait kiya hai. Aur ab finally, jab yeh din itne paas hai toh hum tumhe sirf aur sirf best wishes dena chaahte hain. All the best, you two! I know ki apni married life mein tum dono sirf khush rahoge aur kuch nahi.”

“Yes,” Shashank agreed. “Mujhe pata hai ki maine hamesha tumhaare rishte ko support nahi kiya hai, but I was wrong. Tum dono ek doosre ke liye bilkul perfect ho. Hum sab Armaan ko officially apni family ka hissa banane kaafi excited hain! So, just get married quickly so I can officially call Armaan my son, okay? All the best! I know ki jis tarah tum dono aaj tak sab face kiya hai, shaadi ke baad bhi tum dono saari problems ek saath face karoge aur hamesha ek doosre ko khush rakhoge!”

Nani entered the frame too after that, and the three of them cried in unison, “Happy wedding, Armaan & Riddhima! We love you!”

Armaan grinned, turning to Riddhima and dropping a kiss on the top of her head. He loved how the Guptas had accepted him as family. He’d always had a great relationship with Anjali and had always been friendly with Nani and Mumma, but to see Papa accept him the way he did was truly humbling for him. Whenever he heard Papa refer to him as his son, he would get teary eyed. He couldn’t help it. Armaan knew that Shashank Gupta was not perfect. Far from it. He’d seen it first hand many times in the way Shashank had reacted to anything to do with him, how quick he’d been to jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Despite all of that, Armaan had always looked up to Shashank. As a doctor and mentor, but most importantly as a father. He’d seen how much Shashank loved Riddhima and Anjali. He may have made mistakes and been misguided, but everything he had done, had been out of love for his daughters. For Armaan, who had never had anyone love him that way, it had been a dream to be Shashank’s child, to be loved the way Riddhima was loved by her father.

Things with Billy had improved drastically in the past few months and Armaan could now say that he had a good relationship with his father, even if it wasn’t like the one that Riddhima had with her father, but Armaan had not been able to quelch that desire in his heart to be Shashank’s son, despite everything. Now that he finally had it, he was understandably emotional about it. Some days, he still found it hard to believe that after everything, Shashank supported him the way he did. It meant the world to him. Riddhima, understanding just what Armaan might be thinking of after that little video, hugged him tightly. 

The video moved on to show Billy and Ananya, squabbling in the living room of Armaan’s flat.

“Annie, I know ki Riddhi ko yeh wala hi achche lagega,” Billy was insisting.

“No, you Silly Billy! Riddhi ki choice mujhe achche se pata hai, and this is not it,” Ananya countered.

“Hello!” Anjali interrupted their fight. “Hi, Billy Uncle, Annie Aunty!”

“Oh… Hi, Anjali!” Ananya greeted. 

“Aap log abhi ke apni ladaayi pe please zara pause kijiye, cause it’s video time!” Anjali exclaimed.

Both Billy and Ananya immediately turned to face the camera. After a quick once over to make sure they both looked presentable, they smiled widely at the camera. “Anjy, abhi yeh sab cut kar dena, okay?” Billy said. “Yahaan se video start karenge.”

Anjali just laughed, not promising anything. 

“Hi Riddhima, hi Armaan!” Ananya started. “As you can see… aaj hum tum dono ke liye yeh videos bana rahe hain… which was actually Abhi’s idea… so thanks, Abhi! Maine baaki videos dekhein hain and they’re all so beautiful. Armaan, Riddhima… tum dono bohot lucky ho ki tumhe itne achche dost mile hain. Armaan is extremely lucky kyuki usse itne achche in - laws mile hain, but sabse zyada lucky main aur Billy hain, kyuki humein Riddhima mili hai.”

“Riddhi,” Billy continued. “You’re the best daughter ever. I love you so much, mere bachche. Tu itni zyada amazing hai mujhe seriously ab tak samajh nahi aata iss nithalle Armaan ne tujhe pataya kaise… but actually… jo bhi ho, good luck toh humaara haina. Iss idiot ne zindagi mein pehli baar kuch achcha kaam kiya hai, and now we have you because of him. So, thank you, Armaan!”

“Hum dono hamesha se achche parents nahi rahe hain,” Ananya said. “Lekin uske baad bhi, tum dono ne hum dono ko bohot pyaar diya hai. Uske liye thank you. You both are the best kids in the world, and we’re very lucky to have you. Relationships ke baare mein toh tum dono hum dono se bohot zyada jaante ho. Humein tumse advice leni chahiye and not the other way round. Toh, kuch advice nahi doongi main. I just wish the best for both of you. I hope that your married life is happy and beautiful.”

“And full of love and understanding,” Billy added. “Hum dono bas hamesha yehi pray karenge ki tum dono ek doosre se itna hi pyaar karte raho aur ek saath khush raho. Baaki sab… woh important nahi hai. Tum dono ek saath rahoge toh I know you’ll be able to face whatever life throws at you. Ab tum apni life ka ek bohot hi exciting new chapter start karne wale ho, toh I can only wish you the best. I hope ki tum dono ko duniya ki har khushi mile.”

It was Riddhima’s turn to get emotional after that. She couldn’t believe she was lucky enough to have Mom and Dad as her parents - in - law. She had seen how difficult it was for married women everywhere. Even Nikki had problems with her in - laws every now and then. She had never heard from any of her married friends that their husbands’ parents loved them. Billy and Ananya, on the other hand, treated her like their own. Many times, she would be forced to think that they loved her even more than they loved Armaan, because of the way they behaved.

She couldn’t have asked for a better sasural, she knew. She wasn’t entirely oblivious, though. She did know that people from Armaan’s extended family would not be as open or welcoming, had seen proof already in the form of Armaan’s Taiji. But, she did know that Billy and Ananya loved her unconditionally, and for her, their love and support was enough. She would be able to navigate the rest of Armaan’s family if she had them, which she did. She was extremely grateful for that.

She was surprised to see all the interns on the screen next. They were gathered in the locker room. Streamers were attached to the walls, with the words Congratulations! written using helium balloons. “Congratulations!” They all screamed in unison. “We’re very excited for the wedding,” Naina added. “We wish you the best for the future,” Yuvi said. “Aap dono hamesha aise hi khush rahein,” came from JP. “You’re great bosses, and I’m sure you’ll be better partners,” was Su’s declaration. “All the best!” Sid finally cried.

Armaan and Riddhima were both touched that they’d all taken the time to prepare this for the two of them. It was such a nice gesture on their part.

Shubhankar, Keerti, Navneeta, and Samrat graced the screen then. They were sitting in the living room of their own house. Samrat was playing on the floor with the rest of his family. Navneeta was mostly busy with her baby brother, but both Keerti and Shubhankar were looking up at the screen with wide grins on their faces.

“Hi, Armaan! Hi, Riddhima!” They chorussed. “Congratulations!”

“Hum dono aap dono ke liye bohot khush hain,” Keerti started. “It’s because of the two of you that I’m here today, that I have such a loving family. Both of you, especially you, Armaan, are the reason for it. Agar aap dono nahi hote, toh mujhe meri family kabhi nahi milti. Main dua karungi ki jitni khushi mujhe aapki wajah se mili hai, usse kayi zyada aap dono ko mile. You both deserve it.”

“Waise… aapko toh pata hi hai ki main kitna excited hoon,” Shubhankar said. “After all, main senior doctor hoon… aur apne seniors ka kaise dhyaan rakhte hain woh toh aap dono ko pata hai. But… jokes apart. Congratulations, you two! I’m glad ki itni problems ke baad ab finally aap dono iss stage pe pohonch gaye ho ki sab theek ho raha hai. Aap dono ki married life bohot zyada happy hogi, yeh mujhe pata hai. I only wish the absolute best for you two.”

“Navuuuu,” Keerti said. “Armaan Bhaiya aur Riddhima Didi ko congratulate nahi karoge aap?”

Navneeta looked up to the camera and grinned. “Aap dono ko bohot, bohot, bohot congratulations!! Main aapki shaadi mein dance karne aur enjoy karne bohot excited hoon, toh please jaldi se karlo!”

Samrat added his approval to his sister’s words by shouting, “BAAAAAA!”

Everyone smiled at the cute little family.

Next up were Abhi and Nikki. They were both in the baby room at their house, Nikki sitting on a rocking chair, directing Abhi to set things for their child. 

“Hello, would - be - parents!” Rahul cried. “Are we ready?”

They both immediately looked up at the camera and grinned widely. “YES!” They chorussed. 

“Hi, Ridzy! Hello, Mr. Supercool!” Nikki started. “I’m so happy ki tum dono itne time baad ab finally shaadi kar rahe ho! Let me be honest, maine kabhi sapne mein bhi nahi socha tha that I’ll get married before you two. Aur ab dekho… Mera baby aane wala hai and tum dono ab jaake shaadi kar rahe ho. Life is so weird sometimes. But, iss weird si life mein tum dono ko ek doosre ka saath mila… woh hi itni achchi baat hai. 

Ridzy, tujhe pata haina… mujhe nahi laga tha ki iss idiot Armaan ka kabhi kuch hoga. I never even imagined that he would fall in love with someone, forget about loving someone the way he loves you. Lekin, teri wajah se na… mera best friend kuch zyada hi sudhar gaya hai. Toh, thanks for that! Tu nahi hoti toh pata nahi iska kya hota. Aaj bhi bas idhar - udhar chance maar raha hota, aur koi ladki toh isse itna bhaav deti nahi jitna tu deti hai.

Kabhi kabhi mujhe teri choice pe thoda doubt hota hai, but actually… my Mr. Supercool is absolutely awesome. And you’re very lucky to have him as your partner. Just as you’re lucky, Mr. Supercool. Ridzy se better tujhe kabhi zindagi mein koi nahi milegi, so you better never take her for granted. Shaadi hone wali hai iska yeh matlab nahi ki tu bhi badal jaaye. Always stay this way with Ridzy. Hamesha usse itna hi pyaar karna aur usse khush rakhna. Both of you. Just… stay together and be happy!”

Nikki had gotten emotional during her speech and now had silent tears running down her face that she wiped quickly. “Sorry!” She smiled sheepishly. “You know… hormones.”

Abhi chuckled. “Ab Nikki ne hi itna bol diya toh main kya bolu mujhe samajh hi nahi aa raha,” he laughed. “But… you two are great together, you both know that. And I’m so happy for the two of you.

Riddhima… aaj main aur Nikki sirf tumhaari wajah se ek saath hain. Jab mujhe ek dost ki zaroorat thi, sabse pehle tum khadi thi mere saath. Tumne hamesha mujhe aur Nikki ko itna support kiya and I will always be grateful for that. So… aaj main aur zyada khush kyuki jiski wajah se mujhe mera pyaar mila hai, ab itne intezaar ke baad usse bhi apna pyaar milne wala hai. Iss khushi pe tumhaara haq sabse zyada hai. 

Aur Armaan tum… kya bolu main yaar tumhaare liye? Hum dono ke beech mein kaafi differences rahe hain and yeh baat kisise chupi nahi hai, but I have always admired how much you love Riddhima. Tumne apni life mein iss point par aane ke liye bohot struggle ki hai, and I’m very happy that ab tumhe woh khushi mil rahi hai jo tum hamesha se chaahte the!

Congratulations, Armaan. Congratulations, Riddhima! I’m very happy for you and I hope ki tum dono ek saath hamesha itne hi khush raho jitne aaj ho!”

Riddhima was a crying mess after both their speeches, as was Nikki. The two girls clambered to each other in a tight hug. Arman pulled them both in his arms and shushed them as best as he could. From the top of their heads, he saw Abhi staring at the three of them with a smile. Armaan grinned at him and gestured for him to join in on the hug, which he did. A few moments later, the girls had both calmed down and Rahul played the video once more when they’d settled back into their seats.

A smiling Atul greeted them on the screen. He was at the basketball court, sitting on the steps. “Hey, guys!” He cried when the camera focused on him. “Kaise ho tum dono? I hope ki jab yeh video play ho raha ho toh tum dono ekdum first class ho aise mast mein! Yeh… Rahul aur Anjali ka plan tha ki hum yeh video banaye tum dono ke liye. Aur fir… maine socha ki agar tum dono ke liye video banana hai toh basketball court se better jagah kaunsi hogi? Yahaan ki fresh fresh hawa mein baat karke main bhi fresh ho jaaunga aur video dekhke tum bhi fresh ho jaoge!

Waise… Armaan… tujhe pata haina ki shuru - shuru mein mujhe tu itna bhi pasand nahi tha? Woh na… bas tu Ridz ko itna pareshaan karta tha na, isliye. Tujhe yaad haina, Ridz aur Sapna se meri dosti pehle hui? Toh mujhe achcha nahi lagta tha jab tu Ridz se ladta tha. Lekin mujhe kya pata tha ki ek din tujhe usse pyaar hi ho jaayega. 

Jab sabko tumhaare baare mein pata chala tha, I know main tujhse gussa ho gaya tha lekin… tujhe pata haina… tu mera Jai hai… main tera Veeru hoon, yaar. Aur hamesha rahunga. Tu Ridz se itna pyaar karta hai, aur Ridz… tum bhi toh Armaan se utna hi pyaar karti ho… toh bas tum dono ek saath raho, khush raho… isse zyada mujhe kya chahiye?

Bas mere dono sabse pyaare dost ab shaadi kar lein kyuki main kabse wait kar raha hoon. Aur apni new life ek saath start karein. Saath mein bohot happy rahein. Waise… iss occasion pe gaana yaad aaya hai, toh main gaata hoon, okay?

Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai… aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai!

Yaar ki shaadi, yaar ki shaadi, yaar ki shaadi ----”

The video cut off abruptly after that, with a shout of, “ATUL!!!” that had clearly been Anjali, making everyone laugh. 

The video then panned to the cafeteria of the hospital, where Muskaan was busy eating. “Muskaan, ready?” Rahul asked.

“Ruk jaa na 2 minute!” Muskaan cribbed. “Khaana finish karne de mujhe! Aur fir mujhe thoda make up karne de taaki achchi dikhu!”

“Itni kya mehnat kar rahi hai?” Rahul questioned. “Jitna bhi kar le, lagegi toh waisi hi.”

“Kaisi?” Muskaan asked, excited. “Khoobsurat?”

“Jhalli!” Rahul deadpanned.

Muskaan gave a murderous expression and the camera cut off abruptly as she stood up to hit Rahul. A second later, the camera focused on Muskaan once again sitting on the bench at the terrace. “And, action!” Rahul instructed.

“Herooooo! Ridzyyyyy! Hi!! Yaar, main na… aaj bohot excited hoon yeh video banane. Matlab… tum dono ko pata hai? Maine poori ki poori script likhi thi. Shah Rukh ke ek se ek dialogue use karke tum dono ko bohot zyada senti karne ka plan tha mera, but woh kya hua na… mujhe woh saari lines yaad hi nahi hui. Toh maine fir chod diya kyuki yeh idiot Rahul haina… usne mujhe bola ki main video mein aise paper se padh nahi sakti. Arree… exam hai kya jo main padh nahi sakti? Yaad karke bina dekhe hi bolna padega? Lekin fir baad mein mujhe iss kaankhajure ki baat maan’ni padi. Toh woh script toh main tumhe baad mein dikha dungi, but abhi ke liye aise hi kaam chalo lo.

Tum dono na… sabse achche dost ho. Tum hamesha apne friends ki saari problems solve karne pohonch jaate ho, hamesha sabki life itni zyada happy banate ho. Ab finally tum dono ki life bhi utni hi happy hone wali hai, toh main bohot, bohot, bohot excited hoon! 

You guys have been there for me for some of the most difficult times of my life, and I will always be grateful to you both for that. Hero, tu… tu mera best friend hai, yaar. Right from day one. Aur Ridzy tu… you know just how important you are to me. You’re as good as my sister. Ab jab meri life ke do itne zyada important log shaadi karne jaa rahe hain… toh main khush kaise nahi houngi? I AM SO HAPPY AND SO EXCITED! 

Main Babaji se bas yehi pray karungi ki woh tumhe duniya ki har khushi dein, tum dono ko ek doosre ka saath hamesha ke liye dein. Tum dono ki yeh nayi shuruat bas pyaar aur khushiyon se bhari hui ho, aur kuch nahi! I love you!”

Riddhima took a moment to hug Muskaan after the video ended, and even Atul. The video then moved on to show Anjali. She was sitting on a bench at the terrace of the hospital, doing her hair to make sure she looked presentable.

“Anjy, we have to shoot this today, not 10 years from now!” Rahul whined.

“I know,” Anjali replied, making a face. Checking herself in the mirror one more time, she added, “Ready!”

“Let’s go then!” Rahul encouraged.

“Hi Ridzy! Meri pyaari, pyaari, pyaari si choti behen itni badi kab ho gayi mujhe toh pata hi nahi chala. Ab tu mujhe chodke chali jaayegi… I’ll miss you, Ridzy. Tere saath milke Mom ko tease karna, Papa ke against teri side lena, Nani se teri jhoothi shikayat lagaana… I’ll miss everything, Ridzy. I’ll miss coming home everyday and spending time with you. Tere haath ka khana main itna miss karungi, aur woh… raat mein jab tujhe darr lagta hai toh tu jaise mere room mein aake mujhe tight hug karke soti hai… I’ll miss that the most, Ridzy. 

Main tujhe bata bhi nahi sakti ki main tujhe kitna miss karungi… but tu Armaan ke ghar jaane waali hai… mere best friend ke ghar, uss insaan ke ghar jo iss duniya mein tujhe shayad sabse zyada pyaar karta hai… isliye main bohot khush bhi hoon. Tum dono ne ek doosre ka saath paane itna suffer kiya hai… toh I should be very excited for you… but main selfish hoon na… isliye main excited aur happy se zyada sad hoon. 

Meri behen iss duniya ke best ladke se shaadi kar rahi hai, but woh mujhe chodke chali jaayegi… toh main ab kya karu? I wish… I wish ki Ridzy ke jaane ke badle, Armaan humaare saath yahaan rehne aa jaata… but I know yeh possible nahi hai. I know ki time ke saath I’ll get used to this, but abhi toh thoda sad ho sakti hoon na? Right, Ridzy?

But, main tum dono ke liye sirf best chaahti hoon and I’ll pray for that. Meri Ridzy aur uska Armaan hamesha khush rahe hain, hamesha ek saath rahe, hamesha aise hi rahe jaise abhi hain. I think bhagwaanji meri yeh waali baat iss baar maan lenge. Haina?

And… you, Armaan… jeeju. I know ki uss din dinner pe humne already sab baat kar li thi, but main tumhe yaad dila du ki agar tumne meri behen ko rulaaya na… toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. Oh, and also you’re the cutest and I’m so glad that you’re going to be my brother. I love you!!”

When the video paused, Riddhima wasted no time in reaching out to Anjali and hugging her tightly. “I’ll miss you so much, Di!” She exclaimed.

“I’ll miss you, too, Ridzy!” Anjali echoed.

“Ahhh, Anjy… I promise, main aur Riddhima har weekend tumse milne aayenge. Aur… hum hospital mein toh roz milenge na?” Armaan asked.

“Shut up, Armaan!” The sisters cried.

“Tumhe kya pata main kaisa feel kar rahi hoon,” Anjali added.

“Anjy… tum kaisa feel kar rahi ho sabse achche se main hi toh jaanta hoon. Itne time se main aise hi toh reh raha tha. Bas hospital mein aur weekends pe Riddhima se milke… Trust me… I know exactly how you’re feeling,” Armaan countered.

That set everyone off and they shared a good laugh at what he said. Armaan pulled both of them into a hug and dropped kisses to their heads. “Tum dono itni sad mat ho. Things will change but tum dono ek doosre ko zyada miss nahi karogi. Itna time hi nahi hoga ki zyada miss karne ka mauka mile. I promise.”

Once they’d both calmed down, Rahul played the video again. This time, it was him sitting on the stairs of the fire escape. “And… we come a full circle,” he joked. “Tum dono ki love story sabse zyada inn jagahon pe hi aage badhi haina? Riddhima ke ghar jab Armaan wahaan rehta tha, Armaan ke ghar jab tum dono yahaan akele time spend karne aate the… Dr. Shubhankar ke ghar jab tum Paris jaane ki tayyaari kar rahe the… aur iss hospital ke alag - alag kono mein… as proclaimed by Armaan himself. 

Ab… main tum dono ke liye video message record kar raha hoon toh iss fire escape se better jagah aur kaunsi hogi? Tum dono ki toh poori relationship iss jagah mein aage badhi hai… haina? I know. And, of course, I know. Pehle din se tum dono ko jaanta hoon. Baaki logon ke tarah toh main hoon nahi jinhone itne obvious clues bhi miss kar diye. Sab pata tha mujhe… aur iss baat ka tum dono ne bohot faayda bhi uthaya hai. Yaar, seriously. Tum dono ke liye cover kar - kar ke na… main sach mein bohot thak gaya tha. 

But, woh bhi kya din the. Jo Armaan Riddhima kisi aur ke saamne haath bhi nahi pakadte the… aaj unn dono ki shaadi ki tayyaari chal rahi hai. The two of you have come such a long way, and as someone who has inadvertently been a part of this journey, I just want to say… I am so, so, so proud of you. 

Yahaan tak pohonchna tum dono ke liye kitna mushkil tha, yeh maine nazdeek se dekha hai. Itni saari ladaayi, itne jhagde, itne jhooth… tum dono ke beech kabhi kam problems nahi the… aur fir… Shashank Uncle ke against khade hona… poore hospital against, apne doston ke against… just to be together… it has not been easy. But, tumne sab kuch ek saath face kiya. Ladaayi ki toh sorry bhi utni hi jaldi bol dete the ek doosre ko. Lekin chahe jo ho jaaye, ek doosre ko bohot zyada time ke liye chod nahi paaye tum dono.

Ab… itna sab ho gaya aur jab finally sab kuch theek ho raha hai, woh ho raha hai jo shayad last year hi ho jaana chahiye tha… main kya kahun? I’m happy, I’m excited? Woh toh tum dono jaante ho. Hum sab excited hain, tum dono kitne khush ho. Yeh sab kahunga toh koi nayi baat toh ki nahi maine… toh kuch aur kehta hoon.

Pata hai… shaadi ki itni tayyaariyaan, itna kaam… iss sab ke beech kabhi kabhi mujhe sahi se saans lene ki fursat bhi nahi milti. Tum dono ko pata haina… poora badla nikalunga main tum dono se jab meri baari hogi?” Rahul laughed. Everyone chuckled along with him and Muskaan blushed.

“But pata hai… itne sabke baad bhi… ek baat constant hai. I’m content. Woh kehte haina… I finally feel at peace? Waisi feeling aati hai mujhe aajkal… tum dono ki wajah se. Like you know… tum dono ke baare mein itne saalon se jaanta hoon main… and that has not been without it’s struggles. Tum dono ko pata bhi nahi hai ki mujhe tumhaari kitni tension hoti thi. Ek toh yeh… gadha Armaan… aisi - aisi ajeeb harkatein karta rehta tha poore din… aur Riddhu tu… har doosre din tu isse gussa ho jaati thi. Main toh bas issi darr mein rehta tha ki kahin kuch gadbad na ho jaaye.

Waise bhi tum dono ka track record kuch achcha toh raha hai nahi. But ab… finally… sab theek hai. I think third time really is the charm. So… tum dono ke liye main jitna khush hoon, usse zyada khush main apne liye hoon kyuki mere dono best friends shaadi kar rahe hain… and that brings me peace.

Waise, main bohot bakwaas kar chuka hoon ab tak toh aur time nahi loonga. I just wish you the best in life. I hope ki tumhaari married life waise hi happy ho jaise ki tum dono ab ho… but thodi kam gadbad ke saath. The two of you know that I’m always there for you and I always will be. I promise. I love you guys. Congratulations!”

There was not a dry eye by the time the video finally ended. Riddhima ran to Rahul and threw herself into his waiting arms. Armaan followed soon, and slowly, all of them joined in the hug. Happy together, they all took that moment to bask in their time together before descending into the madness of the wedding once more. After all, their best friends were finally getting married. 

Once they’d all calmed down, Anjali put on some music and they spent the rest of the evening dancing. Armaan pulled Riddhima into his arms and hugged her tight as they swayed to the music.

“Have fun?” He asked, murmuring softly.

“Mhmmm,” Riddhima hummed. “It was great. Aur tum?”

Armaan laughed softly and nodded. “We had fun… but inn cartoons ke saath aur kya expect kar sakte hain. But, I really missed you.”

Riddhima giggled. “I didn’t,” she countered. “Time hi nahi mila mujhe. They kept me very busy the entire day.”

“Good,” Armaan replied, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple. “I can’t believe ki Anjy aur Rahul ne itna sab plan kiya.”

“I know,” Riddhima agreed. “I was not expecting this. And especially the whole video…”

“That was really sweet of them,” Armaan stated. “Main thoda zyada emotional ho gaya na dekhte - dekhte.”

“Mujhse zyada nahi,” Riddhima laughed.

“True,” Armaan murmured in agreement. “But then… tum toh hi Meena Kumari… water tank toh aankhon mein haina tumhaari.”

“Shut up, Armaan!” Riddhima replied, whacking his back. “Tum hamesha yeh stupid joke crack karte ho. It’s not funny.”

“Main hamesha yehi kehta hoon lekin fir bhi ab tak tum bilkul waise hi react karti ho,” Armaan countered. “Toh matlab it’s just as effective na.”

“Wow, you’re so smart!” Riddhima exclaimed sarcastically.

“Woh toh main hoon,” Armaan agreed. “Hamesha se.”

Riddhima made a face at that which caused Armaan to laugh and he pulled her in for a hug. “Ab… main itna smart hoon isliye toh tumse shaadi kar raha hoon,” he added.

Riddhima laughed. “Good save,” she commented.

“Ahhh, I love you, Basket,” Armaan murmured, dropping his face into her neck, placing a light kiss there that made Riddhima shiver.

“I love you, baby,” Riddhima responded in kind, kissing him on the shoulder. “I can’t wait to be married to you.”

“Good. Cause I can’t either,” Armaan mumbled.

The rest of the night passed away in the safety of each other’s arms. With Riddhima hugging him tight and his friends laughing around him… Armaan didn’t need anything else to be happy.

______________________

That's it for this chapter! Happy 29 October, guyses!

12k+ words for this one. IT IS GIGANTIC. So, please thodi taareef kar dena :p

I really hope y'all like it! Drop me a line and let me know!

Armaan giving up on a chance to go get wild with the boys? The gang will not let that happen.

Awesome! Cant wait for the next part

2 updates ek saath and that too long..... Tysm for that❤️..

The video...yaar I would wish something like this for myself...

I couldn't stop smiling till the end..

I laughed, got emo and enjoyed as if I was there.. Sa chi..

I hope next updates se wedding function glimpse mile...

The girls have a whole day planned for Riddhima. They are all set to have fun.

Spa. Pool party. Nice outfits and decorations. So much to love.