ILYLTF #5 (Chapter 145 - Page 110) - Page 70

Anjali and Atul have something going?

There is a henna grinding session? These people are serious about it. Most would have bought pre-ground henna.

The couple has to provide a special performance thay they knew nothing about?

Oh my so many chapters together .. Love it absolutely!!!!!!!!!

The feelings and happiness came across and loved every single moment <3

Can't wait for the next phase.. And they journey together

Hi,

I've been a silent reader of this FF for a while now. But your recent consecutive updates of chapters has motivated me to pen down a comment for this wonderful fiction that never fails to make me smile.

To begin with, I've had 2 rounds of reading these bulk load of parts 112-128 because once just wasn't enough. The beauty of not just how you describe Armaan - Riddhima's depth of love but also the bond they share with every single member of the gang and the nitty-gritty aspects makes it all the more appealing for a reader like myself.

Your writing style is truly a delight, so much so that I can picture the entire scene so vividly - as though DMG's episodes are still being telecast.. Only difference being not on television but in my head! 😆

All in all, this was a wonderful gift for us to celebrate this brilliant show that we all are so deeply in love with even on its 1.5 decade anniversary! And there was no better way to cherish this - I mean AR's wedding sequence and DMG's 15th Anniversary was perfect timing! 👏

So a big thank you and already looking forward to read the next set of updates.😊❤️

- Tina

Finally finished all the parts and finally ready to comment! First of all THANK YOU for taking the effort of actually writing all this and posting it as well, every word reflected the passion with which you did it and I am actually so so proud!

Coming to the parts, I think magical would be an apt word for now because that’s what these parts made me feel…I almost longed to actually see this happen visually but your words were no behind <3

Now coming to some scenes that I adored to bits (like I legit can’t get over them, list is long so be ready ;p )

1.) The scene before the wedding functions start and AR are on a call and suddenly Ridhima cries getting all overwhelmed…The way Armaan handled her and the way that scene ended….Ufff (you might need to see my face to know just how much I loved that moment)

2.) The Billy and Armaan talk! Now I know you know that I am majorly here for the AR parts (you know I love the Armaan you have shown here) but but but…This one non AR scene actually had me hooked till the very last alphabet so you can do the math of how much I liked it :D

3.) The scene after that where Armaan confides in ridhima…It was just so wholesome, so pure, so perfect!
Infact when he asked ridhima how does she do it I almost thought he will bring up her adoption but was pleasantly surprised when he spoke about anjie…I think it was such a beautiful moment, such a beautiful conversation…

4.) the meet and greet with all the family…The vibe was so good, AR were so happy…Also everyone needs a Rahul in their life, like legit..Petition for every friend to be like Rahul!

5.) The conversation when ridhima asks Armaan what if they end up like bagbaan and he consoled her saying they will be the new dada-Dadi in udaan but won’t stay apart…Yaarrr <3

6.) The entire mehendi function, right from everyone putting Shagun Ka mehendi on ridhima and specially they way Armaan out mehendi on her ring finger (LOVED)! Armaan putting mehendi himself and then the way he did not his cousins and tayi Ji say or act in a way that can offend ridhima (DOUBLE LOVED IT)

7.) The morning of the wedding where AR are talking and Armaan reminds ridhima of their Roka morning and tells her “happy thoughts on not”….*My whole heart*

8.) The entire wedding, be it that small moment when Armaan is dancing in the baraat and looks up to wink at ridhima, the varmala scene (oh I have laughed and sewed both together) and just ever moment after that as well made my heart so so so happy!!!

9.) Ridhima’s Bidadi when Shashank removed the teddy from his sherwani pocket *sob* * sob* how could this be so perfect Yaar <3!

10.) Ridhima’s welcome in Makik Mansion…The way Billy greeted her, the warmth, the affection…I don’t think any of my comments can give justice to that moment so I’ll stick to the cliche and just say I LOVED IT!

11.) Before ridhima goes to deliver Nikki’s babies, that small AR conversation where she tells Armaan it’s important they discuss things as partners…Such a tiny little thing but still had so much of impact!

12.) When AR go back home and Tayij creates a ruckus, the way Armaan and his parents again specially Billy stood up for Ridhima was so heart warming…Like WOW!

13.) A super favourite scene when AR are in their room and he asks ridhima to rest (that care yaar <3) and the way he asks her to make Gajjar Ka halwa cuz he won’t eat anything till she eats (YAARRRRRRR <3<3)

14.) The scene with Nikki, I loved how inspite of their new life starting they were still so concerned about Nikki…

15.) Armaan making shahi kheer was so iconic I can’t even…That scene was pure nostalgia!

16.) When AR return and find Billy and Ananya are waiting on the door l, the way Armaan. Heart smiled made me also happy!

Oh god this was so so good…I loved every bit of these updates and like I said I don’t think I can thank you enough for this!

Pls pls update soon (in bulk or single updates, literally whatever is ready faster I don’t mind *hides face*

Wow awesome parts.itni part eksath dene ki liye bohot sukriya.totally love all the parts.beautiful 😍

Kicking up the thread to catch up later.

Eagerly waiting for update

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Nine

"Ready?" Riddhima asked Nikki who nodded exuberantly. Nikki had finally been discharged along with the twins just a couple hours ago, and now they were standing outside Nikki & Abhi's home, ready to welcome the babies home.

"So ready," Nikki said. "Home. Finally!"

"Let's go!" Armaan cheered, herding the trio. Armaan & Riddhima had volunteered to bring them home seeing as Riddhima needed to oversee the discharge anyway, giving the rest of their family time to prepare for a welcome home party for the new family.

Vani and Alka greeted them at the door, performing an aarti before letting them enter the house, where the entire gang was waiting. Thankfully, owing to the kids, they were mindful of not making loud noises.

"Oh, this is so gorgeous!" Nikki whispered, taking in the beautifully decorated hall. The gang had gone all out, creating two separate decors, one for each of the twins.

"Thank you!" She cried, forgetting about the sleeping baby in her arms, making Abhin cry at the interruption. "Oh, I'm so sorry, baby," she immediately soothed her son, hugging his tiny body to hers and rocking him in hopes of getting him to settle down. Unfortunately, Abhin seemed to be in no mood to listen to his mom's pleas. Vani stepped in, taking the baby into her arms. She circled around the room, humming in hushed tones for just the baby to hear. Soon enough, Abhin had gone back to sleep. When she was sure he wouldn't wake, Vani passed him back to Nikki.

"Jab tu choti thi… Aise hi sulaati thi main tujhe," Vani commented idly.

"I'm so bad at this, Mom," Nikki despaired, ignoring what Vani had said. "Main apne bachchon ka dhyaan bhi nahi rakh sakti!"

"It's okay, Nikki," Alka told her. "Abhi toh bas kuch din hue hain. Dheere - dheere tum sab seekh jaogi. Iss tarah struggle karna toh kaafi normal hai. Aur upar se tumhe toh ek saath do - do bachchon ka dhyaan rakhna hai. Ho jaata hai aise mein."

"Haan," Vani agreed. "It's a learning curve. You were a baby so you don't remember, but I remember how bad I was very vividly. Ek din mein thodi sab seekh jaate hain? It takes time! Don't be so hard on yourself."

"Aur hum sab isliye haina yahaan… To help you out with everything," Riddhima added. "You don't have to worry about anything. Kabhi bhi koi problem ho toh all of us are here for you!"

"I know," Nikki replied. "And I'm so grateful. Thank you!"

"Oyye, manners ki dukaan! Ab tu thank you bolegi?" Armaan snarked. "Tere bachche humaare kuch nahi lagte kya?"

"Haan, Nikki," Atul pouted. "Agar main inke saath zyada time spend nahi karunga toh main favourite mamu kaise banunga?"

"Champ," Rahul explained patiently. "Maine tujhe pehle bhi kaha tha na… Favourite mamu toh main hi banunga!"

"Tum dono favourite mamu ke liye ladte rahe ho," Armaan encouraged. "Kyuki main toh favourite ban'ne wala hoon, period. They're gonna like me best out all of you!"

"Tum sabka phir shuru ho gaya," Vani shook her head. "Yeh same argument tum pichle do din mein kitni baar kar chuke ho?" She asked.

"Aunty, aap inse yehi poochiye ki inhone iss argument ke alawa kiya kya hai… Cause inhone sach mein kuch aur nahi kiya hai," Riddhima laughed. "Kal raat ko phone pe bhi same ladayi chal rahi thi."

Armaan pouted. "Basketttttt!"

"What? Maine kuch galat kaha kya?" She asked. Armaan shrugged.

"Tum log yeh ladayi mein apna time faltu mein waste kar rahe ho," Abhi announced. "I mean… Tum kitna bhi lad lo… Andar se toh sabko pata haina? The babies are obviously going to love Riddhima the most."

Predictably, Riddhima blushed at his words. Armaan took a moment to admire her before turning to Abhi with scoff. "Please… Aisa kuch nahi hai. It's going to be me! Just because Basket is your best friend…"

"It's okay, Armaan. Don't be jealous, baby. Ab tum mere jitne awesome nahi ho toh isme Abhi ki fault nahi hai!" Riddhima egged him on.

Armaan made a face. "Waise, Abhi ki baat debatable hai but Riddhu is right, Armaan. Woh tujhse zyada awesome hai," Rahul added.

"What is this… National Pick On Armaan Day?" Armaan groused.

"Yes!" Nikki cheered. "Actually, everyday is. But aaj thoda zyada special wala hai."

"You know… Maine suna tha ki shaadi ke baad ladko ki koi value nahi hoti but aaj dekh bhi liya. Tum dono… Mere best friends… Mujhe chodke Basket ki side loge?" Armaan cribbed.

Rahul & Nikki looked at each other and shrugged in tandem. "Oh, absolutely!" Nikki said at the same time that Rahul said, "Everytime!"

Armaan rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Mera Champ haina… Woh lega meri side. Haina, Champ?" He asked Atul who fumbled, having been put on the spot.

"Of… Of course!" He managed to stutter. "Mera Bhai best hai!"

"Hawwww! Atul? Tum mere badle Armaan ki side loge?" Riddhima rebuked. "Tum… Yaad haina tumhe? Tumne apni saari jaaydaad mere naam ki hai… Apne saare bachche tum mere paas chodke jaane wale ho ya iss Armaan ke paas?"

"Ridz main…" Atul trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"Ridzy!" Anjali reprimanded. "Kyu uss bechaare ko faltu mein tang kar rahi hai?"

"Oooooh," the entire gang teased. "Waah, waah!" Armaan hooted. "Kya pyaar hai!"

"Shut up, Armaan!" Anjali scolded, predictably whacking his arm, making him laugh harder.

"Cut it out. Bas, yaar! Bohot ho gaya. Nikki ko bhi rest ki zaroorat hai aur bachchon ko bhi," Abhi announced, putting a halt to their merry making.

"Of course," Riddhima agreed immediately. "You're right, Abhi!"

Riddhima helped Nikki to her room, holding onto Abhin while Nikki had her hands full with Nibha. There hadn't been much time but the gang had been able to arrange twin cots for the kids and had them situated in the bedroom. Armaan & Riddhima had poured over baby websites after the pagphera and had them express delivered. Rahul & Atul had helped with the set-up while the couple had gone to bring Nikki & the kids back home.

"These are so gorgeous," Nikki whispered softly, running her hands over the polished wood once she'd laid Nibha inside the cot.

"I know," Riddhima agreed softly, her eyes never leaving Abhin's sleeping form. "Armaan chose them."

"He did good," Nikki complimented. "Though, of course I knew he would. Armaan ki choice kitni achchi hai yeh toh mujhe pehle se pata hai."

"Nikkiiii," Riddhima cribbed. "Thoda kam pareshaan karegi toh kuch ho jaayega kya?"

Nikki shrugged. "Sach bol rahi hoon main! I mean… I know uski choice kitni achchi hai… He gave me you! My bestest friend in the whole world!"

Nikki walked over to Riddhima and threw her arms around Riddhima in a tight hug. "I love youuuu!"

"And I love you!" Riddhima replied. "But yeh bestest friend in the whole world type ki baatein Armaan ke saamne mat karna warna woh gussa ho jaayega."

"Arreee… Gussa kyu hoga? Tu hogi meri bestest friend in the whole world but he's my bestestest friend in the whole universe!" Nikki explained, making Riddhima laugh. "You're so cute, Nikki!" She cried, pulling Nikki's cheek.

Nikki giggled. "That I am."

"Chal ab… Rest karle thode time ke liye. God knows jab dono bachche uth jaayenge toh tujhe time nahi milega," Riddhima instructed, helping Nikki get in bed and tucking her in. She bent and kissed her forehead for good measure. "Get some sleep!"

Nikki smiled at Riddhima before closing her eyes. Riddhima stood there for a minute to take stock. There were still things that they'd need to buy for the kids, but it seemed like Abhi & Nikki had most of it covered. She'd ask Abhi about whatever it was they needed and then the gang could venture out to shop so that Abhi & Nikki could spend time with the kids.

"All good?" Abhi asked her when she came back into the living room. Riddhima nodded her assent. "Teeno achche se so gaye," she assured him.

"We should also leave now," Rahul announced. "Tumhe bhi rest ki zaroorat hai, Abhi. Just let us know when you need anything. Tum aur Nikki ghar pe raho bachchon ke saath. Bahaar ka jo bhi hai, we'll figure it out."

"Thank you," Abhi replied fervently. He was glad to have this merry band of friends. He didn't know how he'd have dealt with everything without them. They'd all stepped up and taken responsibility. Not just with helping them around the house and with the kids, but also at the hospital. Abhi hadn't looked at work for the past three days since Nikki had gone into labour, and in that time, everyone, even Armaan & Riddhima, had made sure he didn't need to worry about anything other than his family. Abhi did feel a little guilty that Armaan & Riddhima had had to postpone their honeymoon to be around, but he couldn't deny that he was extremely grateful that they were. It wasn't easy to handle everything. He didn't know what he'd do without them.

"Tum bhi rest karlo, Abhi," Riddhima advised. "And let us know when Nikki is up for an outing. Hum soch rahe the ki reception kal ya parso kar lete hain. I know Nikki won't be able to leave for long kyuki iss waqt usse bohot zyada rest ki zaroorat hai. Maybe she can come for an hour or so?"

"Hum thoda aur push karna chaahte the," Armaan added. "But mere aur Riddhima ke saare extended relatives itna time nahi ruk sakte na. So we'll have to do it in a day or two." He sounded almost apologetic as he said it. Abhi waved that off. Of course they'd need to do it soon. While they were all here, the couple's family had flown in from all around the world to attend the wedding. They couldn't stick around forever.

"I get it," Abhi assured him. "Tum dono itna guilty mat feel karo. I'll try to get Nikki to come for a little bit but ab kuch keh bhi toh nahi sakte. She's going to need a lot of rest."

"I'll stop by in the evening to check on her," Riddhima hastened to promise. "She seems to be fine but I feel thode time ke liye we should keep a lookout to make sure everything is actually okay."

"Haan," Rahul agreed. "Main bhi aa jaaunga. Bachchon ka bhi check up karna haina. Waise toh everything seems normal but preemies mein it's better to be more careful."

Abhi nodded his thanks to the both of them. The gang made their way out of the house after that.

"Ghar pohonch ke mujhe phone karna, okay?" Anjali was telling Riddhima. It was still weird for both of them that they had different homes now.

"Haan, Di," Riddhima replied. "Aap dhyaan se jaana."

"I miss you, Ridzy," Anjali muttered, pulling her sister in for a tight hug.

"I miss you, too," Riddhima said, melting into the embrace.

"Uhm mhm," Armaan cleared his throat a couple moments later, making the two women look up. They both had tears in their eyes.

"Chalo, Basket," Armaan drawled with a smug smirk on his face. "Late ho rahi hai."

And, it did have the desired effect. Both of them started laughing at his words. "Armaan!" Riddhima cried, whacking his arm.

"You've been dying to say this to me, haven't you?" Anjali asked between giggles.

"You have no idea," Armaan replied.

"You're cute, Jeeju!" Anjali chirped, pulling his cheeks. Armaan's cheeks dusted pink, making the two sisters laugh more.

"Whatever," Armaan muttered, clicking his tongue. "Basket, sach mein late ho jaayenge."

"Hmmm," Riddhima hummed. "Chalo."

Both Armaan & Riddhima gave Anjali tight hugs before they went their separate ways.

"Armaan, hum kahaan jaa rahe hain?" Riddhima asked when she saw that he wasn't driving them home.

"Yaar, woh ghar pe sab chik-chik se main bohot zyada irritate ho chuka hoon. Hum thode time beach chalte hain. Abhi iss time toh zyada bheed bhi nahi hogi na," Armaan suggested.

Riddhima surged forward and kissed his cheek in agreement, making Armaan grin. "Not bad, Jaan," he commented. "Aajkal tumhe thoda zyada hi pyaar aata hai. Achcha hai."

Riddhima rolled her eyes despite the tell-tale blush on her cheeks. "Whatever," she scoffed. Taking advantage of the fact that they had stopped at a signal, Armaan quickly turned and kissed her. "Whatever," he echoed. Riddhima looked away, shy. Armaan dropped a kiss to her temple before turning back to look ahead.

It was still early morning when they reached the beach, mostly because Nikki had insisted on getting discharged at an ungodly hour because she didn't want to spend one more second in the hospital. A few people were jogging by the water, but other than that, it was mostly empty.

"Mujhe sand castle banana hai," Armaan announced, making Riddhima do a double take.

"Kya?" She asked, wanting to make sure she'd heard properly.

"Come on, Basket! I wanna build a sand castle. Maine kabhi nahi banaya," he told her.

"What? Kabhi nahi? Aise kaise?" She probed, surprised.

"Well, tumhaari tarah main beach ke kinaare nahi bada hua hoon na!" Armaan laughed. "I mean sure, college wagerah ke baad I've been to Goa and itne saalon se ab Mumbai mein hoon, but sand castle toh mahi banaya kabhi itne saalon mein. But mujhe na… Hamesha se bada fascinating lagta tha. Please, please, please… Chalo banate haina!"

"Okay, chalo!" She gave in, mostly because she couldn't believe he hadn't done that before. Making sand castles on the beach had been something she'd taken for granted all her life. She remembered how the beach had been one of the most common hangouts for her family when her and Anjali were still kids. First with Maa & Papa and then even with Nani, the two of them had spent many weekends at the beach. Those were some of her most cherished memories because Anjali would always keep whatever issues she had aside and the two of them would always build a sand castle together. Maybe because Riddhima had always been better at those. It was the one time when Anjali would follow her instructions without a fuss and they would always have a gala time together, playing in the sand.

It warmed her heart that Armaan had shared this with her. This seemingly childish wish that was laughable at their age, but he'd had no qualms demanding they do this. He trusted her so much, enough that he knew she'd agree, enough that he knew she wouldn't laugh. And that? That really meant the world to her.

She had thought that the two of them had already been so close, nothing would change once they got married except that they'd live together. That was definitely not the case. While Armaan had never shied away from her in the past, there was a new sort of vulnerability that he was willing to share with her now. After all, they'd been to the beach many times before. He'd never wanted to build a sandcastle before, though.

"Baskettttt! Jaldi chalo!" Armaan whined. Riddhima smiled, shaking her head to get rid of her musings. There would be time for that later. Right now, her husband was calling her.

"So…" He began excitedly. "Karna kya hai?"

"Sabse pehle toh humein baithna padega. Khade - khade sand castle nahi bana sakte," Riddhima instructed. Armaan shrugged and plopped down on the sand with no regard to the expensive chinos he'd donned for the special occasion of welcoming the twins home.

"Not here," Riddhima laughed. "Gili mitti mein achche se hoga. We need to go near the sea."

Armaan nodded seriously as if she was delivering a life-altering sermon and got up, waiting for her to direct him to a better spot, which she did. "Yahaan baithte hain," she said after scouting for a good spot near the sea that was out of the way for the other passersby.

For the next hour or so, Riddhima helped Armaan build a sandcastle. The two of them had a great time together, especially after Armaan turned finding the best seashells to decorate their castle into a competition, which Riddhima won easily.

"I win!" Armaan cried. "Mere seashells better hain!"

"Please," Riddhima scoffed. "It's so clear ke mere zyada achche hain, baby!"

"They're good," Armaan begrudgingly agreed. "But mine are better."

"Are not," Riddhima protested.

"Jaan, tumhaare nahi maan'ne se sach nahi badal jaayega," Armaan replied.

"Maan'na mujhe nahi tumhe hai," Riddhima countered. "Ki mere shells better hain."

"Basket, har cheez mein behes karna zaroori hai kya?" Armaan probed.

"Toh tum meri baat maan lona," Riddhima told him. "Main nahi karungi behes! Waise bhi lad main nahi tum rahe ho!"

"Okay, that's it!" Armaan exclaimed. He stood up and threw Riddhima over his shoulder.

"ARMAAN!" Riddhima shrieked, holding onto him tight. "Kya kar rahe ho? Neeche utaaro mujhe!"

"Nah," Armaan shrugged. "Mood nahi hai."

"Armaan! Baby! Please!" Riddhima begged. "Sab dekh rahe hain!"

Sure enough, a couple of stragglers were eyeing them. Armaan shrugged. "Mujhe kya fark padta hai? Dekhna hai toh dekhein!"

"Armaan! Neeche utaaro!" Riddhima ordered. "Abhi ke abhi!"

"Fine," Armaan gave in, dumping her down, but the next moment, splashing her with water.

"STOP DOING THIS EVERY TIME WE'RE AT THE BEACH!" Riddhima cried out.

"No," Armaan smirked. "Never! Ab toh yeh tradition hai. And you know how particular I am about traditions."

"Armaan har baar saare kapde kharab ho jaate hain," Riddhima moaned.

"Haan toh theek haina, Jaana," Armaan replied. "Laundry kis liye hai? Ab beach aaogi toh kapde kharab honge hi na! Iss chakkar mein beach ka mazaa nahi logi?"

"You're impossible," Riddhima laughed. Armaan shrugged.

"Chalo ab," she said. "Poora nahi karna kya sand castle?"

"Oh, right!" Armaan exclaimed. He'd forgotten all about it. "Yes, chalo!"

They finished making the castle and Armaan clicked at least a hundred photos of it before he announced that he was done. "Let's go home now?" Riddhima asked. Armaan pouted but agreed.

They spent the entire day entertaining Armaan's cousins and then Armaan took Riddhima to the Gupta Mansion to spend time with hers before they all left as well. The couple spent the next day in a similar fashion, squeezing in as much time with their family as possible. Thankfully, Taiji kept her comments to herself and the two days passed with relative ease. Unable to postpone any longer, the reception happened the day after.

Anjali, Muskaan, and Tara descended on the Mallik family in the afternoon itself, claiming they needed the time to get Riddhima ready. No matter how much Armaan tried to weasel his way in, he was banned from the room and not allowed entry.

"So, Ridzyyyyy," Muskaan began, as she lounged on the bed while their make-up artist gave Riddhima a hair spa. "How's married life?"

Riddhima rolled her eyes. Of course this was the real reason they'd all come so early. They wanted to gossip. "Jaisi hoti hai," she shrugged.

"Come on, Ridzy!" Anjali exclaimed. "Don't be coy. Tell us… Is Armaan good in bed?"

"DIIIII!" Riddhima cried, scandalized. "Please! Yeh sab kya baatein leke baith gaye aap?"

"Ab tu humein nahi batayegi toh kisse batayegi?" Muskaan asked. "Itna scandalize hone ki zaroorat nahi hai."

"Haan, Di," Tara added. "Yeh sab toh normal discussions haina? Ab aapki nayi-nayi shaadi hui hai toh curiosity toh hoti hai na!"

"Taraaaaa! Bakwaas band kar!" Riddhima scolded.

"Bhabhi, don't worry. Your secret will be safe with us," Meera assured. Her and Saumya had also joined the girls.

"Aur kya," Saumya said. "Waise Armaan jitna tumhe leke behave karta hai, I'm sure it must have been great!"

"Bhabhi," Riddhima replied. "Pichle dinon mein itni excitement ke beech… Aap sabko lagta hai Armaan & I found the time to…" She trailed off.

"You mean… You haven't?" Anjali questioned, surprised.

Riddhima looked away. That was all the answer they needed. "How?" Muskaan demanded.

"It's not like we decided to not," Riddhima explained. "But shaadi wali raat hum sab hospital mein the… And then pagphere ke baad itna thak gaye the toh bas ghar aake so gaye. And then uske baad Nikki aur bachchon ko ghar laana, unke check-ups, aur baaki family ke saath time spend karne ke beech waqt hi nahi mila."

"That's sad," Tara pouted. "Jeeju seems like he'd be good at this stuff!"

"Aur kya," Muskaan agreed. "Aise toh woh ek minute bhi waste nahi karta. Aur ab tum dono ek saath, ek room mein rehte ho… And he's not tried anything?"

"He doesn't have to "try" anything," Riddhima sniffed. "Mujhe iss baare mein aur baat nahi karni. Can we please drop it?"

"Okay," Saumya agreed. "Guys, let's not make Riddhima talk about this. Usse baat nahi karni toh nahi karni. We shouldn't force her."

Riddhima passed her a thankful smile and Saumya grinned in response. In such a short time, Saumya had grown extremely fond of her sister-in-law. And how could she not? Riddhima was such a great person. It was very easy to fall in love with her. No wonder Armaan had.

After Saumya's intervention, they stuck to tamer and safer topics, giggling the afternoon away. They all gelled well together so easily. It was so nice to spend time together even if they missed Nikki.

Finally, after they were all dressed up, they stepped outside to meet the boys. It was decided that all of them would stop at Armaan and Riddhima's to go to the reception hall together. The boys, already dressed up, had been hanging out in the living room, waiting for their girls and were absolutely stunned the moment they laid eyes on each other.

"Ummmm," Riddhima mumbled, looking away from Armaan's searing gaze. Armaan prowled forward, wasting no time in wrapping his arms around her and pulling her body flush against his.

He dipped his mouth, his lips grazing the shell of her ear as he whispered, "Wow." Riddhima trembled, her fingers tightening around the lapels of his jacket. Armaan tightened his arms to steady her.

"We're gonna go," Rahul announced, but neither of them heard him. Sighing, Rahul shuttled them all out of the house, knowing it was best to give the couple a little privacy before they left the house.

"You're so gorgeous," Armaan continued to speak, stopping to bite Riddhima's earlobe. "So, so, so gorgeous."

Riddhima's fingers snaked up his chest, around his neck, to find purchase in his hair, tugging hard. Armaan groaned, pulling back, only to slant his mouth on hers in a hungry kiss. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, losing themselves in each other… Only to be interrupted by the shrill ring of a phone.

The loud ringing brought Riddhima out of her daze and she pushed her husband away. They had been around others, she suddenly realized. She'd come out of the room with all her girls and the boys had been right here, and her and Armaan had kissed like there was no tomorrow.

"Armaan!" She exclaimed, increasing the distance between them, frantically looking around. Thankfully, they were alone now, but she didn't know if they had been before. Had their friends left after seeing them maul each other? She would never be able to face them.

Armaan reached into his pocket and answered his still ringing phone. "Hey," he mumbled, still breathless.

"Armaaaaaaan!" Nikki whined on the other end of the phone. "Main kabse wait kar rahi hoon! Tu kab aa raha hai?"

"Ha— haan," Armaan fumbled, remembering that they'd promised to pick Nikki & Abhi up on their way to the reception. "Ba— bas nikal raha hoon ghar se."

"Ridzy kya kar rahi hai?" Nikki demanded. "Phone de usse."

Armaan all but threw the phone at Riddhima. "H— hi, Nikki!" Riddhima exclaimed down the phone.

"Ridzyyyy! Apne idiot husband ko bol ki jaldi se nikle. Main wait kar rahi hoon tum dono ka!" Nikki cribbed.

"Sorry, Nik," Riddhima apologized. "Hum bas utar hi rahe the. Give us ten minutes, okay?"

"Fine," Nikki acquiesced. "But no more."

"Promise!" Riddhima said before she hung up.

"Hi," Armaan mumbled, pulling her into his arms the second she was done.

"Hi," she replied. "The others didn't see, did they?"

Armaan chuckled. Of course she was worried about that. "Does it matter?"

"YES!" She exclaimed. "Of course it does!"

"Basket," Armaan explained patiently. "Ab humaari shaadi ho chuki hai. Ab kya sharmaana?"

"Armaan," Riddhima sighed. "Tumhe pata haina… Woh sab humein pehle hi kitna chidhaate hain. Bas I don't want ki woh aur badh jaaye."

"Woh toh sab waise bhi chidhayenge hi!" He chuckled.

Just then, his phone pinged with a message. Armaan took it from Riddhima and read the contents, a smile lighting up his face. "Well, we're safe."

He showed her the text from Rahul which read : in case tum dono ne notice nahi kiya, we all left while you were making moon eyes at each other. ek doosre ko ghoorna band karo aur jaldi aao!

Riddhima sighed in relief and sagged against Armaan. She would have been mortified if they'd seen the kiss. "Okay," she breathed. "That's good. Thank god!"

"Hmmmm," Armaan hummed, dropping a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Ab chalein?"

She nodded. "But before," she added, reaching up to his mouth to wipe the lipstick smeared all over his lips. "There. Much better!"

"Awesome," Armaan grinned. Then, without warning, scooped her into his arms as he walked out of the house.

"ARMAAN!" Riddhima shrieked, clutching his shoulders tight. His only response was a hearty laugh.

"Tum kabhi nahi sudhroge na?" Riddhima asked after they'd started driving. "Har waqt badmaashi."

"Of course, Jaanemann!" Armaan gloated. "Ab toh haq hai mera."

"You're incorrigible!" Riddhima giggled. Still, she reached up to place a smacking kiss on his cheek.

They made small talk till the time they reached Abhi & Nikki's. They were greeted by an anxious Abhi at the door. "You're late," he accused.

"By a minute!" Armaan exclaimed. "Nikki ka call 11 minutes pehle aaya tha!" As proof, he shoved his phone in Abhi's line of sight and sure enough, it had only been 11 minutes since she'd called.

"Yeh tum usse jaake kyu nahi batate?" Abhi questioned.

Armaan looked like he would bolt any second, so Riddhima caught hold of his hand and tugged him back. "It's okay. Main baat karti hoon Nikki se, okay?"

Leaving the two of them to fend for themselves, Riddhima made her way to the bedroom where she found Nikki, Alka, and Vani playing with the twins. "Hey," she greeted. "I'm so sorry I'm late, Nik!"

Nikki harrumphed. "Tujhe pata haina Mumbai ka traffic… And your best friend is good for nothing. Yeh bhi tujhe pata haina? Please don't be mad," Riddhima pouted, holding her ears. "I'm sorry!"

Nikki fought back a smile, but still didn't say anything. Sighing, Riddhima took a seat on the bed. She took Abhin into her arms after sanitizing. He peered up at her with curious eyes. Riddhima couldn't help but hold one of his tiny hands in hers and press a kiss to it. "Abhinnnn!" She told her beloved nephew. "Mumma ko bolo na that Mami didn't mean it. Ab Mami jaan boojhke aapki Mumma ko wait karwayegi kya?"

That did it. Hearing Riddhima address herself as Mami was enough for Nikki to stop pouting. "Shut up," she croaked. "I see you and Armaan have reached an understanding."

Riddhima laughed. "Well, he gets to be Fua to Rahul and Muskaan's kids cause ain't no way I'm not their Bua."

Nikki laughed. "Sounds good to me!" Dropping her voice to a whisper, she added, "But just for the record… Agar tum Masi hoti, I would've loved it just as much."

"I know," Riddhima replied. "Cause you're the best!"

"Woh toh main hoon," Nikki agreed.

"Ab saare gappe yahaan hi lagaoge kya?" Alka asked. "Chalo niklo ab… Reception ke liye late ho jaoge warna."

"Haan, Aunty," Riddhima agreed. "Nikalte hain."

Nikki looked at the twins longingly as she stood up from the bed. "Actually, Vani Aunty, Alka Aunty, nikalne se pehle aap log ek cheez mein meri help kar sakte hain, please?"

Taking the cue, the two agreed, and all of them left Nikki alone to spend a moment alone with her kids. "Nikki kahaan hai?" Abhi asked when they stepped out into the hall.

"Bas do minute," Riddhima assured him. "She needed a moment with the kids."

Abhi nodded in understanding. "I think I should go check on them as well." Saying so, he left for his bedroom.

"Ummm… Are we sure ki unn dono ko 10 minute ke liye bhi reception pe aana chahiye?" Armaan asked out loud.

"It's just separation anxiety, Armaan. Woh pehli baar apne bachchon se door honge, aur woh bhi itni jaldi. I mean, Nikki delivered just 4 days ago," Riddhima said.

"Exactly," Armaan agreed. "Maybe we shouldn't have made them come."

"No," Vani interrupted. "They need this. Pichle 4 dinon se yeh dono room se bhi bahar nahi aaye hain. Bas poora tima bachchon mein lage rehte hain. They need a break. Aur kaunsa woh poori shaam ke liye jaa rahe hain? They're going for an hour. Usse zyada time Nikki ka bahar rehna bhi theek nahi hai. She needs rest."

"Vani bilkul sahi keh rahi hai," Alka agreed. "I'm glad ki yeh dono kisi aur cheez ke baare mein soch rahe hain. I get that iss waqt bachchon ko unki sabse zyada zaroorat hai, but abhi jab hum yahaan hain, toh woh thoda break le sakte hain. Phir toh sab unhe hi manage karna hai."

Riddhima agreed. "Right. Lekin aap fikr mat kariye, Aunty. Hum sab haina… Hum Abhi aur Nikka ka… Aur especially Abhin aur Nibha ka… Bohot achche se dhyaam rakhenge."

"I know," Alka replied, kissing Riddhima's forehead. "Tum sab ho isliye toh inn sabko yahaan chodke jaa sakti hoon main."

"Mom!" Abhi called, coming out of the room. "Nikki's ready."

Vani smiled. "Okay! Have fun, you two!" Saying so, she went inside the room so Nikki could come out. A moment later, she did. Alka hugged both of them tightly and told them to have fun before following Vani inside.

Nikki seemed to linger in the hallway, so Riddhima caught her hand and tugged her out of the house with her. "Tu aaj kitni pyaari dikh rahi hai, Nikki!" She exclaimed in an attempt to distract her. "So, so, so pretty!"

Nikki smiled her thanks. A beat later, she asked, "Ridzy, am I a bad mother?"

"Nikki… What?" Riddhima looked back, stopping short. "Tu aisa kyu sochti hai?"

"Meri bachchon ko aaye mushkil se 4 din hue hain aur main unhe chodke jaa rahi hoon," Nikki replied.

"Nikki, tu sirf kuch ghanto ke liye bahar jaa rahi hai. Hamesha ke liye nahi," Riddhima placated.

"Lekin phir bhi. It's not even been a week, Riddhima," Nikki whispered, feeling immensely guilty. "They're my kids. Unse upar mere liye koi nahi hai. Abhi bhi nahi. Just… Feels like I'm betraying them. And main melodrama nahi kar rahi. At least, I don't think. Agar woh 3-4 mahine ko hote, toh shayad main itna bura nahi feel karti. But they're three days old, Ridzy. I don't want to leave them."

"Do you want to go back?" Riddhima asked.

"I don't know," Nikki replied honestly. "I wanna be with them, but main tera aur Armaan ka reception bhi miss nahi karna chaahti. I wish main bachchon ko bhi apne saath leke jaa sakti but wahaan itni bheed mein agar unhe koi infection ho gaya toh?"

"Agar tujhe reception bhi dekhne mile aur bachchon ke paas bhi rehne mile toh?" Riddhima probed.

"Well, of course that's what I want!" Nikki exclaimed. "But aisa hoga kaise?"

Smiling, Riddhima pulled her phone out from her clutch and dialled Rahul's number. "You need to set up…"

— — —

"It won't be the same without Nikki there," Armaan sighed as they made their way to the reception hall.

"It won't," Riddhima agreed. "But the kids come first."

"Of course they do," Armaan answered. "They always will. Main toh tumhe pehle hi keh raha tha ki shayad humein Nikki nahi itna push karna chahiye tha. That was selfish of us."

"It was, wasn't it?" Riddhima questioned rhetorically. "But I guess… Aadat lagne mein thoda time lagega. I mean, mujhe pata tha ki ab sab badal jaayega, but jab sab badal raha hai toh bohot problems ho rahi hain. I wanted Nikki to be there so badly, Armaan. But usse iss waqt bachchon ko chodke nahi jaana toh humein samajhna chahiye."

"Exactly," Armaan agreed. "Aur tum itni tension mat lo. Rahul lagwa raha haina live cameras… Nikki will be able to watch everything."

"I hope so!" Riddhima cried. "I don't want her to feel torn over this. We have to be good friends to her, Armaan. Humein usse dikhaana hoga ki sirf isliye ki uski priorities ab shift ho gayi hai iska yeh matlab nahi ki humaari dosti bhi badal gayi hai.

"You're right," Armaan answered. "And don't worry… Hum sab hain uske saath and that will never change."

Riddhima smiled. She brought Armaan's hand up to her lips and pressed a kiss to it. "I know." Armaan gave her a dazzling smile.

They reached the venue in just a few minutes. For Nikki's ease, they'd booked a hall near her apartment, so it was a very short ride. "Ahhh, you're here!" Ishaan exclaimed when they walked into the lobby.

"We're here," Riddhima confirmed. "All good? Humein zyada late toh nahi hua na?"

"Diiiii," Ishaan whined. "Aapka reception hai! You have to be fashionably late. That's like a rule!"

"Okay, Mr. Rule," Armaan laughed. "Chale ab?"

Ishaan guided them to the hall, pulling his phone out to call Rahul. "Haan, Bhaiya," he said. "Di aur Jeeju aa gaye hain."

"Okay," he said, stopping them in the shadows on the top of the stairs. "Pehle Billy Uncle speech dene waale hain. And then uske baad aap dono neeche aana, theek hai?"

The couple exchanged a glance before shrugging in approval. "Great!" Ishaan enthused. He turned to leave, but then seemingly remembering something, looked back. "Oh, by the way… Di! You look absolutely gorgeous!" He exclaimed, stepping forward to drop a quick kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you!" Riddhima replied, pulling his cheek.

They didn't have any time before Billy's voice wafted over the speakers. "Hello, everyone! Thank you so much ki aap sab aaj yahaan aaye… Hum sabki khushi mein shaamil hone. Apne bachchon ki shaadi ka din kisi bhi parents ke liye bohot khaas hota hai, but shayad mere aur Annie ke liye kuch zyada hi khaas hai, kyuki… Hum dono ko sirf apni nayi beti nahi mili, but beta bhi waapas mil gaya. Jo humein jaante hain, I'm sure aap sabko pata hai… Annie & I were not the best parents. In fact, we were the worst. Hum dono apni problems mein, apne differences mein hi itne busy the ki humne kabhi Armaan ko woh pyaar, woh waqt, woh attention nahi diya jo woh deserve karta hai.

Iss wajah se hum teeno ki relationship ek doosre ke saath achchi nahi thi. Ek common surname ke alawa aisa kuch nahi tha jo humein baandh ke rakhe. Hum kabhi ek family bann hi nahi paaye. Lekin, phir… Meri Riddhi Armaan ki zindagi mein aayi, aur phir meri aur Annie ki bhi. Usne mujhe aur Annie ko tab support kiya jab hum khud bhi nahi jaante the ki hum kya chaahte hain… Usne Armaan aur humaari relationship theek karne mein humaari help ki. Usne hum sabki zindagi mein itni khushiyaan bhardi ki agar main ginwaane baithu toh shayad poori zindagi nikal jaayegi lekin meri khushiyaan khatam nahi hongi.

Shayad mujhe yeh sab nahi kehna chahiye kyuki woh kehte haina… Nazar lag jaati hai… Lekin, agar Riddhima nahi hoti toh aaj shayad main yahaan nahi hota… Usne mujhe meri life, meri family, mera sab kuch diya hai. Meri beti ban'ne mein usse ek minute bhi nahi laga. Woh mujhe bilkul waise hi daant'ti hai, mujhse naraaz hoti hai, mujhse baat karti hai… Jaise main hamesha sochta tha ki meri beti mujhse karegi. She's the best person I've ever met in my entire life. Itni pyaari hai ki usse dekhte hi kisika bhi din achcha ho jaaye. She's warm and kind, extremely loving… Aur jinn logon ko woh apna maanti hai unke liye woh kuch bhi kar sakti hai.

And I'm so proud to call her my family. Waise toh woh meri family ka hissa bohot pehle bann chuki hai, but finally mere idiot bete ne ek achcha kaam kiya aur usse shaadi karli… Toh ab main officially usse apni family keh sakta hoon. Riddhima se shaadi karke Armaan ne mujhe meri life ki sabse badi khushi di hai. So, thank you so much, Armaan… Riddhi ko meri aur Annie ki zindagi mein laane ke liye."

There was not a dry eye in attendance after Billy's little speech. Riddhima had continuous tears running down her face. Armaan wiped them, only for new tears to fall. Undeterred, he kept doing it till Riddhima flung herself into his arms, holding him close. Armaan laughed and hugged her tightly, reaching up to wipe his own eyes. His father could really get emotional, he was coming to realize.

"Ahhh, I'm sorry. Thoda zyada heavy ho gaya na?" Billy chuckled a moment later, as he got his own bearings, swiping at his eyes. "I think maine aap sabko kaafi bore kar diya apni speech se, so let's not waste any more time and woh karte hain jo hum sab yahaan karne aaye hain… Ek aise couple ko celebrate karne jo I think iss room mein kamse kam 80% logon ke ideal bann chuke hain… As they should! Finally, welcoming… Dr. & Dr. Mallik, everybody!"

At his words, Armaan pushed Riddhima back a little. He wiped her tears and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Shall we?" He asked, offering her his arm.

"We shall," she smiled, looping her own through his. With one more kiss to her cheek, the two of them descended down the stairs to thunderous applause and a blast of confetti. Once down, Riddhima wasted no time in rushing into Billy's waiting arms.

"You're the best, Dad," she murmured in his embrace. Billy laughed through his tears. "Nah, I'm not. You are the best."

Once their immediate family & friends had hugged them to the inch of their lives, Rahul picked the mic back up. "Ab… Since we're doing speeches, I think we should just go with the flow. Padma Aunty has some things to say, so let's hear it for her!"

"Thank you, Rahul!" Padma Aunty said, taking the mic from him. To the crowd, she said, "Well, engagement ke time, Shashank already speech de chuke hain, toh maine socha ab meri baari," making everyone chuckle.

With a wide smile, she continued, "Armaan se main pehli baar uske internship ke pehle din pe mili thi. Uski aur Riddhima ki zyada nahi banti thi. Dono ek doosre se poora time ladte rehte the. Lekin mujhe Armaan pehle din se hi bohot pasand tha. Mera Armaan hai hi itna pyaara. Waise woh saari duniya ke saamne kaafi cool dude ban'ne ki koshish karta hai lekin usse zyada thoughtful ladka maine aaj tak nahi dekha."

"MUMMAAAAAA!" Armaan cried in embarrassment, making Padma smile wider.

"Actually, sach kahoon toh mujhe toh tabse pata tha ki Armaan aur Riddhima ek doosre se pyaar karte hain jabse shayad yeh dono bhi samajh nahi paaye the. Aur kyuki mujhe Armaan itna pasand tha, maine hamesha Riddhima ko encourage karne ki koshish ki taaki woh Armaan ko behtar jaane, uske saath time spend kare. Lekin Riddhima bohot ziddi hai… Bohot time laga usse, Armaan ko apnaane mein. But… Woh sab puraani baatein hai. Ab finally, inn dono ki shaadi ho gayi hai toh main bohot khush hoon!

Shayad, mere dil ne toh uss pehle din hi Armaan ko apna beta maan liya tha. Isliye ab jab woh officially mera beta bann gaya hai toh mujhse zyada khush shayad koi nahi hai. Waise generally jab shaadi hoti hai toh ladke ke parents hamesha ladki ki family ko kehte hain ki woh ladki ka dhyaan rakhenge… But aaj main Billy Bhaisaab aur Ananya Bhabhi se kehna chaahti hoon ki hum apne Armaan ka bohot achche se khayal rakhenge… Bilkul waise jaise humne Anjali aur Riddhima ko rakha hai. Welcome to the family, Armaan. Finally!" Padma exclaimed. Armaan rushed up to her, hugging her tight.

"I love you, Mumma," he murmured.

"I love you, mera bachcha!" Padma replied, stepping back to kiss his forehead.

"Thank you, Padma Aunty," Muskaan said. "Ab… mummy papa ne speech dedi hai toh humaari baari hai, I guess."

The entire gang stepped up on stage. "Well," Rahul started. "Armaan aur Riddhima ki kahaani toh kayi saalon se chal rahi hai. Aur, I guess front row seats meri thi, toh isliye speech ki shuruat main kar raha hoon… Armaan aur Riddhima kehne ko toh bohot alag hain, lekin ek tarah se dekha jaaye toh… Yeh dono bilkul ek jaise hain. They're the best people I know. Ek doosre se bohot pyaar karte hain. Inki journey bilkul asaan nahi rahi hai but they've persevered to stay together. I'm so proud of them for that."

Atul was up next. "I remember jab humaari internship bas shuru hi hui thi… Armaan hamesha mujhse apne ek 'dost' ke liye advice leta tha. Ab woh mujhe advice deta hai. Inn pichle saalon mein, I've seen him grow. Riddhima ke aane se, Armaan bada ho gaya… Apni responsibilities seriously lene laga, apne doston ke saath bhi zyada time spend karne laga… He was always there for us. Aur Ridzy… Woh toh hamesha se hi sabse achchi hai. Woh meri best friend hai, meri sabse badi supporter hai. She's the best person I know.

Aur jab woh do log jo meri life mein sabse important hain… Woh aaj ek saath hain aur khush hain, toh I'm the happiest! Congratulations!"

Muskaan added, "Tum dono ek doosre ke liye kitne perfect ho… Yeh baat hum sab jaante hain. Tum dono chaahe kitna bhi lad-jhagad lo lekin ek-doosre ke bina toh tum dono ek minute bhi nahi reh paate. It's so nice to see you two together. Aur shaadi ke baad toh aur bhi. The cutest couple I know. And I'm so glad that we're all here today to celebrate you, because you deserve all the love and happiness."

Finally, it was Anjali's turn. She took a deep breath before talking. "Waise toh generally badi behen sabki ideal hoti hai… Sab kehte hain ki she's the most responsible person in the house, jo sabka dhyaan rakhti hai, jo basically poora ghar smoothly chale yeh ensure karti hai. But, mere case mein aisa nahi hai. Out of the two of us, Ridzy was always the more responsible one. She was the one who stepped up. Choti thi tabse hi woh hamesha sabka khayal rakhti thi. Mujhe Papa aur Nani ki daant bachaati thi. In many ways, she's my ideal. I always wanted to be like her.

Aur… Jab mujhe uske aur Armaan ke baare mein pata chala… I'll admit that I was a little spooked, lekin jab maine unhe observe kiya… I realized unki relationship bhi ideal hai. Aisa nahi hai ki they're the perfect couple. Woh dono har choti cheez pe ladte hain. They have their ups and downs… but despite that maine dekha hai ki woh dono ek doosre se kitna pyaar karte hain, how much they care for each other, how much they respect each other. Unhe dekhke mujhe hamesha yehi lagta hai ki agar relationship ho toh unke jaisi. Pata nahi if this makes look better or worse, generally sabke liye unke parents, unke grandparents ideal couple hote hain… but for me, they're relationship goals. Armaan and Riddhima. Perfectly imperfect together.

And, I'm glad to have seen that because it made me realize what I want in a relationship. Jo mujhe finally mil gaya hai aisa lagta hai. Atul, my amazing boyfriend, is as close as it gets, I guess. But, Atul… Bohot mehnat karni padegi kyuki Ridzy ke comparison mein main bohot zyada high maintenance hoon," she commented, making everyone laugh. Atul blushed, but touched by the sentiment, pulled her into a hug making the crowd aww. While the two of them being together was sort of an open secret and everyone knew, even Anjali's parents, she had never actually said it out loud. She'd never called him her boyfriend before. For her to do that, to claim him, to tell the world they were together… It meant everything to him.

"And, well… That's it from us," Rahul said, "but there's one more person who has something to say. Humaare group ki final member, Nikki. She couldn't be here today because she delivered two gorgeous babies just a few days ago, but yeh din uske bina kabhi poora nahi ho sakta. Because she can't be here in person, humne socha, phone pe toh baat kar hi sakte hain."

And then, he put his phone on speaker, bringing it close to the mic. "Hi, everyone!" Nikki's voice reverberated throughout the hall. "I'm very sad that I couldn't be there today, isliye main apne ghar pe ekdum ban-than ke baithi hoon, aur live feed pe sab dekh rahi hoon… Which, thank you, Ridzy! Ridzy is my best friend. She's the most understanding and caring person I've ever met. Usse pata tha ki main aaj kitni badly reception attend karna chaahti thi but usse yeh bhi pata tha ki main apne new born babies ko akele nahi chodna chaahti… Isliye usne woh sab kiya jo woh kar sakti thi to make it so ki main reception bhi dekh pau, aur ghar pe bhi reh pau. Uske liye, thank you so much, Ridzy. And thank you, ki apni shaadi ki pehli raat tune Armaan ke badle mere saath spend ki, meri delivery karne. But more than anything else, thank you for always being there, chaahe jo ho jaaye. You're the reason why my life is so beautiful now. Thank you for that. But, I think… Sabse zyada thank you isliye, kyuki tu Armaan ki life mein aayi.

Armaan is… He's everything. Main aur Armaan ek doosre ko bachpan se jaante hain, and I won't even shy away in admitting ki aaj se 4 din pehle tak, he was the most important person in my life… Even more than my husband, in many ways. Mujhe hamesha se pata tha that Armaan has the biggest heart. He has so much love inside him. But usse kabhi express karne hi mila. And then, Riddhima aayi… Aur sab kuch badal gaya. I still remember what Armaan had told me when I'd just found out about them. She makes me want to be a better man, he'd told me. And you know what? I see it. Maine sab apni aankhon ke saamne dekha hai. How Armaan grew up, how he changed for the better after meeting Riddhima. Maine usse kabhi itna khush nahi dekha jitna maine usse Riddhima ke saath dekha hai… Tab bhi, jab woh jhagadte hain.

As an expert on all things Armaan, I just want to say, Riddhima se better usse kabhi koi nahi milta… Someone who understands him and loves him for who he is. And, Riddhima ko bhi kabhi koi better nahi milta, kyuki Armaan jaisa toh koi aur nahi hai… So thoughtful and loving. The two of them are made for each other. I kinda have more but ab mere aansu nahi ruk rahe hai, so I guess this is it," she sobbed out. "Thank you for marrying each other and making me the happiest person alive!"

Once all the speeches were done, Armaan & Riddhima hugged their friends tight, all of them gathering in a close knit group hug, laughing and crying. "And now, from the bride!" Muskaan cheered, leaving the stage to Riddhima.

"Uh… This is awkward," Riddhima started, making everyone laugh. "Aap sab jaante hain I'm not the one for speeches, or for any sort of limelight or attention, but I guess, for my husband I can try. Feels good to say that, by the way. My husband.

Shayad thoda desperate sound kare but maine iss din ka bohot intezaar kiya hai… The day I'd get to call Armaan my husband. Finally, jab woh din aa gaya hai, main kitni khush hoon, shayad main kabhi express nahi kar paungi. And you know what? Main karna chaahti bhi nahi, kyuki yeh khushi meri hai, sirf mera haq hai ispar. Main Armaan ko bohot chidhaati hoon ki woh mujhe leke bohot possessive hai… But maine aaj tak admit nahi kiya ki main usse leke kitni possessive hoon, kitni selfish hoon. But the truth is, I'm very selfish when it comes to him. Shayad isliye kyuki usne hi mujhe bigaada hai.

Kisi book mein padha tha maine, kuch saalon pehle, you were the shining comet to my moonless night… Or something like that. Usse time mujhe samajh nahi aaya tha, but jab main Armaan se mili, I understood what that meant. He's my shining comet… No, my shining star. He's always there, grounding me, showing me the way, bringing me home. And I am so happy that I found him.

Armaan is… Well, he's the best person I know. That's a fact. Maine usse achcha aaj tak koi nahi dekha. Haan, woh bohot stupid harkatein karta hai… And he thinks ki main usse sirf isliye pyaar karti hoon, kyuki woh stupid hai. You know what? He's right. Kyuki uske aane se pehle toh mujhe pata hi nahi tha ki koi stupid cheez karne mein itna mazaa aa sakta hai.

I'm not sure what I did to have him, but now that I do… I won't ever let go. Thank you, Armaan… For loving me the way you do, for always being there, for being patient and kind. It's you and me forever, baby! And I couldn't be happier."

There was loud applause at her words, but Riddhima didn't register any of it because in the next instant, she was engulfed in Armaan's arms. He hugged her close, his face hidden in her neck. She was consumed by him. His intoxicating smell, the rapid beating of his heart, his ravenous touch. In that moment, it felt like it was just him and her in the entire world and no one else. "I love you," he said, a soft whisper, just meant for her to hear and no one else. She smiled. She loved that about him. He would always shout his love for her for the world to know, but he would always love her quietly too, away from the prying eyes of everyone else.

"Uhmmm," Rahul cleared his throat, making them step back a little. Armaan still kept her wrapped in his arms. "And now, for the last speech of today, hopefully… It's time to hear something from the groom!"

Armaan took the mic from Rahul, but still didn't let Riddhima go, keeping her glued to his side. "This feels like I'm being set up," he started. "How am I supposed to top all these heart-felt and beautiful speeches, I have no idea."

Everyone laughed. "Come on, Jeeju!" Ishaan cried from the front of the crowd. "You can do it!"

"Thank you," Armaan laughed. "Ab… Kehna hi hai toh… Actually, I feel I should've written something down. Maine bohot koshish ki, but main kar nahi paaya. Kyuki ab tak aise koi words hi nahi bane jinse main bata saku ki Ridd…" He stopped. A moment later, he said "Nah," shaking his head. "Basket," he murmured softly, as if testing it out on his tongue. And then, once more. "Basket."

Riddhima laughed, hiding her face in his neck. "Yes, toh kahaan the hum? Basket mere liye kya hai? Basket is Basket. I think I've been in love with her since the moment I met her. Usne mujhe basketball mein haraya, but game haarne ke badle, main shayad dil hi haar baitha. Woh baat alag hi ki mujhe yeh baat samajhne mein thoda time laga."

"TWO WEEKS!" Rahul interrupted.

Armaan laughed. "Yes, thank you, Daddu! It took me two weeks to realize that maybe you know… I have feelings for Basket. Which… Come on! She was Basket. How could I be in love with her? Pehle toh mujhe laga mera dimaag kharab ho gaya hai, but then dheere dheere samajh aaya ki nahi… I really do love her and everything is fine. Great, even. Bas, tabse leke aaj tak… I've been trying to be worthy of her. I know gusse mein maine kabhi kuch ulti-seedhi baatein kahin hain, but the truth is… I don't deserve her. She deserves the second best person on the planet… Kyuki best toh woh khud haina. And I don't think I'm that… Lekin phir bhi, out of all the people in the world, usne mujhe choose kiya, mujhe mauka diya. For that, I'm grateful.

I know ki yahaan tak ka safar kaafi mushkil raha hai… Mostly because of me. I mean sure, Basket is not innocent. Usne bhi kabhi mera dil dukhaya, but let's be honest… Most of the time, I was at fault. Itni galtiyon ke baad bhi, usne mujhe har baar maaf kiya. She accepted me for who I was. And she loved me just the way I am. Isliye, Basket chaahe perfect nahi hai, but she's perfect for me… Because she sees me and loves me for who I am. She understands me, most of the times, better than I understand myself.

She is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life. She's kind and generous, loving and warm, happy and witty… The perfect match for me. I think, she's the only one who can come out on top in a prank war with me, which makes her the best person to spend the rest of my life with. At least I know it won't be boring.

Kaafi cliched line hai, but cliches are cliches for a reason, and my wife loves Shah Rukh Khan, so to quote him… Pyaar toh sab karte hain, Basket. Lekin mere jaisa pyaar koi nahi kar sakta, kyuki kisi ke paas tum jo nahi ho."

Finally, he took one step back from Riddhima, only to raise his palm in a vow. Riddhima laughed through her tears at this very familiar gesture. "Main, Armaan Mallik… Riddhima Armaan Mallik se yeh vaada karta hoon ki… Main hamesha tumse pyaar karunga, apni saari zindagi… Marrte dam tak, aur… Aur uske baad bhi. I promise, Bask—"

Riddhima didn't let him finish, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Armaan chuckled, not wasting any time in hugging her back. "You're the best person on the planet," she muttered. "Not me. I love you!"

"I love you!" Armaan replied, kissing the top of her head.

"Wow! That was emotional. But ab… Bohot ho gayi yeh senti baatein, yaar. Let's partyyyyy!" Atul cheered. "Aaj mere yaar ka reception jo hai!"

They all got on the dance floor after that, Armaan & Riddhima kicking off the whole thing with their first dance as a married couple, before they broke for dinner. The gang decided to sit separately from everyone else while they ate, spending time together. They called Nikki and spoke to her on speaker while doing so, wanting to include her as much as possible.

But, after dinner, was when the real fun began. Because Riddhima hadn't been able to finish all the ceremonies before Nikki went into labour, they decided to do a few then. The first was the dropping of the kaleeras. Shubhankar and Keerti came forward to tie them on Riddhima's chooda a second time. They all got just as emotional as they had before. Riddhima hugged them both tightly before stepping to the sofa where all the unmarried women sat. Her eyes glinted when she saw Muskaan sitting there as well. Purposefully, Riddhima lightly flung her wrists over everyone's heads, while gripping the kaleeras tight, making sure they didn't fell, till she reached Muskaan. That was when she started shaking her wrists in earnest, her grip on the kaleeras going slack. Sure enough, a moment later, they fell on Muskaan. The entire gang hooted loudly watching Muskaan blush.

"Shaadi ki tayyaari shuru karein?" Armaan asked cheekily.

"Pehle apni shaadi nipta le tu," was Rahul's quick reply. "Hum humaara dekh lenge."

"Oooooooh!" Everyone teased. Rahul rolled his eyes. "Please don't waste your time," he said. "Main aur Muskaan inn dono ki tarah nahi hain," he gestured to Armaan & Riddhima, making everyone laugh.

"Okay! But now… Shall we move on?" Anjali asked.

"Ab kya?" Armaan wondered out loud.

"Aaiye toh Jeeju," Anjali teased, making him sit on the sofa and then pushing Riddhima down beside him.

"Humne socha ki tum dono ko toh time mila nahi yeh rasam poori karne ka… Toh hum hi karwa dete hain," Atul explained.

"Kaunsi rasam?" Riddhima asked.

"Mehendi mein ek-doosre ka naam nahi dhoondoge kya?" Muskaan fired back.

"Yayyyyy!" Everyone in the vicinity cheered. "Come on, guys! It'll be so much fun!" Rahul encouraged.

Armaan and Riddhima both turned to each other with a smile. "Ladies first," Armaan announced, presenting his palms up. The mehendi had started to fade a little, but it was still dark enough to find the patterns tattooed on his palm. It didn't take Riddhima long to find her name in there, given how much real estate it was taking on Armaan's palm. Basket, he'd had written in big letters across his palm, hiding it in swirls.

"There!" She exclaimed victoriously, running her fingers over the alphabets of that special nickname.

"Not bad, Basket!" Armaan cheered. "I'm impressed. That was fast!"

Everyone applauded. "Riddhima ko lage 47 seconds apna dhoondne mein," Muskaan announced. "So, Hero… Agar tujhe jitna hai tujhe usse kam time mein dhoondna padega!"

"Please," Armaan scoffed, "I'll find it in 20!"

With a smirk, Riddhima presented her palms to him. Armaan took a moment to admire the deep red of the henna on her hand before he started. He traced his fingers over her palms, her fingers, even the back of her hand, trying to find it.

"10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1!" Anjali cried. "Sorry, Jeeju! You lose! 47 seconds are up!"

"That's cheating!" Armaan cribbed. "Mere haath pe bohot bade alphabete the toh jaldi mil gaya!"

"There was no rule ki tum chote alphabets nahi likhwa sakte," Riddhima argued.

"Come on, Armaan!" Rahul wheedled. "Don't be a spoilsport."

"Whatever," Armaan scoffed. Turning to Riddhima, he said, "Okayyyyy! Tum jeeti. Batao, kya chahiye?"

Before Riddhima could ask, he said, "Anything except our honeymoon location! That's a surprise. Woh nahi bataunga abhi se!"

Riddhima, who had been planning to ask just that, looked at him utterly scandalized. "That's unfair!" She exclaimed. "Mujhe jo maangna hai main maang sakti hoon!"

"Nope," Armaan countered. "Yeh tum nahi maang sakti. Uske alawa kuch bhi. And I do really mean it. Kuch bhi."

"Don't be dramatic," Riddhima rolled her eyes. "Aajkal thodi zyada hi Bollywood movies dekhne lage ho."

Armaan laughed. "Tumhaari company ka asar hai, sweetheart!"

"Tum dono flirt karna band karo!" Anjali ordered. "Ridzy jaldi se bata tujhe kya chahiye!"

"But Diiiiii," Riddhima whined. "Jo mujhe chahiye tha iss duffer Armaan ne dene se mana kar diya. Ab kuch aur sochne mujhe time lagega!"

"Don't worry," Armaan assured. "Jab bhi decide karo, mujhe bata dena. Banda aapki khidmat mein haazir ho jaayega!"

They hung out for sometime after that while the other guests started departing. Armaan & Riddhima saw them all off, thanking them for taking the time to make it to their big day. Once the last guest had left, Armaan whisked Riddhima away for a long drive around town that ended with ice-cream and brownies in Nikki's living room. The twins woke up in the middle of Armaan's retelling of how Riddhima had conspired to make the kaleeras fall on Muskaan's head. Riddhima immediately got up, helping Nikki in putting them back to sleep. Armaan stood in the doorway, watching her pat Nibha lovingly, humming a soft lullaby for her. That would be them, one day, he realized. It would be their room in which his wife would stand in, their child who she'd be singing to sleep. His heart seemed to burst at the image. A baby. Half his, half hers. He absolutely couldn't wait.

__________________

Happy Birthday, ILYLTF! You are eight today! And I'm so proud of you! <3

Thank you so much for reading, and for being here all these years later. It genuinely means the world to me that you're here despite it taking so long. I know I have a sporadic update schedule, but I'm trying my best to write as much as I can in any time I get. Which is why, I would really appreciate if you don't ask when I'm going to update. Trust me, I update asap. I cannot write faster than this. I have a full time job, I have responsibilities at home, and I try to have somewhat of a social life. In between all that, I take any moment I can to write. I know that it still takes months sometimes, but I promise, I am trying my best.

I know it might be disheartening to you, but a chapter that takes me ten days to write barely takes you half an hour to read, so please consider that as well. This chapter is almost 10k long and it took me more than two weeks to write. I started with this the moment I'd updated TDBU for the reunion anniversary and I've finished it 5 minutes ago. So, yes. I am trying my best. I'm not saying this to be harsh, because really, you guys have no idea how much I appreciate you for reading, but sometimes, it can be disheartening how demanding the comments for updates seem. It feels like I'm not doing a good job and honestly, it discourages me to write as well because I get into a funk.

I'm sorry if it makes you feel bad because that is the last thing I want, but I hope you understand where I'm coming from. The wedding chapters total up to almost 70k words. That is longer than most romance novels... novels that are written over years. I tried to finish those in a matter of months. Please don't think that I'm not giving this my best shot, because I am. How much ever you love these fics, I can assure you I love them infinitely more. If not, I wouldn't still be here today, writing them.

Thank you so much for reading. I'm sorry if this hurt. That was not my intention. I hope you come back for more. Up next, we're going to have the honeymoon chapters. I'm going to try to have them out as soon as I can. I've decided to do a bulk update for those too, so might be a couple months before that happens, just fyi.

Happy eight to all of us! This has been such a great journey and I am so happy to be on it with all of you! Thank you for loving this story so much and for taking time to read it. It means the world. <3