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EPISODE TWENTY
Picking up his phone he called her and walked out his cabin.
See his name flash on her phone she let the phone ring. The phone kept ringing, while Armaan mumbled "Lagta hai is baar to badi maar padegi" with that he left the office still dialing the number again and again driving towards her house.
When the phone didn't stop ringing she finally picked it up and replied irritably "Kya hai?"
"H... Hello" he stammered.
"Kya hai? Kis se baat karni hai?" she asked angrily.
"Ji mujhe wo..."
"Kya wo? don't you have any manners... kisi ladki ko is waqt phone karte hain?"
"Ji I am sorry..."
"What sorry? Pahle kisi bhi ladki ka number kisi bhi waqt dial karte ho aur phir sorry kahte ho... kis se baat karne hai jaldi bolo"
"Ji wo ek stupid si ladki hai, jo baat-baat pe naraaz ho jaati hai, aur phir phone karo to phone bhi nahi uthati... aur agar phone uthati hai to female crow ki tarah KAAV-KAAV karti hai" he spoke biting his cheek in his mouth and opened the door.
"Kya kaha... main female crow hu?" she was getting mad.
"Nahi crow nahi, actually buffalo kahna chahiye... itni moti ho gayi ho, aur upar se black color ki dress pahankar to aur bhi moti lagti ho" he tip-toed towards her and stood behind her quietly, while she was still busy huffing on the phone.
Her blood started boiling now. "Hmffff... main buffalo hu aur crow bhi, aur ye black dress mujhpe..." suddenly she stopped realizing that she IS wearing a black dress. But how does he know? She looked down at her dress confused and then turned around to see him displaying his teeth with his hands in his hips.
She smiled back showing her own teeth, she slowly picked up a cusion from the couch and started hitting him with it. He fell on the couch while she leaned over him beating him madly. "Oh to yeh baat hai... main buffalo hu, aur crow bhi?" she hit him again and again while he shouted for his life.
"Bachao-bachao... mujhe is lady terrorist se bachao..."
She came out of the kitchen hearing his pleads only to find her daughter beating Armaan as if laundary-man busy with his laundary errands. She ran towards her and tried to hold her back "Minnie... Minnie... stop it... use lag rahi hogi... Minnie"
"Aaaaaaaaahhh... Sach aunty... mujhe bahut lag rahi hai..." Armaan added to her worry.
"Lag rahi hai?" Minnie paused for a while, but then seeing him sitting with his hands covering his head and eyes closed tightly with a stupid grin playing on his lips she started her important work again "Ye lo... to aur lagni chahiye" she mumbled while hitting him again.
"Aahhh aunty bachao..."Armaan spoke again in a dramatic voice.
"Minnie... stop it..." finally her mother managed to grab the cushion from her hand. "ab bas bhi kar, kitna maregi use? Is this the way to behave with elders" she turned towards Armaan "Bete tum theek to ho na?" she asked him in a concerned voice, while he made a face as if in deep pain, but she realized his trick when he opened one of his eyes to peer the scene. She shook her head "Tu bhi na... ek ye hai, aur dusra tu... tum dono kabhi nahi sudhroge"
"Bilkul bhi nahi..." they turned to see him walking in holding his business bag.
"Dad..." Minnie ran towards her dad. "Dad atleast you have to support me"
"Of course I am with you" he kissed his daughter while she gave a victorious smile to Armaan, who was still leaning on the couch.
Armaan got up and placed his arms around Minnie's mother "Theek hai phir aunty mere saath hain... kyun Kirti aunty?"
She smiled and hugged him back "Bilkul... main Armaan ke saath hu... aur Shubhankar, tumne Minnie ko bahut bigaad diya hai... kitni zor se maar rahi thi Armaan ko"
"Arey... maine kya kiya ab?" Shubahnkar argued.
"Maine kaha tha na tumhe Minnie ko samjhaane ke liye... Armaan kitna busy rahta hai... har roz milne ka time kahan milta hai use" Kirti replied.
"Ye kya matlab hua... time nahi milta... apni choti behen ke liye thoda sa bhi time nahi nikaal sakte... main bhi baat nahi karoongi inse ab" Minnie fumed and turned around while Kirti and Shubhankar nudged Armaan.
He moved in front of her and kneeled. Holding his ear, he made a puppy face, which he knew she couldn't resist "Sorry... I am really-really sorry... ab se aisa nahi hoga... please forgive me"
She glanced him through the corner of her eyes "pakka?"
"Pakka... bilkul hard rock ki tarah" He pinched his throat.
Finally she smiled and held his hands "Theek hai is baar maaf kiya, lekin agar phir se aisa kiya na, to phir..." she clicked her fingers giving him a warning signal.
"Arey meri tauba..." he held his ear again "mere... mere suit ki tauba..." he held his suit "meri shirt ki tauba..." he held his collar "meri tie ki... meri boot ki, meri socks ki tauba... meri pant ki tauba... aur meri..." he stopped realizing what he was gonna say and grinned stupidly while other laughed at him.
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A few weeks later she saw her boarding a taxi as she stepped down her car. She saw the maid Girija Tayi waving her. She went to her and asked Girija "Girija yeh ladki yahan?"
"Kaun Riddhima bitiya?" Girija asked.
"Haan" Aarti looked at her.
"Yeh to yahan aksar aati hai... bahut pyari bachchi hai... aksar chutti wale din aati hai, aur kayi-kayi ghaton kabhi bachchon ke saath khelti hai, kabhi old age home ke bujurgon ke saath baatein karti hai... Yaha sab logon ke dil mein bas gayi hai wo kuch hi dino mein..." Girija explained, while Aarti was surprised to know the facts. She told Girija to inform her whenever Riddhima visited 'Ashraya'
'Ashraya' was actually an Orphanage cum Old Age Home running under the trust Armaan had started in the memory of his parents. He also visited there regularly whenever he got time. 'Ashraya' was basically taken care by Anjali, but since for last few weeks she was busy with helping Armaan with his work as a Part time PRO since he had recently taken over a few small companies, she wasn't able to come there. So Aarti was taking care of it temporarily.
After that day whenever Riddhima visited 'Ashraya' Aarti also came there and watched her secretly. She was astonished to see her gelling up with everyone so easily. She found her to be a very easy-going and lovable person. Riddhima was a very pure and kind-hearted girl, who loved kids and respected elders. Her chaste face showed that she wasn't a fake.
Aarti started admiring this cute girl within few meetings. Riddhima also liked Aarti's company. Though she didn't get much time to spend with her as Aarti was mostly busy instructing maids and helpers, but whatever time they spent together was worth it. Riddhima also sometimes helped her with her work at Ashraya.
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A few days later, Anjali was accompanied with Shobha (dadi) at the beach. Dadi just like others was very impressed by her simplicity. She was plain, but yet she was very attractive. She felt like loving Riddhima like a daughter the moment she saw her. All evening she observed Riddhima talking only about her family with so much excitement which was unusual for any other girl. Other girls would only gossip about various things but not their family. Ever since then, it became almost a routine for them to meet at the beach in the evening. Sometime Dadi would come alone as Anjali had other responsibilities.
It was clear that the doom was planning something. Mumbai was getting squeezed into a small world. The two souls who never had any contact were getting connect through a number of invisible strings. God know how and what circumstances will bring them together.
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"Hey beautiful..." he bends on the counter and saw her looking at him in daze.
"Hi sir" she waved him still in daze.
"You are looking gorgeous today" He complimented her eyeing her from top to bottom.
She stood up from her desk and straightened her dress "really?... I bought this last week"
"Hmmm... you know what, green really suits you" he bent a little closer and added "but I think light yellow will look even better..."
"Ahem-Ahem..." Atul cleared his throat as he saw Armaan flirting with the receptionist.
Armaan turned around and before he could say anything, Atul dragged him along into the lift.
"Abey kya kar raha hai yaar... kuch to meri reputation ka khayaal kar" Armaan released his hand from Atul's grip and straightened his suit as they entered the lift.
"Saale... reputation ka khayaal chod, teri jaan bachata hu wohi kya kam hai" Atul said.
"Kya matlab?"
"Kisi din dad ne dekh liya na, to bas teri khair nahi"
"Dad... don't worry about dad... unhe to main araam se sambhaal lunga... you know I am 'The Armaan Malik'... nobody can resist my charm... unhe manana to mere baayein haath ka khel hai..." he clicked his fingers as the lift opened.
"Kise manana tere baayein haath ka khel hai?" He turned to see Omang standing on the door.
"Wo Dad..." Atul spoke only to be cut by Armaan.
"Wo... Workers... Workers dad... wo nahi company jo take over ki hai na, hum usi ke baare mein baat kar rahe the... Kyun bhai..." he nudged Atul who nodded smiling differently. "dekha... dekha dad... bas..." with that he almost ran towards his cabin, leaving a confused Omang behind, while Atul followed him with looking away. Omang shrugged and entered the lift.
"Aaj to mar hi gaya tha..." Armaan mumbled as he threw himself in his chair.
"Tabhi kahta hu ye sab chod de... sudhar ja, aur jaise sab kahte hain, shaadi kar le..." Atul said entering his office.
"Bhai... tu apne bol bachan apne paas rakh..."he replied irritably.
"Achcha theek hai... lekin Armaan why are 'you' going Saharanpur, main chala jaata hu... ya phir Rahul..." Atul asked in s serious tone.
"Bhai please... don't start that all over again... I have already had a discussion with dad..."
"But Armaan, you know we all are care for you"
"So do i... Bhai I understand that you all love me a lot, but I don't understand whats happening? I feel that for the last couple of weeks you all are behaving as if something is gonna happen to me... I am not a kid... aur isse pahle bhi to kitni jata raha hu bahar... phir achanak aap log ye ajeeb sa behave kyun kar rahe ho? I don't get it..." Armaan was getting a little annoyed as all his family members were trying to stop him to go to Saharanpur to handle the worsening situation there.
Atul knew that there was no use of arguing with him. He sighed "Alright... but speak to dadi first and yes... your buddy too, he is gonna get mad that you won't be there on his special day."
"Arey yaar... wo to main bhul hi gaya... but no problem apne buddy ko kaise manana hai ye mujhpe chod de... lekin abhi use kuch mat batana..." Armaan assured him as Atul nodded.
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Rahul stood outside his cabin trying to peep in and he got a chance as the blinds moved a little. He saw him sitting, no almost lying in his chair turned towards her cabin. He was rolling a paper weight in the table with one hand while a sly smile was stickened in his haughty face. He followed his gaze and found the man staring at her through the one way bi-fold glass. One could see through it clearly without even the person on the other end realizing it as they cant see anything back.
Rahul observed the man and was digusted at the look he had on his face. His clenched his fist, but didn't say anything. There was no point loosing patience and doing something impatiently. As it its he didn't have any proof and the man could deny his foul intentions very easily. He entered her cabin to fin her busy with her work.
"Hi.." he smiled at her.
"Hi bhaiya" she looked up and got up to hug her.
"Tera kaam khatam ho gaya kya?" he asked.
"To chal"
"Chaliye..." she picked her bag and followed him.
The man on the other end, banged his fist on his table. "WTF... who is this man? Mere raaste mein baar-baar aa jata hai..." he mumbled.
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"Riddhima..." he decided to speak to her first about the man. He needed to know him first. He didn't want to ask her to leave the job just like that. It wouldn't be right as he doesn't even have any proof against the man and she also had never complained about anything related to her job.
"Ji?" she looked up at him.
"Ek baat bata... tere office mein sab kaisa chal raha hai? I mean sab log kaise hain?"
"Mere office mein?" she sat up excitedly "sab bahut achcha chal raha hai bhaiya aur sab log theek hain..." she answered.
"hmm... aur wo jot ere saath wala cabin hai wo kiska hai?"
"kaunsa, jo mere right side mein hai?" she asked as he nodded "Wo to mere boss ka hai... company ke owner... Mr. Vivek Chaudhary" seeing his serious face she placed a hand on his shoulder "kya hua bhaiya?"
"Kuch nahi... wo kaisa aadmi hai?" he enquired.
"Achche hain... bahut pyaar se baat karte hain... wo mere kaam se bahut khush hain... aur pata hai bhaiya wo mujhe kah rahe the ki agar maine aise hi kaam kiya to bahu jaldi wo mujhe promote bhi karenge" she clarified elatedly.
Rahul smiled at her child-like excitement. She wasn't aware of anything, but he would make sure she doesn't fall for her boss's trap.
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Rahul, Armaan and Atul were at a hotel that evening. As usual Atul and Rahul sat there discussing various things, while Armaan flirted with girls, who happily flirted back with the handsome hunk, after all, which girl wouldn't want to get closer to the most handsome, successful eligible Bachelor in the country. Armaan left with a girl after a while informing them that he is going to drop her home.
Rahul by now was very well aware that sometimes Armaan intentionally flirt around; just to avoid his family, who keeps running after him with the MARRIAGE BELLS. He knew that Armaan has never and would never ever cross his limits. He was too much of a gentleman to do anything objectionable. He also knew that the only thing Armaan wasn't 'too' comfortable with was GIRLS.
Rahul realized that even though Armaan flirted with them openly and almost boldly, but when it comes to Marriage & serious relationships, he gets really annoyed and grumpy. It seems that he don't have faith in GIRLS with his own life.
Rahul tried to find the reason, but have failed till now. He tried to ask Atul about it, but unfortunately, Armaan walked in with some urgent work, so their conversation got buried. He tried again a few more times, but every time, some or the other things would keep buzzing in. Rahul himself didn't know why he was curious to know all that, maybe because of their friendship and his respect towards Armaan.
Atul however have got the hint what Rahul wanted to know. He had equal faith in Rahul. He knew that Rahul was a friend he could confide in. Today when Rahul asked him again he decided to tell him the truth.
The 'REASON' for Armaan's continous denials was ' Armaan's past...... a BITTER past.yes he did had a past,which is the reason for his cold behavior for such a relationship with any girl.
Atul recalled the days when Armaan was in the final months of his Industrial training...
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***Flashback***
Armaan first met Manvi at Parera Brothers, the company from where he did his training. She was a very attractive. At first Armaan didn't give her much attention, which was a new thing for her. She walked up to him & slowly they become friends. After a few meetings, Armaan started enjoying her company and few days later, she confessed her love towards him.
Armaan wasn't aware whether he loved Manvi or not, he never thought or looked at her that way, but since he did liked her a lot and didn't wanted to hurt her, he simply nodded in agreement. He thought that so what if he is not sure of his feelings, what if he doesn't love her, but atleast she loved him, as a friend her happiness was of more importance for him.
It was a very unfortunate day for him, he was with Atul at a Hotel. After discussing details with one of his new business clients on a new deal, both of them decided to celebrate the new deal at the restaurant of the hotel. But to his surprise he saw Manvi at the same place with a number of her friends.
He was surprised coz a week ago when he proposed her for marriage, she told him that she has to go to the US to see her parents first & then once she come back they will sort out everything. She also told him that she could come back only after 2 weeks. But then he thought she might have come back soon, whats a big deal in it. To his shock her conversation with her friends disclosed that she was only playing games with him as she had a bet with one of her friend to make him fall for her.
Armaan was shattered as he has planned to surprise her as soon as she gets back with an engagement party. He straightaway threw her out of his life. After a while she did came back to him, but it was all coz of his money. It was only after their break-up she came to know that he actually is an upcoming BIG SHOT business Tycoon as well. Armaan cleared it to her that he doesn't want to move on with her.
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EPISODE TWENTY-ONE
***Flashback paused***
Atul sighed after telling him the first half of Armaan's past. Then he looked in space and said "baat agar sirf itni hoti to shayad Armaan sambhal leta... you know he is not a man who will become a Devdaas just coz of an underserving despicable girl. Lekin zindagi ne shayad uske saath aur khel khelna tha..." he continued the past narration once again.
***Flashback Continued***
Few months after the incident, another girl came into Armaan's life ' Himangi. She was a simple but yet beautiful girl. She worked in his office as one of his associates. Armaan was impressed with the way she did her work. If not perfect she was still quite impressive. One day Armaan came to know that her family is facing a lot of financial problems. He helped her without informing her.
When she came to know about his kindness, she started getting close to him. She started spending more time with him & slowly a soft corner grew up in her heart for him.
Armaan overheard her feelings towards him when she was talking to one of her friends on phone. She realized that he has heard her talking about him. Atlast She gathered some courage to pour her feeling in front of him. He also said that he liked her too.
It had been around a month they got engaged, when I and Armaan had an argument about his relationship with Himangi. I said something which was extremely unpleasant for him to hear about Himangi. Armaan was shocked to know that I weren't happy with his relationship with Himangi. Many days and then weeks passed without any normal conversation between us...
One day, Armaan was at a shopping center for the last minute shopping for his marriage. His eyes stopped at a counter where he caught me almost shouting at a man. He got surprised as he had never seen me behave that way. He overheard me telling the man I hired, to get the work I gave him to be done ASAP. The man told me that he will try his best to break their engagement.
Armaan was shocked that I was conspiring to break his engagement. He knew that I loved him more than brothers, but he didn't understand why I was doing so? He decided to discuss it with me & finish this matter once and for all. I asked him to come over to a pre-decided place.
As he arrived there, he felt earth move under his feet. He saw his fianc', Himangi sitting and chatting with his EX-GF, Manvi. I took him to a table next to them so that we can overhear their conversation.
It was all Manvi's plan. She and Himangi were old friends and they had schemed to teach Armaan a lesson. But with time as Himangi got to know about Armaan's rising BANK BALANCE, they changed their plan. Himangi was now going to get married to him and as per their plan she would marry Armaan to steal his wealth from him. They decided that Himangi will ask for a divorce after a while, and then demand a huge amount as alimony.
We were also shocked to identify that Himangi and Manvi were already involved in physical relationship with more than one man. He was disgusted by them. He called off his engagement with Himangi, without giving her any sort of explaination. He wasn't a man who would insult a woman even if she has hurt him to the core.
***Flashback Ends***
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Atul sighed deeply as he finished up "I have seen his pain Rahul." Atul eyes were wet by this time, but he still smiled "Lekin Armaan un logon mein se nahi hai jo apna dard kisi ke bhi saamne zaahir kare. Thought I am his closest, but yet sometimes even I cant decipher his pain. Maine aaj tak use kisi cheez se darte ya ghabraate hue nahi dekha. Badi se badi problem main bhi maine humesha use ek calm aur composed, ek chilled out guy ki tarah dekha hai. You know, he was just 14 when he took over Avinaash uncles' business. It was in extremely miserable condition. Uski jagah agar koi aur hota to shayad usi waqt sab kuch chod-chaad ke kahi dur bhaag jata. But he took it as a challenge. He fought back and encouraged others to fight back too. And today you can see, where he is. He has not only made himself a big man, but also those who have ever come in his contact. But unfortunately in case of love, he has been quite unlucky. Aisa nahi hai ki uska saari aurton pe se bharosa uth gaya ho... he knows it Rahul, that all women are not the same. He still respects them a lot... Dadi, Radhika Aunty, Aarti Mom, Kirti Aunty, Anjali, Muskaan & Minnie, he loves them all... all of them are better examples. But somehow he felt himself ill-fated for the relationships like Love & Marriage. And since his heart broke for the second time, he decided never to take any girl ever so seriously again. He has lost believe in any girl with his own life."
Placing his hand on Atul's shoulder Rahul said "He is strong man Atul. I have always found him different and ideal sort of PERFECT MAN... but today after knowing all this, my respect has increased to unknown heights for him. Lekin ek tarah se achcha hi hua ki wo dono ladkiyaan sahi samay pe Armaan ki zindagi se dur ho gayi, they didn't deserve him..." he smiled and held Atul's shoulder tightly in support "Don't worry Atul, uske liye bhi bhagwaan ne koi na koi saathi to zaroor banaya hi hoga. Armaan jaise insaan ke liye to koi khaas hi bani hogi na? I am sure you will find her soon." Atul smiled back listening this.
Actually, Armaan's family was aware of his break-up with his Second-GF, but they never knew the actual reason. It was only Atul and now Rahul who knew the reality.
Though like his family, Atul wanted Armaan to settle down and get married, but he was also very cautious about any girl in Armaan's life. He always supported him in every possible ways, even when his family pressurized Armaan for marriage and he tried to ignore.
Atul had always been closest to Armaan, so he has seen his pain very closely. Pain of being alone, pain of betrayal, pain of being fooled in world's most beautiful emotion. Atul could understand almost all his unspoken words as well as emotions. He wanted the best for Armaan. He just the way Rahul said believed that Armaan will definitely meet the BEST some day. Atul was waiting for HIS (Armaan's) true lady love to walk into his life and take away all his pain, and then his best friend and brother will get all the happiness he deserve.
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That evening, he saw her standing on the taxi stand waiting for a cab impatiently. After driving a little ahead, he asked his driver to leave the car. As soon as driver got out, he slid on the driving seat himself and reversed his car. As she saw him rolling the window glass down, she smiled.
He asked her "Where are you going?"
"Ghar..."
"Can I drop you?"
She looked at him a little apprehensively, whether she should go with him or not. He was her boss "No sir, its fine, I will take a cab..."
Seeing her a little confused Vivek added "Don't worry, I am going that way only"
"Its ok sir, I don't want to bother you... I will go myself... taxi aati hi hogi" she replied politely.
"Arey don't be so formal Riddhima... I am your boss in the office, but outside we can be friends... I am not that bad..." he rose his brow "Can't you consider as a friend" he made a sad face.
Seeing his downfallen face she replied "Aisi baat nahi hai sir..." after pausing for a while she said "Ok... friends..." she agreed, how could she say no to her boss? He has always been a gentleman with her.
"Great... so now can a friend offer you lift?" he smiled slyly.
"Alright..." she sat in the front passenger seat as he opened the door for her like a gentleman. Sitting in the car she smiled and added "I live in..."
"I know..." as she looked at him questioningly he added "I have seen your resume, and I know where you live"
"Oh... thanks" she replied. As he turned his car towards left of a traffic signal she said "Sir... sorry but you had to turn on the other side of the signal... I live on the other side..."
"Oh... don't worry... I will take you there only... there is a lot of traffic on that side... one of my friend who lives that side, just called me and told me that there is a big traffic jam at the next signal right now... so we will reach faster this way..." He explained.
"Ok... I didn't know that..." she left it there instead of arguing as she thought her boss must be aware of the roads and maps better than her since he has been a local.
He stopped his car at the next signal. Turning his head towards his left and he was surprised to see her. His eyes widened in fear as he saw her sitting besides the man he would never want her to be with. "Baby yahan kya kar rahi hai? Aur wo bhi is aadmi ke saath... is waqt to use ghar jana chahiye, aur ghar to doosari taraf hai?" he thought.
Before he could do something, the signal cleared and he saw them driving away. Rahul composed himself and followed them. After driving for a while, he managed to overtake them and stopped his car blocking their way. Vivek pushed the breaks hard to save the crash.
Rahul darted out of his car and went to the side where Riddhima was sitting and knocked the window glass.
She looked up and rolled the window down and was surprised to see his "Arey Rahul bhaiya aap?" she smiled widely.
"Riddhima... tu yahan kya kar rahi hai... aur ye kiske saath, kahan jaa rahi hai?" though he knew who she was with, but he still asked her to see Vivek's reaction.
"Wo... bhaiya main Vivek sir ke saath ghar hi aa rahi thi" she opened the door.
"Ghar? Lekin ghar to doosri taraf hai?" he spoke peeping inside.
Before she could say anything Vivek added "Hi I am Riddhima's boss... wo actually Riddhima akeli taxi stand pe khadi thi to maine use lift ke liye pucha..." as he saw Rahul raising his brow in suspicion he added "Actually mujhe is taraf ke Community Mall mein thoda kaam tha, aur mere dost ne mujhe bataya ki us taraf traffic jam hai, to maine socha ki main is taraf se aapke ghar ki taraf drive karoon"
"Hmm... thanx, but I will take her with me now... you don't need bother anymore..." Rahul coldly. He still didn't believe Vivek as he was coming from his home and there was no traffic jam that side. Also there was no proper way on this side of the road through which he could reach their home. Rahul had gone back home to pick some file as he was to attend some meeting with a client in a hotel besides the Community Mall. He held Riddhima's bag and signaled her to follow him. Riddhima thanked Vivek and followed Rahul.
Vivek looked at them driving away and hit the stearing of his car "WTF... this man... phir se pata nahi kahan se aa gaya..." he swore "Hmm to ye Riddhima ka bhai hai... aaj to use bacha liya, lekin aage kab tak bachayega is kachchi kali ko. Main bhi dekhta hu." He laughed wickedly.
Rahul drove towards the hotel where he had a meeting. He was really mad at the man, he was now 1000% sure that the sly man was upto something very hideous. If he wouldn't have seen them today, then...? He trembled at the very thought of Riddhima being hurt.
She saw him looking really mad and worried "Kya hua bhaiya? Aap kuch pareshaan lag rahe ho"
"Riddhima why did you accepted lift from him?" he spoke.
"Bhaiya he asked me, so I said yes... ismein kya badi baat hai?" she replied casually.
"Tujhe..." he trailed his sentence.
"Kya baat hai... aap bahut naraaz lag rahe ho"she asked again.
"We will talk about this at home..." he said trying to compose himself. He didn't want to create a scene outside and besides he also had a meeting to attend.
Once they reached the Hotel, he asked Riddhima to wait for him in the Hotel restaurant for a while till he finished up and strictly instructed her not to go anywhere or talk to anyone. She nodded in agreement. After his meeting was over he drove her to the house.
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As they entered home, he threw his bag on the couch angrily and asked Riddhima to come back after freshening up immediately as he needed to talk to her urgently.
Muskaan saw him looking really mad and asked him whats wrong. He told her about Vivek, what he saw in Riddhima's office and what happened today.
Muskaan was terrified hearing everything. She never thought anything like that. She initially thought Rahul was only being a little over-protective about Riddhima. As they saw Riddhima enter their room, Rahul signaled Muskaan not to interrupt & asked Riddhima to sit down.
"Riddhima you are resigning from the job tommorow..." he came straight to the point without going in the circles.
Riddhima was taken aback "Kya?"
"I said you will resign from your job tommorow" he repeated again more firmly.
"Main resign kar du job se? lekin kyun?" she was confused and shocked to hear Rahul's decision with a harsh tone.
"Haan you heard me right... and you wont ask me why..." he decided and without waiting another moment he slipped a paper in front of her "sign this letter right now..." he commanded.
Riddhima was not angry, but she was too numb to respond, but as she registered his word she asked "Ye kya hai?"
"Your resignation..."
"But..."
"No if or buts... its my decision and you will do as I say... otherwise forget that you had a brother." He finalized sternly.
Without thinking for a moment, she signed the paper, while Rahul took it and walked out of the room without any further discussions.
Riddhima sat there not knowing what to do. She still wasn't able to understand why Rahul reacted that way and asked her to resign all of a sudden. He has never been so harsh and stern with her, not even when they were small and he didn't liked her.
Muskaan saw her fighting with her confusion and placed a hand over her shoulder "Riddhima..." she started "Rahul ko galat mat samajhna... aur ek baat yaad rakhna... Wo tumhara kabhi bhi bura nahi chahenge..." Riddhima looked at her. " Rahul tumse bahut pyar karte hain..." she paused for a moment and then added "Tumhe apne bhaiya pe bharosa hai na?"
"Haan..." Riddhima nodded.
"To phir jaisa wo kah rahe hain waisa hi karo... you will never regret his decision... trust me" Muskaan smiled reassuringly.
"Ji bhabhi..." Riddhima smiled back.
Riddhima knew that Rahul and her family knew better, what is wrong and what is right for her. If they want her to leave the job, there must be some genuine reason behind it and she will do stick to their decision. She won't disregard their love by asking the reason. So she assured Muskaan that she will do as they say.
Shashank and Padma asked Rahul why he was almost shouting at Riddhima. Rahul didn't tell them about Vivek and the real truth as he thought they might panick and get worried. But he told them that he has asked Riddhima to leave her job as one of his friends told him that the job isn't of her level and the company wasn't good enough too. He also told them that Riddhima will get a new job very soon as she is a talented girl.
Shashank and Padma understood there is something else, which Rahul is not willing to tell them right now, but they didn't questioned further as they knew that Rahul will do what is better for their daughter.
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Next day Rahul sat in his cabin thinking deeply about what happened few days back. After getting the resignation signed by Riddhima, Rahul has sent it to her office through a registered post. He didn't allow Riddhima to go there again as he was not willing take chance. He was worried about her and didn't know what to do next. He didn't want her to be sitting home idly doing nothing, but he wasn't sure about any jobs for her. How can he assure that her next employer wouldn't be another dirty mind?
"Rahul yaar ye papers zaraa check kar le..." Atul entered his cabin to find him lost in his own thoughts. Hearing no response he went to his chair and placed his hand on his shoulder "Rahul?" he called him.
"Arey Atul... tu kab aaya yaar?" Rahul came out is trance.
"Main to abhi aaya hu...par tujhe kya hua... bahut pareshaan lag raha hai... sab theek hai na?" Atul asked looking at his clearly worried face.
"Kuch nahi yaar bas... thodi yuhi problem hai" Rahul tried to divert his mind.
"Agar kuch jyada personal nahi hai to mujhe bata... shayad main madad kar saku kuch... maine kal meeting mein bhi dekha tu bahut pareshaan lag raha tha..." Atul had seen him distracted last day when they were at the meeting at the Hotel near Community Mall.
Rahul looked up and sighed. He knew he could trust on Atul and can share his worries with him. He told him everything what has happened. He also told him about Vivek.
Atul jumped in his seat hearing the name "Kya? Kya naam bataya tune?"
"Kiska?"
"Teri behen ke boss ka"
"Vivek Chaudhary"
"Vivek Chaudhary from Chaudhary Associates?" Atul widened his eyes.
"Haan..." Rahul replied.
"Oh... you did the right thing buddy... thank god you forced your sister to leave the job"
"Kya matlab?" Rahul got puzzled.
"Arey tu is Vivek Chaudhary ko janta nahi hai... uski reputation bahut kharaab hai market mein... kai ladkiyon ki zindagi kharaab kar chuka hai... bada kameena aadmi hai..." Atul informed with a disgusted face.
"Haan yaar... Mujhe bhi wo theek nahi laga tha... maine use uske office mein ek ladki ke saath badi hi ghatiya tareeke se baithe hue dekha tha... can you imagine he was doing all that in his office?" he said looking disgusted himself at the very thought of the sly man.
"Wo aisa hi hai... bhagwaan ka shukr hai ki tune sahi samay pe apni behen ko wahan se nikaal liya, warna pata nahi kya hota" Atul replied seriously while Rahul nodded. "lekin ab kya pareshani hai... ab to sab theek hai na..." Atul asked again.
Rahul sighed and told him his fear "Ab tujhse kya chupaon yaar... I cant ask my sister to sit at home doing nothing because of this fear. But I am worried coz whats the guarantee that her next employer will not be the same. Baby is too innocent. She doesn't understand all these wicked things. Kya karu kuch samajh mein nahi aa raha..." he ran fingers through his hair.
Atul thought for a minute and then said "Rahul tune bataya ki unse MBA kiya hai... right?"
"Haan... aur wo bhi topmost credits ke saath. She was a topper." Rahul replied proudly.
"Hmm... to tu ek kaam kyun nahi karta, use bol ki yahan Marvels mein interview de... kuch vacancies nikli hi hain, aur chaar-paanch dino mein interview bhi hai... ek kaam kar, tu use bol ki wo Executive Secretary ki post ke liya interview de... kyunki baaki sab post ke liye wo over-qualified hai..." Atul suggested.
Rahul was excited about the idea but then he thought again and said "but Executive Secretary's post... she is over-qualified for that too"
"She would have been over-qualified, but not for this particular one..." as he saw Rahul's puzzled look he added "Dekh Rashmi jaa chuki hai to hum uska replacement dhoondh rahe hain"
Hearing Rashmi's name Rahul understood which post and whose executive secretary Atul was talking about. Rashmi was Armaan's secretary who left the job recently after she got married.
Atul continued further "and you know Armaan's executive secretary has to be the best... And for your kind information Dad has decided that this time we will hire a full-time ES cum PA to handle Armaan's increasing work load... agar teri sister select ho gayi, then she will be getting the best double-package and if she proves herself, then who else better than you know, what she can get here." Atul paused for a while to see his response and then asked "Tujhe Armaan pe bharosa to hai na?"
Rahul was now convinced completely "Armaan pe mujhe poora bharosa hai... it's a great idea yaar... pata nahi mujhe ye baat pahle kyun nahi sujhi..." he placed his hand on Atul's gratefully "Thanks yaar, tune to meri bahut badi chinta dur kar di... I will surely ask her to attend the interview."
"Haan lekin abhi itna khush hone ki zaroorat nahi hai... she needs to prove herself first. Tujhe to pata hai na, we don't believe in recommendations here, aur waise bhi ye Armaan ka mamla hai... I can't compromise on that... so don't be too sure as I don't promise you anything" Atul said.
"Uski chinta tu mat kar... baby is the best for this job... I know, she will crack it in a wink of eye..." Rahul replied confidently simling widely.
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EPISODE TWENTY-TWO
Armaan was coming back after dropping his new so-called-'friend' Sheeba her home, when his phone rang. So he parked his car at one side & walked behind the car while talking. Suddenly,
**THUD**
As he heard the sound he turned around to see her looking down at her cycle.
"Gosh!" he strode towards her and "Well-well-well... of course its you..." he saw her looking up.
"Tum? Phir se..." she got up picking up her cycle she had fallen with and rubbed her elbow. She has come out for cycling today.
"Haan main..." he pushed her away and checked his car "Tum dekh ke cycle nahi chala sakti... agar ise kuch ho jata to? Thank god nothing happened to you" he kissed his car, while she looked at him as if he has lost it.
"Main to dekh ke hi chala rahi thi, tumhi ne apna ye tin ka dabba yahan beech mein park karke rakha hai..." she raised both her hands in air towards his car.
"Hey stop haan... its not a 'tin-ka-dabba'" he made a face "... it's the latest bugatti model" he spoke arrogantly.
"Bugatti Model nahi 'BOO-GADHI' model hai" she made a face too.
"WHAT? What 'BOO-GADHI'?" he looked eccentrically at her.
"Haan 'BOO' as in 'BOOOOO'" she showed him a thumb down "aur agar tumhe apni Matra bhasha 'HINDI' aati hai, to 'GADHI' ka matlab tum achchi tarah jaante hi hoge... Mr Dhenchu" His mouth opened in shock, but before he could answer back, as always his phone rang. "Lo baj gayi ghanti..." she laughed at him, while he just gave her a look and drove off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At his home, the bride-hunt was still on. Seeing Armaan enter the hall, they hid the pictures under the cushions and sat straight trying to look normal. He glanced at their faces, and seeing them shift restlessly in their place, he raised his brow.
"WHAT?" Anjali asked as she saw him staring at them sheepishly.
"What, WHAT?" he asked.
"Nothing..." Aarti said.
"Hmm..." Armaan nodded and went back to his room. He knew his family was upto something. They surely were planning something.
He entered his room to find Vaibhav sitting there angrily with his hands folded at his chest. Closing the door behind him he raised his eyebrow. So his buddy is already aware that he is leaving tommorow. He sat besided Vaibhav.
Vaibhav looked at his chachu and then turning away he folded his legs angrily.
"Kya hua?" Armaan asked, but no answer came. "To mujhse naraaz hai mera buddy? Alright then I will give this chocolate to Yash" he shook a big chocobar in front of his eyes. Vaibhav looked at it and swallowed hard as his mouth watered. The offer was very tempting, but he was still angry at his chachu for leaving just before his Birthday, so he decided to stay mad at him.
"Oh... to aaj kuch jyada hi garam hai buddy..." he saw Atul standing at the door and signaled him to help, who gave him a helping nod and came forwards. Armaan continued "Atul bhai... What does the Superman do?"
"Superman? Wo..." Atul tried to behave ignorant "I dont know... may be he keeps flying in the sky like a bird or something"
"Arey Atul bhai you dont know about it? Even I have a little confusion... somebody did told me... but..." he glanced sideways towards Vaibhabv "but I forgot, now I dont know who will tell me again..." Armaan tapped his forehead.
"Arey ask Dadi na..." Atul suggested.
"Dadi ko to pata nahi"
"then Dad?"
"Na... he doesnt know either"
"Hmm... what about Anjali or Mom or else Shaguna?"
"Arey unhe bhi nahi pata... maine unse pucha tha, they dont know anything"
"Oh... so now what to do... who is gonna tell us? hey, does Superman flies over the sky and catches all the fishes" Atul said chuckling stupidly at his own idiotic comment..
"Offfooo..." Vaibhav finally gave up and slapped his head. It was getting too much for him to handle now. What was with these elders? They didnt even know what Superman does? And coz of others even his Superman Chachu has forgotten what 'he' should do Vaibhav thought.
"Aap sabko to kuch nahi pata... and you guys made even Armaan chachu forget everything" He turned back towards them "Superman doesnt mean that he keeps flying... he does loads of work, he has big responsibilities on his shoulders and whenever somebody is in problem he is always the first one to help. He finishes all the evils." He turned towards Atul and said "Aur dad... how can someone catch fishes while flying... aapko itna bhi nahi pata... how stupid" Vaibhav chided.
"Hmm dekha... Bhai tujhe to kuch nahi pata" Armaan too reprimanded Atul fakely "Mere buddy ko sab pata hai. He is the smartest... Kyun Buddy?"
"Yayy I am the smartest" Vaibhav laughed but then again sobered "Lekin main aapse bahut naraaz hu... aap mere B'Day pe bhi nahi hoge"
Armaan placed the bar at the side table and pulled Viabhav in his lap "Buddy dekh yaar, abhi-abhi tune hi kaha na ki Superman sabki help karta hai..." Vaibhav nodded lightly "aur tu ye bhi kahta hai ki main tera Superman Chachu hu"
He nodded again "BEST Superman chachu"
"Hmm... to ab tere is 'best Superman' chachu ko jana hoga... jahan main ja raha hu, wahan bahut saare logon ko dher saare problems hai... to mujhe unki help karne jana hoga na..." Armaan tried to explain his visit.
"But Chachu... aap mere B'Day ke baad bhi to jaa sakte ho" Vaibhav sulked.
"Jaa to sakta hu... achcha ek baat bata... When you fall ill, doesn Anjali bhabhi medicates you immediately or she waits for one or more days?"
"Mom to usi time medicine deti hai... agar der se degi to phir main aur beemaar nahi ho jaonga" he explained "but it tastes horrible" he made a face.
"Haan... it means, a problem should also be resolved as soon as possible... immediately" Armaan clicked his fingers "otherwise it grows bigger, phir aur dher saari aur problems ho jaati hai..."
Now Vaibhav looked a little convinced but he wasnt still happy about the fact that he has to celebrate his 5th B'Day without his favorite person.
" Sorry yaar agar important kaam nahi hota to nahi jata... but I promise, when I come back, I will do whatever you say... it's a deal" Armaan tried to make him feel better.
"Pakka?"
"Arey bilkul pakka... wo tera rock solid wala pakka... is that fine now?" Armaan asked him.
"Yayy... ok" Vaibhav beemed, so finally Armaan and Atul sighed a relief.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next day, as she climbed the stairs of temple, dadi was surprised to see her there. Riddhima saw dadi entering the Mandir accompanied by Anjali. She bends to touch dadi's feet, while Dadi blessed her "Jeeti raho beti..."
"Namaste dadi... hi Anjali..." Riddhima greeted them.
"Hi Riddhima... tum yahan kaise?" Anjali asked her.
"Jabse hum Mumbai shift hue hain, main to yahan aksar aati hu... Muskaan bhabhi hi to leke aayi thi mujhe yahan..."
"Oh... lekin Muskaan kahan hai? Wo nahi aayi tumhare saath?" Anjali asked.
"Nahi bhabhi ki doctor ke saath appointment thi, to wo mumma ke saath wahin gayi hain... aur mera kal ek interview hai, to mumma ne kaha ki aaj ka din bahut shubh hai, aur mujhe mandir jana chahiye... isliye main aa gayi" Riddhima replied. "aap bhi yahan aati ho hamesha?"
"Haan hum bhi yaha aksar aate hain... tumne puja kar li kya?" Dadi asked her.
"Ji bas abhi ki hai..." Riddima replied.
"tum humare saath phir se chalo andar, phir hum saath-saath wapis chalenge..." Anjali added.
"Theek hai..." Riddhima agreed and they entered the temple again.
As they stood in front of Almighty deity Shivling, dadi asked Anjali for the 'Kalawa'.
Kalawa is a sacred red color cotton thread, which is believed to be sacrosanct and blessed by god. It's used by the devotees, to make wishes. It's also tied on wrist as a symbol of god, which heels and helps to protect one from evil's eye.
Anjali looked in her thali replied "Dadi lagta hai main wo ghar bhul aayi" she made a sorry face.
"Anjali tujhe kaha tha na ki aaj koi galti nahi... pata hai na aaj kitna zaroori tha... ab main kya chadhaongi yahan aur kaise uski kalaayi pe Kalawa bandhungi?" she reprimanded Anjali.
"Dadi..." Riddhima interjected "Agar aap chahe to ye mera 'Kalawa' le lijiye... maine abhi puja ki hai... ye shudh bhi hai aur iska chadhawa bhi diya hai maine abhi... aap chaho to ek baar phir ise chada ke, puja kar lo" she showed Dadi her own Kalawa.
"Arey lekin ye to tumhara hai... ye main kaise le sakti hu" Dadi replied.
"Koi baat nahi dadi... aapke liye jyada zaroori hai" she has sensed the tension in Dadi's voice. "maine to puja kar hi li hai na... aur waise bhi maine liya ya aapne, kya fark padta hai... ye to raksha ke liye bana hai na... jise jyada zaroorat hai, ye usi ki raksha karega... ye lijiye" she handed her the Kalawa.
"Sadaa kush raho beti..." dadi smiled taking the Kalawa from her "bhagwaan tumhe har museebat se bachaye..." she caressed her head.
Dadi did her puja, but didnt feel any need to get the Kalawa blessed again as she thought Riddhima has already done that, and somehow she knew that the Kalawa has already been blessed by god because of the pure girl besides her.
Once they were Dadi and Anjali dropped Riddhima her home and went back to their house.
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He saw gleaming green sea with a lot of questions floating in them. His hand moved up to touch the mesmerizing sea, but it was blocked by a layer of soft creamy silk... silk of her eyelid's skin. His fingers snaked over her forehead while her eyes fluttered open. His lips moved closure to her eyes. Those long eye lashes, the depth of those big beautiful eyes were so welcoming. He held two soft arms of the blurry face image in his hands and pulled her closer.
As he brought his face closer towards hers, a voice fell in his ear -
"Chachu... Chachu"
He wrenched and opened his eyes immediately. He saw Vaibhav sitting on his chest while he was holding his little arms in his big hands, with their face closely facing each other. Embarrased he immediately left Vaibhav's arms and sighed.
"Hey Buddy... tu yahan kya kar raha hai?" he asked rubbing his eyes.
"Main to aapko bulane aya tha... lekin aap ye kya kar rahe the?" Vaibhav narrowed his eyes.
"Main?... Wo... Main... Main kya kar raha tha... main to so raha tha." Armaan stammered.
"So rahe the ya phir pari dekh rahe the?" Vaibhav asked suspiciously.
It was the little 'SECRET' of Armaan's life. For last few years, a blurred image has been KIND-OF haunting his dreams. She was some angel or some sort of fairy princess he thought. Armaan didnt know why, but he felt some connection with her. His heart believed he will meet his dream girl one day. His hope to meet her someday was another reason for him to keep avoiding the topic of his marriage. He knew that it was a stupid and childish reason, especially for a matured and big business tycoon of 28, but his heart didnt agree. The boy within him who never got to a chance to dream fantasies in his teenage kept him pulling towards her. It was the only fantasy in his life which was he has nurtured for last many years.
He was a special man, a big Tycoon, but somewhere within even he was an ordinary guy too who had similar wishes like other men. He had dreamt of Love and passion in his life too. But unfortunately ever since his trust was broken, his desires got closed in a nut shell. His heart still craved for someone special, but the mind didn't allow him to let anyone near him. He flirted, joked, hung out and dated many girls, but his eyes keep searching for one specific soul which could melt away his pain, which could relax him, which will give him the love he was yearning for, with whom he could share his feelings, he could be himself.
Though it was a contrast to his personality to conceal his covets, but yes Armaan had suppressed and cevered his desires for such relationship. For the outer world he was a man who didn't care about commitment in an intimate relationship, but the truth was deep within he was still looking for someone who deserved his trust.
His dream girl was somehow an image created by his heart, which was a reflection of his desires. He never discussed her with anyone, not even with Atul. Only Vaibhav had some hint that his Chachu was being disturbed by some angelic girlish image. It was actually one day when Vaibhav had come to his room to wake him up, he heard Armaan murmuring about some girl in his dreams.
Armaan could hide anything from everyone, but could never lie to kids, especially Vaibhav. He told him that he saw an angel in his dream. Vaibhav always believed whatever his Chachu said, so it wasn't a big deal for him to trust on what Armaan told him. But now he also had a special reason to ask for Chocolates and bike ride bribe to keep the little secret to himself. Armaan had no problem with it. He happily offered him the bribes Vaibhav asked for.
"Achcha theek hai" Armaan sat up ad pulled Vaibhav on his lap "Thi... pari thi..."
"Chachu aap humesha us pari ko sapne mein dekhte ho... wo dikhti kaisi hai?"
"Pata nahi yaar..." Armaan sighed "uska chehra nazar nahi aata... but you know aaj maine ek nayi baat dekhi"
"Wo kya?" Viaibhav asked excitedly.
"Uski aankhen..." he paused "deep green eyes..." Armaan said dreamingly. "They looked like immeasurable sea of shiny green water... jinki gahrayi itni madhosh karne wali thi ki bas lagta tha ki usmein apne ko kho du... itni khubsurat aur masoom thi wo aankhen ki...... lagta tha jaise bas unhe dekhta hi rahu..." Armaan paused for a while and then almost whispered to himself "Kash wo aankhen main zindagi bhar dekh sakta... har waqt... har pal..."
Vaibhav saw him smiling to himself. He could not understand anything and didnt know why his chachu was smiling like that. He asked confusingly "Chachu aap kya bol rahe ho?" when Armaan didnt answer he called him again tapping Armaan's cheeks a"Chachu..." still no answer "CHACHU" finally he shouted in his ear.
Armaan came out of his daze and rubbed his ears "Kya kar raha hai yaar... kaan ke parde phadega kya?"
"Main kya karu aap jawaab hi nahin de rahe the" then suddenly something striked him "Chachu main ek baat bataon?"
"Haan bol na..."
"Maine bhi green eyes dekhi hain... ekdum beautiful" Vaibhav said with a wide smile.
"Achcha kahan aur kiski?" Armaan raised his brow.
"Angel ki..." he bent towards Armaan's ear and whispered "kisi ko nahi pata, but I have seen them... Angel's eyes are also green... bahut sundar hai wo bhi... aapki pari jaisi"
"Angel? Kaun Angel?" Armaan asked.
"Wo Angel mer-" but before he could continue, he was pulled back by his mother.
"Vibhi... bas bahut ho gaya... maine tumhe Armaan ko uthaane bheja tha aur tum khud hi yahan uske saath bed mein chad ke baithe ho" she turned towards Armaan "Armaan utho ab... Shubhankar uncle aaye hain... tumhe jana hai na aaj?"
"Hmm..." he nodded "bas 15 minutes"
"Tumhari packing to theek se ho gayi hai na? har baar ki tarah kuch bhul mat jana... phir wahan nayi cheezein khareedni padegi" she said.
"Kar to li hai... but..." he creased his nose "tum ek baar dekh lo na... I am not sure" he scratched his head.
"Wo to main dekh hi loongi... but now its time for you to get married Armaan... aakhir 'main' kab tak tumhari packing dekhti rahungi?" Anjali said opening his suitcase.
"Jab tak main hu tab tak dekhna padega... aur ismein meri shaadi ki baat kahan se aa gayi?" he stood up with his hands in his hips.
"Armaan... shaadi ki baat to aani hi hai na... Ye kaam tumhari biwi ka hai, mera nahi" Anjali said checking his suitcase.
"Whatever... you please check everything for the time being... I am getting late" he took his towel and went to the shower.
" 'I am getting late' " she mimicked him "To phir shaadi kyun nahi karta... main koi tumhari biwi ya personal maid nahi hu jo har baar tumhari packing karoongi" she shouted at his back.
"Bhabhi to ho" he peeked from the bathroom door "aur bhabhi maa samaan hoti hai..."
She threw his shirt towards him "Maa... my foot... this is the last time I am doing all this for you... next time onwards either do it yourself, or get yourself a wife..." she replied irritably.
"Theek hai... dekhte hain" he shouted back from the shower.
Anjali knew that they have to keep nagging him to convince him for the marriage, so whenever they got chance they wouldnt leave the opportunity to link it with his marriage issue.
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Armaan came down after the shower carrying his bag with him. He greeted his elders same way he always did by touching their feet and saying 'hellos' to others.
"Chalein Armaan" Shubhankar asked.
"Ji uncle... ok mom, dad, dadi... main chalta hu" he said.
"Ek minute..." dadi stopped him. Armaan turned towards her to see her holding a puja-ki-thali. She came forward and put a kum-kum teeka on his forehead, while he bent down keeping his right hand on his head to let her do so in respect. Then she wrapped the 'Kalaawa' she got from Riddhima's thali on his wrist while chanting some mantras, blessed him and gave him prasaad. She also gave him some puja-flowers. Armaan smiled seeing them as he remembered the dried flowers the little girl gave him. He caressed his bag where he had already kept those flowers in his bag. "Bhagwaan teri raksha kare" she finally said and kissed his forehead.
"Thanx dadi... aur aap bilkul bhi tension mat lena, I will be fine... aur mom aap bhi" he assured his dadi and Aarti too.
Aarti nodded "Sambhal ke jaana... Shubhankar bhaisaab, please dekhiye ye kahin jabardasti kisi musibat mein na phanse... waise bhi iski aadat hai, doosaron ke chakkar mein, khud ko bhul jaata hai..."
"Aap chinta mat kijiye bhabhi... I will keep a hawk eye on him" Shubhankar reassured them. With that they left for their destination.
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Hi Friends, i know that this wasnt the one you had expected, but i am a little tied up with soe problem so wasnt able to think of better. But i have disclosed the LITTLE SECRET of out Hero.
I am really greatful for all your support and comments and its only coz of them i try to update faster. Thanx a loads lovely friends 🤗 love you all a lot.
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Edited by Wild.Aimee - 15 years ago
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