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EPISODE FIFTY
"Damn..." he cursed slamming the door on his back as he left Riddhima's cabin. Walking to his desk he frowned as his foot hit the visitor's chair. "Ahh..." he kicked the chair in frustration. Sitting in his chair he rubbed his foot. "What was it? Why was she laughing? And why did I even go to her cabin? Mera dimaag kharaab hua tha." he started speaking to himself, "Naa mera kyun dimaag kharaab hua ismein, maine kya kiya?"
He stood up and placing his hands on his hips walked towards the couch, "Ye ladki pagal hai, she is mad, totally mad... I mean she was sleeping in the office during office hours and when I demand explanation, she LAUGHS. She laughs as if I am some stupid looking idiot camel or... or giraffe... or-or a... arghhh... see now I cant even recall the name of that thing..." he groaned.
~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Riddhima came back to her cabin after composing herself. She looked around, Armaan wasn't not in there. Then she remembered that he came to her cabin, it means he must have come to talk about something important, otherwise he has never walked into her cabin at his own. She bit her tongue "Arey baap re, I think he dropped in for some work, and I started laughing like an idiot. I think I should go and check him." She took her notepad and pen and went to see him.
~~~~~~~~~
Armaan was still busy conversing with himself. "I mean I went there to wake her up..." he paused for a moment, "Wake her up? But I didn't even know she was sleeping... then why did I go there?" he scratched his brow in confusion and then he remembered again, "Oh yes, I went there for some work... yes some work... I went there some work and she laughed. Agreed that her laughter is very cute, like a child..." he said dazely, but then shrugging off added immediately "Ahem-ahem... but that doesn't mean she can laugh at me..." Adjusting his shirt's collar he continued, "I am Armaan... The Handsome Armaan, and nobody laughs at me... Nobody. And whoever laughs at Armaan Malik needs to pay. Yes... Yes Miss Gupta now you will have to pay for it." He decided.
Riddhima knocked the door, but he didn't respond after even after two attempts.
"Looks like Mr. Armaan Malik have become habitual of not responding to my door knocks." She derided. "And then he cries 'don't you think you have got to knock at the door before barging in?.'" she mimicked. "As if I am unacquainted with the protocols. Oh god, please knock some good sense in the Irritating man." She said looking up at the roof.
She didn't make another attempt knowing that if he didn't respond by now, he is not going to respond to her further knockings, so she opened the door herself and peeked in. She called him "Sir..." he still didn't reply. Sighing she decided to walk in without waiting for his permission. He is already mad, how more can he get. She has now gotten used to of his stupid rejoins.
As she moved through the glass partition in front of the door, she saw him marching to and forth like a restless tiger. Armaan walked to his table, then back to the couch, then again back to his table. He repeatedly strolled from one corner to the other while her eyes followed him. She shook her head; he is not going to change. Moving ahead she stood close to the visitor's chair.
As he turned around she bumped into him. Riddhima managed not to fall by holding the chair, but it was a sudden jolt for Armaan. Seeing her behind, he tried not to bump into her and in the process lost his balance coz of which fell on his back landing hard on the floor.
***THUMP***
"Ufff..." he groaned.
Looking at him falling she held her hand out to hold and save him from falling, but got a little late in doing so, he has already landed on the floor by that time. He made a face while she let out a smirk. Hearing the soft suppressed smirking sound, he looked up at her standing in front of him with straightened but yet an obviously amused face. He glared at her while she turned her head right, folding her arms trying not to laugh.
He held the rolling chair to get up, but it slid away and he landed on the floor again his butt hitting hard the concrete beneath him. Riddhima, who was already at the edge of her control, burst out laughing aloud. Armaan looked up and saw her laughing, and tried to get off the floor once again, but his exasperative mood didn't let him succeed, so he fell again. It only added fuel to the fire as she continued laughing holding her note-pad.
"Yeh kya ho raha hai bhai...?" They turned towards the voice and found Atul standing besides the glass partition with his left hand raised above to rest his elbow against the partition while his other hand was on his right hip. He was holding a file in his left hand leaning sideways over the partition. His legs were crossed one over the other.
"Atul Bh... Sir, wo..." Riddhima started but stopped in mid as he stared at them. She didn't know what to say so just glanced back at Armaan and then back at Atul.
Atul raised his brow wittily looking at Armaan who was still sitting on the floor.
Armaan grumbled and tried to get up once again, but due to frustration he fell all over again. "Damn..." he cursed as his butt banged 4th time in a row, his body refused to help him in his gnash attempts.
Riddhima who has gotten quite by this time looked at Atul who was now laughing hard while Armaan threw his hands in air sitting on the floor giving up to try further. There was no use of trying at the moment. He was too frustrated and annoyed to do anything... even getting up from the floor.
Armaan has been very confused about so many things ever since the day he rescued Riddhima from Vivek. For the first time in his life a strange feeling has started badgering him. But his visit to Aradhyapur has helped him a lot to compose himself in last few days. He has been feeling quite relaxed. Today when he came to the office, he was quite chilled out and at rest, but his fate has decided to make a fool of him. So as he went to see Riddhima in her cabin, she started laughing at him out of the blue.
It has never happened before that anyone else apart from his family has laughed at him. At times he does silly things to make his friends and family happy and even for the kids at Ashraya. But, in the current mood it is irritating for him to see a girl laughing at himself, especially the one whose responses bothered him.
And right at the moment, he is slammed on the floor... on his butt... and he isnt even able to get back on his feet. All thanks to Madam Gupta...
Aahhh, its paining man... he grimaced inwardly adjusting himself on the floor.
Armaan saw Atul laughing horribly loud seeing his state while Riddhima stood in front with her head turned away trying to hide her amusement.
"Kya hua Armaan, what are you doing down there?" Atul asked strolling ahead when he saw him settling on the ground, giving up his attempts to get up.
"What do you think?" he answered by questioning back crabbily.
"Hmm, let me think." Atul stopped in his track pretending to think while rubbing his chin, "Yes, I got it. It is coz you are researching on what it means to be a down-to-earth person by feeling it closer to your butt, right?" he laughed again walking towards Armaan.
"Yeah right..." Armaan said sarcastically.
"See, I am always right. So now on you will be sitting on the floor all through your work... right?" Atul sat on his toes near him on the ground ad infinitum joking on him while checking out his exasperated condition.
"Go away Bhai..." Armaan gritted crossly.
"Mhmm..." he dissented and got up again still rubbing his chin as if thinking, "Waise... I agree with your decision. Buzurgon ne bhi to kaha hai ki ye Dharti hamari maa hai, aur maa ki god mein swarg hota hai. To ek tarah se tu to swarg mein baitha hai is waqt. Tu to swarg-wasi..." Atul couldn't complete his sentence feeling a palm over his mouth. He turned his head to see Riddhima who has placed her hand over his mouth immediately before he could complete. As she removed her hand from his lips, he gave her a questioning look.
"Aisa nahin kahte Sir." She stated simply in a serious way nodding her head sideways.
"Kai..." before Atul could even finish his word and ask her what does she mean, the meaning of his own words sank in and he comprehended what she was trying to say. Realization struck him and he sobered thinking through what was he about to enunciate. He turned his head away hiding his face as his eyes felt getting wet all of a sudden in guilt. How could he do that? How could he say such a sore thing? He should have thought once before commenting. Atul got up and turned around to leave.
Armaan, who was in a huff till now, looked up as he heard Atul go quite with his sentence trailing in the middle. What made him leave his sentence unfinished? He saw Riddhima and Atul looking at each other. She had a sober don't-say-that expression while Atul was clearly puzzled with her reaction.
Armaan was surprised to see Riddhima's palm over Atul's mouth. Why did she do that? He saw her removing her hand as Atul asked her silently what is it about, to which she answered back politely in one little sentence telling him that he shouldn't say that. In less than a moment Atul's expression changed all of a sudden as he realized what it was about that Riddhima had stopped him from saying.
Armaan too understood the meaning of the words, and knew that Atul never meant it that way. He was just teasing him. Reality is that, if given a chance Atul can do anything for Armaan. He is the best brother anyone could have in this world and they are both proud of each other and their relationship. He felt Atul's eyes welling up in guilt. As Atul turned around to leave, he held his hand to stop him.
Feeling Armaan's grip on his hand, Atul stopped, but didn't turn around. Armaan got up from the floor still holding Atul's hand. It was something he did intentionally to show that Atul is his support. Atul's fist balled in remorse as he felt Armaan come in front to face him... his tears threatening to betray him.
"Bhai..." Armaan made him sit on the chair, "Look at me..." he saw Atul still not looking at him "Please bhai..." he requested making Atul look back at him. Atul saw a soft smile on his face as he sat in front holding his hand. Then he heard him say, "I know what you are thinking... I am very unhappy with you for thinking something like that."
"I am so..." Atul mumbled, but Armaan stopped him again.
"Don't say that... There is no need to say sorry bhai. I know you never meant it that way. You were just teasing me' and to tell you the truth, I was a little annoyed with you for teasing me... not because of those words, but coz I was already in a grumpy disposition when you came in. I know that you can never mean to offend or hurt me in anyways."
"But Armaan... still... I should have thought atleast once before saying it. How could I say such a hideous thing just like that?" Atul grimaced tearfully.
"Atul... You don't have to. You don't have to think about anything before taking to me. Our relationship is not one of those think-and-talk types. You know that right? So its not at all an issue. Why are you feeling guilty about such a tiny silly thing? Since when you started getting emotional about such baseless stuffs?" He gripped Atul's hands tightly, "You have always been there all the time... for me and with me, whenever I wanted anyone's support. You are the one who always propped all my decisions. You were the one who helped me to calm and relax whenever I felt loaded with burdens. You are the one who always makes me feel that I am not alone in this world. Its only coz of you and our family that I have been able to become what I am today. You are there for me and will always be there, I know it and I trust you for that. You are always to give me your hand whenever I have fall..." to lighten the mood he added chuckling lightly, "...just like the way you did 5 minutes back..." he pointed towards the floor remind him that how he wasn't able to get up but could manage it only by holding Atul's arm.
Atul smiled weakly at his justification. He knew that Armaan was saying this on purpose to alleviate him. He heard Armaan continue with the same pleasant smile he has always seen on his face, "You are not only my friend and brother bhai, but also my bestest support... my pain-soother..." he said looking into his eyes, "...annoying at times..." Atul's eyes widened a little at his comment to which Armaan chuckled humorously and then added, "...but yet the most adorable brother in the whole world. And damn on me if my big brother feels guilty just coz of a few lame words, which he said without even meaning them." He chuckled softly kissing back of Atul's hands in a brotherly way.
Riddhima who was standing besides them all the time witnessing the emotional interaction between the two brothers brought a glass of water and held it in front of them. Armaan took the glass from her without looking at her and gave it to Atul.
Atul took the glass and sipped twice from it. Then he looked up and smiled back with tears still beaming in his eyes. This time they weren't the tears of regret but proud and affection towards his younger best buddy. He knew that Armaan is right. Maybe he was overreacting as he didn't mean it that way. But he still felt he should have thought before saying such harsh and displeasing words. He hugged him all of a sudden while Armaan patted his back like a big brother for a change. Seconds later they parted. Atul smiled but kept quite still thinking about what he said with his expressions changing for obvious reason.
Armaan noticed Atul smile and then again getting somber. He continued narrowing his eyes, "Tujhe zaraa bhi sharam nahin aayi na?"
"Kya?" Atul stared at him in confusion.
"Main wahan zameen pe gira hua tha, and rather than picking me up... you started laughing at me. Main kya hasne ki cheez hu?" He complained grimacely.
Atul chuckled wiping his eyes on seeing his comical expressions, "Ohh..."
"Ohh kya? I am still mad at you for laughing at me. You think it was a joke? You made me look like a fool in my own office." He left Atul's hands and rubbed his butt with his hands making a funnily painful face. "Aah abhi bhi dukh raha hai yaar... Aahh..."
"Chal saale nautanki..." Atul slapped his cheek, "Kahan aur kitna dukh raha hai, main sab jaanta hu. Thoda sa girne se, tujhe bhi kabhi lag sakti hai, what a joke?" he laughed.
"Nautanki? You mean I am acting. As in A-C-T-I-N-G." Armaan looked at him in mocking surprise, "Tujhe pata nahin kitna dukhta hai, jab yahan lagti hai..." He rubbed his butt again.
"Achcha?" Atul raised his brow, "Ab naatak band karm, bahut ho gaya kameene."
"I am hurt bhai... sach mein, tujhe meri takleef ki zaraa bhi parwaah nahin hai na?" he made a dramatically hurt face seeing which Riddhima giggled remembering the daily soap scene once again. He is behaving like a typical drama-king. Hearing her giggle Armaan looked up to see her, a pleasant smile playing on her lips. She looked quite amused. Wearing a serious expression he spoke to her, "Tum..." he called her, "Tum ab tak yahin khadi ho?"
"Huh?" her attention turned to him.
"Maine kaha, tum abhi tak yahan se gayi nahin?" he got up facing her, "Tumhe sharam nahin aati kisi ki private aur emotional baatien sunte hue..."
"Nahin wo... actually main..."
"Nahin, wo, actually... kya huh? Have you forgotten all your manners or is it one of the thing on your current activity schedule to put your ear in between other people's talks?" he mocked. He was back to his old self.
It was her turn to frown, "What do you mean? You think I was snooping around? Main kya sabki baatien chupke-chupke sun ne wali lagti hu? "
"Well... I cant help it. Right now you are acting like one of those..." Armaan folded his arms arrogantly over his chest.
"Really? In that case I think you should get some sense Mr.Malik. For your kind information I came here for some work and that too much before you started your stupid and silly dramatic performance. And by the way, why would I be interested in listening to your conversation? Whats in there for me?" She replied getting equally vigorous forgetting where she is.
"Stupid and silly dramatic performance? You call it that? Factually 'I' think instead of me, YOU are the one who should buy some sense. If I knew where the souk is for such things, I would have personally gone there to buy some good load for you, coz you need quite a colossal of that. To my misfortune I don't know the address, but I am making a note of it that I try to find it ASAP. And as I said earlier maybe its your favorite pass-time habbit to try and overhear other people talking." He barked at her.
"What? How dare you say that?" she fumed.
"How dare I? I CAN dare anything and everything. This is MY office. And, if you really are that smart, then when we were talking here, you should have left leaving us alone. Don't you think that would have been a better idea, instead of standing here and listening to our discussion?" he taunted again.
"Oh really? And can you give me one simple reason why I should have done that when I came here for YOUR work? I had no interest in whatsoever you were discussing. Besides its not like you were into some confidential dialogues with Atul bhaiya. And if you had so problem with me standing here, then YOU should have told me to leave. I would have been more than just happy to leave." In fury she forgot that Armaan is her boss and they are still in their office. She also forgot that she usually never refers Atul as 'bhaiya' in front of Armaan.
"I should have told you? Are you a school kid, who needs to be guided for every tiny thing? Beta ye kaam aise karo... Some things are self-understood Miss. Gupta. Don't you have your own brains? What sort of grown up you call yourself when you cant even do such simple thing?"
"Your sort of I think... precisely speaking, you should also drop your head instead of pulling it up like a stupid camel, coz even you don't sound like a grown up."
Atul who has calmed down by now looked at them fighting with each other like 7 year olds. His eyes were altering between the two most adorable people in his life... but right now they were behaving like super-silly kiddos. He felt as if he is watching some tennis match where you have to keep twisting you head left to right and then back again to start, in order to follow the ball.
He saw Riddhima. This girl is 27 years old. She is the ES-PA of Owner cum Chairperson of the Biggest Business Group of the country. She is supposed to be calm, cool headed person which she is... but isnt she supposed to be an obedient employee as well?
Well, she is an obedient and sincere employee; nevertheless what can she do if her boss is Armaan Malik, the craziest mogul anyone has ever seen. Atul argued with himself in her support. Anyways, its actually not her fault that her wits get provoked by Armaan's silly comments so easily. She is so innocent to understand his witty jabs. Anjali once has said right about her, no matter how old Riddhima is, she still is a kid.
His eyes wandered towards Armaan. And look at him... he was looking so much like Lord Budha when he came back from Aradhyapur... like he has never ever even raised his voice on anyone, forget about physical tussles. He was so calm, composed, in an extremely poised state of mind as if a dinosaur sized peace virus has chomped his head... his sereneness was hinting that he will never ever shout on anyone once again in his life, nor will he raise a finger to hurt any life even if its a nasty and hateful hoodlum. His whole body-language gave an impression like he has taken some oath for non-violence and he will be in peace forever...
And NOW? All of a sudden, don't know what happened to him. He is back again into his old mode. Same old mischievious and cranky boss, who at times love to annoy a specific lot of people. He is behaving as if this is the most important and enjoyable task left on earth for him... irritating the poor little girl in front, out of no reason.
Their banter is sounding like the Tiger, who was dozing off, is roaring blasts at his Tigress coz of a sudden break in his unsatisfied snooze.
What has gotten into him? Atul thought. Riddhima has named him correctly... Mr.Irritating Malik. He deserves the denotion.
For god's sake, the guy is over 29 years old. He is 'the Owner' and 'the Chairperson' of Marvels, the greatest Business Tycoon of the country. He is supposed to behave sensibly professional... atleast while at work. But look at him... What is doing instead? He is FIGHTING... like a KID... with his ES-PA... in his own OFFICE. Gosh... what is wrong with him? He has been behaving so strangely for last few weeks that anyone will have to consume all their gray cells (and might have to borrow some from others too) to understand what is going on in 'his' mind.
Atul held his head in response to their louder getting voices. How do I stop these two overgrown kids? Though he himself was kind off enjoying this silly wit-blowing session between the two, but he needed to stop them. He wasn't worried about Omang or Rahul reactions in case they came there, but there are others who work in this office too. He needs to do something before anyone from the staff comes over.
What will their staff think of them? It wont leave a good impression on the staff. Being the topmost representatives of the company they have to be as strict as possible, atleast in front of their employees. He saw them continuing. By now, Riddhima and Armaan were standing facing each other straight... fighting nose to nose.
"Will you guys STOP this cat-dog right away?" Atul raised his voice to interrupt their important task. Ceasing immediately Armaan and Riddhima turned towards his louders than usual voice. "Guys, if you have forgotten, then let me remind you, this is O-F-F-I-C-E..." he spelt the word, "...So if don't mind me interrupting, please shut-up before anyone from the staff comes over and gets the gossip for the day." he shook his head in indignation, "And by the way, my opinion says that its not any 'one' of you, but 'both' of you should get some sense."
Riddhima stood straight looking down surreptitiously, "I am sorry bhaiya..." she mumbled and taking her notepad she walked back into her cabin embarrassed.
Atul saw her disappear and turned his attention to Armaan, who was still standing in the same position when he was fighting with Riddhima, the only difference was that he was now standing alone. Armaan's eyes followed Riddhima as she left and didn't leave the sight of the door even after she was gone.
Atul checked out Armaan from top to bottom. Though he shouted at Armaan and Riddhima just a moment ago... angrily... but he wasn't actually angry at them. In fact he was enjoying their little stupid senseless squabble. If it was only Omang and Rahul, he would have never bothered to stop them, but this is the office and the other people working there wont acquire a good impression, if they see their bosses tongue fighting like this. Marvels is more like a family for everyone from Armaan himself to the cleaning staff of the company, but they still need to maintain some decorum for the sake of professionalism. So he needed to raise his voice to call off the battle.
Armaan has quitened by now, but he was still wearing the same bantering expression. His tightened, but yet softened face showed that despite of being the fact he was into a combat with Riddhima, he was still enjoying his feisty session with her.
Atul noticed a strange look on his face. There was anger, but not the typical anger... he didn't look mad or angry at Riddhima. There was amusement... of course he sounded amused when he was tongue scuffling with her. There was irritation... which doesn't seem to be an outcome of loathness but of... fondness... fondness, yes of course, fondness to have a hand with her. There was a childish tenacity... I-wont-give-up-coz-i-am-the-boss-but-you-should types.
Atul's mind got diverted when he heard the phone ringing. He picked up the call "Yes... no, this is Atul Joshi speaking... Yeah... Mr.Malik is there with me, you wanna speak to him?... ok... hold on for a second." He turned to Armaan, "Armaan, its for you..."
Armaan took the phone from him, "Hello... yes... ok... I remember... no, I discussed all that with my Financial Head, Mr.Gupta and he will be looking after the financial matters of this project... hmm... Well, I cant say anything about it right now coz first my Legal Department will have brush their hands on it... ok... send the papers to my office... alright then..." he placed the phone down and saw Atul thinking about something.
Atul looked up to find him staring at him, "Ho gaya?" Armaan nodded. Atul asked him, "So?"
"So what?" Armaan asked picking up a file from the side ridge of the bookshelf.
"Is there anyone here who can explain what was happening a few minutes back?"
"Wo... it was nothing... just usual crap." Armaan shrugged knowing that he was referring to his banter with Riddhima, but he wasn't any mood to discuss it. Reason... he knew, it may lead to a string of questions and he himself wasn't too sure about so many things at the moment.
"Ok, I will buy that for now considering the fact you are 'busy'." He pointed towards a number of files and CDs piled up on his table waiting to be inspected, "But is this a new way you have discovered to speak to a girl?" Atul questioned seriously.
Armaan looked away trying to show as if he is busy reading his file. He knew what may come and he didn't have an answer to that.
"Armaan... I am talking to you. Look here..." Armaan turned back to him as Atul commanded him, "Sit down." Armaan went to his chair and sat there like an obedient kid while Atul continued back in his big-brother mode, "Now tell me what is it? Tell me why you behaved so stupidly strange with Riddhima? What did she do?"
"I told you na bhai, its nothing... She is just..." he trailed now feeling uneasy of his own actions.
"She is what huh? Armaan, I have never seen you fight with anyone like this, that too on such silly thing... and what surprises me the most, that its a 'girl' you behaved in such a mannerless way..." Atul pointed towards Riddhima's cabin, "You better keep yourself under control and check your behaviour next time. Riddhima is no an ordinary girl or just another employee. She is one of our best employees and not to forget, Rahul's, our 'closest' friend's sister. You understand that?" He rebuked him.
Armaan looked up apologetically, "I know... And I am sorry bhai..." he mumbled.
"Well you should be saying that to her. But its ok..." he sighed, "Anyways lets leave it here. We have got too much work to finish before Minnie's wedding. Here is the file with all the details of lands we have short-listed for our new plant." He slid the file towards Armaan, "Have a good look on them, and once you decide which one you like, update me about it. We got to rush construction work of the plant ASAP, else the projects we aspire to win in future will go off hands... And if possible instead of wasting your time on stupid things, do it by tommorow coz we dont have much time on Saturday, since its Minnie's engagement and considering the fact she will be strangling you if you don't give her your full time."
"Ok bhai, I will check it right away." He chuckled remembering Minnie's warning about her engagement. Atul left his cabin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riddhima came back to her cabin cletching her notepad tightly. She was feeling a little uneasy about the way she behaved a little ago. She had completely forgotten that she was exchanging blows with Armaan in front of Atul. Yes they did have had some bickering and arguing in front of Atul or Rahul earlier as well, but they were always short-lived and were mostly regarding work. She knew she have crossed her limits today by retorting her boss in front of another senior. But come what may, she didn't actually feel guilty about it. Somewhere she felt that she was meant to witness that scene between the two guys.
Atul was more like Rahul for her and she never felt the need of behaving like a typical professional around him. He is as protective for her as Rahul and she likes him that way. He was surely an adorable brother and a wonderful human being. She always feels home when he is around. He talks and behaves with her like she is family. She can discuss anything with him, even those things which she cant discuss with Rahul. Though Rahul love her a lot, but he will often scold her when she behaves insanely unprofessional in office, especially with Armaan.
Rahul is a strict professional and he advices her to be one with her seniors, in professional circle and especially with the boss. Riddhima knew he is absolutely right. She always obeys him on that ground and never behaves unprofessionally with anyone at work. Armaan, Atul and Omang knows it that Rahul sometimes act formally coz he don't want to cross lines of professionalism... besides he think no matter what they say, Armaan and his family is still his Boss. They know that Rahul is a self-respecting man and doesn't want anyone to think that he takes advantage of being boss's close friend. That is why he intensionally keeps distance to some level and advices Riddhima to do so as well. Even though not completely, but Riddhima also understands this fact to some extent.
Conversely, when it comes to Atul, Omang and Armaan, Rahul's advice seems to dwindle for Riddhima. She tries to maintain a proper level of professionalism with the trio in front of others, but otherwise she never felt the need of acting formal with them; neither has the three men ever tried to make her do so. Yes Armaan do mess up with her and ask her to behave in a certain way, but its only to tease her, which she knows very well. They liked her the way she is and she is aware of this. These three men, though are not related to her in anyways, give her a sense of belonging. She in no way undergo uncomfort, when any of them are around.
Atul is quite different from Rahul. He never tries to hold her for anything. Not when she interrupts any discussions, not when she come late to the office (which she has never done except once or twice a t the most), not when she argues with Armaan, not even when she speaks informally with him or Omang. In fact many times, Atul joins her in teasing Armaan. He cracks jokes with her about their 'boss'. For her, Atul is the warmest person around and she loves the way he pampers her, as if she is his little sister. Its not that Rahul never pampers her, but his style of doing so is different from Atul. Rahul is a little formal in his actions, whereas Atul has always been informal with her even though she is his brother's employee and isnt related to him.
For most of the people conduct of the two men, Atul and Rahul, might be against some laws or we can say somewhat ironical. People might expect them to behave opposite ways with Riddhima... means Soft Rahul (as he is blood related to Riddhima) and Strict Atul (coz he is a senior to her)... but it is a beautiful contradiction of fate, that they are other ways round. Yes its not the same in home, but when in office, Rahul sounds like a professional or a senior to Riddhima... on the other hand, whether its home or office, Atul is always a softener. In fact, at times when he finds Rahul reprimanding Riddhima about something, he prefers to support Riddhima instead.
It is probably Atul's easy going nature and the way she has gotten so close to him encouraged her to dare and speak so openly in front of him with anyone... even if its their boss, Armaan. She never feels the need to think and speak with him.
She looked at the Atul standing at the door asking for her permission to come in.
"Am I allowed to interrupt your meditation session Ma'am." He teased.
"Atul bhaiya, ab aap bhi..." she whined and then smiled, "Please come in. You don't need to ask for my permission to enter."
"Well, I thought you might be busy... and its not good to interrupt anyone working." He said while taking his seat.
"You are right, but I wasn't busy. I have finished all my work hours ago."
"Hey, thats great... So you can enjoy rest of your day gossiping in canteen with other girls then..." he joked.
"I don't gossip." She stated.
"Why? Don't you like to Gossip. Gossiping is a good practice you see, as it helps you understand other people's personality sometimes. I am sure you know that its Anjali and Muskaan's favorite hobby." He smiled widely.
"Ya, I know... I have heard them many times chatting over the phone for hours. I don't know what all they talk about? I mean, how can somebody talk so much over the phone? I have never in my life have spoken to anyone for more than 5 minutes on phone." She replied.
"Oh, they aren't you sweetie, they are Anjali and Muskaan..." he laughed, "You should have tried to ask them, what all they talk about? I am sure they would be obliged to have another innocent player in the game. Or maybe you should have tried to hear yourself?" he suggested cheekily.
"You mean like snooping around?" she asked while Atul nodded in yes, "You think I didn't try that?" she leaned ahead and continued in a low voice more like a loud whisper. Atul too leaned ahead listening with interest, "As a matter of fact, I did..." they both giggled, "You know what bhaiya, I know it's a bad habbit, but one day I got curious and I tried to overhear what all Anjali bhabhi and Muskaan bhabhi talk about..." Atul raised his brow in amusement, "...but unfortunately I couldnt work out even 10 percent of what they were talking about. I think they have developed some code language to chat with each other. It all went over my head. Same happens when I am with other girls in our office..." She revealed innocently scratching her head with a glint of disappointment.
So sweet, Atul thought. She is really cute and innocent, "Hmm... then what if you don't understand everything. Gossips are not meant to be understood. I mean there isnt much in there to understand and adopt. All you need to do is observe other people and react in the same way as others. When they laugh, you also laugh... when they grimace, you do the same... thats it... As simple as that." He encouraged.
"Achcha, and what if I don't understand something and they toss on me a question on the same? Then what should I do? Laugh or grimace, or make a fool of myself?" she pouted.
"Hahaha..." he laughed, "Well, thats the most important question."
"I know it is..."
"You know what I do in such situations?" he asked to which she leaned forward in curiosity, "I try to change the topic or divert their mind somewhere else."
"Wow, thats a smart idea." She replied thoughtfully tapping her chin.
"Of course it is..." he chortled again while she too accompanied him doing the same. Moments later, sombering a little he continued, "Riddhima... I need to talk to you about something."
"Haan boliye na." She smiled.
"Riddhima... I am sorry..." As he apologized, she looked up questioningly, "...about Armaan's behaviour." He clarified.
"Ohh... Its ok bhaiya, you don't have to apologize... its nothing to be bothered about."
"Thanks for being so considerate Riddhima, but I think Armaan shouldn't have behaved like that. He should have been a little sensible while talking to you."
"Bhaiya, why are you apologizing on his behalf? He is the one who behaved like a moron, you didn't. Why are you feeling guilty? Please don't embarrass me by apologizing. I am younger than you. Aap hi kahte ho na ki main aapki choti behen jaise hu..."
Atul smiled, "I appreciate your humbleness and I am glad you didn't take it on your heart. I know Armaan should be the one apologizing and not me, but he is like that only. He might be the owner of this company, a big business tycoon, but at the same time he is such a stupid child... talk childishly, fight like a baby, keeps getting cranky and all. But please don't misunderstand him. He never means to offend or belittle you. But you are right, he could be one big moron sometimes. I hope you will forgive him for that..." He asked expectantly.
"Bhaiya, I know he argues like a fool..." she pouted cutely, "...but thats ok, its his daily routine, an unchangeable habit. I have gotten quite used to it by now. Don't worry about it." She laughed. "However..." she paused for a moment and then continued, "...its not completely his fault." She tried to neautralize things, "...in one sense, he was right, I should have left you guys alone. Instead I kept standing there listening to your conversation." crinkling her nose she added, "I don't remember everything you guys talked about, coz I was too busy grasping the fact that Mr.Irritating can even talk calm..." she giggled, "...yet it was something personal and I shouldnt have acted nosy by witnessing it." She added apologetically, "...and I don't think there is anything in there, for which I should be forgiving 'him'..."
Atul was surprised to see her defending Armaan. He was rather expecting her to talk about how-irritating-her-boss-is, which she mostly does, but he never imagine her defending Armaan's reaction. He genuinely feel that Armaan should have been little smooth with her. Now that she said all these smoothing words, he can see it in her eyes that its not something she is saying out of formality, but it is an earnest and natural reaction. It is a small thing, but he noticed she actually meant it while supporting Armaan's stand... ever so innocently.
"Kya hua bhaiya?" she saw him not replying.
"Huh?" he came back from his thoughts.
"Kya hua? You look lost... and surprised?"
"Oh, wo... Nothing. Actually I was thinking how come you didn't talk about how-irritating-he-is and instead you are supporting his behaviour."
"I am not supporting his behaviour... its just, for once in a life time, he was right to some extent." She said and leaned forward adding in a low voice, "You know what bhaiya, I have heard that some guys don't like to cry or get emotional in front of girls. They feel that such behavior robs off their manhood. And I think our boss is also one of them."
"What? You really think like that?" Atul looked amused at her reply.
"err... I don't know..." She shrugged unsurely, "Actually, when I was arguing with him, I didn't think from this point of view, otherwise I had stopped right away. But when I came back and gave it a thought, I realized, that this could be one of the reason he rebuked me for such a small thing. Maybe he was afraid that he would cry and I will see him like that and will tell other people that Mr.Armaan Malik, the tycoon... cried." She laughed unpretentiously.
"Ooooohhh... so its like that?"
"Yes, it is like that." She reiterated.
"Hmm..." Atul sighed. He was relieved that Riddhima was normal and had no problem with Armaan's conduct. "Good, I am relieved. Atleast I don't have to worry about our office furniture, its kind of expensive you see. Everything is sorted... Ok then, you carry on. I have lot of work to do. Minnie's engagement is approaching and she is gonna kill us if we work on her big day."
"She surely will. She has already threatened me with an ultimatum to be with her whole day on this Saturday. It took me almost an hour to assure her that I wont be working that day." She saw Atul get up and asked before he leaves, "Bhaiya, has Omang uncle come today?"
"He told me that he will be coming today, but I didn't see him till now. You need to check it with Julie. Anything important?" he asked.
"Yes... VERY." She replied and saw Atul raising his brow with his eyes brightening while he glanced at the lunch on her table. She added quickly, "Its not for you today bhaiya, its only for Uncle. I have something very important to discuss with him and this is my aid to woo him."
"Oh, so its a bribe?" he questioned.
"You can call it that. But if he didn't do what I am gonna be asking him, this will be mailed to you instead of him and he will be bared from this forever." Atul showed his teeth smiling widely. She added again, "But I am sure, you would pray to god for me that he does what I tell him, coz its VERY-VERY IMPORTANT." She stressed on last three words.
Atul pointed something serious in her voice, so he nodded, "Ok, I will pray for you, but you have to bring some for me too... tommorow. And its not a condition to pray for you, but an order." He commanded affectionately.
"OK SIR..." She saluted him like a cadet while giggling.
"See you later then."
"Bye bhaiya." She waved as he left.
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Hi Friends... i am back with a very late update. I can see that many of you have already lost their interest in the story. I am not getting many responses these days. But i am really grateful to all those who are still supporting and encouraing me with their regular and lovely responses. I dedicate this episode to all those friends, who have never left my side ever since the story started.
This one is the last episode on this thread as i am thinking of posting the next episode, episode 51 in a new thread which i will be creating very soon once i get all the responses to this episode.
I typed this short message at my own today. It took me over half and hour to do so... lol š... but i loved doing so. Its been a really long time. I types this message on Tejas's laptop and then she transferred it to my PC. She will be posting it on my behalf. Bye for now... Love you all...š¤
Loads of Love
*** Aimee ***
P.S. - dis is Aimeez fren (Tejasvi) replin on hr behlf........ shes feelin betta nw & cn type at hr own........... bt she hs probs wid hr ribs n back........ & she cnt sit on ne oder chair excpt hr whelchair wich doent allow hr use a pc................. so m doin d replies on hr behlf.......... sorry 4 ne mistks........... shez there wid me........... (Tejasvi)
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Edited by Wild.Aimee - 15 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Book Talk
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