Mere Apne3(AR) - Epi51-70 - Note on Pg151 - Page 32

EPISODE SIXTY

Then as he realized, that he is finally seeing her eyes... so closely, he got surprised. Don't know what happened to him after that, he was lost. Everything around him faded away... disappearing somewhere. He was drowning into the depth of those captivating pair of olive-green eyes.

Her hand slowly went down and found its place over 'his' heart. She felt strangely effected as she felt a loud heart-beat under her palms. Her brain, which was struggling to keep her stay alert, tried to pull her hand away, but her hands felt jammed over his heart. She didn't move it away.

He didn't know what was happening around him... She forgot where they were... He forgot why has he come there... she failed to remember what was she doing a minute ago. He was lost in a strange passion he has been feeling for the past many months. She was witnessing this new passionate emotion for the first time, which although was new to her, but still seemed familiar and close to her heart.

They stood in the same way, with one of her hand on his heart, while other on his right shoulder for support. One of his arms wrapped around her thin waist, while other held in the air a little below her chin. Don't know how many minutes passed that way... and don't know for how long they might have kept standing in the same postion... lost in each other's eyes, if only that digital sound hadn't disturbed them.

Her phone started ringing all of a sudden. Riddhima was the one who broke the gaze, she was locked in. She blinked slowly and felt something wrapped around her waist. She squinted, and glanced down only to find his arm holding her closely. Her already shallow beathing almost stopped for a moment as she realized the position they were in. Feeling nervous, she started squirming under his hold while making sure not to look back in his captivating blue orbs.

When he didn't buzz for next few seconds, she called him softly, "S-sir..." he didn't respond, "Sir..." she called a little louder and looked up at his face for a moment. She saw his smile getting wider. Why is he smiling? She thought. What is he doing? Then called again, "A-Armaan..." a little more loudly this time, shivering slightly under his immovable gaze.

Armaan felt some movements under his arm wrapped around her waist. He felt a fabric rubbing against his skin. It was the net fabric of her choli that covered her tummy and back of waist-line. He felt the fabric slide away and a smooth and soft skin rubbing against his. He smiled to himself. Then some sound started disturbing his 'important' session. Finally he heard someone calling his name a little loudly.

"ARMAAN..." she shrieked loudly.

"Huh?" he came out of his daze, looking at her casually.

She narrowed her eyes, her voice quivering a little, "A-Armaan..." he looked at her questioningly as if asking 'What?'. She signaled downward, through her eyes towards his arm that was holding her, as she was struggling to get out of his grip, using both her hands by now.

Armaan was confused. He looked downward carelessly and then looked back at her face, "Kya?" he asked, not able to understand what is she referring to.

This time, tired of his sillyness, she slapped his arm around her as tightly as she could. "Armaan..." she whinned.

Armaan now realized that she was struggling to get out of his strong grip. "Oh..." he left her at once. Though she was asking him to leave her, but she didn't realize that he will leave her all of a sudden. Loosing her balance she was about to fall backward, when she found herself in his arms again. He held her back again, when he felt her falling into the bathtub at the back. Then dragging her a little ahead with himself he left her while she recollected herself.

Another 10 seconds, they stood there looking at each other.

He broke the silence this time, "Wo... w-wo tum... main... err..." he didn't know where to start, "Wo..." he saw her looking uneasy, "Wo, maine-maine dekha ke tum wahan bathtub mein girne wali thi, to maine..." he pointed towards the bathtub.

She glanced back at the tub, then back at him understanding the situation. She nodded slowly, still shaking inwardly.

The moment of awkwardness rose further when she realized the place they were standing in and the position 'she' was in. She saw him standing in front of the wash-basin where she has placed her stuff earlier when she was cleaning up. Helplessly, she turned around quickly, covering her bossom with both her arms.

Armaan was taken aback at her reaction first. "Kya hua? Tum theek to ho na?" he asked genuinely concerned, not aware of the reason behind her uneasiness.

"M... W-wo... wo..." she didn't know how to say that. "Wo... wo mera..." still turned around with her back facing him, she signaled towards the basin.

Armaan turned around and saw her dupatta hanging on the towel-rod, clamped near the wash-basin. "Oh... I am... I am sorry." He apologized. Then taking the dupatta, he went near her.

Riddhima felt him come close again and flinched frightened of what is he doing. She held her breath. As soon as, he covered her with her dupatta, he walked out of the bathroom.

Except a piece of cloth around her she didn't feel anything else. She heard the door closing and twisted around to find herself alone. He was gone. She exhaled loudly. Now that he is gone, she realized that she has been holding her breath for a long time. She immediately fixed her dupatta back in the same way, she was wearing it earlier. Why was he here? She thought fixing herself.

Then checked herself in the mirror.

'What happened to my face?' she mumbled observing her face in the mirror. He face was all pink. She washed her face with water twice, but nothing changed. She was still pink. 'Ye kya hua?' she didn't know what happened to her. Then she heard a knock at the door.

"Riddhima..." he knocked the door when she didn't come out for another 5 minutes. "Riddhima, ghar wapis jana hai ke nahin? Sab wait kar rahe hoge..."

Riddhima remembered why she was here. "Oh god!" she slapped her forehead, "Main to bhul hi gayi..." she picked up her glasses that she had removed earlier when she was cleaning her dress and wore them, checked herself once again, hand-combed her hair a little and came out.

"Thank god tum baahar to aayi..." he spoke seeing come out.

Although she has heard him knock on the door, she was still surprised seeing him sitting on the bed in the room. He should have left by now. Then what is doing here? Why is he still sitting here? She was embarrassed, shy and nervous after what all happened between two of them inside that bathroom.

Without saying anything, she went on the other side and picked up the bag lying there and walked towards the door.

Armaan saw her leaving the room quietly. He stood up and followed her to the elevator.

They took the elevator and went down. Even in the elevator, Riddhima stood at the other corner, away from him. She herself didn't know why she was doing this.

Downstairs, Armaan was now walking ahead, while Riddhima was walking a little behind him, trying to keep some distance from him. She was still feeling uneasy about everything.

Armaan went to his car and stood beside it waiting for her to join him. She was walking too slow to catch him... as she was still in almost dazed condition.

~~~~~~~~~

As she came out and stood at the entrance, she started looking around to find someone familiar. But to her surprise, nobody was there in sight. 'Sab log kahan chale gaye?' she thought worriedly. The only person known to her was Armaan.

As if reading her mind, Armaan spoke from the same place he was standing, "Sab log ghar chale gaye hain..." she looked at him when he spoke loudly enough to be heard by her from the distance. His volume might be loud, but his tone was extremely polite and soothing. He knew what she was looking for. She looked at him questioningly, so he added, "Sab late ho rahe the, aur ghar pe bhot sara kaam tha, isliye wo log chale gaye." He opened the door of his car indicating her to come along. When she didnt move, he walked back to her. "Kya hua? Ghar nahi jana?"

"Tum... tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?" she asked weakly in a low voice.

"Main? Wo... wo..." Armaan wasnt expecting this question. He didn't know what to say. He didn't want to tell her that he didn't go back coz he was waiting only for her. But then, he has to give an answer, "Wo main kuch kaam pura kar raha tha." He lied.

"Aur... aur Minnie ke... room..." she looked up as if asking what he was doing in Minnie's room.

"Err... Jaldi karo, hum late ho rahe hain..." he tried to divert looking away. To his relief, she nodded and sauntered towards his car.

She paused for moment near the car and looked at its backside. She wanted to stay a little away from him, as his proximity was making her strangely anxious. But since it was a two-seater sports car, she didn't have a choice. So she had to sit on the passenger seat besides him.

Closing the door, Armaan went to his driving seat and ignited the engine driving away.

~~~~~~~~~

They drove silently towards the Chatterjee Villa. Both of them were finding it difficult to sit in the awkward silence between them. Riddhima was continuously fidgeting in her seat.

He kept glancing at her once in a while and understood the situation. So in order to lighten the mood, he asked, "Tum... tum wahan kya kar rahi thi itni der se? Kabse main tumhe dhundh raha tha. Wahin basne ka irada tha kya?" Hearing his usual teasing tone, that also had a hint of concern, she looked at him. But she couldn't say anything as she was still thinking about what happened. He commented, "Ab kya hua tumhe? Somebody stole your tongue?"

"Huh?"

Finally getting some attention from her he continued, "Tumhara na, koi hisaab meri samajh mein nahi aata. Wahan sab tumhara intezaar kar rahe the, aur tum ho ke wahan Hotel ke bathroom ki luxuries ke mazze lene mein lagi thi..."

"Main wahan koi mazze nahi kar rahi thi..." finally she could speak.

"To kya wahin pe rahne ka plan kar rahi thi aaj raat?" he teased.

"Ji nahin. Main wahan sirf Minnie ka bag lene gayi thi..." she showed him the bag she went to bring along. "Samjhe?"

"Hmm, samjha. Lekin bag to wahan, us room mein tha. Phir itni der se Bathroom mein kya tum bhangda kar rahi thi?"

She squirmed a little hearing the name bathroom, but then immediately getting back to herself, she retorted, "Bathroom mein bhangra tum jaise bewakuf karte honge. Main to apna dress saaf kar rahi thi..." she looked down at her dress.

He too glanced at her dress and then looking ahead smiled, "Tum khana bhi theek se nahin kha sakti na... Khaate-khaate dress pe bhi gira diya?"

"You..." she was now annoyed at him. "Mujhe bhot achchi tarah se pata hai ki khana kaise khaate hain. Aur ye sab maine nahi giraya apni dress pe. Ye to main Minnie ka bag leke room se wapis aa rahi thi, to wahan corridor mein ek tumhaare jaisa bewakuf khaane ki plate leke yahan-wahan ghumte hue khana kha raha tha... usi ne giraya hai. Meri itni pyari dress kharaab kar di pagal ne. Anjali bhabhi aur Kirti Aunty kitne pyar se leke aayi thi mere liye. Ab main unhe kya kahungi..." she whinned childishly.

"Hmm..." he smiled at her kiddish whinning. Then added, "Koi baat nahin, unhe kuch kahne ki zaroorat nahi padegi tumhe... Wo sab samajh jayengi."

"Kya matlab?" she asked smiling a bit.

"Arey sabko pata hai ki tum kitni immature aur childish ho. So, koi tumhe kuch nahi kahega. Wo sab samajh jayenge..." he said cheekily.

"Tumhara matlab kya hai? Main immature bachchi hu?" Her expression changed as she glared at him angrily, retorting back as usual.

"Aur nahin to kya? Jab dekho tab ladti rahti ho..."

"Main? Main ladti hu? Ji nahin mister, tum-tum ladte rahte ho har waqt mere saath..." she blamed pointing her finger at him.

"Tum ladti ho..."

"Tum ladte ho..." she snapped again.

"Tum..."

"Tum..."

Their argument continued till they reached back Chatterjee Villa. Armaan was happy to see her getting back normal again. Obviously, he has deliberately started the argument to make her forget the awkwardness between them.

~~~~~~~~~

Finally they reached Chatterejee Villa.

"Tum na... tum bhaad mein jao..." she said finally. Taking Minnie's bag she walked out of his car, slamming the door loudly as Armaan laughed at her defeat in their argument.

Hearing her slam the door loudly and walk away angrily, he stopped laughing, "Abey, araam se..." he saw her turn back and glare at him while walking toward the door. He came out of his car, and closing the door ran after her. Then catching up with her walked with her, inside the Villa.

~~~~~~~~~

Its been more than half an hour everyone arrived at Chatterjee's. Initially, nobody noticed Armaan or Riddhima's absence as most of the people were busy making arrangements for remaining rituals. Some others were taking a brief rest. Some were taking care of Harsh's family. Aarti, Dadi, Omang and Shashank have already gone back to their respective homes with the boys since Yash and Vaibhav had fallen asleep.

But soon, Rahul noticed that Riddhima wasn't there. He asked Atul who also had no clue about where she is. They searched for her everywhere, and now as they couldn't trace her, they were getting a little worried about her. Other guests had no idea what all they were worried about.

Anjali remembered that even Armaan is nowhere in the Villa. Maybe he is still at the Hotel. She knew that if Armaan is still in the Hotel and if we suppose that Riddhima is also left behind at Marriage Venue, then Armaan will take care of her. But It was only a presumption and she wasn't too sure of it. Even if Riddhima is left in the Hotel, how will Armaan know that she is still there? She thought apprehensively.

Anjali, Atul and Rahul were discussing about how to find Riddhima, when suddenly Anjali heard somebody commenting...

All the remaining guests were busy chatting and joking around. It was the usual gathering session before Bidai, when ladies tease each other and play different games.

As soon as Armaan and Riddhima stepped into the Hall, somebody from the guests commented jokingly, "Wo dekho to, kya matching jodi hai..."

Atul, and Rahul didn't hear the comment, but Anjali did. She turned to see who they are talking about, and saw Armaan-Riddhima coming through the door. Glancing at the duo once again, suddenly she realized that the guests were right. Riddhima was wearing the dress of almost same color as Armaan's shirt. Now as they walked side-by-side down the stairs of living-room's entrance, which was a little high as compared to the Livingroom's floor, they looked like an adorable couple.

Atul said something to Anjali, but when she didn't respond, he saw her looking at the entrance. He followed her gaze and saw Riddhima coming inside. He nudged Rahul, telling him that Riddhima is back. Atul and Rahul walked hurriedly to her, and smiled with relief on seeing Riddhima safe and fine.

"Arey yaar tum dono kahan rah gaye the?" Atul said as they walked to Armaan and Riddhima.

Armaan who was busy stealing glances of his cute-looking companion, jerked out of it, shifting his gaze at Atul. He walked hurriedly to Atul, leaving Riddhima a little behind. "Hi Bhai..."

"Tu kahan tha ab tak yaar? Humein to tune kaha tha ki tu bas 5 minute mein aa jayega?" Atul questioned him. "Itni der kaise lag gayi?"

"Wo... wo bhai main..." Before Armaan could say something, he saw Riddhima join them.

Atul shifted his attention towards Riddhima, "Thank god tu theek hai Riddhima. Hum kitna pareshaan ho rahe the. Rahul to bas abhi police ko phone karne wala tha."

"Kyun? Police ko kyun phone karne waale the wo?" Riddhima asked looking at Rahul.

"Itni der se tera koi ata-pata nahi tha. Aur tu phone bhi nahi utha rahi thi..." Rahul remarked coming ahead. He hugged her lightly.

"Bhaiya main theek hu." She informed calmly coming out of hug, "Wo main to bas Minnie ka bag lene uske room mein gayi thi."

"Lekin ek bag laane mein itni der kaise lag gayi tujhe?" Rahul asked again.

"Main jab uske room se wapis aa rahi thi, to ek aadmi ne meri dress pe khaane ki kuch cheez gira di thi. Meri puri dress kharaab kar di usne..." she showed the faded marks on her dress, "...ye dekho. Ise saaf karne ke liye mujhe room mein wapis jana pada. Wahin der lag gayi."

"Ye to tu ghar aake bhi kar sakti thi..." Rahul said.

"Bhaiya, kar to sakti thi, lekin tab tak daag pakka pad jata, aur puri dress kharaab ho jaati. Daag nahi nikalta phir baad mein." She tried to explain.

Rahul was about to say something when Atul interrupted, "Yaar, theek hai na Rahul. Just relax now, wo sahi-salaamat hai na." He turned to Riddhima and continued, "Par tu apna phone kyun nahi utha rahi thi?"

"Wo main bathroom mein thi, isliye mujhe phone ki ring sunayi nahi di hogi. I am sorry bhaiya. Maine aap sabko pareshaan kar diya." She held her ear apologetically.

"Chal koi baat nahi ab. Lekin next time se, apna phone humesha apne saath rakhna. Ok..." He advised while Riddhima nodded cheerfully. He then again turned to Armaan and asked, "Aur tu, tune abhi tak bataya nahi tujhe itni der kaise lagi. Kahan tha ab tak tu?"

"Main? Wo... err... wo main ise... haan wo main ise dhundh raha tha." Armaan fumbled a little, and then pointed towards Riddhima.

"Ise dhundh raha tha?" Anjali butted in. She turned to Riddhima, "Tu iske saath aayi hai?" she asked while nodded nodded replying in yes. The Anjali asked Armaan, "Lekin tujhe kaise pata ki ye wahin Hotel mein hi thi?"

"Mujhe? Wo... actually, w-wo..." he sluttered trying to find an excuse, "Err... mujhe, haan, mujhe nahi pata tha, mujhe bilkul nahi pata tha."

"To tu ise dhundh kyun raha tha?" Anjali raised her brow.

"Wo to, wo..." he looked at Anjali, who was staring at him continuously, "Wo mujhe na... mujhe kisi ne bataya ki wo wahan hotel mein thi."

"Kisi ne tujhe bataya?" Atul narrowed his eyes in confusion, "Kya matlab? Aur kisne bataya?"

"Wo ek, aadmi ne... mujhe bataya." He saw Rahul, Atul, Anjali even Riddhima gawking at him to explain further. He gulped inwardly, and then carried on, "Actually, m-main jab apni gaadi mein baith raha tha, to... to ek aadmi ne mujhe kaha ki usne ek ladki ko a-an-andar jaate hue dekha." He glanced at the four people again, and grasped what they might ask next. Before they could fire another question at him, he continued himself, "Maine use puchhi ye baat... maine use puchha ki agar koi ladki andar gayi to main kya karun? To usne mujhe kaha... ahem-ahem, usne kaha ki, wo ladki humaare function mein thi, aur kyunki use pata tha ki humaare sab guest ghar ja chuke hain, isliye use laga ki shayad wo ladki akeli rah gayi hai' To... u-usne mujhe bata diya. Aur isliye, main ise dhundh rah tha." He finished awkwardly smiling like a foolish and praying inwardly for them to believe his irrational excuse. To his relief, atleast two of them looked convinced. They were Rahul and Riddhima.

"Thanks yaar. Thanks a lot. Teri wajah se Riddhima theek-thaak ghar aa gayi." Rahul thanked him profusely. He was really grateful to Armaan.

Armaan smiled at him. He glanced at Riddhima who too was smiling at him slightly. Just then somebody called Rahul. So he went away, leaving the other three behind.

When Armaan turned to Anjali and Atul, he found them still gaping at him, with slightly narrowed eyes. He flinched, knowing that they weren't convinced. To his relief Anjali and Riddhima too left almost immediately as Kirti called them for further rituals. But the most dangerous of the lot was still standing beside him... continuously gazing at him.

"Hehe..." he grinned stupidly at Atul, who looked unaffected with his antics. Armaan wanted to run away. So pretending as if somebody has called him, he walked away saying loudly, "Lagta hai uncle mujhe bula rahe hain. H-haan Shubhankar uncle, main abhi ata hu..."

Atul saw his retreating back. Now he was sure that Armaan was definitely hiding something. His unsteady amd stuttering way of explaining everything was an obvious proof. Coz Armaan Malik NEVER fumbles. Then the way he left abruptly was another proof. Besides, Atul wasn't a deaf not to hear if anyone called Armaan. He very well knew that nobody has called Armaan and he purposely slipped away.

Armaan went straight to Shubhankar and tried to get himself busy in some random conversation. He tried to keep himself busy with other guests or some or the other random chores, to stay away from Atul. He was very well aware of the fact that Atul was observing his every movement. So for rest of the time, he avoided getting anywhere near Riddhima. Even if she came in front of him while doing something, he would change his path and ignore her walking away.

Riddhima on the other hand was surprised at his behaviour while Atul was getting more and more suspicious about his actions and reaction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It has been now six days Minnie-Harsh got married. After a small reception gathering on the third day of their marriage, Minnie and Harsh have already left for their 20 days Honeymoon.

Armaan tried his best to avoid Riddhima as well as Atul. He didn't want to loose his composer, by getting close to Riddhima. By now, he has already realized that Riddhima's presence always make him behave weirdly. He also knew that Atul might shoot him any time with his query bullets. He didn't want to take a chance, so he kept himself as busy as possible.

What Armaan didn't realize was the fact that he was only adding to Atul's suspicion. If it was some other situation, he knew this, but as they say, Love can make any person loose his saneness. The logical portion of their brain is pushed back as the love-struck corners starts taking over. And here our hero was unknowingly falling for his beautiful employee.

Ashraya's renovation completed on 10^th January as per the plan. On the great occasion of Lohri festival, 13^th January, yesterday, Ashraya dwellers have even moved back in their new house, after a lovely celebration. Everythings was done perfectly in a very nice way. He has even handed over Labor Colony's project to the contractor.

Now that he was free from some of his major responsibilities, he sat in his cabin with his eyes closed thinking about past few days. Unknowingly his mind drifted towards Riddhima. He knew that she was now present in her office, full time. He felt relieved and relaxed from within feeling her presence in the cabin next to him.

Unexpectedly, he got up from his seat and went straight to her cabin. He knocked her door twice, but when he didn't have any response, he opened the door only to find it empty. She wasn't there. Where is she? He thought. He was about to go back to his cabin, when he heard her phone ringing loudly. He waited for a moment.

Then knowing that she isn't there, he looked around to find her phone. As he picked a file, which was moving slightly due to the vibration of the phone, he found her phone lying on the table, under that file. But just as he was about to pick the phone, the ringing stopped. Sighing, he turned to his cabin, but heard the phone ringing again. When he turned back to it, he saw the name of the person calling her.

He slowly picked the phone, reading the name of the caller with narrowed eyes. Who is this? Before he could react, he heard someone's footstep outside Riddhima's cabin. Abruptly, he kept the phone down and walked back to his cabin.

Riddhima was out for a while to get some papers signed from Atul. When she came back, she heard her phone ringing. Keeping the file on the table, she picked her phone. She smiled hearing the voice on the other end.

~~~~~~~~~

Armaan sat in his chair and heard Riddhima talking to someone on the phone. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but her laughter could be clearly heard from his place. While talking over the phone she was constantly laughing ever so frequently with little intervals in between. She seems to be enjoying her chat with, whoever has called her.

Armaan didn't like it a bit. Its been almost 15 minutes now, that she was speaking to that person. He was getting restless and fidgety. He squirmed continuously in his chair. His gaze repeatly shifting towards her cabin. All he wanted at the moment was to walk upto to her and ask her to finish her damn-cheesy-conversation immediately...

His patience almost gave up... He got up to go her cabin, only to be interrupted by someone at his door. He heard his cabin-door open and saw Atul walk inside.

"Hey Armaan..." Atul saw him walking towards the door.

"Hi Bhai..." Armaan looked at Atul and walked back to his place.

Atul came and sat on the visitor's chair, "Were you going somewhere?"

"Nahi, nahi to?"

"Chal achcha hai. I wanted to talk to you regarding something important."

"W-what do you wanna talk about?" Armaan looked at him suspiciously. He thought Atul might grill him regarding his stupid behavior on Minnie's wedding day.

Atul said casually, "You aleady know about it..."

"I-I know about it... What is it?"

Atul saw him looking at him strangely, "Arey you forgot, I am talking about Raogunj Land we planned to buy. About that Chabra guy... I told you, didn't I?"

"Oh, regarding that..." Armaan sighed.

"Yeah, regarding THAT..." Atul stressed, "What were you thinking?"

"Err... nothing, just like that. Haan I remember about Raogunj Land. We already discussed it. Now what else do you wanna talk about?"

"Arey yaar, abhi kah raha tha ki tujhe yaad hai. Ab puchh raha hai ki kya baat karni hai. I told you na, that we need to visit the site, so that we can finalize the deal." Atul reminded.

"Oh, yes... yes. I remember. Ok then, tell me what do I have to do?" Armaan asked.

"Lo humesha to tu mujhe batata hai kya karna hai, aur aaj mujhse puchh raha hai. Anyways... I came here to ask you when you wanna go there. Tell me when you are free from your other schedules." Atul asked.

"Alright, let me confirm it." He turned to pick the intercom to all Riddhima, but recalling the caller's name, he stopped.

Atul saw him stop and thinking something, "What happened?"

"Nothing Bhai. Ahh... can I inform you about it later?"

"Later kyun? Why not now? I have to book the Tickets and then inform Chabra about our visit. He has already called four times since yesterday."

"Ahh, alright then you can talk to Riddhima yourself regarding the free slots. I am a little busy at the moment." Armaan wanted to stay away from Riddhima for a while.

"Armaan, yaar she is 'your' PA. How can I discuss all this with her? You should be doing this yourself so that none of your pre-scheduled program gets disrupted."

"But Bhai..."

"I don't wanna listen to anything. Call her right away. We will discuss it right now." Atul commanded ignoring his plead. He was really behaving so weird these days.

Armaan nodded and called Riddhima.

Riddhima entered the cabin with her notepad.

Atul smiled at her, "Hi Riddhima..."

She nodded smiling back at Atul. Then turning to Armaan she asked, "Yes Sir...?"

Armaan was not looking towards her as he was busy brooding over something else. Not getting response from Armaan, Atul nudged him verbally, "Armaan..."

"Huh? Yes Bhai...?" he looked up at once. Atul signaled towards Riddhima through his eyes. "Oh, yes." He turned to her and started, "Miss. Gupta, could you please check my schedules and tell me, if there is anything important lined up in the next week?"

Riddhima was a little surprised at his extra-professional tone. But then its nothing new. He is very professional when it comes to his work; she thought, and checked his schedule. A few moments later she said, "Sir, you have got four meetings in the next week. First one is with the contractor of Worker's colony regarding the updates on the project, second is with the Technical staff of your Electronics Company regarding the new product designs, third with one of our foreign delegates from France... And fourth one is with Mr. Shukla from Damon India Ltd."

"What is the last one about?"  he asked.

"Its regarding a new project Tender with their company." She replied.

"Can we re-schedule all of them for the coming week after the next one?" Armaan asked.

"Let me check sir." She once again checked his schedules for the next three weeks. Then said, "Sir, I think we can adjust first, second and fourth ones easily, but there might be a problem with the third one with our foreign delegates."

Armaan nodded, and looked at Atul as if asking what we do about it?

Atul asked Riddhima, "Is it possible to check it again with them. If they don't have any problem, we can postpone it for a little later time, maybe by the end of the week?"

"Sure sir, we can do that... should I check it right away?" She asked politely.

"Please do it..." Atul smiled.

Riddhima turned to go back to her cabin, but Armaan called, "Miss Gupta, he said right away."

She turned to him surprised at his almost rough tone. "I am checking it right away sir..."

"Then, where are you going? Call them from here." He pointed towards the phone on his table.

Riddhima looked at the phone and then him. She understood that he is not in very good mood. So without arguing she called their Foreign Delegates.

Armaan looked at her picking the phone and then talk to the PA of their delegates. She very politely asked him, if they can reschedule their meeting. Usually, such clients are very adamant about their schedules, but to his and Atul's surprise, she handled the situation very calmly and smartly, as a result of which, they agreed happily to reschedule their meeting.

She placed the receiver down and looked at Armaan, who seems to be staring at her ever since she started speaking over the phone. She felt a little odd seeing the look on his face. It was a strange mixture of numerous emotions. He looked angry, dazed, annoyed, pleased, satisfied, all at the same time. There was another emotion she felt floating in his eyes, which she couldn't understand.

Atul who was busy checking his file till now, looked up when he heard Riddhima close the call. He saw Armaan staring at Riddhima in a different way. When he diverted towards Riddhima, he found her too staring back at Armaan for a few seconds. Then she averted her gaze, feeling uneasy due to Armaan's continous stare.

Atul decided to keep quite and observe things silently for the time being. He cleared his throat, "Ahem-ahem..." as a result of which, Armaan broke his gaze and looked at him. "So, now that you are free for the whole next week, we can schedule our Raogunj visit during that period." Atul suggested while Armaan looked at Riddhima once again, telling her silently to keep a note of everything Atul is saying.

Riddhima understood his silent command. "Sure Sir, I will make required arrangements for everything related to the deal. Just lets me know about the day you want to leave."

"Alright then, I will inform you about it by today evening. Or at the most by tomorrow." Atul replied getting up from his chair.

Riddhima nodded bidding him a professional bye. When she turned to Armaan, he was still looking at her. "Anything else Sir?" she asked Armaan.

Instead of replying, Armaan ignored her and immersed himself into his Laptop.

She felt weird. Why is he acting this way? But she choose not the retort this time. She could feel that he is not in his usual mood and she was not in a mood to get into any arguments with him. So she left his cabin quietly.

Armaan saw her retreating back peeping from behind the Laptop screen. She looked annoyed while leaving. He sighed, spranging back into his chair. It was right that he was not in his usual self. He didn't know why, but he was disappointed and angry with her. His heart was itching with an unknown feeling. All of a sudden he felt that he was all alone in this world. As if someone has stolen something very precious from him.