Taming the wild 2- ANNOUNCEMENT pg-151 - Page 96

Originally posted by: luvkaranmadly

oldy u r too bad......

now i hav to read it tomorrow......

u do better update........

Taming The Wild

Part-47

Memories

Recap:- Ridhhima burns her hand and Armaan takes care of her... They go for movie where Armaan fight goons... Ridhhima waves goodbye to lawyer Prajapat and finally thanks to Muski they start sleeping together.... Sharing bed you perverts..!!

__________________________________________________________

He stood before the mirror scrounging his nose, forehead wrinkled... After a while he gave up...

" Martin !! Maarttiinn ! " he yelled

" kya hua Armaan ? kyun chilla rahe ho ? " she came there running

" mch ! Yeh Martin kahan reh gaya main kabse bula raha hun, yeh dekho kaisi tie bandhi hai... Ab main office ke liye late ho gaya to " he was irritated

She smiled " bass itni si baat ke liye itna chilla rahe the ! Tum bhi na bas, lao main bandh deti hun " she stepped ahead

" tumhe aati hai ? " she stared at him

" theek hai to khud hi bandh lo " she turned to go, but it was a mere threat she knew he can't tie the knot and smiled to herself secretly...

" arree ruko, main to mazaak kar raha tha " she turned and looked at him head tilted and arms crossed across her chest

" ohh to tum mazaak kar rahe the " he nodded " par main to nahi kar rahi thi " she teased

" Ridhhiimmaa pleeaasee " he begged, she laughed seeing him so

" theek hai baba ,aati hun " she came up to him " mch ! Yeh kya kiya Armaan aadhi tie collar ke bahar aadhi andar " she straightened his collar and her fingers brushed through his neck... Goosebumps erupted on every part of his body... Her arms were around him slightly bent over him as if hugging... He had no idea what she was saying.. he was lost in her sweet fragrance... her soft touch... He longed to wrap her in his arms ,hug her tightly... Kiss her senseless...

She on the other hand was engrossed in tying the knot unaware what havoc she was creating... And mammoth efforts it was taking on his part to control himself... it was only when she moved a little away he gained some control... " Yeh dekho kya kiya hai tumne tie ka ,aise koi kheenchta hai kya.." she looked at him as he was absolutely mum... Just looking at her... Their eyes met and for a moment everything just stopped... He broke the trance first

" ehem ,mujhe nahi aati tie bandhni... Maine seekhi thi magar.. Wo main bhuul gaya " she rolled her eyes and corrected his collar ,coming near again on her toes looking behind his neck to correct the collar... he held back his breath...

She smiled making him face the mirror " lo ho gaya.. Happy " looking at himself he smiled broadly... " perfect.. Thanks "

" you're welcome Mr.Malik " she laughed lightly shaking her head ,he kept watching her as she went away...

In the office he kept on looking at his tie touching it, running his hand over it to feel her touch.. Everytime he thought of her touch a big smile came over his face... His staff could see that today he was unusually happy.. And found it strange when they saw him smiling to himself caressing his tie...

" hey handsome ! " he came to present with a cheery voice, looking up and saw Mrs.George standing there.." someone is lost huh, main kabse knock kar rahi thi "

He looked apologetic " oh wo main I'm sorry Mrs.George.. Main thoda busy tha.. Maine suna nahi " she looked at his table it was clean...

" yeah I can see... Kitna kaam hai naa " Armaan looked around to find something to support his excuse but found none... " hahaha it's okay ,I can see my position is lost " he looked at her, puzzled " the moment you called me 'Mrs.George' instead of 'beautiful' ,I guess I really have become old "

" yes... no... I mean you are still beautiful " he protested but his thoughts were muddled and his tongue slipped..

" really ,to tum usko ko kya kahoge jiske baare main tum abhi soch soch kar itna khush ho rahe the " he opened his mouth like a fish and seeing his dilemma she could not help but laugh " it's okay sonny... I'm really glad to see you soo happy... Didn't I told you everything will be fine " he smiled ,at least something was fine if not everything " well, I gotta go, just came to see you " she got up and moved to the door but stopped and looked at him " by the way... I like your tie " giving a wink ,she went away leaving him happy and confused ,he looked at his tie ,then at the door... Unable to understand what she liked about it today. He shrugged and went back to dreaming about Ridhhima and his lovely morning...

It was Sunday and they all sat out enjoying the lovely afternoon near the pool

" yaar mera to swimming ka mann kar raha hai... Oye Muskaan chal "

Muskaan looked up from her drink " Rahul ke bachhe agar tujhe lagta hai ki main tere saath swimming karungi to.."

" too " he stood before her hands on his side as if threatning her

" to bhuul jaa " she was not the least affected

" cmmon yaar Muskaan chal naa " Armaan laughed seeing him turning from threatening to begging mode " tu itna kyun hans raha hai ?! "

" bhai agar aapko swimming karni hai to karo naa Muski ko kyun pareshaan kar rahe ho " Rahul threw a magazine at him which he dodged laughing... Ridhhima looked at them confused, as in why were they laughing... Muski saw her and explained...

" mchh.. Ridhhi wo kya hai naa ki is khotte ko akele paani main jaane se darr lagta hai... Swimming aati hai tab bhi " she giggled, Rahul stared at her frowning for leaking out his secret, Ridhhima hid her smile with her hand..

" ohh I see... But bhabhi this is not fair, aapko bhaiyya ka dil aise nahi todna chahiye, agar wo aapke saath swimming jaana chahte hain to jayiye naa " making a serious face

" hey thanks Ridhhi " they hi 5ed " chalo koi to hai meri side, yeh to kisi kaam ka nahi hai.. Ab agar mere paas aaya naa ki 'bhai yeh kar do' ya 'wo kar do' tab bataunga saale "

" hey no prob. Muski main tere saath hun " they hi-fived too apparently forming a team ,Rahul frowned and looked at Muskaan... She could read in his eyes what he wanted but was unsure before Armaan and Ridhhima... Rahul pleaded through his eyes... And she gave up... He was pioneer at making her do whatever he wanted... Just by making that cute angry face !

" fine... Actually Armaan main bhi soch rahi thi ki idea itna bura bhi nahi hai... Mazaa aayega..."

" yaayy " Rahul jumped ,Ridhhima shook her head smiling she had seen them talking through eyes " Magar... Main tumhare saath nahi jaungi "

" to phir ? " all excitement vanished

" main Ridhhima ke saath jaungi " she declared

" what !? " " what ?! " " what ?! " there were three 'what's', Rahul bit disappointed, Armaan surprised and Ridhhima... Shocked

" haan isme itna hairaani waali baat kya hai... Riddhi tujhe swimming aati hai naa " she turned to her

" haan bhabhi.. magar itne achhe se nahi bas thodi si.." she was bit scared... What was going on in her mind now...

" no problem Armaan sambhal lega use aati hai... Chal let's change " she grabbed her hand and got up...

" par bhabhi..." but Muski just dragged her turning a deaf ear to her protests ,pleas ,excuses... She was too surprised with the sudden turn that she didn't knew what to say... Muskaan on the other hand gave her a costume... Seeing which she was horrified... " bhabhi main yeh..?? "

" oh cmmon Ridhhi ab pool main to you can't go with your jeans on.. I'm sure Armaan ki to chutti ho jayegi tujhe aise dekh kar " she nudged her winking

" usi ka to darr hai " she mumbled.. Totally lost what to do ,but when it comes to Muski there is no escape, trembling she wore the swimsuit..Muski was already out before her...waiting..

" woohhoo.. Gawd Ridhhi you look sexyyy ! " Muski whistled and Ridhhima turned red " cmmon Ridhhi yahan yeh haal hai to bahar kya hoga " laughing Muski pulled her out before she could run back..

Both the men were already in the pool playing with the ball when Armaan saw Muski and Ridhhima coming... The way his mouth fell open it must have surely touched the pool floor...

Rahul came next to him ,Armaan was still looking at her like a fool ,Rahul saw what he was looking at " Bhai muh to band kar le ,teri hi biwi hai " Armaan closed his mouth immediately, Rahul grinned and swam towards Muski giving a thumbs up to Ridhhima. He gave her his hand to help her inside the pool which she gladly accepted as there were no steps...

Ridhhima stood there unsure what to do she was extremely conscious standing there before him in a swimsuit, the way he looked at her... left her even more conscious and she felt hugely shy... Armaan smiled seeing her and with a smooth flow swam up to her...

Getting near her he extended his hand to her.. She stood there hesitating... shy... red... He smiled and kept looking at her... " cmmon Ridhhima ,kya tumhe mujhse sharam aa rahi hai ? " he asked naughtily " trust me I won't eat you " he winked grinning ,hand still extended... She saw Rahul and Muskaan who were already lost in their own world...

Not knowing what else to do she hesitatingly gave him her hand... Shivering a little as she stepped inside the pool ,the water at the first touch felt cold but after a moment it felt ok.. it was a warm April afternoon and water felt nice... Armaan held her by her waist securely, she came inside the pool but... The pool was deeper than she thought her feet couldn't find the floor... She got scared and held him tightly by his shoulders... Armaan wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tightly...

" don't worry maine tumhe pakda hua hai " she was scared of both... Deep water and... Him... The way he held her ,his arms around her waist holding tightly and the way he looked at her... She tried to move away from him but again the fear of water gripped her and she held him wrapping her arms around his neck... Faces inches away, bodies clinging to each other....

" Armaan please mujhe chhodna mat.. Mujhe darr lag raha hai " then she realised that she was clinging on to him, she immediately let go of him but as she was no expert in swimming, she went down in water but he held her ,she wrapped her arms again around his neck tightly...

He chuckled " tumhe paani se darr lag raha hai Ridhhima ya mujhse ? " She jerked her head up to look at him something she was avoiding.. She opened her mouth without a clue what to say they were neck deep in water and she was clinging on to him for her dear life.. " don't worry i will never leave you.." she kept looking at him unsure what he meant " yahan paani gehra hai thoda us taraf chalte hain " saying so he swept her away with him... Literally.. Smiling, to the shallow side... She didn't knew when her feet touched the floor... She was busy looking at him " yahan paani jyada gehra nahi hai.. Tum aaram se khadi ho sakti ho " putting her down making sure she stood on her feet...

She came out of her thoughts quickly drawing back her hands ...freeing herself from his grip... She felt shy even to look at him she knew he was eying her with his amused dimple grin... Armaan on the other hand was enjoying this thoroughly... She looked damn sexy... Her wet hair and those tiny droplets of water which flowed down from her face to the deep valley below her neck... He wanted to suck them away... To touch her skin ,feel it's smoothness in his fingers but he somehow controlled himself... Looking away... otherwise he would definitely had done something with the potential of jeopardizing whatever he had gained...

Things were not much different the other side but at different level... It was the first time she saw him shirtless so close almost naked ! she had seen him in his vest but never this way... her fingers touched his firmly built muscular body and she was all wonder... That broad chest ,those angelic features ,those muscles... No wonder girls are ready to do anything for him.. He was every girls dream man... loving.. caring... handsome... funny... Understanding... Intelligent... rich... everything anyone would die for... Kill for...

Their trance was broken by Muski's voice " oye Romeo Juliet ! Ab aise hi khade reh kar ek dusre ko ghurte rahoge kya ?! " it was then she realised that she was staring at him she immediately looked away to Muski..

" n..nahi bhabhi wo udhar paani gehra tha to wo Armaan mujhe yahan le aaye " she explained

" theek hai, theek hai maine kuch kaha kya " she gigled seeing them Rahul was not far behind...

" Muskii stop pulling her leg.. Chal let's play ball " Muski agreed and went to pair up with Rahul ,he came and stood next to her " hey don't be embarrassed... Remember we are friends " she looked at him.. He blinked smiling.. assuring her and all her shyness vanished.. she felt more comfortable and how 2 hours flew by she had no idea..

They splashed water at each other ,pulled legs under water.. Played ball ... Girls vs boys... Pair vs pair... And cheated as much as they could.. She never imagined it would be so much fun...

It was Angel who called Muski out and Ridhhima followed... A reluctant Armaan watched her go... His heart almost stopped beating when he saw her in that sexy swimsuit " damn !! what a sexy figure she has ! "...

He shook his head, he would be having lot of trouble sleeping today... With her thoughts in his mind and she sleeping right next to her... Yet so far away...

" man, it would be tough ! " he mumbled and splashed in the pool again... Ladies came out after changing all fresh and dry and saw that both men were still in the pool...

" Rahul ,Armaan bahaar aao... Bimaar hona hai kya ? " Muski yelled ,she again stared at him in wonder as he came out of the pool wearing his swimming shorts.. Water dripping from his body... She inhaled seeing the Greek god reincarnation before her eyes !.. He looked at her and found her checking him out.. He winked.. She was caught ,feeling embarressed she immediately looked away.. He chuckled... Shaking his head he wrapped a towel around his waist, she breathed in.. mentally scolding herself for ogling at him like that...

" sir your call from Mr.Walia " Martin presented him the phone

" hello Mr.Walia.." he got busy with his business talk whereas on the other hand Rahul was busy with Angel and Muskaan dried his hair lovingly.. The family was lost in their own world, she smiled seeing the beautiful scene before her eyes

A sound of loud sneeze brought her to present ,it was Armaan who sniffed but was still talking on phone " Ridhhi..Ridhhi kahan kho gayi thi ? Yeh le " she threw a towel at her " isse Armaan ka sar ponch de nahi to yeh aaj zarur bimar pad jayega... Isko to kisi bhi mausam main zukhaam ho sakta hai " she signalled Armaan who was still on the phone ,to come to her and again got busy with Rahul he looked at her and found her in a dilemma... Muski left her in another situation... She stood there with the towel in her hand...

He took the towel from her and covered the phone with his palm " don't worry main kar lunga " he smiled and placed the towel around his neck going back to his call... She stood there waiting for him enjoying the evening sun and breeze... When there was another Sneeze.. and another... And another ! She saw that he was still busy with his call shivering in the wind, hair still wet... She sighed, he was so careless no wonder he was sneezing... She went up to him and stood before him... He looked up raising his eyebrows... She didn't said anything but just took the towel which he hung around his neck and started drying his hair...

He was stunned... He didn't knew what Mr.Walia was saying all he could hear was the beep of the disconnected call but he didn't put the phone down.. He closed his eyes... He was in heaven... he really won't be able to sleep tonight... He wanted to wrap his hands around her waist and pull her closer but instead he just gripped the phone harder in oreder to control himself.

The day went by but everytime she came before him he could not help but think about her in that sexy swimsuit... She often caught him staring at her and she became conscious, she was no fool that she could not make out what might be going on in his mind... He was a man after all... she felt bit conscious after today how will she manage to share the same bed with him.. What if... But then her logical mind worked in his favour...

" cmmon Ridhhima you think too much you have seen him, he won't break your trust give him some credit.. And tu bhi to use ghuur ghuur kar dekh rahi thi..." said brain on Armaan's side

" Main... Nahi nahi main kahan dekh rahi thi..." said the other side

" Yes you were..."

" no wasn't..."

" yes ,you were ! "

Her mind kept on arguing with herself, when she finally got frustrated she got up from the table and looked at him... Armaan was busy playing with Angel, she could have sworn that just a moment before he was looking at her... But shrugging it as her overreacting brain working overtime she went to the bedroom... Armaan followed soon after..

" what a day ! " he stretched himself ,she could see his flexing bisceps... " waise Ridhhima ek baat kahun " she looked at him,he came toward her closer.. Closer ... So close that there was hardly an arm's distance between them " Tum doctor kaise ban gayi, tumhe to model hona chahiye tha... mujhe nahi pata tha ki swimsuit tumhe itna 'suit' karta hai.. " he whispered softly... Seeing her shocked face he gave a big smile and winking went to change...

Ridhhima gulped he was indeed thinking about that swimsuit.. No ' her ' in suimsuit... She groaned ,her heart raced.. She tried to control herself " it's okay Ridhhima it was just a compliment tujhe to pata hai naa how he is... " said mind one " to itni paas aa kar dena zaruri tha ?! " mind two contradicted " ohhhh " she groaned helplessly

she quickly went to bed and pretended to sleep before he came out ,he came out after a short while and saw her sleeping ... Rather pretending to be asleep ,he chuckled softly and quietly went to his side... Her back was towards him.. Though she lay with her eyes close she knew exactly what he was doing... He switched off the light and for few moments there was absolute silence... Just as she was about to relax a bit...

" Ridhhima " he spoke softly she realised that he was bent over her his lips quiet near her ear.. she trembled a little clutching a corner of her pillow " Good night..." and with that he moved back again... She was surprised and waited for a moment for him to say something more... Do something more... but there was complete silence...

" Armaan..." She called to check whether he actually wished her good night or she imagined it

" Haan.." the answer came from some distance

" Kuch nahi.. Goodnight " none turned ,sighing deeply he smiled to himself hugging his pillow tightly he closed his eyes... To dream about her... If he could manage to sleep at all that is...

The next day he sent Martin away saying, to the utter shock of butler, that he doesn't know how to tie the knot properly . She tried to control the situation,she knew that Martin is extremely conscious and impeccable when it comes to his work.

" it's okay Martin, he's not the best judge of itbut you still make the world's best brownies i have ever tasted " he looked smug at the statement

" thank you madam, atleast you are sensitive enough towards others feelings " he looked at him meaningfully " i'll bake some brownies for you madam, special cinnamon one " holding his head up with an attitude he went out...

" huh ! Ab yeh bhi tumhari party main ?! " he said amused as he watched him go " mere liye to kabhi 'spl' brownies nahi banayi " he complained faking anger

" that's because you don't deserve it " she turned to him and did the favourite activity of the day- tied his tie...

As he went away to office, she decided to go to Muskaan and see if she required any help . She and Rahul along with Angira were foing on a business cum vacation trip to Holland...

" bhabhi kya kar rahe ho ? Tayari ho gayi ? "

" haan wo to ho gayi magar main Angira ki baby book dhund rahi hun pata nahi kahan rakh di..." she said looking around and Ridhhima too joined in the search company, after few minuted Muskaan jumped up " arre haan yaad aaya jab main suitcases nikalnwane gayi thi tab shayd store room main hi bhuul aayi.. Abhi laati hun " she looked relived now that she remembered it but then came a loud wail " lo baj gaya siren "

Ridhhima gigled " koi baat nahi bhabhi aap usko dekho book main le aati hun "

she went to the storeroom but for a storeroom it was quiet clean and systematic ,though there were places where fine layer of dust was clear ,at one corner lay some old newspapers neatly piled... Some discarded furniture and many boxes probably full of many other unused things... She looked around to see where the book was and then found it on a pile of books...

She picked it up ,then she saw that it was not pile of books but a pile of 3-4 albums .dusting it off she picked up one and turned it's pages smiling at what she saw .she found something else too and out of curiosity she opened a big box over which the albums were kept she found it full of framed pictures

A curious smile crept on her lips and it got even wider as she picked one photo after another ,getting glimpses of Armaan's childhood, right from where he is in his mom, Naina's, lap as few days old baby to the one which she found cutest . He stood before a big cake mouth covered with cake cream ,Naina and Virendra kissing him either side while rest of the family, some she knew some she didn't, standing in a semi circle clapping... A wonderful moment captured forever... She wondered why all these pictures were kept in the storeroom . It was then when she saw little Rahul she recalled why she was there ,quickly picking up the baby book few albums and that picture she came out ... Gigling to herself imagineing his face when he'll these pics..

As she waved Rahul and Muskaan goodbye ,she waited for him to return planning to go through the albums together ,there were many people she didn't knew in them... She looked at the clock it showed 6 o'clock ,he'll be back any minute now...

She was out in the balcony when he came in smiling broadly " Ridhhima pata hai aaj kya hua... wo aaj Mrs. George..aayi.....thi.." He stopped midway seeing the picture on the bedside table...

She came from behind smiling " hey Armaan ! aa gaye tum..." She saw him starimg at the picture... " Tumhari birthday ki photograph.. Pata hai kahan thi yeh storeroom main, achhi hai naa kitne cute lag rahe ho ,yeh.."

" Kaun laaya ise yahan ? " He cut her mid sentence angrily

" Armaan yeh " this was not what she expected

" Ridhhima main tumse kuch puuch raha hun. kaun laaya ise yahaan ? " She was surprised at his sudden outburst gettting no reply from her he went to the door " Martiinn.. Martiinnn come her right now...! "

" Armaan kya hua... Yeh photo main laayi hun..."

" Tum ?! "

" Haan yeh aaj mujhe kuch purani albums ke sath mili to main le aayi, Naina mom ki ek bhi photo nahi hai yahaan to maine socha.."

" Kyun ? kyun laayi tum ise yahaan ?! kya jarurat thi ?! kisne kaha tumhe yeh sab karne ko...?? Kya tumse shanti se raha nahi jaata...?? Kya sab cheezein chhedna zaruri hai ? " he kept yelling at her,Martin came in meanwhile

" Martin take this away " he didn't even look at the picture ,his back towards it ,the butler's brows shot up when he saw the picture there composing himself quickly back to his poker face again ,he quickly picked up the picture " i'm sorry sir " he looked at Ridhhima who was wondering what she had done to cause this " it was unintentional " saying so he quickly went out with the picture...

Armaan was totally not himself after that ,he without any word, went to have a bath... She just didn't knew what she had done... The dinner was a quiet affair as well ,as BP was again out on a business trip and Rahul and Muskaan on a vacation... He didn't ate much and was very quiet . It was very unusual for him to act so... No jokes , no teasing, no details about the day... No enquiries... Nothing at all ,he ate half heartedly that too after being forced by her and Virendra... After a while when she came back to the room she found him already asleep... She exaled, she wanted to talk about what happened in the evening but... Maybe tomorrow morning...

Ridhhima woke up with the restless movements. She quickly switched on the lights and saw him groaning.. Twisting his head from side to side.. his blanket and pillow thrown on the floor.. beads of sweat clear on his forehead.. his face was twisted as if he was in great pain..

" Nooo.. Nahi.. plzz.."

She was alarmed and quickly sat up " Armaan.. Armaaann utho.." She shook him gently, he shivered... " Armaaann " she shook him vigorously now

" nooooo " he sat up shouting,panting...

" Armaan kya hua ? Armaan ?! "she kept a hand on his shoulder he was breathing shortly... "kuch to bolo kya hua ?? Koi bura sapna dekha ? "

He sat there holding his head ,eyes shut tightly, he didn't uttered a word .she quickly fetched a glass of water... " Armaan yeh lo paani pi lo.."

He gulped the water " Ridhhima.." He was still breathing shortly

" Haan Armaan.. It's okay sab theek hai ,tumne shayad koi bura sapna dekha tha bas..." She tried to calm him down...but his condition was even worse this time.. She could see the tear marks by his eyes... He wiped his face trying to calm down hiding his face in his palms

" Ridhhima.. give me the pills.." She looked at him

" Armaan it's okay it was just a nightmare.. Tum dubara sone ki koshish karo..."

" Nahi.. I want the pills " he was adamant

She looked at him her face determined " No Armaan ,no pills tumhe unki koi zarurat nahi hai.."

" No ! What the bloody hell you know.. I WANT THE PILLS RIGHT NOW " he shouted out holding her firmly by her shoulders...

But she was firm " nahi Armaan, I won't give them.. Sirf ek nightmare ki wajah se to bilkul nahi " He jerked her back and got up he started rummaging the drawers himself ,she looked stunned at what he was doing

" Armaan stop that ! Wapas aao.. Armaan don't be ridiculous ! "

" I'm not ridiculous it's you.." He felt angry when he couldn't find them " it's all because of you..." He ran his fingers in his hair, frustrated, where to look.. he looked at her angrily... She came up to him knowing that he was scared

" Armaan it's okay " she tried to keep a hand on his shoulder but he moved away

" mere paas mat aana..." She was surprised...

" Armaan main.."

" Don't talk to me.. Go away..." He shouted at her.. She was stunned to see him like this... He then himself walked out in the balcony slamming the door... She wanted to go to him but seeing how angry he was, could not muster up the courage... She sat on the bed waiting for him to return after calming down a bit, she could see him pacing up and down... Kicking the chairs angrily... She was herself bit scared ,she had never seen him like this before... He had woken up many times shouting, scared... but never behaved so roughly... Never so angry... She didn't know when she fell asleep waiting for him... It was the bright morning light that woke her up..

As she open her eyes she saw him all ready closing his briefcase ready to go... She looked by her side there was no coffee... She knew immediately that he was still angry

" Armaan tum tayaar bhi ho gaye ? " He didn't said anything " Armaan good morning.." He looked at her and the way he looked told her everything... She was still not forgiven' without another word he walked out sullen

Ridhhima felt very guilty... When she came down Maria informed her that he didn't even had breakfast... She did felt bad for him but knew what she did was the right thing...

She kept wondering what made him soo upset... She wondered if seeing Naina's photo brought all the sad memories back.. But what about Nainait has been such a long time and yet they had hardly ever talked about her.. " Ab kisse puchhun.. Papa se.. Nahi Naina mom ke baare main aise puchhungi to unhe dukh hoga... BP bhi nahi hain... Mchh ! yeh Muski bhabhi ko bhi abhi jaana tha..."

" Ridhhima beta , juice aapke liye.. Maria kept the glass in front of her "

" Maria ! " she stopped her, why didn't she thought of it before.. She smiled " aap ruko thodi daer mere paas I'm feeling lonely today... Koi bhi nahi hai ghar par..."

Maria smiled motherly " ofcourse beta..." She sat at the other corner of the steps facing her

" Umm Maria aap yahan Armaan ki dekhbhaal ke liye aayi thi naa...? "

She smiled " haan 11 saal ka tha Armaan jab main aayi... 16 saal ho gaye mujhe is parivaar ke saath.."

" To kuch batayiye naa... Kaisa tha wo bachpan main..." she asked curiously

" Armaan... Huuhh Armaan sabse alag tha, jab main aayi tab Naina ji ko guzre kuch hi time hua tha. Shuru shuru main wo bilkul chup rehta tha, ghar ke logon ke alawa shayad hi kisi se baat karta tha, mere paas to aata hi nahi tha... Lekin phir wo to har ajnabi se darta tha... Lekin dheere dheere sab theek hota gaya... Usne kabhi mujhe is ghar ka naukar nahi samjha balki ek parivaar ke sadasya ki tarah izzat aur pyar diya hai... Raat ko jab wo darta tha to mere paas hi aa kar sota tha... Lekin shaitan bhi kuch kam nahi tha" she chuckled " jaise jaise Naina ji ki maut ka sadma kuch kam hota gaya uska bachpan wapas aata gaya... Ek se badh kar ek shaitani... Racing ka to itna shauk hai ki bas puchho mat... Kabhi Virendra sir bike ke liye manaa kar dete the to car shuru ho jaati thi.. Aur Rahul aur Mukaan hamesha uski side lene ke liye khade rehte the... Kisi ki himmat nahi thi ki koi use kuch keh de "

They chuckled.. " Aur bahane banane main to number one ya to phir wo homework karna ho ya kuch jo pasand nahi... Vibha madam to kabhi kabhi pareshan ho jaati thi..."

Ridhhima kept listening... " Lekin Maria.. Naina mom ki maut kaise hui ?? "

Maria became serious ,sighing heavily she spoke up looking at nothing in front... " Sahi sahi to mujhe bhi nahi pata main unki maut ke kareeb ek saal baad aayi thi.. magar jahaan tak main jaanti hun wo ek bahut bhayak hadsa tha... Us baare main koi baat nahi karta... Magar us haadse ne agar kisi ko sabse jyada takleef di, to wo di Armaan ko... Ek bachhe ke liye apni maa ko khona sabse badi takleef hoti hai.... "

" Magar Maria ghar main Naina mom ki ek bhi tasveer kyun nahi hai ? " she now remembered that she indeed had not seen her picture anywhere...

" hamein bola gaya tha unhe hatane ko "

" what ?! Kyun ?! kisne ? "

She looked disturbed... Probably she'd thought about it too " bade saab... Virendra sir, ke order se "

" what ?? Papa ne kaha mom ki photo hataane ko ?? "

" Haan, shayad wo us bhayanak haadse ko yaad nahi karna chahte aur hamein to khaas order diye gaye hain ki unki koi tasveer Armaan ke saamne na laayi jaye, baba ka room bhi hum uski absence main hi saaf karwate hain... Shayad koi bahut buri yaad hai wahan..."

Ridhhima fell quiet she remembered when she went in that room how angry he got and flinched when he got the glimpse of it... How he pleaded not to go there again ' kuch hai wahan... Ek bura saaya... Plz I request you wahan mat jaana ' " Maria Armaan.."

" Maria.. Maria ! " Martin's sharp voice stopped her in between , he appeared a moment later " oh here you are... Madam I need to borrow her there is some work in the kitchen... Armaan sir get quiet restless if lunch is served late.." He looked at Maria " hurry up Maria "

" but I... "

" Now Maria, i'm sure madam can excuse you " Martin glared she could not understand the reason behind Martin acting strangely..

" Beta main zara chal kar khane ki tayyari dekh lun baba ko lunch bhejna hai..." Leaving Ridhhima lost in her thoughts ,even more puzzled Maria went away... She could have asked Martin but she knew it would be useless, the butler was so loyal so secretive that he won't spill a single bean...

" Magar koi beta apni maa ki tasveer dekhne se bhi kaise manaa kar sakta hai ?? " His manners ,his worries, anger and reluctance confused her even more... She decided to wait for Muskaan and got up to move in, she was passing by when he heard angry whispers

" Why were you saying even.."

" God's sake Martin ,she's the daughter of the house she has the right to know..."

" She has the right to know but we don't have the right to tell... What if she goes poking her nose and it disturb Armaan sir again..."

" Nothing will happen "

" How can you say ! I was there, I saw him.. his condition... You don't mess around... If she wants to know let her ask sir if they haven't told her then we don't have the right to say anything... It's their family matter we should not step in between..."

" Okay fine ! now stop yelling and being so grumpy..." Both moved out she quickly hid herself and they never noticed her...

" I have to ask Armaan aakhir baat kya hai..."

She went into the kitchen " Martin i'll take Armaan's lunch today " and went away to get ready... She knew if she wanted some answers she had to get him back to normal again...

He was really surprised seeing her there, unannounced...

" Ridhhima tum ?! "

" haan main, tum bade laparwah ho gaye ho Armaan ,aaj breakfast kyun nahi kiya ? " she tried to be normal, he was still not in a very happy mood but he was still not angry on her for coming there " ab aise hi dekhte rahoge ya aa kar kuch khaoge bhi, mujhe to badi bhuuk lag rahi hai... Maine socha ab aa rahi hun to tumhare saath hi lunch kar lun.. Aao naa " he kept his file down and came for the lunch... Even after a lot of coaxing he ate minimum...

" Armaan bas itna hi "

" haan i'm not particularly hungry..." she sighed, feeling that things will not get normal otherwise...

" Armaan " he looked up from his file " i'm sorry for yesterday... I didn't wanted to hurt you... Trust me Armaan aisi har mamuli baat ke liye tumhe un pills ko lene ki zarurat nahi hai "

" it's okay Ridhhima ,i know you meant well "... She could see that his anger was faltering a bit... She wanted to talk to him ,to ask many things but she could see he was not in a mood... in the meanwhile he got a call that some representatives were here to meet him and he asked to send them after a while ..

" Ridhhima kuch log aaye hain mujhe unse milna hai ,main shaam ko milta hun "

" theek hai " she sighed inwardly, this was difficult he won,t budge... she felt disappointed she was about to leave

" Ridhhima..." She turned " Never do that again... Plz..." She would have said more but he spoke again " dhayan se jaana.." And hid himself behind the file.. That was cue enough for her that he wanted her to leave... sighing again she went out giving him a glance of which he took no notice...

At evening he came back home but was all quiet... He sat in the room with her but spoke nothing... She tried many times to start a conversation but he didn't speak anything but monosyllables... she was fed up now... She was not used to of so quiet Armaan... Moreover she didn't knew what she had done to make him so angry he won't listen to her... one thing she knew, he was angry because she hadn't given him the pills... She exaled and throwing the file by her side got up angrily ...

He raised his eyes to see what she was doing... She went to wardrobe room and came back after a moment... Slamming the bottle of pills on the bedside table she stood there arms folded across her chest

" Lo, le lo apni pills aur kha lo jitni khaani hai... Aur plz ab to yeh muh latka kar mat baitho..." He looked at the pills and then at her angry face... He slowly closed the file and sighed now facing her he took her hand...

" Ridhhima baitho "

She was surprised but was adament too " What ! i'm fine ! "

" Plz Ridhhima..." he pleaded softly

She looked at his pleading face and sat down rather angrily... " Ridhhima I'm sorry..." She still look away, a small smile came on his lips... " Plz Ridhhima, at least look at me... Plz.."

She turned her face... " Main jaanta hun ki I have acted like a jerk but plz try to understand it's very difficult for me... Main nahi jaanta why but those dreams always leave me drained... frustrated... Plz I hope you understand... "

" but Armaan wo tumhari mom ki tasveer thi "

" Ridhhima plz main mom ke baare main koi baat nahi larna chahta " he again became serious

" Kyun Armaan, she was your mom kya tum unhe bhul gaye don't u love her ?! "

" No, no, no ! it's not that...of course I love her ,she was my mom but try to understand she died Ridhhima... she died... it's just everytime I try to recall her I get frightening nightmares... They scare me Ridhhima... Everytime ... Those screams..." he shut his eyes trying to wave away those memories...

" Armaan agar aisa hai why don't we consult someone.." she looked concerned

" No ! I don't want to consult anyone... I'm fine " he sighed and picked up the bottle... Looking at it for a while he placed it in her hand " main jaanta tum mujhse jyada jaanti ho magar plz it would help me sometime... main bhi inka gulam nahi banna chata magar tumse pehle mujhe koi rokne waala nahi tha naa... Isliye shayad jyada gussa aa gaya... Adat nahi hai naa.." He smiled but she could see that he looked tired and emotionally drained...

" it's okay Armaan tum so jao ,kal bhi theek se nahi soye thak gaye honge naa " he nodded smiling after a long time " and trust me I will make sure that there will be no more nightmares " she smiled Taking away his files

A day or two passed and he became almost normal... Ridhhima dropped the idea of probing him any further about the topic of Naina's death... She was taking the albums back one on another when one of them slipped and fell down.. She bent down to pick it up but before she could a hand picked it up.. She raised her head and saw it was Armaan.. She stood up holding the albums...

" Armaan tum.. Wo main bas inhe waapas hi rakhne jaa rahi thi..." She hesitated seeing him.. fearing.. She didn't knew what.. Another outbreak. He looked at the album with expressionless face

" Achha, magar main to soch raha tha ki tumhe apne doston se milwaunga..." He held up the album and to her relief smiled...

He sighed " Ridhhima look..." he sighed " i'm sorry... I have acted like a real jerk... I know you meant well but... I just can't help being so sometimes ,sorry... Pls.." he made a cute puppy face and she forgot to be angry on him... Apology was instantly accepted and anger... Where did it go... His smile was bewitching she made a mental note not to let him make such a cute face and say sorry next time they fight...

She smiled " it's okay, but you better behave yourself next time mister " she warned faking anger

" yes maam " he saluted in marine fashion and they both gigled... He grabbed the albums in one hand her hand with another and took her to the couch... Sitting side by side, he opened first album...

" hey look Martin ! "

" why he look so sullen ? " she asked

" sullen ?! This is his happy face ! " and they laughed out... They moved on from one pic to another... One album to next...

" yeh to jab main college main tha tab ki hai " he picked it running his hand over it feeling nostalgic ,smiling to himself... Probably remembering his days at college...

" Armaan is this Abhimanyu Modi ? " she pointed a small face in the background

" yeah, ise kaise bhul sakta hun... Abhimanyu Modi... Yeh mere saath hi tha college main aur hamesha mere saath shart lagata rehta tha... Always tried to beat me... Kabhi exams, kabhi races... Jab India aaya tab yeh bhi aaya aur hum yahaan mile ,yaad hai jab main hospital main tha " she nodded " wo isi ki wajah se tha kabhi seedhe seedhe to hara nahi paaya to usne wo kiya jo use aata hai... Cheating " he smiled sarcastically

She turned the page " hey Armaan Niki ! " she squeled but his smile vanished " kya hua ? " he said nothing " Armaan Niki kahaan hai ? " she saw how his expressions changed... " wo shaadi par bhi nahi dikhi aur itna waqt ho gaya you never even mentioned her... Where is she Armaan ?? "

" pata nahi "

" pata nahi ? Cmmon Armaan aisa kaise ho sakta hai she was your best friend hai naa "

He stood up looking out of the window " yes we 'were' best friends "

" to.. kahan hai wo ? "

" Apne 'husband' ke saath... Probably too happy to remember any of her old friends... Mrs. Nikita MODI " he looked at the photograph in her lap... Ridhhima's eyebrows shot up hearing what he said...

A sweet bunglow welcomed the first rays of the sun... The kitchen bustled with the morning activity of preparing breakfast...

" kanahiya.. Yeh baahar table par rakh aao saahan abhi aane hi waale honge.. Rani jao maaji ko bula lao bolo ki breakfast tayyar hai " she went around in the kitchen swiftly managing things, orfering servants...

" bulane ki koi zarurat nahi hai main yahi hun " niki turned and saw her mother in law standing there " good morning beta, tumne phir sab akele kar liya ? " she said hugging her lovingly

" good morning mumma... Aur maine kaha hai naa aapse ki aapko is baare main pareshaan hone ki koi zarurat nahi hai " she smiled at her ,she was indeed her mother than a mother in law... Sometimes she felt that she loved her even more than her son... It was no secret that she wanted another child a girl but some complications couldn't let her wish fulfilled.. Untill she came here after marriage... Niki found a mother and she found a daughter...

" wo janab uthe ki nahi ? " she asked smiling

" Abhi ko uthane ki zarurat nahi padti ,wo to subah subah 6 baje hi gym main ghuss jaate hain bas abhi aate hi honge "

They all sat down for breakfast

" good morning mom...dad.." he sat down smiling politely to Niki who smiled back and started serving...

" Abhi "

" yes dad " niki sat opposite him

" beta main kuch soch raha tha.. Infact ek faisla liya hai "

" kis baare main dad ? " he asked putting a spoonful of poha in his mouth

" main chahta hun ki tum.. Humsab.. Waapas Delhi shift ho jaayein "

He stopped eating at once jerking his head up...he looked at her...niki was equally surprisedby the sudden decision..Abhi gathered himself...

" magar dad ,yeh achanak shift hone ka faisla..." he looked at his mother who was not the least surprised which meant she knew about it...

" bas aise hi.. Ab dekho naa hamara main office wahan hai aur hum yahan.. Kitna up down karna padta hai... Time waste hota hai... Bangalore bura nahi hai magar Delhi to apni hi hai "

" aur Niki ka to socho ,wo kitna miss karti hogi apne mom dad ko " Niki felt a surge of affection on her mother in law ,she was so understanding and loving... She kept a hand on hers..

" no mumma aap aisa bilkul mat sochiye, aap hai naa ,i don't miss them that much " Suman ,abhi's mother, smiled and hugged her sideways

" awww thank you beta you are so sweet... Lekin ab dekho naa hamare saare rishtedaar wahin hai business wahin hai aur hum yahan .. Bhai mujhe to bada boring lagta hai... Aur tumhare dost ?.. Don't you miss them huh.." Niki looked at Abhi who looked back but she couldn't make out what he was thinking...

" wo to theek hai papa magar main permanent shift hone ke baare main kuch nahi keh sakta " he again looked at her " pata nahi mujhe wahan suit karega ya nahi "

" that's ridiculous ! Of course tumhe suit karega kya tum wahan pale badhe nahi ho... To phir ?!.. Tum ek kaam karo tum Niki ko le kar Delhi chale jao hum bhi kuch din main wahan aa jayenge... And that's final enough of this place.."

" but dad " he tried to reason

" no but's Abhi, it's decided we are going back.. Apna ghar apne log chhod kar bahar rehna kahan ki samajhdaari hai ,meri Malhotra sahab se baat ho gayi hai aur wo bhi is faisle se bahut khush hain " he declared, his mother shook her head at her adament husband smiling..

Abhi knew his father won't budge.. He looked at Niki who was lost in her thoughts...

" back..back to Delhi... itne mahino baad...Mom,Dad..kitne dino ke baad unse milna hoga.. Aur... Armaan..."

__________________________________________________________

guys PM's aur pics kal abhi badi neend aa rahi hai... good night....

Originally posted by: luvkaranmadly

oldy u r too bad......

now i hav to read it tomorrow......

u do better update........