I LOVE U AS U ARE(AR) new link - pg 1 - Page 46

hi pooja........

awesum update......

finally armaans head has got knocked with sum sense........

gud to see.........

hope to see clarifications soon........... and then confession...........

do continue soon..........

thanks for the pm

bye

"Areh, Chhoti Maa, aap, aap kab aayi, aur aap abhi tak soyi nahi, baaki sab bhi nahi soye kya? Koi problem hai kya?"

"Haye Maani betu, stop for some breath, yes, i'm here, coz i didnt feel like sleeping. Karan is asleep, he was tired enuf, Dad went to bed early. I thought i'd check if u were awake, i didnt wanna sit alone. Haan, Rahul will be back later, he's gone to drop off Muskaan, and to be honest, i dont expect him back soon, moreover, if he's late, he might drop by at Ridzi's place and spend the night there, he doesnt like to be a disturbance here at late night"

"And he doesnt mind disturbing her late night", Armaan spoke with slight frustration,

"Well Maani, Riddhima's schedule is just like a jalebi, u never know where she is at wht time. Trust me to expect the unexpected from her, she always does something to shock you. For example, take today night, her performance came a shock to all of us, in fact, i'd just asked her to play the guitar, i knew she plays well, but the singing n dancing, it was a cherry on the top. Even Muskaan and Rahul performed due to her. You know she's Rahul bestest among the best buddies. They've been really close since their childhood, its just a coincidence tht u didnt know her, despite the fact tht she's visited us so many times even after u came here. I guess it was maybe becoz u always loved to shut urself in ur room with those video games of urs. Anyways, point is, Rahul thinks he has this copyright to trouble her any time of the day, he thinks that they have such a relation tht anything is fair within themselves, and actually, its not tht he just thinks it, coz, Riddhima feels the same. From what she tells me, she wud be stuck up the day she has to choose someone between Rahul, Nikki and Abhi. These three are the most important people in her life, no doubt she loves everyone around her. But for her family and her friends, she has a special place. Though she never shows it, but when she cares for someone, she does it till the end of her life. You know, she's kind of a coconut, but the one whose outer shell is even softer than her inner one, ha ha ha. Confused, well, u see, Riddhima doesnt places her trust on people easily, let alone easily, it takes ur entire lifetime to gain her trust, and once u've lost it, never think of gettng it back. She'll make life hell for u, once u do wrong to her, then just leave her alone, she doesnt like digging old graves. She forgets and forgives, but never gives a second chance. Yeah, there are exceptions, u get a second chance, but only if her heart agrees. So, u never know what's gonna happen next, when u deal with her. In fact, she's just like jiju in her persona, but with an outstanding difference and a unique charm.She leaves jiju way behind. If u have to define her, u never know where to start and where to stop. In short, she just moulds herself according to the situations tht come to her, and lets say that her positive point is that its she who choses the situatios tht come to her, in other words, she's the master of her feelings as well as her actions. She has great control over herself. You know the funny part here, though Rahul is her best friend since childhood, but still she acknowledged him with this 'best friend' tag in the last year of her school. She takes time to accept relationship's, becoz she wants to ensure herself that she cud fulfill this relation until her end"

Nandini had deliberately chosen Riddhima as the topic of her talk, she hadnt missed the shine in Armaan's eyes after he'd met her, his eyes followed her everywhere. When Riddhima paid no heed even once, Nandini did not miss this, at times, she'd been confused to see the display of different emotions in his eyes as he looked at her, but she was sure, she cud get her answers in just one way, 'Riddhima'.

"Maani, what happened, u seem upset by something, dont try denying it, i know something's bugging u, and if u dont wanna tell, i wont ask, but dont lie. I know it, in the morning, even Dad was referring to u being disturbed n types, so, maybe keep the facts to urself, but dont give me those lies"

"Chhoti Maa, u wudnt wanna know..."

"Try me?"

"Its a long story..."

"I have until eternity,so, just start off"

As if it was a cue to him, Armaan started telling her everything, right from the beginning, upto the end, and this time, he did not miss anything, not even the rift between Rahul and him. He continued and continued and finished after what he thought was a lifetime.

"So my guess abt u n Rahul faking in front of us was right, i knew u guys werent the same like before. I understand Rahul being himself, he had Riddhima to share it with, bt why didnt u share it with me Maani, i feel really let down. Ypu'd promised me on ur first day here, that how much ever u think it troubles me, u'll always discuss ur problems. As for what u've done with Riddhima, i really dont know how i feel about it. I mean, had it been any other girl, it wud've hurt me as much as now, but now, the girl being Riddhima, i know i cud just punish u real hard right now, tht u wud've repented"

Armaan was shocked, his sweeter than honey Chhoti Maa talking such rach, then this was sure shot danger.

"Maybe, you're right on ur part, but u were so impulsive in ur decisions, u didnt think once before insulting her once, u broke tht poor girl's heart. Whenever i asked her abt her love life, she felt uneasy. No wonder she's taken it hard deep down, only she has the guts not to show it, i guess, she's forgotten u as a bad chapter of her life, n moved ahead"

"No Chhoti Maa, she has to give me a second chance, i deserve it, i have to try for it, becoz..."

"Why Armaan, so tht u hurt her again, so tht this time she doesnt have the will to get up n she gives up, why, becoz u want to feed her loss to ur ego, becoz..."

"Becoz Chhoti Maa, becoz i love her, yes, i love her Chhoti Maa, and i myself dont know since when, but i know one thing, i loved her when i saw her for the first time, in that basket ball court, sitting with her friend and working on tht list, and i was trying to gain her attention. I loved her when she fought me all those challenges and defeated me, i loved her when she bacame my friend, i loved her when she actually spent the time with me n we chatted till infinity, i loved her when i was trying to separate her from Rahul,i was jealous of Rahul's closeness to her, i even loved her when i thought she was the biggest gold digger in the universe, i wud've loved to lose all my gold to this girl. It was Rahul being so close to her tht made ma all tht i did, otherwise, i loved her then and i love her now. It was my love for her, tht despite my bad boy image, i've never even touched a girl, i was always looking for her in every girl, and when i failed to find someone like her, i realised tht it was only her i loved. I cant live without her, i just cant. I loved her then Chhoti Maa, and i love her even today, i love her..."

"Finally, thank goodness u've admitted it, it wasnt as tough as i'd thought it'd be, u got in the confession part soon, and here i'd been thinking of all those ways to make u confess ur love for her"

"You already knew...?"

"Haan Maani betu, ur Chhoti Maa already knew tht u love Riddhima, i'd seen it in the party, but i was unaware of the reason of ur problem, and i just got tht out. Having Riddhima as my daughter-in-law was my dream, since she was born, but seeing her with Rahul, i knew they bith were not the made for each other couple, best friends maybe, but definitely not a couple, and when u came in our lives, i had new hopes. I dont know why, but i felt u guys were connected in some way, and today, its like God always wanted this to happen. I am glad to know tht the love of ur life is Riddhima, u cudnt get anyone better than her"

"So Chhoti Maa, since u've approved us both, u think Riddhima will forgive me n give me a second chance?"

Nandini's smile immediately from her face, she seemed to think something, n continued,

"As far as forgiving is considered Armaan, she's already forgiven u. Otherwise she wudnt be so normal with u, but for the second chance, even i dont know. I dont know if Riddhima is in love with u now, maybe she's gotten over u considering u just her puppy love or a childhood crush, or maybe not. I have no clue to tht, but one thing tht i know of is tht dont give up without trying. Though i've told u all about the independent Riddhima, in ur words, the tom boy Riddhima, but under this trait of her, there's a girl, with a heart softer than any angel who's ever been there or will be. She's got the softer side, which makes her the complete person everyone loves, and the good point is she doesnt try to hide this side of hers. Its just tht her softer side never had a chance to come up, so never think Riddhima is afraid of herself, maybe she's self-conscious, but not scared. Anyone who loves her shud know one thing, just love her for what she is, not what she can be, coz there's nothing that she cant be, but her real self is the best, of all"

"Yes Chhoti Maa, i get it, i've understood wht u've said, n as far as i know, i love her just the way she is, I Love You As You Are Riddhima, and i'm coming for u"

"Nandini, what are u doing here, at this time of the morning"

"Uhh Karan, woh main... i was... woh Armaan...", Nandini was surprised to see Karan suddenly come there, n the time in the watch told her it was very long since they'd been talking,

"Armaan, thank God u're still here, i wanted to catch u before u go for ur jog"

"Haan Chachu, kahiye"

"Look Armaan, today is a new start,for many of us. Riddhima is starting the new hotel project, this is going to be her first project"

Riddhima's name made Armaan n Nandini exchange glances, had Karan heard everything?

"Though she's helped Shashank many times, but this is gonna be her first project independently,though we all are there to support her, but i'm sure she'llonly come to us if the situation cannot get worse. Rahul shall also handle the project, so shall Abhimanyu, but i also want u to be a part of the project. Its time u reliece Atul of his responsibilities, and start taking part in what happens in the office. Moreover, u dont have any tournament coming up, so this is the best time, i want u to take charge of ur share of..."

"Chachu, dont come up with the property thing, plz, it does not matters, but as far as taking up my responsibility is concerned, i am ready for it"

"Take it ur way dude, responsibility it is, now i want u to gear up and use all those MBA books to some use which u used to steal n place back in my library"

So Chachu knew it, Armaan had been secretly preparing for taking the charge of his work whenever he got time by reading all those books from Chachu's peronal library, and it hadnt been a coincidence tht everytime he went there, a new book awaited him. He'd done it all secretly,becoz he was scared, he didnt want to raise Chachu's hopes and then break them if he failed in handling the business. That was why he'd tried avoiding the business issues, but now, it meant more time with Riddhima. Maybe this was God's signal to tell him its time he took up matters in hand.

"Here is the file of the project, i suggest u better drop the idea of the jog, read the file and get ready. You leave for the office with Rahul, i've just told him u'll be joining him"

"Rahul is back?"

"Haan Nandini, he just came, he said Riddhima is really excited for the project, i hope everything goes fine"

"Dont worry Karan, all is gonna be ok, i know Riddhima will manage it, she's a strong girl"

"Yeah, anyways, Armaan, buck up, all the best, and i know something, i know u'll never disappoint me,u have it in u, never be afraid of the disappointments, overcome. And whatever happens,i'll always love u"

"Love u too Chachu", Armaan saw Karan leave.

"After this session of long speeches, PL", Nandini spoke,

"What's PL?"

"Please Listen like PS is for please see, dont tell Riddhima abt me knowing all this, and, dont expect any help from me, i can just encourage u,hear ur problems n give my point of view, but no help, u need to do it urself"

"Cool, these things shall be more than enuf, bye Chhoti Maa", Armaan regretted tht he wud have to miss the jog, but he was excited abt working with Riddhima,so excited tht he crammed the whole file in a short time.

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Armaan came down in a dashing greyish-blue 3 piece suit, that matched his eyes (still his eyes are much prettier), and a tie (whatever colour u like). He felt extremely confident of himself as he descended the stairs,only to be lost in the sight of the person in front of him.

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Riddhima had come to the Mallik mansion, she had met Shashank and Nikki on her way here, to receive their best wishes, Abhi had also called to wish her, he said he'd come later as some important meeting abt an upcoming match had come up. Her she was, all nervous, as well as excited, just as she entered, her eyes scrutinized Armaan, boy, did he look hot? The colour enhanced the beauty of his eyes, and he did look the most dashing man she'd ever met. Her eyes finally fixed onto his, she was abt to pass a smile, when old a bell gonged in her mind 'date with Maya, tomboy Riddhima'. She immediately shifted her gaze and looked at the people coming to greet her.

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She looked like 'cool', no, more of 'hot', or maybe 'both'. He cudnt believe his eyes, Riddhima looked just wow. Dressed in a black jeans, a white top, and a matching black and white jacket, with bottons let open in the front, watch again in left wrist, and a few silver bangles in the other, a simple heart shaped diamond pendant in even simpler diamond chain in her neck, her hair tied in a high ponytail, with a few curvy tresses left open on both the sides close to her face, white sneakers, Riddhima looked like a blend of sophistication and wild. Her get up spoke loud message, casual is comfortable, like always. Armaan cudnt move his eyes from her face, it contained such an attraction tht he was captured. He saw her checking him out, n for sure the admiration was visible on her face. She took no pain to hide it. Suddenly, in a flash, he saw an expression which he thought was hurt cross her face, next he saw she'd moved to greet everyone who'd just come out of their rooms. He saw she did not look at him again.

"Areh Ridzi betu, aa gayi", Nandini asked,

"Haan Chhoti Maa, i thought of coming here first to meet u all, i had to meet boyfriend too, i knew he wont come to the park today coz of the party last night"

"You think i was tired becoz of the party so i skipped the park", Vikram Mallik complained,

"Of course no boyfriend, i'd actually thought u wud've gone around on some long drive types with ur other girlfriends, n wud be returning late", Riddhima chuckled,

"Someone's jealous", Vikram laughed off,

"And someone's getting old", Riddhima answered,

"Ok enuf of u both, now settle down n start wid the breakfast", Nandini said sternly,

"Hitler kahin ki", Vikram muttered,

"Bingo", Karan added, only, it was heard by Nandini, n she gave him the deadly look, everybody sniggered keeping their faces down.

"Hey people, good morning, hi daadu, hi Chachu (he touched their feet), hey Chhoti Maa (he hugged Nandini), hey Buddy (high fived Armaan), oh Ridzi, u here too, hi (he side hugged her), so all ready to hip hop, nervous"

Everyone responded to Atul,

"Hey Atul, yeah i'm all set, a bit nervous, but all the more excited, its a big day"

"Yeah, dont worry, from wht i've heard, people at office love u, waise, even i'm eager to go to our new office building, i'm glad Shashank uncle planned of a new building when we merged the companies"

"Yeah, dad thinks new ideas and new surroundings are gelled together, anyways, i hope u all like ur cabins, i've worked hard on them"

"What, cabins n u?"

"Yeah, i mean i havent done the work myself, but yes, all the cabins interiors, are my choices only. I've designed the cabins according to what i thought u people wud like"

"Thats news to me, i'm glad u told me, now i'll be careful while mentioning the negative points of the cabin"

"Atul!!!"

"Yes?"

"Shut up!!!"

"Ok ok, but still, u're a multi talented girl, i've never met someone so bright, yeah, i forgot to mention, u look good, just ur style, casual, right?"

"Yeah, kind of, but my actual style is comfortable, and u urself dont look bad in this black suit, btw, dont u feel like suffocated wearing this everyday"

"Yeah, i do, but wht can i do, like, i cant go to work in jeans n t-shirt, wud look odd"

"Hmmmm, Atul, remind me later, as soon as we address the staff, i have to make an announcement in the office, its important "

"Ok, i'll keep in mind, btw, Armaan, u dont look bad either, what say Riddhima?"

"Yeah, u look cool, Armaan"

While everybody was busy with each other, Armaan was busy listening to Atul n Riddhima. He was shocked, Atul never got comfortable with anyone so easily, especially not girls. Oh, did i forgot to mention tht Atul has met only plastic doll typed girls who ran behind him, he cant have a normal talk also with such girls, so he actually avoids them, otherwise nothing wrong with him, no dostana. And this is the reason, he extremely hates models. But here he is not only talking to Riddhima, but seems very comfortable with her. He felt quite left out until he heard Atul speak his name n next Riddhima comlimenting him. She'd complimented him, with sincerity, but didnt look at him long and shifted her gaze immediately.

"Maasi, where's Rahul"

"Hey all, good morning, (he simply wished all coz he'd already taken elders blessings in the morning), hey Atul (he side hugged him), wassup, hi Armaan (anther high five), and of course, good morning Miss Ridzi Gupta (Riddhima got up n hugged him), so how has been the warrior princess lately?"

"Name the devil and here is he, Rahul dont pretend as if we dont know tht u slept at her place", Nandini arched her brows,

"Oooh my sweet innocent mother, that was like abt 3 hours ago, u dont know life changes every second, right Riz"

"Yupp knight in distress, he's right Maasi", Riddhima defended him,

"Dont yupp him Ridzi, u're siding him just gives him another chance to mock at me, and Mr Knight-in-distress, wassup with this Riz, where's Ridzi for today?"

"Mom, u know its all so unfair, i mean, u all call her Ridzi, even u, but since i'm supposed to be the one of the special ones in her life, so i have right to call her differently, get it, and if i'm not wrong, i smell jealousy", Nandini faked anger when Riddhima interrupted,

"No wonder Maasi, i've been getting new names lately, like i'm Riddhima for family, Ragz for my fans, Ridzi for all friends, and my special trio has renamed me too, Rahul's calling me Riz, Nikks changed Ridzi to Ridz, and Abhi, the greatest, he calls me Riddhu, that too in public, imagine my situation, i have to keep up with all of these", Riddhima pouted in such a way tht engrossed in her, he omitted the Abhi part from his memory, while all chuckled at her expression, Nandini was like,

"Aww, my poor girl"

"By the way Ridzi, wassup with this warrior princess and that knight something?", Atul scratched his head,

"Woh Atul beta, i'll tell u this one, few years back, on a sunday, we all were getting bored. So we thought of doing some play act for the coming new years eve, and we made an on the spot prince princess types story. The problem then was the characters, Riddhima didnt want to be the damsel in distress, the weak princess crying in the castle, and to be honest, Rahul didnt do the role of the knight in shining armour very well (she received an angry glance from Rahul), all right he did well, except the fact tht he forgot his lines, he didnt have the great posture, he didnt do action scene well and he kept scratching his head, and..."

"Mom, i think Atul got the point", he glared as everyone laughed,

"Oho Rahul, dont worry, Maasi has a habit of over stretching the facts, dont u Maasi, moreover, look she didnt tell them tht whenever u saw a sword, even a fake one, u ran to the washroom and locked urself in there for hours"

As the words were out, Riddhima was seen running around the table, with Rahul on his heels trying to catch her. The others followed them with their eyes as they covered the hall area in their chase, finally Rahul was out of breath, he settled himself on the sofa as Riddhima came from behind only to lock and hold his hands behind his back,

"All right u want me to say i'm the best, then i am the best"

"None of those silly games Rahul, i just wanna hear one thing, out with it or serve the punishment"

"Alright, i accept defeat, Riddhima Gupta, the Warrior Princess, is just the best, ok, now leave me"

"Yupp, thts what u get when u challenge the best tennis player who is supposedly ur best friend"

"God, why did u do this to me, wait n watch, someday, u'll be the one with ur hands locked"

"Keep dreaming as u cry my sweetest knight in distress", Riddhima walked off to sit on a bean bag as everyone gathered around the living area to settle down.

"Wow Ridzi, u're awesome, gr8 stamina"

"Thanks Atul"

"But Chhoti Maa, u didnt complete ur story"

"Haan, so as i said, after the prevailing conditions, we decided toshift the story a little, and hence Riddhima became the warrior princess, in the shining armour, and Rahul stuck to the knight n distress part. It was a play worth watching, the most memorable one, but had other sides too. Like, a warning to u, never even think of calling Rahul by this name, one of his classmates did this mistake, next day he came with a bandage on his nose, courtesy to the punch Riddhima had gifted him the previous day"

Riddhima's cheek turned red, and she avoided everyone's gaze,

"Its needless to mention no one dares to call her by tht name too, after tht boxing event"

This led them all to laughter, and Riddhima too joined them,

"Ok guys, thats it i guess, now dad and i are leaving for the office, i suggest u guys move too", finally Karan spoke up,

"Yeah Maasu, u're right, its time and the staff shall be waiting for us, we dont wanna be late, Atul how r u going?"

"Umm, i live just next door, so i came here walking, i guess i'll go with Armaan"

"Darn, Atul i forgot to mention my car broke down last night, and its there at the garage now, so i guess me too will have to do with a lift", Armaan said,

"Maybe we can walk to my house n collect my car from there", Atul suggested,

"Why dont u guys take one of them from the basement?", Nandini pointed out,

"Chhoti Maa, it'll take time to get the car ready", Armaan answered,

"Mom how abt we drop them both, u can send the spare car later to the office", everyone was shocked as Rahul suggested this,

"Haan Rahul, this is perfect, Ridzi, i'll come with u, Armaan, go with Rahul, thts cool", Atul said. Rahul was ok with it, he didnt want Armaan to sit with Riddhima, it was better he stayed away from her.

Armaan had been quite all the while, he had been a silent spectator to the events in front of him, but his reactions were quite wht u expected from him. Seeing Atul n Rahul with Riddhima made him jealous, but her expressions, her actions, he forgot his jealousy to view this amazing sight. The nick names part made him laugh, weird names, he thought, but he had to agree, she was a warrior princess, warrior by nature n princess by her heart. And now, he would become her warrior knight, cool, he actually liked the name. He mentally patted himself for it. Now all he had to do was explore her softer side, like Chhoti Maa had said. He only came to the real world when Atul asked him abt his car, it was even a bigger shock when Rahul suggested they give them lift, wow, amazing turn of events. But alas, Atul took the chance to go with Riddhima, no problems, as soon as he gets the first chance, he'll have to ask Atul to stay away from his girl, surprising himself, Armaan didnt like Atul getting cosy with Riddhima. Little did he know this was another unwritten rule of the love world, jealousy. Yes, though he had been living since long in this love world, but he had realised it just now, anyways, better late than never. He was looking forward to his first day in office.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE - Guys, as far as the cars are concerned, i dont have any interest and knowledge of them, so, i'll just give u the descriptions, u all can think which ever suits it the best and imagine that one.

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Riddhima settled on the driver's seat in her black sports car (she took her best red sports car only for very very special occassions), Atul and Armaan were impressed by her choice, it just suited her, cool, funk, bindass and comfortable. Atul had chosen to sit with Riddhima, coz he wanted to give Rahul and Armaan some time together, he didnt know why, but it was the first time he wanted to take a step to bring them close. Moreover, he wud get to sit with Riddhima, Atul didnt know why, but this girl intrigued him, he usually managed to avoid the girls, he was kind of scared as well as irritated by the girls he'd met. He'd even tagged them as the most dangerous species, but he didnt know why Riddhima was different. Atul had spent most of life seeing and observing people, and according to him, just as the girls were dangerous, the same way high society people were those who never gave a look to the people beneath them, with the exception of obviously the Malliks. But now even Riddhima was added to this list, she was really an exception. He knew she was a wonderful tennis player, he'd watched all her matches, but never had he considered her more than a spoilt arrogant celebrity, but as he came to know her personally, his views were changed. She was the most down to earth person he'd met, and all the memories of her character came back to him.

"It'll be good to know you Miss Riddhima Gupta", he thought in his mind.

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"Atul, i just wanted to say thanks", Riddhima started the conversation,

"Thanks, but for what Ridzi?", Atul questioned,

"For coming and sitting here, n sending Armaan there, i hope it works"

"You you know about it? And and u also know tht i know abt it, how, and how do u know why i did it?"

"Relax Atul, just chill, yes i do know abt the rift between both of them, i also know tht u know becoz its obvious Armaan wudnt hide this from his best friend, and i knew u'd come here purposely, becoz i saw a sparkle in ur eyes when u said of coming with me, i immediately understood ur plan, and i'm really glad u did it"

"I know, i so want to bring them together, Armaan really misses being with Rahul"

"Yeah, i know, i'll tell u a secret, though he'll never admit it, but Rahul still loves Armaan as much as he did"

With this, Atul started examining and judging Riddhima, and by the end of their ride, he knew she was the best for...

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There was an awkward silence in the car, Rahul was driving his dark blue two seater, and Armaan was fidgeting in his seat, suddenly Riddhima's words came back to him which she'd said as they came out of the house,

"Rahul, start the conversation if u have to, take the first step, all i want u to do is release me from the guilt of separating two brothers who were close friends, plz do it for me"

Rahul knew she'd said all this for him, though she did have little guilt, but her main reason to reunite them was coz she knew Rahul still cared for Armaan. True, he cud never forgive Armaan for wht he did with her, but Riddhima says she's forgotten it all, n wants to move on, it'll only be possible if they both patch up. So Riz, here it is, for u,

"You know you're the first man to sit in my car with me"

Armaan was taken back by this sudden conversation,

"Are u serious, u've never allowed anyone in ur car"

"Nope u duffer, Riz and Muskaan have driven in this, but u hardly count them as men, do u?"

"Ha ha ha, thanks for the honour your highness, knight in distress, by the way this name really suits you"

"I know, but never call me this in front of Riz, she'll sorts of murder u"

"Despite so much time, your sense of humour is still the same, oh i miss u so much"

This seemed to have brought them to reality, in these few minutes, they'd felt just like the previous times, but this sudden silence took over as Armaan's confession registered in their minds.

"Rahul, listen to me, i know i'll never be able to say it again, coz its now or never, whatever happened in the past, i never wanted it to happen, i had some misconceptions abt Riddhima, and they made me do wht i did. I know this does not mean wht i did was right, but now, i am really sorry for all tht. I'm just asking u to forgive me first, becoz then it'll be easier to say sorry to Riddhima, i've hurt her, but now i want forgiveness from her too. Plz, can u forgive me. I want us to be the way we used to be"

"Armaan, i too want wht u wish for, and to be honest, after wht u've said, i've forgiven u. I've seen the regret in ur eyes, but as far as everything getting back to normal is considered, this is somethin tht shall take time. Its easy to act normal with u in front of mom, dad, daadu, n Muskaan. But being really normal, it'll take some time, and all i ask from u is time. I know i can come over this, but with time. I need time to forget all u'd done to Riddhima, the day of the farewell ball is still fresh in my mind. It hurt me a lot, tht day cost me my close friend and my best friend. I separated from u for Riddhima, and Riddhima separated form me for u. She felt guilty for separating us, so she thought of punishing herself, and unknowingly, punished me too. It was only when i cudnt take t anymore tht we got back together, but till date, she hasnt overcome the guilt. She says she's forgotten the past, but i know its hidden deep in her heart. And for this reason, need some time, i promise we'll be back to normal, but some time plz"

"I understand Rahul, its a big thing u've forgiven me, and i am greatful for tht. As for things being normal, i'll wait for it, i promise"

With this note, both of them reached the office.

************************************************

Riddhima noticed Rahul and Armaan get down from the car after they'd parked. She knew something had conspired there, something good, n she wanted to know.

"Yo Rahul, u lost the race"

"What race?", Armaan and Atul asked together,

"The race which Rahul just lost, from ur house to my office, and now its punishment time", Riddhima said as a matter of fact,

"We did not know abt the race, right Rahul?", Armaan looked shockingly at Rahul,

This was the thing Riddhima had wanted to see, and Atul seemed to have seen it too, he winked at her,

"Umm Armaan, wo actually, umm, we did have a race, and i just lost, but Riz, can we have the punishment later, i dont mind it with the gang, but here in office, its my first day", Rahul pleaded, and Armaan saw this pleading, he now knew the punishment must be bad,

"Ok dude, later on, but dont forget, deal is on"

"Cool, i promise deal on", Rahul smiled with a relief, just then a girl came outside with a notepad in one hand and a pen in the other, she was dressed in a jeans and a loose kurta,

"Morning Jenny", Riddhima said to the girl,

"Good Morning Ri... I mean good morning mam, like always on time, welcome, everyone's inside, plz come"

They all walked inside, Riddhima and Rahul walked with Jenny in front, whereas Atul and Armaan followed them behind, Atul suddenly nudged Armaan,

"So?",

"So what?", Armaan was cconfused,

"What happened in the car?",

"I'll tell u later, promise, moreover i need to tell u something"

"About Rahul"

"No, about Riddhima, remind me"

"That reminds me, Riddhima!"

"Haan Atul"

"You told me to remind u, u had to make an announcement"

"Yupp, thanks Atul, Jenny, note it down, an announcement in the end"

They all reached in a conference room, where all had gathered, Riddhima and the others went to the stage n she started what she had to say,

"Morning people, i am Riddhima Gupta, ur new boss, i hope our working together is profitable, for our clients n customers, for u, for the company and for me. This is Mr Rahul Mallik, Mr Atul Joshi and Mr Armaan Mallik. They also share the same post as me in the office, n u all need to take care of it (Mind u people, she owns maximum share of the company, n others are her partners with minor shares). I want discipline in ur work, enjoyment only during breaktime, and one mistake, n u're out of here. Mind u, no second chances, and i mean it. Just enjoy ur work, i'm sure u'll love it then, learn every new thing u can, from everyone, ur senior as well as junior, same goes for me too. Jennifer here will now announce ur names and u come on the stage to introduce urself. Jennifer, go ahead"

People hadnt expected the speech to end so soon, she'd said all wht they'd expected, but in very few words, they were confused at her behaviour, shud they believe her this cool and nice behaviour, or the one they'd witnessed a few minutes ago.

************************************************

FLASHBACK:

As they were walking towards the conference room, a man came running behind them,

"Good Morning Mam, i'm sorry i'm late"

"Why are u late?", Riddhima questioned,

"Woh actually, yesterday night i had gone to my friend's b'day party, and hence, i overslept and so i go late, i'm really sorry"

"Its ok Mr. ..."

"Vicky, Vicky Arora"

"Yeah, Jenny, plz give Mr Vicky Arora his termination letter with full salary of the time he'd spent here"

"Yes mam", Jenny said, Vicky stood there shocked, when they all moved to the hall, shocked of the incident.

************************************************

Just as everyone finished introducing themselves, another woman, in her thirties came humphing in the hall,

"I am sorry mam i'm late, i'm really sorry, today my son's van driver took a leave without informing, and i had to drop him off, hereby getting late, i am really sorry, and i promise it wont repeat"

"Thats ok, plz come up and introduce urself"

The shock on everyone's face was evident, they'd just expected another termination of the morning, but looks like their new boss was in a different mood. The lady introduced herself and went to settle with everyone, when a hand rose up in the air from the audience. Riddhima noticed it and said,

"Yes Miss Sapna Shah"

Sapna was shocked and it was evident on her face, she hadnt expected the new boss to memorise her name so soon, tht too, her being just a junior trainee in the office.

"Miss Shah, i do my homework well? Anyways, proceed!"

"Umm Miss Gupta, i mean mam, u fired Vicky for getting late, but Mrs Sonia Singh is still here in the office, where as she was late too, may i plz know the reason of this partiality?"

It had taken all her courage to say this, but she did it. But her boss showed no change of expressions,

"Miss Shah, the reason is quite simple, Mr Arora was late becoz he was partying late night, it was his carelessness due to which he was late. Mrs Singh on the other hand is late due to a genuine reason, so, she stays"

"But how are u sure tht she isnt lying, Mrs Singh, no personal issues, i'm just curious", everyone had expected her to sit down, but she continued,

"Mrs Sonia Singh, aged 35, wife of Mr Naresh Singh, 38, who presently works in my dad's office, (yupp Riddhima asked her dad to continue managing his old office until she finishes her 1st project), she worked there previously, but now she has been transferred in this branch. Mother of 2 children, older one, Arjun Singh, 17, class 12, preparing for his board exams, younger one, Mohit Singh, 14, class 9, both of them studying in St Peter's Convent School, Mumbai. Mohit, thats the one who's bus driver didnt come today, and i'm sure of it coz i've heard my neighbours complaining abt the bus driver on unexpected leave, and trust me, my neighbours are quite a reputed family, they dont need to lie. Any details abt them, or the bus driver, Mr Nandu Patil, who's sick with jaundice, can be collected from Jennifer, once i finish here. Anything else, yeah, by the way, am i right Mrs Singh?"

"Yes, umm yes mam, u're right", Mrs Singh stammered with her words due to the shock, it wasnt only her who was shocked, the whole staff including Atul, Rahul and Armaan were bewildered. The only smiling face was that of Riddhima and Jennifer. Sapna was rooted to her place.

"I can surely entertain u with news abt the 'Cafe Coffee Day' too, if u're interested, but i'm sure u're not, not now. I guess i do my homework just too well, dont i? Oh, i remembere something, i need to announce something, a new rule before we start. From tomorrow, i am setting a dress code, i want u all to wear something in which u feel comfortable to office, everyday, no need to be formal, i hate to see these 3 piece suits, n coats, sarees, et cetra et cetra everyday. So, wear just what makes u comfortable, if these clothes make u comfy, then be it, but dont wear these for the formality. And the same rule for any meeting we have too, casuals n comfy it is. And i'll make sure no one mocks the other for wearing something like maybe night suits n track suits. Yeah wear night suits if u feel like, just a piece of advice, make sure u dont wear wht u'd wear only for the bedroom, i hope u get it. I'm sure u're smart enuf. Now, everyone disperse"

With a last grin to Sapna, Riddhima walked to her cabin. Everyone gathered around Sapna, and Mrs Singh asked,

"Sapna, wht was all tht 'Cafe Coffee Day' all about?"

"Well, actually, urm, my boyfriend owns tht place", a blushing Sapna answered, which made everyone laugh.

************************************************

Thanks to all those who commented and pressed the like button. Thank u to the silent readers:

Originally posted by: golu_1677

nice fic

thanks

Originally posted by: cool.sindhya

reservedd!!

res