Finally...
SIMI sweetheart ,this part goes specially dedicated to you
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO
Taming The Wild
Part-51
Temptations
Recap : Armaan calls Vivek, Abhimanyu is seen with a girl, by Armaan, which create some confusion. Armaan starts troubling Abhimanyu. Niki confronts Armaan. Abhimanyu gets call from mystery man again and problems get solved. Abhimanyu's manager gets arrested for fraud and Ridhhima's first karwa chauth... She gets a call later at hospital which leaves her stunned.
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Ridhhima dropped the receiver and rushed out... Sameer informed her that blasting was going-on on the site and Armaan accidently went to the wrong spot due to some confusion and got into the blast, they took him to the nearby Max care hospital, though he said not to worry and come as soon as possible yet it was easier said than done...
She jumped into the car asking the driver to get to the hospital as fast as he can, her heart beating frantically. All sort of bad thoughts clouded her mind, she fought to wave them away, kept assuring herself that he would be fine... She was bit angry too ,why didn't she let him stay at home or stop him from going to the site. the nightmare now came true ,she shuddered recalling it, she should've listened to her heart... Her anger again diverted to him, Why he has to be so careless ? Didn't she told him to take care ,but does he listen !? Ever !
Lost in her thoughts, worrying like hell ,every second seemed to pass like an hour and though they reached the hospital in mere 25 minutes it felt like eternity... She tried calling Shashank on the way but was informed that he was in a surgery, she left the message. BP and Virendra were out of town and would not return until evening and Rahul's number was unreachable.worrying Muskaan seemed useless. She decided to call later. Sameer told her on phone that he was unconscious when they brought him to the hospital... Well that explained it, otherwise Armaan would rather wither in pain than step in the hospital. She remembered that he didn't came even when Angel was born and the tough time he gave her while he himself was in the hospital..
As the car turned into the porch of the hospital she jumped out of it even before it could come to complete stop. Sameer was right there, ready to escort her..
" Sameer, Armaan kahan hai ? " he asked hurriedly
" Chaliye maam, ab unhe hosh aa gaya hai " A wave of relief passed through her
" Is he okay now ? Jyada chot to nahi aayi ? " She kept asking as they hurried to his room
" doctors ne kaha hai ki chot jyada to nahi hai.. aur kuch test karne ke liye kaha hai magar..." He paused
" Magar kya ? " She stopped looking at him questioningly
" Maam sir ne koi bhi test karwane se manaa kar diya hai, infact wo kisi bhi doctor ko apne saamne tak nahi aane de rahe.."
" What ?! "
" Yes maam. yahan tak ki simple blood test bhi nahi, jo nurse test karne aayi thi us par chilla pade, Badi mushkil se hamne abhi unhe roka hai yeh keh kar ki aap yahaan aa rahi hain, warna wo to sirf yahan se jaane ki zid karke baithe hue the.."
" Ohh Armaaann " she groaned. She feared something like this would happen. Doctors here hardly knew anything about his fear of the place or needles.
Sameer stopped outside a room " this is the room ,I'm right here if you need anything.."
" Thanks Sameer " she quietly opened the door and went in, heart beating even more loudly now, but was much relieved seeing him. She thanked God closing her eyes momentarily. There he sat on a big reclining examining chair... A temporary bandage on the forehead which was soaked in blood, probably he hadn't seen it otherwise he would have freaked out. It was a miracle itself that he was still here.
He rested there with eyes closed, looking pale and drained out, pain fear, worry clear on his face. She quietly closed the door but the sound of doorknob probably woke him. He opened his eyes, a hopeful smile came to his face seeing her
" Ridhhima ! " He tried to get up " aah !ouchh ! " He held his wrist, wincing with pain. She rushed to him
" Armaan !! Utho mat. Relax " Keeping a hand on his shoulder she made him lie back in half sitting position, being a doctor she knew that there was something wrong with the wrist. Deciding not to worry him further she took a deep breath and sat by his side.. " Are you okay ? "
He nodded " yeah " the relief of seeing her clearly showed on his face.
She smiled " waise Armaan, is this your site ? " trying to ease him up a bit...
But as she thought ,the situation was not so light " Ridhhima plz. Take me out of here, they're not letting me go " she could see the mad fear in his eyes, the extreme effort he was making not to show it... But she knew...
She kept a hand on his shoulder " hum ghar chalenge Armaan, magar pehle thodi bandage karni padegi, tumhe chot lagi hai naa " her eyes went to his forehead with a soaking bandage... As Sameer had told ,He hadn't let doctors touch it...
The door opened " Mrs. Mallik..." she turned to look at the man who peeped in " can I have a word with you.. " it was the doctor ,she nodded
" Armaan, main abhi aayi " she got up but stopped as she felt a tug... turning she found her dupatta in Armaan's hand, who clutched it tightly " Armaan ?! "
" don't leave me Ridhhima...plz " his voice was soft ,pleading... But the way he looked at her it felt the words carried more than just this situation... Or was it just her imagining things...
" Armaaann " she sat down beside him again... Kept a hand over his ,smiling assuringly " cmmon Armaan, tum bhi naa bilkul bachhe ho... Main just doctor se baat karne ja rahi hun, I'm not running away somewhere ! he's nearly sixty by the look of it " she chuckled and it brought a small smile on his lips too...
" Tum aa jaogi naa.. ? What if you like him ? After all, he's a doctor.. And you prefer doctors " He tried to make it light but was really unable to hide his fear, uncertainty in his words and what was that in his last sentence... ' I prefer doctors ! '
" Don't worry.. I prefer someone of my age group too.. Bas do minute main aati hun.. Okay.." He nodded still terrified and reluctant to stay... to let her go... And clearly unable to voice out his worries... She squeezed his hand again and moved towards the door...
Closing the door quietly, she turned to the doctor " hello, I'm Dr.Das " he gave a warm smile
" hello doctor " she shook hands " I'm Ridhhima.. Ridhhima Mallik "
" I'm so glad Mrs.Mallik aap aa gayi, aapke husband behoshi main bas aapka hi naam liye jaa rahe the, aur hosh main aate hi sabse pehle unhone aapko hi puchha "
Unable to decide what to say she just nodded politely, she has something else to worry about right now " so, doctor. How's he ? Plz tell me everything, I'm a doctor too "
" that's a relief, you see Mrs.Mallik he's very fortunate that he escaped any kind of major injuries " she let out a sigh of relief " primal checkup main koi serious baat nahi aayi. Left hand ki wrist displace ho gayi thi, we fixed it while he was unconscious and..."
" and..? "
" and that was pretty much what we could manage .yahan se jaane ke alawa agar aapke husband ne kisi aur ka naam liya hai then that's to see you. Jabse hosh aaya hai kisi bhi doctor ko room main ghusne tak nahi diya hai " he wiped his forehead, it was obvious Armaan gave the old man a tough time
She didn't knew how to react, part of her was worried and another wanted to laugh out seeing old man's condition. No wonder he didn't enter the room. However, she controlled herself " actually doctor, he's not at all comfortable at places like this and he's even more uncomfortable with any doctors or nurses around " she explained
" and, you said you're a doctor ? " he raised an eyebrow
She smiled at his surprised face " long story "
" I'm sure it would be interesting as well, but for now, I'm more concerned about his head injury "
" I hope nothing's serious, you just said..." she asked anxiously. Nothing in her medical practice taught her how to deal when someone close to you is on the receiving end. Treating others was different but when it comes to your dear ones....
Doctor raised a hand calming her down " well as I said ,the hand part was already taken care of but still it needs to be put in cast for another 20 days atleast, what concerns me more is the injury on the head by the time we could take care of it he... Well, you can understand. He hasn't let us touch it and it's still bleeding, that might require some attention and here we need your help..." she knew doctor wasn't wrong, even she was worried about the same. She discussed for sometime with the doctor ,deciding what to do next...
" great, I'll get ready then " he left
" maam aap sir ke saath baithiye, I'm right here jab sir tayaar ho aap mujhe call kar lijiyega "
Nodding at Sameer, she turned and took a deep breath preparing herself for the huge task of making him agree to see the doctor. She came in putting a smile to make him more comfortable
" ab chalein ? " he asked, again trying to get up
She quickly came by his side gently pushing him back " Armaan ! kya tumhe koi flight pakadni hai ? " she sat on a chair by his side " abhi mujhe doctor ne bataya ki tumhare left hand ki wrist displace ho gayi hai aur tumne unhe cast bhi lagane nahi diya "
" nahi.. Wo... Main.. Unhone mujhe bataya hi nahi " he lied
She rolled her eyes knowing perfectly well that he was lieing " agar tum kisi ko andar aane do tab naa aur yeh chot kyun nahi dekhne di aur test bhi nahi karne diye..." he had no answer for it and avoided meeting her gaze " anyway maine doctor se keh diya hai wo abhi aa kar haath par plaster laga denge "
" then can we go ? " he asked hopefully
" tab.. Aur tab, agar tum pehle yeh sar waali chot dekhne do to " pointing at his head
" No way !! " he flatly refused
She knew it wasn't going to be easy " Armaan please ,atleast let them just see it " she pleaded
" No ,I don't want anyone. I just want to go from here. Just take me away from here Ridhhima... Main theek hun ,please " he begged
But she could not agree to his demands. He required some medical attention and she must make him ready for it, for nearly 20 minutes she kept requesting him to let the doctors attend him but he kept refusing saying he didn't believe them... He was all right.. After a long debate she was about to give up when something striked her...
" huhh, achha agar main dekhun to chalega ? Please " hoping frantically that he would agree " tab to koi problem nahi hogi naa ? " he looked at her and she knew he was debating over it some of his stubbornness was fading away as he felt weak and drained, every passing minute increased her worries ,she knew head injuries must be taken care of as soon as possible... Then to her relief came a nod of approval " great ! That's like a good boy "
Quickly getting on to her feet before he could change his mind ,she started taking off the bandage keeping it out of his sight lest he freaks out seeing the blood. The nearby area had started to turn blue and swell. He winced when she took off the bandage. A small gasp escaped from her mouth seeing the cut, it definitely required some stitching up... She could feel him getting restless and losing time would be unwise, she cleaned the wound gently but he cried out even at the slightest touch, she has to call Dr. Das. She took a deep breath, she has to do it...
Coming around she sat by his side " feeling okay ? " he gave a weak smile, she knew he was in pain but was trying to hide it
He raised his hand to touch his forehead but she held it in midway " kya hua ? " he asked
" Armaan ek baat ka sach sach jawaab doge " he nodded bit puzzled " do you trust me ? ,tum mujhe apna sabse achha dost kehte ho naa ,to kya apni is dost par itna vishwaas hai ki wo tumhe koi takleef nahi pahunchne degi " he nodded " to please meri 'ek' baat maan jao " he opened his mouth to say something he knew what she's going to say ,but she held his uninjured hand in hers " please Armaan mere liye.. Please manaa mat karna " she pleaded, holding his hand in both of hers and with that all his defenses crumbled. sighing he gave in
" okay "
" oh great !, trust me it will be over in no time tumhe kuch pata bhi nahi chalega I promise " she got up to call the doctor, relieved
" I can always trust you, but I don't trust him " she knew he meant the doctor
" don't worry I'm not going anywhere . Main yahin rahungi tumhare saath .I promise " she said softly assuring him.
Getting the clearance the doctor came in with a warm smile as big as Santa Clause's along with two nurses and another doctor " so, Mr.Mallik ,ready ? Don't worry it'll be over in few minutes "
He scowled at him, and turned to Ridhhima " I trust you " she was momentarily speechless, she squeezed his arm gently nodding. The other doctor and a nurse started working on his cast. Meanwhile Ridhhima told the doctor that she would stay with him, he didn't object to it ,he knew that if he wanted a smooth operation she should be near him. It was as if she was his soothing dose.
He spread a disinfected sheet over his forehead which covered his face too leaving only the injured area exposed, Armaan gripped the side of the chair panicking for a moment but then he felt her hand on his shoulder and that brought immediate relief. He let out a small cry of pain as the doctor started cleaning the wound, he shut his eyes tightly wincing, holding her hand
" shh ,bas ho gaya Armaan, thodi dust thi wo clean kari hai... Don't crease the forehead.. Relax, forehead ko dheela chhodo " she tried to soothe him but he started turning his face away " Armaan please face this side " she was standing on his right as the cut was the left ,when he didn't turn his face she placed her hand on his face from under the sheet and gently turned it to her direction. He forgot everything for a moment, she didn't remove her hand from his face and cupped it softly ,the other hand was on his head caressing his hair. She was probably too worried to notice what she's doing. Armaan's face was just centimeteres away from her. They were so close that he could smell her sweet fragrance ,he held her hand tightly which cupped his face
He jerked his head lightly feeling a sharp pain. The doctor injected anesthetic to put on some some sticthes, but he could not move his head as it was securely held in her hands " shh.. Shh.. bas ho gaya, ab pakka kuch nahi hoga " she stroked his face under the sheet calming him down. He never felt such contradicting emotions before, he was scared yet he was not. He wanted to run away yet he wanted to stay here like this, he disliked getting injured but right now he was so happy about it. Damn ! These confusing emotions. On the other hand as the medicine started it's effect he beacme more calm ,Ridhhima kept talking to him .making small talk so that his mind gets diverted from what was going on and by the look of it her plan was working but he never for once loosened his hold on her hand...
11 stitches 1 cast 2 injections 2 hrs. And lot of drama later, particularly for injections for which she literally had to hold him, after begging requesting and threats didn't work, he was allowed to go but the doctor advised to let him get up own his own.
His head spin a little as he sat up, she supported him " feeling okay ? Dard to nahi ho raha ? "
He shook his head " paani.."
" paani.. Main abhi laati hun tum uthna mat okay " coming out of the room she waited as Sameer rushed to bring some water
" ah ! Mrs. Mallik, everything okay ? "
" yes Dr. Das, thank you so much. You were so patient with him "
" oh that's nothing it's my duty. That's what we are here for. " he smiled warmly " but... I agree there was another reason here, when you weren't here the way your husband reacted on finding where he was, quiet surprised me. Trust me in my 35 years of medical career I've seen many people who are not ' comfortable ' with the place, doctors or needles but the way he reacted was way... Different. My experince tells me that it's nothing ordinary, there might be some other reason ,some deeper cause " he stopped ,his fatherly smile was now replaced with the look that years of experience brought, Ridhhima knew that he was right at a point even she had felt so but never bothered much and now even the wise guy had pointed it out. She wondered if she should tell him about his nightmares..
" maam.. Paani " Sameer gave her a bottle and a glass,
" thanks Sameer " she again turned to the doctor " thank you again doctor ,I think you're right, but right now as you can see making him stay here any longer is quiet impossible ,even for me "
" I can understand, here's my card. I think I can recommend someone who can be of great help to you "
She took the card " thanks doctor ,I'll keep it in mind and give you a call "
In the car on their way back home he dozed off, but due to bumpy road he could not rest his head properly, shifting slightly to her side with eyes closed looking for perfect position he rested his head on her shoulder. Ridhhima was on phone with BP who told her that all of them were on their way too, it was then she felt his head on her shoulder... She knew he would feel drowsy due to medicines but wasn't expecting this. She hesitated for a moment feeling awkward, but a bump on road troubled him again and she immediately put her hand on his cheek supporting him. He seemed unaware of it, too drowsy and content with a soft 'pillow' to rest his head on... For the rest of the way back she sat like that, with her hand on his cheek and his head on her shoulder...
When they reached back home everyone along with Shashank, Padma , Rajat, Aditya were waiting for them. Virendra rushed to him, he was both angry and worried. Shashank stopped him from saying anything to him at that moment. They took him to the room where he immediately fell half- asleep, it was more due to medicines than anythong else. Padma sat by his side caressing his head and by the look on his face he liked it too, Shashank checked upon him again just to be sure
" well, ghabrane waali to koi baat nahi hai. Bas thodaa sa rest aur thodi dekhbhaal and he will be fit and fine again "
" rest !? Aur Armaan ? Uncle yeh word to iski dictionary main agar yeh khud dhundega to bhi nahi milega " Shashank smiled hearing Muskaan's remark
" well to usko tight rakhne ke liye hamare paas bhi ek raasta hai " BP said " kyun Ridhhima ? "
" absolutely BP ,don't worry main dekh lungi . Har baar Armaan ki zid nahi chalegi " she replied and everyone seemed pleased with it
When Shashank decided to take leave, Padma got up from his side... He shifted his head a little, probably irritated at the sudden stop of his head message... Padma saw it and called Ridhhima softly
" Ridhhi.. Ridhhi, yahan aana beta " Ridhhima came by her side " aap yahan Armaan ke saath baitho aur sar par halke haath ferte rahna, usko aaraam mil raha hai aise " Ridhhima could see the frown on his face. Padma planted a soft kiss on his forehead, then hugging Ridhhima lovingly she took leave... Everyone else too left the room leaving both of them alone
He twisted his head again, she found that the weight of plaster was probably digging into his ribs, disturbing him. She quickly picked up a pillow and gently placed it under his hand. He sighed in his sleep more comfortable now. She sat by his side looking at him, he looked pale, nothing like the Armaan she saw in the morning. A light frown was still there. Hesitating for a moment she started stroking his hair gently. The little frown which was left got vanished...
She smiled to herself seeing him at ease, there was definitely some blood loss but he'd flatly refused any transfusion. Well ,she'll take care of that part, she'll see to it that he takes healthy food to make up for the loss. Sitting by his side she remembered how everybody showered her with love and agreed when Muskaan said that he escaped anything fatal all due to fast that she'd kept for him...
She wondered if it was so but then her thought drifted to the nightmare, it was still so vivid, she'd never seen anything like that in her life. Was it some kind of premonition... An indication ? Was it what Muskaan had said ' a bond ' that went beyond any definition.. Something inexplicable between two people who love each other more than self ... Like husband and wife...
She shook her head " nahi ! ,hum to sirf dost hain, sirf bahut achhe dost.. Aur wo to sirf ek sapna tha "
Another voice spoke somewhere in her mind " yes it was just a dream.. Which almost came true " she had no answer to that....
Seeing that he was sound asleep she came out, thinking of freshing up a little with Martin's coffee and Muski's chat session. While passing through Virendra's room ,she thought of checking upon him as well.. He looked ashen seeing Armaan's condition...
" Papa..." she called softly
He turned quickly hiding something behind " Oh Ridhhima beta tum ? Mujhe laga ki..." he breathed in and kept the thing he was holding, back " Aao naar...Armaan ne jyada pareshan to nahi kiya..? Mujhe to umeed hi nahi thi ki wo hospital ke andar paer bhi rakhega ?? " he smiled
" Bas puchhiye mat papa kitni mushkil se maine bandage hone tak roka hai..." Her eyes fell on the frame, It was Naina's picture " papa.. aap naina mom ko yaad kar rahe the ? "
He smiled sadly... " Main bhula hi kab tha use.. Aaj Armaan ke accident ki baat suni to kuch purani baatein yaad aa gayi.." He went quiet " Us hospital ke haadse ke baad mujhe ummed nahi thi ki wo kabhi us jagah par paer bhi rakhega, but I'm so glad ki tum uske saath thi... Thanks beta.."
" Papa isme thanks ki koi baat hi nahi hai, magar papa aap kaun se haadse ki baat kar rahein hain...jo aaj hua wo..." wondering if he was talking of his bike accident months ago, when she met him for the first time
" Nahi.. jo barso pehle hua, jisne usse uski sabse pyaari cheez chhen li aur us jagah ka darr hamesha ke liye uske mann main bitha diya..."
" Hospital se ?? " he nodded, questions flooded her mind again
" Papa ,aapse ek baat puchhun ? "
" Haan beta, kyun nahi ? "
" Papa pure ghar main Naina mom ki ek bhi tasveer nahi hai. Kyun papa ? Aap jab mom ko itna yaad karte hain phir..."
He looked at her ,pausing momentarily " Armaan ki wajah se..." She must have looked puzzled " tumhe Armaan ne Naina ke baare main kuch nahi bataya...? " he suddenly sounded as if he expected to hear something from her
She hesitated whether to say yes or no... If she says no that would definitely raise questions about their relationship and if she says yes she might never know the reason... She decided to take neutral path " Haan kuch kaha to tha magar jyada kuch nahi..."
He sighed " Mujhe samajh jaana chahiye tha ki wo iss baare main shayad hi kuch kahega...aur kahega bhi tab jab use khud kuch... Waise Kya kaha usne tumse ? "
She didn't had to think about it much she knew very little, all thanks to Martin for stopping Maria that day, and that was not something to forget " Bas itna hi ki ek hadse main Naina mom..."
" Haan.. aur kya usne tumhe yeh bataya ki tab wo bhi Naina ke saath hi tha ?, wo bahut hi bhayanak samay tha... Naina aur Armaan... Mujhe laga ki main dono ko kho dunga..."
" magar papa Naina mom ko hua kya tha ? "
" Naina aur Armaan, dono hospital main the... Naina was in quiet bad shape..." she could see the pain of past on his face " uss haadse ke baad hamne socha ki bura waqt guzar gaya, magar yeh kya pata tha ki abhi sabse bura waqt aana tha...wahan Naina par hamla hua...."
" what ?! " she didn't knew that
" haan, aur... Aur wo shuruat thi hamare sabse bure sapne ki... Maine Naina ko kho diya, Armaan ne apni maa ko..." he paused " Wo kehta nahi magar mujhe nahi lagta ki wo us sadme se abhi tak ubar paaya hai... Main itne saalon main wo din nahi bhula paaya aur Armaan.. wo to..."
" Wo to ? "
" Wo aur Naina..."
" Veeru !, arre yaar tum yahan ho aur main saare ghar main tumhe dhind aaya..." BP entered with his usual booming voice " Chalo zara ek baat clear karni hai Japan se Hamimoto ka call aaya hai... Sorry beta but it's imporatant "
" It's okay BP..." Virendra went away with Sunil... but looking at Naina's pic. that day she felt.. saw... that for some wounds even time didn't had any remedy... She decided now wasn't thr right time to push them for the past... deciding to give them their time she came out...
Two days passed since that terrible day. He was forbidden to leave the house till Ridhhima's approval ,knowing that there was no appeal against this order he agreed. But this was not just it, he have her tough time, let it be food or medicine, he tried his best to avoid both, most of the time it was Muskaan who stuffed it in his mouth or Ridhhima's stern glare which controlled him a bit. She wondered that if this is the situation in just two days ,it will take just another two to make her completely crazy !. But inspite of everything she tried not to be too hard on him, after coming back from hospital he had tough time sleeping with the nightmares . She had spent the whole first night sitting by his side comforting him ,two days later he was better... A little too better...
She was on phone with Padma when he came and stood by her side " Ridhhima.. Ridhhima " She looked at him asking what is it.. " mujhe ice-cream khani hai, tumhare liye laun kya ? "
She looked at him keeping the phone away " ice-cream ? Ab ? Koi ice-cream nahi khani itni raat ko. Kal phir chhinkoge, kal kha lena " saying so she went back to her call
" nahi, I want it now " he demanded
" no Armaan, kaha na abhi nahi. Ab zid mat karo ,don't be a baby "
Padma heard their argument " Ridhhi, agar uska man kar raha hai to khane de naa "
" nahi mumma aapko nahi pata.." seeing that Padma was on his side he shouted out
" thanks beautiful ! "
" chup Armaan, aur mumma aap iski zyada side mat lo, aapko nahi pata saari mushkil meri ho jayegi " she glared at him " no ice cream ,jao ja kar rest karo ya kuch kaam kar lo and don't try to be clever ! main abhi Martin ko keh deti hun , no ice cream for you "
He pouted and made a cutest face ever " plleesshh " it took all her self control not to give in. She knew if she melt now he would wake up either having cold or cough or both and she didn't wanted either. The thought made gave her some resisting power and she turned her face away..
Seeing that it didn't work ,he huffed ,coming to his side of bed he lied down clearly showing that he was angry. Ridhhima tried to hide her grin from him " nautanki ".. By the time she finished her call and came to check upon him, he was already asleep. She checked his forehead to see if he was okay ,finding everything fine she too went to sleep.
In the middle of the night his eyes popped open, he turned his head around to see if she was sleeping. With a naughty grin on his face.. He tip-toed to the door and did a small victory dance when he was out... He ran to the kitchen ready to attack the refrigerator.
Opening the fridge ,he took out every flavour ice-cream kept there and with a table spoon sat down right there on the floor relishing all in the light of the fridge... He couldn't risk switching on the kitchen lights, that ' spy ' Martin could land from anywhere...
He took a big spoonful of ice-cream " hehehe, see Ridimba I'm eating ice-cream, come and stop mee " saying in a sing song manner he quickly gulped it down. After finishing about quarter of all 5 flavour buckets he felt contented. Now another challenge awaited him... Going back to the room just the way he came...
Peeping inside the room he found her still on the bed, he breathed in, again tip toe-ing inside he quietly came to his side. Ridhhima was still asleep. he was about to lie down when
* BURP * owwww ! *
The Einstein gave out a big burp and while trying to cover it up forgot that the hand he is using is in solid plaster ! The hand straight away landed on his nose, calling for a bigger reaction..!
He quickly turned to see if she was awake and thanked god on finding her still asleep. Taking no further risks he quickly hid himself under covers and went off to sleep. Mission ice-cream was accomplished...
Ridhhima smiled, her eyes closed. She infact knew that he had sneaked out when she felt rustling of the sheets she saw him sneaking into the kitchen... At first she thought of stopping him but then decided otherwise she knew he won't give up until he had what he wanted, probably he needed a lesson. He is such a stubborn blockhead ! But then seeing him relishing the ice cream with all childlike innocence, she just could not bring herself to dampen his mood. Making a mental note to keep a cough and cold medicine ready for tomorrow she came back feigning sleep, smiling when he gave out that loud burp. Armaan never came to know anything.
As she'd predicted the next day he spent more than his usual time sneezing and developed a sore throat with cough. Coughing loudly he looked at her from the corner of his eye, fearing she might say something and was surprised when she didn't said a word, she was busy folding up some of her dresses. Inspite of trying super hard he could not control his coughing, he glanced at her direction and this time found her standing by his side with arms folded across her chest, glaring at him. He grinned sheepishly.
" hehe.. Wo.. * cough * cough * ehem * ehem * wo thoda gala.. dry sa ho gaya hai " she still didn't said a word just smiled sarcastically ,nodding. Then without a word she went out of the room. He breathed in relieved that she hadn't yelled at him... But if he thought he was safe then he was so... Wrong... Within two minutes she stood before him uncapping a bottle..
" yeh kya hai ?! " he made a face seeing it
" tumhari punishment "
" what !? "
" mch ! Cough syrup hai jo tum abhi bina koi behes (argument) kiye peene waale ho "
" haha.. And you think aisa hoga ? "
" bilkul "
" No way ! " he quickly got up from the couch and ran away from there
" Arrrmaaann " she shouted after him
" No Ridimba main yeh bilkul nahi lene waala "
" oh yes, you are ! Maine nahi kaha tha ki raat ko chhup chhup kar ice cream khao " he stopped on his tracks surprised,
" so she knew, clever ! " he thought
" but still you have to catch me first " he threw a cushion at her which straight away landed on her head. That was it ! With that started the cat mouse chase. She cleverly ran to the door locking it, barring him from running anywhere. Threats, challenges, pillows, cushions.. All landed everywhere in the room and within ten minutes it looked as if a tornado had passed from there.
After a good 15 minute running around the room he slowed down getting bit tired ,grabbing the opportunity she cornered him " bas ho gaya ? You loose. Ab chalo muh kholo "
" Nahi main yeh nahi piyunga yeh bahut kadwi hai.." he slumped on the couch, she sat before him on the table pouring a spoonful, making sure that he doesn't run away again
" Armaan, don't be a baby. Abhi yahi hai aur dawai koi khana nahi hai jo taste ke hisab se bane "
" To banni chahiye naa.. Main apne research scientists se kahunga wo ek meethi cough syrup banayenge "
" wo bachho ke liye hota hai, aur jab banegi tab ki tab dekhenge abhi tum chup chap muh kholo " bringing the spoon forward
" Nahi main yeh nahi piyunga "
" Kyyuun..?? " exasperated
" Kyunki mujhe yeh hak hai ki main decide karun ki main dawai lu ya naa lu..."
" Achha ! woh kaise ? "
" Kyunki cough mujhe hai patient main hun " he gave a wise reply
" To doctor main hun " she'd had enough now
" Achha to kya hua main.. Main pati hun " finding nothing else to present in his favour
" Achha ! Wow ! now look Mr. Armaan Mallik, yahaan doctor main hun aur upar se I'm your wife !, to mujhe double hak hai. Ab chup chap muh kholte ho ya nahi..." she threatened him
Armaan was happily surprised to hear those words, he looked at her frowning face " haan tumhe hak hai Ridhhima, pura hak hai " he thought as she brought the spoon near his mouth
" Kuch kaha tumne ? " He shook his head and opened his mouth quietly without any argument... she was surprised at the sudden surrender
As soon as the medicine went in ,He stuck his tongue out making a face " uuaaghh ,rat poison ! "
She laughed melting a little, the medicine was bitter, then she remembered she had a small chocolate with her which she brought for Angel, taking it out of her pocket she handed it to him
" yeh kya hai..? "
" your reward for being a good boy " looking delighted he took it.. Breaking it in two.. He gave her a peice...
" yeh kisliye...? "
" For being a wonderful doctor and.. best friend..." She smiled, sitting side by side they ate the chocolate cheering it like a toast....
They all sat together having family time..
" dad, main soch raha tha ki kal se office join kar lun, kaafi din ho gaye bahut saara kaam ruka pada hai "
Virendra kept his tea cup down " well ,yeh to Ridhhima par depend karta hai, agar use lagta hai ki tum office aa sakte ho to theek hai warna.."
Rahul laughed hearing it " welcome to married life bhai.. Ab tu bhi apni biwi ke rehmo karam par hai ,meri tarah "
Muskaan hit on his shoulder " dekha papa ,yeh keh to aise raha hai jaise main Hitler hun " all laughed at their banter
" arre nahi darling, main to use samjha raha tha ki biwi ki baat maanna seekh le wo hamesha sahi hoti hai.. Aur kahan tum, kahan Hitler ! " Muskaan seemed pleased with the answer. Rahul bent towards Ridhhima " bechara Hitler bhi iske saamne kuch nahi hai " Ridhhima hid her laugh in fake cough
" papa main dekh kar batati hun, hopefully ab tak sab theek ho jaana chahiye, plaster to abhi atleast ek week aur lega magar stitches khul jayenge to he can go " he smiled at her ,pleased to know
He rested his head back on the couch a coushion in his arms and to her surprise calm, waiting as she started getting ready to open up his stitches
" bas do minute hmm, pakka bilkul dard nahi hoga " she assured him
" ohho Ridhhima, stop worrying. You look more scared than him " said Rahul
Smiling Armaan turned his head up looking at her " it's okay Ridhhima, I know tum mujhe zara bhi dard nahi hone dogi " she gained her control back with his trusting words
Rahul whistled and got a slap on his arm from Muskaan " helloo, Romeo Juliet, agar vote of confidence pass ho gaya ho to kaam kar lein ? " Ridhhima suddenly felt conscious and tried to focus on the task ahead
It hardly took 15 minutes for her expert hands. She kept her promise ,he never felt a thing. He looked into the mirror, except a thin line no trace of that horrible day remained... Well except the plaster and that too will go away in few days... He was both happy and sad for it... He would miss her feeding him, calling to check upon him, scolding him when he delibrately missed food or medicine. He was getting so used to of her being around that he hated even the thought of being away from her... He enjoyed each and every moment spent with her, this craving never stopped infact it had grown even more...
Armaan's face flustered he was trying to button up his shirt but " damn ! these buttons ! " They were so small that he couldn't put them through the button hole with one hand in plaster...
A pair of hands suddenly took over, he looked up and saw Ridhhima undoing his wrong buttons and then putting them again...
" Sabse sab kaam nahi hote, mujhe bula nahi sakte the ? " not looking at him
" Nahi, wo maine socha..." he trailed off ,how can he explain her that everytime she touched him, no matter how light, he found himself on the verge of loosing himself...
" Haan haan tumne socha ki agar main button band kar dungi to tumhari superman ki image kharab ho jayegi hai naa.." He shook his head in yes and then quickly in no... She laughed " Armaan tum bhi naa.. Bass...lo ho gaya.. Tie kahan hai ? " He pointed to it " dekho don't take much stress okay... I'll bring the lunch and medicine and NO site " she added firmly , he grinned
" Okay governer... Aur kuch ? " She shook her head smiling " bye see you.."
" Bye " she said softly...
She felt relieved after days. It had been quiet a while since she'd worked tension free, especially after Armaan's accident. She decided to have quick cup of coffee with Sapna and Chirag catching up on things before leaving for Armaan's office. She has to keep an eye on him for few more days before she was absolutely sure...
Coming to the cafeteria she sat down at their favourite seat, soon Sapna and Chiraag came there chatting.
" don't worry chirag I'm sure we can do something, aur Armaan hai naa.."
" hey guys " Ridhhima greeted them and their chat session began
" so Ridhhima, ab Armaan kaisa hai ? " Chirag asked
" Armaan, much better.. "
" oh good, mujhe actually tumse kuch baat karni thi.. Itne dino se mauka hi nahi mil paaya "
" haan sach yeh Armaan ke chakkar main naa.. Kya kahun, wo abhi bhi utna hi workaholic hai.." Chirag looked at her quizzically, she continued " bahut laparwah hai, duniya bhar ki baatein yaad rehti hain magar khana khana bhul jaata hai. last time normal logo ki tarah kab soya tha mujhe yaad nahi.. Saara dhyaan mujhe rakhna padta hai.. aur kabhi kabhi to bilkul bachha ban jaata hai ,roz promise karke agle din se phir wohi sab shuru " she chuckled remembering the ice-cream incident but what she missed was Sapna's scanning eyes..
" hey, don't worry, ab to wo theek hai naa . That's more important " Ridhhima nodded " Achha tum kuch keh rahe the naa.." she asked Chirag
But before he could say anything his pager beeped " guys, you carry on, mujhe ek patient ko check karne jaana hai " he said getting up and soon went away
" Sapna.. Is it me ya phir aaj Chiraag kuch chup chup sa.. Pareshan sa lag raha hai "
" ohh ,so you noticed. "
" Kya matlab ?? "
" Matlab yeh ki shayad tum apni baaton main yeh bhul gayi ki wo tumse kuch baat karna chahta tha.."
" Haan maine suna magar beech main uski call aa gayi "
" Yes of course, agar tujhe Armaan ki baaton se fursat milti to shayad tu kuch aur dekhti aur sunti bhi..." Her pager beeped " oh ek baj gaya ! mujhe bhi ek patient ko check karne jaana hai..."
" Ek baj gaya ! God main bhi chalti hun Armaan ko lunch de kar aati hun... Papa aur BP ki to wo sunta hi nahi aur Rahul bhaiyya bhi office main nahi hain " Sapna watched her almost running out, wondering if she realised what was going on...
Armaan came back from office all tired... it had been a hectic week, due to the accident a lot of work piled up... He spent every night of the past week going through uncountable files, presentations, proposals, deals, reports. This was the work he brought home and not to forget the work at office as well. Often he came quiet late, sometimes he would find her waiting for him ,sometimes asleep and then he would sit by her side watching her innocent beauty forgetting all his tiredness. It went on for more than a week until she'd fought with him not to be such a workaholic... But by then the work was back on the track... Almost...
Today he came earlier than his usual late hours, but she could sense his tiredness from his eyes at the dinner too he didn't eat properly and kept shifting in his seat uncomfertably ,these things didn't go unnoticed by her... After dinner Ridhhima got busy in kitchen with Muskaan but when she came back she didn't find Armaan there..
" Arre Armaan kahan gaya main to dessert le kar aayi thi... Uski favourite ice-cream.."
" Beta usne kaha ki uska mann nahi hai shayad bahut thak gaya hai.. Isliye sone chala gaya.." BP said...
Ridhhima felt bit disappointed she wanted him to be around... But then concern took over... ' Is he okay...?' " Papa Main abhi aati hun.." She could not stay there for a minute... As she went to the room she found him lying on the bed on his stomach she called out " Armaan.." No reply... She called again... " Armaaan " .He stirred his head a bit and Ridhhima quickly went up and sat by his side, his face was on other side... " Armaan are you okay ? "
He turned his face to her smiling tiredly... " Hmmm..." She was still not convinced...
" Armaan sach batao kya hua...? "
" Kuch nahi Ridhhima, I'm fine just thoda backache hai... abhi thoda araam karunga to theek ho jayega..." Then he turned and tried to get up but shut his eyes due to pain, his back was really hurting as he could not rest properly for a whole week and then that couch, where he often fell asleep, was not exactly a comfortable bed to sleep...
" Armaan tum kahan ja rahe ho...? "
" Main bas thoda kaam tha socha aaj khatam hi kar duun ,tum so jao main wahaan room main chala jaata hun..." he kept a hand on his neck and rotated it not looking at her...
" Armaan tum yahin leto thodi der main kamar par pain reliever laga deti hun..."
" Nahi pain reliever nahi usse skin main irritation ho jaati hai aur jalta bhi hai..."
" to koi tablet de dun ? "
" No ! No tablet plz. I can't even bear the smell "
Ridhhima thought for a moment... " Achha theek hai main abhi aati hun tum yahaan se hilna mat, kaam itna bhi jaruri nahi hai, wo kal bhi ho sakta hai... Abhi aaram karo.."
He smiled lightly at the order " magar hua kya ? jaa kahaan rahi ho...? "
" Mchh, tum bas aaraam karo main abhi aati hun..."
He watched her go he then took off his t-shirt and threw it away carelessly again falling back, face hidden in the pillow... He was so tired that he kind of fell asleep within minutes... Ridhhima entered the room with a bowl in her hand and saw him lying on the bed.. She quietly went up to him and called softly
" Armaan.." He didn't stirred " Armaan so gaye kya ?? " Again no reply she kept the bowl at the bedside and was in a dilemma for a moment but then made up her mind. Sitting next to him she gently pulled up his vest. His back now bare... he stirred a little but then was silent again a frown was on his face, may be because of backache... She took some hot oil in her palms and rubbing them together started massaging it gently... She poured more oil and continue massaging him...
As she stroked his back his frown subsided and he sighed relieved the massage was doing it's magic..or was it the one who was doing it...
Ridhhima moved her oily hands on his firmly built back, sensations rose in her heart, feelings that were unknown or rather she'd kept hidden even from herself rose in her heart.. Thoughts.. desires... Filled her mind, increasing her heartbeat... She had always admired his muscular body but the touch was so... Sensuous, that she found herself thinking all that she considered forbidden... The day in the pool flashed in her mind ,how dangerously hot he looked and those swimming trunks multiplied his sex appeal thousand times. She had already kicked herself at ogling him like that that day... But she just couldn't resist at times.. Like now...
She jerked her head and tried to divert her mind else where.. He smiled eyes still closed the hands.. those soft fingers and the gentle pressure hmmmm... It felt heveanly...
On the other hand seeing him relieved gave her immense satisfaction.. He slowly opened his eyes turning his face towards her... for a moment didn't knew what was going on... He closed his eyes again feeling veerry comfertable but after a moment or two his eyes flashed open... he jumped up..
" Ridhhima tum..?! Tum yeh kya kar rahi ho ?? " Ridhhima felt bit embarresed and shy momentarily
" wo... Main..." but soon overcame it " arre itne hairan kyun ho rahe ho.. Tumhari kamar main dard tha, pain reliever tumne lagwana nahi tha to maine socha goli se achha to yeh hi hai ki main garam tel se thodi si maalish kar dun.. Kyun tumhe aaram nahi mila ?? " Looking at him innocently..
" Nahi.. I mean haan.. Magar.. Tumhe yeh sab karne ki koi jarurat nahi hai Ridhhima.. I'm fine kal tak bilkul theek ho jayega..."
She sighed " Armaan cmmon.. Kya tumhe mujhse sharam aati hai..." Saying in a naughty tone...Armaan was totally surprised hearing it she'd hit him with the same words he used when they were in the pool, he looked at her with mouth open, seeing his expression she burst out laughing.. " Oh cmmon Armaan ek dost hone ke naate main itna to kar hi sakti hun naa.. And don't forget I'm a doctor too.." He still looked at her in wonder.. " Ab aise dekhne ki koi zarurat nahi hai chalo leto main thoda sa tael aur laga deti hun subah tak to tum bhul bhi chuke honge ki kamar dard hota kya hai.." she pushed him back gently...
" Magar Ridhhima.."
" Armaan ,shhh ,chup.. bilkul.. ab aankhein band karo and just relax..." He did as was ordered and as he felt her soft hands on his back again he felt immense relief and comfort under that heveanly touch.
He fought hard with himself to control his desire to grab her, wrap her in his arms and kiss her passionately... And do lot more... her touch was creating havoc in his heart and at the same time it felt so nice... fighting with himself ,groaning inside, he fell into the magic of the wonderful touch and in no time was asleep...
It was more than half an hour before she noticed that he was asleep, smiling she got up from there and went to the other room... she brought his long pillow which she placed under his arm... he immediately snuggled up to it, Ridhhima could not help but think how cute he looked she brought a hand forward to caress his hair, but then hesitating.. pulled it back she stood by his side, eyes still not moving from his face heart reluctant to go from there... But as he stirred a little she came out of her trance.. She then tucked him properly with the blanket. She had some work too, some patients file to go through...
Not wishing to disturb his sleep she switched off the light by his side and went to work on the couch but soon dozed off, Within 20 minutes on that couch she felt restless...
" Hey bhagwaan it's so uncomfortable to sleep here pata nahi Armaan yahan kaise so jaata tha... Tabhi uski kamar main itna dard hai..." she remembered how he would often fall asleep on the couch and she would wake him up at night asking him to sleep on bed... She again felt an unknown tug in her heart ,resting there on the couch she could not sleep a wink not because she was uncomfertable but because she could not take her mind off from Armaan's thoughts... She decided to change the place, seeing that he was sound asleep she went to the other room...
She glanced at the watch... it was 1 o'clock she got up to have a drink of water, she didn't knew why but she just could not concentrate on the file.. Determined to go to sleep after that... pouring herself a glass of water gulping it down she thought
" Zara Armaan ko ek baar dekh aaoun theek se soya hai ya nahi..." She went to the room and saw him all curled up due to cold clutching his pillow and blanket that was suppose to cover him was under him...! She shivered, the room ,it was almost freezing. Another thing she noticed was that he was never satisfied with the auto cooling option in the A.C.. He always fixed it at a temprature ,often to a freezing degree... she wondered what he is... He felt hot at night, almost freezes the room and then in the morning sneezes non stop just by getting on the floor barefoot... She exhaled and picking up the remote adjusted the temprature to a bearable degree.. Thankfully he was deep asleep and didn't even stirred..Ridhhima sighed shaking her head..
" Bhagwaan... yeh ladka bhi naa..dhang se sona bhi nahi aata..." She came up to him and saw that pulling the blanket from underneath him was not possible she went back and brought another blanket... This time tucking it properly so that it does not slips off and lands under him like the other... When she finished tucking she went back thinking to just quickly go through the file ,but this time she kept the door open enough to keep an eye on him...
This was a wise decision, after that she had to get up 10 times to tuck him up... Everytime he turned the blanket slipped off and then he shivered... But even when she had to get up ten times she wasn't irritated, her concern for him was of far greater importance than her comfort... The whole night went by like this, even when she came to sleep by his side she kept an eye on him making sure that he was okay...
Armaan got up with a big smile ,streaching himself.. all cheery and fresh . As he stepped down he was amazed that he didn't had his regular sneezing bout this time ,very happily he looked around to see where Ridhhima was, not finding her there he thought she might have gone for a jog and went to freshen up... Coming out, he still didn't find her, he called her out..
" Ridhhima.. Ridhhima... Rrriiiddhhiimaaa " she came in running
" Armaan ! Kya hua ? Are you okay ? Tum chilla kyun rahe the ?? " worried
" where were you ? Pata hai aaj to kamaal ho kya ! Aaj main ek baar bhi nahi chhinka (sneezed) ! " excited
She huffed " Armaan , tum yeh kehne ke liye itna chilla rahe the " he nodded smiling cutely ,she rolled her eyes trying to fake some anger but was clearly not able to do so. She turned to go away but he held her hand... Surprised, she turned around and saw him looking at her with deep smiling eyes
" hey ,thanks, for yesterday..." slowly he let go of her hand but held her captivated by his eyes... after an awkward moment not knowing what else to say she asked
" waise Armaan tum is couch par thede medhe kaise so jaate the ? Main to 20 minute main hi pareshan ho gayi, it's clearly not meant for sleeping "
" kya ?! Tum yahan soyi thi ? Are you nuts ! Kya tumhe bhi apni kamar main dard karna hai ? kya zarurat thi wahan some ki kya yeh bed chhota hai ?! " he showered her with questions
" Armaan relax. Just kaam karte karte aankh lag gayi thi " she shook her head ,smiling at his silly worry, but somewhere it felt nice that he cared enough
" wo jo kuch bhi ho, magar abse tum couch par nahi sougi okay "
" okay governer " she saluted at his order and both started giggling. Their session got inturrupted when a servant came to tell him that Rahul had called him.
" Armaan tum jao main bhi breakfast banane chalti hun "
He came back humming a song ,glancing at the watch he grabbed his towel and turning on the music to a loud level went in to have a bath...
As soon as he turned to the shower cubicle he freezed, forgetting even to inhale such was the sight before his eyes... She was in the shower.... Naked...
His first reaction was to turn around and move out , but this he could only ' think ' and not ' do '. His feet refused to obey what mind said... He stood there admiring the marble structure before his eyes... She was humming along the tune of the song, washing her hair... oblivious of his presence, her back towards him... He saw the soap trailing down along her spine to the most perfect backside he'd ever come across... He could feel his heartbeat rising by second.. excitement growing within him... She was still unaware of his presence there ,humming, eyes tightly shut... That explained why she didn't reacted or he was alive... Was he really alive coz this felt like surreal...
He could not stop himself from having another glance at those perfect curves, he ached to caress those mounds, hold them in his hands and... And... Damn ! His mind ran haywire... he turned his face away, heart and mind fought a feirce battle... Heart wanted to reach out to her... make her his, the body shouted out his need and mind fought to be sensible... The feet got jammed and eyes refused to miss even a second of admiring the most beautiful thing ever... He stood there stiff as a board but there was another part of his body which was getting stiff... he knew it was wrong, his fists clentched as he fought for self control... Then the sense started to win... And when she reached out, to take shower handle probably ,he got a glimpse of her milky white ,firm breasts... With that dark puckered skin in the middle contrasting with the milky white...
Damn ! He turned his face away trying to come out of the enchantment... It would be wise to get out now otherwise he feared he would loose all self control .Quietly he started stepping back before she could sense his presence or he did something stupid...
He came out, closing the door again, leaning by the wall he panted as if he'd ran miles, heartbeat erratic... He closed his eyes but that was a bad idea... all he could see was her in the shower, the soap trailing down... Her curves.. The perfection from top to bottom... if she had this effect just by her back then if she'd have turned then he might have really lost all the self control. Banging his head on the wall he repreminded himself... " Armaan, Armaan stop it... Control yourself... Damn... It's soo hard..."
He came out of the room ,probably some fresh air can cool him down... Good idea...
She came out of the shower still in bath robe, thinking no one is there but same time Armaan entered the room ,after gaining back his control, he was stunned to see her fresh from the shower water dripping from her hair and a rosiness on her cheeks and for a moment the shower scene flashed before his eyes. All self control on the verge of going down to drain ,he knew it well.
He looked away from her " sorry wo.. Mujhe pata nahi tha " she too felt bit awkward and conscious but breathed in when he walked out of the room . while getting dressed her thoughts trailed down to him... how he has changed, was this the same Armaan who tried to kiss her the first night and then had almost forced himself later... Look at him now, how understanding he has become a most understanding friend... She smiled at the thought,she was touched by his thoughtfulness and caring nature. Dressing herself in a nice saree she came down for the breakfast..
He breathed deeply blinking softly admiring her... But with Martin clearing of throat came back... That day both were rather quiet on the way to work, both thinking about each other in silence, sitting together yet far away from each other yet together in thoughts ... .
Ridhhima chatted with Sapna after a long day, cathing up on each other. Sapna mostly did the listening part as Ridhhima talked animatedly about Armaan, Rahul... Armaan.. Muskaan, Angel... Armaan... BP, Virendra... Armaan... A faint smile came to her lips she hadn't seen her talking like that about anyone before. She looked more lively, confident... And happy... Armaan really have managed to charm her... But the thing was... Was ' she ' aware of it ? And Vivek..?!
" Sapna.. Sapnaa " she shook her lightly
" h..haan "
" kya hua ? Kahan kho gayi ? " Sapna still looked at her " ab aise kya dekh rahi hai ? " she asked
" Badlaav "
" Badlaav ?? matlab ?? "
She exhaled " matlab ki main dekh rahi hun ki kaise Waqt aur haalat insaan ko badal dete hain..." Ridhhima tried to make sense what she was saying " Aur yeh jaruri to nahi ki sab badlaav bure hi ho, shayad insaan ko waqt ke sath badal jaana chahiye, badlaav ko sweekar kar lena chahiye..."
" Sapna tu aakhir kehna kya chahti hai ?? "
" Main yeh keh rahi hun Ridhhima ki kuch baatein hamari aankhon ke saamne hote hue bhi hum dekh nahi paate..." She still looked puzzled " nahi samjhi ? Achha yeh bata teri shaadi ko kitna waqt ho gaya ? "
" chheh (6) mahine hone waale hain "
" aur Vivek ko gaye hue kitna time ho gaya...? " She asked again
" Dus mahine.." Ridhhima said softly after a moment, unable to decide what she wanted to prove
" Hum yahaan do ghante se baithe hain Ridhhima aur tune ek baar bhi Vivek ka naam nahi liya, Armaan ke alawa koi aur baat nahi kari... Uaki har takleef, har shararat bata di magar ek baar bhi yeh nahi kaha ki Vivek kahan hoga ? kaisa hoga...?, yeh batane ke liye ki Vivek ko gaye kitna time ho gaya, tujhe sochna pada.. Ek waqt tha Ridhhima jab tujhe Vivek ki chinta har waqt khaye jaati thi aur ab... Ab tujhe Armaan ke alawa kuch yaad nahi aata. Teri har baat Armaan se shuru ho kar Armaan par khatam ho jaati hai "
" Sapna ! yeh sach nahi hai, aur aakhir in sab baaton ka matlab kya hai ? " She asked bit irritated and angry but somewhere she knew what she meant, snd she was proved right the next moment
" Saaf shabdo kahun to baat yeh hai ki tu Vivek ko bhulti jaa rahi hai..." Ridhhima was shocked no words came out of her mouth.. " Armaan's not a bad guy Ridhhima " Sapna added softly
Horrified at the implication of her words " No way Sapna.." Finally she found her tongue " How can you say that ! I know Armaan's not a bad guy magar wo Vivek nahi hai, aur main.. Main Vivek ko nahi bhuli hun, no I haven't " she added more firmly and got up from the chair bit shaken
Sapna too got up and kept a hand over her shoulder " yes, you haven't. meri baat ka bura mat manna Ridhhi, shayad kabhi tujhe meri baat samajh aa jaye... Aaj nahi to kal "
Sapna started to walk away, " Sapna.." Ridhhima called her, she turned " since when you joined Armaan's camp ? Mujhe lagta tha ki you didn't like him ? "
She smiled a bit... " sirf waqt aur haalat ka farq hai RIdhhima, jaisa maine kaha yeh insaan ko badal dete hain aur yahi dono insaan ki pehchaan bhi karwate hain... Rahi meri baat to I just want to see you happy... Jaise tu ab hai, pehle se kahin jyada..."
Ridhhima stood there puzzled watching Sapna walk away... She was shaken by her words and was confused too.. At one hand she was accusing her of forgetting Vivek and at other she took Armaan's side.. What is it ?? Is she really forgetting Vivek ??
" Kya sach mein main badal gayi hun ?? Kya main Vivek ko dhoka de rahi hun ?? "
She remembered how she was getting more and more carefree around Armaan.. Yes, they have become friends, but then those accidental moments which caused those forbidden thoughts in her mind... And what was that what she felt yesterday while messaging his back ! ' Oh my God I was messaging his back !! ' The thought terrified her ,making her feel immensely guilty.. Probably she was crossing boundaries...even if unknowingly...
She fought to control her tears feeling angry on herself... Sapna was right she was indeed forgetting Vivek... She had hardly taken any pains to look for Vivek herself, how easily she believed Armaan that he will bring him back... had trusted him with everything...
" No Armaan won't lie to me.. And Vivek... I do love him ,I haven't forgotten him..." she walked through the corridor questioning herself... there came no reply which added to her frustration even further. Deep in her thoughts she bumped into someone
" I'm sorry "
" It's okay..." she looked at the person " Aditi !? Tum ? And.. Hey kya hua ? Tumhara chehra itna utra hua kyun hai ? And what's this ? have you been crying ?? " Aditi's eyes were red... She hugged Ridhhima and tears broke out again " hey, hey !it's okay.. cmmon chalo mere cabin main chalte hain... Come " she took her inside her own worries forgotton... " Tum Chirag se milne aayi thi ? " She handed her a glass of water ,Aditi nodded " main use yahin bula leti hun..." She rang the bell and called for the wardboy asking him to call Chirag
" Ab batao kya hua ? " She sat opposite her..
" mere mom dad ne.. Meri shaadi Soham se karne ka faisla kar liya hai " she sobbed
" what ?! "
She nodded " unhone to Chiraag se milne se bhi mana kar diya hai.. Aur bahut jald Soham ke parents ghar aane waale hain sagai ke liye.. Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha main kya karu ? "
She hugged Aditi " magar yeh sab hua kab ? Aur kya tumne uncle aunty ko Soham ke baare main bataya nahi ? "
" bataya ,magar usne apni baaton se mom dad ko pighla liya.. Main jaanti hun wo yeh sab apni zid ke liye kar raha hai ,wo bahut hi jhuta hai... I hate him " she had fire in her eyes " Chiraag mera pehla pyaar hai Ridhhima, usne mere liye kya kya nahi sahaa mere liye.. maa pa ke taane sahe, apne mum dad ko manaya... magar... sab bekaar. Mere mum dad nahi maane... main chaahe jiske saath bhi rahun mera dil to Chiraag ke saath hi rahega "
" Magar Aditi tumhari shaadi hone waali hai.. Ab.. Aur ho sakta hai Soham sahi main badal gaya ho tum " she wanted to say if she could directly talk to Soham about this but Aditi cut her in between thinking she was siding with Soham
" Tum nahi samjhogi Ridhhima tumhe to tumhara pyaar mil gayaa naa, tumhe meri takleef samajh nahi aayegi. Mera pyaari sirf aur sirf Chirag hai, koi aur uski jagah nahi le sakta.. Kabhi nahi ! "
" Nahi Aditi... Meri baat " she tried to explain
" Nahi Ridhhima, tum batao agar tum kisi aur ko chahti aur tumhari shaadi Armaan se zabardasti hui hoti to kya tum apna pehla pyaar bhul jaati.. Kya tum itni jaldi haar maan jaati...?? " Ridhhima was stunned
" Aditi ! " Chiraag's voice spread in the room ,he'd heard everything .Aditi realised that she might have said little too much. She looked at Ridhhima with teary eyes..
" I'm.. I'm sorry Ridhhima.."
She forced a weak smile. In the span of few minutes she was shaken from inside, badly, made to realise that she was indeed changed... And it scared her... Terribly... And now Aditi's words... unknowingly, she had hit her most sore spot... Aditi's situation was so alike her own but at least she had Chirag with her. Her thoughts drifted to Vivek, She had almost forgotton him, not even remembering him for days now... Where was that Ridhhima who was fighting for her love ? now that she think of it she hadn't even mentioned Vivek for past few weeks !... Has she given up...??
She looked at her now crying in Chirag's arms. She got up, no longer able to stand there.. She needed to get out of there, her heart felt heavy
She looked at Chirag consoling Aditi who was crying in his arms... He mouthed sorry, she waved it and gently patting his arm went out of the room... Giving them some time... Taking some time for herself...
She walked through the hospital corridors... wherever she looked she saw Vivek reproaching her for being unfaithful... For forgetting him... She could hear his accusations, she covered her ears to stop them... opening her eyes slowly she saw there was noone around...
Crying unable to hold herself feeling angry, guilty she ran to the car.. Unaware she bumped into someone again. She looked up and found Armaan standing before her ,questioning through his eyes. He must have come to pick her up.
Before he could ask her anything she broke down hugging him, he wrapped his arms around her worried..
" Ridhhima, Raidhhima kya hua ? Kuch bolo ? Tum theek to ho naa ? "
" Mujhe Vivek se milna hai Armaan... I haven't forgotton him... Main use cheat nahi karna chahti... Maine use dhoka nahi diya " still crying in his arms
His face became expressionless, seeing her cry like that wrenched his heart, though her words felt like a big blow but still he controled himself. Gently braking the hug, he wiped off her tears with his thumbs..
" Heyy ,bas itni si baat, pehle ek kaam karo, yeh itne keemti aansoo aise waste karna band karo " he wiped them away gently " aur you remember naa what I promised.. To hum bahut jald usse milenge " She looked up at him with surprise in tear filled eyes " sach ,main keh raha hun naa.. Trust me wo jahaan bhi hoga I will bring him to you... And that too very soon... Happy ?! " he gave a big understanding smile
She nodded with a weak smile and rested her head on his shoulder still sniffing... But was much calmer now..
" aur Ridhhima ek baat kahun kabhi bhi apne mann main yeh khayal mat laana ki tum kisi ko dhoka de rahi ho.. Tumse jyada sachha insaan maine aaj tak nahi dekha, Vivek ne jarur kuch achhe karm kiye honge jo use tum mili.. tumne uske liye jo kiya hai ,jo saha hai wo shayad hi koi aur karta... You are the best thing he could've ever ask for... So never ever blame yourself okay.." Ridhhima's heart lifted up hearing his words and after a while standing there in his arms, feeling secure she thought that he's indeed right. She broke the hug suddenly realising where she was
Armaan gave a friendly smile making sure that she doesn't feel awkward coz of the hug " better now ? Hmm " she nodded " good girl, chalo ghar chalte hain "
They were having dinner in silence unaware that BP and Virendra had their eyes fixed on them... Occasionnaly joined by Rahul and Muskaan all seem to talk secretly to each other...
BP dropped the spoon on the plate " That's it. " all of them looked at him " Armaan, Ridhhima " both looked at BP " mujhe tum dono se saaf saaf ek baat puchhni hai "
" ji BP.. Puchhiye " said Ridhhima, bit surprised hearing BP speaking in such a cold and formal tone for the first time
" kya tum dono ka jhagda hua hai ? " both looked at each other ,BP turned to Ridhhima " Ridhhima, kya Armaan ne phir se tumhari koi baat nahi maani ? " she looked at him then at BP shaking her head unable to understand what he was deriving at. " are you sure ? "
" BP baat kya hai ? " Armaan asked little confused
" main janta hun ki baat kya hai.. Ridhhima kya tum Armaan ko pasand nahi karti ? "
" what !? Nahi, BP wo.." he didn't let him finish
" Armaan kya tumhe Ridhhima pasand nahi ? Aren't you happy with this marriage ? " She was stunned
" BP...?? " Armaan asked shocked
He looked at both of them with penetrating eyes. Ridhhima's throat went dry ' kya BP ko sab pata hai.. Vivek ke baare main...' she looked at Armaan and knew he was thinking on the same line
" yeh sab Armaan ki wajah se hua hai aur ho raha hai, hai naa.. "
" Oh god he definitely know ' she thought " BP wo tab.. Baat yeh hui BP ki..." probably it was time to let everyone know...
BP raised a hand and stopped her from saying anything further " tumhe koi explaination dene ki ya iski side lene ki zarurat nahi hai, main sab jaanta hun "
" nahi BP wo... " she looked at Armaan for some help but he too looked stumpped
" bas bahut ho gaya ab main aur kuch nahi sununga... Tumhe to kuch fikar hai nahi to sab mujhe hi dekhna hoga naa.." She got bit scared she'd never seen BP angry.. She looked at Virendra who looked... Calm !
She was surprised, the usually jovial and fun loving BP was angry today and everyone was calm !... Virendra saw that she was troubled and signalled her to be patient and do as he said... though she was not so convinced as BP being angry meant that it was serious...
" Mujhe ek baat batao, Jab tum dono ek dusre ko itna pasand karte ho... Pyaar karte ho... to how can you be so dull...? " They still were clueless, seeing them clueless he sighed and said aloud " main tumhare honeymoon par jaane ki baat kar raha hun ! " now it dawned on them... Ridhhima breathed in..
" Ohhh " Armaan breathed in with relief " BP aapne to dara hi diya tha..! "
" Armaan tum baat ko taalo mat... Aur Ridhhima iska to main ek baar ko samajh sakta hun, the workaholic idiot..." Armaan opened his mouth but wasn't given a chance to speak " but you ?! log kya kahenge, ki hamne apne bete bahu ko kahin honeymoon par nahi bheja..."
" absolutely papa " Muskaan and Rahul agreed
Another surprise came when Armaan sided with them " well you're right BP, main.. Hum, aaj hi apni galti sudharenge and plan for a holiday " Ridhhima forced a smile on her surprised face, it was not the time or place to say or ask anything.
As soon as they were in the privacy of their room she asked " Armaan yeh sab...?? Honeymoon ?! "
He slowly came and stood before her " Tumhe Vivek se milna tha naa " looking into her eyes, his face unreadable " Pack your bags.... it's time..." she looked at him... stunned... totally at loss of words....
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Lo ji ho gaya.. hope you are happy with the length now... the next update will be on Sunday... 😃
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