Hey friends, here is the next part, no excuses for being late this time, just sorries.
PART 21
Riddhima and Armaan's days started in this manner, and ended up together. They had lots of fun like two best friends, with their share of romantic moments too. Riddhima had tried to avoid Armaan and any close contact with him, but unfortunately, she had forgotten of her decision everytime she saw him. Almost a week had passed like this, but neither of the two could stop wanting more of each other.
AUTHOR'S NOTE : Guys, moving back to the first night, when Armaan had very nicely put our dearest heroine on the couch, the heroine doesnt remembers anything of it. Reason being, all her thoughts and actions start and end with Armaan. Miss Genius is staying away from logic as far as Armaan is concerned. But that does not stop her from enquiring about work from Atul, and receiving the daily report from Jennifer in the evenings.
It was one such fine day, and Jennifer had dropped by in morning for a change, to get some signatures done from both Armaan and Riddhima (Guys, did you notice, the names Armaan and Riddhima look so beautiful and complete when taken together, i know i know, its not the first time i am noticing this, but still, mention karne mein kya jaata hai :-p). So, before Jennifer came, Riddhima was feeding Armaan with some fruits, healthy ones like, apple, papaya, orange, watermelon, banana, no no no no no, if you think Armaan was eating all this patient wale fruits, then you certainly dont know Armaan and Riddhima. Fact being, Armaan was eating mango, strawberry, cherries, etc etc etc. After all, fake fracture ke peechhe apna taste thodi kaharab karta, hehehe, but since he had to throw his tantrums, so, apni pasand ke fruits bhi nautanki kar kar ke kha raha tha.
"Armaan, please, ek bite, see, its so real yummm, wow, i love strawberries, and this, mango, awwww, can something get more sweeter, yummy, i love it. Armaan ek taste to karlo, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease, mere liye", Riddhima pleaded, Armaan loved her looking so cute. But he is the hero, itni aasaani se kaise maan jaata. After all, troubling and irritating Riddhima was his unwritten birthright.
"Basket, i dont like these fruits, these are so girly ones, but kyunki tum insist kar rahi ho, so i'll eat them, lekin ek shart hai, one condition. You taste each of them first, and then main khaoonga, you know na, these fruits can be so sour, khatta khatta you know, and my throat, its so sensitive. Imagine what all will happen to it if i eat the khatta wala fruit, you wont be able to talk to me for so many days. You'll talk to yourself all day, and you'll realise how much a big bore person you are, and that will hurt you so much, and i dont want that, so, to cut things short, agree to my condition, ok", Armaan put his condition like a small child.
"I am not boring, understand (she pointed her finger towards him, and he immediately backed off) and Armaan (her tone was immediately very soft) if i eat each one of them before you, then, phir to, i mean, phir wo jhootha ho jayega, and tum mera jhootha kaise kha sakte ho?", Riddhima asked,
"Tum kya chudail(bad witch) ho?", Armaan asked back,
"Huh?", Riddhima was confused,
"Nahi nahi, aaj tum bata hee do, kya tum koi chudail ho, ya koi naagin, ya koi bhootni(lady ghost), ya phir, ya phir, haan, tum to koi gandi si, boodhi si, dirty face wali, ugly si, daravni si, bina brush kiye daanton wali, lambe lambe nakhoon aur baalon wali, weird weird clothes pehen ne wali, sadi si jadoogarni ho, ho kya?", Armaan listed down, Riddhima shook her head furiously in disapproval.
"Main ye sab nahi hoon, i agree ki main koi sabse sundar ladki nahi hoon, tomboy hoon na, i dont dress up like normal girls, lekin itni bhi buri nahi hoon, i am every percent of a girl, sachi mein", Riddhima sweared pinching her throat, and rushed away to check herself in the mirror. Armaan wondered of how his lady love was unaware of her beauty, little did she know that she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever met, and this was not just his thought, everyone around her thought the same. He smiled at her cute antiques, she may be a superwoman to the world, but when she is in her real form, she is more mismanaged than even a small child. She looked more adorable, standing there, and checking herself head to toe. She moved and twirled, checking every angle.
"Haan Armaan, i am perfectly normal, in the sense, a normal human being, but why were you asking, tell me", she confirmed as she sat down beside him on the bed.
As she hopped down besides him, her long hair came twirling and twisting upon his face, and he was lost in her fragrance. He caressed every strand that fell on his face, feeling her in them. He was lost in her, completely, when suddenly, he was shaken,
"ARMAAN, kya hua, i am callin you since so long, but you are lost, care to share, whatever happened to you suddenly", Riddhima jerked him out of his lala land. Armaan did not say anything, but just signaled her to be quite with his finger, and started putting the strand of her hair at the back of her ear, one by one, making sure he did not touch her skin [touch kar liya to koi aur hi scene shuru ho jayega na, samjha karo ;-)]. During this time, like always, our dear Riddhima was blushing furiously, with her eyes looking down, and ocassionaly, towards Armaan. When finally, he was done, he moved back. Riddhima still hadnt overcome that moment, so she asked with loads of difficulty (after all, breathing ko steady hone mein time lagega na),
"Armaan, why were you asking about that witch and all?", she managed somehow. Armaan knew she needed to be brought back to the normal, waise to even he was suffering from the same effects, but still, he had to control.
"Basket, since you are none of those bad people, then i dont think it would be dangerous to eat anything tasted by you first, it wont be poison, ok, so... done?", Armaan said, Riddhima looked up at him and he winked at her. Riddhima was so lost in him, that she nodded her head and started picking up fruits from the plate. She tasted each one of them, and put them in his mouth, and he ate like an obedient child.
"Wow, fruits were never so tasty and sweet, Riddhima, do tell me the name of this sweetener, i'll take it home with me", Armaan said, and Riddhima blushed again.
Just then, Jennifer chose to make her entry. She knocked on the door, breaking the atmosphere of the room. Riddhima immediately detached herself from Armaan, and attended to Jennifer. Since the time Jennifer had come, Riddhima did not make any contacts with Armaan, and this hurt him. It was only either Jennifer and Riddhima, or Jennifer and Armaan talking, no Riddhima and Armaan. Armaan tried to start a conversation with her, but she just replied in monosyllables (Guys, you know what, it frustrates you when the other person talks in monosyllables, i am telling from experience you see, and it was no different with Armaan), so after a lot of tries, even Armaan stopped any efforts. Perhaps he had realised that Riddhima did not want Jennifer to know anything about them.
AUTHOR'S NOTE : I forgot to mention, Atul had also come to visit Armaan, and Anjali and Mayank also come ocassionally. I am just informing you so that you all know that Armaan is not being neglected after all, i know that you all know i am kidding, this was not why i was telling you about others visiting him. Infact, i was telling you all this, because you should know everyone was in the plan, except Anjali offcourse. Remember she cant keep any secrets from Armaan.
Haan, so where was the story, yes, Jennifer drops in from nowhere to disturb the hero and heroine. And just for a change, again, Dr Ayesha also remembers her patient just today, and came to check upon Armaan.
"Hello Mr Armaan Mallik, so how are you today?", Ayesha asked,
"I am very fine doc, thank you", Armaan said,
Ayesha knew there was something wrong, and she could see it in his eyes. Armaan's eyes wandered again and again towards Riddhima, who was busy in working with Jennifer. Ayesha immediately knew what was the problem, and had a fabulous solution ready in her mind.
"Ammy, main aa gayi hoon na, sab theek ho jayega", she spoke softly, and with reassuring eyes, to Armaan. At first, Armaan was shocked with her words, but later, he understood, and knew something not very good was coming, but he would have to play along, God save him.
"Ah, Armaan, so how is your fracture?", Ayesha asked him, in a loud, but sugar coated tone, fluttering her eyelashes, andd winked at Armaan, he got the clue,
"Um, Dr Ayesha, its really better than before you see, after all, medicines aapne jo di hain", Armaan also used a loud tone, and by now, the conversation was catching Riddhima's ears and attention. Ayesha playfully hit Armaan, like she was patting him, but by mistake, hit a little hard. Poor Armaan was like, 'Ouch, Ashu, i'll make you pay later'.
"Armaan, you naughty boy, Dr Ayesha sounds so formal, call me Ashu, ok, and how about i call you, Aru, good na?", Ayesha again fluttered her so much fluttering eyelashes. It was getting hard for Armaan to control his laughter, on one side was Ayesha, looking like a desperate woman flirting with him, and on other side was Riddhima, her face boiling with jealousy, turning the colour of deep red, he decided to continue with his act :-D.
"So, Ashu, Dr Veer nahi aaye aaj, doesnt he go around with you, he's your husband, right", Armaan asked,
"No, he's a black spot on the name of the husband, he never has time for me, all the time busy busy busy. I dont remember the last time we spent some time together, alone", she made a sad face. Armaan was thinking, 'jhooth bolne ki koi limit hoti hai, Veer ko pata chala about what all you said to him, i wonder kya hoga. Poor guy, he spends his every 5 free minutes also with you, and here, because of me, he has to listen so much, sorry dude, i am really sorry'.
"Areh Ashu, dont worry, main hoon na, i have so much free time, please dont be sad, i cant watch beautiful ladies becoming sad. Do you reasise how beautiful you are, even in these traditional suits, you look so wonderful. Its not possible for everyone to look so simple yet beautiful. See, your earrings, what do you call them, haan, jhoomka, how adorable. Your trinklets, payal, i love the noise they make, awesome. And to top it all, your bangles, choodiyaan, so colourful, and the sound they produce, is no less than music, i am so awed, haina Riddhima?......Riddhima, areh, Riddhima kaha gayi?", after praising Ayesha so much, Armaan was waiting for Riddhima to come and screw him then and there, but when he looked around, there was no Riddhima, and no Jennifer. He immediately called Jennifer, and she said that she was just leaving for office, and Riddhima might be in one of the rooms. Armaan bid a farewell to Ayesha, and called Riddhima on her phone.
'Kaise batayein kyun tujhko chahein,
yaara bata na payein,
baatein dilon ki, dekho jo baaki,
aankhein tumhe samjhayein,
tu jaane na, tu jaane na'
Armaan was surprised, it was Riddhima's cell ringing in the room, but this was not Riddhima's regular ring tone. Her ring tone was the instrumental tune of some song, and he was sure she hadnt changed it. So, was it just for him that she'd set this song, he was left with a millions of questions regarding this one thing.
He started looking for her in the other rooms, but she was nowhere to be found (Oopsies, did i forget to mention that Armaan's fake fracture has recovered enough so that he can walk a little). Finally, he reached the terrace, and saw her. She was sitting on the swing, with her face in her knees (by the way, the swing wasnt moving, lol). Armaan went to her, and sat besides her, he knew something was wrong,
"Riddhima!", he called her softly, but she made no movements. Finally, he took her face in his hands, and lifted it up. She had her eyes lowered, but when she did look upto him in the eyes, he was shocked. Her eyes were red and puffed up, and she was sobbing silently.
"Basket, kya hua, why are you crying, please tell me Basket, what happened?", Armaan asked her,
"Armaan, no one loves me, i dont know why, but God seems to be angry with me, always. Whatever i pray for, nothing of that sorts happens, instead, just the opposite happens, and i am left shattered, but i cant handle it anymore, i just cant tolerate it Armaan, why cant it all end", Riddhima said between her sobs,
"Basket, why do you think no one loves you, huh, dont you know how much we all care for you, what made you think that we all dont care for you, i know something has happened, which made you think all this, tell me Basket, please", Armaan said,
"Just a few minutes ago, you were talking to Dr Ayesha, about how beautiful she is, and her attire, her earrings, bangles, and all that. Does no one love me, and that too because i am not like the other girly girls. I am not so beautiful, i dont share there common interests, i like things what usually boys do, but, is this reason enough not to love me, is it fair Armaan, tell me, is it fair?", Riddhima spoke softly, but Armaan knew her heart was screaming as she spoke these words, he now needed to answer her. He could tell her how wrong she was, that he loved her, but he thought against doing it, he knew she would consider it as sympathy, that he was just saying it all to console her. Little did he know that those were the exact words which she needed to hear.
"Basket, first of all, i dont know why do u feel that of all the people on earth, you are not beautiful. Let me tell you that you cud never be more wrong. I know you, i have seen you since so long, and i can assure you, you are the prettiest girl i've ever met. I wud've used other words from my dictionary, like, umm, dont mind huh, hot, sexy, stunning, but thats beyond the point. I want you to know that you are really beautiful, not just in looks, but from your heart too. It does not matter that you are different and unique, not like Dr Ayesha, or anyone else. Its only that you under estimate yourself. And about loving you, its your one big misunderstanding that you are not loved. Everyone around you is in love with you Basket, just trust yourself and look at people next to you. Ypu'll realise the truth. You trust me, dont you?", Armaan said,
"Yes", Riddhima said,
"Then just accept everything i have said, coz my every word was nothing but the truth. None of my words were meant to just console you, or sympathise with u, what all i have said, is the reality of your life. Now go ahead, and give me your beautiful smile, come on (Riddhima smiled as Armaan wiped her tears), you know what Riddhima, i am guessing you were a beautiful baby", Armaan chuckled,
"Armaan, you are just guessing, but i know you were a beautiful baby, different and unique, just the best", Riddhima said, Armaan blushed at this comment,
"And how can you be so sure Miss Basket Gupta", he asked,
"Well, i had seen your pictures in childhood when i used to visit Rahul, you did not live here then, and i used to admire you a lot, and Rahul teased me about it", Riddhima admitted, and like this, they talked about so many of their good memories.
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Today was the D-day, Armaan was roaming in the guest room. After he had recovered a bit, Armaan used to sleep on the couch in Riddhima's room, but tonight, he had asked her if he could use the guest room. He had given vague answers when she asked him the reason for it, but finally, she did agree. Armaan had made all the preparations, and had asked her to come to the guest room, for some urgent work. He had been waiting since the last 20 minutes, but she was no where near arriving. Finally, he thought of checking on her, and tip toed to her room. Armaan opened the door slightly, he looked around, but she was nowhere, just then, he heard the noise of the shower. He smiled, that was the reason Basket was late, anyways, he thought of waiting for her, there itself. He went closer to the wall full of her pictures, and stood admiring them. He was about to reach out, and touch one of those, when suddenly, he felt a blow on his cheek, and he fell down due to loss of balance. Armaan touched his cheek where he was hit, and sat up, noticing an angry Abhimanyu standing there.
"How dare you Mallik, how dare you, i never expected you to cross your limits, but you, i should've known that when it comes to Riddhu, you dont have any limits. What did you think, that she's alone, no Mallik, you still dont know the number of people who actually care for her, and are there to protect her, and you can never hurt her again, never", Abhimanyu said this, and started beating Armaan. Armaan tried stopping him by constantly trying to say something, but Abhimanyu didnt listen one word. He continued hitting Armaan.
"It is your biggest mistake if you think you can use her for your persoanl satisfaction, and then throw her Mallik, you just...", Abhimanyu was cut in between by a large and a heavy punch that went on his face. Armaa held Abhimanyu by his collar, and was about to punch him again, but stopped mid way.
"Dont you dare Modi, i heard your every accusation, but this, this is not something i can tolerate. Not even in my dreams can i ever think of hurting Riddhima in this way, you and your over protective wild imagination, dont ever again say something like this, coz i stopped myself just this time. I dont want to even think what will be the consequences next time", Armaan turned to go, but he saw Riddhima standing there, with a shocked expression on her face, and Nikita by her side. He looked into her eyes for a few minutes, and then walked away.
Riddhima was shocked at what had just happened, she came out of her bathroom as soon as she heard Abhi's voice, and the incident in front of her shook her. She looked at Armaan as he was leaving, and she couldnt figure out if the expression he wore was of being hurt, or of anger. A turmoil was running in her head, and her heart.
"Riddhu...", Abhimanyu was about to speak,
"Please Abhi, Nikki, i want to be alone for some time, leave, please", saying this, she walked out of the room, and into the guest room, she locked the door behind her. As soon as she turned around, she was shocked, a cake lay on the table, in the shape of a heart(everyone choose ur own flavours, mine is dark chocolate, yummmmm) a basket ball made on it at one corner, a tennis racket with the ball at the other one, and it was written, 'Happy Birthday Basket, i am glad i am the first one to wish you'. Riddhima now realised the reason of Armaan, Abhimanyu, and Nikita's presence in her room. It was her birthday today (Nikki ka bhi, they are twins duh, remember). No wonder Armaan had been so excited, and now, she knew he was heart broken. She had too meet him, and that too, soon.
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Precap - Some sweet and adventurous, daring moments - Riddhima doing something like this, never expected it from her! some confessions - omg, dont keep ur hopes high, its not the actual confession, or is it? some secrets coming out - hawwww, secrets leaking, whom will they effect, Armaan, Riddhima, or both?
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Thats it for today, please do leave comments, or press the like tab,
pooja
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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