Well, Adi4Ayu refused to update... so, here I am...
This story and all characters, unless otherwise stated in the Disclaimers, are copyright Ayushi (Lovy) and may not be used or distributed without permission. The reader is free to print out or download a copy of this story for offline reading as long as the author's copyright information remains upon it. Please do not distribute; if you wish to share this story, contact the author.
DISCLAIMER:
Certain characters are/were from the TV show DILL MILL GAYYE. Although aspects of this story are loosely based on medical drama, artistic liberty has been taken as this is a FICTIONAL story. Please take note that the author does not have a medical background and that the incidents, medical and law procedures may have a vast difference from reality.
TITLE SONG:
Dill ki tadapti saanson me
Preet ki mehekti baahon me
Dabe-chhipe se alfaazon me
Behke pal ke jazbaaton me
Band palkon ke khwaabon me
Khatti-meethi si baaton me
Jhuki hui si nigaahon me
Nayi-purani kuch yaadon me
Kabhi bichhde dill mill jayenge
Kabhi mill ke bicchad jayenge
Kabhi ladenge, kabhi manayenge
Kabhi rooth-rooth se jayenge
Armaan-Ridhimaa ki muhabbat ka
Hum fir se saath nibhayenge
Fir ek baar...
Manzil ki nayi chhaaon me
Fir ek baar...
Muhabbat Ki Nayi Raahon Me
RECAP:
Nothing much… only what happens when Armaan and Ridhimaa go to the Gupta House.
DEDICATION:
To Mits… wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!!
PART 425:
Once on the road, flying by the trees, Armaan let his mind wander. Ridhimaa would be waiting. His pulse quickened at the thought. In his mind's eye, he saw her. Ridhimaa- the meaning of love in his life. His everything.
Ridhimaa would be waiting for him. Her smile would have dimmed at his sudden departure. Tears-one or two might have appeared in her beautiful brown eyes. The hug he had bestowed on her was too brief. He should have hugged her longer, tighter. The kiss would have made Ridhimaa's heart ache for him more. He could already feel his own agonized heart throbbing almost painfully. There was surely no need of those heartbeats. There was no need to breathe. No need to live. Nothing made sense without his Ridhimaa.
Armaan: (sighing) Ridhimaa!
He was remembering the way she cried for him, begging him to stay. Armaan hit the brakes as waves of pain crashed into him. Suddenly gasping for breath, the pain was suffocating. He wanted to undo what all had happened, go back to Ridhimaa and hold her tight, never to let go. He wanted to comfort her, apologise to her, love her, make her forget everything that could ever cause her to cry.
Armaan didn't remember picking up the call. All he remembered was that as soon as he heard Ridhimaa's voice, all the aching pain in his heart was silenced.
Ridhimaa: Hello?
Armaan was silent for a while.
Ridhimaa: Hello? Armaan?
Armaan: (trying to steady his voice) Hello…
Ridhimaa: (sounding worried) Kya hua Armaan?
Armaan: Kuch nahi…
When Ridhimaa spoke next, there was a hint of a smile in her voice.
Ridhimaa: Yaad aa rahi hai, Armaan?
Armaan: Nahi to… mujhe tumhari yaad nahi aa rahi…
Ridhimaa: (smiling brightly) Maine kab poochha ki meri yaad aa rahi hai ya nahi…
Armaan: (confused) To fir kiski yaad aayegi mujhe?
Ridhimaa: Kyun? Tamanna ki yaad nahi aa sakti?
Armaan: (realizing that he had given the game up) Oh… haan… aa sakti hai…
Ridhimaa: (laughing) Usiki yaad aa rahi hai na?
Armaan: (solemnly) Nahi…
Ridhimaa: (dropping all smiles, really worried now) Kya hua Armaan?
Armaan: I'm sorry Ridhimaa…
Ridhimaa: Sorry? For what?
Armaan: (apprehensive) Wahaan tumne mujhe roka… and I… I just…
Ridhimaa had reached the baseline of the conversation.
Ridhimaa: (sincerely) Armaan… main bilkul theek hoon…
Armaan was caught off guard.
Armaan: Maine… maine to nahi poochha…
Ridhimaa: Lekin mujhe to pata hai na ki mere Armaan ko is waqt meri kitni chinta ho rahi hai… Ridhimaa ro rahi hogi… Ridhimaa ne khaana khaya ya nahi… Mujhe usey chhodke nahi aana chahiye tha… yahi sab soch rahe the na tum?
Armaan: (haltingly) Nahi…
Ridhimaa: Armaan…
The tone which Ridhimaa used to take Armaan's name broke all his defences.
Armaan: (restlessly) Haan… yahi soch raha tha… main abhi wahaan aa raha hoon tumhe lene…
Ridhimaa: Armaan… please… meri baat suno. Main bilkul theek hoon… main ro bhi nahi rahi… sab yahaan bahut achhe se mera khayal rakh rahe hain… aur hum log sab bas lunch hi karne ja rahe the…
Armaan was again silent.
Ridhimaa: Armaan… tumhe mujh pe bharosa nahi hai?
Armaan: Ridhimaa…
Ridhimaa: Main tumhari Jaan ka bahut ache se khayal rakhungi…promise.
Armaan: (smiling) I love you Jaan…
Ridhimaa: I love you too… ab Jaan ke patidev ke liye ek request hai… ki wo RIDZ jaakar ache se khaana khaayein… aur kaam ke chakkar me aaraam na bhool jaayein… okay?
Armaan: Okay patni ji… jo hukm mere aaka.
Ridhimaa's jingling laugh ebbed all Armaaan's worries away.
In the evening, at half past four, Armaan was running to and fro, here and there in Hotel Ridhimaan.
Armaan: (checking from a self-prepared list) Candles… done… Flowers… done… Ribbons, Streamers… done… Chairs, Tables… done… Balloons…
He looked around in alarm.
Armaan: Oh no! Balloons kahaan hain?
One of the helpers: (puzzled) Balloons?
Armaan: Haan… balloons… maine kaha than na heart-shape ke white, pink, golden aur red balloons lagaane ke liye… kahaan hain?
Second Helper: (running towards Armaan) Sir… balloons to yahin hain lekin lagaaye nahi… waise bhi, Reception party me balloons?
Armaan: Ridhimaa ko pasand hain…
He spoke as if this settled the matter, and surely it did for the Helpers present. They rushed to bring the balloons. If Ridhimaa liked something, it had to be done.
Armaan: Aur Vikas…
Second Helper: (stunned at being called by name) Yes Sir?
Armaan: Mujhe Sir bolna band karo…
Second Helper: Okay Sir…
Armaan: Vikas!
Second Helper: (flustered) Sorry Sir!
Armaan rolled his eyes and went towards the helpers who were blowing the balloons. He sat down on the ground beside them, picked up a balloon and started blowing it. The Helper called Vikas came running back to Armaan.
Vikas: Sir… hum log kar lenge… aap aaraam se…
Armaan: (irritably) Agar tumne mujhe Sir bolna band nahi kiya to samjho ki tumhari naukri gayi…
The helper was terrified. He shut his mouth immediately. Armaan saw the look on his face and grinned.
Armaan: (pulling down Vikas by hand and handing him a balloon) Chal… balloon fulaate hain.. bada maza aa raha hai…
Vikas smiled and started blowing the balloons.
Vikas: (hesitatingly) Sir?
Armaan: (engrossed in blowing the balloons) Hmm?
Vikas: Sir… agar Ridhimaa Madam ko pata chal ki aap din bhar kaam karte rahe… to wo aapse pehle hume naukri se nikaal dengi…
Armaan: Kuch nahi hoga… main hoon na tum sabko bachaane ke liye… right?
Vikas: (not fully convinced) Right Sir…
Just then, someone tapped Armaan's shoulder. Taken by surprise, Armaan accidently burst the balloon he was blowing. He looked back to find Atul.
PART 426:
Atul: Tu ye sab… kya kar raha hai?
Armaan: (picking up another balloon) Basketball khel raha hoon… dikh nahi raha? Tu abhi se kyun aaya? Ab kisiko khaana nahi milega.
Atul: (affronted) Tujhe lagta hai main yahaan sirf khaane aata hoon?
Rahul: (appearing at Atul's side) Hum teri help karne aaye hain…
Armaan: (glad) Oh! Thanks yaar!
Atul: (smirking) Aur tujhe Ridzi ka message bhi dena hai…
All the helpers turned attentive.
Armaan: Ridhimaa ka message?
Rahul: Haan… Ridhimaa ne kaha hai ki agar lunch aur rest nahi kiya hoga… to…
Armaan: To?
Rahul, Atul: (grinning) To ussey bura koi nahi…
Armaan stared at Rahul and Atul and then let out a chuckle.
Armaan: (trying to stop laughing) Ye Ridhimaa ne kaha hai?
Atul: Haan…
Armaan: Okay… main handle kar lunga…
He went back to blowing the balloons but all the helpers stood up.
Armaan: (perplexed) What?
Helpers: (in a chorus) Sir aap jaiye… ye sab hum kar lenge…
Armaan: Nahi… mujhe karna hai…
Atul whispered something to the helpers. Two of the helpers came forwards and lifted Armaan off his feet.
Armaan: (shocked) Hey! Ye kya kar rahe ho?
Atul: Sorry Armaan… Ridz tujhe to kuch nahi karegi… lekin hum becharon ko…
Rahul: (to the helpers) Isey leke jao… aur dekhna Party shuru hone se pehle ye waapas na aane paaye…
Armaan: (angrily) Rahul ke bachche! Tujhe to main…
Rahul looked unconcerned at Armaan's warnings.
Atul: Koi kaam bacha hai to hume batao… warna chuchaap room me jaakar rest karo…
Armaan knew he had no other option.
Armaan: Okay fine! Rahul… ye balloons lagaane hain… DJ ko gaanon ki list deni hai…
Rahul: Okay…
Armaan: Champ… return gifts dekh ke aana… sab ache se wrapped hone chahiye… aur sab pe guests ka naam likha hona chahiye…
Atul: Theek hai…
Armaan: (calling) Joseph…
The security guard rushed upto where Armaan was being hoisted up.
Joseph: Yes Sir?
Armaan: Security should be at it's best… koi bhi bina checking ke andar na aane paaye…
Joseph: Yes Sir.
Armaan: Atul, Rahul… dinner bhi dekhna… sara menu ache se ready hona chahiye…
Atul and Rahul nodded. The helpers started taking Armaan away.
Armaan: (at a sudden thought, shouting at Atul and Rahul's receding backs) Kha mat jaana sab kuch dono milke.
In the evening, the guests had started arriving. While Rahul, Muskaan and Armaan were looking after the guests inside, Atul was welcoming the guests at the entrance.
The reception area was beautifully decorated in contrasting colours. The chairs were covered with white fabric and the tables were covered with brown and gold, making the decorations look brighter. Each table had centrepieces embossed with Armaan-Ridhimaa's names. Round paper lanterns, branched candelabras and bowls of floating candles were illuminating the hall, signifying the warmth of the new bonded relation. The room was also decorated with ribbons and streamers to make it more attractive and colourful.
The balloons were tied in a bunch of odd numbers and with contrasting colours. An arch of balloons with silk rose topiary was placed at the entrance to give a warm welcome to the guests. The entrance path was illuminated with heart shaped illuminaries. A floral printed aisle runner was spread, giving a majestic and regal appearance.
A car rolled up the driveway. Anjali, Maan and Gazal stepped out from it. After the security checking was complete, Atul rushed towards them.
Atul: (greeting all three with hugs) Hye!
Gazal: (smoothing her lehenga) Dheere se Atul! Ye lehenga waise hi itna heavy hai… mujhse zyada der sambhala nahi jayega…
Atul: Matlab? Party ke beech me hi utar fenkogi kya?
Anjali: (reproachfully) Shut up, Atul!
Gazal: (scowling at Atul) Very funny!
Atul: Nahi.. main to isliye keh raha tha ki agar koi aisa-waisa plan ho to Maan ko to pata hona chahiye na…
Maan: Haan, of course!
Atul: (laughing) Waise GS… aaj traditional dress me kaafi achhi lag rahi ho…
Gazal faked a smile and started walking away in a hurry, knowing she really should not have worn the lehenga at all. In her haste, Gazal nearly tripped over the flower vase standing at the entrance and Maan caught her.
Gazal: (exclaiming) Thank God!
She then saw Maan's face looking concerned and smiled.
Gazal: I should say, thank you!
Maan: (relaxing) Arrey… thanks ki kya baat hai… main nahi aata to koi aura aa jaata aapko bachane… aaj lag hi itni khoobsurat rahi ho aap…
Gazal: (smiling) Achha! Jhooth bhi bolte hain aap? Kamaal hai!
Maan: (looking straight into Gazal's eyes, which were green today, matching her lehenga) Jhooth bolte hain, lekin aaj nahi bola.
Before the blush could spread over her cheeks, Gazal scurried into the Reception Hall. Mann followed her quickly, knowing he would come very handy tonight, thanks to Gazal's lehenga!
Anjali smiled at Maan's receding figure. When she looked back to find why Atul was so quiet, she discovered him looking intently at her.
Anjali: (waving a hand in front of Atul's eyes) Atul! Where are you?
Atul: (words coming out at a rush as if he had been saving all his breaths for saying this only) I love you, Anjali!
Anjali: (smiling) Okay! Lekin tum aise kyun…
Atul: (simply repeating) I love you, Anjali…
Anjali: Maine pehli baar me hi sun liya tha Atul…
Atul: (gasping) I really love you Anjali…
Anjali: (irritated) Tumne kya baar-baar ek hi baat ki rat laga rakhi hai!
Atul: (sincerely) Tum nahi jaanti Anjali... maine isi ek baat se apni saari khushiyan jod rakhi hain.
Anjali was quite taken aback. She could not tear her gaze away from Atul's serious face. She looked at him for so long that her eyes began to water. She finally blinked and bowed her face
PART 427:
Atul: (raising Anjali's face by placing his hand under her chin) Anjali… tum ro rahi ho?
Anjali: (smiling through her tears) I love you too Atul!
Atul: Anjali… I'm sorry…
Anjali: I love you very much…
Atul: Anjali… tumhe baar-baar ye kehne ki zaroorat nahi hai… I know tum mujhse pyar karti ho… please… ro mat na…
Anjali: Zaroorat hai Atul… kyunki ab meri bhi life ki saari khushiyan isi ek baat se jud gayi hain. I love you… and would always love you!
Atul: (wiping Anjali's tears) Tum andar jao Anjali… yahaan kaafi thanda ho gaya hai… tum bimar pad jaogi…
Anjali, for once, obeyed Atul without question. She proceeded to go inside when she turned.
Atul: (smiling) Main bas abhi aa raha hoon…
Anjali returned the smile and entered the Reception Hall.
Shubhankar and Keerti came next. At last, a black car drove up to the gate. Shashank, Padma and Nani stepped out from the car. The security guard Joseph hurried to open the door before Ridhimaa could step out.
Joseph: (dipping his head) Good to see you again, Mrs. Mallik.
Ridhimaa smiled in response.
Ridhimaa: Aap… aur Jenny kaise hain?
Joseph: We're fine Mam… this way.
He led them to the security check post where Shashank, Nani and Padma were checked.
Ridhimaa: (trying to interfere) Meri checking bhi to kijiye…
Joseph: (cutting her short, smiling and retreating) Armaan Sir aapka wait kar rahe hain…
Atul strode forwards and took them inside.
Atul: Ridzi! Tum bahut beautiful lag rahi ho aaj!
Ridhimaa: Thanks Atul!
Atul: Ye saari decorations Armaan ne khud ki hai… khud sab choose kiya aur…
Ridhimaa: (concerned) Tum logon ne usey mera message nahi diya?
Atul: Diya tha na… lekin jab tak hum log aaye, tab tak saara kaam Armaan kar chuka tha… aur usne lunch bhi nahi kiya… aur…
Atul paused seeing Ridhimaa's face. Padma nudged Ridhimaa.
Padma: Tum usey daantna nahi, theek hai? Sab kuch tumhare liye hi to kiya hai…
Ridhimaa: Mujhe pata hai…
Shashank: Ridhimaa…
Ridhimaa: Main nahi daantungi usey, Papa.
Ridhimaa was not looking around. If she had, she wouldn't have looked away for a few minutes, because the room had been so beautifully decorated, everything personally supervised by Armaan to be according to Ridhimaa's likes and dislikes. But Ridhimaa was just looking down at the floor for some reason. The guests were clapping at her arrival. Everyone was admiring this shy, beautiful, newly-wedded bride.
Armaan was standing at the centre of the stage, accompanied by Rahul and Muskaan. He was wearing a black suit, red shirt with the top three buttons undone and no tie. In his hands, he was holding a bouquet of one dozen brilliant red roses. His face, impeccably handsome, had lit up when he saw the last of the arrivals. His brilliant blue eys were glued to the figure in the middle.
Ridhimaa- his Ridhimaa- was coming towards him, taking too small steps. Dumbstruck, Armaan tried to look away but failed. That was the story of the last two years in a nutshell. Although it was a shade of pink which Armaan had never liked (before tonight), Ridhimaa was making that dress shine. The georgette fish tail lenga, and the heavily embroidered choli with the dupatta was complimenting Ridhimaa's fair skin beautifully. Looking at her now, Armaan knew he would have waited forever for Ridhimaa, if that's what it took.
The moment Ridhimaa reached the stage, Armaan offered her his hand. She took it. Armaan effortlessly lifted Ridhimaa up the stage, without bothering to let her climb the steps. The clapping increased ten-folds.
Once on the stage, his left arm around Ridhimaa's waist, Armaan presented the roses. Ridhimaa took them without a word, without looking at Armaan.
Armaan: I love you…
Only the blush that crept into her cheeks assured Armaan that Ridhimaa had heard him. As soon as the three words had escaped his mouth, diamond confetti and red, white rose petals started showering over the two. The clapping never stopped. A low music started and the dance floor lighted up. Rahul, acting as the master of the ceremony, welcomed all the guests. He made a toast to Armaan-Ridhimaa and invited the guests to dance and enjoy the music. Slowly, the guests started moving towards the dining area or the dance area, whichever they preferred. Others went upto the newly wedded couple, congratulating them, blessing them and presenting the gifts.
While the guests congratulated them, Ridhimaa just caressed the flowers, smiled shyly, looked around at the decorations and watched Armaan. He chatted easily with all the guests. Some, he seemed to know well. Others not, but he always had a smile for each. Every time he glanced her way though, his smile warmed.
A little while later, finding some privacy during dinner, Armaan whispered to Ridhimaa.
Armaan: Kya hua, Ridhimaa?
Ridhimaa: (lowering her gaze) Kuch nahi…
Armaan: Mujhse gussa ho?
Ridhimaa's gaze flew back to his now solemn eyes. Was she so transparent?
Ridhimaa: (looking away) Mere gussa hone se tumhe fark padta hai, Armaan?
Armaan: Of course padta hai!
Ridhimaa switched her gaze to the dance floor. Rahul-Muskaan, Atul-Anjali, Maan-Gazal, even Shashank-Padma were dancing. All looked so happy.
Ridhimaa: (still not looking at him) Main tumse gussa nahi hoon…
Armaan: (placing his hand on Ridhimaa's cheek, turning her face towards himself) Meri taraf dekh ke bolo…
Ridhimaa: (not able to control herself) Tumne lunch kyun nahi kiya?
A slow, easy smile spread across Armaan's handsome face.
Armaan: Tumne lunch kiya tha?
Ridhimaa: Haan…
Armaan: (continuing to smile) To samjho ki maine bhi kar liya. Hum dono alag thode hi hain… hai na?
Ridhimaa did not reply. She felt irritated.
Armaan: Gussa ho to daant lo na…
Ridhimaa: Main gussa nahi hoon… main kaise tumse gussa ho jaun… jab ki main jaanti hoon… ki ye sab tumne sirf mere liye kiya hai… aur isi wajah se lunch bhi skip kar diya. Main itni buri nahi hoon Armaan… mujhe tumhare pyar ki kadr hai…
Armaan was bowled over.
PART 428:
Armaan: (haltingly) Ridhimaa… maine kab kaha ki tum buri ho?
Ridhimaa: (smiling) I know… nahi kaha…
She again started looking towards the couples enjoying their dance. The music was always rolling without unnecessary breaks.
Armaan: (following Ridhimaa's line of vision) Hum bhi chalein?
Ridhimaa looked back into Armaan's beautiful eyes and nodded. They simply glided towards the dance floor. Armaan held Ridhimaa's hands and put them around his neck. His own arms encircled Ridhimaa's waist. Ridhimaa's cheeks flooded with colour.
Armaan: Waise mujhe ek tareeka aata hai… tumhe khush karne ka…
Ridhimaa: (earnestly) Main already bahut khush hoon Armaan…
Armaan: (tilting his face closer to hers) Issey bhi zyada khush karne ka…
Ridhimaa could easily read what was on Armaan's mind.
Ridhimaa: (trying to push him away slightly) Armaan! Stop it! Sab dekh rahe hain…
Armaan: Mujhe jo tareeka aata hai… ussey koi hume nahi dekh paayega…
Ridhimaa: (not believing a word) Armaan!
Armaan: Sach! Lagi bet? 1000 ki?
Ridhimaa stared at Armaan's confident face. His intense eyes, flames from the candles dancing in their depths, never left hers.
Ridhimaa: Ar-Armaan!
She stuttered briefly, blushing just enough that Armaan could see the 'yes' he was looking for. He took her face into his hands tenderly. His lips fell upon hers for a second and then left with reluctance. Armaan, still holding Ridhimaa's face in his hands, kissed her forehead passionately. Ridhimaa opened her eyes and stared miles into the most brilliantly blue eyes she had ever seen. She could not look away. She didn't want to. Both of her hands felt for his chest. Someone coughed.
Both Armaan and Ridhimaa, startled, looked towards the source of coughing. Muskaan and Rahul had stopped dancing and were staring at them. Ridhimaa turned scarlet. Armaan gestured them to continue dancing.
Armaan: (turning towards Ridhimaa with a very innocent face) Oops!
Ridhimaa looked at him curiously. She couldn't understand his expressions.
Armaan: (taking out a 1000 rupess note and giving it to Ridhimaa) I lost the bet… but it was worth it!
He was haaving a difficulty holding back his smile. Ridhimaa stiffened for a second, then turned her back to him. Armaan knew his joke hadn't gone down too well with Ridhimaa. She had actually believed him when he said that no one would be able to see them! How very Ridhimaa-like!
Armaan: (in a childish, singsong voice) Basket… I'm sorry!
He held Ridhimaa's shoulders and turned her to face him.
Armaan: (holding his ears and hanging his head) I'm soooorrrry!
Ridhimaa, unconsciously, almost automatically, held his hands and brought them down, and then shook her head.
Ridhimaa: (in a choked voice) Main… main tumse gussa… nahi hoon Armaan…
Armaan: What?
Ridhimaa: (setting her watery gaze on the face of her angel) Main tumse gussa kaise rahun… jab ki main jaanti hoon ki tum mujhse kitna pyar karte ho… meri ek hansi ke liye kuch bhi kar dete ho…
Armaan stared.
Ridhimaa: (smiling and adding) Bina soche-samjhe…
Ridhimaa's arms again went around Armaan's neck and she lay her head on his shoulder. They started swaying gently to the music.
Armaan: (suddenly) I'm sorry Ridhimaa…
Ridhimaa: Armaan… main tumse gussa nahi…
Armaan: Mujhe bolne do please…
Ridhimaa fell silent.
Armaan: Tumhe yaad hai… kal raat…
Ridhimaa's cheeks grew warmer, remembering the night before. She hid her face in Armaan's chest.
Armaan: Kal raat maine tumse kuch vaade kiye the… maine promise kiya tha ki main koshish karunga ki tumhari in aankhon me fir kabhi, kisi wajah se aansun na aayein... aur main zindagi bhar in aansuon ki hifaazat karunga... yaad hai?
Ridhimaa looked at him and nodded slightly.
Armaan: Maine wo vaada tumse zyada, khud se kiya tha… main apna vaada poora nahi kar paaya Ridhimaa… is ek din me hi tumhaari aankhein itni baar royi hain… main tumhare aansuon ki hifaazat nahi kar saka Ridhimaa… I'm sorry.
Ridhimaa removed her right hand from Armaan's neck and placed it gently on his cheek, as if afraid of hurting him.
Ridhimaa: Armaan… tumhe pata hai…main aaj kyun royi?
Armaan: (without even bothering to think) Haan… meri wajah se…
Ridhimaa: (admitting) Haan… tumhari wajah se…
Armaan bowed his face guiltily.
Ridhimaa: (honestly) Tumhari wajah se… kyunki main tumse bahut, bahut, bahut pyar karti hoon…
Armaan: (thinking that Ridhimaa was trying to lessen his guilt) Pyar me aansun bahaaye jaate hain?
Ridhimaa: (voice muffled in unshed tears) Jab muhabbat bahut zyada ho jaati hai… to wo dill me nahi samaa paati… aur fir… aansun beikhtiyaar hokar nikal padte hain…
Armaan: (wiping Ridhimaa's tears with his fingertips) Tum abhi bhi ro rahi ho…
Ridhimaa: Kyunki main tumse…bahut… bahut muhabbat karti hoon… sirf tumse…
Armaan: (feeling his eyes burning) Sirf mujhse?
Ridhimaa: (wrapping her arm again around Armaan's neck and keeping her head against his chest) Sirf tumse, Armaan…
Both fell silent, just enjoying each other's presence, feeling comfortable enough that words weren't necessary.
Armaan: (after a while) Lekin main tumhari aankhon me kabhi, kisi wajah se aansun nahi dekhna chaahta. Tum soch bhi nahi sakti Ridhimaa… tumhare aansuon se mujhe jo takleef hoti hai… wo meri bardaasht ke baahar hai…
Ridhimaa raised her head and kissed Armaan's forehead, tenderly and devotedly.
Ridhimaa: (asking sweetly) Abhi bhi ho rahi hai takleef?
Armaan could not help but smile.
Armaan: (placing Ridhimaa's head back where he wanted, right on his heart) Nahi… ab bilkul nahi ho rahi…
One song ended and another began, but they paid no attention. Armaan and Ridhimaa continued to dance, feeling the ardour from their bodies mingling and their hearts beating together in their rhythm.
PART 429:
The song now playing was "Tumse Milke Aisa Laga". Ridhimaa could hear Armaan's heart beating as he started to softly sing along with the song.
Armaan: (singing)
Tumse milke… aisa laga… tumse milke…
Armaan hue poore dil ke…
Aye meri jaane wafa…
Ridhimaa leaned her head on his shoulder and Armaan turned his head to look at her. Ridhimaa's face was turned towards him and their eyes locked together. They didn't notice that all the other couples had stopped dancing. Most of them had taken leave, while the rest were simply gazing in awe at the newly-wedded couple dancing now. Each one of them were blessing Armaan-Ridhimaa from the bottom of their heart.
Armaan: (singing)
Teri meri meri teri ek jaan hai…
Saath tere rahenge sada…
Tumse na honge juda…
Ridhimaa dug her head into Armaan's chest, planted a soft kiss there and closed her eyes. Armaan's eyes automatically drifted shut as he nuzzled his face into Ridhimaa's hair.
Armaan: (humming very softly)
Mere sanam… teri kasam… chhodenge ab na ye haath…
Ye zindagi… guzregi ab… humdum tumhare hi saath…
Apna ye vaada raha…
Tumse na honge juda…
He fet that Ridhimaa had stopped moving. Armaan smiled softly, thinking she was probably too lost in the song. He started rocking her side to side slowly, his hands constantly caressing Ridhimaa's back softly.
After a while, Armaan opened his eyes and found that he and Ridhimaa were the only ones dancing now and all others were watching them. A little flush of embarrassment crept up his neck as he called Ridhimaa.
Armaan: Ridhimaa… sab chale gaye…
Ridhimaa did not reply. Armaan called a little more urgently.
Armaan: Ridhimaa… we're the only ones on the dance floor… baaki sab… sab hume dekh rahe hain…
Still, there was no reply. Armaan ducked his head and saw that Ridhimaa had fallen asleep. Her beautiful face was glowing with contentment and innocence flooded her cheeks. Her arms held Armaan tightly as his lips touch against her cheek. Armaan drew her even closer to totally engulf her body in his arms.
As he sweeped her in his arms, Ridhimaa opened her eyes slightly.
Ridhimaa: (mumbling) Armaan… I'm… I'm too heavy... put me down… Armaan…
Ignoring the half-hearted protest, Armaan walked over to where Shashank and Padma were standing.
Shashank: (astonished) So gayi!?
Armaan nodded.
Padma: (to Shashank) Hum isey ghar le chalte hain… waise bhi 2 baj rahe hain…
Nani: Armaan… tum bhi chalo… subah to tumko aana hi hai…
Armaan: Nahi… mujhe yahaan sab wrap-up karaana hai… raat me yahin ruk jaunga aur subah…
He stopped as a soft voice filled his ears.
Ridhimaa: Armaan…
This time when she said his name, her voice was breathy, and her eyes were fast shut. She was mumbling in her sleep.
Shashank: (smiling) Chalo…
They went out and Shashank opened the back door of his car. As Armaan placed Ridhimaa in the back seat, her arms slipped around his waist. Armaan tenderly removed them and leaned over to whisper in her ears.
Armaan: I love you so very much, Jaan.
Ridhimaa did not reply. She just moved her face closer to Armaan's in answer, leaving the words unspoken but unmistakable none-the-less.
Anjali: (hiding her smirk) She wants you to kiss her!
Armaan, Shashank: (together) Anjali!
Armaan looked at Shashank and looked away as quickly as possible. He did not want to go in any conversation with Shashank on this matter! Luckily, nor did Shashank!
He stepped back, went round the car and opened the door for Padma and Nani. When all of them had seated inside, Armaan waved them goodbye.
Armaan: Ridhimaa se kahieyga… main subah jaldi aa jaunga… wo pareshaan na ho…
Anjali: Ridzi to ab shaayad subah hi uthegi… tum ussey pehle aa jaana… usey Good morning kissie dene!
Padma: Anjali… Armaan ko sataana bad karo!
Anjali: (grinning) Bye Jeeju!
Armaan shook his head. Anjali could never resist teasing him.
Armaan: Bye saali-saahiba… meri biwi ka ache se khayal rakhiyega…
Shashank: (before Anjali could open her mouth to retort) Bilkul rakhenge… goodnight.
Armaan: (smiling) Goodnight Daddy… Goodnight Mamma…
Shashank drove away. When the car turned round the corner and out of sight, Armaan whispered.
Armaan: (sighing) Goodnight Basket!
In the car, Padma put Ridhimaa's head on her lap and started stroking her hair.
Padma: (laughing to herself) Armaan ke saath dance karte-karte hi so gayi…
Nani: Main to un dono ki taraf dekh hi nahi rahi thi… itne pyare lag rahe the dono… mujhe laga kahin meri nazar na lag jaaye…
Shashank nodded.
Anjali: Lekin Ridz aise kaise so gayi… mujhe to aaj raat me ussey kitna kuch poochhna tha…
Shashank: Kya poochhna tha?
Anjali: Arrey wahi… suhaag-raat ke bare me…
Shashank glared at Anjali and then turned his attention to the road.
Nani: Anjali… Ridhimaa ko pareshaan…
She stopped mid-sentence because Ridhimaa had started moaning.
Padma: Ridhimaa?
Ridhimaa: (her eyes still closed) Armaan… Armaan…
Anjali: Dekha... neend me bhi Armaan ke saath romance…
She was cut short by a low shriek.
Ridhimaa: (opening her eyes and jumping straight) Armaan!
She looked around and found Padma's concerned face.
Ridhimaa: Mom? Armaan? Armaan kahaan hai?
Padma: Hotel me hai… aaj wahin rukega… kya hua?
Ridhimaa: (relaxing a bit) Nahi… wo… bas… sapna dekha…
Shashank: Armaan bilkul theek hai… usne kaha hai wok al subah jaldi lene aayega tumhe…
Ridhimaa nodded and started looking out of the window, her desolate mood unrelenting. Even the serene beauty of the new moon shimmering in the sky couldn't break its hold on her heart. A soft breeze stirred the tendrils of her long hair, fluttering them across her face. Sleep was now miles away from her disturbed mind.
PART 430:
The next morning, Ridhimaa was in better spirits. The sun shone through her window, but today it indicated her of Armaan's arrival. She was at the door, ready to fling it open even before Armaan could put his hand on the bell.
Te face of her angel-God was shining brightly in the sun. He greeted her with a smile. His hair was looked pefect. His eyes, dazzling blue were perfect. He was wearing a fitted black t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black shoes. He was perfect! Perfectly perfect! Ridhimaa smiled too.
Armaan: (confused) What?
Ridhimaa: I love you too Armaan!
Armaan looked puzzled for a second and then his smile was dazzling. He proceeded to hug her. Ridhimaa pressed herself into him and melted so perfectly as if their bodies were just made for each other.
When Armaan tilted her face up to kiss her, Ridhimaa returned the kiss with a passion that took Armaan's breath away for a second. As their lips broke contact, Armaan whispered just loud enough so that Shashank, now coming over to them could not hear.
Armaan: Jaan… that was… incredible!
Ridhimaa smiled back at him. Armaan left Ridhimaa and touched Shashank's feet, who blessed him and hugged him.
Shashank: Aa gaye tum apni Ridhimaa ko le jaane…
They all moved towards the living room.
Shashank: (when he and Armaan were out of Ridhimaa's earshot) Raat bhar soyi nahi hai… pareshaani me bas idhar-udhar ghoomti rahi… subah 4 baje apne room me gayi… aur shaayad fir bhi nahi soyi.
Armaan: (alarmed) Kyun?
Shashank: Tumhi poochhna… hume to kuch bataaya nahi… car me bhi thodi der baad uth ke baith gayi thi…
They too reached the living room. Ridhimaa was sitting, her head resting against the sofa. Armaan occupied the space next to her on the sofa, while Shashank sat on a chair on the opposite side and picked up the day's newspaper.
Shashank: Ma aur Padma bas aati hi hongi…
Armaan nodded and then took Ridhimaa's hand in his.
Armaan: Ridhimaa?
Ridhimaa: Hmm?
Armaan: Tum raat ko soyi nahi?
Ridhimaa: Tum bhi to nahi soye…
Armaan: (amazed at Ridhimaa) Tumhe kaise pata?
Shashank looked over at Armaan in shock.
Armaan: (afraid) I… I mean… main soya to tha raat me…
Ridhimaa: (resting her head on Armaan's shoulder) To fir main bhi soyi thi… hum dono alag thode hi hain… hai na?
Armaan: Ridhimaa…
Ridhimaa: (putting a finger on his lips) Shhh…
Armaan stopped speaking. Ridhimaa removed her finger from Armaan's lips and kept her hand over Armaan's (which were holding hers). Armaan kept silent for a while and started stroking Ridhimaa's hair with his free hand. Her hands holding his were warm, soft. Her breath on his neck was enough to drive him crazy. Armaan was very conscious of Shashank's presence.
Padma arrived there with Nani. Armaan looked at the almost asleep Ridhimaa, thinking whether he should get up to greet them or not. Both smiled his way and mouthed "Baithe raho". They too sat down.
Padma: Achha hai… ab so jaaye…
Nani: Pata nahi isey raat me kya ho gaya tha…
Armaan glanced at Ridhimaa's beautiful face as if trying to find answers to all the questions.
Padma: Mujhe lagta hai ki…
She paused. All looked towards her, except Ridhimaa who had dozed off.
Padma: Mujhe lagta hai Anjali theek keh rahi thi… Ridhimaa ko Armaan ki aadat pad gayi hai…
Armaan: (in a low voice, so as not to disturb Ridhimaa's sleep) Ek din me kaise aadat pad gayi?
Padma: Ye mujhe nahi pata… lekin… aadat to pad gayi hai… isiliye na tumhare bina ache se kha paati hai… na tumse gussa ho paati hai… na so paati hai…
Armaan's ears turned red. He started looking at Ridhimaa again to hide his embarrassment. He listened to her quiet breathing as if it were the most important thing in this world. Her expression was calm. Her features relaxed and content. At times her lips would curve into a small smile and Armaan would know that she was dreaming about him. She was perfect- perfect for him.
Shashank: Kuch na kuch to karna chahiye… kyun Armaan?
Armaan nodded.
Shashank: (inquisitively) Kya karna chahiye?
Armaan: (his gaze never leaving Ridhimaa's face) Usey bahut, bahut, bahut pyar karna chahiye…
He was speaking more to himself than to Shashank.
Armaan: Ridhimaa ka dill sirf mujhse muhabbat karne ke liye dhadakta hai… main khud ko uski muhabbat me qurbaan kar bhi doon, to bhi uski muhabbat ki hadd tak nahi pahunch paunga…
Padma and Nani looked at Shashank.
Shashank: (whispering to Nani and Padma) Sirf Ridhimaa nahi… saahabzaade bhi nahi soye hain raat me…
Nani: Kya? Armaan? Armaan?
Armaan looked up dreamily. Nani forgot that she was going to scold him. Armaan looked so lost in love, that all three (Nani, Padma and Shashank) felt moisture gathering in their eyes. No one could love their Ridhimaa more than the person sitting just in front of them. Armaan held Ridhimaa carefully, as if she was his most precious and most delicate treasure in the world.
He pressed her close to himself and kissed her forehead softly. His eyes drifted shut of their own accord.
Ridhimaa, still asleep, snuggled closer and buried her head into his neck. Armaan kissed her forehead again, this time unconsciously. Totally comfortable now, they silently, peacefully and happily drift off into a deep, deep sleep, angelic smiles etched into their satisfied faces.
It was, honestly, a Kodak moment!
I hope this was a long enough update. The next update would be in January.
Love,
Lovy
P.S. Sorry for not replying to all the comments. I read them all, I appreciate your dedication and time in reading this story, but believe me, I haven't been this busy ever in my life. Sorry again and thank you all for reading, pressing the like tabs and commenting.
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
CID
252