New Short FF-Baby Come Back last part pg 7 - Page 5

Sid observed his childhood friend out of the corner of his eye. Despite the smile pasted on her face she looked sad and gloomy which was unlike the smiling, happy go lucky Riddhima he had always known. What Nikki had told him was true then , her heart was broken and that was the reason he had transferred to Ryerson.

What he wanted to do more than anything was to bash the guy who has clearly made her cry. He saw the fake smile on Riddhima's face slip as she sat there lost in thought and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. She looked at him and gave him a sad little smile which made him want to kill the guy who had wiped the smile off her face.

Pretty soon he engaged her in conversation and had her laughing at a silly story about his roommate. He smiled as he saw her laugh, her first genuine laugh of the day but it disappeared when she looked at the person sitting across the table. Sid turned to see a guy gazing at Riddhima with an unexplainable emotion and who then turned to look at Sid angrily.

Riddhima was as stiff as a board and was looking at her fingers while the guy gazed at her for a few minutes before leaving the caf angrily. He turned to look at Nikki who pointed at the guy and whispered Armaan.

Ah so he was the evil ex! But he did not seem very evil to Sid, in fact he had looked downright miserable. Sid couldn't help but feel that there was another part to this story. He watched the guy turn and look at Riddhima longingly before going on his way. Sid was in a dilemma, according to Nikki the guy was a playboy jerk who only wanted a willing bed mate but he looked as miserable as Riddhima did.

Sid decided to get to the bottom of things but to do that, he needed to get Riddhima to spill the beans. He knew that she would never willingly tell him anything, the only way to get someone to spill their secrets, in his opinion was to …. Get them drunk.

Sid: Ok guys now that I'm here we have to go out and celebrate!

Nikki: What do you have in mind?

Sid: We should go clubbing!! Everyone nodded their head in agreement, excited at the prospect of a night out. Everyone that is except Riddhima.

Riddhima: Guys I don't feel like going out tonight. You go!

Sid: No way! We're all going and that includes you! If you don't go then I'm not going! Please Ridzi we haven't seen each other in so long and now you're saying you don't want to hang out.

Abhi: Yeah come on Ridz, don't be a spoilt sport! Let's go out and celebrate

Riddhima: Fine! I'll be there! In case you guys are forgetting we have Economics class in 10 minutes. We should get to class before the lecture starts. Saying so she got up and made her way to class followed by all her friends.

They reached class only to find that the professor had not arrived yet. Sid looked up and saw the guy from the cafeteria, Ridzi's ex..what was his name again..Maan…no Armaan sitting there lost in thought and he grinned to himself.

Sid: Hey Abhi, what club are we going to tonight? He asked, raising his voice a bit so that Armaan could hear him as well.

Abhi: Umm how about Mirage?

Sid: Sounds like a plan. Ridzi, I'll pick you up around 10. Please be ready and don't you dare make me wait for half an hour like last time. He said, watching Armaan from the corner of his eyes. He saw a myriad of expression pass his face from sadness, to frustration to anger and finally a look of defeat.

Riddhima: Oh please Sid, it wasn't half an hour it was more like 20- 25 minutes. And perfection takes time you know so you will wait as long as I make you wait or you can forget about me accompanying you got it? She said mischievously.

Sid: Acha meri maa! Take as much time as you need. I know you need plenty of time to look presentable warna tumhara asli chehra dekh k sab bhaag jaein. He said and then immediately let out a wail as Riddhima punched him for making fun of her.

Sid (thinking): Well that takes care of that! Hopefully Armaan is not stupid and will actually come to the club. If I'm right and I usually am like 80 percent of the time, Armaan still has feelings for Ridz and I want to know how far I can push him before he snaps. He grinned to himself while Riddhima looked confused and Nikki looked apprehensive. She knew her meddlesome brother was up to something but hopefully it wasn't going to end up in a fight.

Riddhima dressed for her night out with utmost care. It had been weeks since she had enjoyed herself and she was sick and tired of playing the love sick fool. So what if she got dumped, shit happens. That did not mean she should put her life on hold. She was determined not to spoil the night for her friends who had been there to help her deal with Armaan's rejection. she had made up her mind not to think of him at all.

She stared at her reelection in the mirror. She was wearing a short black dress and black open toed heels. she had experimented with her makeup as well, opting to go with smoky eyes instead of the minimal eye makeup she usually applied. The overall effect was amazing. She looked, dare she say it…sexy. The smoky eyes lent her appearance a sultry look and she smiled at her reflection. Good bye Armaan hello freedom.

In the meanwhile Armaan was feeling like a Grade A asshole! He had acted like a jerk and he knew it but his pride and ego prevented him from turning around and apologizing to Riddhima. He was scared of the place she had made in his heart, scared by how much she meant to him and so he had taken the easy way out by making her hate him instead. And the cherry on top of this oh so perfect situation was that he had realized that he was head over heels in love with her. Oh why hadn't he realized that before? Why did he have to act like the world's biggest as*hole?

He flashed back to when he saw her in the caf with the new guy in school.. Sid someone. When had had hugged his Riddhima he had felt like ripping him to pieces. He had turned to look at Riddhima but she would not even look at him. To top it all, he had made the mistake of flirting with Carrie, Cherry whoever she saw in front of Riddhima to make her jealous and now that girl was stuck to him like chewing gum. He needed to get rid of her before going down on his knees and begging for Riddhima's forgiveness.

Armaan paused at the entrance as his eyes sought out the Riddhima. He had come here with the intention of talking to her, of begging for her forgiveness and pleading for her to take him back. As his eyes adjusted to the dim lights he saw Nikki and Abhi on the dance floor but no sign of his Riddhima. His eyes scanned the area and came to rest on the most stunning creature in the place. She was seated at the bar and was talking animatedly with the guy sitting next to her. It took a full minute for him to realize that it was infact Sid and Riddhima who he had been staring at for the past minute or two, he made his way towards the bar approaching them cautiously.

As Armaan got closer he could tell that Riddhima was more than a little drunk. He hung back when he heard Sid mention his name. They were discussing him? This he had to hear.

Sid: So what is the deal with you this Armaan guy?

Riddhima: Oh him, he is a total and complete jerk. Can I have another one of these? She asked waving her glass in the air.

Sid: I think you've had more than enough. Now you were telling me about Armaan.

Riddhima: He has the cutest smile and these really amazing dimples! She said dreamily. But hes a total and complete jerk she added as an afterthought.

Sid: Why is that?

Riddhima: Why is what? She asked, swaying in her seat. She kept tapping her feet with the rhythm while her hands were drumming on the table. Sid ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Talking to a drunk Riddhima was worse than talking to her when she was sober.

Sid: Lets go over this again. Why did you and Armaan break up?

Sid: (thinking if she says Armaan is a total and complete jerk again I will kill her).

Riddhima: Armaan is a total and complete jerk, you know he broke up with me just coz I wouldn't sleep with him! She said innocently and Armaan's heart broke when he saw the bewildered look on her face. Sid had spotted Armaan by then and felt the urge to break his nose.

Riddhima: I want to dance! Come on lets dance, she said pulling Sid to his feet.

Sid: Why don't you dance with Abhi and Nikki, I have to take care so something. I'll join you guys in a bit.

After making sure that Riddhima was in the care of Nikki he made his way to Armaan and signaled to him to meet him outside. Arman followed Sid outside and was not really surprised when Sid's fist connected with his jaw. Instead of raising his arms to defend himself he stood there and let Sid get in another jab.

When he saw that Armaan was not going to defend himself he dropped his arm and took in a deep breath.

Sid: I can't beat you up if you won't defend yourself.

Armaan: Go ahead, I deserve it.

Sid: Yeah you do. But I think you're doing a pretty good job of punishing yourself. You look like death warmed over. Give me one good reason why I should let you talk to her.

Armaan: Because I love her!

Sid: Oh Boy, You have it bad! Now tell me what do you plan to do about it.

Armaan: I'm going to beg for her forgiveness. And if that doesn't work… well I'll think of something.

Sid: Well if I know Riddhima, you'll need all the help you can get. That said the two planned to meet later that night so that they could plan on how they would get Riddhima to forgive Armaan .

so this is it..hope u guys like it..its my second last part..will post the last one later this week

He was both excited and nervous; excited because he would finally get to speak to her again, and there was a part of him that hoped she would run into his arms and forgive him in a second, the nervousness was mainly because he was afraid she would not show up and if she did she would leave without listening to him. But Sid had promised him that he would get Riddhima to show up and he trusted Sid to deliver.

Armaan heard the door open and footsteps approaching. His hearbeat increased tenfold and he wiped a sweaty paln on his jeans. He rushed to pick up the flowers that he hand picked and made into a boquet. Love was a strange thing, he mused, it turned confident men into stuttering idiots.

Just then he caught sight of a vision of loveliness, his Riddhima walking in towards him, a perplexed look on her face. One look at her and he could tell that she was not happy, in fact she was furious at being duped into coming out here on fasle pretences. He gulped and prepared to jam the doors if needed should she try to leave.

Riddhima: What are you doing here and where is Sid?

Armaan: Umm he's not here. I asked him to help me set up a meeting. I knew if I asked you to come you would never show up. I am sorry for tricking you this way but I really want to talk to you.

Riddhima did not say a word but stood there in silence, her brow rasied questioningly. Armaan took this to be a good sign, atleast she wasn't running away, nor was she encouraging him with her hostile demeanor. She just stood there quietly waiting for him to speak. Taking in a deep breath he plunged forward.

Armaan: I got these for you, he said thrusting the flowers towards her. He saw her expression soften a little as she took the flowers but it was gone immediately.

Armaan: Riddhima I know I've been an ass and a total and complete jerk but I am really very sorry. Please forgive me! I never realized how much I loved you until I lost you. Please come back to me, I promise I will never make you cry ever again.

Armaan had expected a lot of things, tears, threats he had secretly hoped for forgiveness and maybe if he was really lucky confession of love from her but he had not expected silence. He stood there waiting for her to say something but the silence stretched on. After what seemed like ages to him but was really a few minutes Riddhima turned to leave.

Armaan: Wait! Please don't go.

Riddhima: You asked me to listen to what you had to say. I did and I find that I don't have anything to say to you. She turned to go when Armaan spun her around and pushed her against the wall.

Armaan: I love you god damn it! Don't you care at all? he asked in frustration.

Riddhima: And what about my love? Did you think about it for a second before you crushed my heart? You claim that you love me Armaan but what about a week from now? Or a month or even a year. I'm a one guy kind of girl Armaan, I love for life. My love does not change with the season. What will I do when you fall out of love with me again? Or when I won't let you kiss me she asked tears streaming down her cheeks.I doubt you ever really loved me! Infact I never want to hear that word again.

Armaan stepped away aghast. Is that what he had done? Made her doubt his love, made her question the motives or loving gesture of anyone and everyone. He felt like the lowest scum on earth.

Armaan: I'm sorry Riddhima, I am so sorry. I will never bother you again, but please please don't give up on love. You deserve better, he said with tears in his eyes. He turned to hide his tears from her and waited till she left to break down completely.

From that day forth Armaan was a changed man, he was more somber and did not smile as much as he used to. These changes were noticed by friends and family but no one was more aware of them than Riddhima.

His sadness saddened her, his grief brought tears to her eyes. It was then that she realized that he truly loved her and she him. She needed to make ammends and fast before she lost him forever.

It seemed that fate had similar plans. Riddhima arrived home with the intention of going over to Armaan and sorting things out but as soon as she entered she was greeted by chaos.

Riddhima: What is going on here?

Rahul: I asked Muskaan to marry me and she said yes! He exclaimed and twirled her around in his happiness.

Riddhima: I am so happy for you! Congrats bro. Tou yea sab kab se chal raha hai? She teased him and Rahul blushed.

Rahul: I can't believe this is happening. Somebody pinch me, he said and then let out a big wail when Riddhima did so.

Rahul; Ouch!

Riddhima: HAHAHA…so when is the happy occasion? She asked cheerfully.

Rahul: Two days from now.

Riddhima: So soon? There is so much to do! Shopping, shopping oh and some more shopping.

Rahul: Uff you and your shopping. Waise Riddhima if you and Armaan come clean it could be a double engagement party instead.

Riddhima: Huh? What? I mean how… I mean who..

Rahul: Did you really think you could keep it a secret. Pretty much everyone knows about you guys. We just pretended we didn't know coz we were waiting for you to come clean. Riddhima blushed.

Riddhima: I don't know what we are anymore bro, she quickly explained everything that had happened, skipping over the intimate details.

Rahul: No wonder Armaan looks so morose these days , Riddhima flinched at his statement and he gave her a sympathetic smile. All of a sudden a tube light light up in his head and he smiled evilly.

Rahul: Riddhima, what do you say to a little deception? He asked with a devious look on his face.

Riddhima: I'm listening. She listened to his plan and after protesting a bit gave him the green light.

Rahul: We will need the help of all your friends. Rahul then called Muskaan over as she was to play a crucial part in the plan while Riddhima called Sid and the gang to inform them about their part in it.

Later at Riddhima's place.

Rahul: The plan is simple, we are going to make Armaan sweat a little, burn with jealousy and pretty much loose control by telling him Riddhima is getting engaged on the same day me and Muskaan are.

Muskaan: But Rahul where do we come up with this fictional groom?

Rahul: Sid hai na!

Sid: No way bro! Have you seen the muscles on that guy. He can do some serious damage to my beautiful face. Besides I helped him talk to Riddhima a week ago. Won't he be suspicious of my sudden decision to get engaged to her.

Rahul: Tell him you realized that you have always loved her or something. There will be 2 engagements taking place 2 days from now, but it won't be Riddhima and Sid, rather Riddhima and Armaan

Nikki: How will you pull that off?

Rahul: Simple, we'll involve the parents. Everyone smiled and went off to put some wheels in motion. Their parents were more than willing to be a part of this farce.

Mr and Mrs Malik liked Riddhima and had cherished the dream to make her their daughter in law. They were more than willing to lie a little so that Armaan would be surprised on the engagement day.

Armaan came home from the gym later that day to find Riddhima's friends and family over at his place. He looked at her in pain and was immediately pulled in for a hug by Muskaan.

Muskaan: Bhai! I'm getting engaged, she squealed and jumped around in joy. He smiled at her and was about to go upstairs when he heard something that made his blood run cold.

Mrs Malik: Oh it will be so lovely, two both brother and sister getting engaged on the same day, Rahul and Muskaan oh and Riddhima and Sid.

Armaan was astounded! When did this happen? He glared at sid but he was avoiding his gaze. His eyes found Riddhima's and begged her silently to refuse but she didn't utter a word.

The next two days were pure torture for Armaan. All the pretense of happiness was driving him crazy. He had tried to talk to Riddhima on more than one occasion but she was always surrounded by someone or the other. As for Sid, well he stayed well away from Armaan which was a good thing or Armaan would have broken a bone or two.

The day arrived too soon and Armaan resolved to talk things over with Riddhima after the engagement. Its not like she is getting married today, he consoled himself. With a heavy heart he set off for the venue all dressed up for he was the brother of the bride to be.

He saw her enter the venue and she took his breath away. At that moment he knew that he could not let her slip away that he needed her in his life.

He can not, rather he will not let her go through with this. He was in love with her and he sure as hell knew that she loved him. With his mind made up he moved through the throng of people, making his way towards the stage to stop her from making a mistake. He heard his father making an announcement

Mr Malik: Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to thank you for coming out today, for joining us at such a joyous occasion. We have a surprise for you! We had not one but two engagements taking place today.

Simultenously we see Armaan striding towards the stage purposefully.

Mr Malik: So I without further ado please put your hands together for the engagement ceremony of Rahul and Muskaan! (clapping)

By now Armaan had reached the stage and froze in surprise when the spot light fell on him

Mr Malik: And Armaan and Riddhima!

Armaan looked around in surprise when he saw Riddhima stand next to him and grasp his hand. He looked at her and she gave him a little smile, asking for his forgiveness through her eyes. He smiled back and then picked her up and twirled her around and around in joy. A giggle escaped her and everyone oohed and aahed at the lovely couple that was so in love.With the rings exchanged the ceremony came to an end and Armaan pulled her away for a private conversation.

Armaan: Thank You! Thank you for forgiving me, thank you for being a part of my life, he said. Riddhima blushed and smiled at him.

Riddhima: I love you Armaan!

Armaan: I love you too, he said before taking her lips in a gentle sweet kiss.

The End