AR: Love Is... #2[NewThreadLink: Page 1 & 150] - Page 43

And Sanaa, umm, someone promised me something yesterday! Uh, wait a minute, that was YOU! 😡

btw..thanks shru for opening ur mouth..😛 now I've got Aanya running behind me too..!! *sigh*🤢

PART 19

They were sitting in the conference room since the last one hour and ideas were pouring in. Everyone wanted to do something "different" this time. And no one oculd agree on anything. Riddhima thought about all the things they could do...but everything she'd suggested so far had already been used. From singing to acting, it'd all been done before. Initially she'd thought that it's the employees who perform. But she'd thought wrong. The employees performed only when they were really good at the particular thing. Otherwise, the firm hired small time artistes to perform. The artistes were talented but in a place like New York, they had to fight tooth and nail for a break. They were usually ready to perform at such events, just to get noticed. Riddhima liked the whole idea of this event. It was fun.

She thought for a while, wihle the murmur of ideas around the room continued to increase. Suddenly an idea struck her. She excitedly tapped Armaan on the shoulder. He looked at her questioningly.

"Armaan, I have an idea!"

"Bolo!"

"We should do a fashion show!"

"A what?"

"Fashion show...you know with models et al. It'll be amazing, I swear! There's so many independent designers who're newbies...we could hire them and there are millions of girls wanting to be models! Hume bahot aasaani se log mil jaayenge! Just give an advert in the newspaper. And we could like, extend the programme to 4 hours or something since it's the 10^th one and stuff like that. What do you think?"

"A fashion show. Definitely interesting. I'll ask everyone!"

He cleared his throat and called for attention. Everyone stopped talking and looked at him. "Okay, so Riddhima has an idea for the event. She thinks a fashion show would be a great idea. What say? Those for the idea, raise your hands!"

The murmurs began again. Most people liked the idea. By a majority, her idea was selected.

One of the employees said, "The idea is amazing but we can't JUST have a fashion show! Fashion is not for everyone, we need atleast one or two more things for the event! The show could be an hour and a half long and then for the rest, we could have something else!"

Riddhima and everyone else nodded in agreement. They hadn't thought of that.

Thirty minutes later, it was decided that they'd have a fashion show, a thatre group that could enact a play, and a dance performance as the finale.

"The dance performance needs to be cancelled!" said, Mark, who took care of the finances in such events. "Hiring the designers, models and the theatre group along with all the props, costumes, etc is already proving to be quite an expense. Although we give only 50% of the ticket money to charity, we will still be going over board with the cost. Especially when we want everything to be of the best quality. My calculations tell me that adding the dancers to the expenses will prove to be too big a loss to the firm. Already we're spending quite a few thousand dollars from our pockets. Judging from the value of our shares, our bank accounts etc, I'd say an additional expense will be a big risk."

Everyone looked at Mark. As his words sunk in, they nodded in agreement. Just as they were all thinking of what else they could do, Mark said, "Isn't there anyone from all of us who's particularly good at dancing? Or something else? That'd cover the cost!"

Riddhima thought about his words and excitement coursed through her veins. She could dance. She'd do it!

"I'll do it!" Riddhima looked at the other person that had said it. It was Brittany.

"I've learnt salsa in university...I could manage a dance. But...I'd need a partner." Said, Brittany looking pointedly at Armaan.

Ashley said, "Umm even Ri can dance! She knows 3 dance forms! And if her performance is more umm...professional then she could..."

Riddhima nodded. "Yeah, I can dance." Looking at Brittany she said, "But if you wanna do it, I don't mind!"

Brittany looked at Riddhima sitting calmly in front of her. She hated how Ashley had supported Riddhima. It was beyond humiliating. How dare that bitch talk like that? And then this Riddhima replies to her like she's doing this big favor by giving me a chance. Bloody charity case.

"Why don't we do this- We can both prepare a dance with a partner and then next week show it to the people here...whoever's better, can perform in Footprints." Said Brittany, shooting daggers at Riddhima with her eyes and daring her to accept the challenge. The other employees merely stared at them.

Riddhima almost rolled her eyes. How childish could this woman get? A challenge? What were they? Six year olds?

"I don't mind...but honestly, if you wanna do the dance, you can do it!"

"No thank you. I prefer being fair. So, are you up for it?"

"Sure."

A while later, once the tasks had been assigned to the employees, the meeting was adjourned.

Riddhima was clearing her stuff from the desk. Yeh kya yaar...hum chote bachche thodi hai? Challenge? How dumb is that?! Ab mujhe partner dhoondna padega. Armaan ko poonchu? He'll say yes only, na? I'll ask him.

Having decided, she left the cabin, locking the door behind her.

She went towards Armaan's cabin and was about to knock the door, when it opened. Brittany came out, grinning from ear to ear. Looking at Riddhima she said, "Oh my God Riddhima! I'm so happy! Armaan agreed to be my partner for the showdown next week!" She talked in a sugary sweet tone, making Riddhima want to strangle her. She couldn't believe Armaan would agree to be her partner. Afterall he'd even called her "skank"!

Replying back in the same tone, she said, "That's okay Brittany! Tell him I wasn't planning to ask him anyway, hmm? All the Best!"

Riddhima stormed out of the building. She was so mad. Kutta! Kameena! Ussne BRITTANY ka partner banne ke liye haan keh diya? What the f***? Jab maine ussko skank kaha tha tab toh badi hasi aa rahi thi usse! Aur ab usska partner ban gaya? Ab toh main un dono se achcha dance kar ke dikhaungi. Idiot! Jerk! Moron! Argh...

She quickly texted Ish.

Are you home right now? Can I come over?

It's important! Pweashh??? :)

-Riddhi

Sure thing! Actually, do you mind coming to the studio?

Ghar pe koi nai hai! I'm at the studio and Arjun's rehearsing for the play! Will you be able to come or should I pick you up?

-Ish

I'll be there in 10.

-Riddhi

Riddhima quickly informed Rahul and Muskaan that she'd come home late and that they should have dinner.

Grabbing a cab, she rushed to Ishaan's studio.

She entered the studio, looking around. It wasn't the first time she'd been there but it'd been long.

She remembered coming here about 8 months ago. Ishaan was a choreographer and he ran a dance academy too. The studio was his. Riddhima was one of the few people whom he allowed to come to the studio whenever they wanted. She reminisced coming there and dancing, releasing all the pent up frustration and energy.

Smiling, she went further in. She saw him practicing hip hop, his favorite and leaving her bag and taking out her shoes, she joined him. They danced to the pulsing beats of the music, both of them trying to out-dance the other. They did one complex step after the other, until they were both soaked and breathing heavily. She flopped down on the floor and Ish grabbed two cans of coke from the cooler and came and sat down beside her. They both drank the coke, silently, cooling off under the air conditioner.

"So..." Ishaan looked at Riddhima, waiting for her to speak.

"So...what?"

"What's up? I'm sure you're here for a reason!"

He was greeted by silence.

Riddhima was lying down on the floor, looking up at the swirly pattern on the ceiling. She wondered why she was there. To ask Ish to be her partner? But she could have done that over a text. She knew he wouldn't say no. So why did I come here? To dance? To vent out my feelings?

As she mused she realized she was here because of Ishaan. She was here because he never asked questions. She was here because he just listened. She felt him tapping her shoulder.

"Hello?!? Riddhima, earth calling! Tell me na...why are you here?"

"Because you don't ask me questions." She answered simply.

He nodded. He understood what she meant. He lay down beside her and plugged in his iPod while Riddhima pondered over her jumbled thoughts.

For the millionth time, she questioned her attraction towards Armaan. In a short time he'd become more important to her than she'd wanted. She didn't want the feelings that came over her when she looked into his eyes. But they just wouldn't go away! They kept coming up, again and again managing to put her thoughts in frenzy.

They both lay there silently for a while, him listening to his iPod and her contemplating her feelings for Armaan.

Each one of her memories with him flashed in front of her, making her question whether she was right in ignoring this "thing" between them. I've enjoyed so much with him! And I don't have to pretend to be anyone else! He's just so...amazing? Ugh...I sound like a teenager in love for the first time. Please don't tell me it's love! I'm so screwed...Damn.

She remembered the way she'd felt when Brittany had told her that he'd agreed to be her partner. She'd never felt like that before. Arghh...I wish I could strangle her skinny neck. Why can't she just leave him alone? They broke up na?! Kameeni uske peeche padi rehti hai poore time. And how could he accept to be HER partner?!? I thought he didn't like her! Huh. Turns out I was majorly wrong. Apparently, Armaan Malik is still not over her. Par ussme mujhe itni problem kyun ho rahi hai? Am I actually JEALOUS? Oh shit. This is so bad...so so so bad.

She groaned aloud, cursing Armaan. Ishaan looked at her and removed his headphones.

"Ready to talk?" he asked her.

"Umm Ishaan?"

He sat up looking at her in surprise. "Whats with "Ishaan"? Tum mujhe kabse Ishaan kehne lagi? Anyway, this tells me you're here for something serious. Bolo."

"Shut up! And yeah I AM here for something serious...woh umm..."

"Riddhi! Chill yaar...main hoon...just tell me!"

She shut her eyes, not wanting to see the look on his face when she asked him the question. "Umm...I wanted to ask...how do you know when you're in love?"

She was greeted with silence. A few seconds later she opened his eyes to see him, sitting there with his mouth open. She snapped her fingers in front of him. "Oye! Kya kar raha hai? Maine tujhse kuch poocha...answer me!"

He blinked. "Yaar Riddhi...tu do minute wait kar. Main na handycam lekar aata hoon. This talk is EPIC. I've gotta record it! THE Riddhima Gupta...asking me about LOVE?"

She smacked him on the arm, causing him to wince. "Eyy! I'm serious okay...meri life ka sawal hai."

She sat up and looked at him, waiting for an answer to her question.

"Let me see...how do you know? Umm it feels right. It makes you happy. And obviously there's attraction. I really dunno how to explain this Riddhima. It's just a feeling in your heart! It makes you feel good...peaceful and that everything's right. It makes you feel like you're protected, safe. I really don't know how else one can define it."

She listened to him carefully. Everything he'd said reflected in her time spent with Armaan. Time passed at double the normal pace with him. Have I fallen for him? Bloody hell. How did that happen? Itna control kiya phir bhi? How could I possibly have-

"Kya soch rahi ho? Are you in love with him?"

"No!" she said, stubbornly.

Ishaan slapped his forehead in exasperation. "Riddhima why do you deny it?! I'm not forcing you to love him, no. But you keep denying the existence of love! Love exists Riddhi! Whether you like it or not! You keep telling yourself that love doesn't exist, but it DOES! And you're so stubborn that it might stare you in the face and you'd ignore it. Don't do that Riddhima. Love is amazing! Why are so hell bent on ignoring it?"

Riddhima let his words sink in and the tears formed in her eyes. How could she explain to him that she was scared? That she wanted to love and be loved but she didn't know if she could take it if it didn't work out. She'd seen people around her in love and thye were happy. How could she tell him that when she saw Rahul and Muskaan or caught them in a moment of privacy she'd laugh it off but she wanted that. She wanted all of it. The flowers, the comfort and that amazing feeling that Muskaan talked about so often. She wanted someone who'd think about her first. Who would love her, take care of her, protect her. But she was terrified. Terrified that she'd be left broken again. Because she knew she couldn't take it one more time. And so she'd locked her heart away. Hadn't allowed it to feel anything.

Ishaan looked at the tears forming in her eyes and felt a little guilty. Maybe he'd been too harsh. He saw her controlling the urge to break down and once again admired her courage. He didn't know what had happened to her in her past, but he knew it was serious. And he admired her for the person she was able to become.

He put an arm around her and hugged her. She hugged him back, drawing comfort from him. A moment later she broke away wiping the few tears that had managed to escape. Looking at him earnestly, she said, "Because I'm scared..."

"Scared of heartbreak?"

"Something like that..."

"Par yeh risk toh humesha rahega na? You can never know for sure that it's going to work out and you'll live happily ever after. But that doesn't mean you don't fall in love, Riddhi. You fall in love and then work on the relationship! If it's meant to be then it will work! Aur rahi baat heartbreak ki, hum jaise dost kis kaam ke hai? Rahul, Muskaan, main, hum sab hai na! Tu tension mat le. We'll come to your place with comfort food and we'll watch chick flicks and curse your boyfriend. Hmm?"

Riddhima giggled at that. "I don't like chick flicks!" she said, laughing.

Ishaan rolled his eyes. "You get the picture."

"Promise me this Riddhi. I'm not telling you to fall in love with Armaan. It'll happen when it has to. But promise me that you'll keep your heart open to love and not lock it away like you've been doing till now. Promise?"

Riddhima smiled. She could do that. And if everyone found love so amazing, it couldn't be that bad. Who knew, she might even find happiness. Holding up her pinky for him she said, "Pinky swear!" winking at him.

Suddenly she remembered about Brittany and scowled.

"What's wrong?" Ishaan asked her, surprised by her sudden change in expression.

"Brittany."

"Oh my God! Please don't tell me she plays the vamp in your lovestory! That's hilarious!" he said, laughing.

"Haha. Very funny Ish. Waise tell me, is she considered a vamp when the hero WANTS her to be with him?"

"What? So this Armaan dude, likes her?"

"I think so..." she said, doubtfully. She told him everything about Footprints and about Armaan saying yes to Brittany.

Ishaan grimaced as she finished. "He said yes to her? Eww. That girl sounds so DUMB. But the challenge was a smart move. We could make it work in your favor!"

"And how will that be possible?"

"Very simple. See, you're jealous of this chick right?"

"No I'm not-" but she stopped as she saw his glare. "Okay I am...a little bit. Waise, main soch rahi thi ki you could be my partner for the "challenge" and umm..." she trailed off nervously. It was too embarrassing. She just couldn't bring herself to admit that she wanted to make Armaan jealous.

Ishaan understood what she wanted to do and laughed at her embarrassment. "Mahnn...Riddhima you're so funny! You wanna make him jealous, hai na? Wow. I seriously never thought I'd see you like that!"

He took one look at her angry face and got up and ran away. Riddhima followed him, running around the room. She finally caught him and pummeled him with punches. "Smartass! Tujhe hasi aa rahi hai? Maine toh tujhe kabhi aise pareshaan nahi kiya tha! Infact I helped you! And is this how you repay me? Idiot!"

He stopped laughing and in between breaths he said, "Sorry! I'll be your partner, theek hai?"

They sat down, thinking of what they could do.

Ishaan said, "Why don't we do that dance we did in the cultural programme? It's easy enough to prepare in a week! I'd have agreed to do something really passionate like tango but we'd need a lot of time to perfect it! It'd take us atleast a month! Aur waise bhi...we have to look "in love" for that...and remember how that went?"

Riddhima nodded, laughing. They'd been selected to perform at the dance competition between universities but everytime they had tried to look at each other with passion, they'd ended up laughing. Finally, they'd done something else.

They decided to do the dance he'd suggested. After talking for a bit, she left for home.

Riddhima entered office the next day, still sleepy. Her conversation with Ish had refused to leave her mind alone and she'd hardly slept at night. She still hadn't been able to completely figure out her feelings for Armaan and so she decided to leave it and let the feelings take her where they want to. She was in a not-so-happy mood, thinking about Brittany and Armaan. She couldn't figure out WHY he had said yes to her. Unless of course he's sleeping with her or something. But he wouldn't. He's more than that. Agar who aisa hota, toh I'd never have any feelings for him! But still...he said yes...and they're probably rehearsing together! What if she seduces him or something? That can't happen! No freaking way! Ugh...Riddhima...calm down. Breathe in. Breathe out. Much better.

She bumped in to Armaan at the end of the corridor. She looked at him and was about to give him a stony "Goodmorning" to show how annoyed she was, when he gave her a cold glare and walked away. Riddhima looked at his retreating back, flabbergasted.

"How dare he?!" she muttered under her breath. WOH mujhe attitude dikha raha hai? Ulta chor kotwal ko daate! Brittany ka partner woh hai...gussa mujhe aa raha hai...attitude bhi mujhe hi dikhaana chahiye...toh isko kya problem hai? #$@#$.

She slammed her cabin door shut. Just the sight of him with Brittany was enough to make her blood boil. She never knew that she could get SO jealous. Armaan Malik was making her take her jealousy to new heights.

It was decided later in the day that the "showdown" would take place at Ishaan's studio. All the employees agreed to be there 6 days later.

In the coming week Riddhima and Armaan, both buried themselves neck deep in work so that their evenings could be free and they'd have time to rehearse. Riddhima left the office at 3.30 pm everyday and was their at Ishaan's studi by 4.30 pm. They rehearsed till 8 after which she left for home. The days flew by with both Riddhima and Armaan ignoring each other. She missed him terribly. But she wouldn't admit that. She missed how she bumped into him in between office hours. She missed the easy and comfortable bond they shared. She missed everything about him.

Everytime Armaan glared at her, Riddhima was left confused. Why was he glaring at her? He was the one who'd said yes to Brittany!

It was the day before they were supposed to show their dances and Riddhima had left extra early from office to practice with Ishaan. They were working on their timing when Riddhima thought of a complex step that they could add to their performance.

"But Riddhi! That step's a little time consuming! We have to show it tomorrow...how're we gonna add it?!"

"I don't know. We'll rehearse and get it right till midnight if we have to. But I want to beat that blonde tomorrow. She can't beat me at my own game."

Ishaan looked at Riddhima and the jealousy in her eyes. "Wow...you must REALLY love this guy! Itni jealousy?!"

She stuck her tongue out. "I don't love him Ish...at least not yet..."

"Phew! Thank God! At least you're CONSIDERING the option...yahi bahot badi baat hai!"

She smacked him on the arm and they started rehearsing again. She wanted to be perfect the next day. She was going to show Armaan Malik what he'd missed.

Armaan drove home from Brittany's place at 7. He was sick of their dance practices. He hated it when Brittany tried to get close to him using the excuse of salsa. He cursed Riddhima under his breath. She was the one responsible for this damn mess. Not to mention he already hated her partner, whoever he was. He was glad that tomorrow was the day. He didn't think he could bear one more day with Brittany.

He missed Riddhima more than he'd admit. Her laughter, their witty repertoire...everything. And the thought of her dancing with someone else made him so mad. Armaan couldn't believe he was so jealous! What was it about her that made him behave like that?! Increasing the speed of the car, he drove home, trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with him. Was it love?

Love? Have I really fallen for her? So fast? That's not possible. Is it? I like everything about her. Her smile, her laugh, the way she gets mad, everything. But love? Damn. This is harder to figure out than I thought. I wonder what she's gonna do tomorrow. Please Riddhima...you've already put me in this goddamn mess, now PLEASE prove to be a good dancer, warna agar hum jeete toh main koi excuse banaa kar nikal jaaunga. I don't think I can stand Brittany anymore.

He reached home and took a quick shower. After checking the ingredients in his fridge he made some quick pasta and taking the plate, he sat on the bean bag. Switching on his laptop, he was checking his mail when his phone buzzed.

Ishaan [MY partner] asks whether you guys need any props for your dance tomorrow. Reply asap.

-R

Armaan grimaced at the way she'd stressed on "MY". He hated this Ishaan dude.

No props. Just darkness and the spotlight should be on me and MY partner, Brit.

-A

Riddhima flared her nostrils. "Brit"??? They were on pet name basis now? Suddenly, she felt like throwing her phone away. Or better still, crushing it into pieces. Taking a deep breath she replied.

Okay. Hmm. Waise I wouldn't bother with the lighting and stuff. Kuch bhi karlo jeetenge toh main aur Ish hi.

Anyway, may the best team win. Oh wait! That would directly mean ISH and I. Goodnight.

-R

Armaan threw his phone on the couch. The words "Ish and I" kept dancing in front of his eyes. Ishaan se "Ish" ho gaya? Pet names? Argh...

He was about to snap his laptop shut when he received a new mail from Nikita Mallhotra.

Armaaan!!! Kaise ho? I can see you're online. Come on skype! Muahhh :D

xoxo

Nikki

Armaan smiled at the mail. It was so Nikki. All hyper and excited! Grinning, he went on skype and started chatting.

He could only see half of Nikki's face and wondered what she was up to when he heard her voice.

"Abhi!!! Utho na! Look, Armaan's on Skype!"

He heard Abhi say something in a muffled voice and grinned. This was so much like old times.

He shouted in the mic. "Oye Modi!!! Get your lazy ass on the computer!"

Nikki covered her ears. "Armaan! Idiot! Headphones mere kaan mein hai, itna zor se kyun chilla rahe ho? Moron!"

"Oops! Sorry Nikki! Abhi ke ears mein daal. Phir shout karta hoon. Kameena wapis so gaya!"

He saw Nikki adjust the headphones in Abhi's ears in a way that he wouldn't wake up. She then gave him a thumbs up sign. Armaan shouted in Abhi's ears and Abhi woke up screaming while Nikki doubled up in laughter.

"Armaan! Damn it! Tum dono mujhe kabhi sone kyun nahi dete! Ugh...ab ruko, main face wash karke aata hoon."

Nikki and Armaan sniggered as Abhi got up from the bed, only in his boxers.

"So...how've you been?"

"Fine! Tu bataa! How's mom doing there?"

"She's fine! Misses you! Aunty so rahi hai."

"Aur sona bhi chahiye. What are you guys doing, awake at 5 in the morning? It's 5 in India, right?"

"Yeah it is. I couldn't sleep. Toh main online aa gayi!"

Armaan shook his head at his crazy best friend. Just then, Abhi came and sat down beside Nikki waving hi.

"So Modi, what's up? How's the hospital coming along?"

"It's all perfect! Tu bataa! Who's your latest girlfriend?"

"Oh yeah! Last vaali I think Brittany thi, hai na?" said, Nikki chiming in.

Armaan was lost in his thoughts. He was thinking about Riddhima and his feelings towards her, when he heard Nikki's angry voice.

"Armaan! Yeh toh had ho gayi. You can't even remember your girlfriend's NAME? I know you don't believe in love and all par usska yeh matlab nahi hai ki you use girls.

"But Nikki-"

"Don't "but" me!!! Tum apni t-shirt ki tarah apni girlfriends badalte ho. Kabhi yeh toh kabhi voh. You can't just change your girlfriends like that! Aur ab toh tumhe naam bhi yaad nahi! I'm telling you Armaan this is NOT good!"

"Lekin meri baat toh suno!"

"Kya hai?" Nikki looked at him red with anger, while Abhi was looking at Nikki with a fearful expression.

"I was saying, ki meri koi girlfriend nahi hai."

"WHAT?" said, Abhi and Nikki together. "Koi girlfriend nahi hai? Kyun? Tum beemar ho?"

"Whaaat? I'm fine, man! I just don't have a girlfriend! God! You guys..."

"Acha woh sab chod...Smita aunty kisi Riddhima naam ki ladki ke baare mein bataa rahi thi. Kaun hai woh?"

Armaan mentally slapped his forehead. Arre yaar...maa ne in dono ko uske baare mein bataaya? Shit. Ab yeh dono mujhe chodenge nahi. Maa bhi na...

"Uh Riddhima? Nikki, woh toh bas ek employee hai...aur kuch nahi!"

"Oye! Jhooth mat bol! Aunty ne hume bataaya ki tu unse keh raha tha ki woh tujhe har jagah dikhaay deti hai! Chakkar kya hai Malik?" asked Abhi, now interested in the conversation.

"Arre koi chakkar nahi hai! Maine kaha na...woh bas ek employee hai!"

Suddenly Nikki pouted and wore a forlorn expression. "Chodo na Abhi...Armaan hume nahi bataana chahta! It's okay Armaan! We understand. Hum India aa gaye uske baad tum hume close nahi samajhte. It's fine." Saying that she sighed sadly, while Armaan was feeling guilty.

"Nahi yaar Nikki! Aisi koi baat nahi hai! You guys are still my bestfriends!"

Abhi caught up with Nikki and with the same sad expression he said, "Jhoothi tassali kyun de raha hai? Tum hume close nai samajhta to theek hai."

"Main keh raha hoon na! There's nothing like that! Acha theek hai...I'll tell you."

Immediately Abhi and Nikki's faces brightened up and they sat closer, urging him to speak.

Just then, Armaan realized what they'd done. "Tum dono natak kar rahe the na?"

"Guilty as charged."

"You...tum dono ko toh main...Arghh!"

"Haan haan hume baad mein dekh lena. Pehle tu hume Riddhima ke baare mein bataa."

Armaan glared at them and started telling them everything that had happened so far. Right up to the jealousy part.

Nikki and Abhi responded appropriately now and then.

"...and she chose someone else. Some guy called Ishaan."

Nikki sighed in satisfaction. "Armaan! This is SO cool! Acha ek baat batao, when are you going to tell her?"

Armaan scrunched his face in confusion. "Tell her what?"

Tell her that you love her! Aur kya?" responded Abhi incredulously.

"LOVE her? Who me? What? Nooo!" he exclaimed, vehemently denying the fact.

Suddenly the screen blacked and Armaan was left staring at his inbox. Before he could do anything, he received a mail.

There's some problem with the comp. Using my phone right now. YES Armaan, you're in loveee :D Think about it okay? We'll continue this chat some other day. Muahhx

Goodnight :)

-Nikki

Pfft. Abhi forced me to add this-

Goodnight Malik. Dream about Riddhima. Mahnn you're so screwed.

-Abhi

I don't think you're screwed. Love is awesome and Abhi will get beaten up by me for thinking otherwise. Toodles x

Armaan laughed as he finished reading. Nikki was an original piece! He missed both of them. They'd had so much fun together! Even his mom was in India.

He kept thinking about Riddhima. Was it really love? Not being able to arrive at a conclusion, he slept. He was going to beat Riddhima Gupta tomorrow. Show her what she was missing by not being his partner.

"Ish are you sure? Like a hundred percent sure? I mean, it all looks so simple yaar...there aren't many complex steps either...what if blondie beats us?" asked Riddhima one more time. Blondie was the nickname Ishaan had given Brittany. Needless to say, he didn't like her.

They were at the studio, waiting for the showdown to begin. Most of the employees had arrived before time. Things like these weren't to be missed. People had wished them luck. However, Armaan and Brittany were yet to arrive. Not that they were late, but it was making Riddhima panicky just the same.

At the end moment she was worried about the complexity of their steps and the timing and all.

"Riddhi! You need to chill man! We are perfect! Our routine is fun, peppy and amazing! The dance is perfect for us, okay? CHILL."

"I know it's perfect for us, Ish but is it good enough? Will we be able to beat blondie? That's all I wanna know. I want to make Armaan jealous. End of story."

Ishaan put his hands on Riddhima's shoulders and brought her closer. Looking at her intently, he said, "Riddhima, we are perfect. Blondie doesn't stand a chance against us, okay? You just calm down. Breathe in...breathe out. Relax."

Riddhima saw Armaan enter from the corner of her eye and went a little more close to Ishaan. He looked at her questioningly and she whispered "He's here." Ishaan smiled.

Armaan saw Riddhima standing with some guy. A wave of anger swept through him when he saw him say something and her laughing at it. They hi-fived. His blood boiled. He had no idea why he was behaving so crazily towards her. All he knew was that he didn't like it when she got close to someone else.

Riddhima turned a little to face Armaan and she almost gaped in horror. Brittany was wearing a red dress which was so short, you could barely see it! She looked beside Brittany to see Armaan glaring at her. Holy crap! He looks...hot! And does he really have to open the first two buttons of his shirt so that the world can see he has six pack abs? Waise bhi woh kameeni usse chipakti rehti hai...ab toh she won't leave him! Ugh...Armaan!!!! Look at her. She might as well have come naked. Oh my God, what if he falls for her in that dress? Nah. He isn't that shallow. But what if she does something? Argh..why the hell do I care? Chod na Riddhima...focus on how to beat blondie.

Armaan looked at Riddhima. She looked slightly annoyed. He heard the guy ask her what was wrong. She said something but Armaan was too far away to listen. Ishaan, whom he presumed was the guy, laughed at Riddhima while she hit him. Armaan saw him kiss her forehead and reassure her that they'd be fine.

He broke away from his thoughts when he heard Brittany yelp. "Ow! Ammy...you squeezed my hand too tight!"

He apologized in a clipped tone.

Brittany saw Armaan look at Riddhima. What the f*** is that chick wearing? Jeans? Tank top? An open shirt and then sneakers? Oh my God...does she seriously expect to beat my sexy dance choreography with THAT? Eww. Gross. Ha! I'll go have some fun with her.

Brittany dragged Armaan over to where Riddhima and Ishaan were standing. Going over to them, she said, "Where'd you get your clothes from? A thrift shop?"

Everyone within earshot heard it and moved closer. Armaan looked at Brittany with unhidden disgust. Riddhima narrowed her eyes as fury coursed through her veins. She'd had enough of this woman! Ishaan squeezed her hand.

Riddhima looked at Brittany and with equal [if not more] amount of attitude, she said, "Where'd you get yours from? A strip club?" and with that, she walked away with Ishaan while Brittany was left behind red faced and Armaan was fighting the urge to laugh.

Thirty minutes later, everyone had arrived and was waiting for the performances to begin. It'd been decided that Armaan and Brittany would go first. Everyone looked at the stage expectantly. The entire room was dark. Soon music begain to play and Armaan entered with Brittany. The spotlight was on them and Riddhima could hear a few cheers.

They danced, with Riddhima scrutinizing their every move. She was feeling inexplicably jealous. The way he held Brittany so close, the way her hands roamed over his body, all of it infuriated her to no extent.

Armaan saw Riddhima look at him, her eyes tightening. Is she jealous? But how's that possible? She was the one who chose her partner! Look at him. Standing there. Why does he have his hand on her waist? Ugh...what the hell am I thinking? Dance pe focus kar Armaan.

And he pulled Brittany just a little bit closer.

Riddhima saw that and she seethed. Itne paas se dance karna zaroori hai kya? Thoda door bhi toh reh sakte hai, lekin nahi. In dono ko toh bas chipak kar naachna hai. And blondie. Look at the way she's touching him? Uska boyfriend hai kya? But their dance isn't that bad. Although ours is better. It HAS to be. Agar ye kameeni jeet gayi toh I'll never hear the end of it. Look at how she's dancing. So close. Arghh iska toh main ek din khoon kardungi!

Before she knew it, their dance was over and it was her and Ishaan's turn. As she walked towards the stage, she saw Brittany hold Armaan by her arm and come towards them. She came close and then told Riddhima, "Now that's what you call dancing."

Riddhima rolled her eyes. She honestly wouldn't mind killing her. "Yes Brittany, that's what you call a dance."

Armaan was shocked when he heard that. She agreed? But he almost laughed when she heard her say, "That's what you call a dance. Now see what a PERFORMANCE looks like." He smiled when they turned away. She was never the one to disappoint.

[Riddhima and Ishaan's dance- Click HERE. Do watch it :)]

The stage darkened and a few green coloured lights were switched on. Riddhima sat on a bench, reading a book. Armaan saw her. He could see she was totally focused. In that moment, he knew she would win. Their dance had a "story". They were people who knew the technicalities of dance. His heart did somersaults at the thought of not practicing with Brittany.

He saw Ishaan enter with a back back and sit beside her. The beats started pumping. They did hip hop. With each pulsing beat, Armaan's fury rose. They had perfect timing. He wanted to snap Ishaan's neck when he moved his hands along the contours of her body. Each step resonated with understated brilliance. They had perfect expressions. Not to mention it was obvious, that they were actually enjoying the dance. He could see how they looked at each other. They were having fun. His heart burned. He looked at Riddhima dance. She was lithe, graceful and fiery. Every step of hers contained energy and enthusiasm. Even the employees were cheering. They were no match to them.

As the music resonated in her ears, she took a quick glance at Armaan. His light blue eyes were almost steely. Did her dancing with Ishaan bother him? She smiled. Wanting to repay him for all the torture he had caused, she decided she'd give Ish a peck on the cheek once the dance finished. Waise bhi humaara act, "Guy meets Girl" types hai. Theme ke saath cute lagega! Payback's a bitch Armaan...wait and watch. Tumne usko chuna na? Ab tum dekhna, we'll out-dance the shit out of you guys.

As she did her last few steps, she smiled. The performance had been a success. Soon the last few beats played and on an impulse, Riddhima pecked Ishaan on the cheek, causing the audience to cheer. Ishaan, understanding why she did it, made the appropriate expression so that it'd look like a part of the song. The employees clapped.They'd loved the dancing couple.

It was time to vote. While the people voted and the counting was done, the dancers went backstage to change and have a drink.

Armaan couldn't get the image of Riddhima pecking Ishaan out of his head. He remembered the times she'd pecked him. Telling himself to shut up, he changed.

Riddhima changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Grabbing a can of coke, she went outside, to listen to the verdict.

Ashley came out of a room with Nick and waved the results in the air. Everyone looked at her with baited breath.

"Hello guys! Okay, I'm not going all TV reality show on you and so Imma announce the result quickly. The winner of this showdown were undoubtedly, Riddhima and Ishaan!"

Riddhima squealed in excitement and hugged Ishaan. Armaan smiled for a moment. She looked beautiful. Brittany stomped her foot and stormed off.

Nick looked at Ishaan and said, "Bro you were phenomenal! Why don't the two of you dance in the actual event as well?"

Ishaan raised his eyebrows. He was sure Riddhima wouldn't mind dancing with him. However, he was more sure that she'd like dancing with Armaan even better.

"Umm I actually have to prepare for a show in 2 months! Why don't we do one thing? Let Armaan and Riddhima pair up! Armaan dances pretty well. What'd you think?"

Riddhima looked at Ishaan gratefully while he winked back. There was no show to prepare for.

Armaan and Riddhima looked at each other. They were happy but wouldn't admit it for the world. But apparently, they were supposed to rehearse for 2 months. TOGETHER. The thought brought a smile on both their lips. They looked at each other properly for the first time in the entire week. A reflection of what they'd shared glimmered in their eyes. But the questions still remained, didn't they?

~~~~~~~~~~

*Phew* Part's done. FINALLY :D This has to be one of my LONGEST updates so I DEMAND comments, people 😆

I'd have loved to provide a link for Armaan's dance too but I didn't find anything that fit in! I think the dance in the link that I provided for Riddhima-Ishaan dance fits well with them. Nai? Gimme your opinion :)

So AR are dancing together...obviously there will be moments :) And I'm done with my no AR phase! There will be loads of AR from now on...rehearsals et al. *Pinky Swear*

Read. Like. Comment <3

xoxo

Aanya