"Main ghar pe hoon Armaan.. I am just leaving.. Aa rahi hoon.. Don't be so hyper..", she reprimanded him as she took her bag from the bed and headed out of her room.
But she stopped soon enough when she heard his reply, "No Basket. Good you're at home.. Maine tumhe rokne ke liye hi phone kiya tha.."
"Kya?.. But Armaan.. I thought we were having breakfast at home today.. Maine tumhare liye scrambled eggs bhi banaye.. I was going to get it with me..", she told him, disappointed with this turn of events. They had decided last night that they would have breakfast together this morning at their place. That is why she had woken up early and made breakfast. She was sure his fridge was completely out of fresh food since he was spending all meal-times at her place. So she had decided to pack something from home itself. But now all her effort was deemed useless by this sudden cancellation of their breakfast date.
Armaan realized she had taken so much effort and was looking forward to it as much as he was. But he was completely helpless at the moment, "I am sorry Basket.. But emergency hai.. I need to report to the hospital immediately.. Tum araam se breakfast karo.. Main cafeteria mein kucch kha lunga..", he told her, trying to sound unaffected, though he was as disappointed. He really needed this time with her, especially after what happened last night.
Riddhhima didn't really have anything to say to that. She was just extremely disheartened. She needed to talk to him. But a hospital emergency was the first thing on a doctor's priority list. She didn't need to be explained that, "But Armaan.. Theek hai.. I'll see you in Sanjeevni..", she tried to sound cheerful but failed at it miserably.
Armaan knew what she was going through. He sighed as he realized he couldn't do much about the situation now, "Riddhima.. I am sorry..", Riddhima recognized that guilt in his apology and knew he wasn't really apologizing for the cancelled breakfast. But she didn't want to bring it up over the phone like this. So she pretended to not understand, "Tum kyun sorry keh rahe ho Armaan.. Its not your fault ki emergency hai.. "
"Basket you know main kisliye maafi mang raha hoon.. Kal raat jo hua.. woh..", and he stopped, recollecting all that had happened. He wished he could see her right now and hug her tight. That was what he needed right now.
Riddhima seemed to be thinking on the same lines. She so wanted to hug him tight and tell him that it was okay. "Armaan.. Just forget all that.. Its over na.. And galti meri bhi thi.. Humesha sab kucch apne aap par le lete ho.. "
"I was really rude Basket.. Main tumse iss tarah.. ", but she stopped him mid-way, "Armaan common.. Don't be so hard on yourself.. I know tum thode gusse mein the.. Kyun the yeh toh main nahi jaanti.. Lekin itna toh jaanti hoon ki tum kabhi jaan bujhkar aisa behave nahi karoge.. And please.. I am not angry with you.. Okay..", she assured him as earnestly as she could.
He didn't say anything for two minutes, then sighed in agreement, "Thanks Basket.. I Love you..", he whispered, making her smile, "I love you too Armaan.. "
"I know.. Accha now I have to go.. Main tumhe Sanjeevni mein milta hoon.. ", he said, walking to his car and getting in when the car unlocked with a beep.
"Yeah..", she sighed, keeping her bag on the couch and heading towards the dining table for breakfast. Not having anything else left to say, she was about to cut the call, when she heard his voice call through, "Basket.."
"Don't forget your smile at home.. I miss it a lot when its absent..", and that instantly brought a beautiful smile right across her face, "I'll remember that Armaan.. ", she assured him with the brightest of her smiles.
"Thanks..", he whispered, imagining her sunshine smile that lightened everyday of his.
She smiled wide as she heard his smile in his voice. She could vividly picture those dimples and the sparkle in his eyes, "Ab jaao Armaan.. Bye..", she wished him farewell and good luck for his case, hoping those dimples never fade from his face.
"Bye..", he bid her a final good-bye, starting his car and zooming off towards the hospital, still thinking about her smile. That smile was his life. And last night, he had done a brilliant job at destroying it himself. He felt rotten to even think of how he had hurt her last night. She must have felt so bad. But she was being so cool about it. It made him feel all the more guilty. Why did he have to be so careless with his words!
His heart felt heavy as the thought of all that happened last night occupied his mind. After the shock of seeing Juhi after so many years had finally started to sink in, his mind had started revolting against his will to not think of the events that were associated with her. He was happy about meeting her after all these years, but seeing her just brought back a lot of memories that he had managed to bury over the last seventeen years. He didn't want to think about them. But they involuntarily kept playing in his mind. He was falling apart. He had managed to fool everyone at the dinner table of how cool he was with everything. But inside he was crumbling. He just wanted some time alone with himself, to gather his feelings and emotions. After dinner, he dropped Juhi to the hotel she was staying at and then headed home to seek some solace from the memories that had started haunting his head the moment he was left alone. He didn't want to think about all that. He didn't want that pain to resurface. But unknown to him, it had already taken over him. But he wasn't going to give in. He tried diverting his attention by going to the basketball court that late in the night. But any number of baskets couldn't keep that pain at bay. He tried playing his video games, he tried thinking about his Basket, he tried studying a case; but all in vain. That pain forced its way out of his eyes as he finally succumbed to it. His mind flooded with pictures of his mother. Of the state she was in when he had last seen her. How she refused to answer any of his questions. How she refused to open her eyes. He shut his eyes as he remembered that moment. That moment when he had been so scared. The only time he had been more scared that that was when he had to leave Riddhima and think of living a life away from her. And the thought of Riddhima reminded him of what he had today. He reminded himself of what he was now and how he now belonged to this world where someone loved him more than their own life. But still those haunting memories of his past didn't leave him alone. He tried to fight it again and again. But tonight, the floodgates had been opened and it seemed an impossible task to control this deluge. He felt so helpless. So angry at the state he was in. He wanted to think about his past and he didn't want to too. He just was mad at himself. He was frustrated that he couldn't control his own mind which was defying his will and acting of its own. The fact was that he himself didn't know what he wanted. He was the one who was confused. And he was mad at himself for being so weak and so indecisive. The one thing he hated was, not knowing what he wanted. That was something that had troubled him even when he was falling in love with Riddhima. When he didn't know what he wanted from her and their relationship. But at least it wasn't painful. And right in the middle of this struggle that he was going through with his mind, Riddhima decided to call him. He looked at her name flashing across the screen of his phone and tried to control his emotions. The last thing he wanted was for her to know that he was crying over his past again. He knew she had not bought the pretence that he had put up over dinner tonight. If there was anyone who could see through his faade it was her!
"Hello.. ", he spoke in a soft but controlled voice, hoping that she doesn't realize his troubled state of mind.
"Armaan.. Hi.. Ghar pohoch gaye..", she asked him softly, guessing that he was really okay. Normally he wouldn't bother with a 'hello'. He would just start cracking one of his sad jokes.
"Yeah.. I just got back Basket.. Tum mujhpar nazar rakh rahi ho kya..", he asked her, trying to joke with her.
She smiled at his attempts as she replied, "Haan.. Tum apni ex girlfriend ko drop karne gaye the itni raat ko.. Dar toh lagega na mujhe.. "
"Basket.. I am home now.. And mere saath meri ex girlfriend nahi hai.. Don't worry.. ", he replied, chuckling at her reply, trying hard to keep his tone casual. He didn't want his voice to give him away.
"Armaan.. Tum theek ho na..", Riddhima asked him to make sure he was fine.
"Basket mujhe kya hua hai.. Why wouldn't I be fine?..", he asked her a little over defensively.
"Nahi.. I mean Dr. Juhi.. Armaan.. I know tum disturbed ho..", she didn't know how exactly to frame her doubt.
Armaan however took it as an accusation coz he was already trying hard to convince himself that he wasn't disturbed. And this statement of Riddhima's was exactly defying his attempt, "No Riddhima.. Main disturbed nahi hoon.. I am happy to say the least.. Its so cool to meet Juhi after seventeen years. Can you believe that.. I was so shocked. But I recognized her in an instant.. Woh ab bhi waisi hi lagti hai.. And did you see the shocked look on her face.. "
But Riddhima looked straight through his put up and without beating round the bush confronted him, "Armaan.. Tum yeh drama sabke saamne kar sakte ho.. But why are you hiding yourself from me. You know tum mujhse jhoot nahi bol sakte.."
Armaan fell quiet for two seconds, not knowing how to counter that argument of hers. But he didn't want to discuss this. It was bad enough fighting with his own head that now she had to add to the opposition."Riddhima.. Main jhoot nahi bol raha hoon.. I am fine the way I am.. Waise bhi.. I think we should sleep now.. Kal subah duty hai.. ", he tried hard to control his frustration, but couldn't hide it completely.
"Armaan.. Why are you getting angry.. ", she asked him, alarmed by his rude tone.
"I am not getting angry Riddhima.. I am fine.. Please stop asking so many questions..", and this time he didn't make any attempts to hide the exasperation.
"Why Armaan.. Don't I have the right to know..", and that calmed him a little as he answered, "Yes you do Riddhima.. But I don't want to talk about it now.. Please let it be..", he requested her.
But Riddhima knew that making him talk was what he needed. So did she! So she dared to ask the doubt that had seeded her head ever since a ten year old Armaan and Dr. Juhi had become the talking story over dinner. She had pretended everything was okay to support him in his drama. But if her doubt was correct then she knew what he was going through. So she couldn't help but ask him this, "Armaan.. Kya Dr. Juhi mom ki doctor thi?.."
And that question of hers acted like the trigger to a long ticking bomb, "What does stop asking questions mean Riddhima!.. Why are you being so stubborn..", he shouted, his head exploding with what he was trying to run away from for the past few hours.
Riddhima who was completely taken aback by his behavior couldn't help but shout back, "I am being stubborn!! Armaan you're the one who's refusing to accept the truth.. Its okay to feel hurt Armaan.. It'll pass.. ", she softened in the end, trying almost to console him. But that had a completely opposite effect as he for some reason took offense, "I am not feeling anything Riddhima.. Don't assume things.. Don't think know me that well..", he yelled out his frustration, defying out aloud what he was trying to do silently all this while.
"Try me Armaan.. Don't you dare tell me I don't know you..", she spat back in a challenge, hurt a little by his words.
"Fine you know me!! Is that what you want to hear.. What else.. Yeah.. Juhi was my mom's doctor.. Is that what you were dying to know.. Are you happy now.. ", he asked her, his tone derisive, his voice, too loud for comfort.
"Armaan.. Stop shouting.. Tum gussa kyun ho rahe ho?..", she finally asked him, angry now, at the way he was treating her. She was just trying to help him.
"Kyunki tum mujhe bohot irritate kar rahi ho Riddhima.. I can handle myself.. I don't want to discuss this topic.. And I am perfectly fine! Please can I go to sleep..", he shouted out a rude plea.
Riddhima understood he didn't want to talk now. And she knew anything she says was going to make him angry. She didn't want him to say things he'd regret later. So she decided to cut the conversation short. "Do what you want Armaan.. Lekin main tumhare saath hoon.. Call me if you need me..", but what she thought was a casual and seemingly indifferent reply, set him off completely, "I won't need you! I don't need you.. I don't need anybody.. Okay!.. I was perfectly fine even before you came into my life.. I have managed on my own all my life!.. I know how take care of myself.. I am not a baby!!.. Please let me be on my own Riddhima.."
For a minute no one spoke. Both, just trying to understand the meaning of what he said. Both unable to believe he could say such a thing. Riddhima was the first one to recover from the shock, "Okay.. Good night..", and that's all she said in a shaky voice before cutting the call..
He just stood there, staring at his phone, unable to believe what he had uttered. He couldn't make sense of it for two minutes. Did he actually say that to her! That he doesn't need her!! That was an unpardonable offence. He was nothing without her. She was all he needed. She was what made this life worth living for him. He wished to die that moment he dared to say that to her. And this time, as he let those tears flow from his eyes, the pain had doubled. He didn't know that was possible, but it had worsened. And he didn't know how to make it go away. But the fact that he had hurt her was worse than facing the pain himself. He had to tell her he didn't mean it. Coz he knew she needed him to need her. Otherwise this world would cease to exist. So he mustered up the courage for her sake, for their sake and finally tried to call her. But she didn't take his call. He knew he deserved it. It was impossible to think, but true indeed, that she deserved so much better. He just managed to hurt her every time. He felt like killing himself. But before that he knew he had to take care of her. So he called her again and again. But she refused to take even one! Finally he gave up! This wasn't going to work. He would have to talk to her first thing next morning. Making that decision he thought to go to sleep without thinking much about everything that happened. Luckily the fight with her had diverted his mind from Juhi and his past. Maybe this was what he needed to get a few moments of peace. But he was absolutely wrong in thinking that. Coz the moment he tried to sleep, he would think of Riddhima. How could he sleep when he knew she was crying coz of him, that she was hurt coz of him. But she wasn't ready to take his calls either. What was he supposed to do! All night, he couldn't sleep a wink, thinking about her, wishing he could go back in time and take back his words. Finally at early five in the morning, he saw his first ray of hope, when Riddhima texted him that she was coming over for breakfast. He decided that he would apologize to her then. But a couple of hours later he got a call from Sanjeevni asking him to report to immediately. How he wished he was at home right now with his Basket. He needed to spend time with her. He had not gotten a chance to apologize properly after what happened. But now was not the time to think of that. As he turned into the gates of Sanjeevni he cursed the stupid emergency for ruining their breakfast plan. Then he quickly reprimanded himself for thinking like that as he parked his car in the parking lot. Walking towards the main building he reminded himself that, for them doctors, work would always come first!
Riddhima was sitting at the dining table and staring at her breakfast absent-mindedly, thinking about Armaan and his behavior last night. She had seen him put up a great nautanki in front of everyone at dinner. He joked and laughed and irritated her and Dr. Juhi too. Just like nothing was bothering him. But she knew how to distinguish between his genuine smile as compared to the fake one he was wearing last night. She knew Dr. Juhi's presence had really disturbed him. And she had guessed the reason too. But because of everyone already teasing them about spending time together, she really didn't get a chance to take him aside and talk to him alone. Even when he left, he just wished her a goodnight from a distance while he escorted Dr. Juhi to his car. She knew he was broken a little, and now he was going to feel it even more as he would be alone. But she didn't know what to do or how to make him feel better. She thought the best way would be to talk to him about it. So she had called him up to make sure he was okay. But he had pretended to be absolutely fine. But she knew he wasn't. Who was he kidding! However, confronting him the way she did, wasn't the best approaches. She realized that a little too late. But what she didn't understand was the reason behind that reaction of his. How did he manage to spew such hurtful words! They had really cut through her. Though she was sure he didn't mean any of it, they had obviously hurt her. That is why she had not taken his calls after that. Not because she was angry with him. But coz she was hurt and crying. She didn't want him to know she was crying because of him, coz that would hurt him more. She knew he must already be drowning in the guilt of all that he said to her. She didn't want to worsen it by crying. Besides, she wouldn't know what to say to him. Coz all said and done, she was hurt! It was an insurmountable pain that she couldn't handle. How could he say he didn't need her! Her life would stop making sense the day that happened. And she knew so would his! That is why after a lot of crying she concluded that he was just too disturbed to understand what he was saying. Plus, maybe he was right about the fact that he could take care of himself. He certainly needed time to think over things himself. But she didn't give him that time. Maybe she was being too pushy. Maybe some things are needed to be figured out on our own. He needed space. Just like the space he gave her. He never forced her to say anything to him. He always gave her time to think about it and then decide for herself if he was worth sharing that information with. Maybe she was stifling him, asking him the wrong questions at the wrong time. And that she needed to apologize for. But for that, she needed to see him. She needed to tell him that he could have his time and tell her when he feels like. She had to tell him that it didn't matter if he tells her or not. And most of all she needed him to know that she knew he needed her, whether he likes it or not! She thought of calling him and telling him this. But when she checked the time, it was almost five in the morning. Assuming that he must be asleep, she texted him that she would come over for breakfast by seven. It was so unfortunate that the breakfast had to get cancelled. She really needed this time to talk to him. But she made up her mind to tell him all that the moment she got an opportunity.
"Riddhima.. Yeh kya? Tumne abhi tak kucch khaya kyun nahi?..", her mom asked her as she brought out her dad's breakfast in a tray.
"Mamma man nahi kar raha.. I'll eat something later at the hospital..", she told her dryly, as she got up from the table and started towards the door.
Padma realized something was off and called out, "Riddhima.. Ruko.. Aaj Armaan nahi hai toh tumhare papa ke saath chali jao.. He'll just take five minutes..", she offered. Riddhima had told her about their breakfast plan and also about how it got cancelled. She was sure she was upset coz of that. And also coz of the need for her to spend time with Armaan which she was sure had something to do with his encounter with Juhi last night. But all she could do was speculate, coz her daughter wasn't ready to tell her about it. Maybe she didn't know! Whatever it was, she was a little apprehensive about the tension which was visible on her daughters face this morning.
"Mamma.. I really need to go.. Main khud chali jaungi.. Don't worry..", Riddhima politely refused her offer and set out towards her car, hoping that the day isn't as gloomy as the morning had been!
"Oh my god! I don't believe Shashank sir Armaan ko itna hate karte the.", Juhi exclaimed. She was sitting in the canteen with Atul and Anjali. Abhi, Nikki, Rahul and Muskaan had been at the table with them a while back and all of them had discussed Armaan and his super-interesting life in depth. Juhi had told all of them how she knew Armaan coz she was an assisting intern on his mom's case and had been with him when she had breathed her last. They did not hesitate in telling her all she wanted to know about him then. Nikki and Rahul had recounted to her about Armaan's school and college life, since at least one of them was present with him in those stages of his life. Abhi had a lot to say about his MD internship days in Bangalore while Muskaan and Atul had jumped onto all the details about Riddhima and Armaan's love story and its development ever since they first met in Goa. Juhi listened to all of them, amused, surprised, happy and mostly proud of the fact that all of them cared so much for him. And she knew that this was only coz of the person he was. And she was proud of what he had achieved and become. She felt a little guilty that she couldn't be there to make sure of his well being, but was happy that things had turned out well for him. She never had a doubt that he would turn out to be an amazing human being. Even at ten, the confidence and fearlessness with which he faced situations in his life told her that he could handle himself. His mom had taught him well. But what had amused her most was his bitter-sweet relationship with his sasurjee, which Atul had started narrating to her after everyone else except Anjali had left for their duties. She found the filmy turns that his love life had taken very hard to believe. It was hilarious to even imagine her Shashank sir as the villain in such a cute love story. She had seen the loving side of him when he was younger, though it was true that Padma ma'am was more the romantic in their relationship. But it was hard to digest that he would be such a thorn in Armaan and Riddhima's relationship. But from what Atul and Anjali had told her, the matter had indeed been serious.
"Yeah.. I know.. Lekin sirf papa ki galti nahi thi.. Armaan was equally naughty and rebellious..", Anjali couldn't help but defend her dad at Juhi's statement.
And Juhi couldn't agree more, as she fondly recollected how the naughty Armaan used to keep the entire hospital on their toes and behind him, "I completely agree.. Jab dus saal ka tha tab bhi bohot naughty tha.. God! Hospital mein itna hungama karta tha.. Nurses pe pranks khelta tha.. Lady doctors ke saath flirt karta tha.. And Ward boys ke saath pakda pakdi khelta tha.. He was never seen sitting in one place.. He used to keep running around the hospital.. It was so difficult to control him.. Kya bataaun.." and just as she said that, they saw Armaan whoosh past their table calling out a "Hey guys!!" to them before turning to the canteen guy and ordering some breakfast. He had rushed to the canteen after taking care of three emergencies since morning coz he was dying of hunger. Having missed his daily breakfast with sasurjee, he was ravenous by mid-morning. But today, everyone seemed to be getting a heart attack and he had to be there in the emergency room with the first year interns and his second year specialization intern, Dr. Payal. With him already being stressed about Riddhima and Juhi, and the fast pacing rats that were running around his empty stomach, he was getting even more annoyed with the stupidity of the stupid interns. So the moment he got a chance to get away, he had rushed to the canteen to refuel himself acting almost like he had run out of Ethopia.
"Dekha.. Nothing's changed much in all these years.. ", Anjali pointed out, amused at Armaan's perfect timing of acting like a ten year old. Juhi and Atul laughed at that as Armaan brought his breakfast tray to the table.. "What's so funny..", he asked and stuffed a huge bite of his egg sandwich in his mouth, not really interested in what they were laughing about.
"Kucch nahi.. We were just talking about you and your sasurjee..", Juhi told him, still giggling at what had just happened.
"Why!!.. Subah subah.. Don't start with that khadoos yaar..", he complained through a mouth full of bread and egg.
"Armaan!! Woh mere papa hain.. " Anjali reprimanded him for his open offense against her dad.
"Woh mujhe pata hain.. Lekin that doesn't make him any less of a khadoos..", he countered, taking another big bite and a huge gulp of his coffee. Juhi and Atul continued to laugh at the verbal duel between the two.
"Armaan! I'm sure he's not that bad..", Juhi finally spoke up for her Shashank sir.
But Armaan couldn't stand that.. "Oh Please!.. You don't know what he did yesterday Juhi.. He's a psycho..", he told her, his eyes wide as he recollected the horrific encounter with him last evening before dinner.
Little did he know the psycho sasur was standing right behind him, "Who's a psycho Dr. Mallik?..", Armaan froze as he heard that voice unable to decide what to do next.
Atul, Anjali and Juhi couldn't help but burst out laughing at Armaan's expression. He gulped whatever food was in his mouth first, then stood up and turned to face the monster, "Good.. Good morning sir.. Actually.. Hum ek movie discuss kar rahe the.. Just.. time pass..", he grinned at him foolishly as he tried covering up for himself.
Dr. Shashank just raised an eyebrow in defeat as he shook his head in disapproval. He really didn't want another one of the crazy conversations with his crazy son-in-law right now. Ignoring his explanation, he turned to Juhi, "Dr. Juhi.. Actually main aapse baat karne aaya tha.. Woh actually Padma aur ma ko emergency mein Delhi jaana pada.."
"Kyun.. Kya hua.. Is everything okay papa..", Armaan asked him at once, wondering what was it that Padma mom had not told him.
"Don't worry Dr. Mallik.. ", Shashank assured him as he sounded genuinely worried. But Anjali interrupted him this time with a "But dad..", her mom had not even told her what happened, worry clear on her face too.
"Anjali.. Pehle meri baat toh suno..", Dr. Shashank said calmly before she could start worrying too much.
"Ma ki koi dur ki cousin ko heart attack aaya hai.. So Padma had to go with her.. Iss liye.. Aaj raat ka dinner cancel karna padega.. I hope you don't mind Dr. Juhi..", he explained as he turned to Juhi for an apology.
"Of course not sir.. It's absolutely okay..", she gave him an understanding smile while Anjali excused herself to go and call her mom.
In the meanwhile, Armaan's head came up with another plan.. "Hey Juhi.. How bout we have dinner at my place.. Tumne dekha nahi hai na..", he excitedly asked her. And she didn't even take a second to agree, "Sure Armaan.. I'd love to.. Lekin aaj Rahul aa raha hain.. Toh you'll have to entertain him too.. "
"Really.. Dr. Mehra! Accha hai.. I'll get to meet him and make sure he's the right guy for you..", he told her seriously before winking at her.
She couldn't help but giggle and reply a playful, "I'm so touched by your concern Armaan.."
But Dr. Shashank was more interested in Rahul's arrival coz he was his most favorite student of all time, "Dr. Rahul Mumbai aa rahe hain.. Tumne bataya nahi he was coming..", he asked Juhi, mildly excited by that news.
"Actually sir uski Amsterdam mein koi meeting thi and he missed his flight to Delhi due to some rescheduling in the plan. Toh now he's coming to Mumbai.. Phir hum kal dono saath mein hi Delhi wapas jaayenge.." , she informed him of their plan, while Atul and Armaan looked on. There was a rare spark in Dr. Shashank's eyes that they rarely got to see. Both of them were lost in his eyes when he turned to Armaan and said, "Oh accha.. That's great.. So then its final.. Dr. Mallik.. Dinner at your place.. Mujhe aane mein thoda late ho jaayega.. I have a surgery scheduled.. I'll come by 8:30.. I hope that's not a problem.."
"Yes sir.. I mean.. No sir.. I mean.. ", Armaan fumbled with his words as usual, while Dr. Shashank shook his head condescendingly before saying a, "Okay Dr. Juhi.. I'll see you at 8:30.."
Armaan made a face behind his back as he watched him march out of the canteen, "Who the hell invited him..", he asked with a scowl, turning to a sniggering Atul.
"Armaan!!", Juhi reprimanded him for being so rude.
But Armaan was too disturbed by the idea of having him over for dinner. He had not pictured him in the scene at all, "No seriously.. Apne aap ko hi invite kar liya.. There's not one meal in the day that I get to eat without seeing his face..", he complained, finishing the last bite of his breakfast.
"Ab shaadi hone tak toh jhelna padega mere bhai..", Atul gave him his vishesh tippani on the matter. After all he was the more experienced of the two when it came to handling sasurjee.
But Juhi just couldn't help but defend Dr. Shashank through her giggles, "Armaan.. Woh itne bhi bure nahi hain..", she told him casually.
"Tumhare sasurjee nahi hai na.. That is why.. Ask Champ!.. Who kitne acche hain..", he told her, then high-fived Atul, sniggering like fools at making fun of their father-in-law.
Juhi just shook her head in defeat at the both of them as she got up to leave, "Tum dono na.. You both deserve to be treated like that.. Anyway.. Atul, main Riddhima ke saath aadhe ghante mein case discuss karne waali hoon.. I'll see you in your cabin.. Kal surgery ki preparations karni hain.."
"Yeah.. I'll be there in half an hour..", he assured her before she left.
And the mention of Riddhima reminded Armaan of her and their argument and his apology, and now this dinner.. "Oh crap! I'll have to tell Basket about the dinner.. Where is she?.."
"OPD duty.. Iss liye toh hum dono time pass kar rahe the.. Warna Hitler doesn't stop discussing the case only..", Atul joked as he got up and put on his lab coat..
"Eh! Don't call my Basket Hitler.. Teri Anjali kam nahi hai..", Armaan complained as he followed Atul out of the canteen, putting on his own lab coat.
"Pata hai yaar.. Lagta hai Gupta khaandaan ki characteristic hai.. Haina..", and they both sniggered, high-fiving each other as they made fun of the Gupta khaandaan while strolling through the corridors of Sanjeevni, as they headed back for duty.
"Yeah.. Sirf Padma mom sweet hai.. Pata nahi kahan Hitleron ke beech fas gayi..", Armaan remarked, dramatically expressing grief for Padma mom's misfortune, with a naughty grin on his face.
"Jaise hum fas gaye waise hi fasi hogi.." , Atul retorted, making Armaan laugh, "Yeah.. That's why she's always on my team against Shanky papa.. But aaj raat toh woh bhi nahi hongi.. Waise Champ tu aa raha hai na.. Anjie ko bata de.. Please yaar, I need someone on my team.."
"Nahi yaar.. Aaj Anjali ke kisi college friend ki engagement hai.. Toh we're going for the party in the evening.. "
"What!.. Don't tell me you're not going to be there.. Can't you not go for the stupid engagement.. Waise bhi friend Anjie ki hai.. Tu kyun jaa raha hai.."
"Sorry bhai.. Anjali chodegi nahi.. Shaadi ke baad har cheez ke liye permission leni padti hai.. But don't worry.. At least Dr. Juhi toh hai na.."
"Yeah.. ", he sighed, bidding Atul adieu as he turned to go towards the ICU while Atul left for the children's ward.
Riddhima was walking down the corridor and headed towards the cafeteria during lunch, when she saw Armaan walking up towards her from the other end. A bright smile formed on her face the moment she saw him. And he was grinning like a fool at finally having spotted her for the first time since today morning. She just needed a glimpse of those dimples that he was flashing at her to take away all the tension and tiredness of the day so far. It was another one of those long and busy days at the hospital. It was just lunch time and it felt like they had done more work than they sometimes do in an entire day. But seeing each other was enough for their eyes to sparkle with that feeling which people call happiness. How they were dying to be in each others' arms!
Riddhima blushed as she realized the fact that even after being together for almost a year, her heart raced faster as the distance between them decreased. But before that distance could be covered completely, she saw Armaan make a three sixty degree turn and face his back to her. She was disappointed when she saw him turn, but realized that someone had called out to him. But when she noticed the person who had called him, her expressions hardened. Dr. Payal, Armaan's stupid intern, was gawking at him while he was telling her something. Involuntarily, her speed increased, wanting to reach them as soon as possible. She had not forgotten the way she had been looking at him yesterday. And the way she was looking at him today was even worse.
"Please Armaan.. I would love it if you have it.. Maine khud banaya hai tumhare liye..", she heard Dr. Payal request something to Armaan. She noticed that she was holding a box forward for Armaan to accept.
Armaan, who didn't know how to refuse the offer was about to put his hand forward to accept the box when Riddhima interrupted, "Dr. Mallik.. Good afternoon.. Yeh kya ho raha hai?..", her question was directed at Armaan, but her glare was fixed on the intern.
Armaan raised his brows in apprehension as he saw that, "Hey Basket!.. Woh nothing.. Payal is so sweet.. Usne mere liye Oat cookies banaye hai.. ", he told her as he accepted the box with a smile and nudged Riddhima to quit her dangerous glaring.
But Riddhima didn't like the fact that he took the box from her, let alone calling her sweet! Sweet my foot!! "Really?.. Wow! How sweet!", she gave him a fake smile and then returned to glaring at Payal.
The poor girl was so terrified of Riddhima's glare that she quickly thought of slipping away, "Armaan.. I mean.. Armaan sir.. I'll see you after lunch..", she told him, taking a few steps back..
"Yeah.. Thanks for the cookies.. ", Armaan thanked her genuinely with a sweet smile.
And that made her smile, inspite of her fear, "You're welcome sir.. I mean.. No.. No problem..", she stammered and hurried off in the opposite direction, trying to get as far away as possible from Riddhima.
"Basket!.. Stop glaring at her will you! Bechari.."
"Woh Bechari?..", her forehead scrunched in disbelief. Then shooting him an angry glare she started walking off.
Alarmed by her actions, Armaan followed her, "Basket! Where are you going?.. Wait up! Lunch?..", he asked, catching hold of her arm.
But she snatched it out of his grip and continued her march, "Armaan mujhe lunch nahi karna hai. I have a very important case on my hands. Please jao.." she curtly refused his offer without sparing him a look.
"What!.. ", he asked more to himself than her, thoroughly confused by her cold behavior. Just moments ago she was giving him the warmest of her smiles. What had he done in a matter of seconds that she had her so irritated!
"Armaan.. Please don't irritate me.. Mujhe kaam hai.. Main baad mein kha lungi.." , she told him not willing to stop while Armaan followed her in a brisk pace. She, however, didn't seem to have any intentions to stop and give him a chance. She was maha pissed at this moment and lunch was the last thing on her mind. Her blood boiled at the thought of all those times that she had seen Payal around Armaan. But to Armaan's good fortune, her march was halted by a patient was being wheeled in from a perpendicular corridor. She had no option but to let the stretcher go before her. And that gave him the opportunity to catch hold of her and kidnap her away.
"Armaan.. Stop it.. leave me.. ", she shouted at him, hitting his arm as he dragged her all the way down the fire escape. He sat down on the last step and pulled her down next to him as he held both her hands from hitting him. "Shut up.. Shut up.. ", he raised his voice to stop her struggling and protesting.
When she realized she had been over powered, she stopped and gave him a glare. And Armaan took this opportunity of silence from her side to ask, "What's your problem Basket?.. Don't tell me you're mad at me coz Payal brought me box of cookies!!.. I mean.. Maine kya kiya hai yaar..", he asked her in utter disbelief!
"I am not mad at you Armaan.. And she didn't get you a box of cookies.. She made them for you.. And she knows that you like oat cookies..", she expertly pointed out the difference that he had forgotten to spot. She hated the fact that someone other than her knew such an unimportant detail about Armaan. And moreover, she had taken the effort to bake them herself! Heck even she had never done that for him! And she didn't even want to! Oat cookies.. Yuck!!
"So! So what can I do?", he asked her, still unable to understand what her point was.
"So.. Couldn't you have refused to accept them!..", she asked, frowning at him while he continued to act his dumb self.
"Why would I refuse if I'm getting free cookies?", he asked her casually, not understanding what the big deal was! Oat cookies.. Yum!!
Riddhima couldn't help but reprimand him at that, "Armaan! Usse tumhare baare mein sab kucch pata hai.. ", she declared like it was the biggest catastrophe the world had faced.
"Toh! Main kya karun?.. Why are you mad at me..", he asked her, still holding her hands in front of her while she continued to frown.
"I am not mad at you Armaan.. Its just that woh tumhe pasand karti hai.. And that makes me uncomfortable. ", she finally blurted what was on her mind without a hold back.
"So what do you want me to do Riddhima?..", he asked her, not knowing what to say to that. There had to be some basis to this stupid insecurity of hers.
She looked into his eyes which were so confused and irritated with her stupidity that it was a little funny. But she knew her fear wasn't baseless. She didn't know how to explain it, but it was justified, "I don't know Armaan. I just don't like her..", she repeated again, recollecting what had happened today and yesterday.
Armaan got irritated this time when she said that and left her hands to look away from her, "Riddhima common yaar.. We share a perfectly professional relationship.. Tumhe iss tarah insecure hone ki koi zaroorat nahi hai.. Besides, she just probably has a silly crush on me. How does it matter.. ", he tried to put it off as nothing.
"She doesn't have a silly crush on you Armaan.. She really likes you.. ", she countered his claim.
"And who told this to you.. I am sure koi sada se rumor hoga..", he asked her, his face contorted in a scowl.
"No Armaan.. Muskaan keh rahi thi ki she was interested in pursuing gynecology in the second year when they had to choose specializations. But she chose cardiology only so she could work with you.", she told him what their friends had revealed to her when they were in Lonavla.
"What bull shit.. Aisa kucch nahi hai Basket.. Muskaan kucch bhi bakwaas karti hai and you believe her..", though he was a little surprised, he thought that claim of hers was nothing short of ridiculous.
"Armaan its not bakwaas.. Pehle maine bhi kabhi notice nahi kiya, but now I see how she looks at you.. I am sure its not just a crush..", she was irritated now. Why couldn't he just believe her!
Armaan noticed her exasperation and cooled down, "See!!.. That's what I am saying.. Pehle tumne notice nahi kiya.. Muskaan ne bakwaas ki and you started noticing all this.. She's always been like that Basket.. Maybe she feels intimidated.. I don't know what it is..", he told her calmly, looking into her eyes to assure her.
But Riddhima was far from convinced, "Armaan I don't like the way she looks at you.. And I've heard rumors about the interns teasing her with you and all.. I don't like it!..", she declared stubbornly with a scowl, crossing her arms across her front.
Armaan rolled his eyes at her over reaction and childish behavior, "Basket don't be ridiculous.. Tum batao.. If they are teasing me with whoever.. How childish is that!.. But anyway.. Even if they are.. And even if Dr. Payal likes me.. Usmein main kya kar sakta hoon!!.. What makes you think I am going to fall for her..", he asked her, unable to understand why she was acting cold with him.
"That's not what I am saying Armaan.. I'm just saying, don't encourage her.. Ask her to back off.. ", she suggested. She knew it wasn't Armaan's fault at all. But the fact that he was ignoring a possibility that his stupid Dr. Payal was in love with him was what was troubling her. She knew it was ridiculous for him. But he would have done the same if he knew some guy was hitting on her! Wouldn't he!
Armaan, however, failed to understand Riddhima's problem and he wasn't completely wrong in thinking that she was being unfair, "Common Riddhima.. Do you hear yourself! On what basis do I do that Basket! Just because you think she likes me or whatever I don't want to jeopardize my professional relationship with her.. "
"Tumhe mujhse zyaada uski fikar hai Armaan!..", she asked him, adding fake drama and an extremely cute fake pout.
"Oye drama queen! You know its not like that!"
"Accha.. Then why are you wearing a shirt today.. And buttons bhi khule rakhe hain.. Maine kaha tha na no more shirts in the hospital for you..", she pulled together the front ends of his shirt as she reminded him of their deal yesterday after what had happened in his cabin.
"Basket you can't be serious about that.. Main hospital mein roz T-shirt pehenke kaise ghoom sakta hoon..", he asked her casually, still thinking it was a joke. But apparently she was serious, "Toh apne shirt ke neeche t-shirt pehno, I don't care.. Nahi toh Dr. Shubhankar jaise formal shirts and tie peheno.. Kucch bhi pehno.. But I don't want you wearing this to work from tomorrow..", she told him, still frowning at yesterday's incident.
Armaan couldn't help but give in to a laugh as he saw her ridiculous demands, "You're so cute when you're jealous Basket.. You know what!.. You should have been my intern! Seriously! Like Nikki was Abhi's intern.. That would have been so much fun.. Phir hum saara din saath mein kaam kar sakte the.. That would have been so convenient.. And then I could have worn my shirts also.. For your benefit..", he winked at her, putting an arm around her waist to pull her closer.
She gave him a fake smile at his sad joke as she tried to get out of his grip, "No thanks Armaan.. I am glad we don't work together.. Warna knowing you, I am sure we would have never ended up doing any work whatsoever.. You wouldn't have let me work at all.. Aur khud karne ka toh sawaal hi nahi.."
"Obviously.. Agar tum mere saath 24x7 hoti, toh main humesha distracted rehta.. You really think I would've cared about work when my Basket would be with me..", he kissed her cheek quickly, while she continued to struggle in his hold.
"Accha.. Kal toh keh rahe the, leave me alone.. Tab kya hua.. ", the words left her lips before she could comprehend the meaning of them. Armaan's hold around her slackened as she said that and a feeling of guilt immediately took over. She looked at him and his guilty eyes and cursed herself for her carelessness. But before she could think of anything to say for damage control, "I'm sorry.. Main.. Woh.. You know.. I was just.. I was just irritated.. ", he stammered an apology and looked away from her.
She looked at him for a moment, then slowly made him face her again as she caressed his face lovingly, "Armaan I'm sorry.. Mujhe aise nahi kehna chahiye tha.. I know galti meri thi.. I know you need some space Armaan.. And I guess I was just not letting you think on your own.. I understand that I can't be on your trail every time.. But I just want you to know, ki main aisa sirf iss liye karti hoon kyunki I am worried for you..", she explained to him all that she felt, hoping to redeem him of what he thought was his fault. He looked at her, trying to comprehend what she was trying to say. But his guilt didn't let him speak much. Getting no response from him, she moved closer to him, recollecting last night's phone conversation. He took her into an embrace, hugging her tight as his heart twisted at the memory of the harsh words that he had used. They had reflected the confusion and pain he was going through. And they got lost in each others' presence, finally getting what they had longed for since the moment they had had the conversation last night. Riddhima just couldn't control that surge of emotion as she suddenly felt so secure. After what he had said last night a fear had settled in unknown to her, which she realized only when she felt it vanish in the security of his arms.
Armaan realized she had started crying when he felt his shirt wet near his chest where she had buried her face, "Basket.. I am sorry.. ", he pulled her out a little to look into her eyes as he said that. He knew she was trying to make him feel better, but what happened last night was his fault. He had been extremely rude to her. And whatever she said, she didn't deserve being spoken to like that. And it was high time he man's up to it and apologizes for his mistake, "Basket it wasn't your fault at all.. Actually.. Main.. I just.. I just don't want to think about these things and they keep coming in front of me all the time.. Aur kabhi kabhi its even more frustrating when I feel like thinking about everything.. But I don't want to coz it hurts.. I am sorry.. I am so so sorry.. I was angry with myself.. And maine apna saara gussa tum par nikaal diya..", he tried to word his feelings as best as he could. But he wasn't sure if it went through.
She nodded to what he said, her tears still trickling down her face as she sniffed, "I can understand Armaan.. And you know.. Tum jab chaho apna gussa mujh par nikaal sakte ho.. You have that right.. But that's not the point. If something is troubling you, talk to someone about it.. Agar tum mujhse baat nahi karna chahte toh kisi aur se karo Armaan.. But main tumhe iss tarah apne aap se ladte hue nahi dekh sakti.. It bothers me Armaan.."
"I know it does Riddhima.. Iss liye.. No more talking about what happened yesterday.. Let's forget it okay..", he said, inspite of what she had said. He just couldn't look beyond her tears. All he wanted was to see the smile on her face. He took her in a tight hug as he tried to take her away from all the hurt.
But that is not what Riddhima wanted. She didn't want him running away from the problem. "But Armaan..", she tried to protest, but he just cut her in the middle and changed the topic while wiping her tears off her face carefully, "But kya Riddhima.. And suno.. Aaj raat maine Juhi ko dinner pe invite kiya hai.. And tumhare papa ne apne aap ko invite kar liya hai.. So tum aaogi na..", he asked her, kissing her cheek lovingly as she tried to not let his antics affect her. But his trick worked. Her attention was well diverted by the dinner invitation he had just offered her, "Ghar pe dinner?.." , she asked him with a little shock in her voice as she tried getting away from him.
"Haan kyun?.. ", he asked her, amused by the tension on her face.
"Oh God!! Then I'll have to go home and clean and all.. Pata nahi tumne kya kar ke rakha hoga.. "
Armaan rolled his eyes at his crazy fianc.., "Basket.. Shut up.. You just need a reason to start cleaning na.. You don't worry about anything.. I am taking care of it.. Khaana bhi main hi banaunga and I'll make sure everything is in its place too.." , he assured her as he nuzzled her neck.
"Are you sure Armaan!", she asked him, moving in his hold as he continued his badmashi.
"Of course I am sure.. Now please stop worrying and don't disturb me.. ", he told her as he pulled her dupatta slowly from where it was wrapped around her neck.
"Armaan!.. Chodo.. What are you doing.. Don't you want to have lunch..", she asked him, slapping his hand away from her dupatta.
"What Basket! You only said you don't want to have lunch.. Tumhe bohot important kaam hai and all.. ", he complained as he held her hand and twisted it behind her back, so she wouldn't hit him again.
As he started nuzzling her hair she started to struggle, "Armaan.. Stop it please.. Dekho koi aa jayega.."
"Nahi aayega Basket.. Please don't irritate me.." , and without paying much heed to her protest he nuzzled the crook of her neck, making her flinch, "Armaan.. Please.. Mujhe bohot bhook lagi hai.. Lets go have lunch.. ", she tried a new excuse.
Armaan, tired of her protests, finally laid down a smart proposal for her, "Okay.. Then I have a proposal.."
Riddhima rolled her eyes at his stupidity but hopefully asked, "What proposal?..", she may find a way out of this situation then.
But all her hopes went down the drain when she heard him say, "Can I request for the desert before lunch.. Coz I really want it bad..", he winked at her, leaning in as he stole a peck.
And this time she really got irritated, "Armaan shut up.. I really don't have time..Haath chodo mera.", she told him sternly.
He knew she was serious this time and left her hand at once. He couldn't continue his fooling around. So he resorted to other means."Please..", he pleaded with a pout. "Chotu sa.. ", he put in, indicating the small kiss that he wanted by his hand, showing her the smallest distance possible.
Riddhima just couldn't help but burst into a fit of giggles at that. She knew he was doing it on purpose. She was sure this was another one of his tricks! He knew she couldn't resist him when he brought on the cute. But inspite of knowing that, she just couldn't help but pull him close by the collar of his shirt and take him into a kiss.
Armaan smiled triumphantly as he felt her lips on his, his hand going around her waist, claiming his victory as he pulled her on his lap and kissed her with all the love and longing that there was. Soon enough Riddhima had lost herself in his passion and was now kissing him crazy while he caressed her back sensuously. Her fingers were threaded in his hair, clutching them tight as she felt herself longing for more. By the time they came out of the kiss for air, Armaan's chotu sa kiss had turned into a full-blown make out session. So much that after a few deep breaths she had taken him another kiss for round two!!
By the time she was done with him, Armaan was an extremely happy man and she was an extremely embarrassed crimson lady whose face was buried in his chest, "Lagta hain tumhe kucch zyaada hi bhook lagi hai.. Before you eat me up, lets go to the canteen and get you some food..", he teased her making her blush more than she already was. She smacked him hard on his back as he said that, "Armaan!!.. Tum na!!", she gave him an empty threat as she continued to blush, now playing with the button on his shirt.
"Main kya..", he asked her, raising a naughty brow as he pulled her out to look at her. He couldn't stop grinning at the blush on her face. He wondered how even after so long, every kiss, small and big, brought on that color on her cheeks.
She slapped him playfully as she saw his smirk and hid her face in his neck, "Mujhe sirf mera Armaan chahiye.. He's yummy..", she mumbled before taking a juicy bite of her Armaan, leaving her mark at the crook of his neck, and then going up to nibble at his earlobe.
Armaan looked like he had seen a ghost. More like he had received a 1000 volt electric shock. "Armaan.. You okay baby?..", she asked him, whispering into his ear, smirking at the lack of response from his side. That brought him out of his daze and back to planet earth, "Yeah.. I'm.. Woh.. I'm fine..", he stuttered, still confused, making her giggle and pull his cheeks "Oh God!! You're cho cute!!" and she gave him a kiss on the corner of his lips before getting out of his lap. But that was the limit for him. She couldn't just play around with him like that! He caught hold of the end of her dupatta and stalled her just before she escaped, "No one calls me cute and gets away with it..", he told her threateningly with a naughty glint in his eye as he backed her against the wall.
Riddhima controlled her smile as he smirked at her, "Really?.. Kya kar loge?..", she challenged him thinking of a way to get out of this situation.
But he didn't let her think much as he leaned in, distracting her completely from the task at hand, "Eye for an eye Basket.. I seek revenge!", he whispered, nuzzling her ear, making her shiver by that threat of his.
"Armaan.. Stop it.. We're in the hospital.. Behave yourself..", she mock scolded him as she tried to push him away, but her smile was hard to control, giving her away too easily.
He played along, pressing closer to her as he sarcastically retorted with her face inches away from his, "Accha.. So when you do it we get magically transported to another world.. Hain na.. "
"Yes Armaan.. Now let me go..", she tried to sound stern but failed miserably, his warm breath was too tempting to ignore. Armaan realized her weakness and didn't need another invitation to take advantage of it. Closing the distance between their lips, he took her in a fierce kiss and it didn't even take a second for her to give in. Unfortunately for Armaan, his revenge remained unfulfilled as his pager played spoil sport. Riddhima came back to reality the moment she heard the loud beep and pulled out mid-way, bringing a classic frown on Armaan's face, "Damn you stupid pager.. humesha galat time pe bajta hai.. Mera bas chale toh isse..", he started cursing the pager as Riddhima giggled at the poor soul, "Don't think you can get away with this Basket! Main apna badla lekar rahunga.. ", he told her dramatically as she couldn't control her giggles.
"Haan haan.. We'll see about that loser!.. Enough nautanki now.. Chalo get back to work.. Mujhe bhi jaana hai..", and giving him a last tight kiss on his cheek, she pulled him out of the fire escape. He very reluctantly dragged himself behind her scowling at the way she was still laughing at him, his mind plotting the revenge that he had decided he was going to take when she came home for dinner tonight! She could have her lunch; the dinner was going to be his!! His mind just couldn't help but laugh the evil laugh at that thought.. Muahahahaha'.
"Basket.. I'm leaving..", Armaan called out from the door of Atul's cabin where Juhi, Atul and his Basket were discussing the all important leukemia case that they were going to operate on tomorrow.
Riddhima who was busy reading the case file for the hundredth time now, looked up as she heard Armaan, "Okay.. You leaving already?.. What time is it?.. Tum manage kar loge na Armaan?..", her non-stop 20 questions came in a series.
"Arre.. Armaan mere bhai.. Andar aa na.. We were just winding up.. Take your Basket with you..", Armaan walked in on Atul's invitation who was trying to pass him a signal from behind Riddhima to take her away. At first he didn't understand his elaborate hand actions and eye talk, but when he saw the exasperated and tensed look on Juhi's face he understood that Hitler Basket was making her seniors do over time. So he decided to rescue them. After all he had some responsibility towards them also.
"But Atul.. I think we should go over the procedure again.. I am not sure.. Haina Dr. Juhi?..", Riddhima turned to Juhi who didn't have a choice but to reluctantly nod.
Atul made a face behind a back while Armaan just raised his brows in pity for his Champ and ex-girlfriend. He couldn't thank god enough for not making Riddhima his direct working colleague. Dr. Riddhima Shashank Gupta was best when at a distance of a kilometer when she was in work mode. "Basket.. I need to stock up the fridge.. And mujhe akele shopping jaane mein bore ho raha hai.. Please tum chalo na..", he made his request in the sweetest tones possible.
"No Armaan.. This is a very important case.. Tum jao.. Anyway you had said you'll manage.. Now suddenly you need me..", she complained, while still reading her file.
"He he he.. Ridzi.. Tum jao na.. Hum sambhal lenge..", Atul prompted from behind her, asking Armaan to take her away by his eyes, indicating towards the door.
"But Atul..", she started to protest again. But this time she was interrupted by Juhi, "Riddhima.. Atul theek keh raha hai.. We'll handle this.. Plus.. I don't think there's much left to discuss..", she finally told her what she wanted to tell her from the last one hour. But she didn't have the heart to kill that sincere enthusiasm which was very peculiar to her Shashank sir. But this was just getting unbearable. So much that when Riddhima dared to protest, "But Dr. Juhi..", she cut her off immediately, "No Riddhima.. Tum Armaan ke saath jao.. You should help him.. After all tumhara hone waala pati hai.. Its your responsibility.. I think you should go..", she told her a little sternly, like it was a matter of utmost importance. Armaan and Atul sniggered at the confused look on Riddhima's face. She surely looked amused at being told her responsibility towards her 'hone-waala-pati'.
"But..", she started to argue again. But this time Juhi was firm on her decision, "Its an order.. " Riddhima didn't have any choice but to agree. She was her senior after all. Armaan and Atul who were grinning foolishly behind her, stopped smiling abruptly the moment she turned around to face them. Armaan gave her a sheepishly smile which she returned with a scowl as she packed her things, "Theek hai.. Main ek baar raat ko chakkar laga dungi.. To check on the patient.. For now you guys carry on..", she looked at Atul and Juhi and then started making her way to the exit.
"Thanks so much Juhi.. I owe you one.. I'll see you in a couple of hours..", Armaan thanked her as he followed Riddhima..
"That's okay Armaan.. I think we're even.. Thank you!!", Juhi thanked him in return obviously for saving him from his work monster fianc.
Armaan grinned at the expression of relief on her face as he said, "You're always welcome sweetheart! Tumhare liye kucch bhi.."
Juhi couldn't help but giggle at that.. "Now stop flirting with me and concentrate on your fiance.. One at a time Armaan.. One at a time..", she advised him.
"Point noted!.. Tumhe main baad mein milta hoon.. ", he joked, winking at her, making her giggle. But this time Riddhima had had it, "Ab chale?..", she asked him in a strict tone with her glare and all in place.
Armaan teased her, making his cuckoo eyes at her as Juhi and Atul burst out laughing at the pair.. "Haan.. Chalo.. Bye!.. Bye Champ..", he called out a last goodbye as he marched out behind the captain!
"Tum khud nahi jaa sakte Armaan.. Mujhe kyun disturb kiya..", she asked him as they sat in his car, irritated with him for having interrupted her discussion.
"Main tumhe disturb nahi kar raha tha.. I was just saving my bechare friends. Tumne Champ ka face dekha tha.. Bechara.. Subah tumhe Hitler bula raha tha.. "
"Kya!!.. Atul ne mujhe Hitler kaha.. Wait till I tell di!", shocked by that revelation she made up her mind to teach Atul a lesson.
Armaan however, didn't want Champ to suffer even more because of his big mouth. So he got on to damage control, "Basket.. Basket you're missing the point.. ", he told her as he turned out of the Sanjeevni gates and towards the nearest Super Mart there was.
"And what exactly is your point..", she asked him sarcastically, not really interested in understanding his point.
Armaan chuckled at her exasperation but gave his lecture anyway, "Relax Basket.. Relax..", he told her coolly taking her hand and kissing it once while his eyes were still on the road, "I know tumhe transplant ki tension ho rahi hai.. But you have done all you could.. Plus tumhari patient bhi stable hai.. And apart from all that, you have Juhi with you.. She's the best!!", he laid out his logic in front of her. She really needed to take a break.
Riddhima understood what he was saying, but wasn't convinced, "I know Armaan.. But I just don't feel confident enough.. I am..", but before she could finish her sentence, "I feel confident Riddhima.. I know the kind of time and energy you've put into this case.. And I am hundred percent sure its going to be successful.. Basket I'm a doctor too.. You think I would have done this if I thought you were unprepared.. But sometimes, you just need to relax.. If you think too much about it you may mess up.. ", and the confidence in his voice was more than enough to convince her. When he put it like that, she felt surer of herself. He was right. There was no point in fretting over it. She had done all she could do. She must trust herself. But more than anything, she trusted his judgment. If he was confident about her, she knew she was fine. She smiled at that thought as she watched him drive and sighed, "You're right.. I just hope everything turns out well.."
He turned to smile at her as she said that, "It will Riddhima.. I know..", and he flashed his dimples at her. They always managed to steal her heart away. For the rest of the drive, she couldn't take her eyes off him, feeling happy just for no rhyme or reason. But then she realized there was a reason. And he was sitting next to her and driving the car. He was all she cared for. Everything she wanted.. And she smiled wider realizing that he was hers for keeps. Lost in him and his thoughts, she didn't realized when they were parked in the parking lot and he was taking off her seat belt, while she was busy gazing at him and his expressions, "Basket.. I know you can't get enough of me.. But not now.. You'll get your chance later..", he teased her, bringing her out of her live dream, as he winked at her. But before he could get out of the car, she held his hand to stop him, "Thanks Armaan..", she said softly with her best smiles in place.
Armaan, who was surprised that she hadn't scolded him for irritating her, couldn't help but ask, "Thanks kyun.. "
"Just.. For being you.. ", she said with a shrug and a mysteriously happy smile. He looked into her sparkling eyes and wondered what made her so happy. Maybe it was him! He mentally patted his own back and was about to do the mental thank-you speech for this achievement of his when he felt her give him a soft kiss on his cheek. That brought him out of mental land as he turned to her with a bright smile.
"Okay.. Now romance later.. Pehle kaam.. Lets go..", she snapped him out of his daze with a tap on his head. That made him think how similar she was to her dad. Psycho woman! One minute she was kissing him and thanking him, the next she was hitting him and ordering him around, "How much time do we have Armaan..", he heard her ask, as he got out of the car and followed her towards the mart. Putting aside his mental analysis, he checked his watch, "We have an hour for shopping.. And an hour to make dinner.. Juhi is coming at eight.. And that sasurjee is.."
"Coming at eight thirty.. I know..", she completed the sentence for him with a nod of disapproval. He really needed to get over her dad!
But Armaan was amused by her reaction and found his opportunity to tease her, "Wow! You're so intelligent Riddhima.. You know everything..", he praised her in a mock tone, patting her back proudly.
But Riddhima was in no mood for a bickering session. They didn't have the time and she didn't have the patience right now, "Armaan!.. Please.. Mujhe tang mat karo.. We need to do this fast..", she told him seriously as she put forward her genuine plea while walking through the security gates at the entrance of the mart.
Armaan was disappointed at her lack of reaction, "But it won't be fun na then..", he complained to her as he followed her in.
"Armaan.. Please..", she pleaded again, not sparing him a look as she walked on.
"No way Basket!.. Anyway I have to take revenge..", he told her excitedly, rubbing his hands together formulating evil plans in his head.
"Armaan please can you stop with that now.. I don't want to play this game anymore..", she told him coolly.
But he was set on his game, "Very smart Basket.. But I am not ending it till I take my revenge.. In fact, I have to take three or four revenges.."
And that made her turn to him, "What rubbish!!", she exclaimed, the glare back on her face.
Armaan smirked at that as he proudly counted it off for her, "Haan.. Kal jo tumne mere saath kiya uske liye.. Then tumhare dad ne mere saath jo kiya uske liye.. Then today for calling me cute.. And for calling me baby.. and.. Basket?..", he looked around to find her missing and people looking at him like he was a retard who was talking to himself. Grinning at them foolishly, he started looking around for Riddhima. She was so going to pay for this.
Riddhima had left Armaan talking to himself at the entrance of the mart. She really wasn't interested in the number of revenges he had to take. It was so juvenile, she didn't want to be associated with it. She took a basket from the stack that was kept, ignoring the trolleys, as she knew they didn't have too much to buy. As she entered one of the aisles to start with her shopping, a devil sent Armaan caught up with her, "Basket tumne basket kyun liya.. Namesakes?..", he asked her, pretending to be genuinely interested. He had seen her take a basket and had followed her in, prepared to irritate her with whatever excuse he got.
"Armaan shut up..", she said, without looking at him.
"Bechare trolley ko bura laga hoga na.."
"Armaan enough.. ", she warned him strictly, glowering him down. He put his finger on his lips immediately and looked down, till she turned and proceeded ahead.
Riddhima was walking fast through the aisles to reach the fresh food and dairy section that she knew was right at the end. But when she saw her favorite shampoo on one rack, she stopped to pick it up. It was out of stock the last time she had come shopping. So she was quite happy to find it there. She was contemplating on buying two-three at a time, in case they run out of stock again, when she heard a giggle around her. She realized that a little kid around seven or eight was sniggering at something. And when she found out what it was he was laughing at, her head blasted, "ARMAAN!!!", she screamed as she hit him on his hand as she caught him tying her dupatta to one of the hooks on the rack. She couldn't believe he was being so juvenile!!
Armaan bit his tongue as he realized she had caught him. He had asked the little kid to shut up but he had given him away. But the scowl on Basket's face was to die for! He stood aside and watched her as she tried to untie the end of her dupatta from the hook, all the while muttering curses and calling him names. She looked so cute. He leaned a little to have a clearer look at her when the strands of her hair fell on her face. When the disturbance was too much to take, he dared to put them behind her ear, then slowly moved forward and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
Riddhima, who was busy undoing the knot, looked up at once when she felt him kiss her. But the moment she looked into his eyes she forgot to yell at him. Her mind went blank and she just couldn't take her eyes off his. But another bout of giggles, this time a louder one brought both of them out of the eye lock. This time the little kid was joined by his mom and a few other people who were shopping near that aisle as they couldn't help but giggle at the cute scene that unfolded in front of them. Armaan and Riddhima blushed as they realized the large and unwanted amount of attention they had gathered. While Armaan was smiling silly at all of them, Riddhima gave him a glare "Armaan!!", she hissed as she slightly pushed him away from her and started walking off.
Armaan waved out to the very amused audience and followed her as she dragged her basket behind her. "Basket.."
"Not another word Armaan..", she warned him, checking out a few shelves as she passed them. Armaan couldn't help but snigger at her irritation. And that brought him back to his mission revenge. And he had no dearth whatsoever of ideas to frustrate her when he wanted to.
"Okay.. At least let me help you Basket..", he offered, hiding a naughty grin under the pretence of a polite smile.
But she knew better than to take his help, "No thanks Armaan.. I'll manage.."
But Armaan wasn't going to give up so easily. He knew how to make an opportunity when none was presented to him.
"You want soap.. ", he asked her, as he saw the different brands of soaps lined on one side of the aisle.
"No Armaan.." , she answered laconically without stopping.
"You want shower gel..", he asked her as he saw the array of hair products on the other side.
"No Armaan.." , she answered again, hoping he'll shut up soon.
But she was wrong. "You want hairspray..", he continued to ask as he saw the different products they were passing by.
"Nahi..", she said it sternly this time, raising her voice as she sped through the aisle now.
"You want hair color..", god he just wouldn't stop!
"Armaan!!", she yelled at him with a glare.
"You want toothpaste..", he asked her with a grin, holding out one for her while she continued to glare at him. She smacked his hand away and started walking away again, dragging her basket behind her.
Armaan who was extremely amused and enjoying troubling her started following her, but didn't stop 'helping' her with the shopping, "You want toothbrush.."
But this time she didn't answer. Maybe that would shut him up. Alas! It didn't. He continued to follow her calling out all the things that he saw around him as they crossed the different sections, pushing her to the limit!! But she continued to speed through the rows with his voice trailing behind her continuously,
"You want mouth wash.."
"You want bubble gum.."
"You want chocolate.."
"You want pen.."
"You want notebook.."
"You want daal.."
"You want rice.."
"You want Maggie.."
"You want Huggies.."
"You want whisper.."
"You want medicine.."
"You want condom.."
And that was it!! The next thing Armaan was being dragged by his arms to the side by two strong security guys. They made him sit in a chair on the corner and turned to Riddhima for further orders. She thanked them with a smile and sent them away. Then turned threateningly towards Armaan, her teeth gritted, her jaw clenched, "Now listen to me carefully.. You are going to sit here chup chap while I go and get what we need.. I am keeping an eye on you.. Don't you dare move.. ", he nodded his head obediently, looking down, as she scolded him with her finger pointed angrily at him, before walking off to finish her shopping.. Armaan looked at the lady at the counter and grinned sheepishly. She and her friend were watching his Basket scold him and were trying to stifle their giggles.. "Hey!.. Wassup! I'm Dr. Armaan..", he waved at her. She just giggled at him as she shook her head and continued to do her work. While he waited for Riddhima to finish with the shopping, he thought of what else he could do to trouble her. It was just too much fun to stop now! It was really addictive.
"Armaan.. Chalo..", he heard her call out to him from the other side of the counter and came out of the machinations that he was planning for her.That was quick! He excitedly got up and took the bags from her as he followed her out towards the exit. Riddhima looked at the naughty glint in his eyes and saw absolutely no remorse in them. In fact, she was sure she was in store for more of this revenge that he was planning against her! But she wasn't bothered much about that. Ever since he told her about the dinner plan, all she was worried about him and his feelings. She didn't want a repeat of last night. She didn't want to see him hurt again. She didn't know why he was trying to act like everything was normal when she knew it wasn't. She didn't understand why he invited Dr. Juhi for dinner if her presence makes him so miserable. And she was sure, with her around, his past was bound to come up. She just hoped he would handle it better tonight.
"Basket.. What happened?.. Why you looking so worried?..", he asked her as he noticed the tension on her face. He had finished dumping the buys in the back of the car and seen her standing outside the passenger door of the car just staring into space.
Riddhima shook her head in denial as she diverted his question with a glare, "You don't talk to me Armaan.. Andar kya kar rahe the?.. Aise koi behave karta hai kya Armaan.. Tum bacche ho kya.. In fact baccho se bhi gaye gusre ho.." and she ranted on and on about how childish and embarrassing he was. As she continued her ramblings all through the drive back, Armaan enjoyed mimicking every line of hers, playing the most irritating form of Shadow, driving her to her limit by the time they reached home. As a final resort, she had no option but to pray to her Bhagwaanji to keep her sane till the dinner guests arrived, which in most probability, seemed like an impossible feat to achieve.
"Tere mast mast do nain.. Mera dill ka le gaye chain.. yo.. tere mast mast do nain..", she giggled as she saw him sing along with the song playing on the radio but groove to his own version of it. And though she personally didn't like that song at all, she couldn't help but enjoy Armaan's remixed version with his added beats, as he made dinner for the evening. She smiled, watching from the entrance of the kitchen, the way he enjoyed the one thing that she didn't like doing ' Cooking. Little did she know that Armaan's version of the popular hit was dedicated to his dearest Shanky papa. He was very melodiously expressing the terror he felt when his sasurjee used his mast 'nain's to take away his 'chain', imagining that horrifying glare and constantly hoping that, somehow, he cancels his plan for dinner with them. He absolutely didn't like the idea of having him at his place for dinner. He already had a habit of making life miserable for him. And today, he had a very dangerous accomplice in his daughter, who, at least as far as he knew was still mad at him for irritating her. She had refused to talk to him when they got back from the disastrous trip to the mart after he had irritated her to the brink of insanity. He had continued to tease her hoping to break her silence. But she was no less of a seasoned player. She patiently waited for him to shut up and continued going about her work. Finally, her lack of response got to him, so much that he came down to apologizing to her. But even then, she didn't give in easily. However, he continued to apologize and ultimately she agreed to make a deal. So he had promised to her that he wouldn't trouble her and help her with the preparation for the dinner while she finished with the cleaning. She had finished arranging everything in proper order in the living room and had laid down the dinner table neatly, when she came back to the kitchen to check on him and found this adorable sight in front of her. She wished for nothing but him to be happy like this always. That's all she wanted.
"Oye Basket.. What are you doing there.. Yeh taste karke dekho na.. Tell me if its too spicy.. ", he asked her to taste the paneer dish that he had made. She readily obliged his request, "Mmm.. its perfect.. Not too spicy..", she commented as she tasted it.
"Oh.. Then I need to put in some more mirchi.. Mujhe sasurjee se omelet ka badla lena hai!.. This one is specially for him..", he told her seriously as he started to look for the red chilli powder.
"Armaan!!..", she smacked him on his shoulder as she glared at him.
He grinned at her reaction, pulling her close, "Mazaak tha..", he told her, trying to get her closer.
"You had promised you won't trouble me Armaan.. Tumhe kya mazaa aata hai.. I don't understand..", she complained, but let him hug her anyway. She was really fed up now.
"Where am I troubling you Basket.. This was for my dear sasurjee..", he teased her again as he nuzzled her hair. But she withdrew from the hug at that comment of his and pushed him a little as she started walking out, "Tum kabhi nahi sudhroge.. I hate you.. ", and she continued to mutter all the way to the living room where she plonked herself angrily on the couch.
Armaan, who had followed her out and was sniggering at her complaints, dropped himself on the couch as he slumped beside her, "Basket.. I had agreed to not trouble you till I finish making dinner and you finish cleaning.. Now that we both have finished doing what we had to, I think I can resume my duties.."
"Armaan seriously shut up.. Bohot ho gaya..", she told him seriously, taking the remote from the table and switching on the TV without looking at him even once.
Armaan sighed at the frown on her face. Maybe it was too much for a day. He should really give her a break. Or she might end up murdering him tonight.
He leaned on her shoulder sideways and slid his arm around her waist pulling her closer while she just continued to flip the channels on TV not resting on one for more than five seconds. At first, he was just sitting quietly, relaxing in her warmth and redolence. However, soon her proximity got the better of him, as he started nuzzling her neck. "Armaan.. Stop it..", she curtly asked him to shut up, feeling ticklish at what he was doing.
"I love you..", he whispered huskily, his breath caressing her skin sensuously, tracing her neck with the tip of his nose while pulling her closer by her waist.
"Armaan.. Please..", she complained, irritated by his actions. She didn't want to let go of the anger that he was slowly melting by his antics. She tried to get out of his hold this time, coz he refused to stop. But he had her well caged, "I'm serious Riddhima.. Really.. ", he barely whispered, looking straight into her eyes, his intentions clear in his own. She just couldn't repel that magnetic voice of his, nor that iron-hold that his eyes had on hers. She almost froze. But it was the promise of the warmth in his eyes that had kept her still like a statue. So much that she didn't even realize when he switched the TV off and threw the remote away from her. She just closed her eyes slowly and leaned back into the couch, giving up all attempts to resist his hold.
He looked at her face and caressed it with the back of his hand, tightening the grip around her waist. And just like her, he shut his eyes and nestled his face at the crook of her neck, resting it on her shoulder, hiding it in her hair. At that moment there was nothing more the two of them could wish for, for themselves, for each other. Eternal bliss was what defined this moment.
"Armaan..", her soft voice broke the silence that had settled around them for a while.
"Hmm..", was all he said in response. He didn't want to get out of this heaven of his.
"You'll be okay na?..", she asked him softly, fearing his reaction. But she had to make sure.
"Hmm.. Why.. What are you going to do to me?..", came his absent-minded question.
She giggled at his silly self, "I am not doing anything to you Armaan.. Get up and listen to me carefully.. ", she tried to part herself from him, but he just held on, "Why can't I answer your question like this.. Why can't I just stay like this forever.. ", he mumbled as he buried his face deeper in her neck.
Riddhima ruffled his hair affectionately, smiling at his antics. But she really wanted to talk to him about this. So she pulled away from him, as she gently tried to part from him, "Armaan.. I'm serious.. Dr. Juhi hongi toh obviously tumhare bachpan ki baatein hongi..", he looked into her eyes as he heard her say that, pulling out a little himself. She really seemed to be bothered by that fact. Obviously she would, after all that happened yesterday. And he saw all that in her eyes as she continued to confess all that was on her mind, "I don't want you to go through that all over again like yesterday.. "
Her eyes told him that she was worried about him. But he didn't care much about this. He didn't care about his past. All that mattered to him was her. And he had to let her know that, "Basket.. I'm fine.. And why would I invite Juhi if it troubled me so much?..", he asked her rhetorically as he hugged her again, finding his coziest spot to nestle.
"I don't know Armaan.. ", she mumbled as she hugged him back.
Armaan noticed her disturbed tone and realized he had to get her out of it. He pulled out again to look at her, looking straight into her eyes, "Basket.. I'm fine.. And tumhe lagta hai na.. All this affects me so much and all.. It's not so bad Riddhima.. Kal I wasn't expecting to see her.. So I lost control..Today I'm prepared.. I'll be fine.. Besides.. Tum ho toh I don't need anything else.. And I am not saying this for the sake of saying it.. I mean it.. I don't care much about all that happened in the past Riddhima.. Not more than what I have with you right now.. I swear..", he said as earnestly as he could.
Riddhima smiled as she heard him. She knew he wasn't lying, "I know Armaan.. I know.. But..", there was something that wasn't fitting in. There was something that she couldn't understand. She was all that mattered to him. Then why was there a void in his life that not even she could fill!
But he wasn't interested in any of this stuff. All that he was concerned with was that, as long as she was there and happy to be there, he was fine. So he hugged her again, tight this time, as he reprimanded her for disturbing his romance, "I love you.. And don't try to distract me again.."
"Armaan.. ", she smacked the back of his head lightly as he felt his weight on her. She wasn't done with this conversation. But he was too fast for her. He had slowly started leaning on her while he continued with the nuzzling, placing small kisses on her neck intermittently. And before she knew it, he had taken over her senses as they almost lay on the couch with her under him. She clutched his hair tight as she felt his tongue on her skin. Well he certainly knew how to distract her!
"I love you Basket..", he whispered as he traced his lips up her neck and jaw line to finally meet her lips.
"I love you too..", she whispered back as his lips claimed hers in a passion so high, she didn't know when it drowned her in it. One of her hands was clutching his hair tight in ardor, the other roving down his back, trying to trace the contours that she couldn't access because of his shirt. He, on the other hand, took new liberties with her as he explored the curves on her, caressing her waist and then going down her hip. Riddhima was startled by the effect his caresses were having on her. And even with being lost in a deliciously deep kiss, she couldn't ignore his hand that was now tracing her thigh up its length. She quickly held that hand of his and priced it away from her, entwining her fingers with his. But he was too lost to realize why she did that, and brought his hand out of her grip so he could explore her again. Fortunately or unfortunately, for her, this time he found her waist and went up her front, frantically searching for something, he didn't know what, as he was still lost in the kiss with her. His brain assimilated what was different, when she pulled out of the kiss for air and he rested his forehead on hers, "Whatever happened to the buttons!..", he asked, out of breath, his hands still tracing the non-existent buttons on her kurti that had provided him access to his desires yesterday.
Riddhima started giggling at his desperation, and inspite of her blush and embarrassment, countered his question with her wit, "I changed my style.. Tumhare haath kaafi badmaash ho gaye hain.. So I had to..", and she winked at him, directing his hands away from herself, as she kissed the tip of his nose.
"Oh how smart.. ", came his sarcastic reply, not very happy with the way she was treating him. He had to teach her a lesson.
But she just couldn't help but laugh at the irritation on his face, "I know.. I am pretty smart", and in reply to this smug retort of hers, he just smacked his lips back on hers, pulling her closer into him, his arms going around her waist and up her back this time. She was so taken aback by his move that she didn't realize when his badmaash hands had found the zip on the back of her kurti. Only when his hand found her skin as he slipped one in, she came back to her senses, "Armaan.. What are you doing! ..", she exclaimed, breathlessly, trying to push him away from her. Armaan just gave his trademark devilish grin and retorted with a "If you can change your style, so can I.. "
"Armaan!..", she exclaimed in exasperation as she saw him wink at her.
"Shh..", she shushed her, before placing his lips back on hers. She hit him hard on his back at that, but kissed him back anyway, while his hand continued to explore her bare back tantalizingly. His desperation and her temptations were just too much for both of them to handle together. She didn't want him to stop, he didn't want to. So they just made the most of the moments while they lasted. Unfortunately, they weren't meant to last for long. Just as he was about to undo the hook that he had been fiddling with for the last few minutes the doorbell rang, bringing an end to the vacillations that had him wondering if he should make a move or not. Now he just couldn't, even if he wanted, even if she wanted. But he didn't let go of her, still placing soft kisses across her shoulder blade while she lay still in his arms, trying to get back her senses. "Armaan.. Someone's at the door.. ", she informed him in a whisper as she tried to get up and pull away from him.
"Tch.. I don't care..", came his irritated reply, as he held her tighter and buried his face under her chin.
"Armaan.. Please.. And now toh I have to arrange the cushions again.. Sab bigaad diya tumne..", she complained, as pulled him out by holding his hair..
He scowled at her as she did that, reluctantly parting himself from her, "Basket.. Stop it.. Stop it.. I don't really think anyone cares about the arrangement of your cushions..", he told her, still frowning, as he tried to price her hands away from his hair.
She returned his scowl at that, "Fine.. Just get off me.. Kitne besharam ho.. Someone's at the door and your still not letting me go..", she complained, pushing him away with her hands on his chest now.
"Tch.. Kya yaar.. Tumhare papa ne kabab mein haddi banne ka theka leke rakha hai.. Humesha disturb karte rehte hain..", he whined, complaining against his sasurjee as he, got off her, sitting straight on the couch with a frown, his hair messy, his shirt disheveled.
She just stood up and without wasting another minute started arranging the cushions, picking up a few from the floor and pulling a few from behind Armaan who was lazily sprawled, not a hint of hurry in his actions. And his comment about her dad added to her irritation, as she tried to get everything set while he just sat their scowling at god alone knows what! "Armaan.. Where did papa come from now.. "
"He came from Sanjeevni Basket.. And he's standing outside my house right now.. Probably cursing me while he has the time..", he muttered handing her her dupatta.
"Shut up Armaan.. It can't be papa.. He said he'll come by 8:30 or even later than that.. And it's just quarter to eight right now.. I'm sure Dr. Juhi and Rahul bhaiya are here.. ", she countered his claim while trying to zip up her kurti in a hurry.
"No Riddhima.. It has to be Shanky papa.. I can bet on it..", he was still stuck on his beloved sasurjee even after they heard a second ring of the doorbell, while her heart rate increased exponentially with every passing second. And Armaan was doing nothing to calm her. In fact he was just adding to her irritation, "Armaan! Stop calling papa that.. Thoda toh respect karo.. And what the hell is wrong with this zip.. Armaan you're banned from doing this ever.. I swear.. Yeh band kyun nahi ho raha..", she almost screamed in frustration as she struggled with her zip.
Armaan couldn't help but snigger at her condition, but stopped immediately when she gave him her trademark glare. He straightened his shirt, set his hair, and then turned to help her with the zip, "Basket seriously.. Tum har roz khud apne kapde kaise pehenti ho.. Kal buttons band nahi ho rahe the.. Aaj zip band nahi ho raha.. Every time you need my help..", he teased her, only to raise her temper even more. She wanted nothing but to strangle him at the moment. But another bout of rings from the door saved him. She took deep breaths to calm herself and not respond to his teasing, "Armaan.. Enough with the disgusting now.. And please, Rahul bhaiya ke saamne zara tameez se pesh aana.. Don't flirt with Juhi di..", she told him seriously, and taking her dupatta stormed towards the door when he was done zipping her up.
Armaan, however, teased her back as he followed her to the door, "Please.. Just admit it that you're jealous.."
"Fine whatever..", she gave up on him. Was there really any point in arguing!!
"But anyway I'm sure this is your papa..", he claimed again. He was absolutely sure. He could bet his life on this one!
"No its not..", she retorted angrily, now standing right at the door.
"Yes it is!!", came his childish reply.
"No its not!", she declared as she glared at him, "Open the door and see it for yourself!", she dared him. She was sure her papa was coming late. He had informed her himself.
"Why should I open the door.. Tumhare papa hain, tum kholo..", he told her stubbornly and stood there with his hands across his chest. Riddhima would have maintained her stubborn stance too, but she couldn't keep the guests waiting could she, "Armaan!! Its not..", she started to argue back as she opened the door, while still looking at him, "Papa?..", she asked in a surprised question as she saw her dad standing at the door with a stern smile.
"Riddhima beta.. What are you doing here so early?.. ", he asked her, but was looking at his beloved son-in-law-to-be.
For a second she didn't know what to say. Then managed to splutter, "Main.. Dinner.. Woh, Armaan ko dinner ke liye help karne aayi thi.. Aap itne jaldi kaise aa gaye papa?.. I thought aap.."
"I know.. Mujhe late hone waala tha.. But surgery jaldi khatam ho gayi.. So I came early.. Is that a problem?..", he asked her, the stern smile not leaving his face. God alone knows what was going on in his mind.
"No papa.. Why would that be a problem?..", she replied almost instantly. But he didn't want her answer, "I was asking Armaan.. Inke chehre se toh aisa hi lagta hai..", he simply stated, but it almost sounded like an accusation.
Armaan just put up a fake grin as he said that, "Nahi.. Aisa kucch nahi hai papa.. Hum toh sirf apne personal time mein humari personal baatein kar rahe the.. Nothing important.. Kyun Riddhima..", he asked her, nudging her as he did. Dr. Shashanks eyes widened at the use of those words, while Riddhima's cheeks turned red. What was this guy doing!! "Armaan!!", she hissed at him to shut up, "What!! That's allowed.. Personal time.. Personal stuff.. Ask him..", he hissed back, but was certainly audible to sasurjee who's glare increased ten folds in intensity.
Riddhima looked at her papa, then at her asshole of a fiance, and chuckled foolishly, "Papa.. Don't listen to him.. Kucch bhi bakwaas karte rehta hai.. Forget him.. Aap andar aayiye..", she quickly tried diverting the conversation from all that was 'personal'.
Dr. Shashank faked a chuckle too as he accepted his daughter's invitation, "Haan.. Chalo.. Before I punch him..", he muttered as he followed her in.
"Papa!!..", she hissed at him, but Armaan had heard him and was now giving both of them a fake smirk. God this was going to be painful!!
"Joke.. ", Dr. Shashank assured her, while turning to glare at Armaan who was still standing at the door, ".. Mere dil ka le gaye chain.. Tere mast mast do nain.. ", he hummed under his breath, as he watched him go, then turned to shut the door and leaned his forehead on it, wanting to bang it there. A pained expression formed on his face at the thought that another two hours of torture was coming his way. The only consolation was that today he was on home turf; sasurjee would have to play this game on his terms!!
"Armaan.. Wahan kya kar rahe ho?.. Get in..", Riddhima called out to him when she realized he was still standing at the door, with his head leaned onto the door.
Armaan groaned and reluctantly turned around, gearing up to face the torture, but just as he was about to walk back, the doorbell rang again. He quickly took an about turn, and opened the door, "Hey.. Juhi!! Did I tell you how beautiful you are looking.. ", he exclaimed with a naughty smile when he saw her at the door with a bright smile that was lighting up her face.
"Good evening Armaan.. Waise tum bhi kaafi handsome lag rahe ho..", she complimented him back with a wink.
"Ahem ahem..", a fake cough issued from behind her, bringing to Armaan's notice the man who was standing behind her. He was pretty smart looking, but currently was peering at him with a very amused expression from behind the rimless glasses that were perched on his nose.
Armaan's smile widened as he realized he must be his Juhi's dearest husband, "Dr. Mehra.. Hi.. Armaan!", he introduced himself, and shook his hand in a formal handshake.
And Dr. Rahul returned his welcoming smile, "Hey Armaan! So finally, I get to see you.. My wife couldn't stop talking about you all the way from the airport.. ", he replied teasingly in a mock complaint.
Armaan chuckled and nodded his head in approval at the attempt. He had already started to like this guy, "Well what can I say.. I hope she isn't regretting the loss.. I am her ex.. If you know what I mean..", he replied back to the tease, playing along with a naughty glint in his eye as he made way for the two of them to get in.
"Yeah yeah.. I know exactly what you mean.. I know everything about you..", Dr. Rahul informed him as he followed his wife in the house.
"You still want to come in? I still am pretty much of a threat. She's been hitting on me royally in your absence..", he retorted with a grin, holding the door open for him, in case he changes his mind.
"Armaan!! ", came Juhi's reprimanding exclamation, while her husband just laughed at Armaan's comeback. But he had one ready too, "I would have been worried. Seriously.. But Juhi tells me you're getting married to my little princess.. She's quite a tough taskmaster.. I don't think I need to worry.. I'm sure she keeps you under her control.."
"Oh yeah.. She certainly does!", this time Juhi intervened, putting in her opinion which wasn't taken well by Armaan, "Please.. Juhi.. What rubbish..", he frowned at that comment, his grin wiped off, as he shut the door and directed the two of them in.
"Ah.. Dr. Rahul.. Good to see you..", Dr. Shashank greeted his favorite Dr. Rahul with a hearty smile and a warm hug.
"Good to see you too sir! ", Rahul said as he hugged him back, but pulled out quickly as he noticed Riddhima stand behind him. He greeted her with a warm hug too, "So.. Riddhima.. Shaadi kar rahi hai, bataya bhi nahi..", he asked her with raised eyebrows and a teasing glint in his eyes as they settled down.
Riddhima didn't understand why she still blushed at the mention of her wedding. It was like an inherent mechanism that she couldn't control. But she decided to act nonchalant about it as she coolly replied, "Kal hi decide hua bhaiya.. And anyway, it's a long time away.."
"Yeah.. A very very very very long time away..", Armaan sighed as he stretched his 'very's, shaking his head in disappointment.
Rahul and Juhi chuckled at his reaction while the baap-beti jodi just rolled their eyes in disapproval.
"God.. Dekho toh kitni jaldi ho rahi hai janaab ko..", Juhi teased him, smacking him on his shoulder playfully. But Armaan was far from embarrassed. He just smirked back sarcastically at her as Rahul commented, "Yeah.. But I don't understand why you're in such a hurry! Seriously Armaan.. It's not so much fun.. Trust me..", he warned him, a hint of terror and a tinge of mock regret. Juhi glared at him immediately as Armaan started guffawing at his expression. "Rahul!.. Tum toh rehne hi do.. Sab tumhare jaise nahi hote..", she scolded him, complaining with a frown.
But he seemed proud, "Of course.. I'm one of a kind! ", he said, almost as shamelessly as Armaan would when he wanted to irritate Riddhima.
Juhi just gave up on him, shaking her head in defeat, "Yeah yeah.. Of course.."
Rahul watched her as she looked away, smiling at that frown of hers. It was nice to be back!
Armaan and Riddhima watched the two of them and couldn't hide their smiles at the thought of why it all looked so familiar..
Oblivious to this under-defined romance that was playing out in front of him; Dr. Shashank wrecked the tranquil by asking Dr. Rahul about his work and giving a gory description of his last complicated surgery that involved a lot of drilling and sawing the skull of some poor soul. Talk about killing the romance! They listened to the two of them discuss in excruciating detail how they had messed with someone's head. Literally! Thankfully for all of them, the conversation was interrupted when Dr. Rahul's cell phone made its presence felt with a ring.
"Excuse me..", he left to take the call, smiling dearly as he checked the name of the caller that was flashing on the screen. Armaan took this opportunity to flirt some more with Juhi and steer the conversation far from anything that was even related to the hospital. Shashank and Riddhima did not appreciate the excessive flirting after a certain point, though for different reasons, and soon started taking Armaan's case with Riddhima complaining to Juhi about what he did at the supermarket and Dr. Shashank glaring at him in disapproval as he heard of his kaarnamas! Luckily for Armaan, Dr. Rahul returned from his phone conversation with an amused expression, smiling to himself. And that effectively diverted everyone's attention from him.
"Kya hua.. ", Juhi asked him, wondering what brought that sparkle in his eyes. Surely it must be the kids. But she didn't know what they had done now to get that expression on him.
He just looked at her and grinned remembering the conversation he just had with his daughter, "Kucch nahi.. Trisha was complaining.. Armaan ne uski book chupa di hai.. And she has a test tomorrow.. Kids I tell you..", he almost finished in a complain and a defeat, as he looked at everyone else. While Riddhima and Shashank smiled at the mention of the kids, Armaan was still trying to assimilate this new information. Something wasn't right. Something was definitely weird! Juhi had kids.. Wow! He had not thought of that possibility. How stupid of him! But that was not what had caused this tumult. But then, maybe he didn't hear it right! So he called for an explanation, "Excuse me.. Am I missing something?.."
Juhi giggled at the confusion on his face. She understood what he must be the reason behind it too. But before she could explain, Rahul butted in, "Trisha is my daughter Armaan..", he told him proudly, putting a hand around Juhi's shoulder, which she shrugged off quickly. That made Riddhima giggle, but didn't clear Armaan's confusion. So he just asked point-blank, "And Armaan is?.. "
"My baby.. ", Juhi answered this time, putting the anxiety in his wide rounded eyes to a rest. Rahul, however, reprimanded her, "Stop calling him that Juhi.. He's ten now.. He's not a baby anymore.. Tumne usse bigaad ke rakha hai.. Meri beti ko humesha tang karte rehta hai..", he complained against her beloved son.
Riddhima couldn't help but giggle at that as she exclaimed, "Oh! So now I understood why you named him Armaan.. This was your Inspiration!!?.. No wonder he is such a devil..", she looked at Armaan teasingly as she said that in mock understanding. But Armaan just ignored her and turned to Juhi, still in awe of what he had heard, "You actually named your son after me!! What is wrong with you..", he asked her, his tone suggesting he thought she was crazy, while his heart was just melting at the realization of why she would do that.
And she too was thinking on the same lines, looking at him as his eyes spoke a different language than his words did, "I missed you..", she confessed softly, with a warm smile and slightly moist eyes. The moment she had seen him yesterday, she had felt this building emotion within her. But they hadn't gotten much time to talk alone and she had thought it better not to reminisce in the times which she hoped had not played out the way they had. A part of her wanted to apologize to him for not being there, a part of her, was too ashamed to confront him with that. So she just tried to joke it away with him. Coz he certainly didn't seem like wanting to have a serious conversation with her. Maybe she didn't matter so much to him now. Why would she! But he would always matter to her. And she had kept his memories with her. Now as she looked into his eyes, she felt that he had too kept her somewhere, in some corner of his heart.
Armaan just looked back at her as he heard those words from her, not knowing what to say to her. All through these hours since he had seen her last night, this had been at the back of his mind. This very thought, this question, whether she really did miss him. He knew now that she did. But somewhere deep down he still wondered why she had not bothered to keep in touch if she had missed him so much. So much, that she named her son after him. But getting into that would mean answering a lot of her questions that he'd rather not answer. So he just pretended to be unaffected and made yet another joke out of it, "Don't lie.. You didn't even bother to keep in touch.. Shaadi karli toh first boyfriend ko bhul hi gayi.. Missed me!.. Whatever!", he faked some attitude, breaking the tensed silence. But even that joke could not wipe away the feeling of guilt that was taking over her. She laughed, but not at the joke, at the fact that in his ridicule, he had demanded an explanation for her behavior and she didn't have a cogent counter to justify herself. Rahul sensed her guilt which he was much too familiar with. So he played along with Armaan's tease, trying to lighten the gloom, "Yaar.. You guys keep forgetting main aur Riddhima yahin baithe hain.. Thodi toh secrecy maintain karo.. "
But when no one laughed at that, an awkward silence filled the room. Even Dr. Shashank was looking at Armaan and Juhi warily. He had asked her about Armaan today afternoon when they had lunch together in his cabin. But he had not felt the intensity of that bond in her words like he felt it now in this silence.
The bearing silence was lifted by Riddhima, "Waise Rahul bhaiya.. Anjie di is still mad at you.. ", who attempted a change in topic, her protective instincts kicking in, realizing that the loud silence was bordering on discussions that Armaan didn't like to touch. So she just started talking, cutting the air that was thick with anticipation, as each one waited for the other to speak something. So she thought someone had to do the honors. And to her good fortune, Rahul picked up the conversation with her, "I know.. I'm in big trouble.. Atul ne bhi mujhe ek hate mail bheja.. He didn't even send me an invitation to his Go green club annual meet.. Har saal bhejta hai.. But this time main unn dono ko zaroor mana lunga.."
And Rahul's rant about Atul being angry with him brought a smile on everyone's face. Atul rarely got mad at people. He was the peace loving types.
"You'll just have to water his plants for a month or something.. And if he's really mad at you, then sing for them..", Armaan suggested, his attention diverted, as he thought of the last time Atul was mad at him and he had to manao him to get his work done. It was when he had needed tips to patao Shanky papa and he had been angry about the fact that Armaan had not informed him about proposing to his only and favorite saali.
And Rahul caught him right when he asked, "Tumhe bada experience hai shayad.."
Armaan, who was still thinking about that day, continued with the flow of the conversation, "Haan.. Ek baar karna pada tha.. Sasurjee ko patane ke liye.."
Shanky papa had murder in his eyes, Juhi and Rahul were heartily laughing and Riddhima was waiting for her dad's reaction to that. Armaan realized what he had let slip and his eye s widened as he turned to face his sasurjee, "Matlab.. Uh.. I meant.. I think you guys must be hungry.. Dinner? ", he asked, not sure of what to say, getting up immediately and scurrying away to the kitchen without waiting for their answers, seeking shelter before Shanky and his glares burn a hole through his heart.
"Mmm.. Paneer.. Why am I not surprised.. Armaan hai toh paneer toh obviously hoga.. ", Juhi commented as she savored the delicious food that Armaan had managed to dish out for his guests tonight. They had loaded their plates with the food that was arranged on the dining table and settled themselves in the living room since there weren't enough places for all of them at Armaan's dining table for two.
"Armaan ko bhi paneer bohot pasand hai nahi..", Rahul asked Juhi, drawing a similarity between his son and Armaan.
"That's probably because Juhi is a big paneer fan.. You were the one who used to get me all that paneer stuff for lunch..", Armaan reminded Juhi of the times when his mom was in the hospital and he used to have lunch with her in the canteen.
Juhi smiled as those memories came back to her, "Yeah.. I know.. But that's coz tum aur kucch khane ke liye tayar hi nahi hote the.. So many tantrums.. God!! Mrs. Mallik pareshaan ho jaati thi.. But you would never listen to her.."
Riddhima looked up at her at once when she heard her, and then turned to see Armaan's expression. Surprisingly, she found him grinning, "Eh Juhi.. Don't lie so much.. I know you liked to have the paneer with me.. Iss liye roz itni takleef utha ke mere liye laati thi..", he teased her, completely ignoring the mention of his mom. Riddhima knew he was pretending, but he was doing such an awesome job of it, she would have bought it if she didn't know otherwise.
"Fine.. Mujhe pasand hai.. Lekin tumhari tarah nahi.. I eat other things also.. You just wanted to eat everything paneer.. And I am sure you still throw those tantrums.. Kyun Riddhima.. ", Riddhima was listening to their every word carefully and taking in every expression of Armaan's, looking for that one sign of hurt and pain. But she found none. But she herself was feeling weird about what she was hearing. So when Juhi asked her about Armaan and his food tantrums she was pretty much surprised, "Actually I have never seen Armaan throw a tantrum about food.. He just eats everything and anything.. But prefers less oily stuff if he has a choice.. ", she told her with a small smile. Someone who could eat her dad's omelet without a complaint could not be accused of being fussy about food!
But Juhi found that claim hard to believe, "Don't cover for him Riddhima.. I know him well.. For three months continuously I used to bring him paneer for lunch everyday.. And because he refused to eat other vegetables, I used to put some paneer in anything I made.. Mrs. Mallik ka hi idea tha.. To trick him into having the good stuff.. Imagine bhindi and paneer together!.. And the limit was fish and paneer! He was really very stubborn..", she told them about his fussy ways, recounting them with a teasing smile.
Armaan obviously defended himself with a, "Please Juhi.. Don't exaggerate.. And even if I was a little fussy, I eat all the right things now.. ", he informed her as he savored the paneer that he was eating!
"Yeah.. In fact he eats all sorts of rubbish.. Mamma is so impressed with the way he eats karela and baingan like it's the best food could ever get!..", Riddhima almost complained as she told Juhi how he was the ideal son that her mom could have asked for, at least in terms of being fussy. In fact now that she thought about it, he didn't fuss much about anything at all. He was mostly content with everything around him. All his tantrums were however reserved only for her. A small frown formed on her face at that thought. But it was soon replaced by intrigue as she heard Juhi's surprised voice, "Armaan, karela and baingan cannot be said in the same sentence Riddhima.. Armaan.. Seriously.. Tum kabse karela khaane lage..", she asked him in a teasing tone, remembering how he had sworn to her once that he would never eat karela in his life after his mom had tricked him into tasting it by using emotional blackmail.
Armaan however didn't make light of the situation this time, "Jab koi choice nahi milti toh sab khana accha lagne lagta hai Juhi.. Aur na lage toh aadat ho jaati hai.. Not a big deal..", he said it coolly, looking at her for a second, but quickly looking back into his plate. But Juhi kept looking at him, feeling terrible about what he had said. Riddhima's eyes just moistened on their own as she understood what he had meant when he said what he said. Such simple words, but they moved her heart. She knew as much as Juhi did, what that statement of his meant. It was not so much about not getting to eat what you like. It was about not having anyone to throw tantrums on. It was about not having anyone who would give a damn whether you even eat or not let alone provide you with something you like. She shifted closer to him at that thought, discreetly slipping her hand in his and held it tight. Armaan looked at her, surprised as she did that and smiled at her. But he quickly priced his hand out of hers and looked at Dr. Shashank who had not missed that interaction. But even he didn't have the heart to glare at Armaan this time and much to his damaad's shock and surprise, he just passed him a smile and continued to have dinner. Finally Dr. Rahul decided to break the awkward silence that had settled again, "Waise yeh baat sahi kahi hai bhai Armaan ne.. And anyway, yeh tantrums toh bachpan mein sab hi kiya karte hain.. But as you grow up you get used to it I guess..", he commented in general, not knowing what else to say.
But Dr. Shashank had a lot to say about this topic, "No Dr. Rahul.. Riddhima ke nakhre toh abhi bhi hain.. Half the time she'll skip lunch.. Sometimes she'll sleep on just a cup of coffee.. Doctors hokar bhi aise behave karte hain yeh bacche.. Anjali is also the same..", he complained about his daughters, only to make Riddhima frown, "Papa.. Please.. Now stop acting like mamma.. You're supposed to be on my side..", she reminded him, scowling at his betrayal.
"I am Riddhima.. I was just saying.."
"Yeah sure.."
Dr. Shashank bit his tongue as his daughter continued to frown much to the amusement of Armaan and the Mehras, "Arre.. Ismein naraaz hone waali kya baat hai.. Anyway.. Lets forget this.. Khana enjoy karte hai.. Its very nice.. Kahan se mangaya.. Ya tumne banaya.. Bohot he delicious hai..", he tried to butter her up, hoping that it would work.
But the tables turned on him when she said, "Actually papa, khana Armaan ne banaya hai.."
His brows raised in surprise as he heard this piece of fact, his smile faltered a little, "Oh.. Waise daal mein namak thoda zyaada hai nahi.. Its good.. But.. I just think it's a little too.. Salty.. and.. Spicy.. But its good.. ", Juhi couldn't control her giggles as Dr. Shashank tried to find the non-existent flaws in the food, while Rahul was fighting a smile. This sasur-damaad pair was quite entertaining.
Armaan just faked a smile at his beloved Shanky papa, "Thank you papa.. Means so much to me..", he thanked him sarcastically, as Riddhima nudged him to shut up, making Juhi laugh even more. But Rahul found Dr. Shashank's not-so-amused expression a little alarming and hence decided to change the subject, "Uh.. So when exactly is the wedding.. I need to keep myself free.. Warna tum log bhi naraaz ho jaoge..", he asked them.
"Yeah.. Its on the 24th of May.. Please do come.. ", Armaan answered him, politely inviting him for the wedding.
"Arrey don't worry Dr. Rahul.. Iss baar main aur Padma khud ghar aakar Dr. Mehra aur aap dono ko invitation denge.. There is no chance we'll let you miss this one..", Dr. Shashank half assured, half threatened him. Rahul laughed at that along with Juhi, but what Riddhima said next brought the awkward silence back into action, "I'm not going to force you bhaiya.. Coz I'm sure Dr. Juhi won't miss Armaan's wedding even if you decide to give mine a miss..", she smiled knowingly at Juhi as she said that. After observing all her interactions with Armaan, she had gotten a fair idea of what they meant to each other. And something in Juhi's eyes told her that she had really meant it when she told Armaan that she missed him. She wondered what her story was though. Why had she left Armaan on his own if he meant so much to her.
Juhi smiled back, realizing what Riddhima meant. And she was right, "I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world..", she whispered turning to look at Armaan who had already been looking at her. He returned her smile and then got back to his food. Riddhima smiled as she watched him eat from the corner of her eyes. She didn't know whether to be glad that he was handling this well, pretending nothing was wrong, or be worried that he was keeping so much in himself. She really didn't understand his problem. And as long as that was unclear, finding a solution seemed far-fetched. The ironic bit was that Armaan didn't want to find a solution. Then why was she so bothered?
Riddhima was sitting at her study table with a case file open in front of her. She had just gotten back from Sanjeevni after checking on the leukemia patient who was stable and ready for the surgery tomorrow. She had gone to check on her after the unseemingly eventful dinner. Though it looked from the outside like nothing much had occurred tonight, there was this storm that had started brewing in her mind. And she was sure that Armaan was going through something similar. Or maybe not! Was he that good an actor! Coz even after numerous mentions of his mom he didn't show a sign of that pain. It was kind of an extreme for her to believe. Last night she was sure he was more than just disturbed about it, and tonight everything seemed so settled. Something wasn't right. There was something that she was missing. And she really needed to find out what that was! She had hoped Armaan and Juhi would talk it out tonight. But her dad and Rahul's presence didn't give them enough time to catch up. And Armaan didn't seem keen on talking anyway. He was satisfied, too satisfied for her mind to rest. She wasn't sure if he was going to talk to her. But she would make sure to talk to Juhi tomorrow if nothing else and ask her about him and his mom and how she had come into the equation. Coz she looked like she cared so much for him. And he did too. How had they come to be so close? And if they were, why was Armaan left to fend for himself all his life! She made up her mind to find all her answers the next day and got back to her file for one last revision.
Armaan was staring at the ceiling, lying awake in his bed waiting for sleep to come to him. It had been almost an hour after everyone had left after dinner but sleep wasn't coming his way. He turned on his side restlessly, bored of doing this waiting now. He looked at his phone that was lying on the side table and wondered if he could call up Riddhima. But what if she was sleeping! He knew she had an important surgery tomorrow. And she was pretty worried about it too. In fact, she had even gone to Sanjeevni after dinner as she had decided earlier. He had offered to take her to the hospital, not wanting to lose a chance to be with her again, but Dr. Shashank had butted in to do the honors himself. So he didn't have much of a choice there. He had offered that Juhi and Rahul stay over at his place for the night. So they could probably sit and chat. But then Juhi reminded him of how she had to perform the surgery tomorrow and needed some sleep. Moreover, Rahul was jet-lagged and needed sleep too. So they had gone back to the hotel they were staying at. That left him sitting home alone with nothing to do. So he just thought about the dinner tonight. Juhi had looked guilty. Riddhima had looked worried. Dr. Shashank was being comparatively nice to him. And Dr. Rahul was looking out for his wife! He wondered why Juhi was feeling so guilty. And Rahul seemed to know about it. He knew why Riddhima was worried. She feared that he would be disturbed by the mention of his mom and his past. She must be thinking that he is pretending to not feel anything. And lessening the intensity of his glares was probably Dr. Shashank's way of showing sympathy to him. But he didn't understand why they were being so sensitive about his feelings. As far as he was concerned, he was extremely happy and contented with his life. He agreed that he had lost his head last night coz Juhi had suddenly brought a flash of the times that he had buried deep within him to the fore. And he had been too overwhelmed by the magnitude of that pain that had been drowned by the deluge of all Riddhima's love. Though he was confused last night about what he wanted, today everything was clear to him again. He had a perfect life. What more could anyone ask for. His Riddhima, a good job, lots of money and a perfect set of friends and family was more than sufficient to have a normal and happy life. He knew his past was always a little bit of a concern, especially for Riddhima. But that's only coz he'd shared that pain with her which he feels when he thinks of that life of his. No one else, not even Nikki seemed to be so sensitive and protective of his feelings, inspite of the fact that she had lived through that time with him. But that was only coz Riddhima was the only person he had given access to this part of his life. The life that he had safely locked up and kept in some dark corner of his mind, the life that he believed had nothing to do with his present. The only time he'd visit that place was when things unexpectedly came up from his past, or on occasions that he felt extremely lonely. But he had learnt well to maintain this difference throughout his life so far. It was a practice that had now become a habit and turned into a belief. And he had no intentions of changing it. And even if Juhi's return had reminded him of the hurt he had felt years ago at being ignored by her, he had learnt to deal with it. In fact, he had forgiven her for it long ago. He was not her responsibility in the first place. All that didn't bother him anymore. It didn't matter anymore. Riddhima and his future with her was all that mattered. His past didn't! And the very thought of the hurt he put her through last night made him clear his mind. Her pain, like always, put into perspective, why his didn't matter. Once that decision was made, he was a happy man. That's why he had been so content with himself, with his life, today. Life was perfect. And as he thought about this perfect dream that he was living with her, he fell asleep with a contended smile playing on his lips. As long as she was with him, he had a future to look forward to and no reason to worry about the past. When she loved him like she did, life didn't seem so unfair. She gave him a reason to smile.. She gave him a reason to breathe.. She gave him a reason to live.. She was his air supply'.
Tum Ho Toh
Tum ho toh gata hai dil
Tum nahi toh geet kahaan
Tum ho toh hai sab hasil
Tum nahi toh kya hai yahan
Tum ho toh hai sapno ke jaisa hasin ek sama
Jo tum ho toh
Yeh lagta hai
Ki mil gaya har khushi
Jo tum na ho
Yeh lagta hai
Ki har khushi main hai kami
Tum ko hai mangti
Yeh zindagi
Tum ho toh
Rahein bhi hai
Tum nahi toh raste kahan
Tum ho toh yahan sabhi hai hai
Tum nahi toh kaun yahan
Tum ho toh hai
Har ek pal meherban
Yeh jahaan
Jo tum ho toh hawa main bhi
Mohabbaton ka rang hai
Jo tum na ho
Toh phir koi na josh na umang hai
Tum mile toh milee
Yeh zindagi..
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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