Hey u aint keeping up with your promise now...u said u ll update every week...where my update for last week??? PLZZZ UPDATEEE SOOONNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Finally, i am here with the update. This time, i have no apologies, you guys can curse me all you want, becoz i know i am uber late (just learnt the word 'uber', thanks to Medzi, and Maitree 😉). I have no excuses this time friends, just a belief, that this is the most awaited installment, and hopefully, you all will like it.
i know that i dont reply to any of your comments, but trust me, i go through each one of them, n they are a power up booster that keep me going, honestly. so i sincerely thank all of you who take the effort to press the like tab, and also those who take out time to pen down the words that boost me. it really means a lot guys.
without more blah blah, here's the part for you, and please dont forget to read the important notes, cum ps's at the end of the part.
Part 10 (iii)
Riddhima was the first one to tear away her gaze, and started collecting the papers that had fallen out of the books. Armaan took this time in looking at her. She tucked away a strand of her hair that came on her face, and continued with the books. In between, she sometimes straightened out her dupatta, or fiddled with her hair, or frowned in irritation. When she put back a lock of hair, he saw that she had earphones plugged in her ear, and her ipod lay nearby, still playing a song. He was put off by this, and to get her attention, he picked up the ipod, and pressed the stop button. This got him the desired effect, as Riddhima looked at him questioningly. This again sent him to his lala land, where Riddhima's innocent questioning gaze held him never to let go of him.
He didnt realise what was happening, as words made way out of his mouth themselves.
"Uh Riddhima i have to tell you a secret, about me. You know, i mean i know you wont believe it, but am gonna tell you the truth, waise bhi i never lie to you, i just cant, pata nai kyun. Still, waise i dont know ki tum iske baad kya sochogi, but i just wanted to tell you, ki, i mean you should know, ki, i have never kissed anyone, i mean yeah obviously i've kissed mom and Muski, but you know i've never kissed that kiss (he raised his eye brows and pointed his finger in a random direction), i hope you are getting my point, but why are you smiling, i didnt crack a joke, i mean i am sure ki tumne bhi kabhi kissi ko kiss nahi kiya haoga..."
Riddhima was coming with her hands full of books, and the last person she wanted to bump into was the one she did bump into. She lost herself as she looked into his eyes, but then suddenly, she remembered what was happening, and broke the eyelock. Anyways, trying her best to get out of the situation, she quickly tried collecting her stuff and leaving off. The song playing on her ipod helped in diverting her attention from Armaan. But suddenly, to her surprise, the song stopped, and she looked up to see that Armaan was the reason for it. He was looking at her, and as she also looked in his eyes, questioning his action, and then, he started speaking, half of which she couldnt get through her. Finally she realised that Armaan had just confessed to her that he hadnt kissed any girl as till yet. The sudden realisation filled her with a sense of glee, but again she got confused asto why was he telling her this. Keeping this thought aside, she smiled as she saw him blabber so cutely whatever came to his mind. But her smile turned into a scowl as he said that he knew she also hadnt kissed anyone till now. She didnt know why, but she didnt like what he said.
"Ridzi, Bhai", Muskaan's voice came from far, and both of their attention was diverted. She was followed up by their whole gang.
"Ridzi, jaldi se bol na, Bhai ne kya bola tujhse, bata na", Muskaan said super excitedly to Riddhima who was giving her a confused expression. Armaan felt stumped as he heard Muskaan. He knew he was gone now. The whole college would know now of his secret, and his reputation would go dumped to the drain. Armaan pleaded through eyes as he saw Riddhima give an assuring look to Armaan, then a confused look first to Muskaan and then to Armaan and the others. But he himself was confused when he saw Riddhima take her ipod, and press a few buttons on it.
"Guys, kya hua, what has happened to you all, tum sab mere aas pass kyun ikathe ho gayye ho?", Riddhima asked everyone as she removed her earphones and kept her ipod inside her bag. The others were as confused and shocked as they ever could be.
"Ridzi, Bhai ne tujhe kya bola, please bata na?", Muskaan said,
"Huh, Muskaan we just bumped and he was helping me pick up my books, and muttering God knows what, some apologies i hope. I was listening to my songs, and didnt bother to listen what 'HE' was speaking", Riddhima stressed on the word 'he' as if she was really disgusted by it. Armaan got what Riddhima was doing, as she winked at him, shocking him beyond limits, but he immediately played along.
"See people, i did tell her my secret, but if she didnt listen to me, not my problem, now, is it?", he grinned as he saw the despair on the faces of his friends. He saw from behind his eye that Riddhima was also suppressing a smile that was threatning to make way on her face. He didnt want her in trouble after what she'd done for him, so he made his move.
"Chalo guys, bohut ho gaya tumhara drama, lets go and continue our game", Armaan spoke, and everyone agreed as they had no choice. Riddhima was initially refusing, but Muskaan forced her to come along. On their way back, Muskaan updated Riddhima about their game, and the new couple Anny and Chako. Armaan was walking in front with his friends giving him glares, and when he heard Muskaan tell Riddhima about Anny and Chako, he decided to give his golden views to them, so he turned back, only to look at a sight that left him mesmerized. Riddhima was laughing at sumthing that Muskaan had said, and Armaan smiled watching her laugh so openly, it appeared to him as if the whole environment had started smiling with her. They reached back to the place where they were playing their game, and while everyone was settling besides the circular table, Armaan chose to settle down late, so that he could sit next to Riddhima. Finally Riddhima sat down, but immediately, Sumit took the seat next to her. He was about to take the other seat, but Rahul jumped on that one, followed by Muskaan. Armaan was left with no choice but to sit on the seat opposite Riddhima. He didnt mind much, becoz now he got to look at her directly. He saw Rahul lean towards Riddhima, and speak sumthing in her ear, to which she giggled immediately like a school girl, and Armaan shook his head in amusement.
"Ridzi, please yaar, bacha le mujhe, ye Muskaan aaj mere sir pe talwaar latkaaye baithi hai, chahe main truth mangoon ya dare, ye mujhe kachcha chabaa jaaye, please help me", Rahul whispered in Riddhima's ear, while she just giggled away. The bottle was spun by Armaan, and it was Simran's turn, who chose dare, and her dare was given by Muskaan, that she had to talk to a guy seductively, except Sumit, for about 10 minutes. Simran and Sumit gave Muskaan 'the angry glare', while Muskaan grinned sheepishly. But the tables turned back on Muskaan, when the guy Simran chose was Rahul. The gang didnt know whose expressions were the best while Simran used that husky tone on Rahul, Sumit and Muskaan, who were flaring with rage, Simran who looked the she-devil in that avtaar, Rahul whose face was as red as a tomato looked as if he would die right now with embarasment, or the others who tried hard to suppress their giggles, but ultimately failing, died hard of laughing.
Finally after it all took a break, Armaan spinned the bottle, and it rested on the most awaited person, Riddhima. Riddhima was actually quite shocked, and kept her gaze fixed at the bottle. Everyone went silent for a few seconds, waiting for Riddhima's answer. Armaan saw that Riddhima raised her eyes to steal one glance at him, and he knew she'd read the evil grin on his face. He had it planned, if Riddhima chose truth, he would directly ask her the question, and if she chose dare, he would dare her to call him by his name in front of everyone. Riddhima seemed to have understood his sly grin, because she closed her eyes, and taking a long breath, she whispered, "Dare".
"Yippee, Ridzi teri dare main doongi. Remember what i asked you to do a few days ago, haan, bas wahi, its your dare for the day. Go ahead and fulfill your dare my child, may God bless you always", Muskaan first jumped in excitement, and then pretended to be the priest as she blessed Riddhima. Armaan was left gawking, what the hell was up with Muskaan. He couldnt believe what had just happened. His own sister had left no stone unturned in making his fool-proof plan a big flop. Armaan felt like punching her right now, but what caught his attention was the pleading look that Riddhima was giving Muskaan. Riddhima's eyes were literally begging, but Muskaan's sly smile had no end. Now Armaan really wanted Muskaan to turn into his punching bag. Why was Muskaan doing this to Riddhima, werent they bestest of best friends then?
"Muskaan, kya dare hai, humein bhi bata na", Sumit asked, as he'd also seen the expressions of discomfort on Riddhima's face, while Muskaan just replied, "Dekhte jao". What Armaan saw next wasnt liked much by him, Rahul had held Riddhima's hand and was squeezing it, while he nodded, as if to say that everything will be alright. Rahul was Muskaan's boyfriend, and he shouldnt be so close to Riddhima. He was about to call off Muskaan's dare, when Riddhima spoke up.
"Ok Muskaan, i'll do the dare, but only if Rahul gets to share the dare with me, or else i'll quit the game", Riddhima said softly, but with a firmness in her voice. Muskaan was momentarily surprised, but holding herself together, she nodded. Riddhima turned to Rahul, who was equally shocked as others after Riddhima's condition.
"Ridzi, what am i supposed to do. I dont even know the dare", the expressions of fear on Riddhima's face had scared him too, and when it came to Muskaan, no one could guarantee anything.
"Rahul, you wanted me to save you, right, so this is the chance. Dont worry, i wont let you do anything dangerous", and after this, Riddhima whispered a few words in Rahul's ear. That seemed to bring back the lost colour on Rahul's face, as he rushed inside the college building. Everyone was surprised by what was happening, when they saw Rahul come back, and this time, he was carrying a guitar with him. Everyone had a shrewd idea of what the task would be, but none of them knew that Riddhima played the guitar too. They continued watching, as Rahul came and settled back on his seat nextto Riddhima. He leaned towards her, and whispered something in her ear, to which Riddhima gave one of her beautiful smiles which made Armaan's heart flutter. It was then that Riddhima started speaking,
"So friends, my dare is to sing a song, here, in front of you all, given by my dearest Muskaan Mallik. But there's a slight change, Muskaan, i will sing a song, but a dedication, u know, for a very special person, and my song is dedicated to you Muskaan"
Everyone had big smiles when Riddhima said this, especially Muskaan. She mouthed a thank you to Riddhima, but Riddhima had more to say.
"Na na na, not so soon missy, ye thank you koi aur deserve karta hai, becoz this song is a dedication to Muskaan, from my dearest friend, Rahul", saying this, Riddhima patted Rahul from behind.
This relevation from Riddhima made all the people really excited, they clapped, wolf-whistled and cheered around. Armaan felt a little awkward by Rahul's pda, and when he turned to see Muskaan's expression, he ws surprised. Muskaan was glaring at Rahul. Rahul on the other hand gave a look which Armaan deciphered as a wicked naughty glint. Armaan saw Rahul mouth the words, 'Payback Time' in Muskaan's direction, and wondered whichever song on earth was Riddhima going to sing to make Muskaan this angry.
They were all sitting now on a square table after shifting from the round table, Riddhima and Rahul on one side, Anny and Chako adjacent to them, next to them were Armaan and Muskaan, as in Armaan was directly opposite Riddhima, and Rahul was opposite Muskaan, and Sumit and Simran were next, opposite to Anny and Chako. The rest of the college had suddenly gathered as Rahul started strumming the guitar and a soft music filled the whole environment. Armaan saw Muskaan's face filled with shock as she looked at Rahul, while as the others took in the music, the couples raised up holding each other's hands, and set flowing along the music.
Kisi ko sapna lagey tu, kisi ko behti hawa Kisi ko bas baaton mein, kare pal mein yahan wahan
(Armaan turned immediately as he heard that enchanting voice, to see Riddhima, look at Muskaan, and then at Rahul, with a dreamy look in her eyes)
Kisi ke sau jhoot sun le, kisi ka sacch bhi ghunah Kisi ka bas yaadon mein, kare hulchul saara jahaan
(Riddhima nudged Rahul with a naughty teasing grin on her face, and nodded at him, to which Rahul handed over the guitar to her and went over to Muskaan, holding her hand, and leading her to dance with him)
Te amo me te amo Tu chaon hai, tu dhoop hai Te amo me te amo Tere hazaaron roop hai Koi samja nahin, jo bhi hai bas khoob hai Falling so crazy in love Te amo me te amo Tu chaon hai, tu dhoop hai Te amo me te amo Tere hazaaron roop hai
(Armaan saw the momentary shock disappear from Muskaan's face as she followed Rahul and they danced with each other, he immediately shifted his eyes from them, not liking to invade in their personal time, surveying all the couples who danced nearby, when his eyes finally rested on Riddhima. Riddhima was still settled opposite him, with the guitar now resting in her lap, sending beautiful vibes all around, and Riddhima was singing continuously, admiring all the couples around. Armaan sat staring at her face, as she seemed too involved in the song to notice him. He realised that every word she sang, suited her perfectly. He himself couldnt have chosen any other song better than this one, he watched as mesmerized and a feeling of out of the world engulfed him, as he heard her sing)
Kabhi lagey raaton mein main khwaabon se baatien karoon Subha hogi khwaabon ko main kaabu karoon Kabhi lagey taaron se bhi, unchi udaane baroon Kabhi lagey baadalon se jaibein baroon Te amo me te amo Taare ginnu tere liye Te amo me te amo Saare chunu tere liye Khwaab saare bunu tere hi tere liye Falling so crazy in love Te amo me te amo Taare ginnu tere liye Te amo me te amo
(Armaan didnt know what happened suddely, a gush of wind passed him, and he saw Riddhima break out of her trance of viewing the couples, and look directly at him. Feeling a strong gaze on her, and knowing she couldnt avoid it anymore, as if she wanted to avoid it in the first place, she shifted her eyes from the others, to meet those of the person who sat directly opposite her, looking at her with all the intensity in the world. She was captured into those electically magnifying orbs of his, and knew she couldnt shift her gaze, she just couldnt. Right then, a guy she knew from her class came and forwarded his hand to take the guitar from her, and she could do nothing but comply to his request. As if waiting for this moment, she saw Armaan come and taking her hand, led her amongst the other couples, all this while not breaking the eye contact)
Kabhi lagey mili nahin, tumse main khwaabon mein bhi Kabhi lagey kahin toh hai ristha koi Kabhi lagey choo tumhe, yunhi khayalon mein hi Kabhi lagey nahin nahin chhori nahin
(Armaan didnt know how and when, but automatically as he saw her looking into his eyes, his heart acted on its own accord, and took her to dance with the others. Armaan knew Riddhima was captured in his gaze, and he used this to his advantage. Holding her this close to him, the storm that had arosen in his heart since he'd met her settled automatically. As she continued her song, Armaan felt as if she was now singing the song to him, and he knew he was the luckiest man on earth. Slowly, his hands slid down her waist, and he pulled her closer to himself. To avoid the sudden jerk, Riddhima's hands engulfed themselves around Armaan's neck. Their bodies were pressed together, and Armaan felt her hot breat on his face as she sang the song. Now, her voice had gone a bit softer, like she only wanted to sing it for him. Armaan leaned his face, touching his forehead with hers, and in a response, Riddhima closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. Their bodies were inched even more closer, that is to say if it was even possible. None of them wanted this moment to end. Riddhima's voice still enlightened the atmosphere, where all the couples were left to their world of fantasies, and the ones who were single, were in their dreamland, thinking about their prospective partners. So taken was the atmosphere, that none of them noticed the glow that was radiated from the couple dancing unknowingly in the centre, Armaan and Riddhima) Te amo me te amo Tu paas hai par door hai Te amo me te amo Jaata nahin yeh noor hai Teri chhori bhi yeh manzoor manzoor hai Falling so crazy in love Te amo me te amo
(Armaan could no longer bear the separation of his orbs from hers, and taking his hand to her chin, he lifted her face, and felt her shiver slightly, as she faced him, with her eyes closed. He needed nothing else, as his hand moved from her chin, slowly to her eyes. When he still did not get what he wanted, his hand moved back to her lips. Just as he touched her upper lip slighty, her eyes flew open in amazement, and this made him smile. Seeing him smile, she finally concluded the last lines of the song. His presence so close to him had visibly shaken her, so much that singing the last few lines was also becoming a Hercules task for her. But looking directly into his eyes, she sang the last few lines, putting all her emotions in it)
Te amo me te amo Jaata nahin yeh noor hai
(-----------------------------)
For a few seconds, no one realised that the song had finished. Everyone was still lost in the magic of the environment. Armaan and Riddhima looked into each other's eyes, as if there was no tomorrow. Armaan's face came closer to her, with the intention of sealing the moment with a kiss. Suddenly, someone jumped on Armaan from back, and closed his eyes, to recover from the shock of which Armaan took back his hands to steady his body. Riddhima wasnt prepared for this, and losing her support, she immediately fell back on the ground. Coming back to reality was enough to shake her, so much that she herself got up immediately, while the others also came out of their lost world. Muskaan saw Riddhima fall, and rushed to her, while followed closely by Rahul.
"Riddhima, are you all right, kahi lagi to nai na?", Muskaan asked, but Riddhima nodded to assure her she was fine. After that they shifted their attention to the ongoing scene, where Armaan's eyes were closed by someone behind his back, and he was struggling to come out of that hold.
"Aargh, leave me, how dare you, get off me", Armaan shouted, and as if the person finally pitied him, removed the hands. Armaan immediately turned around, and that was when Riddhima also noticed the person.
"Mallika?", Riddhima heard Muskaan utter in shock right next to her, while this was the same thing that escaped Armaan's mouth, but contrarily to Muskaan, his voice held enthusiasm and happiness. She saw him hugging her tightly, and this stung Riddhima, to the end. But reality struck her. She was dreading the thing that was about to happen a few minutes ag.o, and its consequences. She knew she wouldnt have stopped him, no matter what happened. She herself was too lost in that moment, enjoying every feeling that passed her. After sharing that intimate moment with him, she thought that this distraction in the form of Mallika was most welcome.
"Muskaan, kya hua, why does your face look like...?", Riddhima asked Muskaan in a worried tone,
"Ridzi, i dunno why has this bit*h come back. I so hate her, isne abtak jo bhi kiya wo kaafi nahi tha kya, that she's again here to create another disaster", Muskaan said with hatred for the girl. Riddhima was very confused, Armaan looked really happy becoz oF Mallika's arrival.
"But Muskaan, look at your brother, he's so happy, the way he's talking to her, it looks like they are pretty old, friends, close ones i must say", said Riddhima in a confused voice. By then, Sumit, Simran, Anny and Chako had also come and joined them.
"Riddhima you dont know anything, isliye aise bol rahi ho. But you are also not wrong, jab Armaan ko hie past se koi shikayat nahi hai, to tumhe sab natural lagna to obvious hai na", Anny said. This confused Riddhima even more.
"Guys, aakhir baat kya hai? Clearly batao na, aise paheliyaan mat bujhao please. Temme what is the actual thing?", Riddhima finally asked.
"Actually Riddhima, Mallika was Armaan's very good friend, best friend types, since high school. They were doing fine, until first year of college. But then everyone started linking them up, right from day 1. They did make a good pair indeed, so Armaan also started thinking along these lines, and when he proposed to Mallika, she heartily accepted it in one go, becoz she said she also loved him secretly", Sumit said.
"In those days, Armaan didnt feel much more happier he was on cloud nine. They were the hottest pair of the college, the most popular ones", Anny added.
"But then, one day, a young lad came from the States. His name was some Rohit, yeah, Rohit hie tha. He had come on an exchange program to the college, and was a very talented photographer in the States. His dad had a renowned modelling firm there, to which he was the sole heir, and what more could Mallika ask for. She saw a perfect future in getting closer to Rohit, a safe modelling career, and what not. She broke up with Armaan, saying that she was with him, only becoz it made her the most popular girl of the college, and so much more", Simran said angrily.
"Ridzi, it broke Bhai, he was literally shaken from inside. I had seen him, i've been with him since i opened my eyes. He was a flirt, and had been into too many relationships in school too, but that was all casual. With Mallika, he'd actually fallen for her, and it shattered him when she left. After that, its been two years to that incident, and Bhai doesnt give a damn about relationships. He changes girl-friends faster than we can say a hi and bye. He doesnt hurt them, they are just a casual fling material for him, but i know it still hurts Bhai, when in tranquility, he remembers her. And aaj ye wapis aayi hai, and Bhai is happy to see her, maybe he thinks she's come back to repent her mistake, and has come back to her true love. But i know, even if she's back, there's gotta be a catch somewhere, and i cant see Bhai hurt again Ridzi. This time he wont be able to take it, i just know it. Why does God do this always to my Bhai...?", Muskaan broke off, as tears spilled from her eyes, and she ran away. Riddhima wanted to go behind her, but the others stopped her, saying that let her be alone for a few minutes, and walked away. She saw Rahul standing there, without any reaction. She went over to him.
"Rahul, kya hua, kya soch raha hai?"
"Riddhima, pata nahi, i dunno, and i dont understand. Muskaan was always so worried about Armaan, chhoti chhoti baat pe she used to get protective about him, and i just ignored it all. Mujhe kya pata tha ki uski is chulbulahat ke peechhe itna dard chhupa hai. I feel so miserable, becoz i couldnt understand her. Now i really wonder if i deserve her?", Rahul asked with questioning eyes.
"Rahul, i agree with you. Muskaan has hidden her pain real well, but dont blame yourself for not knowing her pain. She had it masked way too perfectly. And tum koi mind reader nai ho, that you will know about her, without her telling you. I know, relationships mein you need to feel what the other has in mind, but uske liye, you need time. Muskaan and you have gotten together just now, and you need to give time to each other, to understand the other well. And Muskaan, useh bas thoda khulne ka time do, once she opens up to you properly, am sure you guys will have a good life ahead, trust me"
"I think tum sahi ho, and now i should go search her, its been already a few minutes that she left", Rahul said.
"Umm Rahul, dont mind, but abhi mujhe uske pass jaane do. I think i should go and talk to her, shewont be able to talk about her bro with you, i mean, i hope you understand what i mean..."
"Ridzi, relax. Itna kyun hesitate kar rahi ho, Muskaan pe jitna hak mera hai, us se thoda zaada shayad tumhara hai. You go and talk to her, i'll wait for you in the canteen", Rahul said and she gave an assuring smile.
Just as Riddhima moved to search Muskaan, she heard sumthing.
"Seriously yaar, aaj to baal baal bacha hoon. Had my secret come out, meri reputation ki dhajjiyaan ud jati college mein. Am telling you, i so cant afford it the next time",
"Dont worry Armaan, i'll help you in every way. After all, we have a beautiful memories together, dont we?"
Armaan and Mallika's voices rang in her ears. It stung her to see Armaan go awy with Mallika, with his hand engulfing her waist. But what surprised was that how could Mallika help Armaan in this situation. Riddhima would've stopped to think more, but heart didnt want more, and moreover she had Muskaan to search for, who was her priority right now.
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Precap: -Riddhima sees sumthing she shouldnt have -Few hurts, heartbreaks, anger, mixed emotions -Riddhima and Nikita have a heart to heart conversation -Nikita tells briefly about her past -A new day, and new changes in college -The first meeting for the college newspaper, very interesting...
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IMPORTANT NOTE / PS 1 : Guys, its 'Back To Hostel' time for me. And as you all know, though i am an irregular updater in my vacations, i totally disappear during my normal college time. So i guess it wont be real soon till i post uo the next update. And that could mean 1 month, or a bit more too. As much as you guys hate this break, trust me i loath it too, for so many reasons. I miss my bestie, i miss my lappy, i miss your awessum comments, i miss IF, i miss everything that here. But i guess that's wahts life :(
IMPORTANT NOTE / PS 2 : My friend list has reached heights, and trust me, this aint good. Sending pms to all of you, when just a few of you read my ffs, is getting tough day by day. So like many other writers, i have planned to go back to my other idea of sending pms, that is another account. All those who want a pm, are requested to please add the user given below to your buddy list, or you can mention in your comment that you want a pm. Please follow either of the two options only, becoz the next time i am back, i'll follow these two things to add you to my new account of pms. I am sure it wont take more than a few seconds for that. Also, all the people who were previously in that id, have been removed, sorry for that, but i wanted to know how many people are reading the ffs at present, and want to do so in future.
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