Chapter 32: What The Hell Happened In Vegas?!
"I'll be late'Don't wait up for me'" I read his text for the nth time and sighed. What was up with him? The indifference, the sudden distance?
Everything had been perfect. It'd been a good week and half since we got back from Vegas, but things were not the way they used to be before the trip. Obvious changes had taken place once I began working with Smart, while Armaan's internship had finally started. But there was something else going on as well, something I was clueless about what had brought that on.
I drove back and tried hard to remember. Searching for answers. Answers which would explain why he was behaving the way he was. Shutting my eyes and lying down on the couch, I zoomed back a few days earlier'
"Are you feeling better now?" He asked me softly. I just continued to ignore him and looked straight ahead at the road in front of me, although I couldn't see anything besides the two spotlights of the jeep's headlights falling on the blackness. "How long are you going to ignore me for?" He sighed sadly. "You haven't talked to me in over an hour now, except for the 'Go Slow' warning you gave me."
I huffed and stared out the window, determined to ignore his attempts at being caring.
It'd been over 3 hours ago that we had begun our 'road trip'. Having started at past-midnight, it was still extremely dark, but we would at least reach Vegas before dawn. And that was the only thought which was keeping me from strangling Armaan to death. I needed someone to drive me back to a place which wasn't devoid of human inhabitation, much like the roads we were taking right now.
Oh, you might be wondering why I want to strangle my good-for-nothing boyfriend? Oh let's see shall we? In spite of having pleaded with him to book a flight, in spite of constant reminders of being extremely car-sick, he still had refused to be sensitive to the issue. As a result of his caring and loving self, I had puked 3 times in the past 2 hours. It wasn't a very pleasant feeling.
"I'm sorry!" He said in a baby-voice. Oh no, Mallik! You think that will melt me?! No it won't, I thought. "Munchkin!" He said in a sugar-sweet voice. "I love you!" He smiled at me, his dimples showing. I averted my gaze at once. His dimples were pathetically, annoyingly cute!
"I don't! Just drive." I said menacingly. I eyed him from the corner and saw a huge, cute pout adorning his face. But I was way too mad at him to pull his cheeks and kiss him.
"I don't like it when you don't talk to me." He scowled and said it in an audible whisper. I rolled my eyes. "I didn't know your car-sickness was this bad!" He said guiltily.
"Then you're deaf too along with being insensitive and stupid!" I replied back in a monotone. "Now I'm going to try and sleep! If you would excuse me!" I gave him a sardonic smile which he returned with a cute, sad one and shut my eyes, leaning my head against the window. I wondered how long it would be before we finally reached. I could yet again feel the nausea building, and I badly wanted to get rid of it.
"Do you want to stop at a motel or something for the night? Maybe you would feel better." I felt him caress my cheek with his knuckles. I opened my eyes and shook my head.
"No, I just want to get there fast." I sighed and tried to go to sleep as soon as possible before my tummy decided to turn upside down again.
"Fine, don't worry! We'll be there in another 2 hours or so okay? According to the GPS at least!" He held my hand and kissed it once. Smiling a little, I fell into a light slumber.
"Munchkin you've got to see this!" His hands were in my hair, and I smiled as his breath kissed my face. "Wake up darling!" He murmured.
"Are we there yet?" I asked sleepily, still not opening my eyes.
"No, a few minutes away. But look around!" I heard the excitement in his voice. I opened my eyes and felt the sharp light pierce my sight. Blinking a few times, I took in the whole view in front of me, through the windshield.
A gasp escaped me. I had never seen a more beautiful sight. I smiled as I stared out at the colors of blue, pink and orange mingling in a wet wash of sunlight and clouds.
"I knew you would love it!" I heard him and nodded.
"Its so beautiful!" I sighed happily. His hold on my hand tightened and I realized he hadn't let gone of it ever since I fell asleep.
"It is. That's why I stopped!" He said, and I grinned at how proud he was of himself.
I looked down at the road, and saw a few cars pass us by.
"How far are we?" I asked.
"A few minutes away, we'll reach the entry. Do you want to leave?" He asked me with a smile. He must have read my mind, not a novelty, because I had no intention of letting go of this paradise sight.
"5 minutes?" I gave him a sheepish smile. He rolled his eyes and leaned forward to kiss my cheek.
"Do you feel better now though?" He asked me concerned, and I could see he really was feeling guilty. I smiled and nodded. "Good then you can enjoy your No. 3 Crazy Fantasy!" He winked at me and chuckled.
"Huh?" I frowned, confused.
"Oh yeah, the kiss is missing!" He said cheekily. He leaned in, as his lips touched mine. I was still too shocked to respond, as my mind reeled over what he'd said. And then I realized what he was talking about. My 5 Crazy Fantasies. But how did he know?
"How'd you know?" I pulled out with a jerk, as he scowled at having stopped his stupid dream. "Mallik, how'd you know?" I narrowed my eyes and saw realization dawn on his face, as his eyes widened. He looked at me and smiled lamely. "Mallik." I said in a threateningly low voice. He gulped before looking around everywhere except me.
"What a beautiful place. You know we should come this side more often!" He said in a fake excited tone.
"I can't believe you read my diary!" I yelped and saw him stiffen at the loudness. "You just never leave an opportunity to make me angry! Armaan how dare you! That was personal!" I groaned.
"Munchkin, I'm sorry. It was just in front of me, and you were in the wash. I was bored and I just thought that what secrets could you possibly have from me. So I kind of'flicked..through the pages. Just flicked I swear!" He said sheepishly. I scowled.
"Flicked? Seriously? Then you have awesome memory power, to remember this intricate detail!" I said through gritted teeth.
"I am a doctor!" He said and shrugged. That did it. I punched him crazy, as he fell backwards against the window. "I'm sorry Munchkin!" He kept repeating. Finally losing all my energy, I relaxed and sat back, but this time, I was more determined than ever to not talk to him for as long as I live. Okay, for a few days at least.
I felt the car vibrate and realized he had started the engine again. Huffing, I crossed my arms and looked outside at the other road-goers happily heading towards the Casino Paradise.
"By the way darling, my favorite fantasy was the French Kiss on Eiffel Tower at Sunset. I love French kisses, I love sunset and the most important thing, I love you!" He said cheekily, his hand grazing my cheek. I shut my eyes tight and felt blood rush up to my cheeks. I heard him laugh at my embarrassed state and groaned. "But actually, nah, I love all of them. Its hard to choose! The dream Condo in Hollywood. Our own personal and private yacht. And oh, the 'ahem' on a beach in Miami. It really is hard to choose!" He guffawed while I cursed him with choicest of abuses under my breath. "I promise I'll make it all come true." He said softly. I looked at him and saw a soft smile playing on his lips. Knowing him, I knew he would.
"To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada!" I murmured happily as we passed through the streets filled with people and excitement. It was weird how the air around here had a completely new feel to it.
"You've never been to Vegas before, have you?" He asked me with a smirk, dampening all my spirits. I gritted my teeth, but didn't answer. He knew the fact, and he yet chose to annoy me with it. He had always been on about how he'd been to Vegas on his 18th birthday with his college mates, and how he'd rendezvoused with multiple dates. And now that we were dating - he would exaggerate the latter fact a bit more than usual.
"No Armaan, not everyone's had awesome 18th birthdays like you!" I said sardonically.
"It'll be more fun to watch at night!" Armaan said with a smile. "Trust me!" He winked at me.
"Oh I can't wait to play!" I rubbed my hands together in excitement. I hugged Armaan's jacket closer to myself, which he had given me the night before while sleeping.
"Do you even know how to play?" Armaan asked, frowning. I looked at him sheepishly.
"Well'No..I mean, not poker and stuff'But I could play on those slot machines!" I said lamely. I felt like an idiot, not knowing anything about a place I was visiting. But I had never been to such places before, leave aside Vegas, and nor had I ever been interested in gaming and gambling.
I saw Armaan smirk, on the verge of laughter and further cursed myself for being so stupid.
"Its okay hun, I'll show you around. And poker really isn't that hard to understand. You can play with me!" He winked at me, while I shrugged in a no-choice sort of way.
"Where are we staying again?" I asked, trying hard to divert his attention. He smiled seeing through my attempts, but went with the flow anyway.
"Bellagio! I wish I could've taken you to Caesars Palace where Nikki's staying! Its an awesome place, that's where we'd stayed too, but you know'Umm'" He said sheepishly. I smiled at him.
"I don't care! I'm with you!" I grinned at him, holding his hand. He smiled back, squeezing my hand.
"But we will be spending our time with Nikki over there anyway! Only, the rooms there are spectacular! We had turned the entire suite into a bachelor pad, and I still remember how Sam had thrown up on that girl he'd brought with him. And to think I was his wingman! He embarrassed me in front of both our dates! Of course Mike hadn't come up from the casinos, so he had no idea." He laughed.
"You both went to your room with dates?" I asked uncertainly. I didn't know his joke had had literal meaning to it! All the while I thought he'd been joking to annoy me.
"Yeah! But they left after Sam threw up on his! It was a shame, the night could've been so much better!" He said dreamily, while I narrowed my eyes at him. "What?" He asked me, shrugging. "That was way before I even met you, Munchkin!"
"Armaan, you met me when I was barely a year old!" I said scowling.
"Okay, correction, before I met you again!" He grinned.
"Whatever! If I see one big-butted bimbo around you while we're here, I'm going to chop you alive, and eat you up too!" I snarled at him.
"Geez Munchkin, at least save your real evil side for later, so that I don't get second thoughts about you!" He said sarcastically. I glared at him and that was his cue to shut up.
"WOW!" I gasped as soon as we stopped outside Bellagio. I really had no idea what Armaan was so sorry about, because the structure itself was enough to take my breath away.
"The rest of Vegas is way better Munchkin!" He held my hand to lead me inside. Gasps kept leaving as we moved across the lobby. The way Armaan had been talking, I definitely hadn't expected this.
Through my awed gazes around the place, I didn't realize when we'd reached our room.
As he opened the door, I stood transfixed outside, as my gaze wandered around, and I was sure my jaw had touched the perfectly carpeted royal floor.
Done up in a shade of pure white and blue, the room was small, but nevertheless-beautiful. I dragged my bag inside, which Armaan had very chivalrously left behind, and let my eyes go in a circle, taking in the coziness of the room. A nice cozy couch sat in one corner, with a huge walk-in closet next to it. It sure would be fun to dress up here, I thought. I walked to the window smiling widely and gaped at the view - a whole view of the city was visible, and like Armaan had mentioned before, I couldn't wait to the see the City of Lights at night! I turned to Armaan who wore a huge smile on his face.
"I don't understand." Was all I could muster. I saw his grin turn into a frown.
"Huh?" He asked confused.
"I mean, Armaan, forget this resort, I don't need to tell you how exquisite it is, but this room too? Armaan it must have cost us a fortune!" I muttered as I felt the excitement wear off. I saw him smile softly and walk towards me. Holding my chin up, which had dropped down, he gave me a small peck, making me smile slightly.
"It cost me a fortune. Not us, me." He winked. I frowned.
"No, Armaan, I thought we decided we would be splitting the expenses!" I said indignantly.
"Riddhima, we're living together anyway! What difference? Who cares, who pays, me or you?" He shrugged.
"Well, okay then, I'll pay for the rest of the trip!" I said crossly. But then I realized I hardly had funds, let alone those which could compensate the trip. I knew Armaan was thinking the same thing, as he smirked at me.
"Yeah okay, sure!" He said sardonically.
"I'm serious. Once I start earning, I'll pay you back!" I shot back indignantly.
"Okay, Riddhima, enough." He said sternly. "Does it matter if I pay? And yes, this room and stuff is expensive, I'll be honest, but its not like we'll suffer because of that. I took it out from my savings." He shrugged.
"Savings?" I said blankly. "You had savings?" I raised my eyebrows. He smiled and nodded, pulling me closer by my waist.
"Yep. I've been saving since I was 15." He said proudly.
"At that age guys normally save up for something they really want. What did you save up for?" I asked suspiciously. "It definitely can't be this'" I gestured towards the room.
"Okay, fine, I was saving up for something. Bu-"
"What were you saving up for Armaan?" I asked sternly. I hoped and wished he hadn't given up something important for this!
"It was nothing Munchkin, just some stupid teenage fantasy! Nothing big!" He was lying. I could tell.
"Armaan." I sighed, indicating it was useless to even try lying to me.
"When I first realized that I loved photography, I obviously couldn't tell Mum and Dad about it. And umm, those Digital SLR Cameras cost a lot, and well, obviously once I realized that photography would be pretty impossible to pursue because of medicine, I didn't really get to buy one even when I had enough. So I thought I'd save up for something better." He shrugged.
"Armaan you are doing photography now, but you still spent all of it!" I said shocked.
"No Munchkin, not all of it! I've been saving since the past 6 to 7 years! You honestly didn't think all my savings would be over because of this trip right? I'm not dumb sweetheart, I obviously wouldn't spend it all in one place!" He winked at me. He thought this was a joke.
"Armaan seriously, once I start earning, I'm paying you back!" I concluded.
"No Rid-"
"NO Armaan! I can't let you do that?! And why would you even do such a thing! For 3 days? And I thought you were the practical one of the two of us!" I said exasperated and began pacing around the room.
"Riddhima look, this was our first trip, to Vegas, and well, I've never even taken you out on a proper date ever, and-"
"Armaan you can't be serious about making this a compensation for not taking me out on a date!" I said angrily.
"Riddhima, I swear I haven't spent all of it on this okay, so you can relax!" He said irritably.
"How could you even spend a little of it Armaan? You honestly think I would say nothing about how stupidly you've behaved?" I snapped.
"Riddhima, I did this for you! I just wanted to make these 3 days the best of our lives!" He shrugged.
"WHY? Armaan, we're going to have plenty of opportunities for trips like these! We've got a whole life ahead of us!" I said, exhausted.
"I know Riddhima, but you've always been that kind of a person who would want your first to be something memorable. And this was our first trip together!" He replied back quietly. I looked at him shocked.
"Why the sudden need to please me Armaan? I'm not your parents who you would need to please all the time!" I snapped back at the baseless accusation.
"Excuse me?" He said indignantly.
"Okay sorry, I didn't mean it that way, Armaan, but still! Who the hell said that we need to have a fancy hotel and a fancy room to make this trip memorable?" I said exasperated. To that he had no answer. "Why Armaan? I can't believe how silly you've behaved! No wonder you were all so secretive whenever I would ask you about the hotel bookings and stuff!" I sighed.
"I was behaving secretive to surprise you. Because I'm in love with you. If that is too much for you to understand then-"
"I know that! Armaan I know how much you love me. Then why all these attempts to prove it to me?" I asked quietly. He looked at me shocked. "I've noticed this Armaan, don't look at me that way! Since we've started going out, you've always had this baseless urgency to prove how much I mean to you!" I said softly. I walked to him and gave him a light peck on his cheek. "Why, Armaan? Don't trust your Munchkin enough with your feelings?" I asked uncertainly.
"Riddhima, this conversation's moving without any head and tail. There's nothing like that hun!" He cupped my face and murmured softly.
"Then why all of this?" I asked.
"There is no reason except that I wanted to make these 3 days special. You're the one who wants me to be romantic!" He argued.
"Romantic, not stupid!" I snapped.
"What's the difference, I'm in love with you!" He winked at me. Narrowing my eyes, I glared at him, but he grinned down at me unfazed. "Seriously Munchkin, stop reading so much into it okay! I trust you with my life, and I'm not trying to prove anything to you!" He kissed my forehead, letting his lips linger there. I knew I wasn't reading too much into it, and I knew every word I'd spoken was true. And Armaan knew this as well. But being him, he would never admit it, because that would mean talking about it, and I knew how much he hated putting his feelings into words. It was what had stopped him from telling his parents about his passion for photography. It was what had stopped him from telling me he loved me over the past 3 years. But at the same time, I knew I was the first person he'd ever been so expressive with. And for that, I loved him more. "Now, can we just assume this conversation didn't take place and start over, where you be all surprised and happy and kiss me crazy?" He said cheekily. Not being able to stop my smile this time, I grinned back up at him and shook my head.
"Oh my God, Armaan! All of this? For me? What have I done to deserve this pleasure?" I said in mock surprise.
"I love you!" He held me tight, and I felt him nuzzling in my hair. Sighing, and letting the issue pass for now, I hugged him back, burying my face in his neck, and planting a little kiss over there.
"I love you too baby!" I sighed. I looked up at him, tip-toed and kissed him softly, letting him live his moment.
"And don't worry, we'll cut down on our honeymoon!" He said, his tone serious, and I looked at him shocked. Give up my honeymoon? No way! "How I love messing with you!" He laughed, making me roll my eyes and shoot him with deadly glares. "But see why I didn't spend on flight tickets! I did try my best to be practical you know!" He argued.
"Wow, flight tickets! What a save!" I said in a monotone. He sighed and shrugged in an 'I-Give-Up' sort of way.
Pulling out, I looked around at the room once again, feelings of guilt, uncertainty and excitement creeping in all together!
My eyes stopped at the double bed done up in blue and white silk comforters. I raised my eyebrows at Armaan who followed my gaze.
"Please tell me you haven't booked two of these rooms!" I almost expected him to say 'Yes, I have.' but looked at him confused when I saw apprehension dawn on his face.
"Uh, yeah, about that. Umm, the single bed ones weren't really nice and so I thought, you know'I really liked the look of this room, and it was affordable-"
"However impractical." I commented on the last word.
"-and I thought you'd like it." He finished. I looked at him and sighed.
"I loved it!" I said, caressing his cheek. "Thank you!" I smiled at him, and saw him smile back, widely. "And about the double bed, I think you're forgetting that it was me who used to sneak into your bed at night!" I said cheekily, and saw his dimples deepen. Poking them, I continued, "I trust you with my life." I whispered and saw his eyes twinkle at the use of his words.
"Really now? And how do you know what my intentions are?" He murmured huskily, and for a moment, I swayed at intensity of passion in his eyes.
"For a person who put pillows between himself and his girlfriend the first time she slept in his arms, I think I'll be okay!" I averted my gaze from his, and shot back. Hiding myself in his arms again, I sighed, content with life once again.
"Oh, thank God you're here!" Nikki shouted as soon as we stepped into her suite. Pouncing on me, she pulled me into a rib-crashing hug, knocking all the air out of me.
"Niks'choking'me!" I managed to spill out, my eyes wide, staring at Abhi who was standing right behind Nikki, but his expressions seemed wary.
"Oi!" I felt Armaan arms pulling me back. "Stop killing my girlfriend!" He murmured as he pulled me out. But Nikki was far from getting offended, as she pounced on him next.
"I'm so glad you guys are finally here!" We heard her say.
"Geez Nikki, and we thought you would be enjoying more with your hubby dearest here!" Armaan joked and patted her back. I narrowed my eyes as Nikki made no attempt to let go off him. Although it was only Nikki, and although she was married to someone, I still couldn't take the idea of any girl being in Armaan's arms. That's my place.
"That would be an extremely big thing to ask from her Armaan!" Abhi finally broke his silence, and walked towards us, giving me a warm smile and giving Armaan a bro-hug.
Nikki finally let go of Armaan, and I stood in front of him, almost protecting him from more unwanted hugs. I probably would have to do this for the rest of my life, I thought wearily.
My attention was diverted when Armaan whispered something about Nikki looking at Abhi with daggers in her eyes while Abhi just wore an indifferent expression.
"Actually, you know what, it is a very big thing to ask from me!" Nikki said after a pause, wearing an extremely sardonic smile on her face. After 4 years of being with her, I knew for a fact that that look on her face spelt trouble for whoever had brought it on! And by the murderous glares she was throwing at Abhi, I knew he was the object of all her affections at the moment!
"But obviously, its not like Abhi would care! Not like he has the time anyway!" She spoke again, and I looked up at Armaan who was standing behind me, who wore the same expression of shock at the bitterness in her tone. "You would think Vegas would be a complete stress buster for a newly married couple, but obviously, for him, its all about the business!" She said, and this time, along with her sarcastic smile, I could see the tiny tears as well. And that's when I understood - Armaan and I had probably intruded on a lovers' tiff.
I gave Armaan a 'We-Don't-Belong-Here' look, which he nodded at.
"Uh'." I mumbled, not sure of how to frame a sentence. Was I supposed to make conversation on what Nikki had just said, or just get to the point of my excuse and leave? I chose the latter, to respect their privacy. Nikki would probably tell me everything when she got the chance, if she wanted to, that is!
"We were thinking to go on a little tour, while we're here, so'" I fumbled.
"Yeah, I'll come!" Nikki jumped, and I frowned at the desperation in her voice. I looked at Abhi expectantly, but he just gave me a tired smile.
"You guys go ahead, I have to catch up with a client!" He shrugged. I nodded and smiled back and looked at Armaan, who's eyes were stuck on Nikki's fallen face. I could see he was feeling uncomfortable at our friend's state. Something was definitely not right, and we were helpless since we had no idea what was wrong!
"Okay, we'll just'Nikki you're coming right?" Armaan muttered.
"Uh, yeah, umm'I'll just get dressed quickly!" She smiled at us, which we returned and decided to wait for her outside lest the couple wanted to talk.
"That was'" I breathed out in relief as we stepped out of their room.
"Awkward." Armaan stated and nodded in agreement.
"What is up with them?" I frowned worriedly.
"Munchkin! They probably just had a fight! Its normal! We fight so much! And plus, these two are married, its bound to be more frustrating." Armaan shrugged casually, while I narrowed my eyes.
"Excuse me'Frustrating? More frustrating? You mean marriage is frustrating? And since you said 'more' you're hinting that living with me is frustrating?" I seethed. He rolled his eyes, but I could see the grin forming on his face.
"No sweetheart, but your habit of over reading into things is definitely frustrating!" He chuckled lightly. I scowled, but didn't reply back. "And I didn't mean it that way! I was just saying that they're married, they are bound to have more responsibilities, more insecurities, more anxiety'" He rambled on and on about an entire list of what marriage brought with it, as if he had been married a million times before!
"I thought marriage puts an end to all insecurities." I frowned.
"Well, it probably puts possessiveness to rest in a way, but at the same time, insecurities about making things work creep in. At least that's what I heard Dad say once when he had some petty fight with Mum!" He laughed casually.
"We are practically married." I stated. He turned to look at me, with an amused expression.
"We are living together." He said, almost attempting to correct me.
"Difference?" I asked, baffled.
"Loads of difference Munchkin. Marriages involve much more commitment, much more responsibility. What we have right now can barely pass as all of that!" He said, exasperated.
"Its just legal tags. Otherwise, there's really nothing different." I mumbled quietly, and shrugged.
"Its not about the legal tags Riddhima. Its way more than that! And I assumed you would know that better than me since you were the one who refused to wear your engagement ring until you were ready. You were the one who said it changes things! If engagement changes stuff, then obviously marriages would make things entirely different!" He said. I looked at him, slightly hurt at his taunts, but I knew he was right. I couldn't accuse him of being wrong when he was absolutely right. I had said all of that. And that was precisely why I hadn't worn the ring.
But all of a sudden, this reason didn't seem good enough anymore. Not barely good enough to deny the right that ring had on me. Not barely good enough to deny the right Armaan had on me. Because, ring or no ring, he was more or less a husband to me. Even if he said otherwise.
"Riddhima, stop probing her, she'll tell us if she wants to!" Armaan murmured in my ear, whispering so that Nikki wouldn't hear us. I had spent the last entire hour trying to get Nikki to talk about what had conspired between her and Abhi, while we roamed around aimlessly, and to Armaan's dismay - shopped.
"But I want to know!" I whined.
"Can you girls ever stop looking for gossip?" He asked angrily.
"Its not gossip! You won't understand! It's a girl thing! We have to know what goes on in our lives! And don't glare at me that way, I know her better than you! She needs to be probed to feel important!" I declared. Armaan just looked at me as if I were an alien. "I told you it's a girl thing!" I shrugged, while he rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated!
"I give up on your breed!" He muttered while I giggled.
"Save it for later darling. What will you do when you're 80? You're kinda stuck with this girl here for life!" I smiled from ear to ear and pulled his cheek, while he looked at me disgruntled.
"God save me!" He sighed, and walked off in the opposite direction with his Red Bull in hand, while Nikki and I shopped.
"You think this will suit Armaan?" I asked Nikki, holding up a black and white checked shirt. "His internship's starting and his wardrobe is hideous!" I chuckled, while Nikki giggled. "Where the hell did he go? I need to see if this suits him!" I looked around to see if he was anywhere close, but evidently, boredom had got the better of him this time.
"Abhi loves checkered shirts! I trashed his entire wardrobe when we got married! Obviously he was peeved when I threw his apparently lucky football t-shirt out!" Nikki rolled her eyes.
"Tell me about it! Armaan has this real disgusting Messi t-shirt, which has pizza stains, and so much more on it, but apparently Barca wins whenever he wears it during a match, so in spite of a 1000 warnings, he still had the guts to bring them inside our house! He won't even let me touch it! Forget touching, he won't let me wash it!" I scowled.
"Boys do reach new levels in frustrating us!" Nikki laughed, but she had a faraway look on her face.
"Nikki what's up.." I sighed, and finally giving up on beating around the bush, got straight to the point.
"Ridz, now that you and Armaan are engaged and living together and stuff, has it changed stuff between you two?" Nikki asked, completely ignoring my question. I raised my eyebrows, amused at her sudden quest.
"Uh..Yeah it has'" I said uncertainly. "On all levels'" I continued. "Although I asked him to give me some time to be called his fiance, but yeah, living together has changed things. A lot." I nodded.
"In what way?" Nikki asked me, and although I had a faint idea of where this conversation was headed, I still wanted to know the crux.
"In every way'Mentally, emotionally'Physically'" I whispered the last word, but it was enough to make Nikki smirk at me.
"Physically? Interesting. So have you two already'Ahem ahem?" She asked, her eyes twinkling. Yeah, I could see traces of the old Nikki now.
"NO! We haven't!" I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks burn. "Believe it or not, we do have amazing self control." I muttered sheepishly.
"Uh huh." Nikki muttered, and I knew she wasn't buying it.
"We have spent intimate moments, but they never go over board'" I muttered, embarrassed, but still not quiet done. It was probably one of these things about being a girl - you can discuss anything and everything with another girlfriend! And with Nikki, it was almost a crime to hide something.
"Have you had this talk with him?" Nikki asked me, a genuine smile on her face.
"Not talk talk'I gave him a set of rules to follow." I laughed as I remembered that forgotten sheet of ground rules. "Obviously it flies right out of the window when he's that close to me. But, yeah, nothing more than making out, and I'm kind of trying to keep it that way." I mumbled, biting my lower lip.
"Don't trust him?" Nikki asked me, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I trust him with my life. Its me I don't trust. It's the same reason I refused to wear the ring you know'I'm probably still afraid of things going wrong'" I said quietly. I looked at Nikki, and was
glad that she wasn't judging me on what I said. "I've messed up quiet a few things where Armaan and I are concerned. Put him through a lot, made him go through hell for 3 years, and then gave him a hard time when he put me through the same for 30 days. But, the point is, I still can't get over the fear, that if ever, anything goes wrong, then what? The ring kind of puts a seal to it. But I'm not as perfect as he thinks I am. He is the epitome of perfection, Nikki. He treats me like his princess, as if I'm his most prized gem which will be stolen if he looks away. And I'm afraid that maybe one day he'll see the dust on it. What if he sees the Riddhima he didn't see in his best friend all these years? What if he realizes I'm not the one and'leaves. I mean, I know he won't. He won't ever hurt me. But, what if someday, I hurt him a lot, and he can't leave because of the ring? I wouldn't want to tie him down if he ever realizes that I was his mistake." I said quietly. I felt light all of a sudden, finally having spoken my mind about something that had been bothering me ever since the day Armaan had gone down on one knee. "Obviously, the reasons I gave him were true as well. I love being his girlfriend and I want to live that first before jumping another role." I shrugged. Nikki smiled but didn't say anything, and I knew she wouldn't either.
"And where the physical intimacy is concerned, Niks, he slept with pillows between us once because he thought I would be uncomfortable. Its hard to not trust someone who does that! But even he never lets it go off the table, he normally stops where he thinks he should, so I really don't have much say in that. But if ever he does cross a line, I know for a fact that I won't regret it. I love him to death, and if that brings me closer to him, then its worth it. And besides, don't tell him this, but he is really hot." I smiled dreamily. I had given this a thought before, and although I had never said a word about that to him, I knew it will happen when its meant to happen, and it will be right when it does. And as far as parents were concerned, I'm sure they knew what they were getting into, and they probably had the foresight as that was the reason they had gotten Armaan to propose engagement to me in the first place. Obviously, once I had chosen to stay, they had been disgruntled as they couldn't be here for the exchange of rings, but it hardly mattered, because I wanted a big bash for it anyway.
"Wow. And I thought he loved you more than you loved him!" Nikki smirked.
"He probably does you know. No one can compete with him!" I said dreamily.
"Stop underestimating your love for him Riddhima. And if he's past all that you supposedly put him through, then why aren't you?" Nikki asked. "Don't stop yourself because of that Ridz, because for all you know, it might just be that which hurts him!" She sighed.
"Oh, there are other things which could Niks!" I said sheepishly. Nikki cocked an eyebrow and looked at me wearily.
"What'd you do now?" She asked me, almost afraid of what I had done. I rolled my eyes and told her about the interview with Will Fern, how he had asked me out and how I had gotten the job and accepted the offer.
"Holy shit! What did Armaan say to that?" Nikki yelped.
"Nothing since he doesn't know!" I sighed. Nikki glared at me. "I didn't have the heart to tell him I accepted the offer. It would hurt him. And so I thought I'll tell him once we're done with this trip!" I said sheepishly.
"Tell him a night before you're supposed to report to work? Are you freakin' kidding me?" Nikki looked at me angrily.
"Fine, give it a rest, I'll tell him as soon as possible!" I retorted. "Today, I mean." I said lamely as Nikki shot me another glare. "But before we deviated to all of this, you were supposed to tell me something!" I narrowed my eyes at Nikki who's face instantly fell. "If you want to'" I continued uncertainly.
"Like you said how things have changed between Armaan and you, things have changed between Abhi and me. Only, ours' has changed for the worse." She sighed. I looked at her slightly taken aback. "Its been what, 2 months since we got married, and I honestly felt that this would bring us closer, but Ridz, 2 months, and I can already feel him going away from me." She murmured, frustration clear in her voice.
"Hey!" We turned to find Armaan behind us. "What's wrong?" He frowned, probably at the looks on our faces.
"Armaan, can you get me a bite? I think I saw Subway there!" I sighed, trying to gesture him through my eyes, which he smartly understood.
"Sure honey, anything for you!" He said sarcastically and walked off again.
"Nice communication skills." Nikki commented, as I looked at her embarrassed. "Probably Abhi and I should learn something!" She sighed.
"Niks, probably you're reading too much into it!" I shrugged.
"No, I'm not! Ridz, I knew he was a workaholic, but I didn't know it would take a toll on us this way! He's been working around the clock, and moreover, when I talked to him about it, he actually said I wasn't giving him his space. What space? Its not like I'm tailing after him wherever he goes, its just I would like to feel him around me the way I used to before! But I guess you just start taking people for granted when you know they can't leave you!" She said bitterly.
"Niks, seriously, get a grip! You're just over reacting now! Everyone can see how much Abhi adores you! And this is normal! You're probably going to have to deal with this time issue for the rest of your life! You're both going to feel that way sometime!" I tried to make her see reason.
"No Ridz, you don't understand! You won't, because you're not married!" She snapped.
"We are living together aren't we?" I said exasperated.
"For what? 2-3 weeks? Hardly anything! See how it feels when you both start working! And he's a doctor, so he's going to be far busy! And plus, that still won't give you the whole gist, because you're still not going to be married!" She sighed.
"We are engaged!" I muttered, but I knew it was a lame comeback, and I knew Nikki knew it too, as she gave me a 'Really?' expression.
"Yeah, engaged, but don't term yourself as Armaan's fiance?" She muttered.
"Armaan's right, it probably is more of commitment and responsibility!" I sighed.
"Exactly. But I don't want to be just Abhi's responsibility! I want him to want to spend time with me, which he doesn't! I don't want him to fulfill this as a duty! I guess he got over that excitement, which he had when we were dating!" She shrugged.
"Nikki don't say that!" I sighed. "Talk to him again, tell him how you feel, and don't blame him, just tell him what you've been feeling the past few days! Tell him you want him to be around more often, the way he used to be when he was your boyfriend! Probably he'll understand it better if you explain it to him without making it seem like you're blaming him!" I shrugged. "Trust me, guys hate it when they are made to feel like they are the ones at fault!" I gave her a vague smile.
"I miss you Ridz!" She murmured. "There's not many people I can talk to about this, and it was partly the reason I wanted you to come! And I'm glad you did!" She gave me a hug.
"Me too!" I smiled.
"Am I allowed to be here now, because honestly Nikki, you're married, and the last time I checked Riddhima was straight, and I'm not getting a very good feeling about leaving you both alone for so long and-" Armaan rambled on, while Nikki and I sighed and walked past him. Obviously that wasn't enough to shut him up.
"Please?"
"No!"
"Please?"
"NO!"
"Pretty please?"
"I said NO, Riddhima." Armaan stopped, turned and rounded on me, while I applied breaks to my stride. I had been following him around the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, but to no avail.
"But it was so pretty!" I whined.
"It was worth 3 grand Riddhima! Are you out of your mind?!" Armaan looked at me incredulously. I scowled.
"Really? What happened to your savings now huh? Go to hell!" I muttered angrily, and saw him give me a cheesy grin, shrug and then turn and leave. My jaw dropped at his insensitivity, but I followed him around anyway.
"I want that dress!" I stomped my foot, playing my child-tantrum card.
"You're so cute Munchkin!" Armaan pecked my forehead, and I looked at him hopefully. "But no!" He grinned, winked down at me and then started walking again.
"Don't be so mean na!" I pouted, but he just rolled his eyes. Trust him to use all his willpower in resisting that cute a face. "Fine! I'll spend it all in the betting then!" I threatened as a last resort.
"I would believe that, if you knew how to play. Which you don't! Ah, lucky me!" He said, a sinister grin playing on his lips. I huffed, crossing my arms. "Someone's said it just right. Shopping makes the most practical girls crazy." He shook his in disapproval.
"You do know that the 3 grand dress you just cost me is going to come back to bite you in the ass?" I asked sardonically.
"Poor me!" He said in a monotone. I could tell he was not convinced. "Now do we head to the Casinos? Niks must be waiting. And I really don't want to be on her wrong side for now!" He lent his hand forward. Huffing, I ignored it and walked past him. I heard him sigh and murmur my name.
"Someone stop my wife!" Abhi muttered as he walked towards us, while Armaan and I enjoyed at the bar. Obviously, it was him doing all the enjoying since he wouldn't let me drink. "She's just taking revenge for all the boredom she endured in the past 3 days!" Abhi sighed.
"Lucky me, my girlfriend doesn't know how to play!" Armaan chuckled. I glared at him, as he shut up.
"You know what! I'm so sick of you and your stupid oh-so-funny jokes! I'm going to go and play my life out!" I declared, as I stood up. Before I could move however, I felt Armaan pull me back by my shoulders.
"Hold it Bandit Queen! I ain't letting you play!" My jaw dropped at the subtle order.
"Who the hell are you to stop me." I asked, my hands on my hips. I looked at Abhi who was busy enjoying the exchange.
"I happen to be the person who's money you would be using, or rather, losing!" Armaan smiled at me sweetly. I scowled, having no reply to that.
"You watch what I do to you once I start earning!" I crossed my arms. I almost regretted refusing the money my parents had offered to transfer to my account. But I had decided to be the good daughter, and told them to stop, since I was going to start earning anyway. Although reluctant, my Dad had eventually given in.
"We'll see that when you get a job! For now, this is my territory!" He grinned at me. But his words rang a bell. He didn't know I already had a job. And that would surely be a problem.
Maybe I should tell him, I thought.
"Armaan." I started, thinking I would just start and finish it off in a sentence. "I want to drink." I changed the words that were at the tip of my tongue. Needless to say, I chickened out.
"You may not." He replied.
"Armaan stop bossing me around yah! You aren't letting me shop, play, or drink! What am I supposed to do here in Vegas then? Stare at your face?" I asked him incredulously.
"You can do much more than that darling, you know I won't mind!" He grinned cheekily. From the mischief in his eyes, I knew for a fact he had pledged to annoy me like hell today.
"I'm drinking!" I declared, and turned to the bartender, who just looked at me amused.
"No Munchkin, I want to drink!" Armaan whined, pulling me back.
"So, drink na, when did I say no?" I asked him, baffled.
"If you drink, I'll have to stay sober, to handle you. Everyone knows you go high in one shot!" He said wearily, but then grinned. And I knew exactly what was on his mind.
"No I don't!" I seethed, although I myself knew how far that was true.
"Oh of course not. You go high on my love don't you. My love is your drug, right sweetheart?" He winked at me, making jokes at my expense. But I had had enough.
"Screw you Mallik!" I muttered angrily.
"Not a bad idea Munchkin. I'll happily oblige." He replied back immediately.
"You're so disgusting!" I gritted my teeth, and turned to leave, and this time I just heard him laugh along with Abhi, who had enjoyed pure entertainment, all at my expense.
"Its just too much to expect from boys Ridz, I told you. They have this innate need to be jerks!" Nikki sighed, while I grumbled on and on about how Armaan had been treating me. While Nikki was happily playing at the tables, I was just standing there, watching the crowd around me howl and shout as the dice rolled.
"I hate him. I hate the entire lot. Nikki he ain't letting me do anything!" I whined. I looked around at the eyes that had turned to look at me, and heard my statement the way they must've heard it. I just passed on a sheepish smile and decided it was best that I kept my affection for the love of my life a secret.
"And you listen to him? Wow. This relationship sure has changed you." Nikki scoffed. "Actually no. You always obeyed all of Armaan's orders didn't you?" She smirked. I glared at her, but she just shrugged. Rolling the dice in her hands, she threw them on the table, and I stood scandalized at the choicest words she used to swear out loud. Maybe it wasn't a big deal here, as no one paid any attention to her swearing.
"He wasn't ordering. I mean he's right. I can't handle drinks. Its best if I don't play since I don't know how to, and shopping..Well, I know for a fact he won't let me do that." I sighed.
"Told him about the job yet?" Nikki asked, with a skeptical smile.
"Talked to Abhi yet?" I asked in the same tone. We looked at each other, knowing none of us had tried hard to do either of those tasks.
I looked over at Abhi and Armaan who were still sitting at the bar, laughing away.
"You know what, if this doesn't bother him, I'm sure there are other things!" Nikki seethed beside me. I looked at her, frowning. What 'other things'? "C'mon, we'll get our backs, Ridz!" Nikki held my wrist, dragging me out of the casinos.
"Niks, where are we going?" I asked, baffled.
"You'll see!" She muttered. I looked back at Armaan, who's eyes followed me. He blinked in assurance, conveying that I should be with Nikki at the moment. He was probably chatting with Abhi about her, as Abhi looked a little weary while he looked at Nikki dragging me away'.
"Nikki there's no way in hell I'm wearing this! Armaan would never let me!" I held up the one-piece in my hand, in front of me, as we stood in one of the most shadiest shops in Vegas. The yellow dress really was just a piece, literally. It would barely cover my body. With a low neckline, tight-fit waist and the end which would reach just my mid-thigh, yeah, it was pretty much suicidal when you were dating Armaan Mallik.
"Good for you hun, he's not here!" She smirked.
"No you don't understand. If I wanted him to murder me, I would have found other ways. I mean, this is just walking into the lion's den, asking him to devour me!" I said sardonically. I shuddered as I remembered the one time Armaan had gotten extremely angry at me for having worn a short skirt. Well, short for him anyway. And he anyway thought my knee-length dresses were way too short. And I had to try and be in his good books if I wanted to survive post the whole job issue.
"Why're you so scared of him?" Nikki glared at me.
"You would be too, if he was your boyfriend!" I said exasperated. "He does that to people. Make them fall in love with him, get them charmed, but scare the freaking hell out of them when he's angry. That's Armaan Mallik!" I commented.
"Ridz, you would look hot in this! Besides, its so damn cheap! Didn't Armaan tell you to do cheap shopping?" She asked me.
"Uh, Niks, I'm pretty sure he meant cheap monetary wise, and not appearance wise!" I said sarcastically.
"Oh you filthy chicken, just do it! Show him who's boss! This is your trip too!" She twirled, wearing a pink dress, much like the one I was holding, and I was sure Abhi would not be at all happy at his wife's super money saving tactics!
"I don't know Niks, I'm already going to be in trouble with the whole job thing'This dress would be pushing my luck a little too far!" I shook my head uncertainly.
"Ridz! Don't you ever wonder how much control Armaan has over you?" Nikki asked me incredulously. "Where's my self-confident, independent best friend?" She asked me dramatically, shaking her head in disapproval.
"Oh shut up Niks, do you realize how much control you have over me! And anyway, I like how he has control over me! I've never given that right to anyone! Even my parents have never been able to control me! So I like Armaan filling in that place! I know I'm a tough nut to crack!" I smiled dreamily, thinking about my Prince Charming...But then, his annoying banter came back to me. Nikki was right, he had been bossing me around a little too much for his own good.
"Your call Ridz! In Vegas, everyone wears this stuff, so its not like Armaan can get angry'.Its normal here! And it would look really sexy on you!" Nikki shrugged.
"I'll try it on'If I can carry it, then I'll think about it!" I sighed. Nikki smiled at me in approval. Turning to the dressing room, I quickly changed into the dress and gasped. Nikki was right, I did look really sexy. The dress was just feeding my already self-obsessed mind, and I came out to look at Nikki's reaction. As expected, she gave me an enthusiastic smile and thumbs-up. And then, I had to buy it.
Not caring about changing back in my normal clothes, Nikki and I walked out of the store, and walked back to the casinos. I stopped at the looks I got from people, mostly men.
"I think I should return this!" I looked down at my exposed legs and sighed. Nikki rolled her eyes at me, and ignoring my statement, pulled me with her. "Niks, if you're taking me back to the casinos, forget it! I can't go in front of Armaan like this!" I murmured nervously.
"Oh just c'mon!" Nikki dragged me inside anyway. Approaching Armaan and Abhi, I avoided Armaan's eyes, which I knew would be popping out any second. But not being able to stop myself, I looked up at him anyway, and saw his eyes widen first. I saw his mouth open, and close, as if he was trying to say something. I looked across at Nikki, who was just standing there, staring back at Abhi defiantly, who looked as if he was going to explode.
I looked back at Armaan uncertainly, trying to gauge his reaction. I saw his eyes scan me up and down, and I suddenly felt more exposed than ever. But for some very odd reason, I didn't mind it. But then, it was Armaan after all. He was allowed to shoot me those glances. Finally, his eyes reached mine, and I saw unreadable expressions in those blue orbs. And I very well knew what those expressions were - longing.
"Nikki, what the hell are you wearing?" Our fixed gaze on each other was broken as we heard Abhi hiss in anger. I looked at Nikki, who just stood scowling angrily at him.
"What the hell do you care! Go back to your business parties!" Nikki hissed back, and turning on her heels, she marched off. I knew even Abhi hadn't missed those tiny tears in her eyes this time. Abhi shot Armaan and me a helpless glance and strode behind her, leaving behind the awkwardness.
"Uh, Munchkin, I was thinking, there's this really cool club'Um'In Rio'Do you..uh'" He fumbled, keeping his gaze locked on the floor. I looked at him shocked for a moment. What the hell? I looked down at myself. No comments on what I was wearing or how I was looking?! I wasn't too sure if I was relieved that he wasn't angry or if I was disappointed as he hadn't complimented me at all. But his eyes had said otherwise.
"But Abhi, Nikki?" I asked uncertainly, after a pause.
"Yeah, I think they need to be with each other than with us'.right now'And Abhi said, they'll come there later..." He muttered. I nodded silently.
"Then'" I mumbled.
"Then?" Armaan asked me, with raised eyebrows.
"Uh, you just said'the club'" I half smiled. I loved seeing him fumbling for words, and lost. I loved having that effect on him. It wasn't everyday that one could fluster Armaan Mallik.
"Oh yeah'uh'Shall we'?" He gestured me to walk ahead, but I rolled my eyes and stood beside him, intertwining my fingers in his. I saw his dimples show and sighed in relief. At least he wasn't angry.
"WOW!" I gasped as the smoky air filled my senses. The dark hall, ignited with fluorescent colours of blue, reds and greens, was filled with a hoard of people, and I clutched Armaan's arm tighter.
"Relax Munchkin! I told you this club is super popular!" Armaan grinned down at me, probably amused at my excitement.
"Its so crowded!" I shouted out to him, as the music made it impossible for us to hear ourselves.
"That's normal in Vegas Munchkin!" He pulled me through the crowd, his hand tucked tightly in mine.
"Am I overdressed?" I asked as I pulled Armaan into a corner, sighing as I finally took in a deep breath. I wasn't sure if there was enough air in the place for everyone to breathe in!
Armaan scanned me up and down, and I at once felt conscious again.
"You look fine." He said in a monotone, amidst the howling of the crowd. I looked at him weirdly. I hated it when he wouldn't tell me how I looked. It was almost like I dressed up only for him. And it had become a crime if he didn't compliment me even when I was wearing my PJs. "Uh, dance?" He asked suddenly, his hand drawn in front of me. Smiling, I nodded, as he led me back to the dance floor.
I was shocked when he pulled me closer to himself, his arms holding my waist; the DJ was playing a really really fast song, and while others around us stood howling and shouting, and jumping occasionally, Armaan was holding me to himself, not letting me go.
"Armaan it's a fast track, we can't possibly be slow-dancing on this one!" I giggled, looking around me.
" Well Riddhima, thanks to your dress, you're pulling a lot of eyes to yourself tonight. So I thought, maybe I should let everyone know who you're going back with tonight?" He said huskily. I didn't know if he was joking, and the look in his eyes told me he was serious.
"Am I looking that sl*tty?" I asked sheepishly.
"You look gorgeous!" He murmured in my ear, and I looked at him surprised. Smiling, I pecked his lips once, deepening his dimples.
"I thought you would be angry." I said putting my arms around his neck. So we slow dance on a fast track. Big deal. Not like people around us cared anyway.
"Well…I wasn't angry…I was…uh…"
"Turned on?" I asked cheekily, loving his lost state of mind.
"Kinda." He confessed, while my eyes widened, but my smile wouldn't leave my face.
"Are you having trouble keeping your hormones in check now?" I teased, but even I knew just how his little confession had caused my heart to take two beats at a time. Armaan didn't reply, but his eyes narrowed at my teasing. I was surprised he had had no sarcastic comeback to that one. But the next moment, I felt his hand running up and down my back, his cold fingers coming in contact with my bare back. I gasped when his other hand pushed me closer to himself, if that was even possible, brining his face dangerously close to mine. His sensuous caressing was definitely creating a havoc in the most obvious ways, and my breathing hitched and I closed my eyes as I felt his hot breath on my lips.
"Are you having trouble keeping your hormones in check now?" He whispered against my lips, breaking the beautiful trance I was in. I opened my eyes, scowling at him as he looked at me cheekily. He was still holding me the same, his hand was still caressing my back, but somehow, the enchantment was lifted. All thanks to his stupid comment. I hated him for that.
But I knew how to take revenge. Determined, I leaned in closer to him, my body completely leaning on his for support, and saw his eyes widen slightly. Smiling, I placed my toes on his feet, shifting all my weight on him, and laughed inwardly when I felt his breaths go shallow.
"I love having this effect on you!" I murmured, rubbing my nose against is. I saw a smile light up on his face, his eyes shut. He looked divine. And I knew what I had to do. Not caring about the thousands of people around us, not caring about the completely non-romantic setting, I placed my lips on his, asking him to respond back, prodding him softly. But I gasped when his arms crushed me in his embrace, and he responded back, with fervor I had no idea he possessed. There was something different in the way his lips were moving against mine, the way his hands caressed my waist, but I loved it anyway. He seemed eager, desperate, for what, I had absolutely no clue. I felt my knees give in and clung on to him for support, I knew I would fall if he hadn't been holding me that way.
I frowned when I felt something vibrate near me. Wow, his touch could surely create electric thrills to course down my body. But wait a moment, that couldn't be right. The vibration can't occur in regular patterns, or can it?
My question was answered when I felt Armaan pull back. Bumping his forehead against mine, he sighed a whispered 'phone'. I sighed as we pulled apart, but his one arm was still wrapped around me, while with the other he picked up the call.
"Uh, it was Abhi…Sounded a little weird…Told us to come out…" Armaan sighed, and I knew he was trying to calm himself too.
I shut my eyes to get rid of that flustered state of my heart. There had been something different this time. There had been….something more intimate than just love. Something much more, something that made me yearn for more.
As we walked out of the club, my mind still reeling back to that out of the world kiss, we saw Nikki and Abhi standing at the entrance. While Nikki had a triumphant smile on her face, Abhi just had a weary expression. I was wondering if marriage had caused that expression to be permanently etched on his face.
"Why're you so pink?" Nikki narrowed her eyes as she observed me, and I looked at her shocked. I was pink? Oh, that wasn't good. It was difficult to get me to blush, but Armaan had always managed to have adverse effects on me.
I looked at Armaan who, I smiled, had gone completely red around the ears. So I knew I wasn't the only one feeling something new.
"Its nothing!" I muttered, and frowned at how squeaky my voice sounded.
"And now you're smiling?" Nikki smirked. I rolled my eyes. She seemed to be in a better mood. Abhi on the other hand looked as if he had just been beaten up a 1000 times. And I knew what must've happened - Nikki must have gotten her 'revenge'.
"Oh shut up already!" I muttered, annoyed. "What's up, any specific reason you called us out?" And disrupted the most romantic moment of my life, I thought to myself.
"Sorry about disturbing you hun, but yes, we do have plans!" Nikki winked at Armaan and me. "WE are going for the Chippendales tonight!" She exclaimed in pure enthusiasm.
"WHAT? No way!" I looked at Armaan shocked, who looked positively scandalized.
"Armaan!" I reprimanded. "Could you relax? Its just Chip & Dales! I like those chipmunks!" I shrugged. I saw Nikki, Abhi and Armaan give me 'What-a-retard' looks and frowned.
"Excuse her, she's a complete Vegas illiterate!" Armaan patted my back and sighed, turning to Abhi and Nikki, who seemed satisfied with the explanation, but still found it extremely funny.
"What's funny?" I glared at them. "And stop calling me that!" I seethed, turning to Armaan, who just grinned. He had been calling me that since the time we had gotten to Vegas, and I wasn't liking it one teeny-bit.
"Uh, Munchkin, its Chippendales. Not Chip AND Dales. They're not chipmunks!" Armaan mumbled, and I could see he was trying his best not to laugh. I wearily wondered the extent to which I had just embarrassed myself.
"They're a dance troupe." Nikki gave me a sympathetic look, while my mind clicked in realization. "A male…" Nikki shot Abhi a glance who looked as disgruntled as ever. "…dance troupe." She smiled victoriously.
"Oh, sorry…" I muttered sheepishly.
"Whatever, its okay, you're not going there!" Armaan declared. Nikki scowled at him.
"Oh yeah? Who're you to stop us?" Nikki narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not going to let her watch long-haired male maniacs strip! Abhi say something!" Armaan looked at Abhi helplessly who just gave him a grim smile.
"They WHAT?" I exclaimed as my mind registered what Armaan had said.
"Yeah, they're the hottest guys, who drive you crazy with their dances! We have to go see! And my hubby's got us the tickets!" Nikki grinned happily.
"You idiot!" Armaan shook his head at Abhi in disapproval, who looked down, probably ashamed at his deeds.
"Let's go then! I want to see!" I smiled suddenly excited.
"But I don't want you to!" Armaan groaned.
"Oh shut up Armaan! I'm gonna go! Stop bossing me around! And you should come too!" I declared stubbornly.
"I ain't going! I think you've turned me gay in public many times before! Aren't you satisfied?" Armaan retorted, as I rolled my eyes..
"Fine with me." I shrugged. "Here's the key to the room. Toodles!" I smiled at him, and opening my bag, I handed him the key-card.
"Oh my God!!" Armaan whined. I looked at Nikki who just rolled her eyes.
"Oh c'mon you prune, even Abhi's agreed. Right sweetie?" Nikki gave Abhi one of her sloppy, sweet smiles. Abhi nodded, giving us a small smile. Love sure made you pay a lot, including your integrity in boys' cases.
"I will kill you. See what you got me into!" Armaan glared at Abhi, who just scowled.
"Its Nikki's fault!" Abhi muttered. Nikki shot him a glance at which he immediately changed his expressions and his words. "I mean, she deserves this…And she wanted Riddhima to come!" Abhi shrugged helplessly.
"You're a goner my friend!" Armaan whispered to Abhi sympathetically.
"You might be next if you don't shut up!" I warned, and that instantly put an end to all comments. I looked at him and giggled, and my eyes locked on his. And instantly, I was taken back to that moment in the club. I felt my cheeks burn again and sighed. The moment had definitely caused awkwardness to seep in, but it wasn't something I didn't like. It felt weirdly nice, and most of all, it felt right.
"Let's go!!!!" Nikki exclaimed impatiently and I looked at Armaan, who gave me a small smile. I thanked him through my eyes for letting me go - we both knew why he didn't want me to go for the show.
Waving at him, I walked behind Nikki, still savoring one of the most beautiful moments of my life, in my mind.
"Riddhima enough!" Armaan held my hand as I took the 5th shot in my hand. It had been two hours since we'd he show had gotten over and we had gotten back to the club where Armaan and Abhi were waiting for us, and Nikki and I were out of control. After the Chippendales had very efficiently aroused our wild sides, the boys had been unable to stop our excitement and our demands. Nikki and I had run to the bar, and decided to do everything we weren't supposed to.
"Oh c'mon Armaan! For the first time I'm not as high as usual! Let me enjoy!" I wriggled my hand out of his hold and quickly holding the tequila shot in my hand, I gulped it down in a go, before Armaan could stop me again.
"Really? Riddhima, have you seen yourself, you're as high as any other time! C'mon, I think its time we go back to our hotel!" Riddhima held my wrist, trying to pull me down from the bar chair. But I scowled. I wasn't drunk! Not yet at least!
"NO!" I said stubbornly, and looked around for my partner in crime. But I frowned when I saw her wrapped in Abhi's arms. At first I thought he was just hugging her, and I smiled, but then I saw Nikki give him foul looks and I realized Abhi had managed to cage her from moving about freely, and dancing around wildly like she had been a few minutes ago.
"Can we dance too Armaan?" I asked cutely, but he just rolled his eyes.
"No way! We're going back!" Armaan demanded. I ignored him and turned back to the bartender, who just grinned back at me.
"One more!" I squealed, and smiled. He happily obliged.
"RIDDHIMA!" I heard Armaan's stern voice behind me and frowned. I turned around to face him, looked at him for a moment, and with all my might, pushed him away. Not having seen this coming, he tumbled backwards, almost falling. I smiled triumphantly and turning back, gulped down my 6th one, bottoms up. I felt light-headed and drowsy. But it felt amazing.
"If you don't stop. Now." Armaan muttered, and I looked at him, slightly amused at his dangerously strict voice. I knew he meant business.
"How far is the hotel from here?" I asked, trying to do the math myself, but all mathematical operations left me at that moment.
"15-20 minutes…" Armaan muttered uncertainly.
"NO!" I groaned. "I can't walk!" I whined. "My legs hurt!" I pouted at him. He rolled his eyes.
""And you say you're not drunk!?" He muttered incredulously.
"I am NOT!" I stuck my tongue out at him. "One mo-" I turned and said to the bartender, but before I could complete, I felt Armaan's hand on my mouth, firmly gripping my face.
"We're leaving." He ordered. I shook my head and whined, my mouth still blocked with his hand. He rolled his eyes, and letting go of my mouth, he held my hand instead, dragging me towards what I thought was the exit. I couldn't be so sure.
"Armaan, I can't walk! Gimme piggy bank!" I stopped midway, and pulled him back, spreading my arms wide out.
"I am not giving you a piggy back. Just walk." He said sternly. I saw him scan me up and down. He was doing that a lot today, I noticed. I scowled at him and turned to go back to the bar, but he held me and pulled me back again. "Fine!" He sighed, and I smiled happily.
Hoisting me up on his back, he led us out of the club. Leaning my head on his back and holding on to his neck tight, I shut my eyes, content.
"There you go!" I opened my eyes again, only to be met by dim lights, and to be enveloped with warmness. I realized Armaan had tucked me in bed.
"Armaan!" I held his hand as hoisted the pillow to make me comfortable. I looked at him as he looked at me, and I saw his eyes travel down, further down, and farther away. I looked in front of me to see what he was looking at, and saw nothing except my own body, sprawled on the bed.
I looked up at him and frowned. "What'cha staring at?" I asked curiously. I saw his gaze turn to me again and he smiled.
"Nothing! Go to sleep!" He pecked my forehead once and got up from the bed.
"Armaan!" I held his hand again, pulling me down, but he flinched and withdrew his hand from mine. Frowning, I continued to ask him what I wanted to. "What time is it?" I asked.
"Uh….2.30…" He muttered. Was it because I was a bit tipsy, or did he really sound lost?
"Do we have to leave tomorrow?" I asked sadly. I saw his gaze turn to me again, and soften. I couldn't understand why it had hardened in the first place.
"Yeah…" He sighed, his fingers in my hair. I sat up, ad felt my head spin. "You okay?" He asked me concerned.
"I want to tell you something!" I smiled at him softly and giggled when he gave me a suspicious look.
"What?"
"Can you get engaged to me?" I asked straight out, and saw him raise his eyebrows.
"Munchkin, I really think you should sleep now! You're drunk!" He said softly and tried pushing me back into bed.
"I'm serious! And I'm not drunk! I know what I'm saying!" I said annoyed. I hoisted my hand up and shook my favorite bracelet. The charms clashed against each other. Smiling, I pulled out the most important charm of all, the ring, and handed it to Armaan.
"I didn't notice you put the ring in that!" Armaan looked at me astonished.
"Yeah, this way it was safe and close to me!" I smiled at him. He smiled back at me, kissing my cheek. "Make me wear it!" I grinned at him.
"Riddhima-"
"Armaan I realized, that ring or no ring, engaged or not engaged, we are more or less married. Don't deny it." I said seriously, when I saw him about to retort. "Its true. I don't know about you, but I was wrong. I thought this ring would change things. But haven't they changed already? This relationship is for keeps. And I know I can't live without it. And I'm not scared anymore. That I may lose you…I think I'm ready now…" I rambled on, and finally looked at Armaan who wore an expression of amusement.
"Riddhima, you don't have to!" He murmured softly, pulling me up on his lap.
"I know. I want to." I smiled at him widely, and poked his dimples. "I love you! Sooo much!" I spread my arms wide out, to show him how much I loved him. I saw his smile widen, as he quietly and happily slipped the ring in my finger.
"Happy now? Now go to sleep!" He kissed my temple, and tried settling me down on the bed again. But I clung to him. I still had one more thing to say. "What Munchkin?" He sighed. I looked up at him guiltily and thought of how I should tell him.
"Uh…" I started off. Would he be angry. I wished not. I hugged him tighter, trying to muster the courage. "Pleashh don't be mad at me." I said in a baby voice and saw him cock an eyebrow.
"What'd you do?" He asked me suspiciously.
"Uh…Promise me you won't be mad. Or upset. And you'll still love me." I murmured quietly. I saw him frown and pull me close to himself in reassurance. "I got the…job…" I mumbled softly. I saw his expressions change from confusion to amusement to realization and finally to confusion again.."At Smart…They called yesterday to tell me…But I didn't want to tell you, because of the trip, and I thought you'd be upset that I accepted the offer, and so I thought I'll tell you once we got back home, but then I felt so guilty, and I'm so sorry!" I said in a breath. He looked at me for a moment and then, to my utter disbelief, burst out laughing.
I scowled as he laughed. I smacked his arm repeatedly, annoyed. "You honestly thought I'd be mad?" He chortled, holding my hands to stop the attacks.
"Yes." I said quietly.
"Munchkin!" He sighed, hugging me tight. "I'm not mad okay? And nor am I upset!" He murmured in my ear. I pulled back, surprised.
"You aren't?" I asked.
"Nope! Why would I be? Because of that ass Ferm?" He said nonchalantly.
"Fern. And yes. I thought you would be bothered about me working with him!" I said sheepishly.
"Well…It will definitely bother me…That asshole has got to keep his distance! But I trust you, I know you're mine, so why fear?" He shrugged. He looked down at me and smiled. I smiled at his cool attempt at being possessive as well as trusting.
"I love you!" I said happily, feeling at peace with myself. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you in the first place! I thought I should keep it till we got back!" I sighed.
"Wouldn't have made a difference! Its just a day right? And next time, please don't be so scared of me okay? Its your job, your career, I wouldn't want to come in the way!" He murmured, as I felt his fingers stroking my hair. "Now, go to sleep sweetheart! Enough of the fun now!" He grinned, and put me back in bed, but I didn't let go off him.
"Armaan?" I tugged at his arm. "Why did you kiss me that way tonight?" I blurted out, asking him the only thing that was on my mind. I felt him stiffen, trying to pull his hand back, which was tightly tucked under my head. "Tell me na!" I held on to his arm tighter, frowning at his attempts to move away.
"Riddhima, go to sleep!" He snapped, pulling his arm back. His behavior shocked me, and before I knew it, I felt the hurt creep in as he distanced himself from me, standing a feet away from the bed now. "I'm sorry." he murmured and turned, walking away from me.
"Was I bad?" I asked naively. That was the only explanation - he probably didn't like the kiss the way I did, I probably mistook his reactions.
He stopped and turned to see me, and softened, probably noticing my fallen face.
"Riddhima." He sighed, and walked back to me. "You were amazing!" He sat next to me, and pecked my cheek.
"Then why do you keep going away from me?" I asked, frowning.
"Because you're looking too hot for your own good!" He said exasperated.
"I always look too hot for my own good!" I argued, placing my head on his lap. "Is that a crime?" I asked lamely. I was beginning to feel super drowsy, and all I wanted was hold him as close to me as possible.
"Riddhima, go to sleep okay. Its really late, we have to leave early tomorrow!" He was hell bent on making me sleep, and I was hell bent on being close to him. In my annoyance, I pulled him down by his collar with all my strength. Not prepared for that, he got pulled on top of me. I smiled, finally satisfied at having got what I wanted - him. Wrapping my arms around his neck to make sure he couldn't escape again, I smiled up at him dreamily and observed him. He was beautiful. And he was all mine.
"Boo you bimbos!" I mumbled happily. I saw him frown. "He's mine!" I continued to ramble, and saw him smile, amused.
"Uh, Riddhima…." He whispered. Was it me, or was he feeling uncomfortable.
Determined to rid him of his discomfort, I pulled him closer, and before he could retaliate, kissed him with all my might. And this time, he made no effort to move back. It was almost as if he wanted it, as before I knew it, I no longer prodded him; it was him dominating me.
I felt him lying on top of me completely, putting all his weight on mine, and I happily obliged, pulling him closer to me than ever. I felt his hands caressing my waist, and sighed, smiling a little. If there was a heaven, it was right there in his arms, of that I was sure. I pulled him, but my need for air grew stronger by the moment. Finally giving in, I pulled out, gasping for breath.
But I sighed when I felt Armaan's lips trail down to my neck and throat, leaving fervent imprints. I felt his hand at my shoulder, and felt him tug at my sleeve, pulling it down, and shut my eyes tight as he left wet kisses at my shoulder.
Wanting more of him, I brought my hands down from around his neck and tugged at his shirt, trying to search a way to the buttons. I smiled as I finally found them, and after struggling a bit, I finally felt my way down his chest to his abs, caressing him. I felt him pull back, and looked at him as he quickly threw his shirt away. Leaning in again, he captured my lips, this time with more passion, with more need, with more fervor.
I felt him hold my waist, and turning around, he brought me on top of him. Happy at the opportunity, I kissed him back, and went down, kissing his neck, his chest. I heard him groan, and before I knew it, he had pinned me down yet again, leaving kisses on my throat and my upper chest.
I felt my drowsiness now more than ever, and felt my eyes closing on their own. Pulling him closer to me, I sighed as I felt his kisses, and sleep take over me at the same time…..
What the hell was that weight on me? It wasn't letting me move, and I was annoyed. Opening my eyes, I blinked a couple of times as the harsh rays of the sun met my eyes. I looked down and saw Armaan's head lying on my chest. My eyes widened as I remembered what had conspired the night before. I tried to slide out of his hold, but his arms were wrapped too tight around my waist, while one of his legs was sprawled over both of mine.
I sighed as I felt his even, hot breathing on my skin. Smiling, I stroked his hair, and kissed his head once before closing my eyes again. I didn't have the heart to wake him up, and nor was I in any mood of letting him go just yet….
I sighed as I recalled that night. That had been a beautiful night, and I cherished each moment of it, more so, because since that night, Armaan and I had drifted apart…
I looked at the time - it was past 1, and he still wasn't home. I looked at my phone, and there were no messages nor any calls. But I could call him. Determined to talk to him, I heard the dial tone. But he didn't answer. He was probably still on call. Sighing, I recalled anything that had happened after the trip that could've upset him.
We had come back from Vegas just fine, and I was sure nothing had conspired that day, as I had been too lost with the previous night's events to argue with him. I had woken up the next morning, to find the bed next to me empty, the warmth gone, and I had looked at myself, my dress completely creased and ruined, and I was sure my hair was a mess as well. I had looked around for Armaan and had seen him packing our bags.
Once he had realized I was awake, he had avoided my gaze and told me to get dressed quickly, we had to leave soon. And I had, my mind was still reeling under the bliss that was the previous night, and I hadn't paid much attention to his aloof behavior. I knew he was behaving a bit weird because of the night's events, and I knew he would be back to normal soon enough.
But I had absolutely no idea what had caused this distance. While my job had begun the very next day, his internship had started 3 days after we had gotten back. He had been excited about starting the course, and we had spent the entire night before his first day talking, cuddled up together on his bed, while he rambled on about how excited he was, and how he looked forward to doing both the things he loved doing. But then again, from the very next day, his aloofness was back. And I had had no time to confront him about this. I had earlier thought that it was my job which was affecting him, but I was pretty sure he would have told me if it was that.
But whatever it was, I had to talk to him about it. The distance was killing me, and whatever was wrong, it had to be put right. I hated being away from him, and if I had done something to get him upset, I had to sort him out. I missed him, I missed talking to him, I missed his crazy jokes and lame attempts at annoying me, I missed his cheesy flirting, and after that night, I missed him being so close to me. But didn't he miss me at all? Or he probably hadn't noticed the distance?
Dragging myself to his room, I lay down on his bed, and hugged his pillow, tears pricking my eyes. I yearned to feel him close to me and with that yearning wish, I fell into an uneasy slumber.
*
I hated this last bit, but it was my lame attempt to bring out the physical intimacy. I told you I was terrible at them, and I tried my level best to make it as good as I could! But its still turned out horrible! And I couldn't delay posting it up more, today's the only day I'll have time to breathe. The roller-coaster ride begins Thursday!
So anyway, how much ever I HATED the last installment, I hope, real real bad, that you guys like it!
Enjoy!
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And oh, guys, for those who asked me, NO, I've never been to Vegas in my life, sadly. I'm underage, if the limit is 21! I honestly don't know about the age-limit over there! 😆
So, if the age-limit is 21, I'm sorry, I should have researched on that before! Oops! My bad! But ah well, its just a story, so who cares about the laws right? 🤣
That's the cool thing about writing - you can do all the illegal things you want to through your words! We can kill someone, try to kill someone, and as in my case - go to Vegas when underage! 🤣
So, also, I really haven't ever been to Casinos, and uh, kind of lack Poker knowledge in general, and um, whatever information I've gathered about Vegas is by repeatedly watching the music video of te song 'I Feel Good' from Anjaana Anjaani, and from our beloved Google! So excuse me for all the mistakes I make! Its mostly all just a figment of my imagination! SO, please just leave it at that, and oh, if you have been to Vegas, or go any time in future, before I get the chance to, please let me know how it is! LOL!
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A special thanks to armaania13 for all the help on what happens in Vegas! 🤗
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For those who want PMs, I have sent them to those on my other profile's BL. If you aren't on it, please add this account to your buddy list: AWOTB_BTHE_PM! 😳
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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