NEXT PART 14:
Siddhant looked at each face, astonished, almost falling flat on his bum, caught in the nick of time by his Nikkita bhabhi, who dug her heels into the ground keeping him upright before he straightened up himself.
"Siddhant, are you ok?" Shashank Gupta stepped out from the crowd, Siddhant turned to his father in law, still slightly lost, "dad?" Shashank laughed at his expression, pulling into a hug, as he was released Siddhant was pulled into another hug, this time by his mother-in-law. He pulled back looking amazedly at his friends and family, they all looked back grinning ear to ear, "I – I-" he stammered, Rhiddima giggled and his eyes immediately flew to her, "you knew?" he asked, slightly hurt. She nodded apologetically, sweetly holding her ears; he melted right away, rolling his eyes at his weakness he gave her a hug. The DJ began to play "Fire" from Kites[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64jx0HSODMs]
As the couple mingled with the guests, greeting them and thanking them. Finally it was just close friends and family, seizing the opportunity Sid grabbed Yuvi in a headlock, punishment for keeping him in the dark, "Saale! You had me running around going crazy trying to plan things for tonight!"
"Ow ow Sid!" Yuvi shouted, as Sid eased up, Yuvi grabbed him back. Their friends and family watched amusedly as the men wrestled playfully, finally they were broken up by Abhi.
"Sid," Yuvi said, an arm circling around his shoulders, "there's another surprise."
"Really?" This was Rhiddima, emerging next to her husband.
"Yup!" Naina said from her seat, "for both of you!"
"Supwise!!!" Ashi's voice had the effect of Red Bull on her parents who perked up even more if possible. Ashi showed up in the arms of the second surprise.
"DI!" Rhiddima cried, the same time Sid bellowed, "AJ!" Anjali and Atul Joshi walked towards them; their niece perched on Atul's shoulders.
As the sisters hugged, Sid got down his angel who passed around earning hugs from her parents and all four sets of uncles and aunties. Shashank and Padma surfaced, insisting the young ones enjoy themselves. The couples stepped onto the dance floor.
Tum Mile: Tum Mile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbZ-8n6b-xI
Siddhant and Rhiddima danced slowly despite the swift beat of the song. Holding her close, he bent down to her ear, whispering softly, "Happy Anniversary Mrs. Modi." She smiled into his neck, furtively kissing his cheek.
"Can I interrupt?" Abhi appeared next to them with a grin, rolling his eyes again Siddhant let his wife go, stepping away graciously to dance with his bhabi. He was soon interrupted by Abhi again, he wanted his wife back. Instead of making his way back to Rhiddima again however he stepped next to Padma, offering her a hand. She accepted smiling, as the DJ switched tracks, the odd couple danced happily.
Jab Mila Tu: I Hate Luv Storys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKPfoHp1s7s&feature=related
The night continued, the DJ playing many soft songs like Pheli Nazar Mein, Kaise Muje, So Right, Koi Aap Sa, and Sadje. The group danced on, switching partners often. Sid danced with everyone, hid daughter, wife, bhabis, sister, Rhiddima too wad wandering around, dancing with Sid's friends, Abhi, Yuvi, Atul, and her papa. They were clearly enjoying themselves.
Surili Akhiyon Wale from Veer [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvvzQ4syr2Q]
When the DJ played the favorite of the night, everyone went back to their real partners; other couples joined them on the floor. As if they had planned it, all the men, even Shashank, got down on one knee, singing along. Slowly rising, each led their partners in a slow waltz. The group of couples formed circles around the star couple, Siddhant and Rhiddima, who danced lost in each other's eyes. She sang along to the female part, not so slyly conveying her feelings. As the song finished, most of the men dipped their partners low to the ground, Siddhant however lifted Rhiddima up. The crowd applauded as he lowered her down, realizing they were being watched the couple stepped apart.
Sid raised his arms, trying to calm everyone down. He was finally handed a mike, "everyone! Hi, hello. Ok. First of all, Thank you! This was an amazing surprise, and I trust me I was surprised-"
"We know!" Sid's audience interrupted, clapping again.
"Haha yea. BUT, there's some specific people I want to thank for making this amazing night happen. A lot of credit for tonight goes to my friends Naina and Yuvraj, Thank you guys," he said meaningfully nodding towards the couple. The thank you was for more than the party, he knew they had done something else, he just didn't know what it was. He continued, "my brother and bhabi, I now know why they just showed up, um... my in laws," he grinned at Padma, "thanks for having Rhiddima mom!" the crowd tittered, as he continued, "and lastly, Rhiddima." They smiled at each other as he continued, "you make each day better than before; I… I love you." He whispered the last bit, but everyone still heard it, as they'd gone quiet. The silence was sliced through by Nikki, who shouted out, "That won't do!" Sid's eyes flitted to her, "huh?" he asked confused. Nikki exchanged a glance with a grinning Naina. "Sing Sid," Naina said, on cue Yuvi appeared next to Sid holding a guitar.
"What?" Sid asked bewildered.
"Gao," Nikki replied insistently, "Sing." The crowd of onlookers murmured in agreement. Glaring at his bhabis, he grabbed the guitar. Letting out a breath he closed his eyes, thinking. When he opened them, they met Rhiddima's right away, and bore into hers piercingly as he begun strumming.
With Me: sum 41
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8z-qP34-1Y
I don't want this moment to ever end
Where everything's nothing without you
I'll wait here forever just to, to see you smile
'Cause it's true, I am nothing without you
Through it all, I made my mistakes
I stumble and fall, but I mean these words
I want you to know
With everything I won't let this go, these words are my heart and soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know, 'cause I'll bleed my heart out to show
That I won't let go
Yuvi backed him up, banging on drums set up near the DJ, who also enhanced the song in his own way, playing base on his keyboard.
Thoughts read unspoken, forever in doubt
Pieces of memories fall to the ground
I know what I didn't have so, I won't let this go
'Cause it's true, I am nothing without you
All the streets where I walked alone, with nowhere to go
have come to an end
I want you to know
With everything I won't let this go, these words are my heart and soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know, 'cause I'll bleed my heart out to show
And I won't let go
In front of your eyes, it falls from the skies
When you don't know what you're looking to find
In front of your eyes, it falls from the skies
When you just never know what you will find (what you will find)
I don't want this moment to ever end
Where everything's nothing without you
I want you to know
With everything I won't let this go, these words are my heart and soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know, 'cause I'll bleed my heart out to show
that I won't let go (I want you to know)
With everything I won't let this go, these words are my soul
I'll hold on to this moment you know, 'cause I'll bleed my heart out to show
that I won't let go
As Siddhant finished, the crowd fell silent for a couple seconds, then simultaneously erupted in applause. But he didn't notice any of that; he had eyes only for his wife. Whose eyes were slowly tearing up, he walked towards her concerned, someone grabbed the guitar from him as he took her in his arms, wiping away the tears and laying a kiss on her forehead. She rested her head on his chest, content. He smiled, eyes wandering over the top of her head, meeting up with a set of piercing blue eyes, clouding as they filled with tears.
He gasped sharply as he recognized the face, but before he could make a move, it disappeared. Rhiddima pulled back, the only one to hear the gasp, peering at his ashen face she asked, "What's wrong?"
He looked down, shaking his head, smiling reassuredly he replied, "Nothing, I…justrealizedhowmuchIloveyou!" he grinned, pulling a surprised Rhiddima into a crushing hug. He searched for the blue eyes again, but they had disappeared.
NEXT PART 14 B:
Soon after Shashank and Padma left, taking Ashi with them. As soon as they exited the DJ spoke up, as if he was waiting for that, "This is DJ Sky and I need all the beautiful people on the dance floor because we are going to turn up the heat!" He started the first song, the racy Nakhre from Barsaat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Yaq8SjzJE&feature=related
The couples moved to the floor again, this time dancing more rapidly and closely against each other. They had a blast as the words to the song swirled around them intoxicatingly. The track was followed by many others such as Talli, Twist, Zoobi Doobi, Khwab Deke, Gazab, I hate Love Stories, Kini Soni Lagdi, Uff Teri Ada, Naughty Naughty, and some English ones such as Just Dance, Kiss Me Through the Phone, Hot Mess, Supermassive Black Hole, I Gotta Feelin, Starrstruck, and 1,2,3.
The DJ eventually slowed it down with tracks like Jaan Meri Jarahi Sanam, Adat Ho Chuki, and Gale Lag Jaa. The couples decided to take a break from dancing, opting to finally eat. They got their food, and settled down, in camps of girls vs. boys.
As the girls caught up, drowning in glasses of pink lemonade, the guys perched at the counter, taking turns at teasing Sid, about what, men really and seriously think about one thing ;P
"So Abhi," Atul began, "you're staying with Sid and Rhidzy?"
"Yea..." Abhi replied, and then grimaced theatrically, "arre! You're right! I should've …my poor little brother," he said pinching Sid's cheeks, "he spent all day working so hard." Sid batted away his brother's hands, wondering what they were getting at, then went back to his food. Yuvi spoke seriously, "actually after all this I think Sid should spend the night with us, bechara, he's probably tired. Right Sid?" Sid looked up, three pairs of amused eyes stared at him, he returned their gaze confused; he finally summed up what they were getting at, groaning he replied, "kuch tho sharam karo guys!"
"You don't, why should we?" Atul retorted.
"What does that mean?"
Atul, Abhi, and Yuvi exchanged glances, "you really don't know?"
Sid rolled his eyes, "I'm not going through this again just tell me."
"Nothing." They replied, grinning at him, no one willing to tell him that while he and Rhiddima had been dancing they'd been attracting a lot of attention, leading to their friends forming a circle around them. The guy continued teasing him, until Abhi produced the last surprise of the night; the key to the honeymoon suite of Hotel Palm, conveniently situated over club Cha Cha. Siddhant stared at the key mortified, suddenly flashing back to the first series of meetings with Rhiddima, "NAHI!" he shouted, jumping up with a hand on his cheek. Atul, Abhi, and Yuvi looked up at him bewildered; Sid sat back down after picking up the stool he had knocked down. "First of all," he said, "your forethought absolutely scares me. Secondly, you can keep the key."
"Why?" Yuvi asked, "We thought you would be happy."
Sid shook his head, "look it's my fifth wedding anniversary, and I am in no hurry to celebrate my death anniversary."
They guys laughed, "I'm serious." Sid said, "I don't know how she would react and I'm in no hurry to find out, let me live in peace." He turned to Abhi, "why don't you stay there?"
"Like that wouldn't be obvious?"
"What?" Sid was about to continue when DJ sky interrupted, "Excuse me boys and girls, the lady of the night and her friends have something special for you all!"
ISHQ BARSE THE BOMBAY BOUNCE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knJl5Q_h7K0
Attkan mattkan dahi chatakan
Jor pigeonwa phur bhi ja
Aa re aa re ka re ka ga
Chun chun moti kha re kha
Boondhan boondhan barse barse
Dhua dhua huyi ja re ja
Attkan mattkan dahi chataka
Kha re ka ga kha re kha
Thunder erupted in the distance as the song began, the lights simultaneously dimming so that all that was left was three spotlights which focused on Rhiddima, flanked by Anjali and Nikkita on either side. Their hair flew this way and that as they started dancing to the sensuous and seductive music.
The guys watched, taken aback to say the least, their mouths hanging open. As his wife seemed to lead the others in a scintillating* dance Sid's mind wandered, 'someone pinch me,' he thought, 'I must be dreaming.'
As if reading his mind, Sid received two blows from either side courtesy Atul and Abhi, "Respect." They said disapprovingly. "Hypocrites," Sid muttered frowning.
Ishq barse boondhan boondhan
Chade hain champayi champayi rang
Rangi payal ranga aanchal, rangi main poori tere rang
Doli mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin tan ta na na na
Ke ab toh aaja yaara aaja aaja laagey nahin mann
Ishq barse boondhan boondhan
Chade hain champayi champayi rang
Rangi payal ranga aanchal, rangi main poori tere rang
Doli mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin tan ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laagey laagey nahin mann
The men got up from their seats slowly, still taking in the scene, Yuvi spoke up, "where's Naina?" he asked. Their eyes flew over Rhiddima, Nikkita, and Anjali, busy having a fun time, finally landing on Naina who sat near them with a fan in hand, that's why their hair was blowing all over the place despite being indoors!
Hawayein gaati hai sargam, ghataye bole jo mann tan
Boondh bhi paanch najeray dheere dheere chamak chamak cham cham
Dole mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laagey laage na yehn mann
Attkan mattkan dahi chatakan
Jor pigeonwa phur bhi ja
Aa re aa re ka re ka ga
Chun chun moti kha re kha
Boondhan boondhan barse barse
Dhua dhua huyi ja re ja
Attkan mattkan dahi chataka
Kha re ka ga kha re kha
The men conversed what to do, questions popping out. "What's wrong?" "What'd they eat?" "What'd they drink?"
They slipped near the girl's deserted drinks, "O Sh*t" Sid said, tasting a drink. "What?"
"It's…"
Abhi grabbed it from him, eyes widening at the taste, Atul and Yuvi followed; "it was supposed to be lemonade…" Yuvi whispered despairingly.
"O Boy."
"O Dear."
"O Man."
They fell silent observing the women again, three minds wandered simultaneously. Sid was imagining just him and Rhiddima alone in a room. Just them. Not a crowd of their friends and colleagues. Abhi's imagination went somewhere along the same line, Atul however was dreaming of Anjali being showered with flowers, twirling delicately in a green field as he stood watching.
Saans chalti resham resham
Aans badti madham madham
Nashe mein ghoom rahi hoon jhoom rahi hoon, main bijli ke sang
Dole mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laage na yeh mann
Ishq barse boondhan boondhan
Chade hain champayi champayi rang
Rangi payal ranga aanchal, rangi main poori tere rang
Doli mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laage na yeh mann
"Thank god Naina drank water!" Yuvi was the first to break their silence as he sunk into a chair. The remaining three men snapped out of their dreamlands, rushing to control their spouses, managing instead to get swept up into the dance.
Attkan mattkan dahi chata
Jor pigeonwa phur bhi ja
Aa re aa re ka re ka ga
Chun chun moti kha re kha
Boondhan boondhan barse barse
Dhua dhua huyi ja re ja
Attkan mattkan dahi chata
Kha re ka ga kha re kha
Ishq barse boondhan boondhan
Chade hain champayi champayi rang
Rangi payal ranga aanchal, rangi main poori tere rang
Doli mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laagey nahin mann
Ishq barse boondhan boondhan
Chade hain champayi champayi rang
Rangi payal ranga aanchal, rangi main poori tere rang
Doli mann ta na na na
Dhinak dhin ta na na na
Ke ab to aaja yaara aaja aaja laage na yeh mann
The women were moving in a circle, sleek and shimmering saris creating a spectacle as they spun around. Their hips moved to the beat, arms waving. Rhiddima was sashaying around Siddhant as he tried to get her to calm down, reluctantly however he joined in, taking her into his arms to placate her. Abhi and Atul soon met similar fates. Moving together until the end of the song.
Attkan mattkan dahi chatakan
Jor pigeonwa phur bhi ja
Aa re aa re ka re ka ga
Chun chun moti kha re kha
Boondhan boondhan barse barse
Dhua dhua huyi ja re ja
Attkan mattkan dahi chataka
Kha re ka ga kha re kha
The men finally managed to control the giddy women, getting them seated on a couch in a secluded corner of the club, away from curious onlookers. Yuvi and Naina had headed off to get to bottom of the drinks goof up.
Anjali, Rhiddima, and Nikkita sat in a row, luscious lips grinning and eyes innocently wide as they looked up at the husbands towering over them. Atul, Siddhant, and Abhimanyu looked down at them, contemplating what to do. Behind them the party winded down, DJ Sky beginning to pack up. They finally decided to take the girls to the suite upstairs.
"See?" Abhi said in the elevator, struggling to keep Nikkita's fists at bay, "wasn't the suite a good idea?"
"O shut up," Sid said irritably as Rhiddima slapped him again, stopping to pinch his nose.
Atul chuckled softly, he was having the easiest time of the three; while Nikki pummeled Abhi with shouts of "Modi main tume mardoongi" and Rhiddima went slap-happy mumbling about batameezes, Anjali rested with arms around his neck, repeating Atul's name with her usual flair. They finally managed to get the innocent belles into the room and tucked into the plush bed meant for Siddhant and Rhiddima. That feat over Abhi, Atul, and Sid collapsed onto the couches and armchairs littering the suite, looking at each other warily; the night had definitely not ended the way any of them planned.
Abhi eyed the bed again, sighing, "waise guys, does Nikki look like someone who left two kids at home?"
Sid and Atul turned to observe the three, "No." Atul replied, "None of them look like mothers…"
Sid smiled, suddenly jubilant, "I love my life." He said out loud, Abhi and Atul guffawed tiredly in reply, already falling asleep.
Sid was just dozing off when he Sid realized that his cherished Blackberry was missing; gauging that it was still at the club he exited the room, making sure not to disturb the sleeping Atul and Abhi.
Precap:
Siddhant finally spoke, "Armaan." He said simply, almost like he had known this would happen. Armaan's voice didn't waver as he replied, "Siddhant."
*scintillating: SRK word lol
TRACKS USED [I'm that passionate about music]
Pheli Nazar Mein- Race
Kaise Muje- Ghajni
So Right- Roadside Romeo
Koi Aap Sa- Koi Aap Sa
Sadje- Khatta Meetha
Talli- Ugli aur Pagli
Twist- Love Aaj Kal
Zoobi Doobi- 3 Idiots
Kwab Deke- Race
GAzab- Aa Dekhen Zara
I hate Love Stories- I Hate Luv Storys
Kini Soni Lagdi- Llomantic
Uff Teri Ada- Karthik Calling Karthik
Naughty Naughty- Cash
Just Dance- Lady Gaga
Kiss Me Through the Phone- Soulja Boy
Hot Mess- Cobra Starship
Supermassive Black Hole- Muse
I Gotta Feelin- Black Eyed Peas
Starrstruck- 3OH!3
1,2,3- Britney Spears
Jaan Meri Jarahi Sanam- Lucky
Adat Ho Chuki- Koi Aap Sa
Gale Lag Jaa- De Dhana Dhan
NEXT PART 15:
Naina and Yuvi watched as the last of the guests moved on out; it hadn't taken much time after the three other couples left for the rest of the party goers to disperse. Now all that remained was Yuvi, Naina, and the cleanup crew. Naina sat at the counter, where Yuvi soon joined her.
"Good going with the drinks," Yuvi complimented his wife.
"Thank you darling," she replied with a sweet smile, "your innocent act was marvelous I must say."
"Thank you!" he replied winking.
Yes, it was them; they had laced the drinks. Nothing bad, just something hard enough to get Rhiddima's tongue wagging. What they hadn't expected was that they would choose to drink so late, or that all three of them would get hit. Or that Armaan wouldn't show up. But it was fun anyway, so what the heck!
Naina frowned, "did you see him?" she asked.
"No. But Sid and Rhiddima are ok, so it doesn't really matter." Yuvi jumped of the barstool, and then helped Naina down, "Now let's get you home."
She grasped his outstretched hand smiling, happy with how things had turned out. She paused in her walking, frowning.
"What happened? Tell me you're not going into labor!" Yuvi said panicking. "I don't even have the bag. Oh my-"
"No duffer, I kicked something…" she searched the floor with her eyes. "What was it?" Yuvi asked.
"I don't know that's what I'm looking for!"
Yuvi groaned, rolling his eyes he got down on all fours, searching for whatever she had kicked.
"Found it!" he emerged from behind some chairs, holding up Siddhant's prized blackberry. "Wait here," he said walking up to Naina again, "I'll go give it to them."
Naina pouted, "He can last the night without it! I wanna go home," she whined. Shaking his head, Yuvraj obliged with him moody wife, planning to call someone to tell them he had the phone.
……………..
Armaan tossed the last of his now meager amount of possessions into his bag. Next to it, his phone hummed again, and again he ignored it. He would be back soon enough why was she getting her distressed jeans in a twist?
He sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands; "I should've never come back," he said to himself, who else was there? He fell back onto the bed courtesy Hotel Palm, tears filled his eyes again. He felt like a one of those bahus in the saas bahu soaps, 'stop crying you idiot' he tried telling himself. It was futile, the tears kept falling.
He had gone to the party, just like he had told himself he would. He had even moved into this hotel, so he would be sure to go. He had entered through the back, blending in and unseen, observing quietly. He had watched the grand entrance of the Modi's, the stab he'd felt when he saw them was inexplicable. Nikki, his Nikki, his best friend Nikki. She was a Modi, and she was acting like, like, like there was never an Armaan. There had only been a Siddhant and Rhiddima, not an Armaan and Rhiddima. His Nikki, acting like Siddhant, not Armaan, was her best friend.
But he had let that go; after all, he was her…her devar. She'd married Abhimanyu. He was happy for her. Really. And when Dr. Shashank and Padma auntie had shown up, he didn't react; she was their daughter. And as far as he knew, Dr. Shashank never liked him right? He really seemed to like Siddhant.
The biggest shock came when Atul and Anjie showed up. There was nothing, nothing to show that they wished he was there and not Siddhant. That it was his anniversary with Rhiddima, not Siddhant's. No, they just walked up all smiles with Siddhant's daughter on Atul's shoulders. His Atul, his friend, his brother, his champ. Atul. And what had Siddhant called him? AJ? 'Lame. Probably Siddhant's idea.' Armaan thought childishly.
He had thought it couldn't get any worse than realizing Rhiddima had moved on, turns out it could. Way worse, the only way to describe him right now was, betrayed. Memories were hitting him like missiles, Atul, Anjie, Nikki, even his random moments with Abhimanyu, and of course there was Rhiddima. If Rahul and Muskaan had been there, he would've done something, he would seriously have done something.
He screamed into a pillow, as old memories were replaced with the painfully raw ones from a couple hours ago. The thing is, he couldn't really blame them either. A part of him wanted to be petty and call them bad friends, but then reason took over. And he knew that life moves on; they couldn't all put their lives on hold because he had decided to disappear. They had just moved past him, started their lives again. And somehow in the process Siddhant had managed to take his place.
He had been standing near the back of the bar, sipping on a drink as he observed the festivities. Watching the couples dance, each in a world of their own, a world that no longer had a place for him. He'd gotten up to move when Surili had started playing, it froze him in his place. He had stood rooted to his spot as everyone else danced, stood rooted through Siddhant's speech, and stood rooted to the same spot as Siddhant began serenading Rhiddima. She had cried when he finished, even from that distance Armaan could see her tears. Had she ever cried when he sung? Had she ever been so moved? Asking himself this, his eyes started to tear, and then they had met Siddhant's.
It was then that it hit him, hiding behind a pillar at the party in honor of Siddhant and Rhiddima Modi's fifth anniversary, that he couldn't blame Siddhant. He couldn't blame anyone. 'Siddhant was probably a nice guy; undeserving of the string of insults you've been flinging in his direction all night. All these people they love Siddhant. Siddhant isn't the impostor, You Are.'
He'd made his exit then; choosing instead to hit the gym, where his angst and anguish, his hurt, could be put to good use. After that, he decided, he would leave; as soon as possible, leave. He didn't want to meet anyone. No, he was ready to go. Run off. He could do that. Nothing new, 'leave like you always do Armaan.' He taunted himself. "Leave." Lightning struck outside, as if agreeing with him.
……………..
Armaan leaned against the back of the elevator, unable to stop himself from remembering. Each memory hit him like the bullet that had ended it all. The first day of his internship, the basketball court, their fights, their friends…the moments that had made his life. As the lift paused to let on another passenger Armaan turned to face the rear, leaning his forehead against the cool metal.
He didn't notice the young man who had just walked on. No, not until the elevator jarred halfway between floors, fatefully trapping them together with no means of escape. Leaving with only the emergency lights to illuminate their faces.
"Sh*t!" the man cursed, fiddling with the array of buttons on the side, Armaan turned curiously, just in time to see him angrily bang his hand against the buttons. Cursing again as he turned to face his fellow passenger.
The two men finally came face to face, each too shocked to move. Siddhant finally spoke, "Armaan." He said it simply. Calmly. Almost like he had known this would happen, but how could he? Armaan's voice didn't waver as he replied, "Siddhant."
They stared at each other; adversaries in a battle long over, won in the end by fate alone. The same cruel fate which had thrown then in this elevator together, for a time known only to that fate itself, and for a reason, known only to fate itself.
NEXT PART 16:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmaIBlGLVcs
Rhiddima's eyes fluttered open as she felt a gentle breeze brushing against her skin. She took in the room with awe; it wasn't a room at all, more like an open house. Perhaps it was someone's guesthouse? Big bay windows surrounded three sides of the big hall, sheer white curtains ruffled in the wind. There was an ornate curving staircase leading down. She stepped towards it as the song began playing'
shukran allah wallah alham dulillah - (4)
thank you allah, allah be praised
As she reached the bottom, she saw someone hidden between the curtains, they moved towards her slowly. Realizing who it was, she smiled brightly.
Armaan came closer, crooning:
nazron se nazrein mili to
when my eyes met your eyes,
jannat si mehki fizaayein
the atmosphere fragranted like heaven
lab ne jo lab chhoo liya to
when we touched our lips with each other,
aasmaan se barsi duaaien
prayers showered from sky
aisi apni mohabbat
such is our love,
aisi rooh-e-ibaadat
such is the essence of our devotion,
hum pe meherbaan do jahaan
that both the worlds are kind on us
He pulled her close, twirling her around, somehow managing to do a version of the salsa to the slow beat of the song.
shukran allah wallah alham dulillah - (4)
teri baahaon mein yeh jism khil gaya
my body brightened in your arms
teri saanson mein chain mil gaya
i found peace in your breath
kaise rahein ab hum juda
how can i now remain away from you?
tere paas hum itne hue
i came so close to you
tere khawaab apne hue
that your dreams became mine
aise huye ab hum fida
such is the way i fell in love with you
He led her through a series of twists and turns, the very feel of him made her feel liberated. Free. Loved.
aise uski inaayat
such was the kindness of god,
mit gayi har shikaayat
that all my complaints got over
hum pe meherbaan do jahaan
and both the worlds are kind on us
They smiled at each other as the words, wind, and curtains clouded around them; lost in their own world of happiness. He spun her out, only to reel her back in and send her flying out again. She spun around happily, in a circle. Then realized he wasn't there.
shukran allah wallah alham dulillah - (4)
She closed her eyes, falling back; she knew he would be there. And then, as expected, she was caught, she opened her eyes slowly, with a smile, and was met with shock. It wasn't Armaan, but Siddhant. Who helped her stand up and led her through a slow series of steps. A gentle waltz; making her feel safe again. Loved again. She looked into his eyes; she could see his soul from here. His love for her.
tere saaye mein mili har khushi
i found happiness in your shade
teri marzi meri zindagi
your will is my life
le chal tu chaahe jahaan
take me wherever you wish to
haan haan
meri aankhon mein nazar teri hai
there is your sight in my eyes
meri sham-o-seher teri hai
my mornings and evenings are your's
tu jo nahin to main kahan
i am nowhere if you are not there
khil gayi meri kismat
my luck brightened
paa ke teri yeh chaahat
after attaining your love
hum pe meherbaan do jahaan
both the worlds are kind on us
shukran allah wallah alham dulillah - (4)
Suddenly she was pulled from his loving gaze, pulled into a rapid salsa with Armaan. "Sid!" she screamed, each time she turned she searched for his face. She could see it changing, such sad eyes. Why was he leaving? No! "Siddhant! No!" but he didn't respond, he receded even further into the darkness, a faint but sad smile on his face.
She raced after Siddhant, ignoring Armaan's pleas. "Siddhant! No! Don't Go!"
"Rhiddima!"
"Siddhant! Sid! Come back!"
"Rhiddima, wake up!" "Rhidzy! Rhidzy!"
"Siddhant!"
"Rhidzy, shhh, it's ok!"
Rhiddima's eyes flew open, it was just a dream. No, not a dream, a nightmare. She breathed deeply, sitting up slowly. Anjali di and Nikki flanked her on either side; her eyes searched the number of eyes looking down at her. None of them were the ones she was looking for. "Sid?" she arched her neck, trying to see past Abhi and Atul, "where's Sid?" she asked worriedly.
The others looked around, finally realizing she was missing.
"It's ok Rhiddima," Abhi assured her, "he's probably in the bathroom."
She wasn't sated, she needed to see him. "Where is Sid? Sid!" she yelled out, hoping he would answer. Abhi and Atul ran to check the rest of the suite, returning with worried looks. "He's not here," they announced.
Rhiddima scrambled around in the bed, the many layers of sheets twisting around her body as she tried to get out, "Sid Sid Sid." She repeated frantically, "Where are you?"
Anjali and Nikki followed her out, "shhh, it's ok, we'll find him." Anjali took her into her arms, "he's not a kid." Nikki assured her, "he'll be back soon."
''''..
Siddhant and Armaan stood still; in fact time seemed to stand still. After daring to utter each other's names, they were speechless. Their eyes, which moments before had steadily met, not darted nervously around the small space. The lift seemed to grow smaller, into a crevice almost, as they realized that they were stuck. Together. Now they only had two options, sit awkwardly in silence for however long it took for them to be evicted, or try to hold what was bound to be one of the world's most awkward conversations ever.
Of course they attempted the first option first. They retreated into opposite corners, sinking to sit on the floor. Still hesitant to pointedly look at each other, they pretended to observe frivolous things. As Siddhant pretended to intently study an inscription on the switchboard, Armaan focused on his phone, rendered useless in the lift. They both snuck glances at each other, taking in details. After twenty minutes of pin drop silence, the air filled with uneasy tension, Siddhant spoke up again, "What were you doing in my bushes?"
Armaan's head jerked up, surprised that Siddhant had spoken, let alone admitted to have seen him in the bushes! "I-I..."
Siddhant winced, "sorry! I, wow, sorry! Did not mean that the way it sounded-"
"Yes you did, and you're right to ask-"
"No really, I- I should've. I- sorry."
Armaan observed the man, Siddhant's flustered face and innocently wide eyes were filled with regret.
"I'm sorry." Armaan said, "For everything."
Siddhant looked at him confused, "why? I mean, you didn't do anything."
Armaan scoffed, "yes I did. You obviously know about the bushes, I- that was wrong. I'm sorry."
Siddhant smiled at him, a small nervous smile, but a smile none the less. "It's ok." He replied softly, "I forgive you."
The lift fell silent again as they each studied the floor for a few minutes, unsure how to continue.
Once again, Sid spoke up, "I saw you again." They looked up at each other, eyes flitting around to avoid any possible direct contact. "You were at the chai stall, and I got out of my car to talk to you. But I chickened out at the last minute."
"I saw you too," Armaan admitted, "I was getting ready to run, but you diverted'I was planning on personally giving you a membership card." He muttered the last part to himself, but Siddhant still caught it.
"Card? To what?" he wondered out loud.
Armaan's eyes widened, 'shit he'd heard.' "It's' stupid really. You were walking towards me and I wanted to run. But my feet wouldn't move and I was panicking, thinking about what I would say to you and I ' I thought, well, I love Rhiddima." Armaan had started fiddling with his when he'd begun speaking, staring intently at it. Now he looked up to meet Siddhant's eyes; they didn't waver, didn't accuse, so he continued, "a-and you love Rhiddima. We both love Rhiddima. I thought, we should start a club, we could be the sole two members'" Armaan looked down again.
"' of the I Love Rhiddima Club." Siddhant finished for him.
Armaan looked up again, his eyes meeting Siddhant's a smile broke out on their faces. The ridiculous notion of such a club, that they could both think of that, formed a bond. An understanding. The realization that they couldn't change the past, but the future. Yes the present and the present they could.
"Did you change your mind?" Siddhant asked?
Armaan's face scrunched up thoughtfully, "about what?"
"About giving me a membership; it's a pretty exclusive club right? And you decide who gets in'"
Armaan laughed a little, scornfully; he was regrettably starting to like this guy, he had a sense of humor. "I think you of all people get automatic membership," he said, "but'" He reached into his bag, rummaging around until he emerged with a notebook and pen. Tearing out a sheet, he creased it, neatly tearing out a strip. On the paper he drew two large hearts, and inside them wrote: Member: The I Love Rhiddima Club. He tore the strip neatly in two, giving one to Siddhant and keeping one for himself.
Siddhant took out his wallet, securely slipping the "card" behind a family picture he always carried with him. He smiled looking down at the snapshot; it was a fairly recent one. It was taken on the front steps of their home; he was sitting on the top step and had his arms around Rhiddima, who sat between his legs holding Ashi.
Armaan watched Siddhant curiously, what was he smiling at? It seemed to be a picture.
Siddhant looked up at saw Armaan's curious glance. He looked at the picture, hesitant to hand it over. Rethinking however, he held it out, waiting for Armaan to take it.
Armaan looked at him, surprised, then hesitantly took it, sucking in a breath as he saw the picture; a beautiful picture, of a beautiful family. For a minute he couldn't help but think that should be him. She didn't look much different; a little more mature maybe. Different hair, clothes, but the same gorgeous smile, the same twinkling eyes. But the glow around her was different; this was Rhiddima Modi, not his Basket. She was different, yet the same. Somehow he sensed she was more carefree, she didn't have to hide her love for this man, not like I had always been with them. He handed the wallet back, sullen.
"Was she always so fiery?" Siddhant's voice snapped Armaan out of his interlude, "was she what?"
Siddhant furtively checked their surrounds, leaning in, "So' hotheaded'.bossy."
Armaan couldn't help it, the way Siddhant had said it, like he expected Rhiddima to jump out any moment and beat him up, he just had to laugh. He shook his head, "if you mean self righteous, then yes."
Siddhant laughed too, more at the irony of the situation than at Armaan's comment, but he did agree, he nodded in agreement. "She can be self righteous-"
"But if she's wrong," Armaan said.
"She'll admit it."" Siddhant added.
"Reluctantly." Armaan finished with a smile.
The two men stared at each other in astonishment; here they were, already finishing each other's sentences. Wow.
They continued staring, unsure what to make of this new development. Finally, Armaan spoke up, "the first time we met, she beat me at my own game, basketball." He paused, twiddling his thumbs and wondering if he should continue. "I didn't want to admit it, but she did; then I saw her at the hospital and got her back. And she got me back, and I got her back, and-"
"It kept going till you fell in love?" Siddhant guessed.
"Until I fell in love." Armaan corrected, "it took ' a while for her to agree.
"She's stubborn."
"Yea'" both men fell silent again as they thought of the object of their affections.
"We played basketball too," Siddhant started his own story, "but that's not how we met. We' really started off on the wrong foot. It was at the airport, and she'" he trailed off, grimacing at the unsavory memory.
"She?" Armaan probed.
Siddhant cleared his throat, "she accused me of molesting her. Then got me arrested. Then later she accused me of kidnapping her. And got me arrested."
Armaan bit his lip struggling with his urge, giving in, he burst out laughing. He hadn't laughed in what seemed forever, but Siddhant's tale, and his own memory of a night spent in jail courtesy the one and only Rhiddima Gupta was too much. That or he was going crazy, but it was most likely the second one.
Siddhant frowned at him disdainfully; wait till he heard how they got married'
Next Part 17:
Abhi and Atul rushed towards the rendezvous point, aka the receptionist desk. In their rush they couldn't stop in time and crashed into each other.
"Dr. Atul!" For a minute Abhi reverted to Sadu Modi mode, then recovered, "sorry Atul," he said.
"Find anything?" Atul asked. Abhi shook his head, no. "The stupid power had to go out now too! Dam* it!" he kicked the floor.
Atul massaged his forehead, "where could he go? And why would he leave without telling us?"
Abhi leaned against a pillar, eyes closed, "Stupid. Idiot. Moron." He muttered.
Atul sighed, come on, we have to go tell the women."
Abhi groaned, "Stupid power cut! I don't want to walk up 14 flights of stairs!"
Atul froze, eyes suddenly alight, "THE ELEVATOR! ABHI! What if Sid is stuck in there?"
Abhi's eyes met Atul's equally excited, they turned to the harried receptionist, "WHERE'S THE ELEVATOR?!?!?" Abhi screamed.
The y young receptionist was scared by the two over excited men towering over her, eyes wide, she pointed towards the elevators.
Abhi calmed down, "no, we mean it's not working right? Because of the power cut?"
She shook her head, "n-no it's not."
Atul smiled kindly, "well is there a way to know where it stopped? Or if anyone is inside?"
She bit her lip, she liked this man better than the other, he seemed nice…
"Miss?" Abhi asked.
"No Sir, there isn't. We can tell you what floor it's on or between, but not if there's anyone inside."
"Well we need you to get a mechanic here," Abhi said, "because my little brother is stuck in there."
"We think." Atul interjected.
"Where else could he be?" Abhi asked.
Atul nodded agreeing, "Right. Sid's stuck in the elevator!"
"Sid's stuck in the elevator?" A feeble voice questioned from behind, Abhi and Atul winced, she really didn't need to hear that. They turned slowly, in time to see her bottom lip quivering, cueing another bout of sobs. She leaned heavily onto her sister, who along with Nikki led her to a nearby couch. She buried her face into Anjali's shoulder; she didn't know why she was crying so much. But she just could stop. She needed to see Sid now, to make sure he was alright, that he was still here for her. But Sid was gone; he was stuck in an elevator. What if something happened… her mind flew through the possible outcomes. What if he ran out of air? What if the cable was weak and broke? "Sid…" She gasped, "Please come back…"
Anjali and Nikki soothed her, giving each other worried glances, why was she so worked up? What kind of dream had she seen?
Abhi and Atul convinced the receptionist to get the mechanic and then came to sit down with their wives; comforting a miserable Rhiddima.
………………
"So she gets you arrested twice, slaps you silly, accuses you of rape, and you marry her?"
"Well when you put it like that…"
"You're insane!"
"Hey! She got you arrested too."
"That was a misunderstanding."
"As was this…sort of."
"Touch."
They sat next to each other now, side by side. In the last hour they had given up sitting still; choosing instead to move about the elevator, exchanging stories about the one and only Rhiddima Modi nee Gupta.
A strange comfort had formed between the men; they seemed connected by their love for her. At the very least they should've been not talking, but no, here they were telling each other the weirdest oddest things. The things they hadn't told anyone else, because no one else knew Rhiddima like they did. Their feelings, motivation, insecurities, all laid out along with tales of Rhiddima's anger, Rhiddima's love, Armaan's love, Siddhant's love… the elevator seemed to have taken them to a different world.
Here, secluded from the rest of society, it seemed almost acceptable that a woman's past and her present could peacefully sit side by side discussing why they love her. Even the silences as they each mulled over their thoughts were comfortable; they had no reason to be awkward here, away from the rest of the world. And for the time being, Armaan Malik and Siddhant Modi would very much love to forget the rest of the world.
As time dragged on, they grew drowsy, each tired from the day's events. Slowly, as he fell asleep, Siddhant's head slipped onto Armaan's shoulder, and remained there unmoving. Soon after Armaan's own head rested on top of it, as he too fell asleep.
They awoke soon after in that very position as the elevator jarred to life. As the veil of sleep lifted, they got up from the floor, holding onto each other for support. They looked at each other regretfully; after those double doors opened, things would change. No matter how much they wished they didn't have to, they had to walk out. They face the world that was always so full of questions and accusations.
"Good bye Siddhant." Armaan stuck out his hand, a comforting smile on his face. Siddhant clasped it firmly, "It's Sid for friends Armaan."
"So we're friends now?"
"I'd like to think so."
"Then good bye Sid."
"It doesn't have to be goodbye," Siddhant said.
Armaan gave him a knowing look, yes it did; at least for now. Before he could voice his thoughts however, the lift came to a stop. Armaan let go of Siddhant's hand noticing his anxious eyes flying to the door.
Siddhant gave Armaan a last heartrending look as the doors slid open; it was goodbye, for now.
………………
A collective sigh of relief resonated throughout the lobby as the doors slid open and Sid stepped out. Almost immediately Rhiddima was shooting out of her seat nearby, not stopping until she had plowed through Abhi and Atul and burrowed herself into Siddhant's arms. In the comfort and love she had grown to distinguish as her Siddhant.
Siddhant's slightly relieved smile turned into a concerned frown as she clutched at him, her sobs pausing only to choke out his name. He hugged her comfortingly, slightly confused yet touched that she had missed him so much. "It's ok Rhiddi," he whispered into her hair, "I'm here. I'm ok," he laid a kiss on the top of her head reassuringly, she sniffed, slightly nodding.
"Don't leave me." She whispered, sounding slightly pitiful. He looked down at her shocked, she wrapped her arms around him more tightly face buried in his chest, refusing to let go, "please don't leave me."
He shushed her, "never, Rhiddi, what's wrong? What happened?" he probed; he got no answer as she simply nestled further into him, tears still falling as she stood reveling in his aura. Siddhant looked up at the others, who stood watching. His questioning eyes were met with shrugs; they didn't know what happened either.
Abhi, now recovered from the shove courtesy his sister in law, began pelting his brother with questions, the others joined in too. Siddhant stood confounded as to whether he should answer their inquiries or take care of Rhiddima.
"What were you doing in the elevator?"
"We walked up and down fourteen flights of stairs!"
"Why were you up so late?"
"Couldn't you have told someone?"
"We were all so worried!"
"Sid you have to stop acting like a kid-"
"GUYS!" Sid finally interrupted, "SHUT UP!"
Abhi, Atul, Nikki, and Anjali fell silent, Rhiddima giggled slightly into Siddhant's torso. Siddhant rolled his eyes, "you two were already asleep," he said to Abhi and Atul, "and you" he said to Nikki and Anjali, "were passed out from getting dr-"
Nikki's glare stopped him from continuing, but his point was made.
Sid let out a breath forcefully, "anyway," he said, "there's someone you guys should meet."
Siddhant hadn't moved from his spot yet, he was still in front of the open elevator. He turned towards it now, gently since Rhiddima was still wrapped around him.
"Ah…" Sid began to say, but trailed off when he realized the elevator was empty. Sid looked at the small space stunned, had he imagined the whole thing?
"Who'd you want us to meet Sid?" Abhi posed the question on all their minds.
Siddhant turned again slightly to gape at them, "he- he,"
"Sid? Are you ok?" Nikki asked.
"Armaan!" Siddhant exclaimed, "He was here!" The group stilled, but Siddhant continued, "he- he was there! I swear!" I- we were talking!"
Rhiddima lifted her head, looking up concerned. Sid looked at everyone's unconvinced faces, then at the empty lift, "he was…I…"
They all looked at him concerned and unbelieving.
"He-he…" Siddhant stuttered to a stop, frowning, why would he leave like that?
"Never mind," he finally said, "let's just go home."
A moment of silence passed before Nikki disagreed, it was late and raining cats and dogs outside. They should spend the night here. Giving in, Siddhant, Rhiddima, and the others began to trudge up the fourteen flights of stairs; no one wanted to risk the elevator again. Of course, less than halfway up the girls insisted they be carried like the princesses they were.
………………
Hours later, after everyone had fallen asleep again Siddhant sat in the bathroom alone. Perched on the edge of the bathtub he ran his fingers over the small piece of paper in his hand.
It was real, it had happened. And as suddenly as he had appeared, Armaan Malik had disappeared, leaving behind only this.
Sid knew he could show it to the others, as proof. But no. Somehow, this felt too private, for Rhiddima even. This was something just for the two of them, the two sole members of the I Love Rhiddima Club.
He slipped the card back into his wallet, eyes wandering over to the window, which revealed the violent weather outside. 'I hope Armaan's alright.' He thought worriedly, he shouldn't have let him leave in this weather. Wandering closer to the window, he laid a hand on the glass. His eyes searched the bleak vicinity outside as he said the three words he'd forgotten to say to his new friend, "Thank you, Armaan."
Udne Ki Aasha
Kumkum Bhagya
14