Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 36

EPISODE SEVENTY-FIVE

Armaan looked at Aarti questioningly who smiled back at him and walked away to follow Punditji's instructions. Puzzled he sat besides Dadi, "Ye ho kya raha hai?"

"Ab bhi nahi samjha tu?" she asked, he shook his head negatively, "Ye tera aur Riddhima ka Roka ho raha hai... iske baad tum dono ka rishta fomally pakka ho jaayega."

"Kya?" he stared at her shocked with the news, "Lekin aap logon ne mujhe kyun nahi bataya?"

"Agar pahle bata dete, to tere chehre pe ye funny expression kahaan se dekhne ko milta?" Atul commented laughing at his face, joined by Rahul.

"Tu bhi ye sab jaanta tha Bhai?" Atul shook his head, "This is not fair, aap logon ne mujhse ye sab chhupaya..." he pouted childhishly.

"Tu humse apne dil ki baat chhupa sakta hai, to kya hum tujhse ek chhoti si baat nahi chhupa sakte." Omang added joining them in the pull-Armaan's-leg session.

"Dad? Aap bhi?" he looked at him surprised, "Main nahi baat karta aap logon se..." with that he walked away towards the backyard.

Omang, Dadi, Rahul and Atul laughed at his childish behavior. Though he has walked out, but all of them knew that he is happy and right now, must be smiling to himself.

Anjali, Aarti, Rahul, Shashank and Padma were making arrangements for Roka ceremony. Riddhima offered her help, but they refused instructing her to sit quietly with Muskaan.

From the distance, Riddhima noticed the scene between, Armaan, Dadi, Atul and Omang. She noticed the funny faces Armaan made as all others teased him. She didnt know what all they were talking about, but was pleasantly surprised to see that shy look on Armaan's face. She never imagined him have a muscle that could blush. She giggled to herself as he walked out to the backyard pouting kiddishly, which didnt go un-noticed by Muskaan, who sat with her. She saw her gaping at Armaan and smiled.

"Kya dekh rahi hai Baby?" Muskaan asked.

"Huh?" she looked towards her, "Ji?"

"Maine puchha ki kya dekh rahi thi tu?" she repeated.

"Wo main... k-kuchh nahi..." she gasped, then asked, "Bhabhi, ye Armaan... I mean Armaan Sir yahaan kya kar rahe hain?"

Muskaan looked at her for a moment, thinking for a while. So she still didnt know that Armaan and Atul are brothers. Then she spoke, "Tujhe nahi pata Armaan aur Atul ke baare mein?"

"Kya nahi pata?" Riddhima asked.

"Yehi, ki wo dono Bhai hain?"

"Kya?" she was shocked, "Wo dono..."

"Hmm, wo dono Bhai hain." Muskaan nodded.

"Lekin... Kyun... I mean kaise... Mera matlab, wo dono Bhai kaise ho sakte hain?" she looked confused and doubtfully at her.

"Kyun nahi ho sakte?" Muskaan raised her brow.

"Bhabhi, Armaan to Malik hai, aur Atul Bhaiya, Joshi. To wo dono Bhai kaise hue?" she argued.

"Oh, to ye confusion hai..." Muskaan chuckled, "Cousins bhi to ho sakte hain."

"Cousins?" Riddhima was about to say something else, but Muskaan continued.

"Haan, balki cousins hi hain samjho."

"Samjho matlab?" Riddhima still a little confused.

Muskaan decided to explain, "Arey, Armaan, Omang Uncle ke best-friend ka beta hai. Jab Armaan ke parents ki death hui, to marne se pahle unhone Armaan aur uski Dadi ki responsibility Omang Uncle aur Aarti Aunty pe chhodi thi. Tabse ye log saath hi rahte hain."

"Oh..." understanding the link, she paused, "To iska matlab, Dadi actual mein Armaan Sir ki Dadi hain, aur Aarti Aunty-Omang Uncle, Atul Bhaiya ke parents hain?"

"Hmm..." Muskaan agreed. Anjali called her for something so she walked away.

Riddhima sat there thinking about all this for a while. Why didnt she notice this? Atul has always been around Armaan and vice versa.

Since Muskaan was called by Anjali for some reason, she was sitting alone. She strolled casually to the backyard. Standing on the door that open to the backyard, she saw him sitting with Yash and Vaibhav, talking about something very seriously. Then they all laughed together. The boys clapped their hands, while Armaan made silly faces, as if telling them about an adventure story. Riddhima smiled looking at the trio enjoying each other's company.

Standing at the door, she could see the backyard as well as what is happening in the living room. She glanced at Armaan and then at Atul (who was in the living room helping Aarti with something), and recollected that many a times Armaan referred Atul as 'Bhai'. Oh, so this was the reason... Earlier she didnt give it much attention, thinking may be they call each other like that due to their close comradeship.

She also remembered the time when Ashraya's new building was inaugurated. That day, she was too busy with work, so didnt thought much about anything. But now the bonding between Anjali, Atul and Armaan gave her a clear picture of their relationship. So he is the one, Yash keeps blabbering about; Vaibhav's Chachu. He is Yash's Superman... Why was she unaware of it? Well, Yash never called him by his name, instead he love to call him Superman.

Armaan looked at the door when Chatur called him, "Armaan Bhaiya, Badi Maa apko andar bula rahi hain... jaldi aaiye..." Riddhima hid behind the curtain when he looked up.

"Theek hai, tu jaake Mom se bol ke hum bas do (2) minute mein aate hain." Armaan replied.

Riddhima looked at him strangely, thinking about something. Then before he could see her, she went inside as she heard Muskaan calling her.

Armaan came inside with Yash and Vaibhav, jumping and hovering around him like honey-bees. Aarti gestured him to come ahead and sit beside Shashank. He complied.

Padma gestured Riddhima to come and sit on a couch. She was standing behind one of the couch on the other side. She too complied.

As Riddhima sat on the single seater sofa, Dadi signaled Aarti to start. Punditji too came and started performing the rituals, chanting Mantra. Riddhima looked confusingly towards Padma who gestured her to sit quietly and do as told, until she is instructed else. She followed all the instructions told to her. Aarti drapped a beautiful baby-blue dupatta over her head and gave her a few gifts as Shagun. Others observed everything smiling at each other.

Armaan saw her confused face. Why is she looking confused? Doesnt she knows anything about these ceremonies? Her face says that she doesnt. Or is it coz, they still havent spoken to her about all this? Or have they hid this Roka ceremony from her as well? Is she really unaware of what is happening here? But then why is she doing everything quietly?

He glanced towards Atul-Anjali, Rahul-Muskaan, who instead of looking at him, were busy gawking at rituals Riddhima was doing.

Yash and Vaibhav were sitting beside Riddhima, observing everything curiously.

Before Armaan could ask anything from anyone, Aarti finished her work.

Padma signaled Riddhima to stand up and touch Aarti's feet, which she did instantly smiling at her. She thought Padma is asking her to do so to thank Aarti for the gifts. Even though, she had no idea of what is happening, but she had a strange nagging feeling about it. All of it was very new and odd for her. She hadnt attended Minnie's or even Rahul's roka ceremony, due to some reasons, else she would have understood what they were doing.

A minute later, Dadi told Armaan to go and sit on the couch beside Riddhima. Smiling weakly, he stood from his seat and went to sit beside her. Riddhima was surprised, when he came and sat along her with the same smile on his face. Why is he sitting beside me? She stared at him.

Now it was Padma's turn to repeat the rituals with Armaan. She came forward and finished the rites she was supposed to do. Once she was done, Armaan stood up to touch her feet. Padma blessed him again. She signaled Riddhima too to do the same once again, this time along with Armaan. Though confused, Riddhima too touched Aarti's feet once again with Armaan. Aarti held Riddhima's face between her palms when she stood up, and kissed her forehead in a motherly affection, caressing her head.

Aarti told Armaan-Riddhima to take Punditji's blessings as well. They followed her instructions. Punditji instructed them to take blessing from all the elders of the house, together. Armaan knew everything as he has attended a few similar ceremonies ealier as well, but Riddhima's confusion kept rising with every passing moment. But she kept quite and followed every instruction obediently.

"Bhagwaan tum dono ko humesha kush rakhe." Dadi blessed them when they touched her feet. Side-hugging them both with either hands, she commented, "Lo bhai Shashank, ab se Armaan tumhara beta ho gaya, aur Riddhima humaari beti."

"Wo to hai Maaji." Shashank laughed along with Omang and all others. Armaan, hugged Atul and Rahul. When Anjali and Muskaan winked at him, he looked away smiling weirdly.

When Armaan's phone rang, Omang signaled him not to take it, "Armaan?"

But he requested, "Dad urgent hai. Bas do minute, it wont take longer... Please."

Passing him a warning glance, Omang permitted him to take the call. Armaan excused himself from everyone, to attend the call.

Riddhima heard this. She sat there holding the edge of her dupatta, thinking about what all is happening. Muskaan came and hugged her followed by Anjali. They smiled widely at her.

She looked at them questioningly and then asked, "Bhabhi, ye sab ho kya raha hai? Aur sab itna smile kyun kar rahe hain?"

Muskaan and Anjali laughed at her innocent query. Muskaan said, "Jo ho raha hai, achchha ho raha hai. Aur tere saare sawaalon ke jawaab main tujhe ghar chalke dungi. Filhaal to enjoy kar."

"Par Bhabhi, ye sab gifts aur ye Punditji, ye sab kya hai?" she looked confused.

"Ohho Baby, to bhi na, kitne sawaal karti hai. Kaha na ki ghar chalke tujhe sab bataungi... Promise. Dekh, sab kitne khush lag rahe hain..." she pointed towards the elders, "Aur tu kahna kya chaahti hai, ki sabko smile nahi karna chaahiye?"

"Nahi mera matlab wo nahi tha Bhabhi, main to bas aise hi..." she looked down guiltily.

"Muskaan, bas kar na. Kyun bekaar mein use daant rahi hai? Usne to bas aise hi puchh liya hoga... haina Riddhima?" Riddhima nodded naively.

"Waah-bhai-waah, rishta jude abhi kuchh minute nahi hue, aur abhi se iski side leni shuru kar di tune." Muskaan faked anger.

"Aur nahi to kya? Abhi se iski side lungi, tabhi to ye aage se meri sab baatein maanegi." Anjali laughed placing her arms around Riddhima.

Riddhima tried to understand what they said. Obviously she wanted to ask them about it, but know that they wont tell her anything right now, she kept quite. A moment later, she asked, "Bhabhi ek baat puchhu aapse?" Muskaan slapped her head thinking that she might ask the same question once again, however Riddhima added, "Nahi, mujhe kuchh aur puchhna hai..."

"Achchha puchh..." Muskaan said.

"Ye Armaan Sir, Aarti Aunty ko Mom, aur Omang Uncle ko Dad kyun kahte hain? Wo to unke friend ke bete hain na?"

"Because..." Anjali cut in lucubrating briefly, "...wo Aarti Mom ko apni Mom aur Omang Dad ko apna Dad maanta hai. Armaan unki apne parents ki tarah hi respect karta hai... bilkul waise hi jaise tu apne Tauji aur Tayiji ki karti hai. Tu bhi unhe Mumma-Papa kahti hai na."

Riddhima was first surprised. How does she know? When she looked at Muskaan, she blinked back meaningfully. So Riddhima smiled, "Ohh..."

"Lekin ab se tu Armaan ko Armaan 'sir' kahna band kar de." Anjali advised.

"Kyun?" she blinked.

"Kyunki ab uski zaroorat nahi hai." Anjali said casually.

"Zaroorat nahi hai matlab? Wo mere Boss hain Bhabhi."

"Boss tha, ab nahi hai..." Anjali grinned and mumbled into Muskaan's ear, "Ab se to tu uski boss hai." Muskaan giggled.

"Kya matlab?" she looked up.

"Matlab tujhe main ghar chalke bataungi." Muskaan replied putting an end to the discussing.

Riddhima nodded again, sitting back quietly. She glanced at the other end of the living room. Muskaan was right, every looked extremely happy. She didnt know what was the actual reason behind their happiness, but whatsoever it was, she was also delighted to see them happy.

~~~~~~~~~

Vaibhav and Yash were busy playing with their toys. They have seen all those rituals done between Armaan and Riddhima. Now while playing both were thinking about what was it about.

"Vibhi, wo andar sab kya ho raha tha?"

"Pata nahi yaar..." Vaibhav replied, "Shayad koi puja thi."

"Hmm... par wo Pundit Uncle, Superman aur Bua ko teeka kyun laga rahe the?" Yash questioned again as he jumped over the Mud from the chair on which he was standing earlier.

"Mujhe kya pata." Vaibhav peeked under his toy car that lay on the ground, as if he was checking it, then said, "Mumma bol rahi thi ki Armaan Chachu ki shaadi ke liye hai wo sab."

"Armaan Chachu ki shaadi ke liye?" Yash looked confused.

"Haan, unki shaadi nahi ho rahi thi na, isliye humaare ghar bhot baar puja wageraah hoti rahti hai. Mumma kahti hai, ki aise puja karne se jaldi se Armaan Chachu mere liye ek pyaari si Chachi le aayenge." Vaibhav explained.

"Achchha? Par phir wo Bua ko kyun teeka laga rahe the?" Yash asked again.

"Shayad unki shaadi ke liye, unki bhi to shaadi nahi hui hai na." Vaibhav replied non-chalantly.

Yash looked at him for a moment. His eyes welled up all of a sudden, "Bua ki shaadi?"

"Haan..." Vaibhav looked up to find him teary, "Yash, tu ro kyun raha hai?"

"Bua ki shaadi ho gayi to wo chali jaayengi mujhe chhod ke. Meri Mumma kahti hai ki Bua ki shaadi ho gayi to wo dusre ghar chali jaayengi. Main to akela rah jaunga phir..." Yash almost weeped hearing that.

"Yash... tu chinta mat kar, Angel kahin nahi jaayegi. Main Chachu ko bol dunga ki wo tere Mumma-Papa ko bole ki wo Angel ko kahin na bheje. Chachu unhe zaroor samjha lenge." He kept his hand on his shoulder and wiped his tears.

"Tu sach mein apne Chachu se baat karega na?" Yash sobbed.

"Haan, ab tu rona band kar." Vaibhav smiled. Yash too wiping his cheeks, smiled back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was Lunch time now. First of all Punditji was served. He left a little later after accepting the gifts from both the families for performing the puja and other rituals.

"Chatur, jaa sabko jaake bula la, lunch ka time ho gaya hai." Aarti instructed.

"Ji Badi Ma." Chatur walked away to call everyone.

In minutes, all gathered in the Dining room. Riddhima was helping Anjali in setting up the dining-table. She asked Anjali to go to the dining room while she brings rest of the bowls from the Kitchen. Anjali smiled at her and went back to the Dining room to join others. Chatur accompanied Riddhima to the Kitchen.

"Ae lo... ye to adhura rah gaya." Chatur said pointing towards gravy that was left in the pan to be added to one of the vegetable curries.

Riddhima glanced towards the gravy in the pan and then at Chatur who seem to be searching someone, "Kisko dhundh rahe ho Chatur?"

"Kammo ko." he replied looking outside the backdoor.

"Kammo?" she looked confused.

Chatur turned to her and saw her thinking about who she is. He said, "Haan Kammo, yahaan ki maid. Rasoi ke kaam mein mere saath wo hi Badi Maa aur Anjali Bhabhi ki madad karti hai."

"Oh... wo thodi der pahle jo ladki yahaan thi, yellow suit mein, wohi na?" she asked.

"Haanji wohi. Use maine kaha tha ki ye sab pura kar de. Par pata nahi kahaan gaayab ho gayi. Ab Badi Maa mujhe daantengi." he pouted.

Riddhima glanced at him understandingly and said, "Mmm... aap ek kaam karo, jaake ye sab Dining table pe laga do..." she pointed towards a few other dishes, "Ise main pura kar deti hu." she looked at the half-cooked Vegetable-Curry.

Chatur looked at her gratefully. He knew it instantly that why everyone in this family loves her so much and why was she chosen to be the part of Armaan's life. She might be simple, but more than that, she is a great human being. Any other girl would have never even spoken to him in straight words, forget helping a servant, "Didi..." he called as she turned to the Cooking Stove.

"Hmm..." she looked back to him.

"Aap mujhe aap mat kaho, tum kahke bulao na." he requested.

For a moment she kept looking at his gratified expressions, then smiled sweetly, "Theek hai."

"Thunk ju..." he replied ecstatically.

"Huh?" she looked at him strangely. A moment later, it downed her, and she understood what he means. He was actually saying 'Thank You'. She laughed softly, "You are most welcome." Shaking her head, she turned back to stove and started stirring the gravy.

Chatur picked up a dish bowls and walked to the dining room excitedly singing to himself in his own weird way, "Pappu kaant dance sala... oye pappu, oye pappu kaant dance sala..."

Riddhima glanced back at his retreating back and giggled hearing his raspy and completely out of tone singing style. Then she got back to her cooking.

~~~~~~~~~

Armaan came back from backyard after finishing his call. Rubbing his eyes, he went to get some water from the kitchen as he was feeling thirsty. Taking out the water-bottle from the refrigerator and drank a few sip. When he turned around, he saw her stirring something on the stove with her back towards him.

"Bhabhi..." he kept his hand on her shoulder.

"Huh?" she turned around feeling his hand over her shoulder.

He mistook her for being Anjali since she was wearing her Suit. He has almost forgotten what she was wearing. Riddhima was too busy cooking to notice him when he came in.

Their eyes met the moment she turned to him. He was first surprised, but then her eyes, they removed the frown of confusion from his face. She glanced into his blue-gray eyes and blinked slowly. They were surreal and drowning. She tried to turn her face, but something glued her at her place. She didnt know if there was anyone else around. It was only him. Same for him. He didn't want anyone around at the moment. Nothing else mattered...

Armaan broke their brief eye-lock when he heard some footsteps near the Kitchen door.

"Wo..." he couldn't say anything else. Taking a water bottle lying on the kitchen slab, he walked out. Riddhima too looked away as he walked out of the Kitchen looking a little baffled. But there was still a little smile on his face. She kept looking at the door for a minute or so.

~~~~~~~~~

In the meanwhile, in Dining room...

"Pappu kaant dance sala... oye pappu, oye pappu-pappu ko naachna nahi ata sala..." Chatur sang all his way to the dining room while shaking his waist sideways. He kept the bowls on the dining table when Atul commented.

"O Pappu, kahaan rah gaya tha tu?"

"Main to bas ye katoriyaan (bowls) lene gaya tha Bade Bhaiyaji." Chatur replied.

"Katoriyaan laane mein itni der lagti hai? Aur ye kya badbada raha tha tu?" Aarti added.

"Badi Maa, main to wo Kammo ko dhundhne laga tha bas... Pata nahi kahaan chali gayi."

"Achchha theek hai. Ye kaise-kaise bakwaas gaane gata rahta hai tu?" she made a face.

"Badi Maa ye bhot hit gana hai. Main to bas..." he was cut by Omang.

"Theek hai ab bas kar. Aur ye Armaan kahaan rah gaya? Jaa, jaake bula ke laa use."

"Ji..." nodding as he turned, he found Armaan coming, "Armaan Bhaiya to aa gaye." he pointed at him. Armaan smiled back at them.

Padma looked around and noticed that Riddhima wasnt there, "Riddhima kahaan hai?"

"Ji wo..." Armaan was about to reply, but Chatur got excited hearing her name.

"Auntyji, Didi rasoi-ghar mein hai. Kammo ne sabzi kachchi (uncooked) chhod di thi, Riddhima Didi use hi theek kar rahi hain."

"Kya, wo kyun sabzi theek kar rahi hai? Pahle hi wo kitna kaam kar chuki hai. Tujhe kuchh sharam hai ya nahi? Tune use phir se kaam ko haath kyun lagaane diya? Khud kuchh kaam nahi hota kya tujhse?" Aarti reprimanded him.

"Badi Maa, mujhe kahaan ata hai sabzi theek se banana. Main karta to kharaab ho jaati. Phir Riddhima Didi khud hi kahne lagi ki main kar deti hu. Maine bhi socha, ki ab to wo is ghar mein hi aane waali hain thode din mein, to Anjali Bhabhi ki tarah mujhe unka bhi to hukum maan na chaahiye na." he blabbered.

"Hey Bhagwaan, bahaane banana mein to tu number ek hai. Wo is ghar mein aane waali hai, par filhaal to wo mehmaan hai na, aur tune mehmaan ko kaam karne diya." she rebuked again.

"Jaane dijiye na Mom, iska kahna bhi theek hi hai. Ab Riddhima ka bhi to haq banta hai is ghar ki har cheez aur har kaam pe... Kyun Armaan?" this time Anjali denfended him and then nudged Armaan. He averted his face hiding his slight lope-sided smile.

Just then, they saw Riddhima coming with Kammo with the vegetable-curry that was left half-cooked. Kammo kept the bowl on the table while Aarti spoke again.

"Tu kahaan thi ab tak? Kaam adhura chhod ke kahaan matargashti (enjoy) karne gayi thi?"

"Badi Maa, main to bas bathroom tak gayi thi..." Kammo lowered her head guiltily.

Before Aarti could say something else, "Ab bas bhi karo Aarti Bahu... in dono ko baad mein daant lena. Filhaal khana thanda ho raha hai." Dadi interrupted, "Chalo, ab dono putle (statue) ki tarah khade mat raho, khana paroso sabke liye." she instructed Chatur and Kammo. Then told Riddhima, "Riddhima beti, tum bhi ab baith jao."

Riddhima nodded and stood there for a moment quietly looking for place to sit. Anjali and Muskaan winked at each other. They have already made Armaan sit on a chair that had another empty chair, almost infront of it. Muskaan asked Riddhima to sit on the chair next to Omang. Omang smiled at Riddhima caressing her head when she sat beside him. Anjali-Muskaan were sitting along each other. Dadi was on the family-head seat in the middle of big rectangular Dining table, with Shashank on exactly opposite side.

So the arrangement was in such a way, that Atul, Rahul, Armaan, Anjali, Muskaan, sat on one side; while Aarti, Omang, Riddhima, Vaibhav, Yash and Padma (an extra chair added for her), on the other side. Shashank and Dadi were face to face on either sides of the dining table. So, Armaan and Riddhima were sitting right in front of each other.

As the lunch was served, everyone started enjoying it. Yash whined, asking Riddhima to feed him, but Muskaan commanded him to have it on his own saying that even Vaibhav is eating his food himself. They all chatted about various things, cracking silly jokes once in a while.

Armaan felt extremely happy and relieved after a long time. This was the first time in many months, or correctly many years that he was eating with the whole family. Else one or the other person was always missing due to some or the other random reason.

He glanced at Riddhima, who was eating quietly. Today, his eyes were refusing to leave her sight. They loved observing her every movement. Ever so often when someone would crack a joke, she would look up and make a confused face. Then, registering what they are saying, she would laugh with them. She looks a little lost though, he thought genuinely.

Laughing at a joke when Riddhima looked in front casually, she caught him staring at her. For a moment she breathed in deeply holding her breath. His eyes were saying something. But what is it? She had no idea. Very swiftly, he looked into his plate and continued eating again.

Narrowing her eyes a little slowly Riddhima looked back, to check if someone was standing at the back, thinking maybe he is looking at something or someone behind her. But none was there. Was he staring at 'me' a moment ago? She thought. Naah, why would he? Maybe I misunderstood. Shrugging, she got back to her food.

A moment later, he looked up again. He smiled seeing her frown at something. She was thinking about something. Probably, about whatever is happening today.

"Tum kuchh kha kyun nahi rahe Armaan?" Anjali nudged him.

"Ji Bhabhi?" he twisted his neck towards her.

"Tumhaari plate ab tak waise ki waise hai... tum kuchh kha kyun nahi rahe?" she pointed.

He looked down in his plat. She was right, his plate was still almost full. He looked around, only to find everyone else's plate almost empty by now. Since others were also looking at him, he said, "Err... wo Bhabhi, mujhe jyada bhukh nahi hai. Pahle hi pet bhara-bhara sa lag raha tha..."

"Oh, Lekin abhi jab maine puchha tha ki tumhe aur kuchh chaahiye, to tumne hi to gardan hilaayi thi, haan mein... warna main teri plate mein phir se ye sab nahi daalti." Anjali said.

"Kya?" he looked into his plate once again and then at her confused. He could see that mischievious look dancing on her face. Understanding that she must have done something to tease him which he didn't even notice as he was too busy staring and thinking about Riddhima, "Ah... mera phone baj raha hai shaayad, main abhi ata hu..." he stood up awkwardly.

"Arey lekin khana to khatam karke jaa..." Muskaan added suppressing her smirk.

"Maine kha liya. Aur nahi chaahiye..." before anyone could say anything, he moved out of the dining room to his own room, hurriedly. Seeing him almost run away, everyone smiled. He was probably lost thinking about everything. But Anjali-Muskaan didnt stopped themselves to laugh aloud. They kept laughing till he was out of sight and even after that for another minute.

Actually, Anjali never asked Armaan if he want something else. It was their trick to tease him. Muskaan has caught Armaan stealing glances of Riddhima. She nudged Anjali, who too was observing her brother-in-law's gestures. Their mischievous minds started working immediately. When Anjali noticed Armaan's plate almost empty, she had quietly placed few more chapattis and vegetable curry in it.

Armaan was so lost and busy gawking at Riddhima that he didnt notice it. He ate it quietly, still looking at her. Anjali-Muskaan giggled noticing this. Muskaan told Anjali to fill his plate again, when it was empty. Anjali did so. Armaan finished that as well. Though, surprised, but Anjali-Muskaan continued their little play. It was the 4^th time when they filled his plate and Armaan still didnt object, Anjali decided to break his trance. Others were almost done with their lunch.

Riddhima on the other hand, couldnt understand why he left so abruptly leaving his plate unfinished. She noticed that there was barely anything eaten out of it. She had seen him eating once or twice, but then why is his plate still full? She thought. Maybe he ate just a few bits. But why are Anjali-Muskaan laughing, and others are smiling?

Later on, when Riddhima was busy with Yash and Vaibhav, both the families discussed some details regarding the marriage. They have already asked Guruji to calculate an auspicious date for their marriage. Guruji is supposed to call them in a day or two. He has already hinted them that the Mahurat is gonna fall within next 2-3 weeks. So they needed to hurry up with all the arrangements.

Armaan was busy with his work in his room. He did joined everyone later for evening tea and snacks, so did Riddhima along with Yash and Vaibhav. Armaan tried not to be caught this time, stealing glances of her. Few hours later, Riddhima and her family bid them bye.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone returned home, with big smiles flashing on their faces. It was the most enjoyable day of their lives. Armaan and his family have proved themselves to be the best. Everyone is very calm and soft-natured. Aarti is the only one in that house, who is a little hot-headed. But that's just her motherly character, nothing else. Even her scolding has love wrapped within it.

Shashank and Padma were very happy to see the bonding that family already shares with Riddhima. She wont feel out of the place in Armaan's house after getting married. What else a mother and a father need for their daughter? Just a family who could love her as their own. Joshis and Dadi love her more than their own.

Previously, they werent aware of what Armaan thinks about Riddhima. All they knew was told by others. But today, they have seen it through their own eyes. Armaan's continuously rerouting gaze on her didnt go un-noticed by them. They could see those emotions in his eyes for their innocent daughter. Their experienced eyes told them that Armaan is the best for Riddhima and obviously in love with her. Maybe, like others say, he himself is just not aware of it.

Somewhere, they have noticed Riddhima's shifting attention towards Armaan as well. Her eyes told them, that she was left highly confused after what all happened in Ashiyana. But they also know that Riddhima cares for that family, and maybe for Armaan as well. Padma had seen the bewildered look on her face when he left his food uneaten. Riddhima also wanted to say something when he was leaving the dining table. Maybe ask him to finish his food.

Later when Padma asked Riddhima why was she bewildered, her innocent reply was that she got worried seeing Armaan leave his half-eaten plate as its not good for health. Padma knew that it wasn't a made up excuse to get away from her question, but Riddhima's genuine concern for Armaan. She told this to Shashank as well and they knew that they have taken the right decision for her. Now, the only thing left was to inform and convince Riddhima.

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They sat in each other's arms, in their room thinking and smiling at the events of the day.

"It was a wonderful day." He mumbled.

"Hmm... mujhe to bada mazza aya. Armaan kaise baukhla (bewildered) gaya tha, jab humne use Dining table pe khaane ke baare mein puchha." she chuckled.

"Ye tum dono ki hi trick thi na?" he looked down at her.

She shook her head vigorously in no, he raised his brow, "Achchha theek hai, ye humne hi kiya tha. But maine sirf idea diya tha, karne waali to Anjali thi."

"Haan wo to main bhi samajh gaya tha, ki ye sab meri hi biwi ke shaitaani dimaag ki hi upaj (yield) ho sakti hai." he chortled.

Muskaan hit his chest playfully, and continued, "Hum to bas thoda sa mazza kar rahe the. Tum aur Atul to khaane mein aise busy the jaise khana kahin bhaag jaayega tumhe chhod ke. Aas-paas ka koi hosh hi nahi tha, bhukkhad kahin ke. Agar tumne Armaan ki shakal dekhi hoti Baby ko ghurte hue, to pata chalta ki humne kitni mushkil se apni hansi dabaayi hui thi."

"Achchha?"

"Aur nahi to kya..." she blinked, "Sach, he was looking sooo cute while gawking at her. Bilkul chhote bachche ki tarah lag raha tha."

"Chhota bachcha?" Rahul laughed, "Madam, us chhote bachche ki wajah se 11 hazaar logon ke gharon ka chulha jalta hai."

"Haan pata hai..." Muskaan replied, "Duniya ke liye wo bhale ho bhot bada businessman hoga. Lekin main jaanti hu, wo humaari Baby ko bhot pyaar dega."

"Hmm, I agree." Rahul pulled her into embrace once again. After two minutes, he spoke, "Tum Baby se kab baat karne waali ho is baare mein? Jaanti ho na, shaadi ki date next 3 weeks ke andar hi padegi... Guruji ne bataya hai."

Muskaan nodded, "Karungi... sab kuchh pehle se hi soch ke rakha hue hai maine. Main kal hi us se baat karungi, tum chinta mat karo."

Both looked at each other and smiled. Then snuggling deep into each other's arms, they drifted off to sleep smiling dreamingly.

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Here the scene was a little different at Riddhima and Armaan's ends. After returning home, everyone retired to their respective rooms, as they were feeling all sleepy and tired. Yash had slept in the car, on their way back home. Riddhima couldnt wink a sleep. She was thinking about everything that happened. The puja, the gifts, then Armaan sitting besides her, them taking everyone's blessings together... Why were they told to do that?

Armaan... Her mind went to his thoughts. When they were together in the guest room, she has started arguing with him without giving him a chance to say anything. Then when she realized the position she was in, in those wet cloths, she has gone numb.

Even though she doesnt know anything about girl-boy relationships, but she knew what it means to be alone with a boy in the same room. In the last many months, she has learnt one thing and that is, not all men are good. She has become aware of what people call 'social-life'. She could now vaguely differentiate between good and bad.

Riddhima has heard from one of the house-keeping maids working in their office about ill-minded characters of the men in their colony. She felt disgusted hearing some of the stories, where some goons have even tried to ignominy a few local girls living in their chawls. Stories of gender-molestation were quite common on news channels as well. Earlier, she never knew that men could do anything as hideous as that. Anyhow, all that is a different section of thought.

Riddhima was more than just modest to share an isolated space with any man, especially in that condition. Even though she had no idea what could have happened, but still something made her shiver at just the thought. She realized that somewhere she didnt feel afraid with Armaan's presence. Her heart knew that he is harmless. The only feeling that was there was her nervousness. She felt extremely shy especially with the way he looked at her.

No, his gaze wasnt offensive, but there was something in it that made her toes curl into balls. What was that? What was that feeling? The way he was looking had made her a little restless from within. She has never seen him looking at her in that way before. Why was it so that she felt chills running all through her skin? What was in his gaze? Somehow, she slept with his thoughts still hovering over her head.

~~~~~~~~~

On the other side, Armaan had a peaceful night. He slept with a lovely and pleasing smile on his face, dreaming about his dream-girl who he now knows, is none other than Riddhima. Anyone could tell that he is happy. Even though he tried to keep his joy in shades, but his expressive eyes couldn't hide anything, atleast not from his beloveds.

But before going to sleep, he was a little confused thinking about Riddhima's confused state.

Why did she look puzzled all day? Didn't she know anything about what was happening? Didn't she recognize any of those rituals? Probably she doesn't... Its true that he had made out the fact that she doesn't know anything the their future relationship. He concluded that nobody has yet spoken to her regarding their relationship yet.

Earlier, during their roka ceremony, he has followed all the instructions of his elders out of respect. Later, when he asked Rahul about Riddhima's puzzled state, he assured him not to worry about it. Rahul's assurance has calmed his almost panicky state. He never wants to do something which might make her unhappy. He knew it by her expressions that she was clueless of events around her. Nevermind, even Shashank, who overheard his conversation with Rahul, had surefired that they wont do anything or move futher without Riddhima's consent.

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Next day, everthing was back to its usual state. The only difference was the addition of an extra cheerfulness and excitement. Riddhima had once again overslept. Muskaan tried to wake her up when she didn't find her on breakfast table, but when she saw Riddhima's tired and drooping eyes, she understood that she couldn't get enough sleep. She let her sleep till a little late. Muskaan wanted her to be alert and in a good mood when she speak to her regarding the marriage proposal.

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