Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 43

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EPISODE SEVENTY-SEVEN

The dinner went quietly. Riddhima retired for her room silently. A little later, Padma-Muskaan informed Shashank-Rahul about Muskaan's conversation with Riddhima. Though they knew that Muskaan will be able to pull it off, but were surprised to know the inputs of Padma. What so ever, they were happy about the fact that Riddhima is now thinking about Marriage. Her quietness has told them she was pondering over the thought.

Riddhima had to force herself to sleep that night. Padma's sentimental drama and Muskaan's emotional melodrama has left a deep impact on her. She didn't know what to do. She had no clue where is her life going to take her. All she knew was that she wanted to see her family happy and not be a cause of their troubles.

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Next day, things were back to happy-normal for everyone. Elders of both the families have already decided to start preparing for things. Men were mostly busy at work, while the ladies discussed their plans over the phone. Atul-Rahul stayed together for the whole day due to a meeting with a client, however it proved to be fun-time for them as they celebrated the victory of their plan after work finished.

Armaan was one happy soul. He wanted to finish his work one-after-other quickly and then go back to his thoughts about his family and the next addition to it. However, currently he was sitting in his cabin perplexed and concerned. After reading the monthly report of their electronics wing, he sat on the couch to relax. His mind drifted off to the morning incident.

He came to the cabin this morning happy and joyful. Putting down his Laptop he waited for her. Usually, everyday Riddhima would come to his office within 15 minutes of his arrival and narrate him his schedules. Then they would discuss anything to be taken special care of for the day. Untill of unless they have other outdoor plans, its always same.

However today nothing like that happened. Almost 30 minutes were gone and she still didn't show him her face. Each second looked to have stretched by an year. First he thought of going to her cabin and check if she is there or not. Yes, he knew that she is in her cabin, Sunaina has told him about it when he was on his way to his cabin. But he still wanted to check it at his own.

But then he dropped the idea of going to her cabin and settled on waiting for her to come. She didn't show up even after waiting for another 20 minutes.

Tired of waiting, he called her through the intercom. The bell rang almost 4-5 times before she picked the intercom, "Riddhima, come to my cabin please..."

She entered his cabin within a minute and stood in front of his table. Without looking up he knew that she is there, "So, what are my schedules for the day?" he initiated. When she didn't answer, he looked up. She was looking down at something. "Riddhima..." he called again.

This time she looked at him, "Huh?"

"My Schedules?" he pointed.

"Oh..." she blinked, then she realized that she has come without the log and her notepad. "Wo..."

Before she could say anything, he questioned, "Where is the Log?"

"S-sorry sir, I forgot to bring it with me. I will go and bring it in a second." she apologized softly. Armaan just nodded.

As soon as she left, he narrowed his eyes. What happened to her today?

She came back in a minute. Standing in front, she started narrating him his schedules.

Armaan on the other hand wasn't actually listening to her. He was observing her closely. She looked lost, confused and worried. All of a sudden, he interrutped her, "Miss Gupta..." She paused looking at him, "Are you alright?"

"Ji?" she was really lost. He was right.

He sighed, "You are not." and answered for himself. She was still looking puzzled, so he continued, "Miss Gupta, I think you should go back home a little early today. You are not looking too well..."

"N-no sir, I am alright... Err..."

He interrupted again, "It doesn't look like." She stared at him, "You have already told me my schedules, and since you don't have anything special to handle yourself, I would suggest you to take a leave for the half day after lunch... Go home and take some rest." She wanted to interrupt, but he picked his intercom and instructed their Transport Chief to arrange an office cab for Riddhima after lunch for home.

As soon as he kept the receiver down, she said, "Sir, there was no need for doing that, I am fine."

"Really?" he raised his brow, "Hmm, let me see... as far as I remember you always place our financial documents in 4^th shelf and Legal templates in the 2^nd cabinet from the right, isn't it?"

She looked towards the cabinet wall, and was surprised to see that the papers were still lying on a counter besides them. Did she forget to keep them in place? "Sorry sir, I must have..."

He cut her in, "Its alright Miss Gupta. Happens all the time with me..." he chuckled lightly, "I can see that you are not feeling too well today. You should go home and rest for the day..." she opened her mouth, but he didn't give her another chance, "I insist."

Instead of arguing further, she gave up sighing. Smiling weakly at him, she left the cabin. As per his instruction, she went back home right after lunch.

At that time he was worried, but right now Armaan felt a little relaxed. Few minutes back he called Rahul to ask about Riddhima's lost state. Rahul told him that Muskaan has spoken to her about marriage issue, so she might be lost in those thought. Armaan wanted to ask few more things, but didn't push it further. Rahul has reassured that its nothing serious, she just needs some time to think.

Armaan knew it right away when he saw her first in the morning that she was lost thinking deeply about something. He kind of guessed what it could be. He knew that Muskaan must have spoken to her about marriage, but what surprised him was that that she didn't say anything to him. It means, Muskaan or anyone in her family have still not told her about him and probably it has just been about marriage.

He smiled gathering her confused look. When she came in, the glasses she always keeps pushing back, were lying carelessly on the tip of her nose, leaving her eyes partially exposed. He still couldn't see those green pupils since she was looking down. When he called her name, she looked up, and pushed her glasses back. It made him smile. He never liked her glasses, but the way she pushes them up with the back of her hand, on her sharp nose, was adorable.

He stretched his legs over the table lying deep into the couch. A file placed over his chest as always, neck-tie loosened, hands up under his head. He seems to be counting the stars through the roof of his cabin. The call from his CA brought him back to reality.

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Riddhima stepped into her room at around 2:55pm. Placing her bag and folder on the table, removing her sandals, she laid on her bed. After Armaan's insistence, she came to her cabin and realized that she has been thinking continuously about nothing... actually about the same marriage topic. She tried her best, but couldn't concentrate on her work.

She didn't realize how she spent time after that. It was when she she received a call from Transport department to inform her that her cab is waiting for her, that she noticed that it was already past lunch time. She gathered all her belongings and left the office quietly. Even on her way back home, she looked lost. Padma was of course surprised to see her home so early.

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Downstairs in the Kitchen, Padma and Muskaan were sitting re-heating lunch for Riddhima. She hadn't had her lunch today. Padma have noticed Riddhima's thoughtful state. Being a mother, she knew that now it could be any time they would get their answer. Muskaan was resting when she came back home, but Padma woke her up.

They called Riddhima to have her lunch. Riddhima came down and ate her lunch quietly. After lunch she went back to her room. Padma and Muskaan discussed what should they do next. They went upstairs around 2 hours later and peeked into Riddhima's room. She was sitting on her bed, turning the pages of some random magazine silently. Muskaan nudged Padma to start.

"Baby..." Padma called entering her room with a glass of juice, "ye le..." she handed her the glass. Riddhima smiled weakly and kept the glass aside. Padma sat along her, "Kya soch rahi hai beti?"

Riddhima looked up at her, "K-kuchh nahi Mumma."

"Jhooth to tujhe bolna ata nahi, phir bolti kyun hai?" Padma smiled at her, "Aaj office se itni jaldi kaise aa gayi? Kya hua meri bachchi, teri tabiyat to theek hai na? Tune aaj theek se lunch bhi nahi kiya." she touched her forehead.

"Nahi Mumma wo... bas..."

Muskaan standing at the door, was getting impatient with this slow talk. She stepped inside butting in, "Tu kal ki baat ke baare mein soch rahi hai kya ab tak?"

Riddhima looked at her taken aback by her sudden entry and abrupt question, "Bhabhi? Aapko kaise..." she stopped in between looking down.

Muskaan and Padma passed each other a meaningful smile.

"Tera ye chehra sab bata deta hai." Muskaan added holding her chin.

"Hwaa, to kya Office mein bhi sabko pata chal gaya hoga?" she asked lamely with her hand on her mouth. Muskaan and Padma smirked loudly at her rawness. "Aap log hans kyun rahe ho?"

Padma stopped first, "Tune baat hi aisi puchhi, isliye."

"Maine, ky..." she bit her tongue grasping what she has said.

Muskaan poked shaking her head, "Baby, tu bhi na... Office mein sabko kaise pata chalega ki humaari kya baatein hui thi kal?"

"Haan wo to hai..." Riddhima slapped her own head at her stupidity, "Main bhi kitni paagal hu."

Muskaan-Padma chuckled again. Then Muskaan questioned, "To?"

"To kya?" Riddhima looked at her.

"To kya socha tune us baare mein?" Muskaan reminded, "Shaadi ke baare mein..."

She glanced at her and then Padma, who made a dramatically sad face, obviously on Muskaan's suggestion. Riddhima felt bad seeing her troubled. She didn't need any more time to think as her heart decided immediately what she should do. After thinking for a minute, she fumbled, "Mumma wo... ah... wo main... main na... aap..."

"Baby, kya bolna chaahti hai, theek se bol na." Muskaan pushed.

"Bhabhi?" Riddhima gave her a tired look, "Bol to rahi hu..." she looked at Padma again, "Wo Mumma, main... a-aap, aapko jo lagta hai... wo theek hai." She said in a low voice looking down.

"Kya matlab? Mumma ko kya lagta hai?" Muskaan raised her brow faking confusion.

"Bhabhi..." Riddhima whinned.

"Bhabhi kya Baby?" Muskaan made an I-don't-understand face.

"Mumma-Papa ko jo theek lagta hai mujhe manzur hai..." she looked down, "Wo jaise kahenge, main wohi karungi."

"Kya? Iska matlab tu shaadi karegi?" Muskaan almost yelled. Riddhima shook her head slowly in agreement. She jumped in joy, "Yayyy... Congratulations Mummyji."

Padma returned Muskaan's hug smiling ecstatically. Both the ladies were too pleasantly overwhelmed by the emotions that they didn't realize that Riddhima was trying to say something. Padma turned to Riddhima and kissed her forehead smiling, "Thank you meri bachchi. Tu nahi jaanti tune kitna badi chinta dur kar di humaari."

Riddhima smiled back. Seeing the pool of happy emotions in Padma's eyes, she felt like she has won everything in her life. She hugged her lovably. Then parting as she said, "Par Mumma..." she wanted to say something, but couldn't.

Padma noticed her glum face. Pulling her face up with her finger under her chin, she asked, "Kya baat hai beti, kuchh kahna hai kya?" Riddhima nodded unsurely, "To bol na."

Riddhima took a deep breath, "Mumma, main..." she paused again not knowing how to say.

"Baby, tu ab phir se bakri ki tarah main-main mat karne lagna. Jaldi bol kya kahna hai. Itne saare kaam pade hain. Teri shaadi ki tayyari karni hai, sab intezaam karne hain. Guest list bhi to banaani hai... Aur ye lo, sabse zaroori kaam to main bhul hi gayi, un logon ko inform bhi karna hai ki tune shaadi ke liye haan kar di hai. Mujhe to itni excitement ho rahi hai ki bas..." Muskaan kept blabbering forgetting that they havent told her anything about Armaan yet.

Riddhima looked aghast and panicky listening to all that. Have they already fixed my marriage? Oh no... I don't want to go to America. "Lekin mujhe America nahi jana..." she shrieked loudly.

As soon as her words fell on the ear of other two ladies, their commotion stopped immediately.

"Kya?" Padma and Muskaan looked at her confusingly. "Tujhe kahaan nahi jana?"

She repeated stubbornly, "Main America nahi jaaungi."

Padma-Muskaan looked at her strangely and then each other, "Ismein America jaane ki baat kahaan se aayi?" Muskaan scratched her head.

"Kyun? Wo Sunanda Aunty..." she tried to remind, "...aap hi ne to kaha tha na, ki wo jo rishta laayi thi, wo ladka America mein settled hai. Aur..." before she could finish she heard another round of laughter. Are they gone mad or something?

Padma-Muskaan understood her confusion. They now knew that she was thinking that they have fixed her Rishta with that NRI Finance Manager, Muskaan had told her about. Yes Sunanda did come with that Rishta, but in reality Shashank never liked it. He was apprehensive about a few things related to that family. Padma, Muskaan were also not much interested, while Rahul of course refused as he had already spoken to Atul-Anjali regarding Armaan.

Muskaan decided to drag the drama a little more, some for the purpose of her personal amusement, and rest to come to the proper final inference, "Lo Mummyji, abhi to ye bol rahi thi ki main wohi karungi jo aap log bologe, aur ab America jaane ko mana kar rahi hai." She winked at Padma to play along who hid her smile. She turned to Riddhima, "Baby, tu pehle theek se decide kar le, tu humaari baat maan na chaahti bhi hai ya nahi..."

"Bhabhi, main aap logon ki baat maan na chaahti hu, par... par main America nahi jana chaahti." she looked at them helplessly.

Muskaan thought for a moment and raised her brow, "Hmm, to kahaan jana chaahti hai tu?"

"Kahin bhi, par aap logon se itni dur nahi." Riddhima made an unhappy but cute face.

"Ok... let us see..." Muskaan tapped her chin, "Europe chalega?" Riddhima shook her head vigorously, "Africa?" she shook again, "Middle-east?" Riddhima made a face, "India?" Riddhima looked a little better now, Muskaan understood and asked smiling mischievously, "To theek hai, hum Satpura ke jungle mein kisi ko dhundhte hain."

"Satpura ke Jungle?" Riddhima looked confused, "Par wahaan to sirf animals hote hain na?"

"Haan to?" Muskaan pursed her lips to suppress her laughter.

Riddhima looked at her carefully, "Aap mera mazzaak bana rahe ho na?" Muskaan nodded quickly as she whinned, "Jao main nahi baat karti aapse." she folded her hands over her chest and turned around pouting.

"Muskaan, ab bas bhi kar? Kyun pareshaan kar rahi hai ise?" Padma glared at her to shut up. Then pulled Riddhima back, "Ye to bas teri taang kheench rahi hai, tu naraaz mat ho, hum teri shaadi kisi Jungle mein nahi, yahin aas-paas hi karenge."

"Sachchi?" Riddhima gave her a side-glance.

"Muchchi." Padma blinked assuringly.

"Thank you Mumma." she hugged her again showing her tongue to Muskaan.

"Haan, to Mummyji, phir hum wo Mumbai waale rishte ko haan kar dete hain. Theek hai na Riddhima?" Muskaan added.

"Haan use haan kar do. Mumbai mein to hum bhi rahte hain." Riddhima replied abruptly.

"Dekho to ise... kya to shaadi ko maan hi nahi rahi thi, aur ab dekho, badi jaldi padi hai tujhe apni shaadi ki." Muskaan teased.

Riddhima made a face retorting, "Jaldi nahi hai, lekin aapko aur time diya to kahin is baar aap Sunder ban ka koi Sher na pakad ke le aao."

"Arey, ye maine pehle kyun nahi socha?" Muskaan made a defeated face as she saw her frown, then smirking she said, "Mummyji, is se ye to puchho ki ise jaan na nahi hai ki hum iski shaadi kis se kar rahe hain, kahin baad mein phir humein dosh na de."

Riddhima threw a small cushion at her, "Mujhe nahi jaan na."

"Oh, to phir to bechaare Armaan ke liye problem ho jaayegi. Uski patni ko yehi nahi pata chalega ki wo uska pati hai." Muskaan continued thoughtfully.

"Ab ismein Armaan Sir ki baat kahaan se aayi? Bhabhi aapke dimaag ka ilaaz karwana padega kisi achchhe doctor se." Riddhima joked smiling back at her.

Muskaan noticed that she havent deciphered the meaning of her reference. Her mischievous brain thought of another prank, "Hmm, ye bhi theek hai... Armaan ismein kya karega? Par Mummyji, agar iski shaadi Armaan jaisi kisi family mein hoti to jyada achchha hota na, kyunki wo log to ise jaante hain, aur Armaan bhi ise thoda bhot jhel sakta hai. Par ab main soch rahi hu ki us bechaari family ka kya hoga, jismein hum iski shaadi karenge?"

"Bhabhi, iska matlab kya aap logon ko mujhe jhelna padta hai?" she glared, while other two ladies giggled silently. Riddhima then thought about it in her own style. Is it so? Can she not marry someone in that family? Yes, it would be better if she gets married in a family like Joshis. They are like a second family to her. All of them love her so much and if only she could marry in that family, she will always stay close to her present family as well. "Lekin kya meri shaadi Atul Bhaiya ke ghar nahi ho sakti?" she asked innocently not realizing what she is saying.

Muskaan hid her smile again while Padma kept listening to their sweet banter as she started to stitch a kurta lying on the corner of Riddhima's bed.

Muskaan replied, "Dekh Riddhima, shaadi ke liye ek bachelor ladke ki zaroorat hoti hai. Aur jahaan tak mujhe pata hai, house-helps, gardners, drivers aur dusre household staff ko nikal do, to Atul ke ghar mein to bas do (2) hi bachelors hain, ek Vaibhav aur..."

Riddhima interrupted "Bhabhi, wo to ek bachcha hai, uski shaadi mujhse kaise ho sakti hai?" she laughed childishly, "Aap bhi na..."

Muskaan chuckled with her, "Tab to bas ek hi aur insaan hai."

"Wo kaun?" Riddhima asked still giggling.

"Armaan." Muskaan said as-a-matter-of-factly.

"KYA? Armaan Sir?" Riddhima yelled shockingly. This time obviously, she understood.

"Haan... Armaan." Muskaan repeated batting her eyes.

"Lekin.. Lekin wo to mujhse bade hain. Aur wo bade ladke bhi hain... wo..." she spoke idiotically.

Muskaan lost composure and laughed again, "Baby, to kya tu ladki se shaadi karegi? Ya kisi chhote ladke se?" Padma too laughed at her stupidity.

Riddhima thought about it for a second scratching her head, "Errr... mera matlab wo nahi tha. Main to bas ye kahna chaahti thi ki... ki... ki wo mere boss hain. Aur, wo to... Minnie kehti hai ki mujhe bade ladkon se dur rahna chaahiye." She defended panicking.

"Baby..." Padma shook her head, "Tu to sach mein budhhu bachchi hai."

"Mumma, aap bhi?" Riddhima pouted.

"Arey Minnie ne anjaan ladkon se bach ke rahne ke liye kaha hoga. Par tera Boss hua to kya, Armaan koi ajnabi thode hi hai. Usko to tu achchhe se jaanti hai na?" Padma asked.

"Haan, jaanti to hu..." she replied thoughfully calming down a little.

"To bas phir, us se shaadi karle. Us se shaadi karegi to Atul-Anjali, Omang Uncle-Aarti Aunty, aur Dadi-Vaibhav ke saath rahegi. Soch, kitna achchha hoga phir. Tujhe humaari kami mahsus hi nahi hogi. Aur kabhi humaari yaad aayi bhi, to tu jab chaahe yahaan aa sakegi. Kisi dusre ghar mein shaadi karne se ye faayeda nahi milega." Muskaan explained stressing on each thing.

Riddhima blinked at her thinking for a while. Then it striked her too. Yes, it would be the best thing to marry in Atul's family. They all are so good. And Omang, he always reminded her of her father, Kartik. She felt a sudden relief at just the thought of marrying in that family.

She smiled thinking about them and exclaimed, "Haan, ye theek hai. Unki family mein to sab mujhe kitna pyaar karte hain. Dadi, Aarti Aunty, Atul Bhaiya, Anjali Bhabhi, Vaibhav... aur Omang Uncle, wo bhi kitne achchhe hain na. Theek hai main unse hi shaadi karungi."

Finally, Padma-Muskaan danced at their victory chuckling, "Finally..." they exhaled in unison. "Even though she missed out on mentioning the most important name on her they-love-me-list, but at last..." Muskaan sighed whispering in Padma's ear making her smile even widely. When they turned to Riddhima, she was looking at them expectantly. Muskaan raised her brow.

"To?" Riddhima asked.

"To kya?" Padma questioned.

"To ab mujhe kya karna hoga... I mean Armaan Sir se shaadi karne ke liye?" she asked.

Padma shook her head laughing again and hugged her, "Tujhe kuchh nahi karna hai. Bas wo karti ja jo hum kahte hain. Waise bhi tera roka to uske saath ho hi chhuka hai."

"Roka? Achchha? Wo kab hua?" Riddhima parted.

"Saturday ko, jab hum unke ghar gaye the. Wo jo tujhe gifts mile the, wo roke ka shagun tha." Padma replied softly caressing her head.

"Lekin Bhabhi ne to kaha tha ki wo sab isliye tha kyunki main pehli baar unke ghar gayi thi?"

"Haan wo bhi, dono hi baat thi." Padma said.

"Ok..." Riddhima shook her head. Just then the door-bell rang. Riddhima who was in a good mood now got up, "Main dekhti hu. Zaroor Bhaiya, Papa aur Yash honge."

Padma-Muskaan saw her ran downstairs, "Ye ladki bhi na, ab tak bilkul bachchi hai. Pata nahi kya hoga iska Sasuraal mein."

"Iska jo hoga so hoga, main to ye soch rahi hu ki bechaare Armaan ka kya hoga. Kaise sambhaalega wo is buddhu ko." Muskaan chuckled shaking her head.

"Armaan bhot hi samajhdaar ladka hai. Mujhe yakeen hai, wo ise humse bhi achchhi tarah sambhaal lega." Padma commented satisfactorily. Muskaan couldn't agree less.

Later that evening, Muskaan-Padma told everything about it to Rahul-Shashank. Their joy was immeasurable. They called Ashiyana immediately to inform Armaan's family about it. People at the other end went almost mad with happiness. At last, everything was going well.

When Armaan came back home, he didn't need to ask anything from anyone. The cheerful environment and happy faces of his family told him everything. He knew it immediately what it is about. His happiness also reflected on his face. But Anjali informed him indirectly while teasing him that Riddhima has agreed to marry him. Now, he couldn't wait to meet her and see the look on her face when she faces him.

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Next day, everything and everyone looked fresh and pumped up. Both the house went crazy as the preparations started for the most awaited wedding. After Rahul-Riddhima left for their office, Anjali, Aarti, Omang and Dadi made a surprise visit to Gupta house. They looked extra joyful today. But the special glow on Anjali's face didn't go unnoticed by Padma.

"Kya baat hai Anjali beti, tumhaare chehre pe to aaj kuchh khaas hi chamak hai?" Padma asked as they all settled in the living room.

Anjali blushed looking down. Dadi laughed saying, "Chamkega kyun nahi, itne saalon baad itni badi khushi jo milne waali hai ise bhi... wo bhi dugni (double)."

Aarti added, "Haan bilkul... Padma Bhabhi, aapki beti ke kadam padte hi humaare ghar mein khushiyaan barasne lagi hain." Padma-Muskaan gave them a puzzled look, she disclosed, "Anjali phir se maa ban ne waali hai..."

"KYA? Sach?" Muskaan squealed excitedly. Anjali nodded, Muskaan hugged her, "Wow, I am sooo happy for you Anjie."

"Ye to sach mein badi achchhi khabar hai Bhabhiji. Tab to ek baar aur muh meetha kijiye aap log." Shashank offered sweets to them.

"Sach Bhaisaab, Riddima humaare liye abhi se lucky prove ho gayi hai." Omang added. Shashank-Padma smiled back proudly.

"Lekin ye sab hua kab?" Muskaan asked.

"Main bataati hu..." Aarti offered, "Darasal, us din jab aap log humaare ghar se nikle to aapke jaate hi Anjali achaanak behosh hoke gir gayi. Humein laga ki wo thakaan ke wajah se gir gayi hai. Phir kuch ek ghante baad jab use hosh aya bhi, to use ultiyaan hone lagi. Hum sab to bhot darr gaye the. Laga ye sab kya ho raha hai. Armaan aur Atul immediately ise hospital le gaye. Wahaan iska checkup hua. Aur bas kal shaam ko humein iski report mili to pata chala ki hum log phir se dada-dadi banne waale hain."

"Haan, aur coincidence to dekhiye, jis time aapne humein phone karke ye bataya ki Riddhima bitiya shaadi ke liye raazi ho gayi hai, bas ekdum tabhi humein Anjali ki ye report bhi mili. Driver bas usi time Anjali ki reports hospital se leke aya tha." Omang was elated to heights.

"Arey waah..." Muskaan looked amazed while others nodded in agreement.

"Sach mein Bhaisaab, Riddhima bitiya humaare liye sachmein khushiyon ka tohfa leke aayi hai. Ab bas, jaldi se wo mere Armaan ki zindagi mein aa jaaye to uski zindagi bhi khushiyon se bhar jaayegi. Mere chote bte ne bhot struggle kiya hai poori zindagi. Bhot pyaar banta hai sabko. Ab bas, uski baari hai pyaar paane ki. Uska bhi khushiyon pe haq banta hai." Omang said with his eyes full of tears of happiness.

"Bilkul bhaisaab, bilkul banta hai. Yakeen maaniye, Armaan ko uske haq ki sab khushiyaan, aur dher saara pyaar milega." Shashank placed a hand over his shoulder.

After that, they discussed all the plans regarding the marriage. Guruji has called them to inform that the auspicious date of Marriage is after 2 weeks.

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Same time, Rahul-Atul-Armaan, were also equally happy. Armaan was more than just happy. He called his HR manager and instructed him to distribute sweets among all the staff and workers. Instead of going directly to his office, he went to a Mall to order some soft-toys and many more. Everyone in the office congratulated Atul.

Since she arrived earlier than most of the other staff members and was now busy with her work, Riddhima didn't notice the office turning into a party-place. The news has cracked through the office premises, only after Armaan called his HR manager, which was obviously before Atul's arrival. The first thing he did was inform Rahul about the good news over the phone when he almost reached the office. As a result Rahul stood on the Reception entrance waiting for him, wanting to be the first one at the office to congratulate his dear friend.

Riddhima got the news when Atul-Rahul went to her cabin to give her sweets. Atul has stopped the peon to go to Riddhima's cabin as he personally wanted to go and share this good news with her. After all she was now a undividable part of their family, who not to forget, has been extremely lucky for them. Her first step in their house has brought the biggest happiness into their lives... especially for Atul and Anjali. Besides he wanted to see how she is after agreeing upon marrying Armaan.

In his excitement, instead of knocking, Atul barged in her cabin hurriedly jumping with joys. Riddhima looked up taken aback with his sudden but elated appearance. At first she didn't understand what is going on. She just saw Rahul following Atul with a happy face.

Atul came forward and hugged her lovably, "Thank you, thank you so much Riddhima."

Riddhima smiled despite of her confusion, "Kya baat bhaiya, aap aaj bhot khush lag rahe ho?"

"Khush? Nahi main aaj bhot-bhot-bhot khush hu." Atul squealed like a teenager.

"Wo to main bhi dekh sakti hu. Par baat kya hai mujhe bhi to bataaiye na. Aur aap mujhe kis baat ke liye thank you bol rahe ho?"

"Ye dobara baap jo ban ne wala hai." Rahul said before Atul could say anything.

"Kya? Sachchi?" Riddhima looked happy-astonished. Atul glared a Rahul for saying it, coz he wanted to tell her himself about it. But seeing her face, he smiled nodding gladly. "Wow, ye to sach mein bhot-bhot-bhot hi achchhi news hai. Main abhi Anjali Bhabhi ko congratulate karti hu." she took our her phone to call Anjali.

"Arey Riddhima..." Atul stopped her, "Abhi nahi, tu use baad mein phone kar lena. Wo abhi ghar pe nahi hogi..." he knew that she has gone to Rahul's house to discuss wedding plans. "Filhaal tu humaare saath celebrate kar." He forwarded a pot of Rasgullas, "'muh to meetha kar."

"Thanks bhaiya..." she picked a piece of Bengali Rasgulla and kept it in her mouth, "And congratulations once again."

Atul nodded smiling. Then thinking of something, he smiled widely and said, "Actually, ek aur le-le..." he told her to pick another Rasgulla from the pot.

She giggled, "Bhaiya, sab mujhe khila doge to baaki sab complaint karenge."

"Karne de, I don't care. Aur waise bhi, main soch raha hu ki baaki sabke liye ek-ek aur piece bhijwa hi du. After all, it's the time for a double celebration."

She gave him a questioning look. Before she could ask anything, the door flew open and he stepped inside, turning all heads towards himself.

"Hey all... mere bina hi celebrate kiya jaa raha hai..." he said taking the pot of Rasgullas from Atul's hands, "Mmm, these are yummy..." he mumbled with his mouth full. He has just arrived office and hearing the commotion in Riddhima's cabin, he barged in impulsively.

"Armaan, saale sharam nahi aati, pura pot cheen liya mujhse..." Atul glared, "...de wapis..." he tried to snatch it back but Armaan hid it aside picking another piece from it.

"Muhuh... tu jaake aur lele." he said pushing the door to his cabin (door between Armaan and Riddhima's cabins). Rahul opened it for him. Armaan smiled and walked inside eating Rasgullas, while Rahul, Atul followed him.

"Oye, aur to main le hi aaunga, lekin ye main Riddhima ke liye laya tha..." he turned to his side to point towards her, "Ye kahaan gayi..." he muttered when he didn't see her besides him. He went back to her cabin and pulled her with him. Pointing towards her he repeated in commanding voice, "Ye Rasgulle main Riddhima ke liye laya tha... de waapis."

Rahul sat on the couch watching them from distance.

Armaan had stopped gulping down a piece after another when he heard her name first. He saw that she wasn't there. Wishing to see her there, he waited which wasn't too long as within a moment he saw Atul come back pulling her along with him.

Armaan was now standing with the pot in his hands chewing what he already had in his mouth. He glaced at Atul and then and Riddhima. She was looking happy. Happy? It means she has really agreed to the proposal on her own wish, else she wouldn't be looking happy. Her face is like an open book, it would have given him a hint of her uneasiness otherwise.

But then why isn't she looking at me and looking at Atul, he thought. She didn't pass a tiny glance for once towards him. Even when they were in her cabin, she was busy looking at Atul smiling widely at him. The only reaction from her that had something to do with him was the surprised look on her face when he entered.

"Laya tha to main kya karun, ab ye mere hain. Tu jaake aur le aa iske liye." Armaan replied nonchalantly looking into the pot again.

"Bhukhhad kahin ke, besharam. Armaan, tujhe sach mein sharam nahi aati... tu ye..." Atul glared at him, but this time Riddhima interjected.

"Atul Bhaiya, jaane dijiye na. Mujhe waise bhi aur nahi khaane."

"Lekin Riddhima main ye humaare double celebration ke liye laya tha. Tune ek to kha liya Anjali aur meri good news wala, ab dusra bhi to khana padega na." Atul reasoned.

Armaan bit his cheek inwardly when he heard him mention about double-celebration. He knew what the second good news is. He heard her asking.

"Atul Bhaiya, double celebration matlab?" somehow unknowingly she didn't feel any need to refer Atul as 'sir' today. Maybe due to the chirpy and friendly environment of the moment.

"Arey, dusri celebration... tere waali..." Atul tried to indicate indirectly, giving a side glance to Armaan, "...tere aur Armaan waali."

"Mere aur Armaan Sir waali?" she couldn't understand.

"Haan, arey wohi baat jo Muskaan ne tujhse kal ki thi yaar." Atul continued.

"Kya, Muskaan Bhabhi ne aapko bhi bata diya?" after a moment of confusion as it downed her, she looked at him with her eyes big in surprise.

"Haan, after all tu humaare ghar pe hi aayegi na." Atul raised his brow comically.

Riddhima thought for a moment, "Haan, wo to hai..." she mumbled, "Shaadi ke baad mujhe aapke ghar pe hi to rahna hai ab... Aise hi to hota hai na?" she said thoughtfully.

Armaan's head popped up at her mention of 'Shaadi', but what surprised him was her behavior. Yes, it means she is ready to get married... with him. But why is she still not giving him any attention, she is getting married to him after all.

Many questions started swarming into his mind.

Is she trying to be sarcastic? But her voice doesn't sound so.

Is she trying to tease him? But when did she learn to do that?

He knew that she could retort, but obviously she doesn't know much about teasing.

"Exactly..." Atul agreed loudly. He glanced at Armaan who was gawking at her perplexed about something. Atul grinned and took the opportunity to grab the pot. Snatching the pot from his hands he took Riddhima's arm and dragged her with himself, "Chal, mil gaye Rasgulle..." he said showing the pot to her while she laughed at his childhish behavior.

Armaan stood rooted at his place not able to understand what is happening. He glanced at his empty hands and then looked at his right when Rahul called.

"Armaan..."

"Hey Rahul..." he smiled walking to him. They spent next few hours in their friendly chat forgetting all about work and other things.

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The Marvels' headquater seems to be in a different mode today. Armaan has given everyone a liberty to celebrate for the day, but... at the office itself. Everyone seems to be chatting happily about things while working and munching onto the special treat sent to them by the management. The good news of Anjali's pregnancy as well as Armaan-Riddhima getting married in next two weeks has already spread like Jungle's fire.

For some reason or the other Armaan never got a chance to see Riddhima once again. First he arrived late at the office, then till lunch time Atul kept her occupied, and after that Armaan had to leave for some meeting for which Rahul accompanied him. Riddhima was oblivious of the feeling he was going through and behaved in her usual way.

Later that evening, Riddhima called Anjali to congratulate her. Anjali tried to tease her with reference to Armaan, but failed miserably due to Riddhima's lack of understanding. Muskaan was there with Riddhima at that time. She had an extra gala time on hearing Anjali's groans on the other end when her plan to tease her innocent Nanad failed.

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