PART 13
'ENVIOUS AND PAINFUL SIDE OF LOVE'
Armaan entered The FBI office along with Riddhima to fulfill the purpose of Rohan's visit.Although he was not very happy in letting his lady love meet her fiance,but he had no other optiion.
Riddhima looked at the surroundings and saw everyone one deeply engrossed in work. Muskaan and Rahul were going towards the monitor room and stopped for a while seeing her to exchange the pleasantries.
Armaan stopped at the door of visitor's room and looked at Riddhima. He opened the door for her and saw a big smile on her face as soon as she saw Rohan.He didn't tell her that Rohan had come to meet her.He only said that there were some formal inquiries for which her presence was required.
Rohan saw Riddhima and his lips curved into a smile and eyes held a spark in them.
He moved a step forward but frowned when he saw Riddhima talking to Armaan.
Riddhima looked at Armaan and saw him smiling sheepishly.
RI: pehle nahin bata sakte ki Rohan mujhse milne aaya hai.
AR: agar pehle bata deta toh tumhare chehre pe ye surprise wali smile kaise dekh pata?
She looked at him and automatically her eyes fell upon his blue lenses which had a genuine concern for her.But she could also see that there was something else in those grayish-blue balls too.But what???
Hearing Rohan's voice her attention turned him leaving behind her thoughts about Armaan.
She went to Rohan who was walking towards her too and they both hugged each other.
Armaan closed his eyes not being able to see Riddhima in Rohan's arms.He opened his eyes only when he heard their voices.
ROHAN: Riddhima kaisi ho tum???
RI: I'm fine.
RO: Maine tumse kaha than a ki main tumhain yahan zyada din nahin rehne doonga.Dekho aaj tumhari azaadi ke liye pehla plan hamein mil gaya.
She looked at Rohan in astonishment and tried to understand what he said.
Rohan grinned seeing Riddhima confused.He held her shoulders and made her sit on the couch in visitor's room at one side.
RO: Riddhima who dekho wo hamari new lawyer hain Miss Aditi Gupta.She is one of the interns of Mr. Edmund.He is out of the country for some personal reasons ,so he has asked her to handle the case for a while as she is the best according to him.
RI: Rohan are sure she will be good enough to handle my case?
RO: Ofcourse she will.
He put one hand of his on hers and said: Mr. Edmund had already given her the case details and she has come up with a wonderful idea.Even Armaan agreed to her point of view.
Riddhima looked at Armaan who was sitting on the nearby couch by this time.When he saw her looking at him he nodded his head in yes..She looked at the new lawyer once again.
AD: Hello Ms Riddhima Gupta.
Riddhima went to her and took a seat beside her.
RI: Hello Ms Aditi Gupta.
AD: Isn't it strange that we share the same surnames?
RI: Oh yes, it is..I just noticed when u reminded me of it..
AD: I'm really sorry for whatever happened with you'But I promise you that you will be out of this case very soon.
RI: I hope so.
Riddhima's eyes fell on Armaan and she noticed him looking at her worriedly. She wondered why he was in tension when she herself was at ease.
Whenever Riddhima was brought to FBI ,Armaan always had a fear that Riddhima may get reminded that she has been tagged as a criminal and her patience level may go down.It might lead her to feel low and depressed,a mental state which he never wished Riddhima to fall in.
RI: Armaan what happened?Are u ok?
AR: yes I am alright.What will happen to me and why do u ask so?
RI: I said that I can read a face and u look a bit worried.
AR: Oh that's not a big deal doctor.I was just thinking about the case.
How could he tell her that he was concerned for her infront of her fianc.
AD: Riddhima I've talked to Mr. Armaan Malik and he has said that we can get a bail for you if the arrested gang members make a statement that u didn't belong to their gang.
RI: Really!!
Her voice increased in excitement and again she shifted her focus towards Armaan.
RI: Armaan is she saying correct?
AR: We can't be 10 percent sure about it Riddhima but we have a got a good number of proofs to show that you have been trapped in this case.But we can't file for the bail right now..The higher authorities have framed up a question committee asking me justification for the house arrest orders.I really have to get a very important proof in support of you inorder to let this house arrest remain as such.
Armaan saw Riddhima's face falling down and he thought to think fast before she gets into the fear of lying behind the bars.
AR: Look ! Riddhima.We already have a proof that ur finger prints are not present on the drug dealing packets and your previous record is clean and clear.Moreover the hospital where u have worked has also given statements regarding your dedication towards your work and they have got their sympathies for you.Moreover, a positive statement from the gang members whom we have caught would really help us in convincing the authorities. Now,all I want is an evidence which cannot be cross questioned.If we would have caught Vivek, your release would have become easy.But you don't worry I promise you that before Saturday which is the meeting day, I'll have some solid proofs in your support. I'll make sure that the house arrest orders may get stay.
RI: I also hope that Bhagwanji may help you and you may succeed in your attempts..
ROHAN: Riddhi don't worry I'm sure Armaan will do his best..
ADITI: Ok Then I may take your leave.all the best Mr. Armaan.
She stood up and so did everyone.
RO: Riddhima now I've to go.Plz take care of yourself.bilkul pareshan mat hona.main sab theek kar doonga.Tum us ghar mein akele rehti ho yeh soch kar hi main pareshan ho jata hoon.main janta hoon ki meri Riddhi ko andhere se dar lagta hai aur akelapan toh bilkul bhi acha nahin lagta usey.
Riddhima smiled seeing her best friend remembering every fear of hers.
RO: Lekin mujhe yeh bhi pata hai ki Armaan tumhara khayal ache se rakhta hai.I can see that u 've become friends with him.
RI: haan Rohan.He is a wonderful person and he cares a lot for me.
Armaan had a broad grin on his face as he heard Riddhima's appreciation for him.
RO: I miss you a lot..
RI: I also miss you Rohan.Papa aur mama se baat hui tumhari aur nani who log theek hain na.us din media ne unhain bahut pareshan kiya tha.
She remembered suddenly about the news she saw on tv, few days back.
RO: I also saw that news and immediately called uncle aunty.They are very brave Riddhi just like you..They said that they can handle everything except their daughter's pain.They asked me to tell you that they are praying for you and they hope that God will do justice to your virtues and make you come out of this mess soonest.
RI: Oh Rohan!!
She hugged him with tears in his eyes as she heard about her family.But in rohan's embrace she realized something else too.Her comfort was missing.She didn't feel that all her pains and worried disappeared as they had gone away before when Armaan had consoled her.
Rohan caressed her hairs and tried to soothe her but she could not get the calmness as she had gone through in Armaan's embrace.She didn't compare the two people deliberately but when she didn't find solace in Rohan's arms ,it made her think about Armaan..
Coming out of the hug,Rohan kissed Riddhima's forehead and Armaan everywhere except the two of them.
RO: Bye Riddhi.Take care.I love you.
Riddhima simply nodded her head and smiled because her mind had took her away to the days when she has hugged Armaan or vice-versa .She had an unknown completeness when Armaan was there with her.Why was this happeneing to her?why did this feeling didn't come when Rohan was there with her?
She has remain confused about her feelings regarding Armaan since a ,ong time but now she realized that it was high time to get some answers for herself'.
*****
Niki was at home thinking about everything that started happening since Abhi got shot. She found herself a bit more concerned towards Abhi than she had ever been before.She didn't dare to think about the intimate kiss that transpired between her and Abhi at the latter's house.She felt extremely low and alone.She could not discuss this with her mom or dad.Nor could she tell this to her friends as it was an extremely private matter.
Like Armaan,she also ran away from the opposite sex all along her life.She felt disgusted about the boys who asked her out. She knew that those boys were more interested in one-night stand deal than in her .But unlike Armaan, she had a desire to belong to someone some day.She was waiting to meet the right guy of her life.She hated Abhi because of his non-serious flirty nature.She considered Armaan as her brother more than her friend.Abhi envied Armaan which also became a reason for her poor bonding with Abhi.They both didn't like each other at all. Although Abhi admired Niki's beauty, yet he knew that he had all the probabilities of inviting danger in flirting with Niki.So he had always maintained a distance with her.They both had a very professional relationship.In the friends group also,Abhi was more closer to Muski and Rahul while Niki was closest to Armaan.Abhi was jealous of Armaan's success while Armaan had problems with Abhi's carefree attitude towards life and girls.
Niki still remembered the moment when she saw Abhi in blood.She wondered why she her heart skipped a beat seeing Abhi in pain. Her reaction to Abhi's accident was totally unexpected. She knew that she was a bit emotional but she had never thought that Abhi's gun-shot incident would change her relationship with Abhi in such a drastic manner.After that incident, she met Abhi a bit more frequently to enquire about his health and did the best of she can in order to take care of him. She had caught Abhi staring at her sometimes and to her surprise she felt good about it. Before she could understand what change was coming in between them, that kiss jumped in. She hated herself as she thought that she also had fallen prey in Abhi's tactics of wooing women. She felt as if he used her emotional weakness and taking advantage of it ,grabbed an opportunity to kiss her.But what astonished her more was her response to him when he kissed her.She had all the right to push him and struggle against him but she reacted in a completely opposite manner. The main reason for her concern was that she felt good about the kiss.She always wished to keep her first kiss for the man whom she shall fall in love with and marry. She felt extremely low of herself when she realized that she has given her first kiss to a man who changes women everyday like clothes.Tears didn't seem to stop falling from her eyes.She was sitting in the balcony adjacent to her bedroom and watched aimlessly at the sky.It seemed like she was searching for some peace in the sky to calm down her inner turmoils.What was happening to her? Inspite of all what happened,she still could not hate Abhi.She didn't know why she felt that she was equally responsible for the kiss eventhough it was initiated by Abhi.He had given her all the chances for resisting it but she herself was willing for it.This was the thing which troubled her the most.Why could not she control herself?Why could not she move back when he bend upon her to take in her soft lips? These were some questions that raised in her mind again and again leaving her in deep thoughts.She was so much disturbed by the kiss that she took the rest of the day off from F.B.I. and was at home all alone to cry and think over whatever happened ..Her mom 'dad had gone on a business tour and that was the reason of her loneliness at home.She desperately needed a friend right now to share the storm that was going on inside her.Why was life so painful sometimes, she thought? When she started thinking that she and Abhi were becoming friends again something happened which drooped down Abhi at a lower level than he was in her eyes. She felt cheated for beginning to trust him a little and trying to be friends with him. She didn't know what to do next.All she knew that no matter what happens now,she would never trust that man again.She won't let him take advantage of her vulnerability.She swore to teach him a good lesson.
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Armaan was sitting in his cabin thinking about Rohan's visit and Aditi's idea of getting Riddhima a bail. He didn't know if he should be happy or sad about it. With the bail Riddhima would go away from him but that was his present mission. Isn't it? He was struggling hard to get rid of the accusation on Riddhima and now when he has reached the first step, he didn't feel good about it. Riddhima will be out of the house arrest for a while after she gets the bail but she won't be allowed to leave the country. It meant that Riddhima would be with Rohan all the time. This alarmed him. Rohan was deeply in love with Riddhima,he knew. He was scared with the thought that Riddhima might get closer to Rohan considering him to be the reason of getting her out of F.B.I. for sometime. What if she started feeling something for Rohan. He has already seen their emotional connection in front of his own very eyes. They had a deep bond, he knew. Riddhima has known Rohan for years while he entered her life just a few weeks back. It was quite obvious that she trusted Rohan more than anyone else in this world because he was her best friend since childhood. She has already told him about how Rohan would bring solution to every problem of hers and he would do anything to bring a smile on her face. The way she admired her friendship with Rohan always increased the insecurity regarding Rohan and her relationship in Armaan's heart. He was always thankful to his stars that Riddhima has not yet fallen in love with Rohan.She was dependent upon Rohan just like a friend and agreed for marrying him seeing his love for her and also because of her father's wishes.How could he let go of Riddhima like this?
Also, there was a traitor in his own office about whom he still had to find about .His instincts have always been very good for him.He didn't know why he was not getting a positive feeling regarding Riddhima's bail. It seemed to him that the bail might expose her to the mafia gang as she will be out of the protective shield of F.B.I. He also understood that he had no right to refrain Riddhima from her freedom.He had promised her and himself to do everything to get her out of this case. A bail would bring some fresh air in her life; he thought .All he wished was her happiness.
How can he be selfish now? He has seen his mom-dad and admired their relationship. They were madly in love with each other and he has loved their cute fights after which his dad would try to woo his mom just like the newly weds usually do. He would smile seeing his mom blush at a cheesy comment passed by his dad. He wondered why he could never understand that love was so beautiful even though he adored the wonderful love between his mom and dad. He laughed at himself now when he considered love to be an obstacle in his career. Riddhima has completely changed him and his prospective towards love and life.
He was a man of principles but Riddhima taught him that love and affection is above the principles. He didn't like mistakes but she told him that its humans only who make mistakes otherwise man would have become God. She made him learn the pleasure to forgive. All these days living with Riddhima he felt that he needed nothing other than her in his life. She was slowly becoming more important than air and water for him. Yesterday, when he saw Riddhima in Rohan's arms only he knew how he controlled himself from throwing Rohan out of F.B.I. He felt as if someone stabbed his heart. He can't see his love in someone else's arms. But he can also not keep her with him in house arrest when she has chances of freedom from this cage for sometime. He controlled himself and decided to work upon Aditi's plan to get Riddhima bail as soon as possible. He concluded that he will have to work harder to find Vivek. Also, he has to keep an eye on his staff to spot the spy of mafia gang. He was so much engrossed in his thoughts that he could not even hear his ringing mobile since 10 minutes.
Armaan was still entangled in the thoughts of formulating new plans to get Vivek and save Riddhima when someone kept a hand on his shoulder and shook him.
He got startled and looked up.
RAHUL : Armaan beta kahan khoye hue ho.tumhari mom kabse tumhain phone kar rahi hain.
AR: Ji .OH!!
He breathed a sigh of relief and looked through his phone.
RA: Armaan tum theek toh ho beta?
AR: Haan dad I'm fine.
Just then Rahul's cell rang.
RA: lo baat karo apni mom se warna tension se kahin unhain B.P. na hojaye.
AR: kya dad aap bhi.layiye phone dijiye.main mom se baat karta hoon.
JUHI: Hello.
AR: Hello mom.how are you?
JU: How are you ke bache?jaan nikal di thi meri.phone kyun nahin utha rahe they mera?
AR: come on mom.don't panic.I'm perfectly fine .bas kuch busy tha isliye aapka phone nahin uthaya.sorry na mom please.Don't be angry na.
JU: main kabhi tujhse naraz hoti hoon kya.
AR: That's why you are the best mom.
JU: bacha kitne din hogaye tumhain dekhe.ghar aao na.
AR: mom main jald hi ghar aaunga.aaj kal main bahut busy hoon.bahut kam waqt hai mere paas Riddhima ke house arrest pe stay order lene ke liye.Ek baar us meeting mein main yeh saabit kar doon ki Riddhima ko frame kiya gaya hai toh uske house arrest se kisi ko koi pareshani nahin hogi.main bas yeh kaam kar loon maa fir main aapse milne aaunga.Lekin main yeh kaam apke aashirwad ke bina bilkul nahin kar sakta.I need ur blessings mom.
JU: They are always with you beta.dekhna tum zaroor apne maqsad mein qamyab hoge. I
love you beta.
AR: I love you too mom.
JU: Riddhima kaisi hai?
AR: She is fine.
JU: Acha apna aur uska donon ka khayal rakhna theek hai.
AR: ji mom
JU: acha chalo fir baat karenge. bye bacha.
AR: Bye mom.love u
JU: love you too.
After the conversation with his mom,Armaan found himself a bit more relaxed. He thought that some magic is definitely there with mothers. They can easily sense that their child is somewhat disturbed.He just wondered how a phone talk with his mother calmed down his nerves.He was feeling so low about Riddhima's bail and her relationship with Rohan and struggled hard to plan new strategies for his case.All this was getting on his nerves ad it was just then that his father appeared to let him talk with his mom. It is not wrongly said that heaven lies beneath the foot of a mother.
Armaan was again lost in his mom and her love for him when Rahul brought him back to earth.
RA: Armaan tum kabse jhooth bolne lage?
AR: DAD lies and me?
RA: Yes you my son.Why did u lie to your mom that you were busy because of which you could not receive her phone.But the truth is that you were in deep thought about something and you were soo lost that you could not even here the shrill voice of your ringtone.What's the matter son? I hope you won't lie again.
AR: Dad I didn't intend to lie to mom but I didn't know what to say to her.
He regretted speaking a lie and that too to his mother.Rahul immediately understood that Armaan was feeling guilty.
RA: Armaan beta stop feeling guilty and tell me ki who kaun si baat hai jisne mere bete ko itna paresha kiya hua hai?
AR: Dad kuch nahin bas aise hi.
RA: fir se jhooth. Kya maine tumhain yahi sikhaya hai ki apne hi dad se jhooth kaho?
AR: No dad.main toh bas
He paused and sighed.He was not a man who could talk about his feelings so easily.
RA : Armaan I'm your father but I am also your friend remember.Think of me as your friend and not your father.It might help you in sharing your worries with me.
AR: Dad I don't want to hurt you.But you know how I am. If I'm really worried about something, I'll better find a solution for it rather than discussing it.I'm disturbed about something but I would like to share it with you later, not now. I hope you forgive me for this.
RA: OK beta. If don't wish to talk about it right now, I won't force you.But please do remember that I'll be there for you always.
Perhaps, Rahul already knew Armaan's answer and that's why he didn't probe him further. He knew his son in and out. He was also aware that his son is a person who is always ready to solve others problems but when it comes to him he would wish to find a solution all alone to his worries.
AR: DAD I know that you and mom are always with me .Thanks for understanding.I love you.
RA: I love you too.
They hugged and when they came out of the hug Rahul said: main apne bete ka muskurata hua chehra dekhna chahta hoon, yeh pareshan chehra Maliks ko suit nahin karta.kyun?
They both laughed and Armaan hugged him again.
After that Rahul went to his cabin, while Armaan went home to his lady love.
**************************************************************
Riddhima was at home thinking about Armaan and Rohan.She didn't know what games her mind and heart were playing with her.Her mind said that she has no right to think about any other guy except Rohan. He has come seven seas across only for her. He is doing everything possible in his hands to get her a bail. He has been there for her since she understood the meaning of friendship. He loves her more than anything else in his world. She is engaged to him and had she not been trapped in this case,she might have become Rohan's wife by this time. What put her in a dilemma was that she felt nothing like love for Rohan.To be honest,she didn't know if she loved Rohan as much as he loved her.She didn't know why but when today Rohan hugged her she found herself searching for something that she had found in Armaan's arms.She didn't feel complete in her fiance's arms.There was something lagging behind but what?
Her thoughts switched over to Armaan. Since the day she has seen him,she found herself getting closer to him. It seemed as if he was a magnet who was attracting her towards himself. At first she was a bit hesitant towards him but the determination in his eyes and words made her believe that he is her knight in shining armour. He is the hope of her freedom .He has assured her that he will get her out of the false accusation on her very soon. She trusted him completely. She didn't know when they became friends. All she knew was that when Armaan was around she felt safe and secure. When he was there with her she would forget her worries. Whenever she weakened, he became her support. She could rely on him completely and can trust her life with him.With Rohan also she felt more or less the same. But still there was something missing.Both were her friends.Rohan was her best friend whom she has known all her life while Armaan was her friend in need.But then why did she feel that she knew Armaan since the day of her existence.Why did her heart flutter whenever they got in a close proximity.Why did she blush when he would make a remark on her dress or beauty?Why was all this missing in Rohan's case?
Is she getting attracted towards Armaan?Riddhima startled at this thought.She can't do this to herself and Rohan?How can she develop an infatuation for Armaan knowing very well that she will get married to Rohan as soon as this case ends? How could she like his grayish-blue eyes and cute dimples? Why was God doing this to her? She never felt like this for anyone.Her life revolved around her family and friends. She was happy in getting married to Rohan and her family would also be pleased by this marriage. When everything was so perfectly going then why did Armaan enter her life? She was not a teenager to like any handsome guy. She was a mature woman but why is her heart not in control of her. She concluded that she has to get over this infatuation and to do that she'll maintain a distance from Armaan now. The more far she will remain from him, the sooner she will get over her likeness for Armaan. With a firm decision she was determined to be just friends with Armaan and nothing more than that. She can't deceive Rohan and the trust her father has put in her before sending her to U.S. She dare not fall in love with Armaan otherwise she would have to face a heart break. She decided to keep a check on her feelings before they get out of control.Before anything gets complicated between her and Armaan she thought to detach herself from Armaan.He is a great friend and she won't dare to lose him just because of a stupid attraction.She will first make herself a bit distant from Armaan and when she'll get over it she shall compensate for everything and make her friendly relations with Armaan like before.She felt that by doing this she may hurt Armaan but she didn't have choice.To get over this infatuation,she needed to be away from him for a while.
What she didn't realize was that she has fallen head over heels in love with Armaan.Love cannot be controlled, it simply happens. The more you run from it, the more closely it will come back to you. She never knew that all her plans would go in vain and how badly this distance creating strategy would hurt her and Armaan's relationship.
****************************************
Armaan entered the house and found Riddhima sitting in the hall lost somewhere.
He sat near her on the couch and slowly whispered her name.
She didn't respond to her name call.Armaan was surprised to see her so lost.He went closer to her and put his hand over hers in her lap.
Riddhima's chain of thoughts broke and she looked at him in surprise.
RI: When did you come?
AR: Just five minutes before. Why do you look so worried Riddhima? Is there any problem?
He tightened the hold of his hand on hers which brought notice to her and she realized that her heart was fluttering feeling the warmth of Armaan's palms on the delicate skin of her own hands.
She slowly took her hands out of his grip and stood up.
Armaan also stood up following her.
RI: Armaan I'm fine.You must be tired.So please get fresh while I'll get some coffee and snacks for you.
It was the evening time right now and Riddhima wondered how Armaan came home so early today.
She started to go towards the kitchen but Armaan held her back by holding her wrist of left hand.
He walked closer to her and whispered in her ears: aisa kya hogaya hai Riddhima jot um mujhe hi nahin bata sakti.
Riddhima felt a shiver inside her body feeling Armaan's breath near her ears.She closed her eyes and tried to control her thudding heart. She was afraid that Armaan might hear hr rapidly beating heart.
Armaan took slow steps and stood infront of her.She was looking down nervously and Armaan didn't know how he stopped himself from crushing her against his heart. She was looking dangerously beautiful and that nervousness on her face made her even more pretty. But apart from noticing how gorgeous she looked, Armaan didn't fail to take note of the uncomfortable expressions on her face. There was something that was nagging her mind, he knew.
Armaan lifted her chin up and made her look into his eyes.
AR: I can easily see that something is troubling you. You make me share all my worries with you and now when it's your turn you are running away. Tell me Riddhima what's wrong. Are you tensed about the justification meeting held by my seniors for this house arrest?
RI: Armaan I'm not tensed about the case at all. I trust you and I know that you will do your best to save me .I'll just have to wait patiently to know what destiny has in store for me. I was just thinking about Rohan.
Armaan first felt very happy realizing the amount of faith she has put in him but Rohan's name plucked his heart like a thorn.
AR: Rohan?
RI: Yes. He is so much worried about me and is working so hard to take me back to India. He is a businessman you know and I wonder how much work he is piling up by being here for me.
Riddhima herself didn't know what made her talk about Rohan to Armaan. She thought that mentioning Rohan would remind her of her plans to keep a check on her feelings for Armaan. What she didn't know was that she was hurting Armaan with every word she spoke in concern for Rohan.
AR: Riddhima he is your fianc and also your childhood friend. He cares for you and that's why he is here.You should be happy about it and not upset.
RI: Ya I know that and I'm really grateful to him for being here but I'm worried about his business.
AR: He is a smart man Riddhima. He must be taking care of his work while being here in U.S. as well. I think I should arrange a meeting for you again with Rohan so that he may calm down your worries.
RI: I think you are right. I would really like to meet him tomorrow.
AR: Alright. I'll ask Muskaan to give him a call and ask him to come and meet you.
RI: That will be better. At least I'll come to know that he is taking proper care of our Dream Company.
AR: Dream Company?
RI: Yes Rohan dreamed of becoming a great industrialist some day and today he is one of the most successful businessmen of India. In our childhood, we weaved a dream together of having a big company on Rohan's name and that's why we call it our dream company. You know Rohan has named this company on my name but I still call it our dream company. He loves me a lot.
AR: That is very sweet of Rohan.He definitely loves you a lot.I think by remaining away from him you have also started realizing your feelings for him.
Armaan was very much disturbed hearing Riddhima's praises about Rohan. He needed to find what Riddhima exactly felt about Rohan. The statement he made was more of a question as he wished to hit the bulls' eye. He noticed the change in Riddhima's expressions immediately after he said that she also has started falling for Rohan .He didn't fail to read the display of emotions on her face.She was confused and flabbergasted at the same time. Something stopped her from answering the question immediately; he realized. He found her composing herself before making a comment to his statement.
RI: May be you are right.I don't know what exactly I feel for him but he is a person on whom I've been dependent all my life. I will never do anything to hurt him.He has seen many ups and downs in his life.I know that right now he is much more worried about my freedom than I myself am. I wish to give him all the happiness he deserves in life. I really hope that I may understand what actually love is and start falling for him.
Armaan was not very much happy with what Riddhima said. She meant that she was looking forward to spend her whole life with Rohan. But at the same he also felt that whatever she was saying was not coming straight from the heart. He could note the effort she was making in speaking every word after he talked about her feelings towards Rohan. It seemed as if she forced herself to say that. Armaan wondered why he got such negative vibes about Riddhima's body language when she herself was telling her that she admired Rohan a lot. He didn't know why he felt that Riddhima's eyes were saying something else while her mouth uttered something else. But he was definitely disappointed about her concern for Rohan. He never likes Riddhima's meetings with Rohan but he also does not wishes to deprive her of any happiness that she could get in this house arrest. He knew that she gets happy after meeting Rohan and right now Rohan is troubling her. A meeting with Rohan would make all her worries go away and that was why he offered to arrange a meeting with Rohan for her. He wondered if she would ever feel anything for him.
RI: acha Armaan enough of our talks.Now you please get fresh and let me prepare coffee.
AR: O.K. But I hope that now you are fine.
RI: Yes I am. I'm really lucky to have a friend like you.
She smiled and Armaan smiled back to her and walked towards his room.
Going to the kitchen Riddhima first kept both of her hands on the slab and closed her eyes.
What the hell she was talking all about?
She has been thinking about Armaan the whole afternoon then why did she talk to Armaan about her relationship and hopes with Rohan. She didn't have any idea as to what harm her attitude towards Rohan has done to Armaan. After composing herself she started making coffee for Armaan.
*************************
Armaan, in the washroom under shower, just thought about Riddhima and Rohan.They were so perfect for each other. Where did he fit into the picture? Why did he feel that Riddhima would fall for him? Only because he loved her, hardly meant that she should also love him back. He never aimed at making her love him back forcefully. He just wished that she may fall for him. But Rohan is more important to Riddhima than him, he understood. Riddhima would always acknowledge first what Rohan is doing for her than whatever he does for her. He has to accept the fact that he has entered in Riddhima's life too late to make her fall in love with him. She already admires her best friend and would go to the extent of even marrying him to see him happy. He is nowhere close to Riddhima. It was so foolish of him to live in a hope that Riddhima may fall for him. Now when he has faced the reality check, he decided to stay away from Riddhima as far as possible. He will have to let his love go off to someone else infront of his own eyes. Life was soo painful sometimes. All his life he didn't trust himself with love and when he actually realized how beautiful love is ,life has minimized chances of getting the love of his life. Why did it happen to him? He was so happy without being in love as he was fully committed with his work which he loved and adored. Why did Riddhima enter his life when she belonged to someone else? Why was God doing this to him? He has never done anything wrong to anybody then why has God decided to make his Riddhima love and marry someone else? Why was he made to fall in love with her if she was not meant to be his?
All these questions were driving him crazy. Riddhima was his love, his passion and his life. How can he see her with someone else? It was not his fault that Rohan and Riddhima were childhood friends. He fell in love with Riddhima when he didn't know anything about her. What should he do now? Should he let Riddhima go without making any other efforts to win over heart? He concluded that Riddhima was Rohan's fianc. She was not wrong in being concerned for him. It was his fault that he lived in an illusion of making her fall for him. But now it was time for some corrections. He was determined to work harder upon this case so that Riddhima may get free soon. The sooner he will go away from her, the lesser his heart would ache for her. He had no choice but to wait for the right time and till that time he will have to die thousand deaths by seeing Riddhima and Rohan's developing relationship. But he was ready to do that with a smile on his face because his first priority was Riddhima's happiness. If she is happy with Rohan,he would also remain satisfied. He felt jealous of Rohan. He wished that he might have met Riddhima in childhood instead of Rohan. Why was love giving so many heart-aches to him? Why could not Riddhima love him back instead of Rohan?? He made a resolution to maintain a good distance from Riddhima so that when she will go away from him his heart would not cry for her. He has become very much used to of Riddhima by this time. He loved her affection for him. He felt happy whenever she cooked for him. To see her being concerned for him and waiting all the night always delighted him. But now he will have to keep in check of his feelings.He decided not to let Riddhima control his heart anymore. He would keep himself engrossed in work since it was the only way which would keep him busy and away from Riddhima's thoughts. With a firm decision he stepped out of the shower,dressed up and went to the living hall.
He found Riddhima waiting for him with two cups of coffee and some 'palak ki pakodis'.
AR: Riddhima why did you bother so much?A cup of coffee was more than enough.
RI: Oh come on Armaan.When have you grown so formal.I just wished like having pakodis so prepared them.What's the big deal?Juhi aunty has told me that u like them so just relish eating them.
Armaan smiled and took one pakodi from the plate.
He ate and an appreciating smile came on his face.
AR: Thanks a lot Riddhima for this. It's delicious and this chutney is wonderful.
RI: Armaan I told u na that in friendship there is no sorry and no thank you.
AR: Oops!!! Yes Yes I remember.Alright I take my thank you back.But seriously you are a great cook.
RI: I know.
They both laughed at it and suddenly Armaan's smile faltered.She looked so beautiful while laughing and he felt so miserable about the fact that she belonged to someone else.
Riddhima saw Armaan a bit tensed.
RI: Kya hua Armaan?
AR: kuch nahin.woh Riddhima actually main bahut thak gaya hoon.So I would like to take some rest now.
RI: Sure.Infact main bhi tumse yahi kehne wali thi that u should rest for a while.U please go ahead while I'll prepare the dinner.
Armaan nodded and went to his room after finishing the coffee and snacks.
**************************************************************
Next day Riddhima accompanied Armaan to the office. Armaan called Rohan and asked him to come to the FBI as Riddhima wanted to meet him. Ridz waited for Rohan in Armaan's cabin while Armaan started doing his work.He had to find out the traitor in his office. He first called Niki and asked her to produce a list of the people who have joined this branch of FBI in the past one month.Niki went and came back in 10 minutes.
She started discussing the profiles of officers that have joined the main branch of FBI this month.
Riddhima sat on the couch and observed Armaan closely. He was deeply involved in the discussion with Niki.She noticed the slight frown on his face and felt that he looked sooo cute like that.The way he paid attention to each and every word Niki said amused her.He was so focused upon his work.Waiting for Rohan,she realized that she had not even thought about Rohan once. All she could think about was Armaan-his gestures,facial expressions ,etc. What was happening to her? She was staring at Armaan since the past 15 minutes. She has to stop this. Armaan was becoming a dangerous forbidden desire for her.
A knock on the door brought everyone's attention towards it.
AR: Come in.
Rohan entered with a big smile on his face.His smile widened more seeing Riddhima.
RO: Hey Ridhi.
RI: Hi.
RO: Hello Armaan and Miss Nikita.
AR,NI: Hi Rohan
AR: It's good that you come have Rohan. Riddhima was very much worried about you.
RO: Me but why?
AR: You may better ask her the reason of concern.
Rohan went to Riddhima and cupped up her with his palms: Ridhi tum meri wajah se pareshan ho yeh main kabhi nahin chahoonga.kya hua?
Armaan clenched his fists seeing Rohan and Riddhima so close.He closed his eyes in frustration and then he called upon a junior officer to take them to the visitor's room.
When they were out of sight Armaan breathed a sigh of relief and asked niki to carry on. To see your love with someone else is very much painful. Nikita didn't fail to notice the uncomforted look of Armaan's face when Rohan and Riddhima were in a uite close proximity.
NI: Armaan what's the matter?
AR: What do you mean?
NI: You seem to be a bit tensed.Tell me what's wrong.
Armaan shrugged his shoulders and asked her not to worry.
But Nikita was Nikita.She was determined to find out what's going on in Armaan's heart.She has seen a drastic change in Armaan since Riddhima's case has come to FBI. His smile which was lost since the past eight months has come back.She had found him day-dreaming about something which was much unlikely like Armaan.He was deeply involved in this case and has left no stone unturned in solving this case.This was his special quality that he worshipped his work. But this time she felt that this meant to Armaan much more than any other case. Riddhima and Armaan have also bonded quite well.She always found something in Armaan's eyes. It always seemed as if he was searching something since the past eight months but after Riddhima's case has came that look of Armaan's eyes had vanished. Armaan definitely felt something for Riddhimaa,she concluded.But she has to find it out. Today, she found a hurt look on Armaan's face.She was sure that Armaan was not very happy seeing Rohan and Riddhima very close.Something was cooking up and she decided to find out what Armaan felt for Riddhima.
AR: Niki where are you lost.I'm calling you since the past ten minutes but you seem to become deaf.
Niki came back to this world hearing Armaan's loud voice.
NI: I'm sorry Armaan.I was just thinking something.Any ways let's carry on.
After getting all the details from Niki,Armaan send her to watch the videos of the clubs of previous night and he himself stood up to take a round of the office and meet the new officers.Also ,he had to tell Rohan and Riddhima that the given time for meeting is now over.
On the other side Rohan assured Riddhima that he was taking good care of his business even if he was in U.S. He told her that he would never let anything happen to their dream company.Riddhima was happy after this assurance from Rohan.
RO: You know what Ridzy.This is why I love you.You always are more concerned about others than yourself.You should be worried about this case and not for me.Samjhi..
RI: kya samjhun.meri fikr karne ke liye tum ho na. Tum bhi toh mere liye India se yahan aagaye ho who bhi itne dinon ke liye.I know that jab bhi mujhe kuch hota hai tum sara kaam chod kar bas mere liye khade ho jate ho.fir mujhe toh fikr hogi na tumhari.
RO: ok you are right Madam.lekin aap fikr mat kariye.I'll take care of everything.tum bas apna khayal rakhna.I miss you so much Ridzy.Agar tum is case mein nahin fasi hoti toh shayad ab tak hamari shaadi ho chuki hoti aur tum hamesha ke liye meri ho jati.sach Riddhima bas mujhe toh us din ka intezar hai jab tum par se yeh jhoothe ilzaam hat jayenge aur hum India wapas chalenge.
Rohan was so excitingly talking about all this that he failed to notice the tension on Riddhimas face.Before one month, she was very much positive about her marriage with Rohan but now what happened.Why did she feel insecure regarding this topic?Why was she unhappy thinking about her marriage with Rohan?She has to marry him for Rohan's and her family's happiness.There can be no ifs and buts,she realized.Armaan-this name was coming in her mind again and again. She can let this attraction get over her completely.She needs to keep her feelings in check.
Armaan knocked the door of the visitor's room and peeped inside.He saw Riddhima and Rohan sitting next to each other on the couch.
AR: Rohan The time for meeting is over now.
RO: Ok.Just two minutes please.
Armaan nodded.
He stood there seeing Riddhima a bit lost somewhere.He wondered what happened to her.
RO: Riddhima ab mere liye tense mat hona ok.I'll come to meet u again very soon.I love you.
Riddhima saw Rohan and smiled seeing his concern for her.
RI: I love you too.
Armaan heard Riddhima saying this and felt as if earth was snatched away from beneath his feet.He went away disheartned.He felt as if his world has come to an end.
On the other side,
RI I love you too my best friend.
RO: Ridzy I'm waiting for the day when you would say I love you to me in the real sense.I know that you don't love me right now but you know hamare rishte ke liye bas mera hi pyaar kafi hoga.I promise you Riddhima ki main tumhain is museebat se jald se jald nikalunga.I'll tak care of you always.
Riddhima smiled.
He kissed on the top of her forehead and took her leave.
Riddhima was sent back home while Armaan remained in the office to continue with his work.Armaan was extremely put off by the morning scene and remained sulking the whole day.His heart sank and all he wished was to shout and cry.Why did he fall in love?Riddhima loves Rohan.This fact tore apart his heart.He didn't hear the full conversation and went away assuming that Ridz also has fallen for Rohan now.He felt miserable,helpless and frustrated.
****************************************
Armaan remained very disturbed after Riddhima left.He felt as if his whole life has become meaningless all of a sudden.He felt very much hurt and disappointed. He didn't know what to do next. He will have to live his whole life without his love. She loved someone else. He didn't know why his heart could not digest this fact yet.It still gave him a positive vibe that Riddhima could fall for him.He dejected this hope that has been fooling him so long. He decided that now he will detach himself from Riddhima completely.He as right bout love.It always gives pain and no happiness.That was why he was aloof from it since so many years.Riddhima came in his life like a fresh breeze and took away all his happiness ,peace and satisfaction.
Pyar hai ya sazaa, Aye mere dil bata,
Toot ta kyon nahi, Dard ka silsila,
Iss pyar mein ho kaise kaise imtihan,
Yeh pyar likhe kaisi dastan,
Ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar
Dilbar pe ho na, dilbar pe ho na koi asar
Ho ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar
Dilbar pe ho na dilbar pe ho na koi asar
Ho pyar hai ya sazaa,Aye mere dil bata,
Toot ta kyon nahi, Dard ka silsila,
Riddhima was sitting in the hall waiting for Armaan.It was 11 in the night and Armaan has not yet returned. She felt bad when Armaan didn't come to see off her when she returned home today.She had pledged to focus on Rohan instead of Armaan.But her heart always betrayed her and she would end up with Armaan's thoughts. Everything that was happening with her was quite new.She felt blessed in his arms and it seemed that she has been waiting all her life only for the warmth that she received in Armaan's arms. He was a wonderful person and she has always found a very different type of look in his Armaan's eyes for her. His extreme concern for her always made her happy. She tried to feel good about her and Rohan's relationship and the advancement in this case but she eventually ended up thinking about her relation with Armaan.She wondered if they were just friends or some more.She has caught Armaan staring at her a few times and she would not deny about the heat that developed between the two of them when they were together. Something was going on between her and Armaan,she thought. She needed to stop all this before its too late.The clock struck 12 and brought Riddhima out of her thoughts.She looked at the dishes placed on the dining table near the kitchen and sighed. She liked to have her meals in a company and thought to wait for Armaan.She felt a bit anxious and her heart skipped when her brain questioned about Armaan's safety. 'I hope he is fine'-she prayed.
Kaisa hai safar waffa ki manzil ka,
Na hai koi hal Dillon ki mushkil ka,
Dhadkan dhadkan bikhri ranjishein,
Sansein sansein tooti bandhishein,
Kahin toh har lamha honthon Pe fariyaad hai,
Kissi ki duniya chaahat mein barbaad hai,
Ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar,
Dilbar pe ho na dilbar pe ho na koi asar,
Ho ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar,
Dilbar pe ho na dilbar pe ho na koi asar
She stood up the couch and walked towards the dining table as her stomach started grumbling. She had just sat on the chair when a click on the door took her attention towards it.She saw Armaan and her eyes almost popped out of her sockets. He looked devastated. He was limping.She went towards him to give him support but he stopped her by showing his hand to her. She stopped and observed him carefully.
RI: I can't believe it.Armaan you are drunk.
AR[in a babyish language]: So what?Can't I drink.I've never tasted alcohol in my life.Riddhima it's wonnnderfulll.
RI: Armaan you are not in your senses.Come,I'll take you to your room.
AR: nahin.main apne kamre mein khud ja sakta hoon.I'm a biggg man.
He extended the words as he spoke.Riddhima was surprised to find him cute even in this state.
She smiled and said- Ofcourse you are a big man. Armaan tum theek se chal nahin pa rahe ho.gir jaoge.mera haath thamo aur apne room mein chalo.
Armaan saw Riddhima's extended hand for him and the pain that he had managed to subside under the effect of alcohol came back again.
AR: aaj haath thamogi aur kal wapas le logi.mujhe chod ke us Rohan ke paas chali jaogi.Nahin mujhe tumhari help nahin chahiye.
Riddhima was taken aback by this statement of Armaan.His eyes were bloodshot red.He seemed to be in great pain.
Was he hurt about her relationship with Rohan?Did he also like her?Ignoring her chain of thoughts she went closer to Armaan and held his arms.
RI: bahut baatein karli tumne, ab chalo apne kamre mein.
Armaan shrugged off her hand roughly.
AR: meri fikr karne ki koi zaroorat nahin.jao jake apne Rohan ke bare mein socho.
RI: Armaan?
AR: Riddhima please.I can manage myself.[His voice was uneven but still he managed to speak firmly]main nahin chahta ki main tumhain kuch aisa keh doon jiske liye mujhe baad mein repent karma pade.so please mujhe mere haal pe chod do.
He said these sentences with such seriousness that Riddhima was amused.Saying that, he went to his room.He staggered a bit but finally reached his room and slumped on the bed.Then he closed his eyes and tears of pain fell from his eyes.
AR: dekho na Riddhima tumhare pyaar ne mujhe sharab peene par majboor kar diye.I love you Riddhima.I can't live without you.
Saying that, he closed his eyes and went to another world .
Koi na sune sisakti aahon ko,
Koi na dharre tadapti baahon ko,
Aadhi aadhi poori khwahishein,
Tooti phooti sab farmaishein,
Kahin shak hai kahin nafrat ki deewar hai,
Kahin jeet mein bhi shaamil pal pal haar hai,
Ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar,
Dilbar pe ho na dilbar pe ho na koi asar,
Ho ya rabba, de de koi jaan bhi agar,
Dilbar pe ho na dilbar pe ho na koi asar,
Ho Pyar hai ya sazaa,Aye mere dil bata,
Toot ta kyon nahi, Dard ka silsila' Ho-o,
Na pooch dard mandon se,
Hansi kaissi khushi kaissi,
Musibat sar pe rehti hai,
Kabhi kaissi kabhi kaissi,
Ho rabba, rabba,
Rabba ho-o-o,
Ho-o-o rabba.
***********************************
Riddhima was still standing at the same place and trying to register Armaan's words in her mind.He was hurt and that too because of her.But what did she do to hurt him.Armaan asked her to show her affection for Rohan and not him.What did that mean? Why was her life making her soo much confused? She looked at the food on the dining table. Seeing Armaan in such a state had made her feel very bad. She lost all the appetite she had and kept the food in the fridge as it is.
She went to Armaan's room and found him sleeping on the bed with his stomach touching the bed and back upwards.
She went closer to him and took off his shoes.
She turned him around and removed his coat.She was so close to Armaan that her breath touched his neck.It seemed as if in deep slumber also Armaan could recognize her presence.A sweet smile came on his face. Riddhima adored his face and caressed the hairs that fell on his forehead. He looked just like a 5 year old with that pout on his face, she thought. She felt a pair of hands on her waist and the next moment Armaan turned around such that she was beneath him now and he covered half of her with arms.He buried his head in the crook of his neck imaging her to be his pillow and dozed off peacefully.
Riddhima was shocked.She didn't know what to do now.Armaan's hot breaths on her neck made her heart beat erratic.His arms on her bare waist send shivers down her spine now and then. Her heart was filled with a sudden element of satisfaction and she felt that she has found solace in his arms once again. She was quite contended having Armaan so close to her.She caressed his cheeks but her eyes fell upon her engagement ring and the realization struck her. She tried to push Armaan away but didn't have the heart to wake him up by exerting too much force upon him. She struggled for sometime in vain and gave up. Her cheeks were all heated up with the thoughts that came into her mind. A sudden wish to feel Armaan's muscles swept across her mind and she closed her eyes trying to shoo away all such new and amazing desires.She belonged to Rohan and not Armaan, her brain reminded her. She looked at Armaan once again and felt sorry for being the reason of his drunken state.The smell of alcohol in his breath could not let her sleep the whole night.She kept thinking about her relationship with Rohan and Armaan all the night. . She felt an unknown sensation in her body as she felt Armaan lips on her neck.He placed a kiss on her nape and smiled in his sleep.Riddhima was stunned and looked at him trying to move a little away from him.
This should not be happening.She was feeling happy instead of getting angry on Armaan for the kiss.All her resolutio ns about cntrolling her attraction towards Armaanseemed to fail. She realized that has to do something before she gets crazy. Her blushing skin reddened even more with the thought of Armaan waking up in the morning and finding both of them in this state. She didn't know what she would tell him. He would definitely ask her the reason of her presence in this room and how they landed up on his bed like this. She needs to find an appropriate answer for Armaan's questions She wondered what this morning had in store for her.
********************************************
Phew!!! Finally i've completed this part.Plz don't forget to share your views regarding this part as a whole.I hope I didn't disappoint you guys.I welcome all ur appreciations and criticisms.
love u all
Parineeti
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
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