Taming the wild
Part-36
The Escape
Recap: Ridhhima plays a prank on Armaan, Anjy leaves for London with Atul and Armaan's nightmares
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It was Sunday and Armaan as his weekend surprise announced that they were supposed to go to a small party, more of a small get together of friends like at Rajat's place... Ridhhima was reluctant to go but had no choice... As usual...
" hey Armaan ! My man how are you dude ? " he shook hands rather shook their fists " oh bhabhi hi kaisi hain aap ? So nice of you to come... Yeh to shaadi ke baad lagta hai hamein bhuul hi gaya " Ridhhima smiled politely
" achha to party par mera bhuut aaya hai huh " both of them got busy unlike Ridhhima's thoughts the people were nice and she could see that Armaan was quiet popular among all... He was like the star of the show... And the way some women were eying him ' huuuh for gods sake he is married you dumb bimbos ! ' she sighed thinking but then it hardly matters for some dumb beauties... She was even more surprised when she saw him chatting to them merrily ,smiling laughing... Now that was enough, she must save those girls from him... He must be trying to flirt with them telling some far fetched tales about his marriage, plastering a fake smile she went up to him...
" Armaan... Tum mujhe apni friends se nahi milwaoge ? " she blinked at him smiling at his surprised face
" H..huh..haan kyun nahi.. Yeh hai.. Umm umm yes Tanvi... Yeh hai Pooja... Yeh hai Akriti... And girls my wife Ridhhima..." she could see the disappointment clear on their faces one of them even had the guts to make a slight face at her but Riddhima in return gave a sarcastic smile to her..
Ridhhima didn't just stop here she placed her hand around Armaan's and said in her most sugary voice " oh how nice to meet you all.. you know Armaan ne mujhe bataya aap logon ke baare main ,infact you know he said that ki agar uski koi behen hoti to wo aap teeno jaisi hi hoti..." Rajat who was standing nearby spat out all his drink and Armaan on the other hand almost choked on his... Ridhhima gave a sarcastic smile to all of them... The girls within a second got the message and disappeared scowling...
" My my bhabhi aap to... Wah wah... Now i'm sure if anyone can tame this lion it's you... Main to aapka fan ho gaya hun..."
" Saale tune party badal li..." Armaan faked anger, though in his heart he was pleasantly surprised and immensely happy to see her getting possessive over him...
" Haan badal li... Chal ja ab kahin mujhe bhabhi se kuch advice leni hai..." He took her to other side chatting and Ridhhima went with him smilingly
Armaans' chest swelled double it's size with pride Ridhhima had won over everyone, while she knew that no matter where she went his eyes were following her, she tried to ignore him... Armaan felt so happy when she came to him, he was delighted seeing her getting all possessive for him... Probably she too has started to feel something for him...
The party went on and so did some small party games but Armaan Ridhhima didn't took part in them... Just then Rajat came in the hall announcing loudly...
" Guys ..ladies and gentlemen.. Plz. attention everybody... Let's play another game... I have a bowl full of chits here... all the couples plz. come in here..." People gathered around including amused Armaan and hesitant Ridhhima... " Yes so the game is that each chit has some written instructions in it and you have to follow them... the rules are simple follow instructions or get better punishment..." Everybody felt excited... " So let's start...! "
the game started... Some couples had the chits where they were asked to propose their partner but lady will be the man and man will pose as lady... another couple had a tough task where the man was asked to take three rounds of the hall... With his partner in his arms... Another was asked five rapid fire questions who so ever answered less then four would loose and had agree to his or her partner's wishes no matter what... Ridhhima now started enjoying the drama... In a group game men were asked to drape saree around them like their wives... Armaan was terrible he draped the saree like a towel around his waist and as he placed pallu on his shoulder Ridhhima turned her face to control her laughter... The game went on...
" Now now let's come to you Mr.Malik let's see what you get..." Rajat came to them with a broad grin...
Armaan grinned back and picked up a chit... " Kiss thy partner in 5 minutes heaven !? Yeh kya hai...?! "
" Ohhh wo hoo " Rajat shouted with few others... " You my friend have hit the jackpot ! You get to spend full 5 minutes in a special heavenly room with your partner ! once you get in, the door will open only when you kiss your partner..." He indicated to a room which had two hearts drawn on it along with cupid... " just give a knock when you are done or better we will knock it for you if you loose the track of time " he winked
Everybody started cheering Armaan looked at Ridhhima and she looked at him... He was smiling whereas Ridhhima was shocked
' he would kiss her ! And that too alone in a room !? Hell she won't allow him to kiss her at any cost ! Anywhere ! ' She was wondering, thinking to herself, people were still cheering coaxing him to go ahead ' oh god ab main kya karun ?! '
Armaan smiled at her ,hesitating a bit first but then he looked at her, gently taking her hand he moved to the room ,she was horrified ' is he really about to kiss her ?!...'
Her mind worked frantically the sound of the door being closed made her realize that they were in the room now... She decided that she will ask him firmly to remain at a distance like always, she turned quickly ready to announce her decision but bumped into something... Or someone...
To her surprise she saw Armaan standing very close to her... He was standing right behind her when she turned... she stumbled on her feet and was about to fall when she held the lapels of jacket ,Armaan could not manage the sudden pull and they both landed on the floor with Ridhhima on the floor and Armaan on top of her...
Her hair ,all landed on her face covering it partially, her eyes closed, though Armaan held her safely decreasing the burden of the impact ,his hands were still around her one on her back another on her waist... He was stunned once again to see her so close to him in his arms... Cheeks slightly red probably due to cold, an annoyed expression on her face trying to remove hair from her face without using her hands... Hehe... Which were still holding his jacket and were now kind of locked...
He didn't knew what came over him and as his hands were under her he gently rubbed his cheek with hers, breathing in her beautiful fragrance... Clearing away the hair which were disturbing her... Her eyes flashed open and met his intense ones'... neither of them blinked, none spoke, it seemed as if the time just stopped and all they could hear were their hearts, beating together rhythmically... He saw a strand of hair on her forehead and smiling lightly he blew air on it,making it fall back ,Ridhhima closed her eyes... She was lost... Lost in him... Her mind was blank she opened her eyes and kept staring at him as if looking for the first time... Those eyes... They captivated her... Held her... And didn't let any other thought cross her mind...
Armaan looked back at her as she opened her eyes and turned a bit to free his hands, very well aware of the impact he was having on her,he gently made her stand holding her with both hands and eyes...They stood facing each other ,her hands still on his chest as he held her by her waist Ridhhimas' heart beat so fast as if it would burst, his masculine fragrance ,his touch on her bare waist his soft yet firm hold, she fitted so well in his arms..
He tried to move back a little when he saw that some of her hair had got entangled in his shirt buttons her eyes closed automatically as he came even closer to free her hair embracing her lightly, nuzzling her hair... she almost forgot herself in him her hands went on his back holding him gently Armaan smiled blinking softly...
Everything just stopped for a while he looked into her eyes his grey eyes piercing through hers , Ridhhima kept looking at him but then suddenly their trance was broken with a knock at the door...
" guys only a minute is left ! "
Her eyes flashed open bringing her back to reality ,it was as if she suddenly remembered something ,coming back to her senses she realized that in whose arms she was in... She immediately pushed him away, bit too rudely...
" don't you dare...! " She looked horrified ,surprised and angry, probably more with herself than on him...
" Ridhhima ! Ridhhi... Kya hua ?? " she didn't answered him and just went out of the room out of the hall into the garden
Her mind racing frantically and so was her heart ' Why Ridhhima why..?? How can you do that you were about to betray Vivek ! ' she repreminded herself...
Armaan was stunned everybody was looking at him as he came out of the room Rajat came to him placing his hand on his shoulder
" Armaan sab theek to hai naa bhabhi..."
" h.haan everything is fine she was just bit unwell... Excuse me " he ran after her calling
" Ridhhima ! Ridhhima ! stop ! " he grabbed her arm " aakhir baat kya hai ? kya hua tum aise kyun aa gayi ? "
" Leave my hand Armaan ! Kyun aate ho tum mere karib ?? Duur raho mujhse ,I hate you Armaan..! I hate you ! "
He just stood there seeing her angry face.. She freed her hand from his already loose hold and ran back to where the car was parked, he quietly followed her, his momentary happiness that she might have started to feel something for him was now crushed...
They came back home, utter silence between the two... She lay on the bed eyes wide open sleep miles away, Armaan was no different his mind kept on replaying those moments in the party where he felt something... Something which was true and genuine but that picture soon got disturbed as he thought about her behaviour moments later... He sighed...
" Kya hoga ? Kya sab aise hi chalta rahega ? Kab tak ? Should i let her go ? Cmmon Armaan how can you even think about it you have to try harder to make everything work you can't give up..." thinking debating with himself he didn't knew when he drifted off to sleep...
The next day everything seem to be more or less back on the track... He woke up sneezing, she woke up yelling... Though he could see that she was trying to keep as much distance from him as possible,moreover he was surprised to see her all ready and dressed up to go...
" Ridhhima aaj tum itni jaldi tayar ho gayi... Achha ruko main bhi jaldi se ready ho kar aata hun..."
" it's okay tumhe pareshan hone ki koi zarurat nahi hai... Main chali jaungi waise bhi mujhe aaj jaldi jaana hai..." she said without looking at him gathering her files, she went to the door
" ek minute Ridhhima ! " she stopped suddenly hand still on the door knob " tumhe koi jaldi nahi jaana ,tum mujhse bhaag rahi ho,Hai naa " she turned slightly not meeting his gaze properly " Ridhhima trust me kal wahaan us room main aisa kuch nahi hota jisme tumhari marzi nahi hoti " she turned and looked at him for a moment, he stood there in his vest and pajamas... Looking directly into her eyes... She still said nothing and moved out closing the door behind
She reached hospital way before her reporting time his words echoing in her mind ' tum mujhse bhaag rahi ho ' yes probably she was, she didn't knew why but she was scared of something what ? She didn't knew but it happened everytime he was near... She sighed closing the file she was merely staring at, wishing to be with herself, alone for a moment... She managed to keep him from dropping her today but these guards ! They followed her EVERYWHERE... Not letting her go out of their sight even for a moment... it was terribly annoying when someone keep walking behind you, keep on asking and informing that ' ma'am it's break time, it's time to pack up... Ma'am sir had said this, ma'am sir has said that ', they were completely Armaan's puppets she had a feeling that they go through her schedule for the day before her... She sighed it felt as if she was caged... Not free to do anything according to her wishes...
She was lost in her thoughts when a nurse came in to inform her that a surgery was lined up for her that day,
" theek hai aap chaliye main aati hun " that was welcome diversion ,not many patients were lined up for that day, probably she would take half day and go somewhere... Shopping ! how she loved it especially with Anjy, always worked as a stress buster... Her only vice... Even if they didn't purchased anything just roaming about cleared her mind... Yes she would do that... Deciding this she walked towards the O.T...
As she was about to enter she saw someone coming in too right behind her.. It was none other than her poker faced bodyguards
" excuse me ! What do you think you are doing ?! "
" ma'am we are coming in with you " one of them said plainly
" Coming in with me ! Are you out of your mind ?! Can't you see it's a operation theater and what do you think can happen to me in there ? "
" we don't know maam but we have strict orders from sir not to leave you alone and take care of your security "
" But.."
" Dr.Malik..."
" i don't think that is.." she continued without looking back
" Dr.Ridhhima Malik " she stopped immediately and turned to see Shashank standing there, even after almost a month she still hadn't got used to of the surname Malik " kya ho raha hai yahaan ? "
She sighed angrily and took Shashank to a corner " dad main Armaan ka bhurta bana dungi " he looked at her surprised
" huh... magar Ridhhima hua kya beta ? " she narrated everything to him that how these guards wanted to come inside the OT coz Armaan has given them orders... And listening this ,to her great surprise ,he started laughing... " papa aap hans rahe ho ? "
" ohh Ridhhima ,yeh Armaan bhi naa .. Achha tum jao main inse baat karta hun " she gave one look at both the guards who stood there with no expressions on their faces at all ,she didn't knew what he said to them but they certainly didn't came in during the operation
Everything went fine it was a small surgery, while coming back to her room her eyes fell on the fire escape door ,and all the past memories came rushing back to her... Past days went by her like a flash everything seemed to remind her of him, tears welled up in her eyes thinking what happened yesterday, she felt terribly guilty... She ran away from there and stopped only when she reached her room, closing the door she crashed on her chair wiping off the tears ,closing her eyes, she rested her head on the table...
" Oh hello Mrs Malik.." she got up and saw... Vivek !!
" Vivek ! Tum yahaan !? Tum aa gaye !? Magar tum aise kyun bol rahe ho ? "she felt sad at his address
" Aur kaise bolun Ridhhima ab to tumhari shaadi ho chuki hai you are Mrs.Malik now " she went quiet for a moment emotions choking her voice
" Magar Vivek main aur kya karti ? "
" Haan tab tum kuch kar nahi sakti thi aur ab kuch ho nahi sakta..."
" Vivek..."
" Haan Ridhhima main sahi keh raha hun bolo kya hoga ab... Tum jaanti ho Ridhhima main ab bhi tumse bahut pyaar karta hun... Kya tum mujhe chahti ho Ridhhima...? "
" Haan Vivek..main.."
" To chhod do Armaan ko aur laut aao mere paas... Main ab bhi tumhara intezaar kar raha hun... Bolo chhod sakti ho Armaan ko..."
" Vivek..."
" Soch lo Ridhhima aur jab faisla kar lo to..." he turned and started to move away
" Vivek... Vivek !! " she called again and again but he didn't wait with a smile on his face he faded away she woke up with a jerk realising that it was dream... But how real it felt as if he was right here... her cell phone rang again... She saw that it was Armaan he was now interrupting his dreams too ,she threw away her phone in frustration... And tears of helplessness rolled out of her eyes...
She roamed about in the mall looking at some shops randomly, as Shashank called her for something she asked for half day leave which was readily granted... she came out of the hospital it really felt suffocating today... The guards still trailed behind her... she remembered that she talked to Virendra too about this guard drama but he too just laughed and said that he agrees with Armaan none went out without protection she even said that she didn't saw any before to which he replied that they were there before too but they kept themselves invisible...! Huh she sighed why not now...
Thinking about all this she walked on ,It was then she came across something and her eyes lit up seeing it... With a smile on her face probably the first one during the whole day she went in... After about half an hour she came out smiling contented...
" huuh that was nice... Now i need to shop for some clothes " she went into a showroom and selected some dresses only to see her guards following her to the trial room too...!
" just stay where you are... This is a ladies section and don't you dare say anything about what your sir has ordered you understand ! " seeing her furious face guards stopped right there...
Ridhhima went in... After almost half an hour when she didn't came out the guards went in and saw that all the cubicles were empty ,they immediately contacted others three other guards scattered themselves, looking for her all around but it was a huge mall with 10 floors ! They looked everywhere but could not locate her...
" sir.. Sir we cannot find maam..."
" what ?! " Armaan stood up from his chair stunned to hear the news
" sir she went in to change and didn't came back we went in to see and there was noone there "
" what the hell were you doing ?! " he yelled " didn't i told you not let her go out of your sight even for a moment ! " he yelled on the phone again " where are you ? "
" sir in seventh heaven mall " Armaan ran put of his room grabbing his jacket, leaving his surprised executives there...
His cell phone rang again " did you find her... I'm coming in ten minutes "
He reached the mall in ten minutes driving at neck breaking speed... He rushed inside, a small army of mall securiry guards and policemen escorted him to the manager's room, his own guards followed him
He rushed inside and threw open the door... He breathed in a sigh of relief, closing his eyes for a moment as he saw ridhhima sitting on a chair holding a cup probably talking to the manager... As she stood up seeing him ,he rushed to her and took her into a tight embrace... Ridhhima was taken aback at such a sudden reaction she felt embarrassed too...
" Armaan its okay i'm fine " she said knowing that everybody was around then whispered in his ear angrily " Armaan let me go ,sab dekh rahe hain ! "
He loosened his hold and looked at her holding her by her shoulders " are you okay ? Kya hua tha kahan chali gayi thi tum ? " she wondered at his concern
' dramebaaz kahin kaa ' she thought then said smilingly " kuch nahi hua Armaan main shop main hi thi actually wahaan do doors the in logon ko pata nahi tha aur main dusri taraf se chali gayi mujhe laga they will come as usual "
" and aapke guards bahaar dekh rahe the but jab dubaara shop par gaye to madam wahin shopping kar rahi thi " manager said smiling " don't worry Mr Malik we have very tight security here nothing can go wrong hamne cc tv par madam ko dekh liya tha "
Armaan breathed in thanking the manager and officers he took her home, driving himself, he didn't uttered a single word ,not even for scolding... she could see his tense face and for the first time she felt guilty of doing such a silly thing as they got home everybody asked her what happened he explained everything to them and went tp his room giving her a stern look she had a feeling that he knew she was lying, infact she deliberately went out of the other room... she already knew about the two exit doors... The truth was she wanted to get rid of the guards...
She came back to the room and saw him gulping a glass of water she could see that he was kind of panting... As he heard the door being closed he turned to face her
" you did that on purpose hai naa ! were you out of your mind...?! Kya soch kar kiya tumne aisa huh ! "
" Armaan main "
" not a word Ridhhima ! not a word... tumhara chehra dekh kar main ek pal main jaan gayaa tha ki yeh galti guards ki nahi hai balki tumne khud jaan kar yeh kiya hai... Tumhe iss baat ka zara bhi andaza hai ki hum saki kya haalat thi... Muskaan ki tabiyat tumhare baare main soch soch kharab ho gayi aur wo bhi aise waqt main ! " he blasted off on her angrily he stepped towards her and held her by shoulders ,she was scared seeing him so " aur ab meri baat kaan khol kar achhi tarah se sun lo Ridhhima agar tumne dubara aisi koi koshish kari i will never let you step outside the house again... Ever... and this is not an empty threat..." releasing her shoulders with a jerk he went to another room slamming the door shut...
Ridhhima went downstairs with a heavy heart and almost teary, nobody has ever scolded her like this ever... Virendra sees her coming down with a long face
" Ridhhima beta yahaan aao " she went to him wiping her eyes, he made her sit next to him lovingly " kya hua beta Armaan ne kuch kaha kya ? chillaya aap par huh " she nodded innocently, Virendra patted her head lovingly and said " beta he means well humari life hi kuch aisi hai.. hum jis position par hain wahan jalne waale ki aur dushmano ki koi kami nahi hoti hamein apna khayal rakhna padta hai Armaan ne bahut kuch khoya hai beta wo jinse pyaar karta hai unke liye kuch jyada ho posessive ho jaata hai tum uski baat ka bura mat maanna wo to kabhi kabhi mujhe bhi daant deta hai, Naina ke jaane baad wo kaafi dara rehta hai..." she then thought she never asked how she died and was about to ask when his phone rang " excuse me beta.."
As he went away Ridhhima made a mental note to ask about it and then shrugging off what happened with Armaan cursing him for scolding her she went to the kitchen and made a lovely cake for Muskaan as she craved for sweets and took it to her...
Muski welcomed her and almost attacks the cake then when she sees her face she asks " kya hua ? kya Armaan ne jyada daanta ? " She nodded quiet innocently... " Aww come here " she hugged her lovingly " Armaan ko main daantungi theek hai..." She nods again smiling at her concern she was so mused and touched that she was ready to scold her darling devar for her sake Muski continued " waise Ridhhima Armaan ke kehne ka tarika shayad galat tha magar wo sach main tumhari bahut fikar karta hai main jaanti hun Rahul ne bataya jab guards ne bataya ki tum mil nahi rahi ho wo bahut ghabra gaya tha usne puri city ki police ko alert karwa diya tha " Ridhhima was surprised that he went to such an extent...
" Kya ?! " she broke the hug looking surprised
" haan usne bataya nahi ? Wo bahut kam logon ko apne kareeb aane deta hai Ridhhima aur jinse pyaar karta hai unke liye bahut caring hai aur bahut possessive bhi..." ' Tell me ' she thought " actually chhoti ma.. Naina aunty ke sath jo hadsa hua uske baad..." She went quiet probably reliving some memories she sighed " that was the most terrible time we faced..." She again trailed off...
" magar Armaan ne mujhse iske baare main kabhi baat nahi ki..."
" Usne hamse bhi kabhi is baare main baat nahi ki magar main jaanti hun choti maa ki maut ka usko gehra sadma laga hai... Wo bas kuch kehta nahi... Aur aaj jab tum nahi mili to shayad wo beeti baatein uske saamne aa gayi hongi aur ghabra kar usne itna jyada react kiya.." She then smiled at her " achha chalo chhodo ab tum yahaan ho safe and sound aur Armaan se main baat kar lungi ki wo tumhe kuch na kahe okay... Ab hum cake khaate hain waaoo ! it's yummy " Ridhhima came back to present enjoying the cake with Muski and giving the details of what she purchased...
She switched off the lights ready to go to sleep today was quiet an eventful day... She saw his figure through the glass door... Pacing up and down in the room... a hand on his waist, holding a file or something in the other... She didn't pay any attention to him it was his usual way... The workaholic idiot... She lied down and closed her eyes she had something very nice to dream about... Everything didn't went fruitless...
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Taming the wild
Part-37
Trial and Error
Recap : Armaan Ridhhima share a moment of closeness, Ridhhima gets mad at guards who follow her everywhere and tries to escape... Which fails...
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The next day started as usual... Ridhhima was giving loads of instructions to Muski who wasn't feeling much well since yesterday... As the day of delivery came nearer she was getting more and more restless and Ridhhima was genuinely concerned about her... Though everything was normal, yet the excitement in the house was palpable though it was still about a month for the baby to come yet the moment Muski shouted or said anything... Though there wasn't much difference in her shouting and saying anything normally... Everybody jumped off from where ever they were... Rahul even got a smacking from her when she ate something spicy and shouted for water but Rahul came out running with the packed bag wearing her slippers.. in his jeans... Only... By now Ridhhima knew one thing... Malik family was truly one of it's kind... And she loved them all... Well except one
Everybody settled for the breakfast Armaan too came and sat down saying nothing... Everybody went quiet for a while seeing him in a serious mood... Another thing Ridhhima came to know was that everybody.. i.e; Everybody... was scared of his anger... Ridhhima went up to him to give him a paratha but he raised his hand in no... Still saying nothing... She backed off and thought...
' nahi khana to naa khaye mein kyun pareshaan hun huh '
BP cleared his throat and took the initiative of starting the conversation... " Armaan yaar kya hua ? Tu aaj itna sadaa hua muh bana kar kyun baitha hai ? Ab ho jaata hai usne jaan kar thodi na kiya tha "
Armaan stopped midway from taking a bite of his toast and raised his eyes towards Ridhhima giving a meaningful look to her " main kal ke baare main koi baat nahi karna chahta is it clear..." she was surprised to hear his tone " anyway... Main ek aur baat batana chahta tha mujhe chaar paanch din ke liye Mumbai jaana hai ek bahut important deal ke liye... Main kal subah hi nikal jaunga... Ridhhima hurry up I'm getting late... Bye Muski " saying so he got up and went out...
" huuuhhh " everybody breathed in
" Kya hua ? Don't tell me aap sabko Armaan se darr lagta hai !? " she asked amused
" nahi Armaan se nahi uske gusse se " Rahul explained " magar don't worry wo theek hai, jab wo sach main naraaz hota hai naa to bass... Magar this bye means that he will be okay in sometime " he smiled at her
" Koi baat nahi Ridhhi tujhe bhi dheere dheere sab pata chal jayega ab thoda sa maska laga dena, zara pyaar se mana legi na to do minute main pighal jayega...achha ab jaa jaldi warna phir na bhadak jaaye "
Ridhhima smiled this would be a golden opportunity.. no Armaan for whole five days ! Heaven !! She hugged her lovingly and ran out...
On the other way Armaan was surprised to see a small smile on her face unlike the usual scowl or annoyed expression... She didn't even once shouted at him for driving slow... Which he did purposely to get more time with her... Surprised and confused at her behaviour they reached the hospital, she was getting down when he stopped her
" Ridhhima.." she turned " ho sakta hai aaj mujhe office main thodi der ho jaaye ,main shayad aaj pick karne nahi aa paunga, but i will call and let you know "
" koi baat nahi Armaan it's okay main chali jaungi you take your time " saying so she got off, but Armaan's jaw dropped hearing her answer he kept staring at her as her car entered the hospital gate...
" yeh Ridhhima hi thi naa..?! koi gussa nahi ?!.. koi jhagda nahi ?!.. Itne araam se baat karna ?! Ho sakta hai main jaa raha hun islliye jhagadna nahi chahti ho... Must be your lucky day Armaan " he smiled to himself and drove off...
" hey Ridhhima..! " Sapna came smiling to her.." kya hua aaj badi khush lag rahi hai...?! Mujhe to lagaa kal ke baad Armaan shayad tujhe ghar se hi nikalne nahi dega..ab kuch bolegi bhi ki hua kya ?! "
" arre yaar bolne ka mauka to de milte hi sawaalon ki toup daag di.. Chal sab batati hun " she took her to her cabin and told her everything about yesterday
" aur tujhe kya lagta hai agar use pata chal gaya to... tune conference ke baare main ghar main bata diya ? "
" nahi abhi nahi... Kal subah Armaan jaa raha hai uske jaane ke baad main Virendra papa se baat karungi ki pehle to main jaana nahi chahti thi magar ab lagta hai ki jaana chahiye.. Wo bahut achhe hain main jaanti hun wo mujhe kabhi manaa nahi karenge "
" aur agar unhone kaha ki Armaan se puchho to ? "
" to uska bhi tarika maine soch liya hai usko yeh to bataungi ki confrence hai magar yeh nahi ki kahaan hai wo chaar paanch din baad aayega aur hum teen din main bas ho gaya kaam.. Agar wo log vivek ke baare main phone par nahi bataa sakte to saamne to bata sakte hai naa aur main usse mil kar rahungi "
" Ridhhima tere dimaag main aise plan kabse aane lage ?! "
" jabse mera paala Armaan se padaa hai... It's a war Sapna.. a war and i don't want to loose " Sapna kept looking at her face for a moment, she was about to say something but then sighed and smiled a bit holding her hand
" jo bhi karna soch samajh kar karna... Kahin aisa naa ho ki jo nahi hai wo to hai hi nahi aur jo hai wo bhi naa ho "
" huh..." she got bit confused at what she said " Anyway maine soch liya hai it's final conference ke liye tayri bhi kar li hai ,ab bas Armaan ke jaane ka intezaar hai tu bas tayaar rehna.. Ek baar America pahuch jaayen phir kisko kya pata lagta hai "
Armaan stood outside the gates of Sanjeevani, as usual, trying ridhhimas number again and again but she wasn't picking up the phone
" mch.. Cmmon Ridhhima pick up the phone yaar " but she didn't, he cut the call thinking what to do, for once he even decided to go in and stepped out of the car but an ambulance passed right in front of him, its sirens blaring, his courage left him and he dropped the idea...
" ab kya karu...?! " he was informed by the guards that she was in the cafeteria then why isnt she picking up the phone " of course Armaan itna 'pyaar' jo karti hai tujhse... Lekin batana to padega naa ki main kal nahi aaj shaam ko hi jaa raha hun..." he again thought for a while " haan yahi karta hun " he quickly dialled another number.
Ridhhima was busy talking when Shahank came there
" Dr.Ridhhima " he called her aside
" y.yes sir "
" it's okay beta... Aur kya hua tumhara phone kyun nahi mil raha ?? bechara Armaan kabse try kar raha hai..."
" papa wo... Shayad network problem hoga "
" koi baat nahi beta tum use abhi call karo wo wait kar raha hai "
" koi baat nahi papa main kar lungi abhi "
" nahi nahi you call him just now i have strict orders ki milte hi sabse pehle apne saamne call karwaun " he chuckled probably remembering how he was 'ordered' by an extra worrying husband
" hello Armaan " Shashank left leaving her to talk alone
" hello princess ! Kahan thi tum ?? Kabse call raha hun ? "
" just cut the crap Armaan and stop calling me princess for god's sake ! "
" offoh achha princess nahi tooo.. Hitler chalega... Tumhari personality ko kaafi suit karta hai "
" aarrrgghh Armaan stop it ! Jaldi batao kya kaam tha ? "
" theek hai hitler bhadakti kyun ho maine yeh batane ke liye phone kiya tha ki main kal subah ki jagah aaj shaam ko hi jaa raha hun aur main aaj tumhe pick karne nahi aa paunga, tum dhyaan se ghar chali jaana okay "
" bass itni si baat ke liye itna bada hungama ! Waise tum ja rahe ho to main yeh batana chahti thi ki mujhe bhi ek confrence ke liye jaana hai "
" Haan haan theek hai to jao naa warna mere bina tum ghar par bore ho jaogi "
" Oh plz yeh tumhari galatfehmi hai tumhare bina mere din kitne aaraam se guzrenge "
He chuckled " oh Ridhhima you are so funny dekhna tum reh hi nahi paogi mere aur mere jokes ke bina " she rolled her eyes " achha main chalta hun daer ho rahi hai pilot bechara wait kar raha hoga Riddhima ek aur baat bas chaar paanch din ki baat hai ,i hope ki tum uss din ki tarah koi silly harkat nahi karogi... Take care and ya... don't underestimate me... bye.." with a final subtle warning he cut the call
" Thank god ! Gaya ! Don't underestimate me huh " She Mimicked him " don't underestimate me too " she shouted back at the phone
By the time she reached home Armaan had already left she told Virendra about the conference of doctors in America also that she and Sapna would be representing Sanjeevani with other doctors to which ,as expected, Virendra didn't object... she even convinced him to go without the guards...
" Ridhhima beta saari tayari ho gayi ? " BP asked
" Ji BP kal subah 5 baje ki flight hai aur Jo jo Muski bhabhi ne instruction diye wo sab maine kar liya " she smiled at Muski who beamed at her...
" Maine tumhe numbers de hi diye hain agar zara bhi problem ho to just call any of them ,or us ghatiya se hotel main mat rehna wahan Park Plaza main booking karwa di hai tum aur Sapna wahin rukna okay..." Virendra added
" Papa aap bekaar hi pareshaan ho rahe hain, do din ki to baat hai... Aur pehla wala hotel bhi bura nahi tha... Pata hai it was a four star " she was amused to see that they worried even more than Padma...
" Yeah but not five or seven " Rahul said pointing his fork
" I agree... Hamare ghar ke beti kisi aisi waisi jagah nahi rukegi... Aur agar Armaan ko pata chala to wo to hamara jeena muskil kar dega ki hamne tumhara khayaal nahi rakha " BP said grinning
BP's words suddenly striked her... But she said nothing and finishing off the dinner everybody retired to their rooms...
Ridhhima lay on her bed and remembered how she went to Lonavala for a workshop and confrence as an intern... With Vivek...
" Vivek chalo naa koi dusra hotel dekhte hain yahaan kitna ganda sa hai aur AC bhi nahi hai..."
" Rajkumari ji... Paise bachana seekho aur thodi garmi sehne ki aadat daalo mere paas koi paise ka paed nahi hai..."
" Magar papa ne tumhe kaha hai naa ki dhang ki jagah par rehna aur bill kaun sa tum pay kar rahe ho..."
" Haan Ridhhima tum to yahi kahogi naa tumhe to aish-o-araam ki zindagi ki aadat hai... Magar main ek mamuli insaan hun tumhe meri choice kahaan pasand aayegi... Tumhare liye to yeh three star bhi kam hai "
Ridhhima was really hurt that day she didn't meant to offend him, she knew that he was very conscious and touchy about his middleclass status... but that hotel was really not worth it... There were coackroaches clearly seen and the rooms had damp smell she felt suffocated there...
she gave in to his decision but could not even sleep from the fear of cockroaches and even caught cold but still they stayed there for three horrible days... She met other hospital interns who were staying at much better place but then she thought he was right if you can save money why not save it... But what shocked her was the bill it was as if they stayed in a five star hotel !
She was again surprised when he bragged about the place they stayed in before Shashank presenting the bill... probably not to show that he was spoilt like others.. how different people are...
She sighed BP's words brought back some memories, she came back to present looking at the other door which was dark no figure roamed to and fro today... She didn't knew what came in to her she got up and moved to the other room opening the door slowly... switching on the lights she saw it was same as before.. Neat, nice and clean... A tie lay there at a corner of the bed... Few files by the bedside table and then she saw a pillow.. In fact an unusual one it was long and circular about 3/4 th her height... She had seen circular pillows before but none such long... she went to the bed and picked it up it was neither too soft neither too hard but felt as if had been used much... She kept the pillow back and giving a last look to the room came back to bed.. Tomorrow was a very important day... She was going to take a major step... She would scearch for Vivek...
She remembered how the day she tried to get rid of guards she got the idea, Shashank had told her that day about the confrence in America ,she decided that she would go to America but then from there leave for Canada and meet Vivek... Decide what is to be done further... But before that she needed so many answeres from him... He hadn't even once contacted her... Maybe because of Armaan... Still... Thinking about all this anxious, anticipating about tomorrow she fell asleep...
Throughout his journey Ridhhima's face kept coming before him, there was something which disturbed him... Something was not right... But what ?! may be he was thinking too much... sighing he picked up his file checking it for few moments he picked up his phone and dialled a number
" Hello yeah it's me... I want to know something... By today " he gave the details and cut the call getting busy with his file again...
Later in the night
He was sitting in his room busy with files when his cell phone rang up seeing the name of the caller he immediately picked it up " yes... oh I see... Achha theek hai thank you..." cutting the call he quickly dialled another number " I want to return back to Delhi... now... at any rate... Make arrangements..." With a firm face he cut the call... He looked at the watch it showed 1:25... He must reach back... Quickly... He stood up keeping the files aside... He had more pressing matters to deal with...
Ridhhima was all set to leave for airport, giving a quick look at the watch she stuffed few things in her handbag and rushed out... She was waiting in the hall for others as Virendra and BP told her that they will come along to the airport... Armaan stood outside the gate panting lightly, shivering badly dripping wet soaked completely as it was raining that morning... his car broke down and he could find no other mean at that point of time, he was not ready to wait... He walked back home... taking lift from a biker milkman who dropped him halfway and rest he walked back... He walked in and saw her standing there ready with the bags...
She felt bit uneasy something was there but didn't knew what... she turned abruptly when a sudden gush of air touched her making her shiver lightly... she was stunned to see him standing at the door... water dripping from his hair... clothes totally drenched...
" Hello Ridhhima... surprised huh..."
" Armaan ! " she whispered utterly shocked to see him...
" yes it's me Armaan... Going somewhere.. Hmm ? " she shivered a little as his eyes pierced her they both stood there staring at each other...
" arre Ridhhima beta mausam ki wajah se flight teen ghante ke liye delay ho gayi... Armaaan !! " Virendra who earlier hadn't seen Armaan was surprised to see him atanding there " Armaan tum yahaan ? Aise ?! Magar tum to deal ke liye.."
" papa kuch emergency aa gayi thi isliye waapas aana pada koi baat nahi..e.ek baar y..yahan sab s.solve ho jaaye t.to main deal bhi d..dekh lunga " he looked at her with his cold hard eyes meaningfully, she shrunk within a little 'kahin Armaan ko sab pata to nahi chal gaya ?'
" tum bheeg kaise gaye ? Kitna kaanp raha hai.. Ridhhima beta isko jaldi se room main le jao warna aise to bimaar pad jaayege main Maria ko bolta hun kuch garam le ker aayegi "
Ridhhima who was till now standing rooted, speechless turned her gaze from his face and they moved to their room quietly... as soon as they were in the room grabbing her arm he made her face him
" ek minute Ridhhima tumhe kya laga m..mujhe p..pata nahi lagega..." His hands were chilled, lips slightly blue and quivered due to cold but his grip was firm she was bit scared now..
" Leave me Armaan... Let me go..."
" Not without m..me sweetheart.. tum hospital main ro rahi thi naa.. You were crying for that bas***d "
" how dare you say anything like that..." she roared , but he looked at her as if deciding something
" Main jaanta hun tum confrence k..ke bahane se Vivek ke paas jaana chahti ho.. Ab t..tum.. T..ticket cancel..kar..karwa rahi ho ..ya m..main phone karun... Canada.."
Ridhhima knew immediately what he meant and he gave her the phone but kept staring at her in cold gaze even while shivering badly.. She called the travel operator and cancelled the tickets informing Sapna as well ,as soon as she was done he snatched away the phone
" Thank you very much aur haan..." He paused to control his shivering " aage se mere bina international trip mat banana..." And went to the bathroom with one last meaningful look... Ridhhima was greatly disappointed but was helpless
Armaan came out sneezing and shivering... Ridhhima sat there at the corner of the bed speechless ,lost thinking what happened few moments ago... He saw her but before could say anything there was a knock at the door
" Armaan.. How are you now beta ? "
" it's okay dad i'm fine "
" theek hai chalo phir breakfast ke liye aa jao "
" of course dad..."
Everybody sat together for an early morning breakfast
" Waise papa ek baat thi jo hum aapko batana chahte the..." Ridhhima looked at him thinking 'now what ?!'
" Ridhhima ne kuch decide kiya hai.." he paused and everybody looked at him and Ridhhima " Ridhhima keh rahi thi ki confrence ke baad jab tak baby nahi aa jata she won't go to hospiital aur wo Muski ke saath rahegi... she will take leave and stay at home " Ridhhima was taken by surprise.. She was shocked
Virendra said " is it really so beta ? " she was about to speak something when he said again
" yes pa actually she was really worried for Muski and she said that she will stay at home with Muski to take care of her..." BP was really happy
" oh Ridhhi tum kitni samajhdar ho beta... I'm so proud of you ki tumne apno ke baare main itna socha " Muski too hugged her
" ohhh Ridhhi so sweett of you..." Virendra smiled and blessed her
" thanks Ridhhima ab mujhe apni absence main Muskaan ki itni chinta nahi rahegi "
Ridhhima could say nothing she just smiled politely " it's okay bhaiyya main hu naa after all Mujhe bhi Muski bhabhi ki fikar hai " but she burned with anger from inside though she was concered about Muski but was angry that Armaan had made the decision on his own without even bothering to ask her... She would have ,she hate to admit it, but have agreed to it...
" aaa...aaan.. Aanchiii " Armaan sneezed loudly
" Armaan kya hua ? " Virendra placed his hand on his forehead
" Armaan you have fever beta Ridhhima dekho to " reluctantly Ridhhima checked him he was indeed feverish " haan papa fever hai shayad baarish sur thand ki wajah se... Main abhi dawai de deti hun "
" now Armaan be a good boy chalo jao and take rest aur Ridhhima beta jab tumhe chalna ho to bata dena i will be waiting in my room " Armaan looked at Ridhhima who looked back at him ,she knew what she had to do
" papa... Main confrence ke liye nahi jaa rahi "
" kya ?! Magar beta achanak ?! "
She fumbled for words " wo papa wo... Armaan ki tabiyat theek nahi hai isliye.. Main "
Virendra smiled " it's okay beta as you wish, waise agar tum saath rahogi to at least iss par koi nazar rakhne waala to hoga "
" it's okay papa i'm fine main bas abhi thodi daer main office hi jaane waala hun ek important deal crack karni hai "
" khabardaar agar office ka naam bhi liya to chup chap jao and take rest... Ridhhima just be strict with him warna yeh phir office na bhaag jaaye " BP said
" ji BP "
They went into the room
" Armaan tumhari himmat kaise hui meri marzi jaane bina yeh decision lene ki.. Tum hote kaun ho yeh decide karne waale ki main hospital jaun ya naa jaun..muskaan bhabhi ki fikar mujhe bhi hai magar tumne yeh faisla kaele kaise le liya... tum mujh par apni marzi nahi thoop sakte " she burst out on him
Armaan came very near to her with serious face " tum ro rahi thi naa hospital main... Remembering that bloody vivek.. Huuh... To main har us jagah se tumhe duur rakhna chahta hun jo tumhe Vivek ki yaad dilati hai... Main nahi chahta ki tum use yaad bhi karo I want you to remember me.. only me Armaan... Understand..."
saying this he went for the other room she just stood there watching him go... Unable to do anything... He closed the door and rested his head on it "tum samjahti kyun nahi ho Ridhhima yeh sab maine tumhare liye hi kiya hai main tumhari aankhon main aanso nahi dekhna chahta... Kisi bhi wajah se magar kya karu jab bhi kuch achha larne ki sochta hun kuch gadbad ho jaati hai aur tum aur duur ho jaati ho damn... You must try harder Armaan..." he sighed and lying on the bed drifted off to sleep
____________________________________________________
Taming The Wild
Part-38
The Good Wife
Recap: Armaan goes for a deal but gets to know about Ridhhima's plan to meet Vivek he rushes back home and suddenly declares that Ridhhima will not go to hospital till Muski's delivery...
*************************************************
Armaan woke up after some time with heavy head... Sniffing... He came out and saw Ridhhima sitting out in the sun in the balcony... He didn't say anything to her...Messaging his temples he picked up the phone...
" Kavita... Yes... Arrange a meeting with that company representatives ask the pilot to be ready for Mumbai fix the appointment in a good hotel... it's very important ,i want everything to go smoothly... Yeah fine..."
He dialed another number " Sanjay is everything ready... Yeah i will come... I don't want to loose it... I want their company isse pehle ki koi aur unhe offer de i want ki wo hamse deal kar lein... I know they are in a hurry and so am i... Make that a brunch appointment okay... Make arrangements and get all the paperwork ready..."
" to tum phir shuru ho gaye ? " He was sitting with his back towards the balcony ,turning he saw Ridhhima standing there with cross hands ,her tone sarcastic " ab kis bechare ko barbaad karne ka plan hai ? "
He smiled weakly " aisa kuch nahi hai... Wo company bechna chahte hain but don't want to leak it in the market, deal badi profitable hai aur mushkil yeh hai ki wo iss baat ko jaante hain... isliye isse pehle koi aur company unhe offer kare main yeh deal kar lena chahta hun " he again messaged his head sniffing...
" iss haalat main tum kuch bol bhi paoge ... Neway your headache "
" bas ek din ki to baat hai Mumbai jaa kar ek meeting karni hai bas... waise.. tum puuch kyun nahi leti jiske liye tum aayi thi ?! " She looked at him quizzically " tum yahi jaanna chahti ho naa ki tumhare plan ke baare main mujhe kaise pata chala ? " she didn't said anything just looked at him but infact wondered how he came to know that it was indeed what was in her mind " chalo jaane se pehle bataa hi deta hun actually tumhara behaviour dekh kar mujhe kuch shak to hua tha magar maine dhyaan nahi diya phir baad main mujhe tumhari conference waali baat strike kari... Aur jab pata lagaya to pata chala ki jab tum mall main 'gum' ho gayi thi usse pehle tum ek tour and travel agency main bhi gayi thi... Wahaan pata kiya to i was right you were going to Canada... Bas phir kya tha you took your turn i took mine ,aur ab main tumhe aisa dusra mauka nahi dena chahta " he said getting up
Ridhhima was amazed to hear it but controlled herself " theek hai tumne mujhe jaane nahi diya to ab tum bhi kahin nahi jaoge..."
" what ?! " he looked at her
" yes ab tum bhi jaan lo ki kuch important miss karna kya hota hai ,hath aaya mauka jab nikal jaaye to kaisa lagta hai... Tum aaj ki meeting main nahi jaoge " she said firmly
" aur kaun rokega mujhe ?! " he turned looking at her with narrowed eyes
" main " she said firmly
" really ! Koshish kar lo ,within an hour i will be out " giving a small smile he turned to go...
" dekh lena Mr.Malik..." Armaan didn't stop and shaking his head went to the other room, after some time when he came out he didn't find her in the room
" Ridhhima kahan gayi..? Kahin sach main to kuch gadbad nahi karne waali ?! " thinking he came down to the hall... Where he saw everybody else sitting at the breakfast table
" good morning sniff.. Sniff " he sat down
" hamari morning to good hai but i don't know about yours " Rahul said ,Armaan looked at him
" huuh ?! kya ? "
" by the way where are you planning to go ? " he asked again
" bhai maine bataya tha naa us company takeover ke baare main bas usi ke liye jaana hai... Sniff "
" wo bhi aisi haalat main ?! " Ridhhima spoke up in between eying him meaningfully
" ek minute... What haalat ? It's nothing just a minor cold that's it and this is a very important deal "
" whatever.. you are not going " she said firmly
" excuse me... Maine kaha naa it's very important and i have to go "
" no, you are not ! " Virendra looked at him firmly
" you must be kidding dad !? ,have you seen it ? ,the prospects are so bright... I can turn it into our one of the best " he tried to convince him, He looked at BP and Rahul for support but they all stared back at him with serious face " whaatt ?! Cmmon guys... Don't believe her I'm fine "
" fever 102 ... Bad cold... And there is body ache too.. Am i wrong Armaan... Aur agar vishwaas na ho to thermometer laa dun...? "
" this is ridiculous ! I'm getting late, I'm going " he got up quickly ,he knew whatever she had said was absolutely true 'damn ! side effects of having a doctor at home' he thought
" you are not going anywhere ! " came the thundering order from Ridhhima
" haan Armaan wo theek keh rahi hai ,tumhe kahin jaane ki jarurat nahi hai " Virendra stood up along with Ridhhima...
" aur agar kahin jaana hai to that will be to our room " Ridhhima folded her arms ,he looked at her and opened his mouth to say something but then seeing the faces of all the others he sighed and huffing walked back to the room...
" don't tell me later 'oh Armaan you were right' huh " he shouted back
" don't worry about that " Rahul shouted back
Ridhhima smiled victoriously ,she got him this time... She came back in the room and saw him busy on the phone... Sitting on the corner of the bed messaging his forehead with fingers... nose red... And was obviously very annoyed...
" oh cmmon Sanjay don't tell me that you can't do this much bas ek din ki to baat hai... I don't know just make them wait for a day... I will be there tomorrow no matter what... Fine talk to them and let me know.. ask them to talk to me... Yeah fine " he disconnected the call and threw the phone on the bed...
" so..." he turned his head and saw her standing there with a smile on her face " maine kaha tha i won't let you go.. And i won "
He looked at her for a moment and then to her surprise shook his head smiling " tumhe pata hai Ridhhima tumhara bachpana abhi tak gaya nahi " she narrowed her eyes ,he chuckled " nahi samjhi ? koi baat nahi samajh jaogi... Now pls. Excuse me 'doc' i need to rest a little... my head is pounding " she stomped her feet and without a word went out
She came back after some time and was again surprised seeing that instead of sleeping in the other room he was sleeping in the main room ,snuggled to the same long pillow she saw in the other room ,his cell phone near his hand ,he probably expected a call in his sleep !... Bit curled up probably due to cold ,the duvet cover had slipped off ,she came near him and extended her hand to cover him properly but then stopped suddenly thinking whether she should be a doctor or a rival...
She was debating over it when his cell phone started blinking ,he was deep in slumber ,hesitating for a moment she took the phone ,it was Sanjay...
" hello.. Sir "
" no Sanjay it's me.. Ridh.. Mrs.Malik here.. No he cannot come on phone he is sleeping, he isn't well... you can give me the message I will tell him "
" maam ek disappointing news hai.. Wo company jise sir takeover karna chahte the.. Unhone dusri company ke sath deal sign kar li... I tried my best but wo wait karne ke liye tayar hi nahi the... Can you plz tell this to sir , i will call him again later "
" oh that's sad... don't worry i will tell him " she smiled broadly cutting the call " you lost it Armaan " she said and then rather than covering him went away leaving him with a smile on her face
The next four five days were a complete show... She gave him the news of loosing the deal with a broad smile feeling immensely happy at his disappointed face but he never accused her of making him loose the deal and later she put a perfect show of being a perfect wife... Leaving no opportunity to give him the most bitter medicines she could find... The food he hated the most... And not letting him do what he wanted... Armaan followed whatever she said to the best he can though he too was noway behind... He threw away the medicines whenever she wasn't looking... refused to eat anything and then she literally had to force food down his throat...it seemed they really enjoyed their little game of 'tit for tat'...
two three days later Armaan Ridhhima and Muskaan were sitting together enjoying the warm sun...
" arre Armaan kya hua bachhe aise kyun baitha hai ? " Muski asked seeing him frowning staring at a file...
" kuch nahi bas aise hi "
" yeh to beta tu usko kehna jo aapko jaanta naa ho ,now tell me kya hua ? "
" wo actually sar main ajeeb sa lag raha hai " he said at last
" main dawai laa deti hun " Ridhhima said getting up..
" nahi ! Main koi dawai nahi khaunga... It's terrible "
" ohho Ridhhi mujhe pata hai ek kaam kar tu jaa kar tael (oil) le aa aur halki si maalish kar de.. Rahul ke sar main kabhi aise dard hota hai to main aise hi karti hun "
Armaan's eyes opened and he flashed a naughty smile at her " yeah ,that's a good idea Ridhhima ,tum tael le aao " giving a forced smile she went in and came out with oil
" good ab iski achhi si sar ki maalish kar de sar ki saari garmi bhaag jaayegi..."
" very good idea Muski... hmmm I love tael malish..." he closed his eyes as she poured oil and started massaging his head... She had no choice he sat down on double rug his back towards her supported by her legs... Boy he was enjoying it !
" ahahaha mazaa aa gaya... Great idea Muski... Ridhhima ab tum har hafte meri aisi hi champi kar dena " he said naughtily, Ridhhima grabbed some of his hair in her fist and pulled them.. " aah aaraam se hitler... Thoda pyaar se "
Muskaan giggled " kitna achha lag raha hai aaj... Kitne dino ke baad aisa laga hai jaise hum dhang se mile hai... Is kaam ke chakkar mein to hamari sister cum devrani jethani bonding to reh hi gayi " Muski said smiling
Ridhhima smiled back " hey Ridhhima I have an idea ! Why don't you join me in handling our charitable projects..! Ab baby ke sath to main yeh sab nahi dekh paungi naa "
" yeaah that's a wonderful idea... Kya khyaal hai Ridhhima ?! I think dad will love it " Armaan was exciited at the idea
" magar mujhe is baare main koi idea nahi hai... Main kaise handle karungi yeh sab ? "
" arre koi fikar ki baat nahi uss sabke liye log hain... Aur main hun naa teri help ke liye... Bas supervise karna hai aur timely inspections.." she looked bit apprehensive " oh cmmon Ridhhima pleeaassee we'll have a blast together it's easy once you get the hang of it "
" yes pleaaassee " added Armaan
They both made a puppy face, Ridhhima thought about it... And then after a moment a smile crept on her face...
" okay "
" yipppeee " both Armaan and Muskaan hi fived ,Ridhhima was swept away in their enthusiasm and they started talking about the projects...
Muski and Ridhhima kept talking ,Ridhhima for a moment forgot all about what she was doing fingers working automatically... Armaan under the effect of those magical fingers fell asleep... head resting on her knee... she unknowingly continue the champi... It was when she felt something heavy on her lap she noticed that Armaan was asleep his face partly covered with her dupatta to stop the sunrays...
" arre yeh to so gaya ?! Ridhhi isko utha aur andar sula de aise to yeh pareshan ho jayega " Ridhhima nodded and gently shook him
" Armaan.. Armaan utho chalo andar so jao.. " he woke up groggily and went inside, as he lied down on the bed clutching his long pillow she tucked him nicely... He immediately went deep in slumber..for a moment she kept looking at his peaceful face, then again went out to Muskaan
They talked about their projects which included old age homes ,orphanages and hospitals... She also told her that Armaan accompnied her to the old age homes and orphanages except hospitals there Rahul went with her and now she will accompany her... Ridhhima found it really interesting moreover she found it an excellent reason for going out of the house away from Armaan's ever watchful eyes...
Everybody welcomed her decision to look after their charitable projects... It was almost a week since he had gone to office, as if it had any effect on his workaholic ways... Sometimes she really wondered where he got the energy to do so much that too when he was sick... What would he have done when he was fine..! Finally he was given the green signal for going to office, and boy was she glad !
She came into the kitchen busy thinking about something when she saw Muskaan frowning at something... Muskaan saw her coming...
" Ridhhi yeh dekh kya kiya iss Armaan ke bachhe ne "
" Armaan ne ?! kya kiya bhabhi ? "
" Martin bata raha tha ki aaj yeh theesra din hai jab phir khana waisa ka waisa wapas aa gaya hai, main to pareshan ho gayi hun... Bahut ho gaya itna laparwah ho gaya hai.. Ab aur nahi.. Ridhhi "
" Haan ji bhabhi "
" Kal tu khud jaana aur apne saamne bitha kar khila dena... Rahul kya kam hai mere sambhalne le liye jo ab yeh nautanki kar raha hai... Tu usko thoda tight kyun nahi karti huh... Main baby ke sath kya kya aur kis kisko sambhalun..." She got bit hyper
" Bhabhi bhabhhii calm down... it's okay aap kyun pareshaan ho rahi hain main hun naa, main use achhi tarah se dekh lungi theek hai..."
" That's like a gud girl apne pati ko control main rakhna seekh Ridhhi warna yeh baad main mushkil kar dega..." She smiled at her
" Okay ma'am " and both the ladies laughed but later in the room she groaned now she had to take care of his food too.. ' What a baby he is khana bhi theek se nahi kha sakta upar se sau nakhre aur karega yeh nahi khana wo nahi khana... Yeh achha nahi hai wo achha nahi hai Huh... Aane do keh dungi ki khud hi dhang se kha le main yeh sab nahi dekhne waali '
But she had little choice as he came in very late that night... Till then she was already asleep and he was gone before she was awake in the morning... Frowning she went for bath... She was brushing her hair when the phone rang up...
" mchh... Ab kaun hai ? Armaan hua na to achhe se sunaungi... hello " she said
" Hi Ridhhima " it was Sapna
After her conversation with Sapna she quickly got up ,ready to go to meet Armaan with his lunch...
" yes kavita " Armaan asked holding the phone with his shoulder and neck busy with a file and laptop
" sir Mrs. Malik is here "
" what Muskaan ! What is she doing here ? Is she ok ? " he closed the file and sat up straight
" sir it's not Muskaan maam it's your wife Mrs. Ridhhima Malik "
" what ???! " he was even more surprised and got up from the chair, keeping the phone down came out, she stood in a small group of some board members Virendra and B.P... He was pleasently surprised to see her there ,he blinked softly capturing her image in his mind...
How beautiful she looked simple yet elegant,all the staff members wished her and was eager to see the new member of Malik family... He smiled as he saw Virendra proudly introducing his daughter-in-law cum daughter to others.. His chest swelled with pride seeing how everyone admired her... He smiled broadly when he saw Virendra directing her to where he was standing...
" dekho Armaan aaj Ridhhima khud tumhare liye lunch laayi hai... Now go and have your lunch "
" papa aap nahi khayenge ? " she asked
" beta mujhe kuch kaam tha to i had it already with your BP.. Now you go and have lunch okay " patting her head he went away, she turned and saw him staring at her
" kya hua aise kya dekh rahe ho ? "
" kuch nahi... Welcome to your empire my queen " she rolled her eyes ,he grinned " chalo andar chalein " he took her inside
She came in and saw a beautiful, spacious office with beautiful interiors and modern office furniture... She was just looking around when he pulled out his chairfor her
" please have your seat madam "
" jyada drama karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai main yahin theek hun " she pulled another chair opposite him and sat down
" okay prince..." she glared at him " oh haan main bhul gaya tha... Hitler.. Right " he chuckled as she narrowed her eyes ,totally uneffected " so trying to be good wifey now... Huh.. Lunch mere liye.. that's really touching "
" itna khush hone ki zarurat nahi hai ,main sirf Muski bhabhi ke kehne par aayi hun.. Tum itne dino se lunch nahi kar rahe to wo pareshaan ho rahi thi.. "
" aur tum..? " he looked at her
" main ? Main kyun pareshaan hone lagi aur wo bhi tumhare liye.. Mere paas aur bhi kaam hai.. Aur achhi tarah sun lo apne khaane peene ka khud dhyaan rakha karo main roz roz nahi aane waali yeh lunch- wunch le kar "
He kept looking at her for a moment, she again felt that disturbing feeling whenever she saw him gazing at her, then he suddenly smiled and sat up straight " you are right Ridhhima mujhe khud dhyaan rakhna chahiye.. Tum Muskaan ka dhyaan rakho, she might need you any time now.."
She was surprised, sometime seeing his concern for his family made her feel that he was somewhat... Human...
" achha main jaa rahi hun " she stood up immediately looking at the watch ,Armaan too got up
" arre itni jaldi..! Ruko to abhi to aayi ho "
" nahi mujhe koi showk nahi hai tumhare saath yahaan rukne ka " she turned to go but he held her hand and pulled her closer" Armaaann !... leave me ! "
They were quiet close to each other,with Armaan holding her wrist and she trying frantically to free herself, he looked at her with an amused grin on his face he knew perfectly well that she was no match for his strength but loved the way she made an angry face with forehead wrinkled.. Flaring nostrils a bit, narrowing her eyes...
" maine tumse pehle bhi kaha tha Ridhhima... I will never leave you..."
Ridhhima stopped for a moment standing still looking at his eyes... They had...what was in them ?? Why is he doing this ? he looked back into hers... There was anger, frustration, even confusion... A small mischivious smile crept on his lips...
" Armaan yeh... Ohhho... Sorry wrong timing " Rahul entered the room unaware that Ridhhima was there too, he saw them standing close together and thought that they were having their moment together...
" n..nahi bhaiyya.. Aisi koi baat nahi hai.." Ridhhima quickly freed her hand from his grip,she was highly embarressed and terribly furious at him for putting her in such a situation...
Rahul smiled teasing " kaisi baat Ridhhima ,maine to kuch kaha hi nahi.." she was now red with embarresment " waise this door has a thing called... lock " Armaan grinned shamelessly ,and Ridhhima looked down " ohh cmmon Ridhhima ,sorry i didn't mean to embaress you "
Ridhhima looked up collecting herself " n..nahi bhaiyya.. It's okay main bas jaa hi rahi thi.. Wo main bas Armaan ke liye lunch laayi thi tooo.." she trailed off
He laughed " ohh i see.. To pati sewa ho rahi hai, theek hai tum dono lunch kar lo main baad main aata hun... And see to it ki yeh theek se khaaye...and you.. Ridhhima ko jyada pareshan mat karna, do as she says "
" I..I sir " Armaan said saluting,Rahul went out grinning leaving them alone
Now she was left with no option but to stay with him till he finished the lunch, they both sat down opposite each other ,Armaan took his sweet time to eat... Attending calls... Checking some files... Directing... Ordering... she didn't said anything at first but was soon fed up... He was doing everything except eating for which she had to stay there...
" Armaan ! Tum ek baar dhang se baith kar khana nahi kha sakte ?! Tumhari wajah se mujhe bhi yahaan rukna pad raha hai "
He jerked his head up from his laptop " oh haan.. Umm... Bas do minute... Auur ho gaya " typing something quickly on his laptop he came back to food but was again disturbed when the phone rang up " yeah... Haan bolo... What ?!... Achha... Okay wait i'm coming " he put the phone down " Ridhhima aisa karo tum ghar jao, Muski wait kar rahi hogi.. Mujhe ek bahut important meeting ke liye jaana hai " he grabbed his coat
" meeting ?! Aur yeh khana ? " she looked at almost untouched food
" abhi to khaya hai " she looked at him incredulous " plz. Main shaam ko milta hun okay tum dhyaan se jaana.. Bye ! " he rushed out
She looked at his plate he had hardly eaten half chapatti and some rice... Rest was left untouched
" dramebaaz kahin ka ek to main khana le kar aayi aur upar se khaya bhi nahi, koi isse puchhe ki dawai kaise khayega... Abhi do din hue nahi hai bukhaar utre hue.. Huh meri balaa se nahi khata to naa khaye.. Mujhe kya padi hai..."
Mumbling to herself she got up and picking up her purse went out...Coming back from the office she looked at her hand, her wrist where he held her and kept looking at it for a moment... Then shrugging it off directed the car to a modern looking office building instead of going back home... moving inside she went to the reception desk..
" Excuse me I have an appointment with Mr.Prajapat.. I'm Ridhhima "
The receptionist smiled her practiced smile... " Just a moment plz. " She quickly checked her diary.. " Yes maam he is expecting you...but he is busy with a client plz. wait for some time he will be with you shortly...""
She was directed to a modern fashionable couch and a prompt office boy presented her a steaming cup of much needed coffee... She picked up a magazine but her thoughts trailed off to her little chat with Sapna that morning
" hey Ridhhima "
" hi Sapna... Itni subah ?! Sab theek hai naa ? "
" haan sab theek hai maine tera kaam kar diya hai yaad hai maine bataya tha us lawyer ke baare main.."
" haan "
" I have got an appointment for you,he is a trusted man... I can gurantee that.. tu usse aaj jarur mil lena okay "
" yeah theek hai... Main koshish karti hun "
She put the phone down and was just thinking what excuse to make when Muskaan came in reminding her to go to him with lunch... She found her opportunity... quickly getting the lunch ready she went to the office...
She came to present with the sugary voice of the receptionist asking her to go in... She went in and saw a man in his late forties sitting behind a big desk with a warm smile...
" Ah ! Mrs.Malik plz come in and have a seat..."
" I would prefer Ms. Gupta or Ms. Ridhhima " she said in a polite firm tone...
The lawyer raised an eyebrow then with a small smile said " of course 'Ms. Gupta' then let's start with your case... You were specially recommended and trust me we keep the identities of our clients confidential "
she came back home more worried and confused after the meeting... how is she going to get rid of Armaan without causing harm to Vivek... The lawyer too said that they either need some strong valid reasons or mutual consent otherwise it could take years... If the first was difficult, second was nearly impossible... Armaan would never agree to divorce her and he till now had given no reasons for her to divorce him... She remembered what he said...
" if we lack reasons, we create them "
" what do you plan to do ? I don't want to bring any bad name to Virendra pa or BP... Or hurt them "
" Ms.Gupta the moment you decided to divorce your husband you decided to hurt the family too... But.. it's your life... You have to be practical "
The slight jerk brought her back ,sighing she stepped out of the car she had to think of something...soon...
" Daaad , Bhaaai, Ridhhiimaaa !!! " he came in shouting... Everybody rushed out...
" kya hua ?! "
"what happened ?! "
" Bhai you know wo company takeover deal jiske liye main pareshaan ho raha tha aur Ridhhima ne mujhe jaane nahi diya tha..."
" God Armaan tum abhi tak us baat ko pakad ke baithe hue ho "
" noo dad.. Suniye to... Actually we are lucky ki Ridhhima ne mujhe jaane nahi diya "
" what ?! " Ridhhima said surprised along with others..
" yes.. Wo company fraud nikli they gave false details... Sab kuch nakli tha ,infact wo loss main ja rahi thi unka koi dispute nahi tha... Thank God hum nuksaan se bach gaye "
" and thanks to Ridhhima too.. Warna tum kisi ki sunne kahan waale the " Rahul said happily ,Ridhhima smiled back politely, Armaan gave her a big smile her plan backfired but it amused him... While the men sat down to discuss the details she excusing herself went to the room...
She was talking on the phone to someone when she heard the door opening ,putting the phone down she quickly got up hearing his voice
" you know Ridhhima you are so lucky for me ,tumne hamein ek bade nuksaan se bacha liya " his happiness obvious
" kash main bhi tumhare baare main yahi keh sakti ki tum mere liye lucky ho " giving a sarcastic smile she went out downstairs not wishing to stay with him...
Later while talking to Muskaan and Rahul ,where she was acting refree in their usual verbal fight over baby's name ,she suddenly realised that she had left Prajapat's card there near the phone !...
" bhabhi main abhi aayi " she rushed back to the room and quickly opened the door... She was immensely relieved to see that the card was still lying there untouched... She checked upon Armaan and found that he was in the shower... Breathing deeply she took the card and started looking for a place to hide it... She ruled out her purse and cupboard... Too easily accessible...
She went in the wardrobe and was checking the suit line for drawers with lock when she found a small safe kind thing, no bigger than any microwave behind his coat line... She tried opening it but it was locked... She was surprised ,she didn't knew it was there... But shrugged it off she didn't had much time Armaan would be out any minute, then hiding the card under a jewellery case she came out...
" huh done ! " happy with her choice of place she went out
*************************************************
Taming The Wild
Part-39 " Welcome Home "
Recap : Armaan doesn't let Ridhhima go for the conference and Ridhhima doesn't let Armaan go to sign an important deal... She takes the responsibility of the charitable projects and meets a divorce lawyer...
___________________________________________________
Everything was still... There was pin drop silence in the house... Not a leaf stirred... Suddenly... a woman shrieked... A man ran out of the room and thumped on another door...
" Ridhhhiimmaa... Armaaann " Ridhhima's eyes flashed open and saw Armaan running towards the door, opening the door he saw a bewildered Rahul standing there
" oh my God "
" oh my God " Armaan repeated
" oh my god.. BABY !! " Rahul said
" BABY ! Ab kya karein ? "
" yes ab kya karein baby is coming "
" oh stop it you two..." she quickly came there " bhaiyya Armaan jaldi se ready ho jayiye hospital jaana padega, i think it's time " saying so she rushed out to see Muskaan, when she reached there she saw that she was indeed right it was time to welcome the youngest member of the family
She smiled " ready bhabhi.. Try to relax and don't forget deep breaths " Muskaan nodded though bit terrified
" Rahul.. Rahul kahan hai ? " she asked as the contraction subsided
" bhaiyya.."
" hey Muskaan main yahin hun... Chal chalte hain... Don't worry main hu naa ,sab theek hai... Just think about the baby " he was there even before she could finish the sentence pacifying her... Quiet calm holding her hand supporting her ,at that moment she realised their love for each other... holding her hand he slowly made her stand
" bhaiyya sab ready hai, maine Dr.Shivani ko phone kar diya hai she will be ready "
" what !? Sirf ek doctor.. What about others ? "
" bhaiyya Dr.Chopra, Dr.Ashima Dr.Nivedita ko bhi call kar diya hai wo sab wahin milenge..."
" unhe bol diya naa ki wo pahunch jaye time se ? "
" haan bhaiyaa aur agar wo time par nahi pahunche to main unka jeena mushkil kar dunga "
Ridhhima was surprised to hear it " oh please can you both stop it ! And Armaan stop threatening doctors I'm sure they know their responsibilities "
" aaahhh " Muskaan shrieked again and this time Armaan shrieked too
" khotte tu kyun chilla raha hai ? tu bhi pregnant hai kya ? " Muskaan shouted
" mera haath !! " as the contraction subsided she saw that she had pressed his hand so hard that he shouted out too... Ridhhima was fed up now, she asked him to move and held Muskaan herself ,by this time they were joined by BP, Virendra ,Maria and Martin...
As they came out she saw cars ready to take them to hospital with bags packed, she was surprised she herself had forgotten all about it, she quickly sat beside Muskaan Rahul along with them... The cars made their way to the hospital...
Muskaan was immediately taken to labour room,Ridhhima found all the doctors lined up waiting for them
" hello doctors I'm Ridhhima Malik ,it's so nice ki aap log itni jaldi aa gaye "
" oh no problem Mrs.Malik.. We knew that we can get the call anytime now... Moreover we by now are used to of getting daily 'reminders' by your husband..." Dr.Chopra an elderly lady said smiling
she knew what she was implying " I know doctor he acts really silly at times but he's really concerned "
" oh I can understand, first child in the family... Don't worry everything is going to be fine.. By the way i can't see him ? Where's he ? "
" he.." she looked around but couldn't see him there BP and Virendra were talking to other doctors.. Rahul and Maria were with Muskaan, Martin stood there with BP but Armaan was nowhere seen... " he must be here somewhere "
" don't worry i was just curious to meet him ,the one who has threatened us for the past whole month..." she chuckled
" what ? You never met him ?! "
" no we just talked on phone he never came here... i wonder what he's going to do when he himself will become a father " a nurse then came to call her " excuse me it's time now i will be back soon with the good news " smiling she left
Ridhhima for a moment was shocked when the doctor said about her getting pregnant... She shuddered at the thought.. She and Armaan never !... Shaking her head she called Martin aside " Martin.. Where's Armaan ? "
" ma'am sir is at home "
" he's at home ?! Why ? He didn't came along with you ? " she left him and went to Virendra " papa Armaan kahan hai ? Wo kyun nahi aaya ? "
" beta you know naa he is not... Comfortable here... Aur hum sab to hain yahaan.. Wo baad mein aa jayega... Tum baitho main coffee mangwata hun " he went away Ridhhima sat there in the exclusive family room, thinking about Armaan's absence, doctors words and waiting anxiously for the most awaited news...
About an hour later Rahul came out jumping " daaad chachajiii main daad ban gaya... It's a girl !! " he jumped with joy and hugged everyone Ridhhima forgot all about Armaan and shared their happiness... Virendra and BP were ecstatic with joy... A nurse came out with the baby... BP and Virendra took out bundle of notes and circling over the baby gave it to Martin to be distributed among the poor and hospital staff... And cooed over the baby...
The baby was beautiful with black hair pink cheeks and milky white skin... She was really an angel... She saw a tear in Rahul's eyes and kept a hand on his shoulder...
" oh first time papa naa..." wiping it off " But i tell you Ridhhima yeh ehsaas hi kuch alag hai..." he kissed baby's tiny hand who slept peacefully in papa's arms ,she smiled at him in an understanding way " hey chalo Muskaan se mil kar aate hain "
Muskaan was double with happiness ,it felt like a festival season in the hospital... There were some reporters too who came there to get the first hand report...later when she came back home she found him ready...
" hey Ridhhima how's the baby ? " he came up to her quickly ,excited
" Ab kya bataun itni sundar hai ki basss, pink cheeks ekdum red lips... Itne chotte chotte se hath hain aur pyari si smile aankhein to bilkul Rahul bhaiyya jaisi hai.." she smiled broadly remembering the baby all animosity forgotten in the moment of happiness, Armaan jumped happily hearing it...
" ohh Ridhhima i can't wait to see her "
" theek hai to ruko abhi to 8 baje hain 9 baje tak chalenge Muskaan bhabhi aur bhaiyya ke liye khana bhi le chalenge "
" lekin main to office ja raha hun "
" what ?! Tum Muskaan bhabhi aur baby se milne nahi jaa rahe the ? "
" nahi.. I don't like going to hospitals " he turned away
" oh pls. Armaan koi tumhe wahaan pakad kar kha nahi jayega.. Stop acting like a jerk... Wo tumhari bhabhi hai... Tumhari sabse achhi dost... Aur wo jo naya mehmaan aaya hai wo tumhari bhi kuch lagti hai, waise to tum bade bechain ho rahe the uske liye aur ab kya hua ? Rahul bhaiyya kya sochenge ?! "
" bhai kuch nahi sochega.. they know... Mujhe office jaana hai.. Jab wo ghar aayenge tab mil lunga " he didn't look at her
" what ?! tum unke ghar aane ka wait kar rahe ho ?! oh i see to wo sab care wo sab chinta karna sab ek dikhawa tha... Tumhe abhi bhi office jaane ki padi hai.. You are such a hypocrite "
" i do care about them " he said firmly now facing her
" wo to dikh hi raha hai huh ab jao i'm sure koi bahut important file tumhara intezaar kar rahi hogi " he went away grabbing his coat without another word, giving her a harsh look, their momentary truce over...
She was surprised that really neither Muskaan nor Rahul said anything about Armaan not coming to see the baby... Though he called about hundred times a day sometime just to hear baby's wailing... It was after three days that Muskaan was allowed to go home... Perfectly fine mother and baby...
Rahul, BP and Ridhhima went to bring them back home... And they were happily surprised to see the house completely changed... It was beautifully decorated with flowers right from the entrance... There were dholwalas and the path to the house was full of golden petals... Balloons... Ribbons... Welcome boards... And what not...
Muskaan was overwhelmed with joy ,as she stepped out of the car she saw five pandits chanting verses showering petals at the the mother and baby... She saw Virendra who stood there beaming happily... Now Ridhhima understood who did it... One of the pandit came forward and welcomed them putting a tilak on baby's and Muskaan's forehead blessing the child, mother and father...
As they all came in she saw Armaan rushing down skipping three four stairs at a time...
" Armaan be careful ! " Ridhhima shouted but he was Armaan... He came to a skidding halt next to Muskaan...
" baaabbbyyy... Ohh my she is beautiful ,god Muski yeh to puri bhai ki copy hai, you were right Ridhhima iski aankein bilkul bhai jaisi hai..."
" by the way main bhi hun yahaan " Muskaan said
" oh haan hi Muskaan " saying so he again got busy with the baby in her arms Muski gaped at him with surprise " Hii Angel... I'm your chachu... Hii " he waved at the baby who looked at him with her big eyes
" thank God tune bata diya warna wo bechari yahi sochti ki yeh bandar kaun hai " Muskaan chuckled and others laughed
" ha ha very funny... Achha chalo tumhe kuch dikhata hun " he took them all to a room... " now this is my Angel's paradise... Welcome home Angel " smiling broadly he opened a room which had a huge red ribbon on it's door... As they all entered it they were stunned to see the beautiful room.. A beautiful little crib with toys hanging over it.. A corner full of toys stuffed, automatic, robots, even a big T.V on the other side there was a big comfortable looking rocking chair near the window, cupboards full of baby clothes and every possible thing a baby would require... the ceiling looked like the sky with sun moon and stars
" the stars actually blink at night " he said happily
" Armaan football ?! " Muskaan asked puzzled seeing a football with toys
" arre girls can play football main sikhaunga naa "
" aur yeh cycle ?! " Rahul asked surprised
" haan wo mujhe achhi lagi to main le aaya " he said innocently
" Armaan ise chalane ke liye kam se kam baby ko 5 saal ka hona hoga "
" koi baat nahi main ek saal waali bhi le aaunga " they all laughed again... Muskaan came forward and kissed his forehead
" thank you beta " her eyes moist " it's..it's beautiful " he didn't said anything just gave her a side hug
" hey anything for you and Angel " everyone was touched to see their love... And Ridhhima was again left confused what should she think of him...
" achha pandit ji bachhe ke naamkaran ki rasam ka din bhi bata dijiye " Virendra asked
The head pandit consulted the books " yajmaan agle hafte shukrawaar (friday) 10 din baad ka mahurat nikla hai.. Akshar hai 'A' " saying so the group left and with that started the third world war... Everybody was fighting over a name for the baby which they liked the best... Well... surprisingly except Armaan... He just enjoyed their arguments... Laughing... Sometimes acting as referee...
The day of naamkaran ceremony was getting closer and still no one could settle on one name, everybody wanted that the name selected by them should be kept... She sat looking intently at the computer screen ,he came quietly from behind coming very close to her ,she was still oblivious that he was there.. He saw that she was looking for the sites of baby names then smiling naughtily he shouted loudly
" HIII RIDHHIIMAA " she jumped on her chair scared to death and seeing her bewildered face he laughed out loud " hahahaha oh my God ! look at your face haha "
" Armaaannn i will kill you... You moron... You idiot..." and she ran behind him with a pen stand in her hand, he ran for his life still laughing hard...
" ohh to Hitler ko bhi darr lagta hai.. Tch..tch..tch " flaring her anger even more ,she ran behind him as he ran out to the hall...
" arre arre kya kar rahe ho tum dono...?? " Muskaan who was now in the center of the two maniacs, shouted out...
" bhabhi dekho naa, main net se achhe achhe naam dhund rahi thi aur isne mujhe pichhe se aa kar daraa diya " she complained
" Oh tum dono bhi naa.. Waise Ridhhima tumhe dhundne ki koi zarurat nahi hai naam to i think papa ne dhund liya hai aur chachaji ne aur Rahul ne ab ek baby ke kitne naam rakhoge ?? "
" No way naam main rakhungi achha sa... Damdaar ! "
" To kya Gabbarni rakhogi ya Dara singhni ! damdaar ! hahaha " they both laughed out and she pouted
The days went by in a blurr and it was finally the day of the ceremony. A grand party was organized after the ceremony and loads of important people were invited...
" hey beautiful how are you ? " he whispered in her ear from behind
" ohh Armaan ! Badmaash " Padma hugged him lovingly
" Armaaan kaise ho ? " Shashank and Padma who were invited for the naamkaran ceremony came there to bless the newest member of Malik family
" mumma papa ! " Ridhhima came there happily seeing Padma and Shashank
" lo aa gayi hitler mera matlab hai aapki beti " she hugged them lovingly
" kaisi ho beta ? "
" arre yeh to aap mujh bechare se puchho... Ekdum hitler hai aapki beti.." she looked at him with open mouth " Pata hai ma abhi thode din pehle isne mujhe itni kadwi kadwi dawai khilayi aur mujhe kuch bhi kaam karne nahi diya " Armaan complained to Padma
" Ridhhima ?! "
" mumma Armaan ko bukhaar tha isliye and by the way i'm a doctor mujhe bhi pata hai kaun si dawai deni hai "
" nahi maa she's a hitler aur yeh meri sharafat ka fayeda uthati hai " eying her meaningfully but then the talk diverted as others joined them and it was the time to start the ceremony...
The pandits sat there in the hall only with family and Padma Shashank chanting holy verses and then he stopped...
" yajmaan bachhi ka naam kya socha hai aapne ? "
" Aarya " BP said
" Anushka " Virendra shouted
" Aarohi " came Ridhhima's voice
Three names together ! poor Pandit looked at Rahul and Muskaan's face who just grinned raising their shoulders as if apologising for not even settling on a name...
" Yajmaan inme se kaun sa naam rakhna hai ? "
" mera waala " said BP
" mere waala " said virendra
" no way papa mere waala "
Padma and Shashank laughed out seeing their daughter fighting with both her father in laws... But they were really happy to see that she truly felt like home here... On the other hand the argument continued and poor pandit looked at the group of crazy people before them... It was ten minutes and they were still unsure about the name
Seeing the fight coming to no end Armaan spoke up " kya main kuch suggest karu ?? "
" haan yeh teen kam the jo ek aur aa gaya maidaan main ! " Rahul exclaimed and Muski elbowed him
" sun to le.. Haan beta tu bata iski mat sun " eying Rahul angrily
" Angira... The brightest star of the great bear constellation " everybody was surprised, they wondered at his choice that he found such a beautiful and uncommon name... Muskaan nodded smiling...
" Angira... Bahut sundar naam hai " she looked at others and she knew with the smile on everyones faces that they too approve ,from that day baby was Angira... Angel for him...
It was evening and the party started ,everybody was enjoying themselves but Ridhhima was looking for Armaan... Not by choice... Virendra asked her to look for him... She looked everywhere and as she was passing a deserted corridor she heard some voices... She stopped to check and found Armaan standing with a lady, his back toward her... More of a model sort... A brunette... wearing a dress that was way too uncomfertable for her to watch let alone wear...
" Yeah you are absolutely right Armaan in budhe logon ki wajah se hum log phas jaate hain pehle shaadi karo.. Phir itne se bhi tasalli nahi hoti ki bachha chahiye phir bachhe ki musibat lo... Lekin isse nikalne ka aur tarika bhi to nahi hai... Isliye to main keh rahi hun tumne theek kiya shaadi karke ab jaldi se ek bachha wachha ho jayega to tum bhi phir free ho sakoge... biwi bachhe ke sath aur tum..."
" oh Pam tum bhi naa.."
They gigled, Ridhhima was red with anger she called him loudly " Armaan.. Armaaann..."
He turned quickly " Ridhhima... Kya hua ? "
" Papa bula rahe hain " she saw Pam standing unperturbed with a glass of wine in her hand and a lopsided smile on her face
" Tum chalo main abhi aata hun.. By the way tum Pam se mili ? " Ridhhima again looked at Pam she was still watching her as if sizing her... She scorned at her and went away angrily without a word
" She dosn't look too happy "
" Oh don't mind her.. she has her mood swings..." He grinned and walked away to meet Virendra... He was busy talking to a group when Rahul tapped on his shoulder
" ek minute tumse kuch baat karni thi "
" haan bhai "
Ridhhima saw Rahul talking to Armaan in a sort of angry manner ,she could not make out what they were talking about but saw that Armaan was trying to say something but Rahul didn't let him talk... He looked angry and Armaan looked irritated.. She was interrupted by a group of ladies and when she looked back they were no more there... She was just wondering when someone grabbed her arm
" mujhe tumse kuch baat karni hai.. Abhi " grabbing her arm he took her to a deserted corridor " tumne bhai se kya kaha ?? "
" Maine ?? Maine kya kaha?? " " Jyada bholi mat bano bhai was yelling at me ki i was flirting with Pam.."
" Ohh i see... Isliye itna naraaz ho rahe kyunki bhaiyaa ne tumhe daanta ?! "
" Haan aur wo bhi tumhari wajah se jabki meri koi galti nahi thi.."
" Oh plz Armaan bevkoof to tum kisi aur ko banana.. Main khud dekh rahi thi ki she was all over you and you were enjoying it...agar bhaiyya ne tumhe daanta to isme galat kya tha you 'were' flirting with her ,right ?? "
" To... Kya galat tha ? baat hi to kar raha tha aur agar meri biwi hi meri taraf dhyaan nahi deti to main kya karun ? Do you expect ki main aise hi chup chap baitha hua intezaar karta rahun..."
Ridhhima was surprised " oh now i see what you mean... You are disgusting Armaan tum bhi unhi aadmiyon main se ho jo aurat se sirf ek cheez ki umeed rakhte hain.. Sirf apne entertainment ka pakage samjhte hain..."
" Ridhhima ! " He shouted
" Khair mujhe isse koi farak nahi padta ki tum kiske sath kisliye kya kar rahe the ya kar rahe ho... Aur haan tumhari information ke liye bata dun maine Rahul bhaiyya se kuch nahi kaha tumhari harkatein hi kuch aisi hain ki wo chhup nahi sakti " before he could say anything Martin came calling them both and she went away immediately without even looking at him, leaving him furious..
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Edited by mansibharti - 13 years ago