TheWorld'sOldestStory!!#12|pg135 inc updt|03/02/12 - Page 48

"Hey Rahul!",she gave him an over enthusiastically broad smile as she took a seat next to him.. She had seen him sitting alone at a table in the canteen, probably waiting for Muskaan and the others to join him for lunch when she decided to ambush him. Armaan and she had decided this morning to talk to their friends during lunch.. She had been waiting for him near the entrance of the cafeteria when she noticed Rahul sitting all by himself. So she decided not to waste time waiting for Armaan and talk to Rahul while he was alone and not influenced by other angry people..

"Hey Riddhima!", Rahul returned a feeble smile and looked away from her immediately, suddenly finding interest in the salt and pepper shakers kept on the table..

"Muski ke liye wait kar rahe ho?", she tried to break the awkward silence by trying to make a conversation.. But Rahul continued to play with the salt and pepper as he answered in a monotonic, "Haan.."

Disappointed by his laconic answer, Riddhima sighed.. What was she supposed to do when someone really didn't want to talk to her.. But nevertheless, she tried to make another attempt, "Rahul.. I know things have not been great between us lately.. And Armaan and me, both of us are really sorry about whatever happened.."

"It's okay Riddhima..I understand..", but he didn't sound like he understood at all. He sounded more like he wanted to end this uncomfortable conversation with her.. But if he wanted it that way, then she wasn't dying to apologize to him really!

"That's great.. So Rahul, I was thinking.. We should make teams for the basketball match that's coming up this weekend.. Tumne notice toh padha hoga?", she got straight to the point, hoping she could convince him to be on her team!

But to her disappointment Rahul backed off immediately, "Actually Riddhima.. I'm not really great at basketball.. I don't think I'll play.. Anyway.. I don't think Muskaan ab ayegi.. I'll just get back to work..", brushing off her offer in a jiffy he got up to leave as she gave him an over dramatized hurt look.. But he couldn't get far.. Armaan, who had just entered the cabin for lunch, intercepted Rahul at the entrance and promptly had an arm around his shoulder, leading him back towards the table where Riddhima was sitting, "Raaool!! Kahan bhaag raha hai yaar.. Chal baith na.. Bohot din ho gaye tujhse theek se baat nahi hui.."

"Armaan please yaar.. Mujhe kaam hai.. Main baad mein milta hoon..", Rahul tried to make a bahana, but Armaan held on to him tight, steering him towards Riddhima, "Jhoot mat bol saale.. Seedhe seedhe bol na ki tujhe baat nahi karni.."

"Agar tujhe sab pata hai toh kyun zabardasti baat kar raha hai..", Rahul gave up all pretence at Armaan's provocative comment.

Armaan sighed at his friend's cold reply, offering him to sit as they reached the table, "Common yaar Rahul.. Kab tak ek hi baat pakadkar baithega.. Sorry kaha na yaar maine.."

"Sorry is not enough Armaan.. Tune mera new year bigaad diya..", Rahul finally confronted him bitterly, refusing to take a seat next to Riddhima.. Armaan didn't seem to have anything else left to say to that.. So Riddhima tried to take over, "Rahul.. Humne tumhara new year bigada toh does that mean you'll keep a grudge for the rest of the year.. Tell me what else can we do but apologize.. It's not like we deliberately left the party to get you in trouble..", she tried to explain to him calmly..

But Rahul just exploded in response, "That's not the point Riddhima.. Both of you just cut yourselves out from the world.. You guys refused to even find out why Anjie was desperately trying to get you to open the door.. You even switched off your phones for god sake!! I don't think any of us can count on you two anymore during an emergency.. So much for being friends.. Armaan was the one person in the world who I knew was always be there when I needed him.. And I felt cheated that night when I found his phone switched off and his bike missing from the garage! I know I'm no one to meddle in your personal matters.. But lately it just seems to me and everyone else that everything that happens around here is all about you two.. Do you guys really care about anyone else?", even as he tried to keep his calm, he couldn't help but be rude, his remarks a reflection of all the gossip and bitching the rest of them were doing lately during lunch or in the residents' cabin.

Riddhima just found herself short of words.. Thankfully Armaan stepped up to pacify his agitated friend, "Rahul don't you think you're being unreasonable here.. I agree we messed up.. Next time nahi karenge yaar.. Cant you guys just let it go this once!"

For the first time since the incident, Rahul saw the sincerity in Armaan's eyes and voice, as he urged him to let go. What had irked him most was Armaan's lack of reaction to the whole situation.. If anything, he seemed amused by what had happened.. Even the way he apologized to them seemed patronizing and impersonal.. Like he didn't really care.. But today, he did see a glimpse of remorse in Armaan.. And that slowly started opening his mind to the idea of forgetting everything.. He didn't particularly like to fight with Armaan and Riddhima.. In fact, Atul and him had decided to stop acting like kids and start talking to both of them last week itself.. But Muskaan and Anjie had somehow brain washed them both and stopped them from making truce.. Abhi and Nikki had been out of town for most of last week to make amends with Armaan and Riddhima. But he was sure if not anyone else, at least Nikki will support him if he decides to forgive Armaan and Riddhima.. But just before he could make that decision, Muskaan's furious voice interrupted them, "Oye Rahul! Tu iss dushman party ke saath kya kar raha hai.. Humne decide kiya tha na ki inse baat nahi karenge.."

Rahul didn't even get a moment to gather his thoughts before Armaan spoke to his wife, "Muskaan.. Yeh dushman party aur yeh sab kya hai! Stop being so juvenile.. I cant believe tum log baccho jaise behave kar rahe ho.."

But Muskaan was bent on her stubborn point of view, as she taunted back, "Easy for you to say Armaan.. Tu nahi tha na uss raat humare saath jail mein.. Wait a minute.. Tu toh Ridzi ke saath maze kar raha tha.. Baccho waali harkatein toh hum kar rahe the!"

And that just bugged Riddhima beyond her tolerance levels, "You know what.. I give up.. Forget it Armaan.. I don't think anyone here is going to even talk to us like human beings again.. There's no point wasting time on a lost cause.. I'll just get back to work..", and without giving anyone any chance to react, she stormed out of the canteen..

"Basket!", Armaan called out but, too late, she had already left the cafeteria..

But Muskaan wasn't affected one bit, "Rahul humein bhi time waste karne ka shauk nahi hai.. Chal.. Lets go..", and she dragged Rahul out with her in no time, leaving a frustrated Armaan calling after them, "Muskaan.. Rahul.. Guys! Arre yaar!!", he cursed his stupid friends for being such stubborn hammerheads!! What was it going to take to melt them! All of them seemed to have a problem with him and Riddhima having a good time together! What kind of friends were they! And just as that thought occurred, his mind went into overdrive. He knew his friends well.. They were always there for him when he needed them.. Rahul and Nikki at least.. Abhi belonged to the group by default coz of Nikki.. The same could be said about Muskaan, Atul and Anjali.. They loved Riddhima so much that it hurt them to be ignored by her.. Even if it was unintentionally, that's what they were doing.. Suddenly, everything fell into place.. He knew exactly what he had to do to break their friends' stubborn act and get them back on their side.. Excited by the prospect, he formulated a plan in his head, his mind working on all pistons.. He had to find Riddhima and tell her.. As he hurried to look for her he could barely stop himself from shouting EUREKA at the discovery he had stumbled upon!

"Armaan!! Please stop following me around.. Mujhe tumse koi baat nahi karni! Ek baar kaha toh samajh mein nahi ata tumhe..", Riddhima stormed into the residents' cabin at around six in the evening, screaming at Armaan who was following her in an equally agitated state..

As soon as they entered, they realized it was a house full. All their friends were gathered there, including Anjali, Atul and Abhi who had cabins of their own, probably bitching about the two of them.. Coz all of them went quiet as soon as Riddhima and Armaan entered.. But the two of them were too busy in their own fight to care about the others, "I am not going to stop following you till you talk to me Riddhima! Tum apne aap ko samajhti kya ho? You can't avoid this conversation with me! Tumhe mujhse baat karni hogi..", he held her arm and pulled her roughly to face him as she gave him her dirtiest scowl, "Baat karne ke liye kucch raha hi nahi hai Armaan!! I am not discussing this topic with you till you accept your mistake!", she told him, wrestling her arm out of his grip.. But he just tightened his grip to keep her in place, "Why should I accept something when it wasn't my mistake Riddhima! What do you think I am!", he retorted bitterly, his teeth gritted furiously.

"It is your mistake Armaan.. Itne din main chup thi.. Lekin I cant take it anymore! Tumhari wajah se aaj mamma mujhse baat nahi kar rahi.. Di mujhse lad rahi hai.. Everyone at the hospital thinks I'm characterless to run away with you that night! I cant handle this anymore..", she shouted back, snatching her arm out of his hold as she did..

But that only instigated him to shout back, "You're talking like everyone is talking to me! Ask all of them.. Ek hafte se zyaada ho gaya.. Not even Nikki has tried to talk to me!", Nikki was startled at being addressed so suddenly by him.. She was staring at both of them in sheer shock, much like everyone else present in the cabin when Armaan looked at her disappointedly.. And that brought out the guilt she was suppressing in her since last week,, "Armaan.. Aisa nahi hai.. I was out of town..", she tried to explain.. She was really guilty that she had not spoken to him after what had happened.. She understood it wasn't his blame to bear, but her friends had talked her into giving him the silent treatment.. Now as he confronted her with it, she couldn't keep it in her anymore.. And Armaan capitalized on that guilt well, "Sure.. But if you were not mad at me, you would have at least called me!"

But before Nikki could answer him Riddhima's interrupted her, "Why will she call you Armaan? You're not even sorry for what you did!"

"I am sorry for what happened Riddhima.. But I refuse to take the blame alone.. Tumhari bhi utni hi galti thi jitni meri..", he argued back, resuming their row..

"Armaan bhaagne ka idea tumhara tha!!", Riddhima blatantly accused him as he stared at her agape, unable to believe she'd said that.. But he wasn't going to shut up was he! "But what about the fact that you agreed to run away with me Riddhima.. Tumne mujhe ek baar mana bhi nahi kiya.. Obviously you wanted it too!!"

"Whatever Armaan.. But you were the one who switched off our phones. At least we could have avoided the whole police business if we would make it back on time!"

"Riddhima don't act like you didn't know the phones were switched off.. Agar tumhe itni fikar thi, you should have switched yours on.. And anyway.. You were the one who started everything..", he shot back, the ball in her court now..

"Don't lie Armaan.. Running away was your idea.."

"You kissed me first Riddhima.."

"That's only because that idiot Payal was trying to kiss you! "

"Oh now you're blaming that poor girl.."

"That poor girl!! And I thought you didn't care about her!"

"Riddhima you're crossing your limits now.. Tum mujhpar shak kar rahi ho?", he half questioned, half exclaimed in disbelief.. But before Riddhima could scream back at him, Atul decided this was too personal a fight to be fought with spectators.. He had to stop it somehow, "Armaan.. Riddhima. Stop it you two.. Why are you guys fighting so much.. Hua kya?.." He couldn't understand what had happened all of a sudden.. As far as he remembered, Riddhima had shouted back at even her Di to take Armaan's side.. And now she was blaming him for everything.. It was too bizarre for him to believe..

But Armaan's sarcastic remark put those thoughts at the back of his mind temporarily, "Kucch nahi Atul.. Suddenly Ms. Gupta thinks ki all her problems are my fault!"

And Riddhima had a ready reply to match that sarcasm, "I don't think Mallik.. I know everything is your fault!"

"Ridz.. How can you blame everything on Armaan.. Both of you were equally at fault..", Atul tried to play mediator, clearly confused by their changed loyalties.. From what he knew about Armaan, if Riddhima blamed him for anything, he was sure Armaan would agree to her without argument.. Then what had caused this major turn around.. Daal mein kucch toh kala hai.. "No Atul.. That running away was his idea.. I wouldn't even dream of doing such a thing on my own..", Riddhima asserted again, looking at Armaan accusingly.. That definitely did it for Atul.. This was so unlike his little sis-in-law.. She would blame herself but never her Armaan.. Yahan toh daal hi kaali lag rahi hai.. But before he could figure out if this was the case of daal-mein-kala or kaale-mein-daal, his dear wife decided to stick her foot into the argument.."I agree with you Ridzi.. I don't think anyone has any doubt that it was Armaan's idea to run away from his own party.. Only he can come up with something that crazy.." , as much as she was mad at her sister for everything that happened, there was no doubt that she blamed Armaan for the whole fiasco.. And now that her sister had realized that, she was definitely going to support her..

Riddhima beamed as she found support in her Di. Even after that ugly argument that they had the other day, she didn't have to think twice before taking her side.. Only Anjie's support didn't go down well with all her friends.. Nikki for one, disagreed with her, "But Anjie! Riddhima ran away with him.. Which makes her an equal accomplice!", she pointed out..

"Whatever Nikki.. We all know how Armaan's charm works.. I'm sure he convinced her somehow..", Anjie couldn't help but retort haughtily at Nikki's defense of her best friend.. Luckily, Nikki found support in another member of the group, "Really! And what was all that PDA that Riddhima started! Clearly the whole thing started there.. And not with Armaan's idea..", Rahul refuted Anjali vehemently only to incite his wifey dearest into a mad rage, "Oye Rahul.. Chup kar.. Tu Ridzi ki side chodkar Armaan ki side le raha hai.. Obviously saare fasad ki jad yehi hai.."

"Muski just because Armaan suggested something it doesn't make him the culprit.. Riddhima ne uska saath diya..", Nikki tried to explain her point of view to Muskaan, now confident that Rahul had joined forces with her.. But Riddhima's hurt voice interrupted that argument, "Nikki I don't believe you are supporting Armaan in this.."

Nikki winced at the bitterness in Riddhima's tone.. But she wasn't really taking sides.. She was just saying what she thought was right, "I'm not supporting Armaan Ridzi.. I'm just saying its not only his fault.. Galti tum dono ki hai!! Haina Abhi..", she turned to her husband for support, hoping Riddhima would understand what she was trying to say.. Not like she wanted to fight with her or Armaan since the beginning.. Abhi, who was till now silently listening to the argument from the sidelines, gave in his opinion only when he was asked for it, "Yeah Nikki.. But I think Armaan ki galti thodi si zyaada hai.. Not only did he make Riddhima run away with him, he also switched off their phones..", he spoke indifferently, like giving a clinical diagnosis to a patient..

Nikki was just taken aback that Abhi wouldn't support her and that agitated her more than even the on going Mahabharat, "He didn't make Riddhima run away with him Abhi!! She ran away with him off her own will!!"

"Nikki I think you're just taking Armaan's side because he's your best friend..", Abhi truthfully told her what he felt, not willing to bow down to her raised voice..

"Abhi Riddhima is as much of a best friend to me as Armaan is.. And I am not being partial.. I'm the one trying to be impartial here..", she asserted back angrily, as everyone else just watched on silently, letting the recently married couple have their argument..

"But you're still taking Armaan's side..", Abhi couldn't help but feel that Nikki was always more partial to Armaan.. She had not even been angry with him like the others had been.. He knew she didn't blame Armaan for what happened that night.. And though he wasn't a fan of bitching about people behind their backs, he couldn't help but feel that Nikki's lack of response in that department when all her friends were busy plotting Armaan's murder, was only coz she had a soft corner for him..

Nikki really lost it as she heard her husbands accusations, "You know what Abhi.. Just stay out of this..", she told him, pointing an angry finger at him.. And that angered a normally level headed Abhi as he argued back childishly, "Why! Why should I stay out of it? I was as much locked up in that jail as you were that night! I have every right to be a part of this conversation!"

"Abhi calm down.. Armaan ki wajah se don't start a fight with Nikki too..", alarmed by the increased volume of Abhi's voice, Anjali decided to intervene.. She realized they were fighting unreasonably here..

But the way she targeted her blame at Armaan irked Atul to no end, "Anjali.. Wo Armaan aur Riddhima dono ko lekar lad rahe hain.. Don't just blame Armaan for everything.."

"Atul tum bhi Armaan ki side pe ho? I don't believe this..", Anjali couldn't help but glare at her husband.. How could he not be on her side..

"Main Armaan ki side pe nahi hoon.. I'm just saying tum Ridzi ki taraf daari mat karo.. If you're willing to forgive Ridzi then Armaan se naraaz hone ka tumhe koi haq nahi hai..", Atul tried to be as objective as possible about the whole situation.. He just hoped Anjali understood what he was trying to say.. But she didn't! She just became even more furious that he was bent on proving her wrong! "Aur yeh decide karne waale tum kaun hote ho Atul! Ridzi meri behen hai.. I'll always take her side.. Tumhe accha lage ya na lage.."

Rahul however, stepped up to support Atul, agreeing with every word he said, "Anjie but I agree with Atul here.. You cant decide to take any one side.. Both of them are equally wrong."

But Anjali was too mad to care, "No one asked for your opinion Rahul.. Save it.. I knew you would side with Armaan anyway..", she fired back rudely, catching Rahul off guard.. But Nikki came to his rescue at once, "Anjie now you're just being rude.."

And Anjali found a supporter in none other than Muskaan, who didn't agree with her husband or Nikki one bit, "I don't think so Nikki.. I'm with Anjali.. Yeh Rahul toh last week se mujhe convince karne ki koshish kar raha tha ki hume Armaan ko maaf karna chahiye.."

"Muskaan tu rehne de.. Teri brain wash ki wajah se main Armaan ke saath bacchon jaise behave kar raha tha.. Waise bhi, usne hazaar baar maafi mangi hai.. Aur wo kar bhi kya sakta hai.. Usne jaan bujhkar toh yeh sab nahi kiya.. Jo bhi hua wo galti se hua..", Rahul finally shouted back, letting out exactly what he felt. Armaan couldn't help but grin at that open support from his best friend..

And soon Nikki joined in with a, "I agree with Rahul.."

But the most surprising was Atul's support.."So do I !!", Armaan had never thought Atul would do anything against Anjie's wishes.. Apparently, even Anjie had thought the same, "Atul!", she glared at him.. But Atul didn't give in to her, "Please Anjali.. If I cant tell you what to do then even I don't need your opinions.."

Anjali's jaw dropped a thousand feet.. So did Riddhima, Armaan, Muskaan, Nikki, Rahul and Abhi's.. But Anjie was the first one to recover from the shock, "I don't believe you just said that!", she said through clenched teeth!

"Chod Anjie.. Agar inn logon ko Armaan ki side leni hai toh hum bhi Ridzi ki side khulkar lenge.. Hum koi darte nahi hain inn logon se..", Muskaan declared, much to Rahul's irritation, "Toh theek hain na.. Tum logon ko jiski side leni hai uski side lo.. Humne kab mana kiya.."

"Agar karte toh bhi hum Ridzi ki hi side lete.."

"Toh lo na.."

"Na na na.."

"Muskaan panga na le.. Mera sir phat raha hai..", he warned her, glaring her down..

But Muskaan wasn't someone who'd be bogged down.. Rahul was the last person she would bow down to, "Teri toh.. Tu panga mat le.. Samajta kya hai apne aap ko.."

And with that, she almost launched herself at him.. Luckily Anjie caught her and kept her from physically pouncing on Rahul.. That would have given juvenile delinquency a completely new meaning!,"Muski.. Muski calm down.. Armaan aur uske chelon pe apni energy mat waste kar.."

"Excuse me.. Yeh mere friends hain.. And don't insult my friends..", Armaan immediately came to the defense of his friends even as he held Rahul back..

"Toh hum bhi Ridzi ke friends hain.. Ask your friends to not insult us or her..Chal Ridz.. Mere cabin mein chalte hain.. Inn longon ke saath aur baat karna hi bekar hai..", Anjali turned to Ridz with that acerbic comment as she started to drag Muskaan out of there..

"Toh humein bhi shauk nahi hai tum logon se baat karne ka.. Chal Armaan.. Hum tere cabin mein chalte hain..", Rahul retorted with the same amount of acidity, as he started towards the door.. All of them started to have their own arguments, creating a commotion that was sure to drive all of them deaf..

But before both the warring parties could move out of the war zone, Riddhima dramatically addressed Armaan, "Ab toh khush ho na Armaan.. Tumhari wajah se ab sab lad rahe hain.. Now are you satisfied!"

Everyone stopped their own bickering and arguing as they heard Riddhima's accusation, while Armaan scowled back at her, "Basket stop blaming me for everything.. Tumhari aadat hi hai na.. Kucch bhi hua toh Armaan par blame daalo.."

"Excuse me.. Tumhari hi galti hoti hai.. Humesha.."

"Every time I let you get away with it Riddhima.. But not this time.. I have my friends with me.. You do what you want..", Armaan almost challenged her, giving her the deadliest glare ever.. And she matched his with her own as she retorted, "Fine Armaan.. We'll see who wins this time.. Tumhari yeh team hai na.. Ghutno par maafi mangne aayegi humse.."

"Ridzi.. I don't believe you just said that..", Nikki looked at her in disbelief, hurt by her words..

But Riddhima wasn't sorry.. "You decided to take the wrong side Nikki.. What can I do?"

And that was enough for Nikki to declare war, "Fine.. The war's on then! Dekhte hain kaun kis se maafi mangta hai.."

"Of course tum logon ko maangi padegi Nikki.. Because Riddhiima is right and Armaan is wrong.. Sooner or later tumhare dimaag ko yeh baat samajh aa hi jayegi..", Muskaan taunted back, accepting Nikki's challenge full on!

Then how could Rahul stay out of it, "If Riddhima is right Muskaan.. Then Armaan can't be wrong.. I don't know yeh baat tum logon ke dimaag mein kab ghusegi.. Par agar tum log ladna hi chahte ho toh I'm with Nikki.. The war's on!"

But Abhi just thought this fight was becoming too childish for his liking.. From a grown up discussion it had gone on to become juvenile tug of war.. "Rahul.. Nikki.. Stop being so juvenile.. Yeh war kya hai.. Bacche hai kya hum sab.. There's no way of deciding who's right and who's wrong here.. Tum logon ko lagta hai ki Riddhima galat hai.. Hum logon ko lagta hai ki Armaan galat hai.. It's a difference in opinion.. We cant do much about it but agree to disagree.."

Only no one agreed to that opinion of his.. Not even Anjali, "Not at all Abhi.. Armaan and everyone who supports him will have to acknowledge the fact that Riddhima wasn't as much at fault as Armaan was.. It is a fact.. And I'm not agreeing to anything these people say.."

"Anjie but..", he tried to explain but was cut off by Nikki, "No Abhi.. You have to choose which side you're on.."

And that challenging smirk of hers was enough for him to choose the opposite side anyway.. "I'm not on your side that's for sure Nikki!", he replied with a satisfied smirk as she scowled at his reply.. But then she brought out her ultimate weapon, "Fine.. Aaj raat ko sofe pe sone ki tayari kar lo.. Don't even dare come close to me!", and throwing him a last dirty glare, she stormed out of the cabin, leaving Abhi swearing to himself, "Chal hat.. I don't even want to come close to you!!"

While Abhi was busy muttering curses as he continued to watch the door through which Nikki had left, Anjali decided it was time for her to leave too.. But not before warning her unusually rebellious husband.. He would obviously have to pay for not taking her side, "Same goes for you Atul.. Jab tak tum Armaan ki side pe ho, living room ke couch pe apna ghar basa lo.. Or better still.. Tumhare Armaan ke ghar chale jao.. Mujhe kaam hai.. I'm leaving..", and without turning to look at the faces Atul was making behind her back, she walked out of the cabin briskly to get back to work..

Rahul, Muskaan, Armaan and Riddhima couldn't help but snigger at Atul's expressions.. Only Abhi, who was still bothered by his wife's threats, didn't notice the humor..

"Mujhe bhi kaam hai guys.. Main chalta hoon..", Rahul slapped Armaan's back playfully, giving him a friendly smile as he started to walk out.

But Muskaan stopped him before he could get away, "Oye Rahul.. Sunn.. Tu bhi samajh le.. Aaj se guest room mein sone ki aadat daal le.."

But Rahul wasn't the one to take his wife's threats lying down, "Kyun! Wo kamra jitna tera hai utna hi mera bhi hai.. Agar tujhe mujhse problem hai toh tu guest room mein shift hoja.. Mujhe koi problem nahi hai..", he gave her a wickedly smug grin and walked out of the cabin with attitude, forcing Muskaan to follow him out as she cursed her trail behind him, "Kameena.. Ghar toh aa tu.. Tujhe dekhti hoon main!"

As Muskaan's voice faded away in the distance, Atul couldn't help but appreciate Rahul's attitude, "Wow.. Rahul has guts nahi.. I should take a few tips from him.. How to control your bossy wife?"

Abhi and Armaan sniggered at that, Abhi agreeing with him at once, "Yeah.. Seriously.. Waise I really find all this so juvenile..", he told Atul as they shared a high-five.. But soon their masti was interrupted by Riddhima's stern, "Excuse me!"

Abhi gulped as he saw Riddhima give him that deadly glare of hers.."But I'm still on Riddhima's side.. No doubt about that.." he declared fearfully as he found a quick escape, "Anyway.. Main chalta hoon.."

But before he could leave, Atul stopped him, "Abhi ek minute.. Main bhi chalta hoon.. Guys.. Take care.. Ridzi you too.. And please don't kill each other after we're gone..", he looked at both of them with an amused smile, winking at them as he left the cabin with Abhi..

Both Armaan and Riddhima were left alone in the cabin with their faces contorted in confusion at Atul's weird parting note. They turned to each other with that scowl still adorning their faces, "What was that all about..", Riddhima exclaimed her confusion aloud as Armaan's mind got to work.. "I think he knows..", he finally said, a blank look on his face..

"Knows what Dr. Mallik?.. I don't understand?", she asked him, her brows scrunched in genuine non-comprehension.. If it were anyone else but Armaan, they would have actually bought her pretence.. But he just couldn't help but grin at her nautanki.."Really Dr. Basket Gupta.. What will it take to make you understand?", he asked her teasingly, faking his innocence as he stepped towards her slowly.. Riddhima stepped back, trying to fight the smile that was forming on her face, "It's okay Dr. Mallik.. Main samajh gayi.."

"Nahi nahi.. Main samajhata hoon na aapko Dr. Gupta..", he continued his advances till she was finally trapped with the lockers behind her.. Then she didn't have an option when he rested his forehead against her, and finally she had to give into her smile, "Congratulations Dr. Gupta.. Mission Divide-and-Rule successfully accomplished.."

Riddhima accepted his congratulations with a sly grin and a fit of giggles as she hugged him tight, "Basket shut up.. Kisi ne sunn liya toh maare jayenge..", Armaan hissed his warning even as he hugged her back, the same devilish grin slashed across his face..

"Yeah. And you think they'll be really pleased if they see us like this together..", she shot back sarcastically, but not letting go of him anyway. She was so happy that their plan had worked out just fine.. Not so much their plan.. Armaan's plan.. When Armaan had come up with this weird idea this afternoon, she had thought he was crazy! He had called it mission 'Divide and rule'. They had spent their free time scripting most of that argument and attacked their friends as soon as they realized they were together. Luckily they had found all of them together in the residents cabin in the evening and put up their show.. What she couldn't still believe was that it played out just the way they had hoped it would.. Except for Atul.. They had thought Abhi would side with Nikki and Atul with Anjie.. But this way was even more fun.. At least now all of them weren't mad at them.. They were mad at each other yes! But it was better than being mad at her! She couldn't believe it had actually worked!! "Armaan I still cant believe I agreed to do this.. And I absolutely don't believe it actually worked! Like seriously..", she told him, giggling again as she pulled out to look at him..

Armaan, on the other hand, was gloating in triumph as much as she was floating with relief, "What did I say Riddhima! Mujhe pata tha, inki problem iss baat se thi ki hum dono ek dusre ki wajah se unhe ignore kar rahe the..", he wrapped an arm around her waist from behind as he proudly asserted what he had already told her a hundred times now..

Riddhima leaned back into him, as she smiled.. "Yes Armaan.. You are the brilliant one.. Thank you..", she placed a quick kiss on his lips and pulled out of his embrace.. Time to get back to work!

But Armaan was utterly disappointed.. And he made no bones being subtle about it either.. "That's it! That's all I'm going to get for coming up with the plan of the century!! I feel so cheated!"

Riddhima, who was now rummaging her locker to look for her file, just giggled in response.. "What did you expect Dr. Mallik.. The Oscar!", she asked him teasingly.. Well she had to admit he had acted flawlessly..

"Yeah.. Something like that..", he whispered in her ear wrapping his arm around her waist from behind as he nuzzled her hair..

"Armaan! Stop it.. Agar koi aa gaya toh problem ho jaayegi..", she reminded him, wondering how they were going to pull off fighting with each other if he was going to act like this,,

"I don't really care!", he whispered as he kissed her under her ear, sending tiny ripples of pleasure down her spine.. But she had to stop him.. Or else their plan would go completely down the drain.. "Armaan.. Seriously.. We'll have to be careful around everyone.. Agar hum pakde gaye, toh these people will never forgive us in a hundred years.. And I think Atul ko already shak ho gaya hai..", she told him worriedly as she turned in his hold, her hands on his chest between them..

But in spite of her warning he didn't let her go.. "Uss shak nahi hua hai Basket.. He knew what we were doing..", he told her, leaning in to kiss the tip of her nose..

"But how did he come to know..", she asked him, wondering why Atul had agreed to this war in spite of second guessing their brilliant plan..

"Coz Basket.. He wasn't angry with either of us to fall for it.. But I think he agrees with our plan.. So he purposely picked up a fight with Anjie.."

"I know.. That was crazy.. I couldn't believe Atul would say something like that to Di.."

"Yeah.. Mujhe bechare par taras aa raha hai.. Ghar pe Anjie usse kaccha chaba jayegi.."

"Armaan!!.." Riddhima shot him a reprimanding glare as she said that, then sobered as she thought about what they had done..

Armaan noticed her disturbed expression at once, "Kya hua Basket?.. Don't worry so much.. Atul wont tell anyone.."

"I know he wont Armaan.. That's not what's bothering me.. Humne aag toh laga di.. But what next?"

"It's not rocket science Basket.. Don't take so much tension.. Ab jo aag humne lagayi hai, usse bujhana padega.. Simple!", he replied smugly, a naughty wink followed..

Riddhima couldn't help but smile at his devilish smirk as she absent mindedly played with the button on his shirt.."And I'm guessing tumne plan already bana diya hai.."

"Of course.. Armaan Mallik ke saare plans fool proof hote hain..", came another one of his smug replies..

But this time, she didn't find it cute at all.. She just rolled her eyes derisively, "Yeah yeah.. Now stop gloating and tell me.."

Armaan would have continued to gloat, but her order was pretty clear.. So he decided to tell her anyway.. "Okay.. So tell me.. What's on this Saturday?", he asked her with his brow raised knowingly.

But she just returned his question back to him, "What's on this Saturday?", her brows scrunched in confusion..

"The Basketball match silly!", he answered condescendingly, frowning at her stupidity..

"Oh yeah..", Riddhima's eyes widened in comprehension as she started to understand his plan just as he started to explain to her, "Yeah.. So we convince our respective parties to participate.. And if they participate, they'll have to practice everyday.."

"And Sanjeevni has only one Basketball court..", she exclaimed enthusiastically, like she had put the last piece in the jig-saw together.. But Armaan returned that with sarcasm extreme, "Wow! Mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha Basket.. How intelligent!"

"Armaan!!", she glared at him, but couldn't help but have her doubts, "Plan toh accha hai.. But what if they just end up fighting even more.. After all that happened I really don't want to be the reason for their personal differences.."

"Don't worry Basket.. Everything will work out just perfect.. You just have to convince your team to play.. I'll have mine on the court at seven tomorrow morning.."

And that assured her enough to remind her of her evening rounds at the children's ward, "okay Done! Ab hato., I need to get back to work..", she told him hurriedly, trying to push him away..

But he didn't let go, his arms tight around her waist, "Tch.. No.. Don't go.." he whined as she struggled to get out of his hold..

"Armaan! ", she whined back, not wanting to have the same argument with him again..

"Please Riddhima.. Do you even realize you haven't kissed me since morning.. What's a guy to do to get some love around here!"

"Stop the nautanki Armaan. Didn't I just say we should be careful.."

"And didn't I just say I don't care!"

"Armaan please na.. Why don't you understand.."

"Understand what Riddhima.."

"Stop being such a baby.."

That was it for Armaan.. He just let go of her abruptly, as he lashed out a series of complains, his arms flailing around in agitated expression.. "Fine.. Jao.. Pehle toh you've already imposed so many restrictions.. Keep distance.. Be careful.. Don't touch.. Blah blah.. Now you don't even want to kiss me.. Then even I don't want to.. Just go.. Don't talk to me..", and with that he crossed his arms across his front haughtily, the classic pout adoring his face,

Riddhima was completely taken aback by his over reaction.. Such a nautanki.."Armaan..", she sighed as she placed her hand on his arm to pacify him.. But he just nudged it away..

Riddhima couldn't believe he was bugging for a damn kiss.. But then.. Only he could come down to that level! But she couldn't just leave him pouting to himself like this could she!

"Accha sorry..", she apologized, holding her ears, knowing cute worked on him as much as it did on her.. But he just turned away, refusing to let go of his pout..

"I love you..", she took the sweetest tone she had, tilting her head so she could come in his line of vision as he stared at the floor angrily.. But even that didn't work.. Finally she had no option but to give in to his demands, "Fine.. I'll kiss you.."

But to her surprise, even that didn't work on him, "No.. Now the moment's gone.."

And that pissed her off effectively, "Armaan now stop doing naatak haan.. Now I'm ready to kiss you toh.."

"But now I don't want you to kiss me.. Go do your work.."

"Fine.. Bhaad mein jao..", and stomping her foot angrily she turned to storm out of the cabin.. But her march came to a halt in just a few steps as she felt a tug around her neck.. Turning around, she realized Armaan was holding the end of her duppatta, resisting her escape.. "Armaan.. Kya hai?", she asked him sternly, glaring at him.. Couldn't he just make up his mind!

"Kab tak kaam hai?", he asked her, playing with the corner of her duppatta, still seemingly bugged with her..

Riddhima looked surprised as she heard that question. She had been ready to refuse him that kiss for being such a nautanki.. But his question had caught her off guard.. "Bas.. Thodi der.. Last rounds pe jaana hai.. And then I'll leave.. Kyun?", she asked him as she answered, still intrigued by his question.. Even more so, when let her duppatta go and close the distance between them, "Nothing.. I was thinking.. We could go somewhere..To celebrate the success of our mission..", he replied with a wink, leaning in, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched her face contort in confusion,

"Somewhere as in?"

Okay now she was being really stupid.. So he decided to spell it out for her! "As in for a date Riddhima.. Movie.. Dinner.. What say?", he had wanted to do this since a long time now.. But something or the other always got in their way.. And last week toh they didn't even have time.. Today was the perfect opportunity.. That way he could spend time with her.. And if they were in a public place he wouldn't even be haunted by those ridiculous fantasies about her.. But genuinely, he really wanted to spend some normal quality time with her.. Sans all the drama and fighting and depression etc..

But the first thing that came out of Riddhima's mouth was, "But mamma..", and that effectively burst his bubble.. Disappointment washed over him before the excitement could even begin to take root.. He knew there was nothing that was normal about him and Riddhima.. He would just have to wait for another opportunity.. "It's okay.. I understand..", he sighed, looking away from her. But Riddhima had seen the disappointment in his eyes. And it hurt her real bad.. He was already complaining about her new rule since the last couple of days, but still sticking to it even if it was unfair to him.. She really owed him some quality time.. Plus, she really found the prospect of going out with him really exciting.. They rarely went out.. And today was a perfect opportunity indeed.. But what about her mom.. She was already mad at her.. And she would give her the perfect opportunity to taunt her again.. But what if she didn't find out.. And even if she did.. She was anyway fighting with her.. How worse could it possibly get..

While Riddhima was weighing her options in her head, Armaan had already given up on her and started walking towards the door, disappointed that he would have to spend another night trying to drown himself in work.. Just before he could walk out, Riddhima made up her mind, "Armaan.." she called out to him as he turned to face her, "I'd love to go..", she told him before he could ask her what..

"Really?", he asked her, genuinely surprised by her change of mind..

"Really..", she answered back with a grin, walking towards him.. He couldn't help but smile, his dimple digging deep into his cheek.. "Toh I'll see you in half an hour..", he asked, his enthusiasm evident in his broad grin, as she opened the door to leave..

Riddhima found herself almost blushing at the way he was looking at her expectantly.. And his enthusiasm was infectious indeed.. "Haan.. Main tumhare cabin mein aati hoon..", she confirmed with her bestest smiles.. A really happy feeling seeding in her heart after a long time..

"Bye..", he waved to her as she started walking away, still half turned towards him..

"Bye.."

But just as she was about to walk away, he called out to her again.. "Uh.. Basket!"

"Hmm..", she turned instantly, wondering why he stopped her now..

But he just gave her a broad grin as he said, "I love you too..", followed by his naughty wink.. She smiled her heart stopping smiles at him as she started walking away with her face still half turned to him, returning his gesture with a flying kiss that left him sighing to himself, "Oye hoye.."

He whistled his favorite tune as he made his way to his cabin, unable to believe his luck.. Shanky papa was being nice to him.. His brilliant plan had worked.. His friends had started thawing.. At least he had half of them on his side now.. Divide and Rule had been quite a brilliant strategy.. But the best part of the day was that Riddhima was going on a date with him and was excited about it too.. After such a long time he had seen that excitement in her eyes, that contentment in her smile.. He couldn't have asked for more.. But with his luck, he knew some kind of trouble was waiting for him right round the corner.. But right now.. He was too happy to be bothered by that.. Sochna kya.. Jo hoga dekha jaayega.. But he realized soon how wrong he was to believe that when he entered his cabin.. There waiting for him was none other than 'Trouble' herself, aka Dr. Payal! God! What did she want now?!!