AR: Love Is... #4 [New Thread Link: Page 152] - Page 51

Dont worry yaar! All the best writing it again lol

MY :| 😳 that sucks, I swear this has happened to me. And when that happens you feel TOO disheartened to write the same thing with the same feeling all over again. I so understand what you feel. Take you time. 😃 Shall wait.

I love you 🤗

Arre bhai! Ye kya hai ab! Been waiting since ur last update! And aaj toh, after seeing u online, I was fully prepared for the-longest-update! Hmph!

But coming to ur point.. Sach mein?

Arggh!😡

But, I understand anyways..

xx

I cant believe your computer crashed.. aww so sorry to hear that! I seriously cannot wait for the update.. whenever it comes 😆

kab?🤔

Part 27

"Sold out? That's impossible! It's only eleven in the morning, how could you possibly be sold out?"

"I'm sorry ma'am but a guest just bought all the copies of the Paris daily."

"All of them?"

"Unfortunately, yes. We shall be replacing them as soon as possible, my apologies for the inconvienience caused."

"That's alright." Murmuring a thank you she made her way upstairs, frowning. She'd wanted that newspaper so badly! It was supposed to have her interview in it! And now thanks to some wacky lunatic, she'd have to wait. She glanced at the time, Armaan had gone out two hours ago, saying he had some work and before she could ask something he was out the door. Deciding to text him she took out her phone.

Where are you?

- Riddhima

I'm on my way to the hotel, will reach in a bit.

- Armaan

How much is "a bit"? I'm bored.

- Riddhima

'Kay 5 minutes. Wait for me, I have something for you.

- Armaan

What is it?

- Riddhima

A SURPRISE.

- Armaan

Geez don't shout at me.

- Riddhima

Go and wait.

- Armaan

I hate you.

- Riddhima

Yeah well whatever, hate on me while you wait.

- Armaan

I really hate you. You could've just kept shut about the surprise that way I wouldn't be so curious!

- Riddhima

Now where's the fun in that?

- Armaan

Bye.

- Riddhima

*Laughs*

- Armaan

*Glares*

- Riddhima

*Laughs louder*

- Armaan

She was about to type a reply but she heard the door open. Making her way out of the room, she went to the entrance only to see him come in with a gift-wrapped package with him.

Giving him an icy glare for not telling her, she strode dramatically to the kitchen and put the bread in the toaster, letting him know she was mad.

Armaan smirked as he saw her toast the bread in anger. He'd enjoyed riling her up while texting. He saw her stealing glances at the package but knew that she'd never ask for it unless she was really, really curious. Grinning inwardly, he grabbed a slice of bread too.

Riddhima frowned as he picked up the bread. What about the package? She was itching to see it's contents, but he hadn't so much as talked to her. Made her wonder if the package really was for her. "Fine. Be like that." She muttered.

"Did you say something?"

She looked up into his eyes as they glinted with mischief. "Nothing important." She flashed him a bright, fake smile.

They had breakfast in silence but her insides were positively burning with curiosity. Giving up, she raised her hands in surrender.

"Alright I give up, tell me what's in the package!"

He burst into laughter while she narrowed her eyes, after which his laughter came to a halt rather abruptly. He handed her the package.

"What is it for?"

"For winning yesterday." He replied, eager to know how she'd like the gift.

She tore open the wrapping in haste and took out a box. Removing the tape, she looked inside to see a photo-frame, kept upside down. Picking it up, she exclaimed in joy when she saw the gift. He'd cut her interview out from the newspaper and framed it along with a picture of her with the award. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone had ever done for her and she was rendered speechless, all her anger evaporating.

"You're welcome."

She realized she'd been staring at the picture for quite a while when she heard his sardonic reply. Turning around she flung her arms around his neck, hugging him with all her might for one of the best gifts she'd received, hoping it conveyed her thank you because she really didn't know what to say.

He hugged her back after the initial surprise, glad that she'd liked the gift. He'd like to say that it hadn't involved much of his time but the truth was, he'd spent the longest time searching for the frame and the smile on her face made it all worthwhile. Every frustrating second of it.

She pulled back, pecking him on the cheek and then heading to her room to get dressed.

Eyes bright, she looked in the mirror, bubbling with happiness. The fact that he'd put so much thought, so much effort behind that simple gift touched her. She felt a sliver of courage seep through her and she made a decision; she'd find a way to tell him that she loved him because keeping it inside was the single most annoying feeling in the universe. Taking a deep breath, she went out.

--oo0oo--

Her feet felt like iron by the time they were done. It was an effort to walk; her back ached, she could hardly feel her feet, dead tired was an understatement. She looked at him, the exhaustion showed on him too. Walking around in The Louvre did that to you. They'd spent a few hours covering as much of the museum as possible, trying to have a look at all the famous paintings. But the museum was colossal, the sheer enormity of it was frightening. It had three wings, Richelieu, Denon and Sully which contained pieces of art from Greece to the Middle East; from Vietnamese to European and from Etruscan to Islamic and Egyptian. They covered as much as possible, seeing sculptures, paintings, artefacts, decorative work, everything. And hence the fatigue.

Sitting in the car, they drove back to the hotel. Having decided that they'd go clubbing tonight, the two of them felt like relaxing for a while to get rid of that weariness that plagued them so acutely.

He flopped down on the couch, having showered and she sat beside him. The tiredness had reduced remarkably after that sinfully relaxing hot shower and right now her mind was in a warm haze, as she snuggled into her sweatshirt.

"How many tattoos do you have?"

His question took her by surprise, she didn't know he knew she had tattoos. As if understanding her, he replied, "I saw the tattoo on the nape at uh, Ashley's wedding."

"I have two tattoos...one at the nape of my neck, it says Hope and the other one's on my waist...more like lower back. It's just a pattern. Doesn't show until I wear midriff tops or something."

He raised his eyebrows, "You wear mid-riff tops?" He shook his head to clear the images before they were imprinted in his mind and started tormenting him.

She winked at him. "Wouldn't you like to know!"

Armaan grinned cheekily at that. They talked for a while then, about inconsequential things that didn't really matter, but she had fun nonetheless. He'd discovered they shared their liking for How I Met Your Mother, and that she hated pink now but used to love it long back. She'd come to know that he liked to cook, although his prowess in the kitchen wasn't extensive and that if he had his way he'd wear casuals all the time, and burn up his formals because he hated them. She eased into his hold as the minutes flew by and an hour later, the two of them were sound asleep, their exhaustion finally catching up with them. For once she knew she was sleeping in his arms, and for once she didn't think about the action, it felt right. As if on cue, his hold tightened and then she succumbed to sleep.

--oo0oo--

She applied the lipgloss, and took one final look in the mirror. She'd packed a decent dress for an informal evening like this but it looked like Muskaan had other plans. Instead of her knee length sensible black dress, she found a short corset dress that finished a few inches before her knees. It was dusky rose and Muskaan had packed separate make up for it. How that woman knew everything beat Riddhima. As she scanned herself, she had to admit; even though it was a little more revealing than what she would have gone for, it looked pretty sexy. She felt the thrill as she remembered his comment about midriffs. Smiling, she made her way out of the room.

Armaan looked at her as she came out grinning. What the hell was she planning to do? Give him heart failure? His breath hitched as he took her in. The dress didn't leave much to his imagination although it wasn't overtly revealing. It hugged her like second skin. He noticed she'd done her hair up in a casual bun, a few strands of her hair framing her face. He could see her tattoo too. He swallowed convulsively, maybe clubbing hadn't been such a good idea after all.

Clearing his throat, he regained his composure. He saw the twinkle in her eyes and adrenaline surged through him. It was all out in the open, and his nervousness faded away and his heart beat erratically at the thought of the endless possibilities that tonight could offer.

She saw understanding in his eyes and smirked inwardly. She wouldn't shy away tonight; no matter what. He looked good and even though the fact made her nervous, she felt like she could handle it. He wore jeans, a t-shirt and then a casual blazer over it. Walking up to him, she took his hand as they went out.

The pulsing beats got to her as soon as they entered. The disco lights flashed wildly as people danced in abandon, gyrating to the music. The music was loud enough to make the floor thump with every beat and make her foot tap. She looked at him and saw the same in his eyes. They headed to the dance floor, her emotions in frenzy as they found the beat and moved together.

The lyrics pumped into her as she lost every last reserve of nervousness and danced, liberated. He matched her movements with ease, all thoughts of awkwardness forgotten as the tempo rose.

Yellow diamonds in the light;

Now we're standing side by side;

As your shadow crosses mine;

What it takes to come alive.

We found love in a hopeless place;

We found love in a hopeless place.

She laughed as he shouted something to her over the loud music. Songs went by one by one and they danced through them all, taking every risk that there was. He twirled her dangerously close, as they danced in a world of their own. Her energy never dissipated, and her heart beat madly when he came too close to her. But she didn't back out, not once. And they danced through the song, heart pumping, feet aching, ears ringing and the sweat coating their bodies, making their faces shimmer in the disco lights. The tension rose as they came closer all inhibitions slipping away. They danced inches away from each other, moving in perfect rhythm with each other, their moves syncing and what started as an uncoordinated dance finished as something utterly perfect, something so thrilling that it filled her with wondrous joy. His fingers kissed her waist as she twisted and turned, her lithe movements doing nothing to help his case; he was helplessly attracted.

She felt like they were circling around something that both of them wanted to touch and grab but it was out of their reach and although they came close, so close to it, it slipped through their fingers, never allowing them to touch it, to take it. And so they kept dancing, never really acknowledging the growing attraction, the sparks of desire that made her tingle all over. She was caught by surprise when he pulled her close, holding her flush against him. The song rose to a crescendo but that was nothing compared to the blood roaring in her ears. Her breath hitched and for an immeasurable moment, she did nothing but look into his eyes; they mirrored her emotions. The beats rose higher, higher and still higher and people danced around them but for her, it was only them; no one else. No one and nothing else seemed to exist. It was only this moment, this time, this rush of feelings that were, oddly enough, reciprocated by him. For a fleeting moment she wondered what it would be like, to kiss him. She itched to do it, to close the distance and find out what it feels like but something held her back. Maybe because at the back of her mind she knew this wasn't the right moment. But she certainly wanted it to be and by the looks of it, he did too.

The music died down and the incessant chatter of people flooded her conscious. He let go of her and she stepped away from him, the spell broken. They headed to the bar and she threaded her fingers with his, wondering at the back of her mind, when that little gesture had become so familiar, that it had ceased to surprise either of them. They leaned on the table, waiting to place their orders. She felt like ordering something alcoholic but then she was reminded of their little kiss at Ashley's bachelorette and thought better of it. Taking their glasses, they made their way to a quiet corner that was dimly lit and made her feel oddly intimate.

He leaned back into the couch, closing his eyes and trying to calm down. Dancing with her had been exhilarating to say the least and if anything he wanted to confess, wanted to tell her everything, because each moment, each day he spent with her made it harder to keep this emotion to himself. Sighing he opened his eyes and saw her sipping her drink absent-mindedly. Catching her eye, he smiled, his dimples deepening as he saw her grin back. Tonight had been nothing but surreal.

--oo0oo--

She snuggled deeper into the duvet as her mind hovered on the brink of sleep. It'd been close to two in the night when they'd come home and wishing him goodnight, she'd come to the room. But it seemed like sleep wasn't in for her today; she could think of nothing but him. Idlily she wondered just when had that moment come, the moment that made flipped her around, that caused her to do things, feel things she thought she'd never feel. Maybe it hadn't been a moment, maybe it was a journey; a journey that had started when she'd entered his cabin, and ended here. No, not ended, maybe it started here. Maybe every memory she had with him, every special thing he'd done for her, lead to this. This sleepless night when all she could think of was how much, just how much she loved him.

Somewhere, the intensity of her emotions frightened her. It terrified her that she could feel this way for anyone; that he had so much power over her. But what frightened her more was that he felt it too and that someday it'd come out in the open; this love thing. Right now, they did what their hearts said, not thinking of anything else, anyone else, but one day it'd come out. They would have to acknowledge this thing; they couldn't possibly dance around it for all eternity. And then things would change. And although it felt so right with him, a part of her never wanted to have to tell him about her feelings, it wanted to live in this moment forever, and she never wanted this feeling to end; this thrill of new love and this freedom to do what she pleased without having to tell him anything, it was so much easier like this. But she knew it wasn't possible, sooner or later one of them would say something that would create the shift in their relationship. And it worried her that she didn't know whether she wanted it to be sooner or later. In a last attempt to sleep, she plugged in her iPod, her eyes shutting tightly in nervous anticipation for tomorrow. It was their last day in Paris.

--oo0oo--

He shifted gear as they made conversation through the ride. The were driving to Giverny, about three hours away from Paris to see Auvers-sur-Oise, the house that Van Gogh lived in, in his last days and to see Claude Monet's famed water garden. The conversation flowed easily but she could tell something had already changed after last night, even though they hadn't said anything.

"So, how'd you become friends with Rahul and Muskaan?"

She looked at him, snapping out of her thoughts. "I've known Muskaan since fourth grade; she'd joined my school...and Rahul? I've known him my entire life. Literally. I've always been friends with him but he became my best friend the day we got to know that we had arrived at the orphanage on the same day, at the same time. It kind of brought us closer, that little fact. Sounds silly, I know, but he's been my best friend since then."

"Sometimes when you talk about them, I miss Abhi and Nikki...they are to me what Rahul and Muskaan are to you." He smiled a half smile.

She nodded in acknowledgement. "Am I not your friend?" she asked in mock anger.

He looked at her, grinning. "We're a little more than that, wouldn't you agree?"

She could only nod in stunned silence, her heart thudding.

--oo0oo--

They parked the car and made their way to the ticket office to buy passes for their tour. She enjoyed herself, art was something she loved and with him, it was even more special. He looked at her wonderstruck. This was getting too hard, he'd tell her today, no matter what. Taking a deep breath, he nodded to himself.

The garden wasn't far away, they walked towards it. She felt her phone beep and took it out.

Oye aaj last day hai, kuch kiya ki nahi?

- Muskaan

What do you mean?

- Riddhima

Stupid isn't your color, kameeni. You know what I'm talking about, did you tell him?

-Muskaan

No :(

- Riddhima

Main kya mahurat nikal ke doon? Bolna usse!

- Muskaan

She locked her phone and kept it back. She'd reply to the text later, the conversation was heading towards dangerous topics anyway.

They reached the garden and Riddhima could only look at it, her mouth parted with the sheer beauty of it. It was massive and had almost every kind of flower possible. The reds, blues, greens, yellows and pinks merged gorgeously, painting an exquisite picture in front of her, something that was too fantastical to be true; the kind of place that existed in fairy-tales and nowhere else.

They walked around in peaceful silence, observing the garden, taking pictures. A while later, he excused himself to go to the restroom and she took out her phone to reply to Muskaan's text.

I do Muskaan, I really do want to tell Armaan that I love him but it's terrifying! You can't blame me!

-Riddhima

She pressed send on her iPhone and saw the message being sent. Just then her eyes fell on the contact name and her breath whooshed out, leaving her pale with fear. Armaan? How the hell had she sent that text to ARMAAN? Understanding dawned on her; he was the last person she texted before Muskaan and in a hurry she'd touched the second name on her recently messaged list. She let out a string of profanities. She wanted to tell him, but definitely not like this! Her hands were sweaty with nervousness as she freaked out.

He came out of the washroom to find her looking pale and panicky. "Riddhima, are you alright?"

She looked up, her face stricken with fear. Oh God, this was infinitely more scary; knowing that her message lay in his inbox for him to read it. Making the first excuse she could think of she said, "Yeah I'm fine. Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

He moved aside, watching her retreating back with a puzzled expression. What had changed? Shrugging he took out his cell phone.

Riddhima paced the washroom. She'd called and texted Rahul and Muskaan but it seemed the two of them had taken this moment to forget about their cell phones. She gritted her teeth in frustration. A few minute later she realized it'd been too long since she'd been hiding here and that she'd have to get out eventually. Taking a deep breath, she hesitantly made her way out the washroom and towards him.

She went and stood beside him, wondering if he had seen his phone yet. Oddly enough, he was silent as they continued walking. A while later she relaxed too and decided to enjoy the garden and stop worrying about the text. She'd cross that bridge when it came.

Armaan looked at her, his head spinning with realization. He couldn't hold it in anymore, he had to know.

"You love me?" he asked her, hoping against hope that the answer was yes. It sounded too good to be true.

Riddhima cringed as his question ricocheted all around them. Time seemed to come to a standstill and everything - the beautiful garden, the flowers, everything faded into oblivion. It was only him. And her. And ofcourse the question hanging between them. Worry lines creased her forehead as she measured his words. So he'd read the text after all. Well ofcourse he did; she was the one who was stupid enough to send that text.

Her trail of thought came to an abrupt halt when he asked her again. "Do you?"

She wondered what to say. It was the moment of truth, there really wasn't anything she could fake; it had to come out.

"Yes, I'm in love with you." Her voice grew stronger as she continued. "Trust me, I didn't plan on it at all, but it happened anyway. And I know you probably don't feel the same-"

"Riddhima, I-"

"No, wait, let me finish. I know you're attracted to me; kind of hard to miss something that obvious. But attraction and love are different, aren't they? But I value our friendship Armaan. So even though you probably don't feel the same about me, please don't make it awkward between us!"

She stopped suddenly drawing in a deep breath. This was a million times tougher, not to mention more embarrassing than she'd thought. But things had to be cleared.

She opened her mouth again when he cut in.

"Ssshh. Shut up for a bit, Riddhima."

She closed her mouth, not knowing what to make of his words. Was he freaked out? Amused? She looked into his eyes and the warmth gave her a flicker of hope, still, she was more than nervous. She'd never felt more vulnerable in her entire life.

"Listen to me, Riddhima."

"But I-"

"Chup! Suno meri baat!" He shook his head, why wouldn't she let him get in a word edgewise?!

"Okay." Her voice was small and she bit her lip in anxiety.

"Riddhima Gupta. You stupid, stupid woman!" He glared at her to silence her when she opened her mouth to protest. "Why won't you just shut up and listen to me? I love you. I'm hopelessly in love with you; you're the most amazing, the most beautiful woman I've met and you drive me crazy. Now shut up and kiss me already."

His words struck her, wrapping themselves around her causing her heart to somersault like never before. She felt like she'd burst with happiness; no one had ever said something like that. Her heart raced madly as his words sunk in. He loved her. The enormity of his confession made her tingle with joy, and she knew in that moment that it was all worth it. She couldn't imagine why she had wanted to live without telling him, because then she wouldn't have known this, this absolute happiness and contentment that coursed through her. It felt surreal, every bit of it. Nevertheless, she leaned forward hesitantly.

Armaan saw her features relax as a slow smile made its way up her face. He smiled right back. He loved her, he loved everything about her. He loved how her color rose as she heard him say it; he loved how her eyes sparkled when it finally sunk in. He saw her lean forward and he snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her dangerously close. Not letting her breath linger on his lips for a moment longer, he pulled her into a tender kiss.

It wasn't the first time they'd kissed but in a lot of ways, it was their first kiss. She had no words to describe how right it felt, how she never wanted to break away and how her thoughts ceased to exist as her heart took over. He cupped her face, not wanting to move away. This was special. She was special.

And as he leaned his forehead against her, she had a thought. It had started; the change. But maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

--oo0oo-

So they finally confessed! :D Umm this is going to be a slightly long Author's Note, bear with me 😆

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHEAAA <3 I know it's not 22nd December yet, there's still 40 minutes to go :D I hope you liked your "gift". Ab achha waala comment dena 🤣

Secondly, I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has ever commented/liked this FF; this is as much your moment as it's mine <3 It's been 10 months since I started this story [yes, 10!] and finally they've confessed :D I apologize if anyone felt it was too slow, but I try to make it as real as I can and in real life, I think people take time :)

Thirdly, I'd love it if everyone commented 😳 I haven't demanded for comments in quite a while 😆 Besides, I think its a record; I don't think I've ever updated this quick 🤣

I love you guys <3 <3

xoxo

Aanya

Im going to try and make this as long as possible so if you feel like its short well... tough luck woman its the longest i could do!😆

Right im starting from the top,

Haha i loved Riddhimas anxiety to knowing what Armaans present was! I missed the text conversations :P They are so cute, lol Riddhima needs to control her anger! Aww it was cute how she pecked him on his cheek! <3 Shes like a kid sometimes, so cute!

I love how there is no awkwardness between them! They can talk about anything, hahhaha i love the cheekiness between them! Im glad they got to know more about each other, OMG i love How I Met Your Mother too! Its hilarious🤣 I havent watched all the episodes though :/

Im not suprised that Armaan was speechless when he saw Riddhima, any guy would be! Again there is no awkwardness, thats what i love about them, they hadnt confessed yet but they still acted like they were together in a way😆 Im glad Riddhima didnt decide to be shy or anything! Woah they had gotten close whilst dancing! 😉😆 I wish she had got drunk though, that wouldve been funny :P

I love that song :| Its been in my head for the past few weeks!

I loved how you described their feelings and thoughts, it was perfect! Sigh i wish she could tell straight away but im glad she didnt, it should be special!

Aw i love the way AR talk about their friendship with their friends :) THey describe them as family to them not friends :)

LOL i love the text convo's between Muski and Riddhima! HAWWW she sent it to Armaan!😲🤣 I bet it wasnt what he was expecting! :P

Let me tell you that wasnt how i thought Armaan would find out, but im glad he did its different than other confessions because in other ones they find out they love each other whilst htey confess but in this case Armaan found out before but he wanted to hear it from her :D

The confession between was so beautifully written <3 LOL Riddhima is seriously blabbering on whilst confessing? This girl yaar😆

But YES!! They confessed! Phew!! FINALLY!! Im so happy! We all been waiting so long for this confession! :D

Aww they kissed 😳 The way you worte their emotions about their confession was wow!

Well done Aanya! You should be happy with yourself! You did it!! :DD

Loved it all <333 (Obviously, its the moment we all been waiting for hehe)

Update soon 🤣 Soon ka matlab ABHI! :p