Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 66

hey dear

please update next part ... waiting anxiously fr ar interaction

Episode 81 - Thread 4 - Page 95 -

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It was late night and there was still no sign of Riddhima. Armaan twisted and turned in his bed waiting for her, but looked like she wasn't going to come. Then as he heard the click on his door knob he slumped back into his bed. Turning his face on other side he pretended to sleep. Within next few seconds, he heard something rub over his bedsheet and then felt the mattress pressing down as if someone has just lain on his bed.

Armaan smiled unknowingly. With his eyes still closed, he turned around to face the person lying next to him. He felt a hand over his face and placed his own on it. He caressed the hand lovably with his. But then confused... he flinched. Why is it so hard?

He opened his eyes and, "AAA..."

"AAA'" matched the other person.

Armaan got up instantly from his bed and turned the lights on. "BHAI?" he yelled rubbing his eyes. Was he seeing right? Or was he hallucinating?

"Saale..." Atul rubbed his ear, sitting up.

"Bhai tu yahaan kya kar raha hai? Aur wo Ri..." Armaan stopped himself from taking Riddhima's name and repeated, "Tu yahaan kya kar raha hai Bhai?"

"Hockey khelne aya tha." Atul snapped, "Saale, main kya tujhe target practice ke liye lagaya punching bag lagta hu. Subah se mere peeche pada hai. Pahle meri kamar aur ab mera kaan..." Atul looked at him irritated rubbing his ear.

"You deserve it. Ulte seedhe kaam to tu hi karta hai Bhai." Armaan replied matching his tone, "Don't you blame me for that. And you still didn't answer my question, why are you here instead of your own room? Anjali Bhabhi ne room se baahar phenk diya kya tujhe?" Armaan stood with his hand on his hips.

"Kuchh aisa hi samajh le..." Atul mumbled straightening his duvet.

"Kya?" Armaan walked closer.

"Teri waali ke chakkar mein, meri waali ne mujhe mere hi room se nikaal diya." Atul repeated.

"Kya?" Armaan asked again.

"Arey yaar, tubelight. Riddhima Anjali se baatein karte-karte wahin mere room mein so gayi..." Atul said frowning irritably.

"Riddhima wahaan so gayi...?" Armaan mumbled audibly while Atul continued.

"Hmm... to Anjali ne mujhe kahin aur jaake sone ko kaha."

"Aur tu yahaan chala aya?" Armaan questioned slightly sarcastically.

"To aur main kahaan jata?" Atul laid on bed covering himself.

Armaan pulled his duvet away, "Tu dusre kisi room mein bhi to so sakta tha na? Ghar mein rooms ki kami hai kya? Itne saare khaali pade hain."

"Pahli baat ye ki, you are forgetting that there are still few guests in the house. So most of the rooms are still occupied. Aur dusri baat... teri biwi mere room mein meri biwi ke paas so gayi aur ab mujhe meri biwi ke bina sona padega. To uski saja tujhe hi to milni chaahiye, isnt it? To aaj raat ke liye main yahin sounga.Waise bhi tere room ka AC jyada achchha hai." Atul pulled the covers back.

Armaan looked at him unbelievably, "NO WAYS, no matter what the reason is. I don't care. You cant sleep here. Agar raat ko Ri..." he stopped and changing the statement he was about to say, he added, "I mean tu yahaan nahi so sakta, and thats final." With that he pulled the duvet towards himself once again.

Atul understood what Armaan was about to say before he changed his words, "Riddhima gehri neend mein soyi hui hai, aur wo raat ko yahaan nahi aane waali. Aur woh uth bhi gayi, to bhi Anjali use yahaan aane nahi degi... atleast not today. Main raat ko yahin sone wala hu aur THIS is final." With that he snatched his cover and slept facing other side.

Armaan looked at him shocked. 'WHAT? ARGHHH...' he yelled silently. What is going on? For a few minutes he kept pacing in the room, trying to find a solution to the problem that lay on his bed, but nothing came. Finally scratching his head in frustration, he went to the bed and slumped on it facing other side.

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"Riddhima ne breakfast kar liya?" Omang asked as he got up from dining table wiping his hands with a small towel, after finishing his breakfast.

"Haan Kar liya. Wo to subah bhot jaldi uth gayi thi. Main jab neeche aayi tab Anjali aur wo dono hi jaagi hui thi. Humne use apne saath subah hi breakfast karwa liya." Aarti replied.

"Chalo achchha hai. Is time kahaan hai wo?" Omang gave her the towel.

"Anjali ke room mein hai. Aaj bhi sara din kisi na kisi guest ka ana-jana laga hi rahega. Phir raat ko reception bhi hai. Isliye maine use room mein araam karne ko kaha hai." She said.

"OK... Aur wo dono neend ke maare ab tak so rahe hain kya?" He asked.

"Armaan to shaayad uth gaya hai. Chatur gaya tha uske room mein uske Juice dene. I think he is in the Gym right now. Aur Atul to apne time se hi uthega." She said.

"Good-Morning Mom. Good-Morning Dad." Atul greeted them sleepily as he walked into the dining room rubbing his eyes childishly.

"Teri neend ab tak poori nahi hui?" Omang asked firmly. "Aaj jaldi uthne ko kaha tha na tujhe."

"Kya karun Dad..." He yawned, "...aapke us sher ne mujhe saari raat sone nahi diya." Rubbing his eyes again, he added, "Bed pe idhar se udhar gymnastic karta raha."

"Tujhse to pahle hi uth gaya wo phir bhi." Omang pointed.

"Uthega gaya? Ye boliye nayi-nayi biwi ke chakkar mein na khud soya na mujhe sone diya kambakht ne." He mumbled sitting on a chair.

Anjali who was sitting a little away, hear that. She smirk asking, "Waise wo ab hai kahaan?"

"Mullah ki daud masjid tak. Aur kahaan hoga, gym mein laga hua hai loha todne." He yawned again scratching his head.

"Hmm, theek hai. Tu, jaake ab fresh ho ja. Riddhima Tumhaare hi room mein hai ab bhi, to ya to Armaan ke room mein hi naha lena, ya guest room mein. Baaki ke bache guests subah ki flight se waapis chale gaye hain, isliye ab guest rooms khaali hain." Aarti replied. "Anjali bete iske jaldi se iske kapde dedo. Bhot kaam hai aaj." She went back to the kitchen.

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It was evening again. Now the limit of his patience was giving up. Earlier it was just irritating, but now it was getting frustrating. He still hasn't seen Riddhima. Whole day, she stayed in Anjali's room. Now she has been sent to the Parlor with Anjali to get ready for their Reception party. And what was he doing, sitting on his damn bed, ripping the newspaper into pieces and pondering why is he feeling so grumpy?

"Armaan Chachu, aap ab tak tayyar nahi hue?" Vaibhav ran into his room, "Yash bhi aane wala hai thodi der mein. Jaldi tayyar ho jao."

"Ho jaunga yaar." He said slowly pulling Vaibhav into his lap.

"Aapko kya hua? Itne sad-sad kyun ho?"

"Kuchh nahi." He mumbled sadly. Then asked, "Waise Champ, sab log kahaan hai?"

Vaibhav shrugged. "Neeche kaam kar rahe hain."

"Kaam?" he raised a brow.

"Haan kaam. Dadi aur Badi Dadi neeche hall mein rakkhe hue packets pe kuchh likh rahi hain. Dad aur Dadu Gaadi mein samaan rakhwa rahe hain. Aur Dad saath-saath mein phone pe kisi se baat bhi kar rahe hain." He replied.

"Hmm... aur... aur baaki sab?" He probed further.

"Baaki sab kaun? Sabka to bata diya." Vaibhav looked at him. Armaan raised his brow. Vaibhav understood, "Oh, Mom? Wo to Parlor gayi hain Angel ke saath. Mujhe bhi jana tha, par Mom ne mujhe daant diya, kahne lagi ki bachche parlor nahi jaate. Minnie Bua ki shaadi mein bhi to main aur Yash Parlor gaye the na. Phir bhi wo mujhe akela chhod ke chali gayi, Angel ko leke." He pouted unhappily.

"Mujhe bhi." Armaan muttered sighing.

"Superman... Vibhi..." Yash knocked at the door.

"Yash..." Vaibhav ran to open the door, "Tu aa gaya?"

"Haan." Yash came in and greeted, "Good-Evening Superman."

"Good-Evening Lil Champ." Armaan smiled.

Yash looked around and asked excitedly, "Bua kahaan hai?"

"Angel to Mom ke saath parlor gayi hain, mujhe akela chhod ke." Vibhi made a face while Yash's face fell too. Armaan noticed it.

"Kya yaar, tum logon ka muh aise kyun latak gaya? Main hu na." He said cheerfully, "Lets play for a while." He suggested.

Vaibhav and Yash's face lit up at the idea and they shook their heads vigorously. They went to the entertainment room to play on Armaan's PS for a while.

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Downstairs, Aarti, Dadi, Atul and Omang welcomed Padma, Shashank, Rahul and Muskaan. Aarti told them that Riddhima has gone to the parlor with Anjali to get ready.

"Aur Armaan-Vibhi kahaan hai?" Padma asked.

"Aur kahaan honge, ya to Armaan ke room mein, ya phir Vibhi ke room mein." Atul replied. Looking around he added, "And now I think, even Yash has joined them."

Omang checked his watch, "Its already 05:30pm. Main nikalta hu Reception Venue ke liye. Wahaan ke arrangements check kar leta hu ek baar phir se."

"Dad, aap jyada stress mat lena. Aaj to Kabir Bhai bhi hai wahaan. Maine unhe pahle hi kah diya hai sab kuchh re-check karne ke liye." Atul informed.

"Jaanta hu Atul, par phir bhi, ghar se bhi to kisi na kisi ka wahaan rahna zaroori hai. By chance agar koi guest time se jaldi aa gaya to, unhe bhi to dekhna hai." Omang fussed.

"Dad, sab ho jaayega. Kabir Bhai ne sab kuchh sambhaal rakha hai." Atul assured again.

"Theek hai. Par main phir bhi wahaan jaa raha hu. Aap log araam se ek-dedh (one or, one and a half) ghante mein pahunch jana. Party 07:30pm start ho jaayegi."

"Bhaisaab, chaliye main bhi chalta hu aapke saath." Shashank offered. Omang smiled nodding.

"Uncle, Papa rukiya main bhi chalta hu." Rahul offered.

"Nahi Rahul beta, tum yahi raho. I Guess, Atul might need a hand here. Wo guests ke liye jo gifts wageraah hai, unhe handle kar lena bas. Phir thodi der mein sab ladies ko leke aa jana Atul ke saath. Bachche to Armaan ke saath hi aayenge." Omang said. "Anjali directly Venue pe hi pahunchegi Riddhima ke saath. Arey haan yaad aya, Muskaan kahaan hai? Dikh nahi rahi." He asked looking around.

"Oh, I am sorry, main batana bhul gaya. Anjali ne phone kiya tha. Hum log Parlor ki side se hi hote hue aa rahe hain aur Muskaan ko wahin Parlor chhod ke aye hain."

"Hmm... to theek hai, phir Muskaan bhi Anjali aur Riddhima ke saath aa jaayegi." Omang said.

"Ji." Rahul nodded and offered again, "Aap kaho to main chalkar aapki thodi help karwa deta."

"Arey nahin, iski zaroorat hi nahi padegi. Sab kaam pahle hi ho chuke hain bete. Atul ne pahle he sab karwa rakha hai. Phir usne abhi bataya na, Kabir bhi hai aaj to wahaan pe. So, nothing to worry about. Main to yu samjho ek formality ke liye jaa raha hu. Just to ensure that none of the early arrivals misses a welcome." He smiled placing his hand over his shoulder. Rahul smiled back as Omang and Shashank left.

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"Atul, agar Aunty aur Dadi tayyar hain to chalein ab. Its already 07:00pm. Uncle ne kaha tha ke Party 07:30pm shuru hogi. Is time traffic bhot hoga. Yahaan se venue pahunchne mein bhi abhi atleast 30 minutes lagenge." Rahul said putting the glass of water on the table.

"Haan, time to ho gaya hai." Atul checked his watch. He went to ask Aarti, who was sitting with Dadi and Padma in the Dining Hall. "Mom..." Atul called as he entered the Dining Hall. "Its already seven. Party shuru hone ka time hone wala hai. Chale ab?"

Aarti replied, "Arey haan. Baaton mein pata hi nahi chala kaise time beet gaya." She turned towards Padma and Dadi, "Maaji, Bhabhji, chalein, late ho raha hai."

"Ji Chaliye." Padma nodded getting up.

"Achcha Atul, Chatur, Kammo, Shambhu aur baaki sabko bol diya hai na, ki thodi der mein sab kuchh theek se lock karke Venue pahunch jaaye?" Aarti asked.

"Bol diya hai Mom. Shambhu Kaka ko especially bol diya hai. Wo sab check kar lenge. Unke liye bus bhi tayyar khadi hai. Waise bhi security waale to hain na. You don't worry." He replied.

Aarti bobbed her head, then she recalled, "Aur Armaan, wo kahaan hai?"

Atul squinted unsurely, "I think upar apne room mein hi hoga. Vibhi aur Yash bhi usi ke saath honge. I haven't seen them till."

"Wo log kya ab tak neeche nahi aaye?" She asked.

"No. Not yet."

"Hey bhagwaan, kahin wo log so to nahi gaye, ya kahin game khelne mein to nahi lage?"

"No idea." Atul shrugged.

"Pata nahi Armaan ab tak tayyar hua bhi hai ya nahi. Baaton ke chakkar mein, mere to dimaag se hi baat nikal gayi." She said worriedly, "Atul, immediately upar jaake dekho wo log kya kar rahe hain. Aur Armaan ko bolo wo bachchon ko leke jaldi chale. Jiski reception hai, use hi kuchh hosh nahi hai. Kab samajhega ye ladka." She shook disapprovingly.

"Ok Mom. Tab tak aap log baahar gaadi mein chalke baitho. Rahul baahar hi wait kar raha hai. Main abhi ata hu un teeno shaitaano ko check karke." With that Atul went upstairs.

"Aur wo sab gifts, jo tumhaare Dad ne kaha tha?" she asked.

"Wo sab bhi rakhwa diya hai ek gaadi mein. Humaare saath hi chalenge wo bhi." He informed.

"Theek hai. Chaliye Maaji, Bhabhiji..." Aarti, Padma and Dadi left. Rahul saw them coming and took hold of Dadi's wheelchair and helped them settle in the car.

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In the meanwhile, Atul checked both Armaan's as well as Vibhi's room, but the trio were nowhere to be seen. Then he heard some noises coming from the Entertainment room... thanks to the slightly open door. He knew they were there... obviously.

"Tum log ab tak khel rahe ho. Party ke liye jana nahi hai kya? Der ho rahi hai. Its already past seven." Atul said loudly as he barged in and switched the LCD off.

"Oh shit." Armaan checked his watch and muttered, "Didn't realize that."

"Chalo ab, sab log jaa chuke hain." Atul said firmly looking at the two little boys, then looking at Armaan, his jaw fell open in shock, "WHATS THIS?"

"What?" Armaan looked at him confused.

"Tu abhi tak tayyar nahi hai." Atul asked loudly.

Armaan glanced down at himself and bit his tongue, "Didn't realize that either. Sorry."

"Sorry ke bachche, Mom neeche hi hain abhi. Unhe pata chala to aaj to teri khair nahi." Atul glared at him looking up and down.

"Tum log chalo, I will get ready in jiffy and will be there at Venue by 08:00pm." Armaan said as they left the Entertainment room and walking towards Armaan's room.

"Yeah sure. Party starts at 07:30pm, and the groom himself will be arriving at eight. Why? Coz he was playing video games with two little devils." He commented while Vaibhav glared at him. Atul chose to igrnore it and continued, "Mom-Dad to naraaz honge hi, sab log puchenge uska kya?" Atul reprimanded.

"Sorry bola na yaar. Please, just for today cover up for me. I promise I will try to be there ASAP." He requested again entering his room. When Atul still didn't look happy, he blackmailed pouting cutely, "Bhai, itna nahi kar sakta apne chhote bhai ke liye? Maine bhi to kitni baar tere liye Mom-Dad se daant khaayi hai."

Atul looked at him incredulously, "Saale, tujhe naatak sujh raha hai. Mom-Dad tujhe to kuchh bolenge nahi, teri reception jo hai. Ulta mujhe daant padegi."

Armaan joined his hand in request and nudged Yash and Vaibhav for help, who has been following them, listening their chit-chat quietly.

"Haan Dad... Please help." Vaibhav requested.

"Uncle Please..." Yash joined in too.

Atul sighed, "Alright. But make it fast." Armaan and the kids smiled widely. Atul then instructed the kids, "Tum log neeche chalo, Rahul wahin wait kar raha hai."

"Nahi, hum chachu ke saath aayenge." Vaibhav said stubbornly hugging Armaan's waist from side, while Yash too held his hand.

"Its ok Bhai, tu jaa. Main in dono ko le aaunga apne saath." Armaan assured.

"Theek hai." Atul nodded and went out hurriedly.

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The Reception was held at one of the biggest Farm Houses situated near the outskirt of the city, away from disturbing noise and traffic. But today, the place looked as if it was one like rest of the busy city. Almost over two hundred cars and other carrying vehicles from every class and brand, from maruti to BMW, from a car worth 4 lakh to a car worth over 14 carore, could be seen escorted by the guards and parking assistants towards the car park.

But there was a big difference between this party or any other high class party. Joshis, Maliks and Guptas have invited almost every person from their circle, no matter which financial class they belonged to. None of the useless showoff celebrities of guests were invited. There were only people from their friend circle, relatives, close professional circle, and people from their staff... Nobody else.

Armaan had been strict and adamant, to limit invitations only to those people who actually care for them, or they knew them well enough on the personal level, not the whole world. As he said during the marriage as well, this was his personal matter and he didn't want useless people to invade his personal space. Even though they tried hard to get a chance to pick some clicks, but the media was also kept away from everything.

It was around 07:55pm. Kabir has taken over the security. Omang, Shashank, Rahul and Atul were busy taking care of the guests; while Aarti, Padma and Dadi too sat at one of the sittings, chatting with some of their female guests. The guests, as expected by Omang have started arriving a little earlier than the originally mentioned party time. Armaan still haven't arrived yet.

Anjali, has already come with Riddhima and Muskaan a few minutes back and were escorted in a dressing room in the cottage of the farm house from the back door.

"Mom..." Atul interrupted Aarti who was conversing with one of the lady guests. She turned to him and went a little away with him while excusing herself from the group of ladies for a while.

"Kya baat hai Atul?" Aarti asked.

"Mom, Anjali aur Muskaan, Riddhima ko leke aa chuke hain. Maine unhe farm house ki peeche waale entrance se cottage ke andar bhej diya hai." He told.

"Oh, to unhe baahar bula lo. Guest to kab se aa chukke hain. Sab puchh rahe hain." She said looking around and smiling at a few passer-bys at the same time.

"Bula to lu, par..." He trailed apprehensively.

"Par kya?" she looked him suspiciously.

"Aapko ladla ab tak nahi pahuncha hai." He muttered.

"KYA?" she said loudly, then lowered her voice as he hushed her, "Kya?" she asked again in a whisper to which he shook his head. "Ye ladka bhi na' Aaj tak dekha aur suna tha ki aksar dulhanein aise mauke pe late hoti hain, par isne to sab record tod diye." she shook her head disapprovingly. "Abhi use phone lagao aur puchho ki wo kahaan hai." She instructed.

Just then Atul's phone buzzed. "Armaan hai." He told Aarti and took the call as Aarti waited watchin him talk over the phone, "Armaan, kahaan hai tu. Kitni der ha gayi hai. Sab guests tere baare mein puchh rahe hain." He paused for a moment as Armaan told him something and the said, "Oh... anyways. How is he now?" another pause, "Ok, take the entrance on the backside of the farm house. Kabir is already there and I am coming there too. Hurry up, we all are waiting for you." He closed the call with that.

"Kya hua?" Aarti asked.

"Armaan ka phone tha Mom. Wo actually Armaan to pahle hi pahunch jata, par Yash stairs se slip ho gaya, to..." he told.

"Hey bhagwaan, wo theek to hai?" Aarti interrupted worriedly.

"Arey Mom, he is fine. Kuchh nahi hua. Wo main door waali stairs se phisal gaya tha, ghar ke andar waali nahi..." he assured.

"Thank god." Aarti sighed. There were only 6 stairs at the main door that led to the porch in front of the banglow, so there was very less probability for anyone get hurt even if someone slips from there. "Par phir itni der kaise ho gayi use?" she probed further.

"Yash slip hoke sidha stairs ke paas waali kyaari (Flower-beds) mein gira, aur uske sab kapde kharaab ho gaye. Bas ye dekh ke wo rone laga, ­isliye Armaan ko use chup karwaane aur phir uski dress change karne mein der lag gayi." He explained.

"Hmm..." Aarti understood.

"Don't worry Mom, he is close. Abhi 5 minute mein pahunch jaayega. Main peeche waale entrance pe ja raha hu. Use aur Riddhima dono ko saath leke hi ata hu 10 minute mein." He placed his hand on her assuringly.

"Theek hai, tab tak main tumhaare Dad ko bata deti hu, taaki wo lights waale ko..." She said.

"Uski zaroorat nahi padegi. Main Rahul ko bol deta hu, wo dekh lega." He interrupted, "Aap jaake bas apne guests ko dekho, aur Dad ko bas inform kar do ki wo log 10 minute mein aa rahe hain." with that he walked away.

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Atul checked his watch as he stood beside the back side entrance of the Farm house waiting for Armaan and kids. Two guards were also present there to watch his back. He saw Armaan's car arriving and thanked god.

"Thank God you came." Atul interrupted as soon as he saw Armaan step out and help the boys.

"Sorry Bhai, wo thodi problem ho gayi thi." Armaan apologized again, "Mom aur Dad jyada gussa to nahi ho rahe the?" he asked as he got escorted towards the cottage.

"Mom naraaz to thi, par maine unhe tere late hone ka reason bata diya hai. Ab jaldi kar." Atul lead him towards the cottage entrance.

"Mubarakkho Armaan."

Armaan turned his attention towards Kabir, who stood behind Atul. "Thanks Kabir Bhai." He came forward, as they hugged each other.

Kabir asked parting from hug, "Aur sab kaise chal raha hai?"

"Yahaan to sab theek hi hai, par main aapse bhot naraaz hu." Armaan complained.

"Kyun bhai, maine kya kiya. Kiya to aapne hai. Chupke-chupke shaadi bhi kar li." Kabir smiled.

"Chupke-Chupke? Chupke se nahi ki Khan Bhai, aapko bhi to invite kiya tha. Par aap hi gaayab the." Armaan replied showing fake anger. He very well knew the reason behind Kabir and his family's absence on his wedding.

"Uske liye to main bhi Sorry hu." Kabir apologized regretfully.

"Chaliye koi baat nahi. Aap aaj aa gaye, wo bhi kaafi hai." Armaan smiled.

"Ab jaldi karo yaar. Sab wait kar rahe hain." Atul interjected. Kabir led them inside. As soon as they entered the cottage, Atul asked, "Sun Armaan, tujhe fresh wageraah to nahi hona?"

"No I am fine." Armaan replied.

"Theek hai, tu yahin ruk, main Anjali-Muskaan ko bolta hu wo Riddhima ko le aaye." He said dialing Anjali's number.

"They have come?" Armaan asked.

"Long ago." Atul commented before he spoke to Anjali over the phone. "Hello... Anjali Riddhima ko baahar le aao... Jaldi, its already late..." he paused, "Armaan aa gaya hai..." again he paused for a second, "Ok, but hurry, Mom is getting angry."As soon as finished the call, he looked at Armaan. "They are coming." Armaan just nodded.

Just then they saw someone run into the corridor frantically. Armaan called, "Hey Minnie..."

Minnie ignored him and replied while sprinting towards Riddhima's room, "Later Bhaiya."

"Kamaal hai. Meri to koi value hi nahi hai." Armaan mumbled and heard Atul chortle. "What?" He asked as Atul looked at him up and down, checking his appearance.

Atul pursed his lips, "Uh, nothing. I was just checking, if you look and have dressed decent enough to match Riddhima today."

Armaan narrowed his eyes and understood his teasing tone. "Huh, you are forgetting Bhai, you are talking to the most charming man on the earth." He replied pulling collars of his White Sherwaani. "Maybe She will have to match my charm, not the other way round."

"We will see who has to stand up to whose standards... and who is more enticing." Atul said meaningfully. He had seen Riddhima when he escorted her with Anjali and Muskaan into the cottage earlier. His first reaction on seeing Riddhima has earned him a tight slap from Anjali as he has been rooted to his place awestruck by Riddhima's appearance.

"Will see." Armaan replied confidently looking towards the door of the outside passage. Soon he felt a soft breeze flowing causing his eyes to close momentarily. He shook his head looking at the commotion in the Party lawn through the glass doors. Then he heard Yash and Vaibhav's voice. They called Riddhima's name and must have ran towards her, but Armaan chose to ignore it.

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Same time in the room where Riddhima sat with Anjali and Muskaan, waiting for the signal to come out. Its been almost half an hour they have arrived. Riddhima was getting more and more nervous. She was not a party person and never felt comfortable being the center of attraction, but to her dismay, today she had no other option.

"Stop fidgeting with your dupatta Baby..." Muskaan reprimanded her again, "...you will ruin it."

"Sorry Bhabhi." Riddhma said in a low voice.

"Muskaan..." Anjali looked at her and spoke in a warning tone.

"What?" Muskaan shrugged.

"Would you stop adding to her anxiety." Anjali said and walked near Riddhima. "She is already nervous and you are not being helpful but scolding her again and again." Riddhima smiled at her gratefully while she returned the smile by blinking softly.

"Ohho, devaraani-jethaani mein itna pyaar? Ye to nayi discovery hai." Muskaan chuckled.

"Shut up." Anjali rolled her eyes, "Ye meri devaraani nahi hai..." she held Riddhima's chin and smiled, "...she is my little sister." Riddhima hugged her lightly.

"Haan-haan, tumhe to chhoti behen mil gayi, aur Riddhima ko badi. Tch, ab mujh gareeb ko kaun puchhega." Muskaan said dramatically making a sad face.

"Bhabhi..." Riddhima looked at her, "Aap aise kyun bol rahe ho? I am..."

Anjali cut in, "Baby, tu kyun pareshaan ho rahi hai. Ye tujhe bas tease kar rahi hai. Nautanki."

"Haan-haan main to nautanki hi hu ab." Muskaan faked to sob. Riddhima looked at her confused. Muskaan stole a glance and a second later burst out laughing surprising Riddhima, "Baby, tu bhi na... bhot bholi hai." She pinched her cheeks.

Grasping her teasing, Riddhima jerked her hand away and she pouted, "Bhabhi, jao main aapse baat nahi karti." She turned away crossing her arms.

Anjali smiled at her and turned her back, "Riddhima, naraaz mat ho. This darma-queen was just trying to ease up your nervousness."

Muskaan glared at her for calling her 'drama-queen', but didn't say anything as Anjali ignored her glares. "Baby ab bas kar yaar. Abhi kuchh minute mein baahar jana hai. Wahaan sabke saamne aise muh bana ke jaayegi to sab kya sochenge?" Muskaan said. "Shmile my chweet-chweet Doll." Riddhima finally giggled at the tone she called her.

"Riddhima, if you wanna freshen up, then go right now. Warna baad mein baahar jaane ke par pareshaani hogi." Anjali instructed pointing towards her heavy dress. Riddhima nodded and went to the attached washroom obediently.

"She looks beautiful." Anjali mumbled as she saw her close the door of the washroom.

"Hmm..." Muskaan agreed looking in the same direction smiling. Then added, "I wonder how will Armaan manage stand straight on his feet when he sees her today."

"Absolutely." Anjali chuckled, "Aaj finally... humaare us Vishwamitra ki tapasya bhang karne ke liye, humaari ye cute si innocent Menka ekdum ready hai."

"...ready with all her ammunitions." Muskaan chortled while winking meaningfully.

Anjali heard her phone ring and picked it, "Hello... Atul... haan theek hai... Bas 2 minutes, Riddhima is in the washroom... Yes don't worry." Closing the call she told Muskaan. "Atul tha. Armaan has come and they are calling us outside." She saw Riddhima come out of the washroom. "Riddhima, chalo... its time."

Riddhima felt nervous yet again on hearing that. She held the edge of her dupatta once again. Muskaan held her hand to stop her and pressed it assuringly while Anjali held her by her shoulder for moral support.

"Riddhima don't worry. You look beautiful. Just relax." Muskaan said.

"Par Bhabhi, you know na, itne sab logon ke saamne, wo bhi aise..." she glanced at her attire, "...I mean I feel uncomfortable." Riddhima replied unsurely.

"Riddhima..." Anjali said, "You know most of the guests out there, they aren't strangers. Most of them are from your office."

"Wohi to Bhabhi. Main aaj tak aise kabhi unke saamne nahi gayi." Riddhima asked.

"To kya hua? Ab tak nahi gayi to ab sahi. Waise bhi apni shaadi pe har ladki aise sabke saamne jaati hai. Ismein itna conscious hone ki kya baat?" Muskaan said.

"Absolutely. Waise bhi hum mein se koi na koi waise bhi har waqt tumhaare saath rahega. So don't worry. But if you still feel nervous... then just look at Armaan." Anjali added meaningfully.

Riddhima didn't understand what Anjali meant and Muskaan noticed that. Somewhere from within she as well as Anjali knew that once Armaan is with Riddhima, all her apprehensions will automatically fade away, without even her knowing it. Muskaan also knew that if they continued teasing her, it will only increase her nervousness and confusion. So she said blinking assuringly, "Don't worry Baby, Anjali ne abhi kaha na, hum bhi to wahin honge."

The door opened with a bang and there entered a panting Minnie, "Sorry-sorry-sorry... Late aane ke liye I am really sorry."

"Minnie ki bachchi, ab aa rahi hai tu?" Anjali scolded.

Minnie said breathing heavily, "Sorry kaha na Bhabhi log. Thoda atak gayi thi traffic mein."

"Haan-haan, hum agar teri shaadi mein atak jaate traffic mein to?" Muskaan scoffed.

"Aap to rahne hi do, aap to aaye bhi nahi the tab." Minnie retorted closing Muskaan's mouth.

"Par baaki sab to the na. Baaki sab late ho jaate to? Aur Riddhima, wo bhi thi. Wo agar late ho jaati to?" Anjali added.

Minnie laughed catching her breath, "Isiliye to maine unhe pahle hi apne ghar mein hijack karke rakha tha." her gaze fell on Riddhima. Her mouth opened in appreciative surprise, "WOW..." she exclaimed, "Riddhima Bhabhi, aap bhot-bhot-bhot-bhot pyaari lag rahi ho aaj."

"Th-thanks Minnie." Riddhima replied lowering her lashes nervously.

"Aaj to Armaan bhaiya gaye kaam se." she voiced. Riddhima looked up questioningly.

"Minnie..." Anjali said muttered with gritted teeth as she realized that Minnie's comments will only add to Riddhima's agitation. "...stop it. She is already damn nervous." Minnie bit her tongue understanding her reference. Anjali slapped her back, "Now move your butt out of here. We are getting late." And the ladies paced out of the room slowly.

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Riddhima walked slowly. Anjali walking on one side with one of her arms around Riddhima's shoulder and Muskaan on other side holding her other hand. Minnie walked on one side still staring at Riddhima in rapt excitement. Atul saw them entering and noticed for the first itme how beautiful all the ladies were looking.

Anjali wore a slight pale red colored saree made of net, with golden patterns and matching embroidery around border, lower portions and on the pallu. Her saree had golden flares that seem to have emerged from her toes and moving up against the gravity. Her sleeveless blouse with a low-cut back made her look even more enticing than ever. She wore a kundan set with dark red stones stemmed into gold... an extra-ordinarily exquisite neckless, matching danglers, a huge ring and a bracelet in her left hand that she wore along with beautiful golden-red bangles. Her hair cut down in steps was left loose. She looked like perfect picture of royalty. His beautiful wife was en elegant queen today. Queen of Atul's heart.

Muskaan wore an green saree. There were beautiful floral and big leafy patterns in its golden embroidery which stood out splendidly giving it a little more edge. The pallu wasn't actually multicolor, but the fabric of saree was made in such a way that it shone giving away an impression of all the rainbow colors. Even though, Muskaan was now in her final month of pregnancy, she didn't look oddly fat or anything because of that. The glow on her face was double fold today. First due to her pregnancy, secondly due to the bliss she felt on seeing Riddhima and Armaan together. Her curly hair tied up at the back with the help of Brooch like hair pin, with some tresses left loose on either side of her face. Her golden color American diamond jewelry complimented her pale-green saree quite appropriately. And her wrists was filled with green glass bangles.

Then Minnie. She wore a light yellow Lancha with its embroidery done in golden thread. The embroidery had circular patterns all over her lancha. She wore a spaghetti styled long blouse, that was kind of unusual to wear with a Lancha, but Minnie has her own style statement. The dupatta with her dress was made with net material and was tucked in beautifully over her shoulder and then running around her waist. Her front hair was tied back with a floral hair pin on the top of her head and rest over the neck was left loose. She wore almost two dozens all gold bangles in both her wrists. She wore gold color precious stone jewelry set that had heavy neckless, big danglers, and a medium sized mang tikka.

But the one who stood out among all of them was walking with her head lowered in the middle. Riddhima.

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