TheWorld'sOldestStory!!#12|pg135 inc updt|03/02/12 - Page 64

All's But Fine..

Umar bhai started everyday of his seventeen year old career at the hospital at seven in the morning. It was his responsibility to make sure the hospital was spick and span before the staff came in for their morning duties everyday. Of course many of the interns and doctors spent most of their nights at the hospital, or were sometimes called in early for an emergency. Some of the nurses on night duty would bid him a goodbye for the day while he came in. And mostly the first year interns would be rushing to the nurse station, mostly late for their duties, dreading Dr. Keerti's punishment - the rectal exams! But on a few mornings, like this one today, he came across Dr. Armaan Mallik shooting hoops at the hospital basketball court.

"Namaste Dr. Armaan!", he wished him through the wired net that circumscribed the court. It kept the ball from going out into the parking lot.

"Good morning Umar bhai! Kaise hain aap!", as always Dr. Armaan flashed his dimpled smile at him while dribbling the ball. It was amazing how this guy always seemed to be so happy. Even after all that the hospital was talking about him, he seemed unnaturally elated about something these days. He really liked this guy! All the hate and rumors against him that the hospital was flooded with didn't affect the way he looked at the good doctor. He wasn't there at his party and what he did outside the hospital wasn't really his concern. But what mattered was that he always treated him with respect and had the most infectious smile. It somehow made him return his morning greetings, though he wasn't accustomed to wishing anyone that way, "Good maarning Dr. Armaan.. Kya baat hai aaj bohot dino baad dikhe aap yaha. Shaadi tey hote hi baskitbaal chod diya kya?", he asked him in jest, which only made Dr. Armaan chuckle, "Nahi nahi Umar bhai.. Chod nahi diya.. Bas time hi nahi mila.. Par ab wo match hai na.. Toh practice karni hai..", he explained to him as he shot another basket in the hoop..

Umar bhai didn't understand much of this game, but he was quite impressed by Dr. Mallik's skills anyway.. He wouldn't have mind standing there and watching him play. But he had work to do! He didn't get paid for standing around and watch doctors play basketball. So he decided to leave Armaan alone to his practice, "Accha accha.. Aap practice kijiyega.. Hum chalte hain.."

Armaan shot him a small smile and returned to shooting another basket as he spoke, "Okay Umar bhai.. See you around!"

"Haan haan.. Aapko bhi..", Not understanding what the doctor meant by that, Umar bhai just chuckled and walked away.. He had the entire eight storied hospital to clean.. He just hoped his staff was on time today! Or he was going to complain to Dr. Shashank! He wasn't going to take it anymore!!

Armaan continued to smile, just as he had been for the last fifteen minutes since he had arrived, as he dribbled the ball and shot baskets intermittently.. The only thought on his mind - and the source of his big dimpled smile - was of his date last night. Who else did he ever think of anyway.. Riddhima ki dress.. Riddhima ke shoes.. Riddhima ka bag.. Riddhima ke baal.. Riddhima ki ankhen.. Riddhima ke hont.. Riddhima ka etc etc.. The list went on and on.. And he could never give enough time to think about every specific detail about his Basket! How she captivated him even when she wasn't even present there.. Well.. He preferred it that way.. Captivation was better as opposed to the testosterone fuelled imagination that took over when she came in front of him these days.. Stop! No thinking about that!! He reprimanded his brain as it kept throwing crazy images at him, not to mention arouse feelings in him that made his heart beat wild.. That was not the only reaction the aroused feelings caused in his body.. But aargh!! He wasn't supposed to think about that!! How rebellious could a human mind get!! The only way out of it, was to distract himself.. And the current distraction was basketball.. As decided last night, he was supposed to meet his team and the opposition here at seven in the morning.. And each and every one of them was late! Why wasn't he surprised! But that was okay.. It gave him more time to think about his Basket.. He shot in another well timed basket as his smile returned to his face at that thought! Basket.. At least she should have been on time. This was the only time they were going to get together during the day anyway.. Coz they had to pretend that they were extremely mad at each other in front of their friends.. He could only wish now that she comes before the rest of the gang. He dodged the ball between his legs as he continued to dribble the ball, his mind all on his Basket! So when he heard footsteps behind him, he hoped it was her! But before he could turn and find out, "Good morning Armaan!", and he suppressed a groan!! Not Dr. Payal again!!

"Morning Payal! Aaj subah subah.."

Payal blushed for no reason, like she always did, smiling shyly while she replied, "Yeah.. I had night duty! Abhi ghar hi jaa rahi thi.. But I saw you so I thought I'd say hi!", she waved a short hi nervously and continued to blush. As annoyed as he was, he returned an awkward, "Yeah.. So.. Hi!" complete with a fake smile as he continued to dribble the ball in his hand. The least he could hope was that she takes a cue from his abruptness and leaves him to his basketball.. But then as he knew Payal suffered from an inability to take the hints he dropped while she was an expert at picking up the hints that didn't even exist!! That much he had to agree with Riddhima. She just wont leave his back.. "Yeah.. So I spoke to Dr. Rahul! He seems pretty excited about my idea..", she informed him referring to what she had spoken to him last evening when he had been waiting for Riddhima in his cabin.

"Oh really.. I told you Rahul will know better.. Why don't you perform with him.. I'm not that good actually..", he tried to get out of that plan of hers.. He didn't feel up for it. He hoped Rahul would take over.. But unfortunately, his friend was quite the pain in the ass, "No Armaan.. Don't lie.. You know you're good..", Rahul's voice came from behind him, then he felt a thump on his back, and then saw the grin on Rahul's face as he came and stood next to him!

Armaan couldn't help his scowl, "Eyh Raaool! Tu chup nahi baith sakta kya.." he asked, annoyed. He knew Rahul would try and convince him to perform.. And so he did, "Common yaar Armaan.. If we have to perform, then poora band form karenge yaar.. Aise main guitar bajaun and Payal gaye.. It'll sound really lame!"

"Haan but band kahan se hoga yahan.. I mean.. We don't have a drummer.. We don't have a synth player.. Or a mixer!", and Rahul didn't have any answer to that argument of his.. Of course.. It wasn't like college where they had been spoilt for choice and actually had to hold auditions.. But unfortunately for Armaan, Payal came up with a solution, "Uh.. Actually Rohan plays the drums.. I asked him.. He seemed interested!" and Rahul followed it up with, "Then that's cool na.. We can ask Nikki to play the synth! We're done. Ho gaya band!"

But Armaan wasn't convinced.. Partly coz he didn't want to be convinced, "Puh-lease man! You think she has kept in touch with her music.. I don't think Nikki will be able to do it!"

"What is it that I will not be able to do Armaan??", Nikki's sharp and caustic voice reached his ears just a moment before she came and stood in front of him.. "Hey Nikks.. Arre yeh log bol rahe hai ki we'll play for the fund raiser.. Tu synth bajaegi kya?", he asked her, hoping she'd say no! But, "Haan why not? Maine itne saal bajaya nahi hai.. But we can practice nahi!"

"But Nikks its just a week for the fund raiser.. Its already a day down in the week!", this was his last hope.. He really didn't want to perform.. Not because he couldn't.. But because he didn't like playing for an audience so much, like he had told Riddhima.. But an even bigger reason to say no was that Payal was a part of it all. He had decided to keep his interactions with her to a minimum after Riddhima's behavior at the New Year's party. Plus after what they had discussed that night, he knew it wasn't fair to Riddhima to go through the whole jealousy thing for too long.. Though he had come up with the lesbian theory to pacify her, he knew he wouldn't be able to see Riddhima with any other guy.. or girl for that matter!! But these people seemed bent on getting him to play..

"Common yaar Armaan.. Tu kabse itna sochne laga.. It'll be fun.. We'll do a few simple songs..", Rahul said snatching the ball from his hands mid-dribble and shooting a hoop.

"Yeah.. Please.. It'll be fun! I'll ask Rohan..", Payal put in her plea.. Then even Nikki requested him with her pleading puppy pout and he couldn't help but give in, "Okay fine.. But please can we practice for the game first.. We'll discuss about this later..", he agreed reluctantly, dodging Rahul and getting the ball from him as he shot another Basket..

"Yeah okay..", Payal agreed to him even when he had long abandoned the conversation.. But she was soon forgotten when Nikki faked a cough, "Ahem! Dushman alert!!", she hissed..

At once, Armaan turned to see.."Basket..", he sighed, arms still outstretched with the ball in his hands, that goofy smile came onto his lips. He was so completely lost in her that he didn't even realize Rahul had taken the ball from him, or that Muskaan had also walked in with his Basket.. All he could see was Riddhima doing her stretching exercises in her black track pants and red tank that perfectly fit onto every curve of hers.. Her long pretty hair was tied up in a high ponytail so it would come in the way while she played. But a few strands had escaped the clutches and disobediently fell on her forehead and eyes.. Her eyes! They looked so beautiful this morning sans the eye makeup that she wore to work everyday.. Just like her eyes, her lips were bare.. No lip color, no chap-stick, no lip balm.. Just the natural rosy pink that felt soft without even touching them.. He could just keep looking at her and forget the world.. How the hell did she do that to him.. It was like some curse!! Luckily for him the curse was broken by Nikki's voice, "Oye Armaan.. Taadna band kar.. Dushman party hai..", she reminded him, passing on a glare to Riddhima and Muskaan who were finishing up their warm up now..

"Pata hai yaar Nikki.. Lekin itni hot dushman party ho toh I really cant help myself..", he sighed, not taking his eyes off Riddhima for even a second!

Rahul who was overhearing the conversation as he continued to practice commented at his bro's helplessness, "Tera kucch nahi ho sakta Armaan.. Seriously.."

"I swear..", Nikki frowned as she nudged him to look away. Then realized that Riddhima and Muskaan were marching right at them, "Dekh wo dono iss taraf aa rahe hai.. Lets not talk to them okay.."

But as soon as they were within hearing distance, "Basket! Hey! Good morning!!",he cheerfully waved out at her, that goofy smile still in place..

It made Nikki groan in frustration, "What the.. Unbelievable.. Like seriously.."

Riddhima however was for some reason fuming,"Main yahan tumhe good morning kehne nahi aayi hoon.. Dusra ball kahan hai..", she seethed, glaring at Armaan accusatorily..

He looked at her, completely confused.. This wasn't a part of their plan was it! Coz he had definitely nothing to do with the invisible ball, "Pata nahi Basket.. Enclosure mein hoga.. Main toh apna ball lekar aaya tha.."

"Enclosure mein koi ball nahi hai..", she informed him, scowling at him accusatorily.

"Too bad Riddhima! I guess you'll have to call off your team practice then!", Rahul smirked at Muskaan even as his comment was directed towards Riddhima. And Muskaan couldn't help but control her anger, "Oye chachundar.. Humein pagal samjha hai kya.."

"Lo.. Ismein smajhne waali kaunsi baat hai.. Waise Muskaan tujhe pata hai tere aate hi scene ka volume kitna badh jaata hai.. God save our eardrums!", he teased her with that devilish smirk in place making everyone except Riddhima and of course Muskaan chuckle.., "Rahul subah subah panga na le! Chup chaap humara ball de do warna..", Muskaan started to threaten him through clenched teeth but Armaan cut her off, "Hello.. Yeh mera ball hai.. Tum log khud apna ball lekar aao.."

"Dekho Armaan.. Mujhe pata hai ki tumne ball chupaya hai! So that humari pratice na ho..", Riddhima seethed, her words coming as slowly as she looked intently into Armaan's eyes.. Armaan's brows raised automatically as the intent in those eyes made it through to his brain..

Luckily for them, Nikki took the bait at once, "There you go again.. What is wrong with you Ridzi.. Phir se useless ilzaam laga rahi ho Armaan pe.. Wo aisa kyun karega.."

And Riddhima followed it up with an accusatory smirk, "Main sirf uspar ilzaam nahi laga rahi Nikki.. Main tumhari puri team ko keh rahi hoon.."

Just then, Anjali came from behind them, "Hey Ridzi! Sorry I'm late.. Waise.. Kya hua? Tu opposition ke muh kyun lag rahi hai..", she asked her, not bothering to keep her voice down in front of the opposition..

"Dekho na Anjie.. Kameeno ne humara ball chupa diya hai..", Muskaan answered her.

"Arre yaar.. Hum aisa kyun karenge..", Armaan asked, faking extreme exasperation!

"Humari practice bigadne ke liye..", Riddhima threw back angrily! If she was acting, boy was she good at it!!

Armaan wasn't far behind either, "Well.. In that case.. Tum log chaho toh humare saath humare ball se practice kar sakte ho..", he smartly offered only to make Nikki go, "What! Armaan no!!"

"Armaan yeh tu kya bol raha hai yaar..", Rahul asked him, his expression disapproving.

"Wahi jo tumne suna Raaool! We know that our team is better than theirs.. Karne do jitni practice karni hai.. jeetna toh humein hi hai.."

And that brought the smirk back to Rahul's face, "You're right man! Unke team mein Muskaan hai.. Basketball ka B bhi nahi aata hai.. They really need the practice..", he teased his wife again, raising his brows in challenge towards her.

But Abhi who had just joined his team a few minutes back, countered that statement smarmily, "In that case doctors.. Aapke team mein meri biwi hai.. Basketball chodo.. Usse koi bhi ball pakadna bhi nahi aata.."

And Nikki reacted instantly, "Modi! You moron.. You asshole!!", she almost launched at him to do physical damage but Armaan and Rahul held her back as they tried to stifle their guffaws.. Nikki managed to snatch herself away from them as she glared at them too, "What are you two laughing about!"

Both of them tried hard to keep a straight face.. But just couldn't get it right.. "What.. He's not wrong..", Rahul shrugged as he high-fived Armaan who had burst out laughing.. It only made Nikki's blood boil, "Arrgh.. You're my team..", she screamed at them angrily. But surprisingly, she found support in the opposition, "All guys are like that Nikki.. Trust me.. You've chosen the wrong team..", Anjali told her, frowning at the guys who were still making fun of Nikki's basketball playing skills and laughing about it. Nikki couldn't help but hate them for it, "I wish I could change my team now..", she muttered, crossing her arms in rage. But Armaan just continued to tease her, "I don't think they'll take you Nikks.. No offence.. But seriously.. If you go unki aadhi team toh kaccha limbu ho jayegi.. Anyway haarne toh waale hain.. Tere bina at least izzat se toh harenge.."

Nikki looked like she would burn him with her glare.. But before she could retort, an angry Riddhima answered for her, "Excuse me! Yeh tumse kisne keh diya ki hum harenge.. Arre Nikki ko humari team mein lekar bhi hum tumhe hara ke dikhayenge..", she challenged him, her eyes burning fire..

Armaan just smirked, "Really now! That's interesting.. Toh theek hai.. We'll trade you Nikki for Abhi.. Dekhte hai kaun jeet ta hai..", as he accepted her challenge smugly..

"Fine!", Riddhima clenched her teeth threatening.

He stepped close to her and leaned in to look right into her eyes, "Fine!!"

"Fine!!", Nikki followed, stepping across the invisible line between the two warring parties to join her new team.

"Fine!!!" Abhi did the same as Rahul welcomed him with a thump on his back!

"Yeh fine fine kya ho raha hai!", Atul's voice brought everyone out of the moment of challenge!

"Hey Champ.. You're late.."

"Sorry guys.. Emergency!", he explained..

"Oh then its cool! Waise you missed the whole challenge.. Nikki ne party badal li hai.. Now Abhi's on our side..", Rahul explained to him, as Atul's eyes widened in comprehension..

"Really.. Awesome.. Ab toh hum pakka jeetenge..", he commented, sharing a knowing glance with Armaan who grinned back at him, "You said it Champ!!"

Only, Nikki did a mock imitation of him, "You said it Champ.." then turned to her team, "We'll see kaun kisi haraega.. Common girls.. We can beat them.."

"I wonder how.. They don't even have a ball to practice..", Armaan teased as he watched them turn their backs and walk away..

"Leave that to us Mallik.. Don't interfere..", Riddhima half turned and yelled back..

"Don't interfere..", he mocked her in return as the guys burst into fits of laughter.. Oh this Basketball plan was turning out to be more fun than he had planned. Kudos to Riddhima to come up with that brilliant plan of hiding the ball.. He had absolutely no idea this would be so much fun.. Of course for him and Riddhima bickering was sort of a hobby.. And for the others.. Well.. They absolutely didn't remember as to why they were fighting anymore.. A Meaningless and endless boys vs girls debate! This was as normal as it could get!!

Riddhima was headed for the canteen.. Her Di had texted her to join her for lunch as soon as she was free.. Apparently they were going to discuss strategies to beat Armaan's team on Saturday.. She couldn't believe how childish even such highly qualified doctors could get when it came down to getting the opposite sex down! And this wasn't even the first time their egos had clashed.. The good thing was, the whole ego clash had sidelined their anger towards what had happened on the new years eve.. So she wasn't really complaining.. And personally, she liked this pretend arguments she had with Armaan.. Sometimes she got caught in the act so much that she didn't even realize she was just supposed to act.. Yeah.. Fighting with him came that naturally to her! Like today morning.. When she saw him with that bitch Payal, she couldn't help but take advantage of the fact that they were supposed to be mad at each other and took out all her irritation on him.. Good he didn't know what she was doing.. Coz according to what they had decided that night at their cottage, she wasn't supposed to drag Armaan into her issues with Payal.. Whatsoever they may be.. But to do that, she was going to have to keep her temper in check! The problem was, every time she saw Armaan in the same frame as that Payal, her temper just boiled over involuntarily.. What was it about that girl!! A frown appeared on her face as she started thinking about the possible reasons as to why Payal got onto her nerves every time.. Muttering curses under her breath, she walked on briskly through the corridor.. But her march was brought to an abrupt halt when she was snatched by her hand into the dingy store room.. "Armaan!!", who else could it be!!

"Hey to you too Basket!! Kiska murder plan kar rahi thi?"

"Kya?"

"Ankhon mein sholay, hoton pe gaali.. Hey bhagwaan!! Kiski shaamat aayi hai.. I hope it's not me!"

"Ho gaya? Kitna drama karte ho tum Armaan.. Aur yeh kya hai.. We cant be seen together Armaan.. Tum hi ne kaha tha na mujhe!"

"I know Basket. But mujhe tumse kucch zaroori baat karni thi.."

"Armaan hum baad mein phone pe baat kar lenge.. Abhi Di mera wait kar rahi hai canteen mein.. Okay.. Bye..", she hurried towards the door, but he caught her hand to stop her right on time, "But Riddhima.."

"No but Armaan.. Please.. I'm already late.. I'm sure this can wait!", she told him as she tried to wriggle her hand from his grip.

"It's about Payal!"

"What?", and she stood still at once.. All plans to go to the canteen forgotten..

Armaan grinned at her reaction and left her hand immediately, "Nothing.. Jao na.. Tumhe badi jaldi thi na.. Bye.. I'm sure this can wait..", he shrugged nonchalantly as he teased her..

Obviously she wasn't about to go, "Armaan! What about Payal?", she folded her arms across her front and demanded her answer from him.

But now he wasn't going to let her off the hook so easily, "Are you sure you have time to talk about this Basket!", he teased her..

"Armaan please..", she glared at him even if her words were supposed to project a plea..

Armaan saw the patience in her eyes about to give away and decided to finally get it out of him.. He had wanted to tell her this ever since they had decided about the performance in the morning.. But he had not gotten an opportunity till now, "Okay fine.. She had come to me last evening with a proposal.."

"A what!", Riddhima almost shouted, her eyes wide open in pure rage!

Armaan just chuckled, as he smiled at her apologetically.. "Wrong choice of words.. Sorry.. She had come to me with this 'idea'..", he quoted 'idea' with his hands as he crinkled his nose. If she wasn't so curious she would have actually found him cute!

"What kind of an idea? Dare I ask?!!", she asked him, not letting that glare down for even a moment..

So Armaan decided not to test her patience and just answered her straight away, "Well.. She's a good singer.. Apparently.. And she wanted to perform for the fund raiser.. And I don't know usse kisne bataya that I play the guitar.. So she suggested that I play and she sings.. You know.."

"No way.. I'm not going to let you do anything alone with her..", was her first reaction..

"I guessed that much Basket.. Didn't take a Nostradamus to predict your reaction..", he teased her with a smirk, only to make her scowl, "Okay smarty pants.. What's your point!"

"Point is I am not going to be performing alone with her.."

And that caught her on the back foot.. "Good!", she asserted, even as the confusion was clearly visible on her face.. But he cleared it soon enough with the whole story, "Rahul, Nikki and another intern are also going to be performing with us.."

"US??", she asked him, as though 'us' was a demeaning swearword!

"Matlab.. Payal and me..", Armaan smiled at her sheepishly as he changed his words quickly.. Boy! This was like walking a minefield!

Riddhima just rolled her eyes at his paraphrase, "Okay.. So.. What am I supposed to do?..", she asked him haughtily, her hands folding back in front of her..

"Main bas tumhe bata raha hoon Riddhima.. Nahi toh like last time during the party you'll accuse me of hiding things from you.."

"Great.. But it still doesn't make me feel good about the fact that she's going to hover around you after duty hours.."

"Yeah.. About that.. Rahul and Nikki were saying ki hum mere ghar practice karenge.. Coz there's no one.. You know.. Rahul ke ghar uske parents hain.. Muskaan hai.. And Nikki ke ghar Abhi.. So we're gonna be jamming at my place this week.."

"I got your point Armaan.. Have fun with your band..", she said indifferently and started to walk out.. So he wasn't really taking her permission.. He had already decided and was informing her.. And she knew she wasn't supposed to stop him from doing something because of Payal.. It wasn't right.. As much as she hated to let him..

But Armaan knew exactly what she was feeling, "Basket.. If you don't want me to play its okay.. Main keh dunga ki I've forgotten how to play or something..", he told her softly.. He didn't want to do anything that made her uncomfortable. He just didn't want any more fights with her.. Not in the new year!

But Riddhima thawed as soon as she heard Armaan's words.. She felt terrible about behaving the way she did.. She had to do what was right.. "What.. No.. No Armaan.. I'd love to watch you play.. I was just.. Look.. I don't like Payal.. That's my problem.. We had decided I'd deal with her on my own.. I shouldn't be asking you to not do something you like coz I have a problem with her.. Its okay.. I'll deal with this.. Tum perform karo.. But .. Aaj shaam ke liye maine kucch aur plan banaya tha.. Forget it.. Its okay."

Armaan who was smiling at the way Riddhima was struggling to agree to him performing for the fund raiser, scrunched his brows as curiosity got the better of him,"Kya plan banaya tha Basket?"

"Mujhe laga shaam ko duty ke baad hum shopping ja sakte hain.."

"Shopping?"

"Yeah.. Remember naya couch lana hai.. And even for our Lonavla cottage we need to get some furniture.. That's been pending since such a long time.."

"I know.. But.. Okay.. Main Rahul ko keh deta hoon ki..", he had started to change his plans for her.. But she didn't let him, "Kucch nahi kahoge tum usse Armaan.. Shopping toh kabhi bhi ho jayegi.. You have fun.. I toh wont be allowed na to attend your practice sessions.. I'm the Dushman party!", she told him with a fake pout, the hint of a naughty smile playing on her lips..

"Tch.. I'm sorry.. But hey!.. maybe you can come with Nikki.. Wo bhi technically dushman party hai na ab..", he nudged her with his shoulder as she smiled at him.. But then sighed, "No Armaan.. Forget it.. I'm thinking I'll spend that time with Di.. She's right.. It's been so long I haven't spent any time with her..", she really did want to spend time with her di and sort things out between them.. But she also didn't want to hover around Armaan during their practice just coz Payal was there with him.. She didn't want him to feel that she didn't trust him.. Ultimately, whatever bahana she makes, it all boiled down to that one word.. Trust! And she trusted him alright..

Armaan smiled at her, that warm loving smile as he held her face between his hands and placed an affectionate kiss on her forehead.. He had wanted to take her lips and kiss her crazy.. But then keeping in mind the out of control desires of his, he decided that a kiss on her forehead was a safer bet.. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of her.. Last night he got away coz they were forced by the circumstances.. Last night.. How wonderful was last night.. Even if it wasn't really the kind of date he had planned.. It had been fun all the same.. He smiled against her skin as he thought about the movie.. Unknown to him, she smiled too as she felt his lips curve into one.. She knew what he was thinking about.. Coz she was thinking about the same thing.. But their moment was broken by the beep of his pager.. She heard him sigh as he realized he had to let her go..

"Okay.. So then.. I'll see you.. Around?", he left her reluctantly and headed for the door before he could change his mind.. It was an emergency.. Either way!

"Yeah.. I'll see you..", Riddhima sighed in defeat as she saw him rush away even before she could finish saying bye.. Closing her eyes, she covered them with her palms, then ran her fingers through her hair, taking in a deep breath.. Between last night and now she couldn't believe how much she had missed him.. For the first time today, he had not pestered her for that everyday kiss of his.. And now he had not even returned her I love you.. She missed just spending time with him.. Why couldn't they have some normal time together.. There was always some sort of a problem that had them occupied.. But that was probably also their fault.. Like what happened with her di! She was so lost in her own problems with Armaan, that she had neglected her.. And even her friends for that matter.. This weird sense of distance from Armaan that was haunting her now was probably payback. She had to make things right with her di.. And her friends.. And her mom! The latter she had to grudgingly admit to! But she really needed to sort everything out as soon as possible.. The longer she left things the way they were the more difficult it would get to make things right.. Gathering all her thoughts together, she made up her mind to talk it out with all of them and finish the matter once and for all.. That's the only way she would get back her peace of mind.. And maybe that would give her some peaceful moments with Armaan too.. But before she could leave the store room and make good of her decision, the door blasted open to reveal Armaan who spoke so fast, she didn't understand what he said.. "I'm so sorry I forgot! I love you.." and before she could blink her eyes, he had given her a tight kiss and disappeared once again through the door.. But when the shock wore off, realization came, and with it, came a beautiful smile on her face.. Whatever the situation.. Armaan Mallik had his way of bringing that smile on her face.. "I love you too..", she mumbled to herself, hoping he would have heard her words and know how much she loved him.. Smiling at that thought, she stepped out of the dark store room and started for the canteen.. Suddenly the thought of talking to her Di and sorting things out with her friends felt less intimidating than before.. She was more hopeful now.. Somehow, she knew everything was going to be alright.. She was going to make it alright..

"Accha chalo guys.. I'll get back to work now..", Nikki said as she got up to leave.. They had been sitting in the canteen long after finishing their lunch doing time pass.. After a long time all of them had gotten some free time together and they had made full use of it to relax themselves..

"So then you sure you cant come in the evening Nikki..", Anjali asked her as she gathered her lab coat to leave..

"Yeah.. I have to be there for the practice.. Trust me when I say I need a lot of practice.. I haven't touched the synth in ages now!", Nikki replied, pouting as she really wished she could go out with the girls..

"I still can't believe you're going to spend time with the Dushman party over us!", Muskaan muttered, looking away from her.. She was one of those who took her fights really seriously! Poor Rahul..

"Common Muski.. Don't take the fight too seriously.. I know those guys are idiots.. Lekin I'm still not okay with the way Ridzi accused Armaan of everything that went wrong.. Uski bhi equally galti thi..", Nikki retorted, not attempting to hide what she really felt.. It was true she had changed sides today morning. But that was strictly about the match.. Technically speaking she was on neither side where the new year eve issue came up..

Muskaan seemed to agree with her on that.. But she was extremely loyal to her team.."Actually.. Nikki you're right.. But now you've chosen your team.. You cant support them..", she asserted stubbornly..

"It's not about teams Muskaan.. Armaan aur Riddhima dono se galti hui.. And galtiyan sab se hoti hai.. We have to accept that and forgive them.. I'm sure whatever happened wasn't intentional.."

Riddhima saw the opportunity to make her apology and grabbed it by both hands. All through lunch she had been waiting for an opportunity to apologize to them but couldn't bring herself to broach that topic. Now thanks to Nikki she got the window she had been looking for, "You're right Nikki.. Trust me when I say we didn't intend for anything like that to happen.. It was just a moment's craziness. And both of us are really sorry for all the trouble we caused.. But we cant take all that back.. If we could we would have.. We can just ask for an apology now.. Muski.. Di.. I'm really sorry.. And so is Armaan.. Please humein maaf kar do na.. Please..", she pleaded, wanting once and for all to finish this matter.. And something told her that she was going to succeed..

"Ridzi.. Maine tujhe kabka maaf kar diya hai.. But I'm not letting Armaan off the hook..", Muskaan frowned as she declared..

"Common Muskaan.. Now you're just being prejudiced!", Riddhima tried to provoke her.. But Muskaan turned the tables back on her, "Are you also secretly on his team Rdizi!"

"No! This is not about the teams Muskaan.. The fight's on. But on the basketball court.. And because I'm a hardcore feminist like you are.. But what happened that night at the party was both our fault.. And both of us are sorry about it.. We want our friends back.. Its terrible when you don't talk to us..", she pouted, trying to play the sympathy card.. And to her utmost surprise, it actually worked!!.. Muskaan took her in a side hug as she let go of her gussa, smiling as she said, "Aww.. It's okay.. Lets just forget what happened that night.. And lets nail the guys on Saturday!!"

"Thanks Muski.. I love you..", Riddhima declared, hugging her back..

"Aur main!", Nikki asked, pouting as she interrupted their reunion.. Riddhima smiled wide, relieved that at least she had her friends back, "I love you too Nikki.. Thank you.."

That's when Muskaan's pager went off.. "Oye stop being so formal now.. Chalo bhai.. Kaam pe chalo.. Bohot time pass ho gaya.. And Anjie.. Tu bhi Ridzi ko maaf kar de.. Aur hero ko bhi.. Nikki is right.. Galti sirf uski nahi thi.. Ridzi ki bhi thi.. Aur unn logon ki bhi ko bina bulaye party mein aaye the.. Police toh unki wajah se hi aayi na..", Riddhima was genuinely surprised at what Muskaan had said.. Her defense was more satisfying than the nonchalant 'its okay' that she had returned for her apology.. And the cherry on the cake was when Nikki followed it up, "Exactly! Anjie.. I think we were just too hard on them.. The real problem are these people who are now spreading terrible gossip about Armaan and Riddhima.. Ek toh bina bulaye aa gaye.. Upar se rumors failani ki himmat kar rahe hain.. Idiots! I'm so glad you yelled at that nurse the other day Ridz.. They deserve it!", she slapped her back like she was proud of her achievement.. Riddhima could just smile at the two of them.. She wanted to thank them for seeing her perspective.. And Armaan's perspective too.. But the words just wouldn't come. That's when Nikki's pager beeped and she hurried out of the canteen as fast as she could, "Oh god! Pager.. Chalo ab toh jaana hi hoga.."

"Yaar mujhe bhi.. Chal bye.. Let me know if you two make some plans..", Muskaan also left the cafeteria behind Nikki leaving a smiling Riddhima at the table.. But soon she realized that her Di had not said anything yet.. She just had an unreadable expression on her face.. But she was determined to settle things between them today.. So she decided to confront her with it anyway, "Di.. Aap mujhe aur Armaan ko maaf nahi karengi?"

"Ridzi.. I'm sorry.. But I don't want to talk about that night..", Anjali tried to suppress her feelings as best as she could.. Coz her problem with Riddhima wasn't just about that night.. It was bigger than that. Fortunately, Riddhima knew that.. And she made it a point to apologize for it too, "Di.. I know.. I know humne jo kiya wo galat tha.. And I know I've been ignoring you.. I'm sorry.. I was so occupied with Armaan that I didn't realize everything else that I was missing out on.. I love you di.. And I miss you too.. I miss spending time with you.. I didn't ignore you intentionally Di.. Trust me..", she held Anjali's hand, waiting for a reaction from her sister.. But Anjali just stared at the cup on the table, thinking about all that happened.. And then she thought about what Nikki and Muskaan had said.. And then about what Riddhima was saying.. She knew her little sis wasn't lying to her.. It was a heartfelt apology.. Besides, she knew she'd been over reacting about this too.. Maybe the only way out of this mess was to leave it behind them.. And that's how she finally decided to give in, "I know Ridz.. Its okay.. I guess I was over reacting too.. I'm glad you realized that I was missing you.. And I'm glad to know that you missed me too!", she told her as sincerely as she could.. Still a bitter taste was left in her mouth at the way she felt ignored by Riddhima.. But she was sure time would take care of it..

Riddhima smiled in joy and relief as she heard Anjali, "I do Di.. I really do.." she replied, almost on the verge of tears..

Anjali nodded, giving into her smile too as she slapped Riddhima's back playfully, "So then how bout we go shopping after duty today.. Maine suna hai har jagah New Years sale laga hai.. Lets go check it out!"

Riddhima's eyes lit up at that offer.. This was definitely a good start, "Of course Di.. We haven't shopped together in like ages.. I really need new clothes.."

"Yes you definitely do.. You repeat your clothes every week Ridz.. What's wrong with you..", Anjali scrunched her brows as she asked her, getting up to leave.. Riddhima followed suit, taking her lab coat, frowning at her Di's comment, "Di! It's okay to repeat your clothes every week.."

"No its not Ridz.. You're my sister. Have you learnt nothing from me!"

"Okay fine.. Then aaj shaam ko we'll raid all the stores in town.. What say!"

"Done!"

"Done.. Toh I'll see you after duty.. Now I have to head to the OPD.."

"Yeah okay.. I'll see you later.."

"Bye.. And I love you.."

"I love you too Ridz.."

And as both of them set off their separate ways they couldn't stop smiling at the thought of everything that had happened in the last few weeks.. With every passing moment it felt like such a trivial matter.. Why had they wasted all that time fighting.. But the answer was right in that smile of theirs.. Coz it had just brought them closer than they were.. It made them realize how important the other was in their life!

Riddhima was in a pretty up beat mood when she got home from shopping with her Di.. Both of them had kept to their plan of raiding the malls and had bought half the stuff that was up for sale! She was certain she would repeat clothes once a year now.. But she had the best time shopping with her di.. Coz she had the most amazing dressing sense and always knew what would look good on Riddhima. Of course she had been disturbed a little by the thought of Armaan and Payal practicing back home, she had been fairly distracted by the money spending activity that became double fun with her Di.. After the shopping spree she had dropped Anjali home and made her way back to hers..Though she had been tempted to go to Armaan's house and check on his practice with that Payal, she resisted her urge and came back home. She really needed to sort things out with her mom.. The fact that she had been able to get through to her Di had had her enthusiastic about setting things right with her mom.. She felt like if she had a chance she had to take it today. Like for today she had gotten this special power to calm everyone down, correct her mistakes and be forgiven by the people she really cared about.. And her mom definitely topped that list of people! So when her mom opened the door, "Hi mamma.. Kaise ho aap?", she asked with a cheerful smile and gave her mom a tight hug..

Padma was extremely surprised by this extreme display of affection after the way her daughter was being super-cold to her in the last few days.. She was so stunned that she just stood there and waited for Riddhima to let go of her and begin with her explanations.. But she just gave her a brilliant smile as she asked, "Arre why are you looking so shocked!"

"You'd be shocked if the sun came up from the west some day wouldn't you! ", she replied in a passive tone, her brows still raised in surprise..

Riddhima just laughed at her mom's sarcasm.. If she was the one to blow her own trumpet she'd bet that she got her wit from her mom.. But this was not the time for appreciating herself! She had to apologize.. So she sobered immediately and taking her mom's hand led her to the couch.. "Riddhima beta.. What are you doing? Kal tak toh baat bhi nahi kar rahi thi mujhse.. Aaj itna pyaar kyun aa raha hai?", Padma couldn't help but ask as her daughter beckoned her to take a seat next to her on the couch..

"Mamma.. At least let me talk.. So many questions, my god!"

"Riddhima! What is it?", she seriously asked when Riddhima was trying to be as nonchalant as she could.. Riddhima saw the seriousness in her mom's eyes and decided to drop the whole charade and come clean with her.. "Okay.. So here's the deal.. Mamma I'm sorry.. I know it's been long over due.. And whatever happened at the new year eve's party was wrong.. I was wrong.. I'm sorry.. I know uss din aap bohot gusse mein thi.. And you have the right to yell at me.. Also I know.. Meri wajah se humare family ka naam kharaab hua hai.. And people are talking about me and Armaan.. But mamma.. Trust me when I say, maine yeh jaan bujhkar nahi kiya.. I really needed time with Armaan.. To sort things out.. I swear.. Please trust me.."

Padma looked at the sincerity in her daughter's eyes and all she could say was, "I trust you Riddhima.." and that evident;y caught Riddhiima off guard, "I'm sorry what!"

Padma just chuckled at that lost expression on her face as she set out to explain, "Riddhima beta.. You've always been such a good kid.. It was just shocking that you'd do something like that.. Aur tumhare papa ko jail bhi jaana pada.. I was so scared that night Riddhima.. Iss liye mujhe gussa aaya.. And I know I over reacted.. But I couldn't help myself.. Pichle kucch dino se beta everything's been about Armaan.. I know you've been busy at the hospital.. And you had some problems with Armaan to sort.. But that was the problem.. Your happiness, your problems, your tension, your smile everything was because of Armaan.. Tum hum sab ko bhul gayi Riddhima.. I felt like you didn't care about us.. Or the family anymore.. And you've always been the one to care about everyone around you.."

And that made Riddhima feel rotten to the core.. She knew all this.. This was exactly what her di had said.. But she knew it was her fault.. And she was ready to accept it and change it too, "I'm sorry mamma.. I know that was wrong.. I promise main koshish karungi to balance my life.. Like you do.. I really need to learn a lot from you.. You're just perfect.."

"No I'm not perfect Riddhima.. I know it was very immature of me to push you away that night.. Or ask you to go away.. I didn't mean all that I said.. I wish main tumhe apne saath saari zindagi rakh sakti.. I wish I didn't have to let you go.. But then Armaan mujhe maar dalega nahi..", she attempted to joke even as a tear threatened to spill out of her eye..

Riddhima felt a lump in her throat as she read the meaning between her mom's words, "Mamma.."

But she didn't know what to say.. So Padma just poured her heart out, "It's just a few months beta.. Then you're going to be with Armaan all your life.. I just wanted a little more time of yours before I had to give you away.. Main tumhe bohot miss karungi baccha.."

And with that the tears spilled over hot and fast from both pairs of green eyes.. Riddhima just hugged Padma as tight as she could, wishing she didn't have to go too.. It only made her feel worse for behaving the way she had in the last few days,"Mamma.. I'll miss you too.. I'm so sorry.. I didn't want to hurt you like that mamma.. Main toh.. I'm really sorry.. Sab Armaan ki wajah se hua hai!", yeah.. That was her best bet.. Blame Armaan for everything!

Padma chuckled at her daughters accusations as she pulled away from her, "Yeah.. I agree.. Wo tumse itna pyaar karta hai ki uske saamne hum sab ka pyaar feeka pad jaata hai..", her words came out more seriously than she had intended them to be.. But then.. That's how it was.. The bitter-sweet truth!

Riddhima however shook her head in denial at once, "No mamma.. That's not true.. Apka aur papa ka pyaar koi aur replace nahi kar sakta.. Armaan bhi nahi..", she told her truthfully, looking into her mom's eyes to make sure she took in her words and the meaning behind them.. Then looked away as she remembered something.. And an instant pout formed on her face, "But of course aapke liye toh Armaan ke pyaar ne mere pyaar ko itni asaani se replace kar diya.."

Padma scrunched her brows in confusion at that, "From where did you get that Riddhima.. Aisa kabhi nahi ho sakta..", she assured her daughter, caressing her head lovingly as she did..

But Riddhima had a valid point to make, "Toh mamma aapko usse maaf karne mein ek second bhi nahi laga.. Usne maafi mangi nahi ki aapne usse gale laga liya.. What kind of justice is that.. Mujhpar itna gussa.. And Armaan par kucch nahi! That's one thing I wont be able to forgive you for!", she declared, haughtily crossing her arms and looking away from her.

Padma just chuckled at her childishness before explaining the reason for her biased behavior, "Riddhima.. Wo bechara kitna dara hua tha pata hai.. After the way I behaved with him the first time he came to see me.. Usse laga I'll hate him for what he did.. Mujhse keh raha tha ki he doesn't want to lose another mom..", Riddhima looked at her mom as the meaning of those words sunk into her.. She tried hard to resist, but her eyes welled up again as her mom continued to give her reasons,"Besides.. He took complete responsibility for what happened that night Riddhima.. And he pleaded me to forgive you.. Beta I was angry.. But my heart is not made of stone!"

Riddhima frowned even as she wanted to do nothing but to burst out crying.. So she pretended to be mad at Armaan, "Armaan na.. Pagal hai.. Aap bhi uski nautanki mein aa gayi na.."

"Hum dono jaante hain Riddhima ki wo nautanki nahi kar raha tha..". Padma told her softly, running a loving hand over her back..

"Tch.. Don't try to use his trick on me mamma.. Emotional blackmail doesn't work..", oh but it did.. It had already started bringing a smile on her face. And her tears had almost dried off!

Padma finally decided to give into her daughter's nautanki.. Talk about practicing what you preach! "Accha baba theek hai.. I'm sorry.. Ki maine usse apni bacchi se pehle maaf kiya.. Okay..", she held her ears as she apologized to her daughter..

"And say that you love me more than him..", Riddhima demanded stubbornly..

"Yes Riddhima.. Of course I love you more than him.."

"And you love me more than Anjali Di!", she demanded again..

"Okay fine! I love you more than Anjali.. Though I'd say the opposite to her.."

"That's fine.. And one more.. Say that you love me more than papa!" , but this time she had a naughty smirk on her face as Padma frowned at her demand.. But she caught that smirk in time as she shook her head, even as the blush crept up her face, "Riddhima!!.. Pagal.. Kucch bhi kehte rehti hai.."

"Tch.. Main toh bas mauke ka fayda utha rahi thi.. But kya karein.. You really do love papa more than me..", she said, shaking her head like her mom was a hopeless case in romance!

But her mom was better at the teasing game than she thought, "Like you love Armaan more than anyone in the world..", she teased back, making her blush as badly, "Mamma!!.. Kucch bhi kehte rehto aap.."

Padma just burst into a fit of giggles and soon Riddhima joined her.. God! It had been so long since both of them had shared a laugh together..

"I love you Riddhima..", Padma said as she watched her daughter laugh..

Riddhima just hugged her tight and returned her love, "I love you too mamma..", this was really turning out to be an amazing day.. It's like her world was being set the right side up.. She was so glad that her mom had also forgiven her.. For everything.. But there was one small thing that she needed to clear with her mom.. Especially coz she was making special efforts to do what was right.. Her mom needed to know that.. However embarrassing it might be.. "Uh mamma.. There's one more thing..", she told her nervously, pulling out of the hug..

"Hmm.. Bolo na..", Padma asked her, intrigued by the sudden nervousness that had taken over Riddhima..

"Wo.. Wo' actually.. Okay fine.. Here goes.. Wo aap jo soch rahi thi.. Wo Armaan aur mere beech.. Waisa kucch nahi hai.. I mean..", and Padma's amused chuckle interrupted her mid-sentence..

"Riddhima.. You don't have to lie to me.. And waise bhi yeh tumhara personal faisla hai.. I just have a problem if it spoils the reputation of our family..", she told her straight away, that amused smile still on her face..

"Mamma it wont.. I mean.. Really.. There's nothing like you're thinking.."

"Well.. Okay.. If you say so..", Padma agreed, but that amused smile told Riddhima that she didn't really believe her.. And that irritated her enough to throw a tantrum, "Mamma.. What is this.. Main aapse keh rahi hoon na.."

"Beta the whole world believes something else.. Even your papa believes it.. I can turn a blind eye, but I cant buy that lie..", Padma teased her with devilishly raised brows.. And the mention of her papa left Riddhima's mouth hanging open in shock, "What!!.. Papa believes that Armaan and me.. Sheee.. Where did he get that from!!"

Padma just enjoyed a good laugh at Riddhima's scandalized expressions.. They were even better than Shashank's scandalized expression when he had confessed his doubts about the two of them to her.. "How does it matter.. Just be careful.. Okay.." what else could she say to her..

But Riddhima was too stunned to digest that, "Mamma!! What rubbish.. How.. I don't believe it.. If papa believed anything like that, he would have killed Armaan by now.."

Padma stopped laughing as she heard that.. A soft smile played on her lips.."Believe it or not Riddhima.. But you're papa is growing up.. He's finally making peace with your relationship with Armaan..", she told her seriously, clearly pleased with her husband's acquired emotional quotient..

But Riddhima found it highly suspicious, "That's almost unbelievable.. Like a Christmas miracle.. I mean.. Itna sab kucch ho gaya.. And papa didn't say a word to Armaan.. He was a little strict initially.. But he wasn't rude at all.. Daal mein kucch toh kaala hai.. It's so unlike papa to actually be nice to Armaan.."

"Don't be so hard on your papa Riddhima.. He's not that mean to Armaan..", Padma defended Shashank right away..

But Riddhima's raised brows and a questioning "Really.." had her change her statement, "Okay fine.. He has been like that to him in the past.. Par ab he's okay with it.."

Riddhima shook her head, still in disbelief, but sighed anyway, "Great.. Good for Armaan.."

"And you!", Padma put in to make Riddhima grin, "Yeah.. And me.." But that look of amazement was still there in her eyes.. And Padma couldn't help but giggle at that.. But she was glad everything was sorted now.. Except of course one thing.. But maybe that was best left unsorted.."Accha toh tum change kar lo.. Main khana lagati hoon..", she beckoned Riddhima to go change before she was tempted to spill the beans to her..

"Haan.. Mujhe bohot bhook lagi hai.. I haven't had anything since lunch..", Riddhima declared and started towards her room.. Padma just watched her gather all her shopping bags as she wondered if she should say something to her.. But she wasn't sure.. Well.. Riddhima was right about her dad and the Christmas miracle.. But maybe it wasn't such a good thing.. Maybe it was.. And Riddhima had a right to know.. But she didn't know how she would react to it.. Even then.. She definitely had a right to know.. And so did Armaan! She should probably start with her daughter though, "Uh Riddhima.. Ek baat kehni thi..", she stopped her right before she could take the first step up the stairs..

"Kaho na mamma..", Riddhima answered from where she was.. But Padma beckoned her to come sit next to her.. Confused by her mom's sudden change in mood, Riddhima dropped her shopping bags and went back to her mom.. The last thing she expected her mom to say was, "Wo.. It's about Armaan.. And Shashank.."

"Kya hua mamma? What about Armaan and papa.. Didn't you just say papa was okay with Armaan.. I mean..", Riddhima just hoped and prayed that her dad wasn't thinking of creating more problems for them.. She couldn't take it anymore.. The mere thought scared her to hell!

"Beta I don't know if I should be telling you this.."

"Mamma is it that serious.."

Padma realized she probably shouldn't have said anything.. She didn't want to worry her daughter.. But now she couldn't take back her words.. She had aroused Riddhima's curiosity and had to tell her the truth now. Taking in a deep breath, she finally decided to spill, using the most appropriate words as she said slowly, "Beta your papa.. hired a private investigator.. To.. look into Armaan's past.."

For a moment, there was just silence.. But when those words finally found meaning in Riddhima's head, "WHAT!!! How could he do that mamma!! Armaan ko pata chala tohl.. Oh god! What has he done.." to say that she was enraged was an understatement.. This was anything but what she had expected her mom to say! What was wrong with her dad!!

"Riddhima.. Pichli baar Armaan ne yeh discuss karne se mana kar diya. Toh Shashank took it in his own hands to find out about his past.. And you cant blame him for wanting to do it.. Unhe sab sach jaan ne ka haq hai Riddhima..", Padma tried as best to defend her husband's actions.. Had she known he was doing such a thing she would have stopped him at once.. But he had told her after he found out everything.. Then she had no choice but to accept the situation as it were! In fact that was another reason she had not been able to stay mad at Armaan for long.. His past had moved her beyond his present mistakes..

Riddhima however wasn't convinced, "But mamma.. Going behind his back and doing it even when he clearly doesn't want to let anyone know about it is wrong!! Agar usse pata chala toh..", and that thought sent a shiver of fear down her spine! Armaan could never know about this.. It would kill him!

"Usse nahi pata chalega Riddhima.. Maine Shashank ko saaf saaf keh diya hai.. Ki wo yeh baat Armaan se bilkul nahi karenge.. Even if he's so tempted to.. "

"Why does he want to do that mamma.. What is his problem! Agar unki wajah se phir se Armaan mujhe chodkar.."

"Nahi Riddhima.. Wo aisa kabhi nahi karenge.. He loves you.. Both of you.. He doesn't want to scare Armaan away.. That's the last thing he wants for the both of you.."

"Then why doesn't he just stay out of all this.. Why does he need to meddle into something that isn't his business!!"

"Don't be like that Riddhima.. You're papa meant well.. And what he has found has definitely changed the way he looks at Armaan.."

"Armaan doesn't need his pity mamma.. If that's what you're implying.."

"I did not imply that Riddhima.. Armaan's mom, Ananya was Shashank's classmate.. In med school.. In fact they were in the same study group.. "

"Kya?", Riddhima couldn't believe what she was hearing.. This was definitely news to her ears!

"Haan.. I'm sure Armaan doesn't know that.."

"She was a doctor?", Riddhima was still stuck on that piece of fact trying to correlate it with whatever else she knew about his past..

Padma sighed as she continued to explain, "Yeah.. She was.. But she didn't pursue her career coz she was diagnosed with cancer just two years after she graduated.. She joined Mallik industries as Armaan's father's personal assistant to support her family.. Then a few years later she married him.."

"What!", every word her mom spoke was a 450 volt shock to Riddhima! It was like a mystery being unraveled in front of her which she didn't want to know!

"Yeah.. Don't tell me you didn't know this? I'm sure Armaan has told you.."

Riddhima wasn't even sure if Armaan knew this.. Let alone tell her about it.. She just shook her head in denial, "I knew she had cancer mamma.. But I didn't know she was diagnosed with it so early in her life.. I mean.. Before she got married.."

"Hmm.. I know.. Shashank aur mujhe bhi ajeeb laga.. I mean why did she get married even when she knew she was terminally ill.."

"Maybe Billy uncle really loved her.."

"Yeah but then why adopt Armaan.. When you know you're not going to be there for him.."

And at that thought just a little bit of hate seeped into Riddhima's heart for Armaan's parents, "It's such a cruel thing to do..", she couldn't help but speak her mind out loud..

But Padma snapped her out of it, "I don't think we should be judging their actions now Riddhima.. Maybe they had their reasons then.."

Riddhima nodded in agreement at that.. Her mom was right.. But what about Armaan, "Yeah.. But mamma.. I don't think Armaan knows about all this.. He's never mentioned this.. He always talks like his mother was diagnosed with cancer after his dad passed away.."

Padma kept a sympathetic hand on Riddhima's shoulder as she nodded at the possibility.."Yeah.. Maybe she didn't tell him.. He was so young Riddhima.. I don't think he'd understand at that age.."

"I know mamma.. But we cant let him know this.. It'll break him.. Mamma promise me.. And please convince papa.. We cant let Armaan know about this.. He wants to let his past go.. So let it be that way.. I just want to think about my future with him.. Please.. I cant see him go through all that pain again.. Mamma please..", she pleaded, the tears that had formed in her eyes when the shock started to wear off finally trickling down her cheeks..

And Padma nodded at once, "I understand Riddhima.. I promise we wont let him know this.. Not from me or your papa.. You tell him when you think it is the right time.. It's your decision to make.. I just thought you had the right to know.."

But Riddhima didn't feel better.. She felt burdened.. Burdened with having to make a decision for Armaan.. For his happiness.. What was she going to do now.. The thought itself scared her to death.. "Thanks for being honest with me mamma.. But I cant tell this to Armaan.. I don't want him to go into that shell again.. I don't want him to be depressed again..", they'd had enough of that.. And Padma agreed with her.. But she didn't know if hiding things from Armaan was such a great idea.. But then, she didn't want to meddle.. "I understand Riddhima.. I'm sure you know better.. And I'm always there if you need me..", she reassured her through her eyes..

Riddhima nodded as she wiped her tears away, sniffing back a few that were threatening to spill, "Mamma.. Can I make one last request please.."

When her mom nodded, beckoning her to go ahead, she put forth her earnest request, "Mamma please tell papa to stop digging into Armaan's past.. It's not going to get us anywhere.. Please.."

"He's already stopped Riddhima.. He's got enough to know that Armaan is the right person for you.. That's all he wanted.. He didn't want to cause trouble for either of you..", but those words just didn't seem strong enough to defend her dad anymore.. The sinking feeling was back.. She just needed some time to digest all this information.. And to come to terms with her feelings.. So she just got up without replying to her mom and ran up to her room to find solace.. But just as she locked her room shut, her cell phone rang.. And to her dismay, it was the last person she wanted to talk to in the world at the moment.. But she also knew, she had to talk to him..

"Hello.. Armaan..", she spoke into the phone trying to keep her voice as even as possible.. But she couldn't hide her feelings for even a second.. "Basket! Are you crying?" came Armaan's prompt question..

But still she tried to lie, sniffing back her tears, "No.. I'm just.. "

Not like Armaan was going to buy it though.. "You are crying.. What happened Riddhima.. Did you fight with Padma mom again!", he cut the drama short by being direct with her.. But it surprised him when he heard Riddhima chuckle through her tears, "No.. No.. I sorted things out with her.. Ab sab kucch theek hai.. Mamma ne mujhe maaf kar diya Armaan.."

"Toh tum ro kyun rahi ho?", he asked her in confusion.. If she wasn't crying then she definitely had a bad cold!!

"Kucch nahi.. Main ro nahi rahi thi..", but a bad cold wouldn't give her that shaky nervous voice.. "Basket.. You cant lie to me.. You know that.."

Of course she did.. She knew she couldn't lie to him.. But she had to figure out a way to lie to him now. An almost impossible feat.. And that thought irritated her so much that it made her cry more, "I just miss you Armaan.. I miss you so much..", she burst out crying as she said the only thing that came to her mind.

Armaan heard her.. Thought for a moment.. Then decided to lighten her mood, "Basket.. We met like five hours ago.. I know you love me so much.. But this is bordering on obsession.. Now I'm a little scared.."

"Armaan!", she scowled, wiping her tears as his teasing eased her crying a little, giving way to frustration..

Armaan just chuckled.. But replied seriously this time, "I miss you too Riddhima.. You know that.. No.. Actually you don't.. You don't know how much I miss you.. If you did you'd punch the life out of me.."

"I would never do that..", even in her altered state of mind, she was sure of that much!!

"Really.. So then can we dissolve the whole 'keep distance' rule and make out on the terrace tomorrow.. It's been so long we've done that..", would he ever stop teasing her!! But maybe that was just what she needed.. And he knew it.. She didn't know whether to smile or scowl at that one.. "Okay maybe I was wrong.. If we weren't on the phone I would have punched you!"

"Ouch! I can feel the pain!", Armaan continued with his nautanki and this time he really made her chuckle, "If you don't shut up Armaan I'll give you some real pain tomorrow..", she threatened him mockingly.. But her tears continued to flow.. He was so happy right now, not knowing that his past had just somehow changed her world.. But she was going to be strong and do what it took to keep him happy.. To keep him with her.. Forever..

Armaan, unaware of the tsunami of emotions that had taken Riddhima in, just continued with his self proclaimed job of keeping a smile on Riddhima's face.. At least he was doing what he thought would make her laugh.. Even if he didn't know it wasn't working so much.. "Okay.. Fine.. We'll see what you do..", he deliberately challenged her..

Not like she didn't understand that.. But she played along anyway, "Yeah yeah.."

"And suno.. Kal subah apna basketball lekar ana.. Warna without practice you guys wont stand a chance against us.."

"Whatever Mallik.. Stop worrying about our team.. We have our strategies in place!"

"And how exactly do you plan to execute your strategies without practice.."

"Why are you so worried about our team! Stop interfering in our business!"

"Basket why are you taking it so seriously.. We're pretending remember!"

"Not about this one! See you on the court tomorrow morning! I'll show you who's the boss.."

"Seriously Basket!"

"I am serious Armaan!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!!"

"Fine!!"

"Fine!!!"

And the series of 'fine's went on into the night.. Everything seemed just like that.. Fine! But she knew it wasn't.. Even as she kept up the mindless bickering for Armaan's sake, she knew life had just become a little more difficult for her.. The responsibility of keeping something from Armaan was a task so humongous.. It was unnatural.. It went against nature.. It was as wrong as it could be.. And it was definitely not fine!