Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 69

The next part is definitely going to be the most awaited part, i hope(unless you don't make AR talk)...atleast AR got to see each other, plz update soon and a happy new year

hey dear

Happy New Year

hope to gt an update as a new year gift 😆

love

sania

hey dear

plz update next part...loooking forward fr armaan and ridhhima talks and ridhhimaz reaction to al this wedding

plz update soon

love

sania

Episode 82 - Thread 4 - Page 107 -

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EPISODE EIGHTY-THREE

The one who stood out among all of them was walking with her head lowered in the middle. Riddhima. She wore a fish cut lavender colored Lahenga that was made for the display of elegance and poise. Her Lahenga wrapped up from her lower hip till her upper thighs in a beautiful fashion, narrowing around her knees, it spread loose from there till below her ankles. An extra-ordinary work of heavy silver embriodery was done all over the lahenga with silver thread as well as jarkan stones in such a way that the border looked extra heavy, while slightly reducing embroidery work as we go up. The stones on her lahenga made it shine like stars have been knitted over it. She wore a cut-sleeve blouse with a low-cut back that was secured with silver threads in a cris-cross style at the back. Her dupatta was silver in color, again with stone work over it and embroidery done with thread of the same lavender color that of her lahenga. The border of her dupatta had a lace with tiny star shaped silver beads dangling out loose on edges. Made with pure diamonds, smaller ones in silver and a few bigger ones were purple in color, her jewelry was equally splendid... the neckless, her long danglers, a pair of rings, a bracelet adorned her beauty to the extent, none could imagine. A small silver bindi sticken between her brows looked like a tiny star on her forehead. Her hair straight were left loose with the upper half straight, curled at the lower half into spirals. A few tresses dangling on one side of her lovely face.

"Angel...", "Bua..." Vaibhav and Yash called at the same time as they saw Riddhima arriving there with Anjali, Muskaan and Minnie.

"Bua..." Yash tried to hug her and jump into her arms, but Muskaan stopped him.

"Yash, Bua ko pareshaan mat karo." She said firmly.

Yash's face fell instantly. Riddhima couldn't see his downfallen face, "Bhabhi, koi baat nahi." She tried to pick Yash in her arms.

Muskaan interrupted again. "Baby, teri dress kharaab ho jaayegi. Iske saath baad mein khel lena tu." She turned to Yash and asked, "Yash bua aaj kaisi lag rahi hai?"

"Very beautiful." Vaibhav complimented even before Yash could. "Ekdum Fairy-Angel-Princess ki tarah." He smiled looking at her awestruck by her, just like his father.

Minnie smirked, "Fairy, Angel aur Princess bhi?"

"Haan." Vaibhav said as a matter-of-factly.

"Haan, Bua bilkul Fairy-Angel-Princess lag rahi hai." Yash repeated Vaibhav's version clutching Riddhima's hand. Even he couldn't take his eyes away now that he noticed her.

"Bua itni sundar lag rahi hai, aur agar aaj aap use pareshaan karoge, to unki dress kharaab ho jaayegi. Phir sab log kya kahenge?" Anjali said in order to help Muskaan.

Yash thought for a moment then said. "Ok. Hum bua ko pareshaan nahi karenge. Hai na Vibhi." He turned to Vaibhav who shook in agreement.

"Haan, agar pareshaan karna ho to jaake apne Phuphadji ko karo." Minnie chuckled at Yash.

"Phuphadji?" Vaibhav scratched his head.

"Phuphadji matlab Superman Vibhi." Yash reminded. Then he turned to Minnie, "Main unhe phuphadji nahi bulata, Superman bulata hu. Its our deal."

"Achcha, its your deal?" Minnie mimicked while Yash nodded making a face at her.

"Now enough of it kids. Jaldi chalo sab wait kar rahe hain." Anjali reprimanded.

Riddhima who was listening to everything, smiled and walked with them.

They found Atul waiting for them near the entrance of the cottage. "Hey..." Anjali greeted.

"You look beautiful." Atul smiled back kissing her on her cheek while she smiled shyly.

"Ahem-Ahem..." Muskaan cleared her throat, "Would you guys stop for the time being... We are getting late." She pointed towards her wrist watch.

"Oh, yeah." Atul looked away. "Riddhima you are looking gorgeous." He complimented.

"Thanks Bhaiya." She lowered her gaze nervously.

He heard tapping of two pairs of feet. "Yeah-yeah, you two too." Pointing towards Minnie and Muskaan, he chuckled.

"Armaan kahaan hai?" Anjali asked looking around, "Tum to kah rahe the wo aa gaya hai."

"Ye kya hai..." Atul pointed towards his side. Then he realized he wasn't there. He circled around himself looking for him, "Kahaan gaya? Abhi to yahin tha." His gaze fell on Armaan's back who stood on the other outer side of the glass door of the cottage. "Armaan..." he called.

"Chalo hum wahin chalte hain." Muskaan suggested.

Armaan was looking at the people gathered around in the sitting area in the lawn. He was standing outside the cottage that was situated at one of the corner of the lawn. From there he could clearly see atleast one of the portion of the lawn. Rest of the areas, he could see in a large screen installed beside the cottage entrance. He observed what was happening out there. There were hundreds of them... Guests.

The number could have been in many thousands; however he had chosen to keep it less. It wasn't that he couldn't afford it; of course he could afford as well as manage it. But his argument was that, he didn't want to make a function, which is related to his personal life, look like a show-off for the whole world... especially by inviting unnecessary crowd.

Besides he had another reason for not doing so, that his heart knew... but like always he wouldn't acknowledge it out loud.

"Armaan..." he had his back facing them when he heard Atul's voice. He turned around. "Chal der ho rahi hai." He said. Armaan nodded turning back again. Atul held him back, "Ek minute... Anjali..." He called Anjali to bring Riddhima. Then he motioned Armaan again, "Chal ab."

As soon as he entered the lawn's entrance that was decorated with countless flowers and fairy-lights, a bright light blinded him momentarily. It was a spotlight that focused on him. He grinned as soon as he saw all the people turn towards him and clap in appreciation, looking in his direction, clearly awestruck by the view in front. He saw Aarti come forward towards them and grinned. But what was that? Instead of hugging him, she held someone... beside him.

"Bhot-bhot pyaari lag rahi ho." Aarti held her chin and commented as she kissed her forehead. "Kahin meri hi nazar na lag jaaye." She took some kaajal from her own eyes and placed a mark behind Riddhima's ear to save her from evil-eyes. Riddhima lowered her head shyly. It was only then Armaan realized that Riddhima was there beside him. Aarti held Riddhima's hand and took her towards the patio made for Bride and groom.

Armaan who was on other side of Aarti, followed them, trying to peek across her shoulder to see Riddhima. Unfortunately, his view got blocked by Aarti and other women who had encircled Riddhima. Even when they reached the patio, she was not left alone. He pulled his neck looking sideways, trying to steal a glance of her. He sighed.

Minnie was observing his every move. She nudged Muskaan and Anjali. The three women giggled at his restless state. Then thinking of teasing him further, they made a plan. First they made sure that he couldn't see Riddhima by standing in between him and her. Even though Riddhima was wearing high-heals, but Anjali and Muskaan were still taller than her, especially Anjali, who was also wearing similar high-heals. Then as soon as the women got a chance, they pulled Riddhima away from him. Something was cooking up.

Armaan felt the crowd fade away from the patio. He held his breath, thinking that maybe now he will be able to see her, but WHAT? Where was she? He was all alone on the stage. Looking around helplessly, he gestured Atul to come closer.

"Kya hai?" Atul asked.

"Mujhe kya yahaan akele khade rahna hoga?" Armaan muttered in his ear while passing a tight smile to the audience in front.

"Aur nahi to kya tere saath saari paltan ko yahaan show case mein laga du." Atul looked at him weirdly as if he has said something illogical.

"Abey..." Armaan retorted in the same low voice, "Paltan ki baat nahi kar raha main."

"To phir?"

"Aaj kya hai?" he asked.

"It Sunday. Why?" Armaan slapped his forehead on his answer, "Sir pe haath mat maar. Mom naraaz hogi." Atul muttered.

"Mera matlab, ye... ye function kis liye hai aaj?" he asked.

"Aur kis liye, teri reception ke liye." Atul replied casually.

"Mere akele ki?"

"Haan tere akele ki..." Atul saw him squinting and added, "I mean teri aur Riddhima ki."

"Haan..." Armaan spoke instantly, "To wo kahaan hai?"

"Kaun kahaan hai?" Atul looked at him stupidly.

"Wohi jiski ye reception hai?" Armaan slapped his head again.

"Teri reception hai."

"Abey, main to yahin hu na."

"Haan to?" Atul looked at him simply. Armaan didn't say and just gritted his teeth. Finally Atul raised both his brows, "Ooohhh... To tu Riddhima ki baat kar raha hai."

Armaan rolled his eyes sighing. Atleast he understood. But before he could probe futher, he saw Atul walk away without answering. He stood there baffled and a little frustrated.

"Ladies and Gentlemen..." somebody spoke over the microphone, "May I have your attention please..." people turned their attention towards the voice, "As we all know that today we have gathered here in order to celebrate the enternal bond of two people we all love the most. I, on behalf of everyone who love this beautiful couple, dedicate this song to them. May god bless them with lots of happiness and flourish endless love for each other." With that the voice disappeared and they heard a soft music start.

The music started as a few men gathered on the dancing floor.

Dholak mein taal hai, payal mein chann-chann, (Everyone was surprised when Rahul appeared from behind men and started dancing)

Hoye, Dholak mein taal hai, payal mein chann-chann, (He repeated his steps)

Ghunghat mein gori hai, sehre mein saajan, (He held hand of a girl wearing a dupatta over her head and then a boy wearing a sehra)

Jahaan bhi ye jaayein, (He pointed towards Armaan)

Bahaarein hi chaayein, (He turned towards Riddhima who sat with Minnie on one of the tables)

Ye khushiyaan hi paayein,

Mere dil ne dua di hai, (He placed his hand over his heart)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai, (He danced again with the group of boys)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Dholak mein taal hai, payal mein chann-chann, (Atul too joined Rahul this time)

Ghunghat mein gori hai, sehre mein saajan,

Jahaan bhi ye jaayein,

Bahaarein hi chaayein,

Ye khushiyaan hi paayein, (Rahul and Atul danced together in sync)

Mere dil ne dua di hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai.

Hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye, (Boys gestured girls)

Hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye, (Girls passed them a questioning glance)

Hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye, (Boys urged girls to join in)

Hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye-hoye, (Minnie and Anjali stood up with some other girls)

Pyaar mila, preet mili, mere yaar ko, (Rahul sang pointing towards Armaan)

Pyaari jeet mili, mere yaar ko, (He pointed towards Riddhima)

Pyaar mila, preet mili, mere yaar ko, (Atul danced pointing towards Armaan, just like Rahul did earlier, while Rahul continued singing and dancing)

Pyaari jeet mili, mere yaar ko, (Atul too then pointed towards Riddhima in the same way)

Khush hai jo dil, maine mehfil, (Rahul sang again turning towards Muskaan)

Khush hai jo dil, maine mehfil,

Geeton se saja di hai, (He turned around showing his happiness to everyone)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai, (and continued dancing)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai.

Ooo, Ooo,

Oye-oye-oye,

Haar nahi, jeet nahi, jahaan pyaar hai, (Omang stood up from his place and started singing. Other people looked at him surprised as they stopped dancing for a moment just to hear him.)

Jismein haar-jeet ho wo, kahaan pyaar hai, (Omang stood between Rahul and Atul, placing his arms around both's shoulders)

Haar nahi, jeet nahi, jahaan pyaar hai, (He gestured boys and girls to start dancing again)

Jismein haar-jeet ho wo, kahaan pyaar hai, (He walked around circling the dancers, while singing to them)

Lag jaa gale, yaar mere, (He spread his arms turning towards Armaan who smiled at him widely, stepping down the patio at the same time)

Arey Lag jaa gale, yaar mere, (Armaan reached in front of Omang and saw him singing)

Maine dil se sada di hai, (Armaan hugged Omang)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai, (Rahul sang again and continued dancing)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai.

At some distance Riddhima's eyes welled up seeing the emotional scene.

Aaa, Aaa... (Muskaan noticed her misty eyes and gestured her not to cry)

Saathi sakhiyaan, bachpan ka ye angana, (She started singing on Riddhima's behalf as if trying to voice what she might be feeling)

Gudiya jhule, koi bhi hoga sang na, (The boys stopped dancing and turned towards them)

Chupaungi aansu kaise, Bheegenge kangana, (She wiped Riddhima's eyes)

Saathi sakhiyaan, bachpan ka ye angana, (She got up and went to Riddhima's side)

Gudiya jhule, koi bhi hoga sang na, (Armaan saw Muskaan bend a little and hold Riddhima by her arms)

Chupaungi aansu kaise, Bheegenge kangana, (She hugged her lightly patting her back)

Saathi sakhiyaan re...

Rahul came there playing a Mandolin, trying to ease up their moods

Saathi sunle, bole jo ye angana, (He sang to Riddhima)

Ye mann, jeevan, pyaar ke hi rang mein rangna, (He made Riddhima look up at him)

Hans degi teri chudi, khankenge kangana, (Holding her hand he tried to make her smile)

Saathi sunle re... (Riddhima hugged him getting emotional)

All other people stood at their places observing them. Atul saw everyone getting emotional, so he gestured Anjali-Omang and they started singing together.

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai, (Everyone started dancing now feeling lighter)

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai,

Mere yaar, ki shaadi hai.

As the song ended, everyone looked happy and cheerful. The men walked back towards the patio taking Armaan with themselves, snatching away all his hopes of seeing Riddhima yet again. To his bad luck, all through the song, Riddhima had been sitting on a table accompanying Muskaan with her back facing him. So he still couldn't see her in face.

"Waah Rahul, tumne to kamaal kar diya bete." Omang commented, "I never knew you could dance so well. Very good."

"Thanks Uncle." He thanked politely.

"Aur main Dad?" Atul looked at him expecting some praises for himself.

Shashank and Omang laughed at his childishness. Shashank said, "Tumne bhi bhot achcha dance kiye Atul bete."

Atul looked down embarrassed, yet happy. Happy, not because they praised him, but coz he was happy seeing both the families bonding closely. Armaan just stood there listening to them, his eyes secretly scanning through the crowd trying to see only one person.

~~~~~~~~~

Riddhima was with Aarti, who was introducing her to her guests.

"Ye Mrs. Singhaania hai. Ladies club ki secretary aur meri achchhi dost." Aarti said pointing towards a lady clad in a black saare. "Aur Mrs. Singhaania... this is my new daughter... Mere Armaan ki Riddhima." She stressed introducing Riddhima to her ellite guests proudly.

"Hello Riddhima bete." Mrs. Singhaania, the elderly lady, greeted her.

"Hello Aunty." Riddhima replied politely smiling at her.

Mrs. Singhaania observed her carefully, then commented, "I must say Aarti, you have found a really precious gem for Armaan."

"Wo to hai. Kaha tha na maine, ki main apne Armaan ke liye duniya ki sabse pyaari ladki laungi." Aarti replied holding Riddhima's hand, "To bataaiye, hai na ye sabse pyaari?"

"Bilkul hai bhai. No doubts in that." Mrs. Singhaania couldn't agree less.

Though Riddhima wasn't complaining, Aarti noticed that she getting a little exhausted by things. She has already met over hundred guests and with her heavy attire, it was getting difficult for her to stand straight now. Once Mrs. Singhania left after their brief conversation, she was about to gesture Riddhima to go and relax, when she heard another familiar voice.

"Aadaab Khaala."

"Naazneen..." Aarti sounded ecstatic. Her expressions changed within next moment.

She came forward with her now 12 year old daughter Falak and 15 year old son Zayan. "Maine kaha aadaab Khaalajaan." She repeated bowing her head.

Instead of replying, Aarti turned away unhappily, mumbling a silent, "Huh..."

"Haaye Allaah, humaari adaam ka jawaab bhi nahi diya. Lagta hai kuchh jyada hi naraaz hai." Naazneen spoke more to herself. Then said loudly, "Khalajaan, aap to humein bhul hi gayi hain lagta hai. Zara apna chehra to idhar ghumaaiye."

"Bhulne ka ilzaam to tu mujhpe laga hi mat, samajhi." Aarti complained.

"Hmm, to main sahi soch rahi thi. Naraazgi poore parwaan pe hai." Naazneen said with her index finger on her chin. "Meri tauba Khalajaan, ki main aap pe ilzaam lagaun. Par ek baar maaf kar dijiye na. Humaari adaab ab tak aapke kabule jaane ka intezaar kar rahi hai."

"Aadaab to theek hai, par main tujhse bhot naraaz hu." Aarti replied unhappily.

"Main jaanti hu aap kyun naraaz ho Khaala, saaf-saaf dikh raha hai. Par Raziya apaa ne chaar mahine pahle hi kaha hua tha, isliye humein jana pada." Naazneen started explaining, "Sach kahun to, main aur bachche to phir bhi jana nahin chaahte the, par phir rishteydaaron ki baatein to aap jaanti hi ho. Nahi jaate to bekaar ka hangama ho jata. Agar itna zaroori nahi hota, to Allah kasam main to Armaan Bhai ki shaadi kayamat ke liye bhi miss nahi karti." She explained. "Par humein bhi thodi si hairaani hai. Aur aapse ek shikaayat bhi hai."

"Shikaayat? Lo bhai, ye achchha hai, ulta chor kotwaal se sawaal kare..." Aarti frowned.

"Shikaayat nahi, sawaal hi samajh lijiye." Aarti blinked questioningly as she continued, "Raziya apaa ke yahaan ka function to mahino pahle tay ho gaya tha, par aap logon ko kya jaldi padi thi, jo itni jaldi-jaldi mein shaadi tay kar di Armaan Bhai ki."

Aarti sighed shaking her head. "Bas ab kya kahun..."

Naazneen smirked at her expressions. "Oh ab samajhi. Zaroor shaq raha hoga ki Armaan Bhai phir se mukar na jaaye?" She laughed.

"Kuchh aisa hi samajh lo." Aarti joined the laughter.

"Oo, to isliye na karne ki gunjaaish hi nahi chhodi..." She grinned and apologized again, "Sach mein Khaala, humein bhi bada afsos hai yahaan pe gairmaujood hone ka. Allaah kasam, agar Lukhnow ka program itna pahle nahi tay hua hota, to kayaamat ki bhi mazaal na thi humein Armaan Bhai ki shaadi pe aane se rakne ki."

"Chal koi baat nahi, main samajh sakti hu. Shukr hai tu aaj to aayi." Aarti smiled.

"Aaj kaise nahi aati, aakhir Armaan Bhai ka reception hai. Phir mujhe us pari se bhi to milna tha, jisne Armaan Bhai ki azaadi ke din khatam kar diye." Naazneen laughed again.

"Oh, to ye baat hai..." Aarti giggled with her. "To ye lo, milo meri us pyaari si pari se." She held Riddhima's hand and brought her forward. Riddhima had been standing behind Aarti, listening to their conversation. She came forward as Aarti pulled her ahead.

Naazneen looked at her curiously and couldn't take her eyes off as soon as her gaze stopped on Riddhima. She has heard about her a lot of times from Kabir who sang praises of Riddhima that made her feel too inquisitive to meet this cute girl her husband couldn't stop talking about. In fact, not only Kabir, whenever she met somebody who knew Riddhima, they talked about her fondly. In addition to that, ever since Naazneen came to know that Armaan is getting married to Riddhima, her curiousity had no bounds.

She looked at her amazed. "Mashallah..." Riddhima looked up hearing her comment while Naazneen held her chin observing her every feature.

"Ammi, ye to sach mein hoor jaisi dikhti hain." Falak said into Naazneen's ear looking at Riddhima, though her voice was loud enough to be heard by everyone.

"Ye lo, mere dil ki baat to isne bol di." Naazneen giggled openly.

While Riddhima blushed at the compliment she received for the umpteenth time that day, Aarti introduced them, "Riddhima, bte tum Kabir ko to jaanti ho na?"

Riddhima knew Kabir very well as he is the Chief of Security of The Marvels. She has met him numerous times while he arranged cabs for her in case of emergencies or else. Also, being the Chief of Security, everyone knew him. Riddhima was popular for her simple and innocent nature, and Kabir wasn't left unknown to her. "Ji." She nodded.

"Ye Kabir ki biwi hai, aur ye dono..." Aarti pointed towards Falak and Zayan, "...ye Kabir aur Naazneen ke bachche hain. Ye humaari chhoti si Falak hai, aur ye Zayan."

"Namaste..." Riddhima smiled at Naazneen and then sweetly at the kids. "Hello."

"Hello Chachijaan." Zayan and Falak greeted her in unison, while Zayan forwarded his hand.

When Riddhima looked at them questioningly, while Naazneen answered her unspoken question, "Darasal ye dono Armaan ko Chachu kahte hain, aur kyunki ab Armaan se shaadi ke baad tum uski biwi ho, isliye ye dono tumhe Chachi kah rahe hain."

"Oh... Hi Bachchon." Riddhima smiled and forwarded her hand towards Zayan.

To everyone's surprise, Zayan took her hand excitedly. "Hello Chachijaan."

Falak too held Riddhima's hand as soon as Zayan left her, and then turned to Aarti, "Badi Khaalu, Chachijaan sach mein bhot khubsurat hain, bilkul Armaan Chachu ki tarah."

"Tujhe pasand aayi na?" Aarti asked.

"Bhot. Balki Sabse jyada." Falak replied cheerfully.

Aarti smiled at her, and spoke to Naazneen, "Naazneen, main ise zara kahin baitha ke aati hu. Itni der se mehmaano se milte-milte thak gayi hai."

"Bilkul le jaaiye. Waise bhi ye thakegi nahi to aur kya hoga Khaala. Ya Allah, iske khud ke wajan se jyada to iski paushaak bhaari lag rahi hai. Main to itni der se yehi soch rahi thi ki ye apni dress ko sambhaal rahi hai, ya iski dress ise." Naazneen laughed.

The group laughed with her. Before anyone could say anything, Yash and Vaibhav arrived. They have heard last bit their conversation.

"Angel ko hum le jaayenge unki seat pe." Vaibhav said.

"Lo, ye aya Angel ka sipesalaar." Naazneen looked at him amused. [Sipesalaar = Commander]

"Baal mat kharaab karo Naazo Aunty." Vaibhav said irritably as she tried to ruffle his hair. Combing his hair, he held Riddhima's hand, "Chalo na Angel." Naazneen looked at their retreating back amused.

"Falak, Zayan, bachchon tum dono bhi inke saath jaake enjoy karo." Aarti said.

"Humein pahle Armaan Chachu se milna hai." Falak interjected.

"Theek hai, wo wahaan Patio pe hai. Chalo main bhi chati hut um logon ke saath." Aarti pointed towards where Armaan was sitting. Just then another guest called Aarti. Yash and Vaibhav had already left with Riddhima.

"Aap jaaiye Khaala, hum khud jaake mil lenge Armaan Bhai se." Naazneen said.

"Theek hai. Anjali aur Muskaan wahaan tables ki taraf baithe hain. Wo dono shaitaan Riddhima ko wahin leke gaye honge. Chaaho to tum bhi Armaan se milne ke baad wahin chali jana." Aarti instructed showing her the table where Anjali and Muskaan were sitting with Minnie.

~~~~~~~~~

In the meanwhile, lets see what other ladies were doing.

"Muskaan Bhabhi, wo dekho." Minnie nudged Muskaan.

"Hmm, kya?" Muskaan looked in the same direction.

"Armaan Bhaiya." She pointed towards Armaan, who stood with men of both the families on the patio, but looked like his attention was somewhere else.

Muskaan chortled, "Aww, he looks lost. Lagta hai, he is searching for Baby."

"Haan, ab tak Riddhima Bhabhi ko dekh jo nahi paaye hain ek baar bhi." Minnie said.

"Kya dekh rahe ho tum log?" Anjali joined them too. She has gone to attend some guest.

"Wo dekho." Minnie pointed towards Armaan.

Anjali turned to look at him. She felt sorry for him now. She recalled the rituals they performed after Riddhima stepped into their house for the first time. Even during those, they have made sure that Armaan cant see her face at any cost. They have been playing this game with him for too long now. "Aww... Chalo yaar, ab bas karte hain ye sab. Kitna restless lag raha hai wo."

"Achcha ab bhot taras aa raha hai apne devar tujhe? Jab wo sab pranks ho rahe the, tab to bade mazze le rahi thi tu." Muskaan teased.

"Tab ki baat aur thi. Thodi bhot masti chalti hai. Aur taras nahi aa raha mujhe uspe, bura lag raha hai. Par ab dekh na kaise udaas-khaamosh sa lag raha hai." Looking at him she said, "His smile isnt even reaching his eyes. My poor Armaan. Ab bas karte hain yaar."

"Arey abhi nahi Bhabhi. Abhi to shuruwaat hui hai, aage to abhi bhot kuchh baaki hai." When she saw Anjali squinting, she said, "Mujhe kitna pareshaan kiya tha unhone meri shaadi mein, aur phir us din apni shaadi pe jhooton ke neg ke liye bhi kitna naatak kiya tha unhone. Thodi aur der hone do pareshaan. Its my turn now. And I want revenge." Minnie smiled smugly.

"Nahi, bas bhot ho gaya." Anjali refused to continue, "Tum apna badla phir kabhi le lena. Bhot mauke milenge aage bhi. Waise bhi kuchh important guests Armaan aur Riddhima se milne aane waale hain wahin Patio pe. Tab tak iska mood theek nahi hua aur Mom ko humaara ye prank pata chal gaya, to wo bhot gussa hongi."

"Par..." Minnie frowned.

"Anjali theek kah rahi hai Minnie. Mujhe bhi lagta hai ki ab bas karna chaahiye. Armaan ki taang phir kisi din dobara khinch lenge." Muskaan agreed. "Waise Baby hai kahaan?" she asked.

"Use Mom apni kuchh friends se milwaane le gayi hain." Anjali replied.

"Ok..." Muskaan said sipping her juice, "Lo, ye aa gayi Baby." She saw Riddhima coming towards them with Yash and Vaibhav.

~~~~~~~~~

Naazneen went to meet Armaan on the patio with her kids.

"Armaan Chachu." Falak ran straight into Armaan's arms.

"Arey waah, hows my lovely doll?" Armaan smiled hugging Falak.

"I am fine Chachu." She replied.

"Hello Chachu." Zayan greeted.

"Hey Zayan." He hugged Zayan too. Holding Falak in his one arm, and his other arm around Zayan, he smiled at Naazneen, "Aadaab Bhabhijaan."

"Aadaab Armaan Bhai. Kaise ho aap?" she asked.

"Waise to main theek hu, par aapse bhot naraaz hu." He faked a frown.

"Ye lo ab tum shuru ho gaye..." She sighed, "Abhi-abhi to Khaala ko poora kissa suna ke aayi hu. Ab tum mat shuru ho jana barkhurdaar." She explained politely, "Baat ye hui Armaan, ke Raziya Apaa ke devar ka nikaah tumhaari shaadi ke ek din pahle hi pad gaya tha aur unhone humein chaar mahine pahle hi nyota bhej diya tha. Waise to tumhaari shaadi miss karke hum mein se koi bhi wahaan nahi jana chaahta tha. Bachche to bilkul maayus ho gaye the. Bilkul bhi enjoy nahi kiya unhone wahaan. Par rishteydaaron ke nakhre to tum jaante hi ho. Nahi jaate to ek naya hungama khada ho jata. Phir uske agle din ki tickets hi nahin mili, isliye nahi aa paaye." [Raziya is Naazneen's first cousin.] [nyota = invitation]

"Chaliye koi baat nahi. Par maaf karne ki ek shart hai." Armaan rolled his tongue into his mouth.

"Achchha? Aur wo kya hai?" She raised her brow.

"Khan Bhai ke haath kal hi ek bada sa tiffin bharke Sewaiyaan bhijwana padega aapko mere liye. Boliye manzoor?" He held his hand out.

"Bas itni si baat? Tumhaari shart sir-aankhon pe miyaan." She placed her hand on his.

"Waise ek baat batao Barkhudaar, tumhe badi jaldi padi thi shaadi ki. Kya to humesha na-na ki rut lagaye rahte the, aur ab shaadi ki bhi to itni jaldi-jaldi mein?"

"Ismein meri koi galti nahi Bhabhijaan, main to bado ka hukm maan raha hu bas."

"Ohhoo, pahle to kabhi bado ke hukm ko tawajjo nahi di tumne, is baar aisa kya ho gaya?" She teased. [tawajjo = attention]

"Wo... ah... wo to..." He fumbled and tried to distract her, "Ye sab chhodiye, ye bataaiye aap Anjie Bhabhi se mili?" He asked.

"Ab tum baat badal rahe ho Armaan." He looked away nervously while she laughed, "Arey tumhe to sharmana bhi ata hai..." She said smiling at him, "Nahi abhi nahi mili Anjali Bhabhi se, socha to tha ki sabse pahle tumse milke tumhe Mubarak-baad de-dein. Sherwaani mein bade gazab ke khubsurat lag rahe ho."

"Sachchi Bhabhijaan, to phir chaliye na, bhaag chalte hain dono yahaan se." Armaan flirted holding her hand and placing it near his heart.

"Haaye Allah, bade besharam ho gaye ho tum to miyaan..." She slapped his hand away, "Bachchon ka to lihaaz karo zara..."

"Bachche sab jaante hain Bhabhijaan. Balki wo to meri hi team mein hain." Armaan smiled at the kids, "Kyun bachchon?"

"Ji haan, hum to Armaan Chachu ke saath hain." Falak and Zayan hugged Armaan from either side, while he gave Naazneen a I-told-you-look.

Naazneen faked a glare at the trio while they giggled. She then asked meaningfully, "Waise mere saath bhaagne ka khayaal tumhaare dimaag mein aya, aur wo bhi ab... mujhe to sunke bada taajjub ho raha hai." (Taajjub = Surprised)

"Kyun, ismein taajjub kaisa?" He asked casually.

"Lo, ye bhi main hi bataun?" She shook her head and teased, "Bhai, mujhe to laga tha tumhaari nayi-nayi shaadi hui hai, to tumhe kuchh aur dikh hi nahi raha hoga siwaay kisi khaas ke."

Understanding her reference, sighing he muttered, "Ab aapko kya bataun Bhabhi, wo khaas hi to nahi dikhi abhi tak, isliye to dusri cheezein dekh ke time paas kar raha hu."

"Kya budbuda rahe ho miyaan?" She bend towards him. (Budbuda = mumble)

"K-kuchh nahi." He shook vigorously.

She looked at him suspiciously talking in a upset tone, "Nahi batana chaahte to mat batao, par kam se kam jhooth to mat bolo Armaan."

"Nahi Bhabhi, a-aisi koi baat nahi hai." He replied baffled.

Naazneen laughed, "Main to mazzak kar rahi thi, tum to dar gaye miyaan." Armaan sighed relievingly as she continued her teasing course, "Waise hum log to faayde mein rahe. Tumse milne se pahle hi humein to kisi aur ke hi deedar ho gaye..."

"Deedar?"

"Haan, kisi bhot khaas ke."

Before Armaan could react, Falak understood her mother's reference and interjected impatiently, "Haan Chachu, hum sab abhi Riddhima Chachijaan se milke hi aa rahe hain. Wo bhot-bhot khubsurat hain Chachu. Bilkul jannat ki hoor dikhti hain."

"She is really beautiful Chachu." Zayan who was usually a quite boy, too complimented.

"Sach mein Armaan. Main humesha sochti thi tum jaisi shaandaar personality match kar sake, aisi koi ladki bani bhi hai ya nahi. Par Riddhima ko dekh ke dil ko bada sukun mila hai. Wo bilkul tumhaari takkar ki hai. Tumhaare Bhaijaan aur dusron se jitni taarif suni thi, us se kahin badh kar hai. Bhot hi pyaari hai tumhaari begum." Naazneen mused.

Armaan was taken aback at their sudden open reference. He was prepared for the teasing, coz it came quite naturally with Naazneen when it comes to him. But he wasn't not expecting such open mention of the person he was missing most, who was technically supposed to be with him at the moment on this special day. But no, nothing is supposedly normal in his life, especially when it came to his relationship with her.

He groaned inwardly. Why are they all after his life today? Every person he was meeting today was singing praises of his newly-wedded-wife's beauty, whom he hasn't even seen yet. "Yeah right..." he mumbled smilingly awkwardly as unknowingly his gaze swept through the crowd to find her. Alas, she was nowhere in sight.

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