Chapter 3 - Steps to Paradise
Week One
"Haha very funny Armaan!" Riddhima spoke sarcastically into the phone, feeling her temper rise by the minute. She knew he was messing around just to annoy her, and she was giving in very easily.
"No seriously Riddhima..think of it this way. The more time I spend with you, the more you'll get to know me and fall for me. Trust me. I'm loved by everyone." He joked into the phone.
"Armaan, you called me up at 1:30am, ruined my sleep because you were bored and I didn't say anything. But now you brag about your oh so much charm, charisma..blah di blah.. and expect me to stay up listening to that crap?"
"Heyy, I need someone to talk to else I'll fall asleep. And you know what Keerti does to people who oversleep during duty time. I wonder if I'm better off working instead of this break."
"You decide that. Why ruin my beauty sleep?"
"What's the point of beauty sleep, you don't get any prettier anyway.." Armaan teased into the phone, knowing he was lying to breaking point.
She always seemed to grow more beautiful by the day. And yes he noticed it. Everyday. It had been a week since they had agreed upon that God forsaken plan. Things were going smoothly as ever. Because work was upon them, no couple found time to cuddle up and be together, for which both were really grateful. But Armaan had taken to calling her every now and then, and their conversations lasted nothing shorter than half an hour. However, everything they talked about was pure nonsense. Funny, entertaining, irritating nonsense that could go on forever. Sometimes, Riddhima would randomly think over some of their conversations and laugh out loud, or go about with a silly grin on her face, attracting many stares from people around her.
And no, the word hadn't spread that Armaan and Riddhima were 'together', however, when they met in the locker room, heads would turn and questions would arise. But that was what she needed. Sid had noticed them getting closer, but hadn't cracked. Yet. It was only a matter of time, Nikki said, however Riddhima doubted it. It looked like they would have to take some action soon, and Armaan agreed with her.
Riddhima's mouth dropped open at his comment. What an idiot! Oh he was so having it!
"What do you mean I don't get any prettier? Mr pretend boyfriend, you say that to any girl and she'll dump you on the spot. In fact, you'd probably have a drink thrown in your face as well!"
"And that's why I say it to you, over the phone." She could make out his smirk and wanted nothing but to dearly drive over to the hospital that very moment and treat him as a punching bag. Oh, on the plus point, her kick boxing skills would improve too, though she didn't have any.
"Urgh, go die!"
"Awhh..guess who's taken offence." He put in irritating her all the more.
"Shut up Armaan! I'll cut the phone, then you can entertain yourself!"
"Hey, you owe me! Don't you dare cut the phone."
"So you'll leave me half way in our mission, just because I cut the phone? Suppose network suddenly dropped low. Or my phone ran out of battery?" she asked cutely before hearing him give a frustrated sigh. Ah, the power women had over the men that loved them. Sometimes, it was great fun to take innocent advantage of it.
"How many times are you going to get cute with me?" he grumbled.
"I don't know. Maybe this is the last time. Or maybe once more. Maybe twice, maybe thrice, may.." she was interrupted with a,
"Riddhima, thank you so much for alerting me. You really are the best person in the world."
"What?" she asked momentarily confused.
"Yes, pakka. Tomorrow evening, when none of us have night duty, I'll take you out. Just the two of us"
"Armaan what are you.."
"Bye sweetheart.." Urgh, how cheesy could he get?
"What do you mean sweetheart?!"
"Buh bye. I love you too.." her mouth dropped open. They had made a pact to not use those three words! What was wrong with him?
"Armaan! You..we made a deal.." she spluttered before she heard someone's voice she knew very well.
"Girlfriend?" Sid asked.
"You bet.."
"Love her?" Sid asked once again, and Riddhima shut up, straining her ears to make sure she caught each word properly. There was a pause before Armaan replied. Riddhima frowned, hoping he wouldn't give it away. And somewhere inside her, she hoped that the answer would be no.
"Yes." He sighed. "A lot."
Riddhima felt her heart sinking. Was it true, or did he just say that for Sid? But that word was so deep! Love. How many times had she and Sid used it? Loads. And how many times had they both actually meant it, was the question that suddenly cropped up like a bugging fly, and hovered around, refusing to go. One time, just this once, could she ever get the answer, straight forwardly? Without having to think too much? She wished she could switch her mind off everything, and let whatever happen, happen. Then why not? Because she was confused! A confused person, pulling God knows how many people into this maze of confusion with her! And they could turn their backs whenever they wanted. But she, she had to go on. To find the center of it. The center would hold all the answers.
"I'm sorry.." she whispered through the phone, knowing he couldn't hear her. "I'm so sorry.."
"Cool. Good luck bro. Girls are hard to keep happy for long. Sometimes they want this, then that, then the other. And one thing especially, attention." She could almost make out Sid's wink as once more blood rushed at lightning speed through her veins. How could he say such stuff? Riddhima Gupta had never, never asked him for anything! All she had expected off him was to love her the way she thought he did! Him saying that was like blasphemy! When had she ever, ever demanded for attention? He used to give it to her himself! Urgh! That complete ass!
"Armaan please break his bones right now! If you don't I will!" she whispered through the phone again, sure enough that he couldn't hear.
"Don't worry. You should have been here to see his face!" was the reply and she immediately shut her mouth. He had heard her! That probably meant Sid had left. "Don't worry. He loves you. We've just got to shatter that big ego of his." Armaan voiced his thoughts as she gulped.
"How?"
"Leave that up to me. We'll make sure that in no time, he's seen what he's missed out on." His cheerful voice lifted up her heart and once more, she was smiling. Trust Armaan! He was always so optimistic! And she knew Armaan was never a wrong judge. In fact, she trusted him. Trusted him a hell lot. Probably more than Sid because already, he had proved himself to be an amazing friend, someone who no one would want to let go of.
"Thank you, Armaan."
"Don't mention it. I get to go on quite a few dates with you, so there's my benefit here as well." He added cheekily, turning on his flirting measures.
"That's amazing. Now I don't have to feel guilty." She played along, knowing it really wasn't true.
"I have selfish motives in everything I do." He replied darkly, then chuckled, making her giggle.
"But honestly, Thank you very much for whatever you're doing. You're a star."
"I know that." He replied proudly, before cutting off the call. "Hey, gotta get going. Duty time is back on. Wish me luck with Mrs Mehta!"
"Good luck" Riddhima smiled. Mrs Mehta was one of the most difficult patients they had. She refused to have her medication, she refused to eat food, and moreover, she refused to let any doctor near her. Only Armaan with his charm was able to check up on her, and coax her into having her food, her medication, everything. Sometimes, just sometimes, Riddhima would catch herself watching his interaction with her and smile at the way he used his tools, and the outcomes.
Armaan's smile faded and as soon as he put the phone in his locker, he shut the door, and leaned his head against it, evidently tired of the 'going on's in his life. His night duty, Nikki's emotional blackmail, Sid and Riddhima patch up, watching Riddhima hurt for Sid every day. If only she looked back once more, gave him a chance, if only she was able to harbor even a miniscule amount of feelings for him, he would do anything for her. He would make her feelings grow with time. But maybe it wasn't meant to be. Maybe Armaan and Riddhima were never meant to be.
"And even then, I love you.." he whispered barely audibly, even to himself. "And will do for a very long time, even when I hand you over to him myself." He blinked a couple of times as the weight inside him pushed him to the floor like gravity, onto his knees. Why did people love, if they were destined for heartbreaks? But no, he could not break down right now. Not until he had completed his task and seen Riddhima happy. Therefore, wiping the edge of his eyes, which had moistened for a second there, he got up once more, and walked out of the locker room, securing his sorrows in the locker room.
She put the phone on her bedside table, her mind on Armaan. He really was a gem of a person. In fact, in all honesty, he was amazing. If she hadn't been with Sid first, Armaan and her would probably have had a chance. But the attractive guy that he was, why had he fallen for her in the first place? Had he fallen for her? Or was she reading too much into things. And if he had, what was it about her, that others saw, but she didn't? Her smile vanished as she thought about his confirmation to Sid when he'd asked if he loved her. Was it true? Did he? She sincerely hoped not. Not love. Because love happens once doesn't it? But what she had with Sid, was it love? Six months back, she would have confirmed it. Ridden her car over someone if they suggested otherwise. But now, now she wasn't sure. Love happened from both ends. And if Sid had loved her, he wouldn't have ever left her. But then who didn't make mistakes. Her mind diverted to Armaan's ocean blue eyes again, and the look they had held in them the other night, when she danced with him. All of a sudden, something inside her sunk down to the pit of her stomach and she drew the covers over herself, hid her face in her pillow, and didn't come out until she heard the alarm ring shrilly beside her at seven am in the morning. Thinking was hard work.
* * * * * * *
Week Two
Riddhima pulled on her long black stockings under her flirty, blue and black dress. Armaan would be here any moment. And she wasn't even ready! She wanted to look her best, because Nikki had over heard Sid setting a date with some nurse, at _____ Restaurant. And guess who was going to show up there, surprisingly? But then Armaan and she had to be there early, because one, they had made reservations in one of the most beautiful areas it had, a huge balcony overlooking the sea, and two, well, she didn't want to jinx it by thinking about it too much.
Should she put her hair up? Well, Sid liked it up. Scowling, she wondered what sort of mess she had gotten herself into. What now? And it suddenly clicked. A French bun, not that hard to make, but classy and elegant would do the trick with a few strands framing her face. Perfect. Just as she finished, she blew a kiss to the mirror, and went to welcome Armaan.
"Hi, ready?" he asked smiling at her as he saw her. Instead, she frowned slightly. Who doesn't compliment a girl when he sees them ready?
"Yeah," she replied. "Just a moment." And she rushed in to get her clutch bag. Throughout their walk to the car, she still received no compliment. Well, if he didn't tell her she looked good, how was she sure Sid would like the way she looked? Maybe, being Armaan, he acting too much like a gentleman. Couldn't he let go for a bit? "So, uhmm..how do I look?" she asked tentatively as they were in the car, barely talking. She saw him glance at her, then back on the road before he replied,
"Great."
"Thanks.." was her half hearted answer.
He didn't really mean it. She hadn't really impressed him that well. Feeling her mood suddenly go off, she settled herself with staring out of the window. What was really wrong that she failed to impress him? Why was she trying to impress him in the first place? It was Sid that really mattered wasn't it? Wasn't it, she questioned herself again. Yes, but obviously a girl likes to impress everyone. And that everyone included best friends. Yeah, but he had said she looked great. Great? Urgh! She wanted him to actually mean it. Maybe he did mean it. But if he meant it, he wouldn't have used the word 'great'. It was so vague! Before she knew it, the car halted in front of the posh oversized hotel and Armaan had already opened the door for her. But even that didn't improve her mood. The grumpiness that had fogged her happiness was too thick to melt by such a gesture, sweet as it was.
Coming out, she huffed and looked away.
"Are you ok?" Armaan asked slightly concerned.
"Yes." Was her curt reply and without waiting for him or his confusion, she stalked off.
"Ridz, what's wrong?" Armaan asked as he caught up with her.
"Nothing."
"Come on. Something must be bothering you."
"Armaan, forget it." she sighed, not at all feeling up to anything at the moment. Right now, all she wanted to do was cancel the plan, go home, and bury herself under her blanket. Or maybe watch a sad movie, like P.S I love you, and cry. Or something else, like A walk to Remember. And the classic, Romeo and Juliet. Dear John would also do. "Can we just get this done and over with?"
"You were excited about this. What happened?" he asked, flabbergasted at her withdrawal all of a sudden.
"Is it worth it? I mean, doing all this? He probably doesn't have anything for me. Here I am trying so hard, what if it all comes round and slaps me in the face? What if he still doesn't..you know.." she voiced, telling him the chosen pieces from the complicated jigsaw puzzle in her head at the moment.
"Listen Riddhima. You.." but before he could finish what he was saying, the corner of his eye caught Sid and his date coming out of their car, and quickly pulled Riddhima to a nearby tree, hiding himself, and her, from their view.
"Armaan.."
"Shhh.." he put his fingers over her lips urgently as he continued looking behind the tree, then then quickly putting himself beyond view. She gasped, feeling his soft skin on hers. His black shirt camouflaged well with the background, making him look darker, and more attractive. If that wasn't enough, he then turned himself right in front of her, so that she was trapped between him and tree. He was too close. She felt heat rising within her, wondering why this was happening. Maybe it was because she was way too close to him, physically, and somehow, that thought just made her heart race. Subconsciously, she tried to move back, make distance between herself and the profile that was in front of her. Unfortunately at that point, a branch struck under her leg, making her trip. With a small scream of pain, she fell over backwards, landing on her butt first.
Armaan's attention diverted, and it took one look to make him double up laughing at her position on the floor. Upon hearing him, and seeing how he was not helping, her mouth dropped open in high insult.
"You, you idiot! A girl fell down and all you can do is laugh?!" And that did it. He started guffawing louder, as she finally got herself up, and walked slowly towards him.
"Armaan." Her sweet voice spelled danger in every syllable, as his laughter faded to a grin, then finally when that wiped off, she started pummeling him with her clutch, on his shoulder, his back, wherever she could.
"Riddhima..ouch. Ok..I'm sorry. Jeez.." he said as he tried to escape her hold, and rubbed his sore body parts when she was done. "What did you expect me to do?"
"I don't know, maybe offer me a hand up, or try and prevent me from falling!"
"Hah, really Riddhima? Prevent you from falling? How? If you had decided to alert me, and done it in slow motion, I would've." His sarcastic reply came back. "Or wait, maybe if we were in an Indian series, then it would have been a million times easier. Better idea! Why don't we just give up practise and start acting in Indian dramas?"
Riddhima just frowned as she glared at Armaan with all her might. What was wrong with him and being a bit romantic? Admitted, they weren't really dating, but couldn't he even try at least try to make it look like he had feelings for her instead of making her feel like a fool in front of him? So much for her thinking he had something for her deep inside. She couldn't help but punch him once more.
"Not funny, Armaan."
"I wasn't planning to be funny, just wanted to make a point." He replied smugly, while she exhaled in frustration.
"Idiot. Pointless, useless being." She muttered under her breath while making her way to the front of the hotel. "Only purpose in life is to annoy the crap out of me."
"Wow, I didn't know you were so accurate in your predictions." Armaan's cheeky voice rung in her ears as she huffed and looked away, even more annoyed.
Her body was weird! She suddenly couldn't help but smile at what had just taken place. Hitting Armaan, getting angry at him, feeling all sorts of different emotions all over again that she had forgotten to feel for the past few months. She hadn't felt this light in ages! And it was because hanging out with Armaan more and more started having a huge effect on her, she presumed. She saw life his way. Live like you were on top of the world, laugh like it was the only way to express your happiness, let everything pass over your head, because if it never went into your brain, it wasn't meant to in the first place!
As they continued walking to the main reception, Riddhima's smile faded when she saw the sight of Sid. Acting like she was in love with Armaan was so, she struggled to find the word for it. Not difficult, but more like draining sometimes. However, that was only because her mind at that point worked in speeds and convoluted ways which it had never done so before. As though, something was so wrong about it, yet at the same time so right that it came out naturally. And no matter how much she tried to forget about it and 'go with the flow' ' as Armaan put it ' it eat her up at the back of her mind. Suddenly, she turned to face him, her expression serious and somewhat defeated.
"Armaan, please, let's just get done with this. I'm tired of putting up this farce in front of everyone." Her eyes depicted the how uncomfortable she would be for the next few hours while they acted like a couple. "I mean," she quickly added when she saw his beautiful blues darken. "It's so amazing being with you, and being free around you. It's just that, when I think of having to act it out, it feels wrong. I don't know what's wrong, or right, for that matter." Yeah, was it wrong to want Armaan to complement her and mean it from the bottom of his heart? If so, then why did that feeling still linger, and why was she trying to defend it?
Armaan blinked once. Honestly, he couldn't agree more. They had such an amazing time when no one was supposedly 'watching' them, and they were together. He would always replay those little arguments between them in his head and feel his lips tug at the ends when he remembered her furious, confused, tube-light, insulted, shocked, amazed, innocent, babyish, cheeky, naughty, tired, irritated, frustrated and he could exhaust the dictionary off words, expressions. But when they had to put on this 'farce', as she called it, there was only one thing that was clearly visible in her eyes. Tension and nervousness. Well two, but she fused them together so well that they were like one.
"I know. It's so unnatural. Why don't we just get out of here and go watch a movie? It'll take our mind off this." The glint in his eyes was back and Riddhima grinned.
"I wish. Nikki will commit murder. Plus we have reservations. Let's just gruel through with it."
"As you say, Miss Gupta." He replied and put his arm forward for her to take.
* * * * * * *
"We have a reservation, Armaan Mallik." Armaan told the receptionist who immediately nodded and checked on his PC.
"Armaan, Riddhima?" a voice behind them questioned. Bingo.
"Hi Sid, what a surprise." Armaan put in while Riddhima just glanced at him, trying her best to hide her laughter. She just passed a smile at Sid and took a good look at his arm candy tonight. Obviously, bitch nurse Payal. Riddhima felt a rise of flames push their way into her mouth, but she managed to calm them down for a while. This was the same nurse who always ogled, displayed and flattered her eye lashes at Sid even while she had been dating him! And obviously, when Armaan came, Armaan it was. But now Sid was free again, then why not? Riddhima shut her eyes in utter disgust. Of all the nurses he had to choose from, he chose the one she specifically hated? Well, two could definitely play at the game, was her only thought, while she shifted closer to Armaan, brushing her hips against his thigh.
Armaan frowned slightly as he felt Riddhima's actions, but brushed them off immediately.
"When I booked a table, they made some stupid glitches in their figures somehow which wiped my reservation off completely." Sid replied, disgruntled. Riddhima could see him staring at the floor, clearly embarrassed and felt a smile of triumph form on her face. No, she wasn't a sadist. Hah, but this felt good. Everything was going according to Nikki's plans. Her friend's best friend was the manager of this particular hotel and well, the rest had been a cake walk. But now would come the hardest part.
"Why don't you guys just join us?" Armaan put in. "I'm sure it'll be great!"
"What, no! You guys are on a date, we wouldn't want to.."
"Don't worry yaar. It'll be great fun."
"Armaan it's fine. We'll just go somewhere else.." Sid began again, but Armaan shushed him.
"Ridz what do you think? They should just come along right? I'm sure we can have two more chairs pulled up."
"Yeah, Payal, you should come." Riddhima directed her gaze at Payal again, whose eyes were still wide, looking at the duo in front of her.
"Uhmm.." her eyes landed on Armaan, then back to Siddhant as wondering what was the right answer here.
"Go on, Payal. We're not bad company, as Sid might be implying." Armaan grinned at Sid who shook his head. Awkward much? Definitely. And Riddhima could feel it crawl through her skin. She caught Sid's eyes directly looking into hers for a micro second. Funnily enough, that was all she needed to start feeling uncomfortable all over again. Taking Armaan's hand, she pressed herself closer to him and was quite surprised to see how his body warmth had an immediate calming effect on her nerves.
"Armaan, honestly, it's fine." Sid replied in a firm voice. Armaan clenched his jaw. Well, that was just putting a full stop to their plan. They didn't come this way to see their plans being thrown aside like garbage. There must be something else, and that's when Armaan finally saw the nurse. Wasn't she the one who kept hinting things at him?
"Payal, isn't it?" he turned to her, putting on his best smile ever.
"Don't you remember me Dr Armaan?" Payal asked, feigning hurt.
"Of course I do. And maybe we should get to know each other more tonight, so I definitely don't forget you ever. What do you say?" his eyes twinkled and Payal found herself being floored with that charm.
Riddhima on the other hand clutched Armaan's arm tighter than ever, almost making him wince. Armaan flirting with Payal did not go down well with her. In front of Sid, it shouldn't go down well at all, but regardless of that, she found herself being bothered by this slight interaction.
"Sid, maybe we should just join them." Payal turned to Sid, fluttering her eyelashes, the move she had mastered by now. Riddhima found herself wanting to puke. Urgh, that woman. And now she had to spend an entire night with her! The small exchange between Armaan and Payal had thankfully gone unnoticed by Sid, who seemed like he was lost.
"I don't.."
"Come on Sid." Payal insisted.
That was it. Three against one, and finally, Sid chose to agree accompanying them, walking right into the trap they had cleanly set up for him. And poor guy couldn't even do anything about it! Armaan felt a tad bit pity for him, but when he remembered what Riddhima had gone through it all evaporated. And all this was for her wasn't it? He swallowed hard and masked his face with the smooth expression he had learnt to put on so well for the past few days.
* * * * * * *
Payal's face was red. So was Sid's as he got up shakily from the floor. Armaan and Riddhima on the other hand hi-fived each other under the table. The on-lookers sniggered at the scene in front of them, while Payal whispered a furious,
"Come on Sid, just make a joke out of it. Stop embarrassing me."
Sid on the other hand, just grinned clumsily, while the waiter brought another chair and the other cleared away the remaining pieces. Armaan had already gotten up, and helped Sid brush himself down, while Riddhima tried her utmost to hide her giggle that kept bubbling up. Okay, she had to give it to Nikki, that was quite creative! And a good laugh! Though part of her felt sad for him, she brushed it aside quickly, knowing he deserved that at the very least.
"I'm sorry dude. Hope you're ok." Armaan asked genuinely, while Sid just nodded and took the next chair.
Armaan went back next to Riddhima, who was seated opposite Payal, and clasped her hand once more, startling her.
"Armaan." She whispered, feeling heat rising within her. He squeezed her hand gently, making her shut up. It was then she noticed Sid was feeling even more uncomfortable, after he accidently dropped his fork, and bent down to get it, witnessing their union. Well, Armaan did know how to really portray himself in a committed relationship! However, he fingers tightened around his, reciprocating his squeeze. An electric jolt rose up her body when his hand accidently brushed her thigh, leaving her stuttering out the rest of the sentence she was saying to Payal. What the hell was he doing, she wondered, folding her legs so that casually, she was quite far away from Armaan. Not that she was allergic to him or anything, but his sudden brushes just made something tingle inside her. Why that was happening, she had no idea.
* * * * *
Edited by Sanaa629 - 13 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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