Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 77

EPISODE EIGHTY-FIVE

It was not only Anjali and Muskaan, he too has been observing Armaan and Riddhima. Atul smiled to himself as he found the newly wed not averting their gaze from each other. He could clearly see the ocean of Love floating in Armaan's eyes, while Riddhima's innocent eyes mostly held confusion, not that she was not liking Armaan's stares. Her lost state mentioned that she was also falling for him; its just she doesn't know anything of such feelings.

Atul said something into Rahul's ear. Rahul shook his head in agreement and went to the musicians to borrow a guitar from them.

Anjali saw them whisper something to each other and then Rahul walk away. She knew what her husband was upto. She told Muskaan about it. Then she, Muskaan, Minnie, Harsh, Naazneen, Kabir and all the young ones waited at their places for Atul to start.

The music started with a soft thunder sound on the signal given by Rahul and he started playing guitar. Minnie was too excited and she also stood up along with them.

Gup-chup, Gup-chup, chup-chup o,

Gup-chup, Gup-chup, chup-chup o, (Minnie placed a finger on her lips singing in Harsh's ear.)

Gup-chup, Gup-chup, chup-chup o,

Gup-chup, Gup-chup, chup-chup o, (She went to Muskaan and repeated her action.)

Rahul continued to play guitar.

Do dil mil rahe hain, do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke... (Atul started singing softly following the music)

Do dil mil rahe hain, do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke... (He sang near Anjali's ear looking lovingly into her eyes)

Sabko ho rahi hai, haan sabko ho rahi hai, (He walked towards the other tables)

Khabar chupke-chupke, (He placed his finger on his lips just like Minnie and looked at everyone, as if gesturing them to keep quite)

Ooo, Do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke. (He circled around the tables where Minnie, Harsh, Muskaan and other sat listening to the song enjoying it.)

Riddhima was looking back at Armaan and this was something that gave him a boost not to look away. He wasn't going to look away anyways, even if she wasn't looking at him. However this was the first time he has seen her looking at him and not trying to avert her gaze. Armaan felt the air getting lighter with the soft lyrics flowing in the air.

Saanson mein badi bekaraari,

Aankhon mein kayi rat-jage, (He went near Armaan and stood behind him with his back touching his chair)

Kabhi kahin lag jaaye dil to,

Kahin phir dil naa lage, (He turned and encircled Armaan who seems unaware of his presence or whatever was happening around him)

Apna Dil main, zaraa thaam lu, (He sang with his hand placed on his heart)

Jaado ka main, ise naam du, (He spread his arms out)

Jaadu, kar raha hai, (He turned and looked at Armaan)

Jaadu, kar raha hai, (He glanced at Riddhima, who looked equally lost)

Asar chupke-chupke, (He shook his head pointing towards Armaan-Riddhima meaningfully)

Do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke. (Again he went towards the other tables)

Riddhima didn't know what was going on around her. She could just hear someone singing softly. Whatever was being sung was something very captivating. The effect the song was creating was another thing that had kept her gaze glued on Armaan.

Aise bhole ban kar hain baithe, (Placing his elbows on Riddhima's table and resting his chin on them, Atul looked staright into her eyes, while she was staring at only one person... Armaan)

Jaise koi baat nahi, (He smiled seeing her not noticing anything around her, just like Armaan)

Sab kuchh nazar aa raha hai, (He went to one of the fairy-light decoration and brought a lightened bulb from there)

Din hai ye raat nahi, (He sang shaking his head and showing the lightened bulb to everyone, making all others chuckle silently)

Kya hai kuchh bhi nahi hai agar, (He left the bulb all of sudden gesturing his hands outward, Kabir caught the bulb just in right time saving it from falling on the ground.)

Hothon pe hai, khamoshi magar, (He placed both his palms in front of his lips)

Baatein, kar rahi hain, (He danced his brows looking at Muskaan)

Baatein, kar rahi hain, (Then did the same with Naazneen)

Nazar, chupke-chupke, (He looked at Anjali, blinking meaningfully)

Do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke. (Atul walked towards Rahul who stood near the musicians)

Rahul mumbled something into a technician's ear who nodded and went to do something. Then everyone saw fake cloudy smoke emerging from under the table, where Armaan was sitting.

Kahin aag lagne se pahle,

Uthta hai aisa dhuan, (Atul held his palm upside as if holding the smoke on it)

Jaisa hai idhar ka nazara, oo, (He pointed with his thumb towards Armaan while shaking his shoulders slowly)

Waisa hi udhar ka samaa, (He repeated the same step, pointing towards Riddhima)

Dil mein kaisi, kasak si jagi, (He placed both his hands over his heart)

Dono jaanib, baraabar lagi, (Then pointed his index finger of one of his hands shaking it towards Armaan-Riddhima, while other still resting on his heart)

Dekho, to idhar se, (Minnie stood up joining her shoulders with his, sideways)

Dekho, to idhar se, (Atul and Minnie danced by bending their touching shoulders in sync towards Armaan)

Udhar, chupke-chupke, (They moved their shoulders in sync towards Riddhima)

(Atul saw Anjali, Muskaan, Harsh get up too)

Do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke... (Atul sang looking into Anjali's eyes who placed her arms around his neck looking at him lovably)

Sabko ho rahi hai, haan sabko ho rahi hai, (Muskaan stood resting her head over Rahul's shoulder while he looked at her with immense love, still playing the guitar)

Khabar chupke-chupke, (Minnie-Harsh and Kabir-Naazneen too were dancing slowly in each other's arms by now, while many other young couple were already doing the same)

Ooo, Do dil mil rahe hain,

Magar chupke-chupke, (All the couple looked lost in each other.)

Magar chupke-chupke,

Magar chupke-chupke,

Mhmm, chupke-chupke,

Ahaan, chupke-chupke.

Everyone was mesmerized with the aura that has been created by Atul's song. The beautiful feeling has swept away everyone into the world of love as they danced in each other's arms. The only couple that sat away from each other was Armaan and Riddhima.

As the song ended, Armaan's trance broke and he slowly looked around to see everyone swaying slowly in their loved one's embrace, while the soft music played in the background. At that moment how he wished he could do the same with Riddhima.

He saw people stop dancing and knew it that now they will have to go. Armaan noticed Riddhima still staring at him. He smiled softly at her and... winked. And that brought out Riddhima from her lost-zone. He chuckled at her response as she looked away baffled.

She didn't know what she was doing. It was only when Armaan winked at her, she realized what she was doing and looked away immediately embarrassed. She stole a glance of him and found that he was busy talking to Atul, but soon he turned to look at her. Turning away, she closed her eyes tightly enough and mumbled to herself, "What are you doing you fool?"

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The day after Armaan-Riddhima's reception party, it was afternoon time and ladies just finished their lunch. Men were at their work while Anjali-Riddhima stayed at home. Aarti was off somewhere and Dadi was resting in her room after lunch. Vaibhav was as usual at his school.

"Riddhima chalo." Anjali said.

"Kahaan Bhabhi?"

"Tumhara sab samaan set karna hai na tumhaare room mein. Main help kar deti hu."

"Mera room?" Riddhima asked lamely, "To kya main aapke room mein nahi rahungi?"

Anjali looked at her as if she has lost her mind. Then registered that this is Riddhima, the slightly stupid but most innocent soul she know. Shaking her head she chuckled, "No Baby. Remember I share my room with Atul, just like Muskaan and Rahul share a room."

"Oh." That's all she could utter.

Anjali noticed her thinking something, "Arey what are you thinking. Ab se is ghar mein tumhara khud ka ek room hai. Its upstairs. Chalo main tumhe tumhara room dikha deti hu. I am sure you will like it." Riddhima shook excitedly. Anjali called, "Chatur."

"Ji Bhabhi." Chatur replied.

"Riddhima ka samaan upar iske room mein rakhwa de." She said.

"Bhabhi, wo to maine subah hi rakh diya." Chatur said excitedly.

Anjali looked at him surprised, "Kya baat hai Kaamchor? Aaj tune bina bole hi kaam kar diya, aur wo bhi time pe?"

"Main to humesha hi time pe kaam karta hu Bhabhi... wo to bas kabhi-kabhi thodi..." He trailed looking down sheepishly.

"Gadbad ho jaati hai." Anjali finished it for him, and added, "Hope tune aaj koi gadbad nahi ki."

"Nahi, nahi ki badi Bhabhi. Poromish." He pinched his throat.

"Poromish?" Riddhima mumbled.

"He means 'promise'." Anjali corrected rolling her eyes and sighed, "Lets see kya kiya aaj tune." She gestured towards Chatur who smile sheepishly. Then she ushered her, "Chalo Riddhima."

They went upstairs, while Chatur followed them. "And this is your room." Anjali said as she opened the door of a large room.

Riddhima looked around astonished. The room was not only grand in its size but also extremely beautiful. Painted in white and dark blue, it had everything matching... the furniture was done in white and few shades of blue, the bed-covers and pillows, the closet, the doors, the accessories, decorative pieces, curtains, couch, the small coffee table, side tables, even the switch boards and AC matched with the color scheme of the room.

Before she could say something, she heard Anjali.

"Like it?" she asked curiously as she saw Riddhima looking around in amazement.

"Its beautiful." She mumbled.

Anjali sighed contently, "It has to be. This is the best room of Ashiyana. And now its all your."

Riddhima looked at her surprised, "You mean...?" Anjali nodded understanding her reference, "Wow. Thanks Bhabhi, this is amazing." She nearly jumped joyfully.

"Oh, no need to thank me. I have nothing to do with this. Its actually someone else." She rolled her tongue smiling cheekily.

"Matlab?" She asked.

"Aah, nothing. Filhaal, let me show you your room." But she got interrupted by Chatur.

"Bhabhi, Maaji wapis aa gayi hain aur aapko bula rahi hain." Chatur who was till now standing outside the room, has heard Aarti calling Anjali. Aarti has just returned home.

"Aati hu." Anjali replied loudly. She turned to Riddhima, "Riddhima, main thodi der mein aati hu. Tum tab tak apne sab kapde wageraah apne closet mein set kar lo." She went to one of the door and opened it. It was a large and spacious empty closet. "Ye tumhara closet hai. Yahaan sab cheezein tum araam se rakh sakti ho. Aur agar phir bhi kisi cheez ki zaroorat ho, to Chatur yahin baahar hi khada rahega, use bol dena... ya mujhe bula lena."

"Ji Bhabhi." Riddhima smiled and saw Anjali leave the room.

Looking around she found her numerous luggages lying near the door. Why did Mumma-Papa had to send so much stuff? She sighed and walked to unpack. She was trying to drag one of the heavy luggages when she heard a knock on the door. Opening the door she found Chatur standing there.

"Nayi Bhabhi..." he saw Riddhima raise her brow. He bit his tongue, "Saarry. Mera Matlab, Bhabhi, main aapki kuchh madad karun kya?"

"Ah... Err..." she glanced back at the heavy suitcases and nodded, "Haan, bas ye suitcase wahaan closet ke paas rakh dijiye please."

"Theek hai." Chatur walked in excitedly and held one of the luggages. "Uhh..." it was heavy, so he couldn't lift it in one go. Pulling his sleeves up, he tried again and with a little difficulty, he picked it. Then he took all the luggages and placed them near her closet. Panting he said, "Lijiye Bhabhi, ho gaya. Aur kuchh karna hai kya?"

"Nahi aur kuchh nahi. Thank you." She thanked.

"Theek hai Bhabhi. Ab aap araam se apna samaan laga lo. Main thodi der mein ata hu. Phir aapke khaali suitcase store mein rakh aaunga." He said.

"Ok." She smiled and he left the room.

Riddhima got busy setting up her things in the closet. Anjali was right, the closet was big enough to absorb all her clothes and other stuff. After her clothes, she arranged all her footwear in a cabinet beside the dressing shelf, meant for the shoes. Then, as she opened her last two bags, she got confused. Where to put these? She thought.

"Riddhima..." she heard Anjali and turned to her, "All done?" Anjali asked closing the door and looking at the empty luggages lying there.

"Ji, almost." Riddhima glanced at the last two luggages.

Anjali noticed that one of the luggages had all her jewelry and cosmetics. "Cosmetics tum wahaan..." she pointed towards the curtain in one corner of the room while Riddhima followed her gaze, "...dressing chamber mein rakh sakti ho." The look on Riddhima's face told her that she hasn't seen that portion of the room yet. "Ek minute..." Riddhima looked back at her, "Tumne ab tak apna poora room nahi dekha?"

"Wo... I was busy arranging my stuff. Maine socha ki pahle main ye sab kar leti hu, phir room baad mein araam se dekh lungi." She replied.

"Ye bhi theek hai, room kahaan bhaga jar aha hai. Rahna to ab tujhe yahin hai." Anjali smiled. Then taking her hand, she added, "Chal main dilhati hu tujhe tera dressing chamber."

"Ok." Riddhima got up and followed her.

Anjali took her to that corner of the room. She parted the transparent net made curtain to reveal a comparatively smaller room. "Ye raha tera dressing chamber. Tu yahaan apna sab cosmetic ka samaan arrange kar sakti hai. There is more than enough room here." She smiled. She heard Chatur's voice yet again, "Aati hu." She answered, then sighed looking at her apologetically, "Lagta hai aaj to main teri help kar hi nahi paungi. Sorry Riddhima, I got to go."

"Koi baat nahi Bhabhi, mein kar lungi. Par inmein se kis drawer mein rakhu main apna samaan?" she asked pointing towards the dressing drawers.

"Kisi mein bhi rakh. Sab tera hi hai." Anjali patted her cheek before leaving.

Riddhima sighed. She glanced the the dressing chamber. In a way it was wrong to call it a chamber, as it was more that big enough to be called a room. It was around 14 feet wide and 15 feet deep, almost square in shape. Atleast one of her problem got solved. She arranged all her cosmetics in one of the drawers.

"Ab ye jewelry kahaan rakhu?" she mused looking at her jewelry boxes. She kept her jewelry boxes in her almirah, behind her clothes. But now looking at her books, files and other papers, she pursed her lips. "Tch... ye sab filhaal aise hi chhod deti hu. Baad mein sochungi ki inhein kahaan rakhna hai. Right now I am tired." She yawned and went to take a brief nap.

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Armaan came back from his work at around 08:30pm that day. It was almost after 4 days he has gone to his office and thus had a long day. His employees have taken care of everything very nicely. There wasn't any problem at all, but he had to keep an eye on everything... after all its his company. Sighing he climbed the stairs, heading towards his room.

Opening the door of his room, he paused for a moment holding the door knob, inhaling the new fresh fragrance. She was here, definitely. He just knew it instantly. He smiled. Armaan went to his study and placed his laptop on his table. Then he went for a shower. He heard his phone ringing as he came out of the bathroom. Business. While talking over the phone, he went to his study and got busy with his work after that.

About two hours later, he came down for the dinner when Chatur came to call him. He had lost the track of time while working. It was almost 10:40pm. When he came down for the dinner, everyone else has already taken their places on the dinning table.

Riddhima was sitting next to Anjali on the first place. The arrangement was, Dadi sat in the middle chair, in the row on her right side sat all the ladies in order of seniority, in her left side row were all the men of the house... again in order of seniority. The order of seniority meant, the youngest of the lot get to sit closest to Dadi. So, on right side, Riddhima got to sit beside Dadi, followed by Anjali and then Aarti. Similarly, on left, Vaibhav sat on the fist seat, then an empty chair, with Atul in the last place. Omang sat in the opposite side in front of Dadi.

Armaan took his place between Vaibhav and Atul and smiled looking down.

"Good Evening Chachu..." Vaibhav greeted him with a hi-five.

"Good Evening Champ." Armaan responded by clapping his hand with Vaibhav's.

"Aaj phir late." Anjali muttered in a voice that could be heard only by Armaan. Armaan gave her an apologetic look, signaling her to keep mum.

"Aaj phir se late aaye tum Armaan." They heard Aarti's commanding voice.

Anjali giggled muttering under her breath, this time leaning slightly towards Riddhima, "There she goes." Riddhima looked at her quizzically, but before she could ask anything, she heard Armaan's stammering voice.

As soon as he heard her voice, Armaan looked up towards Aarti instantly, "Ah... wo... M-Mom main to aaj thodi jaldi gaya tha, par..." he was interrupted.

"Kaam mein time ka pata nahi chala." Aarti finished. She saw him looking at her sheepishly and continued, "Armaan, tumhe kitni baar kaha hai ki dinner ke time ka dhyaan rakha karo. Lagbhag har roz tumhaari wajaah se sabko dinner itni late karna padta hai."

"Sorry Mom." He mumbled.

"Hmm." Aarti nodded and turned to serve Omang.

"Ab pata chalega bachchu." Atul mumbled leaning towards Armaan.

"Kya pata chalega?" Armaan bent towards Atul asking in the same low voice.

"Yehi ke biwi ke saamne jab daant padti hai to kaisa lagta hai. Meri bhot taang khichi hai saale tune, ab meri baari hai." Atul replied.

Armaan looked towards Riddhima who sat on the opposite side, and was busy talking with Anjali. He has almost forgotten about her. Then turned back towards Atul, "Bhai tu..." He was about to retort, but his bad luck, Aarti saw him.

"Armaan, atleast start your dinner now." Aarti said.

"J-Ji Mom." Armaan sat straight and started serving for himself.

On the other side, Riddima looked at Armaan puzzled. Anjali noticed it, but didn't say anything. Now is not the time to talk as they might get scolded by Aarti. She was already in an unhappy mood due to Armaan's careless behavior towards dinner. They can talk about it later.

After dinner, everyone retired to their respective rooms.

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Riddhima changed into her night clothes and was brushing her hair, so she didn't notice him enter the room. As soon as she came out of dressing chamber, "Tum?"

Armaan got slightly startled hearing her voice as well as her sudden appearance from behind the dressing chamber's curtain. He was with Vaibhav in the entertainment room, who has insisted on playing one round of game.

She waited for him to say something, but all she saw was him squinting his eyes. She stepped ahead asking, "Tum yahaan kya kar rahe ho?" when he still didn't answer and kept staring at her, she repeated, "Tumhe sunaayi nahi de raha kya?"

"Huh..." Armaan blinked.

"Maine puchha, tum yahaan kya kar rahe ho?" She asked pointing towards floor.

"Main yahaan kya kar raha hu matlab?"

She groaned, "It means, what are you doing here?"

"I know what it means. What I meant to ask is that, what kind of question is that?" he rolled his eyes stepping towards the closet.

"What do mean by that? It's a straight and simple question. But I think your brain is betraying you. Let me elaborate it to make it easier for you." She followed him towards the closet, "Tum, itni raat ko, yahaan, is room mein, kya karne aaye ho?"

Unable to understand her tone, he scratched his head. What is going on? "Wohi jo har insaan raat ko apne room mein karne ata hai."

"Matlab?" she got confused.

"Sone." He replied as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Matlab?" she repeated.

Whats this matlab-matlab? He thought putting his wallet in the drawer of his closet and closed the door while she waited for his reply. Then turned towards her, "Ab kya tumhaare dimaag ne tumhe dhokha de diya? Matlab ye ki main yahaan sone aya hu, aur kya." What is she talking about? WHY is she talking like this?

She blocked his way seeing him stepping towards the bed. "Woah, wait-wait-wait Mister. Tum yahaan kyun sone aaye ho?"

He looked at her outstretched hand. Whats this non-sense? Iska Dimaag theek to hai na? His brain-circuits sparked, "Kyunki main har roz yahin sota hu."

"Tum yahaan kyun sote ho?" Her brow furrowed.

Armaan narrowed his eyes, "Kyunki ye mera room hai."

"What? No. Not possible. Aisa nahi ho sakta. This isnt your room. This is MY room. Anjali bhabhi ne ye room mujhe diya hai aur kaha hai ki ab se main yahaan rahungi. Ye tumhara room ho hi nahi sakta." She insisted.

Now this is getting REALLY weird. He looked at her flabbergasted, "Tumhara dimaag to theek hai na?" He finally sked out loud.

"What do you mean by that? Mera dimaag bilkul theek hai. However I am not too sure about yours. Saath mein lagta hai tumhaari yaad-dasht thodi kam ho gayi hai." She glared at him pointing towards the door. "Tum jao yahaan se ab. Sona hai to jaake apne room mein so."

Armaan's mouth fell open, "What? Why should I leave my room?"

"Kyunki maine kaha na ye MERA room hai. Tum yahaan nahi so sakte. Jao yahaan se warna main Anjali bhabhi ko bulaungi." She threatened.

WHAT? Those feelings, those cravings, that desire which arose in him on seeing her on reception party, they were all forgotten. The way she was behaving and talking to him was something he has never imagined. Forget him, he was sure that no man on this earth have ever had a wife who would behave in such a way with him.

At the moment, Armaan actually didn't know how to react. He was married for the first time, and... err, he meant what was he supposed to do now? He kept staring at her for don't know how many minutes... still trying to figure out what to say, or do.

"Oye..." She clapped her hands in front of his eyes to bring him back to reality, when he didn't reply, "Jao yahaan se warna main Anjali Bhabhi ko bulaungi." she repeated.

He didn't find any other way to react but to go back to his old self. It meant, instead of acting in a way a husband does with his wife, he was back to being... Mr.Stubborn Armaan Malik mode. "To bula lo I don't care. I am not going anywhere. Ye mera room hai." He said stubbornly.

"Nahi, ye mera room hai." She replied in the same tone.

Armaan, "Mera hai."

Riddhima, "Mera hai."

Armaan, "Mera."

Riddhima, "Mera hai ye room."

Armaan, "Mera hai."

Riddhima, "No."

Armaan, "Yes."

Riddhima, "No."

Armaan, "Yes."

"NO." she yelled again.

Armaan held his forehead. Is she insane or what? Not only surprised, he was now pissed off for some reason, "Tumhe jo karna hai kar lo. Main to yahi sounga." With that he pulled the duvet and covered himself lying on the bed.

She pulled the duvet towards herself, "Tum yahaan nahi so sakte."

"Main yahin sounga." He pulled is back.

"Nahi so sakte." She tried to snatch it.

"Sounga main yahin." He covered his head.

"Argh, phir main kahaan soungi?" She shrieked.

"Sleep where ever you want to." he pushed the duvet away from his face and pointed towards the study, "Yahaan problem ho rahi hai, to jaake study mein so jao. But leave me alone." With that he covered himself again gripping his duvet tightly so that she couldn't pull it away.

She tried to pull the duvet again, but it was of no use, he was way too strong. "Arghh... khadus kahin ka." She muttered. "Main abhi jaake Anjali Bhabhi ko bataati hu."

Armaan heard the voice of the door and sat up. She was gone. What? She went out? Like for REAL? Is she really going to complaint against him to Anjali Bhabhi? He thought scratching his head. Before he could think futher, he heard the door knob moving. Pulling his duvet he covered himself and pretended to sleep.

Riddhima closed the door behind her and walked towards the bed. "Armaan... Armaan..." she called, but he continued to pretend. "Lagta hai ye bhi so gaya. Anjali Bhabhi aur baaki sab bhi so gaye hain. Sabke room band hain. Ab main kahaan soungi." She spoke to herself disappointedly. She heard Armaan's snores, "Dekho to ise, kitne maze se kharrate le raha hai. Aur main? Kya karun main ab?"

A moment later, stomping her feet, she took a pillow and walked into the study angrily.

Armaan heard the loud noise of the door of his study. Obviously, he was faking the snores. He pushed his duvet slightly and peeked from behind it. She was gone again. He sat up and sighed. He was quite confused as well as surprised... with her behavior of course.

This isnt how he has expected his first night with Riddhima. This isnt the way he has imagined her to behave. Especially her comments about the room. What was all that about? Why was she quarelling over the ownership of the room when it belongs to both of them?

All this so weirdly weird. He sighed looking at the study's door. She shouldn't be acting like this. But then, he knew she is Riddhima, with whom nothing happens in a conventional way. Anyways, he was really sleepy. Sighing heavily, he closed the lamp besides his bed and lay back closing his eyes.

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9 files laid on the table, with about 3 dozen sample brochures of a textile-line, some CDs probably holding some sort of presentations, a huge pile of envelops and much more. Gosh, how did the things go so much out of hand? He thought looking at the mess his table was in.

Armaan has resumed his office two days ago after a short 4 days off from his work for his wedding, but he never really came to the office. He has been busy attending outdoor meetings, attending business lunchs, seminars, conferences, and inspecting a few more sites for their construction projects.

Today was the first time he has entered his office after almost a week. Everyone greeted him cheerfully, congratulating him for his wedding. He was surprised that he felt coyly happy about it. The way everyone wished him a good luck for his future with Riddhima, made him smile.

His morning started on regular note as always. He got up to find nobody in his room. Riddhima was already up and gone when he checked his study. He hit the iron in his gym for an hour, received his juice from Chatur like always, but no sign of Riddhima. Then he saw her on the breakfast table. She was again busy with others, this time especially with Vaibhav, who seem to have become her fan. Then he has left for office on receiving a call.

"What the hell?" he placed his Laptop on the cabinet beside his table. "How on earth this happened?" he muttered disturbed with messed up appearance of his table. He picked the intercom and waited for a reply, but no response. "Riddhima pick up..." he mumbled, "Why isnt she picking?" he remembered, "Oh crap she is at home." He punched in another number, "Julie, come to my cabin." Within a minute he pressed the red button beneath his table to let Julie in.

"Good Morning Sir." Julie greeted him cheerfully.

"Good Morning." He nodded smiling back. Then frowned looking at the table, "Whats this Julie? Why on earth my table looks like a trash-tub?"

Julie glanced at numerous objects lying there, then looked up, "Sir, these things are waiting for your kind attention."

"I am well aware of that. But why are these things not arranged or scheduled properly?" he said.

"Sir... wo..." she fumbled.

"What?" he squinted.

"Sir, Riddhima Ma'am used to take care of all this." She bit her cheek.

Armaan looked at his table and then back at her, "Oh..." pausing a little, he added, "And why the hell my cabin hasn't been mopped?" he said wiping his table with his index finger and held his finger up showing the dirt particles to her.

"Sir, Riddhima Ma'am used to take care of that as well. Nobody else is allowed in here." She replied shaking her head.

"Oh." He muttered realizing the fact. Scratching his head, he spoke again, "Alright, er... send someone to clear all this up. If Sunaina is free, then better send her."

"Sure Sir." She smiled and took his leave.

About around 15 minutes, his intercom buzzed, "Yes..." he took the call.

"Sir, Sunaina is busy with Atul Sir's scheduling. But she said she will be there with you in next 15 minutes. Will that be alright?" Julie Informed.

"Ya, Ok."

"Is there anything else you want me to do Sir?" she asked.

"No. That's all for now. Just send a cup of coffee for me."

"Sure sir." She replied, before putting down the phone.

He placed the intercom receiver back on cradle. For a minute he stood there thinking about something. One of the peons came to give him his coffee. Once he left, Armaan looked around at the things lying in his room. Taking off his jacket, he folded sleeves of his business shirt. It was already late. He thought of clearing a few things on his own.

He picked up a few files and placed them on a side shelf, then frowned looking at the huge pile of envelops. "What should I do with these?" he picked the envelops, but they slipped from his hand scattering all over the floor. "Damn..." he bend to pick them up, but his arm hit the corner of the table and the pile of brochure fell. Within a few minutes, he led to a series of mishaps.

"Oh God..." she exclaimed with her eyes spread wide and hand covering her mouth in surprise. "What happened in here?" she spoke loudly.

Armaan got startled hearing her voice and turned around to look at her. The file he had in his hand fell on the floor. "Huh?"

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