Stardust - Link to thread 2 on pg 1 - Page 97

Originally posted by: Sanaa629

Urghh..I don't feel like updating..I miss DMG tooo much..I watched D3 and everything about it reminds me of DMG..and it suckss!!! :(

Originally posted by: Castle-Beckett

That's precisely why you should update. So you can relive DMG's memories na? Anyway, the Riddhima in the SS is a bitch, just like DMG, so there, you have your DMG, right there.

Now update.

Originally posted by: Castle-Beckett

Stop defending her, and finish the damned thing, then maybe she'll be redeemed in my eyes.

You do know you HAVE TO finish this today, right? I'm not just messing around :P

Chapter 6 - It's the thought that counts

Riddhima looked across at Sid, when he took her hand and pointed it across at a beautiful white tent, in the middle of the beach, set up with a table for two in the middle. No, this couldn't be happening. There was supposed to be a party! There were supposed to be people dancing, drinking, counting down to New Year! Then where the hell had she arrived.

"I lied to you. I'm sorry." Sid whispered in her ear. Somehow, his closeness made her want to put distance between them immediately. Something that she had never dreamed would happen! "There was no party. I just wanted to be with you. Alone. It's the thought that counts, right?"

"Yeah. It's ok." She forced a smile as she felt the chilly wind brush against her body. The white and blue dress, which hugged at the right curves, fluttered below her knees. It had a diagonal cut at the bottom, finishing this sleeveless beauty off elegantly. And Riddhima had accessorized it with simple black boots that came up to her lower calves, a plain ebony, clutch and a blue shrug to keep herself warm. She hadn't put on a lot of make up and left her hair to fall free, something Armaan would have liked. And she couldn't remove the thought that he had taken up extra rounds at the hospital on a night like this, while she was on her way to a party, to be Sid's date, in Nikki's car.

Nikki had left with Abhi, on a special couples only party, and now here Riddhima was, on an actual date with Sid, something she'd worked for, but now wasn't sure if she wanted. But she was going to go with the flow right? So why not? Smiling forcefully, she let him lead her to the tent, where he opened up a basket underneath the table, and produced steaming food, all of her favourite dishes. Nervousness crept up as she tugged strands of her hair behind her ear, and watched him set everything out while making small talk.

"Dance?" he asked, as soon as they were done fueling themselves up.

"Music?" she replied, unable to digest the thought of being on a close one to one dance with him, when throughout their whole conversation, the only person that had taken place in her mind, heart and soul was the one working in the hospital at this very moment.

Sid smiled knowingly, and produced his phone, on which he put a slow, romantic tune that Riddhima couldn't recognize. She didn't even try to as she forced her hand into his, keeping her face down. He must have thought this was her shyness, because the next second, he pulled her closer with such a jerk, that she was now barely centimeters away from him body! This closeness once again, reminded her of Armaan the night he was drunk, and confessed his love for her. Was this right, something inside her whispered? Was this true? Or was it just a really horrible, confusing, dream that she couldn't somehow get herself out of.

"Sid," she whispered, her eyes glued to the floor, as their bodies swayed in sync with the soft beats of the rhythm. Instead he shushed her.

"Let this silence prevail between us. You have no idea how much I missed you over the past few months. And I only realized it when you were with Armaan. All along, I kept denying everything I felt for you. But we have to thank Nikki don't we?"

He pulled her slightly apart so she could have the chance to drown in his eyes like she used to. But she just wasn't meeting them! When he pulled her chin up, slowly, she shut her beautiful green orbs, and a very light frown appeared on her face.

"Riddhima, you know, when you told me over the phone how everything with Armaan was a farce, I didn't want to believe it. Some part of me was so upset that you created such a huge lie to get what you wanted. But part of me was equally, if not more, happy that you still had feelings for me and you did all this just to win me back. That was when I knew that truly, you had won me back."

Riddhima remained mum, letting some light seep into her closed eyelids, but fixing her vision on the ground below them. She didn't know what to say, what to do. If she was going with the flow, then why was something feeling so different inside her? Why was this the last place she wanted to be? Why the hell was Armaan constantly on her mind? Yes she had feelings for him! But how could she take decisions based on these very 'feelings' which had no name?! They had a name, she just hadn't found the right one yet. Come to think of it, will she ever?

"When I put the phone down that night, I realized that I am sorry for what I put you through. For throwing away the beautiful thing we shared. I'm sorry for breaking your heart, because I had this stupid fear of commitment. And what people say is true. That you only realize someone's value after you lose them."

She couldn't help but continue to remain silent, their dance long over. Now it was just the rhythm of his words reverberating between each air molecule.

"I know you won't be able to trust me for a long time, Ridzy," he continued, "And I probably don't deserve it. But I'd still like to make permanent what we've got today, what we had before, what we will, I hope, have in the coming future. Marry me."

Riddhima's face shot up to his. It seemed as though the whole word had stopped for them. Marry, Siddhant Modi? Had she heard him right? Her organs, her cells, every tiny miniscule part of her body froze, as she continued to stare into his brown eyes, truth and sincerity shining out of them. Hadn't she dreamed of this moment? Hadn't she often hoped against hope that he would pop this question to her, and she, without even thinking twice, would say a big 'yes' to him and reward him with one of her tightest, warmest, hugs and kisses?

And here it was, the one question a woman dreams of hearing once in her lifetime, in front of her. He hadn't bent down with a ring or flowers in his hands. He had just asked her instantaneously, because that was how he was. Always doing, saying, making decisions on the spot. Asking her for a date, then calling her his girlfriend, feeling jealous when Armaan came. Breaking up with her because of lack of attention, and commitment phobia. He was so impulsive! Unlike Armaan. Armaan again?! Anyway, if she'd really wanted all this happen a few months back, why was it that she was now so shocked to the core, and more than that, horrified at this feeling?

They both stood there in full silence, not being able to say an extra word. Sid looked like he meant it. He was serious. He actually meant it! Then shouldn't she give him an answer? Something that he was probably dying for? When her brain finally started processing the organs inside her body - after a full body bind curse that it had been under by the mere influence of two words - she opened her mouth.

Beep, beep.

A sharp sound, and vibration, erupted through the eerie silence that had only been accompanied by the gushing waves meeting with the beach, celebrating the start of a new year, new life, new hopes, new aspirations.

"Hospital." She whispered, after she broke her gaze away from Sid's and looked at her pager. She could sense disappointment and frustration build up inside him, and put her tongue between her teeth, partly for being the cause of it, and partly, out of relief of being saved an answer then and there.

"Emergency?" he asked, and she nodded, not wanting to look back up into his eyes, afraid that hers will betray her and give away the truth about her feelings.

"Thanks for all of this, Sid. I really do appreciate it. But I've got to go." She whispered, and he nodded, holding up his hands in surrender.

She was walking away, taking deep breaths to calm her racing nerves and spindling thoughts which ricocheted from every corner of her head. Just as she was a few steps away, she heard him call once more, and pose a question which she hated to answer.

"Before you leave, may I know your answer? So I know how to start my New Year, in an hours time?"

The wind stopped whooshing all of a sudden. The gushing water seemed distance. The only thing that could hear and feel was this un explainable vacuum between them! However, she knew there was no way one could escape this, it had to be done. So she turned to see him smiling warmly at her, and couldn't help but draw one final deep breath, shut her eyes momentarily, and give him what he had asked for.

* * * * * *

"Reyhan is ok." Riddhima whispered to Armaan as he sat outside his room on a bench.

"He's only four years old. He doesn't deserve this tumour." Armaan replied, his eyes still closed, his head leaning back against the window.

"He's a kid. Children are fighters. And he's pulled through really well so far. Don't worry."

In response, Armaan just nodded. He was drained from working overtime, yet every moment he closed his eyes for sleep, her face would appear in front, haunting him pleasantly to no ends. Flashes of that night kept coming back, but he could never actually make out in sequence what happened, though he was pretty sure Riddhima had been the one to drop him off to his room. Biggest reason was because early that morning, she'd left him a note on the dining table, saying she hoped he was better and that she'd left some scrambled eggs, toasts, beans and mushrooms for him in the kitchen. That day was of the few times Armaan had had a proper breakfast ever since he'd started living alone. And he knew, that if given the chance to wake up and see her face first thing every day, he'd grab it.

"You look gorgeous. So, date or party?" He asked asked quietly, nodding at her clothes as she sat beside him.

"Supposedly party, turned out to be a date."

Armaan looked away, unable to reply instantly. What did she want him to say? What could he say? He was happy for her? Well once he got over that boulder that had placed itself somewhere inside him, he would be. But for now, he couldn't see anything but the torture he was going through. And he didn't know if he had it in him to lie.

"Well, I guess you're happy now?" he replied, knowing the answer would kill him.

"Sid proposed." She put in, knowing there was no point in hiding it from him.

The vision in front of Armaan blurred suddenly. Something inside fell right down, complying to the force of gravity, while a thick mixture of emotions rose and got stuck in his throat. Ok, so he wasn't as strong as he thought. But why couldn't this awful ache go away, instead of becoming deeper? Why couldn't he put up a passive front, like had been doing for the past few weeks, and lament over the loss of her some other time. Why did this strike as such a big deal, when he'd been expecting it, if not now then later on? In fact, he'd been through it a zillion times in his head, trying to prepare himself for when Sid would overcome his phobia and put that big question across to her. So why hadn't he felt all this hurt then? Why was this a million times worse than he had ever imagined? Why did it suddenly sear through his heart as though it was unexpected?

"And..?" he questioned, holding on to the last desperate thread of hope that somewhere, she might have refused. Hoping against hope that she would say, 'Of course I said no, I love you, you idiot.' Or something, ANYTHING along those lines. It would make a perfect New Year's start for him. Hah, good one, he thought to himself when he heard her next lines.

"Armaan I always wanted this to happen. Sid was the first guy I pictured spending my whole life with. He was.." she paused, apparently unaware of the internal torture she was putting Armaan through which each of her words. "the epitome of a perfect guy. When we were together, I'd dream about spending every day with him. I mean.." she added, when she saw him abruptly get up. "we went through all this trouble for him, didn't we? I couldn't wait for the day he would ask me this very question, and he finally did, today, after all that trying."

"It's fine, you don't have to explain anything to me. I'm happy for you." Armaan forced a small smile, his eyes bloodshot, and quickly turned away, her words floating about in his head. It really was over between them. Everything. Those five weeks he'd spent with her would always be cherished by him, but now he couldn't even think of anything else with her. She was someone else's property. She belonged to someone else. And that hurt.

"Armaan.." she called when he was half way down the corridor. The desperateness in her voice tugged in his heart and he stopped, wondering why she had such control over him. He couldn't turn, however. He couldn't show her what he was going through, when she was possibly in her happiest moments right now.

When she saw him stop, she continued in a semi loud voice, pronouncing each syllable correctly.

"Then why did I refuse?"

The words echoed through the empty corridor and Armaan felt himself freeze. Had he heard right? Had she really..? No, he couldn't believe it. This was probably his brain complying to his heart, forcing him to hear, believe things that couldn't possibly couldn't be true.

"You what?"

"I refused. Why?" she repeated, seeing him turn around, an expression of amazement, paired with confusion adorning his face.

"I.. don't.. know.." he replied slowly, wondering what on earth was going on in his head. Firstly, was it true? Did she really say 'no' to Sid's proposal? Did she really reject someone she'd once pictured her whole life with? From the distance, he could hear the countdown begin to midnight.

20, 19.

She started taking slow steps towards him, her eyes filling up but her watery smile making its appearance.

15, 14.

"I know I'm stupid, but that was when I realized, that amongst all this drama.." she sniffed and swallowed as he continued staring at her, his body paralyzed. "Something became so real, so beautiful, that it left me confused as to what I really wanted." She came to a stop right in front of him.

"What..?" he questioned unable to make a head or tail of what she was saying.

10, 9.

"I rejected him, because that was when I realized that all along, I didn't just have teenage feelings for you.." she paused, hoping he could make out the rest of the sentence, but when his confusion didn't suggest any signs of disappearing, she continued, feeling blood rise up to her cheeks. Nevertheless, she kept her constant eyes contact with him. "I've fallen madly in love with you."

5, 4.

The words, which left her mouth left him momentarily stunned. Here he was, having lost all hope, all thinking she was engaged to Sid, and in a matter of a few seconds, everything had turned around.

3.

She loved him. Wait, had he heard right?

2.

But before he could contemplate on her words, she put her arms around his neck.

1.

And like a miracle, he felt her soft lips come into contact with his, while the fireworks burst into the dark night, littering the ebony blanket with glittering colours that shone out and spread their light all over each gloomy corner, making everything come alive.

Armaan's heart pumped louder as he felt her clutch him closer to herself while her lips moulded against his. No, this had to be some dream. Some sick joke people were playing on him. How, how could she love him? Hadn't she walked away that night, to dance with Sid? But she'd come back too hadn't she? He felt her stop and begin to pull apart but he realized he wasn't having it. Dream or a joke, he wanted more! So before she had a chance to take away that heavenly touch of hers which he had been craving for, for so long, he tightened his arms around her waist, and pulled her into himself, deepening the kiss, pouring every single drop of his heart into her. He could feel her smile and continued his hold onto her lips until they both simultaneously pulled back.

The cheers and claps for the new beginning echoed around the silent hospital, while Riddhima just hid her face in his neck, finding all the solace, all the warmth she ever needed in her life. When she kissed him, she had been surprised that he didn't reciprocate it immediately, however, something inside her whispered that maybe she was too late, maybe he wouldn't accept her. So when she'd decided to draw back, and bear the worst, he suddenly took her by complete surprise and kissed her back with so much passion that she was left dazed by the end of it!

She felt his arms tighten even further, imprisoning her in his hold, as though he couldn't believe she was finally in his embrace. And when his head bent and placed itself at the crook of her neck, she knew he was just trying to take in her presence, and believe that she had actually chosen him.

"I know I'm an idiot, Armaan." She whispered as she felt his tears drop on her bare shoulders. This just made her curse herself further, and hold him against herself, making a silent promise to never ever hurt him, and if she did, unintentionally, she would make it up to him in all possible ways. "I know I'm blind. I know I've definitely been confused over the past few weeks. But this is one thing that I've been more sure about than ever before. I love you." She confessed once more, "I love you so much. And I don't know why I was scared to admit it before. Maybe because that would mean I was wrong about everything. I hated that. But now, I don't mind being wrong all along, especially if it means being with you."

She pulled apart, and saw Armaan looking down at her with so much love, so much warmth gushing out of his wet eyes, that she could feel something inside swell to beyond bursting point! Feeling her cheeks flush to a ruby she tore her gaze away from his, but locked it in the same position almost immediately when her hands crept up to his cheeks to wipe the tear stains which slowly killed her.

Armaan framed her face in his hands and pushed his head against hers. He was at a loss of words. The truth was finally sinking in. She'd rejected Sid, because she loved him! She loved him! She loved him! Not Sid, Armaan! His hopes, his efforts to make her see, nothing went in vain. She was with him because she'd fallen for him! How electrifying that thought sounded!

"I love you too. Ever since I first saw you. And as I got to know you more, I just kept falling deeper and deeper, though I tried not to. I knew you'd never accept me.."

"Ssh.." she hushed him, putting her fingers on his mouth. She couldn't bear to think of the pain she'd put him through, especially in the past five weeks. He kissed them instead, making her turn a deeper shade of scarlet. "You know, I admitted it by the end of last week, that I had something for you. I didn't know if it was the real thing, because I was so scared, that if I hurt you anymore than I already have, I will hate myself to no extent. That's why I thought you deserved better."

"I don't care if I deserve better. I love you. It'll always be you." That assurance was all she needed to fall in love with him all over again. Smiling, she continued.

"Today, when Sid asked me to marry him, I wished.." she paused not knowing where she should look, so instead, she pushed forward and hid her face in his broad shoulders. "I wished you were in his place instead."

Armaan remained silent.

"That's when it struck me. That it's been you all along. And if I said yes to Sid, I'd be spoiling three lives." She pulled out looking at him once more. "No more acting, no more awkwardness, no more naatak. I've told you everything I feel. And the most important bit, I love you. And I don't care what people think. I don't care if Nikki's efforts will go in vain, I don't care if Sid is regretful for what he did. You come first for me. Always." She finished.

Dimples carved themselves into the sides of his face and he leaned forward, put his lips on both her cheeks, her closed eyelids, her forehead, the tip of her nose, then finally once more on her lips for a brief second before splitting apart. She frowned momentarily, when his body heat was suddenly snatched away from her, wondering whether or not all this had been just a heavenly dream. She would have opened her eyes soon anyway to give herself a reality check, but his next words froze her in her position.

"Miss Riddhima Gupta. I don't have a ring, I don't have flowers, heck I don't have anything to offer you at the moment, except my undying love for you. I promise I'll get all these other material things soon however, but for now, would you make me the happiest man on this earth, by consenting to be Mrs Armaan Mallik?"

Her eyes slowly let the present surroundings come back into her view, as she took in the change in front. Armaan was down on one knee, his head slightly bent, as he waited for her answer. She didn't want to lose this moment ever. She wanted to capture it, and keep it locked somewhere inside her so that no one could snatch it away, even if they crossed a thousand seas to do it. His hands were placed on his bent knee, and for the nth time in that hour, she felt her heart go out to him, and this time stay there, for good.

It was definitely a yes. She didn't mind spending her whole life with him! She didn't mind spending till eternity with him. Hell, she wouldn't have it any other way. Taking one step forward, she put both her hands on his shoulders, and in response, he looked up to see tears streaming down her face, but a breath taking smile adorning it all the same.

"Yes." She whispered and watched happiness elevate in his eyes up to a thousand times more than when she had said those three magical words to him, as he got up.

Once more, he pulled her into himself with such force that left her baffled momentarily. And when she put her arms around him, securing his embrace, she knew there was nothing in this world she wanted more than to be tied to him forever.

Armaan didn't know what had made him take such a decision. It was knowing that she'd be the only one in his life that he'd ever adore. Knowing that she also loved him, despite everything that had taken place. Ever since she'd mentioned wishing to see him in Sid's place when he proposed, his mind couldn't keep up with the pace his heart had gone into, thinking, working analyzing everything. So even while some part of him wanted to wait, and do it the proper way to make everything more memorable, another argued that this would be the best time. And he'd gone ahead.

Riddhima felt her old self coming back to her as she stayed in the embrace, soaking up every single miniscule emotion they both shared. No more acting, no more pretending, no more feeling like she was someone else. It was just her, and Armaan. Nothing needed to change.

"So of all places, you proposed to me in a hospital?" she mumbled slightly indignantly, mockery made clear in her voice.

"Well you confessed in a hospital. What do you expect me to do?" was his quick witted reply as he caught on.

"Hey..it's the thought that counts right. And if I didn't confess then, then I probably wouldn't have ever been able to say it ever."

"And that would have killed me." He replied seriously. She slapped his back once in response.

"Don't use such cheesy and clich dialogues on me again, or I'll leave you!" she threatened.

"Which one..?" he asked, and she could feel his cheekiness in that sentence.

"Yeah I know you've used loads on me. But I'm talking about your proposal that should go down in history!" she pulled back, keeping her arms linked around his neck, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"It's the thought that counts. You said it." He defended himself with a winning smirk.

"So what were you thinking?" she asked softly, her gaze becoming a fiery glow of love, all directed at him.

"That you're the only one I'll ever adore, cherish and want to spend the rest of my life with." His husky voice sent chills down her spine, as her eyelashes fluttered, and he caressed her cheeks with his thumb. "I love you," he whispered.

She found all the answers to her questions. What she had with Sid was never the true thing she'd always dreamed of having. It was just infatuation. But with Armaan, it was something magical, something deeper, something more intense all put together, which could never match and be compared to the relationship she and Sid shared, simply because it was different. It was true. And it was love.

"I love you too. And it'll always be you." She replied, before leaning in and capturing his lips into a sweet, soulful kiss which made her want it to last till the end of time.

Not everything that glitters is gold. And sometimes, in order for you to accept the real jewel, you have to let go of all the fake, shiny stones you've clamped in your hands.

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Phewww...Finally complete.. comments and critisms all appreciated. And if you guys wanna thank someone, then that again, should be Shru for forcing me to update. Looks like she's the only one who cares enough to read my crappy writing..😕

Sanaa you will kill me but i haven't even read this story yet 🤣 I will read when i get back in two weeks :P