Mere Apne4(AR) - Epi71-88 - Note on Pg147 - Page 86

EPISODE EIGHTY-EIGHT

Anjali's words kept ringing in his ear.

"Wo to ekdum buddhu hai."

He frowned feeling his back bend uncomfortably.

"...uske bharose mat baithe rahna. Agar uske bharose baithe rahe to poori zindagi ke liye brahamachaari banke rah jaaoge."

"NAHIN..." His eyes flew open. He sat up somewhat panting. Running his hand into his hair, he mumbled, "Ye Bhabhi ne bhi kis musibat mein phansa diya yaar." He punched the bean bag cursing it, "Ye sala bean bag bhi sone nahi de raha."

The clock was ticking 12:55am when he checked. His eyes lit up all of a sudden, "Yaad aya." Groping through the drawer under the LCD in the room he mumbled, "Kahaan gayi..." and he found it, "Found it. Yesss..." Holding the key in his hands he thought about something. Mumbling to himself, he strolled out of the room, "Achchha hua yaad aa gaya ki kal main apne room ki keys yahin bhul gaya tha."

He grinned wickedly, "Ab dekhte hain what will you do Mrs. Riddhima Armaan Mallik." Once he reached his room, he placed the key in the keyhole of the door of his room, "I just hope she hasn't latched the door from inside. " He twisted the key, turned the door knob and, "Yes-yes-yesss..." he jumped joyfully, "Thank God. Thank you sooo much." Thanking God, he opened the door carefully enough not to make any noise, "Ab tak to so hi gayi hogi."

First he peeked inside to make sure she isnt awake. He couldn't see her anywhere. Slowly he entered the room and quietly closed the door behind him. Armaan found her sleeping peacefully in his bed. "Thank God so gayi." He sighed. But then he recalled that he has left his files and Laptop in entertainment room. Before going back to that room, he locked the door in such a way that she couldn't lock it or latch it from inside. "Ab theek hai. Ab uth bhi gayi to atleast ye ise andar se to band nahi kar paayegi. Jaldi kar beta Armaan."

He rushed to the entertainment room and brought his files and Laptop back. Closing the door carefully, he mumbled, "Achchha hua maine iske latch ko lock kar diya tha, warna iska kya bharosa, agar kahin uth jaati, to mujhe aaj sach mein apne hi room se baahar sona padta." Yawning, he went to the closet to take out his duvet.

Armaan turned around and went to his bed. He was about to lay down when she turned to his side. His eyes fell on her and slowly he sat on the bed. She looked so serene and peaceful. Unknowingly his hands moved towards her. Before he touched her, she frowned in her sleep. He smiled seeing her twisting her nose.

"Riddhima ke liye teri feelings tere chahre pe saaf dikhti hain."

Anjali's words rang in his ear once again bringing a peaceful smile on his face. He knew she was right. For how long will he keep ignoring the fact the he loves Riddhima. It was obviously getting obvious and quite easy for others to figure that out. Still looking at her, he laid beside her.

He recollected his conversation with Padma and Shashank.

"Armaan Bete, humaari bachchi thodi si buddhu bhi hai..." they chuckled on their own comment before continuing, "...par ismein uski koi galti nahi. Log chaahe kuchh bhi kahen par humara dil jaanta hai ki humaari bachchi bhot masoom hai. Bhot si aisi baatein hain, jo wo aaj bhi nahi samajhti. Galti humaari hi hai, humne hi use kisi ke saath jyada uthne-baithne ya dusri ladkiyon ki tarah socialize nahi karne diya. Hum apni zindagi ki jyaadatar baatein, apni family ya friend-circle mein rahke hi to seekhte hain, par Riddhima ke kabhi koi khaas friends bhi nahi the jinki company mein wo duniya-daari ki baatein seekhti. Sirf Muskaan hi uski ek dost thi. Baaki ke jo bhi dost bane hain, wo sab yahaan Mumbai aakar hi bane hain..." They smiled, "Armaan bete, humein humesha yehi darr laga rahta tha ki uski shaadi hone ke baad uska kya hoga. Kaise sambhaalegi wo apne aapko. Par ab humein uski koi chinta nahi. Uski shaadi tumse jo ho rahi hai. Hum jaante hain ki use tumse jyada achchhe se aur koi nahi sambhaal sakta. Uski nadaaniyon ko sirf tumhi theek kar sakte ho. Tumhi ho jo use ek samajhdaar patni ban ne mein help kar sakte ho. Tumhaare support se, we are sure, ki wo sab kuchh bhot jald seekh jaayegi. Humein tumpe poora bharosa hai... bharosa hai ki tum use samjhoge, aur use thoda samay doge cheezein samajhne, aur unke saath adjust karne ke liye."

He sat up immediately. He was still trying to figure out what were all of them, i.e., Shashank, Padma, and Anjali trying to refer to. 'Were they talking about physical rela...' he let his thoughts trail for a moment. 'I guess they were.' He finally concluded. 'But what now?' He didn't know what to do. Then he decided... Maybe first he should try to dig a little more to understand Riddhima and her behavior.

Armaan felt something on his hand that was placed on bed and saw her elbow touching his palm. Looking at her he smiled. He bends near her and smiled looking her beautiful face. On an impulse his lips moved towards her forehead, but soon realized what he is about to do. At the last moment, just before lips could touch her skin, he pulled back. Taking his pillow and duvet, he went to the couch and lay down. Looking at her back, he drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yawning slightly, she stretched her arms out to wake her lazy muscles. Smiling to herself, she slipped out of her cover. She had a nice sleep and she wanted to sleep a little more, but it was time to wake up. Everyone will be up in an hour and she has to go and help Anjali with the Breakfast. Even though she is still not allowed to cook anything, but everyday she helped Anjali in little chores.

Yawning for the umpteenth time, she staggered towards the closet in her still-sleepy state. She took out her dress and stepped towards the washroom... But before she could even reach the bathroom door, she yelled yet again, "Aaa..."

He woke up to her shrilling voice and groaned placing the pillow over his ears, "Uhh... not now." When she didn't stop, he pushed the pillow away. Opening his eyes he saw her standing near his couch with her hand firmly sticking to the side of her hips and her eyes tightly closed. "Kya hai? Kya hua?" He asked irritably.

Stopping her 'aaa...' alaap, she shouted, "TUM ANDAR KAISE AAYE?"

He flinched and placed his palms over his ear, he tried to save her eardrums, "Subah-subah chillaane ke alawa aur koi kaam nahi hai kya tumhe?"

"Tum andar kaise aaye?" she repeated authoritatively.

"Andar kaise aaye matlab?"

"Tum dhang se jawaab nahi de sakte?" she roared.

"Tum koi dhang ka sawaal nahi puchh sakti?" He retorted.

"Bakwaas band karo. Aur ye batao tum andar kaise aaye, maine to door lock kiya tha raat mein, to phir tum andar kaise aa gaye?" Instead of answering, rolling his eyes, he slumped back into the couch. "Hey... utho." She yelled again.

"Umm..." he covered himself with duvet.

"Utho maine kaha. Utho nahi to..." She threatened.

"Nahi to KYA?" he asked from inside his cover.

"Main... main tumhe... main Anjali Bhabhi ko bulaungi." She warned and snatched his cover.

Surprised he tried to take it back, but she hid it behind herself. So, instead of arguing further, he got up and took out another duvet from the closet. He was too sleepy to get into another tussle with her. As she looked at him furiously, he casually walked back to the couch and yawned, "To theek hai, jao jaake bula lo unhe."

Now it was Riddhima's turn to be surprised. Her mouth fell open, "Main sach mein bula lungi unhe." Pointing her finger at him she tried to threaten again.

"Go ahead." He waved towards the door.

She saw him sitting on the couch casually, looking at her unfazed by her threats. Gritting her teeth, she started walking towards the door, but stopped when she heard him again.

"Ya, go ahead, call Anjie Bhabhi, and prove yourself a fool." He muttered unfolding his duvet and pulling his legs up on the couch.

"What did you just say?" she squinted turning towards him. She heard his comment. He looked up and shrugged. She glared, "I heard what you said."

"Then why are you asking again?" he spat back.

She took a few steps towards the bed and placed his duvet which she snatched for him on it, "Why will I be a fool if I call bhabhi?"

He smirked lying down on the couch, "Don't you know?"

"What do I not know?" she asked turning to him again.

He rolled his eyes, "That this is my room... as well."

"Your room as well?" she was irritated.

"Kyun, Anjali bhabhi ne tumhe ye nahi bataya ki ye room pahle se hi mera hai?"

She paused for a moment, then "Nahi." Taking a few more steps towards couch, she asked calmly, "Par ye room agar pahle se hi tumhara hai, to unhone mujhe ye room kyun diya?"

He stared at her for a moment. She was yelling a minute back and now she look so innocently confused. How can a person be angry yet so nave like that at the same time? He thought. Armaan replied calmly, "Kyunki ab se ye room mere saath-saath tumhara bhi hai. I mean, ab se ye hum dono ka hai. We will be sharing it."

"Hawww... lekin aise kaise ho sakta hai? Do log ek room mein kaise rah sakte hain, especially ek ladka aur ek ladki." She pointed towards him and then herself.

"Kya?" he looked at her as if she is insane.

"Haan..." she shook her head.

Armaan just stared at her. "Huh?" She definitely was proving herself to be one... I.N.S.A.N.E.

"Aur nahi to kya. Ek ladke aur ladki ko ek room mein nahi rahna chaahiye." She blinked.

Armaan looked at her for a moment. What is she? A-A... argh, he doesn't even know who to compare her with. After what seems like minutes he sighed, "Then why do Atul Bhai lives with Anjali Bhabhi, and Rahul with Muskaan?"

She was taken aback by his question. She wasn't expecting anything like this. She frowned, but then said stupidly, "Offo, wo to isliye kyunki wo sab log bade hain. Aur-aur phir Atul aur Rahul dono Bhaiya hain, aur Anjali aur Muskaan, wo dono Bhabhi hain."

Running his hand through his hair, he closed his eyes for a moment. Does she even know what is she saying? He thought. 'Ise kaise samajhaaun yaar?' he mused. Rolling his eyes, he turned around and covered himself with his duvet and closed his eyes to sleep. He was really tired and sleepy at the moment. He will tackle her later...

"Armaan, main mazaak nahi kar rahi, main sach mein Anjali Bhabhi ko bulaungi." She warned.

He peeked out of his cover and answered, "To bola na jao, jaake ke bula ke aao unhe."

"Hey..." her mouth fell open as he covered himself yet again. Today she was in no mood to leave him. Without thinking anything, she started pulling his duvet.

Feeling his covers slip away, he turned to her, "Oye..." and held the edge of his duvet.

"Utho yahaan se..." she pulled his cover towards herself.

"Nahi, nahi uthunga." He pulled it back stubbornly.

She pulled it again, a little harder this time, "Kaise nahi uthoge. Utho yahaan se..."

He was stronger and wasn't ready to leave the duvet. However instead of pulling it back, he loosened his grip for a moment. He realized that due to his loose grip, she is about to fall back. Instantly he pulled the duvet back towards himself to save her from falling.

"Ah..." she felt the strong jerk in forward direction and next she knew was that she was over the couch. Correction... she was over him.

Armaan fell reversely on the couch on his back with Riddhima over him. One of her knee over the corner of the couch, while other over one of his thigh. Her hands were placed on his shoulders while her face fell a little closer beside of his neck. Her eyes were close.

His hands were placed on the sides of her waist in order to support her. He was lying on the couch flat on his back. His head rested on the arm-rest. He felt one of her knee digging into his left thigh. Next thing touching him was something that made him close his eyes. It was her warm breath swaying over the side of his neck.

After a moment, he pulled her a little away so as to bring her face in front of his. His eyes opened to see her face close to his, studying her every feature vigilantly and thoroughly. A moment later, what he saw next was something he has been yearning for a long time. Those eyes, those green marbles shone in the dim light of the room.

Sensing a warm breath on her cheek, Riddhima unwrapped her eyelids. She almost gasped seeing those mesmerizing blue-gray orbs looking straight into her eyes. Moments passed, none of them moved. She felt her knees slipping from the edge of the couch. Armaan too realized it and gripped her more firmly.

The look on her face was so soft, peaceful and enchanting. He just wanted to...

Tringgg...

It broke their spell. The Alarm Riddhima has set last night went off startling both of them, especially Riddhima. As she tried to stand up, her knees slipped over his thigh again making her fall over him, but he held her safely.

Somehow, she managed to stand up. She fidgeted with her fingers standing in front of the couch with her head lowered. What just happened? She was confused.

Armaan lay still on the couch, watching her intently. He smiled noting her frown to herself. She looked nervous. For the first time, she actually looked nervous. Has that intimacy between them affected her too in the same way it affected him?

Since she wasn't moving, he got up and went to shut the alarm. Riddhima registered the alarm sound disappearing. She quickly picked her dress from the table kept beside couch and ran to the bathroom. When Armaan turned back, she wasn't there. The sound of washroom door told him that she has ran into the bathroom. Smiling to himself, he went back to the couch once again going back to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~

Riddhima came out of the bathroom to find him sleeping on the couch yet again. She didn't know why, but when she has fallen on Armaan, that closeness had tingled all her senses. She felt herself frozen then and there. Once ready to go downstairs, she noticed a soft smile playing on his lips. She frowned and went out of the room.

Armaan left for his office a few hours later after having his breakfast. Riddhima was off to a nearby temple with Dadi and Aarti.

Whole day Anjali noticed Riddhima frowning from time to time.

What is she thinking? Whats this frown about? Anjali thought. Maybe she had another round of discussion with Armaan. She sighed.

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Armaan returned home at around 08:30pm. He had another long and messy day. Its been almost 3 weeks he got married and Riddhima has still not resumed her duties at work. But he has to manage it. There was still some time for her to join. Beside, he has another issue to handle. Loosening his tie, he sat on his bed.

Since he was tired, instead of changing, he laid on his bed still in his office wear. Riddhima must be with Vaibhav, he thought. He closed his eyes for a few moments to relax. A minute later he looked at his cupboard and sighed. He was feeling too lazy to go and change.

If only Riddhima was here and helped him with his clothes, he thought smiling weakly. His eyes fell on a piece of cloth that was peeking out of the closed door of her cupboard. It looked like a dupatta or a saree. She might have left the room in rush.

Armaan recalled the day he has gone to Rahul's house with Riddhima for her pag-pheras.

~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~

***Flashback***

It was 4 days after their marriage. Padma has called Aarti to ask when Riddhima can come to Gupta House for her pag-pheras. Aarti has made immediate arrangements to send Riddhima to carry out the traditional ritual.

That day, Rahul came to take Riddhima with him at around 11:00am. It was planned as per the tradition that Armaan will go to Gupta House to bring Riddhima back in the evening. He had to leave for the office for some urgent work, but somehow managed to finish it by 04:00pm, after which he went straight to Gupta House.

When Armaan reached Gupta House, Padma welcomed him by doing his Aarti at the door. It was followed by a warm welcome by Shashank, Rahul, Muskaan and not to forget Yash. Yash was the one who seemed overly-excited. He has been informed that now that Armaan has gotten married to his Bua, he has equal right over his Superman as Vaibhav. What else he wanted?

Armaan laughed recalling Yash's innocent and funny comment when he went to Gupta house.

When Yash saw Armaan at the door, he pushed everyone aside and hugged him by his legs, "Superman..."

"Hey Lil Champ." Armaan smiled patting his hair.

Before anyone could react, Yash dragged him to the living room with himself. Then making him sit on the couch, "Superman aap yahaan se jana mat, main abhi aya." he ran to his room.

"Yash, yaar sambhaal ke." Armaan called seeing him rushing upstairs.

"Yash to bilkul tumhara diwana hai." Padma commented.

"Diwana? Chamcha kahiye Mummyji. Pahle to wo sirf Baby ka Chamcha tha, ab Armaan ka bhi ho gaya." Muskaan chuckled.

"Tu baithja pahle araam se..." Armaan patted beside himself, "...phir dialog maariyo apne."

"Ab tum mat shuru ho jana Armaan, main pahle hi Baby se pareshaan hu." Muskaan pouted.

"Jaise tu maanti bhi hai kisi ki baat..." Rahul passed a cushion to Padma who made her sit comfortably on the couch beside Armaan.

"Bilkul sahi kaha Rahul ne." Padma interjected, "Jab tak Baby thi, wo hi control karti thi ise. Armaan tum shaayad ise samjha sako. Aur kisi to sunti nahi hai ye."

"Muskaan?" Armaan glared at her.

"What?" Muskaan shrugged.

"Tu apni bachchon jaisi harkatein band kyun nahi kar deti?" Armaan asked.

"Pehli baat to mujhe aise aankhen mat dikha. Main tujhse badi hu. Aur dusri baat ye ki koi mujhe kuchh kaam karne nahi deta aur main bore ho jaati hu sara din khaali baithe-baithe."

"Arey yaar, ab bas thode din ki baat aur hai. 2-3 weeks aur rah gaye hain teri delivery mein. Abhi to time hai jitni aish karni hai kar le. Phir jab junior Muskaan aa jaayega ya aa jaayegi, to I am sure wo tujhe ek minute bhi bore to nahi hone dega. Delivery ke baad jo chaahe kariyo. Tab tak to kam se kam thoda sharam kar le." Armaan tried to make her understand while teasing her at the same time.

"Bachchu, bhot lecture dene aa gaye hain na tujhe jo itni badi-badi baatein kar raha hai... mat bhul ki kabhi tera bhi time aayega." Muskaan glared at him.

"What?" Rahul's mouth fell open while Armaan spat the water he was drinking.

"Aur nahi to kya?" She said. Noticing the bewildered the look on Rahul and Armaan's face, she thought for a moment. Then she registered what she has said. She smacked Rahul's arm, "I didn't mean it in that way you idiot."

Shashank and Padma who were sitting on the front couch burst out laughing.

"Main abhi aati hu zaraa..." Padma excused herself a minute later and went into the Kitchen.

"Aur Armaan bte, sab kaisa chal raha hai?" Shashank asked grabing his attention.

"Everything's good Papa." Armaan replied.

Shashank looked at him getting emotional all of a sudden and shook his head.

Armaan noticed slight wetness developing near his eyes, "Kya hua Papa, did I say anything wrong? Is everything alright?"

Shashank smiled at his concern. He cleared his eyes, "Nahi bte, you didn't say anything wrong. Aur sab theek hai. Main to bas aise hi..."

"Main bataati hu Armaan ki inhe kya hua hai." Muskaan interrupted, "Papa na, dikhte bhot strict hain, par hain wo ekdum nariyal ki tarah. Soft at heart. Actually he got emotional due to the word you used to call him."

"Which word?" Armaan couldn't get it.

"Papa." She stated. "You called him 'Papa', that's why he got emotional and all."

Armaan looked at Shashank who looked clearly embarrassed at her revelation. He asked, "Kyun Papa, kya main aapko 'Papa' kahke nahi bula sakta kya?"

"Nahi bte aisi baat nahi hai. Bas wo..." Shashank trailed.

Armaan placed his hand over Shashank's and smiled, "Papa, agar ab se Riddhima us ghar ki beti hai, to main bhi to ab aapka hi beta hu. Aur agar wo mere Mom-Dad ko apne Mom-Dad ki tarah treate kar sakti hai, to mera aapke aur Padma Ma ke saath aisa karna koi badi to baat nahi hai na. Aap abse mere bhi Papa ho, aur Padma Mumma, meri Mumma."

Shashank had no words to say. He had nothing else to ask for from God. His daughter has gotten the best-hearted person as her husband. His small gesture made Shashank's heart swell with pride and happiness. Armaan really is the rarest gem of a human, Shashank thought proudly. He got up from his place seeing which Armaan too stood up. Shashank hugged him warmly feeling delightfully happy.

Riddhima was standing on the topmost stair watching the warm family scene. Yash has gone to her room to inform her about Armaan's arrival and call her downstairs. Dragging her out of her room, he left her standing at the topmost stair and went back to his room to bring his video game that Armaan has gifted him on his wedding.

The panorama Riddhima saw in the living room surprised her. For the first time she was seeing Shashank getting all emotional due to such a small thing, and that too in front of someone who is not a part of their family (don't forget that she hasn't considered Armaan to be a part of their, i.e., Gupta family... atleast not until this very moment.).

She was also amazed seeing this new side of Armaan that she never witnessed earlier. For the first time she felt connected to Armaan in a way, the meaning of which she couldn't decipher. She felt that he too has become a part of her family.

Armaan's little gesture of respect towards Shashank made her emotional and happy. The way Shashank hugged Armaan and Armaan responded back, made her feel proud... She didn't know why though. But, he felt close... close to her some place in her heart.

Riddhima was brought back from her thoughts by Yash who again pulled her downstairs. By that time, Shashank has gone to his room for some work.

"Chalo na Bua. Dekho na, maine kaha tha na Superman aaye hain. Dekho..." Yash brought her in the living room and pointed towards Armaan.

"K-kya?" She mumbled.

He saw Riddhima stare at Armaan who in return was staring back at her. "Bua, aise kya dekho rahe ho..." he pulled her dupatta, "Aap bhul gaye kya, aapki shaadi Superman ke saath hui hai?"

"Huh?" Riddhima looked Yash befuddled while rest of all burst out laughing at his comment.

Breaking his gaze Armaan looked down smiling to himself. It has been only a few hours ago he last saw her before this moment, yet he really missed her. The beautiful picture she made during their reception party didn't leave his mind even for a single moment. There has been least interaction between them ever since. His heart craved to see her again and he could barely contain his excitement while coming to Gupta House to pick her up.

"Yash, Riddhima Bua kuchh bhuli nahi hai, wo to bas tere Superman ko admire kar rahi thi." Muskaan commented hearing which Armaan's head shot up towards her. Armaan glared at Muskaan and then turned to see Riddhima's reaction was also looking at Muskaan with 'confusion' written all over her face.

"Tch... Main kyun Armaan ko admire karungi? I wasn't admiring him at all Bhabhi." She frowned, "Main to bas ye soch rahi thi ki wo kitna achchha hai. Usne kitne achchhe se baat ki na Papa se. Aur Papa kitne khush lag rahe hain." She added.

"Baby, my dear doll..." Muskaan pulled her beside herself on the couch. Holding her by her chin, she said, "Ise bhi to admire karna bolte hain."

"Achcha?" Riddhima asked lamely to which Muskaan nodded. She took a momentary pause to think about it and then said, "Tab theek hai." Then looking at Yash, she said innocently, "Yash Bhabhi theek hai kah rahi hain, I was admiring Armaan."

Her answer initiated another round of laughter in the living room. Both Bua-Bhatijaa are the same... In fact, she is probably worse than Yash.

Armaan, on the other hand, was not only taken aback by her reply, but also amazed at her innocence. He knew that she is a simple, nave and different girl, but he has not expected this type of innocent honesty. His surprise turned into a blush when he registered her words about admiring him. Even though there wasn't any of that X-element in her admiration, but still it was some kind of admiration. And who wouldn't want to be admired by the girl he loves... Love? His mind registered then.

"Oye, ab tum phir se kahaan kho gaye Mr.Armaan Riddhima Mallik?" Muskaan grinned at Armaan on seeing him lost in his thoughts.

"Nahi, kahin nahi." Armaan smiled unpretentiously. He wanted to add something witty, but Shashank and Padma walked back in followed by Shaguna with some snacks.

The family chatted for hours after that. Armaan and Riddhima had their dinner at Gupta house after which Muskaan took Riddhima to her room to get her change into a Saree for her second and final Vidai from Gupta House for Ashiyana with Armaan.

"Par Bhabhi, ab change karne ki kya zaroorat hai. Waise bhi ghar jaakar sona hi hai. Its too late." Riddhima whinned as Muskaan passed her a packet of a saree.

"Pata hai mujhe. To kya hua agar der ho gayi hai to? Pag-phere ki rasam ke baad tu finally apne ghar jaa rahi hai. Aur theek se achchhi si saree pahan ke jaayegi to sabko achchha lagega... especially Armaan ko." Muskaan pointed.

"Par ismein achchha lagne waali kya baat hai..." she argued.

"Arey, teri nayi-nayi shaadi hui hai. Aur nayi dulhan ko achchhe se ban ke rahna chaahiye. Chaahe ghar se thodi si der ke liye hi baahar kyun na nikalna ho. Itni sari nayi-nayi dresses dilwaayi hain tujhe, wo sab kya show-case mein sajaane ke liye hain? Dhang se achchhi-achchhi dresses pehana kar. Aur jab mauka mile, ek nayi dress pahan. Bhul gayi, jab meri shaadi hui thi, tab main bhi to ekdum tip-top banke nikalti thi ghar se?"

"Lekin Bhabhi aapki baat alag thi, aur..."

"Riddhima?" Muskaan glared at her, "Faltu ki bahas mat kar. Jaisa kaha hai waise kar. Thoda apna dimaag bhi chalaya kar kuchh." Hitting her own head, Muskaan mumbled, "Main bhi ye kise kah rahi hu. Dimaag hai kahaan tere paas..."

While Muskaan pushed Riddhima's forehead by her finger, Riddhima frowned, "Bhabhi..."

"Kya Bhabhi-bhabhi? Chal ab, aise samajh ki ye sab bhi shaadi ke baad ki rasmon ka hi hissa hai." She saw Riddhima sulking. "Jaa na..."

Riddhima stomped her feet and went to change into saree.

A few minutes later she surprised Muskaan. "Wow, you look beautiful Baby." Muskaan commented kissing her forehead lovably which changed Riddhima's sulking expressions into a sweet smile. "Chal ab, Armaan tera wait kar raha hoga. Bhot der ho rahi hai. Tum dono ko wapis ghar bhi to jana hai."

Armaan was chatting with Shashank and Rahul while Padma sat beside Shashank listening to them. Yash was settled comfortably into Padma's lap. He has tried to engage Armaan in his video game, but Rahul scolded him to behave atleast for the day.

"Bua..." Yash yelled as soon as he saw Riddhima and Muskaan descending. Running towards her he held her hand as she finally reached the living room. "Aap kahaan jaa rahe ho Bua?" he asked.

Riddhima looked at him helplessly trying to find answer. She knew he would cry if she tells him that she has to go back to Ashiyana with Armaan. And she had no heart to tell him that.

Muskaan noticed her discomfort, "Yash, Bua wapis apne ghar jaa rahi hai."

"Apne ghar? Par Bua ka ghar to yehi hai na?" he questioned.

"Haan hai bte. Par unka pakka wala ghar to abse Ashiyana hai. Unki shaadi jo ho gayi hai tumhaare Superman se." Muskaan said and turned to Riddhima for a moment, "Riddhima tu jaake baith, main ise sambhaalti hu." Riddhima smiled at her thankfully and went to sit with Shashank and Padma for a while before leaving for Ashiyana.

"Shaadi ho gayi hai to kya wo ab yahaan nahi rah sakti?" Yash frowned pulling Muskaan's dupatta as she turned back to him after Riddhima went away.

"Rah sakti hain, par shaadi ke baad Bua ko Superman ke saath rahna hoga na. Warna unka khayaal kaun rakhega?"

"Superman to kitne bade hain, Bua ko unka khayaal rakhne ki kya zaroorat?" He argued.

This isnt going to work, Muskaan thought sighing. "Yash, tumhe yaad hai na wo gandi waali aunty jo Bua ko yahaan se dur le jana chaahti thi?"

"Haan." He nodded.

"To unse bachaane ke liye hi Bua ko Armaan ke saath rahna padega ab se. Warna wo phir se bua ko le jaane aa gayi to? Tum kya chaahte ho ki Bua kahin bhot dur chali jaaye?" She asked while Yash nodded saying no. She continued, "Isliye to humne ye socha ki Bua kahin bhot dur chali jaaye, us se to achchha hai ki wo tumhaare Superman ke saath rahe. Is se tum aksar Vaibhav ke ghar jaake uske saath khel bhi sakoge, aur Superman se bhi jab chaahe mil sakoge. Aur tumhe koi manaa bhi nahi kar sakega, kyunki ab to Vaibhav ke tarah Armaan tumhara bhi to uncle hai. Yaad hai maine tumhe samjhaya tha us din?"

"Sachchi?" Yash's eyes lit up.

"Sachchi." Muskaan smiled.

"To kya main jab chaahu Superman ke ghar jaa sakta hu Bua, Superman aur Vibhi se milne?"

"Haan, jaa sakte ho."

"Yayyy..." Yash jumped in joy and ran back to the living room. He went straight to the place where Riddhima sat and jumped into her her lap.

Riddhima smiled kissing on his cheek.

"Kyun ye theek rahega na Armaan?" Shashank asked.

"Ji? J-ji haan." Armaan slightly stammered unsure of his own reply. He hasn't been giving any heed to the conversation playing among the people in the living room. The very moment his eyes fell on Riddhima standing near the lowest stairs talking to Yash, wearing that yellow saree, his senses has left him all on his own.

She looked beautiful in that yellow saree with embroidery of golden streaks and matching golden blouse. The color added a special patina and glow to her golden skin. Her hair was neatly plaited into a French-braid. While those gold-stoned danglers kissing her cheeks made her look gorgeous and surreal.

This was the first time he was seeing her in a saree. Before marriage she always wore those pale colored loose suits. Then on their wedding and reception she was wearing Lahengas and at home she has been again wearing chudidaar suits... for a change better looking ones.

But today, she has not only thrown him off balance by her appearance, but it has even blown away any last atom of doubt of about his feeling for her. Well, the reality is there wasn't any doubt about his feelings for her, just hesitation of admitting it. So, in short, today his hesitation has now vanished completely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride back to Ashiyana was silent. While Riddhima fidgeted in her seat beside Armaan, who drove her back home, he couldn't help but steel continuous glances of her new persona. It was obviously getting too difficult for him to concentrate. If only instead of him, any of his drivers was driving his car, he could have stared at his wife without any interruptions or disturbance.

Armaan before-handedly informed Aarti that he and Riddhima will be returning Ashiyana a little late as Padma has insisted him to have dinner with Gupta Family. Yet, when they reached Ashiyana, everyone was still up waiting for Armaan and Riddhima.

The whole family gave Riddhima a warm welcome and praised her appearance. From Dadi to Vaibhav, not even a single person was there who didn't compliment her for looking wonderful. Riddhima was pleasantly surprised.

Riddhima wasn't used to the compliments, coz she actually never gave much attention on things like, how she looks or what to wear. But the praises and admiration she noticed in her new family's eyes for her somewhere made her feel special and appreciated on a different level.

She felt as if she has unknowingly made her family happy just by changing her attire. For the first time, she felt that Muskaan was right about her dress. She was right when she said that everyone will feel good if she wears a saaree.

Armaan silently observed his family pampering and praising Riddhima and it made his heart feel contented. The glow on her face didn't go unnoticed by him when they complimented her. She loves his family and vice-versa, what else he need?

Well, he just realized, he does need something else as well... He needs much more and this was the first time when he needs something for himself. She will be living with him now on and he will get that soon enough. He shook his head smiling softly to himself. Leaving Riddhima with everyone, he went back to his room to change.

A little later, Riddhima entered their room. Armaan was in his study at that time. She changed into comfortable clothes and prepared to go to sleep. That day, Armaan had slept in the study while working on one of his file.

***Flashback Ends***

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