OMG, OMG, OMG! I'm gonna go completely crazy! Well, it's not like I'm not already, but yea, whatever.
OMG, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize that you all are already here! I know you all must be thinking, 'Oh God, who is this insane girl', right? Well hi. My name is Riddhima. Riddhima Gupta. Naam toh suna hoga? LOL! Actually I'm a Bollywood FREAK, so don't get surprised if I end up saying Hindi dialogues! LOLzzz! Ok, so where were we? Oh yea, my intro. Well, I am 22 years old and as you can see, I'm a really pretty, no, GORGEOUS girl! Yea, yea, I'm praising myself. So what? Who DOESN'T like to praise themselves? Anyways. I live in New York and am a doc. Cool na? I know it is!
Oh, and did I say Riddhima Gupta? Sorry, sorry. Actually, I'm not going to remain a 'Gupta' for much longer because guess what? I'm going to become Dr. Riddhima A. Mallik very soon! Yes! I'm getting married! And trust me guys. He is the best, no, BESTEST guy any girl can ever wish for. He's the best! And I love him a lot.
Just then, she heard a car pull over, and she went and looked through the window. She smiled as she saw him waving through the window and she waved back. He signaled her to come through his hands and she nodded.
Ok now. I gotta go. You all must be asking, 'Where is this girl going' right? Well, I'm going to a party that my friends have organized for me as I'm getting married. I'm soo excited! Now I better get going alright, or else Niki, my CRAZY little friend, will murder me.
Riddhima descended down the stairs of her house. Her long, silky hair slightly flew in the air. She opened the doors and looked at him with a big smile on her face. He was leaning against his car and he just stared at her. A chill ran down her spine because of the wintery weather. For some reason, she felt as if something was going to happen. She didn't know what, but something was surely to happen. Brushing the thoughts away, Riddhima went and hugged him and he hugged her back.
"Abhi." She said his name softly. Abhi pulled apart from her and checked her out. Her white, halter dress was perfectly pointed out all of her perfect curves.
"You are looking very sexy." Riddhima turned crimson and lowered her gaze. Abhi chuckled at her and they sat inside the car.
Eeekss! I can't believe that Abhi just said this to me! My day, oops, night, I mean, can't get any more better! *Sigh*
They reached a hotel-pub, where the party was held. The couple met their friends right outside the pub.
"Thanks! After all, it's Niki that you're talking about!" Niki praised herself and everyone chuckled.
"Come on! Let's go inside!" They all went inside and started to groove to the music beats.
While dancing, a couple of boys came up and started to dance with Riddhima. They started to come closer and closer to Riddhima and she got tired of it. She left the dance floor and found Abhi sitting at the bar and went up to him.
Humph! What do these boys think of themselves? Let me just go and tell Abhi and he'll take care of her.
"Abhi. There are some boys who are really misbehaving with me. They keep trying to come close to me. Please do something about it."
"I don't know." Riddhima turned her face and saw them right there.
"Abhi." He followed her gaze and looked at the boys. He stood up and went towards them. They stared at each other for a few seconds, and then broke into fits of laughter.
"Oh God Ridz. These are my friends. They were just joking around with you. Come on, let me introduce them to you. Sunny, Nick, Zack, EJ, and Shane."
"Hi. Sorry for the misunderstanding."
"Come on. Let's have some drinks."
"Um... Abhi. You know I don't drink right."
"I know sweetheart, but it's only for today. Come on now."
"Umm... ok." Riddhima smiled and took a drink.
After the drink, Abhi kept on insisting on drinking more, but Riddhima said no. Abhi insisted even further, and Riddhima reluctantly took another drink, thinking that she can obviously trust Abhi as he would never think ill about her. They took a few more shots and then their friends came up and took them to the dance floor.
They moved and grooved to the music and had fun. Because of the drink, Riddhima's head had started to spin a little and Abhi saw this. He came and took her out of the pub and into a room.
"Abhi... where are we going?" Riddhima asked in a slightly drunk state.
"You'll see baby." Abhi took her inside the room and Riddhima was shocked to see Abhi's friends there. They were the last people that she would want to see at this time.
"Hey, Abhi!" Zack came up and hugged Abhi tight.
"Nothin much." Zack smiled and turned his eyes towards Riddhima. He eyed her down in a mean way, and Riddhima felt uncomfortable.
"And how are you, Ms. Riddhima?" Zack came towards her and slid his finger down her arms, making Riddhima flinch. She turned to look at Abhi for help, but instead saw him smirking and moving towards the bar.
What is happening here? How DARE this Zack touch me? And why isn't Abhi saying anything? What's going on!
"How dare you touch me huh? Look. If this is another one of your jokes, then let me tell you that I don't like them!" Riddhima said angrily.
"Joke?! What makes you think that this is a joke? I'm damn serious babes. Abhi? Didn't you tell her anything?" said Nick.
"Nope. I didn't."
"Aww...no need to worry. Let's tell her now."
"Tell me what?" Riddhima's heartbeats started to raise.
"Well, there's a good news for you. You'll be getting a pretty nice company of 6 people tonight."
"Abhi, what shit are your friends saying? And you all. Don't you have a bit of shame in yourselves? I'm gonna get married to your friend!" She said in utter disgust.
" And? After marriage, you're gonna be spending your nights with him, but before it, I guess we can have some fun."
"What will he say? He already knows everything. In fact, he was the one to suggest everything." Riddhima looked at Abhi in shock, while he just smirked.
"Abhi? What is he saying?" Riddhima asked in her whisper.
"He's saying the truth. I mean, come on woman. This is so freakin common. Who knows man? Maybe you have already slept with other men." Abhi said carelessly, bringing her to tears. She was hurt. Really hurt.
"Abhi. How could you do this to me?"
"Oh come on Ridz. Don't cry. Now come one, smile. Let's make this night memorable one. Ok?" Sunny spoke up. He moved his hand towards her, but Riddhima shoved it away, and started to go back. He grabbed her arm and brought her close. Riddhima started to struggle as he brought his face closer to hers. Her hand found a glass on the table beside her and slammed it on his head, shocking everyone in the room.
Before everyone could recover from the shock, Riddhima opened the door and ran out. She was out of the hotel in no time and she was running inside the dark, scary woods. She could hear the loud footsteps of the boys coming for her. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. The drink was slowly overpowering her senses. She started to slow down and hit the trees. She felt the thorns scratching her skin and the blood oozing out but she tried her best to stay in her senses.
She started to run again and she soon lost control over her legs and almost fell and waited for her body to hit the ground, but that never happened. She managed to open her eyes and tried to clear her vision. She saw a pair of blue eyes, boring into hers. Because of the moonlight, she could see the person very well. It was man who had the most angelic face and well-built body she had ever seen.
She felt the grip around her waist getting tighter and tighter. She could feel her heart thudding wildly against her ribs, threatening to explode any time. The strong, masculine cologne started to overpower her. She clutched onto his shirt, making sure that he won't leave her.
"S... save me. Please." She whispered softly. The drink took over all her senses and she fainted in his arms.
"Riddhima..." Her name rolled off his tongue, making it sound like music.
That was the last thing I could remember. After that, everything just went blank. The next thing I could feel was being picked up by his strong mascular arms and being carried away. I don't know why, but it felt different. Really different. His touch sent electric shocks through my body, something that didn't even happen when Abhi touched me. Those eyes. Those electric bue eyes... I've seen them. I can feel it. I know him. I feel as if I... I... I have a deep relation with them. Why? Why is this person affecting me soo badly? Why?
I can't believe she is here. Right here, in my arms. She looked so beautiful with her hair filying in the air, caressing her rosy cheeks. She looked like an angel in the white halter dress that covered her delicate body and the moonlight was doing nothing, but enhancing her beauty even more. She hasn't changed. Not even a bit. She's still the same. That same innocent face, big green eyes, long, silky hair, slender figure, that same bubbly and talkative nature. But what is she doing here, in the woods? Why was she running? Who was she running from? I felt her grip tighten on my shirt and heard her speak.
"S... save me. Please." She whispered lightly and fainted in a matter of a second and he realized that she was drunk.
"Riddhima..." He said in a velvety voice.
Save her? From what? And... how is she drunk? She hates drinks! And who's she running from?
He heard loud noises and people shouting.
"Find her! How dare that b**** hit me!"
Armaan looked at Riddhima and scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his jeep. He layed her down on the back seat and stared at her innocent face.
She looked so pure and calm. His gaze dropped down to her chest, which rose up and down at regular intervals. Her dress had slipped down just a little, but down enough to reveal her cleavage. He immediately fisted his fingers and looked away, trying to control his manly urges. Closing the door, he got into the drivers seat and drove off to his house.
All throughout the drive, he kept looking at Riddhima through the rear-view.
Why is she back? I was living only with her faint memories for all these years. Then why is she back now? She is arousing those feelings again. Those feelings that I had surpressed deep down in my heart. But now that she's back, everything's gone in vain. All that hard work it took me has vanished in thin air.
I'm sorry. I forgot that you all are here. I'm Armaan. Armaan Mallik. I am 24 years old, live in New York, and am a Cardiologist by profession. You all must be thinking that 'Why is this guy so formal and cold' right? What do you expect from a guy that has lived his life all alone. Even after having a mother and father, I have always been alone in my life. My mom, Ananya Mallik, has always been more interested in partying, maintaining her 'high profile' in the society and my dad, Billy Mallik, was always busy in work. They never had the time to look after me so I always ended up staying alone. I have never received love from anyone in my life, well, excluding one person- my Bi.
Shehnaaz Bi was placed as my nanny when I was 13. She is the only one that knows me more than I know myself. She still lives with me at my house and she is no less than my mother. You all must be wondering that how do I know Riddhima, right? That's a very long story. I'll tell you all later.
They soon reached his house and Armaan carried her inside.
"Armaan. You're back. Who's this?" A fine lady in smart black trousers and white shirt came out of her room and asked with a smile. She was none other than Bi. She wore the glasses that were in her hand and was shocked to see the girls face.
"Riddhima?" Armaan said nothing and looked at the ground.
"What happened to her?"
"She was being followed by some goons. I met her there and she fainted as she was drunk. So I brought her here." He explained.
"Oh. Take her to the guest room." Armaan nodded once and took her to the guest room.
The guest room was very simple, but beautiful. There were curtains and windows all around the room which made it look simply extravagant. He layed her down on the bed and started at her for a few seconds.
"Beautiful." He whispered. He shifted his gaze away and was about to leave when he saw blood drops on his hand. He looked at her and examined her. He saw a few small wounds on her hand and took out first-aid. He cleaned the wound and then covered her with the silky white duvet. He admired her for a while and then got up. He turned around and came face to face with Bi. He lowered his gaze.
"Come outside." After throwing a glance at Riddhima, he went outside. He stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and looked at the water droplets falling and hitting the ground, making melodious music.
"What will you do now?"
"I don't know."
"Will you be able to face her? Control yourself when she's around?"
"I don't know."
"How long are you going to hide your feelings from her?"
"Til it's needed."
"Why are you doing this? Why don't you tell her that you love her?"
"Does she even remember me? When she finds out who I am, she'll probably hate me."
"No, she probably doesn't remember you. But whatever happened years ago was, something that happened in immaturity. Both of you were very young to understand that." A lump formed in Armaan's throat, but he swallowed it down with much difficulty.
"I'm going to my room. I'm very tired." Saying this, he left for his room, leaving a sad Bi behind.
He walked up to his room and sat down on the rocking chair beside the window. He closed his eyes and her face appeared in front of his eyes. Their meeting in the woods came back to his mind.
Holding her in my arms felt so right, so perfect. Did she feel that as well? Or was it just me? It was probably just me.
Thinking about her, he drifted off to sleep, only to meet her in his dreams.
Riddhima's POV
I was running through the woods, trying to escape from something. But what? What was I running from? I felt myself crashing into someone and being held tightly. Who was it? I opened my eyes and saw a pair of electric blue eyes boring into mine. It was piercing through my soul, making me feel completely vulnerable. I felt myself drowning deeply into his eyes. His strong masculine scent was making me dizzy. Why was he having such effect on me? Why? Who was he?
Riddhima jerked her eyes open, but closed them immediately as the Sun's striking rays fell on her eyes. She opened them back slowly and absorbed her surroundings.
Where am I? Who's bedroom am I in?
Riddhima was confused. How did she land up there? Her mind suddenly drifted off to last nights events and she realized what had happened.
"Abhi..." Her eyes started to tear up as she realized that the guy that she trusted with her life betrayed her like that. She wanted the ground to open and swallow her up. She wished that she was dead. Just then, Bi entered her room and saw Riddhima in deep thoughts.
"Oh, Riddhima. You're awake already?" Bi asked nicely. Riddhima came out of her thoughts and looked at her.
"Umm... yea."
"Good. Come on, finish up your breakfast." Riddhima smiled. She liked Bi already.
"Umm... aunty-"
"Please Riddhima. Don't call me aunty. Call me Bi."
"Ok, Bi. Umm... how did I get here?"
"Well dear, you were running in the woods and then my son found you and brought you here."
"Oh."
"By the way, why were you running in the woods at that time of the night?" The smile on Riddhima's face vanished at the question.
"Umm... a... actually... I... I..."
"What's wrong dear? Tell me."
"Nothing Bi. You can just say, that, I came to know the truth about someone and I lost the trust I had on them." She spoke, trying to keep her tears at bay, but Bi had already seen them. She patted her head.
"It's ok Riddhima. I don't know what happened, but I can tell you that whatever happened, happened for the best." Riddhima smiled and hugged Bi. She stayed like that for a while, and then something clicked into her mind.
"How do you know my name?"
"Umm... you had brought your purse with you. So, I had gone through it, and saw your name there.
"Oh. Umm... where is your son? I want to thank him for saving me."
"He... he's sleeping right now. He was very tired."
"Oh." She said with a tinge of disappointment in her voice. She badly wanted to meet that blue-eyed guy who saved her, who came in her dreams, who was affecting her badly. She felt someone's gaze on her and looked at the door, but couldn't see anyone there.
Maybe just an illusion.
"Finish up your breakfast and then get ready. I'll meet you downstairs."
"Umm... Bi. I don't have another pair of clothes."
"Oh. Well it's ok. I'll tell Armaan to go buy something for you. The mall isn't far from here." Bi started to go out of the room when Riddhima spoke. The name caught her attention.
Armaan?
"Armaan?"
"He's my son. He's the one that brought you here."
"Oh." Bi left the room and Riddhima started to think.
Armaan. I've heard this name before. But... where? Why do I feel like I know him? Oh God! These questions are gonna drive me INSANE! I better go freshen up before I end up slamming my head into the wall!
Riddhima got up and went to take a shower. She stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower. She let the hot water run down her body and she leaned her hands against the wall. Flashes of last nights events came gushing back into her mind. Abhi's betrayal, his friends, her running through the woods, trying to save herself. She closed her eyes and let her tears mix in with the water.
Why? Why did this happen to me? Why did Abhi do this to me? Was his love, his care, all a farce? Did he never love me? Was he just using me? I can't believe I trusted that man with all my heart. I trusted him so much, kept him as my number one priority and he? He just ruined all of it! I made a mistake by trusting him. A HUGE mistake! Thank God Armaan saved me. Or else I probably wouldn't have been alive today. I must thank him for taking care of me.
She quickly took a shower and then peeked inside her room. She saw a few pair of clothes lying on the bed. She came out of the bathroom and took up a pair of black jeans and white babydoll shirt and slid into it. She came out of her room and saw Bi working in the kitchen.
Armaan should be up by now. Let me ask her where Armaan is.
She went up to her and asked her.
"Bi?"
"Yes Riddhima? May I help you?"
"Umm... Bi. Can you tell me where Armaan is?" She asked patiently though she was getting extremely restless on the inside.
"Yea, sure. He's in the gym right now." She said with a smile.
"Ok. Thanks!" She smiled and then quickly ran to the gym. She opened the door and heard some noises. She went closer and saw Armaan punching the punching bag really hard. She couldn't help, but stare at him.
His perfectly built body was driving her crazy. Muscles were ripping out from every part of his body. He had the most strongest and sexiest body that she had ever seen. She couldn't tear her gaze apart from him. She suddenly felt a strong urge to feel his body, to be crushed beneath him. She tore her gaze away from him and looked at the ground, horrified at her thinking.
Riddhima! SNAP OUT OF IT NOW! What the hell are you thinking?! How can you even let these thoughts enter your brain! Riddhima. This is insane. You can't let this guy affect you so badly! Just do what you had come to do. Wait. What the hell did I come to do? Oh yes! Thank him for saving my life. I'm going crazy I swear!
Riddhima started to walk slowly towards Armaan and stopped at a distance.
"Armaan." She spoke slowly, but Armaan didn't hear her.
"Armaan." She spoke a little bit loudly, but it still didn't work.
"Armaan!" She spoke loudly and she was successful in grabbing his attention, but what followed certainly wasn't expected.
Armaan turned around and punched the wall angrily with all his might and strength , trapping her completely. She stared at him in horror with her eyes wide open. She gasped as she realized the distance between them, which was less than an inch apart. She could feel his raging breath on her lips. She couldn't help, but stare at him. 'Angelic' would be the correct word to describe him. Bluish eyes, wide forehead which was covered with his jet black, shiny hair, cute dimples, perfect jawline, in other words, he was perfect. She felt her heart skip a beat.
Wow. This guy is gorgeous. He's just... perfect. No. That would actually be an understatement. He's the man of every girls' dreams. A dream boy. He's the 'Armaan' of every girl. Riddhima. For the last damn time, SNAP OUT OF IT! NOW!
Armaan's POV
He was in his gym, punching the punching bag, trying to vent out his anger and frustration on it.
Why can't I get her out of my head? I want to get her out of my head! She'll leave me in a few days and I'll be alone again. Wasn't the pain I already have in my heart enough that she's giving me more? No! I can't let her affect me this way! I'll have to keep her out of my head. I'll have to!
Armaan punched the bag even harder and after a while, he heard someone say his name.
"Armaan."
Riddhima?
He couldn't believe that she was here. He thought that he was hallucinating and brushed off the thought.
"Armaan." He heard her say his name again, and closed his eyes, still punching the bag.
"Armaan!" He lost control over himself and turned around and punched the wall really hard. He looked at her angrily and then realized that Riddhima was actually there.
Oh God. She's actually here.
He just couldn't stop staring at her beautiful face. He felt himself drowning into her beady eyes. He dropped his gaze down to her glossy lips. He could feel her heart thumping loudly against her chest. He looked up and saw her eyes closed.
"Armaan" She whispered very softly as her breath caressed his face. He immediately backed off and turned his back to her.
"I... I'm sorry." He said in a low voice. Riddhima opened her eyes and looked at the ground. She pulled a strand of her hair behind her ear in nervousness.
"What are you doing here?" He asked a bit rudely, surprising Riddhima.
"Umm... I... I came to thank you."
"For what?"
"For saving me yesterday."
"Hmm. It's alright." There was a moment of complete silence in the room. He sat down on the bean bags that were placed there and took a drink from the water bottle. He saw her standing up and signaled her to sit down through his eyes and she obeyed him.
"Who were you running from?" He asked suddenly. Flashes of last night came before her eyes, bringing tears as well. When he didn't hear anything from her side, he looked up and saw her wiping the tears before they could fall out.
"Tell me." He asked in a soft voice and Riddhima looked at him. She saw a genuine concern for her. For some reason, she felt like telling him everything, sharing all of her pain with him.
"My fianc." Armaan was confused.
"Why were you running from Abhi?" He asked and immediately regretted it.
"How do you know my fianc's name?"
"Um... I found it in your purse."
"Oh."
"So, tell me. Why were you running from him?"
"Because I found out about his truth."
"Truth?"
"Yes. His truth. My friends had arranged a party for me and Abhi as we were getting married. He had made me drink and... and then took me to a room. His friends were there as well. They told me about their 'deal'."
"What deal?"
"They had a deal that... I would spend... one night with them all." Tears finally rolled out of her eyes. Armaan was shocked. He couldn't believe that Abhi would do that!
I don't believe this! How can Abhi do this?! How DARE he do this to Riddhima!
"Oh my God! How can he do this?" There was a moment of complete silence. The only thing Armaan wanted to do, was go and beat the daylights out of Abhi. He fisted his fingers. He felt his blood boiling underneath his skin.
"Armaan... thanks for everything. I think I should leave now."
"But where are you gonna go?"
"Back to my house."
"Are you f***in crazy! If you go back there, then they will find you!" Riddhima looked at him.
"Look... Riddhima. Stay in my house for a few days. Then if you want to go... you can." Riddhima just stared at him. What else could she do?
Both stared into each others eyes, trying to find the answers to their questions. Riddhima slowly broke the eyelock and looked at the ground. She slowly nodded. Armaan felt really nice, though his face was completely expressionless.
"Ok. I'll go and tell Bi." He left the gym and saw Bi standing in front of him. He said nothing and left for his room and she followed him.
He reached his room and stood near the window in his room.
"Armaan. I heard everything. What ever happened, was really bad. But I'm glad that you decided to let her stay here. That was really nice of you." Armaan said nothing and kept staring outside.
"Armaan... I know what Abhi did was really bad, but I think that you should forgive-" Bi tried to convince Armaan, but he turned around abruptly and cut her off.
"Forgive him? You want me to forgive that b*****d?! He ruined everything! Whatever happened between me and Riddhima was because of him! And now, Riddhima is suffering because of him! And you want me to forgive him? No ways! I WILL KILL HIM!" His anger got the worst of him and he shouted. Bi got scared of this but remained calm. He threw a vase at the mirror and it shattered into pieces. Bi went and held Armaan from his shoulders.
"Armaan! Stop it! I know what Abhi did was wrong, but you can't change what has already happened." Armaan said nothing and went to the bathroom.
"Oh Lord. Please give Armaan all the happiness that he deserves. Don't give him any more pain." Bi prayed silently.
Riddhima POV
She was sitting on the bed, thinking about her decision over staying with Armaan.
Why did I agree to stay with him? Why didn't I say no? Why did I trust him so much? Why? I don't even know him. Yet, I told him about my personal life. What's wrong with me?
Her mind trailed off to the moment they shared in the gym. She could still smell his strong cologne around her. She went breathless as she remembered the moment. Their bodies were so close to each other. She had never felt these kinds of sensations. His mere touch shook her up. He was affecting her. Badly.
Tired of this, she decided to go out of her room. She went into the kitchen and saw Bi pacing the kitchen constantly.
"Bi? What's wrong? Why do you look so tensed?"
"Nothing."
"Tell me."
"Actually, I have to go meet my friend. She's been hospitalized."
"Then what are you waiting for? Can't you just go?"
"No, it's not like that. Actually, most of the servants are not here today. After all, it's Sunday. And, I have to make Armaan's food. If I go right now, then I can't do that. I don't know what to do." Bi said worriedly. They thought for a while and then Riddhima spoke up.
"Bi. If you don't mind, can I cook today?"
"You?" She asked with a doubt and Riddhima nodded. "But you don't even know what Armaan likes. How are you going to-"
"You leave that on me. I'm sure Armaan will like what I will make. You don't worry, and go meet your friend." Bi smiled and patted her head and left.
"I told her that I'll cook for him today. But... what will I make?" She thought for a while and then came up with an idea. "Parantha! Yes. I'll make that for him!" She thought happily.
She took out all the needed ingrediants and started to make the paranthas. In about 2 hours, she was done making them.
Wooh! I'm finally done! Just hope that Armaan likes this. I'm sure he will. Now let me go serve the plates.
With the help of Stella, riddhima prepared the plates and then went inside the kitchen to see what happens.
Armaan came down and sat down at the dining table. Stella started to serve the food and Armaan got angry seeing paranthas there. He stood up in anger and yelled at Stella, scaring Riddhima.
"What the hell is this Stella?! Don't you know I don't eat Indian food? How dare you serve me this! And where's Bi? Can you not do one thing right?"
Oh no! Everything's gone wrong! Armaan hates Indian food! But why? Ugh! Riddhima! You're soo stupid! I gotta go now!
She came out of the kitchen and went to Armaan.
"Armaan. It's not Stella's fault. I cooked it today. Bi had to go meet her friend as she was hospitalized. So I told her that I'll cook. But I didn't know that you don't like Indian food, or else I would've made something else. Just give me 15 minutes, I'll go and make pasta for you.! Riddhima explained and turned around to go back in the kitchen, but Armaan stopped her.
"It's alright. I'll eat this for today." Armaan sat down and looked at the plate. He slowly took a bite and put it in his mouth. He chewed it slowly, while Riddhima's beatbeat reached it's peak.
Oh God! Please tell me he liked it!
"How is it?" She finally asked.
"It's... it's alright." Armaan said with a blank tone.
"Alright?" Armaan looked up at her.
"It's nice."
"Only nice?"
"Well what do you want to hear?" He asked losing his temper. Riddhima looked down, hurt by his comment, which he saw.
"I'm sorry. The food is really nice." He said it a little softly, though he still had a tinge of coldness in it.
"Humph! Sadu kahin ka!" She muttered under her breath. Armaan stopped eating and looked at her.
"You said something?" Riddhima looked at him in shock.
How did he hear me?
"N... n... no." Armaan gave her a nod and resumed his eating.
Thogh Armaan didn't say anything, Riddhima knew that he had liked the food a lot. For some reason, Riddhima was very about it.
An entire week passed by like this. Riddhima would cook for Armaan, as he had told her to, he would give her a small compliment, and then leave for the hospital. During this, Riddhima had found out the reason for Armaan's coldness- his parents. Bi had told her everything, but had left out something, and Riddhima knew it, but didn't ask. On day, Riddhima had tried to go inside Armaan's room, but he had strictly warned her. She was really curious about it, but didn't go further into it. There was something about Armaan, that was attracting her to him. He was reminding her of someone, but she couldn't exactly pinpoint who. His talking style, eating habits, everything was very similar to someone. But who?
On the other hand, Armaan was trying his best to keep Riddhima out of his mind, but failing miserable. She had token over his mind completely ad he couldn't do anything about it. Whever he would come back, he would end up observing her. He found her really beautiful and cute. He had never seen a girl so innocent and pure like her. Her presense would relieve all his stress. But he knew that this was only going to be for a few days.
As of now, Riddhima was coming back from the store at night. She had went to get some vegetables as they were finished. While walking, she suddenly tripped over a rock and bag fell from her hand.
"Ouch!" She rubbed her arm and saw someone pick the bag up. She looked up and felt the ground being pulled under her feet. She saw Abhi and her friends standing in front of her.
"Abhi?" She whispered. She had pretty much forgotten about him over the days.
"Yes sweetheart. It's me."
"What are you doing here? Leave my way!" She said angrily.
"Ooohh. Temper, temper. I like it."
"What do you want?!"
"You know very well what I want. You. You ran away last time, but not now. Do you know how much work I had to do to get you to fall for me? I became all nice and sweet, became like those loser boys, made all those promises to you, and what not. But all in vain."
"You mean... all of that was just a farce?"
"Of course darling! Did you really think I'm like that? Of course not! Actually, when I first started to notice you in that way, I had made a bet with these boys.. You know, to get you in my bed and all, but you were a tough nut to crack. But later, I thought that you're not bad. So I did all this. But you ran away. But I promise you. I won't let you go now."
"I can't believe you Abhi. You did all this just to get me in bed with you? You played with my heart. I hate you Abhi. I HATE YOU!" Riddhima was in tears when he completed. She couldn't believe that she fell in love with a guy like him! The guys laughed at this.
"Well I'm sorry sweetheart. But I had to do it. And I know. You, too, want the same thing I do. So come on." He walked towards her and she went back. She hit his car and looked at him in horror. He came close to her and Riddhima tightly shut her eyes. Abhi raised his hands to touch her, but he felt a strong hand stop his. He looked back and saw Armaan looking at him with only one thing in his eyes-MURDER.
"Leave her." Riddhima slowly opened her eyes hearing his voice. She saw Armaan standing there, looking straight at her. Riddhima was glad to see Armaan there. She knew that he would never let anything happen to her. Both just stared into each others eyes when Abhi spoke up.
"Excuse me. Who are you to tell me what to do? Just go and do your work alright. Or you'll get beaten up badly." He looked at Abhi with a cold face. She tightened his grip on his wrist, making him wince.
"Ahh! Leave me you b*****d!" Armaan left his hand with a jerk and he fell to the ground. The other boys attacked him, but he took care of them all.
He was brutally beating all of them up. Riddhima was scared seeing the amount of anger he had in them. She had seen his anger, but this... this was crazy! She had never met a person who was full of anger. In fact, she was way far from these things. She had always been surrounded with love and only love. Hatred, anger, she had never faced them, but now, she was. She looked at Armaan. He was fighting for her, only her.
Why is he fighting for me? I'm just a stranger for him right? Then why is he fighting for me? Why is he doing this? His anger... it seems as if he'll kill anyone for me. Why?
She felt something on her and saw Abhi trying to force himself on her. She tried to push him away but he was too strong.
"Aah! Armaan!" She shouted. Armaan looked at her side and saw Abhi trying to force him on her. He walked up to him and pulled him away from her. He beat him up badly and cruelly. He saw a knife lying on the ground beside him and picked it up. He was almost about to stab him in rage when he heard Riddhima shout.
"Armaan!" He looked at her and saw her shaking in fear.
"Riddhima." He said in a whisper. Riddhima ran away from there and Armaan got up.
"Riddhima!" He gave a murderous glance to Abhi and his friends and then ran behind her, trying to stop her. They reached his house and she ran into her room and was about to close the door, but Armaan placed his hand there and she moved back.
"Why are you doing this huh?" She yelled at him.
"Riddhima? What did I do? I saved you from Abhi and his friends."
"Save me? You were trying to save me by almost killing them! What were you trying to do? Why were you trying to do that Armaan? Why did you do that? What right do you have to do this? What-" Riddhima questioned him. Armaan was furious on her questions. Even before she could finish, he held the back of her head and jammed his lips on hers, taking her by surprise.
He pushed her back against the hard wall, making her wince in pain. He kissed her hard on her lips. His eyes bored into hers. His lips moved against her virgin ones, extracting all the juice out of it. He fisted her hair, making her close her eyes in pain. Left her lips and she opened her eyes and saw fury in his.
"I have this right. This is the reason I almost killed those boys." He said slowly. He brought her face closer to his.
"If anyone tries to touch you, I swear Riddhima. I will kill them. And I mean it. No one has the right to come near you. No one. You are only mine. And you can't escape from this truth." He said in a voice that chilled her to the bone. He left her and then went out of the room, leaving Riddhima rooted to her place.
Riddhima slid down the wall and hugged her knees. She couldn't believe that she just got kissed by Armaan. For some reason, she didn't mind being kissed by him. In fact, she had really liked it. His possessiveness, his aggressiveness, she liked it all. When he said she was his, she actually felt good.
What's happening to me? Armaan just kissed me. He told me I was his. Why am I so happy about it? Why? What are these feelings? Would I have acted the same way if... if Abhi had done the same? No! I wouldn't have. When he came close to me, I always moved back. Not because I was shy, but I was not comfortable with him so close to me. But... with Armaan... it's different. I like him being so close to me. I want to be hold more tightly by him. Why? What's happening to me?
On the other hand, Armaan came out of Riddhima's room and went to his. He went and stood by the window.
"What did I just do? I shouldn't have done this. What will Riddhima think of me now? She'll think that I did all this just to get her body. Whatever happened, wasn't good." Armaan said to himself.
What does the destiny have in store for them? Was their meeting just a coincidence or... What will Riddhima's 'Escape' lead to?
Part 3
A few days had passed since that incident, but it had left a big mark in their hearts, especially Riddhima's. After that night, Armaan had left the city for a conference and wasn't supposed to come back for another day. Riddhima was debating on her feelings. She had no idea about what was happening to her. All she knew was that what she was feeling, was not infatuation or mere attraction. After he left, she was missing him even more. She was missing every single moment they had shared. Their eyelocks, those light touches, their close moments, their first meeting, their kiss... everything was rushing back into her mind.
Armaan... what have you done to me? The more I try to keep you out of my mind, the more I end up thinking about you. Where are you?
She heard a knock on the door, and wiped her tears.
"Come in." The door opened and Bi came in.
"Bi?"
"Yes dear. It's me. Were you expecting someone else?"
"N... no." She saw her tears and got worried.
"Riddhima," she went and sat beside her "is something wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"N... no Bi. Nothing's wrong." Riddhima couldn't meet her eye.
"Don't lie to me! I know something is wrong. Or else why were you crying?" Riddhima looked at Bi and then hugged her.
"Bi... I don't know what's wrong with me. There is this guy that is refusing to leave my mind. I'm thinking about him 24/7. Every single moment that I've spent with him keeps on coming into my mind. Everytime I look into his eyes, I lose myself. His one touch makes me shiver. What's happening to me Bi? I don't know." Riddhima told her everything. She didn't say that the guy was Armaan, but Bi had understood it. Her wish had finally come true.
"Riddhima. This is something that happens to everyone on one point of their life. And now, it's happening to you. You have fallen in love with that guy." Riddhima broke apart from her and looked at her with confusion and Bi nodded in response. Riddhima thought about what Bi just said. Her trail of thoughts were broken by Bi's question.
"That guy is Armaan right?" Riddhima looked at her in shock.
"H... how do you know?" Bi smiled.
"Love is something that you cannot hide. I can see the love you have for Armaan."
"But even if I love Armaan, it doesn't mean that he loves me as well." Riddhima said disappointed.
"What if he does?" Riddhima looked at her.
"Yes, Riddhima. Armaan loves you as well. Not since today, but since the day he ever layed his eyes on you." Riddhima couldn't believe her ears. Amraan loved her!
"You mean... Armaan loves me?"
"Yes Riddhima. He loves you a lot."
"Then why didn't he tell me?"
"Because he always keeps his feelings locked inside of him. The only way to know them is to understand him." Bi explained to her.
"You're right Bi. And I promise you. As soon as he comes back, I'll tell him how much I love him." She said with a smile, not noticing the worried expression on Bi's face.
Oh no! Riddhima loves Armaan. That's good. But I need to tell her. Today. Before Armaan comes back.
They all talked for a long time and then Bi left the house with the excuse of meeting her friend.
Riddhima layed down on the bed and smiled. She closed her eyes and saw him in front of her. She saw him slowly turning around and smiling at her.
" I love you Riddhima." He said in a velvety voice. Riddhima opened her eyes and layed on her stomach.
"Armaan... I hate you for what you have done to me. You're driving me crazy for you. I can't wait til you come back. I can't wait to tell you, how much I love you." She blushed at her own words and buried her face inside the pillow.
In a while, she came out of her room and was walking towards the kitchen when she saw something. She looked to the side and saw the door to Armaan's room slightly open.
Armaan's room is open? How? The room is only open when he's here, but he's not. Then... why is it open?
She thought for a while and then came up with an idea.
Whenever Armaan is here, he never lets me go into his room. What is he hiding in there? I need to find out. Since no one's here, let me go to his room. Who know? Maybe I'll never get this chance again.
She decided in her mind and then moved towards his room. She door a deep breath and then opened the door. There was complete darkness in the room.
Why is it so dark in the room?
She moved inside and searched for the light switch. She finally found them and turned the lights on. She looked back and was shell shocked seeing the room.
Armaan's room was filled with pictures and portraits of her. Yes, her. Where ever you look, you'll see her. Riddhima was shocked to see the pictures her had. He had pictures of her from when she was very young.
How does he have pictures of me when I was so young?!
Riddhima went around and looked at all the pictures. Some were paintings he made while some were actual photos taken from her school and college day and blown up into huge posters. The paintings were beautiful. Every single part of her was painted with great love and care and she could feel it. The photos had her smiling and one thing was certain. Those pictures were taken without her acknowledgement.
"Impossible. How is this even possible?! I've only known Armaan for like a week. And these pictures were taken a long time ago. One thing is certain. Armaan knows me from these days. And... I possibly know him as well. But... who is he?" Riddhima said to herself. She had tears in her eyes and she ran her hand through her hair in frustration. She took a last look at the pictures in front of her and turned around, only to find Armaan right behind. He grabbed her arm and pushed her against the wall.
Both just stared into each others eyes. Riddhima's eyes expressed the questions she had in her mind whilst his just had nothing. A cold breeze came and caressed them, sending a chill through their spines.
"Who are you?" She whispered as her breath caressed his face.
"You know me." He whispered back. Riddhima looked at him in confusion, which Armaan saw. He grabbed her by her arm and tightened his grip on it, making her wince in pain. This triggered a memory of hers and she closed her eyes to see what it was.
She saw herself sitting in the cafeteria along with her other friends. They all were very happy as it was the last day of school and they all were super excited as they were to be a freshman in high school in about 2 months. She suddenly felt herself being pulled up and saw him standing in front of her, looking really mad.
"What are you doing? Leave me. You're hurting me!" Riddhima said in a low voice.
"I am hurting you? And what about what you did to me? Who the hell do you think you are, huh? Who gave you the right to play with my feelings?" He spoke up while Riddhima struggled to get out of his grip. She looked around and saw everyone looking at them.
"I don't know what you are talking about. And for God's sake. Stop creating a scene here. Everyone's looking at us." She spoke in a low voice.
"I don't give a damn about them alright. They can go to hell for all I care. But you will get a punishment for what you did."
The next second, he held her mouth and placed his lips over hers and everyone in the cafeteria gasped seeing this. Riddhima's entire body went numb as she felt his lips moving against hers. He kept biting her lips, giving her immense pain. He then left her with a jerk and she went back. He wiped his lips and then went away while Riddhima just stared at his retreating back. That was their last meeting. After that, they never met.
Riddhima opened her eyes and looked at him. His face still held no expression, but his eyes had tons of questions.
"A... Am... y..." She whispered.
Oh my God! Armaan... Armaan is Amy! Of course he is! His habits, his temper, likes, dislikes... everything is like him!
"Basket." Her heart skipped a beat. Basket. She was hearing this name after 8 years. Tears flowed down her cheeks and she started to struggle to get out of his grip. Armaan had his eyes fixed on Riddhima. They were blood-shot red. His heart was breaking into a million pieces seeing the horror in her eyes and her struggling.
"Leave me." She managed a whisper. He tightened his grip on her arm and she shut her eyes in pain. She started to struggle again with her eyes shut. She finally got out of his hold and ran into her room. Laying on the bed, she she cried a lot. She kept punching the bed, punishing herself for loving him.
"Why did I ever fall in love with him?" She said in between her sobs.
Armaan's POV
He just stood there with teasrs filling up his eyes, and his fingers curved into a rock, solid fist. He punched the wall in frustration, making a picture fall. He fell on the ground and picked up the picture. It was a picture of her and standing together. He stared at the picture and ran his hand over it.
"Riddhima..." He whispered.
She found out. She finally found out. And how? Like this. But she still hasn't found out the entire thing. You all must be wondering 'What's going on', right? Well, it started off 8 years ago in New Jersey. I was in 10th grade and she was in 8th. Our parents knew each other very well and because of them, even we became friends... well... after a while. I was always a hot tempered guy and would go off on people really easily. I didn't have any friends. I was always alone. At first, when she used to come near me, I would just ignore her and if she really irritated me, I would yell and scream at her. Though that never had an effect on her. She always tried to came closer to me, as if she just wanted to be friends with me.
One day, I got into a fight with someone because they were talking bad about Bi and I got hurt. She was right there. She took me to the locker room and dressed my wounds. When she asked me why I am always so alone and why I don't have any friends, I told her why. I told her about my parents' negligence towards me. I told her why I am scared of making friends. She made me realize how wrong I was and when she raised her hand forward for friendship, I accepted it and we became friends.
Over the time, I started to like her. Her innocence, her bubbly and talkative nature, her beauty, everything attracted me towards her. She was like a magnet, pulling everything towards her. She was loved among everyone. Not a single person hated her, and even if they did, her kind nature would melt them. She was perfect. We even spent a lot of time together. Because of her, I made many friends. She was an angel in disguise. Then I realized that I didn't just like her, I loved her.
But there was one person who found out about this. Abhi. Yes. Abhimaniyu Mallik. He's my cousin, my dad's brother's son. I never liked him. He was an arrogant guy. He did things his way, never listened to anyone. He would always try to bully me, but that never happened. He thought he's the cool guy, when he actually was a coward.
When he found out, that I loved Riddhima, he increased his closeness with her. He would be with her all the time, just to make me feel jealous. When I told him to back off, he told me that Riddhima likes him. I didn't believe him. Why would I? He was a jerk! I told him that Riddhima loves me, but he laughed it off. He told me that Riddhima just came near me because of a bet. She had made a bet with him that she'll be friends with me and make me fall for her. I was shattered. I told him that I don't believe him, but he, in fact, took me towards their table and I heard their conversation. Riddhima was telling them that she won the bet and that I have fallen for her. I was broken. Completely. In anger, I had misbehaved with her. Kissed her in front of everyone. Insulted her. Treated her like trash. The next day she left. She left New Jersey and never came back.
A few days later, Abhi came to me. He told me that whatever he said was a lie. What I had heard was only a half of the story. Riddhima was actually rehearsing a play with her friends, and was saying the villian's lines. Abhi knew this and took me there on that time so that he could defeat me and create hatred in her heart for me, which happened. I realized how wrong I was. After he left, I cried. A lot. I hated myself for what I did to her. I gave her so much pain for something that she didn't even do. I wanted her to come back, but it was already late. I had lost her.
I had become the same guy I was before I met her. Alone. Hot tempered. Angry young man. I had moved to New York after a few years, not knowing that Riddhima was here. One day, I was reading the newspaper and saw Abhi and Riddhima's picture in there. I was really hurt to know that they were getting married, but I knew that I couldn't have more than just her memories. I started to cut her pictures and then placed them inside my room, not expecting to meet Riddhima in the woods.
That night, I was really shocked to see her running in the woods. I was really worried for her. But I was even more worried when I brought her home. I had completely forgotten that my room was filled with the essence of her. I was scared that if she found out who I was, she'll hate me. I was scared to see the hatred for me in her eyes. And that's exactly what happened. She hates me.
"I'm sorry Riddhima. I'm very sorry. I hurt you so much. I punished you for something that wasn't even your fault. But I won't let you go away from me this time. I have to clear everything up. Fast." He said to himself. He got up and went to Riddhima room.
He opened the door and saw her sitting on the bed. She was hugging her knees with her face hidden inside her arms and was sobbing. He felt like someone clamped his heart hard.
"Riddhima." He said in a low voice. She looked up and saw him standing in front of the door. She turned her face over to the other side.
"Riddhima-" He tried to talk, but Riddhima cut him off.
"Please Armaan. Go away. I don't want to hear anything."
"I don't care." She looked at him.
"Well, I'm sorry." She got off the bed and started to outside of the room. Before she could open the door, he grabbed her arm and pinned her against the door, locking it behind her. She turned her face to the other side.
"Riddhima I'm sorry."
"Why did you do that Armaan?"
"Because I was angry." She looked at him.
"At who?" He looked at her for a second before speaking up.
"You." She looked at him with confusion in her eyes.
"Why?"
"Abhi." Just then she remembered that Armaan and Abhi were cousins.
But what did Abhi do that made Armaan so angry that he kissed me in front of the entire school?
"What did he do?"
"He lied to me. He found out that I..."
"You what?" He closed his eyes.
"That I loved you." Riddhima's heart skipped a beat at his confession. "When he found out about this, he came up with a plan. He said that you made a bet with your friends that you'll become friends with me and make me fall for you. I didn't believe it at first, but then Abhi took me to the drama room where you were saying to your friends that you won the bet. I thought Abhi was right and in anger I... I kissed you in front of the entire school. It was after you left that I had found out that Abhi lied. All of that was his plan, to defeat me and I fell for it." Riddhima had shock written all over her face. She just couldn't digest the fact that all this happened and she didn't even have a hint about it. She was about to marry that guy who did this to her! He cupped her face and whispered.
"After you left me, I was shattered. I hated myself, cursed myself for what I had done. I had become that lonely guy I was before I met you. I just wanted you back. Trust me, Riddhima. I never meant to hurt you. I can't even think about hurting you. Never. And I'mg sorry for whaat I did. But there's one thing that will never change. I love. A lot. More than my life. I know you don't love me, and I won't force you to love me back either." No one spoke for a while. They just stood there with their eyes closed. Riddhima was really touched by his words. She had been so wrong about him.
"I love you, Armaan." She whispered. He opened his eyes and looked into her eyes.
"Not since today, but since the day I ever met you. I loved you 8 years back... I love you now... and I always will." Armaan couldn't believe his ears.
"W... what?"
"Yes Armaan. I love you. Why do you think I ran after you to become friends? At that time I didn't understand it, but then I did realize that I liked you a lot. But I was very shy to tell you that."
"But then, why were you engaged to Abhi?"
"To forget you. After what you did that day, I tried to hate you. I tried to forget you, take you out of my heart, but I couldn't. I thought that if I get married to him, then I'll forget you. But that never happened. I never exactly remembered everything, but I unknowingly compared him to you. I thought I was in love with him, but I guess I never was. But now I know, who my heart belongs to. You." She poured her heart out to him and he hugged her tight.
They broke apart from each other and Armaan looked at her. His gaze dropped down to her lips and then up at her. He saw her parting her lips and he immediately crushed his lips onto hers and kissed her. The kiss was gentle at first, but then passion took over and he started to kiss her hungrily, fiercely. He dropped his hands down to her waist and pulled her close. She caressed his hair, arousing him even more. He pulled up her shirt and drew animated circles on her waist, making her moan. Her hands moved down to his nape and took his tie off and threw it roughly on the ground and started to unbutton his shirt.
Sensing her struggling with his shirt, he immediately took it off and threw it on the ground. He pulled her even more close, not even letting the air pass between them. He brought her lip between his teeth and bit it hard, making it bleed. He licked the spot, soothing the pain. In a matter of no time, they were free from their clothes and were lying on the bed. They made wild and passionate love all night and soon merged into one.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
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