Thread2-Ten Ways To Get Him Back-Preview-P90

~Chapter Ten: In Vino Veritas~

Armaan lied down in bed as he thought of the plane ride. His room was pitch dark, and yet, he couldn't manage to get an ounce of sleep. It was the first time he was actually civil towards Riddhima. Not only that. They had actually managed to reminiscence about their past, well the less touchy part of it anyhow. He was okay with that. He didn't feel angry at all. It was actually… it actually felt nice.

Having her next door didn't help his cause either. Muskaan, he internally sighed. Sometimes her meddling went too far. He didn't think he would be able to get any sleep for the next two week. Ever since the hospital incident, the guilt inside him overpowered all traces of anger, and somehow, that helped him see clearly. It helped him see past the anger. That was a big step for him.

His phone vibrated against his thigh through his pair of sweats. Actor or not, no one like to be disturbed this late. "Hello" He groaned into the receiver.

"Hello Armaan, this is Officer Parker speaking. I hope this isn't a bad time." He heard the man's voice resonate through his eardrums.

"No, not at all." He lied. The guy was a detective, there was no way he was going to blow him off. "Is there anything you wanted?"

"Actually, I have discovered some new information about the assignment. Thought it might interest you."

"I'm listening" He stated.

"Well, seven years ago, Miss Gupta never had a five hundred grand cheque cashed in. It never went in her bank."

"Do you know where the money went then?" Armaan's heart rate accelerated as he inquired about the past.

"Unfortunately not yet, but I have a couple of lead." Armaan sighed in relief. Things between them were just starting to smooth up. He feared that the answer would fuel his anger once more. He was terrified of what was to come. At least he knew now that Riddhima never used the money.

Ever since Riddhima re-entered his life, he had treated her poorly. All these days, there wasn't a single time when he didn't remind her of the money, when he didn't taunt her about it. If it was possible to feel like a bigger douche than he already did, well, he was feeling like it, that's for sure. She didn't deserve any of it. If he wanted to worthy of her forgiveness, he needed to act accordingly.

He was such a confused and lost soul, and he hoped this island would help him find himself again. Weren't island supposed to magical?

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Jake lounged on his chair, a drink in his hand. Seeing Riddhima at the airport was a complete surprise. Most of their high school friends were going to be present at the wedding, and who knew how everyone was going to handle her return. He was the only one with whom Armaan probably shared the entire story with, and even then, he wasn't a fan of her.

It wasn't that she was a bad person, but he had his reasons. Can you blame him? It was hard to forgive the person who almost made him lose his best friend, mentally and physically He was a forgiving person usually, but not that forgiving.

Flashback Starts

Armaan was sprawled on the floor, his back against the cold wall. He stared at the heart shaped pendant that refused to leave him. He hoped that when he found her, he would give her the chain, and she would accept his love. He believed that if she saw him face to face, she would come back to him. He would open his arms and she would come running into them, whispering the three words he always loved hearing. I love you.

But what if Jake had been right? What if he found her and she didn't take him back. What if she broke his heart again, but this time in person? What if everything he had been denying all this time proved to be reality? What would happen to his poor heart then? No… That wasn't possible. She wouldn't do that to him, she loved him right?

This was probably going to be some test of love. That's the only rational reason his heart came up with. She was hiding, waiting for him to find her and prove his undying love. He just needed to find her first. Or, maybe, he didn't. Maybe if he was in a terrible state she would stop playing the game and appear beside him. Not eating, not socializing, fainting wasn't enough. He needed to go further. He needed to … He needed to do something more extreme.

That's when the sun hit something shiny on his night stand. His Swiss Army pocket knife. This must have been a sign from god. This must have been a sign. Or else why would his knife be there? He took the deathly object in his hand and eyed it for a very long time, or so he thought. He gently pulled the blade out. A little small cut is all he needed. One tiny cut on his wrist and he would be at the hospital again. And this time… this time, she would be there when he opened his eyes. She would be waiting for him and tell him that he passed, that they could now be together.

The blade shined at him. It was telling him to do it. To go on with it. He traced the edge of it with his finger, testing its sharpness. Just as his finger reached the very tip, it poked his finger. A small bubble of blood formed at the spot. He brought the blade closer to his wrist, ready to feel the sensation of his life slowly drifting into slumber. A slumber in which Riddhima would come in to wake him up.

"ARMAAN, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Jake pushed the blade away and punched him hard. They say when people start to go insane, an abrupt movement could snap them back to reality. Being closed up in his room all the time with only himself to talk to messed with his mind. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

Armaan was frozen, his hand completely still. His eyes were wide open as he stared the blade. What was he about to do? He dropped the abominable object right away, and crawled away from him. What had he almost done?

"What were you thinking Armaan? Didn't you stop for one minute and think about Muskaan, your mother, or even me Armaan? Talk to us please" Jake pleaded. "Talk to us and we can help you.

"I… I just…" He fumbled with his words "I just thought that… that if I hurt myself, she… she would come back" His body was still shaking from realizing the deed he had almost committed. "I just wanted her to come back" He whispered.

"Armaan" Jake sighed as he sat down beside him. "You need to accept that she is gone. What you're doing here, it's affecting your sanity. You need to let go of her"

"I can't" He closed his eyes and touched his head to the wall. "It hurts too much. I feel numb without her. I don't know what's happening to me."

"Let me help you Armaan. Let me help you, but I need you to do something first. I need you to give me that necklace first."

"No" His grip around the pendant tightened as he brought it closer to his heart.

"Armaan, let it go. Let her go."

Armaan slowly stood up, his hand still pressed to his chest. He opened a drawer. He needed to take this first step. He needed to do this if he wanted to recover. He gently opened his palm and dropped the necklace in, closing the drawer with a loud thud. He feared that of he looked at it too long, he would be tempted again.

"Jake, don't ever let do something like that again. Promise me you'll prevent me from doing something like."

"With whom will I play Football if you die?" Jake joked.

Armaan had finally taken the first step to recovery. He was finally willing to accept she was gone It might take a little effort, but he was ready to move on. One thing he swore, though, was to never let anyone affect him so. He determined to bury Riddhima, just as he had buried the locket.

Flashback Ends

Jake and Armaan kept that day to themselves. To everyone, he just seemed like a depressed soul, but Jake knew that Armaan was on the verge of becoming literally insane. It was something no one knew about. Armaan never mentioned it nor did he ever refer to it. He acted as if that day never happened, but they both knew it did.

The man had told him that the first day she left, he knew she was gone, but the endless fight between his mind and heart caused him doubts. His heart won the battle, his heart almost drove him crazy, his heart almost took his life. Had it not been for Jake, maybe his heart would have won.

But between heart and mind, mind always triumphed.

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"Riddhima?" Armaan asked surprised. It was 1 am, and the girl was currently sitting on the edge of the swimming pool, her feet playing with the water. "Why are you out so late?" He asked as he took a seat beside her, making sure to keep a small distance between them.

"I could ask you the same." Her reply was short and brief. Armaan had come down here because he needed to clear his mind. There was just too much going on in there.

"I couldn't sleep" He answered curtly. "Maybe it's the jetlag." He joked.

"Same here" He heard her say. He wondered what it was that kept her awake. "What were you thinking about?"

She smiled a sad smile. "I was remembering our encounter in the pool."

Flashback Starts

"Mirra" Riddhima screamed from the door of the pool entrance. There was no way she was going in there. Mirra had asked her to get her from there once she was done with the library. They were supposed to go grab a bite to eat. However, the girl was seemed to have disappeared.

"Hello sweetheart" A voice whispered in her ear. She instantly jumped and turned. Why was this boy just popping up everywhere? And did he have to be half naked with a great set of abs. His swimming trunk hung low and a towel was tossed around his shoulders

"Don't sweetheart me. I have name for a reason. Learn to use it." She retorted. "What do you want?"

He rubbed his fingers on his chin "You see, I didn't really like how our last argument ended."

She snorted "Which one was that? Was it the one where you put foam in my locker, or the one where I tossed soda on you?"

"You know exactly what I am talking about! I just finished detention because of you." He sneered. She tried to walk pass him, go back to her safe zone where no semi-naked man would plague her mind, but Armaan just blocked her way making sure she took a step back as she did. "Don't walk away. We are not done"

"I wasn't walking away. I just rather stand on the other side" She regretted the words as soon as it left her mouth. She just gave her enemy the ultimate weapon.

"Afraid of a little water, are we?" He forced her to take another step back. Well looks like the new missy was afraid of getting her clothes wet. "Why don't I help you face your fear?"

Her eyes widened and Armaan could see fear in her eyes- she had horror written all across her face. "Please don't make me fall in" She pleaded.

"Payback's a b*tch."

"Armaan, I don't know how to swim, so please just let me go."

He grinned at her words "Oh no worries, we have a lifeguard." He nodded towards the senior that was currently too busy making out with his girlfriend. "I'm sure he'll save you, if he manages to get his tongue out of his girl's mouth." He kept walking towards her, making sure she had nowhere to go but the pool. He saw her eyes tear up.

"Please" When her feet reached the edge of the swimming pool, he grabbed her around the waist and twirled them, making sure he was the one who was at the edge of the water now. "I may be a jerk Riddhima, but I am no murderer. Stay away from the pool around people with who you pick fights. They might not have the courtesy."

He let her go and let himself fall backwards into the water, making sure the waves wet her clothes. He resurfaced, his hair sticking to his forehead and his eyes dancing. A corner smile plastered his face. "Nice pink bra, are you wearing matching panties as well?"

Flashback Ends

"Oh I wanted to kill you for that comment" Riddhima laughed. She had been so furious she against him. Hadn't even bothered to retort at his comments or fight with him. He had gotten the silent treatment from her.

"It seemed that you haven't learnt you lesson" He nodded towards her white blouse. "Never wear white around water."

"No one's around to splash me" She said confidently. "You only did it to punish me for getting you into trouble with the principal."

Armaan didn't know why he did what he did next. Maybe it was cool breeze that tickled his face. Maybe it was the moonlight that illuminated them. Maybe it was the calm and serene feeling the night offered, or maybe it was simply the island's magic taking its toll. "I wouldn't be too sure about that" He put his arms around her waist and pushed them into the cold water. The poor girl didn't even have time to scream.

"You, you..." She yelled when she resurfaced.

"Well at least you know how to swim now, so you can take your revenge and splash me" He swam to the far end corner of the pool. "If you can catch me that is."

"Be warned, I had a great teacher."

"Is that so?" He chuckled.

"Yup" She made sure to pop the P at the end. She sucked in a deep breath and disappeared under the water. Armaan did the same. It wasn't easy to see since the water lights were closed. He opened his eyes and caught a glimpse of figure to the right. Before he could reach it, he had to come out for air. A few seconds later, she emerged out about two meters away. Damn, that woman could hold her breath longer than he could. He had forgotten about that little detail. But, he had always been the better swimmer. He plunged under once more hoping to catch a glimpse of her again but before he could scan the area, he felt a tug behind him.

Riddhima tried to sneak up behind him. She tugged on his shirt and wanted to swim away, but his movements were too fast for her. He grabbed her by the waist and headed up for air in one swift movement.

The cold wind hit them and Riddhima shivered in his arms. He watched her chest rise and fall as she tried to catch her breath from their little game. A small drop ran down her neck before disappearing into her shirt. God, her shirt. Did she really have to be wearing white? Her eyes were twinkling in the moonlight and her lips were trembling from the cool breeze. A small drop made its home on her rosy lips. Distracting. Extremely distracting.

Unable to keep up with their staring contest, Riddhima looked down. Being so close to him was driving away all rational thoughts. She was supposed to be angry at him, but being under his heated gaze reduced her thoughts into a mushy pile of goo. She wasn't supposed to be chasing him anymore, but being so close to him wasn't helping her cause. She couldn't help but tremble with she felt his knuckles under her chin, forcing her to look up again. She felt his thumb brush her lower lip, removing the drop of water.

The water around them was quiet with the exceptions of the almost nonexistent waves caused by their movements. The night was quiet and magical.

Having Riddhima so close to him was driving him crazy. Armaan didn't know why he was acting as he was. Was it the fact that he now knew that the money never went into her bank? Was his heart finally ready to let go of the past with that little information, or did he really need to know the entire story. Was this simply his body reacting, or was there more to it. Whatever it was, he didn't really care because at that moment, he wanted to… well, he really just simply wanted to kiss her, to feel those lips on his.

He slowly leaned in, asking her permission with his eyes. When she made no sign of refusal, he leaned in closer, his breath tickling her face. He watched her as her heavy eyelids closed in anticipation. He inched closer, and closer, and closer…

"Hey!" A bright light made them jump and move apart immediately. "What are you two doing? The pool is closed" The security guard yelled as he pointed the signboard that was dangling against the wall. "I'll have to ask both of you to get out immediately and follow me."

"Sorry Sir" Armaan said as he made his way back to the edge. Riddhima was not far behind. "We sort of fell" He offered his explanation with a bright smile.

"Oh Mr. Armaan Malik. Forgive me, I did know it was you. Would you like us to keep the pool open just for you at night?" The security man was just as star struck as the rest of them. One look at the famous actor, and they were willing to bend all rules. Sometimes it was annoying, but at the moment, that aspect of his life was his saviour.

"No need for that, just keep this between us and you shall be rewarded" The star stated. He grabbed the man's pen from his front pocket and signed his uniform. That shirt was now worth a couple of hundreds of dollar.

"Thank you, thank you" The man backed away slowly as he repeated those two simple words leaving the couple alone once again.

Armaan then turned to Riddhima. She was clearly avoiding looking up. Her arms were folded in front of her chest trying to hide what her wet shirt wasn't. He quickly removed his shirt and handed it to her while he looked away.

When he was young, he let her go back to the locker room without offering her anything. He remembered all the wolf whistles she had received as she tried to make her way back to the locker room with the little dignity she had left. In high school, all girls exposed themselves, and he didn't think Riddhima would be different. She was a girl, and she was a teenager, but he was so wrong. Her silent treatment became unbearable and he apologized a week later. They didn't become best friends, nor was everything okay after that. Their usual banters started again and life had restored its original balance.

Riddhima took the shirt and draped it around her shoulders, pulling the front button closers. "Thanks" She whispered, her gaze still focused on the floor.

Awkward Silence.

"Umm… We should probably go in before we catch cold." Armaan broke the silence and headed back in without looking back. He wanted to, he really did, but stopped himself.

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Muskaan was lying down on her tummy in her hot red bikini, but despite his comment, Rahul hadn't said anything to her. Maybe he really was kidding. Here she was looking all sexy and the man of her dreams was still reading the paper. Who comes to the beach to read? For the past weeks, she had been avoiding him, but no more. She wanted to know if he felt anything remotely close for her as she did for him. Her first attempt was already an epic fail. She sighed and turned around on her back when a shadow fell on her face.

"Hey there gorgeous" She heard the man say. She squinted her eyes, trying to decipher the looks of the man. He was tall, muscular and broad. His dirty blond hair fell into his eyes and he had this bad-boy image to him. Maybe this was her chance to see Rahul's reaction.

"Hey handsome" She cooed, adding an extra layer of sugar in her voice. She looked through her eyelashes, trying to catch a glimpse of Rahul's reaction, but his nose was still behind the paper.

"How about I buy you a drink and you give me your number" The stranger winked smugly.

"Sure" Muskaan said extra loudly to snap someone back into the mortal word, but no chance. That newspaper was still glued to his face. Her eyes followed the retreating back of the male who resembled like an Abercrombie model.

"It's not going to work out Muskaan" She heard him say. Oh, now he speaks. Couldn't he have articulated his opinion before she agreed to give her number to a complete stranger? Did his epiglottis get lost or something then? At least, he showed concern. Good sign, right? "Why, pray tell, do you think it won't work?" She put her hand on her hips.

"You didn't notice. The guy was gay." Rahul stated as he flipped to the next page of his paper. "My gay radar is never wrong."

"Gay? C'mon, that guy came to me, a girl" She emphasized "to ask for my number. Why would a gay man come to me?" His logic was completely flawed.

"Well, Miss, if you notice that your friend there wore his shorts shorter than most men, plus his partner seems to think he has a cute butt." Rahul motioned Muskaan to turn around with his eyes. She rotated just in time to catch another man tap the stranger's backside with his newspaper. Great, a gay man came for her number. She was seriously losing her charm. She sighed and went back to lying on her stomach, closing her eyes as she tried to drift all noise away.

Rahul, on the other hand, had some problem to solve. The guy was clearly straight, but he knew how Muskaan could be nave at times. He was never the one to show jealousy and possessiveness. Nope, he was the cunning one. The one no one would ever suspect. He had been quietly listening to them as he pretended to read her paper. That's when he noticed this guy tapping all males backside with the paper. Probably a dare. A very useful dare. With his perfect timing, it was a piece of cake to frame him. Now, he just had to make sure that the guy wouldn't un-frame himself.

Rahul headed towards the drinks counter and put his arm around the stranger who dared try to steal Muskaan away from him. "Hey man"

"Excuse me?" The man tried to move away, obviously uncomfortable by his action. Rahul had him locked under his arm. The man might have been tall, muscular and what girls considered perfect, but Rahul had brains, methods and tactics.

"A friend to a friend, the girl you are trying to woo has a cop brother who will shoot you where you think if you dare approach her. I tried buddy, barely escaped with my life. Now he has me playing the role of her bodyguard." Rahul said with his most sincere voice. "Take my advice and do us both a favour." He slipped a twenty dollar bill across the table and turned away. "Hey Mister, can I get two cokes please."

Meanwhile, Muskaan was peacefully slumming on her beach towel when her thoughts were disrupted by two giggling girls "Why are all hot guys gay and together" They were saying. Muskaan head shot up, trying to catch a glimpse of the Abercrombie model with his partner, but was shocked by the scene that unfolded before her eyes.

Rahul had his arms around the guy. If Rahul knew the man was guy, why would he act like he was coming on to him? Weird. They seemed to be in some deep conversation and when Rahul slipped a piece of paper across the table, it hit her.

Her eyes widened and she gasped loudly, causing people around her to look at her oddly. She cursed under her breath- she knew when to censor herself, the beach had far too many kids. Rahul just gave his number to the guy. Why? Why her? Why was the man she fell in love with gay.

Life was so not fair.

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Riddhima sat on a secluded corner in the beach. It had tall dry grass, blocking her away from prying eyes. What had almost happened yesterday? Armaan wanted to kiss her from his own will. She finally stopped chasing him, and the man wanted to kiss her now. She had wanted him to kiss her from the very beginning, but not like this.

Ever since the night at the park, Armaan's behaviour changed. He seemed more sensible. Don't get her wrong, she was glad Armaan stopped taunting her. She knew it was the guilt that was forcing him to do so. Maybe his guilt made him realise a few things, but there is one thing she never wanted. She didn't want him to love her out of guilt.

A person can come to his sense through guilt, he can realise his mistakes though guilt, he can try to rectify his past through guilt, but a person can never love through guilt, because that love would be no love at all.

"I see the most secluded spot is already taken" Why did he have to appear here too? She looked up. He had a baseball hat and aviator glasses, probably trying to hide from crazy fans and unwanted paparazzi.

"Yeah, the crowd over there was starting to go a bit crazy." She smiled.

He lied down a good meter from her, not caring that his clothes were getting dirty by the sand. There was no need of any repeat of yesterday's episode. "So tell me, how is it that you know that guy friend of yours?"

"Guy friend?"

"Yeah, that geeky looking fellow that hangs around you"

She snorted "Rahul is anything but geeky. Besides, why the sudden interest" She widened her eyes and fake gasped "You don't want me to hook you to up, now do you?"

"Very funny. I want to know because that guy seems interested in my sister, and it's my job to protect her from all the lunatics who think they are good enough for her." He answered truthfully.

"Well, you can sleep at peace at night, because Rahul is super sweet and has the biggest heart."

"Well I don't like the guy" Can you blame him. Who liked the guy that punched you in the face not once but twice!

"That's because you don't know him" She came to her best friend's defense immediately. What was it with these two? Rahul had already mentioned his dislike for Armaan a few times, and now Armaan reciprocated those feelings.

"You know what? Let's change topic before we start fighting like we used to." Armaan declared a peace treaty. "Speaking of old times, remember our first beach party."

"Please don't remind me" She started drawing random shapes in the sands, trying to hide the slight color that tinted her cheeks.

"On the contrary, I think it's a great story." He wiggled his eyebrows as he started to narrate the events.

Flashback Starts

Never take a drink from a stranger. That was a lesson that was imbedded in everyone's mind. Except Riddhima's of course. She had to learn it the hard and embarrassing way. Her first party at the school was at the beach and Mirra had dragged her to it.

While everyone flaunted their 'assets', Riddhima preferred wearing clothes, not something that looked like her undergarments, which ten percent of the school had seen her in because of her arch nemesis. She simply wore a knee length skirt, on Mirra's insistence, matched with a cute little T-shirt. Despite Mirra's pleas, she had put her hair in a high ponytail. What's the point to do your hair when going to the beach? The wind and the water were going to destroy it anyway.

By the time they got to the party, random people were already making out. Some on the sand, some in some secluded corner and others in their cars. Public display of affection was never her thing. She scanned the area and her eyes fell on a familiar figure. She thought he would be amongst the ones who were too busy playing tonsil hockey, but surprisingly, he was sober and was taking care of barbequing the burgers.

"Hey Mirra? Doesn't Armaan have a girlfriend or something?" She asked curiously.

Mirra laughed out loud. "Armaan and a girlfriend. That's actually pretty funny. It's a sin for someone as delicious as him to be single, but he is. He flirts and dates, but a girlfriend never happened. Maybe you could be his first." She shrugged her shoulders as if she had said something that made complete sense.

"What? Me? Are you crazy or something? Did you not see us fight? Why would you even think that?"

"C'mon Riddhima, the tension between the both of you is so clear. I can see the sparks fly all over when you two start. You both secretly just want each other" She wiggled her eyebrows with a big goofy grin plastered on her face.

"Eww" Riddhima shrieked. "That is absurd"

"You know denial is always the first phase. Now, if you'll excuse me, cute guy at two o'clock has been checking me out. Have fun!"

After just twenty minutes of wandering around, Riddhima came to one simple conclusion: she hated parties. People were drunk around her and everything seemed to have alcohol. There was no way that substance was going down her throat. Didn't people drink water this day? She must have said that last bit out loud, because exactly three minutes after, a cup of water magically appeared in front of her. Okay, maybe not magically, but a senior was holding a plastic cup filled with the natural liquid. "Water for the beautiful lady"

"Oh thank god" She took the cup away from him and gulped down its content within seconds. "Thank you so much, umm."

"Drake Whalen" He extended his arm.

"Riddhima Gupta" She shook his hand, when suddenly, she started to feel dizzy. Come to think about it, the water did taste funny.

"So I'm guessing you're new here Riddhima" Drake asked innocently. Of course he knew the answer to that question. This was the fiery girl who always fought with the Quarterback. He had been eying her for a while. This was his chance. He had mixed a drug that basically had the same effect as alcohol. It would loosen her up.

"Yup!" She exclaimed. The drug was starting to take its effect. "Wow, you're really tall. Wait stand still. There are two of you, no wait, now there are three"

"Why don't we go take a walk along the beach? It can clear your head." He gave her his arms which she enthusiastically grabbed and giggled "Okay, but not too close to the water. I don't like the water very much."

"No problem Princess." They started walking away from the crowd, when they heard heavy steps behind them. They both turned around and saw Armaan running towards them. "Riddhima" He said "Where do you think you're going" He pulled her arm away from Drake and pulled her closer to him. "Drake, I think you should leave" He ordered. Even if Armaan was a junior, he was more popular than everyone. Popularity equalled power in high school. "Riddhima, how much did you drink?"

Her eyes widened. "Me? Drink? But I don't drink Armaan. Never. I just drank water. Drake was so nice to give me some water."

"Yeah that probably wasn't the only thing he gave you" He muttered. He was already the designated driver for the night, plus now, he had to add the responsibility of a drugged girl. The night just kept getting better and better. Note the heavy sarcasm. "Hold onto my arm Riddhima, and don't let go. We can't afford to lose you in this state."

She happily complied with his demands without arguing. This was so unlike her. "Okay" She enlaced their arms together. "Ooohhh" She cooed "You have such strong arms."

"Yes, I am glad you like them" He said nonchalantly.

"Carry me!" Riddhima jumped up and down. "Carry me! I want to know how strong you are."

"I am not carrying anyone"

"Why not?" She pouted. Her eyes were wide open, and they were shining in the light. The vibrant blue was just too much to take for Armaan, so he looked away. "Because I don't feel like it."

He started to walk again, when he heard a sniffing sound coming from beside him "Can you tell me why the hell you're crying?"

"Because you won't carry me. Because you just swore again. Because you hate me" She deplored.

The young man exhaled loudly before responding "Look, I will try to restrain myself from using words that make you uncomfortable"

"You promise?" She asked sweetly, her long lashes batting at him.

"Yeah, I promise. Now let's get you home before you disappear and do something you regret." But she didn't bulge from her spot. Her feet were still glued to the ground. "What now?"

"Why do you hate me?" She looked up, her eyes teary.

Armaan hated when girls cried. He never knew what to do with them. He thought he had resolved their little problem, but apparently not. "I don't hate you. I just might not like you very much."

"You don't hate me?" A bright smile appeared on her face as she wiped away the tears with the back of her hands.

Armaan chuckled "Why is it so important to you that I don't hate you?" It's not like she didn't hate him either. They were practically at each other's throat all the time. "I don't hate you. I just fight with you because you fight with me. I'm a nice person. I don't like being hated." He heard her say.

"Now that we know we don't hate each other, can we get to my car so I can drive you home like the gentleman that I am" She nodded to his question.

"You know Armaan, if we didn't fight all the time, I think I might have liked you." She smiled, showing her perfect set of white teeth. At the rate that they were walking, they would probably reach their car in the morning. Maybe Riddhima was going to get her wish after all.

"C'mon climb onto my back, your turtle like pace isn't helping us at all." He turned around, ready to grab her when she jumped on him. Which is exactly what she did. "YAY! Piggy back ride!"

"So why is it that you might have liked me?" He asked curiously. Riddhima was literally the only girl who didn't fall at his feet, or at least tried anything with him.

"Because you're giving me a piggy back ride. And you don't hate me. And you're nice with everyone else…" She continued her list of qualities as they made their way to Armaan's shiny Porsche. He gently dropped her in front of the passenger seat and opened the door. "And you have beautiful eyes. And the cutest dimples."

"I knew you secretly wanted me."

She shrugged her shoulder and sat inside the car. "I don't think I remember where I live."

"No worries, I'll get you home." He laughed and got behind the wheel with a sheepish smile on his face. Riddhima thought he had beautiful eyes and cute dimples. He couldn't wait to taunt her with it.

Flashback Ends

"And taunt you did. You didn't let me forget that night for weeks. Plus, you charmed my parents when you dropped me. Every time I complained about you, they brushed it off, saying what a good boy you were." Riddhima said.

"Well, it was a lifetime opportunity. I couldn't let it go." He sat up. "Besides if that night hadn't happened, I would never have known what was really going in your mind"

"And what you that be?"

"That you secretly fantasized about me." He stated, his voice faking sincerity.

Riddhima laughed out loud to his comment "Yes, because fantasizing about you was the sole purpose of my life, and-"

"What is going on over there?" Armaan interrupted. A lot of people were screamed and an amount of people were gathered around something. And that's when he heard the name he least wanted to hear. "Ian, we love you"

Speak of the devil. That man was signing autographs to fans and made a girl very happy with a kiss on her cheek. He looked at Riddhima and she smiled sincerely. A smile that lit up her entire face. Armaan never liked Ian all that much, but at the moment, he hated Ian. What was he doing in Hawaii anyhow?

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Muskaan was comfortably sitting down on her bed while watching Tom and Jerry. A large container of ice cream rested on her lap as she stuffed mouthfuls of its content into her mouth. What else was a girl supposed to do when they find out the man they love cheered for the other team. How did she not see it earlier?

Sign number one: he was neater than a girl.

Sign number two: he had a girl for his best friend.

Sign number three: he was too good looking to be true.

Knock Knock

"Come in" She said, her mind still trying to see all the signs god sent her. Rahul appeared in front of her "Are you depressed or something?" He plopped into bed beside her and stole her delicious good away.

"I am not depressed. I just came to realize a harsh reality." She said sadly.

"What, that Tom will always lose against Jerry?"

"Tom does not always lose, he wins sometimes." She defended her favourite feline.

"Okay, then let me rephrase, that Tom loses ninety-nine percent of the times?" He joked.

"As sad as that is, nope that is not it. And don't ask me because I won't tell you?" She retorted sharply. Here she was trying to forget about him, and he kept appearing in front of her. Why did she agree to the trip, they weren't leaving till after New Year.

"Okay, okay." He surrendered, lifting his hands "How about we go shopping to cheer you up?"

And there it was. Sign number four: he wants to go shopping.

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Ian. Stupid Ian.

Armaan couldn't get that guy out of his head. Why would Riddhima smile like she did when she saw him? Did something happen between them? There were too many questions that plagued his mind.

Apparently, his arch nemesis was on the island for filming a couple of episode for his show. Someone up there must really hate him. What were the chances that everyone would end up in Hawaii at the same time? Now that everything was starting to fall back into place, why did he have to appear?

The tin wall that separated him and Riddhima didn't help him much. He could barely sleep. It was five am, and he was probably the only one who was awake and sober at this time. He was currently seated in the empty lounge of the hotel. There was a huge Christmas tree in the corner, and the entire place was lit up like the fourth of July. Mistletoes were scattered around and the chimney was decorated with socks. He covered his eyes with his arms and started to count sheep. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven…

He slowly opened one eye, his vision still blurry. He wasn't alone anymore. The devil's spawn was sitting comfortably on the opposite chair. "You look terrible"

Great. This was the worst luck on earth. Waking up to Ian's face was bound to bring him back luck for the next seventy years. It should absolutely be added to the list of superstitions. "In America, we tend to say good morning."

"Yeah, but that doesn't change the fact that you like total crap. Did you get any sleep?" Ian asked. Annoying Armaan was always a plus. They were rivals, and they didn't pretend to be anything else. Obviously, they didn't beat each other to pulp, but their little taunts and jests were always present.

"What time is it?" Armaan sat up and stretched his arms- the couch wasn't the most confortable place.

"It's going to be eight soon. People will start swarming in here any minutes." He smirked. "You wouldn't want your precious fans to see you in this state, especially when I am nearby."

"Don't you have anything better to do than harass me this early morning?"

"Actually I do" Ian just spotted Riddhima standing at the doorway, her eyes glued to her bag and she frantically searched for something. She was so busy, she didn't even notice what was right above her head. Ian, being himself of course, thought it was time to help the duo a bit. Also, he was about to bring his feud to whole new lever, that's for sure. "I think I'm going to go kiss a beautiful lady under the mistletoe."

"Do whatever you want" Armaan added, not really knowing what the man was talking about. His lack of sleep was causing him a massive headache, and the last thing he needed to know about, was his love life.

"Wouldn't be too sure about that" A cocky grin plastered his face as he got up. Armaan, not truly understanding the meaning behind his words, followed him with his eyes. He narrowed his eyes when he saw him approaching someone.

NO. He saw red. Before, he had time to react, Ian already lifted Riddhima's chin, whispered something to her, and placed his lips on hers. It was brief and short, but that didn't stop Armaan from wanting to rip his head off. It was obvious Riddhima was shocked and she was rooted to the ground.

His jaw clenched, and his hands tightened, ready to beat the day light of that prick. He felt his own nails dig into his palm. How dare he? How dare he kiss Riddhima? His Riddhima. He was furious, no, he was beyond furious. The guy just dug his own grave.

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It was Christmas day.

Riddhima was getting ready for Jake's wedding. Why they chose to get married on this day, she didn't have the faintest clue, but whatever made them happy. It was quite clear that Jake didn't like her, but he still invited her to his wedding. He was always a true gentleman. She didn't want to go originally, but it was rude to refuse wedding invitation. She would attend the ceremony, congratulate the couple and leave before the reception. When everyone actually mingled. Besides, she already had something else to attend at that time.

Many of his guests had arrived to the hotel during the past couple of days, and most of them were Armaan's old friends. They were not really happy to see her, and she accepted that. A lot of them were her friends as well, and she understood their feelings. She left without saying goodbye, and that was cruel. She got that.

This was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, but it was having the reverse effect if anything. Armaan was here. Jake was here. Ian was here. Her high school classmates were here. Was there anyone not here? To top it all, Ian kissed her under the mistletoe and that too in front of Armaan. She was so shocked she didn't even have time to push him away. She would have if she had known. Of course, she followed him afterwards and gave him a piece of her mind.

Ever since that day, she didn't really see Armaan much. And when she did, they didn't talk like they had been doing recently. He didn't think she liked Ian, did he?

Since the ceremony was taking place at the beach, she opted for a simple yellow cocktail dress. Her makeup was minimal as always, and her hair was plaited by the side. Nothing too fancy. As she got out of the elevator, she was greeted by the sight of Ian. "Hey beautiful, where are you headed?"

"A wedding" She answered truthfully.

"Well, I think you should untie your hair" Ian knew he was being watched, so he made sure to seem extra flirty around Riddhima. He lifted his hand to pull out the elastic band, when someone came in his way. Mission accomplished.

"I think the lady knows how to wear her hair." Armaan said with authority. There was no way the guy was going to run his finger through her soft locks. "Come Riddhima, the wedding is about to start." He offered her his arm and she latched hers with it. "Bye Ian" She said politely before heading out. Oh so now he decides not to ignore me anymore.

"You shouldn't hang out with him?" Armaan warned.

"If I didn't know any better, I think you're extremely jealous." Armaan gave her a sharp look, hushing her with his eyes. Of course, he was jealous. Riddhima wasn't his girlfriend or anything but this was Riddhima they were talking about. Witnessing Ian peck her on the lips was already hell; there was no way he was going to bear through another torture session.

"Just stay away from him" He pulled out a chair for her and headed to his rightful place beside the groom.

There was a time when Riddhima used to dream of her wedding. She wanted something simple yet elegant, and she wanted to get married at the beach too. Not just any beach. Their beach. The place where he had first confessed his love, the place he had first kissed her. During the vows, Riddhima became teary.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride" At those words, Riddhima witnessed true happiness in their eyes. The moment was beautiful. It was breathtaking. It was perfect.

She congratulated the couple and started to walk back when someone stopped her. "Hi Riddhima" she heard the person say. It was Kayla. She was one of Armaan's friend, and she had hated Riddhima to the core. Why? Riddhima had something she wanted. Armaan.

"What are you doing here?" Kayla asked, trying to sound as intimidating as possible. "You think you can just show up in our lives and pretend nothing happened?"

"Kayla, it's a wedding. Let's not ruin their day. I was on my way back so if you'll excuse me" Riddhima tried to walk pass her, but Kayla blocked her path once more. "Not so fast darling. Just a little warning. Armaan is way out of your league so back off."

"Just let me be Kayla, I'd rather not spend my time indulging in some petty fight with you"

"How dare you call me petty?" She spat furiously, still keeping her voice down.

"I didn't call you petty, I-" Riddhima stopped when she felt a hand rest on the back of her waist.

"Kayla" Her savior Armaan said. "I see you've run into my date." He emphasized the last word.

"Date?" Kayla asked shocked.

"Yeah, I decided to bring her here as my date. We're all grown up here. We can look pass the past hopefully." Armaan felt like such a hypocrite when he said those words. He was the one who lived in it, but at least he was trying now.

"Well I hope you two have fun" She flicked her hair, clasped her clutch tightly and walked away.

"Thanks Armaan. I didn't want to create a scene at Jake's wedding"

"I get it. But what I don't get is why are you headed that way when the reception is that way" He gestured towards the opposite direction.

"I'm not going to the reception. I'm already running late for my rendezvous, so I'll catch you later." She said before almost running of to wherever she was headed. Armaan was quite curious. She was in Hawaii, on a vacation trip and yet, she had an appointment. With who?

Unable to satisfy his curiosity, he trailed behind her, making sure she wouldn't spot him. She wasn't even heading back to the hotel. She actually took some dark alley and disappeared through a door.

Odd. What would Riddhima be doing entering a broken building by a back door. Especially when, she was still dressed all nicely. Was she trying to get attacked or robbed? After a moment of reflection, he entered behind her and was greeted by a narrow corridor. This was sketchy.

There was a light at the end of the corridor and a set of doors. Was that music? The closer he came to the end, the more he realized, the sounds were children giggling and there was Christmas songs playing in the background. He peeked through the window on the door and a huge smile appeared on his face.

Children were eating and dancing. Riddhima was in the far end corner, where many children were waiting in line. She had her stethoscope in her hand, making sure the children were healthy. She then gave them small little presents and told them to go eat.

Armaan heart swelled up in pride. This was his Riddhima. The one he fell in love with. The one who was selfless and who had the biggest heart. The one who would spend Christmas in an orphanage to make sure they were all okay. The one who didn't care her dress would be ruin by kids. The one who gave presents to orphaned children to make them happy.

Armaan didn't enter the room- he stayed where he was, behind the doors. He watched her play and sing with the children. He watched her running after them and tickling them. He watched her dance with them. He watched her hug them.

She seemed happy. Really happy. He hadn't seen her this happy since, well since the time they were together. Even the day she saw Ian, she wasn't this happy. Her eyes were shining and her entire face was radiant. There was a glow on her, a glow that he hadn't witnessed in years.

This was his Riddhima.

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The hotel was throwing a huge New Year's party. The music was loud, the dance floor was full and it was an open bar. What more could a party need?

Armaan sat at the bar, trying to put his thoughts together. Seeing Riddhima like he had on Christmas changed something in him. It made him realise something. Something that was quite important. Riddhima hadn't changed. She was still as selfless as she had been before. He gulped his second drink and exhaled sharply. He was never much of a drinker, but he needed it today.

"Hey Armaan" Ian appeared beside and ordered a drink. "Don't you think Riddhima is looking hot today?"

Armaan knew exactly how Riddhima looked. Her hair was let lose, and she was wearing a laced black dress. It took him a lot of self-control to restrain himself from snapping at anyone who dared to look at her. Now, his self-control was fading away. The methods of torture he was thinking about would put the Spanish Inquisition to shame. "Go away Ian"

"It's an open party" Ian shrugged his shoulder. He knew how angry Armaan was. It was quite evident in his posture. His jaw was clenched, his lips were set into a thin line and his eyes mirrored fury. Just a bit more, and the guy would definitely snap. "I think I am going to kiss her again"

That broke Armaan's resolve to abstain himself from violence. He put his arms around Ian and dragged him away from the crowd. To a third person, it would seem as if they were two friends headed out for a little chat, but they both knew better.

When there was no one around, Armaan grabbed his collar and roughly pushed him against the wall. "Stay the hell away from her."

"I don't think I will. A kiss like that is not easily forgotten" Ian mocked his threat. The kiss had been nothing but a mere innocent peck, and he knew Riddhima would kill him if he dared to try it again, but it was just so much fun to push Armaan's buttons.

Armaan let go of his collar, but in matter of seconds, his fist collided with Ian's jaw. "Say that again"

Ian laughed. "Actually, I think I'd rather say how her kiss felt like. It was-" Armaan's fist connected to his face again. Ian wiped his nose with the back of his hand, and blood smeared across it. "Good punch, but that won't-" Another punch. This time, there was definitely a crack sound.

"Stay away from her" Armaan roared. "She's mine" He added stomping away from him. How dare he even think to kiss her again? He breathed in deeply in order to calm his raging heart. Another deep breath and he entered the party.

TWENTY

NINETEEN

The countdown was beginning to start and couples were starting to get together. He found Riddhima in the middle of the dance floor. She tried to escape the crowd as she politely declined everyone who asked her to be their New Year's kiss.

EIGHTEEN

He had been so wrong about her. Completely wrong. The money didn't go in her bank, and his mother had told him that she was furious when the offer was first announced. She had come back later only. She stayed faithful to him, didn't date or kiss anyone else from her own will.

SEVENTEEN

SIXTEEN

FIFTEEN

How could he have misjudged her? He should have known she only took the money for some selfless reason from the beginning. She didn't tell him, but nor did she tell her guy friend and Muskaan. Maybe there was a reason for it. Despite everything that happened, he was sure there was a reason for it. His phone rang and Officer Parker's name flashed across the screen. "Hello"

FOURTEEN

THIRTEEN

TWELVE

ELEVEN

"Armaan, I finally figured out why she took the money" He heard the investigator say. He looked back at Riddhima and within instants he made the most important decision of his life. Was it the alcohol, the anger, the confusion or the jealousy, he didn't know, and he didn't care anymore. If she had sacrificed her happiness for someone, it was time Armaan started to trust her. "You know what, don't tell me." And he hung up.

TEN

NINE

EIGHT

A few more seconds till the next year, and he was determined to start it properly. He managed his way through the crowd, heading for Riddhima. When she saw him approaching, she stopped.

SEVEN

SIX

When he finally got to her, he took her hand and pulled her petite frame to him. He wrapped one arm around her waist while the other found its way to her neck, cupping it tenderly. His fingers wrapped around her soft locks.

FIVE

FOUR

Riddhima's heart was beating loudly. Her knees were weak and she was probably trembling a bit in his arms. His face approached hers slowly.

THREE

TWO

Armaan drew her body closer to his, if it was even possible. He dipped his face down to hers and whispered softly "Happy New Year"

ONE

He brushed his lips against hers-they were soft and gentle. At first, his kiss was warm and light, holding her as if she were made of glass. But then, something changed. His lips molded with hers. His mouth moved hungrily over hers. This was the kiss Riddhima had been waiting for. His grip around her neck tightened and Riddhima snaked her arms around his neck, her curves fitting perfectly with his muscular chest. All coherent thoughts were gone, and she was thankful the man was holding her, or she might have fallen. His tongue grazed her bottom lip, asking her entrance and she complied immediately. She hadn't felt this alive in years as a current of electricity shot all the way down till her toes. Armaan deepened the kiss and he felt her hands wove into his hair. The kiss had ignited fire throughout his body.

They broke apart from their passionate embrace, panting. Armaan rested his forehead on hers. Her eyes were still closed from the effect of the kiss. There was still one more thing he needed to do "Will you go out on a date with me?"

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