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THE BET
[B]PART 1 (introduction)
HORSE RACE ARENA:
Two men and a woman are shouting at the top of their lungs, as they cheer for their favorite horses in the racecourse. One of the men is a tall, handsome man about 6 feet in height and is following the horses closely with his binoculars. The other man, slightly shorter but also good-looking is nervously keeping his fingers crossed as the horses are nearing the finish line. The woman, an attractive and happy-go-lucky lady in her early 20's is just cheering for the fun of it. She does not have any stakes in any of the competitors; is enjoying the company of her 2 best friends in this world.
"Yeah''Jaguar has done it! I knew it!" The tall man gives a high-five to the lady, as his horse has just crossed the finish line ahead of the other racers.
"Kya kaha tha mainey Sid? Mujhsey koyi betting mein nahin haar sakta'.don't you agree Shilpa?"
"Wo tho hai Armaan'" Shilpa smiled and gave Armaan a friendly hug.
"Sid'..don't be disappointed'.agli race mein main tumhey help karti hoon'." Shilpa tried to cheer the shorter man, who looked sullen after another lost bet.
"Nahin Shilpa'..ab chaltey hain'.kitney paise barbaad karoonga'." Sid said disappointedly.
"Yaar'.itni jaldi haar mat maana kar'chal let's all go get a beer'." Armaan patted Sid's back and the three of them walked out of the arena
"Let's go get some dinner'..main thak gayi.." Shilpa said.
The two men agreed and jumped into Armaan's new sports car to the closest restaurant.
AT THE RESTAURANT:
The three of them found a table at the famous Chinese restaurant and ordered their choices.
"Armaan'tu bahut lucky hai'.hamesha jeet jaata hai'chahey wo horce racing ho ya phir kuch aur cheez'kya raaz hai iska?" Sid asked
"No risk, no gain! Seedhi si baat hai'..duniya mein sab cheez bikaaoo hai'.everything has a price'.if you are willing to pay it, you will always be successful'."
"I don't agree Armaan'..maana paisa important hai, kuch bhi khareed sakta hai, par you can't buy emotions like love with it" Sid argued
"naa'love is really over rated'.it is a good way to sell romantic novels and chick flicks, but love is like any other commodity'..if you are willing to pay for it, you can buy it'" Armaan said
"Ab wahan dekho'." Armaan pointed towards another table, where an obviously upset woman refused to talk to the man who sat across from her. The man, her lover was pleading her to talk to him and forgive him, but the lady did not budge.
"OK..darling, dekho main tumharey liye kya laaya hoon'." The man on the other table took out a box and removed a beautiful gold bracelet from it. The lady's expression changed from a frown to an ear-to-ear grin within seconds.
"Dekha'.a living example'.aapki aankhon ke saamney'.." Armaan said victoriously
"Sab ladkiyan aisi nahin hoti'" Sid defended himself
"I agree with Sid on this'" Shilpa said as she sipped on her drink, "Armaan tumhey shayad kisi se pyaar nahin huya hai'that is why you are saying this'"
"C'mon Shilpz'' ladkiyon ko tho roz mujhsey pyar ho jaata hai'.I just have to buy some flowers or take her out to any expensive restaurant'and bingo they are falling for me!"
"Jis din tumhey saccha pyar ho jaayega, you will not say that.." Sid said
"Naa'bet ho jaaye, duniya mein main kisi bhi ladki ko pataa sakta hoon'..yeh saccha pyar vyar kuch nahin hota'" Armaan said arrogantly
"Accha'tho aaj tak mujhey kyon nahin pataaya?" Shilpa said mischievously.
"Tum? Arre'tum tho hamari jaisi ho'.tumhey kya pataana?" Armaan joked
"Oh really?"Shilpa felt offended
"OK'OK'.tum chaho tho main tumhey kal date par le jaata hoon and you will be madly in love with me by the end of the date'" Armaan curled his nose and lips and winked.
"No thanks Armaan'..you are not my types'.." Shilpa warned him
"Tum log bhi'.ab ladaai bandh karo'.let's enjoy the food" Sid said
Armaan, Sid and Shilpa had been friends since their college days. Armaan and Shilpa were originally from Mumbai and both belonged to rich business families.
Sid had moved from Nainital to pursue higher education in Mumbai and came from a modest background. Armaan and Sid were opposites, but that is why they became good friends also. Sid's honest and down to earth nature had attracted Armaan to him from day 1. Armaan, in return had helped Sid settle down in Mumbai and treated him like a family member. Armaan's parents were very fond of Sid too. Shilpa knew Armaan since childhood and had become a part of their gang since the last 2 years of college.
Armaan had joined his dad's construction business after graduation. Shilpa was helping her mother run their garments business these days. Sid was working for a bank, but was not too thrilled with his job yet.
"Hey guys'.mainey ek faisla kiya hai'main wapas Nainital move karna chahta hoon'," Sid made a surprise announcement in the middle of dinner.
Armaan and Shilpa had their mouths left open at that announcement.
"Kya keh raha hai? What are you going to do in Nainital?" Armaan asked
"Yaar'main wahan ke community college mein economics padhaaunga'mujhey naukri bhi mil gayi hai'"
"Par Sid tumharey tho ab parents bhi nahin rahey wahan'.kya karogey wahan jaakey?"Shilpa asked
"Haan parents nahin hain, par aur log tho hain'.hamara ghar hai abhi bhi wahan'..phir ass pados ke log hain wahan'" Sid paused, as his real reason to go back was someone else''someone whom he had loved all his life, but never expressed it. Now that he was young and settled, he wanted to go back and ask her hand in marriage from her parents, Shashank and Padma Gupta-they had been Sid's neighbors since early childhood.
The girl, Riddhima Gupta was now a beautiful 21- year- old girl and a music teacher in one of the local elementary schools. Sid wanted to go back desperately and pour his feelings out for her. He had tried to express his feelings since they were kids, but had never mustered the courage.
"Yaar'Nainital mein tere career kaise aagey badhega?'yahan tho kitna scope hai'you can make as much money as you want in this city'.bas drive honi chahiye'." Armaan tried to convince Sid.
"Yaar'.money is not everything'Nainital ki har cheez aur har insaan paise ko itni importance nahin deta'" Sid said.
"Ya right! Nainital mein bhi har cheez khareedi jaa sakti hai jaise ki Mumbai mein'.I can bet you on that!" Armaan said confidently
"No you are wrong Armaan'..I can bet you on that too!" Sid held out his hand.
Armaan shook Sid's hand, "Ok..bet'..main tujhey prove kar doonga ki Nainital mein bhi har cheez aur har insaan khareeda jaa sakta hai'"
"Guys'stop behaving like kids'chalo dessert order kartey hain'" Shilpa broke their handshake.
MUMBAI RAILWAY STATION:
Armaan came to the railway station to drop Sid.
"Nainital jaakar settle ho jaa, phir tujhsey milney aaoonga.." Armaan gave a hug to Sid and helped him load his luggage into the railway compartment
"I can't wait for that'..main tujhey Nainital ki sair karvaaunga'phir pata chalega ki main wahan kyon wapas jaana chahta hoon'"
"Aur haan'..remember the bet!" Armaan said
"tere saath reh kar kaise bhool sakta hoon ki tu har cheez mein apni shart zaroor rakhta hai'of course I remember but I know for once I will win the bet in Nainital" Sid said confidently.
They saw Shilpa running towards them, "thank god tum abhi yahin ho'.mujhey laga gaadi nikal gayi hogi'"
"Railway waalon ko pata tha ki Ms late lateef Shilpa bhi aayengi, is liye train late kar di'" Armaan joked
Shilpa hit Armaan playfully, "theek hai main late lateef hoon, par tum mein tho itni aur buraayian hain ki kahan tak ginwaoon'"
"OK guys, mere peechey ladai mat karna''" Sid said
"That is impossible'yeh tho paida hi ladney ke liye huyi hai'" Armaan said mischievously.
"Dekhna Armaan ek din tumhari sabsey zyada help bhi main hi karoongi.." Shilpa teased.
"Help? Ya right! Pehley time par tho pahunch jaaya karo.." Armaan and Sid laughed together and said their final goodbyes.
As they left the station, Shilpa said, "Armaan, I am sure we will miss Sid'..we should go and visit him in Nainital one day"
"BINGO! That is what I told him too," Armaan said as he sat in his car, "see you later Shilpz'"
NAINITAL:
Sid reached his ancestral home. He unlocked the door and came inside. The house had been inhabited since his parent's death a year ago, but looked like someone had been taking good care of it.
"Arre maasi aap?" Sid was surprised to see Padma follow him into the house.
"Mujhey bahut khushi hai ki tum wapas aa gaye'"
Sid touched her feet, "lagta hai aap logon ney hamare ghar ki bahut acchi dekh baal ki hai.."
"Arre tho kya hua beta?'..tum bhi tho hamare bete jaise ho.."
"Maasi'K..Riddhima kahan hai?" Sid hesitated
Padma smiled, "wo abhi school se nahin aayi hai'"
"Tum fresh ho jaao, phir khana khane aa jana, tab tak Riddhima bhi aa jaayegi" Padma was aware that although Sid and Riddhima were childhood friends, Sid had a soft corner for her daughter. She was not sure about Riddhima though. She knew Riddhima liked Sid also, but was she ready to accept him as a life partner? Padma and Shashank would not mind if Sid and Riddhima were to tie the knot, as their only daughter could still stay close to them in Nainital. She thought she would broach the subject with her husband tonight, before probing Riddhima's feelings.
GUPTA's HOUSE:
Sid was having lunch with Shashank and Padma was serving them hot food
"Bas maasi'aur nahin'" Sid protested as Padma kept loading his plate with various "pakwaans"
"Arre Sid! Kab aaye tum?" an excited Riddhima entered the house.
"aaj hi wapas aaya hoon"
"Tho tum really yahan job karogey?" Riddhima sat down on the dining table and served herself some food.
"Iraada tho yahi hai"
"mujhey tho lagta hai tum bore ho kar jaldi wapas chaley jaaogey," she said
"Kyon? Aisa kyon sochti ho"
"Kyonki aisa hi dekha hai mainey'Mumbai ki chamak dhamak se koyi bach nahin paata"
"Accha? Aisa hai tho tum kyon nahin jaati wahan? Tumhey tho chance bhi milaa tha wahan ke ek music school mein"
"Nahin'main Nainital mein hi theek hoon, yahan mama papa bhi hain, aur mujhey chamak dhamak pasand bhi nahin hai"
Sid smiled to himself and thought, "bilkul badli nahin hai'.abhi bhi pehle jaisi simple hi hai'..kaash ek din meri ban jaaye wo"
After lunch, Sid and Riddhima went for a walk. They talked about Nainital, their old school friends, her job as the music teacher in the school. He told her about his few years in Mumbai, how he was grateful to have 2 good friends there, how they supported him after his parents died in an accident a year ago, his experiences with the hectic city life, "ab main Nainital hi settle hona chahta hoon'kitni shanti hai yahan'..Mumbai mein kitna shor sharaaba tha'.aur jaanti ho Riddhima thode din mein mera wo dost hai na Armaan mujhsey milney aayega"
"Accha? Tumhara dost hai tho mujhey bhi milna hoga," she smiled
"Haan'.bahut hi character hai wo'.mujhsey bilkul alag'.par dil ka achcha hai aur bahut helpful hai'bas thoda money minded hai'..money is his first love you see"
"Money? Wo tho Mumbai waalon ki bimaari hai'.mujhey khushi hai ki tum wapas aa gaye," she smiled again and went back to her house, "bye Sid'..kal miltey hain.."
Sid just looked at her and sighed, "kab keh paaunga tumhey dil ki baat?"
GUPTA's HOUSE:
Padma had already spoken to Shashank about a possible alliance between Sid and Riddhima. Shashank was thrilled with that idea. He knew Sid was a decent and a qualified boy. His family had been very close to the Gupta's-there was no doubt in his mind that this would be an ideal match.
"Riddhima beti'idhar tho aa'ek baat poonchni hai tujhsey?" Padma called Riddhima to her room
"Haan mama'boliye?"
"beti..ab tu badhi ho gayi hai'."
"Oh mama'shaadi ki baat mat karna mujhsey'abhi main tayyar nahin hoon'"
"Par sun tho sahi'..tujhey Sid kaisa lagta hai?"
"Sid? Aap meri Sid se shaadi karaana chahti hain?" Riddhima laughed loudly
"kyon? Kya kharabi hai usmey?"
"Kharabi nahin," Riddhima tried to suppress her laughter, "bahut accha hai'.par mainey kabhi usey is nazar se nahin dekha mama'..mujhey tho wo hamesha ek dost ya bhai jaisa hi laga hai'.," she left the room, still trying hard not to laugh.
PART 3:
Riddhima went to her room and sprawled on the bed. She took out her notebook and started writing something. There was a knock on her door, "Arre Aaliyah! Aaja andar aaja..," Riddhima was thrilled to see her best friend.
Aaliyah walked in and gave Riddhima a hug, "kya likh rahi hai?"
Riddhima hid her notebook, "kuch nahin'bas yuhin.."
"Jaanti hoon'kavita likh rahi hogi'yeh bataa kis ke liye likhti hai tu?"
"zaroori hai kisi aur ke liye hi likhoon, apney liye nahin likh sakti kya?" Riddhima sounded annoyed
"yeh baat nahin'par koyi tho inspiration hoga na '..kahin Sid tho nahin?"
"hutt! Tum aur mama dono ke dimaag mein yeh fitoor kahan se aa gaya hai?"
"kyon? Kya kharabi hai Sid mein?"
"Dekh Aaliyah, yadi mama ne bheja hai tujhey tho tu wapas chali jaa'jaa apney Shabbir ke paas'."
Shabbir and Aaliyah had just gotten recently married. Shabbir had grown up in Mumbai, but had recently moved to Nainital after getting married to Aaliyah. He was a dentist by profession and in no time had established himself in Nainital.
"Shabbir tho apni clinic mein hai'..wahan jaakar kya karoongi'is liye tujhey bore karney aa gayi'..accha chhod Sid ki baat'.yeh bataa apni kavitaon ko publish kyon nahin karwati?"
"Kaun karega inko publish? Aaj kal tho gali gali mein poets mil jaatey hain'.rehney de!"
"koshish karegi tho zaroor mil jaayega koyi'" Aaliyah grabbed her notebook and started reading. Riddhima tried to snatch it back and the two girls chased each other around like little schoolgirls.
A FEW WEEKS LATER IN MUMBAI:
Armaan was having dinner with his parents at home.
"beta Armaan'..main soch ti hoon ki ab tu shaadi kar le aur settle ho ja," Naina Mallik, his mom said
"Mom! Itni jaldi nahin!"
"kyon becharey ke peechey padhi rehti ho? Abhi tho uske hasney khelney ke din hain," Dilip Mallik, his dad defended him
"theek kaha aapney dad'..shaadi ke baad tho life bahut boring ho jaayegi mom.."
"main bhi yahi chahti hoon ki teri life boring ho jaaye'.warna raat raat baahar rehta hai'.kitni ladkiyon ke saath ghoomta rehta hai'..meri saari friends bhi ab teri chinta karney lagi hain.."
"Aapki friends? Kyon sab aapni ladkiyon ke rishtey bhej rahi hain kya?" Armaan laughed
"Armaan'please serious ho jaao'tumhari reputation ab ek playboy ki ho gayi hai'..koyi accha rishta nahin milega tumhey.." Naina scolded him
"Mom! Shaadi reputation se nahin paise se hoti hai'..aur main jitna lamba hoon na'utni hi ladkiyan seedhi chadkar mere pocket mein aana chahti hain'..don't worry'aapko bahu milney mein koyi problem nahin hogi,"
"You are right my son'..enjoy yourself as long as you can'. warna meri tarah jo pehli ladki dekhi, usi se shaadi karni padhegi," Dilip ducked after that comment, as he knew Naina would chew him up.
Naina just got up and gave the two men a cold stare and walked off, "jaisa baap'waisa beta!"
The father and son just high-fived each other and continued to eat.
"Hmm Armaan'.Sid wapas Nainital chalaa gaya na?" Dilip asked
"Haan dad'sadh raha hoga uss chote se sheher mein.."
"Actually Armaan'main chahta hoon tum Nainital jaao'.ek land deal hai jo kayi din se aagey nahin badh rahi hai'..shayad tum kuch kar sako'"
"sure dad! Main tho Sid se milney jaana hi chahta tha'.kab jaana hai?'"
"as soon as you can'..office mein saarey papers hain'.basically wo land ek koyi Mr Trivedi ki hai, it is at a very good location. Main chahta hoon wahan ek accha tourist hotel khola jaaye'my agent has not been able to convince him to sell'.but I know you can do it son!"
"OK Nainital here I come'" Armaan got up from the table to make arrangements for his trip.
He called Shilpa, "Hey'Shilpz Nainital chalogi? Sid se milney?"
"Nahin Armaan abhi nahin'..mom ki tabiyat kuch kharab hai'." Shilpa said on the other end
"OK'may be next time, but I am leaving tomorrow'."
"aakar saari khabar dena Sid ki'I am curious'Bye!" Shilpa hung up
NAINITAL:
Armaan was able to get a jazzy convertible sports car, through one of his dad's contacts in Nainital.
Armaan loved to show off his driving skills, especially in a small town like Nainital, he knew he would get a lot of attention. He charged down the streets of Nainital. Most passers by were certainly in awe of the expensive car on their streets.
Armaan saw two women walking ahead on the road. He zoomed past them, splashing muddy water from a puddle on the two of them. Their beautiful starched salwaar suits were ruined by the dirty water.
"dekh kar nain chal saktey kya?" Riddhima shouted. The other woman, Aaliyah screamed too, "these spoilt rich brats! Kahan se aa jaatey hain?"
Armaan noticed what had happened in his rear view mirror. He stopped his car and reversed it. "How could I have done this to two beautiful women?" he thought. He got off the car and saw the women sprayed with dirty water.
"I am sorry ladies'.aap logon ko lift de sakta hoon'"
"No thanks!" Riddhima said angrily
"Yeh kaise ho sakta hai? Itni badi gaadi ka kya faayda, jab aap jaisi khubsoorat ladies ko paidal chalna padhe? Aapkey naazuk badan ke liye yeh theek nahin hai" Armaan stared at Riddhima and ckecked her from top to bottom with his piercing eyes.
"Aap apni gaadi se kisi aur ko impress kar lee jiyega'.we could care less'.chalo let's go," Riddhima dragged Aaliyah.
Armaan just sighed, "Oh boy! Lagta hai Nainital ki ladkiyan kuch zyada hi khatti meethi hain'.mazaa aayega yahan!"
PART 4:
Sid heard a loud noise outside his house. He came out and saw a red convertible sports car, "hmm lagta hai Armaan aa gaya,"
Armaan appeared from no where and surprised Sid, "mainey kaha tha na tujhey milney zaroor aaoonga'..dekho aa gaya'"
"Itney style mein tu hi aa sakta hai'kahan mili yeh gaadi?"
"pata hai'.. tere is chote se shahar mein aisi gaadi kahan milegi?'par Armaan jahan jaata hai apni zarooratein poori kar leta hai'.."
"I know I know'chal ab andar chal'."Sid tried to drag him indoors.
"Zaroorat se yaad aaya'..yahan koyi nightclubs wagarah hain?" Armaan stopped at the doorstep.
"Yeh Nainital hai'yahan log aaram karney aatey hain'..raat ko jaagney nahin aatey'."
"pata nahin kaise gaaon mein reh raha hai'.accha ladkiyan tho milengi na?"
"apna saaman andar rakh'..baad mein baat karta hoon," Sid just shook his head and walked in with one of Armaan's bag.
"Beta'.kahan hai tu?" Sid came out as he heard Padma's voice
"aaiye maasi'.yeh mera Mumbai ka dost, Armaan hai'."
Armaan folded his hands, "namaste aunty'..Sid aap logon ki hamesha tareef karta tha'aap mein koyi jaadu hoga jo aap logon ke paas wapas aa gaya'.hum tho rok nahin paaye issey'"
"Arre aisi baat nahin hai beta'..Nainital hai hi aisi jagah'jo ek baar yahan ka ho gaya tho aur kahin mann nahin lagta'." Padma said affectionately.
"Dekha maasi'main bhi issey yahi kehta hoon'..Nainital jaisi koyi jagah nahin hai duniya mein'."
"Accha main chalti hoon'shaam ko tum dono hamarey yahan hi khana khana'." Padma left to go back to her house.
"Yaar''.ghar ka khana? Main tho kahin restaurant jaaney ki soch raha tha.." Armaan complained.
"Maasi ke haath ka khana khayega na tho saare restaurants bhool jaayega'." Sid reassured him.
"Theek hai main shaam tak aa jaaunga'." Armaan picked his car keys and turned to leave.
"Kahan ja raha hai?'abhi tho aaya hai" Sid asked
"Wo'dad ka kuch kaam tha'ek zameen ke silsilay mein jaana hai'."
"kaun si zameen?"
"Wo koyi Mall road par Mr Trivedi ki'wahan dad ek hotel banana chahtey hain'"
"Wo? Trivedi sahib ko aaj tak koyi nahin khareed saka'" Sid discouraged him
"Oh yeah? Tab tho zaroor milna padhega unsey'.theek hai bet lagaa le'.. aaj shaam tak uss zameen ke kagaz mere haath mein hongey'."
"Theek hai'.mainey kaha tha na Nainital ke log paise se nahin biktey'..chal bet laga the hain'kitney ki?"
"wohi apni standard'100 Rs" Armaan shook Sid's hand and left
EVENING:
Armaan got back a little after sunset.
"Armaan'kahan chalaa gaya tha tu? Maasi kabsey khaney ke liye bula chuki hain.."
Armaan walked in and handed over some papers to Sid.
"yeh kya hai Armaan?"
"khud hi dekh ke" Armaan said
Sid unfolded the papers, "arre yeh tho Mall road waali zameen ke'.par kaise kiya tuney?'
"Sid everything has a price'.you just have to be willing to pay the right price'ab nikaal mere 100 Rs"
"Maan gaya tujhey'yeh le apney paise'..par kaise kiya tuney?"
"tujhey aam khaney se matlab hai ya pedh gin ney se'chal ab bhookh lag rahi hai'." Armaan put his arm around Sid and walked out with him.
GUPTA'S HOUSE:
Padma and Shashank greeted Armaan and Sid, "aao'aao beta'.tum logon ka hi intezaar tha.."
"Maasi Riddhima kahan hai?" Sid asked as they settled into the chairs around the dining table
"Wo zara bahar gayi hai'aati hi hogi" Padma answered. She knew Sid always asked for Riddhima; she was aware that his face always lit up as soon as Riddhima entered the house.
"Beta..apney baarey mein kuch batao.." Shashank looked at Armaan and asked
"Main? Main tho bas eenth aur patthar ke saath kaam karta hoon'.hamara construction ka business hai'..bas kaam chal jaata hai'." Armaan said
Sid was surprised at Armaan's modesty, "arre mausaji'bahut bada business hai'yeh aise hi bol raha hai'"
Shashank laughed, "wo tho main uski gaadi dekhkar hi samajh gaya tha'..very good Armaan'itni choti umar mein tumney itni success dekhi hai'.you must be very hard working'"
"Nahin uncle'just lucky'.mere dad ney bahut mehnat ki thi'.I am just enjoying his fruits of labor.." Armaan laughed back
"Beta'aur khana lo'" Padma asked both Armaan and Sid. Sid usually had a small appetite, 'bas maasi'aur nahin"
Armaan turned around, "aunty'main manaa nahin karoonga'.aap sach much bahut acchi cook hain'.laaiye'idhar laaiye.." Armaan filled his plate with all the delicious foods.
"yeh tho Riddhima ney help ki thi'Riddhima bahut accha khana banaati hai.." Padma said proudly.
"Riddhima?" Armaan asked
"Hamari ek lauti beti'" Shashank said. Armaan did not make anything of that comment and kept savoring the delicacies.
The door opened, "mama'yeh rahi ras malai'.badi mushkil se mili hai'halwai dukaan bandh hi kar raha tha'.." Riddhima went straight to the kitchen.
"Ras malai?" Armaan exclaimed, "aap ko kaise pata mujhey meetha pasand hai.."
"Tujhey kaun sa khana pasand nahin hai?" Sid remarked, "maasi'yeh khane ka bahut shaukeen hai'issey hum college mein foodie kehtey the'.."
"Beta..jab tak Nainital mein ho'.mujhey batana kya pasand kartey ho'.main ya Riddhima tumharey liye bana dengey"
"Thanks aunty" Armaan smiled
Just then Riddhima came out from the kitchen and hesitated as soon as she saw Armaan at the table. Her smile changed into a frown within seconds, "aap yahan?"
Armaan looked up and thought, "oh tho yeh khatti meethi ka ghar hai'."
Armaan got up and pretended, "Hmm'hum pehley mil chukey hain?"
Riddhima just gave him a cold look and thought, "tum jaise log pata nahin kitney logon ko apni gaadi se keechad uchaaltey nikal jaatey hogey'"
"Aao Riddhima'yeh mera dost Armaan hai'Mumbai se aaya hai.." Sid got up too
Riddhima remembered Sid mentioning his friend in a previous conversation. She remembered he had mentioned that Armaan was very rich and money was a big priority in his life. Everything fell into place now-he was probably a filthy rich brat!
Shashank said, "Riddhima'tum Armaan ko jaanti ho?"
Riddhima did not say anything and sat in her chair.
Armaan finally spoke, "hmm yaad aaya'.aaj sadak par'I am sorry meri gaadi se aapkey kapdey kharab ho gaye the'..yeh leejiye'.," Armaan took out his wallet, "aap please apney kapdey kahin dry clean karwa leejiye'," and took out some money.
Riddhima was offended, "Thanks but no thanks Mr Armaan'..hum Nainital mein apney kapdey dry clean nahin'khud haath se dhotey hain'."
Sid smiled to himself and thought, "Armaan ko ab pata chalega'hamarey Nainital ki ladkiyan kitni alag hain'."
Armaan could not say anything and just put his wallet back into his pocket.
Padma tried to lighten up the air, "arre beta'.yeh kaisi baat kar rahey ho'..hamare Nainital ki sadakein itni kharab hai'.kya kar saktey hain'tumhari galti nahin hai'."
Riddhima was annoyed at her mother for defending Armaan's rude roadside manners.
After dinner, Armaan and Sid took leave from the Gupta's. Armaan's eyes followed Riddhima everywhere the rest of the evening. He was fascinated by her, but he thought she was just acting pricey to get his attention as most women did when they were around him.
"Bye Riddhima!'" Sid waved as Riddhima preferred to stay inside rather than seeing them off at the door.
"Phir milengey!" Armaan waved and winked at her.
She turned red and muttered under her breathe, "phir milengey my foot!"
Padma walked in, "Arre Riddhima'aise mehmaan ke saath nahin kartey'kya sochega Armaan Nainital ke logon ke baarey mein?"
Riddhima just turned around and left for her room, "mujhey kuch farak nahin padhta mama'.zyaada paise waale zaroori nahin zyaada acche bhi ho.."
"beti'abhi tho ek baar hi mili ho'.ek baar mein insaan ka pata nahin chalta'"
SID's HOUSE:
Armaan and Sid sat outside in the patio till late at night and talked about Mumbai, their college days, Shilpa and other friends.
Armaan suddenly changed the subject, "yaar'.tu kehta tha na ki Nainital ki ladkiyan alag hoti hain'..par mujhey nahin lagta'.basically they are all the same," Riddhima's image was still clear in his mind.
"kya matlab?"
"ab Riddhima ko hi dekho'bahar se itni touch-me-not types lagti hai'par andar se I am sure she is dying to go out with a guy like me.." Armaan smiled
"Nahin yaar'Riddhima aisi nahin hai.."
"Bet lagata hai? Armaan extended his hand
"Nahin yaar..teri daal wahan nahin galegi'"
"kyon nahin galegi'jab daal hai tho zaroor galegi'" Armaan said confidently
"Wo aisi ladki nahin hai'haar jaayega tu.." Sid sounded worried
"yaar'tera tho koyi chakkar wakkar nahin hai na uskey saath?" Armaan would withdraw the bet if Sid was genuinely interested in Riddhima, but a shy Sid could not admit to it openly.
"N..Nahin'" Sid hesitated and lowered his eyes.
"Tho theek hai''main jab Nainital se jaaunga'tab tak Riddhima meri deewani ho chuki hogi'wohi 100 Rs ki bet..OK?"
"OK'" Sid agreed reluctantly, but was confident that Armaan would lose this one. He knew Riddhima would never fall for Armaan's flashy nature or his wealth. He thought he knew Riddhima better than anyone else in this world''.he was not aware how experienced Armaan was with women'would Riddhima be able to resist his charm?
PART 5:
Armaan and Sid went to bed after deciding on the terms of their bet. Riddhima tried to go to bed in her room:
ARMAAN: He was looking forward to the challenge now. He knew it would not be easy, as Riddhima had not shown any interest in him so far. She seemed aloof and particularly annoyed at him-was it due to the incident with the car, or was it a general disapproval of his wealth and status? He would have to test the waters before he did anything drastic with her. He was confident that he would win the bet, as he had never lost a bet before; also he had never failed with women before''.he knew how to make women go crazy for him'.
SID: Lay in bed wide awake, "kya mainey bet lagaakar theek kiya? Aakhir Armaan bet jeetney ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hai'.par mujhey Riddhima par yakeen hai'usey Armaan jaise log bilkul pasand nahin hai'.wo logon ko acchi tarah pehchaanti hai'.wo jaldi hi samajh jaayegi ki Armaan serious nahin hai'..she will never fall for his tactics'.aur jab Armaan frustrate ho kar haar maan jaayega'tab main Riddhima ko apne dil ki baat bataa doonga'..usey phir pataa bhi chal jaayega ki main Armaan se kitna accha hoon aur kitna alag hoon'.phir Riddhima meri ho jaayegi'." Sid thought this was the best way to get Riddhima on his side'.she would see the difference between Armaan, the brat and Sid, the gentleman!
RIDDHIMA: Lay in bed and thought about her meetings with Armaan that day, "aakhir main kyon uskey baarey mein soch rahi hoon? Wo tho bas Sid ka dost hai'.par main itna naaraz kyon hoon us sey? Shayad mama theek kehti hain'.ek mulaqat mein kya pata chalta hai'..par har cheez mein showoff karta hai'.aise log mujhey bilkul pasand nahin'.aur meri taraf ghoor ghoor ke kyon dekhta hai, jaise pehley koyi ladki dekhi na ho''aaj tak kisi aadmi ne mujhey aise nahin dekha'..main itni uncomfortable kyon hoon? Shayad wo sabhi ladkiyon ko aise hi dekhta hoga'..aakhir bade baap ka bigda beta jo hai'." She covered her face with her pillow and tried to fall asleep.
NEXT MORNING:
Sid left for work early. Armaan got up and looked around, "lagta hai Sid tho chala gaya'.ab naashtey ka intezaam khud karna hoga'"
He peeked outside the window and saw that the Gupta's house was a stone throw's away. Their curtains were drawn, but if they were not, he would be able to see everything inside their house. He got ready and knocked on the Gupta's door.
"namaste aunty'goodmorning!"
"Aao beta'.Sid tho chala gaya hoga''naashta kiya tumney?"
"aapkey ghar se itni acchi khushboo aa rahi thi tho socha aap logon ko hi pareshaan kar doon'.mujhey tho khana banana aata nahin hai'"
"accha kiya jo aa gaye'.ab jab tak yahan ho'roz subah yahin nashta karna'Riddhima ne aaj uncle ke favorite poha banaya hain'khaaogey?"
"ab tho mujhey aur zyada bhook lag rahi hai'.I love poha.."
"RIDDHIMA! Beti zara ek cup chai tho laana'aur poha bhi'"
"aayi mama'" Riddhima answered from the kitchen
"uncle kahan hai?"Armaan asked, as he picked the newspaper
"wo morning walk par gaye hain'.aatey hi hongey'.wo nashta baad mein karengey'" Padma said.
"arre aunty'aap ke yahan English newspaper nahin aata?"
"beta chote shaharon mein zyada tar hindi newspaper hi padtey hain'" Padma smiled
"OH'" Armaan was disappointed and just folded the newspaper; he had not read a hindi newspaper in ages!
Riddhima came out of the kitchen and paused when she saw Armaan sitting at the table.
"Good morning Riddhima!" Armaan greeted her; he knew she did not expect to see him there.
"G..Good morning.." she said softly
She put the tea and dish with the poha on the table and said, 'mama'main school ke liye late ho rahi hoon'.aaj nashta nahin karoongi'.," she was trying to get away from Armaan's piercing gaze as soon as possible.
"beti'jaldi se khaa lo'.phir chali jaana'khaali pait nahin jaate kaam par'" Padma insisted and went back into the kitchen.
"Riddhima'.give me company'main aapko chhod doonga'.tho aap late nahin hongi'" Armaan said hopefully.
"nahin'main rikshaw kar loongi'." Riddhima made a face, hoping she would not have to ride in his fancy car.
Riddhima sat down and inhaled her breakfast. Armaan was amused at that sight, "Riddhima'.khaney par kyon naaraz ho rahi ho'.you don't have to go in my car'.jao rikshaw mein jao'." Armaan knew that he had to try reverse psychology with a girl like Riddhima.
Riddhima gave him a cold stare, "main aise hi khana khati hoon'.mere paas itna faaltu time nahin hai'.."
"OH'.tho aap ko lagta hai mere paas baht faaltu time hai?" Armaan retorted, "actually hai tho sahi'.aakhir itna paisa kis kaam ka?'I really enjoy my life unlike you, jo hamesha idhar se udhar bhaag te rehtey ho'."
"Mr Armaan'.every one doesnot have the luxury to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth!" Riddhima got up angrily.
Padma came back, "arre'tum dono ladai kar rahe ho kya?"
"nahin aunty'isse ladai nahin'nok jhonk kehte hain" Armaan smiled and got up to leave.
"I will be happy to drop you'." Armaan took his car keys and pointed outside the window.
"chali jao beti'.school time se pahunch jaaogi'.waise bhi der ho gayi hai aaj.." Padma looked at the wall clock.
Riddhima just gave Armaan another cold look, "theek hai'.aap chhod dee jiye.."
Armaan smiled and twirled his car keys on his forefinger, "after you'." He let Riddhima lead the way and started whistling something, "bye aunty and thanks'."
"beta'jab marzi ho aa jaya karo'.apna ghar hi samjho'." Padma saw them off
Armaan helped Riddhima settle in the passenger seat, 'seat belt zaroor laga lena'yeh sports car hai'"
Riddhima fumed, "sports car hai'par sadak tho Nainital ki hai'.yahan bail gaadi bhi car se tez chalti hai'.seat belt ki koyi zaroorat nahin hai'."
Armaan smiled and started the car. He made sure his seatbelt was snug in place and then zoomed off.
Riddhima almost hit the dashboard, "ARMAAN! Itni tez kyon chala rahey ho?"
"yeh Nainital ki sadak hai'.tez kahan hai?" Armaan teased her and kept accelerating the car.
Riddhima kept falling from one end of the car to the other, "please stop!"
The car came to a screeching halt as Armaan braked. Riddhima almost hit the dashboard again.
"Yeh kya tareeka hai car chalaane ka? Just because you have a fancy car, show off kar rahey ho?" Riddhima ssolded him
"Nahin madam'.aapko seatbelt pehney par majboor kar raha hoon'"
Riddhima rolled her eyes and gave in. After she had belted herself, Armaan started the car and drove the car as smoothly as a sailboat.
"Tho aap school mein kis class mein hain?" Armaan rolled his tongue and asked
"Main aapko student lagti hoon? Main wahan music teacher hoon'"
"OH'music teacher?'..aapki baton se lagta tha ki aap abhi ek bacchi hi hain'I am sorry, I did not realize you are an adult!" he looked at her with the corner of his eyes and waited for her reaction.
Riddhima was regretting the car ride, "pata nahin kyon aapkey saath aa gayi?"
"see'that is why I thought you are a kid'.hamesha ladney ko tayyar rehti ho'" Armaan teased her again
"Haan'aap jaise insaan ke saath tho ladai hi kee ja sakti hai'aur kuch nahin'" she said facing him.
Armaan stopped the car and turned his face towards her. He took out his dark glasses and brought his face close to hers and stared into her eyes, "aap mauka tho dee jiye'ladai tho kya, main aapko bahut kuch sikha sakta hoon," he spoke in a husky romantic tone which shocked Riddhima.
Riddhima backed off in the car, "y..yeh..aap kya kar rahey hain'.please mujhey school chhod dee jiye'."
Armaan leaned towards her door, almost resting his chest on her lap and unlocked her door, "aapka school'," he pointed outside.
Riddhima looked outside the window and was relieved that she was at her destination, but realized that Armaan was still holding the door latch, with his body practically resting on her. He gradually withdrew himself and as she got out of the car, her hand touched his hand accidentally. She felt goose bumps on herself as their hands touched each other for a flicker of a second'..
She got off and ran inside the school gates, without even thanking him or looking back.
Armaan smiled and rolled his lower lip, "lagta hai shart ka kaam shuroo ho gaya hai" He could sense that although she was all flustered by his touch, he had aroused a chord in her, which she probably was not aware of herself!
PART 6:
Armaan smiled and drove off after dropping Riddhima. He took care of matters related to the land purchase. He called Dilip, "Hello dad! Congratulations! Ab wo Mall road waali zameen apni hai…..ab bataaiye kaam kab shuroo karna hai?…..Alright dad….in that case main yahan kuch din aur extra reh jaata hoon…..ek baar kaam shuroo ho jaaye theek se….," he hung up, pleased with himself as he had killed two birds with one stone. Now he would have enough time to accomplish his real mission-WIN THE BET!
That evening, the Gupta's had dinner by themselves as both Sid and Armaan had not joined them. Sid had an evening class to teach and Armaan had dinner with Mr Trivedi to thank him for the land deal.
Armaan got back home late in the night. He purposely avoided having dinner at the Gupta's. He wanted the spark he had lit that morning inside Riddhima to kindle a little bit….he wanted her to miss him….
Armaan stood at his bedroom window and looked outside. He was pleasantly surprised to see that Riddhima's room was right across and as her curtains were not drawn, he could see her pacing up and down talking to someone on the phone. She was smiling and laughing a lot on the phone. He sighed and rested his elbows on the base of the window and kept staring at her, "hmm….tho tumhey muskurana bhi aat hai…..," her smile was indeed mesmerizing and he could not take his eyes off her for some reason.
Riddhima hung up and turned towards her window and was shocked to see a pair of eyes fixated on her. She turned red with embarrassment and drew the curtains to avoid his gaze. She stood at the edge of the window, breathing heavily, "yeh kya hua? Wo mujhey kyon dekh raha hai aise?" she pulled one corner of the curtain and peeked outside and was relieved to see his back to her now. She stood there and kept staring at his back, but suddenly he turned around to shut the window and their eyes met once again. She pulled herself back again and ran inside her room. Armaan just smiled and shut his window to go to bed.
The doorbell rang. Both Armaan and Sid came out to answer it.
"Arre maasi…aap iss time?" Sid was worried
"Kuch nahin….wo aaj tum dono shaam ko aaye nahin the na…iss liye yeh kheer dene aayi thi…..tum log khaa lo…"
"maasi itni taqleef kyon ki? Waise bhi main tho meetha pasand nahin karta…" Sid said
"Main tho karta hoon.." Armaan came forward and took the bowl of kheer from Padma
"Main jaanti thi ki Armaan ko zaroor pasand aayegi…" Padma smiled
Armaan tasted the kheer, "hmm…bahut acchi hai…aap ke haath mein tho jaadu hai aunty.."
Padma laughed, "yeh tho Riddhima ne banayi hai….ussi ko bataa dena…."
"Aunty aap ussey keh dena ki meetha kuch kum hai…." Armaan said mischievously
Padma was puzzled, "accha? Ho sakta hai…mainey bhi chakhi nahin….mujhey aaj kal diabetes ki shikayat hai na.."
"wo hamesha gussey mein rehti hai na…shayad is liye meetha kum daala hoga…." Armaan joked and patted Sid's shoulder.
Sid looked at Armaan and was happy that Riddhima had not shown any interest in Armaan yet.
"Nahin beta….aisa nahin hai….Riddhima logon se dosti karney mein time leti hai….kuch din mein wo tumhari bhi dost ho jaayegi…." Padma reassured him and then remembered, "jo kehney aayi thi wo tho bhool hi gayi…Friday shaam ko hamare yahan choti si party hai…..tum dono ko zaroor aana hai…."
"Koyi khaas baat aunty?" Armaan asked
"Riddhima ka birthday hai na maasi?" Sid asked
"haan…tujhey tho yaad hi rehta hai …..ab wo 21 ki ho rahi hai tho socha kuch khaas logon ko bula loon…phir pata nahi aagey shaadi byah ho gaya tho yeh mauka nahin milega…" Padma's voice got a little heavy at the thought of her daughter getting older and possibly leaving home. She turned around and left.
"Good night aunty!"Armaan called out and came back inside.
Armaan gobbled up the rest of the kheer and looked at Sid, "kyon Sid tujhey lagta hai main haar raha hoon?"
"yaar tu tho tab hi haar gaya tha jab tuney shart lagayi thi…..main Riddhima ko bachpan se jaanta hoon…." Sid smiled and went to his room
Armaan stood there and muttered under his breathe, "aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya…..jeetunga tho main hi!"
NEXT MORNING:
Armaan walked towards his car to go for a meeting. He saw Riddhima leaving her house too.
"Goodmorning! I can give you a lift if you want." Armaan was almost certain she would say "NO"
"Nahin main rikshaw mein chali jaaoongi…"
"OK" Armaan purposely did not plead or insist and put on his sunglasses and seat belt on. As soon as he started the car, Riddhima walked up to him, "kal raat khidki mein se kyon jhaank rahe the?"
"Kyon jhaankney par tax lagta hai Nainital mein? Yadi nazaara khubsoorat ho tho is mein jhaankney waaley ka kya kasoor?" he smiled mischievously and reversed his car to back out.
She followed him and then said, "kheer mein meetha kum tho nahin tha…mainey khud taste kiya tha…."
"Madam….ho sakta hai aapko kum meetha pasand ho," he came out of the car and stood inches from her face and said in a husky voice, "par mujhey tho zyaada meetha hi pasand aata hai," his eyes stared at her from top to bottom and then he sat back in the car and zoomed away, without waiting to see how red she had turned at his last comment.
Riddhima boarded her rickshaw but Armaan 's words kept echoing in her head, "Yadi nazaara khubsoorat ho tho is mein jhaankney waaley ka kya kasoor……… par mujhey tho zyaada meetha hi pasand aata hai….."
Riddhima thought, "mujhey samajh nahin aata yeh kya kehna chahta hai…..kyon keh raha hai yeh sab? Aakhir mujhey pareshaan kar raha hai…..ya….?" she shuddered as she thought of the second possibility…..is he really interested in me….NO WAY!
MORNING OF RIDDHIMA's BIRTHDAY:
Riddhima was in good spirits that morning. She received the blessings of her parents and left for work
"Beti…jaldi aa jaana…sab mehmaan shaam ko aa rahey hain…"
"Haan aa jaaoongi…." Riddhima shouted back and kept answering all her calls wishing her a happy birthday as she walked out.
SCHOOL:
As soon as she entered the school premises, she was shocked to see all the teachers, principal and students standing with a big banner "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS RIDDHIMA GUPTA!"
Everyone ran to congratulate her and gift her with presents, balloons and flowers.
"aap sab ko kaise pataa chala?" Riddhima was surprised as she was very secretive about her personal life at school. She almost felt embarrassed for all the attention she was getting.
"yeh bhi koyi chupaaney waali baat hai?" the principal came forward and blessed her.
Riddhima finally reached her class, but was still wondering, "kiss ney kiya hoga yeh?"
She greeted her class but was soon surrounded by all the little kids' hugs and kisses
"happy birthday ma'am…."
"Thanks a lot…aap logon ko kisney bataya?"
One of the kids pointed is finger to the window. Riddhima looked up and saw Armaan standing at the window and waving to her.
Riddhima's smile vanished as she realized the culprit behind all of this.
She released herself from the kids and walked outside. She faced Armaan with folded arms, "tho yeh sab aapka tamasha hai?"
"tamasha? Yeh becharey bacche tho apni teacher ko wish kar rahey hain…"
"Dekhiye Armaan, mujhey zyada dikhawa pasand nahin hai…..aapkey Mumbai sheher mein hota hoga yeh sab, par hum log bahut private log hai yahan….I don't appreciate all this.." Riddhima stomped her feet and turned around
"Are you sure you just turned 21 and not 51?" Armaan remarked
Riddhima turned around in anger, "kya matlab?"
"yehi ki naraaz tho aise ho rahi ho jaise khush nahin ho apni birthday aaney par….I can understand if you were turning 41 or 51….par abhi tho jawani shuroo hi huyi hai…enjoy it sweetheart!" Armaan came close to her and said softly.
Riddhima was fuming at him addressing her as "sweetheart," but before she could say anything, Armaan had turned around and left.
She went back to her class and tried to calm down. She then saw a cut birthday card on her table with all the kid's names. She picked it up and was touched by the hand made card with all her little sudent's signatures. She kissed the card and looked up tearfully, "thank you bacchon…"
Later that morning Riddhima thought, "I hope I was not too harsh with Armaan….aakhir yeh birthday mujhey hamesha yaad rahega…..pata nahin main uss par naaraz kyon ho jaati hoon?….aakhir usney mera kuch bigada tho nahin hai…why does he keep bothering me so much?…kyon baar baar mere khayaalon mein aata rehta hai…..aaj shaam ko main us sey theek se baat karoongi…"
EVENING AT GUPTA's:
Padma and Shashank had organized the small birthday party in their backyard. A few close friends and relatives were there.
Aaliyah and Shabbir were one of the first ones to arrive. Riddhima wore a beautiful pink churidar with matching earrings and a few bangles. She believed in dressing simply, even if she was the attraction of the party.
"happy birthday Riddhima!" Shabbir greeted her. Aaliyah gave her a tight hug, "main asha karti hoon ki iss saal tujhey kisi se pyaar ho jaaye…."
Riddhima hit Aaliyah playfully at that comment, "tu bhi na…khud shaadi kar li ab chahti hai sab shaadi shuda ho jaaye…."
"Maine pyar kaha tha…shaadi nahin…" as soon as Aaliyah said that, she saw Sid and Armaan entering the house. Aaliyah thought, "ho sakta hai meri baat sach ho jaaye….is saal Riddhima ko Sid se pyaar ho jaaye tho kitna accha hoga…."
Aaliyah had always liked Sid; she knew that he loved Riddhima, but Riddhima had not shown any interest in him so far. Aaliyah was hopeful now that Riddhima was getting to a marriageable age, she would see Sid in a different light. Aaliyah was surprised to see Shabbir and Armaan hugging and patting each other.
She walked towards them, "aap ek doosrey ko jaantey hain?"
"OH..Aaliyah…yeh Armaan mere bachpan ka dost…hum dono Mumbai mein saath hi school mein padhe the- right from 1 st to 12 standard……" Shabbir patted Armaan's back and laughed.
Aaliyah was impressed and looked at Armaan, "really? Tab tho aap se dosti karni padhegi….aap bataaiye Shabbir school mein kya kya shaitani karta tha…."
Armaan, Shabbir and Aaliyah talked for a little while. Riddhima was busy with other guests, but kept looking at their direction from time to time. She was also surprised to see how friendly Armaan and Shabbir were with each other.
Armaan looked up and saw the puzzled look on Riddhima's face. He excused himself and walked towards Riddhima, "aaj aap mujhey ghoor ghoor ke kyon dekh rahi hain? Aapke Shabbir sahib mere bahut acche dost hain….surprised?"
"OH….mujhey nahin pata tha.." Riddhima lowered her eyes as she was caught red-handed staring at Armaan.
Armaan took out a box and gave it to Riddhima.
"Yeh kya hai?" she asked
"Birthday ke din kya ho sakta hai…chota sa tofa hai…." Armaan said
Riddhima opened the box and saw a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set.
She asked, "asli hai?"
Armaan brought his face close to hers as usual and said softly, "main nakli cheezon mein vishwas nahi karta.."
Riddhima pulled back and closed the box, "aap please rakh lee jiye…main zyada jewelry nahin pehnti….bekaar mein rakha rahega….mujhey aise gifts pasand nahin hain"
Sid intervened and handed a small package to Riddhima.
"ab yeh kya hai?" Riddhima was amused
"tumharey favorite ghazals ka CD" Sid smiled at Riddhima and then looked at Armaan with the corner of his eyes as if indicating, "main jeet raha hoon Armaan!"
Riddhima was excited with the gift, "thanks Sid…tum mera kitna dhyan rakhtey ho…."
Armaan suddenly felt a little pang in his chest….. "am I feeling a little jealous here? But why? This is just a game…..why do I feel that I have a right on her rather than Sid….yeh kya ho raha hai mujhey…..," he just walked away, a little dejected by her rejection of his gift.
Armaan would not get dissuaded that easily. He thought, 'koyi baat nahin…ab back up plan use karna hoga.."
Armaan went up to Shabbir, "yaar yaad hai hum school mein kina gaana gaya karte the…humara ek band bhi tha…"
"Oh ya….we called ourselves AWARA….ha.ha.." Shabbir laughed
"yaar tere paas guitar hai kya?" Armaan suddenly had a bright idea
"haan hai..par kya karega….wo tho tuned bhi nahin hai…"
"chal mere saath…I need the guitar…"
Armaan and Shabbir left and were back in hour. Riddhima realized that Armaan had left. She thought may be he was upset about her not accepting his gift but she just shrugged her shoulders, "sorry Armaan….my principles would not change for anyone….."
Armaan came back carrying a guitar in his hands
"Ladies and Gentlemen…mera dost Armaan aap sab ko ek gaana sunaayega….he is a great singer bas kayi saalon se gaaya nahin hai…tho excuse him if he is a little out of tune.." Shabbir joked as everyone laughed.
Armaan said, "this is for the birthday girl…I hope she likes this gift.
He sang: "khilte hain gul yahan"
http://www.dishant.com/album/kishore-kumar...-prodigy-2.html
khilate hain gul yahaa, khil ke bikhar ne ko
milate hain dil yahaa, mil ke bichhadane ko
kal rahe naa rahe, mausam ye pyaar kaa
kal ruke naa ruke, dolaa bahaar kaa
chaar pal mile jo aaj pyaar mein gujaar do
zeelo ke hothhonpar meghon kaa raag hain
fulon ke seene mein thhandee thhandee aag hain
dil ke aaeene mein ye too samaa utaar le
pyaasaa hain dil sanam pyaasee ye raat hain
hothhon mein dabee dabee koee meethhee baat hain
Riddhima was pleasantly surprised at Armaan's singing…she could never imagine that a person like Armaan could sing so well….and with so much passion in his voice. She could not take her eyes off Armaan. Armaan also kept giving her his piercing looks during the song.
Everyone congratulated Armaan after the song. Sid was visibly disturbed by the turn of events. He did not know what effect this would have on Riddhima.
Riddhima could not resist anymore and went up to Armaan, "Thanks …aap sacchi bahut accha gaate hain….," she smiled at him
Armaan came closer and looked into her eyes, "yadi aap aise hi muskura thi rahi, tho aur bhi gaane ko tayyar hoon…," he noticed that Riddhima actually blushed at that comment instead of getting upset like she usually did. She lowered her eyes and turned around to join Aaliyah.
Armaan just sighed and looked at Sid as if saying, "khel abhi shuroo hi hua hai…..jeetunga tho main hi…"
[B]PART 1 (introduction)
HORSE RACE ARENA:
Two men and a woman are shouting at the top of their lungs, as they cheer for their favorite horses in the racecourse. One of the men is a tall, handsome man about 6 feet in height and is following the horses closely with his binoculars. The other man, slightly shorter but also good-looking is nervously keeping his fingers crossed as the horses are nearing the finish line. The woman, an attractive and happy-go-lucky lady in her early 20's is just cheering for the fun of it. She does not have any stakes in any of the competitors; is enjoying the company of her 2 best friends in this world.
"Yeah''Jaguar has done it! I knew it!" The tall man gives a high-five to the lady, as his horse has just crossed the finish line ahead of the other racers.
"Kya kaha tha mainey Sid? Mujhsey koyi betting mein nahin haar sakta'.don't you agree Shilpa?"
"Wo tho hai Armaan'" Shilpa smiled and gave Armaan a friendly hug.
"Sid'..don't be disappointed'.agli race mein main tumhey help karti hoon'." Shilpa tried to cheer the shorter man, who looked sullen after another lost bet.
"Nahin Shilpa'..ab chaltey hain'.kitney paise barbaad karoonga'." Sid said disappointedly.
"Yaar'.itni jaldi haar mat maana kar'chal let's all go get a beer'." Armaan patted Sid's back and the three of them walked out of the arena
"Let's go get some dinner'..main thak gayi.." Shilpa said.
The two men agreed and jumped into Armaan's new sports car to the closest restaurant.
AT THE RESTAURANT:
The three of them found a table at the famous Chinese restaurant and ordered their choices.
"Armaan'tu bahut lucky hai'.hamesha jeet jaata hai'chahey wo horce racing ho ya phir kuch aur cheez'kya raaz hai iska?" Sid asked
"No risk, no gain! Seedhi si baat hai'..duniya mein sab cheez bikaaoo hai'.everything has a price'.if you are willing to pay it, you will always be successful'."
"I don't agree Armaan'..maana paisa important hai, kuch bhi khareed sakta hai, par you can't buy emotions like love with it" Sid argued
"naa'love is really over rated'.it is a good way to sell romantic novels and chick flicks, but love is like any other commodity'..if you are willing to pay for it, you can buy it'" Armaan said
"Ab wahan dekho'." Armaan pointed towards another table, where an obviously upset woman refused to talk to the man who sat across from her. The man, her lover was pleading her to talk to him and forgive him, but the lady did not budge.
"OK..darling, dekho main tumharey liye kya laaya hoon'." The man on the other table took out a box and removed a beautiful gold bracelet from it. The lady's expression changed from a frown to an ear-to-ear grin within seconds.
"Dekha'.a living example'.aapki aankhon ke saamney'.." Armaan said victoriously
"Sab ladkiyan aisi nahin hoti'" Sid defended himself
"I agree with Sid on this'" Shilpa said as she sipped on her drink, "Armaan tumhey shayad kisi se pyaar nahin huya hai'that is why you are saying this'"
"C'mon Shilpz'' ladkiyon ko tho roz mujhsey pyar ho jaata hai'.I just have to buy some flowers or take her out to any expensive restaurant'and bingo they are falling for me!"
"Jis din tumhey saccha pyar ho jaayega, you will not say that.." Sid said
"Naa'bet ho jaaye, duniya mein main kisi bhi ladki ko pataa sakta hoon'..yeh saccha pyar vyar kuch nahin hota'" Armaan said arrogantly
"Accha'tho aaj tak mujhey kyon nahin pataaya?" Shilpa said mischievously.
"Tum? Arre'tum tho hamari jaisi ho'.tumhey kya pataana?" Armaan joked
"Oh really?"Shilpa felt offended
"OK'OK'.tum chaho tho main tumhey kal date par le jaata hoon and you will be madly in love with me by the end of the date'" Armaan curled his nose and lips and winked.
"No thanks Armaan'..you are not my types'.." Shilpa warned him
"Tum log bhi'.ab ladaai bandh karo'.let's enjoy the food" Sid said
Armaan, Sid and Shilpa had been friends since their college days. Armaan and Shilpa were originally from Mumbai and both belonged to rich business families.
Sid had moved from Nainital to pursue higher education in Mumbai and came from a modest background. Armaan and Sid were opposites, but that is why they became good friends also. Sid's honest and down to earth nature had attracted Armaan to him from day 1. Armaan, in return had helped Sid settle down in Mumbai and treated him like a family member. Armaan's parents were very fond of Sid too. Shilpa knew Armaan since childhood and had become a part of their gang since the last 2 years of college.
Armaan had joined his dad's construction business after graduation. Shilpa was helping her mother run their garments business these days. Sid was working for a bank, but was not too thrilled with his job yet.
"Hey guys'.mainey ek faisla kiya hai'main wapas Nainital move karna chahta hoon'," Sid made a surprise announcement in the middle of dinner.
Armaan and Shilpa had their mouths left open at that announcement.
"Kya keh raha hai? What are you going to do in Nainital?" Armaan asked
"Yaar'main wahan ke community college mein economics padhaaunga'mujhey naukri bhi mil gayi hai'"
"Par Sid tumharey tho ab parents bhi nahin rahey wahan'.kya karogey wahan jaakey?"Shilpa asked
"Haan parents nahin hain, par aur log tho hain'.hamara ghar hai abhi bhi wahan'..phir ass pados ke log hain wahan'" Sid paused, as his real reason to go back was someone else''someone whom he had loved all his life, but never expressed it. Now that he was young and settled, he wanted to go back and ask her hand in marriage from her parents, Shashank and Padma Gupta-they had been Sid's neighbors since early childhood.
The girl, Riddhima Gupta was now a beautiful 21- year- old girl and a music teacher in one of the local elementary schools. Sid wanted to go back desperately and pour his feelings out for her. He had tried to express his feelings since they were kids, but had never mustered the courage.
"Yaar'Nainital mein tere career kaise aagey badhega?'yahan tho kitna scope hai'you can make as much money as you want in this city'.bas drive honi chahiye'." Armaan tried to convince Sid.
"Yaar'.money is not everything'Nainital ki har cheez aur har insaan paise ko itni importance nahin deta'" Sid said.
"Ya right! Nainital mein bhi har cheez khareedi jaa sakti hai jaise ki Mumbai mein'.I can bet you on that!" Armaan said confidently
"No you are wrong Armaan'..I can bet you on that too!" Sid held out his hand.
Armaan shook Sid's hand, "Ok..bet'..main tujhey prove kar doonga ki Nainital mein bhi har cheez aur har insaan khareeda jaa sakta hai'"
"Guys'stop behaving like kids'chalo dessert order kartey hain'" Shilpa broke their handshake.
MUMBAI RAILWAY STATION:
Armaan came to the railway station to drop Sid.
"Nainital jaakar settle ho jaa, phir tujhsey milney aaoonga.." Armaan gave a hug to Sid and helped him load his luggage into the railway compartment
"I can't wait for that'..main tujhey Nainital ki sair karvaaunga'phir pata chalega ki main wahan kyon wapas jaana chahta hoon'"
"Aur haan'..remember the bet!" Armaan said
"tere saath reh kar kaise bhool sakta hoon ki tu har cheez mein apni shart zaroor rakhta hai'of course I remember but I know for once I will win the bet in Nainital" Sid said confidently.
They saw Shilpa running towards them, "thank god tum abhi yahin ho'.mujhey laga gaadi nikal gayi hogi'"
"Railway waalon ko pata tha ki Ms late lateef Shilpa bhi aayengi, is liye train late kar di'" Armaan joked
Shilpa hit Armaan playfully, "theek hai main late lateef hoon, par tum mein tho itni aur buraayian hain ki kahan tak ginwaoon'"
"OK guys, mere peechey ladai mat karna''" Sid said
"That is impossible'yeh tho paida hi ladney ke liye huyi hai'" Armaan said mischievously.
"Dekhna Armaan ek din tumhari sabsey zyada help bhi main hi karoongi.." Shilpa teased.
"Help? Ya right! Pehley time par tho pahunch jaaya karo.." Armaan and Sid laughed together and said their final goodbyes.
As they left the station, Shilpa said, "Armaan, I am sure we will miss Sid'..we should go and visit him in Nainital one day"
"BINGO! That is what I told him too," Armaan said as he sat in his car, "see you later Shilpz'"
NAINITAL:
Sid reached his ancestral home. He unlocked the door and came inside. The house had been inhabited since his parent's death a year ago, but looked like someone had been taking good care of it.
"Arre maasi aap?" Sid was surprised to see Padma follow him into the house.
"Mujhey bahut khushi hai ki tum wapas aa gaye'"
Sid touched her feet, "lagta hai aap logon ney hamare ghar ki bahut acchi dekh baal ki hai.."
"Arre tho kya hua beta?'..tum bhi tho hamare bete jaise ho.."
"Maasi'K..Riddhima kahan hai?" Sid hesitated
Padma smiled, "wo abhi school se nahin aayi hai'"
"Tum fresh ho jaao, phir khana khane aa jana, tab tak Riddhima bhi aa jaayegi" Padma was aware that although Sid and Riddhima were childhood friends, Sid had a soft corner for her daughter. She was not sure about Riddhima though. She knew Riddhima liked Sid also, but was she ready to accept him as a life partner? Padma and Shashank would not mind if Sid and Riddhima were to tie the knot, as their only daughter could still stay close to them in Nainital. She thought she would broach the subject with her husband tonight, before probing Riddhima's feelings.
GUPTA's HOUSE:
Sid was having lunch with Shashank and Padma was serving them hot food
"Bas maasi'aur nahin'" Sid protested as Padma kept loading his plate with various "pakwaans"
"Arre Sid! Kab aaye tum?" an excited Riddhima entered the house.
"aaj hi wapas aaya hoon"
"Tho tum really yahan job karogey?" Riddhima sat down on the dining table and served herself some food.
"Iraada tho yahi hai"
"mujhey tho lagta hai tum bore ho kar jaldi wapas chaley jaaogey," she said
"Kyon? Aisa kyon sochti ho"
"Kyonki aisa hi dekha hai mainey'Mumbai ki chamak dhamak se koyi bach nahin paata"
"Accha? Aisa hai tho tum kyon nahin jaati wahan? Tumhey tho chance bhi milaa tha wahan ke ek music school mein"
"Nahin'main Nainital mein hi theek hoon, yahan mama papa bhi hain, aur mujhey chamak dhamak pasand bhi nahin hai"
Sid smiled to himself and thought, "bilkul badli nahin hai'.abhi bhi pehle jaisi simple hi hai'..kaash ek din meri ban jaaye wo"
After lunch, Sid and Riddhima went for a walk. They talked about Nainital, their old school friends, her job as the music teacher in the school. He told her about his few years in Mumbai, how he was grateful to have 2 good friends there, how they supported him after his parents died in an accident a year ago, his experiences with the hectic city life, "ab main Nainital hi settle hona chahta hoon'kitni shanti hai yahan'..Mumbai mein kitna shor sharaaba tha'.aur jaanti ho Riddhima thode din mein mera wo dost hai na Armaan mujhsey milney aayega"
"Accha? Tumhara dost hai tho mujhey bhi milna hoga," she smiled
"Haan'.bahut hi character hai wo'.mujhsey bilkul alag'.par dil ka achcha hai aur bahut helpful hai'bas thoda money minded hai'..money is his first love you see"
"Money? Wo tho Mumbai waalon ki bimaari hai'.mujhey khushi hai ki tum wapas aa gaye," she smiled again and went back to her house, "bye Sid'..kal miltey hain.."
Sid just looked at her and sighed, "kab keh paaunga tumhey dil ki baat?"
GUPTA's HOUSE:
Padma had already spoken to Shashank about a possible alliance between Sid and Riddhima. Shashank was thrilled with that idea. He knew Sid was a decent and a qualified boy. His family had been very close to the Gupta's-there was no doubt in his mind that this would be an ideal match.
"Riddhima beti'idhar tho aa'ek baat poonchni hai tujhsey?" Padma called Riddhima to her room
"Haan mama'boliye?"
"beti..ab tu badhi ho gayi hai'."
"Oh mama'shaadi ki baat mat karna mujhsey'abhi main tayyar nahin hoon'"
"Par sun tho sahi'..tujhey Sid kaisa lagta hai?"
"Sid? Aap meri Sid se shaadi karaana chahti hain?" Riddhima laughed loudly
"kyon? Kya kharabi hai usmey?"
"Kharabi nahin," Riddhima tried to suppress her laughter, "bahut accha hai'.par mainey kabhi usey is nazar se nahin dekha mama'..mujhey tho wo hamesha ek dost ya bhai jaisa hi laga hai'.," she left the room, still trying hard not to laugh.
PART 3:
Riddhima went to her room and sprawled on the bed. She took out her notebook and started writing something. There was a knock on her door, "Arre Aaliyah! Aaja andar aaja..," Riddhima was thrilled to see her best friend.
Aaliyah walked in and gave Riddhima a hug, "kya likh rahi hai?"
Riddhima hid her notebook, "kuch nahin'bas yuhin.."
"Jaanti hoon'kavita likh rahi hogi'yeh bataa kis ke liye likhti hai tu?"
"zaroori hai kisi aur ke liye hi likhoon, apney liye nahin likh sakti kya?" Riddhima sounded annoyed
"yeh baat nahin'par koyi tho inspiration hoga na '..kahin Sid tho nahin?"
"hutt! Tum aur mama dono ke dimaag mein yeh fitoor kahan se aa gaya hai?"
"kyon? Kya kharabi hai Sid mein?"
"Dekh Aaliyah, yadi mama ne bheja hai tujhey tho tu wapas chali jaa'jaa apney Shabbir ke paas'."
Shabbir and Aaliyah had just gotten recently married. Shabbir had grown up in Mumbai, but had recently moved to Nainital after getting married to Aaliyah. He was a dentist by profession and in no time had established himself in Nainital.
"Shabbir tho apni clinic mein hai'..wahan jaakar kya karoongi'is liye tujhey bore karney aa gayi'..accha chhod Sid ki baat'.yeh bataa apni kavitaon ko publish kyon nahin karwati?"
"Kaun karega inko publish? Aaj kal tho gali gali mein poets mil jaatey hain'.rehney de!"
"koshish karegi tho zaroor mil jaayega koyi'" Aaliyah grabbed her notebook and started reading. Riddhima tried to snatch it back and the two girls chased each other around like little schoolgirls.
A FEW WEEKS LATER IN MUMBAI:
Armaan was having dinner with his parents at home.
"beta Armaan'..main soch ti hoon ki ab tu shaadi kar le aur settle ho ja," Naina Mallik, his mom said
"Mom! Itni jaldi nahin!"
"kyon becharey ke peechey padhi rehti ho? Abhi tho uske hasney khelney ke din hain," Dilip Mallik, his dad defended him
"theek kaha aapney dad'..shaadi ke baad tho life bahut boring ho jaayegi mom.."
"main bhi yahi chahti hoon ki teri life boring ho jaaye'.warna raat raat baahar rehta hai'.kitni ladkiyon ke saath ghoomta rehta hai'..meri saari friends bhi ab teri chinta karney lagi hain.."
"Aapki friends? Kyon sab aapni ladkiyon ke rishtey bhej rahi hain kya?" Armaan laughed
"Armaan'please serious ho jaao'tumhari reputation ab ek playboy ki ho gayi hai'..koyi accha rishta nahin milega tumhey.." Naina scolded him
"Mom! Shaadi reputation se nahin paise se hoti hai'..aur main jitna lamba hoon na'utni hi ladkiyan seedhi chadkar mere pocket mein aana chahti hain'..don't worry'aapko bahu milney mein koyi problem nahin hogi,"
"You are right my son'..enjoy yourself as long as you can'. warna meri tarah jo pehli ladki dekhi, usi se shaadi karni padhegi," Dilip ducked after that comment, as he knew Naina would chew him up.
Naina just got up and gave the two men a cold stare and walked off, "jaisa baap'waisa beta!"
The father and son just high-fived each other and continued to eat.
"Hmm Armaan'.Sid wapas Nainital chalaa gaya na?" Dilip asked
"Haan dad'sadh raha hoga uss chote se sheher mein.."
"Actually Armaan'main chahta hoon tum Nainital jaao'.ek land deal hai jo kayi din se aagey nahin badh rahi hai'..shayad tum kuch kar sako'"
"sure dad! Main tho Sid se milney jaana hi chahta tha'.kab jaana hai?'"
"as soon as you can'..office mein saarey papers hain'.basically wo land ek koyi Mr Trivedi ki hai, it is at a very good location. Main chahta hoon wahan ek accha tourist hotel khola jaaye'my agent has not been able to convince him to sell'.but I know you can do it son!"
"OK Nainital here I come'" Armaan got up from the table to make arrangements for his trip.
He called Shilpa, "Hey'Shilpz Nainital chalogi? Sid se milney?"
"Nahin Armaan abhi nahin'..mom ki tabiyat kuch kharab hai'." Shilpa said on the other end
"OK'may be next time, but I am leaving tomorrow'."
"aakar saari khabar dena Sid ki'I am curious'Bye!" Shilpa hung up
NAINITAL:
Armaan was able to get a jazzy convertible sports car, through one of his dad's contacts in Nainital.
Armaan loved to show off his driving skills, especially in a small town like Nainital, he knew he would get a lot of attention. He charged down the streets of Nainital. Most passers by were certainly in awe of the expensive car on their streets.
Armaan saw two women walking ahead on the road. He zoomed past them, splashing muddy water from a puddle on the two of them. Their beautiful starched salwaar suits were ruined by the dirty water.
"dekh kar nain chal saktey kya?" Riddhima shouted. The other woman, Aaliyah screamed too, "these spoilt rich brats! Kahan se aa jaatey hain?"
Armaan noticed what had happened in his rear view mirror. He stopped his car and reversed it. "How could I have done this to two beautiful women?" he thought. He got off the car and saw the women sprayed with dirty water.
"I am sorry ladies'.aap logon ko lift de sakta hoon'"
"No thanks!" Riddhima said angrily
"Yeh kaise ho sakta hai? Itni badi gaadi ka kya faayda, jab aap jaisi khubsoorat ladies ko paidal chalna padhe? Aapkey naazuk badan ke liye yeh theek nahin hai" Armaan stared at Riddhima and ckecked her from top to bottom with his piercing eyes.
"Aap apni gaadi se kisi aur ko impress kar lee jiyega'.we could care less'.chalo let's go," Riddhima dragged Aaliyah.
Armaan just sighed, "Oh boy! Lagta hai Nainital ki ladkiyan kuch zyada hi khatti meethi hain'.mazaa aayega yahan!"
PART 4:
Sid heard a loud noise outside his house. He came out and saw a red convertible sports car, "hmm lagta hai Armaan aa gaya,"
Armaan appeared from no where and surprised Sid, "mainey kaha tha na tujhey milney zaroor aaoonga'..dekho aa gaya'"
"Itney style mein tu hi aa sakta hai'kahan mili yeh gaadi?"
"pata hai'.. tere is chote se shahar mein aisi gaadi kahan milegi?'par Armaan jahan jaata hai apni zarooratein poori kar leta hai'.."
"I know I know'chal ab andar chal'."Sid tried to drag him indoors.
"Zaroorat se yaad aaya'..yahan koyi nightclubs wagarah hain?" Armaan stopped at the doorstep.
"Yeh Nainital hai'yahan log aaram karney aatey hain'..raat ko jaagney nahin aatey'."
"pata nahin kaise gaaon mein reh raha hai'.accha ladkiyan tho milengi na?"
"apna saaman andar rakh'..baad mein baat karta hoon," Sid just shook his head and walked in with one of Armaan's bag.
"Beta'.kahan hai tu?" Sid came out as he heard Padma's voice
"aaiye maasi'.yeh mera Mumbai ka dost, Armaan hai'."
Armaan folded his hands, "namaste aunty'..Sid aap logon ki hamesha tareef karta tha'aap mein koyi jaadu hoga jo aap logon ke paas wapas aa gaya'.hum tho rok nahin paaye issey'"
"Arre aisi baat nahin hai beta'..Nainital hai hi aisi jagah'jo ek baar yahan ka ho gaya tho aur kahin mann nahin lagta'." Padma said affectionately.
"Dekha maasi'main bhi issey yahi kehta hoon'..Nainital jaisi koyi jagah nahin hai duniya mein'."
"Accha main chalti hoon'shaam ko tum dono hamarey yahan hi khana khana'." Padma left to go back to her house.
"Yaar''.ghar ka khana? Main tho kahin restaurant jaaney ki soch raha tha.." Armaan complained.
"Maasi ke haath ka khana khayega na tho saare restaurants bhool jaayega'." Sid reassured him.
"Theek hai main shaam tak aa jaaunga'." Armaan picked his car keys and turned to leave.
"Kahan ja raha hai?'abhi tho aaya hai" Sid asked
"Wo'dad ka kuch kaam tha'ek zameen ke silsilay mein jaana hai'."
"kaun si zameen?"
"Wo koyi Mall road par Mr Trivedi ki'wahan dad ek hotel banana chahtey hain'"
"Wo? Trivedi sahib ko aaj tak koyi nahin khareed saka'" Sid discouraged him
"Oh yeah? Tab tho zaroor milna padhega unsey'.theek hai bet lagaa le'.. aaj shaam tak uss zameen ke kagaz mere haath mein hongey'."
"Theek hai'.mainey kaha tha na Nainital ke log paise se nahin biktey'..chal bet laga the hain'kitney ki?"
"wohi apni standard'100 Rs" Armaan shook Sid's hand and left
EVENING:
Armaan got back a little after sunset.
"Armaan'kahan chalaa gaya tha tu? Maasi kabsey khaney ke liye bula chuki hain.."
Armaan walked in and handed over some papers to Sid.
"yeh kya hai Armaan?"
"khud hi dekh ke" Armaan said
Sid unfolded the papers, "arre yeh tho Mall road waali zameen ke'.par kaise kiya tuney?'
"Sid everything has a price'.you just have to be willing to pay the right price'ab nikaal mere 100 Rs"
"Maan gaya tujhey'yeh le apney paise'..par kaise kiya tuney?"
"tujhey aam khaney se matlab hai ya pedh gin ney se'chal ab bhookh lag rahi hai'." Armaan put his arm around Sid and walked out with him.
GUPTA'S HOUSE:
Padma and Shashank greeted Armaan and Sid, "aao'aao beta'.tum logon ka hi intezaar tha.."
"Maasi Riddhima kahan hai?" Sid asked as they settled into the chairs around the dining table
"Wo zara bahar gayi hai'aati hi hogi" Padma answered. She knew Sid always asked for Riddhima; she was aware that his face always lit up as soon as Riddhima entered the house.
"Beta..apney baarey mein kuch batao.." Shashank looked at Armaan and asked
"Main? Main tho bas eenth aur patthar ke saath kaam karta hoon'.hamara construction ka business hai'..bas kaam chal jaata hai'." Armaan said
Sid was surprised at Armaan's modesty, "arre mausaji'bahut bada business hai'yeh aise hi bol raha hai'"
Shashank laughed, "wo tho main uski gaadi dekhkar hi samajh gaya tha'..very good Armaan'itni choti umar mein tumney itni success dekhi hai'.you must be very hard working'"
"Nahin uncle'just lucky'.mere dad ney bahut mehnat ki thi'.I am just enjoying his fruits of labor.." Armaan laughed back
"Beta'aur khana lo'" Padma asked both Armaan and Sid. Sid usually had a small appetite, 'bas maasi'aur nahin"
Armaan turned around, "aunty'main manaa nahin karoonga'.aap sach much bahut acchi cook hain'.laaiye'idhar laaiye.." Armaan filled his plate with all the delicious foods.
"yeh tho Riddhima ney help ki thi'Riddhima bahut accha khana banaati hai.." Padma said proudly.
"Riddhima?" Armaan asked
"Hamari ek lauti beti'" Shashank said. Armaan did not make anything of that comment and kept savoring the delicacies.
The door opened, "mama'yeh rahi ras malai'.badi mushkil se mili hai'halwai dukaan bandh hi kar raha tha'.." Riddhima went straight to the kitchen.
"Ras malai?" Armaan exclaimed, "aap ko kaise pata mujhey meetha pasand hai.."
"Tujhey kaun sa khana pasand nahin hai?" Sid remarked, "maasi'yeh khane ka bahut shaukeen hai'issey hum college mein foodie kehtey the'.."
"Beta..jab tak Nainital mein ho'.mujhey batana kya pasand kartey ho'.main ya Riddhima tumharey liye bana dengey"
"Thanks aunty" Armaan smiled
Just then Riddhima came out from the kitchen and hesitated as soon as she saw Armaan at the table. Her smile changed into a frown within seconds, "aap yahan?"
Armaan looked up and thought, "oh tho yeh khatti meethi ka ghar hai'."
Armaan got up and pretended, "Hmm'hum pehley mil chukey hain?"
Riddhima just gave him a cold look and thought, "tum jaise log pata nahin kitney logon ko apni gaadi se keechad uchaaltey nikal jaatey hogey'"
"Aao Riddhima'yeh mera dost Armaan hai'Mumbai se aaya hai.." Sid got up too
Riddhima remembered Sid mentioning his friend in a previous conversation. She remembered he had mentioned that Armaan was very rich and money was a big priority in his life. Everything fell into place now-he was probably a filthy rich brat!
Shashank said, "Riddhima'tum Armaan ko jaanti ho?"
Riddhima did not say anything and sat in her chair.
Armaan finally spoke, "hmm yaad aaya'.aaj sadak par'I am sorry meri gaadi se aapkey kapdey kharab ho gaye the'..yeh leejiye'.," Armaan took out his wallet, "aap please apney kapdey kahin dry clean karwa leejiye'," and took out some money.
Riddhima was offended, "Thanks but no thanks Mr Armaan'..hum Nainital mein apney kapdey dry clean nahin'khud haath se dhotey hain'."
Sid smiled to himself and thought, "Armaan ko ab pata chalega'hamarey Nainital ki ladkiyan kitni alag hain'."
Armaan could not say anything and just put his wallet back into his pocket.
Padma tried to lighten up the air, "arre beta'.yeh kaisi baat kar rahey ho'..hamare Nainital ki sadakein itni kharab hai'.kya kar saktey hain'tumhari galti nahin hai'."
Riddhima was annoyed at her mother for defending Armaan's rude roadside manners.
After dinner, Armaan and Sid took leave from the Gupta's. Armaan's eyes followed Riddhima everywhere the rest of the evening. He was fascinated by her, but he thought she was just acting pricey to get his attention as most women did when they were around him.
"Bye Riddhima!'" Sid waved as Riddhima preferred to stay inside rather than seeing them off at the door.
"Phir milengey!" Armaan waved and winked at her.
She turned red and muttered under her breathe, "phir milengey my foot!"
Padma walked in, "Arre Riddhima'aise mehmaan ke saath nahin kartey'kya sochega Armaan Nainital ke logon ke baarey mein?"
Riddhima just turned around and left for her room, "mujhey kuch farak nahin padhta mama'.zyaada paise waale zaroori nahin zyaada acche bhi ho.."
"beti'abhi tho ek baar hi mili ho'.ek baar mein insaan ka pata nahin chalta'"
SID's HOUSE:
Armaan and Sid sat outside in the patio till late at night and talked about Mumbai, their college days, Shilpa and other friends.
Armaan suddenly changed the subject, "yaar'.tu kehta tha na ki Nainital ki ladkiyan alag hoti hain'..par mujhey nahin lagta'.basically they are all the same," Riddhima's image was still clear in his mind.
"kya matlab?"
"ab Riddhima ko hi dekho'bahar se itni touch-me-not types lagti hai'par andar se I am sure she is dying to go out with a guy like me.." Armaan smiled
"Nahin yaar'Riddhima aisi nahin hai.."
"Bet lagata hai? Armaan extended his hand
"Nahin yaar..teri daal wahan nahin galegi'"
"kyon nahin galegi'jab daal hai tho zaroor galegi'" Armaan said confidently
"Wo aisi ladki nahin hai'haar jaayega tu.." Sid sounded worried
"yaar'tera tho koyi chakkar wakkar nahin hai na uskey saath?" Armaan would withdraw the bet if Sid was genuinely interested in Riddhima, but a shy Sid could not admit to it openly.
"N..Nahin'" Sid hesitated and lowered his eyes.
"Tho theek hai''main jab Nainital se jaaunga'tab tak Riddhima meri deewani ho chuki hogi'wohi 100 Rs ki bet..OK?"
"OK'" Sid agreed reluctantly, but was confident that Armaan would lose this one. He knew Riddhima would never fall for Armaan's flashy nature or his wealth. He thought he knew Riddhima better than anyone else in this world''.he was not aware how experienced Armaan was with women'would Riddhima be able to resist his charm?
PART 5:
Armaan and Sid went to bed after deciding on the terms of their bet. Riddhima tried to go to bed in her room:
ARMAAN: He was looking forward to the challenge now. He knew it would not be easy, as Riddhima had not shown any interest in him so far. She seemed aloof and particularly annoyed at him-was it due to the incident with the car, or was it a general disapproval of his wealth and status? He would have to test the waters before he did anything drastic with her. He was confident that he would win the bet, as he had never lost a bet before; also he had never failed with women before''.he knew how to make women go crazy for him'.
SID: Lay in bed wide awake, "kya mainey bet lagaakar theek kiya? Aakhir Armaan bet jeetney ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hai'.par mujhey Riddhima par yakeen hai'usey Armaan jaise log bilkul pasand nahin hai'.wo logon ko acchi tarah pehchaanti hai'.wo jaldi hi samajh jaayegi ki Armaan serious nahin hai'..she will never fall for his tactics'.aur jab Armaan frustrate ho kar haar maan jaayega'tab main Riddhima ko apne dil ki baat bataa doonga'..usey phir pataa bhi chal jaayega ki main Armaan se kitna accha hoon aur kitna alag hoon'.phir Riddhima meri ho jaayegi'." Sid thought this was the best way to get Riddhima on his side'.she would see the difference between Armaan, the brat and Sid, the gentleman!
RIDDHIMA: Lay in bed and thought about her meetings with Armaan that day, "aakhir main kyon uskey baarey mein soch rahi hoon? Wo tho bas Sid ka dost hai'.par main itna naaraz kyon hoon us sey? Shayad mama theek kehti hain'.ek mulaqat mein kya pata chalta hai'..par har cheez mein showoff karta hai'.aise log mujhey bilkul pasand nahin'.aur meri taraf ghoor ghoor ke kyon dekhta hai, jaise pehley koyi ladki dekhi na ho''aaj tak kisi aadmi ne mujhey aise nahin dekha'..main itni uncomfortable kyon hoon? Shayad wo sabhi ladkiyon ko aise hi dekhta hoga'..aakhir bade baap ka bigda beta jo hai'." She covered her face with her pillow and tried to fall asleep.
NEXT MORNING:
Sid left for work early. Armaan got up and looked around, "lagta hai Sid tho chala gaya'.ab naashtey ka intezaam khud karna hoga'"
He peeked outside the window and saw that the Gupta's house was a stone throw's away. Their curtains were drawn, but if they were not, he would be able to see everything inside their house. He got ready and knocked on the Gupta's door.
"namaste aunty'goodmorning!"
"Aao beta'.Sid tho chala gaya hoga''naashta kiya tumney?"
"aapkey ghar se itni acchi khushboo aa rahi thi tho socha aap logon ko hi pareshaan kar doon'.mujhey tho khana banana aata nahin hai'"
"accha kiya jo aa gaye'.ab jab tak yahan ho'roz subah yahin nashta karna'Riddhima ne aaj uncle ke favorite poha banaya hain'khaaogey?"
"ab tho mujhey aur zyada bhook lag rahi hai'.I love poha.."
"RIDDHIMA! Beti zara ek cup chai tho laana'aur poha bhi'"
"aayi mama'" Riddhima answered from the kitchen
"uncle kahan hai?"Armaan asked, as he picked the newspaper
"wo morning walk par gaye hain'.aatey hi hongey'.wo nashta baad mein karengey'" Padma said.
"arre aunty'aap ke yahan English newspaper nahin aata?"
"beta chote shaharon mein zyada tar hindi newspaper hi padtey hain'" Padma smiled
"OH'" Armaan was disappointed and just folded the newspaper; he had not read a hindi newspaper in ages!
Riddhima came out of the kitchen and paused when she saw Armaan sitting at the table.
"Good morning Riddhima!" Armaan greeted her; he knew she did not expect to see him there.
"G..Good morning.." she said softly
She put the tea and dish with the poha on the table and said, 'mama'main school ke liye late ho rahi hoon'.aaj nashta nahin karoongi'.," she was trying to get away from Armaan's piercing gaze as soon as possible.
"beti'jaldi se khaa lo'.phir chali jaana'khaali pait nahin jaate kaam par'" Padma insisted and went back into the kitchen.
"Riddhima'.give me company'main aapko chhod doonga'.tho aap late nahin hongi'" Armaan said hopefully.
"nahin'main rikshaw kar loongi'." Riddhima made a face, hoping she would not have to ride in his fancy car.
Riddhima sat down and inhaled her breakfast. Armaan was amused at that sight, "Riddhima'.khaney par kyon naaraz ho rahi ho'.you don't have to go in my car'.jao rikshaw mein jao'." Armaan knew that he had to try reverse psychology with a girl like Riddhima.
Riddhima gave him a cold stare, "main aise hi khana khati hoon'.mere paas itna faaltu time nahin hai'.."
"OH'.tho aap ko lagta hai mere paas baht faaltu time hai?" Armaan retorted, "actually hai tho sahi'.aakhir itna paisa kis kaam ka?'I really enjoy my life unlike you, jo hamesha idhar se udhar bhaag te rehtey ho'."
"Mr Armaan'.every one doesnot have the luxury to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth!" Riddhima got up angrily.
Padma came back, "arre'tum dono ladai kar rahe ho kya?"
"nahin aunty'isse ladai nahin'nok jhonk kehte hain" Armaan smiled and got up to leave.
"I will be happy to drop you'." Armaan took his car keys and pointed outside the window.
"chali jao beti'.school time se pahunch jaaogi'.waise bhi der ho gayi hai aaj.." Padma looked at the wall clock.
Riddhima just gave Armaan another cold look, "theek hai'.aap chhod dee jiye.."
Armaan smiled and twirled his car keys on his forefinger, "after you'." He let Riddhima lead the way and started whistling something, "bye aunty and thanks'."
"beta'jab marzi ho aa jaya karo'.apna ghar hi samjho'." Padma saw them off
Armaan helped Riddhima settle in the passenger seat, 'seat belt zaroor laga lena'yeh sports car hai'"
Riddhima fumed, "sports car hai'par sadak tho Nainital ki hai'.yahan bail gaadi bhi car se tez chalti hai'.seat belt ki koyi zaroorat nahin hai'."
Armaan smiled and started the car. He made sure his seatbelt was snug in place and then zoomed off.
Riddhima almost hit the dashboard, "ARMAAN! Itni tez kyon chala rahey ho?"
"yeh Nainital ki sadak hai'.tez kahan hai?" Armaan teased her and kept accelerating the car.
Riddhima kept falling from one end of the car to the other, "please stop!"
The car came to a screeching halt as Armaan braked. Riddhima almost hit the dashboard again.
"Yeh kya tareeka hai car chalaane ka? Just because you have a fancy car, show off kar rahey ho?" Riddhima ssolded him
"Nahin madam'.aapko seatbelt pehney par majboor kar raha hoon'"
Riddhima rolled her eyes and gave in. After she had belted herself, Armaan started the car and drove the car as smoothly as a sailboat.
"Tho aap school mein kis class mein hain?" Armaan rolled his tongue and asked
"Main aapko student lagti hoon? Main wahan music teacher hoon'"
"OH'music teacher?'..aapki baton se lagta tha ki aap abhi ek bacchi hi hain'I am sorry, I did not realize you are an adult!" he looked at her with the corner of his eyes and waited for her reaction.
Riddhima was regretting the car ride, "pata nahin kyon aapkey saath aa gayi?"
"see'that is why I thought you are a kid'.hamesha ladney ko tayyar rehti ho'" Armaan teased her again
"Haan'aap jaise insaan ke saath tho ladai hi kee ja sakti hai'aur kuch nahin'" she said facing him.
Armaan stopped the car and turned his face towards her. He took out his dark glasses and brought his face close to hers and stared into her eyes, "aap mauka tho dee jiye'ladai tho kya, main aapko bahut kuch sikha sakta hoon," he spoke in a husky romantic tone which shocked Riddhima.
Riddhima backed off in the car, "y..yeh..aap kya kar rahey hain'.please mujhey school chhod dee jiye'."
Armaan leaned towards her door, almost resting his chest on her lap and unlocked her door, "aapka school'," he pointed outside.
Riddhima looked outside the window and was relieved that she was at her destination, but realized that Armaan was still holding the door latch, with his body practically resting on her. He gradually withdrew himself and as she got out of the car, her hand touched his hand accidentally. She felt goose bumps on herself as their hands touched each other for a flicker of a second'..
She got off and ran inside the school gates, without even thanking him or looking back.
Armaan smiled and rolled his lower lip, "lagta hai shart ka kaam shuroo ho gaya hai" He could sense that although she was all flustered by his touch, he had aroused a chord in her, which she probably was not aware of herself!
PART 6:
Armaan smiled and drove off after dropping Riddhima. He took care of matters related to the land purchase. He called Dilip, "Hello dad! Congratulations! Ab wo Mall road waali zameen apni hai…..ab bataaiye kaam kab shuroo karna hai?…..Alright dad….in that case main yahan kuch din aur extra reh jaata hoon…..ek baar kaam shuroo ho jaaye theek se….," he hung up, pleased with himself as he had killed two birds with one stone. Now he would have enough time to accomplish his real mission-WIN THE BET!
That evening, the Gupta's had dinner by themselves as both Sid and Armaan had not joined them. Sid had an evening class to teach and Armaan had dinner with Mr Trivedi to thank him for the land deal.
Armaan got back home late in the night. He purposely avoided having dinner at the Gupta's. He wanted the spark he had lit that morning inside Riddhima to kindle a little bit….he wanted her to miss him….
Armaan stood at his bedroom window and looked outside. He was pleasantly surprised to see that Riddhima's room was right across and as her curtains were not drawn, he could see her pacing up and down talking to someone on the phone. She was smiling and laughing a lot on the phone. He sighed and rested his elbows on the base of the window and kept staring at her, "hmm….tho tumhey muskurana bhi aat hai…..," her smile was indeed mesmerizing and he could not take his eyes off her for some reason.
Riddhima hung up and turned towards her window and was shocked to see a pair of eyes fixated on her. She turned red with embarrassment and drew the curtains to avoid his gaze. She stood at the edge of the window, breathing heavily, "yeh kya hua? Wo mujhey kyon dekh raha hai aise?" she pulled one corner of the curtain and peeked outside and was relieved to see his back to her now. She stood there and kept staring at his back, but suddenly he turned around to shut the window and their eyes met once again. She pulled herself back again and ran inside her room. Armaan just smiled and shut his window to go to bed.
The doorbell rang. Both Armaan and Sid came out to answer it.
"Arre maasi…aap iss time?" Sid was worried
"Kuch nahin….wo aaj tum dono shaam ko aaye nahin the na…iss liye yeh kheer dene aayi thi…..tum log khaa lo…"
"maasi itni taqleef kyon ki? Waise bhi main tho meetha pasand nahin karta…" Sid said
"Main tho karta hoon.." Armaan came forward and took the bowl of kheer from Padma
"Main jaanti thi ki Armaan ko zaroor pasand aayegi…" Padma smiled
Armaan tasted the kheer, "hmm…bahut acchi hai…aap ke haath mein tho jaadu hai aunty.."
Padma laughed, "yeh tho Riddhima ne banayi hai….ussi ko bataa dena…."
"Aunty aap ussey keh dena ki meetha kuch kum hai…." Armaan said mischievously
Padma was puzzled, "accha? Ho sakta hai…mainey bhi chakhi nahin….mujhey aaj kal diabetes ki shikayat hai na.."
"wo hamesha gussey mein rehti hai na…shayad is liye meetha kum daala hoga…." Armaan joked and patted Sid's shoulder.
Sid looked at Armaan and was happy that Riddhima had not shown any interest in Armaan yet.
"Nahin beta….aisa nahin hai….Riddhima logon se dosti karney mein time leti hai….kuch din mein wo tumhari bhi dost ho jaayegi…." Padma reassured him and then remembered, "jo kehney aayi thi wo tho bhool hi gayi…Friday shaam ko hamare yahan choti si party hai…..tum dono ko zaroor aana hai…."
"Koyi khaas baat aunty?" Armaan asked
"Riddhima ka birthday hai na maasi?" Sid asked
"haan…tujhey tho yaad hi rehta hai …..ab wo 21 ki ho rahi hai tho socha kuch khaas logon ko bula loon…phir pata nahi aagey shaadi byah ho gaya tho yeh mauka nahin milega…" Padma's voice got a little heavy at the thought of her daughter getting older and possibly leaving home. She turned around and left.
"Good night aunty!"Armaan called out and came back inside.
Armaan gobbled up the rest of the kheer and looked at Sid, "kyon Sid tujhey lagta hai main haar raha hoon?"
"yaar tu tho tab hi haar gaya tha jab tuney shart lagayi thi…..main Riddhima ko bachpan se jaanta hoon…." Sid smiled and went to his room
Armaan stood there and muttered under his breathe, "aagey aagey dekho hota hai kya…..jeetunga tho main hi!"
NEXT MORNING:
Armaan walked towards his car to go for a meeting. He saw Riddhima leaving her house too.
"Goodmorning! I can give you a lift if you want." Armaan was almost certain she would say "NO"
"Nahin main rikshaw mein chali jaaoongi…"
"OK" Armaan purposely did not plead or insist and put on his sunglasses and seat belt on. As soon as he started the car, Riddhima walked up to him, "kal raat khidki mein se kyon jhaank rahe the?"
"Kyon jhaankney par tax lagta hai Nainital mein? Yadi nazaara khubsoorat ho tho is mein jhaankney waaley ka kya kasoor?" he smiled mischievously and reversed his car to back out.
She followed him and then said, "kheer mein meetha kum tho nahin tha…mainey khud taste kiya tha…."
"Madam….ho sakta hai aapko kum meetha pasand ho," he came out of the car and stood inches from her face and said in a husky voice, "par mujhey tho zyaada meetha hi pasand aata hai," his eyes stared at her from top to bottom and then he sat back in the car and zoomed away, without waiting to see how red she had turned at his last comment.
Riddhima boarded her rickshaw but Armaan 's words kept echoing in her head, "Yadi nazaara khubsoorat ho tho is mein jhaankney waaley ka kya kasoor……… par mujhey tho zyaada meetha hi pasand aata hai….."
Riddhima thought, "mujhey samajh nahin aata yeh kya kehna chahta hai…..kyon keh raha hai yeh sab? Aakhir mujhey pareshaan kar raha hai…..ya….?" she shuddered as she thought of the second possibility…..is he really interested in me….NO WAY!
MORNING OF RIDDHIMA's BIRTHDAY:
Riddhima was in good spirits that morning. She received the blessings of her parents and left for work
"Beti…jaldi aa jaana…sab mehmaan shaam ko aa rahey hain…"
"Haan aa jaaoongi…." Riddhima shouted back and kept answering all her calls wishing her a happy birthday as she walked out.
SCHOOL:
As soon as she entered the school premises, she was shocked to see all the teachers, principal and students standing with a big banner "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS RIDDHIMA GUPTA!"
Everyone ran to congratulate her and gift her with presents, balloons and flowers.
"aap sab ko kaise pataa chala?" Riddhima was surprised as she was very secretive about her personal life at school. She almost felt embarrassed for all the attention she was getting.
"yeh bhi koyi chupaaney waali baat hai?" the principal came forward and blessed her.
Riddhima finally reached her class, but was still wondering, "kiss ney kiya hoga yeh?"
She greeted her class but was soon surrounded by all the little kids' hugs and kisses
"happy birthday ma'am…."
"Thanks a lot…aap logon ko kisney bataya?"
One of the kids pointed is finger to the window. Riddhima looked up and saw Armaan standing at the window and waving to her.
Riddhima's smile vanished as she realized the culprit behind all of this.
She released herself from the kids and walked outside. She faced Armaan with folded arms, "tho yeh sab aapka tamasha hai?"
"tamasha? Yeh becharey bacche tho apni teacher ko wish kar rahey hain…"
"Dekhiye Armaan, mujhey zyada dikhawa pasand nahin hai…..aapkey Mumbai sheher mein hota hoga yeh sab, par hum log bahut private log hai yahan….I don't appreciate all this.." Riddhima stomped her feet and turned around
"Are you sure you just turned 21 and not 51?" Armaan remarked
Riddhima turned around in anger, "kya matlab?"
"yehi ki naraaz tho aise ho rahi ho jaise khush nahin ho apni birthday aaney par….I can understand if you were turning 41 or 51….par abhi tho jawani shuroo hi huyi hai…enjoy it sweetheart!" Armaan came close to her and said softly.
Riddhima was fuming at him addressing her as "sweetheart," but before she could say anything, Armaan had turned around and left.
She went back to her class and tried to calm down. She then saw a cut birthday card on her table with all the kid's names. She picked it up and was touched by the hand made card with all her little sudent's signatures. She kissed the card and looked up tearfully, "thank you bacchon…"
Later that morning Riddhima thought, "I hope I was not too harsh with Armaan….aakhir yeh birthday mujhey hamesha yaad rahega…..pata nahin main uss par naaraz kyon ho jaati hoon?….aakhir usney mera kuch bigada tho nahin hai…why does he keep bothering me so much?…kyon baar baar mere khayaalon mein aata rehta hai…..aaj shaam ko main us sey theek se baat karoongi…"
EVENING AT GUPTA's:
Padma and Shashank had organized the small birthday party in their backyard. A few close friends and relatives were there.
Aaliyah and Shabbir were one of the first ones to arrive. Riddhima wore a beautiful pink churidar with matching earrings and a few bangles. She believed in dressing simply, even if she was the attraction of the party.
"happy birthday Riddhima!" Shabbir greeted her. Aaliyah gave her a tight hug, "main asha karti hoon ki iss saal tujhey kisi se pyaar ho jaaye…."
Riddhima hit Aaliyah playfully at that comment, "tu bhi na…khud shaadi kar li ab chahti hai sab shaadi shuda ho jaaye…."
"Maine pyar kaha tha…shaadi nahin…" as soon as Aaliyah said that, she saw Sid and Armaan entering the house. Aaliyah thought, "ho sakta hai meri baat sach ho jaaye….is saal Riddhima ko Sid se pyaar ho jaaye tho kitna accha hoga…."
Aaliyah had always liked Sid; she knew that he loved Riddhima, but Riddhima had not shown any interest in him so far. Aaliyah was hopeful now that Riddhima was getting to a marriageable age, she would see Sid in a different light. Aaliyah was surprised to see Shabbir and Armaan hugging and patting each other.
She walked towards them, "aap ek doosrey ko jaantey hain?"
"OH..Aaliyah…yeh Armaan mere bachpan ka dost…hum dono Mumbai mein saath hi school mein padhe the- right from 1 st to 12 standard……" Shabbir patted Armaan's back and laughed.
Aaliyah was impressed and looked at Armaan, "really? Tab tho aap se dosti karni padhegi….aap bataaiye Shabbir school mein kya kya shaitani karta tha…."
Armaan, Shabbir and Aaliyah talked for a little while. Riddhima was busy with other guests, but kept looking at their direction from time to time. She was also surprised to see how friendly Armaan and Shabbir were with each other.
Armaan looked up and saw the puzzled look on Riddhima's face. He excused himself and walked towards Riddhima, "aaj aap mujhey ghoor ghoor ke kyon dekh rahi hain? Aapke Shabbir sahib mere bahut acche dost hain….surprised?"
"OH….mujhey nahin pata tha.." Riddhima lowered her eyes as she was caught red-handed staring at Armaan.
Armaan took out a box and gave it to Riddhima.
"Yeh kya hai?" she asked
"Birthday ke din kya ho sakta hai…chota sa tofa hai…." Armaan said
Riddhima opened the box and saw a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set.
She asked, "asli hai?"
Armaan brought his face close to hers as usual and said softly, "main nakli cheezon mein vishwas nahi karta.."
Riddhima pulled back and closed the box, "aap please rakh lee jiye…main zyada jewelry nahin pehnti….bekaar mein rakha rahega….mujhey aise gifts pasand nahin hain"
Sid intervened and handed a small package to Riddhima.
"ab yeh kya hai?" Riddhima was amused
"tumharey favorite ghazals ka CD" Sid smiled at Riddhima and then looked at Armaan with the corner of his eyes as if indicating, "main jeet raha hoon Armaan!"
Riddhima was excited with the gift, "thanks Sid…tum mera kitna dhyan rakhtey ho…."
Armaan suddenly felt a little pang in his chest….. "am I feeling a little jealous here? But why? This is just a game…..why do I feel that I have a right on her rather than Sid….yeh kya ho raha hai mujhey…..," he just walked away, a little dejected by her rejection of his gift.
Armaan would not get dissuaded that easily. He thought, 'koyi baat nahin…ab back up plan use karna hoga.."
Armaan went up to Shabbir, "yaar yaad hai hum school mein kina gaana gaya karte the…humara ek band bhi tha…"
"Oh ya….we called ourselves AWARA….ha.ha.." Shabbir laughed
"yaar tere paas guitar hai kya?" Armaan suddenly had a bright idea
"haan hai..par kya karega….wo tho tuned bhi nahin hai…"
"chal mere saath…I need the guitar…"
Armaan and Shabbir left and were back in hour. Riddhima realized that Armaan had left. She thought may be he was upset about her not accepting his gift but she just shrugged her shoulders, "sorry Armaan….my principles would not change for anyone….."
Armaan came back carrying a guitar in his hands
"Ladies and Gentlemen…mera dost Armaan aap sab ko ek gaana sunaayega….he is a great singer bas kayi saalon se gaaya nahin hai…tho excuse him if he is a little out of tune.." Shabbir joked as everyone laughed.
Armaan said, "this is for the birthday girl…I hope she likes this gift.
He sang: "khilte hain gul yahan"
http://www.dishant.com/album/kishore-kumar...-prodigy-2.html
khilate hain gul yahaa, khil ke bikhar ne ko
milate hain dil yahaa, mil ke bichhadane ko
kal rahe naa rahe, mausam ye pyaar kaa
kal ruke naa ruke, dolaa bahaar kaa
chaar pal mile jo aaj pyaar mein gujaar do
zeelo ke hothhonpar meghon kaa raag hain
fulon ke seene mein thhandee thhandee aag hain
dil ke aaeene mein ye too samaa utaar le
pyaasaa hain dil sanam pyaasee ye raat hain
hothhon mein dabee dabee koee meethhee baat hain
Riddhima was pleasantly surprised at Armaan's singing…she could never imagine that a person like Armaan could sing so well….and with so much passion in his voice. She could not take her eyes off Armaan. Armaan also kept giving her his piercing looks during the song.
Everyone congratulated Armaan after the song. Sid was visibly disturbed by the turn of events. He did not know what effect this would have on Riddhima.
Riddhima could not resist anymore and went up to Armaan, "Thanks …aap sacchi bahut accha gaate hain….," she smiled at him
Armaan came closer and looked into her eyes, "yadi aap aise hi muskura thi rahi, tho aur bhi gaane ko tayyar hoon…," he noticed that Riddhima actually blushed at that comment instead of getting upset like she usually did. She lowered her eyes and turned around to join Aaliyah.
Armaan just sighed and looked at Sid as if saying, "khel abhi shuroo hi hua hai…..jeetunga tho main hi…"
Ganesh Kartikeya
Shiv Shakti
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
