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TUMHARI AMAANAT: A journey of a girl from Riddhima to Kumud
This is a story with 3 main characters- Armaan, Riddhima/Kumud and Asad. No, there are no twins or multiple personalities in this one. It is a simple, straightforward romantic and emotional love story between the 3 main characters. This story traces the life of a young girl, Riddhima and how circumstances force her to become 'Kumud' and how the two men, Armaan and Asad influence her life.
TUMHARI AMAANAT:
Main Characters:
MALLIK FAMILY:
They are well established family in Patiala. They live in a 100 year old home, rather a mansion, which has become almost a milestone in their neighborhood. People needing directions just have to say, "Mallik house!" and any rickshaw or auto could drive them there.
Billy Mallik: A successful businessman, among the elite of Punjab. He owns a lot of land in Punjab and basically is a landlord. He runs a construction business on the Side and spends most of his time managing his bank balance.
Naina Mallik: Billy's wife, a typical Punjabi woman. She loves to be in the limelight; she craves for attention from all near and dear ones. She is not a straightforward woman. She can be extra sweet when she wants to, but can stab anyone in the back for her own purpose. She is a greedy woman and wants it all! She is usually decked up in the most expensive saris and jewelry, her husband buys for her with his huge bank balance.
Armaan Mallik: Billy and Naina's older son. He is a very bright student and extremely ambitious. He wants to be an automobile engineer and design the coolest cars when he grows up. He has always done well in school, and one day dreams of going to the US to learn more about automobile engineering. He appears very stern and focused on the outSide, but has a very sensitive heart. He melts at the sight of tears, especially if they flow from his neighbor and friend, Riddhima's eyes. He loves to order Riddhima around as if she belongs to him; he almost takes her for granted.
Rahul Mallik: Armaan's younger brother by 2 years. He is a polar opposite of his brother. He is a poet at heart and aspires to be a singer one day. He loves a girl, Muskaan, who happens to be Riddhima's best friend.
GUPTA FAMILY:
They live in a much smaller home near the Mallik's. They have been the Mallik's tenants for the last two generations. It almost seems that they own the house, but from time to time, Naina makes it a point to remind the Guptas that they are just 'kiraaydaars.'
Shashank Gupta: Head of the Gupta khaandan. He is a retired school principal and now spends time in his kitchen garden and takes care of Billy's accounts. Billy trusts Shashank a lot and beSides himself, will allow only Shashank to handle his account books. Billy and Shashank were class mates throughout school, but their careers took them to different colleges and work environments. After Shashank's retirement, they have become close again. In fact, it was Billy's idea to hire Shashank as his accountant as he was confident about his skills, honesty and trust worthiness.
Padma Gupta: Shashank's wife of almost 25 years. They have been inseparable since their marriage and are often teased by their neighbors and friends for their 'zinda dilli' Padma is a very warm and loving person, but Naina dislikes her for some reason. Billy respects Padma a lot, as she is an excellent cook and regularly sends Billy's favorite dishes to his house. Naina, who is a horrible cook, hates Padma getting attention from her husband. Padma is aware of Naina's dislike for her, but chooses to ignore it for the sake of her husband's friendship with Billy.
Riddhima Gupta: Our heroine and lead actress of this story. She is the only daughter of the Guptas. She is a bubbly, cheerful, mischievous little girl. She is stubborn, but very warm and loving like her mother. She has only one ambition in life- to belong to Armaan completely. She is feisty, but totally dedicated to him. Riddhima is 4 years younger than him, but has known him since she was a little toddler. She loves to obey his orders, although from time to time she does give him some attitude, but believes that Armaan has a 'right' on her and she is his 'amaanat'
Muskaan Singh: Riddhima's best friend throughout school and college. She is completely besotted by Rahul, Armaan's younger brother.
Asad Khan: Lives in Mumbai. He is basically a tapori kind of guy, with no ambitions or goals in life. He is a very kind hearted person, but all alone in his life, except for a friend, Veer. He has one big vice- drinking! He will be important later in the story, when Riddhima is forced to become Kumud!
Amar Gupta: Riddhima's first cousin. He is a very lazy man and believes in earning money by hook or crook. He lives in Chandigarh with his parents. His father is Shashank's younger brother
PART 1:
The story starts when Riddhima, 5, Muskaan, 5, Rahul, 7 and Armaan, 9 years old are playing in the Mallik's backyard.
"Riddhima! Muskaan! Udhar dekho…..bagal waale ghar mein us pedh par amrood aa rahe hain! Chal Rahule…..thod kar laate hain," Armaan, the leader of the gang runs ahead as the other three follow him. Armaan quietly opened the gate to the neighbor's backyard and tip toed towards the guava tree. He was an expert climber, and within a few minutes was up at the top. He plucked a bunch of guavas as the three younger kids watched him in awe. Armaan looked down and yelled, "main itne saare amrood neeche nahin laa sakta…..tum log bhi oopar aa jao."
A frail little Muskaan, hid behind Rahul, "nahin main nahin chadoongi….mujhey darr lagta hai!"
Rahul, himself not very athletic, looked away, "jaa Riddhima tu chali jaa….Armaan ka kehna maan…jaa!"
Riddhima, a petite little five year old, but very agile, loved the challenge. It would also give her a chance to impress Armaan. Armaan, being four years older, was a little bossy and loved to order her around. Riddhima did not mind, as long as she received his attention. Riddhima climbed the tiny branches carefully and within a few minutes was half way up the tree.
"Riddhima…wahin theher jao…..main neeche amrood laata hoon," Armaan got a little worried as the top half of the tree was a little tricky to climb. He gently climbed down to her level, "chal yeh pakad le….apne frock mein rakh le," he put the guavas in her little frock 'basket.'
"ARMAAN! Bagal waali aunty aa rahi hain! Jaldi neeche aa jao!" Rahul screamed as he saw the owner of the house, Mrs Pathak walking towards them with a big broom.
"Arre…baap re baap!" Armaan was frightened too, as Pathak aunty was not the friendliest of ladies and particularly disliked naughty kids. He stuffed his pockets with a few guavas and started climbing down, ignoring Riddhima's protests from behind, "Armaan mujhey bhi neeche le chalo!"
Armaan was down within seconds; he held Rahul's hand and sprinted back to his house. Muskaan ran as fast as she could with her tiny feet, leaving poor little Riddhima perched on the tree holding the guavas in her dress.
The fierce lady looked up and saw a frightened girl on the tree, "ACCHA! NEECHE THO AA……ABHI TERI MAA KO BATAATI HOON! SHAITAAN KAHIN KI!"
A tearful Riddhima came down trembling and shivering.
"AMROOD CHURAA RAHI THI BADMAASH! YAHI SIKHAAYA HAI TERE MAA-BAAP NE…..CHORNI KAHIN KI!" Mrs Pathak snatched the guavas and yelled at her.
Riddhima started bawling, "main tho sirf badhe bacchon ke saath aayi thi….main chorni nahin hoon kaaki!"
"KHABARDAAR MUJHEY KAAKI KAHA THO! CHAL MERE SAATH!" the lady grabbed Riddhima by her arm and walked her to the Gupta's.
"Padma! Yeh sambhaal le apni beti ko…..5 saal ki umar mein hi chori karne lagi hai!" Mrs Pathak yelled from outSide.
Padma ran out, wiping dough off her hands, "kya hua behenji? Kya kiya Riddhima ne?" she was shocked to see Riddhima in tears, her hair all disheveled, scratches on her skin from the branches of the tree.
"Poonch lo chorni se….hamare baagh ke amrood pedh par chadkar chura rahi thi!" the lady sneered.
"Maaf karna behenji….main Riddhima se baat karoongi…..ab aage se aisa kabhie nahin hoga," Padma apologized to her neighbor and looked at Riddhima sternly.
Mrs Pathak made a dirty face and walked away, chomping on the guavas on her way back, "chalo iss bahaane amrood neeche tho aaye, warna Ramu ka bachha itna aalsi hai ki kabhie thod ta hi nahin….pedh par hi sadh jaate saare amrood."
Padma took Riddhima inSide; she was obviously upset at her daughter being called a 'chorni,' but she knew her 5 year old was probably incited by the older Mallik boys, "Armaan aur Rahul bhi the tere saath?" she asked angrily. Riddhima nodded, "Armaan tho jaldi se bhaag gaya tha….par mere haath mein itne amrood the, kaise neeche aati mummyji?"
Padma sighed, "beti…..tu abhi bahut choti hai…..badhe bachhon ki baaton mat aaya kar…..aur waise bhi kisi aur ki cheez lena paap hai…..aaj ke baad phir teri shikaayat aayi tho daddyji ko bataa doongi."
"Nahin mummyji! Daddyji ko mat bataana!" Riddhima was scared of her dad's temper. An ex-principal, he was a strict disciplinarian. Even though he doted on his only daughter, he would never be able to tolerate dishonesty, lies or theft of any kind.
Padma cleaned Riddhima's scratches and gave her some milk, "yeh le haldi ka doodh pee le….saare ghaav bhar jaayenge jaldi." Riddhima had a disgusting look on her face, "nahin mummyji….main haldi ka doodh nahin peeungi," she started crying again.
"Kaaki…..main pee lunga," Armaan walked in through the front door, "laao…..mujhey doodh pasand hai," he snatched the glass of milk from Padma and gulped it down in a few seconds and let out a big burp.
Padma smiled, "beta….tujhey haldi ka doodh pasand hai?"
Armaan made a face; he hated anything added in his milk, but lied, "haan kaaki bahut pasand hai." Somewhere, his conscience had pricked him as he had seen how the neighbor had yelled at Riddhima and called her names. That is why he had followed them back to Riddhima's house.
Riddhima frowned at him, "main katti hoon tumsey!"
"Katti? Ho ja katti….jaise teri katti se mujhey koi farak padhta hai?…..Chidiya si tho hai…..dekhne mein bhi aur dimaag bi chidiya jaisa hai tera…….jaldi se neeche kyun nahin aayi? Galti teri hai….aur katti mujh se ho rahi hai!" Armaan snubbed her.
"Tho mujhey akela kyun chhod gaye us gandi aunty ke paas?" she complained.
Armaan stuck out his tongue, "meri marzi!"
"Beta! Aise nahin kehte….Riddhima tujh se choti hai…..iska dhyaan rakhaa kar…..bechari pedh se gir jaati tho?" Padma defended her daughter.
"Kaaki! Main isse girney thode hi deta….main tho mazaak kar raha tha," Armaan laughed as he realized that Padma Kaaki was a little upset.
"Accha….tum dono yahin raho….kuch khaane ke liye laati hoon….Rahul aur Muskaan kahan hai?" Padma asked
"Hum yahan hain Kaaki," Rahul announced as he walked in hand in hand with Muskaan.
"Chalo baith jao chaaron…..main aaloo ke paraanthe banaati hoon," Padma smiled and went to the kitchen.
"AALOO KE PARAANTHE? ARRE WAH! MAZAA AA GAYA PHIR THO!" Armaan exclaimed as his mouth watered at the thought of Padma Kaaki's juicy paranthas.
Riddhima's sobs had still not died down; she had been badly shaken up by the guava tree incident.
Armaan looked at her and felt a little uncomfortable' "ab ladkiyon ki tarah rona bandh kar! Chal amrood khaate hain," he grabbed Riddhima's hand and ran out to the front porch.
Armaan sat down on the steps and took out the guavas from his pocket. He wiped them with his shirt and offered it to Riddhima, "le…yeh sab se pakaa hua tere liye." Riddhima's sobs soon turned to a big smile, "sach? Mere liye?"
Rahul and Muskaan ran out, "nahin hum bhi khaayenge…yeh cheating hai!"
"Abey hath!" Armaan said authoritatively, "sirf Riddhima aur main hi khaayenge….tum tho darr pok ki tarah bhaag liye the," he put a protective arm around Riddhima and refused to share the guavas with his brother. A dejected Rahul was about to leave with Muskaan, when Riddhima offered her half eaten guava, "yeh le lo Rahul…..main aur nahin khaa sakti." Rahul and Muskaan looked at Armaan for permission, but he could care less. He chomped on his own fruit and went inSide, "aa haa… kaaki…..paranthon ki khushboo aa rahi hai!" Armaan grabbed a plate from the kitchen cabinet and served himself a stack of paranthas.
Riddhima walked in with sticky hands; she was all smiles now as Armaan had given her the first preference on the guavas. She stepped on her toes and looked at Armaan's plate, "mujhey bhi chaahiye parantha." Riddhima wiped her fingers on Armaan's shirt and took a bite from his plate, "mummyji…thoda masala zyaada daalo na….bilkul pheekha hai."
"Beti….tere liye masaale waala baad mein banaaoongi…Armaan ko aisa hi pasand hai," Padma said.
Riddhima made a face and ran away as Armaan polished parantha after parantha.
After Rahul and Muskaan had eaten their share of paranthas, Padma made an extra spicy one for Riddhima, "yeh le…tera teekha waala!"
"Nahin mujhey ab bhookh nahin hai!" Riddhima rubbed her eyes, "mujhey neend aa rahi hai mummyji."
"Aise bhookhe pait nahin sotey….thoda sa khaa le beta," Padma said affectionately.
Armaan got up from the kitchen table and laughed, "arre kaaki…chidiya ke pait mein jagah kahan hogi ab?"
Shashank walked in and heard the last statement; he lifted Riddhima in his arms, "meri nanhi pari hai yeh….chidiya nahin hai," he kissed her cheeks.
"Uncle jee….pari nahin chidiya hai!" Armaan laughed again and held Rahul's hand, "chal Rahule….andhera hone lagaa hai…Muskaan ko bhi ghar chhod na hai."
Shashank smiled and hugged Riddhima, "yeh ladke tujhey sirf chidhaa te hain…..agli dafaa kehna ki chidiya hi aasmaan mein udh jaati hai…..zameen waale dekhte reh jaate hain."
Armaan came back after he heard what Shashank had just said, "uncle jee…..aasmaan mein tho main udhoonga……hawai jahaaz mein udhkar saat samundar paar jaaoonga aur bahut badhaa aadmi banoonga……yeh tho Patialawaali hai….aur yahin Patiala mein hi rahegi!" he chuckled arrogantly and ran after Rahul and Muskaan.
Shashank shook his head, "Armaan bahut ghamandi ladka bantaa jaa raha hai…..kahin Naina bhabhi jaisa na ban jaaye."
"Ghamandi hai…..par Riddhima ka dhyaan wo hi rakhta hai…..dil ka achha ladka hai….chal aa Riddhima….meri godh mein baith kar kuch khaa le," Padma lifted Riddhima from Shashank's arms.
PART 2:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 9, RAHUL 11 & ARMAAN, 13:
"Mama….main aur Rahul jheel par jaa rahe hain," Armaan informed Naina. He walked out in his shorts and a towel wrapped around his shoulders.
"Arre puttar…..zara dhyaan se jaana….kal pataa hai na Mehra sahib ka beta jheel mein phisal kar gir gaya tha…..shukr hai vaahe guru ka ki wo dooba nahin," Naina came out and warned her boys, "ARRE HARIRAM!" she yelled for their servant, "zara bacchon ke saath jheel par chala jaa….nazar rakhna in par."
"Jee maalkin," Hariram, a frail looking 40 year old man came out from the kitchen.
Armaan smirked, "yeh kya dhyaan rakhega….yeh tho khud jheel mein phisal jaayega mama."
Billy heard Armaan's comment, "zuban par kaboo rakh Armaan puttar…..aisa nahin kehte…HariRam tum se umar mein badhe hain."
"Chal Rahule…..Riddhima aur Muskaan ko bhi le lete hain," Armaan ignored his dad and walked out with Rahul.
"Yeh Riddhima aur Muskaan ke saath hi kyun chipke rehte hain?" Naina said scornfully, "aur badhe gharon ke bacche bhi tho hain yahan…..har waqt dekho Riddhima Muskaan….Riddhima, Muskaan!"
Armaan heard his mom and came back, "mama…..humein Riddhima aur Muskaan ke saath zyaada mazaa aata hai…..unhein chidhaa jo sakte hain," he laughed and ran out with Rahul.
Billy smiled and looked at Naina, "rehne do tussi……bachhe hain…..khelne do jinke saath khelna chaahte hain…..jawaani mein sab bhool jaayenge…..phir tho wo hi karenge jo hum chaahte hain."
Naina smirked, "kahin aisa na ho yeh bachpan ki dosti jawaani mein bhi pareshaan na kare?"
"Chhodo bhi Naina…..abhi bahut saal hain….aage ki kisne dekhi hai?" Billy walked out shaking his head. He knew it was no point arguing with his status-conscious wife.
Armaan and Rahul barged into Riddhima's house. Muskaan was at Riddhima's house too as Muskaan's mother worked at a local store till 6 in the evening. Padma usually picked the girls from school and brought them home. The girls were doing their homework on the dining table.
"Chal Riddhima….aur Muskaan……chal jheel par chalte hain," Armaan ordered as he picked an apple from the fruit basket.
Padma smiled, "beta….yeh homework kar rahi hain….aaj nahin aayengi….aur waise bhi jheel par akele nahin bhejoongi inhey…pata hai na Mehra sahib ke beta doobte doobte bach gaya kal."
"Kaaki….aap fikr na karo…..main hoon na….Riddhima ka dhyaan main rakhoonga aur Muskaan ka Rahul," Armaan said confidently.
Rahul added meekly, "aur HariRam bhi hai kaaki," he crossed his fingers as he really wanted the girls to come along. Rahul liked the company of the girls as Armaan would then shift his attention to them and order them around rather than his younger brother.
"Mummyji…yeh division ke sawaal samajh nahin aa rahe," Riddhima whined; her mind was already wandering at the stream. She loved the water and was dying to swim with the boys.
Armaan looked at her work, "kya samajh nahin aa raha? Chal main samjhaa ta hoon! Chidiya ka dimmag hai tera!" he pulled a chair and pulled Riddhima onto his lap. Within minutes, he explained how to do long division in a simplified manner to Riddhima. Riddhima sat on his lap comfortably and finished her problems quickly. Rahul helped Muskaan finish her work too, but they sat across from each other at the table, unlike Armaan and Riddhima; Riddhima being light and petite had gotten into the habit of sitting on people's laps, especially Armaan's. Armaan never gave a second thought to her habit and just assumed it was a done thing between the two of them. He finished the apples from the fruit basket as Riddhima completed her work, still on his lap.
After homework, the four of them went to the nearby stream along with HariRam. They enjoyed splashing and swimming in the water. The boys wore their shorts, as the girls stayed in their salwaar kameez. They left their dupattas at the bank with HariRam. Riddhima had long braided hair and Muskaan wore her's short to her shoulders.
Armaan loved scaring and teasing the girls by suddenly splashing water on them or jumping out of the water when the girls were distracted elsewhere. Rahul rescued Muskaan and took her to a Side where they threw pebbles and watched the rings in the stream. Armaan pulled Riddhima by her braids if she did not listen to him or walked away from him, "chal is patthar se mere peeth ki maalish kar de!" he ordered.
Riddhima looked at the flat stone and then at his back, "nahin lag jaayegi….main nahin karoongi."
"Arre….nahin lagti….Punjabi munda hoon main…..kuch nahin hoga mujhey," he insisted.
"Nahin karoongi main!" Riddhima said stubbornly.
"Mera kehna nahin maanegi tu?" Armaan asked angrily
"Nahin chhot lag jaayegi is patthar se…..nahin karoongi," she threw the stone away and walked out of the stream. Armaan followed her and saw tears in her eyes, "yeh kudiyon ki tarah kyun roti rehti hai…..accha baba….patthar se nahin….apne haathon se maalish kar de….bas ab khush?"
She nodded and wiped her tears. Armaan sat down on the steps and enjoyed the little back rub with Riddhima's tiny hands, "kuch roti-shoti khaayakar chidiya….bilkul dum nahin hai tere haathon mein…..kitni kamzor hai tu!"
Riddhima was offended; she did not mind being called chidiya by him, but hated being called 'kamzor.' She dug her tiny nails into his back and scratched him till he yelled, "MAR GAYA! MAR GAYA!" He got up and gave her a dirty look, "maalish karne ko kahi thi….kharonch ne ko nahin…abhi dekhta hoon tujhey!" Riddhima was quick and jumped back into the water. Armaan saw her dupatta lying on the steps; he picked it up and wiped his muddy feet with it. Riddhima was aghast; she swam back and yelled, "mera dupatta! Saara maila kar diya!"
Armaan grinned and pushed her back into the water, "mujhey chhot pahunchayegi tho yahi haal karoonga tera!" and jumped in right after her. He kept laughing and teasing her as they both swam towards Rahul and Muskaan.
In a couple of hours, they were back at Riddhima's house, exhausted and drenched from the swimming. The girls ran into Riddhima's room and changed into clean, dry clothes. The boys just dried themselves with the towels and hung around in their shorts. Padma made halwa poori for all the kids, as swimming had made them hungry. Armaan and Rahul polished off at least a dozen, if not more pooris and two bowls full off halwa between the two of them. Riddhima, as usual ate a poori and a few bites of halwa.
After their snack, Armaan ran out into the backyard and climbed the mango tree. He threw some mangoes down on the ground and slid down the tree.
Riddhima ran after him, "yeh chori hai Armaan…..mummyji kehti hain ki chori karna paap hai…..tumne bina poonchey hamare aam kyun thode?"
Armaan grinned and started peeling the mangoes, "meri marzi!"
"nahin….yeh chori hai!" she insisted
Armaan looked down at her arrogantly, "chidiya raani….jaanti ho yeh tumhara ghar….yeh bagicha…..yeh aam ka pedh….. sab hamari amaanat hai……tum sirf kiraaydaar ho…….main jab chaahoon yahan se kuch bhi le sakta hoon...samjhi?" he started sucking on the juicy mango.
Riddhima looked at him tearfully, "tho kya sab kuch tumhari amaanat hai yahan?"
Armaan was too busy suckling on his mango, "aur kya! Sab kuch!"
"Main bhi?" she asked innocently.
Armaan gave her a funny look and then laughed out loud, "aur kya…..tu bhi meri amaanat hai! Chal Rahule….ghar chalte hain…..mama intezaar kar rahi hongi….mera kal science ka test bhi hai…..chal ab!" he ran out the gate as Rahul and HariRam followed him with towels in their hands.
Riddhima stood there with tears in her eyes; she turned around and went back inSide. Armaan had a habit of saying hurtful things to her; she usually took it in stride as long as she was getting his attention, but what he said outSide hurt her pride just a little. Of course, neither of them knew what he really meant by "tu bhi meri amaanat hai," but Riddhima felt belittled by his comment today……or did she really believe what he said……may be he was right? Her 9 year old brain was confused as she did not really understand what he meant. Muskaan was playing with her dolls on the living room floor. Riddhima forgot about what Armaan had just said and joined Muskaan in their little make-believe game.
PART 3:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 11&1/2, RAHUL, 13&1/2, ARMAAN, 15&1/2:
Riddhima, Muskaan and Rahul are now in middle school, whereas Armaan is now a high schooler. He has become more serious about his studies now, as he wants to get into a good engineering school after graduation. His dreams are set at becoming an automobile engineer and design the fastest and coolest cars in the world. Armaan spends more time with his high school buddies; he has even started noticing girls, mostly his age or a year or two younger. Riddhima and Muskaan are still 'kids' according to him. Armaan still has fun with Riddhima and Muskaan, but has abandoned climbing trees and stealing fruits from neighbor's trees. Armaan was recently chosen on the high school soccer team, which has made him popular in school. Everyone is aware of his social status; so basically he is the arrogant, good looking, athletic and smart son of a rich man!
Muskaan and Rahul have both turned out to be an asset to the school choir and have been busy with their singing. Riddhima is Riddhima, her usual bubbly self, still in awe of Armaan, craves for his attention, and wants to please him at any cost. Armaan continues to snub her or taunt her whenever he can, but she does not care. She has not forgotten his statement about 'tumhari amaanat.' Riddhima has actually started believing that she is truly 'his amaanat.' Even Armaan treats her like he 'owns' her. He gets restless when he has not seen Riddhima for a few days. Whenever the stress of school work and his activities gets to him, he just barges into Riddhima's house and either takes her out for 'kulfi' or hangs out at her house and helps her with her homework. Of course, there are no romantic undercurrents with this mutual feeling-at least yet!
One day, Riddhima walked into Armaan's house as was a habit of hers. She was carrying a tiffin with Armaan's favorite gobhi ka paranthas and kheer. It was not unusual for Padma to send food for Armaan, but today it was special. Riddhima had prepared the paranthas specially for Armaan. As she hummed and stepped upstairs, Naina stopped her, "RIDDHIMA! Kahan jaa rahi hai?"
Riddhima turned around and smiled, 'pairi paini auntyjee….main Armaan ke liye paranthe laayi thi."
A stern Naina walked towards the step, "ab Armaan badha ho gaya hai…..aise hi uske kamre mein mat jaaya kar…..wo padhai kar raha hai…..uske exams aane waale hain….laa mujhey de de…main baad mein de doongi," she extended her hand.
A disappointed Riddhima had no choice; she knew Naina aunty was very strict and for some reason was always rude towards Riddhima. Naina hated Riddhima and Armaan's friendship; she had warned her son many times to stay away from these 'chote log,' but Armaan just ignored his mom.
Riddhima was about to hand over the tiffin, when they both heard Armaan's voice from upstairs, "oopar aa ja Riddhima….ek cheez dikhani hai." Armaan's voice had started cracking as he had suddenly shot up in height over the last 6 months. He even had a tiny moustache growing over his upper lip. It was strange that even when Armaan was immersed in his studies or work, he could always hear Riddhima's voice, even if she were outSide his house. He had not seen her for days, and was pleased to hear her voice from downstairs.
Naina scoffed and walked away. A sheepish Riddhima sprinted upstairs as fast as she could.
"Aa…andar aa ja….kya laayi hai mere liye?" he took the tiffin from her and inhaled the fragrance, "mmm….kya khushboo hai!"
"Maine banaaye hain!" Riddhima said excitedly
"Tuney?" Armaan mocked at her, "phir tho khoob masala daala hoga…main kaise khaaoonga?"
"Nahin….tumhare liye khaas banaaye hain….bilkul pheeke , jaise tumhein pasand hain," she smiled.
Armaan closed the tiffin and then grabbed her hand, "idhar aa….tujhey kuch dikhaana hai."
Riddhima followed him to his desk. There was a catalog of sports cars sitting on his desk. He sat on his chair and started showing her the various models of imported sports cars, "yeh dekh…..yeh car ….train se bhi fast bhaagti hai….aur yeh dekh…" he was very excited, but Riddhima could care less; she really wanted him to taste her cooking, but he had somehow lost enthusiasm once he found out that it was not Padma kaaki's cooking.
As Armaan kept flipping page after page, Riddhima lost her patience. She grabbed the tiffin and opened it in front of him. When he still did not get distracted, she took a piece of the parantha with her tender fingers and stuffed it into his mouth.
"ARRE! YEH KYA KAR RAHI HAI?" he said with a mouthful, but then his eyes popped as the delicious paranthas melted in his mouth. He opened his mouth wide as Riddhima kept feeding him the rest of the paranthas. She sat on his desk and observed him keenly; he looked different today. She could see fine bristles on his cheeks and chin; his voice was not the same, he was much taller than she recalled him from even a few days ago…..he had changed….he was all grown up somehow. Riddhima lowered her eyes and wondered how he had changed so much?
"Kya hua? Aur khila na!" Armaan opened his mouth, his eyes still glued to the catalog, "jaanti hai…papa keh rahe the wo mere liye nayi car laayenge…..maine driver se car chalaani bhi seekh li hai."
"Car?" Riddhima's eyes popped out this time, "tum car chalaaoge? Main bhi car mein jaa sakti hoon?" she asked excitedly.
Armaan scoffed, "tu? Pagal hai…..meri car mein sirf mere dost baithenge…..tu nahin jaa sakti usmein."
Riddhima was heartbroken, "kyun main tumhari dost nahin hoon?"
Armaan grinned at her, "Tu? Tu waisi dost nahin hai….tu tho bachhi hai abhi."
"Lekin tumhee ne tho kaha tha ki main tumhari amaanat hoon…phir kyun nahin baith sakti?" Riddhima asked innocently.
Armaan was amazed at her innocence, "pagli….na jaane kya kya yaad rakhti hai….accha tere bag mein kya hai?" he looked at her bag sitting on the floor.
"Homework," she said hesitantly.
"Accha tho yahin kar le homework…koi help chaahiye kya?" he shut his catalog and leaned back on his chair.
"Shayad chaahiye ho," she said.
"Theek hai…main apne test ki tayyari karta hoon…tu wahan bistar par baith kar homework kar le," he got up to collect his books from his bag.
Riddhima opened his drawer to get a pencil and was shocked to see a pack of cigarettes inSide, "Armaan! Tum cigarette peete ho?"
Armaan was startled, "TU KYA KAR RAHI HAI MERI DRAWER MEIN?" he yelled
"Kuch nahin…pencil dhoondh rahi thi," she fearfully.
"Chhod de packet ko!" Armaan snatched the pack of cigarettes from her.
Riddhima covered her mouth and said, 'main auntyji aur uncle ji ko bataa doongi….pata hai cigarette peene se cancer ho jaata hai?"
"Tujhey kisne kaha?" he asked irately
"TV mein dekha tha….main abhi auntyji ko bataati hoon," she was about to walk out the door, when Armaan grabbed her hand, "please mama ko mat bataana….wo bahut naaraaz hongi," he pleaded.
Riddhima turned around and folded her arms; it was so rare for Armaan to ever plead to her-she was enjoying the moment thoroughly, "theek hai nahin bataaoongi….ek shart par."
Armaan folded his hands, "haan meri maa! Bataa kya shart hai?"
She had a broad smile on her face, "main bhi cigarette peeke dekhoongi….jaise filmon mein hero heroine peete hain na."
Armaan was stunned, "pagal hai kya?" Even though Armaan did not mind experimenting with stuff like smoking etc with his buddies, he would never want Riddhima to try something so sinful. Even he perhaps did not know why he was so protective about her. As long as he was torturing or teasing her, it was all kosher, but he could never stand anyone else bothering her or Riddhima herself doing something wrong, especially something like smoking!
He looked at the packet and threw it out the window, "aaj ke baad koi cigarette nahin peeyega…samjhi?" he said angrily and settled with his books.
A disappointed Riddhima just shrugged her shoulders and settled on his bed with her books. As she was engrossed with her math problems, she stretched out on the bed and lay on her tummy to finish her work. She kept writing, counting on her fingers, humming and tapping her pencil on her lips.
Armaan was getting a little disturbed by her humming and tapping sounds. He looked up from his books and glared at her. He must have glanced at her for a few seconds as he turned his head away. Those few seconds seemed to last forever- those few seconds would probably change the way he saw her forever. Riddhima was lying on her tummy; her dupatta had fallen on the ground and Armaan's eyes inadvertently rested on her chest area for a few seconds. He quickly turned away as he was embarrassed at his reaction to her. She was changing…..she was no longer a little girl whom he could drag around by her braids……she was changing into a young woman…..
Armaan felt ashamed of himself; his heart was pounding in his chest, that fleeting glance had stirred up and aroused something inSide him and he was really ANGRY AT HIMSELF!!!
Armaan got up in a fury and picked her dupatta. He threw it on her face, "RIDDHIMA! TU JAA AB YAHAN SE…..BAHUT SHOR KAR RAHI HAI TU…..MUJHEY TEST KE LIYE PADHNA HAI…..CHALI JAA YAHAN SE…..MUJHEY PARESHAAN MAT KAR!" He was almost trembling in rage.
Riddhima was frightened; she picked her books and placed her dupatta on her neck, "sorry Armaan…main shor nahin machaaungi….please thoda sa hi homework reh gaya hai…..please," she begged and pleaded, but Armaan just looked away, holding the door open for her to leave.
A tearful Riddhima ran home as fast as she could, "kyun naaraaz ho gaya? Main tho mazaak kar rahi thi ki auntyji ko bataa doongi ki wo cigarette peeta hai…..main kisi ko nahin bataa ti," she sobbed all the way home. Armaan saw her walk back home from his window; he pulled the curtains angrily and sat down to study.
Both Armaan and Riddhima had a restless night. Armaan was upset with himself for noticing the change in Riddhima. It was the first time he had ever become conscious of his own sexuality; he like other boys of his age talked and boasted about the 'hot kudis' in high school, but he had never felt that way before like he did in those few seconds, "bechari Riddhima ko tho kuch pataa bhi nahin hoga," he sighed and tried to close his eyes. He felt bad for her; he had made her cry again- he would make it up to her; she did not deserve his wrath today. For some inexplicable reason, he hated to see tears on her face; he loved it whenever she smiled- she did have a captivating smile, something everyone commented on, but Armaan had always cherished since they were little kids.
Riddhima cried all night as she hated to make Armaan unhappy- she had tried her best to please him that day, but as usual he got upset with her at some pretext or another!
NEXT DAY:
Riddhima came back from school with Muskaan and buried herself in her homework. Padma was concerned, "kya hua beti? Teri tabiyat tho theek hai? Muskaan kya hua beta?"
"Kaaki….shayad Armaan ke saath jhagda hua hai," Muskaan said
Padma sighed and pulled Riddhima on her lap, "beti….ladai jhagde tho hote rehte hain…..ab Armaan badhaa ho gaya hai….tu abhi choti hai…usey shayad badhe bachhon ki company zyaada pasand aati hogi….tu Muskaan aur Rahul ke saath khel liya kar…chal aaja kuch khaa le puttar," she said affectionately.
Just as Padma was consoling Riddhima, they heard a familiar voice, 'Kaaki! Kaaki! Riddhima kahan hai?" it was Armaan.
Riddhima looked up from her mother's lap and turned her face away angrily.
Armaan grinned and dangled his new car keys in front of her, "meri nayi nayi gaddi mein kaun kaun chalega?"
"Main chaloongi!" Muskaan got up excitedly.
"Theek hai jisey chalna hai wo mere saath chal sakta hai…..gaadi ki saari seats bhar gayi hain….jaldi chalo jisey chalna hai!" he purposely yelled in Riddhima's ear.
Rahul joined them, "main aage waali seat par baithoonga."
"Nahin main baithoongi!" Muskaan insisted.
Armaan flashed a devilish smile at Riddhima, "nahin aage waali seat par sirf Riddhima baithegi!"
Those words were magic to Riddhima's ears. She wiped her face with her mother's pallu and sat up, "main aa rahi hoon Armaan!"
Armaan smiled at her, "tho jaldi chal……time waste mat kar rone dhone mein!"
Armaan ran out to his new Maruti car as Rahul, Muskaan and Riddhima followed excitedly.
PART 4:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 12 YRS, RAHUL, 14 YRS, ARMAAN, 16 YRS:
It had been 6 months since the little incident in Armaan's room. Armaan had moved on; ignoring that transient reaction to normal hormonal changes within his body. Things were pretty much back to normal. Armaan spent more time with his buddies; his car making him popular among the older high-schoolers too. Armaan never tried to smoke again; he did not know why he resisted the temptation even though his friends coaxed and cajoled him. He had enough authority over his buddies and class-mates, that they knew no one could pressure Armaan into anything if he had made up his mind.
Riddhima and Muskaan spent a lot of time learning how to sew, knit, cook and take care of house work thanks to Padma. They would try to visit Armaan and Rahul at least once a day, but their meetings became shorter and briefer. It was becoming obvious that both Rahul and Muskaan were very fond of each other. Naina tried her best to keep the girls away, but her sons usually managed to get away with what they wanted.
On one muggy summer afternoon, Armaan finally got tired of his books; he changed into his swimming shorts and convinced Rahul to go for a swim at the stream, "chal Rahule….bahut din ho gaye jheel par nahin gaye…..aaj bahut garmi hai….chal thodi der chalte hain."
Rahul, the obedient brother was ready in a jiffy, "Muskaan se bhi poonch lein?"
Armaan slapped Rahul's back, "tu aur teri Muskaan…..shaadi karega kya us sey?"
Rahul blushed a little, "tu bhi na yaar…..kaisi baat karta hai? Shaadi tho mama-papa ki marzi se karoonga…..kya tu Riddhima se shaadi karega?"
Armaan was taken aback, "us chidiya se? Dimaag kharaab hai mera? Bachpan ka saath hi bahut hai…..poori zindagi apna dimaag kharaab nahin karna mujhey!" he chuckled and walked out towards his car. He thought about what Rahul had just said, and then shook his head, "Naa re naa…..meri biwi tho koi Bipasha Basu type hogi…..uss chidiya se shaadi kaun karega?"
"Tho Muskaan aur Riddhima ko bhi le lein?" Rahul asked as he sat on the passenger Side.
Armaan sneered, "unka dhyaan rakhna padhega saale….wo bachhi hain!"
Rahul's face fell; Armaan smiled and said, "theek hai bhai….le lete hain…par tu hi dhyaan rakhna un kudiyon ka…..mujhey tho ache se swimming karni hai!"
Rahul agreed. Armaan and Rahul barged into Riddhima's house. Muskaan was there as usual. They were both learning how to cook baingan ka bharta.
"Mmm….kaaki aaj tho kamaal ki khushboo aa rahi hai!" Armaan's nose guided him to the kitchen.
Padma looked up; Armaan had shot up in height since the last time she had seen him, 'Armaan puttar….tere liye baingan ka bharta banaa rahi hain ladkiyan…..tu itni jaldi jaldi lamba hota jaa raha hai….tera pait jo bharna hai," Padma laughed.
Armaan sat on the counter, 'kaaki….tumhare khaane se hi badhaa ho raha hoon…yadi mama par chhod tha tho abhi Riddhima ki tarah thigna hi reh jaata!" he chuckled and pulled Riddhima's braid.
"AHHH!" Riddhima screamed, "meri choti kyun kheench te rehte ho?"
"Shayad kheenchne se tu lambi ho jaaye…iss liye kheench ta hoon," Armaan laughed.
Riddhima frowned, "lambi nahin hona mujhey….mummyji kehti hain ki zyaada lambi kudiyon ko shaadi ke liye ladka nahin milta!"
Armaan got off the counter and laughed out loud, "tujhsey shaadi kaun karega chidiya? Chaahe tu lambi ho ya choti reh jaaye!"
Riddhima had tears in her eyes, "kyun kya kharaabi hai mujh mein? Dekhna ek din meri shaadi ek bahut lambe se raj kumar se hogi aur tum dekhte reh jaaogey!" she stuck out her tongue.
"Achha ab bak bak bandh kar….chal jheel par chalte hain," Armaan looked away; somehow that statement that she would get married and he would just be an observer did not jive well with him. He walked out of the kitchen in an irritable mood.
The four friends got to the stream and jumped into the cool water immediately. Armaan swam laps as the other three just splashed and played with each other. As Armaan was swimming towards them, he noticed Riddhima's kurta stained a blood red color below her waist. He swam faster as he thought she might have hurt herself. As he got closer, he saw she did not seem in distress; she was still having fun with Muskaan and Rahul.
Armaan felt a little awkward; he knew what had just happened. He came out of the water and picked his towel and looked at Riddhima, "Riddhima…idhar aa zara!"
Riddhima gave him a dirty look, "Kya hai? Aaj maalish nahin karoongi!"
Armaan jumped in the water and wrapped her in a towel and lifted her back to the steps at the banks. Riddhima protested; her little legs dangling from his tall torso, "chhodo Armaan! Mujhey paani mein jaana hai!"
Armaan placed her on the steps and gave her the towel, "GHAR CHAL ABHI!"
"Kyun? Itni jaldi kya hai?" she asked. Armaan just looked away and said softly, "apne kurte ko dekh zara." Riddhima looked down and screamed, "YAAH RABBA! MAT CHOOUO MUJHEY!" Armaan gave her a confused look, "mat choouo? Matlab?"
Riddhima looked a little embarrassed, "school mein meri saheli, Jagjit ne kaha tha ki jab kudiyon ke kumudna shuru hota hai tho ladkon ko choona nahin chaahiye."
Armaan was bewildered, "kyun?"
"Kyunki..kyunki wo maa ban jaati hain phir," she said innocently, looking down at her toes scratching the steps with her nails.
Armaan tried to control his laughter and muttered under his breath, "lagta hai saari saheliyan bhi chun chun kar rakhi hain is pagli ne!"
Armaan shouted to Rahul and Muskaan, "chalo…ghar chalo….bahut ho gaya!"
Rahul and Muskaan did not argue; they had never disobeyed Armaan's commands and came out of the water.
Armaan drove them back home. He let Riddhima keep the towel to cover herself. Riddhima ran inSide and buried her face in Padma's chest. Padma soon found out what had happened; she helped Riddhima settle down after a shower, "le yeh doodh pee le….aur thoda aaraam kar." Muskaan's mom picked her up a little later.
After changing up, Armaan settled down to study, but Riddhima's ignorant words kept echoing in his ears, "ladkon ke choone se wo maa ban jaati hain!"
He was amazed at Riddhima's innocence, but then went to his book shelf and pulled out his Biology text book. For some reason, he wanted to make sure Riddhima did not remain in the dark; he knew she was a bright girl and deserved to know the facts about life. He walked over to her house, "kaaki, Riddhima hai?"
Padma looked down, a little embarrassed as she knew what had happened at the stream, "haan puttar wo kamre mein hai….kuch kaam tha?"
Armaan did not answer; he just walked to her room authoritatively, and opened the door. Riddhima was lying in bed reading a book. Armaan walked in and sat down next to her, "kaisi ho?"
Riddhima looked up from her book and sat up; she shifted to a corner just in case any part of her body might touch Armaan.
Armaan grinned, "pagli….main nahin choo raha hoon tujhey…idhar aa…kuch samjhaa na hai tujhey."
Riddhima hesitated, but then carefully scooted over towards him.
Armaan opened his Biology textbook and then in the most scientific and matter of fact matter gave Riddhima the lesson of her life on birds and bees. He spoke without emotion, just like a teacher, just like he were teaching her algebra or long division.
Riddhima was horror-struck, disgusted, appalled and amazed at the sudden revelation of this new information to her. She looked at Armaan with her mouth wide open, "tho kya mummyji-daddyji bhi?" she shut her eyes as the thought was too nauseating for her. Armaan took a deep breath and shut his textbook; his job had been done. He felt really awkward; he had no idea that one day he would have to do this for Riddhima. May be he had over stepped his boundaries? May be her mother should have done this? Why did he feel obliged to impart this lesson to her? Kya main sach much usey apni amaanat samajhne laga hoon? Do I really have a right on everything that happens to her? He had no answers; just a lot of questions.
"Main jaa raha hoon," he said softly and walked away with his text book.
Riddhima was too numb to say anything. The last 15 minutes had as if changed the meaning of life for her. Armaan's words kept echoing in her mind; she was upset- upset at her friend Jagjit for making her look foolish in front of Armaan, upset at herself for being so nave and ignorant, upset that this had all happened in front of Armaan. She had not hidden anything from Armaan so far, she had always tried to emulate him whether it was climbing trees, swimming the stream, trying out cigarettes, but for the first time in her life why did she feel that she and Armaan were different…..they were not the same…..he was a young man and she was a young woman…….and they were both conscious of that fact, now more so than ever.
The next few days, Riddhima avoided Armaan like plague. If Padma had prepared something for him, she would make up some reason, "mere pait mein dard hai….mera sir dukh raha hai…..bahut homework hai." Padma could sense that Riddhima was still embarrassed about the whole stream incident from a few days ago. She did not force Riddhima; she knew that in a few days Riddhima would back to her normal self.
Padma's instincts were right; it barely took Riddhima a week to get over her embarrassment- she was back at the Mallik house with her cheerful disposition and tiffin full of delicacies for Armaan. Armaan was also relieved to see Riddhima back to her normal self. They never discussed that incident again; but Armaan did notice that Riddhima was a little more bashful and modest in front of him. She made sure her dupatta was always in place and she did not sit carelessly with her feet all over the place on his bed.
Armaan continued his routine of helping her with homework and test preparations; she avoided sitting on his lap though. They were just more aware of each other's presence than they were ever before.
Riddhima's friends discussed their inept knowledge about 'growing up' and 'birds and bees' at school. Riddhima interjected, "tum sab ko kuch bhi nahin pataa…tum sab budhhu ho…..main samjhaati hoon," she passed on her newly acquired knowledge to her ignorant friends. Riddhima soon earned the stature of being the 'wise' and 'smart' one amongst her middle school friends. Some of her friends started gossiping, "jaanti hai….Riddhima uss 10th class ke ladke ke saath ghoomti hai…wo hi sab bataata hai usey."
"Hai Rabba! 10th class ka ladka? Kitni besharam hai!" one of them said.
"Kya lagta hai wo uska? Uska bhai hai kya?" another one added.
Riddhima overheard the gossipers; she could not take it anymore, "WO MERA SABSE ACHHA DOST HAI! BHAI NAHIN HAI!" she said vehemently and walked away with tears in her eyes, "yeh sab meri dosti ka mazaak kyun udhaa rahe hain? Main Armaan ki dost hoon…..uski amaanat hoon….." she mumbled to herself as she ran off
This is a story with 3 main characters- Armaan, Riddhima/Kumud and Asad. No, there are no twins or multiple personalities in this one. It is a simple, straightforward romantic and emotional love story between the 3 main characters. This story traces the life of a young girl, Riddhima and how circumstances force her to become 'Kumud' and how the two men, Armaan and Asad influence her life.
TUMHARI AMAANAT:
Main Characters:
MALLIK FAMILY:
They are well established family in Patiala. They live in a 100 year old home, rather a mansion, which has become almost a milestone in their neighborhood. People needing directions just have to say, "Mallik house!" and any rickshaw or auto could drive them there.
Billy Mallik: A successful businessman, among the elite of Punjab. He owns a lot of land in Punjab and basically is a landlord. He runs a construction business on the Side and spends most of his time managing his bank balance.
Naina Mallik: Billy's wife, a typical Punjabi woman. She loves to be in the limelight; she craves for attention from all near and dear ones. She is not a straightforward woman. She can be extra sweet when she wants to, but can stab anyone in the back for her own purpose. She is a greedy woman and wants it all! She is usually decked up in the most expensive saris and jewelry, her husband buys for her with his huge bank balance.
Armaan Mallik: Billy and Naina's older son. He is a very bright student and extremely ambitious. He wants to be an automobile engineer and design the coolest cars when he grows up. He has always done well in school, and one day dreams of going to the US to learn more about automobile engineering. He appears very stern and focused on the outSide, but has a very sensitive heart. He melts at the sight of tears, especially if they flow from his neighbor and friend, Riddhima's eyes. He loves to order Riddhima around as if she belongs to him; he almost takes her for granted.
Rahul Mallik: Armaan's younger brother by 2 years. He is a polar opposite of his brother. He is a poet at heart and aspires to be a singer one day. He loves a girl, Muskaan, who happens to be Riddhima's best friend.
GUPTA FAMILY:
They live in a much smaller home near the Mallik's. They have been the Mallik's tenants for the last two generations. It almost seems that they own the house, but from time to time, Naina makes it a point to remind the Guptas that they are just 'kiraaydaars.'
Shashank Gupta: Head of the Gupta khaandan. He is a retired school principal and now spends time in his kitchen garden and takes care of Billy's accounts. Billy trusts Shashank a lot and beSides himself, will allow only Shashank to handle his account books. Billy and Shashank were class mates throughout school, but their careers took them to different colleges and work environments. After Shashank's retirement, they have become close again. In fact, it was Billy's idea to hire Shashank as his accountant as he was confident about his skills, honesty and trust worthiness.
Padma Gupta: Shashank's wife of almost 25 years. They have been inseparable since their marriage and are often teased by their neighbors and friends for their 'zinda dilli' Padma is a very warm and loving person, but Naina dislikes her for some reason. Billy respects Padma a lot, as she is an excellent cook and regularly sends Billy's favorite dishes to his house. Naina, who is a horrible cook, hates Padma getting attention from her husband. Padma is aware of Naina's dislike for her, but chooses to ignore it for the sake of her husband's friendship with Billy.
Riddhima Gupta: Our heroine and lead actress of this story. She is the only daughter of the Guptas. She is a bubbly, cheerful, mischievous little girl. She is stubborn, but very warm and loving like her mother. She has only one ambition in life- to belong to Armaan completely. She is feisty, but totally dedicated to him. Riddhima is 4 years younger than him, but has known him since she was a little toddler. She loves to obey his orders, although from time to time she does give him some attitude, but believes that Armaan has a 'right' on her and she is his 'amaanat'
Muskaan Singh: Riddhima's best friend throughout school and college. She is completely besotted by Rahul, Armaan's younger brother.
Asad Khan: Lives in Mumbai. He is basically a tapori kind of guy, with no ambitions or goals in life. He is a very kind hearted person, but all alone in his life, except for a friend, Veer. He has one big vice- drinking! He will be important later in the story, when Riddhima is forced to become Kumud!
Amar Gupta: Riddhima's first cousin. He is a very lazy man and believes in earning money by hook or crook. He lives in Chandigarh with his parents. His father is Shashank's younger brother
PART 1:
The story starts when Riddhima, 5, Muskaan, 5, Rahul, 7 and Armaan, 9 years old are playing in the Mallik's backyard.
"Riddhima! Muskaan! Udhar dekho…..bagal waale ghar mein us pedh par amrood aa rahe hain! Chal Rahule…..thod kar laate hain," Armaan, the leader of the gang runs ahead as the other three follow him. Armaan quietly opened the gate to the neighbor's backyard and tip toed towards the guava tree. He was an expert climber, and within a few minutes was up at the top. He plucked a bunch of guavas as the three younger kids watched him in awe. Armaan looked down and yelled, "main itne saare amrood neeche nahin laa sakta…..tum log bhi oopar aa jao."
A frail little Muskaan, hid behind Rahul, "nahin main nahin chadoongi….mujhey darr lagta hai!"
Rahul, himself not very athletic, looked away, "jaa Riddhima tu chali jaa….Armaan ka kehna maan…jaa!"
Riddhima, a petite little five year old, but very agile, loved the challenge. It would also give her a chance to impress Armaan. Armaan, being four years older, was a little bossy and loved to order her around. Riddhima did not mind, as long as she received his attention. Riddhima climbed the tiny branches carefully and within a few minutes was half way up the tree.
"Riddhima…wahin theher jao…..main neeche amrood laata hoon," Armaan got a little worried as the top half of the tree was a little tricky to climb. He gently climbed down to her level, "chal yeh pakad le….apne frock mein rakh le," he put the guavas in her little frock 'basket.'
"ARMAAN! Bagal waali aunty aa rahi hain! Jaldi neeche aa jao!" Rahul screamed as he saw the owner of the house, Mrs Pathak walking towards them with a big broom.
"Arre…baap re baap!" Armaan was frightened too, as Pathak aunty was not the friendliest of ladies and particularly disliked naughty kids. He stuffed his pockets with a few guavas and started climbing down, ignoring Riddhima's protests from behind, "Armaan mujhey bhi neeche le chalo!"
Armaan was down within seconds; he held Rahul's hand and sprinted back to his house. Muskaan ran as fast as she could with her tiny feet, leaving poor little Riddhima perched on the tree holding the guavas in her dress.
The fierce lady looked up and saw a frightened girl on the tree, "ACCHA! NEECHE THO AA……ABHI TERI MAA KO BATAATI HOON! SHAITAAN KAHIN KI!"
A tearful Riddhima came down trembling and shivering.
"AMROOD CHURAA RAHI THI BADMAASH! YAHI SIKHAAYA HAI TERE MAA-BAAP NE…..CHORNI KAHIN KI!" Mrs Pathak snatched the guavas and yelled at her.
Riddhima started bawling, "main tho sirf badhe bacchon ke saath aayi thi….main chorni nahin hoon kaaki!"
"KHABARDAAR MUJHEY KAAKI KAHA THO! CHAL MERE SAATH!" the lady grabbed Riddhima by her arm and walked her to the Gupta's.
"Padma! Yeh sambhaal le apni beti ko…..5 saal ki umar mein hi chori karne lagi hai!" Mrs Pathak yelled from outSide.
Padma ran out, wiping dough off her hands, "kya hua behenji? Kya kiya Riddhima ne?" she was shocked to see Riddhima in tears, her hair all disheveled, scratches on her skin from the branches of the tree.
"Poonch lo chorni se….hamare baagh ke amrood pedh par chadkar chura rahi thi!" the lady sneered.
"Maaf karna behenji….main Riddhima se baat karoongi…..ab aage se aisa kabhie nahin hoga," Padma apologized to her neighbor and looked at Riddhima sternly.
Mrs Pathak made a dirty face and walked away, chomping on the guavas on her way back, "chalo iss bahaane amrood neeche tho aaye, warna Ramu ka bachha itna aalsi hai ki kabhie thod ta hi nahin….pedh par hi sadh jaate saare amrood."
Padma took Riddhima inSide; she was obviously upset at her daughter being called a 'chorni,' but she knew her 5 year old was probably incited by the older Mallik boys, "Armaan aur Rahul bhi the tere saath?" she asked angrily. Riddhima nodded, "Armaan tho jaldi se bhaag gaya tha….par mere haath mein itne amrood the, kaise neeche aati mummyji?"
Padma sighed, "beti…..tu abhi bahut choti hai…..badhe bachhon ki baaton mat aaya kar…..aur waise bhi kisi aur ki cheez lena paap hai…..aaj ke baad phir teri shikaayat aayi tho daddyji ko bataa doongi."
"Nahin mummyji! Daddyji ko mat bataana!" Riddhima was scared of her dad's temper. An ex-principal, he was a strict disciplinarian. Even though he doted on his only daughter, he would never be able to tolerate dishonesty, lies or theft of any kind.
Padma cleaned Riddhima's scratches and gave her some milk, "yeh le haldi ka doodh pee le….saare ghaav bhar jaayenge jaldi." Riddhima had a disgusting look on her face, "nahin mummyji….main haldi ka doodh nahin peeungi," she started crying again.
"Kaaki…..main pee lunga," Armaan walked in through the front door, "laao…..mujhey doodh pasand hai," he snatched the glass of milk from Padma and gulped it down in a few seconds and let out a big burp.
Padma smiled, "beta….tujhey haldi ka doodh pasand hai?"
Armaan made a face; he hated anything added in his milk, but lied, "haan kaaki bahut pasand hai." Somewhere, his conscience had pricked him as he had seen how the neighbor had yelled at Riddhima and called her names. That is why he had followed them back to Riddhima's house.
Riddhima frowned at him, "main katti hoon tumsey!"
"Katti? Ho ja katti….jaise teri katti se mujhey koi farak padhta hai?…..Chidiya si tho hai…..dekhne mein bhi aur dimaag bi chidiya jaisa hai tera…….jaldi se neeche kyun nahin aayi? Galti teri hai….aur katti mujh se ho rahi hai!" Armaan snubbed her.
"Tho mujhey akela kyun chhod gaye us gandi aunty ke paas?" she complained.
Armaan stuck out his tongue, "meri marzi!"
"Beta! Aise nahin kehte….Riddhima tujh se choti hai…..iska dhyaan rakhaa kar…..bechari pedh se gir jaati tho?" Padma defended her daughter.
"Kaaki! Main isse girney thode hi deta….main tho mazaak kar raha tha," Armaan laughed as he realized that Padma Kaaki was a little upset.
"Accha….tum dono yahin raho….kuch khaane ke liye laati hoon….Rahul aur Muskaan kahan hai?" Padma asked
"Hum yahan hain Kaaki," Rahul announced as he walked in hand in hand with Muskaan.
"Chalo baith jao chaaron…..main aaloo ke paraanthe banaati hoon," Padma smiled and went to the kitchen.
"AALOO KE PARAANTHE? ARRE WAH! MAZAA AA GAYA PHIR THO!" Armaan exclaimed as his mouth watered at the thought of Padma Kaaki's juicy paranthas.
Riddhima's sobs had still not died down; she had been badly shaken up by the guava tree incident.
Armaan looked at her and felt a little uncomfortable' "ab ladkiyon ki tarah rona bandh kar! Chal amrood khaate hain," he grabbed Riddhima's hand and ran out to the front porch.
Armaan sat down on the steps and took out the guavas from his pocket. He wiped them with his shirt and offered it to Riddhima, "le…yeh sab se pakaa hua tere liye." Riddhima's sobs soon turned to a big smile, "sach? Mere liye?"
Rahul and Muskaan ran out, "nahin hum bhi khaayenge…yeh cheating hai!"
"Abey hath!" Armaan said authoritatively, "sirf Riddhima aur main hi khaayenge….tum tho darr pok ki tarah bhaag liye the," he put a protective arm around Riddhima and refused to share the guavas with his brother. A dejected Rahul was about to leave with Muskaan, when Riddhima offered her half eaten guava, "yeh le lo Rahul…..main aur nahin khaa sakti." Rahul and Muskaan looked at Armaan for permission, but he could care less. He chomped on his own fruit and went inSide, "aa haa… kaaki…..paranthon ki khushboo aa rahi hai!" Armaan grabbed a plate from the kitchen cabinet and served himself a stack of paranthas.
Riddhima walked in with sticky hands; she was all smiles now as Armaan had given her the first preference on the guavas. She stepped on her toes and looked at Armaan's plate, "mujhey bhi chaahiye parantha." Riddhima wiped her fingers on Armaan's shirt and took a bite from his plate, "mummyji…thoda masala zyaada daalo na….bilkul pheekha hai."
"Beti….tere liye masaale waala baad mein banaaoongi…Armaan ko aisa hi pasand hai," Padma said.
Riddhima made a face and ran away as Armaan polished parantha after parantha.
After Rahul and Muskaan had eaten their share of paranthas, Padma made an extra spicy one for Riddhima, "yeh le…tera teekha waala!"
"Nahin mujhey ab bhookh nahin hai!" Riddhima rubbed her eyes, "mujhey neend aa rahi hai mummyji."
"Aise bhookhe pait nahin sotey….thoda sa khaa le beta," Padma said affectionately.
Armaan got up from the kitchen table and laughed, "arre kaaki…chidiya ke pait mein jagah kahan hogi ab?"
Shashank walked in and heard the last statement; he lifted Riddhima in his arms, "meri nanhi pari hai yeh….chidiya nahin hai," he kissed her cheeks.
"Uncle jee….pari nahin chidiya hai!" Armaan laughed again and held Rahul's hand, "chal Rahule….andhera hone lagaa hai…Muskaan ko bhi ghar chhod na hai."
Shashank smiled and hugged Riddhima, "yeh ladke tujhey sirf chidhaa te hain…..agli dafaa kehna ki chidiya hi aasmaan mein udh jaati hai…..zameen waale dekhte reh jaate hain."
Armaan came back after he heard what Shashank had just said, "uncle jee…..aasmaan mein tho main udhoonga……hawai jahaaz mein udhkar saat samundar paar jaaoonga aur bahut badhaa aadmi banoonga……yeh tho Patialawaali hai….aur yahin Patiala mein hi rahegi!" he chuckled arrogantly and ran after Rahul and Muskaan.
Shashank shook his head, "Armaan bahut ghamandi ladka bantaa jaa raha hai…..kahin Naina bhabhi jaisa na ban jaaye."
"Ghamandi hai…..par Riddhima ka dhyaan wo hi rakhta hai…..dil ka achha ladka hai….chal aa Riddhima….meri godh mein baith kar kuch khaa le," Padma lifted Riddhima from Shashank's arms.
PART 2:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 9, RAHUL 11 & ARMAAN, 13:
"Mama….main aur Rahul jheel par jaa rahe hain," Armaan informed Naina. He walked out in his shorts and a towel wrapped around his shoulders.
"Arre puttar…..zara dhyaan se jaana….kal pataa hai na Mehra sahib ka beta jheel mein phisal kar gir gaya tha…..shukr hai vaahe guru ka ki wo dooba nahin," Naina came out and warned her boys, "ARRE HARIRAM!" she yelled for their servant, "zara bacchon ke saath jheel par chala jaa….nazar rakhna in par."
"Jee maalkin," Hariram, a frail looking 40 year old man came out from the kitchen.
Armaan smirked, "yeh kya dhyaan rakhega….yeh tho khud jheel mein phisal jaayega mama."
Billy heard Armaan's comment, "zuban par kaboo rakh Armaan puttar…..aisa nahin kehte…HariRam tum se umar mein badhe hain."
"Chal Rahule…..Riddhima aur Muskaan ko bhi le lete hain," Armaan ignored his dad and walked out with Rahul.
"Yeh Riddhima aur Muskaan ke saath hi kyun chipke rehte hain?" Naina said scornfully, "aur badhe gharon ke bacche bhi tho hain yahan…..har waqt dekho Riddhima Muskaan….Riddhima, Muskaan!"
Armaan heard his mom and came back, "mama…..humein Riddhima aur Muskaan ke saath zyaada mazaa aata hai…..unhein chidhaa jo sakte hain," he laughed and ran out with Rahul.
Billy smiled and looked at Naina, "rehne do tussi……bachhe hain…..khelne do jinke saath khelna chaahte hain…..jawaani mein sab bhool jaayenge…..phir tho wo hi karenge jo hum chaahte hain."
Naina smirked, "kahin aisa na ho yeh bachpan ki dosti jawaani mein bhi pareshaan na kare?"
"Chhodo bhi Naina…..abhi bahut saal hain….aage ki kisne dekhi hai?" Billy walked out shaking his head. He knew it was no point arguing with his status-conscious wife.
Armaan and Rahul barged into Riddhima's house. Muskaan was at Riddhima's house too as Muskaan's mother worked at a local store till 6 in the evening. Padma usually picked the girls from school and brought them home. The girls were doing their homework on the dining table.
"Chal Riddhima….aur Muskaan……chal jheel par chalte hain," Armaan ordered as he picked an apple from the fruit basket.
Padma smiled, "beta….yeh homework kar rahi hain….aaj nahin aayengi….aur waise bhi jheel par akele nahin bhejoongi inhey…pata hai na Mehra sahib ke beta doobte doobte bach gaya kal."
"Kaaki….aap fikr na karo…..main hoon na….Riddhima ka dhyaan main rakhoonga aur Muskaan ka Rahul," Armaan said confidently.
Rahul added meekly, "aur HariRam bhi hai kaaki," he crossed his fingers as he really wanted the girls to come along. Rahul liked the company of the girls as Armaan would then shift his attention to them and order them around rather than his younger brother.
"Mummyji…yeh division ke sawaal samajh nahin aa rahe," Riddhima whined; her mind was already wandering at the stream. She loved the water and was dying to swim with the boys.
Armaan looked at her work, "kya samajh nahin aa raha? Chal main samjhaa ta hoon! Chidiya ka dimmag hai tera!" he pulled a chair and pulled Riddhima onto his lap. Within minutes, he explained how to do long division in a simplified manner to Riddhima. Riddhima sat on his lap comfortably and finished her problems quickly. Rahul helped Muskaan finish her work too, but they sat across from each other at the table, unlike Armaan and Riddhima; Riddhima being light and petite had gotten into the habit of sitting on people's laps, especially Armaan's. Armaan never gave a second thought to her habit and just assumed it was a done thing between the two of them. He finished the apples from the fruit basket as Riddhima completed her work, still on his lap.
After homework, the four of them went to the nearby stream along with HariRam. They enjoyed splashing and swimming in the water. The boys wore their shorts, as the girls stayed in their salwaar kameez. They left their dupattas at the bank with HariRam. Riddhima had long braided hair and Muskaan wore her's short to her shoulders.
Armaan loved scaring and teasing the girls by suddenly splashing water on them or jumping out of the water when the girls were distracted elsewhere. Rahul rescued Muskaan and took her to a Side where they threw pebbles and watched the rings in the stream. Armaan pulled Riddhima by her braids if she did not listen to him or walked away from him, "chal is patthar se mere peeth ki maalish kar de!" he ordered.
Riddhima looked at the flat stone and then at his back, "nahin lag jaayegi….main nahin karoongi."
"Arre….nahin lagti….Punjabi munda hoon main…..kuch nahin hoga mujhey," he insisted.
"Nahin karoongi main!" Riddhima said stubbornly.
"Mera kehna nahin maanegi tu?" Armaan asked angrily
"Nahin chhot lag jaayegi is patthar se…..nahin karoongi," she threw the stone away and walked out of the stream. Armaan followed her and saw tears in her eyes, "yeh kudiyon ki tarah kyun roti rehti hai…..accha baba….patthar se nahin….apne haathon se maalish kar de….bas ab khush?"
She nodded and wiped her tears. Armaan sat down on the steps and enjoyed the little back rub with Riddhima's tiny hands, "kuch roti-shoti khaayakar chidiya….bilkul dum nahin hai tere haathon mein…..kitni kamzor hai tu!"
Riddhima was offended; she did not mind being called chidiya by him, but hated being called 'kamzor.' She dug her tiny nails into his back and scratched him till he yelled, "MAR GAYA! MAR GAYA!" He got up and gave her a dirty look, "maalish karne ko kahi thi….kharonch ne ko nahin…abhi dekhta hoon tujhey!" Riddhima was quick and jumped back into the water. Armaan saw her dupatta lying on the steps; he picked it up and wiped his muddy feet with it. Riddhima was aghast; she swam back and yelled, "mera dupatta! Saara maila kar diya!"
Armaan grinned and pushed her back into the water, "mujhey chhot pahunchayegi tho yahi haal karoonga tera!" and jumped in right after her. He kept laughing and teasing her as they both swam towards Rahul and Muskaan.
In a couple of hours, they were back at Riddhima's house, exhausted and drenched from the swimming. The girls ran into Riddhima's room and changed into clean, dry clothes. The boys just dried themselves with the towels and hung around in their shorts. Padma made halwa poori for all the kids, as swimming had made them hungry. Armaan and Rahul polished off at least a dozen, if not more pooris and two bowls full off halwa between the two of them. Riddhima, as usual ate a poori and a few bites of halwa.
After their snack, Armaan ran out into the backyard and climbed the mango tree. He threw some mangoes down on the ground and slid down the tree.
Riddhima ran after him, "yeh chori hai Armaan…..mummyji kehti hain ki chori karna paap hai…..tumne bina poonchey hamare aam kyun thode?"
Armaan grinned and started peeling the mangoes, "meri marzi!"
"nahin….yeh chori hai!" she insisted
Armaan looked down at her arrogantly, "chidiya raani….jaanti ho yeh tumhara ghar….yeh bagicha…..yeh aam ka pedh….. sab hamari amaanat hai……tum sirf kiraaydaar ho…….main jab chaahoon yahan se kuch bhi le sakta hoon...samjhi?" he started sucking on the juicy mango.
Riddhima looked at him tearfully, "tho kya sab kuch tumhari amaanat hai yahan?"
Armaan was too busy suckling on his mango, "aur kya! Sab kuch!"
"Main bhi?" she asked innocently.
Armaan gave her a funny look and then laughed out loud, "aur kya…..tu bhi meri amaanat hai! Chal Rahule….ghar chalte hain…..mama intezaar kar rahi hongi….mera kal science ka test bhi hai…..chal ab!" he ran out the gate as Rahul and HariRam followed him with towels in their hands.
Riddhima stood there with tears in her eyes; she turned around and went back inSide. Armaan had a habit of saying hurtful things to her; she usually took it in stride as long as she was getting his attention, but what he said outSide hurt her pride just a little. Of course, neither of them knew what he really meant by "tu bhi meri amaanat hai," but Riddhima felt belittled by his comment today……or did she really believe what he said……may be he was right? Her 9 year old brain was confused as she did not really understand what he meant. Muskaan was playing with her dolls on the living room floor. Riddhima forgot about what Armaan had just said and joined Muskaan in their little make-believe game.
PART 3:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 11&1/2, RAHUL, 13&1/2, ARMAAN, 15&1/2:
Riddhima, Muskaan and Rahul are now in middle school, whereas Armaan is now a high schooler. He has become more serious about his studies now, as he wants to get into a good engineering school after graduation. His dreams are set at becoming an automobile engineer and design the fastest and coolest cars in the world. Armaan spends more time with his high school buddies; he has even started noticing girls, mostly his age or a year or two younger. Riddhima and Muskaan are still 'kids' according to him. Armaan still has fun with Riddhima and Muskaan, but has abandoned climbing trees and stealing fruits from neighbor's trees. Armaan was recently chosen on the high school soccer team, which has made him popular in school. Everyone is aware of his social status; so basically he is the arrogant, good looking, athletic and smart son of a rich man!
Muskaan and Rahul have both turned out to be an asset to the school choir and have been busy with their singing. Riddhima is Riddhima, her usual bubbly self, still in awe of Armaan, craves for his attention, and wants to please him at any cost. Armaan continues to snub her or taunt her whenever he can, but she does not care. She has not forgotten his statement about 'tumhari amaanat.' Riddhima has actually started believing that she is truly 'his amaanat.' Even Armaan treats her like he 'owns' her. He gets restless when he has not seen Riddhima for a few days. Whenever the stress of school work and his activities gets to him, he just barges into Riddhima's house and either takes her out for 'kulfi' or hangs out at her house and helps her with her homework. Of course, there are no romantic undercurrents with this mutual feeling-at least yet!
One day, Riddhima walked into Armaan's house as was a habit of hers. She was carrying a tiffin with Armaan's favorite gobhi ka paranthas and kheer. It was not unusual for Padma to send food for Armaan, but today it was special. Riddhima had prepared the paranthas specially for Armaan. As she hummed and stepped upstairs, Naina stopped her, "RIDDHIMA! Kahan jaa rahi hai?"
Riddhima turned around and smiled, 'pairi paini auntyjee….main Armaan ke liye paranthe laayi thi."
A stern Naina walked towards the step, "ab Armaan badha ho gaya hai…..aise hi uske kamre mein mat jaaya kar…..wo padhai kar raha hai…..uske exams aane waale hain….laa mujhey de de…main baad mein de doongi," she extended her hand.
A disappointed Riddhima had no choice; she knew Naina aunty was very strict and for some reason was always rude towards Riddhima. Naina hated Riddhima and Armaan's friendship; she had warned her son many times to stay away from these 'chote log,' but Armaan just ignored his mom.
Riddhima was about to hand over the tiffin, when they both heard Armaan's voice from upstairs, "oopar aa ja Riddhima….ek cheez dikhani hai." Armaan's voice had started cracking as he had suddenly shot up in height over the last 6 months. He even had a tiny moustache growing over his upper lip. It was strange that even when Armaan was immersed in his studies or work, he could always hear Riddhima's voice, even if she were outSide his house. He had not seen her for days, and was pleased to hear her voice from downstairs.
Naina scoffed and walked away. A sheepish Riddhima sprinted upstairs as fast as she could.
"Aa…andar aa ja….kya laayi hai mere liye?" he took the tiffin from her and inhaled the fragrance, "mmm….kya khushboo hai!"
"Maine banaaye hain!" Riddhima said excitedly
"Tuney?" Armaan mocked at her, "phir tho khoob masala daala hoga…main kaise khaaoonga?"
"Nahin….tumhare liye khaas banaaye hain….bilkul pheeke , jaise tumhein pasand hain," she smiled.
Armaan closed the tiffin and then grabbed her hand, "idhar aa….tujhey kuch dikhaana hai."
Riddhima followed him to his desk. There was a catalog of sports cars sitting on his desk. He sat on his chair and started showing her the various models of imported sports cars, "yeh dekh…..yeh car ….train se bhi fast bhaagti hai….aur yeh dekh…" he was very excited, but Riddhima could care less; she really wanted him to taste her cooking, but he had somehow lost enthusiasm once he found out that it was not Padma kaaki's cooking.
As Armaan kept flipping page after page, Riddhima lost her patience. She grabbed the tiffin and opened it in front of him. When he still did not get distracted, she took a piece of the parantha with her tender fingers and stuffed it into his mouth.
"ARRE! YEH KYA KAR RAHI HAI?" he said with a mouthful, but then his eyes popped as the delicious paranthas melted in his mouth. He opened his mouth wide as Riddhima kept feeding him the rest of the paranthas. She sat on his desk and observed him keenly; he looked different today. She could see fine bristles on his cheeks and chin; his voice was not the same, he was much taller than she recalled him from even a few days ago…..he had changed….he was all grown up somehow. Riddhima lowered her eyes and wondered how he had changed so much?
"Kya hua? Aur khila na!" Armaan opened his mouth, his eyes still glued to the catalog, "jaanti hai…papa keh rahe the wo mere liye nayi car laayenge…..maine driver se car chalaani bhi seekh li hai."
"Car?" Riddhima's eyes popped out this time, "tum car chalaaoge? Main bhi car mein jaa sakti hoon?" she asked excitedly.
Armaan scoffed, "tu? Pagal hai…..meri car mein sirf mere dost baithenge…..tu nahin jaa sakti usmein."
Riddhima was heartbroken, "kyun main tumhari dost nahin hoon?"
Armaan grinned at her, "Tu? Tu waisi dost nahin hai….tu tho bachhi hai abhi."
"Lekin tumhee ne tho kaha tha ki main tumhari amaanat hoon…phir kyun nahin baith sakti?" Riddhima asked innocently.
Armaan was amazed at her innocence, "pagli….na jaane kya kya yaad rakhti hai….accha tere bag mein kya hai?" he looked at her bag sitting on the floor.
"Homework," she said hesitantly.
"Accha tho yahin kar le homework…koi help chaahiye kya?" he shut his catalog and leaned back on his chair.
"Shayad chaahiye ho," she said.
"Theek hai…main apne test ki tayyari karta hoon…tu wahan bistar par baith kar homework kar le," he got up to collect his books from his bag.
Riddhima opened his drawer to get a pencil and was shocked to see a pack of cigarettes inSide, "Armaan! Tum cigarette peete ho?"
Armaan was startled, "TU KYA KAR RAHI HAI MERI DRAWER MEIN?" he yelled
"Kuch nahin…pencil dhoondh rahi thi," she fearfully.
"Chhod de packet ko!" Armaan snatched the pack of cigarettes from her.
Riddhima covered her mouth and said, 'main auntyji aur uncle ji ko bataa doongi….pata hai cigarette peene se cancer ho jaata hai?"
"Tujhey kisne kaha?" he asked irately
"TV mein dekha tha….main abhi auntyji ko bataati hoon," she was about to walk out the door, when Armaan grabbed her hand, "please mama ko mat bataana….wo bahut naaraaz hongi," he pleaded.
Riddhima turned around and folded her arms; it was so rare for Armaan to ever plead to her-she was enjoying the moment thoroughly, "theek hai nahin bataaoongi….ek shart par."
Armaan folded his hands, "haan meri maa! Bataa kya shart hai?"
She had a broad smile on her face, "main bhi cigarette peeke dekhoongi….jaise filmon mein hero heroine peete hain na."
Armaan was stunned, "pagal hai kya?" Even though Armaan did not mind experimenting with stuff like smoking etc with his buddies, he would never want Riddhima to try something so sinful. Even he perhaps did not know why he was so protective about her. As long as he was torturing or teasing her, it was all kosher, but he could never stand anyone else bothering her or Riddhima herself doing something wrong, especially something like smoking!
He looked at the packet and threw it out the window, "aaj ke baad koi cigarette nahin peeyega…samjhi?" he said angrily and settled with his books.
A disappointed Riddhima just shrugged her shoulders and settled on his bed with her books. As she was engrossed with her math problems, she stretched out on the bed and lay on her tummy to finish her work. She kept writing, counting on her fingers, humming and tapping her pencil on her lips.
Armaan was getting a little disturbed by her humming and tapping sounds. He looked up from his books and glared at her. He must have glanced at her for a few seconds as he turned his head away. Those few seconds seemed to last forever- those few seconds would probably change the way he saw her forever. Riddhima was lying on her tummy; her dupatta had fallen on the ground and Armaan's eyes inadvertently rested on her chest area for a few seconds. He quickly turned away as he was embarrassed at his reaction to her. She was changing…..she was no longer a little girl whom he could drag around by her braids……she was changing into a young woman…..
Armaan felt ashamed of himself; his heart was pounding in his chest, that fleeting glance had stirred up and aroused something inSide him and he was really ANGRY AT HIMSELF!!!
Armaan got up in a fury and picked her dupatta. He threw it on her face, "RIDDHIMA! TU JAA AB YAHAN SE…..BAHUT SHOR KAR RAHI HAI TU…..MUJHEY TEST KE LIYE PADHNA HAI…..CHALI JAA YAHAN SE…..MUJHEY PARESHAAN MAT KAR!" He was almost trembling in rage.
Riddhima was frightened; she picked her books and placed her dupatta on her neck, "sorry Armaan…main shor nahin machaaungi….please thoda sa hi homework reh gaya hai…..please," she begged and pleaded, but Armaan just looked away, holding the door open for her to leave.
A tearful Riddhima ran home as fast as she could, "kyun naaraaz ho gaya? Main tho mazaak kar rahi thi ki auntyji ko bataa doongi ki wo cigarette peeta hai…..main kisi ko nahin bataa ti," she sobbed all the way home. Armaan saw her walk back home from his window; he pulled the curtains angrily and sat down to study.
Both Armaan and Riddhima had a restless night. Armaan was upset with himself for noticing the change in Riddhima. It was the first time he had ever become conscious of his own sexuality; he like other boys of his age talked and boasted about the 'hot kudis' in high school, but he had never felt that way before like he did in those few seconds, "bechari Riddhima ko tho kuch pataa bhi nahin hoga," he sighed and tried to close his eyes. He felt bad for her; he had made her cry again- he would make it up to her; she did not deserve his wrath today. For some inexplicable reason, he hated to see tears on her face; he loved it whenever she smiled- she did have a captivating smile, something everyone commented on, but Armaan had always cherished since they were little kids.
Riddhima cried all night as she hated to make Armaan unhappy- she had tried her best to please him that day, but as usual he got upset with her at some pretext or another!
NEXT DAY:
Riddhima came back from school with Muskaan and buried herself in her homework. Padma was concerned, "kya hua beti? Teri tabiyat tho theek hai? Muskaan kya hua beta?"
"Kaaki….shayad Armaan ke saath jhagda hua hai," Muskaan said
Padma sighed and pulled Riddhima on her lap, "beti….ladai jhagde tho hote rehte hain…..ab Armaan badhaa ho gaya hai….tu abhi choti hai…usey shayad badhe bachhon ki company zyaada pasand aati hogi….tu Muskaan aur Rahul ke saath khel liya kar…chal aaja kuch khaa le puttar," she said affectionately.
Just as Padma was consoling Riddhima, they heard a familiar voice, 'Kaaki! Kaaki! Riddhima kahan hai?" it was Armaan.
Riddhima looked up from her mother's lap and turned her face away angrily.
Armaan grinned and dangled his new car keys in front of her, "meri nayi nayi gaddi mein kaun kaun chalega?"
"Main chaloongi!" Muskaan got up excitedly.
"Theek hai jisey chalna hai wo mere saath chal sakta hai…..gaadi ki saari seats bhar gayi hain….jaldi chalo jisey chalna hai!" he purposely yelled in Riddhima's ear.
Rahul joined them, "main aage waali seat par baithoonga."
"Nahin main baithoongi!" Muskaan insisted.
Armaan flashed a devilish smile at Riddhima, "nahin aage waali seat par sirf Riddhima baithegi!"
Those words were magic to Riddhima's ears. She wiped her face with her mother's pallu and sat up, "main aa rahi hoon Armaan!"
Armaan smiled at her, "tho jaldi chal……time waste mat kar rone dhone mein!"
Armaan ran out to his new Maruti car as Rahul, Muskaan and Riddhima followed excitedly.
PART 4:
RIDDHIMA & MUSKAAN, 12 YRS, RAHUL, 14 YRS, ARMAAN, 16 YRS:
It had been 6 months since the little incident in Armaan's room. Armaan had moved on; ignoring that transient reaction to normal hormonal changes within his body. Things were pretty much back to normal. Armaan spent more time with his buddies; his car making him popular among the older high-schoolers too. Armaan never tried to smoke again; he did not know why he resisted the temptation even though his friends coaxed and cajoled him. He had enough authority over his buddies and class-mates, that they knew no one could pressure Armaan into anything if he had made up his mind.
Riddhima and Muskaan spent a lot of time learning how to sew, knit, cook and take care of house work thanks to Padma. They would try to visit Armaan and Rahul at least once a day, but their meetings became shorter and briefer. It was becoming obvious that both Rahul and Muskaan were very fond of each other. Naina tried her best to keep the girls away, but her sons usually managed to get away with what they wanted.
On one muggy summer afternoon, Armaan finally got tired of his books; he changed into his swimming shorts and convinced Rahul to go for a swim at the stream, "chal Rahule….bahut din ho gaye jheel par nahin gaye…..aaj bahut garmi hai….chal thodi der chalte hain."
Rahul, the obedient brother was ready in a jiffy, "Muskaan se bhi poonch lein?"
Armaan slapped Rahul's back, "tu aur teri Muskaan…..shaadi karega kya us sey?"
Rahul blushed a little, "tu bhi na yaar…..kaisi baat karta hai? Shaadi tho mama-papa ki marzi se karoonga…..kya tu Riddhima se shaadi karega?"
Armaan was taken aback, "us chidiya se? Dimaag kharaab hai mera? Bachpan ka saath hi bahut hai…..poori zindagi apna dimaag kharaab nahin karna mujhey!" he chuckled and walked out towards his car. He thought about what Rahul had just said, and then shook his head, "Naa re naa…..meri biwi tho koi Bipasha Basu type hogi…..uss chidiya se shaadi kaun karega?"
"Tho Muskaan aur Riddhima ko bhi le lein?" Rahul asked as he sat on the passenger Side.
Armaan sneered, "unka dhyaan rakhna padhega saale….wo bachhi hain!"
Rahul's face fell; Armaan smiled and said, "theek hai bhai….le lete hain…par tu hi dhyaan rakhna un kudiyon ka…..mujhey tho ache se swimming karni hai!"
Rahul agreed. Armaan and Rahul barged into Riddhima's house. Muskaan was there as usual. They were both learning how to cook baingan ka bharta.
"Mmm….kaaki aaj tho kamaal ki khushboo aa rahi hai!" Armaan's nose guided him to the kitchen.
Padma looked up; Armaan had shot up in height since the last time she had seen him, 'Armaan puttar….tere liye baingan ka bharta banaa rahi hain ladkiyan…..tu itni jaldi jaldi lamba hota jaa raha hai….tera pait jo bharna hai," Padma laughed.
Armaan sat on the counter, 'kaaki….tumhare khaane se hi badhaa ho raha hoon…yadi mama par chhod tha tho abhi Riddhima ki tarah thigna hi reh jaata!" he chuckled and pulled Riddhima's braid.
"AHHH!" Riddhima screamed, "meri choti kyun kheench te rehte ho?"
"Shayad kheenchne se tu lambi ho jaaye…iss liye kheench ta hoon," Armaan laughed.
Riddhima frowned, "lambi nahin hona mujhey….mummyji kehti hain ki zyaada lambi kudiyon ko shaadi ke liye ladka nahin milta!"
Armaan got off the counter and laughed out loud, "tujhsey shaadi kaun karega chidiya? Chaahe tu lambi ho ya choti reh jaaye!"
Riddhima had tears in her eyes, "kyun kya kharaabi hai mujh mein? Dekhna ek din meri shaadi ek bahut lambe se raj kumar se hogi aur tum dekhte reh jaaogey!" she stuck out her tongue.
"Achha ab bak bak bandh kar….chal jheel par chalte hain," Armaan looked away; somehow that statement that she would get married and he would just be an observer did not jive well with him. He walked out of the kitchen in an irritable mood.
The four friends got to the stream and jumped into the cool water immediately. Armaan swam laps as the other three just splashed and played with each other. As Armaan was swimming towards them, he noticed Riddhima's kurta stained a blood red color below her waist. He swam faster as he thought she might have hurt herself. As he got closer, he saw she did not seem in distress; she was still having fun with Muskaan and Rahul.
Armaan felt a little awkward; he knew what had just happened. He came out of the water and picked his towel and looked at Riddhima, "Riddhima…idhar aa zara!"
Riddhima gave him a dirty look, "Kya hai? Aaj maalish nahin karoongi!"
Armaan jumped in the water and wrapped her in a towel and lifted her back to the steps at the banks. Riddhima protested; her little legs dangling from his tall torso, "chhodo Armaan! Mujhey paani mein jaana hai!"
Armaan placed her on the steps and gave her the towel, "GHAR CHAL ABHI!"
"Kyun? Itni jaldi kya hai?" she asked. Armaan just looked away and said softly, "apne kurte ko dekh zara." Riddhima looked down and screamed, "YAAH RABBA! MAT CHOOUO MUJHEY!" Armaan gave her a confused look, "mat choouo? Matlab?"
Riddhima looked a little embarrassed, "school mein meri saheli, Jagjit ne kaha tha ki jab kudiyon ke kumudna shuru hota hai tho ladkon ko choona nahin chaahiye."
Armaan was bewildered, "kyun?"
"Kyunki..kyunki wo maa ban jaati hain phir," she said innocently, looking down at her toes scratching the steps with her nails.
Armaan tried to control his laughter and muttered under his breath, "lagta hai saari saheliyan bhi chun chun kar rakhi hain is pagli ne!"
Armaan shouted to Rahul and Muskaan, "chalo…ghar chalo….bahut ho gaya!"
Rahul and Muskaan did not argue; they had never disobeyed Armaan's commands and came out of the water.
Armaan drove them back home. He let Riddhima keep the towel to cover herself. Riddhima ran inSide and buried her face in Padma's chest. Padma soon found out what had happened; she helped Riddhima settle down after a shower, "le yeh doodh pee le….aur thoda aaraam kar." Muskaan's mom picked her up a little later.
After changing up, Armaan settled down to study, but Riddhima's ignorant words kept echoing in his ears, "ladkon ke choone se wo maa ban jaati hain!"
He was amazed at Riddhima's innocence, but then went to his book shelf and pulled out his Biology text book. For some reason, he wanted to make sure Riddhima did not remain in the dark; he knew she was a bright girl and deserved to know the facts about life. He walked over to her house, "kaaki, Riddhima hai?"
Padma looked down, a little embarrassed as she knew what had happened at the stream, "haan puttar wo kamre mein hai….kuch kaam tha?"
Armaan did not answer; he just walked to her room authoritatively, and opened the door. Riddhima was lying in bed reading a book. Armaan walked in and sat down next to her, "kaisi ho?"
Riddhima looked up from her book and sat up; she shifted to a corner just in case any part of her body might touch Armaan.
Armaan grinned, "pagli….main nahin choo raha hoon tujhey…idhar aa…kuch samjhaa na hai tujhey."
Riddhima hesitated, but then carefully scooted over towards him.
Armaan opened his Biology textbook and then in the most scientific and matter of fact matter gave Riddhima the lesson of her life on birds and bees. He spoke without emotion, just like a teacher, just like he were teaching her algebra or long division.
Riddhima was horror-struck, disgusted, appalled and amazed at the sudden revelation of this new information to her. She looked at Armaan with her mouth wide open, "tho kya mummyji-daddyji bhi?" she shut her eyes as the thought was too nauseating for her. Armaan took a deep breath and shut his textbook; his job had been done. He felt really awkward; he had no idea that one day he would have to do this for Riddhima. May be he had over stepped his boundaries? May be her mother should have done this? Why did he feel obliged to impart this lesson to her? Kya main sach much usey apni amaanat samajhne laga hoon? Do I really have a right on everything that happens to her? He had no answers; just a lot of questions.
"Main jaa raha hoon," he said softly and walked away with his text book.
Riddhima was too numb to say anything. The last 15 minutes had as if changed the meaning of life for her. Armaan's words kept echoing in her mind; she was upset- upset at her friend Jagjit for making her look foolish in front of Armaan, upset at herself for being so nave and ignorant, upset that this had all happened in front of Armaan. She had not hidden anything from Armaan so far, she had always tried to emulate him whether it was climbing trees, swimming the stream, trying out cigarettes, but for the first time in her life why did she feel that she and Armaan were different…..they were not the same…..he was a young man and she was a young woman…….and they were both conscious of that fact, now more so than ever.
The next few days, Riddhima avoided Armaan like plague. If Padma had prepared something for him, she would make up some reason, "mere pait mein dard hai….mera sir dukh raha hai…..bahut homework hai." Padma could sense that Riddhima was still embarrassed about the whole stream incident from a few days ago. She did not force Riddhima; she knew that in a few days Riddhima would back to her normal self.
Padma's instincts were right; it barely took Riddhima a week to get over her embarrassment- she was back at the Mallik house with her cheerful disposition and tiffin full of delicacies for Armaan. Armaan was also relieved to see Riddhima back to her normal self. They never discussed that incident again; but Armaan did notice that Riddhima was a little more bashful and modest in front of him. She made sure her dupatta was always in place and she did not sit carelessly with her feet all over the place on his bed.
Armaan continued his routine of helping her with homework and test preparations; she avoided sitting on his lap though. They were just more aware of each other's presence than they were ever before.
Riddhima's friends discussed their inept knowledge about 'growing up' and 'birds and bees' at school. Riddhima interjected, "tum sab ko kuch bhi nahin pataa…tum sab budhhu ho…..main samjhaati hoon," she passed on her newly acquired knowledge to her ignorant friends. Riddhima soon earned the stature of being the 'wise' and 'smart' one amongst her middle school friends. Some of her friends started gossiping, "jaanti hai….Riddhima uss 10th class ke ladke ke saath ghoomti hai…wo hi sab bataata hai usey."
"Hai Rabba! 10th class ka ladka? Kitni besharam hai!" one of them said.
"Kya lagta hai wo uska? Uska bhai hai kya?" another one added.
Riddhima overheard the gossipers; she could not take it anymore, "WO MERA SABSE ACHHA DOST HAI! BHAI NAHIN HAI!" she said vehemently and walked away with tears in her eyes, "yeh sab meri dosti ka mazaak kyun udhaa rahe hain? Main Armaan ki dost hoon…..uski amaanat hoon….." she mumbled to herself as she ran off
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