TheWorld'sOldestStory!!#14 Chp114-pg-144; 22/09/13 - Page 60

REWIND

Armaan,

When I started brain storming for ideas for something I could gift you today, I had no clue where to start. The only thing that I could imagine was your cutest dimpled smile when I gave whatever it was to you. So I thought I should gift you exactly that.. Your smile! So after a lot of thinking and planning and screening thousands and thousands of photographs (we should really make it a point to get ourselves clicked more often!!), I finally came up with this. I decided to take you for a trip down the memory lane with a lucky few moments that have been fortunate enough to be captured by a camera.. They may not be the best of the moments that we have shared in this one year Armaan, but these little moments have made this year memorable. I hope you enjoy reminiscing those moments as much as I did when I was putting this together for you. We've come a long way from that day a year ago when you said those three magical words to me. You were stupid then.. You're stupider now! :P I was nave then.. I'm definitely smarter now! ;) But seriously, now that I think about it, a year ago, I really didn't know what love was all about. But in this one year you've shown me what it is to love someone beyond measure. Thank you so much Armaan.. Thank you for coming in my life.. Thank you for loving me so much.. Thank you for making every moment in this last one year worth living for.. I love you Armaan.. I loved you a year ago.. And every moment since, my love for you has only increased.. I love you more than I've loved anybody else in the world.. And it may still not be enough to compete with you.. But still.. I love you.. And I promise to love you more and more with every passing second for the rest of my life..

Yours forever,

Basket

P.S. Save the dimples for the photographs. I bet you haven't even seen half of them!

Armaan grinned his best smile, unable to help the dimples, as he read the post script, then softly kissed the piece of hand-made paper which his Basket had used to write him the note. Caressing it lightly, he put it down on his table, then took hold of the digital photo-frame which was currently displaying 'Happy First Anniversary' in bold letters. He still couldn't believe he had forgotten their anniversary. How stupid could he have been!! He had remembered about it till before the fund raiser on Sunday. In fact he had even been struggling with an idea for a gift. But then with all the practicing and Riddhima teasing him about being unromantic and all the work at Sanjeevni, their anniversary had totally slipped his mind. That's why he had felt like he was forgetting something last night in his cabin when Riddhima had said something related to their anniversary. Only if she would have been clear enough he wouldn't have to endure her wrath. He still couldn't understand how he could have totally forgotten about it even after he had spent a lot of time thinking about it in the last week! So much that this morning even his subconscious mind had no memory of this special day. So when Riddhima had discovered that he had no clue as to why she was being all sweet to him after his early morning torture, she obviously had gone up in flames. And when he hadn't even realized what she was so mad about, she had had it!!

"Maybe this will help you remember!"

She had slapped a beautifully wrapped package hard on his chest, which to be honest had hurt a little, and had glared her deadliest glare at him. When he dared to look at the card stuck on top of the gift, he had gulped in fear. The words 'Happy First Anniversary Baby' had spelt his doom!! He had thought he was gone for good then. She had obviously refused to listen to a single excuse of his and just stormed out of the house, not to mention hijacked his car too! He had decided then to let her cool off, lest he'd have to share his death anniversary with the day he had professed his love to her for the first time!! Plus that also gave him time to think about how to patao her.. But before that he had decided to open her gift and found the digital photo-frame with a note stuck at the back. He had read the note and had seen all the photographs and he hadn't stopped smiling ever since!! In fact he was carrying his gift around every where he went except into the OT for the surgery he had performed this morning. After the successful operation however, he had rushed back to his cabin and had read the note again. And now he would see the photographs again too. He just couldn't get enough of it. Excited by that thought, he clicked the replay button to go back to the start. In the first picture, Riddhima and he were standing in a field, surrounded by lush green grass. He was grinning a naughty smile at her and she was looking at him with her mouth open in shock. He grinned as he recollected that time when the picture had been taken.

"Lekin mujhe khet dekhne mein koi interest nahi hai..", Armaan asserted, trying not to be too rude. He was arguing with Muskaan's cousin Chinky who he had run into early in the morning when he had actually been looking for his Basket.. Chinky for some reason had been very insistent on showing him the khets which after some probing he had learnt were the family farms. But he was least interested in the stupid farms. All he wanted was to find his Basket and spend time with her. But she was nowhere to be found and this Chinky chic was totally incorrigible!

"Aise kaise Armaan.. Aapne Punjab aakar khet nahi dekhe toh kya dekha! Please chaliye na.. Bohot maza aayega..", Chinky insisted again enthusiastically.

"Lekin mujhe nahi jaana hai yaar..", Armaan groaned exasperatedly, looking all around the living room for his Basket, hoping she would come and save him from this chipku Chinky.

But he couldn't spot her anywhere and this Chinky just wouldn't give up.

"Nahi nahi.. Aapko aana padega.. Chaliye na please.."

And this time she went onto hold his hand, trying to physically force him out of the house.. Armaan however didn't move, trying to get his hand out of her grip, tugging in the opposite direction as he looked around for someone to help him.

"Lekin main nahi.."

But his argument was left incomplete as he forgot what he had been saying when he spotted Riddhima descending the stairs. He was left mesmerized at the sight of her. She looked ethereal in a sky blue kurti and bright pink patiala with a matching pink duppatta. Her hair was tied in a braid with a blue paranda at its end.. A few shorter strands of her hair that had escaped the braid caressed her face as they played with her pretty jhumkas in the wind. She looked different but so beautiful, he couldn't take his eyes off her. He smiled a love struck smile as he watched her come towards him. He couldn't believe she was his girlfriend.. Was he lucky or what!! But wait a minute.. Why did she have a scowl on her face.. And why were those beautiful green eyes glaring that deadly glare at him.. But he couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful she was in spite of the warning bells that had started ringing in his head looking at her expressions..

"Yeh kya ho raha hai yahan?" Riddhima asked strictly as he continued to stare at her.

Armaan came out of his trance the moment he heard her icy tone. He realized what had had her so pissed when he saw her throw nasty glares at the his arm which was held by the overfriendly Chinky. Chinky had stopped her pursuit of getting him to go to the khets in the wake of Riddhima's arrival. But the poor thing had forgotten to take her hands off him! Armaan suppressed an evil grin as he watched his jealous girlfriend come to his rescue. Her scowl was just too adorable. So much that it encouraged him even more to tease her.

"Wo Basket hum khet dekhne jaa rahe the.. Tum bhi chalo na.."

He suggested cheerfully, grabbing onto Chinky's arm as he did. That killed two birds with one stone for him. Firstly it served the purpose of making his Basket jealous and seeing that perfect scowl of hers. And secondly, he knew he wouldn't get a better chance to spend time with her if she agreed to go to the khet with him and Chinky than if they stayed back in the house to help with the wedding preparations..

Riddhima's jaw clenched as she saw them, standing arm in arm, grinning at her from ear to ear. Why couldn't that Chinky keep her hands to herself!! And what in the world had Armaan so amused!

"Koi kahin nahi jaa raha hai.. Armaan aaj shaadi hai Rahul aur Muskaan ki and we're the only ladke waale available at the moment. Kitna saara kaam karna hai.."

"Chalo na Basket.. Punjab aakar humne khet nahi dekhe toh kya dekha! Haina Chinky?"

Armaan asked Chinky, using her own words back at her, this time to his advantage. Funnily she didn't notice Armaan's intentions in doing so and just nodded at him in agreement.

Riddhima clenched her teeth again, well aware that Armaan was chipkoing to Chinky on purpose to trouble her!

"Mujhe nahi dekhne hain khet.. I have a lot of work to do here.."

She declared tersely and was about to walk off when Armaan's voice stopped her..

"Okay.. Koi baat nahi.. Chinky aur main khet dekh ke aate hain.. I'm sorry you'll miss out on all the fun.."

Riddhima turned around to see him and Chinky go towards the door hand in hand and her mouth opened wide in shock! How dare he!! But obviously she wasn't going to let him go alone with that chipku cousin of Muskaan's. Cursing him under her breath she followed them out.

Armaan grinned at her back as he watched her storm ahead of them, that perfect scowl of hers on her face as she muttered curses. But as they neared the fields her scowl was replaced by a beautiful smile as she saw the endless sea of yellow and green in front of her. While Chinky jabbered away to glory telling him about their farming business and how different the fields looked in the different seasons, he was busy staring at Riddhima, admiring the serene smile on her face as she admired the view in front of her. Unable to tolerate Chinky's jabber he managed to extract his arm from hers and caught up with Riddhima.

Riddhima, however, was lost in admiring the vast corn fields in front of her. It was so beautiful.. Like they showed in the movies.. Like DDLJ or something. She couldn't help but speak her thoughts out loud..

"This is so unbelievably beautiful! I can't believe I'm actually seeing what I'm seeing.."

"I can't believe it either.. There's nothing more beautiful I've seen in my life.."

Armaan sighed in response to her comment, his gaze not wavering off her face even for a second.

Riddhima looked at his silly smile and rolled her eyes. Trust Armaan to get all cheesy!

"Save it Armaan.. Tum jao apni Chinky ke saath flirt karo.. Don't spoil this moment for me.."

She rudely retorted as she ignored him completely and started clicking pictures of the beautiful fields with her phone.

Armaan sniggered at her reply. But before he could give her a witty retort they were interrupted once again by the loud Chinky.

"Riddhima! Mera aur Armaan ka photo bhi lijiye na.. Yahan pe.. Iss backdrop ke saath.."

Riddhima ground her teeth as she gave Chinky a forced smile, watching her take hold of Armaan's arm and pull him towards herself as she posed for a photograph with the sea of yellow and green corn cobs in the background.. The hell she was going to click the two of them in the same frame! But she didn't have a choice here.. So she clicked them alright. But she cut their heads off! She sniggered to herself about her evil plan.. But just then Chinky demanded to see the picture..

"Abhi kyun dekhna hai Chinky.. Main baad mein tumhe send kar dungi.."

Riddhima told Chinky, keeping her phone close to herself.

Armaan grinned at her reluctance. He knew she must have meddled with the photo. But now it was time for him to meddle with her!

"Chinky.. Ek mera aur Riddhima ka bhi photo nikalo na.. Please.."

And how could Chinky deny any request Armaan made her. Somehow, she reluctantly managed to pull out Riddhima's phone from her hand and waited for them to stand together.

Armaan obviously couldn't let go of this perfect opportunity to get close to Riddhima! So he pulled her closer to himself and put his arm around her waist.

Riddhima slapped his arm away from her waist as she glared at him..

"Behave yourself Armaan.. Theek se khade raho!"

But Armaan just pulled her closer and grinning away naughtily into the camera as Riddhima struggled to get out of his grip.

"Ready!"

Chinky's voice stopped Riddhima's struggle to free herself as she reluctantly looked into the camera. But before Chinky could click Armaan stole a peck, smacking a quick kiss on Riddhima's cheek. Riddhima turned to look at a grinning Armaan in shock. Chinky obviously missed the kiss, but what got caught on the camera was even more entertaining.

Armaan chuckled at the memory. What a time that was.. It had barely been a week since they'd started seeing each other when they had been summoned by Muskaan to Patiala. But even amidst the crazy events that had followed and culminated in Rahul and Muskaan's wedding, he had not been able to keep himself from being excited about his new relationship with Riddhima. Even between all that chaos he had always waited for an opportunity to spend time with his Basket. This was one such moment that had been captured in a photograph that he had completely forgotten about after they had come back from Patiala. Still grinning at the memory that picture brought forth, he flicked the touch screen to the next photograph. This one was familiar to him. It had been the desktop wallpaper on his laptop since the day it had been taken in Mahabaleshwar. It had him standing behind Riddhima with his arms around her waist as he rested his chin on her shoulder. A beautiful water fall was gushing in the background. Riddhima was smiling a shy smile as a rosy blush tinted her cheeks while he grinned sheepishly into the camera. He chuckled at the memory of why their faces had those expressions on them..

"Armaan.. Riddhima.. Tum dono wahan kya kar rahe ho yaar.. Koi inka bhi photo lo yaar.. Bechare kab se chup chaap baithe hain!"

Nikki teased Armaan and Riddhima, coaxing them to get themselves clicked in front of the beautiful waterfall that they had come across while they were on their way to another tourist point in Mahabaleshwar. Armaan had pulled over the car so they could all spend some time there. All of them played in the water there for some time. Then Muskaan started with her photo session. Soon it was discovered that the waterfall made a beautiful backdrop for a cozy couple picture. So Nikki and Abhi had also gotten themselves clicked there. Anjali and Atul, who were the lesser of the romantics in the group, were also not left behind. Sid was clicking them turn by turn as they posed in all kinds of filmy poses, teasing each other as they did. The only two people missing in action were Armaan and Riddhima who were watching their friends goof around from the sidelines. Armaan was sitting sideways in the front seat of the car with the door open and his legs dangling out. Riddhima was sitting in the back seat of the car in a manner similar to Armaan's. Both of them had goofy smiles on their faces. Anyone looking from the outside would think it was because of the silly antics of their friends. But if anyone dared to look from the inside, they'd know the real reason behind those impish smiles. A thumb fight was on between Armaan and Riddhima with their hands clasped together between the seat so that no one would notice what they were up to. Armaan had caught hold of Riddhima's hand when she had come back to the car to have some water after playing around with their friends and he had not let it go ever since. When Riddhima had struggled to get her hand out of his grip, he had challenged her to a thumb fight in a silent agreement that the winner could have their way. But it wasn't surprising that both of them were deliberately playing for a tie so they could hold on to each other for a little while longer. Unfortunately when Nikki invited them for the photograph they didn't have a choice but to let go of each other. As they walked to take their position in front of the waterfall all their friends teased them about the previous night which they had accidentally spent sleeping in one bed.

"Abbe yeh school photograph nahi hai.. Kya baccho ke jaise khade ho.."

Rahul commented and both of them stood at almost a one arm distance from each other, blushing at the memories of last night.

"Common Armaan.. Hold her close.. We know what you guys are up to behind our backs! Zyada innocent banne ki zaroorat nahi hai.."

Nikki teased them again making Armaan finally give in to their demands. Sid and the rest of the gang, except Anjali, cheered and hooted as Armaan held Riddhima close, wrapping his arms around her.

"That's more like it!!"

Sid exclaimed as he clicked their shy selves while the rest of them continued to tease them.

Armaan grinned as he thought of the stuff his friends were teasing them about that day in Mahabaleshwar. It felt funny now that Riddhima and he were embarrassed about it back then. Because if he compared last night to the boldest of his moves back then, it was like comparing swimming in a pool to deep sea diving. They surely had come a long way as far as physical intimacy was concerned. And along with that, now that he thought about it, their friends too had become more and more shameless in teasing them about it. Grinning at that thought he flicked his finger across the screen to move to the next picture. From Riddhima's hot white shirt and denim mini-skirt he could tell it was taken on his birthday. But what was hilarious was the expression on her face. And the one on his wasn't any better..

"Dr. Armaan kya main aapke saath dance kar sakti hoon?"

Armaan smiled, raising his brows at Riddhima as the hot nurse from the ICU asked him for a dance. Ever since they had got onto the dance floor, these requests from the female guests to dance with Armaan had not stopped coming in. But Armaan was more than happy for these interruptions. Riddhima was looking exceptionally hot today and the last slow romantic number had brought her really close to him. Close enough to make him think of things that he'd rather not think of in public. Close enough to make him think of things that would make him uncomfortable with her even when they were in private. So when these ambitious requests came in, it was quite a relief. Coz they would just kill the mood and make Riddhima really really mad.. Armaan grinned as he watched Riddhima scowl and glare at the nurse with all the hatred she could muster.

"I'm sorry.. Lekin wo abhi dance nahi karna chahte.."

Riddhima answered for him, trying hard to unclench her teeth as she did.

"Accha.. Then why am I dancing with you? Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha hai.."

He teased Riddhima, grinning at her naughtily as she elbowed him to shut his trap, giving the nurse a fake smile.. Disappointed, the nurse left them to themselves, probably cursing Riddhima in her mind. Armaan chuckled at the expression on Riddhima's face as she continued to mutter curses under her breath for all the female attention that he was getting.

"It's not so funny Armaan.. The next time someone comes to ask you for a dance I swear I'll slap them or something.. So I think we should get off the dance floor before that happens.. Plus I'm really bored here.. And really hungry.."

She took his hand and pulled him through the crowd towards their booth, still scowling about the ICU waali nurse.. How dare she!

Armaan just let her lead the way, smiling at her jealous self. She looked so cute when she was all green with envy and red with anger.. But today she just looked beyond hot. And he couldn't get over that. He sighed, trying hard to look away as he watched her hips sway as she walked in front of him. But he couldn't look away. But then he heard Rahul call out to them, "Yo Lovebirds!" and he had no option but to look away and see what his friend wanted.

"Say cheese!"

And before either of them could process those two words, they saw the flash go off.

The result was this photograph, which had Riddhima glaring at the camera, her brows knitting together, her mouth open in half a curse. It looked quite comical. Of course his own dazed, lost and painfully turned on expression was not that far behind in terms of being comical. But Riddhima's expression did steal the show. Armaan recollected how Riddhima had tried in vain to convince Rahul to delete that picture. But Rahul had not relented and teased her away to glory until she had finally given up. Armaan was surprised she had actually put this picture in this collection, considering she hated it so much. But then like she had mentioned in the note, they had very rarely been caught on camera in the same frame. So maybe she didn't have much to choose from. But either way the photograph had served it's purpose. It took him back in time. And it made him smile! And his smile only widened as moved on to the next picture. Before today, he had definitely not known this picture had even been taken. He was sitting on the counter in the Guptas' kitchen, kissing Riddhima's finger as she stood in front of him, blushing away to glory.

"Pata nahi apne aap ko kya samajhte hain! Bloody losers! Ek toh wo ghatiya prank kiya mujhpar.. Ab shamelessly tang kheech rahe hain.. Wo bhi Dr. Shashank ke saamne.. Such morons.. Pigs! Losers!!.."

Armaan's list of curses for his friends was never ending. He had made a bahana and come into the kitchen to get away from all the teasing that his friends and even Padma aunty was subjecting him to for wanting to have dinner with his fiance! Riddhima and he had just officially gotten engaged earlier that night. But more importantly, he had finally reconciled not only with Riddhima but also Dr. Shashank. And it was a very big deal for him. He had missed his Basket so much in the last few weeks. So wanting to share a meal with her wasn't too much to ask! In any case, now that was not going to happen. All he could do was sit here on the kitchen counter and curse his stupid friends for being such kabab mein haddis. But his cursing was interrupted by a bout of giggles from none other than Riddhima, who was standing at the door and grinning at him.

"What is so funny?" He asked her, irritated that she too was laughing at his state.

"It's not so much funny as it's cute.." Riddhima replied, coming towards him, giving him an amused smile.

"Don't call me that!" He reprimanded her as he continued to play with his food.

"Tch.. Stop doing that Armaan.. Tumhe bhook lagi hogi.. Theek se kha lo.."

Riddhima reprimanded him in return.

"Mujhe bhook nahi hai.." He replied grumpily, complete with a pout and all.

Riddhima giggled again at his pout only to have him glare back at her. It was funny. But she also knew he must genuinely be hungry. And that had her concerned. So she put aside all the jokes and the teasing and tried to get him to eat.

"Please Armaan.. Kha lo na.."

"Nahi!" He refused her request at once.

"Please.." She pleaded again.

But Armaan just stubbornly shook his head in a no.

"Armaan please na.."

"Okay.. But only on one condition.. Tumhe mujhe apne haathon se khilana padega.." Armaan offered in a business like tone.

Riddhima giggled at his demand, but agreed at once. Taking a morsel of roti and sabzi she offered it to Armaan. He obediently opened his mouth in response, but nipped on her finger along with the food, grinning at her naughtily as she winced in pain.

"Armaan!!" She yelled, smacking him on his shoulder.

Still grinning, Armaan took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her finger, looking at her with so much longing, she couldn't bear to look at him any longer. As she looked away, blushing, they heard a "Ahem.. Ahem!"

"Di.. Aap?" Riddhima asked, quickly taking her hand out of Armaan's grip, making distance between the two of them.

As Anjali had gone on to tease them to death again about their secret kitchen dinner date, Armaan had cursed his stupid saali in his head for disturbing their moment. What had he ever done to her! Had he known he had captured that moment of theirs in her camera, he wouldn't have cursed her so much then. But now that he knew, he wasn't so mad at her for disturbing them at that time. Anyway she had brought good news with her. He remembered how she had reminded Riddhima of their plan of celebrating Diwali at his place. Riddhima had apparently totally forgotten about that plan in the wake of his dinner nakhras. But then she had told him the whole conversation she had with her dad and he had rushed out of the kitchen and into his car before anyone else could even move. He had been very excited about it that night. Riddhima and he would be going into that house for the first time after he had come back from Singapore and he couldn't wait to go home with her. Finally! As memories from that night flooded his mind he was reminded of the time before that night which he had spent away from his Basket.. His smile effaced a little at that thought. It was the worst time of this one year they had spent together. In fact it was the worst time of his life.. Even if this was the tenth time he was looking at these pictures, he couldn't help but think of that time whenever he looked at this one. But right now was not the time to think about it. So he moved on to the next photo, which instantly brought back the smile on his face. And how could it not! This one was taken in Singapore.. Their so called 'Pre-wedding Honeymoon'.

"Armaan.. Tum yahan baithe ho! We were looking for you kab se.."

Armaan turned to his face to find Riddhima standing with her hands on her hips, glaring at him. He was sitting on one of the benches around the ice rink in the mall. He had been purposely facing the rink so that it would be even more difficult for Riddhima to find him. As childish as that may sound, he was damn irritated with her obsession for shopping. That woman was out of control in a mall! Like seriously.. Up to a certain point, he had been glad she was enjoying herself so much. But then it just got too much.. If she had enough money she'd buy all the malls they had been to till now. Plus her partner in crime, Dilruba, just encouraged her even more! But when she got into another one of the footwear stores and actually thought of buying her tenth new pair, he lost it completely! So they had a little argument and she asked him not to disturb her while shopping! Mad at her, he had left her in the store and had come here, sitting grumpily all by himself as he watched the kids skate in the ice rink around the Christmas tree which was erected in the center. He wasn't against shopping and all.. But he also wanted to spend some time with her. They had to leave in the evening and he wanted to spend the last few hours in Singapore alone with her. And all she wanted to do was shop! If she didn't care about spending time with him then he didn't care about it either. He had ignored all her calls till now. And just like that he ignored her glare and scowl and got back to staring at the red light on the Christmas tree.

When Riddhima didn't get any reply from Armaan she came and sat next to him.

"Armaan? Kya ho raha hai? Tum yahan kyun baithe ho? Phone kyun nahi utha rahe the.."

"Kyunki mujhe tumse baat nahi karni!"

"Armaan yeh kya naya naatak hai?" Riddhima asked as she heard his curt reply.

"Of course! Ab main naatak kar raha hoon!" Armaan grumpily complained.

Riddhima must have realized he had taken the argument they had had earlier too seriously. So she softened a little as she spoke, "Armaan kya hua? I'm sorry about earlier na.. Lekin I really liked those shoes.. I would have kept thinking about them for the rest of my life if I had not bought them.."

"So go live with those shoes only.. Mujhe kyun dhund rahi ho.."

"Armaan sir.. Main idhar aap dono ka photo leta?"

Dilruba interrupted their conversation. He was feeling uncomfortable listening in on their private conversation, let alone an argument. So he came up with the photo idea to calm his Armaan sir down..

"Haan Armaan.. This will be the perfect place to take a photograph.. With the tree in the background.. Chalo na.."

Riddhima grabbed on to Dilruba's cue, turning around on the bench and handing him her phone, hoping to distract Armaan with the photograph. Unfortunately it did not work. Armaan kept facing the rink, frowning grumpily with his hands crossed and his back towards the camera even as Dilruba shouted a 'ready' from ten feet apart.

"Mujhe koi photo voto nahi lena hai.. Why don't you take a photo with your new shoes!"

"Armaan common.. I'm sorry na baby.."

Riddhima apologized sincerely, holding his hand as she caressed it with the back of her thumb.

Armaan almost melted. Almost.. But then he wasn't about to give up so easily. She had really irritated him today.

"Riddhima all I wanted was to spend some time with you before we leave today.. Just the two of us.. But tumhe shopping ke aage kucch sujhta hi nahi hai.." He kept staring at the red light, not sparing her even a glance as he complained.

"Armaan that is so not true.. I want to spend time with you too.. I agree I went a little over board with this shopping and all.. I'm sorry baby.. I didn't mean to hurt you.." She apologized again. But Armaan just ignored her again.

So Riddhima made him look at her, turning his face towards her with her hand on his cheek. "Armaan.. Seriously.. I'm sorry.. I promise now no more shopping.."

Armaan thought about it for a second or two, then asked to make sure, "Pakka promise?"

Riddhima smiled as she heard him and nodded her head, "Haan Armaan.. Pakka promise.."

"I love you.." He said, bringing their her hand to his lips as he placed a soft kiss, smiling back at her..

Riddhima blushed but still leaned in and pecked his cheek as she replied, "I love you too.."

"Oye hoye.." Armaan couldn't help but sigh, making Riddhima blush even more.. He could watch her blush forever. Unfortunately Dilruba had interrupted them again, this time to remind them about the impending photograph. So they had no choice but to oblige and pose for a picture in front of the ice rink.

But that was not the picture that he was looking at. The picture he was looking at had him sitting with his back towards the camera while Riddhima sat facing the camera. However, neither of them were looking into the camera. He was grinning, looking at her shy smile. And she was looking somewhere near his shoulder, unable to look into his eyes. He couldn't bring himself to believe how beautiful she was. He could stare at her forever and still not get over it. It turned out, Dilruba had secretly captured the after effects of his 'oye hoye', which they had later discovered while going through the photos on Riddhima's phone. Armaan was glad Riddhima had included this picture instead of the one they had posed for. That blushing, shy Riddhima was a treat for him to watch. And she knew it too! But she would never know how it made him feel. Because he himself didn't know how to describe it. That reminded him of her smile from last night and he couldn't help but sigh to himself in defeat "Oye hoye.." Lost in the memories of that feeling from last night, he didn't realize when someone walked into his cabin, until he was startled by the sound of a deliberate clearing of a throat.

"Basket?"

He found Riddhima standing in front of his desk, her arms folded in front of her as she waited for him to acknowledge her presence.

"Yes Dr. Mallik.. Remember me? You're fianc? Ya yeh bhi bhool gaye?" Riddhima taunted Armaan reminding him of this morning.

Armaan winced, biting his tongue at her jibe.. Was she ever going to forgive him for that?!

"Basket I'm really sorry about that.." He started to apologize but Riddhima cut him off.

"Save it Mallik.. Main tumhe sirf yeh bataane aayi thi ki Muskaan aur Rahul ki shaadi ke liye hum kucch perform karne waale hain.. Nikki ke ghar pe aaj raat se practice karenge.. So I will go with her.. Yeh tum lo tumhare car ki chaabi.. Have fun! Bye bye.." Riddhima spoke as fast as she could and then started to storm out of his cabin even before he could start processing her words.

Armaan was still trying to understand what she had said when he saw her almost at the door and panicked. He couldn't let her go now that she had come to him herself. He had planned to go look for her and apologize to her. And he had expected it to be a tough task. But now that she had come to him herself for whatever reason it may be, he had to take advantage of the opportunity.

"Basket wait!" He got up from his chair and rushed towards the door to stop her.

Riddhima stopped for a second. Then remembering why she shouldn't, she started to leave. But Armaan got there just in time and pulled her back with her hand.

"Basket please.. I need to talk to you.."

"Dr. Mallik mujhe kaam hai.. I'm busy.. I cannot talk to you right now.."

Riddhima tried to act all indifferent, but Armaan didn't let her go.

"Please Riddhima.. I know you're mad at me.. And you should be too.. How could I forget our anniversary of all things.. I'm so stupid! Lekin I swear mujhe Sunday tak yaad tha.. In fact I was even thinking of what gift to get you.."

"Accha.. So where's my gift?"

Riddhima cut him off mid-sentence, asking him for her gift in almost a challenge. She was so sure he didn't have one!

Of course Armaan didn't have one. That was a wrong choice of an example to give for an excuse. But he deserved it! He bowed his head down in shame, a cute pout on his face as he replied guiltily, "I.. I couldn't think of anything.. I forgot about it before I could decide something.. I'm sorry.."

Riddhima couldn't help but smile at his expression. She couldn't pretend to be mad at him anymore. That pout always worked!

"It's okay Armaan.." She told him, caressing his cheek.

"What?.." Armaan exclaimed, looking at her in surprise.

"It's okay.." She repeated to reassure him of his sanity, still grinning at his cute self.

Armaan looked at her suspiciously first, then asked again, "Seriously! It's okay?.. I didn't think it would be so easy.. Subah toh mujhe laga tha main marne waala hoon aaj.."

"Shut up Armaan.."

Riddhima shook her head in defeat as she heard that and pulled him towards the couch as she explained, "Main toh aise hi bhaav kha rahi thi.. To get back at you for troubling me in the morning.. But I'm really not so mad.."

Armaan's brows rose in surprise at what he heard..

"Wow! Seriously!?" He asked he sat on the couch next to her.

Riddhima smiled at him, then looked away as she replied, "Yeah Armaan.. So what if you forgot.. It isn't such a big deal anyway.. I only went thoda overboard.. Kind of lame haan.. Those pictures and all.."

She was indeed feeling like she had made a big deal of this anniversary thing. Specially after knowing that Armaan had totally forgotten about it. She didn't want to be like those typical girlfriends or wives who keep a count of each and every small thing that happened and celebrate them as anniversaries.

"What! Are you kidding me Riddhima! It is a big deal.. This day is very important! At least to me it is.. It changed my life in ways I never thought possible.. And these pictures are not lame! They're us! I mean this whole idea was so amazing.. I loved your gift.. Thank you so much.. You know.. Main subah se bas inn photos ko dekh raha hoon.. At every opportunity I get.. And every time I look at them I am more and more thankful for having you in my life Basket.. How can you say all this is lame and not a big deal.."

Armaan didn't agree one bit with Riddhima. In fact he was shocked she felt that way.

"If it's so important then how did you forget about it.."

Riddhima asked him, raising a brow in question.

Armaan took Riddhima's hands in his, kissing them one by one before launching into another apology..

"Basket I know I'm an idiot to have forgotten.. But it just slipped out of my mind.. So many things happened.. There was so much work.. And that band practice.. And I missed you so much.. But then you kept looking hotter and hotter every time I saw you.. And all I wanted to do was.."

"Okay.. I get your point Armaan.. And it's not helping your cause.."

Riddhima reprimanded Armaan, cutting him off at the point when she felt they were getting into territories that made her uncomfortable. Last night was still fresh in her mind and this morning was even fresher. And she was no where near ready to have a discussion about either.

But Armaan's problem was genuine.. "Tch seriously Basket.. You're very distracting.. Upar se you called me unromantic!!"

Riddhima giggled at Armaan's frown as he glared at her accusatively.

"So! I was right, wasn't I? You forgot our anniversary.. That's not very romantic!"

"Oh common Basket!! Okay fine.. I am unromantic.. I accept it.. Ho gaya? Ab are you satisfied?" Armaan asked, defeated by her argument.

But Riddhima had just started to enjoy this argument. It was always fun teasing him and she was not going to let go of this opportunity. Not after what he did this morning. Grinning at him wickedly she answered him, "Actually Armaan I am not satisfied.. Not really! I think I'll be satisfied if you do something for me that you haven't done before.. From that list you made.. What was it called? Romantic Things to do with your Girlfriend!"

Riddhima teased him, giggling at the scowl on his face as he complained through clenched teeth, "You were not supposed to read that!!"

But that only made her laugh harder. She pulled his cheeks affectionately only to have her hand slapped away by him.

"Okay sorry.. But since I did read it.. I wish you'd do one of those romantic things for me you know.. Like paint.. Or no.. Wait.. Write me a song!"

Armaan's eyes widened in shock at Riddhima's enthusiastic suggestions.

"What! Are you mad Riddhima.."

But Riddhima thought it was a brilliant idea. Not because she wanted to hear Armaan play a song for her, but because this troubled him so much!

"I'm serious Armaan.. Write me a song.. And you also have to sing it to me.. Play your guitar also.."

"What! No way!!"

"Think of it as punishment Armaan.. You forgot our anniversary.. You don't even have a gift for me.. This is your only chance to make up for it! Soch lo.."

Armaan scowled at her grinning self, but knew he had no option but to agree with her. He had made a big blunder by forgetting their anniversary and hence it was his so called responsibility to do whatever she wanted to make up for it. Even if it was writing a song! Even if he didn't know how to write a song!! Maybe he could try wriggling his way out of it.

"Riddhima playing or singing a song tak theek hai.. But how can I write a song.. In one day?"

He asked her, genuinely concerned about her demands.

But Riddhima had a smart reply ready and waiting.

"Why? Am I not inspiring enough?"

That was the ultimate argument. What was a guy going to say to that!

"Basket yaar you're so unfair!"

Armaan complained sighing in defeat while Riddhima giggled at his state.

"I know that! Next time think twice before stealing my clothes!" She warned him, raising her brows superciliously.

As Armaan realized all this was a ploy to get back at him for all the teasing he had subjected her to this morning, he grinned at her naughtily..

"Oh so that is what this is all about.. Basket I'll write you a song every day if you let me steal your clothes every night.."

Riddhima's grin was instantly replaced with a scowl as she glared at him..

"Chi Armaan.. I just cant think of one good reason as to why I have tolerated you and your nonsense for one whole year!!", she exclaimed in disgust, even as she blushed at his comment.

Armaan's grin however faded as he heard her. He was reminded of a time when she had used those words and his heart ached at the faintest of memories. Looking away from her guiltily, he apologized in a whisper.

"I'm sorry.."

Riddhima realized how he had interpreted her words and completely misconstrued her intentions. She had said it in a light vein and a completely different context. Taking his face in her hands she turned his face towards her.

"Armaan.. Main mazak kar rahi thi.."

Armaan kept looking at her for a long time, looking for even the hint of regret in her eyes. But there was none. He knew there would never be. He wanted to do something to erase that time away from their memories. He wished he could go back in time and change his decisions. But he knew he couldn't. They'd been through all that. They'd come out of it. There was no point now in revisiting those memories. Not today anyway. Not when she wanted to gift him a smile. So he stashed those memories in some remote corner of his mind and put up his naughtiest expression as he replied, "Main bhi!"

Riddhima giggled at his silly expression, hugging him. She knew exactly what he was doing. But she was glad he had let that go. This was not a time to waste thinking about the terrible times they had spent apart. It was a time to celebrate the time they'd spent together.

Armaan was thinking on similar lines as he pulled her onto his lap.

"Accha tell me.. What is the plan for today then.. And please! I'm not letting you spend our anniversary doing some random dance at Nikki's house.. That's final.." He declared, pecking her cheek as she giggled at his demand.

"But we have to practice na Armaan.. The wedding is just in a week.."

Armaan gave her a dirty look as Riddhima dared to argue.

"Common yaar Riddhima.. Do you really want to spend our anniversary with Nikki and the other bandars instead of me?"

Riddhima smacked Armaan's arm as she heard him insult their friends.

"Armaan! Bandar tum ho.. Hum nahi.."

But Armaan didn't want to argue on this anymore.

"I don't care kaun bandar hai and kaun insaan.. Main keh raha hoon ki I want to spend as much time as I can with you today.."

Riddhima would have loved to argue for the heck of it. But she couldn't help but admit that she felt the same as he did. She looked at him lovingly, caressing his cheek as she replied, "Me too.. I wish we could just run away and spend the whole day together.."

Armaan smiled as he saw her dreamy smile, but then sighed in disappointment.

"I have another surgery to do today.."

"I know Armaan.. It is not possible.. Mujhe bhi kaafi kaam hai.. Lekin wish karne ke paise thodi lagte hain.."

Armaan grinned naughtily at her reply as he thought of a wish that he was dying to fulfill ever since she had stormed out of their house this morning. And now he had the perfect opportunity. Leaning in closer, he whispered, "In that case.. I wish I could kiss my fiance a happy anniversary.."

"Sirf kiss?" Riddhima's reply was so spontaneous, it took Armaan back for a moment. She had not meant to ask this out loud. But she did. And she knew the consequences were going to take her down! One look at Armaan's devil grin and the little hope she had also vanished.

"Abhi ke liye sirf kiss se kaam chala lo Basket.. Baaki ka aaj raat ko.. I promise.." He promised huskily, nuzzling the tip of her nose as he leaned in closer.

Riddhima moved back a little, blushing as heat rose up her face at his comment.

"Armaan.. Main.. Wo.. Main.. I didn't.. Mean it.. I mean..Tum wo.. Main kya.. Kiss.. Wo.. I don't know.. I was.. "

Armaan grinned as Riddhima stuttered away, not sparing him a glance. She looked so cute, he could keep listening to her mumbling random words that made no sense. And when she got too cute for him to handle, he just kissed her shut.

"I love you Basket.."

Riddhima smiled as she heard him whisper.

"I love you too Armaan.." She whispered back, reluctantly looking into his eyes. But when their eyes met she couldn't look away.

Unfortunately their moment of bliss was interrupted by the beep of Riddhima's pager. As usual..

"W*F!!"

Armaan exclaimed like he always did when the pager interrupted his romance.. And Riddhima as usual giggled at his expression. As she got up to leave she placed a soft kiss on Armaan's forehead and quickly made a plan as she hurried towards the door, "Toh Armaan we'll have lunch together.. Canteen mein.. Option nahi hai.. And dinner ke liye bahar chalte hain.."

"Okay.. Done!" Armaan agreed obediently as he followed her. Then added cheekily.. "And dinner ke baad ghar jaakar I'll take care of your wish.. And don't worry.. I'll make sure it's not 'sirf kiss'.."

Riddhima blushed, scowled, glared, then recovered with a smart retort.

"Okay.. But that is only if you manage to write that song.."

And this time it was Armaan's turn to scowl.

Riddhima giggled, quickly pecked him on his pout and left his cabin, blushing to herself about her 'sirf kiss'.. What was she thinking!!

The 'sirf kiss' had Armaan distracted too. But then the looming tension of the song he had to write and all the arrangements he had to make got the better of him. He was lucky Riddhima had forgiven him this easily. But he had to make up to her big time. And he had already thought of a plan. Now it was time to put it in action.. It was a little inspired by her gift. He knew nothing could compete with her gift. But he hoped she would like it nonetheless. But as he went to his desk to get his phone, he was again distracted by her gift. One last photograph was left. He could definitely squeeze in a few minutes to look at it before he got started on his plan. This last photo was taken at the recently concluded fund raiser. And it was probably the only picture in which both of them had normal expressions on their faces. This was the only photo in which both of them were smiling their best smiles into the camera and looking as happy as they could ever be. It looked almost perfect. Incidentally, that's exactly how Padma mom had described it when she had taken this photo.

"This is such a perfect picture.. Kitne pyaare lag rahe hain mere bacche.. Some times I can't believe how perfect both of you look together.."

Padma mom took some of the kajal from her eyes onto her little finger and put it behind Armaan and Riddhima's ears.

"Kabhi dar lagta hai kahin meri hi nazar na lag jaye inn dono ko.." She said as she kissed their foreheads lovingly.

"Ma ki bhi kabhi nazar lagti hai Padma.. Kucch bhi kehti rehti hai.." Naani, who was sitting at the same table with them, reprimanded Padma for making such remarks.

"Chalo guys.. Hum nikal rahe hain.."

Muskaan interrupted the photo session as she gave Riddhima a quick hug and waved a good bye at the rest of them. Riddhima and Armaan along with Padma mom and Naani were now the last few people left in the deserted hall. The four of them were sitting at a table waiting for Dr. Shashank to see off the last few guests so all of them could finally go home. Armaan was hoping, for the first time ever, that Dr. Shashank finishes his farewells soon and takes Riddhima home. He was being tortured from the last couple of hours by Riddhima's advances. For some reason she was being too touchy feely tonight. In spite of her family being around her. He knew she was missing him. But how was he to control himself if she kept chipkoing to him. And all this after she told him on the dance floor that the 'keep distance' rule had been dissolved! Even now she was holding his hand tight, her fingers entwined with his under the table as Padma mom continued to admire the photograph she had taken of the two of them as they waited for Dr. Shashank.. Where's Shanky papa when you need him!

"Padma.. Ma.. Chaliye.. I'm sorry to keep all of you waiting.. Riddhima beta.. Chalein?"

Oh.. There he is!

While Naani got up from her seat at once and proceeded towards the exit, Padma mom got busy in showing Dr. Shashank their photograph. Armaan could bet Shanky papa didn't find it as perfect as Padma mom was making it out to be! But for once he was thankful was Shanky's interruption. Unfortunately Riddhima didn't think so.. She kept holding his hand even as Dr. Shashank and Padma mom started towards the exit.

"Basket.. Haath chodo.." Armaan hissed at her as he stood up to leave. But Riddhima just kept sitting with an amused smile on her face.

"Papa.." She called out to Dr. Shashank just as he had started to walk away with Padma mom..

"Armaan keh raha tha he'll drop me home.. Is that okay?" Riddhima asked Dr. Shashank as he turned towards her.

Armaan's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he processed the meaning of Riddhima's words. He looked at her, mouth agape, then at Dr. Shashank. Expecting Shanky to bring on that glare of his on full throttle he started shaking his head vigorously in denial as he forcefully pulled his hand out of Riddhima's.

"Armaan!!" Riddhima hissed at him angrily.

But Armaan stopped shaking his head only when she stomped his foot with her heels!

"Oww!! Riddhima!" He glared at her as he limped on one foot.

"Dr. Mallik.. If you want to drop Riddhima home you can ask me yourself next time.." Dr. Shashank replied, ignoring Armaan's nautanki.

Armaan couldn't believe his ears or his eyes! Shanky was walking away with a giggling Padma mom, leaving Riddhima alone with him!! This Shanky really was his jaani dushman. When he didn't want to be alone with his daughter he'd happily leave her with him! W*F!!

"Basket! What is wrong with you?" He turned to Riddhima, when Dr. Shashank's behavior went beyond his comprehension.

"No Armaan.. That's my question.. What is wrong with you? You've been running away from me all night.. I just thought if you drop me home we could spend some time together.. But if you don't want to.. It's okay.. I'll take a cab! Bye!!" And with that she started to march out of the hall towards the parking.

Armaan was confused first, but panicked when he saw her storm out of the exit. But he caught up with her soon enough, halting her march as he held her arm.

"Riddhima.. Pagal ho kya.. I'm sorry.. I am not running away from you.. I'm just.. Chalo.. I'll drop you home.."

He started leading her towards his car as Riddhima struggled to get her arm out of his grip..

"Nahi ab mujhe tumhare saath nahi jaana.." She declared stubbornly, but she let him lead her into the passenger seat of his hummer.

"Basket I'm sorry.. Really.." Armaan apologized as he got in behind the wheel.

"Papa ke saamne toh bada sar hila rahe the.." She argued back to have Armaan retort in defense, "You put me in a spot there Basket.. What was I supposed to do.. You know how he is na!"

"Armaan papa ko kucch mat bolo.. It's you who's insane.."

"What!! You're the one who started this.. Why am I insane!"

And they bickered all the way back. When they reached the Gupta residence, Riddhima said a quick dry good night to Armaan and stormed out of the car towards the house, still mad at his behavior. Armaan watched her retreating figure, trying very hard to suppress his urge to go grab her and kiss her crazy. But he knew doing that was more dangerous than a ticking time bomb. So he sighed in defeat and let his head fall on the steering wheel, cursing his luck. All those times when he wanted to be with her and he couldn't came to haunt him. Now he could be with her but he didn't want to! How had his life come down to this! Just as he was about to ponder some more over this, he heard a knock on the window. Surprised to find Riddhima standing there, he opened the door and got out of the car.

"Kya hua?" He asked her, as she stood there with her arms haughtily crossed across her front.

"Main kucch bhool gayi thi.." Riddhima answered back curtly.

"Kya?" Armaan asked her, turning around to check the dashboard and her seat to see if she had forgotten her phone or something. When turned back towards her, he found her face half an inch from his. Surprised, he took half a step back. But before he could complete it her lips were on his. She kissed him full on the lips, leaving him in a daze. And before he could make sense of it, she had pulled away.

"I love you.." She told him, giggling at his expression, as she pecked his lips once more. Armaan just watched her as she walked away, turning around once to wink at him naughtily before disappearing behind the door. Armaan was left standing next to his car, confused as hell as to what happened, but still smiling goofily for no apparent reason.

"I love you too.." He whispered, closing his eyes as he took in the feeling that she filled him with. He didn't know what to call it.. Happiness may be.. Or love.. Between all the nonsense that occupied their minds and their lives, she kept him sane. Even if she was the cause of his insanity sometimes, she was the one who made it alright. She defined his love, his happiness.. She defined him. She was the reason he lived. She was the reason he smiled..

You Make Me Smile - Uncle Kracker

You're better then the best

I'm lucky just to linger in your light

Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware

Nothing can compare to where you send me,

Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok

And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like a bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone

Somehow you come along

Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack

And just like that

You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you

Cuz everytime that I get around you

I see the best of me inside your eyes

You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed, sing like a bird

Dizzy in my head, spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold, buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh, you make me smile

Wow! Do I've a sixth sense or what?! 😆

Awww that was such a cute update <333 I loved how we got to read the little additions to the previous parts that was seriously amazing! Can't wait to see how Armaan makes it up to her now :D update soon x

RESERVED :D

*Edited*
Ohh gosh! This was by far the most cute update i have seen! I have never had this huge smile that i had today while reading this.
Armaan and Riddhima are soo cute! And you know i wanted to laugh soo hard when i read that riddhima said 'sirf kiss?' but i couldnt to avoid any weird looks as i was somewhere out when i was reading this update. But wow! Loved reading all those old moments that were captured in that digital frame!
I am soo happy to read your update today! It definitely made my crappy day, good :D

Hope we keep getting like these regularly! Looking forward to reading the next soon :D

That was a brilliant part, jogged down memory lanes with AR and like Armaan got sneak peak into moments deeper than what we had read before. I wonder how Armaan is going to make up to her 😆 that was a huge blunder on his part. But I thought she'll indeed give him a hard time for it 😲

such a cute update!!!!!!😛

pic ki BTS is so cute cant stop to imagine

love the part but egarly waiting to read what ridz actually did with armaan in the morning when she find out he forgot their anni

plzzz update soon

LOVED the update!! The story behind each picture was so cute! Especially since they were moments from previous updates that we hadn't read yet. If I were Riddhima I would have given Armaan hell for forgetting their anniversary! LOL :P I can't wait to read what Armaan does to make it up to her. Maybe he really will write her a song?...and maybe he'll perform it in front of an audience? EEKS!!! My mind is going crazy with the possibilities!! I absolutely love this story and your writing! Please do update soon!