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EPISODE THIRTEEN
THE PRESENT TIME
Riddhima's World
Riddhima's will very soon move to another city to fulfill her current family's as well as her biological parent's dream, who wanted to see her self-dependant and happy. She will be moving Mumbai to pursue her career and to live with her family. She had finished her after college industrial training in one of the local companies in Delhi few years back.
After she was done, she worked with one of Rahul's friend as an Assistant Manager in his newly opened Restraunt. Rahul's friend had initially offered the Job to Rahul, but he had better offer in is hand in a Mumbai based company, so his friend asked if Riddhima could help him. Riddima accepted the offer happily. Rahul was also satisfied as he knew that his friend will take care of his sister in his absence, which he did. Riddhima served there for around 3 years after that.
Rahul & Muskaan were now blessed with a lovely 4 & a half year old Son - Yash... Riddhima named him... To Yash, her Bua (Riddhima) was his closest friend. According to him she is the most beautiful woman in the whole world, which was absolutely true.
Rahul was working in Mumbai and it was now Shashank's full time duty to pick her and drop her to & from the work... Now she was getting a bit matured, but still a lot was there for her to learn about the world...
Only a few months after he came to Mumbai, Rahul got another wonderful opportunity to work with one of the MOST PRESTIGIOUS Business Empires ' the MARVELS, one of fastest growing group of Companies. Most of the companies under 'The Marvels' Empire was reaching the topmost notches of the Indian Industry and it was a dream for every person to work with it. Rahul joined it as a senior Business and Finance Associate... But very soon he was promoted as a Finance Manager. Muskaan was a house wife now living with Rahul in Mumbai for last one and half year...
Yash was still staying with his grandparents & Bua in Delhi for one year and half year, away from Rahul & Muskaan as they were still in the process of setting up their house and other things, but never did the four and a half year old boy felt their absence coz of his Bua, Riddhima. Rahul & Muskaan did miss their son, but were not worried at all, coz they knew, there is someone to take care of Yash better than them... and that was Riddhima...
Riddhima was living her childhood with Yash. She became almost an infant again with him. Both of them gelled so well that sometimes their tantrums even startled her Parents (Padma and Shashank, who were now her parents). The naughty duo loved troubling them & others, but nobody actually ever complained as they all were aware of this Cute & naughty duo was harmless in any ways.
Riddhima's days started & ended with Yash. It was only because of Yash that everyone explored a new Riddhima, who was Chirpy, funny at times, lovable as always, naughty but yet innocent to understand outside world & full of life. She was a new born child who was burried by the miseries of life.
For her family, now the most important person was Riddhima, as they all knew that although she is now going to be 26 very soon, but she was still too na've to handle herself alone in the harsh world. Every person who knew her wondered how this girl managed to remain so innocent even at the age of 25 and after facing so much in her life...
Her family now didn't care anymore about Riddhima's father's will or money. For them it's only her happiness what matters the most. The only daughter of their family was almost 26 now & her family wanted her to get married & settle down, but she always refused and said that she don't wanna leave them as she just got her family few years back for which she waited all through her life.
Her words always tied tongues of her family members. Somewhere deep inside, even they didn't want to send her away so soon, as they regret not to treat her well in all those past years. They now wanted to shower her with as much love as possible, pamper her, love her, spoil her, do everything to see her smiling face.
Rahul and Muskaan have been living in Mumbai for last 2 years, while Riddhima stayed back with Padma and Shashank. Both have finally settled down completely in Mumbai and wanted their family to move with them.
Rahul had already asked them a several times to move with them. Initially Shashank wasn't sure about it, but with time he realized that his family will be complete and happy if they move with Rahul and Muskaan. So he agreed and very soon they will be moving there. Riddhima has also resigned from her job and decided to search a new one when she reaches Mumbai. She was very excited to go to a new place to live with her whole family once again. Little did she know that her life is gonna take a new turn in the City of Dreams ' Mumbai.
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Armaan's World
Armaan is now 28 & his family (Joshis & his grandmom) wanted him to settle down in his life & get married, while he would just ignore & try to avoid their words. He had this huge bunch of girls around him and he even had relationships with some of them, but it wasn't like a soulful one. It was just a time pass or friend-like relationship, which even those girls knew very well. He never felt anything serious about any girl and so never crossed his limits. He was way too gentleman to do anything hurtful.
But now things were going a little wild for Armaan. His family was driving him mad by talking about his marriage all the time. They have pledged to get him married ASAP... Especially the women in the house were dieing to find a perfect match. Sometimes its his Grandmom, sometimes, Anjali, Sometimes it would be Aarti, every and again they will run after him with the picture of a new girl. He will use all possible tactics to escape with the help of his partner ' Vaibhav.
Every week he is shown atleast 100 pics of new girls. They would sometimes send the pictures in his tiffin to the Office instead of food. Sometime some or the other girl will walk upto to his cabin acting as some random client, try to lure him and then ask him to get married. He will immediately understand that it's the trouble sent by none other than 'his family.'
Every so often, they would put pics of girls in his files, Send him E-mails with some business Article's title, which he generally opens curiously. They would make kids (in the orphanage cum Old age home, running under his Charitable trust, where he visited regularly) ask him to bring a Chachi for them, whereas the old people would ask him when will they get to see their 'BAHU'...
Sometimes in his meetings Atul will make any of the meeting attendant take a random name & calls her 'MRS ARMAAN MALIK'. They will then apologise for their stupid mistake grinning knowingly. He will simply pass an idiotic smirk and continue his work.
His family will frequently talk & tease him on dinner table.
In parties or gatherings, either of the 'Tridevis' of his family will forcibly try to introduce him to numerous girls. They would frequently stick chits on his bedside, under his pillow, on the door of his room or his closet, even on his bathroom mirror, which makes him jump in horror at times. Sometimes they will even raise this topic while he is with his business clients, which makes him frown at them...
To him they were 5 ghosts running after his life... Though all these crazy things annoyed him a lot, but no matter what he never actually could get angry on his family coz he knew it very well that they all wanted to see him happy... MORE HAPPIER THEN EVER...
But for Armaan, he had a 'REASON' and a 'SECRET' too to refuse.
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It's been now over 3 and half years Rahul has been working with The Marvels. He is very proud to be working for such a highly reputed and biggest group of companies in the country. He has also gotten very close to the chairperson and owner of the Marvels - the great and Genius Business Tycoon Armaan Malik. Yes... 'The Marvels' is 'Armaan Malik's.'
Ever since their business extended Armaan wanted to change the name of the company to share it with Joshi's names as they are his family and had supported him in every way. But after a lot of arguments with Atul and Omang he decided to give it a new generalized name ' THE MARVELS. Atul and Omang happily accepted the name.
Armaan had been quite friendly Boss and Atul was already a light hearted guy coz of which, Rahul became very good friends with both Armaan and Atul. Rahul was initially quite hesitant interacting with Armaan as he thought it would be unprofessional and odd to behave openly with his Boss. He was even a little apprehensive before joining the Company.
Though Rahul had heard a lot about Armaan, but he had this prejudiced image embedded in is mind. He thought Armaan would be just like other Businessmen Bosses ' Sttuborn, arrogant, dominating, cunning, shrewd, inflexible, commanding and serious type of guy. Not only his previous employers were like that, but also most of the businessmen he knew fit in that image. But his opinion changed completely within few days after joining The Marvels. The reason was Araan did have a few of those qualities, but not in the way others had them, it meant Armaan was nowhere near his earlier opinion.
Rahul was surprised to see Armaan being quite a friendly and lively guy, who never treated any of his employees as his Subordinate, whether it's a worker, a peon, of a high ranking officer. He was smooth to interact and an easy going guy, who laughed, played, joked, even ate with them. He celebrated every festival, no matter what religion it belonged to, with equal joy and involvement. To him, what matter the most, was everyone's happiness. With time, Armaan had developed a wonderful relationship with everyone and including his business associates, his clients, and his employees working at any level. He was almost like a god to many of his employees, who would sing his praises all the time.
So Rahul realized that he was more like a friend than a 'BOSS' for everyone. He never heard anyone back-bickering or passing Snide remarks about Armaan. In case even if anyone tried to do so, the others will immediately try to defend him. It was very new to see the employees defending their Boss.
But at the same time, Armaan was equally strict about his work. He was very particular about everything related to work and never tolerated any kind of carelessness. He was a perfectionist and made sure none of his co-workers leave any place for any mistake. His employees always preferred to hide it if they make any mistakes. It was scary to face him when he finds any sort of slip. It was not like he will fire them, but he would get very cranky and loud.
He will call the guilty ones to his cabin and shout at them like anything. It was his biggest weakness to loose his temper sometimes. But none of his employees ever confronted him for that. One reason was that even if he didn't treat them like his subordinates, he still was their Boss and they never wanted to displease him. Another much stronger reason was that they all respected him a lot. He was always ready to help them for anything and they thought he had a complete right to shout at them if they make a mistake.
Rahul was a very efficient and professional guy and Armaan liked him from the very beginning for his disciplined and balanced behavior. Soon Rahul became a part of his closest friend circle. He would call Rahul to hang out with him and Atul which Rahul accepted ecstatically. He was happy to be so close to his boss. Call it their almost common age or anything else, the three men gelled very well. They often go out for coffee, to hang out, or to have food together.
While they discussed different things, Armaan will even flirt with girls now and again. Atul always suggested him to be careful but would never stop, as there was a reason behind it. He has witnessed the type of life Armaan have lived for years. Though Armaan & Atul studied in the same college and he was younger than Atul, Armaan have always been way ahead in everything. When Atul was enjoying his college life, Armaan would rush to his office immediately after the classes and handle things with Omang.
Being always busy shaping his father's dream ever since a very young age, Armaan never lived his childhood or teenage, and if he was trying to live his life having a little fun then what was the harm in it. It wasn't like he was hurting anyone's feelings. He is very happy to see Armaan enjoying his life in his ways. But he and his family knew that there is still a lot missing in his life.
Omang helped him in learning everything and Armaan adored him as his Guru and Mentor. Omang skilled him with all the expertise of a good businessman & was very obliged to have a tyro like Armaan getting polished under his custody. He tried a lot to push Armaan, so that he could also enjoy his childhood and teenage, but Armaan never let his responsibilities at stake just for his enjoyment. He very determinedly stick himself to his work, as his father's last words keep ringing in his mind "Armaan beta promise me that u will never let anything happen to my Family, my company as it yields bread n butter for thousands of families..."
"Bread n Butter for thousands of families..." this kept him focused to his work. He was one exception in this brutal & selfish world. People admire & respect him for his selfless nature.
Unlike boys of his age, he always took everything as a challenge & decided that he will now take care of his FATHER's family - his company.
Atul was aware that Armaan intentionally flirted around with girls. Rahul initially found Armaan's flirting a bit annoying & surprising. It was very unlikely to see a Business Magnate like him flirting like that with girls. In the beginning specially coz of this reason, he didn't liked Armaan much. He thought Armaan is another Rich Spoilt Brat, however with time he understood that it's his way to have fun, but he never mean to hurt or offend any girl as he never crossed his limits.
Rahul too had flirted and dated a lot of girls in his school and college time, and it was not very strange for a handsome man like Armaan to do that, after all countless girls drool over him. But for some strange reason, he didn't like to see Armaan flirting with other girls, or we can say he didn't "WANT" him to do that. Rahul hasn't actually realized the direction of his own thoughts. It was his unconscious 'wish'...
He was still unaware of lot of facts about Armaan's life, but Armaan's magnetic persona changed his opinion. He closely observed the way Armaan spoke to different people, people on different levels, people with different age groups, & regarding different issues. He was amazed to explore that how expertly and perfectly Armaan handle every single situation, every person, everything around him. Rahul also knew how cranky Armaan would get in case he faces any carelessness. Sometimes he even overdid it, but it didn't matter much to anyone. His positives were way above of his negatives.
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Muskaan was a chirpy and talkative girl, so she became good friends with Anjali, Atul and Armaan very soon. They also liked her for her friendly nature. Muskaan had a place for Armaan in her heart. Actually everyone who met Armaan had one. As Muskaan once told him that she don't have a brother, Armaan became her brother. He now have 2 sisters. In a small span of one and a half year, a special bonding developed between all of them. Rahul was happy that he had such wonderful companions.
Muskaan and Anjali developed a close relationship. They were like best friends too. Though Riddhima had always been there as a sister and best friend for Muskaan, but there were somethings, Muskaan could never discuss with her. There was one VERY-IMPORTANT thing missing in their relationship, which Muskaan loved like HELL, and that was 'GOSSIPING'. Riddhima was too na've to understand all those things.
Anjali too loved Gossiping so Muskaan and she found partners in each other for their favorite hobby. They would spend hours in parks gossiping and talking about numerous things. They will discuss the other women, men, which girl fled away with whose son, their neighbours, movies, TV shows, fashion and even their 'in-laws'. They were happy to find that both of them had the best in-laws in the world, which treated them as their own daughter. They would spend hours shopping too as it was another common hobby the two ladies shared.
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Character sketch ' Present Ages & Profession'
Main lead Female ' Riddhima Gupta ' 25 (soon will be 26) ' An MBA. Has been working as an Associative Manager with an upcoming Restruant cum Hotel. She has been responsible for its creative development as well. It mean, she of course is a very creative person.
Kartik Gupta ' Deceased ' Riddhima's Father
Smriti Gupta ' Deceased ' Riddhima's Mother
Shashank Gupta ' 56 ' a small supermarket owner, Riddhima's Uncle
Padma Gupta ' 53 ' Housewife, Riddhima's Aunty
Rahul Gupta ' 30 ' A Finance Manager in an MNC, Riddhima's cousin
Muskaan Gupta ' 28 ' A house wife and works part time, to be precise help one of her friend, Riddhima's Bhabhi & Rahuls lovable wife
Yash Gupta ' 4 ' ' Her nephew (Rahul & Muskaan's son)
Main Lead Male ' Armaan Malik ' 28 'A Genius Business Tycoon and Owner of one of the Topmost Group of company. A double MBA, with a number of specialized degrees in Business.
Avinaash Malik ' Deceased ' Armaan's father
Radhika Malik ' Deceased ' Armaan's mother
Shobha Malik ' 72 ' Armaan's Grandmother
Omang Joshi ' 54 ' Advisor & Business associate with Armaan, A fatherly figure for him. His Uncle (His father's loyalist friend)
Aarti Joshi ' 53 ' Housewife, Armaan's Aunty but now mother. Atul's Mother in reality
Atul Joshi ' 30 ' Armaan's Right Hand. His business advisor, Project designer for expansion purposes and Marketing head, but above all, An elder brother and Armaan's best friend. He is Omang's son
Anjali Joshi ' 28 ' Though she doesnt work full time and kind-of a house wife, but always ready to help Armaan as a PRO when requested by him. She takes care of the charitable trusts run by Armaan's company. She is Armaan's Bhabhi & Atul's beloved wife
Vaibhav Joshi ' 4 ' ' Armaan's bestest buddy and Nephew (Atul & Anjali's Son)
Some more relevant characters
Subhankar Chatterjee ' 49 ' Lawyer, Armaan's Legal Advisor and Family Friend.
Dr. Kirti Chatterjee ' 48 ' Armaan's family friend and doctor. Beloved Wife of Shubhankar.
Nana ' 49 ' Lawyer.
Other characters in Minor roles
Rajiv Oberoi ' 55 ' Anjali's father
Vishakha Oberoi ' 53 ' Anjali's mother
Gurmeet Chaddha ' 55 ' Muskaan's father
Lavleen Chaddha ' 52 ' Muskaan's mother
NOTE ' Some more Characters could be introduced as per the requirement, one the story moves further.
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EPISODE FOURTEEN
As they reached Mumbai, Riddhima & Yash were the most excited kids of the world. Both had their own reasons for it. Some were common & some different. It wasn't like the first time that Riddhima was visiting a place ouside Delhi, but it was still different this time as for the first time she felt free and joyful for being at a new place. Her earlier visits had always been brief and busy with some or the other errands. But now she was free. Free to do anything, to enjoy everything. She hadn't joined any company right now. She had decided to take little break and then search for a good job.
It was actually Rahul & Muskaan who insisted her to give herself a break. They wanted her to enjoy her life as she never got to do so in Delhi. They also wanted to familiarize Riddhima with the new place and wished her learn to live at her own. While on this break they have planned to teach her to travel alone, do shopping, go site seeing at her own, and to deal with the strangers too. In brief her family wanted to train her for the world outside her small vicinity. After all for how long they will keep shadowing her. Some day she has to start living at her own.
Also they thought, only god knows, who and how her would-be-husband is going to be. Though she was a strong girl with lot of patience, but she still needed to learn to deal with the outer world. Apart from that when she starts working in any industry she might come across numerous ill-behaving and cunning people. Uptill now she has been working only with people known to her or her family. Now she needs to learn to handle strangers too.
She jumped screaming as she opened the door. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..." She hugged her tightly almost chocking her. "BABY..." Muskaan screamed.
She saw her wearing a simple full sleeved Cream coloured chudidaar suit with her hair neatly tide up in a tight ponytail braided till end. Her deep sea green eyes twinkled through a pair of glasses she wore. Her dupatta hugging her neck, while she had small matching earrings on. Her creamy baby soft flawless skin shone in the daylight like a delicate and velvety white rose, which didn't need any makeup. Her cheek wore a natural blush while her lips were dull pink indicating she didn't had any lipstick or even lip-gloss applied. She was very simple but yet very-very attractive. She was a natural beauty.
Pushing her away Riddhima pouted "Bhabhi main 'baby' nahi hu..."
"Hai... tu baby hai..." Muskaan replied and greeted her parents-in-law who were behind Riddhima "Namaste Mummyji, Daddyji..."
"Namaste bete... How are you?" Padma asked her as they entered their new house.
"I am fine mummyji..."
Seeing her eyes searched for someone curiously, Shashank signaled "Jise tum dhundh rahi ho wo tu baby ke peeche chupa hai..."
"Bade papa aap bhi shuru ho gaye... main baby nahi hu..." Riddhima complained.
Muskaan saw him hiding behind Riddhima. He slowly peeped from behind, while she smiled at him. Yash had hid behind Riddhima seeing her mother behave crazily as she shouted. He pulled Riddhima's dupatta making her bend down and then whispered in her ear "Bua... mumma theek to hain na?"
Riddhima asked him confusingly "Haan... lekin pucha kyun?"
Before he could answer Muskaan pulled him from behind and hugged him tightly. She kissed him all over his face. Yash pulled her away after a while "Bua are you sure she is fine..." he glanced towards Riddhima and then at Muskaan.
"I think she is not..." they turned around as they heard his voice at the door holding bags.
"Rahul?" Muskaan glared at him "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, nothing at all'" he winked at Yash who smiled back at his father.
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Over the next few days they toured many places of the city. Muskaan took Riddhima, Yash, Shashank and Padma for sight seeing. They visited a number of famous and important places in Mumbai. Shashank and Padma accompanied them only at few places, but Riddhima and Yash were too excited to see everything. It felt as if they were willing to explore the whole city in one day. Rahul had work so he could not be with them all the time, but at the weekend he accompanied them too. Muskaan and Rahul were very pleased to see 2 kids of their family so happy.
Few days later Muskaan asked Riddhima to try and go for a walk alone. Rahul had asked her to start pushing her for such things coz soon she was planning to join a company. Muskaan asked Riddhima to get a few house necessities from the nearby shopping Mall. Riddhima happily offered her help. Riddhima made a new friend at the Mall.
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Next day, Riddhima felt bored as she had nothing to do. All day she sat home doing nothing. Shashank and Padma were out to visit one of their old friends. Rahul hadn't returned from the office. The house hold work was all done by Kanahiya and Muskaan. They didn't let her do anything. Muskaan saw her sulking so she thought of sending her out.
Wiping her hands with a towel she placed it on Riddhima's shoulder "Riddhima tu agar bore ho rahi hai to ek kaam kyu nahi karti... beach pe ho aa thodi der"
Riddhima looked at her excited, but then her face fell "Lekin main akele kaise jaaon?"
"Arey akele kyun? Yash ko saath le ja, bas itna dhyaan rakhna ki paani ke paas mat jana, jyada dur mat jana aur time se ghar laut ana... OK"
"OK..." Riddhima called Yash who got excited about the idea of going for a walk to the beach.
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As they reached beach. Yash left her hand and ran towards water. Riddhima chased him to stop. As soon as she held him, she scolded "Yash tumhe mana kiya tha na ki aise haath chod ke nahi bhagna, aur paani ki taraf to bilkul bhi nahi"
"Sorry bua..." he held his ear. " magar hum phir kya karenge yahan?"
"Ek kaam karte hain hum ek dusare ko pakadte hain, lekin ek hi shart pe, ki tum paani ki taraf nahi jaaoge... bolo manzoor" she held her hand out.
Yash placed his hand on hers "Manzoor..."
They played with each other chasing each other turn by turn. Suddenly Riddhima saw another little boy falling on the ground at some distance. Riddhima ran to help him. She held him up and called Yash. "Yash mera bag leke ana to" The boy's elbow was bleeding. He watched this stranger holding his elbow, wiping sand off it with her dupatta. As he hissed in pain she asked "Bahut dard ho raha hai kya?"
He nodded negatively, while Yash came there holding her bag "Ye lo Bua" he handed her the bag. Riddhima took out her hankie and wiped the wound carefully. Then she asked the boy and Yash to stay there. She went to a nearby take away stall and bought a water bottle. She came back and washed his wound again and put a bandage on it. As she did that they heard someone calling.
"Vibhi... kahan ho tum?" they saw a lady calling someone.
"Main yaha hu mom..." the boy replied.
As the woman saw him sitting on the ground holding his elbow she ran towards him. "Kitni der se dhundh rahi hu tumhe... mana kiya than a tumhe itni dur aane ko..." as her eyes fell on the badage she exclaimed "Oh my god yeh kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi mom... I am fine, it's a small wound..." he replied bravely.
"Small wound, let me see, it could be bad..." as she busily checked his hand, Riddhima stood up and looked at her carefully. The lady asked her son "Who did the bandage?"
He pointed towards Riddhima "Unhone..."
She turned back to see Riddhima putting her hankie back in her bag. As she looked up, the lady looked at her surprised recognizing her. "Arey tum to Wohi ho na... shopping mall wali?"
"Ji..." Riddhima smiled. She was the same lady Riddhima had made friends with at the shopping Mall. Actually she had saved the lady from falling off the stairs and helped her with her numerous bags too.
"Thank you so much for helping my son..." she held her hand out "Hi, I am Anjali"
"Hello, I am Riddhima" she replied.
"And I am Vaibhav" Anjali's son introduced himself to which Yash replied standing besides Riddhima "I am Yash" he held his hand out for Vaibhav who shook it happily.
Anjali glanced towards the little boy standing besides her.
Yash pulled Riddhima's dupatta "Mujhey waha jana hai... us jhoole pe" he pointed towards a play wheel at some distance.
"Ok jao lekin dhyaan se" she combed his hair with her fingers affectionately and kissed his head.
"Mom mujhe bhi jana hai" Vaibhav butted in.
"Theek hai lekin aur kahi mat jana... ok" Anjali said sternly.
Before she could say anything else the boys ran away. She patted the ground as sat on the sand.
"Baitho na khadi kyun ho?" She told Riddhima who smiled and sat besides her. They chatted for a while about random things. Soon, Anjali realized that the girl she was talking to is very different. There was something about her which kept forcing her to look again and again at her face. May be the way she talked or her innocent eyes hidden behind those glasses.
Anjali felt strangely happy and pleased to talk to her. She was very pure and sweet. They become friends so she as her "so now we are friends" she held her hand out again.
"Sure" Riddhima smiled widely taking her hand.
"To kya tum roz yaha aati ho?" Anjali asked her.
"Nahi abhi tak to nahi, lekin ab soch rahi hu roz ayaa karu" She replied. "Darasal hum log abhi kuch din pahle hi shift hue hain Delhi se..." she explained.
"Tum yaha akele rahti ho?"
"Nahi meri family hai"
"Yahan beach pe akele ghumne aayi ho?" Anjali asked her.
"Haan... aur koi ghar pe tha nahi... aur main aur Yash bore ho rahe the"
Riddhima watched Yash and Vaibhav playing at some distance. As Anjali followed her gaze suddenly her face fell. Anjali thought Yash is Riddhima's son, which unknowingly disappointed her. She herself didn't know why she felt bad at the very thought of Riddhima being already married with a child. Her thought process was broken by Yash who came running there
"Bua mujhe bhukh lagi hai" Yash whined.
Anjali's head jerked towards him as she heard "BUA" She glanced towards Riddhima once again and realized that Riddhima is not his Mother. She asked her "Yash tumhara beta nahi hai?"
"Nahi yeh mere bhaiya ka beta hai" she replied.
"Aur tumhari shadi ho gayi hai kya?" she asked curiously.
Riddhima was taken aback at her sudden question, but she replied smiling "Nahi..."
Anjali eyes lit up. She was somehow relieved.
Over the next few days Anjali and Riddhima met regularly at the beach. Vaibhav & Yash Played with each other & become buddies. Anjali & Riddhima exchanged their numbers.
Shashank & Padma were happy to see Riddhima had already made a new friend in the new city.
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"Dad the paperwork is finished and before we go ahead with the deal I think we should get it checked by him once again..." he told his father who nodded in agreement.
"Hmm you are right... I know what he will say, but still even I want him to go through it..."
"Let me take the raw material's file as well, he had asked to bring it as well"
"ok' but where is he? I didn't see him on the breakfast table as well"
"Dad! you know him' he came late from Hongkong last night and came straight over here' I think he will be at his usual place"
"He wont change'" He shook his head "Lets go we need to send him to house after all this worrk is done' otherwise if your mom knows it, she will smack both of us'"
They walked towards a huge cabin at the end of a well furnished corridor.
As they entered the cabin, they saw nothing but silence.
"Main andar dekhta hu'" he told his father, while his father sat on the office chair.
He moved towards a door inside the cabin and clicked it open. It was a small personal gym built within his cabin. He had a habit of working out everyday, but due to his busy schedule he barely got time to go to the Public Gyms, so he got built one in his office attached to his cabin. His cabin was actually like a small appartment with a Gym, a Bathroom, a dressing room and of course the Main Office.
He found him running on the treadmill. Smiling he moved towards him. He was running probably at a speed of around 30 Km/per hour.
"Ammy'" he slapped his back lightly.
"Hey Atul!" he stopped the treadmill and turned around to hug Atul. "How are you?"
"Main to theek hu, but you stay away from me, eeeeeehhh you are sweating so much" though he didn't mind it, but he still made a face.
Armaan smiled and moved towards the 8pc Life Fitness Pro Circuit. He sat on it pulling down the heavy weight displaying his toned muscles. He was wearing a navy blue vest with a pair of gray track pants. His hair was wet with sweat, while some strands fell on his sweating forehead "Tu sudhrega nahi na'"
"Main? Main nahi sudhrunga' yeh to tujhe pata chalega ki kisko jyada sudharne ki zaroorat hai' zara bahar to chal" Atul smiled cheekily.
"Oh god! don't tell me she is here" He released the weight in agitation and stood up. Atul just smiled and left without saying anything.
He came out dressing up to see Atul and Omang waiting for him. He bend down to touch Omang's feet while buttoning his shirt "Good Morning Dad"
"God bless you' well it's a god morning for me, but just hope it's the same for you too son" Omang smiled blessing him.
Armaan's eyes widened "But she doesn't know' or does she?"
"Hmm! she called office last evening and Ruby told her that you will be landing here by 5am' she was looking for you at home this morning"
"Mar gaya" he held his head. "Dad, I am gonna run home right away' you guys please take care of everything" Armaan said immediately.
"Alright, but check this file and sign these papers first" Omang said.
"Dad' I know you must have checked it, I don't need to do it again, so forget it, just let me know where do I have to sign?" Armaan replied irritably.
"I knew you will say this, but still I want you to go through the details once again"
"Alright I will take it along" he signed a few papers, and ran holding his luggage immediately.
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He clicked the door open quietly trying to avoid any sound and peeked inside. Seeing the coast clear, he silently tip-toed inside only to be stopped by someone,
"Awwww mom it hurts" he whined as she pulled his ear.
"Achcha it hurts? Kahan tha tu ab tak? Che(6) ghante ho gaye na tujhe aaye" Aarti scolded him.
"Wo meri ek Girl friend ne rok liya tha"
"Girl friend? Maa se jhoot bolta hai," she pulled his ear harder.
"Oops sorry darling, I was in the office, ek urgent kaam tha, but atleast leave my ear now, otherwise I will have elephant ear in seconds"
"Itni asaani se nahi mat chodna ise mumma, iski yehi sazaa hai" Anjali came down, while he made a face.
"Tu rahne de' dekhu to jyada lagi to nahi" Aarti left his ear and checked it. He bend down to touch her feet "Bhagwaan tujhe har buri nazar se bachaye" she smiled.
"Mom I am famished" he caressed his belly.
"Arey to pahle kahna tha na' tu fresh ho ja, I will get the breakfast ready for you' Shaguna'" she called the house maid.
"Ab to lunch time hone wala hai mom" Anjali shouted as she saw her mother-in-law going towards the kitchen.
"Anjali' thanx but no thanx" he shook his head.
"Hey what do you mean? I saved you from getting an 'Elephant ear'" she retorted.
Before he could answer he was almost knocked off by a little figure "CHACHU'" Vaibhav jumped in his arms.
"Hey buddy sambhal ke yaar" he replied getting hold of him. "Aur suna kaisa hai tu?"
"Main theek hu'" he bent over his ear and whispered "Aapko jo kaam kaha tha wo kiya?"
"Haan, lekin yaha nahi upar mere room mein chalte hain" he whispered back
"Yeh kya khusur-phusur ho rahi hai chacha-bhatije mein?" Anjali looked at them suspiciously.
"Kuch nahi' it's a buddy talk' ladkiyon ke kaam ki baat nahi hai" Armaan replied while Vaibhav nodded in agreement. Anjali glared at them as she saw him climbing the stairs holding Vaibhav in with one hand and his suitcase in other.
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***TRRRR-TRRRR... TRRRR-TRRRR***
She picked up the phone and heard his voice at the other end.
"Kaun Muskaan?" the person asked her.
"Nahi Bhabhi to ghar pe nahi hai... aap kaun bol rahe ho?" Riddhima informed.
"Oh... main Rahul ke office se uska dost bol raha hu..." he nformed.
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EPISODE FIFTEEN
***TRRRR-TRRRR... TRRRR-TRRRR***
She picked up the phone and heard his voice at the other end.
"Kaun Muskaan?" the person asked her.
"Nahi Bhabhi to ghar pe nahi hai... aap kaun bol rahe ho?" Riddhima informed.
"Oh... main Rahul ke office se uska dost bol raha hu..." he nformed.
"Kahiye kuch kaam tha aapko bhabhi se? Main unhe bata dungi"
"Kaam to tha aur wo bhi urgent... Actually Rahul Hotel Regal mein ek meeting ke liye gaya hai aur meeting se related ek important file Wo ghar pe bhul gaya hai... abhi uska phone aaya tha... he has been calling your home but no one was picking the phone, he even tried Muskaan's number but nobody was responding."
"Wo actually ghar pe koi hai nahi, main upar terrace pe thi aur bhabhi ke phone ki battery weak thi isliye wo apna phone ghar pe chod gayi hain... Lekin mujhe kahiye, main unki sister hu... main kar dungi apka kaam. Bataiye kaunsi file laani hai aur kahan?"
She took the details and noted the address.
Padma saw her coming down dressed up, she asked her "Riddhima bete' kaha ja rahi hai?"
"Wo koi Hotel Regal hai Mumma wahi jaa rahi hu..."
"Hotel Regal? Lekin kyun aur kiske saath?"
"Kisike saath nahi, akele jaa rahi hu. Bhaiya apni ek important file bhul gaye hain wohi dene jaa rahi hu... unke office se phone aya tha"
"Lekin tu akele kaise jayegi?"
"Mumma main koi bachchi nahi hu ab, aur phir aap log h to kahte rahte ho ki mujhe self-dependant hona chahiye... mere paas address hai, main dhundh lungi..."
"Lekin..."
"Mumma please jaane dijiye na... I will be back on time, promise" she pinched her throat.
Padma agreed reluctantly. "Theek hai lekin dhyaan se jana"
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As she entered the Hotel, she looked around and saw a receptionist. She approached her to ask where the conference hall is, but the receptionist was too busy chatting on the phone.
Riddhima looked at her watch "Oh God... bhaiya ke friend ne to kaha tha ki unhe file 3 baje tak chahiye, aur 2.40 to yahi ho gaye... I think I should search the hall myself."
With that she left the reception area and went to look for any map or pointers.
She saw a pointer at one corner which had Conference Hall and Disco written on it. It said '
Conference Hall ' 6th Floor
Disco ' 6th Floor
Reading it she moved to the elevator and punched the button for the sixth floor.
As she stepped out of the elevator, she heard blasting sound of music, she immediately covered her ears. She moved towards the sound and suddenly felt nauseated coz of the smell of alcohol. It seems, there was some party going on in the disco. So the music was on its full blast and a lot of people were boozing in there. She covered her face with her dupatta and peeped inside. She stood behind a pillar to take a look. She has never been to such place before.
He saw a slender figure standing besides the pillar peeping inside the Disco cum bar area. She was wearing a blue full sleeved salwar kameez. He felt surprised to see a girl with such simple traditional attire standing there with her head covered with dupatta. He moved towards her and saw her trying to peek inside the disco.
As he placed a hand on her shoulder, she jerked in shock and turned around. In the process she almost tripped on her feet. She closed her eyes in trepidation thinking she will fall, but was caught at the right time by a pair of strong muscular arms. She slowly opened her eyes to find a pair of sparkling gray eyes looking straight in hers through an eye mask. Yes his face was covered too. He saw the deepest and the most beautiful sea green eyes wide open in shock, her face still hidden behind her dupatta. Her glasses had fallen on the floor when she turned around.
They stared into each other's eyes. It seemed as if the world around them has disappeared. The loud music went off, and a slow breeze started flowing making a few strands of her hair, which came out of her dupatta, fly on her face. They were being drawn in a new world. Sweet fragrances of flowers float in the air as he pulled her a little closer. He took a deep breath to engulf the aroma. Their heartbeat was paused by the moment. He was held by something, while her eyes were stoned by his gaze. She blinked sowly, very-very slowly.
One of his hands left one of hers and it moved up involuntarily to remove those hair strands, but their trance was broken when the song number playing inside changed into another even louder one. He felt something tingling in his upper pocket. He let go her other hand to attend the phone. As he picked the phone and turned around, it went off.
She straightened herself and picked up her glasses. Wearing her glasses again and clenching the file near her chest she ran towards the elevator.
She entered the elevator still out of breath. It felt strange inside, her body was still shivering due to the masculine effect she has just encountered. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to compose herself, but his eyes flashed again. Her eyes opened with a jerk and suddenly felt dizzy. Seeing the ground floor tab flashing, she took another deep breath and gasped deeply.
As the elevator door opened she saw Rahul standing there. She ran towards him and hugged him. "Bhaiya..." her heart was still racing and she was still trying to control it.
"Riddhima?" he hugged her back and a few seconds later he parted her. Looking at her worriedly he asked "Tu yahan kya kar rahi hai? Aur kya hua tujhe, itni haanf kyu rahi hai?"
She stammered "Wo... Main... Main..."
"Main-Main kya?"
Finally managed to compose herself and looked at him "Main aapki file dene aayi thi... ghar pe aapke office se phone aaya tha aur bhabhi ghar par nahi thi, to maine soch main le aaon" she held out the file for him.
Taking the file from her he asked her again "Oh... Lekin tu itni nervous kyun lag rahi hai?"
"Amm... Wo... Wo main aapko dhudhne upar sixth floor pe gayi thi aur waha pe bahut loud music tha aur' aur' maine aapko nahi dekha to main dar gayi'" she didn't know why she hid her close encounter with the stranger from Rahul. Well' what could she say, nothing actually happened. Or something did?
"Sixth floor pe?" he looked at her confusingly. "But what were you doing at the sixth floor?"
"I was searching the Conference Hall"
"But the Conference Hall isn't there on the sixth floor"
"Hai bhaiya' its written over there" she pointed towards the pointer. As his gaze fell on the pointer, he suddenly started laughing nodding his head. He understood what might have happened. She looked at him as if he has gone crazy. Did she crack a joke or something? "Why are you laughing?" she asked.
He tried to stop his laughter and pulled her with him towards the pointer. As they reached there, he put his index fingure into the digit and turned it upside. The digit which initially looked like 6 now looked 9. Actually the Conference Hall was on the 9th floor, but since the digits on the pointer weren't sticked properly, the 9 had fallen down and looked like 6, coz of which Riddhima went to the wrong place.
Seeing what he has done, she looked back at him and started laughing herself. "Oh my god' So that's why I went to the wrong floor?"
"Yes baby' but you should have asked someone"
She was about to retort but his phone rang "Hello... yep I've got it' I will be there in a minute' don't worry'" Cutting the call he turned towards Riddhima "Baby'"
She cut him in the middle "Bhaiya main Baby nahi hu" she shook her finger.
"Ok baba nahi hai' Riddhima' ab to theek hai? Ab sun, my meeting will still take an hour or so, in the meantime if you want, you can wait in the hotel restaurant and eat something, phir ghar saath-saath chalenge, mujhe is meeting ke baad aur koi kaam nahi hai' mom ko main inform kar dunga' Aur sun' is baar kisi se puch lena apna dimaag mat lagana" he laughed
"Bhaiya'" she glared at him but then smiled as she saw him entering the elevator.
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At the same time, let's see what happened to the gray eyed handsome.
As he turned around to attend the call, it went off. Before he could thingk again, it buzzed again. It was Atul. He spoke to Atul and Cutting the call he turned around to see her nowhere in the sight. He peeked into the Disco and to find her, but couldn't trace her anywhere. He was about to leave the place when someone called him from behind. "Arey Mr. Malik..." he turned around to see a man dressed in brown shirt and gray trouser calling him "Aap jaa rahe hain?"
"Yes Mr. Ghai... actually I have a meeting in the conference hall on the 9th floor, I just came down to wish you since you invited me..."
"Oh I am sorry if I disturbed you. Actually when I saw you downstairs, I couldn't hold myself and invited you... I didn't know that you are busy... it's really a pleasure to have you here"
"That's ok' anyways happy birthday Mr. Ghai and good luck, please excuse me" he shook hand with him and left.
As he came out of the Disco his gaze fell on something shiny lying on the floor besides the saem pillar. He bent down and picked it up. It was a small bunch of silver 'Ghunghrus'. They made a sweet and soothing tingling sound as he shook them. Those beautiful sea green eyes flashed again. He smiled "Lagta hai usi ka hai" he closed it in his fist and went to the Conference Hall.
"Hey Armaan" As soon as he saw him he called "Kaha chala gaya tha tu yaar" Rahul asked him.
"Arey wo kuch nahi yaar, bas Mr. Ghai neeche mil gaye the... tu bata file mil gayi?"
"Haan yeh rahi" he handed him the file "Chal ab..."
Their meeting was successful and Armaan signed the contract.
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"Aaj thodi kheer bana le, bahut mann kar raha hai..." she told her.
"Kya baat hai maaji, dekh rahi hu aap jabse ashram se laut ke aayi ho tabse badi khush ho?" Aarti asked Shobha.
"Haan khush to hu, aur agar tu sunegi to tu bhi khush ho jayegi" Dadi replied.
"Achcha aisa kya hua is baar... Guruji se kuch khaas baat hui kya?" she asked excitedly.
"Khaas nahi bahut khaas"
"Armaan ke baare mein?"
"Haan"
"aapka chehera dekh ke lagta hai, ki baat hamari barso ki ichcha se related hai' am I right?"
Dadi nodded positively
"To bataiye na kya baat hai dadi?" Anjali who had heard them talking, joined in too.
"Batati hu..." she started "Guruji kah rahe the hamari ichcha bahut jald puri hone wali hai"
"KYA? Iska matlab Armaan ki shaadi jaldi ho jayegi?" Anjali almost jumped in excitement.
"Haan Guruji ke hisaab se to yehi sach hai aur aaj tak unki koi prediction galat nahi hui. Unhone bataya hai ki ek ladki hai jo jald hi Armaan ki zindagi mein aayegi aur wohi uski jeevan sangini banegi' wo Armaan ki zindagi mein nayi khushiyaan, tarakki aur dher sara pyar leke aayegi aur uska saaya Armaan ko har museebat se bachayega'" she smiled but then she sighed lazily.
"Kya hua? Aap thodi pareshaan lag rahi ho?" Aarti placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Kya batao' Guruji kah rahe the ki ladki to mil jayegi, lekin'"
"Lekin kya?"
"Lekin Armaan ko to tum log jante hi ho' use manana to jaise lohe ki deewar pe sir marne ke barabar hai' Guruji kah rahe the ki hum logon ko thodi aur mahnat karni pad sakti hai aur ek puja bhi rakhwaane ko kaha hai'"
"Dadi aap chinta kyun karti ho, apni devarani laane ke liye main lohe ki kya, titanium ki deewar pe bhi hathode chalwa doongi" Anjali reassured her. "Waise aaj tak jitni bhi ladkiyaan humne dekhi, mujhe unmein se ek bhi koi khaas nahi lagi' Armaan ko deserve kar sake aisi koi ladki to mile, phir dekhna main kya karti hu'" she rubbed her hands gleefully.
"Hmm' bas to phir bhagwaan se ab yehi prarthna hai ki us ladki ko jaldi hi bhej de" they all prayed.
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Around a week later Riddhima told her family that she wanted to work again. They agreed and asked her if she need some help. She said that she has already applied for a few jobs and have gotten some calls as well. She had an interview next day.
Next day, Rahul took her to the company for the interview.
As she entered the cabin, she saw a man in his early thirties sitting on a plush leather chair. Her interview went well and she got selected. The man smiled while handing over her appointment letter. There was something about that smile. Riddhima felt a little strange about it, but then she shrugged off and left.
She started working from next day and Rahul & other family members were very happy for her.
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Edited by Wild.Aimee - 14 years ago
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