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EPISODE THIRTY-NINE
Riddhima looked towards Minnie who made a sad face. So she agreed. "OK... theek hai..."
"To tum chalogi na Di?" Minnie asked expectantly.
"Achcha baba theek hai... thoda sabr kar, main abhi tayyar hoke aati hu. Tu itni der mein Anjali bhabhi ko phone kar le." Riddhima said getting up.
"Anjali bhabhi aaj nahi aa payengi unhe kuch kaam hai, unke saath hum parso chalenge. She is busy for 2 days. Aaj aur kal sirf hum dono chalte hain. Choti-choti shopping kar lete hain, phir parson khaas shopping kar lenge." Minnie suggested.
"Ok... main abhi aayi." She shrugged and ran up to her room to get ready.
A few minutes later she came down after getting ready.
As she fidgeted with things in her purse Padma asked her. "Kya dhundh rahi hai?"
"Mumma mere glasses nahin mil rahe' aapne kahin dekhe hain kya?" Riddhima said looking into the drawers.
"Nahin' kahan rakhe the tune?"
"Malum nahi'" then she remembered she was wearing them last night. "Maine kal raat ko to pahne hue the, jab aapne meri dress change ki tab nahi the kya?"
Padma looked towards Rahul for help seeing which he replied "Oh' Wo actually tere glasses mujhse girke tut gaye' I am sorry." He replied guiltily.
"Koi baat nahi bhaiya, main apne purane wale glasses use kar lungi'"
"Kya? Wo black wale?" he made a dirty face.
"Haan kyun' koi problem hai kya?"
"No' actually yes'" Rahul got up from his chair "Riddhu wo bahut ajeeb lagte hain' You look like Harry Potter's sister in them'"
"Then what bhaiya, Harry Potter is cute'" Minnie interrupted while Riddhima nodded.
"Cute? Come on give me a break'" Rahul threw his hand in air, but seeing girls glaring at him, he added instantly "Ok' alright, the guy does look cute, I agree' but his glasses? I am sorry but they are no different from Jassi of that TV serial 'Jassi jaisi koi nahi'' And I won't take you girl's glare for that coz I know I am right with this." He replied determinedly.
Riddhima made a face "Lo' aapne khud mere glasses tod diye aur ab mere purane glasses ka mazzaak bhi bana rahe ho' I wont talk to you'" she pouted.
"Arey'" Rahul sighed "Achcha baba sorry' I will get you a new pair tommorow."
"Ok' but today I will have to use the old ones' Waise bhi wo itne bade bhi nahi hain jitna aap kah rahe ho'" Riddhima smiled.
"Riddhima di' why don't we ourselves buy new ones for you, I mean we are going out for shopping' so we will purchase it at our own. I know a very good optician." Minnie suggested.
"Good Idea'" Riddhima exclaimed and turned towards Rahul. "Lo' now you don't have to worry about it, I will get one myself." She went upstairs and came down wearing her old glasses and left for shopping with Minnie.
Once they were gone, Shashank grilled Rahul for more information. Rahul told him everything in detail. How he got a call from Armaan, how Atul accompanied him, what did they saw when they reached Vivek's banglow. He told them how Armaan saved Riddhima's deference not caring of his own life. He also told Shashank, Padma and Muskaan that it was Armaan who lended him money when they had pay the reparation to Chaudhary Associates, when Riddhima left that Job before her contract finished with Chaudhary. Shashank and Padma felt indebted by Armaan. They thanked god for saving their children's life and Riddhima's honor.
While Rahul was narrating everything to his parents, for the first time his thoughts cleared and awareness took over about what exactly he felt for Armaan. Sure, he had more than respect and admiration in his heart for Armaan than ever. But what Rahul realized now was the fact that ever since he met Armaan, somewhere his subconscious mind had developed a desire of Armaan getting married to his little sister. Yes... he wished Armaan and Riddhima to get married. He always wanted the best for his innocent baby, and Armaan 'IS THE BEST'.
He remembered how Armaan was shielding her from everyone and fought for her respect and safety without caring for his own life, how he carried her safely in his arms to his car last night, how his face looked worried about her when they drove back home, how he ressured them her safety, how he tried to soothen everyone's mood thorugh his silly but not so silly joke, and then how he commanded him. He is always just right with everything he does.
His mind flew back again and again to the scene when he saw Armaan carrying Riddhima. It felt so right seeing her in his arms. She looked so serene and safe in his hands. It was HER PLACE. They looked rightly made for each other. A perfect match. A cute, gorgeous and endearingly innocent FAIRY with a sturdy, plucky and strikingly handsome PRINCE. His little Pixie sister with HER Prince Charming.
He smiled at his own thoughts. How great it would be if they get married... but, it was his own perspective. What if they didnt see each other that way? What if their families had any sort of objection? What if people thought of Riddhima and him as a gold digger? He will not be able to tolerate it if someone blamed them for being one. It was about of his and his sister's self-respect.
Yes he was friends with Armaan, but still Armaan was way above their status and out of their reach. There was a huge gap between their classes. He was the owner of Marvels and Rahul was his employee just like thousands of other. There was no comparison between them.
He knew Armaan wasnt dearth of girls. He has lakhs of beautiful, rich and smart women drooling over him. Actors, Models, Players, Doctors, Businesswomen, Engineers, Entrepreneurs, Defense professionals, scientists, Politicians, Royal representatives, you name one and they will come with their heads bowed. Everyone wanted to have conjugal compliances with the most eligible Malik of the country. One hint and they will do 'anything' to reach him. ANYTHING.
But Armaan isnt one who gives importance to those acquisitive and phony things, Rahul's heart argued. He is a different man, who appreciates beauty of heart and genuineness, and not the outer lavishes or fake. He respects unadulterated even if its not completely flawless. Armaan has an open and convivial heart who could forgive or even ignore flaws, but it doesnt have any palce for disloyalty. To him love, trust, sincerity and truth were the most important things, especially when it came to relationships.
Thinking about Riddhima' she is no less. If Armaan is the Best, then even his sister is equally impressive and comparable. She is sweet, she is caring and lovable, and she is beautiful. She is also a smart and intelligent forbearing girl. Yes she has grown a little stubborn' well a lot actually' but she is as innocent as a small infant and has the purest heart in the universe. And like Armaan, everyone likes... no 'loves' her too. She can melt even a devil's rock heart. She is as perfect as Armaan.
Rahul knew that Armaan's family was looking for an appropriate alliance for him, but Armaan was always running away. He knew the reason why, but he couldnt force him to fall for his sister. Love is a feeling which sprouts at its own. He or anyone else cant make them fall for each other. Its only them who could do that to themselves. But the problem was he has always seen them fighting and arguing with each other.
All these things were confusing Rahul' He decided to leave everything on time, fate and god's wish. If they are meant to be together, time itself will bring them close. He or anyone else could only think and help, but what destiny has already decided will happen for sure and no one can stop it. His chain of thoughts broke when he heard Shashank's voice again.
"Bhagwaan ka laakh-laakh shukr hai ki Armaan theek samay pe wahan pahunch gaya... humein to usne apna karjdaar bana diya..." Shashank said grimly.
"Theek kahte ho... hum uska ye ehsaan kabhi nahi chukka payenge..." Padma added.
"Armaan to hai hi itna achcha insaan... pata hai mummyji Anjali bata rahi thi ki usne bahut struggle kiya hai aaj is position pe aane ke liye, lekin dekho phir bhi usmein zara bhi ghamand nahi hai..." Muskaan informed.
"Anjali? kya Anjali beti Armaan ko jaanti hai?" Padma asked.
Shashank and Padma, like Riddhima didnt know Armaan's exact relationship with Atul and his family and that they live together. They only thought of them as close family friends.
"Arey mummyji, aap bhul gayi Anjali ka devar, jiske baare mein wo humesha baat karti rahti hai... Armaan wohi to hai." Muskaan explained.
"Oooo... tabhi main kahu ke wo Atul ko bhai kyun kah raha tha?" Padma said thoughtfully.
"Lekin Armaan to 'Malik' hai na aur Atul 'Joshi's... phir?" Shashank was confused.
"Wo actually Papa... Armaan aur Atul real brothers nahi hain, lekin phir bhi sage bhaiyon se badhkar hain... Armaan, Atul ke dad Omang uncle ke best friend ka beta hai." Rahul replied.
"Achcha..." Padma nodded understanding their relation "to Armaan ke mata-pita kahan rahte hain?" she inquired further.
"Wo ab is duniya mein nahi hain..." Rahul informed sadly "Mujhe jyada kuch details mein to nahi pata, lekin jahan tak maine suna hai Armaan kareeb 14 saal ka tha jab uske dad ki death hui aur uski mom to unse bhi pahle ek accident mein gujar chuki thi."
"Oh..." Padma and Shashank felt sad for Armaan. They liked Armaan at the very first sight. He was not only the most handsome man they have seen, but also an extremely adorable person.
"Shashank, mujhe lagta hai, humein khud jaake uska shukriya adaa karna chahiye... usne jo bhi humari bachchi ke liye kiye hai, wo to aajkal sage bhi nahi karte. Hum to use theek se thank you bhi nahi kah paaye." Padma said.
"Tum theek kahti ho Padma..." Shashank agreed and then turned towards Rahul "Rahul bete, hum agar unse milne unke ghar jayein to unhe kahin aitraaz to nahi hoga?"
"Bilkul nahi Papaji... balki wo to bahut khush honge... Waise bhi Anjali kitni baar mujhe kah chuki hai ki main aap sabko leke uske ghar aaon." Muskaan replied excitedly even before Rahul could say anything.
"To theek hai phir, hum sab kal hi unke ghar chalenge" Shashank decided "Muskaan bete, tum unse phone karke pooch lena ki kahi unka koi aur program to nahi hai."
"Theek hai papaji." Muskaan smiled and called Anjali, who very elatedly welcomed them.
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On the subsequent day they all went to Armaan's house to meet his family and thank them personally. Riddhima could not accompany them as Minnie took her for some more shopping. Although she was on leave, but after some shopping Riddhima still went to Ashraya to check the progress of the renovation work. Minnie went back her home later on.
Armaan wasnt at home as he had an appointment with some client and since Riddhima was on leave, he had to take care of it alone without any assistance.
After exchanging a series of greeting both the families sat in the huge living room.
Padma and Shashank looked a little uncomfortable seeing such a big and lavishly decorated house. It was almost like a Palace. They were from a middle class background, who lived in a small 2 bedroom house. Yes after shifting to Kartik's place they did got a comparatively bigger place to live. Kartik's house was a 3 bedroom house and the rooms were smaller in size. The Banglow they are living in right now, Rahul's banglow is much comfortable, bigger and lavishing. It has 4 big bedrooms, one large living room, a beautiful garden and every type of facility one might ask for, but it is still not even close to this Palace.
Aarti sensed their discomfort and said "Bhaisaab, Bhabhiji... Armaan aur Atul ke dost aur unke gharwale humaare bhi to kuch lagte hain... phir Muskaan to Armaan ke liye behen ki tarah hai... upar se wo aur Anjali kitne achche dost bhi hain... aur Rahul, Atul aur Armaan ki dosti ke baare mein to kuch kahne ki zaroorat bhi nahi hai humein, wo to hai hi bejod. Agar humaare bachchon mein koi hichkichahat nahi hai to humein bhi unse yehi seekh leni chahiye." She tried to make them feel homely.
Padma and Shashank smiled while Omang added "Bilkul... Aap ye mat sochiye ki aap apne bete ke boss ke ghar aaye ho, balki ye shochiye ki ye aapke apno, balki main to kahta hu ise aap apna hi ghar samajhiye... waise bhi sirf bade nahi hamaare to pote bhi kitne achche dost hain, to hum kyu nahi ho sakte?" they saw Vaibhav and Yash playing in their lawn. Both the kids were very happy today as they didnt had to go to their school. Because of Gupta's visit they got this privilege of celebrating a surprise holiday.
Within an hour Shashank and Padma started feeling homely at their house. "Hum to bahut shukrgujaar hain Armaan ke... usne jo kuch bhi hamari bachchi ke liye kiya, hum uska ehsaan kabhi nahi chukka payenge... Agar use kuch ho jata to pata nahi kya karte hum log. Aur Atul ne bhi kitni madad ki." Shashank spoke pensively.
"Ehsaan kaisa bete, yeh to uska farj tha. Sab dekhte-jaante bhi agar wo kuch nahi karta to wo to gunaah hota. Riddhima humaari bhi bachchi ki tarah hai,.. humein khushi hai ke wo sahi salaamat hai." Dadi said solemnly. Anjali and Aarti had narrated Dadi last day's incident to her when she saw Atul's bruised face early this morning. Armaan had managed to slip earlier.
"Haan' aur agar wo aisa nahi karta to iska matlab wo Armaan hi nahi hota..." Atul added.
"Bilkul Armaan to hai hi aisa... sabki madad karna, sabka dhyaan rakhna aur wo bhi bina kisi shart ke... ye to uski fitrat hai. Yehi to wajah hai ki wo Armaan hai, sabse alag... duniya ka sabse achcha devar." Anjali said proudly.
"Aur iska sabse bada example hum log hain..." Aarti added while Padma and Shashank looked puzzled so she explained "Armaan humara apna khun nahi hai, lekin phir bhi sagon se jyada maan deta hai humein... Mujhe aur Omang ko Mom-Dad kahta hai, aur Atul ko bhai. Apna khun na hote hue bhi, aaj hum uska parivaar hain, is se jyada aur kya sabut ho sakta hai is baat ka, ki humare liye kitna apnaapan uske dil mein."
Padma and Shashank were very pleased to meet such a wonderful and closely bonded family.
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Next day Riddhima and Minnie waited for Anjali at Minnie's house. Anjali was going to pick them for the shoping. Anjali took them to one of the finest Shopping Malls to buy dresses and jewellery for Minnie. Minnie and Riddhima had already done some shopping in last 2 days, but the main things were still left. Since they didnt have much idea about them, they decided to buy them with Anjali.
Minnie selected at least 10 different types of traditional and formal dresses and matching jewelry with them with the help of Anjali and Riddhima. Anjali was a stylish person, while Riddhima was a little simple. Anjali observed that though Riddhima never wore anything very stylish, extravagant or bright, but her choice was really impressive when it came to selecting stuff for a special occasion.
They sat in a shop to buy another dress for Minnie's engagement. The salesgirl showed them a number of beautiful designer outfits. Minnie wasnt able to select any, but finally she bought a cream Lahenga with Golden Zardori work on it. It had a broad golden border with a glint of Red beed work in it. She looked very nice in it. Anjali finalized it and asked the Salesgirl to pack it.
Riddhima saw a simple baby blue dupatta with white and silver embriodery on its border lying on the counter and held it over her shoulder. As she caressed it lightly admiring it Anjali's eyes fell on her. She looked at Riddhima's face which was looking ever so beautiful with a soothing smile soaring on it. She looked so calm and serene.
Anjali smiled at her. "Riddhima..." she broke her trance.
Startled Riddhima immediately kept the dupatta down "Ji bhabhi?" she asked her.
"Bahut achchi lag rahi thi..." Anjali smiled.
"Ji?" she looked baffled.
"Wo..." Anjali pointed towards the dupatta she was holding "Tujhpe bahut achcha lag raha tha wo dupatta... why dont you buy that suit? Minnie ki engagement pe pahan lena..." she suggested.
"Haan di... bhabhi bilkul theek kah rahi hain, its a beautiful suit..." Minnie also agreed.
"Nahi bhabhi... main to ba aise hi..."
"Arey aise kaise... tumhe kuch na kuch to lena hi hoga... dekho na maine aur Minnie ne kitni saari shopping ki hai, aur tumne to ek cheez bhi nahi li..."
"Lekin bhabhi mujhe iski zaroorat nahi hai... mere paas pahle hi bahut si dresses hain..."
"To kya iska matlab aap meri engagement pe purani dress pahnogi?" Minnie frowned.
"Nahi, mere paas ek nayi dress hai ghar pe, maine abhi tak ek baar bhi nahi pahni... main wo pahan lungi..." Riddhima replied.
"Yaani aap nahi logi kuch?" Minnie snapped. Seeing her still not buying the suit she tried her other trick. Putting her packed dress back on the counter she spoke "to theek hai, main bhi apni shaadi pe aur kuch nahi lungi... aur mujhe ye dress bhi nahi chahiye apni engagement ke liye...
"Minnie? Achcha theek hai... I will buy this suit... ok" Riddhima gave up.
"Ye hui na baat." Anjali said and asked the salesgirl to pack the suit for Riddhima as well.
They took their shoping bags and went back to Minnie's house. After dropping her Anjali asked Riddhima to come with her to her house, but since it was already late, she refused. So Anjali dropped her home.
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That night Armaan was wide awake in his bedroom. He couldnt sleep. For last two days he has been a little restless. He didnt know why, but he seems to be missing someone. Riddhima's face kept flashing in his mind. Her minute smile which turns into a frown as soon as he opens his mouth to irritate her was occupying him.
He remembered how nice he felt when he picked her up in his arms. Her little wispy structure felt homely in his arms. He couldnt figure out much about her as at that time he was occupied by the malicious action-packed event they went through. He glanced towards his hands and twisted his wrists back and forth. He could still feel her there. He smiled. The clock on the wall co-cooed and he jerked back to reality.
"Oh damn..." he looked at the clock. "Its 4:00am..." he immediately slid under covers. "Man... ye ladki mujhe pagal kar degi... why the hell do I keep thinking about that crazy cat... I need to do something..." he scratched his brow "I really need to do something before I loose my mind." He decided finally closing his eyes.
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"Yash please tang mat kar na... have your milk, I have loads of work to do and its already late." Muskaan said as she tried to make Yash drink his Milk.
"Nahin... mujhe doodh nahi peena... cheee ye to ganda hai." he made a face.
"Ganda nahi hai..."
"Good Morning bhabhi... good morning mumma... kya chal raha hai?" Riddhima greeted them joining them on the breakfast table.
"Chal kya raha hai, dhoodh hi nahi pee raha ye..." Muskaan replied irritably.
"To ismein galati to aapki hi hai na bhabhi..."
Muskaan looked at her incredibly "Meri galti?"
"kya hai na bhabhi, agar aap aisi ulti seedhi cheezein pilaogi use, to wo na to karega hi" She picked up her toast and ate it hurriedly.
"Dhudh ulti-seedhi cheez hai?" Muskaan glared at her "aur o jo ye school mein fizul ka fast-food khata hai, wo sab junk food ulti-seedhi cheezein nahi hain? tum dono bua-bhatijaa ek se ho..." Muskaan shook her head while Yash hi-fived Riddhima. Muskaan gripped Yash's hand and scolded him "Yash ab zyada naatak karne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Jaldi se peeo ise warna school bus miss ho jayegi."
"Uhunnnn..." Yash whined but drank his milk making a hateful face.
"Arey kya kar rahi hai? Araam se kha na. Itni kya jaldi padi hai? Abhi to bahut time pada hai." Padma said watching Riddhima gulping down her breakfast hastily.
"Nahi mumma, main aaj late nahi hona chahti. Waise hi teen(3) din se office nahi gayi hu, pata nahi kitna kaam pending ho gaya hoga... isliye aaj thoda jaldi ja rahi hu"
"Muskaan theek kahti hai tum dono bua-bhateeja el jaise ho'" Padma added.
"Lekin Rahul to abhi tak tayyar bhi nahi hua..." Muskaan informed her.
"Koi baat nahi bhabhi, main aaj taxi le lungi... bhaiya apne time se aa jayenge..."
"Theek hai, lekin dhyaan se jana..." Padma caressed her hair standing besides her.
"Main ise taxi stand tak chod ke ata hu." Shashank came in folding his newspaper.
"Papa main apne aap chali jaongi..." she replied.
"Nahi... main tere saath chalunga, meri walk bhi ho jayegi..." Shashank replied.
"Ok..." Riddhima shrugged. She picked up her bag and kissed Yash's cheek and left after bidding byes to Muskaan and Padma.
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As she entered her cabin she looked around to see everything lying in the same way she had left it 3 days ago. She sighed and arranged everything in order again while dusting them.
*Cough* *Cough* "Lagta hai, yahan kisi ne safai nahi ki 3 din se" she muttered.
After dusting her own cabin she decided to go to Armaan's cabin and see hows it.
"Pata nahi kya halat hogi Armaan sir ke cabin ki, mere alaawa kisi aur ka jana allowed bhi to nahi hai wahan unki absence mein. Aur malum nahi Mr.I-M-THE-BOSS ne wahan safai karayi hogi bhi ya nahi..." she wiped her hands and went out taking her punch card.
Her eyes swanged out as soon as she entered his cabin. "Hey bhagwaan..." she held her head "Yeh kya haal bana ke rakha hai cabin ka..." she walked in and looked around standing in the middle of the room. Everything was scattered here and there. Some files were lying on the couch, some on the coffee table, some on desk besides it, some papers were dispersed over his executive stand and even on the floor. Many of the files werent even closed. Almost 4-5 pen and pencils were spread over a print lying on the table near the couch. One of his tie layed on the floor near the couch.
She walked ahead "Oh god... ab ye sab mujhe hi karna padega." She looked around puzzled thinking where to start from and decided first to clear the couch and area around it. Then picking up things from his executive counter and other shelves she arranged them in order. She picked up the layout and rolled it back. Putting the pen-pencils back into one of the drawer she sighed.
She called the chief cleaner Dilip. "Dilip pichle teen (3) din mein ek baar bhi safai nahi ki kya yahan?" she asked the cleaner.
"Nahi Madamji... wo kya hai na aap to thi nahi, aur Malik saab bahut busy the, to safai nahi ho payi. Atul sir ne Sunaina madam ko bheja tha mere saath, lekin Armaan sir ne mana kar diya, kahne lage aap theek se karwati ho kaam aur aapko sab cheezon ki sahi jagah pata hai. Isliye aap aake khud karwa logi..." he explained.
"Oh... theek hai ab tum yahan safai kar do, main yahin hu... aur agar koi cheez yahan wahan padi dhikhe to mujhe de dena..."
"Ji Madam." Dilip started cleaning the cabin.
Once he left Riddhima checked everthing again and went back to her own. She sat back in her office and checked the mails.
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Hi Friends 😊
I know some are not interested anymore, but some of you were waiting for the update. Frankly speaking i wat to update this one on 26th (It was ready that day), but after hearing Mumbai's tragic news i was so stuck up with it, that i didnt feel like doing anything. So now as i heard that all the Militants are killed and Mumbai is finally safe, i am updated this one. This episode dont contain anything related to Mumbai fiasco, it is the usual Mere Apne strory, but this episode is my dedication to all those who lost their lives in and the brave soldiers of India. I also dedicate this one to the spirit of Indian Citizens and people around the world who prayed for the safety of the hostages and out soldiers. I salute all the soldiers who lost their lives in this Tragic Event. God Bless Everyone.
And last but not the least - COMMENT FRIENDS.😃
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Edited by Wild.Aimee - 14 years ago
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