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EPISODE FORTY-TWO
It has been almost 2 weeks of Vivek's incident.
Minnie's engagement and marriage got postponded as Harsh's father got busy with an important business trip which could not be avoided. Apart from that as one of Kirti's close relative fell seriously ill and she had to go to see him with Shubhankar, to Shrinagar.
Minnie and Harsh were obviously disappointed, but understanding the situation they co-operated. They met everyday. Sometimes at Minnie's place and sometimes even at Harsh's house. But as per Kirti's instruction most of the time, Riddhima would accompany them... almost everywhere...
Kirti knew that Minnie and Harsh will behave with Riddhima around. Riddhima is a sweet, pure and simple girl. Kirti is very well aware of her daughter's unsteady mind. Though Minnie has changed quite a bit ever since she met Riddhima, she still could be a mess and Kirti didnt want her daughter to do something which she is not supposed to be doing before marriage.
Kirti also knew that Minnie would never want to be prosecuted about anything. Minnie will try her best to flee from explainations which she might have to be giving Riddhima. Riddhima could be a question bug at times. At times her ignorance was a bit too much for Minnie to handle.
Minnie was a little averse about the idea as she knew she and Harsh cant go intimate when Riddhima is around. If she sees them that way, Kirti will automatically come to know about everything... and of course who will save them from Riddhima's question bombardments. It wasnt like they mind it, but yes it was too difficult to make her understand what it means being in love and how does it feel to be in your lover's arms.
But Harsh was a smart guy. He somehow managed to grab chance to be close to his beloved-would-be wife. Minnie and Harsh would always trick Riddhima with something or the other to have their own sweet time together.
Riddhima on the other hand, despite of being around them remained unaware of their cagey romantic moments. She could never catch them making out.
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In a short span of time, Padma and Shashank grew very close to the Armaan's family. Armaan's family was also very delighted to share their friendship with such affectionate people. Soon most of the barriers were broken between the two families. All their hesitations flewed away. They became fast friends just the way their kids were.
Padma and Shashank got many chances to meet Armaan during their frequent visit to his house. Though their meetings with him were mostly brief, but long enough to know him well. Armaan knew how to turn seconds into a quality time, hence even their succinct encounters were more than enough to leave an impression. His naturally easy-going and jovial nature made sure they never felt that they were conversing with their children's boss. They were very impressed by him.
He was such a wonderful and compassionate person. Even though he was their children's boss, but he had no stains of arrogance or being superior. He was very friendly and lively guy who cared for everyone. He knew how to respect elders and love Youngers. His affectionate smile was infectitious, which always made them feel so much at home. They feel obliged and pleased everytime they meet him.
Padma and Shashank also came to know about Armaan's past... about his struggle, about his miseries and his passion to fulfill his parent's dream. They were amazed to find that how he had managed to achieve so much at such a tender age. His respect grew in their heart with every secret unfolding about his life. Armaan also respected and treated them in the same way as Aarti and Omang. They were very self-respecting and warm people.
Muskaan was growing. Her mood swings would drive Rahul crazy at times, but he was happy to handle her that way. Many times Riddhima will help him handle his crazy wife. She was pampered by everyone from Shashank to Yash. Muskaan and Anjali will talk for hours discussing what type of clothes they will buy for the new baby, what will be the color of his/her side of the wall, what sort of soft toys they have to buy etc. etc.
Anjali sometimes felt low and thought if she also could do the same for herself, but she knew that its not possible, atleast not right now. But she didnt leave hope. Her family was there for her support. She sometimes felt sad, but Armaan and Vaibhav always cheer her up. Atul was also there. He has already told her that even if they cant have another baby, it will be fine as they atleast have Vaibhav. Anjali would smile at this. She has started accepting facts.
Rahul was busy with Worker's colony project with Armaan. He was also handling financial reports of their Singapore Project. Atul was busy with his Singapore assignment as it was almost on its final stage. He also spent time at Ashraya with Riddhima, inspecting its work from time to time. He was very impressed by her. She was making sure that everything is being done perfectly and on correct time. Armaan has undoubtfully made the correct decision by giving Ashraya's responsibility to her.
Riddhima was busy with Ashraya. Most of her time was spent at Ashraya's site. Atul made sure that whatever happens, she never leaves Ashraya's premises alone. Either she is accompanied by someone, or else a special car will pick her from there. Rahul was assured by Atul about her safety. Atul also enjoyed her company, she has become like his little sister. Of course he will always demand her to bring him Halwa which she does happily.
Everything has gone back to normal except one man. ARMAAN. He has been feeling quite restless these days... more than ever before. He was seeing those dreams of his mystery girls more frequently. Then Riddhima's presence around him was also bothering him.
He was confused about everything. Confused about what is happening? Confused about why was he seeing those dreams more often? Confused why would he get restless when Riddhima is not around? Confused why he loved annoying her even though there is no relevance of it? And he was confused about many more things he wasnt aware of.
Thank god he had lot of work too. His work tried to keep him at cool most of the time, it helped him distract his mind and thoughts from these silly ideas his mind was disturbing him with.
But he was dying for a break. He was in a desperate need to find something to absorb his mind from his distracting 'ES-PA'.
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"Hi Julie!" she greeted Julie giving her an adorable smile.
"Hi Riddhima!" Julie bent ahead kissing her cheek.
Riddhima chuckled "You always behave like my Muskaan bhabhi... She also kisses me hi all the time... And Vaibhav too does the same..."
"Aww... I am sure she does it for her own good reasons..." Julie chuckled too "Your cheeks are so soft and tempting that they can flutter desires in any person's heart to feel them." She said pulling Riddhima's cheeks.
"Aahhh... leave my cheeks Julie, I am not a kid..." she winced childishly when Julie didnt leave her soft and creamy cheeks.
"Yes you are..." Julie teased her leaving her cheeks.
"No I am not." Riddhima snapped making a face.
"Ok... ok baba, now dont get mad... By the way' who is this Vaibhav?" she asked her cheekily.
"My boyfriend..." Riddhima laughed massaging her own cheeks trying to shed away the crimson grown over them.
"What? You have a boyfriend?" Sunaina asked as she joined them.
"Mhmmm..." Riddhima nodded while Julie looked at her with an incredulous face.
"You really do?" Julie asked.
"Yep..." Riddhima laughed seeing their expressions, then added "Actually, Vaibhav is..." but she was interrupted by the phone.
Waving them to keep quite, Julie picked up the phone "Yes sir... ok..." she kept the phone down, "Sunaina, we have to leave... Atul sir is calling both of us in the meeting room..."
"Oh, sorry yaar... I came to call you for the same reason..." Sunaina replied "Take the file of the Stationary Stock with you." She said.
"Alright..." Julie replied and took out a file from his drawer. She turned towards Riddhima and added "Sorry Riddhima, we will meet you later..."
"No Problem... work comes first..." Riddhima smiled. As she saw Sunaina and Julie leaving she called out "Hey Julie!" Julie turned around "Is Omang sir inside?" Riddhima asked her.
"Yes he is..." Julie replied.
"Ok thanks..." Riddhima smiled as they entered the elevator.
She took her tiffin box from the counter and walked towards Omang's cabin.
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Omang was talking to someone on the phone "Didnt you tell him about it...? you did?... ok... I know how adamant he is... I dont know... when... alright... you make all the arrangements... I will speak to him... dont worry, I will do something... bye..." he kept the phone down.
Why is he so obstinate about this? He thought. Why doesnt he listen? He has never disobeyed them about anything else accept this issue. Why doesnt he understand that we want his welfare and happiness? Why doesnt he consent to any marital proposal? Whatever happened in his past is gone. Now he should move on in his life.
Omang sighed. He took out his cigar tapped it on his table. Placing it between his lips, he lit it up. Breathing out the smoke he coughed a little. He stared into the space and remembered the day when Avinaash had died. He has promised him that he will take care of Armaan. He will make sure that he is always happy, but the boy wasnt giving him a least of a chance to do anything for him.
Omang spurred the smoke again while thinking. What will he do today? How will he make sure Armaan reaches home on time? They have organized something very important for him. Dadi had strictly instructed him to make sure Armaan is home on time. She has arranged a special prayer and Hawan for Armaan's safety and his marriage.
Armaan knows about it and earlier he had agreed to be there on time, but as soon as they informed him that the Puja is for his marriage, he backed off saying that he had forgotten but he has some important meetings to attend. Armaan had always been like that. He has been absconding from this issue for a long time and he is still not co-perating.
Actually, its all 'our' fault... to begin with we shouldnt have mentioned it to him that the puja is for his marriage, Omang fussed. But then Puja is an auspicious affair... a spiritual event... a requesting prayer to almighty god... they couldnt lie about it, otherwise all its importance will dry away. It is for Armaan's future as he needs to willingly get involved in it.
This puja is very important for his future and everyone want him to attend it. Dadi has spoken to Guruji and he recommended this special Puja. He advised them to get the Puja done as soon as possible. They have been planning this puja for last 1 month. Earlier it was to be done 2 weeks ago, but the circumstances werent in favor. 2 weeks ago, suddenly Armaan's doom stars dipped coz of which they couldnt arrange the puja at that time. But now everything is fine.
Guruji has informed some of his trustworthy priests to make arrangements for it at a Temple in Aradhyapur (Imaginary place) near Shirdi. He also told Dadi that Armaan's lucky-stars are indicating a propitious connubial alliance in near future and this Puja will help in making sure there are no hurdles in the way of this most awaited relationship of their family.
Guruji has told that if they do this Hawan and Puja, then all the negative vibes will shake off from Armaan's ambiance and he will also agree to get married very soon. He encouraged them for this puja, coz as per his astrological calculations it will make sure that Armaan will be married to a Perfect girl and they will be a one in a billion couple.
Armaan is supposed to accompany Dadi, Aarti and Omang today in the evening to Aradhyapur, where all the arrangements of the special puja are done and their tickets are confirmed for the same. But Armaan' he is running away from this. He doesn't want to go there.
The Hawan is to be done early morning next day and they have to reach Aradhyapur by tonight for some pre-prayer errands. In case they miss this 'Mahurat', then the next one will be after 1 year 3 months. It means missing this puja will mean that they will have to wait for atleast another year for Armaan's marriage. Everyone in the family have tried everything to convince him. But he is too witty to be entrapped.
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As she reached for the door knob, she stopped remembering something. Instead of opening the door immediately, she peeked inside through the glass, but couldnt see anything clearly since the blinds were closed. She turned the door knob extremely slowly so that it doesnt make any sound. As the door opened, she peeked inside holding the handle.
She narrowed her eyes seeing the rings of smoke floating in air.
Omang was turned towards the other side so he didnt notice her come inside. He was busy with his own thoughts.
"Hmm... to ye chal raha hai..." she mumbled under her breath. She closed the door carefully. And leaned over it with her arms folded over her chest, her head tiltling on one side. She stared straight towards Omang. "YEH KYA HO RAHA HAI?" she asked in a little loud and commanding voice.
Omang jerked immediately and turned around. He gasped seeing Riddhima standing there. His cigar was still there between his fingers. He coughed weakly in shock. Riddhima glanced towards his cigar, narrowing her eyes. Omang looked back at his cigar and instantly threw it on the floor crushing it under his feet. He was caught red-handed by her.
He grinned fakely in an awkward way trying to cover up his act "A... Arey... R... Riddhima beta... t-tum kab aayi?" he stammered while she kept standing at the door in the same position without uttering a word. She looked visibly unhappy about it. Omang tried to think how to handle the situation now, but nothing was coming to his mind. He stood up form his seat and went to her. Holding her hand he pulled her to the chair "Tum aise kyun khadi ho? Chalo baitho..." he said.
Riddhima sat on the chair quietly with the same look on her face her gaze not leaving him. Omang went back to his chair and sat slowly. He shifted uneasily under her unbreaking glare. He knew he was in trouble now. She is looking awfully unhappy. Now what do I do? Omang thought. Hope she doesnt tell anything to Armaan, or else I will be in deep trouble, he fussed.
Seeing her not saying anything or reacting further, he looked down in her hand. "Arey waah... Ye... tum Halwa laayi ho mere liye?" he said in order to divert her mind.
He bent ahead to take the tiffin from her hand, but she pulled it away. Omang pursed his lips sitting back in his chair. It was now impossible to distract her. She looks indomitable.
Riddhima wasnt thinking anything but only about his Cigar. He has Asthma and smoking isnt going to do any good to his health, in fact it will probably worsen things. He knows it well; still he is doing that... It is not at all acceptable. Glaring at him, she held her hand out.
Omang looked up at her confusingly. She signaled towards the packet lying under his table. Omang knew what she was asking for. He took out the packet of cigar quietly from under his table and placed it on her palm with shaking hands while looking down guiltily. He had to give up on her unspoken demand... It could be risky to argue or say anything at the moment.
She gripped the packet in her hand and placed it on her lap and saw him sitting back remorsefully with a highly guilty expression. "Aisa kaam karte hi kyun ho aap, jisse guilty feel ho?" she finally spoke reprimanding him. Omang didnt know what to say. "Aapki sehat ke liye smoke karna theek nahi hai na... phir bhi...???" she said firmly.
She wanted to scold him further, but she couldnt. Yes he treats her like his daughter, but then he was her senior. Besides it couldnt be considered as a good conduct to scold an elderly person. She will have to do something else about it... She has to find some other way.
Sliding the tiffin towards him she added "Ye lijiye... apka halwa."
"Thanks bete..." Omang smiled taking the tiffin excitedly.
Riddima looked at him opening the tiffin joyfully like a little kid. She giggled shooking her head at his childish behavior.
"Wow... its very tasty..." Omang spoke with his mouth full "As always..." he added grinning.
"Thanks uncle..." She saw him finish his Halwa and look up at her smiling.
"Maza aa gaya... aaj lagta hai mera din bahut achcha jayega." He smiled wiping his hand. But then he sobered remembering something.
She noticed his changing expression and thinking about something "Kya hua uncle?" she asked.
"Hmm..." Omang looked at her "Wo... actually..." he wasnt sure what he wanted to say but continued "Actually main thoda pareshaan hu..."
"Kis baat se? mujhe bataiye, shayad main aapki kuch help kar saku..." she asked politely.
Omang looked at her serene and assuring face. He didnt know why but he felt, like he could tell her his worry "Main Armaan ki wajah se pareshaan hu..."
"Armaan sir ki wajah se? kyun? Wo phir se aap pe chillaye kya?" she frowned. That guy is so annoying. He must have yelled at Omang uncle again. Gosh' for once cant he talk sweetly with an old man. He was so sweet with everyone in Ashraya. Agreed that he is the boss here, but that doesn't give him a right to yell at everyone, especially Omang Uncle, she thought.
"Nahi aisi baat nahi hai..." Omang laughed "Darasal uski dadi ne ek Hawan rakha hai, aur Armaan ka wahan hona bahut zaroori hai... Armaan ko uske liye aaj raat ki flight se Aradhyapur jana hai' lekin wo hai ki sunta hi nahi hai. Aaj bhi uski koi meeting hai shaam ko..."
"Shaam ko?" she looked doubtfully thinking about it and then added "But as far as I know, he doesnt have any appointment this evening..." she informed.
"He doesnt?" he grimaced understanding that Armaan has once again tried to trick them "Hmm... to usne jhoot bola... phir se humein bewakuf banane ki koshish kar raha tha... Pata nahi ye kab samjhega? I dont know what to do with this boy?" he mumbled.
"Kya hua uncle... kya ye Puja bahut zaroori hai?" she asked innocently.
"Haan bete... zaroori to hai."
"To unki Dadi ne unhe kaha to hoga is baare mein?" she asked.
"Kaha to hai... lekin wo sunta kahan hai kisi ki..." Omang sighed.
"Wo to hai... he is so stubborn and bolshie." she frowned again scrunching her nose.
Omang smirked at her cute facial expressions "I agree... I dont know how to convince him to go home on time. His dadi has called me... Main kya jawaab dunga unhe?"
Riddhima looked sympathetically at him. He really looked helpless and she wanted to help him. But how? She thought. Suddenly she got an idea "Uncle... agar main aapki help karun to?"
"Tum? Lekin kaise?" he asked expectantly.
"Wo aap mujhpe chod dijiye... aap bas mujhe ye bataiye ki agar main aapka ye kaam kar du, to mujhe kya milega?" she asked.
"Anything you want..." he replied without thinking for a second.
"Pakka?" she held her hand out asking for a confirmation.
"Pakka." He placing his hand on hers, closing the deal.
"Alright then... He will reach his home on time today." She replied determinedly. "You dont worry now... I will take care of it."
Omang smiled seeing her determination. "Thats great. Thank you very bete"
"Thanks abhi nahi, kaam hone ke baad bolna."
"Ok' Can you do me another favor bete?" he asked.
"Haan kahiye..."
"Please check with Atul if he has any plans for the evening. I would have called him, but he is in meeting right now and I have to go back home a little early."
"Ok I will check with him and inform you if he has any." She got up from her seat and took her emptied tiffin "Ok uncle... I will see you later."
"Bye bete... God bless you." He blessed her bidding her bye.
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Riddhima came back to her cabin and placed the tiffin in her bag. Then she sat on her seat smiling widely. She has a plan for him... But then she sombered... She has assured Omang that she will make sure Armaan will reach his home on time, but she doesnt know how is she gonna be doing that. Armaan is too intractable and he is her boss also. How will she convince him to go back his home?
Now that she sat in her cabin thinking about it, she felt she has consented to help Omang in a little hurry. She shouldnt have boasted stupidly without thinking. How is she gonna keep her promise? She doesnt even know what are Armaan's plan for the day after office. Is he going somewhere this evening? If yes, then where? Is he going to meet someone they arent aware of? Oh, that's not important, what matters more is - WHERE is he going? She thought.
She needs to find out... after all it is the question of her words of promise. She wont give up so easily. Yes she has to do something and she will.
She checked his day planner and appointments once again. There was nothing lined up for the evening. It means she was right, he doesnt have any appointments for this evening. Well... atleast not anything official... Then? what is he doing today? And how is she going to find out? She checked other appointment logs and mails to ensure its not something official which went out of her knowledge. But she found none.
"Hmm, it means there is nothing official. That's for sure." She concluded. "But what else?" Riddhima shuffled though a number of options, but couldnt figure out anything.
Then she remembered Rahul. She knew that sometimes Rahul accompany Armaan to hang out.
She called Rahul. "Hi Bhaiya..."
"Hi Baby..." Rahul spoke lovingly.
"Bhaiya main baby nahi hu..." she retorted instantly.
"Achcha baba nahi hai..." he laughed. "Ab bol kya baat hai?"
"Bhaiya... mm... aap aaj shaam ko kya kar rahe ho?" she asked.
"Shaam ko? Kuch nahi... kyun? Koi kaam tha kya?"
"Na... kuch nahi... actually Muskaan bhabhi ko aaj shaam aap ghumaane le jaoge beach pe... mujhe thoda kaam hai office mein, to mujhe der ho jayegi." She said.
"Theek hai... no problem. Waise bhi Muskaan mujhse complaint bhi kar rahi thi ki main use aajkal bilkul time nahi de pata... isi bahane uski complaint dur ho jayegi..."
"Good... to aap unka khayaal rakho aur main apne kaam ka..." she said.
"Theek hai... par tu dhyaan se rahna... aur Marvels ke alawa kisi bhi baahar ke aadmi ke saath mat ana-jana kahin... samjhi?" he instructed her.
"Samjh gayi." She smiled at his lovingly commanding tone.
"Aur agar der ho jaaye to transport department mein phone karke office ki cab leke ghar ana... nahi to agar tu kahe to main Atul se baat karu?"
"Nahi iski koi jaroorat nahi hai bhaiya. I will manage aur main aapki instructions bhi follow karungi. Ab to khush?"
"Haan... bahut... chal bye."
"bye." She placed the receiver on the phone cradle. "Hmm... it means Armaan sir is not going anywhere with Rahul bhaiya... now?" she thought "Atul bhaiya..." she exclaimed. She called him too. "Hello Atul Sir?"
"Riddhima... yaar tujhe kitni baar kaha hai atleast akele mein mujhe sir mat kaha kar. Mujhe bada ajeeb lagta hai... Aisa lagta hai jaise main kisi ajnabee se baat kar raha hu' ya abhi se bahut budha ho gaya hu." Atul whined.
"Ok baba sorry... Atul 'bhaiya'..." she stressed giggling at the same time.
"Good... ab bol kya baat hai?"
"Gosh... ye sab bhai ek jaise questions kyun puchte hain?" she chuckled remembering that Rahul has also asked her the same question in the same way a minute ago.
"Kyun? Aur kisne pucha tujse ye?... ek minute... I am sure aur kaun ho sakta hai... wo hi hoga RAHUL swami..." he laughed.
"Hmm... wohi the. Achcha bhaiya, mujhe ye puchna tha ki aap aaj shaam ko kya kar rahe ho?"
"Main to ghar pe hu... kuch kaam hai ghar pe... kyun? Anything important?"
"Nahi... bas aise hi puch rahi thi... wo actually main Omang uncle ke paas gayi thi abhi. He asked me to confirm it from you."
"Dad ke paas? Tu aaj Halwa laayi thi kya?" he asked raising his brow.
"Haan laayi to thi... Aur aapke liye bhi laye hu. Aap meeting mein busy the, to maine Sunaina ko de diya... usse le lena. Lekin aapka matlab kya hai? Main kya unke paas kisi kaam se ya aise hi nahi jaa sakti?" she pouted.
"Arey aisi koi baat nahi hai... jaa sakti hai, zaroor ja sakti hai. In fact, aajkal wo sirf tujhe dekh ke hi to khush hote hain." He chortled.
"Aise kyun kah rahe ho aap... Omang uncle to sabko dekh ke khush hote hain."
"Khush? Sirf formally khush hote hain baaki sabke saath, par teri baat kuch aur hi hai... tu halwa jo leke aati hai unke liye. Ghar pe to unhe ye sab milta nahi."
"Achcha to ap kya ye kahna chahte ho, ki Omang uncle sirf mere halwe ke liye mujhe dekh ke khush hote hain?"
"Arey nahin... Halwa to ek bahana hai, reality to ye hai ki tu unhe daanti nahi hai na."
"Aisa kuch nahi hai, abhi-abhi to daantke aayi hu unhe..." she giggled.
"Daant ke? Kyun? Kis baat ke liye?" he raised his brow.
"Cigar pi rahe the..." she stated.
"CIGAR?" he almost shouted. But then looked around and composed himself "Cigar? Cigar kahan se aaya unke paas?"
"Mujhe kya pata? Main jab wahan gayi to Cigar ke maze liye jaa rahe the... bas maine pakad liya unhe... range-haathon."
"Oh... Ek baat bata, Armaan to nahin hai na office mein is waqt?" he asked.
"Nahi... wo ek meeting ke liye gaye hain. Koi kaam tha unse?"
"Kaam to nahi tha... lekin agar Armaan office mein hota, aur use pata chalta ki dad Cigar pi rahe the, to bas, aaj Marvels mein earthquake ke poore chances the."
"Achcha to ye baat hai." She giggled again. "Mr.Irritating ko chillane ka ek aur mauka mil jata."
"Kya? Mr.Irritating?" he asked.
"Oh... sorry." She bit her tongue.
"Arey nahi... bilkul sahi naam diya hai tune use. In fact, ab se main bhi use yehi kahke bulaonga, Mr.Irritating." Atul cackled.
"Haan, wohi to main kah rahi thi..." Riddhima relaxed hearing that from Atul "ye naam unhe bilkul suit karta hai. Jab dekho tab irritate karte rahte hain mujhe." She pouted.
"Wo to hai hi aisa. Anyways, Riddhima aur koi kaam hai, mera mobile ring ho raha hai..."
"Nahi bas aapka shaam ka plan confirm karna tha. Aap apna kaam kijiye. Sorry maine aapko bekaar ki baaton mein uljha liya..." She smiled.
"Arey koi baat nahi, mujhe to achcha laga tujhse baat karke. Ekdum relaxed feel kar raha hu. Ab kaam aur achche se hoga..."
"Ok, bye bhaiya..."
"Chal phir... Bye... baby." He smiled too.
Before she could open her mouth to retort, she heard a soft click and then busy tone. She stared at the receiver for a moment, and then placed it back.
"Hmm... So it isnt Atul bhaiya also'" she picked a pen and made a cross in front of Atul's name. She had written all the possibilities on a note pad, where and with whom Armaan could go.
"Now what?" she cupped her cheeks between both her palms as she rested her elbows on the table. "Ab kya karu...?" she spoke to herself. "I have checked all the possibilities, but nothing worked." She sat back twirling her pen between fingers "Oh god... how stupid of me. I should have asked Atul bhaiya where Armaan sir goes generally to hang out." She slapped her head. "Stupid..."
She first of all decided to inform Omang that Atul will be at home in the evening. After informing Omang she sat back again thinking what to do next. She looked at the wall clock. It was already past 5:30pm and the office time will be over in less than half an hour.
Armaan has come back a few minutes ago and was busy winding up day's work in his cabin.
I need to hurry up, she thought. But what do I do now? How do I convince him to go back home?
He is too punctual and will leave within exactly 25 minutes now. Think Riddhima, think harder, she fussed. I should go and talk to him in his cabin. May be by talking to him for a while I will be able to divert him from his plan or atleast maybe he will give away where he is going. I will try to convince him then. Yes thats it... I will go to his cabin.
She got up from her chair in urgency and stood in front of the door to his cabin. She cleared her throat and straighened her dress preparing herself for the 'challenge'. She knocked at the door carefully. Hearing no response, she knocked again. Why is he not responding, she stared at the entry light. Oh god, I hope he has not left already. But its only 5:45pm, how can he leave so early?
Oh shut up Riddhima, its only 15 minutes and dont forget he is the boss, he can always do what he want and leave whenever he feel like.
'Yes, I agree, but whatever is the reason, he never leaves office before office time, except when he has some special appointments.'
Alright then he might have got some 'special' appointments today.
'Yes but then, I should know about it... I am his ES-PA after all, and I am the one who keep a track of his schedules. Why am I not aware of it?'
Oh god! How stupid you are... Do you really think he can have 'special' appointments only in his work's context? It could a personal one. People now days do have for some. Remember what Minnie had told you that day... Guys and girls go out to hang with each other, to spend time with friends. Did you forget, Rahul Bhaiya and Muskaan bhabhi also used to go out? And those people from your college, they also went out so many times. If you have never gone to hang around, it doesnt mean other people also dont do it. Armaan sir might have a personal appointment himself. How do you know? And he is not bound to tell you about his 'personal special' appointments.
'Well why not? He should... I am his...'
I know... I know, you are his ES-PA... but only in his official life, not for his personal life... Why are you being such a pain for your brain-cells... you yourself told him that day when he met you outside Vivek sir's farmhouse banglow that you are his ES-PA at work only and can do anything off-job... didnt you? So he can also do anything or go anywhere without your permission and without telling you.
'Yes... I did...... but now how will keep my promise I made with Omang uncle? I dont want him to be in trouble coz of me. Armaan sir ki dadi ne kahin unhe daanta is baat ke liye to? I so stupidly boasted that I will make sure to send Armaan sir his home. Now I dont know how to do it... I am sure Armaan sir's dadi will scold Omang Uncle. He said its VERY important for Armaan sir to be home today. '
Then stop arguing with me you stupid girl and do something.
She looked up joining her hands together and prayed, "Please-Please-Please bhawaanji... help me, and please let me know where Armaan sir is going..." Then she clicked the door open herself.
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Hi Friends 😊. A much delayed and yet not the one you have expected it to be... but tell me something, when have i updated as per your expectations ??? Its always something else... Silly-lame joke, i know 😆... I guess i will have to read your usual complaint about lack of AR scene in the upcoming comments, but i am trying to do something what i havent done yet in the story in next few episodes. So please tolerate me for the while.
Thanks to all of you for your patience and support. Thanks to all my silent readers as well.
And yes. Wish you all Merry Christmas
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