AR FF MUHABBAT KI RAAHON ME "final pt-116" - Page 2

PART 11:

All were shocked. Ridhimaa was dumbstruck. Armaan had taken her name. Armaan too was horrified at himself.

Atul: (smugly) Ridhimaa?
Anjali: Armaan ye tum...
Armaan: (inventing wildly) Wo main to Ridhimaa se kehne ja raha tha ki wo kuch kha kyun nahi rahi hai.
Muskaan: Armaan. Tumne kabhi punctuations ke baare me suna hai?
Anjali: Jaise tumne kaha tha ussey to hume laga ki... chalo. Leave it.
Ridhimaa: Di ab chalein?
Anjali: (looking at her watch) Haan. Raat bhi to bahut ho gayi hai. Chalo.

Armaan and Ridhimaa stood up. They had the passes and therefore didn't had to pay the bill. They moved out.

Ridhimaa: (rounding on Armaan) Ye sab kya tha Armaan?
Armaan: Kya?
Ridhimaa: Tumne sabke saamne mera naam kyun liya?
Armaan: Kyun? Kisi aur ka naam lena chahiye tha?
Ridhimaa: (angrily) Shut up Armaan!
Armaan: Why?
Ridhimaa: Armaan main pehle hi keh chuki hoon ki hum dono sirf dost hain.
Armaan: Aisa tum sochti ho. Lekin main nahi. Main to tumse aaj bhi pyar...
Ridhimaa: (cutting across him) Nahi.
Armaan: Kyun nahi? Har waqt tum chahti ho ki jaisa tum chaho, waisa hi ho. Lekin ye Armaan Mallik apni marzi ka maalik hai aur koi bhi mujhe tumse pyar karne se nahi rok sakta. Tum bhi nahi.
Ridhimaa: Armaan main tumhe kitni baar bata chuki hoon ki main tumse pyar nahi karti. Fir bhi...
Armaan: Kyunki mujhe pata hai ki tum jhooth bol rahi ho. Tum bhi mujhse pyar karti ho.
Ridhimaa: Haan main pyar karti hoon.
Armaan: (ecstatic) Sach?
Ridhimaa: Haan mujhe bhi pyar ho gaya hai kisi se.
Armaan: (shocked) Kissey?

Just then the others too came out.

Anjali: Ridz. Tum kisi se pyar karti ho? Kaun hai wo?

Ridhimaa and Armaan turned towards them. Ridhimaa had expected this.

Ridhimaa: Haan. Di. Main bhi kisi se pyar karti hoon.
Muskaan: Kaun hai wo?
Ridhimaa: Aditya. Main Monday ko use tum sab se milaungi.
Muskaan: Lekin tumne is baare me hum sab ko pehle kyun nahi bataya?
Ridhimaa: Main aap sab ko surprise dena chahti thi.

She threw a dirty look at Armaan. His face was red with the effort of controlling his emotions.

Anjali: Aditya. Maine pehle to uska naam nahi suna. Wo tumhe mila kab?
Ridhimaa: Jab main Armaan ko waapas laaney Kasauli gayi thi na, tabhi plane par mila tha. Thodi si der me hi hum dono me dosti ho gayi. Aur fir jab main ussey door hui, tab mujhe ehsaas hua ki main ussey pyar karne lagi hoon.
Muskaan: Aur wo?
Ridhimaa: Of course wo bhi mujhse pyar karta hai. Pyar to do dilon ke beech me hota hai na. Agar ek dil na ho to wo pyar thode hi hota hai.

Armaan could not hear anymore. He strode away from the place.

Atul: Arrey Armaan!
Rahul: Main jaakar dekhta hoon.

He goes after him.

Atul: Ridz. Tumhe pakka pata hai na ki wo bhi tujhse pyar karta hai?
Ridhimaa: Haan Atul.
Muskaan: Humse bhi milao. Hum bhi to dekhein usey.
Ridhimaa: Maine kaha na, wo abhi out of town hai... kisi buisness tour par. Monday ko subah lekar aaungi.
Anjali: Ridz. Tumne ye baat mujhse bhi chupayi.
Ridhimaa: Di. Mujhe laga tha ki kewal main hi ussey pyar karti hoon. Lekin thode din pehle usne bhi mujhe bataya ki wo mujhse kitna pyar karta hai. Main waise bhi Monday ko usey aap sab se milaane waali thi.
Anjali: Wo achha ladka to hai na?
Ridhimaa: Jitna main jaanti hoon....
Atul: Ye Armaan aur Rahul abhi tak nahi aaye.
Anjali: Chalo Ridz. Hum log chalte hain. Bye guys.
Atul: Bye Anjali.

Anjali, Ridhimaa and Muskaan go. Atul was left thinking and mourning on Armaan's fate.

Rahul went in search of Armaan. He couldn't find him anywhere. Then he spotted someone sitting on a distant bench. He came towards the person. He was Armaan and was gazing at the stars.

Rahul: (sitting beside him and keeping a hand on his shoulder) Armaan!
Armaan: Rahul. Chala ja yahan se.
Rahul: Armaan...
Armaan: (shrugging off Rahul's hand) Mujhe tujhse koi baat nahi karni.
Rahul: Mujhe pata hai. Tu Ridhimaa ki wajah se...
Armaan: (angrily) Dekh Rahul. Ye mera personal matter hai. Tu beech me mat aa.
Rahul: Lekin Armaan aisa kab tak chalega? Tu ek ladki ki saza hum sabko kyun de raha hai?
Armaan: Kyunki main bahut bura hoon. Na dosti ke laayak hoon na pyar ke. Mujhe akela chod de.
Rahul: Nahi main tujhe akela nahi chodunga.
Armaan: To theek hai. Main hi chala jaata hoon.

He got up and went to his car. Then he drove out from sight. Rahul was left calling after Armaan. Till then Atul too came up to him.

Atul: Chala gaya na Armaan?
Rahul: Haan.
Atul: Wo Ridz se bahut pyar karta hai na?
Rahul: Haan...

He stopped.

Rahul: Tujhe kaise pata chala?
Atul: Maine Armaan aur Ridz ki baatein sun li thi Fire Escape me. Wo ladki Ridz hi hai na?
Rahul: Haan Ridhimaa hi hai. Aur Armaan ussey tab se pyar karta hai jabse usne use pehli baar dekha tha.
Atul: Wo to main sun chuka hoon. Lekin Ridz ussey pyar nahi karti.
Ridhimaa: Karti hai. Lekin kuch galatfehmiyan ho gayi thi dono ke beech. Aur mere khayal se un dono ne decide kiya tha ki wo dono sirf friends rahenge. Lekin Armaan apne dil ko nahi samjha paaya. Shayad Ridhimaa isiliye ab ye naatak kar rahi hai.
Atul: To tera matlab ye boyfriend... sab ek naatak hai?
Rahul: I think so.
Atul: Fir hume kya karna chahiye?
Rahul: Kuch nahi.


PART 12:

Atul: (stunned) Kya? Kuch nahi?
Rahul: Haan.
Atul: Lekin kyun? Agar Armaan fir se sab kuch chod chaad kar Kasauli chala gaya to?
Rahul: Wo aisa nahi karega. Kahin na kahin wo bhi jaanta hai ki Ridhimaa ab bhi ussey pyar karti hai.
Atul: Fir hum kya karein?
Rahul: Intzaar. Ridhimaa zaroor ek din uske pass waapas aa jaayegi. Pyar ka jhootha naatak zyada din tak nahi chalega. Wo bhi Ridhimaa ke saath. Kyunki Armaan hi ek akela aisa insaan hai jo Ridhimaa ko samajhta hai. Wo uska jhootha boyfriend kabhi usey samajh nahi paayega. Aur end me Ridhimaa ko khud ye khel band karna padega.
Atul: Chalo dekhte hain.

They both too move to their respective houses.

Next day. Armaan was in the basketball court. He wasn't playing. He was just sitting on the steps of the court. Ridhimaa came there jogging. Armaan looked up. Ridhimaa too glanced at him. Before Armaan could get up, Ridhimaa ran past him and went out of sight. Armaan was deeply hurt.

Monday morning. The interns were gathered in the Locker Room. Ridhimaa entered with a nice looking young man.

Anjali: Hello. To Ridz! Ye hai tumhara Adi?
Atul: (whispering to Rahul) Namoona hai bilkul.

Rahul sniggered. Aditya shook hands with Anjali.

Aditya: You're Anjali, right?
Anjali: Yes. Nice meeting you.
Aditya: My pleasure.

He then went towards Atul, Rahul and Muskaan.

Ridhimaa: (introducing them) Adi... ye Atul, ye Muskaan aur ye Rahul. Aur guys, ye hai Aditya Kashyap.
Muskaan: Hello.
Aditya: Hello Muskaan. How are you all?
Atul: Hum to achhe bhale hain.
Aditya: Good.
Rahul: Tum waise karte kya ho?
Aditya: Mera apna business hai garments ka.
Atul: Ridz ko bahut achhi tarah se jaante ho?
Aditya: Jaanney ke liye to ek pal hi kaafi hota hai. Hai na Riddhi?

Ridhimaa looked up at him and smiled fakely.

Atul,Rahul,Muskaan,Anjali: (together) Riddhi?

Armaan too looked up at the pair. Something crossed Ridhimaa's face which didn't went unnoticed by him.

Aditya: Haan Riddhi. Main to isey pyar se yahi bulaata hoon. Aur aap sab?
Anjali: Main to Ridz. Aur Armaan basket.
Aditya: Kaun hai wo Armaan jisne meri Riddhi ka aisa naam rakha?

Ridhimaa took him to Armaan who was busy in his locker.

Ridhimaa: Armaan ye Aditya, aur Adi ye hai Armaan.
Aditya: (extending his hand) Oh! To aap hain Armaan. Bahut suna hai aapke baarey me.
Armaan: Achha to nahi suna hoga.
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Aisa kyun keh rahe ho?
Aditya: Riddhi ne bataya ki aap uske best friend ho. Bahut si problems me aapne uski madad ki hai.
Armaan: (ignoring Aditya's extended hand and saying coldly) Really? Chalo. Ab tumhare saath to usko meri zaroorat nahi padegi. Ab to meri chutti, hai na basket?

Ridhimaa kept mum as she felt the pain in Armaan's voice.

Aditya: Nahi. Ye aap kaisi baatein kar rahe hain? Friends to friends hi hote hain.
Armaan: Achha?
Aditya: Aur Riddhi ne ye bhi bataya ki aap dono humesha ladte rehte hain.
Armaan: (abruptly) Kitne achhe se jaante ho tum Ridhimaa ko?
Aditya: Zyada to nahi lekin itna jaanta hoon ki wo mujhse pyar karti hai aur main ussey.
Armaan: Isne tumko I love you kab kaha?
Aditya: (thrown off-balance) Jab... jab... haan... jab maine ussey phone par baat ki thi tab hi kaha tha.
Armaan: Achha chodo. Tum batao ki tum issey kitna pyar karte ho?
Aditya: Main... Bahut zyada. Itna ki koi bhi issey na karta ho.
Armaan: Aur tum Ridhimaa? Tum Mr.Aditya se kitna pyar karti ho?
Ridhimaa: Main... main bhi issey bahut pyar karti hoon.

Armaan looked into her eyes. She quickly dropped her gaze in fear of the truth being exposed. Armaan caught her lie.

Armaan: Really? Lekin tumne mujhe to kabhi iskey baare me nahi bataya.
Ridhimaa: Wo main... wo main...
Aditya: Wo hum log aap sab ko surprise dena chahte the.
Armaan: I really am very surprised.

He said in a hurt voice.

Armaan: Chalo chodo. Ab to tumhe kisi aur ki zaroorat nahi padegi apni problems share karne ke liye. Hai na?
Aditya: (gaily) Ji bilkul. Ab to mere alaawa aur kisi ki zaroorat nahi padni chahiye.

Armaan slammed his locker shut.

Armaan: Ok. Lekin ek baat yaad rakhna agar tumne Ridhimaa ko kabhi bhi koi takleef di, to tumhe mera saamna karna padega. Remember that.

Armaan's voice was full of emotions. Ridhimaa could not meet his gaze.

Aditya: Of course. Main isey apni jaan se bhi zyada sambhal kar rakhunga.
Armaan: Aisa hi karna. Isey humesha khush rakhna. Warna hum saarey friends hain iskey peeche.

Armaan walked out of the room. The other interns followed him due to the announcement. Lastly only Ridhimaa was left with Aditya.

Aditya: Lagta hai ye Armaan bahut deewane hain tumhare pyar me.
Ridhimaa: Mr.Aditya. Aapka jo kaam hai aap wahi kariye. Aapko kewal mera boyfriend hone ki acting karni hai. Usi ke aapko paise mile hain. Aap meri personal life me interfere karne ki koshish mat kijiye. Is it clear?
Aditya: Yes.
Ridhimaa: Theek hai. To aaj shaam ko mujhe lene aa jaana. Bas yahan se thodi door par mujhe chod dena. Kewal Armaan ko dikhane ke liye.
Aditya: OK.

Ridhimaa left.

Aditya: (cunningly) Tujhe maine chodne ke liye thode hi pakda hai. Uska pata tujhe aaj hi chal jayega.

He too went away, laughing to himself.


PART 13:

Ridhimaa saw the door of the Fire Escape open. She entered without knocking. Armaan was sitting there with his head in his hands. He didn't look up as she entered.

Ridhimaa: (timidly) Armaan!

Armaan did not lift his head. Ridhimaa came and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Ridhimaa: Armaan!

Armaan looked up at her through his very red, swollen eyes. There were tears in his eyes, running down his face. Ridhimaa was really very shocked at finding him in this condition. He seemed totally broken.

Armaan: (exploding) Bas. Yahi dekhna chahti thi na tum. Ab to khush? Now please leave.

Ridhimaa took a step back. Armaan rubbed his tears off his eyes hard and stood up. He made to go out himself.

Ridhimaa: Armaan...

Armaan stopped and turned towards her.

Ridhimaa: Armaan tumhe kya hua? Tum ro kyun rahe the?
Armaan: Tumhe iska jawaab maaloom hai.
Ridhimaa: (trying to infuse sense in him) Armaan tum mujhe bhool kyun nahi jaate?

Armaan held her by her shoulders and pinned her against the wall.

Armaan: Tum mujhe bhool gayi? Nahi na?
Ridhimaa: Main tumse pyar nahi karti Armaan aur main kab ka tumhe bhool chuki hoon.
Armaan: (loudly) Jhooth! Bilkul jhooth! Tum mujhse pyar karti ho.
Ridhimaa: (even louder) Nahi. Main Adi se pyar karti hoon.
Armaan: Achha. Fir ye pyar tumhari aankhon me kyun nahi dikhta? Tumhari aankhein hansna kyun bhool gayi hain? Unme Aditya ka aks kyun nahi dikhta? Jab wo tumhe chhoota hai, tumhe pyar se bulaata hai to tumhe bura kyun lagta hai? Ridhimaa na tum mujhse jhooth bol sakti ho aur na tumhari aankhen. Tum ye sab naatak isliye kar rahi ho taaki main tumse nafrat karun aur tumse door chala jaun. Main jaanta hoon ki ye sab jhooth hai.

Ridhimaa was scared. She tried to make a last attempt.

Ridhimaa: Sach to tum dekhna hi nahi chahte Armaan. Sach tumhare saamne hai fir bhi tum use jhooth jhooth bole ja rahe ho. Main Adi se pyar karti hoon aur ye sach hai. Tum hi jealous ho. Tum mujhse pyar nahi karte. Tumse hi meri khushiyan dekhi nahi jaati. Na mujhe khushi de sakte ho aur na mujhe kisi aur ke saath khush dekh sakte ho.
Armaan: (thundering) Ridhimaa!

Armaan was out of control. His hand went up and he was about to slap Ridhimaa for her accusation. Ridhimaa closed her eyes due to fear.

But the slap didn't come. Ridhimaa opened her eyes. Armaan's hand had freezed in air. He was amazed at himself that he could think of hurting Ridhimaa. How could he? Armaan was so angry with himself that he slammed his fist in the wall with immense force. His hand hurt a lot but he wanted to hurt himself more. He turned towards the window and made to smash his hand through it but Ridhimaa caught hold of his hand.

Ridhimaa: (terrified) Armaan. Ye tum kya kar rahe ho.
Armaan: Mera haath chod do Ridhimaa.
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Nahi chodungi. Agar maine tumhara haath choda to tum fir se use chot pahunchaoge.
Armaan: Haan. Bahut chot pahunchaunga. Main hi to tumhe har garm, sard hava se bachane ka waada karta tha aur aaj maine hi tum par haath utha diya. Main apna ye haath hi kaat daalunga...
Ridhimaa: Armaan tumhe meri kasam. Tum aisa kuch nahi karoge.

And she left his hand.

Armaan: (rounding on her) Kyun? Kyun kar rahi ho tum aisa? Kyun? Aaj tumne mujhe tumse nazar milaane ke kaabil nahi choda. Main itna bada gunaah karke tumse nazar kaise milaun? Bolo?
Ridhimaa: Armaan. Tumne koi galti nahi ki hai. Infact main to chahti hoon ki tumne jo apna haath rok liya hai wo tum nahi karte. Galti meri hi hai ki maine tum par itna bada ilzaam lagaya. Tum mujhe maar sakte ho.

Armaan held Ridhimaa's face in his hands.

Armaan: (emotionally) I am sorry Ridhimaa. I am very sorry. Main kabhi bhi tumse tumhari khushiyan cheenna nahi chahta tha. Maine to apne hisse ki khushiyan bhi tumhare naam kar di hain. Jao Ridhimaa. Jao aur khush raho. Main tumhe nahi rokunga. Ab tumhari khushiyan tumse koi nahi cheenega. I am sorry.

After saying so, Armaan didn't wait. He went away from there, leaving Ridhimaa staring at his receeding back.

Ridhimaa: (to herself) Mujhe pata hai Armaan. Meri khushiyan tumhe tumhari zindagi se zyada azeez hain. Tum kabhi bhi aisa nahi kar sakte. Main hi tumhare laayak nahi hoon. Isiliye to tumhari zindagi se nikal jaana chahti hoon kyunki main jaanti hoon ki hum dono kabhi bhi ek saath khush nahi reh sakte. I am sorry Armaan. I am very sorry.

She too left the Fire Escape and came out of Sanjeevani. Armaan was sitting on the bonnet of his car, lost in deep thought. He saw Ridhimaa coming towards him. At once he felt as if she was coming to sort everything out. But she came near him and went past him. Armaan looked where she was going. Behind his car was Aditya with his own car. Ridhimaa went straight to him. Aditya opened the front door of his car and Ridhimaa sat in without a single word. It was night. Aditya drove them away. Armaan too got inside his car and went away.

Armaan stopped his car. It was a deserted road. He got out of his car and sat on it's bonnet again. Nobody was around. Armaan relieved some of his feelings by crying. He was determined never to worry Ridhimaa again. If she was happy without him, there was nothing else which he desired. Just then a car went past him. He thought for a second that Ridhimaa was there in the car. But then he shook the thought out of his mind.

Ridhimaa asked Aditya to stop the car. Both got out.

Ridhimaa: Thanks Mr.Aditya Kashyap.
Aditya: Call me Adi.
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Aap mujhse zyada free hone ki koshish mat kijiye.
Aditya: Lekin hum dost to ho sakte hain.
Ridhimaa: Nahi.

She turned to go. Aditya held her hand and pulled her towards him. Ridhimaa was scandalised. She slapped him hard on his face.

Ridhimaa: How dare you? Mera haath chodo. Turant!
Aditya: Teri ye himmat! Tune mujhe maara.
Ridhimaa: Mera haath chodo.
Aditya: Ye haath chodne ke liye thode hi pakda hai.

Ridhimaa raised her other hand to slap him but he held that too.

Ridhimaa: (crying) Leave me.
Aditya: Nahi. Aaj main tujhe dikhaunga mujhse ulajhe ka natija. Tu apne aashiq ko bhagane ke liye mera istemaal kar rahi thi na. To aaj ke baad tu kisi se nazre milaane ke kaabil nahi rahegi.

Ridhimaa tried to run away. Aditya tugged at her clothes. Her suit's sleeve ripped apart. Aditya caught her and threw her on the ground. Ridhimaa screamed. Somewhere near, Armaan was shaken due to her screams. Armaan got up and ran in the direction of the screams.

Aditya: Chilla. Aur chilla. Yahan koi nahi aayega tujhe bachane.

He sprang upon her. He was holding her hands tightly. Ridhimaa was lying on the ground, trying to free herself. Aditya was sitting over her, trying to keep her in control to proceed further to fulfill his wicked desires. Till then Armaan arrived there. He saw some lady sprawled on the ground and a man over her, evidently going to rape her. Armaan ran to the pair and pulled the man up by his collar.


PART 14:

Armaan saw that it was Aditya.

Armaan: Tum?

He then glanced at the girl lying on the ground. She was none other than his Ridhimaa. Her clothes were torn. She was crying hard. Armaan left Aditya and bent over Ridhimaa.

Armaan: Ridhimaa.

He helped Ridhimaa to her feet. She was shaking from top to toe. Armaan pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around Ridhimaa. She hid behind him, seeing Aditya approaching them.

Aditya: Chod usko. Wo meri hai.

Armaan slapped him for this.

Armaan: Maine kaha tha na, agar tune Ridhimaa ko zara si bhi takleef dene ki koshish ki to tujhe mera saamna karna padega.
Aditya: Tu kya kar lega? Is ladki ne tujhe hi bhagaane ke liye mujhe paise diye the... aur tu is...

Armaan kicked him. Now both of them were fighting and rolling on the ground. Armaan was beating Aditya black and blue. Ridhimaa was shivering in a corner, covered in Armaan's jacket. Aditya, finding Armaan overpowering him, brought out a knife and brandished it around. He proceeded to run it through Armaan's chest.

Ridhimaa: (shrieking) Armaan...

She fainted, not able to tolerate more. Armaan saw Aditya bringing the knife to his chest and held the blade of the knife and pulled it out of Aditya's grip. The knife cut into his hand. Armaan heard Ridhimaa's shriek and turned around. Aditya ran away from there as fast as he could. Ridhimaa was lying on the ground unconscious. Armaan rushed to her, Aditya had gone.

Armaan: Ridhimaa... Ridhimaa... aankhen kholo.

Ridhimaa's face was burning. Armaan picked Ridhimaa up and went to his car. He laid Ridhimaa on the back seat and took hold of the driving seat. In five minutes, they were outside Ridhimaa's house. Armaan took Ridhimaa in his arms and brought her to the doorstep. He rang the doorbell. Anjali opened the door.

Anjali: Armaan...

Her gaze fell on Ridhimaa in Armaan's arms.

Anjali: Ridzi! Kya hua isey?
Armaan: Anjy please jaldi andar chalo.

They both came inside. Armaan placed Ridhimaa carefully on her bed and then turned to explain Anjali everything.

Anjali: Aditya ne... Oh my God! Armaan agar tum waqt par nahi pahunchte to... thank you Armaan. Thank you very much. Armaan tumhe to chot lagi hai.
Armaan: Uski chodo. Ridhimaa ki tabiyat kharab hai. Usne Aditya ko mujh par knife se hamla karte hue dekha aur behosh ho gayi. Dr.Shashank hain ghar par?
Anjali: Nahi. Dad, mom aur Nani to Lonavla gaye hain. Do teen din baad aayenge.
Armaan: To aisa karo. Dr.Kirti yahi pass me rehti hain. Unhe bula lao. Ya fir main jaun?
Anjali: Main hi jaati hoon. Main unhe sab bata bhi doongi. Tum itni raat ko jaoge to achha nahi lagega. Tum yahi ruko Ridzi ke pass. OK?

Anjali goes. Armaan goes into the kitchen and fills up a bowl with water. Then he comes back to Ridhimaa's room. Armaan started putting wet bandages on Ridhimaa's forehead to relieve her of fever. She was still unconscious. Ridhimaa was turning her head side to side. She could not bear it. Armaan put his wounded hand on her head to pacify her. Ridhimaa held his hand. There was no relief. She put his cold hand to her burning face to comfort herself. Then she put it on her chest. Armaan made to remove his hand, when Ridhimaa put it to her lips. Armaan felt that his wound had healed. The two lips had acted as an antidote. Ridhimaa was mumbling something. She was coming round.

Ridhimaa: (her eyes closed) Armaan... Armaan...

Armaan was stroking her hair.

Armaan: Ridhimaa. Main yahin hoon. Ridhimaa. Open your eyes. Ridhimaa...

Ridhimaa opened her eyes weakly.

Armaan: Ridhimaa.

Ridhimaa saw Armaan sitting beside her on her bed. He looked alright. She tried to get up. Armaan helped her to sit. Ridhimaa looked at his face for a moment. She remembered what had happened. What could have happened had Armaan not arrived on time. Tears started flowing down her cheeks.

Armaan: Ridhimaa...

Ridhimaa pulled him closer and hugged him tightly.

Ridhimaa: (crying hard) Armaan... Armaan... tum theek ho?
Armaan: (patting her) Haan Ridhimaa I am fine. Kuch nahi hua. Sab theek hai.

Ridhimaa was crying on his shoulder. Anjali entered with Dr.Kirti and saw Ridhimaa conscious. They both rushed towards her.

Anjali: Ridzi!

Ridhimaa left Armaan. He got up. Anjali hugged Ridhimaa.

Ridhimaa: (crying) Di... Di...
Anjali: Kuch nahi hua Ridzi. Sab theek hai. Tum theek ho? Ye sab hua kaise?
Armaan: Anjy. Please. Ridhimaa ko aur pareshaan mat karo.
Kirti: Dr.Armaan. Aap please thodi der baahar jaiye. Main Dr.Ridhimaa ka check up karungi.
Armaan: OK mam.

Armaan goes out.

Kirti: Dr.Ridhimaa. Sambhaliye apne aap ko. Aap bilkul theek hain.
Ridhimaa: Armaan...
Anjali: Haan Armaan theek time par aa gaya warna...

Kirti checked Ridhimaa. She was now fine.

Kirti: (to Anjali) Bukhaar to kam ho gaya hai. Dr.Anjali, aapne thande paani ki pattiyan rakhi thi?
Anjali: Nahi. Main to turant aapko bulane chali gayi thi.

Their gaze fell on the bowl.

Anjali: Shayad Armaan ne...
Ridhimaa: Haan. Jab mujhe hosh aaya to wahi ye kar raha tha.
Kirti: Dr.Ridhimaa aap bahut lucky hain ki aapko Dr.Armaan jaise friend mile. Infact, hum sab bahut lucky hain.
Anjali: Yes Dr.Kirti.
Kirti: Achha. Ab main chalungi. Dr.Ridhimaa aap chahe to kal rest kar sakti hain.
Ridhimaa: No mam. Main ab theek hoon.

Kirti goes. Armaan escorted her to the door.

Kirti: I must say Dr.Armaan. Aap jaante hain ki doston ka farz kya hota hai aur aap wo bahut achhi tarah se nibha rahe hain.
Armaan: Thank you Dr.Kirti.

Kirti left. Armaan came to Ridhimaa's room and knocked.

Armaan: Main aa jaun?
Anjali: Of course Armaan! Ye bhi koi poochne ki baat hai?

He enters.


PART 15:

Ridhimaa again started crying on seeing him.

Armaan: Achha to main chala jaata hoon.
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Yahan aao.

Armaan came near her bed and sat down on the chair.

Ridhimaa: Thank... nahi.

She corrected herself in time.

Armaan: Bahut jaldi seekh gayi!
Anjali: Armaan tumne abhi tak apni chot ki dressing nahi ki!
Armaan: (looking at his hand) Oh! Main to bhool hi gaya tha ki mujhe chot lagi hai. Basket ne itna darra diya tha...
Anjali: Main first-aid box lekar aati hoon.

She goes to bring the box.

Armaan: Ridhimaa. Ab please rona band karo. Sab bhool jao.
Ridhimaa: Armaan... wo Aditya...
Armaan: Ab wo tumhare pass bhi nahi aayega. Agar aaya to us Aditya ke bachhe ko main dekh loonga. Uski himmat kaise hui...

Till then Anjali had also entered.

Anjali: Lekin Ridz. Tum to usey bahut achhe se jaanti thi, ussey pyar bhi karti thi na?
Ridhimaa: Nahi.
Anjali: What?
Armaan: Anjy. Please. Aaj issey kuch mat poocho.
Ridhimaa: Di. Main aapko sab kuch bata dungi. Lekin abhi nahi.
Anjali: OK. Ridz. Tum Armaan ki dressing kar do. Main hum sab ke liye coffee bana ke laati hoon.

She goes to the kitchen. Ridhimaa starts bandaging Armaan's hand.

Armaan: Tum mujhse itni nafrat karti ho, mujhe nahi pata tha.

Ridhimaa's hand shook. She looked up at him.

Armaan: Mujhe tumse ye ummeed nahi thi ki mujhe apne se door karne ke liye tum is had tak chali jaogi. Khud ko meri aankhon me itna giraana chahti thi?
Ridhimaa: Haan. Jissey tum mujhse nafrat karne lago.
Armaan: To batao. Ab main kya karun?
Ridhimaa: (simply) Mujhey bhool kyun nahi jaate?
Armaan: Ridhimaa har sawaal ka jawaab nahi hota. Aur waise bhi aaj tak koi aisi cheez invent nahi hui jissey dil par likhe naam aur chehre mitaye ja saken. Jis din mujhe aisi cheez mil jayegi, us din main waada karta hoon ki main tumhe bhool jaunga.

Ridhimaa: Armaan listen...

Armaan: No. You listen to me. Aaj tum meri baat ka jawaab do. Kya tum sach me chahti ho ki main tumhe bhool jaun? Kya tum mujhe bhool paayi ho?
Ridhimaa: (lowering her eyes) Haan.

He lifted her face with his hands.

Armaan: Aise nahi. Meri aankhon me aankhen daal kar kaho ki tum mujhe bhool gayi. Bolo Ridhimaa. Bolo.
Ridhimaa: (desperately) Haan! Haan!! Haan!!!

She again lowered her face to hide her tears.

Armaan: Dekha Ridhimaa. Mujhse jhooth bolne ka yahi nateeja hota hai. Tumhari aankhon me jo aansun aa jaate hain wo sab kuch sach sach keh dete hain.
Ridhimaa: Armaan...
Armaan: Ridhima main jaanta hoon ki tum chahti ho ki hum dono alag ho jaayen. Lekin kyun? Tum kyun chahti ho aisa? Kyun?
Ridhimaa: (searching for an answer to satisfy him) Kyunki... kyunki...
Armaan: Kya tumhe meri kisi aadat, kisi baat se pareshaani hai? Batao Ridhimaa. Main khud ko change kar loonga tumhare liye. Jaisa tum chahogi, waisa ban jaunga.
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Tum to bahut achhe ho...
Armaan: Kya main tumhare laayak nahi hoon?
Ridhimaa: Nahi aisi baat nahi hai.
Armaan: Kya tumhe mere pyar me koi kami lagti hai? Kya tumhe lagta hai ki main tumse pyar nahi karta?

Ridhimaa looked up into her eyes.

Ridhimaa: Nahi.
Armaan: Agar tum jaanti ho ki main tumse itna pyar karta hoon to tum kya chahti ho? Kya tum chahti ho ki main aise hi tumhara intzaar karte karte mar jaun? Tum yahi chahti ho na?

Ridhimaa put her hand to his mouth. He removed her hand gently.

Armaan: Fir kya baat hai Ridhimaa? Tum kyun mujhse door hona chahti ho? Tumhe kyun aisa lagta hai ki hum dono ek saath khush nahi reh sakte? Kyun?
Ridhimaa: Armaan... main... main tumhare pyar ke laayak nahi hoon.
Armaan: Kyun?
Ridhimaa: Main bahut buri hoon.
Armaan: Nahi Ridhimaa. Tum to... tum to is duniya ki sabse achhi ladki ho. Tum aisa keh kar mere pyar ki insult kar rahi ho.

Ridhimaa kept mum. She was thinking hard. What would she say now? What was the reason left to refuse Armaan. She herself wanted to accept his love, why was she thinking now?

Armaan: Ridhimaa kya tum mujhse pyar nahi karti?

Ridhimaa shook her head.

Armaan: Ridhimaa...
Ridhimaa: Armaan. Tum mujhe sochne ke liye thoda sa waqt doge?
Armaan: Kya sochne ke liye?
Ridhimaa: Humare rishte ke baare me. Please?
Armaan: Kitna waqt?
Ridhimaa: Pata nahi.
Armaan: Mujhe apna jawaab isi zindagi me chahiye...
Ridhimaa: Itna time thode hi loongi.
Armaan: Mujhe lag to yahi raha hai ki mere marne ke baad hi tum...
Ridhimaa: Armaan please...

She had again started crying.

Armaan: Sorry... Ridhimaa ab mat ro.

He cleared the tears off her face. She hugged him.

Armaan: Ridhimaa tum bhi mujhse pyar karti ho na?

He was asking her unexpectedly thinking that she would answer him. Ridhimaa separated herself from him.

Ridhimaa: Khud ko bada intelligent samajhte ho?
Armaan: Samajhta nahi basket, main to hoon hi intelligent.
Ridhimaa: Bandar ho poore ke poore.
Anjali: (entering) Ye kya tum dono fir se ladna shuru ho gaye? Chalo coffee piyo.


PART 16:

The next day. Anjali had told Atul, Rahul and Muskaan a little about last night's incidents. All were shocked but Armaan had asked them not to ask Ridhimaa anything about it. Rahul and Atul were happy that Ridhimaa's game had ended so early. Armaan was very excited. It seemed to him that he had got a new life. All were sensing this.

That morning, in the locker room.

Rahul: Aaj tujhe ho kya gaya hai?
Armaan: Kuch bhi to nahi.
Atul: To fir subah se smile kyun kiye ja raha hai?
Armaan: Champ. Wo kehte hain na ki laughter is the best medicine. Hanso aur khush raho.
Muskaan: Achha...
Rahul: Ab tu hansne mat lag jaana. Ek dum ghodi ki tarah hansti hai.
Muskaan: Rahul ke bachhe, tujhe to main nahi chodungi.
She ran after Rahul who ran to Armaan for cover.
Armaan: Stop it Muskaan. Tum hanste hue bahut achhi lagti ho.
Rahul: (whispering to him) Bas kar Armaan. Agar Ridhimaa ne sun liya to...
Armaan: Rahul ke bachhe. Ab tu mujhse nahi bachega.

Now Armaan was after Rahul. Rahul ran towards Ridhimaa deliberately. He tried to hide behind her. Armaan, who was coming with his fist raised, stopped at the sight of Ridhimaa.

Rahul: (emerging from behind her) Dekho na Ridhimaa. Armaan bekaar me un becharon ke peeche pada hai.
Ridhimaa: Kiske peeche?
Rahul: Mere bachhon ke jo abhi tak is duniya me aaye bhi nahi hain.
Armaan: What? Main tumhare bachhon ke peeche pada hoon?
Rahul: Haan. Abhi to tum aur Muskaan keh rahe the, ki Rahul ke bachhe main tumhe nahi chodungi, Rahul ke bachhe ab tu mujhse nahi bachega... etc... etc.

Ridhimaa burst out laughing. Armaan and Muskaan too smiled.

Atul: Rahul. Tu bahut funny ho jaata hai kabhi kabhi.
Rahul: Aur Muskaan to humesha hi joker ki tarah...

He sensed danger and ran with Muskaan after him.

Ridhimaa: Kitna ladte hain na dono?
Armaan: Ek hum dono ko dekho. Kabhi nahi ladte.
Ridhimaa: Oh really?

Armaan grinned.

That afternoon, after the duties were over. Armaan was searching for Ridhimaa. She wasn't in the canteen where the others were present. He was going to the Fire Escape, when he spotted Ridhimaa in the locker room. She was alone there. Armaan grabbed the opportunity and sneaked up behind her. Ridhimaa's back was towards the entry. Armaan went right behind her.

Armaan: (tapping on her shoulder) Ridhimaa...

Ridhimaa turned around quickly and found Armaan virtually nose to nose with her.

Armaan: To tumne soch liya?
Ridhimaa: (ignoring his question) Armaan tum thodi door se baat nahi kar sakte?

Armaan thought for a while and turned around. He started leaving. Ridhimaa thought that she had said something to offend him.

Ridhimaa: (calling him) Armaan...

But Armaan did not stop. He went up to the locker room's door and then revolved around.

Armaan: (shouting from there) Kitni door se? Itni door se ki tumhe meri awaaz bhi na sunayi de?

Ridhimaa smiled. Armaan came closer two feet.

Armaan: Itni door se ki tum meri awaaz to achhe se sun sako lekin main tumhe zyada achhe se dikhayi na doon?

Ridhimaa's smile deepened. Armaan came closer still. They were three feet apart.

Armaan: Itni door se ki main tumhe dikhayi bhi doon, sunayi bhi doon aur hum dono handshake bhi kar sakein? Bolo na...

Ridhimaa started thinking. She knew what was in his mind. Armaan came closer till they were only one feet apart.

Armaan: Itni door se ki main tumhe hug kar sakun?

Armaan came closer still. He held Ridhimaa's hands to prevent her from escaping. She was jammed onto his chest. Their faces were too close to each other, only an inch apart. Ridhimaa was getting mesmerised.

Armaan: (in a very touchy, emotional and passionate voice) Ya fir itni door se ki tum meri saanson ko apne upar mehsoos kar sako? Itni door se ki hume kuch kehne, sunne ki zaroorat hi na pade? Itni door se ki tumhare dil ki dhadkan mujhe saaf saaf sunayi de? Itni door se ki main tumhari aankhon ke aansuon ka har ek katra gin sakun? Itni door se ki tumhe meri aankhon me apna aks dikhayi de? Itni door se ki tum mere dil ki dhadkano me apna naam sun sako? Itni door se ki...

He brought his face closer to hers. Ridhimaa shook her face. Armaan raised her face with his fingers. There was a moment's silence.

Armaan: Bolo Ridhimaa...

It was as if Ridhimaa woke up from a dream. She pushed Armaan back. Armaan smiled.

Ridhimaa: Wo handshake waali doori hi theek hai.
Armaan: (trying to come closer, but Ridhimaa was holding him apart) Kyun? Mujhe to ye waali...

Ridhimaa ducked away and Armaan got banged into her locker.

Ridhimaa: (giggling) Ab samajh me aaya kyun?

She made to get away but Armaan held her hand.

Armaan: Tumne mere pehle sawaal ka jawaab nahi diya. Tumhe sochne me kitna time lagega? Abhi tak decide nahi kar paayi ki tum mujhse pyar karti ho ya nahi.
Ridhimaa: Maine decide to kar liya hai... lekin...
Armaan: Lekin... lekin kya?
Ridhimaa: Lekin mujhe darr lagta hai ki tum mera faisla sun kar use nahi maanoge.
Armaan: (angrily) Tumhe aisa lagta hai? To fir theek hai. Aaj tum apna faisla sabke saamne sunana. Mujhe lagta hai ki yahi theek rahega.

He pulled Ridhimaa's hand and brought her to the canteen. To his surprise, Ridhimaa didn't try to free herself. The others were shocked on seeing Armaan dragging Ridhimaa forcefully like this. When they had reached canteen and stood facing the others, Armaan left Ridhimaa's hand. Dr.Kirti and Dr.Shubhankar were also present in addition to Atul, Rahul, Anjali and Muskaan.

Anjali: Armaan. Kya hua? Tum Ridz ko is tarah se...
Armaan: Anjali, Atul, Muskaan, Rahul. Tum log jaanna chahte the na ki main kissey pyar karta hoon? Maine kiske liye tattoo banwaya tha? Kaun hai wo jiske liye main apni jaan bhi de sakta hoon? Wo kaun hai jissey main beintaha muhabbat karta hoon?
Shubhankar: What? Dr.Armaan aap kisi se pyar karte hain?
Armaan: Ji.
Muskaan: Kaun hai wo?

Atul and Rahul looked at each other and smiled. Ridhimaa was looking intently at Armaan. Anjali and Muskaan were excited. Shubhankar and Kirti looked at each other, bemused at the happenings.

Armaan: Aaj main tum sabko batana chahta hoon ki wo kaun hai. Usey aap sab log jaante hain. Main ussey bahut pyar karta hoon, bahut... aur aaj uskey jawaab ke intzaar me hoon.
Anjali: Who is she?
Armaan: Wo yahin hai... Dr.Ridhimaa Shashank Gupta.

Armaan indicated at Ridhimaa. Atul and Rahul beamed. The others were shocked. Ridhimaa's face was impassive.


PART 17:

Muskaan, Kirti, Shubhankar: (together, shocked) Ridhimaa?
Anjali: Armaan. Stop joking! Agar ye koi prank hai to please... meri behen ko pareshaan mat karo... I won't let you do this.
Armaan: I am not joking Anjy. I am serious. Wo Ridhimaa hi hai jissey mujhe pehli nazar me hi pyar ho gaya tha. Jissey main humesha ladta aaya kyunki mujhe ussey ladna achha lagta tha.
Anjali: But Armaan... ye kaise ho sakta hai? Tumne to kaha tha ki tum ussey Sanjeevani me nahi mile.
Armaan: True. Maine pehli baar Ridhimaa ko basket ball court me dekha tha, usey challenge kiya tha aur ussey haara tha.
Muskaan: Armaan tu sach keh raha hai? Wo Ridhimaa hi hai?
Kirti: Dr.Armaan aapko mazaak karne se pehle soch lena chahiye...
Armaan: Mazaak! Agar aap log mere pyar ko nahi samajh sakte to kam se kam mazaak keh kar uski insult to mat kijiye. Wo har pal jo maine Ridhimaa ke saath bitaya, wo mere liye bahut keemti hai. Ridhimaa ki khushiyan mujhe meri zindagi se bhi zyada badhkar pyari hain. Maine usi se pyar ka matlab seekha hai. Usi me apna pehla aur aakhiri pyar paaya hai.
Anjali: Aur Ridzi? Kya wo bhi tumse...
Armaan: Aaj main bhi Ridhimaa se yahi poochna chahta hoon.

He faced her.

Armaan: Ridhimaa agar tum mujhse pyar karti ho to aaj keh do. Maine bahut intzaar kar liya aur tumne bahut intzaar karwa liya. Aaj ye intzaar ka kissa khatm karo. Agar tum bhi mujhse pyar karti ho to aaj mera haath thaam kar humare pyar ko aur mazboot kar do. Aur agar mujhse pyar nahi karti to meri aankhon me dekhkar, mere dil par haath rakhkar keh do. Fir main tumhe kabhi pareshaan nahi karunga. Kabhi nahi. Humesha ke liye tumhari zindagi se nikal jaunga. Aaj chup mat rehna aur sirf apne dil ki baat sunna.

Armaan took her hand and put it to his heart.

Armaan: Bolo Ridhimaa, kya tum mujhse pyar karti ho?

Ridhimaa looked into his eyes then freed her hand from his grip. Armaan looked at her. The others were too gazing at her expectantly.

Anjali: Bolo Ridz. Do you love Armaan?
Kirti: Dr.Ridhimaa boliye.

Ridhimaa opened her mouth and Armaan held his breath.

Ridhimaa: Armaan. Main jaanti hoon ki tum mujhse bahut pyar karte ho. Bahut... shayad tumse zyada pyar is duniya me mujhse koi bhi nahi karta hoga. Papa, mom bhi nahi. I respect your emotions.
Muskaan: Lekin tu ye bata na...
Ridhimaa: Muskaan please. Aaj mujhe jo kehna hai keh lene do. Mujhe pata hai ki aaj ke baad mujhe ye sab kehne ka mauka kabhi nahi milega. Main aaj sab kuch kehna chahti hoon, sab kuch. Aaj mujhe koi nahi rokega, Armaan tum bhi nahi.

Armaan looked into her eyes, searching for his answer. What was she going to say?

Ridhimaa: Main jab Armaan se mili, for the very first time, in the basketball court, Armaan ne ball mere sir par maari thi. Remember Armaan? Bull's eye?

Armaan smiled vaguely.

Ridhimaa: Bas tabhi se maine Armaan ki ek image apne dimaag me bana li thi, proud, haughty and a big flirt. Fir maine ek aisi baat ke liye Armaan par ilzaam lagaya jo... well maine Armaan se maafi maangni chahi. Lekin Armaan ne meri koi baat nahi suni. Fir ek din... Vicky mere peeche pad gaya. Usne mere saath... usne mere saath jo karne ki koshish ki... lekin tabhi Armaan wahan aa gaya. Usne mujhe Vicky se bachaya. Aur is baat ki khabar kisi ko bhi lagne nahi di. Mujhe laga Armaan waisa nahi hai jaisa maine socha hai. Lonavla me mujhe laga ki Armaan bahut achha hai. Wahan se lautne ke baad mujhe Armaan kuch badla-badla sa laga. Mere saamne aate hi wo bahut nervous ho jaata tha. Der tak mujhe ghoorta rehta tha. Kai baar main khud confuse ho jaati thi. Mujhe bhi Armaan achha lgne laga tha. Lekin maine kabhi ye baat nahi maani.
Atul: Oho!
Ridhimaa: Hum dono ek doosre ke kareeb aa gaye. Fir navratri me mujhe us shart ke baare me pata chala jo Di ne Armaan se lagayi thi. I was crestfallen. Armaan ne mujhe manane ki bahut koshish ki lekin main ussey koi rishta nahi rakhna chahti thi. Dooriyon me hum aur nazdeek aate gaye. Fir ek din Armaan ne mujhse kaha..." Ridhimaa. Jo insaan tumhe is duniya me sabse zyada pyar karta hai, wo tumhare saamne khada hai." I was floored. Maine mann hi mann me maan liya tha ki main Armaan se pyar karti hoon. Fir ek din maine use 'I Love You' bol diya.
Armaan: I love you? Kab?
Ridhimaa: Oh haan. Sorry... 'I hate you' bola tha.

All smiled.

Ridhimaa: Bas fir hum dono ek doosre ke pyar me deewane hote gaye.
Ridhimaa: Hum ye baat aap sabse chupana chahte the. Iski wajah se kai misunderstandings paida ho gayi. Armaan meri wajah se Kasauli chala gaya. Fir mujhe hi use waapas laana pada. Maine soch liya tha ki ab main aur Armaan alag ho gaye hain... humesha ke liye.

Armaan shook his head.

Anjali: But why Ridzi? Tum log alag kyun ho gaye?
Ridhimaa: Main Armaan ko perfect dekhna chahti thi. Uska gussa, uska har baat ko lightly lena mujhe bilkul nahi pasand tha. Main bhool gayi thi ki uski in aadaton ke saath maine ussey pyar kiya tha. Ya shayad maine pyar kiya hi nahi tha... Armaan jab Kasauli se waapas lauta, he had changed. Wo bahut serious ho gaya tha. Tum sab ki madad se main usey waapas puraane waale Armaan me badal diya. Mujhe na Papa ke gusse ki chinta thi, na Kirti mam ki daant ki. Main bas wahi puraana waala Armaan dekhna chahti thi. Fir hum sab ko suspend kar diya gaya. Mera kidnap hua. Wahan bhi Armaan ne mujhe apni jaan par khel kar mujhe bachaya. Lekin wahan se lautne se pehle maine Armaan ko bata diya tha ki ab hum dono sirf dost hain aur kuch nahi. Armaan ne bhi meri baat maan li.
Armaan: Maine kewal isliye maani thi because I didn't want to lose you as a friend.
Ridhimaa: Mujhe pata hai. Fir mom-dad ki shaadi ke baad hum sab waapas aaye. Armaan ko lagne laga ki wo zyada din tak apne emotions control nahi kar paayega aur fir usne mujhse sab kuch keh daala.
Atul: Us din na jab usne tattoo banwaya tha?
Ridhimaa: Haan. Tumhe kaise pata? Tumne sab sun liya tha?
Atul: Sab suna bhi tha aur dekha bhi tha. Ridz... Armaan sach me tumse bahut pyar karta hai.
Ridhimaa: Maine kab kaha ki wo mujhse pyar nahi karta? Let me finish. Fir mujhe ek hi tareeka soojha Armaan ko apne se alag karne ka. Aditya, a fake boyfriend.
Anjali: To tum ussey pyar nahi karti thi?
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Main to Aditya ko jaanti bhi nahi thi. Mujhe laga ki mujhe Aditya ke saath dekhkar Armaan mujhse nafrat karne lagega aur fir shayad wo mujhe bhool jaaye. Lekin main bhool gayi thi ki wo Armaan hai... wo mujhe...
Armaan: Kabhi nahi bhool sakta.
Ridhimaa: Usne mujhe Aditya se bachaya. Meri har galti ke bawjood mujhse pyar kiya. Mujhe pata hai ki main Armaan ke laayak nahi hoon.
Armaan: Ridhimaa...
Ridhimaa: Armaan. Tumne humesha meri khushiyon ke liye apni jaan ki parwah na karte hue apni khushiyan bhi mere naam kar di. Lekin aaj maine ek faisla kiya hai. Yahi hum dono ke liye theek hai. Aaj main tumhe batana chahti hoon ki...

All held their breath. Ridhimaa took a deep breath.


PART 18:

Armaan was anxious. He felt that his life depended on her answer.

Ridhimaa: Armaan...

She kept her hand on his heart. Armaan held it there.

Ridhimaa: Armaan. Mujhe maaf kar do. Meri har galti ke liye. Har us aansun ke liye jo meri wajah se tumhari aankhon me aaye hain. Armaan. Meri aankhen tumhare sivaay kisi aur ko dekhna bhi gunaah samajhti hain. Apni har saans ke saath tumhare hone ka yakeen mazboot ho jaata hai. Meri har baat tumse shuru hokar tum par hi khatm hoti hai. Main tumhare pyar ke laayak to nahi hoon lekin main tumse aur door nahi reh sakti. I love you Armaan... I love you very very very much. Main tumse bahut pyar karti hoon.

Armaan lifted her face. There were tears not only in her eyes but also in his. He was overwhelmed at this confession.

He wanted to ask something.

Ridhimaa: Ab ye mat poochna ki maine apna faisla kyun badla kyunki tum hi to kehte ho ki har sawaal ka jawaab nahi hota.
Armaan: Nahi poochunga. Kyunki main ye bhi to kehta hoon ki ye jo tumhari aankhen hain wo sab kuch sach sach keh deti hain.
Ridhimaa: Jhooth! Agar aisa hota to tum kabhi bhi meri zindagi se jaane ki baat nahi karte.

Armaan smiled.

Armaan: (very truthfully) Sach kahun to main apne yakeen aur tumhare faisle ke beech ulajh gaya tha.
Ridhimaa: Tum dorahe par khade the. Agar sachmuch tum us raaste par chale jaate jo tumhe mujhse door le jaata, ye sochte hue bhi darr lagta hai.
Armaan: Main kisi bhi raaste par jaun, meri manzil humesha tum hi rahogi.

Ridhimaa blushed and lowered her gaze.

Armaan: Achha. Ab to bata do tumne apna faisla kaise badla?

He wanted to hear it from her.

Ridhimaa: Kyunki mujhe ehsaas ho gaya tha ki main tumse hoon.

This gave Armaan all the happiness of the world. This moment was the proof of love in the world. Armaan pulled Ridhimaa into a deep hug. The others watched them with tearful eyes, the pair embracing each other, tight, never ever to be separated again.

Armaan and Ridhimaa prised themselves away from each other after what felt like months, years maybe. Armaan wiped the tears off Ridhimaa's face. She swiped off his tears. They both beamed and looked at each other and then again hugged each other.

Ridhimaa: Ab mujhe kabhi chod ke mat jaana.
Armaan: Kabhi nahi jaunga... kabhi nahi...

They again broke apart. Both were having difficulty stopping their tears and both turned their back on each other. Rahul and Atul came to Armaan and hugged him. Anjali and Muskaan hugged Ridhimaa.

Rahul: Armaan. I am so happy for you.
Atul: Armaan sab theek ho gaya hai.

Armaan smiled and wiped his tears.

Anjali: Ridz. Stop crying!
Muskaan: Ridhimaa agar tune rona band nahi kiya to hum Armaan ko bula denge.

Ridhimaa wiped her tears and smiled. She was blushing.

Kirti: God bless both of you.
Shubhankar: Aap dono humesha saath rahein, kabhi alag na ho.

Armaan looked at Ridhimaa. She turned scarlet. He came towards her. Anjali left her.

Armaan: To ab kya iraada hai basket?
Ridhimaa: Kya matlab?
Armaan: Matlab ye ki apne papa ko kab bata rahi ho humare baare me?
Ridhimaa: What do you mean? Main kyun bataungi? Tum bataoge.
Armaan: Ridhimaa samajhne ki koshish karo. Wo tumhare papa hain. Tum samjhaogi to fauran maan jayenge.
Ridhimaa: Tumhe samjhana hai to samjhao warna...

The others were surprised.

Kirti: Arrey! Aap dono fir se ladna shuru ho gaye.
Anjali: Armaan. Ridz theek kehti hai. Tumhe hi papa se baat karni chahiye. Humesha ladke hi jaakar baat karte hain.
Armaan: Main? Dr.Shashank se?
Atul: Don't worry. Hum dono bhi tere saath chalenge.
Shubhankar: Agar aap chahe to main bhi aapko company dene chalunga.
Armaan: (gratified) Thank you sir.

He then looked at Ridhimaa.

Armaan: (voicing his fear) Agar wo nahi maane to?

Ridhimaa: Wo zaroor maanenge.
Anjali: Haan Armaan. Dad Ridz se bahut pyar karte hain. Dad aaj subah waapas aa gaye hain. Tum aaj shaam ko aa jaana. Theek hai?
Armaan: Theek hai.
Ridhimaa: Armaan tum bekaar me darr rahe ho. Papa tumhe kha thode hi jayenge.

Armaan smiled vaguely.

That evening outside Ridhimaa's house. Armaan was dressed in his best. He wanted nothing bad should happen. He rung the doorbell. Padma opened it. Armaan hugged her.
Padma: Arrey aap sab? Aiye. Please aaiye.

They all came in and went into the drawing room where Dr.Shashank and Nani were sitting and sat down after exchanging pleasantries.

Shashank: Ridhimaa aur Anjali to abhi bahar gayi hui hain. Thodi der me aa jayengi.
Shubhankar: Sir. Hume aap se hi kaam hai. Actually Dr.Armaan aapse kuch kehna chahte the.

Rahul pressed Armaan's hand.

Armaan: (gravely) Sir. Main aapse kehna chahta tha ki main Ridhimaa se... main Ridhimaa se bahut pyar karta hoon aur...

Shashank cut across him.

Shashank: Bas Dr.Armaan. Aagey ek shabd bhi mat kahiyega. Meri aapke baare me pehli rai hi sahi thi.
Nani: Lekin Shashank... Armaan ussey pyar karta hai. Main jaanti hoon...
Shashank: Bas ma. Main bahut achhe se jaanta hoon inko. Dr.Armaan ek irresponsible person hain. Sanjeevani chodkar chale gaye the, without any notice. Aur inke jaise ladke bholi bhali ladkiyon ko fansa kar unka istemaal karte hain. Dr.Armaan. Abhi Ridhimaa ke ma baap zinda hain. Aapki koi chaal kaamyaab nahi ho sakegi.
Rahul: Sir aap Armaan ko bahut galat samajh rahe hain.
Atul: Yes sir. Armaan sach me Ridz ko bahut pyar karta hai aur Ridhimaa bhi...
Shashank: Enough Dr.Joshi. Maine apna faisla suna diya. Ab aap log ja sakte hain.
Shubhankar: Lekin sir...
Armaan: (in a hurt voice) Rehne dijiye sir.

He looked at Shashank.

Armaan: Main jaan gaya hoon aap mere baare me kya sochte hain. And I will not try to correct you kyunki main jaanta hoon ki Ridhimaa kabhi bhi aapke faisle ke khilaaf nahi jaayegi. Main ussey aisa karne ko kahunga bhi nahi.


PART 19:

The others were looking at Armaan.

Armaan: (continuing) Lekin sir. Main Ridhimaa se bahut pyar karta hoon. Aapne mere pyar par shak karke achha nahi kiya. Fir bhi main aapki izzat karta hoon. Aur aapse waada karta hoon ki fir kabhi is baarey me baat nahi karunga.
Shashank: Dr.Armaan.. aap Ridhimaa aur Anjali ke bahut achhe dost hain. Aap wahi theek hain. Ye main bhi jaanta hoon aur aap bhi ki aap Ridhimaa se pyar nahi karte.

Armaan could not tolerate more. His face was flushed with insult and sadness. He turned to leave. But on the doorway were standing Anjali and Ridhimaa. Anjali was looking utterly shocked. Ridhimaa's face was paper white. Armaan rushed past her. As he was about to leave, he heard a shriek.

Ridhimaa: Armaan!

And she fell down unconscious. Armaan ran back. She was lying on the threshold with her eyes closed. All rushed to her. Dr.Shashank checked her pulse.

Shashank: Oh no. Jaldi se hospital le jaana padega.
Armaan: Sir agar aap chaahe to main apni car me le chalun?

Shashank nodded. Armaan picked Ridhimaa up and ran to his car. In a few minutes, they were outside Sanjeevani's ICU. Dr.Pronita was inside. Padma and Nani were crying. Muskaan and Kirti had came over. They were sitting with Anjali. Armaan was sitting on a seat with his head in his hands. Dr.Pronita came out. Shashank rushed to her. Armaan too raised his head.

Pronita: Dr.Ridhimaa ka major nervous breakdown hua hai. Agar unhe ek ghante me hosh nahi aaya to hum unhe nahi bacha payenge.
Shashank: Hum use dekh sakte hain?
Pronita: Paanch minute baad. I hope ki unhe jaldi se hosh aa jaaye.

She goes.

Nani: Bus. Ab to khush hai na tu Shashank. Dekh liya apni zidd ka nateeja?
Shashank: Maine kya kiya? Wo meri beti hai. Agar galti karegi to use samjhana to padega na. Jaan boojhkar use kuen me to nahi dhakel sakta.
Nani: Aur ab jo use maut ke muh me dhakel diya hai wo?
Anjali: Dad aapne achha nahi kiya. Armaan aur Ridz ek doosre se bahut pyar karte hain. Aaj Ridz ki jaan khatre me hai, sirf aapki wajah se.
Padma: Anjali! Apne papa se aise baat karte hain?

Anjali scowled. Armaan was terrified at even thinking about what was going to happen.

After five minutes, Shashank, Padma, Anjali and Nani went inside the ICU. Ridhimaa was lying on the bed with neuro machines scanning her brain. They came and sat beside her.
Padma: Ridhimaa... Ridhimaa beta aankhen kholo... Ridhimaa...
Nani: Ridhimaa beta...
Anjali: Ridz...
Shashank: Ridhimaa. Dekho tumhare papa aaye hain. Tum unki baat nahi maanogi?

But Ridhimaa did not open her eyes. She wasn't responding at all. Padma's condition was worsening. She was crying hysterically. All came out. The others looked towards them hopefully. Padma was crying. Kirti hugged her.

Shubhankar: Sir... what...
Shashank: (in a broken voice) Ridhimaa respond hi nahi kar rahi.
Pronita: Oh no! 45 minutes ho gaye hain.
Shashank: Please Dr.Pronita kuch kariye. Meri beti ko bachaiye.
Pronita: Sir aap jaante hain. Is waqt mere haath me kuch nahi hai. Agar pandrah minute me Ridhimaa ko hosh nahi aata hai to... I am sorry.

The others looked at each other, helpless. Armaan could not bear it any more. He would not let this happen. Ridhimaa could not leave him. No. He rushed towards them.

Armaan: (in a heavy voice) Dr.Pronita... please kya main ek baar Ridhimaa se mil sakta hoon? Please... sirf ek baar?
Pronita: Dr.Armaan. Apne aap ko sambhaliye. Jab unhone apni family members ko respond nahi kiya to... I don't think ki wo aapko...

Armaan looked towards Dr.Shashank with imploring eyes, who thought for a while.

Armaan: Please sir. Ek baar mujhe koshish karne dijiye. Please sir...
Shashank: (placing a hand on his shoulder) Jaiye Dr.Armaan. Aap bhi jaakar ek aakhiri baar use dekh lijye Ridhimaa ko...
Armaan: Nahi sir use kuch nahi hoga... kuch nahi...

He darted inside the ICU. Ridhimaa was lying on the bed. Armaan went and sat beside her on a chair and took her hand into his. Shashank was looking inside through the window.

Armaan: Ridhimaa please.... ankhein kholo...

There was no response. Ridhimaa lay as still. An hour was about to complete. Tears came down Arman's eyes and fell on his lap.

Armaan: Ridhimaa. Open your eyes... Ridhimaa. Agar tum nahi uthi to main... main bhi mar jaunga Ridhimaa. Please aankhen kholo. Please... nahi to main tumse pehle khud ko kahtm kar loonga. I promise... Ridhimaa... I love you Ridhimaa... I love you... mujhe chod kar mat jao.

His tears fell on Ridhimaa's hand which was in his grip. Armaan felt a pressure on his hand. Ridhimaa was gripping his hand tightly. She slowly opened her eyes.

Armaan: Ridhimaa... Ridhimaa...

He kissed her hand. Dr.Shashank turned and announced.

Shashank: Ridhimaa ko hosh aa gaya.

They all bolted inside. As soon as Armaan saw Shashank entering, he left Ridhimaa's hand and wiped his tears. Ridhimaa's weak smile faded from her lips on seeing her father, who hugged her. Armaan got up and stood beside Atul. Atul looked at him and patted his shoulder.
Shashank: Ridhimaa. Ab kaisi ho? Tumne to hum sabko darra diya tha.
Ridhimaa: (weakly) Ab theek hoon papa.

She looked at Padma, nani and Anjali. All of whom were crying. She had seen tears in Armaan's eyes too.

Ridhimaa: Sab log ro kyun rahe hain? Main marne waali thi kya?
Padma: Nahi...
Kirti: Dr.Ridhimaa agar aapko paanch minute me hosh nahi aata to shayad...
Anjali: Ridz. Hum sab ne tumhe uthaane ki koshish ki magar tum nahi uthi. Ridz...

She too hugged her sister.

Ridhimaa: I am sorry. Meri wajah se aap sab... pata nahi mujhe kya ho gaya tha...
Nani: Kuch nahi hua tha. Ab meri bachhi theek hai. Hai na?
Ridhimaa: Ji nani.

Muskaan came over to her and hugged her.

Muskaan: Ab hum log ja rahe hain. Tu apna khayal rakhna. OK?

Ridhimaa gave a fake smile. Armaan opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it again, knowing that his voice would not help him to speak at the moment. He rushed out of the door of the ICU. All looked back at the door which had slammed.

Atul: Armaan...

He ran after him. Rahul came upto Ridhimaa.

Rahul: Take care Ridhimaa. Chalo Muskaan.

Muskaan and Rahul too went out. Kirti and Shubhankar came to Ridhimaa.

Shubhankar: How are you feeling now Dr.Ridhimaa?
Ridhimaa: Fine sir.
Shubhankar: Good. Ab aap jaldi se theek ho jaiye. OK?

Ridhimaa smiled.

Kirti: Dr.Ridhimaa aap ek hafte ke liye chutti par hain. Aap apna khayal rakhiyega.

She and Shubhankar left for the night. Anjali came and sat beside Ridhimaa.

Anjali: Ridz. Tum bahut buri ho. Pata hai main kitna darr gayi thi? Meri choti si Ridzi ko kuch ho jaata to?
Ridhimaa: Main bilkul theek hoon Di. Mom...

She opened her arms wide, Padma hugged her.

Padma: Ridhimaa.
Ridhimaa: Jab koi aapke liye pareshaan ho to kitna achha lagta hai na.
Padma: Pagli...
Ridhimaa: Sach me. Jab main dekhti hoon ki aap sab mujhse kitna pyar karte hain to mera mann karta hai ki humesha aise hi..

Nani put her hand to Ridhimaa's lips.

Nani: Bhagwaan na kare ki hume fir se aisa din dekhna pade. Aaj to hume laga tha ki humne tujhe kho hi diya. Fir pata nahi kya jaadu hua...
Shashank: Ridhimaa ab tum aaram karo. Kal subah tumhe discharge kar diya jaayega. Raat ko Padma aur main yahi rahenge.

He hugged her and left.

Outside, Nani again confronted Shashank.

Nani: Shashank tu apni zidd kab chodega?
Shashank: Kabhi nahi. Dr.Armaan Ridhimaa ke liye theek nahi hai.
Anjali: Dad aap samajh nahi rahe. Aaj usi ki wajah se Ridz theek hui hai.
Shashank: It was just a co-incidence. Ridhimaa hum sabki duaon ki wajah se theek hui hai.
Anjali: Aap bilkul bhi Ridz ko nahi samajhte.
Shashank: Main sab samjhta hoon, isiliye ye sab kar raha hoon. Main jaanta hoon ki kya uske liye sahi hai, kya galat. Ab is baare me koi baat nahi hogi.

It was his final word.


PART 20:

Three days later, Ridhimaa was getting discharged early at 7:00 a.m. She was at the Nurse Station, signing the form when she spotted Armaan. He was hiding behind a door, watching her. She turned to face him and he quickly hid himself from her. Ridhimaa's eyes were burning with tears. Shashank took her outside and they both drove away. Armaan felt like crying himself. Ridhimaa was looking extremely pale and weak. It was all because of him.

That evening, Shashank came into Ridhimaa's room. Ridhimaa was reading a book. She left it on seeing her father entering. He came and sat on her bed.

Shashank: Ab kaisa feel kar rahi ho?
Ridhimaa: Much better.

Shashank looked around the room. He was thinking how to say.

Ridhimaa: Papa aapko kuch kehna tha?
Shashank: (giving up) Haan beta. Ridhimaa, tum mujhse gussa ho?
Ridhimaa: (surprised) Nahi papa. Aapse ye kisne kaha?
Shashank: Nahi. Mujhe laga ki... tum sach me mujhse gussa nahi ho?
Ridhimaa: Nahi. Why would I be angry with you?
Shashank: Wo maine Armaan...

Ridhimaa shook her head.

Shashank: Beta main jaanta hoon ki Dr.Armaan tumhare bahut achhe dost hain. Lekin beta main aise ladkon ko bahut achhe se jaante hoon. Ye dost to bahut achhe hote hain lekin pyar ke maamle me ye dogle hote hain. Inke na jaane kitne affairs har ladki ke saath hote hain aur fir un sab ko akela chod dete hain. Main tumhara pita hoon. Main nahi chahta ki tumhare saath bhi kuch aisa ho. Tum samajh rahi ho na?
Ridhimaa: Ji papa.
Shashank: Beta. Main nahi chahta ki tum Armaan ke saath dosti ke alaawa koi aur rishta rakho. Tum dono bahut achhe dost ho aur main is rishte ki kadr karta hoon.

Ridhimaa nodded.

Ridhimaa: Papa main humesha aapki baat maanti hoon. Agar aap mujhse ye na kehte to bhi us din ke baad na main
Armaan se is baare me koi baat karti na wo. Hum dono aapki bahut izzat karte hain aur hum jaante hain ki aap meri bhalayi ke liye hi sab karte hain. Mujhe pata hai ki Armaan ab is baare me kabhi bhi mujhse baat karne ki koshish nahi karega. Aap pareshaan mat hoiye.
Shashank: Beta tum mujhe samjah gayi fir aur koi kyun nahi samajh paaya?
Ridhimaa: Kya matlab?
Shashank: Beta Anjali aur ma mujhse kitna naraaz rehti hain. Anjali ne to us din se mujhse baat hi nahi ki.
Ridhimaa: Papa. Wo dono mujhse bahut pyar karti hain, jaise aap karte hain. Bas waqti gussa hai. Sab theek ho jayega.
Shashank: I hope so. Aur Ridhimaa tum aajkal bahut kam bolti ho. Tumne hansna bhi chod diya hai.

Ridhimaa smiled to assure him.

Ridhimaa: Nahi to papa. Aisi koi baat nahi hai.

Shashank reassured, stood up.

Shashank: Ridhimaa. Tumhare friends tumse milne aaye hain. Unhe upar bhejun?
Ridhimaa: Ji.
Shashank: Abhi bhejta hoon. Unke saath tum kuch kha bhi lena aur dawaayi bhi le lena. OK?
Ridhimaa: Ji.

Shashank went away. Ridhimaa heard footsteps approaching her room. Next moment, the door of her room flew open and Atul, Rahul, Muskaan and Anjali came inside. But Ridhimaa's eyes were searching for someone else. Atul, Rahul and Muskaan hugged Ridhimaa and sat around her.

Muskaan: Ab kaisi ho Ridhimaa?
Ridhimaa: Bilkul theek.
Atul: Ridz. Pata hai. Aaj Sanjeevani me tumhare aur Armaan ke bina bilkul mann hi nahi laga.
Ridhimaa: Lekin Armaan to Sanjeevani gaya tha. Maine khud use subah subah dekha tha wahan.
Rahul: Haan... wo to subah hi aa gaya tha lekin na hone ke barabar hi tha. Na kisi se baat karta hai, na kuch aur karta hai. Bas chupchap apne kaam me laga rehta hai.
Ridhimaa: (disappointed) Armaan nahi aaya?

Just then there came knock on the door. Anjali got up and opened the door. Armaan came in carrying a tray of food. He kept it on the table beside Ridhimaa and sat on a chair away from her.

Armaan: (not looking at her) Chalo dawaayi kha lo.
Ridhimaa: (frowning at his behaviour) Mujhe nahi khani.

All looked up at her. Armaan too looked at her.

Armaan: Kyun nahi khani?
Ridhimaa: Wo... dawayi kadwi hai. Mujhe nahi khani.
Armaan: Maar khani hai?

Muskaan giggled.

Armaan: Ab dawaayi hai. Chocolate ki tarah meethi to hogi nahi. Chalo khao.

Ridhimaa tried to refuse but Armaan glared at her. She quickly took the medicine. Armaan smiled.

Armaan: Good girl. Ab ye soup piyo.
Ridhimaa: Baad me piyungi. Abhi mann nahi hai.
Armaan: Aakhir tum chahti kya ho? Is tarah sabko takleef dekar tumhe kaun si khushi milti hai? Pata hai tumhare mom-dad, nani, sab tumhare liye kitne pareshaan hain? Na tum theek se khaati ho na kuch bolti ho. Wo Anjali jiski aankhon me maine aaj tak ek bhi aansun nahi dekha, wo sirf tumhari wajah se aaj poora din royi hai. Tumhare ye dost tumse kitna pyar karte hain tum jaanti ho?
Ridhimaa: Aur tum?
Armaan: Meri baat chodo. Tum ye soup piyo.

He went upto her and gave her the bowl of soup. She started sipping it.

Atul: Hum log sirf Ridz ki wajah se pareshaan nahi hain. Tumhari wajah se bhi hain.
Armaan: Kyun? Maine kya kiya hai?
Rahul: Tum humme se kisise bhi to baat nahi kar rahe. Aur Ridhimaa se bhi...
Armaan: Agar main kisi se baat nahi kar to iska matlab ye thode hi hai ki main tum sabse pyar nahi karta. Mujhe tum sabki parwaah hai. Bas main khud thoda sa pareshaan hoon.

Ridhimaa put the soup bowl back on the table.

Ridhimaa: Uski wajah bhi main hi hoon na. Sab meri wajah se hi... main bahut buri hoon

She started crying. Armaan pulled her into a one armed hug. He wiped her tears and stroked her hair.

Armaan: Nahi tum buri nahi ho. Kuch bhi tumhari wajah se nahi ho raha. Lekin tum jo baat baat par roti ho wo mujhe bahut bura lagta hai.
Ridhimaa: Achha. To kal hospital ke bed ke pass mera haath pakde hue kaun ro raha tha?
Armaan: Wo... wo to...aise hi...

He got up and started to leave. He went to the door and then turned back.

Armaan: (smiling) Bye basket! Take care.

Then he said in his heart: 'I love you Ridhimaa'. Ridhimaa understood.

Ridhimaa: I love you too.

Armaan looked at her surprised that she had heard his heart's voice, then left.

...........................................................................................................................

hey ayushi welcome bck hre tooooooooooooo  i jst luv ur ff sooo much yaar waitignfr ur nxt prts i commentd in tht blog kkkkkk tc
shalzi/yachu

heyy!!
omg!! this is like the BEST FF ever!!!!!!!!! i totally love it!!!
plzzz plzzz post the next parts soon!!

<33
Mahima

pllllllllllllllllllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz     continue soon

Hey just read the FF and it's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just LOVED IT!!!

Hey really nice partsss....

hey ridss this is really awesome! i just read the whole thing and i love it! great job! looking forward to the next one, continue soon!

hey ridss
great ff yaar
i was havong tears in my eyes by the end of part 8
it was superb yar
plz pm me
update soon

hey nice please pm me  i loved it..