A Walk On The Beach..-AR[New Page Link: Page 150]

 

Prelude:-

I moved around from here and there, gathering things, trying to hold them all together in both my hands. And that's when I found it'

Buried under a pile of other books I hadn't bothered looking at in months. Something that held memories of the past 3 years. Picking it up, I smiled a little and opened it. Taking a deep breath, I began reading'

 

I had always enjoyed watching the sun set. People mostly found philosophical meanings behind the sun rising - birth of a new day, a new beginning. But somehow the sun setting held the same meaning for me. It lit up the horizon, the widespread water shining beneath it, the red sprinkles of the waves lightly hitting the shore'

 

I was finally here - "Here" - A place I had always dreamt of being in; Without any supervision - "Don't do this'.Don't go there'" The protection was there, but on the opposite side of the world. This feeling was contradictory. I felt free, yet bound. I was new to this place, yet I felt safe, secure. Weird huh?

 

Thoughts zoomed by my brain. The sun setting on the horizon was my cue to leave. But my feet were still not up for it. I walked and walked.

 

My heart leapt, overjoyed. I was sad I had to leave stuff behind, for some time. But I was ready for this; I knew I was. There was no stopping me now. A new adventure, a new ride. It would be tough, but I would get through'.

 

I smiled - this is why I had always loved the beach. It gave me time, time to think, to explore myself, and to put myself together when I was broken; Endless thoughts, giving me mixed feelings'.

Yes'This was my walk on the beach'

Chapter 1: A New Beginning...

I was still sitting at the shore, just watching the sun dive deeper into the ocean - and it was gone. As if that wasn't a sign enough, my phone vibrated - *1 new message* I smiled'

"He'll pick you up at 9.30 tonight'Can't wait to meet you, dear!!"

I sighed deeply, taking in the salty air. It had been years since I had met him. It was weird how we had never bothered to keep in contact. And even more weird that life has brought me here today - at his doorstep'

I began to think what he must look like, images began forming. Yesterday's memories began getting linked to tonight's meeting'.

Would he still be the same naughty, prankster he used to be then? Or would he have matured over time? The person I had known would never be mature. But then it was 9 years ago. I wouldn't even have cared to remember him if I wouldn't have come here. Then he wouldn't have been a part of my life, again'.

I checked the time - 7.00 pm.

"Oh god! I'm late!"

I looked around. The beach looked as lonely as crowded it had been when I had come. Except for two men looking at me as if I was clean bait. I got up quickly, picking up my bag and began walking fast. Something told me those two men were following me too. And then, I began to run'

I was hardly aware of where I was going - all I knew I was that I had to get out of here.

*CRASH!*

I looked up to see a tall, good-looking person. He looked behind me at those 2 men. He seemed to understand why I was running for my life. My instincts told me I could trust him - his ocean blue eyes led me to trust him instantly. He lent out his hand and I gave in'

Sighing in relief, I followed him to his car.

"Are you ok? I've never seen anyone run like that before'" He gave me a genuinely concerned look.

"I'm fine'Thank you so much!" I replied gratefully.

"Don't mention it! You Indian!" It wasn't a question.

"Yeah..." I wasn't surprised he knew - he was Indian himself. "Anyways'Thanks a lot for the help back there'I should probably take off now'"

Before he had a chance to say anything, I quickly ran down the pathway and slid into a vacant cab.

I sat back and thought about the encounter. That guy looked familiar, somehow. I thought I knew him from somewhere. But then over here you could just about feel at home when you see any Indian walk your way.

I still had an hour to go see my University, and that was where he was going to pick me up. And I was waiting for that moment to arrive!

I came out of the clerk's office feeling relieved. When you go to a new place and the first person you meet is friendly, well yeah, that does help you fit in, in a way! I was done with the formalities. I had my appointment letter in hand; addressed to me. My dream was sealed in it!

 
I looked around me. It was perfect, just as I had imagined it to be! Classic hallways, typical classrooms - just like I imagined way back when I would read those books - Sweet Valley and Nancy Drew'

I shook my head at my stupid thoughts. God I think too much! But well, that was me!

It was 5 minutes to half past nine; my ride would be here any minute. I was told to wait by the gate.

Standing there, I wondered what he would be like. Those temporary images started coming back'

I saw a car halt outside ' a classic Porsche, enough to catch the eyes of the curious on-lookers! And then, he stepped out...

Although I didn't believe what I saw - there he was. I was confused. He didn't look like anything he used to look before. He used to be cute and okay, I admit I had a small crush on him! And this guy wasn't him!

"Hey! Riddhima right?"

"Hey!" I said nervously and nodded. C'mon, I reprimanded myself! He's your 
childhood friend! Looks don't matter! He's your friend! Repeat it till you get it through in your head, I chanted the mantra as I sat in the front seat.

The drive was awkward. We weren't even talking! Okay, so this was the first thing which wasn't going as planned, and how I hated it when things didn't go according to plan! I thought he would at least say something beyond, "Hey!"

"You want the radio on?" He asked, sparing me a glance.

"Umm'Yeah ok'It's cool'!" I gave him a nervous smile. 'It's cool'? What was I even thinking? I know this guy! Then why can't I relate to him? We used to be so close once, best friends! And now, we're behaving as if we've never known each other'! This wasn't going how it was planned, and like I said before, I didn't like one bit!

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So that's all for Chapter 1. Chapter 2 will come in when I get a good response...That is if I get a good response...! And I've read such great FFs here, mine doesn't really seem good enough, but if it's worth something, please do comment! Please! It means a lot...And if nothing, at least do press the like tab!!😊

Regards,

Shrutika! 😊

As I waited in anticipation for the door to the Malliks' house to open'I glanced at Armaan'.Would they have changed too? Reema Aunty and Archit Unlce had always reminded me of my parents'No'They can't change'Armaan has gone back generations in his looks'.That can't be with Uncle and Aunty'.And maybe Armaan is still the guy I knew from'.From somewhere'Oh God Riddhima!!Ur here for your future'In London'The place of your dreams'Are u crazy your thinking all this nonsense!!Get a life!!This is your family now'For 3 years'

*The door opened*

"Say Cheese Riddhima!!And smile!!" I quickly protruded a smile on my face'.
Reema Aunty smiled as she scanned me from head to toe'.Kissed my forehead and welcomed me in'There'Some things in life never changed'Aunty still looked the same'And behaved the same too'The house'.Just as I remember it'Except for a few things'It still looked the way it did 6 years ago'

I was too indulged in talking to Aunty'When a deep, husky voice called out my name'He sounds familiar'And as I turned I saw the face of my saviour'The same guy who had saved me from those low-lives back at the beach'But how did he know my name'?

From the expression on his face'It was clear he was shocked to see me there too'

Reema Aunty then said to me with a teasing smile'"I hope you both remember how you'll used to drive each other crazy back when you'll were kids'"

My heart leapt with joy'I smiled at him'He smiled back'Yeah I remember those dimple'.

"Hi'."

"Hey'.I wish we would have introduced each other back there at the beach'Would have saved us the surprise'"

I gave a light laugh'"It would have saved me the shock too'" I thought'But then I looked at the person who had come to drop me off here'

"He's my cousin Raunak'Wo main aa nahi paaya'Kaam tha'"

I looked at him in surprise and raised my eyebrows'Then shook my head and smiled'

"What?" He asked perplexed at my reaction'

"Hindi?" I asked him raising my eyebrows'

"Yeah so'Thought you guys like Hindi'!"

"It's ok u don't need to talk in Hindi just cause of me'I can handle English in California I guess'"

"That's not what I meant'" He mumbled under his breath'

I looked at him curiously'He hadn't changed'I was so stupid to not recognize him'Even worse I couldn't even tell that it wasn't him who had come to pick me up'Some best friends'..By the way he was looking at me'He knew I thought Raunak had been Armaan'. But Armaan'What kind of a person was he? He's not on any social networking site'If only I would have been able to see his picture before I landed here'Would have saved me the embarrassment!

"I'm sorry I couldn't inform you I wasn't coming'" He said as if he had read my mind'He smirked at my expressions'

"It's ok'" I replied'But it wasn't'.Why didn't anyone tell me that it was Raunak who was coming to pick me up!

"Actually Mom herself didn't know'.I didn't tell her'.My bad'Sorry!" He replied again with the same grin'.I couldn't help smiling'

"And she's here'!" 

I turned to face a girl dressed in casual jeans and a hoody just about my age'Rhea'Armaan's younger sister'.She had changed'.!

"Rhea!!!"

I hugged her instantly'.We had been great friends too'She was just 2 years younger to Armaan'Although back then when Armaan and I were best friends we would leave Rhea out of everything'.Armaan would anyway'But Rhea would tail along in spite of it all'And now'Well she was extremely pretty'.The exact blue eyes like Armaan'

A cup of steaming hot chocolate, which surprisingly everyone remembered to be as my favorite, later, I was taken upstairs, or rather escorted to my room by Rhea'

"There'This is your room'."

"Oh'It's nice'.Thanks!"

I looked at Armaan who had followed us both upstairs'Still AWKWARD!!

Once Rhea had left on the pretext of going to the library (for a date!), Armaan just stood there looking at me heave my things on the bed'.

"So'I see you've changed'."

"Well yeah'It was 9 years back'" I replied still not looking at him...

There was an awkward pause'Gosh I'm getting used to this'.

"How come you never kept in touch?" The question just left me without my mind's consent'By his expression, I could make out he was caught off-guard'.

"Umm'You didn't bother either'You moved to Inida and well'.I don't know'.Our parents still seem to be just as close as then'I really'.Sorry I dunno what to say..."

"It's ok...I'I'm sorry'It kind of just slipped'."

"Umm'Its ok'I was kind of having the same doubts'But I'm glad you're back'"

"Me too'" I smiled'His dimples deepened'I blushed'I so loved them!

*************

 "Toh Riddhima, how did you like the first look of your college?" Reema Aunty asked me while passing the bowl of lettuce'

"Just as expected'Straight from the pages of a book'The hallways and rooms and everything, everything just reminds me of things I've read in books'" I smiled and began eating again when Armaan groaned'

"Oh man please doesn't tell me you still read those things'.Books? How did we ever get along in the first place'"

"You know Armaan, you've not changed one teeny tiny bit'Still the same'.Tum meri saari books window ke bahar fek dete the I still remember'.Just to annoy me'."

"Haan'Aur fir wapas lene bhi wahi jaata tha'" Aunty laughed'

"Toh Riddhima'Papa kaise hain'.Was he happy sending you here all by yourself'?" Uncle nodded and asked me...

"Umm'He was pretty jittery about it'But well'He knew I wanted to come'" I shrugged, and thought it was the first time I had thought about Dad that whole day!

"Well I'm just glad you're back'And even better Armaan bhi tumhare saath hi hoga'.Tumhein company dene ke liye'"

I looked at Armaan and smiled'Yeah that's right'Armaan Mallik, my former best friend was going to be with me for the next 3 years of university'

"Tumne accomodations ke liye apply kar liya? Armaan ko bhi apply karna hai'" Aunty asked me again'

"Ummm haan'I've got the application'Bas wahaan jaake dena hai'Aur tum bhi Uni mein hi rehne wale ho'"

"Obviously'Its pretty far'I have to init?" Armaan replied stuffing the salad in his mouth'

"You know'You've still not learnt to not talk when you're eating'" I giggled'

"Then you should probably wait till I'm done eating na?" 

"Armaan you could have answered once you were done eating!!"

"You should have some sense to at least not talk to me while I'm eating'" He retaliated'Then smirked at my expressions'

"Haw'You!!" I glared at him; he was still the same idiot'

"Tum dono abhi bhi bacche hi ho'..Pehle bhi aise hi lada karte the'Still not changed'Both of you'" Aunty laughed while she and Uncle looked at us, amused at our childish behaviour'.

"Ya'Even I remember, Armaan with his pranks and Riddhima with her anger'" Uncle chuckled at our banter'

"Well it's really her fault'She still hasn't changed'" Armaan shrugged and began eating again'

"That's weird'You just told me I've changed when we were upstairs'.You're so confused'" Gotcha! I smirked at my teeny tiny victory as he tried to fumble over some excuse'

******

After dinner was over, Uncle and Aunty decided to call it a day'While I, the amazing thoughtful person that I am, decided to go hang out in the lawn'.California had just seen its first shower a few minutes back...I perched myself comfortably on the ground'The smell of wet grass, the feel of the wet and cool breeze'The darkness'The atmosphere'If only there was some--

"Hot chocolate?" I looked up startled to see who was the one who had fulfilled my wish even before I could complete wishing for it'I saw Armaan looking down at me and smiling'.

"Thanks! I was just thinking about it'" I smiled at him'Wow his dimples are really gorgeous'Not to mention his eyes'

"I knew that'I still remember my old best friend's choices'"

"Old and best'Doesn't fit'Either it's old or best'Choose one smarty'" I grinned at him and sipped my hot chocolate'Yum'.

"Well'I can't say you're exactly new'.You're not'You've changed all right'But somehow I can still relate to you'"

"Me too'" I smiled warmly'.It was now that I realized just how much I had missed him'Had missed him being a part of my life'Missed being a part of his'

"But'That doesn't mean you're not my best friend'I never stopped considering you as one'"

"Pretty ironical'I thought you didn't even remember me anymore'" I looked at him curiously'Searching for an answer'It was impossible that such a cute, hot guy'Who I bet would have girls swooning all over him, have a million other best friends'.Would miss someone who used to be his best friend almost a decade ago'

"I never forgot you'I really don't know why we never bothered to keep in contact'" Armaan smiled at me sheepishly'

"And what kind of an idiot are you? You're not on any social networking site'Not even Facebook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I looked at him totally incredulous'He grinned on seeing my face'

"Facebook and stuff is all bullshit'If you really want to stay in contact with someone'.You don't need such stupid things'"

I shook my head in disbelief'

"Well if you're so strong on that one, how come you never bothered to even find out how I am?" 

"Let me complete'As long as people have that heart connection'You don't need things like Facebook to 'keep you connected''.It's all rubbish'"

"You're gay'" I giggled'.I had never heard any guy talk like this'So deep'

"You know what I'm off to sleep'" 

"You're seriously so gay Armaan!!:" I laughed'Looking at me, even he began laughing'

"Oh really'Should I just prove to you exactly how gay I am?" He suddenly advanced towards me'As an instinct I moved further back'.He still continued, keeping his eyes locked on mine'His blue eyes'I could drown in them'The sound of his knuckles brought her back to reality'That's when she realized what he meant'

"Ohhh'.So you're planning on punching me huh??" I smirked at him'

"Oh well'I might as well spare you this one time'Oh hey btw'There's this party tomorrow'.A bunch of my friends will be there'Who'll be with us in Uni as well'You in?"

"I'm not sure Armaan'I mean'I'm still new here'And'"

"It's at the beach'" He grinned at me'

"Oh'.But still'"

"C'mon'I know there are three things you're absolutely crazy about'Rain, hot chocolate and beaches'"

"You still remember'!!!!!!!!"

"Ya I know I rock'Thank ya!!" He took a slight bow as I shook my head'

"Ugh'.I see some guy traits in you'Great I just lost a girlfriend!" I pretended to look disheartened'Then saw him glare at me and burst out laughing'

"Enough of that you moron'." He said as I rolled me eyes'

"So I take you're coming tomorrow'.I'll pick you up from your room at 7'" He winked at me and took the empty cups of hot chocolate inside'

*****************

It was half past 6 and Riddhima was still choosing what to wear'This was the first time she was going out here...She had to look her best'Somehow the way you dress always summarises your personality when you meet new people'.And boy was Riddhima nervous'

"Something exclusive'But not too flashy'.Hmmm'.Simple but not exactly plain jane'Showy but not revealing'."

Muttering too herself, she didn't notice Armaan leaning against the door behind her and smirking'

"Not that pink one'Its way too flashy'" Armaan suddenly called out as Riddhima picked out a pink halter neck'She turned to find Armaan grinning'Embarrassed she blushed and looked down'2 seconds later glared at him..

"Ever heard of knocking Armaan'I'm a girl...Have some sense'Moron!"

"You should try CLOSING the door if you want people to knock'And madam please hurry'We gotta leave in 5'"

"Armaan'Stop kidding me'15 mintues wait karo'After I've decided what to wear'"

Armaan shook his head'"Girls'!!Do you need any help.."

Riddhima raised her eyebrows'"You'll help me figure out.."

Armaan shrugged then looked at the neat layout of clothes on bed'Finally picking out a blue halter-neck, knee length dress'

"Armaan main beach par yeh nahi pehen ne wali'It's not for beaches'.Select from these[[Pointing to the pile of cotton dresses]]'"

"Riddhima this dress is perfect'Exclusive but not flashy, simple but not plain and showy but not revealing'"

Riddhima blushed as she realised Armaan has heard every word she'd said'She hated when people over heard her talking to herself'"You gotta stop doing that Riddhima'" She thought to herself'

"Are you sure but'.Who am I kidding'You're a guy'You wouldn't know about stuff like this'And I don't want to look like a joker in front of-"

"Trust me Munchkin'You'll look amazing'" He stopped when he saw a surprised expression on Riddhima's face'"What??" He asked raising his eyebrows'

"It's been years since someone called me Munchkin'" Riddhima smiled'

"Oh.." Armaan scratched his head as he remembered why he would call Riddhima that'Back when they were small, Riddhima used to be way shorter than him'And whenever she would try impressing him by playing hoops with him, she would fail drastically owing to her short height'He had started calling her Munchkin'Riddhima had in turn started calling him Peanuts, because he would love eating them, so much that he wouldn't mind munching on those hidden beneath the pillows of the sofas'A fact which only Riddhima knew, beside his mom'

"But hey I'm not that short now'" Riddhima smiled triumphantly, bursting Armaan's memory balloon'

"You're still way shorter than me Munchkin'"

"Whatever'I'm a champ at hoops now'"

"Oh really'.Match ho jaye'?" Armaan raised his eyebrows while Riddhima narrowed her eyes'

"Some other time'Abhi party hai remember?"

"I don't think they would mind if we were a few minutes late'A best of three won't take much time'Open challenge'" Armaan smirked'

"Bring it on'Peanuts'" Riddhima grinned'.

"See you down there'"

Riddhima smiled as the door shut behind Armaan'She was glad to have her old best friend back'Although they hadn't been in touch for many of the most important phases in their lives, she knew they still had a very deep connection between them'.And even a distance of universes, even intervals of a million years couldn't break that'

***

Riddhima raced down into the lawn to find Armaan practicing his shots'

"Practice makes you perfect'But Peanuts it won't change your level of perfection which is way below mine'" Riddhima commented and smiled her devious smile'.Armaan looked at her..Dressed in ordinary tracks and a pony tail holding her brown hair together, she looked ordinary but the glow on her face stood out'Armaan smiled at how cute she looked'

"Itna over confidence'.Not good for a healthy competition'" Armaan smirked'

Riddhima scoffed'"Healthy competition? That's ironic Peanuts'Since you're the cheater'But this time'I won't let you get away with it'"

"Well we'll see that now won't we?"

The match started'Armaan was impressed at how much Riddhima had improved'Shooting 2 baskets in a row, she smiled victoriously and snapped her fingers to prove her point'Armaan rolled his eyes'Soon after that, as if to get his back, Armaan shot a basket, a second and another'Making the score 2 all in Armaan's favor'Taking a slight bow he threw the ball at Riddhima'The dribbling went on'Armaan tried swerving the ball from Riddhima's grip'Trying his old tactic of distrcating her, he tried getting the ball but Riddhima was a bit more faster this time'Her basket went in clean and neat'

"Haha'In your face!! Your stupid old cheating tactics don't work anymore smarty pants'" Riddhima threw the ball at Armaan's face'

"I let you win Munchkin'Itna khush mat ho'"

"Hahaha...Every LOSER says that!! Guess what'You just earned yourself a new nickname'L-O-S-E-R'Oh that spells LOSER!! Hahahahahaha!!" Riddhima laughed'Then seeing Armaan drawing towards her she began to run'Running around like small kids, they finally fell to the ground, panting and completely exhausted'

"Oh god'Armaan you're so annoying'.I'm sweating'And my hair's a mess'"

"God you're still obsessed with your hair aren't you'"

"Like you are with your white shirts'Yeah I am'" Riddhima laughed'She was pretty sure Armaan was still obsessed with every white shirt he owned'Even a speck of colour on it and he would take the entire house over board'

"Yaya whatever'Now can we please begin getting ready now'So at least we can reach the party in the next 20 years'"

Riddhima playfully punched him, and then went inside to get dressed'

Armaan smiled'"She still remembers my white shirts'" Armaan smiled'
It was these few little things between the two of them that was really making them happy'.These were small things which hardly anyone knew'And although Riddhima didn't know about the no. of girls Armaan had dated in the past few years'Or Armaan didn't know about any other things related to Riddhima'But those small things still pulled them closer than any other person around them'.

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Okie, that's all for Part 2....Hopefully THIS time I do get some comments!😭

Until next time then...!🤔

Shrutika!

Heyy guys...Thanks to all those who hit the like tab and commented! But I've got nearly 200 views, but hardly anyone's commented or hit the like tab...So is that an indication that I should stop writing?😭 But I'm still continuing for all those who did comment and hit the like tab...Hopefully comments will come around! 😭

Part 3:- The Midnight Maggi!

Armaan woke up to the sound of a tiny sob'He checked the time on his phone'It was 3.30 in the night'Switching on the bedside lamp, he found Riddhima's retreating figure out of his room'Yawning, he made his way out and stopped outside Riddhima's room'He hesitantly knocked on the door'.Only to get no reply'

"Riddhima'" Armaan softly and carefully opened the door and found Riddhima sitting on the bed, with her face buried in her folded knees and hands hugging them'Armaan shocked at first, made his way towards her bed and sat down in front of her'

"Riddhima'" He gently patted my shoulder..

I looked up..My eyes swollen red'As I saw the concerned look on Armaan's face, I let a tiny sob escape me'.Armaan shocked beyond belief to find me crying like this that too in the middle of the night, waited for me to speak'

"Sorry tumhein utha diya'" I sniffed'.

"Screw my sleep'What's up with you? Suddenly?" Armaan looked at me, worry etched on his face...

"Papa ki'y-yaad aa rahi h-hai'" I sniffed, then broke down again'

"Oh thank god'." Armaan sighed in relief'I stared at him in disbelief'

"Thank god? I'm crying and you're thanking god??" I glared at him'Armaan stifled a laugh'

"Munchkin I thought something terrible happened'Just have a look at yourself'.You would have thought someone died'" Armaan chuckled...

I remained silent'A lone tear escaped my eyes'Armaan sighed'

"Munchkin'Kya hua? Yahaan accha nahi lag raha kya?"

"No'Nothing like that'.Its just'So'.Different'."

"What's different'?"

I stared at him'

"Oh..Okay I know its very different here from India'But California isn't bad either you kno-'"

"Armaan'.Its not that! Its not about where I am'.Its just'Mummy, Papa yahaan nahi hai'."

"Munchkin you've come here for a reason'You will go back sometime'Its not like you're never gonna see them again'"

"I know that!! But they're not here right now'And I'm missing them'"

Saying this I broke down again'

Seeing her cry there like a little child, Armaan couldn't stop himself'He took her in his arms to comfort her'Riddhima sobbed her heart out and clung onto him tight'.Finally, after she had calmed down a little, she broke away from him'

"Tell you what'Let's do something that always cheers me up'[[I raised her eyebrows]]'A midnight snack!!"

"You cry like this too'?" I asked bewildered'

"No silly'When I'm angry'You think I cry? Me'ARMAAN MALLIK'Crying?"

"Right'Whatever'."

"But yeah'When I'm angry'.Or upset'.When I've lost a match or'[[grinning a little]]'Broken up with my girlfriend'.I always do this'Although after a break up, it is more like a treat than a stress buster'"

I rolled my eyes'

"C'mon'" Armaan smiled at me...

"Nahi'Its ok'I've troubled you enough already'." I smiled slightly'

"That toh you have'But no ma'am'I'm not letting you sleep now'.You woke me up'Now I'm hungry'So c'mon'"

I shook my head'I as usual knew Armaan wouldn't give in'Reluctantly at first, then smiling at the way Armaan took care of me, I walked out of the room, down the stairs, following Armaan suit into the kitchen'

I seated myself on the kitchen table'Looking at Armaan expectantly'

"Toh Ms. Gupta'What would you like to have'.?" He asked me with a grin'

"I can have anything I want?" My eyes twinkled'

"Yeah anything from Pasta to French toast'.I make amazing French toast'."

"French toast then'.." I shrugged'.

He opened the fridge'Then looked at me and made a face'

"What?" I asked curiously'

"No eggs'" He grimaced'I frowned'

"Well then I guess we should hit the bunk'This snack..Just wasn't meant to be'" I said with profuse melo-drama'

Armaan rolled his eyes'Then looked at me and asked, "You still like Maggi??"

"Maggi? Yahaan? You're kidding me'!"

"Nah I'm not'" He went over to the storage cupboard and returned with one small packet of my favorite Maggi'.

"How'd you'Where'd you'.You get Maggi in California??" I asked surprised'

"Of course silly'California ko samajh kya rakha hai tumne'? There's a desi store down the road'.You get everything from India there'.From Maggi to that usual mirch masala you guys put'." He replied scrunching my nose playfully'

"Oh'''''''''.." I grinned'

"Toh Maggi?" He asked me waving the packet in front of my face'

"Yep!" I grinned'

Doing the usual preparation, he turned to put the bowl into the microwave'

"You make Maggi in the microwave?" I asked surprised'

"Yeah'.Gas is too much of work'And trust me'This one is gonna be the tastiest Maggi you've ever come across'."

I waited till he was done making his extra-ordinary Maggi'I watched him as he carefully heaved two bowls on a tray'And walked forward towards me, bowing his head slightly'

"Here you go your highness'.Your Maggi!!" He bowed and grinned. 

"Thank you'" I replied arrogantly'

"Would you like anything to go with it?" Armaan asked me again with that polite tone'I rolled my eyes'

"No thank you!" I grinned'

"Haan bas'Enough of being polite'Now I'm gonna attack!!"

After devouring both our Maggi's, and Armaan trying to take some from mine'

"So how did you like the microwave Maggi??" He asked me with pride'

"Delicious'" I replied smacking my lips'He grinned and ruffled my hair..

He finally got up to take the bowls back to the kitchen'I went in to help him wash up'

"No way'You're my guest of honor tonight'Tum jao I'll just come'"

"But-"

"Arre Munchkin just go'.I'm used to this'.But this is the only night you're getting this special treatment'From tomorrow we're back to square one, where I annoy you and you go crying to Mumm-"

He stopped when he saw the look on my face'He carefully dodged the topic of my parents, thinking I would begin crying again'

"I don't cry ok'.And you annoying me is never gonna affect me'" I took a few splashes of water and threw it on his face'Then quickly ran out of the kitchen before he could retaliate'He chuckled and shook his head'

I went to the table and sat back down'Carefully laid my head on the table and closed my eyes'"Armaan is such a nice guy'..I will never forget the way he took care of me tonight'And his dimples'." I smiled at my stupid thoughts'.

**

"Riddhi-'" Armaan made his way out to find Riddhima asleep with her head on the table, resting on her hands'

He smiled at the way she kept scrunching her nose in her sleep'Then she smiled'Spooked at first, he realized she must be dreaming'"But about what?" Armaan thought and looked at her curiously'She still looked like the small girl he had for a best friend a few years ago'He mentally kicked himself for never bothering to keep in touch with her'It was only after he met her the day she arrived, that he realized he had missed quiet a lot'Which was weird'Since he hadn't even given a thought to her existence these past few years'.He sighed'Riddhima was complicating his mind as no one had ever done'

He looked at her'There was no chance of waking her up now'But he couldn't leave her here on the table'He remembered still that Riddhima was afraid of being alone a room especially at a time when there was pin drop silence'If she woke up again she would clearly freak out'He carefully went to her and tried to wake her up'She moaned in her sleep'But it was gesture Armaan understood..There was no chance this girl was gonna get up now'"Great'Now what?"

He chose the only option he had'His last resort'He picked her up carefully and took her upstairs'Armaan wondered if she ever ate anything besides Maggi, since she was surprisingly light'He kicked the door of her bedroom open and walked over to the bed'Then carefully placing her there he covered her with her quilt'Just as he was about to turn, he found a picture peeping out from under her pillow'It was the picture of her with a guy'He had his arm around her'

Somehow a new feeling took over him'He felt like pulling this guy out and throttling him right there'This pang of jealousy soon passed as he heard Riddhima stir'He quickly put the picture on her bedside table and walked back into his own room'

He sighed as he hit the bunk..It was 4.25 am'Although he was tired like hell, he couldn't get Riddhima out of his mind'And above all, that guy'He was sure, that guy was the one Riddhima was talking about'But she had also said he was jerk'Then why was she hiding his picture under her pillow'For another hour, he twisted and turned in his bed'Then groaning in frustration, he decided to have a little jog'And probably a small game of basketball with the guys living on the street'

***************

What is that sudden bright weight on my eyes....Stirring a little, I opened my eyes slightly...The direct rays of the sun hit my eyes and I shut them tight again...Thinking about how in the world was the sun shining so brightly in mid-November, that too in California, I sat up...Yawning and rubbing my eyes, last night's events flooded my mind...But when did I come back upstairs....

It was still 6 in the morning....No one would be up for another hour or two, that too on a weekend....Knowing full well, that I wouldn't get any sleep now, I got up and did what I normally did on days like these, back home...I decided to go for a jog....For safety purposes I left a note on the fridge, informing Aunty of my where-abouts and promising I wouldn't go away too far...

As I looked out, I saw a couple of boys playing hoops, a few blocks away...Putting on my music player and the volume on full blast, I took off....Nervous at first that the piercing gaze of the passers-by, I soon forgot them and jogged on....

I didn't realise when I crossed those bunch of boys and came to a halt to catch my breath...As I stopped I felt the ball hit my head...I turned around in anticipation, not wanting to make my presence known in case I landed in trouble...To my relief, I saw Armaan staring at me, his face expressionless...

"You!" I glared at him...His stupid aim at my head became clear to me...

"Armaan man...She knows you...How come we don't know her..." A friend of his looked at me as he heard the tone of recognition in my voice...

Armaan muttered something...Whatever he said, his friends must have understood...I rolled my eyes..."Boys!"

"What're you doing up so early?" Armaan approached me as the others continued to play behind...

"I dunno...Just woke up...Fancied a jog...What're you doing here...?"

"I always come here Riddhima...."

"Oh....What did you tell your pals about me?"

"What 'bout you?"

"When they asked how I know you...What did you say?"

"Nothing........."

His voice trailed off and he began staring into the distance...I tilted my head...Was it my imagination or was Armaan behaving too weird for words? And had he just denied knowing me in front of his friends?

"You said nothing?"

"Yep...."

"So in short you told them you didn't know me..."

"Can I go back and play please?"

There was something cold in his voice...But I understood his answer anyway

"And why would you do that?"

"Riddhima really I wanna play....Can you hold your interrogation sessions later...."

"I didn't come up here to suck your brains out anyway....I'm going back home...What is with you today anyway...That too early in the morning?" I asked incredulously...

His silence annoyed me even more...He just turned his back and walked off....I hadn't even registered his dismissal yet and he had begun playing again...

Completely shaken by his behaviour I made my way back home....He wasn't the same guy he was the previous night...He had been so caring...Why was he behaving so distant all of a sudden...And why would he deny knowing her?

I got back home....The silence told me that everyone was still asleep...I walked back up to my room...I sat down on my bed....Everything was going the way as I had planned it...Everything was perfect....No...It wasn't...Armaan's sudden coldness had snapped me out of that illusion....I pulled out a picture from under my pillow....A single tear rolled down my cheek...

I heard the front door open and close back again downstairs....I rushed to my washroom before Armaan could catch me again....His sudden indifference was really annoying me...But why? I know why...You don't expect someone to treat you like royalty one moment and topple you to the ground just the next...There is some reason he's behaving this way....

After getting ready, I made my way downstairs...Thankfully this time everyone, was awake...

"Hello beta...Mujhe laga tum abhi bhi bahar hi ho...." Aunty greeted me with a warm smile as I perched myself in a chair next to Rhea...Armaan avoided my gaze...

She held out the note I had left on the fridge....

I looked at Armaan....He could have told Aunty I'm back...His gaze was fixed on the ceiling...I shook my head...

"And Rhea maine kitni baar kaha hai raat ko agar bhook lage toh its fine...But don't mess up my kitchen...!"

"I didn't do anything!" Rhea exclaimed....

I looked at Armaan...I'm sure he saw the hurt in my eyes from his behaviour an hour ago...

"Wo umm actually Aunty...I'm responsible for that mess...Wo kal..."

"Mujhe bhook lag rahi thi...Toh I made some Maggi..I asked Riddhima for company cause she was awake....Sorry Mum!"

I looked at Armaan....Why would he cover up for me in such a trivial issue...

After breakfast, in an attempt to break the ice, I walked into Armaan's room....

"Umm...Are you ready?"

"Yeah..." He said while tying his shoelaces...

We were supposed to get our accommodation details that day from the Uni...

"Umm....Armaan...I just wanted to say thanks for last night...You cheered me up a lot...Thanks Peanuts..." I looked at him hopefully...Maybe this was just a passing mood and my words would just bring those dimples back...

After getting nothing except silence, as if he hadn't heard me, I sighed and turned back to leave....

"Ummm Riddhima...."

I stopped....I turned around to see him looking down at the floor...

"I'm sorry...I know I've been behaving really weird..."

"Weird..." I nodded my head in agreement..."May I ask why...?" I asked carefully, not wanting to ruin this change in his tone...

"Just a passing mood...." His gaze still didn't avert from the floor...

"Well next time...Just make sure that I'm not the object of the disposal of your so-called 'passing moods'....I have better things to deal with...In case you've forgotten...." I glared at him...Fresh tears pricked my eyes, but I didn't let them fall...But they didn't go unnoticed by Armaan...

"I'm sorry Munchkin...I know you've got many things on your mind and I really wasn't helping was I?"

I shook my head and glared...

"What do I do to make it up to you? Not more Maggi I presume?" He asked with a wicked grin...His eyes twinkled...

"It'll take a lot more than all the Maggi in the world put together to make up for your stupid behaviour...!"

"And the melodrama begins!" Armaan sighed....I picked up a pillow from his bed and hit him hard with it...

"Melodrama? You refuse to know me, in front of your stupid moronic pals...And you say I'm melodramatic? What was your behaviour in the morning supposed to be then..."

"You actually think I didn't tell my friends who you were Munchkin...You jumped to the conclusion...I didn't say anything like that!"

I made an impatient noise and turned to leave....

"Oi...Wait up..You don't intend to go to King's on foot right...?"

Armaan chuckled as I slammed the door behind me...

Armaan sighed...He knew he wasn't doing Riddhima any justice...She hadn't deserved his cool behaviour...But after he'd seen that picture under her pillow last night, he couldn't bring himself to accept the fact that another guy could be important in her life...And this new feeling was really overwhelming, because it was obvious she would have many like him in her life...9 years wasn't a very short period...And obviously, such things were never hit you when you were best friends while you were 9 years old...Riddhima was no longer that shy, timid girl he'd known...She was bound to have changed....The 9 year-old Riddhima and the 18-year-old one had to be worlds apart...

And plus they didn't even know anything about each other...Armaan had had many girlfriends himself...His perfect cool-dude image and his admirable brilliance in almost everything he did had made him very popular...But the fact remained...He still couldn't bring himself to imagine Riddhima with some other guy....!

"Uhhhhh!!!" Armaan clutched his hair in frustration...Riddhima was arousing feelings which he had never felt for anyone before!

*******

"Can you at least reply back in gestures if you don't want to talk to me?" Armaan asked completely annoyed....

I had refused to talk to him ever since our encounter at home...

My small grunt made it clear that I was still pretty mad at him...Armaan sighed...

"You mind if I put the radio on?"

Again, I merely sniffed...

"Well I take that as a yes...!" Armaan replied back angrily....

The loud heavy metal opening of the song caught me off-guard...Armaan smirked at my disapproval of the loud, harsh tones...Armaan could see Riddhima's annoyed expressions from the corner of his eye...

I moved forward and began flipping the channels...To Armaan's dismay, I found a Hindi-song playing...With a triumphant grin, I sat back...

"What'd you do that for?" Armaan asked her disgruntled...

He changed the channel back to where the heavy metal song was playing....Annoyed I flipped it back to my choice of channels....The radio-war went on for quite some time until Armaan finally gave up, to pay more attention to those who were crossing the streets, after having almost knocked one of them who happened to be an old lady...Her rude hand gesture put me into fits of laughter....Armaan glared at me...I smirked...

"Well its atleast good to see you smiling again...Thought I wouldn't be able to see that for the rest of my life..."

I punched him playfully...

"I'm sorry about my behaviour Munchkin...Forgive me now will you...I hate getting silent treatment..." He pouted like a small child...

"Okay, okay....But next time if you remove you 'passing moods' on me...Watch out!" I warned him and he laughed...

"Waise...Ek baat puchun?"

"Hmmm..." He replied back...

"Why'd you lie to Aunty back there...About the whole Maggi thing?"

"For one thing...I didn't...I was pretty hungry, and I needed company...And for another...Did you really want to tell Mum that you were crying because you were missing you darling boyfriend?"

I looked at him shocked...

"Missing who again?"

"Your boyfriend...Pretty good-looking by the way..."

I shook my head incredulously...

"How'd you...Where'd you...When...."

"Well the answer to them is last night, when I carried you and tucked you back in bed, I found his picture sticking out from under your pillow..."

Something in his voice wasn't right...Why did he sound so......Upset?

"And what business did you have poking around my personal life?" I said as I began to feel my own temper rise at his nonchalant behaviour...

"Why? You girls keep other stuff stuffed under your pillow too?" He snapped back...

It took me time to realise what he meant by 'other stuff'....However late, it still didn't fail to prick my temper even more...

"Armaan!"

"Save it....We're here..." He stopped the car with a hard jerk...Before I could retort, he jumped out of the car and waited impatiently for me to come out as well, so he could lock the car...

As soon as he was done, he turned and walked off towards the main gate...I stared after him in shock...Whatever was wrong with him today?

***********************

"I'm up in room no. 85...And I've got two roomies...Cool..." I muttered under my breath as I held the paper of my accommodation details in my hand....I could move in into the Uni Quarters in another 2-3 days or when the Semester began...This was one thing I had honestly looked forward to ever since I came here...Living on my own, an independant life...I could mess up my room, cook my own food, do what I want when I want....Yeah, this ought to be something I would enjoy...

"You done?"

I heard Armaan looking at me expectantly...

"Yeah...You got your details?"

"Umm yeah....So we should get going...."

"Hmm...."

As I got into the car, I noticed he still looked a little grumpy...And for the first time ever in my life, I was clueless as to how to handle this 18 year old freak who was behaving like a 5 year old pain who was refused his daily dose of chocolate...!

"Is there any point in asking you why you're so pissed off today?"

"No..." His gaze didn't waver from the road...I sighed...

"Umm....You've got any room-mates with you?"

"Yeah...2 of my pals..."

"You've got 2 of your friends as room-mates?"

"Yeah...We had a kind of influence...."

"Wow......" I sighed...Obviously my vague attempt at making light conversation had failed miserably....

"It's half past 2...I'm hungry..." I mumbled unsure of how Armaan would react...And I was right...

"Tumhein ghadi dekh kar bhook lagti hai kya?" Armaan snapped back...

"Nahi...I just wanted to ask how much time will it take to reach home..." I said in a low voice...I saw something like a smile cross his face at my scared reply...But he didn't say anything after that...I sighed again and looked out of the window...I biting my tongue to stop myself from snapping back at him...

"Umm....Where do u wanna eat?"

"Huh?" I looked at him startled...

"I asked where do u wanna eat?"

"Eat? Aren't we going home?"I frowned....

"Home is still another hour and half or so away...Unless u wanna starve, we're going to have to have lunch out today..." He said exasperatedly...

I grimaced....I wouldn't normally mind having lunch with Armaan...In fact I would love to....But his sudden mood swings were kind of giving me a whip-lash...

"On one condition though...?"

"Condition? Oi hello...I'm taking you out to lunch because you're hungry...You can't put me through terms and conditions...."

"Fine...If I starve and die, then you'll have to bear this guilt stuck to your conscience for life!" I retorted....Emotional blackmail...Always worked...

"Fine...What do you want me to do...?" Armaan rolled his eyes and answered...

"Tell me what the hell is wrong with you!"

"Nothing....I swear...Just a headache..."

"Just a headache...I don't think so...Please stop kidding me Mallik...Something's wrong with you...Out with it..."

"Its nothing Munchkin..."

"I'm getting scared of your stupid outbursts...."

"You're scared of me?" Armaan scoffed...

"Well what do you expect human tarantula...Have you seen the way you've been behaving this entire day?" I shook my head...

"I'm sorry...I...I'm sorry ok? It's just a pas-"

"Passing mood...And you said sorry....So in another 10 minutes I can expect you to snap at me again right?"

Armaan smiled...."No...I won't....I promise I won't...."

"No tell me...How long can you go without snapping at me?" I asked sceptically...

"I promise I won't snap at you ok?"

"No more passing moods and rude jibes?"

"I didn't [[I glared at him]]....Fine..No more passing moods..."

I gave him a half smile...

"And you won't let go off those dimples either?"

"What? Riddhima...!" Armaan chuckled...

"What? You know I really get scared when I see those dimples vanish...I get the feeling that someone died...!"

"You're unbelievable...!"

"I know...." I replied back in a sing song way...I finally relaxed..I could finally see a glimpse of the normal Armaan...

"Now can we go eat? I'm starving..."

"Ghadi dekh ke bhook lagti hai?" I joked...

"Nah....McDonald's dekh ke..." He chuckled...

We got off the car and marched towards the restaurant...

*****

"Your McGrill with extra mayonnaise and large French fries and Coke to go with it...." Armaan bowed and kept the tray full of junk on the table...

"Thank you..." I replied back, looking at the food greedily...

I smiled as I took the first bite...

"Junky..." Armaan smirked at me...

"Like being one and loving it...." I replied back with pride...

"So....Missy...Tell me...Who's that mysterious boyfriend of yours??" Armaan asked casually...

"Not again...Why are you so keen to know....?" I rolled my eyes...

"Riddhima what am I to you exactly?"

"Matlab?" I asked confused...

"Matlab what would you term our relationship as?"

"I dunno...As friends obviously...Best friends..." I added uncertainly...

"Exactly....We've been non-existent in each other's lives for almost a decade now...And we still call each other best friends...Weird?"

"Armaan...You are my best friend....So what if we don't know about certain things in our lives...But you certainly do know me much more than many people...I dunno how...But we do seem to have the same bond we shared 9 years ago..."

"I know that Munchkin...Sorry I was just trying to get to know what my best friend's life was like these past years...."

We sat in silence...I sort of understood why Armaan was behaving so distant and snappy with me...I smiled....

"His name was Aakash..."

Armaan looked at me in surprise...But I could see he was happy that I confided in him..

"So he's the same jerk you were talking about..."

"Yup....The same..."

"Even a bigger jerk than me?"

"Even a bigger jerk than you, yes..." I laughed and nodded...

"Why...What did the 'jerk' do?" He took another bite of his burger...

"He was cheating on me...Two-timing....With my best friend..."

"I'm not gay as far as I know..." Armaan replied and frowned...

"Not you moron....Aditi....My ex-best friend...."

"You've got weird pals....!"

"Did I know that my best friend and boyfriend would be two timing jerks?"

"Yeah...But you could make better selections...It should be easy for a girl like you..."

"Girl like me matlab?"

"Matlab you are pretty hot...." Armaan shrugged...

I blushed at his comment...I slowly gulped down the coke I was sipping...

"God you girls have to blush with even the tiniest piece of appreciation...."

"Haha...And don't call me hot again..."

"Why? I thought girls like being complimented...." He asked shocked...

"I would call being called pretty or beautiful a compliment...Not hot..."

"You know what...You girls should make a rule book...500 ways of complimenting a girl...Be a bestseller I swear!"

"And who would fund it? You?" I asked sarcastically....

"I can bet the entire male population would fund a book which helps them save their neck!"

I rolled my eyes...

"Hmm so go on...Why would you want to sleep while hugging the picture of a two-timing jerk..."

"Just because he's a jerk, doesn't mean that puts an end to what I used to feel about him...He was my best friend too you know..."

"Do you call everyone your best friend? And a person who so easily stabbed you in the back...I really don't think he deserves to be your best pal...Same goes for the chick....BTW...Was she hot?" He added with a twinkle in his eye...

"Shut the hell up perv...And no I don't call everyone my best friend...But yeah he was my best confidante...No doubt about that....I used to tell him everything...From every minute detail about what I did in the entire day...To my secrets...Everything..."

"So he knew EVERYTHING you did in a day?" He asked and smirked...

"Can you stop being a stupid pervert for at least a while...A moment of your perverted life...! You're so sick..."

"That's me..." Armaan shrugged...

I gritted my teeth...Then looking at his goofy smile I burst out laughing...

"I dunno why how I put up with you...I've got better patience than I thought!"

As we got up from the table, I felt the heel of my long boots break and I toppled...Groaning I sat back down and removed the boots...

"Why do you wear such things? To get on my nerves..."

I pretended to throw the boot at his face...

Armaan sighed...He couldn't understand girls...Wearing heels and then walking like an idiot only to make a complete fool of yourself...Hs gaze fell on a pair of college dudes, eyeing Ridhdima's legs with sheer interest....Curling his fists into tiny balls, Armaan contained his anger and stood in the path of their vision and covered Riddhima as she moaned and groaned about having broken her favourite pair of shoes...

"Can you handle this in the car?" Armaan snapped...

"Ugh...The human tarantula is back with a bang I see...." I retorted while putting my shoes back on...

"As I got up, he turned away...My eyes fell on two college freaks who were giving me nasty stares and one of them winked at me...Startled I ran behind Armaan, although my boots weren't helping...

"I'm sorry..." I said with a sheepish grin as I seated myself in the car...I realised why Armaan looked so red in the face...

"Just try avoiding getting attention to your legs in such places....Its not India..."

"If it would have been India, then the dudes would have come down to me to flirt..." I scoffed...He glared at me...

"Sorry..." I mumbled...

Armaan shook his head..."Do you like getting such attention? You had such a problem with me calling you hot...But you don't mind people looking at you with nasty hot intentions?"

"Armaan....If I let such things bother me, then I'll have to start punching every third guy I meet down the street..." Armaan shook his head in disbelief...

"And besides...I don't have any control over their dirty eyes and minds...But I do have some control over yours right...And just as far as you don't look at me that way...I guess I'll be ok...Cause then there is someone who'll be my knight in shining armour in case some goon tried picking on me!"

Armaan looked and me and smiled..."Don't be so sure of that..." He mumbled quietly...I chuckled...

As we drove towards home, I smiled....I loved the way Armaan had protected me that way...Aakash would probably have joined those morons...And made snide remarks...It was only after I broke with him that I realised there were so many things that made him just as perfect as I thought him NOT to be....And of course meeting a guy like Armaan greatly affected my opinion too...

Armaan's protective behaviour...His jealousy...I was loving his reactions....But what Armaan didn't know, was that the guy in the picture I hid under my pillow wasn't Aakash...The picture did help me find out some part of Armaan's feelings though...Although the misconception created in his mind was completely unintentional...Only the fact that I didn't bother correcting this mistake became a part of my master plan...

"Armaan feels the same way..." I said to myself as we pulled into the drive way....

**************************************

Here's Part 3...I hope I get at least 2 comments for this one😭...It's getting difficult for me to expect even 1...I'll just pray I get some response!🤢 Thanks to all those who hit the like tab! Means a lot! Thanks! Hope you'll like this one as well!😊