Recap: "Lekin phir bhi thank you. He said and walked away from there when Nikki called him. "Abhi she said and this time he turned around to look at her. "Happy birthday she said. Abhi looked happily surprised. "Lekin mera birthday toh kal hai. Abhi said. "12 baj chuke hai. Was Nikki's response. Abhi just smiled at her answer, something he had started doing a lot often near her and both left from there. Together.
Part 12
Riddhima and Nikki's Room
Abhi and Nikki arrived at Nikki's room, which she was was sharing with Riddhima. Both stood outside the door, not knowing what to say or do when suddenly a loud crash came from inside. Nikki and Abhi looked at each other before bursting through the door. The sight that greeted them was one to be behold. Riddhima was looking out the window at something, or someone and there was a broken vase next to her and she was absolutely oblivious to the fact that Nikki and Abhi were in the room.
"Riddhima tum yeh kay dekh rahi ho? Nikki asked moving towards the window to look down. Hearing her, Riddhima quickly moved back not allowing Nikki to look out the window.
"Kuch nahi Nikki...Woh main bas..woh hai... Riddhima stuttered and then her eyes fell on Abhi, who was still standing at the door. "Abhi tum yaha? She asked confused than turned to look at Nikki. Seeing them both uncomfortable, she understood there was some tension.
Hearing all the commotion, Anjali and Muskaan, who were in the room next door, appeared in Riddhima and Nikki's room.
"Abhi Nikki Riddhima kay hua? Anjali asked, worry cleary evident in her voice
"Ha aur woh kay aawaz thi...? Muskaan asked "Aaray when flower vase kaisa tuta. Bechara kitna aacha tha.
"Seriously Muskaan. Flower vase ko tum bechara keha rahi ho? Abhi asked shaking his head in disbelief. "Waise yeh toh mujhe bhi jaana hai ke yeh flower vase tuta toh tuta kaise? He looked at Riddhima for an answer and soon the rest followed. Riddhima burned bright red and seeing her condition Anjali understood exactly what had happened.
"Woh billi aaya hoga. Anjali answered trying her best to hide her smile but failing miserably. Nikki somewhat understood what must have happened but the other two were still confused.
"Billi? Nikki asked confused. "Aur Anji tumahe kaise pata ki billi hi hai. Aur kuch bhi toh ho sakta hai na?
"Woh kaya nahi na Muski. Anjali replied moving closer to her little sister who was now entirely red. "Riddhima ke room main aaksar billi aaya karti hai. Anji put her hand around Riddhima's shoulder. "Or ha Muski yeh koi aisa waisa billi nahi hai, bohot zayada bada billi hai or kaifi naughty hai. Saying so Anji started laughing and Nikki joined her. Riddhima blushed even more if that was possible while Abhi and Muskaan were even more confused.
"Anji tum yeh kay bol rahi ho? Muskaan asked. "Actually mijhe janna hi nahi hai. Bohot raat ho chuki hai aur mujhe sona hai so Goodnight. Saying so she left.
"Arre Muski wait main bhi chalti hoon. Anji left but stopped and turned around when she got to the door. "Riddhima make sure ki tumahara woh billi kuch aur cheez na tore. Woh kay hai na, yeh Dr. Shashank ka ghar nahi hai balki ek orphanage hai, so just be careful. Saying so Anjali left.
"Riddhima Nikki said deciding it's her turn to tease her. "Kaya yeh billi aaksar window se tumahare room main aati hai kaya? Nikki asked
"Nikki yar di abhi abhi gayi hai tum please suru mat ho jana. Riddhima pleaded than turned towards Abhi. "or waise bhi tumahane abhi tak mere question ka answer nahi diya hai. Abhi pretended to be confused at this. "Oh please Abhi yeh na pretend ka shock aapne paas rakno aur batao tum yaha kaya kar rahe ho. Riddhima asked pretending to be angry though in reality she was trying to get the attention away from herself. "Nikki kaya yeh tuhamara personal billi hai kay? Riddhima asked not wanting to miss the opportunity to pull her leg. Nikki turned red hearing this.
"Riddhima aisa kuch bhi nahi hai and you know it. Nikki said than looked towards Abhi. "Aur waise bhi Abhi was about to leave jab humahe yeh vase tuthne ki aawaz aayi so in a way Abhi ka yaha hone tumahanre us billi ka fault hai.
"Tum dono na aapne us billi ke bare main baat karte raho. Isse pehale ke main pagal ho jahu, main yaha se chale jata hoon. Abhi said and left the room, but not before he looked at Nikki one last time, and that glance held so much emotion that Nikki stumbled back a little. Riddhima also noticed this but did not say anything as she could see the pain in both their eyes. She could only hope and pray whatever it is that was hurting her friends would not be present for much longer. Despite all of Abhi's comments and harshness, Riddhima had be able to see the pain hidden somewhere deep.
"Riddhima hume so jana chahiye. Nikki said and both the girls went to bed but neither could sleep. Nikki's mind was plagued by the thought of Abhi and everytime she closed her eyes, she saw his broken hearted face and eyes that that held the longing to be loved. Riddhima on the other hand was thinking about, of course Armaan. She could not seem to function without him. Slowly both shifted into the land of dreams.
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The next morning
Riddhima and Nikki were woken by kids laughter. "Good Morning Nikki. Riddhima greeted her and Nikki smiled back at her friend. "Yeh awaaz kaise hai? Nikki asked, still not fully awake.
"Har subha khala baacho ko yoga karvate hai or woh bhi yeh bohot enjoy karte hai. Riddhima responded and anyone with an eye could see how much she loved these kids.
"Tum in baccho ke bohot close ho na? Nikki asked, while Riddhima nodded. "Woh log hai hi itni pyaari. Riddhima responded. "Chalo fresh ho jate hai, phir main tumahe baccho se aur khala se bhi milate hoon. The girls left to get ready.
The Lounge
Nasser and Armaan made their way into the lounge where the rest of the boys were already present. They were all laughing and having a good time but stopped when they saw Armaan and Nasser making their way towards them. "Good morning sirs. The boys greeted them. Armaan smiled and nodded towards them.
"I hope aap log hume sir nahi bula rahe hai. Naseer said after he had delivered his own pleasantries. "Woh kaya hai na hum toh aapke senior nai hai toh is liya aap hame Naseer bula shakte hai.
"Ha waise bhi Naseer ko kabhi bhi yeh formalities pasand nahi thi. A different voice said. A voice Naseer could recognized everywhere, and when he turned around, she was there looking perfect, just like he knew she would be.
"Good morning ma'am. The guys greeted her and she nodded back at them, in the same manner Armaan had. This caused Naseer to smile. They were truly alike in so many ways.
"Waise kal raat hamari introduction aache se nahi ho paya tha. Naseer started the conversation again, trying and failing to ignore the fact that Radhika was standing next to him. "Hum Naseer hai. Yeh orphanage hum or hamare aami milke sambhalte hai.
"Yeh hai Dr. Rahul, Dr. Atul, or Dr. Modi, I mean, Dr. Abhimanyu. Armaan introduced the boys. "Aur tum mujhe or Radhika ko toh jante hi ho.
"Aur hamara introduction. Nikki asked as she came into lounge followed by Riddhima, Muskaan and Anji.
"Chado ji hamara introduction hum khud de sakte hai. Muskaan chirped in her usual manner. "Main hu Muskaan. Dr. Muskaan Chadda or yeh hai Dr. Nikita Malhotra waise aap na isse Nikki bula sakte hai. Aap Ridzi or Anji ko toh pehale se hi jante hai na. Waise yeh orphanage bahut khoobsurat hai. She said all in one breath.
"Hame aap sabse milkar bohot khushi hui. Nasse said smiling at Muskaan who was trying to catch her breath. "Waise aap logo ki raat kaisa tha? Matlab aap sab rooms, wagara toh sab theek hai na.
"Ha Nasser, I hope you don't mind me calling you Nasser. Nikki said and when Nasser shook his head she continued. "Ha sab kuch theek hai tha magar raat ko hamare kamre main ek billi aa gayi thi or usne aap ka flower vase bhi tod diya. Hearing this, Armaan started to cough. Radhika understood what had happened and shook her head to herself. Yeh Armaan na kabhi bhi nahi sudhrega.'
"Maaf kijiyega magar billi? Naseer asked confused. "Hamare yaha toh koi billi nahi hai.
Radhika shook her head once again, this time at Nasser's obbvilinesses. "Nasser tum bhi na buddhu ho. She said and tilted her head slightly towards Armaan. A few seconds later, a look of understanding graced his face. He turned to look at the girl he considers his sister. "Sach main Riddhima, chahe kuch bhi ho jaya.. He than turned towards Armaan. "Kuch cheez kabhi bhi nahi badalte.
Riddhima smiled at her brother and went to give him a hug. "Aab yeh baatein chodo. Mujhe khala se milne jana hai. A glint came in her eyes.
"Aaj bhi se Riddhima. Aab toh bade ho jao. Nasser reprimanded the the smile on his face gave away his true feeling. It was impossible not to see how much he cared about Riddhima. Riddhima stuck out her tongue at him. "Armaan tum bhi jayago kaya? He asked though he already knew the answer. In answer, Armaan rubbed his hands together and smile. "Main Lonavala aayo aur khala pe prank na khelu aisa ho sakta hai. Saying so both of them left towards the garden.
"Saach main, ammi ko pareshan Armaan karte hai or daat mujhe parte hai. Nasser shook his head. "Yeh sab na ammi ka pyaar ka asar hai.
"Ha bhai, jaise aap ne Riddhima ko kam bigharaga hai. Anji said, than bit her tongue.
"Aache Anjali ki baachi. Aap ko toh na hum baad main batate hai. Aabhi toh ja ke dekhna hai aab yeh log ne kaya hangama kiya hai. Nasser said and just as he finished, lot of delightful scream and laughter floated inside.
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Garden
Armaan and Riddhima walked out towards the garden, reminiscing the memories from medical school. Some of the best memories had been made here. Walking out they saw, khala sitting in Padmasana with her eyes closed, while the kids tried their best not to laugh. One of the kids, Golu, turned around and saw the two walking towards them. He was about to say something when Armaan put his hands on his lips asking him to be quite. Golu complied.
Slowly, Armaan and Riddhima creped towards khala, and Armaan motioned Riddhima to go behind her. Riddhima, understanding Armaan's message, went behind Khala. All the kids, were looking towards the duo, wanting to know what they had planned. Riddhima slowly put her hands on top and khala's closed eyes. "Guess who? She said in a very cute voice. Khala immediately recognized the voice and laid her hands on top of Riddhima. "Mere bacchi. She said. Riddhima pouted a little and removed her hand from Khala's eyes. Khala stood up and hugged Riddhima.
"Kaya khala. Aap har baar mujhe kaise pachan jati hai? Riddhima asked and Khala put her hand on top of Riddhima's head. "Woh is liye Riddhima, kuynki... She never got to finish her sentence as Armaan came from behind her and picked her up and started twirling her. This caused all the kids to get up and start running around. Riddhima just looked at them loveling.
The rest of the interns came outside and were shocked to see Armaan carrying this older women. Nasser moved forward and stood next to Riddhima. "Armaan please hamare ammi ko chor do. He said and Armaan put her down. Immediately, Khala held his ears. "Badmaash. Khala ko heart attack dega kaya? She asked still twisting his ears. Armaan's face contorted in pain. Riddhima moved towards the duo and put her hand on khala's shoulders. "Khala please maaf kar do na.
Khala took a deep breath and let go of Armaan's ears. "Tum logo ka main kaya karu? Kab bade hoge? She asked no one in particular but Armaan answered anywars. "Aap na Khala, bus hum se pyaar karo. He said in all his cheekiness. Together, Armaan and Riddhima, bend down to get Khala's aashirwad. "Hamesha khush raho. Khala said getting a little emotional. Seeing this Nasser came there and put his arm around his mother. "Agar aap logo ka yeh milap khatam ho gaya ho toh kay please hum aandar chale. Aap logo ka toh pata nahi magar hame bohot zoor se bhook lagi hai aur khana thanda bhi ho raha hai. The three of them nodded, agreeing with Nasser. Together they moved forward, towards the interns. After another round of introduction everyone moved inside but Abhi. Nikki, who was walking a little slower turned around to see him.
"Abhi she called. "Abhi chalo, breakfast kar lete hai. She said
"Har bar mujhe lagta hai ki main unahe figure out kar liya hai aur har bar woh aisa kuch karte hai ke main hairan reh jata hoon. Abhi said lost in his own world.
"Abhi tum kiski baat kar rahe ho? Nikki asked and Abhi looked at her. "Dr. Armaan was the only answer he got before walked towards the house, leaving Nikki alone and confused.
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Later that afternoon, in the garden
Everyone had a great time at breakfast, fulling each other's legs. The seniors were more relaxed and joked around with the interns and now they were all gathered around in the garden.
"Interns aap log teen tables set karange. Armaan said. "Ek yaha, ek waha, or ek waha. He said pointing towards different direction. "Yaha ka table ka incharge main hunga or waha ka Dr. Radhika or waha ka Nasser.
"Nasser? Abhi questioned, unable to hide his curiosity.
"Ha Dr. Modi kuiki Nasser bhi ek doctor hai. Radhika said, her tone defensive. "Jaise Dr. Armaan bata rahe the, har ek table ka incharge hum honge lekin checkups aap log karange. Dr. Rahul, Dr. Muskaan or Dr. Ajali, aap log Nasser ki saath honge. Dr. Atul or Dr. Nikki aap lok Dr. Armaan ke saath honge or Dr. Abhi and Dr. Riddhima aap log mere saath. Any doubts? She asked though her voice challenged anyone to say anything. The interns shook their heads and Nasser was shocked and proud. "Well then let's get started.
Everyone got busy in work setting up, while the kids enjoyed themselves inside. Once everything was set they called the kids outside but they refused to come out. "Pehele toh aap log humse aache se bhi nahi mile or aab chate ho ki hum woh bade bade injection lagaye. Nahi bilkul nahi. Golu claimed. Armaan and Riddhima looked at each other. They knew these kids enough to know they would pull something like this so they had so prepared.
"Tooh theek hai. Tum log mat aayo. Armaan said, once again shocking the interns along with Radhika and Nasser. "Tumhare liye jo chocolates or chips laye the woh bhi tumarare Riddhima di or main kha lenga.
Not sooner had Armaan finished his sentence that the kids were outside. "Armaan bhayya aap ne hamare liya chocolates or chips liya hai? One of the girls asked. Armaan smiled at her before he kneeled down to be on the same level as her. "Of course. Hum hamare princess ke liya kuch na liya yeh ho sakta hai kaya? Armaan said and then grinned at her. "Main aap ko woh sab cheez doon aap ko mujhe kuch dena padage ga. He said turing his cheeks towards her. The girl gave him a kiss on his cheek and in return Armaan kissed his cheek. The interns looked on shocked.
"Haat yeh Dr. Armaan toh sach main perfect hai. Muskaan wishtully said and for once Rahul did not feel any jealousy at her words because he, for the first time, realized how true it was.
"Sach main. Dr. Armaan toh bacho ke sath bache hi ban gaye. Nikki commented looking towards Armaan who was playing with the kids. "Yeh na ek din bahot acche dad banange. This comment caused Riddhima and Anjali to lose their smile but no one noticed.
The day passed by in a blur. No one realized when evening had come as they were enjoying a lot with the kids. Now all the adults were seated on the grass while the kids ran arounds. It was a good way to send some time together after dinner. "Hame lagta hai hame andar chalna chahiye, bacho ka sone ka waqt bhi ho gaya hai. Nikki gasped at this comment. "On no main toh bhul hi gayi. She said then turned to face everyone. "Aap log kahin mat jana, main abhi aayi. saying so she left calling the kids to follow her inside.
"Aab iske maan main kaya chal raha hai? Muskaan wondered out loud. Everyone shrugged. No one had a clue as to what was going on.
A few minutes later Nikki appeared with Khala next to her and the kids jumping excitedly behind her. She seemed to have something on her hand. Looking closer everyone realized it was a birthday cake, but this did little to aid their confusion. Abhi on the other hand had tears in his eyes. For the first time in his life, someone had actually cared that it was his birthday. Nikki came forward and put the cake in front of Abhi than she motioned for the kids to start singing.
"Happy Birthday Abhi. Nikki said and Abhi could not hold back the tears that rolled down his cheeks. He opened his mouth to express his gratitude but no words came out. A simple thank you seemed too little for a gesture this big. But truth be told, he did not need to say anything, Nikki understood as his eyes gave away all his emotions. One by one all the interns came forwards and wished him, followed by Nasser, Radhika and Armaan. After that, everyone had a great time, enjoying themself; Muskaan and Rahul, as usual were arguing about something, Abhi was watching Nikki with with kids, Atul was pestering Anjali and Nasser was involved in a conversation with Radhika. Looking around Abhi realized, this birthday, his 27th birthday was was first one he ever enjoyed because for the first time in his life he was with people that cared about and in return they cared about him. In all this, no one noticed that Armaan and Riddhima were missing.
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Terrace
Riddhima opened the door to the terrace somewhat hesitantly, looking behind her shoulder to make sure no one was following her. Satisfied that no one did indeed follow her, Riddhima stepped out to the terrace. "Armaan She called out and got no response. She went towards the corner where an old sofa was kept and looked around. "Ofho yeh Armaan she na. She said to herself. "Pehle to ishare karke yeh upar bulata hai or aab khud gayab. She huffed in annoyance when suddenly someone grabbed her from the back. The tingling sensation that seem to overtake her body let her know exactly who he was.
Armaan nuzzled his nose into Riddhima's neck, kissing her their. Riddhima froze due to this contact and her breath came out in short gasps. "I missed you so much Riddhima. He whispered in her ear before leaving a kiss there. Riddhima was slowly losing herself to him, Armaan always seem to do that after all he did love his Riddhima all red.
"Armaan kya kar rahe ho? Riddhima finally managed to ask. "Koi aa gaya toh?
"Riddhima sab bahar enjoy kar rahe hai. Yahan koi nahi aayega He said turning her around so there faces were inches away from each other. "Or waise bhi jo kaam kal rat to suru kiya tha usse khantam to karna hai.
Hearing Kal raat' Riddhima pushed herself away from Armaan's grasp. Armaan, who had not expected her to act like this, looked at her surprised.
"Armaan kal raat woh kya tha? Riddhima asked pouting making Armaan want to kiss those lips. She just looked so goddamn cute when she pouted like that. "Tumhe kitni baar kaha hai ki mere window se aana bad karo, magar nahi tum toh spiderman ho na. Or upar se woh flower vase bhi tod thi. Sach main had hai Armaan.
Now it was Armaan's turn to pout. "Riddhima this is so not fair. Tum mujhse aaj puhare din nahi mili ho aur aan jab mili ho toh kal ke bare main complain kar rahe ho. Saying so Armaan walked towards the sofa and sat down. His hands crossed his lips in a perfect pout. He looked like a little kid who was told they could not have chocolate. Riddhima sighed and sat down next to him. She put her head on his shoulder and he automatically put his arm around her waist pulling her closer. This cause both of them to smile. "I'm sorry. Riddhima said. "Main aab pakka kal raat ke bare main kuch nahi kahungi. And just like that everything was again okay. The two of them sat there for god knows how long, talking and sometime bickering about everything and anything. Neither of them realized when they fell asleep in the embrace of each other's love.
A/N
Hey guys I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I know it does not have a lot of AR moments in it but I wanted to explore everyones relation a bit more. Next chapter though I promise a bit more of AR!!!! As always do not forget to comment and let me know waht you guys thought.
Love,
Meehek
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