~ Part1~
Closing his eyes he took in the salty air… 2 years of hard work he so need the break and Goa was where he spent most of his childhood on his hols… He had not surfed since his teenager days and as he walked down the beach looking at the stars and moon lit sky … his favourite memories with his parents came flooding back..as the mischief smile dance on his lips he heard the music coming down the beach near his hotel… as he walked toward it he saw hotel members all swaying to the music. As he walked into the crowd the music engulf him as people danced…
He stopped midway as the waiter offered him a drink..
"What's this party in aid of?"
"Sir is a anniversary celebration for a Mumbai radio station…hotel members are all invited!" Picking up the champagne drink in his hand, he walked over to the swimming pool over looking the ocean and looked at the breath taking view…
Hearing the applause and screams of the group he turned around and saw the crowd dancing.. Gentle nodding to the music he decided to go back to the hotel
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special, what's behind your back?
So turn around and I'll pick up the slack.
He turned to stare at the siren beauty dancing on the dance floor with the crowd she took his breath away…as his pulse raced he moved towards …she looked so engulf by the music as she danced moving her hips to the sultry beat of the music…
Dirty babe
You see the shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way
Take 'em to the chorus
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
He noticed everyone staring at her as she danced and looked at her dressed in jeans and short top…she looked so dame sexy on the dance floor…suddenly she stopped and walked over towards the bar…but was stopped halfway…
"Hey gorgeous! How about a dance?" he watched her totally ignoring the group of young guys and carried on walking..to the bar. Smiling to himself he knew she was able to handle herself and followed her to the bar just behind the group.
"Bar tender give the babe anything she wants!" She turned and looked at the group behind her.
"Water please!" the bar tender nodded and placed the bottle on the bar. Picking up the bottle she turned and looked at the 6 guys standing there not letting her pass.
"OMG!! I have been looking for you everywhere?" She looked at the tall guy smiling as he walked into the group. His hazel eyes danced full of mischief as he placed his arm around her.
"Good come on you're missing the party!" she smiled at him and nodded as they walked into the group leaving them behind.
"Thank you!" he looked at her and released her from his hold being so close to her he just wanted him all to himself.
"I guess I'm your knight in shining amour this evening" she smiled back at him as he chuckled.
"Thank you… bye!" he looked at her as she walked back into the crowd
'beep beep' frowning he looked at his paged and sighed..
"I guess something's are not meant to be!" he walked into the hotel…
Unable to sleep feeling very restless he pulled of the covers…and looked at the clock 1am… In one single moment the beautiful stranger had affected him so much he sould still smell her fragrance as it lingered within him… her kajal filled emerald eyes looking at him as he appeared before her and they way she spoke .. "thank you"
"I'm so tired Sam…" turning on the mute button she looked a Sameet as he looked up at her from his papers.
"Great show Ridz… I never knew members could have such different view points of love at first sight!" she smiled as she looked at him.
"I guess you mention love and the public love the topic..!"
"Will the phones are flashing!… and we have 23 minutes of air time left.."
"Hi guys… that was Salaam-e-ishq! Ok lets go to callers on the phone.. Line 3 we have…" he pushed the button on the console.
"Hi I'm Sanjay!." moving closure to the mike she smiled.
"Hi Sanjay… so tell me you fallen in love at first sight?…" hearing the faint chuckle of the caller her smile broaden
"There is this girl on the bus I get. Very good looking…but I have never spoken to her…as I'm shy I guess!…"
"Wow … we all go through that part! See everyone's a little shy and tongue tied with the opposite sex.. That all natural… So tell me which bus do you take?"
"Im not telling you that Dr..as she might be listening…OMG I'm so embarrassed now!"
"OMG don't be embarrassed … she might be listening and you can confess that u like her…"
"I guess!"
"Ok thanks for calling!"
"Dr?"
"yeah!"
"can I request a song for the girl on the bus to college!…Tere bin!"
"I see if I can get it on Sanjay.. After I speak to the other callers…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What about you?" Riddhima looked at Sapna in the shared apartment they lived in
"I guess I believe in Love but at fight sight?… hmm not sure"
"Awee come on this Knight in the photos with his arm around you looks dreamy" Riddhima shook her head…
"He's ok I guess!… I hitting the bed!… I have a photo shoot in the afternoon.. As Nana want to launch the show.. And wants ppl to see me in the ad.."
Sapna watched her leave the room smiling.. "Dr Armaan and Ridz look good together!" she placed the pic on the table and smiled… The long night shift at the hospital had drained her too…and the pics from the party where given to her from Sam.
"I tell her in the morning ..about Armaan.." she yawned..
Smiling she closed her eyes picturing him in his which jacket and jeans…he seem nice but so was Vivaan to begin with and it all went wrong…He was so obsessive and the relationship total drained her.. If it was not for Sapna and Nana help she would not have got him out of her life.. Moving to Mumbai she was not going to get involved with any man… "Right now I need to get myself sorted!"… All her life she had struggled left in an orphanage it was hard not having an identity.. Not know where you are from??.. Who you look like?? and why you where rejected? The only thing sister Mary at the orphanage told her was that her mother had past way while giving birth to her and a man dropped her off at the orphanage…He told them that his sister died and he was single not married and can not support the child and her father had refused his siter and his child.. Leaving the convent that was all she was told. In college Sapna and her family where good to her and helped her though out everything including her fees.. They were the only family she had know and with studies over and Vivaan just wanting to sleep with her for a bet …she moved to Mumbai with the family… but for how long was she goin to be a burden on Sapna and her family??… Now she need to pay them back for everything and make it on her own…. Nana approached her with a 2 year radio contact deal as he want a professional psychologist on the team who could help people and now he was going to run a campaign advertising her show.. He was funny but always wise…and she respected him loads. Now tomorrow was going to be her time..to pay back everyone who supported her in her life…
~~Part 2~~
"Hi Dr Ridhima my name is Guppo!" pushing up the bar on the console to hear the callers voice Ridhima smiled.
"Hi Guppo! Isn't past your bedtime?" she looked at the clock and it was 11pm.
"I'm home alone and I wanted to talk to you… your ad did say you are there to talk?" there was something in his voice and she just could not pinpoint what it was..
"That's is right what do you want to talk about?" hearing the line go very silent she looked over at Sumit very concerned.
"My sister has cancer and ….I don't know what to do?" his voice quivered and she looked blankly at Sumit and then back at the flashing console.
"I am very sorry to hear this Guppo…but you know with modern science so advance we can cure it!" the line went dead again.
"My mother cries every night she comes from the hospital and papa is working day and night to pay the bills.. I have been watching them break apart for six months know and I…" hearing him crying her heart went out for him.
"Guppo? Guppo? Come on you are a strong boy and have to keep up the spirit ..what is your sisters name?" hear him whip his tears and sniff on the phone she listen to the silence.
"Minnie.. She is younger then me! And never moans about the large injections she has to take… she lost her hair and looks so weak yet she does not stop smiling…" feeling her own eyes weld up she look over at Sumit as she scribbled on the note pad… reading the writing he nodded and let the room.
"Guppo you have all the dua from me and my listeners and have to promise me to stay strong… I want you to hold the line while a play a song .. Ok sweetie…" she quickly hit the song button …as she saw Sumit bang on the glass window with his thumb in the air…as she watched him sit down.
"Guppo I want to come and see you and you're family… we here at Mumbai radio want to help you and Minnie..Are you there?"
"Yes doctor"
"Good boy I'm going to put you to Sumit as I'm going to wrap up the show I will come to see you tomorrow at home.. Ok!" hitting the button she looked at the time with 25 minutes to go she knew what she need to do but wanted Nana to back her…
"Great Ridhima just great!! A human interest story and we be seen as a caring radio station.. See people why cant you be as bright as the doc.." she looked at him staring at the presenters in the room.
"Just one problem …I told them we will help them financially…" she stared at him as he went quiet…
"Appeal!! Minnie Appeal!" she looked at him as he jumped of his chair as he shouted as his a light had just gone off….
"Fine we pay for the best hospital in Mumbai ..and get donation.. Ridhima you are in charge… Sumit run the appeal every hour on the station.. By the way I want a contract drawn up with the parents first.. If anything is to happen we are not liable and legally bound.." they all looked at him leaving the office..
"Set it all up! I want everything done and paper work signed but this evening.. Tomorrow we start Minnie Appeal!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hi Sapna… thanks for this?" Sapna stared at her as they walked down the corridor.
"This is Mr and Mrs Verma!" Sapna looked at the two parents looking very scared.
"Please don't worry Dr Joshi is a very experience doctor…"
Atul looked at Armaan in his office.. As he looked nervous..
"Armaan these media people.. You have experience with.." Armaan chuckled looking at Atul as he held his coffee.
"Yaar main hoon na.. no tension!" hearing the knock on the door they turned to see them enter to the room.. It was her? His eyes looked at her as she conducted herself and made the patients parents feel relaxed..
"Dr Armaan!" Sapna smiled noticing his eyes just on Ridhima as she turned to look at him.
"Hi!" She looked at him staring at her and then back at Sapna confused.
"Dr Armaan.. Say hello!" Atul nudged him slight.
"Hi!" smiling he looked at everyone in the room and found Sapna giggling as she turned to leave the room.
Through out the whole meeting she found herself feeling very uncomfortable as he stared at her …as she they stood up to leave she looked at him angrily as she left the room.
"Atul I am in love!" Atul looked at him stunned as he cupped his hand on the desk and stared at the door.
"So what you think of Dr Armaan?" she looked over at her as she frowned.
"Just another guy I guess… any way I have no time for such things I will be busy with this project!" Sapna looked at her… Armaan had totally begged her to hook them up again and this would do Ridhima some good this anti guy thing she had at time was way to serious..
"Amit throwing a get together at his flat on the weekend ..I said we would come!" ridhima looked at her and studied her..
"We?" Sapna looked at her casually and got up from the sofa.
"Look first off this sneaking around with Amit is not good you should tell momma and papa… and second why do I have to tag along in this romance thing?!"
"Come on I cant leave the house if momma and papa knew.. And I am waiting for him to pop the question.." she looked at Ridhima giggling
"Pop the question? He will never do it.. 2 years relationship he given you every present except the diamond ring.. He to scared of his folks.." sapna looked at her angrily and pouted her lips. Ridhima looked at her as she shook her head men want one thing after that it was good bey… keep them at arms length and that's it.
~~~Part 3~~~
Hearing the music blasting as they approached the beach house apartment Ridhima looked at Sapna as she opened up her compact mirror for the second time…
"You look fine!…I don't get it you see him all the time and he knows what you look like?" Sapna looked at her and handed her the sliver compact mirror.
"here have a look! Yourself as you might meet the man of your dreams" looking at Sapna giggling she narrowed her eyes at her .
"Please tell me you have not set me up tonight with some cheese friend of his?" letting out a deep sigh she looked at her annoyed.
"Gosh Ridz enjoy yourself for once let down your hair and forget the past and live it up!"
"Look Sapna don't talk to me about my past OK! I seriously don't want to be here but I have only come for you and nothing else… there no such thing as a knight in shining amour or prince charming… once these guys screw you over you are thrown away like yesterdays news…"
"Dame it! Ridhima what happen to you mother will not happen to you.. heck you are so scared letting anyone come near you… look I'm not asking you to get involved just to have some fun.. and not stand as a piece of furniture and not wishing to be out of the room… Amit is celebrating a contract win and I want to be part of his happiness and not worry about you there…" Ridhima looked at Sapna march off and enter the apartment.. some times Sapna was so self centre it easy for her to wear her heart on her sleeve for me who has nothing but myself I will not be taken in for a mug…
Sapna looked around the room filled with Amits close friends and looked to see Ridhima 'why does she think she will end up like her mother? For years I have been telling her to let the baggage go but she just does not? DAME IT I was too hard on her!' as she moved towards the balcony knowing that was where she was going to be she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Sapna?" she stare at him smiling where a black suit and a red shirt Dr Armaan was know as a cavalier maybe he can help Ridhima in more ways then one…
"So tell me where is my princess?" she looked at him as his eyes searched the room…
"Hmm don't tell me… my fair lady is at the balcony awaiting her prince…." She looked at him heading towards the large French doors and closed her eyes..
"Please Lord! Give her one relationship where someone will give her nothing but love!" Sapna felt an arm around her and opened her eyes to see Amit.. smiling his broad smile looking down at her…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hearing the laughter and the music she looked at the sea as it washed over the beach.. the smell of sea air and the full moon above staring down at her.
"Hi I thought you might want a drink!" she turned to see him and looked at him puzzled as he stretched out his arm to hand her a drink..
"I'm on call so no alcohol for me either.. just a soft drink.." he looked at her looking at her confused and chuckled.
"Dr Armaan Malki we met at the hospital!" he looked at her nodding her head and turning back to the night sky…
"Must say the night is especially beautiful tonight .." she looked at him now standing close to her and she turned to look at him place the glass to his lips.
"So tell me why are you out here and not in there with your friend? She looked worried about you?" he turned to look at her.. in the moon light she was more stunning and the smell of dior was captivating his senses…
"OMG listen Dr Armaan… that is none of your business and if she was that concern she would have be here 2 hours ago and not with Amit!" hearing him laugh out loud she looked at him angrily.
"Seems like someone is jealous and not getting any attention!" hearing her puff he smiled… and turned to face her
"She happy as Amit asked her to marry him and she said yes! I guess she upset at you for not congratulating her!" he looked at her as she looked stunned.
"What's the matter? You looked every surprised?"
"He's seeing her for 2 years and now he pops the questions?"
"Actually Amit's parents want him to marry someone else when he told them about Sapna…he wanted to start his own business be successful and then marry her as he wanted her to be proud of him…I know may people think he's a dreamer and a waste of time… but the guys had it rough.. and he not told Sapna about his parents as he scared she will leave him.. hence he was waiting for this contract win…" she looked at him stunned
"Sapna knows nothing only that she loves him and will wait until the ends of the earth for him.. she lives with her heart.."
"You know a lot?"
"I would hope so as Amit is my cousin… and Sapna will by the end of the year be my bhabhi.." she looked at the handsome guy as he approached the doors..
"You going to swallow that pride and coming to congratulate them.. as Sapna parents now about tonight as Amit and I have gotten there blessing!" as he stood not looking back at her he heard her step closer to her and enter the party…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sapna smiled as she looked at Ridhima talking to the group of people
"Thanks Armaan!" she looked at him as he stared at Ridhima..
"She is hard work and does not give me the time of day!" she looked up at him stunned
"Armaan she is an orphan and it's been rough! very hard and she has lost respect for men as they have always used her in some ways…she only listens to papa and Nana ji.. and look! I know your reputation with the woman… and if you ever hurt her…"
"Relax! I need you on side for when I marry her!" she looked at him smile and walk over towards her.
"May I have this dance?" she looked into his eyes as he held out his hand.. there was something about him and he was interesting as she took hold of his hand she felt his hand on her waist…
Looking into her green emerald eyes he let out a gentle sigh…and smiled
"So I was think about tomorrow evening… around 8pm!" she looked at him this guys so confusing
"8pm?" he looked at her confused look and twirled her to the music and brought her back to him…
"Too early …ok 9pm!" she felt him pulling her closer to him and she pulled back.
"Look I'm working and…" as he felt his strong arms push her away from him and pull her back she saw a smile form on his lips…
"I forgot… ok I will meet you there!"
"Meet me for what?" he smiled back at her and stopped as his beeper went off
"Tomorrow ….i will see you there?"
She stared at him dashing to the door and looked at him stunned the man talks in riddles but he was very interesting and for some reason he was relaxing to be around.. NO Way…Ridz she thought walking over towards Sapna..
~~~Part4~~~
"Thanks Riddhima! I really hope you don't mind!" she looked over at Sumar and smiled..
"Samar how many times are you goin to say thank you… just go! And I hope everything works out for the family.." She saw him nod his head and smiled.
"Well I cant get over the fact my little sisters getting married so soon and to tell you the truth…it seems like a long time since I have been home…it be good to see everyone again…"
"Hmm you sound excited …ok I think you have explained the console to me and I should be ok for the week…" he looked at her looking a little uncertain about the buttons.
"Look if you not…"
"Leave Samar before I hit you…It will be fine and the other producers will asset if I get stuck…GO!"
"Ok I'm leaving and good luck for the auction…" he looked at her roll her eyes at him…as he chuckled on the way out.
"How can I forget… Nana's bright idea for raising money for Minnie was to auction the 4 top RJ for a date…." Hearing the jingle running constantly every hour she was dreading the function in a weeks time….Placing the head phones on her ears she looked at the young assistance through the glass window counting down …3-2-1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riddhima looked over at Sapna as she sat so still in the presence of Amit's parents and smiled looking at her feeling very uncomfortable…As all eyes where upon them all in the small function hall.
As Amit looked at Sapna as he held her hand and placed the ring on her fingers… As everyone clapped there hands Sapna looked over at her parents with tears in her eyes as Ridhima heart raced feelin alone tear running down her cheek… her best friend will so start a new life and move away from her and the family… feeling Amma's hand squeeze her she looked over at Sapna place the ring on Amits finger… now it was official…..
"Congrats!!" Sapna looked over at Riddhima and could not control her tears.
Riddhima took hold of them as they both hugged each teary eyed…
"Stop it! I thought you were happy …"
"I am but …" feeling Sapna hold Riddhima closed her eyes…I know we will no longer been together for much longer…
"Congrates Amit…" Sapna released Ridhima and looked over at Armaan as he stood on the stage with them …looked handsome in his grey pipe stripe suit…but she noticed his eyes on Riddhima and no one else and smiled.
"Armaan the flowers are beautiful!"… seeing him staring at Riddhima and not responding she looked at Amit as he nudged him.
"Beautiful!" ..Sapna giggled looking at Armaan staring at Riddhima moving towards her parents as she was in charge assisting them the arrangement…
"Armaan… she not interested and you know that.." She looked at him taking a deep sigh…
"Sapna that is all what interesting… Ok she said no to me twice now…indirectly… Now Bhabhi you have to help me out here…" She looked at him grinning..
"OK Baba… there is one way… you have to bid for her!" he looked at her confused and watched her walk away.
"Amit bid for her?" Amit chuckled as he placed his arm around him
"Armaan! You don't listen to the radio and not seen the posters …"
"Don't ask Amit … I see her picture and cant move …so I had to find another way to work… don't ask it taking me 1hour to get to work!"… Armaan looked at Amit chuckle..
"You have got it Bad!" Armaan shook his head.. believe me you have no idea
"Ok Listen tomorrow … there is a charity auction to raise money for Minnie's trip to London… for her finial treatment… so guess what up for auction?…"
"No you kidding?" Armaan looked at Riddhima
"Yes you can bid for a date with Riddhima… and there are a few sports personality up for action as aswell…So don't empty out the bank on the bidding!"
"When is it?"
"Tomorrow at the Royal Kings hotel at 8pm…" Amit looked at him looking disappointed
"I cant make it… dame it looks like the gods don't want us to get together either!" Amit looked at Armaan shaking his head
"I have an idea…."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riddhima looked over at Nana grinning….both of the two male radio jocks had raised enough to pay for the trip and the extra money now would help the radio recover some of there cost..
"Riddhima I have a feeling you will raise a lot of money for me…" she looked at Nana and cursed herself for getting involved … but it would raise money to save a life and Nana had agreed to help other cases in the future… but she wanted to get some aid for the orphanage that raised her… so she told Nana… 50% of her bid would go towards… so she was a little happy… feeling like lamb going to the slaughter she stood in the spot light…
"Ok next we have a date with the beautiful Dr Riddhima…starting bid… 2000 rupees …." Seeing a show of hands goin up she looked over at Nana who was excited over the response…As the bidding got heated up she looked at the back of the crowd and saw a tall slender girl raise her hand…
"5000 rupees!"
"6000 rupees" she looked over at the exit unable to make out the person.
"10,000 rupees!" as the audience fell silent she looked at the tall girl move forward in the crowd.
"15,000 rupees!" Riddhima looked up at the hand
"25,000 rupees!" she looked over at the girl who looked determine to win.
"50,000 rupees!" the hall fell silent and the girl opened her purse and shook her head.
"Going – once …." Hearing the hammer on the table bang… she looked over at the old gentle man walking forward.
As she moved forward she looked at the young girl move forward..
"I need to talk to you Riddhima… My name is Anjali Gupta… I need to talk to you about an urgent matter… can you meet me here!" Riddhima looked at the tall girl..for some strange reason she looked familiar ….as she looked at the card in her hand.
"Please It's! Important…tomorrow lunch time!" Riddhima could hear the distress in her voice and nodded.
"Riddhima!" she looked over at Nana as he stood next to the old man.
"This is Mr Mahon … he your date this evening… and I have informed him… this officially finishes at midnight..
"No Mr Nana… this evening will finish at 6am…" Riddhima looked at the old gentle man holding up a walking stick towards Nana…
"Fine… ok you paid 50,000 rupees so 6am… is fine!" Riddhima looked at Nana confused
"Beta …shall we!" Riddhima nodded as he held his arm out
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riddhima sat in the car and looked at the old man as he smiled
"I have to tell you beta… I was bidding for my baba… he is waiting for you at the beach house…" Riddhima looked at him totally confused
"Your baba?" know she was feeling a little scared and unsure what was happening
"Beta seriously there is nothing to be afraid off…I have called you beta and now you are like my daughter…nahi" as the car holted she looked at him as he got out of the car…
"He's waiting for you inside…please beta…trust me!"
As she pushed open the door she saw the red flower petals on the floor leading the path…stepping onto the petals she could smell the fragrance of the rose…looking around at the small house she saw pictures of a young boy smiling as he played with his father…on the beach…. As she looked over at the glass table she looked around to see no one around and stop to see the candles on lit on the table…as it was decorated with plates and …feeling hunger she looked over at the kitchen area…
"Hi!" she turned to see Armaan leaning against the door frame
"Oh its you!" Letting out a little sigh of relief she smiled to see him walk over towards her.
"I thinks so!… Armaan in the flesh!" she looked at him as he pulled out a chair.
"Now if you could take a seat …I can get dinner as am starving!"… she looked over at him as he moved around the kitchen mumbling… shaking her head as a smile formed on her lips she got up from her seat.
"Where did Kaka put the ??.."
"Do you need a hand?" he looked at her standing close to him and smiled as he scratched his head…
"I guess my kitchen skills need some work..!" he looked at her nodding and smiling…
"Ok I confess im no good when it comes to cooking and I have no idea where the glasses are in the kitchen…" she looked at him opening up the cupboards and closing them.
"Why don't you sit down I will serve dinner!" she looked at him coming closer to her.
"Ok but can I ask …you?…. would you mid if I take a quick shower… as I came from work and…" he looked at her smiling
"Sure!…I get the food out on the table…"
She looked over at him as he sat at the table with his wet hair and sleeveless top and smiled …poor guys was tryin so hard and she was impressed with him …
"I am sorry not the romantic evening you where expecting…"
"shall I be honest…this is nice… good food and company…." He looked at her as she placed the fork full of rice in her mouth…
"I have something special for desert… its outside…" she looked at him as he had a mischievous smile on his face…"… as she took hold of his hand…. As she felt his hand walking down the beach she looked at the smile on his face as they walked up towards the small little caf …
"Ammy!" Riddhima looked at him as he smiled at the old lady.
"Auntie… my usual but make it a large please…" Riddhima looked at him as he held her hand not letting go…
"Everyone knows you and loves you…" he looked at her with a far away look in her eyes…
"Hmm I guess but the question is do you?" feeling her let go of his hand he looked at her feelin uncomfortable for the first time the entire evening… he had shared his childhood with her over dinner.. and looked at her as she looked so distant…
"I don't want to bet around the bush but I like you a lot…" he looked at him take hold of her hand again.
"I need to time… Armaan… I have a lot of things I need to …"
"The orphanage? We can help them together and you will never need to worry about anything financial and…"
"She looked at him and truth was she did feel something for him …but was very unsure…"
"Can we take it slowly…" she looked at him gesture with his eyes.
As the large bowl appeared on the table she looked at him grining as he looked at the ice cream like a spoilt child in his photos she saw back in the house… as they spoke all night about there work … she found herself telling him thing she had never shared with anyone including Sapna…..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello Riddhima!" hearing his voice on the phone she smiled
"Armaan this is the 6th time you have called me!" she sat in the hotel awaiting Anjali Gupta
"Look this poor woman has called me all week and I promised to meet her today…" Hearing him moan she could not believe in a week how close she had gotten to him..
"Ok I will see you in the evening!" Riddhima smiled as the wedding preparations where keeping them busy and together…
"Hello Riddhima!" looking up at the worried and uncomfortable look on Anjali's face she nodded at her.
"Armaan I talk to you later… ok Bye!"
"Come on say it… I love you?"
"Armaan I have to gooo… bye" hearing her giggle he smiled…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Riddhima?" he looked at her as she took hold of him crying
"Baby whats the matter?"
"That girl total me I am her half sister and our father is dieing and wants to see me!" Sapna looked over at Armaan holding Riddhima with Amit… shocked by what she had said…
Hearing her crying he felt her arms pull him tight to her as she sobbed………
~~~Part5~~~
"I have spoken to Amit to postpone the wedding!" Sapna looked over at her parents in the living room. Riddhima need her now more then ever and she wanted to be there for her and not think about anything eles.
"Why?" Sapna turned to see Riddhima walk into the room dressed in her red satin sleeping attire…
"You need me!" Riddhima looked at her as she shook her head.
"I do not! Infact the wedding is helping me to keep my mind of the facts… anyway I don't want to get in the way of your future!" Sapna looked at her as she sat next to her mother and placed her head on her shoulder gentle.
"Amma Sapna is scared of commitment and using me as an excuse she's got cold feet!… especial since the marriage is in a couple of days…" Sapna looked at her mother placing her hand gentle on Riddhima face as she closed her eyes.
"You two need to talk… come on Ji lets leave them alone!" Riddhima watched them leave the room and looked over at Sapna as she stood looking at the window..as she got up and walked over towards Sapna
"Riddhima are the most selfish person I have ever met in my LIFE!" Riddhima looked at her as the tears ran down her face.
"I am goin to miss you too Sapna!" as they held each other they both sobbed.
"Look stupid! My life has always been a mess and you and the family have given me everything ….so now its time for Pandora to open the box!" Sapna looked at her totally surprised.
"But Ridhima?" Sapna looked at her as she released her
"Anjali and I have met several times now …I have decided to go to London and him!" Sapna looked over at her and knew the last couple of days where hard as Riddhima totally shut everyone out and stayed at the orphanage most evening…talking to Father Joseph.
"I am coming with you!" Riddhima looked at the stubborn look on Sapna face and shook her head at her.
"You have a future with Amit to secure and I don't want to get in the way of that!… as for me I need to understand who I am before I can move on in my life… I look at myself in the mirror and see a face … and I ask myself Who am I? Do I have my mothers looks? or my fathers eyes? Looking at Anjali I feel a connection I have never felt before…."
"You goin to forget US!" as the tears ran down Ridhima and Sapna face they held each other
"NO I cant never forget and I'm not going anywhere!… but Sapna I need you!" Sapna took hold of her as she sob uncontrollable in her arms
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As the brass band played Riddhima looked Amit standing before them in the entrance….as they welcomed him in ensuring the custom where performed…As Riddhima stood throwing flowers as they walked around the sacred fire… as she felt the flowers on her face she turned to see Armaan smiling next to her.
"Hey sweetheart!…hmm how are you?" he looked at her as she looked stunning in gold as she gave him that smile.
"Hi Armaan you made it!" She looked at him dressed in white
"Ouch! That hurt Ridz!" she looked at him place his hand on his heart looking divested!… feelin her elbow in his ribs he looked at her giggling at her.
"Oye hoye you look so beautiful when you laugh!" he looked at her blush slightly as she looked away.
"Stop it Armaan!" he looked at her and smiled.
"I want to ask you something Ridhima alone!" she looked at him as he took her hand and led her away from anyone.
As she looked up at the stars he took a deep breath and closed his eyes…she turn to see him on his knee and looked at him.
"Will you marry me?" dumb stuck and shocked as he held the large diamond ring in his hand.
"Armaan?" he looked at her as looked surprised.
"I cant image a single moment without and …" she looked at him as he stood up.
"Armaan please… I don't know what to say?…and to tell you the truth I don't know what I feel for you…" he look at her and smiled as he took hold of her.
"Marry me and I will give you the world!" hearing her take a deep sigh he looked at her…
"Who am I Armaan?" he looked at her as she pulled away from him.
"I don't know who I am?? and where I come from??… everyone know there existence as for me? It would be better for both of us to just spend sometime apart!" he looked at her and smiled.
"I have come to far Riddhima and I love you… and feel alive for once in my life.. My life is empty and you make it worth it you know!… I don't care about you're past and just want you in my future!" as a lone tear ran down her cheek
"I cant do this Armaan!" he looked at her as she ran away
"No matter what you do Riddhima…. I will never leave you!" he ran after her and found her in the bedroom on the bed crying.
"Hey!" she looked at him kneeling on the bed pulling back her hair…. As he felt her arms pull her close to him he smiled.
"I love you and will wait!…." she pulled back and looked at him
"I am not worth of you Armaan and will not marry you or see you again…after tonight!" he looked at the stern look on her face as she wiped her tear.
"Of course you will!" he looked at her shake her head.
"I need to discover who I am and im leaving tonight!" she looked at his face.
"Leaving for where?" he looked at her as she looked away…with his heart pounding …. This hurt she told herself as she closed her eyes to look at him
"I never told you…love you! So why are you pressuring me! With this!!" he looked at her getting off the bed.
"I want to be free of this …thing which you think we have!…you have been dictating this entire thing…but I want no part of it anymore!"
"Ok!" she looked at him with that cheesy grin looking at her.
"No Armaan! It's over and …" feeling him pull her towards him he looked at me.
"I am going to give you…all the time in the world" feeling his lips on hers for the first time she melted in his arms… how she loved him but knew he could do better and was wasting his time with her…she was going to disappear from his life……
As she packed the suitcase she looked over at the room which she shared with Sapna …fulled of memories she looked over at there photo and placed it in her bag.
"Amma can you give this letter to Armaan and tell him I am sorry"
~~~Part 6~~~
Dear Armaan
This is the fifth letter I am trying to write.. the others are in the bin. I have to leave in an hour and I am all set to embark on this new chapter in my life but before I do I want to tell you a few things about me. As you know I was raised in an orphanage … but the truth was my mother re married and moved on with her life. As I was an illegitimate child when I came into this world. I lived briefly with her and landed up in the orphanage… She had an affair with a married man and it was to late to terminate the pregnancy and she decided to put me up for adoption… but that failed. I guess no one really wanted me and the orphanage where the only ones who tool me in! I guess there was room in the inn…
My birth father is dieing and confessed to Anjali about me… she wants me to met my father? … I feel strange even saying those word mother? Father?. .. It feels so alien like?… I remember when I was eight years old and would dream bout my parents coming to find me as it had been a terrible mistake… but that dream faded with all my hopes that maybe one say I would discover why I was cast away…
I will cherish our moments together and I know you will find someone who has a wonder past and can exchange stories with… I know you Grandparents are very respectable and so is your whole blood line… lets not diluted that with a woman who is illegitimate and can not trace her own blood line as they rejected her. I think you deserver some one who is worthy of you… as I am just an outcast to this world and will always be
Farwell
Riddhima
Closing his eyes he clenched the paper in his hands …. For 2 weeks he had been trying to call her and the phone was switched off… Amma given number did not work and she had been worried too … But Riddhima called her once a week. Sapna and Amit where on there honeymoon which he did not want to disturb and now he had to leave for America with one of his patients… "God Dame it!"
Picking up the bottle of beer he placed it to his mouth and looked down at the letter on the table.
"Stupid woman! I don't give a dame about this blood line rubbish and she….Uff!" he banged the beer bottle on the table.
"Hello moto!" he looked at the phone and placed it to his ear.
"Armaan?" hearing her sob out his name he gripped the mobile and closed his eyes as his pulse raced.
"Riddhima? Are you ok?" hearing a long pause he looked around the room in desperation.
"Ok tell me where you are?" he cursed himself for being so helpless and weak! How could he let her walk away?… she was unstable mentally and needed him and was not think straight.. I should be there with her Fool.
"I uh…" hearing her voice again he look over at the small shine of Lord Shiv Ji and prayed she was ok.
"I am in London!" the phone went dead and he looked over at the Shine pleading but it was no use…As it was dead!
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"Cheers Atul!" he placed the phone to his ear as he left Heathrow Airport
"Dr Anjali Gupta! Ok got it I go to the hospital know… Champ I owe you one!" hearing Atul swearing he smiled as he looked over at the black taxi
"Hi I am looking for Dr Anjali Gupta?" he looked at the tall red haired nurse looking at him oddly.
"Do you have an appointment?" taking a deep sigh he looked at her and shook his head.
"She will not see anyone without and an appointment!" he looked at her as she picked up the files and turned to leave,
"Ok can you give her a message… I am her Jiju her sister's husband" he looked at her to see if she would take the bait as she turned to look at him
"Nice try mate… she has a brother Rahool. Last time I checked he was a man!" he looked at her giggling at him.
"Give her the message! Please!" he smiled at her as she shook her head at him oddly.
"Ok I am going to call her and say a strange man is calling himself her jiju and wants to meet you" he smiled at her as she picked up the phone…
"Excuse me?" he looked up to see Anjali looking at him oddly
"Where is Riddhima?" he looked at her looking guilty as she looked down at her hands.
"See stayin at this address!" he looked at her hand over a card as she turned to walk away.
"Woman's Refugee?" he cursed his way to the taxi
He looked at the tall African woman as she led him down the dirty corridor towards the room
"You are Armaan right?" he nodded she had asked him so many times and she stopped at the door.
"She has no money and is not well… the girls have taken turns looking after her… and she made a call to you I was there?" his eyes filled up as she opened the room and looked into the dark room to find a bed as he looked at her silhouette figure in the covers
"Why didn't you not go to the hospital?" he looked at her angrily as she turned on the light
"she refused to see the doctor here and … go to the hospital" he looked over at the state she was in all pale and weak as he cursed himself as the lone tear ran down her face.
"Why is she here?" he looked over at the woman as she headed for the door.
"This is a woman's refugee so you figure out why you're wife is here…"
"Her belonging and stuff!" he picked up in his arms as she was unconscious there was no way he was goin to let her stay in such a place.
"Take her to a good place Armaan and make sure she does not leave you again…" he looked over at the African woman as she place Riddhima suitcase in the taxi…
He placed her gentle on the bed of the small house owned by the senior doctor friend of his…. Which was empty for a week now he was looking after her as she suffered from pneumonia… if he had not gotten to her soon anything could have happened.
"Riddhima!" he looked at her eyes look up at him filled with tears.
Taking hold of her on the bed he stoked her hair she was so weak and she was responding to the medicines as he pulled her close to him he kissed her on the forehead.
"I am here sweethearts. I promise to never leave your side!"
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She lifted herself up in the bed and looked over at him walking in with breakfast.. she looked at him humming merrily as he placed the tray on the bed and kissed her on the forehead seeing her blush he smiled
"Riddhima what happened?" he looked at the tears in her eyes and took hold of her in his arms..
"OK … You know! Lets just forget anything happen it was a bad dream.." feeling his lips on her cheek she nodded her head wiping her tears.
"Once you are well enough we go back home get married!" he looked down at her as she took hold of him sobbing. Right now she need him period what had happen he will find out sooner or later… but his was goin to make sure nothing separated them ever again.
As he gentle placed his bag on the floor he heard the gentle laughter and smiled as he walked over toward the living room of there new apartment they had moved into …as he looked over at her smiling he felt a gentle tug …and looked down to see two loving eyes looking up at him as they raised there arms.
"Daddy!" he reached down and lifted her in his arms…. As he felt the tender lips on his cheek he smiled as he looked over at Riddhima smiling at them as she approached them…. As he leaned forward and kissed Riddhima on the cheek he felt to arms around his neck… As he felt the lips on his lips he chuckled looking at Riddhima giggling.
"Momma kiss!" Armaan chuckled as he looked at Diya lean forward and kiss Riddhima in his arms.
"kissie kissie! Mwah!" they looked at her sending flying kisses to them as they looked at her in Armaan's arms
As he sat on the sofa with Diya in his arms he smiled… in the past four years everything had changed he looked up at the family photos on the wall… of them married and of him holding Diya in his arms two years later… there small toddler now had taken over there lives as he looked at her getting off the sofa and follow Riddhima to the kitchen he smiled and knew what was going to happen next… He looked over at Riddhima hold a tray of tea and he looked at Diya holding a plastic pink tray with another cup and a small slice of cup cake in a plate.. Smiling he looked at Diya copy Riddhima make the tea and looked at her eagerly come toward him with her cup… Armaan held the empty white cup in hand and looked over at Diya grinning… "Diya where you're cup?" he looked at her slap her hand on her forehead as he chuckled at her antics. "Momma cup!"
"Ok you sit next to daddy and I get you're cup!" he looked at her grinning.
"Daddy cake! Daddy cake!" as he handed her over the cup cake he smiled seeing her eating.. Everyday was the same he loved how coming home was full of nothing but love as he looked at Riddhima place the glass of milk on the table.
"How was you're day?" he looked over at her chuckling.
"Me and Diya went to see Amma and did some shopping!" he looked at Diya get off the sofa and jump on Riddhima lap.
"I am so jealous … ok not be able to spend time with you both!" she looked over at him as he picked up the cup of tea.
"Armaan! We goin on holiday soon…so just chill!"
"Chill Dadda!" they looked at the stern look on Diya face and laugh
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Armaan stoked her hair as she lay next to him and smiled.
"lets go to the beach house this weekend!" he grinned look up at the ceiling.
"Armaan?" he looked at her blush as he remember making love to her there in every part of the house and kissed her on the forehead.
"You Riddhima have a one track mind!" feeling her pinch him he chuckled.
"Armaan you are to much!" he smiled pulling her into his arms and turned to looked at her.
"Thank you Armaan!" he looked at her and shook his head.
"You given me something that I only dreamed of " he looked at the lone tear run down her cheek and leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"I love you! and I want to give you the world!" she felt his lips upon her…
As he turned over he moved his hand to feel no one there as he got up out of bed he smiled knowing where she would be…He gentle pushed open the door to find her looking at Diya in her cot a sleep feeling his arms take hold of her from behind she smiled.
"I uh.. came to …" hearing him chuckled she smiled.
"She is happy Riddhima and she going to be with you always!" she smiled as she knew Armaan knew her fear… that this was all a dream and she was going to wake up soon to find her away from them both…. He looked at her lean forward and kiss her on the cheek and looked at him.
"Come on lets go to bed! I can sleep if you not there!" she looked at him pout his lip like a child as he lead her back towards the bedroom.
"Lets have another baby! I have a feeling Diya bored by herself!" feeling him pull her towards him she shook her head
"You have a one track mind!" he grinned as he kissed her bear shoulder.
"What can I say… every time I see you I just want to have my wicked way with you.!" hearing his evil laugh she giggled as she felt his hand on her waist pulling up her satin nightie…As he kissed her passionately….
~~~Part 7~~~
Riddhima smiled as she looked over at Sapna she had noticed Diya had drifted of to sleep in her arms and looked over at Sapna as she looked at them both.
"So how long is Armaan away for?" Riddhima smiled feeling Diya snuggling up against as they sat in the lounge.
"He be back by the end of the week? He is in Delhi attending a seminar.."
"So how have you been keeping" Riddhima looked at the serious look on Sapna face and got up holding Diya.
"I just put her down Di and be right back…" Sapna looked worried as she watched her disappear and holding Diya…. Even since she came back from London she cursed herself for not being there for her and the cracks where begin to show in her relationship…As she watched her walk back towards her she saw the tears in her eyes.
"I am happy di!" Sapna looked over at her staring at the coffee mug and reached over and took hold of her hand.
"When are you going to tell him Riddhima… this burden is too much for you to carry.." Riddhima looked over at her and wiped her tears.
"It's taken me a year when I came back to come to term with the fact it was not my fault and im scared to tell him the whole truth…"
"Riddhima do you have any idea what he being going through?…every time he leave you alone he calls Amma or me to come over and be with you… he loves you a lot but feeling like you can't help you… and…."
"I know …it has taken me a year just to come close to him have an intimate relationship with him…and when I told him I was pregnant he became more over protective and does not let me do anything…"
"I'm scare to tell him as I might loose him…." Riddhima looked over at Sapna as she nodded.
"You should have told him the truth from the start Riddhima…" feeling Sapna firm voice she knew she was right but how and when was the best time to tell him.
"I cant tell him.."
"So you going to let him walk on egg shells around you forever?" Riddhima looked at her and lowered her head.
"What do you want me to say.. hey Armaan my step brothers friend raped me!" Sapna looked at her with her hand in her face crying and moved towards her and hugged her…cursing the b***** who had done this to her…feeling helpless and annoyed as to why she could not have thought about her and not her wedding and why she let her go alone.
"Momma!" wiping her tears she looked over at Sapna crying…she was the only one she could talk to and now she had to bury this secret from Armaan …as she could not loose him or Diya.
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Armaan smiled as he looked over to see them waving at the airport… how he had missed them so much as he looked over at Diya running towards her he lifted her up in his arms and felt her kiss on his cheek… seeing Riddhima giggle as they approached him he beamed in delight as he took hold of his world.
"So gorgeous how are we!" feeling his lips on her forehead she blushed seeing the passer by look at them.
"Armaan!" he chuckled as she blushed deeper.
"OK now for the next three week I am totally Diya's !" Armaan looked into her little green yes like her mothers as he pushed the luggage trolley towards the exit.
"Ok good! I can reset my Diya is with her father…" Armaan stopped and pulled her back towards them.
"How said anything about resting we all going to Singapore in a couple of days…" seeing the surprised look on her face she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek to she him blush this time as someone whistled walking pass… he looked at her turned red and looked over at Diya trying to whistle but blew raspberry instead …laughing they left the airport.
"Hmm its good to be home!" feeling his chin on her shoulder as he hugged her in the kitchen she smiled.
"Diya as sleep?" he looked at her nodding her head as she washed the dishes.
"I told you to hire someone to do the chores…" Riddhima turned to look at him pouting his lip and taking hold of her wrists…. The truth was when kaka passed away she did not trust anyone and just did the chores herself as it helped her pass the time.
"I want these beautiful hands all to myself…" he looked at her giggling at his cheesy line as he placed his hands in the water and helped with the dishes.
"Riddhima I am serious looking after Diya is a full time job and these other chores can be done by someone else."
"I love doing all this stuff Armaan … like cooking and cleaning for my family!" she looked at his face as he smiled and kissed her on cheek.
"This is why I love you so much! … but I'm installing a dishwasher machine as then I can spend quality time with you…" feeling her arms around his neck he looked at her smiling.
"Like what?" feeling his lips on her she melted in his arms.
"I am pregnant!" feeling her feet no longer on the ground she giggled as he twirled her around.
"Thank you!" she looked at him as he lowered her.
"Ok this time we going to have a boy I just feel it… and I'm hire someone when we comeback from Singapore to do the chores and …" listening him talk so fast she lead him to the bedroom as he spoken.
"I guess that weekend at the beach house did the trick!" she looked at him whispering to Diya…and hit him on the arm as he chuckled.
"You going to be a Didi and boss your brother around!" Riddhima placed the blanket on her as he mumbled about teaching them basketball and other games..
"Armaan let her sleep!" he looked at her and nodded walking towards her as she stood by the door.
"Hmm I don't feel like sleeping!" feeling him lift her up in his arms she shook her head at him…
"Ok I told you I want 3 kids max… and then.." she kissed him to silent him as he grinned.
"Armaan shut up!" she looked at his stunned face as he placed her on the bed.
"Yes boss! If you kiss me like that I shut up…" he looked at her blushing and sat next to her.
"Well may be if you behave I might!" feeling his arms around her he looked at her.
"Can I be a naughty boy and you can punish me!" he looked at her eyes widen in horror and grinned cheekily at her.
"In that case I will not kiss you!" looking at his mouth wide open she kissed him on the cheek and got into bed smiling…
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"Welcome to Singapore!" Armaan smiled as he took hold of the hold room card and looked over at Riddhima as she held Diya.
"Honey why don't you go up with Diya, while I check out what we can see… as a family!" he looked over at Riddhima nodded as he walked over to the hotel travel desk..
"Hello!" feeling like someone had walked over her grave she stopped clinging onto Diya near the lift… as she smelt that familiar cologne she opened her eyes to see him in front of her.
"Never did I think that I would see you here!" looking around to see Armaan she looked at him as he smiled wicked at her grinning as he had scared her for life.
"Is this your baby!" seeing his hand moved towards Diya she stepped back.
"Don't touch her!" as everyone turned to see her he looked around the hotel lobby smiling.
"Always creating a scene… but I know exactly how to handle women like you!"
"Riddhima!" she turned to see Armaan and sighed in relief as she watched him approach her she turned to see him nowhere insight.
"Baby everything ok?" Armaan looked at the pale look on her face as she looked so scared.
"Armaan take us to out room please !" feeling scared as she had tears running down her cheeks he nodded and lead them both away…
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Part 8 Below😊
Edited by Catwoman - 16 years ago
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