Chapter 1

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

Part 1

Guptas nd Mallikstogether at the same hotel for dinner.. well that was NO coincidence the biggest business rivals ie the owners of Guptas pvt. Ltd. nd Mallik fabricspvt. Ltd. were great family friends.. they meet up for dinners nd discuss aboutother companies.. well that was their strength.. they work together to rule out any rising company from taking their positions at the top..

Mr. Jai Mallik has involved his son, Armaan in his business but he was very reserved by nature..he doesn't like talking to strangers or acquaintances about anything apart from work.. he has his bunch of friends – rahul, his wife ie. Muskaan, Atul nd someone special too.. about whom noone knows apart from his own heart nd his Late Wife, Tiya..

Mr. Shashank Gupta he lives on his Ego nd his never ending urge to earn more nd more money.. he loves his daughter Anjali to core.. he can do anything for her.. the only thing he doesn't like is when she favours her cousin ie. his elder brother,Shubhankar's daughter, Ridhhima.. Anjali is a doctor herself nd works in Sanjeevni.. while due to Anjali's determined convincing he has admitted Ridhhima into a fashion designing institute too.. now he nd his wife were just looking for a groom for her so that she gets married nd go away from them nd Anjali too..

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"Dekho Armaan..main tumhare bhale ke liye hi keh rahi hoon.. why don't get married nd if not for yourself then for Ryan.. he needs a mother beta.." Tara said as she came to put sleeping Ryan into the crib.. "mom please.. how many times have I told you main Ryan ke liye kisi ko bhi maa banakar nahi la sakta.. he is my world.. what if she ignores him after marriage..? nd besides the girl I want to.." he stopped mid way when he realised what he was about to blurt out in his anger nd frustration over the marriage topic..

"kya..? who are you talking about..? do you like someone..?" Tara asked in an excited tone.. Armaan looked away nd nodded in NO..  Tara knew her son inside out, she knew he was lying to her.. she decided to drop the topic for the time being as it was late..

Armaan was sad ashe looked at the clock.. "Its her birthday today.. Happy Birthday Ridhhima.."he whispered kissing the tiny pendant of hers he had kept with himself sincethe childhood.. Ridhhima had given it to him on his 16th birthday while she wasjust 13yrs old.. it was his lucky charm since then.. she had attended hisbirthday party with Shubhankar nd Keerti just a week before Shubhankar ndKeerti's death.. nd that was their last meeting.. he sighed nd went to sleep..


On the otherhand in Gupta house Anjali had asked her parents to behave normal with Ridhhima on her birthday atleast.. but this time they were not in town.. Anjali crept into her room nd saw her sleeping peacefuly.. she just pounced on the bed nd shouted"Happy Birthday Ridhu.." Ridhhima woke up with this screaming nd shouting ndgot scared till she switched on the lights nd looked at Anjali.. "Di.. you scared the hell out of me.." Ridhhima said catching her breath..

Looking at thecakes nd a small gift she realised its her birthday nd hugged Anjali.. "Thankyou di.. mujhe to.." cut in between by Anjali "haan haan.. I know you forgot your own birthday.. chal ab cake cut kar I can't resist this trouffle cake anymore.." Ridhhima giggled at Anjali's kidish behaviour nd finally cut the cake nd fed a huge piece to Anjali.. she loved nd respected Anjali very much..Anjali was her only family nd friend.. though she had her Sapna Di as well who was hers nd Anjali's friend.. she is married nd was settled in Delhi with her husband Amit..

Her uncle nd aunty have raised her as an obligation she knows that.. now a days she was looking for a job to atleast try nd start to pay them back in some way..

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 Tara was looking for one of Ryan's tiny nd noisy toy in Armaan's room.. she knows that its Armaan's habbit to dump all the things of his or Ryan's daily use either in his own room's drawer or in Ryan's room drawer..

She opened the drawer nd closed it.. she turned back nd froze.. she again opened the drawer nd saw Tiya's picture half coming out of Armaan's personal diary.. she was worried thinking still after almost 1.5 yrs of her death Armaan hasn't forgotten her..though she never wants Armaan to forget his late wife, Tiya but she wants him to move on in his life.. following her motherly instinct she flipped through the pages.. she narrowed her eyes when she found Armaan's childhood picture there.. he was with a little girl smiling to the camera..
under it was written: "Ridhhima Gupta.. My first ever love.. hope to meet you once again in life.. even a moment would be enough for me to cherish ittill my last breath.."

Tara couldn't believe this.. she now realised the reason that took Armaan so long to finally accept Tiya as his wife.. she turned when she heard Armaan..

"Mom.. aap yahan..kuch doond rahi hain.." Armaan frowned when he saw her with his diary in her hand.. his eyes were wide in shock.. "Aap..aap.. meri..meri diary padh rahi hain mom.." he fumbled.. while Tara simply avoided his question nd asked "Do you want to marry Kirti nd Shubhankar's daughter..?.." looking at Armaan's silent nd guilty face she again said "Armaan I really want you to marry again..nd if you want we can talk to Shashank nd Padma about it.. even I've not met her since long.. Pata nahin ki Ridhhima, Mumbai mein hai bhi ya nahin.."

"Mom please.. no girl would want to me nd spent her her days taking care of Ryan nd me.. I don't want to spoil Ridhima's life.. she deserves much more than this.." Armaan said in a determined tone only to get a reply from his father who was standing bythe door listening to all this "If you love her you'll keep her happy no matter what.. nd as far Ryan is concerned then we can tell her about him before marriage.. after that it will be her decision to say yes or no.."

Listening to his father Armaan was still not convinced but his heart was craving to meet her once.. It has been almost six months that he has even had a glimpse of her..but his concern for her won.. "Nahi.. main uske saath aisa nahi kar sakta.. she really deserves to have a better future.."

"Mujhe nahi lagtaki tum mein ya humari family mein koi kami hai Ammy.. you'll keep her happy ifyou love her.." his mother said trying to make him understand but seeing him unaffected she announced "Main kal hi Padma se baat karungi.. finally humein ekaisi ladki mili hai jisse shaadi karne mein tumhe koi aitraaz nahi hoga.. aur agar aisa hota hai to yeh Ryan aur tumhare liye bohot achha hoga.."

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He was lying on thebed with Ryan sleeping on his stomatch.. he was miles away from sleep.. his mind nd heart were at war.. once his Mind says to let his parents talk toRidhhima for marriage but then his heart denies this saying he has no right to destroy someone's dreams.. Every girl has her dreams of making a new family..many new relationships but none had dreamt of getting married nd live with afather already.. "Agar Ridhhima ko koi aur pasand hua to..? agar ussezabardasti shaadi ke liye haan karvayi gayi ho to..? Nahi.. main mom dad kobaat karne deta hoon.. agar usne mana kiya to meri kismat.. lekin agar usne haan kaha to main usse milunga yeh dekhne ki kahin vo zabardasti haan to nahikeh rahi.." Thinking all this he slept dreaming of Ridhhima..

Next Morning..

This morning had alot in store for both Guptas nd Malliks.. Mr nd Mrs Mallik got ready early nd left for Gupta house.. they wanted to talk about this marriage as soon as possible..

While at Gupta house things were different.. Shashank had already been told about Malliks'arrival but the motive was still a mystery.. He asked Padma to get ready while Anjali had left for Sanjeevni.. Padma had strictly instructed Ridhhima to stayin her room as their friends were coming.. nd Ridhhima being calm nd obedient nodded nd stayed back in her room writing her diary as usual.. Writing was herpassion.. she loves penning down all the feelings hidden inside her innocent heart in form of very beautiful poems nd couplets..

The Malliks reached the Gupta Mansion.. they were welcomed warmly.. they sat fora long time chatting nd discussing when finally Tara managed to ask "Padma.. itne saal ho gaye..humne Shubhankar aur Keerti ki beti ko nahi dekha.. tumhe pata hai ki vo abkahan hai..?"

At the suddeness ofthe Ridhhima's enquiry  Shashank nd Padma lost the colour of their faces.. the felt as if the next moment their secret was coming out.. But Shashank took control asking "Umm.. haan Ridhhima.. vo..vo.. vo bechari aur kahan jaati.. yahin rehti hai humare saath.. bas zara kam bolna pasand karti hai naye logon se isliye kahin aati jaati nahin.." Shashank said covering their neglegence towards Ridhhima with her introvert nature..

Listening toShashank, Tara was very happy nd instantly asked to meet her.. as Padma stood up to call her Tara insisted on going to her room alone nd meeting her.. Having no other option,Padma took her to Ridhima's room which was just besides Anjali's, due toAnjali's request, nd left her there..

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Ridhhima heard aknock on the door.. "darwaza khula hai Di.." she said expecting Anjali as no one else has ever came into her room, knocking the door.. Padma used to barge in to command her while Shashank had never bothered to even look at her.. her backwas towards the door.. as he heard the door being closed she quickly saidwithout turning.. "Ohh.. to aaj apne off liya hai.. achha hai.. maine abhi abhi ek poem complete ki hai.. Suno.."

Nd she started reading her poem, While Tara decided to keep mum nd listen..

Is zindagi mainkoi pal to aisa ho,
Jis main koi teesra na ho..
Hum dair tak ek dosray say batain karein,
Un baton ko sunnay wala koi na ho..
Aur baton baton main hi raat dhal jayay..
Bas main aur tum hoon..

bethay bethaykisi bhi choti si baat pay hum betahasha hass padein,
aur hastay hastay ankhoon say ansoo nikal ayain..
in ansoon ko saaf karnay wala koi na ho..
bas main aur tum hoon..
kash is zindagi mein koi pal tu aisa ho,
jo sirf aur sirf tera mera ho..

 
"Kaisi lagi Di..? yeh maine Ma ke liye likhi.." She stopped in midway when she turned nd saw Tara standing there with a smile playing her lips..Ridhhima tried to think if she knew her.. "Umm.. I'm sorry.. mujhe laga AnjaliDi hain.. ji aap..?" Ridhhima questioned Tara's presence while Tara came forward nd kissed Ridhhima's forehead saying"Main tumhari Tara aunty hoon.. Keerti aur Shubhankar ki dost.. tumhe yaad hai Jai Mallik jo tumhe har roz especially chocolate dene aate thhe.."

Tara tried make her recollect something but Ridhhima pouted nd said "Mujhe yaad nahi aaraha aunty.. sorry.. lekin agar aap Ma-Papaki dost hain to aapko to pata hoga ki vo ab.." she stopped saying further while Tara could see the lonliness in Ridhhima's eyes.. Sheis so beautiful nd serene Tara thought..

"Vo yahin to hain.. meresamne.. tum Keerti ki tarah khubsoorat aur bholi ho.. aur Shubhankar ki tarahtum bohot achha likhti bhi ho.. jaanti ho vo bhi poems likha karte thhe.. tumhe dekhke aisa laga jaise saalon baad unn dono se mulakaat ho gayi.." Tara said caressing Ridhhima's head.. While Ridhhima suddenly realised ndsaid "Sorry aunty.. maine apko ab tak baithne ko bhi nahi bola.. aayiyena.." She made Tara sit on her bed nd sat besides her..

Tara debated for a minute but then said "Ridhhima..beta main yahan tumhare liye apne bete, Armaan ka rishta lekar aayi hoon.. main bas yeh janna chahti hoon ki kya tum kisi aur ko pasand karti ho..? plz ghabrana nahi.. abhi tak yeh baat Padma aur Shashank ko nahin pata.. maine pehle tumse baat karna theek samjha.."

Ridhhima was shocked-happy-shy-speechless at her sudden proposal.. She remain silent for several minutes but then in a very low voice said "Main kya keh sakti hoon aunty.. aap Ma-Papa ki dost hain.. aap mera bura kabhi nahin sochengi.. aur phir mujhse zyada yeh faisla lene ka haq Badi Ma aur Bade Papa ka hai.. main kisi aur ko pasand nahin karti.."

Tara was really happy at Armaan's choice.. she was happy to see a girl in todays generation to be so respectful nd innocent.. She smiled nd hugged Ridhhima saying "jab bhi apni Ma ki yaad aaye mujhe phone kar lena.. mujhe bhi ek beti mil jayegi.."

Ridhhima saw Tara going out of her room nd was in tears next moment.. she didn't knew what was happening but Tara's sudden entry was making her weak.. though she liked Tara very much.. she had never in her life, after her parents death had talked to anyone about them.. More than anything she was scared of this marriage proposal.. she knew her Uncle nd Aunty would not even think for a minute before saying yes nd getting her out of their house but she was still sad to part from her only Family ie. Anjali..

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All the fears Ridhhima had in her mind were actually taking a turn to reality.. Shashank nd Padma really said "yes" with in an instant.. they were more than happy with this relationship.. little did they knew that THIS relationship which they thought to be the end of Ridhhima's existance from there life would actually be back fired in future.. They were heartless enough to not even let Tara go back to Ridhhima nd mention about Ryan to her.. They feared her rejection..

While in all this proposal nd agreement Ridhhima's fears were ignored as usual.. In the evening Anjali came home nd before Padma could tell her the groom's name she ran to Ridhhima's room to tease her nd grill her with her questions.. While Ridhhima was busy staring into space..

"Ohoo.. madam abhi se hi apne unn ke khayaalon mein khoyi hain.." Anjali said bringing her back to the World while she just blushed.. "Di.. stop irritating me.. varna main aapse baat nahi karungi.." she said pouting.. Just as Anjali was about to say something Ridhhima's phone rang.."Unknown Number.." she said shrugging towards Anjali nd answered the call..

"Hello.. is this Ridhhima..?"

"Ji.. Aap..?"

"Hi Ridhhima.. main Armaan.."

Ridhhima froze fora second listening to him.. she was liking the sincerity in his voice.. she came back to the world when he called her name afew times..

"Ji.. haan.. main yahin hoon.. sorry.." she muttered..

"Its absolutely fine..really.."he said very calmly..

"aapne phone kaise.. kuch kaam thha..?"

"Haan.. actually main shaadi se pehle tumse ek baar milna chahta hoon.. bas thodi der ke liye..jab aur jahan tum comfortable ho.. please.."he said

She thought for amoment nd gulped saying "Ji theek hai.. kal jab bhi aap yahan aa sakein.." she said implying she would be meeting him at Gupta house while he understood her nervousness nd agreed saying "Okk then.. I'll be there at 12.. don't be so nervous main sirf aapse baat karne aaraha hoon aapka koi test lene nahin..gudnite.. bye.." nd disconnected the phone leaving Ridhhima confused as to how a stranger very prefectly read her mind..

BAS FIRST UPDATE KE LIYE ITNA HI HAI..
AB YEH SUSPENSE HI OPEN HO GAYA KI RYAN ARMAAN AUR TIYA KA BETA HAI.. ARMAAN WAS MARRIED ONCE BEFORE.. KAB.? KYUN..? AUR KAISE..? BAAD MEIN PATA CHALEGA..

NEXT PART HAS AR MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME ND INTRO OF RM, ATUL, ANJALI ND SAPNA..

HOPE TO SEE YOU GUYS REPLYING SOON..

RUCHA