Chapter 17

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

RECAP: NIKKI ENTERS.. HER ENGAGEMENT.. SAPNA ND RIDHHIMA'S CONVO.. TARA GETS TO KNOW AR DON'T SHARE HUSBAND ND WIFE RELATIONSHIP AS YET.. ARMAAN GONE TO LONAVLA ND RYAN GOT FLU..

Part 16

At night had Ridhhima woke up when she felt Ryan moving.. he was whimpering non stop.. Ridhhima checked his fever, it was rising.. She caressed his head nd made him have spoonful of his medicine.. She rubbed his chest nd comforted him till he was calm again.. She didn't knew herself how she was managing to calm him down coz seeing him so restless nd in pain even she was not at peace..

Not knowing for how long had she kept water strips on his head to provide him with some relaxation as due to high fever even his eye were burning.. She herself dozed off in half laying position..

Next morning she got up when she felt a tug at her hair.. she looked down to see Ryan snuggling closer nd his head was buried in her hair.. She wondered if he was awake.. She slightly moved, only to find him sitting up nd hugging her.. On an impulse her hand reached his forehead nd then neck to see if his fever was high.. But for then the temperature wasn't much..

Ridhhima knew it would be the best time to make him have something coz if the temperature starts rising once he would get fidgety nd irritated.. She picked him up nd took him to the kitchen.. "To aaj aap kya khaoge buddy.?" Ridhhima asked him placing him in his baby chair in the kitchen.. Ryan didn't say anything just kept looking at her cutely.. Ridhhima smiled at his cutenessnd patted his head lightly.. She made him soft stuffed paranthas with no spice PLUS Some Milk..

Ryan had most of the parantha nicely but in the last few bites he wasn't liking it as he was getting sweaty due to the temperature coming down.. "Buddy.. bas thoda sa aur.." Ridhhima said explaining him with patience but as he started crying, her heart felt a tug.. she quickly picked him up nd calmed him..

After sometime Ridhhima made Ryan sleep nd quickly started with her chores.. she prepapred Bi's lunch nd also took bath nd offered prayings at the temple.. She walked to her room when she heard Ryan crying.. She took him in her lap nd hugged him while he was feeling sticky due to sweat..

"Achha Buddy.. bas ab aap rona band karo.. hum abhi aapko nahai nahai karate hain hmm.." Ridhhima said brushing his head nd calming him down while he snuggled even more closer into the curve of her neck.. Ridhhima smiled at his gestures nd took him for a sponge bath.. She made him sit by the tub nd dipped the towel inside it.. She would wet his hand nd quickly wipe it of with a dry towel so as to save him from getting cold..While Ryan took it as a game..  When Ridhhima was done he again extended his hand thinking she would wet it again nd then wipe it.. when Ridhhima didn't do that again nd was just smiling looking at him, he threw the saop dish into the water which made a splash..

He giggled louder when water splashed on him nd Ridhhima making her wet too.. "Buddy bohot masti ho gayi hai.. paani ke saath khelna achha bhi lag raha hai to fever ke time.. vaise to nahana ke time kitna pareshaan karte ho aap.. aur dekho aapne mujhpe bhi paani dalaa.. Gandu.." she said kissing him nd making him smile nd laugh.. Ridhhima felt contented when he giggled nd acted mischievously..

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While on the otherhand in Lonavla.. Armaan had been trying to call Ridhhima since morning but sometimes she would not pick her phone nd sometimes her network was unavailable.. He even called home in between when Bi told him that Ridhhima was in the temple.. He was getting restless as he knew whole evening he would get busy in his meeting nd would be able to talk to her late at night then..

He sighed looking at the sky.. "Aisa mere saath hi kyun hota hai..? main jaanta hoon ki uske dil mein bhi mere liya kuch hai, to vo bolti kyun nai..? aur jab main usse baat karna chahta hoon to khud ko ghar ke kaam mein busy kar liya hai.. kya vo mujhe yaad kar rahi hai..? paat nai aisa kyun lag raha hai ki jaise usse meri zaroorat hai.."

He was right Ridhhima was feeling very bad since morning seeing Ryan so dull.. he was not ready to let go off her for even a single moment.. he didn't want to play with his noisy toys neither did he play with Lucky.. he just wanted to sit with Ridhhima nd enjoy her pampering..

"Guddoo.." he said weakly pointing at one of the hand puppets.. Ridhhima smiled nd kissed him.. "Aapko story sunni hai baby.." He nodded nd lied down in her lap.. Ridhhima loved his innocence.. She patted him with love nd told him many stories till he was asleep.. She looked at the time, It was around 3pm.. nd then her eyes shifted to her's nd Armaan's picture.. "vo theek to hain.. subah se phone nai aya unka.. ho sakta hai kaam mein busy honge.. lekin aisa bhi kya kaam ki ek phone ya message bhi nai kiya..?" she thought nd pouted..

She thought a lot nd reached her phone.. she was nearly shocked to see 8 missed calls from his number.. She quickly called him back but his calls were transferred to his PA so she just messaged him.. "I'm Sorry.. mera phone silent par thha.. aap kaise hain..? kal kab tak aayenge..?"

[I found this one while searching goolgle.. so credit for this goes to its Original maker..]

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tara came with Nikki to meet Ridhhima as she knew Armaan was out of town.. she met Bi nd asked for Ridhhima nd Ryan to which Bi told them that they were sleeping.. "iss waqt..?" tara was surprised..

"Ryan ko kal subah se bukhaar thha.. abhi thoda kam hua to Ridhhima ne usse khana khilaya aur sulaya hai.." Bi informed.. "Fever..? kal se..? mujhe bataya kyun nai aapne..?" tara asked..

"Tum aur Nikki shaadi ki taiyaari mein lage thhe.. aur vaise bhi yahan Ridhhima thhi to sahi Ryan ke liye.. uss bachhi ne kal se ek minute bhi Ryan ko akela nai choda hai.." Bi said smiling.. Tara smiled back thanking God for sending Ridhhima in their lives.. Tara moved to Ridhhima's room nd stepped in without making any noise.. she smiled wider seeing Ryan sleeping on Ridhhima's stomatch nd Ridhhima's one hand on his head nd other around him..

They left after giving the sarees they'd got for Ridhhima..

Later that evening..

Ridhhima had called Atul for Ryan's check up..

At Sanjeevni..

"Atul.. tum ja rahe ho..? tumhari duty khatam..?" Anjali asked as she saw Atul without labcoat.. "Haan.. vo mujhe ek patient ko check karne bhi jana hai abhi.. issliye jaldi jar aha hoon.. kuch kaam thha mujhse..?" Atul asked..

"nai bas aise hi.. vaise yeh kaunsa patient hai jiska treatment Dr.Atul specially karte hain..?" Anjali asked.. Atul smiled at her implication nd said "Dr.Anjali hum child specialist hain.. aur kabhi kabhi bachon ke hisaab se chalna padta hai.. mere dost ka beta hai.. you might Remember Ryan, ryan mallik.."

Anjali was scandalized when she heard that name.. "oh so Ridhhima called you..?" she said in a bad tone.. "hmm.. Ridhhima bhabhi called me yesterday.. but how do you know her..?" Atul asked..

Anjali just shook her head.. "Well.. meri bhi duty khatam ho gayi thhi so I was wondering agar tum kisi aur ko bhej do nd then we can go to some pub nd party.." Anjali said avoiding his question..

Atul felt offended abit due to Anjali's rude tone nd left saying "Armaan is like a brother to me.. to Ryan ko check karne janaa meri duty nahi responsibility hai.. if you want to go somewhere then surely tum bhi chalo mere saath.. 5 minute lagenge Ryan ko check karne mein then we can go.. Or else, I'll see you tomorrow.."

Atul left shocked Anjali behind.. "aisa pehla ladka dekha hai jisne mere saath jaane se manaa kiya.. Gr8 Dr.Joshi.. tumne mujhe impress kiya hai.. tumse to dosti karni hi padegi.." Anjali thought nd followed Atul to accompany him.. 

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It was late evening Ridhhima was changing Ryn into his romper suit when Atul nd Anjali came..  Anjali observed Atul as he entered nd greeted bi respectfully.. Bi although knew what relationship Ridhhima had with Anjali but kept mum..

"Bi Ryan kahan hai.? Aur ab kaisa hai vo..?" Atul asked..

Bi smiled saying "beta vo andar hoga Ridhhima ke saath.. aaj to shukr hai ki uska bukhaar kam hai.. kuch tumhari dawai ka asar hai to kuch Ridhhima ke pyar ka.." Anjali made a face as Bi praised Ridhhima nd followed Atul inside..

They entered nd saw Ryan sitting in Ridhhima's lap while she was reading him a story nd he was looking at colourful pictures in the book as Ridhhima pointed at them telling which character is which one.. "Bhabhi.." Atul said feebly disturbing the duo.. Ridhhima smiled looking at Atul but her smile faded as she saw Anjali entering the room aswell..

Atul traced Ridhhima's gaze nd introduced then as he didn't knew who they're "Bhabhi yeh Dr.Anjali hai.. meri collegue aur friend.." to which ridhhima gave a fake smile saying "Main jaanti hoon Atul.. yeh mere chacha Ji ki beti hain.."

As Atul smiled, Anjali was taken aback at Ridhhima's intro.. she thought Ridhhima would address her as Di but she DIDN'T..

"chacha Ji ki beti.." Anjali said in a snide way.. "ab tum apne Bade Papa ko Chacha Ji kehti ho aur jisse kal tak Di kehti thhi vo sirf unki beti hai.. Badi jaldi rishtey badal liye tumne.." by now her eyes were blazing with anger..

"Haan.. rishtey badal gaye hain.. lekin maine nai aapne logon ne badle hain.. jinhe maine apne Ma-Baap se upar ka darja diya vo to mujhse itni nafrat karte hain mujhe to pata hi nai thha.. aur jisse maine apni behen mana vo mujhse mera Pati, mera beta aur mera Pyar dur karna chahti hai.." Ridhhima said with tears..  "PYAR..? tum kabse Armaan se pyar karne lagi..? oh wait.. Kahin uske compromises ko tum concern to nai samajh rahi na.." Anjie taunted back..

Ridhhima gave a sarcastic smile saying "Ab aapki inn baton ka asar nai hoga mujh par.. kyunki ab aapse zyada vishwaas mujhe Armaan par hai.."

"tumhe kya lagta hai ki uske bimaar bete ki dekh bhaal karke tum uska dil jeet logi.. huh..! main tumhari jagah hoti to do din infection ke darr se iske itna paas hi nai aati.." Anjali said pointing at Ryan who was hugging Ridhhima..

"I'm surprised ki aap ek child specialist kaise bani hain.. Doctor hokar ek bachhe ke liye koi aisa kaise soch sakta hai..? Infection ka khayaal aapko tab to nai aata thha jab main aapka dhyaan rakhti thhi jab aapko fever hota thha.." Ridhhima's words quietened Anjali for a moment but as soon as she opened her mouth she was cut in between by Ridhhima "Jinn logon se hum pyar karte hain aur dil se unka bhala chahte hain na, unnpar humare pyar ka asar hota hai, humpar unke infection ka nai.. aur mujhe parwaah nai agar Ryan ke theek hone par meri tabiyat kharaab ho bhi jaye to.."

Atul entered before Anjali could say anything nd took her away from the room.. while Ridhhima sighed nd kissed Ryan protectively..

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It was late at night Ryan was still in no mood to sleep or eat anything.. Ridhhima was worried as Ryan was just sitting with her nd sometime watching TV or playing but she should be with him.. Even she has not had her dinner as Ryan has still not had anything..

Finally When Ridhima realized it was time for Ryan's medicine she decided to make him eat something atleast.. she took him to the kitchen with her nd took some rice nd Daal nd also his milk bottle..

She was successful in feeding him some amount making aeroplane nd helicopters from the spoon nd then diverting his attention.. but soon he was not eating anymore so she didn't insist nd took him for rest..

He cried for her as soon as she placed him on the bed with his bottle nd went to get his blanket.. "Nai Ryan.. ka baat ho gayi hmm.. main bachh apka blanket lene gayi thhi na.." She took him in her lap nd explained while he shook his head nd hugged her.. Teras glistened in her eyes when she realized he felt so protected nd relieved with her around.. She wiped her tears nd kissed him.. "Achha baba.. main kahin nai ja rahi aapko chod ke.. chalo ab mera shona bilkul nai royega.. ab hum ninni karenge.." She made him lie down nd covered him properly nd lied down next to him.. he stayed there like a Good boy till Ridhhima was lying on her side nd holding his Milk Bottle for him but as soon as he finished nd Ridhhima settled on her back, he climbed onto her nd slept on her stomatch..

She smiled at his kidish behaviour nd patted him lightly till he was asleep..

She didn't knew but when in the evening Ryan was sleeping she had kept her phone on silent..

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He tiptoed from the back door.. He knew she might be still sleeping as it was just 6am.. he went to his room nd stepped in Very Quietly.. he was nearly shocked when he saw Ryan sleeping on her Stomach.. They both looked adorable with sweet smiles on their faces.. He lightly brushed ryan's ear with his finger but quickly withdrawed as he saw ryan shifting abit.. his smile got wider when he saw Ridhhima's hand reaching to calm Ryan down even in her sleep..

He settled on the bed with the support of the headboard nd kept staring at the sleeping duo.. One moment he would look at Ridhhima's contentment nd other moment his gaze would trace Ryan's smile..

Everything was same till Lucky started to bark.. he got up with Armaan's slight movements nd started barking.. Its was around 7am that even Ridhhima woke up due to lucky's noise.. She carefully shifted Ryan on the bed nd checked his forehead nd neck to see if he had fever anymore.. she smiled as his temperature seemed normal nd moreover he was asleep all night..

Her smile of satisfaction changed into a shocking one as she sat up from bending position nd saw Armaan staring at her.. "Vo.. umm.. main.. umm.. Ryan.. vo.. usse fever tha issliye.. aap.. itni subah kyun.. I mean kab aaye..?" she fumbled making him smile at her nervousness.. but then seriously asked "ryan ko fever thha..? kab se..?"

"do din ho gaye.. ab theek hai vo.. aap chinta karte issliye bataya nai.." she said fiddling with the hem of  the comforter.. Armaan face for once got angry expressions but seeing her innocence nd concern he calmed down as he himself has witnessed how she was taking care of Ryan.. "theek hai Ridhhima mujhe bharosa hai ki tumne yahan sab samhaal liya hoga.. tum ho to mujhe Ryan ki ya Bi ki fikr nai thhi.. sirf tumhari chinta thhi kyunki tum humesha khud ki care karna bhul jaati ho.." he said getting up nd went to her side of the bed..

He sat down nd front of her nd took her hand into his.. "Ryan ka dhyaan rakhne ke liye thank.." he was cut in between "Thank you ki zaroorat nai hai.. maine vahi kiya jo mujhe theek laga.. maine aapse pehle bhi kaha thha ki main humare rishte mein complications ke liye ryan ko blame nai karti.. vo bachha hi to hai jo abhi theek se bol bhi nai sakta.." she explained..

Listening to her he took her into a gentle bear hug nd whispered "I'm so thankful ki tum meri zindagi ka hissa ho.. Yeh do din main har pal tumhare bare mein hi soch raha thha.. I've missed you like hell.." Ridhhima was melting firstly due to the proximity they were sharing then coz of his hot breath that was tickling her ear nd then his words.. His words of faith nd confession were driving her mad.. She got out of the hug before she could lose herself in his embrace.. "Aap rest kariye.. main fresh hone jaati hoon.."

As she went he just looked at Ryan when she spoke.. "Waise aap itni subah kaise aaye..? driver to thha nai.." she asked arching her eyebrows.. He bit his tongue nd made a cute face saying "Vo na kal raat ko main tumhara number bohot try kiya lekin tumne phone answer nai kiya.. mujhe chinta ho rahi thhi.. pata nai bas Dil ne kaha ki tumhare paas aajaun to bas aagaya.. waise bhi tumhair aawaz sune bina neend nai aarahi thhi.."

Ridhhima was surprised at his words.. she slightly blushed nd went to washroom leaving Armaan smiling to himself..  

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"Aapki meeting kaisi thhi..?" Ridhhima asked serving him his lunch..
"tumne mujhe miss kiya..?" he asked out of the blue as if he didn't hear what she asked.. She was about to go but he held her wrist nd got up from the chair..

"Apne pati ko nai batana to matt batao.. lekin apne dost ko bata sakti ho na, ki tumne apne dost ko miss kiya ya nai..?"  Armaan asked with patience.. his hold on her wrist lightened as he saw her nodding.. as sson she felt he grip loosened abit she freed herself nd rushed to the kitchen..

Afew minutes later Ridhhima came nd settled for lunch.. Armaan nd Ridhhima shared an awkward silence for a few seconds which Armaan willingly broke answering her question.. "Garment industries alag hai yeh project.. Actually na lonavla mein ek orphanage hai jismein bohot se bache padhna chahte hain lekin proper funding nai hai uske liye.. to humne usse ek hospital ke saath jodne ke liye socha.. it would profit our industries by increasing our goodwill in market Plus it would also benefit the kids.. government yeh contract sirf ek hi firm ko degi.. nd Since Dad ne kaafi time pehle ek hospital ko financial crisis mein overtake kiya thha, we could also go for this deal.. Maine iss project ki harr detail par kaam kiya aur bohot chances hain ki yeh contract hume milega.. most probably Either Us or Shashank uncle's Sanjeevni.. meeting to meri bohot achhi thhi bas ab agle hafte results ka intzaar hai.."

Ridhhima who was listening to him carefully nodded nd said "Sanjeevni ki bhi bohot achi Reputation hai Armaan.. Di batati thhi mujhe ki kaise vahan regularly latest equipments aate thhe nd all the cost was taken care off by bade papa.. Waise aapka kaunsa Hoapital hai..?"

"Drona.. I know ki Sanjeevni mein kya hai.. maine research ki hai.. bas ab ek Doctor saath chahiye next presentation ke pehle.. Drona mein main aise kisi Doctor ko nai jaanta jispar main itna vishwaas kar sakun ki yeh project usse de doon.." Armaan said quipping.. to which Ridhhima on an impulse said "Aap Atul se kyun nai baat karte..? aur Sapna Di bhi aapki help kar sakti hain.." Armaan looked at her disbelievingly nd took her into a tight hug.. "thank you.. you've solved my biggest tension.. Atul.. God main kaise bhool gaya.. vo bhi to doctor hai.. aur Sapna bhi.. Wow Ridhhima.. thanx a lot.. I Love you for this.." he quickly jumped nd left to talk to Sapna nd Atul..

While Ridhhima nearly chocked as soon as She heard "I Love You" from him..

YEH LO JI PART..

KOI MUJHE NAI DAANTEGA.. MAINE SIRF AAJ KE DIN MEIN YEH SAB LIKHA HAI.. COZ AGAR AAJ UPDATE NAI KARTI NA TO NEXT SATURDAY TAK KOI CHANCE NAI THHA UPDATE KA..

I HOPE YEH PART ABHI KE LIYE SATISFYING HO..!

SORRY TO KEEP YOU WAITING LEKIN MAINE EXACT EK WEEK KE BAAD UPDATE KIYA HAI..

PRECAP: AR GOING TO DELHI FOR THE TENDER RESULTS.. RIDHHIMA MEETS SHASHANK ND ANJIE ALONG.. ARMAAN IS ANGRY.. ITS CONFESSION TIME GUYS..!