Chapter 32

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

RECAP: RYAN'S BDAY PARTY.. ARMAAN SHUTS OFF PADMA ND ANJALI'S ACCUSATIONS.. HE PROMISES TO UNVEIL THE MYSTERY OF RIDHIMA'S PARENTS' DEATH..

Part 31

Armaan looked at Shashank entering his cabin he quickly put the call on hold nd requested Shashank to wait outside as he is discussing something confidential nd personal.. Shashank frowned nd nodded.. he went out gritting his teeth mumbling under his breath..

Armaan looked at the door being closed nd got back to his conversation.. Afew minutes later when Shashank nd Armaan sat discussing about the project when Shashank asked "Koi problem hai Armaan..? jab main ayaa tha to tum kaafi gusse mein lag rahe thhe.."

"no.. not at all uncle.. bas kuch personal problem hai.. I'll handle it.."

"Ridhima.. usne kuch kiya kya..?" Shashank coaxed to getsome information..

"Nahi.. vo kuch galat nai kar sakti.. chodiye uncle kaha na maine ki personal hai.." Armaan smirked nd asked "Vaise uncle aapko pata hai kya ki Mr.Sharma se pehle humari company ke legal advisor kaun thhe..?"

Shashank looked scandalized at his question.. "kyun.. tumhe kya kaam hai usse..?" Armaan mentally patted himself nd shook his head saying "Nothing much uncle vo bas ek purana document mil nai raha tha.. to maine socha agar purana advocate mil jaye to uske paas shayad koi record ho.." Armaan justified his query which did not satisfy Shashank..

Shashank got up to go, when he saw a non-plussed Ridhima standing at the door of Armaan's cabin.. Shashank was surprised when he saw the coldness in her eyes.. She didn't even acknowledge his presence rather her face clearly showed that she wanted Shashank to leave.. Shashank didn't bother himself to look for the cause but Armaan got worried seeing the lady at his office, though looking like Ridhhima but not HIS RIDHU..

As soon as Shashank left Ridhima went to Armaan nd placed a few legal paper with a thump at his desk.. "Kya saabit karna chah rahe hain aap mere papa pe lage charges dobara prove karvake..? kyun aapne papa ke against jo case iss company ne kiya tha usse reopen karva rahe hain..?" Ridhima blurted out fuming in anger as it was now not about her but her Parents..

Armaan was stunned at her anger.. He saw her shaking with anger nd got up to sooth her.. while she pushed him away.. "mere kareeb tab tak matt aana jab tak mere sawaalon ka jawaab na ho aapke paas.." Armaan frowned nd pulled her by her arm mumbling in a heavy voice "Apne gusse pe kaabu rakho.. yeh sab sirf shubhankar uncle ki maut ka sach jaan-ne ke liye kar raha hoon main.."

As soon as Armaan said those words they hit Shashank like heavy stone.. He was going out but he turned back to the come in when he realised he has forgotten his file.. He stood there listening to the argument but when Armaan spoke the truth, his mind began calculating nd working faster.. he quickly rushed to his cabin nd made a call.. while in another few minutes, Anjali, who came to meet Armaan was stopped at the door by Armaan's voice.. "Meri baat suno Ridhu.. yehi ek tareeka hai sab pata karne ka.."

Armaan saw Anjali peeping at the door, nd without thinking twice he pulled Ridhima into an embrace.. his palms traced her back while his face was hidden in her hair mumbling "I Love You Ridhu.. main tumhe kabhi dukh nai pohochaunga.. mera har kadam mujhse pehle tumhare bhalai ke liye hoga.." on one hand Ridhima was calming down abit with his soothing words as her heart was trusting his words.. On the otherhand Anjali was in tears seeing AR like that.. Ridhima came out of the hug with wet eyes nd looked at Armaan to apologise for her rude behaviour but instead she found his gaze fixed at the door.. she turned only to find Anjali at the door..

Anjali saw AR looking at her instead of speaking anything this time she silently turned nd left with a broken heart.. Armaan gave a small smiled looking at Ridhima but his smile vanished when he saw those distant expressions in her eyes.. "Aapne sirf unhe dikhane ke liye kiya yeh sab..?"

"Nai Ridhu.. maana ki maine Anjali ko dekh ke tumhe hug kiya par jo kaha maine vo sab sach thha.." Armaan tried to explain.. "bas.. abhi rehne dijiye.. aaj ke liye bohot ho gaya.. ab agar aap sach bhi bolenge to iss waqt vishwaas nai hoga.." Ridhima moved away from him nd went away wiping her tears.. While Armaan was stuck.. if he stop the proceedings of the case he'll never be able to trace the truth.. nd If he continues the case proceedings he feared losing Ridhima's faith in him.. he was shocked to see her anger already..

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"Ridhu.. baat to suno meri.." he pulled her back when she turned to move out of the kitchen.. Armaan hugged her, at first she protested but she felt so protected in his embrace that she forgot all her miseries.. but when he spoke he broke her trance making her recollect things that took place at his office.. She got out of the hug with a jerk nd left saying "Matt kheliye meri feelings ke saath.. jab jaante hain ki aapka kareeb hona mujhe kuch sochne nai deta to uska fayeda matt uthaiye Armaan.."

"Fayeda..?" he repeated in shock.. "Pyar mein Fayeda ya ehsaan nai dekha jata.. mujhe laga tum mujhse naraaz ho to main tumhe bas khush karna chahta tha.. par rehne do.. tumhe mera pyar aaj bhi sirf bandhish hi lagti hai.." He said nd moved out to the table before Ridhima could say anything.. While Ridhima was left with some guilt nd some anger.. Her heart wanted him back but her mind was opposing her, making her even more confused..

The dinner was taken in silence.. Bi observed them but kept queit thinking the couple should solve things on their own nd she should not interfere.. After dinner Bi thought of giving them time alone nd decided to take Ryan along but Armaan stopped her.. "Bi aap rest kariye.. mein Ryan ko sula dunga.." with that he took Ryan without a word.. Ridhima turned to wish Ryan good night but Armaan was already gone with Ryan in his arms.. She glumly turned to finish the work nd frowned..

Afew minutes she changed nd stretched besides him to sleep.. but sleep was miles away from their eyes.. Ridhima turned when she felt a tug at her hand.. she turned nd saw Ryan standing by the bed side.. she shifted abit making space for him to get into the comforter.. "aap soye kyun nai ryan.." she asked gently patting his head.. "Mamma ne lyan ko kishi nai di thhi na.. to lyan ko ninni nai aayi.." he said cutely nd kissed Ridhima's cheek.. Ridhima gave him a small smile nd kissed his head brushing his hair lightly till he was asleep..

Armaan kept on thinking nd figuring out his fault nd a way to rectify it but somewhere he was hurt as everytime in a conflict Ridhima sidelines his love nd takes it as an obligation.. Ridhima hugged Ryan closer into a loving ebrace nd never knew when she slept thinking of Armaan nd her wrong words..

The next few days passed like this for AR.. Listening to their hearts they should have talked it out nd solved things.. but instead Armaan was showing abit of rudeness yet portraying his love, making Ridhima guilty.. While Ridhima was avoiding talking to him all.. she was speaking just necessary things or else they useed to sit in the room such that no one can realize their presence..

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"Court ki date hai kal.." Armaan informed Ridhima.. Ridhima who was busy piling her clothes dropped the clothes.. she turned nd looked at Armaan with puzzled expressions.. Armaan looked at her nd lightly pulled her closer.. He very calmly spoke "Dekho Ridhima.. ek baar meri baat samajhne ki koshish karo.."

"Kya samjhu main Armaan.. aap kyun nai samajhte.. iss case se sirf mere papa ki badnaami hogi.. jo pehle ho chukka usse dobara kyun dohra rahe hain.." Ridhima said breaking into sobs.. ARmaan cupped her face.. "meri taraf dekho Ridhu.. tumhe lagta hai ki main tumhe kabhi bhi dukh de sakta hoon.." Ridhima looked at him with tears still flowing from her eyes.. "To phir aap yeh sab kyun.." she was cut in between "Ridhu.. yehi ek treeka hai.. tumhare papa ki maut ka ho na ho iss company se judi hai.. aur yahan ke purane lawyer tak pohochne ke liye iss case ka reopen hone zaroori thha Ridhu.." he explained..

"Par Armaan.. court phir mere papa par ilzaam lagaye jayenge.."

"Nai.. aisa kuch bhi hone se pehle mera lawyer yeh case ya to band karva dega ya phir aur aage bahdva dega.." ARmaan said with a smile.. "ab bharosa hai mere pyar par.." Ridhima hugged him tightly mumbling " mujhe Maaf kar dijiye Armaan.. bas jab apne mamma-papa ki baat aati hai na to mujhe kisi par vishwaas nai hota.. unki death ke baad maine kisi ko unke liya acha bolte nai suna.. issiliye aapko bhi vaise hi samajh liya maine.."

Around lunch AR returned back from the court.. Armaan handled Ryan as Ridhima seemed very much tiered recollecting everything that happened 10 yrs. back.. Armaan came back to the room nd found Ridhima sitting on the rest chair with her parents' picture.. he kissed her forehead nd Very quietly he picked her up nd laid her on the bed.. covering her properly when he was about to go she held his hand.. Armaan sat by her side nd stroked her hair.. "Thodi der aaram karo ridhu.."

"Armaan sab theek hoga na.." she asked curling into herself like a baby.. Armaan glanced at the door once not finding any trace of Ryan he too slipped besides Ridhima.. he held her close into an embrace he knew it was only his love that could provide her with some strength to fight her pain.. While Ridhima waited but he didn't get anymore closer to her, he was just holding her nd stroking her hair.. She looked up into his eyes nd found herself drowning into the love his eyes had in them..

She smiled lightly nd put her palm on his eyes.. sliding her hand down from his eyes to his neck, she bent nd kissed his eyes which were closed, as he was into the moment aswell.. she felt him shiver abit when she pressed her nose to his.. She smiled lightly as for the first time it was not her but Armaan who was losing his senses at her touch.. she controlled her racing heart nd kissed his chin.. she was about to moved back when he pulled her closer.. pulling her upon himself he rolled onto her.. he opened her eyes to see her angelic face.. he was taken aback when he looked into her teary eyes..

"Ridhu..?" Ridhima smiled shaking her head nd closed her eyes, putting her arms around him.. Armaan sighed nd hid his face in her neck.. "Armaaann.." she groaned when she felt his hands moving on her waist nd his lips on her throat.. she twisted in his hold knowing the fact that Ryan can turn up, into the room any moment.. "Armaan chodiye.. koi aajayega.."

"Oye Hoye.. matlab agar koi na aaye to main.." he was cut in between..

"Armaan please.."

"Ridhu please.. ek kiss to iss gareeb ko mil hi sakti hai.." he said inching closer..

"Armaaa.." words froze when she felt his lips touching hers.. with in a second she gave in nd he kissed her with all his love he had for her.. They broke apart when Ridhima twisted nd pushed him abit.. Armaan lifted himself off her abit nd looked at her.. she was breathing heavily, her lips still quivering.. he traced her quivering lips with his finger making her sigh.. "I Love You Ridhu.." saying so he bent to kiss her again when she stopped him.. "Armaan ab jaane dijiye please.."

Without another word he rolled off her nd got down of the bed looking at her with loving eyes while she was confused when he left her without any argument.. she stood up looking at him with strange eyes ns adjusted her hair nd saree well.. she again looked at Armaan calculatively.. He smirked raising his eyebrows.. She shook her head knowing any question about his sudden withdrawal would end up with her blushing badly at his comments..

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Atul entered the parking nd saw Anjali in her car staring in space.. He knocked the window twice but she didn't respond.. he parked his car nd sat in the passenger seat of her car.. Anjali came back to the world with the thump of the door closing.. "Atul..? tum kab aaye..?" she asked abit surprised..

"Kya baat pareshan kar rahi hai tumhe..?" He asked straight..

"Kuch nai Atul.. tum nai samjhoge.." she was about to go when he pulled her back.. "Tumhe kya lagta hai main tumhari koi baat nai samajhta main.." Atul asked in a fed up tone.. Anjali was taken aback at his tone..

"Tum yeh kaise baat kar rahe ho Atul.. nd leave my hand.. jaana hai mujhe.." Anjali said.. "Main ab vahi kar raha hoon jo sahi hai.. jaanta hoon ki har kisi ko apna pyar miley yeh zaroori nai hota.. aaj yeh haath thaama hai tumhara.. ab tum chaho ya na chaho mujhe tumse pyar karne se rok nai sakti tum.."

"jaanti hoon main Atul.. ki tumhe mere chahne na chahne se koi fark nai padta.. tumhe jo karna hai karo.. par mujhe pareshaan karna band karo.."

"sahi hai.. ab tabhi aaunga tumhare saath khada hone jab khud bulaogi.. aur voh din jald hi aayega, yeh jaanta hoon main.. tum to ab tak yeh bhi nai samajh paayi Anjali ki pyar lene ka nai dene ka naam hota hai.. agar apne Pyar ke laakh inkaar ke baad bhi usse purey dil se chahein hum to vo pyar hota hai.. tumhari tarah apne pyar ki khushi dur nai karna chahta main.. Tum jo Armaan ke saath kar rahi ho vo pyar nai zid hai.." he almost shouted.. while Anjali was looking at him hurt.. she didn't knew why his words felt true nd she had no words to reply back..

She finally after gaining some courage looked at him mumbling "maine kabhi tumse madad nai maangi Atul.. aur aage bhi main apna dhyaan khud rakh lungi.. tumhe apna dost samjha tha maine par tum uss dosti ko nibha hi nai paaye.."

They both got down from the car.. Anjali was about to enter the lift when he caught her arm nd turned her making her look at him.. "Dosti aur Pyar to ab bhi nibhaunga.. tum jitni baar khud se dur karne ki koshish karogi utna hi paas aunga main.. aur uss din kaintzaar karunga, jis din tumhe mere pyar ki kadar hogi.. kuch bhi karo Anjali.. bas apne iss junoon mein kuch aisa matt kar jana jo tumhare liye aur tumhare apnon ke liye, tumhari zid ki sazaa bann jaye.."

At Mallik House

Armaan was getting ready for office when Ridhima came with his tie.. "Armaan.. vo Sapna Di se maine Ryan ke play skul ke forms mangaye thhe.." Ridhima said handling the forms to him.. Armaan looked at Ridhima nd then passed a glance at Ryan who stood by Ridhima's side.. "yeh skul jayega bhi..?" Armaan asked in amazement..

"Armaan.. uska moral matt down kariye.." Ridhima picked Ryan nd settled on the couch.. "Mera buddy mamma ka ekdum strong vala superman hai.. aur agar vo school nai jayega to vo big boy kaise banega.." Ridhima said in a sugary tone buttering Ryan.. Ryan nodded with a smile saying "Lyan ka shkul.." Armaan too came nd settled by their side.. He saw the entire form filled only his signatures were left.. "Yahan to tum bhi sign kar sakti ho na Ridhu.. to mujhse kyun sign karva rahi ho..? see either of the parents can sign for comfirmation.."

Ridhima nodded nd smiled awkwardly.. "Par maine socha ki yahan aapke hi sign theek rahenge issiliye maine aapse.." she stopped with her excuse when he held her hand.. Armaan put Ryan on his feet for him to go nd play.. while he shifted closer.. "Ridhu.. Ryan ki Ma tum ho.. Tiya ke baare mein soch ke khud ko matt roko.. manaa Tiya hai Ryan ki ma par duniya ke liye aur khud Ryan ke liye yeh haq sirf tumhara hai.." Ridhima looked at him in amazement as he understood her delimma without her saying even a single word..

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It was over a week.. everything for Ryan's first day at his junior school was settled.. Ridhima has started preparing him for how to talk to other kids nd teachers nd made him abit confident.. Ridhima dressed him nd prepared his lil bag nd bottle.. It was all special that morning.. Ryan wore his new dress nd was given chocolates.. he was fed his breakfast by Ridhima with lots of pampering.. When Armaan stood up go for office he took Ryan's bag nd bottle along with his office bag.. He was about to take Ryan's hand but Ryan hid behind Ridhima..

"Ryan main aapko school leke chal raha hoon baby.." Armaan said nd bent to pick him up when he burst out crying.. "Lyan mamma ke shaath lahega.." Armaan sighed nd looked at ridhima who picked Ryan nd calmed him.. she wiped his tears nd gently brushed his head.. "buddy aise nai karte.. aap roke jaoge pehle din.." she tried explain but he hugged her tightly mumbling "Lyan gudoo shaath lahega.. gudoo shkul lyan ke shaath.."

"Acha agar mamma aapko chodne chale to aap nai roge na..?" Ridhima asked him to which he shook his head nd hugged Ridhima again.. Ridhima was also ready for temple so she quickly went with them.. Armaan thought to drop Ryan nd then send Ridhima back home with driver after getting down at office.. but he had to drop the duo at school nd go to the office.. Ryan was not leaving Ridhima nd Armaan was getting late for his meeting.. so Ridhima asked him to leave..

Ridhima took Ryan's hand nd walked to his class which seemed more like a playroom.. there were afew kids playing while afew seemednew just as Ryan.. Ryan looked around the big room which was full of kids nd toys.. ndhid himself behind Ridhima.. Ridhima sat on her knees nd soothed Ryan.. she gave his hand to his teacher nd was walking out of the class when Ryan ran to her nd was about to cry mumbling "Gudoo shaath ghal jana hai.."

"Nai buddy.. main ghar thodi ja rahi hoon.. aap yahan new friends banaoge na.. main aapka bahar wait karungi.. pakka promise.. mamma Ryan ko yahan akela thodi chod ke jayegi.. Ryan to mamma ki jaan hai na.. mera pyara sa baby.." Somehow she persuaded him nd thought of being somewhere around in case she gets a call from school Ryan..

Ridhima called Muskaan nd Sapna to check if either of them was free.. luckily they both were.. the trio kept strolling in a mall nearby.. did some shopping nd sat for lunch.. Sapna saw Ridhima not eating much.. "Ridhu tu kha kyun nai rahi..?" Ridhima shook her head nd started eating without appetite as she knew a small hint nd Sapna would fire questions regarding her health, love life etc etc..

Ridhima kept checking her mobile nd watch.. she was worried about Ryan now.. it was still around half an hour for Ryan's off from school but she finally blurted.. "Di.. Muski hum chale school.. agar der ho gayi to Ryan dar jayega mujhe vahan na dekh kar.." Sapna smiled at her concern while Muskaan giggled saying "oye apne bete ko tu school chod ke aayi hai ya jungle mein.. itna to voh bhi nai ghabra raha hoga jitna tu ghabra rahi hai.." they chatted nd walked to the school.. It was just a few minutes left now.. Ridhima looked around carefully trying to see Ryan when she saw kids running out of their classes.. when most of the kids had left Ridhima rushed to check his class.. to her surprise she found him giggling away to glory.. "Buddy.." she called him when he peeped out of his story book nd smiled at ridhima..

She was surprised when he kept sitting nd didn't came rushing to her.. she then noticed a very cute girl standing up from Ryan's side.. She looked bute with beautiful eyes nd long hair.. she was in a white frock..

Ridhima went nd took Ryan's bag nd bottle.. she knelt down by the two kids nd gave them a chocolate.. "aapko akela to nai lagan a buddy..?" Ridhima asked to which Ryan shook his head nd hugged Ridhima.. "yeh aapki friend hai..?

"Mamma je Candy hai.. lyan ki galflend.." Ryan said with pride leaving Ridhima shocked.. Ridhima turned when she heard Sapna nd Muskaan giggle at Ryan's reply.. "Di yeh hasne ki baat nai hai.. Ryan aapne yeh kahan se seekha..?"

"Pa ne bola.. ab she Candy meli galflend.."

"Waah Ridhu.. tujhe to bahu bhi mil gayi.. teri to saari tension khatam.. kal bete ki shaadi karva de aur ho aa char dhaam ki yatra pe.." Muski teased..

"Bas kariye aap dono.. aao betu ab chalein.. bhuki bhi lagi hogi mele baby ko.." Ridhima said getting up while she was shocked when Ryan smiled nd kissed the lil girl's cheek..

"mamma main kal phil she aunga shkul.. candy she milunda loj.." he said in glee clapping his hands.. Ridhima nodded nd went with Ryan pampering him.. She made a mental note to talk to Armaan about what he had taught Ryan..

THAT'S IT.. TIME LAGA ISSE LIKHNE MEIN..

DO TELL ME HOW DID U LIKE RYAN'S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL ND THOSE AR n AA MOMENTS..

THANX ATON FOR BEING SO SUPPORTIVE NS PATIENT WITH ME..

frnd.of.frndz2010-02-04 08:40:44