Chapter 43

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

Part 42

Armaan finally let go of his fears  letting things take its own course.. though he felt Naina Joshi might be helpful in knowing about Ridhima's parents as she was very influencial but decided against it as it might harm Atul an Anjali's relationship.. He couldn't ask his dad to help him as it would look like he was directly asking his father to go against his friend.. FRIEND.. Was Shashank Gupta really a person to be referred as a friend..? he was so engrossed in All that he was doing to know about Ridhima's parents  but he never has really given a thought of what his father might feel if he is proven wrong..

He came out of his thoughts with a swift knock at the door.. he gulped a glass of water saying "Come in..".. He saw his PA coming to inform him that Mr.Mallik wants to see him right away.. He frowned collecting a few files and heading to his dad's cabin..

While on the otherhand Ridhima thought to leave early for Ryan's school as she has got herself an appointment with Anjali for a check up.. she has not been feeling fine for a week now when she discussed that with anjali, she straight away asked her to come for a check up.. Ridhima agreed when Anjali told her to come or else she will ask Armaan to accompany her.. Ridhima wanted to get herself checked first rather than worrying Bi and Armaan..

She reached before time and peeked into Anjali's cabin to see if she was free.. Finding her engrossed in a file, sipping her coffee.. "Di.. aap free hain..?"

"Ridhu.. arre aaja main tera hi wait kar rahi thi bas.." Anjali closed her file and greeted Ridhima with a hug..

"Chal ab bata.. whats the problem..?"

"Kuch nahi di.. bas thodi si weakness lagti hai har time aur I feel like sleeping all the time.." Ridhima said in a confused tone only to see Anjali smiling.. "I think I know what is wrong with you but I need to confirm it first.. you just don't worry main abhi thodi der mein jeej ko phone kar dungi he'll collect ur reports in the evening.."

"Nahi di.. aap.. aap Armaan ko matt bataiyega ki main aapke paas aayi thi.. I mean.. unko pata hai main aapke paas aayi hoon par check up ke liye aayi hoon yeh nahi bataya maine.." Ridhima retorted quickly.. "Unko batati toh voh saara kaam bhul jaate aur din bhar aage peeche ghoomte.. pehle aap check karo kuch hoga toh unko bataungi aur agar sab normal hai toh bas phir.."

"Ohk.. as you wish.. main sham ko tujhe reports ghar par bhijva dungi Sappy ke saath.. she was saying that she is planning to drop by for sometime.."

"Theek hai di.. ab main chalti hoon Ryan ko lena bhi hai school se.." She left giving Anjali a hug..

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She was a bit late than usual in picking up Ryan, but as usual he was standing outside the gate waiting for her.. she quickly got to his side and took him by his palm.. "Ryan mamma ne kitni baar kaha hai na aapko ki aap andar wait kiya karo, aap kyun nahi sunte ho mamma ki baat..?"

He pouted and let his mamma scold him as he knew that she will not be able to stay angry for long from him.. On their way back he sat in his mamma's lap telling her about what all he did in school , and about his homework.. with in next 20 mins they were home busy with their lunch..

While on ther otherhand Armaan was having a fit after discussion with his dad.. Mr. Mallik wanted to merge with business with the Guptas.. The two biggest rivals at work will then work together.. but Armaan was not sure if that was a good idea.. Shashank Gupta was not a man of his words.. he knew he has to either find something to dissuade his father from merging with Guptas or find a better deal to postpone this venture.. he knew one person who can help.. Naina Joshi..

Around 5 in the evening when Ryan was off to his nap and Ridhima was busy arranging his toys and books back into their places, she felt a tap on her shoulder only to see a super excited Sapna standing behin her.. As soon as they came out of Ryan's room, Sapna squealed and took Ridhima into a rib crashing hug.. Ridhima smiled seeing Sapna so happy about something.. "Sapna di aapko kya hua hai..? why are you so happy..?"

"Ridhu happy is a very small word.. I'm going crazy right now.. I'm so on top of this world.."

"Par hua kya di yeh toh batao..?"

Sapna took an envelope and kept it in front of Ridhima.. "Yeh hua hai.."

Ridhima froze when she saw what was inside.. It was her reports from Anjali confirming her pregnancy.. she was 3 weeks pregnant.. She felt her throat dry from happiness.. She held onto Sapna's arm to support herself.. had it not been for Sapna Ridhima would have fainted due to the sudden gush of emotions in her heart..

"Di.. main.." Ridhima looked at Sapna with moist eyes.. while Sapna hugged her after a slight nod.. knowing that it was difficult for a girl who has spent most of her life craving to have a family that she could call her own.. that little Ridhu who had long back told herself that she will have to live with the hatered of her uncle and aunty, suddenly found so much love from her husband and son and now one more addition to the family.. the sense and the feeling of it was making her feel so light that she was afraid she might start flying any moment..

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"Aunty main sirf aapse help expect kar sakta hoon iss stage pe.. you have known Shashank Gupta and you know how much of a harm can he be to dad's business.. I just need one solid point to oppose it, please.." Armaan said out of frustration to Naina Joshi..

"I can understand your state of mind Armaan.. Give me 2 days I will try and do whatever I can to Help you.." Mrs. Joshi assured him..

"But what will you do..?"

"I have my sources Armaan.. I will meet you a day after in your office.."

With a light nod he set towards home as he was in no mood to attend anymore meetings for the day.. his mind was still fogged with all the points of discussion and victory that was shown on Shashank's face..

Reaching home he has already reprimanded the guard for being late in opening the door and a servant who by mistake dropped his files.. loosing his tie he went and sat in his room.. it was strange for all the people working at his place to see him so pissed off that he didn't even look for Ridhima once he entered the house.. throwing his belongings he slumped onto his side of the bed and sat there with his eyes closed.. He disturbed by a light whisper.. he opened his eyes only to see Ridhima taking Ryan out of the room so that he doesn't wake up..

Seeing him up Ridhima set Ryan to his feet, who ran back to his room, while Armaan came to Ridhima and hugged her close.. The only person who can relax him at the moment was Ridhima but he felt strange when he felt her body rigid in his embrace.. She thought to give her racing heart a rest and think of some plan to break the good news to him but at the same time it was difficult for her to think when he is around.. Parting from her he scanned her face which showed uneasiness.. "Kya hua hai tumko Ridhu..?"

"Umm.. voh.. main voh aapko.. umm.." She fumbled as she was caught off guard "Kuch Nahi Armaan.. voh mujhe bas kaam hai kitchen mein thoda sa.. main aati hoon abhi.." before he could say anything she ran away from there leaving him confused and irritated.. After a while he sat with his laptop and files spread on the couch trying to find a way himself..

"pata nahi kya ho raha hai aaj.. aur Ridhu.. usko kya hua tha achanak.. she seems to be running away from me.. God help me please.. I don't even what is Mr.Gupta upto now.." he thought.. at first he thought of talking to Anjali about this but then decided against it as it might not be a good idea to alarm Shashank Gupta about his intentions.. He knew Anjali would straight away go and question her father but that would be no solution..

In the kitchen Ridhima mentally smacked herself for acting so stupid in front of Armaan.. True that she wanted to tell him the big news herself but she didn't know how.. It took hours for her to believe that she is pregnant.. All the time Sapna was at mallik house Ridhima could not utter a word to express how happy she was.. for one long hour it was just Sapna who was telling things to Ridhima.. setting the table Ridhima made Ryan sit on his higher chair and served him.. as he waited for his mamma to sit and eat, he saw her making her way to her room..

"Armaan.. khane ke liye aajayiye.." she spoke knotting and unknotting her dupatta.. For once he looked up from his laptop but then decided against it.. he was not in best of his moods to eat and even HIS Ridhu was missing somewhere.. "Mujhe bhukh nahi hai tum kha lo.." he said and buried his face into his laptop again..

"Armaan thoda sa toh kha lijiye.. aaj aapne lunch bhi nahi kiya hai.."

"Maine kaha na Ridhu mujhe bhukh nahi hai.. please don't disturb me now.."

He was rude enough to shake her off her place.. nodding meekly she turned to leave from there only to bump into frowning Ryan.. She picked him up and left the room while it irritated Armaan more, that for the very first time she was not able to understand that he was badly disturbed about something..

She sat with Ryan and make him eat while Ryan was intelligent enough to know that his mamma was also not eating because his papa was not eating.. after finishing his food he took a plate of rice and dal and ran to where Armaan was sitting before Ridhima could stop him..

"Papa.. khana kha lo na.." Ryan said shaking Armaan's hand a bit.. Armaan looked at him and gave him a small smile saying "Beta papa ko bhukh nahi hai.. aap jao, papa kaam kar rahe hain.."

"Nai… Ryan khilayega.." he said with a smile and climbed the couch beside Armaan.. Ridhima saw this and stood at the door thinking may be Ryan's cute attempts will melt armaan.. Armaan frowned and busied himself asking Ryan to not disturb him in a stern voice.. but what came next was enough to blow off armaan's patience for the day.. Ryan picked up a spoonful of rice and dal and took it to Armaan's mouth dropping abit of it on his files and laptop by mistake.. 

"RYAN.." Armaan roared catching him from his shoulder.. "Yeh kya kiya hai aapne..?"

Rushing to separate them at once, Ridhima pulled Ryan's arm away from Armaan's grasp.. "Armaan.. usko dard ho raha hai.. kya kar rahe hain aap.."

"Itni der se samjha raha hoon main isko ek baar mein koi baat samajh kyun nahi aati hai..? maine jab keh diya ki mujhe nahi khana kuch toh phir.. meri files aur laptop sab kharaab kar diya.." Armaan said raising his voice looking at Ryan, who hid himself close to Ridhima..

"Armaan itna gussa kyun kar rahe hain aap..? voh toh bas aapko khana khilane aaya tha na.." Ridhima said trying to knock some sense into him..

"Fine.. lo uski side.. tumney hi isko itna ziddi bana diya hai.. jab dekho koi nayi shaitaani karni hoti hai isko.. karo jo karna hai but please leave me alone Ridhima.." he said throwing a file across the room in frustration..

His angry voice and fire in the eyes sent shivers down her spine.. scared that she might also start crying, she left with Ryan in her arms who was sobbing non stop.. as soon as she stepped out of the room she heard the door of her room shutting with a thud.. She went and sat with Ryan in his older room.. She let him sob for a while before she offered him some water to calm him.. "Ryan ne bammashi ni ki mamma.." he said hiccupping trying to justify himself..

"Haan mera beta.. mamma ko pata hai ki Ryan kitna good boy hai.. Ryan ne koi shaitaani nahi ki.. papa bas thoda pareshaan the na issiliye aapko daant diya.."

"Papa ganne.." Ryan sobbed more at Armaan's name.. "Ryan ko dald hua yahan.." he said pointing to his arm which Armaan has held.. Ridhima on an impulse rubbed his arm and soothed him with her kisses.. "Bas beta.. ab rona band karo.. aur aise nahi kehte papa ko.. papa aapse bohot pyar karte hain hmm.." Ryan stayed quiet at this and buried his head in her embrace still hiccupping.. after a lot of pursuation Ryan agreed to sleep.. he feared that Ridhima will leave once he slept.. Once he was asleep holding her dupatta she shuddered recollecting how mad Armaan was a while back at such a small mistake..

She was now even more scared to go to him and tell him that he is going be a father again.. she knew no doubt that he will be very happy but certainly this was not the right time.. but what enraged Armaan so much was the question.. she was abit hurt when he called her by her complete name and asked her to leave him alone.. she wanted to go to him and ask him wats wrong but ANGERY VOICES was onething that brings back all her dark memories.. how she lived as a child without her parents.. how in his last days, her father used to be so angry and helpless.. how her uncle and aunty use to shout at her all the time..

She cried a bit but was shaken off when Ryan shuffled looking for her.. she quickly calmed him down while he slept with his head on her arm and face buried in her chest.. she soothed his back and kept lying next to him, but sleep was miles away from her.. it was as if after years that her mind was rewinding her bad memories..

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Next morning was more awkward than quiet.. Even before Ridhima could come and arrange his clothes and belongings, everything was done.. the room was made neatly and he was almost ready to leave.. she looked at the plate full of rice still kept on the table.. quietly she picked it up and turned to go but stopped when she heard his grim.. "main abhi nikal raha hoon Ryan ko school dusri car mein bhej dena.. I'll leave the driver for him.."

"nahi aap le jaiye driver ko apne saath.. Ryan ko main aaj school nahi bhej rahi hoon.. raat ko theek se soya nahi hai voh.."

With a curt nod he started struggling with his tie.. he stopped when he felt her hands taking tie from him.. "Rehne do.. I'm getting late.." he left pulling his tie off.. it was his daily routine to spend afew moments every morning with his wife in his arms when she knots his tie.. but today he left without it, leaving ridhima in tears.. making his way he picked up some fruits and left as he knew if he doesn't do so even Ridhima will starve herself all day long..

Whole day passed in the same fashion..Ridhima was still abit lost in her past.. she didn't even take any calls from Anjali or Sapna while Ryan was somewat better than than he was last night but still he would not leave Ridhima for long but whenever he would Ridhima would habe to try hard to keep herself from getting weak.. In the evening  Ryan was playing with lucky when he saw Armaan entering, at once he ran and hid himself behind Ridhima.. Armaan saw him running and he obviously knew the reason.. the silence was killing at the dinner.. armaan could see all of his favourites yet he ate very little.. while Ryan who was a fussy eater was eating his food very nicely sitting in Ridhima's lap.. he kept on stealing glances of his father now and then.. Ridhima could sense the tension building.. while Armaan observed both of them.. he saw when Ryan glanced at him and quickly looked away.. moreover he noticed Ridhima's pale face.. her eyes were swollen which meant she has cried a lot.. he wanted to ask her but just as he mustered up some courage to do so his mobile ring interrupted him..

"Haan Atul.."

He went away  with his plate and mobile.. while Ridhima was under the guilt that she did something wrong and stupid to annoy him so much and add to his frustration.. but what she didn't know was that it was Armaan's guilt and frustration towards her and his business that he was not able to do anything against Shashank Gupta..

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Armaan woke up from Naina's call who has asked him to meet her as soon as possible.. Armaan was shocked when looked at the clock it was quarter to 11.. he quickly got up and changed himself for office.. he came out only to be informed that Ryan was sent to school and Ridhima was in Ryan's room.. He stood at the door of Ryan's room only to find her sleeping.. he frowned as it not likely of Ridhima to sleep at this hour.. but he let her be and went away informing a servant that he was going for a meeting..

He reached his office and joined his father and Naina Joshi in his father's cabin.. Both armaan and Mrs. Joshi have discussed what points are to be raised.. they both knew that they will need to twist and turn their point of view regarding the merger and then present it in front of Mr. Mallik.. "Dad coming to the point.. main actually yeh soch raha tha ki about the merger.. agar hum Gupta's ke saath na karke.."

"Armaan.. main Shashank ko bohot waqt se jaanta hoon.. he is a good business man.. agar koi problem hai tohi oppose karna.." Mr. Mallik made it very clear..

Armaan looked at Naina for some assurance and then continued.. "Dad.. Mr.Gupta is a good businessman for sure.. issiliye aaj tak unhone kisi pe yeh baat zaahir nahi hone di ki jis company ko voh itne saalon se chala rahe hain unke paas sirf uss company ke 40% shares hain.. aur baaki ka 60% kiska hai kisi ko nahi pata.. it will not be legal agar aap ek minor partner ke saath deal karenge toh.. and with due respect to your friendship.. I think ki aap ekbaar khud unse pooch lo sab.."

Mr. Mallik gave a thoughtfull nod and looked at Naina who was although running a business but had a good reputation of studying people inside out.. although he was friends with Guptas but Mrs. Joshi was more like a sister he never had.. he knew she never liked the means with which Guptas work.. "I think he is right bhaisaab.. Guptas have something very fishy about them.. I mean they have some untold secrets.. aur aapko kya zaroorat hai merger ki..?"

"Mera nahi yeh Shashank ka suggestion tha ki ab humein business bachon pe chod dena chahiye merge karke.." Mr.Mallik clarified..

"Dad.. aap ek baar apni taraf se baat karke dekhiye Mr.Gupta se.. aur apne lawyer se bhi consult kijiye phir lijiyega apna decision.."

Mr.Mallik smiled and nodded.. Armaan gave a sigh of relief and thanked naina silently.. It was easier than he had thought "Chalo ab ek ek coffee ho jaye..?" Mr. Mallik asked to which they both nodded.. as soon as he ordered the coffee Armaan's phone buzzed.. it was Anjali.. He excused himself and took the call.. "Haan Anjali.."

As soon as Mrs. Joshi heard Anjali's name she concentrated  on Armaan.. she frowned when he said "Tum dono vahin rehna main bas abhi aarha hoon.." he stood up saying "dad Anjali ka phone tha.. Ridhima is not well.. mujhe ghar jana hoga.."

"Beta Main bhi chalti hoon tumhare saath.." Naina followed him out of the office as even she was worried for Ridhima when she saw the tension on Armaan's face..  Mr.Mallik was about to go with them too when Armaan reminded him about an important meeting.. Naina saw an anxious Armaan scolding the driver for driving so slow.. but she understood his position too.. "Armaan beta.. calm yourself.. we'll be there in 5 minutes.."Armaan looked at naina with teary eyes, telling her how he had neglected his family in last two days.. "tumney jo kiya voh bohot galat tha Armaan.. ab tum bas itna kar sakte ho ki sab bhulke dhyaan rakho unn dono ka.. I'll handle Bhaisaab's deal with Guptas.. you just don't worry.."

He nodded greatfully "Thankyou aunty.."

As soon as the car parked at the gate Armaan ran inside to his room only to find a pale Ridhima lying on the bed with Ryan nest to her pillow and Sapna and Anjali checking her and injecting her some medicines.. "Kya hua hai Ridhima ko..?" he asked in a shaky voice..

"What have you been doing since last two days..? just when she needed most of ur care you scared the hell out of her.." Sapna Blasted onto him.. In the morning when Ridhima didn't wake up One of the servants called Bi urgently.. Bi on her way informed Sapna and Anjali also came along with her.. They came to know everything from Ryan who had just returned from the school half an hour back.. he sobbed seeing his mamma sick and told Bi everything.. How is papa scolded him.. how is mamma didn't eat or sleep..

"KYA HUA HAI MERI RIDHU KO..?" he asked again..

"I thought uski reports mein highlighted ANEMIC padhne ke baad aap uski achi care karoge jeej.. yahan usne 2 din se theek se kuch nahi khaya hai.. agar aise hi.."

"Reports..? what reports..?" Armaan asked in a confused tone cutting Anjali in between..  "Ridhima ki reports.. 2 din pehle voh mere paas aayi thi check up karvane.." anjali told him.. "Usne aapko ab tak apni reports nahi dikhayi..?"

"No.. kya tha usmein..? what is wrong with Ridhu..?" he asked gulping the lump formed in his throat..

"She is pregnant.. and Anemic.. agar uski abhi theek se care nahi kari toh aage chalke problems hongi.. kal subah se usko fever hai aur aapko pata bhi nahi hai..?" Anjali reprimanded Armaan filling him with some facts..

Armaan stood still not believing what Anjali said.. He was supposed to cuddle his wife and dance with joy but here she was lying burning in fever all because of his neglegance.. before he knew tears started falling from his eyes.. "Voh theek hojayegi na..? aur baby..? voh.. voh bhi theek hai na..?" he asked in a cracking voice..

"Maine injection diya hai usko.. abhi thodi der mein hosh aayega.. but she is weak.. mentally bhi aur physically bhi.." Anjali said in a softer tone looking at Armaan's state at the moment..

"Main sab theek kar dunga.. I promise.. ab usko kabhi akela nahi chodunga.." he said looking at everybody present in the room, as if consoling himself silently.. As everyone else moved outside leaving Armaan, Ryan and Ridhima.. Armaan looked at how scared Ryan looked.. he sat by him taking him in an embrace while ryan sobbed.. "Mujhe maaf kar do bacha.. papa ne bohot galat kara aapko aur mamma ko daant ke.. please papa ko maaf kar do.." armaan said hugging Ryan close to him..

"Papa ganne.." Ryan said still sobbing badly..

"haan papa bohot gande hain.. apne raja bte ko itna daanta papa ne..aap hupp kar do papa ko.." armaan said getting teary as well.. Ryan nodded in NO saying "Ryan ko mamma chahiye bash.. ni toh Ryan katti.."

"Mamma yahin rahengi humare paas.. mamma abhi thodi der mein uthke baat karengi apne Ryan se.." Armaan said kissing Ryan's head with love.. while both father and son waited eagerly for Ridhima to open her eyes and tell them that she was fine..

PRECAP : WAIT TO SEE HOW RIDHIMA PUNISHES ARMAAN.. WILL ANJALI IMPRESS NAINA..? WHAT WILL MR.MALLIK DECIDE ABOUT THE DEAL.. AND A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY OF RIDHIMA TO MOTHERHOOD.. TWO MORE PARTS TO GO TO UNVIEL ALL THE MYSTERY AND HAPPY ENDING.. HOPE YOU GUYS STAY TILL THEN..

LOVE RUCHA