Chapter 46

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

Part 45

Ridhima is 3 months pregnant now..  Armaan had no time to rest today.. he had already taken an appointment with Anjali.. it was time for Ridhima's first official check up..

"Ridhu.. maine Ryan ko nehla diya hai.." he said keeping his school dress near Ridhima and continued "Tum please usko taiyaar kar do.. main bas abhi naha ke aaya.. we have ur appointment at 10.." he left planting a kiss on her head..

Ridhima looked at his retreating back.. he was indeed taking very good care of her but somewhere she missed his mischievious side.. she shrugged those thoughts when she felt Ryan jumping around on the bed wrapped in his towel.. "Ryaaann.." she called him in a sugary voice to which he smiled and came to her at once.. he although loves to create a fuss while getting ready but in last few months Armaan has brain washed him saying his mamma needed a lot of rest and so he should not trouble her much.. as it is Ryan remembered that his mamma kept on sleeping for 2 days when his papa has scolded both of them.. so he gets all cute around Ridhima and acts all fussy and bossy around Bi and Armaan coz he knows Ridhima will not let anyone scold him for anything..

Very nicely and quickly he was ready.. he looked at Ridhima and caught her face in his tiny palms asking "aaj aap aur papa ghumi ja re ho..?" Ridhima looked at his disappointed face so she pulled him closer and kissed him saying "Nahi beta.. bas thode kaam se ja rahe hain.. hum thodi apne Ryan ke bina ghumi jayenge.."

"toh aaj jab Ryan aayega tab hum chalege..?" he asked with twinkling eyes..
"theek hai.. aaj hum ghumi challenge shaam ko jab mera Ryan aajayega.." she said cuddling him.. she looked up an saw Armaan staring at them with a light smile on his face but as soon as their gazes met he looked away.. combing his hair he came and took Ryan off Ridhima's lap saying "Aaj hum bahar challenge dinner ke liye.. okk big boy..?" Armaan held his hand out for ryan to high five to which Ryan obliged at once giggling and jumping..

"Ridhu tum bhi ready ho jao.. main tab tak dekhta hoon ki breakfast mein kya hai hmm.." Armaan said as Ryan ran out of the room to play with lucky.. she caught his wrist as he turned to go.. he was surprised when she came close and hugged him without a word.. "Ridhu..? kya hua..?" he lightly pushed her hair off her face to see her face.. she just stood there in his embrace with her eyes close and her head resting on his chest.. he sighed planting a kiss in her hair and tightened his grip around her lightly caressing her back.. she tilted her head lightly and left to get ready after planting a light kiss on his lips..

He smiled and touched his lips.. it has been really tough for him to control his desires around Ridhima lately.. her morning sickness was disappearing day by day and the glow she has on her face, fascinates him to no end.. She was not yet showing her baby bump but over all her body has start to grow.. his skinny and shy Ridhu has started to feel more fleshy and beautiful to him..

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Sending Ryan off with a driver he came with her breakfast only to see her lying on her bed still wrapped in her bathrobe.. he frowned and sat besides her after keeping the plate on the table.. "Ridhu.. kya baat hai..? tabiyat kharaab lag rahi hai kya..?" he asked brushing her hair.. In turn she nodded in NO..

"Anjali se thoda late ka appointment loon kya..? neend aa rahi hai toh tum abhi so jao hum shaam ko challenge.." he said in a concerned voice to which she just pulled him beside her and hid her face in his chest mumbling.. "mera suit mein ready hone ka mann nahi kar raha.."

"hmmm.. toh ab kya karein..?" he asked in a playful voice hearing her new tantrum.. "mujhe nahi pata.. aap kariye kuch.." she said looking at him pouting like a baby..

"Aww.. mera kangaroo baby.. kya hua aaj suits pe kis baat ka gussa nikala ja raha hai..?" he asked in a soothing voice..

"Kisi baat ka nahi.. bas mera mann nahi hai.. sab chudidaar itne tight se lagte hain pairon mein.." she said hitting him lightly on his chest.. "toh voh dheela vala pehno na Ridhu.. voh jo red aur green color ka hai.."

He sighed when he felt her pushing herself more into his chest mumbling "mere paas koi red dheela suit nahi hai.. aur green color se I feel pukish.."

"Ridhu red vala suit hai.. 2 din pehle hi toh bi rakh ke gayi thi tumhari cupboard mein.. aur uske saath green ki jagah koi aur kurta pehen lo.." he said as a matter of factly trying to make her understand.. she chuckled irritatingly  "maine dekha na har jagah.. nahi mila mujhe voh dheela vala suit.."

"Acha chalo main deta hoon.. aao.." he said getting out of the bed.. he looked back at her only to see her stretching her arms for him to pick her up till the closet.. he giggled at her baby face saying "Tum sachi mein meri kangaroo baby banti ja rahi ho Ridhu.." carefully picking her up her went to the closet to give her an airy suit to wear..

He made her stand in front of her cupboard and gasped when he saw all her clothes upside down.. "Yeh kya khichdi bana rakhi hai yahan..?" he asked in amazement.. Ridhima looked down mumbling "Main suit dhundh rahi thi.. nahi mila toh mujhe gussa aagaya.. main theek kar lungi apne aap.."

Armaan looked at her.. her mood swings were really taking a toll on her.. in minute she turns from sweet to angry.. instead of replying he started looking for her suit with her still trapped between his arms and cupboard.. with a few minutes he handed her that red suit.. "chalo ab ready ho jao phir tumhe breakfast bhi karna hai na.." he left kissing her cheek lightly..

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Soon they were standing in Anjali's cabin.. seeing Ridhima she at once got up and hugged her.. it has been a few weeks that they were not under regular contact.. After leaving her house Anjali started concentrating only on her work.. as it is atul was not talking to her.. she didn't want Ridhima to take any stress from her side.. at first it seemed odd to Ridhima but Anjali very tactfully convinced her saying she is busy with paper work at hospital.. "Kaisi hain aap di..?" Ridhima asked in a low sweet voice..

"Arre yeh toh mujhe poochna chahiye ki meri choti behen apna theek se dhyaan rakh rahi hai ki nahi.." Anjali said in an affectionate voice, Armaan sighed when he saw that teary greeting breaking into sobs.. "Okk.. okk ladies.. time please.. no crying.. Anjie main manta hoon ki Ridhu ko toh bas rone ka bahana chahiye par tum kab se aise rone lagi haan..?" he said changing the mood in an instant..

"Armaan.. aap chup kariye.. main pata hai mahine baad mil rahi hoon di se.. aur aapko toh bas har waqt mazaak hi sujhta hai.." Ridhima said in a commanding voice to which Anjali giggled.. After a few questions from Anjali and clear replies from Malliks Anjali finally took Ridhima for check up while anxious Armaan sat outside waiting for Anjali..

After a few minutes Anjali came out wiping her hands leaving Ridhima in care of a nurse to clean up and come.. "Everything fine..?" he asked..

"Seems like it jeej.. improvement toh bohot achi hai.. jitna aapne aur Ridhima ne bataya usse I feel ki uski diet was medicines ka ekdum perfect dhyaan rakh rahe hain aap.. uska nausea bhi kam ho jayega ab par uske mood swings samhaalne padenge aapko.. any type of stress is a big NO for her.. try and keep her as happy and relaxed as you can.." she said as a matter of factly.. she stopped when she saw Ridhima entering.. she got a step closer to Armaan whispering "Ho sake toh jo voh diary likhti hai usko padhne ki aadat daaliye.. usko lagta hai ki voh sab batati hai par aisa nahi hota.. yeh advice uski doctor nahi behen ki hai.." she said with a wink making Armaan smile..

"kya baat hai jo aap dono nahi bata rahe mujhe..?" Ridhima asked when she saw Anjali whispering something to Armaan making him smile.. "Anjali keh rahi thi ki tumhe abse paani puri aur chaat kam khilaun.." he said suppressing his giggle..

"Ddiii.. dekho na.. har waqt meri chaat ke peeche pade rehte hain.. kehte hain itna khattaa khaungi toh humara baby inki tarah sweet nahi balki meri tarah hoga rondu.. main rondu hoon kya..?" Ridhima whinned..

"Jeej.. aap meri behen ko rondu bilkul nahi kahenge.. meri behen bohot sweet hai aur baby bhi ekdum issi ke jaisa hoga.. sweet and innocent.." Anjali said siding Ridhima.. Armaan's smile deepened when he saw Ridhima sticking her tongue at him, showing her thumb.. Their fun conversation was disturbed when a nurse came in saying the next patient is waiting for check up.. they left with quick hugs and goodbyes..


Just as they settled in the car Ridhima kept her head on Armaan's shoulder to which he kissed her head and corrected her posture.. "Ridhu seedhe baitho verna back ache hoga na.." he adjusted her seat more comfortably as she made a face at his comment and soon drove off..

"Armaan aapne wrong turn liya.. humein left jana tha.."
"Haan Ridhu.. par abhi hum market ja rahe hain.. tumhare liye kuch dheele kapde lene taaki tum phir se unn tight suits se pareshaan na ho.."

She smiled and kissed his cheek.. they shopped a lot.. just when Armaan was about to buy things for the baby she stopped him.. "Armaan abhi rehne dijiye.. bi ne kaha tha na ki baby ke liye jo lena hai voh last month mein lenge.." he wanted to retort saying her doesn't belive in any superstitions but he somewhere understood her fears.. she was scared for her baby's health and wanted to follow everything that bi said as it is first few days the baby will be wearing Ryan's old cloths..

A small smile graced her lips when she saw Armaan looking at all the kids stuff with so much fascination.. even though he has lived that phase when Ryan was about to enter this world but still his eyes were all over small romper suits and tiny fairy dresses and shiny sandals.. "Aap sirf ladki ke liye samaan kyun dekh rahe hain..?" Ridhima asked..

"Kyunki main inn sab cheezon mein apni choti si Ridhu dekh raha hoon.." he said with a dimpled smile.. "Aur agar ladka hua toh..?" she asked raising her eyebrows.. he looked at her pouting "nahi.. dekhna ladki hi hogi..maine kitni baar dekha hai apne sapnon mein apni cute si doll ko.."

She giggled when he acted like Ryan.. she already had a baby boy and even she wanted to have a girl this time.. soon enough they left continuing with their banter.. they wanted to reach home before Ryan or else he will trouble Bi to no extent..

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They reached home in time just.. as they settled after keeping bags in the room, Ryan rushed to see Ridhima.. "Mammaaa.. kal Ryan ki holiday.." he said grinning, making both Armaan and Ridhima giggle.. he quickly squeezed himself between his parents and peeked into the glass Ridhima had in her hand.. he made a face and when Ridhima offered him a sip..

With a great enthusiasm he brought himself the glass of the same drink that his mamma was drinking, The First Day Bi made that drink.. but then taking a sip he made a face and rushed to get something good to change the flavor of his mouth.. it was Ridhima's new favourite now a days Lemon and Ginger water.. Bi used to make it regularly to ease digestion and nausea..

As soon as she finished with her glass Armaan came in with her and Ryan's food.. keeping the plate next to her he went to get some oil to massage her swollen ankles.. he frowned when she pulled her legs back.. "Aap bhi pehle khana khaiye mere saath.."

"Ridhu.. pair aage karo.. pehle main teal lagaunga phir kha lunga tum dono khana khao pehle.." he wanted her to relax her muscles first.. but seeing her not responding he lightly tugged at her toes and shifted abit.. "Ridhu.. please.. main kha lunga na.. tumhe uneasiness ho rahi hogi na pair mein.. chalo pair aage karo.." he said making her understand..

She looked at him for a minute and then gave up to his requests.. she wanted to retort but she thought to avoid the topic in front of Ryan.. lately she was concerned because Armaan was although taking full care of her but still there was some awkwardness at times when they are alone..

She never knew when after lunch she slept after a soothing massage on her feet and head.. she had Ryan cuddled to her chest.. he sat their looking at her messy hair.. they seem to have a different shine all together.. the smell of her smooth and shampooed hair would leave him desperate most of the times.. he planted a light kiss on her head and looked around for her diary..

He was worried when Anjali told her afew things that she didn't want Ridhima to know.. first was about the diary.. she was happy when Ridhima said that she was writing a diary to capture these memories.. but then what worried him was..

"Jeej..  Ridhima ab bhi average pregnant lady se weak hai.. physically bhi aur mentally bhi.. kuch baatein hain jo usko pareshaan kar rahi hain aur yeh pehli delivery ka darr nahi hai.. uski zindagi ke kuch darr hain jo sirf mujhe pata hain.. issiliye main kahungi ki usko kahin akela na jaane de.. dad shayad.."

Before she could say any further Ridhima came closer to them.. but mention of Mr.Gupta was enough to set Armaan's mind in the right direction.. he got up without disturbing her and picked her diary from the closet..

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He sighed looking at the diary.. he never wanted to do this.. but just to satisfy himself that his Ridhima was not going through any serious mental turmoil he has to read this.. as he flipped it open he saw a big heart drawn on the cover page and in it was written :

Muskuraate palkon pe chale aate hain..
Aap kya jaano kahan se humare gamm aate hain..
Aaj bhi uss mod par khade hain,
Jahan kisi ne kaha tha ke thehro hum abhi aate hain..

He randomly flipped the pages.. he stopped at one when he saw the whole page was smeared with ink.. it was as if someone has cleaned the page after a glass of water has spilled on it.. but he somehow felt that it was not just water but tears, of his beloved wife.. he began reading it..

Maine Rab se kaha..
voh chhod ke gaye humein,
pata nahi unki kya majboori thi..
Rab ne kaha..
ismein unka koi kasoor nahi,
ye kahaani toh maine likhi hi adhuri thi..

"Ma aur papa ko gaye aaj 3 saal ho gaye.. aaj pehli baar badi ma ne mujhe mandir nahi jaane diya.. chaah kar bhi main unke liye aaj pooja nahi kar paayi.. Di ghar par hoti toh aisa nahi hota.. kyunki voh toh mera har baat mein saath deti hai.. bade papa kehte hain ki papa ne dhoka kiya unke saath business mein.. par mere papa aisa kabhi nahi kar sakte.. voh mujhe kabhi nahi batate ki kahan gaye mere ma aur papa.. bas jab bhi main poochti hoon toh badi ma bohot maarti hain.. voh humesha kehti hain ki mere ma papa marr gaye hain.. par aisa kaise ho sakta hai..? papa ne kaha tha mujhse ki voh humesha mere saath rahenge.. Shayad mujhse hi gussa ho gaye honge.. badi ma kehti hain ki main hoon hi itni buri ki koi bhi mujhe chhod ke chala jayega.."

He felt tears clouding his vision after reading that entry.. He himself has witnessed how emotional she gets on her parent's death anniversary.. he couldn't let himself imagine how vulnerable she would have been on that day to cry her eyes out to her diary.. he had only one question in his mind then.. "Kya Anjali yeh padhke ladi hogi meri Ridhu ke liye..?"

Making himself abit stronger he flipped through some more pages.. it seemed as if someone else has written that entry because it didn't match all the previous handwritings.. he started reading that page and in a few minutes he was horrified.. his throat dried when he read that she tried commiting suicide once when Padma tried setting her up with a man double her age just to get rid of her.. her writing was different because she has slit her wrists.. but fortunately Anjali came home early that day and she was given the medical attention in time.. He shut the diary in anger after he read further.. even after hurting Ridhima so much they had guts to beat her.. "Aage nahi padh sakta main.. verna pata nahin kya kar dunga.. aaj samajh aaya ki kyun darti hai Ridhima itna Gupta;s se.. Agar ma mere paas voh photo nahi dekhti toh Meri Ridhu aaj na jaane kahan hoti.."

He kept the diary away for a while.. he was at his wits end.. his heart pounding as fast as it could realizing he might have never had Ridhima in his life while his mind was ready to blast off anger thinking that his innocent wife has suffered so much for no fault of hers.. he sat by her side and kept caressing her head with love.. he now understands why was she so doubtful about making any new relations.. he had many questions in his mind which were making him restless because he knew only Gupta's can answer them..

"itni nafrat kyun..? kyun voh dono Ridhima ko khush nahi dekhna chahte the..? aaj bhi Anjali ne mujhe warn kiya unke baare mein.. kya kehna chahti thi voh..? aakhir Ridhima kisi ka kya bura kar sakti hai..?"

He felt her stir.. he lightly bent and kissed her eyes.. She looked at him with a light smile.. he sat facing her as soon as she sat comfortably.. she was confused when his face reflected pain.. she caressed his cheek with love.. "Kya hua aapko..?" she asked like baby..

He at once hugged her showering her face with innumerable kisses.. he sat there holding her as if trying to protect her from something.. while she was getting even more confused.. "Kya baat hai Armaan..? aap ro rahe hain..?" she asked when she looked into his glassy eyes..

"Main tumhe khud se durr nahi jaane dunga Ridhu.. kabhi nahi.. humesha aise hi apni baahon mein rakhunga.. sabse mehfooz.. kisi ke bure iraade chhu bhi nahi payenge meri Ridhu ko.. I Love you very much.." he said hiding her in his embrace..

She gently parted and took his face in her palms.. she wiped his tears with her fingers.. and planted soft kissed on his eyes.. "Main kahin nahi ja rahi Armaan.. aapse durr kaha reh paungi main..? aur mujhe pata hai ki jab tak aap hain mere saath mujhe kuch nahi ho sakta.. aapki dhadkan sunke hi toh yeh saansein chalti hain.." she said with tears flowing from her eyes too.. he gulped when he saw her about break into sobs..

"Shh.. bas.. tum kyun ro rahi ho hmm.. Meri pyaari si Ridhu bas haste aur sharmaate hue achi lagti hai.. rote hue nahi.." he said lightly pecking her nose..

"aapko kya hua tha ekdum se hmm..?"

"kuch nahi Ridhu.. bas ek bura sapna samajh lo.. tumhe khone ke khayaal se darr gaya tha.." he said caressing her hair.. thinking..

"Ab mere inn sawaalon ke jawaab dhundhne hi honge mujhe.. iss baar baat sirf kisi raaz ki nahi.. meri Ridhu aur humare bache ki jaan ki hai.. Apni Ridhu ko toh main mehfooz rakhunga hi, par saath saath ab Shashank Gupta ki neendein bhi udaa dunga.. jaise meri Ridhu tadapti thi vaise hi becahin honge ab voh.." he promised himself silently..