Chapter 48

Rucha

@frnd.of.frndz

RECAP: Armaan flips through his scrapbook.. Ridhima finally voices her desire for naughty Armaan.. AR share some sweet time.. Ridhima tells Armaan that she knows that he reads her diary..

Part 47

Armaan entered the room with her food but he frowned when he didn't find her on the bed.. he scratched his head as just 10 mins back she was there asleep.. he sat on the edge of the bed and waited thinking she might be freshening up.. not hearing any sound of water he finally turned the knob and entered.. she was not there.. he finally sighed and walked to the closet.. he was about to enter but he stopped when he saw her standing the in front of the mirror admiring her baby bump.. she then took the measuring tape and checked if she has grown any more.. he smiled seeing her chuckle in disappointment but to his surprises she picked up a cushion and stuffed it inside her T Shirt..

He stood there admiring her.. the smile and shining eyes.. he loved how she caressed her baby bump.. he quietly walked to her when she has removed the cushion and hugged her from the back.. "Armaan..?" she gasped at his sudden appearance.. she blushed when he lightly caressed her tummy.. he planted a light kiss on her ear.. "yeh kya kar rahi thi..?" he said pointing out at the pillow..

She just shrugged to avoid the teasing lines.. "kuch bhi nahi.." she said fumbling abit..

"Acha..? bas ab kuch mahino mein tum aisi hi ho jaogi.." he said showing her the pics of her pillow inside her t shirt.. "Aapne photo kab li..?" she asked in surprise..

"Jab meri Ridhu khud ko sheeshe mein dekh ke khush ho rahi thi.."
"Badi hasi aarahi hai na aapko.. hmmpp..!" she said huffing.. but next moment she also started laughing when he did the same thing.. he took the same cushion and placed it inside his t shirt and walked comically in baby steps.. seeing her so happy he couldn't help but pat himself for copying her actions..

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Ridhima was in her 5^th month and they were not able to manage hyper Ryan easily.. he would be most obedient and cute only when he sits in his mamma's lap hugging her.. it was Ryan's holiday and he would sleep till late..

Armaan got up with his Alarm that was set for Ridhima's exercise time.. they would get up everyday and sit in the garden outside under the rising sun and do all the breathing excersises and yoga.. Armaan would help Ridhima doing her excersise.. he would settle himself behind her kepping his hands on her tummy and then they start with their breathing.. after awhile they just sat there on a swing with Ridhima's juice talking of their baby..

"main na soch raha hoon ki ek list bana loon names ki.."
"list kyun banana hai..? maine toh pehle se hi naam soche hue hain.."

"Arre.. toh mujhe bataya kyun nahi..? main bhi papa hoon toh mera bhi approval toh lena padega na.." he said frowning making her smile..

"main nahi bataungi aapko.. pehle aap apni choices ke naam dhundhiye.. phir dekhenge ki kiske naam better hain.." she said teasing him..

"Theek hai.. I'll do as my kangaroo baby says.." he said pecking her lips and then licking his own lips.. "hmmm.. juice acha hai.." she blushed and his herself in his embrace..

It was 10 and their little prince was still asleep.. Ridhima sat comfortably in the lounge that was converted into a movie and gaming place by Armaan.. as in Ryan's room Ridhima gets uncomfortable sitting on the bed.. she lied down with afew pillows around her.. she never knew when she dosed off..

She woke up when she felt a few movements around her belly.. she looked up only to see lucky, who was engrossed in surveying her grown up tummy.. she laid still but was surprised when she heard a light and short bark and putting his head in her tummy.. she felt as if he knows that there was another member of their family growing inside her.. she lightly sat up and patted nd scratched his ears while he licked her chin making her giggle..

What she didn't know was that Armaan, who stood at a distance was capturing that moment into pictures.. soon enough Ryan also joined Ridhima on the couch.. he lazily walked and again laid down next to Ridhima for some pampering.. he always smile when she calls him 'Buddy' in her sugary voice..

He turned facing her and hid himself in her neck mumbling "Ryan apne friend ke ghar jaye aaj..?"

"Ryan.. par kal toh aap mana kar rahe thhe na..? aur aap akele kaise rahoge apne friend ke ghar..?" she asked brushing his hair off his forehead..

"Ni.. mamma Ryan big boy ho gaya hai na ab toh voh reh lega.." he said grinning but seeing her still not convinced he decided to charm her again.. he pouted with hopefull eyes saying "Pleaasee gudoo.."

That one look was enough to melt his mamma.. by calling her gudoo he can do wonders to her mood.. she lightly kissed his eyes saying "Chalo aap ready ho jao phir papa aapko drop karenge.."

"I love you mamma.." he said giving her his best smiles..
"I love you too beta.."

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Since Ryan was off to his friends' place and Ridhima was resting, Armaan decided to get hold of the diary again.. he sat on the sofa caressing her diary.. after finally afew weeks of his patience and curiousity the fearfull and lonely pages of her life have started taking secure and colourfull face.. he has already finished with her past and now he finally has a chance to read how and when Ridhima and Ryan developed that unbreakable bond.. he smiled as the page had one of his favourite pictures of baby Ryan crawling around to his glory.. he started reading..

"God is so good.. He knows where a person will be happy, where they can love and be loved, where heaven on Earth is.. Now I know why he put me near you.."

"Sach hi kaha tha Bi ne.. shayad sach mein hi maine bohot kam rishte khoke ek bohot hi pyara parivaar pa liya hai.. pehle darr tha ki kahin yahan bhi vahi ghutan aur darr na mile rishton ke naam par.. lekin yahan aakar mujhe vishwaas ho gaya ki ab iss duniya mein kuch log hain jinhe main apna keh sakti hoon.. Bi aur Armaan dono hi bohot understanding hain.. par Armaan ka beta mera sabse bada sahara bann gaya hai.. Ryan.. Uski subah ki pehli muskrahat.. uska bholapan aur apnapan dekhar aisa lagta hai jaisa mera koi bohot apna ho.. bohot chota hai par bohot pyara hai.. aise dekhta hai jaise mera har gamm padh raha hai.. pata nahi ki kabhi main uski Ma bann paungi ya nahi par usko kisi apne ke har waqt pass hone ka ehsaas zaroor dungi main.. voh ehsaas jo mujhe kayi saalon baad ab hone laga hai.."

He felt happy to read that Ryan was able to break that wall around her so easily.. may be because they lacked the same thing in life.. A Complete Family.. though Ryan had his father and his grandparents around him.. but still he somewhere knew that their lives lacked that feel of someones unconditional love..

He was about to flip next but just then Ryan rushed into the house shouting and howling for his mamma..  he quickly got up and rushed to stop but before he could go Ryan rushed into the room.. Ridhima sat up and took Ryan in her embrace.. she was puzzled to find his eyes puffed and abit red..

"Aap ro rahe thhe Ryan..?"
"Mamma Ryan se sabse zyada pyar karti hai na..?" he asked in an insecure voice..

"Haan beta.. mamma Ryan se sabse zyada pyar karti hai.." she said kissing his eyes and making him drink some water.. "chota baby aayega tab bhi mamma Ryan se pyar karegi na..?" he asked looking at her with those big innocent eyes..

"Ryan.. kya hua hai aapko hmm..? mamma aapse humesha aise hi pyar karegi buddy.." she said soothing him..

"Nai.. main apne friend ke ghar gaya tha na.. uska chota bhai na shaitaani kar raha tha.. uski mamma toh uski baat bhi nahi sun rahi thi.." he kept his head on her chest.. "Maine usko kaha ki meri mamma meri har baat sunti hai.. mamma Ryan ki best friend hai na.. toh usne kaha ki jab chota baby aayega toh mamma bhi meri baat nahi sunegi.." he said as tears trickled down from his eyes to her kurta.. she just kept hugging him soothing him.. she wanted to tell him that no matter what he will never lose his importance in her life, but first she wanted to know his insecurities..

"Ryan ko chota baby nahi chahiye mamma.."
"Aise nahi kehte Ryan.." Armaan said sitting besides duo.. "chote baby ke aane se mamma-papa, Ryan se kam pyar thodi karenge.. Ryan toh humara acha bacha hai na.."

"nai.. Ryan hi mamma ka baby hai bas.." he said in a determined tone..

"hmmm voh toh hai.. Ryan mamma ka pyara sa baby hai.. aur mamma humesha Ryan ke paas rahegi.." Ridhima tried buttering him up into a better mood..

"Pakka promise mamma..?"
"pakka mera baby.. chalo ab no more crying.. ab mera Ryan hans ke dikhayega na mamma ko.."

He sat in her lap and huffed nodding his head in NO.. while Ridhima sighed as she thought that she has convinced him but there he sat with his arms crossed on his chest.. "Ab kya baat hai hmm..?" she asked looking at him with an equally baby face..

"Ryan smile karega jab mamma Ryan ko mithhu laake degi.."
"Mithhu..?"

"Haan.. mere friend ke ghar par hai.. mithhu parrot.. voh bohooot bolta hai.." he said giggling "Ryan ne usko apple bhi khilaya.. Ryan ko bhi mitthu chahiye.."

Ridhima looked at Armaan for help who shrugged his shoulders raising his eyebrows.. he finally picked almost convinced Ryan on the baby topic and tossed him in the air catching him, making him giggle.. "Chalo ab bohot pareshaan kar liya mamma ko.. hum chalke mere big boy ke liye uska mango juice late hain.."

"Par papa mithhu..?"
"Ryan ke paas toh lucky hai na.. toh Ryan ko mithhu kyun chahiye..?" Armaan asked bouncing Ryan in his arms, making him think..

"haan.. mere friend ke paas lucky toh hai hi nahi.." Ryan said grinning.. while Armaan smiled as he achieved his goal of taking Ryan's mind of getting a parrot too..

After dinner Ryan was put to sleep as after playing and running with his friends he was all tiered.. Armaan sat there on his phone while Ridhima was busy reading a magazine that had an article on love and parenthood.. after a few minutes Ridhima got up and took Armaan's file away from his lap.. to his surprises she settled herself in his lap comfortably waiting for his call to end.. she knew he was on call with Atul, detailing him about some client..

Armaan smiled at her gesture and encircled his free arm around her kissing her forehead once.. he knew something was on her mind and he wanted to know what was it.. he somehow hurriedly ended the call giving in the details superfast.. as soon as he ended the call he felt her circling his neck with her arms bringing his head down to her level..

"Have you ever been butterfly kissed..?" she asked sweetly..
"nope.. but any sort of kiss from you is most welcome jaan.." he said in a naughty tone, pulling her closer..

She just closed his eyes from her palm and planted very light kisses on his eyes.. "Ab jab tak main na kahun aise hi rahiyega.. no badmaashi please.." she said instructing him to which he just flashed his dimples and nodded in ok.. he thought she might be up for some prank on him but he gasped when he felt her breath on his face.. she kissed his forehead pulling him close.. he could feel their nose almost touching.. he so wanted to grab her and kiss her hard but just as he was about to kiss her he felt something very soft on his eyes.. as if some feather was brushing his eyes.. he opened teeny weeny bit of his eyes to see her eyelashes stroking his.. now he knew it was her eyelashes that were stroking his eyes and lashes.. she took her own sweet time butterfly kissing his eyes, nose and chin.. and after awhile he participated equally making her giggle..

Hiding her in his embrace he cuddled her like a baby.. "yeh kahan se seekha tumney hmm..?"

"ek book mein padha tha.. socha try kar ke dekhun.." she said grining playing with the buttons of his shirt.. while just kept looking at his wife who was now getting better with voicing her choices and feelings at unexpected times.. he just planted light kisses on her face mouthing "I Love you Ridhu.."

"Acha Armaan.. bataiye ki aapko kya lagta hai humara baby kaisa hoga..?"
"mujhe toh ek pyari si beti chahiye jo ekdum meri Ridhu jaisi ho.." he answered quickly..

"hmm.. mujhe bhi beti chahiye.. par main chahti hoon ki voh aapki tarah dikhe.. par aapki tarah shaitaan na ho.."

"hmm yeh toh mushkil hai.. kyunki main toh apni pyari si pari ko itnaaa pamper karne vala hoon ki tumhara buddy bhi peeche reh jayega.."

"Aap Ryan ko shaitaan kyun keh rahe hain..? voh toh itna cute hai.."

"haan.. bas tumhare aage hi seedha rehta hai verna pura ghar sar par utha leta hai.. itne nakhre karta hai khane mein.." he said quipping.. "acha haan Ridhu.. main batana bhul gaya.. kal mujhe kuch der office jana hoga.. Atul ke liye abhi sab naya hai toh usko thodi problem ho rahi hai.. bas ek ghanta ka kaam hai.. par agar tumhe problem hai toh main nahi jaunga.."

She cupped his face seeing his eyes filled with love and concern.. "Aap zaroor janaa kal.. Atul vaise hi itni help kar raha hai aapki.. main apna dhyaan rakhungi itni der.. aur bi bhi hain na mere paas.."

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Next morning looked like their life was back on their usual track.. Ryan was ready for school, Ridhima had her milk and biscuits and then took out clothes for Armaan.. she knew Armaan has to leave almost at Ryan's time so she took Ryan for breakfast.. while Ryan was super happy to see his mamma walking around like she was fit and fine.. everyday seeing his papa doing all the stuff he felt like his mamma was not well but today she was smiling, doing all his work,  having breakfast with him..

Soon enough he was sent to school but he was exceptionally happy today so he just ran out hopping making Ridhima laugh at his cuteness.. she smiled when Armaan stood in front of her with his tie.. he kissed her eyes as she busied her hands with his tie.. she was now perfect with knotting his tie without looking at the tie coz he leaves no chance to distract her..

He was surprised when he saw her breakfast finished without any tantrum.. "Kya baat hai aaj koi nakhra nahin..?"

"bohot bhukh lagi thi.. toh maine kha liya araam se.." she said making a face at his remark.. "aap aate waqt Ryan ko bhi le aaiyega school se kyunki shayad aaj din mein driver nahi aayega na.."

"don't worry.. I'll get him on my way back.."

Having his breakfast he sat with his files for a while as he was although updated but still was out of touch of the project study.. while she went to take a refreshing bath and then take a nap.. after half an hour when she walked out of the closet she found him sitting on the bed looking at his watch..

"Main bas tumhara hi wait kar raha tha.." he said getting up as soon as he saw her.. looking at her confused expressions he answered her "tumhe bye bole bina thodi jaata.. aur check bhi karna tha ki kahin meri Ridhu ko kisi cheez ki zaroorat toh nahi.." he said kissing her cheeks..

"aapko jaane dene ka mann nahi hai.." she said hugging him..
"agar kaam nahi hota toh main bhi tumhe akele nahi chhodta Ridhu.."

"pata hai mujhe.. par ab na aadat si ho gayi hai aapko har waqt apne saamne dekhne ki.. aur pata hai Bi kehti hain ki main har waqt jis kisi ki bhi tasveer dekhungi na baby ekdum ussi ke jaisa hoga.. par mujhe tasveer ki zaroorat hi nahi hai kyun aap toh har waqt mere kareeb rehte hain.." she said kissing his neck..

He made her stand with the support of the wall and held her close to him.. as close as her baby bump will allow him to.. it was tough though with his six months pregnant wife.. he lightly nuzzled his nose with hers and licked her lips.. hearing her gasp he smiled and took her into a small kiss.. she for once stumbled when she felt his hands behind her back stroking her lightly and a light movement in her tummy.. she quickly pushed him and looked at him astonished..

"Armaan.. maine abhi.. I felt the baby move.." she said caressing her tummy.. but Armaan was disappointed when even after his 20 tries the baby didn't move again.. he pouted when he finall got a call from Atul to reach office in time.. he planted a sloppy peck on her lips saying "I'll be back very soon.. tum please apne dhyaan rakhna.." while she just nodded and blushed seeing him licking his lips with a naughty smile..

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Ridhima was happy and relaxed.. she called Anjali and chatted with her for a while.. both Armaan and Ridhima were very happy to know that Atul's mother has finally accepted Anjali.. learning from Anjali that she and Sapna would be having a leave for 2 days Ridhima thought to plan a gang day.. it has been a while that everyone was too busy in their own lives.. Rahul and Muskaan visited Rahul's parents abroad for a month.. Sapna and Anjali were busy at hospital.. Atul was busy with business.. while Niki and Abhi were not in town either.. and Armaan will not let her step out alone but she somewhere enjoyed all the affection and possessiveness that was showered onto her..

She got up from her nap and was surprised to see it was past the time Ryan should be home.. she feared Armaan forgetting about Ryan in his meeting like he did last time.. she tired calling Armaan but his number was not reachable.. so she finally thought of going on her own.. she knew if Ryan was waiting at his school he would be both angry and scared so it will take either of his parents to calm him.. she quickly called the driver and asked him to come ASAP..

With in half an hour she was outside Ryan's school.. just as she got out from the car and was crossing the road she was blinded by the car the went past her in speed.. she was about to stumble and fall infront of another car when she felt a tug on her wrist and being pulled away.. not knowing what happened she just clutched her stomatch and fell unconscious in the arms of her savior..

It was none other than Armaan.. he was waiting for Ryan outside the school.. Ryan forgot to tell them that there was a play day at his school which will end an hour late from regular days.. he was alarmed when he saw Ridhima crossing the road and the car that he knew well belonged to whom was nearing Ridhima.. his heart almost stopped when he saw a car rush past her.. he in time gathered himself and pulled her to himself before the car could hit past her.. her took her in his arms making her sit in the car..

"Ridhuu.. aankhein kholo.." he said lightly tapping her face.. but seeing her not reacting he quickly took her to hospital.. he inturn called the driver to pick Ryan when school is over..

At hospital Armaan rushed Ridhima to Anjali's cabin.. she was shocked to see Ridhima unconscious, though it was normal sometimes but hearing how it happened she feared for the baby.. taking her in for an immidieate check up she asked Armaan to accompany..

"Maine kaha tha na ki usko akela nahi jaane dena kahin.. toh phir voh Ryan ke school akele kya kar rahi thi..?" Anjali asked in an Angry tone side by side checking Ridhima's BP..

"mujhe nahi pata Anjali.. main toh office gaya tha thodi der ke liye.. aur aate waqt Ryan ko lene vala tha.. I don't know Ridhu vahan kaise.." he chocked in emotions as he saw Anjali doing her ultrasound..

"this is not good jeej..baby is fine par BP high hai Ridhu ka.. may be darr ke vajah se.." Anjali said patting Ridhima lightly, making her drink some juice.. Ridhima was soon conscious.. she looked around scared, at once her palms rested onto her baby bump.. after a few minutes she was able to focus on what Armaan and Anjali were saying.. "Arm..aann.." she hiccupped.. "baby..?" she asked..

He just nodded and kissed her head lightly caressing her hair.. "Sab theek hai Ridhu.. calm down.. tum aur baby dono theek hain.." he said showing her the picture Anjali has given him of their baby..

"Dekho humara baby.." he saw her eyes glistening with tears caressing the picture.. "I'm sorry Armaan.. aapne mana kara tha.. par phir bhi main.. mujhe laga aap Ryan ko.." but he cut her in between.. "yeh baat baad mein karenge Ridhu.. pehle tum ghar chalo.. you need rest more than I need any explaination.." she gulped looking at him he looked scared yet relieved now.. his tone was full of love but his eyes were missing that sparkle..

PRECAP : Whose car was it..? why was Anjali so Angry..? another baby Mallik is soon to enter.. Armaan gets to read about himself in Ridhima's diary.. the whole gang huddles up at Mallik house, how will Armaan manage so many nannies and Grannies advicing him and Ridhima..

I wanted to conclude in this part but somehow the moments I have in mind will take another two updates..