Chapter 3

~Ridhima's Apartment~

 Abhimanyu walked in very angrily while Ridhima walked meekly behind him. The moment they reached inside he looked at her with absolute anger in his eyes "Tum Armaan ke sath kya kar rahi thi he asked with girthed teeth...Wo..woh the lift got st...stu...AHH Ridhima was cut in between with a tight slap on her face. "Main tumhe pagal dikhta hu yaha...DO YOU THINK I AM MAD? Yelled a very angry Abhimanyu. "Tum apne app ko bohot smart samajti ho na? You very well knew Armaan bhi us lift main hai, isliye waha gayi thi na? RIGHT he asked grabbing her hair and pulling them as tightly as he could making her hiss loudly...AHH...na..nahi main sach keh rahi hu...AHH maine jaan kar nahi...AHH she tried her best to justify herself but he just pulled her hair more making her cry out in extreme pain. "NOT A WORD, mujhe tumhari koi bakwas nahi suni...Ek baat yaad rakhna I still have that video saved with me and also agar tumne koi bhi chalaki ki na to I swear tumahre akhon ke samne tumhare Armaan ko maar dalunga aur tum kuch nahi kar paogi...SAMJHI he screamed pushing her so harshly that she literally fell down and banged her head on the table making it bleed a little. Abhimanyu gave her one last warning look and stormed out of the house leaving a very broken Ridhima behind. She sat there crying her heart out, why was life so cruel was all the emotional turmoil not enough that now she was being physically abused as well. How much was she to bare and even after that she was not sure if all her efforts are even going to be useful. "Tumahre akhon ke samne tumhare Armaan ko maar dalunga aur tum kuch nahi kar paogi Abhimanyu's words rang in her head making her cry harder "AHhh...WHY...WHY ME? WHY US...AHHH She yell cried no longer able to bare the pain bursting through her heart. 

Kya us gali mein, kabhi tera jaana hua
Jahan se zamane, ko gujre zamana hua
Mera samay toh, wahin pe hai thehra hua
Bataun tumhe kya, mere saath kya kya hua

How she wished she could just run to Armaan and tell him everything, tell him to fix everything, tell him to protect her, protect them. After sometime Ayush who had gone somewhere came back and on seeing Ridhima sitting on the floor and crying so bitterly he understood what must have happened what more with that cute on her forehead. He mentally cursed himself for leaving her with that beast of a creature and without wasting anymore time he walked towards her and somehow got her to get up from the floor. He took her towards her room and asked her to freshen up and take some rest. She absent mindedly nodded with tears still rushing down her face and shut the door giving him the cue that she wanted to be alone. She walked towards her bed and without bothering to change or anything she just got in and curled herself up and cried yet again. How she wished she could just run to Armaan and tell him everything, tell him to fix everything, tell him to protect her, protect them...That night was horrible, she missed Armaan so much but all she could do was cry herself to sleep with a slightly bleeding head and a completely shattered heart.

Khamoshiyan, ek raaz hai, seene mein dafan hai kahin
Khamoshiyan, jo paas hai, main tumse kahungi kabhi
Baat loongi main, saath mein tere Milne toh aao zara...

...

The night had been bad for both Armaan and Ridhima. On one hand Ridhima was beaten and tortured physically and emotionally and on the other hand Armaan spent his entire night staying awake, thinking about all that happened. He was still very mad at Ridhima for what she did, for the way she insulted him and publically chose Abhimanyu over him but at the same time he could not forget her eyes that held so much of torment in them. The way she clung to him in the elevator, the way she pleaded him to save her, he did not know why but that bothered him so much. "Kyu Ridhima, ek taraf itna pyaar deti ho aur dusri taraf hi aise harkat karti ho that you force me to want to hate you...Main kya karu dammit kuch samaj nahi araha mujhe...I just don't know what to do he thought as he ran a frustrated hand over his hair while he laid on his bed. With these thoughts constantly playing in his head he eventually drifted to a very uncomfortable sleep.

~Next Morning, Malik Mansion~

Armaan woke up a little late with a throbbing headache. He groggily walked downstairs and asked the maid to get him a cup of black coffee. Till then he sat on the couch of the living room and switching on the television he browsed through the channels casually but stopped on a filmy news channel that highlighted how Ridhima had signed and left mid-way a Mr. Kapoor film. It kept on talking about how unprofessional she was and how difficult it would be for Mr. Kapoor to now find a new heroine and what not was being said. Armaan had heard this news a few days back already but that time he was too busy to give any heed to it, but now to think of it leaving a film in between was so unridhimaish. Ridhima was never the types to abandon a film half way through and this film in particular was her dream role he knew that, then why would she leave it. "Aisa kya hua hoga joRidhima ne Mr. Kapoor ki film chod di...Why do I feel that I am missing something very important he thought. He was thinking about all this when his maid came with his mug of coffee breaking his chain of thoughts. He thanked her and took the mug from her. He then asked her about where John was as he wanted to discuss something with him "Sir, John is the staff quarters, shall I call him for you?'' The maid replied politely to which Armaan shook his head saying "No need Lisa it's not very important I'll go meet him in a while. The maid simply nodded her head and left from there. Armaan had his coffer randomly browsing through his text messages and then got up to go meet John. As he reached the staff quarters he saw John talking to someone on phone since his back was facing the door he could not see Armaan and so continued with his conversation. Armaan thought he was probably busy with some personal matter and so decided to leave and talk to him later but just as he was leaving he heard John say something that instantly caught his attention "I know...but I think its high time we tell Armaan sir the truth, things can't go on like this forever. Armann wondered what John meant and who was he talking to, but if that initial statement surprised him the next thing that John said literally made him skip a heartbeat "Par who Abhimanyu kabhi bhi apni baat se phir sakta hai...Aur Ridhima maam, unka kya woh kab tak yeh sahegi, first he was mentally torturing her Ayush but now he has even resorted to physical abuse...Ek baar socho agar in sab ke vajah se Ridhima maam ko kuch ho gaya to said John trying his best to put his point forward. "Ridhima... Armaan whispered loud enough for John to hear it and turn around, John was shocked to see Armaan standing there and just by looking at his face he could guess that he (Armaan) had heard everything. Disconnecting the call ASAP he walked towards Armaan "Sir app... "Who were you talking to John, aur tum Ridhima...Ridhima ke bare mein kya baat kar rahe the... asked Armaan Coming staright to the point without even letting John complete his sentence. John just bowed his head hearing Armaan's question what was he even supposed to say, he had given his word to Ridhima that he would not tell Armaan anything but now he was stuck...John I am asking you something...ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW yelled a very angry Armaan. "Sir woh...woh Ridhima maam... John tried his best to speak up but when he still spoke in broken words Armaan got really mad "RIDHIMA KYA JOHN...CAN YOU JUST STOP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH AND SPEAK UP DAMMIT...yaha meri jaan ja rahi hai thinking about the worst case scenarios aur tum baithke paheliya buja rahe ho...JUST SPEAK UP DAMMIT yelled Armaan and that's it John had no choice but to say the truth for he knew Armaan was way too angry now and saying anything but the truth could lead to a horrible disaster "Sir Ridhima maam ne aap se jhhot bola hai, she dows not love Abhimanyu...Who jo kuch bhi kar rahi hai apke liye kar rahi hai said John with his head still bowed down. "What? Jhoot bol rahi hai?Mere liye kar rahi hai? What do you mean John...saaf saaf kaho tum kehna kya chahte ho asked a highly confused Armaan. John sighed and then began telling everything in detail. How Abhimanyu had planned his accident, how he had been blackmailing Ridhima after that, how he had called her and showed her the video he took of Armaan, how he forcefully made her leave the film for he feared that if left alone she might act smart and go against him that's why he made it a point to cut off all her social ties, he told him how Abhimanyu beat her up when she refused to leave the film and even last night. Armaan was shocked beyond words hearing all that. God he had wanted to hate that woman who had bared so much of suffering just for him, his career, and his well-being. "Yeh...yeh Maine kya kar diya...Ri...Ridhima Oh My God...Jo...John is she okay? Who itna sab akele sehti rahi aur main...John please tell me she is okay...wo...woh theek to haina? Asked a very panicked Armaan. "Sir...Sir relax maam theek hai... Joh said in order to calm him down but Armaan was not ready to listen "How can I relax John...maine Ridhima ko itna galat samjha, use itna kuch suna diya...Dill dukkha diya maine uska and woh sab kuch chup chap sehti rehi...I...I need to go see her...main abhi ja... Blabbered Armaan continuously as he actually made his way out the house in order to meet Ridhima right away. "Sir meri baat sunie...just listen to me once said John forcing Armaan to stop. "Sir please abhi aap shant ho jaiye, one wrong step and Ridhima maam will have to suffer...Aap please pehle andar chaliye, meri baat suniye then you can do as you want As soon as John mentioned about Ridhima Armaan somehow calmed down a little and nodding slightly he walked inside with John to hear what he had to say. "Sir I understand is waqt aap sirf Ridhima maam se milna chahte hai but I suggest you wait a little said John. "WHAT? Are you mad John? I can't wait dammit, she needs me now...maine pehle hi use itna galat samjha... said Armaan feeling guilty for accusing her of cheating him. John sighed hearing him, he knew convincing Armaan would be a task but it was necessary "I know sir, lekin Abhimanyu is really dangerous who kuch bhi kar sakta hai and we have to be careful, Use bilkul bhi pata nahi lagna chahiye ki aap sach jante hai. Sir I know its hard but please just corporate a little. Aaj raat Abhimanyu Delhi ja raha hai for 2 days...aap tab Ridhima maam se mil lena, main khud apko le chalunga sir, but please abhi aap shant ho jao. Said john and though Armaan really wanted to refuse and just go meet Ridhima now and engulf her in his arms right way, he wanted to apologies to let her suffer so much  but at the same time he knew John was right he would have to wait for it would be really foolish to take such a big risk. So though hesitantly but Armaan did agree. "Hmm I guess you're right, filhal koi bhi risk lena can be very dangerous...Us Abhimanyu ko to main chodne nahi wala I will make sure he cries every tear in his body for doing this to me, to Ridhima to us...He will pay for this and he will pay bad...John, Rahul (His best friend  and head inspector of Mumbai police) ko phone karo abhi said Armaan in a no-nonsense tone and John did just as told for he knew he was not to mess with Armaan at the moment. Armaan spoke to Rahul telling him exactly the whole situation "Rahul I want him to be punished as brutally as possible...usne jo Ridhima ke sath kiya hai..." said Armaan while closing his eyes to calm the anger rising within him. "Dekh Armaan for now you calm down and John is right tu Ridhima se tab Milna when Abhimanyu leaves we have to play it safe Armaan. And you don't worry I will think of something as soon as possible is Abhimanyu ko to main bhi nahi chodne wala and that's a promise buddy." Assured Rahul.Armaan thanked him and then keeping the phone he simply walked back to his room without saying anything. He didn't have anything left to say, he felt horrible for doubting Ridhima, he felt bad for telling her all those heartless words that he told her the day she left, he felt ashamed at not being there with her when she needed him the most. He remembered her pleas in the elevator and that made him feel even worse she was actually asking him to save her but he did not, he left her alone..."Kaise...kaise nahi padh paya main un aokhon ko...kaise nahi dekh paya un mein woh dard...kaise kar Di Maine itni badi galti...I am sorry Ridhima, I am sorry jaan...Tumne mere liye itna kuch saha and I was so mean to you, Maine tumhe hi galat samjha...I am so so sorry Ridhima" he cried and he cried bad holding her picture close to his heart. 

...

~That Night Ridhima's apartment ~

A nightie clad Ridhima sat in the living room with the television showing some random show but her mind was miles away. She was thinking about how her life had turned upside down in a matter of a month. She could not help but think how beautiful life was before and how ruthless it had become. *DING DONG* rang the bell forcing her out of her thoughts. "Is time kon hoga ?" She wondered aloud but the bell just rang again making her just get up and actually check who it was. She opened the door and was surprised to see Armaan standing there wearing a full sleeves black T-shirt and black track pants. Shocked would be an understatement he was probably the last person she was expecting. "Andar nahi bulagi?"asked Armaan breaking her reverie. "Uhmm ha...ha co...come" she said moving a aside to let him in. He went and sat on one of the couches while she came and just stood there in front of him. For a few minutes nobody said anything, Armaan just sat quietly looking at her and now that he actually gave a proper look he noticed that she had lost some weight in the past month, the eye bags under her eyes were enough proof to all the sleepless nights she must have had but what actually shook him was the small band aid on her forehead and the light hand imprints on her left cheek and it did not even take him a second to understand who was behind all that and that very thought left a very bitter taste in his mouth. Just as he was taking her presence in Ridhima spoke up finally breaking the silence between them. "Tum ya..yah kyu? I...I mean... "Jawab lene aya hu... he replied back without even letting her complete, today he had resolved to make her confess all that she did and the reasons behind it herself. He wanted her to speak out and though he knew that it's gonna be a tough task to get through her yet he was ready to do that, it was important. He knew she was hurting and the only way for her to heal would be if she herself spoke up. Moreover she would never agree and come up with some excuse to deny everything if he told her that he knew the truth so the best thing was to let her speak for herself. She looked up at him totally baffled with his reply "Kai...kaise jawab Asked Ridhima almost stammering actually. "Ki tumne mujhe kyu choda...I thought you loved me phir kyu tumne mujhe chod diya Ridhima...why? he asked looking at her straight in the eye making her shiver under his intense gaze. "Armaan...ma...main already tumhe bata chuki hu that I lo...love Abhimanyu and isi vajah se... "SACH Ridhima...aaj sirf sach suna chahta hu main said Armaan getting up from the couch and nowstanding face to face with her. "Armaan ma...main sach hi bol rahi hu she said and tried to move away from there no longer able to stand his questioning eyes any longer but just as she was about to move he held her arm stopping her right there. "Aaj nahi Ridhima, aaj tum kahi nahi jaogi till you talk to me, till you tell me the truth...Main sach suna chahta hu Ridhima aur woh bhi tumse said Armaan holding her firmly in his arms as she tried her best to get out of his hold. "Ar...Armaan kya kar rahe ho...Ch...chodo mujhe...le..leave me... she said trying her best to get out of his grip but the more she tried the tighter he held her. "Tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti? he asked straight away completing shutting her protest. She looked up to see his intense grey eyes staring at her deeply. "Bolo Ridhima kya tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti? he asked again this time pulling her a little closer to himself. "Answer me Ridhima... he demanded. Ridhima closed her eyes hearing his question as a lone tear rolled down her eye. She somehow tore a piece of her heart and shook her head with closed eyes. As she did that Armaan left her shoulders making her open her eyes at the sudden movement. She sighed in relief thinking that he believed her and just turned to go away from there but stopped right there when she heard him give out a knowing laugh "Tumhe to jhoot bolne bhi nahi ata Ridhima he said making her turn around to face him his own eyes had turned misty but he somehow controlled his emotions and walked towards her slowly. "To kya keh rahi thi tum...tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti right? he spoke stepping closer and making her step back with every words that he said. "Na...nahi karti she said still not looking up at him as her back finally banged on the wall making them both stop their movements. "Really now? he asked bending towards her ear purposely letting his breath touch her face. She closed her eyes felling him so close to her and somehow managed to nod her head as answer to his question. I would really believe you Ridhima lekin kya haina your body language really does not seem to support your answers. Tum bol kuch rahi ho lekin tumhari yeh band akhen to kuch aur hi bayan kar rahi hai... He said still bending towards her making it difficult for her to even breathe. God was she stuck what was she to say but even before she could say anything he himself moved a bit away "Acha chalo man liya tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti to please muhe batao meri photo tumare living room mein kya kar rahi hai...Tum to Abhimanyu se pyaar karti ho right? he asked taking hold of his picture that was neatly kept on the side table of her living room...Woh...who...yeh photo she stammered not knowing what to say but once again he himself spoke up not giving her a chance to think at all "Hmm, I am sure yeh galti se tumhare pass ayi hogi right? "Uhmm ha..ha galti se she nodded without even thinking twice but regretted it the very next second 'Hmm I thought so...Koi baat nahi I know how much you dislike clutter in the house to ek kaam karte hai, is photo ko na jala dete hai. No point holding onto it na tumhare kaam ki ha nahi and mujhe bhi kuch khas pasand nahi hai so better let's just get rid of it lets just burn it off...Ha that's a good idea...Tum ruko main abhi matches lata hu. He said and without waiting for a reply he moved towards the kitchen and soon came back with a box of matches in his hands while Ridhima stood there with wide eyes looking at him...Ar...Armaan that not needed " she said trying to stop him but he was admant "Arey of course its important Ridhima and vaise bhi tumhe kya it's not that you love me that you would care...Right Ridhima? he asked one last time looking at her dead in the eye hoping that she would now break her wall and finally admit the truth but when she did not answer he smiled saying "Very well then lets burn this... He lit the match stick and placed it on one end of the picture that he held with his other hand. He looked towards Ridhima with red bloodshot eyes. She had her gaze fixed on the burning picture, it was as if her soul was burning and not the picture she saw the flame reaching his face and that's when she could no longer take it "NAHIII she yelled and ran and took the picture from him and blew out the fire from it burning her hand in the process but she cared less about that. She then turned towards him with angry tears in her eyes and held his T-shirt tightly in her fists...How dare you...Tumhari himmat kaise hui yeh karne ki, don't you know how much I love you kitna pyaar karti hu main tumse aur tum yeh...How dare you do this "she asked turning red in anger as her tears poured down. She looked up at him waiting to hear his answer but instead of answering her question he just stood there with a small watery smile adoring his face and that's when she realized what she just said and her hands automatically lossend its grip on hm...Abhi bhi kahogi tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti he asked slightly tilting his head. "Meri ek photo jalta dekh tumhe itna bura laga Ridhima aur tumahre bina to main pal pal mar raha hu what about that? Tumhe use koi farak nahi padta? Please sach boldo Ridhima...Please he pleaded through his tears as he cupped her tear stained face in his palms and gently touched her head with his. She just cried holding his hands tightly against her face...Ar...Armaan main she tried saying something but her blocked throat did not help her. He gently made her look up at him "Pyaar karti ho mujhse? he asked again  looking staright in her green orbs she first tried shaking her head but one look at his eyes and she nodded through her tears indicating a yes. He smiled widely seeing her nod and before he could say something she crashed herself on his chest hugging him as tight as possible while he too wrapped his arms tightly around her. "I am so...sorry Ar...armaan...so...sorry She chanted this and cried hysterically on his chest pulling him as close as possible while he gently rubbed soothing circles on her back to comfort herShh...shhh its okay bacha bass...bas baby he said as he squeezed her in his arms. After sometime when he felt her cries decrease a little he gently pulled her up from his chest making it a point to still keep her in his arms "Ridhima look at me baby...meri taraf dekho he said softly wiping her tears away and making her look at him. "It's not your fault Ridhima...Is main tumhari koi galti nahi so please don't be sorry, galti to us Abhimanyu ki hai and mark my words he will repent this said Armaan trying to explain her that it was not her fault but unfortunately he lost her at Abhimnayu for hearing his name she turned completely numb. "Tumahre akhon ke samne tumhare Armaan ko maar dalunga aur tum kuch nahi kar paogi these words of Abhimanyu was suddenly remembered by her and she automatically stepped away from Armaan making him frown at her sudden change in body language. "Rid... he tried coming close to her but she stopped him immediately "Na..nahi tum...tum mere pass...nahi...tum...tum jao Armaan...woh Abh...Abhimanyu woh...woh tumhe kuch...Nahi...tum...tum jao she said between her tears as she kept stepping back stumbling on a few things but every time he tried to hold he she just put her hand in front to stop him. "Ridhima meri bat sun... he tried to say something but she stopped him abruptly "Nahi...tumhe kuch nahi pata Armaan...kuch nahi she cried slowly sliding down on the floor making Armaan's heart wrench hearing her blood curdling cries. "Tum chale jao yaha se Armaan...tum please chale jao she cried helplessly burying her face in her palms. Armaan's eyes too turned moist seeing her so helpless. He went towards her and slowly crouched down to where she was sitting and for a few seconds he just looked at her and as she realized his presence she looked up from her palms to see him staring at her with misty eyes "Please go Armaan she whispered still shedding her tears. "NO! He said plainly still crouched on the floor as he kept his eyes locked with hers "Ek baar tumhe apni zindagi se jane diya hai maine Ridhima and that was by far the biggest mistake of my life, phir se tumhe chodkar main yeh galti dohrana nahi chahta He said while a tear slowly betrayed him and made its way down his eyes as well. "Armaan please understand tum nahi jante...tum...tum bas jao yaha se Armaan, tum kyu nahi samaj rahe?" she said still being adamant and that made him loose his cool as well he grabbed her shoulders and pulling her towards himself said "Tum nahi samaj rahi Ridhima...I am not going anywhere and that's final... He said with equal determination in his voice however he softened a little when he heard her hiss inaudibly as his grip was a little too tight on her shoulders. He loosened his grip and this time spoke with a softer tone "Ridhima  Main sab janta hu, sab kuch janta hu main whatever Abhimanyu did with me and more importantly with you...I know everything baby. Ridhima looked up at him a little surprised that he knew everything. Armaan saw her puzzled expression and to put an end to her confusion he told her about he had overheard John and Ayush's phone conversation earlier that day. Ridhima did not know what to say, everything was in the open now there was no more lying but somehow she could just not push Abhimanyu's words out of her head "Jab tum sach jante ho Armaan then why are you making it more difficult...Chale jao Armaan please just go said Ridhima turning her face away from him as fresh tears made its way on her face. Armaan chuckled almost sarcastically hearing her still asking him to go "Tumhe abhi bhi lagta hai I will leave Ridhima? Do you really think I will leave you in this mess all alone? Do you really think I am that selfish ki apne career ke liye ya for that matter apni jaan ke liye mein tumhari jaan khatre main dalunga? Tumhe aise insaan ke sath chodunga who has absolutely no respect for women?...I can't believe you think so low about me Ridhima he said really hurt by her request this time. On hearing him Ridhima immediately looked up at him to find a few tears roll down his face as well and she knew this time she actually hurt him "Aise nahi hai Armaan...Aisa nahi hai she said placing her palm on his cheek. "To phir kaisa hai Ridhima? he asked her, his tone almost a whisper. "I am just scared Armaan...Very,very scared she said almost inaudibly as another lone tear slipped of her beautiful green orbs. "I know...I know my love he replied softly. "But trust me Ridhima...Main kuch nahi hone dunga, na tumhe, nahi mujhe...Now the only person to suffer will be Abhimanyu Modi and that is my promise to you he said while she kept staring at him without saying a word. "Trust me? he asked slowly wiping her tears to which she just sniffed and nodded making him smile his dimpled smile. "In that case do you mind giving me a hug? he asked her in the most affectionate tone as he opened his arms wide and she really did not need a second invite for the very next second she almost jumped on him making him loose his balance for a second but soon enough he balanced himself and gathered her tightly in his embrace. He could feel her tears soak his T-shirt while his own tears did not seem to stop "I missed you so much she mumbled still hiding her face on his chest. "I missed you too...more than what you would ever know...I am sorry Ridhima, sorry for wanting to hate you sorry for not being there...I am sorry baby he replied hiding her own face in her hair. "It was not your fault...It was not she replied still amidst her tears. He did not say anything to that but just held her tighter in his arms indicating how grateful he was to have her in his life. After what felt like forever Armaan felt Ridhima's breath turn shallow against his chest and understood that she had fallen asleep. He picked her up and took her to the main bedroom, he first took some ointment and applied it on her hand which she burned while taking the burning picture from him and now he just watched her sleep peacefully in his lap, though she did hiccup once in a while due to her constant crying but yet she looked so calm, so serene, it was as if she was sleeping so peacefully after ages. He bend down a little and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead "I love you he mumbled and swore deep in his heart to not spare Abhimanyu for causing to the love of his life so much pain.

~2 days later~

Two days had passed by in the fastest of paces. Ridhima had turned very whinny and absolutely refused to let go of Armaan for even for a second for she was really scared about Abhimanyu's next move and though Armaan tried his best to reassure her yet her heart had this undying fear which she could just not help and so he just stayed with her comforting her to the best that he could. They had both still not gone home and still stayed at Ridhima's old apartment. Rahul had come up with a plan to catch Abhimanyu red handed cuz though they did have his text messages that he had send Ridhima yet that was not enough and so came up the plan to get some more solid proof. Armaan was not very happy with the plan cuz it included Ridhima having to meet that vulture again but somehow Rahul and Ridhima convinced him that it was the only way to get rid of him forever and so having no choice he too agreed. So finally the the D day had arrived, today was the day Abhimanyu was to return from Delhi and today was the day they were going to throw him out of their lives forever. "Ridhima are you sure you want to do this sweetheart ? Tum bas ek baar bol do and I'll get Rahul to cancel the whole plan" asked Armaan as he stood inform of her in the living room of her apartment. Ridhima smiled seeing his concern for her and lovingly cupped his cheek in her palm "Ha Armaan, I am very sure and hum dono jante hai that this is needed we have no choice. Agar Humein Abhimanyu ke khilaf sabot cahhiye to we have to do this" She said making him sigh and lean his cheek more on her palm. "I know...it's just that I don't want you getting hurt baby, tumne already bohot kuch saha and ab yeh..." Armaan said feeling genuinely bad. "Armaan mujhe kuch nahi hoga and ab to tum ho na don't worry I will be..." "guys sorry to interrupt but we have no time, Abhimanyu agaya hai he is parking his car already we have to get into action" Said Rahul coming in and interrupting them as he had seen Abhimanyu's car in the parking lot. "Armaan I'll be fine tum jao okay" said Ridhima assuring him one last time while he just gave her a half hearted nod and kissed her forehead lightly one last time before leaving with Rahul to hide in near the kitchen so Abhimanyu won't see them. After a few minutes Abhimanyu walked in and was shocked to see Ridhima sitting on the couch with all her luggage around her "Yeh sab kya hai...?" He asked with a firm voice making Ridhima's heart beat raise a little bit still somehow she kept her calm and getting up said "Main Armaan ke pass vapas ja rahi hu...I can't do this anymore." "You what ? Kya kaha tumne...can you pls repeat that for me?" Said Abhimanyu in a daring tone. She somehow managed to look up at him and mustering the courage said "I...I am going main yeh aur nahi kar..." SLAP Abhimanyu cut her words with a tight slap causing her to almost fall down and Armaan who had been witnessing the whole thing was boiling with anger he was just going to go there and give Abhimanyu a piece of his mind but much to his dismay Rahul held him back in his place. "Tum janti ho Na tum kya Bol rahi ho? Tum janti ho Na main kya kar sakta hu... Need I remind you about that video of Armaan that I have that can DESTROY his career in a span of a few seconds" yelled Abhimanyu and then furiously grabbed her hair making her hiss very loudly and making Armaan clench his fist as tightly as possible to stop himself to go and kill him "Or do you need me to remind you maine kaise ek baar already tumhara pati ki jaan lene ki koshsih ki and how easily I can do it again." He said and pushed her away harshly, she closed her eyes expecting to hit the floor but instead she felt a pair of strong arms catch hold of her. It did not take her a second to know who those safe arms belonged too and so without saying anything she got up and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arm protectively around her while his eyes shot daggers at Abhimanyu Modi who was absolutely stunned to find him there, his shock only grew when Rahul too came out along with his team and spoke in a no-nonsense tone "Mr. Abhimanyu Modi you are under arrest, you have breached the code professionalism by taking Armaan's video, have attempted to kill him and have physically abused a woman." Abhimanyu stood numb hearing all the charges when did the game change against him he wondered but somehow he composed himself to not look like a weakling "I am sorry officer but do you have any proof against all the charges that you have continently charged against me" he asked hoping that this would let him buy some time. " I very well knew you would ask for proof and here it is...I am sure we won't need anything after this" said Rahul showing him the video they took while hiding  in the kitchen, of how Abhimanyu hit Ridhima and how he keenly admitted to having been the reason for Armaan's accident and taking his video. Abhimanyu was baffled he had nothing left to say and moreover Rahul did not let him speak further he instructed his junior to arrest him and take him away but just then Armaan who held a crying Ridhima in his arms stopped him. "Wait Rahul...Abhi kuch baki hai" he said confusing everyone, he gently detangled Ridhima from himself to which she tried protesting but he just showed her his finger saying one minute. He then walked towards Abhimanyu and then without saying anything slapped him hard across his face "This was hurting my wife and thinking that it was okay to do so" he said and once again slapped him hard " And this was for trying to break our relation...Bohot smart samjte ho Na khud ko tum you jealous little cow. Khud se tum apna career bana nahi page to dusro ki khushiyan chine chale...Till now I just disliked you but now I am disgusted by you. I cannot believe you used a woman to beat me! Honestly speaking you are the most spineless person I have ever seen in my life and I pray ki tum zindagi Bhar jail main sadte raho because a piece of trash like you deserves just that" said Armaan holding him tightly fork his collar and then Harshal throwing him away. "Take him Rahul and make sure ise itni gandi saza mile ki yeh zindagi Bhat yaad rakhe. " Said Armaan while the police handcuffed Abhimanyu who still had the audacity to look at Armaan in the eye. Soon enough the police took Abhimanyu away and thanking Rahul profound AR too made their way back to their house. 

...

~Malik Mansion~ 

It had been an hour since Armaan and Ridhima had come, Armaan noticed how awfully silent Ridhima had been, he even tried to talk to her but she only answered in monosyllables making him sigh. They had just had their dinner which again was just Armaan talking and after that Armaan had gone to keep the dishes in the dishwasher. Thereafter he came back to their room and found Ridhima standing near the balcony in her lavender nightie simply staring at the stars. He slowly went towards her and gracefully slipped his arms around her waist and kept his head on her shoulder. She didn't say anything but just leaned back on him placing all her weight on him as they silently stood there and admired the moonless night. "Kitna kuch Badal Gaya Na Armaan..." said Ridhima after a soothing silence. "Kaha badla hai Ridhima tum ho, mein hu aur humara pyaar woh bhi to vaise hi hai Na." Said Armaan caressing her waist and probing her to just say what's in her heart. "You know Armaan jab Abhimanyu be mujhe tumhe chodne ke liye kaha Na tab mujhe laga sab kuch khatam ho Gaya, I felt so so numb I did not even know how to react, it was all just happening and I had no choice, no say in what I wanted. The day I left from this place mujhe laga ki main ab kabhi vapas nahi a paungi...I thought it's all over" she said in low tone as a lone tear escaped  her eye. "Heyyy" said Armaan turning her around in his arms. "Tum woh sab kyu soch rahi ho Ridhima? Let's just forget whatever happened ab hum sath hai nai aur ab tum apne ghar mein ho, the place where you belong" he said gently swiping off her tears. She just sniffed a bit and hugged him really tight." Main janta hu jo bhi hua use bhulna is not that easy but with us together it should not that be difficult either...I know yesterday was really bad but what I also know is that our Tomorrow is going to be very beautiful because it has the two of us together...right?" He asked as he lovingly caressed her head, she nodded her head against his chest as she was now in much better zone hearing his words. "I love you..." she said looking from his chest, he smiled hearing her and kissed the tip of her nose "Arey my jaan I love you tooo" he said with that million dollar smile which made her smile too and then without any more words he took her lips in a deep passionate kiss that radiated nothing but love. The kiss held a promise to love and cherish each other forever. After a very bad phase of life they were finally back together, they were where they belonged in each other's arms, in their very own heaven. 

-THE END- 

-Tanishka (Tani)