Chapter 2

Rihoo Haws

@RihooHaws

soHoo-kajenian

@soHoo-kajenian

Second Chance

- An AR FS -

Part 2

Darkness was around the room... Riddhima was sitting near the windowsill looking outside the dark sky without blinking her eyes... Tears were continuously falling from her eyes as she remember those moments she share with Akash...

From the first meeting to the very last day of Akash life... As she remember the last day, shiver run down in her spine... Riddhima close her eyes as the flashback of the day play in front her eyes as it just happen that very moment... Its been a week after Akash death but still she wasn't able to forget that moment...

FLASHBACK START

Riddhima was sitting lifelessly near Akash body, as it was cover with white cloth up to his neck... Riddhima was wearing plain white saree as her hair was left open as a mess, dark circles under her beautiful eyes which was bloodshot red due to all the crying...

People were sitting around her but she didn't move from her spot as she sits staring her husband lifeless body lying in front of her...

Not far away from her, Ananya was sitting crying and shouting because of the lost in her life... Aradhana was trying to calm her down as people were around them as they had come to see Akash for the last time...

'Mujhe pata ta... Mujhe pata ta yeh ladki humhe kahin ka nehi chodengi...

Khud ke paas ma baap nehi hai aur humhare zindagi main aakhe meri bacche koh bhi cheenia...

Maine hamesha se hi Akash se kaha tha yeh... she is bad luck for us...

Lekin Akash ne humhare baat kabhi nehi maanni...' Ananya keep saying...

'Behenji, aisa nehi kehte...

Tumhe apne bete koh khoya hai toh woh bhi apne pati koh khoya hai...

Dekho kaise chup chaap beite hai... Ek minute tak apne pati se nazar nehi hataya usne...' One of the lady said...

'Na tik se ro rahi hai na kuch kehti hai... Na kissi ke baat ka jawab deti hai...' Another lady said...

'Ab kiya jawab denge woh... Mere bhai koh toh cheenli...

Wohi toh chaahte hai woh... Humhare ghar main aakhe pehle bhaiyya koh humse dur kardi...

Kitna koshish lekin phir bhi bhaiyya humhare saat acche se behave karte hai toh use dekha nehi gaye... Dekho ab kiya kardiya yeh ladki ne...' Aradhana said...

Riddhima can hear everything they were saying, but she didn't bother to say anything in reply and sit in the spot where she had been sitting from hours... Armaan who was busy doing the last preparation came to hear how his mother and sister was blaming Riddhima for Akash death...

Armaan knows now it was his responsible that to take care of Riddhima and his brother unborn child... Armaan remember the day Akash left taking promise from him saying he had to take care of Riddhima until he come back...

Now as Akash wasn't in this world and Armaan knows there isn't anywhere Riddhima can go after leaving this house, he thinks he will do this much for his brother... It was his last wish and how much problem he has to face for this, he was willing to take... Also he knows only his child was left in this world that would be a remind of him...

It was time, time to say goodbye to Akash... Everyone was getting ready to take him out from the house... To let him rest in peace by saying the last goodbye...

When they were carrying him out from the house, Riddhima who was sitting without moving from last few hours got hold of him and ask them not to take him away from her... Armaan who was holding one side of the carriage ask someone to hold it for him as he move to Riddhima...

'Riddhima, humhe bhai koh jaane dena hoga...

Ab hum kuch nehi kar sakte Riddhima... Yeh tum bhi jaante ho aur main bhi jaanta hoon bhai aise tumhe chodke nehi jaanna chaahte...' Armaan said trying to move Riddhima way from Akash...

'Nehi Armaan... Woh mujhe aise kaise chodke jaa sakte hai...

Use pata hai main akele yaha nehi reh sakte... Please Armaan use mujhse alag mat karo...

Main kaise... hum kaise rahenge uske bina... Nehi Armaan please...

Please Armaan use mat lejao... Humhare bacche ka kiya hoga... main kaise...' Riddhima try to get out from Armaan hold but Armaan pull her away from Akash body...

Armaan knows she was so much shattered thinking now she was alone in this house... Armaan can't say he would be there for her eyes many eyes were on them now... Armaan was helpless not understanding how to confort her and he was glad that some ladies came holding her and let Armaan proceed with the last remining rituals...

'Mat jao Akash... Mujhe akele chodke mat jao...' Riddhima was crying badly as she fell down on her knees as tears fall down from her already bloodshot red eyes...

FLASHBACK END

Riddhima was sitting in the same position from hours... Tears were continuously falling from her eyes as it was closed... She was sniffing as she try to control her tears but it was not helping...

Riddhima open her red eyes as she slowly touch her stomach which wasn't showing yet... Her nose and cheeks were red due to all the crying...

Riddhima look out from the window as she keep caring her stomach... She look at the sky which was dark and little stars twinkling... She was searching for that special star which would be her Akash... When she saw one star which was bright, Riddhima keep watching it as if it was Akash...

'Akash, tum aise kaise apne promise tod ke jaa sakte ho...

Tumhe pata haina main yaha tumhare bina nehi reh sakte... After how ur mother, brother and sister behave with me, how u can leave me alone with our child...

Main kaise apne bacche koh bina pita ke isdhuniya main laenge... Ek baar bhi, ek baar bhi nehi socha tumhare Riddhima kaise in sabse akele saamna karenge...' Riddhima said as she keeps staring at the sky...

Her trace were broken as the close door of her room open letting the light inside... She knows who it would be because there is only one person after Akash that who care for her in this house... Riddhima had been telling him not to show her all the care because Ananya and others would not like it... But being the mature one from the rest, he never listens to Riddhima and continues doing what he do...

'Riddhima...' Armaan call her as he move towards Riddhima where she had been sitting...

Riddhima wipes her tears away but didn't look towards Armaan for once... She always try to ignore eye contact with him because she knows she would break down if she ever look at him...

'Tumne dinner ke liyeh kyun nehi aayi... Dekho tumhari dawai ka bhi waqt hogaya...

Maine kitni baar kaha hai tumhe apne liyeh na sahi, baby ke liyeh waqt pe khana khana chahiyeh...' Armaan said ever so softly...

Fresh tears fall from Riddhima eyes, hearing those caring words from Armaan... Till she didn't understand why Armaan was taking so much care of her knowing that how much others shout at him for being nice to her...

Not thinking about what others think or say, Armaan always check on Riddhima and make her take proper food and medicine on time... He don't want anything to happen to Riddhima or Akash unborn child...

Putting the tray, which he has carried with him down in front of Riddhima, Armaan look at the girl who was sitting in front of him... Its true he never talk her much but after Akash has left them, he was taking more time to spend with her... Armaan only do this for his brother because after his father, it was Akash who was closed to him... Knowing what his mother, brother and sister think about them, he never wanted to share a close bonding with them...

Riddhima had been in good list on his as she never try to harm or make Akash against him like the other think... Knowing Riddhima from the last few months, Armaan understood why his brother has choose her as his life partner...

'Riddhima, tum kabtak aise andere main beitenge...

Bhai waha se humhe dekh raha hai... Woh tumhe aise dekhenge toh kitna bura lag raha hoga...

Tumhe jeena hai Riddhima... Khud ke liyeh aur baby ke liyeh jo bhai ka aahiri nishan hai...' Armaan said..

'Tum kyun mere saat aise itne acche se behave karte ho Armaan...

Tumhe pata haina baaki sabko yeh accha nehi lagte... Phir kyun...' Riddhima asked ignoring Armaan words...

'Tum sach main jaanna chaahte ho main kyun tumhare saat aise acche se behave karte ho...' Armaan asked...

For the first time in a week, Riddhima look towards Armaan... After Akash, it was Armaan who Riddhima talk normally... Seeing the bond Akash and Armaan share, Riddhima knows only Armaan would be there after Akash and she was right thinking like that...

When Riddhima didn't say and keep looking towards him, Armaan also look towards her meeting his eyes with her blooshot one... Riddhima break the eyelock looking away from her as she don't want to let him see through her eyes how much pain she was in...

'Kyunki tumhare paas jo hai woh mujhe hamesha bhai ke yaad dilaenge... Yeh ehsaas dilae ki, bhai abhi bhi humhare beech main hai...

Riddhima, mujhe tumse koi nafrat ya koi shikwa nehi hai...

Being a doctor, I can understand everything is not in our hand... We can only try and save a person but everything happen according to his wish..' Armaan said point up at the sky...

Riddhima didn't say anything and let Armaan speak what he has to say... Riddhima always think of asking him why he care for her so much and today when she finally asked him, here he was sitting answering to her question without being hesitate...

'Dad ke jaane ke baad, main kissi aur se close hoon toh woh sirf Akash bhai ke...

Knowing how Mom, Arnav Bhaiyya and Aradhana Di think only about the money we both are the people who work hard and earn money but they spend like is it nothing just waters...

Hum dono ke thinking aur un logo ke thinking bohot different hai... Hum earn karke spend karte hai aur woh log humhare earning koh spend karte hai without working... Being the small in the family, we never want to argue with them... Mujhse zyada bhai un logo ke liyeh spend karta hai...

Being stubborn, I never want to give a penny to them unless anything big comes our way...

Pata hai Riddhima...

Jab Bhai ne pehli baar kaha use tumse pyar huva hai, maine soch ab bhai mujhse dur hojaenge...

Lekin I was so glad ki bhai ke behavior kabhi change nehi huva.. We both keep getting more close after that day and I m sure it all happens because of u Riddhima...' Armaan said...

Riddhima didn't know what to say... They never talk this long ever... It was always Akash and Armaan who spend times talking for hours and Riddhima just listen to their crazy bundle without getting bored... Today, she felt it was not her only who was missing Akash, Armaan also missing his brother a lot... Thats the only reason he had been trying to me around her most of the time he is in the same house with her...

'Main nehi jaante log aisa kyun sochte hai tum bad luck ho...

Lekin mujhe itna pata hai tum bhai ke liyeh good luck ho... Tumse milne ke baad, bhai kitna khush ta woh sirf maine dekha... Mom se kitna ladta ta...

Just because he loves u so much... Aur jab tum is ghar main aaye shaadi karke...

Tab mujhe samajh main aaya bhai koh tum itna pasand kyun ti... After how everyone behave with u, u never argue or say a word in front of them...

Tum bohot acche ho Riddhima, koi kuch bhi kahe... Bhai aur main jaanta hoon tum aisa kuch nehi karenge kissi koh takleef ho, kissi ke saat bura ho...' Armaan said...

'In sabse kiya faida Armaan... Sab yehi sochte haina main...' Riddhima stop not understanding what word to use...

Armaan look towards Riddhima and saw she was looking down at her hand playing with her fingers... Armaan understand how Riddhima must be feeling and today, she needs everyone love and care... She was going through a difficult and new path of her life and only one person is there for her when she need every possible one with her...

'Riddhima, tumhe logo ke baare main soch ke khud koh aise kamre main band nehi karna chahiyeh...

U needs to go out and face everything... U needs to live, for u, for the baby...

Shayad baby ke aane ke baad woh log jo tumhare baare main sochte hai woh badhal jae...

Main koi promise nehi kar sakte Riddhima... Lekin tum aise kamre main band rahenge toh aane wale bacche par kiya asar padenge woh tum jaante haina...' Armaan said...

Riddhima didn't say anything neither look at Armaan... She knows whatever Armaan was saying, it was true, how long she be in this close room hiding from everyone... One day she have to go out from this room and face everyone...

'Tum khana khalo... Medicine lo aur rest karo...

Tumhe rest ki bohot jarurat hai Riddhima... aur maine doh din baad tumhare liyeh appointment liya hai please check up ke liyeh aajana, I will be in hospital...' Armaan said and without saying anything more, he left Riddhima to think about what he just tell her...

IN ARMAAN ROOM

Armaan came and close the door resting his back on the door... He let the tears fall from his eyes, which he had been holding from long... It was daily routine, after seeing Riddhima like that he always end up crying thinking how bad she must be feeling being alone in this world...

Armaan move to his bed sitting and took the photo frame, which was kept on the side table of his bed...

Armaan care the photo of his and Akash which was taken few days before, Akash left to Malaysia to his business trip... It was the day they go out with Riddhima after Ananya insult her to the core in front of some guest...

'I m sorry Bhai... Main kitni buri hoon, chaahkar bhi main Riddhima ke chehre main muskuraahat nehi lauta sakte... Jaanta hoon maine aapse vada kiya ta...

Lekin main bhi kiya karta bhai... Aap koh aise humhe chodke nehi jaana chahiyeh ta...

Hum kitni akele hogaye aapke bina...

Dad ke jaane ke baad maine kabhi nehi socha aap bhi mujhe chodke chala jaenge... Main jaanta hoon Riddhima aur aapke baby hai yaha jo mujhe kabhi aapke hone ka ehsaas dilaenge... Lekin mujhse zyada Riddhima koh aapke jarurat hai Bhai...

Pata nehi aage kya kiya saamna karna padega use, kya kiya sehna hoga... Use aapke bohot zyada jarurat hai aur aapke hone wale bacche koh bhi ek pita ki jarurat hai Bhai...' Armaan said crying holding the picture close to his heart...

Armaan was sitting in that position holding the frame close to his heart crying for hours... He didn't know when he fall asleep as the next that happen was his sleep was disturb by the mobile which was vibrating on his pocket... Armaan look around as he was on the bed in an uncomfortable position holding the frame on his hand...

He took out the mobile and look at the number which was flashing on his display... He was wondering why the lawyer was calling him this late and he answer it without letting it ring...

TWO WEEKS AFTER AKASH DEATH

Everyone was sitting in the hall waiting for the lawyer to come... Riddhima had started to come out from her room a little now... She tries to avoid Ananya, Arnav and Aradhana... Also Ramesh who try to hit on her most the time he spot her alone...

Servants are always nice to Riddhima from the day she first came to the Mallik house... They were happy to see Riddhima trying to be normal but she still spend her most of the time in her room alone...

When they came to know Riddhima was expecting with Akash child, they were happier then the Malliks... Armaan was glad that after him, now he can depend on the servants more then his own family to take care of Riddhima in his absent...

They make sure Riddhima have proper and healthy food on time... Also check if she take medicine and proper rest... Not like the Malliks who insult her saying they were sure that it was someone else child she was pregnant with...

Today, everyone was waiting for the lawyer who will be there in any minute with Akash will... Riddhima was sitting in a corner as others were talking happily thinking Akash would leave something for each of them... Armaan wasn't back yet so Riddhima thought it would be better her to stay away from them...

'I m sure Akash mere naam pe office kardenge... After all Armaan is working and he can't handle the office...' Arnav said...

'Lekin bhai, kiya aap office koh sambhal sakte hai... I mean itni saal se aapne kuch kaam hi nehi kiya...

Aapko koi bhi idea hai business kaise sambhalte hai...' Aradhana asked...

'Usmain kiya hai Aradhana... Main help kar sakta hoon Arnav bhai koh...' Ramesh said...

'Jo bhi ho, I hope Akash kuch na kuch humhare liyeh choda...' Ananya said...

'Haan aur accha hoga nehi toh pata nehi kuch logo koh lagta hai ki woh sirf uske liyeh sab kuch karta hai...' Aradhana said looking towards Riddhima...

Riddhima hear their each and every word but she didn't say a work against them... She is not like that to pick a fight with every member in the family... Or any people who come insulting her... Riddhima always prefer to be quiet because somehow she think how they behave towards her, she deserve that only which wasn't true...

Before they could continue, Armaan came with the lawyer and every greet him and Ananya asked servant to bring refreshment for him...

Soon lawyer were got the will and read the will aloud for everyone... Everyone was shocked that Akash had given his whole property for Riddhima... He has change everything on Riddhima's name...

'Aise kaise ho sakta hai... Akash yeh humhare saat kaise kar sakta hai...' Arnav shouted...

'Kyun nehi bhaiyya... After all Riddhima Akash bhai ka patni hai...' Armaan said..

'Patni hai toh kiya huva... Hum kuch nehi lagti kiya...

Main uska ma hoon... Mujhse zyada use is ladki important hai...' Ananya shout...

'Aap apne aapko Ma kehte ho Mom... Ma hone ke baad aapne Akash bhai ke saat kaise behave kiya...

Shayad us din aapne Akash bhai aur Riddhima koh apna liya hota toh woh yeh sab aapke naam karde te... Lekin mujhe lagta hai woh sahi kiya Riddhima ke naam pe sabkuch karke...

Kyunki itni saal se woh sab kuch sambhal raha ta...

Akash bhai ke wajahse woh company itni high level tak pocha... Aur aap log ne kya kiya us company ke liyeh... Sirf bhai ke paisa lekhe aise uda rahi ti koi value hi nehi hai...' Armaan shouted...

'Mr.Mishra, aapko pura yakeen hai yehi Akash bhai ka will hai...' Aradhana asked not giving any interest to what Armaan was saying...

'Ji Aradhana... Yehi hai Akash ke will... Aur Armaan ne bhi isse check karwaya hai aane se pehle...' Mr.Mishra said...

'Lekin ho sakta hai kissi badhal diya ho...' Arnav said...

'Nehi Arnav, Maine khud us din check kiya jis din Akash ne will koh mujhe submit kiya... Aur tab bhi yehi likha usne aaj main aap sabko bataya...' Mr.Mishra said...

Mr.Mishra move towards Riddhima and handling her everything papers... Armaan was the only one who was happy with Akash will while others were angry about it... Riddhima knows why Akash must have given everything to her but she don't need it... Riddhima look towards Armaan who asked from his eyes to take it because it belongs to her now...

When Mr.Mishra left, others also went from there leaving Armaan and Riddhima... Riddhima turn around looking at Armaan who smile and make his way to his room...

'Armaan...' Riddhima call him...

'Riddhima main jaanta hoon tum yeh soch rahe ho tum yeh sab kaise sambhalenge...

Trust me Riddhima... Shayad bhai bhi jaanta ta tumse accha yeh koi nehi sambhal sakte... Issiliyeh accha yehi hoga tum aur logo ke baare main mat socho aur apne life ke baare main socho...' Armaan said and he left leaving Riddhima to think what Armaan just said...

IN ANANYA ROOM

Arnav was walking around, as he was angry after hearing Akash Will... Others were also not happy and they know, they can't do anything about this...

'Mom, What if Riddhima think of moving out from this house... Ab uske paas bohot paisa haina...' Aradhana said...

'I don't think woh aisa kuch karenge...' Ramesh said...

'Kyun nehi... Ab Akash bhi nehi hai usko rokhne ke liyeh... Armaan jo uska khayal rakhta hai woh bhi use mana nehi karenge...' Aradhana said...

'Mujhe pata hai humhe kiya karna chahiyeh...

Woh pregnant hai toh use hum gharse nikal nehi sakte... Aur ab Akash ke sab property uske naam hai... Woh Armaan par bohot vishwaas karte haina... Hum ab Armaan koh use karenge usse woh property haasil karne ke liyeh...' Ananya said...

'Woh kaise Mom...' Arnav asked...

Ananya smile as she got a plan ready in her brain... She knows Armaan wouldn't deny her because of today he is engage, it's because of her...

ANOTHER WEEK PAST

Riddhima had started to handle everything related to the business now... She feels good to be away from house so she can't hear Ananya and others say those harsh words towards her...

As expected, after they came to know that now everything is on name of Riddhima, they started to show how much they care for her... They check on her, ask her if she eats and take medicine on time...

Riddhima and Armaan knows, after their this nice behavior, something must be cooking... But they ignore thinking it would be best for everyone... Ananya and Aradhana used to call Riddhima to have meals with them every time Riddhima be in home... Also they check if Riddhima needs anything or not for sometimes Riddhima thought, they were changing but she can see the devil looks they exchange whenever she turn her back towards them...

From like few days, everyone was sitting having dinner together... Neither of them say a word unless they finished and Armaan was about to leave when Ananya stop him...

'Armaan, mujhe tujhse kuch baat karni hai...' Ananya said...

'Kiya huva Mom... Kiya chahiyeh aapko...'Armaan said rudely because he knows her mother wouldn't want to talk her unless they need something from him...

'Main bohot din se soch rahi ti ab Riddhima bhi akele rehti hai aur use kissi ki saat ki jarurat hogi issiliyeh main Riddhima dubara shaadi karwana chaahti hoon...' Ananya said...

Riddhima who was having her dinner all this time without saying anything was beyong shocked to hear this... She wasn't expecting Ananya to say something like this...

'Mom, aap yeh soch bhi kaise sakte ho...

Aapko pata haina Riddhima pregnant hai.. That too with Akash Bhai baby...

Aap yeh kaise soch sakte hai woh kissi aur se shaadi karke chali jaenge...' Armaan said...

'Maine kab kaha Riddhima koh yaha se jaana hoga shaadi karke...

Humhe bhi Riddhima aur bacche ki fikar hai... Issiliyeh toh maine yeh soch ke tumhe bata rahi hoon...' Ananya said...

'Matlab kiya hai aapki Mom... How can u... Being a lady, how can u even think Riddhima will get married to someone...

Dad ke jaane ke baad aapne dusri shaadi nehi ki just because of us right... Then how can u expect her to get married to someone...' Armaan said...

'Armaan, Riddhima ki umar kiya hai abhi... Jab tumhara dad ka death huva, tab mere paas tum chaar ta... Lekin Riddhima abhi first baby ke saat pregnant hai... Woh bhi humhare Akash ke bacche...

Aur Riddhima aise akele zindagi bar toh nehi reh sakte haina... Use bhi kissi ki saat ki jarurat hogi...

Issiliyeh maine socha hai ki tum use shaadi karenge...

Phir Riddhima koh yaha se jaana bhi nehi hoga, aur Akash ke bacche bhi hamesha humhare aankhon ke saamne rahega...' Ananya said...

Armaan and Riddhima were shocked to hear this... They never think anything like this would be coming in their way... How can they Ananya think they would be getting married with each other for the sake of Akash baby...

'Mom yeh aap... I m already engage... How can u expect me to get married with Riddhima...' Armaan said...

'Armaan, maine sochke yeh baat keh rahi hoon tujhse... U r not married yet..bas saiga huva hai...

Aur aage jaakhe Riddhima shaadi karna chaahte hai toh hum use rokh nehi sakte...

Issiliyeh mujhe lagta hai tum dono shaadi karlena chahiyeh...' Ananya said...

'Nehi Mom... Yeh kabhi nehi ho sakte... Main Riddhima se kaise shaadi kar sakta hoon...' Armaan said...

'Kyun nehi kar sakte... Aur maine faisla le chuki hoon Armaan...

Tum Riddhima se shaadi karenge aur woh bhi jald se jald... Nehi toh tu mera mara huva muh dekhenge...' Ananya said and left from there...

Riddhima and Armaan were shocked to hear this... When Ananya left, others always left with her leaving Armaan and Riddhima alone... Riddhima who was sitting with tears in her eyes, she understood now why Ananya and others were so nice to him from last few days...

Riddhima look towards Armaan who look towards her with no expression... Before Riddhima could say anything, Armaan left from there not giving her a second look...

With Love,

Rihoohaws & Sohah (SoHoo)