Chapter 6

Aayushi

@Aayoo.PM.Id

Deal is Sealed

Part 3

A: VARNA KYA RIDDHIMA??

Both Riddhima and Nikki turned towards the door and froze as they saw Armaan standing with a murderous look in his eyes. Both of them looked at each other tensed as they had no idea what all he had heard but all that anyways didn't matter as it was all over now. The look on his face told them that he had come to know everything. It was definitely not the way they wanted things to come out in front of him; and Nikki had turned completely white like a ghost looking at his red face. Riddhima knew she had to do some damage control as it was about Nikita's life. He couldn't make Nikki suffer because he hated Abhi for ewhatsoever reason that he had.

R: Armaan ruko...meri baat suno...tum pehle shaant ho jao. Hum baat kar...Armaan...Armaan ruko...Armaaan! Riddhima tried her best to talk to him but he was already out of the room and in a minute out of the mansion in his car. She grabbed her cell phone and started calling him but she realized that he cut her call and switched off the cell phone. She went to Nikki and consoled her that everything was going to be fine; but she herself was needed to be consoled at the moment as she was hell worried for him. The rage in his eyes had really scared her and driving in that state was such a dangerous idea. She just kept praying silenty that he would return back soon all safe and sound. She was hell worried for him as well as Nikki as what he must be thinking; but what she did not know was Armaan was having some absolutely different thoughts. She had no idea how wrong he had taken her words and had created such a misunderstanding to live in. He absolutely had no idea about Nikki and Abhi; but listening to her words he had assumed that the any girl list who could fall in love with Abhi included Riddhima on top position; I mean; in simple words he thought that Riddhima was in love with Abhi and was saying all that as her way of expressing her love towards Abhi. Such a buddhu right? Kuch bhi soch leta hai...okay coming back to the story...hehe

Armaan sat in the car and drove away himself not knowing where to. He was so happy on his way back home thinking about her surprise and his birthday party which he was going to be celebrating with Riddhima. More than anything else he was really looking forwards to see her in that saree. But as he had entered the house he got to know that she was in their bedroom so he ran upstairs happily when he heard Nikki's voice; and as he heard their conversation he was beyond shocked.

N: Matlab dekhiye na vo toh aapse bohot pyaar karte hai...like you both also had a love marriage and all...par that was like you both were working together and stuff; aur fir aap logon ne directly baat karli thi family se aur aapki shaadi ho gayi. Par Abhi toh...Aur bhai is going to be hurt badly afterall itne waqt se unse ye baat chupayi hai humne...par fir ye jaroori bhi toh tha na.

R: Nikki...she caressed her head and continued; tu tension mat le. Maine kaha na main usse baat karlungi ; aur fir main toh Abhi ko achi tarah se jaanti hi hu na.

Infact let me tell you; Armaan ko toh Abhi se sikhna chahiye ki kaise treat karte hai apni lady love ko...varna vo toh humesha apne kaam main busy hota hai; aur jab waqt mile toh mujhse ladta rehta hai. Abhi hai hi aisa ki usse kisiko bhi ladki ko pyaar ho jaaye. Huh...voh toh maine shaadi ke liye haan kardi is liye varna toh...

Why...why did she do that to him? Agar usne shaadi ke liye haan nahi ki hoti toh? Vo kehna kya chahti thi? I know ye shaadi uski marzi se nahi hui thi...and to some extent naahi meri marzi se. Par peechle kuch dino main jo bhi hua uske baad mujhe laga ki vo bhi mujhse pyaar... Riddhima ne itna bada dhoka diya mujhe! What does she mean by mujhe Abhi se seekhna chahiye how to treat her...haven't I loved her enough to say that. Kya maine itna boora saloot kiya hai uske saath.

Abhi hai hi aisa ki usse kisiko bhi ladki ko pyaar ho jaaye. Huh...voh toh maine shaadi ke liye haan kardi is liye varna toh...

Abhi hai hi aisa ki usse kisiko bhi ladki ko pyaar ho jaaye. Huh...voh toh maine shaadi ke liye haan kardi is liye varna toh...

These words kept ringing in his mind again and again. I don't believe this...agar vo Abhimanyu se pyaar karti hai toh mujhe apne kareeb kyun aane diya. Mujhe kyun ehsaas dilaya ki shayad vo bhi mujhse pyaar karti hai aur...par usne toh kabhi ye nahi kaha tha Armaan!!
Haan kaha toh nahi par uska sharmaana; mere liye; mere birthday ke liye; har baar mujhe khush karne ke liye vo chotii choti cheejon ka khayal rakhna. Mujhse kisi na kisi baat ko lekar ladna. Meri laparvahiyon ke liye mujhe daantna...vo sab kya tha fir? Kya vo ye sab sirf...Of course...Riddhima ye sab sirf apna farj nibha ne ke liye karti rahi. Apna patni dharm nibha rahi thi; aur main hi in sab baton ko galat samjhta raha. Vo toh bas vohi kar rahi thi jo har patni karti hai; aur main...main samajh baitha ki vo mujhse pyaar karti hai. shayad yahi vo baat thi jo vo mujhse aaj karna chahti thi.

Par mera kya...main toh usse pyaar kar baitha hu na... apne dil ko kaise samjhau ab? His head had stopped functioning as his heart was crying. He could only hear her words which he had misinterpreted big time while all the moments that they had spent in the past days kept flashing in front of him. He lost his control over the steering and he cared least about it.

On the other hand all the worst thoughts started crossing her mind as had had switched his cell off and wasn't back for the next two hours. Just as Riddhima thought of talking to Billy and atleast telling him that he was not in a very good state of mind so it was good if someone would be out in search of him; but just then Billy got a call and he was busy on the phone. He froze as he spoke on the phone.
An: Kya hua...Ammy ka phone hai kya...use kahiye na jaldi aa jaye...kitni der...
B: Armaan ka accident ho gaya hai Ananya...vo hospital main hai.

Riddhima felt as though air was completely sucked out of her body as she heard that. On the other hand Nikita felt guilty more than ever...if anything happened to him she would never forgive herself. Everyone rushed to the hospital and saw him lying unconscious on the hospital bed with dressing around his head and legs; while his hand had a fracture bandage. Riddhima ran towards him and as she caressed his head that was covered with bandage a tear dropped on his cheek. He was not completely conscious but he could feel that and instantly he moved his hand asd was trying to say something. But Riddhima held his hand and kissed it;
Sorry Armaan...sab meri galti hai. Mujhe tumhe pehle hi sab bata dena chahiye tha...par ab tum jo kahoge vaise hi hoga. Bas tum theek ho jao Armaan...main tumse kabhi kuch nahi chupaungi I promise. Par ab toh apni aankhein kholo Armaan. Please!

Billy and Ananya entered the room with the doctor and they had already taken a discharge for him as the doctor informed them that the injuries weren't serious and he would be all fit and fine soon; just the hand had to be taken care of as it had a fracture. They instantly got things ready to get him home as they did not want him to wake up on a hospital bed on his birthday. Though the party was not to be held anymore but they weren't going to let him be in the hospital for the night.

As they reached home he was been settled on the bed while Riddhima sat besides him waiting for him to gain conscious. Shashank was also waiting for him to come back to his senses so that he was assured but Riddhima insisted that he should leave as she knew Padma will hate this. Rahul and Muskaan waited for sometime but thought to better come and visit him the next day when he would be conscious; while Abhi was purposely been told by Nikki not to come as his presence might really affect Armaan badly if he would see him once he was back to his senses. Billy, Ananya and Nikki had also been sitting with him but Riddhima told them to go and rest for a while as she would call them once he would be conscious. She had been caressing his head; which was on her lap all the while; just admiring him and silently saying sorry to him as she should have not hidden things from him. After around 2 hours he stirred a bit so she immediately placed his head on the pillow so that he wasn't hurt in anyway and caressed his cheek;
Armaan...utho...aankhein kholo please.
He opened his eyes slowly and she wiped her tears and instantly called everyone. He tried to get up but she made him lay back...
R: Nahi Armaan...tum lete raho. He held his head as he felt a sharp pain and seing that Riddhima came over to him and held his hand asking him if anything was wrong but he just pushed it away. She felt dejected but nonetheless she did not say anything as she knew she had been wrong in hiding things from him and so his anger and behavior was very much reasonable. Everyone entered the room and bombarded him with 100's of questions; like how was he feeling; did it still hurt him anywhere; was he ok; how did this happen and etc etc... But he just said that he was fine. Ananya scolded him for being careless;
An: Aur tujhe jarurat hi kyat hi vaapas jaane ki? Tu ghar aa gaya tha toh aisa bhi kya kaam tha jo vapas chala gaya? As she asked him that he turned his gaze towards Riddhima accusingly but neither of them said anything; while Nikki just stood in the corner feeling guilty than ever seeing him like that.
Main tujhse pooch rahi hut u use kya dekh raha hai...vo tujhe nahi bachanewali samjha? Pata hai us bechari ki kya haalat ho gayi thi. Tub hi na Ammy...khayaal nahi rakh sakta khudka?
B: Bas bhi karo Ananya...ab vo theek hai. Cha lab tu khaana kha le aur dawai khakeso jaa. Aur tu tension mat le tera birthday hum ache se manayenge...bas ek baar theek ho ...
A: Nahi dad...I guess mere birthday ka isse acha celebration ho hi nahi sakta tha; bohot acha khaasa "SURPRISE" mila hai mujhe is baar. Is birthday ko main kabhi nahi bhool sakta. Riddhima cutched her saree as his words hurt her deeply. She knew what "SURPRISE" he was referring to; atleast she thought so!
An: Aisa kyu keh raha hai Ammy? He just smiled and nodded his head. Chal ye sab chod...main abhi garma garma soup le aati hut ere liye; hmm? Ananya went away to get the soup while Billy was asking him about the accident which he said was merely because he lost his control over the car and nothing else. Nikita wanted to go and ask him about how he felt and if he was fine; but the cold look that he was giving Riddhima didn't go unnoticed by her. So she thought it was better not to go in front of him now as that might worsen his state so she quietly left the room. Riddhima on the other hand wanted to go and hug him tightly apologizing for her stupid behavior. She was ready for any punishment that he would give but the look that he gave and his words both were just killing her. But she let these things aside for a while as his health mattered a lot more at the moment; so she went down and helped Ananya to get him his food. As Riddhima entered the room with the food tray he immediately said;
A: Actully mom...mujhe bilkul bhook nahi hai. Even before Ananya could say anything Riddhima snapped back as this turned her WIFE mode on. Whatever that she did or had happened she couldn't let him affect his health. That was absolutely not allowed.
R: What do you mean by bhook nahi hai Armaan? Tumhe dawai leni hai toh kuch toh khaana hi padega na.
A: Mom...please I don't want to...
An: Ammy bachon jaisi jid karna band kar...Riddhima bilkul sahi keh rahi hai; tujhe dawai bhi leni hai toh chup chaap kha le.
A: Mom seriously I...
R: Acha theek hai...kuch khao mat...par kam se kam soup toh pee sakte ho na! She sat down besides him and taking the bowl of soup she blowed some air on a spoonful of soup;
Ye lo soup pee lo; tum better feel karoge isse.
A: Main khud khaa lunga tum...
R: Armaan tumhe chot lagi hai; haath main fracture hai tumhare; kaise khaoge tum? Ab jyaada jid mat karo aur please pee lo ise...please. He so wanted to walk out of the room and just go away from her as her presence that did wonders to him usually was killing him today. Everytime he looked up at her; her words rang in his mind torturing him to death; but he quietly drank the soup as she fed him; he had no choice since Ananya and Billy stood right next to him watching them and he did not want to create any scene so he just let it be. Armaan was just feeling suffocated as she looked so full of concern and the way she was making him have the soup with all the love in her eyes was making his heart warm; but if that was love then what was all that she had been saying to Nikita. If she loved Abhimanyu then why could see feel that love; why could he see that love in her eyes for him.He was so confused. Ananya came to Riddhima and placed a hand over her head as Armaan finished having his soup.
An: Riddhima...beti fikar mat karo; mera Ammy bohot strong hai aur vo ab bilkul theek hai. Tu bhi ab thodi der aaram kar le hmmm!
B: Acha isi liye thodi der pehle itna sab keh rahi thi Armaan se aura b dekho bilk...Ananya glared at him and he just zipped his mouth making Riddhima smile at them.
R: Jee Maa; main theek hu aur main jaanti hu use kuch nahi hoga. Aap dono bhi thak gaye honge; aap bhi jaakar so jaaiye ab. They wished hem goodnight and giving a few more instructions to Armaan; left the room. The moment they were out of the room she walked towards him he started getting up from the bed.
R: Armaan kya kar rahe ho? Tumhe kuch chahiye toh mujhe batao main de deti hu! But he completely turned a deaf ear to her and steeped down. But the injury on his leg did not help him balance himself and he stumbled a bit but she ran to him and held his arm. He know it asn't possible for him to walk all alone without any support specially when even his hand was fractured but still; he pushed her hand away harshly;
A: JUST STAY AWAY ALRIGHT!! Tum mujhse jitna dur raho utna hi acha hai tumhare liye; aur ye sab naatak ab band karo; I very well know by now how much you care for me alright!
R: Armaan aisa...aisa kyu keh rahe ho? Main toh bas tumhari madat...
A: Nahi chahiye mujhe tumhari madat. Tumhari madat; tumhari humdardi; tumhari chinta bina vajah ke dikhawa kuch nahi chahiye mujhe!
R: Armaan please... Armaan again tried to walk a step and again stumbled but this time she held his hand firmly. Jid mat karo Armaan; I know tum mujhse naaraz ho par uska ghussa tum khud par mat nikalo. Tumhe main bas help kar rahi hu; and you can't stop me from doing so; ye mera farz banta hai.
A: Farz; he gave a sad smile; farz hi toh hai jo bohot kuch karva leta hai insaan se; nahi? Par ab tumhe ye sab aur karne ki koi jarurat nahi hai Riddhima. I think it's tme to just let go.
R: Armaan aisi baatein mat karo; dekho hum...hum ye saari baatein baad main karenge abhi tum bas chalo. Jo bhi kehna hai; jo bhi naarajgi hai vo sab kal; tum kal mujhse jitna chahe lad sakte ho; mujhpe chilla sakte ho par abhi tum bas shaant raho aur chalo. She helped him to reach the washroom and then after a while as she made him sit on the bed she gave him his medicines. Given a chance he would have retorted but the pain that he was feeling in his head right now was just unbearable so he just had the medicine quietly.

Somehow as the medicines were strong Armaan fell asleep but Riddhima was up the entire night. She kept staring down at him wondering what was he going to do tomorrow. She had lost all her loved ones in some or the other way; but she just couldn't afford losing him. She loved him a lot and just couldn't think of living without him even a single day. As the sun rays entered the room; she covered him properly with the blanketand kissing his forhead went away to get ready. By the time she came out he was wide awake and was trying to get the glass of water from the side table. Seeing him do that she ran to him and making him sit back offered the glass. But he showed no more interest in having water and as she was about to say anything Ananya walked into the room.
An: Good morning Ammy beta; ye lo maintumhe uthane hi aayi thi. Vaise toh Riddhima hai; par maine socha dekh lu k tum ab kaisa feel kar rahe ho.
A: Ya mom; I feel better.
R: Maa main bas neeche hi aa rahi thi bas Arma...
An: Nahi Riddhima; main vohi kehne aayi thi actually. Tum yahi baitho Armaan ke paas; main tum dono ka naashta upar hi bhijwa deti hu.
A: No...Mom main neeche...
An: Nahi mujhe kuch nahi sunna; dekh tujhe pair main chot bhi lagi hai toh tujhe jyaada stress nahi karna chahiye khud ko samjha! Toh chup chap yaha baith; main naashta bhijwa deti hu.
A: Acha...par vo jara Martin ko bhej dena; mujhe thodi help chahiye hogi.
An: Hmm theek hai. Main bhej deti hu use. Tu aaram kar.

Martin came and helped Armaan to get ready and stuff. Riddhima just stood there watching Armaan just keep her as far as possible. Once Martin was done he left the room and Riddhima got the breakfast tray which had some fruit salad and juice. As soon as she brought it he made it clear that there was no way he was having it by her hands and if she was even going to try to feed him he just wouldn't eat. Now that really did hurt her byt she just let him be and removing the juice she kept the tray on his lap to make things a little easier for him. Since it was just salad he could eat it with his left hand with the help o the spoon but what she noticed was; he had left all the beetroot aside. As he was done with the salad she took the tray away and handed him the glass of juice quietly.
A: Nahi mujhe juice nahi peena.
R: Armaan; tumne ye beetroot bhi chod diya hai plate main; kam se kam juice toh pee lo.
A: Mujhe juice nahi peena Riddhima; aur naahi toh mujhe beetroot khaane hai.
R: Par Armaan tumhara bohot khoon beh chuka hai and it helps in blood circulation tum...
A: Please Riddhima mujhe koi lecture nahi sunna tumhara I just hate beetroots and I don't want to have them; that's it.
R: Okay fine par please ye juice toh...
A: Listen to me once and for all Riddhima; there is no way you can get me do things that I hate to do alright. You have straight away shown me my importance in your life; so now it would be better if you stop pretending. His words made her heart cry as she could see the hatred in his eyes. She could no longer hold her tears back that she was holding in right from the moment he asked Martin to hel him when she was right in front of him.
R: Armaan please don't say that. Main jaanti hu mujhse bohot badi galti hui hai; mujhe tumse sach nahi chupana chahiye tha; but that doesn't mean you aren't important to me. You mean everyth...
A: Riddhima please I don't want to talk about this anymore. Just...just forget it.
R: Armaan you can't push me away like this. Tum kyun nahi samjhte ki agar tumhe kuch ho gaya toh main...
A: Riddhima just stop it alright. I know you have been trying your best but seriously; it's enough now. You know what Riddhima... you were right; you were absolutely right! Even this "DEAL" is not going to work between us. We just are not meant to be with each other. We should just...stop fighting against the truth; accept the fact and move on.
R: Armaan?? Ye tum...she just felt as if someone stabbedright in her heart. He was so wrong; she loved him and he loved her too she just knew that. Just because she hid a thing from him was he going to make her pay such a big time. Why was he doing that to her; how could he so easily end it?
A: Riddhima just...just go. I...just...leave me alone Riddhima; please!
...just then her cell phone rang and she picked the call as it was Abhi's. She spoke to Nikki this morning and had come to know that she wasn't talking to him at all; moreover this was the 12th time from morning that he had been calling her.
R: Hello...
Ab: Hello...Oh finally...hello Riddhima...thank God you piked up yaar. Already Nikki bhi mujhse baat nahi kar rahi aur tum kaha ho yaar subah se. Anyways; how is Armaan now? Nikki ne mujhe vaha aane se bhi mana kar rakha hai, I heard he was unconscious for a long time I hope everything is fine noth...
R: Abhi...main baad main baat karungi tumse. And ya he is fine. Bye Abhi...she cut the call without even letting him say a word.
A: Ohh Abhimanyu why did you cut the call; please go ahead. Baat karlo...it must be surely much more important!
R: Tum aisi baatein kyun kar rahe ho. Aakhir aisa bhi kya kar diya hai maine. Tum samjhte kyun nahi ho Armaan; main...main tumhe kal sham sab kuch sach batane hi wali thi par...Armaan tum galti kar rahe ho. Main nahi jaanti ki tum Abhi ko kyun napasand karte ho...he has been your friend too but lately I don't understand what's wrong. Par vo vakai bohot acha ladka hai Armaan and...
A: Of course he is...par tum ye sab mujhe kyun bata rahi ho? How does it matter what I think.
R: Ofcourse it does Armaan. It matters the most. Armaan...don't be judgemental here; ye kisike zindagi ki baat hai; kisi ke pyaar ki baat hai. Aur tum achi tarah jaante ho ki ye rishta tab taka aage nahi badh sakta; jab tak tum ise approval nahi de dete. Tumhari haan ke begair ye...
A: Ohh woow; so you want my approval. That's just great...I don't believe it Riddhima. I just don't...You know what do whatever you wish to. I don't give a damn! And ya don't worry you can even leave whenever you want to; I will get the divorce papers ready. Bohot jaldi hi main tumhe vo sign karke bhi de dunga; but I hope kam se kam mere theek hone tak tum wait kar logi.

Riddhima was stunned at his words. Divorce? He was going to give her a divorce and end the relationship just like that. She shouldn't have hidden Abhi-Nikki's relationship from him; he was her husband so she was bound to tell him things; but just because she didn't he was going to divorce her! Just when she had thought she had actually found that someone whom she could call her own; her destiny had decided to snatch him away! She thought he loved her; but maybe that wasn't true. If he would have then it wouldn't have been that easy for him to end everything right? She walked into the washroom and closing the door behind stood staring at her reflection in the mirror.

Kaise Riddhima...how did you think that Armaan would love you. Maine pehle hi kaha tha na Riddhima...teri kismat main pyaar nahi likha. Jab zindagi ne itni bar tujhe is baat ka ehsaas dilaya hai toh Armaan ke maamle main kuch alag kyun hoga? Is main uski koi galti nahi hai Riddhima, usne toh tujhse kaha hi than a ki ye shaadi vo apne parivaar ke liye kar raha hai! Vo bas ek deal thi; he had forced you into this marriage for his own benefit how can you forget that! Ab is main uski kya galti agar tujhe usse sach main pyaar ho gaya toh?! Use toh is baat ka andaaja bhi nahi hoga. Vo apne parivaar se; khaas kar Nikki se sabse jyaada pyaar karta hai; aur usiki zindagi ka sabse bada sach tune usse chupaya toh zaahir si baat hai ki vo ghussa toh hoga hi. Vo toh shayad mujhe apni zindagi ka hissa bhi nahi samjhta...isi liye toh divorce! Theek hai...agar vo mujhe apnea as paas bardash tak nahi kar sakta toh mera yaha se chale jaana hi theek rahega. Par ab Nikki ka kya? Maine use vaada kiya tha! Main jaane se pehle poori koshish karungi ki Armaan Abhi ko accept kar le Nikki ke liye. But for now let Armaan be all fit and fine...ek baar vo theek ho gaya toh fir main...yaha se chali jaungi. Shayad ab meri yaha jarurat nahi hai! She cried at her fate as she caressed her mangalsutra. She missed her mom terribly today, she wanted someone on whose shoulder she can cry her heart out. She knew out there was that person who she thought was the one who was always there for her; but now it had become a past tense for her. Presentlt there was no one in her life hom she could share her biggest grief with; there was no one who could console her and just say that everything was going to be okay; atleast for the sake of it!

It had almost been half an hour that she was inside the washroom now. Armaan was a little worried for her as he had seen her face when he had mentioned their divorce. She did not look pretty okay with it. Infact he could see an hurt expression on her face; even that tears that had formed up in her eyes did not go unnoticed by him. Finally after around 45 minutes she walked out of the washroom and her face did tell him that she had been crying all the while in there. Even before he could start any conversation she walked ot of the room ignoring him completely. She had sent Martin and Ananya to the room and had showed up only whenever Ananya was around. He noticed that she had not spoken a word after the morning conversation and had herself maintained a safe distance from him. Not to forget the worry lines on her forehead completely depicted that she was far more than frustrated and upset. She had put up a smile on her face throughout the day as Ananya was around; but he knew that it was completely fake. Once Ananya had fed him dinner Riddhima had walked out of the room along with her and had come back directly after all the work was done all ready to sleep. Even the medicines were given to him by his mom. Walking into the room she found him wide awake and thought of telling him to sleep; but anways thinking against it she went away with her night suite to change. As she came out in her night suit and settled down on the bed he could finally have a closer view of her. He had been dying the entire day thinking that maybe this was the life he was supposed to live hereafter; while she was maybe just trying to make him realize that. But now as he looked closely he could see her puffed eyes and could clearly recognize that she had been crying badly. Riddhima sensed that he was staring at her which made things harder for her. She had been avoiding him for the whole day as she knew she would break down if he had say or do anything more. It was much more difficult than she had thought it would be,, She loved him a lot; much more than her own life. She was weak around him and she diidnot wanted to hurt herself anymore; so she had kept the safe distance. But the fact that he was thinking about ending their relationship was just not going well with her and now that he was looking at her with all the concern and love in his eyes as usual she was feeling terrible. So even without looking up at him and trying her best to sound all normal she said;
Armaan...so jao. Tumne dawai khai hai tumhe aaram ki jarurat hai...bohot raat ho chuki hai. Good night. Try how hard she may she couldn't hide the pain in her voice as she spoke to him.
A: Riddhima...umm...tum theek toh ho na?
R: Haan Armaan...tum so jao.
A: Riddhima...dekho I know all this is difficult even for you but I think yahi sa...
R: Armaan please mujhe is baarein main koi baat nahi karni. Shayad yahi sahi hai; aisa hi hona tha! Maybe I was reading too much between the lines. Aur vaise bhi aakhri faisla toh tumhe hi lena tha; toh tumse sach chupana hi sabse badi galti thi. Tumhe poora hak banta tha kit um sab jaano par ma...
A: Riddhima haq aur farz ki baatein mat karo! Shayad is farz ko nibhaane ke chakkar main bohot kuch galat kar baithi ho tum.
R: Hmm...sahi keh rahe ho. Jab ye rishta hi jhoota tha; ek jhooth par shuru hua that oh iska koi farz nibaana hi shayad meri sabse badi galti thi. Khair job hi hona tha ho chukka; ab main use badal toh nahi sakti naahi tum kuch kar sakte ho. Hum...hum baad main baat karenge Armaan; tum abhi so jao. You really need to rest. She turned off the bedside lamp and cried silently clutching her pillow. She hated the fact; that he could read her that well. He wasn't supposed to; it was just unfair. The tears that sh had been trying her best to hide were never hidden from him. He kept wondering that why was she crying; was it because she was supposed to go away. But wasn't that supposed to make her happy. Afterall she had always hated him and once that he would divorce her she was free to love her life. Then why was she unhappy? Wy was she crying her eyes out?

As the next day arrived; he could again find his mom who had come to wake him up and there was no sign f Riddhima anywhere around. That alarmed him a little.
A: Maa...vo...Riddhima?
An: Haan Ammy...vo kitchen main hai; Nikki aaj ghar pe hai na toh aaj thodi deri se naashta kar rahi hai. Usi ke saath hai; bas aati hi hogi.
A: Nikki...Mom Nikki ko kya hua. Kal se mujse ek baar bhi nahi mili.
An: Acha...kya pata; shayad ghabra gayi hogi tujhe aise dekhke. Tut oh jaanta hi hai na use; tujhe kuch bhi ho jaata hai toh uski kya haalat hoti hai.
A: Haan par...he wondered that how had not even once walked into his room to even check on him. He remembered their conversation and though that maybe she was guilty as somewhere she knew everything about Riddhima and Abhi because she was the one Riddhima was talking to. But wait a minute...Nikki? What about her? His thoughts came to a ahlt as Nikki's name revolved in his mind.

Riddhima Abhi se pyaar karti hai aur shayad is rishte ki majboori ke kaaran usne mujhse kuch nahi kaha par Nikki? Vo ye sach mujhse kyu chupaayegi? Agar vo Abhi aur Riddhima ke baarein main sab kuch jaanti thi toh vo jarur mujhse kuch toh kehti. Kam se kam Riddhima ke saath toh nahi hoti! Now as he considered Nikki in this entire fiasco he was even more confused. She was his sister who loved him a lot and would never do anything that would hurt him. Then why was she involved in all this?
Shayad Riddhima ne use mana...par fir Nikki uska saath kyun?? I...I just don't understand!

An: Ammy...Ammy!!
A: Jee...jee mom?
An: Kaha khoya hai? Main kabse tujhse kuch pooch rahi hu!
A: Nahi...kuch nahi mom...vo bas...umm...Mom aap Nikki ko bhejengi mere paas; kuch kaam tha use.
An: theek hai; uska naashta hote hi use bhej deti hu main.

As Ananya cama down she informed Nikki that Armaan wanted to talk to her. Nikki did not want to face him as she felt really bad and guilty but Riddhima somehoe convinced her. She had been trying to convince Nikki from yesterday to have a talk with him but she wasn't ready. But now that Armaan had decided about divorce and stuff Riddhima had to work faster so she somehow convinced Nikki to talk to him so that she could settle things before going. By afternoon Nikki somehow made her mind to finally go and talk to him.

Nikki walked into his room and found him sitting with his head against the headboard and eyes closed. He looked pale and exhausted and thinking that he was fast asleep she was about to go away when he opened his eyes feeling someone's presence.
A: Nikki...wait. Kaha jaa rahi ho; come here! She turned around and walking upto him quietly at by his side.
N: Hello bhai...how are you feeling now.
A: Hmm...I am better par tu kal se kaha gayab hai? Ab yaad aa rahi hai tujhe meri?
N: Nahi bhai...main...bas vo...
A: Kiddo...look up at me! Nikkiii! He said sternly and she finally looked up at him. As soon as she looked up tears tricked down her eyes and she hugged him;
N: I am so sorry bhai. I am really very sorry. Mujhe aapko sab sach bata dena chahiye tha. Dekho na meri vajah se aapki ye...
A: Hey shh...it's not because of you. Haan tujhe mujhe batana jaroor chahiye tha par is accident ka tujhse koi connection nahi hai samjhi! He detangled her and wiping her tears caressed her head. Pata hai Nikki I am really shocked! Maine socha bhi nahi tha ki tu mujhse itna bada sach chupayegi! I mean Riddhima ne ye sab mujhse nahi kaha main fir bhi samajh sakta hu; she had her own reasons...par tu! You never hid anything from me.
N: I am really sorry bhai...main batana chahti thi; maine bohot baar koshish bhi ki par har baar kuch na kuch galat ho jaata tha. Aur fir peechle kuch dino se aap uspar itne naraaz bhi the toh mujhe dart ha ki aap pata nahi kaise react karenge!
A: Tujhe kya laga tha agar mujhe bata degi toh main bohot ghussa ho jaaunga aur Mom dad ko sab bata dunga? Ya fir Riddh...
N: Nahi bhai aisi baat nahi hai. Par main chahti thi; ki pehle Abhi ko lekar jo aapke khayaal hai vo main badal saku. Vo vaakai bohot acha ladka hai bhai. Abhi mujhs...
A: Please Nikki...pehle hi Riddhima uski bohot tareef kar chuki hai. Ab main tujhse bhi vohi sab nahi sunna chahta.
N: Haan...vo bhabhi ke bare main bhi kuch kehna tha mujhe. Main jaanti hu ki aap unse bohot naaraz hai. Par unhone ye sab sirf mere liye kiya bhai. Vo toh kab se keh rahi thi ki aapko sab bata dena chahiye; par maine hi mana kiya tha. Bhai seriously; you are very lucky ki aapko Riddhima bhabhi jaisi wife mili hai. Unhone mera bohot saath diya; mujhe humesha bohot achi tarah samjha hai unhone.
A: Acha? Itna sab hone ke baad bhi tu yahi kahegi!
N: Of course bhai. Shayad unhone humesha mera saath diya; but unhone clearly keh diya tha ki jab tak aap is rishte ke liye nahi maan jaate vo bhi kabhi apni haami nahi bharegi.
A: Huh? Matlab?
N: Haan...vo jaanti thi ki aapko shayad Abhi ko lekar kuch problems thi; aur vo ye bhi jaanti thi ki aap sach jaankar bohot ghussa honge aur vo ghussa aap mujhpar naa nikale is liye vo pehle aapse baat karna chahti thi. Par aapne us din sab sun liya aur fir...
A: 1 minute...main tujhpe ghussa kyun karunga? Teri kya galti...baat toh Riddhima ki hai; vo Abhi se
N: Bhai please! Bhabhi ki koi galti nahi hai. Unse kuch mat kahiyega. Vo toh bas mera saath de rahi thi kyunki vo Abhi ko achi tarah jaanti hai; aur unhe yakeen tha ki Abhi mujhe humesha khush rakhega.
A: haan? Par...Tujhe kyu khush rakhega vo?
N: I know you don't trust him...par bhai vo mujhse sach main bohot pyaar karta hai! Aur main bhi use bohot pyaar karti hu bhai. Bhabhi ye achi ta...
A: WHAT THE...??

A: WHAT THE...??TU?? TU ABHI SE...TU AUR ABHI!! As soon as he heard Nikki say that she loved Abhi; Armaan almost went crazy. He almost felt like either he had misheard her or he had been a big time fool. He felt like slapping himself.
N: Bhai please stop shouting. Mom sun legi...and why are you reacting as if you just found out!
A: So you mean tu is liye Riddhima aur Abhimanyu ke saath vaha us din restaurant main...aur fir vo jhooth ...matlab Riddhima...
N: What are you saying bhai? Aur main un dono ke saath nahi; Riddhima bhabhi mere aur Abhi ke saath aayi thi.
A: Wait a minute just...just..."you" love Abhimanyu right? So Riddhima uski itni tarref kyun kar rahi thi itne dino se?
N: Duh bhai!!...that is what I am trying to say...vo appko hum dono ke relationship ke liye convince karna chahti thi isi liye! Kyunki as much as she might love you...she loves me too...par sach main bhai bhabhi aapse vakai bohot pyaar karti hai. Isi vo aapke birthday party ke baad aapko sab batane wali thi; par aapko pehle hi sab pata chal gaya.
A: Of course...of course... Riddhima ne...I was such a big fool. Isi liye vo itni upset thi...she was just trying to convince me aur main pata nahi kya...ugghh...Nikki...I am such...no no no you!! you are such an idiot!
N: BHAIII! Please! Paagalon jaisi baatein aap kiye jaa rahe hai; pata nahi kabse kya bakbak kar rahe hai khud se aur mujhe idiot bol rahe hai aap?
A: Haan...kyunki tu hain! Tu jaanti bhi hain ki teri is love story ke chakkar main maine almost meri shaadi...
N: aapki shaadi...kya?
A: Ughh...nothing...aur tu aur Abhi...well us baarein main toh hum baad main baat karenge but for now I need to do some major damage control thanks to you. So now...just do as I say if you want to really see me smile ever again. He floated in air as he realized that she was never in love with Abhi. All the pieces were now falling in place; her praises for Abhi; her behavior as he told her about the divorce and every positive step that she took in their relationship now made sense. She never pretended anything. She always had been doing everything whole heartedly and everything that he saw in her eyes was completely pure. It was he who mistook everything! But now he was determined. Whatever that she felt had to come out now. If she loved him then she had to accept it; it was about time that they spoke face to face and to the point. They had been beating around the bush a lot now and this had to end here.

It was evening time and Riddhima was sitting in their room caressing their wedding pic which was placed on the side table. Armaan was nowhere to be seen as he had left some time ago saying that he had some really important work to be taken care of. His leg was better now so he was able to walk around by himself though yet in a limping manner and also as Nikki had accompanied him so even his Mom dad did not retort. But Riddhima was really tensed now as she had no idea what had Armaan decided. Did he accept Abhi or not; and the way they two had left made her even more tensed. She kept looking at his picture for like forever as if trying to imprint that image in her head so that even if she would have to leave soon but she could see him whenever and wherever she wanted eventhough only in her thoughts. Observing his pictures; seeing his small little things that were in the room she walked down the memory lane remembering all the sweet moments she shared with him; all the silly fights that she had with him; their sweet nok-jhok; ruthna-manana; and all the lovely moments. Opening the wadrobe; she held one if his shirt as if trying to feel him closer. The pillows that always held his colgne smell and his study table where he would sit and work for hours. Her gaze fell on the white shirt that she had gifted him and then she remembered their first ever kiss that they had shared after their marriage. The tears were about to spill out of her eyes when she felt someone was at the door; so quickly wiping away her tears she turned around and found Nikki entering the room all alone and in a hurry.

R: Nikki! Thank God tum aa gayi. Kya hua? Kya kaha Armaan ne? Use ko...
N: Bhabhi aap vo sab chodo aur jaldi tayyar ho jao! As the words left Nikki's mouth Riddhima panicked a bit. What was she supposed to get ready for and where was Armaan?
R: Par Nikki Armaan kaha hai? Aur mujhe tayyar hone ko...
N: Bhabhi jyaada sawaal mat poochiye na aap...jaaiye jaldi se jaake ache se tayyar ho jaiye. Aur haan vo...jo saree bhai ne aapko birthday pe di thin a vo pehniye.
R: Par tu mujhe bataiyegi hua kya...aur tu akeli kyun aayi hai. Armaan kaha hai? Mujhe kaha jaana hai? Armaan ne kuch kaha tujhse...vo bohot ghussa...
N: Bhabhi chill... Bhaiyya bilkul theek hai par abhi mere saath nahi aaye. Thodi der main vaapas lautenge vo; aap tab tak jaldi tayyar ho jaaiye! Aur bhai ke ghusse ki tension aap mat lo...that is under control. Ab aur kuch mat poochiye and just go and change. She literally pushed Riddhima inside the walk in wadrobe to get changed. Riddhima was a little startled at the turn of events but she just thought to change and see what was Nikki upto. But somehow she couldn't bring herself to wear the saree that Armaan had gifted because that saree was his first ever gift to her. There were lot of feelings it heldand wearing that she would only hurt herself. She removed another red saree that she had and changed into it. As she came out all ready Nikki told her that she was looking terrisfic though she did not have an dea that sh ewasn't wearing the saree she was supposed to. Without giving her any chance she dragged Riddhima along and drove out of the Mallik mansion. Riddhima kept asking her where they were headed but Nikki never budged to answer. Finally their car halted in front of a cottage and Nikki got down quickly and opened the door for Riddhima.

R: Nikki ye tu kaha lekar aayi hai mujhe? Mujhe dinner ke liye help bhi nahi karne di mom ko; vaha Armaan ka bhi kuch pata nahi hai aur tu kuch bata bhi nahi rahi hai!
N: Maine kaha na bhabhi; bhai bilkul theek hai aur dinner mom maids ke saath milke handle kar legi you don't worry. Aap bas andar jao.
R: Andar jao matlab...tu nahi aa rahi...aur...ye...ye kiska ghar hai. Tu mu...
N: Bhabhi you trust me na?
R: Haan Nikki par...
N: Toh bas aap andar jao. Samajh lo aapke saare sawaalon ke jawaab aapko andar jaane par mil jaayenge.
R: Lekin...
N: Bhabhi just go... saying that she just hugged Riddhima and sitting inside her car drove away.

Riddhima was shocked would be an understatement; she couldn't believe that Nikki had left her all alone at this time of night in front of God knows whose cottage and told her to go in. She was hell confused but somewhere her instinct told her that everything was going to be fine and afteralll Nikki wouldn't just push her into something and go away unless it was something thoughtful! So following her instinct she walked inside the house to find it dimly lit. She could feel the beautiful aroma and cold breeze around her which created a beautiful ambience overall. There were white lilies kept around in places and few candles were also lit. The room obviously looked very beautiful; but now that she was all alone here it seemed a little scary to her. But strangely God knows why she felt as if Armaan was somewhere around; she looked around to check if anyone was there but when she found nobody around she finally thought of speaking up.

R: ko...koi hai...hello!! Anyone there...? She called out petrified hoping to see someone but as she found no response she thought of just leaving the place when she felt someone right behind her. She turned around but was baffled a she saw Armaan standing just an inch away. She stumbled as she was caught unaware but he held her just in time and now she stood in his arms as he silently studied her features.