Chapter 18
PART - 18
~ One Month Later ~
Armaan handles a glass of fresh fruit juice to neha and indicates her to finish it quickly. Poor neha makes a face. All are torturing her making her eat more n more blackmailing with the name of "gudiya"… specially armaan nd her darling princess. As soon as she sipped for the 1st time the door bell rang. Armaan goes to see the door although he knows who this is. It's Sunday and obviously it's riddhima as they alwaz have a basket ball match on Sundays. Smiling warmly he opens the door welcoming.. "good morning GF" but his smile fades seeing the whole gang. It's not like dat he doesn't like them but SHE is not with them.
"hey jeej" anji says smiling warmly nd side hugging him. He , too, returns his sweet smile.
"kya hua jjiju.. aap hum sab ko dekh ke khush nahi huye??" asks muski in a teasing manner.
Both atul nd anji smile hearing muski. They all knew this already that as soon as armaan finds his best friend missing his mood will fall. And as expected they noticed how his warm smile vanished seeing them ONLY.
Armaan smiles knowing very well that muski is juz pulling his leg.. so, he juz smacked her head lovingly juz like an elder brother nd smiling warmly welcomed all to the dining area.
"hey di.. hw r u??" atul asked hugging neha lightly..
"I'm fine atul.. baitho.. have breakfast, no??" neha said smilingly..
"of course di.. yeh bhi koi kehne ki baat hain.." muski said sitting comfortably on a chair nd serving herself. Then putting the 1st morsel she said closing her eyes… "yumm.."
All smiled seeing her expression.. she is such a food lover!!…
"kya yaar muski.. tu yahan khana khane baith gayee.. we've to go, remember.. ridz nd sid's match??" anji said trying to put some sense in her.
"oh haan.. juz two mins anji.. bas yeh omelette finish kar loon.. I juz love Spanish omelette with extra chese.." nd she stuffed the rest in her mouth quickly.
Armaan who listened to anji became lill confused as well as hurt. Although he cleverly hid his feelings..
"match??"
Atul turned to him hearing him nd he said apologizing … "oh so sorry buddy.. main bilkul bhul gaya.." he put his hand in his shirt's pocket nd taking out a letter, he forwarded dat in front of armaan.. "here.. yeh riddhi ne diya tha, tumhe dene ke liye.."
Armaan at once took the letter nd started reading while others were chit chatting with neha..
...LETTER...
Hey jeej……..
Pehle toh kaan pakad kar chollyyy.. plshhh gussa mat hona.. plshh.. wohh kya hain na.. main apko batana hi bhool gayee.. ke peechle one month se na main sid ko basket ball ki tuition de rahi thi.. u knw sid, no?? sid.. siddhant modi.. our new friend.. woh semener wale din mile the aap uss se.. yaad aya?? Haan wohi.. toh ussey na basket ball khelna nahi ata tha but he wanted to participate in college's sports day.. so, as u knw I'm quite champ in this game.. so.. wen he asked me to teach him , I agreed.. after all he is my frnd.. I should help him, no?? so mainey ussey train kiya.. aab who thoda bahot khel sakta hain but uss pagal ne mujhey.. riddhima gupta ko.. uski teacher ko challenge kiya hain ke now he can beat me!! Imagine jeej.. even u can't win from me alwaz nd he thinks he can beat me.. arrgg.. dat stupid sid.. hw dare he challenge me?? So, I accepted his challenge.. aur aaj na hamari one on one match hain.. so I want you to come with atul, anji n muski… after all u r my good luck charm, na!!! so come super soon.. uss muski ko aur zyada breakfast karne se roko.. nd come soon.. I need u nd di ko mat lana.. she needs rest.. I'm waiting..
-ur GF :)
Armaan read nd re-read the letter.. he was having mixed emotions now.. he is her lucky charm.. wow.. it sounds nice.. nd he smiled reading that.. he chuckled wen riddhima praised herself.. he laughed a lill wen she mentioned about muski having brkfast.. he adored wen she wrote not to bring her di but he was lill disturbed as well.. who is this sid?? How did he get so closer to her? Are they only frnz or more that that?? Is he a nice guy?? Should he deserve riddhima's trust??
He can never think of riddhima going through a heart break.. he knows how it feels.. he is dealing with it every second.. but lill he knew dat it's not only him but she also going through the same critical phase… with lots of question he folded the letter nd put it back in his pocket nd turning to neha he told ridhima's msg. she smiled hearing her princess's instruction nd decided to stay at home. They all left for the match biding neha.
~ at Basket Ball Ground ~
All settled in the gallery nd soon the match started. It was 5-baskets match.. riddhima already did 3 nd poor sid is still running empty handed.. it's not like dat he plays dat bad but he looses his senses wenever riddhima comes closer to him. Her smile, her laughter, her pokes, her winks, her attitude, her move, her every antic was distracting him nd taking him into another world.. he was trying not to behave like a fool but his stupid heart juz driving him dreamy. "and dat's another basket" riddhima jumped in joy making 4th one in one go.. he smiled seeing the sparkles of happiness in her eyes. He juz scratched his scalp ruffling his hair smiling to her child like behaviour.. goshh!! She is soo adorable.. he truly don't want to win now.. actually he never wanted to win.. how can he defeat HER!!! He juz challenged her so dat they can come lill closer.. he went for tuition in spite of knowing BB juz to make their friendship lill more comfortable nd it worked. They are truly good frnz now. Riddhima behaves the same as she behaves wth muski-anji or atul nd he's juz loving it.. he truly love her. But too afraid to open his heart in front of her. "tch.. tch.. tch.. teacher se panga nahi lena chahiye bachcha.." riddhima's wrds brought him back to the reality nd he bowing down his head smiled widely.
The trio smiled seeing them. "sachchi yaar anji.. yeh siddy boy bahot cute hain.. jaan boojh ke haar raha hain, yaar.." muski said smilingly..
"haan muski.. sid bahot achcha ladka hain.. I juz hope wohh himmat karke ridzy ko apney dil ki baat bata de.." said anji.
"par kya tumhe lagta hain ridzy ussey pyaar karti hain??" atul asked doubtful..
"I knw she doesn't but atul she doesn't have any guy as BF also.. toh kya pata wohh man jaye.. waisey bhi they became very good frnz.." anji said indicating the duo who was teasing nd laughing at each other.
"haan yeh bhi sahi hain.." atul agreed.
But wen the trio was happy seeing the love blooming in it's way. Some one wasn't happy. He was lost in his thoughts..
"kya hua jiju?? Aapko aisa nahi lagta kya??" muski asked nd broke armaan's thoughts.
"mm.. guys.. main bas abhi aya.. 5 min.. mujhey hospital ek bahot zaroori case ke liye kuch inform karna tha but dimag se nikal gaya.. u guys njoy.. main bass abhi aya.."
He rushed hurriedly while muski said 'ok' nd resumed their conversation observing the duo..
Atul-muski nd anji were busy with their chitchat when suddenly dey hard noise of bickering. They looked forward in astonishment nd found d rarest scene ever. Riddhima was bickering with sid. Nd poor sid is trying to justify him.
Mu – champ yaar.. yeh achanak ridzy ko kya ho gaya..
An – ri8.. ridz aur jhagda??
At – let's go..
Mu & An – haan.. chalo..
The trio entered the court nd found riddhima shouting at sid crunching her eyes, her nose is lill red in irritation.. as some flick of her hair is disturbing her vision.. her index finger is pointed towards sid.. nd she is shouting saying..
"CHEATER…
How dare u..mr. siddhant modi?? U tried to cheat to win.. aargg.. I m so angry with u now… mujhsey baat karne ki koshish bhi mat karna tum.. samjhey Mr. Modi??"
Muski, anji nd atul exchanged confused glances at each other nd finally atul started .. "chweet heart??"
Riddhima turned towards the source of d voice nd found her besties there..
"see na atul.. iss stupid sid ne merey ear mein air blow kiya taki mein distract ho jayun nd yeh basket kar sake.."
Riddhima complained to her best fnrd pouting like a lill kid.. all smiled seeing their innocent gudiya, including sid.. but soon they controlled their smile nd muski intervened..
"oyee kaan khajura.. tuney cheating ki.. shame on u.."
Anji – exactly.. I nvr thought u will cheat to defeat a gal, sid.. I'm highly disappointed..
Riddzy smiled a lill hearing her besties supporting her.. atul side hugged her in a brotherly way like he alwaz does.. ridzy gve him her cute smile nd turned her face to the prisoner, I mean sid.. who is juz standing like a guilty.. riddhima raised her one eye brow indicating him to clarify nd poor sid gulped seeing riddhima's anger but started anyway..
"mm… wohh guys.. woh actually I dint want to be white washed by a gal.."
Sid paused nd ridz juz made an O shape in her mouth.. she was about to strt cursing sid but sid stated again..
"champ yaar.. at least tu toh samajh.. how can I loss near a girl.. wohh bhi ek bhi basket kiye bina.. iss liyee…"
Sid paused again.. but muski completed.. "is liye tune cheating ki??"
Anji – "so sexist… I nvr expected ds from u , sid.."
Poor sid juz kept on standing there bowing his head.. "sorry…" nd looked at riddhima who was hell irritated now hearing his reason..
At- "ridzy yaar.. chill.. wohh bhi.."
But atul stopped as soon as he received a deadly glare from his best frnd.. "don't.. he was not correct.." atul meekly nodded his head in agreement nd riddhima turned towards sid to curse him further.
When all five were busy among themselves someone was watching them from a corner, standing with the support of a pillar of the BB court…
~ Armaan's P.O.V ~
Arsa ho gaye tumhe iss tarah dekhe hue riddhima.. aaj bahot dino baad mujhey wohh riddhima wapas mili hain jissey mainey bhai aur neha ki shaadi mein dekha tha.. wohh masoom par shaitan riddhima.. gals team ki captain riddhima.. jissey koi hara nhi sakta.. wohh riddhima jo kisi ko bhi usi key game mein hara sakti hain.. woh riddhima jissey dekhte hi main……..
He paused nd sighed deeply…
Aaj tumhari wohh shararat.. wohh hasi wapas dekh ke khush toh hoon main par… par poori tarah khush bhi nhi hoon.. kyunki tumhari iss hasi ki wajah main nahi, koi aur hain.. jhoot nahi kahunga riddhima.. par bahot boora lag raha hain aapney aap ko sid ki jagah na pake.. aapney aapko tumhari shararto mein na paa ke.. tumhari masti mein , tumhari gussey mein khud ko na pa ke.. par yeh toh galat hain,na?? mujhey aisa nhi sochna chahiye ,na?? par kyun?? kyun boora lag raha hain mujhey?? Jabki main yeh humesha kehta hoon ke tumhari khushi se zyada aur kuch imp nahi hain merey liye.. toh kyun?? Kyun aaj tumhari yeh hasi.. tumhari yeh masti bhari aankhey mujhey dard de rahi hain.. itna toh selfish nahi tha main.. toh kyun aaj aapney aap ko tumharey khushi me na pake mujhey boora lag raha hain.. kyun lag raha raha hain ki.. ki tumhey aab meri zaroorat nhi??
He gulped the lump in his throat.. still his gaze was fixed on riddhima only..
Kya sach mein tumhey aab meri zaroorat nhi, riddhima?? Kya sid ne tumhari life mein meri dosti ki jagah le li..
He closed his eyes unable to control his emotion any more..
Nahi jee payunga tumharey dosti ke bina riddhima.. pyaar toh nahi mila .. aab bass yeh dosti hi hain jo merey jeene ki sahara hain.. mar jayunga ghoot ghoot ke agar iss tarah bhi tumhey kho diya toh... plzz mujhsey meri best frnd ko mat chino.. plzz.. tum chahe jitney chaho nayee dost banalo.. par mujhsey meri best frnd ko mat chino.. bas ek tum hi ho jisskey samney main ek khooli kitaab hoon.. ek tum hi ho jo mujhey mujhsey behtar janti hain.. sirf tum riddhima.. sirf tum.. plzz yeh dosti mat thodna…
Armaan was lost in his thought with his closed eyes dat he didn't feel some one calling him softly juz standing in front of him..
"jeej??"
He was lost.. so, she tried again with more concern in her voice..
"armaan??"
Finally he heard HER nd opened his eyes. There she is. His best friend, his riddhima, standing in front of him with lots of care nd concern holding for him. He stood straight nd smiled softly.. then looked over her head nd found the court empty.. his gaze returned to her nd asked softly..
"sab kaha gayee??"
Ri – "ghar.. wohh finals mein zyada tym nhi raha na.."
Ar – "toh tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?? Chalo.. I'll drop u home.."
He tried to cross her not meeting her gaze but she held his hand..
"tumhe pata hain na.. tum chah kar bhi mujhsey kuch nahi chupa sakte.."
Armaan stopped there nd closed his eyes at once.. this is gonna be another toughest time of his life.. how can he think he can escape HER?? She alwaz reads his unsaid emotions… he gently turned towards riddhima nd not able to control his emotion he hugged her tightest..
"ar…" but she stopped wen she felt something wet on her shoulder.. she very well knows wat it is.. she closed her eyes at once but still controlled to hug him back.. her mind was continuously sending warnings to her… to control her feelings.. armaan is not in senses.. he is disturbed now.. but she is in her senses.. she cant hug him back now… he is her jeeju 1st..
But soon she felt more tears from armaan's eyes making her shoulder wet.. she had no option nd hugged him lightly.. nd asked in the most soothing manner..
"armaann??"
But he crunched her more, shutting his eyes tighter… "main bahot boora hoon na riddhima??"
His words did nothing but pierced her heart into million pieces..
"mujhey tumharey liye khush hona chahiye na?? par main khush kyun nahi ho paa raha??"
Riddhima closed her eyes.. trying hard not to cry.. no she can't cry.. she has to handle him.. her two hands were on his back. she juz dug her nails into her flesh to cause pain to herself so dat this physical pain divert her mind.. but alas!! Nothing is working..
Here armaan was saying these two lines again n again hugging her tighter in every passing second.. nd she is juz praying to god.. to give her strength.. finally she broke the hug..
"armaann…"
He looked at her with watery eyes with guilt all over his face.. she cupped his one cheek with her right hand and said softly..
"aao merey sath.."
He didn't say a word but followed her obediently..
Riddhima took him to the gallery of the court, made him sit on one step nd offered some water.. he drank some nd kept the bottle beside. Riddhima, too sat two steps down to him nd holding his hand in hers she said each word softly but with lots of emotion making armaan understand every thing.
"armaan.. 1st of all.. tum boorey nahi ho.. tum bahot bahot bahot achchey ho.."
Armaan looked at her at once.. no she isn't lying.. her eyes are showing the truth.. but he isn't good.. he is selfish.. he looked away from her guiltily..
Riddhima sighed.. "armaan.. bhool kar bhi aisa mat sochna ke main tumhey console karne ke liye jhoot bol rahi hoon.. yeh tumhey bhi pata hain nd mujhey bhi.. ke hum dono chah kar bhi ek dusrey se jhoot nhi keh sakte.. hain na??"
Armaan turned to her finally. Riddhima smiled a lill..
"tum sirf merey best frnd nhi ho armaan.. I respect u a lot.. u r my idol.. aur kabhi bhi merey idol ko galat mat kehna.. main bardasht nhi karungi, okk??"
She said last sentence so cutely dat finally armaan smiled. Riddhima relaxed a lill nd continued..
"armaann.. jaisa tumney aaj feel kiya woh galat nahi hain.. agar main tumharey jagah hoti toh trust me main bhi aisa hi feel karti.. hum insaan hain armaan.. bhagwan nhi.. humarey bhi emotions hain.. aaj achanak se tumhey pata chala ke sid ko main ek month se BB train kar rahi hoon.. fir yeh match.. fir yeh nok-jhok.. (she paused nd exhaled a deep breathe)… kabhi bhool kar bhi yeh mat sochna ke koi tumhari jagah le sakta hain.. u r my best frnd.. nd sirf atul nd tum hi merey best frnd the, ho nd humesha rahoge.. chahe jitni bhi nayee frnz aa jaye, koi bhi tumhari ehmiyat meri life mein badal nhi sakta.. koi bhi nahi.. main bhi nahi.."
Riddhima paused looking at him expectantly nd found him lost in her. On the other hand armaan was juz thanking god for gifting her to him.. best frnd hi sahi.. par riddhima ke bina woh kuch nhi kar pata… kyunki he alwaz lacks wrds wen it comes to express his feelings.. aur riddhima ke sath ussey wrds ki zaroorat hi nhi padhti.. wohh toh uski khamoshi bhi padh leti hain..
"aur armaan.. sid achcha ladka hain.. warna tum hi socho koi jaan boojhkar kyun harega who bhi ek ladki se??"
Armaan looked at her all shocked..
"ohh plzz.. dnt tell me ke tumhey bhi yeh laga ke mujhey yeh ehsaas nhi hain ke who jaan boojhkar har raha tha.."
Armaan nodded his head side ways nd smiled fully… his typical GF…how can he think dat his smart nd witty best frnd dint realize it..
"haan mana main uski teacher hoon but wohh itna bhi kharab student nahi hain jo 5baskets se hi haar jaye.. he was juz being a sweet frnd, I knw.."
Armaan's smile faded at the last line.. Friend?? Only??
Riddhima smiled nd answered his unspoken doubts.. "sirf friend aur kuch nahi.."
He looked at her again with utmost admiration.. boyy!!! He is juz too lucky to hve her in his life..
"aur jab tak merey do best frnd kisi ko approve nhi karengey.. koi bhi merey life mein nhi aa sakta.. (she smiled divinely but then).. u see.. I love my best frnz moreee… (intentionally expanding the word)… aur waisey bhi.. boy frnz toh ate jate rahengey.. but best friends can nvr be replaced.."
She concluded smiling warmly transferring her contagious smile on his lips as well..
"I love u.."
He said… although how true it is but here it is as frnd only.. as he alwaz tease her saying I love u dat too in frnt of every one.. so it's not a big deal..
"I know.. I'm too sweet to resist.." came her cheeky reply..
"really??" he is back to his normal self..
"u bet" she laughed in reflex.
Suddenly it started drizzling nd both showed their most charming smile.. ohh!!! They both love rain soo much… nd playing BB in lill drizzling is one of their most fav to-do s…
Riddhima looked at d sky nd then to armaan expectantly who replied making a face.. "but ur exam??"
Ri – "plz na jeej??"
He smiled nd nodded in yes..
Ri – "thank u sooo muchhh jeej… finally I'll get a chance to play actual BB.. warna sid ke sath toh…… (she paused)….. aur waisey bhi humara scheduled BB match abhi bhi baki hain.. so, let's go.."
She literally dragged armaan to court in excitement nd their Sunday match started.. it's 3 baskets match.. now the score is two each..
Ri – "jeej… plzz na.. let me win.."
Ar – "kyun?? Abhi toh sid ne jaan boojh ke jeetne di.. dil nahi bhara??"
Ri – "tchh jeej.. wohh alag baat hain.. mainey ussey kab kaha game harne ke liye but I can demand any thing to my bst frnd,na?? plsh plsh let me win today.. fir pata nhi nxt match kab khel payenge hum.. exam is juz knocking at the door.. nd i'm quite tired now.."
Ar – "no ways.. earn ur victory swt hrt.."
He winked nd moved wth the ball..
"aarrggg… jeejjj… jeetungi toh main hi.." she too paced her speed nd with lill cheating she made armaan fall on the ground nd she did the 3rd basket without any obstacle..
Ri- "yeayyy.."
Ar- "cheater…"
Ri – "par mainey kya kiya??" she asked innocently.. nd received a look in return..
Ri – "chill na jeej.. main jeetun ya aap kya farak padhta hain??"
She winked back nd laughing madly both went for their car… true!! koi bhi jeetein dat dusn't matter.. dey dont play match on every sunday to win.. dey juz want to share some quality tym with their best friend. finally every thing is normal.. armaan is back to his normal self.. riddhima is back to her "aap" mode addressing armaan as "jeej"… all is settled…
Ar – "ghar drop karoon ya neha se milna hain??" he asked starting the engine..
Riddhima turned to him nd said.. "nahi.. aabhi ghar hi chod do aap.."
He nodded nd riddhima looked outside by d window.. she put her head on the glass window..
I know armaan.. tumhey kyun boora laga sid aur mujhey sath dekh ke.. kash mein tumhey bata pati ke mainey bhi aisa hi feel kiya tha jab mujhey pata chala tumney di se shadi ke liye haan kar di… par humari kahani ka koi happy ending nahi hain armaan.. hum dost the, hain aur dost hi rahenge humesha.. muhey pata tha tumhey dard hoga par di aur tumharey life ko normal karne ke liye mera age badhna bahot zaroori hain.. tum dono humesha toh compromise karke zindegi nhi beeta sakte na?? par tum age tab hi bad paoge jab tum mujhey kisi aur ke sath khush dekhoge.. kyunki mujhey pata hain mera armaan khudgarz nhi hain.. wohh bahot achcha hain.. jisney merey liye meri di ko apnaya, uski pyaar ki haddh mujhey nhi pata hoga toh kissey pata hoga!! par sach kahoon toh mujhey nhi pata yeh sab karke main aapney aap ko kitney der tak sambhal sakhungi.. kyunki mujhey sach mein nhi pata mein kabhi kisi ko pyaar kar payungi bhi ya nahi.. kyunki pyaar toh ek hi baar hota hain,na?? par di aur tumharey rishtey ko normal karne ke liye main kuch bhi kar sakti hoon, armaan.. kuch bhi.. chahe mujhey khud kitni maut kyun na marna pare.. par main tum dono ki life normal karke hi rahungi.. aab ye hi mera aim hain..
Riddhima sighed nd closed her eyes nd kept on thinking about their messed up lives.
Armaan handles a glass of fresh fruit juice to neha and indicates her to finish it quickly. Poor neha makes a face. All are torturing her making her eat more n more blackmailing with the name of "gudiya"… specially armaan nd her darling princess. As soon as she sipped for the 1st time the door bell rang. Armaan goes to see the door although he knows who this is. It's Sunday and obviously it's riddhima as they alwaz have a basket ball match on Sundays. Smiling warmly he opens the door welcoming.. "good morning GF" but his smile fades seeing the whole gang. It's not like dat he doesn't like them but SHE is not with them.
"hey jeej" anji says smiling warmly nd side hugging him. He , too, returns his sweet smile.
"kya hua jjiju.. aap hum sab ko dekh ke khush nahi huye??" asks muski in a teasing manner.
Both atul nd anji smile hearing muski. They all knew this already that as soon as armaan finds his best friend missing his mood will fall. And as expected they noticed how his warm smile vanished seeing them ONLY.
Armaan smiles knowing very well that muski is juz pulling his leg.. so, he juz smacked her head lovingly juz like an elder brother nd smiling warmly welcomed all to the dining area.
"hey di.. hw r u??" atul asked hugging neha lightly..
"I'm fine atul.. baitho.. have breakfast, no??" neha said smilingly..
"of course di.. yeh bhi koi kehne ki baat hain.." muski said sitting comfortably on a chair nd serving herself. Then putting the 1st morsel she said closing her eyes… "yumm.."
All smiled seeing her expression.. she is such a food lover!!…
"kya yaar muski.. tu yahan khana khane baith gayee.. we've to go, remember.. ridz nd sid's match??" anji said trying to put some sense in her.
"oh haan.. juz two mins anji.. bas yeh omelette finish kar loon.. I juz love Spanish omelette with extra chese.." nd she stuffed the rest in her mouth quickly.
Armaan who listened to anji became lill confused as well as hurt. Although he cleverly hid his feelings..
"match??"
Atul turned to him hearing him nd he said apologizing … "oh so sorry buddy.. main bilkul bhul gaya.." he put his hand in his shirt's pocket nd taking out a letter, he forwarded dat in front of armaan.. "here.. yeh riddhi ne diya tha, tumhe dene ke liye.."
Armaan at once took the letter nd started reading while others were chit chatting with neha..
...LETTER...
Hey jeej……..
Pehle toh kaan pakad kar chollyyy.. plshhh gussa mat hona.. plshh.. wohh kya hain na.. main apko batana hi bhool gayee.. ke peechle one month se na main sid ko basket ball ki tuition de rahi thi.. u knw sid, no?? sid.. siddhant modi.. our new friend.. woh semener wale din mile the aap uss se.. yaad aya?? Haan wohi.. toh ussey na basket ball khelna nahi ata tha but he wanted to participate in college's sports day.. so, as u knw I'm quite champ in this game.. so.. wen he asked me to teach him , I agreed.. after all he is my frnd.. I should help him, no?? so mainey ussey train kiya.. aab who thoda bahot khel sakta hain but uss pagal ne mujhey.. riddhima gupta ko.. uski teacher ko challenge kiya hain ke now he can beat me!! Imagine jeej.. even u can't win from me alwaz nd he thinks he can beat me.. arrgg.. dat stupid sid.. hw dare he challenge me?? So, I accepted his challenge.. aur aaj na hamari one on one match hain.. so I want you to come with atul, anji n muski… after all u r my good luck charm, na!!! so come super soon.. uss muski ko aur zyada breakfast karne se roko.. nd come soon.. I need u nd di ko mat lana.. she needs rest.. I'm waiting..
-ur GF :)
Armaan read nd re-read the letter.. he was having mixed emotions now.. he is her lucky charm.. wow.. it sounds nice.. nd he smiled reading that.. he chuckled wen riddhima praised herself.. he laughed a lill wen she mentioned about muski having brkfast.. he adored wen she wrote not to bring her di but he was lill disturbed as well.. who is this sid?? How did he get so closer to her? Are they only frnz or more that that?? Is he a nice guy?? Should he deserve riddhima's trust??
He can never think of riddhima going through a heart break.. he knows how it feels.. he is dealing with it every second.. but lill he knew dat it's not only him but she also going through the same critical phase… with lots of question he folded the letter nd put it back in his pocket nd turning to neha he told ridhima's msg. she smiled hearing her princess's instruction nd decided to stay at home. They all left for the match biding neha.
~ at Basket Ball Ground ~
All settled in the gallery nd soon the match started. It was 5-baskets match.. riddhima already did 3 nd poor sid is still running empty handed.. it's not like dat he plays dat bad but he looses his senses wenever riddhima comes closer to him. Her smile, her laughter, her pokes, her winks, her attitude, her move, her every antic was distracting him nd taking him into another world.. he was trying not to behave like a fool but his stupid heart juz driving him dreamy. "and dat's another basket" riddhima jumped in joy making 4th one in one go.. he smiled seeing the sparkles of happiness in her eyes. He juz scratched his scalp ruffling his hair smiling to her child like behaviour.. goshh!! She is soo adorable.. he truly don't want to win now.. actually he never wanted to win.. how can he defeat HER!!! He juz challenged her so dat they can come lill closer.. he went for tuition in spite of knowing BB juz to make their friendship lill more comfortable nd it worked. They are truly good frnz now. Riddhima behaves the same as she behaves wth muski-anji or atul nd he's juz loving it.. he truly love her. But too afraid to open his heart in front of her. "tch.. tch.. tch.. teacher se panga nahi lena chahiye bachcha.." riddhima's wrds brought him back to the reality nd he bowing down his head smiled widely.
The trio smiled seeing them. "sachchi yaar anji.. yeh siddy boy bahot cute hain.. jaan boojh ke haar raha hain, yaar.." muski said smilingly..
"haan muski.. sid bahot achcha ladka hain.. I juz hope wohh himmat karke ridzy ko apney dil ki baat bata de.." said anji.
"par kya tumhe lagta hain ridzy ussey pyaar karti hain??" atul asked doubtful..
"I knw she doesn't but atul she doesn't have any guy as BF also.. toh kya pata wohh man jaye.. waisey bhi they became very good frnz.." anji said indicating the duo who was teasing nd laughing at each other.
"haan yeh bhi sahi hain.." atul agreed.
But wen the trio was happy seeing the love blooming in it's way. Some one wasn't happy. He was lost in his thoughts..
"kya hua jiju?? Aapko aisa nahi lagta kya??" muski asked nd broke armaan's thoughts.
"mm.. guys.. main bas abhi aya.. 5 min.. mujhey hospital ek bahot zaroori case ke liye kuch inform karna tha but dimag se nikal gaya.. u guys njoy.. main bass abhi aya.."
He rushed hurriedly while muski said 'ok' nd resumed their conversation observing the duo..
Atul-muski nd anji were busy with their chitchat when suddenly dey hard noise of bickering. They looked forward in astonishment nd found d rarest scene ever. Riddhima was bickering with sid. Nd poor sid is trying to justify him.
Mu – champ yaar.. yeh achanak ridzy ko kya ho gaya..
An – ri8.. ridz aur jhagda??
At – let's go..
Mu & An – haan.. chalo..
The trio entered the court nd found riddhima shouting at sid crunching her eyes, her nose is lill red in irritation.. as some flick of her hair is disturbing her vision.. her index finger is pointed towards sid.. nd she is shouting saying..
"CHEATER…
How dare u..mr. siddhant modi?? U tried to cheat to win.. aargg.. I m so angry with u now… mujhsey baat karne ki koshish bhi mat karna tum.. samjhey Mr. Modi??"
Muski, anji nd atul exchanged confused glances at each other nd finally atul started .. "chweet heart??"
Riddhima turned towards the source of d voice nd found her besties there..
"see na atul.. iss stupid sid ne merey ear mein air blow kiya taki mein distract ho jayun nd yeh basket kar sake.."
Riddhima complained to her best fnrd pouting like a lill kid.. all smiled seeing their innocent gudiya, including sid.. but soon they controlled their smile nd muski intervened..
"oyee kaan khajura.. tuney cheating ki.. shame on u.."
Anji – exactly.. I nvr thought u will cheat to defeat a gal, sid.. I'm highly disappointed..
Riddzy smiled a lill hearing her besties supporting her.. atul side hugged her in a brotherly way like he alwaz does.. ridzy gve him her cute smile nd turned her face to the prisoner, I mean sid.. who is juz standing like a guilty.. riddhima raised her one eye brow indicating him to clarify nd poor sid gulped seeing riddhima's anger but started anyway..
"mm… wohh guys.. woh actually I dint want to be white washed by a gal.."
Sid paused nd ridz juz made an O shape in her mouth.. she was about to strt cursing sid but sid stated again..
"champ yaar.. at least tu toh samajh.. how can I loss near a girl.. wohh bhi ek bhi basket kiye bina.. iss liyee…"
Sid paused again.. but muski completed.. "is liye tune cheating ki??"
Anji – "so sexist… I nvr expected ds from u , sid.."
Poor sid juz kept on standing there bowing his head.. "sorry…" nd looked at riddhima who was hell irritated now hearing his reason..
At- "ridzy yaar.. chill.. wohh bhi.."
But atul stopped as soon as he received a deadly glare from his best frnd.. "don't.. he was not correct.." atul meekly nodded his head in agreement nd riddhima turned towards sid to curse him further.
When all five were busy among themselves someone was watching them from a corner, standing with the support of a pillar of the BB court…
~ Armaan's P.O.V ~
Arsa ho gaye tumhe iss tarah dekhe hue riddhima.. aaj bahot dino baad mujhey wohh riddhima wapas mili hain jissey mainey bhai aur neha ki shaadi mein dekha tha.. wohh masoom par shaitan riddhima.. gals team ki captain riddhima.. jissey koi hara nhi sakta.. wohh riddhima jo kisi ko bhi usi key game mein hara sakti hain.. woh riddhima jissey dekhte hi main……..
He paused nd sighed deeply…
Aaj tumhari wohh shararat.. wohh hasi wapas dekh ke khush toh hoon main par… par poori tarah khush bhi nhi hoon.. kyunki tumhari iss hasi ki wajah main nahi, koi aur hain.. jhoot nahi kahunga riddhima.. par bahot boora lag raha hain aapney aap ko sid ki jagah na pake.. aapney aapko tumhari shararto mein na paa ke.. tumhari masti mein , tumhari gussey mein khud ko na pa ke.. par yeh toh galat hain,na?? mujhey aisa nhi sochna chahiye ,na?? par kyun?? kyun boora lag raha hain mujhey?? Jabki main yeh humesha kehta hoon ke tumhari khushi se zyada aur kuch imp nahi hain merey liye.. toh kyun?? Kyun aaj tumhari yeh hasi.. tumhari yeh masti bhari aankhey mujhey dard de rahi hain.. itna toh selfish nahi tha main.. toh kyun aaj aapney aap ko tumharey khushi me na pake mujhey boora lag raha hain.. kyun lag raha raha hain ki.. ki tumhey aab meri zaroorat nhi??
He gulped the lump in his throat.. still his gaze was fixed on riddhima only..
Kya sach mein tumhey aab meri zaroorat nhi, riddhima?? Kya sid ne tumhari life mein meri dosti ki jagah le li..
He closed his eyes unable to control his emotion any more..
Nahi jee payunga tumharey dosti ke bina riddhima.. pyaar toh nahi mila .. aab bass yeh dosti hi hain jo merey jeene ki sahara hain.. mar jayunga ghoot ghoot ke agar iss tarah bhi tumhey kho diya toh... plzz mujhsey meri best frnd ko mat chino.. plzz.. tum chahe jitney chaho nayee dost banalo.. par mujhsey meri best frnd ko mat chino.. bas ek tum hi ho jisskey samney main ek khooli kitaab hoon.. ek tum hi ho jo mujhey mujhsey behtar janti hain.. sirf tum riddhima.. sirf tum.. plzz yeh dosti mat thodna…
Armaan was lost in his thought with his closed eyes dat he didn't feel some one calling him softly juz standing in front of him..
"jeej??"
He was lost.. so, she tried again with more concern in her voice..
"armaan??"
Finally he heard HER nd opened his eyes. There she is. His best friend, his riddhima, standing in front of him with lots of care nd concern holding for him. He stood straight nd smiled softly.. then looked over her head nd found the court empty.. his gaze returned to her nd asked softly..
"sab kaha gayee??"
Ri – "ghar.. wohh finals mein zyada tym nhi raha na.."
Ar – "toh tum yaha kya kar rahi ho?? Chalo.. I'll drop u home.."
He tried to cross her not meeting her gaze but she held his hand..
"tumhe pata hain na.. tum chah kar bhi mujhsey kuch nahi chupa sakte.."
Armaan stopped there nd closed his eyes at once.. this is gonna be another toughest time of his life.. how can he think he can escape HER?? She alwaz reads his unsaid emotions… he gently turned towards riddhima nd not able to control his emotion he hugged her tightest..
"ar…" but she stopped wen she felt something wet on her shoulder.. she very well knows wat it is.. she closed her eyes at once but still controlled to hug him back.. her mind was continuously sending warnings to her… to control her feelings.. armaan is not in senses.. he is disturbed now.. but she is in her senses.. she cant hug him back now… he is her jeeju 1st..
But soon she felt more tears from armaan's eyes making her shoulder wet.. she had no option nd hugged him lightly.. nd asked in the most soothing manner..
"armaann??"
But he crunched her more, shutting his eyes tighter… "main bahot boora hoon na riddhima??"
His words did nothing but pierced her heart into million pieces..
"mujhey tumharey liye khush hona chahiye na?? par main khush kyun nahi ho paa raha??"
Riddhima closed her eyes.. trying hard not to cry.. no she can't cry.. she has to handle him.. her two hands were on his back. she juz dug her nails into her flesh to cause pain to herself so dat this physical pain divert her mind.. but alas!! Nothing is working..
Here armaan was saying these two lines again n again hugging her tighter in every passing second.. nd she is juz praying to god.. to give her strength.. finally she broke the hug..
"armaann…"
He looked at her with watery eyes with guilt all over his face.. she cupped his one cheek with her right hand and said softly..
"aao merey sath.."
He didn't say a word but followed her obediently..
Riddhima took him to the gallery of the court, made him sit on one step nd offered some water.. he drank some nd kept the bottle beside. Riddhima, too sat two steps down to him nd holding his hand in hers she said each word softly but with lots of emotion making armaan understand every thing.
"armaan.. 1st of all.. tum boorey nahi ho.. tum bahot bahot bahot achchey ho.."
Armaan looked at her at once.. no she isn't lying.. her eyes are showing the truth.. but he isn't good.. he is selfish.. he looked away from her guiltily..
Riddhima sighed.. "armaan.. bhool kar bhi aisa mat sochna ke main tumhey console karne ke liye jhoot bol rahi hoon.. yeh tumhey bhi pata hain nd mujhey bhi.. ke hum dono chah kar bhi ek dusrey se jhoot nhi keh sakte.. hain na??"
Armaan turned to her finally. Riddhima smiled a lill..
"tum sirf merey best frnd nhi ho armaan.. I respect u a lot.. u r my idol.. aur kabhi bhi merey idol ko galat mat kehna.. main bardasht nhi karungi, okk??"
She said last sentence so cutely dat finally armaan smiled. Riddhima relaxed a lill nd continued..
"armaann.. jaisa tumney aaj feel kiya woh galat nahi hain.. agar main tumharey jagah hoti toh trust me main bhi aisa hi feel karti.. hum insaan hain armaan.. bhagwan nhi.. humarey bhi emotions hain.. aaj achanak se tumhey pata chala ke sid ko main ek month se BB train kar rahi hoon.. fir yeh match.. fir yeh nok-jhok.. (she paused nd exhaled a deep breathe)… kabhi bhool kar bhi yeh mat sochna ke koi tumhari jagah le sakta hain.. u r my best frnd.. nd sirf atul nd tum hi merey best frnd the, ho nd humesha rahoge.. chahe jitni bhi nayee frnz aa jaye, koi bhi tumhari ehmiyat meri life mein badal nhi sakta.. koi bhi nahi.. main bhi nahi.."
Riddhima paused looking at him expectantly nd found him lost in her. On the other hand armaan was juz thanking god for gifting her to him.. best frnd hi sahi.. par riddhima ke bina woh kuch nhi kar pata… kyunki he alwaz lacks wrds wen it comes to express his feelings.. aur riddhima ke sath ussey wrds ki zaroorat hi nhi padhti.. wohh toh uski khamoshi bhi padh leti hain..
"aur armaan.. sid achcha ladka hain.. warna tum hi socho koi jaan boojhkar kyun harega who bhi ek ladki se??"
Armaan looked at her all shocked..
"ohh plzz.. dnt tell me ke tumhey bhi yeh laga ke mujhey yeh ehsaas nhi hain ke who jaan boojhkar har raha tha.."
Armaan nodded his head side ways nd smiled fully… his typical GF…how can he think dat his smart nd witty best frnd dint realize it..
"haan mana main uski teacher hoon but wohh itna bhi kharab student nahi hain jo 5baskets se hi haar jaye.. he was juz being a sweet frnd, I knw.."
Armaan's smile faded at the last line.. Friend?? Only??
Riddhima smiled nd answered his unspoken doubts.. "sirf friend aur kuch nahi.."
He looked at her again with utmost admiration.. boyy!!! He is juz too lucky to hve her in his life..
"aur jab tak merey do best frnd kisi ko approve nhi karengey.. koi bhi merey life mein nhi aa sakta.. (she smiled divinely but then).. u see.. I love my best frnz moreee… (intentionally expanding the word)… aur waisey bhi.. boy frnz toh ate jate rahengey.. but best friends can nvr be replaced.."
She concluded smiling warmly transferring her contagious smile on his lips as well..
"I love u.."
He said… although how true it is but here it is as frnd only.. as he alwaz tease her saying I love u dat too in frnt of every one.. so it's not a big deal..
"I know.. I'm too sweet to resist.." came her cheeky reply..
"really??" he is back to his normal self..
"u bet" she laughed in reflex.
Suddenly it started drizzling nd both showed their most charming smile.. ohh!!! They both love rain soo much… nd playing BB in lill drizzling is one of their most fav to-do s…
Riddhima looked at d sky nd then to armaan expectantly who replied making a face.. "but ur exam??"
Ri – "plz na jeej??"
He smiled nd nodded in yes..
Ri – "thank u sooo muchhh jeej… finally I'll get a chance to play actual BB.. warna sid ke sath toh…… (she paused)….. aur waisey bhi humara scheduled BB match abhi bhi baki hain.. so, let's go.."
She literally dragged armaan to court in excitement nd their Sunday match started.. it's 3 baskets match.. now the score is two each..
Ri – "jeej… plzz na.. let me win.."
Ar – "kyun?? Abhi toh sid ne jaan boojh ke jeetne di.. dil nahi bhara??"
Ri – "tchh jeej.. wohh alag baat hain.. mainey ussey kab kaha game harne ke liye but I can demand any thing to my bst frnd,na?? plsh plsh let me win today.. fir pata nhi nxt match kab khel payenge hum.. exam is juz knocking at the door.. nd i'm quite tired now.."
Ar – "no ways.. earn ur victory swt hrt.."
He winked nd moved wth the ball..
"aarrggg… jeejjj… jeetungi toh main hi.." she too paced her speed nd with lill cheating she made armaan fall on the ground nd she did the 3rd basket without any obstacle..
Ri- "yeayyy.."
Ar- "cheater…"
Ri – "par mainey kya kiya??" she asked innocently.. nd received a look in return..
Ri – "chill na jeej.. main jeetun ya aap kya farak padhta hain??"
She winked back nd laughing madly both went for their car… true!! koi bhi jeetein dat dusn't matter.. dey dont play match on every sunday to win.. dey juz want to share some quality tym with their best friend. finally every thing is normal.. armaan is back to his normal self.. riddhima is back to her "aap" mode addressing armaan as "jeej"… all is settled…
Ar – "ghar drop karoon ya neha se milna hain??" he asked starting the engine..
Riddhima turned to him nd said.. "nahi.. aabhi ghar hi chod do aap.."
He nodded nd riddhima looked outside by d window.. she put her head on the glass window..
I know armaan.. tumhey kyun boora laga sid aur mujhey sath dekh ke.. kash mein tumhey bata pati ke mainey bhi aisa hi feel kiya tha jab mujhey pata chala tumney di se shadi ke liye haan kar di… par humari kahani ka koi happy ending nahi hain armaan.. hum dost the, hain aur dost hi rahenge humesha.. muhey pata tha tumhey dard hoga par di aur tumharey life ko normal karne ke liye mera age badhna bahot zaroori hain.. tum dono humesha toh compromise karke zindegi nhi beeta sakte na?? par tum age tab hi bad paoge jab tum mujhey kisi aur ke sath khush dekhoge.. kyunki mujhey pata hain mera armaan khudgarz nhi hain.. wohh bahot achcha hain.. jisney merey liye meri di ko apnaya, uski pyaar ki haddh mujhey nhi pata hoga toh kissey pata hoga!! par sach kahoon toh mujhey nhi pata yeh sab karke main aapney aap ko kitney der tak sambhal sakhungi.. kyunki mujhey sach mein nhi pata mein kabhi kisi ko pyaar kar payungi bhi ya nahi.. kyunki pyaar toh ek hi baar hota hain,na?? par di aur tumharey rishtey ko normal karne ke liye main kuch bhi kar sakti hoon, armaan.. kuch bhi.. chahe mujhey khud kitni maut kyun na marna pare.. par main tum dono ki life normal karke hi rahungi.. aab ye hi mera aim hain..
Riddhima sighed nd closed her eyes nd kept on thinking about their messed up lives.
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