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Wonderful update
so ar are friends again
loved it
thanx for pm
plz pm me for other part
continue soon
so ar are friends again
loved it
thanx for pm
plz pm me for other part
continue soon
Part 17
Next day, Armaan was getting dressed up to go to office but the events from
last night were keep on jumping infront of his eyes. She had accepted his gift.
He thought with a dreamy smile while making his tie. The day he saw her eying
that sari on that pre wedding shopping, he was adamant to buy that in spite of Muskaan's
opinion of it of being too dull, but she loved it and that's all what matters.
He wanted to give everything she desires. He wants to give her the world.
Wearing his grey coat over the white shirt, he went towards the closet to take
out his handkerchief along and pulled a drawer to take out his gold platted
watch when his eyes fell on the small box. He bit his lower lip as an
excitement surrounded him and his fingers touched the box before taking it out
to open. His expectant gaze fell on the gold ring he had bought on the same day
as of the sari. The simple yet elegant ring explains her nature to him.
"One day, I will make you wear this Riddhima" He hoped and put it
back carefully at the spot.
All were settled down on the dinning having their breakfast. Rahul stayed over
last night and was joining them when Aryan's voice caught their attention.
"Armaan...You know my cousin Pratik...He is getting married next
week.." "That's good...Its years I met him last" Armaan replied
knifing the egg and eating it with the help of a fork. "Yeah...so I need
to go to Missouri...And I was thinking that I should also take Shaina with
me...In this way she will meet the family too." Armaan nodded carelessly
while the girls share a stare and grinned. Aryan taking Shaina to meet his
family was a big step indeed and it shows that how serious he was. His first
two wives were hardly interested in meeting anyone of even his friends, leave
family and even he didn't care. "Don't worry...Rahul and I can handle till
then. You better go and enjoy" Aryan nodded and looked gleeful. "Oh
no! You are too leaving?" Muskaan questioned up, taking others with
surprise. "What do you mean by 'You Too'?" Aryan inquired.
"Actually there is a fashion show in Bangalore for which I am invited. It
will be for a week or so, depends on the audience response." Muskaan
explained. She used to go on such events along with her friends and colleagues
from the fashion fraternity. Muskaan put a hand on Riddhima's and whispered a
small sorry. "I am sorry...I know I should have ask you to come along but
I know that in between all these shows, I will be so occupied to give you some
time". Now she was feeling bad that Riddhima has to stay all alone in the
home but Riddhima gave her a warm smile in return. "No problem...Anyways,
I will be accompanying Armaan to the office in the mean while so I can get the knowhow
of business and furthermore my exams are coming...and also I have to work on my
final project so even if you had asked, I would have refused to go." She
explained that put all in ease. Armaan was happily surprised to know that Riddhima
was planning to accompany him in office. Another way of God to help him stay
close to her. God knows how much it killed him to stay away from her in the
last one month. But now, he can surly hope for a future where they will be at
the same level of emotions.
Later in the day, Riddhima helped Shaina pick out few dresses from the lot; she
brought with herself in marriage that will go with the occasions of a wedding.
"I think this one will look good for a mehndi function or even for
haldi" Riddhima pointed towards a white and red lehnga having light silver
work "And for baraat and reception?" Shaina said as she put the
earlier decided dress in a carry bag. "I think it should be something
heavy...It is going be my first appearance in his family" She was feeling
jittery but excited at the same time. Riddhima noticed it and felt happy for
her sister. "You are falling for him...aren't you?" She inquired softly
but her words made Shaina stunned. She kept quiet and run those words through
her mind before she whispered. "I guess...I am". Riddhima gauged her
expressions before asking. "What about Armaan? You started to love him
before" Shaina shifted near her on the bed caressing the dress she was
holding in her hand absent-mindly. "I don't think I loved him ever...even
though I thought I do...But if this feeling is really so charismatic that I
feel for Aryan...Then I guess, all I felt for Armaan was an attraction..."
She took a breath sighing before she started to speak up again. "You know, when
we got married...I hated him...I hated the feel of being him...But he...From
the first day of our marriage, he is nothing but truthful...He told me that he
wants this marriage to succeed and he will do whatever it takes to make it work
and expect me to to the same...He told me that he loved me right from the start
and even though he was hard on me before but then I realized, it was for my own
betterment...If he hadn't done it, probably I would have been still blaming you
for this whole thing...I am sorry Riddhima..." She said from the depth of
her heart. "I am sorry for doubting you...I am sorry that I...I never
stood up for you...I am sorry that I let grandpa insult you..." Shaina pulled
Riddhima's hands in her own ones. "I saw you always craving for his one
word of encouragement, of love...but I stood at the side like a scene
watcher...I am sorry" Riddhima shook her head and made the grip stronger
on her hands. "No need to say Sorry Shaina...I always wished for a sister
and if after all that, I found it in you...than i guess, it was all worth"
Shaina smiled and hugged this girl, feeling so proud to be associated with her,
if not by blood but by heart. "Now, I always want to see you smiling...You
get that...No old talks" Riddhima warned making her giggle. "Ok"
Shaina again started to do her packing while Riddhima helped her to neatly arrange
the rejected ones back in the wardrobe. Shaina looked at her back and wished to
God to bless her with immense happiness too. God knows, she deserves it the
most. But will she take a step on it on her own? Hell no. As far as Shaina knew
her, Riddhima will not take the first step even if the love will walk to her
from the front door. Someone has to push her.
"Riddhima" She decided and called up her once again. "Hmmm"
Riddhima replied distractingly while arranging a pile in the wardrobe.
"Can't you forgive Armaan and move on in this relationship with him?"
Riddhima kept her silence on her question and that made Shaina push her more.
"If you can give me a chance after everything I had done to you...Can't
you give Armaan the same chance...One chance..." She pleaded. "It's
not the same thing Shaina..." Riddhima replied in a curt tone, making her
see that this discussion was over and started to move towards the door but
Shaina got up and stopped her. "Ok, Ok...I.am sorry...I just wanted to make
sure that you are not angry to him cause of me or the way he made me marry
Aryan...I want you to forgive him if this is the reason cause unknown to him,
he did m a great favour. I wouldn't have found this once in a lifetime kind of
love if he hasn't done it..." The sincerity in her eyes and voice was a
clear indication that she is speaking the truth. "And if you are angry to
him with the way he married you...Than you do have a right to stay angry but
somewhere, I feel that he likes you...He likes you all through...Aryan told me
that last few years, he only spend with the hope that he will find you...And
you do know it very well that love do make you selfish at times ...Otherwise
You would never have put up with Grandpa's anger all through those years".
Shaina saw her deep in thoughts and knew, Riddhima will surly give her words a
thought.
Next day, early morning, Shaina and Aryan left for Missouri in their car. Muskaan
had to leave for Bangalore at 1pm so Armaan and Riddhima volunteered to see her
off till airport. As soon as they reach, they got to know that the check in has
already started so Muskaan wished them a quick farewell and hugged them.
"I hope everything will be fine till my coming back" Armaan just
patted her head with a smile. He wanted to tell her to not hope for too much,
that no matter what, he won't push Riddhima for anything but then, he didn't
want her to lose that smile. Kissing Riddhima's cheek, Muskaan went inside to
check in. Riddhima saw her disappearing into the crowd and turned so they can
go back but Armaan stood at his spot. Before she could question him, she saw
Samar(bodyguard) coming up to Armaan, pulling a carry bag behind. "Make
sure she will stay fine..." Armaan warned. "Don't worry Sir..."
Samar replied. "Your ticket is at the counter as per usual..." Samar
gave a final nod and get in. Armaan turned to Riddhima who was looking at him
with a raised brow but for the time, he ignored the questions in her eyes an
moved outside.
"So what are you planning to do today? All alone..." He inquired in a
good hearted way to Riddhima who just sat in the car beside him. "Nothing
planned till now...I was just thinking to complete the project...only final
touches are remaining...and then I will take a nap and later, I might would
bake something to pass the spare time...if left" And God knows, after the
sleepless night of yesterday, she badly needed that sleep. Shaina's words have
somewhere brushed a string in her heart. She observed and re-observed Armaan's
behaviour in the last one month. He was everything, he was before they parted.
Caring, supportive and dependable. He tried his best to make her feel
comfortable in the new environment and has not forced him for anything. Isn't he
the friend she had grabbed for the half of her life? Isn't this friendship is
what she missed he most. She remembered that when day before yesterday, she had
accepted his friendship once again, there was a lightening in his eyes. As
if...As if he go alive once again.
Armaan smiled on hearing her schedule and broke her train of thoughts by
saying. "That seems like a lazy plan". Riddhima just rose up her
shoulders in reply while a hesitant smile was placed on her lips. "Ok..as
its lunch time...Would you mind eating somewhere with me before I drop you off
to home and go back to office. "Hearing about lunch made her realized how
hungry she was. In the morning, she didn't feel like eating much to her
appetite "I guess...That will be great" She patted her hungry tummy
smiling, Armaan turned the car towards his Delhi hotel Branch which was having
a very cozy and well interior restaurant in the Ground floor. Beside keeping
the hotel well furnished, Armaan had made sure that an equally well restaurant
and basement wedding halls are also well managed and elegant..
All were alert, as soon as his car entered the hotel premises. From valet to
the doorman, all corrected their attires and a quick Red Alert was sent to the
other hotel staff members. Those, who were away having their lunches, heard the
siren and rushed back to their places and those who were on duty, made sure
that its well done and the area is clean. The surprise visit surely took them
with a Surprise.
Riddhima looked at the tall 42 story building with such an amazement that she totally
skipped to read the name.. "Armaan...This looks like more of a hotel than
a restaurant..." Armaan smiled and stop his car right in front of the main
glass gates. The valet rushed to open the door of the passenger side after
wishing a quick Good afternoon to his boss who had got out but rose up his hand
to stop him in his tracks. He rounded the car and opened the door for her like
a true gentleman. Smile doesn't seem to get away from his sweet lips from the
last 30 minutes. Riddhima got out and moved towards the entrance as Armaan hand
over the keys of his BMW to the valet and followed her.
Mr Purohit greeted him on the entrance itself with his ever so big belly.
"Welcome Sir...Good Afternoon...What a pleasant surprise" Armaan
rubbed his temple and looked back at Mr Purohit with a mock look. "I
perfectly know what kind of a surprise it is..." And he took out a tissue
from his trousers pocket before pushing it towards him. "Wipe your face...there
is still some ketchup stains on your chin". Embarrassed, Mr Purohit
quickly took the tissue and wiped his face. "I am sorry Sir ...It won't
happen again" He stuttered while replying as Armaan gave a curt nod. Riddhima
silently watched the whole scenario and wondered what he is up to. "Good
Afternoon Sir...Maam" A passing by cleaning staff member wished and get
away. And that's when Riddhima read the name of the hotel written on the wall
behind the reception. Malik Hotels. "It is Armaan's hotel" She thought
with widened eyes and looked back a Armaan who was passing glares at Mr Purohit
and the poor man was sweating badly infront of him.
"Armaan" She took pity on the manager and distracted him and that did
the trick. "Aren't we going to dine? I am pretty hungry"
"YES..." And ignoring everything around, Armaan lead her towards the restaurant
which was mostly secluded except few tables which were occupied by the guests
of the hotel. Armaan pulled a chair for Riddhima but she settled on the other
side and scratching his temple, Armaan sat on the place. He wouldn't feel bad
about it. He will be happy with whatever she could offer now. The restaurant manager
personally sees them and came up with menus. It's for the first time; Armaan
brought a woman with him and was dining in the restaurant. They need to extra
careful.
"What will you take?" Armaan questioned as he put away his menu card.
Riddhima was going to the menu and was getting confuse. The menu was filled up
with Thai, Italian, Chinese and Desi food. She looked up to see Armaan's
raising eye and she put her menu away. "It's tough to choose" She
could only mutter that instantly made Armaan laugh, throwing his head back.
"Sir, why don't you check Chef's special?" The manager spoke and Riddhima
quickly agreed with it. As the manager left, they heard a commotion from a
corner and Armaan left to check on it. Riddhima looked around the restaurant
and couldn't help but feel proud. He has achieved so much on his own self. All
she remembered from before was a 14 storey building of Malik Hotel that was used
to be run by his father. She Muskaan and Armaan would use to go their sometimes
and have fun. Sometimes, they used to do help of the two chefs that the hotel
used to have. That's from where she developed the interest in baking.
"Sorry...Just some employees fighting over petty issues" Armaan said apologetically
and in the meantime the manager served them the food. The fragrance of the lime
and crispy chicken with baked potatoes made them start on the food right away.
"It's great to see you being so successful Armaan...Aunty Uncle must be so
proud of you" Riddhima said with sincerity. Armaan smiled feeling
extremely elated at her reorganization. "Thank you...It was a long journey
but I am glad that I got some sincere friends...plus, I had Muskaan to
protect" Armaan replied remembering old days. Riddhima nodded, wondering how
a mere boy of 18 years fights from the world to make up his own name. And then
something clicked in her mind and she rose up her eyes to look at him with a
frown. "But now, don't you think that she is old enough to take care of
herself... Why you have to send that bodyguard behind her?" Armaan stopped
eating and took a gulp of the 7up served along with food. "Its
necessary...Earlier, it was to protect her from this world but as we progressed
in this business, we surly had made some bad opponent if not enemies. So I have
to make sure that she is safe wherever she goes" Armaan replied. "But
don't you think you Overdo.it sometimes...Doesn't Muskaan mind this over possessiveness?
Cause surly, I would never tolerate such thing in my life" Riddhima
questioned making Armaan flinch a bit but he controlled his expressions.
"She used to crib in the start but now, she knows that she can't help
it...After losing Mom and Dad, she is all I had in my life and I don't want to
take risk...In between, had you realized that all through our morning ride and
then ride from airport to here, there were my bodyguards who were following
us?" He asked grinning and that left Riddhima shocked as she shook her head
in no. "That's how they do their work mostly...Most of the time Muskaan is
not even aware of their surroundings...but I feel confident that she is safe
and in my care. I will never keep her away from the fun of life but that fun
should always be in limit." Riddhima nodded and kept munching on her food,
thinking about his words. His fear is what is making him cautious. He is afraid
to lose his loved ones. And then a thought strike her as she looked up at him
once again. WAS THAT THE SAME FEAR WHICH MADE HIM MARRY HER?
Armaan later on made her see the vacant rooms of his hotel. Each one was designed
differently from the other one but had the aura of peace. The colours were a
mixture of bright and dull but were incorporated well to make it look eye
pleasing. Riddhima adored each room and that made Armaan felt extremely happy.
All his hard work seemed worth to get acceptance and reorganization by her.
Though many people praised him over the time but her praises, were different.
It was from her heart and made the way to his heart. Armaan was about to take
her to his pent house but was stopped by Rahul's call. There was a meeting
which he had to attend so he rushed back home to drop Riddhima before making
his way to the office. But all through the way, a smile was lighting up his
face. The moments spend with her today seemed to have made up for all the loneliness,
he had to bear all through past years. And then he wondered. Was this the first
step of them together towards a happy future?
The question of whose answer, he surly wants to know much sooner than later.
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