Part 17
In the hospital room, Ridhima is lying on the bed with a bandage on her head, looking very pale. Armaan sits next to her bed and takes her hand.
Ar: I'm so sorry jaan. This is all my fault.
Ri: Chup Armaan. It's no one's fault. It was just an accident.
Ar: But if I had been more care...
Na(interrupts): Shut up both of you. What was Kripa saying outside, Armaan? Is it true that you both are in love with each other?
Ri: Mum?? What are you saying? How does Kripa know that?
Na: Sisters know this kind of stuff about their brothers. So tell me, you both like each other?(stern tone)
Ar: Yes, aunty but I swear we have done nothing wrong.
Na: I know beta. I trust all of you enough to know you won't do anything wrong, well except Angad but everyone knows him.
Ri: So you don't care we were sneaking behind all of your backs?
Na: Wrong. I do care but I don't mind because Armaan is a nice boy and I know he will keep you very happy. I'm already imagining Surya's face when I tell him two of his sons are getting married not just Sujal.
Ar,Ri: What? No no no.
Na: Huh? What are you guys saying?
Ar: Aunty, we talked about this already. Me and Ridz want to get to know each other more before taking such a big step.
Na: Didn't you talk to each other the past year?
Ri: We did mom, but that was the Internet. You say one thing and it means another. We want to get to know each other personally. You know like go out on dates and stuff like that.
Na: Ok fine beta as you guys wish.
Ar: Oh and Aunty one more thing. Save me from Angad please.
Ri: Why? What did you do that he's after you?
Ar: I did nothing. he believes I'm playing with you.
Ri:Oh! He doesn't need to worry about that. I'll kick your backside if you hurt me myself.
Na: Don't worry beta. I'll explain to Angad that Rids can take care of herself.
Ar: Aunty, I really do love Ridhima. I won't say I will not hurt Ridhima because that's a lie. I will make mistakes and some may hurt her but know this, everytime I hurt her, i will hurt a thousand times worse. And Ridhima I promise that I will always do my best to take care of you.
Na: I will not ask for more Armaan. Just take care of her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ridhima get discharged and all go back to Khanna house. Angad and Kripa are also there.
Kas: Mum and Dad will be arriving tomorrow aunty. They have finished all the business there and it's official, the Nandas are permanently moving to UK.
Jo: Yes, and soon Dad and Sujal bhai will also come here, bhabhi.
Ar: Then her family will be complete. By the way, bhabz, will you sing the song Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, when you see Sujal bhai?
Ri: Oie armaan. Stop teasing her, will you.
Ar: Yes, madam.
Jo: Oooh, Armaan's listening to a girl.
Ar: Shut up. I finally understand how Sujal bhai felt when we teased him. You just wait Josh, tujhe bhi love hoga.
Jo: Mujhe toh hogaya. (glancing at Aaliyah)
Ar: Kisse?
Aaliyah feels angry and nervous at the same time because she wants him to say her name but feels afraid that what if he says someone else's name.
Jo: Khud se. I love myself. (watching Aaliyah's reaction)
Aa: Dumb. (stomps away towards the kitchen, disappointed)
Ar:What happened to her?
Jo: She was hoping I say her name.(loudly so she hears)
Aa(screams from the kitchen): In your dreams, dumbo!
Kripa was silently observing them both. She seemed to be the only one to notice the sparks flying between Josh and Aaliyah.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kashish is in her room still annoyed about the whole Sujal-coming-to-UK teasing session downstairs. Her phone rings.
Caller: Hey darling. What's up?
Ka: Shut up, Sujal. I don't want to talk to you.
Su: What happened to my sweet baby? Why so angry?
Ka: Your darling brothers happened. They always tease me.
Su: About?
Ka: You of course. What else?
Su: Oh ok. Then i'll talk to those two idiots. Don't be angry na.
Ka: You don't talk to them. You shout at them, ok?
Su: Yes ma'am. As you wish, ma'am? now can you relax? Chill mar yaar. Itna gussa theek nahin hai. Tum hasti hui zyada achi lagti ho. Especially jab tumhari light-up-the-whole-room-smile tumhare chehre pe aatu.
Ka(smiling slightly): Acha? Aur kya kya acha lagta hai mujhpe?
Su: Jab tumhare bal khulle hote hain, jab tumhari aankhon mein thora sa kajol hota hai, jab tum mujh se baat karti ho, jab tum mujh se pyar karti ho, the list goes on, sweetheart.
Ka:Aww, my baby! You're so sweet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
571