12.Candle Light Dinner
There were white walls with a couch in front of the bed and next to the bed were various machine. Riddhima looks opens her eyes and looks around to find herself in an unfamiliar place. She sits up quickly with gasp and sees Armaan rushing in. He saw her through the window as he was in the hallway, talking on the phone. "Riddhima, tum theek ho?" Armaan asks. Riddhima calmed down to see Armaan, but she realizes she's in the hospital. "Bacha," Riddhima whispers and looks up at Armaan. "Humara bacha...theek hai na?" Riddhima asks. Armaan looks down and then looks at Riddhima. "Doctor ne kuch nai bataya," Armaan answers. Riddhima starts crying with her face buried in her hands. Armaan sits next to her and puts his arm around Riddhima's shoulders. Riddhima buries her face in Armaan's neck. "Riddhima, please rona band karo. Humare bache ko kuch nai hoga," Armaan comforts Riddhima. "Toh phir doctor ne kuch bataya kyun nai?" Riddhima asks, sniffing and looking up at Armaan. "Pata chal jayega. Sirf reports ka intezaar hai," Armaan said, looking down at Riddhima. "Aap...ko...yakeen hai na...ke humare bache ko kuch nai hua?" Riddhima asks and Armaan nods. If Armaan believes that nothing happened to their child then so does Riddhima. The doctor walks in making Armaan and Riddhima pull away from each other. "Oh, sorry," the female doctor said when saw Armaan and Riddhima in each others arms. Armaan stands up. "No, its okay," Armaan says and moves away from the bed. The doctor walks up to the bed and starts to check Riddhima. Riddhima looks at the doctor then Armaan who was watching the doctor check Riddhima. The doctor noticed the hesitation in Riddhima's eyes and thought to make things easy and comfortable. "There's no need to worry Mrs Mallik. Your baby and you are perfectly fine, just weak. Your lucky that you fell on your back and nothing majored happened. Also, be thankful to your husband who brought you in time because you were losing a lot of blood," the doctor said. Riddhima gives the doctor a weak smile and looks at Armaan, who was looking at her, but looks away when Riddhima's eyes landed on him.The doctor noticed the tension between Armaan and Riddhima and thought to let them sort it out by themselves. So, the doctor excuses herself and walks out of the room.
Armaan and Riddhima were in silence for at least five minutes or more. Armaan didn't want to talk to her because he was mad at her for not taking care of herself and now the accident. Riddhima, on the other hand didn't know what to say to Armaan, but she had a lot to say. First, starting with apologizing. Armaan gets up to walk out. "Armaan...sir," Riddhima adds in the end. Armaan sighs and stops in his tracks. "Kya hai?" Armaan asks a bit rudely. "I...I'm sorry," Riddhima's voice cracks. Armaan turns around to see Riddhima crying. Armaan rushes back to her bed and holds her in his arms. "Rona mat. Tumhare liye aur bache ke liye acha nai hai," Armaan says softly. Riddhima's cries turn into sobs. "Please mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Aap ko pura haq hai mujhe pe naraz hone ki lekin iss baar mujhe maaf karde. Aaj se main wohi karogi jo aap kahenge aur agar koi bhi cheez mujhe takleef de rahi hai toh main aap ko batao gi," Riddhima said, looking in Armaan's eyes. Armaan sees love and guilt in her eyes and that is not a good combination. Armaan hugs Riddhima and kisses her hair. Armaan pulls back and looks down at Riddhima, who was looking down and wiping her tears. "Theek hai maine tumhe maaf kiya, lekin kal se tum office nai aa rahi," Armaan says. Riddhima looks up at him. "Kya! Kyun!" Riddhima yells. "Apni halat dekhi hai," Armaan said. Riddhima lowers her eyes in shame. "Main kal se office nai aaogi," Riddhima said in a low voice. Armaan slightly smiles and leans a little towards Riddhima,"Aur haan, kal Muskaan bhi hogi tumhare saath." Riddhima looks up at Armaan with a pout. "Aap mujhe tang karne ki koshish kar rahe hain?" Riddhima asks. Armaan chuckles at Riddhima's expression. "Ek aur baat tumhe batani thi. Kal sirf Muskaan aaye gi. Anjali ko thode dino ke liye bahar jaana pada," Armaan says. Riddhima looks at Armaan, making a crying face. "Aur yehi hai tumhari sazaa," Armaan said. Riddhima sighs, then nods. "Theek hai," Riddhima said with a helpless look.
Riddhima has arrived home from the hospital, next morning and Armaan got ready to go to work. Even though he knew he had to take the day off to stay with Riddhima, but he couldn't because half of his employees were on vacation due to the summer season.
The doorbell rings and Armaan opens it to find Muskaan standing there with a huge smile. "Hey Muskaan!" Armaan said. "Hi Armaan!" Muskaan replies, enthusiastically. "Aaj tum bohut khush lagi rahi ho," Armaan said, closing the door. "Aur nai toh kya. Mujhe time mil raha hai apne best friend ke saath time guzarna," Muskaan said, as her and Armaan walk in the living room where Riddhima was seated. She heard Muskaan about being happy to spend time with her best friend made Riddhima smile. Riddhima had barely any friends and to know she has friends even after everything that happened, made Riddhima happy. Also, not to forget to mention her caring husband too. "Okay, toh phir main chalta hoon, bye." Armaan says and makes his way out of the house. "Armaan ruko!" Muskaan yells. "Kya hua?" Armaan asks, turning around. "Riddhima go goodbye nai bolo ge?" Muskaan asks in a teasing voice and teasing smile. "Kya?" Armaan asks, shocked. "Arre isme sharmane wali kya baat hai. Apni biwi se hi toh bye bol rahe ho," Muskaan said with hand gestures. Riddhima turns red and looks down with a shy smile. "Acha main mud ti hoon aur tum Riddhima ko bye kaho," Muskaan says and turns around. Armaan looks down at Riddhima who was sitting down on the couch. Riddhima looks up at Armaan while biting the corner of her bottom lip. Armaan leans down and whispers,"Bye." He kisses Riddhima's temple then walks out of the house. Riddhima turns crimson and lets her eyes linger on the door which Armaan just walked out of.
"Hm, toh Mrs. Armaan Mallik aap ki halat iss had tak kaise paunch gayi?" Muskaan asks with her arms crossed across her chest. Riddhima looks down guiltily. Muskaan sits next to Riddhima and puts an arm around her. "Riddhima, main jaanti hoon ke bohut kuch hua hai tumhare saath inn pichle mahino main lekin tumhe aage bhi badna hai. Tum hamesha piche toh nai reh sakti. Phir tumhara beta ya beti kahegi ke Mama aap itni sad sad kyun rehti ho?" Muskaan said. Riddhima looks at Muskaan. "Tum chathi ho ke tumhare bacha tumhe sad dekhe?" Muskaan asks and Riddhima shakes her head. "Toh Riddhima aage bado aur strong bano," Muskaan encourages Riddhima. "Aur haan, agar tum strong nai banogi toh phir Armaan ka pyar kaise paogi. Pyar paane ke liye kabhi kabhi takleef bhi hoti hai," Muskaan tells Riddhima. Riddhima looks at Muskaan and knows she is right. Now, Riddhima has to stand by Muskaan's words. "Tumhe...kaise pata ke main...Armaan se..." Riddhima said in low voice. "Tumhari aankhon main dikhta hai. Tumhari aankhen sab kuch keh deti hai," Muskaan said. Riddhima lowers her eyes. "Mere paas ek idea hai," Muskaan said, happily. "Kya?" Riddhima asks a little afraid. "Kyun na tum Armaan ke liye dinner banao," Muskaan said with a grin. "Woh toh main har roz banati hoon," Riddhima said innocently. Muskaan slaps her head with her palm. "Mera matlab candle light dinner," Muskaan said, looking at Riddhima. Riddhima's eyes go wide and starts shaking her head. "Nai," Riddhima says. "Kyun? Shayad tum Armaan ke dil tak paunch pao," Muskaan says. "Nai, Muskaan. Ajeeb hoga aur hum dono bohut awkward feel karege," Riddhima says, standing up. "Riddhima, tumhe kuch toh karna padega na," Muskaan said, standing up too. "Main kuch bhi karlo gi lekin candle light dinner nai karogi," Riddhima said with her back to Muskaan. "Kuch bhi karogi," Muskaan asks mischievously. "Haan kuch bhi," Riddhima says. "Armaan ko seduce kar sakti ho?" Muskaan asks, knowing this will burst her bubble of doing anything. Riddhima turns around and looks at Muskaan in shock with her jaw dropped open. "Muskaan, tum pagal ho?" Riddhima yells. "Maine kya kiya? Tumhi ne kaha tha ke tum candle light dinner ke alava kuch bhi karogi. Aur tum keh rahi thi ke candle light dinner awkward hoga, toh kya seducing aur bhi awkward nai hoga," Muskaan said with a sly smile. Riddhima sighs and looks at Muskaan. Riddhima knew it was an act for Riddhima to give in to do a candle light dinner. "Muskaan, tum na...," Riddhima left it incomplete because she couldn't figure out what else to say. "I know," Muskaan says with a huge smile. "Chalo ab chalke shuru karte. Jab tak khana banega shaam ho jayegi," Muskaan said, dragging Riddhima into the kitchen.
"Khana tayar hai," Muskaan says, putting the last dish on the table. Muskaan turns to find Riddhima with a worried expression. "Riddhima, kuch nai hoga. Armaan kya karle ga, huh? Tum fikar mat karo chalke tumhari dress pick karte hain," Muskaan said. They walk upstairs to Armaan and Riddhima's room. "Wa, tum dono ek hi kamre main rehte ho?" Muskaan asks with a teasing smile. "Haan," Riddhima replies back, glaring at Muskaan, knowing what the smile meant. "Acha chalo!" they walk to the closet. Muskaan was looking clothes for Riddhima while Riddhima just stood there, playing with her fingers. "Yeh lo," Muskaan hands Riddhima a white full sleeves, churidaar/anarkali. "Yeh pehno?" Riddhima asks, looking down at the dress while holding it up against her. "Nai isko phado. Obviously, pehno." Muskaan says. "Okay," Riddhima replies.
Riddhima walks downstairs dress in the clothes that Muskaan picked out for her. Muskaan turns around to see Riddhima and smiles. "Wah! Tu badi soni lag rahi hai," Muskaan said, giving Riddhima a side hug. Riddhima gives her quick, small smile. "Riddhima, fikar mat karo. Sab kuch ready hai toh main chalti hoon, bye." Muskaan walks towards the exit of the kitchen and turns off the lights. Riddhima looks at the table to see it glowing with a candle in the middle and some on the counters. Riddhima hears the front door close which told her that Muskaan has left. Riddhima walks out in the living room to see it filled with candles.
Armaan walks in the house to find his house dark, but glowing the candles. This made him confused so he walks further in and sees candles glowing from the kitchen. Armaan walks in to find Riddhima sitting at the table and looking at the microwave clock. "Mera intezaar kar rahi ho?" Armaan asks. Riddhima stands up quickly on hearing Armaan's voice. "H...haan," Riddhima whispers. Armaan looks around the kitchen and Riddhima also looks around. "Main...lights on kar ke aati hoon," Riddhima says and walks past Riddhima. Armaan grabs Riddhima's wrist and Riddhima turns her head back to look at him. "Rehne do," Armaan says softly. Armaan and Riddhima gaze into each others eyes and Armaan walks closer to Riddhima. Riddhima closes her eyes when she feels Armaan's breath on her lips. He puts his hand on her cheek and Riddhima leans her face into his hand. Armaan's other hand goes around to the back of her waist. She opens her eyes to find Armaan looking back forth from her eyes to lips and vice versa. Riddhima shivers when Armaan's hold got tighter. Both, Armaan and Riddhima wanted to touch each other, but were afraid to make the first move. Armaan, being the most daring person between them, leans in and captures Riddhima's lips in a sweet and loving kiss. Riddhima gasps silently and puts her hands on his upper arms. Riddhima responds back equally in passion. Armaan leaves Riddhima's lips and moves down to her jawline, then down her neck. He reaches to the side of her neck and lightly bites her, making Riddhima moan softly. Armaan moves up, behind Riddhima's ear, and nuzzles her hair with his nose. Riddhima fists Armaan's shirt in her hand, causing his shirt wrinkles. They didn't know when the moved out of the kitchen and out to the living. Armaan sits down on the couch with Riddhima on his lap. Armaan opens his eyes while Riddhima's face was buried in his neck. He sees Anu's face flash in front of his eyes, then slowly looks down at Riddhima. Armaan grabs Riddhima's arms and pulls her away from him. Riddhima looks at him in shock. Riddhima gets up when she realizes what they were doing. Armaan stands up too. "Riddhima," Armaan says and Riddhima looks at him. "Please, just stay way from me," Armaan said and runs upstairs. Riddhima watches him go upstairs with tears in her eyes.
Armaan slams the room door shut and runs his hand through his hair. "Why am I so confused? Kabhi Riddhima mere dimaag aati hai toh kabhi Anu. Anu tum meri zindagi se chali gaye ho toh mere khayalo se kyun nai jaati?" Armaan yells to himself. Armaan didn't want to hurt Riddhima, but in his confusion he ended up hurting her. Armaan didn't want Riddhima to assume anything about them, but it happened. The moment he stopped her in the kitchen, she probably thought that he is having some feelings towards her.
Riddhima stood in the living with tears running down her cheeks. She thought that Armaan had some feelings towards her, but no. All of this was just an act. He didn't care about her. Armaan only wants one person and that is Anu. Anu has left, why couldn't Armaan get that? This made Riddhima angry so she barges upstairs into their room. Armaan turns around when he hears the door slam open. He sees a furious Riddhima. Riddhima walks up to Armaan and slaps him across the face. Armaan looks at Riddhima in shock. "Yeh sab ek natak hai na!" Riddhima yells. "Mere jazbaato ke saath kehlna! Aap kyun aise cheeze karte hai jisse mujhe lage ke aap bhi mere liye kuch mehsoos karte hain? Kyun aap mujhe dard dete hain?" Riddhima asks, crying. "Main koi natak nai kar raha. Aur main tumhare liye kuch nai mehsoos karta," Armaan says, pointing his finger towards Riddhima. That last sentence kept on repeating in Riddhima's mind. "Riddhima, mujhe time chaiye," Armaan said. "Kitna?! Humara bacha paanch mahine main aa jayega aur jab woh bada hoga toh dekhe ga ke uske Ma aur Papa ek dusre se baat bhi nai karte. Kaise zindagi hogi humare bache ki?" Riddhima yells at Armaan. "Mujhe nai pata Riddhima! Jab bacha aaye ga toh dekhi jayege lekin abhi ke liye mujhe tumhe nai dekhna!" Armaan yells, hurting Riddhima. "Riddhima, main tumhe kabhi ehsaas nai dilana chatha ke main tumhare liye kya mehsoos karta hoon kyun ke abhi mujhe bhi nai pata. Tumhare liye toh main tumhara pyar hoon lekin mere liye Anu mera pehla pyar hai," Armaan explains to Riddhima, softly. "I'm sorry," Armaan apologizes and walks out of the room. Riddhima stands in the middle of their room, still. Riddhima had expected something more calm tonight, but the complete opposite happened. Riddhima's thoughts went back to Armaan caring for her, the way he sometimes tries to make her feel comfortable, then him getting intimated. These signs of being in love, Armaan just didn't know it. Riddhima lets out a chuckle with tears still in her eyes. Armaan was in love with her, but he just didn't know it, then Riddhima's smile fades. What if Armaan never realizes his love for her? Riddhima sits on the bed and puts her hand on her stomach. "Please bacha jaldi se bahar aa jao. Shayad tumhi apne Papa ko yakeen dila sakte ho ke unko pyar ho gaya hai," Riddhima says, looking down at her stomach.
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Again, I tried to make it as long as I can. I have a feeling that this part turned out really bad.
Note: Everyone, I have been getting many more ideas in my head for FFs. I really want to start them, but if I start all of them at once, I will lose my concentration and will just write crap. So please comment fast so I can update faster. Also, I have realized that I haven't been giving thankful comments. Everyone, thank you so much for supporting me and liking my FFs. I really didn't think I would have so many fans of my FF. Really, thank you to everyone and keep reading!
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
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