13.Baby Shower
Riddhima opens the door of their bedroom and screams. Armaan looks at Riddhima, shockingly and screams himself. Riddhima calms down and breathes heavily with her eyes wide and staring at Armaan, shirtless. "Kya hua? Chila kyun rahi ho?" Armaan asks, yelling. Riddhima quickly turns around, making Armaan confused at her behavior. She was walking in calmly then starts to scream for no reason. On the other hand, Riddhima was shivering. She has just seen Armaan shirtless. She has seen Armaan shirtless before, but this time it was different. "A...aa...p ne shirt...kyun...nai...peh...ni vi?" Riddhima asks, stuttering. Her heart was thudding and she was taking long breathes. Armaan realized that him being shirtless made her scream. A sly smile came on his lips, but then it vanished. "Mera ghar hai. Main kuch bhi pehn sakta hoon. Aur tum aise kyun behave kar rahi ho ke tumne mujhe kabhi shirt ke begair dekha na ho?" Armaan says, sliding his arms in through the sleeves of his button up shirt. This made Riddhima mad and she turns around with a whip of her hair, and glares at Armaan. "Aap ko sharam nai aate? Aise baat karte hue?" Riddhima asks, with her eyes narrowed. "Nah, bilkul bhi nai," Armaan said with a smirk. Riddhima couldn't figure out anything else so she just left the room, causing Armaan to laugh. Armaan's laugh began to fade away.
Its been two months since their fight, I guess you can call it. They didn't even talk to each other properly. Before they would share some words and have a nice, small conversation, but now its just monosyllables. They live in the same house and sleep in the same room, how can they not talk to each other? It would make sense if they were living separately and didn't talk, but not talking to each other while living together is not good. Their friends have even questioned them about their silence towards each other. Before, they would see Armaan giving Riddhima a small smile or a soft look, but now that doesn't even happen. Riddhima looks at Armaan lovingly and still does, but in that love there is some pain in it. The pain that Armaan sees with Riddhima's love makes him not want to look at her because he feels guilty to cause all that pain. Armaan knows the reason of Riddhima's pain, him. He knows that he is the reason for Riddhima's pain and he tried to save her from pain, but still Riddhima ended up in pain. Armaan was doing his best to control his emotions, but his mind would never listen to his heart and his heart would win the battle between his heart and mind. Armaan thought the best way to show Riddhima that he doesn't have feelings for her is to ignore her. Since Riddhima is on maternity leave from the office and won't be joining back anytime soon, Armaan can have the time alone and away from Riddhima. Sometimes he dreads coming home, but know he has to. Armaan has also made a promise to himself and Riddhima that he will always be there for her and the baby, but as a friend not as a lover. The last part wasn't mentioned before, but that is how Armaan feels. Today, their encounter in the bedroom was something very unusual that occurred in the past two months.
Armaan walks downstairs to see Riddhima sitting on the couch with an angry face. He knew she was angry because of his shameless back talk. Riddhima turns her head and glares at him, but her expression softens when she sees him dressed in his suit. The only time he wears suits are when he is going to a formal place or work. At home he's in a T-shirt and sweatpants. When he has to go out just for errands its usually a T-shirt and denims or a simple button up shirt and denims. Armaan sees her expression change from angry to sad and looks away, feeling bad. "Main office jaa raha hoon," Armaan said in a low voice and left. It was the weekend and Armaan had to go to the office. Riddhima didn't like it one bit, but she knows he is ignoring her so he goes to the office to do pending work left over from the week. Riddhima looks down at her bulged stomach and caresses it. "Jaldi aa jao," Riddhima whispers with a tear sliding off her cheek and falling on her stomach. Riddhima feels a kick and closes her eyes. The baby has kicked so many times, but she has never had the courage to tell Armaan about it. Armaan has been going with her to Riddhima's monthly check up, so he gets updated. When the mother tells the father of the child that the baby is kicking, its a different feeling and happiness which they haven't witnessed yet.
Armaan walks in the room at around five to see Riddhima walking out of the bathroom. Both of the look at each other and look in each others eyes. Riddhima is the first one to break their eye contact and walks over to the bed. Armaan looks down as Riddhima walks past him. Armaan inhales Riddhima's fragrance and lets out a shaky breath. He looks at Riddhima with intense eyes. Even though Riddhima's back was turned to Armaan, she could feel his eyes burning her back. Riddhima shivers and puts her hand on her stomach to feel the baby. Riddhima gasps, making Armaan a little worried and he goes to Riddhima. "Riddhima, tum theek ho?" Armaan asks, helping Riddhima sit down. "Ji, main theek hoon," Riddhima replies, looking down. Armaan stares at Riddhima and Riddhima slowly lifts her eyelids up and looks in Armaan's eyes. "Kya hua tha?" Armaan asks in a soft tone. "Woh...usne ek...kick...mari," Riddhima said, nervously. "Really," Armaan asks, happily. Riddhima nods and happy to see the happiness and excitement on Armaan's face. Armaan puts his hand on Riddhima stomach, lost in the moment and not even realizing what affect its having on Riddhima. Riddhima turns her head away when she feels currents pass through her. Armaan was smiling big, then looks down at his hand to see it resting on Riddhima's stomach. "Sorry," Armaan said quickly and stood up. Riddhima felt tears forming in her eyes. He was sorry for touching her. What husband apologizes to his wife for touching her? Riddhima looks up at Armaan with bloodshot eyes and Armaan looks at Riddhima. Riddhima shakes her head at him and walks out of the room. Why couldn't he realize the love he has for her?
Riddhima hears the doorbell rings and opens the door to find Muskaan and Anjali with Rahul and Atul and a few other people. Riddhima smiles nervously and looks at the four of the people she knew well. Riddhima had seen the others at hers and Armaan's wedding, but never talked to them. She guessed they were Armaan's friends. "Hey Riddhima!" Muskaan and Anjali give Riddhima a side hug from each side. "Hi," Riddhima says, slowly. "Yeh sab kya hai?" Riddhima notices the bags in their hands. "Hum aaj tumhari baby shower kar rahe hain," Anjali said, walking in while Atul and Rahul directed their friends to the living room. "Mujhe bata do dete. Main kuch khana hi bana leti," Riddhima said. "Isiliye humne tumhe nai bataya ke hum baby shower kar rahe hain kyun hume pata tha ke tum kuch kam karogi. Aur iss halat main tumhe kam nai karna chaiye," Muskaan explains. Riddhima sighs and sees Armaan walking downstairs in a simple black button up shirt and dark denims. Muskaan notices Riddhima looking at Armaan, but then she looks away same as Armaan. Riddhima didn't tell what happened after to Muskaan that night and Riddhima didn't want to think about it. Muskaan being the sweet human being she is, didn't question Riddhima again to which Riddhima was very thankful.
They walk in the living room to see everyone talking and putting up decorations. Riddhima felt tears forming her eyes with a soft smile. This was the sweetest thing anyone has done for her. Riddhima's smile fades when she remembers her father chasing her around to put cake on her face on her tenth birthday. Riddhima remembers everything her parents did for her and never has Riddhima complained. She loved everything they gave her. Armaan had noticed Riddhima's change of emotions from a far and started to make his way towards her. Riddhima couldn't control her tears so she left before anyone saw her. Armaan goes after Riddhima and sees her in the family room. "Riddhima," Armaan says in soft voice. Riddhima turns around to see Armaan. Riddhima knew what he wanted to ask. "Mujhe Ma aur Papa ki yaad aa rahi hai," Riddhima answers his question before he could even ask. Armaan walks closer to her and hugs her. Riddhima didn't push herself away from him. Right now she needed Armaan. Riddhima cries in his arms with her hands on his shoulder from the back and her head resting on his shoulder. "Kis ko apne Ma aur Papa ki yaad aa rahi hai?" said a deep voice from the side. Armaan and Riddhima pull back to see Billy, Ananya, Dada, and Dadi. Armaan and Riddhima smile and look at each other. They are her parents and Riddhima was so happy to know that they accept her as their daughter. Riddhima walks over to them and gives each of them a hug, followed by Armaan. Both of them didn't know that they were coming. They walk back in the living to see the placed fully decorated with pink and blue. "Toh kaisa laga surprise?" asks Rahul as he walks up to them. "Yeh tera idea tha?" Armaan asks, completely surprised. "Koi shak?" Rahul asks with a triumph smile. "Chup kar khote. Sara plan mera tha, tu toh bas unko airport se uthane gaya tha," Muskaan said, coming from behind. "Excuse me sara plan mera tha," Anjali butts in. "I don't think so. Kisne idea diya tha ke jab Armaan aur Riddhima parents ban rahe hain toh inke parents ko bhi yahan hona chaiye hai," Atul interferes. No one said anything and Atul looks at Armaan, Riddhima, Billy, Ananya, Dada, and Dadi with a big smile showing all his thirty-two. "Dekha," Atul said with a nod. Armaan smiles and gives Atul a side a hug. "Thanks," Armaan whispers to Atul. "Riddhima needed this." Atul gives him a soft smile and pats his back. "Tu mera bhai hai aur Riddhima meri bhabhi toh devar hone ke naate toh mera farz banta hai yeh karne ko," Atul said. Armaan and Atul chuckle and they get back to the baby shower.
Riddhima got a lot of clothes for the baby which could be used for a girl or a boy. No one knew the gender of it yet, neither did Armaan or Riddhima. The baby's room wasn't even ready. They also got crib for the baby. Armaan and Riddhima hadn't even gone shopping for the baby and they were thankful to their parents and friends for all this. "Waise tum dono ko pata chala ke baby ka gender kya hai?" asks one of Armaan's friends. Armaan and Riddhima look at each other then shake their head. "Aw they want it to be a surprise. So cute!" a female friend said. "Aur iss idiot ne abhi baby ka kamra hi nai banaya," Rahul said, hitting the back of Armaan's head. Armaan glares at Rahul and Rahul moves away. "Koi baat nai. Yeh strong men kaam kab aaye ge," Dada said, showing his arms. Everyone laughs and so does Dadajan. "Dadajan, aap koi muscle pull kar lenge toh aap na kam kare toh acha hoga," Atul said. "Arre main apne pote ke bache ke liye kar raha hoon. Mujhe koi nai rok sakta," Dadajan said. "Ab aap jawan nai rahe," Dadi said. Dadajan looks at Dadi with a smirk. "Lekin tumhare liye toh main kabhi bhi jawan ho sakta hoon," Dadajan said. Everyone hoots and laughs while Dadi blushes and hides her face in her dupatta. Armaan gets up when Muskaan pushes him back down, next to Riddhima. "Tum kahin nai jao ge. Aaj pura din tum Riddhima ke saath baitho ge," Muskaan said. "Yeh kaise zabardasti hai?" Armaan asks. Anjali's jaw drops along with Muskaan's. "Tumhe apni biwi ke saath baith ne main zabardasti lagti hai?" Anjali asks. "Yeh toh puri zindagi zabardasti main jiyege mere saath," Riddhima mumbles to herself, but Armaan hurt her. Deep down, it hurt Armaan badly.
"Hi sir, hi ma'am," Vijay said, sitting next to Armaan. Everyone were entertaining themselves the way they wanted to. Some were eating while some were talking, or doing both. "Hey Vijay," Armaan said. "Pehle kehna ka mauka nai mila aur jaanta hoon ke bohut late bhi ho gaya hoon lekin congratulations aap dono ko," Vijay says with a smile. "Thank you," Armaan and Riddhima reply. "Aur mujhe aap dono ko kuch batana bhi hai," Vijay said. "Kya?" Armaan asks. "Sir, maine aap ko bataya tha na ke mujhe pyar ho gaya hai?" Vijay asks and Armaan nods. "Ab humari shaadi ho rahi hai toh aap aur ma'am ko aana hi hoga," Vijay said. "Vijay - " Armaan starts. "Sir, please. Aap ne mere liye bohut kuch kiya hai," Vijay said. Vijay was struggling to find a job because his father had just passed away when he was eighteen. They weren't very rich so they couldn't pay some of their bills and the company had threatened them to throw them out of the house. Vijay hadn't completed his education and that is where Armaan had come in. Many times Armaan had seen Vijay walking in and out of office buildings that were located near his. Vijay would be walking in with a confident and nervous, but would be coming out with a sad and sometimes tear faced. That is when Vijay broke down in front of Armaan when Armaan had gone to talk to him. Armaan lend money to Vijay for him and his family to be able to live. Vijay completed his education and Armaan had approached him personally for a position in his office. Vijay, right then accepted the offer. "Theek hai hum aaye ge," Armaan says. Vijay smiles big and hands Armaan the wedding card. "Thank you so much sir and congratulations once again," he said and walks away. Armaan looks at the card then looks at Riddhima. "Agar tumne nai jaana toh main tumhe force nai karoga," Armaan said. "Nai...main aap ke saath chalogi," Riddhima said. Riddhima had heard how Armaan had helped Vijay and that one of the things that made Riddhima fall in love with him. Armaan gives her small smile and Riddhima smiles back. "Mujhe aap se kuch puchna hai?" Riddhima asks. "Hm," Armaan says, putting the wedding card aside. "Hum bache ka naam kya rakhege?" Riddhima asks. Armaan looks at Riddhima. They hadn't even decided names for their child. In just a few months their baby will be coming. They couldn't keep their baby unnamed for long. Armaan smiles sheepishly at her while she looks at him with a small smile. "Well, abhi hume bache ka gender nai pata so I think we can wait," Armaan said, taking intervals in between. Riddhima nods her head and looks down.
"Riddhima, yahan aao," Ananya said, sitting on the couch with Dadi. The party had ended a while ago. The men had gone out to get some dinner. Riddhima was coming out of the kitchen after having a glass of water. Ananya stands up and helps Riddhima sit down. "Riddhima, sab kuch theek hai na?" Ananya asks. Riddhima looks at Ananya confused, but nods anyways. "Tumhare aur Armaan ke beech main sab kuch theek hai?" Ananya asks, surprisingly. Riddhima now knew what Ananya is talking about. Riddhima just looks away from them and Ananya and Dadi got their answer. "Beta," Dadi says softly and Riddhima looks at Dadi. "Tumhe usse waqt dena chaiye," Dadi said. "Kitna waqt doon? Main toh puri zindagi dena chathi hoon lekin unke pyar ke bhi saath jeena chathi hoon," Riddhima said with her eyes watering. Ananya hugs Riddhima while Riddhima rests her head on Ananya's shoulder and cries. "Na rona nai. Tumhari sehat ke liye acha nai hai," Ananya says, shushing Riddhima. Riddhima wipes her tears away and sits up. They hear the door open which told them at the three men are back from getting dinner. "The food is here!" Billy announces as he carries bags of food in the kitchen. Everyone walks in the kitchen with Riddhima the last one. "Riddhima," Armaan says. Riddhima turns around and faces Armaan. "Idhar aao," Armaan said, taking her hand and taking her to another room family. "Aap theek hain?" Riddhima asks, worriedly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Woh...mujhe ek phone aaya tha. Humari company dusre company ke saath deal kar rahi hai aur yeh ek bohut bada contract hai. Tum toh jaanti ho. Mujhe chaar hafto ke liye bahar jaana pad raha hai," Armaan said with a sigh. Riddhima stood still in her spot and just stared at Armaan. She didn't want him to leave. Even though they don't talk to each other that much, she still feels his presence. Now that he is going to be gone, she is going to be lonely. "Lekin tum akeli nai hogi. Mom, Dad, Dadajan, aur Dadi yahin reh rahe jab tak delivery nai ho jaati," Armaan said, trying to make her feel better. Armaan could tell by Riddhima's reaction that she didn't like this one bit. Riddhima nods, weakly and turns around and walks away.
Throughout dinner Riddhima was quiet and Armaan told his Dad and grandfather that he told Riddhima through his eyes. Since they were there when Armaan had received the phone call. Armaan told his Mom and grandmother and then they knew the reason for Riddhima's quietness. They felt really bad for her. She has gone through so much and now she is going to get the husband's care while she is in her last few months.
Armaan walks in the room to see Riddhima standing by the window. Armaan didn't know what will make Riddhima feel better and at the same time he didn't want to hurt her. He's done enough of that already. Armaan walks up to Riddhima from behind and puts his hands on her shoulders. Riddhima turns around, startled. She looks up in Armaan's eyes and Armaan looks down at her. He saw her red eyes and they were also puffy. "Tum ro rahi thi?" Armaan asks in a whisper, shocked. She was crying for him. Riddhima looks away and sniffs. Armaan turns her face back to him. "Tum mere liye kyun roti ho? Main tumse pyar nai karta aur tum yeh bhi jaanti ho lekin tum phir bhi mujhse pyar karti ho aur mere liye roti ho," Armaan said a little angry. "Toh kya karo? Jab pyar hota hai toh yehi hota hai!" Riddhima yells, crying. Armaan holds Riddhima close to himself, giving Riddhima the warmth of his body to her. Riddhima closes her eyes and exhales deeply. "Please, mat jaaye," Riddhima asks in whisper as she cries. Armaan holds her tighter. "Mujhe jaana hoga. Agar zaroori nai jaana hota toh kabhi nai jaata. Main vaada kiya hai ke main tumhara aur humare bache ka khayaal rakhoga aur main yeh vaada kabhi bhi nai thodo ga." Riddhima lifts her head off of Armaan's chest and looks in his eyes. "Toh phir aap mujhse pyar kyun nai karte?" Riddhima asks, staring directly in his eyes. She was searching the answer of her question. Armaan didn't know how to answer that so he looks away from Riddhima. Riddhima looks down, sadly and makes her way to the bed. Armaan watches her lay down and her back facing him. Armaan sits on the couch that in their room and sighs while running his hands through his hair.
--
Uhhh, I think it turned out okay. This is actually a part which will make the story go on, but nothing really happened in this part.
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