Part 71
Once she had felt a bit fresh and looked decent she decided to go down to meet the guests. As she neared the living room the voices could be heard but she still could not make out who it was until she got to the bottom of the stairs and was met with a shocking surprise.
Padma: Lo Riddhima bhi agayi...
Shashank: Come Riddhima beta...we we're just waiting for you...tum hare liye ek bohot acha rishta aya hain...
Riddhima stood rooted to the spot as all heads turned to face her but one; and she felt a shiver go down her spine as he slowly turned to face her with a smile...
Padma stood up and walked Riddhima to the sofa opposite the guy who was there to see her; her heart beat raced rapidly and she could hear the thumping of her blood in her ears as she looked up to see him wearing a sick smile; as much as she thought of how to get out of this situation she couldn't as this was such a huge shock that she could not even force a smile as his mum started to speak.
Aunty: Riddhima beta...how are you...you're looking very pretty... – smiling like a Cheshire cat - ...I was talking to your mother the other day and the only thought that ran through my mind was for you to be my daughter-in-law...
Uncle: Haan...and after all you two have known each other for a long time...
Simran: You both look so cute together...Riddhima and Vivik...how sweet... – to her brother but out loud
Riddhima looked up suddenly as she heard the two names being called together; Vivik sat opposite her with an evil grin on his face which made Riddhima shiver within as her heart raced even faster.
Padma: Main iss rishte se bohot khush hoon...
Aunty: Main bhi...aap ki beti hamari beti banegi...and she won't be going far from you...
Uncle: That's right...only about five steps away... – laughed
Shashank: Woh sab toh theek hain...you both know each other for a very long time...you can almost say that you've grown up together...you both know everything about each other...and you're good friends...
Vivik: Yes uncle what you're saying is right...but...with your permission I would still like to talk to Riddhima in private before we take this any further...
Shashank: Of course...you have every right too... – turning to Riddhima - ...jao...take him into the conservatory...
Riddhima was still in shock and had not heard what was being said for the past ten minutes but Simran stood up and walked towards her lifting her off of the chair and dragging her towards the conservatory with Vivik following them. They settled down and Riddhima's head was buzzing as she could not believe the situation that was taking place right in front of her eyes.
Simran: I'm so happy... – hugging Riddhima - ...you're now going to be from Riddhima Didi to Riddhima Bhabi to me...I can't wait for this wedding...we're going to have so much fun...and even more when you come and live with us...haina bhai?
Vivik: Sim leave us alone for a minute...
Simran: No bhai...you can have your private time after the wedding...
Vivik: I said leave us... – strictly
Simran: That's not fair bhai...
Vivik: Simran NOW... – loudly
Riddhima jumped from her thoughts as he raised his voice and Simran sulked. She got up and walked away sticking her tongue out at him as she left but this didn't bother him. Instead he was now smiling his evil grin in Riddhima's direction again who once again felt a cold shiver down her spine as he moved closer to her.
Vivik: Hi babes...surprised...?
Riddhima whipped her head around to look at him suddenly feeling very scared.
Vivik: Sorry...I should've let you know before...but then I would miss this look on your face wouldn't I?
Ridz: What do you want? – pronouncing every syllable
Vivik: Do I have to tell you this as well...? – smirking - ...You're so smart I thought you would've guessed by now...
Ridz: This is not possible...I won't let this happen...
Vivik: Oh come on babes...you knew we we're going to be together in the end...and yes I have done my research...I knew that **** could never keep you happy...I had told you from day one...that you're only mine...he never loved you...he just wanted the attention back then...
Ridz: Shut up...
Vivik: The truth hurts doesn't it...but you have to accept it...how much did you care for him...how much did you do for him...and what did he give you in return... – grinning madly - ...a broken heart...
Ridz: It's not like that...
Vivik: That's exactly what it is...but I'm not like that...I've always loved you and now you're going to be mine...
Ridz: No... – sharply
Vivik: Yes you will...don't you remember...I've told you before...you're mine and only mine...and now it's time to take our relationship further... – holding onto her hand
Ridz: - pulling her hand away from his – ...No way...we can never be together...I won't let this happen...
Vivik: Oh really...and what exactly are you going to do to stop this? – calmly with a smile
Ridz: I'm going to go in there right now and tell everyone that I refuse this proposal...
Vivik: Oh no you won't... – holding her hand again
Ridz: You can't force me...
Vivik: You're right...I can't force you...but I know you won't refuse...
Ridz: And why won't I? – angrily
Vivik: Because the moment you say no...I'll tell everyone the reason you're refusing...
Ridz: The reason is because I hate you...
Vivik: Oh really... – sarcastically - ...in my eyes...the reason is that you we're having an affair with Mr. Armaan Malik...you were running around behind your parents back for over three years and breaking all limits...maybe you won't be mine...but just think about your family...your sister's family...the bond they have will be broken...and it'll be all your fault...can you see the two families falling apart...did you ever think about what your sister will think...you will be the reason of the family enmity...
Riddhima thought for a moment as the seriousness of this situation hit her like a hard brick against her forehead but he carried on making it worse.
Vivik: And if I'm not mistaken...your sister's in-laws works in your dad's company...don't they...Armaan also works there...? – smiling evilly - ...Think about the loss in business when they begin to hate each other...then what will you do babes...will you be able to handle the guilt of breaking this relationship?
Ridz: You wouldn't...
Vivik: Wouldn't I? – leaning back in the chair with a huge evil grin
Ridz: Don't... – on the verge of tears
Vivik: Then there's only one solution... – sitting up again - ...just accept this proposal and let these two families stay in peace and happiness...what do you think?
Ridz: - silent thoughts – ...Ab main kya karoon...I have no other choice...I have to do this...for mama and papa's happiness...dii's happiness...Vikram Uncle and jiju's job...and Armaan's success and love...there's no other option...I have to make this sacrifice for my family and loved ones...
Vivik: So what have you decided?
Before she could say anything Simran walked back into the conservatory.
Simran: Okay that's enough private time...mummy's calling you both... – turned around and walked away
Vivik: I guess I have your answer... – holding her hand he pulled her up - ...let's go...
They walked back into the living room hand in hand and everyone smiled happily as they got their answer.
Aunty: Ab main bohot khush hoon...
Shashank: In our next meeting we'll fix a wedding date...
Uncle: Definitely...
Shashank: Padma...sweets...
Padma got up happily and went into the kitchen returning a few moments later with a plate off meethai and everyone took turns to feed the new couple and each other. A while later they decided to leave; everyone was happy and looked forward to meeting again. Vivik took this opportunity to grab her hand again and Riddhima had no choice but let him as all eyes were on them. To Riddhima's advantage they left quickly but she felt a little faint as she followed her parents into the living room.
Padma: I'm really happy...Vivik is a nice boy and the best thing is Riddhima won't be going far from us...
Shashank: I know...we'll see her everyday...kyun my princess...?
Padma: I can't believe we found such a good rishta by just sitting at home...our Riddhima really is lucky...
Shashank: That's true...
After some time they had dinner but Riddhima found that she could not swallow any amount of food that she placed in her mouth as her parents' conversation carried on over dinner. She felt terrible and there was no one she could share her thoughts with but herself. Once they had finished eating Riddhima offered to tidy up so that she was on her own and she didn't have to hear Padma's feelings about this rishta, she tidied up and made a quick escape to her room. As she entered she suddenly felt very faint like the ground beneath her feet was moving, she quickly moved to her bed and fell onto it, closing her eyes as everyone's words echoed through her mind.
Shashank: Tum hare liye ek bohot acha rishta aya hain...
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Aunty: I was talking to your mother the other day and the only thought that ran through my mind was for you to be my daughter-in-law...
*
Simran: You both look so cute together...Riddhima and Vivik...how sweet...
*
Padma: Main iss rishte se bohot khush hoon...
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Simran: I'm so happy... – hugging Riddhima - ...you're now going to be from Riddhima Didi to Riddhima Bhabi to me...I can't wait for this wedding...we're going to have so much fun...and even more when you come and live with us...haina bhai?
*
Vivik: I've told you before...you're mine and only mine...and now it's time to take our relationship further... – holding onto her hand
*
Vivik: You we're having an affair with Mr. Armaan Malik...you were running around behind your parents back for over three years and breaking all limits...maybe you won't be mine...but just think about your family...your sister's family...the bond they have will be broken...and it'll be all your fault...can you see the two families falling apart...did you ever think about what your sister will think...you will be the reason of the family enmity...
Ridz: - crying silently - ...Kyun...why is this happening to me...why...why...why...why do I have to go through this pain...don't I deserve to be happy...why should I sacrifice myself...I have a life too...I have feelings...I have dreams...then why can't I live my own life without having to think a million times...why is this happening to me... – sobbing
Riddhima curled herself up into a ball shaking uncontrollably as she let her thoughts out. Her head was throbbing with pain and her eyes were bloodshot red; she was now hiccupping with every word she took and she looked a mess.
Ridz: If I'm my parents' princess don't they see what I want...can't they feel my pain...I love them so much I just can't open up to them...I don't want to hurt them...I can't hurt them...aur dii...I love her so much and all I want for her is happiness...if I refuse this rishta she'll know that I lied to her about Armaan...I've never hide anything from her and if she finds out she will hate me...Vikram Uncle and Jiju will be mad at me...their business relationship will be effected as well as their family ties with us...Armaan will hate me even more that I let this happen...
She sobbed louder into her pillow as these thoughts ran through her mind; she was now holding onto her head and crying nonstop as she found other reasons which worried her.
Ridz: Why has this happened...what have I ever done to anyone...I've never hurt anyone...then why am I hurting so much...everyone has forgotten me...I don't exist any more...everyone is too happy in their lives to think about me...they've all received their share of happiness and love...and I haven't got anything...I don't deserve anything...I hate myself...
She cried herself to sleep soaking her pillow with her tears. Her nightmares disturbed her sleep and she kept tossing from side to side as they got worse and she had no power to fight back; she jumped up sweating and panting as usual with her head pounding with pain and her eyes stinging. She leaned against the head rest and controlled herself but she felt too weak to sit up; she lay back down and stared up at the ceiling as her thoughts and nightmares haunted her yet again.
Not in her senses Riddhima stood up and got dressed while her thoughts ran through her mind for the zillionth time making her feel worst than ever. Niki: We are with you...we're your best friends and we will always be with you…
She walked aimlessly out of her room, down the corridor and down the stairs to the front door, without a single creak it opened and she made her way out into the cool night. Armaan: Ladka yeh kehta hai ladki se…hooton pe khabi khabi hasi se…aya hoon dorr se…karne main dosti…haath milalo ajnabee se…jaana lo, manna lo, chehra mera…pehchanlo…
She walked zombie like around the estate and out onto the unusually quiet main road; her footsteps leading her to nowhere in particular but that was the last thing on her mind. Anji: Kya?...Main tumhe kaise bhool sakti…pagal hogaye hain kya?...Tum toh hamesha mere saath hogi…mere yaadon main aur mere saath…
Leaving the main street she walked on and on as her nightmare flashed in front of her eyes yet again and suddenly she felt slightly uneasy and stumbled over her feet but managed to grab hold of a near post to control her fall. Armaan: Kyon ki…I can't see you cry…
Riddhima began walking again amongst the familiar streets but still she had no idea where she was going. Vivik: Nothing's over…I love you…and your mine
After a long time of walking without purpose she did not notice that the sky was slightly brighter and day had broken but she suddenly began to feel very weird; You were desperate weren't you…?
There was endless fluttering in her chest which was followed by a racing sensation which she just couldn't understand. Armaan: Don't ever say that again…you're so good to everyone…even to people who doesn't deserve your niceness…you are the sweetest person I've ever met…
Within a few moments she felt normal again and she sat down by a nearby bench looking around at her surroundings but she still it didn't register in her mind of her exact location. Anji: Aaj se yeh sab rona band…from now on you are going to concentrate on your studies and have fun…no more thinking about all of this…okay?
Words from the past flashed in her mind continuously; Armaan: I love you Riddhima…I love you…
Aww...you're so sweet...I wish I could take you home with me right now...
Please Riddhima...just give me one chance to explain...if you've ever had feelings for me...even a slight bit...please give me this one chance…please…
"Just for you my love...you deserve all the happiness in the world...congratulations for entering your first step into your life's dream..."
I'm sorry...if I had come in earlier this wouldn't have happened...I'm sorry Riddhima...but I promise I will never let him get near you again...I promise...
Haan...one year...we've been together for one year...and in this one year no one has found out...so why are you worrying...just another year...let's finish our studies, get a job then we will tell them...and first of all you have to tell Bhabs that's it... we're not doing anything wrong...we're not lying...we're just not making it public...that's all...don't worry...
Hey...hey shush...Riddhima shush...this is not your fault...how could you think that?
Listen to me...this is not your fault...okay...shush...forget it... Riddhima...look at me...I'm fine...nothing has happen to me...it's all over now...I don't want to hear that word again...okay?
Tomorrow we're going to spend the whole day together…just me and you…
Listen to me Riddhima...you are the best designer...the best dress maker...the best organiser...the most hard worker...and the most beautiful model...in the world...you don't need to listen to a word of any jealous person...because they only wish they could be in your shoes...which can never happen...because there's only one Riddhima Gupta...and she's mine...so don't let them effect you...because you are bigger than them and you can do anything you want...so don't be put down by them...in fact this should make you stand much stronger...because they can only wish they were you but they can't because you are who you are...and no one can take your place...
Riddhima I've missed you so much... you have no idea what I've been going through these ten days...these two hundred and forty hours...fourteen thousand four hundred minutes and eight hundred and sixty four thousand seconds of my life...I've been going crazy without you...so don't ever leave me again...ever...do you get that...
Nervous as usual...close your eyes ...feel it Riddhima...your dream is finally coming true...not everyone is as lucky as you...but you've been given this opportunity above thousands of people to be here tonight...to show everyone your talent...win or no win Riddhima you made it till this far and you deserve every happiness...so enjoy it...enjoy it to the max...because you're a very lucky person...and I'm very happy that you're mine...all the best jaan...
Riddhima…this show is not my success but yours…when I found out that I was coming here to organise this event…the first thing that ran through my mind was you…I was going to be here with you…I was going to organise this event for you to perform…I had to make it the best for you…because I love you…
If you're feeling so guilty you should've of think of this first before setting them up...you knew one day or the other Abhi was going to come back...then why did you mess up Sid's life by dragging him into it...
Riddhima…like I said you made this mess now you clean it up…I haven't got time to waste on these tiny matters…I'm working here…I have a job to do…you sort your own problems out…if you created this problem it's your fault…don't think that I'm always going to be there to clear up your problems…I don't understand why you're meddling in other people's lives anyway…
Please Ridz…I've told you already…I'm really busy these days…I haven't got time to be messing around like before…Ridz I think you're just over reacting...
Riddhima you are over reacting now...I'm not selfish and neither am I too big for my boots...
You are the problem...miss princess just wants all the attention for herself...no one else should matter but her...you know what Ridz...I've also had enough of your badgering...your pointless phone calls...annoying text...people have a lives...they don't just sit around like you...so I think it's best that we end it...
Get out...I don't want to see you again...I hate you...
I hate you...
Sid: Ridz please stop this act…you knew Abhi was coming back…and yet you still got us into this mess…got me…into this mess…I'm not blind...I can see they still have feelings for each other and now I look like an idiot…thanks…
Niki: There's nothing left for you to say Ridz…everything is out in the open now…you knew Abhi was coming back…then why did you force me and Sid into this relationship…why were you trying to be cupid…
Armaan: I hate you...
Muskaan: I'll let you in on the surprise but don't tell him I told you...Armaan's been promoted...
Ba: All her friends have got married...she's the only one left...I think I should find someone for her...kyun gudia?
Minnie: And I'm sure you're also happily married...here shopping with your husband's money...so tell me how is my Armaan?...Or shall I say now your husband Armaan...
Armaan: Get out...I don't want to see you again...I hate you...
Sometime had passed when she finally realised where she was and started to panic thinking of how she had managed to get here; Padma: One year is almost up beta...if we start looking for someone now then we can have the wedding in summer...
Standing up quickly she looked around but suddenly felt very weird again as her chest began to flutter again then her heart started pounding heavily. Shashank: Tum hare liye ek bohot acha rishta aya hain...
She sat down again but her chest began to pain and it was difficult to breath. Simran: You both look so cute together...Riddhima and Vivik...how sweet...
Vivik: You we're having an affair with Mr. Armaan Malik...you were running around your parents back for over three years and breaking all limits...maybe you won't be mine...but just think about your family...your sister's family...the bond they have will be broken...and it'll be all your fault...can you see the two families falling apart...did you ever think about what your sister will think...you will be the reason of the family enmity...
Armaan: Get out...I don't want to see you again...I hate you...I hate you...I hate you...
Panicking; she stood up but felt light headed and as she looked around her surroundings began to spin and she felt herself falling to the floor...
That's all for tonight...Sorry for the suspense again...Please post your comments!
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