Dare to Love#2(DMG) Special Request on Page 100

Rahul and Muskaan were cuddled together on the sofa when Rahul suddenly asked,"I should'nt have fought with him, right???".

Muskaan was a bit surprised at the suddenness of the question. She looked up to see Rahul watch her in anxiety waiting for her reply, she shook her head in yes and looking at Rahul's sad face added,"But you are his best friend, so you have the right of fighting with him, no matter what".

Rahul felt much better after listening to her. Even though she did not like the idea of his fighting with Armaan, she was still consoling him and trying to make him feel better. "Thanks Muski" Rahul mumbled as he hugged her tighter to himself.

"Anytime mister" Muskaan teased as Rahul placed a light kiss on her cheek.

"So, what should we do??? I mean kaise unn dono ko ek saath ek hi jagah par laaye, so that they can talk to each other. Riddhima to college bhi nahi aa rahi, warna wahan unn dono ko kisi tarah ek saath kamre main band kar dete, phir to baat karni hi parti" Rahul said with an evil smirk.

"Rahul!!! Hum unn dono ko force nahi kar sakte, they have to go to each other on their own" Muskaan reprimanded.

"Tab to shayad kabhi baat nahi karenge, Armaan and his stupid ego, mara jaa raha hain, lekin phone utha ke usse baat nahi karega, idiot" Rahul muttered irritably.

"Even Riddhima, you know what??? Madam ne apna phone permanently switched off kar diya hain, taaki she is not tempted to call Armaan, I tell you, I just hate it when Riddhima gets into one of her stubborn phases" Muskaan said exasperatedly.

"Acha hain, waise bhi galti Armaan ki hain".

"Offho Rahul, stop blaming the poor guy. I know ki usse Riddhima se baat karni chahiye thi par you know na that Armaan is a bit sensitive when it comes to his friends. Ek mahine pehle bhi unn dono main issi baat ko lekar jhagra hua tha" Muskaan said as she remembered her talk with Armaan a month back.

"Kya matlab???" Rahul asked perplexed.

Muskaan recounted her talk with Armaan after his little disagreement with Riddhima a month back. Surprised at the knowledge even Rahul told her about his and Riddhima's small chat.

"So it means that Sumit is somewhat involved, and you were right" Muskaan concluded.

"I knew it, I just knew that chap was bad news" Rahul said angrily.

"Oh Puhlease Rahul, you were just jealous of him coz he went around saying that Armaan was his best friend".

"But he is not, Armaan is only my best friend" Rahul insisted.

"Yes baba" Muskaan rolled her eyes at Rahul's possesiveness.

"But then what did they fight about??? Armaan already knew that Sumit had feelings for Riddhima, then what happened???" Muskaan wondered.

Before Rahul could give his analysis regarding Armaan and Riddhima's fight, Muskaan's cell beeped. Muskaan reached for her phone and opened it,"Ridzie ka message hain, wants me to come over".

Rahul nodded and got up from their comfortable position,"Want a lift" he offered.

"No, you go back home, and don't fight with Armaan" Muskaan warned.

Rahul just shrugged his shoulders in response to Muskaan's warning as she locked her apartment and then kissing her goodbye went off. Meanwhile Muskaan hailed a cab to take her to Riddhima's house.

Rahul was in deep thought as he drove the car back home. It was amazing how a few hours with Muskaan could clear his mind and calm him down while at the sametime she was the only woman who was capable of bringing his angriest avatar to life. This is what he loved about his relationship with Muskaan, no matter how much they fought with each other, underneath all those fights there was a much deeper love and understanding that united them together.

She was right, he should not force Armaan to go and talk to Riddhima, but let him realize it himself. He just prayed that common sense would prevail to Armaan soon. All he wanted was his best buddy to be happy, something which he truly deserved. Thinking all this he entered their apartment only to find Armaan locked up in his room. Rahul sighed, maybe he deserved it. After all he had been mean to Armaan, what did he hope that Armaan would just forget everything and come and hug him.

In his room Armaan heard the faint click of the main door and knew that Rahul had returned. He was not sure if he wanted to go and face his best friend after the showdown they had had. All this time he had thought about what Rahul had said and for the first time evaluated his actions. It was true, he had not given Riddhima a chance to explain herself, he had just assumed what he wanted to. He knew that she had reservations against Sumit from day one but still he lost his temper and shouted at her. Moreover he knew that Riddhima was a girl who never hurt people unless provoked.

And since the last three days he had been waiting for her to come and apologize. He had not even called her and only he knew how aweful it felt not to hear her voice or see her for so many days. He picked up his cell like he had done countless times in the last three days and pressed speed dial 3 but disconnected it immediately just like he had been doing earlier. But today for the first time alongwith the anger came a tinge of guilt, guilt of not listening to the person who mattered the world to him.

Armaan's head reeled with all the thoughts and he opened his door to find Rahul watching Charlie Chaplin on the television. He just stood at the door watching Rahul who had a serious expression on his face as he watched the scenes flashed beofre his eyes. Rahul turned to look at Armaan and smiled slightly. Armaan walked upto the sofa and sat down to watch the series alongwith Rahul. Soon both of them were laughing loudly at the antics and mishaps of Charlie Chaplin and as both friends turned to look at each other, they were glad that they had not let a fight break their bond. They had overcome their differences like they had done in the past.

Muskaan found Riddhima flipping the pages of a magazine lazily,"Hey, whats up???".

Riddhima looked up to find Muskaan smiling at her,"Nothing, I am just bored".

"I know, so when can you come to college???".

"Pata nahi, whenever jijs says yes then only".

"Lekin why are you not coming to the college???".

"Its nothing Muskaan, just forget it".

Muskaan sighed. She knew it had something to do with the breakup but only if Riddhima would confide in her. It was not like Atul jijs to stop her from going somewhere, specially not college. Giving up she started a random topic but noticed that Riddhima's attention was hardly on her. She had a faraway look on her face and Muskaan knew what she was thinking about.

Muskaan hesitated a bit but then spoke up,"He..........he is ok".

Riddhima was a bit startled when she heard Muskaan. She turned her face to ask whom but stopped when she saw the look on Muskaan's face. Who was she kidding??? Muskaan knew her inside out, did she really think that she could hide her feelings from her best friend. She turned her face away as she felt tears glisten her eyes. The only thing that bothered her was that he had not called. It had been three days but still there were no calls from him. True she kept her mobile switched off but she always checked once in a day for his missed calls, but they were none.

Riddhima hugged Muskaan as she fought to keep her tears at bay while Muskaan tried to pacify her as best as she could. Muskaan then tried to divert Riddhima's attention by telling her funny incidents which occured in the college in her absence and soon Riddhima was laughing loudly listening to Muskaan's stories. Mission Successful, Muskaan bid Riddhima farewell and prayed that they would get back together soon.

Atul walked in Riddhima's room sleepily. He had two surgeries and then ofcourse he was handling the Sumit case. Even though he was one of the top surgeons in Sanjivani, he was not used to using his post or authority for his personal benefit. And even today if it were upto him, he would have tried to avoid this way but then he could not let Sumit anywhere near Riddhima.

"Ridzie, going to sleep?" Atul asked as he saw her lying on her bed reading a book.

Riddhima looked up and saw the sleepy look on his face,"Should'nt it be I am going to sleep, jijs" and added,"You look tired".

"I am, I just have to talk to you".

"What???".

"I got that chap suspended" Atul informed.

"Oh!" was all that Riddhima could say. She did not know whether she should be dancing in joy at the fact that Sumit was out of her life forever or sad that Armaan would maybe misinterpret even this action of hers.

"You can go to college from tomorrow, it will be his last day".

Riddhima looked up when she heard Atul, go to college!!!!!!! But that would mean seeing Armaan. That was the one thing she had been able to avoid for all these days, how would she face him??? Should she acknowledge him, fight with him or be rude to him. She did not know, she had no clue as to how she should behave once she sees him and moreover she was not sure if she could control herself infront of him.

She had kept all her feelings regarding him bottled up inside but she knew all her self control would vanish once she sees him. Atul looked at Riddhima deep in thought and knew what was bothering her. Walking upto her, he placed his hand on her shoulder and said soothingly,"Hey, no matter what your decision is, remember me and Anjie are always there with you, ok".

Riddhima nodded her head in a yes as Atul kissed her on the head and wishing her good night went to sleep. She had to be strong, she was not going to give in. She had been able to avoid him for so many days, she had not called him no matter what. It was his fault, and he was going to make the first move. She would not go to him. Yes, she can face him. Feeling determined Riddhima tried to sleep hoping her plan works tomorrow.

Riddhima stood in her driveway waiting for Muskaan to pick her up. It felt weird not going to college with Armaan. Ever since they had been together they had come and gone in his car.No matter how hard she protested he always managed to convinve her to be with him. No!!!!! She was not going to think about him. Did'nt she promise herself that. She was going to block out all his thoughts from her mind. But it was easier said than done.

Luckily for Riddhima Muskaan arrived just then. One look at Riddhima's pale face and swollen eyes and Muskaan knew that yesterday had been another night of sleeplessness and lots of twisting and turning. Choosing not to comment Muskaan greeted Riddhima and drove off to the college.

After sometime both Riddhima and Muskaan stood outside the college gates. While Riddhima was in deep thought, Muskaan was waiting for Riddhima to compose herself and be prepared. She knew this was not gonna be easy for Riddhima, moreover Armaan had no idea that Riddhima was coming back today. She had messaged Rahul last night about Riddhima's return but he had chose not to inform Armaan.

On the other hand Armaan and Rahul had arrived early and were waiting in the classroom for the bell to ring. Rahul kept looking towards the door waiting for Riddhima to enter. He was dying to see Armaan's reaction on seeing her. He had purposely not told Armaan about her arrival coz he did not want Armaan to be prepared, instead he wanted him to be surprised and hoped that on seeing Riddhima, Armaan's stubborn resolve would break down.

Just then a peon entered their classroom,"The principal is calling Sumit Kapoor" he announced and left.

A bit surprised Sumit got up and headed towards the cabin while Armaan and Rahul exchanged glances and wondered why he was being called all of a sudden. Before they could start discussing Riddhima entered the class keeping her gaze steady on the floor while Muskaan followed her a few steps behind.

Armaan froze. Riddhima!!!!!!!! Riddhima had come to college today. OMG he was seeing her after days............well 3 days. But still it felt like a lifetime. He kept staring at her as she walked upto a bench and sat down. Had she lost weight???????? She looked thin. And why was her face so pale and white???????? Was she sick????????? Is that why she was not coming to the college??????? And what was the matter with her eyes?????? Why were they so red and swollen????????

"Cough!" Riddhima suppressed a cough as she opened her books and sat down to read. But still the sound reached Armaan even though he was sitting far behind. He watched her each and every action. She was coughing. Did she have fever??????? Why the hell had Muskaan not told him?????? Maybe thats why she had not called him. Oh God, what kind of a guy he was, the love of his life was miserable and he had been behaving like a stupid jerk. Cursing himself Armaan got up to go to Riddhima but had to sit down when he saw the professor entering.

All through the lecture Armaan's gaze was fixed on Riddhima. How could he be cruel???????? He loved her, more than he had loved anybody. And moreover he was loved by her. A feeling that he was not used to. Riddhima loved him and made him feel special. And what had he done, gone and hurt her. For what???????? Hell, he could not even remember a reason, maybe coz there was no reason.

Riddhima fidgeted in her seat as she felt Armaan's gaze on her. She knew that he was looking at her and so avoided looking up, in fear that she may come face to face with him. She wished he would not look at her coz they way he looks always makes her heart melt. It makes her feel special and wanted. Trying to ignore his gaze Riddhima shifted her attention towards the professor who was speaking and waited for the class to get over.

As soon as the bell rang, Riddhima left her books and ran out of the class, along the corridor until she reached a store room. Without a single thought Armaan dashed after her as Rahul and Muskaan watched their retreating backs hoping that things would work out and keeping their fingers crossed.

Armaan followed Riddhima and stopped outside the store room wondering whether to go in or not and what to say to her. Taking a deep breath he opened the door a little when he heard muffled sobs and stopped. Riddhima was crying!!!!!! Armaan closed his eyes as he felt his eyes moisten too. He could never see her upset or crying. It broke him. He peeped in and saw Riddhima huddled on the floor hands on her face, sobbing badly.

In that one instant Armaan hated himself. He despised that he was the reason for Riddhima's tears. He had promised that he would always be there with her, but today he was the one making her cry. To think that Riddhima Gupta, such a strong girl was reduced to crying and that also because of him made him angry at himself. She did not deserve this, she only deserved love and happiness. Why was he such a fool??????? Why did he hurt her??????

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Riddhima sobbed as she sat on the floor in the dusty store room. She could not do this. No matter what she told herself she could not bring herself to be normal infront of Armaan. Heck, she could'nt even be in one class with him. How was she going to be with him for the rest of the year. She missed him, she missed him so bad that it hurt her. She wanted things to be right. She wanted him to come and just hold her and tell her that he was there. She wanted him, she wanted her Armaan back.

She looked up when she heard the sound of a door opening and there standing before her was Armaan. He just looked at her and took in her appearance without saying a word. The tears still streaming down her cheeks and some stuck on her eyelids waiting to fall. Before she could say anything he crossed the distance between them in a two giant leaps and grabbing her hugged her tightly.

Riddhima froze as she felt Armaan's arms go round her and pull her to him. She felt his arms tighten round her waist and his face buried in her hair as he clung to her. And then the dam broke. She clasped her hands around his neck as she cried her heart out. All the pain and misery that she had kept bottled up inside her all these days came out as tears poured down her face. She hugged him tighter wanting to assure herself that he was infact there with her, and all of this was not a dream.

Armaan soothed her and rubbed her back as she cried in his arms. He knew that she had to cry and take this out before it hurt her more, so he let her cry. He waited patiently as she cried her last tear still clinging to him. Then when she was sure that she had stopped and he could feel her heavy breaths, he whispered in her ears,"I am sorry my love".

Riddhima whimpered as she heard him and buried her face in his neck feeling his fragrance surround her. "I love you" Armaan whispered again and tried to break apart. But Riddhima did not relent and instead tightened her hold. She still needed assurance and relief, and she was getting it in his arms only.

Finally after sometime Riddhima moved a little back and said in a soft voice,"Don't ever do that again".

"Never again, I promise" Armaan assured as he lifted her face and kissed her deeply. Riddhima kissed him back happy to be with him and feel him around her again. When they broke apart after sometime, Armaan looked at her and said softly,"You know whenever I kiss you, I know you are all mine".

And Riddhima did just that. She told Armaan everything. From the incident between her and Sumit three years ago to the final showdown in the college a few days back. Riddhima felt light as she told Armaan, as if a weight that she never knew she was carrying had been removed. Armaan's expressions turned from shocked to guilty to anger and then finally settled on a sombre one. As Riddhima finished speaking she looked up to see Armaan's reaction but was a bit surprised when she found him staring at vacant space with absolutely no expression on his face.

"Armaan" she called out tentatively wondering if he was mad or angry or whether he believed her at all.

Armaan gave no response except backing away from her and turning his back while in deep thought. Riddhima panicked for a second wondering if he did not believe her until Armaan's voice said to her very seriously,"Wait for me, I will be back" and saying so he walked out the door while Riddhima just stood there stunned not understanding what was happening. After a few moments when Riddhima came out of her reverie she followed Armaan outside calling out to him but he merely shouted later and kept on walking.

Riddhima was highly confused now. Was he angry??? Well then why did he ask her to wait for him??? Did he not believe her??? But then he would have counter attacked her or something not just walked out of there like that. She tried to follow Armaan but he was already way ahead of her and even when she ran she could not catch up with him and soon lost him after following for a few corridors.

Riddhima walked back in class still wondering what had suddenly happened to Armaan. She replayed the whole scene again but ended up getting even more confused than she already was. She had no clue about Armaan's actions and moreover his sudden disappearance. Rahul and Muskaan sat in the class thinking about Armaan and Riddhima when they spotted Riddhima entering.

"Ridzie" Muskaan called out while Rahul looked around for Armaan. Oh no, I hope they did not fight again, thought Rahul as Riddhima came and sat next to them.

"Riddhima, kya hua??? Where's Armaan???" Rahul asked as soon as she sat down.

"He went somewhere" Riddhima answered trying to figure out the reply herself.

"Went somewhere???" Rahul asked puzzled and then asked hesitantly,"You guys did not fight again, I hope".

"No, we made up and then I told him everything but he just took off" Riddhima replied as puzzled as Rahul and Muskaan.

Meanwhile Armaan drove his car as Riddhima's explanation continued to cloud his mind and the anger that he had managed to surpress infront of her came out as he banged the steering wheel and drove faster. Reaching his destination he came out and rang the bell.

"Armaan???" Sumit asked as soon as he opened the door.

Thump.

Sumit lay on the ground with Armaan towering over him. He touched his nose where Armaan had just hit him but even before he could register the blood Armaan picked him up and punched him in the stomach.

"Aaah........Armaan...........what" Sumit managed as he lay on the ground clutching his stomach.

Armaan merely picked him up as if he carried no weight and continued to kick and punch him,"How dare you Sumit, how dare you touch Riddhima".

"Armaan...........please listen" Sumit begged.

Armaan picked him up from his collar and shook him,"No you listen Sumit, you come near Riddhima and I will kill you, I swear" saying so he flinged him on the ground and went away leaving Sumit on the ground moaning in pain.

"What do you mean went away??? Ok tell me from the beginning, what happened between you guys" Rahul asked trying to solve the mystery behing Armaan's sudden disappearance.

"I told you Rahul, he asked me I told him and then he said wait for me and then just went away" Riddhima said exasperated.

"What did you tell him???" Muskaan asked trying to throw light on why they had broken up in the first place.

"Ummm.............I........."Riddhima hesitated.

"Its ok Riddhima, if you don't want to tell us then don't"Rahul assured seeing her hesitation.

Riddhima looked at Rahul and Muskaan nodding in an understanding way and realized that they deserved to know the truth as much as Armaan did. After all even they were somewhat a part of this whole fiasco and she could trust them. They would never tell it to anybody else. Making up her mind she said,"Umm no guys, actually I don't wanna talk here, can we go someplace".

Rahul and Muskaan smiled listening to Riddhima. They were glad that she had decided to share it with them. "Sure lets go to the library" Rahul suggested.

"But what about the lecture" Riddhima asked.

Muskaan rolled her eyes,"Oh God Ridzie, tune teen din classes miss kiye hai, ek aur kal legi to kuch nahi ho jayega".

Giving up Riddhima went to the library with them and told them what she had told Armaan. Rahul and Muskaan's eyes widened when they heard about Sumit and felt disgusted that they had known such a chap.

"Oh my goodness, Ridzie, tune mujhe bhi nahi............"Muskaan started but was interrupted by Rahul who looked as if he had solved the mystery.

"Oh no, oh no no no. Man, we have to stop him, hume usse rokna hoga, shit" Rahul muttered as he got up to go but was stopped by Muskaan.

"Where do you think you are going mister??? Aur hume kisse rokna hoga???" Muskaan asked suspiciously.

"Armaan ko, before he k..............." Rahul stopped when he saw Riddhima and Muskaan infront of him.

"Tumhe pata hai Armaan kaha gaya hai???" Riddhima asked turning to Rahul.

"Ummm na...I mean haan, mujhe pata hai"Rahul admitted knowing his lie would be caught.

"Well where is he???" Riddhima asked impatiently wondering why he did not tell himself.

"Aaah..........I can't tell you" Rahul answered shocking Riddhima and Muskaan.

"What" they shouted.

"Yes I am not telling you girls anything, now let me go".

"But Rahul.........." Riddhima persisted.

"No Riddhima you are not gonna get anything out of me" Rahul stubbornly refused and continued to walk away.

"Ridzie, let me handle this" Muskaan said confidently as she followed Rahul.

"Oye Rahul ke bachche, tu mujhe bata raha hai ki ek lagau" Muskaan called out loudly.

The librarian beat Rahul in responding to Muskaan's call,"Miss Chadha, may I remind you that you are in a library, kindly lower your volume and also improve your language" saying so she went away shaking her head disapprovingly and muttering under her breath.

Muskaan's anger increased after the librarian's reprimand and muttering a few choicest curses to the lady she turned her attention back to Rahul. Walking upto him she dragged him by the collar outside the library and started shouting,"Idiot tere wajhe se mujhe usse daant pari, ab tu mujhe batata hai ki main maroon".

"Muskaan kya kar rahi hai, hum college main hain, sab hume dekhenge, chor" Rahul said trying to free himself.

"To phir mujhe chup chap bata ki Armaan kaha hai" Muskaan threatened.

"Muskaan main abhi nahi bata sakta, baad main bataunga, abhi mujhe jaane de" Rahul requested.

"Nahi, mujhe abhi jaana hain" Muskaan persisted.

"Muskaan!!!!!!!" Rahul warned.

"Rahul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Muskaan shouted.

"Guys!!!!!!" Riddhima shouted seeing both of them wrestle,"Stop it both of you now". Muskaan let go of Rahul and stepped back as Rahul adjusted his collar.

"Fine Rahul, do whatever you guys want, don't tell us where Armaan is, I am tired, I am going home, if you find that friend of yours then tell him that he was the one who wanted to talk, instead he ran away, so he owes me a talk" saying so Riddhima walked away and Muskaan giving a dirty look to Rahul followed her.

Rahul sighed with relief and then called Armaan hoping that his whereabouts about Armaan were wrong. Armaan picked up the phone after a few rings.