Originally posted by: namita18
Hey..
Wen will u update yaar? I cant wait more.....
Pls update soon
Luv u
Takecare
Originally posted by: naureen_aly
aaj bhi laagta hai ka update nahi mila gaa 😔
Originally posted by: AbhiNikiLuver
pwease update today??
Hi Mansi! hi laddo so happy to see you again..
Recap: Abhimanyu and Niki return ,Ridhhima goes to stay with her parents and it's a total disaster for Armaan who miss her terribly.. Armaan and Abhimanyu meet at a party and tussle starts again...
________________________________________________
She quickly got off the car and walked towards the reception desk
" hi, I'm Ridhhima Malik I had a reservation.., "
" yes ma'am, your guest has been waiting for you " the receptionist smiled and asked a waiter to escort her to the table... She followed the man uncertain what the meeting would result in... But at least it would be a try...
" there ma'am " he showed her the table and she could make out from the figure that the person was already there.." thank you " she came up to the table and stood right in front " Niki.. "
Niki looked up and got up smiling " Ridhhima.. " both ladies hugged each other
" thanks for coming Niki.. Mujhe laga shayad tum nahi aa paogi "
" aisa ho hi nahi sakta Ridhhima ki tum bulao aur main naa aaun... Bas wo kal raat ke baad..." Ridhhima kept a hand over hers
" I'm sorry Niki mujhe is baat ka zara bhi andaza nahi tha ki.. " Niki smiled
" it's okay Ridhhima main Abhi aur Armaan dono ko jaanti hun, it was very much expected... Magar raat gayi baat gayi "
" nahi Niki, it's not over yet " both looked at each other, Niki could make out from her face that she was troubled
" kya hua Ridhhima ? Tumne mujhe yahan achanak kyun bulaya ? "
" it's about Armaan and Abhimanyu... " there was no surprise in her eyes ,just question ' what now ? ' " Armaan Abhimanyu se bahut naraz hai... Aur... Aur mujhe lagta hai wo Abhimanyu se itna naraz nahi hai jitna khud se ki wo tumhe usse shaadi karne se rok nahi paaya... Aur kuch tumse bhi.. He thinks you have betrayed him... his friendship " Niki looked sad and disturbed but didn't said anything " Niki.. Aisa kya ho gaya ki tumne Abhimanyu se shaadi kar li... You loved Armaan..." Niki looked up at her
" Ridhhima..." she was unsure what to say, to the wife of the man she once, so called- loved, Ridhhima kept a hand over hers
" it's okay Niki, tum mujhse keh sakti ho... Yeh mat sochna ki main tumhe kisi baat ke liye zimmedar manungi ya apna dushman samjhungi... We too are friends... Hai naa " Niki understood what she wanted to say, she was scared that Ridhhima might take her that she would be the other women in Armaan's life... She was glad that Ridhhima was understanding enough...
" Ridhhima tumhare jaisi dost paa kar mujhe behad khushi hogi " she said relieved...
" to phir mujhe batao Niki, ki aakhir hua kya ? Tum Armaan Abhimanyu dono se judi ho aur shayad ab hamein hi kuch karna hoga warna yeh dono apni dushmani ko aur badhate rahenge..." Niki nodded
She told her how she misunderstood that she's being engaged to Armaan and how he declared that he's going to marry Ridhhima "...mujhe engagement ke baad pata chala ki Armaan aur Abhimanyu rivals hain... Ek dusre ko dekhna tak pasand nahi karte... Magar tab tak bahut daer ho chuki thi... Main Armaan ko batane ki himmat nahi juta paayi aur phir uss din..." she narrated the incident when they met outside the hotel where she and Abhimanyu dined and Armaan came to know that she's marrying Abhimanyu... How he tried to dissuade her ,but she just could not say that she loved him and he didn't...
" magar yeh to koi wajah nahi hui naa shaadi ki Niki.. "
" Dil to tuut hi chuka tha.. To socha ki mera pyaar na sahi kisi aur ka to pura ho jaaye..."
" Aur isliye tumne Abhi se shaadi ke liye haan keh di..." Niki said nothing ,Ridhhima sighed she could perfectly understand her pain... she kept a hand over hers both ladies didn't had to speak to understand each other
" but mujhe apne faisle par koi afsos nahi hai balki jo hua achha hi hua ,Abhi bahut achhe hain Ridhhima, unke saath reh kar maine kabhi akelapan mehsoos nahi kiya. He has become my best ,most understanding friend ever... Aur Armaan ke liye shayad jo meri feelings thi, ab sochti hun to lagta hai ki kahin main apni hi feelings ko le kar confuse to nahi thi Kyunki mujhe jitna laga ki main Armaan ko miss karunki utna kiya nahi... Of course he's my friend but shayad wo duur reh kar jo tadap honi chahiye thi wo kahi missing thi aur is baat ne mujhe ehsaas dilaya ki main jaisa samajh rahi thi waisa hai nahi... And trust me yeh sach hai sirf tumhe kehne ke liye nahi...
Abhi se ek din duur reh kar mujhe bechaini ho jaati hai jo Armaan ke saath nahi thi hi nahi... I ...I Think I have fallen in love with my husband Ridhhima... 'He's' my first love " a smile crept on her lips.. And it infected Ridhhima too bringing a relief...
*** *** *** *** ***
" Sameer take down all the points I want to clear everything today itself and move on ahead with other things " Sameer nodded, they walked to the conference room " Sameer.." Armaan stopped " isn't that Abhimanyu Modi's Manager ? " he pointed to a man chatting with someone
" yeah he is " Sameer looked at the man
" what's he doing here ? "
" don't know... Do you want to know ? "
" no.. We've better work to do then spy on Modi's manager " he looked at both the men for a while " but he looks like..." he stopped for a moment eying both narrowly, after a moment he shrugged and turned to Sameer again " Neway, just go and check if the delegates are here.." Sameer went away and with a glance in the direction of Abhimanyu's manager he followed Sameer...
The meeting was successful ,Armaan and Sameer came out after the meeting... Armaan looked here and there as if looking for something...
" umm.. Sameer.."
" yes sir "
" you go and call for the car.. I'll be back in a moment, forgot something.. "
" should I bring it ? What is it ? " Sameer offered
" No, It's okay . I'll get it myself " he rushed back inside from the lobby leaving Sameer
As soon as he was out of sight he turned and walked to a steward who pointed him to a direction...,taking quick steps he went to the suiet area... Coming to halt before a room, he opened the door... Two men stood up ,it was clear that they were scared for a moment....
" relax, it's me.."
" let's make it quick, what do you want from me..? " the man said ,he could see that he was scared but pretended to be brave, a bead of sweat that trailed down from his forehead, that too in an airconditioned room, betrayed his show of bravery. he smiled inwardly ,he had the desired effect...
" same thing you have to offer.." the man looked confused " only for double the price and exclusive services... That way we both'll be happy " he sat down on the couch spreading his Arms on either sides ,his feet on the table one over the other, both men were still standing confused ,gaping at him... He explained them what he wanted...
" that's impossible !... That would be cheating ,It can get me into trouble and even more than that..." he trailed off
He sniggered " you are in no less trouble already.." he eyed both the men narrowly " Ab yeh tumhare haath main hain ki tum kaun sa offer lete ho, warna..."
" tum mujhe blakmail kar rahe ho " first man roared
" abhi tak to nahi... Aur aage karunga bhi nahi ,agar tumne majboor nahi kiya to..." he gave a wicked smile, he knew he had made an impact... The men looked at each other, they were trapped and had no choice, the first man sighed and with that he knew he had won.. " good decision, get to work from tomorrow.." with those words he came out of the room quickly, into the lobby
Sameer came back and found Armaan waiting for him " where were you ? "
" just went to take a call, You took quiet long, did you get what you were looking for ? "
" yes, it was right there..." he waved his pen at him, it was the one which Aditya presented him on his birthday.. " let's go, there's lots to do.." he hurried to the car
He came back home whistling, Ridhhima could see that he was happy today and had a satisfied look on his face...
" kya baat hai Armaan, aaj bade khush lag rahe ho.. " she smiled wondering about his cause of happiness
" yess ,I'm very happy today " he loosened his tie " that Modi will soon learn some lesson.."
Ridhhima's smile vanished " Armaan tum phir..."
" please Ridhhima abhi nahi... Main abhi bahut khush hun, our new deal will floor Modi, don't spoil my mood talking about him.. And tell me one thing why do you always take his side huh... I thought you are 'my' friend..." he stood before her with hand on his waist... she could see he wasn't angry ,just mocking... Before she could give any reply he went to change laughing lightly, shaking his head...
" huuuh... Armaan tumse ziddi insaan maine aaj tak nahi dekha... Ab kya karun ? Pata nahi ab kaun si nayi musibat plan ki hai Abhimanyu ke liye..." she wondered what to do and quickly grabbed her phone " hello Niki... Yeah it's me... Hamein jaldi kuch karna padega, things are getting worse..." after a quick chat she put the phone down... maybe this could help...
He was busy going through a file when his phone rang up
" yes "
" sir there's someone to meet you "
" who ? And I didn't had any meeting lined up today "
" um she's on her way to your room sir "
" she ?? But.." the door opened and with that came a big surprise
" hello Mr. Malik, kya aapke paas mere liye thoda time hai ? " she smiled broadly seeing the surprised look at his face...
" Ridhhima ! "
His happiness knew no bounds, he kept stealing glances at her while she looked out of the car. Ridhhima gave him a big surprise ,coming to see him and then asking to go out for lunch ! With him ! Boy it was turning out to be a really goood day... He wondered whose face he saw first in the morning today... He grinned to himself when he remembered it was Ridhhima... He got up instantly cancelling everything lined up for the day... It would be just him and Ridhhima today... All his efforts seem to pay off now... He was further happily surprised when he came to know that she had already made the reservations and everything... For them...
" Ridhhima tumne sab kuch pehle hi kar rakha tha ? "
" haan, didn't wanted to waste time... feeling very hungry you see " she grinned, they were escorted to their table ,the place was very nice and calm with soft slow music at the back ground and people sitting and chatting in a low hum around... From the window they could see the pool side and lawns of the hotel he appreciated her mentally for her choice it really had a soothing effect... But it was her company that did the real magic to his heart...
" so should we order..? " he scanned the menu, when he didn't got the reply he looked up " Ridhhima ?? Main tumse kuch puuch raha hun... Kahan dekh rahi ho tum ? " he looked around
" um nahi... kuch nahi bas aise hi " she too picked up the menu card
" excuse me ,i think this table is reserved... " he turned hearing the voice only to get stunned... Ridhhima too looked up
" Niki ! What a surprise , tum yahan kaise ? Aao naa " she stood up hugging her lightly ,Niki looked at Armaan who had turned his face away without a word, staring at the menu card as if he didn't knew her... Never heard her...
" n..nahi Ridhhima it's okay wo actually main aaj apni friend ke sath lunch ke liye aayi thi..." she looked at Armaan who still refused to look at her " Mujhe bataya ki this is the table reserved "
" this table is reserved for us, aap jaa kar confirm kariye shayad koi galatfehmi hui hai " came the cold words from him
Before she could reply ,the manager came there " we're extreamely sorry madam kuch confusion ki wajah se aapko already reserved table dubara allot ho gayi "
" this is very careless on your part mister, but i'm sure aap inko " Armaan pointed at Niki " bata sakte hain ki we reserved it first, you can make arrangements for her ,i don't have time to waste in any arguments "
The manager apologised profusely for the mistake but told that the restaurant is full at the moment and she had to wait for at least half an hour... He offered her to wait in their executive lounge till the time but Ridhhima stepped in...
" no it's okay, she'll be joining us " Armaan glared at Ridhhima but she was firm and he mutely agreed... Niki sat down with them ,Armaan still pretended to be very interested in the menu card...
" so Niki " Ridhhima tried to start a conversation as Armaan clearly was in no mood " how's life ?... Tum to pehle se bhi zyada sundar lag rahi ho, saree suits you "
" but it suits you better " Armaan thought
" and how's.." Armaan's eyes shot up ,glaring at Ridhhima " work " she stressed on it ,conveying that she wasn't about to ask about Abhimanyu, he went back to menu. She shook her head... Niki looked at Armaan ,it was really hurting to see your once best friend acting like a total stranger to you...
" everything is fine " she forced a smile,
" umm ek kaam kyun nahi karte tum kuch order karo tab tak main zara fresh ho kar aati hun "
" but.. "
" main bas ladies room tak ja rahi hun Armaan, not running away somewhere.." he just sat back, frowning.. Not happy with the idea of sitting alone with Niki
he watched her go " itne naraaz ho mujhse Armaan ? " He looked at her but said nothing " kaise ho Armaan ? " she asked again softly
" why ? does it matter to you ? Why do you bother ? " he replied curtly
Niki kept a hand over his and said softly " I missed you too Armaan... I missed my best friend..."
He looked at her hand over his and slowly pulled it away " what friend ? Jise tumne itne mahino main ek baar bhi yaad karna jaruri nahi samjha... Aur tum mujhe apna sabse achha dost kehti ho ? "
She could clearly feel that he was still hurt and angry... But her initiative had melted him a bit.. She knew he couldn't remain angry with her for long ,he loved her- as a friend- too much to do so...
" oh Armaan ,I really did missed you " Ridhhima watched them from behind the pillar right next to where they sat " bas main thoda darti thi ki kahin tum aur naraz naa ho jao.."
" Kya tumne kabhi koshish kari yeh dekhne ki ,ki main naraz hota hun ya nahi... Tum sab kuch apne aap hi kyun soch leti ho ? "
" tumne bhi to kabhi koshish nahi ki " he shifted a little " kya tumhari dushmani hamari dosti se badi hai Armaan... Tumne to yeh jaanne ki koshish bhi nahi kari ki main hun kahan... Naraz to mujhe hona chahiye tumse, jab mujhe tumhari sabse jyada jarurat thi tab tum the hi nahi... Shaadi ke din main tumhara intezar karti rahi aur phir Rahul ne bataya ki tum nahi aa rahe to meri saari umeed hi tuut gayi... Mujhe laga ki ab hum kabhi nahi milenge "
He didn't speak for a while and kept staring blankly at the glass of water thinking about something " jaanta hun... pehle nahi keh paaya..." he looked up at her " tum apne wedding dress main bahut sundar lag rahi thi.. Us langoor ne zaroor kuch achhe karm kiye honge jo use tum mil gayi "
Niki was stunned and so was Ridhhima " Armaan.. Tum.. Tum aaye the ? "
" itna bhi bura nahi hun Niki " as their eyes met she saw the same old Armaan looking back at her ,and after what seemed like a long time he gave a small smile " kaisi ho Niki ? " with that simple question she felt her eyes welling up with tears
" heyyy no crying plz. " she chuckled at the panic in his voice, he still couldn't handle tears
" theek hun " she wiped her tears, two friends had made up after all
" Is he.. Are you... Okay ? " he fumbled for words and waited anxiously for her reply. She knew what he meant was that if she was happy ,she smiled at him feeling happy that he still cared enough
" haan Armaan main khush hun Abhi mera bahut khayal rakhte hain " he exaled scowling inwardly at the name, happy that she was happy, unhappy that was happy with Abhimanyu Modi...
" well that's fine... Relief... But still if he's not taking good care of you i know a perfectly good lawyer " her eyebrows shot up " yeah trust me he's good... Ridhhima consults him all the time " he took a sip of water
Niki looked at him uncertain if he was joking or really serious, but then it's Armaan she was talking of so it must be the first case... Unable to control it any longer she laughed out ,he joined her grinning flashing his dimples and with that the ice was somewhat broken... Two friends were kind of back again together... Laughing... Smiling...
Ridhhima wiped her eyes... Emotions filled her heart seeing their pure friendship... But as she turned her eyes fell on someone and her smile froze... Abhimanyu Modi was marching straight to them... before she could manage to come upto them he was already there...
Armaan saw who was standing next to her and his smile got replaced with a murderous look, he stood up looking directly into his eyes... None blinked... Killing looks were exchanged...
Niki froze she didn't knew what to do " Abhi wo.." but he raised a finger and stopped her turning to Armaan
Ridhhima quickly stepped in for the damage control , Abhi''s visit was totally unexpected " sorry mujhe aane main thodi daer ho gayi.." she slipped her arm in his squeezing it gently, ready to hold him if things got out of control
" keep away from my wife Malik, warna..." he took a step
" Abhi please.." Niki held his hand
" warna kya Modi.."
" Armaan.." Ridhhima held his arm pulling him lightly, he turned and looked at her scared face.. Her eyes fell on Niki looked equally worried " i'll see you Modi..."
Maybe Abhimanyu was thinking on the same lines as he too retreated " any time Malik " with a final look at Armaan he held Niki's hand and walked away . Niki turned and looked at them helplessly..
" it's okay Ridhhima, don't worry " he felt that she was still holding his arm tightly, he gave a small smile trying to comfort her... Everytime they met Ridhhima wondered if they could behave in any more threatning manner... The lunch was no fun then and both came out after light snacks deciding to go home straight...
Niki worried as Abhimanyu didn't said a word for a while... He was definitely angry with her...
" Abhi i'm sorry... Wo galti se same table allot ho gayi thi..."
" agar same table allot ho bhi gayi thi Niki to tumhe Armaan ke saath wahan baithne ki kya jarurat thi " he was definitely very angry..
She shrunk seeing him soo angry " wo.. Ridhhima ne... I'm sorry... " her voice quivered as a lump raised in her throat choaking her words and two fat tears rolled down her cheeks...
Abhimanyu quickly stopped the car by the roadside and turned to her she was surprised ,worried that she has further infuriated him " Niki, aaj main tumhe ek baat saaf saaf keh dena chahta hun " he paused looking at her scared face " main kabhi bhi.. And i mean kabhi bhi..." she held her breath " tumhari aankhon main aansoon nahi dekhna chahta " she wondered if she'd heard him correctly ,he smiled sweetly at her and cupped her face in his palms wiping her tears with his thumbs " i'm sorry Niki, i acted like a jerk.. But plz... try to stay away from him... aur agar maine Armaan ki wajah se kabhi bhi tumhe dukhi dekha to... I'll see to it that he pays for it " his face hardened with those words
" Abhi.. Magar Armaan ne kuch nahi kaha... Wo to bas..." he kept a finger on her lips making her go quiet
" no more Armaan please " she shivered with his touch on her lips and they were lost in each others eyes... Abhimanyu broke the trance first, Seeing that she was okay he gave her a smile, which got broader seeing a blush creeping on her cheeks...
On the other hand Ridhhima was quiet while he drove, Niki's words still echoed in her mind... His words broke her chain of thoughts
" Kya hua Niki ke baare main soch rahi ho ?.. Yeh Niki bhi naa.. Bilkul pagal hai.. Kitna mana kiya tha maine magar phir bhi... Apne pyaar ko bhuul kar us ullu ke pathhe se shaadi kar li... Koi hansi mazaak thodi na hai, shaadi hai ! ,puri zindagi ka sawaal hai ,ek galat kadam aur... Aur dekha aaj " He hit the steering wheel in anger and frustration
" Haan lekin hum usko kaise judge kar sakte hain ki usne theek kiya ki nahi..." She gazed at him meaningfully
He took a moment before speaking " Haan..." He didn't look at her probably he understood what she meant... He didn't do anything different with her.. " waise Ridhhima... agar tum uski jagah hoti to kya karti ? " he looked into her eyes briefly
" Main...?? " she went quiet for a moment " Main bhi shayad wahi karti... Apne dukh ki wajah se dusre ki khushi nahi chhenti.. Kya uske paas aur koi chaara tha ?, us adhure pyaar ko yaad kar kar ke rone se achha to yahi tha ki naye sire se zindagi ki shurat ki jaaye "
" Aur isliye tum ek adhure mann se ek naye rishte main bandh jaati, sirf apne dukh ko bhulane ke liye.. Yeh to sirf samjhuta hota naa, kya yeh uske saath nainsaafi nahi hai jo tumhe sachhe dil se chahta hai ? " he looked at her briefly, She was quiet stunned... " aur kya tum us rishte ko sach main dil se apna paati...?? "
" Huuuhh... nahi, shayad nahi magar koshish to ki ja sakti hai naa..."
" Magar kuch baatein hamesha dil main reh jaati hain... hai naa "
" Tuute dil ko samjhana bahut mushkil hota hai Armaan, tum kabhi apne pyaar se juda nahi hue.. tum nahi samjhoge..."
" Chahe dusra uss layak ho ya nahi..." She looked at him confused trying to understand what he wanted to say
" Matlab ? "
" Kuch nahi..." ' nahi Ridhhima tum nahi samjhogi apne pyaar ke paas hote hue bhi uske saath naa hone ka dard.. Har pal use kho dene ka darr...' " He thought as he drove in silence both busy in their thoughts.. he stopped before the house
" Ridhhima..."
" hmm "
" Ridhhima... Wo tumse kuch keha tha.." She looked at him waiting, his eyes as if wanted to say thousand things.. When he didn't spoke for a while
" Bolo Armaan.."
" Huuuhhh ,aaj khana tum banogi plz.."
She smiled " bas itni si baat... Tum bhi naa..." She smiled " theek hai sab tumhari favourite cheezein banati hun, theek hai..." He nodded ,she got off the car and went in smiling he saw her going and then rest his head on the steering wheel sighing...
" Kya kahun Ridhhima...? kaise...?? don't want to loose you..."
*** *** *** *** *** ***
He was in a meeting with Sameer in the office
" a great deal is coming up government giving out orders to private companies who can finish off the projects before Commenwealth Games... and being quiet profitable bahut saari companies iske liye compete karengi "
" anyone real challenge ? "
" none we can't handle... The biggest of all.. Abhimanyu Modi, will definitely compete for it..."
Armaan gave him a knowing look " but we'll win that isn't it, he isn't a trouble anymore " a wicked smile came to his lips... " Make sure Sameer that we do... Let's prepare heart attacks for Modi..."
Sameer smiled back " sure and after the information we have, we don't have much to do it's all done already " after discussing few more things Sameer left...
Armaan rest back in his chair " huh ! Tum mujhe kya dekhoge Abhimanyu Modi main tumhe dikhata hun ab..." he rolled a paperweight with a satisfied and triumphant feeling...
On the other hand something similar was going on...
" Mr.Khanna this contract is our chance to announce our comeback to everyone- to Maliks, baaki companies main se aisa koi nahi hai jisse hamein challenge ki umeed ho. Is ek contract ke baad baaki ke liye bhi hamare raaste asaan ho jayenge "
" don't worry sir hamare quotes aise honge ki unhe koi challenge hi nahi kar payega, right kapil ," khanna turned to the finance manager
" h..haan, of course " he sat up straight
" everything okay kapil ? You look little lost "
" yeah.. Everything's fine.. Just bit tired that's it... Don't worry we can.. We will get the deal " he shifted his gaze to khanna who gave him an appreciative nod...
Ridhhima came in and found him staring at the file blankly ,lost
" Armaan ?.. " he looked up at her " kya hua kis soch main dube ho ? "
" kuch nahi bas ek nayi deal ke baare main... I'm tired Ridhhima ,i want to sleep.. Good night " he kept his file away ,covering his face with the covers her went off to sleep... She found it bit odd, he was little lost since he'd come back from office she thought she'd talk to him after dinner but now he was fast asleep... Probably he is tired... She sighed
" chalo kal bata dungi..." and she too ca,e to her side
The next morning she was tying his tie with a smile...
" someone's very happy today.." he asked
" haan wo to hai, pata hai kyun ? " he shook his head " kyunki Anjali di aur jiju aa rahe hain " she announced happily
" really ! Anjy aa rahi hai ? " she nodded " wow that's great, it has been a long time.."
" haan wo mom dad ki anniversary hai naa isliye aur phir wo baad main travel nahi kar payengi to..."
" what ?! Mom dad ki anniversary ?! Ridimba tum bhi naa.. Pehle kyun nahi bataya ? "
" Armaaann " she glared at him for calling her Ridimba " main kal hi batane waali thi magar tum shayad thake hue the isliye jaldi so nahi gaye the.." she made him recall
" oh haan, but phir bhi.. Okay ek kaam karte hain... Let's throw a big party for them..."
She felt happy at his enthusiasm " it's okay Armaan wo sab ho gaya hai.. Mom dad pehle hi party plan kar rahe the... Subah ek puja hai aur shaam ko party... Di ke aane ki khushi main aur mom dad dono ke liye... Bas puja thodi jaldi hai to hamein subah jaldi jaana hoga.."
" bass.. No problem, Hum jaroor chalenge.." with that he waved her good bye...
*** *** *** *** ***
Sameer and Armaan were in the middle of a debate... Sameer looked bit unhappy about something
" it's very unlike you.. I never imagined that you'll think of doing it... I just don't understand... Why ?? What's the need ?? we already have the contract in hand then why to do that ? "
" It's important for me Sameer " he said firmly he relaxed his tone a bit " I don't want to take any chances, this goes way beyond you can understand... Moreover, it will be a win win situation for me anyway "
" But how can..."
He raised a hand stopping him from saying anything further... " it's complicated Sameer... May be you'll understand some day..."
Sameer gave up, it was useless arguing with him, he sometimes acted really strange, he'd always trusted his decision no matter how weird they sounded, but this time he really didn't wanted to act on what he'd asked him to do... May be something can be done, what he was doing was foolish... He sighed giving up
" thanks Sameer " he winked at him, Sameer rolled his eyes and thinking of something he came out of his room...
The few days went by in a jiffy and before she knew Anjali was here with Atul... She was heartily welcomed by her parents Ridhhima and Armaan... Dropping them off he went off to work promising to join them as soon as possible...
The glow of expecting mother was clear on Anjali's face and she narrated how she was allowed after loads of advices instructions and threats ! That if she didn't follow them she will be called back immediately... Atul agreed to it, he now had become even more loving caring and protective about her since he came to know that he'd be a father soon... All of them sat down together for the initial loong chat session discussing everything and before Ridhhima knew it was evening...
Armaan called her to inform that he would be bit late and she should come home with the driver and guards... Ridhhima though wanted to stay with Anjali knew that it won't be possible... she could sense the discomfort in his voice when she merely hinted to stay over... she gave up the idea knowing that if she did it he would spend a sleepless night and if he gets cranky, others would have no peace ! So for his and other's sake she promised to come tomorrow and went back home...
Abhimanyu was sleeping peacefully when the sound of his cellphone ringing woke him up, he woke up sleepily and took the call
" wake up Abhimanyu Modi "
" kaun ? " he sat up a little
" jaan pehchaan ka time nahi hai hamare paas... Ek kaam ki baat suno... Apni deal ki quotes change kar do "
" what ?! Who the hell are you ? " he looked at sleeping Niki beside him and got off the bed, he came out of the room to talk
" main jo koi bhi hun tumhare liye farishte se kam nahi hun ab meri baat dhyan se suno... Tumhari quotes leak ho chuki hain "
" what ? Wh.. kisne kiya yeh kaam ? Aur tumhe yeh kaise pata ? " he was shocked
" maine in sawaalon ka jawaab dene ke liye tumhe phone nahi kiya hai... Agar contract lena chahte ho to Apni quote 10 rs. Kam kar do "
" kya ?! Tum pagal ho gaye ho ? Main tumhari baat par vishwaas kyun karun ? "
" tumhare paas aur koi chaara nahi hai ,tumhare dushman behad chalaak aur taqatwar hain... aur tumhare paas samay bahut kam hai... Jitni jaldi ho sake yeh kaam kar lo aur haan... Ek baat ka dhyaan rakhna is baat ka kisi ko pata na chale tumhare sabse karibi ko bhi nahi.. Yeh kaam tum khud karna " And with these words the call got disconnected...
Abhimanyu was utterly shocked at what happened few minutes ago.. He tried to call back the number only to hear a message that the number didn't existed ,he gave up calling... He debated over the call all night ' what should he do..? should he just do as the caller has directed or not..?' He pondered over it all night and was busy with it even when he reached office...
He paced up and down in his cabin " Main aakhir uski baat par vishwaas kyun karun ? wo mera koi rival bhi ho sakta hai... Armaan ka koi plan..." He was thinking about it when his manager, Mr. Khanna came in...
" sir main aaj contract quotes submit karwane ja raha hun... Aap ek baar inhe check kar lijiye " he gave him the file, Abhimanyu looked at the file the words of caller echoed in his mind... He picked up his pen... His manager looked at him wondering what he's doing...
He looked at the quoted figure and put his signature " Mr. Khanna ,main bhi aapke saath chalta hun " Khanna looked at him, he never went for any submition or pre contract meeting before... But then he's the boss... As he wish...
" theek hai sir chaliye " he came forward to pick up the files..
Abhimanyu stopped him " aur inhe yahin rehne dijiye aap Shivani ( his secretary ) se kahiye ki wo driver ko ready hone ko kahe.." Khanna nodded and went out... he took up the file again...
When Abhimanyu reached the office of the contract head he found Sameer already there... for a moment both men look at each other, he would have loved to have someone like Sameer Purohit in his company. Sameer turned away his gaze and quickly rushed out...
Abhimanyu saw this " Mr. Khanna jaldi se jaa kar dehikye ki yeh Sameer kahan ja raha hai ,quick " khanna rushed out... moments later When he came back
" sir main uske peeche gaya magar wo jaldi se nikal gaya " Abhimanyu went quiet for a while " kya hua sir ? Sab theek to hai naa ? "
" y..yeah.. sab theek hai "
*** *** *** *** ***
Ridhhima woke up Armaan bit early than his usual time and hurried to get ready.. The puja would start at seven and they had to be there on time and for that she had to manage the task of making him get ready on time...
Somehow after lot of reminding, requesting and finally resorting to threatning she made him got ready and reached her parents house...
" kya yaar Ridhhima itni jaldi to bhagwaan bhi nahi uthte honge ,aur yeh bhi koi puja ka time hai thoda baad main nahi rakhwa sakte the " he made a face at her, irritated at being woken up so early
She hit him on his arm " chup Armaan, sab tumhare jaise lazy nahi hote, ab chup chaap andar chalo sab wait kar rahe honge puja ki tayari bhi karni hai "
He followed her faking anger rubbing his arm where she'd hit him... He met all warmly and after wishing Shashank and Padma teased Padma heartily... And to everyone's surprise Atul joined his company... Ridhhima grinned ,she knew he had this dangerous abiliity to influence anyone...
As the clock striked 6 he sneaked into the kitchen... He'd woken up very early today and now his stomach was demanding something... Moreover those mouthwatering smell coming from various dishes, left him even more hungry...
He looked here and there and picked up a delicious looking laddoo, just as he was about to put it inside his mouth he stopped hearing his name...
" Aarrmaaan " he turned and saw a very surprised Ridhhima standing with her hands on her waist
" ohohh "
She came up to him " Armaan tum yahan kya kar rahe ho ? "
" wo.. main.. yeh dekhne aaya tha ki sab theek se tayar ho gaya hai ki nahi ? " he smiled foolishly
" Armaan don't try to fool me, yeh bhog ka prasad hai aur ise abhi nahi khana hai, samjhe ! Infact puja se pehle kuch nahi khana... Chalo niklo bahar kitchen se... Chalo " he pouted started to walk out
" Armaaann leave the ladoo " he made a face and reluctantly kept the ladoo back which he was trying to sneak out
" waise agar ek kaha lunga to kya ho jayega ,bhagwaan baaki sab main se kha lenge "
" god Armaan you are impossible ! " she knew he won't give up easily on them " dekho tumhe kasam hai agar tumne kuch khaya to, jab tak main naa kahun kuch nahi khana okay " poor him , he was left with no choice but to obey... To his relief puja started on time and all the couples sat down together...
Two hours passed and the puja was about to finish when he got a call
" Sir ,Sameer this side . Deal aaj 10 baje open honi hai ,you better come quick "
" yeah i'll be there in half an hour " he quickly took leave from all and rushed to the office...
He found Abhimanyu Modi already there with his manager, both stared at each other coldly . He sat down at the assigned table and waited for the result to be declared
Abhimanyu was worried... "Did i do the right thing ? Kya mujhe aisa karna chahiye tha ? Kahin maine koi galti to nahi kar di ? " he was too occupied to give any thought to Armaan who was eying him closely. Soon the wait got over as the officials came over
" ladies and gentleman, we thank you all for your interest and response to this contract... As you all know there will be in all, three contracts of which this is the first... The others will be soon open for your consideration as well... Now coming to the first one... the contract goes to.." there was palpable silence in the room " the contract goes to Mr. Armaan Malik of Malik group of companies " the room became alive with applause. Armaan got up to accept the deal and thew a look in Abhimanyu's direction, Who sat there as if paralysed with shock... Armaan smirked at him, what did he thought he had a chance before him.. No way Modi !
Abhimanyu never in his dreams realised that he could loose the contract the rates were perfect... and then the words of that mysterious caller echoed in his mind, he was furious and wanted nothing more than to punch that pompus Armaan Malik ,right on his face... It was all his doing... He knew it...
Armaan saw Abhimanyu staring at him, wearing a sly smile he came to Abhimanyu...
" so Mr.Abhimanyu Modi, better luck next time "
Abhimanyu's anger surged seeing his smile " lucky to tum rahe Armaan ki tumhe wo mil gaya jisne tumhe quotes batayi " Armaan's smile faltered a little but he quickly gathered himself,
" main tumhari tarah ghatiya game nahi khelta Abhimanyu, yeh contract mujhe apni mehnat se mila hai "
Abhimanyu scoffed at it " main tumhari 'imaandaari' achhi tarah se jaan gaya hun Armaan bas wo aadmi ek baar mujhe mil jaaye phir main tumhe batata hun.."
" jitni khushfehmi paalni hai, paal lo tumhare haath kuch nahi aane waala aur shayad tum bhul rahe ho ki tumhe Bangalore project kaise mila tha.. Isliye tum mujhe sahi galat mat batao " both men looked daggers at each other, he had still not forgiven him for cheating him on that.. soon Armaan was called to complete some formalities and he went away with a scornful glance at Abhimanyu and his managers, Mr. Khanna and Kapil
It took them almost all morning to complete the formalities ,Later as they drove back to their office Sameer spoke up...
" this is unusual ,i haven't seen anything like this before... Main pehle iss baat ko maanna nahi chahta tha magar ab... After all it turned out all fine "
Armaan who was very happy with the outcome said " I told you it's a win-win situation for us..." Sameer nodded ,another reason for him to add in his 'why-I-admire-Armaan Mailk' list... " now just one thing is left " Sameer looked at him now he could understand something what he was trying to do...
Armaan reached Shashank and Padma's house, which was beautifully decorated for the occassion, he sighed it had been a long day and he longed to see Ridhhima again ,wanted to share everything with her... The news of his new success... Since the day she'd come in his life he'd tasted nothing but victory, she was his lady luck... He smiled at the thought and walked in...
Padma welcomed him lovingly and told him that Ridhhima was bit busy with the guests, she would send her to him as soon as she finds her till then he should go and freshen up, she directed him to a room where he found his clothes all kept neatly on the bed... He smiled seeing it ,he knew it was only her who did all this... And then there was a rumbling sound from his stomach which made him even more aware of her absence... He quickly washed and changed, ready to go downstairs in the party...
He found her busy with some guests, a relief spread over him as he watched her smiling ,laughing.. She looked absolutely gorgeous in the saree and he felt his heart skipped a beat as she turned and their eyes met... She smiled at him softly and time seemed to freeze there... He could have stayed there watching her till forever but then Atul seemed to have some other, better plans... He caught him gazing at Ridhhima smiling foolishly and with that he found the oppertunity to get back to Armaan for all his teasing... He pulled him away from there and delibrately didn't let let him meet her... Enjoying his impatience thoughly, Armaan cursed every guest in his heart who delayed his meeting with her with their silly talks and enquiries...
" kyun beta jab meri baari thi ,tab to bada chidata tha huh, ab dekho kaise jal bim machhli ki tarah tadap raha hai... Ab pata chala " Atul whispered in his ear ,knowing perfectly well how impatient he was getting with every passing minute...
Armaan gave up ,he folded his hands " gurudev mujhe shama karein, main aage se aapko is baat ke liye to kabhi pareshan nahi karunga.. aap jitna chahein apni patni se romance kar sakte hai, kya ab main 'apni' dharampatni se mil sakta hun ? " he was fed up as one or the other person kept him surrounded leaving him with no time to talk to her privately , to his relief Atul forgave him benevolently... It was nine and he was dying of hunger he came to Ridhhima and took her to a corner...
" Ridhhima "
" arre Armaan tum aa gaye ? Fursat mil gayi tumhe ? "
" Main to kabka aa gaya tha.. aur tumhe fursat ho tab naa upar se yeh Atul aur yeh stupid guests..." he scowled at them and Ridhhima widened her eyes asking him to lower down his volume " Achha main yeh puch raha tha.." he continued but then someone called her
" offoh..., Armaan abhi nahi, abhi main thoda busy hun tum batao tumne khana kha liya ? "
" Thank god ! tumne puchha to sahi..."
" Matlab ?! " she wondered
" matlab main tumse yahi to puchne waala tha ki main ab khana kha lun ?? " Ridhhima was shocked to hear it..
" matlab.. Tumne kuch khaya nahi ?? "
" Lo tumne hi to mana kiya tha ki jab tak main naa kahun kuch khana nahi... Ab mujhse bhuk bardasht nahi ho rahi..."
" Armaaan tum paagal ho.. Tum.. Tumne subah se kuch khaya nahi ?! " he shook his head, She was shocked " tum aao mere saath " she held his hand and took him away from the crowd to a seperate room... " Yahaan betho main abhi aati hun.." She came out quickly and brought plate full of his favourite food..
" Wao finally..." relieved, He started eating immediately... She sat in front of him ,watching him eat... Her heart melted seeing him so...she repriminded herself for keeping him hungry the whole day..
" Armaan.."
" Hmm.."
" Tum aise kyun ho Armaan ?? " He looked up at her mouth still full with spoonful of rice confused he looked down at himself checking himself whether something was wrong.. Then raised his eyebrows asking " kaise??? " She chuckled seeing his innocent confusion... she took a tissue paper and wiped the gravy which was sticking near his mouth...
" Aise... Ek stupid si kasam ki wajah se saare din bhuke rahe..??"
" Ohh.." he smiled but then became serious " Tumhare liye wo chhoti baat hogi... mere liye nahi thi " he looked into her eyes but then quickly became himself again " Aur main to pehle se aisa hi tha tumne mujhe kabhi gaur se dekha nahi kya..? " He said lightheartedly and resumed his eating...
Ridhhima kept looking at him thinking " haan Armaan shayad tum theek keh rahe ho maine tumhe kabhi gaur se dekha hi nahi..."
On the other hand Abhimanyu was still pondering over the day's event... He hadn't told anyone about the caller or the deal... He was lost in his thoughts when the phone rang up...
" why didn't you do as i told you to ? " he knew it was him
" how could I ? I.. I didn't belive you "
The Caller laughed at it " well now do you...? "
" yes..." said Abhi, he had no reason not to..
" Good.. i'll come back when required..." came the reply
" But who are you...?? Aur tum meri madad kyun kar rahe ho..? " There was silence on the other end for a moment...
" Yeh tumhe batana zaruri nahi hai " with that the line went dead...
The party got over and the husbands were shown the door as the daughters and mother sat in their room to start a looong catch up and chat session... Shashank feeling tired retired after a long day took leave from his son-in-laws ,Atul and Armaan too, being tired after a long day bid eachother goodnight... Armaan went to his room but he was too tired .moreover, the place was new to him he could not make himself comfortable... he could not sleep even when he wanted to... After much tossing n turning he stood up irritated.. confused what to do ? his eyes were heavy with sleep but he just could not get comfertable.. Just then Padma passed by and saw him so restless... concerened she came in..
" Armaan, kya hua beta..? "
" huh, Kuch nahi mumma... bas neend nahi aa rahi... Ridhhima kahan hai..? Aap abhi tak soye nahi ?? " he tried to act normal
" Haan wo hum thodi baatein kar rahe the, Anjali itne dino baad aayi hai naa.."
" oh haan theek hai aap jao ,main bhi sone ki koshish karta hun..." Padma nodded and kissed his forehead wishing goodnight.. But as she turned she found him tossing and turning restlessly... Without another word to him she came back to her room and found Ridhhima and Anjali chatting...
" Ridhhi... beta ek baar ja kar Armaan ko dekh aa wo kuch pareshaan sa lag raha hai... Uski tabiyat to theek hai naa...? " Ridhhima was alarmed hearing it..
" Armaan ? kyun kya hua..?? "
" Pata nahi mujhe to kuch kaha nahi... Tu ek baar dekh aa bahut baichain sa lag raha tha.."
Ridhhima immediately got up and went to his room..she found him lying face down twisting his head from side to side...
" Armaan.." He turned and was soo relieved to see her.. " Kya hua ?? Sab theek hai naa..?? "
" Ridhhima agar rukna tha to bata deti naa.. ab dekho yahaan mera pillow bhi nahi hai.. ab main sounga kaise ? " he said irritatedly, Ridhhima knew he was getting cranky as he was feeling sleepy and could not sleep at a new place, she'd decided to stay over and he couldn't say no her sweet request... She sighed smiling a bit, she knew how to calm him down...
" bas itni si baat hai, tumne to dara hi diya tha... Ruko main abhi aati hun " She moved out and came back with three good stuffy, soft pillows. She placed them on the bed in a row... He was bit confused, as in, what she was doing...??
" Chalo leto..."
" Magar..."
" Kuch agar magar nahi chalo..." He did as told " ab karwat lo aur apna paer ( leg ) yahan is pillow par rakho " he turned and clutched a pllow near to his chest ... she smiled seeing him snuggling to the pillow... But then he looked up at her...
" Ridhhima..."
" hmm "
" tum yahaaan thodi daer ruk jaogi plz..." He pleaded " mujhe akele aise neend nahi aayegi..." She smiled again and sat by his side ,he now faced her as she sat down on the bed next to him
" bas ? ab theek hai.. Ab aaraam se aankhein band karo aur so jao..."
" Tum kahin jaogi to nahi naa... " she was surprised at his question sometimes he acted so scared and insecure for no reason
she gave him an assuring smile and said.." Main kahin nahi ja rahi Armaan, main yahin hun, tum aaraam se so jao..." He sighed snuggling to pillow relieved at her assurance and closed his eyes to sleep.. she picked up a magazine near by to read... it was fifteen minutes when she saw him not stirring at all ,he was sleeping peacefully.. She smiled and quietly got up... But as she tried to stand stright to go back to Padma she fell a pull...
She turned to see what it was.. she found her duppatta firmly clutched in his fist, she wondered when he did it... the sudden movement caused some disturbance and he stirred, frowning.. Ridhhima again sat by his side patting his back like a baby's ,he fell quiet again, frown subsiding... She kept patting him for some time... relieved seeing him quiet calm and sleeping peacefully...
Sudden thoughts flooded her mind... She didn't knew why ,but his uncomfort caused her uncomfort ,his pain caused her pain.. She wondered since when she had started finding his pleasures most important...and why she tried to bring comfert to him... She wondered why was she getting so affected by him ? his presence... Why his happiness was getting important to her ?... but she shrugged it off ,her logical mind started giving reasons...
" Cmmon Ridhhima he's just a friend aur duniya ko dikhane ke liye
jo ek patni ko karna padta hai tum wahi to kar rahi ho..." but then
another question flashed her
" Magar abhi kaun dekh raha hai...?? " There came no reply... as the clock striked 1 her thoughts got interrupted... She found him sleeping peacefully ,she carefully seperated her dupatta from his hand and covered him up properly.. again her thoughts trailed off...
" why did he clutched my dupatta ? the way it was tied around his hand it could not be accident.. was he scared that I will go away ?? But why ?? " She gave him one more look and switching on the night light went back to Padma... There were too many things about him she didn't knew still...
_____________________________________________________AHHHHHHHHHHH
finally.. phewf
thanks 4 the long update
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