This Part is Dedicated To my Dear
Trisha! Happy Birthday Babe <3 LOVE YOUUU <3
This part is ALSO for miss Basket My Riddhima Thats Amal, Coz she's back ;) Love You My Sweetheart <3 Enjoy guys! :)
***
Part 13(A): Connections
She stopped speaking and turned away,
just in time to wipe a solitary tear that had slipped down unnoticed. It wasn't
easy, relating her life all over again. And the days with Armaan? Those days
made up her life. She breathed those days. How could she forget...Best-friends,
then falling in Love? That very life was lost. She didn't have Armaan with her
anymore. How could she possibly even talk about it, like nothing had happened?
An uncomfortable silence filled the room
as she didn't speak anymore. Sid sighed to himself. He knew it wasn't easy for
her, speaking out her feelings about the person whom she'd lost and loved. He
knew how it felt. But it was necessary for him to know all that Armaan had gone
through. He had hurt himself, Riddhima and Armaan a lot already, and he wanted
to fix it all. He felt he had a right to know everything about Armaan and
Riddhima's past, since both of them were important people in his life.
Moreover, Armaan knew everything about his past, about' He closed his eyes and
reprimanded himself. 'Not now, Sid.' he
said to himself, and sat up on the bed to look at her. She looked faintly
outside the window. He knew a little about their past now, but he wanted to
know it all.
"Riddhima'", he began.
"Is it important, Sid? Really? Why are
you hurting yourself and me both by wanting to listen to Armaan and my past?
Why would you want to know how we fell in love, how we separated, what we went
through, when you know it's hurting you? ", she asked in a sad tone. Sid was
expecting her to ask this.
"Firstly, Riddhima. It's not hurting me,
get that thought out of your mind. ", he spoke firmly, " and I have every right
to know about Your and Armaan's past. He is my friend and I have seen him
suffering in front of my own eyes. I've seen Armaan literally dying, Riddhima.
And when you know that our relation is just namesake, since you love him'So
don't I have that much right, to let you go to your own happiness?"
"Are you'Why are you so bent on getting
yourself hurt? Why do you have to sacrifice?"
"It's not called Sacrifice. It's called
doing the right thing. I'm not perfect, I've done many, believe me, many
mistakes in my life. It's just that'I don't want to do it all over again.
Please Riddhima, if not for me, For Armaan?"
"It hurts.", she stifled a sniff,
wanting this topic to finish forever. Guilt had wrapped her in itself, she was
guiltier than words could provide, first, for leaving Armaan all alone and
second, for hurting Sid. If only, she could turn back the time'
"Please Riddhi, I want to hear this
story. I want you to tell me everything. Because its time, to let go.", he
smiled and she nodded. She asked once more.
"Are you sure?"
He nodded," So, did you fall in love
with Armaan yet?"
Riddhima smiled despite the pain
piercing her heart as she said," Not so soon. Armaan and I'we went through a
different phase altogether before falling into that."
***
*Flashback*
5th May, 2002.
Armaan
checked his watch for the unteempth time, and then the entrance of her house.
She still wasn't there. How much time do girls take? He muttered the million
dollar question in his head, and then smiled at a memory. He had seen a
different Riddhima altogether the day, sorry ' the night they got lost in the
jungle. He'd seen his childhood best friend, and not the 'Strong girl' everyone
knew her to be. He'd seen a soft, fragile yet a very determined part of her'A
part of her which was scared to lose him all over again. He was the scared one
too. It had nearly taken his life when she was unconscious. But the thing that had
jerked him? It was definitely how she'd taken his name when she'd woken up. It
made him feel so ecstatic that he could hardly tell her, and they were closer,
stronger. She was undeniably special to him.
Cutting
out his thoughts, he heard the rustle of footsteps and saw her keeping the
house key on the dining table as she rushed out to him. She wore a white long
T-shirt and blue Capri pants, looking like a Barbie doll in display. 'Barbie
Doll? Seriously now, Armaan?' ,he grinned at his own thoughts as she approached
and then clear his throat. He had planned to be angry.
"Yeah,
let's go.", she said as she stood before him.
"What
were you doing? Getting ready for your wedding? Or Sleeping?", he said
irritably as he checked his watch. 20 minutes.
"Oh,
please. I'm a girl okay. I need time to look proper. And Wedding? Sheesh, with
whom, you?"
"Yeah,
why not. ",he grinned as they reached her car ," Girls DIE to get married to
me."
"Sorry,
my life is precious.", she answered with a sigh and laughed at his scrunched up
face. They were back to the form where he couldn't have any answers. She knew
it irritated him, but he looked adorable when he looked baffled like that. Her
laugh tinkled down his ears and he frowned.
"Yeah,
like whatever." , he rolled his eyes, " Seriously. What were you doing? You're
not much of the 'make-up-maniac' type of girls na?"
Riddhima
crossed her hands," And was that supposed to be an imitation of my cousin?"
"No..No!",
he defended himself before he could get murdered," Not at all. Nikki is such a
sweeto , she doesn't need make-up. She's toh beautiful avinyai."
"Nice
save, Mallik. But I'll tell you what, I was waking up my cousin, Ms-Kumbhkaran
in my house. Otherwise she'd get late for college."
"Riddhima Mata Ki Jai Ho..", he muttered to
himself. Riddhima gave a cross look to him.
"Uh,
nothing.", he said quickly ," So, let's go."
They
drove to the office and stopped where the signboard said,' Max Mobiles and Co.'
Armaan gave a sideways nod to her. It was the third sponsor they were meeting
for sponsoring their annual fest. It was big- budget fest, because of the fact
that B.R. Medical College being the biggest and best in Mumbai. They sat in the
waiting area, checking their watches for 9 a.m. It was 8:52 a.m.
"Armaan
I want to go in this time."
"Yeah,
of course. I mean, we Both are going inside. Vinay Sir is our most important
Sponsor and we can't afford to lose him. So we both are gonna talk this time."
"I
want to do it alone. You did the last one alone na!",she complained.
"But,
Riddhima will you-"
"Don't
you trust me?" , she looked into his
eyes. Armaan sighed.
"Fine.
But I ain't going anywhere, madam. I will be right outside if you need me.", he
said seriously.
"I
know." , she winked and Armaan shook his head.
Soon
their call came and Armaan muttered an 'all the best' to his best friend who
smiled confidently and got in, while he stood at the glass door outside,
wanting to observe the ongoing. They had been told that the manager Mr. Vinay Chopra wasn't in the city, he'd
gone to some place to attend a important meeting, therefore, his assistant
would be meeting them. Riddhima had guessed the assistant to be a woman, but to
her surprise and disgust both, there sat a man in a loose shirt with his tie
tied casually and his hair little ruffled, a complete spoilt-brat kind of
attitude.
"Morning
sir.", she wished with a smile she could manage.
"
Morning Miss'"
"Riddhima
Gupta."
"Ah,
So miss very-beautiful Riddhi-"
"I'm
sorry, sir, but I'd prefer Miss Gupta, please.", she said stiffly and as
politely as possible. 'Calm, Ridzi.', she reminded herself, 'You can't afford
to displease him.'
"Why
are you so formal? Call me Parth, not Sir. I'd like that better, Ms..Gupta."
Riddhima
cleared her throat and ignored the comment, " So, err.. Sir, as you know. I'm
from B.R. Medical College and we're having a fest in October. This is the list,
here." ,she forwarded the file to him.
"Hm?"
,Parth said, pretending to glance through the file but looking very cynically
at Riddhima.
"So,
Miss..", he trailed off and held her hand casually which was on the table.
Riddhima controlled her urge to kick the complete bas**** and fisted her free
hand to catch a hold on her anger. She couldn't do anything that would make
them lose the offer. Her mind displayed plans of literally murdering the man in
front of her eyes for behaving like a roadside loafer, but she took a deep
breath and faked a smile among her clenched teeth. She had to finish this off
as fast as possible.
Armaan
boiled in anger outside the glass door. He wanted to break the door and beat
the man to a pulp. His body tensed up immediately and he fisted his hand hard,
wanting to crash the glass pane with a punch and then the face of the man
sitting in front of his best friend. He was watching from a long time, and he
could see her getting uncomfortable and angry , not to forget helpless in front
of the man who was acting cheap. He took deep breaths and calmed himself down.
He had to do something. As the idea struck, he took out his phone and dialed a
number, knowing that the plan would work.
"Sir
why don't you.. check the file."
"Ah
,boring files, Riddhima. And how can I see files when such a pretty lady is
sitting in front of me? How rude. And Call me Parth, Riddhima."
Riddhima
stuck to her decision, " Call me Miss Gupta, Sir." ,she said, trying to wriggle
out her hand out of the man's grip, but he held on harder.
"So,
Ri- sorry, Miss Gupta, what are you studying? Medical? Very impressive.."
'Kamine, medical college mein kya log dance sikhne jate hai?' ,she wanted to
yell and burst out her anger. But merely nodded with a clenched smile.
"Uhm,
Excuse me, Sir?", she heard Armaan's voice and looked back to see him knocking
on the door while standing with it half-open.
"Yes?",
Parth answered and hurriedly left Riddhima's hand . Riddhima breathed a sigh of
relief and thanked Armaan in her mind for interrupting.
"Sir,
I have a phone call for you." , he said, advancing the phone to him.
"For
me?", he asked puzzled, to which Armaan nodded sincerely, and he took the phone
to his ear. Riddhima looked on puzzled and Armaan just blinked at her in
assurance.
"Hello?
Yes this is Parth Gaur from Max Mobiles..Yes, What? Sir?", his face suddenly
white as a ghost and Armaan hid his smirk as the man stumbled with words," N-no
Sir. W-w-why would I-I-I do..that?" , he listened and wiping perspiration from
his forehead even in the AC-room he said," Y-yes. S-S-Sorry, V-very'S-Sorry
S-Sir. N-No! N-e-v-er. Y-yes. T-thank y-y-you. " , he cut the phone and gave it
to Armaan who put up a very sincere face. The man gulped on two glasses of
water and calmed himself down as he said, " Miss..Gupta, I-I am v-very Sorry.
My b-behaviour was unacceptable. And..I..Sorry, we are ready to sponsor you. I
shall talk to Vinay Sir. It shouldn't be..a p-problem. You can g-go now.", his
voice shook as he didn't turn to them and wiped his perspiration from his white
face.
Armaan
grabbed Riddhima's hand who looked confused as ever and made an exit. As they
got out of the building and sat in her car, Riddhima didn't lose time to ask,"
What happened right there?" to which Armaan gave a triumphant smirk and a
mysterious smile to her.
"Armaan!",she
hit his arm when he didn't say anything and drove on.
"Kya
yaar! WWF se ayi ho?Maarti kyun rehti ho?", he said irritated.
"TELL
ME!", she whined like a child.
"Fine.
Riddhima MATA. ", he said, folding his hands ," I called up someone.", he
smirked again.
"Who?"
"Rahul's
Dad, Superintendent of Police Vijay Grewal. Viju uncle is really close to us,
and he was on fire when he heard about it. He was all ready to help'and By the
way, I'm really possessive about my
friends and you. So, Do not Even try to Say thanks ", he added with a wink.
"Thanks.",Riddhima
grinned.
"Fine.
Your welcome ,Ms Gupta.", he said while groaning dramatically.
Riddhima
smiled. It had touched her beyond words. She could not explain how much it
mattered to her that her best friend was possessive towards her. Armaan had
always been like that. She smiled and realized that the days with him were so
memorable and deeply etched in her heart, she couldn't ever forget him, even if
she wanted to.
"Madam
Dreamy, We're here.", Armaan said breaking into her thoughts.
Riddhima
rolled her eyes as he said that and got out of the car. He parked it sideways
and gave her the key saying, "You go on to class. I will meet you there."
"Where
are you going? ", she frowned.
"To
tell Mayank it's done'the meeting, I mean.", he told her and she nodded, seeing
him leave.
She
went to the locker room to collect her stuff and opened her locker only to find
a bunch of roses there. She loved roses. Muttering 'Armaan' in her breath, she
smiled, touched at his gesture. They were red roses, her favorite, and had the
smell of fresh morning flowers. Inhaling the scent she smiled to herself and
kept them back safely in her locker, when a note fell out of the bunch. Picking
it up, she was intrigued because it said , 'You know me, very well. And I hope
when I'll come back, you will not hesitate to pass me a smile. Miss you loads.
' A.'
Now
she was sure it was Armaan by the initial 'A'. Making a mental note to thank
him, she collected her books and headed towards her Biochemistry class. She was
quite familiar and well-adjusted with the place and college now, and knew many
people. She passed smiles to everyone as she walked, wished her professors
politely, when she heard a voice behind her.
"Excuse
Me?", the voice was a soft feminine one, having a very calming warmth. She
turned.
A
slim middle-height girl stood behind her with a gentle smile. She had a slender
fair face, which could be called beautiful and hair till half of her back,
which was tied in a ponytail. The girl wore black jeans and a blue long T-shirt
which said," Boys are Stupid. Run them over." With a girl running over a guy
with a scooter as a picture under the text. Riddhima found this stranger quite
attractive and interesting. She gave a smile and said," Yes?"
"Uhm..",
the pretty stranger hesitated and then said, " Could you show me the way to the
Principal's office? "
Riddhima
raised her eyebrows. Principal? In the college, she knew everyone called him
Princy. She is new, she understood and nodded. "Yeah, sure! Go straight, and
then left. You see a signboard there.", she showed him with her hands.
"Thanks!",
the girl said with a bright smile and started walking. Then she turned and hit
her head.
"So
stupid of me." , she laughed lightly, " I forgot to ask your name!"
"First
things first. Which year are you in?"
"First
year. Why?"
"I'm
in first year too!", Riddhima said, glad to be introduced to a new classmate ,"
Hi. Riddhima Gupta.", she said, forwarding her hand.
"Can
I call you Ridzi?" , she asked uncertainly before shaking her hand.
"Of
course! All my friends call me that. " , she smiled, " What's your name?"
"Hie.",
she shook Riddhima's hand as she said," I'm Nishita Sharma."
They exchanged a few
pleasantries before they went their ways. Riddhima entered her Biochemistry
class, and the usual scenario was on. Nikki and Muski were fighting over a new
phone, god-knows-whom, Anjali was
scolding Atul, Abhi and Rahul were exchanging their favourite deal of swears,
and Armaan? She looked around the whole classroom only to see Armaan's face
hidden by his Biochemistry book. He was studying so much? Riddhima was
genuinely surprised. She walked over and occupied the seat beside him, glaring
at a skinny short-skirt wali who was
staring at him. Kaameni.
Keeping
her books on the table, she hesitated if she should call him. His black hair
was peeping from the sides of the book and he was very unusually quiet. Armaan
always mumbled in his breath while reading or learning. What was so weird
today? Removing the book, she saw his mouth a little open, his breathing even,
his face undisturbed as his head lay on the table, leaving him asleep. He
looked so adorable, she couldn't help but smile. But he had to wake up. The
Khadoos Pandey would be here soon to make their heads pain.
"Armaan?",
she called softly.
"Uhhh'Ma
sone do na..", he mumbled in response. Truly he had no idea as to where he was.
Riddhima
giggled before she could wake him up,"Armaan.", she called again.
"Tch.",
he replied and turned his head to the other side. Before she knew, her hands
had automatically reached out and ruffled his hair which felt extremely soft
under her touch. Smiling, she reached out for a pencil from her box and as she
found it, she poked his cheek with him.
"Mera
khoon mat karo..", he mumbled back. Riddhima giggled and poked his ear.
"Kya-",
he was fully awake now due to her efforts but stopped yelling when he realized
it was her.
"Basket.",
he smiled sheepishly.
"Armaan.",
she laughed.
Before
they could continue their talk, their teacher entered their class. He was a
strict man, that Pandey. He didn't allow any talking or joking in his class. He
was good teacher by all standards and definitely a man of his words. Looking
pleased at his class all quiet, he wished them and started to teach, making
Nikki yawn at the first sentence he said. At this time, Armaan scribbled
something in his notebook and casually passed it to Riddhima.
Thanks ;) ' Armaan.
Thanks For What? ' Confused Riddhima.
For waking me up. Otherwise yeh Pandey mujhe
kaccha chabaa jata. :P
Aww its okay. But thanks to you too : )
For What?
For you-know-what.
Riddhima stop blushing okay. I'm not a
antaryami, that I'll know
everything. Bata na, whats it?
Okay for the thing that you left for me in my
locker.
The thing I left in YOUR Locker? Are you
nuts? I don't even know where your locker is!!
Ya, Armaan. RIGHT. Then who knows, except you,
that Red Roses are my Favourite ???
Nikki does!
DUH. But Nikki's name doesn't start with "A"
and she is not crazy to give me roses avinyai.
So the person who gave you roses, SORRY, red
roses, his name starts with "A" ?? What if its Abhi, or Atul?
Oh Shut Up. They wouldn't do it. And
Ofcourse, if they did, they would do it for their Girlfriends, na? Not For me.
Riddhima PLEASH. Why Would I give you Red
Roses? And even if I did, Don't you think I'd give to you amne samne? Why would
I put in your locker and write "A" and not Armaan? I'm not the hiding type guy,
you know Basket.
Armaan Please Admit it. Stop acting innocent.
It's okay if you think I didn't like it. I did. They were beautiful and made me
smile.
I DO love to see you smile, But DUDE, it's
NOT MEEE !! I swear on Pandey! What? Don't throw me that cross look, I'm
serious !! I'm not hitting on you! Please, believe me.
Riddhima stopped writing and looked
at him. He looked serious, innocent and quite repentant. Maybe he hadn't done
it. But then, who could it be??
Ok. I believe you.
Phew. Thank GOD.
But then Armaan, Who could it be??
OOOHHH Secret Admirer! "A" could be for
Admirer also na?
When will you stop making up things? I don't
want any idiot to hit on me. I'll break his jaw.
Riddhima
waited but Armaan gave no answer. When she was about to hit him, she saw he had
this really REALLY big smile on his face, it was literally shining. Perplexed,
she followed his gaze to see Nishita standing infront of the class, beside
their biochemistry teacher, who was introducing her. Riddhima frowned to
herself. How flirty could Armaan get? Nishita was a really sweet girl, and she
was new'and almost prey to his flirting. No WAY!
"ARMAAN.",
Riddhima whispered urgently. But he didn't budge. She pinched his arm hard.
"OWWW!",
he complained," Kya hai!", he hissed back.
"YOU.WILL.NOT.FLIRT.WITH.HER.",
she warned him in a undertone.
Armaan's
anger gave way to a Very mysterious smirk as he said, "Jealous huh, Basket?"
"Oh.PLEASE.",
Riddhima rolled her eyes," She's new, Armaan. Usko toh baksh do!"
Before
Armaan could answer, the bell rang for lunch break and he swiftly got up from
his chair, smiling mysteriously at her. Nikki and the gang got up too in the
huddle of students leaving the class and before they could say anything, Armaan
stepped forward and with a casual attitude, pushing the gang behind. Muski and
Nikki were all ready to jump on him, but waited to see what he would do.
"Hey
beautiful, dinner tonight?", Armaan said in a flirty tone.
Nishita
laughed her tingling laughter as she replied," Oh sure why not, Handsome. But
what if we go now? Maybe I can be busy tonight?"
"Oh don't
worry,I will help you be free..", he winked.
"Then it's
a date!", she winked back.
Armaan
laughed as he moved forward to hug her," I missed you so much man!"
"I'm so
glad to be back!", she replied excitedly as they hugged.
Riddhima
looked more perplexed than ever. What the hell was happening? Did they know
each other? But how? And they looked really close'it somehow irked her when
they hugged. She reminded herself constantly it was nothing to worry about. Now
they broke the hug and the gang jumped in.
"Nish!",
Nikki squealed.
"Hey Nik!
Missed me? God I missed you guys! Our Mad gang just broke!", she pouted.
"Kameeni tu
gayi kyun?", Muski started.
"Kameeni
kyunki tum logo ne roka nai!", she replied back.
"AWWW!",
came the chorus reply as the girls hugged. The boys rolled their eyes.
"AND, so
this is Anjali, Atul, Rahul aur Abhi ko toh janti ho..and this..",Nikki came to
her cousin and proudly beamed at her like a proud mother.
"Is
Riddhima.", Nish smiled at her which Riddhima gladly returned, " She was the
first to meet me in the college."
"Really
Basket?", Armaan asked in surprise. Riddhima nodded.
"Wait a
sec, Armaan. You finally found your Basket?", Nishita asked interested.
It was
Riddhima's turn to look at Armaan. She knew who Basket was? Armaan had told her
about his childhood friend? Means, that Armaan hadn't forgotten her? Armaan
passed her a sheepish smile and nodded to Nishita.
"Err'You
know Basket'Nish and I studied together in school. We were really close
friends. So, I told her. And I missed you."
"Yeah, he
did !! He could talk hours about how you two had got along in your childhood. I
could never imagine that Basket would be THIS beautiful. ", Nish laughed.
"Thanks.",
Riddhima blushed.
They all
chatted on old times, about their memories, their schooldays, their teachers,
college, Armaan's pranks, Nikki's zombie-form before exams, Muski going
emotional way before their farewell,and everything else. Nishita smiled through
all that. Her eyes were getting moist
and her heart pained in a different way. It wasn't as easy as she'd thought it
would be'Coming back to Armaan all over again, when she knew that he could
never ever love her. He just didn't. As she saw him lightly drape an arm around
Riddhima's shoulders, she had to stuggle to hold on to herself.
"Excuse
me.", she said, blocking her tears and smiling fakely before getting up.
Armaan
knew that expression and was worried. They were together and they knew each
other very well. It was difficult to figure out what she was thinking, but easy
to figure out that she was upset about something. Riddhima saw that worry in
his eyes.
"Anything
wrong,Armaan?", she asked.
"Basket..I..I'll
just go check on Nish, 'k? ", Riddhima nodded.
He walked
towards the common room and saw it empty.
He checked the classrooms,
but not even there. Walking to his last
destination ' the locker room, he heard some low sniffs. She sat curled up in a
corner, hugging her knees tight to herself. He was instantly worried. This was
not the Nishita he knew and was so close to. He walked up to her and sat to her
height.
"Nish.."
Nishita
looked up from her knees, and wiped her tears hurriedly. Her eyes were still
red and puffy, her cheeks marking her faint tears.
"A-Ar.."
"Nish
whats wrong?"
"Nothing's
wrong.", she stood up along with him and looked away, "I..I am fine."
"Really
now, Nishita Sharma? You'll lie to me, Me?", he said mockingly.
"Armaan
seriously its.."
"Come
on.", he said and pulled her arm, making him walk with him.
"Sit.", he
ordered her sternly as they came near his bike.
"Armaan
but-"
"Sit,Nish.",
he threw her a cross look and they sat down, and he zoomed his bike away.
"Where are
we going?", she whispered.
He didn't
answer. He zoomed the bike and screeched to a stop before Starbucks.
"What are
we doing here,Armaan?", she asked innocently.
"Lets
go.", was all that he said.
She nodded numbly with perplextion and
followed him. She noticed he'd brought her to the Starbucks near the Marine
Drive, the place she loved to come and spend her time. Moreover, she had so
many memories with the place with Armaan.
"Here you
go.",he said, handing her a cup of her favourite steaming cup of cappuccino.
She smiled at him gladly but still pondered over how weird he was behaving.
Armaan, on the other hand, was determined to get some answers.And he knew he
would. He watched the play of emotions on her face, clearly wanting to guess
why he'd brought her there. He laughed lightly, thinking how adorable she
looked.
"Thinking
why we're here?"
Nishita
passed a cross look," No, trying to figure out if we can setup a disco here.
Duffer.", she replied back sarcastically.
"Okay I'm
telling you na, itna hyper kyun ho rahi hai? I brought you here because..you
know, we have memories connected to this place and I thought we needed to
talk."
"Needed to
talk?", she asked in a whisper. Had he guessed what she was thinking, like he
always did? 'No, please not, God..I don't want to hurt him.', she thought in
panic.
Armaan
looked at the ocean and a smile spread on his face before he put his coffee cup
to his lips. A peaceful, still smile that Nishita understood. A smile of
familiarity, comfort and happiness. He was happy, and somewhere deep down, it
made her happy. That's what she'd come back for, right? Armaan. The one who
made her happy, who wiped her tears when she cried, who made her laugh, who
was, for her, the knight in shining armour..the one she loved, the golden heart
she treasured, the laugh, the adorable dimples she kept in her memories, the
eyes, the voice and the moments that were etched in her heart. She came back to
live.
"Do you
remember Nish, how I brought you here one day when you were crying? How we
bunked school?"
She
smiled," Ofcourse I do. We were in class IX. Nihal was bothering me way too
much and I would hate to go to school. I wouldn't even tell you. You were so
angry."
He looked
at her now as he continued," Exactly. And when I brought you here, we watched
the ocean and drank coffee with my pocket money and then you cried. You cried
so much on my shoulder and let it out."
"You were
so angry at Nihal. I remember you even fought with him."
"You know
I don't like anyone messing around with my friends. And waise bhi,I wanted you
to feel better."
"I did.
Only talking to you felt so good."
"That's
the very point here, Miss Nishita Sharma. We're doing exactly the same. I
brought you here, so that you can tell me whats going on in that little brain
of yours and bothering you to death and making you cry. You'll feel good you
know."
"Armaan'",
she hesitated and then there was silence.
Armaan
waited patiently. She wasn't a girl who could speak out her feelings easily.
Although the Nishita he knew was bubbly, cheerful and talkative, and could blabber for hours, he knew that
there was a different girl inside who kept herself locked with her feelings,
and would do anything to not hurt the people who she was close to. He wondered
if the thing bothering her would be anything related to him. Then what could it be? He brushed away the
thought and watched her. She wasn't looking at him, she was staring blankly at
her cappuccino cup and was lost in thought. Sighing, he faced the ocean again.
She was definitely not the Nishita he knew. Nishita Sharma had changed'in just
2 months after he'd seen her last, full of life..to a quiet, unreasonably reserved
girl.
Out of the
corner of her eyes, she could feel his gaze on her face before it turned to the
sea. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she balanced herself within.
Could she tell him? Could she break down? Again? She didn't know. Did she have
the strength to tell him that she loved him and was crying because she knew he
didn't return the feeling, and then tear herself into pieces again? No, she
decided, she wouldn't tell him that. She could tell him what actually the
reason for her return was'
"Did you
wonder why I came back?", she said softly.
"Yes.", he
answered, waiting for her to respond.
She seemed
to take a deep breath and then closed her eyes as she began," I guess you would
remember what was happening between Mom and Dad when I left. You know, Armaan'They
fought, quarreled, cursed each other, but I always thought that two people who'd
loved each other immensely could not be out of love'I always thought that
someday, someday they'd come back to each other like they initially were..But I
guess, I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I...found out, they'd lied all along. They
Never Loved each other. It was forced business deal and nothing else, tagged
with the sign-board "Marriage" . But somewhere they could have fallen for each
other, right? But they didn't'they hated each other like poison, they hated me'They
only loved Nishant'", her voice broke and she looked away, as Armaan hurriedly
held her hand and squeezed it in consolation. She cried, not wanting to face
him, putting her face in her hands as her coffee cup stayed on the table.
"Nish.."
"I..I.. I
always tried to show them I could be a good daughter'But I was a girl, after
all..", she managed out choking, " I never complained on the fact that they
loved Nishant more, after all he was my elder brother, and I knew that
somewhere'S-somewhere, bhaiyaa loved me more than he loved Mom-Dad. He would
always be there'You know..", she looked at him and he nodded, as her tears
dried and left marks on her fair cheeks. " He treated me like his princess, and
thought I was the world to him. He didn't like M-mom Dad for the way they
treated me. He used to ignore them, and they would try to please him all the
more. It hurt, It'Hu-Hurt.."
Armaan
stayed silent and gazed at her in wonder. Could she really have that much
locked up inside her? No wonder she'd changed. He didn't know what to say. He
saw tears subside slowly. Sniffing her tears back she mustered up courage to
look at him. He searched her face to look for words'and he couldn't find any.
"You know'We
went to Pune because Nishant wanted me to fulfil my dream. He made Mom-Dad
agree. But everytime Nishant would be away, Mom Dad would yell at me, curse me.
They fought a lot themselves and had decided on divorce'", at this point, she
covered her mouth with her hand, paused and then continued," Nishant found out
and was devasted. He came home drunk everyday'EVERY single day. It was like our
parents were killing us. Locking us up. I'I never saw my brother like that. Mom
used to blame me for his drinking. She said I was responsible' I was messed up,
Armaan. Nothing went right. Everything was hell complicated. Nishant told me I
should be back to Mumbai'to you..where I used to be happy, where I used to LIVE
'. And so I did. I feel so much better'Alive.." , she ended, wiping her tears.
Her face
glowed now, in the glitter of the sunrays, it was like she had lifted a heavy
burden off her chest. She looked confident, content. He knew that he didn't
have to comment on her family history to torture her more. Instead, he said softly, " I know you feel
better."
Holding
the coffee cup in her hands, she gave a warm smile to him. She couldn't deny,
she had come back for him. She loved him, she knew, and Armaan didn't. It
didn't matter to her. As long as they were together and could spend time as
friends,she'd be fine. She couldn't even think of going back to the mess in her
family, and the time that had broken her,HER...Who was strong,therefore,she was
there where her heart was,With Armaan.
"You
have no idea how much I've missed you.",she whispered quietly.
He
couldn't deny,he had missed her a lot too. She was one of the most special
people he had in his life. She'd been there when his father had died, he'd been
there for her when she needed him. They had seen each other's happiness and
sadness. And he knew,he'd guessed why she'd come back.
"I've
missed you too,Nish. I never wanted you to leave.",he said as she held his
hand.
"I
never wanted to leave,Armaan. And How could I not come back? I could never stop
loving you.."
And he
stared,in pure surprise,at the unexpected change in the person he knew so well.
Had she just said what he thought she said? She loved him? A Sudden wave of
guilt and remorse filled him, as he left her hand and moved aside
uncomfortably.
"Nish I'"
"I, I am'I
am Sorry'Armaan'really. That just slipped out. What I meant is'Loving you like
a friend'", she quickly covered up before this could get any more awkward.
"Oh.",
Armaan said with a smile, relieved. He believed her quite easily this time. "
You scared me, God." , he said, laughing, with his hand on his chest.
"Thank
You.", she said.
"For this?
Naah'I'm a expert at kidnapping you. Doesn't really matter. Pshhtt!"
Nishita
giggled and hit his arm playfully. "Armaan! You're never gonna change'"
"Do you
want me to, sweetheart? ", he winked cheekily.
"No honey!",
she replied back with equal cheekiness. " So tell me, how is Aunty? "
"Mom'Uhm,
she is as beautiful as ever, she is good. And strong.", he smiled silently.
"And I
think your life after me was very much good? Like Riddhima'."
"Riddhima
what?", he asked perplexed.
"Come on
Armaan! Don't act innocent! You're dating Riddhima right? Its so obvious! And
you two look good together."
"Not you
too!", he groaned.
"What not
me too?"
" For God's
sake. I'm NOT dating Riddhima. I am NOT in LOVE with her, we're just friends.
Best friends, to be exact."
"Oh blah
de blah. Don't joke. And By the way, I never mentioned the "Love" part'", she
grinned teasingly with her eyebrows raised, " Anything I am missing, Mr Mallik'?"
"Nish!",
he groaned, " PLEASE!"
"Okay.
Okay. Don't get hyper. I believe you. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Although difficult to
believe but'", she sighed.
"And okay
topic change. Hows Nishant doing?"
"Nishant..Er,
he's got himself a girlfriend'", Nishita giggled with sudden excitement as she
went on to tell him the whole history. Armaan listened, they laughed, chatted,
hit each other, enjoyed and caught up..It was like old times.
And somewhere
deep down, Nishita was inexplicably happy. Their connection wasn't lost.
***
"Tccchh! Nikki
chod isse! ", Riddhima pulled her cousin away from Muskaan. They were fighting
like cats and dogs over someone's new phone. Riddhima had to struggle a lot to
untie Nikki's and Muski's hands from each other's hairs.
"KAAAMMEEENNNII!
Chodungi nahhii!", Nikki screeched to Muskaan who showed her tongue.
"IT IS MY
PHONE!", Muski shouted back.
"NO ITS
RAHUL'S!"
"Rahul ka
matlab Indirectly mera! I'm his girlfriend!"
"BUT I'm
HIS FRIENNNDDD!"
"Girlfriend
is MORE IMPORTANT THAN FRIEND!"
"Oye Bhul
mat jaa tu'", Nikki got out of a frustrated Riddhima's grip and walked towards
Muskaan, her finger pointed, " I.. I ", she pointed to herself, " I helped you
to confess your feelings to him. Before you two were together, we were friends.
Agar main nahi hoti na, Rahul would probably come and make you tie a Rakhi on his
hand! Phir you'd stay na, Bhai-behen types!"
"Nikki'",Muski
swore in her breath.
"Muski ki
bacchi'"
They were
going to jump on each others hairs once again but Riddhima scolded them on top
of her lungs and they sat beside each other like 5-year olds, putting a finger
to their lips and pouting.
"Sorry
Kameeni.", Nikki said.
"Chal koi
nai, I know tub hi kameeni hai. We're KAMEENIS FOREVERRR!"
Nikki and
Muski both laughed their indreculous laughters and hugged each other, then
slapped each other's arms. Riddhima giggled. Could they get any crazier?
"Nikki,
chal.", Riddhima smiled at her cousin. They both made their way to Nikki's car,
as Nikki grinned.
"Aren't we
crazy, Ridz?", she asked.
"Oh. Crazy
will be a understatement .", Riddhima giggled.
"We were
even crazier when we were in school. Nish, Armaan, Muski, Rahul, Abhi'", she
trailed off, " Waise you know about Armaan and Nish, right?"
"Yeah. He
told me they're really close friends. And he had a special bond with her'You
know, because she was there with him when his dad died'"
Nikki
placed her hands in her hips and looked at Riddhima,narrowing her eyes.
"What?",she
questioned.
"So,he
hasn't told you the Whole thing yet,has he? I knew he wouldn't.Riddhima,They
weren't just...CLOSE FRIENDS,you know."
"So?",her
brows srunched up in confusion.
"Nishita's
Armaan ex-girlfriend. One of his most closest girlfriends. They broke up when
she left for Pune. They dated for 2 whole years.",Nikki sighed.
And
Riddhima gazed at her cousin in wonder, raising her eyebrows. Her mind fumed at
that very instance. Why hadn't Armaan told her about Nishita?
***
Armaan stopped writing and got up to get
himself a cup of coffee. He remembered how angry Riddhima had been, with all
the Nishita fiasco. He hadn't loved Nishita, she was just a close friend to
him. And at that time, he was so stupid not to understand how jealous Riddhima
had been when they were together. They both kept denying their feelings.
Jealousy- a deep thing that he had never
known. He had seen it in Nikki's eyes when Abhi was flirting with any random
girl, he'd seen flames of anger in his Basket's eyes when he was close to Nish.
It would be a lie, however, if he said he didn't experience jealousy. He
certainly did, when'
Laughing to himself and letting the thought
pass by in the air, he stirred his coffee. His phone rang and he picked it up. "Hey
Niks.", he said smiling.
"Yeah, I'm fine'You worry too much man..", he
laughed as he gazed at his diary's half-written page.
***
(Complete)
Okay again
I wasn't really happy with the way this turned out. I mean the ending bit. I
want commentsss! This part was LONG! And I want to see how Nishita is received..Loads
is left to know people, so hold on to your seat belts and enjoy the MTB ride :
) I don't really know if I'll be able to write anything within this month. Will
try although . Thanks for sticking by guys, MEANS A LOT <3
And
Basket, This was for you too because you came back :)
Love,
Maitree
SEE NOTE ON PAGE 8. REALLY VERY IMPORTANT.
Edited by ..Maitree.. - 11 September 2011 at 3:41am
..Maitree..
. So thank You SO much Everyone, this thread is a gift YOU guys gave to me.
Ankita.M
From write one shots, to short stories, to this ff and others you have indeed come a long long way :) And so well.
