I read a few fanfics here and there, skimmed a few ones to, and I must say this forum has so many talented individuals with so much creativity and imagination. I really applaud you all for your hard work. You guys are all so AMAZING!!!
*** Due to recent events, I declare that this story was solely written by me. I have worked really hard on my story, and do not appreciate having them taken from me without permission.
~ Other FF ~
Ten Ways to Get Him Back: http://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1630793
~ Index ~
Part 1 - Page 1 Part 6 - Page 10 Part 11 - Page 39 Part 16 - Page 87
Part 2 - Page 1 Part 7 - Page 15 Part 12 - Page 51
Part 3 - Page 2 Part 8 - Page 19 Part 13 - Page 51
Part 4 - Page 3 Part 9 - Page 24 Part 14 - Page 67
Part 5 - Page 6 Part 10-Page 29 Part 15 - Page 71
~ Straight out of fiction ~
~ Chapter One: Another Stuffy Night ~
"For the last time, you are going to the Pandora Ball Miss
Riddhima Gupta whether you like it or not!" The shrill voice on the intercom
yelled.
"Why? So that you can have your stylist force me into a
revealing dress, makeup me till I look I just came out a horror movie, and then
have me walk around the party advertising and promoting your company. No
thanks!" her voice mirrored how she felt about her over controlling dad forcing
her to attend the ridiculous social event.
"My decision is final. I will send the limousine at 8
o'clock sharp." He replied with authority and hanged up.
Riddhima was angry towards her father. How could he force
her to attend this absurd social party? True, the Pandora Ball was the one of
the biggest event in the corporate world, an event where all the important
people would be attending, but she failed to see how her presence can
contribute in any kind. She hated these kinds of parties; attending them meant
to walk around with a fake smile plastered on her lips, having awkward
conversations with people she has never met, and hearing all the gossips of the
upper class world. All she would probably hear about is whose daughter eloped
with whose son, whose wife has been cheating, and the usual talks about looks,
dresses, weights and money. How boring! Every time she has attended one, she
felt imprisoned and suffocated. She never understood how her father and elder
brother Rahul could bear to these parties.
Just like her, Rahul, never really enjoyed these extravagant
parties, but he put up with them since he would be the one replacing his father
when he retired. Being the sole heir to the whole empire meant he had to start
building up his reputation very early if he wished to keep the company in the
top. Moreover, it was the ideal opportunity to meet new people and make new
contacts. How could he let go such a brilliant opportunity? No way!
Shashank Gupta was indeed a confident person; he is the
CEO-founder of the Gupta Enterprises. He has worked really hard throughout his
whole life to achieve the height of success he has now, and is now very well
known in the corporate world. He was married to Padma Gupta, but unfortunately
she was not able to see him achieve all this glory. After her death, Shashank
focused all his energy in his career, and in the process, he ended up
neglecting his children. They were raised by several nannies and never really
got any parental affection. Fortunately for them, they had each other.
Rahul and Riddhima were so different yet so alike. They both
fought with each other all the time, but loved each other to bits. Rahul was
more of the shy, quiet, and intellectual type of person; he would only open his
mouth when necessary. He was awfully handsome; dark hair, grey eyes, muscular
body, and the whole combination, but despite his good looks and charms, he
restrained himself from any kind of flings. If asked, he would simply answer:
"Still waiting for the right person".
On the other hand, Riddhima was more of the outgoing and
chatty person; she could make friends easily and always spoke her mind. Though,
time to time, when her mood is completely off, she could easily get irritated,
and in those cases, she would act immediately, without really thinking. Just
like her brother, she too hopes that one day her prince charming will come and
sweep her off her feet.
Riiinggg!!!
The sound of bell brought Riddhima back to reality. Recess
was over, and classes would still begin.
"C'mon Riddhima, break's over. There is absolutely no point
in destroying this beautiful day because of Papa. Your students are waiting for
you." She got up from the fire escape, a secluded stairway at Royal High, and
walked towards her classroom.
<p align="center">~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~</p>
It was hectic and busy day. Riddhima was exhausted from all
the work; handling a bunch of teenager, and educating them about literature was
not easy. There were always those questions: "Miss! Why do we have to read this
novel" or "Miss? This book is so long!" and "Miss, what's the point of reading
all these books?" No, she didn't resent her job as a teacher, but sometimes, it
can be a hand full. She was happy that the day was over.
As she approached the front entrance, she heard her name
being called.
"Oye Ridzy! Wait, wait for me! Stay there, I'll be there in
a jiffy. Not you! I don't even know you." Muskaan hollered as she rushed past a
young man, and entered the teacher's lounge. In no time she was back out, and
ran toward her friend.
They had met two months ago at the beginning of the school
year, in June, and they hit it off instantly. Muskaan was just like Riddhima:
outgoing and very, very talkative. Her family shifted to Mumbai a few months
earlier and that's how she ended up being the Arts teacher at Royal High.
"You were going to leave without me! How could you? How
would I ever go home! Akelie larki, Mumbai mei. It's not safe you know!" She
said, exaggerating her movements.
"Muski, stop being a drama queen. Sorry. I had a lot of
thing in my head, and the fact that we finished together today simply escaped
my mind." Riddhima grabbed her ears and smiled.
"No problem. What's the matter? Is it your dad again? Did he
do tell you to quit your job and go join him? Did ask you to get married to an
old man so that he can combine both companies? Did he-"
"No Muskaan, nothing THAT melodramatic. He just wants me to
attend another one of those rubbish events: The Pandora Ball. Seriously, what
will I do there? It's not like I'm actually going to talk to those superficial and
haughty people, and run a campaign for my dearest Papa." she said the last bit
with heavy sarcasm.
"You know what? Just go there, smile and nod. It's the
perfect recipe to endure dreadful parties, and to avoid conversation with
random people. It always works when I try to avoid that horrible aunt of mine."
"You make it sound so easy."
"It's because it is. I never understood why you hate grand
parties. I mean you get to wear fancy dresses, have nice food, and most
importantly, drool over all the handsome hunks. " Her eyes were closed, already
imagining herself in such a scenario.
"It's more than just the party. It's all the pretence game
we play, as if we were this huge happy family and everything was completely
fine. And if you think it's that FUN, why don't you join me tonight? It's a
win-win situation; I get company, and you my dear, can stare at all the eligible
bachelors. What say?"
"I say YES!" Muskaan jumped up and down of joy. "But you are
going to have to help me get ready, and introduce me to people, and your family
too, and-"
"No problem Muski, just call your parents and tell them
you're staying with me. Tomorrow is Saturday so it should be fine. And, I have
the perfect dress for you. You are going to look superb!"
<p align="center">~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~ <> ~</p>
"Ridzy, are you sure I look nice, I mean, it's not too much
or anything, right? Muskaan hesitated as she swirled in front of the mirror in
a full-length strapless dark purple dress. She looked stunning; her lips were a
glossy pink, her eyes were smoky, and her dark and curly hair was let lose,
giving her an exotic look.
"You look perfect. Now stop admiring yourself and come and
help me put this clip in my hair. The car is about to arrive in less than 10
minutes." Riddhima was trying very hard to put a bobby pin in her hair, but was
having a hard time with Muskaan hogging the mirror. She wore a simple white
dress, and still managed to look like an angel. She was indeed very beautiful;
her wavy black was tied back with a few lose strands falling gently on her shoulder,
her lips were naturally pink and glossy, and her dark long lashes made her blue
eyes stand out much more. She barely wore any makeup, yet she looked
breathtaking and exquisite. At 8 sharp, they heard a honk, so they headed
outside. The weather was beautiful; the sky was clear, the stars were shining
with all their strength, and the moonlight was probably enough to lite up the
whole city.
"Uh Ridzy? Don't mind me asking, but why do you come to
school walking when you have THIS driving you around?" Muskaan pointed both her
hands towards the fabulous limousine.
"Because it's too much going to school in such a luxurious
vehicle, don't you think?"
"Ok, maybe not in a limo, but I am sure a car wouldn't hurt.
I mean, you walk practically 30 minutes every day just to get to work, don't
you het exhausted?"
"Muskaan, I am not an old lady that can't walk. I am 22, fit
and healthy. Besides, God didn't give me a pair of legs so that I laze around
all day!" Riddhima said as she got in the car. As the car drove off, both girls
were oblivious to what was waiting for them at their destination.
Finally, the car stopped and the chauffeur opened the door.
As Muskaan got out, she realised that she was walking on a red carpet, and that
there were photographers and journalists everywhere. She was overwhelmed with
joy, never in her entire life had she felt so important. It was as if she was a
celebrity. She felt slightly uncomfortable when everyone's gazes were fixed on
her, probably wondering who she was, but as soon as Riddhima came to her side,
she felt better.
"As you said, smile and nod, and we might be able to make it
inside without talking to all these people." She heard Riddhima whisper to her.
"Do you think if I fall right now, I might make it on the
front page of the paper" Muskaan laughed as they both precipitated toward the
entrance.
The place was AMAZING. The walls were painted in a color
that looked like satin black and the windows were large and tall with red
curtains; there was and orchestra at the far end, a huge stairway that led
probably to the second floor and the terrace, and to top it all, an enormous
chandelier dangling in the center of the piece.
"Riddhima" They ladies turned around to see who had called
her named, and say a fine young man walking towards them. "You made it, I
seriously thought you wouldn't come?" he hugged her and turned towards Muskaan.
"And may I ask who is this beautiful young lady you brought along" he added as
he took her hand and kissed it like a true gentleman. Muskaan blushed at the
comment, and at the kiss made her cheeks go even redder.
"Rahul, this is Muskaan, and Muskaan this is my obnoxious
favourite brother Rahul. We work at the same institution so I forced her to tag
along with me." Riddhima was very amused at her brother's interest toward her
friend. It was very rare that he would complement anyone, let alone take their
hand and kiss it. This was a jamais vu!
"Well then, I better carry along. I heard that the Maliks
are here today, and apparently their son has returned from London. Enjoy the
party and I will see in in a bit." He left them, and turned around once to get
a last glimpse of Muskaan before disappearing onto the crowd.
"Well, that was pretty, how should I put it, interesting."
Riddhima smiled at Muskaan who was still slightly embarrassed about what just
happened, and was still looking down, her cheeks still red. Rahul had mentioned
the Maliks; if there was a company higher than The Gupta Enterprises, it was
the Malik Enterprises. They were wealthy as hell, yet still very nice and down
to earth people. However, according to the tabloids, Riddhima heard that their
son was quite a ladies' man; charming, handsome, and smart, a deadly
combination, though she never met the man in person. At 25, he was about to
take over the family business, and the Maliks were extremely proud of their
son.
She spotted her father's face in the midst of the crown, and
saw the back of two silhouettes. Her father called her, and introduced her to a
middle aged woman, and her husband.
"My dear child, you look beautiful." He kissed her forehead.
Riddhima hated it when her dad tried to pretend he was the best dad in the
world, and as if everything was fine between them. "This is Rajesh Malik and
his wife, Sunaina Malik." He gestured his hands toward the couple standing in
front of him. Riddhima greeted them politely and left in search of Muskaan. She
went to the terrace and was quite surprised when she found her dancing the
waltz, with her brother, in the middle of the dance floor. Well, she thought,
it was a "Ball" after all, and dance was a major component of such an event.
She was happy that her friend was enjoying herself, but then again, she was
left without any company. She went back down to grab a drink, and as she turned
around to go back to the terrace, she was blown away by the sight in front of her.
A dashing young man strolled gracefully down the stairs,
with one hand his pocket. He was wearing, by the look of it, an Armani Tux. His
bow was undone around his neck, and the first few buttons of his white shirt
were left open, leaving his muscular chest on public display. He had jet black
hair, green eyes, and, oh my god, he had dimples as well! Riddhima simply
couldn't taker her eyes off him, how could she? The man was simply dead drop
gorgeous.
"Armaan Malik, that's his name." She heard a voice behind
her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That was part one guys! Please do comment and I hope to be able to reply to everyone. Thank you!
comment:
p_commentcount