After Armaan left, Riddhima knocked on Aaliyah's door. "RIDDHIMA! Itni raat ko? kya hua" Aaliyah got worried
"Aaliyah.... i need to talk to you"
"Aao.... andar aao" Aaliyah shut her door as Riddhima came in
"Tum.... shayad Armaan sey mili hogi.... tumhi ney usey restaurant bheja tha?"
"Hmm.... I am so happy you both finally met.... he looked desperate to meet you.... bahut chahta hai tumhey" Aaliyah poured two cups of coffee from her coffee machine.
"Aaliyah.... main jaanti hoon.... wo itni door sirf mujhsey milney aaya hai.... main aaj bahut khush hoon.... parr..."
"Parr! What parr Riddhima? Tum abhi bhi guilty feel karti ho? kyon likin?"
"Aaliyah.... maine aaney sey pehley mausaji sey kaha tha ki main Armaan sey koyi rishta nahin rakhoongi.... parr aaj ussey dekh kar sab vaade bhool gayi....bas yeh yaad raha ki main ussey bahut pyaar karti hoon......mujhey samajh nahin aata main theek karr rahi hoon ya nahin?" Riddhima had tears in her eyes
"Riddhima...Riddhima....pyaar karna koyi gunah nahin hai.....sacche pyaar ko thukra dena gunah hai......you should feel guilty about leaving the one man who loves you so much instead of feeling guilty about Anjali and your uncle's feelings.....you are lucky Armaan tumhey dhoondney US aa gaya......he could have felt rejected by you and never come for you.....phir kya karti?...."
"Aaliyah.... shayad tum theek keh rahi ho.... jab main Armaan ke saath hoti hoon toh poori duniya aur saari duniyadaari bhool jaati hoon....... shayad yahi sach hai.... baaki sab jhooth.... thanks Aaliyah.... I am so lucky mujhey tum jaisi dost mili...." Riddhima hugged Aaliyah and took leave
As Riddhima walked out of her room, Aaliyah shouted back, "RIDDHIMA...IF YOU EVER HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT ARMAAN, LET ME KNOW......I WOULD NOT MIND GOING OUT WITH HIM.... HE IS SOOOO HANDSOME!!"
Riddhima gave her a stare and gestured by snapping her fingers, "MUJHSEY BURA KOYI NAHIN HOGA.... TUM NE AISA SOCHA BHI TOH ..."
"SEE! YAAD RAKHNA.... IF YOU LEAVE HIM.... THERE ARE MANY TAKERS FOR HIM.... SAMBHAL KARR RAKHO USSEY...HE IS A KEEPER!" They both laughed and wished each other goodnight.
Next day, Armaan got off work early and waited outside Riddhima's classroom. He saw her walking out with Aaliyah. They were both engrossed in a conversation and did not notice Armaan standing outside the door. Riddhima was wearing black jeans with a red shirt with hair tied in the back. Armaan, who was still in his business suit, saw her walk out without noticing him. He followed her and pulled her hair clip out from her hair. She screamed and looked around and saw Armaan standing with her hair clip in one hand and his briefcase in the other. Riddhima and Aaliyah could not help breaking out into laughter at that sight.
Armaan loved to see Riddhima so happy. He grabbed her wrist and looked at Aaliyah, "Aaliyah.... main Riddhima ko tumsey cheen karr ley jaa raha hoon.... ab New Year ke baad hi milegi...."
"New Year?" Riddhima looked startled
"Hmm...aaj raat ko mere office ki taraf sey New Year's Eve party hai....and Riddhima is going to be my date!" he said authoritatively and looked into Riddhima's eyes.
"Armaan! Lekin tumney pehley pooncha nahin...yadi main naa keh doon toh?" Riddhima rolled her tongue and teased him
Armaan pulled her closer and stared into her eyes, "Riddhima.... Riddhima.... tum nahin chalogi toh main Aaliyah ko ley jaaoonga" he looked at Aaliyah and the three of them started laughing. Aaliyah said, "Dekho...Riddhima.... he is also interested in me!" Riddhima started hitting Aaliyah playfully.
Armaan finally intervened, "OK...OK...no catfights......Aaliyah...please stay on standby....in case my date ditches me at the last moment" he winked at her. Riddhima turned red in anger, "ARMAAN!"
"Hmm.... someone is jealous! "he hugged Riddhima and kissed her cheek, "Riddhima, I love the fact that you are possessive about me...." He put his arm around Riddhima and turned around, "Aaliyah.... I think stand by ki zaroorat nahin padhegi...."
They walked out of the school building, arm in arm....
"Riddhima...maine tumhein itna khush kabhie nahin dekha.... i love it.... i always want you to be happy.... main chahta hoon.... tum doosron ko khush karney sey pehley, khud ko khush karo.... always please yourself before trying to please anyone else......" Armaan said as they hailed a cab.
"tum aisa kyon keh rahe ho?" Riddhima tried to comprehend what he was saying
They sat inside the cab, "Fifth avenue.... shopping area.... please" Armaan ordered the cab driver.
"Riddhima...jab tak insane khud khush nahin hota...wo chah karr bhi kisi aur ko khushi nahin de sakta" he held her hand and kissed it, "Riddhima....tumney apni poori zindagi apney mausi-mausaji aur Anjali ko khush karney main nikaal di....kya mila tumhey?....na tum khush ho paayi aur na hi wo.....main chahta hoon tumhey duniya ki wo saari khushiyaan miley jo tum deserve karti ho.....main chahta hoon tum mere liye bhi wohi karo jismey tumhey khushi miley....sirf mujhey khush karney ke liye kuch mat karo...."
Riddhima had tears in her eyes, "Armaan.... tum aisa kyon keh rahey ho? Tum jaantey ho mujhsey kisi ka dukh nahin dekha jaata......"
"I know.... Riddhima main yeh nahin keh raha ki kisi ko khush mat karo...parr pehley apney aap ko khush karo.... jaise yahan New York mein.... tum kitni khush ho.... hamesha waise hi raho" he kissed her forehead as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Riddhima thought Armaan was probably right.... she had tried so hard to please Anjali all her life but had never succeeded in making her happy.... she had hurt Armaan and herself in that process, and Anjali was still unhappy! What mattered to her now was Armaan and her happiness......nothing else was probably more important....
Armaan took her shopping to the trendy stores in Manhattan's famous Fifth avenue.
"Armaan.... kyon itna kharch karr rahe ho?" she was worried as she saw the price tags
"Riddhima...I am just doing what makes me happy.... main chahta hoon meri date ko aaj raat sab dekhtey reh jaayein...."
"Yadi tumhari date kisi aur ko pasand aa gayi toh?" she smiled teasingly
"Wo aadmi bahut unlucky hoga..." he frowned
"Unlucky? kya matlab" Riddhima felt offended
"hmm.... unlucky kyonki wo uska akhiri din hoga...." Armaan pinched her nose and smiled...
"My God...look who is possessive now!" she teased him
Armaan helped Riddhima choose a beautiful black, knee length, halter neck dress for the evening. They went to a shoe store next
"Armaan! itney high heels main nahin pahen sakti...." Riddhima protested
"Madam.... yadi shaam ko mere saath dance karna hai toh ya toh yeh high heels pahen lo, warna stool parr khadey hoke dance karna padhega...."
Riddhima whined a little but then gave into toh se beautiful black high heeled sandals.
Next, Armaan took her to the famous jewelry store, "Tiffany's" and helped her select a beautiful set. Riddhima put her foot down when she saw the price tag, "No, I am sorry Armaan...main itna mehndi cheez nahin ley sakti....i won't be able comfortable wearing it....I have a nice pearl set in my dorm...main wo pahen loongi....please...tum kehtey ho na I should do what makes me happy.....this expensive set will certainly not make me happy.!"
Armaan had no choice but to return the set back, " hmm.... middle class ladkiyon ki yahi problem hai......kanjoos bahut hoti hain...." Before he could finish his sentence, Riddhima twisted his earlobe with her fingers, "Kanjoos hoti hain....parr pyaar karney mein sabsey dildaar hoti hain" she planted a kiss on his cheeks and walked out of "Tiffany's"
Armaan followed her, "yeh kya kiya tumney?.....log kya kahengey?" he tried to wipe her lipstick marks on his cheek and pretended he was blushing....
"Yahi kahengey...dekho wo middle class ladki kiss bahut acha deti hai...." She pinched his nose this time
He put all the shopping bags down, grabbed her waist and kissed her lips passionately, "sab key saamney yeh karr ke dikhao.... toh manoonga tumhey...."
Riddhima pulled her self away, and lowered her eyes, "Armaan...kya karr rahey ho......chalo chaltey hain..." Armaan could sense that every time he kissed her lips, she turned red like it was her very first kiss......there was something so innocent and pure about that first kiss.......that is what had brought them together after so many years, and would always remind them of their favorite moment from their childhood.....
"Chalo.... let's go and get some coffee...." He said
They stopped at the famous Rockefeller center and enjoyed the famous Christmas tree and ice-skating rink. There were lots of kids and adults skating in the rink.
"Pata hai Riddhima.... main school mein skating bahut karta tha.... chalo let's rent some skates...it would be fun!" he grabbed her hand and started walking to the skate rental area.
"Armaan.... mujhey skating nahin aati...." The very thought was scaring Riddhima
"OH...C'mon Riddhima.... main hoon na.... I will hold you.... chalo...you will always remember this...."
Armaan was very comfortable in the skates and helped Riddhima put on hers. He extended his hand towards her but Riddhima's legs like were frozen and her eyes were popping out of her head...."ARMAAN! I am scared...." she shrieked
Armaan smiled and carried her in his arms and swiftly skated into the rink. He placed her down in front of him and held her waist tightly, "Ab Riddhima.... apney aap ko bilkul loose chhod do....bas mere haath pakad lo....and enjoy yourself...."
He guided her through the skating rink, holding her waist close to him with both his hands. As they glided along, Riddhima relaxed a bit and started enjoying the cool breeze on her face. She felt like she was in paradise, nothing could be better.....Armaan holding her....and they both gliding carefree on the ice......she rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes......she had no worries.....she knew Armaan would never let her fall or get hurt......he was always going to be there for her.......she could face the world as long as he was with her....
Armaan whispered in her ear, "Kya soch rahi ho?"
she whispered back, "yahi...ki tumhey kitni practice hai ladkiyon ki kamar pakad ney ki...."
"Hmm...kamar hi kyon.... aur bhi bahut si jagah hain...jahan pakad sakta hoon.... dikhaaoon?" he squeezed her tightly
She understood what he was trying to say in between the lines, "Ahh...ahh.... nahin kamar hi kaafi hai...." They both laughed and after a few more rounds came out of the rink.
They had coffee at a nearby shop and then Armaan made a phone call somewhere. He grabbed her hand, "chalo...badi mushkin sey 5 baje ka appointment mila hai.... let's go...."
"Kahan jaa rahey hain?" Riddhima tried to keep up with his pace
They hailed a taxi, "Ritz Carlton please" Armaan said to the driver
"Tumharey hotel? Parr party toh raat ko hai na..." she was not sure why he wanted to go back to the hotel. She had goose bumps when she thought about what had happened last night. She thought, "I hope kahin Armaan.... kuch aur toh expect nahin karr raha mujh sey?"
They arrived at the hotel and he took her to the hotel spa.
"Yes, I have a reservation for Ms. Gupta at the spa.... thanks" Armaan spoke to the receptionist at the spa.
Riddhima looked around at the luxurious surroundings, "Armaan.... main itney expensive spa mein kya karoongi...?"
Armaan said sarcastically, "Basketball khelogee....kaise sawaal karti ho?...ab chup chap andar jao aur kaam khatam hote hi mujhey phone karr dena...I will be in my room ...I have some emails to catch up...OK have a great time" he kissed her forehead and turned to the lady, who had come to receive Riddhima, "please take good care of my love..."
Riddhima enjoyed a relaxing massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. She had never felt so pampered in her life. She realized that Armaan really cared for her and he wanted her to enjoy the best things in life.... would she ever be able to reciprocate that?
Armaan came to pick her up in a couple of hours, "My...my...look at you...Riddhima you look so relaxed and beautiful.... thanks ladies" he turned around to sign the bill and walked out holding Riddhima's hand.
He kissed her beautiful hands in the elevator, "Riddhima...kitna kaam kartey hain yeh haath...they deserve the best."
Riddhima came close to Armaan, "main tumhare liye kabhie itna nahin karr sakoongi Armaan..."
"Shut up Riddhima....yeh main apney liye karr raha hoon...OK...tumhara pyaar hi kaafi hai mere liye...kabhi usmey kami mat laana..." he hugged her as they arrived at the 25 th floor......
" subah sey lekar shaam tak" from "mohra"
hoo subah se lekar shaam tak, shaam se lekar raat tak
subah se lekar shaam tak, shaam se lekar raat tak
raat se lekar suabh tak, subah se phir shaam tak
mujhe pyar karo hoo, mujhe pyar karo...
hoo mujhe pyar karo...mujhe pyar karo
hooo
shehar se lekar gaon tak, dhoop se lekar chaon tak
shehar se lekar gaon tak, dhopp se lekar chaon tak
sar se lekar paon tak, dil ki sabhi wafaon tak
mujhe pyar karo hoo mujhe pyar karo
hoo mujhe pyar karo...mujhe pyar karo
hooo aur piya kuch bhi karlo, lekin rakhna yaad
aur piya kuch bhi karlo, lekin rakhna yaad
kuch shaadi se pehle... kuch shaadi ke baad...
pyar mein ab itni shartein kaun rakhega yaar
kiya shaadi se pehle kiya shaadi ke baad...
hoo paas se lekar door tak, door se lekar paas tak
in hoton ke pyaas tak, dharti se akaash tak
mujhe pyar karo hooo mujhe pyar karo
hooo mujhe pyar karo...mujhe pyar karo
hoo aise kasie ho sakta hai pura pyar
aise kasie ho sakta hai pura pyar
ya khul ke ikraar karo tum, ya khul ke inkaar
hoo mere gale mein daal ke nahein karlo baate chaar
isse aage karna padega tumko intezaar
hoo saagar ke is aar se, saagar ke us paar tak
nazron ki deewar tak, pyar se lekar pyar tak
mujhe pyar karo hoo mujhe pyar karo
hoo mujhe pyar karo...mujhe pyar karo
hoo
subah se lekar shaam tak, shaam se lekar raat tak
subah se lekar shaam tak, shaam se lekar raat tak
raat se lekar suabh tak, subah se phir shaam tak
mujhe pyar karo hoo, mujhe pyar karo...
hoo mujhe pyar karo...mujhe pyar karo