Torn Heart's

chapter 6

Arjun was at a turning point in his life, starting to feel hopeful about moving on from his past. Spending time with Ridhima made him think that maybe things could get better. Her smiles and their moments together seemed to ease the burden he carried from before. He wondered if this could be the start of something new and healing.

On the other hand, Ridhima was happy to see Arjun making progress. She enjoyed their time together and hoped their connection would grow stronger. Seeing Arjun let go of his past and embrace the present filled her with joy.

Today was finally the day for which Riddhima had eagerly waited. It was their engagement day, and as she got ready in a pastel blue lehnga, looking eternally beautiful. Checking herself in the mirror, she couldn't recognize herself,the makeup artist had done a perfect job. Lost in her thoughts, she was interrupted by a knock on the door, and she found her best friend entering.

"Ohhoo koi toh bohat khubsurat lag raha hai.I hope you have the best future ahead," her friend commented,

Riddhima smiled warmly, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "You know, Riya, it all feels like a dream. Getting engaged to your crush is something I can't describe. I am so happy that Arjun is making this effort to open up."

Riya hugged Riddhima tightly "You deserve all the happiness in the world, my dear. Arjun is lucky to have you."

Riddhima nodded, "I just hope everything goes smoothly today. I can't wait to see Arjun and where is Samar itna kya busy hai ke woh meri engagement mai bhi nahi aaya"

"I don't know. That dog has forgotten us after going to Australia. When he comes back, both of us will teach him a lesson," Riya said, making her laugh.

Another knock came at their door, and this time, it was Riddhima's father. He couldn't hold back his emotions upon seeing his daughter dressed beautifully for her engagement. Moving closer, he gently kissed her forehead.

"You look incredibly beautiful.I can't believe how much you have grown. It feels like just yesterday you were playing with your dolls"he said with tears in his eyes

Riddhima chuckled, "Dad, stop being so emotional," she hugged him tightly

Trying to lighten the mood. "I am not getting married yet. Just engaged. Besides, my future in-laws' house is right next door. You can visit me anytime.Even you can jump from wall but you are too old for that"Her father chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye.

Riya did her final touchup and helped her get downstairs. Ridhima looked at Arjun, who was standing there with his mother. She blushed as Arjun, moved towards her, and held her hand, helping her onto the stage. His small gesture made her heart flutter.

"Bohot pyaari lag rahi hai meri beti," Savitri said, kissing Riddhima's forehead. Soon, it was time for the ring exchange.

Arjun took the ring in his hand and gently took Riddhima's hand in his. She was trembling slightly with excitement. Slowly, Arjun slid the ring onto her finger, causing her heart to skip a beat.Now, it was Riddhima's turn to take the ring

As Riddhima took the ring from the tray, her hands trembled with nervousness and joy. With a deep breath, she gently took Arjun's hand in hers and slid the ring onto Arjun's finger. The room filled with applause and cheers as they exchanged rings

She looked at her ring, turning it gently between her fingers, a smile tugging at her lips. Pinching herself lightly, she expected to wake from what felt like a dream, but the slight sting confirmed it was real a beautiful reality she had always yearned for, a happy life with Arjun.

Her gaze shifted towards Arjun,who engrossed in conversation with her mother. Arjun was indeed the best son-in-law her parents could ever hope for, caring for them as if they were his own. That selflessness was what she loved in him the most,he placed others' needs above his own

It's been two week since their engagement, and Riddhima has started calling him every night to ask about his day. Even though their conversations used to last only five minutes, it means the world to Riddhima. To her, having a guy who previously wouldn't talk for even a minute now spend five minutes talking to her is incredibly meaningful and special.

Riddhima called Arjun every night since they got engaged. "Hi Arjun, how was your day" she asked eagerly.

"Fine."he replied. She tried to get him to talk more. "Did anything interesting happen" she asked. Arjun replied shortly, "Not really."

Riddhima couldn't hide her feelings. "I missed talking to you today," she admitted.

Sensing his lack of interest, she asked, "Are you busy right now"

"Kind of," he admitted.

Feeling a bit let down but not wanting to end on a bad note, Riddhima said softly, "Oh, okay. Well, I just wanted to hear your voice before sleeping."

Riddhima wished him good night "Take care then. Good night." Arjun replied

After he hung up the call, tears rolled down Riddhima's cheeks, leaving her heartbroken by Arjun's sudden change. Just a week ago, their conversations were filled with warmth and he would often initiate the calls. Now, his responses were short and distant.

She wiped away her tears and thought, "Ridhima, why are you behaving like a teenager.Maybe he is just busy with office work, that's why he Is acting like this.I think should visit him tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Arjun was immersed in his work, glued to his laptop for hours without a break. He skipped meals,breakfast, lunch, and dinner-

The next morning, Riddhima woke up early to visit Arjun. She hoped that seeing him in person would ease her worries and bring back the closeness they once shared. After getting ready, she set out for Arjun's place

Meanwhile, Arjun was still engrossed in his work, unaware of Riddhima's plans. The work demanded his full attention, and he pushed himself harder to meet the deadline. He had barely slept the previous night

When Riddhima arrived at Arjun's doorstep, she hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage. She rang the bell.Savitri opened the door with a warm smile, instantly pulling Riddhima into a comforting hug.

"Riddhima, beta, it's so good to see you," Savitri said, kissing her forehead

Riddhima returned the hug gratefully, "Hello, aunty," she greeted softly. "Is Arjun awake I need to talk to him"

"Abh kya bolo mai. He has been busy with his work for the past week. And he is even skipping his meal too.Why don't you just go there and meet him.He is in his room.Go ahead and meet him"Savitri said

Ridhima lightly knocked on his door, but there was no response

Slowly, she stepped inside, only to find him sleeping on the sofa. His laptop was still open, and his table was covered with files. She felt a pang in her heart seeing him like this. Without making any noise, she moved towards him and looked closely at his face. She could see the dark circles under his eyes.

Her heart ached seeing him so tired. Gently, she brought up her hand and brushed his hair away from his forehead. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back, not wanting to cry.

She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. Carefully, she adjusted him on the sofa to make him more comfortable. He didn't wake up, and she was glad for that.

Quietly, she closed his laptop and gathered the scattered files, placing them neatly on the table.She hated seeing him like this, so exhausted and worn out.

After a while, she decided to let him rest. She turned off the lights, leaving only a dim lamp on, and quietly exited the room.
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Stay tuned for next chapter

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Also, there will be no updates for the next two days as I am busy with an assignment.