The First Kiss 💋❤️

Part 13

As Riddhima walked out to leave the Malik residence, Armaan stopped her, "Riddhima...kahan jaa rahi ho?"

"Armaan.... mujhey please ghar jaane do.... mujhey mausi se baat karni hai..."

"Nahin.... tum akeli nahin jaaogi.... main bhi chaloonga..." Armaan insisted on accompanying her.

Riddhima remained silent on the way back. Her maang was still red with the holi color, she was trying to gather courage to face her family.

Armaan read her thoughts, "Riddhima...tumhara koyi kasoor nahin hai.... kasoor toh mera hai jo maine Anjali aur tumhare mausa ji ko pehle nahin bataya...."

"Armaan.... tum nahin samjhogey......un logon ney mujhey bachpan sey paala hai.... bahut ehsaan hain unkey mujh parr.... main aisa nahi kar sakti..."

Armaan knew it was futile to reason with Riddhima at this point; he would have to handle the situation himself.

AT THE GUPTA's RESIDENCE:

Padma answered the doorbell, "Aao beta.... andar aao" she looked a little disturbed but was happy to see Riddhima back.

"Riddhima...beta tum oopar apney kamrey mein jao..." Padma said

"Aunty.... mujhey maaf karr deejiye, maine aap logon ka dil dukhaya hai...." Armaan apologized
"Nahin beta.... yeh toh acha hai sagaayi aur shaadi sey pehley hi pata chal gaya...." Armaan was relieved that Padma had taken the high road instead of getting upset.

Before Armaan could say any more, Shashank barged into the living room.

"ARMAAN! tum yahan kya karr rahe ho?"

"Uncle...please meri baat samajh ney ki koshish kee jiye...." Armaan pleaded

"Armaan...main jaanta hoon tum kya kehne aaye ho.... don't worry ...I will do what is best for both Anjali and Riddhima.... ab tum jaa sakthey ho" Padma looked at Shashank as he said that, she tried to comprehend what he meant.

Armaan was relieved, as he thought Shashank had finally calmed down- as a father he would not want Anjali to get involved in a loveless marriage. He did not realize that Shashank would always place Anjali's interest in front of anyone else, and he could do anything to please his daughter.

"Kya main jaane sey pehle, Riddhima sey mil sakta hoon?" Armaan asked innocently

Shashank said sternly, "Armaan.... our family needs to discuss this issue privately...so if you will please excuse us...."

Armaan got the message, he looked up the stairs, hoping to get a glance at Riddhima but had to turn around and leave, when he did not see her.

UPSTAIRS:

Riddhima knocked on Anjali's door, "Didi...main andar aa sakti hoon?" she hesitated but entered when she did not get an answer from Anjali. Anjali was standing facing the window, watching Armaan leave. She had seen him enter their house with Riddhima a few minutes ago.

"Mujhey didi mat kaho!" Anjali spoke with her face still facing the window.

Riddhima placed her hand on Anjali's shoulder, "didi.... dil par kisi ka bas nahin hota.... issmey aapka koyi kasoor nahin hai.... Armaan aur main...."

Anjali turned around and Riddhima got scared when she saw the fury in Anjali's eyes, "RIDDHIMA.... DIL PAR NAHIN HOTA PAR DIMAAG PAR TOH HOTA HAI.... KYA TUMHEY PATA NAHIN THA MERI USS SEY SHAADI HONE WAALI HAI...." Anjali shouted at Riddhima. Riddhima started trembling, "Didi.... main nahin karna chahti Armaan sey shaadi...wohi...."

"Stop this nonsense Riddhima.... why would Armaan want to marry a dim-witted girl like you? Tumney hi uss parr koyi jadoo kiya hai......I know you have always been jealous of my success.... aur toh kahin bass chala nahin tumhara.... pata nahin Armaan ney kya dekha tum mein?" Anjali had a disgusted look on her face as Riddhima was almost in tears.