Chapter 168

Part 9


3 days Later :

"Take care of Yourself.. Byee " Shilpa sighed sadly as she ended her talk with Armaan. He had been gone to Delhi from last 3 days and all she could do was miss him more. No Armaan meant more awkwardness between his parents more hateness and anger to bear.. Between all this she had started to notice a slight change in behavior of Veena. Since their talk few days before she tried to make small conversations although she kept trying to show her stiffness.. Shilpa smiled on the progress she had made.. She went downstairs to see Veena who was already seated for the breakfast..
"Hello Mom " Shilpa smiled warmly as she took a seat infront of her mother-in-law. She was glad eventhough Armaan was gone , still there was someone here to speak to her. Yes Veena was still cold to her but it was slowly and slowly melting.. And Shilpa was sure she would succeed..
Veena just gave a stiff nod as Balraj joined for the breakfast.. He cast a bored look at Shilpa and smiled at his wife..
Balraj noticed Shilpa who set quiet eating her breakfast obediently.. Like a small girl who tried to obtain a good behavior infront of her father.. Balraj frowned at his thought.. Why was he even thinking about her.. He cleared his throat narrowing his gaze on Shilpa... "Dont you have to say any lecture today ?? "
Both women stared at him surprised.. Balraj grew nervous under their gaze and shifted his attention back to newspaper.. He scolded himself for even opening his mouth.. Why should he care about her..
Shilpa felt something warm in her heart.. A ting of hope raised in her heart.. Did her father-in-law have a soft spot buried in his heart.. She smiled at her thought as she added melting down Balraj to her further list...

"Whats wrong with you ??? " Natasha shook her head in shock.. Seema set along with Natasha in the canteen during their break hour.. She knew the moment she spilled out the truth to Natasha she would start to get hyper.. "Please Tashu dont react so bad.. " She muttered softly
"Dont react " Natasha scoffed.. "How can you expect me to not react in such a big thing. I cant believe you are so dumb.. "
Seema gritted her teeth.. "May i know why you got such a nice thinking about me.."
Natasha narrowed her eyes at her.. "Dont try to be cute on me.. I am speaking about that Shilpa Mallik. What does She think of herself.. " Fury rose inside her.. "So cunningly she have manipulated Armaan. Now you just wait and see how easily she manipulates his parents.. How could you let this happen.. "
"I cant change a thing Natasha " Seema bit out in frustration... "She is married to him. Since past 3 years.. He have been secretly going to her and all the time i kept day dreaming about him like a idiot. "
Natasha sighed and pressed Seema's hand.. "Forget about Armaan.. I am saying about this Shilpa madam.. Who does she think she is.. Are you seriously gonna let her go so easily after ruining your life.. "
Seema frowned as Natasha's talks kept getting inside her head.. Effecting her mind.. She thought hard about it and protested.. "But i have seen her.. I met her few days before i realized she is not that bad.. "
"Oh Wow now you find her sweet.. " Natasha spoke sarcastically.. "If so somedays later you will make her your best friend too "
Seema gritted her teeth giving her  a look.. "Shilpa Mallik is never going to be my best friend.. "
"Oh Really " Natasha smirked.. "Thats what i am saying Seema.. Never make your enemy your friend.. No mtter how sweet she acts infront of you.. Seema you shouldn't forget the way she had embarrassed you infront of your parents. Because of her you have lost your friendship with Armaan.. Literally she have ruined your happiness.. Think about it Seema.. "
The thoughts started to get inside her mind as the moments flashed infront of her eyes.. The way Shilpa Mallik had ruined her biggest happiness taken it away from her.. Fury rose inside her as she made up her mind.. "What should i do ? "
A cunning smile formed in Natasha's lips.. "I have a plan "

"What are you doing here Seema " Shilpa asked her surprised as she started at Seema who smiled at her.. "I just thought to come here and meet you.. "
Shilpa smiled warmly and invited her inside.. She took a seat along with Shilpa..
"Can i get you anything to drink " Shilpa asked quickly.. Seema interrupted her at once.. " No No i am fine.. Dont worry.. "  She smiled at took in Shilpa's appearance.. "Are you going out.. I am so sorry if i am delaying you.. "
"Oh No No " Shilpa laughed softly.. "I just thought i will go and do some grocery shopping.. "
"Oh forget it " Seema forced a warm smile on her lips.. "If you dont mind i wanted to ask you.. Would you like to go pub with me.. ? "
"Pub " Shilpa asked Stunned.. "All of a sudden.. "
Seema tried to hide her nervousness as she pulled along the act.. " Its been long time i havent gone around to enjoy.. You know just along with some friends.. Had been so busy in work never got time.. Then i realized you must be willing to go with me.. Even Armaan is not around i thought you might be bored.. "
Shilpa smiled warmly hearing her thoughts.. Few days before she was glad Seema gave a try to correct things between them. But now she was glad they were becoming good friends.. "I would love to go with you Seema.. "

Shilpa grew lil concious as excitement filled in Seema's voice.. "Well then why wait.. Lets go now.. "
"Just wait for me outside i will get my bag.. "Shilpa told as she headed back to her room..
As she came downstairs she tried hard to throw away suspicion from her heart.. Maybe Seema was really trying to make a friendship with her.. Still She didint know why but she felt as if something was wrong.. But couldnt point it out.. She came to a stop as Veena came towards her.. "You are in hurry.. "
Shilpa nodded and smiled.. "I am going out with Seema.. "
Veena nodded and muttered.. "I heard your talks.. "
Shilpa threw a awkward look.. With a nod she headed outside when Veena spoke again.. "Listen.. "
Shilpa turned around to face her.. Veena tried not to give in emotions as she spoke stiffly.. "Try to be careful.. "And then she muttered softly.. "I dont trust that girl.. "
Shilpa was stunned and surprised.. She didint expect such concern from her mother-in-law.. Still it made her heart sing happily.. "I will be careful mom.. "
With that throwing away all her worries she headed outside smiling...

"Wow this place is loud.. "Shilpa spoke as she observed the pub uncomfortably.. She had never been comfortable in such place it always made her conscious.. Then her thoughts drifted to her husband.. Armaan had once brought her into such pub and instantly took her away as she complained.. Seema noticed her smile and gave a gentle nudge.. "Hey Shilpa.. Come to earth.. "
"Ohh I was just thinking about Armaan " Shilpa giggled and blushed softly..
Seema winced at the thoughts and tried hard not to react.. She took Shilpa's hand and headed inside..
As they took a seat in the deserted corner instantly both of them got into deep talks.. They talked, Laughed and giggled fully enjoying each others company.. Seema shook her head as she realized she was loosing time.. Remembering she was here with a plan she got into it instantly.. "What would you like to drink Shilpa.. "
"Any soft drink would do.. " Shilpa replied smiling at her.. Seema nodded and got up instantly.. "You wait here.. I will come back with the drinks.. "
Shilpa tried to follow her when Seema stopped her.. "You wait here and enjoy.. I will get the drinks for us.. "
Seema took a breath of relief as she headed to the bar counter alone.. Lost in her thoughts she kept walking when suddenly she crashed into a stranger.. "Oh I am sorry.. " She gasped and took a step back. The men , the gorgeous man who stood infront of her stared at her narrowing her eyes.. She gulped and looked away trying not to stare at him.. Oh this man had a attractive look.. Get a grip on yourself Seema.. She scolded herself.. Werent you supposed to have a crush on Armaan ?
"Excuse me Miss " The stranger bit out the words "I think you should watch where you are going.. "
Seema scowled irritated by his reaction.. "Oh Hello.. Your the man who came crashed into out of no-where.. " She gritted her teeth and muttered.. "Bloody Despo.. "
He fumed as he heard the words and tried to react when the man who stood beside him stopped him instantly.. "Cool down bro.. She is not worth it.. "
"Seema !! " Shilpa shouted out.. Seema glanced back and gave waved her hand to Shilpa signally her to wait.. As she headed away from them both men stared at Shilpa in shock.. "Is that Shilpa ?? "
"Ohh that is.. " He muttered out softly.. "But what is she doing here with that Seema named girl.. ?"

Shilpa instantly drank the glass as Seema passed it to her.. She was feeling thirsty a while ago.. But as she drank it a warm fuzzy feeling started to rise in her.. She shook her head trying to clear it out.. Passing a shaky smile at Seema she put down her glass.. Seema studied her carefully as Shilpa touched her head suddenly starting to feel dizzy.. Something was wrong.. She did feel... But the feeling passed as her mind grew fog and she started to loose her sense.. Slightly tipsy she giggled and muttered.. "I feel.. funny.. "
Seema took a breath of relief and looked around.. She took her phone and called Natasha.. "She is drunk now.. "

"I dont feel this is good.. "Seema spoke miserably as she stared at Shilpa was now lying on the bed totally intoxicated.. Natasha smirked as she glanced at the two men who stood in the corner staring down at Shilpa.. "Oh trust me this is the perfect plan.. After this Shilpa Mallik will loose all her ego and pride.. "
Seema looked away as a disgusted feeling started to creep inside her.. No matter what Natasha said she had a feeling this was wrong.. "But i still think.. "
"Stop thinking then Seema.. " Natasha spoke dragging out Seema along with her.. "Lets go home and enjoy in peace.. Tomorrow you can see Shilpa Mallik loose all her reputation.. Imagine the surprise stored for Armaan when he comes back to Mumbai to find out what his wife had been upto.. "
Seema didint feel this was write.. She felt this was very wrong.. Still cowardly she followed Natasha outside and gave one last look down at Shilpa.. For a minute she thought to go and take her out of this mess.. But remembering the insultation she had gone through because of Shilpa she hardened her feelings and walked out of the room..

Two of them paced towards the room they had seen Shilpa being taken.. As they located it they threw the door open and walked inside.. Two men stood staring down at Shilpa , and instantly took a step back seeing them..
"Hey !! Get out of this room.. " One of them shouted...
He gritted his teeth in fury and pointed to the door.. "Get the hell out of this room.. leave her alone orelse we wont leave you in a good shape to work out of this room"
The men stared at them in shock as they understood the warning in his voice.. With a tight nod they walked out of the room and closed the door instantly..
He took a breath of relief and glanced a look at Shilpa who was now unconscious.. Unknown to what was happening near her.. Unknown to what might have happened with her.. He closed his eyes as his friend came forward keeping a hand on his shoulder.. "Dont worry dude.. We have saved her on the right time.. "
He nodded in relief and set beside Shilpa staring down at her.. "Yes she is safe now.. Ask me how glad i am.. "
"Sameer !! Its time we must call Armaan now " Raj spoke as he came and stood beside Sameer who set on the bed.. "He was due to be back Mumbai by tonight. We must inform him rightaway.. "
"Yes we will " Sameer spoke firmly.. And then he glanced a hard look at Raj.. "And after that we will take care of that women.. " He gritted his teeth in fury "Ms Seema "

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Part 10


In the fog she recalled being dragged in somewhere.. A hotel room.. And then she remembered she was lying on bed.. While lying on the bed she recalled being watched.. Two women stood infront of her staring down at her.. Their faces not much clear to her.. And Two Men !! Ofcourse there was two men who stood near the corner.. She knew something was going really bad. Still didint have much strength or senses to stop them.. Soon the fog started to clear out from her head.. Reality started to crash back into her mind.. Shilpa felt her whole body go stiff as she recalled about the strangers. Her body trembled, her eyes flew open as she felt a hot breathing on her neck.. Two men.. Two men were there in the room last night.. No.. NO !! Oh god.. Oh god !!
Her body grew so alarmed that she started to tremble.. The man who was lying on her held her arms trying to stop her from attacking.. But she was too scared, she started to cry badly while trying to pull away from him..
"Please Let me go. Please !! "
"Shilpa ... Stop it.. "
The voice was familiar and soothing.. But still she was too much in shock to realize it.. She started to wriggle under him, hitting her fists on his chest.. He grunted in pain and held her hands firm and spoke loudly.. "Listen to me.. Damn it Shilpa.. "
"No Please.. "
"Shilpa !! "
His voice finally made her stop.. Her eyes snapped at him.. She titled her head and stared at him stunned.. Her eyes grew wide as relief washed through her..
"Armaan.. " She spoke hoarsely and her lips trembled.. He tried to smile but grew alarmed as she broke into tears again..
"Its ok Baby.. I am here nothing happened.. " He tried to sooth her but she kept crying so bitterly that it made his heart ache..
"The nightmare is over.. Shilpa listen to me.. You are safe with me now.. "
"I was so scared " She sobbed badly which made him wince in pain.. "I was so scared.. I hardly had consciousness.. Still i knew something was wrong.. Something was very wrong.. "
"I know Baby.. I know how scared you might have been.. Its over now just relax.."
But she was too deep in shock , she refused to listen to him.. "The men.. " She mumbled.. "I did realize they were there.. I was scared of what they might.. "
Her voice trailed off as she stared at him in horror.. "OMG.. They might have raped me.. "
Armaan flinched as his expression tightened in fury.. "I would have killed the bas***ds if they had laid a finger on you.. ! "
Armaan tried to calm down his fury.. He couldnt react right now. Not when she was in shock and fear.. He held her close as she cried her heart out.. He knew it would help her calm down so he let her cry, no matter how much the pain grew in his heart..
The minute Sameer had called him informing about the situation he felt his heartbeat stop.. Thinking of what might have happened to her he rushed back into city as fast he could.. As he arrived they had informed him what had happened.. Fury grew inside him as he boiled in anger.. In that fury and Anger he had rode to the person who was responsible for the condition of his wife..He did what he needed to do right away.. After taking care of the matter wisely he had returned and took her home along with him.. Through out the night he couldnt sleep.. Instead he kept staring down at her thanking god for sending Sameer and Raj in rescue of her.. He had the sadness of not being there to save her.. Hack if he was here he wouldnt have even let her go.. But still deep in his heart he was glad his best friends had saved his Shilpa.. His life..
Eventually she calmed down.. He only heard her sniffs as she kept brushing away the tears.. He stared down at her face as she raised her eyes to his.. "What would i have done without you Armaan "
Regret and grief went inside him as he spoke softly.. "It wasnt me who had saved you from disaster.. Though i wish i was the one who helped you at the correct moment... "
She frowned badly as confusion grew inside her mind.. "But if it wasnt you.. Who.. "
He smiled gently and kissed her forehead.. "Sameer and Raj.. They had seen you in the club.. Followed you to the room and helped you at the right moment.. "
 "They are back in town... " He noticed the surprise in her voice as she asked weakly... "I will be always thankful to them. "
"I would be thankful to both of them through out my life.. They dont know but they have actually saved my life by saving yours.. "
She blinked back the tears which had started to form once again as she grew more emotion.. Her expression was filled with tender and love.. "Oh how i love you. "
He tried to speak but found it too hard.. He felt loss of words as he started down at her...
"You dont need to feel bad Armaan " Shilpa mummered softly.. "Its all my fault.."
She bit her lip as misery filled inside her.. "I should have never agreed to go "
"No one had the right of ruining your life.. I didint give to anyone.. Not my parents. Not anyone.. " His expression tightened as he hissed out.. "And not any bloody Seema... "
Shilpa didint argue with him.. Instead she expected whatever he had said.. Deep down she was hurt.. She had started to trust Seema and she broke it in mere seconds..
Shilpa came out of her thoughts as she felt Armaan tug her hand.. He was now standing beside the the bed staring down at her, narrowing his eyes.. "Get out of the bed.. "
She tried to protest but he tugged her again pulling her up.. "Get here.. Come with me outside.. You will feel better.. "
She gave a stiff nod and got out of the bed as he supported her gently.. Her head swayed.. And it was hurting bad as she had just come back to consciousness.. She leaned to him as he slowly took her outside to the balcony..
"There " He smiled pushing her to the rail as she gripped it tight steadying herself.. He got behind her and held her tight by waist.. "You feel better now.. ? "
She glanced back at him and smiled softly. Oh indeed it felt better. The fresh air was making her breath easier.. Her headache was easing while her mind was clearing out.. She sighed and leaned down placing her head on his shoulder as he held her securely in his arms.. Together they watched in silence sunrise lightening up the whole place... Shilpa once again glanced back at him frowning.. "Armaan.. What did you do.. With Seema.. " She asked hesitantly...
"I fired her and told her to get out of our life.. " He told her simply with a cool expression.. Shilpa stared at him surprised by his response.. Yes she did thought for a second he would be angry on her.. But she never thought he would fire Seema..
"Are you sure about your decision.. " She spoke carefully but then regretted as he snapped his eyes at her.. "What you mean i am sure or not.. I did the right thing.. I have no regrets.. " He replied firmly..
"I am not going to argue with you. " She replied him instantly.. "I have no reason to " She mumured as she turned around burying her face in his neck.. He held her close and winced again as he felt her tears touch his skin.. "You have got to let it go.. " He encouraged her softly.. "I am here with you. "
She let out a protesting sound. He pulled back and cupped her face , staring down at the depths of her eyes.. "Nothing happened Shilpa !!.. And i wont let anything happen to you even.. "
 She smiled softly and nodded in agreement.. He smiled back satisfied.. "Thats better.. Now say with me.. Everything is going to be alright.. "
"Everything is going to be alright. "
And then he kissed her.. Pouring out all love and need in the kiss.. She sighed contently as he took her inside to give her exactly what she had been missing all these days..

Few hours later ,  Shilpa sneaked out of the bed while Armaan slept.. She knew he was badly in need of it as he had been awake all night.. She got dressed and walked out of the room closing it behind her softly..
Her heart thudded as she walked downstairs looking around for the person she was craving to see.. Finally she spotted Veena who was sitting in the sofa quietly.. She walked upto her softly as Veena stood up noticing Shilpa..
Her expression grew at first surprised.. Then concern filled in her eyes, Shilpa was surprised when she didint even bother hiding it.. But then a motherly look came on her face as she came to Shilpa angrily.. "You are too stubborn to listen to anyone right.. "
Shilpa expected anger and coldness in her voice.. What she not expected was the motherly scolding she did. Her eyes grew misty as she stared at Veena in Wonder..
Veena muttered under her breath and took Shilpa's hand making her sit in the sofa.. "You look like you are going to faint.. " She spoke carefully.. Shilpa smiled hearing her complain..
"Stop smiling i am not complementing you.. " She scolded again.. "I told you dont go with that Seema. But you didint bother listening to me.. "
Shilpa felt her lips tremble as she whispered softly.. "I am so sorry Mom.."
She noticed Veena's expression grow tender and soft.. Once again she was stunned how she was not bothered about hiding her expressions.. Shilpa's heart swelled in love and respect as she stared at her mother-in-law..
"You should have listened to me.. " Veena muttered but softly this time.. "I had seen fury and jealousy in Seema's eyes.. I knew something was wrong.. Hereafter think ten times before trusting women like her.. "
Shilpa couldnt hold anymore.. She started to cry as everything came out of her.. The hurt. Pain and regret.. As she cried she felt Veena shift closer to her.. Her eyes were troubled as she was little hesitant to make a move.. "Stop crying.. " She hissed out softly..
"I was so scared... " She spoke between her sobs.. " I thought.. I would loose everything.. I was so scared Mom.. "
"You wont loose anything.. " Veena spoke firmly.. "You have everything.. YOu have Armaan.. And ... " her voice trailed off as she hesitated once again.. But then she gave up.. "And you have us.. "
Shilpa couldnt hold anymore.. She did what she had been craving all these days.. Yearning all these years.. She hugged Veena hard.. She felt Veena go stiff but she didint care.. She just held her tight and cried her heart out..
Veena relaxed and ran a hand on Shilpa's hair soothing her.. This wasnt something she had ever imagined experiencing.. She never thought she would get close to Shilpa.. A daughter-in-law she used to hate.. But no anymore.. Before she realized she had started to loose the hate towards her.. Instead she started to feel love and respect towards a wife who always was there for her husband.. She started to feel proud of a daughter she was trying to be.. All these years she had thought she had been a greedy and selfish person. Tahts what she had always reminded to herself.. But suddenly all that was forgotten.. Instead she was feeling like someone new and alive..
"I cant believe this. " Shilpa spoke as she pulled away from Veena staring at her happily.. "I cant believe i am here with you.. Crying with you..Hugging you "
Veena gave a gentle smile which made her heart filled with happiness. "Maybe i am not much of selfish person i used to think i was.. "
Shilpa shook her head and spoke with pride..  " I feel like i am seeing a loving mother who is sitting infront of me... My mother.. "
Veena's heart swelled with pride.. She pressed her hand on Shilpa's hand giving her a comforting gesture.. Though she couldnt express all loving emotions she was still trying to mend things between them..

In distance Armaan studied two of them while his heart grew content.. His smile grew wide, not seeing both of them instead seeing the person who stood few feets before him staring at the Mother and Daughter-in-law.. Armaan was sure Balraj might have gone and stopped the bonding going on between them at the moment.. But he was deeply surprised as he noticed how calm and quiet he stood witnessing the moment. What had happened to the cold and stiff Balraj.. Who only cared about his business and work.. Was he melting down..
He smiled broadly at his thought... Maybe Shilpa didnt knew .. But along with Veena she was melting down the cold man... Balraj Mallik..

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Part 11

Several Days Later :

Sameer passed a irritated look at his manager.. "Are you sure Mr.Oberoi is coming today.. "
"Yes sir i finalized everything myself only.. " His manager spoke nervously.. "Mr.Oberoi will be here in few minutes.. "
"I hate waiting... " Sameer muttered under his breath.. He glanced around the restaurant with a bored look. Just then his eyes caught a sudden movement , a women who stood near the reception area.. As she turned he swore and got up from his seat.. "Ms. Seema "
"Sir where are you going.. " Sameer ignored his manager's protest. His eyes on Seema who stood impatiently talking to the receptionist.. He came and stood behind her. A sudden attraction formed inside him as he inhaled her sweet fragrance.. He frowned badly. He wasnt here for this..
"Hello Ms. Seema "
Seema stilled as she heard the familiar voice behind her.. The same voice which had given chills down her spine several nights ago. The same night when she had almost ruined life of Shilpa.. She closed her eyes disgusted by the memory..
"Hello Mr. Sameer " She mummered softly facing him.. He gave her a small smile which made her body tingle.
"I am getting late i have to go " She spoke quickly.. Sameer narrowed his eyes at her excuse.. "Oh so you are in hurry.. You seem to be in such a hurry on that night too.. "
Seema flinched as he taunted her.. She closed her eyes as humiliation filled inside her. After the incident there hadnt been even a single day she hadnt regretted her actions..Hadnt felt disgusted by herself.. Sameer silently studied the change in her expressions. He was surprised to see regret and sadness in her eyes. Not something he had expected to see.. Get a grip on yourself man..He scolded himself trying to gain back the control..
"Am little glad to see how you regret your actions. You should be.. " He spoke firmly.. "You could have ruined her life. "
"I know " Seema agreed bitterly.. "And i am punishing myself every single day for that. Trying to repent for my mistakes.. "
"Ohh i wonder how you are doing it.. " He spoke sarcastically.. As she glanced at him with a painful expression he almost  regretted his words. But then who knew what could be running in her mind..
"You dont know me Mr. Sameer.. " She bit out angrily.. But it was hurt reflecting in her voice.. "So its better for you to not make assumptions about me.. "
As she walked away from him Sameer kept staring at her retreating back silently.. His expressions grew worried as he recalled their conversation.. Stay away from her Sameer.. Its the best thing to do..

"Ohh look who is he showing up now.. " Raj spoke mockingly as Sameer walked inside the house.. Sameer noticed Armaan and Raj who set in the dining table while Shilpa who stood in the kitchen cooking..
"I had a meeting man.. " He muttered as he came forward and patted on Armaan's shoulder.. "Hey dude.. "
"Good that you Showed Sameer.. " Armaan smiled.. "Otherwise Shilpa would have killed you for missing the lunch.. "
"Exactly " Shilpa grinned as Sameer came to her and gave a hug.. "I wouldnt have risked missing it right.. " Sameer pulled back at smiled at her.. "How are you doing Shilpa.. "
"Am always great " Shilpa spoke gently "I have already forgotten that incident. " She muttered softly.. Sameer gave a understanding nod.. "Am glad you are letting it go.. "
"Oh hello we are here too.. " Raj protested dramatically.. "And Sameer dude come here orelse Armaan is having deep trouble seeing his wife with you in private talk.. "
"Yea very funny.. " Armaan spoke sarcastically as Sameer came and set beside him.. "Dont worry Armaan.. No matter how much i love Shilpa she is urs.. " Sameer joked as Shilpa giggled on his comment..
Armaan gave a look to Sameer and glanced back at Shilpa.. "Forget if you are dreaming to go with him.. "
"My dreams are shattered.. " Shilpa spoke dramatically joining them .. They laughed at her reaction as she started to serve them lunch..
"Why cant you guys plan a dinner man.. " Raj complained.. "I hate coming for lunch's.. "
Shilpa rolled her eyes and spoke"Sorry i am not free in nights. Armaan keeps me busy.. "
Armaan chocked on his food while Sameer and Raj stood bewildered for a second..And then they burst into Laughter as Armaan shot a warning look at Shilpa.."What did i do " Shilpa asked innocently trying to stifle her laugh.. Armaan huffed and whispered to her.. "I will teach you a good lesson.."
"You mean in night.. " Raj joked and laughed again.. Sameer shook his head smiling..
 Soon they got into teasing eachother.. Armaan glanced at Sameer who set quietly eating his food.. "Is everything fine Sameer.. ? " Armaan asked frowning.. Raj raised his eyebrow as Shilpa spoke hurriedly.. "Is the food tasting bad.. " Armaan chuckled as Sameer smiled at her.. "No its delicious..  I am just.. "
"He was fine before going to meeting. " Raj spoke with a hint of humor.. "Must have met a ex girlfriend there.. "
Sameer tightened his expression as he recalled his conversation with Seema.. "No nothing like that.. "
"OK as you wish.. " Armaan spoke doubtfully.. He glanced at Raj who shrugged his shoulders.. Shilpa leaned to Armaan and whispered assuringly.. "He is fine Armaan.. Must be tired from work.. "
Sameer felt good as he heard Shilpa take his side.. And then he decided to not tell anyone about his meet with Seema. He didint wish to hurt Shilpa with his talk.. Or make Armaan more angry.. Maybe it was not worth..

Two days Later :

"Shilpa i am getting late.. " Armaan spoke impatiently as he rushed on fastening his shirt buttons.. Shilpa closed the cupboard and frowned at him.. "I am being fast Armaan.. " He scoffed and took the files from her hand.. Shilpa placed her hand on her hips.. "Whats wrong with you Armaan.. "
"I am saying from half and hour i am getting late. And you are not even listening to me.. " He complained checking himself in the mirror..
Shilpa gritted her teeth but kept quiet. His behavior was no surprise for her.. Since last two days he had been tensed and worried. The london project upcoming was keeping him busy in his work..
With a foul mood she set to walk past him but he held her hand as she tried to go. Shilpa glanced back at him as he gave a guilty look.. "I am sorry.. "
Shilpa snatched her hand out of his grip and narrowed her eyes.. Armaan frowned back at her and muttered.. "Forget it.. "
Her mouth flew open as he worked away from her in attitude.. Dissapointment filled inside her as she followed downstairs behind him..
"Good morning Mom. Dad " Armaan bit out softly joining them in breakfast.. Veena studied his expression while Balraj narrowed his eyes.. "Armaan "
"Yes dad.. " Armaan asked slightly irritated.. Balraj frowned at him.. "Dont throw that behavior on me.. " He warned slightly...
Veena threw a worried look at Shilpa who ignored their talks and poured juice for Armaan.. As she tried to serve him breakfast he cut out instantly.. "Dont put for me. I am not hungry.. "
"But.. "
"I said no.. " He snapped quietly and looked away as Shilpa gave him a wounded look.. Balraj noticed the scene and interrupted.. "Armaan "
"Yes dad " He spoke glancing back at him..
"Have breakfast.. " Balraj spoke stiffly.. Shilpa glanced at him surprised while Veena secretly smiled..
Armaan frowned.. "But Dad.. "
He interrupted again.. "Whatever tension you have keep it in office. No need to bring home. Now have your breakfast.. " He ordered..
Armaan gave a sulking look and nodded.. "Fine.. "
Shilpa smiled at Balraj who glanced at her for a brief second.. Her heart filled with bliss as she noticed the tender expression on his face.. For a moment she forgot her tiff with Armaan and smiled at the changed behavior of her father-in-law..

"Hello Armaan.. " Shilpa dialed his number in late afternoon. Yes she was nervous but she didint wont them to be fighting whole day.. As she wanted to clear out the air she decided instantly to call him and surprise him with lunch..
"Shilpa... speak fast.. " Armaan spoke impatiently.. Once again dissapointment filled inside her as she noticed lack of happiness in his voice..
"I was thinking.. Do you want lunch.. " She blurted out clumsily.. He paused for a second and sighed.. "No i cant. I have a busy schedule.. "
"But " She tried to protest but he muttered back.. "Bye.. " The line went dead on her as she stared at the phone sadly..
She shook her head sadly and then muttered softly.. "If you are stubborn Mr Mallik , then i can be more stubborn than that.. "

Armaan rubbed his neck tiredly as he glared back at his desktop screen.. Its been hours and still he had so much work left to do..
He frowned as he realized how he had been behaving from last 2 days. He remembered how badly he had treated his wife. Which added more guilt inside him. Along with it he had hardly spoke to his parents.. He closed his eyes mentally cursing himself. He was slowly and slowly loosing his sanity.. Yes he was nervous and worried.. Soon he would be leaving them and going London and god knows when he would be able to return. Though his dad had said it would take a month, he knew it could be longer than that. After all he has studied the whole project and he knew it wasnt going to be easy..
Suddenly a soft touch came on his forehead.. He leaned softly as the magic fingers slowly rubbed his aching head.. He sighed and opened his eyes to see Shilpa who was leaning down at him worried.. "Are you fine Armaan.. "
He almost didint hear her question.. Instead he kept staring at her beautiful young face.. Slowly he studied the jeans and beautiful cotton top she was wearing.. Out of all tension of his work she was looking like angel who came for rescue.. He groaned slightly and pulled her in his lap as she squealed in surprise.. He cupped the back of her head and brought her lips down on his kissing her hungrily.. Oh that was good. After all hardwork this was a good break for him.. She hesitated for a while and then kissed him back eagerly.. He ran his hands on her waist pulling her close.. She shifted, making herself comfortable on his lap.. Her tongue played with his as they kissed passionately almost tearing off eachother's clothes.. That brought sanity back in her mind.. She broke the kiss and gasped as he trailed his lips down on her neck, gently nibbling her collarbone as she sighed blissfuly..
"Stop " She gasped as she felt his lips rubbing close to her chest.. She closed her eyes trying to gain back control..
"How am i gonna stop.. " He blew out frustratedly.. "If you come to office dressed like that.. "
She blushed and giggled getting up from his lap.. She turned around correcting her clothes , smoothing her disheveled hair while he got up correcting himself..
As she turned back her smile faded off seeing the controlled expression back in his face.. He narrowed his eyes at her.. "I told you i am too busy today.. What are you doing here ?.. "
Shilpa slightly flinched at his rude remark.. But she gathered herself and spoke.."I brought you lunch.. "
He frowned at the basket on his table and shook his head tiredly.. "Am sorry but i cant.. "
Shilpa felt relieved seeing him back to his old self.. She went to him and placed her head on his chest rubbing his shoulder.. "I know you are busy.. But you need to eat.. "
He stood quiet for a while enjoying her closeness.. And then he sighed miserably.. "I have been so rude to you.. "
Shilpa pulled back and glared at him.. "Atleast you realized.. "
"Excuse me sir.. " His new assistant interrupted them nervously.. Shilpa took a step back and studied her.. She smiled encouragingly at the middle age women who grew relaxed. "Hello Meera.. "
Meera gave a warm smile in return to Shilpa.. "Hello Mrs.Mallik.. " And then she shifted her professional look to Armaan "Sir the brief details of new plan has arrived.. Shall i bring it to you.. "
"Yes please " He spoke hurriedly taking back his seat.. Meera hesitated for a while.. Armaan frowned at first and then he noticed his assitant stare at Shilpa.. "Sir if you are busy.. "
Armaan interrupted smoothly.. "I am not busy.. Shilpa is leaving now.. "
Both women glanced at him surprised.. Shilpa hesitated a bit and asked him.. "But Armaan Lunch.. "
"I did inform you i was busy.. " He spoke gritting his teeth trying to keep himself calm.. He mentally reminded himself not to shout at her..
"Why are you getting so irritated Armaan.. " She demanded softly..
"I am busy. I dont have time for any argument.. You may have nothing to do but sit around ,i am a busy man i have tons of work.. "
The moment words flew out of his mouth he swore regretting them.. Shilpa turned around fumbling with her bag as he got up from his eat hastily.. "Shit.. Shilpa i am sorry.. "
She turned back to him with a pained look which almost ripped out his heart..
"I gave up my work and Carrier for You.. " Shee  stated painfully..
"Shilpa.. "
"Bye Armaan "
Shilpa turned back to see Meera who gave her a sad look. A understanding look. She gave a small smile and headed out of the office blinking back her tears..
He cursed under his breath and took back his seat burying his face in his hands.. "What the hell am i doing.. " He muttered to himself angrily...


*************************************
PRECAP :
Two different lifes.. Two different worlds... to Collide..

Armaan : I am going to London and thats final..
________________________________________________________
Steve : Yes.. I am coming back to London as soon as possible..