Chapter 2

Hello!! M back!! thanks a lot for all your suggestions and comments!! m always open to any suggestions you guys might have so feel free to drop your reviews!!! they'll always act as an inspiration for me to write better!! thnks again.. well here's the next part:

PART 2:

"Shilpaaaaaaaaaaa!! Hurry up will you!! We're already running an hour late than our scheduled timing. We were supposed to be on our way nearly an hour ago. " Armaan shouted from the car. He had been waiting for her for the last half an hour. "Yeh ladki bhi na! hamesha kuch na kuch gadbad toh karti hi hai. If not for her, I'd have crossed the highway poll by now. Arre Shilpa jaldi karo."

"Aai baba!! Why are screaming at the top of your voice? You're not the only one getting late you know.. Panchgani is my home… god knows when I'll be able to see these people again… what with all the work at sanjeevani and Dr. Nikki etc" Shilpa replied.

She turned to massi and the other kids who had just come out to see her off.

"Arre beta, have you kept the pickle bottles I made for you and your halwa?? And don't forget to eat a lot of almonds and dry fruits… they will help you concentrate better. Don't work late hours, as Mumbai is not a safe place..---" Massi told her, and instructed her.

"Okaaaaaay! Massi, Now don't start worrying about me. You now I can take care of myself. Just don't worry and take care of your health. Bye!! Miss you!! Bye kids… see you soon" Shilpa said.

"Bye di, bye bhaiya!!! Jaldi aana!!! We'll miss you !!" the kids chimed.

"Bye!!" And they drove off.

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"Riddhima!! Arr I mean Dr. Riddhima, have you gone through Mr. mehta's case?" Sid asked his wife.

"Yes I did. He's one complicated case. Well, his mind seems t reject the marrow transplant. We've already given him two transplants… I don't know if he'll survive another one. I think we should wait on this one. I'd like to discuss it with Dr. Shashank and will soon let you know." Riddhima replied and smiled at him and left.

Sid stared after her, she looks normal today. At least she's not worrying about Armaan today. I'll have to talk to him about the whole wedding situation, before he misunderstands or takes any drastic action. Lemme talk to Shilpa, she might help me with what I should say… and so he dialed Shilpa's number.

"Hello, Sid!! Wassup?? I was just going to call you! I'll be reaching Sanjeevani in about 30 minutes. Could you please let Dr. Nikki know? She'll kill me otherwise. So, what's up??" Shilpa asked in one breath.

"Ah, finally a chance to open my mouth!! Do you even realize how much you talk?? And all in a single breath." Sid teased.

"Haha!! Very funny Sid!! Well, you know me. And stop acting smart and tell me why you called?" Shilpa said.

"Oh yeah, is Armaan around?? "

"Yeah…. Why?" Shilpa asked suspiciously.

"Well, you know how he reacted to our wedding news. How's he doing now?? Is he okay?? Shouldn't I like talk to him about it when he gets back??"

"umm… he's doing okay I guess. I mean at least he's talking and all. But you I think you should talk to him once he gets back. It'll do you both good." Shilpa said. Little did she know, this advice was going to change the entire dynamics of her relationship with Armaan.

"What are you whispering? And who're you talking to??"Armaan asked from beside her. He had been trying to listen to what she was saying but couldn't do that because she spoke so softly.

"Don't tell him it's me. Tell him it's some friend of yours. " Sid said from the other end.

"Umm…woh… its some friend of mine. We haven't talked in some time now, so was catching up. He wanted to know if we could meet for dinner today…." Shilpa lied.

Armaan nodded, wondering why the idea of some random guy having dinner with Shilpa was making him uncomfortable. He didn't want to think about that.

"So, anyway I'll let you know about my plans soon. bye" Shilpa hung up.

"Is he some boyfriend of yours?? Because that shouldn't distract you from your work, Shilpa."

"You're the one to talk. Why this sudden talk of boyfriend? That's none of your business!" Shilpa said.

"Look, I know that but m just trying to warn you---"

"Well thank you, but in future keep your advice to yourself!" Shilpa said and looked the other side. The gall of him to comment on my personal life. How could he even think I have a boyfriend when I am so in love with him!! What??? Shilpa sat shell-shocked on the seat. What am I thinking?? I can't love him! No, what with his history with Riddhima di and all!! Oh god!! Please don't let it be true please. And she looked at him, scanning his face, looking at his hands on the steering wheel, big rough, strong hands. She looked at his face, taking in his handsome, face, chiseled features, his hazel eyes that change colors depending on……

She shook her head. This can't be happening!! Og good lord Shilpa!!! Tujhe aur koi nahi mila tha pyaar karne ke liye!!! This is like my worst nightmare come true!! And she panicked.

"hey, could you drop me at my place now. I'll unpack and be at sanjeevani for my shift." Shilpa said.

"But, isn't your shift with me today for the Mehta case??" Armaan asked, puzzled by the sudden change in plans.

"Yeah, and I'll be there on time. But there are a few things I need to do first."

"Okay!!" Armaan said resigned.

Once he dropped Shilpa at her flat, he drove towards Sanjeevani thinking about his trip to Panchgani, his feelings for Shilpa and Riddhima and Sid's wedding. He still couldn't believe Riddhima had agreed to the wedding again. He just wanted her to be happy. If it was Sid who made her happy, he would back out gracefully and leave them to lead a happy married life. But if not, he will fight with everyone just to see that she stays happy, come what may.

His thoughts wandered back to the old days when the entire gang at Sanjeevani including him used to have so much fun. Then the only dilemma they faced was what sandwich to eat, whom to target next for their pranks!! The feeling of nostalgia engulfed him, he wanted those days back, those friendships back, that romance and feeling of love back. He missed the old him, fun-loving, mischievous and HAPPY. And Shilpa reminded him of that, of what he was and what Riddhima had made him…

He parked his car headed towards Sanjeevani's entrance. He was greeted by everyone there, asking him about his trip and where dr. Shilpa was. Sid was just coming out from the OPD. He looked a little nervous and upset. Armaan looked at him sharply, searchingly. Sid looked up, to see Armaan coming towards him. He smiled a little awkwardly.

"Hey, how was your trip?" he asked. Both of them started walking towards locker room.

"It was good. How about you guys?? What about Mehta case?? How's that going?"

"Well, I talked to dr. Riddhima and she is consulting dr. Shashank and will let us know soon. Where's Shilpa?" Sid asked looking for her.

"She had some work at home. She said she will join us soon. Congratulations for your wedding." Armaan said.

"Thanks!! Oh by the way I need to talk to you about something. Can we meet for coffee today after your shift ends?" Sid asked, intent on clearing things with Armaan just like Shilpa had adviced.

"yeah sure…. How about CCD at 7:00?"

"Will do… chalo.. catch up with you soon…" Sid said and left.

After a few hours, in the E.R:

"But I don't if he's moved on! What if our wedding causes a whole lot of new problems Sid?" Riddhima asked.

"You don't now that. Don't you even wanna give "US" a chance? Don't you think we deserve it!"Sid yelled equally frustrated by Riddhima's reservations.

Riddhima moved towards where he was standing. She cupped his cheek and said "I love you Sid!! you know that. And I know that our marriage will work. I know I want you, but tell me how do I explain Armaan all of this. It was you who were there for me when I needed someone on my life. But I loved Armaan once, and though m ready to let go, I don't think Armaan has moved on. I think we should talk to him first or even postpone our wedding if necessary. Say you'll support me in this decision of mine." Riddhima said, with all the love that she felt for Sid.

"I am always with you. You know that." Sid replied and kissed her forehead.

Unknown to them, Armaan had witnessed the entire scene. He finally knew for sure that Riddhima truly loved Sid, and that he was the one standing the path of their happiness. She had moved on. He turned away from them, blindly heading for the door. He had to get out of there. He wanted to hit something badly, break something just as badly as his heart had been broken. He moved with the speed of the wind and crashed into something with the speed of the wind. In the process almost knocking that person down.

"Armaan mallik!! Can't you see where you're going?? Do you wait for me to crash into me or fall on me!! Armaan!!" Shilpa yelled. She looked at him

Armaan wasn't listening. He was just too numb right now, listening to Riddhima and Sid's conversation and now falling down. That's a lot of disorientations for one day. He just moved a little, looking completely blank.

His complete lack of reaction to his bursting made her look at his face. He didn't react at all.

"Armaan, are you alright?? Armaan!! Look at me… what's wrong?" Shilpa asked him, concerned about him.

Suddenly Armaan snapped out of his thoughts, and stared down at Shilpa, she was looking at him with such an earnest and sweet expression of worry and doubt that he caught her wrist and pulled her into a tight hug. Shilpa was taken aback at such a gesture on his. She hesitated for a moment but then hugged him back. She understood he needed her right now. Armaan sensing this pressed her closer to his body, taking his strength from her, sharing her heat and peace. For how long they stood there, they didn't know, but gradually Shilpa tried to step out the hug. She loosened her hold on him and he did the same. But Armaan realizing what he was doing said "Sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I'll see you later."

"But---"

"No, Shilpa. Not now, I'll see you tomorrow. Tell Sid, I'll see him today at 7:00 bye." And he walked off leaving behind a very confused and worried Shilpa.

What just happened here? Did he really hug me or was it just a dream?? Why does him being upset bother me so much?? Why couldn't I just leave him alone? Because now she knew for sure, she loved him.

Precap:

Armaan comes to a decision

Sid and Armaan talk

Cute ARSH fights and moments :)

Well that was it!! It's sort of intense because this is what galvanizes armaan into action and propels him towards Shilpa!!

A little build up for the up coming parts... so do tell me how you like it!! Reviews are always welcome...

Thanks😃😃😃