Chapter 5

hey guys!! m back after a long break... sorry for the delay...have my exams going on, so was busy studying!!😭😭

anyway, here's the next part... lemme know if you like it!! 😃

Part 5 :

"Armaan!!! Shilpa!!! Armaan!! Shilpa!!! " and the cheering went on. The score was even. The ball was now with Armaan who was dribbling it towards the basket, with Shilpa trying to block his path every minute. And zoom, Shilpa snatched the ball from Armaan and started towards the opposite direction, with Armaan chasing her closely. And a basket!!!

"YAY!!! Shilpa!! Shilpa!!" the kids shouted and cheered.

Shilpa looked at Armaan, a smirk appearing on her face. Armaan, looked back at her, his eyes full of resolve and determination. "So, Armaan!! Get ready to lose this one'" she smirked.

"It'll take a lot more than one basket to deter me, you know.." Armaan responded with one of his own winning dimples.

"Oh really!! Looks like I really need to work on that ego of yours then'"

"Oh it's not ego Shilpa, just confidence that's all.."

"Yeah rite!!" and she walked towards the ball.

The ball was now with Shilpa. But Armaan soon snatched it. He was soon very close to the basket when he looked up to see Shilpa right in front of him trying to stop his basket. She was busy concentrating on the ball but he couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked so appealing when she was concentrating like that. She looked up then and their eyes met. She kept staring at him, looking into his eyes, and he smiled. The moment stretched for a few seconds and suddenly the ball was taken from his hand. He snapped out of it and for a second forgot where he was. And suddenly he saw Shilpa heading towards her goal and score.

"That's Plus 2 for Shilpa!!!!!!!" the commentator announced.

Armaan was in a mess. The last time I lost myself so quickly was with Riddhima!!! Why is Shilpa's proximity affecting me so much? Why do I act so strangely around her? Shilpa ka mujhpar itna gehra asar kyun ho raha hai? This game reminded him of the games that he played with Riddhima. But why do I have those identical feelings when I know its Shilpa playing right now and not Riddhima!!! Kahin main' nahi nahi that's not possible!!! Armaan, buddy you need to focus on the game!!! Not on all this' focus on the game, not Shilpa'

Shilpa on the other hand is figuring out how to beat him at the game. The time's about finish. If I can somehow detain Armaan from making the last goal, there's a chance for me to win it. I have to do it' the alternative is unthinkable' me and on a dinner with Armaan!!! No ways' Focus kar Shilpa, last quarter'

The ball's now with Shilpa. She's just about to throw the ball in the basket when she sees Armaan standing in front of her, trying to block her way. She looks at him and tries to analyze his intentions. She's about the throw the ball above him when he looks at her winks'. And she remains rooted to the spot. Armaan takes this momentary lapse in her judgment as an opportunity and takes the ball from her. But Shilpa's too shocked to react. She was just getting her head around the winking thing and Armaan scored the basket.

The whistle blew, indicating the end of game. Armaan had won.

But Shilpa was outraged. "Hey!!! Cheater!! Tumne cheating ki hai!!!" she yelled at him.

"Cheating? Kya cheating?? What have I done??" Armaan looked at her with a fake innocent expression, smiling inward all the time.

"You'you 'you'" Shilpa started and suddenly blushed. There were a lot of people around and she was really embarrassed.

"Haan'Haan'bolo bolo' what did I do?" Armaan teased, enjoying every moment of her embarrassment. He loved that she blushed so easily.

She just looked at him, shook her head and turned towards the locker room. Armaan smiled at her actions and followed her.

"Well Ms. Shilpa' you do remember our little bet don't you??" Armaan asked standing behind her when she was taking out her bag from the locker.

"Stop gloating Armaan, it so doesn't suit you!! and your winning doesn't count, because you cheated !!!" Shilpa suddenly turned around expecting to see him a little far away from her than he actually was.

But he was standing pretty close to her, which startled her and she lost her balance. She might have fallen but for the strong arm that caught her at the waist. Her eyes were closed, the scared expression on her face making her look younger. Armaan scanned her face, radiant from the recent game without scrape of make-up and she was the most beautiful woman he had seen. Shilpa opened her eyes and looked at him. She suddenly jerked away from him.

"I did not cheat. Anyway everything's fair in love and war'" Armaan finished.

"But--" Shilpa started.

"No buts Shilpa' we had a deal. You said if I win, you'll go to dinner with me. If you don't come that would be cheating. And mind you I am your senior, so if you don't come, I'll order you to come along. " Armaan smiled.

"You're gonna blackmail me into coming with you. Real mature Armaan." Shilpa huffed.

"You haven't left me any choice!!! " Armaan told her. "So, be ready on Saturday. I'll pick you up around 8'" Armaan said and left, smiling to himself.

Armaan was really nervous about the dinner with Sid and Riddhima. He was more concerned about convincing Sid that he genuinely liked Shilpa. Convincing Riddhima was one another thing, though the fact that she already had some pre-conceived notions about Armaan and Shilpa's relationship was definitely a plus. He stopped outside Shilpa's place, a cute little apartment in one of the well known suburbs of Mumbai. As he got out of the car, he realized how little he knew about her. He hadn't really bothered to find out much about her earlier. But something changed after that trip to Panchgani. I should try and find out more about her. If I don't know about her life before Sanjeevani, Sid and Riddhima will definitely find it weird'

The door to an apartment opened and with Shilpa stepping out of it whatever Armaan was thinking was all gone. His brain had completely stopped processing any signals, staring at the woman in front of him. And what a woman!! Stunning'that was the word for her.

Shilpa was wearing a red colored chudidar. Her hair left open, caressing her cheeks softly, her eyes accentuated by the light sweep of eye shadow, her lips a lovely shade of natural pink, looking soft and inviting as ever.

All he could think of was Gorgeous!!! All he could say was "Beautiful'"

She blushed, her cheeks turning pink, like the wild roses of summer. But she snapped out of it. "You're late Armaan!!!"

"Miss me already?? I am sorry Shilpa, I won't make you wait the next time.." Armaan winked at her. But suddenly realized, next time?? Armaan! Dude' there isn't going to be a next time.

Next time??? There isn't going to be a next time Armaan' Shilpa thought sadly. [We'll see abt that!!! ;)))]

"Let's go' we've reservations at four seasons for 9'o clock" Armaan said. "Oh and Sid and Riddhima are coming too'" he added.

Did he see surprise and relief on her face when he mentioned that? No, that's not possible' why would she be relived if Riddhima is there?? Maybe he simply imagined it.

Riddhima di and Sid are gonna be there?? Shilpa sighed in relief. Thank god they are there. I don't think I could have handled a dinner alone with Armaan. Plus dinner with Riddhima di, what more could I want!! At least due to this dinner I'll be able to spend more time with her. I wish I could tell her who I was. But what if she hates me for the secret I have been harboring' what if she doesn't even wish to speak to me because of it' Oh God, please give me the courage to keep it going. Shilpa closed her eyes and prayed to God that today's dinner goes well, completely unaware that Armaan was wishing the same.

Four Seasons, a few minutes after 9'

"Sid, are you sure Armaan said he is coming with the girl he likes' he could easily fake it you know' " Riddhima was a little apprehensive about the whole thing.

"That's why I have you here with me. You know him inside out, so you'll know when he's faking it." Sid replied. "Here he is, but why is he alone?"

"Hey man' hi Riddhima'" Armaan said.

"Where's your girl Armaan?" Sid asked.

"Oh she's in the lounge, attending some important call. She'll join us soon. Oh and by the way, I have just invited her for dinner okay. I haven't really told her about my feelings yet. So, I would appreciate it if you guys act normal around her. " Armaan said looking specifically at Riddhima.

Sid and Riddhima nodded. And then looked behind Armaan and remained shell shocked in their seats.

"Shilpa'?" Riddhima whispered, mirroring Sid's reaction.

"Hey guys!!! I hope we're not late' all because of Armaan!!!" Shilpa gushed.

"Hi Shilpa!!! I am glad you guys are here at last'" Sid said.

"Hi Riddhima D----" Shilpa began but stopped in the middle. Armaan looked at her, wondering what she was about to say and why did she stop so abruptly.

Riddhima looked at her, in suppressed anger and just nodded. Sid looked at her, and squeezed her hand under the table. Thankfully she relaxed visibly. But this didn't go unnoticed by Armaan.

Like a perfect gentleman, Armaan pulled out a chair for Shilpa. After everyone was settled, they all sat in silence, simply looking at one another. Finally it was Shilpa who broke the silence saying "So Sid, have you guys set the date for the wedding yet?"

"Ugh' Oh no, not yet' but dad was saying somewhere around the next month' so let's see..." he smiled at Riddhima.

"Well, well, look who's eager for the wedding--" Shilpa teased.

"Let's order some food. I am a little hungry. "Riddhima cut Shilpa off rudely.

Shilpa was a little taken aback and looked at Armaan for some clue if she had done something wrong. She looked away embarrassed. Woah!! Did I do something wrong? What did I say? Why is she behaving like this? Shilpa wondered sadly. This was a huge mistake. I should never have come. But if she didn't want me here why did she invite me?

Armaan was shocked by Riddhima's behavior too. How can she just cut Shilpa off? What's her problem? And then Shilpa had looked at him with such a crushed expression, a spectrum of emotion reflected on her face. Hurt, regret and sadness shading the radiance that shone from her face minutes ago. But why is Shilpa regretful? And she definitely doesn't deserve to be treated like this.

"Of course, Shilpa are you ready to order something? Apparently people are so eager to start with the dinner that they can't even stand some small talk'." Armaan looked at Riddhima, his eyes warning her to be careful before saying anything.

Shilpa looked at him, surprised to see him defending her. This was the second time he was defending her. He had once taken her side, when Riddhima had berated her for accidentally playing a prank on Dr Shashank. She smiled inwardly. She didn't know why but it made her want to dance in happiness that Armaan was there for her.

Riddhima looked at him, shocked by his words. She didn't understand his attachment with Shilpa. Why is he supporting her? They are complete opposites. How can he like her?

While Sid, on the other hand, was sitting there, quietly taking in the entire scene. He saw the protective gleam in Armaan's eyes for Shilpa. Now that he thought about it, Armaan had an unnaturally bright spark of emotion on his face whenever he talked about Shilpa. He'd never noticed it before, but this dinner was turning out to be more interesting than he thought. He smiled. Armaan ke liye Shilpa se achi ladki aur koi ho hi nahi sakti. Ab bas Armaan ke samjhne ki deri hai! Armaan buddy, you are soon going to realize that whether you want it or not, love will find its way in your life, and very soon by the looks of it.

"Waiter!!" Sid called a cute smile on his face. And the rest of the dinner was conducted in awkward silence.

Precap:

1. Minnie returns to sanjeevani

2. One huge secret is revealed.

3. Wedding preparations begin, so does Armaan- Shilpa romance.