Chapter 6

Part 6:

"Ugh!! I can't believe Armaan brought Shilpa along with him for dinner today. Did you see how he supported her? " Riddhima complained as soon as they reached home. Sid and Riddhima and Armaan and Shilpa had left after the dinner and dessert. The dinner had been a really formal affair...

"Yes, I did. But why are you so surprised that it's Shilpa who Armaan likes? You only told me of your suspicions about them a few days back remember?" Sid replied taking off his coat.

"I did. But they were only speculations. I guess I never really expected them to be true. What surprises me the most is that he genuinely likes her. Initially I thought that he is only pretending to bring a girl for our sake. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw Shilpa coming towards us. But Armaan's behavior today was really confusing. "

"Yeah. But frankly speaking I think Shilpa is the one for Armaan." Sid smiled, recalling Shilpa's surprised expression when Armaan defended her. "She is the only one who can handle Armaan's attitude and keep him in line."

"Are you crazy? They are so not meant to be together. " Riddhima's words shocked Sid.

"What?" Sid looked at her puzzled.

"They're complete opposites. I won't let Armaan make another mistake. Shilpa is just some spoilt brat, who has never known a day's hard work. All she knows is how to play pranks on people or distract them from doing their work. I don't know what Armaan sees in her." Riddhima said.

"You really don't know her at all do you? Good lord Riddhima!! Give the poor girl a chance. How can you just judge a person like that? " Sid asked.

"Look I know you are right, but that girl, she makes me crazy. But mind you, I am gonna observe her closely. And one mistake from her... that's all its going to take for my decision."

Sid smiled at Riddhima. She looked at him and caught him smiling at her. She smiled back. ...

Next day Sanjeevani:

The doors of Sanjeevani open, an a girl walks in... She stops a nurse passing by. "Have you seen Dr Armaan or Dr Shilpa ?" she asks.

"Oh yeah!! Dr Armaan is there?" the nurse pointed towards the nurse-station.

"Thank you..." she smiled and walked towards Armaan.

"Hey boyfriend!! Missed me yet??" She said standing right behind Armaan.

Armaan turned around and was about to say something but he stopped. "Minnie!!!" He rushed to her and hugged her.

"How are you? Where the hell have you been? Oh it's been so long... I missed you so much." Armaan said all fired up.

"Hi, I missed you too. Just got back from the US... thank you so much Boyfriend... I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there with me in US..."

"Hey!!! I should say that. I am just glad that you are here. There's so much I need to tell you. So much I need your advice on. let's go to the cafeteria. "

And they headed towards the cafeteria, ordered some stuff and sat there for a long time, talking about everything and nothing. Armaan felt really relaxed. At last there was someone he could talk to now.

"Hey Firefly, have room for one more?" a soft, sweet voice called from behind Armaan.

"Shona di!!! " Minnie jumped from her seat and ran to Shilpa, giving her a tight hug.

Armaan turned to see Shilpa hugging Minnie. The sight left him in a highly confused state. How does Minnie know Shilpa? And why are they hugging as if they are long-lost friends?

He walked up to them.

"How do you feel firefly? Oh, I am so happy you are here. I have been waiting for you for so long. Massi is going to be so happy!!! "

"I missed you too, Shona di. Where were you? I was searching for you." Minnie said smiling.

"I was with Dr JP in the pathlab the entire day!!! And it gets better, I have duty from 7pm - 9pm today in the OT with Dr. Riddhima!!!"

"Am I the only one who's missing something here? "Armaan said a cute frown on his face.

"Well, Shona di, I mean Dr Shilpa and I have known each like forever." Minnie said, all three of them walking together towards a table.

"But I thought you grew up in an orphanage?" He asked Minnie.

Shilpa looked a little uncomfortable. She looked at Minnie.

"I did. Why?" Minnie asked and looked at Shilpa.

"Excuse me guys... I have to be somewhere." Shilpa said and went off from there.

Minnie shook her head, a sad smile on her face. While Armaan on the other hand was really perplexed with what just happened.

"She hasn't told you, has she? She grew up in an orphanage too... She lost her parents at a very young age. Soon she was given up for adoption, but her foster parents didn't really accept her. Soon, she was transferred to our orphanage at Panchgani. Very soon she became the life and soul of our orphanage. She was always there for all of us, always trying to alleviate our pain, not once letting on what's hurting her. And then she found out that her mother had once worked here in Sanjeevani. And after that she made it the goal of her life to come here and find out as much about her as possible. That's why she's here. " Minnie finished.

Armaan was staggered. He had no idea Shilpa had been through so much. Panchgani is my home. Armaan recalled her words when they had been to the orphanage. He hadn't thought of it a lot at that time. Now I understand why she was so overwhelmed when Sid told us where we had to go. I had no idea. I have misjudged her so badly.

"Anyways, I need to go and meet Dr Shashank. Have to complete some formalities. Oh and btw, m staying with Shona di... okay... see you soon. " Minnie said and left.

To say that Armaan was shocked was an understatement. But right now he knew Shilpa needed him. He knew that she was really missing a shoulder to cry now. He leaves in search of Shilpa. He searches the entire Sanjeevani but cannot find her. Suddenly he realizes where to find her.

"Oh mumma!! Why did you leave me alone to deal with this? Every time I try to move on and try to forget that I am entirely alone in this, something happens and triggers that painful memory. I wish there was someone I could hold on to, someone I could rely on, who would understand me and accept me for who I am, who I have become and not judge me for who I was..." Shilpa talks to herself, her outburst so brutally honest and full of longing that it pierced straight through Armaan's heart, who was silently listening to it.

"But you are not alone, you know. " he said.

Shilpa whirled around. She quickly wiped off her tears and tried to sound normal.

"Dr Armaan, what are you doing here?" she said trying to control her emotions.

Armaan smiled a knowing smile and walked towards her. Shilpa looked at him but she was too emotionally exhausted to even react. Armaan reached her and just pulled her into a into his arms, giving her a tight hug. And that was the last straw for her. She couldn't control her feelings. She sobbed hysterically, hugging him back. It all came back to her, the guilt, the hurt, the pain of losing someone dear and the regret of not knowing them long enough... but surprisingly enough, she felt safe in his arms, as if nothing bad could happen to her. Armaan on the other hand, was fighting demons of his own. He couldn't see her like this. It really broke his heart to see her hurt and sad. He kept stroking her hair, trying to calm her down, trying to reduce some of her hurt.

"You don't think you are that good an actor, do you? I'm not that ignorant you know. You don't have to pretend to be strong always. Its okay to cry sometimes. You were there for me whenever I needed you, whether to deal with the work pressures, whether because of Riddhima, or any other problems. You have always supported me. So, how can you expect me to leave the one chance you gave me of being there for you sweetheart." Armaan said, full of emotion to even notice the slip of his tongue.

But it didn't go unnoticed by Minnie and Sid, who were witnessing the entire scene. They smiled and looked at each other. They didn't know each other, but they knew their smiles mirrored their thoughts.

"Do you see what I see Ms..." Sid asked.

"Minnie. Surprisingly I do What's left is for them to realize..." minnie smiled, with Sid reciprocating it.

"I think we should leave them alone." Sid said. "Want to have coff-- I mean milk.." Sid asked, confused if he should offer the little girl coffee or milk.

"MILK!! What are you nine?? Who drinks milk at 2 in the afternoon" minnie said. "At least offer me an ice cream, maybe then I'll consider going anywhere with you"

"Well, okay...lets go..." Sid still a little in confusion over her flare-up.

In the fire-escape:

After Shilpa calmed down a little, she realized where she was and what she was doing. She quickly let go of him. She looked up at him expecting to see pity in his eyes. She had always hated that about people. She never wanted to see that particular emotion for her, in people's eyes. That was the main reason she didn't mention her parents very often. But when she looked at him she saw understanding, care, generosity and the one emotion she had never seen in anybody's eyes... PRIDE. "I...I... I am okay, Armaan. Really. Thanks for being here. You must be wondering why I didn't tell you about my parents... well every time I have mentioned it to someone; they have looked at me in pity and sympathy. And I hated it--"

"Are you crazy? Pity is so far from the emotion I feel for you right now. Now, when I look at you, I see the person you have become despite your painful past and without support from anyone. I see your inner beauty, the strength of your character, the importance of your principles in life, your compassion for others, your heart which is still pure of grudges and cynicism inspite of all you have been through. And I am proud to know a person capable of such endurance and kindness, of such strength and power." Armaan said.

Shilpa was moved beyond limit. No one had ever made her feel so special. Her face conveyed all the emotions she felt right at that moment. Shilpa's pager beeped. Shilpa smiled at him and said "I should go' but thanks a lot. I probably needed those beautiful words to restore the lost confidence in myself'"

She hugged him and left for the children's ward for her duty. And that was the moment Armaan was forced to face the facts. He finally knew that Shilpa wasn't just a 'friend' anymore. What he felt for her was too strong for friendship, though what it was even he wasn't sure yet' but he was willing to give it a chance. But did she feel the same for him? Well that was something he needed to find out.

Next day:

Armaan entered Sanjeevani singing :

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

Shilpa enters Sanjeevani too entering the locker room:

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

Do Chaar Din Se Lagta Hai Jaise

Sab Kuch Alag Hai

Sab Kuch Naya Hai

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

(She goes to the nurse station and continues')

Cheezein Mein Rakh Ke

Bhool Jaati Hoon

(forgets her stethoscope on the table and comes back for it, hitting her head )

Bekhayaali Mein Gungunati Hoon

Ab Akele Mein Muskuraati Hoon

Badli Hui Si Meri Ada Hai

(She does a cute hopping step in the locker room)

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

Armaan on the other hand

Pighla Pighla Hai Dil Mera Jab Se

(remembering Shilpa in the fire escape yesterday)

Achcha Rehta Hain Mood Bhi Tab Se

Haske Milta Hoon Aaj Kal Sab Se

(he sings ruffling the hair of the patient in front of himand smiles at him)

Khush Ho Gaya Hai Jo Bhi Mila Hai

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

Chorus: (the focus shifting between Shilpa and Armaan.)

Yeh Nasha Jisme Dono Rehte Hai

Yeh Lehar Jisme Dono Behte Hai

Ho Na Ho Isko Pyaar Kehte Hai

Pyaar Mila To

Dil Kho Gaya Hai

Kuch To Hua Hai

Kuch Ho Gaya Hai

"So, How are we feeling today Ajit? " Shilpa asked her patient, a 15 year old boy, while on her routine checkups.

"I fine today Shilpa di... no pains, no ulcers and no headaches!! " he smiled.

Armaan was in the opposite room, checking on his patients when he heard someone call his name. "Hey Minnie!! What are you doing here?"

"I came to meet you guys!! didn't have anything to do at home, so I thought I will surprise you guys."

Armaan smiled and looked up to see Shilpa talking to her patients. She really was very popular with the patients. She had the knack of getting them to open up. She talked to kids on their level, understanding their discomfort, irrespective of their age. That's what made her the best intern Sanjeevani had seen.

Minnie caught him staring at Shilpa and smiled. "Let's go sit somewhere."

Armaan snapped out of his thoughts. "Sure. Give me five minutes. " he smiled and walked off.

Armaan and Minnie were sitting in Armaan's cabin.

"Riddhima has moved on, you know. Its high time you should too." Minnie was saying.

"You know, you are the second person to suggest that. And while its not easy, I think I am ready to move on..."

"Really!!! Who is it?"

"What makes you think there is someone!!" Armaan exclaimed, trying to bluff his way out of the conversation. He wasn't ready to tell her about Shilpa yet. However, some personal information about from Minnie would be helpful. Minnie too has been worrying about me lately. If she believes that I am genuinely interested in Shilpa, it will definitely work to my advantage.

"Oh!! Really!! So, that trance outside the children's ward was what, nothing important right??" Minnie teased.

"Ugh...Umm...That was..." Armaan stuttered. "See that did you...? well that was just a ... well I was thinking about something... I wasn't staring at anyone..." Armaan justified.

"I didn't say that... see sach bahar aa hi jata hai..." minnie said. "Mujhse chupaoge toh aise hi pakde jaoge!!!"

"Okay!!! fine!!!" Armaan conceded.

"Yes!!!" Minnie triumphed.

"Don't get so excited yet... even I am not sure of my feelings for yet... and don't you dare play cupid here!! I need to figure this out for myself... especially because it's been a long time I felt like this for anyone but Riddhima."

"You don't know how happy I am to hear that!!!" Minnie said. "I have so wanted you to be happy. Don't screw this up, okay? " Minnie said.

"Hear what? And what don't you want Armaan to screw up...?" Shilpa and Sid came in from behind.

Minnie gave Armaan a mischievous smile. "Well Armaan here has finally decided to move on."

"Minnie!!!" Armaan whined.

"What? Really!!! That's great news!!"

"And from what I know" Minnie continued "he already has someone in mind..."

Shilpa inwardly gasped at this piece of news. Sid turned towards Shilpa and smiled. She found it a little weird but she let it go. Armaan has moved on!! She was unsure what she felt right at this moment, happy that he had moved on, or jealous that he would now love someone else. That girl was obviously special. Armaan liked someone. That would explain his good mood these days. That girl is so lucky. Well I hope that she also feels the same for him. So what if that girl can't be me. I always want him to be happy.

"So, do we know this special someone Armaan?" Shilpa asked a little too brightly.

Harry looked at her then, his eyes marking her, willing her to acknowledge who that person is. But before she could try and interpret his expression, her pager beeped. She broke the eye contact and said "I have to go. See you soon guys. Good luck for your girl Armaan."

As soon as she left, Sid exclaimed "Why didn't you tell her that you like her?"

"Hey, I can't just say something like that in a casual conversation. I need some time okay..." Armaan asked surprised, and blushed. "God help me handle these crazy people I call friends!!"

Precap :

Shilpa suspended from Sanjeevani

Wedding preps begin - finally

Armaan - Sid find out about Shilpa.