Chapter 27

Recap:

Sid – Shilpa talk about telling Armaan the truth about Shilpa…

Karwachauth!

Part 27:

"Dr. Shilpa, please go ahead with your presentation for the new children's ward coming up in Sanjeevani…" Shashank prompted.

Today was a really important day for Shilpa… depending on her presentation, the new cancer ward for children would be designed. She was very nervous for it, and Armaan knew how important this was for her. She looked at him across the room, damn scared, but she saw him nod and give her a smile. It was as if he was her power-house, she got up in confidence and walked towards the projector.

"Good Morning everyone… As you all are aware, Sanjeevani is planning to expand and extend its expertise in the field of cancer as well. Well, I had a couple of ideas for the same…"

She talked on for about 40minutes, explaining each aspect of what such a prospect entails, the risks involved, the perks of having it there and the greater good that it will do to the society. Her months of effort in the research and her dedication to serve the society were evident from the way she talked about it and the passion with which she talked about the project. Armaan did not even blink his eyes. He was lost in her eyes, the zeal in them and the way her face took up sparkle everytime she mentioned the children it would help. He looked around the room and chuckled. Apparently he wasn't the only one who was anamored by her charm. He could easily see that the directors were very impressed by shilpa's presentation. He looked back at his shona and smiled, aur kitno ko apna deewana banoagi bracelet… he smiled.

"Congratulations beta! I am proud of you… I had no idea you felt so strongly for the children affected by cancer? But I am glad I gave you the responsibility of this project. Well done kiddo :)"Shashank said just as some very impressed directors left after Shilpa's presentation. He hugged Shilpa and left.

Almost everyone had left the conference room, and Shilpa turned around to gather her presentation papers.

"Aaj chal kya raha hai? Na isne mujhe nashte ke liye pucha na khan eke liye? Chakkar kya hai?" Shilpa whispered to herself.

"Main toh isse avoid karne ka soch rahi thi, par mera hi plan fail ho gaya!!"

She was just about to turn when she heard the lock being turned and she whirled around…

Armaan locked the door to the conference hall and turned around to face Shilpa.

"Armaan… what… um… what are you doing? Why did you lock the door?" Shilpa asked him nervously.

"Because apparently this is the only way I can get you to talk to me…" Armaan pouted.

Shilpa smiled and walked right into his arms. "Miss me?" she teased, hugging him tightly.

"Not even a little bit!" Armaan said.

Shilpa pulled herslf straight. "What?"

Armaan chuckled and pulled her back into his arms. "You have no idea" he whispered and started nuzzling her neck.

Shilpa smiled enjoying the feel of him around her after a pretty long time. Eversince she had learnt about the karwachauth vrath, she was really excited to keep it for Armaan… although staying hungry was a really painful exercise, but for Armaan anything was worth it. She smiled as she pictured telling Armaan that she was fasting for him in the evening.

"Your presentation was awesome bracelet… but then again I always did have faith in you and your talent."

Shilpa smiled and recalled the how he had helped her out in her research and also helped her with this presentation. Some of his ideas were really great.

"Thanks to you Armaan! Your confidence in me is what inspires me to do things so well." She sighed and tried to capture this moment forever, a feeling of being cherished and loved by someone so freely, a feeling of total fulfillment and completeness…

She pulled herself together and starightened from his arms when he groaned in response.

"Armaan! Chodo mujhe… hum hospital mein hain…"

"Ek shart par… Tell me what surprise were you talking about this morning?"

"No way…"

"Shilpa…"

"No… Armaan! bilkul nahi…"

Armaan raised his eyebrows.Reeallly? he thought challengingly. He held her waist with one hand and shifted the other to her back so fast that that by the time she realized anything she was locked in his arms. He brought her close to him so that her body was lightly touching his and bent his head towards her ear.

Shilpa tried to control her reaction towards him and took a deep breath, when she felt his hot breath on the ear. And that was it. She was lost in the sensations that he was creating in her body, busy experiencing the new feelings that he aroused.

"Surprise kya hai Shilpa?" he asked slowly and very softly.

She shook her head and Armaan pulled her closer, now bent over her so that she could feel his breath on her neck. Shilpa gasped and closed her eyes, trying to come to terms with the bout of emotion and passion that his proximity and closeness always managed to evoke in her. she turned her head to the other siede and whispered in protest at the same time.

"Armaan…"

Armaan on the other hand knew he had to do something before he lost focus of what he wanted to ask her. The feel of her in his arms so unique that he had a hard time controlling his feelings. His plan had back-fired big time…

"Ok…OK…" shilpa pushed him a little realizing what was happeneing. "But you have to promise me first that you won't get mad?"

With a huge effort he stopped and looked straight into her eyes, giving her the best challenging look he could manage, although he knew he couldn't go farther than this. He could see that Shilpa was a little uncomfortable and he definitely did not want that.

"Mad at you? Not possible…" Armaan pulled her back again, not wanting to let her go.

"Armaan!" Shilpa admolished and raised her eyebrows in mock sterness.

"Ok baba… I promise… what's up?"

"Maine… woh I have… umm…"

Armaan frowned. He had never seen Shilpa so hesitant before. "Kya hua? Kuch problem hai?" he asked her with concern.

Shilpa looked at him, really nervous and not so confident about her karwachauth idea anymore. She didn't really know if he liked all this and if he even believed in such traditions. She never really had anybody to tell her about all such pujas and traditions. Losing her mother at an early age had cost her that. So, she had always found them fascinating and interesting and oh-so sweet.

"Nahi… woh… maine tumhare liye k-karwachauth ka fast rakha hai…" Shilpa looked away waiting for his response.

Armaan looked at her stunned. "Tumne mere liye fast rakha hai?"

Shilpa nodded looking at him keenly. Armaan looked right back at her, trying to understand why Shilpa thought it was something he wouldn't like. Why would she---

And he suddenly realized, his Shona wasn't as confident as she showed people. He thought of the times when she would look at him apprehensively, trying to figure out something, a slight hesitation in her posture. This is Shilpa… not Riddhima who was much more confident in her relationship with him. Shilpa, who before thinking about herself always gave priority to others around her. Shilpa, he chuckled who was still wondering why he loved her so much. Shilpa, who had no idea of her appeal to the people aroud her, as a friend, as a doctor as a daughter or as a lover… she did not realize the gem that was her heart. Her humility, her simplicity and her inate kindness was enough for him to love her for eternity. But add to that her innocent yet seductive green eyes, her beautiful striking features and her sinfully curved figure and Armaan was a goner :P

"Shilpa…" Armaan shook his head and cupped her face. "You talk about being angry… I am so happy I am about a second away from ravishing you!"

Shilpa's eyes widened at his passionately spoken words. She blushed furiously and looked down, covering his mouth. "Armaan…"

Armaan grinned. She was glowing with happiness and blushing at the same time, just like he thought she would. She looked at him and smiled serenely. "So, you're happy huh?" she tried to lightened the atmosphere. He got the hint and changed the subject.

"So, that was your surprise huh?"

She gasped in surprise and pouted. "No!! That was suppose to be a surprise! And you ruined it… See you make me say the most unexpected things. I cant think clearly when you are close to me…" Shilpa glowered.

Armaan chuckled in elation that his proximity could affect her so much.

"Well, its okay… I have a surprise too…" he said and watched as Shilpa's face lit up in excitement.

"Surpirse! Really? What is it?"

"If I tell you it wouldn't be a surprise now will it!" Armaan replied amused by her child-like enthusiasm…

Shilpa waggled his tongue at him. "That's not fair Armaan!" and suddenly her eyes fell on the clock beside the projector.

"Armaan!! Its 2:30… the break time has been over for quite some time now! We should go…"

"Ugh! One day I am going to throw out all the clocks and watches from sanjeevani!!! Everytime I even get even a little close to spending quality time with you, people com and interrupt us, or the there's something that needs to be fixed or like now the break time is over…" Armaan said in frustration.

Shilpa laughed lightly and held his hand, pulling him towards the door. "Chalo Armaan…"

"Uh-huh" Armaan pouted and walked with her.

"Sham ko ghar par karwachauth ki puja hai… tum aaoge na?" she turned to look at him, unlocking the door.

He smiled at her. "I wouldn't miss it for the world…"

Evening, Gupta Residence:

"Riddhima!! Aa gayi tum. Why are you so late?" Padma welcomed her daughter and son-in-law.

Riddhima blushed and Sid looked at her and grinned. "Actually hum log traffic mein phas gaye the ma…" he replied winking at Riddhima.

Riddhima widened her eyes and shook her head, asking him to shut up.

"Oh ho… shaadi ke baad traffic mein phasne samjha karo aunty" Shilpa said from teased from behind. "Abhi toh yeh log baar baar traffic mein phasne wale hain!"

"Oh!" Padma said and gave them a sweet smile.

"Aur kya? Kaam ke beech mein hi inhe important phone calls aate hai, 3km drive karne mein ek-ek ghanta lag jata hai, lunch ke liye canteen ka khana nahi bhata… ab kya batau main aapko in love birds ki dastaan…"

Sid and Riddhima were blushing profusely.

"Shilpa ki bachi tujhe toh main--" Riddhima said and started chasing her.

"Aaa… aunty dekhiye na di ko… shilpa tu toh aaj gayi…"

"Yeh sab itna bolne ke pehle sochna chahiye tha…" Riddhima said, turning around the table trying to get hold of the little devil that was Shilpa.

"Sid sambhalo zara apni wife ko… " Shilpa teased loving the expression on Riddhima face. She was so happy to see Riddhima glowing with bliss and happiness.

"Ther toh jaa… aane de Armaan ko… tab batati hu tujhe…" Riddhima spoke softly so that no one could hear them but Shilpa…

"Armaan! Aane do usse… main kya darti hu kya usse… kya hi karoge aap huh?" Shilpa said and turned to run towards the door only to crash into a hard wall. She lost her balance and was about to fall when she was caught by a pair of arms. She knew before she looked at the person's face that it was Armaan…

"Armaan… tum? Tum kab aaye?" Shilpa whispered wondering if he had heard what she said to Riddhima…

Armaan smirked and replied "When you telling Riddhima so confidently that I don't affect you that much… "

"Nahi woh main…"

She stopped as she heard someone snigger behind them and suddenly recognized the fact that they had company and that Armaan was still holding her.

She straightened up quickly and turned around to find not only Riddhima and Sid looking them and grinning but also Padma Aunty.

Nobody said anything for a while and sensing Shilpa's discpmfort Padma said "chalo bacho, lets go to the living room. Your dad is waiting there for all of you. Anjali, Atul, Muskaan and Rahul are about reach too…"

"Dammit! Aunty bhi yaha hai… Riddhima di bhi na!" she muttered trying to gain some control of the situation, while walking towards the living room.

"Riddhima ko kyun kos rahi ho? Jo sach hai woh hai!" Armaan teased her.

Shilpa narrowed her eyes and looked at him. "Don't gloat, it does not suit you!"

"Don't lie, it does not suit you!"

Shilpa opened her mouth in surprise. The guts of this guy.

"You are so arrogant!"

Armaan sniggered and said "You wouldn't love me if I weren't!" Armaan said shamelessly.

Shilpa chuckled. "There it goes again! Arrogance, your name is Armaan!"

Armaan looked up to see Riddhima and Sid looking at them adoringly. He smiled and nodded his head towards shilpa. The three of them looked at Shilpa with amusement.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Shilpa asked just as she realized the three of them were looking at her.

Riddhima came forward and cupped her face. "Don't let anything change you ever!" she smiled and hugged Shilpa. Shilpa hugged her back, a little confused she looked at Armaan and silently mouthed to him "What?"

Armaan shook his head and just gave her that same smile again.

"Hey guys!" Rahul and Atul came in.

"Hey!" Sid and Armaan went out to greet them and Riddhima broke the hug and smiled at Shilpa one last time. Together the went out to greet their friends.

After some time, every body was out waiting for the moon to come out. The ladies were all in the verandah, waiting and cribbing about the fact that they hadn't food all day! And the guys were all busy trying to console their wives. In short everybody was too busy to miss the lovebirds who had quietly sneaked out and were enjoying some lone time on the terrace.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look today?" Armaan asked Shilpa, who was sitting in between his legs, her back against his chest. Their hands entwined together.

Shilpa smiled. "Yes… but you can say that again… That's something I'll never tire hearing from you…"

Armaan smiled and looked up at the sky. He could see clouds hiding and stopping the moon from showing it self.

Chand Chupa Badal Mein, Sharma Ke Meri Jaana ,

He started singing and shilpa looked back at him. She smiled and he pulled her closer…

Seene Se Lag Ja Tu, Bal Kha Ke Meri Jaana,

She blushed and disengaged herself from him.

Gumsum Sa Hai, Gupchup Sa Hai

Madhosh Hai,Khamosh Hai,

Haan Ye Sama, Haan Ye Sama Kuch Aur Hai,

He sang, following her across the terrace as she walked towards the edge looking towards the light coming from the sky.

Han Han Han Chand Chupa Badal Mein, Sharma Ke Meri Jaana…

aja Re Aaja Re Chanda,

shilpa turned towards the ladies downstairs singing n chourus.

Ki Jab Tak Tu Na Aayega, Sajana Ke Chere To Dekhne Ye Man Tarsa Jayega,

Armaan started again:

Na Na Chanda Tu Nahin Aana , Tu Jo Aaya To,

Sanam Sharma Ke Kahin Chala Jaye Na,

He held her from behind as she looked at the couples below, locking his arms around her waist.

Nazdikiyan Badh Jaane De,

She manages to free herself and runs away saying…

Arre Nahin Baba Nahin, Abhi Nahin Nahin Nahin,

Armaan interrupts…

Yeh dooriyan mit jaane de,

But she replies… Arre Nahin Baba Nahin, Abhi Nahin Nahin Nahin,

Door Se Hi Tum Jee Bhar Ke Dekho,

He holds her wrist and caresses her cheek…

Tum Hi Kaho Kaise Door Se Dekhoon,

She grins and runs away again saying…

Chaand Ko Jaise Dekhta Chakor Hai,

Aye, Gumsum Sa Hai, Ye Sama Kuch Aur Hai

Ho Ho Ho, Chand Chupa Badal Mein

The people below again give a chorus:

Aaja Re Aaja Re Chanda,

Ki Jab Tak Tu Na Aayega, Sajana Ke Chere To Dekhne Ye Man Tarsa Jayega,

Na Na Chanda Tu Nahin Aana , Tu Jo Aaya To,

Sanam Sharma Ke Kahin Chala Jaye Na, Aaja Re Aaja Re Chanda,

Tu Laakh Duayen Payega, Na Na Chanda Tu Nahin Aana, Varna Sanam Chala Jayega,

Suddenly a gust a wind blows away Shilpa's dupatta and it lands on Armaan's face, completely drenching him in her scent and feel.

Aanchal Mein Tu Chup Jaane De,

Shilpa pulls away the dupatta and sings:

Arre Nahin Baba Nahin, Abhi Nahin Nahin Nahin,

He runs his hands in her hair, moving them from her face,

Julfon Mein Tum Kho Jaane Do,

She holds his hand and loks deeply in his eyes…

Arre Nahin Baba Nahin, Abhi Nahin Nahin Nahin,

Pyaar To Naam Hai, Sabra Ka Humdam,

He smiles at the depth of her words and replies…

Woh Bhala Bolo Kaise Karen Hum,

Sawan Ki Raah Jaise Dekhe Mor Hai, she smiles and sings back

He chuckles and notices that the moon has come out. he looks at her and turns her so that she is facing the moon.

"Hey! The moon's out! " she turns around and hugs Armaan…

"Main abhi aayi… kahi jaana mat okay…"

Armaan laughs at her excitement and nods. She comes back after a couple of minutes with a thali and diya in her hand and a bottle of water in the other. He looks at the plate and is surprised to see a Dark Temptation chocolate bar in it too.

"Shona… chocolate kis liye?"

Shilpa looks a little embarrassed. "Actually I don't like sweets a lot. And Aunty was telling me yesterday that you should break your fast by having something sweet toh…"

Armaan shook his head at her innocence and felt his love for shilpa grow even more.

"Chalein?" he said.

She nodded. She caught a corner of her see through dupatta and looked at the moon through it. Then lowering her eyes, she slowly turned towards Armaan, the love of her life, her savior and soulmate and looked at him. And in that moment she felt her heart burst with love for Armaan… she knew then that she would love him forever and for always… he smiled and she smiled back, her emotions clear in her eyes, flowing out in the form of tears. She lowered the dupatta and Armaan could see everything in her eyes. He took a step towards her and wiped away the tears marring her beautiful face, but somehow making it prettier.

"Shona?" he asked her if she was alright and Shilpa nodded her head and smiled.

"Armaan… This is not just a tradition for me, it's my way of telling you what you are to me. It's my love for you, I love you so much that sometimes I wonder what I would do if you were not with me? I don't---"

"Shhh…" he hugged her and said "I will never let that day come! Tum kuch bhi karlo shona, mujhse itni jaldi chutkara nahi milne wala…" he grinned and Shilpa chuckled.

"Chalo ab?" Shilpa tried to remember what Padma had told her.

"Ab pani…" Armaan said and took the bottle from her but she stopped him. He looked at her questionly.

"Pehle meri bari…" shilpa said.

"Kya?" Armaan pretended not to understand.

"You're are not a very good secret keeper Armaan… what did you think? That if you don't tell me, I wont know that you haven't eaten anything since morning too? That you have also kept this fast for me?"

Armaan was stunned. How did his angel always know all this about him? When did she notoce all this?

"Tum mere kuch bole bina hi kaise samajh jaati ho Shona…" he said. Shilpa smiled and held the bottle close to his mouth for him to drink. He takes a sip and holds it for her to drink. He fed her some water and then picked up the chocolate.

"Waise shilpa, yeh meri fav. Chocolate hai… tum khao ya main khau baat toh ek hi hain na!" he teased.

"Kya? Armaan Mallik… Main subah se bhuki hu aur tumhe iss chocolate ki padi hai…"

Armaan chuckled and held it for her to take a bite. Then took a bite from the same place where she had bitten in.

"Jhutha khane se pyaar badhta hai..." he said.

"Aur kitna pyaar badhega armaan!"

"Tumhe toh kitna bhi pyaar karu, it'll never be enough Shilpa..."

Shilpa blushed and lowered her eyes. She turned to go but Armaan held her wrist. She was nervous now and turned to see him with a very intense look in his eyes. He pulled her closer to him by her wrist and raised it to kiss her hand. He reached into his pocket and took out a very beautiful bangle (kangan).

"Ab apna asli surprise leti jao…" he whispered.

Shilpa looked at the kadha and then at Armaan… "Armaan?"

"This kangan has been in our family for generations now…"

"But you had given this to Riddhima di!" she blurted out and Armaan looked at her in surprise.

"Tumhe kaise pata?"

"Actually I read it in your diary…" she blushed.

He let that go for now. "So, then you will also know why this is given to a girl?"

She nodded smiling shyly.

"When Riddhima returned this kangan to me just before marrying Sid, I never thought I would even look at it again… but then you came into my life and changed it forever… Frnakly I love you so much, this kangan doesn;t even come close to signifying the extent of my love for you… but I know how much this means to you…" his voice grew rough with emotion.

"I know how much you love families and traditions. So, I guess this is just my way of saying that I respect that about you and will always love you."

Shilpa looked at Armaan, trying to realize the fact that Armaan had so many facets to him. Any doubt she had about his love was now gone because of his sweet gesture. He had proven once again, that he had completely moved on and that any lingering feelings he had for Riddhima were comepletely gone. She knew from the diary that the kangan was a monumental step in Armaan and Riddhima's relationship in the past. And for him to share that with her and prove yet again that he did in fact love her and only her, was all the assurance she needed.

Armaan looked at Shilpa's face. And it was like watching the sun come out of the clouds and shine brightly. She looked up at him and gave a sweet little smile, overwhelmed and humbled by his love. and he knew and he had finally convinced her of his love. His gesture had achieved what he wanted.

He pulled her closer, and slowly slid the kangan onto her wrist.

"Isse apna engagement kangan samjhna Shona… Ajj ke baad tum sirf meri ho… only mine… " Armaan whispered.

Shilpa gasped and looked at him, shocked and elated at the same time! she did not see this coming… hoped? Definitely. Dreamt of it? Sure. but believed it? not really! She was happy but noticing the confident expression on his face, she realized he hadn't even asked her!! masking her expression,

"Armaan…!!!" she slapped him on the shoulder.

"What?"

"Well ask! Don't you have to ask me something?"

"Hmm… I already know the answer! What's the point?" he ribbed.

"Huh! Arrogance Armaan!! Agar main nahi kahu toh?" Shilpa asked outraged and blissfully happy at the same time.

An intense expression came over his face. "Tum haan karo yah na… Ghar se uthakar, doli mein bithakar le jaunga apni dulhaniya!!!"

Shilpa lowered her eyes, then looking up at him shyly "Itna pyaar karte ho mujhse?"

The expression on his face softened. "Apni jaan se jyada, tum soch bhi nahi sakti itna…" he said and rubbed his nose against hers.

She smiled and lowered her head.

"Hey…" he bent his head and whispered against her lips, a little scared of her answer.

"Mujhse apna banaogi na Shona? Mujhse shaadi karke hamesha ke liye meri ho jaogi na?" he asked her softly, a breath away from her lips.

Shilpa heard the catch in voice and realized he was indeed nervous. She looked into his eyes, gave him a sweet smile and reached upto his ears to say…

"Haan… main toh hamesha se tumhari hi thi Armaan…"

And his joy knew no bounds! He picked her up and twirled her around. Finally she was his now. His Shona wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, the sound of their laughter echoing in their own beautiful universe…

Phew! That was a long part!! Guys please do commment... I am really excited about your comments for this part! I need to know if I am still suffering from the writers block!!! :P hehe... cya

Vanshika