FF~*Tera hone laga hoon *~ Part 19 on pg 29 - Page 10

Armaan: "Ma, that's enough! Why do you bring up Priyanka all the time, you know I don't like it. Look, nothing I've done is wrong. Bharti is my wife now, not Priyanka. We are divorced, remember! It's been seven years and she has not once even come to see Jiya's face. What kind of mother is that?"

Mother: "Armaan, she is your first wife and she will always be Jiya's mother, nothing you say will ever change that. And Armaan, no matter who you go pick up from wherever, no one can replace my bahu! "

Armaan: (getting really angry, but trying to restrain himself)"Ma please, stop it. Please don't talk like that about Bharti, you don't even know her. Understand the fact that whether Priyanka comes back or not, she has no place in my life."

Mother: "Armaan!"

But Armaan already turned to leave from there. He told his mother that he was going to shower and that she must just relax until Jiya comes.

By the time Armaan was out of the shower, Bharti and Jiya had arrived. Armaan explained to Jiya that these were her grandparents and aunt because Jiya didn't really remember them. She had met them a few times and had only vague memories. After a while of strained conversation, Armaan's mother excused herself to make a phone call.

Mother: "Hello, where have you been? A lot has changed since you last checked up on him. He has gone and remarried... Ya, I was as shocked as you are. We have to do something quickly before Armaan's infatuation turns into something serious and before this Bharti has Jiya and Armaan completely in her control..No she hasn't said anything to me, but there is something funny about her, I just don't like her. Okay you think of something. I'll let you know if I find out anything else, okay speak to you soon. Bye."

After a little while, Armaan's parents decided to leave as they had a long drive back home. Jiya went to do her homework with the help of Bharti while Armaan went to get Tamanna settled in.

While Jiya was doing her homework Bharti was just watching her. Something was wrong, Jiya wasn't her usual bubbly self.

Bharti: "Jiya, is everything alright?"

Jiya: (who was lost in her thoughts suddenly looked up at Bharti)"Yes Bharti Mama."

Jiya looked down at her books again. Bharti lifted Jiya's chin up and looked into her eyes. She led her to the bed and made her sit down.

Bharti: "Okay, what's wrong? Is someone or something troubling my little princess? "

Jiya didn't answer her and just looked even more sad than ever.

Bharti: (starting to get up)"Should I get your Dada?"

Jiya: (pulling her back down)"No no, I don't want to talk to Dada about this."

Bharti: "Okay, can you to talk to me about it?"

Jiya: "The thing is that my friend is having some problems at home. She is always so sad at school and can't concentrate on her work. And all this makes me feel so sad because I can't do anything to help her.."

Bharti: "Is your friend okay, I mean safe at home?"

Jiya: "Yeah, there isn't anything happening with her, but it's with her parents. They are fighting a lot, well it's her father mainly."

Bharti: "Oh, well maybe you shouldn't get too involved in it, it's their family problem. I'm sure they will sort it out, after all most adults do tend to fight and they will sort it out."

Jiya: "But you and Dada don't fight...and this has been going on for a while, it's just that it's more often now"

Bharti: "Well your Dada is very easy to get along with and you know he doesn't like fighting. Has your friend spoken to anyone about this? Her parents, a relative or a teacher?"

Jiya: "No, she has only spoken to me, what must I do Bharti Mama?"

Bharti: (pulling Jiya into her arms and kissing her head)"Maybe get your friend to talk to someone about it. And you try not to worry about it too much. All you can do is try to keep your friend as happy as possible at school, okay? "

Jiya: "Okay, but what if all this doesn't help, Bharti Mama?"

Bharti: "Well then you just tell me and we'll see what we can do together, okay. Now promise me that you won't get too sad or stress yourself out."

Jiya: "Okay, I promise. Thank you Bharti Mama. It's so easy to talk to you, if I told Dada he would tell me not to worry about it and he may not have taken me seriously."

Bharti: (smiling)"Anytime, I'm always here for you my princess. Okay you go freshen up before supper."

In the other room were Armaan and Tamanna putting all her stuff into the cupboards.

Armaan: "So how's Aman?"

Tamanna: "Oh he's fine, just so busy with work. Sometimes I get so irritated, but then I realise that he's working so hard now so that he'll have time off later on when we need it.."

Armaan: "You're not giving him too much of a hard time are you?"

Tamanna: "Me? Of course not, he really is too sweet though. He felt bad that I was coming here alone, but I assured him that you'll take good care of me."

Armaan: "You know I will, and now Bharti's here too. So...Tamz, what do you think of her?"

Tamanna: (smiling)"Ah, I knew you were just waiting to ask me that. Well honestly I haven't really spoken to her, but she seems like a real sweetheart and she's very pretty I must say."

Armaan: (blushing a little)"Yeah, that she is. She may take some getting used to, as she is quite unique, but I'm sure you'll love her..well I hope so..."

Tamanna: "Aww, Armaan, I'm sure I will. When I get to know her more, I'll give you a full analysis. Anyway there is something about her that I like, she seems really genuine and she is really amazing with Jiya."

Armaan: "Yeah, Jiya just loves her."

Tamanna: (nudging Armaan)"And you?"

Armaan: (deeply blushing) "Tamz...what do I tell you, I think I've loved her for a long time, I won't tell you the whole cliche of love at first sight, but there was something that I couldn't explain, like some connection.."

Tamanna: "Acha? Well, all I can say is that I am so incredibly happy for you. I can just see in your eyes how much you love her and I think she's really good for you and Jiya. All I wish is that you met her earlier...you know before Priyanka.."

Armaan: (getting up and walking to the window)"Tamz..you know somewhere I wish that too, but I can never truly regret what happened with Priyanka. After all I've gotten my life from her, my Jiya."

Tamanna: "Yeah, I suppose everything happens for a reason, I just pray that you and Jiya will always be happy and it seems like that may be with Bharti....But what are you going to do about Ma?"

Armaan: (sighing)"I don't know, she'll just have to come around I suppose."

Tamanna: (walking to Armaan and putting her hand on his shoulder)"Don't worry, I'm sure she will. Anyway, I'm so happy to be here, I get a chance to spend some time with all of you, I've really missed you bro. "

Armaan and Tamanna hugged and then went to find Bharti and Jiya. Armaan suggested they get take-out, but Tamanna insisted on cooking. They had a lovely evening with great food and they even played some games. Bharti was so relieved to see Jiya smiling and looking much happier. Tamanna and Bharti got on very well which pleased Armaan. Armaan went to put Jiya to bed as he hadn't spent time with her today and Bharti went to help Tamanna with the dishes.

Bharti: "Hey Tamanna, let me help you. I may not be able to cook, but I can help with the washing up."

Tamanna: "Oh call me Tamz, everyone close to me does. And I already feel like you're close to me, if you don't mind me saying."

Bharti: (smiling) "Aw, that's really very kind of you. I'm glad we are getting along, especially since I don't think your mother likes me very much. "

Tamanna: "Oh don't worry about that, she is like that with everyone at first. She'll come around, she has to when she sees just how much Armaan loves you."

Bharti couldn't help but blush upon hearing this.

Tamanna: "Aw, so sweet, you're blushing. But seriously I can see the way he looks at you, the way he speaks about you, it's true love. You know I always think that those people who get to spend their life with someone who truly loves them with all their heart are really very lucky in life. And Bharti I think you're very lucky."

Bharti: "Yeah, I know I am truly lucky to have Armaan and Jiya in my life. Whenever things are difficult, they always make everything seem so simple and beautiful. They always seem to love me so much and it really does make me feel special."

Tamanna: "Yeah, that feeling is amazing. Well, all I hope is that you never ever hurt or disappoint them...Please, this is my request to you, always be there, never leave them. I can see how much Jiya loves and needs you. Armaan too, you've completed both of them and I don't think they could manage you leaving them. Especially Armaan, he would totally and completely break down, he wouldn't be able to handle that too....Anyway I know you won't do that. I know you'll always keep them happy."

Tamanna wished her goodnight and went off to sleep leaving Bharti with her thoughts. Yet again she wondered what would happen when she was Bhaskar again. She got so irritated thinking of how KK would not give her any straight answers. All she knew is that she couldn't hurt Jiya and Armaan...no matter what happens, she just wouldn't.

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The next few days passed easily with them falling back into their daily routine. The only thing that was different was the addition of Tamanna. Tamanna ran her own little interior design business, so her working hours were quite flexible and this allowed her to often work from home. This suited her needs fine, as she could go and check up on the house. She was having lots of fun with the interior of her own house, it wasn't often that she had the freedom to decorate exactly as she pleased. Tamanna was usually free by the afternoon and she would go pick up Jiya and take her to the new house. Jiya was having lots of fun helping her aunt wherever she could. Whenever Bharti or Armaan managed to come home early, they would go over to see the progress. Things were going smoothly, so Tamanna decided to take up another little project. She made it her mission to try to teach Bharti how to cook. At first it was hilarious and Tamanna and Jiya would just enjoy themselves watching Bharti make a complete mess of things and Bharti was always so sporting. She would have a good laugh as well.

The one afternoon Armaan came home to see Bharti answer the door with tears running down her cheeks. Armaan immediately started panicking and asked Bharti what was wrong. He made her sit down and was rubbing her arms trying to comfort her, having no clue what was going on.

Bharti: "Armaan...Armaan, just chill dude, it's the onions!"

Armaan: "What onions?!"

Bharti: "The onions that I was trying to cut. I'm so done with them, I'm leaving them to you or Tamz."

Armaan just started laughing and asked her what she was doing cutting onions and Bharti explained that she was trying to cook. This made him laugh even more. Armaan: "Bharti, you do know that you can't even boil an egg. "

Bharti: "Oh come on, that's hard. How am I supposed to know if it's done inside?"

Bharti started hitting him with the dishcloth when he continued to laugh and went off to the kitchen. Armaan watched her go and just smiled to himself. He thought it was so sweet that she was trying to cook. He followed her to the kitchen and leaned against the counter just watching her.

Bharti: (looking at Armaan half angry, half upset )"What now? Come to make some more jokes about how I can't cook?"

Armaan: No no, I've just come to say sorry."

Bharti looked at him angrily and Armaan saw that she was angry and upset with him, so he started pulling his ears. Bharti just turned away from him and was stirring something on the stove. He came up behind her and looked at her with innocent eyes and Bharti tried really hard not to smile.

Armaan: "I'm sorry, oh come on, I was just joking. Okay what punishment do you want to give me?"

Bharti: (eyes lighting up)"Okay, you asked for it, you've got to eat the food I made! "

Armaan:(putting his hand to his head)"Nahiiin! "

Bharti looked at him angrily again and turned to the stove.

Armaan: "Arre, I'm just joking!"

Armaan stretches around her and takes the spoon from her hand. Bharti immediately tenses up having Armaan so close to her. He takes the spoon and has a taste of what she has made. Immediately he drops the spoon and holds his lips.

Armaan: "Ow! That was hot!"

Bharti: (suppressing a giggle)"Serves you right!"

She goes and gets him a glass of water.

Armaan: "You know that was actually good, now that I can feel my tongue again."

Bharti: (smiling)"Thank you and I know it's good."

Armaan: "Miss Bharti, no-one can put a dent in your confidence."

Bharti: "I know, I know. Listen you were out for a photo shoot today, but Amarjeet called a bit of a meeting to make an announcement. Because it was MU's birthday and the birthday issue sold so well, Amarjeet has decided to throw a slightly late birthday/success party. It is tomorrow night."

Armaan: "Okay cool, at least we have Tamz here, we don't have to feel so bad about leaving Jiya at night."

Tamanna:(entering the kitchen)"What is this I am hearing? So you'll are just using me to go out and party late at night."

Bharti giggled and Armaan tried to correct himself, but Tamanna wouldn't listen. They ended up having a cute little fight and finally Tamanna stopped pulling his leg and said that she would love to keep an eye on Jiya. Anyway she would be home as nothing else was planned.

The next afternoon Armaan and Bharti came home early, as Amarjeet had given them permission to leave at midday. They picked Jiya up and decided to go to the beach for a little while. It was Bharti's idea, because she knew she wouldn't need much time to get ready and she wanted to spend some time with Jiya to make sure that she was okay.

They had fun just relaxing in the afternoon sun, watching the waves and chatting. Armaan excused himself to go and get some ice-creams for them. Bharti asked Jiya how her friend was and if the problem had sorted itself out yet.

Jiya: "No, Bharti Mama. But my friend isn't as sad as before. I try to always cheer her up. Also she told me that she spoke to one of her aunts, so maybe that will help."

Bharti: "That's a very good start and are you okay? I'm glad you don't look as sad anymore."

Jiya: "Yeah, I'm okay. I have to be happy if I'm going to try to keep her happy."

Bharti: "That's a good way of looking at it, you just keep me informed."

Jiya reached for Bharti and gave her a big hug. Armaan arrived with the ice-creams and asked what was going on. To this both Jiya and Bharti just shook their heads. They went for a walk along the beach while they finished their ice-creams. It really was a sight to watch. They looked like the perfect family with Jiya between Armaan and Bharti. When the ice-creams were over, Jiya held both of the hands and this made Armaan look down at Jiya and then up at Bharti with the sun on her face and the wind in her hair. He smiled thinking that he was so blessed to have finally found his perfect family. After a bit, Jiya started kicking water on Armaan and then Armaan started chasing her. Bharti decided to help Jiya is kicking water on Armaan and they all had great fun playing in the water. Finally when they were almost drenched and started to feel the cold of the setting sun, they decided to head home. Tamanna had made supper for her and Jiya and they ate while Armaan and Bharti went to get ready.

Armaan was out of the shower and went to find something to wear. He stood facing the cupboard with just his towel around his waist.

Armaan: "Hmm..What do I wear?"

Bharti entered the room and was slightly taken aback to see Armaan standing there...shirtless. She had never seen him like that before and couldn't help but stare.

Armaan: (suddenly turning around) "Bharti.....Oh good you're here. Did Amarjeet set a dress code?"

Bharti just continued to stare at him.

Armaan: (started to walk towards her)"Bharti? Kya hua?"

Armaan was now standing right in front of her. Bharti just looked up into his eyes. Then Armaan snapped his fingers and Bharti came back to reality.

Bharti:"Huh?"

Armaan: "Is there a dress code? I don't know what to wear."

Bharti moved backwards and hit the dressing table, then she went to move around him and tried to keep the space as wide as possible between her and Armaan. But as she was passing him, her arm brushed against his bare chest and she got goose bumps. She walked foward and almost tumbled over the chair.

Armaan:(realising that she is feeling a bit uncomfortable and tried to hide his smile)"Bharti, you okay?"

Bharti: "Hmmm? Ya, I'm fine."

She turned her back to him and looked into the cupboard.

Bharti: "Um, I think he said formal..Potential clients and partners...you know..will be there..ya, so formal.."

Armaan smiled now hearing her talk like that and walked towards her. He stood right behind her so that his chest was touching her back. Bharti completely froze and closed her eyes. Armaan leaned around her and pulled out a suit, not once letting any space come between them. He smiled even wider seeing Bharti frozen with her eyes tightly shut.

He quickly put on his suit and asked Bharti how it looked. Bharti, who still had her eyes shut at the cupboard slowly turned around to see Armaan. He had on this black suit....

And with that she rushed off to the bathroom. Armaan just shook his head and ran his hand through his hair before turning to the cupboard. Bharti shut the door and just leaned against it with her eyes closed. She didn't know why she was feeling like that, why she was breathing heavily. She had had a strange feeling in her stomach when she saw Armaan standing in the room and she didn't know why her heart skipped a beat when their skin touched. But, wow, he did look good, she thought to herself. She quickly splashed some cold water on her face and told herself not to think like that.

When Bharti came out of the shower she saw an outfit lying on the bed with a note.

Thought this would look good on you...

She picked up the black and gold salwar kameez and felt it between her fingers. She hadn't worn any traditional clothing to work before and she knew everyone would be surprised. Armaan walked in a little while later and was surprised to see Bharti wearing the outfit that he had chosen. He smiled to himself and walked over to her at the mirror. Bharti was trying to tie a knot at the top behind he neck, but couldn't reach. Armaan stood behind her and moved her hair to the side. He tied the knot and Bharti yet again got goose bumps when his fingertips brushed her neck. He leaned in to whisper into her ear.

Armaan: "You look so beautiful."

Bharti blushed and then got up. She turned to face Armaan and asked if he was ready. He grabbed his watch and nodded. They said goodnight to Tamanna and Tamanna winked at Armaan and told him to go have fun. Jiya hugged Bharti and told her that she looked so pretty and that she should wear indian clothing more often. Bharti smiled at her and then went out to the car. Armaan was driving and couldn't help but glance at Bharti every now and again. She really looked amazing with the salwar and her bangles. Suddenly Bharti put her hand to her neck and realised that she had forgotten her mangalsutra. She looked in the mirror and saw that she hadn't worn any sindoor either.

Bharti: "Armaan, I've forgotten my mangalsutra..don't you want to go back."

Armaan:"We'll get late if we do that. It's okay, don't worry about it, I'll just have to walk around with you the whole night so everyone knows you're married."

Armaan winked at her and continued looking at the road. Bharti just sighed and sat back in her seat smiling as they made their way to the party.

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