*Arsh ff - We will sail through'* (part 7 page 10 updt 27 aug'14) - Page 2

They met a funny situation when they entered the house. Sid was trying to make Shona eat her food and she was crying and bowling, asking for Shilpa. 'Here comes your mommy. You make her eat. She doesn't listen to me.' sid said. Shilpa forgot everything that happened and fed Shona. She smiled with her, laughed with her. 'Did anything happen there? I mean she is way too happy right now. You know she's trying to hide something behind her smile.' sid asked when he saw an overjoyed and extra happy Shilpa. 'She's fine now and rest of the details later. I am really tired now.' Armann answered assuring him that she was all right now.

The day passed without anymore drama or awkward situations for them but the picture was all together different in Sanjeevani.

As soon as the gang entered the hospital, they ran to Dr. Keerti to enquire about them. Keerti was in touch with Armaan and all three of them all these years. She had come closer to Shilpa a lot. She was like an elder sister to her with whom she shared everything. She knew all about their problems, firslty Armaan's depression then him coming out of it and falling for her. She knew when Riddhima left Sid, it was Shilpa who called him to stay with them. She knew all about the little family that had faced a lot of problems in life and it was her who had convinced Armaan to bring along Shilpa also for the award ceremony. Oh! She had missed it due an emergency operation. She knew what they felt when they saw their friends. She was determined that it was time none of them enter their little world to take away their happiness. She had made up her mind and was ready to protect her little sister's family. She was brought out of her chain of thoughts when Muskaan called out Hitleror rather shouted it to her. They were all surprised to see the usual attentive Keerti lost somewhere. 'Yes Dr. Muskaan. What do you want to say? Jaldi bolo. I have to complete my work today as I am on leave for next 5 days. Speak' Keerti answered, a little annoyed at all of them not knowing why. ' Ma'am wo Armaan ke baare mein..' Nikki asked hesistantly. ' Yes what about him?' 'Ma'am mera matlab hai ki wo aapke ghar ruka hai toh appko pata hoga ki woh aise kyon behave kar raha hai? Aur usne aur Shilpa ne shaadi kar li. I mean kyun? Wo toh Ridzi se pyar karta tha na. And Sid toh hum sab ko chhod kar US chal gaya tha toh phir wo unke saath? I mean we jsut wanted to meet him once. If you could give us his new number or we could meet him at your place.' Anjali said all in a breath as if she had to catch some train. Keerti knew what actually she meant. How mean could they all become she wondered. 'For his behaviour, I think you know what has made him behave like this with you guys. Regarding his love for your friend. As far as I know Armaan, I have seen love only for Shilpa in his eyes over these years. He has moved on in life and is happy in his world. And I would prefer you guys to stay away from him for he is very possesive about them all. Regarding Sid, he is like a brother to both of them that they love a lot. And he has asked me to not give his no. to anybody and he doesn't want to meet you guys. May I go now?' Keerti replied. All of them looked at each other listening to her words. They looked at Riddhima. She had no expression. They knew it was hard for her but she had a different story in her mind. She was determined to get her love back no matter what.

For Sid it was lets say it was eventful day. For the first time in all these years he felt his heart beating at faster pace than usual whenever he saw her. Her big hazel eyes had so much depth that he found himself drowning in them whenever he saw her. Be it the bumping session the previous day or the shake hand. Her touch took him to another world. And to top it all the incident in the morning made him ponder nore over this fact. After the breakfast when he was going back to his room to rest, he saw her playing with Shona. Her whole hearted laughter, her shining eyes and voice caught him there as if it had some strange pulling power and he stopped then and there to observe her. He was so lost in her smile and beauty that when Shilpa shouted out his name, he missed it. That's when an annoyed Shilpa poured a jug full of water on his head and he realised what had happened. 'Where were you lost Siddie darling?' she asked. 'Nowhere' he sheepishly replied trying to avoid her scrutinizing gaze as if she had caught him. 'Oh really! That's why you aren't even bothered about yourself being drenched in front of Shona, 'Kritika' , Armaan and me.' she sarcastically replied knowing what had caught his mind then. 'Its okay. Sometimes I tend to overlook absent minded people. You know I am being kind to them..' before Sid could complete he saw himself being pulled again towards Kritika and her laughter. 'Its ok Shilpa. Leave him alone for sometime. He must be tired handling absent minded females for quite some tim.' Armaan replied giving a high five to Side and pulling Shilpa to their for rest. 'I'l see you both later. I'm not getting any strong point to make a comeback right now but wait and watch. Come Shona. You need to rest now. Kritika are you going to Sanjeevani now?' she said. 'Ya di. i'm going right now.' she replied. Saying so she left for Sanjeevani with a strange feeling in her heart and a smile on her face. That guy was really funny when he didn't even response to Shilpa's shouting. Oh Lord! Why am I thinking about him. i'm already late. hitler didi will kill me. Saying all this to herself, she hit herself on her head and started the car and left for Sanjeevani. Her smile, her voice, and her eyes. Oye Sid ke bacche tu usske baare main itna kyun soch raha hai. Yaar control rakh warna aisa na ho ki teesri baar bhi pyar ho jaye aur phir dil toot jaye. Maintain distance from her. Making up his mind, Sid pulled over the blanket and dozed off. Having lost the loved one twice had made him commitment or love phobic now. As they say in hindi 'doodh ka jala cchacch bhi phook phook kar peeta hai', Sid wasn't going to fall so easily and then come out of the relationship with a broken heart again.

The gang met in cafeteris during the break. They had dedcided to go to Armaan and make up for their past mistakes. Somewhere deep down they all held themselves responsible for the present. They were not bad at heart but they coulsn't see him with Shilpa and Sid. They had always been his loved ones, his closest friends and for the he had been Riddhima's Armaan and not Shilpa's. They were jealous or not happy for her being his top most priority or her being the centre of his life. They wanted him back. 'Ok so done guys. We'll reach Dr. Keerti's resident at 8pm in the evening after going back home. I have already checked with sister lovely that Keerti ma'am will be in a surgery at that time so she won't be able to say that she had already told us that he didn't want to meet us.' Anjali said. 'But what if is not happy to see us? I meanif doesn't let us in then?' Nikki enquired. 'That's not a problem dear becaus as far as I know Shilpa, she won't let him do that. She ill surely welcome us coz she wants herself to be accepted among us. I know her true side. She wants herself to be accepted and for that she can go to any extent. You knw' Ridzi replied. They were all shocled to hear all that from her. Okay they all hated her for taking their friend but they never admitted it to each other. Not even to their partners and she admitted it openly that how much she hated her. 'So Rahul tu flowers and chocolates ka intezaam kar liyo. Atul tu sorry card...mmm nhi yeh sab toh bohot girlish ho jayega. Ais a karo atul tuma ur Rahul ek cake le ana with 'sorry Armaan' written on it.' Muskaan suggested. 'okay' 'Mission operation Armaan manao shuru' thay all said together. 'Guys I still don't think its a very good idea. You know hima nd his behaviour. Eventhough I am not a close friend of his but I know he won't accept this apology.' Abhi said. 'Yaar tu chup hone ke kitne paise lega? Nikki apne husband ko chup kara na. Warna main...' Muskaan said and moved her hands in order to catch his neck and murder him. 'Leave him. I'll explain it to him. Don't worry' Nikki tried to pacify her. Repeating their plan again they all left for their duties and eagerly waited to complete their duties and go back home.

Sid was out to meet some old friends and Shona was sleeping all tired due to jet lag. Shilpa was busy making food in the kitchen when Armaan thught of something. She was busy cutting vegetables, humming a song to herself when the lights went off. 'Armaandekhna toh lights ko kya hua hai? Call Dr. Keerti and ask her about...' before she could complete she felt his hands on her waist. 'Dr. Keerti ko call karke apne plan par pani pherna hai kya?' he replied while kissing her hair. 'Oh toh janaab romance ke mood mein hai. Par urh toh bataiye ki agar Sid ya keerti ma'am aa gaye toh? Tab kya karenge?' she decided to tease him and turned around and put her hands around his neck looking straight into his eyes and said. 'Dr. Keerti is in a surgery and might not come back till 12:30 or so and Kritika is assisting her. Sid will come back tomorrow morning as he wanted to spend some tim with his friends. Dr. Shubhankar kal ayenge. Aur Shona so rahi hai toh abhi 3-4 ghante tak toh nahi uthegi. So nobody is there to distirb us. Agar aur kisi ke baare mein jaankari chahiye toh bata dijiye.' He replied with a stern face and then smiled wickedly at her. ' So you made a full proof plan. I'm impressed. Permission to romance granted but stay in your limits coz you know why.' she said. 'Theekh hai meri maa. Romance mein bhi conditions but its okay with me. Okay now come with me to the poolside (imagine the pool in arnav's house in ippknd as keerti's).' he said with fake anger and pulled her behind him. 'Araam se Armaan. Par agar poolside jana hai toh lights toh on kar do kuch nahi dikh raha.' she said. 'will you shut up now. Please yaar itni mehnat se sab arrange kiya hai ab mood mat kharab karo.' he brought her to the poolside. She was mesmerised with what she saw. The whole place was beautifully decorated with candles and in the center there was a table for two. The whole area was smelling of roses. She never knew that all the afternoon she was resting, he was busy arranging this. That's why when shona wanted to swim, he refused saying the weather isn't appropriate for swimming. She saw a music player next to the pool playing the most romantic songs she had ever heard. The table was beautifully laid down. She didn't realise when tears of happiness started flowing down her eyes. 'Agian you are crying. Typical Woman I must say.' he replied looking at his beautiful wife crying. 'I arranged it with so much hardwok not to make you cry de..' evenbefore he complete that little sentence he almost lost his balance when she hugged him with full force. 'I love ypu so much Armaan. I can't thank enogh to God for sending you.' she said between her sobs. 'Hey ist okay dear. Don't cry now. Its ok. And you know what I love you but I hate your tears. So now please stop crying.' he tried to sooth her by rubbing her back. She nodded and pulled herself out of the embrace. ' Het champ can I borrow your mother for few hours?'he animatedly asked the baby by bending down on his knees. 'M ay I have the pleasure to dance with the most beautiful mom-to-be in the world' he said while extending his hands. She took his hand and they both danced unaware of the world around them. Riddhima reached Dr. Keerti's house much before everybody. When she saw no light on in the house she thought they all must be out. Their plan was in srain but before she decided to leave she heard some music playong inside the house and heard somebody's sobs. She knocked the door. When nobody answered she pushed it a little and found it was open. 'How careless of Shilpa' she thought to herself. She entered the hall and followed the sound. What she saw was what she had feared all along. He was hugging her as if all his life depended on her and the cherry on the top of the cake he bent down to ask her for the dance. She saw him twirl her around, gaze lovingly at her and then kiss her and then dance to the next romantic number. It was her for whom Armaan used to setup such atmosphere. It was her for whom he used make plans to impress her. It was her whom he loved more thann anybody. It was her around whom his world revolved. She couldn't digest the fact that he had moved. Ok accepted that she did make some mistakes but he also did. Accepted that she married Sid when he was away while he waited for her. Accepted that it was her father who had been responsible for that but when he came back what did she do? Hurt him some more? Insult him some more? She knew she was at fault a lot more than him but now when she was accepting her mistakes and trying to aplogose why can't he come back to her? Why can't he come back for God sake when she is all ready to be his Ridzi again? Somewhere at the back of her mind a thought came up What if he has actually moved on? What if he really loves her now and not you? No her mind screamed to her back. No he can't fall in love with anybody again.he is my Armaan and will remain mine. And she was back to her plan To take him back from her. Another thought popped up Ridzi are you doing the right thing? Are you not doing what he repeated five years ago when he returned from Panchgani. Trying to get somebody. Is this really the Riddhima he had fallen for? I am sorry but I don't see that Riddhima anymore? Her heart questioned her mind. Tired of the constant war between her mind and heart, Riddhima once again looked at the lovely couple before her eyes and saw them kissing each other. That was it. She couldn't bear more so she immediatly left the place. Once she was in her car she called others and told them that Armaan was not there. He has gone out. Once done with informing others she cried her heart out. She knew she had lost him long ago but her ego was not ready to accept the fact that he chose somebody else over her. How could he? Remembering their past memories she drove back home.

Armaan and Shilpa enjoyed their evening to the most eventhough there was not much physical romance invovlved but they enjoyed each others company. Shilpa had always wished to have someine who loved her the most. Who stands by her in thick and thin. And with Armaan by her side she didn't have any doubt that he was the one. They laughed with each other, loved each other and dozed off in each other's arms.

For Armaan and Shilpa the next 2-3 days were normal. Waking up in the morning and having a lovely breakfast with Keerti, Kritika and Sid. Shubhankar couldn't come back the next day due to work commitments. Then Armaan would take Shilpa and Shona somewhere, it was his old house first and then Billy's house (Armaan's parents are dead here. He is an orphan who was brought by his Fatima bi) and then some old college friends and others. For Sid the stay at Keerti's place was becoming difficult day by day. He was unknowingly aatracted to her younger sister and well... this time it was not one sided as it had been in the past. Kritika was also attracted to the young man who had accompanied Shilpa. They would bump into each other on several occasions and then they would be lost in themselves until Shilpa would bring them back. Shilpa sensed that they were attracted to each other and she was really happy for him. Happy because this time he wasn't the only one to be involved. But she wanted to give time to them. May she was over thinking about it she thought. She didn't want to force anything on Sid which might hurt him again. What can be said for Keerti... Well.. She was enjoying the little time they all had got to spend together. She was happy to see Armaan happy. She had always seen him being the one carrrying the relationship between him and Riddhima. She had seen him being the one who was held responsible for the differences between them always. She was happy that finally he got somebody who loved him back for what he was. She was happy that he was admired for what he was. She was happy for Shilpa and knew that she was the perfect girl for him and he was the perfect guy for her. She had seen their relationship bloom and she knew they would always be on each other's side no matter what situation comes in their life. For all of them these days had brought happiness.

On the other hand in Sanjeevani, another scene was going on. The whole gang was busy making plans to make it up to Armaan and they needed a better plan this time. For Riddhima it had been a very tough time. She had seen them in each other's arms and it took a lot of mind making and strength to come out of the shock but she was still admant that he was hers. For the rest of the gang, Nikki and Atul had somehow started believing that it was them who made mistakes years ago by not supporting him when he needed them the most. They started thinking that maybe Armaan didn't love Ridzi now. But then Atul was brainwashed by Anjali when he shared his thoughts with her. And Nikki shrugged it off as a cosequence of over thinking. As if God was with them that after exactly 4 days of Armaan's arrival, a heart patient arrived at Sanjeevani. There was no senior cardiologist at the hospital who was trained enough to handle the case and Shubhankar was busy in some surgeries and a conference so he couldn't return before 2 weeks or so. The patient needed immediate attention. Nikki was in charge of the patient till any other doctor arrived. An idea struck her mind and she called Dr. Keerti to discuss it. Keerti agreed to her idea as it was about somebody's life and it was only one patient. She called up Armaan and sadi 'Look Armaan what I am going to speak now is something you should listen carefully leaving behind your anger and hatered for Sanjeevani and its people. There is a patient who is suffering from Myocardial Infraction and he needs to betreated within a day or two otherwise he condition can worsen. As you know that Shubhankar is not her and no other senior doctor knows the treatment procedure sot the only person left who can treat him are You. It's about somebody's life so please agree to perform his treatment. You can come to Sanjeevani and treat him and straightaway go back home. There is no need to stay here for te whole day. Will you do it?' she said it in one breath. 'It's okay Dr. Keerti. I'll think over it and let you know by tonight. He has that much time I guess?' 'Yeah sure. Please think over it. Discuss it with Shilpa and tell me. Thank you so much Armaan. See you in the evening.' she hung up. Nikki heard her convo with Armaan. She ran back to her friends and broke the news to them. Their happiness had no bounds but then Rahul said 'What if he refuses?' 'Let's leave that to him to decide. But he won't as far as I know him. He won't risk anybody's life for his little fight with his friends.' They all went back to their duties with a smile. Riddhima was happy after many days. She knew this was the chance she had been waiting for so many days. With a smile she went back to her duties.

'Shilpa I won't go there again. I would give Dr. Keerti some other doctor's no. That'll be okay. he said'

Armaan stood before the place that had given him happy and sad memories. The same place had given him his Riddhima whom he loved the most or he thought he did and then took her away. The same place had given him the love of his life Shilpa. Laughing over his destiny, he parked his car and entered Sanjeevani. He had made up his mind years ago that he won't enter the place but then fate had something else planned for him. Remembering what Shilpa told him in the morning 'Armaan remember one thing whatsoever may happen, you'll always find me on your side ready to support you and that I love you.' admiring her strength and courage, he pushed the knob open and entered Sanjeevani. All the past memories came back flooding his mind. Eventhough he had been here few days ago but that was as a patient and now he was here as a doctor. He remembered his internship days, his pranks on Riddhima on the first day, him putting the cellphone in Atul's pocket in front of Dr. Keerti and many more. As soon as he reached the reception, the nurse recognised him and welcomed him. She told him that Dr. Keerti is waiting for him in ward no.6. He turned around to leave when he saw the INTERN OF THE MONTH board and it took him back to the time when he loved Riddhima like crazy. He remembered him writing I LOVE YOU on the board for her. What a fool I was! He laughed at himself. He went straight to Keerti and took over the case. See Armaan I know it's difficult for you but remember you are a doctor first and then a human. You are given the responsibility to save someone's life so don't let your personal matters come in between. Also as I have discussed the case with Shubhankar, he said you might have to keep a close check on the patient so I have arranged for a cabin for you. And Dr. Nikki will assist you in the case. She'll meet you in another 5 min. I have told her about it.' she said. She patted his shoulder and wished him luck. By the time Armaan had taken charge, the whole Sanjeevani knew that he was back. They all wanted to meet him so they rushed to his cabin. As they entered his cabin they saw a very different Armaan, a very learned doctor maturely discussing his case with his team. He looked up to and said ' Yes. How mayI help you?' 'We wanted to talk to you' Muskaan said. 'I guess that can wait for a while.' saying so he turned bak to his team. They all left and decided to come back later. After the meeting, Armaan checked the vitals of the patient and wrote some tests for him. He went to his cabin to rest for a while. As soon as he leaned back on his chair, they all entered his cabin again. 'Oh! You guys. Please take a seat.' They all sat down expecting to start a conversation. 'Armaan wo...' Atul started speaking just then the door of his cabin flung open and someone shouted 'Papa'. All of them turned towards the source of sound. 'Hey Shona darling' Armaan stood up from his chair and went towards his daughter. 'Papa' saying so the little girl ran into his arms. 'How are you here baby?' he asked while picking her in his arms. 'She was asking for you and crying. So Sid decided to drop us here coz he couldn't see her crying.' Shilpa said entering the room. 'That I can make out who was missing me and who wasn't?' he said winking at her. Shilpa turned red at his comment and that to in front of everybody. 'So guys this is my daughter Shona and my wife Shilpa. I guess you know we need some privacy so can we talk later.' he said and started playing with his daughter. 'Its okay. We'll talk later.' Rahul said and they all left the room. Shilpa felt that Armaan was being exyra rude with them. Accepted that they were wrong in the past but when they were ready to accept their mistakes then why not give them a chance she thought. She would talk to him about it later. He hugged her and they both sat down to have lunch in his cabin. While in the cafeteria some adored the little family while some talked about how cute the doctor and his doctor were. Men talked about the doctor's beautiful wife while women drooled over the handsome father of the cute girl. Even Muskaan and Nikki liked the cute baby. In his cabin Armaan and Shilpa had a quite lunch with Shona. Shona demanded for ice cream and thats when Armaan decided to take her to the cafe to feed. 'Armann don't give into her demands. She already had one when she went to the park with Kritika and Sid today.' shilpa said following them. 'So what. Let her have one more. Papa and shona will eat together. Haina baby?' heasked her animatedly. They entered the cafe and ordered the ice cream. Rahul knew that this was the only chance to talk tp him. So he went up to them and said 'Hi Armaan. Hey Shilpa. Hi ummm. Whats your name baby?' he greeted them pulled shona's cheeks. She made face at his actions and Armaam and Shilpa smiled at it. 'She hates that. Btw hi! You are Rahul I guess.' shilpa forwarded her hand. 'Hi' Armaan said looking up and went back to feed shona with the ice cream. 'Why don't you guys join us? I mean you can sit with us if you want.' he offered. Shilpa looked at Armaan and he nodded his head in a no. 'umm Rahul we are just leaving so next time. Pakka' she said. 'Please guys. It's a long time since we have seen you. Please.' he tried to persue them. Not wanting to create a scene there Shilpa gave in. Armaan didn't budge from his position and said to shilpa 'I think we should leave now. Let's go Shilpa.' 'please yaar Armaan. Bas thodi der.' Rahul requested again. 'It's ok armaan. For few minutes only.' She squeezed his shoulder lighlty ti assure him that all will be fine. She knew that they all were truly sorry for their behaviour and were sincere in their attempts to rebuilt their broken relations with him. She knew thaat even Armaan missed all of them all these years and somewhere deep down in his heart he wanted to be with them but he would never admit that to her. Why not give them a chance she thought and sat down with all of them.

I know i have shown a little more negative Riddhima here but then she is also a normal person and mormal people tend to behave in that ay only when they loose their love

'Hi guys! Long time huhh... Whats your name sweetie?' Anjali initiated the conversation and pulled Shona's cheek and as usual she cringed at it. 'She doesn't like that you know just like me.'Armaan quipped. 'Waise how are you guys? All married to the love?' he asked. 'Yups Atul and I got married last year only. And Nikki and Abhi got married 4 years ago. And Nikki is one month pregnant. Waise hum sab se aage to tum rahe. Shaadi aur ek bacha. Not bad and another one coming. So when are you expecting Shilpa?' she answered. 'In 2 months time. Its a boy this time.' she replied. 'So where do you guys live?' Rahul asked. 'Hum log last year ho Toronto shift hue hain. Shilpa and mujhe wahan job offer hui thi. Marc Zen Hospital in Brampton.' Armaan said while playing with Shona. 'Chal wo sab chodd yeh bata ki tu India mein kitne din hai? Yaar in paanch saal mein tujhe bohot miss kiya. Ab toh tujhe wapas nahi jaane denge. Tum log yahi Mumbai mein kyon nahi shift ho jaate?' Muskaan replied trying to bring the conversation to the main topic. 'Its not possible now Muski. Humari duniya ab wahin hai. Meri, Shilpa aur Sid ki job bhi wahin par hai aur ab yahan rehne ki koi wajah bhi nahi hai so yahan rehna toh namumkin hai. Aur yahan hum tab tak rahenge jab tak Dr. Keerti Shilpa ko flight se travel karne permission na de de.' He said all the while looking at Shona or either Shilpa. 'Yeh aise nahi manega.'She said to herself. 'Koi baat nahi jab tak yahan hai tab tak humare saath time spend kar. Waise bhi ab toh Sanjeevani mein tera aana jana laga rahega.'Atul spoke. Nikki immediately jumped in the convo and said 'So why don't we guys have dinner today at my place? Sab dost itne saalon ke baad mile hain so let's celebrate. What say?' she looked at everybody hopefully. 'I don't think it would be possible today coz we already have a plan to go out with Sid and Kritika. So will it be fine tomorrow?' Shilpa said. 'Yea aaj un dono ke saath jana hai warna Sid maar dalega and kal ke liye I'll let you know guys' Armaan said knowing very well that it was the only way he could escape the proposal. His phone rang. It was Sid's call. He excused himself and handed to Shona to Shilpa. He went out to attend the call and the whole environment became uncomfortable for everybody. They all looked at each other as if asking who would initiate a convo with Shilpa. Before Muskaan could ask her anything she stood up and said 'Nice meeting you guys. I should leave now.' and left the cafe. 'Nice meeting you my foot' Anjali said immitating her in bad way. 'I'm telling you guys that it's her who has filled up Armaan's mind against her. Dekha nahi kaise usne Sid aur Dr. Kritika ke saath dinner ka bhana bana diya bas islye taaki hum Armaan se sorry na keh sake. Aayi badi nice meeting wali.' she said giving her retreating back an angry look. 'Yaar tu galat soch rahi Anjie. Nujhe lagta hai wo buri nahi. Ballki I think Armaan humse khud hi gussa hai. Dekha nhi kaise usne Armaan ko humare saath bathne ke liye manaya tha.' Muskaan said. 'I think Muskaan is right.' Rahul said. 'Oye khote da puttar pehli baar meri baat maan raha hai. Aaj to zaroor barish hogi.' 'Chup kar yaar Muskaan. Aise serious time mein bhi tujhe mazaak soojh raha hai.' 'Oye main kyun chup karin?' 'Tu chup kar warna main..' 'Warna tu kya?' 'Stop it guys. Abhi ladne ka time nahi hai. Abhi yeh socho ki Armaan ko sorry kaise bolenge. Kal dinner ke liye bol toh diya par agar woh aaya nahi toh?' Atul said. 'Waise yaar mujhe bhi Muskaan ki baat sahi lag rahi hai..'he added and before he could complete, Anjali shushed him again. All this while Riddhima was quite and nobody what she thought about them.

'Armaan I think tum un sab se zyada hi naraz ho rahe ho. I mean you have seen how desperate they are to apologise to you. Mujhe lagta hai ki wo sab dil se sorry keh rahe hain toh tumhe unhe maaf kar dena chahiye. After all wo tumhare friends hain..' 'Correction hain nahi the. And main soch bhi nhi sakta tha ki tum ungi side logi. I mean seriously itna sab hone ke baad unhe itne saal meri yaad nahi aayi. Aur ab jab mile hain toh aise jata rahen ki picchle paanch saal mere liye wait kar rahe the. Bolo Shilpa agar unhe zara si bhi fikr hoti meri toh ek call to kar hi sakte the. Par nahi tab toh sab apni life mein mast the. Kisse farak padta hai ki Armaan par kya beet rahi thi. Armaan toh cool types hai toh usse sahare ki kya zaroorat! Hai na? Woh toh khud hi sambhal jayega. Jaise bachpan se sambhalta aya hai. Bolo. Chup kyon ho ab. Jab main akela that tab tumne mujhe sambhala aur tum jaanti ho ki kahin na kahin woh sab bhi meri haalat keiye responsible the. Tumne mujhe sahara diya, jeena sikhaya aur ab tum keh rahi ho ki unhe maaf kar doon. I mean how can you support them when you very well know that they left me alone in the most depressing situation of my life?' He said almost crtying. Shona looked at her father crying and raised her hands to wipe off his tears. He smiled at his daughter's actions. 'Main tumhari bhi toh side le rahi hoon Armaan. Tum aur tumhare dost ek hi side par toh hain. Kab tak unhe unki galti ki saza dete rahoge? Ab toh maaf kar do? Tumhi kehte ho na ki agar koi dil se maafi manega toh use ek baar mauka dena chahiye fir un sab ko kyon nahi?' she questioned him again. 'Shilpa pehli baat yeh ki mera dil tumhare jitna bada hai ki main har kisi ki galti ko ignore karke maaf kar doon aur doosri yeh ki hum ab doobara iss sab ke bare mein baat nahi karenge. Already tumhari tabiyat theek nahi and main upar se tumhe tension nahi dena chata. So no more discussions on this topic and kal ke dinner mein bhi hum nahi jayenge.' He sternly replied. Shilpa knew that he meant all of it but she was also determined to unite him with his friends so that he could be happy again. Alas! she was oblivious to the fact that the others didn't like her being with him and they wanted only him back in their gang and not her. They reached home and she decided that the first step to it would be the dinner tomorrow. So she was now looking for an opportunity to conveince him for it. While returning after the dinner with Sid and Kritika, she suddenly asked him out of nowhere 'Armaan tumhe Kritika kaisi lagti hai?' 'Yeh kaisa question hai? Acchi lagti hai' she looked at him with a raised eyebrow 'Acchi' 'Are mera matlab hai that she is a nice girl. Waise yeh achanak kyun puccha?' 'I think they like each other or they are attracted to each other.' 'Are yaar koun they?' he asked irritated. 'Sid aur Kritika. I mean I have seen them together and thats what I have observed. Itne time ke baad Sid ko koi ladki pasand aayi hai. I just wanted to discuss about it with you before talking to him.' 'I think they are just friends and I didn't feel anything like that between them. And you know him very well that he is commitment phobic after two heartbreaks.' 'No I am sure main sahi hun.' 'Accha itna bharosa apne aap par. Par I am sure aisa kucch nahi hai.' 'I can prove myself if you want me to.' 'Theek hai toh prove karo'. 'Accha agar maine prove kar diya toh tum kya karoge?' 'Mmm... Let me think... Main kya karoonga...' 'Jo main kahungi woh karoge?'she grabbed the opportunity she was waiting for. 'mmm... Chalo done. Lekin agar tum galat prove hui toh tumhe wo karna padega jo main kahunga.' 'Ok done' 'Toh phir ek aur pregnancy ke liye tayyar ho jayo coz I want one more kid after this one.' He said while getting out of the car. She looked at him and said 'Tumhe kucch aur nahi soojta. Bas bacche paida karte raho. Tumhe pata hai kitni problems hoti. Kitna dard hota hai.' 'Sorry madam par wo sab toh shart rakhne se pehle sochna chahiye tha. Lets go inside now. Its already too late...' and talking and arguing with each other they went to sleep.

Next morning Shilpa woke to find Armaan getting ready to go to the hospital 'Itni subah subah jaa rahe ho. Any problem?' 'Nhi wo bas Dr. Sharad aaye huye hain toh unse case discuss karna hai. He was the patients doctor previously.' he said while trying to make a knot in his tie. 'Shilpa yaar dekho naa yeh tie bandh hi nahi rahi..' and before he could complete his words he saw her already taking his tie in her hands. 'Kya Armaan tumhe ab tak tie bandhni nahi aati. Kab seekho ge? Hamesha toh main nahi rahungi tumhari tie bandhne ke liye.' she said mocking at him. She looked so cute while scolding him he thought and that messy bun and that cute red nose and those big eyes. He found himself lost in her again. 'Armaan main kucch keh rahi hun! Kahan kho gaye?' she asked waving her hand infront of him. 'huh.. Kya kaha?' 'Main keh rahi thi thoda aur aage ayo tie bandh nahi rahi. Kay soch rahe the waise?' she asked moving a little more closer to him. Immediately he pulled her more closer and kept a hand on her waist, their nose almost touching and his hot breath warming her face. 'Aur kitna paas ana hai Shilpa?' he asked with a smirk. 'Armaan cchod mujhe. Koi dekh lega. Agar shona uth gayi toh..' 'Toh uthne do. Legal rights hain mere paas tumse romance karne ke proof chahiye Mrs. Malik.' 'Proof se yaad aya kal ki bet yaad hai na.' 'Haan yaad hai par us se pehle yeh..' and he bet forward to kiss her lips and before he could do that, she took advantafe of his loose grip and ran away. He moved his lips forward in air. 'Kya Armaan hawa mein kise kiss kar raha hai?' Sid teased him and made himself comfortable on his bed. 'Kucch nahi. Bas teri friend ko kiss karne ki koshish par Bhagwan jaane kab hakikat mein aisa hoga.' he said making a sad face. 'Yaar tu bhi. Romance ke alawa kucch ata hai. Accha sun aaj main bhi tere aur Kritika ke saath Sanjeevani chaloonga.' Sid said. 'Kyun? Tujhe kya kaam hai?' Armaan became attentive hearing her name. He remebered his bet with Shilpa and her words. 'Wo usse ek case mein thodi help chahiye thi toh maine socha..' Sid replied and one could easily make out how his face was glowing when he was talking about her. 'Tujhe kab se samaj seva karne mein interest aya?' He probed further coz what he saw just now was enough to make him realise that Shilpa was right. 'Kucch nahi bas aise hi. Acchi ladki hai and doctor bhi acchi so maine socha..' before he could complete, Kritika entered the room and smiled at him and asked Armaan 'Aap ready hain Dr. Maliik?' not knowing how should he address him. Armaan could easily make out that he was wrong. The 100 watt they gave to each other, the blushing Kritika and shy sid in front of him and both them avoiding each others gaze and then suddenly their eye lock. He had to literally shout at both of them to bring them out of their lalala land. 'I'm ready. We can leave.' He said looking curiously at Sid. 'I'l wait downstairs then' and she ran away. 'What?' sid asked trying to show that he didn't know what had happened. 'Your 1:30 min eyelock.' he said to himself. 'Nothing' he said aloud. Sid went out to get his phone. Armaan also moved out of the room to find an amused Shilpa with a I-told-you look standing at the door. 'Ok you won. What I have to do?' he asked raisnig both his hands in defeat. 'I'll tell you in the evening. Come back before 7:00 pm. Now go. Lovebirds are waiting for you.' and she kissed him on his cheek and went back to her room. He smiled at her words and gesture. 'Chal beta Armaan. Shaam ko kys karwaegi pata nahi so jeele apni zindagi iss ek din mein.' he laughed at his own words and went to Sanjeevani. The day was normal until the lunch break when Riddhima entered his cabin. Shilpa was not coming today so she had sent the food via the driver. Riddhima happened to meet him in the corridor and grabbed the opportunity to talk to him. 'Armaan woh tumhara lunch.' she said while keepng the tiffin on the table. 'Thank you for bringin it to me. You can leave now.' he replied without looking up. 'Armaan woh main kehna chahti thi ki..' Armaan's phone rang. 'Excuse me' he said and gestured her to sit. 'Haan bab tiffin mil gaya... Are yaar main sach keh raha hoon. Tumhari kasam... Ya I know I've lost the bet. I'll have to do what you say... Ok I'll... Where is Shona? Give her the phone. Iwant to talk to her... Ok let her sleep.. Accha Shilpa Dr. Keerti kal subah aayengi. Unka phone aaya tha... Chalo main phone rakhta hoon... Haan I'll eat it... Chalo bye... Hey listen I love you... See you... Bye' and he hung up. It was so hard for Riddhima to see him talking to somebody like that. She had always imagined her to be in that place. In his heart. She couldn't bear somebody else there. Controlling her tears that were about to flow she looked upto him. 'Yes doctor. What were you saying?' he asked while going back to his file, 'Wo main keh rahi thi ki tum aur tumhari family. I mean tum aage bad gaye ho par kya tum sach much mujhe bhool gaye ho?' she said alll of it in a breath. Armaan was not shocked hearing her words because he knew that she would behave like this only.

He very well knew her nature. How she doesn't care for people when they are near her and how she feels when they are gone. Collecting his thoughts he said 'As you could very well make out from the phone call that I am a happy man with a small family consisting of my wife and daughter and my friend. You can see how much I love them. And regarding moving on in life, wo toh main paanch pehle hi aage bad gaya that. Bas fark yeh tha ki tum sab logo ne uss Armaan ko toh dekha tha jo akela that par uss ko nahi jo apni life mein khush tha, hai aur rahega. And all this is just coz of one person Shilpa my wife. Can I now have my cabin to me coz Sid will be coming soon for lunch and I want some privacy while talking to him. So pls.' he gestured her to leave. 'Jhhoot mat bolo tum. Mijhe pata hai ki tum ab bhi mujh se pyaar karte ho. Shilpa se tumhari shaadi sirf ek compromis hai jo ki tumne uske pressure mein aakar ki thi. Tum ab bhi mujhse pyaar karte ho yeh baat main jaanti hun. Bas apni ego aur mujhse gussa hone ki wajah se tumne us se shaadi ki par its ok ab tum wapas aa gaye ho toh sab theek ho jayega. Main tumhe help karingi aise zabardasti ko shaadi se nikal...' 'Not a word more. I said not a word anymore. Don't you get it that I DO NOT LOVE YOU ANYMORE. And for your kind info I love Shilpa and it was me who wanted the marrige to happen. She wanted to wait for some more time. And don't you dare say anything about her. I know you don't like her but that matters the least to me. She is my life. She is my pride and I have no inhibitions to say that she is the one I love the most. All I want is you out of my life, her life and family's life. And don't you dare think that I love you anymore. Leave My Room Now.' he shouted forcing all the staff members look into his cabin. All gang members stood at his cabin's gate along with Sid. She ran out of the room crying. All her friends followed her. Sid entered the room and closed the door 'Its ok yaar. We all know her nature. You know it the best. And of course I also know her a bit. Its okay. And I am happy to see how dramatically you told her that you have moved on. Just like some Bollywood movie. Shouting and slamming the table and all...' Armaan couldn't help but smile at him. He moved forward and hugged him 'I'm just worried about Shilpa. I don't want her to be stressed in this condition and when she'll come to know about Riddhima and her thoughts, I am sure she..' 'We will not tell her about all this.' 'But how can we hide..' 'You want her to be happy and healthy so do what I say and this is not something so big that she'll be angry about if we don't tell her.' 'As you say' 'Lets have lunch now. Mere pet mein chuhe daud rahe hain. Waise aaj tumhari biwi ne kya banaya hai?' 'Kucch healthy ghass phuss hi di hogi' he replied with a sad face looking at his salad. 'Oye meri behen hai wo. Uske baare mein ek bhi word nahi.' 'Chalo ji ab tak toh behen bhai ko defend karti thi aur ab bhaishab bhi...' talking and laughing with each other they had their lunch. However the picture was completely different in the locker room. 'Armaan ki himmat kaise hui meri behen se aise baat karne ki' 'Oye Armaan ki toh. Usne Riddhima se aise baat ki. Main uska khoon kar dungi.' 'Chup kar yaar Muskaan. Par Armaan ne galti toh ki hai par Riddhima tumne aisa kya kaha tha ki wo gussa ho gaya?' 'Shut up Rahul. Isme Riddhima ki koi galto nahi hai.' Nikki said. 'Par guys Rahul sahi keh raha hai. Ho sakta hai Ridzi ne kucch...' atul said. 'I jsut said that he doesn't deserve Shilpa and he still loves me and I also love him' Riddhima said. 'Yaar baat to sahi hai' Muskaan and Nikki agreed to her. 'Armaan ko aur us Shilpa ko sabak sikhana padega.' Nikki said. 'Armaan ko nahi par uss Shilpa ko toh zaroor. Sirf uski wajah se yeh sab problems aa rahi hain warna ab tak toh Armaan bhi maan jata.' anjali agreed with her. 'So decided I'll call them tonight at my place for dinner and we'll show her there.' Nikki said. 'Yaar par aise karna theek nahi hoga. Tum log uss bechari koh aise..' Atul said. 'Don't tell me ki tum uski side le rahe ho. Seriously Atul mujhe tumse yeh umeed nahi thi.' Anjali said. 'Par he is right guys. Its not fair to insult somebody...' Rahul couldn't complete coz he was shushed by Muskaan. 'Yaar tu chup ho jaa. Tujhe dikh nahi raha ki kya hua hai par phir bhi tu.' Before Muskaan could complete, they were called for their duties. Nikki called up at Keerti's house and invited Shilpa for dinner with Armaan.