~ArBi FF Jab Lurve Hua~Part 271 pg141 - Page 41

Bharti smiled as she went inside and placed Armaan's coat to dry. She practically felt a surge of excitement within her. It was a totally new experience that she was facing. Everything felt so different around her. She called up Payal several times but she didn't pick up her mobile. Bharti went to change and get dressed into her night clothes. She turned off the lights and went to bed. She tried to sleep but she just couldn't bring herself to sleep,thinking of her dinner with Armaan and the closeness she felt to Armaan.She thought of Payal's question and smiled widely, knowing the answer to the question,"Payal, I think I might date Armaan after tonight..He just makes me special and lets me forget all my troubles!!"

Meanwhile Armaan just reached home to see Sudha sitting in front of the television set. He knew the look on her face, as if she was eager to know everything about the dinner with Bharti which he told her of, before leaving from the fashion shoot venue. He went to change his clothes and had a glass of water with him as he sat beside Sudha.

Sudha:Toh batao Armu..How was the evening..Shuru se batao!!!

Armaan:Oh God...Maa, you can be as good as Jiya at times..

Sudha:Armu..

Armaan:Ok ok..she came 20 minutes late...

Sudha:Well she told me often that she hates to be early or on time..so that's fine..Aage bolo...

Armaan:Well we talked and ate..yeah..

Sudha:Leh..(made a bored face)

Armaan:What leh?

Sudha:Arre baatein toh zaroor hote hain na..Kya baatein hua tha??

Armaan:Maa privacy naam ka ek cheez hota hai..

Sudha:Maa se kya privacy??Jaldi bol!!

Armaan:Well she was acting so different..Blushing when I complimented her; she kept looking at me when I helped her make a wish with her fallen eyelash..We danced in the rain for a while and..And when I asked her if she was in love with anyone, she grew really nervous..

Sudha:(smiled widely) OMG!!!She's in love..Wow!!!OMG..OMG..OMG!!!

Armaan:Ok Maa just relax!!

Sudha:The symptoms are getting really intensified...Awesome!!Love is in the air...

Armaan:Are you sure?

Sudha:Pakka Armu...no doubts at all!!!

The next day Bharti had returned Armaan's coat, placing it in his cabin. Preity saw her and remained silent. She wondered how Bharti was getting closer to Armaan with each passing day. She felt extremely pissed for her words had zero value in front of their friendship. She vowed to get back at Bharti.

Over the next few days, Bharti seemed to be fluttering around in her dream world and only Mahi was truly aware of what was going on with Bharti for Bharti ahd revealed to her that she's probably thinking of someone but Mahi very well knew that it could be none other than Armaan. On the other side, Armaan noticed the changes in Bharti as well and he was thinking of ways to confess his feelings for Bharti. Just then it struck him,"It's Bharti's birthday tomorrow...It'll be just perfect!!".Armaan was ordering a special gift for Bharti and Preity overheard his conversation and went from there to her cabin, thanking God for an awesome opportunity.

~The Next Day~

Bharti had not told anyone of her birthday except her close friends. Preity came to Bharti's cabin to wish Bharti on her birthday. Initially Bharti was surprised as to how Preity knew about her birthday and Preity told her that Armaan had told her about it. Bharti was happy and that Armaan remembered her birthday though she didn't expect him to. Preity left her a message about Armaan wanting to spend the evening with her at Hotel Octaviour at 7 pm. Bharti was simply thrilled and thanked Preity for the message. Meanwhile Bharti thought of getting all her work done as soon as possible. For the sake of Armaan, she decided to be a bit earlier this time round. Preity smirked at the prospect of having her plan succeed. She had purposely written the message herself and armaan had no clue of any such meeting. Bharti had finished all her work earlier than expected and reached Hotel Octaviour at 6:45 pm and began waiting for armaan. She forgot to charge her mobile and stupidly her mobile battery went flat. Bharti kept waiting for hours. It was 10:45 pm.She was about to leave when Raj called her. He introduced Bharti to Malaika and vice versa.Malaika went off first while Raj accompanied Bharti.

Raj:Tum yaha pe kaise?

Bharti:Bas aise hi..

Raj:You think I'm a fool to believe you?That you've come here for dinner alone?

Bharti:Well Armaant old me that he wanted to spend the evening with me at Hotel Octaviour at 7 pm..I've been waiting since 6:45 pm...

Raj:Goodness, that's 4 hours yaar..Are you even mad? I don't think any girl would wait so long..Why don't you try calling him?

Bharti:My battery's flat..Can i try calling him with your mobile?

Raj:Sure..there you go!!

Bharti:The line's busy..Raj,thanks..I think i'll just leave..

Raj:Oh hello how can you just leave me like that?We'll have dinner,come on..

Bharti:Just hold a sec..Didn't you have dinner with Malaika?

Raj:Well I could call that appetizers..not really dinner..aur waise bhi humari dinner toh pending hai..What say?

Bharti:Tum koi bhi mauka nahin chod the na??Sure..we'll have dinner..Let's order something...

After ordering, Raj excused himself. He had received a call from Jiya.

Jiya:Hey where are you?I'm outside your home..

Raj:What are you doing there? I'm at Hotel Octaviour..

Jiya:Dinner with Malaika?

Raj:She had left...Saw bharti here and am having dinner with her...

Jiya:Isn't it late already??What's she doing there??

Raj:It has something to do with Armaan having told her to meet her at 7 pm...She's been waiting for him since 6:45 pm..Don't know what's wrong with him..Anyways do you think you can come here with some white liles and some chocolates?It's her birthday na aaj? I've bought her a perfume...

Jiya:Wow i'm surprised you remembered a girl's birthday..Yeah sure I'll get her something as well..I'll be there in half an hour..

Raj:Ok hurry up,k?(hung up)

Raj had ordered for a special blackforest cake and requested the waiter to get the cake when he tells him so. Raj returned and both Raj and bharti were having their dinner while Raj entertained her with the stories of his past girlfriends. Bharti couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Bharti:I don't believe this Raj..How do yuo even remember the faces of so many girls...After your break-ups. did you ever meet them by chance?

Raj:Oh actually once I met Eva..as in after our break-up after several months, she was with another guy at a restaurant..She recognized me instantly but I didn't really get a clue and I was about to pass a comment at her when she stood up and she just took the glass of iced milo and poured over my head and shirt..I mean that was so, so immature of her...And it was after so many months later and she was still mad at me..

Bharti:Oh goodness...So what was the reason for the break up?

Raj:Her clinging on to me like a leech..A similar case like Gauri...

Bharti:Your life must be pretty interesting to live..So many girls, proposals,break-ups,curses and what not...(smiles widely) Kyun..??

Raj:Apparently Bharti, it definitely is...I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's..Life is total entertainment..The different ways of wooing girls..Haha i can literally write a book on that...

Bharti:(shook her head) Anyways you've been going pretty steady with Malaika..

Raj:She seems just like me..She's having her own space and I'm having mine..

Bharti:Okay..I've not heard of such a couple..Lage raho!!(smiled)

Raj:Thanks!!

Bharti:Excuse me yeah...Need to use the washroom..

Raj:Sure..ok..

By then, Jiya came and saw Raj. Raj asked her to keep the presents aside while Raj gave the waiter the cue to get the blackforest cake on their table. Jiya went to the washroom and saw Bharti. Bharti was surprised to see Jiya there and Jiya hugged her and wished her well for her birthday. Jiya requested Bharti to close her eyes for she has a special surprise for Bharti. Jiya covered Bharti's eyes and held Bharti's hand and Raj and Jiya whispered to Bharti, "Both of us really love you..Happy birthday Bharti!!". Bharti opened her eyes gradually and saw that she was standing at the outer table further inside Hotel Octaviour and as she looked around her, she saw candles being lit and it seemed as if they were shining stars as she looked up at the transparent glass at the ceiling.Bharti held Jiya.s and Raj's hand and thanked them whole-heartedly for the awesome surprise they've planned for her. Bharti closed her eyes and thought of a wish to make. As she closed her eyes, the image that lingered in her mind was that of Armaan's/ She closed her eyes tightly, trying to eliminate his thoughts away and she simply wished that she never loses touch with any of her friends, especially Jiya and Raj who have tried to cheer her up. She opened her eyes and blew off the candles and fed Raj and Jiya.

Jiya:Hey that's not fair...How does he get the first piece?

Raj:That's because you came late..

Bharti:Uffo tum dono...Waise Jiya, Raj's right...

Raj:Oh thanks Bharti...Aakhir tumne ek sahi heere ko chuna hai..

Jiya:Heera,my foot!!

Raj:Now Jiya hunni, don't feel so insecure..I'll feed you..

Jiya:Don't pretend, Mr Flirt...Bharti dekho na..Bharti??

Bharti was looking elsewhere and as Jiya and Raj stopped bugging each other and looked in the direction of Bharti's eyes, both of them gasped in shock.

Jiya:(whispered to Raj) Heyy pinch me..I'm sure I'm dreaming..

Raj:(whispered back) No idiot you aren't dreaming...Preity's having dinner with Armaan..If you want, I'll just pinch you for your reassurance and consolation..

Jiya:Ouchh!!Yeh PReity ko main chodoongi nahin...Freakin' idiot, samajh thi kya hai apne aap ko?(turns away and looks at her finger and smiled)

Raj:Jiya..what now?

Jiya:What?

Raj:What's that smile for?

Jiya:If i don't ruin her mood tongiht with smashing this half of the blackforest cake on her face, then change my name..

Raj:What shall I change Jiya to?

Jiya:(glared at Raj) You won't have a chance to do that..Watch me!!

~Next Day At MU~

Bharti arrived quite late, around 11 am. Bhaskar too just finished his presentation and tagged along at the foyer when Amarjeet was making an annoucement. Amarjeet informed everyone that he's hosting a special party for Armaan for he had emerged third in the Asian photography comeptiton, making MU proud. Armaan was very much surprised but excited too and turned to look at Bharti whow as apparently the only one not applauding for him. Armaan felt hurt from within and his smile had vanished for Bharti had left from there without even wishing him and for ignoring him. Bhaskar had noticed what was going on. Before Bhaskar could approach Armaan, Armaan had already left from there to Bharti's cabin.

Bharti was browsing through a file at her desk and just then Armaan came in without knocking. Bharti just looked at him blankly.

Armaan:Bharti..I..I'm..

Bharti:If you're here to say sorry,then...

Armaan:I really am...I didn't even know about Preity's message.In fact I asked her to pass a message to you that I wanted to meet you at home and have a mini celebration with Maa at 8 pm..I tried your mobile several times but I couldn't get thorugh..And then Preity called me and told me to meet at Hotel Octaviour for she had some offici work to discuss with me..Then Jiya told me everything and only then did I get to know everything..

Bharti:I didn't ask for any clarification or justification Armaan..I know that you aren't at fault or whatsoever..You needn't explain it all..(stood up and went to photocopy some articles)

Armaan:Bharti I needed to do it....Because I felt as if you haven't forgiven me..I don't want you to misunderstand me..

Bharti:I didn't misunderstand you Armaan..If you're done, you can go..I've got some important work to finish off....

Armaan pulled Bharti's hand and held it firmly.

Armaan:Bharti, won't you congratulate me?

Bharti:I thought I already did so then..Anyways everyone has congratualted you..

Armaan:Except for you..

Bharti:My wishes are always with you..You don't expect me to keep...

Armaan:Yeah I do, Bharti...I eagerly need your wishes at each and every phase of my life...

Bharti:Armaan..stop it,will you??Just imagine if Preity heard all of these...

Armaan:You still worry about her after what she did to you and me?

Bharti:Yeah I do..let go of my hand Armaan...

Armaan felt extremely hurt from within but he couldn''t fathom Bharti at all, as to why she still cared to save Armaan's and PReity's supposed relationship. He promptly let go of Bharti's hand. Bharti turned away from him and felt utterly miserable for she had forced herself to stay away from Armaan, whenever possible.

Armaan:Amarjeet sir has decided to throw the party 2 days later..I hope you'll come..(turned to go)

Bharti:Don't keep such high hopes..I won't come..

Armaan:Why not Bharti?

Bharti:I've planned to go out with Alisha and Sanjana earlier..I won't come!!

Armaan:Bharti why are you doing this to me? It's a very important day for me!!

Bharti:I'm sorry but I can't come..

Armaan:Fine Bharti!!If you aren't coming then I won't attend it either..I don't wish to be a part of any celebrations without your presence and i don't need any such happiness in my life without your wishes...

Armaan left form there, feeling extremely frustrated. Bhaskar had been watching them from a distance and hid from there when he saw Armaan coming out. Bharti's eyes were welled up for she never expected such words from Armaan. She felt extremely awful for hurting Armaan. She threw all the papers tat she had been holding on to, in the air in fury. She knelt down and let her tears fall to the ground, and had hit her hand against the photocopying machine in frustration.

"I'm sorry Armaan..I had to do this for I don't wish to feel guilty about ruining your life.Preity did all of that, trying to get back at me..Indeed I have come in between you two..I don't wish to be a nuisance or a bother..I hope you can understand me Armaan..."

Bhaskar went to his cabin after hearing and seeing frustration in both Armaan and Bharti. He knew he had promsied that he's sort everything out but he had no idea how he's gonna do that. Just then, Jiya came to his cabin.

Bhaskar:Hi Jiya..

Jiya:Heyy...you called for me?

Bhaskar:Yeah i might need your brains for some time..It's quite urgent!!

Jiya:Okayy Bhaskar..I can't practically unscrew my head and pop my brain into your's,na?

Bhaskar:Uffo now it's no time to joke...Waise acha joke tha...Anyways I'm talking about the party held for you and Armaan two days later...It's no joke to actually emerge 4th and 2nd respectviely..Congratzz for that..We've been trying so many times for this competition,na?

Jiya:Yeah it was so unexpected but awesome,na?Anyways..what's the matter?

Bhaskar:Our best friends are not attending the party..

Jiya:What?But...who are you exactly talking about?

Bhaskar:Figure it out yourself....He said that if she won't come, then he won't either....

Jiya:Armaan and Bharti?

Bhaskar:(nodded in agreement) Precisely...

Jiya:Uffo this party is meaningless without Armaan and bharti has to definitely come...

Bhaskar:And i need your brains for that...

Jiya:Hhmm did Bharti say anything or give any excuse as to why she isn't coming?

Bhaskar:She said she's meeting Alisha and Sanjana..

Jiya:Ek second....Got it!!!

Bhaskar:What?

Jiya:There's someone who can convince Bharti to go...Sudha aunty!!Bharti won't turn down anything that Sudha aunty asks of her...We can get her to go to your guesthouse and meet Bharti...

Bhaskar:That'll be awesome!!Maybe if possible i can head there too with Payal..

Jiya:Let me talk to Sudha aunty..I'll get back to you,ok?

Bhaskar:Okie sure..thanks a lot Jiya..

Jiya:Anytime,I'll be right back!!

After some time, Jiya returned.

Jiya:Good news Bhaskar..Aaj raat dinner chalega?

Bhaskar:Awesome..dhodega!!Thanks yaar...

Jiya:Ok i'm running late...I'll catch up wtih you later...I'll bring Armaan on the assurance that Bharti'll be coming..

Bhaskar:Not to worry...This plan will not fail...She'll definitely come...Bye!!(smiled at her)

Jiya:Bye!!

Bharti reached home at around 7 pm, only to realize Sudha was waiting for her.

Bharti:Aap yaha?Par aapne andar kaise..

Sudha:Payal and Bhaskar are here as well...

Bharti:Oh icic...Bhaskar has the keys too...

Sudha:You told me that you'll drop by often..What happened?

Bharti:Mom, I'm very sorry about that...Been tied up with work and all..

Sudha:And why are you looking so pale?

Bharti:Just a bit of headache...I had gone to see the doc and he had prescribed me some medicines too..

Sudha:Oh my...I'll stay here tonight with you..

Bharti:Mom it's ok...And by the way, Payal and Bhaskar are already there...

Sudha:I'm not going to listen to a word of your's!!My sweet bahu needs me here and if you're worried about Armaan, you don't have to..He can manage on his own...

Bharti:I'll go and take a shower first..

Sudha:Yeah sure..go ahead!!

Sudha went to the kitchen and saw Bhaskar and Payal making dinner together.

Sudha:Ahem..tum dono kya kar rahe ho?

Bhaskar:Kuch nahin Aunty..Bharti ke liye thodi se soup..

Sudha:Waise I finally got to know about the contract marriage between Armaan and Bharti..

Bhaskar:What contract marriage Aunty?

Sudha:(pulled Bhaskar's ear)What contract marriage...You were the one who gave this brilliant idea,na?Aur mere hi ghar mila tha tum logon ko?

Payal:Actually Aunty..we didn't specifically target your son..It was just a sheer coincidence...

Sudha:Agar tumhe dobara aise koi ideas diya na, toh ek thappad zaroor milega tum logon ko...

Payal:Sorry Aunty..

Sudha:Haan haan, theekh hai..It's ok..

Bhaskar:Soup's ready..

Sudha:And so is Bharti...come!!!

After their dinner, Sudha helped massage Bharti's head while Bhaskar was gesturing to Sudha about the party.

Sudha:Waise I just heard of Armaan's and Jiya's contribution and victory at the Asian Photography Competition..

Bhaskar:It's a very challenging competition..And hence the victory is a major achievement..

Sudha:So is your boss throwing a party for this victory??Since I've heard that he's fond of celebrations..

Bhaskar:Yes Aunty..he's throwing a party especially for Armaan and Jiya..

Sudha:Wow cool...Armaan must surely be excited about this...Aren't you,Bharti?

Bharti:Hhmm yeah..I'm happy for Armaan..

Sudha:So aren't you going for the party?

Bharti:No Mom i have already planned to go out with Alisha and Sanjana..

Sudha:Come on Bharti...you can go out with them some other time..This is only once in a lifetime maybe..You should be part of his celebrations..Like he had always been part of your happiness,be it your housewarming party, Valentine's party and what not..

Bharti was lost in her thoughts. She didn't know what to say but she knew Sudha was right. It's Armaan's big day and Bharti ought to go and be a part of his happiness. Anyways, she has only a few more days to ending her internship at MU and this might be the last celebration that she's going to have with Armaan, so why not go for the party after all..

Sudha:Bharti, I'm talking to you..

Bharti:Mom, I'll go for the party..I've got just about 4 to 5 days remaining for my internship to end..so i'll go for the party..Happy?

Sudha:Very much happy..Ok sweetie is your head a bit better?

Bharti:Thanks Mom..it feels really good..I'll head for bed right now and sleep...

Sudha:Ok good night..(smiled at her)

Bharti:Nitezz

Just then, Sudha's mobile rang.

Armaan:Maa, it's so late..Where are you?

Sudha:Armu i won't be coming home tongiht..You have dinner and sleep,yeah?

Armaan:But where are you?

Sudha:I'm at Bharti's place..I'm staying for the night..

Armaan:Oh ok..

Sudha:Got a piece of good news for you..Bharti'll be coming for your party..But if you still don't wish to attend your party, it's totally fine, you know!!

Armaan:Maa, are you serious?

Sudha:Very serious..waise I needed to ask you something..

Armaan:What?

Sudha:Has your right moment come?

Armaan:I don't know Maa..

Sudha:What do you mean you don't know.??

Armaan:I just have a fear that she'll reject me..I feel I'm pretty close to my destination but somehow I feel disheartened..

Sudha:Aisa kaise chalega armu..Jo koshish karta hai woh harta nahin..

Armaan:Maa it isn't easy..

Sudha:Of course it is..Just tell her everything..Trsut me, there won't be a reason to say No but if she does, then it's simply her loss..Oh come on Armu, tell her during the party..Can you promise me that you'll do it for me?

Armaan:Maa i can't promise but i'll definitely try!!

Sudha:That's my Armu..Alright have your dinner and sleep,k?Good night!!

Armaan:Nitezz..(hung up)

The next day, Sudha left in the morning while Bharti was still asleep. When Bharti woke up, she saw a letter by her side of the bed.

"Hey Bharti..good morning..I would have stayed longer but I have an important conference to attend at 9 am and that's why I'm leaving without waking you up..But just rest well and have your medicines on time..I'm so very glad that I could spend time with you last night..Lurve you dear..Take extra good care of yourself,yeah? :)

Your Mom

Bharti smiled and woke up, feeling much fresher than yesterday. She stretched herself and went to brush her teeth. She made herself a cup of strong coffee and felt the fresh raindrops as she gently sipped her coffee. The cool rains somehow reminded her of the times she spent with Armaan. She loved those special moments of her friendhsip where she enjoyed herself thoroughly in the company of Armaan. She genuinely wondered if she'll ever get to spend time with Armaan after tomorrow. Thinking about it just seemed so weird and suffocating in a way.

At Men's Universe, Armaan was editing the photo-shoot photographs and he had gone to Mahi's cabin for he saw Bharti's cabin as locked.

Mahi:Hi Armaan..

Armaan:Hey Mahi, these are the photographs..Bharti hasn't come?

Mahi:Nope..she just called to inform that she isn't coming today..

Armaan:Kya?Par kyun?

Mahi:Relax Armaan..She sounded quite tired; i guess she isn't well..She said that she'll meet me tomorrow..

Armaan:Thanks Mahi..(left from there)

Armaan went to his cabin and called up his mum.

Sudha:Hi Armu..what's up?

Armaan:Maa you went to Bharti's place last night,na?Why didn't you tell me that she wasn't well?

Sudha:Arre Armu..she was quite tired and she had gone to meet the doc last night..She's just too tired,that's all...

Armaan:Phir bhi...you should have told me na?

Sudha:Armaan, it's nothing seriously..You are so cute by the way..caring for her and all...

Armaan:Maa..aadat si ho gayi hai iss liye..

Sudha:Theekh hai ab bahaana matt banao..I'll I'll have to get back to work..Will talk to you later..Bye..

Armaan:Ok bye..(hung up)

~Next Day~

In the evening, Payal went to meet Bharti who was pretty much recovered after some refreshing hours of sleep.Payal had bought a long,turquoise blue silky dress for Bharti to wear for the party accompanied by some accessories. Bharti wondered what Payal was up to.