part 15
Shilpa was in her bed with Baby Shona on her chest, playing together, when she heard a car pulling in front of her house. She didn't bother to stand up and look out the window as she knew already who it was. Soon she heard the front door opening and footsteps stepping inside.
"Get ready," Shilpa whispered to her baby, lifting her and tossing her up in the air. The baby giggled with delight as her mother lay her back down on her chest. "He's coming," she whispered as she heard footsteps approaching her room. "You need to take my side, baby. I don't feel like going to weddings."
When they heard the door, Baby Shona put her head down on her mother's chest started sucking her thumb while Shilpa sunk her face in her baby's head and just glanced at the door to see Armaan walking inside, wearing a black tuxedo.
Each time he had this image in front of him- the baby lying on her mother's chest- Armaan stopped and gave himself a moment to contemplate it.
His smile became wider as he snapped back to reality, and walked over to the bed. "How's my baby doing?" he asked, leaning down to take Shona from Shilpa.
"Hey," Shilpa slapped his hand, glaring at him. "Wash your hands first."
Armaan smiled, rolling his eyes and complied. Though he agreed it was annoying, he wouldn't have accepted someone to touch his baby without washing its hands first. "I will be right back," he chuckled and left for the bathroom.
When he returned, Shilpa was in the rocking chair, cradling Shona in her arms, and just then, Armaan noticed that Shilpa wasn't wearing a gown or anything suitable for a wedding. Her hair was messy gathered in a bun and she was wearing some sweatpants and a tee shirt.
"I like your outfit," Armaan chuckled. "You can't wear that at wedding. The bride will be jealous if you show up like this."
Shilpa just flashed him a sarcastic smile, knowing he was mocking her. Armaan came and leaned in, taking Shona into his arms. The baby looked at him, smiled and then put her head down on his shoulder, giggling and sucking her thumb. Armaan gave her a kiss and hugged her gently.
"You're not coming," he said with a sigh.
Shilpa bit her lip, looking at him, guilty. "I can't Armaan. I can't leave her alone," she murmured.
"She won't be alone and you won't be gone for long," he said softly, crouching in front of her. As he did that, Shona looked up and turned to her mother, throwing her little arm in air. "See?" Armaan laughed. "Even Baby Shona wants you to go and have fun at the wedding."
"I think she was just saying hi," Shilpa laughed.
"You think you know them all," Armaan answered teasingly. "She wants you to trust her that she's going to be a good girl. She promises she won't go out with her friends or invite boys over while you're gone."
Shilpa frowned, displeased to hear that. "Do you mind if I don't think about that right now?"
Armaan chuckled and leaned forward, catching her lips with a soft kiss.
"What people will say if we show up together at the wedding?" she asked. She wasn't really interested in what people would say; she stopped caring what the others might say.
Armaan stood up, kissed the baby and the baby let out a sigh as she kept her head down his shoulder. "Nobody will be surprised," he answered.
"I know, but what people would say about us?"
Armaan stayed quiet for a moment, rocking the baby, and watched Shilpa. From the expression from his face, Shilpa knew he wanted to say something. "What is it?"
"Don't get mad," he smiled. "I have nothing to do with this," he wanted to reassure her before telling her. Shilpa raised her brows as she waited for him to continue. "They think we are a couple."
"Oh," she muttered, thoughtfully biting her lip. That wasn't a false gossip. She did tell herself she didn't care about what people say about her and Armaan, but a little she did care. She cared because despite all, she was also preparing to become a surgeon. Shilpa noticed Armaan's silence and as she looked up, she knew there was more.
"They think we have a baby together also," he added quietly. "The news spread quickly when that' confusion came up," he said, referring at the evening when Shilpa and her baby came to hospital under the name of Malik and everyone thought he was the father. "And they didn't seem to pay attention to the rectification we made," he added quietly, afraid of making Shilpa angry on him.
Shilpa stared at him, completely shocked. It was a mixed feeling she was having in that moment. Armaan didn't seem bothered by the gossips and that made her feel somewhat happy.
As Armaan was still waiting for her reaction, Shilpa struggled for words. "I' uh' I can't leave her alone, Armaan."
Armaan knew she was avoiding the answer to what he had said, but he also knew the real reason she didn't want to go with him to the wedding. "You need to get used to this, Shilpa. If you don't want to take her to the daycare, then you have to hire someone to take care of her."
"I know," Shilpa frowned, admitting with a sigh. "I guess I will call Mrs. Shah and tell her she has the job."
"I don't want to discourage you, but you are doing it a little too late," Armaan pointed out. "Any other family would have hired her right away."
"Maybe she's still waiting," Shilpa grumbled. She knew he was right and now she was blaming herself for her stupid reasoning. She had seen other nannies after the interview she had with Mrs. Shah and of course, Shona cried each time any of them held her.
"You liked other women you talked to," he said. "I think we should choose one and call her right away."
"But I don't feel like going now, Armaan," Shilpa frowned and leaned in to take Shona from Armaan.
Armaan pulled away, refusing to let her go. "Shilpa, you need to start trusting people. You need to go out and interact with people. Mrs. Andrea is your neighbor and she gladly offered to come and stay with Shona today. She knows you since you were a child, so ' we can trust her."
"I am going out. I interact with people," Shilpa grumbled childishly.
Armaan chuckled and disagreed with a shake from his head. "Going out into the park and interacting with me and that old man, that's not called socialization."
"What are you animals?" Shilpa frowned. "Socialization means' interacting with other human beings."
Armaan laughed and kissed Shona's cheek. "Shilpa, are you coming with me or not?"
Shilpa looked at him as she thought about it. She wanted to go out. She wanted to go and be with Armaan. She could have spent each second of her life with him. "What if something happens to her?"
"I'll make you another one," Armaan joked.
"That's not funny, Armaan!" Shilpa snapped at him, not tasting his sense of humor. She stood up and took Shona from him.
"I am sorry," Armaan apologized sincerely. "Just tell me if you are coming or not."
Shilpa looked at him and answered with a nod. Armaan smiled softly and stroking her cheek, he leaned in and kissed her lips. "I'll stay with Shona while you get ready."
"Mrs. Andrea should be here soon," Shilpa sighed, reluctantly giving Shona to Armaan.
"We'll be downstairs," he leaned in and kissed her once more before he walked out of the room.
Armaan went into the living room and took a seat on the couch, cradling Shona in his arms. "What do you think about your mommy? She's a little overprotective, isn't she?" he spoke softly to the baby. Baby Shona smiled and held out her hand. Armaan took it and kissed it. "Do you trust people, Baby Shona? Sometimes you have to. A nice lady will come later and stay with you for a couple of hours, so don't worry when you won't see mommy or me around. We'll be back. We made sure that you would be safe. You trust Mommy and Armaan, don't you?"
Shona let out a yawn and smiled. Of course, she trusted her Mommy and Armaan.
"Some changes are about to come. Mommy will have to go to work and you will be spending a lot of time with a lady you don't know," Armaan continued softly talking to her. "We are in a hurry right now, because Mommy is looking for a nice lady to come and sit with you. You won't like her at first and you will cry for your Mommy, but I promise you'll get used to her. Mommy will make sure she spends all the free time she has with you. And Armaan too."
The phone started ringing and Shona started and whimpered at the sudden noise. Armaan waited for Shilpa to answer, but as the phone kept ringing, he thought she was taking a shower.
He leaned reached for the phone and picked up. "Hello."
"Good afternoon. My name is Lauren Bennet. May speak to Mrs. Shilpa gupta?" the woman asked.
"She's busy at the moment. Could you call her back in a few minutes? Or I could ask you to call you back," Armaan answered.
"I am afraid that's not possible. I have a flight to catch. Could you send her a message?"
"Sure," Armaan tucked the phone between his shoulder and his ear and took a notepad and a pencil.
"Tell her to find me on Monday and let me know if she took any decision. I have to finalize the papers for the baby's custody and I need her final consent. Please tell her that we might need a new signature from Mr. Sloan, if I don't finalize the full custody procedure."
Armaan listened shocked to what the lawyer was telling him. Shilpa didn't finalize the procedure for Shona's full custody and legally, Rohan was still Shona's father.
"Hello?" the woman asked as Armaan was late to confirm her message.
"Sorry," Armaan snapped back to reality. "I wrote everything down. I will give her your message," he answered, although he only had written the lawyer's name.
"All right then. Thank you,"
Armaan just hung up without replying and let the phone drop beside him. What was he missing? He could swear he and Shilpa were in a healthy, strong relationship; at least as healthy and strong as it was possible in those circumstances. Was Shilpa still waiting for Rohan? All kind of questions and thoughts collided inside his head in that moment.
He snapped out of them only when Baby Shona poked him with her fist in his chest as if she was asking for his attention.
Armaan took her hand and smiled down at her. "Do you know who Rohan Sloan is?" Shona prattled something in her own language. "I wonder if your Mommy talks to you about him," he said to himself. He lifted the baby up and kissed her forehead. "He's your Daddy," his voice sounded lifeless as he murmured those words.
Shona's blue eyes watched him as if she was listening to him. Her face crumpled and she started whimpering. Maybe she didn't like what Armaan was telling her?
Armaan smiled, thinking about the same thing, and kissed her again. "I am so jealous he has such a wonderful baby," his lips murmured against her forehead. He kissed her once more and sighed.
part 16
Armaan was so distracted by his thoughts that Shilpa had to yell from upstairs to make him realize someone was ringing at the door. He first checked on Shona, who was now sleeping soundly in his arms and then he stood up and answered the door. An elder woman was standing on the porch, smiling at him.
"Mrs. Andrea," Armaan greeted her with a polite smile. He was still shaken by that phone call and now he could hardly think clear about what he was doing.
"Hello, Armaan," she smiled. "Am I late?" she asked him, confused when Armaan looked thoughtful and angry somehow.
"No, no. You're right on time. Come on in," he said and opened the door wider, inviting her inside the house. "Shilpa is still getting ready."
"Aw she fell asleep," she noticed as she looked at Shona.
"And probably she will be sleeping for the next 5 or 6 hours. I won't tell you what you have to do, because I am sure Shilpa has a long list," Armaan chuckled.
"I baby sat with her once or twice and her mother had a long list as well," Mrs. Andrea laughed. "So I wouldn't be surprised."
"They're both perfectionists," Armaan agreed. "I am going to put her to bed. Has Shilpa showed you the baby's room yet?"
"Yes, yesterday when I came to talk to her," she nodded.
"Ok then, make yourself comfortable. I will be right back," Armaan smiled, pointing to the couch.
Armaan took Shona upstairs and put her down in her crib, covering her with her blanket. He quietly chuckled as he heard the baby sighing again. Armaan stood there, leaning over the crib and watching Shona's peaceful sleepy. How much he hated Rohan in that moment!
"Is she sleeping?" Shilpa asked in whisper.
Armaan turned and his eyes locked on her beautiful face and then trailed down on her body. The gown she was wearing was black and simple; only a strap was covering her shoulders. She had gathered her honey hair to back, letting it cover her back only and clearing her face. Her eyes looked sparkler as the eyeliner emphasized the green inside her eyes. Armaan breathed only when Shilpa came beside him to look down at her baby.
"She's sleeping," she concluded with a sigh. She wanted to hold her baby for at least one more minute, but she knew she might wake her up if she did that. "Are you sure she's going to be fine?"
Armaan put a hand on her back and kissed her temple. "I am sure. You don't have to stay long at the party."
Shilpa leaned her body against his and wrapped an arm around him for more support. "I want to hold her."
Armaan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace. "You won't be gone forever."
Shilpa sighed and flashed him a weak smile. "I am overreacting, aren't I?
Armaan chuckled quietly and stroked her cheek. "I didn't want you to feel offended."
Shilpa smiled and elbowed him between ribs. "Mrs. Andrea is here?"
Armaan nodded and holding a hand on her back, he wanted to lead her to the door, but Shilpa hesitated and turned back to the crib. She leaned down and brushed her hand against her baby's cheek, sighing loudly.
"I am coming home right away if something is wrong," she warned him sternly.
"I will be driving," Armaan wanted to reassure her. "Let's go talk to Mrs. Andrea and leave then."
Shilpa bit her lip as she worryingly looked at her baby again. She knew she would be fine; or at least Armaan had reassured her of that. Despite that, her feet refused to move. Armaan literally dragged Shilpa out of the baby's room.
He had a lot of work to do when Shilpa couldn't stop from giving advices to Mrs. Shah. She gave her a list of things she needed to know and a detailed inventory of the house.
Armaan had just pulled the car on the ferryboat and he was walking Shilpa on the deck when Shilpa took out her phone.
"Shi," Armaan held her hand. "We've been gone for only 15 minutes. I am sure nothing happened."
Shilpa stared into his eyes, glaring. "You can't be sure of that. Admit it."
"I am sure of it," Armaan replied.
Shilpa gasped and gritting her teeth, she gave him a hard slap over his arm. "You don't care about her as much as you pretend."
Her words ' though weren't true- hurt him and brought back the questions and thoughts. "Your lawyer called," he answered dryly. As they reached on the deck, Armaan leaned against the railing, glaring out over the water.
"My lawyer?" Shilpa asked, confused. Armaan had no real reasons of worry about the delay in Shona's custody. Her feelings for Armaan were getting stronger each day and Rohan was already part of a dark past, but she didn't know about his doubts.
"You need to tell her if you changed your mind regarding Shona's custody. You might need a new signature from Rohan if you wait longer," he answered, still glaring ahead.
"Oh," just then she understood. "I forgot about that."
"I know it's wrong and selfish," Armaan said. "But I stopped thinking of Shona as Rohan's child. She looks like him, but I stopped seeing the resemblances between them. I know it's wrong and selfish, but I love Shona as much as I would love my own baby," he tore his eyes to her and Shilpa read the pain in his eyes.
"You're afraid of Rohan?" she asked him.
"Yes," Armaan answered frankly.
"I forgot," Shilpa sighed and leaned over the railing, watching the water. "After you left," she quietly started talking. "You told me I was hurrying. You told me I should wait," she glanced at Armaan and then her eyes fell over the water again. "I didn't want to be the mother who denies her baby to meet its father. I did what you told me; I waited. I waited and then you came back. I will call her right away," she said and flipped her phone open.
"She's probably in the airplane now," Armaan said. "She said you could call her on Monday."
Armaan gave up on his cold glare and softened his face. He put an arm around Shilpa and kissed her temple. "I know it's too early for us. I am not asking for anything else but you sincerity."
"Rohan is part of the past," she mumbled as she looked into his eyes.
"I know," he smiled softly. "Rohan isn't the only man in this world."
She knew what he was saying. She stood on her tiptoes and reached for his lips, kissing him softly. "I will never lie to you."
Armaan smiled and leaned down, kissing her in return. "I know."
"What will people say about me?" she asked, glaring over the water. "Sleeping with an attending."
"She should marry him," Armaan answered with a chuckle and grinned when Shilpa glared at him. "Anjali Joshi, a 2nd year resident, is getting married to Rahul Grewal, head of cardiothoracic, today. They can say whatever they want as long as we know we are doing the right thing."
Shilpa smiled and nodded slowly. So many things she had to deal with. It felt easier having Armaan by her side.
part 17
Armaan pulled the car in front of a nice, white church. The weather was sunny and warm therefore, many people were standing outside around the church, filling the street with laughs and chatter.
Shilpa felt nausea in the pit of her stomach as she gazed out the window at all those people, fancily dressed. She didn't know why, but she never liked the weddings. She did dream herself as child, dressed into a beautiful white wedding gown, but nowadays, as grown-up, she felt disgusted each time she passed past a wedding. It wasn't actually nausea; it was rather jealousy, but she refused to admit it. Her mother had never encouraged her to get married and have children; she always told her how important her career was, needing to leave the family on the second plan if she wanted to be successful. She was also a mother now; a single mother. Her dream of fairytale would never because reality.
She hadn't noticed when Armaan got out of the car and walked over to her side, opening her door. She looked up at him and smiled. Armaan was her new fairytale now. Shilpa put her hand on his and carefully stepped out of the car.
"You look beautiful," Armaan whispered in her ear. He took the phone out of his tuxedo's pocket and showed it to her, smiling. "I think we should see what's going on with Baby Shona."
Shilpa quickly grabbed the phone from his hand and dialed the number. She breathed relieved when Mrs. Andrea told her that Shona was still sleeping.
"I want to hear her," Shilpa said and Armaan stared at her, curios.
"You want to hear Shona?" Mrs. Andrea asked, confused.
"Yes. Go upstairs and put the phone into her crib beside her. I want to hear her breathing," Shilpa asked.
"Shilpa," Armaan scolded, grabbing the phone from her hand. "I am sorry," he told Mrs. Andrea. "Is the baby ok?"
"She's fine. She's still sleeping," Mrs. Andrea sounded amused.
"I am sorry for Mrs. gupta," Armaan apologized. "Call us if anything happens."
"Don't worry. I have post-its all over the place with phone numbers I can reach you," Mrs. Andrea giggled.
"All right then," Armaan laughed. "We'll call later."
"Have fun at the wedding,"
"Thank you, Mrs. Andrea," said Armaan and flipped closed his phone, turning and shaking his head at Shilpa. "You're lucky she's a nice lady, otherwise Baby Shona would be left alone right now."
Shilpa sniffed at him childishly and turned looking at the church.
Armaan quietly chuckled and putting a hand on her lower back, he led their way to the church. "Let's meet people."
As they stepped inside the church ' beautifully decorated with white flowers and ribbons- Rahul Grewal came greeting them.
"Malik," he smiled and sighed with relief when he saw them. "I thought I had to start looking for another best man.
Armaan laughed and instinctively rubbed circles on Shilpa's back as he spoke, "I didn't want to come alone."
Rahul looked at Shilpa then, smiling. "I am glad you came, Dr. gupta," he said, offering to shake hands with her.
"Congratulations, Dr. Grewal," she smiled shyly.
"Let's wait for the 'I do's to be spoken first," he chuckled. Shilpa and Armaan shared a puzzled look. "Anjali is special," he explained. "Why don't you go meet her? Armaan, can you introduce her to the bride and the bridesmaids?"
"Sure," Armaan nodded. "I will be right back," he said and showed Shilpa the way to the room where the bride and her bridesmaids were waiting for the start of the ceremony.
Armaan knocked at door and wanted to open it, but as he did that, Armaan found out that someone was fighting against it. "What's going on in there?" he asked.
"Dr. Malik, you have no business in here," he heard Ishikha Khanna scolding.
"Khanna, let me in," Armaan demanded, irritated. "I am not the one getting married."
"Some of us might still be naked," Ishikha proved to be very powerful as she almost slammed the door in his face.
"What are you walking down the aisle wearing lingerie or pajamas?" he retorted sarcastically.
"That's not funny," Ishikha snapped.
"I am trying to be funny, Khanna! I am trying to introduce you to someone."
Armaan felt her resistance loosening and watched how the door opened a little and Ishikha sneaked her head outside. She immediately noticed Shilpa.
"You're Shilpa gupta," she smiled and carefully walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
As Ishikha did that, Shilpa took a step back and whispered in Armaan's ear. "Now this is scary."
Armaan chuckled. "That's just Ishikha," he reassured.
"Hi! I am Isobel Khanna but everyone calls me Ishikha," she blonde held out her hand, smiling.
Shilpa hesitated for a brief moment, but then she shook her hand. "Shilpa gupta."
"Come on in," Ishikha said, grabbing her by the wrist. "You go!" she glared at Armaan.
Shilpa looked panicked back at Armaan as Ishikha dragged her inside. In there, the bride ' an Asian woman, which Shilpa had seen once or twice at the hospital- and the other bridesmaid were sitting across from each other.
"Guys, this is Shilpa gupta!" Ishikha beamed.
Shilpa started when Anjali Joshi ' the bride- jumped up from her chair and came to her. "Anjali," she said, taking her hand and shaking it.
"Shilpa," she smiled.
"Excuse her," the other bridesmaid came to them. "Usually she doesn't like people, but now she's very nervous. I am Shikha Kapoor," she said, introducing herself.
"Shilpa," she forced another smile as she shook Shikha's hand.
"How's your baby girl doing?" asked Ishikha.
Shilpa was a little taken by surprise with that question, not expecting people would be so straight and interested in her personal life. "She's fine. Growing," Shilpa answered.
"Have you found any Nanny for her or you're planning on bring her with you and drop her at the daycare?" Ishikha asked.
Shilpa frowned a little. "I am still looking for a Nanny," she answered. "Are you interested in the job?" she asked sarcastically and made Anjali chuckle.
Ishikha glared at her friend and then smiled back at Shilpa. "You two will get along very well."
"Are you all residents?" Shilpa didn't want to seem rude, so she diverted their conversation from her personal life to the professional one.
"Yes," Ishikha answered. "Anjali and I are second year residents and Shikha is in her sixth year as resident. Dr. Shubhankar is our Chief resident."
"How good were you at literature?" Anjali asked Shilpa.
"What?" Shilpa chuckled.
"I wrote her vows today in her palms, but then she scrubbed in and now she doesn't know what to say at her own wedding to her soon-to-be husband," Shikha answered.
"I am so tired of you, Anjali," Ishikha groaned. "If I knew you were such a difficult bride, I wouldn't have asked to be one of your bridesmaids."
"Next time wait to be asked," Anjali retorted.
"Convince her of how easy to speak from her heart is," Ishikha told Shilpa. "If she has a heart, she can do it. Come on, Shikha," she gestured for Shikha to follow her outside and Shikha gladly obeyed.
"The heart is a muscle!" Anjali grumbled. "I haven't heard a muscle talking yet," she said sarcastically while the two bridesmaids left the room.
Shilpa watched, stunned, the whole scene and as the two left, she burst into laughter. "And Armaan says I am weird and I have communication issues."
"They have the same problem," Anjali said matter-of-factly. "So'" she looked at Shilpa, waiting.
"So'?" Shilpa asked, confused.
"Literature," Anjali helped her remember. "My Mama and His Mama spent a lot of money on the menu. Make yourself useful."
"I don't eat," Shilpa replied sarcastically.
"The chairs are fancy decorated,"
"I could sit in Armaan's lap," Shilpa answered amused, finding the interaction quite amusing.
Anjali rolled her eyes and went to sit back in her chair. This time she let her hands fell onto her lap and her forehead crumpled of worry. "I don't know how to do this."
Shilpa stared at her, eyes wide opened. Was she supposed to know how she should do it? 'Too bad for you because I don't,' she thought to herself.
"You and Malik are not married, are you?" Anjali asked and Shilpa was started by the look in her eyes, as if she was sure that asking Shilpa she would find the answer to her problem.
"No," Shilpa muttered.
"Are you going to get married?" she asked her.
Shilpa couldn't answer right away. She didn't know Armaan for so long; Armaan had told her some things, but she never stayed and thought about their relationship. She did think a little, but she didn't dare to think about their future. "I don't know," she muttered. "I don't' think so."
Anjali sighed and continued staring at her. "You two have a kid together. Would you'"
"We don't have a kid together," Shilpa interrupted her quickly. She didn't mind the gossips that much but this time, she didn't want people to believe that she was getting professional favors from Armaan because they had a baby together as people thought.
"So you wouldn't," Anjali concluded quietly, without paying any attention to Shilpa's outburst.
"Why are you getting married?" Shilpa asked her straight, already obvious the fact that Anjali didn't have such strong feelings for Rahul Grewal.
That question caught her by surprise. "You wouldn't understand."
Shilpa furrowed her brows, glaring at her, as she understood what Anjali was thinking. "Try me."
"You're Muskaan' gupta daughter," she answered.
Shilpa closed her eyes and tried to suppress the anger. "I am Muskaan' gupta daughter, but I don't have anything to do with Dr. gupta," she retorted through gritted teeth. "Besides, my mother and I don't work together. What I've learned from her books is the same thing that any Med student does. Are you getting married to him only because he is the head of cardiothoracic department?"
It was Anjali the one glaring now. "He is also one of the best cardiothoracic surgeons in the country."
"Don't you have anything to prove? It's more exciting to succeed by using your skills only," Shilpa said. "Besides, Seattle Grace has some of the best surgeons and therefore, the best teachers."
Anjali stared ahead blankly as she listened to Shilpa's lecture. "Oh My God!" Shilpa shrieked when Anjali suddenly jumped up, looking panicked. "You're right!" she said, looking at Shilpa.
Shilpa stared at her, completely shocked. She hadn't expected to such reaction as consequence of her lecture. She knew she was smart, but she didn't know she was this wise too.
"I don't want to get married. He once mentioned something about babies. I don't like babies and I don't like mommies," Anjali had started trailing off but stopped as she said the last words. "I might like you," she wanted to reassure her. "You seem smart. My point is that I am not ready to walk out through these doors and vow some fake words. What do I do?"
Shilpa didn't feel so wise in that moment as she apparently was breaking the wedding. "I was speaking for myself," she said, hoping she would fix the things.
"It doesn't matter. Now I am speaking for myself. What do I do?" Anjali insisted and started pacing around the room, panicked. She suddenly stopped and turned to Shilpa. "Do you have a car?"
Shilpa stared at her, dumbfounded and slowly shook her head. "I came with Armaan's car."
Anjali cursed something incomprehensible, restarting the pacing. "I need something," was all Shilpa could understand from Anjali. She stopped and turned to Shilpa again. "There's a backdoor somewhere around here."
"Do you want to run?" Shilpa gasped, panicked.
"No, I want to go out for some fresh and talk to my fianc about how I am not ready to get married," Anjali replied sarcastically. "And we won't be running. We will be walking out of this calmly. We don't want to draw attention over us."
"We?" Shilpa asked in disbelief. That was bad; for her, at least.
"Hey, you came up with the suggestion,"
Shilpa shook her head firmly, "I didn't suggest anything and I definitely have nothing to do with what's going on in your head. Plus, a bride walking out through the backdoor and jumping into a cab or a car is not something people get to see very often."
Anjali softened her features until pleading as she waited for Shilpa to cave.
Shilpa could not believe the situation she had put herself into. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, Grewal is your teacher also, not just your fianc or whatever."
"Shilpa," Anjali pleaded as she took Shilpa's hand. "He will have to leave aside our personal problems and teach me. That is his job. Please, I can't do this. I am not ready."
"How about Armaan?"
"You two are sleeping together?" Anjali asked her.
"What's your point?" Shilpa frowned.
"He loves you and your kid and I am sure he won't even dare to be mad of you," she stated.
"I don't know," Shilpa took a step back.
Anjali didn't reply verbally to that. She just stayed there and stared into Shilpa's eyes.
"Oh ok," Shilpa grumbled. "Let's get over this."
They were lucky as they managed to sneak out of there in less than a minute and without being seen by anyone familiar. Shilpa also hailed a cab for Anjali. "Come," Anjali said, grabbing Shilpa's wrist and pulling her inside the car.
"Where? Are you insane?" Shilpa wanted to pull her wrist from the grip, but Anjali was stronger.
"Please, I don't know where else to go," she said.
Shilpa looked at her, stunned. "Are you serious? Do you want me to take you to my house?"
"He doesn't know where you live," Anjali pointed out, talking about Grewal.
"But Armaan knows," she said.
"Yeah, but I am sure he won't think you have anything to do with my disappearance. He will think you couldn't stay away from your kid and you ran back home."
"Stop calling my kid a kid. It's a she and her name is Shona," Shilpa frowned.
"Cute name," Anjali replied sarcastically and then turned to the driver. "Just go and we'll give you the directions as we know them."
The car drove away and Shilpa didn't protest. That wasn't such a bad thing now that Anjali mentioned Shona.
part 18
Shilpa and Anjali stopped on the porch in front of Shilpa's house, waiting for her to find her keys.
"Crap," Shilpa muttered under her breath as she took out the keys.
"What?" Anjali asked.
"Armaan has my phone. He will freak out when he'll see I am not there," Shilpa said while she unlocked the door.
"I am sure he is already freaked out," Anjali pointed out as some minutes had passed since they left from the church. "You know what the awesome thing would be," she said with a smirk.
Shilpa looked at her with a can-something-be-awesome-right-now look.
"If they think we might have been kidnapped," Anjali chuckled.
"Oh God," Shilpa whimpered and opened the door.
They started as they walked inside and Mrs. Andrea let out a frightened scream. "Shilpa," she sighed, holding on her chest. "You scared me. I heard voices and then the latch unlocking' what happened?" she asked, for the first time noticing Anjali and her wedding dress.
"Long story," Shilpa answered simply and not really having an explanation for it either. Her first concern was to go see her baby. "How's Shona?" she asked, already heading for the stairs.
"She's still sleeping," Mrs. Andrea answered. "Where is Dr. Malik?"
"Comforting the groom probably," Anjali answered wandering around the place as if she was looking for something. "Where are you keeping the booze?" she asked.
Shilpa and Mrs. Andrea looked at each other, both worried. If Shona was still sleeping, Shilpa decided she could see her a little bit later and first take care of Anjali. "Uh'" she turned to Mrs. Andrea. "I am home now so you don't have to stay," she said and taking out her wallet, she pulled out a few bills to pay her.
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Andrea asked, glancing at Anjali and obviously not liking her. "I could stay a little bit longer. Maybe until Dr. Malik comes back."
Shilpa was tempted to accept at first, but then she decided to give Anjali some credit. She was a surgeon after all, so she had passed some psychological exams. "That's ok," Shilpa shook her head. "Thank you so much for coming and ' I am sorry for earlier."
Mrs. Andrea smiled reassuringly and nodded. She went and took her knitting bag and jacket and Shilpa walked her outside then.
Left alone with Anjali, Shilpa felt stunned by the whole situation and suddenly burst into a hysterical laughter.
"Have you gone mental?" Anjali frowned.
"I think so," Shilpa kept laughing. "I mean' what normal person keeps a pregnancy just to piss someone off? And, what normal person helps a bride to run away from her wedding? Seriously."
Anjali shrugged and turned her back on Shilpa as she looked around Shilpa's living room and stated, "You're not normal."
That made Shilpa's laughter even more hysterical. "I know."
"And they allowed you to keep the baby?" Anjali asked.
Slowly her laughter stopped and Shilpa frowned. "I am a good mother," she grumbled, glaring at Anjali. "I am going to see my baby," she turned and stomped out of the room, running up the stairs.
As she got in front of Shona's bedroom, Shilpa slowed down and carefully opened the door, stepping inside. The light was fading outside and coming in through the curtains, it painted the whole room in a fade shade of pink. It was a peaceful silence in her room, that kind of silence that always allowed Shilpa to hear her daughter's sleeping. She walked over to her crib and leaned over, watching her sleeping, with her fist rolled under her chin. Shilpa drew the blanket upper and gently ran her finger over her tiny forehead. Baby Shona sighed soundly and wiggled her nose once.
"What do I do now?" the whispered words started Shilpa.
She turned and saw Anjali walking inside. She came by her side and looked down into the crib. "Shona, huh?"
"Shona Muskaan gupta," Shilpa replied.
"How cool is that," Anjali muttered under her breath. She looked at Shilpa, waiting. "What do I do now?"
Shilpa sighed and shrugged. "Change clothes?" she said, glancing down at her wedding gown.
"Change clothes," Anjali repeated quietly, nodding.
"I will give you some," Shilpa said and walked her out of the room.
They were in Shilpa's room and Shilpa had just found some clothes for Anjali when the doorbell rang. Both of them froze, staring at each other.
"It's Armaan," Shilpa whispered as if Armaan could hear her from the porch.
"Do you think he came with Grewal?" Anjali asked, panicked.
Shilpa shrugged and, dropping the clothes on the bed, she went to the window and opened it. She leaned outside to see Armaan standing alone on the porch and fumbling through his pockets for the keys. She quickly looked at his car, but from the height she was, she couldn't see anyone else in it.
Shilpa drew herself inside quickly and shut the window. "Stay here," she told Anjali and hurried to greet Armaan downstairs. She still had no explanation for Anjali's presence in her house and she was now praying for something good to come in her mind.
Armaan was coming out of the living room when Shilpa got downstairs.
"Shilpa!" he exclaimed with relief and, before she knew, he pulled her into his arms, hugging her breathlessly. "Thank God you're ok," he held her face in his hands, worryingly looking at her.
Shilpa managed just a weak smile.
"I can't believe you left without telling me," Armaan chuckled. He had been too worried about her, so he couldn't be mad right now that he found her. "You're unbelievable," he shook his head, smiling.
Guilt washed over as she saw Armaan's compassion. "Sorry," she whispered.
Armaan smiled and leaned in, kissing her softly. "Now tell me what happened?" he became serious. "Anjali is missing as well. When we saw that both of you were missing, we thought someone might have kidnapped you or something."
"Really?" Shilpa giggled, remembering what Anjali had said when they arrived home.
"That's not funny, Shilpa," Armaan scolded. "We still don't know where Anjali is and what happened to her. What did you talk about? Did she tell you anything?" he demanded.
Shilpa swallowed the lump she felt in her throat and her cheeks started burning. "I uh' we' we talked, but then' uh' we' I uh don't think' I can I ' say or I'," Shilpa couldn't even stammer.
Armaan curiously stared at her as she was making those sounds. "Shilpa," he said simply, now waiting for the explanation she seemed to have about Anjali's disappearance.
"I don't know what to say, Armaan," Shilpa whimpered.
"You don't know what to say or you don't know how to say it?" he asked her, lifting a brow.
"Both," Shilpa answered and bit her lip as she waited for his reaction.
Armaan sighed loudly and groaned as he ran his hand over his face. He smiled at her ironically. "I love you so much sometimes."
Shilpa smiled ironically as well and wrapped her arms around his neck, reaching up for his lips.
They heard Shona crying and Shilpa quickly pulled away, jumping back. "Shona's crying so I should go up and check on her."
"Shilpa," Armaan grabbed her by her wrist and stopped her. "Do you know where Anjali is?"
"Armaan," Shilpa groaned pleadingly. "I need to go see my baby."
"You need to tell me if you know anything. Rahul is desperate because his bride disappeared."
"She'" Shilpa wanted to say, but Shona stopped from crying and Armaan noticed that as well.
He stared at Shilpa questioningly. Shona never stopped from crying until someone went and gave her what she wanted. Slowly his eyes narrowed as he started to understand what was going on there.
"What have you done?" he asked her calmly, though the glare was piercing his eyes.
"Nothing," Shilpa answered defensively.
"Who is upstairs with Shona?" he asked.
Shilpa bit her lip and said nothing. Armaan had his answer.
"I can't believe this," he groaned and ran upstairs.
"Crap," Shilpa whimpered and hurried after him.
Armaan suddenly stopped in the doorway and Shilpa almost bumped against him. Anjali was leaning over the crib, carefully holding Shona into her arms.
"She's so deafening," Anjali let out a quiet groan and shook her head, slowly rocking the baby back and forth.
"Shilpa," Armaan said through gritted teeth but glaring at Anjali.
Shilpa bit her lip and frowned. "Yes, Armaan," she replied sarcastically.
Armaan turned his glare to Shilpa and smiled nervously. "Why is the former bride in your baby's bedroom and why isn't she wearing her wedding gown anymore?"
Shilpa weakly smiled at him. "Because she's a former bride?" she answered quietly.
"Shilpa, I am not in the mood for jokes," Armaan spat.
Baby Shona didn't like Armaan's tone and her tiny face crumpled as she whined nervously.
"Are you crazy?" Anjali hissed, glaring reproachfully at him.
"You can't yell in front of my daughter," Shilpa glared at him too. "Let's go outside and talk."
She grabbed him by the arm and pushed him out of the room, taking him into hers. Armaan walked inside and stopped in the middle, turning to her, arms folding across the chest and waiting.
"What happened?" he asked her, calmer comparing to the glare from his eyes. "What is she doing here?"
Shilpa drew in some air and exhaled slowly as she prepared herself to tell him the truth. "She hadn't written the vows for her wedding and she asked me for help."
Armaan put his hands on his hips and started looking suspiciously at her, "And how exactly have you helped her?"
Shilpa laughed nervously and rolled her eyes. "Why are you looking at me like this?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. Do you want me to look away while I talk to you?" he asked.
Shilpa sighed and looked away, standing quiet.
"So?" Armaan was still waiting.
Shilpa glanced at him, biting her lip, "What?" she asked, clueless.
"What is going on here?" Armaan asked, now sure that Shilpa was hiding something.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she shrugged, still acting clueless.
Armaan chuckled and shook his head once. "You're such a bad liar. Come," he said and wrapped his arm around hers, pulling her to the bed. "What happened? Why didn't Anjali run away from her wedding?" he asked in a calm voice.
Shilpa let out a sigh and looked down at her hands as she spoke, "She understood she didn't have to get married to Grewal to become a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon. Apparently, she wasn't ready to get married."
Armaan didn't deny that; he had gotten to know Anjali pretty well and he knew what big professional aspirations she had.
"How did you get here? Why did you bring her here?" Armaan asked her.
"We took a cab and' I didn't know where else to take her," Shilpa explained.
"Why did you help her anyway?" Armaan frowned.
Shilpa gasped at his reproach and glared at him. "You dragged me to this stupid wedding in the first place. I didn't want to go but you said I was socially retarded and that I had to interact with people."
"First of all, I did not call you retarded and secondly, look how well you interact with people. You stole the bride from her wedding!" he retorted.
Shilpa tightened her jaw, glaring at him through narrowed eyes. "I did not steal the bride. She ran."
"You helped her!" he pointed out.
"But I didn't steal her! I brought her here because she asked me to help her and' I ' I still need to wrap my mind around what just happened," she trailed off. "She asked me about you and Shona and then she thought we were married; then I said some things and she had a revelation."
Armaan held out his hand and stopped her, "You said some things and she had a revelation?" he purposely asked her.
Shilpa froze for a moment. "It wasn't my fault," she murmured.
Armaan briefly closed his eyes and moaned in annoyance. "What exactly did you tell her?" he asked, calm.
Shilpa looked away and scratched her nape.
"Shilpa, this is childish," he said.
Shilpa cleared her throat and kept her sight away from him as she spoke, "She asked me what I thought about her doubts and I told her what I would do," she turned and looked straight into his eyes. "I am not responsible for anything. She is a grown-up and I didn't hold a gun to her temple. She is the one who stole me from the wedding."
Armaan sighed and shook his head, disapproving. "So you just ruined Rahul's Grewal wedding. His best man's girlfriend made his fianc change her mind in the last minute."
Shilpa looked at him with glare in her eyes. "I can't believe you're blaming me for this. Once more, I didn't make her change her mind. She changed her mind by herself."
"You said something and that changed her mind," he smiled sarcastically. "Seriously, couldn't you have kept your mouth shut?"
"No," she snapped angrily. "Because you wanted me to interact with human beings. My daughter and the really old guy aren't human beings enough to you. Interacting with other human beings requires the use of your tongue and lips. Therefore, I couldn't keep my mouth shut."
"Do you realize what you've put yourself into? Rahul Grewal is also your boss. Ok, I forgive you, but will he forgive you? It might not be entirely your fault, but he will still see you as responsible for this mess."
"You don't have to forgive me of anything," she replied sharply and stood up. She turned and looked at him. "Would have been better to tell her, 'Anjali, it's ok to get married to Grewal just because he's your boss and a brilliant teacher who will help you in your career. It doesn't matter that you don't love him and you're not ready for this step. Your career comes first'?" she stopped and drew in more air. "Is it ok if I tell you 'Yes, Armaan. I want to marry you because I want my daughter to have a father and because you're also my boss and this could help me a lot'?" Shilpa looked away as she waited for his reply.
Armaan sighed and ran his hands through his hair. She was right. He stood up and took her hand. "I overreacted. I am sorry."
Shilpa didn't let herself go so easily when he wanted to pull her into his arms. She looked at him and he was smiling infectiously at her. She gave in and half smiled. "It's not my fault," she muttered and wrapped her arms around him.
Armaan smiled and hugged her. "It's not."
"Say it," she said, knowing he wanted to say more.
"Entirely," he added with a chuckle.
Shilpa lightly punched him between ribs and giggled. "I am innocent and I rest my case."
"Ok," Armaan laughed.
Shilpa suddenly froze. "Do you hear that?"
Armaan stood quiet and listened. "No," he whispered.
"Exactly," Shilpa muttered, thoughtful. "There's nothing to hear, but Shona was awake when we got in her room," she said, talking to herself mostly. "And she doesn't like strange people to hold her."
Shilpa looked at Armaan and in the next second, both stormed out of the room.
While Shilpa and Armaan were arguing in the next room, Anjali stayed with Shona. Carrying the baby in her arms, Anjali walked over to the window and sat down in the rocking chair. She rocked slowly, absent-minded, until Shona's intense gaze had her attention.
She looked down at the baby in her arms and looked in her blue bright eyes. "You're a good starer." Having her attention, Shona smiled and started wriggling her arms in the air. Anjali took her hands in one of hers and held them steady. "Do you have any idea what's happening outside this pink room?" she asked her, playing her hands. Shona freed one of her hands and slapped hers. "You'll figure out one day," Anjali answered herself. "You have a boring life right now," she spoke to the baby. "You have to suck breasts, you need to bear your stinky diaper when you poop and your mother is too lazy to change it. You just sleep and stare at the ceiling. That's boring, but it will get better. You'll go to college and get rid off your mother. You'll meet boys and you will be allowed to drink until you pass out. The sex will be awesome too once you are out of your mom's house." Anjali stopped and narrowed her eyes as she looked at Shona. "Maybe I shouldn't talk to you about sex and alcohol," Shona laughed and reached out for her hand. "Nah. Your brain is still empty. You don't understand a word from what I say. Let's keep that topic off anyway. Being a grown-up can suck too. You're Mommy seems smart. She's not as smart as me, but still' you could learn some things from her. If she won't teach you, then I will. When you'll grow up, don't let any man rule your life. Women have always been and always will be superior to the men. We're smarter' and braver' and prettier. They can't brag with much besides their stupid penis," she stopped again and thought. "Penis is not a bad word. It's a medical term used to describe the difference between girls and boys. Your mom probably will find a stupid explanation when your time will come, you'll ask her why boys have a little finger hanging between their thighs and you don't. Well, that's the difference. Boys have that little finger hanging there and girls don't. Don't worry, that little finger doesn't stay little for all the boys." Shona smiled and ran her hand over her face as if she understood what Anjali was saying and as if she was having fun. "Boys are stupid and they're not worth to talk about." Anjali started again. "You have to go to school, be the best and know what you want from life. Probably you know already considering that your mother and your grandmother are doctors. You won't need to sleep with a cardiothoracic surgeon to scrub in to the best surgeries. You are Muskaan' gupta granddaughter. Do you have any idea how big that is? She is a royalty. If you have inherited your grandma's gift and you'll use you last name as gupta, you won't need to sleep with your attending for good surgeries." This time, Baby Shona didn't express anything on her tiny face; she just stared at Anjali. "Stop staring," Anjali frowned at her. "You look creepy." Baby Shona giggled and grabbed Anjali's finger, taking it into her mouth. "No," Anjali pulled her finger away. "That's disgusting and unhealthy for you. Before becoming a great surgeon, you need to learn the elementary about hygiene." Shona definitely didn't understand a word from what Anjali was saying, but the sound of them was funny. She giggled and reached out for Anjali's hair. Her tiny fist grabbed a stray and started pulling it down to her with great strength. "Oww," Anjali whined and tried to release herself from Shona's grip. "You little animal," she gritted her teeth. As Anjali said that, Shona suddenly released her and started screaming.
Anjali jumped on her feet and started rocking her back and forth, "Now there, there,"
In the same time, Shilpa and Armaan barged in.
"I didn't do anything," Anjali said defensively and looking down at the baby, she saw her looking at her with a frown, but she was no longer crying. "She's a strange kid," she stated and Shona started giggling and wriggling her arms in the air again.
Shilpa and Armaan looked at each other. Armaan burst into laughter.
"In case you lose your job," he told Anjali, mocking her.
"No, thanks," Anjali glared.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Armaan chuckled knowingly.
In the meantime, Shilpa went and took Shona from Anjali. "This is odd," she muttered. "She actually likes you," she said, looking at Anjali. "She didn't like all those nice women who came for the interview, but she liked you."
Anjali smirked smugly. "She likes sincere people, with healthy mentality, not those old back bitter women."
"Healthy mentality, huh?" Armaan chuckled. "Like dumping your fianc few minutes before the wedding and not just dumping him, but also disappearing?"
"Mind your own business," Anjali hissed.
"This is my business," Armaan pointed out, glaring at her. "I am his best man."
It had been a while since Baby Shona woke up from her long nap and she had postponed her meal for too long. Besides, she didn't like all their hisses.
Shilpa put Shona on her chest and gently patted her back, pacing around the room. "I have to feed her."
"No, I will do it," Armaan stopped her and took Shona from Shilpa. "You have to talk to your new friend and convince her to go and face his fianc or whatever he is now. I don't want to be part of this charade," he said and then he turned and walked out of the room.
"I don't like him," Anjali said glaring at the door.
"He doesn't like you either and honestly I don't think I like you either," Shilpa stated and let out a sigh.
"Your daughter likes me," she replied with a smirk. "She is a smart kid with great potential."
"Anjali," Shilpa groaned. "What am I going to do with you now? You need to go and talk to Grewal."
"Right now? I don't think so. Look, you got me into this mess so you take me out,"
Shilpa gasped and could not believe her ears. "Stop blaming me! You need to stop. You're a grown-up. What are you retarded? Have you gone mental in the moment you decided you wanted to run away?"
"You'd better go see what he feeds your daughter with," Anjali grumbled and walked past her, out of the room.
Shilpa stared, dumbfounded. "Exhausting people," she muttered under breath and walked out after Anjali.
part 19
When she got at the bottom of the stairs, Shilpa saw Anjali standing beside the kitchen wall, looking as if she was listening to something. Seeing her coming, Anjali put the finger to her mouth, making her a sign to stay quiet. Shilpa came by her side and listened.
Armaan strapped Baby Shona in her carrycot and left her crying, while he prepared her bottle.
"Oh come on," he said softly, taking her back into his arms. "You can handle the hunger a little bit, don't you?" Shona had her answer as she threw her tiny fists in the air. "What has Anjali talked to you about? Food?" Armaan muttered with a sigh and took the bottle out of the microwave. Baby Shona had many bottles for milk and therefore, many colors to her bottles. This time, he hadn't prepared more milk formulas for her. He had prepared just one and purposely made it in a pink bottle. "Look," he said, showing her the bottle. "I know you can't distinguish colors, but this bottle is color pink. Pink is a color for girls. Every girl loves pink. Your room is pink and you have many pink toys. You like pink because you're a girl, so you like this bottle and you are going to eat all the milk from it because it's pink."
Baby Shona screamed and her tiny fist hit Armaan's hand. She opened her fist and stretched for the bottle.
"Are you going to eat it, right?" Armaan asked her, still showing her the bottle.
Shona screamed and asked for her meal.
Armaan smiled smugly down at her when she gone quiet and started sucking. She still held a frown on her tiny forehead as she looked at Armaan and ate from her milk. Armaan chuckled quietly and leaned down, kissing her. As he looked up, he saw the two women staring at him.
"I made her eat," he smirked at Shilpa.
"You starved her," Shilpa giggled and walked over to them. "Waving the bottle in front of her eyes is something we always do; just that we usually do it with more bottles."
"That's not true," Armaan frowned. "She likes the pink bottle. This is the secret."
"Because she's a girl," Shilpa rolled her eyes sarcastically.
Armaan laughed and shook his head as he looked down at Shona, "You get no privacy in here."
Shona let out a weep and threw her hand in the air, not letting him disturb her meal. Armaan laughed and held her hand gently in his. "Why are you still hovering around here?" he asked, glaring at Anjali.
Anjali shrugged her shoulders, "This looks like a good place to hover."
Shilpa pulled a chair next to Armaan's and looked up at Anjali, "Aren't you going to call Grewal?" she asked her.
All three of them started as a phone rang right in that moment. Everyone looked panicked at each other as if each of them were guilt of the broken wedding. The phone kept ringing and they kept staring. Armaan and Anjali looked at Shilpa.
"I am not answering," she said.
"It's your house," Anjali pointed out.
Shilpa gasped and quickly looked at Armaan, "But that's your phone. You answer."
"I am feeding the baby," Armaan retorted, unwilling of answering the phone as he was almost sure that it was Grewal who was calling.
Shilpa outstretched her arms towards the baby, but Armaan pulled away. "Armaan," Shilpa scolded.
"You said this was your business," Anjali remembered. "You're his best man."
"So? You are his fianc, the woman who supposedly communicates with him," Armaan glared at the two women, both of them responsible of the present situation but neither of them having the courage to face it.
"Men are cowards," Anjali grumbled.
Armaan opened his mouth, gasping, and laughed bitterly. "I am a coward? Then what are you?"
Anjali stayed quiet for a moment and then she shrugged her shoulders, "I am a sincere person."
"Then go be sincere to Grewal too," Shilpa urged her, already tired of this.
"Whose side are you on?" Anjali frowned at her new best friend.
"I am on the side of my baby daughter, who at the moment is eating and later she would like a nice and quiet nap," she retorted, glaring.
"I was sincere to Grewal," Anjali stated. "I would have walked down to the aisle if I wasn't."
"You will have to face him at some point," Armaan said.
"Not today," Anjali replied.
"You're scared," wasn't a question; was a conclusion coming from Shilpa.
"Me?" Anjali raised her brows, offended. "Why would I be scared?" Shilpa and Armaan looked at each other and smiled. "I am not scared," Anjali said with a hiss.
The phone had stopped, but started ringing again. This time, Armaan held out his hand, "Give me the phone."
Shilpa quickly stood up and ran out of the kitchen to go bring him the phone. She put it in his hand and went to stay next to Anjali. Anjali took her by her arm and half hid behind her, while Shilpa was nervously biting her lip.
Armaan looked at them and smiled, shaking his head; they were looking like two little girls waiting for the harsh punishment of their father. He flipped open the phone and answered, "Armaan Malik."
"Malik," Grewal's panicked voice sounded through the phone loud and clear enough for Anjali and Shilpa to hear it from the place they were. "Did you find anything about Shilpa?" he asked him. "I still couldn't reach Anjali. I am going to call to the police."
Armaan hardly swallowed the lump in his throat, "She's here," he answered quietly.
"Who?"
"Shilpa and Anjali; they're both here… at Shilpa's house," Armaan mumbled.
There was a brief silence coming from Grewal, probably processing. "Anjali is there? What is she doing there? Why is she over your girlfriend's house?"
Armaan opened his mouth to answer, but no sound came out as he had no explanation. He stared at the two women and managed to speak, "She got cold feet."
Anjali quietly gasped and whispered, "I have warm feet!"
Armaan rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I have no explanation to give you. She's the one who should explain you the whole situation."
"Put her on the phone," Grewal asked calmly.
Anjali heard that and desperately shook her head.
"She's…. feeding the baby," Armaan lied and sighed quietly so that Grewal wouldn't hear him.
Grewal let out a loud sigh. "I guess I won't be seeing her today."
"I don't know," Armaan sighed too and shook his head, glaring at Anjali in the same time.
Another silence followed, this time more awkward, "How is the baby?" he asked him.
"She's fine," Armaan answered. "She didn't notice our absence."
"She didn't have time to," Grewal added sarcastically and sighed again. "I will talk to you later, I guess."
"I am sorry," Armaan apologized sincerely.
"Me too," Grewal answered and shortly the line went dead. Armaan put the phone on the table and took the bottle as Shona spitted it out. "When are you going to talk to him?" he asked Anjali while he helped Shona burp.
Anjali looked away and then at Shilpa, "Can I sleep over tonight?"
Shilpa didn't know what answer to give her; she looked at Armaan and Armaan just shrugged. He seemed to be getting used to the situation. "I have a guest room," Shilpa muttered. "It's not neat but it is clean."
"That will do," Anjali agreed. "Any alcohol?" she asked in whisper. Shilpa glared at her and glanced towards Shona. "Milk is good too."
"Let me show you the room," Shilpa groaned and grabbed her by the elbow as she pulled her out of the kitchen.
Armaan cradled Shona into his arms, slowly rocking her, and smiled down at her. "Women are complicated. They never know what they really want," he said, starting talking to her. Shona had her blue eyes wide open as she stared at him. "You are going to become a woman too, but please try to be wiser and less complicated. Never do what this lunatic has just done; don't cancel your wedding a few minutes before its start," he smiled down at her and kissed her on the forehead. "I wonder what kind of woman you will be."
Shona frowned and wept once.
Armaan chuckled and kissed her again. "A great woman, I am sure."
Shona giggled and stuffed her fingers into her mouth, happily playing with her other hand in the air. Armaan held her hand and Baby Shona took a strong grip on his finger.
For the rest of the day, Anjali stayed in her room and read from one of Muskaan' books, while Shilpa and Armaan stayed busy with the baby, giving her a bath and playing with her.
Shona giggled as she sucked from her pink bottle and started chocking.
"Armaan," Shilpa snapped at him while she lifted Shona and put her on her shoulder to pat her on the back. "Stop making faces at her while she eats!"
Armaan looked worried at Shona's coughs and gently caressed her back. "Sorry, Baby Shona."
Baby Shona quickly calmed down, so Shilpa gave her the bottle again.
"Maybe we'll play more later if you are not asleep," Armaan told Shona as he stood up. "I am going to take a bath," he kissed the top of Shilpa's head and turned to walk out of the room.
Holding Shona into her arms and feeding her, Shilpa watched Armaan leaving and kept watching the door moments longer after he left. She sighed and looked down at Shona. "I wish he was your real Daddy."
Shona spit out the bottle as she ate enough, so Shilpa put the bottle aside and helped her burp. She held her to her chest, gently caressing her back and breathing in her scent. "You'll meet your Daddy one day and he will see you for the first time," she muttered.
Shilpa lay on her back and put Shona on her stomach, holding her upright, "Mommy has done some stupid things. You haven't even heard this word until now, have you?" Shona smiled and stuffed her fingers into her mouth. Shilpa sighed and smiled at her baby. "You don't know what a Daddy is. A Daddy is…." She wanted to explain, but she didn't know which word to use. "Like Armaan," she added quietly. Shilpa sighed again and laid the baby on her chest. "Armaan is like a Daddy," she muttered, while Shona started sucking her thumb, watching her Mommy with curious blue eyes. Shilpa looked at her and smiled, "We like Armaan, don't we?" As she asked that, Shona's eyes looked at the door, the place where she had last seen Armaan. Shilpa giggled and kissed her daughter on the forehead. "Yes, that Armaan. We like him more than a lot, but… he's His best friend… or former best friend and he's… honorable. What if he wants to do the right thing because of his friend?" Shilpa wrapped her arms around her daughter's tiny body as she tried not to believe that thought. She closed her eyes and held back the tears that threatened to well up her eyes. "When you will grow up, make sure that you find a man like Armaan and marry him first before you have a baby," she told her. "We'll see," she sighed then. "No matter what will happen, we'll always have each other," she smiled at her baby and a tear escaped from her eyes. She wiped it quickly and kissed her daughter. Shona let out a yawn and ran her fist over her Mommy's stained cheek. Shilpa kissed her again and hugged her a little tighter.
When Armaan returned in the bedroom, Shilpa was already in bed, reading a book. She smiled at him as she saw him walking in and put the book aside on the nightstand.
"She went to bed already?" Armaan asked, joining Shilpa in bed.
Shilpa lay down and waited for him to lay with her so that she would nestle beside him. "She stayed awake almost the whole afternoon."
Armaan took Shilpa into his arms and stroked her cheek as he softly kissed her lips. Shilpa didn't want to share her thoughts with Armaan but a sigh betrayed her and Armaan knew something was going on with her.
"What is it?" he asked her.
Shilpa smiled and stayed quiet for a moment. She shrugged then. "Everything is ok."
"Shilpa," Armaan looked at her and smiled knowingly.
"It's silly and… we'll see," she smiled again and this time, she rolled over and let Armaan spoon her.
"We'll see what?" Armaan asked.
Shilpa took his hand, their fingers intertwined, and she hid hand under her stomach. "I caught the bouquet today," she giggled.
"What?" Armaan chuckled, confused.
"Anjali brought her bouquet with her and she left it in the living room. My living room."
Armaan laughed and stood up, leaning in and kissing her, "That's a good sign. I guess."
With his arms around her and his breath against her shoulder, Shilpa drifted to sleep.
part 20
Shilpa had a smile playing on her lips as she started waking up, though she couldn't remember what she had dreamed. It was the warm sensation of having Armaan's body tightly pressed against hers and his strong arms covering her that made her smile all the time. She closed her eyes again and listened to his calm breathing. She had so many questions and doubts, but she was determined to push them in the back of her mind that morning.
Armaan moaned as he started waking up as well. Her quiet breathing let him know she wasn't sleeping any longer. He stood up and leaned to her, kissing her on the cheek. "You could have made the coffee if you woke up first," he chuckled.
Shilpa giggled and elbowed him. She rolled onto her back, still smiling.
"Hey," he smiled and dropped a kiss on her lips.
"Hey," she smiled.
Armaan noticed the smile on her lips, "Nice dream?"
Shilpa giggled and shrugged, "Probably."
"It's good to see you smiling. Usually you're cranky in the morning," Armaan stated with a teasing chuckle. "Like mother, like daughter."
Shilpa childishly sniffed and looked away.
Armaan laughed at her. "I noticed a thing," he said and had Shilpa's attention again. "You both sigh in your sleep. Sometimes you snore too, but I haven't heard Shona snoring yet."
"I do not snore," Shilpa frowned.
"Not always," Armaan contradicted her.
"Ever," she retorted.
"Only sometimes," Armaan chuckled and kissed her lips before she could retort.
"Shut up," Shilpa elbowed him again, glaring. "I can see you're in a good mood. Does this mean you won't bug me anymore with Grewal's broken wedding?"
Armaan just smiled this time. "He won't say anything to you. I still think you should have talked to her and convince her to let Grewal know before she left."
Shilpa sighed. "I guess I could have tried that."
"But your mind was to your baby," Armaan added knowingly.
Shilpa let out another sigh and gave him a worried look. "What am I going to do next week? I start the work and I have no one to stay with her? Besides, how will she stay away from me for so long?"
"She or you?" Armaan chuckled. "Maybe Mrs. Andrea will want to help you. Until you find a nanny."
Shilpa was already shaking her head, "She said she couldn't stay every day with her."
"I hate to say this…"
"Then don't," Shilpa frowned.
"You should have called Mrs. Shah," Armaan continued.
"I should have done this, I should have done that, but I didn't do anything, so now I need a solution. Now I should do something," she spat.
Armaan hated he had ruined Shilpa's good mood. "Ok, I didn't mean to upset you," he said and let out a sigh as he ran his fingers through her hair. "We'll find a solution."
He always knew what to say to change her mood, either good or bad. In the same time, there it was, 'We will'. This much Armaan was involved in her life and her daughter's that now, neither of them could imagine how it would be without each other.
Shilpa sighed and let out all the worries and questions aside, again. Their time would come. She rolled into his arms and climbed on top of him, propping her chin on his chest and mumbling, "I am a lousy organizer and not just that, sometimes I do really stupid things."
Armaan stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head, "Nobody's perfect," he muttered, mostly talking to himself. As he looked down, he met her stare. "What?"
"You're kind of perfect," she said.
Armaan laughed and rolled over, flipping her onto her back. "Nobody's perfect."
"Why are you here with me and Shona?" she finally asked.
Armaan looked at her, a little confused, "Why am I here with you? As in this bed and this bedroom?"
"No," she shook her head, "As in, here in our life?"
Armaan had a suspicion of why she was asking that, "I met you because of fate, I guess. I am here with you and Shona because I didn't have any friend and back then, I considered why wouldn't I be friend with you since we had met in such odd circumstances."
"So you are here as a friend," she concluded quietly.
Armaan chuckled and shook his head, disapproving her presumption, "I am here as more than just a friend and I already told you that. I am sure what your next question will be. I fell in love with you the night we brought you at the hospital," he paused for a moment and smiled. "Actually, I first fell in love with Shona. I admit it. You can't blame me for it," Shilpa giggled and blushed slightly at his words. "Then, slowly I walked into your life and everything changed. I didn't stop feeling this way, not even when you told me about Rohan. I tried to, but I couldn't. It's because of the way you are. You are very clumsy when you are in kitchen, you are not a very neat person and very careful with the way you look, but despite all these, you are a strong, smart woman, who wants the best for her child." His words had flown out so smoothly and naturally that he hardly could breathe at the end. He chuckled and ran his fingers through her hair. "I am not here because of Rohan," he said, in a more serious manner now. "I thought I had reassured you of this."
Shilpa stayed quiet and just smiled, weakly. She rolled off and lay on her back, "It's just… I've never considered myself lucky. I never believed in luck, actually. I thought that if you wanted to succeed, you needed work, not luck."
"Most of the times, luck interferes too," he said. "You didn't work… actually you did, but… you didn't work purposely to have Shona and now you have her and you consider yourself lucky because of this," Armaan pointed out and looked at her, waiting for her to agree with him.
Shilpa smiled and nodded, "I am."
"I just want you to know that I am here because I want to and because it makes me happy to be here," he said. "I am still not asking you to say anything back. Not yet."
Shilpa just turned her head and looked at him, smiling. This is why she found it hard to believe it. How lucky was she? Were out there, women this lucky like her? She still found it hard to believe.
In that moment, Shona started weeping, letting them know she was awake.
"I am going," Shilpa said and threw the quilt off her.
Armaan nodded, getting off the bed in the same time with her, "I will go take a shower then."
Shilpa walked into her daughter's room and turned the lights on as the weather outside was very cloudy and rainy. It weren't often the mornings when Shilpa went to Shona's crib and found her smiling.
"We're having a good morning, aren't we?" Shilpa giggled as she picked her up.
Baby Shona sleepily put her head down on Shilpa's shoulder and started sucking her thumb.
"Is your mood in contrast with the weather outside?" Shilpa giggled as she walked over to the window and watched the rain.
Baby Shona turned her head and looked out the window as well. There wasn't anything interesting for her to see, so she let out a weep and frowned at her mommy.
"You're cheerful, but not in the mood for daydreaming," Shilpa sighed and carried her outside.
In kitchen, Anjali sat in front of the coffee machine, reading the newspaper while waiting for the coffee to be ready.
"I thought I could make myself useful," she said when she saw Shilpa and Shona.
Shilpa sarcastically looked at the table, "I can't see the breakfast."
"I don't cook," Anjali replied sharply. "But I can hold the bug," she said, still reading from the newspaper.
"The bug?" Shilpa asked, confused, and understood when Anjali looked at Shona. "Oh," she giggled. "You two have become friends already?"
Anjali rolled her eyes, "That is part from me being useful as gratitude for the shelter you offered me over night."
"At least you're not accusing me of anything anymore," Shilpa sighed.
Anjali just shrugged and stood up when the coffee pot filled with liquid. She took two mugs out of the cupboard and filled them.
"Armaan might like some too," Shilpa said and bit her lip, muffling the giggle.
"Sure," Anjali grumbled and took out another mug. She took a sip from hers and then came over to Shilpa, taking Shona from her.
Baby Shona stared at her for a moment and then at Mommy. Besides her Mommy and Armaan, nobody else held her in the morning. She looked back at Anjali and stared at her, looking as if she was thinking if she liked her or not. She let her carry her to the table and watched how Anjali spread the newspaper over the table.
"Over here," Anjali told Shona, "Is the real world. People earn money, people lose money; other people get killed, others are born. They talk politics and they say what's best for us."
Shilpa kept staring at them as Anjali talked to Shona, surprised to see how calm she was sitting in her arms and how interested she looked in what Anjali was saying. Shilpa shrugged and started preparing the milk for Shona.
"You're kidding, right?" Anjali asked her, raising her brows, when she saw Shilpa preparing the milk in the pink bottle that Armaan had talked to Shona about.
Shilpa giggled and shrugged, "She's in a good mood and I am not willing to ruining it."
"But you don't believe she understood a word from what he had told her," Anjali checked suspiciously.
Shilpa adopted an offended posture, "Of course I don't," she grumbled, but something from her embarrassment betrayed her.
Anjali shook her head as she looked at Shona, "I feel for you."
"Shut up," Shilpa hissed and came to take the baby from Anjali. "You are two are not allowed to be friends anymore."
"Now that's a very cruel thing to do to your child," Anjali said with a teasing chuckle.
"Sure," Shilpa rolled her eyes and sat down at the table, giving the bottle to her daughter, while Anjali returned to the newspaper.
That's how Armaan found them a few minutes later when he walked into the kitchen, "I smell coffee, but I can't smell the bacon and the eggs," he chuckled teasingly and walked over to Shilpa. He crouched down beside her chair and kissed Shona's head. "Let me feed her," he asked Shilpa.
"Armaan, you know she doesn't like to be bothered when she eats," Shilpa smiled down at him. "Make some bacon and eggs and then you can feel their smell," she laughed.
Armaan smiled at her and then at Shona, "She can be very bossy sometimes," he chuckled.
"She has too," Anjali cut in. "When she sees you moping around her house."
Armaan let out an annoyed groan, "And what are you still doing here?"
"Waiting for your famous bacon and eggs," Anjali answered with a smirk.
Armaan didn't reply to that and he just stood up. He took out of the refrigerator everything he needed for the breakfast and brought them on the table. "Why don't you give a try and call Mrs. Shah?" he asked Shilpa.
"After nearly two weeks? It's too embarrassing," Shilpa sighed. "I should have called her days later, not weeks later."
"Who is this Shah?" Anjali asked. "I saw her phone number posted on your refrigerator."
"Already friend with her refrigerator?" Armaan asked her sarcastically.
Anjali completely ignored his comment.
"She's one of the women who came for the Nanny job," Shilpa answered. "She has a very good record. She worked as nurse at Sanjeevani."
"Then why isn't she hired yet?" Anjali asked.
Shilpa bit her lip as she glanced at Armaan. Armaan chuckled and shook his head, "You don't want to know."
"That's her phone number, right?" Anjali pointed towards the post it from the refrigerator and Shilpa nodded. "You should still call her. I am sure someone hired her already, but maybe she doesn't like the family and she will be more than happy that you called her."
"That sounds encouraging, but what if she is happy with the family that hired her?" Shilpa asked, still skeptical.
"Shilpa is right," Armaan cut in.
Anjali rolled her eyes and propped her hands on the table as she stood up, "Some people are just not meant to be parents," she muttered under her breath as she walked to the refrigerator and ripped the post it off it. She took the phone and returned to the table.
"What are you doing?" Shilpa asked in disbelief as she saw her dialing the phone number from the paper.
"Let her try," Armaan muttered, staring at Anjali with the same disbelief as Shilpa.
"Hello," a woman answered at the other end of the line.
"Hi. My name is Anjali Joshi and I would like to talk to Mrs. Shah if that's possible," she spoke politely. "I know it's still very early and not a proper hour to call, but this a serious matter."
"I am Mrs. Shah," the woman answered, sounding a little concerned. "Is something wrong?"
"No. I called you because I am uh… Shilpa's gupta secretary and I just found out that you came a while ago for the Nanny job," Anjali explained.
"That's right," Mrs. Shah answered.
"Unfortunately, Mrs. gupta had a serious flu these days and she also confronted with laryngitis, so everyone's mind was off the Nanny for the little gupta," Anjali continued explaining, keeping her voice soft and also worried, even Armaan and Shilpa were about to believe what she was saying was true.
"I am so sorry to hear that. Is little Shona alright?" Mrs. Shah asked.
That seemed to have caught Anjali off guard a little, "Do you still remember the baby's name?"
Mrs. Shah chuckled, "I am good at memorizing names. Besides, I didn't visit so many families."
"I see. She is ok. Her father took care of her. Anyway, Mrs. gupta regretted she didn't tell you that you had the job before you left that day and she truly hopes that you're still available," Anjali continued.
There was a brief pause coming from Mrs. Shah as if she was considering. "I am still available."
Anjali raised her brow suspiciously and then she looked at Shilpa and mouthed, "Are you sure you still want this one?"
Stunned, Shilpa nodded.
Anjali shrugged and spoke again to Mrs. Shah, "Then could you come over let's say… today?"
"Later today is fine," Mrs. Shah agreed.
"Alright then. Shilpa will be home all day," Anjali said. "Goodbye and thank you so much."
"No reason to thank me," Mrs. Shah said kindly. "Tell Mrs. gupta I will see her later."
Anjali didn't reply to that; she just nodded and hung up.
"I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "Why is she still available if she has such a good record?"
Armaan and Shilpa looked at each other questioningly.
"Maybe she doesn't really need the job. Maybe she wants it because she has too much time in her hands," Armaan said.
Shilpa nodded her head, agreeing with Armaan, "I think she mentioned something about this."
"I can't believe you said all those lies," Armaan chuckled.
"Hey, I found a Nanny for the kid!" Anjali retorted.
"Stop calling her a kid," Shilpa frowned.
"Is she an animal?" Anjali chuckled sarcastically.
Shilpa was about to reply but Armaan sat a plate in front of her and shook his head, "Don't bother," he suggested.
"Ok," Anjali sighed and heavily got up, "I paid for your help so now I have an angry fianc or boyfriend or whatever to deal with."
"Are you seriously going to talk to him?" Shilpa asked.
"Yes," Anjali answered.
"What are you say to him?" she asked.
"Did you see how I solved your problem? I am good at words," Anjali smirked.
"You weren't that good yesterday," Armaan replied sarcastically and smirked at her glare. "How about breakfast?"
Anjali turned before she walked out the kitchen, "I bet is bitter just like you."
"Ouch," Armaan winced, laughing. "That hurt. I am sweeter than you."
Anjali ignored him and looked at Shilpa, "You can keep the wedding dress. I will bring you the clothes some other time."
"I don't want your bad juju," Shilpa frowned.
Anjali was about to leave, but Shilpa stopped her. She looked at Shilpa and then at Armaan as she spoke, "Can he afford to buy you a wedding dress?"
"Yes, I can," Armaan spat.
"Ok then. I will take the dress," Anjali said and disappeared.
"Tell me when you need a wedding dress," Armaan laughed at Shilpa and Shilpa looked down at her baby, smiling embarrassed. "I can't believe she called the Nanny."
"I can't believe she was born," Armaan muttered and turned to his breakfast.
Edited by ABNER - 15 years ago
Cricket
9