~ArSh FF~ |Written In The Stars| *Note-Pg50* - Page 28

the next update will be up tonight. [=

Rida, thank you. <3 OMFG, I love you babe. Don't say sorry!! That was a brilliant comment you gave me - one of the best compliments of my life! Thank you. <3

i apologise for no arsh here. there will be arsh in the next update, though. 😊

~~ Chapter 14 - Don't Say Alvida ~~

He walked her all the way back home. When they reached the door, he turned her around to kiss her goodbye once again when her dad opened the door.

''Shilpa, say goodbye to Mr. Mallik.'' He turned briefly. ''Armaan, go home. The night's over.''

''Goodnight.'' He sighed and looked at her.

''Goodnight, Armaan.''

When he was gone, Shashank turned to Shilpa, his tone demanding. ''Shilpa, your behaviour is sinful..'' A pause. ''You were acting with that boy like you were-''

''In love.''

''Shilpa, you are a child.''

''Dad, look at me. I'm not a child.''

''And, stop acting childish.''

She looked at him, blinking back her tears. ''I love him.''

''Then, be fair on him, Shilpa. Before things get worse.''

**

That night, her condition got really worse. She had a fever running high, her face burned and her body trembled. She hid herself in her blanket, trying to warm her fingers and toes unsuccessfully, until she had to call dad for help. He was so anxious that he stammered whenever he spoke. She lay down with an ice pack on her forehead, her mind spinning.

Her time was probably up. How much time was remaining? Should she start counting in months, weeks, or even days?

After about half an hour, everything was fine. She sat up on her bed, taking mouthfuls of air.

''I'm sorry, Shilpa..I'm s-sorry. I didn't-I shouldn't have shouted at you like that. Shilpa, look at me.''

''Dad-''

''Are you planning to tell him anytime soon, Shilpa?''

She closed her eyes. Telling Armaan about it was her nightmare. His love for her would change. The way he looked at her would change. She would no longer be the same.

''No.''

''But he'll need to know soon-''

''No, dad.'' A pause. ''Things will change too much if I do.''

''I understand.'' He whispered. ''But, after all, he'll find out one day, and it'd be best if you are the one who told him.''

She nodded.

''So, how was the date?''

A blush crept up her cheeks. ''Nothing much.''

''You can tell me, Shilpa.'' He smiled faintly.

''Dad-''

''Please.''

''Fine.'' She covered her face with a pillow as she whispered. ''He told me he loves me.''

He laughed softly. ''Shilpa, look at me?''

''No, dad.'' She looked away, her face curved into a grin.

''Do what you want, but I'll say what I will. What I said outside, I was lying. I was scared..for you. And, for him. I saw the extent to which he loves you when he asked me if he could go out with you. Not everyone does that. I'm happy for you. You're growing up, and love is a part of it. Love is a part of you, be it my love or his love for you. Love does not die with time.''

''Too philosophical.'' She retorted, pulling the pillow away. But, from the inside, she wanted to believe that his words were true.

He continued. ''Love like this, Shilpa, is a great experience. It doesn't stop at death. But you need to know, honey.'' He paused. ''Honey, dying means letting go.''

Tears rushed down her cheeks. ''Why, dad?'' She demanded. ''Why me? I just found Armaan, I'm the only one you have..'' She pressed her face into her knees, trying to press the tears away.

A hand moved forward to caress her head. A long time, they sat there. She thought about Armaan and how he had told her he loves her. She loved him. But, he could not love her.

She should be selfless, right? He should find true, lasting love. She should leave him, she should be fair to him. ''Dad?''

''Yes?'' He murmured, his voice hoarse.

She wanted to tell him, she wanted to leave Armaan, she needed to leave Armaan. But, saying it meant that she had to do it, and she couldn't..yet.

''Nothing.''

''Shilpa.'' He moved, facing me. ''I want you to be perfectly honest with me.'' A pause. ''How is your condition now? Is it getting worse?''

I stiffened. I couldn't lie to him.

''Try putting yourself in my shoes, Shilpa. When your daughter tries to keep the truth from you..'' His voice trailed off.

''I just couldn't bear to see you cry like this, dad.'' She wiped a tear off his cheek.

''Shilpa. It will be difficult for both of us, but that does not mean we can't steer past it.'' A pause. ''Life without you will surely be incomplete. But that does not mean that the day will not come if we hide. The day your mom passed away, it was worse than the moment when I learned about your condition. I knew that even if you'd die, I would have the time to love you. I was given time to prepare for it. We all die one day. Besides, Shilpa, I've been through worse. When your mother left us, it was too sudden. Yesterday, we were still having dinner together. I'd never thought that I'd lose her so soon. It's like..'' He stopped. She stepped forward to hold him. She wanted to speak but she didn't know what to say.

''This is why, Shilpa, I want you to tell Armaan. Because if he loses someone he truly loves suddenly..he'd be like me. Such pain is..timeless. I never got over it. Even till today, Shilpa. I had you to remind me of her.. but what does Armaan have?''

''I'll think of a way to tell him.''

''That's my girl.'' He murmered.

Leaving Armaan was the last thing she would wish for, but if it was necessary, she would do it.

Leaving him away could cast away all that unnecessary pain. Leaving him would give him the chance to start afresh before falling too deep. Leaving him would give him more time to find love instead of wasting his effort on me.

But, leaving him would give him no memory of me.

He would need something, something to remind me of our love we shared once. She had nothing left to give him but memories and grief.

Leaving him was necessary.

superb update, loved how you showed Shashank's real feelings, the part was beautiful, please do continue soon!

Wow... so SAD !! I didn't expect that.

nice part. update soon

Oh vod Akanksha!

I was so excited when I saw ur PM i was like YESHH!!

But the uldate so saddd!! I wonder what hapenned to Shilpa??? This renders back to ur beginning phrase about how we will cry in the endd??

hey ...a very emotional part... but the best n needed one ... how things happen naa ... i waz just things god's ways... anywaz pls continue soon ... thanks for pm...take care ...love aish...

that was a really sad and touching part!