Chapter 151

Part 29 :


Shilpa took her fathers hand staring at him while he lay attached to the machines with a lifeless body.. A tear rolled down from her eyes seeing such a bad condition of her father , someone she have always loved dearly..
Shilpa : Papa plzz get better for me..
Muskaan stood beside Shilpa and put a hand feeling bad for her.. Shilpa gave a nod clearing her tears and stood up when she felt a tug on her hand.. Surprised she looked back to see Shashank who opened his eyes and passed a weak smile..
Shashank : Shilpa.. You are back..
Shilpa : Papa.. How are you feeling now.. ?
Shashank gave a nod and looked at Muskaan..
Shashank : Dr.Muskaan could you give me sometime alone with my daughter.. I would like to have a word with her..
Muskaan smiled shaking her head.. With a sigh she walked out of the door where the gang set in the bench with worried looks.. As Armaan noticed Muskaan he came towards her..
Armaan : How is his condition now..
Muskaan : I have to say he is still critical Dr. Armaan.. And Shilpa is still crying..
He looked away feeling uneasy while Atul moved towards him giving a pat..
Atul : Dont worry Armaan.. He will be fine...
Anjali : And ya dont worry about Shilpa.. We are all here for her she will be fine too..
Armaan passed a hot running a hand on his jaw..
Armaan : Guys i will wait here for sometime.. Go back and join in your duties..
Rahul : Bro are you sure.. We can wait if you want..
Armaan : Am here Dr. Rahul i monitor his condition everyone proceed back to your duties..
Giving a nod they all left to their duties.. Armaan glanced at ICU and walked towards it seeing Shilpa who set beside Shashank talking to him.. His heart was in unease since he got to see the sullen look on her face.. Their wasnt a single smile on her face since she got to know about her dad's sudden critical condition.. Armaan felt helpless.. Being trapped in such a difficult situation he didint knew how to show his support to her.. Through out journey back to India she kept crying silently.. And it pained his heart seeing her cry everytime.. But still he couldnt gather himself to console her in a better way..
Getting a one last look of her he walked away from ICU making his way to the Fire escape...

Shashank ran a hand in her forehead trying to give a smile to her..
Shilpa : Papa Plzz you need rest..
Shashank : Yes that i do need.. But before that i need to do some important talks with you Shilpa.. Then i shall rest in peace forever..
She started to cry hearing the sadness in his voice..
Shilpa : Papa plzz.. dont say like that.. Nothing is happening to you.. What will i do without you..
He laughed looking at her in tears..
Shashank : What you mean you dont know.. Be with you husband.. Love him like a good wife and have a happy life..
Shilpa : But Papa.. I love you So much.. I cant even think of being without you..
Shashank : Oh my Princess.. You had to be a strong day the day you left me getting married.. And now also you have to be strong.. I am not in great condition Shilpa.. Maybe your mother is calling me..
She cried bitterly placing her head on his chest.. Shashank smiled and caressed her head with small pats..
Shashank : Always Remember i love you and i am watching over you.. Try to live a happy life with Armaan.. The boy is really trying hard just give him one chance.. Always remember my words my princess..
Finally her tears controlled after a long time.. She glanced up at Shashank who lay on the bed with his eyes closed..
Shilpa : Papa.. ?
She gave a light nudge to him but he didint wake.. With a thudding heart she got up from her seat shaking him Helplessly..
Shilpa : WAKE UP PAPA.. !! Plzz dont do this to me Plzz Papa..
Muskaan rushed inside hearing shouts of Shilpa.. She moved towards Shashank checking over him instantly.. Anjali and Atul followed , Atul moved towards Muskaan while Anjali held Shilpa who kept crying badly.. Atul kept instructing Muskaan when he noticed Rahul walking inside in a quick pace..
Atul : Rahul Go and call Armaan FAST.. !!
Rahul gave a nod and ran out of the room while Atul took over the situation..
Within the tensed atmosphere suddenly Armaan walked inside but a halt came to his steps as he heard Atul speak in a shaken voice..
Atul : He is.. He is no more.. He is dead..
He felt his mind reel while within the room Armaan heard Shilpa cry out loud in pain.. As he moved forward he stared down at Shashank's lifeless body not able to believe his eyes.. Everything felt blur around him while his gaze was stick on Shashank who was laying there in peace.. The pain rose in his heart as he remembered about his own Father's death.. It felt the same again.. It felt like history was repeated back again.. And adding to grief her sobs kept ringing in his head while he stood motionless..

Shilpa tried to move towards her dad but Muskaan and Anjali moved forward stopping her.. Rahul and Atul stood still not able to believe the reality.. Seeing Shilpa in pain made them feel bad for her.. Shilpa moved away from them shaking her head when she felt her collide with someone.. She glanced back to see Armaan who glanced at her with a hurt look.. Not able to control her tears she broke into painful tears infront of him sliding down while holding his legs...
Shilpa : Armaan.. Plzzz.. Plzz get back Papa.. Plzz..
He clenched his fist and painful memories rang back in her mind.. The same way he begged years ago at his father's loss.. The same painful words which made his heartbreak into pieces..
Atul noticed the terrified look on Armaan's face and instantly realized what was running in his mind.. He directed Anjali to take away Shilpa back to home.. Anjali gave a nod and pulled back Shilpa hugging her while moving out of the room.. Armaan closed his eyes in pain while Atul placed his hand on his shoulder truly understanding his pain..

He set in the dim light on of Fire escape staring down at the space.. Shashank's death , Her cries , Her painful words , memories of his bitter past kept running in his mind non stop.. He leaned back to the wall feeling a sudden unease rise in his heart.. This wasnt something he was ready to face.. Not something he expected to see when suddenly he felt his life was on a steady pace..
Suddenly the incidents of today rushed back in his mind.. Her faint cries and her pleads had made his heartbreak.. A part of him was yearning to go back and hold her in his arms.. But he couldnt pull up himself to face her.. Not in this situation.. Specially when she was in such a bad circumstances.. Something wet touch his fingers as he glanced at his hand surprised.. He touched his cheek realizing he was crying.. The pain grew in his heart and he closed his eyes as more tears welled up with the realization.. Armaan Mallik was finally Hopelessly fallen in Love...

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Precap :

Armaan : Anjie can you go and have a look on Shilpa..She has been crying again..
Atul noticed the hesitation on Armaan's face and realized it was the best moment to make him understand..
Atul : Armaan why dont you come with me i need to have a talk with you..

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Armaan shares his Feelings with Atul and Rahul..

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Part 30 :

He stared down at her while she slept soundly.. 3 Days passed since the death of her father still she was in a miserable state.. He glanced down at her face and noticed how worn out and weak she had become.. It was hard for him to see her in such a bad state.. It bothered him when she set on bed all time crying hardly having anything to eat or drink.. Making it more hard for him hardly she thought of taking rest of sleep.. And he felt guilty and coward that he was not able to share out her pain with her..
He came out of his thoughts as she opened her eyes and glanced at him.. He didint realize for how long she had been staring at him.. As he properly glanced down in her eyes he regretted the very next moment.. Clutching his arm she started to cry silently hiding her face.. He hissed in frustration and waited until she stopped her crying.. As he felt her sobs get low he moved up sitting on the bed looking at her uncertainly.. Trying to pull of awkwardness he took the glass of water..
Armaan : Here take some water..
She took the glass without any protest.. He hated to see the sudden silence in her behavior.. It bothered him that she was no longer happy..
His frustration grew as he tried to figure out a way to clear out everything.. He turned away from her staring down on her space when he felt her move close to him , hugging him from behind while her cries started again..
Feeling stressed he moved away from her getting up from bed putting over his shirt in distress.. Hesitantly he glanced back at Shilpa who looked away upset , it formed a ting of guilt in his heart as he walked out of the room..

Anjali opened her door to see Armaan who stood with a grim look on his face..
Armaan : Anjie can you go and have a look on Shilpa..She has been crying again..
Atul noticed the hesitation on Armaan's face and realized it was the best moment to make him understand..
Anjali : Ya i will go and have a check on her now..
Atul : Armaan why dont you come with me i need to have a talk with you..
Armaan and Atul walked inside the kitchen softly talking when they noticed Rahul sneaking inside the fridge..
Armaan : What the hell are you doing at this time Rahul ?
Rahul quickly straighten up picking up a soda..
Rahul : I was feeling thirsty..
Armaan : Thirsty .. ? At this time.. ?
Atul : You both can argue later.. Right now we are going to discuss about Armaan's problem..
Armaan takes sits up on counter frowning..
Armaan : We are going to talk.. When did Rahul come in between.. Rahul get out.. !!
Rahul : Ohh no no i am not going anywhere.. Am interested to see this talk..
Armaan tried to protest when Atul interrupted smoothly..
Atul : Come on guys stop being kids.. Its about Shilpa's condition on this moment..
That silenced the argument between them.. Armaan ran a hand in his hair feeling helpless..
Armaan : I seriously dont know what to do.. She keeps crying i cant.. I just cant wait and see her crying everyday.. I feel so helpless that i cant do anything..
Rahul : What you mean you dont know.. Come one bro its Simple you have to go and console her..
Armaan glanced at Rahul with hesitation.. Atul noticed the look on his face and understood the very next moment..
Atul : No Rahul .. I know its not Simple for Armaan.. Armaan we all know you have faced so much bad these days.. I just think its high time for you to move on...
Silence stretched among them when Rahul glanced at Armaan..
Rahul : Dont you wish to let it go Bro.. Dont you want to move on..
Armaan : I want to.. I badly want that.. But.. Somethings are there which bother me badly.. I just cant push myself towards her..
Atul : Open up to us whats ur main problems.. Believe me Armaan talking will only help..
Armaan : You guys must remember how we got married.. She wasnt happy.. What i did.. Only i know for how long time i have carried on the guilt.. The guilt of forcing her on to the marriage.. But by spending more time with her the doubts were easily fading off..
Atul : Armaan.. As far as i know I dont think she regrets this marriage.. Take that thought out of your head..Right now she needs you badly man.. You have to keep everything aside.. And console her..
Armaan : Thats what scaring me.. What is stopping me to go near her.. I am scared.. I love her
Rahul : Bro there is nothing wrong in loving a person..
Armaan : I know that.. But i am scared to confess to her.. I am scared to care about her which might make me fall in love with her more.. I am like obsessed with her everytime.. I dont want that to happen.. What if she leaves me like others.. I cant see her leave me..
Atul and Rahul observed the flicker of emotions in his face.. Armaan drew a deep breath suddenly feeling lightened with his confession.. It was nice that everything was out..
Atul : I am understanding what you are saying Armaan.. You have faced so much pain in your life.. Your fear and hesitation is understandable.. Am glad you told me..
Rahul : And yes.. Bro believe me if you give equal love to her and care for her.. She would never ever wish to go away from you.. Yes if you keep ignoring her like this , its going to hurt her badly.. Just think once about it.. Save your relationship to overcome the pain..
None of them talked for a long time.. Armaan closed his eyes shaking his head finally understanding what he had to do..
Armaan : I am in fault.. Understood.. I will correct it..
Atul smiles patting his back..
Armaan : Thank you Atul for talking with me..
Atul : What are friends for.. Anyways man go to bed now..
As Atul left Armaan glanced at Rahul who moved back to fridge.. Shaking his head he moves towards him holding his collar pulling him up..
Rahul : Ouch bro that hurts ok..
Armaan : I had to say something to you..
Before Rahul could utter a word Armaan hugs him patting his back..
Armaan : Thank you little bro.. For always being with me..
Rahul : Anytime.. Now plzz leave from here i gotta rob this fridge..
Armaan tries to argue but gives up shaking his head..

Armaan walks inside the house after ending his work in hospital.. Three more days passed he had tried somehow to bring himself to console her.. But always ended up with hesitation which annoyed him to core.. Armaan walked inside the room loosening his tie when Shilpa got up from bed taking his suitcase..
Shilpa : I will put on dinner...
She avoided looking at him.. But he did notice the pain in her eyes.. This is the perfect moment.. He felt his heart speak loud..
Armaan : Shilpa...
She stopped in midway and glanced at him with misty eyes... Building up some courage he passed a smile offering her his hand..
Armaan : Come here..
She glanced at his hand still hesitating while standing on the same spot..
Armaan : Come on.. Come to me i dont bite..
Slowly she walked towards him when he took her into a tight hug finally letting out all barriers fade away..
She cried hard but he didint stop.. Instead he was glad she was letting out all her pain from her heart.. He kept softly caressing her hair while planting light kisses on her forehead..
As her sobs subsided he set on bed pulling her on his lap.. As she grasped his shoulder he took hold of her chin making her look at him..
Armaan : Its all going to be fine..
She tried to protest but stayed quiet as he kissed her holding her close.. After so many days of pain and sadness suddenly it felt good.. She kissed him back softly when he moved back staring down at her with a determined look..
Armaan : We are going to make this work.. We will make this work..
He waited for her to react.. He expected her to go against his words.. Instead she glanced in his eyes seeking for the love and caring.. Closing her eyes she gave a nod..
Shilpa : Yes.. We will

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Anjali : Are you sure Atul.. You really think we should move out..
Atul : You have to understand it Anjali.. Lets just give them some more privacy.. Why not we move back to the other apartment.. Me you and Rahul..
Anjali : And then what happens ?
Atul : And then They both get sometime to spent alone..

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Part 31 :

Placing the breakfast down Anjali chuckled as she noticed Rahul..
Anjali : Rahul.. Stop swallowing the food like that.. Its not running away..
Rahul : Anjie see i dont have much time.. Not even to eat slow.. You dont know that muskaan..
Anjali took a seat raising her eyebrow..
Anjali : Muskaan.. Aahh wait nowadays why are you so after Muskaan..
Rahul looked away embarrassed..
Rahul : What.. I am just doing duties with her.. Ask her if you dont believe..
Anjali : Ask Muskaan.. I really dont think i should do that cauxe whenever i meet her now she keeps blushing..
Rahul : Uhh how will i know.. Its her problem..
Anjali smiled shaking her head, she glanced at Atul who set eating his breakfast lost in his thoughts..
Anjali : Atul.. Whats wrong.. ?
Atul : Anjali.. I was thinking.. Why not move out..
Rahul choked up his food and starts to laugh...
Rahul : Looks like someone is desperate for a lecture from Hitler Armaan..
Atul : No Rahul.. Am serious about this.. I think we shoud move out even for somedays..
Anjali : Are you sure Atul.. You really think we should move out..
Atul : You have to understand it Anjali.. Lets just give them some more privacy.. Why not we move back to the other apartment.. Me you and Rahul..
Anjali : And then what happens ?
Atul : And then They both get sometime to spent alone..
Rahul : Idea is great.. But you really think bro will let us Go..
Armaan : Not even in your dreams Rahul..
The trio looked up surprise as they noticed Armaan who was leaning to the door frame glaring at them..
Armaan : Non of you are leaving..
Atul walked up to Armaan with a smile..
Atul : Armaan.. Its time you give importance to Shilpa.. We badly think you both need some privacy..
Armaan : But Atul come on.. I have my privacy i am not bothered with you guys..
Atul : Who wish to stay away from you man.. I am just thinking about her condition.. More than us she needs you now.. Privacy is a good way to make the bond stronger..
Armaan listened silently still not happy with the decision.. He tried to protest when Anjali interrupted..
Anjali : And Armaan the farmhouse is just few blocks away from here.. We will be always close right.. Just for few days i think this is a good decision..
Rahul : Come on Bro.. Say yes for Shilpa's sake..
Armaan sighed and gave a nod understanding their words.. As he noticed Rahul grinning his expression changed..
Armaan : YOU.. Dont you think you are gonna escape from me like that.. Atul make sure he stays under your control there..
Rahul got up from his seat frowning..
Rahul : Come on Bro.. Do i look like a 10 year old kid that Atul and Anjie will babysit me..
Armaan : Dude no matter how big you get you are going to be smaller than me.. I will keep my eyes on you..
Rahul : Ya watever.. i am off to Hospital now cya..
As Rahul walked out with Anjali Atul gave a pat on Armaan's shoulder..
Atul : We are leaving to hospital now.. But tell hows Shilpa now ?
Armaan : Much better.. Atleast no crying now.. Still she sits so silent it bothers me..
Atul : Just give her sometime.. Try to make her more happy spend more time with her.. When are you coming for duty..
Armaan : You leave now i will come after sometime..

The house felt more deserted after the trio left.. Armaan missed their presence around the house.. But he understood this was done for a good thinking.. Brushing off his wet hair he got out of the washroom and noticed Shilpa who lay on the bed staring up at the ceiling.. His heart ached whenever he saw her like that , without emotions like a dead.. He got into the bed moving beside her while switching off the light.. For a few minutes they lay there without any talk he hated the rise of awkwardness with each passing day.. Looking down at her he traced her cheeks as she glanced at him blankly..
Armaan : Do you mind if i touch you..
She stared at him for a minute before speaking..
Shilpa : No..
He moved down on her cheeks slowly brushing light kisses.. He traced his lips from her chin down to her neck biting and kissing her trying to evoke feelings buried in her heart.. He moved up to the level of her lips and kissed her with passion and love but again the pain rose as she lay without responding.. As if nothing mattered to her anymore.. Sighing in disappointment he broke the kiss staring down at her..
Armaan : This cant work like this..
Shilpa looked away closing her eyes..
Shilpa : I didint stop you..
Armaan : Yes you didint.. But you think i am happy to see you lying here like a lifeless body..
She glanced at him biting her lips..
Armaan : I cant see you like this.. I dont want to see you like this..
Her eyes welled up as she cried softly..
Shilpa : I am sorry.. I dont meant to..
He hugged her closely rubbing her back..
Armaan : I understand it.. I wont force you on anything until you say willingly..
She sobbed clutching his shirt tightly.. He closed his eyes as he heard her cries which bothered him everytime..
Shilpa : I try to be brave.. I want to.. But i miss him.. He always was there for me..
He hushed her by placing a finger on her lips.. She glanced up at him..
Armaan : You dont owe any explanations to me.. You very well know there aint anyone other than me who understand your pain.. After all we are even now.. Orphans..
She stared at him for a while and cleared her tears.. Hesitating a bit she spoke softly..
Shilpa : Can you plz hold me tightly..
He set up on bed when she held his hand in fear..
Armaan : Just getting rid of this shirt..
He held her close to him in between showering light kisses and murmuring sweet words soothing her..

In the middle of night the noise of phone broke his sleep.. Groaning he set up on bed picking up the call..
Armaan : Whose this..
Rahul : Bro its me..
Armaan : Rahul.. You idiot dont you know humans sleep in this time..
Rahul : How will i know am a vampire right..
Armaan : In the middle of night.. You are calling me to crack jokes.. ?
Rahul : No a serious talk.. Can you get away from her.. I need to tell u something..
Keeping the phone on hold Armaan freed himself from her embrace, brushing a light kiss on her forehead he moved outside..
Armaan : Speak...
Rahul : I have got a great idea which you could use to make Shilpa happy..
Armaan : Couldnt you wait for morning to advise me your lame ideas..
Rahul : Oh yes i couldnt.. Cauxe this idea requires a lot of practice.. Now your interested or not.. Tell me if you are not am cutting the call..
Armaan : Ok fine.. Tell me
Rahul : The first step you need to take.. Try to like that thing..
Armaan : What thing.. ?
Rahul : You know.. THAT thing in your house..
Armaan instantly shook his head as he realized what Rahul was directing at..
Armaan : THAT DOG.. !! Go to hell Rahul..
Rahul : Wait bro come on you have to do it for Shilpa..
As Armaan remained Silent Rahul spoke calmly..
Rahul : You know well how much she loves and adores it.. Try to become friendly type with the dog.. And anyways it wont be hard as the dog already likes you..
Armaan hesitated a bit still not happy with the idea..
Armaan : But Rahul come on.. That dog will smell.. You know how much i hate dogs..
Rahul : Well i do know that but whats wrong in trying.. Maybe she will find a reason to smile and laugh.. Think about it..

He walked back into the room and got beside her into the bed and stared at her for a while thinking over Rahul's plan.. As he thought more about it he realized maybe trying the idea wont be bad at all.. Sighing he traced her cheeks..
Armaan : Hmm for you lets try this even.. Shao pao.. Be ready for Armaan Mallik..

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