Baano entered in a dimly lit theatre hall, curious at why Armaan has called her here.

Okay, its understandable that he is a director but it doesn't mean his whole life should be revolving around shooting set and theatre hall.

And if its really like that then why not he start living in a theatre, eating popcorn for the three meals of a day.

"Armaan... Armaan... are you here?"
Her voice echoed in the hall, reminding her of a horror movie she watched a few days ago. She had to watch ten comedy movies to get over those horrific scenes.

Is Armaan going to kill her? Just like a psycho lover shown in those stupid unreal movies.

No, he won't do that. But the way she ruined his Butter Chicken moment there are possibilities.

Because if it was possible then Armaan would have surely married Butter Chicken. And his children would be Chicken Biryani, Chicken do pyaza, Chicken curry. Why don't he simply changes his name from Armaan Gill to Chicken Gill. Haha!

Switching of spotlight caught her attention. The beams directly fell on a dark figure standing in front of the wide silver screen. His shadow was thrice his size, invading the silver screen, looking like a devil. But his tall frame illuminating in the white light made him look angelic. His face had a graceful smile, not his usual silly grins.

Their eyes collided. Other times their eye contact would be cold, because his feelings weren't reciprocated by her. But at that moment it was showered with warmth, a warmth being poured from her soul to her eyes.

Is it even possible to fell in love with just a mere eye contact? That too with a person whom you considered as a psycho previously.

She was lost in him, but lights turned off and he himself got lost in the darkness. She panicked.

"Armaan!"

However, in the response the wide silver screen suddenly played a scene.

It was her, beating the Sarpanch's son with her Dadi's legendary stick.
It was not just a scene. It was that beautiful moment when she unknowingly stole his heart.
She looked fierce, scary and what not in that scene. She wondered what he liked in her. She clearly knew that the type of girl she is, no guy had enough courage to bear her temper for his whole life.

But obviously Armaan being Armaan had different expectations from his life. And when it comes to courage, he would happily take a selfie with Royal Bengal Tiger itself.

As the screen went black again, spotlight fell on her, making the moon hid away in the envy.

"Baano..." His voice rang amist of this darkness. "I don't know how or why, but when I saw that fierce tigress I knew I fell in love. I know I am weird, but that's the reason I loved you. Because you are different, unique and definitely not a damsel in distress. I never liked those girl who needed a man for support. I always liked those girls who were enough even if alone. You are exactly that. You are enough even if alone. Only you can complete me."

Out of nowhere now he was standing in front of her, looking like the Angel of love. Making her feel like the luckiest girl in the world for having him head over heels for her.

"I love you, Baano."

She kept quite. It was hard to decide how to end what was happening. She wasn't going to say yes. She isn't someone to take decision of her whole life in a haste.

"I know you won't say yes. You don't need to do it either. Take your time. Bye." With that he left.

Disappointed yet satisfied is what she felt when he left.

Disappointed because he did nothing to convince her. Satisfied because he respected her feelings.

At that moment she knew what her answer should be.

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Armaan left Jasbir Uncle's home exactly after he proposed Baano. Without meeting her, he left. Because he didn't wanted to make things awkward between them. And he knew his limits.

Okay, he was weird, but he was a gentleman. Even if Baano refused he would happily move on. Being a perfectionist also means that you understand one refusal don't end the motive of your life.

But it would be a lie if I say her answer didn't mattered to him. He was desperately waiting for her answer.
And finally that moment came after three months.

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Armaan now lived at his annoying Bua's home. Previously he lived in a rental apartment only because he could not tolerate his Pammi Bua's baseless and nonsensical talks.

However recently she lost her husband and she had no child as well, which left her all alone. Being a childless woman she always adored her nieces and nephews like her own kids. So even if she annoyed him with her sugary words, he still decided to live with her.

"Manney Puttar, have some more Ghee. You look so thin, you are not going to eat less than three Paranthas."

Three Paranthas!

Don't expect him to give a shocked expression. He only smiled and kept eating. He would eat day and night if he didn't feared weight gain.

The doorbell rung, Pammi Bua went to open the door. As the door opened a young girl was standing on the doorsteps.

"Yes, Puttar?"

"Armaan Gill lives here?"

"Yes, who are you?"

"Baano... I mean Baani Ahluwalia. I am here to meet him."

"Oh, please come."

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Armaan was lost in devouring the delicious Aloo Parantha. Taking a big morsel, dipping it in curd, he was about to eat it when Pammi Bua came back followed by someone very familiar. His mouth was wide open, morsel just a few inches away from it, eyes looking like saucers. His face was a sight to see and laugh like hyenas.

"You sit, I'll bring Paranthas for you."

"No aunty, there's no need for that."

"Why not? You have come to our home for the first time, I won't let you let you leave empty stomach."

She went to the kitchen, leaving the expected lovebirds alone.

Baano sat in front of him. His expression still the same. He came out of his shock and ate the morsel.

"Yes." She declared.

"Yes?" He asked, not getting her point.

"Its a yes from my side."

"Oh!"
She smiled thinking he understood.

"Even if you had refused, still Bua would have made you eat Paranthas."

Not really. When food is in front of him all he remembers is to eat, eat and eat only.

"I am not talking about Parantha."

"No worries, there are Rajma Chawal as well. Wanna have some?"

"I don't want any Rajma Chawal!"

"Why? It's so tasty."

"Because it hasn't proposed me."

"Proposed? You know food's language as well?"

How many of you have smacked his head in your dreams? Because he really deserves it.

"Armaan, be serious. I am talking about your proposal. It's a yes. I LOVE YOU!"

A loud noise paused there conversation. There was standing Pammi Bua with shocked expression, a plate of food scattered on the floor.

"Pammi Bua!" Armaan stood up from his seat.

"Not a word!" Her tone turned astonishingly stern.

"Try to understand, Bua."

"You understand that..... Only I will name your first-born! Understood?"

He nodded, half scared and half relieved. While Baano just smiled.

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Armaan and Baano talked to their families about each other. Pammi Bua easily made Armaan's family agree, much to Armaan's delight. Baano's parents also agreed after lots of thinking.

Armaan's first impression on them was ridiculous but it also reflected that he was a respectful guy. Or else which guy asks for a girl's parents' permission to date her?

And finally after six months both of them decided to get engaged.

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The banquet hall was booming with "Laung Lachi" song. And Baano was trying to make Armaan understand that its "Lachi" not "Elaichi". The biggest tragedy with this superhit song was that people thinks it's "Laung Elaichi" while originally it's "Laung Lachi".

It was their engagement ceremony. Rings were already exchanged. Now the army of hungry guests was looting the food section. A long train was made around main course. Girls encircled around the food stalls of Gol-gappey and Aloo tikki. Little kids were giving longing gaze to the giant cake on a table.

Photographers were clicking the pictures of how these ruthless eaters destroyed innocent food just because it was FREE. By the way, I never understand why wedding photographers click pictures of people while eating. I understand that for guests wedding is all about free food, but someone please give attention to groom and bride as well.

Armaan and Baano were sitting on the stage, dressed in color-coordinating attires. Looking like a perfect couple.
Armaan was longingly looking at the section where Butter Chicken was written in bold letters.

"Baano, I am hungry."

"Armaan, put a pause on your foodie self for at least today. It's our engagement."

"That's it, it's our engagement and I can't even eat my favourite Butter Chicken today."

"Armaan, stop being melodramatic."

"You are jealous."

"I am jealous of what?"

"Of course, Butter Chicken. Because I love it more."

"Oh, than why don't you marry Butter Chicken itself?"

"I would have if it was possible."

"Nothing is impossible for the Armaan Gill. Go and marry it, I am ready to remove this engagement ring."

"Think before you speak. Only I have tolerance to bear your tantrums. Any sensible guy will never marry you."

"You mean you are not sensible? Well, I have to agree with that."

Armaan was about to speak up but a voice stopped him.

"Hey, Armaan!" Here comes Jagjeet Chaudhry popularly called Jeet. Both the men exchanged a manly hug.

"Baano, meet Jeet. We met in Delhi when I visited his college for my shortfilm's shooting."

"Nice to meet you, Baano Bhabi."

"Likewise."

"Hey, Baano!" Baano turned around to find her friend Aadrika Suryavanshi popularly called Aadi coming towards her. Both the girls gave each other a bone-crushing hug.

"Armaan, meet Aadi. We met during a dance competition in Delhi."

"Nice to meet you, Armaan jiju."

"Likewise."

It was then Aadi noticed the guy standing beside Armaan.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"I should ask you the same question."

"You both know each other?" Baano asked.

"Yes, he is my uncle's adopted son."

"You mean your cousin brother?" Armaan asked.

"He is not my brother!"
"I am not her brother!"
Both said at the same time.

"We are not biologically related so we are not cousins." Jeet justified.

Armaan and Baano kept quite and looked at Jeet and Aadi. They could see glimpse of..... love?

A song blared in the hall, ending this awkwardness. Youngsters dragged the couple to the dance floor. It was again "Laung Lachi" song being played.

And once again Armaan said "Elaichi" instead of "Lachi".

"Armaan, it's Lachi not Elaichi."

"I'll say it Elaichi."

"Why?"

"Because I like Elaichi's aroma."

"Please don't drag food into music as well."

"Where there is Armaan, there is food."

"Then why did you even proposed me?"

"I wasn't in my senses at that time. Sorry for the mistake."

"Haa! I am your mistake."

"No! You are my biggest mistake."

"Like I was dying to marry you."
"Don't know about that but marrying you is no less than dying."

"Then get ready to die because I am not leaving you."
"Who is asking you to leave?"

Both of them broke into smiles.

Everyone began laughing at their way of expressing their love for each other.

This is called the art of love, perfect in the most imperfect ways.

I hope you enjoyed Armaan and Baano's maddening journey of love.

The End

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It's May 29 today. Exactly a year ago I had installed wattpad and read 'Billionaire's final victim'. Finally a year on wattpad!

Thanks a lot for showering Baano with your love. I had never expected that this story will be liked by readers. But I did it!

Will come back soon with a new story which will be a Muslim Saga.

Once again, THANK YOU!