And we're now a family of #10k RanLians on Instagram babies! 

If you haven't yet, go FOLLOW ranbiraliafc (IG)  *.*

This chapter was meant to come before the previous one but I thought to keep an all Ranbir POV to balance out. This incident is quite close to my heart as I'll always be grateful towards Neetu aunty for being there at Alia's birthday when she was away from home! It touched my heart and this was one of those moments (before Rk's GQ confession) that made me believe in Ranlia relationship. 

Hold on cuz this is MY TAKE on how it might have gone and how Rk might have planned for her birthday :)

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March 15, 2018 

.

[ Ranbir's POV ]

Whatsapp groups should be banned ! Everything that happens inside is frivolous. No one's being serious about anything. Stupid waste of time. Exception being the gossip groups with my aunt's, few industry friends, my cousin Bebo and her minions. That's a group more interesting than our entire career.

I frowned at the bickering, constantly vibrating group that I had unfortunately created for a purpose. 

To celebrate Alia's 25th birthday with pomp, here in Bulgaria. Now you ask what are we doing here, well Brahmastra shooting has begun and it's been three odd months! We're staying here for like few more months to shoot a major chunk of the film and then will move to Varanasi, Mumbai, Delhi etc. 

Coming back to my point, I'm clearly not getting any importance. I created this group adding my sister, mom, Anissa, Armaan, Aadar, Alia's sister Shaheen - Pooja, brother Rahul, her mom Soni aunty, her friends Akansha, Meghna, Ayan, Bebo, Karishma, Karan and myself. 

Phew

Galti ho gayi. I realised soon ....

"Is the decor idea okay ?" - just a simple question I asked. To which this what I got in reply. 

Anissa : Gosh! I'm so excited idk :P

Armaan : Baby it's not your bday, it's bhabhi's xD 

Maa : Whatever you do Rana, I'm sure she'll like. Daaa bessst (too many heart emojis)

Ridz : Offo mom! 

atleast stop ur beta buttering today thou

*smirks*

Maa : Haan toh has anyone ever complained when ur daddy does the same 4 u ?

Baby Jo : Maa ka laadla hai, ridzy. Bigadna banta hai 

Karish : Mayya Yashoda in the bgm y'all 

Aadar : *whistles*

Ridz : I 

don't 

care

Me : Can you not type it together, stupid ?! It's just so annoying urgh *rolls eyes*

Bebo : Whatever! Bir, you better make her feel like a Queen. She's my favourite as well. 

Pooja : Yeah or else kapoor's shaan will go down, lmao :D Go Ranbir! 

Shaheen : Gawd, why are we all bickering /? This looks so much like our fam scene xD Btw I agree with Poo :P I love that cake thou friend <3

Ayan : Agree tanna! But you gotta guide us more since the other's are too much into themselves rn duh 

Soni aunty : Ranbir, your doing so well beta. She'll love it and we're so sure. Pooja, behave! 

Rahul : Mom's right, i love it as well. Just give her a huuuge hug from our side xd And poo, ur grounded lol This isn't our fam WA grp!

Pooja : whatever, just a joke you jerk -.-

Baby Jo : uh, darling keep the sibling revelry within ur home :=)

Kanch : if Alia wears that shit ass boring dress, IMA getting d next flight to sue her !

Meghz : Agree babe xoxo She just cannot wear that creep. Rk tell her 2 keep up her IG game *winks*

Anissa : rk's the GOAT , haina bhai ?

Ayan : in stalking 

ME : OKAY STOP SPAMMIMG ME ! I GOT IT. THANKS FOR THE UPKAAR :D 

maa, when will you reach ?

Maa : In just an hour thou. Stuck in traffic :( Bulgaria is pretty ^.^

Soni aunty : Thank u sm neetu for takin my place today xD Means soooo much. Big loveee xoxo

Maa : arey, kuch bhi. She's my child too now :) I'll send you pics and her reaction as well xD

Kanch : Pls do aunty! And Rk we need tonnes of pics and you BETTER PROVIDE ! 

Ridz : calm down everyone !!!

Maa : jaisa baap waisi beti  *tongue throw*

Baby Jo : I can imagine her shouting in rishi ji's voice to the paps :D no offence 

ALMOST EVERYONE : LAUGHTER EMOJI 

Shaheen : ATB rk ! Blast the party xoxo

ME : thanku guyz! see ya soon 

Ayan : pls come to set ASAP !

I groaned and shut my phone without bothering to see all of them laughing virtually at my plight. 

One question and this was the reaction I got. So much for asking! This is why I hate planning events or anything that involves too many people. Gets too congested after a point. With no clarity, everyone will shout, scream and cuss. That's it. End of the show. 

But I can't let this flop. Today's her birthday and it's just 6 :30 in the morning. We decided to cancel our shoot just for the day but Alia was strictly against it. She's a thorough professional and I love that quality. Makes me wanna push my standards as well. Midnight wishes were done and I played along with Ayan, making her think that it was all over and there's nothing special. 

But since she is stubborn to continue today's shooting, we are as much stubborn to make sure she still has her bestest 25th birthday ! The cast and crew are all aware of our plans so they're all tagging along. The real surprise will be the night party and my mom's arrival. My gift is ready and so is Ayan's. We're good to go. I really want her to feel special and loved. 

Not just for today, always. 

Mom's car was stuck in the traffic due to which she was fifteen minutes late. Yes, Bulgaria has traffic even at this hour. She said she'll directly meet me on the set. I reached the location where we had proudly erected our massive universe for Brahmastra. It was a creative mastery, a vision to uphold. So many worked day and night to make it look this convincing and grand. 

I stood at the security entrance of the set and waited for mom to join. Alia is already inside, thanks to mouni. My phone beeped and I saw mom's message that she reached the landmark I told. My eyes travelled far and wide to catch her glimpse and there she stood in her stylish glory, asking some locales for the route. My legs ran up to meet her and without making noise, I reached behind her and shrieked "Boo!" 

"Ohhh" her hands came up to her chest and her eyes bawled for a second before she turned to see me grinning at her. Shaking her head she held my ears in tease. "My god Rana! What this kiddish behaviour ? Your not a two year old baby." Her voice gave away her happiness in seeing me. "Bacha or not, I'm yours Mrs Kapoor!" I crushed her with a happy hug and she patted my back in love. Soon enough I felt home. Mother's hug is a cure in itself. 

"Missed you shaitan! How's everything going ? Is she inside ?" I nodded and looked at her eyes twinkling with pride. She always had that adoring look preserved for me since the day I was born. It made me feel like I've conquered the world. In her eyes, I did maybe. 

Grabbing her hand, we walked inside with huge smiles adorning our face. As we crossed the main entrance block, we crossed numerous blocks and partitions that functioned non stop along with the shooting. My eyes stole glances at her reaction to the marvel we created inside this cold country. 

"Hey bhagwaan! Where are we exactly ? Its like I'm transported into another world" exclaimed mom in awe. "Wait till you see the main shooting area. Ayan wants two more such grand sets in various other locations back in India as well" I replied feeling proud. 

"Welcome maa!" squealed Ayan as we neared the main grand hall. They hugged tightly before mom squished his cheeks "Kya baat hai, bada lajawaab set hai" His cheeks reddened and he looked down at his feet. "Thanks maa. Labour of our love." Always the humble one. "Acha where's our birthday girl ?" asked maa in anticipation. She really was into the surprising thing. 

Ayan moved closer towards her and whispered "I just had an idea. We'll begin our first scene for today - say will take twenty minutes and after that when she'll come back to get her seat there, you'll surprise. Does that works ?" "Sounds reasonable. I'll sit here so that I'm camouflaged and yet I can see you all shoot as well until I meet her" said mom and I agreed to her plan. 

Pecking both our cheeks inspite us rolling eyes, we made mom sit behind the huge pillar opposite to which was where we had to shoot. 

[ Alia's POV ] 

Working birthdays are totally my thing. Makes me feel more responsible and matured. Plus there's nowhere else I'd rather be than a film set. Took so much to convince Ayan against giving me an off day. It wasn't just a hindrance and waste of other's time-energy but will also create more delays in our output. Moreover I had a brilliant spam of nonstop phone calls and messages last night around 12! 

Ayan had said this huge ass paragraph, standing inside my hotel room while Ranbir chuckled. He in turn gave me a beautiful flower bouquet and kissed me. I loved it simple and fuss free. No additional drama and flaunting. Sometimes I do prefer wild birthdays with a never ending guest list but mostly I go with a basic affair. Cakes are a must since I'm obsessed. 

Mouni came knocking at my door early around six and had me dragging all along here in haste. To my questions she gave weird replies that made no sense. "Aaj tumhara birthday hai so we need to do everything just on time." Wow, well defined. Everyone wished me as soon as I entered inside and I thanked them all gratefully. We waited for Ranbir to join, wonder where he is. 

Today we had few aerial shots, some action scenes and romance on the card. Also we would shoot what I thought to be one of the most cutest scenes in the film. As I scanned the technical arrangements, Ranbir and Ayan made quite an entrance. They had these cheeky smiles that I was curious about. 

Are they ?

Never know. As they came up to me I asked him what's up with my eyes. We were comfortable with just our eyes doing the talk. Ya, we're weird. His face came near my ears and he huskily replied "Happy Birthday hottie! You look great" and he winked at me while everyone around stared giggling at us. Giving him a look I turned my red face to look elsewhere. 

Ayan adjusted his throat to catch our attention "Okay so let's start first with the scene that has Shiva and Isha talking. The rest we'll do after a short break and will wrap up everything before six, alright ? I need everyone on track, understand ?" "Yes Sir!" we chanted with a smile. Since we came already in our costumes for the scene, the crew got in motion and within seconds we faced the camera. 

The scene was simple. Shiva bumps into Isha after a gap and we had to emote their feelings. Less words but more of eye contact. Here's where our eyes had to work. 

"There should be this visible talking between both your eyes. At first both of you go shocked, Isha continues to be while Shiva manages to calm his racing heart. Bir, your eyes need to spark longing, love and a vulnerable emotion while Alia needs to remain anxious and gaping. She tries to leave but you stop. Got it ?" Ayan explained us again what he needed and we nodded confidently. 

"AND ACTION !"

We started moving in the opposite direction parallel to each other and suddenly our eyes met. His legs move towards me slowly in daze. While I show my shock at meeting him. He now stands facing me, his breath hitting my face like a husky breeze. It does something weird to my heart in real. As I stared into the most beautiful yet mysterious eyes in the world, I was lost for words. 

Ranbir truly had a gift in his eyes. They could emote literally anything! They could even sing a song! 

He titled his head to my right and kept gazing at me with so much love and adulation that I forgot how to breath. Our height difference was just another romantic angle for us. It just made us look like two lovers deep in desire, one looking down, the other craning up. A perfect sight. "Isha" he merely breathed and inspite of it just being my character's name, my insides burned. 

"Shiva ?" my tone had to more of surprise. "Your as beautiful as the first time I saw you." Trust me to fall for that line. It could just be another cheesy hookup line had it been said by another. But Ranbir charming Kapoor made it sound like an effin proposal! Jerk ! Okay so I had to look down blushing and man I did. 

He could melt north pole with that burning gaze. Suddenly my character realizes she wasn't meant to surrender into his charm so gets all riled up. 

"I need to leave" and as I try moving to his left, his hands hold mine in a deathly grip. Instead of hurting, it makes my knees buckle. In a quick motion he pulls me to face him again, more closer this time. My body pressed to his in a delicious manner, his lips almost breathing above mine. I breath out harshly, almost panting. Heart pounding against my chest. I continue to melt in the fantastic state that we're in until-

"CUT !" 

what ?

Frowning at the annoying disruption between our sizzling romance, I saw his eyes swirl with humour. He gave me a huge smile and winked without shame. Only then that I look around to realize that we actually were shooting for a film. Reality hit me bad and I pulled my hand from him, embarrassed at my hormones. "Uh Aloo you were supposed to snatch your hand from him but that's okay, we'll manage it later." Ayan's words hit me like a shower and I sighed in frustration. 

I NEVER MESS UP SCENES! IT'S NOT JUST ME ! 

In my close to six years of film life, never have I ever screwed up my part. In fact my directors were always happy with my results. This was a small error but still! 

"Sue your eyes!" 

I puffed staring accusedly at a laughing Ranbir. He really was enjoying my distress. And to top, today's my birthday ! "Cheer up love, it's fine. I've got this. Guys time for a short break and great this didn't took much time" said Ayan in his microphone and I made my way to drag a chair and sit next to him.

Calm down Alia !

Ayan shook his head at his friend grinning like a monkey and smiled at me. "Never knew it takes Ranbir Kapoor to make Alia Bhatt forget her acting !" Without turning my head I knew who it was. Always the tease. Sensed him grabbing a chair to sit next to me and I fumed in my head. Now he's going to ruin my day and year thanks to my carelessness. I heard him sit on the chair and it took so much to not snap my head at him. 

"It takes an Alia Bhatt to mess with Ranbir Kapoor's brain !" I replied in a proud tone. 

Ayan burst into laughter and kept gazing besides me at his friend. By know I already know the looks they share. Sometimes I feel like an outsider when these two gang up. I now sought to take my verbal revenge. Without glancing at Ranbir next to me, I said " Kahan I thought I might get to learn his acting techniques if I observed. But he's just so average" 

I smirked very well knowing where I aimed. "Really ?" I could imagine his smile drop and that made me smile in victory. 

"You must have gotten genes from your dad but your not even close to where he stands. His acting is a level higher, buddy. Especially his expressions" I stated as a matter of fact. Both were good but Sr Kapoor wins no doubt. "He's more handsome, don't you think ?" asked Ayan in a sly smile. "Of course! I just love the expressions he made in Ek main aur ek tu ... so iconic. I get why women were and still are jealous of Neetu aunty. She surely hit the jackpot!" 

Ayan coughs ridiculously while trying to cover his laugh. 

What am I missing ?

"Care to explain" his tone more warmer than before. "Yeah, I mean she got to marry the most good looking and successful son of Raj Kapoor and got to be his most favourite bahu. I heard she's very respected in your clan and that she's the only one who can tame Rishi uncle. And-"

Even if I had my plans to annoy Ranbir, I just couldn't go outright with my thoughts. "And ?" he stressed to hear more from me. "And she gave birth to the only heir of your khaandaan aka YOU! Even though your a pain in the ass, I'm glad she gave us you. Isn't that a jackpot ?" I sighed, smirking after I finished. 

Silence

Complete silence. Expected a shake of some kind but I saw a curiously frozen Ayan still looking behind me. Ranbir just had his chance to boost his ego and pull my leg but he didn't. Whats's happening today ?

"Someone else interested in hitting a similar jackpot ?!" 

.........................................................

NOTE : This chapter is divided into two parts since it really was going longer than I planned. I know y'all might be frustrated with the cliffhanger and the fact that it is in two parts but shooorrryy ;) 

I'll try my level best to complete the second part by this month itself xoxo 

Btw, who do you think was listening to Alia's rant ?! *wiggles*

The whatsapp part was a last minute thing but hey, it worked right ? I hope they really do have a group like this :P Or else they need to make ASAP and add me :D 

Preference : WA chats/ sibling fun/ friends thing ? 

Do lemme know what all Ranlia scenes/imaginations you would love to see in my book ? 

Big love people,

Jemi :)