A belated birthday gift to my RanLian babies *throws kisses* 

And guess whaaaaat ? We're #2k + counting !!!!  

*throws RanLia in air*    

*uh, maybe myself*

This chapter is dedicated to all Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD) lovers/admirers :) 

Let's get into business ;)

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| Ranbir's POV |

Getting out of a hot bath in cold is like having maggi in Kashmir ! 

So much refreshing and therapeutic to one's mind, body and soul. Especially after a crazy prep schedule. I was on the verge of beating the crap outta someone. They made us work that bad. If this is how I felt, I can only imagine how tiring it must be for Alia. Whom should I punch first ?

Ayan or Ido, our coach ?

"thunder, feel the thunder ; lightning and the thunder .... "

My phone rang with a blast. Exactly what I feel. Like a freaking thunder about to strike Team Ayan ! 

Jogging up to my bed, I picked up the phone to see my maa's beautiful face, smiling back at me. Ah, I missed my wonder woman ! Swiping the receiver, I smiled and attended her call. "Haan, maa. Kaise yaad aaya ? Papa is not home right ?" I heard a pearl dropping laughter from her side. "Chup kar! Kuch bhi. Why can't I call you without a reason ? Acha, bata how's everything there ? I was going to call you yesterday but we had guests whole day around so couldn't get time."

"Yes maa, everything is going great for us. Just a bit tired after today's training. Abhi shower leke aaya hoon. And what's the plan for tonight ?" I heard a sharp intake on the other line leaving me confused. "What ? You took shower ?! That's a news for today. Lemme just pass this onto the family group." Ugh, rubbing my eyes I groaned loud into the phone. "Your not doing that mom. And by the way, I'm good at my hygiene." 

I could imagine her rolling eyes, duh. 

"Whatever you say Sir. Okay so we have nothing much. Maybe your aunt's would drop by and together all of us will go for the last dinner of the year at some good dine place. Pretty simple. What about you and Ayan ? And speaking about him, where's my baby bug ?" The last word made me chuckle hard. Mom has a thing for Ayan just like the entire world did. Folks call me a charmer but they should meet Mukherji ! That boy knows how to attract hearts for life. 

"Your tiny bug is a headache maa ! Kitni majdoori karaata hai mujhse aur Alia se. Sometimes I feel like knocking him out for being so ruthless with his actors. But anyways, he promised to take me and Alia to a cliff side restaurant from where you can get a gorgeous view of the city. And we feel that's a perfect way to welcome the New Year" I replied. "Sounds like a great plan but if you hurt so much as a hair on him, I'll be there sitting next to you, holding your bunny ears, get that Rana ?!" I could feel mom's threatening voice hit me hard. 

Ayan ka baccha! 

"Uff! So much love for your laadla. In fact he's your sOnshine and not me. People should check facts before spurting rubbish," faking complaint to her was so much fun. "You both are my hearts and maybe he raced a tiny second ahead of you baby." Mom's giggle filled in the room as I put her on speaker while combing my hair. I wouldn't lie if I said my face dropped a bit at her statement. But since it's Ayan that we're talking about, I'm okay with sharing my mother's love. Or else it would have been a tug of war. 

"Yeah yeah, that's why you called me" she couldn't see my grin sadly. 

"To wish you a veryyyy Happy fantastic 2018 in advance ! May all your dreams come true with love, success, happiness, good health and peace following you throughout the year Rana." Her words made me smile but my mind hooked at the word 'LOVE.' 

An emotion I don't want to feel anytime soon. It brings so much pain, hurt, betrayal and exhaustion. If having two failed relationships wasn't enough for the world to laugh at me, I pray that I don't get love anytime soon. Only going to make things worse. My insecurities started bubbling up and I heard my mother's whisper like voice laced in fear. "Rana, are yo- "

"Wishing you the same maa. But in double abundance. Give my love to Papa and everyone there. And .... I hope 2018 treats me better." More of a hope that flickered in my heart. 

"It will beta. You'll see. And when I meet you, which I hope happens soon, I'll see that on your face. You will get your share of peace and happiness soon, haan ? Mumma will pray. Take care my jaan. Don't overwork and no fighting with Ayani, okay ? Give him and everyone there my love. See you soon." Wishing her the same I put the phone down with a new found positive energy flowing through my veins. 

Maybe 2018 won't be that bad and lonely. 

As per Ayan's instructions, me and Alia reached the restaurant entrance together while he promised to join us soon. Suddenly I fell in love with Ayan! A pain in the ass most of the time but a great friend indeed. Chuckling inwardly, I rechecked myself for the nth time. I was never fussy with my look but I did loved grooming up. But then for years I hardly cared the way I looked. Just went with my casual comfort. 

But since we've landed here, I have this constant itch to dress well. 

I'm not the one who tries to impress people. Call it my ego or whatever, I don't go behind people with tricks. They should come after me and not the other way. But then I could imagine Riddhima, my elder sister, smirking in my head. Whenever I did something contradictory to what I said, she's always ready with her smirk attacks. Because that's exactly what I did here. 

I legit went out of my way to look impressive. 

All I needed was a phone call to my kid brother's fiancee Anissa Malhotra and she being the wonderful stylist slash fashionista future sister in-law, screamed over the phone and sent me a beautiful package with a note that made me blush slightly. 

"To my gorgeous big brother,

I hope this outfit makes you dazzle for the reason we all are pretty excited for. Go make her fall for your charm bhai ! I hope 2018 brings you so much joy and love. Keep hustling. And pleaseeeee bring us THE BHABHI sooooon  !!!!

*on behalf of the clan*  

*also maybe your brothers made me write this with extra sugar*  

Big love, Anissa xoxo "  

it read

Shaking my head with a smile I turned myself to look at the beauty that would be my date until Ayan's cranky ass would show up. My eyes involuntarily scanned her figure and my eyes turned hooded. My breath hitched at the way she glowed under the sky light. It was dark in the car and hence I couldn't see her much except her eyes which were enough to tantalize me. 

Alia looked like an absolute Goddess in her red velvet body fitting gown. I could feel my jaw hitting the floor. Her eyes took a sharp intake when she saw my dazed reaction. Soon enough, her eyes turned coy and looked down. An act I've never seen on someone look this attractive! Sensing her discomfort, I  mentally scolded my system to behave properly. Then I saw her eyes raking over my body, slowly yet sensually. 

Goosebumps covered me like second skin. We haven't even touched each other and yet I can feel my body current up with a buzz. Her once shy eyes scanned me just the way I did and something in her face told me that she approved my look. My chest turned giddy. 

"That's a smart choice, Ranbir. It suits you perfect," she smiled and I gaped at her boldness. Remind me to hug Anissa when I get back to Mumbai ! 

Pinching my nose, I spoke shakily "Thank you. You look so stunning Alia!" There, I said it. Her face lit up like a christmas tree and an even more stunning smile spread on her plump lips. 

Geez, Ranbir get a hold! 

But isn't this worth ?

"Let's go" I asked her and unknowingly my arms invited her to hold them. She nodded gracefully and surprised me while holding onto me and thus making me grin like I've never before. We walked like some real couple and made quite a lot of heads turn our way in awe and appreciation. For some weird reason, my heart swelled at how perfectly she fit with me alongside. 

Like a damn lost piece finally finding it's way back to complete the puzzle. 

What's with these stupid thoughts ? Never did they crossed my head before. 

What's so special about this women that all I can think of is her !

Reaching our table, I made her sit and took mine opposite to her. "Lovely place, right ? Ayan needs a hug right now !" Alia chirped with an excited smile, looking around the dine area. Even though I agree with what she said, I wasn't happy with the 'hug' part. "Yeah, quite a finding this is. New Year is going to rock" nodding, I replied. 

"I love the view man!" Her face glittering with childlike joy, making her look more gorgeous if that's ever possible. 

" So do I ," a large grin taking over my face with a blush creeping to reach my cheeks. 

Daring to see her reaction, I gazed up at her delicately carved face and man the look she gave me could have killed me for all I know ! After our passionate eye lock that lasted unfortunately less than a minute, she cleared her throat and stared at the menu card for distraction. Nothing could hide the crimson rush coating her cheek, making her look flushed. 

Laughing silently to myself, I went through the menu as well. 

Half Hour Later 

"That red haired guy was so hot ya ! I wish he could stay more" laughed Alia, throwing a high five to Ayan who sadly returned back to my displeasure. And since the moment he arrived, these two B F F s have been on a nonstop chirp ignoring my bored frown, forgetting the damn world. Even the fact that 2018 will embrace us in the next 20 minutes ! 

"That's how half our female crew felt like Als. They've all fought me to let him stay for the Bulgaria sched as well but you know I can't" he grinned at her adorable pout and my damn annoyance melted like wax under her spell. 

"Acha Bir, I just got reminded of the way we celebrated New Year in YJHD. Such fun it was. That scene was Karan's personal favourite. He used to keep telling me how cool of an idea that was," Ayan smiled through the task of swallowing his delicious dumplings. 

"Of course it was. That was my favourite part of the entire shoot " I replied with an equal affection covering my body. Alia gave a slight smile that made me raise my eyebrow at Ayan. It didn't came from her heart. "What's your favourite moment in the film, Alia ?" I asked to distract her sudden swollen face. She took a pause and shook her head.

"Nothing much, I've told him that I wasn't a big fan of that film. But you were good though" and I know there's something that's bothering her with this topic. Or there's no way in hell she can dislike a film of her friend, especially something that Ayan made with so much love. "But I hope you'd love Brahmastra Trilogy" smirked Ayan and she scowled while we both laughed. 

"Brace yourself everyone. We're 18 minutes away from entering a brand new year" 

Suddenly all three of us shared a shocked face, eyes widening at the announcement in the restaurant. "Shit! I kinda forgot what we came here for in the first place" screamed Alia in horror. We nodded in agreement. "Now what's the plan ? Don't tell me that we're going to stare at your balloon face till the next year" I said as a matter of fact. Alia giggled and covered her mouth while Ayan elbowed me with a pissed face. 

"Okay stop fighting guys! Let's welcome the coming year in a grand way. Kya karein ...." her voice trailed off and she started thinking of ways to make this memorable. "IDEA !" sprang Ayan in his chair and looked at us with such big eyes like a kid staring at his christmas presents. "Care to explain ?" mocking a pointed look at him, I asked. "Let's do this the filmy way. We're all anyway hopeless film saps. You remember the final scene of of Yeh Jawaani right ? We'll recreate it and embrace the coming year with a bang." 

I heard a shriek which made almost everyone around stare at our table as if we've grown two horns. Eyes took in the epic scene of my so called date for tonight, pounce on my so called best friend and literally hugging the air out of him with delight ! 

Nice sight to begin with. 

"Omg Ayuuuu, that's a brilliant plan ! You've no idea how much I've been wanting to do something like that since I saw that scene. Finally I get to do this, off screen" she yelped in joy, quoting "Off Screen" to get his playful smack. While both the much supportive of each other Bff's agreed on the plan, I stared at my watch and asked in horror "Where's the supporting cast for this sudden enactment ? Fifteen minutes left, hurry up." 

Casting a knowing smirk at Alia, he looked my way " C'mon buddy. Who else than our very own Legends of the industry ?" Alia's face bloomed with understanding, making her slap her hands with Ayan like they were going to buy explosives.

The realisation hit me and I groaned loud in defeat. 

"Nooooo please ! Can we call some other mutuals ? It will be hell awkward for me to tag along with your gang. Can't you both do that privately, tomorrow ?" I asked with a slumped shoulder, double quoting "Gang" in the air. They were fun and cool but I wasn't part of them. In fact they were too much into their own shit that they hardly mingled with the rest. Groupism ecetera. 

"Trust me nobody will make you feel out of the place. Please Bir" a warm hand enfolded mine on the table and pressed it slightly with assurance. The sudden warmth filling me with something unknown as I gave her a dazed smile. Even if she had said I'm a fool, I would have agreed. My head nodding without my inner resent, falling for her charm, her care. 

"Great, lemme just put them all on the phone" shouted Ayan cause the place got real noisy as the clock ticked away, nearing a new dawn. Most of them moved out to the cliff side, facing the entire city that lit up like some bride, waiting for her groom in anticipation. The sky would soon be littered with majestic fireworks, balloon and other floating objects. We moved along the crowd that wanted to catch a glimpse of the dawn, facing the stunning view of the city in it's full night glory. 

Sweet breeze kept teasing us while a bunch of us got in the front safe side, ready to adieu the past and to welcome the future. Our eyes shimmering with a new glow, a hope that the coming year would bring us stack full of surprises and another pile of memories to behold. Ayan kept pacing back and forth in his place and even walked around us unknowingly, busy in the task of connecting all his friends. 

It was dark but I could still see the star light outlining her porcelain features almost taking away my breath. She had the energy of a firefly, ready to spread her glow and love around. A calm resting face, smiling at the sky with hopes residing in them, like the rest of us. The sight made me smile almost mirroring her but with a bigger thump in my chest than before. Being close to her made me feel different. A feeling I've never felt before, for anyone. 

Like everything would be okay in the end. As if all problems would be solved, chaos would settle and I'd finally seek peace in my unsettling life. It would all go well as long as I had her near me. 

She gave me that vibe. A positive buzzing bright light that spread over my dull sky like a damned rainbow. Like I had something to look forward to. A ray of sunshine waiting for me. 

Breaking my aesthetic cloud, a strong scream made me land on earth. Alia's body shifting from content to panic mode within few seconds. I clutched her arm from behind so as to not let her fall. Apparently, Ayan had connected the noisy bunch and they already proved to me why I never mingled with them. Some lunatics, I tell you.

"Aaaaahh ! Ayaaannii, Alooo, I'm super excitooo bro. This is actually happening !" shrieked the same voice which I recognized to be of Shraddha's. Such a pain in the otherwise cute personality. Alia rolled her eyes and giggled at her friend's thrill. "I knoww baba. We are doing this. Is everyone there ?" she asked hopping with joy. 

"Yes baby girl. I'm here and that's all that matters" must be Ranveer, who else. Ayan made a mocking face which poor Singh couldn't see unfortunately. "Shut your arrogance for today, you fool" ordered Parineeti like an elder sister on guard. "Hello everyone and Hi Biraaaa. Quite a nostalgic feel, isn't it ?" asked Adi as I smiled widely knowing how we both felt at the moment. 

"Exactly bro, this feels so great" I added my part finally into the giant conversation as Ayan stood in front of us with his phone kept towards the middle of the circle we just created. "Whatever. Anyways, the director didn't casted us so we shouldn't care" joked Arjun in his usual sarcastic deep tone making them chuckle. "Preach it buddy" echoed Alia like a cheerleader. Ayan stared at her with an amused grin while he and I had a flicker of an eye lock which ended soon. 

"Oh my my, our Rockstar is there as well" said Varun next making me shrug. "Acha, location update please ? We're all at our home except Rannu" Sidharth spoke with a hint of tease. "Rannu, are you at Deepi's place ?" asked Alia, getting along the tease. We heard a series of coughs that turned violent soon. "Offo, call your baby asap. You need water and a back rub, kiddo" adviced Ayan with a smug smile. Making all of us laugh. 

"We are at this real gorgeous city facing cliff side restaurant" beamed Alia. "Lucky bitches!" spoke Adi and Varun in unison. "Let's move our asses to Karan's guys. He's the only one who understands our pain. Gives us shelter to party wild, makes us feel home. Let them burn while we enjoy ourselves and put up Insta Stories as a proof." Ranveer I knew was dramatic but who thought they endured this legendary piece of drama, everyday.

"Hellloo, do you realise that we're just 10 seconds away from the new year ? Let's start the effin countdown doston. Anything interesting to share ?" reminded Arjun and we shared a combined shocked look, suddenly forgetting our main reason of the call. 

"Okay, so pray that I film Brahmastra Part 1, to the best of my ability. That everything goes well" said Ayan with a sincere smile adoring his face. 

"#9  And let's hope you go easy on your actors. The last thing I need is to be squeezed by you and Abhi for Brahma and Kalank respectively." Alia gave a dramatic sigh that made her friends whistle from the other side. 

"#8 Well said, AlooPie. Let's hope all our films do well" wished Sid to which the rest chorused Amen. 

"#7 May all our dreams come true" I could hear Adi smile through his words. 

"#6 Cut with the fluff, RJ ! Speak out your new year goals everyone. And thoda zor se because it's hardly audible here" voiced Ranveer with his usual humour, making us nod in excitement. 

"Last five seconds left gaddho !!! Ranveer will marry Deepika" that made all of us hoot. It was Arjun who kinda foreshadowed what would eventually happen. It was too obvious for the world now. They'd make a happy pair. 

"#4 Unlike the rest of Indians who'd deliberately imagine me singing Channa Mereya at her wedding like some real lost out ex - aashiq, who apparently had lost his jewel of a chance, I'd be super happy for both of you" My voice leapt out from throat and I voiced the reality I hid within me for so long. I wasn't stuck in the past, being a crybaby like many wanted to believe. I was extremely happy with how our lives have flown and emerged to be. Ranveer thanked me for the same. 

Alia's eyes met mine and I saw them soften with something I couldn't yet decipher. She threw her real cute dimples at me and I gasped for breath. Maybe I should open up more. 

"#3 Shraddha will do a film with Varun and her Insta Stories will make Varians worked up" Pari prophesied like some ancient that made us all howl in response. Twitter wars weren't new but to hear it from a celebrity was another thing. And of course all of us knew the shippers of our generation making this even more funnier. Shraddha whined from her side while Varun and Alia cracked up too bad. 

They certainly had fun with the shipping madness. This was almost like people loving my partnership with Deepika so much that they still want me to end up with her which is next to impossible. I cannot ever think of her in the same way as I did once. She is a colleague I respect. Same went with Varun-Alia. We wouldn't bluntly call our fans delusional cause their support is what we need to move. Grateful, definitely, but sometimes they do go overboard with all that stubborn desire to see two favourite actors getting together against the nature of their real life. 

Suddenly our skies were painted in stark colours that came from the city below. Around us, humongous sky lanterns were getting ready to float above. Ayan was too caught up with gawking at those large rays flowing upwards to become small, almost like a candle floating in the sky, that he handed his phone to Alia and ran towards a gang of people making sure the sky looked lively enough. We giggled at his sudden change of mind. 

Now it was just me and her. 

I held her other arm, making us face each other. Her one hand still holding the phone while the other, slightly stroking my back. My own were curled up behind her tiny waist, pulling her to me, cozied in my arms. She didn't flinched back to my relief. And I had no clue on why the hell my body was doing whatever it did right now. We were just mere co - stars and not anything else like my stupid heart seem to chant for the past few days.

Her eyes locked mine in a dazed look and I could see her features glow underneath the halo of the sky we stood. It was a pure sight to behold. A magnificent moment my eyes will never erase. At that precise moment I had so much to tell her. That this wasn't like what we believed ourselves to be. This could be something more. Something we still were in denial for. But it wouldn't do us any good. 

Sine the time I held her eyes in mine, I knew this cannot be a mere infatuation of thoughts. An illusion. But no, she was a reality that life showed me countless times. To guide me towards what I truly needed. What was truly mine. To a path that I had been searching for since forever. But circumstances made me hush those scary thoughts away. It wasn't right. 

But now, it felt. 

"#2 I bet you 2018 will be the best year of this decade. We're going to witness the impossible fellas" wailed Shraddha, reminding us of what we were about to enter. We didn't moved an inch from our places, to my great relief. Since my nerves stopped listening to me, they worked up to make me hitch more closer to her face. I was a foot taller than her, making me crane down to see her properly. She still stood in that intrigued space just like me and her pretty neck moved up to meet my towering form. Almost like a dream.

As our hearts beat in a sync, my own palpitating in a nervous yet ecstatic manner, what my dearest Adi next said pulled the floor beneath both of us !

" RANBIR WILL FIND HIS TRUE LOVE, THE ONE SOUL MATE HE HAS BEEN LOOKING SINCE FOREVER, THIS YEAR, I SWEAR TO GOD. " 

Snap

Our peaceful trance vanished in the air. 

Something fizzed inside us.

" Haaaaapppy New Yeaaaaarrrrr  !!!!"

Like a bomb exploding, the phone, the surrounding, everything around us, erupted in jubilation as 2018 finally embraced us. I doubt if anyone heard the jolting statement made by Adi, owing to the shouts of merriment, except us. The once dark blue sky, now bursted with colourful fireworks and floating balloon and lanterns. Noise went a notch higher and the world rejoiced in union. 

I stared at Alia with my eyes as wide as a saucer, while hers mirrored mine. Chaos surrounded us but we stood covered in an invisible faint thread of spark. That seemed to hold us still, not letting us back off. She searched my face subtly. My soul answered her every unasked question like a whisper only she could hear. And then I saw her brows rest in bliss. Her face still held an admiration but now more of a delight cloaking over. 

Upon seeing her euphoria, in accord to her heart calling mine, I pulled herself to me, her body moulding sweetly into mine like it had always belonged. My one arm travelled to cup her delicate face that had her lean into me. Her eyes closed for a fraction and then opened up to meet mine in anticipation of what would happen next. 

I struggled to control my inner beast. It was too hard to back off now. She had indirectly gave her permission to me and it took every fibre of mine to stay away anymore from this little firebug that seemed to light up my world like none! 

Taking in a large breath, I dipped down to capture her glossy lips that tantalized me since the evening. I heard her take a sharp intake, almost trying to believe that this was actually happening. As a brand new year plunged at us, we spiralled into another universe of absolute pleasure. Our own paradise. 

And suddenly you just know it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings !!

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NOTE : And we finally begin an extremely EPIC romantic journey !!! 

2018 was THAT YEAR, y'all ! The year that saw it all, bore testimony to a union that had been in the scroll of destiny since so fkin long ! It just had to happen, at the right time, at the right place. 

This is purely a fictional spin up of the romance we are aware of. So naturally, the timing, place and events that occur aren't necessarily the REAL location/time of the timeline Ranbir and Alia had ! Maybe this assumption is right and they did start feeling more for each other during their prep :) 

The above FACTS that Ranbir just preached are TRUE AF ! If you're offended, then it's not your cup of tea. I haven't targeted any ship, just trying to harmlessly talk about how some of the shippers exist. In the heights of delusion, they often forget that their idol might actually not be interested in the love pair you want him/her to be with ! 

I started shipping Ranlia ONLY when I was 100000000000 % sure and certain that THEY WERE IN LOVE FOR REAL ! 

And I'm proud to preach that all my Ships were REAL !

Also, how many "Awwwws" for the first ever Kiss ???????

Y'all won't believe but the day I wrote the Armaan - Anissa part, turned out he had actually proposed her for real :) This is for their fans *grins* 

Neetu ma made her debut as well ^.^ Who wants a Kapoor gathering ? 

This chapter has resemblance to a similar chapter in DWB book. The idea first originated there and that one was so much more fun. I tried to keep it mildly funny yet sensual. 

And it was high time someone actually talked about the illusion people had that Ranbir is still stuck in his past mess ! He isn't, darling. My fav is above the crap that some pile over him to ruin his image. I'm proud my Girl sees the kind and compassionate human that he is. She respects his soul, his heart. 

Now lemme end my speech ;) Will keep these thoughts for a POST on our RanbirAliaFc  *claps*

All those who patiently waited and asked me for updates, thank youuuuu <3 

Bigggg love,

Jemi :)