"Are you okay?" Asked Ira to Ehan, who was unusually quiet since he picked her up from campus in the evening. He was alright when they had lunch together, talking and laughing. She wondered what happened after that.

"Yeah!" He nodded, keeping his eyes glued to the screen of his laptop, typing something furiously as they both sat on the carpet floor.

Ira stretched her hand and shut his laptop close, making him withdraw his hands in horror.

"Ira..." He shot her a not so serious glare, which didn't affect her a bit.

Nearing him, she kept her hands on his shoulders and asked, "what's bothering you, Ehan? Please tell me"

His eyes lowered, as if he was thinking whether to tell her not.

"Please" she pleaded in her soft voice.

Sighing, he asked, "You told Shruti we're nothing more than friends?"

When Ira went to work that day, Shruti came to warn Ehan not to spoil Ira's career. She even told him about Ira refusing to accept their relationship. He tried his level best to not believe her and ignore it but it kept nagging him. He couldn't help but ask, mentally praying to hear the reply in negative.

His question left Ira taken aback. Her wide eyes showed how unexpected the question was to her. Her heartbeat quickened. As much as she wished to answer him in negative, she couldn't. That day, Shruti asked her in class about her dating Ehan. There were few more class fellows who were keen to know the answer, looking at her curiously.

You'll be named as a gold digger.

As much as Ira tried not to let Hamlet's words effect her, she knew she was already affected; deeply.

Despite trying hard to be truthful, Ira shook her head in negative, much to everyone's relive. Guilt built up in her at the very second but she remained quiet, gulping it down.

Ehan let out a bitter laugh, finding the answer in her silence. She rubbed her fingers, avoiding his eyes. A lump formed in her throat, which made it hard for her even suck a breathe.

Ehan leaned on the sofa behind him. He was looking at the ceiling with a painful smile.

"How I wished to hear otherwise" he whispered in a quite audible tone for her to hear.

"Ehan, I'm..."

"You know, Ira.." he cut her off, "Mom and Dad used to strictly instruct my nanny to keep me locked in my room whenever their guests arrive and do not let me out until they leave. They said my naughty and overly active behaviour embarrasses them. It was hurtful but somehow, I manage to went through it. I used to think that they aren't good parents but looks like I lack something, which ashames them and you to accept me publically. I got it today" he let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head in disappointment.

Tears pricked Ira's eyes as she looked at his face; hurt and painful. But he still was smiling, with eyes filled tears.

"You're taking it wrong, Ehan" she managed to utter. His slightly red eyes met her teary ones and he shook his head in negative.

"It's ok, Ira. I understand. It's not your fault" he wiped the tear which rolled down her cheek, with his thumb.

"I'm sorry" she said, letting more tears make their way out.

"Don't be" he whispered. He voice screamed the pain she has caused him.

He held both her hands in his, sitting straight. He looked deep in her eyes as he asked, "Be honest, Ira. What do I lack? Just tell me. I promise I'll change myself. I'll do whatever needed. I'll..."

She was quick to hug him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged her back, as if his life depends on her. He needed it the most. She might be the cause for his pain but he couldn't deny the fact that she's the only antidote.

"I'm sorry, Ehan. I swear it's not how you're taking it. I was stupid. Too stupid to think that everyone will judge me as Hamlet said. I'm sorry" she cried, stating her honest reason behind her lie.

Nothing felt justified to the pain he felt then. It was difficult for him to take in at that moment but he remained quiet, knowing well how sensitive and insecure Ira is.

Breaking the hug, she looked in his eyes, cupping his cheeks, "I'm not ashamed of you, nor I'll ever be. I'm too lucky to have you in my life and I love you with all my heart. I'll prove you this" she said between her hiccups and kissed his forehead, closing her eyes which made her tears fall on his already wet eyelashes. He sneaked his hands around her waist as she let her lips remain on his skin for longer, kissing away his pain.

She pulled back, creating a couple of inches distance between them. He wiped her wet cheeks with thumbs whereas she did the same.

"I'm sorry" she whispered, feeling nothing but guilty.

"It's ok. I'll wait for the day when I'll be more important than people's opinion and your insecurities" he whispered back in the same hurt tone, making Ira's heart clench with pain.

She wanted to argue and let him know that he really is important, more than other's opinion but she kept quiet. No word she say would justify the damage she has unintentionally caused. She needed to fix it with some efforts, throwing away her fears and insecurities. And she was gonna do it.

---

"You sit here. I'll get the food" said Ehan, pulling a chair for Ira, who observed around. As it was lunch time, the cafeteria was crowded with students. She smiled excitedly.

"Wait a minute" said Ira, stopping Ehan from going to the counter.

Instead of sitting, she removed her backpack from her shoulders and placed on the chair. Pulling another chair, she climbed on it.

"Ira, what are you doing?" Ehan asked in confusion, holding the chair, scared that she'll fall.

She ignored his concerned voice and climbed on the table and clapped, earning everyone's attention.

"Ira" Ehan whisper yelled, his eyes wide as well as confused. People glued their eyes at them, curiously. Even Lily stopped serving, staring at them puzzled.

"Ehan, I'm crazily, madly, insanely and undoubtedly in love with you. I love you this much" she screamed her lungs out, spreading her arms wide, as if she wasn't speaking to him but to the whole cafeteria. Hooting noise erupted from everywhere, making Ehan go all red.

"Ira, get down" he tried to pull her but she went on her knees, looking at him with her puppy eyes.

"Ehan, will you please be my boyfriend?" she asked in a sweet tone, encouraging the hoots.

Ehan uncomfortably looked around, some were cheering for them, whereas some were looking jealous; especially girls. He didn't paid much attention but there was Hamlet, Amber and Shruti present at different corners, looking at them in jealousy, anger and shock respectively.

"Please..." Ira joined her hands, literally begging him.

People around them cheered for them, making weird noises and clapping aloud.

"Get down, Ira" Ehan tried not to smile but it managed to spread across his face despite him pressing his lips together.

"No" she shook her head in negative, pouting.

"Ira, please" he whispered, pleadingly.

"I won't move until you answer me. Will you be my boyfriend? I'll love you with all my heart. Please" she looked so cute at the way she was begging him that he just wanted to kiss her right there.

"Come on, man. Say yes" screamed someone from behind.

Groaning inwardly, he said, "Yes. Now please get down". His face was all crimson, which he tried to wipe away his hand, avoiding others' eyes. The billion dollar smile Ira gave him was priceless. He could never describe in words what he was feeling at the moment. She got down and hugged him. He hugged her back in an instant and kissed her head, forgetting their surroundings in that mere moment.

When she pulled away, they could hear the loud cheers, hooting and whistling noises. Keeping his flushed face lowered, Ehan dragged Ira out, who didn't looked a bit awkward, flashing all her teeth and waving at the overjoyed Lily.

---

As soon as Ira shut the door of Ehan's cottage behind her, Ehan lifted her off the floor and twirled around, making her giggle. She wrapped her hands around his neck, looking in his shiny black orbs, which were dancing in happiness.

She bend her head and kissed his nose, making him close his eyes. He let her feet touch the floor, as he pulled her with him walking back. He sat on the sofa when it touched the back of knees, with Ira on his lap. They both couldn't stop smiling, staring at eachother.

"It wasn't needed" Ehan said, holding her with both his hands around her back.

"No. It was necessary. I wanted to let you know how proud I am to have you in my life. I can never be ashamed of you, Ehan. Sometimes, I couldn't believe how lucky I am that I got you" she kissed his nose as she completed.

There was little moisture in his eyes. It was an overwhelming feeling. He was accepted by someone whom he loves. He couldn't wish for more.

"Thank you" he whispered, hitting his head over hers, making her smile again. He held her hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. She sat adoring him, her eyes displaying the love she have for him.

---

The next day, Ira confessed everything to Shruti. It was difficult for her to understand it from Ira's point of view but eventually, she said that it's her life and she could do whatever she's pleased with. It did sounded rude but Ira was okay with it.

"Why isn't Ehan here to pick me up yet?" groaned Ira, glancing at the wall clock hanging on Lily's living room, which showed the time as 11.20 pm. It was a Sunday night when Lily invited them to her house for dinner. They met her paralyzed husband there, who entertained them with his witty comments and light nature. At about 10 'O' clock, Ehan excused himself as he got a call and went out, letting Ira know that he'll pick her up in a few minutes or an hour.

"Why sweetheart? Are you bored of this old couple already?" Peter, Lily's husband asked. Lily chuckled at the way Ira shook her head in negative.

"It's nothing like that, Peter. You both are lovely. But I'm worried about Ehan. What's taking him so long..." She said the last sentence to herself, glancing at the ajar door.

"He might be on his way, dear. Come, let's continue till he arrives" Lily said, making Ira turn her attention back to the Scrabble board.

After a few minutes, Ehan arrived, smiling widely.

"Where were you?" Ira asked in a complaining tone as she stood up. He just smiled in answer.

Facing Lily and Peter, Ehan said, "Dinner was amazing. Thanks Lily. We should get going now" he interlocked Ira's hand with his, as they both smiled at the old couple infront of them.

"It was nice meeting you both. Do visit again" Peter said, dragging himself in his wheel chair towards them.

"Sure thing, Peter. Please take care of yourself" Ehan bent to his level, smiling at him.

They bid their adieu to Lily and Peter, before leaving.

"Drop me at my place. It's 11.50 already" said Ira, walking beside Ehan who held her securely by his side.

"How about we go to my place for a while? I have something to talk to you"

Ira stopped walking, curiously looking at Ehan.

"Can't we talk that at my place?"

"Nope!"

"Is it important?"

"Very much"

"Good or bad?"

"Very good"

"Let's go then" she declared happily, holding his arm again. He kissed her head and took her to his home, checking the time every now and then.

As he unlocked the door, Ira stepped in followed by Ehan. It was completely dark inside but she didn't felt scared, as Ehan; her savior was with her.

She felt something or many light bouncy things touch her feet as she stood on her spot until Ehan turned the lights on.

She was stunned to look at the decorated hall. White and black balloons everywhere on the floor and on the wall. A white table mat was spread over the coffee table, where three trays has been placed, nicely covered. The similar black and white curtains hung by the window and around the board hanged on the centre of the wall which Ehan has made for her, stating something. Before she could properly have a look at the words written, she was lifted from the ground from and twirled around. She automatically wrapped her hands around his neck, trying to process things.

"Happy birthday love" he said, flashing her his drool worthy smile.

"It's my birthday today?" She voiced out, looking down at him in surprise.

"Yes, sweetheart. It's your birthday today" he let her feet touch the floor and cupped her cheeks, making her giggle.

"Oh my God! You did all this for me?" She asked the most obvious thing in excitement, feeling overwhelmed. She turned to look at the words on the decorated wall, which read 'Happy birthday, Ira; my love'.

"Ofcourse love" he wrapped his hands around her from behind, as she took in the every little detail around.

"Here. I have baked your favourite cakes" he said, leading her to the coffee table and uncovered the first tray, making her squeal finding the Oreo cheese cake.

"You baked it yourself?" She asked, sitting by the table with him next to her.

"Yup! And these too" he uncovered the next two trays, which contained black forest cake and chocolate lava cake.

She gasped in surprise.

"Three cakes?! One was more than enough"

"Remember, I asked you that day, which kind of cake you like the most! You named these three. So I made all of them. As I wanted my princess to have every thing she wishes for" he hit his head with hers, who was about to open to her mouth but he silenced her with a 'shh'.

"Let's cut the cake" he said, grabbing the lighter kept beside the tray to light the candles.

Ira could feel her eyes getting misty. There was a time just a couple of years ago when she had no idea when her birthday arrives and ends. There was a time when she had to fight with some greedy kids for a piece of cake. And when she failed to get it, she used to convince herself with her imagination that she had it. And now, here she is, getting every little happiness in abundance without even asking for it.

Indeed, God has its unique way of giving what we yearn for; at the perfect time and occasion.

"Make a wish" said Ehan, breaking her trance. He kept the lighter aside; done lighting the candles.

She smiled, blinking back her tears and looked at him. He closed her eyes, only for her to open them again and look at him.

"Close your eyes and make a wish love" he said softly.

"My every wish is you, Ehan. All I want is you; only you" she said, letting a tear roll down her cheek. He wiped it with his thumb, blinking back his. She hugged him, wrapping her hands around his neck and he held her closer.

Breaking the hug, She excitedly turned to the cakes and blew the candles. Ehan clapped for her before holding the knife with her. They sliced a piece from all the three cakes and feed eachother.

"This is delicious" Ira squealed at the delightful taste, licking her fingers. Whilst Ehan sat watching her with a wide smile, contentment filling his heart.

Once she was done savoring the delicacies, Ehan grabbed the gift he got for her from his cupboard.

"Here is your birthday gift" he said, forwarding a cleanly wrapped and ribboned flat box to her, who sat by the window. He sat behind her by the way that her back would rest against his front.

Ever so slowly yet excitedly, Ira pulled the rubbon and opened the box. It was a beautiful glass photo frame of them both. Their eyes glued at eachother, dancing in happiness and wide smiles adoring their lips. The borders of the frame had heart shaped glass crystals of different sizes attatched to it, increasing it's beauty. As Ira carefully looked at their picture, she realised that they were wearing the same clothes, they're wearing now.

She turned her head to look at Ehan, who wiggled his eyebrows. Now she understood what took him so long from picking her up from Lily's place. He got the picture clicked of them from Lily and went to get it framed and decorated the cottage meanwhile.

She ran her fingers through their smiling faces. "This is so beautiful" she said and kissed Ehan's face in the picture.

"I'm right here, love" he teased, resting his chin on her shoulder. She turned a little and kissed his cheek, mumbling a thank you.

"This is the prettiest gift ever. I love it" she whispered, hugging the frame to her heart. He pulled her a little closer, letting her sleep in his arms. A small smile lingered over their lips as they cherished the moment together.

No one spoke for few minutes and the silence was comforting. Their hearts beating in a rhythm, their minds relaxed and their feelings content.

"Ira..." Ehan called her in a whisper and she replied with a 'hmm' keeping her eyes closed.

"I was thinking of our future. I believe, we should start planning for it"

"Nice thought. What should we plan actually? I mean, from where do you think we should start?" She asked, paying him all her attention.

"By me starting to earn"

She shifted a little to face him.

"What are you saying?"

"See, only if I start it today, we'll have some savings to start our journey years later"

"But what about your studies? It's your final year" she tried to make a point.

"So what? I believe I can handle both. My baby is doing so.." he hit his head with hers and added, "Why can't I?"

"I'm an average student, Ehan. It's ok for me. But you shouldn't lose your concentration at this point. It's really important for your career"

"But, Ira I can..."

"Ehan, please. Just a few months. I promise I won't stop you after that. You can do whatever you wish. Ok?" She gave him her best puppy look, which made him melt and nod.

"Good boy" she pinched his cheek, pulling them right to left and vice versa. He smiled as she rest her head on his chest and he hugged her protectively.

He kissed her head, running his fingers through her silky soft hair whilst she kept patting his heart. Sleep enveloped them in a few minutes, taking them to the land of dreams, of their beautiful future together.

---

Assalamualaikum everyone,

I'm sorry for the delay. My classes and assignments kept me busy. Hope you guys will understand.

Now talking about this update, how was the chapter?

What are you guys excited for?

A sudden twist?

Or

Ehan's parents' reasons behind their behaviour towards him?

Do lemme know your views and don't forget to hit the 🌟