“Kittu no meeting today, today its all about you” says dadi holding a thali.

“ya dadi I rescheduled as soon as I found out, what time is it?”

“It’s approaching 12pm now hurry go get dressed or we will miss the aarti.

“you know I’m not religious much but for you anything..”

“That’s like my sweet Kittu Bittu” she gently pulls his cheek

“areey dadi the name has to stop and especially tonight”

“ok fine but just for tonight.. otherwise it stays”

“ok” he says sweetly putting his arm around her. They shared a strong bond, dadi is the mum he never had.

 “Wow baby you looking stunning” said Gauri catching a glimpse of Naira as she enters the room. Naira had a sari on, her hair was out a little curly at the ends, her makeup was simple except her lipstick was a lovely pink colour making her smile more vibrant.

“I’m in a sari it’s not too much na?” I mean I like western but I prefer traditional wear, I hope its not lame” Gauri goes over to her and takes her kajal box, she takes a little on her finger.

“you look perfect, kisi ki buri nazar lage meri didi ko” she presses her finger behind Naira’s ear.

“thanks for borrowing me this sari and everything. I..”

“yaar stop apologising you know na  I don’t like it.. be at ease what’s mine is yours”  Naira smiles.

“ok I will shut up, but why are you wearing such a simple salvar..”

“i’m not important her.. I’m only coming with you to keep you company bas I want you to have a great day its your birth..”

“no.. no don’t mention my birthday there to anyone its my request”  Gauri rolls her eyes

“fine” That was one thing that annoyed her about Naira, she never wanted to make anything in her life special or a big deal, but then she too understood where she had the best childhood, Naira had the worst, she didn’t want to push her too much. 

“chal let’s get a photo together, in this purple and white net sari you are looking better than me, and blouse sleeveless blouse you hottie, seriously even I don’t look this good In this one..

“chup and smile for camera” They stand in front of the camera and take a selfie.

“let me see.. wow I’m making this my wallpaper on my new phone” said Naira with excitement in her voice.

“let me see” both girls look into the screen. Naira watches as her best friend admires their photo she puts a hand on her shoulder

“seriously your family really didn’t need to buy me such an expensive gift Gauri I.. 

“Naira how nicely your birthday is going don’t spoil the mood by saying such things yaar” she whinges.

“ok fine.. is that the time? we better hurry” Gauri nods and they both leave for Kartik’s party.

*

The guest house hall is full with many people, everyone came in and greeted Kartik and dadi along with Preeti who was at his side. Dadi looks around,

“Dadi everyone is here, shall we cut the cake?” says Kartik sweetly he is in a white blazer with a black tie.

“hmm?”

“dadi its getting late we should cut the cake before Siya goes to bed na?” says Preeti pointing to her sister who is holding Siya.

“Just five minutes?” she replies. Preeti sighs ‘who is she waiting for anyways’ Kartik shrugs his shoulders.   “I don’t know…” he walks off away from her.

“Mr Mittal” he shakes his hand, “glad you can make it”

“happy birthday” Mr Mittal hands him a boxed gift. “really no need for this” he replies politely. Mr Mittal is a business associate of his for a long time and knew his parents quite well.. “Namaste beta glad you can make it”

“of course maaji I always make time and schedule my meetings.. is it ever a time that I have missed little Shankar’s birthday” ..Kartik smiles when his father’s name is mentioned.

“Maji you have done a good job with him.. he is a fine young man.. but his life partner choice” he sighs.. Kartik looks over at Preeti she is busy talking with her rich friends to even greet.

“hmmm.. hey preeti come say hi” Dadi gives him a what are you doing type of look.. he nods indicating he knows what he is doing.

“darling meet Mr Mittal you know him na..”  Kartik explains. “oh yes hi again.. Preeti we should cut the cake now?” 

“no! says Dadi.. all eyes are on her. “dadi now look Siya is falling a sleep, and Mittal uncle is here na he is who you were waiting for this time right?”  she wants to tell him he is right but he isn’t. she nods at him.. “sure go ahead”.

 “Preeti go organise it I’m just coming. She nods with a fake smile plastered across her face. Dadi goes ahead and looks around. “ who are you waiting for really?” he says in a low tone.   

*

“Really Naira and then what happened?”

“then he helped with my blouse and, I.. “ she looks down feeling shy..

 “then?”

“then.. this isn’t some movie” she laughs.

“feels like one, I feel you and Kartik are growing closer..  she looks at Gauri “I think you maybe right.”

“we are here..don’t forget the gift bag” she says to her.

“ya got it” they both come out of the car,

“its at the back not here, this is the main house. We have to go to their guest house, back there.. they reach the front door, it’s already open… and Naira feels nervous to enter.

“what’s wrong?” said Gauri.

“I don’t know.. maybe we should just turn back and..” Gauri holds her hand. “don’t be silly, you come here every day..and don’t worry I’m here with you..” she drags her in with her.

This  hall is much bigger and decorated, doesn’t even feel like they are in a house, feels like a outdoor hall, Heads turn at them but then turn back to the front. She hears Kartik’s voice,

“I really couldn’t…” is he making a speech?. She goes ahead and sees the family portray of dadi next to him holding Siya and his one arm around Preeti on the other side clinging on him.

“couldn’t do anything without the support of these pillars in my life, my dadi and my beautiful wife Preeti” everyone cheers.

“thank you all for coming enjoy the party” he turns to her and a photographer comes.. and clicks a family photo. Gauri looks at Naira..

“maybe coming wasn’t such a great idea..” from her expression Gauri could tell Naira felt down seeing this sight of him with his family.

“don’t worry Naira atleast we didn’t see the cake cutting”

“thank god I missed seeing the sight of them feeding cake to each other” she sighs.  This place is filled with so many people if I just slip out of the back door then..

“Naira beta so glad you came” dadi out strengths her arms and hugs her.

“and you are looking beautiful like a doll” she says.. “thanks dadi”

Gauri sees how sweet Kartik’s dadi is, and seeing Naira ease when speaking with her.

“you got late, you missed the cake cutting you know I was waiting for you to come, but then Siya..”

“no, it’s fine I completely understand” she said holding on the frail old lady’s hand.

“well you are here now that is what counts”  she smiles.. “dadi meet my friend Gauri”

“Namaste” says Gauri.. “Namaste beta, and beta you are in a sari, it’s lovely to see this culture is still intact, even Kartik likes sari, but his wife, look at her wearing such a ugly dress. Gauri laughs but Naira stays quiet.

“I guess all have their own choices” Naira  says with a diplomatic answer. Dadi could see how sweet Naira is, not a selfish bone in her body.

“come have dinner” she takes them with her. She walks pass and sees Kartik talking with his friends but he doesn’t notice her. Dinner is served in a buffet way, dadi sits down with the girls but leaves shortly to answer a call. Naira munches on the last item on her plate a samosa.

“you ok?” says Gauri.

“yeah I’m fine.. it is what it is..” she says then goes quiet, Gauri was not buying her lame excuse.

 “its just..”

“everyone can I just have your attention” says Preeti into the mic. Naira couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“what now?” she murmurs.. from the corner of her eye she could see Kartik and Preeti standing up.

“as you all know how much a crazy watch fanatic my husband is well actually he is a collector so..i want you all to see my gift”

“happy birthday Kartik” she says presenting him a small box.

“wow thanks” he replies with total fakeness

“open it” she whispers.. “hmm.. ya I will do later” he replies. “no now” she whispers a harshly.

“It’s a imported Chopard L.U.C All-in-One 'Janus Watch.. everyone gasped as they knew how expensive this watch is..

“exactly its.. “ Kartik zoned out as she announces the price and goes on about it.. but everyone else is actually interested.. he gets annoyed by each passing second.

“how much did she say” Naira is shocked.

“I won’t give him this gift.. I can’t compete with that price.. even Gauri was speechless.

“don’t worry Naira and you said so yourself Kartik is different and.. oh they are calling to take dessert come”

“you go I’m not very hungry.. she twists the bag in her hand.  Gauri leaves..

“Kartik you didn’t even open the box..”

“I’ll do it later..  he says moving away from Preeti.

“look I know you said no, but its chocolate and its your birthday..” she holds the little plate to her.. Naira sighs.

“ok and shhh about my birthday what did I say at home..

“fine, fine here take it” Naira takes the plate and digs her fork into the delicious dessert. 

“Mmm” Naira responds..

“nice na” says Gauri and she nods in agreement. Her and Gauri start to talk about other things, she wants to keep her mind off a certain someone.

“exactly in a few weeks?” then Naira nods. Gauri sees someone sneak up on Naira.. she is about to open her mouth but the person tells her not too.

‘about time.’ Her mind reflects.

He presses his lips in  a thin line, takes his left hand and covers her eyes.. “Kaun?” she says touching over the hand which is covering her eyes..

“guess karo?” he says.. in a disguise voice.. Gauri is tempted to speak but he shakes his head..

“areey” he spins her to face him. Holding the sides of her upper arms,

“it’s me the birthday boy.. and you are looking very beautiful. he pays her a sweet compliment her eyes see him close up, he looks hot in white.

“sir i..

“finished?” he says referring to the plate in her hand..

“hmm” she replies.. he takes the plate from her..

“take this” he hands it to the waiter and turns back to her.

“Happy birthday sir” she says..  

“thank you” he replies holding her hands in his.

“Gauri glad you could come” he turns back to Naira

“where’s my gift?” he asks sweetly..  

“gift?”

“areey yah kya you haven’t got me any gift for my birthday?” he pouts.. Naira felt is she talking to the same serious, business mode Kartik, here he is acting like a kid it was nice to see this side.

“I..” he sees her hand..

“is this it?” he takes the bag..

“yes replies Gauri.. Naira looks at her clearly annoyed.

“Sir its.. I .. you can take it back..  He took the box out, and saw the brand..

“its too good” 

“really?” she replies not entirely convinced with the answer.

“yeah.. but ma’am’s gift..”

“this is better”  he opens the box in front of her. “wow I love it”

“it’s not a Chopard” she comments, he closes the box.

“what can I say I’m more of a tag heuer kinda of  guy.. how did you know its my favourite brand.. dadi told you na?” he smiles. Actually no one told her it was a lucky guess but she nods anyway.

“The best gift I have got today.. thank you” he softly holds his  hand around her right arm just above the elbow, at the same time he leans in brushing his right cheek to her  left one and kisses the air just to the side of her face. Feeling his cheek against hers her right hand rises up and rests on his shoulder blade. He is face to face with her again.

“I’ll go put this away, you really look lovely in this sari” she smiles,

“thanks”  he blinks his eyes as to say your welcome, it was a cute gesture. 

 Once Kartik was out of sight Gauri turns to her. “you must be feeling much better now” says Gauri.. Naira nods shyly.. “hmm” she replies.

*

"How much did you spend of my money, you better have the damn receipt!" He said harshly whilst dancing with Preeti.

“You don’t want to dance?” says Gauri 

“I don’t understand one minute things feel great and now… look at them happily dancing.. she says pointing to the dance floor. Her mood was off, she thought Kartik would come and speak with her more but since the gift he hadn’t come back.. Naira wanted to leave but dadi told her to stay for another five minutes.. it was approaching 1:00am most guest had left already and now a few were back in main house as Kartik had to send a urgent e-mail out he left early and was unable to say ‘bye’ to some of the guest.

“dadi I will see you tomorrow..”

“ok beta see you then” she smiles. Gauri feels bad for Naira , she can see the disappointment in her eyes of not seeing Kartik, but she is too stubborn to admit to it. “chal gauri”

“I need the washroom” she says.. “ok hurry I will wait in the car” she nods and leaves the house. Gauri walks passed and opens Kartik’s office door.

“sorry sir I didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting  I wanted to ask you something.. He looks over to her.

“no Its fine..ask..

“sir um.. check Naira’s file and see her date of birth that’s all”

“sure..” he says a little unsure.. “please sir don’t forget..”

“will do it right away..”  he replies. “ok, bye” she closes the door.

“Gauri is a strange girl..”  he sighs, “anyhow” he opens the drawer and takes Naira’s file, he opens it, his eyes fix on her dob. 

 “No way! Naira and I share the same birthday? why didn’t she say anything? (tut)she sacrificed her birthday and came to my party..hmm I..I must do something for her tomorrow". He closes the file and made a phone call..

Tbc

Precap:
Kartik surprises Naira

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