''Fine, we will help you.'' Arun agreed to let Nirali decorate his apartment for the surprise birthday party she was organizing for Lakshay. He and Naman even agreed to be the part of little drama Nirali had planned. 

While girls got busy decorating the room, Naman decided to entertain the small pup who sat there  wagging its tail. He thought something and then smiled. 

''We are done. Arun, exactly at 7 PM today, you need to do as we planned.'' Nirali instructed. The 3 boys nodded and girls left to change and get ready.

***

They were back to Arun's apartment sharp at seven. Amisha placed the cake on the decorated table in the center of the room. They dimmed the room lights and were ready to greet the birthday boy. ''Arun, you go and call him and remember to look panicked.'' Arun nodded and left the apartment to get his friend while others waited

Lakshay's guitar became the victim of his anger. Other than Varun, no one wished him on his birthday. Though, he never celebrated all these years but that didn't mean he wasn't expecting a blessing. What pissed him more was Nirilai not wishing him. He never forgot her birthday or any other special days then how could she. He was sure that they were going to fight again. Lakshay there his guitar on the bed frustrated. He was still trying to figure out his anger when Arun dashed in looking absolutely miserable.

''Varun.....'' His words died and Lakshay was on his toes. Varun meant a lot to him, and he cared more for Varun for reasons best know to both of them. ''What's wrong? What happened to Varun?''

''We were discussing on Lyrics one minute and next minute he was on floor.''

Lakshay ran straight to check on his friend and Arun patted himself for brilliant performance. He dashed into the apartment calling out Varun and just then the room came to light, his friends screamed signing the birthday song in most outrageous manner. Lakshay scanned the decoration and knew it was done by Nirali. The mere thought of she doing all this for him made his heart swell in pride. She smiled at him with all the love she had for him. They kept taking small steps towards each other making sure their feelings were too open to the audience. 

He wanted to hug her tight, their eyes locked , they let silence talk for them. Their friends noticed all and decided to make the job easier. As Nirali and Laskahy stepped closer to one another, so did Amisha and Naman. Once close the two lover birds were pushed into each other's arms, but the romantic moment turned into something more memorable. Lakshay stepped on something and slipped. While Nirali fell on hard earth, Lakshay landed on the table taking cake down with him. 

There was a dead silence and after lot of control, there was a crackling laughter. While boys took some cake off Lakshay wishing him birthday. Lakshay was busy looking for the object he  slipped on and it turned out to be a small bottle cap. ''Who left it here?''

Naman picked some more whipped cream of Lakshay's face. ''OH! That's from the squash mix I bought for our small party. bro the cake is yum and after the cream facial, you look double yum.''  Lakshay wanted to kill Naman but latter just winked at him.

''Go and clean.'' NIrali stared at the cake. ''I worked all day to make that.'' She glared at Lakshay , angry about her cake. He smiled, that was Nirali, she never waited for anyone to appreciate her work, she declared and then demanded her credit.

''Its my birthday, you are not supposed to scold.'' He pointed. She made a face curling her lip. Lakshay picked some cream of his cheek. He extended his finger towards her, ''try it or these morons will throw me on the floor and lick me clean.''

''Yes, pls take he offers Nirali so that we can have the rest.'' Naman screamed , still busy finishing the remaining cake. 

''Do you know it was Sugar free, it takes a lot more time. I wanted to make sure your diet isn't affected.'' Her words died as Lakshay kissed her, she responded wrapping her arms around his neck. Amisha dropped her plate. ''Guys, this is a public space.''

''Yuck!'' quickly turned away.

''Man, he ruined all the cream in him.'' Naman added earing a stare from all. Varun excused himself going back to his apartment. He didn't want Lakshay to chose between him and Nirali. For years, Lakshay has been his support without a single demand. Lakshay had seen him go through the darkest days but Nirali hated him, for her friend, and he understood that. 

Even during all the preparations for Lakahsy's birthday Nirali avoided him like a plague . His friends tried to lighten up the air between them but they failed. Nirali hated Varun and she made it clear she was never going to forgive him. 

All he wished was one chance to undo the damage that happened all those years back. But today wasn't the day. Varun had made up his mind to speak to Nirali about Riya and he was going to do it even if  Nirali killed him. Moving to his wardrobe he pulled out an old book. Somewhere between the faded pages was an old picture of him with Riya. They both smiling to the camera. Those young , carefree times, a drop trickled down his cheek on to her face. 

''I never thought my reckless behavior would hurt you that bad. Give me one chance to apologies. Pls'' He hugged the picture tight. If only he got one chance of redemption  

***

  A woman in her mid twenties sipped her coffee, her eyes moving to the door of café and then to her wrist watch. She had always been very punctual but the one she was waiting for, always followed the clock different from the world.

''Hey, I am sorry...'' A man in his late twenties said huffing . When his eyes met hers, he quickly pulled the chair. He wanted to add but she completed for him. ''The traffic in this city is worse. I have been stuck for same spot for past 2 hrs.''

He just smiled sheepishly. ''Its Okay Riya. There is a different kind of fun in making someone wait'' He teased. Riya just rolled his eyes. ''I don't know how Vini keeps up with you.''

''She is the worse version for me.'' Shaan replied making Riya chuckle. he ordered himself a coffee and took a sip. ''So, what's bothering you.''

''Shaan, I spoke to Nirali. She sounded happy, very happy.''

''And that makes you sad.'' He teased

''Be serious. Nirali and Lakshay are back together.''

''That's a good news and you are bothered that if they get married you will have to face Varun again. He completed for her.'' Riya stayed silent.  Shaan added. ''Why does that man still bothers you.''

''He doesn't! I am over him.'' Riya replied looking everywhere but Shaan. He chuckled, ''If that was true, you and I would be still married and  happy.'' Shaan's words hit the right chord. Riya shut her eyes. She and Shaan had married right after she completed her 18 yrs. Her parents just wanted to wash their hands off the girl who bought them shame. Shaan, took his new bride along to UK. He understood her discomfort and allowed her all the time, and  after 3 months, she told him everything. Shaan felt her pain and helped her achieve her childhood dream. He got her her admitted to a renowned college and now she was practicing under a famous psychiatrist. 

They stayed as a friends and later separated when Riya was confident enough to manager on her own. Shaan married his long time friend Vini , and Riya had a very good relationship with both. It was Riya who encouraged Shaan to accept Vini's feelings.  

''You deserved the best Shaan. Men like you are rare.''

''So are the woman like you. You are so honest with your emotions that you cannot betray anyone. Now, back to our topic. Do you still love Varun?''

''No! But I don't want to fall in love ever...again. I hate that emotion. It makes you vulnerable and weak. I don't want to be weak, never again.'' Riya's eyes watered recalling the past

Shaan extended a tissue, ''he makes you weak, and you still are stuck on him.''

''Don't tell me what I know.''

''I am glad you accepted it. I think your boss should have hired me instead of you. I am a better counselor.'' 

''I am a psychiatrist''

''Yet you need a counselor. So when are you going back to India.''

''Not sure, they are still discussing things. This time, they want to take it slow.''

Shaan stared at her. ''When there is no plan, you are on toes. What are you going to do once she invites you.''

''I will take you along. So that he knows I am happy.''

Shaan smiled. ''Riya, you want to hurt and punish him.'' There was a silence. ''Then do it, get over with it.'' Shaan recalled Vini's words

''You are asking me to push RIya to the guy who gave her so much pain?''

Vini smiled. ''Shaan, the best way to get over a trouble in to face it. Varun had been trying to reach out to Riya for years, but she keeps blocking him or changing her account details. If she was over, she wouldn't be this bothered. Push her to face it. As friends, we need to help her''

He smiled recalling the discussion. Riya was not over Varun and she could never be over him. Shaan knew and it was time for Riya to either go back or step forward.

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