The morning of her birthday would have felt like usual to Ruhana if not for her but the messages from her friends and loved ones. She puts her phone away after chatting with them for a while.

It's good I woke up an early hour for this. Bas yahi to khas baat hai aaj ki, she murmurs, smiling and tying her long, dark hair up in a pony. She will later change it into an updo while going to work.

The clock then strikes eight. She jumps down from her bed and hurries into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

She's not a hardcore workaholic as they go but worships work. Well enough that she's working even on her birthday. It's been a year since she found her dream job of being a writer in film production here in the city of dreams, Mumbai. She can't slack off now.

Those at FR Productions, the production studio she works for don't cut her any slack and she doesn't want them to. She works hard each day and is careful not to make a single mistake. It's a given, after she achieved this position, having been through many troubles.

Looking back on the journey feels tough. Sometimes she wonders how she overcame it all. That said, her job every day is challenging enough. Dealing with hot entertainment personalities to colleagues who resort to scheming behind her back. She has to be on guard constantly, it's exhausting. And those celebrities have it even worse.

"My job as a writer is a tad bit better. At least I'm not dragged into scandals each day."

Ruhana murmurs, arranging her hair so it loosely frames her beautiful face. The reflection of the young woman staring at her from the mirror looks graceful, dressed in a chic yellow jumpsuit, and wearing minimal makeup.

"I'm ready." She declares, praying to her favourite god before stepping out of her home — an apartment on the top floor of a towering housing complex. On the first floor, she stops by her friend Priyanka's home to say hello. Priyanka brought along Dushyant early in the morning, and they gifted her the most gorgeous bouquet of yellow and pink roses. But saying another hello won't hurt. Ruhana spends some quality time with her other writer buddy who works from home before parting ways.

Mumbai roads are busy as ever. At first, being alone in a city like this was a bit scary. Her parents didn't approve of renting an apartment but it helped that Priyanka's family lives downstairs in the building.

"She says don't thank me but if not for her. I wouldn't have been here." Ruhana murmurs again boarding a taxi. As the morning breeze caresses her cheeks from the open window, a serene smile graces her lips. "But of course. I will give myself some credit as she asks me to."

***

Ruhana arrives at the FR Productions office. A few colleagues, juniors who joined later on after her look at her with reverence, and they exchange basic morning greetings. Some of them who are familiar with her convey birthday wishes.

She acknowledges them all with a humble demeanour. She's surely written scripts for three successful films in a row. The higher-ups view her in a good light but she'll stay rooted to the ground. After all, she has a long way to go from here.

For the next few hours, she works alone in the room allotted to the writers. Two other writers alongside her are similarly engaged in their tasks.

She hasn't made particularly on the confession scene she's been working on when it's time for lunch. She begrudgingly closes her laptop as her stomach makes the slightest noise.

Where to go? She visits home as it's close by. Her two-bedroom flat is on the top floor of Asha Heights. The USP of this visit is that she also gets to check on her dog. Inside the chic, sparsely furnished living room, she feeds some treats to her dog Billo, a fluffy, caramel-coloured shih tzu. They cuddle on the sofa together when the phone she put on the coffee table vibrates.

Another video call from her parents. She's only glad to connect with them again. She has an hour before she can resume work.

Her mom and dad express regret that they couldn't get flight tickets or train tickets. Hell, they couldn't reach Mumbai even by road. The rains were horrific midway and bus services were horrendous.

Ruhana watches her parents get into an argument about how they should've done it in advance. advance, feeling slightly conflicted. She's both disappointed and also relieved her parents didn't make it. She's been experiencing solitude in its best form ever since she moved to Mumbai. She doesn't want to let it go that soon.

"Oh ji, I tell you. Aapki galti hai, Ronit Ji! Beti ko Mumbai bhej ke bade araam se reh rahe ho. Reservation kyu na karvai?" Her mom whines.

"Arey, aap humesha mujh pe ilzaam daal deti ho, Pallavi ji. Aapne yaad kyu nai dilaya. Waise mujhe kya pata tha bin mausam ke dinon mei bhi train tickets nahi milenge short notice par!" her father retaliates.

"Maa, Papa please!" Ruhana jumps in between their conversation and asks them not to bicker. "Honestly maa, papa. it's fine. Aap next week aa jao ya kabhi bhi. Kuch din rehna chahte ho toh plan karke ao. Ya fir main bhi toh tyohar ke dino mei Ghar aungi. If we are having quality family time together woh hum log kabhi bhi kar sakte hain. Han aaj hota toh aur maza aajata. But yaha main fir bhi khush hun. Anyway next time, main aapke tickets advance mei book kardungi."

Both her mother and father cease their argument and break into smiles hearing her.

"Ha, Ruu beta," Pallavi has an excited glint in her eyes. "Ya humare damad ji se karade. Kya kehti ho?"

"Han, damad ji tum dhundhti ho ya hum dhunde?" Ronit looks at her daughter expectantly.

"Uh? Kya... sunayi nahi deraha papa! Maa, sorry! Video bhi nahi araha thikse! Baad mein baat karte hai, okay?"

Ruhana shakes her phone violently, blames the quality of the video and hangs up on the pretext of a connectivity problem.

She hugs her dog again and heaves a sigh. "Huh. Maa, Papa bhi na. I should've expected wo shadi ki baat karenge. Subah na karpaye. Abhi kardia. Mere lunch ke bare mei puchliya hota. Ya mere kaam ke bare mei. Sab ko shadi ki padi rehti hai..."

Billo whines and licks her cheek causing Ruhana to chuckle. She kisses her dog on its crown.

"Thanks, Billo Rani. I know you're there for me. And you only love me."

Billo jumps off the couch and wags her tail. Ruhana too hops off the couch with another chuckle. "But I know you love your treats more! On my birthday you also get extra treats!"

And so she feeds her beloved dog more treats. But in the back of her mind, she wonders, "Pata nahi. ab toh bach gayi. Raat ko dobara call karenge Maa, Papa. Well, tab dekhte hai."

It's not like I'm against Shaadi, she thinks seated on the couch again while Billo plays, turning her eyes to the window. Sahi waqt nahi hai ye. "Aur sahi banda bhi toh chahiye."

As she murmurs the last sentence aloud, someone's image flashes in her head. She brushes it off immediately.

"Ah, not him. Why am I thinking of that idiot? Ruu, get a grip! Get over your childhood crush. Usko pata chala toh bahut akad dikhayega!"

She sighs and treats herself to some chocolate which melts sweetly on her tongue. Yes. Her life is still not perfect. She still makes mistakes at work and has regrets. She doesn't have a special someone, but little moments like these are plenty enough.

The pendulum clock on the living room wall strikes two. She has half an hour to go when there's a knock on her door. Her friends Vineet and Vivaan step inside when she opens the door.

"Hello, have you had lunch?"

Ruhana makes a silly face. "Uh. Oops. Lunch hour and main khana bhul gayi."

Vivaan brushes her bangs, treating her to his charismatic dimpled smile. "How can that be? Don't tell me you were distracted by this cutie?"

Billo just then waddles to the front door and jumps into Vivaan's waiting arms. Vivaan immediately pulls out a dog treat from his pocket. Ruhana laughs. "Billo is so spoiled. Usko aur mat bigado."

"Arey Billo itna cute hai," says Vineet. She deserves to be spoiled.

Ruhana smiles but then remembers something. Both these friends of hers haven't wished her happy birthday! And now they are cuddling her dog!

"Vivaan, kya kehte ho, our Billo needs another toy. Hey, Ruu tumne iski choti bhi banayi? Kitni cute lag rahi hai ye..." Vineet picks Billo from Vivaan's arms, and the two of them coddle the dog which annoys Ruhana.

Why, she's glad they love her dog. But mujhe bhool gaye. Mere birthday par wish tak nahi kiya. Ider aye bhi kyun.

"Hey, Ruu, won't you invite us in?" Vivaan says.

Before Ruhana can reply he adds, "tumne lunch nahi kiya na. Kyun na hum lunch karein saath mei?"

Vineet jumps on board. A little reluctantly they all leave Billo at the house and drive to a nearby restaurant in Vivaan's posh ice-blue Audi Q8.

***

"Khana acha hai na?" Vineet munches away at pancakes and gulab jamun.

Vivaan too indulges in his vanilla thick shake after eating aloo parathas. Ruhana sighs and softly murmurs to herself. "Mujhe laga yaha aake surprise milega. But ye log bhukkad ki tarah kharahe hai."

Vineet nudges her. "Ruhana, tum bhi khao."

Ruhana shows him a stiff smile. She thinks, don't smile at me so sweetly. I feel like stomping on your foot below the table.

She sighs. Both Vineet and Vivaan are her long-time friends. Vineet, ever since she joined FR productions. He's such a good stuntman at the same and a good person. They've only become friends four years ago but he's close enough as Vivaan, her childhood friend.

Maybe I'm hoping for too much. Vivaan is a super star and Vineet bhi toh kaam se kitna busy rehta hoga. I should be happy they are treating me to lunch. Maybe mere birthday ka yaad aaye, wapas jate? Ya fir main hi yad dilati hu. I can help my friends, right? And not be annoyed. Maybe I can drop hints?

"Ha, I'm full." Vineet smears his belly in an exaggerated way. And then waggles his eyebrows. "Kyun na dessert khaye. Ruhana finish your parThas soo please."

"Yeah, please," says Vivaan.

Lo. Inko sirf khane ki padi hai. Ruhana thinks and sighs again. But finishes her paratha. Not because she's obeying Vineet but because she has to return to work. Khana toh padega na.

Done with the job, she wipes her hands on a napkin.

"Aha, ab finally desert ki bari." Vineet and Vivaan announce in unison, rubbing their hands together.

Just then a delicious, beautifully decorated chocolate cake is brought to their table. Written on the cake are the words "Happy Birthday Ruhana."

Ruhana can't help but smile like a fool. "Oh, you guys remembered. Muje laga bhul gaye. Mujhe pehle gussa aya. Fir mujhe laga I shouldn't be annoyed and make you guys remember."

Vivaan laughs. "Han. I could tell you were annoyed. Vineet woh food ke bare mei comments bhi to kar raha tha. It was fun to watch your funny expressions, Ruu."

The chef places the cake on the table and leaves. Ruhana pouts. "Huh? Very bad. Vinu, tum bhi? Muje laga you're very straightforward."

Vineet chuckles and looks a bit sheepish. "Han I'm straightforward, Ruhana, but tumhe ched ke maza aya. Actually yeh Vivaan ka hi idea tha. I wanted to bring you the cake at home. But ye bola restaurant aur suprise."

He and Vivaan nod at each other and then they scream and clap. "Happy birthday, Ruhana!"

Ruhana laughs. Thank god the restaurant is empty. Wait, of course. Super stars can't dine in public. Maybe Vivaan booked the entire top floor of this chic restaurant for them. "Vivaan, Vineet! You two are crazy. But well this is still a surprise, thank you."

"Crazy is good, dear Ruu!" Vineet lights the sparkler candle. Then he and Vivaan sing her birthday song. Ruhana is truly touched by the gesture and cuts the cake. They relish the taste of the cake and moments of pure friendship, fun and laughter.

After a short but sweet celebration, they walk out of the chic restaurant. On the way to their car parked next to the sidewalk, they stop outside a flower shop.

"Yaha kyu ruke?" Ruhana turns her eyes away from the flowers and looks at Vivaan and Vineet. Vineet is his normal self walking on the street. Vivaan is wearing a hat and thick glasses as a disguise.

"Vineet tum bahut busy admi ho. Aur Vivaan, tum superstar hoke bhi mere liye itna kuchh kar rahe ho. I am glad, guys. Thank you for thinking of me."

"Arey, ye bhi koi celebration hain. We'll throw you a big bash soon. Once all of us are free. Aur han, main superstar hone se pehle tumhara best friend hun." Vivaan says, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Aur vaise bhi abhi tum bhi super writer ho. You should be proud of your achievements. I wish you all the best."

Vivan then pics a purple orchid flower bouquet from the display at a flower shop nearby. With a sweet smile, he faces Ruhana. "Yeh guldasta tumhare liye. Happy birthday, meri pyari dost. I wish nothing but happiness for you."

He wraps her in a quick hug and pulls away. He smiles. "Woh tumhe office jana hoga to isko main sham tak tumhare ghar pahuncha dunga. Or maybe if these will wilt, I should send you another."

Ruhana feels a bit bashful, hugged by a superstar, her best buddy and amidst all the praise he showed upon her. Plus the scent of his cologne is a bit dizzying. "Thank you, Vivaan. Or I can put them in a vase in my office." She shows him her brightest smile.

"Na, kaha, writers room me? I will hold onto this for you. Ahh, that smile. That's what I wanted to see. Ab mera baki din mera araam se, yun kat jayega..." Vivaan trails off with a wink.

Vineet clears his throat and shoves Vivaan lightly to the side so he's right in front of Ruhana. He then presents a bouquet of beautiful yellow, pink and white roses.

"Happy Birthday, Ruhana." He addresses Ruhana ignoring Vivaan's funny stare. "Ab dosti me thank you kaisa, senorita? Hum dost hai, nai? Itne bade sheher mei, is vishal dunia me..." He winks, putting as much charm as he can into the gesture. "You're my special friend. So I also wish the best for you, dear. Aur hey, ye guldasta tumhare liye. Vivs se main picha nahi hatunga, huh."

Ruhana is thankful for the sweet gesture. Vivaan teases Vineet. "Toh tumko pehle dena chahiye tha! Vineet, tum mere se peeche hi reh gaye!"

Vineet pulls a face. "Huh chup kar!"

"Arey, kyun wo sach hai. Tum bhale hi daring stuntman ho. You can't beat a superstar in his game."

"Shut up. Kuch bhi."

Ruhana can't help but laugh at the duo's antics. What a fun lunch hour this has turned out to be.

"On that note. Yes, it was all fun and jokes." Vineet and Vivaan bump their fists and exchange a quick hug.

"I have to go elsewhere. See you two later." Vineet catches a taxi as he has to be elsewhere for work.

Ruhana sighs at the realisation that none of her friends can attend her birthday bash. It's why she didn't throw one. But hey Priyanka and Dushyant should be still available. Naman and others texted and charted over video calls. Vineet and Vivaan threw her a lunch party. This is enough right?

As Vivaan is headed to the FR studios, he offers Ruhana a ride to her office. Their car moves smoothly in the afternoon traffic.

Vivaan looks at her as they stop at the signal. "Aaj tumhara sahil k sath shooting h na he says, gripping the steering, his eyes on the gorgeous woman next to him.

"Oh damn. I almost forgot about it. Uske naye film ka muhurat hone wala aaj hi. And they will shoot a few scenes. Vaise to director sir sab sambhal lete hain lekin main script writer hun toh mujhe bhi wahan rehna Hota Hai. Today is going to be a long day. You know shooting with Sahil means a nightmare."

Vivan laughs. He sometimes understands the equation that Sahil and Ruhana share. Sometimes he wonders if he's wrong. They all went to the same school as kids. That's the link between himself Ruhana and Sahil. Surely Ruhana and Sahil weren't the best of friends back then. But it's funny they'd continue their childish rivalry over the years.

It's hilarious, but it's also sweet. It's like neither of them wants to cut off that bond. Isn't that so?

Vivaan allows himself a smile thinking of his two dear friends. He thinks, yeah it looks sweet and comical. Ek achi picture ki story ki tarah. But it's like you both secretly like each other but don't admit it in the open. I know this as someone who knows you both closely. Yeh kab tak chalaoge tum log. Mere hints tho lete nahi ho. To ab cupid ko hi magic chalana hoga. Will he work his magic this year?

He snaps out of his thoughts when Ruhana nudges him. "Vivs, kaha kho gaye?"

"Kahi nahi. Why the long face you? Come on, Ruhana, it can't be that bad." He encourages his girl pal. "Surely, although you guys fight like Tom and Jerry you manage to get along well enough. It's for a film right? It will be fine. Sahil will be professional enough I'm sure. Besides it's not your first film together."

"It's not. Last time usne kitna sataya mujhe tumhe bataya na maine, Vivs? Sahil and Professional, woh bhi mere saath? And we too will get along? No way! That pompous jerk and I can't be friends! Kabhi bhi nai hoskta."

Ruhana says firmly suppressing her true feelings. Vivaan chuckles. Ab tum aise keh rahi toh main kya keh sakta hun, he thinks. "Well, you can manage. I'm sure you're capable."

Ruhana nods. Vivaan turns on the radio just to distract both of them from their thoughts. Even so his mind races. Well, if you're not interested in Sahil does this mean I have the chance? Sahil mera bhi dost hai. To hit on the girl he likes, I thought it was morally wrong. It's why I never said a word about how I feel for you. We all went to the same school. Sahil is such a fool when it comes to matters of the heart. But I always felt you two had that connection. Was I wrong? Ugh, I must not overthink.

He shakes himself out of his thoughts. They arrive at the studio.

At the elevator, they run straight into Sahil who's dressed in a tuxedo. Sahil himself! The tall, suave, fair-complexioned super star. The nation's heartthrob. On his arm is a beautiful woman, his new manager, no doubt.

Upon seeing Ruhana, Sahil slides his mirror goggles off and whistles lightly, prying the woman's arm off of her and striding towards Ruhana.

"Hey, that outfit and the updo." He points to her maxi empire dress and back at her hair. "It suits you. But why? Is today special?"

Ruhana brushes past him and puts some distance between them. She can't go too far though. They must get in the same elevator. She feels Sahil's stare which makes her uncomfortable.

"Eyes off of me, you jerk!"

Sahil's laugh is like the jingle of a bell. "Meri ankhei hai, Miss. You're calling a superstar a jerk? You got guts."

"You're a pompous jerk, Sahil!" Ruhana reiterates and presses the elevator button.

"Ah, thank you. Let me take a look at your face." Sahil moves close enough. He peers at her face, reaching for her chin. "Konsa makeup use kia aaj!"

"Jerk, hands off my face. I'm not your toy. Kyun chidate ho mujhe!"

Ruhana is flustered from all the attention. She has a whole bunch of reasons to despise his closeness. Including that age-old childhood crush on him. Girls are attracted to bad boys. She was dumb to be attracted to him. Dumb, deep down she's still holding onto that part of her deep down. What, no she's not holding onto anything!

Unaware of her turmoil. Sahil smirks. "Kyun chidata hun? Cos I love it. High school days se!"

"Jerk!"

"Ruhana, bataa na. Aaj kya special hai?" Sahil reaches to touch her hair done in a messy updo.

"Stupid jerk, isko yad bhi nahi mera birthday. Aur chida raha," Ruhana thinks inwardly and smacks his hand. "Khair main nahi chahti woh yad rakhein."

He may not be aware but a superstar interacting this way with a woman — all eyes of those in the lobby are on them. It could be because they are always acting informally. But she can't address Sahil as sir, right? Pagal Kahika would be a nice way to address him. If one of these days she has the chance to be alone with him, she will punch his handsome, pompous face!

"Chup! Haat na laga."

Sahil tries to wrap an arm around Ruhana. By this point, his chic, stylish manager, Alka, looks mildly annoyed that he's ignoring her.

Ruhana makes a face and murmurs to herself. God, why do I have to run into you now?

Vivaan laughs at the back and forth before the trio (Ruhana, Sahil and his manager) get into the elevator. He purposefully steps back gesturing to Ruhana to go on.

As Vivaan parts ways with the group, he murmurs to himself. I will climb the stairs. I don't want to be a third wheel between you. You guys are both ridiculous and stubborn. I still think you're meant to be. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

***

That was a long chappie. but it's still the beginning. I hope you like this RuVineet <3 Finally I could write this which I wanted to write for your bday! Anyway I wish you the best always. Hope you could smile after reading this fic. xoxo <3