************************************

The week ended the usual, with loads of practical works to complete along with notes and projects.

Seth hadn't bothered much with them, he knew that he was a last-minute guy.

Seth was at home as it was night time, he had nothing much to do. He was reading the SHC when his phone chimed.

Seth looked up from where he was sleeping to the bedside table. The screen had just brightened up.

Seth got up and made himself comfortable before he checked the message. It was from Smith.

Bro did you complete all the practicals teacher gave us??

Seth replied with a no and was about to keep it when another message chimed in. It was from Smith.

Oh, even Aroohi hasn't done it...

Did you check with Parth, he must've surely done it Seth texted back.

Smith replied with an okay and their chat ended.

Seth again kept away his phone and went back to reading his book. His eyes started dropping as he reached the last chapter.

Keeping the book on the table, Seth went to bed and was soon fast asleep.

***

It was early morning on Sunday today. Seth was at the table eating his breakfast. He took his mobile to check for notifications.

He found that he had three messages. One of them was from his uncle.

He clicked on it instinctively, the message read.

Good morning Seth, will you be coming today I have something to tell you.

Seth quickly opened another message as his mother joined him at the table.

"Morning Seth," she said with a cheerful smile.

"Good morning mom"

"What are you doing," she asked eyeing the open message.

Seth looked down to see that it was a message from Smith.

Seth, I got the notes from Parth. You can ask him if you want too. Also, did you know his birthday is coming in a week

"It's a message from Smith, he is my college friend" Seth replied looking up at his mom.

Mrs. Astill nodded and then started eating breakfast.

Seth resumed his breakfast too. He replied to Smith with an 'Oh cool'.

He opened the last message to see it was from Samar.

Bro I am out of town today, will be back by evening. Say hello to Zara for me will you

Seth couldn't help but give out a small laugh at this.

"You alright Seth," Mrs. Astill asked looking up.

"A message from Samar" Seth replied knowing that his mom will understand.

His mom knew Samar very well also how funny he was. She always welcomed him warmly whenever he visited home. So much so that sometimes Seth felt that Samar was her son more than he was.

It was alright with him because the exact opposite happens when he visits his house, Samar's mom always fusses over him like he was their own child.

Well good for me I can go to my uncle's place now without having to worry about him. That's one problem settled, he thought.

Two remained. First, how was I going to take the leave from the house, mom wouldn't let me leave if I told her, I was going to uncle's house. Also, what did uncle wanted to talk about with me.

Is he going to finally let him go on the delivery.... That would be great. All these thoughts were running in his mind.

"What are you thinking," Mrs. Astill asked bringing Seth back to reality.

"hmmm... Mom... You see one of my friends Parth has his birthday coming" Seth answered the first thing that came to his mind.

"What about it....Is there a party or something,"

"No, you see we were planning to give him a surprise," Seth said setting down his cup of coffee.

"When is the birthday, what do you plan to do" Mrs. Astill enquired.

"No idea, we are having a meeting today at Smith's place to decide what we are going to do," Seth said suddenly getting an idea to get a leave permission.

"Where does Smith lives, how much time will it take" Mrs. Astill inquired, knowing how Seth was.

"He lives near the college..." Seth again lied perfectly, "...As for the time, I don't know mom... I will be back by late evening I guess"

"Fine... have a wonderful day son," Mrs. Astill said with a smile, getting up from the table she went inside the kitchen.

Seth still sat there feeling a little bad for lying. Granted that this wasn't the first time he had lied to his parents but, it didn't get any less worse.

Seth never lied to his parents on any topic, he only lied when his uncle came into question. He had lost the count of times he had lied for his uncle's sake.

Before he could think any more on this, the doorbell rang. Seth got up to open the door as he knew that his dad was still sleeping, while his mom would be in the kitchen.

He opened the door and a huge smile spread on his face.

"How are you doing Sethy" the big boy on the door asked.

He was just like a normal-looking Indian guy, a foot taller than Seth. The only thing unique about him was a cute face even with a well-developed beard and mustache. He had trimmed black hairs, set carelessly with hand.

"Hey big bro you are back," Seth said fist bumping him.

"Chase is that you," Mrs. Astill said coming to the door.

"Hello mom," Chase said and hugged her.

"How was your trip, Chase," Mrs. Astill asked as she ushered him to the table. Seth took care of his luggage.

Seth took the suitcase and the bag back to his brother's room.

His brother had been out for four months on a business trip. He was a free lancer travel agent.

Seth always liked what his big brother did because of the single reason of freedom that his brother's job provided.

Seth came back to the hall to see his mom already talking tales with his big brother. Chase was the only one who noticed Seth coming to the room. He holded up his hands to stop Mrs. Astill.

"Sethy, looks like you are about to go out, Important?" He asked the last word a little seriously.

Only Chase knew all the things that Seth did with his uncle that's because he was once a part of it too.

Seth nodded and scratched his nose a little subtly. This was their signal to say they were going to the uncle's place.

"You are right Chase, he is going to his friend's place to discuss a birthday surprise," Mrs. Astill said.

"Oh, if that's the case here take your gift" he got up and started rummaging through his pockets.

"uh... Where did I keep it.... Maybe here" he checked the jacket's pocket this time, "Not here too.."

"Big bro, you haven't changed a bit," Seth said laughing aloud.

"Yes, you are still as forgetful as ever," Mrs. Astill said with a smile.

Chase gave a goofy smile while scratching his head thinking where could the gift be.

"Um... Sethy please bring the bag, will you" he said. Seth nodded and left the room, coming back with his bag.

He gave it to Chase, who opened the first zip and started searching. Not finding it there he checked the second zip and then the third short one too. He didn't find the gift in any of them.

Only the last pocket remained it was a tiny one. Chase opened it and started looking inside it.

He took out a piece of paper. The only thing that was in that pocket. He opened it.

Check the inner pockets of the jacket

"Oh right, sorry. I forgot that I had kept it in the inner pocket of my jacket" he quickly took out a package from the inner pocket and handed it to Seth.

"What is this brother" Seth asked looking at the package in his hand.

"Your birthday gift," Chase said with a smile "Happy birthday"

Seth hugged his brother then, "Thanks big bro" he said.

Chase patted his back "Tell uncle that I said hello" he whispered into his ear.

They let go of each other and then flashed a smile.

"Get going now then Seth, don't keep your friends waiting"

Seth nodded and after taking his things he started towards his uncle's place.