Aashi got more irritated when Rishabh mailed her around, 6 that he was leaving office as he has headache. She replied to him in a very professional manner and then got back to work.

Today was her birthday and so she thought taking an early break from work will be good, also she wasn't able to concentrate. She decided to go home, Netflix and chill. Alone on her birthday. The thought brought more tears to her eyes.

Aashi walked through the corridor of her building and stopped in front of her apartment. She fished out her keys from her bag and unlocked the door. She opened the door and found the entire house pitch dark. This was suspicious because she never turns off the lights off the living room. Aashi moved her hand and switched on the lights.

'SURPRISE!'

Aashi yelped jumping on the spot. Not only did she drop her bag, but she fell as well.

'Oh, My God!'

Aashi sat on the ground with her palm over her heaving chest. A worried looking Suchitra, Himanshu, and Rishabh came to her. Aashi blinked at them to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

'Hey!' Rishabh extended his hand and Aashi took it. He pulled her up.

'Are you alright?' – Suchitra asked concerned, Aashi nodded.

'Sorry, we didn't mean to startle you.' Himanshu said, apologetically.

'It is okay.' She mumbled.

Aashi entered the apartment and was awestruck looking at all the decorations. Balloons, banners, termacol hearts. The entire living room was brightly lit.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY.' The three friends yelled in unison. Aashi had tears in her eyes, this time happy tears. She covered her slightly open mouth and smiled through her tears.

'My Gosh! You guys did all this, for me?' She said, her voice shaky.

Rishabh rolled his eyes. 'No, for the Aunty next door.' He said.

'Somebody called me?'

Aashi was surprised to hear an old woman.

'OMG! Vimala Tai.' She gushed and hurried to the old woman. She opened her arms and engulfed Aashi in a tight hug. Aashi missed her favorite neighbor very much. From past few months, she was out of town. But Aashi was glad she is back on her birthday.

'Are you planning to strangle the old woman?' Vimala Tai spoke and Aashi quickly lets go of her. She looked embarrassed but Vimala held her cheeks lovingly.

'Happy birthday, darling.' Aashi smiled and hugged her again.

'Come on now, let us cut the cake. I am starving.' Himanshu commented. Everyone glared at him while he shrugged at them like nothing happened. Then, everyone burst out laughing. Clueless, Himanshu laughed with them.

'Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Aashi. Happy Birthday to you.' Everyone sang in unison as Aashi cut the cake. Himanshu and Suchitra cheered as she fed first to Rishabh. She smiled as he fed her too. More hooting in the background. After Rishabh, Aashi fed Vimala Tai, Himanshu and finally Suchitra.

But before she could move away, Suchitra had smudged cream all over Aashi's face.

'Argh.' She groaned while everyone laughed. She opened her eyes and laughed with them.

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

After some fun cake eating and photo clicks, Suchitra suggested Aashi wash her face while she arranged dinner. Vimala Tai tagged along to help her. Aashi entered the bathroom, a bright smile lingered on her lips. She could feel her feet floating as she walked. Aashi opened the tap, looked at her reflection and smiled at her own silliness. She had actually thought her friends forgot her birthday. She shook her head and washed her face.

After she came from the bathroom, Himanshu got her a drink and took her to where Rishabh was standing.

Himanshu teased her and she kept her head lowered.

'I swear, Rishabh. She looked so pissed off thinking we forgot her birthday.' – The two men hi-fied and then Himanshu continued – 'Man, your idea was superb. Cliché, but superb.' Himanshu complimented Rishabh. He stood an inch taller with pride. Aashi smiled at him.

'Good one, guys!' – she looked at both and then her eyes fixed on Rishabh as she spoke, - 'Thank you for making my special day, special.'

Rishabh smiled and threw an arm over her shoulder and tilted his head.

'Wait, there is more. This day will be very memorable. I promise.' He said, sincerely. Aashi looked up at him and smiled. Tears glistening in her eyes.

They all feasted on Pizza. Aashi was the first one to pounce on it as she was starving. Vimala Tai kept commenting how she doesn't understand youth and their bizarre taste. But everyone knew she enjoyed the Pizza.

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

After food and drinks, it was the part Aashi was waiting for.

Gifts.

Suchitra had got her a detective novel. Aashi was so grateful. She remembered telling her friend a few days back how she would do with a good novel to refresh after work.

'Thank you, so much.' Aashi hugged her with one arm. Himanshu had got her a ladies' wallet. He boasted with pride until Suchitra burst the bubble.

'I got it on his behalf.' She said and Himanshu glared at her. The other's laughed.

Vimala tai got a beautiful pair of Jhumkas which she ordered online, of course with Suchitra's help. Aashi was overwhelmed. She hugged her tightly and complimented the gifts.

Finally, it was Rishabh's turn. Aashi held her breath as she looked at him. There was complete silence. She had been saving the best for the last and she knew his gift will be the best.

Rishabh walked towards her, he had nothing in his hand. Aashi kept looking at his face. He smiled lowering his head. Aashi felt her heartbeat increase as he held her hand. He looked up at her and smiled.

'Aashi. I don't have any materialistic thing to give you. But I have something special.' - He paused looking at her, slowly, Aashi nodded. Rishabh clenched her palm. - 'Aashi. I have only a promise to give you. A promise that I will always be with you. Always. And I will never let you go.' – He paused waiting for Aashi's response, but she kept silent urging him to go on, - 'Aashi. I want to marry you.' He said and Aashi felt her heart stop for a second.

He smiled. 'Will you marry me?' He asked gazing into her eyes.

'Aww.' Suchitra and Himanshu said in unison.

Aashi had instant tears in her eyes. She nodded and leaped forward wrapping her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

'Yes, Rishabh. I will marry you.' She said, her voice barely audible but Rishabh heard her. He smiled and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. She gasped as he lifted her off the ground little while Suchitra, Himanshu and Vimala Tai clapped.

They parted. Rishabh pushed aside her hair from her face and cupped her cheeks with his palms.

'I thought about it a lot, Aashi. And I know being with you in a relationship is worth the risk.' He said lightly and Aashi laughed little. He leaned and kissed her forehead. Aashi inhaled sharply, a smile on her face.

'Group hug!' Suchitra announced and she along with her husband hugged Aashi and Rishabh, tightly.

'Wait, me too.' Vimala Tai said and hugged Aashi from behind. Aashi felt so happy, more than she had in years.