Around 10, everyone left except for Aashi and Rishabh. He decided to stay back and help Aashi with the cleaning.

'Thank God, you stayed else my maid would have murdered me.' Aashi joked. Rishabh placed his arm on her shoulder.

'As long as I am with you no one can harm you.' He said sincerely. Aashi's smile faded as she stared into his intense eyes. She gulped seeing passion and love in them. She looked away quickly. She fumbled with pieces of decorations trying to distract herself.

After all the cleaning, Aashi changed into her nightwear and stepped out of the room. She saw Rishabh in the kitchen and she frowned.

'What are you do-'

Before she could complete, Rishabh turned around.

'Masala Chai?' He asked brightly. Aashi looked at the two cups he held in his hand and she nodded.

'Are you planning to make me stay awake all night.' She joked.

'Actually. Yes.' Rishabh winked at her and she looked away blushing.

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

After they drank their Chai the two stood on the balcony. Aashi looked ahead, she felt content. She froze on feeling, Rishabh's palms rest over hers. She turned her head and found Rishabh staring at her. She lowered her gaze.

'I love you.' He confessed, his thumb caressed her knuckles. Aashi looked up and smiled.

'I love you too.' She replied. Rishabh took a step closer and Aashi felt her heart fluttering. He held her cheek, stared into her eyes briefly before he leaned. Aashi held his arms as he kissed her softly and she reciprocated. Their kiss soft and slow. After a moment, they pulled apart. Rishabh caressed her cheek with his thumb. Aashi lowered her gaze momentarily before looking up again.

'This was the best gift, Rishabh. Thank you.' She said. Rishabh nodded and wiped her tears.

'No, thank you Aashi for being with an a**h**e like me and never letting me go.' He said with a smile. Aashi smiled.

'I am a very patient person.' Aashi said raising her imaginary collar. Rishabh nodded.

Aashi's eyes widened and she gasped as Rishabh swiftly picked her up. She felt her legs in mid-air and panicked little. She has never been picked up this way before.

'Relax, why are you getting scared?'

'You picked me up so suddenly. Idiot.' She slapped his arm playfully. Rishabh laughed.

'Fatto.'

'Whatever.'

Aashi's heart began to race as Rishabh carried her to the room. He made her sit on the bed and kneeled in front of her. He held her hand and Aashi watched him like a statue.

'Aashi. I want you to forget all the bitter memories and start afresh. Just you and me. I want to give you all the love that you deserve.' He said staring into her eyes. Aashi nodded. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held the back of his head with her palm.

'Nothing can and will come between us now, Rishabh. We are one, forever.' She said and leaned forward.

Aashi kissed him gently on the lips, he held her waist as he reciprocated to the kiss. As they kissed, Aashi leaned back and he shifted little. She smiled as she dropped on the bed. Rishabh smiled too as he climbed over her. Their lips still locked in a passionate kiss.

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

Aashi couldn't sleep, she kept blinking at the ceiling. Still, her heart was pounding in her chest like it did a while back. She felt short of breath and was still sweaty, but she didn't care. She was happy. Turning her head, she found Rishabh's face very close to her. He lay on his back, his arm resting on her stomach. He was fast asleep. She shifted her head little away and placed her palm on his arm. She caressed his wrist admiring him lovingly. It is still night time, Aashi doesn't realize the time nor she cared. This was her best birthday ever. She kept staring at him and replayed their love-making session over and over again until she fell asleep.

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

Aashi yawned stretching her arm. She winced little and shifted in bed. She held her forehead and sat up on the bed. She yawned again while covering her bare body with the duvet. She was checking her phone when she heard the door open.

'Good morning.' Aashi looked up and smiled widely when she heard Rishabh's voice. Rishabh entered the room carrying a tray. Aashi closed her eyes inhaling fresh aroma of Chai. She opened her eyes and looked at Rishabh. He sat beside her. She noted him dressed in denim and the same Lavender shirt from last night, but only the last two buttons were closed, his bare chest exposed. It distracted Aashi and so she looked away.

She shivered as she felt his finger caress her spine.

'You didn't reply?' He whispered softly. Aashi gulped.

'Good-Good-morning.' She said avoiding his gaze. Quickly, she moved her hand to grab the cup but Rishabh was quicker and he held her hand. She froze.

'Look at me, Aashi.' He said caressing his cheek with the back of his palm. Aashi felt goose-bumps. Slowly, she looked up and their gaze met. Aashi blushed looking away. Rishabh smiled and shifted closer. She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply as he kissed her shoulder. He brushed his lips against her skin as he moved his face up. She smiled as he tugged her earlobe with his teeth.

'Go take a shower, first.' He whispered. Aashi frowned and shifted. She made face while he chuckled. She smiled too.

'Okay.' She said and pecked his lips. Rishabh instantly stopped laughing and looked at her. Aashi noticed his eyes turning dark and realized she better run away else they will definitely be missing work.

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

Aashi showered, all the while dancing happily and singing random romantic songs. Then she got dressed in her office attire – long sleeve, V-neck Brown shirt and light blue denim.

She removed the towel and dried her wet hair. Leaving it messy, she applied lipstick and kohl.

After she got ready she walked out of the room. She found Rishabh arranging breakfast. All buttons of his shirt were closed. Aashi was slightly disappointed. She smiled and walked up to him.

Rishabh stopped moving when Aashi hugged him from behind.

'I love you.' She sighed. Rishabh smiled and turned around. Aashi kept clinging on to him.

'I love you too.' He replied instantly and pecked her lips. Aashi smiled, held the back of his neck and kissed him softly on the lips. He instantly responded.

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

Aashi couldn't believe that her Rishabh was with her. Is it real? It seems like a fairytale to her. The more she looked at him the luckier she felt. Ten years ago, she had thought she had lost him, forever.

'Hey, will you focus on the road.' Rishabh grinned at her. Aashi smiled looking away. She sighed.

'I am so happy, Rishabh. I hope,' – She turned her head and looked at him again, - 'Nothing will separate us now. Ever.'

Rishabh smiled and held her free palm.

'We will be together forever.' He squeezed her palm tightly. Aashi smiled and then looked away.

The two people who were poles apart managed to be best friends. The time tested their friendship only to help them grow from best friends to lovers. Aashi and Rishabh promised each other to never let go, ever......