Me Before You

28

28

Shivangi was stuffing her face with her brother's birthday cake when the door bell caught her attention. She looked around trying to pin the duty of opening the door to her brother, but on not finding him she lifted herself off the ground grumbling.

She took her phone with her that she ignored while binge watching a series. Her last unnoticed message from Ashwin caught her eyes. He had texted saying he is coming to her house. It was sent few minutes ago and Shivangi didn't notice. She realized it must be him at the door and cursed herself for one time not checking her phone.

Shivangi looked down at herself. She was wearing an old pink crop top and quirky flared palazzo that everyone but her hated as it had all possible fluorescent colour in it. It even made her look short. Her hair was tied in tight bun. Her only consolation is that she is she took early shower unlike other days as it was her brother's birthday.

Shivangi was no sweet sight to eyes, especially cannot be a sight to Ashwin who is going to meet her after so many days.

Trying her best to not show her disappointment in face, Shivangi opened the door with a smile.

Shivangi hated as well as loved that he looked extremely handsome. He was wearing a white shirt with navy blue stripes and blue denim with properly set hair, tempting moustache and sunglasses. He looked like he was out of a photoshoot and she looked like she just got out of bed.

"Hi!" Ashwin threw a cautious glance inside to note if everyone was visible. Realizing his coast was clear, he gave her a side hug wounding his hand around her waist and pulling her closer to him.

Shivangi was distracted and he sensed it.

"Enna ma aachu?" he asked looking down at her face

(What happend?)

"Uh hu." She nodded no and smiled at him.

Ashwin pressed a kiss on top of her head before he released her.

Making him comfortable in the living room, Shivangi called for her parents and brother. All of them were surprised by his untimely visit and he realized Shivangi didn't tell them about it.

"Happy Birthday!" Ashwin wished as soon as Shivangi's brother walked out from his room and handed him a packet he was carrying in hand.

"Avanuka?" Shivangi asked. "Naan adhu enaku nu nenachen." She pouted making everyone laugh.

(Is it for him?) (I thought it is for me.)

"Nee kooda velayadalam." Ashwin said smiling.

(You can also play)

"Velayadava?" her brother looked curious.

(To play?)

Ashwin announced that it was latest version of popular game making the birthday boy grin in glee. More brownie points to Ashwin.

Shivangi's parents began chatting with Ashwin as Shivangi excused herself to bring juice for everyone. Truly though, she only wanted to make a quick detour to her room.

When in room, Shivangi threw a cotton shrug over her crop top, swapped her palazzo for Capri, pulled her hair out of bun and brushed it quickly letting it flow freely and finally finished the look with a small black bindi.