NEVER LET ME GO ✔️ (COMPLETED)

Chapter 68~ A Promise

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.

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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.