As the two of them enters a cosy cafe, Aaheli's eyes lit up in joy as she took in the charming decor and the inviting atmosphere. She found everything so pretty, from the warm lighting to the old school decor. Seeing her happy like this, Pat was also feeling warm and fuzzy inside. They finally sat at a table and ordered some pastries and cold coffee. As they were about to finish, Pat asked for the bill, he was handed with something else! A barista approached their table and handed them each a cup of coffee. "How about a little latte art competition?" The barista suggested with the most generous smile. Pat and Aaheli both looked at each other as their competitive sides kicked in! With a grin on their face and sparkle in their eyes, they both dove into the challenge, creating all kind of intricate designs on the surface of their lattes. Pat was doing great at the beginning but soon he realised his artistic skills didn't quite match his enthusiasm. The thing that was supposed to be a cat, ended up looking like an egg with whiskers. Aaheli couldn't contain her laugher and even the barista chuckled at the sight. Despite the comical moment, Aaheli's latte art of a leaf stole the show. The was announced the winner of the competition and won a cute coffee mug from the cafe merch. Pat, with his Aussie mindset was never used to losing but if losing meant Aaheli giggling and laughing then he can lose a hundred times over.

After this, Pat took Aaheli to a nearby private garden. As Pat and Aaheli wandered through the beautiful green garden, they found a spot to sit on a bench. Aaheli's eyes lit up with joy as she spotted a group of ducks waddling near a pond. Excitedly, she expressed her love for animals and revealed her profession as a veterinarian doctor, sharing her passion for caring for furry friends. Hearing this, Pat made an impulsive joke about her being a non vegetarian veterinarian. Aaheli's smile faded, and she looked slightly hurt. Pat realised he messed up a little and was eager to make Aaheli smile again after the joke mishap, Pat hurried off and returned with duck grains to feed the ducks. Aaheli's face beamed with happiness as she fed the ducks, her compassion for animals shining through.

Realizing his mistake, Pat took Aaheli's hand gently and apologized, explaining that he meant the joke in a playful way and didn't mean to offend her. Aaheli's expression softened, and she smiled at Pat's innocence. "Nope, you're right Pat. It's kind of rude to love certain animals and eat others, no?" Aaheli said logically.
"Well, you love to eat certain animals and you love to pet the others. Kind of same thing I guess hahah." Pat tried reasoning. He looked so silly and cute that Aaheli pinched his cheeks.
Well well well.. seems like someone has gotten all tomato red.
After this, they entered somewhere vibrant and loud. Aaheli realized it was a karaoke bar. The colorful lights danced around the room, and the sound of music filled the air, creating an energetic atmosphere. Aaheli's eyes widened with excitement as she recognized where they were. Pat noticed her enthusiasm and suggested they grab a table near the stage. The stage was adorned with a microphone, waiting for someone to take the spotlight. Aaheli's heart raced with the thought of fulfilling her dream of singing on stage. Seeing her excitement, Pat couldn't help but say, "Hey Aaheli, look at how excited you are! Why don't you give it a shot and sing your heart out on that stage? I believe in you, and I know you've got an amazing voice. It's your time to shine and show everyone what you've got!"
Aaheli felt like she's been wanting to hear these words for so long now. "Oh Pat, I don't know, I'm feeling a bit nervous about singing in front of everyone."
After a few tries, Pat finally managed to convince her to go upto the stage and just give her best!
Aaheli took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and started singing on stage. Her voice filled the room, captivating everyone in the audience. As she finished her song, the room erupted in applause, and Aaheli, feeling overwhelmed by the response, blushed and covered her face with her hands. She slowly made her way down the stage, where Pat was waiting for her. Aaheli hugged Pat tightly, feeling grateful for his support. Pat, taken aback by the hug, felt a rush of warmth and happiness. They both looked into each other's eyes, sharing a moment of joy and connection that words couldn't express.
After all these, the two sat on a bench by the Ganges, the gentle river flowing peacefully beside them. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across velvet canvas. The night air is cool and crisp. They're sitting in silence. It's not awkward, not at all. They're feeling comfortable, they're feeling at home. The silence was broken by Aaheli's deep sigh.
"What happened?" Pat said in a soft mumbling tone.
"Nobody's ever done something like this for me." Aaheli said, avoiding eye contact with Pat.
Pat hesitantly takes her hand in his hand, constantly looking at her expression for even the slightest display of discomfort. "Doesn't mean that you don't deserve it." Pat said in the most gentle tone. Who could say this man was a 6'3" beast who'd destroy the batsmen on field?
"Thankyou Pat. Thankyou for the best birthday of my life." Aaheli smiled, this time looking into Pat's eyes.
Pat's eyes widened, "BIRTHDAY? your birthday??? Why didn't you... Wait, I'm so sorry"
"Sorry for what? You've already given me the best day of my life! If it's about a materialistic gifts and a big cake then let me tell you, I get those every year but never made me feel like oh it's my best birthday ever. You did. Thankyou Pat, I love you as a friend." Aaheli smiled shyly
Pat was taken aback by the sudden 'i love you' should he say it back? Should he remain silent or should he say a simple thankyou? And also it's not like she has confessed anything. She said she loves him as a friend sooo.. all these thoughts made Pat really confused. Once again, Aaheli broke the silence by sharing an incident. Aaheli's voice quivered as she recounted the events of her last birthday, her eyes filled with tears. She described the pain and fear she endured at the hands of her abusive ex-partner. Her words painted a vivid picture of the trauma she had experienced. Despite the heaviness of her story, Aaheli's courage and resilience shone through as she shared her journey of healing and empowerment. Pat was moved by her strength. Without a word he held her close, his arms were like strong walls against the storm of emotions raging in her heart. Aaheli leaned into his chest, her tears flowing freely. In that moment, in the safety of Pat's arms, she felt a hope. She didn't want to feel this way again after her past relationship but the feeling was undeniable. It was a moment of raw vulnerability.