Chapter 19

What's better than getting your love in your friend!!!!

 So was the case with Deren and Essme. The party went bringing Deren and Essme together. They were gelling very well together.

Joshan also happened to get a new girlfriend. Jules and Kin were also doing great.

College was doing normal except I would get Joshan’s good company in the morning and the rest of the group were busy in their own fantasy lovey dovey world.

Roger was working with me for the university’s magazine and editing stuff. He was also busy studying for his mid term. Rest of the day after my gym and aerobics I had lot of time and I wanted to do something I mean I actually wanted to earn my own pocket money. Being the only daughter and yes my parent’s were economically sound but I was heading towards my 18th birthday I wanted to feel grown up, feel monetarily independent so I started hunting for a part time job. I tried many options till I realized that our university’s library was badly in need of a manager. They were fine with the number of hours given till the assigned work was complete. Also they were paying good. And it was my time to payback the books. I immediately applied when I did discover from Alfred, the librarian the same snob but eventually he was good to me as we both had equal amount of respect for each other. I was immediately considered and appointed as they were short of staff and I was in their good books too. No other work would have been better for me as it was flexible with timings and all I had to do was sort out books, check whether the arrivals are back in time, order new books and maintain the old ones.

“So you have got another home here” Joshan said.

“Nothing weird is happening between that librarian and you” Deren at his sarcastic humor.

“Don’t I have a taste buddy.” I snapped at him.

“Otherwise also we have to hunt you at library only” Deren added.

“I think I have always replied your whatsapp .” I answered.

“But one benefit would be there. You would study hard and then train us before finals” Deren said.

“And people say friends are not selfish.” I glared at my selfish friend.

“Do you really need to do this? I mean I am happy for you but won’t it effect your studies? You don’t actually need to do a job” Joshan asked with deep concern.

“Joshan I know I have no need. But I want to. I want to earn myself”’ I said.

“If you enjoy you do it. If it feels like pressure you know I am there for anything” Joshan said.

“Don’t talk like my mom now. I have had enough from my parents.” I tried to finish the protective talks about me.

“You need an assistant I am there for you. Remember I am just a call away” Essme said.

“Oh that’s so sweet of you” I said as I hugged her.

We finished our lunch time and headed towards our respective classrooms.

I was handling both studies and work very well, except for missing my gym classes couple of days in a week when the work was very hectic but I did not miss aerobics as dancing was always a stress buster for me.

Today I was working late as I was taking an off tomorrow both from work and college.

I arrived early spent some time with Joshan and went to the library to manage the stuff as after tomorrow was weekend and I had an outstretched weekend but I had no choice I cannot miss tomorrow’s leave. I do it ever year after my grand ma expired.

 I did not take my lunch break instead I headed towards the library. I wanted to sort the books beginning with alphabet C this week I had already finished A and B. I was busy doing my job when the lights went off. I was on the stairs working on the top most rack. I was about to get down to check as Alfred had also gone for his lunch break. I was stepping down when I could see some twinkling orange red light. I did not recognize it then I saw another one, followed by few more till they were nearing me. Oh my god they were flames. But this is not fire. I was a bit scared because if it was fire library would turn into ashes. I was turning towards the extinguisher as the fire alarm was not working due to lack of power supply when I could see smiling faces behind the flames,

 “Holy cow! What a surprise! Jesus My god” I shouted as I saw Stacie, Cairo, Joshan, Jules, Deren, Kin and Essme holding Candles on a tray. There were 18 candles altogether with a chocolate truffle cake. I could feel tears building in the depth of my eyes as they sung “Happy B”day to you”

“Thank you my friends. I feel so blemished. I am really gifted by god with friends like you.” I said honestly with tears still resting on my eyes.

“Stacie. Thank you so much. I am sure you to are mastermind behind this” I said as I tightly hugged her.

“We know tomorrow we won’t be able to see you dear adult. Happy Birthday” Cairo said as she gave me another bunny hug.

“It’s a day early to call me an adult dear” I said with my pouted lips.

“Happy birthday” Essme hugged and wished me, “Ben is getting head over heels to wish you”, she murmured in my ears but loud enough for Joshan to hear as he was waiting to wish me after Essme.

He hugged me and asked, “Where are you going tomorrow? Why can’t we meet?”

I smiled indecisively about sharing it with Joshan.

“Kin and Jules wished me next with a small gift for me. “This is for my little chick who’s 18 now” Jules said as he ruffled my hair. It was a pen.

“Jules not my hair” I warned mockingly as I combed my hair with my fingers.

“Do you wanna keep library in darkness or are joining us at the cafeteria?” Cairo asked.

“What? You mean there’s nothing wrong with power supply?” I snapped.

“Your jock of a friend was helpful. He convinced the librarian and we arranged” Stacie added.

I thanked Jules with wink of my eye.

We decided to go to the canteen. When we were about to leave the library, Alfred was waiting outside.

“I am so sorry” I told him.

“Anytime dear. Happy birthday” he too greeted me with warmth.

We cut the cake in the canteen and Ben also joined us when he realized that we were celebrating my birthday.

“Happy birthday.  I never knew it’s your birthday today.” He expressed.

“It actually is tomorrow but my best friends from high school managed to come today. So you see.” I replied.

“May I join in?” he asked nervously.

Again!!!

“Sure” I replied to see a glint in his eyes. Unfortunately I did not feel the same for him. But I did not want to hurt him. I thought I should wait till he takes his first step towards me.

“Where’s the party guys?” Deren asked.

“This guy is such a foodie” Cairo commented.

“No treats on my birthday. This is the most Stacie and Cairo make me do every year. I am busy tomorrow” I said.

To this Deren pouted his lips and gave a sad face.

“So cute. Don’t worry I’ll treat you at ‘Whimpy’s tomorrow” Essme cooed Deren.

“So cute Deren” Cairo mocked at him as she pulled his cheeks.

“Yeah Deren cute haa” Stacie added to which Essme blushed.

“Can we meet tomorrow in the later evening if you are occupied in the morning?” Ben asked.

“That’s really sweet of you Ben but Iam thoroughly occupied through out the day and cannot make it later too. Sorry. Probably some other day”. I said.

“Yeah some other day” he sadly repeated and excused himself.

“Whats cooking up?” Stacie mockingly remarked.

“Let’s eat something. I am starved.” I said and changed the topic. Just after that the table was full of eatables which we relished and talked and enjoyed rest of the evening.

 “Hey babe Happy Birthday in advance” Joshan’s brunette NEW of a girlfriend wished.

“Thank you so much” I said in my most polite tone.

“Oh I must thank you for canceling the party tomorrow” Joshan’s girl said arrogantly.

“Sorry I did not get you.” I said confused.

“Actually I was planning a date tomorrow but Joshan denied it being your birthday and since you have other plans we can continue” she said in such a teasing tone that I was taken aback and Joshan stared at her wildly.

“Good. Have a great time” I said and left.

“Pearly” Joshan held me from my right wrist and stared into my graygreens. He had question in his brown ones. I knew he wanted to ask about tomorrow but I know I cannot lie to him neither could I speak in front of his girlfriend.

“Joshan you are hurting me” I tried to get free from his grip.

“Sorry” and he took me to the car park after excusing from his NEW.

“Umm mm” He hesitated.

“Spit out Joshan”

“I want to spend tomorrow whole day with my bestfriend” he said looking into my eyes expectantly.

God it was so difficult to deny when he asks something like this.

“She’s busy” I said passively.

“But it’s her big day” he pierced into my eyes with his browns trying to dig answers from my soul.

“So” I tried to be rude.

“You know what I mean” he pleaded

“You know what I desire” I said only to confuse him.

“No hide and seek please” he begged.

“Joshan see I have been doing it since ages. It’s special to me and don’t force me to change.” I tried to convince him.

“We can do it together” he argued.

“No you can’t. I don’t think you’ll be comfortable. Stacie tried once but.”

“Trying to challenge me?” he raise his eyebrows.

“Okay then I make a challenge if you insist.” I knew he won’t drop so I felt better that I should add complications that he backs up. However he’s convincing enough to me.

“If you find out where I go on my every birthday I’ll spend rest of the day with you but at the same place”

“The challenge is accepted” he gave a military style salute.

“Don’t do it” I pleaded with my soft narrowed requesting eyes.

“Don’t use your eyes. I’ll see you tomorrow” he grinned.

“Rules are “ I stated

“No rules attached” he denied completely.

“Joshan this rule is evitable you cannot take Stacie, Cairo and my mom’s help”

“Level made difficult” he smiled.

“This is not a game” I said sternly.

“Bye” he pecked me and went back to his girlfriend. All others had already left.

Tomorrow being a long day I left slept early till I was woken by greetings in my mobile and face book.

I thanked everybody and chatted a little longer with Dexter who was not ready to give up. He had complete intentions of keeping me awake for the whole night but eventually surrendered.

7:00 am in the morning

Aunt D : happy B’day

Edwin unc: happy B’day

Dexter: switch on the skype

Liz, Sam, Cairo, Stacie and many others wished me again for my big day.

Then I heard the ring tone of my mobile.

I picked up to hear cheerful Dexter on the other end.

“Hi sweetie”

“Good morning Dex” I said in my sleepy voice.

“Wake up baby I want to be the first one to wish after dawn” he said

“Wish and take the privilege” I said helding back my yawn.

“Why isn’t your skype working?” he asked.

“Because I was sleeping dumbhead.” I lauhed in my semi sleep.

“Please I have to rush for work” he begged.

I couldn’t stand his pleading so I switched on  my laptop and opened my skype to see him dressed in his formals white striped shirt and black trousers. His hazel eyes were smirking with some kind of victory that he had got. He was quite handsome with broad shoulders, square face and height that of an athlete. For the first time did I notice his toned muscles.

“Great now stop gawking” he said teasingly

“I am not” I blushed “I am only sleepy. Where are you heading dressed up so smart?” I asked.

“So you were sleepily admiring me” he gave his arrogant smirk.

“Shut up Dexter and wish me. I have some commitments for the day.”

“Yes Miss Busy bee first go to the door there’s someone waiting.” He winked at me.

“Oh surprise” I asked excitedly expecting him on the door. But then who is at the screen?

“You bet” he smiled cockily.

I went down opening the door to see a huge choquet being held by one of the delivery boys. It was beautiful with golden dry arrangements, fresh tulips and Rocher chocolates arranged in a boquet. I loved it.

“Thank you sooo much. Dex you still remember my Favorite chocolates. You made my day” I rushed back at my desk to continue the chat.

“All for you love” he said smirking.

“Thanks” I blushed.

We greeted our byes and I headed to the washroom when my parents entered the room with a giftbox in their hands.

“Happy b’day my angel who is so grown up that today she’s celebrating with her own salary”, my mom said with a teardrop.

“Oh mom” I said and hugged her.

“Happy Birthday my adult baby. You are 18. I can’t believe my lollypop baby is grown up” my dad cooed.

“Dad” I blushed and hugged him. This lollypop was my pet name in my childhood. Only my dad called me with that name.

They gifted me with a beautiful emerald pair of earrings which I immediately wore as I really liked them.

“So today you are celebrating your B’day as usual” my mom confirmed.

“Yes I feel close to Granny that way.” I said as I looked into the mirror admiring the pair of studs she gifted me.

“I am so proud of you” my dad hugged me again proudly.

“Okay we leave. We have an important meeting. See you at the same place for dinner. Have a great day.” my dad said for which I gave him a thumbs up.

I was staring at my mobile after every brief while. Joshan hadn’t called or texted me. I wanted to know if he had some clues or is simply ignoring the stupid challenge. But there was no sign of him.

I dressed up in my plain white flowing middie with v neck, tied my hair into a pony letting curls fall to my waist. I would further tie them if need arose, a little lipgloss and wore my converse and left with a cheque of my first pay received.

''''''''''''

“Good morning Pearly”

“Good morning Miss Rachel. Nice meeting you”

“Same here but kids are dying to spend time with you.” She said with a twinkle in her eye.

“They knew I was coming?” I was surprised. I never informed them. Strange out of all such days they remember I surely come today.

“Yes they did. There is also some surprise for you.” She said smiling wholeheartedly.

“Oh these kids are angels.” I said as I rushed to meet them.

“Yes they are. Go don’t keep them waiting.” She shouted behind me.

The kids were all dressed in pink for girls and blue for boys. Each of them wearing B’day hat and holding balloons of silver color and a smiling………