"Are you sure about this Deep?" mom asked dad. "It's been only a day and he's been invited to a stranger's sister's birthday. Rings bells to me."

"It's not that big of a deal Shreya!" dad said. "He should socialize, it will be good for him! Besides, I'll drop him myself, noting the address and driving off if anything were to happen."

Dad discussed the party invitation for me with my mom, which obviously mom was against of. Thankfully, things took a bright turn!

"Dad is right mom," I said. "Please, lemme go!"

Mom rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, fine. But make sure to pick him up before ten."

"Absolutely dear."

"Thank you mom, thank you dad!" I exclaimed with joy.

The next day of school was very busy. I could barely make time to chat with friends about the party since almost the entire school had been invited. I could not understand why, but did not give it much thought. Probably it's because Ace was friends with all!

English was not scheduled for Tuesday, while Chemistry was the last period. Hence, I could not get a glimpse of Ace the entire day, except at lunch where he was surrounded by his soccer teammates. We did occasionally share glances, but he could not help but remain busy at the ground.

Finally, during the Chemistry period, we could have some chat.

"Hey, how've you been doin'?" I asked.

"Exhausted to be honest," he replied.

"Thanks for the invite," I tried changing the subject since I did not feel the exhaustion.

"You're welcome Nayan. Stacy would love meeting you."

"I hope so. In which grade does she study?"

"She's in our grade," Ace replied with a smirk. "I believe you have Algebra with her."

"Good heavens, I never realized that was her!" I said in astonishment. "She's a straight A student."

"And so are you," he smiled.

"And so are you," I repeated.

We laughed as Mrs. Anna entered the class, continuing her lecture on methods of quantitative analysis of solutions. I do agree it's a testing portion of Chemistry, but with interest anything can be solved.

Once the school came to an end, Ace and Henry accompanied me till we reached to where dad awaited. He was pleased seeing me with two other 'boys' since he believes that being in company with more boys will make me 'masculine'. Little did he know I was opposite of his expectations.

"How was the school today?" he asked driving back home.

"It was so damn amazing! It went in a whirl, you see..." and then like always, I went on, detailing almost everything that happened at school, adding sarcastic opinions. Lovingly, he kissed my scalp. The part I love of his kiss is that it's simply his! But the part which I dislike is... well... his mustache! It pricks so badly!

Upon reaching home, I freshened up and completed some assignments, preparing for the next day, well aware that I won't have the energy in me after the party. Once the day's revision was done, I began preparing for the party.

Indecisive me, it took me almost an hour to sort out and change into a pink-black floral shirt with black ripped jeans, applied a slight amount of makeup, enough to not enrage my parents and was all set.

Getting into the car, dad turned on the engine as mom came running out holding the gift in her arms.

"Hold on, where do you think you're going without this?" she scolded as I got out and hurried away with the gift, winking at her and provoking her even more.

"Teach your boy some responsibilities Deep," mom taunted as she stormed back into the house.

"Don't you worry son, she's never going to change," he patted me as we drove off into the dusking atmosphere. Once we got at Ace's, the place took me by surprise.

Ace's parents owned a massive place, that too in the expensive New York City. Although my own parents earned well, my dad being a radiologist and mom a nurse, Ace's place was way beyond our affordability.

"You've got a rich friend, huh?" dad commented as I exited the car. "I'll pick you up by ten, enjoy the celebration."

I nodded as I entered through the gates, the birthday party at full swing. It felt like the entire school was at Ace's, except for the staff, that is.

"Hello Nayan," Stella said approaching me. We had our Physics together, Stella being the average yet optimistic girl of all time.

"Hey Stella, I did not expect the entire school to be here."

"Isn't it obvious?" Stella said. "After all who wouldn't like to throw such an extravagant party to earn-"

"Hi guys," Sandra approached, drinking through a bottle of coke. "Having fun?"

"Nayan's just arrived," Stella replied.

"You're half an hour late!"

"Yeah... I took time in getting dressed."

"Now I know why you look so attractive," Sandra admired as I felt dignified.

"Come along Nayan," Stella said, "let's get you into the party mood."

The world whizzed in a blur as I had the fun of my life. Having drinks, dancing without any steps, pranking, singing wildly, gobbling everything that my eyes fell upon. The party was ecstatic. And then the birthday cake was brought.

It was a gigantic four tier chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting covering it beautifully. Its very appearance made me hungry as I waited for the cake to be cut.

Ace emerged from the crowd of friends with his sister Stacy, wearing a fuchsia pink bodycon with blush pink heels and a silver hoop earring. Ace was dressed in a shirt with denim jacket and a pair of jeans.

"Hey guys," Stacy addressed all. "Thank you so much for coming to my birthday party, this means a lot to me." Turning to Ace, she said, "Thank you too for being always there with me my brother." Everyone clapped as she pecked on Ace's cheek.

"I don't understand," I said to Sandra, "How is it that she is an year younger than me, yet studying beside me?"

"She's smart," Sandra replied. "Wrote an exam, passed it, didn't have to study the previous year's course, got simply promoted."

I raised my brows in admiration as Stacy and Ace cut the cake together, everyone cheering joyously. Deep down, I knew that most who applauded had come only for enjoyment. But why would Ace and Stacy invite so many at the party?

"Do you guys want more such parties in the future?" Ace asked as everyone yelled 'yes' in unison, except for me, of course. I was getting puzzeled with every passing moment about the reason for the party and the ones in future, if any. It was all made clear with Ace's next verse.

"So vote for me, make me this year's School President, and you shall have what you desire! Ultimate fun!"