[ Avni's POV]

"Avni yaar-" she started.

shit. Ani. I totally forgot she was coming.

As soon as she saw as, there was a noticeable pause and a realization.

I could see the confusion on her face.

Sensing a shift in dynamics, I quickly tell Dev," Umm, That's Anika. My best friend."

I could basically see the little shift on his face as soon as  I said 'best friend'.                                               I look at Ani who still looks confused and say,"Ani, that's DEV. An old friend of mine."

Just as I said that,her eyes flickered between the me and Dev, an unspoken understanding dawning as a knowing yet teasing smile make a way to her face.

With an impish grin, she couldn't resist a playful tease. "Ohhh, That's Dev. " The teasing tone carried a hint of amusement, and the friend's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.

I glare at her as I see Dev smile a bit.

He says warmly," hey, anika. Nice to meet you."

" He's a Pretty special old friend but there's nothing more to it.So, don't you start weaving conspiracy theories. ok?" I tell her, glaringly . I'm sure I'll have to hear this a lot more now.

 "Old friend, huh? Are you sure you're not just introducing me to the protagonist of your latest love story?" 

I almost choke on air as soon she says that. Ise to mai baad mai dekh lungi.

I look at Dev, as we make an awkward eye contact. I mean it's not the first time we've faced this, but it's been a long while, hasn't it?

In the midst of the awkward banter, the Dev's phone vibrated, and he pulled it out to see a call . Excusing himself with a courteous nod, he stepped away to answer.                                                             "Hey, yeah, I'm at a park."  he spoke into the phone.

As the he stepped away to take the call, I turned to my so called best friend with a playful scowl. "Really, Ani? The protagonist of my latest love story? You're turning our reunion into a comedy show!"

She laughed, "Come on,Avni, I'm just adding some spice to the story. You can't blame me for enjoying the theatrics."

She suddenly leans in, a playful glint in her eye. "You know, it's funny how things come full circle. Remember  when you first moved here? You were so sad and missed him like crazy.'I miss him' became your daily mantra.' It's like the universe decided to play matchmaker today!"

I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. "Oh, come on! That was 3 years ago, and things have changed."                                                                                                                                                 She  grinned, " Ya, I can definetely see that on your face.Changed or not, seeing you two reconnect like this is like a plot twist in your life story. Maybe the universe is onto something."

'Maybe', I thought.

Dev, now off the phone, joined the conversation with a smile. "Plot twist or not, I'm just glad to be back in the story."

My eyes widened in realization. "Wait a minute, Aaj tera birthday hai, right?"

Dev, genuinely surprised by her memory, flashed a stunned expression before breaking into a warm smile. "You remembered?"

I look at him as I say," Ofcourse, Idiot. How could I forget your birthday?"    With a beaming smile, I stepped closer to him and warmly said, "Happy birthday! I can't believe you almost thought I forgot your birthday."

 Ani joined in, adding a cheerful, "Happy birthday! Did you plan all this, or are we just lucky?"

He replied,"Definitely not planned," as he looks at me "but I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my birthday."

I smile and he shifts his gaze to both of us as he says,"thank you both of you."                                    

I turned to Dev." So, where are you staying while you're here."

"Just a hotel nearby. BTW teri favourite Chandni di is also here." He teases as my face lights up.

"Toh phir, hotel mai kyu roke hu? Mera ghar hai na. Why don't you come over? Maa would love to meet you guys."I tell him.

"Arey 3 din rehne wale hai.I really don't want to impose."

"Dev, Pagal wagal hai kya? Tu chup chap kal ghar aa raha hai, Di ke saath." I say.

"arey-" he starts as I shoot him a glare.

"Ok ma'am." He knows he won't be able to win an argument against me.

"Accha, Give me your phone." I say.                                                                                                                                  He hands me his phone. I open it and see it's locked. I tell him that it is locked and just as i'm about to hand him his phone, he says ," umm... 2208. That's the password."

As soon as I hear that I look at him as he gives a little smile and then at Ani who looks equally intrigued. I mean it can be a coincidence that 22 August happens to be my birthday. I decide to let it go and not think about it.

I type in my number as I hand him his phone," I have saved my number. Please save it in chandi di's phone. Just to make sure you don't forget me again."

"I wouldn't be able to forget you even if I tried to, Avi." He says.

Noticing that it was getting darker and later than I realized, I say,"I think we should head home now. It's not really safe at night here."                                                                                                                           "Ya, I think so too." Ani says.         

" Right. Di would have already fallen asleep by  now. Bye guys." Dev says.                                                   Feeling a surge of warmth from the rekindled friendship,  I impulsively pulled him into a hug.

The embrace lingered for a moment before we parted.                                                                                         " Text me when you reach home. Hmm?" He says.

I smile and nod as I say, " Kal subah tum aur di ghar hone chahiye. Ok? Bye."