I wanted to look good but simple for today. I wore blue jeans and my favorite black tank top with polka dots. I did a side braid and this made my hair look perfect. I applied mascara and kajal as usual.

I reached Mantri mall right on time, but he was already there!

"I'm not late this time. You can see the time. You are early. Don't even think about blaming me for making you wait" I said as I approached him. He was simply smiling.

"I'm so mesmerized. Who blamed you now? And who spoke anything about making me wait? Riya, I only came a couple of minutes ago."

"Oh" I slightly blushed.

"Anyways you look good" he said. I looked at him and he was still smiling.

"Thanks."

"You blush a lot" He said.

I hadn't realised I was blushing the whole time! Now I had to tell something and still not put myself in an awkward situation.

"So? Not like I should ask somebody's permission or something" I casually spoke.

He raised his eyebrows as if he's surprised by my reply. "Well it's India, you know... free country and democracy and all that." Both of us laughed and entered the mall.

We walked a little before we went to food court. I ordered a veg sandwich while he settled for a lemonade.

We discussed on lots of possibilities for a perfect birthday gift. And finally settled on these - a cake that had an image of the entire band, a pair of drum sticks, an unexpected movie treat of his favorite Bollywood movies "Mai hoon na" and "Dhadkan", an overnight paty with the entire band which included a sleepover and finally a video of all of Akash's craziness. And for the video I promised Rahul that I'd get pictures of Akshay from my school friends.

Once the planning was done and finalized, he looked at me and smiled. I smiled back.

"Thank you so much. I owe you" he said.

"No problem. It was my pleasure."

"Ummm how about I gift you something? I haven't given you a new year present as well."

"No no. Really, it's okay. You don't have to"

"Please Riya. I insist." His big dark charcoal eyes softened.

"Okay. Any novel would do."

"Done. Thanks" he smiled again.

We discussed about college and attendance. He spoke about how his still make fun of him, while the others treat him as a big celebrity in college. And that's when he told me about her. I felt like my world came to a standstill. 'Let this be a dream please' I prayed to God internally.