Shehnaaz's POV

I ran out of the room when my phone rang. It's Preeti, "She's coming tomorrow!"

"Good! I'll get her a hotel room booked.. She's the surprise afterall.. " I replied.

"Listen.. We'll go and pick her from the airport tomorrow at 6.." she suggested.

"You want to take me along..? She doesn't even know mee...!" I said.

"Offcourse she does.. Everybody knows you honey.." she said.

Everybody knows me? When did I become this famous? I so badly wanna know... What do they talk about me?

And what he must be thinking of me right now? Did I just crossed the line? Or is it called taking advantage of him? But he wasn't drunk like he's not in his senses.

I'm standing outside the house, all flushed. Infact sweating out of nervousness. I need to talk to Meeti, now!

"I kissed him.." I told her once sitting beside Adi, taking off my jacket.

"Kartik Aryan in your dreams..? I know.. Tell me something new.." she didn't even look at me from the kitchen where was making some tea.

"Sidharth..!" I stood up.

"What! You kissed Sidharth Shukla.. Oh God! You know.. Girls dream to do that.." she squealed.

"...Tell me the details.." she rushed to me.

"Wait.. It's not what you think.. I might lose him because of what I've done.. Vo dost manta hai mujhe.. Pata nahi usko yaad bhi rahega.." I'm so nervous, what if he is mad at me for this?

"Did he respond when you.. Did that?" she asked. I nod.

"So.. What's wrong? That meant he didn't mind.." she explained.

"But he was a little bit drunk.." I tell her.

"...I'm so stupid.. I crossed my line.." hid my face in palms.

"You have feelings for him..?" she asks.

"I don't know.. I want to see him everyday... talk to him everytime.. When he's upset with me.. I feel perturbed all day.. Maybe.. I think I like him.. Usne mere liye itna kiya hai.. Vo bohot acha hai Meeti.."
I meekly looked up to her face. And she's smiling like a fool. Just then she jumps on me.

"You little idiot..you love that guy!" she shouts.

"No.. It's not love.. Is it?" I ask her. She nods vigorously.

"So.. What did you buy for his birthday..?" she asked. We were done discussing the love topic, it would only make sense when I get to know about his feelings.

"That was a tough task.. What to gift a rich guy.. He's got everything.. But I've bought something.. Let's see if he likes it or not.. Waheguru.. How am I gonna face him..?" heat rushes through my cheeks thinking about the kiss.

"Talk to him about this.. If he's okay.. Tell him you what you feel.. " she said.

"What if he doesn't feel for me? He friend zones me? Baat nahi karega toh? " I doubt.

"Yaar.. School ki bachi hai kya.. Ek kam karna.. If he says he doesn't feel anything.. Then.. Just say you were drunk too and it just happened.." she gave an idea.

"Okay"

"Hello!" I welcomed Neetu, her husband Ankit and their little boy Atharv. With Preeti.

"You must be Shehnaaz..?" Ankit shook hands with me. I nod.

"Where's Mamu?" Atharv asked.

"Hii there handsome.. Your Mamu is in the office.." I offered my hand to him. Exchanged a few pleasantries with him till we checked-in the hotel.

"Mumma... Nani ke ghar jana hai.. Kab jayenge...?" he asks. Aw. He's so cute. And he loves Sidharth alot.

"Soon sweetie.. You know what.. We're going to surprise your Mamu..!" Neetu said.

He enthusiastically jumped on the mention of a party.

Sidharth's POV

We were talking about the kind of bed-sheets we had as kids. She said hers always has stars and fairies. I told mine had cars printed on them. And soon the topic changed to how good I am. She lovingly praised my qualities and I was smiling.

My heart beated faster when her her face came up to my own. Just not my lips, she overpowered my senses.

Feeling the warmth and delicacy of her full petal of roses. I gripped her back firmly as her tongue pushed past me. Impressed with her skills, I plunged more into her, taking the lead.

And suddenly she parted and went out of the room, when her phone rang. Later Jay told me she hurried left. Did she regret it?

"How about a dinner tonight?" Ajay asked bringing me out of the past incident.

"Okay.. I'll be at your place with Mom.." I replied.

"Dude.. I'm saying dinner outside.. It's your birthday tomorrow..." he said.

"Oh no.. That's not needed.." I shrug.

"Come on man.. This new hotel is amazing.. You'll like it..!" he insisted. Had to agree.

Mom, Preeti, Ajay and me entered a dark dinning room.

And "SURPRISE" they shouted.

"Neetu?" I'm actually surprised now!

"Happy Birthday Mamu!" my nephew, Atharv jumped, I picked him up. Laughing at their happy faces.

"Thankyou Champ!"

They all gathered around, I met everybody. Jay &Mahi. Vikas. And Shehnaaz is here too.

Dressed in magenta coloured cotton Maxy dress. Looking as fresh as blooming flower. The kiss revolved in my mind, as our eyes met.

"Time for bumps!" Ajay announced.

"No.. No ways this time.." I start walking back. But stopped to see Ankit already backing me up. Yaar, not infront of Shehnaaz atleast.

"Grow up yaar.. I'm 36 now!" I tried to stop them. But that bloody Jay had to put his foot in between, I stumbled and ended up landing on the floor. They lifted me up, holding my limbs and kicked me.

"Oww.. Abe! That hurts.. Bas karo bey!"
I cried. Couldn't they do this at home?
Atleast not infront of Shehnaaz, I had my eyes closed out of embarrassment.
Fuck man!

"Chal uth!" Ajay gave me his hand.

Mom came forward to wish me, "Happy Birthday beta.. God bless you.." kissed my forhead. I hugged her.

"Recorded it all!" Ankit said.
Fuck off. My mouth motioned. Making the rest laugh.

"Chal abhi cake kat!" Neetu said.

Shehnaaz brought the cake forward in a small trolley, I cut it while all of them kept singing 'Happy Birthday' in unison.

"Happy Birthday Sidharth.. Ye le.." Shehnaaz handed me a small box wrapped in a blue paper.

"I'm not a kid!" I tell her. But took it once she started making faces.

Dinner was quite a fun. It had been a long time we spent time.

"Mai chalti hu aunty.." I saw her leaving.

"Hey wait.. I'll drop you.." I said.

"Teri poori family aayi hui hai.. Tu yahi reh.. Jay will drop me..." she insisted.

"I wanted to talk.. " I whispered, couldn't hold the unreasonable awkwardness anymore.

"I'll see you tomorrow.. I have something to talk too.." she said.

"Okay.. Call me once you reach.. " I said. She waved her hand, to me and Atharv. And left.

"She's sweet.." Neetu said. She was standing behind me.

"Yeah.." sigh.

"And very smart and active.. I mean look at these fantastic arrangements..." she added.

"She did these???" I am beyond surprised and contended and amazed. She arranged a birthday party for me!

I ran after her. Down through the stairs.

"Shehnaaaazz!" I called out. Huffing and panting loudly.

There she was, about to sit in the car. I waved a hand to Jay, asking him to leave.

Sidharth's POV

"You arranged the party..?" asked once I got my breath back.

"Not just me...Jay was a part of it too.." she replied. Smilingly.

"Achha laga..?" she asks.

"Well.. I loved it!..had an amazing time up there.. " I said.

"Beach..?" I asked. Though her expressions changed. Nervous?

"Now?" she glanced towards the floor where the rest of my family was.

"Chalna.." I held her hand bringing her near the car, texted Neetu that I was going to drop Shehnaaz back.

So.." I said once we were on the sand.

"So what...?" she's confused.

"Speak up.. Why didn't you call me the whole day..?" I shot her question.

"um.. I was busy.. Office plus your party had me busy.." she answered.

"And back there in the party.. What kept you busy there..?" I remember everytime our eyes met, she looked away.

"N..nothing.." She looks away again.

"Then what is it yaar..? Is is about the kiss..?" as soon as I asked her head shot up. She whispered yes.

"Then I guess....you have something to say..." I want her to speak.

Whatever might have been the reason. Even if that kiss meant anything to her.

Could see her swallowing, I'm afraid she would say - it just happened in the moment because you looked helpless.
But I wish she says the other thing.

"Promise me you won't laugh.. And will not stop talking to me after this either.. " she forwarded her hand. I readily took it.

"Okay..." I encourage.

"I..sort of love you... More than just a friend.." she said. Staring down.

I wanted to laugh. But I had promised not to, "To whom are you saying this.. Me or the sand..?" I asked.

She looks up and whines, "Ahaan!"

"To achhe se bolna baby..!"

She took my hands in hers softly,
"Mai ye bol rahi thi ke.. I like you..alot.. I've never felt this way before for anyone...I feel protected.. loved and wanted with you.. Just one look into your eyes makes everything in the world and my life seem to glow.. I go to sleep thinking about you, and the next morning wake up smiling because I may see you... Tujhe lag raha hoga mai pagal ho gayi hu..but.. I..can't help myself with this.. I have fallen for you... "

She said all of it, looking straight into my eyes.
God, is this a dream? Then please don't ever wake me up. She said she has fallen for me!

"..it's okay.. I don't expect anything in return.. You don't feel the same way so..."

Tried to withdraw her hands, but I didn't let her do that.
Girl, give me some time to absorb this fact and react to it!

"Hold on a sec.. This was another surprise to me.. Digest karne de.. And.. Let me tell you.. I'm so openly smiling and laughing these days.. Sab teri vajah se... You make me happy...and I promise to keep you protected.. Loved and wanted all the time with me.."

I answered. Cupping her face.
Her eyes shined with warm tears, she let out a weak chuckle closing her eyes. Letting them flow. I wiped them gently.

She hugged me tightly. I reciprocated with great pleasure. I wanted to tell her more, how I wish to see her all the time, how beautiful I find when she calls out my name, how much I like her hug, her touch, her everything.

"Let's finish the left out part..." I said.

"What?" she asked. I simply replied keeping my lips on hers.

Feeling those heavenly delicate petals again. Instead of kissing me back, she started laughing.

"Has kyu rahi hai... ?" I ask.

"Vishwas nahi ho raha... Haha.." she laughed. "...matlab.. Tu aur mai.. For real? .. Ye sapne jaise lag raha hai.. " she answered.

I pulled her close, wrapping my hands around her petite back again, "Ye sapna nahi hai.. We are together now!"

She stopped laughing. Her eyes stared me for while, till I leaned down to her face again.

I kissed her like I've always wanted to. Soft and moist and hot and breathy, seeking and sharing this passionate moment. She tasted sweet. The best flavour ever. My hand kept stroking her waist while she caressed my face.
She moaned in between, soon her hand wrapped my shoulders, leaning herself on me. Lifting her off ground, I caught her firmly.

It is rightly said that- a pure kiss has the promise of years and the sweetness of waiting for real love.

"Chale? Tera wait kar rahe honge sare..." she said while we were still in the timeless hug.

How come she thinks of everyone keeping herself in the last.

Once in the car, I wiped out some lipstick from the corner of my lips looking at the rear view mirror.

On looking at her, I could see a deep shade of red on her very full cheeks. It let me out a chuckle.

"Khana to achha tha na..?" she asked.

"Ha"

"Decorations?"

"Good"

"And cake? Maine Black current bola tha.. Tujhe pasand hai na?"

"Yeah.. It was amazing.."

"Mai kaisi lag rahi..? Tune ek bar bhi bataya nahi.." she pouts.

"Har bar ki tarah bohot pyaari lag rahi hai..."

She squints her eyes, "Har bar ki tarah.. Matlb kuch khaas nahi lag rahi aaj..?"

"Baba.. Bohot pyaari bhi to bola..!" I justify.

"To har bar kyu bola..?" she asks.

"Tu humesha pyaari lagti hai na meri jaan.. " I explain.

"Sachi... Kha kasam!" forwards her hand.

"Ha baby.."

"Tu bhi handsome lag raha hai.. White suits you well.." she kissed my shoulder, making me smile.

"See you.. Bye!" she said stepping out of he car but not before pecking my cheeks.

"It's been an hour..! What took you so long..ha.. ?" Preeti asked when I returned. All of them were staring at me.

"Traffic.. You know.." I shrugged.
I pick up Atharv, "Let's go home buddy.. You're tired na..?" I ask. He nods.
And I immediately walk out of the room to escape their gazes.