Rudra and Radika returned home in the evening, casually chatting about random things. It had been a peaceful day, and for the first time in a while, their bond felt light and comfortable.
As they stepped inside, Rudra's mom glanced at them with a soft smile.
"How was your day?" she asked, looking at Radika.
Radika gave a small smile. "It was nice, aunty."
Rudra's mom nodded knowingly. Something had shifted between them — something good.
The next day at college....
Radika walked into class with a warm smile on her face. Hima noticed it first.
"Whoa... someone looks brighter today," she teased her.
Sara leaned in and asked, "Did something good happen yesterday? Why didn't you come to college? What's the secret?"
Radhika shook her head with a soft smile. "Nothing, Sara. I just rested at home yesterday."
Rohan, sitting nearby, was happy to see her smile again. He quietly admired her, saying nothing, but his eyes followed her every move.
"Good to have you back," Hima said warmly. "Even though it was just one day, the class felt off without you."
"Yeah," Sara added. "Now everything feels normal again."
"Rudra had returned to his normal, relaxed mood in college."
"As days passed, everything felt light and happy again. Laughter echoed through the corridors, and the group slowly found joy in the little things.
But one morning, loud voices stirred the usually calm hallway. Radika and her friends looked at each other, confused. 'What's going on?' Hima asked, standing up. A boy rushed past them. 'Exam timetable is out! It's on the notice board! 'Without wasting a second, they all ran out to see it. The cheerful mood disappeared in a flash."
The crowd at the board was thick, but somehow they managed to squeeze in. Radika read the paper and sighed. "Mid-October… just two weeks. "Sara groaned. "Our fun is officially over." "I still have three units left," Hima mumbled, staring blankly. Rohan sighed. "We're doomed."
As they walked back slowly, the energy from earlier completely vanished.
Back in class, they tried to shake it off. "Hey," Sara said suddenly, "what are we doing for your birthday this year, Radhika?" Radhika blinked. "Nothing. I don't want to celebrate this time." "What? Why?" Hima asked.Radhika gave a small smile. "No mood. I just want it to pass like a normal day."
Rohan didn't say anything, but a thoughtful look crossed his face.
Later that day, in the canteen…....
Rudra sat in the corner of the canteen, busy with some paperwork. His head was down, pen moving steadily, but the familiar voices at the table behind him caught his attention.
Across his table, Sara, Hima, and Rohan were deep in conversation. He didn't mean to eavesdrop — really, he didn't — but the moment he heard her name, his focus slipped.
"We should do something special for her birthday this time," Sara said in a hushed tone, excitement bubbling in her voice.
Hima nodded quickly. "Yeah, after everything she's been through… she deserves it."
Rohan leaned in, curious. "Wait, when is her birthday again?"
"It's on 28th September. Don't you remember?" Sara asked, nudging him.
Rudra's pen stopped mid-sentence.
28th September.
Without looking back or saying a word, he quietly packed up his files and stood up. As he walked out of the canteen, their voices faded behind him — but his mind was loud with one question:
"How should I celebrate her birthday?"
As Rudra walked out of the canteen, lost in his thoughts, Sara, Hima, and Rohan kept talking, unaware that he had heard them.
"So," Sara whispered, leaning closer, "how should we plan the surprise?"
Hima tapped her fingers on the table. "Something small... maybe cake, balloons, and decorations in the new cafe near our college?
Sara said, ''PERFECT'' hima.
Rohan smiled softly. "Actually... I want to tell her something on her birthday."
Sara's eyes widened. "Wait, are you serious?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I've been thinking about it for a while. I want to tell Radika how I feel."
Hima looked nervous. "Are you sure? I mean... what if she doesn't feel the same?"
"I don't know," Rohan said quietly. "But I don't want to regret not saying it."
Sara smiled and patted his back. "Then go for it. Her birthday's the perfect time."
Rudra stepped out of the canteen, the breeze brushing past him, but his mind was heavy.
September 28... her birthday.
He never thought much about birthdays — not his, not anyone's. But now, knowing hers, he couldn't ignore the thought.
She didn't want to celebrate... but maybe... maybe she just doesn't want to be alone.
He looked up at the sky, deep in thought.
What can I do to make her smile?
For the first time in a long while, Rudra wanted to do something not out of duty... but from the heart.
TO BE CONTINUED........