Finally, her birthday arrived. She woke up normal, freshened up, and went to help in the kitchen with his mom.
When she came out of her room, his mom was sitting on the sofa. There was a new dress on the table.
She called her and said,
"Radika, happy birthday, sweetheart."
She picked up the dress into her hands and said,
"Come, Radika. Take your new dress for your big day."
Radika ran into her arms and said,
"Thank you, aunty. You made my day."
His mom smiled and said,
"Go, Radika, wear this dress."
She went to wear it.
Rudra was confused. While she was away, he asked his mom,
"Mom, how did you know her birthday?"
His mom replied,
"Rudra, I don't know her birthday. This dress is from her parents. They told me to give it to her. I'm just doing it."
Then she said,
"But Rudra, this gift is from her parents. We have to give her something too. Did you bring any gift for her?"
He replied,
"No, Mom. Not yet."
His mom said,
"Then what about we celebrate her birthday at home? Small decoration and cake?"
"Okay, Mom. We can do that," Rudra said. "I think she'll come home late, so we can decorate during that time."
His mom looked at him curiously.
"How do you know she's going to come home late?"
He replied,
"I heard her friends' conversation, Mom. They're planning something for her, but I don't know what it is."
"Okay, Rudra," his mom nodded, then asked,
"What about her gift?"
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll buy something," he said.
Radika came out wearing that dress.
His mom smiled and said,
"You look so beautiful, Radika. Come, I made your favorite sweet — have it."
Rudra was mesmerized by her beauty, silently watching her.
His mom noticed and called out,
"Rudra, go freshen up and come. You have to go to college — it's getting late."
Rudra nodded slowly. Somewhere deep inside, he was quietly accepting that he was falling for her.
They left for college.
Radika entered the classroom.
Sara teased,
"Where is this beauty coming from?"
"Stop it, Sara," Radika said, smiling.
Sara and Hima wished her together,
"Happy birthday, my dear friend!"
She replied,
"Thank you, my sweeties."
Rohan then stepped forward, smiled, and said,
"Happy birthday, Radika."
She shook hands with him and replied,
"Thank you, Rohan."
Classes continued.
During lunch break...
Sara said,
"How about we go out for a coffee after college?"
Hima added,
"Yeah, Radika, can we go? Please?"
Radika smiled and said,
"Okay."
All three of them were so happy that she agreed.
After Radika promised her friends, she messaged Rudra:
Radika: Sir, I'll come home by myself today.
Rudra: Why, Radika?
Radhika: My friends asked me out for coffee, sir.
Rudra: Okay. Where?
Radika: New cafe at our college sir.
Rudra: Ok
At the Cafe....
They all sat at a table and ordered coffee. While Sara and Hima kept Radika busy in conversation, Rohan talked with the staff to arrange cake and balloons.
After a while, Rohan signaled the staff. They brought out the cake and balloons, and Sara and Hima shouted, "Surprise!"
Radika was shocked to see their efforts. Happy tears filled her eyes. She cut the cake and fed them with a big smile. Sara and Hima handed her gifts — a photo frame and a bracelet.
Rohan held a small bouquet of flowers in his hand.
"Radika, there's something I want to tell you…" he began.
Just then, the café door opened.
Radika turned. "Sir?" she said and surprised.
Rudra walked in calmly, nodded at her, and sat at a nearby table.
He quietly ordered coffee, eyes on his phone.
Sara leaned toward Hima.
"What is he doing here?" she whispered.
Rohan handed the flowers saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY RADIKA. The moment slipped away.
Trying to ease the tension, Sara smiled.
"Let's take a birthday photo!"
They all gathered around Radika, smiling for the picture.
Rudra sat in the background, watching silently.
They clicked many photos and created their beautiful memories.....