Siri's POV :
I can feel the excitement buzzing in my veins. He's coming back today after a whole year in the USA. A whole year. I'm standing at the airport exit gate, my heart racing in anticipation, surrounded by my friends — Indhu, Sameera, and Rakesh. The air feels different today, charged with something new. The sun is brighter than usual, even though it's the same summer heat. I can't seem to focus. It's like my mind and heart are at war, each pulling me in different directions.
I guess I look good. I mean, I spent forever getting ready for him. But still, there's this gnawing unease in my chest. It's been a year since I last saw him, and although we've talked on the phone and texted almost every day, seeing him face to face again feels... strange. I'm not sure how to act when he's right in front of me.
"Are you feeling nervous?" Indhu asks, leaning her arm across my shoulder as she stands next to me. Her voice is calm, like always, but I can tell she knows something's off with me.
"How can I not be?" I reply with a forced laugh. "I feel like I'm about to drop dead from a heart attack."
Indhu grins, giving me a little nudge. "Chill, girl. It's your boyfriend. It's not some big deal. You got this!"
I nod, trying to relax, but inside, my nerves are a mess. "Fine, fine. I'll try to be cool now." I force a smile, but I know I'm not fooling anyone.
In my life, there are only two people who make me feel truly seen. The first is Abhi. He's my boyfriend. The one I love more than anything. He's the only guy I trust, besides my father, who makes me feel like I can be vulnerable without fear. He treats me like a princess, and I love him for it. And then there's Indhu — my best friend. The one who's been my pillar through everything. She's like a second mother to me, so much more than just a friend. She's wise, calm, and always knows how to make things better, even when I'm a mess.
As I stand there lost in thought, I hear a voice cutting through the air.
"How long is this shit gonna take?" Bhargav's voice grates on my nerves. He's sitting on a chair nearby, looking incredibly annoyed, his eyes fixed on his phone.
I roll my eyes without even thinking. "Diabetics can leave. We can get a cab later, Indhu." I say it loud enough for him to hear, knowing full well it'll get under his skin.
He raises an eyebrow, glancing up from his phone. Then he gets up and walks toward me, his steps slow and purposeful.
"What did you call me, Ms. Dumbhead?" he says in that annoyingly deep voice.
I didn't back down. "I didn't say anything, Mr. Skinhead."
His fists tighten, and I can see the anger flash across his face. "Say that again," he threatens.
I don't flinch. "What if I don't?"
Just as things are about to escalate, Indhu steps in between us, like a seasoned referee. "Stop, you two. This is not the place for your petty fights. Can't you just not fight for one damn day?" she says, her tone stern.
She gives Bhargav a pointed look before pushing both of us back. "Go sit down, Bhargav. Stop causing a scene."
Bhargav huffs but returns to his seat, clearly not interested in picking another fight.
Indhu turns to me with a sigh and pinches my cheek. "How many times do I have to tell you to ignore him? Seriously. Every time you two cross paths, it's like World War III."
I wince at the pinch and swat her hand away. "You already know. He irritates me. I can't stand him, and I didn't even want him here. But he's the only one who can drive us. So, yeah, we had to bring him."
She drops her hand with a resigned sigh. "Fine, but at least don't engage him. You're just giving him what he wants. You know he doesn't back down in an argument if it's you. Stay quiet. At least one of you."
I mutter something under my breath, but before I can respond, Sameera's voice rings out with an excited shout.
"There he is!"
I turn my head instinctively. My heart skips a beat when I see him — Abhi.
I can't contain myself. My legs move before my brain can even process it, and I'm running. Running faster than I ever have in my life.
And then, I'm in his arms. He catches me effortlessly, pulling me close, his warmth spreading through my body like a lifeline.
"Hey sweetie," he says in that deep, familiar voice that always makes my heart race. "Did you miss me too much?"
I can't even respond. Tears start to fill my eyes, and before I know it, they spill over. I just let them fall. I'm so overwhelmed by the fact that he's finally here, that I've missed him so much it hurts.
He pulls away slightly, his hands gently cupping my face. "I guess I don't need an answer," he says, brushing his thumb along my cheek. "Your eyes already said everything. I missed you too, sweetie."
His arms wrap around me again, pulling me in close, and he presses a soft kiss to my forehead.
"I'm not going to leave you anymore. Don't worry," he whispers.
And in that moment, it feels like everything is right again.
"Okay, okay, enough with the lovey-dovey stuff!" Rakesh teases, breaking the moment with his loud voice. "Give some attention to your friends, man!"
Abhi laughs and looks back at him. "Shut up, bro. This is my girl here. Who else would I prioritize? Get a girl for yourself before you complain. Single dumbass."
I laugh, a real laugh, for the first time in what feels like forever. It feels good. I can't stop the goofy grin spreading across my face, and it only deepens when he calls me his girl.
Indhu gives me a teasing nudge. "Guess you're finally cheered up now, huh?"
I don't say anything. I just smile, because right now, that's all I can do.
We all take turns greeting Abhi, except for one person. Of course, it's Bhargav. He's still sitting there, barely acknowledging anyone around him, still lost in his phone.
Abhi doesn't seem to care though. He walks right up to him. "How's it going, Bhargav? It's been a long time. You've changed a lot."
Bhargav looks up from his phone, surprised but composed. "Thanks. I'm good. What about you?"
"Fit and fine," Abhi grins, then tosses his arm casually over my shoulder like it's the most natural thing in the world. "Haven't seen you around in a while."
Bhargav gives a slight nod, but I notice the way his fingers grip the phone a little tighter. His eyes flicker from Abhi to me and back again, as if mentally connecting a few dots — dots I don't understand yet.
Wait. What the actual—? Abhi and Bhargav know each other?
Why didn't I know about this before?
Why does Bhargav look so... unreadable?
Before I can say anything, Abhi's phone buzzes loudly in his pocket. He sighs, pulling it out with a muttered, "One sec."
He answers with a forced smile, but within moments, his whole expression shifts — his brows draw together and the smile fades like someone pulled the curtain on a spotlight. "Yeah… okay. Yeah, I'll be there."
He hangs up, pressing the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"What happened?" I ask, watching his jaw tighten.
"I just got back and now I've got to head to this party my boss is throwing." He groans lightly, his tone caught between annoyance and responsibility. "It's for the project I finished. Some celebratory nonsense. They've been texting me non-stop."
My heart sinks a little. Of course he has to go — I get it, I do — but I can't pretend I'm not disappointed. I'd hoped we'd have the whole evening together. Maybe dinner, maybe a movie. Maybe just us.
"Oh," I murmur, trying not to let it show.
But then, like a switch flipping, his face softens again and he turns to me, his eyes searching mine. "Hey... why don't you come with me?"
I blink. "What?"
"To the party," he clarifies, smiling again. "Come with me. I want to introduce you to everyone. We'll be together, even if I have to show up. It'll be fun."
My heart actually skips. "Really?!"
He chuckles. "Yeah. Be ready by six. I'll come get you. I'll text once I'm close."
I nod so hard I'm sure my earrings are about to fly off. "Okay!"
Before heading back to his friends, he leans in and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. "See you later, sweetie."
And just like that, he walks off, blending into the crowd.
I stand there, trying not to squeal like a maniac. He asked me to come. He wants me there. He wants to show me off.
God. This feels big.
But before I can get too lost in my little daydream, Indhu nudges me.
"We should go," she says, grinning knowingly. "Come on, lovebird."
We pile into the car. Bhargav's already in the front seat, scrolling through his phone like none of that just happened. Like he didn't just see Abhi kiss me. Like he doesn't even exist in the same timeline.
Indhu settles in the back with me, still smiling to herself. "So, date night for both of you, huh?"
Bhargav groans. "Please don't call it that."
"Oh, come on," she teases. "You've been with Varsha for six months. Isn't this the kind of thing you do? Pick her up, maybe bring flowers?"
Bhargav doesn't even look away from his phone. "Yep. I'm picking her up. That's it."
I lean forward a bit, unable to help myself. "Is she still dating you?"
His head tilts slightly, eyes flicking toward the rearview mirror. "Yeah, just like your idiot Abhi."
That tone — the sheer acidity behind those words — stings more than it should.
I raise my eyebrows. "That's rich coming from someone who shook hands with him like you're old buddies."
"I said 'thanks' when he greeted me," Bhargav mutters. "Didn't realize that counts as friendship now."
His fingers type something on his phone again — probably texting Varsha — but I don't miss the way his jaw clenches.
"Don't be such a drama king," I retort. "You're nice to everyone but me."
"I am nice to you," he replies flatly. "This is me being nice."
"Then I'm glad I haven't seen what your version of mean looks like," I shoot back.
He just shrugs, still not looking at me. "Ask Abhi. Maybe he can explain it to you at that fancy party."
I sit back, arms folded, fuming. What is his problem?
Indhu, sensing the tension like a weather shift, laughs awkwardly and tries to lighten the mood. "Alright, enough. You two bicker like preschoolers."
Neither of us responds.
The rest of the ride is silent, except for the soft hum of traffic and Indhu occasionally humming along to a song playing from her phone.
Eventually, Bhargav pulls up in front of Indhu's house and parks.
"Good luck with your dates, kids," Indhu teases, getting out and winking at both of us. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
I laugh and wave her off while Bhargav grunts something noncommittal.
After she disappears inside, Bhargav doesn't even wait — he immediately gets out, walks to his bike, and revs the engine.
I barely have time to unbuckle before he's already halfway down the street.
No goodbye. No eye contact. Just the roar of the engine fading into the evening air.
"What a charming asshole," I mutter to myself, rolling my eyes.
But my irritation is short-lived because my phone pings.
Abhi: Don't stress. Just wear something that makes you feel amazing. I'll handle the rest. Can't wait to see you.
A smile breaks across my face, completely involuntary.
Tonight's going to be perfect. I can feel it.
I rush upstairs, already flipping through dresses in my head.
I have no idea what's coming next.
But I know one thing — I want to look unforgettable.
I can't wait.
To be continued…