A couple of days later, Siddharth was seated at his desk, his fingers flying across the laptop keyboard as he worked on a pressing task. Roohi entered the room, her eyes scanning the space before coming to rest on Siddharth's screen. A hint of amusement danced on her lips as she teased, "Workaholic."
Siddharth's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his fingers never slowing as he replied, "Look, I'm very busy right now." Roohi's eyes sparkled with mirth as she countered, "Yes, so busy that you're forgetting something very important."
Siddharth's brow furrowed in concentration, his mind still focused on the task at hand. "What is it?" he asked, his tone distracted. Roohi's sigh was audible as she prompted, "How can you even forget that?" Siddharth's gaze finally lifted from the screen, his eyes locking onto Roohi's as he pressed, "Come on, just tell me."
Roohi's expression turned serious, her voice taking on a hint of reproach. "What's the date after two days?" she asked, her eyes never leaving Siddharth's. Siddharth's mind rapidly calculated the date before responding, "It's the 11th of January, why?"
Suddenly, realization dawned on Siddharth's face, and he sprang to his feet, his eyes wide with alarm. "Oh no! It's Shruti's birthday!" he exclaimed. Roohi's expression turned wry as she observed, "Yes, and instead of planning a surprise for her, you're working."
"Thank you so much for reminding me!" He said.
Roohi's smile was enigmatic as she replied, "Save it for later." Siddharth's brow furrowed in confusion, prompting Roohi to pull out an envelope from her pocket and hand it to him.
Siddharth's curiosity was piqued as he took the envelope, asking, "What is it?" Roohi's eyes sparkled with excitement as she revealed, "I booked a resort for one day and a night for you and Shruti." Siddharth's face lit up with surprise and gratitude as he thanked Roohi again, "Thank you, Roohi, you saved me big time, really."
Roohi's smile was radiant with pride as she accepted his thanks. Siddharth's instincts kicked in, and he reached for his phone, intending to share the news with Shruti. However, Roohi was too quick, snatching the phone from his hand.
Siddharth's eyes widened in surprise as he protested, "Hey! What are you doing?" Roohi's expression turned stern, her voice firm as she asked, "Do you know the meaning of surprise?" Siddharth's face flushed with realization as he acknowledged, "Oh right. I shouldn't tell her right now."
Roohi let out a dramatic sigh, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "God, what would you do without me?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of teasing.
Siddharth chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Then tell me, what I should do, Miss Matchmaker?" he teased, his voice playful. Roohi rolled her eyes good-naturedly, a smile still dancing on her lips.
Siddharth's expression turned persuasive, his eyes locked onto Roohi's. "Come on, tell me," he urged, his voice low and coaxing. "I know you've already planned it out." Roohi's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
She leaned in, a conspiratorial glint in her eye, and Siddharth's anticipation grew, his curiosity piqued.
Roohi had just finished sharing the entire plan with Siddharth, and after a few minutes of enthusiastic discussion, he exclaimed, "Oh, that's a great idea! You're really good at planning surprises!" Roohi beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'm good at everything," she declared, her voice laced with confidence.
The night before Shruti's birthday, Shruti was cozied up on her bed, immersed in the pages of a captivating novel. The clock on her nightstand read 11:30 pm, and she was just about to drift off to sleep when her phone rang, shrill in the silence. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Siddharth's name flashing on the display. She picked up the call, her voice barely containing her excitement. "Hello!"
"What are you doing?" Siddharth asked, his voice low and mysterious. Shruti's curiosity was piqued. "Nothing, just reading. What about you?" There was a pause on the other end of the line before Siddharth replied, "I'm standing in front of your house." Shruti's eyes widened in surprise. "What?! Really? At this time?" She tossed aside her book and rushed to the balcony, flinging open the door to gaze down at the street below.
And then she saw him – Siddharth standing there, looking up at her with an enigmatic smile. Shruti's heart fluttered in her chest as she hurried back inside, her mind racing with questions. She grabbed her phone and rushed downstairs, flinging open the front door to find Siddharth standing, a stunning bouquet of red roses in his hand. He was dressed in a sleek black shirt and pants, his eyes gleaming with excitement in the dim light.
Shruti's eyes went wide as she took in the romantic scene before her. "Oh my God!" she breathed, her hands flying to her mouth in surprise. Siddharth handed her the bouquet, his fingers brushing against hers as he took her hand. "Come," he whispered, leading her out into the night. Shruti followed him without hesitation, her heart pounding in her chest as they walked through the garden, the sound of crickets and rustling leaves filling the air.
As they reached a beautiful tree adorned with twinkling lights and colorful lamps, Shruti's eyes widened in wonder. A plush cloth was spread beneath the tree, surrounded by comfortable pillows and a sumptuous feast. "It's so beautiful," Shruti whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat.
"Stay here for a while, I'll be back in a minute," Siddharth said, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Before Shruti could respond, he turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving her alone beneath the twinkling lights of the tree. "But..." she began to say, her voice trailing off as she realized he was already gone.
A minute ticked by, and Shruti's curiosity grew. What was Siddharth up to? She heard the sound of footsteps approaching and turned to see him returning with a magnificent chocolate cake in his hand. The cake was adorned with swirling patterns of chocolate and topped with a single candle. Shruti's heart swelled with emotion as she gazed up at Siddharth, her eyes locking onto his.
Siddharth placed the cake on the cloth, his movements deliberate and slow. He walked towards Shruti, his eyes burning with intensity. He reached out and gently grabbed her face, his fingers tracing the contours of her cheeks. Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Happy Birthday, baby," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.
Shruti's face flushed, her heart overwhelming with emotions. She felt like she was melting into his touch, her very being surrendering to the love and adoration that radiated from him. Siddharth pulled away, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's cut the cake," he said, his voice low and husky.
Shruti nodded, still reeling from the intensity of the moment. They sat down on the cloth, the cake between them. Siddharth lit the candle, the flame casting a warm, golden glow over the scene. "Blow it and make a wish," he said, his eyes glinting with excitement.
Shruti chuckled, feeling a sense of joy and abandon wash over her. She joined her hands, closed her eyes, and made a silent wish. "I want to be with him forever," she whispered to herself, her heart overflowing with emotion. She opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candle.
As the flame died, Siddharth handed her a piece of cake. But instead of taking a bite, Shruti held it out to him. Siddharth, however, had other plans. He grabbed the cake piece and gently smeared a little chocolate on Shruti's lips. Then, leaning in closer, he licked the chocolate away, his tongue sending shivers down her spine.
Shruti's heartbeat fastened, her face turning a deep shade of red. Siddharth pulled away, a triumphant glint in his eye. He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. Shruti playfully hit him. "You," she said, still surprised ,her voice barely above a whisper.
"Well, now for your gift," Siddharth said, a sly grin spreading across his face. Shruti's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "What is it?" Siddharth's grin grew wider as he replied, "That's...a surprise." Shruti's face scrunched up in anticipation, and she begged, "Come on, tell me now!" Her voice was laced with a playful pout, and Siddharth couldn't resist teasing her.
"Okay, come here," he said, signaling her to come closer. Shruti leaned in, expecting him to whisper the surprise in her ear. But instead, Siddharth kissed her on the cheek, his lips sending a flutter through her chest. "Siddharth!" she exclaimed, mock-outrage etched on her face. Siddharth chuckled, clearly pleased with himself.
"Okay, I'll give you a hint," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Shruti's attention snapped back to him, her curiosity piqued. "I'm taking you somewhere," he said, his voice low and mysterious. Shruti's eyes widened as she asked, "Where?" Siddharth's grin grew wider, but he refused to reveal more. "I think this much hint is enough," he said, his voice dripping with teasing.
Shruti pouted, trying to coax more information out of him. "Come on, tell me!" she pleaded. But Siddharth just ruffled her hair playfully, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Go and sleep now, and be ready at 7 in the morning. I'll pick you up," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
Shruti's face scrunched up in frustration. "But...but what should I wear? Tell me where we're going so I can choose accordingly!" she exclaimed. Siddharth chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He pulled her cheek, his touch sending a flutter through her chest. "Did you learn these tricks from Roohi?" he teased. Shruti pouted, playfully pushing him away.
Siddharth's expression turned serious, and he said, "Now, go and sleep." Shruti huffed, pretending to be annoyed. "Fine!" she exclaimed,they walked towards the door and she turned to open the door but Siddharth caught her by the waist, spinning her back around. "Shouldn't you say good night properly?" he asked, his eyes locked onto her lips. Shruti's heart skipped a beat as she realized what he was hinting at.
She pushed him playfully, trying to escape. "Good night!" she exclaimed, attempting to run inside. But Siddharth caught her again, pinning her against the wall near the door. "Hey!" she shouted, but he silenced her with a finger on her lips. "Shhh, mom and dad will wake up," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
As Siddharth's face drew closer, Shruti's heartbeat accelerated, pounding in her chest like a drum. A delicate blush rose to her cheeks, warming her skin with a gentle heat. Her eyes fluttered closed, her lashes sweeping down like silken curtains, as she surrendered to the moment.
Before she could summon the will to resist, Siddharth's lips brushed against hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her entire being. The touch was gentle, yet electrifying, and Shruti felt her very essence tremble with excitement. He kissed her, his lips moving softly over hers, as the world around them melted away.
The kiss was fleeting, yet eternal, and when Siddharth finally pulled away, Shruti felt like she was floating on air. He leaned in closer, his warm breath caressing her ear, and whispered, "Good night, baby." His voice was husky, low, and sensual, sending shivers coursing down her spine like a gentle summer breeze.
Shruti's eyes remained closed, her face still tilted upwards, as she savored the lingering sensations of the kiss. When she finally returned to her room, she felt like she was walking on clouds, her feet barely touching the ground. She lay down on her bed, her body still humming with excitement, and buried her face in the pillow, overwhelmed with embarrassment and delight.
As she lay there, her mind began to wander, and she couldn't help but wonder about the surprise Siddharth had in store for her. She looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, and murmured to herself, "I wonder where he's taking me tomorrow." The thought sent a thrill through her, and she couldn't help but smile, her heart still racing with excitement.
