Dawn of Spring

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

"Who's ready to P. A. R. T. Y. Partay!" Riya yelled, jumping up at the foot of the stairs, her voice full of bubbly excitement.

Ahana instinctively sat up straighter, feeling Riya's gaze on her as her friend scanned the room. Her bright energy seemed to fill the space, and Ahana couldn't help but feel a flicker of discomfort. Riya was dressed for the occasion, radiating cheerfulness in a bright yellow knee-length skirt that accentuated her sun-kissed complexion. Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail that swayed with every move, and she wore a pair of black sandals that clicked loudly against the floor.

She was ready to celebrate turning twenty-three.

Ahana looked up at her, a knot forming in her stomach. She feared her decision would singlehandedly bring the excitement level of the room crashing down. She couldn't help it, though. Gia needed her. She needed to stay home.

Better now than never, Ahana thought, steeling herself. She took a deep breath and got up, speaking in a steady voice. 

"Riya, I know how thrilled you are. But... what if we change things up a bit? You and Vivaan can have fun at the club while I stay home and help Papa make some of your favorite treats. I still remember how much you love them."

Riya's eyes widened as her face lit up with amusement. She stuck her tongue out, pretending to taste the imagined cookies. "As much as I am tempted to agree," she teased, "I am not going to leave you all alone."

Ahana's heart ached slightly, but she stood firm. "Did you invite Advik to your birthday party?"

Riya paused, her brow furrowing in thought. "I could only manage to get three tickets. Initially, I had only two, but then Vivaan came along, and I had to arrange an extra one."

Ahana's eyebrow lifted. "You mean you couldn't have squeezed him in somehow?"

Riya groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. "I would have invited him if there were enough passes! But you know how these things go."

Ahana tried to hold back a sigh. Her suspicion flared up again, even though she didn't want to admit it. "I still can't come. Gia feels lonely when I'm not around," she said, giving a gentle smile.

Riya pouted, crossing her arms and looking up at Ahana with exaggerated disappointment. "And what about me?" she asked, her voice dipping into playful melodrama.

Ahana shifted her weight, clearly uncomfortable with the growing tension. "I promise I'll make it up to you someday," she said, trying to make the situation lighter.

"But not today?" Riya said, eyes wide in mock disbelief, her lips twisting into a pout.

"Not today," Ahana replied, her tone apologetic but firm.

Riya sighed loudly, dropping her shoulders and adjusting the hem of her dress. "Way to spoil the mood, Hana!" she said, shaking her head but still managing a teasing smile.

Just as Riya was about to say something else, the doorbell rang, cutting her response short. Ahana felt a sudden wave of relief.

It was Vivaan.

"Got you a bouquet for your birthday," he said with a smile, handing the vibrant flowers to Riya, whose eyes sparkled with delight.

Ahana's breath caught in her chest as she watched him. He looked effortlessly handsome in his casual yet put-together outfit. The bouquet he held was beautiful, and there was that familiar, signature grin of his that made her heart do a strange little flip. 

Is he trying to impress her? Ahana thought, feeling a flutter of discomfort.

Vivaan's gaze flicked to Ahana as he handed Riya the bouquet, his smile faltering for just a split second before he quickly masked it with his usual charm. "Happy birthday. I hope you like it."