BEHADD

Pachapan

Tripti

We boarded his private jet at ten, it was a long journey he had informed. So I brought a pineapple cake with me as well, for his birthday. It was  a good thing he told me about his favorite flavor yesterday.

"Um... Rudra", I was hesitant to wish him. Although I knew he would never snap at me, his birthday seems a sensitive topic.

We were seated opposite to each other on the plane. He was doing something on his laptop and I was busy thinking how to proceed.

I had to wish him and give him the cake. I was feeling guilty of not wishing him at midnight, though I did, whilst he was asleep, I had whispered a happy Birthday, but that didn't count.

"Yes?", He asked raising an eyebrow. 

"I have something for you"

"What is it?"

I took the cake out of my bag. He wasn't aware of the cake, I had secretly asked Navya to deliver it to me yesterday night. When he was in his study. 

And I did notice something strange, she was smelling different. She had makeup on, and I was almost doubting her for being at the party.

Keeping that aside, I was thankful she helped. I wanted to cut the cake at 12 but he was fast asleep before that and he had strictly told not to disturb him that night. So I didn't. Maybe he hated being woken up?

"Happy Birthday", I whispered when I saw him looking at the cake. He wasn't smiling, on the contrary, he was looking sad.

"I... Know you don't celebrate it. And I know the reason behind it as well, but Rudra, you have to let go. Leave the past behind and work on making you present happier."

"... It's not that"

" Rudra? I wanted to do something for your birthday, you did the same for me. It's only fair. And moreover it's time for you to move on. Be happy, celebrate, enjoy your life.. "

" Thankyou Tripti, but I can't-"

" You can and will. Now cut the cake or I'll not talk to you "

" Bu-"

" Rudra please? For me?"

" I could do anything for you", he said. My puppy eyes worked on him, at last.

"Happy birthday!!!", I took a slice and made him eat." Pineapple?", He asked.

"Yes, you favourite"

" My favourite?"

"Didn't you tell me yesterday?"

" Oh... That"

" Hm? "

" Tripti... I..."

" Yes?"

" Do you like me?", He asked. He was sounding nervous. I smiled and answered, " yes, I do"

"Can I kiss you?", He asked next. "You may"

And he kissed me gently. I didn't expect gentleness from him. But he was. As if afraid to break me or letting me go. I felt his emotions in the kiss. He wanted so much more of me, he wanted to be caressed like a child, feel loved.

He was innocent if I look at the bigger picture. Wanting nothing but love.

Because all that mattered for him was my happiness, I found his selflessness attractive. He was the man I wanted. And I was in love with him.

I cared for him, even before I lost my memory. After the memory loss we came closer. He did bad things, but even God gives chance to those who are willing to change.