Loves' Crossroads

Paw-some birthday

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

I rush around my apartment, frantically trying to get ready for Lulu's birthday party. I'm already running late, and the last thing I want is to face Annika's wrath. I quickly slip into a flattering dress, apply a touch of makeup, and grab my purse, ready to head out the door.

Just as I'm about to leave, my phone rings. It's Annika, my best friend since school.

"Roohi! Where the fuck are you?" Annika's voice is laced with anger.

"You need to get here in the next 15 minutes or I'm going to screw you!"

I wince at Annika's colorful threat. "I'm so sorry, Nia! There's a cab strike, and I can't find a ride. I'm trying my best to get there as soon as possible."

"Well, you better figure it out, bitch!" Annika huffs. "Lulu has been asking for you all day. He'll be heartbroken if you don't show up."

I bite my lip, my mind racing. "Arey, let me think. Maybe I-"

"I don't want to hear anything. I'll wait 15 more minutes!" And she hangs up. This fierce girl.

I quickly scroll through my contacts and land on Agastya's number. He's my colleague and close friend from the university days.

"Agastya, hey! Listen, I'm in a bit of a bind. There's a cab strike, and I need to get to Annika's place for Lulu's birthday party. Can you please come pick me up?"

There's a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then Agastya's warm voice responds, "Of course, Roo. I'll be there in five minutes."

I let out a sigh of relief. "You're a lifesaver, Agastya."

When Agastya's car pulls up, I practically leap into the passenger seat. "Thank you so much for this, Agastya. I owe you one."

"Don't worry about it, Roo. I'm happy to help."

"Would you like to join the party? I'm sure Nia won't mind at all."

"I'd be honored to," he replies with a warm smile and glances at my outfit, his gaze lingering for a moment. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," I murmur softly.

As he navigates the busy streets, I turn to him. "So, are you sure you don't mind coming to the party? I know it's kind of last-minute."

"Not at all," he assures me. "I'm looking forward to it. It'll be nice to see Annika and the rest of the gang."

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

As we pull up to Annika's cozy penthouse, I take a deep breath. "Okay, here we go. Annika's probably ready to murder me, but at least I have you to shield me."

He chuckles. "I'll do my best to protect you, Roo. Let's go face the birthday wrath together."

We make our way to the private lift and wait until the door open with a ding giving me a breathtaking view of the city. I could seriously kill her only to get this view day and night. As I make my way toward the living room a gentle touch on my back made me turn only to find Agastya looking at me softly. Turning around again I spot Kia looking at me and Agastya with her jaw dropped and Annika with a wide grin on her face. "Bitch! You made it!" She pulls me into a tight hug. "And you brought a date, I see."

I deny the statement. "It's not like that, Nia. Agastya was just giving me a ride since I couldn't find a cab."

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "I see."

Kia explodes over me for a tight hug and shakes hands with Agastya, who in return gives her his dimple smile.

I glance around the cozy living room, taking in the festive decorations and the small group of people gathered. "Where's Adik bhai and Lulu?" I ask, scanning the room.

"They are watching Harry Potter for the thousandth time and stop calling my dick of a brother bhai" She says rolling her eyes at me, "I'll call them you and Kia go in the kitchen and bring the cake" Annika replies.

I nod and turn to Agastya. "Would you like to come with me?"

He smiles. "Lead the way, Roo."

We return to the living room with the cake and there sits the birthday boy.

"That's a dog" Agastya whispers. I couldn't help but chuckle, "Yeah that is Lulu, Nia's baby, her darling, her sweetheart." 

Agastya frowns at me and I burst out laughing. "You're such a cutie." I say pinching his cheeks. That makes him blush and he chuckles with me.

The cake cutting is over and the guests have left, and now we've gathered to play games as it is Kia's wish to play. "God, I swear work is killing me, I finally have time to have some fun. Please let's play something."

To that Adik replies, " Yeah dimples, you want to have fun then go get a guy, and still can't find one then I can help you loosen up." He says with a smirk and winks at her.

"Go to hell! Asshole"

"Bitch"

"Wanker"

"Twat"

"SHUT UP" Annika shouts, glaring at both her brother and her best friend, and then turns her gaze to me and Agastya. Smiling sweetly "So lovebirds suggest some games."

I roll my eyes at her calling me and Agastya 'lovebirds'. I swear she is such a hypocrite.

"Umm maybe Truth and Dare Or never have I ever?" Agastya suggests.

"Aright! the latter one." She chirps she hates truth and dare. It sounds cheap to her. Yeah, I know crazy woman she is.

I can't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. The night is still young, and I have a feeling it's going to be an eventful one.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──