Hope to Love

Chapter 32 - Surprise!

Avni

I enter the café, only to freeze in the doorway.

My heart skips a beat before galloping like a horse. Shivers spread all over my body, and my throat grows dry. I've no idea how the hell I am standing on my legs when I'm sure all the strength has left my body.

I shake my head in disbelief as moisture fills my eyes. I stagger back, and the figure of my shock approaches me with a smile on his face.

My knees buckle, but he saves me from falling.

A stray tear flows down my cheek, yet I can't believe my eyes. I don't dare to blink, scared of all this being a dream.

"Happy Birthday, Chubbs." Abhimanyu says, and the dam breaks.

He is quick to gather me in his arms, hugging me tightly. My hands linger at my side, too weary to do anything but breathe him in. Feel him around. Be in his arms. Living the moment I didn't think would come again in my life.

He clears his throat as I sob, unable to stop. The sound of his heartbeats assures me of his presence, and no matter how long I listen, I just can't get enough.

Abhi draws back, and even his eyes are red as he wipes away my tears. "I had no idea this would hurt you so much, baby. I would have never said that."

His words fail to enter my brain as my gaze lingers on his face. He's standing in front of me, and that's all that matters to me.

Abhimanyu is here.

I'm not alone.

I smile in relief, wrap my arms around his neck, and brush my lips against his.

Shit.

I almost moan at the feel of his lips on mine, and his arms are instantly around my waist, holding me tightly to him. My hold on him tightens, and I kiss him, savouring the moment.

He's here.

Licking his lips, I suck them in my mouth, loving the taste of him on my tongue. I invade his mouth, and the moment his tongue touches mine, a soft moan escapes me.

His hold on my waist tightens to the point of pain before he gradually pulls back. I nearly whimper, and he chuckles, pressing a hard kiss on my forehead. I sigh, relaxing into his arms.

"Get it over with. We are waiting." Gaurav interrupts us.

Abhimanyu exhales before staring at me. "Surprise!"

I smile at his words, and he leads me to our friends. I clutch his shirt securely in my fist, and even he has his arm firmly wrapped around my waist.

I still can't believe he's here. I have questions, but right now I just want to be here with him.

"Happy now?" Mihika stares at me with teary eyes.

I glance around, and every single one of our friends seems to be hit by an emotional truck. Except for Sneha and Gaurav. I don't even know why they are here.

"You are insane." Nirvaan shakes his head with a genuine smile.

"I warned you, he was lying, didn't I?" Nakul narrows his eyes and places his hand on my head in a brotherly gesture, almost making me cry again.

Rudra shakes his head. "I'd told you he can't live without you. Still, you did this to yourself. Idiot." He flicks my forehead.

I wince, rubbing the pain away.