Silent whispers of love

~Chapter Two~

'which restaurant again?', I ask Ritika on call as I exit the taxi. I've just been twice in this area and it's pretty confusing everywhere, all the alleys look almost same. my poor memory of remembering places makes it even worse.

'summer springs. It's just round the corner from where you are right now.'

'yeah, found it...', I say as i see the restaurant's board shining in neon pink.

I glance at my watch before entering, It's 8:20 already. I just hope it is not too late, i wouldn't want to miss the cake cutting. Although I had tried my best to get free from the hospital as soon as possible but on call duties can't help it, and i ended up being free at 8.pm sharp.

Abhi waves at me from their table as I enter the restaurant, and quickly make my way towards them.

'Happiest birthday to you!..' I wished girija and gave her a hug before settling down, 

'sorry for getting late', I said looking towards the other four people that included Ritika, abhi, Darin and Jennifer

'look at her being so formal, as if we met for the first time', Darin says humorously making everyone laugh, including me.

We met Darin through Ritika. He works in the same hospital as her and often used to get along with us, which eventually led it here. While Jennifer was Girija's flat-mate.

'you aren't late at all, we were just about to order. The treat's on me today', says girija.

******************

After everyone was done eating, it was now time to cut the cake. I and abhi had bought the cake from a bakery in the suburbs, earlier.

He waved at the waiter to bring the cake, as girija waited impatiently. Once the cake was settled, she blew the candles away, and we sung a small happy birthday song.

'time for the gifts now!', said the birthday girl, as we chuckled and everyone started giving their presents.

Ritika had bought a beautiful earrings set, darin gave a her a chocolate bar, and I gave her a latest edition of her favorite book series, the uncharted.

'where is your gift jenn?', girija asked Jennifer, despite already knowing her answer.

'I am your biggest gift, girl. I wash your clothes, clean the house and even make breakfast and dinner every day, isn't that enough?', Jennifer said friskily as we laughed.

'and you?', girija then turned towards Abhi.

'I do have a gift', he said quickly, taking out a wrapped gift from his bag. Girija's eyes glistened on seeing it.

Abhi handed it over to her, 'happy birthday once again.'

'aww thank you, Abhishek.', girija said and quickly started unwrapping it.

I glanced towards Abhi, who was literally shaking in nervousness. I couldn't help but chuckle. He was six feet tall with fair skin and deep hazel brown eyes. But his inner beauty made him even more likeable. He has a heart of gold I could say. He had those two things which I admired the most, kindness and honesty.

'no way!', girija shrieked in happiness as soon as she saw the cute purple handbag. 'did you really buy this for me? My god that's very expensive. I can't take this.'

'gifts aren't given only to take them back, Girija. Don't worry, I bought it in an offer, it is not that expensive', abhi retorted.

'there are no offers in luxurious brands, you dumbass.', I whisper to Abhi. I really can't believe he could come up with such a childish excuse. I looked at his flushed face, which was all red in embarrassment.

'don't worry, she understood what you meant. Mission accomplished my friend', I rubbed his back, suppressing my laugh.

We then talked about various things, and time passed away sooner than I had thought. I glanced at my watch and It was 10.30 already.

'okay guys, I got to go. Have to go hospital tomorrow as well. See you all later.', I stood up to leave.

'look at her. We only have one sincere doctor out of three.', girija pointed towards Ritika and darin, making everyone giggle.

'go safely. Call me when you reach home.', said Abhi.

'I will call you later. Bye', Ritika said as I give her a goodbye hug, and then left for home.