Rhythm of Hearts: Their Melodic Bond

15. The Bittersweet Surprise

T A N V I

As Kamika's best friend, I felt responsible for making her birthday unforgettable. I gathered our friends at my house as Karthik suggested, and we brainstormed ideas for a surprise party. Aatirah suggested a cake, Hritvi offered to get gifts, and Sahay and Tahir volunteered to handle decorations. Aayush would ensure everything ran smoothly, and Karthik would sneak into Kamika's house to check the layout. I felt grateful for our teamwork and creativity.

"Okay, so we'll climb in through the window," Karthik explained, drawing a detailed map of Kamika's room. I nodded, excitement building up inside me. This was going to be perfect. We finalized the plans, and I couldn't wait to see Kamika's reaction.

K A R T H I K

Finally the day came. We all gathered just below Kamika's room as planned. I led the way, climbing through Kamika's window. My friends followed, their eyes shining with anticipation.

We gathered around her bed, holding our breath. Just as we were about to shout "Surprise!", my hand slipped and I dropped a small gift. My friends gave me a collective "so done with you" look, their faces scrunched up in frustration. I mouthed "sorry" and held my breath, hoping the noise hadn't woken Kamika up. Luckily, she stirred but didn't wake up.

I counted down again, and we shouted "Surprise!" in unison. Kamika woke up with a jerk, her eyes wide with wonder. We cheered, cut the cake, and showered her with gifts.

As the night wore on, I stood up, looking at my friends. "Guys, I have something to announce." Everyone's eyes locked onto me, shock and curiosity etched on their faces.

K A M I K A

I felt overwhelmed with gratitude as I looked at my friends, their faces beaming with happiness. This surprise party meant the world to me. But then, Karthik's expression turned bittersweet. "Guys, I have something to announce." The room fell silent, and I sensed a mix of excitement and sadness brewing. Karthik's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a pang of surprise. What could it be? And then he dropped the bomb: "My father got a deal with a French company. I'll be leaving this early morning... permanently."

My heart sank, and I thought to myself, Kanhaji, why? Why is this my birthday gift? I wanted to smile, to congratulate him, but also to beg him to stay. I forced a painful smile onto my face and congratulated him, my voice barely above a whisper. "Congratulations, Karthik." "Won't you miss me?"  "I won't miss you." Biggest lie I ever told.

Tanvi and Aatirah looked stunned, their faces pale. Hritvi's eyes sparkled with a mix of sadness and happiness. And then the guys lost control. Aayush burst into tears, hugging Karthik tightly. "You idiot, why do you have to go?!" he sobbed, cursing at Karthik between sobs. Sahay and Tahir threw playful punches at Karthik, grinning, I know they all are just faking it, internally they wanna hug and cry but they won't as if they'll be weak  then it'll be hard for Karthik to leave. "You're abandoning us, just like that?!"

I smiled a bit, looking at their antics. It was a happy and sad moment at the same time. Karthik stood firm, taking the blows, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and joy. He knew we were hurting, but also happy for him. I felt a pang of love for my friends, seeing them like this.

_______________

Author's note

And guys with this the CHILDHOOD PHASE ends. I wanted to extend it more but didn't.

So the next phase, the Current Phase will start soon. Maybe in the next few days, and the updates will be slow as my tests will start soon too. So wait for the updates. Until then Bye....💗

Vote. Comment. Share.