TOGETHER

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The next week was going to be probably more hectic after returning from India, I was already missing home but it was my choice to land up here and I am so glad that my parents have supported me in my decisions.

The classes went by quiet fast and it's in those days when I have to decide whether I want to stay up here and take the job or I want to get my degree to India and find something for myself.
Even though I was much sure about my decisions, I wanted to stay.

But at the same time I also wanted to return to Ashutosh, I know he had waited long enough and for this time he deserves to have me but do I deserve him? Not quiet.
My parents are fine with almost anything, they haven't said a word. I have a two week long holiday after this month and I am planning to visit India and take my necessary documents that would be needed for applying for a job and I think I should probably inform Ashutosh about it as well that I don't plan on coming back, I don't want to. Not that I have anything against India or staying up there but the chances of me getting settled up there are almost nill, I will have lesser opportunities for myself and I don't want to be wandering around in spite being the top notch designer here.

It had been a whirlwind week since my return, and I was consumed by how to tell Ashutosh I wanted to settle here. He had always been my greatest supporter, but with our future looming, I knew I needed to be brave.

I could have shared my feelings over a call, but I wanted to tell him in person. I could feel the weight of expectation pressing on my heart—he had been patient for too long.

Erin walked in, pulling me from my thoughts. We discussed our final job proposals, and relief washed over me as my parents had been supportive of my decisions. But Ashutosh's reaction was the one that truly mattered.

With my birthday just hours away, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. While I could find opportunities in India, my heart was set on Paris, where my dreams as a designer felt within reach.

At midnight, my phone buzzed. First, my parents called, and then Ashutosh called and all he said was happy birthday thrice and I laughed to which he asked me to check what's app.

"Happy birthday, pumpkin!
I Thank you for being a part of my life; you make it a little bit better every year, being an antique element in my life. I'm so glad you decided to stay up. I know we don't catch up often, but that doesn't change what you mean to me, Ahana. I love you, and I know you'll rock it."

His words filled me with warmth and gratitude. I smiled as I read his heartfelt message again, feeling a mix of longing and determination. I realized that this was the moment I needed to prepare for. I had to share my dreams with him, to let him know that Paris was where I wanted to build my life.

As the city lights flickered outside, I felt both the weight of my decision and the thrill of possibilities ahead. Paris was calling my name, and I was ready to answer.

The clock ticked past midnight, marking the beginning of my birthday. A surge of excitement coursed through me, and I couldn't help but smile at Ashutosh's message. I quickly replied, my fingers dancing over the screen, pouring my heart into words.

"Thank you for always believing in me. You mean the world to me, and I can't wait to celebrate together!"

I put my phone down and turned back to the room, where Erin had already begun setting up for a small birthday celebration. She had brought a cake, adorned with fresh strawberries, and the sweet aroma filled the air.

"Surprise!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a wave of warmth from her gesture.

We lit the candles, and Erin insisted I make a wish. I closed my eyes, envisioning my future in Paris, the vibrant life I hoped to build, and the conversation I needed to have with Ashutosh.

As I blew out the candles, Erin clapped enthusiastically. "Now tell me your wish!"

I grinned, knowing it was a secret I could only share with myself for now. We dug into the cake, the rich flavors mingling with laughter and stories about our time in Paris.

Hours passed, and as the celebrations continued, my phone buzzed again. It was Ashutosh, sending a series of photos from past birthdays we had shared—each snapshot a reminder of our journey together.

"Look at us, growing older but not growing apart." he texted, and I felt a bittersweet pang in my chest. I knew I needed to share my dreams with him soon.

As the night drew to a close, Erin raised her glass for a toast. "To you, Ahana! Here's to chasing dreams and the adventures that await!"

I clinked my glass against hers, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Surrounded by friends and the magic of Paris, I knew that I was on the cusp of something extraordinary. This birthday marked not just another year but a turning point in my life—a step toward embracing the future I truly wanted.

With the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance, I felt ready to take on whatever came next, with Ashutosh by my side.