3 Hearts, 1 Home

11. We Can't (Won't) Miss Each Other

A month after, it was Arjun's birthday. Karan had planned a quiet evening for the two of them—a rare moment to celebrate amidst the hum of their busy lives.

The restaurant was intimate, nestled in a corner of Mumbai's quiet Bandra neighborhood. The soft glow of candlelight flickered over the table, casting warm shadows across Arjun's face. Karan sat across from him, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he poured a glass of wine for them both.

"To you," Karan said with a smile, raising his glass. "The man who keeps us all grounded."

Arjun chuckled, clinking his glass with Karan's. "You make me sound too serious."

Karan's grin widened as he leaned forward, his fingers brushing over the back of Arjun's hand. "Maybe, but I love you for it. We both do."

The mention of Dev brought a soft pang to Arjun's chest. He smiled, taking a sip of his wine. "I miss him. I miss being us three together."

Karan nodded, his expression turning a little wistful. "Me too. But don't worry, he's here in spirit." His eyes twinkled as he reached into his bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box. "Speaking of which, this came in the mail this morning. From Ahmedabad."

Arjun's eyes lit up with surprise. "He sent something?"

"Of course," Karan said, handing the box over. "Go ahead, open it."

Arjun tore the wrapping carefully, revealing a sleek black box. Inside was a leather watch, sophisticated and understated—exactly Arjun's style. But what caught his attention most was the handwritten note that came with it.

'Happy birthday, Mr. Lawyer. I know I'm not there, but I'm always with you. This watch is a reminder of the time we'll have together soon. I love you, and I miss you more than words can say. – Dev'

Arjun's chest tightened as he read the note, his fingers tracing over Dev's neat handwriting. Karan leaned in, placing a hand on his arm. "I told you he'd be with us today."

Arjun smiled softly, turning the watch over in his hands before slipping it onto his wrist. "It's perfect," he murmured, his voice low. "Just like him."

Karan watched him, his own eyes misting slightly as he saw the emotion flicker across Arjun's face. "He loves you so much, you know."

Arjun's hand found Karan's again, squeezing gently. "I know. And I love him too. But I love you too. And I'm lucky to have you here today."

Karan smiled, leaning across the table to press a soft kiss to Arjun's lips. "Happy birthday, love. Dev will be back soon. Until then, you've got me."

---

It had been a long, quiet afternoon when Karan heard the knock at the door. He wasn't expecting anyone—Arjun was stuck at work with meetings that stretched into the evening. But as he opened the door, his heart nearly stopped.

"Surprise," Dev said with a grin, his suitcase in hand and his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Dev!" Karan exclaimed, practically throwing himself into Dev's arms. "You didn't tell us you were coming!"

Dev wrapped his arms around Karan, holding him tight, breathing in the familiar scent of him. "I wanted to surprise you both," Dev said with a soft laugh.

Karan pulled back slightly, his face lighting up. "Arjun's at work trip. He's going to lose his mind when he finds out he missed you."

Dev sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of Karan's face. "I hate that I couldn't see him today, but... I'm here now. And I missed you, my drama king."