Fragrance of love

41. BIRTHDAY

SHANAYA

I jolted up from bed, rubbing my eyes. How did I even manage to sleep in this late? 10 in the morning? What am I, a college student on a Sunday?

Just then, I heard footsteps outside my room, followed by a familiar voice. "Hey!" Bhai strolled in, a teasing grin on his face, looking all fresh and put together, while I looked like I had just survived a tornado.

"Bhai?" I blinked, still trying to shake off the sleep.

He chuckled, waving it off. "It's fine, you slept in. No problem. Besides," he added, leaning against the door with a playful smile, "today is a special day."

I couldn't help but smile back, knowing exactly what he meant. "Yes, it is."

Today was the day we had all been waiting for-one of those rare days that just felt destined for something wonderful.

Today was Saransh's birthday, and I was buzzing with excitement. I'd been planning these surprises for him for days, ever since Ikshit bhai casually let it slip that Saransh's birthday was coming up. Saransh had no idea I knew, and that was the best part.

Two days ago, I'd set everything in motion. I even called his PA and made sure to pack his schedule tight today. Meetings, client calls, presentations-the whole shebang. I wanted him so busy that he wouldn't even have a second to text me, let alone think about his own birthday. I'd also secretly instructed everyone at the office not to wish him.

Today, he'd be under the impression that nobody remembered. And tonight... well, tonight I'd make sure he'd never forget.

I grabbed my phone and noticed two missed calls from Saransh. What on earth? How did he even find the time to call me today? That man always has time for me, but today of all days...

I sighed, knowing I couldn't pick up his calls. As much as I wanted to, it would ruin the whole plan.

Just then, Ikshit bhai walked in with a smug grin. "Oh, by the way, he called me too. I told him you're busy with work, and he said to tell you to call him when you're free. I also mentioned he shouldn't keep calling you since you're swamped." He winked, clearly enjoying this as much as I was.

I felt a small pang of guilt-he probably didn't understand why I was "ignoring" him today. But tonight, all of this would be worth it. Tonight, he'd be the happiest person in the world, and I'd get to see that surprised, childlike smile he tried so hard to hide.

Time flew by, and soon Shruti and I were deep into the chaos of picking out outfits.

"No, Shruti! This girl won't look good in that," I shook my head, scanning through the endless options laid out in front of us. My eyes were fixed on picking out the perfect outfits for both Saransh and me-everything had to be just right tonight.

Shruti held up a deep emerald-green outfit, grinning. "So what color are you aiming for, Miss Perfectionist? Look, this one actually matches really well!" She twirled it around, showing off the rich fabric.

I tilted my head, studying it closely. The green did look beautiful-bold yet elegant, just the right mix of what I wanted. "Hmm... maybe it could work," I mused, picturing Saransh's expression when he saw me in it.

Tonight, everything had to be perfect, right down to the last detail.

Shruti raised an eyebrow, sensing my hesitation. "Come on, Shanaya. You've been picking out clothes for the past hour. I swear you've already imagined at least five different reactions from him," she teased, nudging my arm.

I let out a laugh, caught. "Okay, okay, fine. But you know, it's his birthday. It has to be special."

Shruti grinned, holding up the emerald green outfit again. "Then trust me on this one. This color is going to blow him away."