The Hardest Choice

Let's Make It Memorable

Author's note: How are you all doing? Sorry for updating it too late as I had lost all my focus. This chapter is a filler one and would be mostly in text language as it has got a lot of texting. Do check it out.

The time passed and Anukriti's condition deteriorated. It had become impossible for her to walk on her own and she could just walk three to four steps with support. Satvik and Nikhil paid regular visits but they couldn't stand seeing her in so much pain as well as boredom. The things that she could do for herself had become more restricted. This dependence made her feel agitated. She had terrible mood swings, a body that worked only on the whims of cancer and she didn't feel like talking to anyone in this condition. She had exited official Whatsapp group of class at well as all the personal groups.
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Satvik was skimming through his Facebook news feeds when the notification popped up. It was for the birthday of Sanya, his ex -girlfriend. He wished her in a formal manner and then saw upcoming birthdays. It was Anukriti's birthday after six days. He immediately opened his Whatsapp and messaged the group 'Crazy asses' about the surprise party for Anukriti.

Satvik: Hey guys I think we should give a surprise party to Anukriti for her 16th birthday. What do you think about it?

Mridul was online at that time and so he immediately responded to Satvik's message.

Mridul: Nice idea. What if we involve the whole class in it?

Shreya: I guess it wouldn't make much sense if we include the whole class in it, you know there are some extra irritating elements like Mihir.

Mridul: You know what I feel Mihir is like the extra low quality cheese topping on a good pizza.

Shreya: If your how bad is Mihir is done, can we discuss the surprise party?

Mridul: Okay. I think we need to find her other friends numbers' & that you should do.

Nikhil: Where would you host the party? What if her parents don't allow her to get out of hospital? As far as I know, they won't allow her.

Shreya: Why do you always depress? Nikhil your father can help us, please ask him to allow her to get out for her b'day.

Nikhil: I think the first thing that we should do is to convince her sis. This is easy as I've heard that everything is ok between them.

Shreya: I think Mridul is perfect for this. He has an idea of their family unlike us.

Everyone went offline after that. Nikhil had a slight doubt about Mridul's abilities of persuasion. So Nikhil called up Mridul the next moment.

"Why the fuck have you called me up?" Mridul asked Nikhil.

"Saale, no hi, no hello, straight away why the f? I haven't called you to make a kidnapping deal. I just wanted to say that play the emo card well. I don't trust you much on this but still....."

"Don't worry I will handle it. You go have weed and sleep."Mridul joked.

"If she didn't come that day, you know well what we would all do". Nikhil said

"Bye."Mridul cut the call.

Meanwhile Shreya informed the girls of Anu's class about the party. Many of them were not willing to attend because of study load but they agreed to give a video message for her. But what really shocked her was Sandy's willingness to join and help them in any way she could. Shreya agreed, but in her mind, she pondered.

The animosity between Anukriti and Sandhya wasn't hidden. It was more from Sandhya's side rather than Anukriti, but Anukriti's dominant nature had aggravated the issues between the two. So when Sandhya showed the will to help, Shreya was pleasantly surprised.

After a while Mihir called Shreya, asking whether he could do anything for her birthday. Seeing Mihir and Anukriti's war everytime, she had to literally ask a second time whether he was in his full senses or not. The tone in which he talked to her wasn't like his normal cocky self. It had a tone of repentance, a tone of regret, with a slight tone of regret. He actually regretted his actions and genuinely wanted to apologise her and involving in her birthday celebrations seemed to be the only way out.

The next day Nikhil brought his plan to action. His father didn't have much work that day, and he thought this could be a great opportunity talking to him about convincing her parents to get her out of the hospital for some time. So with slight hesitation he went to his father's room and knocked.

"Come in," he answered, not looking at who was knocking at the door. He was deeply engrossed in reading a medical journal at that time.

"Dad...I wanted to ask you something," Nikhil tried to initiate a conversation.

"Yeah Nikhil," he then feigned a look at him, removing his glasses.

"Dad it is Anu's birthday after five days and we want it to be special for her. Please discharge her for a day so that she can enjoy her day", Nikhil earnestly requested.

"She is not in a condition to roam around and party with you guys. I understand your sentiments, but she needs extreme care. She can't eat out, neither can she walk, how would you guys take care of her"? Nikhil's father posed a pertinent question.

"Dad I know. But we are planning to do it at her home and would try our best not to strain her in any manner possible,
Nikhil assured and then added,"Mridul has talked to her parents and they have agreed to it." The last line was a lie but he knew that this was the most powerful argument he could put forward in his favour. After thinking for some time, his dad approved his request. Now the rest depended on Mridul.
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Mridul briskly walked to and fro deliberating about his plan. He had butterflies in his stomach. He finally decided to forget everything and call her sister.

"Hello."Mridul said as soon as the call was received.

"Hello, Shaily here. May I know who this is?" she responded.

"Di I am Mridul, Anukriti's friend. You know Anu's birthday is coming, and we want to host a party for her birthday", he just blurted out. She could sense the nervousness in his voice and she decided to therefore ease it out.

"That's a really good idea. I support you fully. But why do you sound so worried? Just chill," she said approvingly, with a smile.

He heaved a sigh of relief. He now knew their plan had worked. He did a victory dance in his mind. Controlling his happiness, he replied, "Thank you so much Di. You have been a saviour. Thank you so much. So I would meet you at your home for the preparation. Bye and thank you so much again."

"Bye and if you ever need my help, don't hesitate."Shaily said and cut the call.
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The next morning Satvik announced in the class Whatsapp group that whoever is interested, can send a video message wishing Anu happy birthday. Almost everyone agreed except one or two, who had their Whatsapp uninstalled due to the devil period of two years that would make or break their lives theory. Satvik asked them to send it on their personal message. Mridul and Nikhil compiled and edited the videos,

They couldn't involve Mihir in their preparations but they could assimilate a repentant Sandhya into their team. She was assigned to go with Anu's sister and select an outfit for her birthday. Everyone found her to be cooperative with Anu's sister, and her fashion sense was impeccable.

Anukriti's parents were glad by the suggestion of the surprise party and very happily let them organise the thing under Shaily's supervision. They just wanted to see their daughter to smile amidst all the pain.

The preparations were all done in an organized matter. Shreya and her other classmate Nikhat had the creative hand, and so they took the job, along with Mihir, Ram, Tanay and Rakhi. Finally they waited for the grand day.