Operation: Birthday Getaway
RIVAL HEARTS
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The months had flown by in a blur of badminton tournaments, sleepless nights of studying, and back-to-back exams. Dhruvin had been pushing himself relentlessly, preparing for nationals while juggling his second-last semester finals. Aashna, too, was drowning in her end-semester exams, barely managing to breathe between assignments and notes. The entire group had been so consumed by the academic chaos that their usual meetups and late-night plans had become a rarity.
Now, with exams finally over, Aashna found herself lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Relief shouldâve flooded her veins, but instead, worry gnawed at her.
Dhruvin had been quieter than usual. He wasnât distant, but something about him felt off. Ever since his parentsâ death anniversary, there was a dullness in his eyes, a heaviness in his presence. He laughed, spoke, and even teased her, but it wasnât the same. The spark that made him him had dimmed.
And then it struck her.
His birthday was next week.
A slow grin spread across her face. Perfect. A trip would be the perfect way to lift his spirits. He needed a breakâthey all did. And what better way than by the beach, with their whole gang, away from college stress and city chaos?
Excitedly, she grabbed her phone and created a new WhatsApp group, making sure to exclude Dhruvin from it.
"Mission: Surprise Birthday Trip"
She added Manan, Raj, Sia, Advait and Saumya, already feeling the rush of adrenaline at the thought of executing this plan.
Aashna: Okay, listen up, you idiots. Weâre planning a trip for Dhruvinâs birthday. Destination suggestions, NOW.
Manan: Arre wah, madam ko finally yaad aaya ke hum exist karte hain? (Oh wow, madam finally remembered that we exist?)
Sia: Oye shut up, Manan. Focus. Where are we going?
Raj: Somewhere peaceful. And away from this horrible semesterâs memories.
Saumya: Beachside? Goa?
Manan: Beta, Goa ke sapne dekhna bandh kar. Budget ka soch. (Stop dreaming about Goa, dear. Think about the budget.)
Aashna: Exactly. Something nearby but still exciting. Alibaug?
Sia: Alibaug sounds good! We can rent a villa, chill at the beach, and party.
Manan: Iâm only coming if thereâs unlimited food.
Aashna: Food toh milega hi, par tujhe plate mein serve nahi karne wale hum. (Youâll get food, but weâre not going to serve it to you.)
Raj: Sahi hai, decided. Alibaug it is. Now, how do we surprise him?
Aashna: We tell him weâre all coming over tomorrow, and then BOOMâbirthday trip reveal.
Sia: Isko shock lagne waala hai. He has NO idea. (Heâs going to be so shocked. He has NO idea.)
Manan: Haan, phir toh uska expression dekhne laayak hoga. (Yeah, then his expression will be priceless.)
Aashna: Exactly. Be at his place tomorrow evening. Iâll handle the rest.
As she hit send, she couldnât help but smile to herself. If there was one thing she knew for sure, it was that Dhruvin deserved happiness. And even if she had to drag him to that beach herself, sheâd make sure this trip brought back his lost spark.
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