What I Wanted for My Birthday

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The sun had just started to rise when their minivan pulled into the villa, the salty breeze making its way through the open windows. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was faint but inviting, and the moment they stepped out, exhaustion was replaced with excitement.

"Finally!" Raj stretched his arms dramatically. "I thought I’d die in that van!"

"You were snoring like a tractor," Sia rolled her eyes, yanking her bag from the trunk.

Aashna, still half-asleep from having dozed off on Dhruvin’s shoulder for most of the ride, rubbed her eyes and stepped aside, watching as the rest of them bickered over rooms.

The villa was breathtaking—white walls, floor-to-ceiling windows that opened up to the beach, and a cozy, warm vibe.

“Listen up!” Manan clapped his hands, taking charge. “Let’s divide the rooms fairly, no cheating!”

Before anyone could react, Aashna had already grabbed Dhruvin’s hand and bolted inside, heading straight to the best room with the beach view.

“What the hell?!" Raj yelled from behind.

“Sorry, first come, first serve!” Aashna grinned, throwing herself onto the bed.

Dhruvin chuckled, shutting the door behind him. "Not bad, Pathak. You’re learning from me."

"You wish," she smirked, stretching on the bed.

A couple of hours later, the group found themselves on the beach. The golden sand was warm under their feet, and the ocean stretched endlessly ahead, shimmering under the afternoon sun.

"A game of volleyball?" Sia suggested, kicking off her slippers.

“Oh yes,” Aashna grinned. “Boys vs. girls. Let’s see if you guys can handle losing."

Dhruvin raised an eyebrow. "Big talk, little one. Let’s see if you can even hit the ball over the net."

The match started with full enthusiasm. Aashna and Sia, determined to prove the boys wrong, played with fierce determination. But Dhruvin, ever the competitive one, was relentless. With quick movements and calculated hits, he made sure his team had the upper hand.

"You’re supposed to hit the ball, not dodge it, Raj!" Manan yelled when Raj completely missed a serve.

"I wasn't dodging! It was...strategic," Raj defended, making everyone groan.

Despite a tough fight, the boys ended up winning. Aashna crossed her arms, scowling. "This was rigged. I demand a rematch."

Dhruvin smirked, stepping closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear, "A deal’s a deal. You lost, bubba. That means you owe me a midnight walk."

Aashna narrowed her eyes at him, but deep down, she felt her heartbeat quicken.

That night, when the villa was quiet, Aashna carefully sneaked out, making her way to the beach. She spotted Dhruvin leaning against a tree, hands tucked in his pockets, watching the waves.

"Took you long enough," he teased.

"I debated skipping," she smirked.

"But you didn't." He started walking, and she fell into step beside him. The moonlight reflected on the waves, the sound of water calming in the otherwise silent night.

After a moment of silence, Dhruvin sighed. "I don’t think I’ve ever needed a break this badly."

Aashna glanced at him. "The tournament?"

He nodded. "The pressure’s insane. Everyone expects me to win, but what if I don’t? What if I disappoint them?"

She stopped walking, pulling his arm so he faced her. "Dhruvin Deshmukh, do you know why you’re so good at what you do?"

He arched an eyebrow. "Enlighten me."

"Because you love it. It’s not about winning or proving anything. It’s about you, your passion, your love for the game. No matter what happens, you’re already making everyone proud. Especially Aaji and Aajoba."

His eyes softened. The way she said it, so confidently, so certain, made something in his chest tighten.

"You always know what to say, huh?" he murmured.

She smiled. "Perks of being your girlfriend."

They continued walking, their fingers brushing slightly, until Dhruvin suddenly smirked.

"Let’s play a game," he said. "If you can catch me before I reach that rock over there, I’ll tell you what I actually wanted for my birthday."

"You’re challenging me?" she scoffed. "You really think you can outrun me?"

"Let’s find out."

Before she could react, he took off running.

"HEY!" she yelled, chasing after him. The sand made it difficult, but she pushed forward, determination fueling her. Just as he was about to reach the rock, she lunged forward, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back.

Breathless, she panted, "I won. Now spill."

Dhruvin turned to her, his face only inches away. His breathing was ragged, his lips curled into a teasing smirk. He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin.

"You want to know what I wanted?" he whispered.

She swallowed, nodding.

He leaned in, his lips barely grazing her ear as he murmured, "Tum."

Aashna felt her breath hitch. The single word, spoken so softly, sent shivers down her spine.

For the first time that night, she was completely speechless.

And Dhruvin? He was grinning, knowing exactly what he had done to her.

Aashna and Dhruvin❤️❤️❤️

Dhruvin posing for Aashna after she forced him to do so.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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