chapter 24

Fiza is sitting with Aman's photo in hand.You used to wish me first on my birthday. You always painted my pictures and gifted me. Once I had asked you for a bouquet of white lilies. You said the flowers would wither in two days, so you bought me a white lily plant. Your thoughts were always different from others. I loved you for your simplicity and uniqueness. I have lots of memories with you, and all of those are precious to me.Fiza's phone rings, and it brings her back from her thoughts."HR - Sonakshi calling ... " displays on the mobile screen.Why is HR calling me? Fiza thought.Fiza picks up the call.'Happy birthday, Fiza.' Sonakshi says.'Thank you, Sonakshi.'  She must have known my birthday from my resume. Fiza says inwardly.'What are you doing today?' Sonakshi asks.'Nothing. I will take some rest.''Okay, enjoy your day.'Sonakshi hangs up the call.Fiza opens the door and finds a delivery boy with a big cake box.'Happy birthday, Ma'am.''Don't say Arif has sent it.''Yes, Ma'am. Arif Sir has ordered this.'He has gone crazy. Fiza mumbled.Fiza takes the cake box and closes the door.Fiza opens the cake box and finds a beautiful chocolate cake.Why did he send such a big cake? Now, who will eat this? Fiza murmured.Fiza calls Arif, but the auto-response machine says that Arif's mobile is switched off. Fiza calls two or three times, but the auto-response machine says the same thing each time.Why has Arif kept his mobile switched off? Fiza says inwardly.'He must be busy.' Aman says.'I think he has switched off his mobile for fear of my scolding.''But why would you scold him? He is only trying to make your birthday special. So that you don't feel lonely.''Why would I feel lonely when you are with me?''But, that Arif doesn't know.'Fiza gets lost in some thoughts.'Fiza, let's make the evening a special evening.''What do you want?''Get some candles. Let's make it a candlelit ambience.''Okay.'Fiza orders candles from the local grocery store.On the other hand, Sonakshi sees Fiza's birthday as an opportunity to mend her relationship with Fiza. After what Sameer has done to Fiza, she has stopped talking to everyone in the company unless it is necessary. Fiza's changed behavior worries management because if Fiza is dissatisfied, she may leave the company any day. They don't want to lose a talented employee. After Fiza took one week off, their worries heightened. So the management has asked Sonakshi to make a good relationship with Fiza to know her plans.Sonakshi plans to make a surprise visit to Fiza's house to wish her on her birthday. She calls Vinay, whom Fiza relies on the most in the company, and asks him to accompany her to Fiza's house. After Fiza's promotion, Vinay is the team leader of her previous team. When Sameer uploaded Fiza's dirty pictures on the internet, and the entire office started gossiping about Fiza, only Vinay and his team stood by her, which gave Fiza the strength to fight. Vinay also doesn't want to lose such a nice boss. So he agreed to Sonakshi's proposal.Fiza decorates the living room beautifully with candles. She puts on the new clothes she bought for herself and beautifies herself neatly.Fiza looks into the mirror and smiles.'You are looking gorgeous. It looks like a fairy has come from the sky.' Aman says.Fiza smiles and says,' I always look like a fairy to you.'The doorbell rings.'What did Arif send again? I am tired of his surprises.' Fiza angrily goes to open the door.'Someone is trying to make you happy, and you are getting angry with him. That's not right.' Aman tries to convince Fiza.'Before trying to make me happy, he should try to know what makes me happy.''You have loved all these since childhood. Your preferences have slowly changed since you met me. I think Arif is not aware of this.''It's not my fault.'Fiza opens the door and gets surprised to see Sonakshi, Vinay and others from the office. It is clear from Fiza's face that she is unhappy with their surprise visit. The special decoration of the room is visible from the outside. Vinay inwardly repents for agreeing with Sonakshi's plan. Vinay gives the bouquet to Fiza on behalf of his team and says, 'Happy birthday, Ma'am. We won't take much time. We have just come to wish you personally.'Fiza was so surprised to see them that she forgot to ask them to come inside the flat. But Sonakshi didn't bother about the invitation; she entered the flat.'Wow! Fiza, it's very romantic. Isn't it?' Sonakshi says and looks at others to support her, but no one replies.Vinay, who was planning to leave from the door, is now in a dilemma. He feels like Sonakshi has come for some other intention.'Come in.' Fiza invites others with hesitation. Fiza gets worried that if someone asks for whom she has done all this. What will she say?Sonakshi is surprised to see the decoration. If someone stays alone, why would she decorate her room so romantically? Sonakshi thought. She says, 'Fiza, I heard that you stay here alone. So someone special has come or is yet to come.' Without answering Sonakshi's questions, Fiza says, 'You guys sit comfortably. I will be back soon.'The doorbell rings again.Fiza sighs. Who has come now? She thought.Fiza opens the door and gets surprised to see Arif, Aarav and Shalini. She thanked God inwardly for saving her.'Happy birthday, darling.' Arif says.'This is the best gift I have received today.''And our coming is nothing?' Shalini says and makes her face.'No, you people are my bonus. Come in.'Arif can't believe his ears that Fiza is so happy to see her. As soon as he enters the flat, he understands the reason for Fiza's happiness to see him. But whatever may be the reason, Fiza's words made him happy.On seeing Fiza's colleagues, Aarav gets worried. He prays to God that no one discloses Sameer's matter.'Wow! How beautifully have you decorated your room?' Shalini praises the decoration.'Thank you.'Fiza introduces everyone to her colleagues. When she introduces Arif as her friend, Sonakshi asks,' Friend or boyfriend?''More than that.' Arif says and stands beside Fiza.(Continued ..... )