Raghvi Drabble Series: Journey-[Final drabble updated 15/06 on page 9]

Birthday

It was a pleasant Sunday morning and Raghav was glad that he could spend it in solitude. As he was drinking his cup of coffee, he began planning everything he would do today. Take a nice long bath, read a book, and finally just sit in silence with a glass of whiskey. It was the best way he could celebrate his birthday. His daydreams about a peaceful birthday were rudely interrupted by the doorbell.

“Reddy, go check who is at the door.”, he yelled while cursing the guest, or rather intruder, under his breath.

“Happy Birthday!”. Raghav heard a voice which had become familiar to him in the past few months. There she was, at his bedroom door in all her glory, Pallavi Deshmukh.

“How did you know it was birthday?”, he scowled, clearly unhappy that his day was ruined.

“That’s a weird way of saying thank you. As to how I found out, I too have my sources Ghamandi Rao.”, she grinned.

It was at this moment he realized that he might have preferred the less chirpy Pallavi. Anyways, he did what he did so he might as well entertain her.

“And did any of your sources have a name that rhymes with Garhad?”, he asked, despite knowing the reply.

Sure enough the reply came, “I take my sources very seriously Mr. Rao. I cannot share their details with you.”

Raghav mentally prepared the list of words he would be yelling at Farhad later this evening. Meanwhile the intruder had decided to make herself comfortable in his house.

“I must say you have way too many bottles of alcohol. Genuine question, do you drink more water or alcohol? Somehow I have seen you countless times with a glass of whiskey, rum or whatever it is that you drink but never water.”

“Firstly my alcohol consumption is none of your business, but for your kind information you have always seen me with a drink in my hand because it’s the only way I can tolerate your pointless chatter. Secondly, I’m very glad you came to wish me, however if you’d excuse me I do have other plans today. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“You think I’m intolerable! I’m offended.”

“And yet you are still here. Also did you blatantly disregard my second sentence?”

“Plans.. You are in your robe, lying on your bed with a book in your hands. Your plans probably involve reading and drinking whiskey.”, she scoffed.

“And those sound like great plans to me so if you would please leave.”, he said while pointing at the door.

“Nope. You couldn’t get me to leave even when we were enemies, now that we are friends don’t even bother to think about it. And if that makes you feel bad, don’t worry I’ve made plans.”

It was ironic that she should say “don’t worry I’ve made plans”,when that was the very statement that chilled Raghav to the bones. He had no doubt these “plans” weren’t going to make him very happy.

“Today we are going to bake your birthday cake!” There it was, Raghav’s doom.

“I’ve asked my sources to keep the ingredients ready. So all you have to do is follow me to the kitchen.”

And as much as he didn't want, he did follow her. They spent the next hour bickering over ingredients, vessels, cooking time and just about any topic they found, until the oven interrupted them. The cake was beautiful. A simple vanilla cake, light and fluffy.

“See, I told you not to worry.”,Pallavi said, pleased at her work.

“I’m pretty sure it turned out fine because of all my effort.”

“Since it’s your birthday I’ll let you believe what you want to”, she replied while patting his shoulder, “Anyways, time to cut the cake. Call all your staff and Farhad. Let them see what their beloved Anna has prepared.”

As they walked outside the kitchen , Raghav saw his hall decorated with streamers and his photos. He stood in silence, stunned at the decoration.

“Surprise!”,yelled a disordered chorus of Farhad, Pallavi, Reddy and the rest of his staff.

“I thought about your favourite theme and then I realised it had to be you. So there you have it, a day to celebrate ‘The Raghav Rao’.”, Pallavi couldn’t help but say.

“I’m honoured you know me so well.”, Raghav smiled. “But seriously, thank you Pallavi , I really mean it”. And surprisingly he did.

“And thank you to all of you as well, as a token of my gratitude, you will get to eat a cake prepared by me.”, he directed to his staff. At that statement the room burst into cheers, which were led by Farhad.

As they all surrounded him, with Pallavi and Farhad competing to sing the loudest and most out of tune ‘Birthday song”, Raghav felt at home.

This was better than any whiskey or book he could imagine and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

A/N:

This isn't proofread so forgive any typos or grammatical errors. Do share your feedback and corrections, if any.