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Part 5: Birthday Wishes
"Delivery for Heer Maan," the delivery man announced as he strolled into the office with a large basket of flowers. Heer lifted her head in acknowledgment and signed the electronic clipboard. She could feel hundreds of eyes staring in her direction as she sat back down with the bouquet. It was arrangement of green button and white daisy pompons with hot pink mini carnations and purple carnations in a white basket. There were two cards tucked neatly behind the card stand that said Happy Birthday.
"Ooooooo," Veera teased. "Wonder who this could be from...hehe..."
"So how does it feel to be turning 24?" Ashlesha asked.
"Not bad actually," Heer smiled. "It's not like I'm old or anything."
"Before you know it you'll be 30," Sanjana joked.
"It gets scarier when you hit 27," Ashlesha sighed. "I'm only three years away from the big 3-0! And Mr. Right still hasn't come. My Mom is pressuring me to get on Shaadi.com."
"Please don't do that to yourself," Veera said. "I'll ask Nihaal if he has any friends that he can introduce you to."
"By the way when are you guys going to get married?" Sanjana asked. "You said you guys have been talking about it...so have a feeling to when he's going to pop the question?"
Veera shyly smiled, "I don't know yet but I have a feeling sometime in the next two weeks. We're going on that Mediterranean cruise together. So girls if I don't come back with a ring on my finger you know the relationship is over."
"Hope he knows that," Sanjana laughed.
"Oh, he knows," Veera replied.
"So are you going to open up the cards?" Ashlesha asked eyeing Heer's basket.
"Yes, do open up the cards," Sanjana said.
"Hurry up!" Veera grinned.
Heer laughed at the sight of seeing her friends so interested in her birthday gift. They were more excited than she was and she was the birthday girl. Heer pulled the two cards out and then noticed a white box tucked deep inside the basket. She wrestled it out and stared at it wondering what was inside. She decided to open the cards first; they were labeled #1 and #2. So Heer followed the numeric numbers accordingly and opened number 1 first.
Happy 24th Birthday Heer! May this special day be filled with joy, laughter, and fun.
So, you're probably wondering why there are two cards...there's a reason for it. Please open up the white box and play the video then read card number two.
"Video?" she murmured as she placed the first card down and directed her attention toward the white box. She opened it and found a white iPod.
"Raj is definitely getting creative," Sanjana said after reading the card and passing it along to her other friends. "I wonder what video it is."
Heer scrolled to the only video listed in the iPod and found Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are. "Oh, I absolutely love that song," Veera squealed in delight. "Heer have you heard it yet?"
She shook her head, "No."
"Well, put the ear phones on silly," Veer instructed. "The sweetest lyrics ever."
Heer placed the white ear buds of the iPod in her ears and pressed the play button. She smiled at the beginning melody and instantly took a liking to the song. Then she heard the soulful voice of Bruno Mars start to sing and she couldn't help but grin. This was something Raj would definitely say to her.
(Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are *I love this song. I'm such a sap sometimes š³ Press to listen!!)
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5lO4hEAJHU[/YOUTUBE]
Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful and I tell her every day
Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so sad to think she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say...
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing just the way you are
As Heer finished listening to the chorus part she couldn't contain her excitement any longer and opened the second card.
Dear Heer,
These are the words that I never got a chance to express to you. I've regretted a lot of the decisions I've made in my life but none more so than to have never given you the encouragement and praise that you deserve. I know you looked to me to carry the relationship because I was older and you thought I knew better. But I didn't, I failed you in every form imaginable. Out of my own frustrations and misguided ways I tired changing you instead of appreciating everything that you were and are to me. If anything I was the one that needed to grow up and not you. You're amazing and I hope you never let me or anyone else make you think otherwise. Sorry for this dramatically long card. And I hope this doesn't count as me breaking the 'no talking to you' rule...no demands just a friendly wish. Have fun celebrating your birthday tonight. It's a special day. Drink a glass of wine for me. Happy Birthday!
May you always remain just the way you are,
Prem
Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful and I tell her every day
Oh you know, you know, you know
I'd never ask you to change
If perfect is what you're searching for
Then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking if you look okay
You know I'll say...
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing just the way you are
Heer just stared at the name at the end of the card and felt tears welling up. She'd never expected this from Prem. They hadn't talked to each other since the dinner party. Prem had disappeared into the shadows to simply wait for her to make whatever decision she was going to make. Heer felt oddly touched by his words and knew it came from a sincere place in his heart.
The way you are, the way you are...
Girl you're amazing just the way you are
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing just the way you are
"Are you crying Heer?" Sanjana asked noticing the watery eyes of her friend.
Ashlesha handed her a box of tissues which Heer gladly took, "Raj must have said some really touching words."
"Combine that and the lyrics of the song...is what probably did it" Veera said. "Oh, speaking of which look who just walked in."
The three friends all beamed extremely warm smiles at Raj as he came in holding a small bouquet of red roses. He smiled back at them wondering why they were looking at him like that. He shrugged it off and said, "Hope you don't mind me stealing her away a little early for dinner."
"Why not? It's her birthday anyways and it's almost 5:30," Veera replied.
Heer looked up and quickly discarded her tissue and hid the second card from his view. "Oh, hi. Let me just grab my things."
"Nice bouquet," Raj replied staring at the basket on her desk. "Who sent them?" The three girls snickered at his comment causing him to look at them questioningly for the second time.
"My parents," Heer answered causing her three friends to eye her suspiciously. She motioned to them to keep their mouths shut.
"You're missing them a lot, huh?" Raj asked as he noticed the box of tissues on her desk. "We'll just have to plan a trip to go and visit them in Florida." He then handled the roses to her, "Hope these will make you smile. Happy Birthday."
"Thanks," she replied and held them close so she could breathe in their wonderful scent.
***************************************
Raj Malhotra one of the quintessential romantic hero names in Hindi cinema due in part to the smash hit of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayeng and the talented actor who breathed life into the character. With a name like Raj Malhotra certain expectations form; for parents a roguish but dutiful son and for girls the embodiment of the prince charming who'd come and rescue you away into happily ever after land. Heer stared at the man standing next to her and thought this Raj Malhotra, her Raj was everything that the romantic movies made him out to be. He was sweet, charming, and totally devoted to her. They had met during Freshman orientation and became friends. At the time she never thought of him as anything but a good guy friend. She was too busy with her own social affairs and of course when she met Prem became completely consumed into his world. Eventually things changed as Raj became the shoulder to cry on after her breakup with Prem. He'd drag her to movies, take her out to eat, and went shopping with her just so she wouldn't sit at home and cry all day. She didn't know when she started to fall in love with him but she did. It was a slow but gradual process as she began to realize how much he valued her and took time to be there for her. If she had to describe the kind of love he gave her it would be warm and soft. It wasn't to say they didn't have their share of fights or issues. But usually it was Raj who would bow his head and apologize even when she had been wrong in the first place.
Heer felt the playful squeeze on her hand and she smiled at him as they waited for the crosswalk light. She glanced around the city street noticing the other sidewalk travelers as they hustled and bustled their way to their destinations. As she continued to scan the scenery around her she spotted Preet standing with a group of friends. She smiled at seeing him and was about to wave when she saw Prem enter the group. She turned around deciding it was best not to make herself known especially with Raj next to her. She didn't want to have some ugly confrontation occur between the two men. Raj despised Prem for what he had done to her and said if he ever saw him again he would punch him for her. Heer felt the buzzing of her Blackberry in her pocket and she let go of Raj's hand to answer the call. She was surprised to see it was message from her Blackberry messenger.
"Hi. Preet says Happy B Day. Did u get the flowers?"
Heer stared at the message not sure what she should do. A part of her was wary that Prem had open up this channel of communication and another part of her was actually glad he had sent a message.
"Birthday Wishes dont count against me do they?"
Heer found herself grinning at his comment. "No ur off the hook 2day." She answered back.
" š "
"I got the flowers. Thank U. Was very sweet of u."
"Got the card?"
Heer bit her lower lip trying to figure out the best response to his question. How much detail should she place in her response? Was a simply thank you enough or something more in depth. She found herself sending a simple "Yes" but then two seconds later typing out "It meant a lot." She was expecting some sort of deep explanation or more heartfelt words but instead Prem choose to keep the conversation as light as possible.
"BTW can u return my iPod?"
"U expect me to give back my gift?" Heer replied with a playful miffed expression on her face.
"Wasnt suppose to be. Just needed something that could play the vid."
"I get it now. This was some plan of urs. Breaking the rules...very bad"
"Im not breakin. Ur tryin to hold my iPod hostage."
Heer let out a laugh after reading his message causing Raj to glance towards her. "Something funny?" She looked up and realized what she was doing and felt a nervous cold sweat breakout. "Um, friends' birthday wishes," she lied.
Raj smiled, "The crosswalk just turned."
Heer nodded and momentarily paused from her Blackberry to walk across the street before she returned to her phone to finish her conversation. She knew she needed to end the messaging because it wasn't right what she was doing. She glanced back down at her phone and couldn't help but smile at the messages Prem left.
"Should I call in a negotiator for this? How much? Im not willing to pay more than what I paid for BTW u still owe me a coffee."
"I can settle the coffee wit U but the iPod I dont noe Ive gotten rather fond of it."
"I guess u could keep it If u really want an iPod that badly I'll get u one - A nice shiny new one"
"U really want urs back that badly?"
"My name is engraved on it."
"Call me later and we can settle this over coffee" The minute Heer saw her message pop on the message screen she realized what she had just done. She had officially made contact with him in a way that could possibly lead him into thinking he had some sort of chance with her. She wanted to take the words back but she couldn't.
"Call u 2morrow afternoon than...u'll be up late celebrating
Don't drink 2 much š¤¢"
"I can hold my liquor just fine"
"LOL š since when?"
"I've gotten better š"
"Ok but dont yell at me if I call u in the morning."
"better not call me at 5am š”"
"of course not I was thinking 4 š"
"š Bye š"
"TTYL š"
Heer turned her Blackberry off in an effort to stop anymore distractions from her birthday date with Raj. She felt extremely guilty for what she was doing and keeping this secret from him. But she still felt it was the best thing for her to do while she sorted out her own feelings. She didn't need the added pressure of her current boyfriend making promises or doing things to make the situation even more difficult than it was already becoming.
*******************************************
Raj breathed in the sweet scent of lavender as Heer leaned her back against him; his hands resting comfortably around her waist. They were at the park staring across the waterfront enjoying the night breeze. Raj felt content holding the woman of his dreams in his arms. Sometimes he felt like he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming and that she really was with him. During their college days he had quietly waited for his chance to show his love for her. When she broke up with Prem it was like his wish had been finally granted. The years of loving from afar had vanished and he could approach his sweet princess. He remembered the day when their friendship turned into something more. He was helping her move into her new apartment and was about to leave. They were saying their goodbyes when she suddenly kissed him on the cheek. True, it wasn't a passionate fiery kiss on the lips but it still carried its meeting. After all she had been through he understood if she was a little hesitant in jumping full force into a relationship. He took it one step at a time with her and in the end he was well rewarded with a two year and ongoing courtship.
"Heer?" Raj murmured against her ear.
"Hmmm?" she replied.
"Move in with me," he simply stated. Raj felt her body suddenly stiffen and slightly pull away.
"Raj," Heer uttered. "I..."
"Need more time? How much more? I'm not going anywhere you know that don't you? So move in with me," he said.
Heer moved away feeling uncomfortable. She wondered why he had to ruin a perfect moment by asking her this question. It was a decision she was already having a hard time making and now that Prem showed up it made it even harder for her to decide what to do. If she said yes then how could she continue whatever it was that she was doing with Prem? Why did she even want to continue whatever is she was doing with Prem? And if she said no then was that the end of her relationship with Raj? Did she want to end the relationship with him? She was really confused. "Can we please not talk about this now?"
Raj looked at her thoughtfully and then nodded his head, "Okay."
It was a response she knew he would say. He didn't like upsetting her if he could avoid it. Heer watched to her horror as Raj suddenly went down on one knee. Was he seriously going to purpose to her in public? This question was worse than the will you move in with me one. She grabbed his arm and forcefully said, "Raj get up."
"Why? I can't tie my shoe standing up," he replied.
"Oh," she said rather embarrassed and let go of his arm.
He grinned, "Where you thinking of something else?"
She quickly looked away, "Um, no what makes you think that?"
"Do you want me---"
"Please don't," she speedily replied afraid of what she knew he was going to say.
He gave a half frown. "Well, can I at least buy you some ice cream?"
"Ice cream would be nice," she replied and slipped her arm around his arm. Raj grinned and decided that this was good enough for him for now. He didn't want to push her into anything she wasn't ready for.
******************************************
Heer covered her face with her hands as a barrage of pillows went her way. "How could you not tell us this? That was a very important detail you left out!" Veera yelled.
"I can't believe you did that," Sanjana replied rather stunned by the new revelation.
"What have you gotten yourself into Heer?" Ashlesha asked with worry. "Having a one night stand with your ex?"
"I know I know...I don't know what happened...it just well sort of happened," Heer replied.
The girls were sitting in Heer's living room enjoying a girls' night out that was also a mini weekend birthday celebration for Heer. There were various appetizers and small snacks placed on the coffee table amongst the bottles of beer.
"Well, no wonder you keep thinking about him," Sanjana said.
"It was just one time," Heer replied. "It was that night I told you guys about my car breaking down."
Veera sighed shaking her head, "What are we going to do with you young lady? Meanwhile Raj is bugging you to move in with him and you have your ex chasing after you again."
"He's not chasing after me," Heer corrected.
"Fine, he's waiting for you...so he says. You really think he's just going to continue to just sit there. If he really wants you back he's going to start making moves on you again," Veera said.
"Well, even if he was going to sit there on the sidelines...she just invited him for coffee...a coffee date," Ashlesha said.
Heer buried her head in one of the pillows that was thrown at her and screamed, "Ugggh...I don't know what to do."
"I'll tell you want to do," Veera offered. "Stay away from that ugly jerk and stick with prince charming Raj."
"He's actually not ugly," Sanjana replied causing Ashlesha and Veera to look at her. "What? I'm just saying."
"That's right you're the only who has seen him in person," Ashlesha thoughtfully replied.
"You don't have a picture of him still lying around do you?" Veera asked rather intrigued by what this ex-boyfriend looked like.
"It's a group photo," Heer said. "That's about it. I really thought about cutting him out after we broke up but then it would have ruined a really nice group photo. So I just kept it intact." She got up and went into her bedroom to grab her college album out. She flipped through several pages before locating the picture. "He's the one in white right next to me," Heer said as she passed the album over to Veera.
The girls studied the picture intently and then sighed. "Jerk actually had to look cute," Veera said.
"I told you he was good looking," Sanjana replied.
"But that still doesn't excuse his behavior," Ashlesha said.
"Okay you know what. Let's make a list. We'll list the positives and negatives for both the guys," Veera suggested. The other two girls nodded their head in agreement and began hunting for a pen and piece of paper.
"You're serious? You want me to decide my future with a list of pros and cons?" Heer asked in dismay. "The list is obvious going to be biased if you guys are writing it."
"And yours won't?" Veera asked arching her eyebrow. "Look, forget the first love crap and all the other emotions attached with your relationships. This is going to be purely logical just straight answers." Heer started at her friends as they finally found the things they needed to start making the list. There was no way she was going to be using this list to make her decision. Logic may rule the mind and work great but emotions like love were always felt with the heart. The three girls turned their gaze towards her and waited for her to start listing things off. "So?" Veera asked.
***************************************
Thanks for reading!
Comments really appreciated!
---Grace š
Edited by iheartChai - 14 years ago
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
