Now i know how boring its to read the UD 🥱🥱 my sympathies with all of u 🤗 ...had to read my last UD for continuity 😆😆😆 had almost forgot what happened in last UD 😆😆😆
Anyways-- this UD dedicated to the bday girl 🥳Ria 😊😊 (detailed wishes sent to u on the bday thread)😉😆
So here goes ur bday Gift 😛 ur Dev Babu 😛😛 what a coincidence u both get to celebrate bday same day 😉 was abt to PM u the UD but IF not allowing me to PM such large text SO, alongwith Bday girl rest of u can get bored 🥱😆
Part 25
One day before Dev's bday
Whole previous day Pallavi cudn't talk with Dev…with Dev being busy with something or other…since he had a dinner appointment, Dev didn't even dropped her to the apartment she missed that opportunity also she had to come along RJ….
Dev-Pallavi were in Dev's cabin as they were discussing Rj's project about which there was meeting in an hour…As Dev went through the file…Pallavi just sat there lost in thots…chewing her nails… staring at Dev…thinking how to bring the topic…
Pallavi(to herself)—Pallavi…is tarah Mr.Khanna ko ghoorne se kaam nahi chalega…he is not a mind reader ki teri dimaag ki baat samajh lenge…& neither u can play dumb charades with him…muh kholkar you will have to speak out…(she mentally kicked herself) come on Pallavi…simple ek sawaal hi toh poochna hai…zyada se zyada na hi kar denge….not a big deal…you can do it….kha thodi na jayenge tujhe...sirf aaj ka din hai to convince him…. Its bday tomorrow…so just simply ask him…. (she was lost in talking with herself she didn't realized Dev was asking her something)
Dev(still reading the file he didn't looked up)—Pallavi, last time is project ke budget mein kuch changes kiye the na…(getting no answer…he looked up to see Pallavi lost somewhere he called again a little louder this time) Pallavi…
Pallavi (coming out of her thots)—huh!! aap kuch pooch rahe the?
Dev—haan who…are you OK…(Pallavi nodded in yes)good then…So, is project ke budget mein kuch changes kiye the…. Toh
Pallavi—ermm…(confused) kaunse project mein ??
Dev(amused)—Pallavi!! Abhi ek ghante baad Rj wale project ki meeting hai…& I guess we are discussing that only…
Pallavi(smiled nervously)—oh…haan…obviously…
Dev waited for the details but Pallavi just kept goofily smiling at him…
Dev(cleared his throat)—So…
Pallavi (confused)—what??
Dev (in a serious voice) –Pallavi…the details? kya changes kiye the budget mein ??
Pallavi hearing a little stricter voice she went little nervous like the older Pallavi….as she used to be initially with Dev… she stood up to leave…
Dev(surprised why she is leaving)—aur tum kaha jaa rahi ho??
Pallavi—ermm who…aapne abhi poocha na changes ke baare mein …toh main file dekhar bata sakti hoon…mujhe exact figures yaad nahi hai…
Dev—Seriously Pallavi, are you Ok??…file tumhare saamne hai…yaha table par…(Pallavi realized file is right here)
Pallavi(bit her tongue)—Sorry…I mean how silly of me…(she sat back & pretended to be busy checking the file)
Dev—Pallavi…are you sure koi problem nahi hai…u OK…(Pallavi smiled & nodded in yes)
Though Dev not convinced…still got back to discuss abt project since they have a meeting in an hour… As he finished…
Dev—I guess now its fine… dat will be all… Rj ko bata dena he shud be ready …(Pallavi nodded & taking file from him turned to leave when Dev stopped her) Pallavi… ek min… (Dev came in front of her blocking her way…Pallavi gave a confused look) ab poochna padega….problem kya hai??
Pallavi—pro-problem…ermm kaisi problem …. (smiled) koi problem nahi hai Mr.khanna…
Dev—kitni baar kaha hai…jab jooth bolna nahi aata ho toh, nahi bolna chaiye….So come on out with it…kya pareshani hai?? Kisi ne kuch kaha...(sighed) jab tak bataogi nahi…problem solve kaise hogi…
Pallavi –ermm problem hogi toh bataungi…koi problem nahi hai…(her nervousness was back…she said in one breath) aap bekar mein pareshan ho rahe hai…there is nothing…mujhe kya problem hogi…mujhe toh bas smile karna hai…
Dev(confused)—what?? 😕😕
Pallavi (to herself)—kya bole ja rahi hai Pallavi !! (to Dev) I mean…mujhe bas aapse baat karni hai…(correcting herself) no I mean aapse kuch poochna hai….
Dev (nodded) —Ok…toh kya poochna hai??
Pallavi—ermm who….poochna tha ki…ki…aap …I mean main…errmm hum…who…😕😕
Dev—haan main sun raha hoon…bolo…kya poochna hai??
Pallavi–ermm main pooch rahi thi ki…ki…aap (thinking hard) ermm aap dinner mein kya khaenge??
Pallavi (kicked herself)—stupid gir!! kya pooch rahi hai Pallavi?? Poochna kya tha… yeh kya poocha…itna acha mauka tha…
Dev (amused)—excuse me!! 😕😕 (he just shook his head) Pallavi I guess aaj sach mein something is wrong with u…abhi its 11 in the morning thodi der mein lunch time hai…so don't u think tumhe poochna chaiye ki main lunch mein kya khaunga…
Pallavi (realizing her silly question)—ofcourse…par maine toh isliye poocha kyunki…(thot for a reason) kyunki…Haan!! Humne bahut dino se saath mein lunch…sorry I mean saath mein dinner nahi kiya toh…just thot aaj saath mein dinner karlenge…I can cook today (she ended lamely) so just wanted to know…aap kuch special dinner mein banwana chahte hai toh…(smiled) aap bata sakte hai abhi…
Dev (coming closer)—oh!! Special mere liye… (Pallavi backed a little bumping in wall behind) now dat sounds tempting enough…par sham ko toh Gupta's ke saath meeting hai….thoda late hojayega I guess…
Pallavi(interrupted)—no problems…meeting hi toh hai…dinner appointment thodi na hai…aap meeting ke baad aa sakte hai…its fine with me…
Dev—haan par… zyada late hogaya toh…tumhe bekaar mein wait karna padega…usually tum dinner aise din plan karti ho jis din sham ko meeting nahi hoti…par aaj…schedule nahi dekha tumne… ??
Pallavi(smiled nervously…after a thot turned the tables on him)—kamaal hai…ek toh main aapki baat maan rahi hoon…(Dev gave confused look) aap hi ne toh kaha tha…(imitating him) "I don't like my PA taking over my GF "😛😛….ab maine aise hi dinner plan kar diya toh meri galti nikal rahe hai(sulked) meeting mein aisi kitni der lagegi?…aur jab main keh rahi hoon…I have no problem in waiting…toh aap kyun excuse bana rahe hai??
Dev(giving up)—ok…fine…itna hyper hone ki zarut nahi hai…maine mana thodi na kiya…main toh tumhare liye keh raha tha…by chance meeting mein der hogayi toh bekaar mein pareshan hojaogi…tumhe problem nahi hai toh I am fine with the dinner plan…Happy…(Pallavi smiled) by the way answer to your question is (moved more closer) I will have anything & everything you make…(pushing back her strand of hair which came loose) tum banaogi toh who apne aap special hojayega…
Pallavi—aur main kuch aisa karu jo aapko pasand na ho toh??
Dev—matlab??
Pallavi—I mean…dinner mein maine kuch aisa bana diya jo aapko pasand na aaya then…you wont mind….
Dev(smiled)—firstly…I know you…tum aisi kuch dish banogi hi nahi jo mujhe pasand na ho… if it makes you feel better …I wont mind even if you make a tasteless food…jala hua khana bhi banogi I will eat happily…or shud I say the filmy dialogue…"pyaar se zehar bhi khilaogi who bhi kha lunga"😆😆😆 (laughed off)
Pallavi(smacked him)—itna filmy hone ki zarut nahi hai…
Dev (still with smile playing on his face) —you mean to say main filmy nahi ho sakta… (moved closer …was abt to kiss her) are you doubting me..
Pallavi blushed… with him being so close…made butterflies flutter inside her…no matter how close they have been since long…but still his one look…one touch… make her blush …make her weak….She clutched his jacket for support as he wrapped his arms around her waist….He was abt to kiss her but Pallavi pushed him back…
Pallavi—Mr.Khanna hum office mein hai…
She could swear she could feel her legs turn to mush. The man she loved holding her so close and not wanting to leave her, made her tingle all the way to her toes.
Dev(leaning in …pressed a light kiss on the edge of her lips)—Toh…
Pallavi—Toh… (she tried her best to remain unaffected) I need to go…meeting ke liye der ho rahi hai…
Dev—kaha der ho rahi hai…(moving more closer) Boss is right here… (running his thumb across the edge of her bottom lip) waise bhi…even if you are late they wont miss you in the meeting!!
Pallavi(giggled)—mujhe nahi…par Boss ko zaroor miss karenge…(pushing him back more strongly) meeting aapki hai meri nahi… 😆😆😆
It took Dev a minute to realize what she was talking about… when it hit him…
Dev (jerking back)—Damn!! Rj ke project ke liye investors ke saath meeting hai…(checking his watch) & Im running late! meeting starts in an hour!!!... (walking back to his desk to pick up his things) tum bhi na Pallavi…baaton mein laga leti ho mujhe…tumhari wajah se I'll be late…
Pallavi (gaped at him)—what??😲😲 meri wajah se??😲 Dats so mean of you Mr.khanna…abhi aap hi toh…😳 & you are blaming me… How can you…
Dev (smilingly looked at her)—ofcourse…its ur fault!! …(coming towards her) kisne kaha tha…to be so distractingly b'ful …ab mere saamne baithkar mujhe distract karogi …toh meri kya galti hai…(kissed her cheek) Bye Cya later!!
Dev was abt rush off for the meeting he just reached the door was abt to open …when Pallavi called him back…
Pallavi (extra lovingly)—Dev!!! (On an instant Dev turned back) aapko nahi lagta …you are forgetting something (teased) something is incomplete…
Dev (gave a surprised look… he thot she is talking abt leaving kiss incomplete)—who…rite now I cant…we will continue later…
Pallavi (smiled walked towards him…with same teasing look)—later (pretended to be sad) later se kaam nahi chalega…
Dev – Pallavi… late hojayega…I need to rush…
Pallavi (almost backed him to the door)—it wont take time…aap hi time waste kar rahe…aap hi nahi samajh rahe…
Dev(for once it was his turn to be nervous)—Pallavi…tum…
Pallavi—haan main…!! (in most serious voice)aap mere paas (moved closer) yeh file mere paas hi chode ja rahe hai… (showed him file she was holding)
Dev(confused)—file!!
Pallavi—yeaahh file…iske bina meeting kaise karenge?? meeting will be incomplete?? nahi!!…(she cudn't keep her laughter more she cracked up seeing Dev nervous for first time)aapko kya laga??(Dev just kept gaping at her)
Dev(coming towards her)—shall I tell u mujhe kya laga…
Pallavi (shocked)—Mr.khanna plzz…aapko der ho rahi hai…aap mujhe "later" hi samjha dijiyega…aapko kya laga…
Dev(teased)--& just now u said later se kaam nahi chalega…
Pallavi (sighed)—fine!! agli baar aapki tang nahi khichungi… ab jaiye…(pushed him back) isse pehle meeting wale boss ko dhundne yaha aajaye…
Dev-- you are too much…ab tum meri bhi taang khichogi…I never believed Rj when he said u love leg pulling….
Pallavi(smiled)—its always fun to be on other side…Ab jaiye… (opened the door for him)
As Dev left…Pallavi smiled to herself.
Pallavi (to herself)—Thank you Mr.Dev Khanna…anjane mein aapne meri problem solve kardi…now I know aapse kaise aur kaha baat karni hai… (smiled) toh chaliye…aapka yeh dinner special banaya jaye…after all yeh dinner aapke bday celebration ka aaghaz jo hoga….
****
During lunch Dev waited for Pallavi…he searched for her in her cabin but she wasn't there…even asked Rj if Pallavi was having lunch with him…Dev was surprised where suddenly she vanished…He dialed Pallavi's cell…even before she cud answer Dev started off…😆😆
Dev—Pallavi tum ho kaha par?...abhi meeting se pehle toh yahi thi…its almost lunch time where are you??? Ab kuch bol kyun nahi rahi??
Pallavi—aap bolne denge toh main bolu…
Dev—very funny na!! ab bolo...
Pallavi—Mr.khanna main officially half-day leave par hoon…aap apne desk par meri leave application dekh sakte hai..(Dev looked near his laptop he cud see the letter) & don't worry maine aapka lunch order kar diya tha…aata hi hoga…
Dev—Main lunch ka nahi…tumhare baare mein pooch raha hoon…tum kaha ho?? Aise bina bataye kahan gayi…& half-day leave matlab??…
Pallavi—Mr.boss leave means "chutti" an off…guess your employees are entitled for leave…
Dev—haan par…batana toh chaiye tha…
Pallavi—par aap meeting mein the…I didn't disturbed …mujhe kuch kaam tha…afterall dinner jo plan out karna hai….so maine chutti le li…& yes…aapke files ke paas aapka baki ka schedule hai…aapko problem nahi hogi…
Dev(surprised)—Pallavi…dinner ke liye chutti…are you crazy?…its just dinner koi bahut bada event thodi na organize karna hai…
Pallavi (sulked)—aapko lagta hai dinner mein mehnat nahi karni padti…dats so mean of u Mr.khanna!!….but why I am explaining to u… aap aakar hi dekhiega… Ab mujhe apna kaam karne dijiye …& yes!! Be on time for dinner…dat reminds me…aapko dinner ka venue mein msg kar dungi…
Dev(confused)—venue?? …😕😕 Pallavi are you sure tum mujhe dinner par le ja rahi ho…I thot u said you want to cook so I guessed tumhare apartment hi aana hai…
Pallavi—Mr.khanna…don't worry dinner main hi banaugi…par dinner ka venue is baar mera apartment nahi hai…I will SMS u the venue…
Dev—you can tell rite now also…
Pallavi—abhi!! Abhi nahi bata sakti…coz maine decide nahi kiya…
Dev—what ?? tumne dinner plan kiya par venue nahi decide kiya…& you want me there on time (laughed) sach mein tum pagal ho 😆😆
Pallavi(giggled)—who mujhe pata hai… tell me something I don't know par abhi nahi, you can tell me that later!! rite now let me work …cya later…
*****
Not to mention Dev was surprised when he received "venue" sms from Pallavi…Dev didn't understood why Pallavi wants him to come to farmhouse just for simple dinner… already he got late in the meeting its 8.30 & two hour drive to farmhouse will only delay the dinner he tried to explain Pallavi but she was just being plain stubborn…Dev agreed finally & just smiled to himself Pallavi & her ideas…
If Dev was just surprised by venue of dinner…after reaching the farmhouse he was more than surprised as he entered the farmhouse…with living room filled with candles… roses… whole living room being totally transformed… a dinner table ready for two… if the room decoration surprised him…but what completely floored him… was when he found Pallavi standing there dressed in simple pale pink saree ...smilingly lighting the last candle…initially Pallavi didn't realized when he arrived its only when he called her…she turned around…
Dev(still looking around)—Pallavi yeh sab kya hai??
Pallavi(almost burned her finger as she got startled)—Oww!! (turning around) Aap kab aaye…you scared me…
Dev(moved towards her as he also noticed she burnt her finger)—u ok!!! I am sorry didn't realized…
Pallavi(smiled)—I am fine…aise hi…just got startled its ok…& what do you mean, yeh sab kya hai?? You forgot hum yaha dinner ke liye aaye hai…
Dev—ofcourse I remember par!! Yeh sab karne ki kya zarut thi…(smiled) guess you took "special" literally…
Pallavi—zarut toh thi…afterall is sab ke piche ek wajah hai…
Dev—matlab??
Pallavi—ab aapse kuch mangna jo hai…toh aapko impress toh karna padega…
Dev(teased)--& you think I am not already…
Pallavi(blushed)—but still… aapko humesha shikyat rehti hai na, ki main aapse kuch mangti nahi…so I thot aaj maang hi leti hoon… aapki shikayat bhi door hojayegi…
Dev—dats good!! par…uske liye itna sab karne ki zarut nahi thi…tum waise hi mang sakti thi…
Pallavi—lets say …I wanted to be on safe side…by chance maine jo manga aapne nahi diya toh….😆😆 toh socha pehle aapko impress kar liya jaye….😛😆
Dev—ohhh you mean…yeh sab rishwat hai…so that I agree…
Pallavi(teased)—you can say so….
Dev—ok…so kya mangna hai…
Pallavi—who aapko dinner ke baad pata chalega…(changed the topic) coz rite now I am too hungry already you are sooo Late….(almost dragging to the dinner table) aur khana dekh dekhkar mujhe aur zyada bookh lag rahi hai…only I know how I controlled myself…aap thodi der aur karte …saara dinner main akele kha jati….
Dev(smiled as he settled down)—or u can say coz u skipped lunch isliye tumhe double bookh lag rahi hai…
Pallavi (gave a surprised look how he guessed that…still tried to divert )—ermm skip … bilkul nahi… (started serving dinner) ofcourse maine lunch kiya tha…
Dev(just shook his head)—I doubt if u did that….chalo tumhe aur wait nahi karwate…come on…
After dinner Dev had to agree…he was surely impressed with dinner…since without even him telling, it had all his fav dishes…
Dev (cudn't help but comment)—I didn't knew "special" dinner means all my favs 😆….Guess kuch zyada special cheez mangni hai….(Pallavi just smiled) jo itni rishwat di ja rahi hai…😆😆
*****
After dinner as they both settled on the terrace …. Enjoying the moonlit night…. After moment of silence…Dev brought up the topic…
Dev—so!! Now can I know…kya mangna hai tumhe??
Pallavi—ermm pehle aap promise kijiye…
Dev(interrupted)—ki tum jo mango uske liye main tumhe refuse na karu…😆😆😆 Come on Pallavi!! Ab I am sure tum koi chand tare nahi mang rahi hogi dat I will refuse… I know you will not demand something so cheesy & filmy…
Pallavi(laughed)—Mr.khanna ….aap bhi…
Dev(teased)—so its Mr.Khanna tonite…I thot its always Dev here….
Pallavi—I know…(smiled) & I guess Dev se kuch mangna asaan hai comparatively to Mr.khanna… aur main toh bas itna keh rahi thi ki…main jo mangne wali hoon…aap kuch bhi react karne se pehle…meri poori baat sunege…
Dev(sighed)—Ok madam as you say!! …. now tell me kya mangna hai…ab bahut suspense hogaya…
Pallavi--Ok!! Mujhe aapse jo chaiye …who…who…ermm…
Dev(cracked up)—you know you so remind me of old Pallavi…😛😛 trust me I was missing this Pallavi jo mere saamne nervous ho jati thi…😆😆😆 (Pallavi smacked him) seriously pallavi just relax & tell me…
Pallavi (took a deep breath)—OK…!! I just wanted…I mean aapse ek aisi cheez mangni hai…jo aap kisi ko nahi dete…(Dev gave a confused look) aapka akelapan mangna hai …(added after a pause) specially kal ke din…
Dev(confused) —kal ?… (it took a moment to realize) toh tumhe pata hai… (Dev now understood everything)OH!! (realizing) toh yeh sab mujhe convince karne ke liye tha….
Pallavi (gave an expectant look)—is it working??
Dev(firmly)—absolutely Not…(got up & moved towards the other end of terrace) tum yaha par itne saalon se …you must know…I don't celebrate…tum…Plzzz just drop the whole idea Pallavi…. tum kyun yeh sab karna chahti ho….I mean…itne saalon se I am used to this…not celebrating my bday…its OK with me…ab aise achanak tum badalna chahti ho …its just so…
Pallavi (interrupted)—exactly Dev!! I want to change… main us Dev ko badalna chahti hoon jo akela rehta…jo dusro se apni khushi, dukh, takleef share nahi karta…main chahti hoon ki who Dev badle… …sirf mere liye nahi …balki apne liye…aapke apno ke liye…. Aapko kya lagta hai aapko aise dekhkar unhe dukh nahi hota…aapne kabhi socha hai…aap aise akele rehte hai….apni baatein kisi se share nahi karte…is baat se jo log aapse pyaar karte hai, aapki parwah karte hai …massi, Kabir bhai, bhabhi, Rj…un sabko kitni taklif pahunchti hai…unhe aisa lagta hai…jaise aapne unhe apnse se door kar diya hai…(made him look at her) Dev!! Main janti hoon…ab tak aapko akele rehne ki adat si hogayi hai…ab tak har halaat ka saamna aapne akele liya hai… chahe khushi ho ya dukh aapne humesha usse sirf apne andar rakha hai...par aapko nahi lagta yeh galat hai??…mujhe aapko explain karne ki zarut nahi hai…kyunki itne waqt akele rehne ke baad aapne khud yeh realize kiya hoga ki akela rehna… kisi problem ka solution nahi hai…balki andar hi andar humein kamzor bana deta…(cupped his face in both her hands) shayad isi akelepan ki adat se aapne sabko khud se door kar liya….(smiled) meri baat nahi manni toh let it be ….but I am sure aapko mumma ki baat yaad hogi…khushiyan baantne se badh jati hai aur dukh bantne se kum hojata hai…aur main toh aapse sirf khushi bantne ko keh rahi hoon… (Pallavi seeing him melting a little) So…hum sab aapka bday celebrate kar sakte hai??(with most puppy look)plzzz…mere kehne se itna nahi kar sakte…😒Plz…just come to think of it…humare saath hone ke baad aapka pehla bday hai…so we shud celebrate in any case… (seeing him silent…she sulked)pehli baar aapse kuch maanga hai & I am sure you wont disappoint me….Please!!!
Dev(sighed)—Ok !! fine aise puppy look dene ki zarut nahi hai…(agreeing) tum chahti ho toh fine with me…(realizing) ek min…wat did u say…hum sab matlab
Pallavi—matlab aap, main,…hum…aur…
Dev—aur….
Pallavi(tried to leave)—oh!!! Main bhool gayi aapke liye sweetdish bhi banayi thi…main lati hoon…😛.
Dev(catching her wrist stopped her)—tumhe bhi pata hai chupane se faida nahi hai…so out with it….
Pallavi(sheepishly)—actually …bday celebrate ab hum dono akele toh nahi kar sakte So….(after pause) so just invited rest also….but I promise sirf family members hai & Sid sir... it wud be a small get together nothing much….(seeing him just staring)….kya hua??aap aise kyun dekh rahe hai??
Dev—tumne sabko bulaya(Pallavi nodded in yes) yahan farmhouse par (Pallavi nodded again)who bhi kal(Pallavi nodded again) wow!!! Yippie…(added sarcastically) tum sach mein pagal ho….
Pallavi(innocently)—kyun??
Dev—coz crazy you are….itni mushkil se hume sirf weekend saath milta hai…rest whole week kaam mein busy rehte hai…& now thanks to you this weekend will go busy…(sulked) with everyone around mujhpar toh tumhara dhyan hi nahi jayega…😔. (turned other way)
Pallavi(smiled)—I knew it…aapko sirf yahi ek shikayat rahegi…(came in front of him)but me being smart iska solution hai mere paas….(seeing Dev giving confused look….she moved closer) why do you think I insisted ki hum aaj hi yaha aaye….inspite of being late….usually hum Saturday ko aate hai…but aaj sirf Friday hai…so you get an extra day (smiled) hope this extra time makes it up….
Dev(pulling her closer)—Oh!!! Dats why u planned dinner inspite of the meeting(pallavi nodded in yes)Now dats really smart one(moved closer) must say I am impressed….(was abt to kiss her…when pallavi moved little back) what??
Pallavi –ek baat aur kehni thi aapse….
Dev (interrupted)—now don't tell me!!! You want to convince me for something else also…😕. Aur kya plan kiya hai tumne…😆😆
Pallavi(laughed)—nahi…😆😆 but just wanted to say…(pulled him closer almost whispering "Happy Birthday" ….took Dev by surprise kissing him….it took a moment for Dev to recover….until he responded….as she moved back after a while)I am first Right!! …(smiled) time check kar sakte hai…its exact 12…
Dev (carried her in his arms back inside) --& u gonna be first every year ….
******
Pallavi ran around the kitchen in a frenzy…next morning….she wanted everything ready before everyone arrives to be precise before Dev wakes up…she want to surpise him by baking his fav cake she remembered her Mom spclly baked for Dev…Pallavi smiled to herself how jealous she used to be of Dev back then… as her Mom never let her eat first ...not even taste ...Being Pallavi's first time of making a cake…she flipped open her cookbook and began to follow the instructions diligently….Stirring the batter vigorously… she kept her concentration on the bowl….
A little later Dev found Pallavi busy in kitchen, he had woken up with Rj's call a while back & was surprised not to found Pallavi around in room…searching he came here & he saw her busy…he was abt to enter …when he heard something…He listened carefully & could swear that she was softly singing to herself…. It sounded so sweet and mesmerizing… that it compelled him to walk closer and listen…. Dev almost forgot he came to inform…abt Rj & everyone are on their way & will be joining soon…as he moved closer…right at that moment … Pallavi turned around… not knowing he was standing right behind her and squealed upon seeing him…"Eeek!" tossing the contents of the bowl partially on floor & also on Dev… Pallavi tried to catch her breath as she didn't even realized when he walked in…almost scared her… She came out of thots only when she heard…
Dev (tasting the batter on his left cheek )—tastes good!! But I had expected it to eat it…not wear it (trying to wipe of some batter from his shirt too)
Pallavi (sheepishly)—I'm sorry…main…I didn't realized…main abhi (she moved forward to help him to wipe off only to be almost slip if Dev didn't held her on time as she stepped on batter on floor…only messing his shirt more as her hands were also messy with batter) Sorry…
She turned to reach for a towel to clean off the batter from his shirt, but she couldn't move…as Dev held her tighter as she tried to pull away… she looked up at him only to see him smile… she smiled in return and soon began giggling upon realizing what a mess she had actually made, Dev joined in her laughter.
Pallavi(after a while)—aap yaha kya kar rahe hai…wats with u & scaring me…humesha achanak aakar dara dete hai 😕
Dev –main toh…tumhe batane aaya tha…Rj ke phone ke baare mein …they are on their way…
Pallav—dats good!! Mera bhi saara kaam hogaya …
Dev—except the cake…😛
Pallavi(with a embarrassed look)—yeahh, but usse pehle (tried to wipe off the batter ) you need to clean this off before shirt gets ruined…(Dev amused watching Pallavi as she was feeling so bad as if she had done some big mistake)I think we need to wash it Chaliye… (sulked)
As they both headed upstairs…Pallavi needed to wash her hands off the batter…before she cleans up the shirt…
Dev (in a serious tone)—You think it will come out?
Pallavi—it shud… I had been careless mujhe dekhna chaiye tha...(coming out of washroom)
Dev (nodded seriously)—who toh hai & since u ruined it…here u go… (within minutes… she saw Dev's hand extended out holding his shirt)
Pallavi gaped at him she had expected him to change his shirt…& then pass on the shirt Not just take off the one he had….Clutching the shirt, she quickly turned away, realizing that her cheeks had become a visible shade of red….
Moments later as she walked out of washroom...she tried to rush out of the room…but her foot caught onto the edge of the carpet and she shrieked again as she almost fell….but once again her savior was around…
Dev(teased)-- Twice in one day? Lucky me.
Pallavi opened her eyes to see that she hadn't landed on the floor as she expected….There she was standing in his arms once again….Her hands resting on his arm and bare chest….as she steadied herself… she just kept staring at him…
Dev (teased)—waise if u wanted me to wear the shirt you brought (showing her the gift box he was holding) toh bata dena tha…cake girane ki zarut nahi thi… 😆😆😆
Pallavi (smiled)—its been ur fault aapne achanak aapke daraya mujhe…
Dev (moved closer)—oh do u need an apology for that (Pallavi blushed & nodded in No) good !! (lifted his hand to wipe a speck of batter that was near her lips) as I am not sorry…if I get a tasty cake all over me…& u helping me cleaning up later 😉…I wont mind 😆😆 (Pallavi blushed) I think you'd better get cleaned up, too …(pointing to batter over her dress)
Pallavi nodded…but couldn't move as he didn't even let go…She felt rooted at her spot…She could feel his heart beating and was sure he could feel hers… He finally let her go …Pallavi began to walk away when Dev caught her hand and pulled her back to him… completely taking her by surprise.
Pallavi—Mr. Khanna!!
Dev leaned in and brought his lips within centimeters of her ear. She could feel his warm breath hitting her ear, making tingles run down her spine….
Dev (whispered)--Third time's a charm…. (kissing her) Just wanted to say "Thank you" for making my bday special….
Pallavi shut her eyes and bit her lip knowing that she was blushing…& he can see her blushing…
Dev was abt to turn her around & kiss her again…when they heard everyone's arrival downstairs…Pallavi almost pushed him back & went back down …
****
Pallavi got her share of teasing from Rj about cake on her dress as she didn't got time to change before she went to welcome them…
Massi was glad…that Dev had agreed for the celebration she can't thank Pallavi enough ….she hugged Dev emotionally…when she wished him Happy Birthday.
Prachi (pulled Dev's leg)—"Hum itne saalon se keh rahe hai…humari baat kabhi nahi maani" …😉😆
It had been a perfect celebration for Dev…he cudn't have asked for a better bday celebration with his loved ones around…he now knows what he had missed all these years not celebrating his bday …Only thing that troubled him was the distance he cud see b/w two sisters…though they may be here at same place…but he cud see a wall b/w them…Pallavi tried her best to involve khushi in everything but khushi time & again shown her aloofness & ignorance…
He cant help but regret & blame himself for distancing two sisters …though Pallavi had never expressed it to him neither blamed him …but he knows better how much Pallavi misses the relation she shared with khushi…Dev cant help but thankful to Pallavi that she chose to be with him even if that meant going against with her only sister who meant everything for her…just for him she went against all norms of society…He cant thank her enough… only if he can do something to bring Khushi back to Pallavi…he mentally promised himself that he will try his best…
He was so lost in thots he didn't realized Pallavi calling him
Pallavi (seeing him lost)—kya hua??
Dev (nodded in NO)—nothing!!!...
Pallavi(passing him the knife)—so !! kis baat ka intezaar hai…(pointing the cake) hum sab wait kar rahe hai… (Dev smiled as he bent to cut the cake… Pallavi whispered) don't forget to make a wish before blowing candles…
Dev(smiled)--& what if I say I got what I had wished for…ab aur kuch wish karna, wud be greedy of me!!!
Sid (interrupted)—aap dono ki guftagoo khatam hogayi ho…toh plzzz.. cake cut karein its looking too tempting….(abt to take a piece)main aise hi kha loon… (Dev just shook his head)
Massi (laughed)—Sid zara bhi patience nahi hai…😆😆😆
Rj (joined in)—bilkul nahi…plz jaldi kijiye else Sid ke saath main bhi cake aise hi kha loonga…then wonder Bhai kya katenge 😆😆😆
As Dev cut the cake Rj happily clicked the pictures with Dev feeding everyone…
Dev had one of the best birthday after his childhood…..he doesn't remember when he had so much fun last time…with njoying Rj-Sid's leg pulling…Massi-Prachi's pampering…& ofcourse Pallavi being around him most of the time… more than he had expected as with everyone around Pallavi used to become little conscious & tried to stay away from him…but not this time …😊😊
After dinner as everyone got busy chatting…Pallavi went to bring sweetdish for everyone she was abt to walk out kitchen when Dev stood there blocking her way…she waited for him to say something guessing he came as he might need something.
Pallavi (smiled)—what ?? 😕 (she was surprised when Dev just took the tray in her hand & kept it aside on the counter) Mr.khanna…aapko kuch chaiye…I mean…(before she could complete he found herself being hugged tightly…after a moment she moved back…& if she had seen it correctly she had seen tears in his eyes ) kya hua??(worriedly)
Dev (smiled)—nothing…just wanted to say thank you …(simply kissed her forehead & hugged her again)
Pallavi cud realize what he means …hugged him back
Pallavi—You are welcome Dev!!!.. & thanks nahi kahenge 😊…(smiled) toh this is just the beginning of happiness… 😛
****
After spending a wonderful birthday weekend with everyone… Dev had just reached office…even before he cud settle down on his seat he heard his cabin door pushed open.
Maya—Happy Birthday oops I am sorry Belated Happy birthday Pati Dev…
Dev (tried his best to calm himself…early morning Maya was last thing he wanted to deal with & spoil his mood for rest of the day)—yaha kya kar rahi ho?? (checking his watch its still 8.30) knowing you…subah subah apni neend bewajah kharab nahi ki hogi…kya kaam hai or shud I ask, kya chaiye tumhe??
Maya (settling herself on chair)—bad manners Dev!! Seedhe kaam ki baat…😕😕 Patni hone ke naate atleast itni courtesy toh expect toh kar sakti hoon ki mujhe chai-coffee poochoge…by the way Goodmorning!!(smiled)
Dev(already his patience was running out)— Maya…will you just be out with it!! 😡😡 Kya chaiye tumhe?? & if its not something important toh, tum ja sakti ho…I have better things to do…😡😡
Maya (smiled)—Plzz..apna BP badhane ki zarut nahi hai…main toh sirf tumhe tumhara bday gift dene aayi thi (passing him a envelope)I know i am a day late but can always give a belated bday gift Nahi
Dev almost snatched it ….wanted to get over with it…as soon as he saw it…his expressions turned harder & harder…& glared at Maya….if only looks cud kill…😡😡
Maya (taunted)—kya hua?? Gift pasand nahi aaya… ab apni patni ki joothi tarif hi kardo…I wont mind that.
Dev (angry)—wish I cud kill you Maya…😡😡 shukr karo mujhe mein abhi insaniyat zinda hai… else you wud regret even doing all this nonsense 😡😡😡 (threw the envelope & its contents back to her)…
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