Page 97 of A King's Oath

“Oh,” his laughter died but the smile remained. “I have to get ready for the poojan.”

“Birthday poojan. I know. You will do it remotely?”

“Hmm… this is the first time in years I am not in Nawanagar for my birthday.”

“This is the first time you are with me for your birthday. In school it always fell in our end of summer vacation.”

“It did.”

“I am sorry you had to spend it like this.”

“You know I don’t give much importance to my birthday anyway, Ava,” he consoled.

“Yeah but I have been working on this one agenda for years to make you excited about it…” she pouted. “I wish you would be a little more excited! Every year same answer, and this year I rained on your parade…”

“Actually, you didn’t,” he cut her off.

She gaped at him.

“I came here last night to return your mask and hoping to take you out to dinner. To have you show me some excitement,” he scratched the back of his neck.

“Oh gawwwd!” She groaned. “And I spoiled that too!”

“No you didn’t!” Samarth sat forward. “I did have dinner with you.”

“Dahi chawal.”

“So?”

“You make me feel so bad now. I am not even bathed. I stink in these clothes… and I made you this…” she held the plate of apple slices up. He reached for one and stuffed it into his mouth. Then reached for the other, swiped it through the peanut butter greased on the plate and chomped on it too.

“I will not dance like Cherry but here’s my verbal confirmation that this is the best birthday cake I have ever had. And I was very excited last night.”

“To what? Make nimbu paani for me?”

“Among other things, yes.”

Avantika grinned, feeling all shades of shy. He gazed into her eyes, smiling just as wide as her.

“Thank you for staying last night, Samarth.”Stay forever.

He blinked back, as if he had heard her unsaid words too.

“Of course,” he smiled. This one did not reach his eyes. “Anything for a friend.”

Avantika took a deep breath. Reality was always here, hovering over their actions and food and conversations. She had sensed it at every turn. Just ignored it. Now it was here and between them again.

She nodded, getting to her feet — “I am feeling much better. You go now, your family must be waiting for the poojan. You’ll have to get ready.”

“Yeah…” he got to his feet. “I’ll head out. You are staying home all day?”

“Depends on how I feel.”

“Try and stay home, please. I have made a batch of nimbu paani. It’s in the fridge. There’s bread in the toaster, just press it. Take it easy today.”

“Hmm, thanks.”

“Alright then, I’ll… see… bye.”

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