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Saanvi's POV:

It was around 1.30 when we finally got back home. We just sat there on the shoreline, our feet buried in the cold sand, looking at the waves. In that peaceful moment we didn't realise the time. 

Well honestly with him I can't keep a record of time. With him.. it's like the time flows like sand slipping through fingers. There was a time when his presence irritated me, and now it gives me peace....

We were both  exhausted from the day's activities and all the games that we played. We changed into our comfortable clothes and in no time drifted to sleep. 

I had no idea that the Orphanage belonged to The Vermas. I mean yeah I had an idea that it was run down by a powerful family but I didn't think it could be them. 

I am touched by the vision and mission behind the orphanage. And the fact that it is started and named after his grandmother by his mother, it just makes it more valuable. I get it why these three are so attached to it. It's a legacy for them, just like the company. 

It was a perfect day. The kids, they always manage to take away my sorrows and fill me with the happiness. They are like the sun-rays on a rainy day. 

It was all perfect and then bhai told me about his birthday, which is today.

I remember during a conservation bhabhi mentioned that his birthday comes in june, but she didn't mention the date. She also mentioned his dislike of celebrating his birthday.

Bhai told me about the small party he and bhabhi have arranged for him and asked me to bring him home without him knowing about the plan. They believe that he will come if I tell him to, I mean why would they think this way?

Anyways, I also want to do something for him. But I had less time and I didn't know what to do, how to prepare or arrange something this soon, before midnight. Cause obviously I'm not a magician na to arrange everything with a click of my fingers.

So I decided to wish him somewhere peaceful. To me the waves bring peace and there was a beach nearby so I asked him to take us both there. And I think it was a good idea, he also liked there, I could see it in his eyes.

After he slept, I untangled myself from him and went out in the hall. I need to plan something for morning.

Bhai mentioned he doesn't like celebrating much, but a little something wouldn't hurt right?

I know bhai bhabhi have planned a small party with close friends and family. But I want to do something solely for him. Just from me.

Something soft, warm and comforting which would make him smile.

I sat on the couch scrolling through chatGPT and Pinterest to give me some last minute birthday ideas.

"Urghh you both are useless" I muttered tossing my phone aside.

What should I do? Kanha ji please help na.

At this moment I realise that I know so little about him whereas he knows almost everything about me. Huff.

I was thinking of various things, recalling all of my conversations with them.

Then suddenly it clicked me.

I got up from the sofa and dashed inside the kitchen. Opening the cabinets I pulled out everything I will need.

Flour, Coco Powder. Sugar, Butter, Milk, Baking soda and powder, Vanilla extract, salt.

You guessed it right, we're making cake for our birthday boy.

I also take out potatoes, chickpeas and tamarind, and soak them in water.

Yep, I'm making aloo tikki chaat for him. (ragda pattice)

Bhabhi once told me that when Nikhil and bhai were young, their mom would make chaat for them. The street food was unhealthy so she would make everything at home for them, and chaat was something which was everyone's favourite.

Nikhil used to love chaat and could eat it anytime, but after the accident... he never touched it.

I know I'm taking a risk, a really big one. He might get very angry and shut him self off again. But... maybe this one thing would bring him back something precious he lost. Himself.

I want him to reminisce but not with pain. I want him to remember the love, care, and warmth of his parents again.

And I have a feeling that this dish, which he abandoned years ago, would bring it back.

"Kanha ji please sab sahi se ho jaye" I prayed and then stared with the work.

At first, I put the potatoes and chickpeas to boil.

Then I mixed the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt— for cake. In another bowl, I creamed the butter and sugar, added milk and vanilla, and slowly combined it all to make a smooth batter. After pouring it into a baking tin, I placed it in the oven and let the warm scent of chocolate fill the air.

While the cake baked, I start the preparations for the chaat. 

I cooked the boiled chickpeas lightly with some spices. The tamarind chutney was simple—sweet and tangy, just like it should be.

For the tikkis, I mashed the boiled potatoes with a few spices and shaped them into small patties. I'd fry them fresh in the morning. A quick chop of onions, tomatoes, and coriander—and it was done.

Then I take out the baked cake and set it aside for cooling. 

Well I am puzzled, whether I should decorate the cake or not? After a lot of thinking I decided to decorate it just a little. 

I took out the chocolates from the freezer and melt it in double boiler. Then I pour it on the cake. It was so fun. 

Hehe. In my fun I might have poured a little too much Chocolate syrup. 

I put the cake aside and clean up the kitchen. I set everything in such a way that in the morning I will just have to fry the tikkis and prepare the plate. 

I look at the time and it's 3.40. Damn in the excitement and anxiety of preparation I didn't relaise the time.

I turn off the lights and go back to my room.

I lay down beside him and look at him. His face looks so serene while sleeping. I caress his cheeks and place a kiss on his forehead. 

"I promise I will make your this birthday memorable" I whisper to him. 

And I am not lying, I am serious about this one. Unknowingly he healed parts of my broken self, this is the least I can do for him.

My feelings for him are mixed with emotions and many more things, but one thing is clear to me— this man means much more to me than my boss. 

That's when I realise how less time I have with him. Just a week more...

Kanhaji I don't know what you have written in our fate and how much time I have left with him, but please can you make sure it ends with us on good terms?

I like him too much and you know my feelings for him are genuine.

All I want for both of us is to be happy, peaceful and live the best of our life.

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Unkown's Person:

 "Enjoy Verma's enjoy. 

Enjoy as much as you can cause soon all this smiles are going to turn into tears. 

All these happy memories are going to turn into nightmares for you all."

He traces a the picture of Saanvi, a wicked smile on his face. "Soon baby soon, you are going to be mine"

"Sir all the arrangements are made" a man informs.

He traces the picture of Bhavna, Saurabh and Nikhil with red eyes "Tch tch tch, because of you three this sweet angle is going to suffer"  

He laughs like a manic looking at the wall which is filled with Saanvi's images.

To be continued...

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Hey Readers! 

I know it's been a long since the last update. I am really very sorry for that.

I hope you guys liked this new part.

Do you think Nikhil will like what Saanvi's planned?

Who do you think this new man is and what does it want?

Ahem. The book is going to have twists and turns so you all better buckle up.

New part will be updated on scrollstack soon.

See you all sooner.