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Arjun’s POV~

I was about to leave the apartment when I heard a voice behind me.

"Where are you going this early in the morning?"

I turned around to find Rajveer yawning.

"Why are you awake so early?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He smiled.

"Just say you don’t want to tell me where you're heading," he said, walking toward the dining table. He poured water into a glass from the jug and took a sip.

"I’m going to meet Mary," I replied simply.

"Oh, okay. Enjoy starting your special day with a special person," he said, grinning before taking another sip.

I gave him a small smile before stepping out of the apartment.

I yawned.

Thanks to my idiot friends, I barely got any sleep last night.

They woke me up at midnight to wish me and give me their gifts—which I still hadn’t opened.

I got into my car, started the engine, and drove toward her hostel.

The streetlights were still on since it was dark outside, and the roads were mostly empty.

I parked my car a little distance away from her hostel and was about to call her when I noticed someone sitting on a bench near the hostel gate.

I walked closer and realized it was her.

She sat there, her dupatta wrapped tightly around her chest, her eyes closed.

I glanced around. The area was empty.

I knew she was safe inside the university, but she shouldn't be sleeping out here.

I sighed and crouched down in front of her, folding my knees.

Even without makeup or jewelry, she looked beautiful.

A few strands of hair fell across her face, covering her features.

I reached out, carefully tucking them behind her ear.

I hesitated.

I didn’t want to wake her up.

Without thinking twice, I slid one arm under her nape and the other under her thighs, lifting her into my arms.

She stirred slightly, startled for a moment.

But when she saw me, she took a deep breath, wrapped her arms around my neck, and buried her face near my shoulder.

In a sleepy whisper, she murmured, "Happy birthday."

I chuckled. "Thank you."

I smiled as I held her.

She’s such a child.

I carried her to the car, opened the passenger seat door with one hand, and carefully placed her inside.

She settled in comfortably and fell asleep again.

I fastened her seatbelt, then walked around and got into the driver’s seat.

As the engine hummed to life, we began our journey.

It should take thirty minutes, but with the empty roads, we might get there sooner.

When we were close to our destination, I glanced at her.

"Wake up, we’ll be there in five minutes," I said, my eyes still on the road.

I heard a sleepy hum. "Hmm... I’m awake."

She slowly opened her eyes, looking first at the road ahead, then at me.

Her gaze lingered, as if she had already guessed where we were going.

But she chose to stay quiet.

After a few more minutes, I stopped the car and got out to open her door.

She stepped out and stood beside me, her gaze fixed on the dark sky.

The air was cool and crisp, a gentle breeze brushing against our faces.

We were at Nandi Hills.

I glanced at my watch.

There were still a few minutes left before sunrise.

She turned to me, smiling. "Why did you choose this place?"

I looked at her, my voice calm but firm.

"Because I wanted to start my day with you beside me."

As soon as I finished speaking, the sky began to change.

A soft glow spread across the horizon, streaks of deep purple and crimson blending together.

The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional birdsong.

Slowly, the sun began to rise, casting a golden light over the landscape—

And on her.

She stood there, glowing in the soft morning light, her face filled with pure happiness.

Suddenly, she reached for my hand.

Without a word, she pulled me toward the fence.

We stood there, silently watching the sunrise, our fingers intertwined.

I took a deep breath, feeling at peace.

"I have something for you," she said, breaking the silence.

I turned to find her pulling out a small white box from her kurta pocket.

"I hope you like it," she murmured, handing it to me.

I took the box and opened it.

Inside was a thin silver bracelet with chain links and an infinity symbol in the middle.

I took it out and slipped it onto my wrist.

Turning my hand slightly, I showed it to her.

She smiled nervously. "It’s not that expensi—"

"Thank you for the gift. I really like it."

Before she could finish her sentence, I cut her off.

I looked directly into her eyes, smiling.

She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly stood on her tiptoes, bringing her face close to mine.

Before I could react—

She placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Once again, happy birthday," she muttered, lowering her gaze.

Then, without another word, she walked away, heading toward the car.

I stood there, completely frozen.

Did she just… kiss me?

A slow smile spread across my face.

I probably looked like a schoolboy whose crush had just kissed him.

"Let’s go back," her voice called from near the car.

Snapping out of my daze, I walked toward her.

We got into the car, and I started driving back to her hostel.

Back to the Hostel

The thirty-minute drive back was filled with small conversations.

But she seemed… shy.

She hesitated before speaking, clearly flustered from earlier.

When we reached her hostel, she got out and turned back toward me.

"See you," she said softly before disappearing inside.

I watched her go, then turned my car around and drove back to my apartment.

As soon as I walked inside, Sourav shot me a question.

"Where were you?"

"With Mary," I replied, sitting on the sofa.

Sourav smirked. "Lost your virginity?"

I glared.

"Relax, I just don’t want girls to think I live with a gay guy," he said casually.

I was about to punch his jaw when Rajveer stepped out of his room, whistling.

He was dressed in a black shirt and denim jeans.

"Going on a date?" Sourav asked, eyeing his outfit.

Rajveer frowned. "Uhh?"

Sourav sighed dramatically.

"Both of you—please get girlfriends. I have a reputation to maintaining, alright?"

Rajveer and I exchanged glances, shaking our heads at his nonsense.

I stood up and started heading to my room when I heard Sourav call out—

"Did you invite our new friends to the club tonight?"

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