And the memories took me long long back...
"You know how much I love you,Shimmer. Never forget that."
"I know that,okay?",I was listening to my childhood crush's words for the hundredth time in a day,and he would never get tired of saying that. We grew up in the same school,he was a year ahead of me. We would never talk in school,and ended up being with each other only by my graduation.
"Okay,I need some sleep,Phenol." This was what I called him,yes,Phenol. Thanks to our boring chemistry lectures.
"Its just ten! Isn't it WAY too early?" he was brimming with laughter which always struck through my heart like magic.
I wanted to stay more,but ended up saying,"I'm tired dear. School and coaching just drains me out. By now I'm only craving for my bed."
"As you like,but take dinner first. Wish me a goodnight hug before sneaking out."
"Yups."
It was 12 o'clock. I was in deep sleep when my phone buzzed in the dark night.It was Yana.
"What the fuck are you doing?! Is this the time to sleep?"she was shouting on the other end.
"Mmm, sleeping,"I spoke with half consiousness.
"Will you come on the terrace please? Now!" And she hung up.
I was practically thinking she's gone crazy in the middle of night. She would occasionally wake me up at 2 or 3 in the morning,just to discuss the tiniest of the errands. So I was kinda used to her friendly disturbance.Anyways,I crept into my slippers,opened the gate quietly and with hushed steps,came on the terrace.
And the fireworks started. I couln't believe what was happening.
The black sky instantly turned into glitter and sparkles were flying all around. And the noise in the pitch black darkness. The scene,I cannot explain how beautiful it was. I was watching the fireworks like little girl dazing into the beautiful sky and kept on saying,'this is a dream,this is a dream...'.
And my phone buzzed again.Without looking,I picked up hurriedly only to hear the honeyed voice.
"Happy Birthday To You..!!!", Phenol and Yana sang in a chorus on the conference call. And they started giggling. I was too dumbstruck to speak a word,visibly stunned by the unexpected surprise.
"So my baby is now 18 today! How was the surprise?". Phenol had planned this birthday months before. Even when Diwali was far away,he managed patakhas and did the setup around my house. As I came upstairs,he executed his plan,resulting in limelight and beautiful lights around.
"I have no words. Why.. oh.. How did you do this?",I asked.
"Anything for the princess."
"So guys,I think you both should continue,let me not be the 'kabab me haddi',and Shimmer,Happy Birthday once again! see ya in school!"
"Thanks Yana dear,bye".
And now only two of us left,I saw the sky again,now deserted of the glitter and only the stars shone down.
"That was the most beautiful thing ever happened to me,thank you so much love," I spoke tear-eyed.
"You know how much I love you,Shimmer. Never forget that."