This is the LONGEST ever story I have ever written in my life so feel proud. It's NINE pages on word. That's like 3 times more than my longest ever OS.😲 It was worth it though..I had so much fun writing it. All four of us spent about four days discussing this..
I hope you like it Rooj! 😳
-Love, Beeni, Nitya, Saira, Hinna, and Rafia! <3
I can't come up with a title..so I'm naming it :
It was on this day.
"'so the inclination to see events that have occurred as being less predictable than they were before they took place is called Hindsight Bias," Professor Muratore drawled on with his lecture.
"Umm'Professor, hindsight bias makes it more predictable, not less," Rooj stood up, trying to correct the already annoyed teacher. All heads turned towards her, of course, they all wanted to get a look at the face of the person that was actually paying attention in a boring lecture as such.
Before the professor could turn around to see her, a hand grabbed her wrist to pull her down back into her seat.
"Would you sit quiet, do you want him to blast at you? And damn! You were actually paying attention to what he was saying?!" You fell in love with a geek Karan. He really did not know whether to be impressed or amused. "Great you are, my lo..friend," he whispered dramatically, earning himself a soft smack on his arm. Where you just about to say love Karan? You are a master of disasters!
--
Prof. Muratore's lecture came to an end and with that, all students woke up and started walking out of class. Rooj closed her textbook and turned towards her right to see Karan in the midst of his 'nap', with his face resting on his bent arm. Yeh kabhi nahi sudrega! Letting out a giggle, she pushed his arm, causing his face to crash smack onto the desk. Without giving him a chance to speak, she said, "Chalo, we have to reach the caf soon and save seats for everyone," and started walking out. With a huff, Karan got up, picked up his books and followed her out.
Fifteen minutes later, both Rooj and Karan stepped out of the bus and walked to 'Caffe al Bicerin', one of the most famous hotspot cafes in Italy. She didn't really understand why she had to be the one to book the seats; she wasn't the one lying at home with nothing to do. She actually had class today, unlike all of her other friends. While Karan walked inside to reserve the seats, Rooj stood outside admiring her surroundings. Set in the midst of the Torino, the caf was very beautiful. It consisted walls reaching a hundred-feet, high pillars meeting a dome ceiling at the top and a lush courtyard with numerous unknown bands playing music varying from slow jazz to pop-rock and everything in between. Oh, the advantages of being an international student in Italy, she thought.
Karan came back out and they both decided to sit down and order while waiting for someone else. Five minutes passed by and neither said anything, they were both too immersed in their individual thoughts. Finally, Rooj could not handle silence, for her character was not one that could sit quiet for a prolonged period, and decided to say something.
"So..what'd you get me for my birthday?!" She really could not resist asking. He had only wished her last night with everyone else and was yet to give her the present he got.
"I was wondering when you were going to ask, not really a patient person, are we? Well, since you ask, I got you a..present for your birthday. D'uh!" He laughed at the glare he received from her.
"Thanks for the info, sir obvious! I know you got me a present, but what did you get me as a present is what I'm asking." She looked so eager to find out, too bad he wasn't going to give it away.
"I'm not telling you. It's called a surprise for a reason, now be patient and wait like a good girl that you are."
"But.."
Rooj, however, couldn't continue because she was suddenly engulfed in a massive group hug.
Like a chorus, they all began singing, "Happy birthday to you, cha-cha-cha! Happy birthday to you, cha-cha-cha! Happy birthdaaayyyy dear Rooj, cha-cha-cha! Happyyyyyy biiirthdayyy to you," while doing a little dance at every 'cha-cha-cha'.
As soon as they let go, Rooj gasped for air and felt her lungs finally expanded. Whoa, these guys can hug!
"So Roojyy, how has your big day been so far?" asked Beeni, in her flaunt-worthy British accent. Beeni is a 22-year old MBA major, another international student, just like everyone in their group. She was actually part of the International Study Abroad Program at their University, which is why she knew all of them in the group. It was through her that they had all met.
"Has Karan given you his pressy yet?" Rafia asked as she sent a secret wink towards Karan. He, undoubtedly, blushed; something everyone but Rooj noticed. He, not wanting to indulge in the topic, just shushed her and left it at that. Rafia is the same age as Beeni and is also part of the program. Rafia, however, was a pharmacy major. She was into sports, sci-fi/action-packed movies and yet a complete fluff ball when it came to guys and other girl-stuff. Beeni and Rafia were the first to meet, being around the same age that is. Both being witty and total extroverts, they hit of at the first conversation and have been friends ever since.
"Dude, are you feeling hot? Your cheeks are a different colour now!" Both Rohan and Hinna sang, pointing towards his pink-ish cheeks.
"Ha-ha, very funny. Now get up you two and help me get the drinks...kamino" he more or so mumbled the last part to himself, but Hinna heard still heard him.
With a friendly pat on his back that sounded a lot more painful than friendly, Hinna said, "Gaaliyan kyun de raha hain, dost? We're just messing with you buddyyy. Plus, being a girl and all, I don't fall under the 'kamino'," and pulled his cheeks. If you weren't a girl, I would give you such a good physical reply to that.
Karan and Hinna have been best friends since childhood. They separated during the high-school/early college phase due to her family migrating to England but both met again through the program. Hinna was everything a guy could be but a girl-version. She was totally normal though, just that she loved messing around with everyone. In fact, she has even had her share of crushes. The actor Govinda was one of her biggest crushes during her 'I'm in a phase where I like weird actors and can't help it' part of life. It was something that she had spilled during a game of truth or dare and she still got her leg pulled because of it. One of her most amazing qualities was her constant use of cheese-filled pick up lines. Being a girl makes it kind of hard to make fun of everyone openly so she just chooses to be more tomboy-ish. She has taken her guy-ness to such a level that she actually proposed to Beeni who whole-heartedly agreed, so they are both considered a 'couple' now. All in good humour that is.
Rohan, Karan, Hinna and Rafia went inside the caf to order their espressos and lunch items while Beeni and Rooj waited outside in the courtyard.
"So..Beeni.."
Beeni knew what was coming. "Just spill it ladki, what do you want to know? And no, I am not telling you what you're getting from everyone."
Am I that predictable? Damn!
"Oh come on! Just tell me, I mean I'm going to find out in a few hours anyway."
"Yes you are, so why don't you just wait? No more questions. I'm not telling you anything."
"Fine! Oh hey, where are Saira and Nitya?"
"Tere khwabon mein jo aaye, aake tujhe ched jaaye, woh toh kadi tere saamneee," Nitya sang from behind. She could hear Beeni and Saira, who was following closely behind her, laughing at her messed up version of the song from DDLJ.
"So Nitz, what have you been up to today?" Rooj asked out of amusement, she could already feel the beginning of her friend's sarcastic remark.
"Oh nothing much..S-partner here dragged me to her place and made me sit through two and a half hours of 'Raj and Simran'." She rolled her eyes and made air quotations while saying 'Raj and Simran' just to show those dreaded names would never come out of her mouth if not for the movie.
"Oh puh-lease! You actually enjoyed the movie Nitzie, quit complaining." She knew her friend, also knew that even her curly-haired weirdo of a friend couldn't resist the cheesy magic of Raj and Simran. A sigh escaped through Saira when she thought about her beloved couple.
"True, I really did enjoy it but I'm never going to watch it again. I think I've seen enough cheesiness to keep me good for the rest of my life. Hell, next time I order a pizza, I'm going to ask the guy not to put any cheese cuz' I'm already so full of it." This made everyone but Saira laugh; the staunch lover couldn't take any negative comments towards her most favorite movie.
Before Saira could reply, Beeni decided to cut through and stop another major debate from arising. It seemed like Saira and Nitya lived to fight, even if they were just messing around with each other.
Saira was a year older than Nitya; she was an international student (d'uh!) currently majoring Law and all the mumbo jumbo that comes along with it. Everyone thought it was ironic how she chose such a practical field; it was like she was a completely different person in class and outside. While studying, she was this strict, practical, and extremely studious student who no one dared to disturb. Outside of Uni, however, she was a complete romantic; one that loved all the fluff and gloss that most forever-type fantasies consisted of.
---
While the girls outside (all except Nitya, of course) gushed over DDLJ, the people inside where ordering food, all the while discussing the big surprise that was to come that night.
"So, have you thought about what you're going to say to her?" asked Rohan. He, unlike Rafia and Hinna, was actually trying to be helpful to his friend. The benevolence was most likely the result of his thoughts that revolved around a certain Brit-chick whose name started with an S; because reality is that The Rohan Mehra never helps anyone, rather joins the other group and tries to irritate the victim even more. Next thing you know, your going to start seeing rainbows and flowers everywhere! He mentally gagged at the last thought. Never!
Meanwhile, Rafia and Hinna were thinking of songs and item numbers that could dance to. They also made a bet with each other to see how many pick-up lines it would take to annoy Saira, loser pays for the other person's lunch and espresso.
"It will take only three to make her crack. Wanna bet on it Hin?" Rafia was pretty confident of herself, she knew Saira and it would not take much to get a reaction out of her.
"I'll go with four, bud. She's a hopeless romantic and if she can handle all the crap they fill your minds with in movies, she can surely handle some lame one-liners."
It was obvious they were both having a blast, for it was something that would both pay for their lunch and annoy their dear friend. Lunch just got so much more interesting!
"Deal then, loser pays for lunch," with that said they both shook hands and waited.
Their food had arrived and so all four took the trays and went back outside.
"Hey look, Simran's here!" Hinna was almost always first to make a comment about Saira, it was too good to be wasted.
Nitya turned around and saw all four walking towards them. She quickly got up, walked towards Rohan and whispered in his ear, "Go and sit next to your Simran, Raj..err..Rohan," she giggled when she saw his cheeks changing colour.
"Rohan! Are you feeling hot, dude? Your cheeks are a different colour now!" Karan started laughing. Revenge is so very sweet!
However, before Rohan could make it next to Saira, Hinna and Rafia plopped on both sides and started their parade of one-liners. That left him to sit next to Nitya, who couldn't resist pulling his leg at every chance given. With Beeni on his other side, he could only hope he survived through lunch.
Karan, taking his chance, immediately sat next to Rooj.
"We look like some kindergarten reading group, sitting in a circle with food in the middle." All of them let out a chuckle at the comment.
Hinna turned towards a chuckling Saira and said, "Baby, do you have plaster? 'cuz cupid just pierced my heart when I looked at you smiling."
She rolled her eyes at that but did not react drastically. Here we go again...
Right when Saira was about to respond, Hinna interrupted her with a," I think there's something in your eye."
Saira tried to blink to get rid of whatever was in her eye.
"Nope, it's just a sparkle." Another eye roll.
"You can do better than that Hin, stop cheating," Rafia nudged her from behind and whispered, "There's one more left..pick a good one."
Deciding to give a break before the last line, Hinna changed the topic.
"So Rooj, what are you planning to do the rest of the day? We still have to give you our presents. Why don't we all meet up at our apartment and give her everything. Then she can open all her presents there and then proceed to wherever she wants to go after..or you hang out with me and Nitz, we're planning on having a movie night."
Rooj picked up the sandwich and took a bite as she replied, "I don't really have any plans so yes, I'll just hang out with you two. I'll have to sleep over though, which I'm sure you won't mind..but just letting you know either way."
All of them were busy with their individual conversations. Some were discussing about a shopping trip over the weekend, some about the latest movies, and the guys were talking about how girls had nothing better to do.
Saira picked up the spoon and dug it into the chocolate pudding. She was about to put it in her mouth when Hinna, once again, turned towards her with a big grin on her face and whispered, "My love for you is like diarrhea. I just can't hold it in."
"YUCK!" Saira spit her pudding. "Hinna, you idiot!" She made a disgusted face and dropped her spoon back onto the tray.
"Hell yea! I won..pay up Hin." Hinna reached into her backpack for the money.
"I should've used that as the fourth one, darn it!" She handed her friend the money.
Since everyone but Karan, who had overheard them previously, was confused, Hinna and Rafia decided to fill them in.
"We made a bet inside'.pick-up lines'.lunch'diarrhea'.hold it in," they both explained while laughing and clutching their stomachs.
By the end of the story, everyone, including Saira, was laughing their heads off.
While they were all looking at Saira, Hinna, and Rafia, Karan had his eyes only for Rooj. Her laughter was piercing through him. He tried, but he just could not look away. What I would do to see that laugh all the time!
He finally looked away when Rooj turned and caught him staring. A slow blush made its way up to her cheeks. Stupid blush, I have no control over you whatsoever!
The rest of the lunch went by with everyone discussing various topics from music to India and everything in between.
--- Around 8 in the evening
"I told you I could come alone! I'm not a child, ya'know." Rooj grumbled the last part to herself. He was smiling at her antics. "And I told you I wouldn't let you take the bus alone at this time." He said with and gave a little tap on her nose. Touchy!
Soon they arrived outside the apartment that was Nitya and Hinna shared. The house was on the first floor; reason being that both of the girls were hyper and they knew that if they took a house on a higher floor, they would have the neighbors pounding on the ceilings in the middle of the night. It was just much safer to make noise this way.
Once at the door, Rooj knocked but she received no answer. She knocked harder, thinking that they probably had their I-pod on so couldn't hear the door.
When they didn't answer to her fifth knock, she twisted the knob to see if the door was open, and it was. Why does this not surprise me? These two are so forgetful!
When she stepped inside, she saw that the house was completely empty. There were balloons and streamers everywhere but no people were present.
I knew these two would mess up, Karan thought to himself.
He walked into the rooms and bathrooms to see if they were hiding somewhere but all he got back was silence. The house was just empty.
Rooj heard some noise coming from outside so she walked out with Karan to see what was happening.
"Alright guys, she doesn't know about the surprise so just pick a place and hide. She's going to be coming with Karan in a while so we still have time to do whatever is left." Beeni was explaining to everyone about what should be done and when.
"You guys are such idiots!" They all turned to see a laughing Rooj and a somewhat angry but completely amused Karan.
Of course, they both arrive before time..party-poopers!
"I thought I told you to bring her at 8:30! You fail at following instructions, you know that?" This was spoken by Saira, who seemed rather bumped of the fact that their surprise was ruined.
"Surprise! Happy Birthday, Rooj!" When everyone turned towards Beeni, she just shrugged smiled. "What? Just because she saw us doesn't mean we can't say it."
They all laughed at that.
Following Beeni they all yelled, "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Rooj!" and proceeded to give her a hug. One by one, Rohan, Prem, Anna, Ben, Rafia, Beeni, and all of the others hugged her and walked into the house. The only one left outside with her was Karan, who had purposely waited so he could stay alone with her.
Walking up to her with arms crossed, he stopped a foot away from her.
"Happy birthday Rooj," with that said, he left a peck on her cheek and happily walked into the house.
Her mouth formed an 'o'. Best birthday ever!
When he reached the door, he turned back to her with a lopsided grin and asked, "Are you coming? I mean, it is your birthday party."
Shaking her head, she followed him to the house, with a happy step or two.
The party was in full swing. There were people dancing to the loud music, eating, talking and all the other stuff people do at parties.
An hour into the party, the girls decided that they would play a game, to make the party more interesting. And plus, the main point of the party was to help loverboy confess, which the game would make possible.
"Yo! Everybody HUSH." The entire room came to a hush. Rafia now had everyone's undivided attention.
"We're going to play a game. This bowl here has chits with various themes, types of genres written on them, and names of movies. Each person has to pick up a chit and sing a song that goes in accordance with the given theme/genre/movie. Simple, no?"
"So, who wants to go first?" asked Nitya.
Hinna walked up first. Opening the little piece of paper, she read, "Party"
She immediately started singing Sadi Gali. They all joined in and started dancing to the song.
Next was Rafia, she sang Munni Badnaam Hui because she had gotten "item number" as a chit.
Ben sang G6.
Saira sang Mere Khwabon Mein.
Beeni sang some English Oprah song that no one but her knew. The perks of being a Britain-obsessed person..not.
So on and so forth.
It came down to one person in the end.
Karan.
He walked to the bowl and right before putting his hand inside, he sneakily put his hand in his pocket and got out that chit he actually wanted to use. Then he proceeded to act like he was getting the chit out of the bowl, which it seemed like to everyone but to those who actually knew.
He started humming the music, without even reading what was in the chit.
Kissi ko sapna lage tu
Kissi ko behti hawaa
He walked towards her.
Kissi ko bus yaadon mein, kar hulchul saraa jahan..
With her hand in his, he gave her a twirl.
Te amo, me te amo.
Another twirl.
Te amo, me te amo.
And so he serenaded her.
The room was filled with sighs by the end.
Later, Rooj spent the entire night gushing about Karan to the girls. "The best freaking clich ever!" was how she named her day.
A little cheesy, very silly, but hey..who said the story only had to be sweet?
-- el fin.
yea, the ending kind of sucks because I couldn't think of anything.🤣
And I'm kind of jealous that I made Karan to confess to you, but it's your birthday so I'm willing to give him to you for a day.🤣🤣
Edited by -Nitya- - 13 years ago
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