Chapter-13

'Cause here I am

I'm giving all I can

But all you ever do is mess it up

Yeah, I'm right here

I'm trying to make it clear

That getting half of you, just ain't enough

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The day was 13th of February; Varun's birthday. As usual Varun woke up, got dressed and off to office. It was a bit early for him today and that's the reason he couldn't see anyone at the office. His head felt a bit heavy so he went to the cafeteria.

Surprise!! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!

Everyone were Varun when suddenly Yash comes out of nowhere and starts singing... BAAR BAAR DIN YE AAYE! BAAR BAAR DIL YE GAYE!

Varun couldn't control his laughter and gave a big hug to Yash.

"Gay sala!" said Yash and pushed Varun away. He gathered everyone at the centre.

"Ready to see yet another trick?!" Shouted Yash, truly sounding like a showman.

"YES!!" Cheered employees.

Yash climbed up at the table and snapped his fingers. A row of Indian food came out one after another, from Biryani to Paalak Paneer and Naans it smelt like heaven for him.

After serving everyone he sat down to eat. He took his first bite and his eyes were wide open.

'Just how mom used to make' thought Varun. He was a bit sad that he couldn't meet his mother today. Yash was the only family he knew. While eating he started to look around as if trying to find Neha.

"What happened?" Asked Yash

"Nothing." Said Varun and focused on eating.

Soon everyone were gone and Yash came to Varun and handed him a paper.

"That's the bill. It's your birthday and you have to pay for it. You can thank me later for the party." Said Yash and ran off.

There was a hint of smile on Varun's face. He was all alone in the cafeteria when suddenly he heard footsteps approaching.

"Happy Birthday Varun" said sweet voice from behind, and there she was Neha Kapoor talking to the first time after many years.

"Thank you" Replied Varun in a sarcastic way. Without any delay Neha slipped a box in front of him and walked away.

The slow eater Varun washed his hand and picked up the box. Inside his cubicle he kept staring at the box. 'Should I open it?'

'Maybe not'

'But I really want to know what's inside this box'

After a long match of tennis inside his head he finally opened his box.........

Inside it was Shining golden colored Watch. Varun went ahead and wore it on his wrists and again stared at it for a few minutes. Steve was observing Varun for a long time so he went ahead and broke Varun's Chain of thoughts.

Varun was back at his apartment lying on his bed and checking his Instagram Wall and then his phone rings. It was his mother who making an international call for the first time.

"VARUN CAN YOU HEAR ME? HELLO? HELLO?"

"Hello Ma I can hear you quite well."

"Okay good good! So how was your birthday?"

"It was quite good we celebrated and had a good time."

"What about the food? Did you like the Biryani?"

"How'd you know that?"

"Neha called me one week earlier and asked for all my recipes...."

Varun was shocked for a moment. He could not believe what his mother had just said.

'Why....... Why is she doing this?......This stupid little things?' thought Varun

"HELLO!!" his mother was still shouting from the other end and that bright him back to reality.

"Yeah! I'm here."

"Why did you never told me that Neha is also there?"

"Just forgot about it mom accha anyway I'll call you back later. I have some work to do."

"okay bye and don't eat too much pizza."

Varun disconnected the call and the train of thoughts started yet again. Varun was still lying on his bed having the same question over and over again.

"Why......."