Exams were over, and the holidays had ended.
On the first day of her second year, Ahalya was getting ready, excited to meet Agastya.
She wore his favorite color—white chudidhar—with a cute smile on her face.
She went to college and met her friends, but her eyes were searching for Agastya.
She wasn't happy, and her smile slowly faded away.
She even tried calling Agastya, but there was no response.
In the evening, she called him again, and this time he picked up.
Agastya – Hello! (with a low voice)
Ahalya – Hey, why didn't you come to college today?
Agastya – I wasn't in the mood.
Ahalya – Are you still angry with me?
Agastya – No, that's not the matter... I've even forgotten about that incident.
Just then, Agastya got another call.
Agastya – Wait a minute, I have to attend this call. I'll call you back.
Ahalya – Okay, carry on.
Agastya got busy talking to that person and forgot to call Ahalya back.
After some time, Ahalya called him again.
Agastya – I was about to call you back, and you called me!
Ahalya – Ah! Ahh! Joke, huh?
Agastya – No... seriously!
Ahalya – Okay, tell me… you're coming tomorrow, right?
Agastya – Maybe.
Ahalya – What do you mean maybe?
Tomorrow was Ahalya's birthday, and she was waiting for the first wish to come from him.
They were talking and having fun. Both were feeling shy.
It was almost 11:50 PM.
Agastya – I'm a bit tired. I'll call you in the morning.
Ahalya (with a low voice) – Okay... okay.
She cut the call.
After a minute, Ahalya texted him:
Ahalya (text) – Good night, bye.
Agastya (text) – Good night.
Agastya knew it was her birthday and even wanted to wish her first—but he wanted her friends to wish her first instead.
A group video call came in from Adithi, Vrinda, and Amrutha to Ahalya.
They all wished her "Happy Birthday," and she was very happy.
Ahalya – Thank you so much, guys. And thank you for being with me.
Vrinda took the chance to tease her.
Vrinda – Got a wish from Agastya?
Everyone started laughing—except Ahalya.
Adithi – Why not… why not… absolutely she would have!
Ahalya's face turned red from shyness.
Amrutha – Hey… stop, guys. Let's not tease her, at least today!
Vrinda – How could we stop teasing her?
(They all laughed loudly.)
Vrinda – Where is he taking you for a dinner date?
Adithi (teasing) – Why do you need to know personal stuff?
Vrinda – Of course… of course we don't need to…
Ahalya – Stop, guys. There's nothing like that. He didn't even wish me.
Vrinda – What??? (shocked)
Ahalya – I was expecting it from him, but he said he was tired and already slept.
Adithi – Wait a minute… then who put this status—"Happy Birthday"?
Ahalya – Who?
Adithi – See it for yourself.
Ahalya went to check the status—it was from Agastya. He had wished her exactly at 12.
Ahalya (texted) – You have more ego than I thought. Why didn't you wish me on the call?
Agastya (text) – I wanted your friends to wish you first.
Her friends, still on the video call, noticed her expressions changing.
Vrinda – Come on, Ahalya. Don't scold him.
Ahalya suddenly realized she was still on the video call.
Ahalya – Who said I was scolding him?
Vrinda – Your eyes…
Everyone burst into laughter again.
Vrinda – Okay, go on chatting with your BF. I'm off to sleep.
Ahalya (blushing) – What BF? Nothing like that… go sleep, guys. I want to sleep too. Good night!
She said good night to everyone and cut the call.
At around 1:00 AM, Ahalya got a call.
She looked at her phone with sleepy eyes—it was Agastya. She picked it up.
Agastya – Happy Birthday to the most beautiful girl I've ever seen...
Ahalya blushed hearing those words.
Ahalya – Thank you… but I'm still angry with you.
Agastya – Hey… sorry about that.
Ahalya – It's okay.
Ahalya – You were tired, right? Why didn't you sleep?
Agastya – How can I sleep when it's your birthday?
Ahalya smiled.
Ahalya – Dialogue star...
Agastya – Were you sad because I didn't wish you?
Ahalya started teasing him...
Ahalya – Why would I be? I had many friends wishing me.
Agastya – Ahh! Okay then… bye!
Ahalya – Hey… listen… it's not like that. I was just teasing you.
Agastya – Hmm… it's okay.
Ahalya – Don't be sad.
Agastya – Why would I be? And hey… I didn't get the answer...
Ahalya – Yes… I was sad… I don't know why… but I was expecting a wish from you.
Silence fell on both sides.
Agastya – Feeling sleepy?
Ahalya – Nope. What about you?
Agastya – Not at all.
Ahalya – Okay, then tell me about yourself and your past stories.
Agastya – Do you really want to hear that?
Ahalya – Yes! Yes! (she was excited)
Agastya – Won't they scold you for talking late at night?
Ahalya – Nope. No one's home today—they all went out of station.
Agastya – Okay then, listen...
Agastya started telling her little love stories and about his past crushes.
It was almost 5 in the morning. Agastya glanced at the time.
Agastya – Aren't you going to sleep?
Ahalya – Yes… I should sleep now.
Agastya – Okay, good night.
Ahalya – No… good morning!
At 8 AM, Agastya called Ahalya.
Agastya – Good morning…
Ahalya (sleepy voice) – Good morning…
Agastya – Get ready for college… you're already late.
Ahalya (suddenly waking up) – OMG! It's already 8?! I have to go… okay, okay, bye… bye...
Ahalya was in a hurry, getting ready.
Ahalya – Mom, why didn't you wake me up? I'm late today!
Mom – Why would I? It's Sunday!
Ahalya realized she had been pranked by Agastya.
She got a call from him.
Agastya (laughing loudly) – I got you! Hahaha!
Ahalya – I hate you… (she cut the call)
Agastya called again. She picked up.
Ahalya – What?
Agastya – Why?
Ahalya – Nothing.
Agastya – Sorry… (in a low voice)
Ahalya – Don't be. I'm sleepy… I'll call you in the afternoon.
Agastya – Meet me in the afternoon.
Ahalya – Okay.
Agastya took her out for lunch and ordered her favorite food along with her favorite cake.
Ahalya was happy and talking to him freely.
Agastya – Ahalya, do you have a boyfriend?
Ahalya (busy eating) – No, no.
Agastya – Okay then… I love you.
Ahalya's mouth was full of food, and her eyes widened.
Ahalya (mouth full) – gdjdhdibdkxnjsogskdh...
(She choked on the food.)
She drank water and, still shocked, said:
Ahalya – What the hell did you say?!
Agastya – Oh! You didn't hear? I said—I love you.