You know there are some moments in our life which we never forget. The moments that change our life completely...
8:00 AM
"Ash wake up!! Breakfast's ready.."
I heard mom calling me while I was still in my bed all cozy in the winter wave of December. It is 4th December today and I was already late for school.
"Coming Mom!!", I replied.
I got ready and as other girls would do on their birthdays to dress up, put on makeup and outshine others, here I was my simple self. In my uniform doing nothing special to make myself a highlight. I just don't like to be the center of attraction. It makes me nervous. I know I'm not like other girls but I can't help it.
"Happy Birthday to you....!!", mom wished me with a homemade cake in her hands with two candles on it. She is usually the one who is more excited for my birthday than me.
"Thank You Mom!!", I replied happily.
She hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. She had little tears in her eyes.
"I can't believe my little one is 18 already!!", she said teary eyed.
"Don't be emotional Mom. I don't like you crying.", I said.
"Oh dear, these are happy tears. I'm so proud of you and for the woman you are becoming. May you always be happy & healthy.", Mom replied.
I cut the cake and we both fed each other. I finished my breakfast and left for school.
...School....
At school I met Lilly. She had this huge smile on her face when she saw me and came running towards me.
"Happy Birthday bestie! I know you'll be with your bf today and so here's your gift.", she said.
It was our yearly ritual. She wanted to be first in everything she did. And so from wishing me to giving me my birthday present she was the first.
"You are so committed to me, aren't you?", I teased her while opening the gift wrapper.
As I opened the gift I saw a pair of red high heels. It was my first ever pair of heels.
"You brought me heels!", I exclaimed. "Have you ever seen me wearing one? Have I told you anytime that I wanted them? Then why?", I asked.
"Because you nerdy girl needs to grow up into a woman. There's more in fashion apart from your boring sneakers. Also you'll be needing one in your freshers at university. So I thought I should start preparing for your university myself.", Lilly replied.
I was already feeling the weight of the 18th year in my life. The girl who once gifted me novels, is now bringing me heels.
1: 00 PM
"Okay class your winter break starts tomorrow. Make sure to complete all your assignments and prepare for your University entrance exams.!", "Mrs. Anderson said.
"Nooooo!!!", whole class booed and shouted.
"Okay okay.. Enjoy Christmas too!", Mrs. Anderson joked.
"Thank you Ma'am & Merry Christmas!!", class greeted altogether.
As soon as Mrs. Anderson left whole class was a chaos. Everyone was discussing either assignments or where to go for vacations. Everyone came to me for understanding assignment as I was the only one in class who actually cared about assignments.
.....BACK HOME....
Just as I changed and returned back to my pajamas, I received a message from Paul.
From: Paul
Birthday girl, I'll pick you at 7 sharp. Today will be the day you won't forget anytime soon.;)
His message made my heart race. What is he gonna do? Will that thing happen today? How can I say no? What if he forces me? All these questions kept running in my mind.
Paul was already in university and he was studying medicine. He was 2 years older to me and also quite mature. My mom loved Paul. To her he was like a son who's gonna me her son-in-law in future. He was this ideal guy, the good one that your parents like. My mom always says to me that I'm lucky to have found such a guy in this spoilt generation of cheaters and deceivers. She was right.
7:00 PM
My doorbell rang. Paul it was.
"You ready babe?", he asked while checking me out completely.
To his happiness I wore red as he asked for and Lilly's heels completed my look. I wore a red one piece. To someone who has always seen me in t-shirts and shorts it was a surprise.
"You look breathtaking today!!", Paul complimented me while giving me a flower bouquet he brought for me.
"Thank you Paul. This red dress is what my mom gifted me today. You are definitely her favorite.!", I replied.
Paul had already talked to my mother and told her about his plan. She therefore brought me a red dress coz she knew I had none.
Zodiac Bistro
We reached the place. Paul opened the car door for me, held my hand and asked, "Do you like the place?".
It was my first time going to such a lavish restaurant. Usually we went to cafes for our date but today everything was different. My ears were red with that thought that kept me nervous all day.
"Yeah it looks great. Thank you for bringing me here.", I replied.
We went inside and I got lost in the beauty of the place. Huge chandeliers, cozy vibes, such clean surface and a beautiful fragrance running everywhere.
We entered the lift & Paul pressed for the roof top.
There was no one in the lift and he held my hand. He gently kissed my fingers and there was only one sound to be heard of. My heartbeat. I didn't know what his plan was but I feared it should not be that thing.
We reached the rooftop and to my surprise it was all decorated and so beautiful. There were balloons, rose petals spread on the floor and fairy lights. It all looked dreamy. We went inside and to add cherry on top there were my mom and Lilly present too.
"Oh Paul this is too much! You didn't have to do all this. It must have taken so much of your time for preparing all this.", I said looking a bit worried.
Paul was still studying and did some part time job. He was usually busy and I know he must have missed his college classes and taken a leave from his part time job to prepare all this. He sure is the best boyfriend.
"Anything for you my love.", his words felt sharp inside my heart.
I knew he was always dedicated to me and loved me unconditionally. But sometimes I feel I don't do much for him. I'm introvert and does not express much. I hate myself for that.
"Time for cake cutting!!", Lilly exclaimed.
I cut the cake and Mom took our pictures.
For some reason I was feeling overwhelmed. I felt heavy and thought Do I really deserve all this?
"Excuse me! I need to use the restroom!", I said and left.
I ran fast to the restroom indulged in my thoughts and not looking ahead and suddenly....
I bumped into someone!!
I lost my balance and was about to fall when suddenly someone held me by my waist, one hand on my neck and looked straight in my eyes.
"Easy butterfly!", he said while giving me a side grin.
My heart started pounding with his flirty gaze and comment. I was still in his arms trying to process what has happened. I smelled a strong perfume with smell of cigarettes. His blue eyes locked into mine and the mole near his lips completed his handsome face.
I was lost.. Completely lost.. Until..
"I...m, Sorry!! I didn't see.", I apologized in a nervous tone.
When I came back to my senses I saw him properly. A 6 ft. guy with black hair styled with hair gel. He wore a red t-shirt and a black leather jacket. He had a chain in his neck and when my eyes met his again, I saw a piercing on his right ear and left eyebrow. A total ATTRACTIVE personality.
"My pleasure!", he replied with a seductive voice.
He gave me one last look before leaving with his other two friends. I was still there standing, looking at his back while holding my chest. Never in my life I felt this feeling before. Not even with Paul. Then why this time?
I finally knew why my 18th birthday made me nervous. It was because I met him...