The day I turned 17 arrived with a mixture of excitement and anticipation—all the more special because of the surprises planned by my friends and Gayatri. Unbeknownst to me, they had booked a small, cozy café for the evening, decorating it with balloons and fairy lights, transforming the space into a warm celebration corner.
When I arrived, the room erupted with cheers. "Happy Birthday!" my friends shouted together as a beautiful cake was brought out, candles flickering softly. Gifts were piled high, laughter and joy filling every corner.
The celebration was alive with music, smiles, and the kind of happiness that made me forget all the weight of the past.
Later, as the party wound down, Gayatri and I found ourselves alone on the terrace of her relative's house, the night sky stretching wide above us.
She admitted softly, "I didn't bring a gift… I didn't know what to bring."
I smiled warmly, shaking my head gently. "No arguments here. Your presence is enough."
She nudged me playfully. "Now, you really should focus on your studies, not all this chaos or flirting with random girls."
I raised an eyebrow, trying to defend myself with mock innocence. "Hey, I'm just trying to keep my options open! A guy's gotta live."
Gayatri grinned, her eyes sparkling with teasing light. "Options? You? More like a serial flirt," she teased, flicking my arm playfully.
"Oh, come on! I'm just socially… active!" I shot back, laughing.
She laughed too, the sound light and free, a perfect harmony to the moment. "Just make sure you don't fail, or I'm coming to haunt you."
I leaned back, feeling the ease and warmth of our friendship. "Deal. But only if you promise to keep teasing me."
We sat there, the city lights twinkling beneath us and laughter filling the quiet night—a simple birthday, a treasured friendship, and a promise of many moments like this to come.
As we sat comfortably on the terrace under the stars, Gayatri suddenly said with a smile, "Okay, since it's your birthday, let's make some resolutions."
I laughed aloud. "Resolutions? Isn't that for New Year's? What's a birthday resolution?"
She grinned and replied cleverly, "Well, until you're born, your first year completes—so it's kind of like your New Year too!"
Amused, I nodded, playing along. "Alright, what's the birthday resolution?"
Her tone turned a bit serious but still warm. "Promise me this—you won't get angry or get into fights. At least don't punch anyone. And… please, stop flirting so much. Don't be a playboy."
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to act offended. "What if I do flirt or even date? How would you say that?"
With an unmistakable teasing look in her eyes, she reminded me, "Remember the day I visited your college? The way you hugged so many girls, flirting freely. And at Kaustub and Sneha's party, you practically hugged every girl there!"
I chuckled, shaking my head defensively. "That was just friendly interaction—nothing more."
She laughed, but shook her head firmly. "No way, You know you're a playboy in disguise."
I smirked, then asked with a playful challenge, "Have I ever flirted with you?"
Her eyes darted away, and after a brief pause, she smiled sheepishly and said, "Okay, you win this argument."
We both burst into laughter, the teasing banter a perfect snapshot of how comfortable and close we had become—a friendship laced with humor, care, and those little moments that made it all real.
As our laughter faded into a comfortable silence,
I suddenly stopped and asked with a teasing grin, "So, are you jealous that I have so many female friends?"
Gayatri shot back confidently, "Jealous? Why would I be? I have plenty of male friends too. And you're one of them."
I smirked, leaning a little closer. "Well, then, I have a lot of female friends too. And you… you're honestly one of my best ones, I guess."
She gave me a smile, not quite sure what to make of it. "Oh really?" she said, her tone playfully suspicious.
I chuckled and said, "Then why do you keep bringing up all those times I hugged or flirted with girls and seriously i am playboy? Ok that leave it, And what your saying about Kaustub and Sneha's party? Your saying, You hugged almost every girl there, not me?"
Gayatri paused, catching my point, and grinned slyly. "I never said 'not me,' did I?"
I felt a nervous flutter. "No, you didn't say that, but I think you felt it."
I went on, explaining where I'd felt but that unspoken tension, analyzing the moments, trying to understand.
She finally said gently, "Times have changed. Hugging is normal now."
Her words stirred something deep inside me—I wanted to hug her back, wanted to bridge that space, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure if she wanted it too; the uncertainty held me back.
I looked at her earnestly and said, "You're my best friend, but… I don't think I've ever really hugged you."
The air thickened with meaning as we both fell into silence, the moment stretching between us.
Slowly, almost tentatively, we moved closer to each other. Our eyes met, searching, questioning, then gradually softened. Our hands resting on floor while sitting, She reached out first, fingers brushing lightly, my fingers drawing me in.
I opened my arms, heart pounding.
We embraced gently, our bodies finding a rhythm that felt both new and familiar—a quiet connection where all words faded away.
In that hug, I finally understood the meaning—how two people's worlds can touch and hold, hearts aligning with the simple press of bodies.
I recalled the pain from last year when she'd refused my hug, the awkward distance, and now here we were—finally close, finally sharing that warmth.
It was a moment of healing, of growing together, a silent promise that something deeper was blossoming between
It was the best hug I had ever experienced. In that instant, my entire world seemed to stop—the noise, the chaos, everything faded away. My heart pounded fiercely, each beat loud and clear like a drum echoing in the silence.
Inside me, my hormones shouted with a rush of excitement and longing, a wild, beautiful dance of feelings I had never fully understood until now. The warmth of her body against mine, the gentle pressure of the embrace—it awakened something deep and electric, stirring every fiber of my being.
Time stretched and bent, holding that perfect moment suspended. In that hug, I wasn't just holding her—I was holding a new chapter of my life, filled with hope, courage, and untold possibilities. It was more than a gesture; it was the language of connection speaking directly to my heart, and I knew I would never forget it.
As we held each other in that unforgettable hug, her voice softened and she whispered, "I'm sorry."
Surprised, I pulled back my head just enough to meet her eyes and asked gently, "Why? What's wrong?"
She looked down shyly and said, "I didn't bring you a gift... but next time, I promise I will."
In that quiet moment, without hesitation, my heart spoke louder than words.
I smiled and said sincerely, "You and your hug—that's the best gift I could ever ask for."
It was pure, honest, and came straight from the depths of my soul. In that simple exchange, everything that mattered was said; no material gift could ever compare to the warmth and meaning of that embrace.
Next day appears daily routine and college study, i was sitting in the college classroom, quietly focused on my studies—or at least trying to—when the principal suddenly strode in with a serious look. She cleared her throat and announced a strict new rule: "From today, anyone caught with a phone in college will have it taken away immediately.
"A ripple of tension spread through the room. Everyone glanced nervously at their bags and pockets. Teachers started methodically checking each student's belongings. It felt like an intense inspection.I was sitting near the front bench, phone secretly in my pocket. Knowing the teachers were coming closer, I nudged my friend sitting right behind me and passed my phone, i quickly give into his hands. When the teachers reached towards me, they gave me a special glare—as if my attitude demanded special attention—and thoroughly searched my bags and pockets, but found nothing.
Feeling relieved, I whispered to my friend, signaling him to hand back my phone secretly. Just as I was about to take it, my phone suddenly rang—loud and clear—cutting through the silence like a spotlight.The teacher immediately caught me red-handed and snatched the phone away.
To my surprise—and everyone else's—the phone turned out to be Gayatri's! Who was calling me instanstly, The teacher stared at it, puzzled, and as she reached to switch it off, Gayatri calls constantly while teacher was trying to switch off my phone, while fustrating teacher accepts the call and gayatri's voice came through the speaker loud and clear, "Hello?"The teacher's eyes widened. Teacher ask "Whose phone is this? Who are you talking to? I'm going to keep this phone, and it won't be returned."Gayatri calmly replied, with a playful tone, "It's okay, ma'am. Can you give me your number? Atleast I can tell him that i am waiting for him outside and he is not picking my calls, i want to talk to him. Or better yet, just send him outside—I'm waiting for him there. And it's lunchtime, after all!"The teacher was taken aback, caught off guard by Gayatri's confident and cheeky reply.
I took this moment to walk down the classroom stairs smoothly, as if walking the runway, feeling a mix of triumph and amusement under the teacher's stunned gaze.This whole phone incident quickly became the talk of the college, spreading like wildfire as the day's most amusing legend In that moment, it was clear that even in strict environments, a little wit and timing could turn the tide. And yes, the 'phone incident' of that day remains one of the funniest stories I was lucky enough to be a part of.
I met Gayatri at the usual café later that day. The moment I saw her, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. She looked completely unaware of the chaos she'd caused with that phone call earlier. But honestly, her quick reply had been perfect—no insults, no drama, just straight-up cleverness. She frowned, clearly annoyed by my laughter. "You think it's funny? I've been waiting for you here for an hour!"I raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "An hour? For me? Wow, I should feel lucky—really lucky. Like someone's been waiting just for me, especially spending an entire hour doing nothing else. That's gotta be a special feeling, right?"She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Special feeling? Or maybe just a little bit of impatience, don't you think?"I chuckled, leaning forward. "Come on, admit it. You were just saving my life back there with that call. Without you, I'd have been stuck with those teachers forever."She crossed her arms defiantly. "Saving your life or making it more complicated? You take your troubles seriously, you know that?""Only when it comes to you," I teased.She mock-glared at me. "Flatterer.""Maybe I am. Or maybe I'm just honest." I smirked, watching her carefully.Our banter flowed easy, the teasing back and forth like a game we both loved to play. Despite the sharp words, there was warmth between us—something unspoken that made every argument feel like a private little dance, just for the two of us.I caught her eye and smiled again. "So, next time, maybe don't wait so long?"She laughed finally, the sound light and genuine. "Only if you promise to show up faster.""Deal."
A few weeks after the phone fiasco had become college legend, excitement bubbled up among my friends about a much-needed getaway. Kaustub and Sneha kicked it off during one of our casual hangouts at the canteen. "Guys, let's plan a trip to Alibag!" Kaustub announced, his eyes lighting up. "Two full days—beach, ferry rides, bonfires. Perfect break from all this chaos."
Sneha nodded eagerly, pulling out her phone. "Yes! We can take the ferry from Gateway of India. Stay at a budget beach shack, play volleyball, eat fresh seafood. Who's in?"
I grinned, already imagining the salty sea air. "Count me in. Alibag's got those killer beaches—Kolaba Fort, too. We leave Friday evening, back Sunday?"
The group chat exploded right after. I shared the plan with my college buddies—Pushkar and a few others—and they jumped in instantly. "Bro, ferry party? I'm packing my cricket kit!" Pushkar texted. "Count us all—six from college side."
Then I messaged Gayatri privately: "Hey, Alibag trip with Kaustub, Sneha, and the gang. Two days. You excited?"
Her reply came fast: "OMG YES! Beach vibes? Ferry? I'm so in! When do we book?"
The planning turned into a whirlwind of messages that night. Kaustub took charge: "Ferry tickets—8 PM Friday from Gateway. Group of 12 now? Hero's college crew joining makes it epic."
Sneha added: "Shack booked—two rooms, dorm style. Budget 2k each? Food on us for bonfire."
Pushkar chimed in: "Games list: Truth or Dare, beach cricket, mid night dips. Gayatri, you bringing snacks?"
Gayatri fired back playfully: "Snacks? Only if Hero promises no fights with shopkeepers! 😜 Counting down!"
I laughed, typing: "No chaos, promise. Just sun, sand, and stories. Gayatri, you handle the playlist?"
"Deal," she replied. "Hollywood beach hits incoming."
The big day finally arrived, and the energy among us was electric as we gathered near Sneha's place in Chinchwad. Her cousin had hooked us up with three comfy cars—complete with drivers—so no one had to worry about navigating the chaotic Mumbai traffic. We piled in: Kaustub and Sneha up front in the lead car, me squeezed between Pushkar and a couple of college buddies in the middle one, and Gayatri in the last with the girls, her laughter already spilling out the windows.
"Playlist on!" Gayatri shouted from behind as the convoy rolled out, heading first toward the Gateway of India for the ferry. Bollywood beats blasted—remixes of "Kala Chashma" and beachy vibes—while we sang off-key, cracking jokes about who'd get seasick first.
The drive was pure fun: snack packets flying between cars, Pushkar challenging everyone to a "who can hold the longest antakshari" game. Gayatri leaned out her window at one signal, yelling to me, hey!, don't fall asleep—you're carrying the cricket bat!" I shot back, "Only if you promise not to bury me in sand!"
By evening, we hit the ferry terminal, the salty sea breeze hitting us like a welcome hug. The ride to Alibag was magical—sun dipping low, waves sparkling, all of us snapping selfies and spotting dolphins (or so we claimed). Laughter echoed as Kaustub pretended to propose to Sneha dramatically on deck.
Touching down in Alibag, the drivers whisked us straight to the beach shack. We wasted no time exploring: barefoot races on the golden sands, splashing in shallow waves at twilight, and a group hunt for the best coconut water stalls. Pushkar organized an impromptu beach cricket match—me smashing a six that nearly hit Gayatri, who chased me down yelling, "Revenge time!"
By morning, tickets were booked, cash pooled via UPI
Day two was non-stop adventure: trekking to Kolaba Fort as the tide receded, water sports with banana boat rides that left us soaked and howling, and lazy beach volleyball where alliances shifted every point. The cars shuttled us to hidden spots—a quiet cove for photos, a local eatery for fresh pomfret fry that had us moaning in delight.
Every moment felt alive, bonded by the simple joy of being together. As the sun set on our last evening, waves lapping our feet, I caught Gayatri's eye across the group. She smiled—that knowing one—and I knew this trip wasn't just a break; it was etching memories we'd carry forever. Alibag had woven us tighter, one laugh, one splash, one shared sunset at a time. Everyone was buzzing—Kaustub hyped the couple vibes, Sneha the group photos, my college friends the adventure
As the stars dotted the night sky over Alibag's beach, our group gathered around the crackling bonfire, the flames casting a warm glow on everyone's faces. The salty breeze mixed with the smoky scent of roasted corn and marshmallows, and the waves whispered in the background like a soft lullaby. We decided to play Truth or Dare—Pushkar kicked it off with a silly dare for Sneha to dance like a chicken, which had us all rolling in laughter as she flapped her arms wildly.
Kaustub confessed a truth about his biggest crush in school (spoiler: it wasn't Sneha at first), blushing under the teasing. Gayatri dared a girl to chug a fizzy coconut water in one go, spilling half and sparking more giggles. One by one, truths spilled secrets—like who snored loudest on the ferry—and dares turned chaotic, from beach cartwheels to imitating teachers.
Finally, it was my turn. The circle leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Truth or Dare?" Pushkar grinned wickedly.
Not wanting to risk some embarrassing stunt in front of everyone—especially Gayatri—I played it safe. "Truth."
They huddled, whispering, then Sneha asked with a sly smile, "Okay, Hero... what if you got a girlfriend? How would you love her? Like, really love her?"
The fire popped softly as silence fell, all eyes on me. I took a deep breath, the words rising from somewhere deep inside, poetic and raw, like a song my heart had been saving.
"If i met her, I'd whisper through the stars:
'Why weren't you in my dreams? Were you hiding in my reality all along?'
But let you slip into my dream once—just once—and I'd show you a love
Like the sky loves the sea: we gaze at them touching, endless, eternal,
Yet they never truly meet, chasing horizons in silent fire.
In summer's blaze, I'd dive under the sea with you,
Into the dark ocean's heart, i will hold your hand when shadows creep close,
I'd be your light—flickering, fierce, guiding every wave, if your scared i will hug you under the dark ocean, i will say her "Dont leave me in this dark ocean we gonna die together"
In rain's wild kiss, I'd be your umbrella, a single drop will be my love towards you
That traces your skin, savoring every moment of your life.
Winter's chill? I'd wrap you in fire—my arms a bonfire blaze,
Protecting, warming, turning frost to flames that dance for us alone.
Through every season, every storm, every sunrise and sigh,
I'd love you wholly—your seasons, my seasons, woven as one.
In each life, each love, across heavens or earth,
Time's the only thief; if fate grants you to me up there,
If i met you in heaven I would beg, i wont need another life just i need you for more than lifetime, only With you, My Dear U...."
The words hung in the air, emotional and true, stirring something warm in the circle. Gayatri's eyes met mine for a heartbeat longer than usual, soft and searching.
Sneha let out a dramatic "Uff!" and lunged forward, wrapping me in a tight hug. "I would've fallen for you instead of this Kaustub!" she exclaimed, squeezing extra hard.
The group erupted in laughter—Kaustub pretending to be heartbroken, shoving her playfully while Pushkar howled, "Kaustub's out! Hero wins!" Even Gayatri giggled, though her smile held a quiet glow.
In that moment, surrounded by firelight and friends, my heart felt full—like the words weren't just poetry, but a promise waiting for the right shore.
It felt like the perfect chapter ahead—friends, waves, and that easy pull between me and Gayatri growing stronger with every plan. Alibag was calling, and we were all ready to answer.
To be continued....