Then came our birthday, I stopped to celebrate my birthday with cake and party after my fifth grade. But Prajid used to do it every year. They had invited us for his birthday party.

I'm meeting him after many months. It was so special for us to celebrate the birthday together. I got him a watch as his birthday present.

As we reached there, Prajid and Ajay came running to me to wish for my birthday. I then gave him the gift and he wore it immediately.

I felt glad that he liked the gift. Soon, he cut the cake and we all celebrated.

After dinner, we three went upstairs to Prajid's room.

Ajay told us, "I leave you two alone." And he went to play with our sisters and brothers.

Prajid patted on his back and said, "Thanks man."

As Ajay left, Prajid said, "Come here I wanted to show you something." He had got a gift for me for my birthday.

It was a beautiful little teddy holding a little heart written Love on it.

It was so little and cute. I told, "It is cute. Thanks."

He said, "Welcome. So..."He dragged a bit. " Is there any return gift?", he asked in a naughty way.

I asked, "What?" He said, "You are supposed give a return gift if somebody gives you a gift."

"Oh. Okay. If so, then this should be your return gift for my gift earlier." Saying so, I laughed.

He said, "Okay, then return me a gift for this and he pecked on my cheek." I turned away and blushed. He hugged me from behind and whispered in my ears," Now kiss me." I nodded saying no. He turned me and gave a secret message kiss. The secret message was obviously," I love you".

I blushed completely and pushed him off. He asked if I liked it. I told, "Yes." And I smiled. I was reddened.

We talked for a while and went down searching for Ajay.

We found him fast asleep in another room. We stayed overnight as it was a weekend.

Prajid and I snuck out of the bedrooms and talked overnight.

We had so many moments together under the sky. The sky was so beautiful that night. It was not a full moon but it was still very bright. We sat on the balcony and talked.

"You both are not sleeping?" asked a voice. It was Prajid's dad. I was so shocked and afraid. We turned slowly. Then he asked," What are you still talking? Is Ajay also with you? Where is he now?"

We did not have any answer for all those questions. I went to bed quietly.

Prajid also went with his dad. I heard him talking to his father, as they walked to the bedroom.

The next day morning, our family and Ajay's family planned to start shortly after the breakfast. Prajid's dad asked me to help him with something.

As we were working on it, he told me, "Prajid told me about your thing last night. Are you both serious about this?"

I was afraid to answer him. I just stood there without moving a muscle. He came to me and told, "I accept it. Don't be afraid of me. I wanted to know if he is forcing you." I said, "No. I like him too." He said, "Life is totally different from what you both think. You both have a big life ahead that you have to face."

I listened quietly. He told, "Listen, We would be happy to have you in our family. But you have to understand that your wedding will not be just about you both, it will join two families." "Yes Uncle. I understand." I told him.

He patted on my back saying, "Anyways all the best. It is really a good choice for both of you." He smiled. I felt relieved.

But I was still afraid, 'Why should Prajid tell his father this early. We are just in 8th grade. My eyes were searching for Prajid. He jumped from behind me and asked, "Hey... Are you okay?" I asked him, "Why did you tell him without informing me?"

He answered in a very cool manner, "You know my dad. He knew about us long back, since our fight in the bus last year. He had been pestering me about this. He is really happy about this. He wants us to be careful and take healthy decisions. So don't worry." I asked him, "your mom? Does she know too?" He said, "Yeah. Everybody knows on my side. I'm in completely. Only your side is pending. Shall I ask you dad now?" I said, "No..." in a loud voice. Everybody turned and looked at us. I was so afraid to even look up.

Ajay and Prajid laughed at me and made it as if they were teasing me with something.

After a while, we left for our place.

I was not ready for any change of plan in my life. But I had to follow the decision made by my dad.