Birthday Surprise

At 3:00 a.m., I suddenly realized I had an exam later that day. Despite the urgency, I went back to sleep, only waking up at 6:00 a.m. I had to hurry for college; my bus was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. I ensured I would be early, but upon boarding the bus, I couldn't find my buddy, Chaitu, alias Chaitanya, who usually got on before me.

Despite searching, I settled into my seat, reminiscing about the incident from the day before yesterday. Let me introduce you to Chaitu, my childhood friend whom I've known since I was five. We're not just neighbors; we're also schoolmates. Now, back to the previous day—Chaitu and I were having lunch when Laila, the girl I despise, invited him to join her. Inwardly upset, I pretended to be fine and even allowed her to join us. It turned out to be a mistake; she offered Chaitu food, claiming she had prepared it just for him. After finishing lunch, I left for class, and Chaitu didn't stop me, leaving me even more disheartened.

Later, he messaged me asking if I had reached home, but I ignored him. After two missed calls, he got angry. The next day on the bus, he didn't even acknowledge me. It was a tough day. Arriving at college, I wasn't in the mood for class; I just waited for Chaitu. I ended up falling asleep at the college gate. A little boy handed me a letter covered in blood, revealing it was my birthday and urging me to smile. To my surprise, a melted chocolate cake appeared, and Laila, smiling, stood before me. Confused, I started crying, but then I saw Chaitu. Was he real? I questioned why he left me alone and stopped talking to me. He reassured me it was a prank for my birthday, orchestrated with Laila. Overwhelmed with emotions, I promised to remember this birthday forever. Just wait for your birthday, with mysterious laughs.