Minnie POV
It was already 8:30 p.m. when my shift ended. I rode my scooty home slowly, my body tired and my mind heavier than usual. After a hot bath and dinner, I lay on my bed, scrolling through Instagram, hoping it would distract me.
Then my phone vibrated.
It was a message from Will's mom.
She told me that tomorrow was Will's birthday and that she wanted me to come to the party.
For a moment, I couldn't move. Tomorrow is his birthday...
I replied honestly, saying I didn't think I should come. It was a family gathering, and I didn't want to feel out of place.
Her reply came almost instantly, warm and reassuring.
Don't worry, dear. You are not a stranger to us. The party starts tomorrow evening at 6:30. I'll be waiting
Something in my chest softened.
I sighed and agreed to come. Still, I hesitated and asked what gift Will would like, because I didn't want to arrive empty-handed.
Her answer made my eyes sting a little.
He doesn't need anything. Your presence is enough.
I smiled softly and replied, Okay, aunty.
As I put my phone down, I realized how gently she had pulled me into their world.
Even though aunty said I didn't need any gift, I still wanted to buy something for him. I didn't know why, but it felt important. I decided I would get something tomorrow. For now, I forced myself to sleep.
Will POV
After dinner, my mom told me they were planning a birthday party for me. I widened my eyes and looked at her.
"What?" I asked.
She frowned slightly. "What happened?"
"Are you serious, Mom? You know I don't like my birthday. Why are you doing this?" I said, my voice was sharp, though I tried to control my anger.
She looked at me calmly. "Will, do you know the real reason we came here?"
"Why?" I asked.
She took a deep breath. "To celebrate your birthday, son. I know your life collapsed on your birthday that night. But this time, we want you to restart your life on your birthday."
Dad nodded. "We invited our relatives who are in Chennai. And we invited minnie too."
I was about to agree with Mom, but the moment I heard her name, my thoughts stopped.
"Minnie?" I asked quietly. "Why her? She's not our family."
Mom looked at me closely. "What do you mean by that, Will? I don't see her as a stranger. I like her. That's why I invited her."
My chest felt tight, and I didn't like it.
"Did she accept?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.
"At first she hesitated," Mom said. "But after I spoke to her, she agreed to come."
I let out a slow breath.
"Mom, if she wasn't interested, you should've left it," I said coldly. "She's not that close to us."
Mom shook her head. "Not every girl is the same, Will. Minnie is different. Try to understand that.
I stayed silent.
I didn't know why the thought of her coming bothered me so much Or why a small part of me was relieved that she said yes.
The room fell quiet after Mom's words. I kept my face blank, but my thoughts were anything but calm.
Mom turned toward me, her voice softer now.
"Will," she said, "I know you try to keep distance from people. You act like you don't care, but l've seen the way you look at Minnie."
I frowned. "You're imagining things."
She smiled gently. "No, I'm not. You worry about her. You ask about her injury. You pretend it's guilt, but it's more than that."
I crossed my arms. "She's just someone who got hurt because of me."
Mom shook her head. "If that were true, you wouldn't be thinking about her even now."
I stayed silent.
"She's been through a lot," Mom continued. "Still, she smiles. She doesn't complain. People like that don't need sympathy-they need one who understands them."
"I'm not that person," I said quietly.
"You don't have to be perfect," Mom replied. "Just be honest. Stop running from what you feel."
I looked away, my jaw tight.
"I don't feel anything," I said coldly.
Mom reached out and placed her hand over mine. "One day, you'll stop lying to yourself first."
I didn't reply.
But long after she left the room, her words stayed with me.
Minnie POV
I woke up early the next morning, just like every other day. My body still felt a little sore, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. After getting ready, I helped my mom with the housework, had breakfast, and then left for college.
All through the day, one thought stayed with me.
Will's birthday.
Even though aunty said he didn't need any gift, I couldn't go empty-handed. After college, I went to a small store near the mall and looked around for a long time. I didn't know what he would like.
Finally, I saw a simple watch. It wasn't flashy, but felt right-quiet, steady, and calm. Somehow, it reminded me of him.
I bought it.
In the evening, I stood in front of the mirror, feeling nervous for no clear reason. I chose a simple dress, tied my hair neatly, and applied just a little makeup. I didn't want to look overdressed, just... presentable.
looked at the wrapped gift in my hand and took a deep breath.
I didn't know why his birthday mattered to me this much.
But as I stepped out of the house, my heart beat a little faster than usual.
After 10 mins i reached Will house i feel nervous I take a deep breath and press the callingbell i Wait for a moment and uncle was open the door and i smiled at him, he is also smiled at me and ask me to get in the house and he also ask about my injury and "i said i am good uncle
When i went into the house i saw some relevant of their family, i feel so nervous because I don't know them at all , and i heard my name call by aunty i watch her she had a big smile in her face she come and hug me and i smiled back at her, i asked her how is she doing she said she is good and she ask about me and i said i am good .
I looked up and saw her walking toward me with a wide smile. She hugged me tightly, and I smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. I asked how she was doing, and she said she was fine. Then she asked about me, and I told her I was good too.
She held my hand gently and said, "Come, I'lI introduce you to everyone."
As aunty led me forward, my eyes searched the room once again-and then I saw him. I smiled without thinking. He looked handsome today.
Will was standing near the window, talking to a girl. She laughed softly, her hand brushing his arm in a way that felt too familiar to be casual. My chest tightened, a quiet ache settling in before I could stop it.
I looked away, but it was already too late.
Aunty's voice brought me back.
"Dear, this is Shankar," she said gently. "He's Will's uncle."
I smiled politely and greeted him.
"And this is his family," aunty continued, introducing the others one by one.
Then she gestured toward the girl.
"And this is his daughter, Tara."
My heart skipped.
Family... but not just family.
There was something in the way she looked at Will- open, hopeful, unguarded. The kind of look you don't give someone you don't care about.
The relief I had felt earlier disappeared, replaced by a dull, heavy feeling. I kept my expression calm, even as my thoughts tangled.
I told myself I had no reason to feel this way.
Still, when Will finally looked over and our eyes met, I turned away first afraid he might see what I was trying so hard to hide.
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Author Note
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