We were busy decorating the table in the centre of the room. The whole room was decorated with balloons and fairy lights here and there and on the front wall with the letter foil balloons, it was written Happy Birthday.
Lexi: How much time do we have till Appy comes with the birthday girl?
Mani: 30 to 45 minutes I guess? Don't have much time to set everything up Lexi. Hurry Up
Lexi: Calm down Aloo Chaat everything's done. We just need to set the cake on the table and then wait for the birthday girl. This time the surprise party would be good.
Mani(Confused): This time?
Lexi: Remember, the last time she had a surprise party? Where you met her for the first time?
Mani: Oh yeah! I still remember how she was confused if it was a surprise party for her or a warning party for her.
Both of them start laughing when Mani realised something.
Mani: Wait you said I met her for the first time. Which means you had met her before the party?
Lexi: Yes. Just a few days before the party.
Mani: Oh, so this is why you were so darn happy when you saw her and just squeezed the life out of her. I mean I for a moment thought you were crazy.
Mani laughs as Lexi pouts dramatically as both go down memory lane.
Flashback
The party wasn't that groovy. It was mostly a sober and formal party 'So much for a surprise party.' Lexi looked around and saw Appy who was standing with someone whose back was towards Lexi.
"Hi, Koeli!" Lexi said as she went near.
Appy turn towards Lexi and smiled politely, "Hi Alexia. Meet the new Moderator of the KZK2 Forum..."
"CHAI!!" Lexi interrupted Appy as she exclaimed and hugged the person beside Appy.
"Lexi!!" Chai reciprocated the hug happily, "Yes Appy, I actually met Lexi on the Art Corner."
"...BilliCat. And she is going to be moderating the forum with me and Erum." Appy completed her sentence after being interrupted by Lexi. "You both know each other?"
"Oh! Oh yeah, I had seen you there Alexia." Appy said realisation dawning at the mention of the Art Corner. Lexi nodded smilingly as she started animatedly chatting with Chai, "I can't tell you how happy I am that you are the moderator of KZK2 Forum. I am so happy!!" 
"Yes, I am also very (not) happy Lexi. I heard that its a moderator's nightmare to be a moderator there. But I'm happy that I would get to interact with so many new members and send them warning PMs and WLs (sarcastically). But remember to follow the rules or I am coming behind you with a stick" Chai threatened jovially.😈
Chai was mostly talking to Appy and Lexi as the members from both fandoms came and welcomed her. It was obvious that not many were happy to see her there.
'Well, this is weird. Why is it so awkward here?' Chai thought confusedly as the members politely congratulated her and went towards their friends.
"Excuse me?" A voice said from behind as Chai turned.
Mani stood there with a polite smile and her hand outstretched for a handshake, "Congratulations on becoming the moderator of KZK2 Forum."
Tanu took her hand and shook it as she thanked her, "Thank you so much!"
And both fell into an awkward silence with Tanu smiling nervously towards Mani who reciprocated the smile with some awkwardness.
Luckily for them, Appy and Lexi were back and save them from further embarrassment.
End of Flashback
Mani: I still remember when I had come around how awkward it was.
Lexi: Don't remind me that. I came at the end and still could feel the awkward politeness.
Mani: Yaar it wasn't my fault okay. Just because you knew her you gelled well with her while I couldn't. But I was polite okay!
Lexi: And after that oh-so polite conversation of three sentences you didn't talk with her for the whole party.
Mani{sarcastically}: What did you think I would talk about with someone who I only know for one hour or so? Start gossiping the moment I met her? Talk about her love for cats and Chai? Or maybe of her eccentric time zones?
Lexi: Obviously no but I would definitely start chatting with her. Come on it's I-F, both of us know that most random people start gossiping about most random stuff.
Mani: Not everyone is as weird as you Lexi. You are that one of a kind person who would discuss the most random stuff with anyone and would act as you know them from the ages.
Lexi: I wasn't the weird one. It's just Chai is so friendly hence I could chat with her.
Mani: Whatever makes you sleep at night...
Lexi: Haww, Mani! {Complaining}
Mani: Leave this, where's the cake?
Lexi{Confusedly}: Cake? {Realising} Oh yeah the cake, it's in the kitchen let me bring it.
Mani slaps her forehead 
as Lexi went towards the kitchen to bring the cake.
Mani{Mumbling to herself}: I just hope this time the party goes well.
Wishing you a very happy birthday! I hope you have a fantastic birthday!! May you get all the happiness in the world and much much much more! You are one of the sweetest and nicest person I met on IF!
Cherish every second of this day, enjoy every moment you smile. Today you get to feel special so have a blast, Happy Birthday 
