Change of plans

"I heard you are coming here. It's going to be exciting. I am graduating that weekend."

My ex-roommate, Parth was graduating the weekend I was going to be in NY. If I kept my travel plans the same, I would not be able to attend his graduation. If I extended my trip, the extra days would be unpaid days and I would have to miss a company event in which I was going to be promoted.

"Awesome! Congratulations buddy. So excited to see you."

I didn't know what else to say and I definitely didn't want him to know about the debate in my head. I couldn't decide what to do. I thought it would be best if I don't think about it right now.

Few days passed, I spoke to a few friends, spoke to my manager and finally decided to extend my trip. It was a proud moment for me and I wanted to be there. I extended my trip for another two days to incorporate his graduation. The excitement continued for a couple of days before I got busy with my work. I didn't even realize how time flew by and it was almost time for my trip.

Birthday Plans

"Yeah mom, I know my birthday is in two weeks. And no, I don't have any plans. I will just sit at home and watch T.V."

It was that time of the year again. I was going to turn 26 and I wasn't really happy about it. Well, who likes to age! I disconnected the phone call and lay on my bed. I had no plans for my birthday and I didn't want to talk about it.

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. I had to do something about it. I was missing my friends in New Jersey too. Last year, I partied hard with them on my birthday. I hardly knew them then but we still had a lot of fun. I wished they were here or I was there.

"Perfect!"

I sprang out of my bed like I just found the secret to finding never-ending happiness. Well, in this case, I found a great way to celebrate my birthday party. Yeah, I was going to visit my friends in the tri-state. It sounded like a bad decision but I was going to take it anyway. My bad decisions usually end up in me having a lot of fun.

All my tri-state friends usually finish their final exams on the day of my birthday. All I needed to do was get there and the party would be on. I turned on my computer and tried to find cheap tickets. The worst part about last minute booking is that the air fare is very high. I wasn't going to let that come in the way of my plans. I booked the tickets for the day after my birthday to the following Sunday.

I was very excited. I picked up my phone and dialed Kash.

"Hey bro! Guess what!? I am coming there for my birthday. Let's party!"

"What!? Really? This is exciting. What time is your flight? I'll come pick you up."

Both of us were very excited. I informed a few other friends and the plan was set. I decided to request a leave from work the next morning. I was too excited to sleep that night.